bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Framework for Kriging‐based iterative experimental analysis and design: Optimization of secretory protein production in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Freier Lars , Hemmerich Johannes , Schöler Katja , Wiechert Wolfgang , Oldiges Marco , von Lieres Eric
Published: March 2016

The production of bulk enzymes used in food industry or organic chemistry constitutes an important part of industrial biotechnology. The development of production processes for novel proteins comprises a variety of biological engineering and bioprocess reaction engineering factors. The combinatorial explosion of these factors can be effectively countered by combining high‐throughput experimentation with advanced algorithms for data analysis and experimental design. We present an experimental optimization strategy that merges three different techniques: (1) advanced microbioreactor systems, (2) lab automation, and (3) Kriging‐based experimental analysis and design. This strategy is demonstrated by maximizing product titer of secreted green fluorescent protein (GFP), synthesized by Corynebacterium glutamicum, through systematic variation of CgXII minimal medium composition. First, relevant design parameters are identified in an initial fractional factorial screening experiment. Then, the functional relationship between selected media components and protein titer is investigated more detailed in an iterative procedure. In each iteration, Kriging interpolations are used for formulating hypotheses and planning the next round of experiments. For the optimized medium composition, GFP product titer was more than doubled. Hence, Kriging‐based experimental analysis and design has been proven to be a powerful tool for efficient process optimization.
An assessment of engineered log jam structures in response to a flood event in an upland gravel‐bed river
Authors: Addy Stephen , Wilkinson Mark
Published: March 2016

Engineered log jams (ELJs) are employed to address river restoration goals and a range of river management problems including coarse sediment movement. In the Bowmont Water, a dynamic wandering gravel‐bed river in the Scottish Borders, 33 previously untested ELJs primarily designed to capture and store coarse sediment, were installed on a trial basis. Using repeated topographical surveys and field observations, the performance of the ELJs in response to a 5–10 year recurrence interval flood that occurred on the 25 September 2012 was evaluated at two reaches with catchment areas of 28 km2 and 57 km2. Three of the structures were damaged due to scour of surrounding material that exposed the pile anchors and all the timbers of one structure were completely displaced downstream. Sixteen structures induced geomorphic responses and only four induced significant deposition (>0.3 m) above that which would occur naturally within the adjacent active gravel bar deposition zones. The placement in gravel bars, minor channel blockage ratio created by the structures and their porous nature limited the hydraulic interference and in turn geomorphic responses. Therefore the ELJ placement goal of increasing sediment storage was not fully met. This study contributes to the empirical evidence base for ELJ performance evaluation of different designs in a range of physiographic settings needed to validate performance and refine design. Using these initial findings and knowledge gained from other studies, recommendations for improving the design and placement strategy are proposed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of folic acid supplementation on cancer risk among adults with hypertension in China: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Qin Xianhui , Shen Lin , Zhang Rong , Li Youbao , Wang Xiaobin , Wang Binyan , Jiang Xiaodong , Jiang Hua , Lei Yu , Hou Fan Fan , Gu Jin , Huo Yong
Published: March 2016

The relationship of folic acid supplementation with the risk of cancer remains inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate the effects of folic acid supplementation on cancer incidence among adults with hypertension without history of stroke or myocardial infarction (MI) in the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT). A total of 20,702 hypertensive adults without history of stroke or MI, stratified by MTHFR C677T genotypes(CC, CT and TT), were randomly assigned to receive double‐blind daily treatment with a single pill containing 10 mg enalapril and 0.8 mg folic acid(n = 10,348) or a pill containing 10 mg enalapril alone(n = 10,354). During a median treatment duration of 4.5 years, cancer occurred in 116 participants(1.12%) in the enalapril‐folic acid group versus 116 participants(1.12%) in the enalapril group (HR, 1.00; 95%CI, 0.77–1.29). There was also no significant difference in the HRs for specific types of cancer(esophageal, gastric, breast, lung, colorectal, head and neck, liver and gynecologic cancer or lymphoma) or cancer mortality(HR, 1.05; 95%CI, 0.69–1.58). For participants not receiving folic acid treatment (enalapril only group), MTHFR 677 TT genotype was an independent predictor of total cancer risk compared to CC genotype (HR, 1.86; 95%CI, 1.07–3.22). Consistently, a beneficial effect was observed in participants with MTHFR TT genotype and low folate levels (<9.0 ng/mL; HR, 0.47; 95%CI, 0.24–0.94). There is no evidence that 0.8 mg daily folic acid supplementation can increase the risk of cancer incidence among adults with hypertension without history of stroke or MI in China. Our data suggest a protective effect in participants with MTHFR TT genotype and low folate levels.
Asymmetric Ring‐Opening Reactions of Donor‐Acceptor Cyclopropanes and Cyclobutanes
Authors: Wang Lijia , Tang Yong
Published: March 2016

