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Background and Purpose Sepsis is a life-threatening clinical condition characterized by uncontrolled inflammatory responses and is a major cause of death in intensive care units. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have recently exhibited anti-inflammatory properties. MAPK phosphatase (MKP) suppresses MAPK signalling, which plays an important role in inflammatory responses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective mechanisms of Compound 9a, a newly synthetized HDAC inhibitor, against septic injury. Experimental Approach The anti-inflammatory properties of Compound 9a were assayed in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In vivo, polymicrobial sepsis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by caecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The mice were treated with Compound 9a (i.p., 10 mg∙kg−1) 2 h before and immediately after CLP. Key Results Compound 9a inhibited the increased production of TNF-α, IL-6 and NO in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In mice with CLP, Compound 9a improved survival rate, attenuated organ injuries and decreased serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels. CLP increased expression of toll-like receptor 4, phosphorylated (p)-p38, p-JNK and p-ERK proteins, which was attenuated by Compound 9a. Compound 9a decreased MKP-1 association with HDAC1 and enhanced MKP-1 acetylation and enhanced MKP-1 association with p-p38 and p-ERK. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of Compound 9a on serum cytokine levels and phosphorylation of MAPK were abolished by MKP-1 siRNA. Conclusions and Implications Our findings suggest that Compound 9a protected against septic injury by suppressing MAPK-mediated inflammatory signalling.

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by a heterogeneous clinical spectrum, and some forms of AD are associated with the initial steps of allergic march. The aims of this study were to determine AD phenotypes in school-age children and investigate their associations with the allergic march in each cluster. Methods We included 242 children (6–8 years) with current AD from the Children's HEalth and Environmental Research study, a 4-year prospective follow-up study with 2-year survey intervals. Latent class analysis was used. Serum IL-13 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) levels at the time of enrollment were measured using ELISA. Results We identified four current AD phenotypes in children, characterized as ‘early onset with low atopy’ (26.4% of the sample; group 1), ‘early onset with high atopy and high eosinophil percentages’ (48.3%; group 2), ‘late onset with low atopy’ (9.9%; group 3), and ‘late onset with high atopy and normal eosinophils’ (15.3%; group 4). Although groups 2 and 4 demonstrated high atopic burden, children in group 2 showed the persistence of AD and eosinophilia associated with a high prevalence of new cases of bronchial hyper-responsiveness and asthma symptoms during follow-up. The serum IL-13 level was significantly increased in the early-onset AD groups, but there was no significant difference in the serum TSLP levels across all four groups. Conclusion An allergic march-associated AD phenotype exists that is characterized by early onset of AD with its persistence, increased serum IL-13 levels, high atopy, and a persistently increased blood eosinophil percentage.

The rhodium(III)-catalyzed direct C-H functionalization of azobenzenes with ethyl glyoxalate and aryl glyoxals is described. This protocol provides the facile and efficient formation of various C3-acylated-(2H)-indazoles in moderate to high yields.

The rhodium(III)-catalyzed mild and site-selective C–H allylation of 2-arylbenzo[d]thiazoles and 2-arylbenzo[d]oxazoles with allylic phosphonates and allylic carbonates is described. This transformation provides an efficient construction of C2-allylated, crotylated and prenylated 2-arylbenzo[d]thiazoles and 2-arylbenzo[d]oxazoles. In addition, this protocol can be applied to the formation of 2-arylbenzo[d]thiazole scaffolds containing an allylic alcohol group by using of 4-vinyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-one and vinyl oxirane as coupling partners.

The purpose of this study is to understand the cavitation phenomena in centrifugal pumps through computational fluid dynamics method. NPSH characteristic curve is measured from different flow operating conditions. Steady state, liquid-vapor homogeneous method with two equations transport turbulence model is employed to estimate the NPSH curve in centrifugal pumps. The Rayleigh-Plesset cavitation model is adapted as source term for inter-phase mass transfer in order to understand cavitation phenomena in centrifugal pumps. The cavitation incipient curve is clearly estimated at different flows operating conditions. A relationship is made between cavitation incipient and NPSH curve. Also the effects on water vapor volume fraction and pressure load distributions on the impeller blade are also described.

The advent of new high-speed trains with increased operation speed has made the slab track structure a viable alternative to the traditional ballast track. However, the high rigidity of the stiff slab layers that replaces the ballast material make the dynamic responses of concrete slab tracks very different to those generally expected in ballast tracks. Inclusion of stiff layers between the rail and subsoil in a concrete slab track obscures understanding of dynamic subsoil responses with respect to theoretical critical velocity. In this study, we systemically investigated the dynamic responses of the concrete slab track to various train speeds and subsoil stiffnesses. A complete finite element model including the vehicle, rail, track, and subsoil in two dimensions was developed. Numerical results revealed that the degree of retardation of the elastic strain energy related to the critical velocity for the subsoil dominated the delayed arrival of the peak vertical displacement, thereby expanding the hysteretic loop of the stress paths, resulting in erratic distribution of the elastic strain energy in the subsoil.

Reproductive disorders in cows cause economic loss in livestock farms. Reproductive diseases, such as follicular cyst, luteal cyst, endometritis, pyometra, and repeat breeding cause infertility. Among these diseases, endometritis and pyometra are uterine infections that are leading causes of infertility. This study was performed to investigate the causative agents of uterine diseases using bacterial culture. Bacteria were obtained from the reproductive organs (vagina, uterine cervix, and uterine horn) of dairy cow diagnosed with endometritis or pyometra, and cultured on blood agar. The colonies obtained from cultivation for 24 hours were passaged. To identify the bacteria, the colonies grown in passaged culture Gram stained and applied to an automatic biochemical microbial identification system. Escherichia coli were commonly detected in vagina, uterine cervix, and uterine horn of dairy cows diagnosed to pyometra. The cows having endometritis showed not only Escherichia coli but also Pantoea spp. and Klebsiella spp. strains. Dairy cows that were infected with Escherichia coli in uterus caused mastitis or digestive disease. These results suggest that sanitary feeding and management beforehand are needed to prevent bacterial infections

Due to the mobil-centered lifestyle following the wider use of Smartphones, Mobile services, including mobile banking and mobile shopping business have increased rapidly. Also with the emergence of “Fintech”, which finance combined with technology, IT based financial market is going to be highly promising. In this trend, interests mobile credit cards are increasing. But diffusion of the mobile credit card services is still in the low level. In this situation, to identify factors that influencing satisfaction and continuous usage intention on mobile credit card, this study applied innovation diffusion theory (IDT) and post acceptance model (PAM). To conducting this research, survey data were collected, and we used SmartPLS to analyze survey data. As a result of the study, perceived easy of use, image, compatibility and facilitation positively affect user’s satisfaction in mobile credit cards and that such satisfaction have a positive impact on continuous intention to use. The facilitation influences user satisfaction more strongly for those who use mobile credit cards more than plastic credit cards. Also, perceived of use and image influence user satisfaction more strongly for those who use plastic credit cards more than mobile credit cards. It is expected that this study can be a guideline for credit card service providers and policy makers to invigorate mobile credit card business. Also it worths as a early-stage research on Fintech-related studies.

The rhodium(III)-catalyzed ortho-C–H functionalization of 2-arylbenzo[d]thiazoles with α-diazo esters is described. This transformation provides the facile and efficient construction of C2-alkylated 2-arylbenzo[d]thiazoles in the absence of external oxidants, and releases benign N2 gas as the only byproduct.

The rhodium(III)-catalyzed direct amidation of indoles and pyrroles with aryl and alkyl isocyanates is described. These transformations provide a facile and efficient construction of C2-amidated N-heterocyclic scaffolds.

Th er hodium-catalyzed selective cyana- tion of C¢ Hb onds of indolines an di ndole sw ith N- cyano-N-phenyl-para-methylbenzenesulfonamide is described. This protocol offer sa facile access to C-7 cyanated indolines and C- 2c yanated indole sw ith high site selectivity and excellent functional group tolerance.

Johne's disease is a chronic wasting disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), resulting in inflammation of intestines and persistent diarrhea. The initial host response against MAP infections is mainly regulated by the Th1 response, which is characterized by the production of IFN-γ. With the progression of disease, MAP can survive in the host through the evasion of the host's immune response by manipulating the host immune response. However, the host response during subclinical phases has not been fully understood. Immune regulatory genes, including Th17-derived cytokines, interferon regulatory factors, and calcium signaling-associated genes, are hypothesized to play an important role during subclinical phases of Johne's disease. Therefore, the present study was conducted to analyze the expression profiles of immune regulatory genes during MAP infection in whole blood. Different expression patterns of genes were identified depending on the infection stages. Downregulation of IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, IL-26, HMGB1, and IRF4 and upregulation of PIP5K1C indicate suppression of the Th1 response due to MAP infection and loss of granuloma integrity. In addition, increased expression of IRF5 and IRF7 suggest activation of IFN-α/β signaling during subclinical stages, which induced indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase mediated depletion of tryptophan metabolism. Increased expression of CORO1A indicate modulation of calcium signaling, which enhanced the survival of MAP. Taken together, distinct host gene expression induced by MAP infection indicates enhanced survival of MAP during subclinical stages.

The divergent synthesis of some novel aminocyclopentitol analogues was concisely achieved from readily available d-galactose via the highly diastereoselective amination of carbocyclic polybenzyl ether using chlorosulfonyl isocyanate, diastereoselective dihydroxylation, and epoxidation as the key steps.

Asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-neplanocin A was concisely achieved from readily available d -galactose via the regioselective and diastereoselective amination of carbocyclic polybenzyl ether using chlorosulfonyl isocyanate and intramolecular olefin metathesis using second-generation Grubbs catalyst.

The rhodium(III)-catalyzed direct allylation of indolines with allylic carbonates at room temperature is described. These transformations provide the facile and efficient construction of C7-allylated indolic scaffold.

A mobile virtual reality system, equipped with built-in variables such as heart rate (HR), gaze-down data, and subjective fear rating, can allow individuals with a fear of heights to overcome it by self-training. This study aimed to verify the efficacy and safety of the training program. Forty-eight volunteers completed the four-session self-training program over 2 weeks. They were allocated into either low- or high-fear group by the Acrophobia Questionnaire (AQ)-anxiety scores, and then the changes of the built-in variables and AQ-anxiety scores were analyzed between the groups. The safety was assessed using the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ). The AQ-anxiety scores were significantly decreased after self-training in both groups, and the degree of decrease was significantly greater in the high-fear group than in the low-fear group. Gaze-down percentage and subjective fear rating showed a significant group difference, but HR did not. The SSQ scores were within the acceptable level. These results suggest that the training effect was greater in the high-fear group than in the low-fear group. This mobile program may be safely applicable to self-training for individuals with high scores on the fear of heights by repeated exposure to virtual environments with the embedded feedback system.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is a causative agent of Johne's disease or paratuberculosis (PTB), which is a chronic debilitating disease in ruminants, that is characterized by incurable enteritis and persistent diarrhea. ISMap02 is one of the major targets of PCR because it is present in multicopies (six copies) and known to be specific to MAP. However, in the present study, non-MAP mycobacteria were shown to be positive by ISMap02 targeting PCR. Two bacterial isolates (Sample ID: BO-038 and BO-042) were cultured from bovine fecal samples that produced positive results in three of two ISMap02 targeting PCR analyses with negative results in IS900 real-time PCR. Species identification using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and hsp65 gene partial sequencing revealed that strains BO-038 and BO-042 were M. virginiense and M. nonchromogenicum, respectively, which both belong to the M. terrae complex (MTC). Moreover, the two isolates shared a novel insertion sequence (IS) with high similarity to some parts of nucleotide sequences of ISMap02, and IS was presumed to be identical to that present in M. heraklionense. Both the novel IS and ISMap02 were characterized as IS1182 family members, and several sequences similar to ISMap02 were identified by BLAST analysis. In addition, the DDE transposase of the novel IS showed great similarity in the N-terminal portion with the IS5/1182 DDE transposase of other mycobacteria. These results suggest that ISMap02 has a conserved region with similarity to other ISs, and that the diagnostic value of the primer sets targeting that region should be re-addressed.

This paper proposes alternate bridge core of the Concentrated Flux-type Synchronous Motor (CFSM) using ferrite permanent magnets for automotive chassis actuator. The advantage of this structure is the reduction of leakage flux in the rotor bridges. Therefore, torque is enhanced in the safe mechanical structure. It is analyzed under the conditions of the constant volume of the PMs as well as the constant diameter of the rotor. By using the proposed method, the improved model is designed based on the initial model fulfilling the required specifications. Finally, the torque and mechanical characteristics of the two motors are simulated through the finite element analysis (FEA).

Stereoselective benzylic amination reaction is important for their further application as pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, and other chemical entities. Herein, we describe the diastereoselective amination of 1,2-anti-dialkoxychromane on chromane framework using chlorosulfonyl isocyanate. Notably, the utility of this protocol is highlighted by the total synthesis of chromanol 293B and cromakalim.

The congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is an inherited cardiac disorder characterized by increased QT intervals and a tendency to experience ventricular tachycardia, which can cause fainting, heart failure, or sudden death. A 4-year-old female patient undergoing velopharyngeal correction surgery under general anesthesia suddenly developed Torsades de pointes. Although the patient spontaneously resolved to sinus rhythm without treatment, subsequent QT prolongation persisted. Here, we report a case of concealed LQTS with a literature review.

Lignocellulose contains a large amount of cellulose but is recalcitrant to enzymatic hydrolysis, which yields sugars for fuels or chemicals. Various pretreatment methods are used to improve the enzymatic digestibility of cellulose in lignocellulose. Depending on the lignocellulose types and pretreatment methods, biomass compositions and physical properties significantly vary. Therefore, customized enzyme mixtures have to be employed for the efficient hydrolysis of pretreated lignocellulose. Here, using three recombinant model enzymes consisting of endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase, and xylanase with a fixed amount of β-glucosidase, the optimal formulation of enzyme mixtures was designed for two differently pretreated rice straws (acid-pretreated or alkali-pretreated rice straw) by the mixture design methodology. As a result, different optimal compositions for the enzyme mixtures were employed depending on the type of pretreatment of rice straw. These results suggest that customized enzyme mixtures for pretreated lignocellulosic biomass are necessary to obtain increased sugar yields and should be considered in the industrial utilization of lignocellulose.

A lead compound 1, which inhibits the catalytic activity of PTK6, was selected from a chemical library. Derivatives of compound 1 were synthesized and analyzed for inhibitory activity against PTK6 in vitro and at the cellular level. Selected compounds were analyzed for cytotoxicity in human foreskin fibroblasts using MTT assays and for selectivity towards PTK members in HEK 293 cells. Compounds 20 (in vitro IC50 = 0.12 μM) and 21 (in vitro IC50 = 0.52 μM) showed little cytotoxicity, excellent inhibition of PTK6 in vitro and at the cellular level, and selectivity for PTK6. Compounds 20 and 21 inhibited phosphorylation of specific PTK6 substrates in HEK293 cells. Thus, we have identified novel PTK6 inhibitors that may be used as treatments for PTK6-positive carcinomas, including breast cancer.

Well-established metabolome sample preparation is a prerequisite for reliable metabolomic data. For metabolome sampling of a Gram-positive strict anaerobe, Clostridium acetobutylicum, fast filtration and metabolite extraction with acetonitrile/methanol/water (2:2:1, v/v) at −20°C under anaerobic conditions has been commonly used. This anaerobic metabolite processing method is laborious and time-consuming since it is conducted in an anaerobic chamber. Also, there have not been any systematic method evaluation and development of metabolome sample preparation for strict anaerobes and Gram-positive bacteria. In this study, metabolome sampling and extraction methods were rigorously evaluated and optimized for C. acetobutylicum by using gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, in which a total of 116 metabolites were identified. When comparing the atmospheric (i.e., in air) and anaerobic (i.e., in an anaerobic chamber) processing of metabolome sample preparation, there was no significant difference in the quality and quantity of the metabolomic data. For metabolite extraction, pure methanol at −20°C was a better solvent than acetonitrile/methanol/water (2:2:1, v/v/v) at −20°C that is frequently used for C. acetobutylicum, and metabolite profiles were significantly different depending on extraction solvents. This is the first evaluation of metabolite sample preparation under aerobic processing conditions for an anaerobe. This method could be applied conveniently, efficiently, and reliably to metabolome analysis for strict anaerobes in air. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 2528–2536. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A rhodium-catalyzed oxidative C2-alkenylation of indoles containing a N -( p -tolyl)carboxamide group with substituted alkynes via C C bond formation and subsequent C N bond cleavage has been described. This protocol represents direct access to C2-alkenylated free (NH)-indoles, which are important building blocks in the synthesis of natural and pharmacological compounds.

The maximum shear modulus of soil is a principal parameter for the design of earth structures under static and dynamic loads. In this study, the statistical data of the maximum shear moduli of reclaimed ground in the Songdo area on the western coast of Korea were evaluated using various field and laboratory tests, including the standard penetration test (SPT), piezocone penetration test (CPTu), self-boring pressure meter test (SBPT), down-hole seismic test (DHT), seismic piezocone penetration test (SCPTu) and resonant column test (RCT). Soils were classified variously by using a conventional unified soil classification system and classification charts for CPTu data. For the soils containing mostly sand and silt, the soil classifications using the classification charts for CPTu data show good agreement with the unified soil classification. Based on the statistical analysis on various maximum shear moduli, new site-specific empirical correlations between the shear moduli and SPT and CPTu values were propose...

