bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rare‐Earth Metal Chlorides Catalyzed One‐pot Syntheses of Quinolines under Solvent‐free Microwave Irradiation Conditions
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Wu Bing , Zhou Yongqing , Xia Jing , Zhou Shuangliu , Wang Shaowu 
Published: April 2013

AbstractUnder microwave irradiation and solvent‐free conditions, rare‐earth metal chlorides (RECl3) have been efficient catalysts for one‐pot synthesis of quinoline derivatives to give products in good to excellent yields through the multi‐component reactions of aldehydes, amines, and alkynes. The rare‐earth metal chlorides can be recycled for six times without notable loss of catalytic activities. This new synthetic approach has prominent features of a short reaction time, high yields of products, operational simplicity, broad substrate scopes, environmentally friendly property and commercially available catalysts. It extends the applications of rare‐earth metal compounds as catalysts in organic synthesis.
Vibrational Sum‐Frequency Generation Activity of a 2,4‐Dinitrophenyl Phospholipid Hybrid Bilayer: Retrieving Orientational Parameters from a DFT Analysis of Experimental Data
Authors: Lis Dan , Guthmuller Julien , Champagne Benoît , Humbert Christophe , Busson Bertrand , Peremans André , Cecchet Francesca 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe vibrational nonlinear activity of films of 2,4‐dinitrophenyl phospholipid (DNP) at the solid interface is measured by sum‐frequency generation spectroscopy (SFG). Hybrid bilayers are formed by a Langmuir–Schaefer approach in which the lipid layer is physisorbed on top of a self‐assembled monolayer of dodecanethiol on Pt with the polar heads pointing out from the surface. The SFG response is investigated in two vibrational frequency domains, namely, 3050–2750 and 1375–1240 cm−1. The first region probes the CH stretching modes of DNP films, and the latter explores the vibrational nonlinear activity of the 2,4‐dinitroaniline moiety of the polar head of the lipid. Analysis of the CH stretching vibrations suggests substantial conformational order of the aliphatic chains with only a few gauche defects. To reliably assign the detected SFG signals to specific molecular vibrations, DFT calculations of the IR and Raman activities of molecular models are performed and compared to experimental solid‐state spectra. This allows unambiguous assignment of the observed SFG vibrations to molecular modes localized on the 2,4‐dinitroaniline moiety of the polar head of DNP. Then, SFG spectra of DNP in the 1375–1240 cm−1 frequency range are simulated and compared with experimental ones, and thus the 1,4‐axis of the 2,4‐dinitrophenyl head is estimated to have tilt and rotation angles of 45±5° and 0±30°, respectively.
Using the kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) as a bioindicator of PCBs and PBDEs in the dinghushan biosphere reserve, China
Authors: Mo Ling , Wu Jiang-Ping , Luo Xiao-Jun , Li Ke-Lin , Peng Ying , Feng An-Hong , Zhang Qiang , Zou Fa-Sheng , Mai Bi-Xian 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

The Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve is a nature reserve and a site for the study of tropical and subtropical forest ecosystems. Rapid industrialization and intensive electronic waste-recycling activities around the biosphere reserve have resulted in elevated levels of industrial organic contaminants in the local environment that may cause adverse effects on wildlife that inhabits this area. In the present study, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and 2 alternative brominated flame retardants (BFRs)—decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE)—were investigated in the biosphere reserve and a reference site by using the kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) as a bioindicator. Residue concentrations in kingfishers from the Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve ranged from 490 ng/g to 3000 ng/g, 51 ng/g to 420 ng/g, 0.44 ng/g to 90 ng/g, and 0.04 ng/g to 0.87 ng/g lipid weight for ∑PCBs, ∑PBDEs, DBDPE, and BTBPE, respectively. With the exception of the BTBPE, these levels were 2 to 5 times higher than those detected in kingfishers from the reference site. The contaminant patterns from the biosphere reserve were also different, with larger PCB contributions in comparison with the reference site. The estimated predator–prey biomagnification factors (BMFs) showed that most of the PCB and PBDE congeners and BTBPE were biomagnified in kingfishers from the biosphere reserve. The calculated toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) concentrations of major coplanar PCB congeners in kingfishers from the biosphere reserve ranged from 18 pg/g to 66 pg/g wet weight, with some of these TEQ concentrations reaching or exceeding the levels known to impair bird reproduction and survival. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1655–1662. © 2013 SETAC
Acute toxicity of pyraclostrobin and trifloxystrobin to Hyalella azteca
Authors: Morrison Shane A. , Mcmurry Scott T. , Smith Loren M. , Belden Jason B. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Fungicide application rates on row crop agriculture have increased across the United States, and subsequently, contamination of adjacent wetlands can occur through spray drift or field runoff. To investigate fungicide toxicity, Hyalella azteca amphipods were exposed to 2 fungicide formulations, Headline and Stratego, and their active strobilurin ingredients, pyraclostrobin and trifloxystrobin. Water-only exposures resulted in similar median lethal concentration (LC50; 20–25 µg/L) values for formulations and strobilurin ingredients, suggesting that toxicity is due to strobilurin ingredients. These values were below concentrations that could occur following spray drift over embedded cropland wetlands. When fungicides were added to overlying water of sediment-water microcosms, toxicity was reduced by 500% for Headline and 160% for Stratego, compared with water-only exposures, based on the total amount of fungicide added to the systems. In addition, when fungicides were added to sediment prior to the addition of water, the reduction in toxicity was even greater, with no toxicity occurring at environmentally relevant levels. Differences in toxicity among exposure groups were explained by dissipation from water as toxicity values based on measured water concentrations were within 20% between all systems. The present study reinforces previous studies that Headline and Stratego are toxic to nontarget aquatic organisms. However, the presence of sediment is likely to ameliorate some toxicity of fungicide formulations, especially if spraying occurs prior to wetland inundation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1516–1525. © 2013 SETAC
Microbial contribution to spoilage of African breadfruit (Artocarpus communis, Forst) during storage
Authors: Ajayi Olusegun B. , Adebolu Tinuola T. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe contributions of microorganisms in the deterioration of African breadfruit during storage were investigated in this study. Matured fruits of the seedless variety of the African breadfruit (Artocarpus communis, Forst) were stored under different temperature conditions and morphological changes observed at 24‐h intervals for 120 h. Spoilage of breadfruit was observed after 72 h with microbial growth. Although all the fruits in the different media deteriorated by the 72nd hour (this was revealed in morphology and confirmed by the proximate analysis which showed an increase in %crude protein in all the stored fruits), microbial growth was observed only in those fruits stored at room temperature and in water, and there was no significant microbial growth in fruits stored in refrigerator, freezer, and vinegar. A higher rate of deterioration (i.e., higher %crude protein) was observed in morphology of fruits which had microbial growth during storage (i.e., those stored in the room, under water, and refrigerator) than in those stored fruits with no significant microbial growth. The difference between the %crude protein in fruits where there is microbial growth and that of the fruits where there is no microbial growth (i.e., freezer and vinegar) proved to be significant (P ≤ 0.05). The study thus reveals that microorganisms play a substantial role in the spoilage of African breadfruit. A strain of the Aspergillus sp., two strains of the Penicillium sp., and a strain of the Molinia sp. were isolated as fungal spoilage organisms. Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. strains were isolated as bacteria spoilage organisms.
Motorway tunnels in the Czech Republic / Straßentunnel in der Tschechischen Republik
Authors: Srb Martin , Svoboda Petr , S̆tefan Ladislav 
Published: April 2013

AbstractMotorway tunnelling only started in the Czech Republic after the political changes in Europe in 1989 with the objective of rapidly integrating the then small national motorway network into the European network. In reality, this meant the construction of Motorway D5 to the West (Prague‐Pilsen‐Nuremberg), Motorway D8 to the North (Prague‐Dresden), Motorway D3 to the South (Prague‐Budweis‐Linz), Motorway D1 to the North‐East (Brno/Brün‐Ostrava‐Katowice), Motorway R52 to the South (Brno/Brün‐Vienna) and Motorway R48 (Brno/Brün‐Olomouc/Olmütz‐Krakow). In order to improving conditions for the rapidly growing traffic around the Czech capital Prague, and to eliminate transit traffic through Prague, an outer motorway was proposed, the Prague City Ring Road R1. In the mean time some of these ambitious plans have been realized and several motorway tunnels constructed in the last decade. The paper starts with a general overview of the motorway tunnels, their parameters and features. The rest is focused on details of the design and construction of the Lochkov Tunnel on the Prague City Ring Road.Der Bau von Autobahntunneln hat in der tschechischen Republik erst nach den politischen Veränderungen in Europa im Jahr 1989 mit dem Ziel begonnen, das damals noch kleine nationale Autobahnnetz in das europäische Netz zu integrieren. In der Praxis bedeutete dies den Bau der Autobahn D5 in Richtung Westen (Prag – Pilsen – Nürnberg), der Autobahn D8 in Richtung Norden (Prag – Dresden), der Autobahn D3 in Richtung Süden (Prag – Budweis – Linz), der Autobahn D1 in Richtung Nordosten (Brno/ Brünn – Ostrava/Ostrau – Katovice/Katowitz), der Autobahn R52 in Richtung Süden (Brno/Brünn – Wien) und der Autobahn R48 (Brno/ Brünn – Olomouc/Olmütz – Krakow/Krakau). Um die Bedingungen für den schnell wachsenden Verkehr rund um die tschechische Hauptstadt Prag zu verbessern und um den Transitverkehr durch Prag zu reduzieren, wurde ein äußerer Autobahnring vorgeschlagen, die Prager Stadtautobahn R1. In der Zwischenzeit sind einige dieser ehrgeizigen Pläne realisiert und mehrere Autobahntunnel gebaut worden. Dieser Artikel beginnt mit einem allgemeinen Überblick über die Autobahntunnel und ihre Kenngrößen und Besonderheiten. Im Weiteren liegt der Fokus auf Details des Entwurfs und Baus des Lochkov Tunnel auf der Prager Stadtautobahn.
Pleistocene loess in the humid subtropical forest zone of East Asia
Authors: Nichol Janet E. , Nichol Douglas W. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractLoess deposits in Asia have been used as indicators of palaeoclimate, because they are usually found bordering deserts. This paper reports extensive and thick deposits of loess in tropical southwest China, between latitudes 18 and 23°30′N, which is 1300 km south of known, and extensively researched loess deposits in north China. The present climate of the reported loess areas is hot and humid, with mean annual rainfall of 1000–2000 mm, and vegetation of subtropical evergreen broadleaf forest. This compares with less than 400 mm rainfall and vegetation of semi‐desert steppe, in areas of current loess accumulation on desert margins in north China. The source area of the loess, which is dated by optical luminescence to the late Pleistocene, from 90–222 ka, is thought to be the exposed East Asian Shelf, which was up to 140 m below present sea level during Quaternary arid phases. Recent research on the nature of the shelf environment, and the relatively large particle size of the loess, suggests a local origin. The reported loess is not interbedded with palaeosols, and small amounts of soil cover the loess, compared with well developed soils in loess in semiarid regions in north China. This is explained by elimination of the supply source by sea level rise following each arid phase, as continued dust supply appears necessary for soil to form. This preliminary report of loess in southwest China conflicts with palynological evidence, and suggests that recent reconstructions of Pleistocene aridity in east Asia may be conservative.
Evaluating WWLLN performance relative to TRMM/LIS
Authors: Rudlosky Scott D. , Shea Dustin T. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis study evaluates 4 years (2009–2012) of World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) data relative to the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS). In the Western Hemisphere, between 38°N and 38°S, the WWLLN detection efficiency (DE) (of LIS flashes) steadily improves from 6% during 2009 to 9.2% during 2012. The WWLLN is approximately three times more likely to detect a LIS flash over the ocean (17.3%) than over land (6.4%), and DE values greater than 20% only occur over the oceans. An average of 1.5 WWLLN strokes occurs during each matched LIS flash, but 71.5% of matched flashes are single stroke. Matched LIS flashes have more events/groups, longer durations, and larger areas than non‐matched flashes. The close spatial proximity (11 km) and temporal proximity (+62 ms) between matched WWLLN and LIS flashes are important for Geostationary Lighting Mapper risk reduction studies that use existing networks to develop proxy data sets.
Motivating health workers for the provision of directly observed treatment to TB patients in rural China: does cash incentive work? A qualitative study
Authors: Tao Tao , Zhao Qi , Jiang Shiwen , Ma Liping , Wan Liya , Ma Yongcheng , Xu Biao 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTAs a key component of DOTS (directly observed treatment, short course) strategy, DOT is essential in the prevention of drug‐resistant tuberculosis. However, DOT had very poor implementation in rural areas of China. One major reason to this problem was the lack of incentives for DOT providers. In 2005, the Chinese Minister of Health released an incentive strategy that aimed to improve the DOT performance of rural health workers by providing allowances. Our study used a qualitative method to explore the practical impact of this incentive strategy in motivating rural DOT providers, and searched for other potential incentive measures as well. A total of 16 focus group discussions were carried out among 102 rural health workers in eight counties of China. A semi‐structured theme outline was used to collect the perception, attitude and experiences of health workers toward the DOT implementation as well as the cash incentive strategy. Findings showed that DOT allowance had some incentive effect to DOT providers, but its extent was circumscribed by the small amount and operational problems. Raising DOT allowance and removing existing barriers to DOT provision might result in a greater motivational impact, particularly in less developed areas of China, where health workers were more likely to encounter financial and other obstacles in delivering DOT services to TB patients in rural areas. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A framework for assessing cumulative effects in watersheds: An introduction to Canadian case studies
Authors: Dubé Monique G , Duinker Peter , Greig Lorne , Carver Martin , Servos Mark , McMaster Mark , Noble Bram , Schreier Hans , Jackson Lee , Munkittrick Kelly R 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
From 2008 to 2013, a series of studies supported by the Canadian Water Network were conducted in Canadian watersheds in an effort to improve methods to assess cumulative effects. These studies fit under a common framework for watershed cumulative effects assessment (CEA). This article presents an introduction to the Special Series on Watershed CEA in IEAM including the framework and its impetus, a brief introduction to each of the articles in the series, challenges, and a path forward. The framework includes a regional water monitoring program that produces 3 core outputs: an accumulated state assessment, stressor–response relationships, and development of predictive cumulative effects scenario models. The framework considers core values, indicators, thresholds, and use of consistent terminology. It emphasizes that CEA requires 2 components, accumulated state quantification and predictive scenario forecasting. It recognizes both of these components must be supported by a regional, multiscale monitoring program. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013;9:363–369. © 2013 SETAC
Mechanisms of mitochondrial translational regulation
Authors: Fontanesi Flavia 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation system is formed by multimeric enzymes. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the bc1 complex, cytochrome c oxidase and the F1FO ATP synthase contain subunits of dual genetic origin. It has been recently established that key subunits of these enzymes, translated on mitochondrial ribosomes, are the subjects of assembly‐dependent translational regulation. This type of control of gene expression plays a pivotal role in optimizing the biogenesis of mitochondrial respiratory membranes by coordinating protein synthesis and complex assembly and by limiting the accumulation of potentially harmful assembly intermediates. Here, the author will discuss the mechanisms governing translational regulation in yeast mitochondria in the light of the most recent discoveries in the field. © 2013 IUBMB Life, 65(5): 397–408, 2013
Efficacy comparison of traditional Chinese medicine LQ versus gemcitabine in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wu Chengyu , Zhang Yong , Liu Fang , Zhao Ming , Bouvet Michael , Hoffman Robert M. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTPancreatic cancer is highly treatment‐resistant and has one of the highest fatality rates of all cancers and is the fourth highest cancer killer worldwide. Novel, more effective strategies are needed to treat this disease. We report here on the use of patient‐like orthotopic nude‐mouse models of human metastatic pancreatic cancer to compare the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal mixture LQ to gemcitabine, which is first‐line therapy for this disease, for anti‐metastatic and anti‐tumor activity as well as safety. The human pancreatic cancer cell line, MiaPaCa‐2, labeled with red fluorescent protein (RFP), was used for the orthotopic model. LQ (gavage, 600 mg/kg/day) significantly inhibited pancreatic cancer tumor growth and metastasis, as measured by imaging, with no overt toxicity. Survival of tumor‐bearing mice was also prolonged by LQ. The therapeutic efficacy of LQ is comparable with gemcitabine but with less toxicity, as indicated by a lack of body‐weight loss with LQ, but not gemcitabine. The results indicate that TCM can have non‐toxic efficacy against metastatic pancreatic cancer comparable to gemcitabine in a clinically‐relevant orthotopic mouse model. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2131–2137, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The recovery of polymerization grade aconitic acid from sugarcane molasses
Authors: Kanitkar Akanksha , Aita Giovanna , Madsen Lee 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDAconitic acid (propene‐1, 2, 3‐ tricarboxylic acid) is the most prevalent organic acid found in sugar cane. It is used in the food processing industry as an acidulant and can be used in the synthesis of plasticizers. It can also be used to synthesize biodegradable polyesters for tissue engineering applications. In this study, aconitic acid was isolated from sugarcane molasses via liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. Six combinations of time and temperature (1–6 h at either 30 or 40°C) were tested. In order to conserve solvent, ethyl acetate was recovered and reused for subsequent extractions. The recovery of aconitic acid from vinasse was also evaluated.RESULTSUnder the most efficient set of conditions, 69% of the aconitic acid was recovered as free acid. The purity (HPLC) of the extracted acid was found to be 99.9%. Ethanol was an additional stream that was generated by fermentation of molasses and yields of 12.4% (g per 100 g of molasses) were obtained.CONCLUSIONThe yield of aconitic acid from molasses varied from 34–69%, depending on the extraction conditions, with purity of the extracted acid being 99.9%. The aconitic acid is of a quality sufficient to synthesize polymers that could realize high‐value in biomedical applications. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of statistical method to investigate the effects of design parameters on the performance of microring resonator channel dropping filter
Authors: Haroon Hazura , Shaari Sahbudin , Menon P.S , Abdul Razak Hanim , Bidin Mardiana 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTMicroring resonator (MRR)‐based channel dropping filters have been extensively explored because of the high quality factor, compact size, and easy integration of fabrication. In order to design an excellent MRR wavelength filter, optimization of the design parameters are essential. In this paper, the design trade‐off of MRR‐based channel dropping filter was statistically studied by employing the Taguchi method. Four control factors considered were width of rings and channels, radii of the microring, upper rib waveguide height, and gap size. The analysis of variance was adopted to analyze significant trends that occurred on the free spectral range (FSR) and insertion loss (IL) performance under different sets of control factor combinations. The best parametric combination of control factors was identified in order to achieve a balance performance between large FSR and low IL using Finite‐Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulation by RSoft Inc. After optimization, the value of FSR and IL obtained was 17 nm and 0.245 dB, respectively. Confirmation tests were carried out to verify the optimized parametric combinations and a new parametric combination considering both outputs were 16 nm and 0.215 dB. The optimal combinations were 6 µm ring radius with the separation gap of 50 nm and 350 nm × 350 nm rib waveguide cross section. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of a traditional fermented grape‐based drink ‘hardaliye’ on antioxidant status of healthy adults: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Amoutzopoulos Birdem , Löker Gül B , Samur Gülhan , Çevikkalp Senem A , Yaman Mustafa , Köse Timur , Pelvan Ebru 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe antioxidative effects of the traditional grape‐based beverage, hardaliye, were investigated with a 40‐day randomized controlled clinical trial on 89 healthy adults. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups: high hardaliye (HH), low hardaliye (LH) and control group. HH and LH groups consumed 500 mL and 250 mL hardaliye per day, respectively, and the control group did not consume any hardaliye. Dien conjugate (DC), malondialdehyde (MDA), vitamin C, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and homocysteine concentrations were measured in fasting blood samples collected at baseline and after intervention.RESULTSSignificant decreases in DC, MDA and homocysteine concentrations were observed in HH and LH groups (P < 0.001) after intervention, whereas the control group showed no change. The reduction in homocysteine was significantly different between HH and LH groups (P < 0.001), except for DC and MDA. TAC and vitamin C were slightly increased; however, the change was not statistically significant.CONCLUSIONDietary supplementation with hardaliye affect the MDA, DC and homocysteine levels in blood, possibly due to the presence of antioxidant compounds. Dose response was only observed for homocysteine. Further studies need to be performed to assess the effects on antioxidant capacity. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry