bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A fast, parameterized model of upper atmospheric ionization rates, chemistry, and conductivity
Authors: McGranaghan Ryan , Knipp Delores J. , Solomon Stanley C. , Fang Xiaohua 
Published: May 2015

AbstractRapid specification of ionization rates and ion densities in the upper atmosphere is essential when many evaluations of the atmospheric state must be performed, as in global studies or analyses of on‐orbit satellite data. Though many models of the upper atmosphere perform the necessary specification, none provide the flexibility of computational efficiency, high accuracy, and complete specification. We introduce a parameterized, updated, and extended version of the GLobal AirglOW (GLOW) model, called GLOWfast, that significantly reduces computation time and provides comparable accuracy in upper atmospheric ionization, densities, and conductivity. We extend GLOW capabilities by (1) implementing the nitric oxide empirical model, (2) providing a new model component to calculate height‐dependent conductivity profiles from first principles for the 80–200 km region, and (3) reducing computation time. The computational improvement is achieved by replacing the full, two‐stream electron transport algorithm with two parameterizations: (1) photoionization (QRJ from Solomon and Qian ()) and (2) electron impact ionization (F0810 from Fang et al. (, )). We find that GLOWfast accurately reproduces ionization rates, ion and electron densities, and Pedersen and Hall conductivities independent of the background atmospheric state and input solar and auroral activity. Our results suggest that GLOWfast may be even more appropriate for low characteristic energy auroral conditions. We demonstrate in a suite of 3028 case studies that GLOWfast can be used to rapidly calculate the ionization of the upper atmosphere with few limitations on background and input conditions. We support these results through comparisons with electron density profiles from COSMIC.
Concise and Practical Asymmetric Synthesis of a Challenging Atropisomeric HIV Integrase Inhibitor
Authors: Fandrick Keith R. , Li Wenjie , Zhang Yongda , Tang Wenjun , Gao Joe , Rodriguez Sonia , Patel Nitinchandra D. , Reeves Diana C. , Wu Jiang‐Ping , Sanyal Sanjit , Gonnella Nina , Qu Bo , Haddad Nizar , Lorenz Jon C. , Sidhu Kanwar , Wang June , Ma Shengli , Grinberg Nelu , Lee Heewon , Tsantrizos Youla , Poupart Marc‐André , Busacca Carl A. , Yee Nathan K. , Lu Bruce Z. , Senanayake Chris H. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractA practical and efficient synthesis of a complex chiral atropisomeric HIV integrase inhibitor has been accomplished. The combination of a copper‐catalyzed acylation along with the implementation of the BI‐DIME ligands for a ligand‐controlled Suzuki cross‐coupling and an unprecedented bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide‐catalyzed tert‐butylation renders the synthesis of this complex molecule robust, safe, and economical. Furthermore, the overall synthesis was conducted in an asymmetric and diastereoselective fashion with respect to the imbedded atropisomer.
Thermally reversible highly cross‐linked polymeric materials based on furan/maleimide Diels‐Alder adducts
Authors: Mineo Placido , Barbera Vincenzina , Romeo Giovanni , Ghezzo Fabrizia , Scamporrino Emilio , Spitaleri Fabiola , Chiacchio Ugo 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTA novel thermally reversible cross‐linked polymer has been synthesized by a Diels‐Alder (DA) reaction between bis(4‐maleimido‐phenyl)fluorene (cBMI) and tetrakis‐furan monomers (4F) under microwave (MW) irradiation. The ultimate aim of this work was the preparation of a thermosetting material recyclable by a simple thermal treatment. The use of the MW irradiation was necessary because under thermal conditions the DA polymerization could lead to materials only partially cross‐linked for a not desired equilibrium between DA and retro‐DA processes induced by the high temperature. The easy thermal degradation of this cross‐linked material was ascertained by appropriate experiments. Moreover, to better study the involved reactions of formation and decomposition, a more simple model‐compound was also synthesized. The reported data confirm the recyclability of the synthesized cross‐linked polymer by simply heating with the possibility of a regeneration of the polymer network by a further MW irradiation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42314.
