bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Micromotor‐Based Energy Generation
Authors: Singh Virendra V. , Soto Fernando , Kaufmann Kevin , Wang Joseph 
Published: April 2015

AbstractA micromotor‐based strategy for energy generation, utilizing the conversion of liquid‐phase hydrogen to usable hydrogen gas (H2), is described. The new motion‐based H2‐generation concept relies on the movement of Pt‐black/Ti Janus microparticle motors in a solution of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) fuel. This is the first report of using NaBH4 for powering micromotors. The autonomous motion of these catalytic micromotors, as well as their bubble generation, leads to enhanced mixing and transport of NaBH4 towards the Pt‐black catalytic surface (compared to static microparticles or films), and hence to a substantially faster rate of H2 production. The practical utility of these micromotors is illustrated by powering a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell car by an on‐board motion‐based hydrogen and oxygen generation. The new micromotor approach paves the way for the development of efficient on‐site energy generation for powering external devices or meeting growing demands on the energy grid.
Rate and Equilibrium Constants for the Addition of N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes into Benzaldehydes: A Remarkable 2‐Substituent Effect
Authors: Collett Christopher J. , Massey Richard S. , Taylor James E. , Maguire Oliver R. , O'Donoghue AnnMarie C. , Smith Andrew D. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractRate and equilibrium constants for the reaction between N‐aryl triazolium N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precatalysts and substituted benzaldehyde derivatives to form 3‐(hydroxybenzyl)azolium adducts under both catalytic and stoichiometric conditions have been measured. Kinetic analysis and reaction profile fitting of both the forward and reverse reactions, plus onwards reaction to the Breslow intermediate, demonstrate the remarkable effect of the benzaldehyde 2‐substituent in these reactions and provide insight into the chemoselectivity of cross‐benzoin reactions.
A Planarized Triphenylborane Mesogen: Discotic Liquid Crystals with Ambipolar Charge‐Carrier Transport Properties
Authors: Kushida Tomokatsu , Shuto Ayumi , Yoshio Masafumi , Kato Takashi , Yamaguchi Shigehiro 
Published: April 2015

AbstractA discotic liquid‐crystalline (LC) material, consisting of a planarized triphenylborane mesogen, was synthesized. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed that this compound forms a hexagonal columnar LC phase with an interfacial distance of 3.57 Å between the discs. At ambient temperature, this boron‐centered discotic liquid crystal exhibited ambipolar carrier transport properties with electron and hole mobility values of approximately 10−3 and 3×10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively.
Mechanical properties of biodegradable polylactide/poly(ether‐block‐amide)/thermoplastic starch blends: Effect of the crosslinking of starch
Authors: Zhou Linyao , Zhao Guiyan , Jiang Wei 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTCorn starch was crosslinked with epichlorohydrin (ECH) and then plasticized with glycerol. Subsequently, this thermoplasticized crosslinked starch (TPCLS) was melt‐compounded with polylactide (PLA) and poly(ether‐block‐amide) (PEBA) to prepare biodegradable PLA/PEBA/TPCLS blend with high impact resistance. It was found that the crosslinking agent ECH had critical effect on the impact strength, tensile properties, and internal morphology of the ternary blend. The impact strength, tensile strength, and elongation at break increased with ECH content; thereafter, they decreased on further increasing the ECH content. At 0.5 wt % ECH content, impact strength, tensile strength, and elongation at break reached the maximum values and smaller salami structure particles were observed accordingly. These results were attributed to the competition of shear resistance of TPCLS and the chemical linkage between the crosslinked starch and PLA‐g‐MA. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42297.
One‐Step Synthesis of Amorphous Silver Silicates with Tunable Light Absorption Spectra and Photocatalytic Activities in the Visible Region
Authors: Lou Zaizhu , Wang Zeyan , Huang Baibiao , Dai Ying , Wang Gang , Jiang Zaiyong , Zhang Xiaoyang , Qin Xiaoyan , Li Yanqing 
Published: April 2015

AbstractA series of amorphous silver silicates with different compositions were synthesized for the first time by one‐step co‐precipitation. Silicate ions were found to have important role on determining visible light absorption and photocatalytic activities of amorphous silver silicates, and the sample with Ag/Si ratio of 3.20 exhibits optimal photocatalytic activity.
