bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper and Silver Carbene Complexes without Heteroatom‐Stabilization: Structure, Spectroscopy, and Relativistic Effects
Authors: Hussong Matthias W. , Hoffmeister Wilhelm T. , Rominger Frank , Straub Bernd F.
Published: July 2015

Salts of a copper and a silver carbene complex were prepared from dimesityl diazomethane, made possible by the steric shielding of the N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ancillary ligand IPr**. The mint‐green complex [IPr**Ag=CMes2]+[NTf2]− is the first isolated silver carbene complex without heteroatom donor substituents. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction provides evidence for a predominant carbenoid character, and supports the postulation of such reactive species as intermediates in silver‐catalyzed CH activation reactions. The greenish yellow copper carbene complex [IPr**Cu=CMes2]+[NTf2]− has spectroscopic properties in between the isostructural silver complex and the already reported emerald green gold carbene complex. A comparison in the Group 11 series indicates that relativistic effects are responsible for the strong σ bond and the significant π back‐bonding in the gold carbene moiety.
High‐Throughput, Label‐Free Isolation of Cancer Stem Cells on the Basis of Cell Adhesion Capacity
Authors: Zhang Yuanqing , Wu Minhao , Han Xin , Wang Ping , Qin Lidong
Published: July 2015

Herein we report a microfluidics method that enriches cancer stem cells (CSCs) or tumor‐initiating cells on the basis of cell adhesion properties. In our on‐chip enrichment system, cancer cells were driven by hydrodynamic forces to flow through microchannels coated with basement membrane extract. Highly adhesive cells were captured by the functionalized microchannels, and less adhesive cells were collected from the outlets. Two heterogeneous breast cancer cell lines (SUM‐149 and SUM‐159) were successfully separated into enriched subpopulations according to their adhesive capacity, and the enrichment of the cancer stem cells was confirmed by flow cytometry biomarker analysis and tumor‐formation assays. Our findings show that the less adhesive phenotype is associated with a higher percentage of CSCs, higher cancer‐cell motility, and higher resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs.
Fabrication of amido group functionalized carbon quantum dots and its transparent luminescent epoxy matrix composites
Authors: Chen Lanlan , Zhang Chen , Du Zhongjie , Li Hangquan , Zhang Li , Zou Wei
Published: July 2015

Functional amido groups are modified onto the surface of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) in order to provide reactive groups. The modified CQDs are subsequently added into amine cured epoxy resin system. After curing reaction, transparent and luminescent composites are obtained. The modified CQDs are denoted as CQDs@NH2, and composites studied in this article are denoted as CQDs@NH2/epoxy. It is found that the dispersion of CQDs@NH2 in epoxy matrix is effectively improved with the bridge of covalent bonding interface. As a result, the homogenously dispersed CQDs@NH2 reduce light scattering. And more than double increased transparency and eightfold enhanced luminescence of CQDs@NH2/epoxy are obtained compared with original CQDs@COONa/epoxy composites. This composite has potential for encapsulating materials in white light‐emitting diodes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42667.
Stabilization and Control of Delayed Recycling High Order Systems with one Unstable Pole at the Direct Path
Authors: Marquez‐Rubio Juan Francisco , Vazquez‐Guerra Rocio Jasmin , Muro‐Cuéllar Basilio del , Sename Olivier
Published: July 2015

In this work the stabilization and control of delayed recycling systems is addressed. Recycling systems are characterized by possessing two main paths, named the direct (feedforward) and the recycling (feedback) paths. Such class of systems reuse the energy and/or the partially processed matter increasing the efficiency of the overall process. A control methodology is proposed for the stabilization and control of this kind of system. The particular class of systems addressed here contains one unstable pole, m stable poles, a delay term and possible p left half plane (LHP) zeros in the direct path and a delayed stable subsystem in the recycling path. The strategy is based on an asymptotic observer‐predictor to estimate the required internal signals. Necessary and sufficient conditions are stated in order to guarantee the stabilization of the proposed scheme, achieving step tracking and rejection.
The fragile Y hypothesis: Y chromosome aneuploidy as a selective pressure in sex chromosome and meiotic mechanism evolution
Authors: Blackmon Heath , Demuth Jeffery P.
Published: July 2015

Loss of the Y‐chromosome is a common feature of species with chromosomal sex determination. However, our understanding of why some lineages frequently lose Y‐chromosomes while others do not is limited. The fragile Y hypothesis proposes that in species with chiasmatic meiosis the rate of Y‐chromosome aneuploidy and the size of the recombining region have a negative correlation. The fragile Y hypothesis provides a number of novel insights not possible under traditional models. Specifically, increased rates of Y aneuploidy may impose positive selection for (i) gene movement off the Y; (ii) translocations and fusions which expand the recombining region; and (iii) alternative meiotic segregation mechanisms (achiasmatic or asynaptic). These insights as well as existing evidence for the frequency of Y‐chromosome aneuploidy raise doubt about the prospects for long‐term retention of the human Y‐chromosome despite recent evidence for stable gene content in older non‐recombining regions.
Computational Study of Solvent Effects on Characterizations of (E)‐3‐X‐Indoline‐2‐thiones Derivatives as Antivirus and Anticancer Compounds
Authors: Sayyed‐Alangi S. Zahra , Koohi Maryam , Sajjadi‐Ghotabadi Hadi
Published: July 2015