Crystallization behavior and water vapor permeability of poly(lactic acid) nanocomposite under oscillatory shear
Authors: Xu Zhongbin , Su Liangyao , Jiang Shichao , Gu Wei , Peng Mao , Wang Pengfei 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTThe crystallization behavior and water vapor permeability of a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposite containing 5 wt % organic montmorillonite (OMMT) under oscillatory shear were investigated. Under the oscillatory shear, OMMT platelets exhibited a better intercalated structure and oriented along the flow direction, some of the OMMT platelets are exfoliated and dispersed in the form of single or few‐layer platelets. These well‐dispersed OMMT platelets acted as more effective nucleating and accelerating agent for the crystallization of PLA, as a result, the cold crystallization enthalpy was significantly decreased, the cold crystallization temperature was much closer to the melting temperature and the crystallinity is dramatically increased, which are observed for the first time. Moreover, the water vapor permeability is decreased by 36% due to the barrier effect of the well‐dispersed OMMT and the increased crystallinity of PLA, which increase the tortuous path that water molecules required to permeate. The mechanical properties are also enhanced owing to the well‐dispersed OMMT and increased crystallinity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42321.
Compatibility improvement of poly(lactic acid)/thermoplastic polyurethane blends with 3‐aminopropyl triethoxysilane
Authors: Lai Sun‐Mou , Lan Yu‐Chi , Wu Wan‐Ling , Wang Yu‐Jhen 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTPoly(lactic acid) (PLA)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blends were prepared via a melt‐blending process with or without the addition of a 3‐aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) compatibilizer at different dosages. The addition of the compatibilizer showed improved compatibility between TPU and PLA; this led to an enhanced dispersion of TPU within the PLA matrix. With the addition of 1‐phr APTES, the crystallization behavior did not vary much, but this exacerbated the formation of a second melting temperature for PLA at higher temperature. However, the addition of 5‐phr APTES into the PLA/TPU blends depressed the crystallization temperature and resulted in a melting temperature depression phenomena with the disappearance of the second melting peak because of the lubricated effect of low‐molecular‐weight species of APTES. The addition of a low dosage of APTES improved the impact strength further from 29.2 ± 1.4 to 40.7 ± 2.7 J/m but with a limited improvement in the tensile properties; this indicated that a higher dispersion of the dispersed phase did not always improve all of the mechanical properties because of the low‐molecular‐weight nature of the compatibilizer used. The physical properties of the added modifier needed to be considered as well. A low dosage of APTES (1 phr) also increased the viscosity because of the improved interaction between TPU and PLA at all of the investigated shear rate regions, but a higher dosage of compatibilizer induced another plasticizing effect to reduce the viscosity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42322.
High glass transition temperature polyester coatings for the protection of stones
Authors: Pedna Andrea , Rosi Luca , Frediani Marco , Frediani Piero 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTCopolymers of lactic acid with mandelic or salicylic acid were synthetized through ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) and tested as protective coatings for stones. Most notably, glass transition temperature (Tg), hydrophobicity, and UV barrier properties were increased, making these materials more suitable as protective coating for outdoor stones than poly(lactic acid). A Tg of 76°C was obtained for the alternating copolymer lactic acid/mandelic acid and it was considerably higher than the one of poly(lactic acid) with similar molecular weight (50–55°C). Furthermore, the introduction of a perfluorinated moiety as chain‐end group, using a perfluoro alcohol as initiator of the ROP process, allowed to increase the hydrophobicity and stability of the new coatings. These polymers showed a good protective efficiency when applied on marble stones and preliminary stability tests under solar light showed low degradation, good stability to photo‐oxidative conditions, and negligible color changes after an aging time of 1000 h. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42323.
