bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency determination of rare populations by flow cytometry: A hematopoietic stem cell perspective
Authors: Rundberg Nilsson Alexandra , Bryder David , Pronk Cornelis J. H.
Published: July 2013

Flow cytometry allows for identification of cellular subsets based on cell intrinsic properties, most often by the use of fluorochrome‐conjugated antibodies recognizing distinct cell‐surface epitopes that define the cells of interest. Advances in technical instrumentation and the availability of an ever‐increasing number of fluorophores, today enables identification of multicolor defined cellular populations to a previously unreachable resolution. However, these possibilities put an increasing demand on preparation, acquisition, and subsequent analysis of the investigated samples. Identification of very rare cellular subsets, such as the bone marrow‐residing hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), causes further complexity to such analysis. Here, we discuss considerations and aspects in multicolor flow cytometry as exemplified by analysis of human and mouse HSCs. We illustrate advantages and drawbacks of polychromatic flow cytometry and propose strategies, such as the use of internal reference populations, for sample analysis. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Synthesis, Characterization, X‐ray Structure, DNA Cleavage, and Cytotoxic Activities of Palladium(II) Complexes of 4‐Phenyl‐3‐thiosemicarbazide and Triphenylphosphane
Authors: Rocha Fillipe Vieira , Barra Carolina Valério , Mauro Antonio Eduardo , Carlos Iracilda Z. , Nauton Lionel , El Ghozzi Malika , Gautier Arnaud , Morel Laurent , Netto Adelino Vieira Godoy
Published: July 2013

Complexes of the type [PdX(PPh3)(1)]X [1 = 4‐phenyl‐3‐thiosemicarbazide; X = Cl– (2), Br– (3), I– (4), and SCN– (5)] have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses and IR, UV/Vis, and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structure of complex 4 was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The binding of the complexes with a purine base (guanosine) was investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, which showed the complexes to coordinate to guanosine through N7. A gel electrophoresis assay demonstrated the ability of 2–5 to cleave DNA plasmid. All the complexes were tested in vitro by means of the MTT assay for their cytotoxicity against two murine cell lines, LM3 (mammary adenocarcinoma) and LP07 (lung adenocarcinoma), and compared with cisplatin. Complexes 2–5 exhibited good cytotoxicity that surpasses that of cisplatin in the case of LM3.
Bubble stripping in closed system to remove residual methanol from crude biodiesel
Authors: Yamane Tsuneo , Achiha Ryosuke , Namioka Tomoaki , Yukumoto Masao
Published: July 2013

A novel, simple, compact, efficient system based on a unit operation of bubble stripping was developed for intensive methanol (MeOH) removal from crude biodiesel (BDF) which was synthesized by potassium hydroxide‐catalyzed transesterification reaction of triacylglycerol (TAG) with MeOH. As TAG both rapeseed oil and used cooking oil were tested. In the system, gas was supplied by a gas pump through a gas bubbler into the crude biodiesel, then the exit gas containing MeOH vapor passed through a condenser (0°C) and the condensed MeOH was collected in a vessel. MeOH‐free gas from the condenser returned into the inlet of the gas pump, thus gas was circulated in a closed system. After the intensive MeOH removal by the bubble stripping, insoluble sediment always appeared in the biodiesel so that it was removed by centrifugation. As a final step, trace amounts of potassium (K) and free glycerol were removed by adsorbent treatment. MeOH, K, free glycerol, fatty acid methyl ester, and water contents, acid, and iodine values and oxidation stability of the purified biodiesel cleared the specifications of EN 14214 Standard. The proposed dry process consisting of the three steps will be applicable to an industrial production of high‐quality biodiesel.

Practical applications: Bubble stripping that has been developed in this study is simple but very effective to remove almost completely residual methanol from the crude biodiesel. Compared with the conventional wet process, the dry process that authors' have proposed has no necessity of washing water, hence no waste water treatment. Elimination of sediment after the intensive residual MeOH removal by the bubble stripping before the final adsorption step will make it possible to decrease significantly the amount of the adsorbent (kg) required per kg of the crude biodiesel or to prolong the life span of its packed bed column, resulting in the cost reduction of the biodiesel production. The proposed dry process consisting of the three steps will be applicable to an industrial production of high‐quality biodiesel.
Theoretical Analysis of the Chemical Absorption of Carbon Dioxide using an Aqueous Elastic Xanthan‐Gum Solution Containing NaOH
Authors: Kasthuri K. , Indira K. , Rajendran L.
Published: July 2013

A theoretical approach is presented to express the concentrations of CO2 and NaOH along with the absorption rate of CO2 in a CO2–aqueous elastic xanthan gum (XG) solution containing NaOH. In this study, we obtain approximate analytical solutions for the system of nonlinear differential equations under steady‐state conditions by using the homotopy analysis method (HAM) and Padé approximation technique (PA). The homotopy analysis method is used for the analytical treatment of the equations and the Padé approximation for increasing the convergence region of the HAM analytical solution. The results reveal that the HAM with the enhancement of the Padé approximation is a very effective, convenient, and quite accurate method for such types of partial differential equations. Furthermore, in this work the numerical simulation of the problem is also reported using the Scilab/Matlab program. An agreement between analytical and numerical results is noted.
Magnesium deterioration and lead stabilization/solidification using the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure
Authors: Nicklaus Laura E. , Caffaro Mariana A. , Fuessle Robert W. , Taylor Max A.
Published: July 2013

Recent research in cement has investigated the mechanisms of magnesium corrosion; magnesium reacting with calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) and destroying its durability. Relatively high levels of magnesium may be found in certain cements, or it may penetrate cements from seawater or soils. Magnesium, a common industrial waste component, may also contribute to the deterioration of cement‐based stabilization/solidification (S/S). This article reports results showing how various amounts of magnesium may impact lead S/S treatment after short‐ and long‐term curing. In general, lead S/S was more effective for samples with comparable mass amounts of lead and magnesium. For samples with incomparable amounts of lead and magnesium, lead leaching increased with sample curing age. Fly ash additions to cement‐based stabilized/solidified treatment decreased lead leaching in the presence of magnesium. For all project samples, the addition of fly ash increased the number of samples below regulatory limits by a factor of 1.6. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 437–443, 2014
Large wood budget and transport dynamics on a large river using radio telemetry
Authors: Schenk Edward R. , Moulin Bertrand , Hupp Cliff R. , Richter Jean M.
Published: July 2013

Despite the abundance of large wood (LW) river studies there is still a lack of understanding of LW transport dynamics on large low gradient rivers. This study used 290 radio frequency identification tagged (RFID) LW and 54 metal (aluminum) tagged LW, to quantify the percent of in‐channel LW that moves per year and what variables play a role in LW transport dynamics. Aluminum tags were installed and monitored on LW in‐transit during the rising limb of a flood, the mean distance traveled by those pieces during the week was 13.3 river kilometers (km) with a maximum distance of 72 km. RFID tagged LW moved a mean of 11.9 km/yr with a maximum observed at 101.1 km/yr. Approximately 41% of LW low on the bank moves per year. The high rate of transport and distance traveled is likely due to the lack of interaction between LW floating in the channel and the channel boundaries, caused primarily by the width of the channel relative to length of the LW. Approximately 80% of the RFID tags moved past a fixed reader during the highest 20% of river stage per year. LW transport and logjam dynamics are complicated at high flows as pieces form temporary jams that continually expand and contract. Unlike most other studies, key members that create a logjam were defined more by stability than jam size or channel/hydrologic conditions. Finally, using an existing geomorphic database for the river, and data from this study, we were able to develop a comprehensive LW budget showing that 5% of the in‐channel LW population turns over each year (input from mass wasting and fluvial erosion equals burial, decomposition, and export out of system) and another 16% of the population moving within the system. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
On the suitability of the 433 MHz band for M2M low‐power wireless communications: propagation aspects
Authors: Tuset‐Peiró Pere , Anglès‐Vazquez Albert , López‐Vicario José , Vilajosana‐Guillén Xavier
Published: July 2013

The 433 MHz band is gaining relevance as an alternative to the 2.4 GHz band for machine‐to‐machine communications using low‐power wireless technologies. Currently, two standards are being developed that use the 433 MHz band, DASH7 Mode 2 and IEEE 802.15.4f. The article presents propagation models based on measurements conducted at the 433 MHz and 2.4 GHz bands that can be used for link budget calculations in both outdoor and indoor environments depending on node height. The results obtained show that the 433 MHz band has a larger communication range in both indoor and outdoor environments despite the negative effects of having a larger Fresnel zone. In addition, indoor propagation measurements are conducted in line‐of‐sight and nonline‐of‐sight conditions to determine the suitability of channel hopping to combat the effects of multipath propagation. Contrary to the 2.4 GHz band, the results show that channel hopping at 433 MHz does not provide any link robustness advantage because the channel coherence bandwidth is larger than the whole band bandwidth, and thus, all channels are highly correlated. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The soil nitrogen dynamics in an inland salt marsh as affected by various experimental water levels
Authors: Huang Laibin , Bai Junhong , Xiao Rong , Shi Jianbin , Gao Haifeng
Published: July 2013

An 87‐day incubation experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of various water levels on the soil nitrogen content in an inland salt marsh of Xianghai, China. Soil samples were collected from depths in the range of 0 to 30 cm at 10‐cm intervals after 15, 54 and 87 days of incubation. The total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen (NO3−‐N) and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+‐N) contents and the nitrogen activation coefficient (NAC) were measured to investigate the soil nitrogen dynamics under three inundation treatments (−5, 0 and 5 cm). The results showed that TN was generally accumulated in all soil layers and exhibited a peak value in subsurface soils at the −5‐cm inundation level at the end of the incubation period, whereas no obvious changes were observed in the TN contents in the bottom soils at the three inundation levels. Compared with the initial contents in the soils, the NO3−‐N and NH4+‐N contents were significantly reduced in all soil layers at the 0‐cm and the 5‐cm inundation levels at the end of the incubation period. In general, the available nitrogen content was higher in the surface soils compared with the deeper soils at all inundation levels. The NAC values exhibited a pronounced change in the subsurface soils at all inundation levels, decreasing significantly from 0.17 to 0.04 at the 5‐cm inundation level; however, a higher mean NAC value (0.126) was found over the incubation period at the 0‐cm inundation level compared with the 5‐cm and the −5‐cm inundation levels. Nitrogen was released from plants into the soil under all inundation treatments over the incubation period. The soil organic matter exerted positive loadings on the TN and NO3−‐N contents and negative loadings on the NH4+‐N content at all inundation levels, and the water content generally exhibited a negative relationship with all forms of nitrogen. Additionally, the total phosphorus content exhibited a positive correlation with the TN and NO3−‐N contents. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolic pathways leading to detoxification of triptolide, a major active component of the herbal medicine Tripterygium wilfordii
Authors: Du Fuying , Liu Zhaohua , Li Xinxiu , Xing Jie
Published: July 2013

Triptolide (TP) shows promising anti‐inflammatory and antitumor activity but with severe toxicity. TP is a natural reactive electrophile containing three epoxide groups, which are usually linked to hepatotoxicity via their ability to covalently bind to cellular macromolecules. In this study, metabolic pathways leading to detoxification of TP were evaluated in glutathione (GSH)‐depleted (treated with L‐buthionine‐S,R‐sulfoxinine, BSO) and aminobenzotriazole (ABT; a non‐specific inhibitor for P450s)‐treated mice. The toxicity of TP in mice was evaluated in terms of mortality and levels of serum alanine transaminase (ALT). In incubates with NADPH‐ and GSH‐supplemented liver microsomes, seven GSH conjugates derived from TP were detected. In mice, these hydrolytically unstable GSH conjugates underwent γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase/dipeptidases‐mediated hydrolysis leading to two major cysteinylglycine conjugates, which underwent further hydrolysis by dipeptidases to form two cysteine conjugates of TP. In ABT‐treated mice, the hydroxylated metabolites of TP were found at a lower level than normal mice, and their subsequent conjugated metabolites were not found. The level of cysteinylglycine and cysteine conjugates derived from NADPH‐independent metabolism increased in mice treated with both TP and BSO (or ABT), which could be the stress response to toxicity of TP. Compared with normal mice, mortality and ALT levels were significantly higher in TP‐treated mice, indicating the toxicity of TP. Pretreatment of ABT increased the toxicity caused by TP, whereas the mortality decreased in GSH‐depleted mice. Metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes to less reactive metabolites implied a high potential for detoxification of TP. The GSH conjugation pathway also contributed to TP's detoxification in mice. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical imaging of lignocellulosic biomass by CARS microscopy
Authors: Pohling Christoph , Brackmann Christian , Duarte Alex , Buckup Tiago , Enejder Annika , Motzkus Marcus
Published: July 2013

Chemical and structural composition of wood biomass is studied by label‐free and chemically specific Coherent Anti‐Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) microscopy. A concept developed for assignment and semi‐quantitative imaging of sample components; cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin; by multiplex CARS microspectroscopy and subsequent data analysis is presented. Specific imaging without fluorescence backround is achieved an order of magnitude faster compared with conventional Raman microscopy. Laser polarization control yield information on molecular arrangement in wood fibers. Narrowband CARS excitation of single vibrations allows for three‐dimensional volume imaging. Thus, CARS microscopy has potential as an important instrument for characterization of lignocellulosic materials. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Carbon‐14 labelled Tribendimidine, a broad‐spectrum anthelmintic drug
Authors: Fontana Erminia , Pignatti Alberto , Ghiglieri Alberto , Battaglia Rosangela , Cinato Flavio , Wang Chong , de Hostos Eugenio
Published: July 2013

The preparation of [14C]tribendimidine, a broad‐spectrum anthelmintic agent related to amidantel, and its use during excretion and metabolism studies in the rat are described in this paper.
Synthesis of stable isotope labeled anacetrapib, its major metabolites and [14C]anacetrapib
Authors: Kuethe Jeffrey T. , Soli Eric D. , Royster Pernilla , Quinn Catherine A.
Published: July 2013

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors are an important class of compounds designed to treat hypocholesterolemia and prevent cardiovascular disease. Anacetrapib (MK‐0859) is currently in phase III trials for the treatment of elevated cholesterol levels and prevention of cardiovascular disease. In order to further support the development of anacetrapib, we prepared [M + 6]MK‐0859, which was required in support of an absolute bioavailability study of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Additional support included the synthesis of an internal standard [M + 13] and three stable isotope labeled metabolites, which were used to analyze clinical samples, and [14C]MK‐0859 to support drug metabolism studies.
Alternative synthesis for the preparation of 16α‐[18F]fluoroestradiol
Authors: Kil Hee Seup , Cho Han Yang , Lee Sang Ju , Oh Seung Jun , Chi Dae Yoon
Published: July 2013

We have developed a new precursor, 3,17β‐O‐bis(methoxymethyl)‐16β‐O‐p‐nitrobenzenesulfonylestriol (14c) of 16α‐[18F]fluoroestradiol ([18F]FES). Although we could not selectively protect the C17 alcohol in the presence of the C16 alcohol, we were able to prepare and chromatographically isolate the desired C16 TBDMS, C17,C3‐dimethoxymethyl (diMOM) protected estriol derivative and convert into the ultimate fluorination precursor. The MOM protective group proved to be more quickly removed than the cyclic sulfate group. The di‐MOM protective precursor at the C3 and C17 alcohols instead of a cyclic sulfate group shortened hydrolysis time. We prepared three different sulfonate precursors at C16 alcohol. After checking their reactivity in the [18F]fluorination step and considering the stability of the precursors, we obtained the best results with nosylate precursor 14c.
Synthesis of isotopically labeled versions of L‐MTP‐PE (mifamurtide) and MDP
Authors: Li Yuexian , Plesescu Mihaela , Prakash Shimoga R.
Published: July 2013

L‐MTP‐PE (1), an immunomodulator and its metabolite MDP (4) were synthesized from labeled l‐alanine and its protected derivative, respectively. The key intermediate product for the labeled L‐MTP‐PE synthesis, [13C3,D4]‐alanyl‐cephalin (2A), was synthesized from [13C3,D4]‐l‐alanine (3A) in three steps. The key intermediate product for labeled MDP synthesis, amine 11, was prepared from [13C3,15N]‐Boc‐l‐alanine (5A) in two steps.
A facile synthesis of 5,5‐dideutero‐4‐dimethyl(phenyl)silyl‐6‐undecyl‐tetrahydropyran‐2‐one as a deuterium labeled synthon for (−)‐tetrahydrolipstatin and (+)‐δ‐hexadecanolide
Authors: Wagh Sandip J. , Chowdhury Raghunath , Mukhopadhyay Sulekha , Ghosh Sunil K.
Published: July 2013

Deuterium‐labeled biologically active compounds are gaining importance because they can be utilized as tracers or surrogate compounds to understand the mechanism of action, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Deuterated drug molecules (heavy drugs) become novel as well as popular because of better stability and bioavailability compared with their hydrogen analogs. Labeling of organic molecules with deuterium at specific positions is thus gaining popularity. In this work, we have exploited a highly regioselective and enantioselective direct Michael addition of methyl‐d3 alkyl ketones to dimethyl(phenyl)silylmethylene malonate that was catalyzed by (S)‐N‐(2‐pyrrolidinylmethyl)pyrrolidine/trifluoroacetic acid/ D2O combination with high yield and isotopic purity. The 5,5‐dideutero‐4‐dimethyl(phenyl)silyl‐6‐undecyl‐tetrahydropyran‐2‐one was obtained from the adduct of methyl‐d3 undecanyl ketone and dimethyl(phenyl)silylmethylene malonate by a silicon controlled diastereoselective ketone reduction, lactonization, and deethoxycarbonylation. The dideuterated silylated tetrahydropyran‐2‐one is the precursor for geminal 2H2‐labeled (+)‐4‐hydroxy‐6‐undecyl‐tetrahydropyran‐2‐one, an advanced intermediate for gem‐dideutero (–)‐tetrahydrolipstatin and (+)‐δ‐hexadecanolide syntheses.
Multi‐site downscaling of maximum and minimum daily temperature using support vector machine
Authors: Srinivas V. V. , Basu Bidroha , Nagesh Kumar D. , Jain Sanjay K.
Published: July 2013

Climate change impact assessment studies involve downscaling large‐scale atmospheric predictor variables (LSAPVs) simulated by general circulation models (GCMs) to site‐scale meteorological variables. This article presents a least‐square support vector machine (LS‐SVM)‐based methodology for multi‐site downscaling of maximum and minimum daily temperature series. The methodology involves (1) delineation of sites in the study area into clusters based on correlation structure of predictands, (2) downscaling LSAPVs to monthly time series of predictands at a representative site identified in each of the clusters, (3) translation of the downscaled information in each cluster from the representative site to that at other sites using LS‐SVM inter‐site regression relationships, and (4) disaggregation of the information at each site from monthly to daily time scale using k‐nearest neighbour disaggregation methodology. Effectiveness of the methodology is demonstrated by application to data pertaining to four sites in the catchment of Beas river basin, India. Simulations of Canadian coupled global climate model (CGCM3.1/T63) for four IPCC SRES scenarios namely A1B, A2, B1 and COMMIT were downscaled to future projections of the predictands in the study area. Comparison of results with those based on recently proposed multivariate multiple linear regression (MMLR) based downscaling method and multi‐site multivariate statistical downscaling (MMSD) method indicate that the proposed method is promising and it can be considered as a feasible choice in statistical downscaling studies. The performance of the method in downscaling daily minimum temperature was found to be better when compared with that in downscaling daily maximum temperature. Results indicate an increase in annual average maximum and minimum temperatures at all the sites for A1B, A2 and B1 scenarios. The projected increment is high for A2 scenario, and it is followed by that for A1B, B1 and COMMIT scenarios. Projections, in general, indicated an increase in mean monthly maximum and minimum temperatures during January to February and October to December.
Ionic liquids as hydraulic fluids: comparison of several properties with those of conventional oils
Authors: Regueira Teresa , Lugo Luis , Fernández Josefa
Published: July 2013

Ionic liquids possess several remarkable properties that make them striking for their use as lubricants for different applications. Isothermal compressibility (or bulk modulus) is a fundamental parameter in the hydraulic fluids field. Therefore, an analysis of the compressibility of different ionic liquids, mineral, synthetic and vegetable oils, as well as water, is presented in this work. Furthermore, thermal expansion coefficient, viscosity and viscosity index of these fluids are also analysed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endogenous signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 is required for the protection of hepatocytes against warm ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Lou Lucy Xi , Uemura Tadahiro , Mani Haresh , Yang Chen , Li Weiyi , Kadry Zakiyah , Zhang Samuel Shao-Min
Published: July 2013

Warm ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is a common clinical problem during liver transplantation and liver resection. Warm ischemia also occurs during trauma and shock. However, there is still no safe and promising strategy for protecting the liver from I/R injury. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a major immediate response molecule for protecting cell survival. In this study, we first confirmed that a pharmacological STAT3 inhibitor, (E)-2-cyano-3-(3,4-dihydrophenyl)-N-(phenylmethyl)-2-propenamide (AG490), significantly reduced the survival of HepG2 cells, regardless of the serum condition. Furthermore, we created hepatocyte-specific STAT3-deficient mice with the cyclization recombination–locus of X-over P1 (Cre-LoxP) system to study the mechanisms of STAT3 in liver I/R injury. We found that the alanine aminotransferase level was significantly higher in hepatocyte-specific STAT3-deficient mice versus wild-type (WT) mice in a 70% liver I/R injury model. A histopathological examination showed that hepatocyte-specific STAT3-deficient mice suffered more severe damage than WT mice despite similar numbers of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in the 2 groups. These results indicate that endogenous STAT3 signaling in hepatocytes is required for protection of the liver in vitro and in vivo against warm I/R injury. In conclusion, endogenous STAT3 plays an important role in protecting the liver against I/R injury, and STAT3-targeting therapy could be a therapeutic approach to combating liver I/R injury. Liver Transpl 19:1078–1087, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Refined harvest technique for a segmental latissimus dorsi muscle flap with a lengthened pedicle
Authors: Park Bo Young , Mun Goo‐Hyun
Published: July 2013

The latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle flap is one of the most versatile flaps used for reconstruction of soft tissue defects. With knowledge of its anatomy, harvest of the segmental LD muscle has been introduced as a reliable technique with the advantage of muscle preservation. We devised a new harvest technique for the segmental LD flap using a limited transverse incision to elevate a less bulky distal segment of the muscle with a sufficient pedicle length obtained by intramuscular dissection of the vascular pedicle. Two cases, in which this technique was effectively applied to reconstruct plantar defects after wide excision of malignant melanoma with a maximally efficient use of donor and recipient tissues, are presented. Satisfactory results were gained with stability in walking. When the defect size permits use of a segmental muscle and the long pedicle is needed, this pedicle‐lengthened segmental LD muscle harvest technique would be a valuable method. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:491–495, 2013.
The structures of two aldazines: [1,1′‐(1E,1′E)‐hydrazine‐1,2‐diylidenebis(methan‐1‐yl‐1‐ylidene)dinaphthalen‐2‐ol] (Lumogen) and 2,2′‐(1E,1′E)‐hydrazine‐1,2‐diylidenebis(methan‐1‐yl‐1‐ylidene)diphenol (salicylaldazine) in the solid state and in solution
Authors: Silva Artur M. S. , Silva Vera L. M. , Claramunt Rosa M. , María Dolores Santa , Ferraro Marta B. , Reviriego Felipe , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: July 2013

A combination of NMR spectroscopy and theoretical methods Density functional theory including dispersion corrections (DFT‐D) was used to study the structures of Lumogen and salicylaldazine. In the solid state, Lumogen exists as the dihydroxy tautomer 1a (an azine, CN–NC) as was already known from an X‐ray determination. In a deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide solution, another tautomer is observed besides 1a; its structure corresponds to the hydroxy‐oxo tautomer 1b (a hydrazone, CN–NH–Csp2). In what concerns salicylaldazine, we have observed only the dihydroxy tautomer 2a. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sorption of Olefins in High Impact Polypropylene – Experimental Determination and Mass Transport Modeling
Authors: Kröner Thomas , Bartke Michael
Published: July 2013

Gas solubilities as well as sorption rates are measured for ethylene and propylene in high impact polypropylene samples. As sorption rates are influenced by material properties and powder morphology, non‐porous polymer films are analyzed for the determination of effective diffusion coefficients of the material. These sorption rates are afterwards adopted for modeling of powder sorption experiments. In that way, integral sorption lengths in the polymer powders are determined. Results reveal that subdomains in the order of 250–500 μm are the rate determining unit for mass transport. The size of the clusters can be described by a correlation to polymer yield; sorption rate of the material can be described as a function of crystallinity.
A multi‐cell multi‐objective self‐optimisation methodology based on genetic algorithms for wireless cellular networks
Authors: Sánchez‐González Juan , Sallent Oriol , Pérez‐Romero Jordi , Agustí Ramon
Published: July 2013

Self‐organising networks (SON) are seen as one of the hottest topics in telecommunication network research and development, eagerly awaited by network operators to achieve a reduction in operational expenditures. However, there are still many challenges and difficulties when moving from the SON concept to practical implementation. In this context, this paper first provides a general formulation of the automated optimisation problem and a detailed description of the main challenges and difficulties ahead. Then, a generic multi‐cell multi‐objective self‐optimisation methodology based on genetic algorithms is proposed. The proposed framework is formulated in detail for a joint coverage and overlap optimisation problem in a multi‐cell scenario. A case study using real measurements of a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System network deployed in a medium‐size European city is presented to illustrate the proposed methodology. In the presented case study, the pilot power, antenna tilt and antenna azimuth of the different cells are optimised according to certain cell coverage and cell overlap targets. Results reveal that the genetic‐based approach is able to provide optimised solutions that efficiently achieve the desired targets accounting for inter‐cell coupling effects. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prospective multifactorial intervention on subpopulations of predominately hispanic children at high risk for obesity
Authors: Alexander Andrew G. , Grant Wanda L. , Pedrino Kyndra J. , Lyons Paul E.
Published: July 2013

Objective

Study the effects of multiple exercise and nutritional educational interventions on adverse body mass index (BMI) gain of BMI sub‐groups of predominately Hispanic six through eight year‐old children at high risk for obesity.

Methods

BMI and demographic data were recorded at baseline and six months later in 749 first and second grade public school children at four elementary schools. Two schools (intervention group) received 150 min of extra physical education classes, weekly cooking classes, a structured nutritional curriculum, and parental counseling. BMI changes were calculated for each student and compared by BMI percentile subgroups using the two tailed T‐test.

Results

No statistical BMI differences occurred between intervention and control group children below the 25th percentile. Significance differences in BMI gain were noted from the 25th to the 50th percentile (P = 0.027), 50th‐75th percentile (P = 0.045), and 75th‐95th percentile (P = 0.00007), but not for the 95th‐98th percentile (P = 0.288), 98th and above (P = 0.223), or both obese groups combined (P = 0.085).

Conclusions

Nutritional education and exercise can prevent but not treat obesity in predominately Hispanic first and second grade children. BMI subgroups should be studied to avoid masking differing outcomes of obese and nonobese children.
Weight bias internalization, core self‐evaluation, and health in overweight and obese persons
Authors: Hilbert Anja , Braehler Elmar , Haeuser Winfried , Zenger Markus
Published: July 2013

Objective

Weight bias has strong associations with psychopathology in overweight and obese individuals. However, self‐evaluative processes, as conceptualized in the process model of self‐stigma, and implications for other health‐related outcomes, remain to be clarified.

Design and Methods

In a representative general population sample of N = 1158 overweight and obese individuals, the impact of core self‐evaluation as a mediator between weight bias internalization and mental and global health outcomes as well as between weight bias internalization and health care utilization, was examined using structural equation modeling.

Results

In overweight and obese individuals, greater weight bias internalization predicted lower core self‐evaluation, which in turn predicted greater depression and anxiety, lower global health, and greater health care utilization. These mediational associations were largely stable in subsample analyses and after controlling for sociodemographic variables.

Conclusions

The results show that overweight and obese individuals with internalized weight bias are at risk for impaired health, especially if they experience low core self‐evaluation, making them a group with which to target for interventions to reduce self‐stigma. Weight bias internalization did not represent a barrier to health care utilization, but predicted greater health care utilization in association with greater health impairments.
Adipose tissue 11βHSD1 gene expression, βcell function and ectopic fat in obese African Americans versus Hispanics
Authors: Gyllenhammer Lauren E. , Alderete Tanya L. , Mahurka Swapna , Allayee Hooman , Goran Michael I.
Published: July 2013

Objective

This study examined the contribution of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) 11βHSD1 to obese African Americans' (AA) elevated metabolic risk, despite a protective obesity phenotype of reduced visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and hepatic fat fraction (HFF) relative to obese Hispanics with similar metabolic risk.

Design and Methods

Obese AA and Hispanic adults (N = 36(16AA); BMI 35.2 ± 0.6 kg/m2, 18‐25y) participated, with VAT, SAT, and HFF measured by MRI, SAT gene expression measured by HT‐12 microarray and insulin sensitivity (SI), disposition index (DI) by IVGTT. Multiple linear regression examined relationships/interactions of ethnicity and 11βHSD1 expression on outcomes (covariates: age, sex, total fat mass), with standardized β (stβ) reported.

Results

SAT 11βHSD1 expression significantly associated with insulin parameters and this varied by ethnicity (Pinteraction<0.1). In AA, 11βHSD1 negatively associated with SI (stβ = ‐0.58, P = 0.03), DI (stβ = −0.62, P = 0.03) and positively associated with fasting insulin (stβ = 0.54, P = 0.04), with no significant relationship in Hispanics. SAT 11βHSD1 associated with HFF in the combined sample (stβ = 0.42, P = 0.008), with no difference between ethnicites (Pinteraction>0.1). After controlling for HFF, 11βHSD1 associations with metabolic risk in AA became nonsignificant.

Conclusions

These results suggested that in AA and not Hispanics, SAT 11βHSD1 is associated with SI and DI, and may be mediated by HFF.
Methylphenidate decreases fat and carbohydrate intake in obese teenagers
Authors: Danilovich N. , Mastrandrea L.D. , Cataldi L. , Quattrin T.
Published: July 2013

Objective

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that mediates the reward value of food. Methylphenidate (MPH) selectively binds and inhibits the dopamine transporter, thus increasing brain dopamine levels shortly after oral administration. This investigation studied whether a single dose of MPH decreases energy intake (EI) in obese teenagers compared to placebo (P).

Methods

This study used a single‐blind, placebo‐controlled, within subject design. Teenagers with body mass index (BMI) ≥95th percentile underwent two identical meal tests (P or MPH) after a 10 h fast in random order. Food was weighed before and after the meals, and EI was calculated as energy content/gram of consumed foods. Total and macronutrient EI (mean ± SD) were analyzed by Mann–Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests.

Results

Twenty‐two subjects (15 females, 7 males) completed the study. Participants were 13.4 ± 2.2 years old and had BMI 34.9 ± 10.7 kg/m². EI from fat (167 vs. 203 kcal, P = 0.03) and carbohydrates (311 vs. 389 kcal, P = 0.04) was decreased for MPH compared to P meals, with a trend in decreased total EI (545 vs. 663 kcal, P = 0.06).

Conclusion

A single dose of MPH decreases EI from fat and carbohydrates in obese adolescents. This effect underscores the importance of central dopamine signaling on eating behavior.
A new approach to fabricate agarose microstructures
Authors: De Maria Carmelo , Rincon Julio , Duarte Alonso A. , Vozzi Giovanni , Boland Thomas
Published: July 2013

Agarose hydrogels find wide applications in different fields such as biological sciences, tissue engineering and food industry, and its use has been investigated in many fields ranging from electronics to crystallography. Usually, agarose structures are made by casting, and more recently some attempts have been made to build agarose structures by additive manufacturing. All of the fabrication methods are based on thermo‐reversible gelling properties of agarose gel. A new method to fabricate agarose microstructures in a binary solvent composed of water and dimethyl sulfoxide is presented and modelled in this paper. This new method allows building agarose structures by an additive layer‐by‐layer approach using a modified inkjet printer. The fabrication method and printing device are described in detail. Furthermore, finite‐element model simulations, which predict with high confidence the final line width of the printed structures, are discussed and analysed. Mechanical properties of printed gel structures are comparable with those obtained by gel casting, as demonstrated by tensile testing. The presented results demonstrate the feasibility of this approach to fabricate agarose structures with more complex shapes that can be done by casting. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal isolated short femur in the second trimester and adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Özlü Tülay , Ozcan Tulin
Published: July 2013

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the association of isolated short femur (ISF) in the second trimester ultrasound with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Method

All obstetric scans between 16 and 24 weeks of gestation from 1 January 2006 to 1 June 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. Multiple pregnancies, major congenital or chromosomal anomalies and subjects with incomplete outcome data were excluded. Femur length (FL) measurement from the earliest scan of singleton pregnancies was selected. An ISF was defined as a FL less than the tenth percentile in a fetus with an abdominal circumference greater than or equal to the tenth percentile. The primary outcomes were small for gestational age (SGA), birth weight below the third and fifth percentiles, low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB) and preeclampsia (PE). A 5‐min Apgar score of less than 7 and a neonatal intensive care unit admission were secondary outcomes.

Results

Of the 4992 eligible fetuses, 312 (6%) had an ISF. Mothers in the short femur group were shorter and had a lower prepregnancy and delivery weight than the group with normal FL (p < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression revealed a significant increase in birth weight below fifth percentile, SGA, LBW infants and PTB (<32, <34 and <37 weeks) in the ISF group (p < 0.05). The incidence of PE was similar in both groups.

Conclusion

Isolated short femur in the second trimester increases the risk of LBW, SGA and PTB, but not of PE. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and properties of rice husk‐filled plasticized wheat gluten biocomposites
Authors: Emadi Seyederfanhossein , Seki Yoldas , Sever Kutlay , Sarikanat Mehmet
Published: July 2013

Rice husk (RH) reinforced wheat gluten/glycerol (Gly/Glut) and rice husk (R) reinforced wheat gluten‐glycerol/chitosan‐polyethylene glycol (Gly/Glut‐CP) biocomposites with varying rice husk loading were prepared. Morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of the biocomposites were investigated by scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetric analyzer, and tensile testing machine, respectively. Water absorption properties and surface functional groups of the biocomposite films were determined by weight measurement and attentuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The results were discussed in terms of chitosan‐polyethylene glycol (CP) and rice husk content. Although CP and 1‐g rice husk addition decreased maximum degradation temperature of Gly/Glut film, adding of more rice husk did not considerably change the maximum degradation temperature. As a result of adding CP, the tensile strength of Gly/Glut film was increased by about 183%, whereas tensile modulus was decreased by about 34%. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1477–1483, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
How Far do England's Second‐Order Cities Emulate London as Human‐Capital ‘Escalators’?
Authors: Champion Tony , Coombes Mike , Gordon Ian
Published: July 2013

In the urban resurgence accompanying the growth of the knowledge economy, second‐order cities appear to be losing out to the principal city, especially where the latter is much larger and benefits from substantially greater agglomeration economies. The view that any city can make itself attractive to creative talent seems at odds with the idea of a country having just one ‘escalator region’ where the rate of career progression is much faster, especially for in‐migrants. This paper takes the case of England, with its highly primate city‐size distribution, and tests how its second‐order cities (in size order, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Bristol, Sheffield, Liverpool, Nottingham, and Leicester) compare with London as human‐capital escalators. The analysis is based on the Office for National Statistics Longitudinal Survey of linked census records for 1991–2001 and uses one key indicator of upward social mobility – the transition from White Collar Non‐core to White Collar Core. For non‐migrants, the transition rate for the second‐order cities combined is found to fall well short of London's, but in one case – Manchester – the rate is significantly higher than the rest of the country outside the Greater South East. Those moving to the second‐order cities during the decade experienced much stronger upward social mobility than their non‐migrants, but this ‘migrant premium’ was generally similar to that for London, suggesting that it results from people moving only after they have secured a better job. Second‐order cities, therefore, cannot rely on the speculative migration of talented people but need suitable jobs ready for them to access. © 2013 The Authors. Population, Space and Place. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Stochastic EM Algorithm for Progressively Censored Data Analysis
Authors: Zhang Mimi , Ye Zhisheng , Xie Min
Published: July 2013

Progressive censoring technique is useful in lifetime data analysis. Simple approaches to progressive data analysis are crucial for its widespread adoption by reliability engineers. This study develops an efficient yet easy‐to‐implement framework for analyzing progressively censored data by making use of the stochastic EM algorithm. On the basis of this framework, we develop specific stochastic EM procedures for several popular lifetime models. These procedures are shown to be very simple. We then demonstrate the applicability and efficiency of the stochastic EM algorithm by a fatigue life data set with proper modification and by a progressively censored data set from a life test on hard disk drives. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radical Laparoscopic Treatment for Liver Hydatidosis
Authors: Ramia Jose M. , Poves Ignasi , Castellón Camilo , Diez‐Valladares Luis , Loinaz Carmelo , Serrablo Alejandro , Suarez Miguel A.
Published: July 2013

Background

There is no scientific evidence to show which surgical technique should be used in treating hydatidosis of the liver; nor is there consensus on whether laparoscopy should be used in hydatidosis, because of the risk of dissemination or anaphylaxis.

Materials

We conducted a multicenter study of laparoscopic radical surgery for hydatidosis of the liver (LRSH). The main objectives of the study were to determine the feasibility of LRSH, to examine the associated morbidity, and to evaluate the associated recurrence rate.

Materials and methods

The present report is based on a retrospective multicenter study of patients with hydatid disease of the liver treated by LRSH. The study period was from January 2000 to April 2012.

Results

There were 37 patients (46 % male) with 43 cysts. The median age was 53.1 years. Median cyst size was 5.8 cm. The most common location of the cyst was the left lateral sector (62 %). The median number of trocars used was 4. Protective scolicide‐soaked swabs were used in 57 % of patients. We performed 24 total closed cystectomies, 12 left lateral sectionectomies, and 4 liver resections. The median operating time was 185 min and the mean blood loss was 184 mL. The conversion rate was 8 %. Morbidity was 16 % and mortality 0 %. The length of hospital stay was 4.8 days. No cyst recurrence was observed after a follow‐up of 30.6 months.

Conclusions

Despite the limitations and biases of a retrospective multicenter study, we believe that LRSH is feasible in favorable segments but is technically demanding. The low morbidity and absence of recurrence suggest that LRSH should be performed whenever feasible.
Characterization and Benzo[a]pyrene Content Analysis of Camellia Seed Oil Extracted by a Novel Subcritical Fluid Extraction
Authors: Miao Jianyin , Che Ke , Xi Ruchun , He Liping , Chen Xuexiang , Guan Xiaosheng , Zhuang Xueying , Wen Xiujun , Cao Yong
Published: July 2013

A novel continuous subcritical n‐butane extraction technique for Camellia seed oil was explored. The fatty acid composition, physicochemical properties, and benzo[a]pyrene content of Camellia seed oil extracted using this subcritical technique were analyzed. Orthogonal experiment design (L9(34)) was adopted to optimize extraction conditions. At a temperature of 45 °C, a pressure of 0.5 MPa, a time of 50 min and a bulk density of 0.7 kg/L, an extraction yield of 99.12 ± 0.20 % was obtained. The major components of Camellia seed oil are oleic acid (73.12 ± 0.40 %), palmitic acid (10.38 ± 0.05 %), and linoleic acid (9.15 ± 0.03 %). Unsaturated fatty acids represent 83.78 ± 0.03 % of the total fatty acids present. Eight physicochemical indexes were assayed, namely, iodine value (83.00 ± 0.21 g I/100 g), saponification value (154.81 ± 2.00 mg KOH/g), freezing‐point (−8.00 ± 0.10 °C), unsaponifiable matter (5.00 ± 0.40 g/kg), smoke point (215.00 ± 1.00 °C), acid value (1.24 ± 0.03 mg KOH/g), refrigeration test (transparent, at 0 °C for 5.5 h), and refractive index (1.46 ± 0.06, at 25 °C). Benzo[a]pyrene was not detected in Camellia seed oil extracted by continuous subcritical n‐butane extraction. In comparison, the benzo[a]pyrene levels of crude Camellia seed oil extracted by hot press extraction and refined Camellia seed oil were measured at 26.55 ± 0.70 and 5.69 ± 0.04 μg/kg respectively.
Association of parental Communication Deviance with offspring's psychiatric and thought disorders. A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Roisko R. , Wahlberg K.-E. , Miettunen J. , Tienari P.
Published: July 2013

Elevated number of parental Communication Deviance (CD) has been connected with psychiatric and thought disorders in their offspring. However, no earlier systematic efforts have been made to review this issue. The aim of this study was to survey the existing literature systematically and perform a meta-analysis of this association. A literature search for published and unpublished observational studies on the association of parental Communication Deviance with psychopathology in the offspring was conducted. Multiple electronic databases were searched (from 1960 to 2012) and the reference lists of the resulting publications were scanned. The findings were pooled using random effect meta-analysis. A total of 19 relevant papers were found and accessed. The results showed that a high level of parental CD is associated with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in the offspring. A large overall effect size (0.79) was found in the meta-analysis. No meta-analysis could be performed on the association of parental CD with an offspring's thought disorders, but the results suggest that such an association may exist. Parental Communication Deviance is associated with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in the offspring. High parental CD could be treated as an indicator of a risk of developing a schizophrenia spectrum disorder, at least among high-risk groups.