bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Bioformulation on Growth, Yield and Quality of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.)
Authors: Belagumpi Mahendra , Sreeja Konathachira , Ramani Gorle Roja , Durgad Rajeshwari S , (LKN) D.K. Ghosh , Chattopadhyay N.
Published: August 2024

Panchagavya, an organic product has the potential to play the role of promoting growth and providing immunity in plant system. Panchagavya consists of nine products viz. cow dung, cow urine, milk, curd, jaggery, ghee, banana, Tender coconut and water. When suitably mixed and used, these have miraculous effects. Nigella sativa L. is an annual herb possessing wide range of medicinal uses apart from its commercial significance as a spice-yielding plant. It is used in folk (herbal) medicine all over the globe for the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases and its organic cultivation has gained importance in recent times. Keeping this in view, a field experiment was conducted. The treatments composed of T1 (Panchagavya foliar spray @ 4%), T2(Panchagavya foliar spray @ 8%), T3(Panchagavya foliar spray @ 12%), T4(Panchagavya foliar spray @ 16%), T5(Panchagavya foliar spray @ 20%) and T6 (water spray- Control) were evaluated. Among treatment T5 (Panchagavya as foliar spray @ 20%) recorded the maximum plant height of 29.95cm, 60.45cm and 73.09cm respectively at 60,90 and 120 DAS, the maximum number of primary branches and secondary branches of 7.18/plant and 24.54/plant were recorded at 120 DAS. Highest projected seed yield of 566.39 kg/ha along with highest dry pod weight (0.32g) pod diameter (0.93cm), seed yield/plant (2.62g), 1000 seed weight (2.10g) along with the maximum essential oil content (1.06%) and highest B:C ratio of 1.88 with a highest net return of Rs.52982/ha recorded under the same treatment. T4 (Panchagavya as foliar spray @ 16%) recorded 2nd highest plant height of 29.51cm, 59.26cm and 72.71 cm at 60,90 and 120 DAS and 2nd  highest Projected seed yield of 547.73 kg/ha with other characters like dry pod weight (0.30g), pod diameter (0.92cm), seed yield/plant (2.09g) and 1000 seed weight (2.09g) along with essential oil content of 1.01% and 2nd highest cost benefit ratio of 1.84 and net return of Rs.49850/ha which were at par with T5(Panchagavya foliar spray at 20%).
Combining Ability Analysis of Maize (Zea mays L.) for Grain Yield and Yield Related Traits Using Line X Tester Method
Authors: Dharani P. Tushara , Seshu G. , Sravani D. , Pushpavalli SNCVL.
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the combining ability for yield and yield components in newly developed white maize lines. A total of 22 maize inbred lines, derived from various genetic sources at the Agricultural Research Station during the 2023 growing season, were used to create 40 hybrids. These hybrids, along with two commercial check hybrids (Karimnagar Makka and Kaveri Ekka), were evaluated at Agricultural Research Station.
The analysis revealed highly significant differences for all traits studied. Among the inbred lines, KML-122, KML-7, and KML-6 were identified as good general combiners for grain yield and yield-contributing traits, such as days to 50% anthesis, days to 50% silking, days to maturity, and plant height. Based on specific combining ability (SCA) effects, the hybrids KML124×LM13, KML-131×LM-14, and KML-136×LM-13 were identified as specific combiners for yield and yield-attributing traits.
The successful identification and utilization of these high-GCA inbred lines can significantly contribute to the development of superior maize hybrids, enhancing overall productivity and sustainability in maize cultivation. Data on twelve morphological traits were recorded, with non-additive effects found to be important for all characters.
Seismicity and shallow slab geometry in the central Vanuatu subduction zone
Authors: Baillard Christian , Crawford Wayne C. , Ballu Valérie , Régnier Marc , Pelletier Bernard , Garaebiti Esline
Published: July 2015

The Vanuatu arc in the southwest Pacific Ocean is one of the world's most seismically active regions, with almost 39 magnitude 7+ earthquakes in the past 43 years. Convergence rates are around 90–120 mm/yr along most of the arc, but drop to 25–43 mm/yr in the central section, probably due to the subduction of the d'Entrecasteaux ridge. We characterize the slab geometry and tectonic state in this central section by analyzing data from a 10 month deployment of 30 seismometers over this section. We located more than 30,000 events (all less than magnitude 5.5), constructed an improved 1‐D velocity model, calculated focal mechanisms and cluster geometries, and determined the 3‐D geometry of the interplate seismogenic zone. The seismogenic zone has a shallow bulge in front of the d'Entrecasteaux ridge, which could be explained by the ridge's buoyancy contributing to the uplift of the fore‐arc islands. The seismogenic zone extends to ~45 km depth, significantly below the 26–27 km depth of the fore‐arc Moho, indicating that the upper mantle wedge is not significantly serpentinized, which is consistent with the relatively high thermal parameter of the subducting plate. The maximum width of the seismogenic zone is 80 km, indicating an upper earthquake magnitude limit of Mw 7.85 ± 0.4, assuming standard rupture zone aspect ratios. The data also reveal a double seismic zone, 20 to 30 km below the seismogenic zone, which is presumably caused by flexure of the downgoing plate.
Impacts of stratospheric ozone depletion and recovery on wave propagation in the boreal winter stratosphere
Authors: Hu Dingzhu , Tian Wenshou , Xie Fei , Wang Chunxiao , Zhang Jiankai
Published: July 2015