Thermal, mechanical, and structural properties of zno/polyethylene membranes made by thermally induced phase separation method
Authors: Jafarzadeh Yoones , Yegani Reza 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTIn this study, ZnO/polyethylene membranes were fabricated via thermally induced phase separation method. A set of tests including FE‐SEM, EDX, XRD, DSC, TGA, DMA, mechanical test, and pure water flux (PWF) for characterization of membranes were carried out. The results of EDX, XRD, and TGA analyses confirmed the presence of ZnO nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. The results of DSC analysis revealed that the melting point as well as the crystallinity of the membranes increased slightly with increasing ZnO content. However, glass transition temperature of the membranes was not affected by presence of the particles. Addition of nanoparticles also increased storage modulus, loss modulus. and tensile at break of the membranes due to the stiffness improvement effect of inorganic ZnO. Finally, it was observed that incorporation of the nanoparticles improved PWF of the membranes, whereas humic acid rejection decreased due to the increase in mean pore radius of membranes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42338.
Preparation and property of waterborne UV‐curable chain‐extended polyurethane surface sizing agent: Strengthening and waterproofing mechanism for cellulose fiber paper
Authors: Wang Haihua , Fan Jie , Fei Guiqiang , Lan Jing , Zhao Zhixin 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTWaterborne UV‐curable polyurethane (UWPU) dispersions with different hydrophilicity and functionalities were prepared by varying the content of dimethylol butanoic acid (DMBA) and pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA). And linear and cyclic chain extenders with different functionalities were also incorporated into the UWPU backbone, including isophorone diamine (IPDA), diethylene triamine (DETA), and ethylene diamine (EDA). Effects of DMBA content, PETA content, photoinitiator content, UV curing time, chain extender on the properties of UWPU dispersions and films, as well as the properties of the unsized and sized paper were investigated. The water resistance and mechanical properties of sized paper were greatly relied on the particle size, the molecular weight, the croslinking density, and penetrability of UWPU. UWPU dispersion chain extended with IPDA (IPDA‐UWPU) displayed smaller particle size than that of UWPU. The paper sized with IPDA‐UWPU was endowed with best water resistance, tensile strength, folding strength and surface strength. XPS depth analysis revealed that IPDA‐UWPU exhibited better penetrability into the paper substrate than UWPU. SEM and AFM demonstrated that the smoothness of sized paper was improved, and the bond strength between fibers was enhanced. The obtained UWPU could be directly used as an effective and fast drying surface sizing agent for cellulose fiber paper. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42354.
Dietary restriction decreases coenzyme Q and ubiquinol potentially via changes in gene expression in the model organism C. elegans
Authors: Fischer Alexandra , Klapper Maja , Onur Simone , Menke Thomas , Niklowitz Petra , Döring Frank 
Published: May 2015

AbstractDietary restriction (DR) is a robust intervention that extends both health span and life span in many organisms. Ubiquinol and ubiquinone represent the reduced and oxidized forms of coenzyme Q (CoQ). CoQ plays a central role in energy metabolism and functions in several cellular processes including gene expression. Here we used the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to determine level and redox state of CoQ and expression of genes in response to DR. We found that DR down‐regulates the steady‐state expression levels of several evolutionary conserved genes (i.e. coq‐1) that encode key enzymes of the mevalonate and CoQ‐synthesizing pathways. In line with this, DR decreases the levels of total CoQ and ubiquinol. This CoQ‐reducing effect of DR is obvious in adult worms but not in L4 larvae and is also evident in the eat‐2 mutant, a genetic model of DR. In conclusion, we propose that DR reduces the level of CoQ and ubiquinol via gene expression in the model organism C. elegans. © 2015 BioFactors, 41(3):166–174, 2015
Toll‐like receptor 4 signaling inhibits malignant pleural effusion by altering Th1/Th17 responses
Authors: Xu Qian‐Qian , Zhou Qiong , Xu Li‐Li , Lin Hua , Wang Xiao‐Juan , Ma Wan‐Li , Zhai Kan , Tong Zhao‐Hui , Su Yunchao , Shi Huan‐Zhong 
Published: May 2015

