bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Designer Microorganisms for Optimized Redox Cascade Reactions — Challenges and Future Perspectives
Authors: Bayer Thomas , Milker Sofia , Wiesinger Thomas , Rudroff Florian , Mihovilovic Marko D.
Published: July 2015

Review: [217 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Exploiting Enzymatic Dynamic Reductive Kinetic Resolution (DYRKR) in Stereocontrolled Synthesis
Authors: Applegate Gregory A. , Berkowitz David B.
Published: July 2015

Review: [74 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Developments in Enzymatic Synthesis of Modified Sialic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Yu Ching‐Ching , Withers Stephen G.
Published: July 2015

Review: 159 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: sp2—sp3 Diboranes: Astounding Structural Variability and Mild Sources of Nucleophilic Boron for Organic Synthesis
Authors: Dewhurst Rian D. , Neeve Emily C. , Braunschweig Holger , Marder Todd B.
Published: July 2015

Review: [80 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Sulfur Imidations: Access to Sulfimides and Sulfoximines
Authors: Bizet Vincent , Hendriks Christine M. M. , Bolm Carsten
Published: July 2015

Review: 55 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Vitamin B12 Catalyzed Reactions
Authors: Giedyk Maciej , Goliszewska Katarzyna , Gryko Dorota
Published: July 2015

Review: 51 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Mechanically Induced Multicolor Change of Luminescent Materials
Authors: Ma Zhiyong , Wang Zhijian , Teng Mingjun , Xu Zejun , Jia Xinru
Published: July 2015

Review: 108 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Smectic Layer Instabilities in Liquid Crystals
Authors: Dierking Ingo , Mitov Michel , Osipov Mikhail A.
Published: July 2015

Review: 111 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Chemicals by Metabolic Engineering of Microbes
Authors: Sun Xinxiao , Shen Xiaolin , Jain Rachit , Lin Yuheng , Wang Jian , Sun Jing , Wang Jia , Yan Yajun , Yuan Qipeng
Published: July 2015

Review: 256 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: A Review on the Medicinal Potential of Panax ginseng Saponins in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Li Ke‐Ke , Gong Xiao‐Jie
Published: July 2015

Review: 153 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Graphene‐Based Materials for Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Shao Yuanlong , El‐Kady Maher F. , Wang Lisa J. , Zhang Qinghong , Li Yaogang , Wang Hongzhi , Mousavi Mir F. , Kaner Richard B.
Published: July 2015

Review: 235 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Graphene and Graphene Oxide: Advanced Membranes for Gas Separation and Water Purification
Authors: Xu Quan , Xu Hong , Chen Jiarui , Lv Yunzu , Dong Chenbo , Sreeprasad Theruvakkattil Sreenivasan
Published: July 2015

Review: 80 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Continuous‐Flow Technology — A Tool for the Safe Manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Authors: Gutmann Bernhard , Cantillo David , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: July 2015

Review: [202 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: A Theoretical Analysis of Ambivalent and Ambiphilic Lewis Acid/Bases with Symmetry Signatures
Authors: Mingos D. Michael P.
Published: July 2015

Review: 115 refs.
New Synthesis of Trifluoromethyl Aldimines Containing L‐α‐Amino Ester Moieties and Their Use in Mannich‐Type Reactions
Authors: Parise Luca , Pelagalli Alessia , Trulli Laura , Vergari Maria Cecilia , Fioravanti Stefania , Pellacani Lucio
Published: July 2015

L‐α‐Amino esters were considered valuable chiral starting materials in the condensation reaction with trifluoroacetaldehyde (fluoral) ethyl hemiacetal to obtain new functionalized trifluoromethyl aldimines. Starting from these latter compounds, isovaleraldehyde was used in proline‐catalyzed Mannich‐type addition reactions to give trifluoromethyl syn‐ or anti‐γ‐amino alcohols bearing the L‐α‐amino ester function, simply by changing the reaction temperature. Chirality 27:571–575, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polydimethylsiloxane microspheres with poly(methyl methacrylate) coating: Modelling, preparation, and characterization
Authors: Ma Baoguang , Hansen Jens Henrik , Hvilsted Søren , Skov Anne Ladegaard
Published: July 2015

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microspheres are prepared by mixing homogeneous dispersions of vinyl‐functional PDMS and a curing agent using mechanical stirring in a series of aqueous solutions, and curing at 80 °C for 2 h. In order to verify the experimental diameter and size distributions of the PDMS microspheres, the Hinze‐Kolmogorov theory is applied to predict the mean diameter, and a population balance model as well as the maximum entropy formalism are used to describe the size distribution. Close agreement is found between experimental and theoretical results. Furthermore, vinyl functional PDMS microspheres were coated with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by spin coating with different concentrations of PMMA solutions. The quality of the resulting PMMA shell is investigated using rheological measurements at 50 °C with a time‐sweep procedure. The results strongly suggest that PMMA‐coated PDMS microspheres react around 20 times slower than the uncoated ones, and that the PMMA shell significantly hinders the reaction between the PDMS microsphere and cross‐linker. Thus the thin PMMA shells are very efficient in protecting the reactive PDMS microspheres, since the PMMA shell forms an impermeable barrier up to 50 °C.
Microbial Decolorization of Reactive Dye Solutions
Authors: Parmar Neha , Shukla Sanjeev R.
Published: July 2015

The most widely used dyes for coloration of cotton textiles are from reactive class. However, the large amount of unfixed dye causes color in the wastewater, which is environmentally unacceptable. Decolorization of various commercially important reactive dyes in aqueous solutions was attempted by microbial treatment using the bacteria Proteus vulgaris and Proteus mirabilis, individually as well as in a consortium. Different parameters such as treatment temperature, pH, dye solution concentration, and the seed age of the bacteria were optimized to achieve maximum decolorization. Although both bacteria displayed good growth in a shake culture, the color removal was better in an anoxic static culture. The selected dyes were based on azo and anthraquinone chromophores and complete decolorization under optimized conditions could be achieved at a concentration of 30 mg/L. Good results were obtained also at dye concentrations of 60 and 90 mg/L.
Maintenance of Environmental Sustainability Through Microbiological Study of Pharmaceutical Solid Wastes
Authors: Chowdhury Fouzia Ferdous Khan , Acharjee Mrityunjoy , Noor Rashed
Published: July 2015

Untreated waste materials discharged from the pharmaceutical industries due to lack of legislative regulations may cast the unfavorable consequences within the environment. The present study endeavored to stress the proliferation of harmful microorganisms in both treated and untreated pharmaceutical wastes along with the assessment of the drug resistance patterns of the isolates. The existence of the total viable bacteria and fungi was estimated up to 109 and 106 colony forming unit (cfu)/mL, respectively, in treated pharmaceutical wastes. For the untreated wastes, the bacterial and the fungal load were 106 and 103 cfu/mL, respectively. Both categories of samples were found to be contaminated with an array of pathogenic bacteria including Klebsiella spp., Vibrio spp., Bacillus spp., and Staphylococcus spp. Interestingly, an elevated range of pathogenic contamination was noticed in the treated samples up to 105 cfu/mL while a comparatively reduced microbial load was observed in the untreated samples within a range of 102–104 cfu/mL. Most of the isolates exhibited resistance against commonly used antibiotics while several isolates showed multi‐drug resistance. Conversely, almost all untreated samples were found to exhibit in vitro anti‐bacterial activity against eight categories of laboratory isolates tested.
Direct‐acting antiviral drugs for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection: Interferon free is now
Authors: Florian J , Mishra P , Arya V , Harrington P , Connelly S , Reynolds KS , Sinha V
Published: July 2015

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a global, serious, and life‐threatening disease. Virologic response at 12 weeks post‐treatment (SVR12) signifies a durable virologic response and is currently the primary efficacy endpoint used in registrational trials. This change led to more rapid clinical development and earlier approvals of highly effective and well‐tolerated therapies, facilitating access to those in need. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a therapeutic area where mathematical modeling has proven helpful in understanding the drug mechanism and characterizing viral kinetics to inform therapy decisions. The availability of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) provides various treatment options for HIV/HCV coinfected patients, but the complexity of predicting and managing drug–drug interactions presents a unique challenge. Real‐world experience or noninterventional studies can provide insight regarding the safety and use of therapeutics that may not be readily available from traditional clinical trials. This article provides a brief overview of the development of promising drugs for the treatment of CHC.
Comparative analysis of cervical cytology screening methods and staining protocols for detection rate and accurate interpretation of ASC‐H: Data from a high‐volume laboratory in Turkey
Authors: Ozlem Aydin , Umit Ince
Published: July 2015

Background

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the ThinPrep® Imaging System (TIS) and ThinPrep® Pap Stain (TPPS). A comparative analysis was conducted to determine the detection rates of atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC‐H), the ASC:squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) ratio, biopsy follow‐up for ASC‐H in terms of the screening method used (manual screening [MS] vs. TIS screening [TISS]) and the staining protocol (regular Pap stain [RPS] vs. TPPS).

Methods

This study was performed over two periods. The RPS period included manually screened slides, whereas the TPPS period included TIS + manually screened slides. All data from the study periods were compared using statistical analysis.

Results

The detection rate of ASC‐H was significantly higher during the TPPS period than during the RPS period (0.49% vs. 0.23%); this finding is in contrast to the insignificant difference between the screening method periods. The positive predictive value (PPV) of ASC‐H cytodiagnosis for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia of grade 2 or more severe histologies was significantly different between manually screened and TIS slides (22.10% vs. 38.55%), in contrast to an insignificant difference between RPS and TPPS periods (37.14% vs. 29.77%).