This paper uses a state‐of‐the‐art general circulation model to study the impacts of the stratospheric ozone depletion from 1980 to 2000 and the expected partial ozone recovery from 2000 to 2020 on the propagation of planetary waves in December, January, and February. In the Southern Hemisphere (SH), the stratospheric ozone depletion leads to a cooler and stronger Antarctic stratosphere, while the stratospheric ozone recovery has the opposite effects. In the Northern Hemisphere (NH), the impacts of the stratospheric ozone depletion on polar stratospheric temperature are not opposite to that of the stratospheric ozone recovery; i.e., the stratospheric ozone depletion causes a weak cooling and the stratospheric ozone recovery causes a statistically significant cooling. The stratospheric ozone depletion leads to a weakening of the Arctic polar vortex, while the stratospheric ozone recovery leads to a strengthening of the Arctic polar vortex. The cooling of the Arctic polar vortex is found to be dynamically induced via modulating the planetary wave activity by stratospheric ozone increases. Particularly interesting is that stratospheric ozone changes have opposite effects on the stationary and transient wave fluxes in the NH stratosphere. The analysis of the wave refractive index and Eliassen‐Palm flux in the NH indicates (1) that the wave refraction in the stratosphere cannot fully explain wave flux changes in the Arctic stratosphere and (2) that stratospheric ozone changes can cause changes in wave propagation in the northern midlatitude troposphere which in turn affect wave fluxes in the NH stratosphere. In the SH, the radiative cooling (warming) caused by stratospheric ozone depletion (recovery) produces a larger (smaller) meridional temperature gradient in the midlatitude upper troposphere, accompanied by larger (smaller) zonal wind vertical shear and larger (smaller) vertical gradients of buoyancy frequency. Hence, there are more (fewer) transient waves propagating into the stratosphere. The dynamical warming (cooling) caused by stratospheric ozone decreases (increases) partly offsets their radiative cooling (warming).
Differentiating induced and natural seismicity using space‐time‐magnitude statistics applied to the Coso Geothermal field
Authors: Schoenball Martin , Davatzes Nicholas C. , Glen Jonathan M. G.
Published: July 2015

A remarkable characteristic of earthquakes is their clustering in time and space, displaying their self‐similarity. It remains to be tested if natural and induced earthquakes share the same behavior. We study natural and induced earthquakes comparatively in the same tectonic setting at the Coso Geothermal Field. Covering the preproduction and coproduction periods from 1981 to 2013, we analyze interevent times, spatial dimension, and frequency‐size distributions for natural and induced earthquakes. Individually, these distributions are statistically indistinguishable. Determining the distribution of nearest neighbor distances in a combined space‐time‐magnitude metric, lets us identify clear differences between both kinds of seismicity. Compared to natural earthquakes, induced earthquakes feature a larger population of background seismicity and nearest neighbors at large magnitude rescaled times and small magnitude rescaled distances. Local stress perturbations induced by field operations appear to be strong enough to drive local faults through several seismic cycles and reactivate them after time periods on the order of a year.
Survey of Saturn Z‐mode emission
Authors: Menietti J. D. , Averkamp T. F. , Ye S.‐Y. , Horne R. B. , Woodfield E. E. , Shprits Y. Y. , Gurnett D. A. , Persoon A. M. , Wahlund J.‐E.
Published: July 2015

Because of the role of Z‐mode emission in the diffusive scattering and resonant acceleration of electrons, we conduct a survey of intensity in the Saturn inner magnetosphere. Z mode is primarily observed as “5 kHz” narrowband emission in the lower density regions where the ratio of cyclotron to plasma frequency, fc/fp > 1 to which we limit this study. This occurs at Saturn along the inner edge of the Enceladus torus near the equator and at higher latitudes. We present profiles and parametric fits of intensity as a function of frequency, radius, latitude, and local time. The magnetic field intensity levels are lower than chorus, but the electric field intensities are comparable. We conclude that Z‐mode wave‐particle interactions may make a significant contribution to electron acceleration in the inner magnetosphere of Saturn, supplementing acceleration produced by chorus emission.
High correlations between temperature and nitric oxide in the thermosphere
Authors: Weimer D. R. , Mlynczak M. G. , Hunt L. A. , Tobiska W. Kent
Published: July 2015

Obtaining accurate predictions of the neutral density in the thermosphere has been a long‐standing problem. During geomagnetic storms the auroral heating in the polar ionospheres quickly raises the temperature of the thermosphere, resulting in higher neutral densities that exert a greater drag force on objects in low Earth orbit. Rapid increases and decreases in the temperature and density may occur within a couple days. A key parameter in the thermosphere is the total amount of nitric oxide (NO). The production of NO is accelerated by the auroral heating, and since NO is an efficient radiator of thermal energy, higher concentrations of this molecule accelerate the rate at which the thermosphere cools. This paper describes an improved technique that calculates changes in the global temperature of the thermosphere. Starting from an empirical model of the Poynting flux into the ionosphere, a set of differential equations derives the minimum, global value of the exospheric temperature, which can be used in a neutral density model to calculate the global values. The relative variations in NO content are used to obtain more accurate cooling rates. Comparisons with the global rate of NO emissions that are measured with the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry instrument show that there is very good agreement with the predicted values. The NO emissions correlate highly with the total auroral heating that has been integrated over time. We also show that the NO emissions are highly correlated with thermospheric temperature, as well as indices of solar extreme ultraviolet radiation.
Moment tensors associated with the expansion and movement of fluid in ellipsoidal cavities
Authors: Mizuno Naoto , Ichihara Mie , Kame Nobuki
Published: July 2015