Donor‐acceptor (DA) cyclopropanes are particularly useful synthetic building blocks, which have been widely applied in the total synthesis of natural products and important chiral molecules in organic synthesis. The asymmetric ring‐opening reactions of racemic DA cyclopropanes and cyclobutanes, for example, aryl‐substituted 1,1‐cyclopropane diesters and aryl‐substituted 1,1‐cyclobutane diesters, with nucleophiles provides versatile access to optically active γ‐ and δ‐functionalized carbon skeletons, as well as the kinetic resolution of racemic DA cyclopropanes, which are useful chiral skeletons in organic synthesis. Recently, we have developed a series of highly enantioselective ring‐opening and annulation reactions of DA cyclopropanes and cyclobutanes with various nucleophiles, such as amines, alcohols, nitrones, azomethine imines, enol silyl ethers, and indoles, by employing nickel and copper catalysts with TOX and SaBOX as ligands. The reactions worked smoothly with excellent diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivities (up to >99/1 dr and up to 99 % ee) over broad substrate scopes.
Teaching social play skills to adults and children with autism as an approach to building rapport
Authors: Shireman Molly L. , Lerman Dorothea C. , Hillman Conrad B.
Published: March 2016

Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and no intellectual disabilities were taught to increase the social play skills of children with ASD as part of a vocational training program. Participants included 3 adults, aged 21 to 27 years, and 6 children with ASD. Probes conducted throughout the study evaluated whether play skills training affected a measure of rapport between the adult and child. Results demonstrated the effectiveness of behavioral skills training for teaching the adult participants the appropriate play skills. In addition, the children's social engagement increased. Finally, rapport probes showed that play skills training increased levels of proximity, our measure of rapport, between the adults and children.
Multiple schedules in practical application: Research trends and implications for future investigation
Authors: Saini Valdeep , Miller Scott A. , Fisher Wayne W.
Published: March 2016

Researchers began studying multiple schedules in basic laboratories, but recent advances have extended research on multiple schedules to a wide variety of socially significant applications, especially during the last decade. Applied researchers have used multiple schedules to (a) promote stimulus control over high‐rate appropriate behaviors, (b) thin the schedule of reinforcement following functional communication training, and (c) obtain stimulus control over problem behaviors maintained by automatic reinforcement. In the current paper, we reviewed 31 studies with 147 applications identified through a search of the applied literature on multiple schedules. Using these studies, we (a) reviewed the empirical literature on multiple schedules, (b) recommended multiple‐schedule procedures that serve as best practice guidelines for applied behavior analysts, (c) identified the generality and boundaries of current knowledge about the effectiveness of multiple schedules, and (d) critically analyzed the literature to provide directions for future multiple‐schedule research.
Tunable fibre‐coupled multiphoton microscopy with a negative curvature fibre
Authors: Sherlock Ben , Yu Fei , Stone Jim , Warren Sean , Paterson Carl , Neil Mark A. A. , French Paul M. W. , Knight Jonathan , Dunsby Chris
Published: March 2016

