bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Solvent‐dependent inversion of circular dichroism signal in naproxen: An unusual effect!
Authors: Ximenes Valdecir Farias , Morgon Nelson Henrique , Robinson de Souza Aguinaldo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra of naproxen enantiomers were studied as a function of solvents using experimental (circular dichroism) and theoretical (time‐dependent density functional theory) approaches. The (R)‐ and (S)‐naproxen enantiomers presented an unusual inversion in their ECD signals in the presence of ethanol and water when compared with polar aprotic solvents such as acetonitrile. From a practical point of view, these findings deserve great attention because these solvents are widely used for high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis in quality control of chiral pharmaceutical drugs. This is particularly relevant to naproxen because the (S)‐naproxen has anti‐inflammatory properties, whereas (R)‐naproxen is hepatotoxic. A time‐dependent density functional theory computer simulation was conducted to investigate the signal inversion using the solvation model based on density, a reparameterization of polarized continuum model. Electronic circular dichroism signals of conformers were calculated by computer simulation and their contribution to the combined spectra obtained according to Boltzmann weighting. It was found that the experimentally observed ECD signal inversion can be associated with the minor or major contribution of different conformers of naproxen.
Modeling of PCR: Kinetic Explanation for Short‐Chained Side Products
Authors: Ahrberg Christian D. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA simple mathematical model based on step growth processes to describe the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is introduced. It has been used to analyze different reaction conditions and to predict the distribution of the chain lengths of the PCR products. The model suggests that choosing the initial concentrations in such a way that the primers are the limiting reagent in the reaction will produce narrow chain length distributions around the target length, whereas conditions in which the yield of the reaction is limited through the concentration of the nucleotides produce shorter side products, and thus, a wider distribution. Furthermore, the model proposes that the time that should be spent in each cycle is mainly determined by the enzyme concentration. Experiments were carried out to confirm the predictions made by the model.
Categorical color constancy under RGB‐LED light sources
Authors: Ma Ruiqing , Liao Ningfang , Yan Pengfei , Shinomori Keizo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe light‐emitting diode (LED)‐based light sources have been widely applied across numerous industries and in everyday practical uses. Recently, the LED‐based light source consisting of red, green and blue LEDs with narrow spectral bands (RGB‐LED) has been a more preferred illumination source than the common white phosphor LED and other traditional broadband light sources because the RGB‐LED can create many types of illumination color. The color rendering index of the RGB‐LED, however, is considerably lower compared to the traditional broadband light sources and the multi‐band LED light source (MB‐LED), which is composed of several LEDs and can accurately simulate daylight illuminants. Considering 3 relatively narrow spectral bands of the RGB‐LED light source, the color constancy, which is referred to as the ability of the human visual system to attenuate influences of illumination color change and hold the perception of a surface color constant, may be worse under the RGB‐LED light source than under the traditional broadband light sources or under the MB‐LED. In this study, we investigated categorical color constancy using a color naming method with real Munsell color chips under illumination changes from neutral to red, green, blue, and yellow illuminations. The neutral and 4 chromatic illuminants were produced by the RGB‐LED light source. A modified use of the color constancy index, which describes a centroid shift of each color category, was introduced to evaluate the color constancy performance. The results revealed that categorical color constancy under the 4 chromatic illuminants held relatively well, except for the red, brown, orange, and yellow color categories under the blue illumination and the orange color category under the yellow illumination. Furthermore, the categorical color constancy under red and green illuminations was better than the categorical color constancy under blue and yellow illuminations. The results indicate that a color constancy mechanism in the visual system functions in color categories when the illuminant emits an insufficient spectrum to render the colors of reflecting surfaces accurately. However, it is not recommended to use the RGB‐LED light source to produce blue and yellow illuminations because of the poor color constancy.
The Effect of an Electric Field on the Spectroscopic Properties of the Isolated Green Fluorescent Protein Chromophore Anion
Authors: Langeland Jeppe , Kjær Christina , Andersen Lars H. , Brøndsted Nielsen Steen 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe front cover artwork is provided by the groups of Profs. Lars H. Andersen and Steen Brøndsted Nielsen, both at Aarhus University. The image shows the Green Fluorescent Protein as a jigsaw puzzle. The chromophore is colored blue and experiences a high electric field at one end. Read the full text of the Communication at 10.1002/cphc.201800225.
