bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isomerization‐hydroboration‐oxidation strategy: Access to long chain AB‐ and AA‐type oleyl based monomers and polymers thereof
Authors: Sane Prakash , Lebarbé Thomas , Grau Etienne , Cramail Henri 
Published: September 2016

A strategy to convert by isomerization‐hydroboration‐oxidation reaction the internal double bond of oleic acid to a terminal alcohol function, leading to linear long‐chain α,ω‐difunctional substrates has been investigated. Using this strategy, oleic acid‐based AB‐ and AA‐monomers were prepared and characterized by FTIR‐ATR and NMR spectroscopy. Thermoplastic aliphatic linear polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyurethanes were then synthesized by reacting the so‐formed bio‐based monomers via polycondensation in bulk, using 1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene (TBD) as an organocatalyst. Thus, starting from easily available bio‐based starting compound, the synthesis of linear long methylene chain aliphatic polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyurethanes (by isocyanate free route) is reported. The structural and thermal characterizations of the synthesized polymers were performed by means of NMR, SEC, DSC, and TGA experiments.Practical applications: The objective of the work is to obtain long methylene sequence alpha, omega difunctional fatty acid‐based substrates that can be used as original monomers.A strategy to convert by isomerization‐hydroboration‐oxidation reaction the internal double bond of oleic acid to a terminal alcohol function, leading to linear long‐chain α,ω‐difunctional substrates is described.
Assessment of seismic damage of thin and lightly reinforced concrete walls using fractal dimension of cracking
Authors: Carrillo Julian , Avila William 
Published: September 2016

SummaryLength, maximum width, and residual width of cracks are key indicators of structural damage. However, pattern and propagation of cracks on the affected structural component should be also considered. In addition, damage evaluation based on visual inspection is a subjective and capricious procedure because the damage assessment relies on the expertise and judgment of the inspector engineer. In order to assess a rapid and reliable evaluation approach of seismic damage, pattern and propagation of cracks observed in thin and lightly reinforced concrete walls for low‐rise housing subjected to seismic demands are evaluated in this study by means of fractal dimension of cracking pattern. The proposed parameters are based on the results of an experimental program that comprised 39 low‐rise RC wall specimens having typical variables of this type of housing, such as low compressive strengths of concrete, thin walls, low axial loads, low reinforcement ratios, and web shear reinforcement made of deformed bars and welded‐wire meshes. A statistical analysis is carried out for computing values of fractal dimension associated to cracking patterns at key damage conditions. Recommendations of this study can help the inspector in estimating the current limit state or performance level of the wall and the story‐drift ratio experienced by the wall during shaking. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of cooking and preservation on nutritional and phytochemical composition of the mushroom Amanita zambiana
Authors: Reid Tsungai , Munyanyi Merjury , Mduluza Takafira 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe effect of different cooking and preservation methods on the nutritional and phytochemical composition of the mushroom, Amanita zambiana, was investigated. Fresh mushrooms were boiled in water, fried, or microwaved. In addition, fresh mushrooms were either air‐dried for 7 days or frozen at −20°C for 14 days. The protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and phenolic content of the treated mushrooms were measured and compared to the fresh mushroom contents. Frying increased the protein (2.01% ± 0.2% [fresh mushroom] to 2.23% ± 0.09%), lipid (14.68% ± 0.9% to 15.56% ± 0.34%), and carbohydrate (0.89% ± 0.01% to 2.69% ± 0.03%) content, while microwaving increased the protein (2.01% ± 0.2% to 3.64% ± 0.08%) and carbohydrate content (0.89% ± 0.01% to 2.26% ± 0.09%). Boiling only increased the carbohydrate content (0.89% ± 0.01% to 1.71% ± 0.05%) of the mushroom and significantly decreased (p < .05) the phenolic content (8.77 ± 0.1 to 1.46 ± 0.2 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g mushroom). Drying resulted in significant increase (p < .05) in protein (2.01 ± 0.2% to 24.36 ± 0.09%), carbohydrate (0.89% ± 0.01% to 58.67% ± 3.29%), and phenolic contents (8.77 ± 0.1 to 119.8 ± 0.7 mg GAE/g mushroom), while freezing only increased the carbohydrate content (0.89% ± 0.01% to 1.77% ± 0.03%). From the three cooking methods studied, frying is recommended as the most effective cooking procedure in retaining or enhancing the mushroom nutrients, while drying is a better preservation method than freezing.
Income and Technology as Drivers of Australian Healthcare Expenditures
Authors: You Xiaohui , Okunade Albert A. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryThe roles of income and technology as the major determinants of aggregate healthcare expenditure (HEXP) continue to interest economists and health policy researchers. Concepts and measures of medical technologies remain complex; however, income (on the demand side) and technology (on the supply side) are important drivers of HEXP. This paper presents analysis of Australia's HEXP, using time‐series econometrics modeling techniques applied to 1971–2011 annual aggregate data. Our work fills two important gaps in the literature. First, we model the determinants of Australia's HEXP using the latest and longest available data series. Second, this novel study investigates several alternative technology proxies (input and output measures), including economy‐wide research and development expenditures, hospital research expenditures, mortality rate, and two technology indexes based on medical devices. We then apply the residual component method and the technology proxy approach to quantify the technology effects on HEXP. Our empirical results suggest that Australian aggregate healthcare is a normal good and a technical necessity with the income elasticity estimates ranging from 0.51 to 0.97, depending on the model. The estimated technology effects on HEXP falling in the 0.30–0.35 range and mimicking those in the literature using the US data, reinforce the global spread of healthcare technology. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health Care Expenditure and Income: A Global Perspective
Authors: Baltagi Badi H. , Lagravinese Raffaele , Moscone Francesco , Tosetti Elisa 
Published: September 2016

