bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of particle size on flow and mixing in a bladed granular mixer
Authors: Sarkar Avik , Wassgren Carl R.
Published: September 2014

A number of studies have modeled flow and mixing of granular materials using the discrete element method (DEM). In an attempt to reduce computational costs, many of these DEM studies model particles larger than the actual particle size without investigating the implications of this assumption. Using DEM, the influence of the modeled particle size on flow and mixing in a bladed granular mixer is studied. The predicted flow microdynamics, including mixing rates, are strongly dependent on the particle diameter. The effect of particle size on macroscopic advective flow also is significant, particularly for dilute flow regions. These results suggest that the influence of particle size needs to be taken into consideration when using larger particles in DEM mixing simulations. To guide scale‐up efforts, particle‐size‐based scaling relationships for several key flow measurements are presented. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 46–57, 2015
Integrated solvent and process design exemplified for a Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Zhou Teng , McBride Kevin , Zhang Xiang , Qi Zhiwen , Sundmacher Kai
Published: September 2014

A new kind of solvent descriptor obtained from quantum chemical calculations is introduced. Group contributions to each solvent descriptor are regressed for 71 UNIFAC groups. A reaction kinetic model is built by correlating a set of experimentally determined reaction rate constants in various solvents with the corresponding theoretical solvent descriptors. Based on the kinetic model and the developed group contribution method, a computer‐aided molecular design problem is formulated and optimal solvents to achieve highest reaction rates are identified. For considering the multiple and complicated effects of solvents on a chemical process, an integrated solvent and process design is performed. Solvent molecular structures and process operations are simultaneously optimized by the formulation and solution of a mixed‐integer nonlinear program. The proposed design methodology is exemplified for a selected Diels–Alder reaction. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 147–158, 2015
RAP‐011, an activin receptor ligand trap, increases hemoglobin concentration in hepcidin transgenic mice
Authors: Langdon Jacqueline M. , Barkataki Sangjucta , Berger Alan E. , Cheadle Chris , Xue Qian‐Li , Sung Victoria , Roy Cindy N.
Published: September 2014

Over expression of hepcidin antimicrobial peptide is a common feature of iron‐restricted anemia in humans. We investigated the erythroid response to either erythropoietin or RAP‐011, a “murinized” ortholog of sotatercept, in C57BL/6 mice and in hepcidin antimicrobial peptide 1 over expressing mice. Sotatercept, a soluble, activin receptor type IIA ligand trap, is currently being evaluated for the treatment of anemias associated with chronic renal disease, myelodysplastic syndrome, β‐thalassemia, and Diamond Blackfan anemia and acts by inhibiting signaling downstream of activin and other Transforming Growth Factor‐β superfamily members. We found that erythropoietin and RAP‐011 increased hemoglobin concentration in C57BL/6 mice and in hepcidin antimicrobial peptide 1 over expressing mice. While erythropoietin treatment depleted splenic iron stores in C57BL/6 mice, RAP‐011 treatment did not deplete splenic iron stores in mice of either genotype. Bone marrow erythroid progenitors from erythropoietin‐treated mice exhibited iron‐restricted erythropoiesis, as indicated by increased median fluorescence intensity of transferrin receptor immunostaining by flow cytometry. In contrast, RAP‐011‐treated mice did not exhibit the same degree of iron‐restricted erythropoiesis. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that RAP‐011 can improve hemoglobin concentration in hepcidin antimicrobial peptide 1 transgenic mice. Our data support the hypothesis that RAP‐011 has unique biologic effects which prevent or circumvent depletion of mouse splenic iron stores. RAP‐011 may, therefore, be an appropriate therapeutic for trials in human anemias characterized by increased expression of hepcidin antimicrobial peptide and iron‐restricted erythropoiesis. Am. J. Hematol. 90:8–14, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ERCC6 dysfunction presenting as progressive neurological decline with brain hypomyelination
Authors: Shehata Laila , Simeonov Dimitre R. , Raams Anja , Wolfe Lynne , Vanderver Adeline , Li Xueli , Huang Yan , Garner Shannon , Boerkoel Cornelius F. , Thurm Audrey , Herman Gail E. , Tifft Cynthia J. , He Miao , Jaspers Nicolaas G.J. , Gahl William A.
Published: September 2014

Mutations in ERCC6 are associated with growth failure, intellectual disability, neurological dysfunction and deterioration, premature aging, and photosensitivity. We describe siblings with biallelic ERCC6 mutations (NM_000124.2:c. [543 + 4delA];[2008C > T]) and brain hypomyelination, microcephaly, cognitive decline, and skill regression but without photosensitivity or progeria. DNA repair assays on cultured skin fibroblasts confirmed a defect of transcription‐coupled nucleotide excision repair and increased ultraviolet light sensitivity. This report expands the disease spectrum associated with ERCC6 mutations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
GALNS mutations in Indian patients with mucopolysaccharidosis IVA
Authors: Bidchol Abdul Mueed , Dalal Ashwin , Shah Hitesh , S Suryanarayana , Nampoothiri Sheela , Kabra Madhulika , Gupta Neerja , Danda Sumita , Gowrishankar Kalpana , Phadke Shubha R. , Kapoor Seema , Kamate Mahesh , Verma I.C. , Puri Ratna Dua , Sankar V.H. , Devi A. Radha Rama , Patil S.J. , Ranganath Prajnya , Jain S. Jamal Md Nurul , Agarwal Meenal , Singh Ankur , Mishra Pallavi , Tamhankar Parag M. , Gopinath Puthiya Mundyat , Nagarajaram H.A. , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu , Girisha Katta Mohan
Published: September 2014

Mucopolysaccharidosis IV A (Morquio syndrome A, MPS IVA) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by the deficiency of N‐acetylgalactosamine‐6‐sulfatase (GALNS). The mutation spectrum in this condition is yet to be determined in Indians. We aimed to analyze the mutations in the GALNS gene in Asian Indians with MPS IVA. All the exons and the adjacent intronic regions of the gene were amplified and sequenced in sixty‐eight unrelated Indian families. We identified 136 mutant alleles comprising of 40 different mutations. We report twenty‐two novel mutations that comprise of seventeen missense (p.Asn32Thr, p.Leu36Arg, p.Pro52Leu, p.Pro77Ser, p.Cys79Arg, p.His142Pro, p.Tyr191Asp, p.Asn204Thr, p.Gly188Ser, p.Phe216Ser, p.Trp230Cys, p.Ala291Ser, p.Gly317Arg, p.His329Pro, p.Arg386Ser, p.Glu450Gly, p.Cys501Ser), three splice‐site variants (c.120 + 1G > C, c.1003‐3C > G, c.1139 + 1G > A), one nonsense mutation (p.Gln414*) and one frameshift mutation (p.Pro420Leufs*440). Eighteen mutations have been reported earlier. Among these p.Ser287Leu (8.82%), p.Phe216Ser (7.35%), p.Asn32Thr (6.61%) and p.Ala291Ser (5.88%) were the most frequent mutations in Indian patients but were rare in the mutational profiles reported in other populations. These results indicate that the Indian patients may have a distinct mutation spectrum compared to those of other populations. Mutant alleles in exon 1, 7 and 8 accounted for 44.8% of the mutations, and sequencing of these exons initially may be a cost‐effective approach in Asian Indian patients. This is the largest study on molecular analysis of patients with MPS IVA reported in the literature, and the first report from India. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perinatal features of the RASopathies: Noonan syndrome, Cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome and Costello syndrome
Authors: Myers Angela , Bernstein Jonathan A. , Brennan Marie‐Luise , Curry Cynthia , Esplin Edward D. , Fisher Jamie , Homeyer Margaret , Manning Melanie A. , Muller Eric A. , Niemi Anna‐Kaisa , Seaver Laurie H. , Hintz Susan R. , Hudgins Louanne
Published: September 2014

The RASopathies are a family of developmental disorders caused by heritable defects of the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway. While the postnatal presentation of this group of disorders is well known, the prenatal and neonatal findings are less widely recognized. We report on the perinatal presentation of 10 patients with Noonan syndrome (NS), nine with Cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome (CFCS) and three with Costello syndrome (CS), in conjunction with the results of a comprehensive literature review. The majority of perinatal findings in NS, CS, and CFCS are shared: polyhydramnios; prematurity; lymphatic dysplasia; macrosomia; relative macrocephaly; respiratory distress; hypotonia, as well as cardiac and renal anomalies. In contrast, fetal arrhythmia and neonatal hypoglycemia are relatively specific to CS. NS, CS, and CFCS should all be considered as a possible diagnosis in pregnancies with a normal karyotype and ultrasound findings of a RASopathy. Recognition of the common perinatal findings of these disorders should facilitate both their prenatal and neonatal diagnosis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mehrkomponentenkaskade zur Synthese von Indolen, Pyrazolen und Pyridazinonen durch Funktionalisierung von Alkenen
Authors: Matcha Kiran , Antonchick Andrey P.
Published: September 2014

Die Entwicklung von Mehrkomponentenreaktionen für die Indolsynthese ist anspruchsvoll und kaum erforscht. Die vorliegende Studie beschreibt die Entwicklung eines neuen Ansatzes für die Indolsynthese über eine Mehrkomponentenkaskade. Unter Verwendung einfacher Reagentien, wie nichtfunktionalisierte Alkene, Diazoniumsalze und Natriumtrifluormethansulfinat, wurden verschieden substituierte Indolderivate erhalten. Die unkomplizierte und regioselektive Methode basiert auf der radikalischen Trifluormethylierung von Alkenen als neuartigen Einstieg in die Fischer‐Indolsynthese. Zusätzlich werden Anwendungen der Mehrkomponentenkaskade in der Synthese von Pyrazolen und Pyridazinonen beschrieben.
Preparation of composites of liquid‐crystalline matrix of poly(p‐phenylene‐sulfoterephthalamide) and CaCO3 by In situ mineralization
Authors: Nishio Takashi , Tanaka Yuka , Naka Kensuke
Published: September 2014

Liquid‐crystalline (LC) hydrogels were obtained from an aqueous solution of poly(p‐phenylene‐sulfoterephthalamide) (PPST) by the addition of calcium ions (Ca2+). The critical hydrogel formation ratio of Ca2+ to the sulfonic acid group in PPST (crtRCa = [Ca2+]/[
]) depended on the concentration of PPST, and was independent of the molecular weight of PPST. When the LC hydrogel was prepared at a concentration of 0.5 wt % and crtRCa = 0.6, and was exposed to ammonium carbonate vapor for 96 h, all Ca2+ in the LC hydrogel were converted into calcite crystals. The alternate soaking process for the LC hydrogel induced the formation of two mesocrystal morphologies on and in the Ca2+ cross‐linked LC hydrogel. Plate‐like calcite mesocrystals grew at the hydrogel/solution interface and cubic mesocrystals were present in the inner space of the hydrogel, thus composites with some ordered structures of LC matrix and CaCO3 have been prepared through in situ mineralization. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41455.
Oxygen and animal evolution: Did a rise of atmospheric oxygen “trigger” the origin of animals?
Authors: Mills Daniel B. , Canfield Donald E.
Published: September 2014

