bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tomato fruit quality as influenced by the interactions between agricultural techniques and harvesting period
Authors: Hernández Marcos , Espinosa Francisco , Galindo Purificación 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill) is an important crop in terms of its economic and nutritional value. Many factors, including cultivar, climate, geography, geochemistry, and agricultural practice, can affect its nutrient concentrations. An HJ‐biplot study was performed to examine the effects of cultivar (Dorothy, Boludo, Dominique, Thomas, and Dunkan), agricultural practices, climatic factors, and their interactions. Significant differences were analyzed using a one‐way ANOVA. All samples were collected and assayed at the same degree of ripeness. In the conventional and organic tomato samples, those harvested from December to April had the highest concentrations of fructose, glucose, citric acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid, protein, Na, and Mg, while those harvested in October had the highest concentrations of lycopene and hydroxycinnamic acid. There were high concentrations of Ca, P, Zn, and Cu in the no‐soil tomatoes. Conventional and organic cultivation practices showed similar results with respect to the collection period, both presenting high organic compound concentrations, while high mineral concentrations seemed to correspond to the no‐soil practice. No clear pattern was observed among the different cultivars, perhaps due to all the samples having been collected at the same degree of ripeness.
Multifunctional Poly(Vinyl Amine)s Bearing Azetidinium Groups: One Pot Preparation in Water and Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Chattopadhyay Subrata , Heine Elisabeth Therese , Keul Helmut , Möller Martin 
Published: April 2014

AbstractA simple, robust one pot procedure for the preparation of waterborne multifunctional poly(vinyl amine)s (PVAms) is presented. By post‐polymerization modification of PVAm with a bifunctional coupler and functional couplers cationic, reactive azetidinium groups, and alkyl chains are introduced in the side chains of PVAms. The structure‐activity relations (effect of hydrophobic and cationic modifications) of these antimicrobial polymers are studied; the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against both (Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria) of the library of multifunctional poly(vinyl amine)s are determined to identify the candidates with the highest efficacy. Furthermore, the hemolytic activity—the effective concentration at which 50 and 10% of red blood cells are killed (HC50 and HC10)—of selected polymers is determined. The ability of the polymers prepared to differentiate between microorganisms (Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria) and mammalian cells (red blood cells) is understood by comparing MIC and HC values. Finally, as an example, the best polymer is used to prepare an antimicrobial surface.
Photoinduced Bending Behavior of Cross‐linked Azobenzene Liquid‐Crystalline Polymer Films with a Poly(oxyethylene) Backbone
Authors: Lv Jiu‐an , Wang Weiru , Xu Jixiang , Ikeda Tomiki , Yu Yanlei 
Published: April 2014

Cross‐linked azobenzene liquid‐crystalline polymer films with a poly(oxyethylene) backbone are synthesized by photoinitiated cationic copolymerization. Azobenzene moieties in the film surface toward the light source are simultaneously photoaligned during photopolymerization with unpolarized 436 nm light and thus form a splayed alignment in the whole film. The prepared films show reversible photoinduced bending behavior with opposite bending directions when different surfaces of one film face to ultraviolet light irradiation.
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Gender‐dependent association of body mass index and waist circumference with disability in the chinese oldest old
Authors: Yin Zhaoxue , Shi Xiaoming , Kraus Virginia B. , Brasher Melanie Sereny , Chen Huashuai , Liu Yuzhi , Lv Yuebin , Zeng Yi 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesTo explore associations of BMI and waist circumference (WC) with disability among the Chinese oldest old.MethodsThe 5,495 oldest old in the sixth wave of Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study conducted in 2011 were included in this study. Disability was assessed by activities of daily living (ADL); height and weight for BMI and WC were measured; information including socio‐demographics, lifestyles, and health status was collected.ResultsGeneralized additive models analysis showed that the association of BMI/WC with ADL disability was nonlinear. Among the males, logistic regression results supported a “J” shape association between ADL disability with BMI/WC‐the highest tertile group in BMI or WC was significantly associated with an increased risk of ADL disability: odds ratio 1.78 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26‐2.52) for BMI and 2.01 (95% CI: 1.44‐2.82) for WC. Among females, an inverse “J” shape association was found, only the lowest tertile group before the cutoff point had an increased risk of ADL disability: odds ratio 1.42 (95%CI: 1.02‐1.97) for BMI and 1.47 (95% CI:1.06‐2.04) for WC.ConclusionsAssociations of BMI and WC with ADL disability are significant even in the oldest old, but differ between the genders.
