bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy Efficiency of Buildings: The Aspect of Embodied Energy
Authors: Balouktsi Maria , Lützkendorf Thomas 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHow much energy is actually required to build energy‐efficient buildings? It is essential nowadays not only to invest in the design of more energy‐efficient buildings but also to pay more attention to the embodied energy of such building concepts. It is necessary to consider the energy required for the manufacture and maintenance of such buildings and, thus, to take into account the full life cycle. This is a new challenge not only for most designers but also for other stakeholders in the building industry. The purpose of this Review is to clarify the aspect of embodied energy in terms of its definition and system boundaries and to recognize its increasing importance in the building sector and the growing number of global activities responding to this trend. The analysis presented here could be a good starting point for further research, standardization, and development of this aspect. This Review builds on a topic with a long tradition among scientists that has gained a new timeliness.
Fabrication of Flexible Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell Modules using Commercially Available Materials
Authors: Li Bin , Huang Fuzhi , Zhong Jie , Xie Jingjing , Wen Min , Peng Yong 
Published: January 2016

AbstractFully printed, flexible dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) modules (10 cm×10 cm in size) were successfully fabricated by screen printing. The crucial issue and difficulty in fabrication of flexible DSSC modules is developing a binder‐free, screen‐printable TiO2 paste. Results show that the viscosity of the TiO2 paste can be adjusted by the solid content. A binder‐free, screen‐printable TiO2 paste with high viscosity was synthesized to enable the low‐temperature fabrication of the flexible DSSC modules on plastic substrates. The architecture of series connection was introduced into flexible DSSC modules to get the best module efficiency. The best power conversion efficiency of the flexible DSSC modules of 10 cm×10 cm in size with the series connection was approximately 3 %.
miR‐124‐9‐9* potentiates Ascl1‐induced reprogramming of cultured Müller glia
Authors: Wohl Stefanie Gabriele , Reh Thomas Andrew 
Published: January 2016

The Müller glia of fish provide a source for neuronal regeneration after injury, but they do not do so in mammals. We previously showed that lentiviral gene transfer of the transcription factor Achaete‐scute homolog 1 (Ascl1/Mash1) in murine Müller glia cultures resulted in partial reprogramming of the cells to retinal progenitors. The microRNAs (miRNAs) miR‐124‐9‐9* facilitate neuronal reprogramming of fibroblasts, but their role in glia reprogramming has not been reported. The aim of this study was to test whether (1) lentiviral gene transfer of miR‐124‐9‐9* can reprogram Müller glia into retinal neurons and (2) miR‐124‐9‐9* can improve Ascl1‐induced reprogramming. Primary Müller glia cultures were generated from postnatal day (P) 11/12 mice, transduced with lentiviral particles, i.e., miR‐124‐9‐9*‐RFP, nonsense‐RFP, Ascl1‐GFP, or GFP‐control. Gene expression and immunofluorescence analyses were performed within 3 weeks after infection.

Overexpression of miR‐124‐9‐9* induced the expression of the proneural factor Ascl1 and additional markers of neurons, including TUJ1 and MAP2.
When Ascl1 and miR‐124‐9‐9* were combined, 50 to 60% of Müller glia underwent neuronal reprogramming, whereas Ascl1 alone results in a 30 to 35% reprogramming rate.
Analysis of the miR‐124‐9‐9* treated glial cells showed a reduction in the level of Ctdsp1 and Ptbp1, indicating a critical role for the REST pathway in the repression of neuronal genes in Müller glia.
Our data further suggest that miR‐124‐9‐9* and the REST complex may play a role in regulating the reprogramming of Müller glia to progenitors that underlies retinal regeneration in zebrafish. GLIA 2016;64:743–762
Model complexity and data requirements in snow hydrology: seeking a balance in practical applications
Authors: Avanzi Francesco , De Michele Carlo , Morin Samuel , Carmagnola Carlo Maria , Ghezzi Antonio , Lejeune Yves 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWe investigate the problem of balancing model complexity and input data requirements in snow hydrology. For this purpose, we analyze the performance of two models of different complexity in estimating variables of interest in snow hydrology applications. These are snow depth, bulk snow density, snow water equivalent and snowmelt run‐off. We quantify the differences between data and model prediction using 18 years of measurements from an experimental site in the French Alps (Col de Porte, 1325 m AMSL). The models involved in this comparison are a one‐layer temperature‐index model (HyS) and a multilayer model (Crocus). Results show that the expected loss in performance in the one‐layer temperature‐index model with respect to the multilayer model is low when considering snow depth, snow water equivalent and bulk snow density. As for run‐off, the comparison returns less clear indications for identification of a balance. In particular, differences between the models' prediction and data with an hourly resolution are higher when considering the Crocus model than the HyS model. However, Crocus is better at reproducing sub‐daily cycles in this variable. In terms of daily run‐off, the multilayer physically based model seems to be a better choice, while results in terms of cumulative run‐off are comparable. The better reproduction of daily and sub‐daily variability of run‐off suggests that use of the multilayer model may be preferable for this purpose. Variation in performance is discussed as a function of both the calibration solution chosen and the time of year. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indole‐derived Donor‐acceptor Cyclopropanes
Authors: Trushkov Igor V. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractDue to a combination of a broad diversity of reactivities of donor‐acceptor cyclopropanes with easy functionalization of the indole ring, as well as potent bioactivity of indole ring‐containing products, indole‐derived donor‐acceptor cyclopropanes are among the most attractive compounds. Methods for the synthesis and reactivity of donor‐acceptor cyclopropanes containing the indole ring as a donor substituent are reviewed.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Donor‐Acceptor Cyclopropapyranone by Intramolecular Cyclopropanation of Vinylogous Carbonates: Application to the Total Synthesis of (±)‐Diospongin B
Authors: Gharpure Santosh J. , Mane Sumit P. , Nanda Laxmi Narayan , Shukla Manoj Kumar 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAn intramolecular, stereoselective cyclopropanation of vinylogous carbonates with carbenes using copper catalyst is developed for the synthesis of donor‐acceptor substituted cyclopropapyranones. Completely regioselective ring cleavage of each of the cyclopropane bonds was achieved under suitable reaction conditions, leading to a diverse array of cyclic ethers. The developed method is utilized in the total synthesis of (±)‐diospongin B.
Flow cytometric evaluation of the contribution of ionic silver to genotoxic potential of nanosilver in human liver HepG2 and colon Caco2 cells
Authors: Sahu Saura C. , Njoroge Joyce , Bryce Steven M. , Zheng Jiwen , Ihrie John 
Published: January 2016

AbstractExposure to nanosilver found in food‐ and cosmetics‐related consumer products is of public concern because of the lack of information about its safety. In this study, two widely used in vitro cell culture models, human liver HepG2 and colon Caco2 cells, and the flow cytometric micronucleus (FCMN) assay were evaluated as tools for rapid predictive screening of the potential genotoxicity of nanosilver. Recently, we reported the genotoxicity of 20 nm nanosilver using these systems. In the current study presented here, we tested the hypothesis that the nanoparticle size and cell types were critical determinants of its genotoxicity. To test this hypothesis, we used the FCMN assay to evaluate the genotoxic potential of 50 nm nanosilver of the same shape, composition, surface charge and obtained from the same commercial source using the same experimental conditions and in vitro models (HepG2 and Caco2) as previously tested for the 20 nm silver. Results of our study show that up to the concentrations tested in these cultured cell test systems, the smaller (20 nm) nanoparticle is genotoxic to both the cell types by inducing micronucleus (MN). However, the larger (50 nm) nanosilver induces MN only in HepG2 cells, but not in Caco2 cells. Also in this study, we evaluated the contribution of ionic silver to the genotoxic potential of nanosilver using silver acetate as the representative ionic silver. The MN frequencies in HepG2 and Caco2 cells exposed to the ionic silver in the concentration range tested are not statistically significant from the control values except at the top concentrations for both the cell types. Therefore, our results indicate that the ionic silver may not contribute to the MN‐forming ability of nanosilver in HepG2 and Caco2 cells. Also our results suggest that the HepG2 and Caco2 cell cultures and the FCMN assay are useful tools for rapid predictive screening of a genotoxic potential of food‐ and cosmetics‐related chemicals including nanosilver. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Copper, Chromium, Nickel, Lead and Zinc Levels and Pollution Degree in Firing Range Soils
Authors: Rodríguez‐Seijo Andres , Alfaya Maria C. , Andrade María Luisa , Vega Flora A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSmall‐arms firing ranges are an important source of metal contaminants in the ecosystems located near these facilities, owing to the constant fall and alteration of the ammunition remnants on the soil, particularly in nearby berms. The objectives of this study were to analyse the pollution of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in rifle/pistol shooting range soils, to estimate their availability and to evaluate the influence of the ammunition used. The concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni range from 55 to 6·309, 34 to 264, 19 to 98, 40 to 79 and 11 to 33 mg kg−1, respectively. The moderate acidity and organic matter content favour the availability of Pb, followed by Cu > Zn > Ni > Cr. The values of different contamination indexes (Igeo, pollution index and integrated pollution index) suggest that Pb soil contamination is moderate to heavy, especially in the berm area and moderate for Cu and Zn. Lead ammunition is the main source of pollution, but another one was identified owing to the concentrations of Fe, Cr and Ni detected. Further studies are needed to verify their long‐term potential adverse effects. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Case of Foot Amputation from the Wari Imperial Tomb at Castillo de Huarmey, Peru
Authors: Więckowski W. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractEvidence of surgical interventions leaving traces on bones is quite abundant in archaeological material all over the world and is found frequently in the Andes. Among them, trepanations are most common, while amputations represent a relatively small part of the material. These have been reported from a few sites on the Peruvian north coast and archaeologically associated with the Moche culture. In 2013, two new cases from this area were found in situ within the Wari imperial mausoleum excavated at Castillo de Huarmey. Two individuals, one man and one woman, were found in the antechamber, serving as guards for the occupants of the main burial chamber. Their left feet were amputated, disarticulated at the ankle joints, a long time before they died. The article presents this find and discusses the form of amputation and the possible reasons why it was performed. As the context of both individuals possessed the same specifics, suggesting that they performed similar tasks related to religion and ritual, this article also presents a cultural interpretation of these finds, using other artefacts—ceremonial beakers in the form of the left human foot—known from Wari and Tiwanaku cultures. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physical activity and weight loss are independent predictors of improved insulin sensitivity following energy restriction
Authors: Camps Stefan G. J. A. , Verhoef Sanne P. M. , Westerterp Klaas R. 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveThe role of physical activity and the joint effect with sleep duration on insulin sensitivity (IS) during energy restriction followed by weight maintenance were determined.MethodsOne hundred and two subjects (28 males) (mean ± SD age: 40 ± 9 years; BMI: 31.9 ± 3.0 kg/m2) followed a very‐low‐energy diet for 8 weeks, followed by a 44‐week period of weight maintenance. Body composition (three‐compartment model based on body weight, total body water, and body volume), physical activity (accelerometry), sleep (questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale), and fasting plasma insulin and glucose concentrations were assessed before the diet and at 8, 20, and 52 weeks after the start.ResultsCompared to baseline, IS was improved significantly after 8 weeks (P < 0.001) and was higher after 20 weeks (P < 0.001) and 52 weeks (P < 0.05). After 8, 20, and 52 weeks, 23% (P < 0.01), 19% (P < 0.05), and 13% (P < 0.05), respectively, of the variance in IS improvement was explained by weight loss percentage and change in physical activity counts.ConclusionsMaintaining daily physical activity during energy restriction is as important as weight loss itself in the improvement of IS; there was no additional effect of change in sleep duration. During weight maintenance, improved IS is maintained better if physical activity returns to baseline or higher.
Ahnak stimulates BMP2‐mediated adipocyte differentiation through Smad1 activation
Authors: Shin Sunmee , Seong Je Kyung , Bae Yun Soo 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivePrevious reports have indicated that Ahnak‐deficient mice were protected from high‐fat diet‐induced obesity. However, the molecular mechanism in which Ahnak mediates adipocyte differentiation and high‐fat diet‐induced obesity is unclear.MethodsAdipocytes from Ahnak knockout (Ahnak−/−) mice and knockdown of Ahnak in C3H10T1/2 were used to investigate the function of Ahnak in adipocyte differentiation. Ahnak‐induced adipocyte differentiation was analyzed by Oil Red O staining.ResultsAdipocytes from Ahnak−/− mice were smaller than those from wild‐type mice. Silencing of Ahnak in C3H10T1/2 and adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) from Ahnak−/− mice showed severely impaired adipocyte differentiation. Down‐regulation of Ahnak in C3H10T1/2 cells and ADSCs from Ahnak−/− mice attenuated the phosphorylation and nuclear localization of Smad1 in response to BMP2, whereas Ahnak overexpression in 3T3‐L1 cells significantly increased Smad1 activation. Because PPARγ is a well‐known transcriptional factor in adipocyte differentiation, the PPARγ expression in Ahnak‐mediated adipocyte differentiation was investigated. Transfection of C3H10T1/2 cells with Ahnak siRNA resulted in reduced PPARγ expression apparently through inhibited binding of Smad1 to the Smad1‐binding site in the PPARγ promoter. These results suggest that Ahnak regulates adipogenesis by regulating Smad1‐dependent PPARγ expression.ConclusionsA molecular mechanism was proposed in which Ahnak regulates adipocyte differentiation through Smad1 activation.
Clinical applications of MS‐based protein quantification
Authors: Sabbagh Bassel , Mindt Sonani , Neumaier Michael , Findeisen Peter 
Published: January 2016

Mass spectrometry‐based assays are increasingly important in clinical laboratory medicine and nowadays are already commonly used in several areas of routine diagnostics. These include therapeutic drug monitoring, toxicology, endocrinology, pediatrics, and microbiology. Accordingly, some of the most common analyses are therapeutic drug monitoring of immunosuppressants, vitamin D, steroids, newborn screening, and bacterial identification. However, MS‐based quantification of peptides and proteins for routine diagnostic use is rather rare up to now despite excellent analytical specificity and good sensitivity.Here, we want to give an overview over current fit‐for‐purpose assays for MS‐based protein quantification. Advantages as well as challenges of this approach will be discussed with focus on feasibility for routine diagnostic use.
Determining the drift potential of Venturi nozzles compared with standard nozzles across three insecticide spray solutions in a wind tunnel
Authors: Ferguson J Connor , Chechetto Rodolfo G , O'Donnell Chris C , Dorr Gary J , Moore John H , Baker Greg J , Powis Kevin J , Hewitt Andrew J 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDPrevious research has sought to adopt the use of drift‐reducing technologies (DRTs) for use in field trials to control diamondback moth (DBM) Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in canola (Brassica napus L.). Previous studies observed no difference in canopy penetration from fine to coarse sprays, but the coverage was higher for fine sprays. DBM has a strong propensity to avoid sprayed plant material, putting further pressure on selecting technologies that maximise coverage, but often this is at the expense of a greater drift potential. This study aims to examine the addition of a DRT oil that is labelled for control of DBM as well and its effect on the drift potential of the spray solution. The objectives of the study are to quantify the droplet size spectrum and spray drift potential of each nozzle type to select technologies that reduce spray drift, to examine the effect of the insecticide tank mix at both (50 and 100 L ha−1) application rates on droplet size and spray drift potential across tested nozzle type and to compare the droplet size results of each nozzle by tank mix against the drift potential of each nozzle.RESULTSThe nozzle type affected the drift potential the most, but the spray solution also affected drift potential. The fine spray quality (TCP) resulted in the greatest drift potential (7.2%), whereas the coarse spray quality (AIXR) resulted in the lowest (1.3%), across all spray solutions. The spray solutions mixed at the 100 L ha−1 application volume rate resulted in a higher drift potential than the same products mixed at the 50 L ha−1 mix rate. The addition of the paraffinic DRT oil was significant in reducing the drift potential of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstkai (Bt)‐only treatments across all tested nozzle types. The reduction in drift potential from the fine spray quality to the coarse spray quality was up to 85%.CONCLUSIONThe addition of a DRT oil is an effective way to reduce the spray solution drift potential across all nozzle types and tank mixes evaluated in this study. The greatest reduction in drift potential can be achieved by changing nozzle type, which can reduce the losses of the spray to the surrounding environment. Venturi nozzles greatly reduce the drift potential compared with standard nozzles by as much as 85% across all three insecticide spray solutions. Results suggest that a significant reduction in drift potential can be achieved by changing the nozzle type, and can be achieved without a loss in control of DBM. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Practicality of the suicidal germination approach for controlling Striga hermonthica
Authors: Samejima Hiroaki , Babiker Abdel Gabar , Takikawa Hirosato , Sasaki Mitsuru , Sugimoto Yukihiro 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDPurple witchweed (Striga hermonthica), Orobanchaceae, is an obligate root‐parasitic weed of important cereal crops. The parasite is a copious seed producer, and a huge seed bank develops soon after the onset of the initial infestation. To germinate, a Striga seed requires a pretreatment in a moist warm environment and a subsequent exposure to an exogenous stimulant. One approach to reduce the seed bank is artificially to induce germination of the seeds in the absence of or away from the host roots. A newly developed germination stimulant for S. hermonthica, designated as T‐010, was evaluated for efficacy in greenhouse and field experiments under artificial Striga infestation.RESULTST‐010 displayed germination‐inducing activity in soil. Formulated T‐010 applied at 0.1, 1 and 10 kg ai ha−1 to potted soil containing S. hermonthica seeds, previously conditioned by judicious irrigation, reduced Striga emergence by 94–100%. Results of a field trial showed that formulated T‐010, at the same rates as for the pot experiment, delayed and reduced Striga emergence by 33% and increased sorghum shoot and head dry weight by 18.7–40.2% and 187–241% respectively.CONCLUSIONThese findings demonstrated, for the first time, the technical feasibility of suicidal germination for controlling S. hermonthica. Optimising structure, formulation and application protocol of germination stimulants should be the main goal for further improvement of the technology. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular modeling of sulfoxaflor and neonicotinoid binding in insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: impact of the Myzus β1 R81T mutation
Authors: Wang Nick X , Watson Gerald B , Loso Michael R , Sparks Thomas C 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDSulfoxaflor (Isoclast™ active), a new sulfoximine‐class insecticide, targets sap‐feeding insect pests, including those resistant to neonicotinoids. Sulfoxaflor acts on the insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) in a distinct manner relative to neonicotinoids. Unlike any of the neonicotinoids, sulfoxaflor has four stereoisomers. A homology model of Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) based on the ACh binding protein from Aplysia californica, overlaid with M. persicae nAChR sequence (α2 and β1 subunits) was used to investigate the interactions of the sulfoxaflor stereoisomers with WT and R81T versions of the nAChR.RESULTSWhole‐molecule van der Waals interactions are highly correlated with the binding affinity for the neonicotinoids and correctly predict the rank order of binding affinity for neonicotinoids and sulfoxaflor. The R81T mutation in M. persicae nAChR is predicted to have much less effect on binding of sulfoxaflor's stereoisomers than that of the neonicotinoids.CONCLUSIONAll four stereoisomers predictably contribute to the activity of sulfoxaflor. The WT and R81T nAChR homology models suggest that changes in a whole‐molecule electrostatic energy component can potentially explain the effects of this target‐site mutation on the pattern of reduced efficacy for the modeled neonicotinoids, and provide a basis for the reduced effect of this mutation on sulfoxaflor. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry