bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chiral Polyol Synthesis Catalyzed by a Thermostable Transketolase Immobilized on Layered Double Hydroxides in Ionic liquids
Authors: Ali Ghina , Moreau Thomas , Forano Claude , Mousty Christine , Prevot Vanessa , Charmantray Franck , Hecquet Laurence
Published: September 2015

In this work we set out to study the activity of a thermostable Transketolase (TK) from Geobacillus stearothermophilus (TKgst) in an ionic liquid as cosolvent, which has never been investigated before with this enzyme. 1‐Butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIm][Cl]) in the range 30–50 % in water maintained the total activity of TKgst and increased the reaction rate in the presence of pentoses as acceptor substrates, particularly d‐ribose. To improve the synthetic process, TKgst was immobilized on an inorganic support, layered double hydroxides (LDHs), with excellent immobilization yield and catalytic activity using a simple, eco‐compatible, efficient coprecipitation procedure. The biohybrid MgAl@TKgst was tested in 30 % [BMIm][Cl] for the synthesis of a rare, very costly commercially available sugar, d‐sedoheptulose, which was obtained in one step from d‐ribose with an isolated yield of 82 %. This biohybrid was reusable over four cycles with no loss of enzymatic activity. The particular activity of free and immobilized TKgst in [BMIm][Cl] holds promise to extend the applications of TKgst in other ionic liquids and unusual media in biocatalysis.
Walking Down the Chalcogenic Group of the Periodic Table: From Singlet to Triplet Organic Emitters
Authors: Kremer Adrian , Aurisicchio Claudia , De Leo Federica , Ventura Barbara , Wouters Johan , Armaroli Nicola , Barbieri Andrea , Bonifazi Davide
Published: September 2015

The synthesis, X‐ray crystal structures, ground‐ and excited‐state UV/Vis absorption spectra, and luminescence properties of chalcogen‐doped organic emitters equipped on both extremities with benzoxa‐, benzothia‐, benzoselena‐ and benzotellurazole (1X and 2X) moieties have been reported for the first time. The insertion of the four different chalcogen atoms within the same molecular skeleton enables the investigation of only the chalcogenic effect on the organisation and photophysical properties of the material. Detailed crystal‐structure analyses provide evidence of similar packing for 2O–2Se, in which the benzoazoles are engaged in π–π stacking and, for the heavier atoms, in secondary X⋅⋅⋅X and X⋅⋅⋅N bonding interactions. Detailed computational analysis shows that the arrangement is essentially governed by the interplay of van der Waals and secondary bonding interactions. Progressive quenching of the fluorescence and concomitant onset of phosphorescence features with gradually shorter lifetimes are detected as the atomic weight of the chalcogen heteroatom increases, with the tellurium‐doped derivatives exhibiting only emission from the lowest triplet excited state. Notably, the phosphorescence spectra of the selenium and tellurium derivatives can be recorded even at room temperature; this is a very rare finding for fully organic emitters.
Calix[4]arene‐Functionalised Silver Nanoparticles as Hosts for Pyridinium‐Loaded Gold Nanoparticles as Guests
Authors: Vita Francesco , Boccia Alice , Marrani Andrea G. , Zanoni Robertino , Rossi Francesca , Arduini Arturo , Secchi Andrea
Published: September 2015

A series of lipophilic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) circa 5 nm in diameter and having a mixed organic layer consisting of 1‐dodecanethiol and 1‐(11‐mercaptoundecyl) pyridinium bromide was synthesised by reacting tetraoctylammonium bromide stabilised AuNPs in toluene with different mixtures of the two thiolate ligands. A bidentate ω‐alkylthiolate calix[4]arene derivative was instead used as a functional protecting layer on AgNPs of approximately 3 nm. The functionalised nanoparticles were characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and by UV/Vis and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Recognition of the pyridinium moieties loaded on the AuNPs by the calix[4]arene units immobilised on the AgNPs was demonstrated in solution of weakly polar solvents by UV/Vis titrations and DLS measurements. The extent of Au‐AgNPs aggregation, shown through the low‐energy shift of their surface plasmon bands (SPB), was strongly dependent on the loading of the pyridinium moieties present in the organic layer of the AuNPs. Extensive aggregation between dodecanethiol‐capped AuNPs and the Ag calix[4]arene‐functionalised NPs was also promoted by the action of a simple N‐octyl pyridinium difunctional supramolecular linker. This linker can interdigitate through its long fatty tail in the organic layer of the dodecanethiol‐capped AuNPs, and simultaneously interact through its pyridinium moiety with the calix[4]arene units at the surface of the modified AgNPs.
Synthesis, Photophysics, and Self‐Assembly of Furan‐Embedded Heteroarenes
Authors: Wang Sujuan , Lv Bo , Cui Qiuye , Ma Xiaoqian , Ba Xinwu , Xiao Jinchong
Published: September 2015

A series of pyrene/phenanthrene‐fused furan derivatives (1–8) were synthesized by a simple condensation reaction between pyrene‐4,5‐diketone/phenanthrenequinone and substituted phenol/naphthol in the presence of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid in 1,2‐dichlorobenzene heated at reflux. The formed compounds can emit strong blue light in organic solvents. Additionally, the self‐assembly behaviors of two of the compounds (3 and 5) were studied through re‐precipitation method and the resulting nanostructures were characterized by UV/Vis, fluorescence spectra, and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The findings showed that the shape and size of compounds 3 and 5 could be tuned by the ratio of THF and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) solution in water.
Stochastic/Controlled Symmetry Breaking of the T8‐POSS Cages toward Multifunctional Regioisomeric Nanobuilding Blocks
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Man , Guo Qing‐Yun , Han Shuai‐Yuan , Wang Jing‐Yi , Han Di , Fu Qiang , Zhang Wen‐Bin
Published: September 2015

Precise synthesis of nanobuilding blocks with accurately positioned functional groups presents a daunting challenge. Herein, a practical synthesis and thorough characterization of a series of T8‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) di‐ and triadducts is reported. Upon addition of triflic acid across the double bonds in octavinylPOSS (V8T8) followed by hydrolysis, the cubic symmetry of the T8‐POSS cage (Oh) is broken into C2v (ortho‐), C2v (meta‐), and D3d (para‐) for diadducts and further to Cs (oom‐), Cs (omp‐), and C3v (mmm‐) for triadducts in a stochastic fashion. Their structures and regioconfigurations have been unambiguously demonstrated by 1H, 13C, and 29Si NMR spectroscopy, as well as MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. The assignment of the diadducts was further corroborated by converting each individual diadduct into triadduct(s), the structure of which is controlled by the symmetry of the precursor. Except for the C3v triadduct, they can all be prepared in synthetically useful quantities. The presence of two types of highly reactive and mutually orthogonal functional groups facilitates further modification into complex nanostructures and composite materials. These unique regioisomers provide a versatile platform for constructing giant molecules and Janus silsesquioxanes.
An Efficient Templating Approach for the Synthesis of Redispersible Size‐Controllable Carbon Quantum Dots from Graphitic Polymeric Micelles
Authors: Zhang Jianming , Abbasi Farshad , Claverie Jerome
Published: September 2015

Access to high‐quality, easily dispersible carbon quantum dots (CQDs) is essential in order to fully exploit their desirable properties. Copolymers based on N‐acryloyl‐D‐glucosamine and acrylic acid prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization are self‐assembled into micelle‐like nanoreactors. After a facile graphitization process (170 °C, atmospheric pressure), each micellar template is transformed into a CQD through a 1:1 copy process. These high‐quality CQDs (quantum yield=22 %) with tunable sizes (2–5 nm) are decorated by carboxylic acid moieties and can be spontaneously redispersed in water and polar organic solvents. This preparation method renders the mass production of multifunctional CQDs possible. To demonstrate the versatility of this approach, CQDs hybridized TiO2 nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible‐light have been prepared.
Copper(I) Bromide: An Alternative Emitter for Blue‐Colored Flame Pyrotechnics
Authors: Juknelevicius Dominykas , Karvinen Eero , Klapötke Thomas M. , Kubilius Rytis , Ramanavicius Arunas , Rusan Magdalena
Published: September 2015

Copper(I) bromide was evaluated as an alternative emitter for blue flame pyrotechnic compositions. CuBr and CuCl emission spectra were recorded from a butane torch flame and compared. Cu(BrO3)2 was synthesized and used in pyrotechnic compositions as an oxidizer and the source for the generation of CuBr species. Pyrotechnic compositions, which contained copper and potassium bromates as oxidizers, were optimized for the generation of blue flames. The experimental data, including emission spectra of the flames, chromaticity coordinates, burning rates, luminous intensities, and sensitivity tests, were analyzed and compared.
Conicity Index and Waist‐to‐Hip Ratio Are Superior Obesity Indices in Predicting 10‐Year Cardiovascular Risk Among Men and Women
Authors: Motamed Nima , Perumal Dhaya , Zamani Farhad , Ashrafi Hossein , Haghjoo Majid , Saeedian F.S. , Maadi Mansooreh , Akhavan‐Niaki Haleh , Rabiee Behnam , Asouri Mohsen
Published: September 2015

Background

Central obesity has been recognized as a main risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) events. Three popular central obesity indices are waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), and waist‐to‐height ratio; abdominal volume index and conicity index are 2 recent novel obesity indices. The main aim of this study is to determine the performance of these indices to best predict 10‐year CV events.

Hypothesis

Some obesity indices can be used to predict cardiovascular risk.

Methods

In total, 3199 subjects (age range, 40–79 years) were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and Framingham risk score tools were used to estimate the 10‐year CV events. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the optimal discriminator(s) among the central obesity measures in the estimation of a 10‐year risk of CV events ≥7.5%, ≥10%, and ≥20% separately.

Results

Among the 5 central obesity indices, conicity index showed the most discriminatory power in estimation of a 10‐year CV risk. In men, based on the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association tool, the areas under the curve (AUCs) were from 0.671 to 0.682 based on the 3 above thresholds, whereas with the Framingham tool, AUCs were from 0.651 to 0.659. In women, all AUCs were >0.7. Our results also showed WHR to be an almost comparable discriminator of CV disease risk in the Iranian study population.

Conclusion

Conicity index and WHR had a more discriminatory accuracy for 10‐year CV events compared with the other obesity indices.
Association Between Preinfarction Angina and Angiographic Findings in Non–ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Misumida Naoki , Kobayashi Akihiro , Saeed Madeeha , Fox John T. , Kanei Yumiko
Published: September 2015

Background

The association between preinfarction angina and angiographic findings has not been elucidated in patients with non–ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

Hypothesis

Patients with preinfarction angina have favorable angiographic findings.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 481 patients who underwent coronary angiography within 5 days of presenting NSTEMI. Preinfarction angina was defined as experiencing ≥1 chest‐pain episode within 7 days prior to admission. Infarct size was measured as the peak cardiac troponin I (cTnI) level, and large myocardial infarction (MI) was defined as a peak cTnI level >85th percentile value in the study population. Infarct‐related artery (IRA) patency was defined as Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction grade 2 or 3 flow. Clinical and angiographic characteristics and in‐hospital mortality were compared between patients with and without preinfarction angina.

Results

Among 481 patients, 200 (42%) had preinfarction angina. Preinfarction angina was associated with smaller infarct size, indicated by lower peak cTnI levels (P = 0.006) and lower incidence of large MI (P = 0.02), and IRA patency (P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in in‐hospital mortality. On multivariate analysis, both preinfarction angina (odds ratio: 0.53, 95% confidence interval: 0.29‐0.94, P = 0.03) and IRA patency (odds ratio: 0.30, 95% confidence interval: 0.17‐0.52, P < 0.001) were independent negative predictors of large MI.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that preinfarction angina is a predictor of smaller infarct size and infarct‐related artery patency in NSTEMI patients, suggesting that NSTEMI patients presenting without preinfarction angina are at increased risk of developing a large MI.
Association Between Atrial Fibrillation and Costs After Myocardial Infarction: A Community Study
Authors: Borah Bijan J. , Roger Véronique L. , Mills Roger M. , Weston Susan A. , Anderson Stephanie S. , Chamberlain Alanna M.
Published: September 2015

Background

The authors sought to estimate incremental economic impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) and the timing of its onset in myocardial infarction (MI) patients.

Hypothesis

Concurrent AF and its timing are associated with higher costs in MI patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included incident MI patients from Olmsted County, Minnesota, treated between November 1, 2002, and December 31, 2010. We compared inflation‐adjusted standardized costs accumulated between incident MI and end of follow‐up among 3 groups by AF status and timing: no AF, new‐onset AF (within 30 days after index MI), and prior AF. Multivariate adjustment of median costs accounted for right‐censoring in costs.

Results

The final study cohort had 1389 patients, with 989 in no AF, 163 in new‐onset AF, and 237 in prior AF categories. Median follow‐up times were 3.98, 3.23, and 2.55 years, respectively. Mean age at index was 67 years, with significantly younger patients in the no AF group (64 years vs 76 and 77 years, respectively; P < 0.001). New‐onset and prior AF patients had more comorbid conditions (hypertension, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). After accounting for differences in baseline characteristics, we found adjusted median (95% confidence interval) costs of $73 000 ($69 000‐$76 000) for no AF; $85 000 ($81 000‐$89 000) for new‐onset AF; and $97 000 ($94 000‐$100 000) for prior AF. Inpatient costs composed the largest share of total median costs (no AF, 82%; new‐onset AF, 84%; prior AF, 83%).

Conclusions

Atrial fibrillation frequently coexists with MI and imposes incremental costs, mainly attributable to inpatient care. Timing of AF matters, as prior AF was found to be associated with higher costs than new‐onset AF.
Arsenic Enrichment in the Groundwater of Diphu, Northeast India: Coupled Application of Major Ion Chemistry, Speciation Modeling, and Multivariate Statistical Techniques
Authors: Das Aparna , Kumar Manish
Published: September 2015

An integrated evaluation was carried out to predict prevailing processes of arsenic enrichment in the groundwater of Diphu, Assam, through major ion chemistry, speciation modeling, and multivariate statistical technique. Thirty‐eight groundwater samples were collected in 2011 to represent pre‐ and post‐monsoon season. Saturation indices of minerals present in the groundwater were calculated using MINTEQA2 to understand the future perspective of As contamination. Silicate weathering, rock water interaction, and reverse ion exchange are identified as major hydrogeochemical processes governing the groundwater chemistry. It could be shown that the release of carbonic acid due to silicate weathering resulted in an increase of total dissolved solid and increase in pH in the pre‐monsoon. Carbonic acid was further diluted and became alkaline due to monsoon recharge. The Gibbs plot revealed some anthropogenic input for the release of anionic minerals apart from rock–water interaction. Shallow aquifers were found to be more contaminated with As. Oxidative dissolution was identified as one of the major arsenic releasing mechanisms but a strong correlation between As and Fe was not identified. Future scenarios seem to be susceptible for As enrichment as natural equilibrium with As containing minerals is not reached. The study highlights the advantages of coupled application of major ions, multivariate statistical analyses, and associated change in saturation conditions of groundwater for better understanding of the arsenic enrichment processes.
Isocyanides as Influenza A Virus Subtype H5N1 Wild‐Type M2 Channel Inhibitors
Authors: Wu Shuwen , Huang Jing , Gazzarrini Sabrina , He Si , Chen Lihua , Li Jun , Xing Li , Li Chufang , Chen Ling , Neochoritis Constantinos G. , Liao George P. , Zhou Haibing , Dömling Alexander , Moroni Anna , Wang Wei
Published: September 2015

Basic bulky amines such as amantadine are well‐characterized M2 channel blockers, useful for treating influenza. Herein we report our surprising findings that charge‐neutral, bulky isocyanides exhibit activities similar to—or even higher than—that of amantadine. We also demonstrate that these isocyanides have potent growth inhibitory activity against the H5N1 virus. The −NH2 to −N≡C group replacement within current anti‐influenza drugs was found to give compounds with high activities at low‐micromolar concentrations. For example, a tenfold improvement in potency was observed for 1‐isocyanoadamantane (27), with an EC50 value of 0.487 μm against amantadine‐sensitive H5N1 virus as determined by both MTT and plaque‐reduction assays, without showing cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the isocyanide analogues synthesized in this study did not inhibit the V27A or S31N mutant M2 ion channels, according to electrophysiology experiments, and did not exhibit activity against amantadine‐resistant virus strains.
Heritability of metoprolol and torsemide pharmacokinetics
Authors: Matthaei J , Brockmöller J , Tzvetkov MV , Sehrt D , Sachse‐Seeboth C , Hjelmborg JB , Möller S , Halekoh U , Hofmann U , Schwab M , Kerb R
Published: September 2015

Genetic variation in the pharmacokinetics of metoprolol and torsemide due to polymorphisms in CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and OATP1B1 has been extensively studied. However, it is still unknown how much of the variation in pharmacokinetics of these two clinically important drugs in total is due to genetic factors. Metoprolol and torsemide were intravenously administered to 44 monozygotic and 14 dizygotic twin pairs. Metoprolol area under the curve (AUC) varied 4.7‐fold and torsemide AUC 3.5‐fold. A very high fraction of AUC variations, 91% of metoprolol and 86% of torsemide, were found to be due to additive genetic effects. However, known genetic variants of CYP2D6, ‐2C9, and OATP1B1 explained only 39%, 2%, and 39% of that variation, respectively. Comparable results for genetically explained variation in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics have been found for other substrates of these enzymes earlier. These findings indicate that a substantial fraction of the heritable variability in the pharmacokinetics of metoprolol and torsemide remains to be elucidated.
Structural Origin of the Activity in Mn3O4–Graphene Oxide Hybrid Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wu Kuang‐Hsu , Zeng Qingcong , Zhang Bingsen , Leng Xue , Su Dang‐Sheng , Gentle Ian R. , Wang Da‐Wei
Published: September 2015

Non‐precious metal oxide/carbon hybrid electrocatalysts are of increasing importance for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). A synergistic effect is commonly used to explain the superior ORR activity exerted by metal oxide/nanocarbon hybrids, and this effect is attributed to covalently coupled interfaces between the two materials. However, the origin of the high activity, the structure, and the electrocatalytic nature of the interface remain unclear. By combining X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy with synchrotron far‐infrared spectroscopy, we resolved the interface structure between spinel manganese oxide nanocrystals and graphene oxide nanoribbons, and the role of this interface in the promoted ORR. Moreover, we demonstrated the excellent ORR activity by a functional synergism of the hybrid constituents through a series of comparative electrochemical experiments.
Elucidating the Role of Conjugated Polyelectrolyte Interlayers for High‐Efficiency Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Lim Kyung‐Geun , Park Sung Min , Woo Han Young , Lee Tae‐Woo
Published: September 2015

Despite the promising function of conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) as an interfacial layer in organic photovoltaics (OPVs), the underlying mechanism of dipole orientation and the electrical characteristics of CPE interlayers remain unclear. Currently, the ionic functionality of CPEs (i.e., whether they are cationic or anionic) is believed to determine the interfacial dipole alignment and the resulting electron or hole extraction properties at the interface between an organic photoactive layer and a metal electrode. In this research, we find that in contrast to this common belief, the photovoltaic efficiency can be improved significantly by both cationic and anionic CPE layers regardless of the ion functionality of the CPE. This improvement occurs because the interfacial dipoles of cationic and anionic CPEs are realigned in the identical direction despite the different ionic functionality. The net dipole is determined not by the intrinsic molecular dipole of the CPE but by the ionic redistribution in the CPE layer and the resulting interfacial dipole at the intimate contact with adjacent layers. We also demonstrated that the energy level alignment and performance parameters of OPVs can be controlled systematically by the electrically poled CPE layers with the oriented interfacial dipoles; the distribution of positive and negative ions in the CPE layer was adjusted by applying an appropriate external electric field, and the energy alignment was reversible by changing the electric field direction. The anionic and cationic CPEs (PSBFP‐Na and PAHFP‐Br) based on the same π‐conjugated backbone of fluorene‐phenylene were each used as the electron extraction layer on a photoactive layer. Both anionic and cationic CPE interlayers improved the energy level alignment at the interface between the photoactive layer and the electrode and the resulting performance parameters, which thereby increased the power conversion efficiency to 8.3 %.
Ustekinumab: The “New Kid on the Block” in the Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Torres Tiago , Faria Raquel
Published: September 2015

Preclinical Research

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory seronegative spondyloarthritis associated with psoriasis. While TNF‐α inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of rheumatic diseases, including PsA, not all patients respond to these agents while others are unsuitable or intolerant to them. Thus, there is a need for additional treatment modalities with a novel mechanism of action. In the past years, the IL‐23/Th17 axis has emerged as an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of PsA. Ustekinumab, a fully human IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that targets the common subunit p40 of IL‐12 and IL‐23, has been shown in clinical trials, to be well‐tolerated and effective in patients with active PsA. It improved signs and symptoms of PsA, inhibited radiographic progression and was effective in dactylitis, enthesitis, and skin disease, with a safety profile consistent with the one observed in patients with psoriasis. Moreover, it was to be effective in anti‐TNF‐α experienced patients, definitely fulfilling an unmet need in the management of PsA. Drug Dev Res 76 : 428–431, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effectiveness of interventions to enhance healing of chronic ulcers of the foot in diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Game F. L. , Apelqvist J. , Attinger C. , Hartemann A. , Hinchliffe R. J. , Löndahl M. , Price P. E. , Jeffcoate W. J. ,   on behalf of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF)
Published: September 2015

The outcome of management of diabetic foot ulcers remains a challenge, and there remains continuing uncertainty concerning optimal approaches to management. It is for these reasons that in 2008 and 2012, the International Working Group of the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) working group on wound healing published systematic reviews of the evidence to inform protocols for routine care and to highlight areas, which should be considered for further study. The same working group has now updated this review by considering papers on the interventions to improve the healing of chronic ulcers published between June 2010 and June 2014. Methodological quality of selected studies was independently assessed by two reviewers using Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. Selected studies fell into the following ten categories: sharp debridement and wound bed preparation with larvae or hydrotherapy; wound bed preparation using antiseptics, applications and dressing products; resection of the chronic wound; oxygen and other gases, compression or negative pressure therapy; products designed to correct aspects of wound biochemistry and cell biology associated with impaired wound healing; application of cells, including platelets and stem cells; bioengineered skin and skin grafts; electrical, electromagnetic, lasers, shockwaves and ultrasound and other systemic therapies, which did not fit in the aforementioned categories. Heterogeneity of studies prevented pooled analysis of results. Of the 2161 papers identified, 30 were selected for grading following full text review. The present report is an update of the earlier IWGDF systematic reviews, and the conclusion is similar: that with the possible exception of negative pressure wound therapy in post‐operative wounds, there is little published evidence to justify the use of newer therapies. Analysis of the evidence continues to present difficulties in this field as controlled studies remain few and the majority continue to be of poor methodological quality.
Feather corticosterone reveals stress associated with dietary changes in a breeding seabird
Authors: Will Alexis , Watanuki Yutaka , Kikuchi Dale M. , Sato Nobuhiko , Ito Motohiro , Callahan Matt , Wynne‐Edwards Katherine , Hatch Scott , Elliott Kyle , Slater Leslie , Takahashi Akinori , Kitaysky Alexander
Published: September 2015

Changes in climate and anthropogenic pressures might affect the composition and abundance of forage fish in the world's oceans. The junk‐food hypothesis posits that dietary shifts that affect the quality (e.g., energy content) of food available to marine predators may impact their physiological state and consequently affect their fitness. Previously, we experimentally validated that deposition of the adrenocortical hormone, corticosterone, in feathers is a sensitive measure of nutritional stress in seabirds. Here, we use this method to examine how changes in diet composition and prey quality affect the nutritional status of free‐living rhinoceros auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata). Our study sites included the following: Teuri Is. Japan, Middleton Is. central Gulf of Alaska, and St. Lazaria Is. Southeast Alaska. In 2012 and 2013, we collected “bill loads” delivered by parents to feed their chicks (n = 758) to document dietary changes. We deployed time–depth–temperature recorders on breeding adults (n = 47) to evaluate whether changes in prey coincided with changes in foraging behavior. We measured concentrations of corticosterone in fledgling (n = 71) and adult breeders' (n = 82) feathers to determine how birds were affected by foraging conditions. We found that seasonal changes in diet composition occurred on each colony, adults dove deeper and engaged in longer foraging bouts when capturing larger prey and that chicks had higher concentrations of corticosterone in their feathers when adults brought back smaller and/or lower energy prey. Corticosterone levels in feathers of fledglings (grown during the breeding season) and those in feathers of adult breeders (grown during the postbreeding season) were positively correlated, indicating possible carryover effects. These results suggest that seabirds might experience increased levels of nutritional stress associated with moderate dietary changes and that physiological responses to changes in prey composition should be considered when evaluating the effect of prey quality on marine predators.
In‐capillary probing QDs and HAT tag self‐assembly and displacement using Förster resonance energy transfer
Authors: Wang Jianhao , Li Jinchen , Zhang Chencheng , Fan Jie , Yang Li , Gu Yaqin , Liu Feifei , Wang Cheli , Dong Bingyu , Qiu Lin , Jiang Pengju
Published: September 2015

HAT tag, a natural His affinity tag, is one of the most popular fusion tags. However, HAT tag containing three positive charges limited its self‐assembly with quantum dots (QDs). Herein, ATTO 590‐labeled HAT peptide was synthesized to self‐assemble with QDs inside the capillary. QDs and ATTO 590‐labeled HAT peptide were sequentially injected into the capillary and probed by fluorescence‐coupled CE (CE‐FL), showing an obvious Förster resonance energy transfer signal. Online self‐assembly, separation, and detection were achieved within 10 min. CE‐FL further revealed that imidazole and H6G6 peptide could partially outcompete with HAT tag on the QDs surface inside the capillary. The displacement intermediates were separated clearly using CE‐FL. Our study demonstrates the power of online CE‐FL in analyzing the binding interaction between ligands containing positive charges and QDs.
An alternative approach for the seismic rehabilitation of existing RC buildings using seismic isolation
Authors: Cardone Donatello , Flora Amedeo
Published: September 2015

Usually, buildings with seismic isolation are designed to comply with an operational building performance level after strong earthquakes. This approach, however, may limit the use of seismic isolation for the seismic rehabilitation of existing buildings with low lateral strength or substandard details, because it often requires invasive strengthening measures in the superstructure or the use of expensive custom‐made devices. In this paper, an alternative approach for the seismic rehabilitation of existing buildings with seismic isolation, based on the acceptance of limited plastic deformations in the superstructure under strong earthquakes, is proposed and then applied to a real case study, represented by a four‐storey RC frame building. Nonlinear response‐time histories analyses of an accurate model of the case‐study building are carried out to evaluate the seismic performances of the structure, comparing different rehabilitation strategies with and without seismic isolation. Initial costs of the intervention and possible (future) repair costs are then estimated. Based on the results of this study, values of the behavior factor (i.e. response modification factor) higher than those adopted in the current codes for base‐isolated buildings are tentatively proposed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implementation of a two‐way relay network with compute‐and‐forward in GNU Radio
Authors: Kramarev D. , Sakzad A. , Viterbo E.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we present a GNU Radio implementation of a two‐way relay network testbed with physical layer network coding (PNC), namely, compute‐and‐forward. Despite the fact that the theoretical results on PNC are promising, the implementation is hindered by a number of practical problems. We first identify these problems and then propose our solutions to minimise their impact. Rather than developing complex algorithms able to cope with certain types of asynchrony, we design a synchronisation scheme for common hardware that enables implementation of general PNC algorithms with low complexity. Our experimental results show that when the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) is high, PNC relaying outperforms other relaying strategies in terms of the network throughput. As such, this work experimentally verifies the benefits of PNC predicted by the theoretical analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of red phosphorus on the fire properties of intumescent pine wood flour – LDPE composites
Authors: Altun Yasemin , Doğan Mehmet , Bayramlı Erdal
Published: September 2015

Red phosphorus (RP) was used to improve the fire performance of wood flour – low density polyethylene (LDPE) composites containing ammonium polyphosphate (APP). The fire performance of LDPE‐based composites was investigated by using limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 standard, thermogravimetric analysis, and cone calorimeter. The addition of 30 wt% APP increased the LOI value from 17.5 to 24.2 and still burned to clamp (BC) in UL‐94 test. The RP showed beneficial effect when combinedly used with APP. The maximum beneficial effect was seen at ratio of 5:1 (APP : RP) with the highest LOI value of 27.2 and UL‐94 rating of V0. RP showed its beneficial effect via increasing the gas phase action of the flame retardant system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Apolipoprotein E and Clusterin can magnify effects of personality vulnerability on declarative memory performance in non‐demented older adults
Authors: Sapkota Shraddha , Wiebe Sandra A. , Small Brent J. , Dixon Roger A.
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Recent research has linked psychological (personality) factors and specific genetic risk polymorphisms to performance on neurocognitive phenotypes. We examined whether episodic or semantic memory performance is associated with (a) three personality traits (i.e. neuroticism, extraversion, and openness to experience), (b) two neurodegenerative‐related polymorphisms (i.e. Apolipoprotein E (APOE; rs7412; rs429358), Clusterin (CLU; rs11136000)), and (c) cross‐domain risk interactions (magnification effects).

Methods

Linear growth models were examined to test independent associations between personality traits and declarative memory performance, and potential interaction effects with APOE and CLU genetic risk. Normal older adults (n = 282) with personality and genetic data from the Victoria Longitudinal Study were included at baseline and for up to 14 years of follow‐up.

Results

First, we observed that higher openness to experience levels were associated with better episodic and semantic memory. Second, three significant gene × personality interactions were associated with poorer memory performance at baseline. These synergistic effects are: (a) APOE allelic risk (ε4+) carriers with lower openness to experience levels, (b) CLU (no risk: T/T) homozygotes with higher extraversion levels, and (c) CLU (no risk: T/T) homozygotes with lower neuroticism levels.

Conclusions

Specific neurodegenerative‐related genetic polymorphisms (i.e. APOE and CLU) moderate and magnify the risk contributed by selected personality trait levels (i.e. openness to experience, extraversion) on declarative memory performance in non‐demented aging. Future research could target interactions of other personality traits and genetic polymorphisms in different clinical populations to predict other neurocognitive deficits or transitions to cognitive impairment and dementia. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does the hippocampus keep track of time?
Authors: Palombo D.J. , Keane M.M. , Verfaellie M.
Published: September 2015

In the present study, we examined the role of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) in prospective time estimation at short and long timescales using a novel behavioral paradigm adapted from rodent work. Amnesic patients with MTL damage and healthy control participants estimated the duration of nature‐based video clips that were either short (≤90 s) or long (more than 4 min). Consistent with previous work in rodents, we found that amnesic patients were impaired at making estimations for long, but not for short durations. Critically, these effects were observed in patients who had lesions circumscribed to the hippocampus, suggesting that the pattern observed was not attributable to the involvement of extra‐hippocampal structures. That the MTL, and more specifically the hippocampus, is critical for prospective temporal estimation only at long intervals suggests that multiple neurobiological mechanisms support prospective time estimation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Non‐Fourier Boundary Conditions Effects on the Skin Tissue Temperature Response
Authors: Forghani P. , Ahmadikia H. , Karimipour A.
Published: September 2015

Thermal wave and dual phase lag bioheat transfer equations are solved analytically in the skin tissue exposed to oscillatory and constant surface heat flux. Comparison between the application of Fourier and non‐Fourier boundary conditions on the skin tissue temperature distributions is studied. The amplitude of temperature responses increases and also the phase shift between the temperature responses and heat flux decreases under the non‐Fourier boundary conditions for the case of an oscillatory surface heat flux. It is supposed the stable temperature cycles in order to estimate the blood perfusion rate via the existing phase shift between the surface heat fluxes and the temperature responses. It is shown that the higher rates of the blood perfusion correspond to lower phase shift between the surface temperature responses and the imposed heat flux.
Enhancement of Boiling Heat Transfer Using Surface Vibration
Authors: Sathyabhama A. , Prashanth S. P.
Published: September 2015

An experimental investigation of the effect of mechanical vibrations of a copper flat circular surface on the pool boiling heat transfer coefficient of water at atmospheric pressure are presented in this paper. A vibration exciter was used to vibrate this copper test surface vertically. Effect of frequency and amplitude of vibration on the boiling heat transfer coefficient was studied. An increase in the heat transfer coefficient was observed at low frequency and amplitudes, at higher amplitude and frequency heat transfer deteriorates. Heat transfer coefficient increases up to 26% with vibration intensity, represented by vibrational Reynolds number.
A chitosan‐hyaluronic acid hydrogel scaffold for periodontal tissue engineering
Authors: Miranda Diego G. , Malmonge Sônia M. , Campos Doris M. , Attik Nina G. , Grosgogeat Brigitte , Gritsch Kerstin
Published: September 2015

The current challenge in treating periodontitis is regenerating the periodontium. This motivates tissue‐engineering researchers to develop scaffolds as artificial matrices that give mechanical support for osteoblasts, cementoblasts, gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblast cells. In this study, modified hyaluronic acid (HA) and chitosan (CS) were employed to create a hybrid CS‐HA hydrogel scaffold for periodontal regeneration. CS, HA, and CS‐HA scaffolds were obtained by freeze‐drying technique, resulting in porous structures suitable for use in tissue engineering. Scaffolds were submitted to gamma and UV‐sterilization without significant morphology changes. The ATR‐FTIR spectra of CS‐HA hydrogels showed peaks at 377 cm−1, 1566 cm−1, and 1614 cm−1, representing secondary amide, primary amine, and carboxyl acid respectively, and it was also observed the emergence of peaks at 886 cm−1, which probably represents the Schiff base formed in the case of hybrid CS‐HA hydrogels. The scaffolds presented a high rate of PBS uptake, reaching values higher than 95%. Thermal degradation of HA scaffolds was around 225°C and CS was around 285°C. The ATR‐FTIR spectra and swelling degree were slightly disturbed mainly after gamma sterilization, but degradation temperature did not change after sterilization. The performance of the CS‐HA hydrogel scaffolds for in vitro cell culture was tested using NIH3T3 and MG63 cell lines. The Alamar Blue test showed a significant increase in cellular viability and high CD44 expression, suggesting that the cells migrated more when seeded onto the scaffolds. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1691–1702, 2016.
Investigating the effect of TiO2 on the structure and biocompatibility of bioactive glass
Authors: Placek Lana M. , Keenan Timothy J. , Li Yiming , Yatongchai Chokchai , Pradhan Dimple , Boyd Daniel , Mellott Nathan P. , Wren Anthony W.
Published: September 2015

Titanium (Ti4+) containing materials have been widely used in medical applications due to its associated bioactivity in vivo. This study investigates the replacement of Si4+ with Ti4+ within the system SiO2‐Na2O‐CaO‐P2O5 to determine its influence on glass structure. This strategy was conducted in order to control the glass solubility to further improve the cellular response. Ti4+ incorporation was found to have little influence on the glass transition temperature (Tg = 520 ± 8°C) and magic angle spinning‐nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS‐NMR) shifts (−80 ppm) up to additions of 18 wt %. However, at 30 wt % the Tg increased to 600°C and MAS‐NMR spectra shifted to −88 ppm. There was also an associated reduction in glass solubility as a function of Ti4+ incorporation as determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy where Si4+ (1649–44 mg/L) and Na+ (892–36 mg/L) levels greatly reduced while Ca2+ (3–5 mg/L) and
(2–7 mg/L) levels remained relatively unchanged. MC3T3 osteoblasts were used for cell culture testing and it was determined that the Ti4+ glasses increased cell viability and also facilitated greater osteoblast adhesion and proliferation to the glass surface compared to the control glass. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1703–1712, 2016.
A Multipurpose Lignin‐based Adsorbent for Metallic Ions, Nanoparticles and Various Organophosphate Pesticides in Hexane
Authors: Hu Shun‐Wei , Chen Shushi
Published: September 2015

A lignin‐based adsorbent for metallic ions, nanoparticles and various agricultural organophosphate pesticides in hexane is immobilized on silica gel without further fractional purification. For most organophosphate analytes examined in this study under the same conditions, the percentage of adsorption achieved was well above 90% in 15 min, was found to be highly related to the dipole‐dipole attractions that occurred among the oxygen‐containing functional groups attached to analyte and lignin molecules and was greatly enhanced in hexane. The adsorption is believed to be reversible and surface oriented; furthermore, the interaction leading to the adsorption is not as significantly subject to the steric hindrance effect caused by the bulky group or elements surrounding the phosphorus element. Other types of interactions enhanced in hexane, such as the π‐π interaction, and hydrogen bonding in some cases, were also observed and contributed less to the percentage of adsorption. However, the adsorption of ions and nanoparticles under aqueous conditions is thought to be mainly a result of the complexation of the oxygen‐bearing hydrophobic cleft of the lignin molecule. In all cases, the nature of the analyte, the amount of adsorbent and the acidic or basic origin of the additive in matrix also affect the percentage of adsorption.
Biocatalytic Synthesis of the Anti‐diabetes Agent‐corosolic Acid by Whole Cells of Microorganisms
Authors: Fu Shaobin , Meng Qingfeng , Long Shu‐an , Zhang Yun , Sun Di‐an , Wei Gang
Published: September 2015

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent and costly global diseases. For diabetes, frequent insulin treatment and synthetic drugs are very expensive and may cause unwanted side effects. Corosolic acid (CA), a natural product, was reported to be efficient in the treatment of diabetes, meanwhile without induction of anti‐insulin antibodies and obesity. The preparation of CA attracted many researchers in the world. This study investigated the biocatalytic synthesis method of CA from ursolic acid by Streptomyces griseus subsp. griseus 4.18. LCMS analysis demonstrated that 5 day, 125 μg/mL substrate, pH=9 and 10% strain concentration were the appropriate conditions. It is estimated that biocatalysis will contribute to the development of green and sustainable synthetic processes with less time‐consuming and more environmentally friendly.
Radar Absorption Properties of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4/PANI/epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Didehban Khadijeh , Yarahmadi Elham , Nouri‐Ahangarani Farshid , Mirmohammadi Seyed Amin , Bahri‐Laleh Naeimeh
Published: September 2015

A nitratecitrate gel was prepared from metallic nitrates and citric acid by solgel process and was further used to synthesize Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanocrystalline powder by auto‐combustion. Then, two novel 15 and 35% (w/w) magnetic Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 containing polyaniline nanocomposites, named as PANI‐Ni15 and PANI‐Ni35, respectively, were prepared via in‐situ polymerization of aniline in an aqueous solution containing proper amount of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 magnetic powder. The incorporation of the nanopowders to PANI matrix was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), IR and SEM. Synthesized PANI‐NiZn ferrite composite particles were subsequently added to an epoxy resin matrix to produce related nanocomposites. The morphological properties of these nanocomposite materials were investigated by SEM and TEM. The electromagnetic‐absorbing properties were studied by measuring the reflection loss in the frequency range of 8.0 to 12.0 GHz. Results showed the reflection loss of the PANI‐Ni35 composite is higher than pure polyaniline and PANI‐Ni15. The good reflection loss of the nanocomposites suggests their potential applicability as radar absorber.
Photophysical Properties of Ethidium Bromide in Low Concentration of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
Authors: Lin Po‐Chen , Chang I‐Jy
Published: September 2015

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is widely utilized in biomolecules separation, but high residue SDS in biomolecules samples interfere mass analysis. Ethidium bromide (EtdBr) interacts with SDS, and the formation of EtdBr‐SDS complex at low SDS concentration (0–0.1 %) results a large red shift of the n→π* transition of EtdBr from 480 nm to 530 nm. The ion pairs become non‐emissive and cause low emission intensity. While the concentration of SDS is above 0.1 %, SDS starts aggregating to form micelle. Micelle formation destabilizes the complex and the absorption maxima shift back to 513 nm while emission intensity increases. Based on the change of absorption and emission of EtdBr, a SDS concentration assay was developed. If absorption maximizes at 480 nm, the concentration of SDS of the sample is below 0.005 %. If absorption maximum is at longer wavelength than 480 nm, a second parameter, the ratio of absorbance at 513 nm and 550 nm is introduced. If the ratio is smaller than 1.5, the concentration of SDS is between 0.01–0.1 %. If the ratio is larger than 1.5, the concentration of SDS is above 0.15 %. Despite the suitable range is small, the lower limit is around the range of no mass interference.
Chemical Constituents fromAlafia BarteriOliv. Leaves with Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Aiyelaagbe Olapeju O. , Negi Arvind S. , Hamid Abdulmumeen A. , Luqman Suaib , Kumar Sathish B. , Kaneez Fatima
Published: September 2015

Methanol extract ofAlafia barterileaves showed cytotoxic activity on leukaemia carcinoma K562, and hepatic liver cancer cells WRL (IC50values 193.1 and 225.0 μM respectively). Isolation of the extract gave ursane triterpenoid, 28‐acety‐urs‐5,20‐dien‐2β,3β,24α‐triol,1, together with undecanol,2, stigmasterol,3and octadecanoic acid,4. The structures of these compounds were identified by spectroscopic analysis, including MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and supported with literature data. Compound1exhibited cytotoxic activity against K‐562 at 50 and 100 μM concentrations with IC5074.22 μM, while compounds2,3and4showed low inhibition of WRL, MCF‐7 and COLO cell lines.