Conclusion

Implementation of the TIS did not change the ASC‐H detection rates appreciably. However, the new technology improved PPV for ASC‐H cytodiagnosis and enabled the detection of true disease. Our laboratory statistics indicate that the TPPS is not a superior staining protocol and did not increase our diagnostic accuracy for ASC‐H compared with RPS. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:863–869. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is there a relationship between the performance in a chronometric mental‐rotations test and salivary testosterone and estradiol levels in children aged 9–14 years?
Authors: Quaiser‐Pohl Claudia , Jansen Petra , Lehmann Jennifer , Kudielka Brigitte M.
Published: July 2015

The consistent gender differences favoring males in some spatial abilities like mental rotation have raised the question of whether testosterone or other gonadal hormones contribute to these differences—especially because such gender differences seem to appear mainly from the age of puberty on. Studies generally suggest that spatial ability is facilitated by moderately high testosterone levels (i.e., levels that are relatively high for females and relatively low for males). However, the role of sex steroids for mental‐rotation performance of (pre‐) pubertal children has not been the focus of research, yet. In our study, the relationships between different aspects of mental‐rotation performance (accuracy, reaction time, rotation speed) and salivary testosterone and estradiol levels were investigated. Subjects were 109 children (51 boys and 58 girls) aged between 9 and 14 years (M = 11.41, SD = 1.74). They performed a chronometric mental‐rotations test, in which the stimuli consisted of three‐dimensional drawings of Shepard and Metzler cube figures. In addition, saliva samples were gathered for the analysis of free testosterone and estradiol levels. Results showed a significant gender difference in reaction time and rotational speed in favor of boys, and a significant age, but no gender difference in testosterone and estradiol levels. We found no significant relationships between hormonal levels and any measure of mental‐rotation performance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 58:120–128, 2016.
Patterns of growth and tract formation during the early development of secondary lineages in the Drosophila larval brain
Authors: Lovick Jennifer K. , Kong Angel , Omoto Jaison J. , Ngo Kathy T. , Younossi‐Hartenstein Amelia , Hartenstein Volker
Published: July 2015

The Drosophila brain consists of a relatively small number of invariant, genetically determined lineages which provide a model to study the relationship between gene function and neuronal architecture. In following this long‐term goal, we reconstruct the morphology (projection pattern and connectivity) and gene expression patterns of brain lineages throughout development. In this article, we focus on the secondary phase of lineage morphogenesis, from the reactivation of neuroblast proliferation in the first larval instar to the time when proliferation ends and secondary axon tracts have fully extended in the late third larval instar. We have reconstructed the location and projection of secondary lineages at close (4 h) intervals and produced a detailed map in the form of confocal z‐projections and digital three‐dimensional models of all lineages at successive larval stages. Based on these reconstructions, we could compare the spatio‐temporal pattern of axon formation and morphogenetic movements of different lineages in normal brain development. In addition to wild type, we reconstructed lineage morphology in two mutant conditions. (1) Expressing the construct UAS‐p35 which rescues programmed cell death we could systematically determine which lineages normally lose hemilineages to apoptosis. (2) so‐Gal4‐driven expression of dominant‐negative EGFR ablated the optic lobe, which allowed us to conclude that the global centrifugal movement normally affecting the cell bodies of lateral lineages in the late larva is causally related to the expansion of the optic lobe, and that the central pattern of axonal projections of these lineages is independent of the presence or absence of the optic lobe. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 434–451, 2016
Coordinating cell and tissue behavior during zebrafish neural tube morphogenesis
Authors: Araya Claudio , Ward Laura C. , Girdler Gemma C. , Miranda Miguel
Published: July 2015

The development of a vertebrate neural epithelium with well‐organized apico‐basal polarity and a central lumen is essential for its proper function. However, how this polarity is established during embryonic development and the potential influence of surrounding signals and tissues on such organization has remained less understood. In recent years the combined superior transparency and genetics of the zebrafish embryo has allowed for in vivo visualization and quantification of the cellular and molecular dynamics that govern neural tube structure. Here, we discuss recent studies revealing how co‐ordinated cell–cell interactions coupled with adjacent tissue dynamics are critical to regulate final neural tissue architecture. Furthermore, new findings show how the spatial regulation and timing of orientated cell division is key in defining precise lumen formation at the tissue midline. In addition, we compare zebrafish neurulation with that of amniotes and amphibians in an attempt to understand the conserved cellular mechanisms driving neurulation and resolve the apparent differences among animals. Zebrafish neurulation not only offers fundamental insights into early vertebrate brain development but also the opportunity to explore in vivo cell and tissue dynamics during complex three‐dimensional animal morphogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 245:197–208, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficacy and safety of supramaximal titrated inhibition of renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: He Zheng , Sun Yun , Gao Hui , Zhang Jun , Lu Yuhong , Feng Jihua , Su Hongli , Zeng Chao , Lv Anlin , Cheng Kang , Li Yan , Li Huan , Luan Ronghua , Wang Ling , Yu Qiujun
Published: July 2015

Aims

The optimal dosing strategies for blocking the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) are poorly known. We sought to determine the long‐term efficacy and safety of supramaximal titration of benazepril and valsartan in patients with IDCM.

Methods and results

480 patients with IDCM in New York Heart Association functional class II–IV and with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% were randomly assigned to extended‐release metoprolol (mean 152 mg/day, range 23.75–190), low‐dose benazepril (20 mg/day), low‐dose valsartan (160 mg/day), high‐dose benazepril (mean 69 mg/day, range 40–80), and high‐dose valsartan (mean 526 mg/day, range 320–640). After a median follow‐up of 4.2 years, high‐dose benazepril and valsartan, compared with their respective low dosages, resulted in 41% and 52% risk reduction in the primary endpoint of all‐cause death or admission for heart failure (P = 0.042 and 0.002), promoted functional improvement, and reversed remodelling as assessed by New York Heart Association classes, quality‐of‐life scores, and echocardiographic recording of left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end‐diastolic volume, mitral regurgitation, and wall motion score index. Compared with metoprolol, high‐dose valsartan reduced risk for the primary endpoint by 46% (P = 0.006), whereas high‐dose benazepril and both low‐dose groups showed no significant difference. Major adverse events involved hypotension and renal impairment but were largely tolerated.

Conclusions

Supramaximal doses of benazepril and valsartan were well tolerated and produced extra benefit than their low dosages in clinical outcome and cardiac reverse remodelling in patients with IDCM and modest‐severe heart failure. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01917149.
Reduced risk of life‐threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias with cardiac resynchronization therapy: relationship to left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Kutyifa Valentina , Moss Arthur J. , Solomon Scott D. , McNitt Scott , Aktas Mehmet K. , Barsheshet Alon , Merkely Bela , Zareba Wojciech , Goldenberg Ilan
Published: July 2015

Aims

We hypothesized that the relationship between LVEF and the risk of life‐threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTAs) may modify the effect of a CRT device with a defibrillator (CRT‐D) on VTA risk.

Methods and results

The risk of fast (≥200 b.p.m.) ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) and the benefit of CRT‐D in reducing VT/VF were assessed by baseline LVEF (categorized as ≤30% or 30% and assessed as a continuous measurement) in 1783 patients with mild heart failure (HF) implanted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or CRT‐D, enrolled in MADIT‐CRT. Higher LVEF (>30%) at baseline was associated with a significantly lower risk of fast VT/VF [hazard ratio (HR) 0.54, P = 0.006], VT/VF (HR 0.62, P = 0.005), and VT/VF/death (HR 0.64, P = 0.003). Treatment with CRT‐D was shown to reduce the risk of fast VT/VF in patients with LVEF ≤ 30% (n = 1100) [HR 0.64, 95% confidence intrerval (CI) 0.48–0.85, P = 0.002], but not among those with LVEF > 30% (n = 683) (HR 1.19, 95% CI 0.73–1.91, P = 0.502, interaction P‐value = 0.03). When LVEF was assessed as a continuous measure, each 5% increment was shown to be associated with a significant 30% (P < 0.001) reduction in the risk for fast VT/VF, and with a corresponding linear reduction in the benefit of CRT‐D in reducing fast VTA risk (P ‐value for treatment by LVEF interaction = 0.003).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that in mild HF patients with cardiomyopathy there is an inverse correlation between LVEF and the risk of life‐threatening VTAs, possibly contributing to the attenuation in the antiarrhythmic properties of CRT with increasing left ventricular function.

Trial registration

NCT00180271
Direct Electron Transfer and Bioelectrocatalysis by a Hexameric, Heme Protein at Nanostructured Electrodes
Authors: Tanne Johannes , Jeoung Jae‐Hun , Peng Lei , Yarman Aysu , Dietzel Birgit , Schulz Burkhard , Schad Daniel , Dobbek Holger , Wollenberger Ulla , Bier Frank F. , Scheller Frieder W.
Published: July 2015

A nanohybrid consisting of poly(3‐aminobenzenesulfonic acid‐co‐aniline) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes [MWCNT‐P(ABS‐A)]) on a gold electrode was used to immobilize the hexameric tyrosine‐coordinated heme protein (HTHP). The enzyme showed direct electron transfer between the heme group of the protein and the nanostructured surface. Desorption of the noncovalently bound heme from the protein could be excluded by control measurements with adsorbed hemin on aminohexanthiol‐modified electrodes. The nanostructuring and the optimised charge characteristics resulted in a higher protein coverage as compared with MUA/MU modified electrodes. The adsorbed enzyme shows catalytic activity for the cathodic H2O2 reduction and oxidation of NADH.
On‐line concentration and pressurized capillary electrochromatography analysis of five β‐agonists in human urine using a methacrylate monolithic column
Authors: Chen Zongbao , Zhang Lan , Lu Qiaomei , Ye Qing , Zhang Lin
Published: July 2015

A pressurized capillary electrochromatography (pCEC) method combined with an online concentration was developed for the separation and determination of five β2‐blockers (terbutaline, salbutamol, formoterol, procaterol and salmeterol) in human urine. A stearyl methacrylate‐based monolithic column was prepared as the separation column. The various separation parameters including acetontrile concentration, applied voltage, pH and concentration of the running buffer were investigated. On‐line concentration methods in combination of the chromatographic zone‐sharpening effect and field‐enhanced sample‐stacking effect were utilized to improve detection sensitivity. The on‐line concentration parameters including injection voltage, injection time, as well as sample matrix were systematically studied. Compared with the conventional sample injection, the on‐line concentration technique appeared to improve the corresponding sensitivities 20∽50‐fold. Furthermore, good precision was obtained with relative standard deviations (RSDs) for retention times within 1.09% and for peak areas less than 3.55% (n= 5). The established method was successfully applied to the determination of above‐mentioned β2‐agonists in urine samples. The recoveries of spiked urine samples were between 85.0 and 113.3% with RSDs less than 5.39%.
Domain antibody downstream process optimization: High‐throughput strategy and analytical methods
Authors: Welsh John P. , Rauscher Michael A. , Bao Haiying , Meissner Sandra , Han InKwan , Linden Thomas O. , Pollard Jennifer M.
Published: July 2015