Private incentives in collective benefits usually motivate individual contributions to the private share of the benefits. However, in spite of the private incentives introduced by an antidumping re...

Rationale Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is a rare type of neuralgia. Depending on the cause, it is classified as idiopathic GPN and secondary GPN. Secondary GPN can also be caused by a mass effect or inflammation of the tonsils, the innervation area of glossopharyngeal nerve. Patient concerns The patient was diagnosed idiopathic GPN 8 years ago. The patient had intermittent pain, but the pain was well controlled. From 5 months ago, the pain gradually worsened, the patient complained severe pain which impaired chewing and swallowing function. Diagnoses Idiopathic GPN, secondary GPN, chronic tonsillitis INTERVENTIONS:: Percutaneous glossopharyngeal nerve block, glossopharyngeal neurolysis, and pulsed radiofrequency neuromodulation of glossopharyngeal nerve were performed. After the diagnosis of tonsillitis, antibiotic therapy was performed OUTCOMES:: Two weeks after the antibiotic treatment, the pain decreased simultaneously with the patient's tonsillitis recovery. Lessons In a Patient who had already been diagnosed with idiopathic GPN, both pain control and its cause should be considered when the pain is aggravated.

Plastic deformation of roadbed influences the stability and maintenance of concrete slab track. Long-term plastic deformation in a railway roadbed is generated primarily due to accumulated inelastic strains caused by repeated passing of trains. Prediction of cumulative plastic deformation is important in cost-effective maintenance of railway tracks as well as for the safe operation of trains. In this study, the vertical displacements in railway roadbeds with different thicknesses of reinforced roadbed were computed. Parameters of the power model for cumulative plastic strain were calibrated by using the data from triaxial tests and full-scale loading tests. Results of three-dimensional finite element analyses of standard roadbed sections provide us with design guidelines for the selection of the thickness of reinforced roadbed.

The rhodium-catalyzed oxidative C2-olefination of indoles and pyrroles containing N-arylcarboxamide directing groups with a range of alkenes and subsequent cleavage of directing groups is described. This method provides direct and efficient access to C2-functionalized free (NH)-heterocycles.

Currently, for the production of cellulosic ethanol, multi-step unit operations, including pretreatment, solid/liquid (S/L) separation, solids washing, liquid detoxification, neutralization, enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation, are the commonly required steps responsible for elevating the capital and operating costs. To simplify these steps, consolidated bioprocessing (CBP), focusing on the multi-functional microbial strains, was proposed. However, this process has not been commercialized yet. In this study, using an acid–base mixture as a pretreatment catalyst, pretreatment, saccharification and fermentation were performed in one pot without S/L separation, neutralization and detoxification. From the one-pot process based on the acid–base mixture pretreatment (190 °C, 2 min and 0.15 (w/v) acid–base mixture) and 15 FPU of cellulase per g glucan and Sacchromyces cerevisiae, 70.7% of the theoretical maximum ethanol yield (based on the initial amount of glucan in the untreated rice straw) was obtained. This was comparable to the estimated ethanol yield of 72.9%, assuming a 90% glucan recovery yield after pretreatment × a 90% glucose yield from saccharification × a 90% ethanol yield from ethanol fermentation performed in three separate pots. These results suggest that the entire slurry processing of lignocellulose in one pot could be an attractive way to achieve economic sustainability in the production of fuel from lignocellulose.