A Solvent‐Free Synthesis of Lignin‐Derived Renewable Carbon with Tunable Porosity for Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Ho Hoi Chun , Nguyen Ngoc A. , Meek Kelly M. , Alonso David Martin , Hakim Sikander H. , Naskar Amit K. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSynthesis of multiphase materials from lignin, a biorefinery coproduct, offers limited success owing to the inherent difficulty in controlling dispersion of these renewable hyperbranched macromolecules in the product or its intermediates. Effective use of the chemically reactive functionalities in lignin, however, enables tuning morphologies of the materials. Here, we bind lignin oligomers with a rubbery macromolecule followed by thermal crosslinking to form a carbon precursor with phase contrasted morphology at submicron scale. The solvent‐free mixing is conducted in a high‐shear melt mixer. With this, the carbon precursor is further modified with potassium hydroxide for a single‐step carbonization to yield activated carbon with tunable pore structure. A typical precursor with 90 % lignin yields porous carbon with 2120 m2 g−1 surface area and supercapacitor with 215 F g−1 capacitance. The results show a simple route towards manufacturing carbon‐based energy‐storage materials, eliminating the need for conventional template synthesis.
Effects of Sugars, Furans, and their Derivatives on Hydrodeoxygenation of Biorefinery Lignin‐Rich Wastes to Hydrocarbons
Authors: Wang Hongliang , Duan Yuhua , Zhang Qian , Yang Bin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHydrodeoxygenation of biorefinery lignin‐rich wastes to jet fuel hydrocarbons offers a significant opportunity for enhancing the overall operational efficiency, carbon conversion efficiency, economic viability, and sustainability of biofuels production. However, these wastes usually mainly contain lignin with sugars, furans, and their derivatives as “impurities”. Although several factors, including reactant structure, solvents, or the decreased ratio of catalyst to reactant, could be responsible for the jet fuel hydrocarbons yield loss, we found evidence that glucose, xylose, and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural dramatically decreased conversion yields. For example, xylose and glucose lowered the final hydrocarbon yield by 78 and 63 %, respectively. The results revealed that these compounds could suppress metal catalysts and inhibit lignin depolymerization and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reactions thus decrease yields of jet fuel range hydrocarbons from biomass‐derived lignin. The first‐principles calculations and TGA results from spent catalysts validated these findings.
Sex differences in juvenile play behavior differ among rat strains
Authors: Northcutt Katharine V. , Nwankwo Vesta C. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractJuvenile male rats frequently play more than female rats, but the presence of sex differences is affected by testing conditions and may also depend on the strain of rat. In this experiment, we tested play and defensive behaviors in male and female Long‐Evans, Sprague‐Dawley, and Wistar rats. When observed with a cage mate during the juvenile period, Long‐Evans rats played more than Wistar animals, but there were no sex differences in any strain. When tested with an unfamiliar sibling (not seen since weaning), both Long‐Evans and Wistar rats played more than Sprague‐Dawley animals, and Long‐Evans females played more than males. We did not observe any sex or strain differences in defensive behaviors. Our data indicate that there are strain differences in play behavior, and sex differences in play depend on both strain and context. Variation among strains may reflect underlying differences in anxiety, novelty seeking, and circadian rhythms.
Phylogeographic patterns in the Philippine archipelago influence symbiont diversity in the bobtail squid–Vibrio mutualism
Authors: Coryell Randy L. , Turnham Kira E. , de Jesus Ayson Evelyn G. , Lavilla‐Pltogo Celia , Alcala Angel C. , Sotto Filippina , Gonzales Benjamin , Nishiguchi Michele K. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMarine microbes encounter a myriad of biotic and abiotic factors that can impact fitness by limiting their range and capacity to move between habitats. This is especially true for environmentally transmitted bacteria that cycle between their hosts and the surrounding habitat. As geologic history, biogeography, and other factors such as water temperature, salinity, and physical barriers can inhibit bacterial movement to novel environments, we chose to examine the genetic architecture of Euprymna albatrossae (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) and their Vibrio fischeri symbionts in the Philippine archipelago using a combined phylogeographic approach. Eleven separate sites in the Philippine islands were examined using haplotype estimates that were examined via nested clade analysis to determine the relationship between E. albatrossae and V. fischeri populations and their geographic location. Identical analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) were used to estimate variation within and between populations for host and symbiont genetic data. Host animals demonstrated a significant amount of variation within island groups, while symbiont variation was found within individual populations. Nested clade phylogenetic analysis revealed that hosts and symbionts may have colonized this area at different times, with a sudden change in habitat. Additionally, host data indicate restricted gene flow, whereas symbionts show range expansion, followed by periodic restriction to genetic flow. These differences between host and symbiont networks indicate that factors “outside the squid” influence distribution of Philippine V. fischeri. Our results shed light on how geography and changing environmental factors can impact marine symbiotic associations at both local and global scales.
Stabilization of LiV3O8 Rod‐like Structure by Protective Mg3(PO4)2Layer for Advanced Lithium Storage Cathodes
Authors: Xie Lingling , Ge Peng , Zhu Limin , Cao Xiaoyu 
Published: July 2018

AbstractLiV3O8 material with high discharge capacity has attracted increasing attention as cathode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, LiV3O8 is still limited by its weak dissolution and change of lattice structure. In this study, Mg3(PO4)2 fully coated LiV3O8 nanoparticles are successfully prepared by rheological phase reaction and surface deposition. The thickness of Mg3(PO4)2 coating layer is estimated to 24.7 nm for surface‐modified LiV3O8 with Mg3(PO4)2 content of 1.0 wt.%. The as‐prepared Mg3(PO4)2 coated‐LiV3O8 is utilized as cathode and showed high initial capacity of 323.93 mAh g−1. In addition, it maintained stable capacity of 250.82 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at the current rate of 60 mA g−1 between 1.8 and 4.0 V. This value was much higher than that of bare LiV3O8. Besides, even at current density of 240 mA g−1, its capacity keeps 170.89 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles. The detailed quantitative kinetics analyses confirm the fundamental reasons behind the enhanced rate capability and cycling stability. Overall, this work opens up novel avenues towards the design of protecting cathode materials, which could broaden applications of insoluble phosphates.
Algerian Energy Policy: Perspectives, Barriers, and Missed Opportunities
Authors: Haddoum Saliha , Bennour Hocine , Ahmed Zaïd Toudert 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDespite the uncertainties of the energy market impacted by the collapse of oil prices and a sharp increase in domestic energy consumption, Algeria continues to make huge efforts to bring energy access to its people. At the same time, the country is also witnessing a very slow start of the energy transition, which brings into question the energy‐intensive development model accused of contributing both to global warming and to the depletion of fossil resources in the medium and long term. Although quantified targets are set, the National Program for the Development of Renewable Energies (NPDRE) struggles to take off and is lagging behind. There is no doubt that the recent fall in oil prices will further complicate the achievement of this transition; still one may raise the question of whether other barriers to the NPDRE should not be removed. Admittedly, the Algerian State has set up an incentive mechanism based on feed‐in‐tariffs to boost the NPDRE, but this failed to attract potential investors. This paper seeks to analyze the reasons for these failures as well as other issues linked with the energy–water–food trilemma. There are plenty, but the heavily subsidized energy products appear to be the most disabling.