SummaryThis paper investigates the long‐run economic relationship between healthcare expenditure and income in the world using data on 167 countries over the period 1995–2012, collected from the World Bank data set. The analysis is carried using panel data methods that allow one to account for unobserved heterogeneity, temporal persistence, and cross‐section dependence in the form of either a common factor model or a spatial process. We estimate a global measure of income elasticity using all countries in the sample, and for sub‐groups of countries, depending on their geo‐political area and income. Our findings suggest that at the global level, health care is a necessity rather than a luxury. However, results vary greatly depending on the sub‐sample analysed. Our findings seem to suggest that size of income elasticity depends on the position of different countries in the global income distribution, with poorer countries showing higher elasticity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The incorporation of fluoride and strontium in hydroxyapatite affects the composition, structure, and mechanical properties of human cortical bone
Authors: Riedel Christoph , Zimmermann Elizabeth A. , Zustin Jozef , Niecke Manfred , Amling Michael , Grynpas Marc , Busse Björn 
Published: September 2016

AbstractStrontium ranelate and fluoride salts are therapeutic options to reduce fracture risk in osteoporosis. Incorporation of these elements in the physiological hydroxyapatite matrix of bone is accompanied by changes in bone remodeling, composition, and structure. However, a direct comparison of the effectiveness of strontium and fluoride treatment in human cortical bone with a focus on the resulting mechanical properties remains to be established. Study groups are composed of undecalcified specimens from healthy controls, treatment‐naïve osteoporosis cases, and strontium ranelate or fluoride‐treated osteoporosis cases. Concentrations of both elements were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Backscattered electron imaging was carried out to investigate the calcium content and the cortical microstructure. In comparison to osteoporotic patients, fluoride and strontium‐treated patients have a lower cortical porosity indicating an improvement in bone microstructure. Mechanical properties were assessed via reference point indentation as a measure of bone's resistance to deformation. The strontium‐incorporation led to significantly lower total indentation distance values compared to osteoporotic cases; controls have the highest resistance to indentation. In conclusion, osteoporosis treatment with strontium and fluoride showed positive effects on the microstructure and the mechanical characteristics of bone in comparison to treatment‐naïve osteoporotic bone. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 433–442, 2017.
Oncogenic Actions of SKP2 Involves Deregulation of CDK1 Turnover Mediated by FOXM1
Authors: Krishnan Anand , K Dhanya , Babu P.S Saneesh , Jagadeeshan Sankar , Prasad Manu , Nair S. Asha 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTCyclin‐dependent kinases (cdks) are central catalytic units of cell division cycle. Among the cdk family members, cdk1 has critical roles in multiple phases of the cell cycle. Aberrant expression or hyper‐actions of cdk1 are tumorigenic and yet the complex oncogenic network that regulates its turnover is poorly understood. We found a hitherto unexplored functional connection between skp2 and cdk1 turn over. In vitro knockdown or overexpression of skp2 in cultured cells reduced or induced cdk1 expression indicating skp2 as a positive driver for cdk1. A partial inhibitory role for p27 was identified in this context. Interestingly, concurrent overexpression of skp2 and p27 favored cdk1 upregulation in vitro, which correlated well with similar observations in clinical tumor samples. We found that the transcription factor FOXM1 may play a central role in the skp2–cdk1 loop. Additional molecular involvement in the skp2–cdk1 loop was also explored. In conclusion, our results revealed hitherto unexplored p27 independent molecular mechanisms for skp2 driven tumor progression. Our results support the previous findings that skp2 may be a potential therapeutic target for the management of tumors. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 797–807, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vertical mixing in coastal canopies
