bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remarkable Enhancement of O2 Activation on Yttrium‐Stabilized Zirconia Surface in a Dual Catalyst Bed
Authors: Richard Mélissandre , Can Fabien , Duprez Daniel , Gil Sonia , Giroir‐Fendler Anne , Bion Nicolas
Published: August 2014

Yttrium‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) has been extensively studied as an electrolyte material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) but its performance in heterogeneous catalysis is also the object of a growing number of publications. In both applications, oxygen activation on the YSZ surface remains the step that hinders utilization at moderate temperature. It was demonstrated by oxygen isotope exchange that a dual catalyst bed system consisting of two successive LaMnO3 and YSZ beds without intimate contact drastically enhances oxygen activation on the YSZ surface at 698 K. It can be concluded that LaMnO3 activates the triplet ground‐state of molecular oxygen into a low‐lying singlet state, thereby facilitating the activation of the O2 molecule on the YSZ oxygen vacancy sites. This phenomenon is shown to improve the catalytic activity of the LaMnO3‐Pd/YSZ system for the partial oxidation of methane.
Lab‐on‐a‐Chip Reactor Imaging with Unprecedented Chemical Resolution by Hadamard‐Encoded Remote Detection NMR
Authors: Telkki Ville‐Veikko , Zhivonitko Vladimir V. , Selent Anne , Scotti Gianmario , Leppäniemi Jarmo , Franssila Sami , Koptyug Igor V.
Published: August 2014

The development of microfluidic processes requires information‐rich detection methods. Here we introduce the concept of remote detection exchange NMR spectroscopy (RD‐EXSY), and show that, along with indirect spatial information extracted from time‐of‐flight data, it provides unique information about the active regions, reaction pathways, and intermediate products in a lab‐on‐a‐chip reactor. Furthermore, we demonstrate that direct spatial resolution can be added to RD‐EXSY efficiently by applying the principles of Hadamard spectroscopy.
Brightness through Local Constraint—LNA‐Enhanced FIT Hybridization Probes for In Vivo Ribonucleotide Particle Tracking
Authors: Hövelmann Felix , Gaspar Imre , Loibl Simon , Ermilov Eugeny A. , Röder Beate , Wengel Jesper , Ephrussi Anne , Seitz Oliver
Published: August 2014

Imaging the dynamics of RNA in living cells is usually performed by means of transgenic approaches that require modification of RNA targets and cells. Fluorogenic hybridization probes would also allow the analysis of wild‐type organisms. We developed nuclease‐resistant DNA forced intercalation (FIT) probes that combine the high enhancement of fluorescence upon hybridization with the high brightness required to allow tracking of individual ribonucleotide particles (RNPs). In our design, a single thiazole orange (TO) intercalator dye is linked as a nucleobase surrogate and an adjacent locked nucleic acid (LNA) unit serves to introduce a local constraint. This closes fluorescence decay channels and thereby increases the brightness of the probe–target duplexes. As few as two probes were sufficient to enable the tracking of oskar mRNPs in wild‐type living Drosophila melanogaster oocytes.
The Optimally Performing Fischer–Tropsch Catalyst
Authors: Filot Ivo A. W. , van Santen Rutger A. , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: August 2014

Microkinetics simulations are presented based on DFT‐determined elementary reaction steps of the Fischer–Tropsch (FT) reaction. The formation of long‐chain hydrocarbons occurs on stepped Ru surfaces with CH as the inserting monomer, whereas planar Ru only produces methane because of slow CO activation. By varying the metal–carbon and metal–oxygen interaction energy, three reactivity regimes are identified with rates being controlled by CO dissociation, chain‐growth termination, or water removal. Predicted surface coverages are dominated by CO, C, or O, respectively. Optimum FT performance occurs at the interphase of the regimes of limited CO dissociation and chain‐growth termination. Current FT catalysts are suboptimal, as they are limited by CO activation and/or O removal.
Modulatory Effects of CD14+CD16++ Monocytes on CD14++CD16− Monocytes: A Possible Explanation of Monocyte Alterations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Burbano C. , Vasquez G. , Rojas M.
Published: August 2014

Objective

In various chronic inflammatory processes, both the proportion and numbers of monocyte subsets are altered. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), this has not been clearly determined. The monocyte subpopulations in patients with SLE, patients with other autoimmune diseases, and healthy controls were evaluated. The effects of nonclassic monocytes and apoptotic cells (ACs) on the differentiation and function of CD14++CD16− monocytes were also studied.

Methods

Monocyte subpopulations derived from the blood samples of SLE patients (n = 88), patients with other autoimmune diseases (n = 37), and healthy control subjects (n = 61) were separated by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. To evaluate the effect of CD14+CD16++ monocytes and ACs on the differentiation of CD14++CD16− monocytes, we developed a coculture model of highly purified sorted monocyte subpopulations, which were reconstituted with defined proportions of CD14++CD16− and CD14+CD16++ monocytes in the presence or absence of ACs. After differentiation into macrophages, CD3+ lymphocytes were added, and the proliferating cells and CD3+IFNγ+ cells were evaluated. A cytokine bead array panel was used to test the coculture supernatants.

Results

There was a reduction in CD14+CD16++ monocytes in patients with active SLE. Monocytes from SLE patients had decreased expression of HLA–DR and decreased ability to bind and phagocytize ACs. In healthy controls, but not SLE patients, treatment with macrophages derived from CD14+CD16++ monocytes reduced T cell proliferation and proliferating CD3+IFNγ+ cells and increased the accumulation of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), and IL‐1β.

