bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opioid Use and Risk of Nonvertebral Fractures in Adults With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Nested Case–Control Study Using Administrative Databases
Authors: Acurcio Francisco A. , Moura Cristiano S. , Bernatsky Sasha , Bessette Louis , Rahme Elham
Published: September 2015

Objective

To assess the risk of nonvertebral fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were exposed to opioids.

Methods

A population‐based, nested case–control study was conducted using health services administrative databases (Quebec, Canada) from 1997 to 2012. Among RA patients, cases of nonvertebral fractures from 2007 to 2012 were identified using a validated algorithm. The date of the first fracture was the index date for the case and his/her matched control. Controls were selected using incidence density sampling and were matched 5:1 to cases for age, sex, and date of RA diagnosis. Opioid exposure was classified as current use, recent past use, remote past use, and nonuse. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess the association of nonvertebral fractures with opioid exposure, adjusting for comorbidity, indicators of RA severity, drugs influencing fracture risk, and health care utilization.

Results

In total, 1,723 cases and 8,046 controls were identified. Among these patients, 2,595 (722 cases and 1,873 controls) had been exposed to opioids. Current use (versus nonuse) increased the risk of nonvertebral fracture. Cumulative current use of opioids according to the quartile distribution was also associated with the risk of nonvertebral fracture: for continuous use for 1–20 days before the index date, odds ratio (OR) 11.49 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 8.81–14.99); for 21–155 days, OR 1.75 (95% CI 1.31–2.33); for 156–355 days, OR 1.54 (95% CI 1.17–2.04); and for ≥356 days, OR 1.73 (95% CI 1.31–2.30). No association between the risk of nonvertebral fractures and recent past use or remote past use of opioids was observed.

Conclusion

Among RA patients, the risk of nonvertebral fracture is increased in those treated with opioids.
Derepression of MicroRNA‐138 Contributes to Loss of the Human Articular Chondrocyte Phenotype
Authors: Seidl Christine I. , Martinez‐Sanchez Aida , Murphy Christopher L.
Published: September 2015

Objective

To investigate the function of microRNA‐138 (miR‐138) in human articular chondrocytes (HACs).

Methods

The expression of miR‐138 in intact cartilage and cultured chondrocytes and the effects of miR‐138 overexpression on chondrocyte marker genes were investigated. Targets of miR‐138 relevant to chondrocytes were identified and verified by overexpression of synthetic miRNA mimics and inhibitors, luciferase assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and RNA immunoprecipitation of native argonaute 2, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and luciferase assays.

Results

Expression levels of miR‐138 were maintained at relatively low levels in intact human cartilage but were greatly increased upon loss of the differentiated phenotype in culture, with a concomitant decrease in the major cartilage extracellular matrix component COL2A1. We showed that miR‐138 is able to repress the expression of COL2A1 by directly targeting Sp‐1 and hypoxia‐inducible factor 2α (HIF‐2α), 2 transcription factors that are essential for COL2A1 transcription. We further demonstrated a direct association of these targets with miR‐138 in the RNA‐induced silencing complex and confirmed binding of Sp‐1 to the COL2A1 promoter region in HACs.

Conclusion

We propose that an evolutionary pressure helps to suppress expression levels of miR‐138 in human cartilage, thus enabling expression of appropriate tissue‐specific matrix genes. Inhibition of miR‐138 may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy to maintain the chondrocyte phenotype or reduce the progression of dedifferentiation in cultured HACs.
SAR compliance assessment of PMR 446 and FRS walkie‐talkies
Authors: Vermeeren Günter , Joseph Wout , Martens Luc
Published: September 2015

The vast amount of studies on radiofrequency dosimetry deal with exposure due to mobile devices and base station antennas for cellular communication systems. This study investigates compliance of walkie‐talkies to exposure guidelines established by the International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection and the Federal Communications Committee. The generic walkie‐talkie consisted of a helical antenna and a ground plane and was derived by reverse engineering of a commercial walkie‐talkie. Measured and simulated values of antenna characteristics and electromagnetic near fields of the generic walkie‐talkie were within 2% and 8%, respectively. We also validated normalized electromagnetic near fields of the generic walkie‐talkie against a commercial device and observed a very good agreement (deviation <6%). We showed that peak localized specific absorption rate (SAR) induced in the oval flat phantom by the generic walkie‐talkie is in agreement with four commercial devices if input power of the generic walkie‐talkie is rescaled based on magnetic near field. Finally, we found that SAR of commercial devices is within current SAR limits for general public exposure for a worst‐case duty cycle of 100%, that is, about 3 times and 6 times lower than the limit on the 1 g SAR (1.6 W/kg) and 10 g SAR (2 W/kg), respectively. But, an effective radiated power as specified by the Private Mobile Radio at 446 MHz (PMR 446) radio standard can cause localized SAR exceeding SAR limits for 1 g of tissue. Bioelectromagnetics. 36:517–526, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cation‐tunable blue phosphor Ca2PO4Cl:Eu2+: enhancive emission and site occupancy
Authors: Chen Wanping , Zhou Ahong
Published: September 2015

A series of blue phosphors Ca1.98–xMxPO4Cl:0.02Eu2+ (M = Mg and Sr) with different values of x were synthesized using a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. X‐Ray diffraction and photoluminescence measurements were used to study the phase structure and luminescence properties. Ca2PO4Cl:0.02Eu2+ exhibits a tunable emission intensity and color due to the incorporation of Sr2+ or Mg2+. The incorporation of Sr2+ reduces the luminescence intensity and results in a slight red shift in the emission band. The incorporation of Mg2+ results in enhanced emission and a clear blue shift in the emission band along with a tunable chromatic coordination. Under excitation at λ = 334 nm, the emission intensity of the Mg2+‐doped Ca2PO4Cl:0.02Eu2+ is found to be 250% that of Ca2PO4Cl:0.02Eu2+. The luminescence behaviors of the as‐synthesized phosphors are discussed according to the host crystal structure and site occupancy of Eu2+. The results indicate that Mg2+‐doped Ca2PO4Cl:Eu2+ is more applicable as a near‐UV‐convertible blue phosphor for white light‐emitting diodes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapidly progressive sarcomatoid malignant mesothelioma of the pleura mimicking pulmonary empyema
Authors: Fujita Kohei , Kim Young Hak , Nakatani Koichi , Mio Tadashi
Published: September 2015

Key Clinical Message

Refractory empyema occasionally reflects hidden malignant disease. We presented a rare case of rapidly progressive malignant mesothelioma of the pleura (MPM) mimicking empyema. Physicians should be aware of MPM when patients with empyema are refractory to the standard treatment, and PET‐CT may be helpful in establishing a precise diagnosis in such cases.
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons from Lignocellulose by Pyrolysis over Cesium‐Modified Amorphous Silica Alumina Catalysts
Authors: Zabeti Masoud , Sai Sankar Gupta Karthick Babu , Raman Ganesan , Lefferts Leon , Schallmoser Stefan , Lercher Johannes A. , Seshan K.
Published: September 2015

Cesium‐modified amorphous silica alumina (Cs/ASA) is a promising catalyst for the production of hydrocarbons through pyrolysis of biomass. Catalytic pyrolysis of pinewood over Cs/ASA in a pyrolyzer system in conjunction with a gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer resulted in a 22 % yield of hydrocarbons containing more than 50 % aliphatic hydrocarbons. Factors such as the nature of the support and the concentration of Cs+ ions influenced the catalyst activity for the production of hydrocarbons. Physicochemical characterization showed that the cesium exists in the form of Cs2CO3, which interacts strongly with the ASA support.
Functionalization of CnH2n+2 Alkanes: Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Enhances the Reactivity towards Primary Carbon–Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Gava Riccardo , Olmos Andrea , Noverges Bárbara , Varea Teresa , Funes‐Ardoiz Ignacio , Belderrain Tomás R. , Caballero Ana , Maseras Feliu , Asensio Gregorio , Pérez Pedro J.
Published: September 2015

The functionalization of the primary sites of alkanes is one of the more challenging areas in catalysis. In this context, a novel effect has been discovered that is responsible for an enhancement in the reactivity of the primary C−H bonds of alkanes in a catalytic system. The copper complex
Cu(NCMe) (
=hydrotris{[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)‐4‐bromo]‐pyrazol‐1‐yl}borate) catalyzes the functionalization of CnH2n+2 with ethyl diazoacetate upon inserting the CHCO2Et unit into C−H bonds. In addition, the selectivity of the reaction toward the primary sites significantly increased relative to that obtained in neat alkane upon using supercritical carbon dioxide as the reaction medium. This was attributed to the effect of the carbon dioxide molecules that withdraw electron density from the fluorine atoms of the ligand, which enhances the electrophilic nature of the metal center. DFT studies validated this proposal.
A Green Chemoenzymatic Process for the Synthesis of Azoxybenzenes
Authors: Yang Fengjuan , Wang Zhi , Zhang Xiaowen , Jiang Liyan , Li Yazhuo , Wang Lei
Published: September 2015

An efficient chemoenzymatic process for the synthesis of azoxybenzenes was developed. A peracid was generated in situ by Novozym 435, and then a range of anilines were oxidized by the produced peracid to afford azoxybenzenes in yields ranging from 63.1 to 94.1 %. This method expands the application of lipase in organic synthesis and provides an alternative method for the synthesis of azoxybenzenes.
Monitoring and Understanding the Paraelectric–Ferroelectric Phase Transition in the Metal–Organic Framework [NH4][M(HCOO)3] by Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Jun , Lucier Bryan E. G. , Sinelnikov Regina , Terskikh Victor V. , Staroverov Viktor N. , Huang Yining
Published: September 2015

The paraelectric–ferroelectric phase transition in two isostructural metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) [NH4][M(HCOO)3] (M=Mg, Zn) was investigated by in situ variable‐temperature 25Mg, 67Zn, 14N, and 13C solid‐state NMR (SSNMR) spectroscopy. With decreasing temperature, a disorder–order transition of NH4+ cations causes a change in dielectric properties. It is thought that [NH4][Mg(HCOO)3] exhibits a higher transition temperature than [NH4][Zn(HCOO)3] due to stronger hydrogen‐bonding interactions between NH4+ ions and framework oxygen atoms. 25Mg and 67Zn NMR parameters are very sensitive to temperature‐induced changes in structure, dynamics, and dielectric behavior; stark spectral differences across the paraelectric–ferroelectric phase transition are intimately related to subtle changes in the local environment of the metal center. Although 25Mg and 67Zn are challenging nuclei for SSNMR experiments, the highly spherically symmetric metal‐atom environments in [NH4][M(HCOO)3] give rise to relatively narrow spectra that can be acquired in 30–60 min at a low magnetic field of 9.4 T. Complementary 14N and 13C SSNMR experiments were performed to probe the role of NH4+–framework hydrogen bonding in the paraelectric–ferroelectric phase transition. This multinuclear SSNMR approach yields new physical insights into the [NH4][M(HCOO)3] system and shows great potential for molecular‐level studies on electric phenomena in a wide variety of MOFs.
Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivities of Iminosulfane‐ and Phosphane‐Stabilized Carbones Exhibiting Four‐Electron Donor Ability
Authors: Morosaki Tomohito , Wang Wei‐Wei , Nagase Shigeru , Fujii Takayoshi
Published: September 2015

Iminosulfane(phosphane)carbon(0) derivatives (iSPCs; Ar3P→C←SPh2(NMe); Ar=Ph (1), 4‐MeOC6H4 (2), 4‐(Me2N)C6H4 (3)) have been successfully synthesized and the molecular structure of 3 characterized. Carbone 3 is the first thermally and hydrolytically stable carbone stabilized by phosphorus and sulfur ligands. DFT calculations reveal the electronic structures of 1–3, which have two lone pairs of electrons at the carbon center. First and second proton affinity values are theoretically calculated to be in the range of 286.8–301.1 and 189.6–208.3 kcal mol−1, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry measurements reveal that the HOMO energy levels follow the order of 3>2>1 and the HOMO of 3 is at a higher energy than those of bis(chalcogenane)carbon(0) (BChCs). The reactivities of these lone pairs of electrons are demonstrated by the C‐diaurated and C‐proton‐aurated complexes. These results are the first experimental evidence of phosphorus‐ and sulfur‐stabilized carbones behaving as four‐electron donors. In addition, the reaction of hydrochloric salts of the carbones with Ag2O gives the corresponding AgI complexes. The resulting silver(I) carbone complexes can be used as carbone transfer agents. This synthetic protocol can also be used for moisture‐sensitive carbone species.
Gas‐Phase Partial Oxidation of Lignin to Carboxylic Acids over Vanadium Pyrophosphate and Aluminum–Vanadium–Molybdenum
Authors: Lotfi Samira , Boffito Daria C. , Patience Gregory S.
Published: September 2015

Lignin is a complex polymer that is a potential feedstock for aromatic compounds and carboxylic acids by cleaving the β‐O‐4 and 5‐5′ linkages. In this work, a syringe pump atomizes an alkaline solution of lignin into a catalytic fluidized bed operating above 600 K. The vanadium heterogeneous catalysts convert all the lignin into carboxylic acids (up to 25 % selectivity), coke, carbon oxides, and hydrogen. Aluminum–vanadium–molybdenum mostly produced lactic acid (together with formic acid, acrylic acid, and maleic anhydride), whereas the vanadium pyrophosphate catalyst produced more maleic anhydride.
Interventions in the management of infection in the foot in diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Peters E. J. , Lipsky B. A. , Aragón‐Sánchez J. , Boyko E. J. , Diggle M. , Embil J. M. , Kono S. , Lavery L. A. , Senneville E. , Urbančič‐Rovan V. , Van Asten S. A. , Jeffcoate W. J. ,   on behalf of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF)
Published: September 2015

The expert panel on diabetic foot infection (DFI) of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot conducted a systematic review seeking all published reports relating to any type of treatment for infection of the foot in persons with diabetes published as of 30 June 2014. This review, conducted with both PubMed and EMBASE, was used to update an earlier one undertaken on 30 June 2010 using the same search string. Eligible publications included those that had outcome measures reported for both a treated and a control population that were managed either at the same time, or as part of a before‐and‐after case design. We did not include studies that contained only information related to definition or diagnosis, but not treatment, of DFI. The current search identified just seven new articles meeting our criteria that were published since the 33 identified with the previous search, making a total of 40 articles from the world literature.

The identified articles included 37 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and three cohort studies with concurrent controls, and included studies on the use of surgical procedures, topical antiseptics, negative pressure wound therapy and hyperbaric oxygen. Among the studies were 15 RCTs that compared outcomes of treatment with new antibiotic preparations compared with a conventional therapy in the management of skin and soft tissue infection. In addition, 10 RCTs and 1 cohort study compared different treatments for osteomyelitis in the diabetic foot. Results of comparisons of different antibiotic regimens generally demonstrated that newly introduced antibiotic regimens appeared to be as effective as conventional therapy (and also more cost‐effective in one study), but one study failed to demonstrate non‐inferiority of a new antibiotic compared with that of a standard agent.

Overall, the available literature was both limited in both the number of studies and the quality of their design. Thus, our systematic review revealed little evidence upon which to make recommendations for treatment of DFIs. There is a great need for further well‐designed trials that will provide robust data upon which to make decisions about the most appropriate treatment of both skin and soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis in diabetic patients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The detection of a synthetic Interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist peptide in a seized product from a racing stable
Authors: Levina Vita , Timms Mark , Vine John , Steel Rohan
Published: September 2015

A synthetic Interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist peptide with the sequence Acetyl‐Phe‐Glu‐Trp‐Thr‐Pro‐Gly‐Tyr‐Trp‐Gln‐Pro‐Tyr‐Ala‐Leu‐Pro‐Leu‐OH has been identified in a vial seized during a stable inspection. The use of peptide‐based Interleukin‐1 receptor antagonists as anti‐inflammatory agents has not been previously reported, making this peptide the first in a new class of sports doping peptides. The peptide has been characterized by high‐resolution mass spectrometry and a detection method developed based on solid‐phase extraction and liquid chromatography ‐ triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Using in vitro and in vivo models to study the properties of the peptide after administration, the peptide was shown to be highly unstable in plasma and was not detected in urine after administration in a rat. The poor stability of the peptide makes detection challenging but also suggests that it has limited effectiveness as an anti‐inflammatory drug. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass spectrometric characterization of a prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor GSK1278863, its bishydroxylated metabolite, and its implementation into routine doping controls
Authors: Thevis Mario , Milosovich Susan , Licea‐Perez Hermes , Knecht Dana , Cavalier Tom , Schänzer Wilhelm
Published: September 2015

Drug candidates, which have the potential of enhancing athletic performance represent a risk of being misused in elite sport. Therefore, there is a need for early consideration by anti‐doping authorities and implementation into sports drug testing programmes. The hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF) or prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (PHI) GSK1278863 represents an advanced candidate of an emerging class of therapeutics that possess substantial potential for abuse in sport due to their capability to stimulate the biogenesis of erythrocytes and, consequently, the individual's oxygen transport capacity. A thorough characterization of such analytes by technologies predominantly used for doping control purposes and the subsequent implementation of the active drug and/or its main urinary metabolite(s) are vital for comprehensive, preventive, and efficient anti‐doping work. In the present study, the HIF PHI drug candidate GSK1278863 (comprising a 6‐hydroxypyrimidine‐2,4‐dione nucleus) and its bishydroxylated metabolite M2 (GSK2391220A) were studied regarding their mass spectrometric behaviour under electrospray ionization (ESI‐MS/MS) conditions. Synthesized reference materials were used to elucidate dissociation pathways by means of quadrupole/time‐of‐flight high resolution/high accuracy tandem mass spectrometry, and their detection from spiked urine and elimination study urine samples under routine doping control conditions was established using liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry with direct injection. Dissociation pathways to diagnostic product ions of GSK1278863 (e.g. m/z 291, 223, and 122) were proposed as substantiated by determined elemental compositions and MSn experiments as well as comparison to spectra of the bishydroxylated analogue M2. An analytical assay based on direct urine injection using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) was developed for the simultaneous determination of GSK1278863 in combination with its bishydroxylated metabolite M2. Validation parameters including limit of detection (0.5–1 ng/mL), linearity, specificity, ion suppression/enhancement (<10%), intra‐ and inter‐day precision (6–22%) were determined, demonstrating the fitness‐for‐purpose of the assay for doping control screening of urine samples for the presence of the drug candidate and its main metabolite and for expanding current anti‐doping efforts to this new class of therapeutics. However, administration study urine sample analysis suggested the use of M2 rather than the intact drug due to extensive metabolic conversion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isomer Dependence of Efficiency and Charge Recombination in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells Using Ru Complex Dyes Bearing Halogen Substituents
Authors: Chadwick Nina , Kumar D. Kishore , Ivaturi Aruna , Grew Benjamin A. , Upadhyaya Hari M. , Yellowlees Lesley J. , Robertson Neil
Published: September 2015

We have synthesised Ru(H2‐dcbpy)(N,N′‐Y2‐bpy)(NCS)2 dyes (where N = 4, 5; Y = F, Cl, Br; N is the position on the bipyridyl ring where the halogen substituent is located) for dye‐sensitised solar cells. We show that careful consideration of the position of the substituent, in conjunction with the nature of the substituents, on a bpy ring is important to optimize the solar cells performance. Changing the position (from 4,4′ to 5,5′) along with the nature of the halogen (F, Cl, or Br) substituents were observed to cause changes in the electronic and spectroscopic properties of the dyes as well as influence the recombination rates at the TiO2–dyes–I–/I3– interface affecting the performance of the dyes in DSSCs.
Effects of Buffers and pH on the Reaction of a trans‐Platinum Complex with 5′‐Guanosine Monophosphate
Authors: Li Chan , Ding Yi , Cheng Lanjun , Zheng Yuchuan , Sletten Einar , Liu Yangzhong
Published: September 2015

The aquation of platinum anticancer drugs is a crucial step for their activation and the consequent binding to the target DNA. These processes can be influenced by small molecules, such as carbonate and phosphate, which are present in high concentration in physiological conditions. In this work, the effects of buffer and pH on the reaction of trans‐EE {trans‐[PtCl2{E‐HN=C(OCH3)CH3}2]} with 5′‐guanosine monophosphate (5′‐GMP) have been studied in detail. The reactions were monitored by HPLC at different pH in the presence of carbonate, phosphate, and HEPES [4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐1‐piperazineethanesulfonic acid] buffers. trans‐EE showed a very low affinity for the nitrogen atoms of HEPES, but formed monofunctional adducts with carbonate and phosphate ions. The platination of GMP by trans‐EE was significantly affected by the choice of buffer and pH. Carbonate buffer decreased the reaction rate, mostly due to its competition with GMP. Although phosphate buffer formed a similar monofunctional adduct with trans‐EE, it had a negligible effect on the platination rate of GMP. This may be due to the formation of ternary adducts with trans‐EE and GMP. In all cases, the platination reaction was slower at higher pH, probably due to the deprotonation of an aqua ligand on the mono‐aqua complex of trans‐EE. The results in this paper indicate that the solution conditions have a different effect on the reaction of trans‐platinum complexes compared with cisplatin.
Degradation of glycidyl esters in RBD palm oil as a function of storage conditions
Authors: Matthäus Bertrand , Vosmann Klaus , Weitkamp Petra , Grundmann Dominik , Kersting Hans Josef
Published: September 2015

Storage of oil samples in a refrigerator results in the degradation of glycidyl fatty acid esters (G‐FE). In the present work, the degradation rate for G‐FE in RBD palm oil was determined at different temperatures with 0.4 mg/kg per month (5°C), 0.3 mg/kg per month (10°C), 0.2 mg/kg per month (15°C), 0.1 mg/kg per month (−20°C), and 0.0 mg/kg per month (20°C). The crystallization process was identified for RBD palm oil as reason for this phenomenon. Isothermal differential scanning calorimetry measurements show that this process delivers enough energy to cleave the epoxy bonding of the G‐FE (33.7 J/g [5 and 15°C] and 41.5 J/g [10°C]).

Practical applications: The occurrence of glycidyl fatty acid esters is a big issue in oil processing industry especially for RBD palm oil. Short after the first announcement about the appearance of the esters in edible oils, a degradation of G‐FE was observed when oil samples were stored in a refrigerator. This observation was of great interest for analytics since oil samples usually are stored in the refrigerator until use to avoid deterioration of the oil quality. Thus, the investigation of the rate and the reason for the degradation of G‐FE during storage of RBD palm oil at lower temperatures is important to explain this phenomenon.

The amount of glycidyl fatty acid ester significantly decreases during storage of palm oil samples in a refrigerator with 0.4 mg/kg per month (5°C), 0.3 mg/kg per month (10°C), and 0.2 mg/kg per month (15°C). The crystallization process was identified for RBD palm oil as possible reason for this phenomenon. Isothermal differential scanning calorimetry measurements show that this process delivers enough energy to cleave the epoxy bonding of glycidyl esters.
Oxidative stability during storage of fish oil from filleting by‐products of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is largely independent of the processing and production temperature
Authors: Honold Philipp J. , Nouard Marie‐Louise , Jacobsen Charlotte
Published: September 2015

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is the main fish species produced in Danish fresh water farming. Large amounts of fileting by‐products like heads, bones, tails (HBT), and intestines are produced when rainbow trout is processed to smoked rainbow trout filets. The filleting by‐products can be used to produce high quality fish oil. In this study, the oxidative stability of fish oil produced from filleting by‐products was evaluated. The oil was produced from conventional or organic fish (low and high omega‐3 fatty acid content) at different temperatures (70 and 90°C). The oxidative stability of the oil was tested during storage at two different temperatures (20 and 40°C). Results showed that omega‐3 content of the fish oil influenced the oxidative stability, whereas the processing temperature during oil production played a minor role.

Practical applications: The fish oil used for this study was produced in industrial scale. Hence, this research is highly relevant for companies and academics that are working with fish oil extraction and fish oil oxidative stability.

The oxidative stability of crude fish oil extracted at two different temperatures from conventional and organic rainbow trout was investigated during storage at 20°C and 40°C and linked to the oil production temperature.
Increasing the Operational Lifetime of a Printed Enzymatic Power Source using Superabsorbent Polymers as the Anode Support
Authors: Tuurala Saara , Kallio Tanja , Smolander Maria , Bergelin Mikael
Published: September 2015

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) were added as a dry powder to the anode side of a printed enzymatic power source. SAPs partially eliminated delamination of the cathode electrode from the current collector and decreased the ohmic losses in the cells. SAPs also retained moisture inside the cells and increased water diffusion through the membrane from the anode side to the cathode side. Moreover, the degradation process of the operational cells was slower due to using the SAPs. Consequently, the operational lifetime of the cells was increased; the electric charge and energy output of the cells doubled in the presence of the SAPs at the anode.
Confirming geomorphological interpretations based on portable OSL reader data
Authors: Portenga Eric W. , Bishop Paul
Published: September 2015

Portable optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) readers are increasingly being used in geomorphological and archaeological investigations, but information regarding data reproducibility and the reliability of interpretations based on portable OSL reader data has not yet been presented to the wider geomorphological community. This Letter addresses these two issues by returning to Grabben Gullen Creek in the southeastern Australian Tablelands where we remeasure a sediment profile that was first measured by other researchers 3 years earlier. We also compare portable OSL reader data measured on sediment interpreted to have been deposited in swampy meadow wetlands and flood alluvium settings with data measured on known swampy meadow and flood deposits. Our data show that portable OSL reader data are reproducible. Moreover, we confirm the earlier interpretation that stratigraphies commonly exposed in southeastern Australian Tablelands valley bottoms reflect pre‐European swampy meadow wetlands and flood alluvium. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Significance of sediment transport processes during piedmont floods: the 2005 flood events in Switzerland
Authors: Rickenmann Dieter , Badoux Alexandre , Hunzinger Lukas
Published: September 2015

A long‐lasting rainstorm event from 20 to 22 August 2005 affected a large part of the northern Alps and Prealps in Switzerland. It resulted in elevated discharges and flooding in many headwater catchments and mountain rivers. The associated geomorphic processes included shallow landslides, deep‐seated slope instabilities, debris flows, and fluvial sediment transport. In many parts of the affected areas human activities are important, including many buildings, traffic lines and other infrastructure. In the steeper parts, geomorphic processes were mainly responsible for flow overtopping and sediment deposition both in and outside of the channel network. In the lower parts, lateral erosion and exceedance of the channel discharge capacity were the main reasons for morphologic channel modification and flooding. Sediment‐related processes contributed a lot to the overall damage. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A multi‐method investigation of temperature, moisture and salt dynamics in tafoni (Tafraoute, Morocco)
Authors: Schnepfleitner Harald , Sass Oliver , Fruhmann Stefanie , Viles Heather , Goudie Andrew
Published: September 2015

Despite numerous investigations and theoretical models, tafoni weathering is still not fully understood largely because of limited data available on temperature, moisture and salt regimes. We investigated tafoni developed in granite in the Tafraoute region, Morocco, through an exploratory, two‐week multi‐method field campaign. Temperatures were measured with iButtons and by means of infrared thermography; moisture distribution and progress were captured with handheld moisture sensors and with drilled‐in iButtons. Salts were analysed in drill dust samples from different positions and rock depths.

The results derived from very different techniques mutually support one another. Salts and moisture are concentrated near the base of the investigated tafoni, probably due to a saturated pore water body around the base of rock tors. Salts are accumulated close to the rock surface in tafoni, but not on the surrounding rock surfaces. A clear correlation was found between moisture and salt contents. Within a tafone, areas of higher humidity also display increased salt concentration near the surface. The temperature/humidity records allied with ionic analyses suggest that sodium sulfate dominates and is likely to undergo frequent phase changes from thenardite to mirabilite and vice versa. Two pathways of salt transport in and around tafoni are assumed based on the data: infiltration with rainfall on the top and around tors and boulders, and capillary rise from saturated pore water bodies to the surface. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of odour‐active compounds of sweet orange essential oils of different regions by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, gas chromatography‐olfactometry and their correlation with sensory attributes
Authors: Xiao Zuobing , Ma Shengtao , Niu Yunwei , Chen Feng , Yu Dan
Published: September 2015

Volatiles of six sweet orange essential oils with different origins were characterized by descriptive sensory analysis, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and gas chromatography‐olfactometry (GC‐O). Six attributes (green, fruity, peely, fatty, floral and wood) were selected to assess sweet orange essential oils, in which 64 volatile compounds were detected by GC‐MS. Monoterpenes constituted the largest chemical group among the volatiles of the essential oils. Thirty‐one aroma compounds having more than a 50% detection frequency and large span were selected as major odour active compounds correlated with sensory evaluation assessed by partial least squares regression (PLSR). The correlation result showed α‐pinene, sabinene, limonene, δ‐terpinolene, hexanal, octanal, decanal and dodecanal were typical aroma compounds, which co‐varied with a characteristic aroma of the sweet orange essential oil. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phase state variations for supercritical carbon dioxide drilling
Authors: Wang Zhiyuan , Sun Baojiang , Sun Xiaohui , Li Huazhou , Wang Jintang
Published: September 2015

A phase state prediction model during supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) drilling is established, considering the enthalpy changes caused by the flow work variations and changes in kinetic energy, as well as the potential energy caused by the fluid velocity along with physical property variations. The results show that variations in the flow work affect the temperature field of the SC‐CO2fluid significantly. Phase state transitions of the fluid in the drill pipes and the annulus exist; in this example, the depth of the phase transition point in the drill pipes is in the range of 600 to 1000 m, while in the annulus, it is in the range of 400 to 700 m. Different results are observed when the phase state prediction is conducted by adjusting the discharge capacities, injecting temperature and pressure. When the discharge capacity is increased, the phase transition points in the drill pipes and the annuluses move downward; the pressure of the bit nozzle upstream increases gradually, while the pressure of the bit nozzle downstream changes slightly. When the wellhead back pressure is increased, the depths of the phase transition points in the drill pipes and the annulus decrease. Moreover, the pressure variations of the bit nozzle upstream and downstream can be divided into two stages: the fast growth stage and the slow growth stage. When the injection temperature is increased, the depths of the phase transition points in the drill pipes and the annulus are reduced; the temperature drop and the pressure drop at the nozzle change slightly. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The Roles and Mechanisms of Actions of Vitamin C in Bone: New Developments
Authors: Aghajanian Patrick , Hall Susan , Wongworawat Montri D , Mohan Subburaman
Published: September 2015

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and cofactor that is involved in the regulation of development, function, and maintenance of several cell types in the body. Deficiencies in vitamin C can lead to conditions such as scurvy, which, among other ailments, causes gingivia, bone pain, and impaired wound healing. This review examines the functional importance of vitamin C as it relates to the development and maintenance of bone tissues. Analysis of several epidemiological studies and genetic mouse models regarding the effect of vitamin C shows a positive effect on bone health. Overall, vitamin C exerts a positive effect on trabecular bone formation by influencing expression of bone matrix genes in osteoblasts. Recent studies on the molecular pathway for vitamin C actions that include direct effects of vitamin C on transcriptional regulation of target genes by influencing the activity of transcription factors and by epigenetic modification of key genes involved in skeletal development and maintenance are discussed. With an understanding of mechanisms involved in the uptake and metabolism of vitamin C and knowledge of precise molecular pathways for vitamin C actions in bone cells, it is possible that novel therapeutic strategies can be developed or existing therapies can be modified for the treatment of osteoporotic fractures. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Cycloartenyl Ferulate Inhibits Paraquat‐Induced Apoptosis in HK‐2 Cells With the Involvement of ABCC1
Authors: Hong Guang‐Liang , Liu Jia‐Ming , Zhao Guang‐Ju , Tan Jia‐Ping , Wu Bin , Li Meng‐Fang , Liang Guang , Qiu Qiao‐Meng , Lu Zhong‐Qiu
Published: September 2015

Nephrotoxicity induced by chemicals such as paraquat (PQ) is a common clinical phenomenon; therefore, searching for drugs with renal protective effect is of a great practical significance. Our previous investigation found that cycloartenyl ferulate (CF) can antagonize the cytotoxic effect of PQ, and recent studies also revealed a variety of bioactivities of CF. However, specific molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effect of CF have not been explored yet. HPLC detection of PQ content indicated that CF reduced PQ accumulation in HK‐2 cells and thereby improved cell survival. Western blot results showed that both PQ and CF did not affect the expression of ABCB1; however, while PQ suppressed the expression of ABCC1, CF upregulated ABCC1 expression and thereby reversed the inhibitory effect of PQ on ABCC1 expression. Meanwhile, HK‐2 cells did not express ABCG2. When the expression of ABCC1 was knocked down with siRNA, the inhibitory effect of CF on intracellular PQ accumulation was blocked. Further flow cytometric analysis showed that while PQ significantly induced the appearance of sub‐G1 apoptotic peak in cells, CF evidently inhibited apoptosis. TUNEL‐DAPI double‐staining also detected that PQ significantly induced the occurrence of DNA fragmentation in cells, whereas CF effectively inhibited the effect of PQ. Further results showed that ABCC1 siRNA effectively abolished the protective effect of CF on PQ‐induced apoptosis. Taken together, these data demonstrated that in HK‐2 cells, CF could antagonize PQ‐induced toxicity with the involvement of regulatiion of ABCC1 protein expression, which provides a new strategy for treatments of nephrotoxicity. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 872–880, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Automatized Parameterization of the Density‐functional Tight‐binding Method. II. Two‐center Integrals
Authors: Witek Henryk A. , Chou Chien‐Pin , Mazur Grzegorz , Nishimura Yoshifumi , Irle Stephan , Aradi Bálint , Frauenheim Thomas , Morokuma Keiji
Published: September 2015

We present an efficient numerical integration scheme (TWOCENT) to be used in the context of automatized parameterization of the density‐functional tight‐binding (DFTB) method. The accuracy of the integration process is assessed and its range of applicability is discussed. The functionality of the developed code is tested by reproducing the electronic portion of the existing mio parameter sets and by reproducing a series of reference DFT band structures of elemental solids.
Selective Synthesis of New Tetracyclic Coumarin‐fused Pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridines and Pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridin‐6(7H)‐ones
Authors: Liu Meilin , Yin Guodong , Zhu Can , Yao Chaochao
Published: September 2015

A three‐component reaction for the synthesis of new coumarin‐fused tetracyclic system from 4‐hydroxycoumarin, aldehydes, and 5‐aminopyrazoles/5‐aminoisoxazole is described. In the presence of acetic acid, 4,7‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridines (4) and pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridines (5) were obtained in acetonitrile and dimethylsulfoxide medium, respectively. The reaction gave rise to 4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridin‐6(7H)‐ones (6) in acetic acid–ethanol combination system, which involved the C–O bond cleavage. 4‐Hydroxy‐6‐methyl‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one and acenaphthylene‐1,2‐dione were also examined, affording the corresponding C–O bond cleavage products. Mechanism indicates that the reaction is reversible in acetic acid–ethanol combination system.
An Improved Synthesis of Elvitegravir
Authors: Rádl Stanislav , Stach Jan , Píša Ondřej , Cinibulk Josef , Havlíček Jaroslav , Zajícová Markéta , Pekárek Tomáš
Published: September 2015

An improved process for the active pharmaceutical ingredient of a new HIV integrase inhibitor elvitegravir (1) has been developed. It starts from commercially available 2,4‐dimethoxyacetophenone, which is selectively halogenated into the position 5. The 5‐halo acetophenones are condensed with dialkyl carbonates to give the corresponding benzoylacetates. Their treatment with N,N‐dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal followed by (S)‐valinol then provided the corresponding intermediate benzoyl acrylates. Cyclization to the required 1,4‐dihydroquinolin‐4‐oxo derivatives by aromatic nucleophilic substitution of the 2‐methoxy group was achieved by treatment with N,O‐bis(trimethylsilyl)‐acetamide, which also protected the OH group as the trimethylsilyl derivative. Finally, the Negishi coupling with 2‐fluoro‐3‐chlorobenzylzinc bromide and the following hydrolysis provided elvitegravir (1). The preferred variant, the seven‐step procedure starting from 2,4‐dimethoxyacetophenone, provides elvitegravir in 29.3% yield.
Syntheses and Optoelectronic Properties of Planar Compounds 3,7‐diaryl‐1,5,2,4,6,8‐dithiotetrazocine
Authors: Zhang Chao‐Zhi , Shen Dan , Yuan Yang , Li Shi‐Juan , Cao Hui
Published: September 2015

Planar molecules 3,7‐diaryl‐1,5,2,4,6,8‐dithiotetrazocines would be potential acceptor materials of organic solar cell because of their containing SN units. One‐pot synthetic procedures of 3,7‐diaryl‐1,5,2,4,6,8‐dithiotetrazocine compounds are developed to improve their yields up to 2.1–5.9 times as much as those in literatures. The geometries of title compounds were optimized by the density functional theory calculations. Their optoelectronic properties were studied by ultraviolet and cyclic voltammetry spectra and fluorescence quenching experiments. The highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level values show that these compounds are suitable to be employed as acceptor materials for developing bulk heterojunction organic solar cells with high open circuit voltages. Emission fluorescence of poly(3‐hexylthiophene) at excited state in dichloromethane was quenched by addition of title compound. Therefore, these compounds used as acceptor materials could exhibit good mobility.
Synthesis of Fluorinated Bent‐Core Mesogens (BCMs) Containing the 1,2,4‐Oxadiazole Ring
Authors: Piccionello Antonio Palumbo , Calabrese Alessandro , Pibiri Ivana , Giacalone Valentina , Pace Andrea , Buscemi Silvestre
Published: September 2015

New fluorinated bent‐core mesogens containing the 1,2,4‐oxadiazole or 1,2,4‐triazole nucleus have been synthesized taking advantage of the ANRORC (Addition of Nucleophile, Ring‐Opening, Ring‐Closure) reactivity of 5‐perfluoroalkyl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazoles. Physical state changes of the obtained compounds were characterized through DSC, POM, and SAXS. Besides the formation of a smectic mesophase, a novel behavior as organic molecular glass was evidenced for some 1,2,4‐oxadiazole derivatives.
The provision of enteral nutritional support during definitive chemoradiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Bishop Sarah , Reed Warren Michael
Published: September 2015

Combination chemoradiation is the gold standard of management for locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. One of the most significant advantages of this approach to treatment is organ preservation which may not be possible with radical surgery. Unfortunately, few treatments are without side‐effects and the toxicity associated with combined modality treatment causes meaningful morbidity. Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) may have difficulties meeting their nutritional requirements as a consequence of tumour location or size or because of the acute toxicity associated with treatment. In particular, severe mucositis, xerostomia, dysgeusia and nausea and vomiting limit intake. In addition to this, dysphagia is often present at diagnosis, with many patients experiencing silent aspiration. As such, many patients will require enteral nutrition in order to complete chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Feeding occurs via catheters placed transnasally (nasogastric tubes) or directly into the stomach through the anterior abdominal wall (percutaneous gastrostomy tubes). In the absence of clear evidence concerning the superiority of one method over another, the choice of feeding tube tends to be dependent on clinician and patient preference. This review examines key issues associated with the provision of enteral nutritional support during definitiveCRTinHNCpatients, including feeding methods, patient outcomes and timing of tube insertion and use.
Isolation of N2‐fixing rhizobacteria from Lolium perenne and evaluating their plant growth promoting traits
Authors: Castellano‐Hinojosa Antonio , Correa‐Galeote David , Palau Josep , Bedmar Eulogio J.
Published: September 2015

Twenty one dinitrogen (N2)‐fixing bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of Lolium perenne grown for more than 10 years without N‐fertilization. The nearly complete sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of each strain and pairwise alignments among globally aligned sequences of the 16S rRNA genes clustered them into nine different groups. Out of the 21 strains, 11 were members of genus Bacillus, 3 belonged to each one of genera Paenibacillus and Pseudoxanthomonas, and the remaining 2 strains to each one of genera Burkholderia and Staphylococcus, respectively. A representative strain from each group contained the nifH gene and fixed atmospheric N2 as determined by the acetylene‐dependent ethylene production assay (acetylene reduction activity, ARA). The nine selected strains were also examined to behave as plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPRs) including their ability to act as a biocontrol agent. The nine representative strains produced indol acetic acid (IAA) and solubilized calcium triphosphate, five of them, strains C2, C3, C12, C15, and C16, had ACC deaminase activity, and strains C2, C3, C4, C12, C16, and C17 produced siderophores. Strains C13, C16, and C17 had the capability to control growth of the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum mycelial growth in vitro. PCA analysis of determined PGPR properties showed that ARA, ACC deaminase activity, and siderophore production were the most valuable as they had the maximal contribution to the total variance.