AbstractToll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is involved in multiple malignancies; however, the role of TLR4 in the pathogenesis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) remains unknown. The objectives of this study were to explore the impact of TLR4 signaling on the development of MPE in a murine model and to define the underline mechanisms by which TLR works. Development of MPE as well as proliferation and angiogenesis of pleural tumor were determined in TLR4–/– and wild type mice. Differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells as well as their signal transductions was explored. The effects of TLR4 signaling on survival of mice bearing MPE were also investigated. Compared with wild type mice, Th1 cells were augmented, and Th17 cells were suppressed in MPE from TLR4–/– mice. The in vitro experiments showed that TLR4 deficiency promoted Th1 cell differentiation via enhancing STAT1 pathway and inhibited Th17 cell differentiation via suppressing STAT3 pathway. TLR4 deficiency promoted MPE formation and, thus, accelerated the death of mice bearing MPE, whereas intraperitoneal injection of anti‐IFN‐γ mAb or recombinant mouse IL‐17 protein into TLR4–/– mice was associated with improved survival. Our data provides the first definitive evidence of a role for TLR4 signaling in protective immunity in the development of MPE. Our findings also demonstrate that TLR4 deficiency promotes MPE formation and accelerates mouse death by enhancing Th1 and suppressing Th17 response.
An integrated method for preparing low quinoline insoluble modified pitch
Authors: Liu Peng , Zhang Dexiang , Yang Xu , Cheng Bowu 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPitches with three different softening points (SPs) were obtained from the same original coal tar purified in the laboratory by centrifuge, hot filtration, and distillation. The effect of temperature and residence time on thermal polymerization of the three types of pitch was investigated using a laboratory autoclave. The differences in the composition of the three types of pitch was established by elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. The results show that the purified coal tar with low quinoline insolubles (QI) of 1.8 g/kg (0.18 wt%) was obtained by centrifuge and hot filtration treatment at 348 K, with a 1000‐mesh filter. The coal tar recovery is approximately 800 g/kg (80 wt%). The rate of thermal polymerization is influenced by the SP of the original pitch controlled by the distillation conditions. The QI of the modified pitch decreases (from 3.5 to 1.8 g/kg, 0.35 to 0.18 wt%) in the initial reaction stages at low temperatures (below 683 K) and increases at higher temperatures during the thermal treatment. The SP, coking value (CV), and toluene insolubles (TI) of modified pitches increase monotonically with temperature. A modified pitch with a low QI of 1.8 g/kg (0.18 wt%), a SP of 366 K, a TI of 234.2 g/kg (23.42 wt%), and a CV of 485 g/kg (48.50 wt%) was prepared from the original pitch with an SP of 319 K by thermal polymerization at 683 K for 1 h.
Landscape characteristics influencing the genetic structure of greater sage‐grouse within the stronghold of their range: a holistic modeling approach
Authors: Row Jeffrey R. , Oyler‐McCance Sara J. , Fike Jennifer A. , O'Donnell Michael S. , Doherty Kevin E. , Aldridge Cameron L. , Bowen Zachary H. , Fedy Bradley C. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractGiven the significance of animal dispersal to population dynamics and geographic variability, understanding how dispersal is impacted by landscape patterns has major ecological and conservation importance. Speaking to the importance of dispersal, the use of linear mixed models to compare genetic differentiation with pairwise resistance derived from landscape resistance surfaces has presented new opportunities to disentangle the menagerie of factors behind effective dispersal across a given landscape. Here, we combine these approaches with novel resistance surface parameterization to determine how the distribution of high‐ and low‐quality seasonal habitat and individual landscape components shape patterns of gene flow for the greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) across Wyoming. We found that pairwise resistance derived from the distribution of low‐quality nesting and winter, but not summer, seasonal habitat had the strongest correlation with genetic differentiation. Although the patterns were not as strong as with habitat distribution, multivariate models with sagebrush cover and landscape ruggedness or forest cover and ruggedness similarly had a much stronger fit with genetic differentiation than an undifferentiated landscape. In most cases, landscape resistance surfaces transformed with 17.33‐km‐diameter moving windows were preferred, suggesting small‐scale differences in habitat were unimportant at this large spatial extent. Despite the emergence of these overall patterns, there were differences in the selection of top models depending on the model selection criteria, suggesting research into the most appropriate criteria for landscape genetics is required. Overall, our results highlight the importance of differences in seasonal habitat preferences to patterns of gene flow and suggest the combination of habitat suitability modeling and linear mixed models with our resistance parameterization is a powerful approach to discerning the effects of landscape on gene flow.
