bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse selection of reviewers
Authors: García Jose A. , Rodriguez‐Sánchez Rosa , Fdez‐Valdivia Joaquín
Published: June 2014

Adverse selection occurs when a firm signs a contract with a potential worker but his/her key skills are still not known at that time, which leads the employer to make a wrong decision. In this article, we study the example of adverse selection of reviewers when a potential referee whose ability is his private information faces a finite sequence of review processes for several scholarly journals, one after the other. Our editor's problem is to design a system that guarantees that each manuscript is reviewed by a referee if and only if the reviewer's ability matches the review's complexity. As is typically the case in solving problems of adverse selection in agency theory, the journal editor offers a menu of contracts to the potential referee, from which the reviewer chooses the contract that is best for him given his ability. The optimal contract will be the one that provides the right incentives to match the complexity of the review and the ability of the reviewer. The payment of contracts is made through a proportional increment of the reviewer factor, which measures the importance of reviewers to their field.
The effect of ethanol on cell properties and steroid 1‐en‐dehydrogenation biotransformation of Arthrobacter simplex
Authors: Luo Jianmei , Ning Jing , Wang Yanxia , Cheng Yongxin , Zheng Yu , Shen Yanbing , Wang Min
Published: June 2014

Resting cells of Arthrobacter simplex with 1‐en‐dehydrogenation ability were prepared and treated by ethanol at subinhibitory concentrations (4%–15%, v/v), then added into the ethanol‐free system containing low concentration of cortisone acetate (1 g L−1) to produce prednisone acetate by C1,2 dehydrogenation reaction. Results showed that, within the range of ethanol concentration, the initial conversion rate was varied significantly with the concentration of ethanol and the maximum was obtained at 8% (v/v) ethanol, which was increased by 32.6% compared with the control. A series of cell features closely relevant to biotransformation efficiency were further analyzed. It indicated that ethanol acting on cell wall and membrane could be used as a mediator to enhance cell permeability, which facilitated the penetration of substrate across cell barrier within a short time, resulting in the elevated initial conversation rate. The observation of fatty acids composition suggested that the increased unsaturated fatty acids, especially cis‐isomers, in the presence of ethanol led to the disorganization of the native arrangement of lipids and thus increased cell permeability. Our findings demonstrated that another facilitation of ethanol was to promote substrate transport into cells by permeabilization, which would provide the guidance in the practical application of organic solvents in steroid biotransformation.
High production of succinyl isoflavone glycosides by Bacillus licheniformis ZSP01 resting cells in aqueous miscible organic medium
Authors: Zhang Sen , Chen Guoguang , Chu Jianlin , Wu Bin , He Bingfang
Published: June 2014

To achieve efficient production of succinyldaidzin and succinylgenistin, resting cells of a solvent‐stable strain Bacillus licheniformis ZSP01 were used to react with pure isoflavones or soybean flour extract in a reaction medium with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide. Strikingly, 0.8 mM daidzein, 0.8 mM genistein, 2.0 mM daidzin, and 2.0 mM genistin were transformed to succinyl isoflavone glycosides in 27 H (yield >90%). The soybean flour extract (6.1%, w/v) contained 0.32 mM daidzein, 0.84 mM daidzin, 0.38 mM genistein, and 1.04 mM genistin. Over 95% of total isoflavones (daidzein, daidzin, genistein, and genistin) in the soybean flour extract were converted to succinyl isoflavone glycosides after 27 H. Strain ZSP01 shows both high glycosylation and succinylation activities. These results suggest that B. licheniformis ZSP01 could be useful for the efficient production of succinyl soybean isoflavone glycosides.
Co‐opting biology to deliver drugs
Authors: Yousefpour Parisa , Chilkoti Ashutosh
Published: June 2014

The goal of drug delivery is to improve the safety and therapeutic efficacy of drugs. This review focuses on delivery platforms that are either derived from endogenous pathways, long‐circulating biomolecules and cells or that piggyback onto long‐circulating biomolecules and cells. The first class of such platforms is protein‐based delivery systems—albumin, transferrin, and fusion to the Fc domain of antibodies—that have a long‐circulation half‐life and are designed to transport different molecules. The second class is lipid‐based delivery systems—lipoproteins and exosomes—that are naturally occurring circulating lipid particles. The third class is cell‐based delivery systems—erythrocytes, macrophages, and platelets—that have evolved, for reasons central to their function, to exhibit a long life‐time in the body. The last class is small molecule‐based delivery systems that include folic acid. This article reviews the biology of these systems, their application in drug delivery, and the promises and limitations of these endogenous systems for drug delivery. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1699–1716. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
150 Jahre Axolotl
Authors: Reiß Christian , Hoßfeld Uwe , Olsson Lennart
Published: June 2014

Der mexikanische Axolotl hat eine lange Geschichte als Labortier. In den vergangenen 150 Jahren entwickelten sich diese Tiere von kolonialen Kuriositäten, die 1864 nach Paris kamen, zu einem wichtigen Organismus in der Evolutions‐ und Entwicklungsbiologie. Mittlerweile gibt es auf der ganzen Welt Millionen von Axolotln in Laboratorien und Heimaquarien, während der Lebensraum der Tiere in Mexiko immer weiter zurückgeht und die Spezies kurz vor dem Aussterben steht. In der Geschichte des Axolotls verbinden sich die Geschichte des Kolonialismus, des Aquariums und des Labors in der Zoologie mit der Naturgeschichte einer Spezies auf außergewöhnliche Art und Weise.
Nordosten der USA
Authors: Irsch Wilhelm
Published: June 2014

Millionen von Vögeln ziehen entlang der US‐Ostküste. Die Chesapeake Bay mit der Delmarva‐Halbinsel ist die größte Flussmündung in den USA und eine der bedeutendsten Naturlandschaften Nordamerikas. Dort liegen viele Naturschutzgebiete, die zu eigenen Beobachtungen einladen.
Neue Merkblattserie zur Pflege biologischer Schullehrsammlungen
Authors: Schmitz Gregor , Hahn Jörn
Published: June 2014

Obwohl biologische Präparate und Objekte von großem didaktischen Wert sind, befinden sich diese zum Teil sehr stückreichen Sammlungen oft in mangelhaften Zustand. Eine kostenlose Merkblattserie möchte Abhilfe schaffen.
Sex differences in the association between smoking and abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Stackelberg O , Björck M , Larsson S C , Orsini N , Wolk A
Published: June 2014

Background

It is unclear whether recommendations about ultrasound screening programmes for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) among men should be extended to include women who smoke. The aim was to examine sex-specific dose–response associations between AAA risk and smoking status, pack-years smoked and time since smoking cessation.

Methods

Women in the Swedish Mammography Cohort and men in the Cohort of Swedish Men were followed up from 1998 to 2011. AAA was identified through linkage of the cohorts to the Swedish Inpatient Register and the Swedish National Register for Vascular Surgery (Swedvasc), and not through general ultrasound screening. Associations were estimated with Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The cohorts included 35 550 women and 42 596 men, aged 46–84 years. During follow-up, AAA was identified in 199 women and 958 men. The incidence of AAA per 100 000 person-years was 76 among men who never smoked and 136 among women who currently smoke. Regarding AAA risk, women were more sensitive to current smoking (Pinteraction= 0·002). Compared with never smokers, the hazard ratio (HR) for AAA in current smokers with more than 20 pack-years was 10·97 (95 per cent confidence interval 7·41 to 16·26) among women and 6·55 (5·36 to 7·99) among men. Following smoking cessation, women had a more rapid decline in excess risk (Pinteraction < 0·001). The risk was halved after 11 years (HR 0·51, 0·32 to 0·81) among women and after 23 years (HR 0·50, 0·42 to 0·60) among men.

Conclusion

There were sex differences in the associations between smoking status and AAA risk. These data support further investigation of targeted AAA screening among women who smoke.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing for the prediction of morbidity risk after rectal cancer surgery
Authors: West M A , Parry M G , Lythgoe D , Barben C P , Kemp G J , Grocott M P W , Jack S
Published: June 2014

Background

This study investigated the relationship between objectively measured physical fitness variables derived by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and in-hospital morbidity after rectal cancer surgery.

Methods

Patients scheduled for rectal cancer surgery underwent preoperative CPET (reported blind to patient characteristics) with recording of morbidity (recorded blind to CPET variables). Non-parametric receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between CPET variables and postoperative morbidity.

Results

Of 105 patients assessed, 95 (72 men) were included; ten patients had no surgery and were excluded (3 by choice, 7 owing to unresectable metastasis). Sixty-eight patients had received neoadjuvant treatment. ROC curve analysis of oxygen uptake (V˙o2) at estimated lactate threshold (θ^L) and peak V˙o2 gave an area under the ROC curve of 0·87 (95 per cent confidence interval 0·78 to 0·95; P < 0·001) and 0·85 (0·77 to 0·93; P < 0·001) respectively, indicating that they can help discriminate patients at risk of postoperative morbidity. The optimal cut-off points identified were 10·6 and 18·6 ml per kg per min for V˙o2 at θ^L and peak respectively.

Conclusion

CPET can help predict morbidity after rectal cancer surgery.
Clinical outcomes and quality of life 5 years after a randomized trial of concomitant or sequential phlebectomy following endovenous laser ablation for varicose veins
Authors: El-Sheikha J , Nandhra S , Carradice D , Wallace T , Samuel N , Smith G E , Chetter I C
Published: June 2014

Background

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a popular treatment for superficial venous insufficiency. Debate continues regarding the optimal management of symptomatic varicose tributaries following ablation of the main saphenous trunk. This randomized trial compared the 5-year outcomes of endovenous laser therapy with ambulatory phlebectomy (EVLTAP) with concomitant ambulatory phlebectomy, and EVLA alone with sequential treatment if required following a delay of at least 6 weeks.

Methods

Patients undergoing EVLA for great saphenous vein insufficiency were randomized to receive EVLTAP or EVLA alone with sequential phlebectomy, if required. Outcomes included disease-specific quality of life (QoL) (Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire; AVVQ), requirement for secondary procedures, clinical severity (Venous Clinical Severity Score; VCSS), residual and recurrent varicose tributaries, and generic QoL. Patients were followed up for 5 years.

Results

Fifty patients were randomized equally into two parallel groups. The EVLTAP group had lower VCSS scores at 12 weeks (median 0 (i.q.r. 0–1) versus 2 (0–2); P <0·001), and lower AVVQ scores at 6 weeks (median 7·9 (i.q.r. 4·1–10·7) versus 13·5 (10·9–18·1); P < 0·001) and 12 weeks (2·0 (0·4–7·7) versus 9·6 (2·2–13·8); P = 0·015). VCSS and AVVQ scores were equivalent by 1 year, but only after 16 of 24 patients in the EVLA group, compared with one of 25 in the EVLTAP group (P < 0·001), had received a secondary intervention. From 1 to 5 years both groups had equivalent outcomes.

Conclusion

EVLA with either concomitant or sequential management of tributaries is acceptable treatment for symptomatic varicose veins, with both treatments achieving excellent results at 5 years. Concomitant treatment of varicosities is associated with optimal improvement in both clinical disease severity and QoL.
Development and Nonlinear Analysis of Dynamic Plant Models in ProMoT /Diana
Authors: Mangold Michael , Khlopov Dmytro , Danker Gerrit , Palis Stefan , Svjatnyj Volodymyr , Kienle Achim
Published: June 2014

In the process design of chemical production plants, dynamic simulation plays an important role. This paper gives a short introduction to the process modeling tool ProMoT and the simulation tool Diana. Both are open‐source programs intended for the dynamic analysis of chemical engineering and biological systems. They support the implementation and analysis of large nonlinear differential algebraic systems. An overview is given on the functionality of ProMoT and Diana. The use of the tools is illustrated by their application to an innovative fluidized bed crystallization process.
CFD Analysis of the Channel Shape Effect in Monolith Catalysts for the CH4 Partial Oxidation on Rh
Authors: Maffei Tiziano , Rebughini Stefano , Gentile Giancarlo , Lipp Stefan , Cuoci Alberto , Maestri Matteo
Published: June 2014

Catalysts monoliths with circular and square ducts are theoretically analyzed in detail as reactor configurations for the adiabatic CH4 partial oxidation on Rh for short‐contact‐times hydrogen production. By the means of CFD coupled with a detailed microkinetic description of the surface reactivity, it was found that the different transport properties of the investigated configurations primarily affect the thermal behavior of the reactor. O2 consumption is fully external mass transfer limited, and thus, local variations in mass transport properties are responsible of the differences in surface temperature.
Molecular Modelling and Simulation in Fluid Process Engineering
Authors: Horsch Martin , Hasse Hans
Published: June 2014

Die molekulare Simulation hat infolge der Fortschritte im massiv‐parallelen Höchstleistungsrechnen ein hohes Maß an Vielseitigkeit entwickelt. Auf der Grundlage physikalisch realistischer Modelle der intermolekularen Wechselwirkungen kann sie Stoffdaten hochgenau beschreiben und vorhersagen. Transportprozesse und heterogene Systeme können mittlerweile zuverlässig simuliert werden. Voraussetzung dafür sind robuste molekulare Modelle und statistisch‐mechanisch rigorose Simulationsmethoden. Der Stand der Technik wird hier im Hinblick auf Anwendungen in der Verfahrenstechnik kommentiert.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of P25 TiO2 after Modification with Phosphate‐Treated Porous SiO2
Authors: Luan Yunbo , Feng Yujie , Cui Haiqin , Cao Yue , Jing Liqiang
Published: June 2014

In general, an increase in O2 adsorption is highly desirable for efficient photocatalysis. Herein, commercial P25 TiO2 is modified with an F127‐containing SiO2 sol, and post‐treated with phosphoric acid. It is confirmed, on the basis of O2 temperature‐programmed desorption measurements, that the O2 adsorption of commercial P25 TiO2 is greatly promoted through its modification with porous SiO2, especially in the phosphate‐treated case. The promotion of O2 adsorption is attributed to the introduction of SiOH and POH as surface ends, and to the slightly increased surface area. Interestingly, it is concluded that the promotion of O2 adsorption is favorable for the separation of photogenerated charge carriers, as seen from the steady‐state surface photovoltage spectra, transient‐state surface photovoltage responses, and measurements of the hydroxyl radicals produced. This is responsible for the clear enhancement in the photocatalytic activity of modified TiO2 for the degradation of gas‐phase acetaldehyde and liquid‐phase phenol as colorless pollutants. This work provides a feasible route for improving the photocatalytic activity of TiO2.
A short ID‐based proxy signature scheme
Authors: Asaar Maryam Rajabzadeh , Salmasizadeh Mahmoud , Susilo Willy
Published: June 2014

The notion of identity‐based proxy signature with message recovery feature has been proposed to shorten identity‐based proxy signatures and improve their communication overhead because signed messages are not transmitted with these kinds of signatures. There are a few schemes for this notion: the schemes of Singh and Verma and Yoon et al. Unfortunately, Tian et al., by presenting two forgery attacks, show that Singh and Verma scheme is not secure, and also, the scheme of Yoon et al. does not support provable security. The contributions of this paper are twofold. First, we review the scheme by Yoon et al. and discuss why it does not have message recovery property, and consequently, it is not short. Second, we propose a short identity‐based proxy signature scheme with the help of message recovery property and show that it is secure under computational Diffie–Hellman assumption in the random oracle model. Furthermore, our scheme is more efficient than (as efficient as) previous identity‐based proxy signatures. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparison of continuous intravenous insulin and subcutaneous insulin among patients with type 2 diabetes and congestive heart failure exacerbation
Authors: Dungan Kathleen M. , Osei Kwame , Gaillard Trudy , Moore Jared , Binkley Philip
Published: June 2014

Background

The study aims to determine whether the route of insulin administration influences glycaemic variability and inflammatory or neurohormonal markers in patients with type 2 diabetes and congestive heart failure (CHF) exacerbation.

Methods

Patients (n = 65) were randomized to intravenous (IV) insulin (duration 48 h) or subcutaneous (SQ) insulin. Inflammatory cytokines and markers of lipid oxidation, high‐frequency heart rate variability (n = 27) and cardiac impedance (pre‐ejection period, n = 28) were used to estimate parasympathetic and sympathetic tone in patients with valid cardiac data. Glycaemic variability was measured using a continuous glucose monitor.

Results

Mean glucose was lower (7.7 ± 1.2 vs 9.4 ± 2.7 mmol/L, p = 0.004), coefficient of variation was higher (p = 0.03) and glycaemic lability index was similar on day 1 in the IV group compared with the SQ group, but groups were similar by day 2. The IV group had more confirmed hypoglycaemia (p = 0.005). There were no differences in hospital readmission or hospital length of stay between groups. There were no differences in CHF biomarkers, heart rate variability or pre‐ejection period between groups. Increasing log glycaemic lability index was associated with lower on‐treatment pre‐ejection period (p = 0.03) while increasing coefficient of variation was associated with increasing brain natriuretic peptide (p = 0.004) and paroxonase‐1 (p = 0.02). Other univariable analyses were not significant.

Conclusions

There were modest, transient differences in glucose control between IV and SQ insulin in hospitalized CHF patients. However, the analyses do not support a link between insulin route and inflammatory markers or autonomic tone. Further study is needed to assess outcomes in hospitalized CHF patients. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual phylogenetic origins ofNigerian lions (Panthera leo)
Authors: Tende Talatu , Bensch Staffan , Ottosson Ulf , Hansson Bengt
Published: June 2014

Lion fecalDNAextracts from four individuals each from Yankari Game Reserve and Kainji‐Lake National Park (central northeast and west Nigeria, respectively) were Sanger‐sequenced for the mitochondrial cytochromebgene. The sequences were aligned against 61 lion reference sequences from other parts of Africa and India. The sequence data were analyzed further for the construction of phylogenetic trees using the maximum‐likelihood approach to depict phylogenetic patterns of distribution among sequences. Our results show that Nigerian lions grouped together with lions from West and Central Africa. At the smaller geographical scale, lions from Kainji‐Lake National Park in western Nigeria grouped with lions from Benin (located west of Nigeria), whereas lions from Yankari Game Reserve in central northeastern Nigeria grouped with the lion populations in Cameroon (located east of Nigeria). The finding that the two remaining lion populations in Nigeria have different phylogenetic origins is an important aspect to consider in future decisions regarding management and conservation of rapidly shrinking lion populations in West Africa.
The evolution of phenotypes and genetic parameters under preferential mating
Authors: Roff Derek A. , Fairbairn Daphne J.
Published: June 2014

This article extends and adds more realism to Lande's analytical model for evolution under mate choice by using individual‐based simulations in which females sample a finite number of males and the genetic architecture of the preference and preferred trait evolves. The simulations show that the equilibrium heritabilities of the preference and preferred trait and the genetic correlation between them (rG), depend critically on aspects of the mating system (the preference function, mode of mate choice, choosiness, and number of potential mates sampled), the presence or absence of natural selection on the preferred trait, and the initial genetic parameters. Under some parameter combinations, preferential mating increased the heritability of the preferred trait, providing a possible resolution for the lek paradox. The Kirkpatrick–Barton approximation for rG proved to be biased downward, but the realized genetic correlations were also low, generally <0.2. Such low values of rG indicate that coevolution of the preference and preferred trait is likely to be very slow and subject to significant stochastic variation. Lande's model accurately predicted the incidence of runaway selection in the simulations, except where preferences were relative and the preferred trait was subject to natural selection. In these cases, runaways were over‐ or underestimated, depending on the number of males sampled. We conclude that rapid coevolution of preferences and preferred traits is unlikely in natural populations, but that the parameter combinations most conducive to it are most likely to occur in lekking species.
Spinal neuronal correlates of tapentadol analgesia in cancer pain: A back‐translational approach
Authors: Falk S. , Patel R. , Heegaard A. , Mercadante S. , Dickenson A.H.
Published: June 2014

Background

Pain is a common and highly debilitating complication for cancer patients significantly compromising their quality of life. Cancer‐induced bone pain involves a complex interplay of multiple mechanisms including both inflammatory and neuropathic processes and also some unique changes. Strong opioids are a mainstay of treatments but side effects are problematic and can compromise optimal pain control. Tapentadol is a novel dual‐action drug, both stimulating inhibitory μ‐opioid receptors (MOR) and mediating noradrenaline reuptake inhibition (NRI) leading to activation of the inhibitory α‐2 adrenoceptor. It has been demonstrated to treat effectively both acute and chronic pain. We here demonstrate the efficacy in a model of cancer‐induced bone pain.

Methods

MRMT‐1 mammary carcinoma cells were inoculated into the tibia of 6‐week‐old rats and 2 weeks after, the neuronal responses to a wide range of peripheral stimulation were evaluated. The recordings were made from wide‐dynamic range neurons in lamina V of the dorsal horn before and after administration of tapentadol as well as antagonists of the two mechanisms, naloxone or atipamezole.

Results

We found marked inhibitions of the neuronal activity with efficacy against mechanical, thermal and electrically evoked activity following tapentadol administration. In addition, the effects of the drug were fully reversible by naloxone and partly by atipamezole, supporting the idea of MOR‐NRI dual actions.

Conclusions

These findings add to the mechanistic understanding of cancer‐induced bone pain and support the sparse clinical data indicating a possible use of the drug as a therapeutic alternative for cancer patients with metastatic pain complication.
Modulation of the startle reflex by heat pain: Does threat play a role?
Authors: Horn‐Hofmann C. , Lautenbacher S.
Published: June 2014

Background

Previous studies have indicated that the startle reflex is potentiated by phasic, but not by tonic, heat pain, although the latter is seen as more strongly associated with emotional responses and more similar to clinical pain. The threat value of pain might be a decisive variable, which is not influenced alone by stimulus duration.

Objective

This study aimed at comparing startle responses to tonic heat pain stimulation with varying degrees of threat. We hypothesized that the expectation of unpredictable temperature increases would evoke higher threat and thereby potentiate startle compared with the expectation of constant stimulation.

Methods

Healthy, pain‐free subjects (n = 40) underwent painful stimulation in two conditions (low/high threat) in balanced order. The only difference between the two conditions was that in the high‐threat condition 50% of the trials were announced to include a short further noxious temperature increase at the end. Startle tones were presented prior to this temperature increase still in the phase of anticipation.

Results

We observed startle potentiation in the high‐threat compared with the low‐threat condition, but only in those participants who took part first in the high‐threat condition. Habituation could not account for these findings, as we detected no significant decline of startle responses in the course of both conditions.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that subjective threat might indeed be decisive for the action of pain on startle; the threat level appears not only influenced by actual expectations but also by previous experiences with pain as threatening or not.
Composite Material Based on Macroporous Polyaniline and Osmium Redox Complex for Biosensor Development
Authors: Antiochia Riccarda , Mazzei Franco , Gorton Lo , Leech Dónal , Favero Gabriele
Published: June 2014

Here the feasibility of layers based on the conducting polymer polyaniline (PANI) as component of glucose biosensors using glucose oxidase (GOx) as enzyme and [Os(bpy)2(4‐aminomethylpyridine)Cl]PF6 (OsCmplx) as electrochemical mediator, is evaluated. Particularly, PANI was employed to obtain a nanostructured macroporous material (m‐PANI) around polystyrene nanoparticles taken as template and the mediator was co‐immobilized during the polymerizing procedure. The GOx biosensor based on OsCmplx modified m‐PANI provides a linear response to glucose concentration in the range 5 up to 65 mM with a sensitivity of 3.54 µA/mM/cm2 (on a projected geometric area=0.07 cm2), an LOD of 0.8 mM and a good precision (%RSD≤7, n=5); the biosensor is stable showing a decrease of 10% to the value of the sensitivity after 15 days of use and of about 50% after 40 days.
A Non‐Enzymatic Hydrogen Peroxide Sensor Based on Gold Nanoparticles/Carbon Nanotube/Self‐Doped Polyaniline Hollow Spheres
Authors: Chen Xiaojun , Guo Buhua , Hu Pingping , Wang Yan
Published: June 2014

In this study, a novel non‐enzymatic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor was fabricated based on gold nanoparticles/carbon nanotube/self‐doped polyaniline (AuNPs/CNTs/SPAN) hollow spheres modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). SPAN was in‐site polymerized on the surface of SiO2 template, then AuNPs and CNTs were decorated by electrostatic absorption via poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride). After the SiO2 cores were removed, hollow AuNPs/CNTs/SPAN spheres were obtained and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The electrochemical catalytic performance of the hollow AuNPs/CNTs/SPAN/GCE for H2O2 detection was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry. Using chronoamperometric method at a constant potential of −0.1 V (vs. SCE), the H2O2 sensor displays two linear ranges: one from 5 µM to 0.225 mM with a sensitivity of 499.82 µA mM−1 cm−2; another from 0.225 mM to 8.825 mM with a sensitivity of 152.29 µA mM−1 cm−2. The detection limit was estimated as 0.4 µM (signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3). The hollow AuNPs/CNTs/SPAN/GCE also demonstrated excellent stability and selectivity against interferences from other electroactive species. The sensor was further applied to determine H2O2 in disinfectant real samples.
Electrochemical Immunosensor for Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) Based on Platinum Nanoparticles‐Modified Electrode Using Hydrogen Evolution Inhibition Approach
Authors: Sharma Arun , Kameswara Rao Vepa , Vrat Kamboj Dev , Jain Rajeev
Published: June 2014

In the present study, the electrocatalytic property of platinum for the reduction of protons to hydrogen in acidic medium is explored for the electrochemical detection of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB). For this purpose glassy‐carbon electrodes (GCEs) were modified with platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) and studies were conducted on effect of copper deposition on the catalytic efficiency of Pt NPs towards reduction of protons. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) was performed to determine a negative shift of hydrogen evolution potential at the Pt NPs modified GCEs. In addition to this, indirect sandwiched ELISA procedure was followed on disposable SPEs. Anti‐mouse immunoglobulin G‐alkaline phosphatase (ALP) conjugate was immobilized on the SPE interface leads the hydrolysis of ascorbic acid 2‐phosphatase (AAP) and produce ascorbic acid which is responsible for the deposition of copper on Pt NPs modified GCEs. The potential for hydrogen evolution is negatively shifted with increasing the concentration of SEB over a range from 1.0 ng/mL to 1.0 µg/mL and the detection limit was found to be 1.0 ng/mL. The overall study emphasizes the role of catalytic efficiency of platinum nanoparticles and optimized conditions in providing better analytical performances for biosensors in term of sensitivity, selectivity and reliability.
Electrochemical Detection of Melamine
Authors: Xue J. , Lee P. T. , Compton R. G.
Published: June 2014

Poly(caffeic acid) polymer was immobilized onto the surface of a glassy carbon electrode via electropolymerization. Voltammetry shows a signal related to the two‐electron oxidation of the immobilized hydroquinone groups in the caffeic acid monomer units. The modified electrode in aqueous solution shows complexation of the electrogenerated o‐quinone species with melamine thus allowing in the electrochemical detection of melamine by recording the shift in potential of the oxidation signal of the polymer. Melamine detection was investigated in pure aqueous solutions and in the presence of milk powder solutions and the proposed analytical method of melamine detection in milk powder was applied successfully with an average recovery of ca. (91±7.9)%.
The effects of wood particle size and different process variables on the performance of steam‐oxygen blown circulating fluidized‐bed gasifier
Authors: Kurkela Esa , Kurkela Minna , Hiltunen Ilkka
Published: June 2014

Pressurized circulating fluidized‐bed gasification by steam‐oxygen has been developed at VTT for syngas applications. In this process, wood feedstocks are first converted into raw gasification gas, which is then filtered at about 600°C before catalytic reforming of tars and hydrocarbon gases. This article presents results of the gasification and gas filtration tests carried out with wood pellets, crushed pellets, bark, and crushed forest residues. The effects of operating pressure, bed material used, and other main operating variables were examined. Dolomite, magnesium oxide, and sand were used as bed materials. Gasification pressure was in the range 0.25–0.6 MPa and operating temperature 860–930°C. In best operating conditions, over 98% carbon conversion was achieved with very smooth long‐term operation. The feedstock particle size, operation pressure, and the presence of calcium‐based bed material had strong effects on tar formation and filter operability. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 681–687, 2014
Classification of microbial α‐amylases for food manufacturing using proteinase digestion
Authors: Akiyama Takumi , Yamazaki Takeshi , Tada Atsuko , Ito Yusai , Otsuki Noriko , Akiyama Hiroshi
Published: June 2014

Enzymes produced by microorganisms and plants are used as food additives to aid the processing of foods. Identification of the origin of these enzyme products is important for their proper use. Proteinase digestion of α‐amylase products, followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, was applied to α‐amylase from the mold Aspergillus species, the bacteria Bacillus species, and the actinomycetes Saccharomonospora species. Eighteen commercial products of α‐amylase were digested with trypsin and endoproteinase Lys‐C and HPLC analyzed. For some proteinase/sample combinations, the area of the intact α‐amylase peak decreased and new peaks were detected after digestion. The presence and retention times of the novel peaks were used to group the products. The results from this method, called the proteinase digestion–HPLC method, allowed the classification of the α‐amylase products into 10 groups, whereas the results from sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis allowed their classification into seven groups.
Processing of nociceptive input from posterior to anterior insula in humans
Authors: Frot Maud , Faillenot Isabelle , Mauguière François
Published: June 2014

Previous brain imaging studies have shown robust activations in the insula during nociceptive stimulation. Most activations involve the posterior insular cortex but they can cover all insular gyri in some fMRI studies. However, little is known about the timing of activations across the different insular sub‐regions. We report on the distribution of intracerebrally recorded nociceptive laser evoked potentials (LEPs) acquired from the full extent of the insula in 44 epileptic patients. Our study shows that both posterior and anterior subdivisions of the insular cortex respond to a nociceptive heat stimulus within a 200–400 ms latency range. This nociceptive cortical potential occurs firstly, and is larger, in the posterior granular insular cortex. The presence of phase reversals in LEP components in both posterior and anterior insular regions suggests activation of distinct, presumably functionally separate, sources in the posterior and anterior parts of the insula. Our results suggest that nociceptive input is first processed in the posterior insula, where it is known to be coded in terms of intensity and anatomical location, and then conveyed to the anterior insula, where the emotional reaction to pain is elaborated. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5486–5499, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Loss of expression of the tumour suppressor gene AIMP3 predicts survival following radiotherapy in muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Gurung Pratik M.S. , Veerakumarasivam Abhi , Williamson Magali , Counsell Nicholas , Douglas James , Tan Wei Shen , Feber Andrew , Crabb Simon J. , Short Susan C. , Freeman Alex , Powles Thomas , Hoskin Peter J. , West Catharine M. , Kelly John D.
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to test the utility of AIMP3, an upstream regulator of DNA damage response following genotoxic stress, as a clinical biomarker in muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). AIMP3 was identified from a meta‐analysis of a global gene‐expression dataset. AIMP3 protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry on a customised bladder cancer tissue‐microarray (TMA). The mechanism of gene silencing was probed using methylation‐specific PCR. The association between AIMP3 expression, Tp53 transactivity and genomic stability was analysed. In vitro AIMP3 translocation to the nucleus in response to ionising radiation was demonstrated using immunofluorescence. Radiosensitisation effects of siRNA‐mediated AIMP3‐knockdown were measured using colony forming assays. TMAs derived from patients enrolled in BCON, a Phase III multicentre radiotherapy trial in bladder cancer (ISRCTN45938399) were used to evaluate the association between AIMP3 expression and survival. The prognostic value of AIMP3 expression was determined in a TMA derived from patients treated by radical cystectomy. Loss of AIMP3 expression was frequent in MIBC and associated with impaired Tp53 transactivity and genomic instability. AIMP3‐knockdown was associated with an increase in radioresistance. Loss of AIMP3 expression was associated with survival in MIBC patients following radiotherapy (HR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.78, p = 0.002) but was not prognostic in the cystectomy set. In conclusion, AIMP3 expression is lost in a subset of bladder cancers and is significantly predictive of survival following radiotherapy in MIBC patients.
Segmentation for brain magnetic resonance images using dual‐tree complex wavelet transform and spatial constrained self‐organizing tree map
Authors: Zhang Jingdan , Jiang Wuhan
Published: June 2014

In brain MR images, the noise and low‐contrast significantly deteriorate the segmentation results. In this paper, we introduce a novel application of dual‐tree complex wavelet transform (DT‐CWT), and propose an automatic unsupervised segmentation method integrating DT‐CWT with self‐organizing map for brain MR images. First, a multidimensional feature vector is constructed based on the intensity, low‐frequency subband of DT‐CWT, and spatial position information. Then, a spatial constrained self‐organizing tree map (SCSOTM) is presented as the segmentation system. It adaptively captures the complicated spatial layout of the individual tissues, and overcomes the problem of overlapping gray‐scale intensities for different tissues. SCSOTM applies a dual‐thresholding method for automatic growing of the tree map, which uses the information from the high‐frequency subbands of DT‐CWT. The proposed method is validated by extensive experiments using both simulated and real T1‐weighted MR images, and compared with the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 24, 208–214, 2014
Encapsulation of porcine pancreatic islets within an immunoprotective capsule comprising methacrylated glycol chitosan and alginate
Authors: Hillberg Anna Louise , Oudshoorn Matthew , Lam Janice B. B. , Kathirgamanathan Kalyani
Published: June 2014

Encapsulation of cells in biocompatible polymer matrices represents a powerful tool for cell‐based therapies and therapeutic delivery systems. This technology has successfully been used to deliver pancreatic islets to humans for the treatment of Type 1 diabetes. However, the clinical impact of this technology may be improved by reducing the inflammatory response brought on after implantation of capsules in vivo. Within this study a biocompatible polymeric delivery system combining alginate and photo‐crosslinked methacrylated glycol chitosan (MGC) was developed. This approach involved encapsulating cells in calcium‐alginate beads, coating with MGC and photo‐polymerizing using UVA in the presence of photo‐initiator (VA‐086), resulting in the formation of capsules ∼600 µm in size. Crosslinking of the MGC outer wall allowed control over capsule swelling and improved the capsules overall properties. Capsule characterization demonstrated the stabilizing influence of polymerization and fluorescence imaging showed that the distribution of glycol chitosan is dependent on molecular weight. Good islet viability and insulin release was demonstrated in vitro over the course of a month, and in vivo transplantation of the capsules demonstrated good biocompatibility, particularly when compared with standard alginate/poly‐l‐ornithine/alginate capsules. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 503–518, 2015.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Amido Sulfonamido Methane Linked Bisoxazoles, Bisthiazoles, and Bisimidazoles
Authors: Premakumari Chokkappagari , Seenaiah Dandu , Srilakshmi Akula , Sai Gopal Divi Venkata Ramana , Padmavathi Venkatapuram
Published: June 2014

A new class of amido sulfonamido methane linked bisoxazoles, bisthiazoles, and bisimidazoles were prepared adopting simple and versatile synthetic methodologies. The lead compounds were assayed for antimicrobial activity.
Synthesis of Novel 1‐(Benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrrol‐2(5H)‐ones
Authors: Rad‐Moghadam Kurosh , Esmaeili Abbas Ali , Ghalandarabad Saeid Amini , Hoseininejad Fereshteh , Fallah‐Rasoulinejad Seyyed Adel , Kiani Samaneh
Published: June 2014

The titled products comprising of two mutually merged bioactive nucleuses, 2‐aminobenzo[d]thiazole and 2,5‐dihydropyrrole rings, were obtained from the reaction between dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates and alkyl 2‐(benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)amino‐2‐oxoacetates in the presence of triphenylphosphine at RT.
Synthesis of 6‐ and 8‐Halogenosubstituted 3‐Quinoline‐Sulfonic Acid Derivatives[1]
Authors: Marciniec [2] Krzysztof , Maślankiewicz [2] Andrzej , Maślankiewicz Maria J.
Published: June 2014

Treatment of 3,6‐di‐ and 3,6,8‐trihalogenosubstituted quinolines 1 with sodium alkanethiolates was carried out regioselectively at C3 of the pyridine ring, affording the corresponding halogenosubstituted 3‐methylsulfanylquinolines 2 and 3‐phenylmethylsulfanylquinolines 3. The structures of 2 and 3 were assigned by NMR studies, including 1H‐detected one‐bond (C–H) HSQC and long‐range HMBC, in addition to NOE experiments. Benzyl derivatives 3 were oxidatively chlorinated to obtain the title quinolinesulfonyl chlorides.
Regiodirected Synthesis and Stereochemistry of 2,4,8‐Trialkyl‐3‐thia‐1,5‐diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes and α,ω‐Bis(2,4,6‐trialkyl‐1,3,5‐dithiazinane‐5‐yl)alkanes
Authors: Akhmetova Vnira R. , Vagapov Ruslan A. , Tyumkina Tat'yana V. , Khabibullina Guzel R. , Starikova Zoya A. , Lobov Alexander H. , Nelyubina Yuliya V. , Kunakova Raikhana V. , Dzhemilev Usein M.
Published: June 2014

2,4,8‐Trialkyl‐3‐thia‐1,5‐diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes have been obtained by the regioselective and stereoselective cyclocondensation of 1,2‐ethanediamine with aldehydes RCHO (R═Me, Et, Prn, Bun, Pentn) and H2S at molar ratio 1:3:2 at 0°C. The increase in molar ratio of thiomethylation mixture RCHO–H2S (6:4) at 40°C resulted in selective formation of bis‐(2,4,6‐trialkyl‐1,3,5‐dithiazinane‐5‐yl)ethanes. Cyclothiomethylation of aliphatic α,ω‐diamines with aldehydes RCHO (R═Me, Et) and H2S at molar ratio 1:6:4 and at 40°С led to α,ω‐bis(2,4,6‐trialkyl‐1,3,5‐dithiazinane‐5‐yl)alkanes. Stereochemistry of 2,4,8‐trialkyl‐3‐thia‐1,5‐diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes have been determined by means of 1H and 13С NMR spectroscopy and further supported by DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) level. The structure of α,ω‐bis(2,4,6‐trialkyl‐1,3,5‐dithiazinane‐5‐yl)alkanes was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction study.
Studies on Orientation of Cyclization in Thiazolo‐Quinazoline Heterocyclic System Through NMR, DFT, and X‐ray Diffraction
Authors: Gupta R. , Chaudhary R. P.
Published: June 2014

1‐(4‐Methoxyphenyl)‐1,2,5,6‐tetrahydrobenzo[f]quinazoline‐3(4H)‐thione 3, obtained by the condensation of 2‐tetralone 1, 4‐methoxy benzaldehyde 2 with thiourea, on reaction with chloroacetic acid and 1,2‐dibromoethane furnishes compounds 12‐(4‐Methoxyphenyl)‐9,12‐dihydro‐5H‐benzo[f]thiazolo[2,3‐b]quinazolin‐10(6H)‐one 4 and 12‐(4‐Methoxyphenyl)‐‐6,9,10,12‐tetrahydro‐5H‐benzo[f]thiazolo[2,3‐b]quinazoline 5 and not their possible isomers 7 and 8, respectively. The regiochemistry of the cyclized products and their structure is established by elemental analysis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, and mass spectral data. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been carried out for compounds 4 and 5 and their isomers 7 and 8 with Jaguar version 6.5112 using Becke three parameter Lee‐Yang‐Parr density functional method and 6‐31G** basis set. X‐ray diffraction studies indicate that compound 4 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P‐1, with Z = 4 and cell parameters a = 9.5558(8) Å, b = 9.6363(4) Å, c = 20.9728(11) Å, α = 87.652(4)˚, β = 77.283(5)˚, and γ = 70.437(5)˚. 1H and 13C NMR of compounds 4 and 5 and their isomers 7 and 8, respectively, have been calculated and correlated with experimental results. 2‐Arylidene derivatives of 4 were obtained by two routes, and their structure was established by spectral data. The lowest energy optimized geometry of the compound 4 in gas phase is consistent with that obtained by X‐ray crystallographic studies.
An acoustically enhanced gold film Raman sensor on a lithium niobate substrate
Authors: Jaatinen Esa A. , Adams Matthew P. , Chou Alison , McKay Parry Nick , Fredericks Peter M.
Published: June 2014

The surface enhanced Raman scattering effect has shown immense potential for detecting trace amounts of explosive vapor molecules. To date, efforts to produce a commercially available, reliable SERS sensor have been impeded by an inability to separate the electromagnetic enhancement produced by the metallic nanostructure from other signal enhancing effects. Here, we show a new Raman sensor that uses surface acoustic waves (SAWs) to produce controllable surface structures on gold films deposited on LiNbO3 substrates that modulate the Raman signal of a target compound (thiophenol) adsorbed on the films. We demonstrate that this sensor can dynamically control the Raman signal simply by changing the SAW's amplitude, allowing the Raman signal enhancement factor to be directly measured with no variation in the concentration of the target compound. The physically adsorbed molecules can be removed from the sensor without physical cleaning or damage, making it possible to reuse it for real‐time Raman detection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of large‐pore mesostructured cellular foam silica spheres for the adsorption of biomolecules
Authors: Chen Sha , Sun Shaoai , Zhang Xiaoqiong , Han Qiang , Yang Liu , Ding Mingyu
Published: June 2014

Mesostructured cellular foam (MCF) silica spheres with different textual parameters were synthesized using a triblock copolymer as a template. The effects of acid concentration and aging time on the window size and morphology were discussed. Besides, the adsorption performances of lysozyme and bovine serum albumin on the blank MCF with different window size and aminopropyl‐modified MCFs were studied. The adsorption capacity and rates were shown to be dependent on the window size and surface chemical properties of the adsorbents. In particular, the MCF with window size of 15.2 nm showed fast adsorption for lysozyme with an adsorption capacity of 500 mg/g in 10 min. Furthermore, it has been shown that MCF spheres are potential materials in the separation of biomolecules because of their chemical tunable surface and molecular sieve properties.
Influence of resistance exercise intensity and metabolic stress on anabolic signaling and expression of myogenic genes in skeletal muscle
Authors: Popov Daniil V. , Lysenko Evgeny A. , Bachinin Anton V. , Miller Tatiana F. , Kurochkina Nadezda S. , Kravchenko Irina V. , Furalyov Vladimir A. , Vinogradova OLGA L.
Published: June 2014

Introduction: We investigated the effect of resistance exercise intensity and exercise‐induced metabolic stress on the activation of anabolic signaling and expression of myogenic genes in skeletal muscle. Methods: Ten strength‐trained athletes performed high‐intensity [HI, 74% of 1‐repetition maximum (RM)], middle‐intensity (MI, 54% 1RM), or middle‐intensity (54% 1RM) no‐relaxation exercise (MIR). Kinase phosphorylation level and myogenic gene expression in muscle samples were evaluated before, 45 min, 5 h, and 20 h after exercise. Results: The lactate concentration in MI was approximately 2‐fold lower than in the 2 other sessions, and was highest in MIR. The phosphorylation level of extracellular kinase 1/2Thr202/Tyr204 after exercise was related to metabolic stress. Metabolic stress induced a decrease in myostatin mRNA expression, whereas mechano‐growth factor mRNA level depended on exercise intensity. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that both intensity and exercise‐induced metabolic stress can be manipulated to affect muscle anabolic signaling. Muscle Nerve 51: 434–442, 2015