Negative curvature fibre (NCF) guides light in its core by inhibiting the coupling of core and cladding modes. In this work, an NCF was designed and fabricated to transmit ultrashort optical pulses for multiphoton microscopy with low group velocity dispersion (GVD) at 800 nm. Its attenuation was measured to be <0.3 dB m–1 over the range 600–850 nm and the GVD was –180 ± 70 fs2 m–1 at 800 nm. Using an average fibre output power of ∼20 mW and pulse repetition rate of 80 MHz, the NCF enabled pulses with a duration of <200 fs to be transmitted through a length of 1.5 m of fibre over a tuning range of 180 nm without the need for dispersion compensation. In a 4 m fibre, temporal and spectral pulse widths were maintained to within 10% of low power values up to the maximum fibre output power achievable with the laser system used of 278 mW at 700 nm, 808 mW at 800 nm and 420 mW at 860 nm. When coupled to a multiphoton microscope, it enabled imaging of ex vivo tissue using excitation wavelengths from 740 nm to 860 nm without any need for adjustments to the set‐up.

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Repeated transcranial low‐level laser therapy for traumatic brain injury in mice: biphasic dose response and long‐term treatment outcome
Authors: Xuan Weijun , Huang Liyi , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: March 2016

We previously showed that near‐infrared laser photobiomodulation (PBM) (810 nm, CW, 18 J/cm2, 25 mW/cm2) delivered to the mouse daily for 3‐days after a controlled cortical impact traumatic brain injury (TBI) gave a significant improvement in neurological/cognitive function. However the same parameters delivered 14X daily gave significantly less benefit. This biphasic dose response intrigued us, and we decided to follow the mice that received 3X or 14X laser treatments out to 56‐days post‐TBI. We found the 14X group showed worse neurological function than the no‐treatment TBI group at 2‐weeks, but started to improve steadily during the next 6‐weeks, and by 56‐days were significantly better than the no‐treatment TBI mice, but still worse than the 3X mice. A marker of activated glial cells (GFAP) was significantly increased in the brain regions (compared to both untreated TBI and 3X groups) at 4‐weeks in the 14X group, but the GFAP had fallen to low levels in both 3X and 14X groups by 8‐weeks. We conclude that an excessive number of laser‐treatments delivered to mice can temporarily inhibit the process of brain repair stimulated by tPBM, but then the inhibitory effect ceases, and brain repair can resume. The mechanism may be temporary induction of reactive gliosis.

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Regeneration of articular cartilage using adipose stem cells
Authors: Im Gun‐Il
Published: March 2016

Articular cartilage (AC) has limited potential for self‐regeneration and damage to AC eventually leads to the development and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Cell implantation strategies have emerged as a new treatment modality to regenerate AC. Adipose stem cells/adipose‐derived stromal cells (ASCs) have gained attention due to their abundance, excellent proliferative potential, and minimal morbidity during harvest. These advantages lower the cost of cell therapy by circumventing time‐consuming procedure of culture expansion. ASCs have drawn attention as a potential source for cartilage regeneration since the feasibility of chondrogenesis from ASCs was first reported. After several groups reported inferior chondrogenesis from ASCs, numerous methods were devised to overcome the intrinsic properties. Mostin vivoanimal studies have reported good results using predifferentiated or undifferentiated, autologous or allogeneic ASCs to regenerate cartilage in osteochondral defects or surgically‐induced OA. In this review, we summarize literature on the isolation andin vitrodifferentiation processes of ASCs,in vivostudies to regenerate AC in osteochondral defects and OA using ASCs, and clinical applications of ASCs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1830–1844, 2016.
Winner of the Young Investigator Award of the Society for Biomaterials at the 10th World Biomaterials Congress, May 17–22, 2016, Montreal QC, Canada: Microribbon‐based hydrogels accelerate stem cell‐based bone regeneration in a mouse critical‐size cranial defect model
Authors: Han Li‐Hsin , Conrad Bogdan , Chung Michael T. , Deveza Lorenzo , Jiang Xinyi , Wang Andrew , Butte Manish J. , Longaker Michael T. , Wan Derrick , Yang Fan
Published: March 2016

Stem cell‐based therapies hold great promise for enhancing tissue regeneration. However, the majority of cells die shortly after transplantation, which greatly diminishes the efficacy of stem cell‐based therapies. Poor cell engraftment and survival remain a major bottleneck to fully exploiting the power of stem cells for regenerative medicine. Biomaterials such as hydrogels can serve as artificial matrices to protect cells during delivery and guide desirable cell fates. However, conventional hydrogels often lack macroporosity, which restricts cell proliferation and delays matrix deposition. Here we report the use of injectable, macroporous microribbon (μRB) hydrogels as stem cell carriers for bone repair, which supports direct cell encapsulation into a macroporous scaffold with rapid spreading. When transplanted in a critical‐sized, mouse cranial defect model, μRB‐based hydrogels significantly enhanced the survival of transplanted adipose‐derived stromal cells (ADSCs) (81%) and enabled up to three‐fold cell proliferation after 7 days. In contrast, conventional hydrogels only led to 27% cell survival, which continued to decrease over time. MicroCT imaging showed μRBs enhanced and accelerated mineralized bone repair compared to hydrogels (61% vs. 34% by week 6), and stem cells were required for bone repair to occur. These results suggest that paracrine signaling of transplanted stem cells are responsible for the observed bone repair, and enhancing cell survival and proliferation using μRBs further promoted the paracrine‐signaling effects of ADSCs for stimulating endogenous bone repair. We envision μRB‐based scaffolds can be broadly useful as a novel scaffold for enhancing stem cell survival and regeneration of other tissue types. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1321–1331, 2016.
Interacting quantum fragments‐rooted preorganized‐interacting fragments attributed relative molecular stability of the BeIIcomplexes of nitrilotriacetic acid and nitrilotri‐3‐propionic acid
Authors: Cukrowski Ignacy , Mangondo Paidamwoyo
Published: March 2016

A method designed to investigate, on a fundamental level, the origin of relative stability of molecular systems using BeIIcomplexes with nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and nitrilotri‐3‐propionic acid (NTPA) is described. It makes use of the primary and molecular fragment energy terms as defined in the IQA/F (Interacting Quantum Atoms/Fragments) framework. An extensive classical‐type investigation, focused on single descriptors (bond length, density at critical point, the size of metal ion or coordination ring, interaction energy between BeIIand a donor atom, etc.) showed that it is not possible to explain the experimental trend. The proposed methodology is fundamentally different in that it accounts for the total energy contributions coming from all atoms of selected molecular fragments, and monitors changes in defined energy terms (e.g., fragment deformation, inter‐ and intra‐fragment interaction) on complex formation. By decomposing combined energy terms we identified the origin of relative stability of BeII(NTA) and BeII(NTPA) complexes. We found that the sum of coordination bonds' strength, as measured by interaction energies between BeIIion and donor atoms, favours BeII(NTA) but the binding energy of BeIIion to the entire ligand correlates well with experimental trend. Surprisingly, the origin of BeII(NTPA) being more stable is due to less severe repulsive interactions with the backbone of NTPA (C and H‐atoms). This general purpose protocol can be employed not only to investigate the origin of relative stability of any molecular system (e.g., metal complexes) but, in principle, can be used as a predictive tool for,e.g., explaining reaction mechanism. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theoretical estimation of the rate of photoinduced charge transfer reactions in triphenylamine C60 donor–acceptor conjugate
Authors: Martínez Juan Pablo , Solà Miquel , Voityuk Alexander A.
Published: March 2016

Fullerene‐based molecular heterojunctions such as the [6,6]‐pyrrolidine‐C60 donor–acceptor conjugate containing triphenylamine (TPA) are potential materials for high‐efficient dye‐sensitized solar cells. In this work, we estimate the rate constants for the photoinduced charge separation and charge recombination processes in TPA‐C60 using the unrestricted and time‐dependent DFT methods. Different schemes are applied to evaluate excited state properties and electron transfer parameters (reorganization energies, electronic couplings, and Gibbs energies). The use of open‐shell singlet or triplet states, several density functionals, and continuum solvation models is discussed. Strengths and limitations of the computational approaches are highlighted. The present benchmark study provides an overview of the expected performance of DFT‐based methodologies in the description of photoinduced charge transfer reactions in fullerene heterojunctions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PyGlobal: A toolkit for automated compilation of DFT‐based descriptors
Authors: Nath Shilpa R. , Kurup Sudheer S. , Joshi Kaustubh A.
Published: March 2016

Density Functional Theory (DFT)‐based Global reactivity descriptor calculations have emerged as powerful tools for studying the reactivity, selectivity, and stability of chemical and biological systems. A Python‐based module, PyGlobal has been developed for systematically parsing a typical Gaussian outfile and extracting the relevant energies of the HOMO and LUMO. Corresponding global reactivity descriptors are further calculated and the data is saved into a spreadsheet compatible with applications like Microsoft Excel and LibreOffice. The efficiency of the module has been accounted by measuring the time interval for randomly selected Gaussian outfiles for 1000 molecules. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analytical Evaluation of Free Testosterone and Cortisol Immunoassays in Saliva as a Reliable Alternative to Serum in Sports Medicine
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Dipalo Mariella , Buonocore Ruggero , Gnocchi Cecilia , Aloe Rosalia , Delsignore Roberto
Published: March 2016

Background

This study was aimed to investigate whether measurement of free testosterone and cortisol in saliva is a reliable alternative to their assessment in serum for monitoring physical fitness in professional athletes.

Methods

We studied 25 members of the soccer team Parma F.C., playing in Italian major football league. Blood and saliva samples were collected at fasting, before a regular training session. Cortisol, total and free testosterone, as well as the ratio between free testosterone and cortisol, were assessed in paired serum and saliva samples, and their results were compared.

Results

An excellent correlation was found between serum and saliva cortisol (r = 0.751; P < 0.001). A significant correlation was also observed between free testosterone in serum and saliva (r = 0.590; P = 0.002), whereas no significant correlation was found between total testosterone in serum and saliva (r = 0.181; P = 0.387). A significant correlation was found for the free testosterone to cortisol ratio in serum and saliva (r = 0.43; P = 0.031). All athletes (25/25; 100%) declared that they would feel more comfortable to have saliva rather than blood serially collected.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that measurement of free testosterone and cortisol in saliva may be seen as a reliable alternative to their assessment in serum.
Comparison of a New and Rapid Method: Brucella Coombs Gel Test With Other Diagnostic Tests
Authors: Kalem Fatma , Ergün Ayşe Gül , Durmaz Süleyman , Doğan Metin , Ertuğrul Ömür , Gündem Seval
Published: March 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to detect reliability of Brucella Coombs gel test (BCGT) by comparing with with ELISA (IgG + IgM), Standard agglutination test, and Brucella immunocapture agglutination methods in serological diagnosis of brucellosis.

Methods

Brucella Coombs gel test (BCGT), Brucella ELISA (IgG + IgM), Standard agglutination test, and Brucella immunocapture agglutination tests of 78 patients with presumptive diagnosis of brucellosis which were sent to Microbiology Laboratory of Konya Numune Hospital from various regions of Konya were studied.

Results

Results: Of 78 patients with ELISA IgG and IgM, STA, BICA and BCGT; 26, 21, 10, 12 and 12 were positive. When compared with BICA, the sensitivity and specifity of BCGT were 100% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

According to results BCGT can be used as a diagnostic test in routine laboratories after more comprehensive studies in control groups and patients.
Serum Osteoprotegerin Levels Related With Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Demir Pinar , Erdenen Fusun , Aral Hale , Emre Turker , Kose Sennur , Altunoglu Esma , Dolgun Anil , Inal Berrin Bercik , Turkmen Aydin
Published: March 2016

Background

To evaluate osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels in relation to cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on different regimens of renal replacement therapy.

Methods

A total of 143 patients with CKD and 30 healthy controls were included in this study and divided into five categories, including predialysis patients with chronic renal failure (preD; n = 36), chronic peritoneal dialysis patients (PD; n = 36), hemodialysis patients (HD; n = 35), renal transplant patients (RT; n = 36), and controls (n = 30). Data on demographics, concomitant diseases and CV risk factors, serum OPG levels, and correlates of serum OPG levels were determined.

Results

Serum OPG (pmol/l) levels were significantly higher in HD (P <0.001 for each), PD (P <0.001 for each), and preD (P <0.01 vs. control, P <0.05 vs. RT) groups than RT and control groups. Diabetics than nondiabetics in HD (P = 0.008), PD (P = 0.024), and RT (P = 0.004) groups and males than females in PD group (P = 0.021) had higher OPG levels. Serum OPG levels were associated positively with age in HD (P <0.001), PD (P = 0.001), and in overall population (P <0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings revealed increased serum levels of OPG in dialysis and preD patients compared to RT and controls. In the patient groups receiving two dialysis treatment, the levels were worse, indicating a more pronounced vascular injury. Age, C‐reactive protein (CRP), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), and cystatin C (CysC) in CKD patients, CRP and PTH in the control subjects, and age and BMI in the overall population were the significant correlates of serum OPG levels.
Histological and ultrastructural investigation of the female reproductive system of Argulus bengalensisRamakrishna, 1951 (Crustacea: Branchiura)
Authors: Banerjee Anirban , Saha Samar Kumar
Published: March 2016

In order to understand branchiuran reproductive biology, it is imperative to know the sites of oogenesis and oocyte maturation, locate the accessory reproductive glands, and identify the fertilization site with the present knowledge of the sperm transfer mechanism of the genus Argulus. With these objectives, we attempted to describe the female reproductive system of Argulus bengalensis using serial histological sections through the ovaries and associated ducts in the transverse, longitudinal, and sagittal planes. The reproductive organs include a median ovary, one pair of ovarian lumina, a median oviduct, and a pair of collateral accessory glands. A duct from each of the collateral accessory glands leads into the proximal part of the median oviduct, which opens to the exterior through a genital opening at the distal end. The glandular secretion presumably contributes to the jelly coat of the egg. The ovary is bound with a tunica propria which extends further diametrically inside the ovary forming the paired lumina. The lumina are confluent into the median oviduct. Two distinct areas, the germarium and differentiating zones, are clearly distinguishable within the ovary. The tunica propria itself houses the oogonia within a matrix, serving as the germarium. Transmission electron micrograph reveals that the matrix is made of collagen. The collagen matrix confers elasticity to the tunica propria to accommodate the postvitellogenic oocytes within the ovarian lumen. The differentiating zone is situated in between the germarium: dorsally it is covered with a chromatophore layer. The ovary is ensheathed by a circum ovarian striated muscle. The presence of spermatophores in the ovarian lumen indicates the fertilization site. J. Morphol. 277:707–716, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Constraining the time span between the Early Holocene Hässeldalen and Askja‐S Tephras through varve counting in the Lake Czechowskie sediment record, Poland
Authors: Ott Florian , Wulf Sabine , Serb Johanna , Słowiński Michał , Obremska Milena , Tjallingii Rik , Błaszkiewicz Mirosław , Brauer Achim
Published: March 2016

We report the first findings of coexisting early Holocene Hässeldalen and Askja‐S cryptotephras in a varved sediment record in Lake Czechowskie (Poland). A time span of 152 +11/−8 varve years between the two tephras has been revealed by differential dating through varve counting. This is in agreement within the uncertainties with calculations from radiocarbon‐based age models from the non‐varved Hässeldala port record in southern Sweden, but shorter than assumed from the non‐varved lake record on the Faroe Islands. We discuss possible reasons for the observed differences in duration between the two tephras and provide a revised absolute age for the Askja‐S tephra of 11 228 ± 226 cal a BP based on anchoring our floating varve chronology to the absolute timescale by using the Hässeldalen Tephra as dated in the Hässeldala port sediments (11 380 ± 216 cal a BP). This age agrees with radiocarbon age models with larger uncertainty ranges, but is slightly older than radiocarbon‐based age models with narrow uncertainty bands and is even 200–300 years older than the age reported from the Faroe Islands record. In addition to these chronological issues we discuss the possible response of the Czechowskie sediment record to the Preboreal climate oscillation.
Influence of genetic and vintage factors in flavan‐3‐ol composition of grape seeds of a segregating Vitis vinifera population
Authors: Hernández Maria M , Song Shiren , Menéndez Cristina M
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Flavan‐3‐ol compounds are important secondary metabolites which show high antioxidant activity and are responsible for bitterness and astringency of food products. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential for selecting grape materials with higher seed flavanol content from a breeding population. The composition and content of flavan‐3‐ols from 151 genotypes obtained from crossing wine grape varieties was evaluated by UPLC in three consecutive years.