Klassifizierung der verwitterungsabhängigen Zerfallsneigung veränderlich fester Gesteine
Authors: Knopp Julia , Moormann Christian 
Published: July 2018

AbstractVeränderlich feste Gesteine können bei Austrocknung und Wiederbefeuchtung innerhalb kurzer Zeit ihren Zusammenhalt verlieren. Kenntnisse über das Zerfallsverhalten des Baugrunds sind baupraktisch von großer Bedeutung. Im Rahmen der hier vorgestellten Forschungsarbeit wird insbesondere die verwitterungsabhängige Zerfallsneigung von Keupertonsteinen detailliert betrachtet. Das Zerfallsverhalten eines Gesteins wird meist anhand von Trocknungs‐Befeuchtungs‐Wechseln untersucht. Zur Auswertung der Versuche wurden in der Vergangenheit in der Literatur verschiedene Indizes sowie Ansätze zur Klassifizierung der Zerfallsneigung vorgeschlagen. Die Ansätze sind aber insbesondere zur Untersuchung der verwitterungsabhängigen Zerfallsneigung nur begrenzt anwendbar. Zur genaueren Ermittlung des Zerfallsverhaltens wurden daher Trocknungs‐Befeuchtungs‐Wechsel an verschieden stark verwitterten Keupertonsteinen durchgeführt. Auf Basis der Untersuchungen wird ein neues Bewertungsschema für die Beurteilung der Veränderlichkeit von Gesteinen abgeleitet und die Anwendbarkeit für die Klassifizierung der verwitterungsabhängigen Zerfallsneigung überprüft.
Suitability of depleted gas reservoirs for geological CO2 storage: A simulation study
Authors: Raza Arshad , Gholami Raoof , Rezaee Reza , Rasouli Vamegh , Bhatti Amanat Ali , Bing Chua Han 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHydrocarbon reservoirs, particularly depleted gas formations, are promising geological sites for CO2 storage. Although there have been many studies on the storage aspects of gas reservoirs, the suitability of these formations in terms of fluid types such as dry, wet, and condensate gas has not been properly addressed at the reservoir level. In this study, an attempt was made to evaluate different gas reservoirs in order to provide an insight into their storage capabilities. A dynamic numerical simulation was carried out to simulate CO2 injection in a synthetic but realistic model of a geologic formation having dry, wet, or condensate gas. The results obtained under particular conditions revealed that the condensate gas medium offers a good storage potential, favorable injectivity, and reasonable pressure buildup over a long period of time, whereas dry gas formations were found to be the least favorable sites for storage among gas reservoirs. A sensitivity analysis was done to evaluate the injection rate and the permeability variation of different media during and after the storage. It indicated that the storage behavior of gas reservoirs is sensitive to the injection rate, and selection of an optimum injection rate might help to achieve a good storage capacity in condensate gas systems. The results also highlighted that CO2 immobilization in gas reservoirs after injection is enhanced due to the reduction of permeability, whereas no heterogeneity effect was observed under different permeability realizations. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of informal financial support for health care on health Insurance uptake: Evidence from a mixed‐methods study in Tamale metropolis of northern Ghana
Authors: Alhassan Yussif Nagumse 
Published: July 2018

SummaryAttempts to study the determinants of health insurance enrollment in resource‐poor settings have often given less consideration to the potential influence of informal risk‐sharing systems on individuals and households' decisions about health insurance. This paper contributes to existing discussions in this area by examining the effect of informal financial support for health care, an example of informal risk‐sharing arrangement, on enrollment in the Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). It is based on a mixed‐methods research in Tamale metropolis of northern Ghana. The study found widespread availability and reliance on informal support among low‐income households to finance out‐of‐pocket health‐care expenditure. Informal financial support for enrollment into the NHIS was noted to be less available. The study further found less strong but suggestive evidence that the perceived availability of informal financial support for health care by individuals diminishes their enrollment in the NHIS. The paper emphasizes the need for theory and policy on health insurance uptake in resource‐constrained settings to consider existing informal risk‐sharing arrangements as much as other known determinants of enrollment.