(E)‐3‐X‐Indoline‐2‐thione derivatives (X = phenyl, furan‐2‐yl, 1H‐pyrrole‐2‐yl, and thiophene‐2‐yl, I–
IV
, respectively) are considered as potent and selective inhibitors against different receptor tyrosine kinases. A particularly interesting issue for these biologically active compounds is how their stability is affected by solvation. Here we have tackled this issue using the self‐consistent reaction field theory for I–
IV
, in the gas phase as well as solution including: toluene, CH2Cl2
, MeOH, and H2O. The highest observed total free energy difference between liquid (l) and gas (g) phase (∆E
l–g) relates to structure
III
in water, whereas the lowest ∆E
l–g is associated with
II
in toluene. Thus,
III
is the most solvent sensitive and enjoys maximum stabilization in water. On the other extreme,
II
is the least solvent sensitive and its stability is least affected by solvation in toluene. Moreover, stability of each solute (I–
IV
) depends on the dielectric constant of the solvent and the possibility of the hydrogen bonding. In going from gas phase to different solvents, considerable changes of nucleophilicity as well as electrophilicity occur for scrutinized structures. The six‐ and five‐membered rings in indoline skeleton for all species show aromatic and nonaromatic property, respectively. Finally, the substituent rings appear the most aromatic property. These phenomena are confirmed by the succeeding geometrical parameters.
The clinical anatomy of accessory mental nerves and foramina
Authors: Iwanaga Joe , Saga Tsuyoshi , Tabira Yoko , Nakamura Moriyoshi , Kitashima Sadaharu , Watanabe Koichi , Kusukawa Jingo , Yamaki Koh‐Ichi
Published: July 2015

Since three‐dimensional computed tomography was developed, many researchers have described accessory mental foramina. The anatomical and radiological findings have been discussed, but details of accessory mental nerves (AMNs) have only been researched in a small number of anatomical and clinical cases. For this article, we reviewed the literature relating to accessory mental foramina (AMFs) and nerves to clarify aspects important for clinical situations. The review showed that the distribution pattern of the AMN can differ according to the position of the accessory mental foramen, and the reported incidence of AMFs differs among observation methods. A review of clinical cases also revealed that injury to large AMF can result in paresthesia. This investigation did not reveal all aspects of AMNs and AMFs, but will be useful for diagnosis and treatment by many dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Clin. Anat. 28:848–856, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Listen to student needs to effect meaningful sexual assault policy change
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2015

The January 2014 report from the White House Council on Women and Girls included the statistic that one in five women has been sexually assaulted while in college. In response to this statistic, the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault has released a report based on a 2014 summit of students who provided their own recommendations, stories and experiences to inform campus policies regarding handling sexual assault allegations and violence on campus.
Importance of the Support Properties for Immobilization or Purification of Enzymes
Authors: Santos Jose Cleiton S. dos , Barbosa Oveimar , Ortiz Claudia , Berenguer‐Murcia Angel , Rodrigues Rafael C. , Fernandez‐Lafuente Roberto
Published: July 2015

Immobilization and purification of enzymes are usual requirements for their industrial use. Both purification and immobilization have a common factor: they use a solid activated support. Using a support for enzyme purification means having mild conditions for enzyme release and a selective enzyme–support interaction is interesting. When using a support for immobilization, however, enzyme desorption is a problem. The improvement of enzyme features through immobilization is a usual objective (e.g., stability, selectivity). Thus, a support designed for enzyme purification and a support designed for enzyme immobilization may differ significantly. In this review, we will focus our attention on the requirements of a support surface to produce the desired objectives. The ideal physical properties of the matrix, the properties of the introduced reactive groups, the best surface activation degree to reach the desired objective, and the properties of the reactive groups will be discussed.
Source of Selectivity in Oxidative Cross‐Coupling of Aryls by Solvent Effect of 1,1,1,3,3,3‐Hexafluoropropan‐2‐ol
Authors: Elsler Bernd , Wiebe Anton , Schollmeyer Dieter , Dyballa Katrin M. , Franke Robert , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: July 2015

Solvents such as 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) with a high capacity for donating hydrogen bonds generate solvates that enter into selective cross‐coupling reactions of aryls upon oxidation. When electric current is employed for oxidation, reagent effects can be excluded and a decoupling of nucleophilicity from oxidation potential can be achieved. The addition of water or methanol to the electrolyte allows a shift of oxidation potentials in a specific range, creating suitable systems for selective anodic cross‐coupling reactions. The shift in the redox potentials depends on the substitution pattern of the substrate employed. The concept has been expanded from arene–phenol to phenol–phenol as well as phenol–aniline cross‐coupling. This driving force for selectivity in oxidative coupling might also explain previous findings using HFIP and hypervalent iodine reagents.
Highly Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Michael Addition of Nitroalkanes to 2‐Enoyl‐Pyridine N‐Oxides Catalyzed by Scandium(III)/Copper(II) Complexes
Authors: Li Lijun , Zhang Sheng , Hu Yanbin , Li Yanan , Li Chong , Zha Zhenggen , Wang Zhiyong
Published: July 2015

A C2‐symmetric Schiff‐base ligand, derived from tridentate‐Schiff‐base, was developed and successfully applied to the asymmetric Michael addition of nitroalkanes to 2‐enoyl‐pyridine N‐oxides. With this newly catalytic system, an unprecedented diastereoselectivity was obtained in the asymmetric Michael addition of nitroalkanes to 2‐enoyl‐pyridine N‐oxides. In addition, a switch in enantioselectivity was achieved by using this newly catalytic system and our previous catalyst. After a facile reduction, the optically active adduct was converted to a biologically active dihydro‐2H‐pyrrol 4 a. Furthermore, a connection of two tridentate‐Schiff‐base subunits proved to be an effective strategy in ligand design.
Charge‐Transfer‐Assisted Supramolecular 1 D Nanofibers through a Cholesteric Structure‐Directing Agent: Self‐Assembly Design for Supramolecular Optoelectronic Materials
Authors: Babu Thunga Madhu , Prasad Edamana
Published: July 2015

Self‐assembly of pyrene butyric acid (PBA) and 2,4,7‐trinitro‐9H‐fluoren‐9‐one (TNF) directed by a pyridine‐linked cholesterol unit resulted in the formation of a conducting material (1.9472×10−4 S Cm−1) due to the formation of 1 D nanofibers. X‐ray diffraction, IR, and atomic force microscopic (AFM) techniques were used to establish the mechanism of the self‐assembly of the multicomponent gels. Results indicate efficient charge transfer in the 1 D nanofibers, assisted by hydrogen bonding.
Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from Epoxides and Carbon Dioxide by Using Bifunctional One‐Component Phosphorus‐Based Organocatalysts
Authors: Büttner Hendrik , Steinbauer Johannes , Werner Thomas
Published: July 2015

Numerous bifunctional organocatalysts were synthesized and tested for the atom‐efficient addition of carbon dioxide and epoxides to produce cyclic carbonates. These catalysts are based on phosphonium salts containing an alcohol moiety in the side chain for substrate activation through hydrogen bonding. In the model reaction, converting 1,2‐butylene oxide with CO2, 19 catalysts were tested to determine structure–activity relationships. In total, 28 epoxides were converted with CO2 to give the respective cyclic carbonates in yields of up to 99 %. Even at 45 °C, the most active catalyst was able to produce cyclic carbonates selectively in high yields. The carbonates were generally obtained as analytically pure products after simple filtration over silica gel. This single‐component catalyst system works under neat and mild reaction conditions and tolerates several useful moieties.
Assessment of minimal residual disease in myeloma and the need for a consensus approach
Authors: Rawstron Andy C. , Paiva Bruno , Stetler‐Stevenson Maryalice
Published: July 2015

Treatment options for myeloma continue to develop at a rapid pace, and it is becoming increasingly challenging to determine the optimal therapeutic approaches because demonstrating a clear survival benefit now requires many years of follow‐up. The detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) is recognized as a sensitive and rapid approach to evaluate treatment efficacy that predicts progression‐free and overall survival independent of categorical response assessment and patients’ biology. The benefit of MRD analysis is reflected in the many different techniques (multiparameter flow cytometry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and high‐throughput sequencing) and collaborative groups (including EMN, ESCCA, ICCS, EuroFlow, and EuroMRD) that have performed collaborative projects to harmonize quantitative MRD detection. The time has come to adopt a consensus approach, and this report reviews the benefits and disadvantages of different strategies for MRD detection in myeloma and highlights the requirements for a sensitive, reproducible, and clinically meaningful cellular analytical approach. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Flow cytometry quality requirements for monitoring of minimal disease in plasma cell myeloma
Authors: Oldaker Teri A. , Wallace Paul K. , Barnett David
Published: July 2015

Current therapeutic approaches for plasma cell myeloma (PCM) attain an overall survival of more than 6 years for the majority of newly diagnosed patients. However, PFS and OS are the only accepted FDA clinical endpoints for demonstrating drug efficacy before they can be become frontline therapeutic options. There is, however, recognition that the increasing gap between drug development and approval for mainstream therapeutic use needs to be shortened. As such regulatory bodies such as the FDA are now considering whether biomarker response evaluation, as in measurement of minimal residual disease (MRD) as assessed by flow cytometry (FC), can provide an early, robust prediction of survival and therefore improve the drug approval process. Recently, FC MRD using a standardized eight‐color antibody methodology has been shown to have a minimum sensitivity of 0.01% and an upper sensitivity of 0.001%. To ensure that all laboratories using this approach achieve the same levels of sensitivity it is crucially important to have standardized quality management procedures in place. This manuscript accompanies those published in this special issue and describes the minimum that is required for validating and quality monitoring of this highly specific test to ensure any laboratory, irrespective of location, will achieve the expected quality standards required. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Security protocols in body sensor networks using visible light communications
Authors: Huang Xin , Gao Xiong , Yan Zheng
Published: July 2015

The fifth generation (5G) wireless system aims to support body sensor networks (BSNs) by increasing the interconnectivity of electronic devices. BSNs in the 5G era will enable many interesting applications, for example, medical services. In these applications, sensor networks collect sensitive information of individual human beings. Thus, security becomes significantly important in BSNs. However, many key distribution protocols are based on pre‐deployed secrets. There are some problems: It is difficult to update pre‐deployed secrets after they are compromised, or users want to re‐deploy a device node. In this paper, we propose several security protocols including two key establishment protocols for BSNs by using visible light communications (VLCs). These protocols have a number of advantages. First, they can be widely applied in current BSNs without extra conditions because VLCs can be supported in most BSNs. Second, these protocols do not need pre‐shared secrets; thus, it is not necessary for users to change pre‐shared secrets if they are compromised. Experiments and analysis further show that (1) VLCs based on on–off keying are preferred; (2) computation and communication burden of these protocols are acceptable; and (3) these protocols bring little burden on users. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New oxymesterone metabolites in human by gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry and their application for doping control
Authors: Yang Sheng , Lu Jianghai , Xu Youxuan , Wang Xiaobing
Published: July 2015

Oxymesterone (17α‐methyl‐4, 17β‐dihydroxy‐androst‐4‐ene‐3‐one) is one of the anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) banned by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA). The biotransformation of oxymesterone is performed in vitro by human heptocytes and human urinary metabolic profiles are investigated after single dose of 20 mg to two adult males as well. Cell cultures and urine samples were hydrolyzed by β‐glucuronidase, extracted, and reacted with N‐Methyl‐N‐trimethylsilyltrifluoroacetamide (MSTFA), ammonium iodide (NH4I), and dithioerythritol. After derivatization, a gas chromatography triple quadruple tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS/MS) using full scan and MS/MS modes was applied. The total ion chromatographs of the blank and the positive samples are compared, and 7 new metabolites were found. In addition to the well‐known 17‐epioxymesterone, oxymesterone is metabolized by 4‐ene‐reduction, 3‐keto‐reduction, 11β‐hydroxylation, and 16ξ‐hydroxylation. Based on the behavior of the MS/MS results of product ion and precursor ion modes, a GC‐MS/MS method has been developed monitoring these metabolites. The structures of metabolite 2 and 4 are tentatively identified as 17α‐methyl‐3β, 17β‐dihydroxy‐5α‐androstane‐4‐one and 17α‐methyl‐3α, 4ξ, 17β‐trihydroxy‐5α‐androstane, respectively. Detection of oxymesterone using new metabolites M2 and M4 can extend the detection window up to 4 days since the parent steroid was not detectable. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimates of tobacco use by wastewater analysis of anabasine and anatabine
Authors: Tscharke Ben J. , White Jason M. , Gerber Jacobus P.
Published: July 2015

Wastewater analysis, the chemical analysis of municipal sewage, is fast becoming the technique of choice to monitor changes in community consumption of a range of compounds over time. Currently wastewater analyses which estimate tobacco consumption focus on the major alkaloid nicotine and its urinary metabolite, cotinine. As nicotine is also present in replacement therapies such as nicotine gum and patches, this analysis is not specific and hence does not truly reflect the harmful consumption of tobacco. Two alkaloids – anabasine and anatabine – which are specific to dried tobacco, were assessed as biomarkers for tobacco consumption in wastewater, together with nicotine and cotinine. Consequently, solid phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) methods for the detection of anabasine, anatabine, nicotine, and cotinine in municipal wastewater were validated. All compounds were detected in wastewater extracts and found to have satisfactory recovery, accuracy, precision, and stability in wastewater. Daily flow volume and catchment population of the wastewater facility were used to estimate normalized consumption figures of mg/day/1000 people for composite samples collected over one week, in an application of the method. Anabasine and anatabine were found to be suitable wastewater biomarkers of tobacco and can be used to assess tobacco consumption of communities via wastewater analysis. Application of this methodology can be used to collect temporal consumption data which could be used to determine the efficacy of tobacco reduction strategies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamics of novel forests of Castilla elastica in Puerto Rico: from species to ecosystems
Authors: Fonseca da Silva Jéssica
Published: July 2015

Novel forests (NFs)—forests that contain a combination of introduced and native species—are a consequence of intense anthropogenic disturbances and the natural resilience of disturbed ecosystems. The extent to which NFs have similar forest function as comparable native secondary forests is a matter of debate in the scientific community. Little is known about the performance of individual species in those forests. This study focuses on the functional attributes of Castilla elastica NFs in Puerto Rico and on the differences between introduced and native species growing side by side in these forests. Rates of processes measured here were later compared with data from literature about NSFs. I hypothesize that juvenile plants of C. elastica in NFs have higher survival rate than those of native species and that C. elastica trees have faster biomass fluxes than native trees. To test the hypotheses, I measured survival rates of juvenile plants and tree growth and characterized the aboveground litter fluxes and storage. Although juvenile plants of native species displayed higher survival rates than those of C. elastica (53% vs. 28%), the latter was dominant in the understory (96%). Stand biomass growth rate was 2.0 ± 0.4 (average ± one standard deviation) Mg·ha−1·year−1 for the whole forest, and Guarea guidonia, a native species, exhibited the highest tree growth. Total litter fall was 9.6 ± 0.5 Mg·ha−1·year−1, and mean litter standing stock was 4.4 ± 0.1 Mg·ha−1. Castilla elastica litter fall decomposed twice as fast as that of native species (5.8 ± 1.1 vs. 3.03 ± 1 k·year−1). Literature comparisons show that the present NFs differ in some rates of processes from NSFs. This study brings unique and detailed supporting data about the ecological dynamics under mature novel forest stands. Further comprehensive studies about NFs are important to strengthen the body of knowledge about the wide range of variation of emerging tropical ecosystems. Due to the large increase in the area covered by NFs, greater attention is needed to understand their functioning, delivery of ecological services and management requirements.
Widespread positive but weak assortative mating by diet within stickleback populations
Authors: Ingram Travis , Jiang Yuexin , Rangel Racine , Bolnick Daniel I.
Published: July 2015

Assortative mating – correlation between male and female traits – is common within populations and has the potential to promote genetic diversity and in some cases speciation. Despite its importance, few studies have sought to explain variation in the extent of assortativeness across populations. Here, we measure assortative mating based on an ecologically important trait, diet as inferred from stable isotopes, in 16 unmanipulated lake populations of three‐spine stickleback. As predicted, we find a tendency toward positive assortment on the littoral–pelagic axis, although the magnitude is consistently weak. These populations vary relatively little in the strength of assortativeness, and what variation occurs is not explained by hypothesized drivers including habitat cosegregation, the potential for disruptive selection, costs to choosiness, and the strength of the relationship between diet and body size. Our results support recent findings that most assortative mating is positive, while suggesting that new approaches may be required to identify the environmental variables that drive the evolution of nonrandom mating within populations.
An Efficient Approach to Octabromophenylethyl‐Functionalized Cage Silsesquioxane and Its Use in Constructing Hybrid Porous Materials
Authors: Jiang Chundong , Yang Wenyan , Li Liguo , Hou Yuqi , Zhao Xiaoling , Liu Hongzhi
Published: July 2015

Octabromophenylethyl‐functionalized silsesquioxane (BrPh‐SQ) was synthesized by the Friedel–Crafts alkylation of octavinylsilsesquioxane (OVS) with bromobenzene, which acted as both the solvent and reactant and, furthermore, could be recycled after the reaction. The approach possesses the advantages of being mild, economic, and highly efficient. Further, BrPh‐SQ was used as a building block in Heck reactions with OVS and tetrakis(4‐vinylphenyl)silane to form two hybrid network polymers, that is, cage polymers 1 and 2, respectively. Cage polymer 1 showed moderate porosity with a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area of 334 m2 g–1 and a total pore volume of 0.208 cm3 g–1. For gas‐sorption applications, the CO2 uptake of cage polymer 1 was 2.44 wt.‐% (0.55 mmol g–1) at 273 K and 101 kPa.
The Reaction of Terminal Phosphinidene Complexes [RP–W(CO)5] with Vinylbor­onic Acids: Cycloaddition vs. P–C Bond Formation
Authors: Ng Yong Xiang , Mathey François
Published: July 2015

The reaction of terminal phosphinidene complexes [RP–W(CO)5] with vinylboronic acids is very sensitive to the presence or absence of solid K3PO4 in suspension in the reaction medium. The products are phosphirane complexes without the salt and secondary vinylphosphine complexes in the presence of the salt. This shift of the reaction pathway is explained by the formation of vinyborates in the presence of potassium phosphate.
Inhomogeneous consistency of crystallized fat
Authors: Gregersen Sandra B. , Miller Rasmus L. , Andersen Morten D. , Hammershøj Marianne , Wiking Lars
Published: July 2015

In this study, the degree of inhomogeneity in crystallized fat samples was evaluated in terms of texture, solid fat content, microstructure, and triacylglycerol (TAG) composition. Four different cocoa butter alternatives based on symmetric or asymmetric monounsaturated TAGs and with different contents of palmitic acid (a POP‐rich fat and a PPO‐rich fat) and steric acid (a SOS‐rich fat and a PSO‐rich fat) were studied. Significant differences (P < 0.001) in hardness between top and bottom was observed for all fats except the PSO‐rich fat. The inhomogeneous consistency was shown to be a consequence of microstructural variation within the crystallized fats. No differences in solid to liquid ratio, melting points, or polymorphic behavior between top and bottom of fats were found. Sedimentation during the crystallization process could explain the observed inhomogeneity. Although sedimentation most likely is limited to the early stages of the crystallization process due to network formation, sedimented crystals influence the crystallization kinetics and thus introduce microstructural variations. This hypothesis is supported by findings of a higher amount of trisaturated TAGs in the bottom compared with the top of crystallized fats. The PSO‐rich fat crystallizes fast compared with the other evaluated fats, which explains the more homogeneous texture of the PSO‐rich fat compared with the other evaluated fats.

Practical applications: Fat crystallization plays an important role for the texture of many food products such as chocolates, confectioneries, margarine, and butter. Correct analysis of texture is thus critical when evaluating fats for the food industry. This study emphasizes that inhomogeneity in the consistency could be of practical importance for evaluation of the mechanical and textural properties of crystallized fats for instance by compression tests or small deformation rheological testing of fat samples prepared in molds or with needle penetration tests, which only include the top of a fat sample.

This study shows an inhomogeneous consistency of crystallized fat samples due to microstructural variation within the fat.
Effect of ripening stage on aliphatic alcohol, 4‐monomethylsterol and 4,4‐dimethylsterol compositions of Pistacia lentiscus fruit (lentisc)
Authors: Trabelsi Hajer , Renaud Justin , Bouali Intidhar , Mayer Paul , Boukhchina Sadok
Published: July 2015

Fruits were collected from Pistacia lentiscus trees at five distinct stages of development, and lipid extract composition of 4‐monomethylsterols, 4,4‐dimethylsterols, and aliphatic alcohol was identified and quantified using GC‐MS. Four triterpene alcohols and two 4‐methylsterols were identified by GC‐MS during the ripening of the lentisc fruit. Cycloartenol is the major component of the 4,4‐dimethylsterol fraction with up to 1093 mg/100 g of oil in the 25th DAF. The accumulation of monomethylsterols begins at 60th DAF and peaked in the 75th DAF. Furthermore, thirteen aliphatic compounds including seven belonging to the policosanol group have been identified and quantified in Pistacia lentiscus oil. During the early stages of lentisc fruit ripening, the aliphatic alcohol fraction contains predominantly policosanol molecules which are highly prized by the food and pharmaceutical industries for their therapeutic and nutritional value.

Practical applications: One of the main objectives of industry is to identify plant matrices rich in molecules with good nutritional value such as 4‐monomethylsterols and 4,4‐dimethylsterols. This study allowed identification and monitoring of the dynamics of accumulation of the lentisc unsaponifiable fraction (4‐monomethylsterols, 4,4‐dimethylsterols, and aliphatic alcohols), which should contribute to determination of the maturation stages corresponding to the threshold accumulation of certain molecules with good nutritional value.

Evolution of 4‐monomethylsterol, 4,4‐dimethylsterol, and aliphatic alcohol composition during maturation of Tunisian Pistacia lentiscus fruit was determined using GC‐MS methods.
Experimental and modelling studies on continuous synthesis and refining of biodiesel in a dedicated bench scale unit using centrifugal contactor separator technology
Authors: Abduh Muhammad Yusuf , Martínez Alberto Fernández , Kloekhorst Arjan , Manurung Robert , Heeres Hero J.
Published: July 2015

Continuous synthesis and refining of biodiesel (FAME) using a laboratory scale bench scale unit was explored. The unit consists of three major parts: (i) a continuous centrifugal contactor separator (CCCS) to perform the reaction between sunflower oil and methanol; (ii) a washing unit for the crude FAME with water/acetic acid consisting of a mixer and a liquid–liquid separator; and (iii) a FAME drying unit with air. The continuous setup was successfully used for a 4 h runtime without any operational issues. The CCCS was operated at an oil flow rate of 32 mL/min, rotational speed of 35 Hz, 60°C, a catalyst concentration of 1.2% w/w and a methanol flow rate of 10 mL/min. The flow rate of water (containing 1% w/w acetic acid) for the biodiesel washing unit was 10 mL/min (20°C); the air flow rate (5% humidity) was set at 12 L/min. After 4 h runtime, approximately 7 kg of refined FAME was produced from a cumulative sunflower oil feed of 7.07 kg. The ester content of the refined FAME was 98% w/w (GC). Other relevant product properties were also determined and most were shown to meet the ASTM specifications. The refining section was modelled and optimised using ASPEN software.

Practical applications: Synthesis and refining of sunflower biodiesel was successfully performed in a dedicated bench scale unit using centrifugal contactor separator technology. Besides for large scale biodiesel production, this technology has particularly potential to be applied in small mobile biodiesel units due to the compact size, robustness, flexibility in operation and high volumetric productivity of the CCCS devices.

Schematic representation of the continuous bench scale unit.
Effect of nucleic acid binding dyes on DNA extraction, amplification, and STR typing
Authors: Haines Alicia M. , Tobe Shanan S. , Kobus Hilton J. , Linacre Adrian
Published: July 2015

We report on the effects of six dyes used in the detection of DNA on the process of DNA extraction, amplification, and detection of STR loci. While dyes can be used to detect the presence of DNA, their use is restricted if they adversely affect subsequent DNA typing processes. Diamond™ Nucleic Acid Dye, GelGreen™, GelRed™, RedSafe™, SYBR® Green I, and EvaGreen™ were evaluated in this study. The percentage of dye removed during the extraction process was determined to be: 70.3% for SYBR® Green I; 99.6% for RedSafe™; 99.4% for EvaGreen™; 52.7% for Diamond™ Dye; 50.6% for GelRed™, and; could not be determined for GelGreen™. It was then assumed that the amount of dye in the fluorescent quantification assay had no effect on the DNA signal. The presence of all six dyes was then reviewed for their effect on DNA extraction. The t‐test showed no significant difference between the dyes and the control. These extracts were then STR profiled and all dyes and control produced full DNA profiles. STR loci in the presence of GelGreenTM at 1X concentration showed increased amplification products in comparison to the control samples. Full STR profiles were detected in the presence of EvaGreen™ (1X), although with reduced amplification products. RedSafe™ (1X), Diamond™ Dye (1X), and SYBR® Green I (1X) all exhibited varying degrees of locus drop‐out with GelRed™ generating no loci at all. We provide recommendations for the best dye to visualize the presence of DNA profile as a biological stain and its subsequent amplification and detection.
Regulation task force report reveals costs, impact of compliance on higher ed world
Authors: Porter Michael
Published: July 2015

Almost every higher ed administrator is involved in federal government compliance efforts. Financial aid administrators must track and implement detailed Title IV regulations, and student life administrators must assess how specific Title IX guidance requirements are followed on their campuses. Security officials must stay attuned to the Clery Act and vagaries of the definitions of certain crimes and offenses. The list goes on and on.
Personalize your processes and systems to retain student‐veterans
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2015

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — At the latest count, there are 21.8 million veterans in the United States. Of these, 92 percent already have a high school diploma and only 26 percent have a bachelor's degree. Often, even veterans who have already obtained a degree find college to be a different experience than they remembered.
Data show persistence, retention improve nationwide
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: July 2015

Every office on campus contributes to your institution retaining students and helping them persist to earn their degrees.
Lithium‐Rich Nanoscale Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 Cathode Material Prepared by Co‐Precipitation Combined Freeze Drying (CP–FD) for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Bai Ying , Li Yu , Wu Chuan , Lu Jun , Li Hui , Liu Zhaolin , Zhong Yunxia , Chen Shi , Zhang Cunzhong , Amine Khalil , Wu Feng
Published: July 2015

Nanoscale Li‐rich Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 material is synthesized by a co‐precipitation combined freeze drying (CP–FD) method, and compared with a conventional co‐precipitation method combined vacuum drying (CP–VD). With the combination of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it is found that the sample from CP–FD method consists of a pure phase with good crystallinity and small, homogenous particles (100‐300 nm) with uniform particle size distribution. Inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP) shows that the sample has a stoichiometric ratio of n(Li):n(Mn):n(Ni):n(Co)=9:4:1:1; and its Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area is 5.749 m2 g−1. This sample achieves excellent electrochemical properties: its initial discharge capacities are 298.9 mAh g−1 at 0.1C (20 mA g−1), 246.1 mAh g−1 at 0.5C, 215.8 mAh g−1 at 1C, and 154.2 mAh g−1 at 5C (5C charge and 5C discharge), as well as good cycling performance. In addition, the Li+ chemical diffusion coefficient of Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 material prepared by the CP–FD method is 4.59×10−11 cm2 s−1, which is higher than that of the Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 material prepared by CP–VD. This phenomenon illustrates the potential for Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 with good rate performance synthesized by CP–FD method.
Various operating methods and parameters for SO2 electrolysis
Authors: Krüger Andries J. , Krieg Henning M. , Grigoriev Sergey A. , Bessarabov Dmitri
Published: July 2015

The application of PFSA‐based proton exchange membranes was investigated for the production of hydrogen and sulfuric acid using a SO2‐depolarized electrolyzer system. Parameters investigated included hot pressing pressure for the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) manufacturing, cell temperature, membrane thickness, catalyst loading, membrane type, and SO2 anode feed concentration. The effect of cell temperature, membrane thickness, and acid concentrations was also investigated when using a second method, where clean sulfuric acid as cathode and SO2 saturated sulfuric acid as anode were used. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the pressure exerted in the MEA manufacturing step had a significant influence with 125 kg cm−2 yielding the highest current density. High temperatures (>80°C) and thin membranes (≈120 μm) showed the best performance while thicker membranes produced higher acid concentration when using the first system. The SO2 concentration in the anode had a significant influence with the over potential increasing with decreasing SO2 concentration. When using the second method, it was found that the SO2 solubility in sulfuric acid is important as the mass transport of the SO2 limits the overall reaction rate. From the two systems tested, the first method, that is, dry SO2 anode and liquid water cathode showed the best operational effectiveness reaching a maximum of 0.32 A cm−2 at 80°C using N115 coated with 1 mgPt cm−2 while the second system under the same conditions achieved a current density of 0.18 A cm−2 when using N117.
Improved MPS method with variable‐size particles
Authors: Chen Xiao , Sun Zhong‐Guo , Liu Ling , Xi Guang
Published: July 2015

Using variable‐size particles in the moving particle semi‐implicit method (MPS) could lead to inaccurate predictions and/or numerical instability. In this paper, a variable‐size particle moving particle semi‐implicit method (VSP‐MPS) scheme is proposed for the MPS method to achieve more reliable simulations with variable‐size particles. To improve stability and accuracy, a new gradient model is developed based on a previously developed MPS scheme that requires no surface detection MPS. The dynamic particle coalescing and splitting algorithm is revised to achieve dynamic multi‐resolution. A cubic spline function with additional function is employed as the kernel function. The effectiveness of the VSP‐MPS method is demonstrated by three verification examples, that is, a hydrostatic pressure problem, a complicated free surface flow problem with large deformation, and a dynamic impact problem. The new VSP‐MPS scheme with variable‐size particles is found to have balanced efficiency and accuracy that is suitable for simulating large systems with complex flow patterns. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire–Head and Neck Module, updated version: Preliminary psychometric data from Serbian laryngectomized patients
Authors: Trivic Sanja Krejovic , Trivic Aleksandar , Singer Susanne , Milovanovic Jovica , Stankovic Predrag , Mikic Anton , Vukasinovic Milan , Djordjevic Vladimir , Jotic Ana , Folic Miljan , Stevanovic Dejan
Published: July 2015

Background

We provided preliminary psychometric data for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire–Head and Neck Module, updated version (QLQ‐H&N43) from a group of Serbian laryngectomized patients.

Methods

The study included 170 subjects. The QLQ‐H&N43 is a 43‐item questionnaire, with 12 multi‐item scales and 7 single‐item symptom scales. All subjects also completed the Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Core 30‐questions (QLQ‐C30).

Results

Good internal consistency (Cronbach's α of above 0.7) was found for 5 of the 7 scales. All QLQ‐H&N43 scales correlated negatively as predicted with all QLQ‐C30 functioning scales. The correlations with the QLQ‐C30 symptoms supported discriminant validity, with only one exception: the head and neck social eating scale overlapped with the QLQ‐C30 pain scale. For 14 of 19 QLQ‐H&N43 scale scores, significant known‐group differences were observed between those who differ in type of laryngectomy, adjuvant therapy, or 5‐year survival.

Conclusion

Preliminary evidence suggests that a great majority of the QLQ‐H&N43 scales have acceptable internal consistency and promising construct validity, but more research studies are needed with other cancer groups to extend these findings. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E916–E924, 2016
Boosting the Performance of ZnO/CdS Core‐Shell Nanorod Array‐based Solar Cells by ZnS Surface Treatment
Authors: Kamble Archana , Sinha Bhavesh B. , Chung Kookchae , Mali Sawanta S. , Agawane Ganesh L. , Vanalakar Sharad A. , Kim In Young , Hong C. K. , Kim J. Y. , Kim Jin Hyeok , Patil Pramod S.
Published: July 2015

With a view to enhancing the efficiency of ZnO/CdS core‐shell nanorod array‐based semiconductor sensitized solar cells (SSSCs), ZnS surface treatment is envisioned. It is achieved through a thin layer of ZnS being deposited onto ZnO/CdS film by a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique. To ascertain the optimum thickness of ZnS and to enhance the solar cell performance, we have varied the number of SILAR cycles of ZnS deposition. The optimized film is then considered for structural, morphological, and electrochemical studies. The analysis reveals the benefits of ZnS surface treatment on ZnO/CdS core‐shell photoelectrodes in terms of an enhancement of solar cell performance of up to 1.54 % from 1.23 %.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Interacts With Inflammation in Human Diseases
Authors: Cao Stewart Siyan , Luo Katherine L. , Shi Lynn
Published: July 2015

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a critical organelle for normal cell function and homeostasis. Disturbance in the protein folding process in the ER, termed ER stress, leads to the activation of unfolded protein response (UPR) that encompasses a complex network of intracellular signaling pathways. The UPR can either restore ER homeostasis or activate pro‐apoptotic pathways depending on the type of insults, intensity and duration of the stress, and cell types. ER stress and the UPR have recently been linked to inflammation in a variety of human pathologies including autoimmune, infectious, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders. In the cell, ER stress and inflammatory signaling share extensive regulators and effectors in a broad spectrum of biological processes. In spite of different etiologies, the two signaling pathways have been shown to form a vicious cycle in exacerbating cellular dysfunction and causing apoptosis in many cells and tissues. However, the interaction between ER stress and inflammation in many of these diseases remains poorly understood. Further understanding of the biochemistry, cell biology, and physiology may enable the development of novel therapies that spontaneously target these pathogenic pathways. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 288–294, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of a liquid formulation of hydroxyurea in children with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Estepp Jeremie H. , Melloni Chiara , Thornburg Courtney D. , Wiczling Paweł , Rogers Zora , Rothman Jennifer A. , Green Nancy S. , Liem Robert , Brandow Amanda M. , Crary Shelley E. , Howard Thomas H. , Morris Maurine H. , Lewandowski Andrew , Garg Uttam , Jusko William J. , Neville Kathleen A. ,   on behalf of the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act—Pediatric Trials Network Administrative Core Committee*
Published: July 2015

Hydroxyurea (HU) is a crucial therapy for children with sickle cell anemia, but its off‐label use is a barrier to widespread acceptance. We found HU exposure is not significantly altered by liquid vs capsule formulation, and weight‐based dosing schemes provide consistent exposure. HU is recommended for all children starting as young as 9 months of age with sickle cell anemia (SCA; HbSS and HbSβspan0thalassemia); however; a paucity of pediatric data exists regarding the pharmacokinetics (PK) or the exposure‐response relationship of HU. This trial aimed to characterize the PK of HU in children and to evaluate and compare the bioavailability of a liquid vs capsule formulation. This multicenter; prospective; open‐label trial enrolled 39 children with SCA who provided 682 plasma samples for PK analysis following administration of HU. Noncompartmental and population PK models are described. We report that liquid and capsule formulations of HU are bioequivalent; weight‐based dosing schemes provide consistent drug exposure; and age‐based dosing schemes are unnecessary. These data support the use of liquid HU in children unable to swallow capsules and in those whose weight precludes the use of fixed capsule formulations. Taken with existing safety and efficacy literature; these findings should encourage the use of HU across the spectrum of age and weight in children with SCA; and they should facilitate the expanded use of HU as recommended in the National Heart; Lung; and Blood Institute guidelines for individuals with SCA.