Department of Infectious Diseases & Avian Diseases, College Veterinary Medicine and Korea Zoonosis Research Institute,Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, KoreaABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate occurrence patterns of Clostridium perfringens on different raising periods in broilers. In different raising periods, we investigated the change in the gross lesion and microscopic histological findings of the mucose of the small intestine, colony forming unit (CFU) and the types C. perfringens with PCR assay. According to the gross lesions on the mucose of small intestine with 10-days-old broilers, the non-antibiotic group showed a higher value (0.6) than the antibiotic group (0.0). Whereas 20-days-old broilers with, the antibiotic treatment had a slightly lower value (1.0) than the non-antibiotic group (1.3). In the histological examination on the villi of the small intestine, there was no damage of the villi of the small intestine with 1-day-old broilers in both groups; however, the non-antibiotic group showed a higher value (0.4) than the antibiotic group (0.0) with 10-days-old broilers. In the non-antibiotic group, the CFU of C. perfringens of the fecal samples from the small intestine increased from 10 days of raising broilers and rapidly increase after 20 and 30 days of raising broilers. There was no detection of C. perfringens types with PCR assy in 1-day-old broilers, but we found C. perfringens type A in 10-, 20- and 30-days-old broilers. Although it is possible to raise healthy broilers by using antibiotics, the addition of antibiotics to concentrate feed is prohibited for public health. The results of this study would contribute to proper feeding management through the careful use of antibiotics.(Key words : necrotic enteritis, Clostridium perfringens, broiler, antibiotics)

The total synthesis of (+)-valienamine and (−)-1-epi-valienamine was concisely accomplished from readily available d -glucose via a highly diastereoselective amination of chiral benzylic ether using chlorosulfonyl isocyanate, intramolecular olefin metathesis, and diastereoselective reduction of cyclic enone using l -Selectride as the key steps.

To investigate the origin of the stress-level dependency of soil elasticity, a series of stress-path experiments were simulated for loose and dense soil specimens with three different contact surfaces. In the discrete element analyses, an assumption was introduced in which the contact body had the geometry of an elastic sphere with local, axi-symmetric irregularity. To evaluate the cross-anisotropic elastic shear moduli, small-strain cyclic shear tests were simulated under stress conditions along four stress-probing paths. For dense specimens with high coordination numbers, the internal structure was represented by the degree of fabric anisotropy and the coordination number remained unchanged during shearing, thus leading to the coincidence of the sum of the exponents in the contact stiffness model. For the loose specimens with low coordination numbers, the fabric structure evolved continuously during shearing, which resulted in the increase of the exponents in the power function of the elastic modulus. The rearrangement of particles and the transition of contact-force chains, along with the evolution of the fabric, manifested as increasing dependency of the elastic moduli on the stresses in such loose specimens.

A new series of PHD (HIF prolyl 4-hydroxylase) inhibitors was designed based on the X-ray co-crystal structure of FG-2216. Using a lead generation process, a series of [(4-Hydroxyl-benzo[4,5]thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-3-carbonyl)-amino]-acetic acid derivatives was developed as potent PHD2 inhibitors. This class of compounds also showed the ability to stabilize HIF-α, to stimulate EPO secretion in in vitro studies, and to increase hematocrit, red blood cell count, and hemoglobin levels in an animal efficacy study.

A copper-catalyzed oxidative esterification of 2-carbonyl substituted phenols from the alcohol oxidation level is described. This protocol represents direct access to a range of 2-carbonylated aryl benzoate derivatives, which are important building blocks in the synthesis of natural and pharmacological compounds.

Societal interest on a faster transportation demands an increase of the train speed exceeding current operation speed of 350 km/h. To trace the pattern of variations in displacements and subsoil stresses in the concrete slab track system, finite element simulations were conducted. For a simple track-vehicle modeling, a mass-point system representing the moving train load was developed. Dynamic responses with various train speeds from 100 to 700 km/h were investigated. As train speeds increase the displacement at rail and subsoil increases nonlinearly, whereas significant dynamic amplification at the critical velocity has not been found. At low train speed, the velocity of elastic wave carrying elastic energy is faster than the train speed. At high train speed exceeding 400 km/h, however, the train speed is approximately identical to the elastic wave velocity. Nonlinearity in the stress history in subsoil is amplified with increasing train speeds, which may cause significant plastic strains in path-dependent subsoil materials.

This paper describes patterns of nonlinear shear stiffness degradation with respect to the stress history of clay. An experimental study using undrained triaxial compression tests was conducted on specimens cut from reconstituted clay samples of kaolinite. The nonlinear pattern of stiffness degradation was analyzed within the frameworks of both the conventional overconsolidation ratio (OCR) and the stress path rotation angle. The experimental data were subsequently interpreted based on the concept of the kinematic sub-yield surface. The pattern of stiffness degradation is more relevant to the rotation angle of the current stress path than the OCR value. The sizes of the sub-yield surfaces are variable. Results show that the kinematic movements of sub-yield surfaces within the overall bounding surface may provide an insufficient tool to fully describe the pattern of stiffness degradation.

A highly efficient palladium-catalyzed oxidative ortho-acylation of O-methyl ketoximes and O-methyl aldoximes with benzylic and aliphatic alcohols from the alcohol oxidation level is described. This protocol potentially provides new opportunities to use readily available alcohols as starting materials for catalytic reactions, and represents a catalytic alternative to transcend the barriers imposed by classical Friedel–Crafts acylation.

In the conversion of lignocellulose into high- value products, including fuels and chemicals, the produc- tion of cellulase and the enzymatic hydrolysis for producing fermentable sugar are the largest contributors to the cost of production of the final products. The marine bacterium Saccharophagus degradans 2-40 T can degrade more than ten different complex polysaccharides found in the ocean, including cellulose and xylan. Accordingly, S. degradans has been actively considered as a practical source of crude enzymes needed for the saccharification of lignocellulose to produce ethanol by others including a leading commercial company. However, the overall enzyme system of S. de- gradans for hydrolyzing cellulose and hemicellulose has not been quantitatively evaluated yet in comparison with commercial enzymes. In this study, the inductions and activities of cellulase and xylanase of cell-free lysate of S. degradans were investigated. The growth of S. degradans cells and the activities of cellulase and xylanase were pro- moted by adding 2 % of cellulose and xylan mixture (cel- lulose:xylan = 4:3 in mass ratio) to the aquarium salt medium supplemented with 0.2 % glucose. The specific cellulase activity of the cell-free lysate of S. degradans ,a s determined by the filter paper activity assay, was approxi- mately 70 times lower than those of commercial cellulases, including Celluclast 1.5 L and Accellerase 1000. These results imply that significant improvement in the cellulase activity of S. degradans is needed for the industrial uses of S. degradans as the enzyme source.

The yield of ethanol from oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) was increased on exploiting maleic acid pretreatment combined with fermentation of the pretreated whole slurry. The optimized conditions for pretreatment were to expose EFB to a high temperature (190 °C) with 1 % (w/v) maleic acid for a short time duration (3 min ramping to the set temperature with no holding) in a microwave digester. An enzymatic digestibility of 60.9 % (based on theoretical glucose yield) was exhibited using pretreated and washed EFB after 48 h of hydrolysis. Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of the whole slurry of pretreated EFB for 48 h resulted in 61.3 % theoretical yield of ethanol based on the initial amount of glucan in untreated EFB. These results indicate that maleic acid is a suitable catalyst not requiring detoxification steps for whole slurry fermentation of EFB for ethanol production, thus improving the process economics. Also, the whole slurry fermentation can significantly increase the biomass utilization by converting sugar from both solid and liquid phases of the pretreated slurry.

Due to the urbanization, lots of people are living in cities. It is very convenient to live in the cities for the people but at the same time, the highly populated city has several environmental problems. During delivery process of large amount of municipal waste generated from the cities, the automobile emission and traffic jam have been occurred. The waste collection in the cities has been mainly done by using labour force and delivery truck. This is the conventional waste collection up to now. Recently, new technologies like automated waste collection system and capsule transportation have been introduced. Conventional waste collection mainly relied on the labour force and truck delivery does not need to invest a lot of money for the start-up. However, it requires to pay the operational cost both for the labour force and the truck delivery. On the contrary to this conventional waste collection, the automated waste collection and capsule transportation require high initial investment cost. However, the automated waste collection and capsule transportation can reduce significantly the pollutants emission, traffic jam by the waste trucks and actual waste collection cost per ton. In dealing with the waste collection in the cities, new waste collection technologies could be properly combined with the conventional waste collection for the effective municipal waste treatment.

A systematic laboratory compaction testing was performed with the laboratory seismic measurements of the compacted specimens sampled from various compaction fills and was supplemented with in-situ seismic testing to investigate the effects of compaction energy on the elastic wave velocities of the railway roadbed materials. The both variances of the compressive and shear wave velocities with moisture content curve (Vp-w and Vs-w curves) are similar to the general trend of the density-moisture content curve(γd-w curve). At the wet side of optimal moisture content (OMC), either Vp or Vs does not significantly increase, which is well reflecting the no gaining in density with the increasing compaction energy exceeding modified-D compaction effort. Vp increases linearly with γd at the dry side of OMC, while it does exponentially at the wet side. The in-situ wave velocities were found to be influenced by the level of confinement and Vs was more sensitive to compaction energy than Vp.