Study on the influence of caffeic acid against sodium valproate–induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Gad Amany M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRenal injury is a hallmark adverse reaction to sodium valproate (SVP), and caffeic acid (CAFF) is a phenolic compound that has anti‐inflammatory and antioxsidant properties. So, this investigation was assessed to evaluate the nephrotoxic potential of SVP and the defensive impact of CAFF against SVP nephrotoxicity. SVP was given at a dose of 500 mg/kg (i.p.) once daily for 2 weeks, while CAFF was given at a dose of 50 mg/kg (orally), simultaneously with SVP. Concurrent treatment with CAFF reduced urea and creatinine, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB/p65), and transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) levels. However, with increased glutathione content, CAFF also halted the activated Notch signaling cascade. Furthermore, CAFF suppressed caspase‐3 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expressions. To conclude, on the basis of the results obtained, CAFF proved to protect against SVP‐induced nephrotoxicity via its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties.
The LncRNA H19/miR‐193a‐3p axis modifies the radio‐resistance and chemotherapeutic tolerance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting PSEN1
Authors: Ma Hongbin , Yuan Lei , Li Wanhu , Xu Kaiyun , Yang Liang 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study was designated to verify if the lncRNA H19/miR‐193a‐3p axis would play a regulatory role in the radio‐/chemo‐resistances of HCC cells through targeting PSEN1. Within the study, five human HCC cell lines were prepared, including Bel‐7402, HepG2, Hep3b, QGY‐7703, and SMMC‐7721. Moreover, docetaxel (DT), paclitaxel (Pt), vinorelbine (Vb), and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu) were managed as the chemo‐therapeutics, and single‐dose X‐rays were performed as radio‐therapies. Besides, lncRNA H19 and miR‐193a‐3p were detected by qRT‐PCR and Western blot were implemented to quantify the expressional levels of PSEN1, Ku80, γ‐H2AX, and RAD51. Luciferase reporter gene assay was advanced to verify the targeted relationship between lncRNA H19 and miR‐193a‐3p. As a consequence, QGY‐7703 and Bel‐7402 were, respectively, the most radiation‐sensitive and radiation‐proof cell lines, and Bel‐7402 was associated with the highest resistances to DT, Pt, Vb, and 5‐FU. The restrained lncRNA H19 and over‐expressed miR‐193a‐3p expressions tended to significantly elevate the survival rate and proliferation of Bel‐7402 cells, when they were exposed to radiation and subject to chemo‐therapies. The lncRNA H19 was also found to directly target miR‐193a‐3p in inducing the HCC development. PSEN1 appeared to be subject to the modification of lncRNA H19 and miR‐193a‐3p in its acting on the survival rates and proliferative abilities of HCC cells. The lncRNA H19/miR‐193a‐3p/PSEN1 axis could be regarded as the treatment targets for HCC, so as to further improve the treatment efficacy of chemo‐ and radio‐therapies for HCC.
C6 ceramide motivates the anticancer sensibility induced by PKC412 in preclinical head and neck squamous cell carcinoma models
Authors: Zhu Yanyan , Wang Chaojie , Zhou Yun , Ma Ning , Zhou Jianwei 
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti–head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (anti‐HNSCC) cell activity by C6 ceramide and multikinase inhibitor PKC412. Experiments were performed on HNSCC cell lines (SQ20B and SCC‐9) and primary human oral carcinoma cells. Results showed that PKC412 inhibited HNSCC cell proliferation without provoking apoptosis activation. Cotreatment of C6 ceramide significantly augmented PKC412‐induced lethality in HNSCC cells. PKC412 decreased Akt–mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation in HNSCC cells, facilitated with cotreatment of C6 ceramide. In contrast, exogenous expression of a constitutively active Akt restored Akt–mTOR activation and attenuated lethality by the cotreatment. We propose that Mcl‐1 is a primary resistance factor of PKC412. The cytotoxicity of PKC412 in HNSCC cells was potentiated with Mcl‐1 short hairpin RNA knockdown, but was attenuated with Mcl‐1 overexpression. Intriguingly, C6 ceramide downregulated Mcl‐1 in HNSCC cells. In vivo, PKC412 oral administration inhibited SQ20B xenograft tumor growth in severe combined immunodeficient mice. The antitumor activity of PKC412 was further sensitized with coadministration of liposomal C6 ceramide. Together, we suggest that PKC412 could be further studied as a promising anti‐HNSCC strategy, alone or in combination with C6 ceramide.