bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐Time Fluorescence Turn‐On Detection of Alkaline Phosphatase Activity with a Novel Perylene Probe
Authors: Chen Jian , Jiao Huping , Li Wenying , Liao Dongli , Zhou Huipeng , Yu Cong
Published: November 2012

A tetracationic perylene probe (probe 2) was designed and synthesized. Probe 1 was used for the real‐time fluorescence turn‐on assay of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and inhibitor screening. Probe 1 monomer fluorescence could be very efficiently quenched by ATP through the formation of an ATP/probe 1 complex. ALP triggered the degradation of ATP, the breakdown of the ATP/probe 1 complex, and the recovery of the probe 1 monomer fluorescence. In the presence of an ALP inhibitor, a decrease in fluorescence recovery was observed.
Enhancing the Photocatalytic Activity of Anatase TiO2 by Improving the Specific Facet‐Induced Spontaneous Separation of Photogenerated Electrons and Holes
Authors: Liu Chang , Han Xiguang , Xie Shuifen , Kuang Qin , Wang Xue , Jin Mingshang , Xie Zhaoxiong , Zheng Lansun
Published: November 2012

Recently, it has been proven that directional flow of photogenerated charge carriers occurs on specific facets of TiO2 nanocrystals. Herein, we demonstrate that the photocatalytic activity of anatase TiO2 nanocrystals in both photoreduction and photooxidation processes can be enhanced by selectively depositing Pt nanoparticles on the {101} facets, which strengthens spontaneously surface‐induced separation between photogenerated electrons and holes in the photocatalysis process. An optimal ratio of the oxidative {001} facets to the reductive {101} facets exists with regard to the photocatalysis of the faceted TiO2 nanocrystals, and this is crucial for balancing the recombination and redox reaction rates of photogenerated electrons and holes. The present work might help us gain deeper insight into the relation between the specific surface of semiconductor photocatalysts and their photocatalytic activities and provides us with a new route to design photocatalysts with high photocatalytic activity.
Process model comparison and transferability across bioreactor scales and modes of operation for a mammalian cell bioprocess
Authors: Craven Stephen , Shirsat Nishikant , Whelan Jessica , Glennon Brian
Published: November 2012

A Monod kinetic model, logistic equation model, and statistical regression model were developed for a Chinese hamster ovary cell bioprocess operated under three different modes of operation (batch, bolus fed‐batch, and continuous fed‐batch) and grown on two different bioreactor scales (3 L bench‐top and 15 L pilot‐scale). The Monod kinetic model was developed for all modes of operation under study and predicted cell density, glucose glutamine, lactate, and ammonia concentrations well for the bioprocess. However, it was computationally demanding due to the large number of parameters necessary to produce a good model fit. The transferability of the Monod kinetic model structure and parameter set across bioreactor scales and modes of operation was investigated and a parameter sensitivity analysis performed. The experimentally determined parameters had the greatest influence on model performance. They changed with scale and mode of operation, but were easily calculated. The remaining parameters, which were fitted using a differential evolutionary algorithm, were not as crucial. Logistic equation and statistical regression models were investigated as alternatives to the Monod kinetic model. They were less computationally intensive to develop due to the absence of a large parameter set. However, modeling of the nutrient and metabolite concentrations proved to be troublesome due to the logistic equation model structure and the inability of both models to incorporate a feed. The complexity, computational load, and effort required for model development has to be balanced with the necessary level of model sophistication when choosing which model type to develop for a particular application. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2013
Improving the fermentation performance of saccharomyces cerevisiae by laccase during ethanol production from steam‐exploded wheat straw at high‐substrate loadings
Authors: Alvira Pablo , Moreno Antonio D. , Ibarra David , Sáez Felicia , Ballesteros Mercedes
Published: November 2012

Operating the saccharification and fermentation processes at high‐substrate loadings is a key factor for making ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass economically viable. However, increasing the substrate loading presents some disadvantages, including a higher concentration of inhibitors (furan derivatives, weak acids, and phenolic compounds) in the media, which negatively affect the fermentation performance. One strategy to eliminate soluble inhibitors is filtering and washing the pretreated material. In this study, it was observed that even if the material was previously washed, inhibitory compounds were released during the enzymatic hydrolysis step. Laccase enzymatic treatment was evaluated as a method to reduce these inhibitory effects. The laccase efficiency was analyzed in a presaccharification and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process at high‐substrate loadings. Water‐insoluble solids fraction from steam‐exploded wheat straw was used as substrate and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as fermenting microorganism. Laccase supplementation reduced strongly the phenolic content in the media, without affecting weak acids and furan derivatives. This strategy resulted in an improved yeast performance during simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process, increasing significantly ethanol productivity. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2013
Optimal projection for transcatheter aortic valve implantation determined from the reference projection angles
Authors: Cockburn James , Trivedi Uday , Belder Adam de , Hildick‐Smith David
Published: November 2012

Introduction: An optimal fluoroscopic working view projection (OP) with all three aortic sinuses aligned is crucial during trans‐catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of this study was to identify simple reference projection angles, which would act as a starting point for the operator to help determine OP for patients undergoing TAVI. Methods: During the period under consideration, 50 patients underwent TAVI. Procedural data and outcomes were collected prospectively on a dedicated database. Optimal angiographic deployment angles were achieved for all patients by starting in an anteroposterior caudal 15 degrees projection and then adjusting according to the initial image, with multiple small volume contrast injections undertaken to determine when all three aortic cusps were aligned (OP). Results: OP angles for the 50 cases were plotted on a graph. After normality testing confirmed that all angles were normally distributed, regression analysis enabled a regression line to be calculated. The equation for the regression line was defined as cranial/caudal intercept −16.4 ± 1.5 (SE of the coefficient), P < 0.0001, slope of regression line LAO/RAO + 0.53 ± 0.1 (SE of the coefficient SE), P < 0.0001). Conclusions: As the regression line and its equation represents an acceptable estimate of the true relationship between Cranial/Caudal and LAO/RAO, to determine OP while remaining close to the regression line we suggest starting in LAO = 8.9, Caudal = −11.4 (which represent the mean values of these two variables), and then increasing the caudal angle by approximately 0.5 degrees for every increase of 1 degree of the LAO angle or decreasing the caudal angle by 0.53 degrees for every decrease of 1 degree in LAO until all three aortic sinuses are in line which represents OP. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the Way to Cofactor Regeneration in Nanopores: Tailoring Porous Materials for Glucose‐6‐phosphate Dehydrogenase Immobilization
Authors: Fried Dorothee I. , Tropp Kristin , Fröba Michael
Published: November 2012

Mesoporous cellular siliceous foams (MCF) and hierarchical porous carbons are prepared and functionalized to tailor the interactions between glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) from Leuconostoc mesenteroides and the surface of the porous supports. The electrostatic properties of the surfaces were investigated with zeta potential titrations and the porosity was determined by gas adsorption and mercury porosimetry. The hydrophobicity of the porous carbons even after oxidation resulted in low uptake, high leaching, and low activities. In contrast, high loading densities of up to 110 mg g−1 support were observed with aminopropyl‐modified MCF as a result of strong electrostatic interactions. G6PDH was used here to produce the cofactor NADPH under conversion of Glucose‐6‐phosphate to 6‐phosphogluconate (Scheme 2). The activity of the protein in this reaction was almost retained and high thermal and storage stabilities have been observed compared to the free enzyme. These results show that an effective conversion of the substrate Glucose‐6‐phosphate coupled to a production of the cofactor NADPH from NADP+ was achieved by successful immobilization of G6PDH on MCF.
Aerobic Oxidation of Thiols Catalyzed by Copper Nanoparticles Supported on Diamond Nanoparticles
Authors: Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi , Navalon Sergio , Sempere David , Alvaro Mercedes , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: November 2012

After purification by Fenton treatment, commercial diamond nanoparticles (NPs) are a suitable solid support for the deposition of Cu nanoparticles. Heating at 500 °C under hydrogen proved to be a convenient annealing process for Fenton‐purified diamond NPs that decreased the population of surface carboxylic acid groups and lead to samples with average Cu particle sizes of 3–4 nm. The samples of Cu NPs supported on diamond NPs have been characterized by IR and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as XRD and TEM. It was concluded that the samples contained Cu0 as well as CuI and CuII species. The resulting diamond‐supported Cu NPs were highly active for the selective aerobic oxidation of aromatic thiols to the corresponding disulfides, whereas aliphatic thiols exhibited much lower reactivity because of some poisoning and catalyst deactivation produced by aliphatic thiols. The Cu catalysts used for thiophenol oxidation could be reused in four consecutive runs with 4 % of decrease in the catalytic activity. This Cu catalyst exhibited similar catalytic activity, but is considerably more affordable, as an analogous diamond‐supported Au catalyst.
Highly Selective 1,4‐ and 1,6‐Addition of P(O)H Compounds to p‐Quinones: A Divergent Method for the Synthesis of C‐ and O‐Phosphoryl Hydroquinone Derivatives
Authors: Xiong Biquan , Shen Ruwei , Goto Midori , Yin Shuang‐Feng , Han Li‐Biao
Published: November 2012

The reaction of P(O)H compounds with p‐quinones could proceed through either 1,4‐ or 1,6‐addition pathways by employing different additives to selectively give the corresponding C‐ and O‐phosphoryl hydroquinone derivatives in good yields. Oxidative double 1,4‐addition of P(O)H compounds to p‐quinones was also achieved by tuning the solvent, affording a facile synthesis of bis‐substituted hydroquinones with phosphorus functionality. Further studies on these reactions by using optically active H‐phosphinates showed that all addition reactions took place stereospecifically with retention of configuration at the phosphorus center. The findings lead to the establishment of a divergent method for the synthesis of C‐ and O‐phosphoryl hydroquinone derivatives from easily available P(O)H compounds.
Development of the Travelling Wave Bioreactor – A Concept Study
Authors: Kaiser Stephan C. , Kraume Matthias , Eibl Dieter
Published: November 2012

This study presents the concept of the travelling wave single‐use bioreactor, based on an orbitally shaken, annular‐shaped vessel. A numerical model was developed for early design studies in order to reduce the number of prototypes. The flow characteristics in two different vessel shapes were investigated. It was shown that the orbital motion combined with the toroidal shape of the bioreactor create the desired wave characteristics in the contents of the vessel.
Solvatochromism and Nonradiative Decay of Intramolecular Charge‐Transfer Excited States: Bands‐of‐Energy Model, Thermodynamics, and Self‐Organization
Authors: Pavlovich Vladimir S.
Published: November 2012

The fluctuations of orientation and induction interactions in solution and their impact on the broadening of absorption and fluorescence spectra are considered in terms of a bands‐of‐energy model. Also covered is the application of principles of thermodynamics and self‐organization of systems for calculation of solvatochromic shift, among them a component owing to the work on electronic polarization of solvent at the instant of electronic transition in the solute. The findings on solvatochromic shift and spectral broadening open the way to the calculation of solvent effects on the rate constant of nonradiative transitions. As demonstrated herein for 15 fluorophores, the novel theory of nonradiative decay of the intramolecular charge‐transfer excited states is carried out for dyes and organic compounds of different nature, both for polar and nonpolar media.
Effect of NaCl on ESPT‐Mediated FRET in a CTAC Micelle: A Femtosecond and FCS Study
Authors: Mandal Amit Kumar , Ghosh Shirsendu , Das Atanu Kumar , Mondal Tridib , Bhattacharyya Kankan
Published: November 2012

Femtosecond upconversion, single‐molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (sm‐FRET) and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) are applied to study the competition between excited‐state proton transfer (ESPT) and FRET [to rhodamine 6G (R6G)] of 8‐hydroxypyranine‐1,3,6‐trisulfonate (HPTS) in cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) micelles. Pyranine exhibits dual emission atλem=430 nm for ROH and 520 nm for RO−. The absorption spectrum of R6G (acceptor) has very good overlap with the RO−emission and poor overlap with ROH emission. It is observed that FRET occurs readily from the RO−* state of HPTS (donor) to R6G (acceptor). Multiple timescales of FRET were detected from the rise time of acceptor emission. The different timescales correspond to different donor–acceptor distances. The ultrafast components (8.5 and 13 ps) are assigned to FRET at a close contact of donor and acceptor (≈20 Å). The longer components (500 and 800 ps) arise from long‐distance FRET from the donor to the acceptor (≈40 Å) located in different regions of the CTAC micelle. The larger donor–acceptor distances agree with those obtained from an sm‐FRET study. On addition of 4 MNaCl to CTAC, the rate of proton transfer (kPT) slowed by about eight and two times, respectively, for the fast and slow sites of the CTAC micelle. As a result, the intensity of the ROH emission increases and that of RO−decreases. The decrease in the intensity of the RO−emission causes a decrease in the efficiency of FRET.
ortho‐Phenylenediamine: An Effective Spacer to Build Highly Magnetic Fe3O4/Au Nanocomposites
Authors: Zhao Xinmei , Hosmane Narayan S. , Wu Aiguo
Published: November 2012

1,2‐Diaminobenzene, popularly known as ortho‐phenylenediamine (PDA), is found to be a prototype spacer for the deposition of gold nanoparticles on the surfaces of Fe3O4 microspheres. Upon carbonization with PDA, the morphology of the product changes significantly, and the resulting nanocomposites exhibit enhanced magnetism beyond the saturation value of Fe3O4. The Fe3O4/Au nanocomposites show good surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy activity with a detection limit of 10−15 M.
Metal‐Supported Aluminosilicate Ultrathin Films as a Versatile Tool for Studying the Surface Chemistry of Zeolites
Authors: Shaikhutdinov Shamil , Freund Hans‐Joachim
Published: November 2012

The application of a variety of “surface‐science” techniques to elucidate surface structures and mechanisms of chemical reactions at zeolite surfaces has long been considered as almost impossible because of the poor electrical and thermal conductivity of those materials. Here, we show that the growth of a thin aluminosilicate film on a metal single crystal under controlled conditions results in adequate and well‐defined model systems for zeolite surfaces. In principle, silicate films that contain metals other than Al (e.g. Ti, Fe, etc) may be prepared in a similar way. We believe that this approach opens up a new playground for experimental and theoretical modeling of zeolites, aimed at a fundamental understanding of structure–reactivity relationships in such materials.
Deposition of Au Thin Films and Nanoparticles by MOCVD
Authors: Parkhomenko Roman G. , Morozova Natalia B. , Zharkova Galina I. , Shubin Yuri V. , Trubin Sergey V. , Kriventsov Vladimir V. , Kuchumov Boris M. , Koretskaya Tatiana P. , Igumenov Igor K.
Published: November 2012

Using metal‐organic (MO)CVD, gold films and arrays of gold nanoparticles are obtained from volatile organometallic dimethylgold(III) complexes with O, N, S donor ligands. As precursors, such compounds as (CH3)2Au(OAc), (CH3)2Au(piv), (CH3)2Au(OQ), (CH3)2Au(SQ), (CH3)2Au(thd), and (CH3)2Au(dtc) were used. Deposition processes are carried out within a low pressure (LP)CVD reactor with additional vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) stimulation, with and without a hydrogen reactant gas. The influence of precursor structure on the morphology of the deposited layers is demonstrated. The use of precursor (CH3)2Au(OQ) results in obtaining ultra‐thin continuous gold film ∼3 nm thick. It is established that with hydrogen reactant gas injected into the system, the amount of impurities in the film decreases. With the VUV stimulation, the gold content in the films amounts to almost 100%; in addition, the morphology of coatings is observed to change significantly. According to the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) phase analysis, gold crystallites in the films grow mainly in the [111] direction.
A Study on Sc2O3‐Stabilized Zirconia Obtained by MOCVD as a Potential Electrolyte for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: El Habra Naida , Sartori Andrea , Bolzan Marco , Favaro Monica , Casarin Maurizio , Boldrini Stefano , Doubova Lioudmila , Rossetto Gilberto
Published: November 2012

Dense, crack‐free thin films (<5 µm) of the nanostructured scandia‐zirconia system (Sc2O3:ZrO2) stabilized in the cubic‐fluorite phase (c‐ZrO2) are deposited through conventional low‐pressure metal‐organic(LP‐MO) CVD by using β‐diketonate metal complexes as precursors [(Zr(tmhd)4 and Sc(tmhd)3, with –tmhd = 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐3,5‐heptanedionate]. The compositional (energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy – EDX), structural (X‐ray diffraction – XRD) and morphological (field emission gun–environmental scanning electron microscopy – FEG‐ESEM) analyses, confirmed the growth of dense partially and fully stabilized ZrO2, a suitable electrolyte for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Results of impedance spectroscopy, which investigates the electrical conductivity of coating, deposited as thin as possible to guarantee the uniform covering of a porous substrate, are reported. Results of thin films of yttria‐zirconia system (Y2O3:ZrO2), deposited with the same method, are also reported for comparison.
HIKES: Hierarchical key establishment scheme for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Ibriq J. , Mahgoub I.
Published: November 2012

This paper presents a hierarchical key establishment scheme called HIKES. The base station in this scheme, acting as the central trust authority, empowers randomly selected sensors to act as local trust authorities authenticating, on its behalf, the cluster members and issuing private keys. HIKES uses a partial key escrow scheme that enables any sensor node selected as a cluster head to generate all the cryptographic keys needed to authenticate other sensors within its cluster. This scheme localizes secret key issuance and reduces the communication cost with the base station. HIKES provides an efficient broadcast authentication in which source authentication is achieved in a single transmission and a good defense for the routing mechanism. HIKES defends the routing mechanism against most known attacks and is robust against node compromise. HIKES also provides high addressing flexibility and network connectivity to all sensors in the network, allowing sensor addition and deletion. Simulation results have shown that HIKES provides an energy‐efficient and scalable solution to the key management problem. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of parents and Brown‐headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) on nest predation risk for a songbird
Authors: Latif Quresh S. , Heath Sacha K. , Rotenberry John T.
Published: November 2012

Nest predation limits avian fitness, so ornithologists study nest predation, but they often only document patterns of predation rates without substantively investigating underlying mechanisms. Parental behavior and predator ecology are two fundamental drivers of predation rates and patterns, but the role of parents is less certain, particularly for songbirds. Previous work reproduced microhabitat‐predation patterns experienced by Yellow Warblers (Setophaga petechia) in the Mono Lake basin at experimental nests without parents, suggesting that these patterns were driven by predator ecology rather than predator interactions with parents. In this study, we further explored effects of post‐initiation parental behavior (nest defense and attendance) on predation risk by comparing natural versus experimental patterns related to territory density, seasonal timing of nest initiation, and nest age. Rates of parasitism by Brown‐headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) were high in this system (49% nests parasitized), so we also examined parasitism‐predation relationships. Natural nest predation rates (NPR) correlated negatively with breeding territory density and nonlinearly (U‐shaped relationship) with nest‐initiation timing, but experimental nests recorded no such patterns. After adjusting natural‐nest data to control for these differences from experimental nests other than the presence of parents (e.g., defining nest failure similarly and excluding nestling‐period data), we obtained similar results. Thus, parents were necessary to produce observed patterns. Lower natural NPR compared with experimental NPR suggested that parents reduced predation rates via nest defense, so this parental behavior or its consequences were likely correlated with density or seasonal timing. In contrast, daily predation rates decreased with nest age for both nest types, indicating this pattern did not involve parents. Parasitized nests suffered higher rates of partial predation but lower rates of complete predation, suggesting direct predation by cowbirds. Explicit behavioral research on parents, predators (including cowbirds), and their interactions would further illuminate mechanisms underlying the density, seasonal, and nest age patterns we observed.
Concordance in hippocampal and fecal Nr3c1 methylation is moderated by maternal behavior in the mouse
Authors: Liberman Shayna A. , Mashoodh Rahia , Thompson Robert C. , Dolinoy Dana C. , Champagne Frances A.
Published: November 2012

Recent advances in genomic technologies now enable a reunion of molecular and evolutionary biology. Researchers investigating naturally living animal populations are thus increasingly able to capitalize upon genomic technologies to connect molecular findings with multiple levels of biological organization. Using this vertical approach in the laboratory, epigenetic gene regulation has emerged as an important mechanism integrating genotype and phenotype. To connect phenotype to population fitness, however, this same vertical approach must now be applied to naturally living populations. A major obstacle to studying epigenetics in noninvasive samples is tissue specificity of epigenetic marks. Here, using the mouse as a proof‐of‐principle model, we present the first known attempt to validate an epigenetic assay for use in noninvasive samples. Specifically, we compare DNA methylation of the NGFI‐A (nerve growth factor‐inducible protein A) binding site in the promoter of the glucocorticoid receptor (Nr3c1) gene between central (hippocampal) and peripheral noninvasive (fecal) tissues in juvenile Balb/c mice that had received varying levels of postnatal maternal care. Our results indicate that while hippocampal DNA methylation profiles correspond to maternal behavior, fecal DNA methylation levels do not. Moreover, concordance in methylation levels between these tissues within individuals only emerges after accounting for the effects of postnatal maternal care. Thus, although these findings may be specific to the Nr3c1 gene, we urge caution when interpreting DNA methylation patterns from noninvasive tissues, and offer suggestions for further research in this field.
Nitrogen and carbon isotope variability in the green‐algal lichen Xanthoria parietina and their implications on mycobiont–photobiont interactions
Authors: Beck Andreas , Mayr Christoph
Published: November 2012

Stable isotope patterns in lichens are known to vary largely, but effects of substrate on carbon and nitrogen stable isotope signatures of lichens were previously not investigated systematically. N and C contents and stable isotope (δ15N, δ13C) patterns have been measured in 92 lichen specimens of Xanthoria parietina from southern Bavaria growing on different substrates (bark and stone). Photobiont and mycobiont were isolated from selected populations and isotopically analyzed. Molecular investigations of the internal transcribed spacer of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS nrDNA) region have been conducted on a subset of the specimens of X. parietina. Phylogenetic analysis showed no correlation between the symbionts X. parietina and Trebouxia decolorans and the substrate, isotope composition, or geographic origin. Instead specimens grown on organic substrate significantly differ in isotope values from those on minerogenic substrate. This study documents that the lichens growing on bark use additional or different N sources than the lichens growing on stone. δ15N variation of X. parietina apparently is controlled predominantly by the mass fraction of the mycobiont and its nitrogen isotope composition. In contrast with mycobionts, photobionts of X. parietina are much more 15N‐depleted and show less isotopic variability than mycobionts, probably indicating a mycobiont‐independent nitrogen acquisition by uptake of atmospheric ammonia.
Modern 1,3,2‐Diazaborole Chemistry – A Metamorphosis from Electrophilic to Nucleophilic Boron
Authors: Weber Lothar
Published: November 2012

Diazaborolyl anions are species with electronically and coordinatively unsaturated boron centers, and as six‐electron systems they are analogues of the more familiar N‐heterocyclic carbenes and N‐heterocyclic silylenes. In contrast to the latter compounds lithium diazaborolyls are thermally unstable, they are extremely strong bases and versatile nucleophiles. With these properties they overcome the paradigm that low‐coordinated borane derivatives are mainly electrophiles. In keeping with this, the metal diazaborolyls discussed here serve as excellent transfer reagents of the borolyl anion to main group elements and transition and rare earth metals. Thereby they establish a novel synthetic approach to the class of metal boryl complexes. A series of iridium complexes produced by this protocol have meanwhile found application as emitter materials in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs).
Nematic Ion‐Clustomesogens from Surfactant‐Encapsulated Polyoxometalate Assemblies
Authors: Li Bao , Zhang Jing , Wang Shan , Li Wen , Wu Lixin
Published: November 2012

Three surfactant‐encapsulated polyoxometalate (SEP) complexes were synthesized by grafting T‐shaped quaternary ammonium units onto the surface of K5BW12O40, K6SiW11O39Co, and Na10[Mn4(H2O)2(VW9O34)2]·34H2O. All the complexes possess shell–core structures, in which the peripheral mesogenic units adopt a lateral attachment. The bulk organization of the complexes with thermal stimulus was studied by polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray diffraction. The quaternary ammonium surfactant alone was found to form smectic structures, whereas the SEPs exhibited nematic characteristics. The detailed structural characterizations suggested the presence of a delicate synergy between the surfactants and polyoxometalates (POMs). The orientation of the mesogenic units was demonstrated to have a pivotal influence on the formation of liquid crystalline structures of the SEPs by comparison with the reported SEPs with head‐to‐tail attached mesogenic units. The clearing temperatures of the nematic complexes were found to be dependent on the number of peripheral surfactants. Finally, the magnetism of the polyoxometalates was proven to be well maintained in the liquid crystalline matrices, which allows the potential development of magnetically tunable liquid crystals bearing nematic structures.
Preparation and characterization of highly stable monodisperse argan oil‐in‐water emulsions using microchannel emulsification
Authors: El‐Abbassi Abdelilah , Neves Marcos A. , Kobayashi Isao , Hafidi Abdellatif , Nakajima Mitsutoshi
Published: November 2012

Argan oil is well known for its nutraceutical properties. Its specific fatty acid composition and antioxidant content contribute to the stability of the oil and to its dietetic and culinary values. There is an increasing interest to use argan oil in cosmetics, pharmaceutics, and food products. However, the formulation of highly stable emulsions with prolonged shelf life is needed. In this study, argan oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions were prepared using microchannel (MC) emulsification process, stabilized by different non‐ionic emulsifiers. The effects of processing temperature on droplet size and size distribution were studied. Physical stability of argan O/W emulsions was also investigated by accelerated stability testing and during storage at room temperature (25 ± 2°C). Highly monodisperse argan O/W emulsions were produced at temperatures up to 70°C. The obtained emulsions were physically stable for several months at room temperature. Furthermore, emulsifier type, concentration, and temperature were the major determinants influencing the droplet size and size distribution. The results indicated that a suitable emulsifier should be selected by experimentation, since the interfacial tension and hydrophilic–lipophilic balance values were not suitable to predict the emulsifying efficiency.

Practical applications: MC emulsification produces efficiently monodisperse droplets at wide range of temperatures. The findings of this work may be of great interest for both scientific and industrial purposes since highly stable and monodisperse argan oil‐in‐water emulsions were produced which can be incorporated into food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical formulations.
Antioxidant and prooxidant effects of α‐tocopherol in a linoleic acid‐copper(II)‐ascorbate system
Authors: Bakır Temelkan , Yıldoğan Beker Bilge , Sönmezoğlu İnci , İmer Filiz , Apak Reşat
Published: November 2012

The peroxidation of linoleic acid (LA) in the absence and presence of either Cu(II) ions alone or Cu(II)‐ascorbate combination was investigated in aerated and incubated emulsions at 37°C and pH 7. LA peroxidation induced by either copper(II) or copper(II)‐ascorbic acid system followed pseudo‐first order kinetics with respect to primary (hydroperoxides) and secondary (aldehydes‐ and ketones‐like) oxidation products, detected by ferric‐thiocyanate and TBARS tests, respectively. α‐Tocopherol showed both antioxidant and prooxidant effects depending on concentration and also on the simultaneous presence of Cu(II) and ascorbate. Copper(II)‐ascorbate combinations generally led to distinct antioxidant behavior at low concentrations of α‐tocopherol and slight prooxidant behavior at high concentrations of α‐tocopherol, probably associated with the recycling of tocopherol by ascorbate through reaction with tocopheroxyl radical, while the scavenging effect of α‐tocopherol on lipid peroxidation was maintained as long as ascorbate was present. On the other hand, in Cu(II) solutions without ascorbate, the antioxidant behavior of tocopherol required higher concentrations of this compound because there was no ascorbate to regenerate it.

Practical applications: Linoleic acid (LA) peroxidation induced by either copper(II) or copper(II)‐ascorbic acid system followed pseudo‐first order kinetics with respect to primary (hydroperoxides) and secondary (e.g., aldehydes and ketones) oxidation products. α‐Tocopherol showed both antioxidant and prooxidant effects depending on concentration and also on the simultaneous presence of Cu(II) and ascorbate. The findings of this study are believed to be useful to better understand the actual role of α‐tocopherol in the preservation of heterogenous food samples such as lipid emulsions. Since α‐tocopherol (vitamin E) is considered to be physiologically the most important lipid‐soluble chain‐breaking antioxidant of human cell membranes, the results can be extended to in vivo protection of lipid oxidation.
Polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS): A Convenient Option for Synthetic Applications of the Iodine/Silane Combined Reagent – Straightforward Entries to 2‐Hydroxyglycals and Useful Building‐Blocks of Glucuronic Acid and Glucosamine
Authors: Giordano Maddalena , Iadonisi Alfonso
Published: November 2012

Polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) proved to be a practically convenient alternative to triethylsilane in a large set of synthetic elaborations entailing the quick generation of glycosyl iodides with a iodine/silane combined reagent. In addition, the scope of this combined reagent was expanded to the especially fast generation of 2‐acetoxyglycals, and the rapid synthesis of useful building‐blocks of D‐glucuronic acids and D‐glucosamine. All the synthetic targets were obtained in especially short times either via one‐pot procedures or through experimental sequences devoid of laborious chromatographical purifications of intermediates.
Reducing dehumanisation outcomes towards Blacks: The role of multiple categorisation and of human identity
Authors: Albarello Flavia , Rubini Monica
Published: November 2012

This contribution addresses the issue of reduction of dehumanisation towards Blacks, an outgroup that has been historically targeted by heinous prejudice. The study tested, for the first time, whether the combination of multiple categorisation and human identity represents the most optimal condition for reducing dehumanisation towards Blacks. The main dependent variables were attribution of secondary emotions and inalienability of human rights. Results highlighted the combination of multiple categorisation and human identity as the most effective strategy in reducing dehumanisation towards Blacks. Evidence of this study sheds light on the possible ways through which conceiving others in terms of complex categorical criteria, that is, as members of the human group in conjunction with other communal or different social categories, can lead to more harmonious intergroup relations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attachment, perceptions of care and caregiving to romantic partners and friends
Authors: Julal Fay S. , Carnelley Katherine B.
Published: November 2012

Across two studies, we examined the extent to which adults' caregiving responses reflect the quality of care received from their attachment figures. Study 1 showed that romantic caregiving reflected the quality of perceived parental and partner care. Moreover, perceived partner care mediated the link between parental care and romantic caregiving, suggesting that one's parental care affects the type of care one seeks or receives from partners, which in turn affects one's romantic caregiving. This describes a possible process for the intergenerational transmission of caregiving styles. Romantic attachment anxiety was associated with compulsive caregiving to partners. Study 2 examined causal mechanisms by priming a representation of perceived peer care and examining its effect on caregiving responses. As hypothesized, caregiving responses reflected the quality of primed peer care and were associated with attachment orientation. Findings provide evidence that individuals mentally represent the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of the care‐seeker and the caregiver during interactions and both influence one's caregiving to partners and friends. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The dynamics of ethnic discrimination, identities and outgroup attitudes: A pre–post longitudinal study of ethnic migrants
Authors: Jasinskaja‐Lahti Inga , Mähönen Tuuli Anna , Ketokivi Mikko
Published: November 2012

This longitudinal study among ethnic migrants from Russia to Finland (N = 127) examined the relationships between anticipated and perceived discrimination, ethnic and national identities, and outgroup attitudes towards the national majority group. The study included one pre‐migration and two post‐migration assessments. First, associations between the variables studied were tested using a conventional autoregressive sample‐level modelling approach. Second, individual trajectories and the associations between the individual‐level changes in the variables included in the models were tested. Although there were no sample‐level effects over time, there were significant relationships between changes in discrimination and changes in identification and outgroup attitudes at the individual level. The results indicated that changes in perceived discrimination were not reflected in increased ethnic identification. However, participants who perceived higher levels of discrimination after migration than they anticipated before migration were, in the post‐migration stage, more likely to disidentify from and to increasingly show negative attitudes towards the national majority group. The study complements previous research by examining the identity and attitudinal reactions to perceived ethnic discrimination starting from the pre‐migration stage and highlights the value of incorporating both group and individual perspectives to the research on perceived discrimination. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“Everybody feels a broken bone, but only we can feel a broken heart”: Group membership influences the perception of targets' suffering
Authors: Riva Paolo , Andrighetto Luca
Published: November 2012

There is surmounting evidence in the literature demonstrating that social pain (e.g. rejection, humiliation, and isolation) and physical pain (e.g. injury or assault) overlap in personal experiences. The present investigation focuses on second‐hand perceptions of social and physical pain. We argue that judgments of others' pain may vary as a function of group membership. By integrating research on intergroup bias in pain judgment with intergroup attributions of humanity, we predicted that observers tend to underestimate social pain more than physical pain in out‐groups compared with in‐groups. Across two studies that considered different scenarios, we found that Italian participants attributed less severe social pain when considering an out‐group (Chinese and Ecuadorian) than an in‐group member. No such effect was found for physical pain. Overall, the current work suggests an additional way through which people preserve a privileged human status to in‐group members while denying out‐group members' humanness. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topographic structure from motion: a new development in photogrammetric measurement
Authors: Fonstad Mark A. , Dietrich James T. , Courville Brittany C. , Jensen Jennifer L. , Carbonneau Patrice E.
Published: November 2012

The production of topographic datasets is of increasing interest and application throughout the geomorphic sciences, and river science is no exception. Consequently, a wide range of topographic measurement methods have evolved. Despite the range of available methods, the production of high resolution, high quality digital elevation models (DEMs) requires a significant investment in personnel time, hardware and/or software. However, image‐based methods such as digital photogrammetry have been decreasing in costs. Developed for the purpose of rapid, inexpensive and easy three‐dimensional surveys of buildings or small objects, the ‘structure from motion’ photogrammetric approach (SfM) is an image‐based method which could deliver a methodological leap if transferred to geomorphic applications, requires little training and is extremely inexpensive. Using an online SfM program, we created high‐resolution digital elevation models of a river environment from ordinary photographs produced from a workflow that takes advantage of free and open source software. This process reconstructs real world scenes from SfM algorithms based on the derived positions of the photographs in three‐dimensional space. The basic product of the SfM process is a point cloud of identifiable features present in the input photographs. This point cloud can be georeferenced from a small number of ground control points collected in the field or from measurements of camera positions at the time of image acquisition. The georeferenced point cloud can then be used to create a variety of digital elevation products. We examine the applicability of SfM in the Pedernales River in Texas (USA), where several hundred images taken from a hand‐held helikite are used to produce DEMs of the fluvial topographic environment. This test shows that SfM and low‐altitude platforms can produce point clouds with point densities comparable with airborne LiDAR, with horizontal and vertical precision in the centimeter range, and with very low capital and labor costs and low expertise levels. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptive enrichment algorithm for advection‐dominated problems
Authors: Abgrall Rémi , Krust Arnaud
Published: November 2012

We are interested in developing a numerical framework well suited for advection–diffusion problems when the advection part is dominant. In that case, given Dirichlet type boundary condition, it is well known that a boundary layer develops. To resolve correctly this layer, standard methods consist in increasing the mesh resolution and possibly increasing the formal accuracy of the numerical method. In this paper, we follow another path: we do not seek to increase the formal accuracy of the scheme but, by a careful choice of finite element, to lower the mesh resolution in the layer. Indeed the finite element representation we choose is locally the sum of a standard one plus an enrichment. This paper proposes such a method and with several numerical examples, we show the potential of this approach. In particular, we show that the method is not very sensitive to the choice of the enrichment and develop an adaptive algorithm to automatically choose the enrichment functions.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Japanese Children's Reactions to Family Photographs: Associations with Mothers' Attachment Status
Authors: Behrens Kazuko Y. , Umemura Tomo
Published: November 2012

This study examined differences in children's responses to their family photographs within a sample of Japanese 6‐year‐olds (N = 44), exploring associations with their mothers' attachment status. The differences in children's photo reactions were captured by a 5‐point continuous scale to rate how engaged children were and how positively they responded to the photographs taken earlier with their mothers. Mothers' attachment security was assessed by the Adult Attachment Interview. The findings revealed that children of mothers with secure attachment status were significantly more engaged/positive in their photo reactions than were children of mothers with insecure attachment status. Implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal grill‐evoked sensations of heat correlate with cold pain threshold and are enhanced by menthol and cinnamaldehyde
Authors: Averbeck B. , Rucker F. , Laubender R.P. , Carr R.W.
Published: November 2012

Background

Thunberg's thermal grill produces a sensation of strong heat upon skin contact with spatially interlaced innocuous warm and cool stimuli.

Methods

To examine the classes of peripheral axons that might contribute to this illusion, the effects of topical l‐menthol, an activator of TRPM8, and cinnamaldehyde, a TRPA1 agonist, on the magnitude of thermal sensations were examined during grill stimulation in healthy volunteers.

Results

Under control conditions, cutaneous grill stimulation (interlaced 20/40 °C) evoked a sensation of heat, and for individual subjects, the magnitude of this heat sensation was positively correlated with cold pain threshold (CPT). Menthol increased the CPT and enhanced the magnitude of grill‐evoked heat. Cinnamaldehyde intensified warm sensations, reduced heat pain threshold and also enhanced grill‐evoked heat.

Conclusions

Both TRPM8‐expressing and TRPA1‐expressing afferent axons can affect grill‐evoked thermal sensations. The enhancement of grill‐evoked sensations of temperature with menthol and cinnamaldehyde may provide an additional clinically relevant means of testing altered thermal sensitivity, which is often affected in neuropathic patient groups.
Involvement of peripheral cannabinoid and opioid receptors in β‐caryophyllene‐induced antinociception
Authors: Katsuyama S. , Mizoguchi H. , Kuwahata H. , Komatsu T. , Nagaoka K. , Nakamura H. , Bagetta G. , Sakurada T. , Sakurada S.
Published: November 2012

Background

  β‐caryophyllene (BCP) is a common constitute of the essential oils of numerous spice, food plants and major component in Cannabis. The present study investigated the contribution of peripheral cannabinoid (CB) and opioid systems in the antinociception produced by intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of BCP. The interaction between peripheral BCP and morphine was also examined.

Methods

  The antinociceptive effect of i.pl. BCP was assayed by the capsaicin tests in mice. Antagonists for CB and opioid receptors, and antisera against β‐endorphin were injected peripherally prior to i.pl. injection of BCP. Morphine in combination with BCP was injected subcutaneously or intrathecally.

Results

The i.pl. injection of BCP dose‐dependently attenuated capsaicin‐induced nociceptive response. The antinociceptive effect produced by BCP was prevented by pretreatment with AM630, a selective CB2 receptor antagonist, but not by AM251, a selective CB1 receptor antagonist. Pretreatment with naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, and β‐funaltrexamine, a selective μ‐opioid receptor antagonist, reversed the antinociceptive effect of BCP. Pretreatment with naloxone methiodide, a peripherally acting antagonist for opioid receptors and antisera against β‐endorphin, resulted in a significant antagonizing effect on BCP‐induced antinociception. Morphine‐induced antinociception was increased by a low dose of BCP. The increased effect of morphine in combination with BCP was antagonized significantly by pretreatment with naloxone.

Conclusions

The present results demonstrate that antinociception produced by i.pl. BCP is mediated by activation of CB2 receptors, which stimulates the local release from keratinocytes of the endogenous opioid β‐endorphin. The combined injection of morphine and BCP may be an alternative in treating chemogenic pain.