Conclusion

Our findings show that CD14+CD16++ monocytes, a population that is reduced and nonfunctional in SLE patients, have modulatory effects on CD14++CD16− monocytes and T cells.
Efficient hydroxyproline production from glucose in minimal media by Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Falcioni Francesco , Bühler Bruno , Schmid Andreas
Published: August 2014

The efficient coupling of biotransformation steps to an existing fermentation pathway is an interesting strategy to expand the product portfolio of Corynebacterium glutamicum as whole‐cell biocatalyst. This is especially challenging if the biotransformation step comprises a direct link to central metabolism, as in the case of α‐ketoglutarate‐dependent oxygenase catalysis. Aiming at trans‐4‐hydroxy‐L‐proline (Hyp) production from glucose in a minimal medium, the proline‐4‐hydroxylase gene from Dactylosporangium sp. strain RH1 was introduced into a proline‐producing, isoleucine‐bradytroph C. glutamicum strain. The production of proline was found to be induced by isoleucine limitation. Proline and Hyp production were found to depend differently on isoleucine limitation. Severe isoleucine limitation was shown to result in proline accumulation and low hydroxylation rates both in batch and continuous cultivation set‐ups. The investigation of different steady states with various glucose/isoleucine molar ratios revealed that optimal conditions for Hyp production are met around a molar ratio of 46:1, where isoleucine limitation is sufficient to trigger proline production but the hydroxylation rate is high enough to convert the majority of formed proline to Hyp. A high cell‐density fed‐batch set‐up was designed, capable of producing 7.1 g L−1 of Hyp from glucose in 23 h with 98.5% conversion of proline to Hyp. Reaction engineering, specifically the fine‐tuning of the glucose/isoleucine concentration ratio, enabled control of the fermentation profile and thus the accumulation of the desired product Hyp from glucose in minimal and defined media. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 322–330. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous determination of caffeic acid and its major pharmacologically active metabolites in rat plasma by LC‐MS/MS and its application in pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Wang Xiangyang , Li Wei , Ma Xiaohui , Chu Yang , Li Shuming , Guo Jiahua , Jia Yumeng , Zhou Shuiping , Zhu Yonghong , Liu Changxiao
Published: August 2014

A simple, sensitive and selective high‐performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed for simultaneous determination and pharmacokinetic study of caffeic acid (CA) and its active metabolites. The separation with isocratic elution used a mobile phase composed of methanol and water (containing 0.1% formic acid) at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. The detection of target compounds was done in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. The SRM detection was operated in the negative electrospray ionization mode using the transitions m/z 179 ([M − H]−) → 135 for CA, m/z 193 ([M − H]−) → 134.8 for ferulic acid and isoferulic acid and m/z 153 ([M − H]−) → 108 for protocatechuic acid. The method was linear for all analytes over the investigated range with all correlation coefficients 0.9931. The lower limits of quantification were 5.0 ng/mL for analytes. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions (relative standard deviation) were <5.86 and <6.52%, and accuracy (relative error) was between −5.95 and 0.35% (n = 6). The developed method was applied to study the pharmacokinetics of CA and its major active metabolites in rat plasma after oral and intravenous administration of CA. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eltrombopag with gemcitabine‐based chemotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors: a randomized phase I study
Authors: Winer Eric S. , Safran Howard , Karaszewska Boguslawa , Richards Donald A. , Hartner Lee , Forget Frederic , Ramlau Rodryg , Kumar Kirushna , Mayer Bhabita , Johnson Brendan M. , Messam Conrad A. , Mostafa Kamel Yasser
Published: August 2014

Preventing chemotherapy‐induced thrombocytopenia could avoid chemotherapy dose reductions and delays. The safety and maximum tolerated dose of eltrombopag, an oral thrombopoietin receptor agonist, with gemcitabine‐based therapy was evaluated. Patients with advanced solid tumors and platelets ≤300 × 109/L receiving gemcitabine plus cisplatin or carboplatin (Group A) or gemcitabine monotherapy (Group B) were randomized 3:1 to receive eltrombopag or placebo at a starting dose of 100 mg daily administered on days −5 to −1 and days 2–6 starting from cycle 2 of treatment. Nineteen patients (Group A, n = 9; Group B, n = 10) received eltrombopag 100 mg and seven (Group A, n = 3; Group B, n = 4) received matching placebo. Nine eltrombopag patients in Group A and eight in Group B had 38 and 54 occurrences of platelet counts ≥400 × 109/L, respectively. Mean platelet nadirs across cycles 2–6 were 115 × 109/L and 143 × 109/L for eltrombopag‐treated patients versus 53 × 109/L and 103 × 109/L for placebo‐treated patients in Groups A and B, respectively. No dose‐limiting toxicities were reported for eltrombopag; however, due to several occurrences of thrombocytosis, a decision was made not to dose‐escalate eltrombopag to >100 mg daily. In Groups A and B, 14% of eltrombopag versus 50% of placebo patients required chemotherapy dose reductions and/or delays for any reason across cycles 3–6. Eltrombopag 100 mg once daily administered 5 days before and after day 1 of chemotherapy was well tolerated with an acceptable safety profile, and will be further tested in a phase II trial. Fewer patients receiving eltrombopag required chemotherapy dose delays and/or reductions compared with those receiving placebo.
Chemistry of Guanidinate‐Stabilised Diboranes: Transition‐Metal‐Catalysed Dehydrocoupling and Hydride Abstraction
Authors: Wagner Arne , Litters Sebastian , Elias Jana , Kaifer Elisabeth , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: August 2014

Herein, we analyse the catalytic boron–boron dehydrocoupling reaction that leads from the base‐stabilised diborane(6) [H2B(hpp)]2 (hpp=1,3,4,6,7,8‐hexahydro‐2H‐pyrimido[1,2‐a]pyrimidinate) to the base‐stabilised diborane(4) [H2B(hpp)]2. A number of potential transition‐metal precatalysts was studied, including transition‐metal complexes of the product diborane(4). The synthesis and structural characterisation of two further examples of such complexes is presented. The best results for the dehydrocoupling reactions were obtained with precatalysts of Group 9 metals in the oxidation state of +I. The active catalyst is formed in situ through a multistep process that involves reduction of the precatalyst by the substrate [H2B(hpp)]2, and mechanistic investigations indicate that both heterogeneous and (slower) homogeneous reaction pathways play a role in the dehydrocoupling reaction. In addition, hydride abstraction from [H2B(hpp)]2 and related diboranes is analysed and the possibility for subsequent deprotonation is discussed by probing the protic character of the cationic boron–hydrogen compounds with NMR spectroscopic analysis.
Electrofluorochromic Detection of Cyanide Anions Using a Nanoporous Polymer Electrode and the Detection Mechanism
Authors: Ding Guoqiang , Lin TingTing , Zhou Rui , Dong Yuliang , Xu Jianwei , Lu Xuehong
Published: August 2014

An electrofluorochromic (EFC) conjugated copolymer (PEFC) containing carbazole and benzothiadiazole (BTD) moieties is synthesized through Suzuki coupling followed by electrochemical polymerization, resulting in a nanoporous EFC polymer electrode. The electrode exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity in the EFC detection of cyanide anions (CN−) in largely aqueous electrolyte (67 vol % water) because electrochemical oxidation of PEFC leads to significant fluorescence quenching, and the presence of different concentrations (1 to 100 μM) of CN− in the electrolyte can weaken the oxidative quenching to substantially different extents. Although PEFC is hydrophobic in the neutral state, it is converted to radical cation/dication states upon oxidation, rendering the PEFC some hydrophilicity. Moreover, its nanoporous morphology provides a large surface area and short diffusion distance, facilitating the movement of CN− in the electrolyte into the PEFC film to interact with receptors. Density functional theory calculations show that the noncovalent interaction between electron‐deficient BTD and nucleophilic CN− is energy favorable in the oxidized states in both aqueous and organic media, suggesting that the specific π−–π+ interaction plays the main role in the CN− detection.
Efficient Pd‐Catalyzed Allene Synthesis from Alkynes and Aryl Bromides through an Intramolecular Base‐Assisted Deprotonation (iBAD) Mechanism
Authors: Nella Natalie , Parker Evelyne , Hitce Julien , Larini Paolo , Jazzar Rodolphe , Baudoin Olivier
Published: August 2014

An optimized ligand‐controlled palladium‐catalyzed allene synthesis starting from alkynes and aryl bromides giving rise to allene products in a simple and direct manner is described. The methodology is performed in an inter‐ and intramolecular fashion with unprecedented scope and excellent yields. Based on mechanistic investigations and on DFT calculations, the role played by the carboxylic additive (i.e., PivOH) in controlling the selectivity of the reaction is discussed, allowing us to propose an intramolecular base‐assisted deprotonation (iBAD) mechanism for this process.
Highly Enantioselective Cross‐Aldol Reactions of Acetaldehyde Mediated by a Dual Catalytic System Operating under Site Isolation
Authors: Fan Xinyuan , Rodríguez‐Escrich Carles , Wang Shoulei , Sayalero Sonia , Pericàs Miquel A.
Published: August 2014

Polystyrene‐supported (PS) diarylprolinol catalysts 1 a (Ar=phenyl) and 1 b (Ar=3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) have been developed. Operating under site‐isolation conditions, PS‐1 a/1 b worked compatibly with PS‐bound sulfonic acid catalyst 2 to promote deoligomerization of paraldehyde and subsequent cross‐aldol reactions of the resulting acetaldehyde in one pot, affording aldol products in high yields with excellent enantioselectivities. The effect of water on the performance of the catalytic system has been studied and its optimal amount (0.5 equiv) has been determined. The dual catalytic system (1/2) allows repeated recycling and reuse (10 cycles). The potential of this methodology is demonstrated by a two‐step synthesis of a phenoperidine analogue (68 % overall yield; 98 % ee) and by the preparation of highly enantioenriched 1,3‐diols 4 and 3‐methylamino‐1‐arylpropanols 5, key intermediates in the synthesis of a variety of druglike structures.
Organometallic B12–DNA Conjugate: Synthesis, Structure Analysis, and Studies of Binding to Human B12‐Transporter Proteins
Authors: Hunger Miriam , Mutti Elena , Rieder Alexander , Enders Barbara , Nexo Ebba , Kräutler Bernhard
Published: August 2014

Design, synthesis, and structural characterization of a B12‐octadecanucleotide are presented herein, a new organometallic B12–DNA conjugate. In such covalent conjugates, the natural B12 moiety may be a versatile vector for controlled in vivo delivery of oligonucleotides to cellular targets in humans and animals, through the endogenous B12 transport systems. Binding of the organometallic B12 octadecanucleotide to the three important human proteins of B12 transport was studied, to examine its structural suitability for the task of eventual in vivo oligonucleotide delivery. Binding was efficient with transcobalamin (TC), but not so efficient with the homologous glycoproteins intrinsic factor and haptocorrin. Binding of the B12 octadecanucleotide to TC suggests the capacity of the B12 moiety to serve as a natural vector for specific transport of single stranded, organometallic oligonucleotide loads from the blood stream into cells.
Late‐Stage Diversification of Peptides by Metal‐Free CH Arylation
Authors: Zhu Yingjun , Bauer Michaela , Ploog Jasper , Ackermann Lutz
Published: August 2014

The bioorthogonal late‐stage diversification of functionalized oligopeptides was accomplished through a metal‐free, site‐selective CH arylation of engineered indole derivatives under mild reaction conditions.
[Au]/[Pd] Multicatalytic Processes: Direct One‐Pot Access to Benzo[c]chromenes and Benzo[b]furans
Authors: Oonishi Yoshihiro , Gómez‐Suárez Adrián , Martin Anthony R. , Makida Yusuke , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Nolan Steven P.
Published: August 2014

A new synthetic protocol that combines the advantages offered by eco‐friendly solvent‐free reactions and sequential transformations is reported. This strategy offers straightforward access to benzo[c]chromenes and benzo[b]furans from commercially available starting materials. This two‐step, one‐pot strategy consists of an Au‐catalyzed hydrophenoxylation process followed by Pd‐catalyzed CH activation or Mizoroki–Heck reactions. The selectivity of the process towards CH activation or Mizoroki–Heck reaction can be easily tuned.
Obtaining Spruce Hemicelluloses of Desired Molar Mass by using Pressurized Hot Water Extraction
Authors: Rissanen Jussi V. , Grénman Henrik , Xu Chunlin , Willför Stefan , Murzin Dmitry Yu , Salmi Tapio
Published: August 2014

There is growing interest in utilizing galactoglucomannan, the main hemicellulose in softwoods, for various applications such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, alimentary, and health products, as well as for the production of fuels. For fuel production and for using the rare sugars as platform chemicals, the hemicelluloses need to be hydrolyzed to sugar monomers, and for this purpose, low‐molecular‐mass extracts are favorable. However, for the other applications high molecular masses are required, which presents an even greater challenge for extraction. The ability to optimize the extraction process according to the needs of further processing, by using solely water as the solvent, is a key issue in the environmentally friendly utilization of this versatile raw material. The goal of this work is to study how the average molar mass of hemicelluloses extracted from spruce sapwood can be influenced by altering the experimental conditions. The main parameters influencing the extraction and hydrolysis of the hemicelluloses, namely, extraction time, temperature, pH, and chip size, were studied. The results show that it is feasible to develop an extraction process for harvesting spruce hemicelluloses, also of large molar masses, for industrial applications by using pressurized hot water extraction.
A Custom Correlation Coefficient (CCC) Approach for Fast Identification of Multi‐SNP Association Patterns in Genome‐Wide SNPs Data
Authors: Climer Sharlee , Yang Wei , de las Fuentes Lisa , Dávila‐Román Victor G. , Gu C. Charles
Published: August 2014

Complex diseases are often associated with sets of multiple interacting genetic factors and possibly with unique sets of the genetic factors in different groups of individuals (genetic heterogeneity). We introduce a novel concept of custom correlation coefficient (CCC) between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that address genetic heterogeneity by measuring subset correlations autonomously. It is used to develop a 3‐step process to identify candidate multi‐SNP patterns: (1) pairwise (SNP–SNP) correlations are computed using CCC; (2) clusters of so‐correlated SNPs identified; and (3) frequencies of these clusters in disease cases and controls compared to identify disease‐associated multi‐SNP patterns. This method identified 42 candidate multi‐SNP associations with hypertensive heart disease (HHD), among which one cluster of 22 SNPs (six genes) included 13 inSLC8A1(akaNCX1, an essential component of cardiac excitation‐contraction coupling) and another of 32 SNPs had 29 from a different segment ofSLC8A1. While allele frequencies show little difference between cases and controls, the cluster of 22 associated alleles were found in 20% of controls but no cases and the other in 3% of controls but 20% of cases. These suggest that both protective and risk effects on HHD could be exerted by combinations of variants in different regions ofSLC8A1, modified by variants from other genes. The results demonstrate that this new correlation metric identifies disease‐associated multi‐SNP patterns overlooked by commonly used correlation measures. Furthermore, computation time using CCC is a small fraction of that required by other methods, thereby enabling the analyses of large GWAS datasets.
Treatment of bile acid amidation defects with glycocholic acid
Authors: Heubi James E. , Setchell Kenneth D.R. , Jha Pinky , Buckley Donna , Zhang Wujuan , Rosenthal Philip , Potter Carol , Horslen Simon , Suskind David
Published: August 2014

Bile acid amidation defects were predicted to present with fat/fat soluble vitamin malabsorption with minimal cholestasis. We identified and treated five patients (one male, four females) from four families with defective bile acid amidation due to a genetically confirmed deficiency in bile acid CoA:amino acid N‐acyl transferase (BAAT) with the conjugated bile acid, glycocholic acid (GCA). Fast atom bombardment‐mass spectrometry analysis of urine and bile at baseline revealed predominantly unconjugated cholic acid and absence of the usual glycine and taurine conjugated primary bile acids. Treatment with 15 mg/kg GCA resulted in total duodenal bile acid concentrations of 23.3 ± 19.1 mmol/L (mean ± SD) and 63.5 ± 4.0% of the bile acids were secreted in bile in the conjugated form, of which GCA represented 59.6 ± 9.3% of the total biliary bile acids. Unconjugated cholic acid continued to be present in high concentrations in bile because of partial intestinal deconjugation of orally administered GCA. Serum total bile acid concentrations did not significantly differ between pretreatment and posttreatment samples and serum contained predominantly unconjugated cholic acid. These findings confirmed efficient intestinal absorption, hepatic extraction, and biliary secretion of the administered GCA. Oral tolerance tests for vitamin D2 (1,000 IU vitamin D2/kg) and tocopherol (100 IU/kg tocopherol acetate) demonstrated improvement in fat‐soluble vitamin absorption after GCA treatment. Growth improved in 3/3 growth‐delayed prepubertal patients. Conclusion: Oral glycocholic acid therapy is safe and effective in improving growth and fat‐soluble vitamin absorption in children and adolescents with inborn errors of bile acid metabolism due to amidation defects. (Hepatology 2015;61:268–274)
Direct role of antibody‐secreting B cells in the severity of chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Zgair Ayaid Khadem , Ghafil Jenan A. , Al‐Sayidi Razaq H E
Published: August 2014

Chronic hepatitis B involves different immune cells. The direct role of antibody‐secreting B cells in the severity of chronic hepatitis B unclear. In this study, the number of plaque forming cells [PFC‐(IgG, IgM, anti‐HBc IgG, and anti‐HBc IgM)], liver function tests (LFT) [alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total serum bilirubin (TSB)], the levels of IL‐10 in sera and in lymphocyte cultures, the number of CD4+ and CD8+ cells were measured in the peripheral blood of patients and in the controls. In addition, the hepatocytotoxic effect of anti‐HBc and anti‐HBe in vitro was studied. The largest number of PFCs was observed in the peripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis B. This was concomitant with a decrease in CD4+/CD8+ ratio versus this ratio in asymptomatic HBV carriers and in healthy volunteers (P < 0.05). An increase in immunoglobulin (IgG and IgM) levels, anti‐HBc IgG, and anti‐HBc IgM levels and LFTs in peripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis B was seen. Anti‐HBc induced hepatocytotoxicity in vitro. The expression of mRNA and protein for IL‐10 production was observed at a significant level in culture of lymphocytes isolated from patients with chronic hepatitis B. In addition, a high level of IL‐10 was found only in the sera of patients with chronic hepatitis B. It is concluded that the antibody‐secreting B cells and the antibodies, which are produced, play an important role in the severity of chronic hepatitis B, which was related negatively with CD4+/CD8+ ratio and positively with IL‐10 expression. J. Med. Virol. 87:407–416, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantifying synoptic eddy feedback onto the low‐frequency flow associated with anomalous temperature events in January over China
Authors: Tan Gui‐Rong , Ren Hong‐Li , Chen Haishan
Published: August 2014

Using a linear dynamic operator and the daily National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalysis data, the linearized part of the synoptic eddy feedback onto the low‐frequency flow (SELF) associated with cold/warm events in January over China is investigated. Composite stream function differences between the cold and warming events show that the anomalous temperature events are linked closely to the teleconnection pattern which is related to North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and accompanied with remarkable anomalies over Ural Mountain and the areas south to Lake Baikal. The significant eddy feedback exists as the episodes occur, which tends to induce a similar circulation pattern to the anomalous low‐frequency flow associated with the temperature episodes. Further, a linear SELF operator is used to estimate quantitatively the linearized part of the eddy feedback on the low‐frequency flow for the temperature events. Results show that the magnitude of the stream function anomalies (SFAs) induced by eddy forcing is bigger at higher latitudes than lower latitudes. The positive (negative) SFA can be induced where eddy‐vorticity fluxes converge (diverge) into the anomalous cyclonic (anticyclonic) circulation. Further analysis of differences in eddy feedback strength suggests that synoptic eddy feedback is more effective for the cold events than that for the warm events over North Atlantic, Ural Mountain, and the areas south to Lake Baikal. The SFA anomaly pattern over Ural Mountain and Lake Baikal associated with the anomalous temperature events in China will disappear without considering the eddy feedback. It suggests that the eddy feedback plays a very important role in maintaining the low‐frequency flow during the January anomalous temperature events.
Viewing‐angle‐enhanced integral imaging system using high‐refractive‐index medium and curved micro‐lens array
Authors: Liu Yao , Wang Qiong‐Hua , Ji Chao‐Chao , Luo Cheng‐Gao
Published: August 2014

In the integral imaging (II) system using a curved micro‐lens array (MLA), the viewing angle is limited by the gap mismatch. Here, we propose a system to decrease the gap mismatch for enhancing the viewing angle. In the proposed system, a layer of high‐refractive‐index medium is assembled between the display panel and the curved MLA. The principle of the proposed II system is studied in detail. Simulations based on ray tracing are performed, and the results show that the proposed II system can effectively enhance the viewing angle.
The effect of different utility measures on the cost‐effectiveness of bilateral cochlear implantation
Authors: Kuthubutheen Jafri , Mittmann Nicole , Amoodi Hosam , Qian Wei , Chen Joseph M.
Published: August 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine if the choice of health utility measure affects the incremental cost‐utility ratio (ICUR) when assessing the cost‐effectiveness of bilateral cochlear implantation (CI).

Study Design

A scenario‐based estimate with three scenarios: 1) a patient with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss with no intervention, 2) the same patient with a unilateral CI with average or better performance, and 3) the same patient with bilateral CIs with average or better performance.

Methods

One hundred and forty‐two subjects comprising preimplantees (n = 30), unilateral cochlear implantees (n = 30), bilateral implantees (n = 30), and healthcare professionals (n = 52). The four health utility instruments applied were the Health Utility Index Mark 3 (HUI3), European Quality of Life Questionnaire in 5 Domains (EQ5D), visual analog scale (VAS), and time trade‐off (TTO). Cost for each implant was based on a 25‐year time horizon, 50% discount for the second implant, and a 15% failure rate.

Results

Using the HUI3, the utility gain from unilateral to bilateral implantation was 0.035 or 11.5% of the total utility gain. This ratio was higher using the other instruments: EQ5D (22.2%), VAS (35.0%), and TTO (41.4%). For the scenario of bilateral CI compared to no intervention, HUI3 ICUR estimates were the lowest, and for bilateral CI compared to unilateral CI, HUI3 ICUR estimates were the highest.

Conclusions

The choice of utility instrument in cost‐utility analysis of bilateral CI heavily influences whether the second implant is deemed cost‐effective. The HUI3 is the utility of choice in CI studies and is the most conservative.

Level of Evidence

4.Laryngoscope, 125:442–447, 2015
Macroscopic observations on the long‐term effects of cathodic protection applied to carbonated reinforced concrete
Authors: Redaelli E. , Bertolini L.
Published: August 2014

The aim of the paper was to study macroscopic long‐term modifications induced by cathodic protection (CP) applied to carbonated concrete, in order to localise possible deterioration phenomena that can affect the performance of the protection system. Carbonated reinforced specimens that had been subjected to CP for 13 years were analysed with phenolphthalein indicator, that allowed to highlight a pH reduction in the originally alkaline mortar in which the anode was embedded. The pH reduction was localised in the mortar in contact with carbonated concrete, rather than directly in contact with the anode. The thickness of the layer with reduced pH increased with the circulated charge and was nil on specimens that were not subjected to current application. This modification was attributed to a mechanism of dissolution of calcium hydroxide in the mortar. Although a thorough qualitative and quantitative description of the modifications requires further investigations, the results provide a better understanding of possible deterioration phenomena at the anode and they indicate that such phenomena may be hindered by embedding the anode mesh in an adequate layer of alkaline mortar and keeping the current at the least value that is necessary to protect the steel from corrosion.
Hybrid Poly(aryl ether sulfone amide)s for Advanced Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Gardea Frank , Garcia Jeannette M. , Boday Dylan J. , Bajjuri Krishna M. , Naraghi Mohammad , Hedrick James L.
Published: August 2014

An organocatalytic approach to the depolymerization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) with selected nucleophiles generates high‐value terephthalate‐based monomers. These monomers are subjected to nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) polymerizations in order to circumvent many of the traditional drawbacks of unmodified materials such as poly(aryl ether sulfone)s (PESs). The synthesis and molecular characterization of novel poly(aryl ether sulfone‐amide)s (PAESAs) containing 10–30 wt% amide functionality are described. PAESAs containing 30 wt% amide are fabricated via extrusion and solvent casting for mechanical characterization. The mechanical behavior of the extruded PAESA is studied through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tension tests. The DMA studies are performed at a frequency of 1 Hz, in the temperature range of 22–275 °C, indicating a storage modulus of 2.77 ± 0.58 MPa at 30 °C. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the material, as the temperature corresponding to tanδ peak, is measured to be 217.1 ± 1.7 °C, consistent with DSC measurements. The tension tests on extruded samples reveal a ductile fracture, evidenced with neck formation and propagation on the macroscale, and a rough fracture surface on the microscale. The yield strength of the sample is found to be 52.8 ± 9.2 MPa, with a ductility ranging from 6% to 11%. In contrast to extruded samples, the solvent‐cast PAESA samples fail in a brittle fashion, with relatively smooth fracture surface and no sign of necking.

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One‐Step Synthesis of Natural Silk Sericin‐Based Microcapsules with Bionic Structures
Authors: Liu Zhaogang , Cai Yurong , Jia Yaru , Liu Lin , Kong Xiangdong , Kundu Subhas C. , Yao Juming
Published: August 2014

Different techniques are being developed for fabricating microcapsules; it is still a challenge to fabricate them in an efficient and environment‐friendly process. Here, a one‐step green route to synthesize silk protein sericin‐based microcapsules without any assistance of organic solvents is reported. By carefully changing the concentration of calcium ions accompanied with stirring, the morphology of the microcapsules can easily be regulated to form either discoidal, biconcave, cocoon‐like, or tubular structures. The chelation of Ca2+ and shearing force from agitation may induce the conformational transformation of sericin, which possibly results in the formation of microcapsules through the self‐assembly of the protein subsequently. The as‐prepared cocoon‐like microcapsules exhibit pH‐dependent stability. A potential application of microcapsules being fabricated from natural water‐soluble silk protein sericin for controlled bioactive molecules loading and release system by a pH‐triggered manner is quite feasible.

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Imaging the microvessel caliber and density: Principles and applications of microvascular MRI
Authors: Troprès Irène , Pannetier Nicolas , Grand Sylvie , Lemasson Benjamin , Moisan Anaïck , Péoc'h Michel , Rémy Chantal , Barbier Emmanuel L.
Published: August 2014

Twenty years ago, theoretical developments were initiated to model the behavior of the NMR transverse relaxation rates in presence of vessels. These developments enabled the MRI‐based mapping of mean vessel diameter, microvascular density, and vessel size index with comparable results to those obtained by a pathologist. The transfer of these techniques to routine clinical use has been hindered by the unavailability of the required sequences, namely fast gradient‐echo spin‐echo sequences. Based on the increasing accessibility of such sequences on MRI scanners over recent years, we review the principles governing microvascular MRI, the validation studies, and the applications that have been tested worldwide by several teams. We also provide some recommendations on how to measure microvessel caliber and density with MRI. Magn Reson Med 73:325–341, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carbon nanotubes overgrown and ingrown with nanocrystalline diamond deposited by different CVD plasma systems
Authors: Varga M. , Vretenar V. , Izak T. , Skakalova V. , Kromka A.
Published: August 2014

In this work we investigate the growth of diamond film on a porous single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) paper by employing three different Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) systems: plasma‐assisted hot filament, focused microwave plasma and linear antenna microwave plasma. We observe that the diamond growth is strongly affected by the different conditions in each of the CVD processes resulting in different SWNT/diamond composite structures. It is also found that only the linear antenna microwave plasma CVD process allows penetration of the activated growth species into the volume of the SWNT paper, whereas using the other methods, the diamond grains are formed on the SWNT paper surface only. Moreover, the growth of diamond structures within the substrate volume is strongly influenced by the CH4/CO2/H2 gas content ratio. A key factor influencing the formation of a compact SWNT/diamond composite is keeping the equilibrium between two competitive processes: establishing conditions where the diamond structure can grow while etching/damage of the SWNT paper is still kept at a minimum. The morphology and chemical composition of formed composite materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy.
A Layer‐by‐Layer ZnO Nanoparticle–PbS Quantum Dot Self‐Assembly Platform for Ultrafast Interfacial Electron Injection
Authors: Eita Mohamed , Usman Anwar , El‐Ballouli Ala'a O. , Alarousu Erkki , Bakr Osman M. , Mohammed Omar F.
Published: August 2014

Absorbent layers of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are now used as material platforms for low‐cost, high‐performance solar cells. The semiconductor metal oxide nanoparticles as an acceptor layer have become an integral part of the next generation solar cell. To achieve sufficient electron transfer and subsequently high conversion efficiency in these solar cells, however, energy‐level alignment and interfacial contact between the donor and the acceptor units are needed. Here, the layer‐by‐layer (LbL) technique is used to assemble ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), providing adequate PbS QD uptake to achieve greater interfacial contact compared with traditional sputtering methods. Electron injection at the PbS QD and ZnO NP interface is investigated using broadband transient absorption spectroscopy with 120 femtosecond temporal resolution. The results indicate that electron injection from photoexcited PbS QDs to ZnO NPs occurs on a time scale of a few hundred femtoseconds. This observation is supported by the interfacial electronic‐energy alignment between the donor and acceptor moieties. Finally, due to the combination of large interfacial contact and ultrafast electron injection, this proposed platform of assembled thin films holds promise for a variety of solar cell architectures and other settings that principally rely on interfacial contact, such as photocatalysis.
Enjoy and Interpret Picture Books in a Child‐Centered Way
Authors: Aerila Juli‐Anna , Rönkkö Marja‐Leena
Published: August 2014

Literature supports children's literacy growth in many ways. It helps children extend their understanding and clarify different situations in their lives, recognize and deal with feelings, and be more empathetic. Hands‐on activities based on stories support children in giving shape to their thoughts. These creative activities not only empower the children but also help teachers understand children's interpretations of literature better and build further on themes for discussions of literature. This article describes an instructional approach with a series of activities (stories, drawing, crafts and discussions) integrated with picturebooks. The activating methods can be used in classrooms to revitalize literature discussions while engaging different senses of all learners. This article gives teachers ready‐made materials for use in early childhood education.
Building ecosystem resilience for climate change adaptation in the Asian highlands
Authors: Xu Jianchu , Grumbine R. Edward
Published: August 2014

The Asian Highlands, the vast mountainous area from Pakistan to China including the Hindu‐Kush Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau, have considerable global importance; they are the source of most of the major rivers of Asia, which sustain billions of downstream dwellers, are part of four Global Biodiversity Hotspots, and support rich cultural diversity. However, climate warming in the Himalaya–Tibetan Plateau has been greater than two times the global average, and regional climate appears to be shifting with potential to trigger large‐scale ecosystem regime shifts (‘landscape traps’). A host of other drivers—urbanization/infrastructure development, land‐use/agricultural practices, upstream/downstream water management and ongoing nation‐state security conflicts—interact with climate signals to produce complex changes across ecological and social systems. In response, highlands people are evolving hybrid forms of adaptive capacity where ‘bottom‐up’ behaviors are mixing with ‘top‐down’ state and market policies. To increase ecosystem and livelihood resilience to future change, there is a need to link upstream and downstream conservation action with local climate adaptation. While the key problem is that institutional and government capacity for coordination is low, we present four general strategies to move forward: application of cross‐sector coordinated planning, strategic integration of science‐based conservation with developing local‐level hybrid knowledge, recognition of the critical role of governance in support of change, and increased emphasis on environmental security. We discuss these strategies for each driver of change in the region. WIREs Clim Change 2014, 5:709–718. doi: 10.1002/wcc.302

This article is categorized under:

Climate, Ecology, and Conservation > Conservation Strategies

Climate and Development > Social Justice and the Politics of Development
Balancing expressiveness in formal approaches to concurrency
Authors: Jones Cliff B. , Hayes Ian J. , Colvin Robert J.
Published: August 2014

One might think that specifying and reasoning about concurrent programs would be easier with more expressive languages. This paper questions that view. Clearly too weak a notation can mean that useful properties either cannot be expressed or their expression is unnatural. But choosing too powerful a notation also has its drawbacks since reasoning receives little guidance. For example, few would suggest that programming languages themselves provide tractable specifications. Both rely/guarantee methods and separation logic(s) provide useful frameworks in which it is natural to reason about aspects of concurrency. Rather than pursue an approach of extending the notations of either approach, this paper starts with the issues that appear to be inescapable with concurrency and—only as a response thereto—examines ways in which these fundamental challenges can be met. Abstraction is always a ubiquitous tool and its influence on how the key issues are tackled is examined in each case.
No Patients to Resect or Transplant: An Analysis of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Admitted to a Major African Referral Hospital
Authors: Gyedu Adam , Shrauner William R. , Kingham T. Peter
Published: August 2014

Background

This study aimed to describe the characteristics of patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Ghana and to determine their treatment options per the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) algorithm.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with HCC at KATH in the period 2007–2013. Patient demographics, medical history, investigations, management, and outcome were extracted. BCLC staging was applied to determine their treatment options. Results were expressed as descriptive statistics.

Results

The charts for 206/465 patients were available for review. The male:female ratio was 2:1 and mean age was 44.0 ± 14.5 years. Common presenting complaints were abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and jaundice. hepatitis B virus (HBV) positivity was 52 %. Almost all patients received only supportive treatment. None underwent surgery, ablation, or transarterial chemoembolization. BCLC staging could be completed for 118 patients. Using predicted INR values in cases without the result, < 8 % of patients were eligible for resection, transplantation, or ablation; 25–53 % were eligible for embolization or sorafenib therapy. Up to 72 % were eligible only for supportive care. Seventy‐six percent of patients reviewed were discharged alive; 71 % of patients whose charts were not available died during an admission. Thus, of the 465‐patient cohort, 50 % died in the hospital.

Conclusions

The majority of HCC in our population is caused by HBV. Up to 61 % of patients may be eligible for curative treatment, transarterial chemoembolization, or sorafenib treatment. This percentage may be increased with a robust surveillance program for patients at increased risk for HCC. Hepatitis B vaccination must also be a public health priority.
Expression of scorpion toxin LqhIT2 increases the virulence of Metarhizium acridum towards Locusta migratoria manilensis
Authors: Peng Guoxiong , Xia Yuxian
Published: August 2014

LqhIT2 is an insect-specific neurotoxin from the venom of scorpion. In this study, the LqhIT2 gene was introduced into the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium acridum. The virulence of the genetically modified strain MaLqhIT2 was then evaluated against locusts (Locusta migratoria manilensis). Compared with the wild-type strain, the median lethal cell density (LC50) for MaLqhIT2 was a 22.6-fold lower, and the median times to death (LT50) for MaLqhIT2 were reduced by 30.3 and 29.6 %, respectively, after topical inoculation and injection. MaLqhIT2 also grew significantly faster in the hemolymph than wild-type strain. There were no significant differences in germination, appressorium formation and sporulation in locust carcasses between the MaLqhIT2 and wild-type strain. These results indicate that LqhIT2 increased the virulence of M. acridum towards locusts by shortening the in vivo infection period, without affecting cuticle penetration or conidia formation in the carcasses. LqhIT2 thus shows considerable potential for increasing fungal virulence against locusts.
The selective roles of chaperone systems on over-expression of human-like collagen in recombinant Escherichia coli
Authors: Jia Qingliang , Luo Yan’e
Published: August 2014

Human-like collagen (HLC) is a novel biomedical material with promising applications. Usually, insoluble HLC was formed due to over-expression. In order to improve the production of soluble HLC, the effective chaperone proteins and their mediation roles on HLC were clarified. Trigger factor (TF) pathway with low specificity and high binding affinity to nascent chains could increase soluble HLC expression; GroEL-GroES could increase the expression level of HLC by assisting the correct folding of HLC and increase mRNA level of the gene coding for HLC by enhancing mRNA stability. DnaK chaperone system did not work positively on soluble HLC due to the unbalanced ratio of DnaK:DnaJ:GrpE, especially too high GrpE significantly inhibited DnaK-mediated refolding. The production of soluble HLC with co-expression of exogenous TF and GroEL-GroES was increased by 35.3 % in comparison with the highest value 0.26 g/L reported previously.