bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenylpyrazole‐Based Hypervalent Phosphorus Compounds: From Positional Isomerism to Stacking Interactions
Authors: Kornev Alexander N. , Sushev Vyacheslav V. , Panova Yulia S. , Zolotareva Natalia V. , Baranov Evgenii V. , Fukin Georgy K. , Abakumov Gleb A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe lithium salt of 3,5‐dimethyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazole (PyrC6H4Li) reacts with (Et2N)2PCl to give the precursor [PyrC6H4P(NEt2)2] (2), which, after reaction with PCl3, affords PyrC6H4PCl2 (3) in 79 % yield. The phosphorus atom in 3 has four‐coordinate disphenoidal geometry with an axial arrangement of Cl atoms. The length of the hypervalent N–P bond in this compound [1.775(1) Å] is comparable to that of common single bonds. The structure of 3 is better described by canonical formulae containing charges on the N, P, and Cl atoms. The 1H NMR spectrum of 3 in CDCl3 shows five pairs of nonequivalent Me groups, which correspond to the positional isomers that exist in the equilibrium mixture. Compound 3 easily exchanges chlorine with methyl iodide to form the diiodo derivative 4 (PyrC6H4PI2) with nonequivalent P–I bonds. The reduction of 3 with aluminium foil or [GeCl2(diox)] gave cationic diphosphines [(PyrC6H4P)2(μ‐Cl)][AlCl4] (8) and [(PyrC6H4P)2(μ‐Cl)][GeCl3] (9), respectively, with a chloride bridge between the phosphorus atoms. Compounds 4, 8 and 9 show a disphenoidal arrangement around the hypervalent phosphorus atoms. The dichloro and diiodo derivatives 3 and 4 are destroyed on heating in pyridine to give diphosphines [(PyrC6H4PCl)2] (10) and [(PyrC6H4P)2(μ‐I)]+[I] (12), respectively, containing hypervalent (trivalent four‐coordinate) phosphorus. The crystal structure of 10 shows multiple C···C, C···Cl, H···H, and C···H short contacts between the adjacent molecules. Compound 3 exchanges chlorine for oxygen atoms on heating in dimethylformamide to give the dioxide PyrC6H4PO2 (13) with an N–PV distance [1.808(1) Å] even longer than that in 3.
Biopolymers made from methane in bioreactors
Authors: Chidambarampadmavathy Karthigeyan , Karthikeyan Obulisamy P. , Heimann Kirsten 
Published: March 2015

Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas and mitigation is important to reduce global warming impacts. In this study, we aimed to convert CH4 to polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB; a biopolymer) by enrichment of methanotrophic consortia in bioreactors. Two different methanotrophic consortia were established form landfill top‐cover (landfill biomass [LB]) and compost soils (compost biomass [CB]), through cultivation under CH4:CO2:air (30:10:60) in batch systems. The established cultures were then used as inoculi (0.5 g LB or CB⋅L−1) in continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) aerated with CH4:CO2:air at 0.25 L⋅min−1. Under stable CSTRs operating conditions, the effect of spiking with 1:1 copper:iron (final concentrations of 5μM) was tested. Methane oxidation capacity (MOC), biomass dry weight (DWbiomass), PHB, and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) contents were used as effect parameters. A maximum MOC of 481.9 ± 8.9 and 279.6 ± 11.3 mg CH4⋅g−1 DWbiomass⋅h−1 was recorded in LB‐CSTR and CB‐CSTR, respectively, but PHB production was similar for both systems, that is 37.7 mg⋅g−1 DWbiomass. Treatment with copper and iron improved PHB production (22.5% of DWbiomass) in LB‐CSTR, but a reduction of 13.6% was observed in CB‐CSTR. The results indicated that CH4 to PHB conversion is feasible using LB‐CSTRs and addition of copper and iron is beneficial.
The Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan–Gelatin Microcapsules and Microcomposites with Fatty Acids as Thermal Energy Storage Materials
Authors: Konuklu Yeliz , Paksoy Halime O. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAfter cellulose, chitosan is the second‐most‐abundant natural resource and can be used as shell material during microencapsulation. In this study, chitosan–gelatin (CG) microcapsules and microcomposites containing either caprylic or decanoic acid were prepared according to the complex coacervation method and cross‐linked by glutaraldehyde. To study the influence of the glutaraldehyde mass ratio upon encapsulation, as well as both the physical and thermal properties of the resulting microcapsules, the properties of microencapsulated phase‐change materials (microPCMs) were analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results show the successful synthesis of microPCMs and melting temperatures of approximately 11.5 and 24.2 °C with latent heat storage capacities of 79 and 73 J g−1 for microPCMs containing caprylic acid and those containing decanoic acid, respectively.
A time‐domain seismic SSI analysis method for inelastic bridge structures through the use of a frequency‐dependent lumped parameter model
Authors: Lesgidis Nikolaos , Kwon Oh‐Sung , Sextos Anastasios 
Published: March 2015

SummaryIt is highlighted in the past that the soil–structure interaction phenomenon can produce a significant alteration on the response of a bridge structure. A variety of approaches has been developed in the past, which is capable of tackling the soil–structure interaction problem from different perspectives. The popular approach of a discretized truncated finite element model of the soil domain is not always a numerically viable solution, especially for computationally demanding simulations such as the probabilistic fragility analysis of a bridge structure or the real time hybrid simulation. This paper aims to develop a complete modeling procedure that is capable of coping with the soil–structure interaction problem of inelastic bridge structures through the use of a frequency dependent lumped parameter assembly. The proposed procedure encounters accuracy and global stability issues observed on past methods while maintaining the broad applicability of the method by any commercial FEM software. A case study of an overpass bridge structure under earthquake excitations is illustrated in order to verify the proposed method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of web plate numerical models for self‐centering steel plate shear walls
Authors: Clayton Patricia M. , Tsai Ching‐Yi , Berman Jeffrey W. , Lowes Laura N. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryPrevious research has shown that self‐centering steel plate shear walls (SC‐SPSWs) are capable of achieving enhanced seismic performance at multiple hazard levels, including recentering following design‐level earthquakes. When modeling SC‐SPSWs numerically, these studies considered an idealized tension‐only steel plate shear wall (SPSW) web plate behavior. Research has shown that web plate behavior is more complex than predicted by the idealized model, and web plates can provide more strength, stiffness, and energy dissipation than predicted by the idealized model. The idealized model of web plate behavior is used widely in SPSW numerical models where the moment‐resisting boundary frame provides supplemental hysteretic damping and stiffness; however, in SC‐SPSWs, where the post‐tensioned boundary frame is designed to remain elastic during an earthquake, accounting for the more complex web plate behavior can have a significant impact on seismic performance estimates from numerical simulation. This paper presents different methods for modeling SC‐SPSWs. Responses from these models are compared with experimental results. A simple modification of the tension‐only model, referred to as the tension‐compression strip model, is shown to provide a reasonable approximation of SC‐SPSW behavior. Results from nonlinear response history analyses of SC‐SPSWs with the tension‐only and tension‐compression web plate models are compared to assess how the approximation of web plate behavior affects SC‐SPSW seismic performance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fluorescence-based hydrolytic enzyme activity assay for quantifying toxic effects of Roundup® to Daphnia magna