Application of scale‐down high‐throughput screening has become integral for process development of antibody therapeutic products. In this work, methods are described for using high‐throughput techniques to develop a multicolumn chromatography purification protocol for a small domain antibody with very limited material (<200 mg). Screenings utilized resin slurry plates to explore and narrow potential operating space, and miniature columns were used to either confirm operating spaces or further explore impurity separations. Lab scale column confirmations were performed when appropriate. Affinity capture chromatography as well as ion exchange and multimodal polishing chromatography steps were explored. Feedstreams were pooled and recycled to preserve material for the different chromatography steps. Precise high‐throughput analytical assays were developed to fully characterize the domain antibody to a similar extent as a typical commercial therapeutic protein program. Optimized two‐column and three‐column processes provided overall chromatography yields of 66 and 58%, respectively, and were able to meet typical early phase requirements for removal of impurities such as aggregates, host cell protein, endotoxin, and other product‐related impurities. This study provides a comprehensive example of how a thorough biologics downstream process can be developed with a minimum of material.
Techno‐economic analysis of standalone hybrid energy systems to run auxiliaries of a cement plant located in Jamul, Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Makhija Satya Prakash , Dubey S.P.
Published: July 2015

This article proposes an optimal hybrid renewable energy system for auxiliaries of a cement plant located in Jamul, Chhattisgarh, India. Presently, the auxiliaries along with other loads are supplied electricity by coal based captive thermal power plant. The auxiliaries need to run without break. But, due to frequent failure of captive thermal power plant and also higher pollutant emissions, an optimal alternative system which comprises renewable source and existing diesel generator unit, was required to be proposed. For this, a comparative study is carried out by using HOMER software, among photo voltaic (PV)‐wind‐diesel‐battery (PWDB), PV‐diesel‐battery (PDB), and diesel‐only system. These systems are compared with one another considering total net present cost (NPC), pollutant emissions and cost of energy (COE). The required system constraints are taken to be zero maximum annual capacity shortage with a limit on the consumption of diesel and minimum renewable fraction equal to 800,000 L yr−1 and 30%, respectively. The study results show that PV‐wind‐diesel‐battery system has lowest NPC and COE and reduction in CO2 emissions are 11569.695 tons yr−1 compared to existing system emissions. Moreover, in this lowest NPC PV‐wind‐diesel‐battery system, the effect of using natural gas (NG), fuel oil (FO), and biodiesel (BD) in place of petroleum diesel is also studied in terms of variations of cost parameters and reductions in pollutant emissions. It is found that replacement of petroleum diesel with biodiesel results in further highest decrease in NPC, COE and pollutant emissions compared to other fuels. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 221–229, 2016
Multivariate time series based back propagation neural network modeling of air quality inside a public transportation bus using available software
Authors: Kadiyala Akhil , Kumar Ashok
Published: July 2015

Time series and artificial neural networks (ANNs) are two distinct methodologies that present environmental researchers and managers with the resources to develop reliable and accurate indoor air quality (IAQ) models. The development of valid IAQ models is a fundamental component in the development of risk assessment and mitigation plans that ensure an occupant's exposure to indoor air contaminants are within the permissible IAQ guidelines. This software review paper provides a detailed step‐by‐step description of the methodology on how one may integrate the use of the multivariate time series and the back propagation neural network (widely used ANN) methods simultaneously in the development of valid in‐bus carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide models using available software. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1259–1266, 2015
Scaleup suitability of sulfonated polyether ether ketone membrane‐based microbial fuel cell
Authors: Elangovan Mahendiravarman , Dharmalingam Sangeetha
Published: July 2015

A sustainable clean energy production from oxidation of biodegradable materials was carried out in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) stack consisting of four MFC units. The stack was fabricated and tested for its scalability using a high engineering, low oxygen mass transfer membrane; namely, sulfonated poly ether ether ketone. Sodium acetate was used as the substrate and dairy waste inoculum was utilized as biocatalyst for power generation. Maximum current and power density generation produced in the MFC stack were 1033 mA m−2 and 826 mW m−2, respectively, with a columbic efficiency of 58%. Impedance spectroscopy demonstrated the internal resistance distribution in a single unit cell of the MFC stack and indicated a much lower resistance of 8.5 Ω. Cyclic voltammetry revealed that the enrichment of culture and partial anodic biofilm mixture increased the electrochemical activity. Additionally, experiments were performed with dairy wastewater which produced a moderate current and power density of 672 mA m−2 and 640 mW m−2, respectively. The MFC stack system demonstrated the ability to treat real wastewater with the added benefit of harvesting electricity energy. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 80–87, 2016
Seismic fragility of plasterboard partitions via in‐plane quasi‐static tests
Authors: Petrone Crescenzo , Magliulo Gennaro , Lopez Pauline , Manfredi Gaetano
Published: July 2015

The seismic damage of internal partitions may cause significant earthquake loss; this phenomenon is caused by (a) their tendency to exhibit damage for low demand levels and (b) the consequent loss of inventory and breakdown that their collapse can cause.