Linking mechanistic toxicology to population models in forecasting recovery from chemical stress: A case study from Jackfish Bay, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Miller David H. , Tietge Joseph E. , McMaster Mark E. , Munkittrick Kelly R. , Xia Xiangsheng , Griesmer David A. , Ankley Gerald T. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Recovery of fish and wildlife populations after stressor mitigation serves as a basis for evaluating remediation success. Unfortunately, effectively monitoring population status on a routine basis can be difficult and costly. In the present study, the authors describe a framework that can be applied in conjunction with field monitoring efforts (e.g., through effects-based monitoring programs) to link chemically induced alterations in molecular and biochemical endpoints to adverse outcomes in whole organisms and populations. The approach employs a simple density-dependent logistic matrix model linked to adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) for reproductive effects in fish. Application of this framework requires a life table for the organism of interest, a measure of carrying capacity for the population of interest, and estimation of the effect of stressors on vital rates of organisms within the study population. The authors demonstrate the framework using linked AOPs and population models parameterized with long-term monitoring data for white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) collected from a study site at Jackfish Bay, Lake Superior, Canada. Individual responses of fish exposed to pulp mill effluent were used to demonstrate the framework's capability to project alterations in population status, both in terms of ongoing impact and subsequent recovery after stressor mitigation associated with process changes at the mill. The general approach demonstrated at the Jackfish Bay site can be applied to characterize population statuses of other species at a variety of impacted sites and can account for effects of multiple stressors (both chemical and nonchemical) and dynamics within complex landscapes (i.e., meta-populations including emigration and immigration processes). Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1623–1633. © 2015 SETAC
Tracking multiple modes of endocrine activity in Australia's largest inland sewage treatment plant and effluent- receiving environment using a panel of in vitro bioassays
Authors: Roberts Jenna , Bain Peter A. , Kumar Anupama , Hepplewhite Christopher , Ellis David J. , Christy Andrew G. , Beavis Sara G. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Estrogenicity of sewage effluents, and related ecotoxicological effects in effluent-receiving environments, have been widely reported over the last 2 decades. However, relatively little attention has been given to other endocrine pathways that may be similarly disrupted by a growing list of contaminants of concern. Furthermore, the Australian evidence base is limited compared with those of Europe and North America. During a low dilution period in summer, the authors investigated multiple endocrine potencies in Australia's largest inland sewage treatment plant (STP) and the Lower Molonglo/Upper Murrumbidgee effluent-receiving environment. This STP receives 900 L/s of mostly domestic wastewater from a population of 350 000, and contributes a high proportion of total flow in the lower catchment during dry periods. A panel of in vitro receptor-driven transactivation assays were used to detect (anti)estrogenic, (anti) androgenic, (anti)progestagenic, glucocorticoid, and peroxisome-proliferator activity at various stages of the sewage treatment process. Total estrogenic and (anti)androgenic potency was removed after primary and/or secondary treatment; however, total removal efficiency for glucocorticoid potency was poorer (53–66%), and progestagenic potency was found to increase along the treatment train. Estrogenicity was detected in surface waters and bed sediments upstream and downstream of the effluent outfall, at maximum levels 10 times lower than low-hazard thresholds. Glucocorticoid and progestagenic activity were found to persist to 4 km downstream of the effluent outfall, suggesting that future research is needed on these endocrine-disrupting chemical categories in effluent-receiving systems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2271–2281. © 2015 SETAC