Early weight regain after gastric bypass does not affect insulin sensitivity but is associated with elevated ghrelin
Authors: Tamboli Robyn A. , Breitman Igal , Marks‐Shulman Pam A. , Jabbour Kareem , Melvin Willie , Williams Brandon , Clements Ronald H. , Feurer Irene D. , Abumrad Naji N. 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesWe sought to determine: (1) if early weight regain between 1 and 2 years after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is associated with worsened hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity, and (2) if preoperative levels of ghrelin and leptin are associated with early weight regain after RYGB.MethodsHepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity and ghrelin and leptin plasma levels were assessed longitudinally in 45 subjects before RYGB and at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Weight regain was defined as ≥5% increase in body weight between 1 and 2 years after RYGB.ResultsWeight regain occurred in 33% of subjects, with an average increase in body weight of 10 ± 5% (8.5 ± 3.3 kg). Weight regain was not associated with worsening of peripheral or hepatic insulin sensitivity. Subjects with weight regain after RYGB had higher preoperative and postoperative levels of ghrelin compared to those who maintained or lost weight during this time. Conversely, the trajectories of leptin levels corresponded with the trajectories of fat mass in both groups.ConclusionsEarly weight regain after RYGB is not associated with a reversal of improvements in insulin sensitivity. Higher preoperative ghrelin levels might identify patients that are more susceptible to weight regain after RYGB.
Effects of donor unit and π‐bridge on photovoltaic properties of D–A copolymers based on benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐c']‐dithiophene‐4,8‐dione acceptor unit
Authors: Bin Haijun , Xiao Lu , Liu Yong , Shen Ping , Li Yongfang 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTA series of donor‐π‐acceptor (D‐π‐A) conjugated copolymers (PBDT‐AT, PDTS‐AT, PBDT‐TT, and PDTS‐TT), based on benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐c']dithiophene‐4,8‐dione (BDD) acceptor unit with benzodithiophene (BDT) or dithienosilole (DTS) as donor unit, alkylthiophene (AT) or thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (TT) as conjugated π‐bridge, were designed and synthesized for application as donor materials in polymer solar cells (PSCs). Effects of the donor unit and π‐bridge on the optical and electrochemical properties, hole mobilities, and photovoltaic performance of the D‐π‐A copolymers were investigated. PSCs with the polymers as donor and PC70BM as acceptor exhibit an initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.46% for PBDT‐AT, 2.62% for PDTS‐AT, 0.82% for PBDT‐TT, and 2.38% for PDTS‐TT. After methanol treatment, the PCE was increased up to 5.91%, 3.06%, 1.45%, and 2.45% for PBDT‐AT, PDTS‐AT, PBDT‐TT, and PDTS‐TT, respectively, with significantly increased FF. The effects of methanol treatment on the photovoltaic performance of the PSCs can be ascribed to the increased and balanced carrier transport and the formation of better nanoscaled interpenetrating network in the active layer. The results indicate that both donor unit and π‐bridge are crucial in designing a D‐π‐A copolymer for high‐performance photovoltaic materials. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1929–1940
Tuning amphiphilicity/temperature‐induced self‐assembly and in‐situ disulfide crosslinking of reduction‐responsive block copolymers
Authors: Chan Nicky , Yee Nathan , An So Young , Oh Jung Kwon 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTNew poly(ethylene oxide)‐based block copolymers (ssBCs) with a random copolymer block consisting of a reduction‐responsive disulfide‐labeled methacrylate (HMssEt) and a thermoresponsive di(ethylene glycol)‐containing methacrylate (MEO2MA) units were synthesized. The ratio of HMssEt/MEO2MA units in the random P(MEO2MA‐co‐HMssEt) copolymer block enables the characteristics of well‐defined ssBCs to be amphiphilic or thermoresponsive and double hydrophilic. Their amphiphilicity or temperature‐induced self‐assembly results in nanoaggregates with hydrophobic cores having different densities of pendant disulfide linkages. The effect of disulfide crosslinking density on morphological variation of disulfide‐crosslinked nanogels is investigated. In response to reductive reactions, the partial cleavage of pendant disulfide linkages in the hydrophobic cores converts the physically associated aggregates to disulfide‐crosslinked nanogels. The occurrence of in‐situ disulfide crosslinks provides colloidal stability upon dilution. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 2057–2067
Electrical conductivity, impedance, and percolation behavior of carbon nanofiber and carbon nanotube containing gellan gum hydrogels
Authors: Warren Holly , Gately Reece D. , O'Brien Patrick , Gorkin Robert , in het Panhuis Marc 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThe electrical impedance behavior of gellan gum (GG), GG–carbon nanotube, and GG–carbon nanofiber hydrogel composites is reported. It is demonstrated that the impedance behavior of these gels can be modeled using a Warburg element in series with a resistor. Sonolysis (required to disperse the carbon fillers) does not affect GG hydrogel electrical conductivity (1.2 ± 0.1 mS/cm), but has a detrimental effect on the gel's mechanical characteristics. It was found that the electrical conductivity (evaluated using impedance analysis) increases with increasing volume fraction of the carbon fillers and decreasing water content. For example, carbon nanotube containing hydrogels exhibited a six‐ to sevenfold increase in electrical conductivity (to 7 ± 2 mS/cm) at water content of 82%. It is demonstrated that at water content of 95 ± 2% the electrical behavior of multiwalled nanotube containing hydrogels transitions (percolates) from transport dominated by ions (owing to GG) to transport dominated by electrons (owing to the carbon nanotube network). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 864–871
Formation of polyketone particle structure by hexafluoroisopropanol solvent evaporation and effects of plasticizer addition
Authors: Xia Hong , Hashimoto Yoshio , Morita Toru , Hirai Toshihiro 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTFew solvents are capable of dissolving polyketones (PKs). 1,1,1,3,3,3‐Hexafluoro‐2‐propanol (hexafluoroisopropanol, HFIP) is a better solvent than trifluoroethanol and m‐cresol. When HFIP was evaporated from a PK/HFIP solution, a porous cast‐film with a microparticle structure was formed because the isotactic PKs adopted a helical conformation, and convection during evaporation of the high polarity and low‐boiling‐point HFIP caused aggregation and rolling of the polymer molecules. The addition of plasticizer suppressed particle formation, improving the surface structure and mechanical properties of the film. In particular, the dielectric properties of the film improved significantly. This will enable PKs, which are rigid insulating materials, to be used as dielectric materials, broadening their range of applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 887–892
Lack of adaptation to a new host in a generalist herbivore: implications for host plant resistance to twospotted spider mites in cotton
Authors: Miyazaki Junji , Wilson Lewis J , Stiller Warwick N 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe twospotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) is an important pest of cotton. This pest has a broad host range, but when changing between hosts an initial decline in fitness often occurs. This is usually followed by an increase in fitness after rapid adaptation to the new host, usually within five generations.RESULTSThe generality of this adaptive response was tested by assessing elements of fitness when mites were reared on a host to which they were adapted (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. Sicot 71) or on a new host, Gossypium arboreum L. (accession BM13H). In a first experiment, mites reared on the new host for ten generations showed declining immature survival compared with those reared on the adapted host. In a second experiment, the intrinsic capacity for increase of mites cultured on the new host for six generations was significantly lower than that of mites cultured on the adapted host for six generations and then transferred to the new host. Hence, exposure to the new host for six or ten generations resulted in declining fitness.CONCLUSIONThis ‘negative adaptation’ indicates robust antibiosis traits in G. arboreum accession BM13H, which therefore have value in developing mite‐resistant G. hirsutum cultivars. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
New approach to the growth of SiO2 nanowires using Sn catalyst on Si substrate
Authors: Zamchiy Alexandr , Baranov Evgeniy , Khmel Sergey 
Published: April 2014

AbstractSilica nanowires were synthesized from mixture monosilane with hydrogen by gas‐jet electron beam plasma chemical vapor deposition method for the first time. The synthesis was carried out on silicon substrate with up to micrometer‐sized particles of Sn catalyst. SEM observations show that this method provides different morphology of the nanowires and catalyst. Oriented arrays of silica nanowires bunches (microropes) were synthesized in the area corresponding to the mixture jet axis. Cocoons‐like, bamboo‐like, and jellyfish‐like morphology was observed in the area corresponding to periphery of the jet. Probably there was realised vapor‐liquid‐solid (VLS) growth mechanism, where multiple nanowires grow simultaneously from the surface of one catalyst drop. The growth rate of the microropes is about 25 nm/s at synthesis temperature 330 °C. Possible growth model has been suggested in order to explain the results. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Obtaining of II‐VI compound substrates with controlled electrical parameters and prospects of their application for nanoporous structures
Authors: Colibaba Gleb , Goncearenco Evghenii , Nedeoglo Dmitrii , Nedeoglo Natalia , Monaico Eduard , Tiginyanu Ion 
Published: April 2014

AbstractSubstrates of II‐VI semiconductor compounds may be widely used in fabrication of nanoporous matrices (NM), which give the possibility to obtain nanowires and nanotubes of various materials with good application prospects in various fields. The easiest and cost‐effective method to obtain nanoporous matrices is electrochemical etching (ECE), which, however, depends on conductive properties of the substrates. The conditions of growing homogeneous ZnSe, ZnS, ZnSSe, ZnO, and ZnCdS single crystals by physical and chemical vapour transport methods are discussed. Based on the results of investigation of electrical, optical, and photoluminescence properties of the samples with various doping levels, the prospect of examined technology for manufacturing the substrates of these compounds with large area and controlled n‐type electrical conductivity varied up to 20, 0.3, 0.3, 9, and 30 Ω–1cm–1, respectively, is estimated. Possible utilization of these substrates for preparation of NM by ECE is analyzed. The results of nanostructuring using various electrolytes are shown. The prospect of using ZnSe and ZnCdS compounds for manufacturing nanopore arrays with diameter down to 30 nm and nanopo‐rous structures with a specific morphology on ZnO substrates is demonstrated. Technological limitations for fabrication of the similar structures on the basis of ZnS and ZnSSe substrates are also analyzed. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nanostructured Y‐doped ZrO2 powder: peculiarities of light emission under electron beam excitation
Authors: Korsunska N. , Papusha V. , Kolomys O. , Strelchuk V. , Kuchuk A. , Kladko V. , Bacherikov Yu. , Konstantinova T. , Khomenkova L. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPresent work deals with the study of luminescence and structural properties of Y‐doped ZrO2 nanopowders sintered by co‐precipitation of Zr and Y nitrates. The structural and light emitting properties were controlled by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Raman scattering, photo‐ (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL) methods. Generally, room temperature PL spectra showed several bands in UV‐orange range, whose shapes depend on the excitation light wavelength. Along with this, CL spectra demonstrate additional “red” emission, which intensity exceeds that of other CL bands. At lower temperatures, preferable enhancement of “red” CL band, its narrowing and peak position shift to the longer wavelengths were found. This behavior testifies to the non‐elementary nature of “red” CL band. Its nature and mechanism of its excitation are discussed. It is supposed that some impurities (such as Fe and/or Zn) or complex defects, containing oxygen vacancies and these impurities, are responsible for “red” emission appeared under electron beam excitation only. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Diesel exhaust particulates affect cell signaling, mucin profiles, and apoptosis in trachea explants of Balb/C mice
Authors: Seriani Robson , Junqueira Mara de Souza , de Toledo Alessandra Choqueta , Martins Milton Arruda , Seckler Marcelo , Alencar Adriano Mesquita , Negri Elnara Marcia , Silva Luiz Fernando Ferraz , Mauad Thaís , Saldiva Paulo Hilário Nascimento , Macchione Mariangela 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTParticulate matter from diesel exhaust (DEP) has toxic properties and can activate intracellular signaling pathways and induce metabolic changes. This study was conducted to evaluate the activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and to analyze the mucin profile (acid (AB+), neutral (PAS+), or mixed (AB/PAS+) mucus) and vacuolization (V) of tracheal explants after treatment with 50 or 100 μg/mL DEP for 30 or 60 min. Western blot analyses showed small increases in ERK1/2 and JNK phosphorylation after 30 min of 100 μg/mL DEP treatment compared with the control. An increase in JNK phosphorylation was observed after 60 min of treatment with 50 μg/mL DEP compared with the control. We did not observe any change in the level of ERK1/2 phosphorylation after treatment with 50 μg/mL DEP. Other groups of tracheas were subjected to histological sectioning and stained with periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) reagent and Alcian Blue (AB). The stained tissue sections were then subjected to morphometric analysis. The results obtained were compared using ANOVA. Treatment with 50 μg/mL DEP for 30 min or 60 min showed a significant increase (p < 0.001) in the amount of acid mucus, a reduction in neutral mucus, a significant reduction in mixed mucus, and greater vacuolization. Our results suggest that compounds found in DEPs are able to activate acid mucus production and enhance vacuolization and cell signaling pathways, which can lead to airway diseases. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 1297–1308, 2015.
