bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Evaluation of Flour Made from an Under-Utilized Food Crop Buckwheat
Authors: Devi Shreeja. K a, T. Sucharitha , Gogoi Moloya , Ahmed Perves , Sharma Manisha
Published: July 2024

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) is widely regarded as a pseudo-cereal among economically significant yet underutilized crops. Nutritionally, it is comparable to or even superior to major cereals such as rice, wheat, and maize, particularly in terms of protective nutrients. Buckwheat is a gluten-free pseudo-cereal known for its high nutritional content and numerous scientifically proven health benefits. Its nutritional appeal lies in its high lysine content, absence of gluten due to lack of prolamin, and substantial protein levels. For processing buckwheat, seeds from a local variety were sourced from Roing, located in the Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh (Latitude: 28.17194, Longitude: 95.82454). The physico-chemical properties of the seeds were analyzed by measuring parameters such as length, width, bulk density, thousand kernel weight, moisture, crude protein, total fat, total ash, crude fiber, and in vitro protein digestibility. The study reported that buckwheat is an excellent source of protein, fiber, dietary fiber, and minerals. The nutritional content of buckwheat flour was determined as follows: moisture, 12.08%; ash, 2.33%; fat, 0.89%; protein, 12.84%; carbohydrates, 66.54%; energy content, 325.53 Kcal/100g; crude fiber, 5.38 g/100g; dietary fiber, 18.28 g/100g; protein digestibility, 74.38%; and carbohydrate digestibility, found to be low. The sodium and potassium contents were 3.7 mg/kg and 66.2 mg/kg, respectively. These findings highlight the nutritional benefits of buckwheat, showcasing its potential as a valuable food source, especially for those needing a gluten-free diet and seeking high-protein, high-fiber alternatives to traditional cereals.
Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Cultivated Area, Production and Productivity of Millets in North East India and Future Projection Using ARIMA Approach
Authors: Kakoti Mriganko , Sarma Hridesh Harsha , Paul Akash , Dutta Priyanshu Pal , Baruah Angita , Saikia Dhiraj , Saikia Prince
Published: July 2024

Millets are an important but often overlooked group of cereal grains in global agriculture, with significant nutritional and agronomic value. India stands out as a millet cultivation leader, contributing significantly to global production and boasting a robust market poised for expansion. Millets are increasingly being recognized for their climate resilience and sustainable farming characteristics, in contrast to the productivity challenges that major staples such as wheat and rice face under changing climatic conditions. This study focuses on North East India (NEI), where millet cultivation is important for agricultural diversification and sustainability. Employing Man-Kendall test, the study examines historical trends in millet cultivated area, production, and productivity from 2000-2001 to 2022-2023, and then forecasting millet cultivated area and production using ARIMA models. The best fitted ARIMA model was found to be ARIMA (0, 0, 1) for millet cultivated area and ARIMA (2, 0, 1) (2, 0, 2) (2) for millet production. The models highlighted anticipated growth in millet cultivation and production by the year 2025-26, underscoring the potential for strategic agricultural planning and policy interventions. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced crop diversification, particularly in regions like Sikkim and Tripura which showed stagnant growth during the past decades, require enhanced crop diversification to optimize land use and enhance farming resilience against economic and environmental uncertainties. Moreover, this research aims to inform policymakers, agricultural stakeholders, and researchers about the spatial and temporal dynamics of millet cultivation in NEI, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and nutritional security in the face of global food security challenges.
Utilization of Silica Gel for the Synthesis of Geranyl Laurate and Citronellyl Laurate
Authors: Rosalina Khoerunissa Novianti , Wukirsari Tuti , Handayani Sri , Hudiyono Sumi
Published: July 2024

Geraniol and citronellol are monoterpenoid alcohols with diverse pharmacological activities. This research focuses on synthesized of geranyl laurate and citronellyl laurate using silica gel as an esterification catalyst. The FTIR peak spectra of silica gel showed that Si-OH, Si-O-Si group were observed. XRD showed that the silica gel is an amorphous phase. The reaction was conducted under reflux using a Dean–Stark trap. The reaction was monitored by TLC and then the product was purified using column chromatography. This work reported that silica gel can be utilized as a catalyst for preparing geranyl laurate and citronellyl laurate which proven by the spectra of FTIR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR of the geranyl laurate and citronellyl laurate formed. The IR spectra of geranyl laurate and citronellyl laurate showed the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O) at 1744-1745 cm-1 and C-O from ester at 1170-1176 cm-1. The peak number and its chemical shift on 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectra further verified the structure of geranyl laurate and citronelyl laurate. In conclusion, silica gel can be utilized as a catalyst for preparing geranyl laurat and citronellyl laurate. Therefore a silica gel-based catalyst is promising to be developed for esterification applications.
First Biosourced Monolithic Macroporous SiC/CComposite Foams (Bio‐SiC/C(HIPE)) Bearing Unprecedented Heat Transport Properties
Authors: Ungureanu Simona , Sigaud Gilles , Vignoles Gérard L. , Lorrette Christophe , Birot Marc , Deleuze Hervé , Backov Rénal
Published: July 2013

For the first time SiC/C composite foams were prepared from concentrated emulsions by carbothermal reduction of biosourced precursors combining sodium silicate by lignin at 1400 °C. The composition of the materials was determined by XRD, FTIR and Raman analyses. Their porous structure was characterized by SEM, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and nitrogen sorption, while their thermal properties were measured by TGA and dynamic DSC. Concerning their heat transport properties, we found out that when the starting lignin content was increased, the final C/Si ratio, the specific surface area and the heat diffusivity increased as well. Its unprecedented high values were attributed to a cooperative effect between radiative heat transfer and the presence of partially graphitized carbon.
Small‐Scale Deformation of Pulsed Electric Current Sintered Silicon Oxycarbide Polymer Derived Ceramics
Authors: Sujith Ravindran , Srinivasan Nedunchezhian , Kumar Ravi
Published: July 2013

The deformation behavior of pulsed electric current sintered silicon oxycarbide ceramics produced by the solid‐state thermolysis of polyhydridomethylsiloxane at small‐scale is investigated. The ceramics remained X‐ray amorphous after sintering at 1300 °C in vacuum and a high density of ≈2.35 g cm−3 is achieved. The elastic constants of these ceramics are determined using non‐destructive ultrasonic testing method. The elasto‐plastic deformation under contact loading is determined using depth sensing nanoindentation technique. An indentation hardness of ≈11 GPa and reduced elastic modulus of ≈105 GPa is observed. The load–displacement curves display significant elastic recovery with an elastic work ratio of ≈0.71. The evolution of Hertzian cone cracks upon microindentation indicates an anomalous deformation behavior.
V‐shaped, Strongly‐emitting, π‐Expanded Hydrophilic Azacyanines: Synthesis, Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties
Authors: Tasior Mariusz , Hugues Vincent , Blanchard‐Desce Mireille , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: July 2013

Rarely studied azacyanine cations react with electron‐rich aromatic aldehydes under Knoevenagel conditions to allow easy access to V‐shaped D‐π‐A+‐π‐D chromophores, in which the acceptor moiety A is a π‐electron‐deficient cation and the donor moiety is represented by different π‐electron‐rich benzene rings. The resulting inherently hydrophilic dyes display excellent two‐photon brightness as a result of large two‐photon absorption (2PA) cross‐sections and strong orange fluorescence.
Upper and lower airways associations in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and bronchiectasis
Authors: Ramakrishnan Vijay R. , Ferril Geoffrey R. , Suh Jeffrey D. , Woodson Trudi , Green Tyler J. , Kingdom Todd T.
Published: July 2013

Background

Bronchiectasis is an uncommon disease of the lower airways characterized by bronchial wall destruction and permanent bronchiolar dilation. Several etiologic categories exist, and patients with bronchiectasis often complain of symptoms suggestive of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The present study investigates the association between bronchiectasis and CRS using radiologic and bacteriologic data.

Methods

Retrospective chart review from a tertiary care respiratory hospital was performed. Sinus computed tomography (CT) scans were examined for extent of disease and relationship to pulmonary disease severity. Statistical analysis was performed with Student t test and linear regression. Upper and lower airway cultures from patients with both bronchiectasis and CRS were compared using the chance adjusted agreement.

Results

Patients with bronchiectasis were found to have a significantly higher Lund‐Mackay score when compared to patients with allergic rhinitis (p = 0.047). Lund‐Mackay CT score did not correlate with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and FEV1:forced vital capacity (FVC), or presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Correlation of upper and lower airway bacterial cultures in patients with both bronchiectasis and CRS was noted (kappa = 0.294, p = 0.004), particularly when P. aeruginosa was present (kappa = 0.49, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The current study suggests that the upper and lower airways may be linked in CRS and bronchiectasis from both an objective radiologic standpoint and a bacteriologic perspective. This finding carries implications for disease pathogenesis, clinical care, and future research.
Polyurethane: vielseitige Materialien und nachhaltige Problemlöser für aktuelle Anforderungen
Authors: Engels Hans‐Wilhelm , Pirkl Hans‐Georg , Albers Reinhard , Albach Rolf W. , Krause Jens , Hoffmann Andreas , Casselmann Holger , Dormish Jeff
Published: July 2013

Polyurethane sind die einzige Polymerklasse, die abhängig von chemischem und morphologischem Aufbau thermoplastisches, elastomeres oder duromeres Materialverhalten zeigt. Außer den kompakten sind speziell auch die geschäumten Polyurethane weit verbreitet und erzielen die gewünschten Eigenschaften bei niedrigstem Gewicht. Der einfache Aufbau von Sandwichstrukturen und Materialverbünden in einem Verarbeitungsschritt ist ein entscheidender Vorteil der Polyurethantechnologie. Energie‐ und Ressourceneffizienz erfordern zunehmend Leichtbaukonstruktionen. Polyurethane können hier als Matrixmaterialien oder flexible Klebstoffe für Verbundmaterialien fungieren. Für hochwertige Beschichtungen zur Dekoration und zum Werterhalt einer Vielzahl von Gegenständen sind Polyurethane unverzichtbar. Polyurethane sind äußerst anpassungsfähige und nachhaltige Problemlöser für aktuelle Bedürfnisse unserer Gesellschaft, die besondere Materialanforderungen stellen.
Carbon Nanotubes: An Example of Multiscale Development—A Mechanistic View from the Subnanometer to the Meter Scale
Authors: Mleczko Leslaw , Lolli Giulio
Published: July 2013

We summarize the catalytic synthesis of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The current understanding of the reaction mechanism is presented, in particular the catalyst design for the CCVD process is analyzed. To complement that, kinetics and reaction engineering aspects are discussed along with the impact of the reaction and reactor operation on the product properties. All these issues are analyzed from the perspective of the industrial synthesis and implications for the application of carbon nanotubes. Carbon‐nanotube technology is a perfect example of multi‐scale development and covers challenges from the nanometer to the meter scale. Problems, methods, and solutions characteristic for different scales will be highlighted. The Co/Mn catalyst is used as reference as one of the first commercially used technologies for the scalable production of multiwall carbon nanotubes.
Reward‐Based Decision Making and Electrodermal Responding by Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders during a Gambling Task
Authors: Faja Susan , Murias Michael , Beauchaine Theodore P. , Dawson Geraldine
Published: July 2013

In this study, we explore reward‐based decision making and electrodermal responding (EDR) among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during a children's gambling task. In addition, we examine whether individual behavioral andEDRresponses predict social communication, repetitive symptoms, parent reports of executive function, and behavioral challenges. The ability to form advantageous strategies for long‐term gain is of interest for children withASD, who exhibit both difficulty with executive function and atypical responses to reward. Twenty‐one children ages 6–7 years withASDand no intellectual disability, and 21 age‐ andIQ‐matched typically developing children participated. Both groups exhibited a similar pattern of gambling selections, but children withASDshowed less knowledge of the reward contingencies of the decks after playing. In addition, althoughEDRwas similar between groups in anticipation of selections, children withASDexhibited greaterEDRduring feedback about rewards as the task progressed. Children withASDwho exhibited the greatest increases inEDRwere more likely to exhibit repetitive symptoms, particularly rituals and the need for sameness, as well as internalizing behaviors and reduced executive function in other settings.Autism Res2013, 6: 494–505.© 2013 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Altering the Shape of Punishment Distributions Affects Decision Making in a Modified Iowa Gambling Task
Authors: Seeley Corrine J. , Cashaback Joshua G. A. , Smith Carlyle T. , Beninger Richard J.
Published: July 2013

Neuroeconomics research has shown that preference for gambling is altered by the statistical moments (mean, variance, and skew) of reward and punishment distributions. Although it has been shown that altered means can affect feedback‐based decision making tasks, little is known if the variance and skew will have an effect on these tasks. To investigate, we systematically controlled the variance (high, medium, and low) and skew (negative, zero, and positive) of the punishment distributions in a modified version of the Iowa Gambling Task. The Iowa Gambling Task has been used extensively in both academic and clinical domains to understand decision making and diagnose decision making impairments. Our results show that decision making can be altered by an interaction of variance and skew. We found a significant decrease over trials in choices from the decks with high variance and asymmetrically skewed punishments and from the decks with low variance and zero skew punishments. These results indicate that punishment distribution shape alone can change human perception of what is optimal (i.e., mean expected outcome) and may help explain what guides our day‐to‐day decisions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early Positive Information Impacts Final Evaluations: No Deliberation‐Without‐Attention Effect and a Test of a Dynamic Judgment Model
Authors: González Vallejo Claudia , Cheng Jiuqing , Phillips Nathaniel , Chimeli Janna , Bellezza Francis , Harman Jason , Lassiter G. Daniel , Lindberg Matthew J.
Published: July 2013

Evaluation judgments were affected by information order and not by subsequent unconscious versus conscious deliberation. In three experiments, we examined the influence of early positive information on final evaluations of four objects. Based on a task analysis, we predicted primacy effects in judgments in a sequential data acquisition task. Thinking periods following presentation were used to manipulate conscious or unconscious processing. In all three studies, we found no effects of thinking manipulations but instead found reliable order effects. We developed and tested an online judgment model on the basis of the belief updating model of Hogarth and Einhorn. The model accounted for large proportion of the individual level variability, and model comparison tests supported the presence of a primacy effect. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IsoDesign: A software for optimizing the design of 13C‐metabolic flux analysis experiments
Authors: Millard Pierre , Sokol Serguei , Letisse Fabien , Portais Jean‐Charles
Published: July 2013

The growing demand for 13C‐metabolic flux analysis (13C‐MFA) in the field of metabolic engineering and systems biology is driving the need to rationalize expensive and time‐consuming 13C‐labeling experiments. Experimental design is a key step in improving both the number of fluxes that can be calculated from a set of isotopic data and the precision of flux values. We present IsoDesign, a software that enables these parameters to be maximized by optimizing the isotopic composition of the label input. It can be applied to 13C‐MFA investigations using a broad panel of analytical tools (MS, MS/MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, etc.) individually or in combination. It includes a visualization module to intuitively select the optimal label input depending on the biological question to be addressed. Applications of IsoDesign are described, with an example of the entire 13C‐MFA workflow from the experimental design to the flux map including important practical considerations. IsoDesign makes the experimental design of 13C‐MFA experiments more accessible to a wider biological community. IsoDesign is distributed under an open source license at http://metasys.insa‐toulouse.fr/software/isodes/ Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 202–208. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development and validation of a stability‐indicating assay including the isolation and characterization of degradation products of metaxalone by LC‐MS
Authors: Rao R. Nageswara , Farah Hassan , Sahu Prafulla Kumar , Janarthan Muthumani , Naidu Ch. Gangu
Published: July 2013

A stability‐indicating reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometric method was developed and validated for the assay of metaxalone through forced degradation under acidic, alkaline, photo, oxidative and peroxide stress conditions. Separation of degradation products was accomplished on a reverse‐phase Phenomenex C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column thermostated at 25°C using 10 mM aqueous ammonium acetate: methanol (35:65 v/v) as mobile phase in an isocratic mode of elution. The eluents were detected at 275 nm by photo diode array detector and mass detectors connected in series. Two unknown base hydrolysis products of metaxalone were identified and characterized as (a) methyl 3‐(3,5‐dimethylphenoxy)‐2‐hydroxypropylcarbamate and (b) 1‐(3,5‐dimethylphenoxy)‐3‐aminopropan‐2‐ol by MS, 1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The method was validated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines and metaxalone was selectively determined in presence of its degradation impurities, demonstrating its stability‐indicating nature. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychiatric correlates of past incarceration in the national co‐morbidity study replication
Authors: Greenberg Greg A. , Rosenheck Robert A.
Published: July 2013

Background

Mental illness and substance abuse have been increasingly linked to criminal justice system involvement, but this relationship has mostly been by survey of prison populations and inferences of excess rates of disorder made by noting how these rates compare with national population‐based surveys of mental disorders.

Aims

The aim of this study is to examine associations between history of mental disorders, including substance misuse, with incarceration history within a single population‐based data set.

Methods

Data were from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, a nationally representative household survey of respondents 18 years and older conducted between 5 February 2001 and 7 April 2003.

Results

Multivariate regression analysis showed the strongest independent risk factors for a history of incarceration were being male [odds ratio (OR) = 6.3; p < 0.001], past receipt of welfare payments (OR = 2.1; p < 0.001), longer than 1 week of past homelessness (OR = 2.1; p < 0.001), not being from the northeast of the USA (OR = 0.31; p < 0.001) and a lifetime substance abuse or dependence diagnosis (OR = 4.9; p < 0.001). With the exception of welfare payments, these measures were also independently associated with longer (27 + days) incarceration.

Conclusions

The socioeconomic associates of incarceration history were unexpected, and in line with other, differently conducted studies. The fact that only substance misuse disorders of all those assessed were independently associated with incarceration history was a surprise, given the multiplicity of prison surveys, which have shown higher rates of other serious mental disorders. Although we were unable to include measures of schizophrenia or similar psychosis and used impulse control disorders as surrogates for personality disorder, absence of a relationship between depression and incarceration when measured in the same way and over the same time among those previously incarcerated and those not, raises questions about the weight that should be put on the existing epidemiological perspective of mental disorder among prisoners. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Ni‐Catalyzed Growth of Graphene Layers during Thermal Annealing: Implications for the Synthesis of Carbon‐Supported PtNi Fuel‐Cell Catalysts
Authors: Gan Lin , Rudi Stefan , Cui Chunhua , Strasser Peter
Published: July 2013

Thermal annealing is an important and widely adopted step during the synthesis of Pt bimetallic fuel‐cell catalysts, although it faces the inevitable drawback of particle sintering. Understanding this sintering mechanism is important for the future development of highly active and robust fuel‐cell catalysts. Herein, we studied the particle sintering during the thermal annealing of carbon‐supported Pt1–xNix (PtNi, PtNi3, and PtNi5) nanoparticles, a reported recently class of highly active fuel‐cell catalysts. By using high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, we found that annealing at an intermediate temperature (400 °C) effectively increased the extent of alloying without particle sintering; however, high‐temperature annealing (800 °C) caused severe particle sintering, which, unexpectedly, was strongly dependent on the composition of the alloy, thus showing that a higher Ni content resulted in a higher extent of particle sintering. This result can be ascribed to the solid‐state transformation of the carbon support into graphene layers, catalyzed by Ni‐richer catalyst, which, in turn, promoted particle migration/coalescence and, hence, more‐significant sintering. Therefore, our results provide important insight for the synthesis of carbon‐supported Pt‐alloy fuel‐cell catalysts.
Transesterification of Soybean Oil with Ethylene Glycol, Catalyzed by Modified Li‐Al layered double hydroxides
Authors: Jiang J. , Zhang Y. , Zheng Y. , Jiang P.
Published: July 2013

Solid catalysts, Li‐Al layered double hydroxides (Li‐Al LDHs), were prepared to catalyze the transesterification of soybean oil (SBO) with ethylene glycol. To improve catalytic activity, the Li‐Al LDHs were modified by calcination and further modification after calcination with a silane coupling agent containing amine groups. Calcination caused the change of the catalysts' structure from a double‐layer structure to porous particle and the specific surface area highly increased. After modification with a silane coupling agent, the average pore diameter increased. The two methods had a similar effect on catalytic activity improvement. However, modifying with a coupling agent can sharply decrease the catalysts' regeneration temperature. Furthermore, catalyst recycling and regeneration, along with the effects of temperature, time, agitation, and ratio between SBO and ethylene glycol on transesterification were studied.
Synthesis of a Strained Acetylenic Macrocycle Incorporating a para‐Oligo[2]cruciform Bridge Bent over Nanoscopic Dimensions: Structural, Electronic, Spectroscopic, and Ion‐Sensing Properties
Authors: Baxter Paul N. W. , Gisselbrecht Jean‐Paul , Karmazin‐Brelot Lydia , Varnek Alexandre , Allouche Lionel
Published: July 2013

An Eglinton–Galbraith diethyne cyclization preferentially yielded a structurally unusual macrocycle, comprising a strained conjugated oligo[2]cruciform wire, forced into a 2.2 nm bow‐shape by a terpyridine rein or tether, and stabilized towards light and heat by four insulating triisopropylsilylacetylene (TIPSA) substituents. Spectroscopic ion‐binding studies revealed the macrocycle to exhibit a particularly high UV/Vis selectivity for PdII in dilute solution, and one of its precursors to afford a variety of luminescence quenching and color responses to particular metals, suggestive of promising ion‐sensor applications. Under more concentrated conditions, the new macrocycle is able to bind specific metals (e.g., AuI) within its cavity despite the steric constraints. Intriguingly, variable‐temperature (VT) UV/Vis/1H NMR investigations showed the TIPSA substituents to undergo restricted intramolecular motions along with reversible changes in the spectroscopic bandgap of the compound with temperature. In line with the theoretical calculations, the VT UV/Vis observations are consistent with a thermal modulation of the electronic conjugation through the strained oligo[2]cruciform bridge, which is coupled with redistributions within a mixture of conformational isomers of the macrocycle with differing relative twisting between the TIPSA‐substituted phenyl rings. Overall, the generation of a para‐oligo[2]cruciform, bent and flexed over nanoscopic dimensions through conformational tethering within the macrocyclic ring is noteworthy, and suggests a general approach to nanosized, curved, and strained, yet heat‐ and light‐stable, para‐phenyleneethynylene oligomers with unique physicochemical properties and challenging theoretical possibilities.
Transition Metal Complexes of a Salen–Fullerene Diad: Redox and Catalytically Active Nanostructures for Delivery of Metals in Nanotubes
Authors: Lebedeva Maria A. , Chamberlain Thomas W. , Davies E. Stephen , Mancel Dorothée , Thomas Bradley E. , Suyetin Mikhail , Bichoutskaia Elena , Schröder Martin , Khlobystov Andrei N.
Published: July 2013

A covalently‐linked salen–C60 (H2L) assembly binds a range of transition metal cations in close proximity to the fullerene cage to give complexes [M(L)] (M=Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pd), [MCl(L)] (M=Cr, Fe) and [V(O)L]. Attaching salen covalently to the C60 cage only marginally slows down metal binding at the salen functionality compared to metal binding to free salen. Coordination of metal cations to salen–C60 introduces to these fullerene derivatives strong absorption bands across the visible spectrum from 400 to 630 nm, the optical features of which are controlled by the nature of the transition metal. The redox properties of the metal–salen–C60 complexes are determined both by the fullerene and by the nature of the transition metal, enabling the generation of a wide range of fullerene‐containing charged species, some of which possess two or more unpaired electrons. The presence of the fullerene cage enhances the affinity of these complexes for carbon nanostructures, such as single‐, double‐ and multiwalled carbon nanotubes and graphitised carbon nanofibres, without detrimental effects on the catalytic activity of the metal centre, as demonstrated in styrene oxidation catalysed by [Cu(L)]. This approach shows promise for applications of salen–C60 complexes in heterogeneous catalysis.
Structural and Dynamic Properties of Monoclonal Antibodies Immobilized on CNTs: A Computational Study
Authors: De Leo Federica , Sgrignani Jacopo , Bonifazi Davide , Magistrato Alessandra
Published: July 2013

Due to the widespread application of carbon nanotube (CNT)‐based materials in nanomedicine, it is nowadays of paramount importance to unravel at the atomistic level of detail the structural properties of such bioconjugates in order to rationalize and predict the effect exerted by the graphitic framework on the bio‐active counterpart. In this paper, we report for the first time all‐atom explicit solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations investigating the structural and dynamic properties of a noncovalent bioconjugate in which the monoclonal Cetuximab antibody (Ctx) is adsorbed on a CNT surface. Upon selection of the three most representative adsorption modes as obtained by docking studies, force‐field MD and DFT simulations unambiguously showed that hydrophobic interactions mainly govern the adsorption of the protein on the graphitic surface. Two main adsorption poses have been predicted: a pose‐fab (p‐fab) and pose‐fc (p‐fc) (fab = fragment antigen binding region; fc = fragment crystallizable region), the former being favored with small‐diameter tubes (≤40 Å). In all the predicted poses, the secondary structure of Ctx is largely unaffected by the presence of the graphitic surface and, consistently with previous literature studies, our simulations reveal that positively charged amino acidic residues, such as Lys and Arg, predominantly contribute to the stabilization of the CNT⋅Ctx complex acting like surfactants. The predicted structural models are consistent with the experimental data, for which the immobilization of the antibody on CNTs does not disrupt the structural and recognition properties of the Ctx, consequently supporting the reliability of the used bioconjugation strategy for engineering stable and responsive hybrid nanomaterials for therapeutic applications. Moreover, a remarkable structural similarity of Ctx with antibodies of different isotypes suggests that in principle the CNT framework can interact in the same manner with all antibodies currently used in clinical applications.
Triage of women with minor abnormal cervical cytology: Meta‐analysis of the accuracy of an assay targeting messenger ribonucleic acid of 5 high‐risk human papillomavirus types
Authors: Verdoodt Freija , Szarewski Anne , Halfon Philippe , Cuschieri Kate , Arbyn Marc
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

High‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) DNA detection is generally accepted for the triage of women with a cytologic diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC‐US). However, no consensus has been reached on the optimal management of low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL).

METHODS

In this meta‐analysis, the diagnostic accuracy of nucleic acid sequence‐based amplification (NASBA) detection of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) of 5 hrHPV types (the PreTect HPV‐Proofer and NucliSENS EasyQ tests) for detecting grade 2 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse (CIN2+) and CIN3+ was assessed in women who had a diagnosis of ASC‐US and LSIL. The results were compared with the Hybrid Capture‐2 (HC2) assay, which detects the DNA of 13 hrHPV types. A bivariate random‐effect model that incorporated the intrinsic correlation between the true‐positive and false‐positive rates was used for a pooled meta‐analysis.

RESULTS

Considering underlying CIN2+, the pooled absolute sensitivity of the 10 included studies was 75.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 68.1%‐82.7%) and 76.2% (95% CI, 68.3%‐76.9%) for the triage of ASC‐US and LSIL, respectively. The pooled absolute specificity to exclude CIN2+ was 77.9% (95% CI, 70.1%‐85.7%) and 74.2% (95% CI, 69.5%‐78.8%) in women with ASC‐US and LSIL, respectively. Five studies allowed direct comparison of the mRNA assays with HC2. Considering CIN2+ in women with ASC‐US and LSIL, mRNA testing was substantially more specific than the HC2 assay (ratio: 1.98 and 3.36, respectively; P < .001) but was less sensitive (ratio: 0.80 and 0.74, respectively; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

HPV assays for detecting the mRNA of 5 hrHPV types may reduce the over‐diagnosis of women who have minor cytologic abnormalities. However, given the lower sensitivity, women with negative mRNA test results cannot be considered free of CIN2+ and require further surveillance. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013;121:675–687. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
The frequency and cancer risk associated with the atypical cytologic diagnostic category in endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration specimens of solid pancreatic lesions
Authors: Abdelgawwad Mohammad S. , Alston Evan , Eltoum Isam A.
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

The atypical cytologic diagnostic category is ambiguous and presents a management problem for pathologists and clinicians. This meta‐analysis reviewed the frequency and cancer risk associated with atypical diagnoses in endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) specimens of solid pancreatic lesions.

METHODS

PubMed and Scopus were searched using the keywords “EUS‐FNA” and “pancreas.” Articles were screened focusing on studies of solid lesions. Studies with information regarding the frequency and outcomes of atypical diagnoses were included; the “suspicious” category was excluded from the analysis. The frequency of atypical diagnoses and the associated risk were calculated using the Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis software. The authors assessed whether the following factors explained the heterogeneity of the studies: rapid on‐site interpretation; type of reference standard; the study type, size, and site; and the frequency of inadequate, atypical, and positive categories.

RESULTS

A total of 23 studies with complete data regarding atypical diagnoses were identified, 12 of which had complete data available regarding outcomes. The frequency of the atypical category ranged from 1% to 14% (mean, 5.3%; 95% confidence interval, 4.1%‐6.9%). The risk of malignancy associated with an atypical diagnosis ranged from 25% to 100% (mean, 58%; 95% confidence interval, 47%‐69%). There was significant heterogeneity noted among the studies (I‐squared, 62%; P = .0004). The frequency of the atypical category and its associated risk were found to be correlated only with the frequency of the specimens being positive for malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of atypical diagnoses of the pancreas is similar to that of the thyroid but the risk of malignancy is higher. Significant heterogeneity exists among the studies reporting atypical diagnoses. There is a need for standardization of the reporting and management of atypical diagnoses in EUS‐FNA specimens from the pancreas. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013;121:620–8. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Nanodiamond–TiO2 Composites for Heterogeneous Photocatalysis
Authors: Pastrana‐Martínez Luisa M. , Morales‐Torres Sergio , Carabineiro Sónia A. C. , Buijnsters Josephus G. , Faria Joaquim L. , Figueiredo José L. , Silva Adrián M. T.
Published: July 2013

Invited for this month’s cover are collaborators from the University of Porto in Portugal and KU Leuven in Belgium. The image shows that nanodiamond–TiO2 composites can effectively degrade organic water pollutants by photocatalysis under ambient conditions. This process will reduce human impact on freshwater systems, thereby contributing to meet worldwide targets on water footprint reduction. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201300094
Thermal Activation of Ammonia by Transition‐Metal Hydroxide Cations
Authors: Kretschmer Robert , Schlangen Maria , Schwarz Helmut
Published: July 2013

Invited for this month’s cover is the group of Prof. Helmut Schwarz from Technische Universität Berlin, Germany. For this special issue dedicated to the memory of Detlef Schröder, the cover picture shows the then young Detlef—a mastermind dedicated to the sciences. Read the full text of the article on page 952.
Severely elevated transaminases in an adolescent male with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Smith Ryan W. , Korenblum Chana , Thacker Kunal , Bonifacio Herbert Joey , Gonska Tanja , Katzman Debra K.
Published: July 2013

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious disorder that is associated with numerous medical complications and affects both females and males. Severely elevated transaminases have been reported in adult and younger females. We report the first case of elevated transaminases in an adolescent male with AN. The pathophysiologic mechanism of severely elevated serum transaminases observed in malnourished adolescent males with AN is complex and appears to be multifactorial. We present the first case of an adolescent male with AN who developed severely elevated serum transaminases that normalized with improved nutrition and weight gain. Liver injury in patients with AN is a complex medical complication that appears to be multifactorial in origin. In this case, starvation‐induced autophagy in the human liver was considered one of the most likely mechanisms to explain hepatocytic injury in this patient. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013; 46:751–754)
DL4‐mediated Notch signaling is required for the development of fetal αβ and γδ T cells
Authors: Ferrero Isabel , Koch Ute , Claudinot Stephanie , Favre Stéphanie , Radtke Freddy , Luther Sanjiv A. , MacDonald H. R.
Published: July 2013

T‐cell development depends upon interactions between thymocytes and thymic epithelial cells (TECs). The engagement of delta‐like 4 (DL4) on TECs by Notch1 expressed by blood‐borne BM‐derived precursors is essential for T‐cell commitment in the adult thymus. In contrast to the adult, the earliest T‐cell progenitors in the embryo originate in the fetal liver and migrate to the nonvascularized fetal thymus via chemokine signals. Within the fetal thymus, some T‐cell precursors undergo programmed TCRγ and TCRδ rearrangement and selection, giving rise to unique γδ T cells. Despite these fundamental differences between fetal and adult T‐cell lymphopoiesis, we show here that DL4‐mediated Notch signaling is essential for the development of both αβ and γδ T‐cell lineages in the embryo. Deletion of the DL4 gene in fetal TECs results in an early block in αβ T‐cell development and a dramatic reduction of all γδ T‐cell subsets in the fetal thymus. In contrast to the adult, no dramatic deviation of T‐cell precursors to alternative fates was observed in the fetal thymus in the absence of Notch signaling. Taken together, our data reveal a common requirement for DL4‐mediated Notch signaling in fetal and adult thymopoiesis.
A General and Efficient Method To Convert Selenides into Selenones by Using HOF·CH3CN
Authors: Potash Shay , Rozen Shlomo
Published: July 2013

A general route for the preparation of selenones (R2SeO2) is presented. This task is achieved through the quick and high‐yielding reaction of selenides (R2Se) with HOF·CH3CN. The reaction tolerates some elusive electron‐deficient and sterically hindered selenides. Some mechanistic aspects are also investigated and discussed.
Electrochemical Aptasensor Based on ZnO Modified Gold Electrode
Authors: Evtugyn Gennady , Cherkina Uljana , Porfireva Anna , Danzberger Jürgen , Ebner Andreas , Hianik Tibor
Published: July 2013

We developed an electrochemical thrombin aptasensor based on ZnO nanorods functionalized by electrostatically adsorption of 30‐mer DNA aptamers. The sensor surface was characterized by AFM and SEM. The surface layer assembling was optimized using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with ferricyanide ions as redox markers. The peak current of the ferricyanide and the charge transfer resistance gradually decreased with increasing concentration of thrombin in the range from 3 pM to 100 nM due to formation of aptamer‐thrombin complexes and slower diffusion of the marker ions through the surface layer. At optimal conditions, a limit of detection (LOD) of 3 pM for EIS measurements and 10 pM for CV response was calculated from the S/N=3.
The use of hydrothermal carbonization to recycle nutrients in algal biofuel production
Authors: Levine Robert B. , Sierra Christian O. Sambolin , Hockstad Ryan , Obeid Wassim , Hatcher Patrick G. , Savage Phillip E.
Published: July 2013

The high fertilizer demand for biodiesel production from microalgae is a significant challenge facing the commercialization of this promising technology. We investigated a processing strategy called hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) to convert wet algal biomass into a lipid‐rich hydrochar and aqueous phase (AP) co‐product. By reacting biomass at 200°C for 15 min, about 50% of the algae biomass became a solid hydrochar and roughly 40–70% of the C, N, and P in the reactant material dissolved into the AP. For the first time, an AP co‐product of this nature was analyzed by HPLC, GC‐MS and FT‐ICR‐MS to identify and characterize the dissolved organic matter. Using a unique marine bi‐culture suspected to contain a green algae (Nannochloris) and a cyanobacteria (Synechocystis), we demonstrated that this AP co‐product can support biomass growth better than a medium containing only inorganic nutrients. To manage unwanted contamination and optimize AP utilization, we employed a two‐stage growth process and fed‐batch additions of the AP co‐product. The effect of media recycling and nutrient supplementation, as well as a production model for a large‐scale facility, are discussed. Our work suggests that HTC can play a critical role in making algal biorefineries more sustainable by obviating biomass drying for fuel processing and recycling nutrients. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 962–975, 2013
The Reporting of Fidelity Measures in Primary Prevention Programmes for Eating Disorders in Schools
Authors: Schober Ilka , Sharpe Helen , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: July 2013

Objective

The aim of this paper was to examine the extent to which controlled trials of face‐to‐face school‐based primary prevention for eating disorders report their strategies for maintaining fidelity.

Method

A systematic review located 38 articles eligible for inclusion. These studies were assessed using 18 criteria for reporting fidelity maintenance strategies based on those recommended by the Treatment Fidelity Workgroup of the National Institute of Health Behavior Change Consortium.

Results

Fidelity reporting was generally poor. The studies reported between 22% and 56% of fidelity criteria. Detailed reporting of curriculum‐as‐usual control conditions was generally lacking, as were methods to ensure high‐quality training and mechanisms to assess provider adherence to intervention protocol.

Discussion

Poor fidelity assessment and reporting is a problem in school‐based primary prevention programmes for eating disorders. Recommendations for improving fidelity maintenance and reporting practices are provided. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Heat transfer model for a cementitious‐based insulation with moisture
Authors: Sadiq H. , Wong M. B. , Al‐Mahaidi R. , Zhao X. L.
Published: July 2013

The lack of actual thermal properties of fire insulation materials lead to erroneous temperature prediction of protected structural steel members. For cementitious‐based fire insulations, moisture held in the pores significantly alters the thermal response of the material. In this study, a heat transfer model is proposed to accurately predict the thermal response of cementitious‐based fire insulations. The effects of the moisture and the decomposition of calcium hydroxide are incorporated in the thermal properties of the selected insulation material. The model was validated against the thermal response of the material obtained experimentally using the finite element programme abaqus (LAF Group, Sydney, NSW, Australia). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Simple Route to New Cyclic (Chloroalkyl)phosphane‐, Diphosphane‐, and Aminophosphane Derivatives
Authors: Boga Carla , Micheletti Gabriele , Delpivo Camilla , Mazzacurati Marzia
Published: July 2013

The reaction between benzothiadiphosphole and, in sequence, a bis‐Grignard and a chloroalkyl Grignard reagent has been reported. It produced, after treatment of the crude reaction mixture with elemental sulfur, new chloroalkyl cyclic tertiary phosphane sulfides. These compounds have been successfully employed as precursors of new nonsymmetric phosphoamino and diphosphano derivatives.
Histological effect on the adipocutaneous flap in rats after preconditioning with 2‐chloro‐N6‐cyclopentyladenosine
Authors: Dacho Andreas K. , Dietz Andreas , Mueller Kristin
Published: July 2013

Background

2‐chloro‐N6‐cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) was proven to be a protective factor in ischemic reperfusion injury. The purpose of this study was to determine how CCPA would affect the single tissue layers of the adipocutaneous flap.

Methods

Seventy male Wistar rats were divided into 5 experimental groups. Samples were taken of the area of flap necrosis and the wound margin after classical or pharmacological preconditioning on the fifth postoperative day. All samples were fixed in formaldehyde, embedded in paraplast, and analyzed in 3‐ to 4‐μm sections (hemalaun‐eosin stain and light microscopy).

Results

In general, wound healing was alike and remained unaffected by the experimental design. The most sensitive part of the flap during preconditioning is the subcutis. The number of neutrophils and of plasma cells is reduced significantly (p < .05).

Conclusion

CCPA has an effect on each tissue layer of the flap. Subcutis became apparent as the most sensitive layer. CCPA influences complement pathway and neutrophils directly and indirectly. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1189–1199, 2014
MDAI (5,6‐methylenedioxy‐2‐aminoindane; 6,7‐dihydro‐5H‐cyclopenta[f][1,3]benzodioxol‐6‐amine; ‘sparkle’; ‘mindy’) toxicity: a brief overview and update
Authors: Corkery John M , Elliott Simon , Schifano Fabrizio , Corazza Ornella , Ghodse A Hamid
Published: July 2013

Objectives

MDAI (5,6‐methylenedioxy‐2‐aminoindane; 6,7‐dihydro‐5H‐cyclopenta[f][1,3]benzodioxol‐6‐amine; ‘sparkle’; ‘mindy’) is a psychoactive substance, sold primarily over the Internet and in ‘head’ shops as a ‘legal high’. Synthesised and used as a research chemical in the 1990s, MDAI has structural similarities to MDMA (3,4‐methylenedioxy‐N‐methylamphetamine) and shares its behavioural properties. Recreational use of MDAI appears to have started in Europe around 2007, with a noticeable increase after 2009 in the UK and other countries. Calls to National Poisons Information Services started in 2010, although there were few presentations to emergency departments by patients complaining of undesirable physical and psychiatric effects after taking MDAI. Recreational use of this drug has been reported only occasionally by online user fora. There is little scientifically based literature on the pharmacological, physiological, psychopharmacological, toxicological and epidemiological characteristics of this drug.

Methods

Recent literature (including ‘grey’) was searched to update what is known about MDAI, especially on its toxicity.

Results

The resultant information is presented, including on the first three UK deaths involving MDAI use in 2011 and 2012. ‘Serotonin syndrome’ appears to be a possible factor in these fatalities.

Conclusion

It is vital that any other cases, including non‐fatal overdoses, are documented so that a scientific evidence base can be established for them. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.