Recent studies challenge the classical view that the origin of animal life was primarily controlled by atmospheric oxygen levels. For example, some modern sponges, representing early‐branching animals, can live under 200 times less oxygen than currently present in the atmosphere – levels commonly thought to have been maintained prior to their origination. Furthermore, it is increasingly argued that the earliest animals, which likely lived in low oxygen environments, played an active role in constructing the well‐oxygenated conditions typical of the modern oceans. Therefore, while oxygen is still relevant to understanding early animal evolution, the relationships between the two might be less straightforward than previously thought.
Retracted: Structural characterization and optical properties of Ca2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphor by solid‐state reaction method
Authors: Sahu Ishwar Prasad , Bisen D. P. , Brahme Nameeta
Published: September 2014

Ca2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphor was prepared by the solid‐state reaction method under a weak reducing atmosphere. The obtained phosphor was characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) techniques. The phase structure of the Ca2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphor was akermanite type, which is a member of the melilite group. The surface morphology of the sintered phosphor was not uniform and phosphors aggregated tightly. EDX and FT‐IR spectra confirm the elements present in the Ca2MgSi2O7:Eu2+,Dy3+ phosphor. Under UV excitation, a broadband emission spectrum was found. The emission spectra observed in the green region centered at 535 nm, which is due to the 4f–5d transition. The mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity of the prepared phosphor increased linearly with increases in the mechanical load. The ML spectra were similar to the photoluminescence (PL), which indicates that ML is emitted from the same emitting center of Eu2+ ions as PL. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triterpenoids as Novel Natural Inhibitors of Human Cathepsin L
Authors: Ramalho Suelem D. , De Sousa Lorena R. F. , Nebo Liliane , Maganhi Stella H. , Caracelli Ignez , Zukerman‐Schpector Julio , Lima Maria Inês S. , Alves Marcio F. M. , Da Silva M. Fátima das G. F. , Fernandes João B. , Vieira Paulo C.
Published: September 2014

Cathepsins L (catL) and B play an important role in tumor progression and have been considered promising therapeutic targets in the development of novel anticancer agents. Using a bioactivity‐guided fractionation, a series of triterpenoids was identified as a new class of competitive inhibitors towards cathepsin L with affinity values in micromolar range. Among the 14 compounds evaluated, the most promising were 3‐epiursolic acid (3), 3‐(hydroxyimino)oleanolic acid (9), and 3‐(hydroxyimino)masticadienoic acid (13) with IC50 values of 6.5, 2.4, and 2.6 μM on catL, respectively. Most of the evaluated triterpenoids do not inhibit cathepsin B. Thus, the evaluated compounds exhibit a great potential to help in the design of new inhibitors with enhanced potency and affinity towards catL. Docking studies were performed in order to gain insight on the binding mode and SAR of these compounds.
Further Amphoricarpolides from the Surface Extracts of Amphoricarpos Complex from Montenegro
Authors: Cvetković Mirjana , Ðorđević Iris , Jadranin Milka , Vajs Vlatka , Vučković Ivan , Menković Nebojša , Milosavljević Slobodan , Tešević Vele
Published: September 2014

Analysis of composition of sesquiterpene lactone fraction of leaf cuticular neutral lipids of Amphoricarpos complex from two different localities in north Montenegro, i.e., canyon of river Tara (A. autariatus ssp. autariatus) and mountain Zeletin (A. autariatus ssp. bertisceus) afforded sesquiterpene lactones with guaianolide skeletons (17 compounds), so called amphoricarpolides, typical for this genus. Nine of them, 9–17, were new compounds, and their structures were elucidated by detailed analyses of IR, NMR, and MS data.
Cognitive evolutionary therapy for depression: a case study
Authors: Giosan Cezar , Muresan Vlad , Moldovan Ramona
Published: September 2014

Key Clinical Message

We present an evolutionary‐driven cognitive–behavioral intervention for a moderately depressed patient. Standard cognitive and behavioral therapy techniques focused on the patient's perfectionistic and self‐downing beliefs, while novel, evolutionary‐informed techniques were used to guide behavioral activation and conceptualize secondary emotional problems related to anger. The treatment reduced depressive symptomatology and increased evolutionary fitness.
2,2′‐Bipyridine‐Based Dendritic Structured Compounds for Second Harmonic Generation
Authors: Büchert Marina , Steenbock Torben , Lukaschek Christian , Wolff Marie C. , Herrmann Carmen , Heck Jürgen
Published: September 2014

Parallel alignment of dipolar electron‐donor–π‐bridge‐electron‐acceptor entities can strongly enhance their nonlinear optical properties. This favorable arrangement can be in principle achieved by linking these units covalently or through metal coordination. Four dipolar single‐strand chromophores decorated with a 5‐electron‐donor–5′‐electron‐acceptor‐modified 2,2′‐bipyridine functionality were synthesized. For two of these chromophores triple‐stranded dendritic structures were successfully formed. All of the compounds were characterized with respect to their linear and nonlinear optical properties. For the aldehyde derivatives an enhancement of the first hyperpolarizability of 4.5 rather than 3 was obtained when going from single to triple strands. Theoretical calculations with density functional theory suggest that interstrand transitions contribute to the optical properties of the dendritic structures.
Nitric Oxide Insertion Reactivity with the Bismuth–Carbon Bond: Formation of the Oximate Anion, [ON(C6H2tBu2O)]−, from the Oxyaryl Dianion, (C6H2tBu2O)2−
Authors: Kindra Douglas R. , Casely Ian J. , Ziller Joseph W. , Evans William J.
Published: September 2014

The first example of NO insertion into a BiC bond has been found in the direct reaction of NO with a Bi3+ complex of the unusual (C6H2tBu2‐3,5‐O‐4)2− oxyaryl dianionic ligand, namely, Ar′Bi(C6H2tBu2‐3,5‐O‐4) [Ar′=2,6‐(Me2NCH2)2C6H3] (1). The oximate complexes [Ar′Bi(ONC6H2‐3,5‐tBu2‐4‐O)]2(μ‐O) (3) and Ar′Bi(ONC6H2‐3,5‐tBu2‐4‐O)2 (4) were formed as a mixture, but can be isolated in pure form by reaction of NO with a Bi3+ complex of the [O2C(C6H2tBu2‐3‐5‐O‐4]2− oxyarylcarboxy dianion, namely, Ar′Bi[O2C(C6H2tBu2‐3‐5‐O‐4)‐κ2O,O’]. Reaction of 1 with Ph3CSNO gave an oximate product with (Ph3CS)1− as an ancillary ligand, (Ph3CS)(Ar′)Bi(ONC6H2‐3,5‐tBu2‐4‐O) (5).
Tobacco control: Up in E‐smoke?
Authors: Veeraraghavan Srihari
Published: September 2014

Electronic cigarettes are rapidly gaining popularity. However, the lack of regulation has the potential to undermine decades of tobacco cessation efforts.
Tracking viable circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing definitive radiation therapy: Pilot study results
Authors: Dorsey Jay F. , Kao Gary D. , MacArthur Kelly M. , Ju Melody , Steinmetz David , Wileyto E. Paul , Simone Charles B. , Hahn Stephen M.
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

Assays identifying circulating tumor cells (CTCs) allow noninvasive and sequential monitoring of the status of primary or metastatic tumors, potentially yielding clinically useful information. However, to the authors' knowledge, the effect of radiation therapy (RT) on CTCs in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been previously explored.

METHODS

This report describes results from a pilot study of 30 patients with NSCLC who received RT. Peripheral blood samples obtained from these patients were assayed for CTCs using an assay that identified live cells using an adenoviral probe that detected the elevated telomerase activity present in almost all cancer cells, but not in normal cells, and the validity of the assay was confirmed with secondary tumor‐specific markers. Patients were assayed before initiation of RT (pre‐RT), during the RT course, and/or after the completion of RT (post‐RT).

RESULTS

The assay successfully detected CTCs in the majority of patients, including 65% of patients before the start of RT, and in patients with both epidermal growth factor receptor wild‐type and mutation‐positive tumors. The median CTC counts in patients before RT was 9.1 CTCs per mL (range, undetectable to 571 CTCs per mL) and was significantly higher than the average post‐RT count of 0.6 CTCs per mL (range, undetectable to 1.8 CTCs per mL; P<.001). Sequential CTC counts were available in a subset of patients and demonstrated decreases after RT, except for 1 patient who subsequently developed distant failure.

CONCLUSIONS

The current pilot data suggest that CTC counts appear to reflect response to RT in patients with localized NSCLC. On the basis of these promising results, the authors have launched a more comprehensive and detailed clinical trial. Cancer 2015;121:139–149. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
An optimized and scalable eigensolver for sequences of eigenvalue problems
Authors: Berljafa Mario , Wortmann Daniel , Di Napoli Edoardo
Published: September 2014

In many scientific applications, the solution of nonlinear differential equations are obtained through the setup and solution of a number of successive eigenproblems. These eigenproblems can be regarded as a sequence whenever the solution of one problem fosters the initialization of the next. In addition, in some eigenproblem sequences, there is a connection between the solutions of adjacent eigenproblems. Whenever it is possible to unravel the existence of such a connection, the eigenproblem sequence is said to be correlated. When facing with a sequence of correlated eigenproblems, the current strategy amounts to solving each eigenproblem in isolation. We propose an alternative approach that exploits such correlation through the use of an eigensolver based on subspace iteration and accelerated with Chebyshev polynomials (Chebyshev filtered subspace iteration (ChFSI)). The resulting eigensolver is optimized by minimizing the number of matrix–vector multiplications and parallelized using the Elemental library framework. Numerical results show that ChFSI achieves excellent scalability and is competitive with current dense linear algebra parallel eigensolvers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complex Surface Chemistry of an Otherwise Inert Solvent Molecule: Tetrahydrofuran on Si(001)
Authors: Mette Gerson , Reutzel Marcel , Bartholomäus Ruben , Laref Slimane , Tonner Ralf , Dürr Michael , Koert Ulrich , Höfer Ulrich
Published: September 2014

The reaction of tetrahydrofuran (THF), an otherwise inert solvent molecule, on Si(001) was experimentally studied in ultra‐high vacuum. Using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and photoelectron spectroscopy at variable temperature, we could both isolate a datively bound intermediate state of THF on Si(001), as well as the final configuration that bridges two dimer rows of the Si(001) surface after ether cleavage. The latter configuration implies splitting of the OC bond, which is typically kinetically suppressed. THF thus exhibits a hitherto unknown reactivity on Si(001).
DNA Targeting by Cationic Porphyrin–Ruthenium(II) Conjugates
Authors: Musetti Caterina , Spagnul Cinzia , Mion Giuliana , Da Ros Sivia , Gianferrara Teresa , Sissi Claudia
Published: September 2014

Porphyrins and metalloporphyrins are investigated extensively as potential anticancer drugs. They work as DNA binding agents as well as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy. Conjugation of the macrocycle with organometallic complexes is a powerful tool to implement the water solubility of the adducts and to provide distinct cytotoxic properties. Herein, six fourfold‐symmetric cationic porphyrin–ruthenium(II) conjugates (P1–P6) are considered, which differ from one another by the substituents on the RuII fragments, the linkage of the metal fragments to the porphyrin, and the total positive charge. Their interaction with DNA sequences arranged in different conformations is investigated. The data suggest that the tested conjugates discriminate poorly between different DNA structures. Indeed, unfolded DNA works efficiently as a template for the cationic conjugates. Nevertheless, they are extremely efficient in cleaving the macromolecule upon irradiation, regardless of its structural arrangement.
Life Cycle Analysis within Pharmaceutical Process Optimization and Intensification: Case Study of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Production
Authors: Ott Denise , Kralisch Dana , Denčić Ivana , Hessel Volker , Laribi Yosra , Perrichon Philippe D. , Berguerand Charline , Kiwi‐Minsker Lioubov , Loeb Patrick
Published: September 2014

As the demand for new drugs is rising, the pharmaceutical industry faces the quest of shortening development time, and thus, reducing the time to market. Environmental aspects typically still play a minor role within the early phase of process development. Nevertheless, it is highly promising to rethink, redesign, and optimize process strategies as early as possible in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) process development, rather than later at the stage of already established processes. The study presented herein deals with a holistic life‐cycle‐based process optimization and intensification of a pharmaceutical production process targeting a low‐volume, high‐value API. Striving for process intensification by transfer from batch to continuous processing, as well as an alternative catalytic system, different process options are evaluated with regard to their environmental impact to identify bottlenecks and improvement potentials for further process development activities.
Cochrane in context: Probiotics for prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants
Authors: Robinson Joan
Published: September 2014

Cochrane Review: Probiotics for prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants AlFaleh K, Anabrees J. Probiotics for prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD005496. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005496.pub4.

This companion piece to the review, “Probiotics for prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants,” contains the following pieces:

The abstract of the review

A commentary from Joan Robinson, editor‐in‐chief for Evidence‐Based Child Health, discussing the importance of this review

A review of clinical practice guidelines

Some other recently published references on this topic
The Effect of ZnII Coordination on the Addition of 2‐(Aminomethyl)benzimidazole to Acrylonitrile
Authors: Falcón‐León Martha P. , Tapia‐Benavides Antonio R. , Tlahuext Hugo , Galán‐Vidal Carlos , Suarez‐Castillo Oscar R. , Tlahuextl Margarita
Published: September 2014

The effects of N→Zn coordination, solvent, and pH on the aza‐addition reaction between 2‐(aminomethyl)benzimidazole (HL) and acrylonitrile were studied. In the absence of ZnII ion, the aza‐addition reactions between HL and acrylonitrile (in aqueous media) depended on pH and were not selective. The mono‐addition compound {3‐[(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐ylmethyl)amino]propanenitrile} was always obtained in a greater proportion than the di‐addition products [3,3′‐[(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐ylmethyl)imino]dipropanenitrile and 3‐(2‐{[(2‐cyanoethyl)amino]methyl}‐1H‐benzimidazol‐1‐yl)propanenitrile]. Acrylonitrile selectively reacted at the amine group in the [ZnCl3(H2L)] and [ZnCl2(HL)] complexes in aqueous solutions. Moreover, [ZnCl(HL)2]Cl and [Zn(H2O)2(HL)2]Cl2 complexes yielded mixtures of mono‐ and di‐addition products. In contrast, Zn complexes formed with HL did not react with acrylonitrile in solution in DMSO. The synthesis of mono‐ and di‐addition compounds was studied by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction crystallography. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) computations were used to demonstrate the probable presence of a mono‐addition chelate complex.
Optimum multi‐service access selection over heterogeneous wireless networks
Authors: Choque Johnny , Díez Luis‐Francisco , García Alberto‐Eloy , Agüero Ramón , Muñoz Luis
Published: September 2014

This paper proposes a methodology to analyse connectivity over highly heterogeneous wireless networks. We consider a scenario comprising a large number of access elements and end users, who move and initiate different services according to some patterns. The framework that has been implemented takes periodic snapshots, each of them used to pose a different optimization problem. We take into account the intention of end users to have a connection (those with an active service), disregarding idle users, as well as the outcome of the previous problems (for instance, the base station a particular user was connected to). The feasibility of the methodology proposed in this work is assessed with a scenario over which we study different access selection strategies including the following criteria: price of resources, service affinity towards particular technologies as well as the willingness to reduce the number of handovers. The results validate the proposed methodology and highlight the impact that an appropriate design of the access selection strategy may have. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolite changes during natural and lactic acid bacteria fermentations in pastes of soybeans and soybean–maize blends
Authors: Ng'ong'ola‐Manani Tinna Austen , Østlie Hilde Marit , Mwangwela Agnes Mbachi , Wicklund Trude
Published: September 2014

The effect of natural and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation processes on metabolite changes in pastes of soybeans and soybean–maize blends was studied. Pastes composed of 100% soybeans, 90% soybeans and 10% maize, and 75% soybeans and 25% maize were naturally fermented (NFP), and were fermented by lactic acid bacteria (LFP). LAB fermentation processes were facilitated through back‐slopping using a traditional fermented gruel, thobwa as an inoculum. Naturally fermented pastes were designated 100S, 90S, and 75S, while LFP were designated 100SBS, 90SBS, and 75SBS. All samples, except 75SBS, showed highest increase in soluble protein content at 48 h and this was highest in 100S (49%) followed by 90SBS (15%), while increases in 100SBS, 90S, and 75S were about 12%. Significant (P < 0.05) increases in total amino acids throughout fermentation were attributed to cysteine in 100S and 90S; and methionine in 100S and 90SBS. A 3.2% increase in sum of total amino acids was observed in 75SBS at 72 h, while decreases up to 7.4% in 100SBS at 48 and 72 h, 6.8% in 100S at 48 h and 4.7% in 75S at 72 h were observed. Increases in free amino acids throughout fermentation were observed in glutamate (NFP and 75SBS), GABA and alanine (LFP). Lactic acid was 2.5‐ to 3.5‐fold higher in LFP than in NFP, and other organic acids detected were acetate and succinate. Maltose levels were the highest among the reducing sugars and were two to four times higher in LFP than in NFP at the beginning of the fermentation, but at 72 h, only fructose levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in LFP than in NFP. Enzyme activities were higher in LFP at 0 h, but at 72 h, the enzyme activities were higher in NFP. Both fermentation processes improved nutritional quality through increased protein and amino acid solubility and degradation of phytic acid (85% in NFP and 49% in LFP by 72 h).
SeqSIMLA2: Simulating Correlated Quantitative Traits Accounting for Shared Environmental Effects in User‐Specified Pedigree Structure
Authors: Chung Ren‐Hua , Tsai Wei‐Yun , Hsieh Chang‐Hsun , Hung Kuan‐Yi , Hsiung Chao A. , Hauser Elizabeth R.
Published: September 2014

Simulation tools that simulate sequence data in unrelated cases and controls or in families with quantitative traits or disease status are important for genetic studies. The simulation tools can be used to evaluate the statistical power for detecting the causal variants when planning a genetic epidemiology study, or to evaluate the statistical properties for new methods. We previously developed SeqSIMLA version 1 (SeqSIMLA1), which simulates family or case‐control data with a disease or quantitative trait model. SeqSIMLA1, and several other tools that simulate quantitative traits, do not specifically model the shared environmental effects among relatives on a trait. However, shared environmental effects are commonly observed for some traits in families, such as body mass index. SeqSIMLA1 simulates a fixed three‐generation family structure. However, it would be ideal to simulate prespecified pedigree structures for studies involving large pedigrees. Thus, we extended SeqSIMLA1 to create SeqSIMLA2, which can simulate correlated traits and considers the shared environmental effects. SeqSIMLA2 can also simulate prespecified large pedigree structures. There are no restrictions on the number of individuals that can be simulated in a pedigree. We used a blood pressure example to demonstrate that SeqSIMLA2 can simulate realistic correlation structures between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure among relatives. We also showed that SeqSIMLA2 can simulate large pedigrees with large chromosomal regions in a reasonable time frame.
Functionalization of 2″‐C‐(Piperazinomethyl)‐2′,3′‐BcNA (Bicyclic Nucleic Acids) with Pyren‐1‐ylcarbonyl Units
Authors: Borre Hansen Morten , Krog Andersen Nicolai , Raunkjær Michael , Trolle Jørgensen Per , Wengel Jesper
Published: September 2014

Herein, we describe the incorporation of 2″‐C‐(piperazinomethyl)‐2′,3′‐BcNA (Bicyclic Nucleic Acids) into oligonucleotides via phosphoramidite chemistry and their subsequent solid‐phase functionalization with pyren‐1‐ylcarbonyl units after oligonucleotide synthesis. Thermal denaturation measurements showed that one modification led to increased thermal stability of the resulting duplex, and that two modifications could be incorporated in close proximity without decreasing the duplex stability (compared to the duplex stability of unmodified RNA). Fluorescence studies of the modified duplexes revealed that the structure and intensity of the fluorescence spectra were largely sequence‐dependent. Furthermore, molecular‐modeling studies showed that the pyrene moieties are placed in the major groove, and that the configuration at C(2″) is important for the thermal stability of the duplex.
Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure Bis‐Sulfinyl Substituted Phenylene Ethynylenes
Authors: Barattucci Anna , Chiara Aversa Maria , Deni Elisa , Papalia Teresa , Bonaccorsi Paola
Published: September 2014

The stereoselective and efficient monoaddition of transient [(1S,2R,4R)‐2‐hydroxy‐7,7‐dimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐1‐yl]methanesulfenic (=(1S)‐isoborneol‐10‐sulfenic) acid to isomeric diethynylbenzenes affords {1‐[(1S)‐isoborneol‐10‐sulfinyl]ethenyl}ethynylbenzenes. Their enantiomerically pure (RS)‐epimers are involved in a Cu‐free Sonogashira coupling with 1,4‐diiodo‐2,5‐dimethoxybenzene to give C2‐symmetric bis‐sulfinyl phenylene ethynylenes, stimulating prototypes of new sulfurated chiral architectures that can find application as chelating agents.
Organocatalyzed and Uncatalyzed CC/CC and CC/CN Exchange Processes between Knoevenagel and Imine Compounds in Dynamic Covalent Chemistry
Authors: Kulchat Sirinan , Meguellati Kamel , Lehn Jean‐Marie
Published: September 2014

Molecular diversity generation through reversible component exchange has acquired great importance in the last decade with the development of dynamic covalent chemistry. We explore here the recombination of components linked by CC and CN bonds through reversible double‐bond formation, and cleavage in CC/CC and CC/CN exchange processes. The reversibility of the Knoevenagel reaction has been explored, and CC/CC C/C exchanges have been achieved among different benzylidenes, under organocatalysis by secondary amines such as L‐proline. The substituents of these benzylidenes were shown to play a very important role in the kinetics of the exchange reactions. L‐Proline is also used to catalyze the reversible CC/CC exchange between Knoevenagel derivatives of barbituric acid and malononitrile. Finally, the interconversion between Knoevenagel derivatives of dimethylbarbituric acid and imines (CC/CN exchange) has been studied and was found to occur rapidly in the absence of catalyst. The results of this study pave the way for the extension of dynamic combinatorial chemistry based on CC/CC and CC/CN exchange systems.
Evaluation of irrigation water use efficiency using remote sensing in the middle reach of the Heihe river, in the semi‐arid Northwestern China
Authors: Wu Xuejiao , Zhou Jian , Wang Haijing , Li Yan , Zhong Bo
Published: September 2014

Irrigation of agricultural oases is the main water consumer in semi‐arid and arid regions of Northwestern China. The accurate estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) on the oases is extremely important for evaluating water use efficiency so as to reasonably allocate water resources, particularly in semi‐arid and arid areas. In this study, we integrated the soil moisture information into surface energy balance system (SEBS) for improving irrigated crop water consumption estimation. The new approach fed with the moderate resolution imaging spectro‐radiometer images mapped spatiotemporal ET on the oasis in the middle reach of the Heihe river. The daily ET outputs of the new approach were compared with those of the original SEBS using the eddy correlation observations, and the results demonstrate that the modified SEBS remedied the shortcoming of general overestimating ET without regard to soil water stress. Meanwhile, the crop planting structure and leaf area index spatiotemporal distribution in the studied region were derived from the high‐resolution Chinese satellite HJ‐1/CCD images for helping analyse the pattern of the monthly ET (ETmonthly). The results show that the spatiotemporal variation of ETmonthly is closely related to artificial irrigation and crop growth. Further evaluation of current irrigation water use efficiency was conducted on both irrigation district scale and the whole middle reach of the Heihe river. The results reveal that the average fraction of consumed water on irrigation district scale is 57% in 2012. The current irrigation water system is irrational because only 52% of the total irrigated amount was used to fulfil plant ET requirement and the rest of the irrigation water recharged into groundwater in the oasis in 2012. However, in view of the whole middle reach of the Heihe river, the irrigation water use efficiency could reach to 66% in 2012. But pumping groundwater for reused irrigation wastes mostly energy instead of water. An improved irrigation water allocation system according to actual ET requirement is needed to increase irrigation efficiency per cubic meter water resource in an effort to save both water and energy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Empirical Failure of Purchasing Power Parity Tests
Authors: Pelagatti Matteo , Colombo Emilio
Published: September 2014

Empirical research on the validity of the purchasing power parity (PPP) condition is generally based on real exchange rates built using the consumer price index (CPI), but fails to provide clear support to PPP. In this paper we show theoretically that, even if the law of one price (LOP) holds for traded goods, CPI‐based real exchange rates are not mean reverting, and are neither stationary nor integrated. Therefore, both unit root and stationarity tests should reject their null. Our theoretical results are validated both by simulations and an empirical application. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of plasma treatment on the performance of two drug‐loaded hydrogel formulations for therapeutic contact lenses
Authors: Paradiso Patrizia , Chu Virginia , Santos Luís , Serro Ana Paula , Colaço Rogério , Saramago Benilde
Published: September 2014

Although the plasma technology has long been applied to treat contact lenses, the effect of this treatment on the performance of drug‐loaded contact lenses is still unclear. The objective of this work is to study the effect of nitrogen plasma treatment on two drug‐loaded polymeric formulations which previously demonstrated to be suitable for therapeutic contact lenses: a poly‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate (pHEMA) based hydrogel loaded with levofloxacin and a silicone‐based hydrogel loaded with chlorhexidine. Modifications of the surface and the optical properties, and alterations in the drug release profiles and possible losses of the antimicrobial activities of the drugs induced by the plasma treatment were assessed. The results showed that, depending on the system and on the processing conditions, the plasma treatment may be beneficial for increasing wettability and refractive index, without degrading the lens surface. From the point of view of drug delivery, plasma irradiation at moderate power (200 W) decreased the initial release rate and the amount of released drug, maintaining the drug activity. For lower (100 W) and higher powers (300 W), almost no effect was detected because the treatment was, respectively, too soft and too aggressive for the lens materials. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1059–1068, 2015.
Effect of vitamin D3 intake on the onset of disease in a murine model of human Krabbe disease
Authors: Paintlia Manjeet K. , Singh Inderjit , Singh Avtar K.
Published: September 2014

Low vitamin D level is a risk factor for various late‐onset CNS demyelinating disorders. We investigated whether vitamin D deficiency influences disease in twitcher mice (GALCtwi/twi; twi), a murine model of Krabbe disease (KD), an inherited disorder caused by galactocerebrosidase (GALC) deficiency that leads to psychosine accumulation, oligodendrocyte (OL) loss, and CNS demyelination. We found that the in situ 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 level was reduced, with a parallel increase in the expression of inflammatory cytokines and vitamin D‐catabolizing enzymes in the brains of KD and twi mice compared with age‐matched controls. Pups maintained on milk from lactating heterozygous (GALCtwi/+) mothers that were fed a vitamin D3‐supplemented diet until weaning and then fed a vitamin D3‐supplemented diet demonstrated delayed body weight loss and development of disease in twi mice. This delayed the onset of tremors and locomotor disabilities that eventually impacted the life span of twi mice (50 ± 2 days). Accordingly, the expression of antioxidant enzymes was increased with delayed psychosine accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory response that eventually protected CNS myelin and axonal integrity in twi mice. In vitro studies revealed that 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 enhances antioxidant defenses in OLs deficient for GALC or incubated with psychosine. Together these data provide the first evidence that vitamin D deficiency affects disease development in twi mice and that vitamin D3 supplementation has the potential to improve the efficacy of KD therapeutics. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tyrosine 251 at the C‐terminus of neuronal glycoprotein M6a is critical for neurite outgrowth
Authors: Formoso Karina , Billi Silvia C. , Frasch Alberto C. , Scorticati Camila
Published: September 2014

Neuronal glycoprotein M6a is involved in neuronal plasticity, promoting neurite and filopodia outgrowth and, likely, synaptogenesis. Polymorphisms in the human M6a gene GPM6A have recently been associated with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and claustrophobia. Nevertheless, the molecular bases underlying these observations remain unknown. We have previously documented that, to induce filopodia formation, M6a depends on the association of membrane lipid microdomains and the activation of Src and mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinases. Here, in silico analysis of the phosphorylation of tyrosine 251 (Y251) at the C‐terminus of M6a showed that it could be a target of Src kinases. We examined whether phosphorylation of M6a at Y251 affects neurite and filopodia outgrowth and the targets involved in its signal propagation. This work provides evidence that the Src kinase family and the phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K), but not Ras, participate in M6a signal cascade leading to neurite/filopodia outgrowth in hippocampal neurons and murine neuroblastoma N2a cells. Phosphorylation of M6a at Y251 is essential only for neurite outgrowth by the PI3K/AKT‐mediated pathway and, moreover, rescues the inhibition caused by selective Src inhibitor and external M6a monoclonal antibody treatment. Thus, we suggest that phosphorylation of M6a at Y251 is critical for a specific stage of neuronal development and triggers redundant signaling pathways leading to neurite extension. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extraction of methocarbamol from human plasma with a polypyrrole/multiwalled carbon nanotubes composite decorated with magnetic nanoparticles as an adsorbent followed by electrospray ionization ion mobility spectrometry detection†
Authors: Saraji Mohammad , Khayamian Taghi , Hashemian Zahra
Published: September 2014

In this work, a polypyrrole/multiwalled carbon nanotubes composite decorated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles was chemically synthesized and applied as a novel adsorbent for the extraction of methocarbamol from human plasma. Electrospray ionization ion mobility spectrometry was used for the determination of the analyte. The properties of the magnetic‐modified adsorbent were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The effects of experimental parameters on the extraction efficiency of the sorbent were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the linear dynamic range was found to be 2–150 ng/mL with the detection limit of 0.9 ng/mL. The relative standard deviation was 5.3% for three replicate measurements of methocarbamol in plasma sample. The extraction efficiency of the sorbent for the determination of different drugs with various polarities was also compared to that of Fe3O4‐polypyrrole and Fe3O4‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes sorbents. Finally, the method was used for the determination of methocarbamol in blood samples.
Functionalized graphene quantum dots loaded with free radicals combined with liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry to screen radical scavenging natural antioxidants from Licorice and Scutellariae
Authors: Wang Guoying , Niu XiuLi , Shi Gaofeng , Chen Xuefu , Yao Ruixing , Chen Fuwen
Published: September 2014

A novel screening method was developed for the detection and identification of radical scavenging natural antioxidants based on a free radical reaction combined with liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Functionalized graphene quantum dots were prepared for loading free radicals in the complex screening system. The detection was performed with and without a preliminary exposure of the samples to specific free radicals on the functionalized graphene quantum dots, which can facilitate charge transfer between free radicals and antioxidants. The difference in chromatographic peak areas was used to identify potential antioxidants. This is a novel approach to simultaneously evaluate the antioxidant power of a component versus a free radical, and to identify it in a vegetal matrix. The structures of the antioxidants in the samples were identified using tandem mass spectrometry and comparison with standards. Fourteen compounds were found to possess potential antioxidant activity, and their free radical scavenging capacities were investigated. The order of scavenging capacity of 14 compounds was compared according to their free radical scavenging rate. 4′,5,6,7‐Tetrahydroxyflavone (radical scavenging rate: 0.05253 mL mg−1 s−1) showed the strongest capability for scavenging free radicals.