One‐way mesoscale–microscale coupling for the simulation of atmospheric flows over complex terrain
Authors: Castro F.A. , Silva Santos C. , Lopes da Costa J.C. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe microscale model WINDIE, initially developed for the simulation of neutral atmospheric flows over complex topography, is here extended to the study of stratified atmospheric flows with Coriolis effects, with particular focus on its application to wind farm development projects. The code now uses E–l and E– ϵ–l turbulence models, which have shown to be more adequate than the standard E– ϵ model for the simulation of atmospheric flows. The validation tasks include 1D atmospheric boundary layers from the first two cases produced by the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment Atmospheric Boundary Layer Study: a stably stratified boundary layer and a diurnal‐cycle over land, respectively. To test the applicability of the new code to real situations, a series of simulations were performed of the time‐varying atmospheric flow (a 3‐month period between February and May 2012) over a moderately complex topography in the Portuguese mainland, using the Weather Research and Forecasting with Advanced Research WRF (WRF‐ARW) mesoscale code on a 3 km mesh to produce time‐varying boundary conditions for the microscale code, in a dynamic coupling fashion. Comparisons with sonic anemometer measurements at the hill top and with WRF‐ARW results from a finer horizontal resolution mesh ( Δx,y = 1 ∕ 3 km) showed that the code can adequately simulate real atmospheric flows over complex topography. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DEM of triaxial tests on crushable cemented sand
Authors: Bono J. P. de , McDowell G. R. , Wanatowski D. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Using the discrete element method, triaxial simulations of cemented sand consisting of crushable particles are presented. The triaxial model used features a flexible membrane, allowing realistic deformation to occur, and cementation is modelled using inter-particle bonds. The effects of particle crushing are explored, as is the influence of cementation on the behaviour of the soil. An insight to the effects that cementation has on the degree of crushing is presented.
Expression, characterization, and improvement of a newly cloned halohydrin dehalogenase fromAgrobacterium tumefaciensand its application in production of epichlorohydrin
Authors: Liu Zhi-Qiang , Gao Ai-Cun , Wang Ya-Jun , Zheng Yu-Guo , Shen Yin-Chu 
Published: April 2014

AbstractA gene encoding halohydrin dehalogenase (HHDH) from Agrobacterium tumefaciens CCTCC M 87071 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. To increase activity and stability of HHDH, 14 amino acid residues around the active site and substrate-binding pocket based on the structural analysis and molecular docking were selected as targets for site-directed mutagenesis. The studies showed that the mutant HHDH (Mut-HHDH) enzyme had a more accessible substrate-binding pocket than the wild-type HHDH (Wt-HHDH). Molecular docking revealed that the distance between the substrate and active site was closer in mutant which improved the catalytic activity. The expressed Wt-HHDH and Mut-HHDH were purified and characterized using 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (1,3-DCP) as substrates. The specific activity of the mutant was enhanced 26-fold and the value of k cat was 18.4-fold as compared to the Wt-HHDH, respectively. The Mut-HHDH showed threefold extension of half-life at 45 °C than that of Wt-HHDH. Therefore it is possible to add 1,3-DCP concentration up to 100 mM and epichlorohydrin (ECH) was produced at a relatively high conversion and yield (59.6 %) using Mut-HHDH as catalyst. This Mut-HHDH could be a potential candidate for the upscale production of ECH.