bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A computational exploration into isomorphously substituted effects on hydrogen electric field gradient and chemical shielding tensors in the H‐ZSM‐5 zeolite
Authors: Soltanali Saeed , Halladj Rouein , Ektefa Fatemeh
Published: January 2014

Density functional theory calculations have been performed at the B3LYP/6‐31++G** level to investigate the effect of the isomorphously substituted ZSM‐5 zeolite with trivalent elements B, Al, and Ga on the hydrogen atom of the Brönsted acid site via nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) parameters. ZSM‐5 clusters were modeled as ((H)3SiO)3–Si–O(H)–M–(OSi(H)3)3 (M = B, Al, and Ga). Variations of isotropic chemical shifts, δiso, of 1H atom in the Brönsted acid site as well as quadrupole coupling constant, CQ, and asymmetry parameter, ηQ, of 2H atom in the Brönsted acid site are well correlated with the trend in acidic strength of isomorphously substituted H‐ZSM‐5, estimated from the experimental results: B‐ZSM‐5 < Ga‐ZSM‐5 < Al‐ZSM‐5. The CQ value of 2H atom in the Brönsted acid site decreases in the order: B‐ZSM‐5, Ga‐ZSM‐5, Al‐ZSM‐5, respectively; eventually, their ηQ values of 2H atom in the Brönsted acid site increase concluding models with high CQ have a lower Brönsted acidity than those with low CQ. In addition, the calculated chemical shifts of the Brönsted proton increase in the sequence: B‐ZSM‐5 < Ga‐ZSM‐5 < Al‐ZSM‐5. All the results show a high consistency among NQR and NMR parameters and relative acidity of the isomorphously substituted ZSM‐5 zeolite. © 2014 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Information behavior and HIV testing intentions among young men at risk for HIV/AIDS
Authors: Meadowbrooke Chrysta C. , Veinot Tiffany C. , Loveluck Jimena , Hickok Andrew , Bauermeister José A.
Published: January 2014

Health research shows that knowing about health risks may not translate into behavior change. However, such research typically operationalizes health information acquisition with knowledge tests. Information scientists who investigate socially embedded information behaviors could help improve understanding of potential associations between information behavior—as opposed to knowledge—and health behavior formation, thus providing new opportunities to investigate the effects of health information. We examine the associations between information behavior and HIV testing intentions among young men who have sex with men (YMSM), a group with high rates of unrecognized HIV infection. We used the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to predict intentions to seek HIV testing in an online sample of 163 YMSM. Multiple regression and recursive path analysis were used to test two models: (a) the basic TPB model and (b) an adapted model that added the direct effects of three information behaviors (information exposure, use of information to make HIV‐testing decisions, prior experience obtaining an HIV test) plus self‐rated HIV knowledge. As hypothesized, our adapted model improved predictions, explaining more than twice as much variance as the original TPB model. The results suggest that information behaviors may be more important predictors of health behavior intentions than previously acknowledged.
Luminescent solid phase for sialic acid determination: a promising sensor for milk‐adulterated samples
Authors: de A. Alves Aline , Belian Mônica F. , Lavorante André F.
Published: January 2014

This article presents the synthesis, characterization and spectroscopic study of silica modified with thenoyltrifluoroacetonate (SilTTA) and coordinated to an europium (III) ion, for the determination of sialic acid (NANA). Elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy suggest silica functionalization, as well as coordination of beta‐diketone to the lanthanide ion. The emission spectra of compound‐free and coordinated Eu–SilTTA to NANA showed significant changes with respect to the maximum emission and spectral profile, suggesting that the NANA ion is coordinated to the Eu(III). The values of the phenomenological intensity parameters show an increase in polarizability around the Eu(III) in the case of Eu–SilTTA coordinated to NANA, as expected, since water molecules are less polarizable than sialic acid. The results of the batch assay showed that luminescent silica can be used for sialic acid determination in milk‐adulterated samples, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9992; and a detection limit of 0.4 mg/L; relative standard deviation (RSD%) = 0.0028. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unmet Need and Unclaimed Aid: Increasing Access to Financial Aid for Community College Students
Authors: Lopez Julia I.
Published: January 2014

In California, public financial aid aimed at low‐income students is not reaching some of the poorest students enrolled in community colleges. Outreach efforts to students are important, but high schools and community colleges must also make financial aid receipt a priority.
Protonation of Pyridyl‐Substituted TTF Derivatives: Substituent Effects in Solution and in the Proton–Electron Correlated Charge‐Transfer Complexes
Authors: Lee Sang Chul , Ueda Akira , Nakao Akiko , Kumai Reiji , Nakao Hironori , Murakami Youichi , Mori Hatsumi
Published: January 2014

Protonated pyridyl‐substituted tetrathiafulvalene electron‐donor molecules (PyH+‐TTF) showed significant changes in the electron‐donating ability and HOMO–LUMO energy gap compared to the neutral analogues and gave a unique N+H⋅⋅⋅N hydrogen‐bonded (H‐bonded) dimer unit in the proton–electron correlated charge‐transfer (CT) complex crystals. We have evaluated these features from the viewpoint of the molecular structure of the PyH+‐TTF derivatives, that is, the substitution position of the Py group and/or the presence or absence of the ethylenedithio (EDT) group. Among 2‐PyH+‐TTF (1 oH+), 3‐PyH+‐TTF (1 mH+), 4‐PyH+‐TTF (1 pH+), and 4‐PyH+‐EDT‐TTF (2 pH+) systems, the para‐pyridyl‐substituted donors 1 pH+ and 2 pH+ exhibit more marked changes upon protonation in solution; a larger redshift in the intramolecular CT absorption band and a larger decrease in the electron‐donating ability. Furthermore, the EDT system 2 pH+ has the smallest intramolecular Coulombic repulsion energy. These differences are reasonably interpreted by considering the energy levels and distributions of the HOMO and LUMO obtained by quantum chemical calculations. Such substituent effects related to protonation were also examined by comparing the structure and properties of a new H‐bonded CT complex crystal based on 2 pH+ with those of its 1 pH+ analogue recently prepared by us: Both of them form a similar type of H‐bonded dimer unit, however, its charge distribution as well as the overall molecular arrangement, electronic structure, and conductivity were significantly modulated by the introduction of the EDT group. These results provide a new insight into the structural and electronic features of the PyH+‐TTF‐based proton–electron correlated molecular conductors.
Topotactic Conversion of β‐Helix‐Layered Silicate into AST‐Type Zeolite through Successive Interlayer Modifications
Authors: Asakura Yusuke , Takayama Ryosuke , Shibue Toshimichi , Kuroda Kazuyuki
Published: January 2014

AST‐type zeolite with a plate morphology can be synthesized by topotactic conversion of a layered silicate (β‐helix‐layered silicate; HLS) by using N,N‐dimethylpropionamide (DPA) to control the layer stacking of silicate layers and the subsequent interlayer condensation. Treatment of HLS twice with 1) hydrochloric acid/ethanol and 2) dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) are needed to remove interlayer hydrated Na ions and tetramethylammonium (TMA) ions in intralayer cup‐like cavities (intracavity TMA ions), both of which are introduced during the preparation of HLS. The utilization of an amide molecule is effective for the control of the stacking sequence of silicate layers. This method could be applicable to various layered silicates that cannot be topotactically converted into three‐dimensional networks by simple interlayer condensation by judicious choice of amide molecules.
Hollow and Yolk‐Shell Iron Oxide Nanostructures on Few‐Layer Graphene in Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sun Zhenyu , Xie Kunpeng , Li Zi An , Sinev Ilja , Ebbinghaus Petra , Erbe Andreas , Farle Michael , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Muhler Martin , Ventosa Edgar
Published: January 2014

We report a simple and template‐free strategy for the synthesis of hollow and yolk‐shell iron oxide (FeOx) nanostructures sandwiched between few‐layer graphene (FLG) sheets. The morphology and microstructure of this material are characterized in detail by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Its properties are evaluated as negative electrode material for Li‐ion batteries and compared with those of solid FeOx/FLG and two commercial iron oxides. In all cases, the content of carbon in the electrode has a great influence on the performance. The use of pristine FLG improves the capacity retention and further enhancement is achieved with the hollow structure. For a low carbon loading of 18 wt. %, the presence of metallic iron in the hollow and yolk‐shell FeOx/FLG composite significantly enhances the capacity retention, albeit with a relatively lower initial reversible capacity, retaining above 97 % after 120 cycles at 1000 mA g−1 in the voltage range of 0.1–3.0 V.
Circular Dichroism of Hemoglobin and Myoglobin
Authors: Nagai Masako , Nagai Yukifumi , Imai Kiyohiro , Neya Saburo
Published: January 2014

While heme alone does not exhibit circular dichroism (CD) spectrum, it exhibits a prominent positive CD band in the Soret region when incorporated into apoglobin of myoglobin (Mb) and hemoglobin (Hb). The appearance of this optical activity is widely accepted to arise from the interactions between the heme and aromatic residues of the globin. However, the reversed heme orientation in Hb was found to exhibit a CD spectrum obviously different from that of native Hb, indicating that the interactions of side chains of heme with globin also contribute to the appearance of heme optical activity. We examined this possibility by comparing CD spectra of native Mb and those of Mb reconstituted with unnatural heme lacking the vinyl and/or propionate. Replacement of vinyls at the 2,4‐positions with methyls induced a 30% decrease in CD intensity of the positive Soret CD band without changes of spectral shape. In contrast, the replacement of the propionate at the 6,7‐positions with carboxylic acid groups resulted in almost complete disappearance of the Soret CD band. These results seem to suggest that interactions of heme side chains, especially 2,4‐vinyls and 6,7‐propionates, with globin, as well as the electronic coupling of the heme bands with those of intrinsic protein chromophores, contribute to the appearance of the prominent positive Soret CD band of Mb and Hb. Chirality 26:438–442, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Label‐retaining, quiescent globose basal cells are found in the olfactory epithelium
Authors: Jang Woochan , Chen Xueyan , Flis Daniel , Harris Margaret , Schwob James E.
Published: January 2014

The vertebrate olfactory epithelium (OE) is known for its ability to renew itself throughout life as well as to reconstitute after injury. Although this remarkable capacity demonstrates the persistence of stem cells and multipotent progenitor cells, their nature in the OE remains undefined and controversial, as both horizontal basal cells (HBCs) and globose basal cells (GBCs) have features in common with each other and with stem cells in other tissues. Here, we investigate whether some among the population of GBCs satisfy a key feature of stem cells, i.e., mitotic quiescence with retention of thymidine analogue label and activation by injury. Accordingly, we demonstrate that some GBCs express p27Kip1, a member of the Kip/Cip family of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors. In addition, some GBCs retain bromodeoxyuridine or ethynyldeoxyuridine for an extended period when the pulse is administered in neonates followed by a 1‐month chase. Their identity as GBCs was confirmed by electron microscopy. All spared GBCs express Ki‐67 in the methyl bromide (MeBr)‐lesioned OE initially after lesion, indicating that the label‐retaining (LR) GBCs are activated in response to injury. LR‐GBCs reappear during the acute recovery period following MeBr exposure, as demonstrated with 2‐ or 4‐week chase periods after labeling. Taken together, our data demonstrate the existence of LR‐GBCs that are seemingly activated in response to epithelial injury and then re‐established after the initial phase of recovery is completed. In this regard, some among the GBCs satisfy a common criterion for functioning like stem cells. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:731–749, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes of the crystal structure at the relaxor ferroelectric phase transition of strontium barium niobate (SBN53)
Authors: Graetsch H. A.
Published: January 2014

The average crystal structures of the ferroelectric and the intermediate paraelectric phases of SBN53 were refined at various temperatures up to 200 °C from single crystal X‐ray diffraction data. Shifts of the atoms reduce the microscopic spontaneous electric polarization which, however, does not entirely vanish on heating at the ferroelectric (FE) phase transition near 95 °C. Most atoms show an unusual temperature dependence of the atomic displacement parameters (adp). At the FE transition, a very large anisotropic increase of the U33 adp of part of the niobium atoms indicates enhanced structural disorder in the intermediate high temperature phase. A similarly high anisotropic U11 adp of the large Me2 site can be assigned to static disorder caused by incomplete occupation by Ba2+ and Sr2+ which is not affected by the FE phase transition.
Changing Stereotypes in India's Garment Sector through Dialogue
Authors: Maemura Yu
Published: January 2014

This article examines the work of facilitators within the garment sector of India to draw insights as to how third parties can help a group build trust and work toward the creation of opportunities for productive dialogue and collaboration in a troubled industry. By analyzing concrete examples from an authentic conflict of perceptual and stereotype change among dialogue participants, this article contributes to the literature on how conflicting stakeholders within a group form, maintain, and transform perceptions and stereotypes of one another. In an attempt to reveal how facilitated dialogue can be used as a tool to produce such stereotype change, it provides a methodological framework for the systematic observation of perceptual change within dialogue processes that can easily be replicated in other dialogue projects.
Genetic simulated annealing‐based coverage‐enhancing algorithm for multimedia directional sensor networks
Authors: Zhang Ke , Duan Chang , Jia Haitao
Published: January 2014

Multimedia directional sensor network is one kind of directional sensing systems, whose coverage scheme is quite different from the omnidirectional sensing system. And it is often used in atrocious environmental surveillance, such as nuclear contaminative areas, where people can hardly arrive. In this paper, a genetic simulated annealing‐based coverage‐enhancing algorithm (GSACEA) is proposed as a coverage‐enhancing method in multimedia directional sensor networks. Firstly, GSACEA combines the genetic algorithm and simulated annealing algorithm into an algorithm with new architecture. Then, the proposed GSACEA is applied for the purpose of coverage‐enhancing in the case of directional sensor networks with rotational direction‐adjustable model. Finally, after series actions of genetic simulated annealing, the proposed method can find the approximate solution to the best area coverage rate. And according to the results of simulations, which compared the proposed method with several other classic coverage‐enhancing methods in directional sensor networks, it could be concluded that GSACEA can achieve the highest area coverage rate of directional sensor networks and reduce the iterative computing times simultaneously. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fatty acid ethyl esters in hair: correlation with self‐reported ethanol intake in 160 subjects and influence of estroprogestin therapy
Authors: Bertol Elisabetta , Bravo Ester Del , Vaiano Fabio , Mari Francesco , Favretto Donata
Published: January 2014

Fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) are minor ethanol metabolites that can accumulate in hair. The performance of hair FAEEs as a biomarker that can discriminate null or moderate drinking from risky, excessive drinking was verified by evaluating the relationship between self‐reported daily alcohol intake and FAEE concentration in hair. The study subjects were 160 healthy volunteers (52% female) that included teetotallers, moderate/social drinkers (< 60 g of ethanol per day), and heavy drinkers (≥ 60 g/day).The estimated daily alcohol intake (EDAI) was assessed by a specific written questionnaire aimed at estimating the measure and the frequency of alcohol drinking and at excluding confounding factors. FAEEs (ethyl myristate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, and ethyl stearate) were extracted from the hair matrix by overnight incubation in n‐hexane/dimethylsulphoxide, purified by solid‐phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) in selected ion monitoring and Electron ionization (EI) mode, using pentadeuterated internal standards. Hair samples exhibited FAEE concentrations (expressed as the sum of the four esters, CFAEE) ranging from 0.01 to 10.78 ng/mg (average 1.16 and median 0.60 ng/mg). The EDAI was from 0 to 246 g of ethanol per day, average 28 g/day and median 15 g/day. A cut‐off of 0.5 ng/mg in 3 cm of a proximal hair segment was adopted to discriminate social drinking from excessive ethanol consumption. False positive samples were identified in subjects using ethanol‐containing hair lotions and women on estroprogestin therapy. Specificity of 87% was reached when the identified false positives were excluded from data elaboration. CFAEE in hair at a predetermined cut‐off can be used to discriminate between moderate and excessive drinking only when confounding factors are meticulously removed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3,4‐Ferrocenyl‐Functionalized Pyrroles: Synthesis, Structure, and (Spectro)Electrochemical Studies
Authors: Korb Marcus , Pfaff Ulrike , Hildebrandt Alexander , Rüffer Tobias , Lang Heinrich
Published: January 2014

The synthesis of 3,4‐diferrocenyl‐substituted pyrroles of the type 3,4‐Fc2‐cC4H2NR [Fc = Fe(η5‐C5H4)(η5‐C5H5); R = Ph (3a), SO2‐4‐MeC6H4 (Ts) (3b), SiiPr3 (3c)], 3,4‐(FcC≡C)2‐cC4H2NR [R = Ph (4a), Ts (4b)], and 3‐Br‐4‐FcC≡C‐cC4H2NR [R = Ph (7a), Ts (7b)] from 3,4‐Br2‐cC4H2NR [R = Ph (2a), Ts (2b), SiiPr3 (2c)] is discussed. The molecular structures of 3a,b, 5, 4b, and 7b in the solid state are reported and show that the formal double bonds in the heterocyclic core are rather localized relative to pyrrole itself. The investigations with (spectro)electrochemical methods reveal the different capabilities for the formation of mixed‐valent species and allows the classification of 3a,b as class II systems, whereas compounds that feature electron‐withdrawing –C≡C– units (4a,b) can be assigned to class I systems according to Robin and Day.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Spirooxindole α‐exo‐Methylene‐γ‐butyrolactones from 3‐OBoc‐Oxindoles
Authors: Jayakumar Samydurai , Muthusamy Subramaniam , Prakash Muthuraj , Kesavan Venkitasamy
Published: January 2014

Chiral Lewis bases facilitated the synthesis of highly functionalized spirooxindoles containing α‐exo‐methylene‐γ‐butyrolactones in high yields (76–92 %) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98 % ee) at ambient temperature.
On the accuracy of the calculation of transient growth in plane Poiseuille flow
Authors: Zhao Shi , Duncan Stephen
Published: January 2014

This paper addresses the accuracy of numerical methods to compute the transient energy growth of plane Poiseuille flow. We show that using the Chebyshev collocation method to discretize the linearized governing equations in the wall‐normal direction can introduce numerical problems when computing the energy evolution of the flow. We demonstrate that spurious eigenmodes of the discretized linear operator and numerical integration errors are the possible sources of the numerical problems, and we also show that spurious eigenvalues with negative real parts of large magnitude can affect the calculation of energy growth. These difficulties can be avoided by using a spectral Galerkin method where the basis functions satisfy the boundary conditions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical significance of the ubiquitin ligase UBE3C in hepatocellular carcinoma revealed by exome sequencing
Authors: Jiang Jia-Hao , Liu Yan-Feng , Ke Ai-Wu , Gu Fang-Ming , Yu Yao , Dai Zhi , Gao Qiang , Shi Guo-Ming , Liao Bo-Yi , Xie You-Hua , Fan Jia , Huang Xiao-Wu , Zhou Jian
Published: January 2014

Virus-induced hepatocarcinogenesis involves a series of histological developmental processes with the stepwise acquisition of several genetic changes that are necessary for the malignant transformation of hepatocytes. Although genetic alterations are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), little is known about the contributions of specific genes to this process. To gain insight into the genetic alterations involved in the neoplastic evolution from chronic hepatitis B virus infection to dysplastic nodules (DN) to HCC, we captured and sequenced the exomes of four DNA samples: one DN sample, two HCC samples, and one control peripheral blood sample from a single HCC patient. Mutations in the UBE3C gene (encoding ubiquitin ligase E3C) were observed in both tumor tissues. Then we resequenced the UBE3C gene in a cohort of 105 HCC patients and identified mutations in 17 out of a total of 106 (16.0%) HCC patients. The subsequent experiments showed that UBE3C promoted HCC progression by regulating HCC cells epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Clinically, a tissue microarray study of a cohort containing 323 HCC patients revealed that the overexpression of UBE3C in primary HCC tissues correlated with decreased survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.657, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.220-2.251, P = 0.001) and early tumor recurrence (HR = 1.653, 95% CI = 1.227-2.228, P = 0.001) in postoperative HCC patients. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that UBE3C is a candidate oncogene involved in tumor development and progression and therefore a potential therapeutic target in applicable HCC patients. (Hepatology 2014;59:2216–2227)
Opposite association between diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hepatocellular carcinoma mortality in the middle-aged and elderly
Authors: Chiang Chien-Hsieh , Lee Long-Teng , Hung Shou-Hung , Lin Wen-Yuan , Hung Hui-Fang , Yang Wei-Shiung , Sung Pei-Kun , Huang Kuo-Chin
Published: January 2014

Limited data exist regarding metabolic risk factors for deaths from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in aging individuals. We investigated the association between diabetes, dyslipidemia, and HCC mortality in those aged 40 years or more (middle-aged and elderly). In this prospective cohort study based on nationwide health screening units, we consecutively followed middle-aged and elderly participants who had no chronic hepatitis B or C virus infection and received health screening from January 1 1998 to December 31 2008. There were 235 deaths from HCC among 50,080 individuals, ascertained by validated death certificates and the national death registry. Diabetes (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 3.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.35 to 4.86) was positively associated with deaths from HCC. However, hypertriglyceridemia (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.55) and hypercholesterolemia (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.67) were inversely associated with HCC mortality. The above significant associations remained in the lag time analyses, applied to check for reverse causation. Metabolic syndrome, as defined by the American Heart Association / National Heart Lung Blood Institute criteria (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.86) or by the International Diabetes Federation criteria (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.89), was inversely associated with deaths from HCC, especially in men. Conclusion: Middle-aged and elderly individuals, once having diabetes, deserve HCC surveillance to reduce HCC mortality. More research is needed to elucidate why having baseline dyslipidemia relates to lower future HCC mortality. (Hepatology 2014;59:2207–2215)
Chemically modified poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) cryogel for the adsorption of heparin
Authors: Spina R. La , Tripisciano C. , Mecca T. , Cunsolo F. , Weber V. , Mattiasson B.
Published: January 2014

Various clinical procedures, such as cardiovascular surgery or extracorporeal blood purification, involve systemic anticoagulation using heparin. High concentrations of circulating heparin require neutralization due to possible serious bleeding complications. The intravenous administration of the heparin antagonist protamine sulfate is routinely clinically performed, but is frequently associated with adverse reactions. Therefore, there is a need for a valid and safe alternative to achieve extracorporeal heparin removal from blood or plasma, such as a filter, a matrix, or an adsorbent. Here, we describe the development of a macroporous poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)‐based monolithic cryogel functionalized with l‐lysine (pHEMA‐lys) and the characterization of its selective heparin adsorption. The maximum binding capacity was quantified in vitro using aqueous and serum solutions under static and dynamic conditions, and fresh human plasma under static conditions. The pHEMA‐lys bound 40,500 IU and 32,500 IU heparin/g cryogel at the equilibrium in aqueous solution and 50% serum, respectively. In human plasma spiked with 100 IU/mL of heparin, the binding was still highly efficient (4330 IU/g cryogel after 30 min, i.e., 87% of the initial concentration). The cryogels showed good blood compatibility, as indicated by negligible adsorption of albumin, antithrombin III, and total protein, and may thus be suitable for extracorporeal heparin removal. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1207–1216, 2014.
Modifications in call characteristics and sonic apparatus morphology during puberty in Ophidion rochei (actinopterygii: Ophidiidae)
Authors: Kéver Loïc , Boyle Kelly S. , Bolen Géraldine , Dragičević Branko , Dulčić Jakov , Parmentier Eric
Published: January 2014

Juveniles, females, and males of Ophidion rochei share similar external morphology, probably because they are mainly active in the dark, which reduces the role of visual cues. Their internal sonic apparatuses, however, are complex: three pairs of sonic muscles, and highly modified vertebrae and ribs are involved in sound production. The sonic apparatus of males differs from juveniles and females in having larger swimbladder plates (modified ribs associate with the swimbladder wall) and sonic muscles, a modified swimbladder shape and a mineralized structure called the “rocker bone” in front of the swimbladder. All of these male traits appear at the onset of sexual maturation. This article investigates the relationship between morphology and sounds in male O. rochei of different sizes. Despite their small size range total length (133–170 mm TL), the five specimens showed pronounced differences in sound‐production apparatus morphology, especially in terms of swimbladder shape and rocker bone development. This observation was reinforced by the positive allometry measured for the rocker bone and the internal tube of the swimbladder. The differences in morphology were related to marked differences in sound characteristics (especially frequency and pulse duration). These results suggest that male calls carry information about the degree of maturity. Deprived of most visual cues, ophidiids probably have invested in other mechanisms to recognize and distinguish among individual conspecifics and between ophidiid species. As a result, their phenotypes are externally similar but internally very different. In these taxa, the great variability of the sound production apparatus means this complex system is a main target of environmental constraints. J. Morphol. 275:650–660, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization, phylogenetic affiliation and probiotic properties of high cell density Lactobacillus strains recovered from silage
Authors: Valan Arasu Mariadhas , Jung Min‐Woong , Ilavenil Soundharrajan , Kim Da Hye , Park Hyung Su , Park Jung Won , Al‐Dhabi Naif Abdullah , Choi Ki Choon
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to isolate high cell density Lactobacillus (LAB) from different forages and select the best strains for production of silage with improved the lactic acid production.

RESULTS

Twenty heterofermentative LAB strains were selected and their probiotic properties were analyzed by evaluating their tolerance to low pH, bile salts, biogenic amine production, enzyme activity, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and antifungal activity. The 16S rRNA gene‐based phylogenetic affiliation indicated that 16 strains were Lactobacillus plantarum and others were L. bobalius, L. zymae, L. crustorum and L. diolivorans. Shake‐flask cultivation of these strains under aerobic conditions showed comparatively higher growth and organic acid production than that achieved using the well‐studied LAB strains. In addition, all the strains were highly sensitive towards ox gall (0.3%), but grew well in the presence of sodium taurocholate (0.3%). Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern is an intrinsic feature of these LAB strains; thus consumption does not represent a health risk to humans. Lactobacillus plantarum strains exhibited considerable antifungal activity against food pathogens.

CONCLUSION

The present finding raises the possibility that high cell density LAB strains with potential probiotic properties could be used to prepare quality silages for animals. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
The role of soil microbes in the global carbon cycle: tracking the below‐ground microbial processing of plant‐derived carbon for manipulating carbon dynamics in agricultural systems
Authors: Gougoulias Christos , Clark Joanna M , Shaw Liz J
Published: January 2014

It is well known that atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) (and other greenhouse gases) have increased markedly as a result of human activity since the industrial revolution. It is perhaps less appreciated that natural and managed soils are an important source and sink for atmospheric CO2 and that, primarily as a result of the activities of soil microorganisms, there is a soil‐derived respiratory flux of CO2 to the atmosphere that overshadows by tenfold the annual CO2 flux from fossil fuel emissions. Therefore small changes in the soil carbon cycle could have large impacts on atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Here we discuss the role of soil microbes in the global carbon cycle and review the main methods that have been used to identify the microorganisms responsible for the processing of plant photosynthetic carbon inputs to soil. We discuss whether application of these techniques can provide the information required to underpin the management of agro‐ecosystems for carbon sequestration and increased agricultural sustainability. We conclude that, although crucial in enabling the identification of plant‐derived carbon‐utilising microbes, current technologies lack the high‐throughput ability to quantitatively apportion carbon use by phylogentic groups and its use efficiency and destination within the microbial metabolome. It is this information that is required to inform rational manipulation of the plant–soil system to favour organisms or physiologies most important for promoting soil carbon storage in agricultural soil. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by JohnWiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Pediatric tracheotomy: Indications and decannulation outcomes
Authors: Funamura Jamie L. , Durbin‐Johnson Blythe , Tollefson Travis T. , Harrison Jeanette , Senders Craig W.
Published: January 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

The objective of this study was to determine if there are differences in decannulation rates and duration of cannulation between pediatric patients undergoing tracheotomy for different indications.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

Medical records for pediatric patients (age 0–18 years) undergoing tracheotomy between January 1, 2003, and May 31, 2012, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were assigned an indication for tracheotomy from five categories: neurological, cardiopulmonary, upper airway obstruction, craniofacial anomalies, and maxillofacial/laryngotracheal trauma.

Results

Initial chart review identified 124 patients, 113 for whom complete data was available. Of these patients, the indications for tracheotomy were cardiopulmonary disease in 24 (21.2%), craniofacial anomalies in 12 (10.6%), neurological impairment in 44 (38.9%), traumatic injury in 11 (9.7%), and upper airway obstruction in 22 (19.5%). The time to decannulation was shorter for trauma patients compared to cardiopulmonary (P = 0.044) and neurological patients (P = 0.001). A total of 32 (31.9%) patients were decannulated during the study period, with a higher rate in trauma patients (72.7%) and a lower rate in those with upper airway obstruction (36.4%) than would be expected under homogeneity. Of the 32 patients who were decannulated, 11 (30.6%) were decannulated during the same hospitalization in which the tracheotomy was performed.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a difference in overall decannulation rates and a shorter time to decannulation in children undergoing tracheotomy for maxillofacial and laryngotracheal trauma compared to cardiopulmonary and neurological indications.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:1952–1958, 2014
Tribological investigations of ionic liquids in ultra‐high vacuum environment
Authors: Totolin Vladimir , Conte Marcello , Berriozábal Edurne , Pagano Francesco , Minami Ichiro , Dörr Nicole , Brenner Josef , Igartua Amaya
Published: January 2014

A tribological investigation of two ionic liquids (ILs) that could be used as potential lubricants for vacuum or space applications is presented. Their tribological behaviour was evaluated using a ball‐on‐flat oscillating reciprocating motion CaTri ultra‐high vacuum (UHV) tribometer and the results were compared against those of a conventional perfluoropolyether (PFPE) vacuum lubricant. The thermal stability of the lubricants was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis before exposing them to UHV environment. The worn steel surfaces were studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, optical and confocal microscope as well as scanning electron microscope. The tribological evaluations showed that ILs exhibited better friction reduction and anti‐wear properties than the PFPE lubricant. The excellent tribological properties were attributed to the formation of a surface protective film composed of iron fluoride and iron phosphate, respectively, on the lubricated metal surfaces by a tribochemical reaction with the ILs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extrusion improved the anti‐inflammatory effect of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) hydrolysates in LPS‐induced human THP‐1 macrophage‐like and mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages by preventing activation of NF‐κB signaling
Authors: Montoya‐Rodríguez Alvaro , de Mejía Elvira González , Dia Vermont P. , Reyes‐Moreno Cuauhtémoc , Milán‐Carrillo Jorge
Published: January 2014

Scope

The objective was to compare the anti‐inflammatory potential of unprocessed and extruded amaranth pepsin/pancreatin hydrolysates in LPS‐induced human THP‐1 macrophages‐like and mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages focusing on their anti‐inflammatory mechanism of action related to NF‐κB signaling pathway.

Methods and results

Amaranth hydrolysates were characterized by MS‐MS and tested for anti‐inflammatory effects on human and mouse macrophages. Peptides found in extruded amaranth hydrolysates displayed antioxidant capacity, angiotensin converting enzyme‐inhibitor activity, and dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV inhibitor activity. Gly‐Pro‐Arg peptide was present and reported as antithrombotic. Extruded amaranth hydrolysates (1 mg/mL) significantly reduced tumor necrosis factor alpha secretion in THP‐1 and RAW 264.7 cells by 36.5 and 33.5%, respectively; with concomitant reduction in PGE2 (15.4 and 31.4%), and COX‐2 (38.1 and 67.6%), respectively. Phosphorylation of IKK‐α was significantly reduced by 52.5 and 88.2% leading to reduced phosphorylation of IκB‐α (86.1 and 66.2%), respectively; resulting in a reduction in the expression of p65 NF‐κB subunits in the nucleus by 64.2% for THP‐1 and 70.7% for RAW 264.7 cells.

Conclusion

Amaranth hydrolysates inhibited LPS‐induced inflammation in human and mouse macrophages by preventing activation of NF‐κB signaling. Extrusion improved anti‐inflammatory effect of amaranth hydrolysates in both cells, which might be attributed to the production of bioactive peptides during processing.
Designing advanced structural composites based on mechanical performances analysis of the variable topology spacecrafts
Authors: Ning Xin , Wu Yalan , Yuan Jianping , Yue Xiaokui , Ramirez‐Serrano Alex
Published: January 2014

Increasingly complex space operations require novel advanced structural composites for reconfigurable spacecrafts to have excellent flexural strength in reconfiguration processing and orbital maneuvering. Functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are performed to fabricate the MWCNTs/carbon fiber/N, N′‐4, 4′‐bimaleimide diphenyl methane/diallylbisphenol A (MWCNTs/CF/BMI/DBA) composites. ANSYS analysis reveals that the requiring lowest flexural strength of the composites is 1,150 MPa to meet actual requirements. The flexural strength of the MWCNTs/CF/BMI/DBA composites with 1 wt% functionalized MWCNTs can fully meet the actual use for reconfigurable spacecrafts. And the thermal stabilities of the MWCNTs/CF/BMI/DBA composites are increased with the increasing addition of MWCNTs. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:2018–2022, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of desiccant characteristics on the properties of PS/zeolite functional packaging materials
Authors: Kenyó Csaba , Renner Károly , Móczó János , Fekete Erika , Kröhnke Christoph , Pukánszky Béla
Published: January 2014

Desiccant composites were prepared from a polystyrene homopolymer (PS) and a high impact copolymer (HIPS). Five zeolites were used as adsorbents, which included the A and X types frequently used in industrial practice. Composites containing zeolites up to 50 vol% were homogenized in an internal mixer and then compression molded to 1 mm thick plates. The results proved that the water adsorption capacity of zeolites depends on the total volume of the pores, whereas the rate of adsorption on thermodynamics, on the equilibrium constant of adsorption. On the other hand, zeolite characteristics influence the moisture adsorption of the composites only marginally; adsorption capacity is determined by zeolite content, whereas the rate of adsorption is determined by the properties of the polymer. Composites prepared with X type zeolites have somewhat smaller water adsorption capacity than those containing their A type counterparts. The dispersion of the zeolite is good both in PS and in HIPS composites. Mechanical properties are excellent mainly because of the good interfacial adhesion between the components. Because of their larger surface energy, composites containing X type zeolites have larger viscosity and they reinforce the polymer more than A type desiccants. Matrix characteristics influence mainly application related properties; reinforcement and ductility is better in HIPS than in PS composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:2112–2120, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical properties and nonisothermal crystallization of polyamide 6/carbon fiber composites toughened by maleated elastomers
Authors: Li Yi , Xu Jinting , Wei Zhiyong , Xu Yuqiang , Song Ping , Chen Guangyi , Sang Lin , Chang Ying , Liang Jicai
Published: January 2014

Polyamide 6/carbon fiber (PA6/CF) composites toughened with maleated elastomers were prepared by melt blending using twin‐screw extruder followed by injection molding. Three kinds of maleated elastomers, maleic anhydride (MAH)‐grafted ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA‐g‐MAH), MAH‐grafted ethylene‐propylene‐diene terpolymer (EPDM‐g‐MAH), and MAH‐grafted hydrogenated styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SEBS‐g‐MAH), were used to toughen the PA6/CF composites. The mechanical properties, morphology, nonisothermal crystallization, and subsequent melting behavior of PA6 hybrid composites were investigated. Mechanical tests indicated that incorporation of elastomers improved the impact properties of CF‐reinforced PA composites accompanied with loss of tensile strength and modulus. It was observed from scanning electron microscope photographs that modification with maleated elastomers improved the interfacial adhesion between the CFs and PA6 matrix. Nonisothermal crystallization behavior showed that three kinds of elastomers had negative effect on crystallization and retarded crystallization of PA6. Kissinger's analysis illustrated that addition of CF slightly increased the crystallization activation energy of PA6, whereas incorporation of elastomers reversed it compared with pure PA6. Furthermore, a slight decrease in crystallinity and melting peak of the composites after incorporation of elastomers was observed compared with pure PA6. Polarizing optical microscope results showed that the transcrystallinity phenomenon seemed to be also affected when the matrix was added by the elastomers. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:2170–2179, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis, characterization and application of water‐soluble star polymers based on 2,4,6‐tris‐hydroxymethyl phenol and polyacrylamide
Authors: Kumar Krishna , Adhikary Pubali , Krishnamoorthi S
Published: January 2014

The synthesis of star polymers based on 2,4,6‐tris‐hydroxymethyl phenol (THP) and polyacrylamide (PAM) was carried out by free radical polymerization using potassium persulfate as an initiator. THP was prepared from phenol and formaldehyde by the Lederer−Manasse reaction. Varying the amount of acrylamide monomer, five different grades of star polymer were synthesized (THP‐PAM1 to THP‐PAM5). The star polymers were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, viscosity measurements, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffractometry. The flocculation performance of the star polymers was studied in kaolin suspension using the jar test and settling test methods. The flocculation efficiency of the star polymers was compared with commercially available flocculants and linear PAM. Several dye removal tests using methylene blue and various commercial textile acid dyes were performed. UV−visible spectra were employed to determine the reduced presence of dyes in the kaolin suspensions after treatment with star polymers. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Free energetics of rigid body association of ubiquitin binding domains: A biochemical model for binding mediated by hydrophobic interaction
Authors: Cui Di , Ou Shuching , Patel Sandeep
Published: January 2014

Weak intermolecular interactions, such as hydrophobic associations, underlie numerous biomolecular recognition processes. Ubiquitin is a small protein that represents a biochemical model for exploring thermodynamic signatures of hydrophobic association as it is widely held that a major component of ubiquitin's binding to numerous partners is mediated by hydrophobic regions on both partners. Here, we use atomistic molecular dynamics simulations in conjunction with the Adaptive Biasing Force sampling method to compute potentials of mean force (the reversible work, or free energy, associated with the binding process) to investigate the thermodynamic signature of complexation in this well‐studied biochemical model of hydrophobic association. We observe that much like in the case of a purely hydrophobic solute (i.e., graphene, carbon nanotubes), association is favored by entropic contributions from release of water from the interprotein regions. Moreover, association is disfavored by loss of enthalpic interactions, but unlike in the case of purely hydrophobic solutes, in this case protein‐water interactions are lost and not compensated for by additional water‐water interactions generated upon release of interprotein and moreso, hydration, water. We further find that relative orientations of the proteins that mutually present hydrophobic regions of each protein to its partner are favored over those that do not. In fact, the free energy minimum as predicted by a force field based method recapitulates the experimental NMR solution structure of the complex. Proteins 2014; 82:1453–1468. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonlinear analysis and test validation on seismic performance of a recycled aggregate concrete space frame
Authors: Xiao J. Z. , Wang C. Q. , Pham T. L. , Yang Z. J. , Ding T.
Published: January 2014

Three‐dimensional recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) nonlinear finite element models are developed by OpenSees software to investigate the seismic responses of a 1/4‐scaled six‐story, two‐bay and two‐span RAC space frame, which has been tested on a shaking table subjected to various earthquake scenarios. The simulated natural frequencies and vibration modal shapes, the acceleration amplification factors, the maximum story displacements and the inter‐story drifts are carefully validated by and compared with the test data with overall good agreement. The simulated seismic responses of the RAC frame and the natural aggregate concrete (NAC) frame are also compared. The aseismic capacity of the NAC frame structure is better than that of the RAC frame structure in the early stage, and they behave almost the same in the severe stage under strong earthquake excitations. Both tested and simulated results indicate that not only the peak ground acceleration and duration and frequency of ground motion but also concrete material properties play a prominent role in the overall seismic performances of frame structures. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling stable thermal stratification and its impact on wind flow over topography
Authors: Bleeg James , Digraskar Dnyanesh , Woodcock Jon , Corbett Jean‐François
Published: January 2014

Microscale flow models used in the wind energy industry commonly assume statically neutral conditions. These models can provide reasonable wind speed predictions for statically unstable and neutral flows; however, they do not provide reliable predictions for stably stratified flows, which can represent a substantial fraction of the available energy at a given site. With the objective of improving wind speed predictions and in turn reducing uncertainty in energy production estimates, we developed a Reynolds‐Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS)‐based model of the stable boundary layer. We then applied this model to eight prospective wind farms and compared the results with on‐site wind speed measurements classified using proxies for stability; the comparison also included results from linear and RANS wind flow models that assume neutral stratification. This validation demonstrates that a RANS‐based model of the stable boundary layer can significantly and consistently improve wind speed predictions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.