Authors: Abdolahpour Maryam , Ghisalberti Marco , Lavery Paul , McMahon Kathryn 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe spatial extent over which meadows of submerged aquatic vegetation, such as seagrass, have an ecological and environmental influence is tightly limited by the exchange of water across canopy boundaries. In coastal environments, the process of vertical mixing can govern this material exchange, particularly when mean currents are weak. Despite a recently improved understanding of vertical mixing in steady canopy flows, a framework that can predict mixing in wave‐dominated canopy flows is still lacking. Accordingly, an extensive laboratory investigation was conducted to characterize the rate of vertical mixing in wave‐dominated flows through measurement of the vertical turbulent diffusivity (Dt,z) of an injected dye sheet. A simple model of coastal canopies, an array of wooden dowels of variable packing density, was subjected to waves with a wide and realistic range of height and period. Vertical mixing across the top of a submerged canopy is shown to be driven by both the shear layer that forms at the top of the canopy and wake turbulence generated by canopy stems. By allowing for an additive contribution from these two processes, we present a predictive formulation for the rate of vertical mixing in coastal canopies across a range of wave and canopy conditions. The rate of vertical mixing, and the dominant mixing mechanism, is highly dependent upon a Keulegan–Carpenter number (KC) that represents the ratio of the particle excursion length to the length scale that defines the canopy drag. This study enables a significantly enhanced predictive capability for the residence time of ecologically and environmentally significant species within coastal canopies.
Structure–Function Correlations of Poly(Amido Amine)s for Gene Delivery
Authors: Sun Yanping , Xian Lei , Yu Jiankun , Yang Tianzhi , Zhang Jinmin , Yang Zhen , Jiang Jingzheng , Cai Cuifang , Zhao Xiaoyun , Yang Li , Ding Pingtian 
Published: September 2016

Poly(amido amine)s' (PAAs) versatility are nearly unique among stepwise polymers. Different functional groups can be easily introduced into these polymers to add functionality such as cell internalization, charge‐shift, bioreducibility, “stealth” properties, and targeting moieties, while maintaining the bulk structural integrity of these polymers. The poly(amido amine)s are used as a unique research platform to elucidate their complex structure–function relationship. It is shown that guanidinium group, carboxyl group, disulfide bond, alkyl chain, branching, acetyl groups, benzoyl groups, and quaternary nicotinamide moieties can influence many steps of gene delivery, such as DNA condensation, cellular uptake, endosomal escape, nuclear entry, and finally gene expression. The authors systematically discuss the structure–function correlations of PAAs for gene delivery, and elaborate how the properties of polymers can be adjusted by changing the polymeric structure.image
PVA/Carbon Dot Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Simple Introduction of Ag Nanoparticles with Enhanced Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Hu Meng , Gu Xiaoyu , Hu Yang , Deng Yonghong , Wang Chaoyang 
Published: September 2016

The introduction of nanomaterials to hydrogels is an effective way to improve the mechanical properties of hydrogels. Herein, carbon nanodot (C‐dot) as a new‐found excellent nanomaterial is first added to polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel to prepare PVA/C‐dot hydrogel by freeze–thaw method. The appropriate size and plenty of surface functional groups make C‐dot an ideal nucleating agent for PVA crystallization, which leads to form a denser and more uniform cross‐linked network in PVA hydrogel, and in turn enhance the mechanical properties of PVA hydrogel. Compared to pure PVA hydrogel, about a 46.4% increase of tensile strength and 18.5% increase of elongation at break are achieved when the content of C‐dot in PVA/C‐dot hydrogel is 2 wt%, suggesting that C‐dot can effectively improve the mechanical properties of PVA hydrogel. Besides, C‐dot can endow PVA hydrogel with some new properties, such as fluorescence and reducibility. Herein, Ag nanoparticles are simply introduced and uniformly dispersed in PVA hydrogels with the help of reducibility of C‐dot, which can greatly enhance the antibacterial activity of PVA/C‐dot hydrogels, and enlarge their application potential in medical field.image
Vertical GaN bipolar devices: Gaining competitive advantage from photon recycling
Authors: Mochizuki Kazuhiro 
Published: September 2016

It is shown that peripheral current Ip flows in non‐self‐aligned mesa‐type p–n diodes but that Ip flowing in GaN diodes cannot be explained by elongated minority‐carrier lifetime associated with intrinsic photon recycling (IPR), i.e., reabsorption of radiative recombination. Accordingly, possible increase in the ratio of deep Mg acceptors (energy level: EA) due to extrinsic photon recycling (EPR) is proposed, and the effect of EPR is expressed as an effective EA. Due to the limit on the power dissipation of a semiconductor package, EPR works effectively in the case of zero‐offset bipolar‐junction transistors, whose base doping level is limited in terms of emitter‐injection efficiency.Measured and simulated forward‐current–voltage characteristics of non‐self‐aligned mesa‐type GaN p–n diodes.
Finding paths in sparse random graphs requires many queries
Authors: Ferber Asaf , Krivelevich Michael , Sudakov Benny , Vieira Pedro 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe discuss a new algorithmic type of problem in random graphs studying the minimum number of queries one has to ask about adjacency between pairs of vertices of a random graph in order to find a subgraph which possesses some target property with high probability. In this paper we focus on finding long paths in when for some fixed constant . This random graph is known to have typically linearly long paths. To have edges with high probability in one clearly needs to query at least pairs of vertices. Can we find a path of length economically, i.e., by querying roughly that many pairs? We argue that this is not possible and one needs to query significantly more pairs. We prove that any randomised algorithm which finds a path of length with at least constant probability in with must query at least pairs of vertices. This is tight up to the factor. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 50, 71–85, 2017
The role of space agencies in remotely sensed essential biodiversity variables
Authors: Paganini Marc , Leidner Allison K. , Geller Gary , Turner Woody , Wegmann Martin 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) is developing the Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) as the key variables needed, on a regular and global basis, to understand and monitor changes in the Earth's biodiversity. A subset of these EBVs can be derived from space‐based remote sensing, within this paper referred to as remotely sensed EBVs (RS‐EBVs). Given the global, periodic and standardized character of satellite remote sensing measures, RS‐EBVs may be seen as easier to generate than non‐remotely sensed EBVs, which have to be assembled from disparate and local sources of information. Particularly because they are global and periodic, RS‐EBVs are of special relevance for monitoring the state of and changes to biodiversity, notably the structure and function of ecosystems. If well developed, RS‐EBVs can provide key information for global biodiversity assessments as well as for national governments to meet their obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), in particular to formulate and implement appropriate management responses to biodiversity losses. However, the relevance and usage of globally produced RS‐EBVs in wide‐scale ecological modelling, such as in species distribution and abundance studies or in ecosystem integrity analyses, are still to be demonstrated, in particular when it comes to deriving biodiversity indicators for policy making and implementation. The biodiversity community at large, from those conducting scientific ecological studies to those involved in the development of remote sensing applications for biodiversity monitoring, can gain value from RS‐EBVs, but doing so requires close cooperation with space agencies. Effective interaction is only likely to result if the biodiversity community understands how space agencies determine their observation and product requirements. To develop these requirements, space agencies need to precisely specify the physical measurements for their spaceflight instruments, as well as the algorithmic approaches, to generate RS‐EBV products from these measurements. Here, we address the biodiversity community to discuss the role space agencies should play in the development of EBVs arising from satellite remote sensing. Importantly, we explain the necessity for translating the observational needs of the biodiversity community into specific satellite remote sensing measurement and algorithm requirements. By summarizing the prerequisite conditions that are required for obtaining a collective and strong engagement of space agencies in the co‐development of RS‐EBVs, we aim to facilitate collaborative efforts between the biodiversity community and the space agencies, which can ultimately contribute to a global and comprehensive biodiversity knowledge system.
A Facile and Direct Glycosidation Method for the Synthesis of 2‐Deoxy α‐Rhamnosides Catalyzed by Ferric Chloride
Authors: Qiu Saifeng , Zhang Wan , Sun Guosheng , Wang Zhongfu , Zhang Jianbo 
Published: September 2016