Dienamine and Friedel–Crafts One‐Pot Synthesis, and Antitumor Evaluation of Diheteroarylalkanals
Authors: Frías María , Padrón José M. , Alemán José 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAn asymmetric synthesis of diheteroarylalkanals through one‐pot dienamine and Friedel–Crafts reaction is presented. The reaction tolerates a large variety of substituents at different positions of the starting aldehyde and also in the indole nucleophile, and a range of diheterocyclic alkanals can be achieved. Furthermore, we have studied the antiproliferative activity of these new compounds in representative cancer tumor cell lines.
Staugrenze bei der Begasung mit Lochböden
Authors: Ruff Klaus 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBei der Flüssigkeitsbegasung mit Lochböden existiert eine bestimmte Gasgeschwindigkeit, ab der die nach unten austretende Regenrate merklich abnimmt. Durch erneute Experimente konnte diese Staugrenze mit einer früher abgeleiteten Grenze zwischen Blasengasen und Strahlgasen identifiziert werden. Erstmals konnte auch für Lochböden bei Gas‐Feststoff‐Wirbelschichten dasselbe Kriterium festgestellt werden.
Spectroscopic Observation of Calcium‐Induced Reorientation of Cellobiose Dehydrogenase Immobilized on Electrodes and its Effect on Electrocatalytic Activity
Authors: Kielb Patrycja , Sezer Murat , Katz Sagie , Lopez Francesca , Schulz Christopher , Gorton Lo , Ludwig Roland , Wollenberger Ulla , Zebger Ingo , Weidinger Inez M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractCellobiose dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxidation of various carbohydrates and is considered as a possible anode catalyst in biofuel cells. It has been shown that the catalytic performance of this enzyme immobilized on electrodes can be increased by presence of calcium ions. To get insight into the Ca2+‐induced changes in the immobilized enzyme we employ surface‐enhanced vibrational (SERR and SEIRA) spectroscopy together with electrochemistry. Upon addition of Ca2+ions electrochemical measurements show a shift of the catalytic turnover signal to more negative potentials while SERR measurements reveal an offset between the potential of heme reduction and catalytic current. Comparing SERR and SEIRA data we propose that binding of Ca2+to the heme induces protein reorientation in a way that the electron transfer pathway of the catalytic FAD center to the electrode can bypass the heme cofactor, resulting in catalytic activity at more negative potentials.
Ovarian structure protein 1: A sensitive molecular biomarker of gonadal intersex in female Japanese medaka after androgen exposure
Authors: Abdel-Moneim Ahmed , Mahapatra Cecon T. , Hatef Azadeh , Sepúlveda Maria S. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Intersex in gonochoristic fish can be induced after exposure to androgens and estrogens. The main objective of the present study was to identify biomarkers that would be predictive of intersex in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) after exposure to synthetic hormones. First a gene was identified, ovarian structure protein 1 (osp1), with strong female-specific expression during gonadal differentiation. The authors hypothesized that osp1 expression would decrease to male levels in females after the exposure of larvae (15–25 d postfertilization [dpf]) to 17β-trenbolone (TRB; 5 ng/L) and would increase to female levels in males exposed to 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2; 5 ng/L) and that gonadal intersex would be induced later in life (60 dpf). Tissue distribution and cellular localization of OSP1 was investigated using Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The results indicate that this exposure regime delays testicular maturation in males and development of ovarian intersex in females. Although decreased osp1 expression in females exposed to TRB correlated to changes in ovarian phenotype, up-regulation of osp1 was not observed in males exposed to EE2. In addition, OSP1 was only observed in ovaries and localized in the cytoplasm and follicular layer of immature and mature oocytes. The authors conclude that osp1 is a promising biomarker of androgen exposure and gonadal intersex in female medaka. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2087–2094. © 2015 SETAC
DNA damage and genetic methylation changes caused by Cd in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings
Authors: Li Zhaoling , Liu Zhihong , Chen Ruijuan , Li Xiaojun , Tai Peidong , Gong Zongqiang , Jia Chunyun , Liu Wan 
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MASP) techniques are sensitive to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and genetic methylation, respectively. Using these 2 techniques, Arabidopsis thaliana cultured with 0 mg/L (control), 0.5 mg/L, 1.5 mg/L, and 5.0 mg/L Cd2+ for 16 d was used to analyze the DNA damage and methylation changes as a result of cadmium (Cd). The DNA was amplified by 14 AFLP primer pairs and 13 MSAP primer combinations. In the AFLP experiment, 62 polymorphic sites were found in the patterns of 11 primer combinations and a total of 1116 fragments were obtained in these patterns. There were no polymorphic bands in the remaining 3 pairs. The proportions of polymorphic sites in the 0.5-mg/L Cd2+ and 5.0-mg/L Cd2+ treatments were significantly different. Seven polymorphic fragments were then separated and successfully sequenced, yielding 6 nucleobase substitutions and 1 nucleobase deletion. Similarly, in the MSAP experiment, the MSAP% and number of demethylated-type bands were unchanged after Cd treatment, but the number of methylated-type bands was increased significantly in the 5.0-mg/L Cd2+ treatment group, a finding that may be associated with the AFLP results. The polymorphic bands were also sequenced and the functions of their homologous genes were determined. The DNA damage and methylation changes may be the primary cause of certain pathology changes as a result of Cd uptake in plants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2095–2103. © 2015 SETAC
Does Ergonomics Improve Product Quality and Reduce Costs? A Review Article
Authors: Zare Mohsen , Croq Michel , Hossein‐Arabi Farhad , Brunet Rene , Roquelaure Yves 
Published: April 2015

AbstractCompetition is an ongoing challenge confronting industrial corporations, particularly automobile manufacturing. Striving to improve product quality and productivity, automotive industries have used different quality management approaches, such as reduced variability, total quality management, and lean management, over recent years. Furthermore, incorporating proactive ergonomics such as physical and organizational ergonomics and psychosocial factors into the structure of a company is considered to be a support for productivity and quality. Several studies have shown the effects of ergonomics on better quality. Application of both quality management approaches and ergonomics in an integrated manner in the manufacturing production system is emphasized because they are similar concepts with the same objectives, that is, to improve efficiency. In this study, a comprehensive review was undertaken and 25 studies were reviewed in order to define how integration of an ergonomic approach in the manufacturing production system can reduce defects and improve quality in the production process.
Ischemic LTP: NMDA‐dependency and dorso/ventral distribution within the hippocampus
Authors: Maggio Nicola , Shavit Stein Efrat , Segal Menahem 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTA transient ischemic episode causes a reduction in evoked EPSPs in hippocampal slices, followed by an NMDA dependent LTP. We explored the relations between ischemic LTP (iLTP) and the more conventional tetanic LTP (tLTP) in CA1 region of slices along the dorsal/ventral axis of the hippocampus. Dorsal hippocampal (DH) slices produced a much larger iLTP than their ventral hippocampal (VH) counterparts. In both regions, iLTP and tLTP shared the same NMDA mediated potentiation, such that one LTP saturated the ability of the other treatment to generate LTP. The smaller LTP in VH was correlated with a lower NMDA‐mediated EPSP, and a parallel lower density of NMDA receptors. Calcium permeable AMPA receptors did not contribute to the DH/VH disparity. We conclude that a differential distribution of NMDA receptor subunits along the septotemporal axis of the hippocampus controls the diverse ability to evoke iLTP and tLTP in the two regions and may underlie their characteristic behavioral outputs as well as their differential sensitivity to ischemia. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Considerations in evaluating potential socioeconomic impacts of offshore platform decommissioning in California
Authors: Kruse Sarah A , Bernstein Brock , Scholz Astrid J 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The 27 oil and gas platforms offshore southern California will eventually reach the end of their useful lifetimes (estimated between 2015 and 2030) and will be decommissioned. Current state and federal laws and regulations allow for alternative uses in lieu of the complete removal required in existing leases. Any decommissioning pathway will create a complex mix of costs, benefits, opportunities, and constraints for multiple user groups. To assist the California Natural Resources Agency in understanding these issues, we evaluated the potential socioeconomic impacts of the 2 most likely options: complete removal and partial removal of the structure to 85 feet below the waterline with the remaining structure left in place as an artificial reef—generally defined as a manmade structure with some properties that mimic a natural reef. We estimated impacts on commercial