Moment tensor representation is useful for interpreting source processes from seismic and/or geodetic observations. However, there remains difficulty to determine the source processes because some models cannot be distinguished from moment tensors and the range of moment tensor represented by particular process is generally limited. We examine magma movement between two ellipsoids with consideration of mass conservation and pressure balance. The resultant moment tensor component ratio (MTCR) range is clearly distinguished from that generated by expanding ellipsoids. However, there is a range of the MTCR that cannot be explained by either fluid expansion or movement; in such cases, partial pressure recovery after fluid movement provides a plausible explanation. The MTCR for fluid movement between two ellipsoids with randomly varying geometry and relative orientation is shown to exhibit a concentrated trend representing a linear combination of a double‐couple source and an opening crack. Although such an MTCR is generally interpreted as a crack with both tensile and shear dislocations, we demonstrate that it can be generated by fluid movement between two thin ellipsoids. Our results provide a physically reasonable mechanism for interpreting the MTCR obtained from observed data with a comprehensive view of possible source processes.
Wavelet correlations to reveal multiscale coupling in geophysical systems
Authors: Casagrande Erik , Mueller Brigitte , Miralles Diego G. , Entekhabi Dara , Molini Annalisa
Published: July 2015

The interactions between climate and the environment are highly complex. Due to this complexity, process‐based models are often preferred to estimate the net magnitude and directionality of interactions in the Earth system. However, these models are based on simplifications of our understanding of nature and thus are unavoidably imperfect. Conversely, observation‐based data of climatic and environmental variables are becoming increasingly accessible over global scales due to the progress of spaceborne sensing technologies and data‐assimilation techniques. Albeit uncertain, these data enable the possibility to start unraveling complex multivariable, multiscale relationships if the appropriate statistical methods are applied. Here we investigate the potential of the wavelet cross‐correlation method as a tool for identifying time/frequency‐dependent interactions, feedback, and regime shifts in geophysical systems. The ability of wavelet cross‐correlation to resolve the fast and slow components of coupled systems is tested on synthetic data of known directionality and then applied to observations to study one of the most critical interactions between land and atmosphere: the coupling between soil moisture and near‐ground air temperature. Results show that our method is able to capture the dynamics of the soil moisture‐temperature coupling over a wide range of temporal scales (from days to several months) and climatic regimes (from wet to dry) and consistently identify the magnitude and directionality of the coupling. Consequently, wavelet cross‐correlations are presented as a promising tool for the study of multiscale interactions, with the potential of being extended to the analysis of causal relationships in the Earth system.
Simulation and classification of the impacts of projected climate change on flow regimes in the arid Hexi Corridor of Northwest China
Authors: Zhang Yongyong , Fu Guobin , Sun Boyang , Zhang Shifeng , Men Baohui
Published: July 2015

Traditional assessment approaches of climate change on flow regimes usually focus on flow magnitude and cannot capture the overall variation of flow regimes (e.g., variability, frequency, duration, timing, and rating). The Hexi Corridor, which is a typical arid and semiarid region in Northwest China, was selected as the study area. Streamflows were simulated by an integrated water system model in a historical period (1985–2005) and three future periods (2030s, 2050s, and 2070s). Twenty‐nine global climate models were picked from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 based on projection performance, and the high (RCP85) and intermediate (RCP45) ranges of Representative Concentration Pathways were selected for future scenario analysis. All the streamflows were characterized in detail by flow regime metrics, including the magnitude, variability, and frequency of the overall flow events. The regional impacts of climate change were assessed and clustered into several similar spatial patterns. Results showed that the projected climate change would sensibly increase the magnitudes of average and low flows (75th percentile), as well as the frequencies of low and high flows (25th percentile), but decrease the flow variability. By contrast, it would not sensibly change the magnitude of high‐flow events. The flow regime variations of all scenarios and periods were clustered into three robust classes (highly, moderately, and slightly impacted classes) in the entire region. The flow regimes would be highly and moderately impacted in the middle stream and downstream with large‐sized and semidesert catchments but slightly impacted in the upper and middle streams with small‐sized and montane vegetation catchments. The impacted classes will sensibly vary at most stations in different future periods because of the spatial differences of climate change. This study would provide scientific support to implement the integrated adaptive water resource management for climate change at regional scales in the arid Hexi Corridor.
A model of the socio‐hydrologic dynamics in a semiarid catchment: Isolating feedbacks in the coupled human‐hydrology system
Authors: Elshafei Y. , Coletti J. Z. , Sivapalan M. , Hipsey M. R.
Published: July 2015

The challenge of sustainable freshwater management requires identification and characterization of the underlying components and dynamic interactions within the coupled human‐hydrology system. This paper builds a model that captures the dynamic water balance evolution and coupled human response within the Lake Toolibin catchment in West Australia's wheatbelt region. Two subcatchments in different parts of the landscape were selected to examine the key emergent properties of the coupled socio‐hydrology system over a 100 year period, by analyzing the two‐way feedbacks of land use management (human system feedback) and land degradation (natural system feedback). Using a relatively simple parameterization of community sensitivity to land degradation within the model, we identified positive and negative feedbacks, the presence of threshold behavior, time scale differences between fast and slow moving variables, differences in time lags resulting from disparate resistance levels of the natural system, and the degree of adaptive learning inherent in the human system. Specifically, the valley floor subcatchment transitioned through four phases—expansion, contraction, recession, and recovery—demonstrating a threshold shift in the human feedback after 60 years, while the upslope subcatchment appears to still be in the contraction phase, with no sign of reaching a threshold shift in 100 years. These results demonstrate that the model is capable of isolating the two‐way feedbacks of the coupled system and has implications for resilience theory, suggesting that greater resistance in the underlying natural system counteracts the onset of a negative feedback loop and instigation of adaptive behaviors in the human system.
Optimization of the SEM Working Conditions: EsB Detector at Low Voltage
Authors: Garitagoitia Cid Aránzazu , Rosenkranz Rüdiger , Zschech Ehrenfried
Published: July 2015

Material contrast in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is studied for several kinds of samples with an energy selective backscattered (EsB) electron detector using low voltage. The working conditions are optimized for every specimen and the contrast is quantified, in order to investigate the influence of the most important parameters on the performance: the primary beam voltage, the grid voltage of the EsB detector, and the working distance. Furthermore, strategies to avoid undesirable beam‐induced sample damage like shrinkage in organosilicate glass (OSG) thin films or charging in polymer samples are discussed.
Free‐Standing, Multilayered Graphene/Polyaniline‐Glue/Graphene Nanostructures for Flexible, Solid‐State Electrochemical Capacitor Application
Authors: Choi Hojin , Ahn Ki‐Jin , Lee Younghee , Noh Seonmyeong , Yoon Hyeonseok
Published: July 2015

Graphene/polyaniline multilayered nanostructures (GPMNs) are prepared using a straightforward process through which graphite is physically exfoliated with quaternary polyaniline (PANI)‐glue. This is only accomplished by sonication of the graphite flakes in an organic solvent to form continuous films with PANI. During the sonication, the conductive PANI‐glue is spontaneously intercalated between the graphene sheet layers without deterioration of the sp2 hybridized bonding structure. The resultant free‐standing, flexible films are composed of a network of overlapping graphene sheets and are shown to have a long‐range structure. The effects of different PANI content ratios and different interfacial energies (depending on the dispersion solvent) on the morphology and properties of the resulting GPMN are examined. It is found that GPMNs dispersed in water have a maximum specific capacitance of 390 F g−1 in a three‐electrode configuration. Importantly, the unique structural design of GPMNs enables their use as electrode materials for the fabrication of flexible, solid‐state electrochemical capacitors, which show an enhanced performance compared to graphene‐only devices. They exhibit a high specific capacitance of 200 F g−1, a cycling stability with capacitance retention of 82% after 5000 charge/discharge cycles, and, moreover, superior flexibility.
Metal‐Free Click Chemistry Reactions on Surfaces
Authors: Escorihuela Jorge , Marcelis Antonius T. M. , Zuilhof Han
Published: July 2015

In the last decade, interest in the functionalization of surfaces and materials has increased dramatically. In this regard, click chemistry deserves a central focus because of its mild reaction conditions, high efficiency, and easy post‐treatment. Among such novel click reactions, those that do not require any metal catalyst are of special interest, as metals may have undesirable effects in many fields. In this Review, the backgrounds and application of such metal‐free click reactions for the modification of surfaces are highlighted.
Waveguide‐Plasmon Polariton Enhanced Photochemistry
Authors: Ng Charlene , Dligatch Svetlana , Amekura Hiroshi , Davis Timothy J. , Gómez Daniel E.
Published: July 2015

One key process in plasmon‐enhanced photocatalysis is the transfer of hot charge–carriers from metal nanostructures into photocatalytically active materials. This process is secondary to the initial step of light absorption by the metal nanostructures. Light absorption in these structures can be controlled by designing complex geometries with tailored optical cross‐sections. Here, a study on one of the simplest nanostructures exhibiting plasmon resonances is presented: 1D gratings of metal wires. Results on the effect of the periodicity of these arrays are presented on the resonant absorption of light and on the hot charge–carrier transfer to a supporting TiO2 thin film. This charge transfer process is monitored by following the photocatalytic decomposition of small organic molecules in solution. Strong enhancements in the rate of decomposition are found that exhibit a correlation with the measured optical extinction spectra of the plasmonic nanostructures.
Electroinduced Diffraction Gratings in Cholesteric Polymer with Phototunable Helix Pitch
Authors: Ryabchun Alexander , Bobrovsky Alexey , Stumpe Joachim , Shibaev Valery
Published: July 2015

For the first time the cholesteric mixture containing nematic polymer with small amount of chiral‐photochromic dopant is used for electroinduced diffraction gratings production. The gratings are obtained by applying electric field to the planar‐aligned cholesteric polymer layer causing its periodical distortion. Material developed permits manipulating supramolecular helical structure by means of UV exposure resulting in helix untwisting. Photo‐controlling of helix pitch brings to change parameters of the electroinduced gratings. Due to macromolecular “nature” of the material one can easily stabilize electroinduced gratings by fast sample cooling. All‐known cholesteric grating types are realized in the studied polymer material. It is observed that the grating vector can be oriented along or perpendicular to the rubbing direction of the cell. It is shown that the diffraction efficiency is dictated by grating type and the amplitude of the applied electric field and can achieve about 80%. Moreover, the period of gratings can be tuned upon UV light illumination. The possibility of 2D gratings creation is also demonstrated. The described material and approach gives an opportunity to easily fabricate a variety of diffraction gratings with flexibly controllable parameters. Such gratings can be potentially applied in optics, optoelectronics, and photonics as intelligent diffraction elements.
Formation of Carbonyl Compounds from Amines through Oxidative CN Bond Cleavage using Visible Light Photocatalysis and Applications to N‐PMB‐Amide Deprotection
Authors: Iqbal Naeem , Cho Eun Jin
Published: July 2015

A method has been developed for CN bond cleavage that utilizes visible light photocatalysis. The process, which utilizes 1 mol% of the ruthenium complex Ru(bpy)3Cl2 as the photocatalyst, potassium persulfate (K2S2O8) as the oxidant and water/acetonitrile (H2O/CH3CN) as the solvent, transforms a variety of primary, secondary and tertiary amines to the corresponding carbonyl compounds. In addition, this method was applied to the removal of a p‐methoxylbenzyl (PMB) group from N‐PMB protected amides.

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2‐[(Neopentyl glycolato)boryl]phenyl Triflates and Halides for Fluoride Ion‐Mediated Generation of Functionalized Benzynes
Authors: Ikawa Takashi , Yamamoto Rika , Takagi Akira , Ito Toyohiro , Shimizu Kazunori , Goto Masahiko , Hamashima Yoshitaka , Akai Shuji
Published: July 2015

2‐[(Neopentyl glycolato)boryl]phenyl trifluoromethanesulfonates (triflates) and halides have been developed as new benzyne precursors, which generate benzynes at 120 °C in the presence of a fluoride ion. There are two major features of these types of precursors. First, they generate benzynes bearing various reactive functional groups, such as carbonyl, cyano, bromo, and primary amino groups. Second, these precursors were directly synthesized through either the palladium‐catalyzed Miyaura borylation of 2‐iodophenol derivatives or ortho‐selective iodination of the corresponding boronic acids as key steps without using any protecting groups. The in‐situ‐generated benzynes underwent [4+2], (3+2), and [2+2] cycloadditions to give the benzo‐fused multicyclic compounds while maintaining such functional groups. In particular, 4‐aminobenzyne was generated for the first time and underwent the Diels–Alder reaction with the free primary amino group remaining intact.

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Synthesis of Allenes Bearing Phosphine Oxide Groups and Investigation of Their Reactivity toward Gold Complexes
Authors: Vanitcha Avassaya , Gontard Geoffrey , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Derat Etienne , Mouriès‐Mansuy Virginie , Fensterbank Louis
Published: July 2015

A collection of phosphine oxide allenes has been prepared. Their coordination to gold(I) has been studied giving new coordination complexes when a pendant pyridine moiety was present. Alternatively, their gold(I)‐catalyzed cycloisomerization has proven to be quite efficient. An almost complete axial‐to‐central chirality transfer in the cyclization process was observed, opening the potential access to valuable enantiopure phosphorus derivatives.

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Injectable Hydrogels for Cardiac Tissue Repair after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hasan Anwarul , Khattab Ahmad , Islam Mohammad Ariful , Hweij Khaled Abou , Zeitouny Joya , Waters Renae , Sayegh Malek , Hossain Md Monowar , Paul Arghya
Published: July 2015

Cardiac tissue damage due to myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The available treatments of MI include pharmaceutical therapy, medical device implants, and organ transplants, all of which have severe limitations including high invasiveness, scarcity of donor organs, thrombosis or stenosis of devices, immune rejection, and prolonged hospitalization time. Injectable hydrogels have emerged as a promising solution for in situ cardiac tissue repair in infarcted hearts after MI. In this review, an overview of various natural and synthetic hydrogels for potential application as injectable hydrogels in cardiac tissue repair and regeneration is presented. The review starts with brief discussions about the pathology of MI, its current clinical treatments and their limitations, and the emergence of injectable hydrogels as a potential solution for post MI cardiac regeneration. It then summarizes various hydrogels, their compositions, structures and properties for potential application in post MI cardiac repair, and recent advancements in the application of injectable hydrogels in treatment of MI. Finally, the current challenges associated with the clinical application of injectable hydrogels to MI and their potential solutions are discussed to help guide the future research on injectable hydrogels for translational therapeutic applications in regeneration of cardiac tissue after MI.
Microkinetic model for the pyrolysis of methyl esters: From model compound to industrial biodiesel
Authors: De Bruycker Ruben , Pyl Steven P. , Reyniers Marie‐Françoise , Van Geem Kevin M. , Marin Guy B.
Published: July 2015

A tool for the generation of decomposition schemes of large molecules has been developed. These decomposition schemes contain radicals which can be eliminated from the model equations if both the μ‐hypothesis and the pseudosteady‐state approximation are valid. The reaction rate coefficients and thermodynamic parameters have been calculated by incorporating a comprehensive group additive framework. A microkinetic model for the pyrolysis of methyl esters with a carbon number of up to 19 has been generated using this tool. It is validated by comparing calculated and experimental yields of the pyrolysis of methyl decanoate and novel rapeseed methyl ester pyrolysis data in the temperature range from 800 to 1100 K and methyl ester partial pressure range from 1 × 10−3 to 1 × 10−2 MPa. This modeling frame work allows to not only assess the use of methyl ester mixtures as potential feedstock for olefin production but also their effect as blend‐in or trace impurity. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 4309–4322, 2015
Rib and vertebral bone fibrous dysplasia in a child with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Li Patrick , Boronat Susana , Geffrey Alexandra Lauryn , Barber Ignasi , Grottkau Brian Edward , Thiele Elizabeth Anne
Published: July 2015

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by benign hamartomas in multiple organ systems, primarily the skin, brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and eyes. The skeletal system is commonly affected in patients with TSC, but these bone lesions are generally asymptomatic and have not been well characterized. We present clinically significant bone growth in two ribs and vertebrae in an 8‐year‐old male patient with TSC and discuss the effects of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors as a possible treatment for these osseous abnormalities. This report suggests that skeletal lesions may hold more clinical significance than previously assumed and that further research should be directed toward understanding bone involvement in TSC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Volvulus and bowel obstruction in ATR‐X syndrome—clinical report and review of literature
Authors: Horesh Nir , Pery Ron , Amiel Imri , Shwaartz Chaya , Speter Chen , Guranda Larisa , Gutman Mordechai , Hoffman Aviad
Published: July 2015

Alpha thalassemia‐mental retardation, X‐linked (ATR‐X) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder with a variety of clinical manifestations. Gastrointestinal symptoms described in this syndrome include difficulties in feeding, regurgitation and vomiting which may lead to aspiration pneumonia, abdominal pain, distention, and constipation. We present a 19‐year‐old male diagnosed with ATR‐X syndrome, who suffered from recurrent colonic volvulus that ultimately led to bowel necrosis with severe septic shock requiring emergent surgical intervention. During 1 year, the patient was readmitted four times due to poor oral intake, dehydration and abdominal distention. Investigation revealed partial small bowel volvulus which resolved with non‐operative treatment. Small and large bowel volvulus are uncommon and life‐threatening gastrointestinal manifestations of ATR‐X patients, which may contribute to the common phenomenon of prolonged food refusal in these patients. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dopamine receptor DRD4 gene and stressful life events in persistent attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Sánchez‐Mora Cristina , Richarte Vanesa , Garcia‐Martínez Iris , Pagerols Mireia , Corrales Montse , Bosch Rosa , Vidal Raquel , Viladevall Laia , Casas Miguel , Cormand Bru , Ramos‐Quiroga Josep Antoni , Ribasés Marta
Published: July 2015

We performed a case‐control association study in persistent ADHD considering eight candidate genes (DRD4, DAT1/SLC6A3, COMT, ADRA2A, CES1, CYP2D6, LPHN3, and OPRM1) and found additional evidence for the involvement of the Dup 120bp and VNTR 48bp functional variants within the dopamine receptor DRD4 gene in the etiology of adult ADHD. We subsequently investigated the interaction of stressful life events with these two DRD4 polymorphisms, and the impact of such events on the severity of ADHD symptomatology. The gene‐by‐environment analysis revealed an independent effect of stressful experiences on the severity of persistent ADHD, and a gene‐by‐environment interaction on the inattentive dimension of the disorder, where non carriers of the Dup 120bp (L) ‐ VNTR 48bp (7R) haplotype were more sensitive to environmental adversity than carriers. These results are in agreement with previous works reporting a relationship between DRD4 and the effect of adverse experiences, which may explain the discordant findings in previous genetic studies and strengthen the importance of gene‐by‐environment interactions on the severity of ADHD. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Associations of common copy number variants in glutathione S‐transferase mu 1 and D‐dopachrome tautomerase‐like protein genes with risk of schizophrenia in a Japanese population
Authors: Nakamura Toru , Ohnuma Tohru , Hanzawa Ryo , Takebayashi Yuto , Takeda Mayu , Nishimon Shohei , Sannohe Takahiro , Katsuta Narimasa , Higashiyama Ryoko , Shibata Nobuto , Arai Heii
Published: July 2015

Oxidative‐stress, genetic regions of interest (1p13 and 22q11), and common copy number variations (CNVs) may play roles in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In the present study, we confirmed associations between schizophrenia and the common CNVs in the glutathione (GSH)‐related genes GSTT1, DDTL, and GSTM1 using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analyses of 620 patients with schizophrenia and in 622 controls. No significant differences in GSTT1 copy number distributions were found between patient groups. However, frequencies of characterized CNVs and assumed gain alleles of DDTL and GSTM1 were significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia. In agreement with a previous report, the present data indicate that gains in the CNV alleles DDTL and GSTM1 are genetic risk factors in Japanese patients with schizophrenia, and suggest involvement of micro‐inflammation and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Body mass estimation from knee breadth, with application to early hominins
Authors: Squyres Nicole , Ruff Christopher B.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

The estimation of living body mass from skeletal dimensions is an important component of many studies of early hominins and more recent human archaeological remains. Most previous investigations have concentrated on weight‐bearing elements of the lower limb, in particular the femoral head. In this study, we develop new body mass estimation equations derived from measurements of the knee in a modern sample of known body mass, and use them to estimate body mass in 11 fossil hominin specimens (including Au. africanus, Au. afarensis, and early Homo).

Materials and Methods

The reference sample consisted of 100 living subjects who participated in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Mediolateral breadth measurements were taken from radiographs of the knee, and regressed against recorded body weight to generate body mass estimation equations.

Results

Knee dimensions were generally found to be good predictors of body mass in the modern human sample, with median absolute percent prediction errors of 7 to 9% (comparable to or better than previously reported equations derived from the femoral head). Taxon‐average estimated body masses were 46.1 kg for Au. afarensis, 38.4 kg for Au. africanus, and 53.6 kg for early Homo.

Discussion

Estimates for early Homo were similar to or smaller than those generated previously from the femoral head. Estimates for australopiths, however, were larger than those generated from femoral head equations. This result is consistent with other evidence that the femoral head was relatively unloaded in australopiths compared with Homo, possibly due to subtle differences in gait. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:198–208, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrocardiographic left atrial abnormality and stroke subtype in the atherosclerosis risk in communities study
Authors: Kamel Hooman , O'Neal Wesley T. , Okin Peter M. , Loehr Laura R. , Alonso Alvaro , Soliman Elsayed Z.
Published: July 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between abnormally increased P‐wave terminal force in lead V1, an electrocardiographic (ECG) marker of left atrial abnormality, and incident ischemic stroke subtypes. We hypothesized that associations would be stronger with nonlacunar stroke, given that we expected left atrial abnormality to reflect the risk of thromboembolism rather than in situ cerebral small‐vessel occlusion.

Methods

Our cohort comprised 14,542 participants 45 to 64 years of age prospectively enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study and free of clinically apparent atrial fibrillation (AF) at baseline. Left atrial abnormality was defined as PTFV1 >4,000μV*ms. Outcomes were adjudicated ischemic stroke, nonlacunar (including cardioembolic) ischemic stroke, and lacunar stroke.

Results

During a median follow‐up period of 22 years (interquartile range, 19–23 years), 904 participants (6.2%) experienced a definite or probable ischemic stroke. A higher incidence of stroke occurred in those with baseline left atrial abnormality (incidence rate per 1,000 person‐years, 6.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.4–7.4) than in those without (incidence rate per 1,000 person‐years, 2.9; 95% CI: 2.7–3.1; p < 0.001). In Cox regression models adjusted for potential confounders and incident AF, left atrial abnormality was associated with incident ischemic stroke (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.11–1.59). This association was limited to nonlacunar stroke (HR, 1.49; 95% CI: 1.07–2.07) as opposed to lacunar stroke (HR, 0.89; 95% CI: 0.57–1.40).

Interpretation

We found an association between ECG‐defined left atrial abnormality and subsequent nonlacunar ischemic stroke. Our findings suggest that an underlying atrial cardiopathy may cause left atrial thromboembolism in the absence of recognized AF. Ann Neurol 2015;78:Ann Neurol 2015;78:679–696
Ein katalytischer SEAr‐Zugang zu Dibenzosilolen mit Funktionalisierung an beiden Benzolkernen
Authors: Omann Lukas , Oestreich Martin
Published: July 2015

Es wird über eine allgemeine Reaktionsvorschrift zur katalytischen Synthese von an einem oder beiden Benzolringen funktionalisierten Dibenzosilolen berichtet, die von leicht verfügbaren ortho‐silylierten Biphenylen ausgeht. Diese Methode ermöglicht einen schnellen Zugang zu Silolbausteinen mit Chloratomen an beiden Phenylengruppen und beschreibt somit einen katalytischen Weg zu direkt polymerisierbaren Dibenzosilolen. Es wird außerdem gezeigt, dass trotz hochgradig elektrophiler Zwischenstufen eine beachtliche Breite an Lewis‐basischen, beispielsweise sauerstoff‐ und stickstoffhaltigen, funktionellen Gruppen toleriert wird. Der Mechanismus dieser intramolekularen elektrophilen aromatischen Substitution (SEAr) durchläuft ein schwefelstabilisiertes Siliciumkation, das katalytisch aus der Hydrosilanvorstufe generiert wird.
Probing Invisible, Excited Protein States by Non‐Uniformly Sampled Pseudo‐4D CEST Spectroscopy
Authors: Long Dong , Delaglio Frank , Sekhar Ashok , Kay Lewis E.
Published: July 2015

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) NMR spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studies of slow timescale protein dynamics. Typical experiments are based on recording a large number of 2D data sets and quantifying peak intensities in each of the resulting planes. A weakness of the method is that peaks must be resolved in 2D spectra, limiting applications to relatively small proteins. Resolution is significantly improved in 3D spectra but recording uniformly sampled data is time‐prohibitive. Here we describe non‐uniformly sampled HNCO‐based pseudo‐4D CEST that provides excellent resolution in reasonable measurement times. Data analysis is done through fitting in the time domain, without the need of reconstructing the frequency dimensions, exploiting previously measured accurate peak positions in reference spectra. The methodology is demonstrated on several protein systems, including a nascent form of superoxide dismutase that is implicated in neurodegenerative disease.
Organometallic Antitumor Compounds: Ferrocifens as Precursors to Quinone Methides
Authors: Wang Yong , Pigeon Pascal , Top Siden , McGlinchey Michael J. , Jaouen Gérard
Published: July 2015

The synthesis and chemical oxidation profile of a new generation of ferrocifen derivatives with strong antiproliferative behavior in vitro is reported. In particular, the hydroxypropyl derivative HO(CH2)3C(Fc)=C(C6H4OH)2 (3 b) exhibited exceptional antiproliferative activity against the cancer cell lines HepG2 and MDA‐MB‐231 TNBC, with IC50 values of 0.07 and 0.11 μM, respectively. Chemical oxidation of 3 b yielded an unprecedented tetrahydrofuran‐substituted quinone methide (QM) via internal cyclization of the hydroxyalkyl chain, whereas the corresponding alkyl analogue CH3CH2‐C(Fc)=C(C6H4OH)2 merely formed a vinyl QM. The ferrocenyl group in 3 b plays a key role, not only as an intramolecular reversible redox “antenna”, but also as a stabilized carbenium ion “modulator”. The presence of the oxygen heterocycle in 3 b‐QM enhances its stability and leads to a unique chemical oxidation profile, thus revealing crucial clues for deciphering its mechanism of action in vivo.
Superior Na‐Storage Performance of Low‐Temperature‐Synthesized Na3(VO1−xPO4)2F1+2x (0≤x≤1) Nanoparticles for Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Qi Yuruo , Mu Linqin , Zhao Junmei , Hu Yong‐Sheng , Liu Huizhou , Dai Sheng
Published: July 2015

Na‐ion batteries are becoming comparable to Li‐ion batteries because of their similar chemical characteristics and abundant sources of sodium. However, the materials production should be cost‐effective in order to meet the demand for large‐scale application. Here, a series of nanosized high‐performance cathode materials, Na3(VO1−xPO4)2F1+2x (0≤x≤1), has been synthesized by a solvothermal low‐temperature (60–120 °C) strategy without the use of organic ligands or surfactants. The as‐synthesized Na3(VOPO4)2F nanoparticles show the best Na‐storage performance reported so far in terms of both high rate capability (up to 10 C rate) and long cycle stability over 1200 cycles. To the best of our knowledge, the current developed synthetic strategy for Na3(VO1−xPO4)2F1+2x is by far one of the least expensive and energy‐consuming methods, much superior to the conventional high‐temperature solid‐state method.
Hematite‐Based Solar Water Splitting in Acidic Solutions: Functionalization by Mono‐ and Multilayers of Iridium Oxygen‐Evolution Catalysts
Authors: Li Wei , Sheehan Stafford W. , He Da , He Yumin , Yao Xiahui , Grimm Ronald L. , Brudvig Gary W. , Wang Dunwei
Published: July 2015

Solar water splitting in acidic solutions has important technological implications, but has not been demonstrated to date in a dual absorber photoelectrochemical cell. The lack of functionally stable water‐oxidation catalysts (WOCs) in acids is a key reason for this slow development. The only WOCs that are stable at low pH are Ir‐based systems, which are typically too expensive to be implemented broadly. It is now shown that this deficiency may be corrected by applying an ultra‐thin monolayer of a molecular Ir WOC to hematite for solar water splitting in acidic solutions. The turn‐on voltage is observed to shift cathodically by 250 mV upon the application of a monolayer of the molecular Ir WOC. When the molecular WOC is replaced by a heterogeneous multilayer derivative, stable solar water splitting for over 5 h is achieved with near‐unity Faradaic efficiency.
The First Molybdenum(VI) and Tungsten(VI) Oxoazides MO2(N3)2, MO2(N3)2⋅2 CH3CN, (bipy)MO2(N3)2, and [MO2(N3)4]2− (M=Mo, W)
Authors: Haiges Ralf , Skotnitzki Juri , Fang Zongtang , Dixon David A. , Christe Karl O.
Published: July 2015

Molybdenum(VI) and tungsten(VI) dioxodiazide, MO2(N3)2 (M=Mo, W), were prepared through fluoride–azide exchange reactions between MO2F2 and Me3SiN3 in SO2 solution. In acetonitrile solution, the fluoride–azide exchange resulted in the isolation of the adducts MO2(N3)2⋅2 CH3CN. The subsequent reaction of MO2(N3)2 with 2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy) gave the bipyridine adducts (bipy)MO2(N3)2. The hydrolysis of (bipy)MoO2(N3)2 resulted in the formation and isolation of [(bipy)MoO2N3]2O. The tetraazido anions [MO2(N3)4]2− were obtained by the reaction of MO2(N3)2 with two equivalents of ionic azide. Most molybdenum(VI) and tungsten(VI) dioxoazides were fully characterized by their vibrational spectra, impact, friction, and thermal sensitivity data and, in the case of (bipy)MoO2(N3)2, (bipy)WO2(N3)2, [PPh4]2[MoO2(N3)4], [PPh4]2[WO2(N3)4], and [(bipy)MoO2N3]2O by their X‐ray crystal structures.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Direct Cyclopropylation of Heterocycles
Authors: Wu Xiaojin , Lei Chuanhu , Yue Guizhou , Zhou Jianrong (Steve)
Published: July 2015

Many 1,3‐azoles and thiophenes are directly cyclopropylated in the presence of a simple palladium catalyst. The relative configuration on the three‐membered rings is retained in the products. Thus, the cyclopropyl–halide bond undergoes concerted oxidative addition to palladium(0) and cyclopropyl radicals are not involved in the productive pathway.