AbstractA facile and highly efficient O‐glycosylation method for stereoselective synthesis of 2,6‐dideoxy‐O‐glycosides has been described promoted by FeCl3, an eco‐friendly, easily available and non‐toxic catalyst. Acetylated 2‐deoxy rhamnoside was chosen as the glycosyl donor for its convenient preparation and great stability at room temperature. The glycosylation was amenable to a wide range of acceptors including primary, secondary, tertiary alcohols, sterols, amino acid derivatives and sugar derivatives. Thus, 2,6‐dideoxyglycosides and oligosaccharides were obtained in short reaction time (<40 min) at room temperature in good to excellent yields (70‐97 %) with preponderant α‐selectivity (α/β=4:1 to >19:1).
Ni(II)‐Incorporated MCM‐41 Material ‐ Heterogeneous Catalyst for C‐S and C‐N Cross Coupling Reactions
Authors: Moorthy Malathy , Govindaraj Anbarasu , Madheswaran Bharathi , Kannan Brundha , Rangappan Rajavel 
Published: September 2016

AbstractNi(II) Schiff base complex was successfully immobilized on the surface of the MCM‐41 material using the organo silane compound 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane by the direct synthesis method. The as‐synthesized Ni‐MCM‐41 material was investigated by the characterization techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, small angle X‐ray powder diffraction, N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherms, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersion X‐ray analysis. The studies show that the Ni‐MCM‐41 material retained good mesoporous structure and acts as an efficient catalyst for the C−S and C−N cross coupling reactions under prominent reaction conditions. Readily available nature of the starting compounds, synthesis of effective catalyst and reusability of the catalyst makes the present synthetic method a remarkable strategy.
Effect of Protic and Aprotic Solvents on the Mechanism of Cellulose Dissolution in Ionic Liquids: A Combined Molecular Dynamics and Experimental Insight
Authors: Mohan Mood , Banerjee Tamal , Goud Vaibhav V. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe present study is undertaken to reveal the effect of cosolvents on the dissolution behaviour of cellulose in 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate ([Emim][OAc]) by both quantum chemical (QC) and Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulations. Two categories of cosolvents namely protic and aprotic solvents have been selected in order to enhance the cellulose dissolution in ionic liquid (IL). In the typical IL/cosolvent system, anion of the IL was found to be strongly solvated by the protic solvents (Formamide and Acetamide) thereby resulting in decreasing cellulose solubility, whereas it gave contrary trend for aprotic solvents (DMSO, DMF, DMAc). The dissolution of cellulose was essentially quantified by the cellulose‐anion interactions by studying the non‐bonded interaction energies. Furthermore, the solid‐liquid equilibria experiments were conducted for cellulose in IL and IL/cosolvent mixtures to confirm the simulated results. From MD simulations and experimental results, DMSO was found to be the best cosolvent for the enhancement of cellulose dissolution in IL. The regenerated cellulose was then characterized by Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). From the TGA analysis, thermal stability of regenerated cellulose was found to be reduced by 6 °C at room temperature.