bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of esterase inhibitors: A possible new approach to protect unsaturated fatty acids from ruminal biohydrogenation
Authors: Sargolzehi Mohammad Mahdi , Naserian Abbasali , Asoodeh Ahmad , Roknabadi Masoumeh Rezaee , Shin Jong Suh , Ghassemi Nejad Jalil , Peng Jing Lun , Lee Bae Hun , Ji Do Hyeon , Haghparast Alireza , Mirshahi Ali , Arshami Javad , Goli Amir Afkhami , Valizadeh Reza , Sung Kyung Il
Published: July 2015

General nutritional guidelines recommend reducing the consumption of fats originated from ruminant products. This is due to the ruminal biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) which leads to the presence of unhealthy saturated or trans fats in ruminant products. Here, for the first time to our knowledge, we have focused on the main biochemical process which results in the saturation of UFAs. Rumen lipolytic activity (RLA) generates non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) in the rumen, which are a prerequisite for the biohydrogenation process to occur. We have examined different concentrations of pyridostigmine bromide (PB), of reversible cholinesterase inhibitor, in batch cultures containing 80 mg soybean oil, as a source of triglyceride. PB is the main active compound of an FDA approved drug for the treatment of myasthenia gravis and also pretreatment against nerve gas in humans. Our hypothesis was to evaluate PB as an inhibitor for RLA. In normal conditions, soon after triglycerides enter the rumen, they are hydrolyzed as a result and free fatty acids undergo the biohydrogenation process. Our results indicated that no significant (P > 0.01) reduction in linoleic acid (C18:2, ω6) after 6 h incubation was observed for cultures containing PB with concentrations above 0.052 g/dL. We concluded that PB has the potential to inhibit RLA in cultures after 6 h of incubation. Such findings suggest the potential of PB to be utilized in vivo as a feed additive to inhibit biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids in the rumen.

Practical applications: The biohydrogenation of health benefitial unsaturated fatty acids in the rumen cause ruminant products, such as milk and meat, to contain highly saturated fats. Inhibition of rumen microbial lipolytic activity in vivo could increase the flow of unsaturated fatty acids for absorption and therefore, would have the potential to improve fatty acid composition of ruminant milk and meat. This would also have benefits for the animal.

In normal ruminal fermentation, unsaturated fatty acids are hydrolyzed as a result of rumen lipolytic activity. Hydrolysis of lipids and production of non‐esterified fatty acids are prerequisite for biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids. We have applied esterase inhibitors in vitro to investigate whether it is possible to block rumen lipolytic activity or not. Our objective was to introduce a new method to bypass unsaturated fatty acids to small intestine.
Exploring patterns of explicit and implicit anti‐gay attitudes in Muslims and Atheists
Authors: Anderson Joel , Koc Yasin
Published: July 2015

Research into the relationship between religion and anti‐gay attitudes frequently focuses on Christianity. We explored the role of religiosity dimensions, previous contact, and factors in the dual‐process motivation model as predictors of explicit and implicit anti‐gay attitudes in samples of Muslims and Atheists. The explicit and implicit attitudes of Muslims were more negative than the attitudes of Atheists. Explicit attitudes were more negative towards gay men than lesbians; implicit attitudes were negative towards gay men but were unexpectedly positive towards lesbians. In regression analyses, religious fundamentalism and extrinsic religious orientations (Study 1), and contact and right‐wing authoritarianism (Study 2) were strong significant predictors of explicit anti‐gay attitudes. Interestingly, none of the factors of interest predicted implicit anti‐gay attitudes. These findings reveal a strong link between Islam and explicit anti‐gay attitudes, but suggest that the relationship between religion and implicit anti‐gay attitudes may be more complex than previously thought.
When majority members exclude ethnic minorities: The impact of shame on the desire to object to immoral acts
Authors: Berndsen Mariëtte , Gausel Nicolay
Published: July 2015

In recent years, ethnic minorities have experienced an increase in acts of exclusion. In two studies, we demonstrated how ingroup members' felt shame about such immoral behavior explained their desire to pro‐socially object to this immorality by distancing from the perpetrating ingroup and by wanting to support the affected minorities. We showed how the desire to pro‐socially object varies as a function of national identification. As expected, nationally attached identifiers' felt shame for the immoral behavior was linked with greater willingness to pro‐socially object to it. The opposite pattern was found for nationally glorifying identifiers. In the second study, we found that anger directed at the ingroup partially explained the relationship between group‐based shame and the pro‐social desire to object. The results contribute to the literature on shame and pro‐social motivations by showing that distancing from the perpetrating ingroup can be considered as a pro‐social strategy rather than a defensive one.
Explicit but not implicit sexist beliefs predict benevolent and hostile sexist behavior
Authors: de Oliveira Laux Stephanie H. , Ksenofontov Inna , Becker Julia C.
Published: July 2015

Much work has been carried out on sexist attitudes, but only little on sexist behaviors. The goal of the present research was to close this gap by testing how a variety of benevolent and hostile sexist behaviors correlate with implicit and explicit sexist attitudes. In Study 1 (N = 126), we developed implicit association tests for benevolent sexism and hostile sexism and illustrated that implicit and explicit benevolent sexist beliefs, as well as implicit and explicit hostile sexist beliefs, were positively correlated. In Study 2 (N = 83 of Study 1), we tested whether implicit and explicit benevolent and hostile sexist attitudes correlate with benevolent and hostile sexist behaviors. As expected, explicit benevolent (but not hostile) sexist attitudes predicted benevolent sexist behavior, whereas explicit hostile (but not benevolent) sexist attitudes predicted hostile sexist behavior. Implicit sexist attitudes did not predict sexist behavior. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Electrochemical Behaviour and Rapid Determination of L‐Dopa at Electrochemically Pretreated Screen Printed Carbon Electrode
Authors: Rabinca Andreea Alexandra , Buleandra Mihaela , Balan Adriana , Stamatin Ioan , Ciucu Anton Alexandru
Published: July 2015

A simple and rapid voltammetric method based on a disposable electrochemically pretreated screen‐printed carbon electrode is proposed for the determination of L‐dopa. Under optimum differential pulse voltammetry conditions a limit of detection of 3.6×10−7 M for L‐dopa was obtained. The method was successfully applied to the determination of L‐dopa in a commercial pharmaceutical formulation.
Construction and Application of Flow Enzymatic Biosensor Based of Silver Solid Amalgam Electrode for Determination of Sarcosine
Authors: Josypčuk Oksana , Barek Jiří , Josypčuk Bohdan
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the flow amperometric enzymatic biosensor based on polished silver solid amalgam electrode for determination of sarcosine in model sample under flow injection analysis conditions is presented. The biosensor works on principle of electrochemical detection of oxygen decrease during enzymatic reaction which is directly proportional to the concentration of sarcosine in sample. The whole preparation process takes about 3 h. The RSD of repeatability of 10 consecutive measurements is 1.6 % (csarcosine=1.0×10−4 mol dm−3). Under optimal conditions the calibration dependence was linear in the range 7.5×10−6–5.0×10−4 mol dm−3 and limit of detection was 2.0×10−6 mol dm−3.
A Simple and Renewable Nanoporous Gold‐based Electrochemical Sensor for Bisphenol A Detection
Authors: Yan Xupeng , Zhou Chuqing , Yan Yan , Zhu Ye
Published: July 2015

A sensitive and simple electrochemical sensor based on nanoporous gold (NPG) was developed for the detection of bisphenol A (BPA). NPG was prepared by the dealloying method. The NPG modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) displayed excellent catalytic activity towards the electrooxidation of BPA. The mechanism of the electrooxidation of BPA on NPG/GCE sensor was inferred. The sensor showed a linear range from 0.1 μM to 50 μM with a detection limit of 12.1 nM BPA. Specially, a simple but effective approach was attempted to renew the used sensor. The application of the sensor for real sample analysis was demonstrated.
Anti‐cancer Herbal Drug Berberine – Sensitive Determination Using Boron‐doped Diamond Electrode
Authors: Stanković Dalibor M. , Samphao Anchalee , Kalcher Kurt
Published: July 2015

Determination of berberine, an isoquinoline plant alkaloid, with antibacterial, antiparasitic, antifungal, hypotensive and antitumoral effects, was proposed by introducing square wave voltammetry on boron‐doped diamond electrode. At optimized experimental parameters, in Britton‐Robinson buffer solution pH 5 berberine provides 3 oxidation peaks (+0.63; +1.14 and +1.34 V) and one reduction (+0.15 V) (vs. Ag/AgCl electrode), with good repeatability (relative standard deviation of 2.6 % and 1.9 % for 8 measurements at 0.5 and 10 µM concentration level, respectively). Calibration curve was linear in wade linear range from 0.1 to 50 µM with limit of detection of 0.04 µM. The proposed procedure was successfully applied for the determination of berberine in seed extract from Argemone mexicana with satisfactory recovery (102–102.6 %). The developed method may represent a sensitive alternative to highly toxic mercury electrodes, modified electrodes and chromatographic methods.
Enhanced Hydrogen Peroxide Sensing Based on Tetraruthenated Porphyrins/Nafion/Glassy Carbon‐modified Electrodes via Incorporating of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Calfumán Karla , Quezada Diego , Isaacs Mauricio , Bollo Soledad
Published: July 2015

The incorporation of carbon nanotubes to a Nafion/tetraruthenated cobalt porphyrin/ glassy carbon electrode (GC/Nf/CoTRP vs GC/Nf/CNTCoTRP) enhanced the amperometric determination of hydrogen peroxide. Both electrodes produced a decrease in the overpotential required for the hydrogen peroxide oxidation in about 100 mV compared to glassy carbon under the same experimental conditions. Nevertheless, for GC/Nf/CNT/CoTRP, the increase in the current is remarkable. The GC/Nf/CoTRP modified electrode gave no significant analitycal signal for hydrogen peroxide reduction. Moreover, a great increase in current is observed with GC/Nf/CNT/CoTRP at −150mV which suggests a significant increase in the sensitivity of the modified electrode. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) revealed an enhancement in the electroactivity of the GC/Nf/CNT/CoTRP modified electrode. This fact has been explained in terms of enhanced homogeneity of the electrodic surface as a consecuence of better dispersibility of CNT‐CoTRP produced by a Nafion polyelectrolyte.
Bubble‐free electrokinetic flow with propylene carbonate
Authors: Sritharan Deepa , Chen Abraham Simpson , Aluthgama Prabhath , Naved Bilal , Smela Elisabeth
Published: July 2015

For electroosmotic pumping, a large direct‐current (DC) electric field (10+ V/cm) is applied across a liquid, typically an aqueous electrolyte. At these high voltages, water undergoes electrolysis to form hydrogen and oxygen, generating bubbles that can block the electrodes, cause pressure fluctuations, and lead to pump failure. The requirement to manage these gases constrains system designs. This article presents an alternative polar liquid for DC electrokinetic pumping, propylene carbonate (PC), which remains free of bubbles up to at least 10 kV/cm. This offers the opportunity to create electrokinetic devices in closed configurations, which we demonstrate with a fully sealed microfluidic hydraulic actuator. Furthermore, the electroosmotic velocity of PC is similar to that of water in PDMS microchannels. Thus, water could be substituted by PC in existing electroosmotic pumps.
Dual selective nitration in Arabidopsis: Almost exclusive nitration of PsbO and PsbP, and highly susceptible nitration of four non‐PSII proteins, including peroxiredoxin II E
Authors: Takahashi Misa , Shigeto Jun , Sakamoto Atsushi , Izumi Shunsuke , Asada Kozi , Morikawa Hiromichi
Published: July 2015

Protein tyrosine nitration is a selective process, as revealed in studies of animals. However, evidence for selective protein nitration in plants is scarce. In this study, Arabidopsis plants were exposed to air with or without nitrogen dioxide at 40 ppm for 8 h in light. Proteins extracted from whole leaves or isolated chloroplasts were subjected to 2D PAGE followed by SYPRO Ruby staining and immunoblotting using an anti‐3‐nitrotyrosine antibody. We determined the relative intensity of a spot on an immunoblot (designated RISI), and relative intensity of the corresponding spot on SYPRO Ruby gel (designated RISS). Proteins that exhibited a high RISI value and/or a high RISI/RISS ratio were considered selectively nitrated. In whole leaf proteins from exposed plants, all immunopositive spots were identified as PsbO1, PsbO2 or PsbP1 by PMF. Thus, nitration was exclusive to PsbO and PsbP, extrinsic proteins of photosystem II (PSII). Their RISI/RISS ratio was ≤1.5. Non‐exposed plants showed very faint nitration. In purified chloroplast proteins, PsbO and PsbP accounted for >80% of the total RISI values, while four non‐PSII proteins, including peroxiredoxin II E, exhibited high RISI/RISS ratios (2.5∼6.6). Tyr9 of PsbO1 was identified as a nitration site. Thus, nitration is selective for two PSII and four non‐PSII proteins in Arabidopsis.
5‐Methoxytryptophan‐dependent inhibition of oral squamous cell carcinoma metastasis
Authors: Wang Ssu‐Han , Chang Chien‐Wen , Chou Hsiu‐Chuan
Published: July 2015

The metastatic status of oral cancer is highly associated with the overall survival rate of patients. Previous studies have revealed that the endogenous tryptophan metabolite 5‐methoxytryptophan (5‐MTP) can downregulate cyclooxygenase‐2 expression; suppress tumor proliferation, migration, and invasion; and reduce the tumor size. To improve the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of 5‐MTP in the tumorigenesis of oral cancer, we conducted a comparative wound healing and transwell invasion assays. Our results revealed that 5‐MTP reduce oral cancer cell migration and invasion ability. In addition, the results of an in vivo assay demonstrated that the growth of primary tumors was significantly inhibited by 5‐MTP in OC3 oral cancer cells and in invasive OC3‐I5 oral cancer cells. Moreover, enlarged spleens were observed in OC3‐I5‐implanted severe combined immunodeficiency mice although 5‐MTP can inhibit spleen enlargement. Through comparative proteomics, we identified 32 differentially regulated protein spots by using 2D‐DIGE/MALDI‐TOF MS analyses. Some of the differentially regulated proteins such as amadillo‐repeat‐containing X‐linked protein 1, phosphoglycerate kinase 1, tropomyosin alpha‐1, and tropomyosin alpha‐4 may be associated with the 5‐MTP‐dependent inhibition of oral cancer growth and metastasis. We conclude that 5‐MTP plays a crucial role in inhibiting in vitro and in vivo cancer invasion and metastasis.
Determination of tamoxifen and its metabolites in human plasma by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis with contactless conductivity detection
Authors: Thang Lee Yien , Shahir Shafinaz , See Hong Heng
Published: July 2015

A new approach for the quantification of tamoxifen and its metabolites 4‐hydroxytamoxifen, N‐desmethyltamoxifen, and 4‐hydroxy‐N‐desmethyltamoxifen (endoxifen) in human plasma samples using NACE coupled with contactless conductivity detection (C4D) is presented. The buffer system employed consisted of 7.5 mM deoxycholic acid sodium salt, 15 mM acetic acid, and 1 mM 18‐crown‐6 in 100% methanol. The complete separation of all targeted compounds (including endoxifen racemate) could be achieved within 6 min under optimized conditions. The proposed method was validated and showed good linearity in the range from 100 to 5000 ng/mL with correlation coefficients between 0.9922 and 0.9973, LODs in the range of 25–40 ng/mL, and acceptable reproducibility of the peak area (intraday RSD 2.2–3.1%, n = 4; interday (3 days) RSD 6.0–8.8%, n = 4). The developed method was successfully demonstrated for the quantification of tamoxifen and its metabolites in human plasma samples collected from breast cancer patients undertaking tamoxifen treatment.
Development of an ultrasensitive stacking technique for 5‐nitroimidazole determination in untreated biological fluids by micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Hernández‐Mesa Maykel , Airado‐Rodríguez Diego , García‐Campaña Ana M. , Cruces‐Blanco Carmen
Published: July 2015

Cation‐selective exhaustive injection and sweeping followed by a MEKC separation is evaluated for the sensitive analysis of 5‐nitroimidazoles in untreated human serum and urine. Deproteinized serum and urine samples were diluted 76 and 143 times, respectively, in a low‐conductivity solvent (5.00 mM orthophosphoric acid containing 5.0% v/v methanol). Samples were electrokinetically injected at 9.8 kV for 632 s in a previously conditioned fused‐silica capillary (65.0 cm × 50 μm id). Separation was performed at –30 kV and 20°C using 44 mM phosphate buffer (pH 2.5), 123 mM SDS, and 8% v/v tetrahydrofurane as BGE. Signals were monitored at 276 nm and peak area was selected as analytical response. Good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.988) and LODs lower than 1.5 and 1.8 μg/mL were achieved in serum and urine, respectively.
Fractionation and proteomic analysis of the Walterinnesia aegyptia snake venom using OFFGEL and MALDI‐TOF‐MS techniques
Authors: Aziz Tarek Mohamed Abd El , Bourgoin‐Voillard Sandrine , Combemale Stéphanie , Beroud Rémy , Fadl Mahmoud , Seve Michel , De Waard Michel
Published: July 2015

Animal venoms are complex mixtures of more than 100 different compounds, including peptides, proteins, and nonprotein compounds such as lipids, carbohydrates, and metal ions. In addition, the existing compounds show a wide range of molecular weights and concentrations within these venoms, making separation and purification procedures quite tedious. Here, we analyzed for the first time by MS the advantages of using the OFFGEL technique in the separation of the venom components of the Egyptian Elapidae Walterinnesia aegyptia snake compared to two classical methods of separation, SEC and RP‐HPLC. We demonstrate that OFFGEL separates venom components over a larger scale of fractions, preserve respectable resolution with regard to the presence of a given compound in adjacent fractions and allows the identification of a greater number of ions by MS (102 over 134 total ions). We also conclude that applying several separating techniques (SEC and RP‐HPLC in addition to OFFGEL) provides complementary results in terms of ion detection (21 more for SEC and 22 more with RP‐HPLC). As a result, we provide a complete list of 134 ions present in the venom of W. aegyptia by using all these techniques combined.
A rapid and simple 8‐quinolinol‐based fluorescent stain of phosphoproteins in polyacrylamide gel after electrophoresis
Authors: Wang Xu , Hwang Sun‐Young , Cong Wei‐Tao , Jin Li‐Tai , Choi Jung‐Kap
Published: July 2015

In order to obtain an easy and rapid protocol to visualize phosphoproteins in SDS‐PAGE, a fluorescent detection method named 8‐Quinolinol (8‐Q) stain is described. 8‐Q can form ternary complexes in the gel matrix contributed by the affinity of aluminum ion (Al3+) to the phosphate groups on the proteins and the metal chelating property of 8‐Quinolinol, exhibiting strong fluorescence in ultraviolet light. It can visualize as little as 4∼8 ng of α‐casein and β‐casein, 16∼32 ng of ovalbumin and κ‐casein which is more sensitive than Stains‐All but less sensitive than Pro‐Q Diamond. The protocol of 8‐Q requires only 70 min in 0.75 mm mini‐size or 1.0 mm large‐size gels with five changes of solutions without destaining step; Pro‐Q takes at least 250 min with 11 changes of solutions. In addition, the new method was confirmed by the study of dephosphorylation and LC‐MS/MS, respectively. The approach to visualize phosphoprotein utilizing 8‐Q could be an alternative to simplify the analytical operations for phosphoproteomics research.
Random, double‐ and single‐strand DNA breaks can be differentiated in the method of Comet assay by the shape of the comet image
Authors: Georgieva Milena , Zagorchev Plamen , Miloshev George
Published: July 2015

Comet assay is an invaluable tool in DNA research. It is widely used to detect DNA damage as an indicator of exposure to genotoxic stress. A canonical set of parameters and specialized software programs exist for Comet assay data quantification and analysis. None of them so far has proven its potential to employ a computer‐based algorithm for assessment of the shape of the comet as an indicator of the exact mechanism by which the studied genotoxins cut in the molecule of DNA. Here, we present 14 unique measurements of the comet image based on the comet morphology. Their mathematical derivation and statistical analysis allowed precise description of the shape of the comet image which in turn discriminated the cause of genotoxic stress. This algorithm led to the development of the “CometShape” software which allowed easy discrimination among different genotoxins depending on the type of DNA damage they induce.
Xylanase‐ and cellulose‐aided bioprocessing of bamboo
Authors: Fu Jiajia , Fu Lina , Zhao Xiaoman , Zhang Qun , Wang Hongbo , Gao Weidong
Published: July 2015

Conventional bamboo processing is performed with concentrated alkali. Mild treatments can be done with enzymes or microbes, with considerable environmental benefits. However, the existing commercial enzymes have limited effects on bamboo fibres. Here, we focus our study on a xylanase from Streptomyces sp. FA1, which was isolated from a bamboo retting system. We boosted the xylanase modification of bamboo fibre by means of a cellulase pretreatment. The pretreatment exposes fibre and greatly benefits xylan removal. A high‐temperature steam step was found to be better placed after cellulase treatment and before xylanase treatment. Crystallinity of bamboo slightly increased from 46 to 53% after the treatment process, which might be due to the hydrolysis and removal of hemicellulose and amorphous cellulose. The present work gives indications of the best sequence of application of cellulase and xylanase enzymes in bamboo processing.
The effect of phenolic compounds on the preparation of hydrochars from saccharides
Authors: Gu Xiaoxue , Guo Yupeng , Zhang Chunpeng , Ding Lili , Han Xue , Liu Qi , Liu Hequn , Liu Yanhua , Zou Bo
Published: July 2015

In this work, a green and sustainable route for the preparation of hydrochars from sulfuric acid hydrolysis solution of saccharides and phenolic compounds under low temperature and atmospheric pressure is described. Xylose, fructose, and glucose were chosen as a model compound of pentose and hexose, respectively. Phenol, resorcinol, and phloroglucinol were chosen as a model compound of phenolic compounds. The effects of the different species and concentration of phenolic compounds on the yield of hydrochars and the conversion rate of carbon were investigated in detail. The maximal yield of hydrochars (63.76%) and conversion rate of carbon (93.15%) were obtained when the mass ratio of resorcinol to xylose was 1:5. The chemical properties and elemental composition of the hydrochar materials were characterized by means of different experimental techniques. The reaction mechanism for the formation of hydrochars from saccharides and phenolic compounds were proposed, and the effects of phenolic compounds on the reaction were discussed in detail. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 189–194, 2016
Limitations on linear elastic procedures in performance assessment of regular frames
Authors: Sucuoğlu Halûk , Özçamur Uğurcan
Published: July 2015

Linear elastic analysis procedures are employed exclusively in the traditional seismic design of new structures and widely employed in the seismic assessment of existing structures. It is also a convenient tool for the initial checking of deformations in displacement‐based design. The limitations that should be imposed on linear elastic procedures have been evaluated in this study by comparing the deformation‐based response quantities obtained from response spectrum analysis with those from the nonlinear time history analysis. Both procedures were applied to different design variants of 5, 8, and 12 story moment frames, subjected to 20 strong motion components exhibiting a variety of intensities. Member plastic rotations and interstory drift ratios were employed as the basic response parameter in performance assessment. It has been found that average column demand to capacity ratio (DCR) (the ratio of flexural demand from linear elastic analysis to flexural capacity) and average beam DCR at the critical story are the most effective parameters in determining the validity range of linear elastic procedures in regular moment frames. Limiting values for these response parameters are proposed. Furthermore, amplification factors for member rotation demands predicted by the linear procedures are suggested for moment frames when these limiting values are exceeded. These factors ensure that the amplified linear elastic rotations are not smaller than 84 percentile (mean – 1sigma) of the rotations obtained from nonlinear time history analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The anatomy of effective discharge: the dynamics of coarse sediment transport revealed using continuous bedload monitoring in a gravel‐bed river during a very wet year
Authors: Downs Peter W. , Soar Philip J. , Taylor Alex
Published: July 2015

Indirect, passive approaches for monitoring coarse bedload transport could allow cheaper, safer, higher‐resolution, longer‐term data that revolutionises bedload understanding and informs river management. Here, insights provided by seismic impact plates in a downstream reach of a flashy gravel‐bed river (River Avon, Devon, UK) are explored in the context of plate performance. Monitoring of a centrally‐situated plate (IP1) during an extremely wet 12‐month period demonstrated that impacts were related to discharge as a measure of transport potential (R2 = 0.38) but that factors other than transport limitations are important. Analysis of discrete flow events revealed consistent rising‐limb and falling‐limb impact spikes biased toward the latter for larger events. Such patterns may result from disruption of the upstream armour layer (rising limb) and supply enhancements related to both upstream mass bank failures and/or flood routing of non‐local sediment sources (falling limb). Installation of additional impact plates indicated that plate IP1 was indeed dominantly related to instantaneous discharge, that a three‐plate lateral array somewhat better explained impact variability (R2 = 0.49), and that the bedload track shifts laterally with discharge. Aggregating event‐total IP1 impacts against volumetric discharge further increases explanation as intra‐event and stochastic bedload factors are subsumed but left 26% unexplained variance related to the unsampled bedload mass, inter‐event supply differences, and attributes of plate performance. Annualising the data created an impact‐based 'effective discharge’ for this extremely wet year that was closer to morphological bar‐full in magnitude than bankfull, but the preceding results imply this outcome is related as much to supply limitations as transport limitations. Overall, passive approaches offer a liberating prospect for bedload monitoring, capable of producing insights only achievable through high resolution, extended time periods. Such results could potentially inform threshold conditions and geomorphological effectiveness of flows for future river management strategies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphologic and sedimentologic patterns of active aeolian dune‐fields on the east coast of Maranhão, northeast Brazil
Authors: Hilbert Natalia Naches , Guedes Carlos C. F. , Giannini Paulo C. F.
Published: July 2015

The eastern portion of the Maranhão coast is characterized by large active dune‐fields located in a tropical setting. This article combines the analysis of dune‐field morphologic patterns with the classical analysis of grain size and heavy minerals to study the sedimentary dynamics of the active aeolian system in this region. Based on the heavy mineral analysis, the main sedimentary suppliers feeding the system are the westward alongshore drift bringing sand from the coast east of the Parnaíba River mouth and the river itself. The absence of well‐defined variation patterns of the two morphometric parameters studied, dune spacing and crest length, reflects complex sedimentary dynamics and transport pathways, inside the aeolian system, despite the unidirectional wind. During the wet season, the interdune plains are flooded and the system is intensely reworked by intermittent drainages. During the dry season, the deposits formed by the drainages and interdune lakes become temporary internal sedimentary sources for the system. Due to this combined aeolian‐fluvial transport, the sediment source area has a planar geometry, with contributions from the beach and interdune plains, and not linear as expected in a typical case of source only in the beach. The areal limits of the dune‐fields is the main boundary condition controlling the dune‐field patterns, as dune spacing and crest length, by changing the sedimentary inflow–outflow balance and interactions between migration dunes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of a standard field test method in four countries to assess the toxicity of residues in dung of cattle treated with veterinary medical products
Authors: Floate Kevin D. , Düring Rolf-Alexander , Hanafi Jamal , Jud Priska , Lahr Joost , Lumaret Jean-Pierre , Scheffczyk Adam , Tixier Thomas , Wohde Manuel , Römbke Jörg , Sautot Lucille , Blanckenhorn Wolf U.
Published: July 2015

Registration of veterinary medical products includes the provision that field tests may be required to assess potential nontarget effects associated with the excretion of product residues in dung of treated livestock (phase II, tier B testing). However, regulatory agencies provide no guidance on the format of these tests. In the present study, the authors report on the development of a standardized field test method designed to serve as a tier B test. Dung was collected from cattle before and up to 2 mo after treatment with a topical application of a test compound (ivermectin). Pats formed of dung from the different treatments were placed concurrently in the field to be colonized by insects. The abundance, richness, and diversity of insects developing from egg to adult in these pats were compared across treatments using analysis of variance tests. Regression analyses were used to regress abundance, richness, and diversity against residue concentrations in each treatment. Results of the regression were used to estimate mean lethal concentration (LC50) values. The robustness of the method and the repeatability of its findings were assessed concurrently in 4 countries (Canada, France, Switzerland, and The Netherlands) in climatically diverse ecoregions. Results were generally consistent across countries, and support the method's formal adoption by the European Union to assess the effects of veterinary medical product residues on the composition and diversity of insects in dung of treated livestock. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1934–1946. © 2015 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc., on behalf of SETAC.
Copper oxide nanoparticles inhibit the metabolic activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Mashock Michael J. , Kappell Anthony D. , Hallaj Nadia , Hristova Krassimira R.
Published: July 2015

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are used increasingly in industrial applications and consumer products and thus may pose risk to human and environmental health. The interaction of CuO NPs with complex media and the impact on cell metabolism when exposed to sublethal concentrations are largely unknown. In the present study, the short-term effects of 2 different sized manufactured CuO NPs on metabolic activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were studied. The role of released Cu2+ during dissolution of NPs in the growth media and the CuO nanostructure were considered. Characterization showed that the 28 nm and 64 nm CuO NPs used in the present study have different primary diameter, similar hydrodynamic diameter, and significantly different concentrations of dissolved Cu2+ ions in the growth media released from the same initial NP mass. Exposures to CuO NPs or the released Cu2+ fraction, at doses that do not have impact on cell viability, showed significant inhibition on S. cerevisiae cellular metabolic activity. A greater CuO NP effect on the metabolic activity of S. cerevisiae growth under respiring conditions was observed. Under the tested conditions the observed metabolic inhibition from the NPs was not explained fully by the released Cu ions from the dissolving NPs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:134–143. © 2015 SETAC
Investigating the Relationship Between Test‐Taker Background Characteristics and Test Performance in a Heterogeneous English‐as‐a‐Second‐Language (ESL) Test Population: A Factor Analytic Approach
Authors: Manna Venessa F. , Yoo Hanwook
Published: July 2015

This study examined the heterogeneity in the English‐as‐a‐second‐language (ESL) test population by modeling the relationship between test‐taker background characteristics and test performance as measured by the TOEFL iBT® using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with covariate approach. The background characteristics studied included: (a) main reason for taking the TOEFL iBT test; (b) time spent studying English; (c) time spent attending a school, college, or university in which content classes were taught in English; and (d) lived in a country where English is the main language. The results indicated that at most levels of the background characteristics studied, there were statistically significant differences in the means of the four underlying latent factors (reading, listening, speaking, and writing) representing English‐language proficiency (ELP). Overall, the effect size differences on the reading, listening, speaking, and writing latent factors among the levels for each of the background variables studied ranged from small to medium. The results of this study provide empirical evidence of the association and possible influence of test‐taker background characteristics on the four underlying latent factors representing ELP and, thus, on test performance.
Improvement of the retention of ocimene in water phase using Class II hydrophobin HFBII
Authors: Khalesi Mohammadreza , Mandelings Nathalie , Herrera‐Malaver Beatriz , Riveros‐Galan David , Gebruers Kurt , Derdelinckx Guy
Published: July 2015

Hydrophobins have exceptional surface activity with potential applications for food and pharmaceutical industry. In this study, the effect of Class II hydrophobin HFBII on the retention of a volatile compound, ocimene in a water phase was investigated. We observed a negative gushing when 200 µg pure HFBII (κ‐grade) and 40 µg ocimene (assay ≥ 90%) was added to 1 L sparkling water with CO2 concentration of 7 g/L. The droplet size analysis of κ‐HFBII, ocimene and the mixture of them showed that the ocimene was emulsified in a solution containing κ‐HFBII. The stability of this emulsion was reduced in function of time and this effect was intensified by increasing the temperature and the presence of CO2. Additionally, the retention of ocimene in a HFBII rich solution was measured by SPME‐GC‐MS. When 0.26±0.03 mg HFBII/mL is added to ocimene solution, 43% of the original ocimene concentration (i.e. 5.9 × 10−6 mg/mL) remained in the solution after 3 days, and 32% after 7 days. In contrast, original ocimene concentration in solutions without HFBII was only retained 20% and 14%, respectively. It showed the potential of HFBII to incorporate insoluble flavour compounds in beverages and control their release. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel submicron poly(urea‐formaldehyde) and essence of jasmine microcapsules with enhanced sustained release
Authors: Bao Lin , Zhang Fangfang , Chen Tongyun , Cao Jigang , Chen Yashao , Bai Yunshan
Published: July 2015

A novel type of sub‐microcapsules was prepared using linoleic acid as the emulsifier for a nano‐sized (55.5 nm) essence of jasmine emulsion. The final sub‐microcapsules had well‐defined spherical structures with a mean diameter of 860 nm, and were generated by in situ polymerization. They were consisted of an essence of jasmine emulsion as the core and poly(urea‐formaldehyde) (PUF) as the shell. In comparison to microcapsules prepared by analogous methods and materials, these sub‐microcapsules had a smaller particle diameter, resistance to boiling water and corrosion at pHs 3–11, a higher encapsulation efficiency of 92% and an increased length of release of approximately 22 days for the essence in water. The products reported in this study have potential applications in the flavor industry. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical simulations of bouncing jets
Authors: Bonito Andrea , Guermond Jean‐Luc , Lee Sanghyun
Published: July 2015

Bouncing jets are fascinating phenomenon occurring under certain conditions when a jet impinges on a free surface. This effect is observed when the fluid is Newtonian and the jet falls in a bath undergoing a solid motion. It occurs also for non‐Newtonian fluids when the jets fall in a vessel at rest containing the same fluid. We investigate numerically the impact of the experimental setting and the rheological properties of the fluid on the onset of the bouncing phenomenon. Our investigations show that the occurrence of a thin lubricating layer of air separating the jet and the rest of the liquid is a key factor for the bouncing of the jet to happen. The numerical technique that is used consists of a projection method for the Navier–Stokes system coupled with a level set formulation for the representation of the interface. The space approximation is carried out with adaptive finite elements. Adaptive refinement is shown to be very important to capture the thin layer of air that is responsible for the bouncing. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From level set to volume of fluid and back again at second‐order accuracy
Authors: Detrixhe Miles , Aslam Tariq D.
Published: July 2015

We present methods for computing either the level set function or volume fraction field from the other at second‐order accuracy. Both algorithms are optimal in that O(N) computations are needed for N total grid points and both algorithms are easily parallelized. This work includes a novel interface reconstruction algorithm in three dimensions that requires a smaller local block of volume fractions than existing algorithms. A compact local solver leads to better algorithm portability and efficiency: for example, fewer restrictions must be imposed on an adaptive mesh, and fewer grid cells must be communicated between processors in a parallel implementation. We also present a fast sweeping method for computing a unique approximation of the signed distance function to a piecewise linear interface. All of the numerical examples confirm second‐order accuracy on both uniform and tree‐based adaptive grids. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Backward uncertainty propagation in shape optimization
Authors: Mohammadi Bijan
Published: July 2015

We aim at quantifying the impact of state uncertainties in shape optimization. This provides confidence bounds for the optimal solution. The approach is presented for inverse designs where the target is assumed uncertain. No sampling of a large dimensional space is necessary, and the approach uses what is already available in a deterministic gradient‐based inversion algorithm. Our proposal is based on the introduction of directional quantile‐based extreme scenarios knowing the probability density function of the target data. We use these scenarios to define a matrix having the structure of the covariance matrix of the optimization parameters. We compare this construction to another one using the gradient of the functional by an adjoint method. The paper goes beyond inverse design and shows how to apply the method to general optimization problems. The ingredients of the paper are illustrated on a model problem with the Burgers equation and on the optimization of the shape of an aircraft. Overall, the computational complexity is comparable with the deterministic case. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fundamentals, Derivatives Market Information and Oil Price Volatility
Authors: Robe Michel A. , Wallen Jonathan
Published: July 2015

We analyze empirically what drives market expectations of crude oil price volatility. Between 2000 and 2014, we investigate the links between the term structure of oil option‐implied volatilities (IVs) and global macroeconomic conditions, physical market fundamentals (OPEC surplus output capacity, oil storage) and economy‐wide financial conditions (captured by the equity VIX). The VIX and the constraints affecting oil output or inventories have statistically and economically significant explanatory power for the short‐dated oil IVs and for the WTI IV term structure. After controlling for the VIX, in contrast, macroeconomic variables and a measure of speculative activity based on public data are both insignificant. Our model, which outperforms a benchmark ARIMA specification both in and out of sample, suggests an approach for studying volatility in asset markets that behave as satellites to other markets. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Jrl Fut Mark 36:317–344, 2016
Gene expression in colon cancer: A focus on tumor site and molecular phenotype
Authors: Slattery Martha L. , Pellatt Daniel F. , Mullany Lila E. , Wolff Roger K. , Herrick Jennifer S.
Published: July 2015

Hundreds to thousands of genes are differentially expressed in tumors when compared to nontumor colonic tissue samples. We evaluated gene expression patterns to better understand differences in colon cancer by tumor site and tumor molecular phenotype. We analyzed RNA‐seq data from tumor/normal paired samples from 175 colon cancer patients. We implemented a cross validation strategy with nonparametric tests to identify genes which displayed varying expression characteristics related to paired tumor/nontumor tissue across proximal and distal colon sites and by tumor molecular phenotypes, that is, TP53, KRAS, CpG Island Methylator Phenotype (CIMP), and microsatellite instability (MSI). We used Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to determine networks associated with deregulated genes in our data. Genes showed significant differences in expression characteristics at the 0.01 level in both validation groups between tumor subsite (116 genes), CIMP high versus CIMP low (79 genes), MSI versus microsatellite stable (MSS) (49 genes), TP53‐mutated versus not mutated (17genes), and KRAS‐mutated versus not mutated (1 gene). Deregulated genes for CIMP high and MSI tumors were often down‐regulated. In contrast to CIMP high and MSI tumors, genes that were deregulated in TP53 were likely to be up‐regulated. ERK1, WNT, growth factors and inflammation‐related factors were focal points of both CIMP and MSI IPA networks. The MUC family of genes was up‐regulated MSI networks. Numerous genes showed differences in expression between proximal and distal tumors, nontumor proximal and distal tissue, and tumor molecular phenotype. Deregulated mucin genes appear to play an important role in MSI tumors. © 2015 Wiley Periodixzcals, Inc.
MYCNoverexpression is associated with unbalanced copy number gain, altered nuclear location, and overexpression of chromosome arm 17q genes in neuroblastoma tumors and cell lines
Authors: Kuzyk Alexandra , Booth Samuel , Righolt Christiaan , Mathur Shubha , Gartner John , Mai Sabine
Published: July 2015

MYCNamplification and MYCN overexpression are poor prognostic factors in neuroblastoma. Tumors with unbalanced chromosome arm 17q gain are often associated withMYCNamplification; however, the relationship between chromosome 17 copy number status and MYCN expression is not known. We investigated the relationship between MYCN expression and chromosome 17 copy number, nuclear location, and gene expression. By performing dual‐colored fluorescence in situ hybridization on 16 primary neuroblastomas, we found that those with unbalanced gain of 17q have high MYCN expression, those with no gain have medium expression, and those with numerical gain have low expression (P < 0.0001). We also found that the nuclear location of 17q correlates with chromosome 17 copy number status: copies in tumors with unbalanced gain and no gain of chromosome 17 occupy a more central location than those in tumors with balanced gain (P < 0.0001). We show that a more central nuclear location of 17q coincides with increased expression of genes found within this chromosome arm. To further understand the association between MYCN expression and chromosome 17, we overexpressed MYCN in two low‐expressing MYCN cell lines, SHEP and GIMEN. We found that both cell lines had an unbalanced gain of chromosome 17q, a more central nuclear location of the region and increased expression of the 17q genes. Therefore, this study indicates, for the first time, a functional relationship between MYCN overexpression and the gain of 17q in neuroblastoma. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resting‐state oscillatory dynamics in sensorimotor cortex in benign epilepsy with centro‐temporal spikes and typical brain development
Authors: Koelewijn Loes , Hamandi Khalid , Brindley Lisa M. , Brookes Matthew J. , Routley Bethany C. , Muthukumaraswamy Suresh D. , Williams Natalie , Thomas Marie A. , Kirby Amanda , te Water Naudé Johann , Gibbon Frances , Singh Krish D.
Published: July 2015

Benign Epilepsy with Centro‐Temporal Spikes (BECTS) is a common childhood epilepsy associated with deficits in several neurocognitive domains. Neurophysiological studies in BECTS often focus on centro‐temporal spikes, but these correlate poorly with morphology and cognitive impairments. To better understand the neural profile of BECTS, we studied background brain oscillations, thought to be integrally involved in neural network communication, in sensorimotor areas. We used independent component analysis of temporally correlated sources on magnetoencephalography recordings to assess sensorimotor resting‐state network activity in BECTS patients and typically developing controls. We also investigated the variability of oscillatory characteristics within focal primary motor cortex (M1), localized with a separate finger abduction task. We hypothesized that background oscillations would differ between patients and controls in the sensorimotor network but not elsewhere, especially in the beta band (13–30 Hz) because of its role in network communication and motor processing. The results support our hypothesis: in the sensorimotor network, patients had a greater variability in oscillatory amplitude compared to controls, whereas there was no difference in the visual network. Network measures did not correlate with age. The coefficient of variation of resting M1 peak frequency correlated negatively with age in the beta band only, and was greater than average for a number of patients. Our results point toward a “disorganized” functional sensorimotor network in BECTS, supporting a neurodevelopmental delay in sensorimotor cortex. Our findings further suggest that investigating the variability of oscillatory peak frequency may be a useful tool to investigate deficits of disorganization in neurodevelopmental disorders.Hum Brain Mapp 36:3935–3949, 2015. ©2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.