Quasi‐static tests are performed on six 5‐m‐high plasterboard internal partitions, which represent typical partitions in industrial and commercial buildings in the European area. A steel test setup is designed to transfer the load, which is provided by the actuator, to the partition. The testing protocol provided by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 461 is adopted for the quasi‐static tests.

The typical failure mode of the specimens is the buckling of a steel stud, which involves the boards that are attached to the buckled stud. The buckling failure usually concentrates across the plasterboard horizontal joints. A frictional behavior is exhibited for low demand levels, whereas a pinched behavior is shown for moderate‐to‐high demand levels.

The interstory drift ratios required to reach a given damage limit state are evaluated using a predefined damage scheme. Based on the experimental data, the fragility curves for three different damage states (DS1, DS2, and DS3) are estimated. The fragility curve yields median interstory drift ratio values of 0.28%, 0.81%, and 2.05% and logarithmic standard deviations of 0.39, 0.42, and 0.46 for DS1, DS2, and DS3, respectively. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transient responses of girder bridges with vertical poundings under near‐fault vertical earthquake
Authors: Yang Haibo , Yin Xiaochun
Published: July 2015

Previous studies on pounding responses of bridge structures mainly focus on the horizontal pounding between adjacent structures. However, the vertical pounding responses of bridge are rarely studied. The aim of this paper is develop a theoretical approach to investigate the transient behavior of continuous bridge under near‐fault vertical ground motions. The transient behavior of bridge manifests as the earthquake‐induced response wave and pounding‐induced response wave travel throughout bridge. Based on a new continuous model of beam–spring–rod, the theoretical solution of bridge responses involving multiple vertical poundings is derived by the expansion of transient wave functions in a series of eigenfunctions. A new theoretical solving approach of the multiple vertical pounding forces is presented based on the transient internal force on the contact surface of the girder and bearing. The numerical results show that the present method can reasonably capture the propagations of the earthquake‐induced response wave and pounding‐induced response wave. The calculations of pounding force by the present method are convergence of the time‐step size and truncation number of wave modes. As the effect of transient wave is taken into account, the numerical results show several transient phenomena involving the vertical pounding, the high pounding force, the multiple‐pounding phenomenon, the vertical separation of girder from the bearing, the dependence of poundings on earthquake period and the narrow period window of poundings. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative toxicity of 20 herbicides to 5 periphytic algae and the relationship with mode of action
Authors: Nagai Takashi , Taya Kiyoshi , Yoda Ikuko
Published: July 2015

The authors used 5 species of periphytic algae to conduct toxicity assays of 20 herbicides. The 5 tested species represent riverine primary producers most likely to be affected by herbicides. A fluorescence microplate toxicity assay was used as an efficient and economical high-throughput assay. Toxicity characteristics were analyzed, focusing on their relationship to herbicide mode of action. The relative differences between 50% and 10% effect concentrations depended on herbicide mode of action, rather than tested species. Moreover, a clear relationship between sensitive species and herbicide mode of action was also observed. Green alga was most sensitive to herbicides of 2 mode of action groups: inhibitors of protoporphyrinogen oxidase and very long–chain fatty acid synthesis. Diatoms were most sensitive to herbicides of 1 mode of action group: 4-hydroxyphenyl-pyruvate-dioxygenase inhibitors. Cyanobacterium was most sensitive to herbicides of 1 mode of action group: inhibitors of acetolactate synthase. The species sensitivity distribution based on obtained data was also analyzed. The slopes of the species sensitivity distribution significantly differed among modes of action, suggesting that difference in species sensitivity is specific to the mode of action. In particular, differences in species sensitivity were markedly large for inhibitors of acetolactate synthase, protoporphyrinogen oxidase, and very long–chain fatty acid synthesis. The results clearly showed that a single algal species cannot represent the sensitivity of an algal assemblage. Therefore, multispecies algal toxicity data are essential for substances with specific modes of action. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:368–375. © 2015 SETAC
A review on polarization‐based spectrum sensing
Authors: Guo C. L. , Li H. Y.
Published: July 2015

In cognitive radios, the biggest challenge is spectrum sensing. It usually makes use of the amplitude, frequency or space dimension of the received signal to differentiate signal from background noise. Polarization, also as an inherent characteristic of signals, provides an additional degree of freedom in signal space. Polarization‐based spectrum sensing has been identified as an effective method for improving detection performance. In this paper, various polarization‐based spectrum sensing methods including the optimal polarization likelihood ratio test using Neyman–Pearson theorem, virtual polarization detection utilizing maximum signal to noise ratio method and blind polarization detectors based on generalized likelihood ratio test method are reviewed. Then, a comprehensive comparison of various polarization‐based sensing methods in terms of detection performance and computational complexity is detailed. Finally, challenges and possible future studies on polarization‐based spectrum sensing are described. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fusion events lead to truncation of FOS in epithelioid hemangioma of bone
Authors: van IJzendoorn David G. P. , de Jong Danielle , Romagosa Cleofe , Picci Piero , Benassi Maria Serena , Gambarotti Marco , Daugaard Soeren , van de Sande Michiel , Szuhai Karoly , Bovée Judith V. M. G.
Published: July 2015

Epithelioid hemangioma of bone is a locally aggressive vascular neoplasm. It can be challenging to diagnose because of the wide histological spectrum, which can make it difficult to differentiate from other vascular neoplasms such as epithelioid hemangioendothelioma or epithelioid angiosarcoma. COBRA‐FISH karyotyping identified a balanced t(3;14) translocation. Transcriptome sequencing of the index case and two other epithelioid hemangiomas revealed a recurrent translocation breakpoint involving the FOS gene, which was fused to different partners in all three cases. The break was observed in exon 4 of the FOS gene and the fusion event led to the introduction of a stop codon. In all instances, the truncation of the FOS gene would result in the loss of the transactivation domain (TAD). Using FISH probes we found a break in the FOS gene in two additional cases, in none of these cases a recurrent fusion partner could be identified. In total, FOS was split in 5/7 evaluable samples. We did not observe point mutations leading to early stop codons in any of the 10 cases where RNA was available. Detection of FOS rearrangement may be a useful diagnostic tool to assist in the often difficult differential diagnosis of vascular tumors of bone. Our data suggest that the translocation causes truncation of the FOS protein, with loss of the TAD, which is thereby a novel mechanism involved in tumorigenesis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Somatic alterations in juvenile polyps from BMPR1A and SMAD4 mutation carriers
Authors: Blatter Robert H. E. , Plasilova Martina , Wenzel Friedel , Gokaslan Sefik T. , Terracciano Luigi , Ashfaq Raheela , Heinimann Karl
Published: July 2015

Juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder predisposing to gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyps and cancer with a pathogenic SMAD4 or BMPR1A germline mutation (1st‐hit) being identified in about 40–50% of patients. Little is known, however, about the occurrence and nature of somatic alterations (2nd‐hit) in SMAD4‐/BMPR1A‐related juvenile polyps. In this study, we screened 25 polyps from three patients carrying either a pathogenic SMAD4 (c.1244‐1247delACAG) or BMPR1A (c.583C>T; p.Gln195*) germline mutation for somatic alterations. The SMAD4‐related polyps were also analyzed for SMAD4 protein expression by immunohistochemistry. Despite comprehensive screening for loss of heterozygosity (LOH), mutations in the coding sequence, chromosomal rearrangements, and promoter methylation, no somatic alterations could be identified in 14 SMAD4‐related polyps. SMAD4 protein expression, however, was lost in 8 (57%) of 14 juvenile polyps with 6 showing concomitant loss in both, the epithelial and stromal, compartments. In the BMPR1A‐related polyps, five out of nine (56%) displayed LOH. Further analysis of selected polyps revealed that LOH was gene copy number neutral and had occurred in the epithelial compartment. The heterogeneity of genetic mutations and protein expression levels indicates that different modes of gene inactivation can be operational in SMAD4‐ and BMPR1A‐related polyp formation. Our observation, that about half of BMPR1A‐related polyps displayed LOH, predominantly in the epithelial compartment, is compatible with BMPR1A acting as a tumour suppressor gene. Still, it remains to be determined whether juvenile polyp development generally requires loss of BMPR1A expression or, as observed in some SMAD4‐related polyps, can occur despite normal protein expression. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discovery of a novel epigenetic cancer marker related to the oxidative status of human blood
Authors: Schöttker Ben , Zhang Yan , Heiss Jonathan A. , Butterbach Katja , Jansen Eugène H. J. M. , Bewerunge‐Hudler Melanie , Saum Kai‐Uwe , Holleczek Bernd , Brenner Hermann
Published: July 2015

Long‐lasting oxidative stress exposure may lead to relatively stable epigenetic modifications of the DNA in order to activate anti‐oxidative defence mechanisms. Oxidative stress related DNA methylation may therefore be associated (causally or as a by‐product) with cancer. We measured derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (D‐ROM), total thiol levels (TTL) and DNA methylation with the Illumina Infinium 450K BeadChip in three samples of German individuals aged ≥50 years: n = 1,000 ESTHER study baseline participants (DNA methylation only), n = 99 ESTHER eight‐year follow‐up participants and n = 142 participants of the BLITZ study. The correlation coefficient of methylation at cg10342304 and D‐ROM in the ESTHER 8‐year follow‐up sample (r = −0.427; P = 1 × 10−5) was replicated with a P‐value indicating statistical significance after correction for multiple testing in the BLITZ sample (r = −0.192; P = 0.022). The association was robust to adjusting for potential confounders. In the ESTHER baseline sample, the hazard ratio for cancer development in 11 years of follow‐up comparing bottom and top quartile of DNA methylation at cg10342304 was 1.86 (95%‐confidence‐interval 1.01–3.43). In summary, this first epigenome‐wide screening and replication study with oxidative status markers observed a negative correlation of D‐ROM levels and DNA methylation at cg10342304 in two independent cohorts. This CpG site is located in the body region of the nucleoredoxin gene. The nucleoredoxin protein is a redox‐dependent inhibitor of the Wnt/ß‐catenin signaling pathway, a well‐characterized cancer pathway. If the observed CpG‐cancer association can be successfully replicated by other studies, this epigenetic marker could be an interesting biomarker of cancer risk. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Alzheimer's Disease‐8 as cognitive screening measures in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Brown Daniel S. , Bernstein Ira H. , McClintock Shawn M. , Munro Cullum C. , Dewey Richard B. , Husain Mustafa , Lacritz Laura H.
Published: July 2015

Objective

To examine the sensitivity and specificity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a brief cognitive screening measure previously validated for use in Parkinson's disease (PD), and Alzheimer's Disease‐8 (AD8), an eight‐item informant report used to screen for dementia, but not yet validated for use in PD, to identify cognitive impairment in a sample of 111 patients with PD.

Methods

Cognitive impairment was determined based on a battery of neuropsychological measures, excluding the MoCA and AD8. Classification rates of both the MoCA and AD8 in identifying cognitive impairment were examined using logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis. Optimal cutoff scores were determined to maximize sensitivity and specificity.

Results

The MoCA correctly classified 78.4% of participants (p < 0.001), and ROC analysis yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82. A MoCA cutoff score of <25 yielded optimal sensitivity (0.77) and specificity (0.79) for identifying PD patients with cognitive impairment. Similar analyses for the AD8 were statistically nonsignificant, although the classification rate was 70.5%, with an AUC of 0.50.

Conclusions

These results provide additional support for the MoCA, but not the AD8, in identifying cognitive impairment in patients with PD. Copyright @ 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early psychosocial intervention does not delay institutionalization in persons with mild Alzheimer disease and has impact on neither disease progression nor caregivers' well‐being: ALSOVA 3‐year follow‐up
Authors: Koivisto Anne M. , Hallikainen Ilona , Välimäki Tarja , Hongisto Kristiina , Hiltunen Asta , Karppi Pertti , Sivenius Juhani , Soininen Hilkka , Martikainen Janne
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Early diagnosis, initiation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy and programs that support care of persons with AD at home are recommended. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of early psychosocial intervention on delaying the institutionalization of persons with AD. We also assessed the influence of intervention on AD progression, behavioral symptoms, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in persons with AD and caregivers.

Methods

Kuopio ALSOVA study, a prospective, randomized intervention study with a 3‐year follow‐up, was carried out at memory clinics. Home‐dwelling persons with very mild or mild AD (n = 236) and AD‐targeted therapy and their family caregivers (n = 236) were randomized to the intervention or control group (1:2). Psychosocial intervention including education, counseling, and social support was given during the first 2 years (16 days). The primary outcome was the cumulative risk (controlled for death) of institutionalization over 36 months. Secondary outcomes were adjusted mean changes from baseline in disease severity, cognition, daily activities, behavior, and HRQoL for persons with AD; and change in psychological distress, depression, and HRQoL for caregivers.

Results

No differences were found in nursing home placement after the 36‐month follow‐up between intervention and control groups. No beneficial effects of the intervention were found on the secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

The psychosocial intervention did not delay nursing home placement in persons with AD and had no effect on patient well‐being, disease progression, or AD‐related symptoms or caregiver well‐being. Instead of automatically providing psychosocial intervention courses, individualized support programs may be more effective. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kupffer cell–monocyte communication is essential for initiating murine liver progenitor cell–mediated liver regeneration
Authors: Elsegood Caryn L. , Chan Chun Wei , Degli‐Esposti Mariapia A. , Wikstrom Matthew E. , Domenichini Alice , Lazarus Kyren , van Rooijen Nico , Ganss Ruth , Olynyk John K. , Yeoh George C.T.
Published: July 2015

Liver progenitor cells (LPCs) are necessary for repair in chronic liver disease because the remaining hepatocytes cannot replicate. However, LPC numbers also correlate with disease severity and hepatocellular carcinoma risk. Thus, the progenitor cell response in diseased liver may be regulated to optimize liver regeneration and minimize the likelihood of tumorigenesis. How this is achieved is currently unknown. Human and mouse diseased liver contain two subpopulations of macrophages with different ontogenetic origins: prenatal yolk sac–derived Kupffer cells and peripheral blood monocyte–derived macrophages. We examined the individual role(s) of Kupffer cells and monocyte‐derived macrophages in the induction of LPC proliferation using clodronate liposome deletion of Kupffer cells and adoptive transfer of monocytes, respectively, in the choline‐deficient, ethionine‐supplemented diet model of liver injury and regeneration. Clodronate liposome treatment reduced initial liver monocyte numbers together with the induction of injury and LPC proliferation. Adoptive transfer of monocytes increased the induction of liver injury, LPC proliferation, and tumor necrosis factor‐α production. Conclusion: Kupffer cells control the initial accumulation of monocyte‐derived macrophages. These infiltrating monocytes are in turn responsible for the induction of liver injury, the increase in tumor necrosis factor‐α, and the subsequent proliferation of LPCs. (Hepatology 2015;62:1272‐1284)