fishing, commercial shipping, recreational fishing, nonconsumptive boating, and nonconsumptive SCUBA diving. Available data supported quantitative estimates for some impacts, semiquantitative estimates for others, and only qualitative approximations of the direction of impact for still others. Even qualitative estimates of the direction of impacts and of user groups' likely preferred options have been useful to the public and decision makers and provided valuable input to the project's integrative decision model. Uncertainty surrounds even qualitative estimates of the likely direction of impact where interactions between multiple impacts could occur or where user groups include subsets that would experience the same option differently. In addition, we were unable to quantify effects on ecosystem value and on the larger regional ecosystem, because of data gaps on the population sizes and dynamics of key species and the uncertainty surrounding the contribution of platforms to available hard substrate and related natural populations offshore southern California. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;X:000–000. © 2015 SETAC
Key Points
Commercial shipping vessels and nonconsumptive boaters as stakeholders will likely be indifferent between partial and complete removal options, due to both scenarios removing all surface obstructions and presenting little risk of vessel collision or damage. Partial removal of platforms will likely be favored by nonconsumptive SCUBA divers and recreational fishermen, since the option will provide new opportunities for both. Complete removal may benefit commercial trawler and longliner fisherman by increasing fishing areas, while partial removal may benefit fisherman using stationary gear, unless the remaining platforms are designated as essential fish habitat. Although complete and partial removal both result in a loss of habitat above 85 ft, partial removal retains existing habitat below 85 ft, whereas complete removal restores the platform site.
Disciplinary Literacy in History
Authors: Wineburg Sam , Reisman Abby 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn this article, we draw clear distinctions between generic reading comprehension and disciplinary literacy in history. We argue that disciplinary reading restores agency to the reader, changing the typical relationship between text and reader, in which knowledge flows down from one to the other. Sourcing, for example, enjoins readers to engage authors, querying them about their credentials, their interest in the story they are telling, their position vis‐à‐vis the event they narrate. Contextualization prompts the reader to question the social and political circumstances surrounding the text. In a digital age characterized by unfettered access to information, such skills become essential tools for an informed citizenry.
Notch‐1 Promotes Stemness and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Fender Alexander W. , Nutter Jennifer M. , Fitzgerald Timothy L. , Bertrand Fred E. , Sigounas George 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTColorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States, resulting in an average of 50,000 deaths per year. Surgery and combination chemotherapy comprise current treatment strategies. However, curative options are limited if surgery and chemotherapy are unsuccessful. Several studies have indicated that CRC aggressiveness and potential for metastatic spread are associated with the acquisition of stem cell like properties. The Notch‐1 receptor and its cognate signaling pathway is well known for controlling cell fate decisions and stem‐cell phenotypes. Alterations in Notch receptors and Notch signaling has been reported for some colon cancers. Herein, we examine a potential role for Notch‐1 signaling in CRC. In CRC patient samples, Notch‐1 expression was increased in colon tumor tissue as compared with normal colon tissue. Retroviral transduction of constitutively active Notch‐1 (ICN1) into the colon tumor cell line HCT‐116 resulted in increased expression of the EMT/stemness associated proteins CD44, Slug, Smad‐3, and induction of Jagged‐1 expression. These changes in ICN1 expressing cells were accompanied by increased migration and increased anchorage independent growth by 2.5‐fold and 23%, respectively. Experiments with the pan‐Notch inhibitor DAPT, and soluble Jagged‐1‐Fc protein provided evidence that Notch‐1 signaling activates CD44, Slug, and Smad‐3 via a cascade of other Notch‐receptors through induction of Jagged‐1 expression. These data indicate a key role for Notch signaling in the phenotype of CRC and suggest that targeting of Notch signaling may be of therapeutic value in colon cancers. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2517–2527, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Notch Signaling Promotes Osteoclast Maturation and Resorptive Activity
Authors: Ashley Jason W. , Ahn Jaimo , Hankenson Kurt D. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTThe role of Notch signaling in osteoclast differentiation is controversial with conflicting experimental evidence indicating both stimulatory and inhibitory roles. Differences in experimental protocols and in vivo versus in vitro models may explain the discrepancies between studies. In this study, we investigated cell autonomous roles of Notch signaling in osteoclast differentiation and function by altering Notch signaling during osteoclast differentiation using stimulation with immobilized ligands Jagged1 or Delta‐like1 or by suppression with γ‐secretase inhibitor DAPT or transcriptional inhibitor SAHM1. Stimulation of Notch signaling in committed osteoclast precursors resulted in larger osteoclasts with a greater number of nuclei and resorptive activity whereas suppression resulted in smaller osteoclasts with fewer nuclei and suppressed resorptive activity. Conversely, stimulation of Notch signaling in osteoclast precursors prior to induction of osteoclastogenesis resulted in fewer osteoclasts. Our data support a mechanism of context‐specific Notch signaling effects wherein Notch stimulation inhibits commitment to osteoclast differentiation, but enhances the maturation and function of committed precursors. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2598–2609, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of brown adipose tissue by water–fat separated magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Romu Thobias , Elander Louise , Leinhard Olof Dahlqvist , Lidell Martin E , Betz Matthias J , Persson Anders , Enerbäck Sven , Borga Magnus 
Published: April 2015

BackgroundTo evaluate the possibility of quantifying brown adipose tissue (BAT) volume and fat concentration with a high resolution, long echo time, dual‐echo Dixon imaging protocol.MethodsA 0.42 mm isotropic resolution water–fat separated MRI protocol was implemented by using the second opposite‐phase echo and third in‐phase echo. Fat images were calibrated with regard to the intensity of nearby white adipose tissue (WAT) to form relative fat content (RFC) images. To evaluate the ability to measure BAT volume and RFC contrast dynamics, rats were divided into two groups that were kept at 4° or 22°C for 5 days. The rats were then scanned in a 70 cm bore 3.0 Tesla MRI scanner and a human dual energy CT. Interscapular, paraaortal, and perirenal BAT (i/pa/pr‐BAT) depots as well as WAT and muscle were segmented in the MRI and CT images. Biopsies were collected from the identified BAT depots.ResultsThe biopsies confirmed that the three depots identified with the RFC images consisted of BAT. There was a significant linear correlation (P < 0.001) between the measured RFC and the Hounsfield units from DECT. Significantly lower iBAT RFC (P = 0.0064) and significantly larger iBAT and prBAT volumes (P = 0.0017) were observed in the cold stimulated rats.ConclusionThe calibrated Dixon images with RFC scaling can depict BAT and be used to measure differences in volume, and fat concentration, induced by cold stimulation. The high correlation between RFC and HU suggests that the fat concentration is the main RFC image contrast mechanism. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2015;42:1639–1645.
Selenium (Se) improves drought tolerance in crop plants – a myth or fact?
Authors: Ahmad Rashid , Waraich Ejaz Ahmad , Nawaz Fahim , Ashraf Muhammad Y , Khalid Muhammad 
Published: April 2015

AbstractClimate change has emerged as one of the most complex challenges of the 21st century and has become an area of interest in the past few decades. Many countries of the world have become extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The scarcity of water is a serious concern for food security of these countries and climate change has aggravated the risks of extreme events like drought. Oxidative stress, caused by a variety of active oxygen species formed under drought stress, damages many cellular constituents, such as carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and proteins, which ultimately reduces plant growth, respiration and photosynthesis. Se has become an element of interest to many biologists owing to its physiological and toxicological importance. It plays a beneficial role in plants by enhancing growth, reducing damage caused by oxidative stress, enhancing chlorophyll content under light stress, stimulating senesce to produce antioxidants and improving plant tolerance to drought stress by regulating water status. Researchers have adopted different strategies to evaluate the role of selenium in plants under drought stress. Some of the relevant work available regarding the role of Se in alleviating adverse effect of drought stress is discussed in this paper. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry