bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling the displacement in three‐layer electroactive polymers using different counter‐ions by a phase transformation approach
Authors: Guzman J. F. , Cortes J. A. , Fuentes A. , Kobayashi T. , Hoshina Y. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe use of three‐layer electroactives polymers is becoming more widely known among researchers and engineers because of their potentials to become mechanical actuators. The up‐to‐date research and development in the Nafion®/Metal composites has given some fundamentals, preparation techniques, and modeling of the phenomena regarding the deformation of the material from different scientific point of view. This gives the opportunity to propose correlations for modeling the phenomena present in these materials by different approaches. A constitutive model for the bending deformation of a Nafion®Ionic Polymer‐Metal Composite (IPMC) was formulated based on an approach that represents, analogically, a phase transformation inside the base polymer and combines it with the bending of a beam in order to predict the displacement when the material is subject to an electrical input. The model was solved and evaluated for five different types of counter‐ion systems. Experimental data was used to solve the parameters within the model. The results of the solved model gave a good fitting of the experimental data and are shown for different voltage and frequency conditions in all five ionic systems. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Fatigue behavior and life prediction of PI/SiO2nanocomposite films
Authors: Wang Z. D. , Zhao X. X. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn this report, the fatigue behavior and lifetime of Polyimide/silica (PI/SiO2) hybrid films are investigated. To evaluate the fatigue property of this class of hybrid films, the stress‐life cyclic experiments under tension–tension fatigue loading with 10 Hz of the frequency are performed, and the stress ratio is 0.1. Dynamic creep and cyclic softening/hardening are analyzed based on the change of hysteresis loops during the fatigue process. The structure‐property relations are discussed to further understand their phenomenon and deformation mechanisms. To predict the fatigue life of this class of hybrid films, a semiempirical model is proposed based on fatigue modulus concept. The simulated results are well agreeable with the testing values. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
The role of biomass in America's energy future: framing the analysis
Authors: Lynd Lee R. , Larson Eric , Greene Nathanael , Laser Mark , Sheehan John , Dale Bruce E. , McLaughlin Samuel , Wang Michael 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe Role of Biomass in America's Energy Future (RBAEF) project, initiated during the first half of 2003, has sought to identify and evaluate paths by which biomass can make a large contribution to energy services and determine means to accelerate biomass energy use. In addressing these issues, the study has focused on future, mature, technologies rather than today's technology. This perspective – the first of eight papers that comprise this issue – introduces the project, providing an operative definition of and method for estimating mature technology, a rationale for choosing the model feedstock, a list of the conversion technologies considered, and as a point of reference, a brief overview of the energy flows through a typical petroleum refinery. The subsequent papers are introduced as well. © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Comparative analysis of efficiency, environmental impact, and process economics for mature biomass refining scenarios
Authors: Laser Mark , Larson Eric , Dale Bruce , Wang Michael , Greene Nathanael , Lynd Lee R. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractFourteen mature technology biomass refining scenarios – involving both biological and thermochemical processing with production of fuels, power, and/or animal feed protein – are compared with respect to process efficiency, environmental impact – including petroleum use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and water use–and economic profitability. The emissions analysis does not account for carbon sinks (e.g., soil carbon sequestration) or sources (e.g., forest conversion) resulting from land‐use considerations. Sensitivity of the scenarios to fuel and electricity price, feedstock cost, and capital structure is also evaluated. The thermochemical scenario producing only power achieves a process efficiency of 49% (energy out as power as a percentage of feedstock energy in), 1359 kg CO2 equivalent avoided GHG emissions per Mg feedstock (current power mix basis) and a cost of $0.0575/kWh ($16/GJ), at a scale of 4535 dry Mg feedstock/day, 12% internal rate of return, 35% debt fraction, and 7% loan rate. Thermochemical scenarios producing fuels and power realize efficiencies between 55 and 64%, avoided GHG emissions between 1000 and 1179 kg/dry Mg, and costs between $0.36 and $0.57 per liter gasoline equivalent ($1.37 – $2.16 per gallon) at the same scale and financial structure. Scenarios involving biological production of ethanol with thermochemical production of fuels and/or power result in efficiencies ranging from 61 to 80%, avoided GHG emissions from 965 to 1,258 kg/dry Mg, and costs from $0.25 to $0.33 per liter gasoline equivalent ($0.96 to $1.24/gallon). Most of the biofuel scenarios offer comparable, if not lower, costs and much reduced GHG emissions (>90%) compared to petroleum‐derived fuels. Scenarios producing biofuels result in GHG displacements that are comparable to those dedicated to power production (e.g., >825 kg CO2 equivalent/dry Mg biomass), especially when a future power mix less dependent upon fossil fuel is assumed. Scenarios integrating biological and thermochemical processing enable waste heat from the thermochemical process to power the biological process, resulting in higher overall process efficiencies than would otherwise be realized – efficiencies on par with petroleum‐based fuels in several cases. © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The Minimal Size of Liposome‐Based Model Cells Brings about a Remarkably Enhanced Entrapment and Protein Synthesis
Authors: Pereira de Souza Tereza , Stano Pasquale , Luisi Pier Luigi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractCaptured life: The complex transcription–translation machinery can successfully synthesize enhanced green fluorescent protein inside 100 nm (radius) lipid vesicles. Being the smallest synthetic bioreactor, such a model suggests that very small compartments can sustain (minimal) cellular life. Since classical Poisson statistics fails to predict the spontaneous formation of EGFP‐expressing liposomes, we propose a possible super‐concentration effect.magnified imageThe question of the minimal size of a cell that is still capable of endorsing life has been discussed extensively in the literature, but it has not been tackled experimentally by a synthetic‐biology approach. This is the aim of the present work; in particular, we examined the question of the minimal physical size of cells using liposomes that entrapped the complete ribosomal machinery for expression of enhanced green fluorescence protein, and we made the assumption that this size would also correspond to a full fledged cell. We found that liposomes with a radius of about 100 nm, which is the smallest size ever considered in the literature for protein expression, are still capable of protein expression, and surprisingly, the average yield of fluorescent protein in the liposomes was 6.1‐times higher than in bulk water. This factor would become even larger if one would refer only to the fraction of liposomes that are fully viable, which are those that contain all the molecular components (about 80). The observation of viable liposomes, which must contain all macromolecular components, indeed represents a conundrum. In fact, classic statistical analysis would give zero or negligible probability for the simultaneous entrapment of so many different molecular components in one single 100 nm radius spherical compartment at the given bulk concentration. The agreement between theoretical statistical predictions and experimental data is possible with the assumption that the concentration of solutes in the liposomes becomes larger by at least a factor twenty. Further investigation is required to understand the over‐concentration mechanism, and to identify the several biophysical factors that could play a role in the observed activity enhancement. We conclude by suggesting that these entrapment effects in small‐sized compartments, once validated, might be very relevant in the origin‐of‐life scenario.
A Carbon Nano‐Onion–Ferrocene Donor–Acceptor System: Synthesis, Characterization and Properties
Authors: Cioffi Carla T. , Palkar Amit , Melin Frederic , Kumbhar Amar , Echegoyen Luis , Melle‐Franco Manuel , Zerbetto Francesco , Rahman G. M. Aminur , Ehli Christian , Sgobba Vito , Guldi Dirk M. , Prato Maurizio 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDon't cry! The attachment of ferrocene moieties on the surface of carbon nano‐onions influences the electrochemical properties of these moieties and the photophysical properties of the carbon nano‐onions (see figure). Quantum chemical calculations confirm that the spectral properties of carbon nano‐onions depend on their size and the degree of functionalisation.magnified imageWe describe the synthesis and characterization of a novel ferrocene–carbon onion derivative, where ferrocene acts as an electron‐donating moiety, while the carbon nano‐onion (CNO) serves as the electron acceptor. CNOs were functionalized by 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition and the resulting products were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman and energy dispersive spectroscopies. The electronic properties of the Fc–CNO derivative were investigated by electrochemical and photophysical techniques, complemented by quantum chemical calculations. On average, the CNOs have a spherical appearance with six shells. Functionalization saturates one carbon atom in 36 carbon atoms on the outer cage of the CNO. Through‐space interactions between the Fc moiety and the CNO core were detected electrochemically. Fluorescence was observed at low and high energies with an intrinsic decay that is faster at lower energies. Based on theory and experiment, we conclude that, after absorption of a photon at low energy, there is emission from CNOs characterized by larger external shells and a lower degree of functionalization. At high energy, emission comes from CNOs with smaller external shells and a higher degree of functionalization.
3D Coordination Framework with Uncommon Two‐Fold Interpenetrated {33⋅59⋅63}‐lcy Net and Coordinated Anion Exchange
Authors: Yang Haiyan , Li Linke , Wu Jie , Hou Hongwei , Xiao Bo , Fan Yaoting 
Published: March 2009

AbstractUnusual {33⋅59⋅63}‐lcy topologyhas been found in an uncommon 3D six‐connected, two‐fold interpenetrated {33⋅59⋅63}‐lcy net (illustrated). The coordinated SO42−anions in this framework can undergo a full exchange with Cl−anions, in the course of which the crystals change color as shown. The process has a solvent‐mediated rather than a solid‐state mechanism.magnified imageReaction of tetrazole‐1‐acetic acid with CuSO4⋅5H2O produces two novel 3D coordination frameworks: ([Cu3(μ3‐OH)(η1:η1:η1:μ3‐SO4)(tza)3]⋅3 CH3OH⋅H2O}n(1; Htza=tetrazole‐1‐acetic acid) and {[Cu4(μ2‐OH)(η2:η2:μ4‐SO4)(tta)5]⋅3 H2O}n(2; Htta=tetrazole). Framework1is constructed from a trinuclear copper cluster [Cu3(μ3‐OH)(η1:η1:η1:μ3‐SO4)] and displays a six‐connected framework with uncommon {33⋅59⋅63}‐lcy topology. Framework2presents a complicated five‐nodal (3,4,6)‐connected net with (42⋅6)(3⋅42⋅52⋅7)(43⋅62⋅8)(32⋅48⋅53⋅62)(46⋅86⋅103) topology. The η2:η2:μ4‐SO4bridging mode in2has not been found in the reported coordination polymers. The coordinated SO42−anions in1can be replaced completely when the solid polymer is treated with an aqueous methanolic solution containing Cl−anions. Detailed atomic force microscopy studies indicate a solvent‐mediated rather than a solid‐state mechanism for the exchange process.
Improving the Search Performance of Extended Connectivity Fingerprints through Activity‐Oriented Feature Filtering and Application of a Bit‐Density‐Dependent Similarity Function
Authors: Hu Ye , Lounkine Eugen , Bajorath Jürgen 
Published: March 2009

AbstractImproving fingerprint search performance: An activity‐oriented feature‐ filtering procedure and a corresponding similarity function were developed for molecule‐specific fingerprints, recording ensembles of structural patterns such as the popular extended connectivity fingerprints. Shown are comparisons of search calculations for cyclooxygenase inhibitors based on k nearest neighbor (1NN, 10NN) and Tanimoto coefficient (Tc) calculations, and the ACF BDM approach introduced herein.magnified imageThe Pipeline Pilot extended connectivity fingerprints (ECFPs) are currently among the most popular similarity search tools in drug discovery settings. ECFPs do not have a fixed bit string format but generate variable numbers of structural features for individual test molecules. This variable string design makes ECFP representations amenable to compound‐class‐directed modification. We have devised an intuitive feature‐filtering technique that focuses ECFP search calculations on feature string ensembles of given compound activity classes. In combination with a simple bit‐density‐dependent similarity function, feature filtering consistently improved the search performance of ECFP calculations based on Tanimoto similarity and state‐of‐the‐art data fusion techniques on a diverse array of activity classes. Feature filtering and the bit density similarity metric are easily implemented in the Pipeline Pilot environment. The approach provides a viable alternative to conventional similarity searching and should be of general interest to further improve the success rate of practical ECFP applications.
Discovery of Riociguat (BAY 63‐2521): A Potent, Oral Stimulator of Soluble Guanylate Cyclase for the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Mittendorf Joachim , Weigand Stefan , Alonso‐Alija Cristina , Bischoff Erwin , Feurer Achim , Gerisch Michael , Kern Armin , Knorr Andreas , Lang Dieter , Muenter Klaus , Radtke Martin , Schirok Hartmut , Schlemmer Karl‐Heinz , Stahl Elke , Straub Alexander , Wunder Frank , Stasch Johannes‐Peter 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDirect stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) represents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of a range of diseases, including the severely disabling pulmonary hypertension (PH). Optimization of the unfavorable DMPK profile of previous sGC stimulators provided riociguat, which is currently being investigated in phase III clinical trials for the oral treatment of PH.magnified imageSoluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) is a key signal‐transduction enzyme activated by nitric oxide (NO). Impairments of the NO–sGC signaling pathway have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and other diseases. Direct stimulation of sGC represents a promising therapeutic strategy particularly for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH), a disabling disease associated with a poor prognosis. Previous sGC stimulators such as the pyrazolopyridines BAY 41‐2272 and BAY 41‐8543 demonstrated beneficial effects in experimental models of PH, but were associated with unfavorable drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic (DMPK) properties. Herein we disclose an extended SAR exploration of this compound class to address these issues. Our efforts led to the identification of the potent sGC stimulator riociguat, which exhibits an improved DMPK profile and exerts strong effects on pulmonary hemodynamics and exercise capacity in patients with PH. Riociguat is currently being investigated in phase III clinical trials for the oral treatment of PH.
Properties and mechanisms of spontaneous activity in the embryonic chick hindbrain
Authors: Hughes Sean M. , Easton Curtis R. , Bosma Martha M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractSpontaneous activity regulates many aspects of central nervous system development. We demonstrate that in the embryonic chick hindbrain, spontaneous activity is expressed between embryonic days (E) 6–9. Over this period the frequency of activity decreases significantly, although the events maintain a consistent rhythm on the timescale of minutes. At E6, the activity is pharmacologically dependent on serotonin, nACh, GABAA, and glycine input, but not on muscarinic, glutamatergic, or GABAB receptor activation. It also depends on gap junctions, t‐type calcium channels and TTX‐sensitive ion channels. In intact spinal cord‐hindbrain preparations, E6 spontaneous events originate in the spinal cord and propagate into lateral hindbrain tissue; midline activity follows the appearance of lateral activity. However, the spinal cord is not required for hindbrain activity. There are two invariant points of origin of activity along the midline, both within the caudal group of serotonin‐expressing cell bodies; one point is caudal to the nV exit point while the other is caudal to the nVII exit point. Additional caudal midline points of origin are seen in a minority of cases. Using immunohistochemistry, we show robust differentiation of the serotonergic raphe near the midline at E6, and extensive fiber tracts expressing GAD65/67 and the nAChR in lateral areas; this suggests that the medial activity is dependent on serotonergic neuron activation, while lateral activity requires other transmitters. Although there are differences between species, this activity is highly conserved between mouse and chick, suggesting that developmental event(s) within the hindbrain are dependent on expression of this spontaneous activity. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2009
A tetracycline‐inducible and skeletal muscle‐specific Cre recombinase transgenic mouse
Authors: Rao Pengcheng , Monks D. Ashley 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe have generated a transgenic mouse that expresses Cre recombinase only in skeletal muscle and only following tetracycline treatment. This spatiotemporal specificity is achieved using two transgenes. The first transgene uses the human skeletal actin (HSA) promoter to drive expression of the reverse tetracycline‐controlled transactivator (rtTA). The second transgene uses a tetracycline responsive promoter to drive the expression of Cre recombinase. We monitored transgene expression in these mice by crossing them with ROSA26 loxP‐LacZ reporter mice, which express β‐galactosidase when activated by Cre. We find that the expression of this transgene is only detectable within skeletal muscle and that Cre expression in the absence of tetracycline is negligible. Cre is readily induced in this model with tetracycline analogs at a range of embryonic and postnatal ages and in a pattern consistent with other HSA transgenic mice. This mouse improves upon existing transgenic mice in which skeletal muscle Cre is expressed throughout development by allowing Cre expression to begin at later developmental stages. This temporal control of transgene expression has several applications, including overcoming embryonic or perinatal lethality due to transgene expression. This mouse is especially suited for studies of steroid hormone action, as it uses tetracycline, rather than tamoxifen, to activate Cre expression. In summary, we find that this transgenic induction system is suitable for studies of gene function in the context of hormonal regulation of skeletal muscle or interactions between muscle and motoneurons in mice. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2009
Female emotional eaters show abnormalities in consummatory and anticipatory food reward: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Bohon Cara , Stice Eric , Spoor Sonja 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective:To test the hypothesis that emotional eaters show greater neural activation in response to food intake and anticipated food intake than nonemotional eaters and whether these differences are amplified during a negative versus neutral mood state.Method:Female emotional eaters and nonemotional eaters (N = 21) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during receipt and anticipated receipt of chocolate milkshake and a tasteless control solution while in a negative and neutral mood.Results:Emotional eaters showed greater activation in the parahippocampal gyrus and anterior cingulate (ACC) in response to anticipated receipt of milkshake and greater activation in the pallidum, thalamus, and ACC in response to receipt of milkshake during a negative relative to a neutral mood. In contrast, nonemotional eaters showed decreased activation in reward regions during a negative versus a neutral mood.Discussion:Results suggest that emotional eating is related to increased anticipatory and consummatory food reward, but only during negative mood. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
New Concise Route to 2‐Amino‐3‐hydroxycycloalkanecarboxylic Acids by Imidate‐Mediated Intramolecular Conjugate Addition
Authors: Matsushima Yoshitaka , Kino Jun 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTrichloroacetimidates, generated either in situ or prepared and isolated from methyl 3‐hydroxycycloalk‐1‐enecarboxylates, undergo stereoselective intramolecular conjugate addition reactions to produce oxazolines. These oxazolines lead, in a novel, simple way, to 2‐amino‐3‐hydroxycycloalkanecarboxylic acids and their derivatives. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Personal project commitment in adolescence: The role of relatedness, competence and integrity
Authors: Harré Niki , Bullen Pat 
Published: March 2009

AbstractUniversity (n = 175) and high school (n = 162) students rated their commitment to three personal projects self‐identified as central to their lives, the extent to which each project generated experiences of relatedness, competence and integrity, and how much approval it received from significant others. This study compared the ‘life’ (hobbies, fitness, church, life transitions, intrapersonal, etc.) and education projects of participants who spontaneously generated an example of each (98 university and 70 high school participants). Integrity and competence received higher ratings than relatedness and were the most important predictors of commitment to both types of project. For both groups, education projects received more family/adult approval than life projects and there was much greater variation in approval ratings for the latter. The results suggest that, at least for young people in New Zealand, feeling that you are good at a project and it fits with your values, is almost a proxy for commitment. It is possible that social factors play a less direct role, perhaps by influencing the choice of interpersonal settings in which to carry out important projects. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.