Authors: Ørsted Michael , Roslev Peter 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Daphnia magna is a widely used model organism for aquatic toxicity testing. In the present study, the authors investigated the hydrolytic enzyme activity of D. magna after exposure to toxicant stress. In vivo enzyme activity was quantified using 15 fluorogenic enzyme probes based on 4-methylumbelliferyl or 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin. Probing D. magna enzyme activity was evaluated using short-term exposure (24–48 h) to the reference chemical K2Cr2O7 or the herbicide formulation Roundup®. Toxicant-induced changes in hydrolytic enzyme activity were compared with changes in mobility (International Organization for Standardization standard 6341). The results showed that hydrolytic enzyme activity was quantifiable as a combination of whole body fluorescence of D. magna and the fluorescence of the surrounding water. Exposure of D. magna to lethal and sublethal concentrations of Roundup resulted in loss of whole body enzyme activity and release of cell constituents, including enzymes and DNA. Roundup caused comparable inhibition of mobility and alkaline phosphatase activity with median effective concentration values at 20 °C of 8.7 mg active ingredient (a.i.)/L to 11.7 mg a.i./L. Inhibition of alkaline phosphatase activity by Roundup was lowest at 14 °C and greater at 20 °C and 26 °C. The results suggest that the fluorescence-based hydrolytic enzyme activity assay (FLEA assay) can be used as an index of D. magna stress. Combining enzyme activity with fluorescence measurements may be applied as a simple and quantitative supplement for toxicity testing with D. magna. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1841–1850. © 2015 SETAC
Forecasting the Outcome of Closed‐Door Decisions: Evidence from 500 Years of Betting on Papal Conclaves
Authors: Vaughan Williams Leighton , Paton David 
Published: March 2015

AbstractClosed‐door decisions may be defined as decisions in which the outcome is determined by a limited number of decision‐makers and where the process is shrouded in at least some secrecy. In this paper, we examine the use of betting markets to forecast one particular closed‐door decision: the election of the pope. Within the context of 500 years of papal election betting, we employ a unique dataset of betting on the 2013 papal election to investigate how new public information is incorporated into the betting odds. Our results suggest that the market was generally unable to incorporate effectively such information. We venture some possible explanations for our findings and offer suggestions for further research into the prediction and predictability of other ‘closed‐door’ decisions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Irrigation in Southern Africa: Success or Failure?
Authors: Mutiro Justin , Lautze Jonathan 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDespite widespread recognition of the importance of irrigation development in southern Africa, no comprehensive examination exists on the performance of past irrigation schemes in the region. This paper systematically examines existing literature on irrigation schemes in southern Africa in order to: (i) determine the proportion that can be considered successful; and (ii) identify and rank factors that explain variation in performance. The results indicate that some 59% of irrigation schemes in southern Africa can be considered successful. Factors associated with successful performance include: management style, irrigation method, crop mix, type of financier and geography. The levels of success identified through this review validate calls to increase the irrigated area in southern Africa. These results nonetheless highlight opportunities to strengthen the way in which future irrigation schemes are undertaken. In particular, these results may call for increased use of sprinkler irrigation and reduced use of flood irrigation with pumping. The results also suggest more investment could be channelled into schemes focused on maize–vegetable crop rotations and sugar cane, and caution applied to government management of schemes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ex vivo investigations on the potential of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a diagnostic tool for reproductive medicine in a bovine model
Authors: Trottmann Matthias , Kölle Sabine , Leeb Regina , Doering Daniel , Reese Sven , Stief Christian G. , Dulohery Kate , Leavy Myles , Kuznetsova Julia , Homann Christian , Sroka Ronald 
Published: March 2015

Routine infertility investigations in the male and female include imaging techniques such as ultrasonography and endoscopy (fertiloscopy). However, these techniques lack the resolution to localize vital sperm or to reveal detailed morphological analysis of the oviduct which is often the cause of infertility in females. Therefore we set out to evaluate the efficiency of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a diagnostic imaging tool for micron‐scale visualization of the male and female genital tract. Using the bovine as a model, the optical features of the TelestoTM, GanymedeTM (both Thorlabs) and NirisTM (Imalux) OCT imaging systems were compared.
Comparative visualization of ex vivo bovine testicular tissue by the TelestoTM microscopic optical coherence tomography system (left) and corresponding H&E staining (right).magnified imageComparative visualization of ex vivo bovine testicular tissue by the TelestoTM microscopic optical coherence tomography system (left) and corresponding H&E staining (right).
High Bone Mass–Causing Mutant LRP5 Receptors Are Resistant to Endogenous Inhibitors In Vivo
Authors: Niziolek Paul J , MacDonald Bryan T , Kedlaya Rajendra , Zhang Minjie , Bellido Teresita , He Xi , Warman Matthew L , Robling Alexander G 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Certain missense mutations affecting LRP5 cause high bone mass (HBM) in humans. Based on in vitro evidence, HBM LRP5 receptors are thought to exert their effects by providing resistance to binding/inhibition of secreted LRP5 inhibitors such as sclerostin (SOST) and Dickkopf homolog-1 (DKK1). We previously reported the creation of two Lrp5 HBM knock-in mouse models, in which the human p.A214V or p.G171V missense mutations were knocked into the endogenous Lrp5 locus. To determine whether HBM knock-in mice are resistant to SOST- or DKK1-induced osteopenia, we bred Lrp5 HBM mice with transgenic mice that overexpress human SOST in osteocytes (8kbDmp1-SOST) or mouse DKK1 in osteoblasts and osteocytes (2.3kbCol1a1-Dkk1). We observed that the 8kbDmp1-SOST transgene significantly lowered whole-body bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), femoral and vertebral trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), and periosteal bone-formation rate (BFR) in wild-type mice but not in mice with Lrp5 p.G171V and p.A214V alleles. The 2.3kbCol1a1-Dkk1 transgene significantly lowered whole-body BMD, BMC, and vertebral BV/TV in wild-type mice and affected p.A214V mice more than p.G171V mice. These in vivo data support in vitro studies regarding the mechanism of HBM-causing mutations, and imply that HBM LRP5 receptors differ in their relative sensitivity to inhibition by SOST and DKK1. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Acute Treatment With XMetA Activates Hepatic Insulin Receptors and Lowers Blood Glucose in Normal Mice
Authors: Bedinger Daniel H. , Kieffer Dorothy A. , Goldfine Ira D. , Roell Marina K. , Adams Sean H. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTIt has been proposed that monoclonal antibodies may become therapeutics for metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. We have previously characterized an allosteric monoclonal antibody to the human insulin receptor (IR), XMetA, that activated metabolic signaling leading to enhanced glucose transport in cultured cells, and chronically reduced fasting blood glucose levels in mouse models of diabetes mellitus. Under acute dosing conditions, the large size of an IR‐binding antibody like XMetA (∼150 kDa) could lead to a more rapid access into liver, an insulin sensitive tissue with well‐fenestrated capillaries, when compared to other insulin sensitive tissues with non‐fenestrated capillaries, such as muscle and adipose. Thus, in the present study we administered XMetA (10 mg/kg) and insulin (0.5 U/kg) via IV injection, and for 90 min compared their effects on blood glucose lowering and IR activation in three of the major insulin‐sensitive tissues of the normal fasted mouse: liver, adipose, and muscle. Like insulin, XMetA lowered blood glucose levels, although the effect was less rapid. Insulin activated IR autophosphorylation and Akt phosphorylation in liver, fat, and muscle. In contrast, IR activation by XMetA was primarily observed in the liver. Both insulin and XMetA lowered β‐hydroxybutyrate levels in plasma; however, only insulin reduced both non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and glycerol concentrations. These data indicate that, in normal mice, acute glucose regulation by XMetA is largely mediated by its action on the liver. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2109–2119, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Different Impact Of Antiretroviral Drugs On Bone Differentiation In An In Vitro Model
Authors: Esposito Vincenzo , Perna Angelica , Lucariello Angela , Carleo Maria Aurora , Viglietti Rosaria , Sangiovanni Vincenzo , Coppola Nicola , Guerra Germano , De Luca Antonio , Chirianni Antonio 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTRecently increasing emphasis is placed on preventive health and management of chronic comorbidities avoiding long‐term toxicities of antiretroviral therapy (ART).Drawing from this background we decided to use the Saos‐2, osteosarcoma cell line, as a cellular model, to evaluate the effects of some antiretroviral drugs such as abacavir (ABC), tenofovir (TDF), efavirenz (EFV), etravirine (ETR), and darunavir (DRV), on bone differentiation related pathways.According to our observation, treatment with TDF and ABC affects the ability of the cells to produce calcium deposits with a reduced expression of type I collagen gene and p21 mRNA, also increasing the activity of Wnt3a related pathway. On the other hand treatment with EFV and DRV was not related to any significant reduction of calcium deposits but displayed a decrease in the expression of Wnt3a at day 14 and Type I Collagen at day 7 compared with untreated cells, even if this last down regulation was not confirmed at day 14. Instead ETR administration to Saos‐2 cells increases the calcium deposits collagen type I production, as a result of Wnt3a mRNA overexpression, and of an upregulation of collagen type I expression, being also the only drug able to increase the expression of p21 cdk inhibitor as further marker of terminal differentiation.In summary these data suggest the potential negative interference of TDF and ABC on bone differentiation. DRV and EFV partially affect collagen type I production, instead ETR facilitates a positive bone balance as a result of an increased osteoblasts terminal differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2188–2194, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The prediction and recovery of the flux of PVDF membrane during dead‐end microfiltration
Authors: Zhou Yuenan , Zhu Zhongya , Wang Zhan , Zhang Ximing , Gao Kui , Liu Liping , Cheng Lina 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis research focused on the fouling behavior of 0.1 µm PVDF membrane caused by activated sludge suspension in dead‐end filtration mode and the chemical cleaning of the fouled PVDF membrane by alkaline solutions. A combined intermediate pore blockage and cake filtration model was established to describe flux decline behavior. A series of experiments were performed to validate the proposed model and to explore the impacts of operating conditions on flux decline and recovery.RESULTSFlux decline was much faster with increasing transmembrane pressure (TMP) and concentration of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS). The proposed model predictions in this paper showed good agreement with the experimental data. The cleaning effect of sodium hypochlorite solution was superior to that of sodium hydroxide solution. Temperature was the dominant factor affecting flux recovery in the cleaning operation and the optimum chemical cleaning operating conditions were as follows: CNaOCl= 1%, r = 300 rpm, t = 30 min, T = 318 K.CONCLUSIONSThe combined model was valid in predicting the flux decline process and more accurate than classical fouling models under the same operating conditions. Flux recovery was significantly improved under optimized cleaning conditions. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and Application of Nanohybrids Based on Upconverting Nanoparticles and Polymers
Authors: Cheng Ziyong , Lin Jun 
Published: March 2015

Lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have been an emerging and exciting research field in recent years due to their unique luminescent properties of converting near‐infrared light to shorter wavelength radiation. UCNPs offer excellent prospects in luminescent labeling, displays, bioimaging, bioassays, drug delivery, sensors, and anticounterfeiting applications. Along with the abundant studies and rapid progress in this area, UCNPs are promising to be a new class of luminescent probe owing to their special advantages over the conventional organic dyes and quantum dots. Among them, polymers play an important role to improve properties or endow new function of UCNPs such as for matrix materials, water solubility, linking active targeting molecules, biocompatibility, and stimuli‐responsive behavior. This article briefly reviews the compositions, optical mechanisms, architectures of upconversion nanocrystals and highlights the works on various functional UCNPs/polymer nanohybrids as well as many new interesting fruits in applications.image
International validation of a behavioral scale in Parkinson's disease without dementia
Authors: Rieu Isabelle , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Pereira Bruno , De Chazeron Ingrid , Verhagen Metman Leo , Jahanshahi Marjan , Ardouin Claire , Chéreau Isabelle , Brefel‐Courbon Christine , Ory‐Magne Fabienne , Klinger Helene , Peyrol Fleur , Schupbach Michael , Dujardin Kathy , Tison François , Houeto Jean Luc , Krack Paul , Durif Franck 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe “Ardouin Scale of Behavior in Parkinson's Disease” is a new instrument specifically designed for assessing mood and behavior with a view to quantifying changes related to Parkinson's disease, to dopaminergic medication, and to non‐motor fluctuations. This study was aimed at analyzing the psychometric attributes of this scale in patients with Parkinson's disease without dementia. In addition to this scale, the following measures were applied: the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, the Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale, the Lille Apathy Rating Scale, the Bech and Rafaelsen Mania Scale, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the MacElroy Criteria, the Patrick Carnes criteria, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Patients (n = 260) were recruited at 13 centers across four countries (France, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States). Cronbach's alpha coefficient for domains ranged from 0.69 to 0.78. Regarding test–retest reliability, the kappa coefficient for items was higher than 0.4. For inter‐rater reliability, the kappa values were 0.29 to 0.81. Furthermore, most of the items from the Ardouin Scale of Behavior in Parkinson's Disease correlated with the corresponding items of the other scales, depressed mood with the Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (ρ = 0.82); anxiety with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale—anxiety (ρ = 0.56); apathy with the Lille Apathy Rating Scale (ρ = 0.60). The Ardouin Scale of Behavior in Parkinson's disease is an acceptable, reproducible, valid, and precise assessment for evaluating changes in behavior in patients with Parkinson's disease without dementia. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society