RESULTS

Chromatograms of flavan‐3‐ol compounds showed the same 12 compounds for all samples, but quantitative differences were observed between genotypes as well as parental varieties. The most abundant compounds were (−)‐epicatechin and (+)‐catechin followed by proanthocyanidins A2 and B2. Progeny showed higher values than the parental genotypes for every detected compound indicating directional transgressive segregation. With these results genotypes with as much as five times more flavanols than their parents could be identified. The year effect was significant; however, high correlations between years for each compound indicated that there is a strong genetic component in the determination of flavanol content.

CONCLUSION

Higher contents of seed flavan‐3‐ols can be obtained by hybridisation, and those genotypes could be used for extracting healthy phytochemicals, adding value to seeds as a sub‐product in wine elaboration. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of frequency dimming electronic ballast on a high‐pressure mercury thallium iodide discharge
Authors: Chammam Abdeljelil , Nsibi Walid , Nehdi Mohamed Nejib , Mrabet Brahim , Sellami Anis
Published: March 2016

This study focuses on the behavior of a cylindrical metal halide discharge lamp powered by frequency‐controlled electronic ballast. Half‐bridge electronic ballast was designed and achieved.
Treatment of Mental or Physical Health Problems in a Combat Zone: Comparisons of Postdeployment Mental Health and Early Separation From Service
Authors: Conway Terry L. , Schmied Emily A. , Larson Gerald E. , Galarneau Michael R. , Hammer Paul S. , Quinn Kimberly H. , Schmitz Kimberly J. , Webb‐Murphy Jennifer A. , Boucher Wayne C. , Edwards Nathan K. , Ly Hoa L.
Published: March 2016

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether being treated for mental health or nonbattle physical injury during military combat deployment was associated with higher risk for postdeployment mental disorders and poorer career outcomes than seen in the general combat‐deployed population. Service members treated in theater for mental health (n = 964) or noncombat injury (n = 853) were compared with randomly sampled personnel (n = 7,220) from the general deployed population on diagnosed mental disorders and early separation from service. Deployment, medical, and career information were obtained from Department of Defense archival databases. Over half of the personnel who received mental health treatment while deployed were diagnosed with 1 or more mental disorders postdeployment and/or were separated from service before completing their full‐term enlistment. This was significantly higher than expected compared to the general deployed group, adjusting for demographic/military characteristics and mental health history (adjusted odds ratios [ORs] ranging 1.62 to 2.96). Frequencies of problems also were higher in the mental health‐treated group than in the group treated for nonbattle physical injuries (significant adjusted ORs ranging 1.65 to 2.58). The documented higher risks for postdeployment adjustment problems suggested that especially those treated in theater by mental health providers might benefit from postdeployment risk‐reduction programs.
Acquired cholesteatoma epithelial hyperproliferation: Roles of cell proliferation signal pathways
Authors: Xie Shumin , Xiang Yuyan , Wang Xiaoli , Ren Hongmiao , Yin Tuanfang , Ren Jihao , Liu Wei
Published: March 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

To review the recent cell proliferation signal pathways in the etiopathogenesis of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma.

Data Sources

PubMed (to September 2015).

Review Methods

Articles about cell proliferation signal pathways in the etiopathogenesis of acquired cholesteatoma and treatment advances were searched in the PubMed database, from which 73 were included in this review.

Results

The exact underlying cellular and molecular mechanism of acquired cholesteatoma still remains unknown. Recent research tends to regard the proliferation of cholesteatoma epithelial cells as the mechanism of cholesteatoma pathogenesis. Cell proliferation signal pathways including epidermal growth factor receptor/phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/protein kinase B signal pathway, mitogen‐activated protein kinase signal pathway, interleukin‐6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signal pathway, inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation‐1/nuclear factor‐κB/cyclinD1 signal pathway, microRNA‐mediated proliferation signal pathway, and keratinocyte growth factor/keratinocyte growth factor receptor signal pathway have been proven to play important roles in acquired middle ear cholesteatoma.

Conclusions

This review outlines the main biological properties of certain cell proliferation signal pathways, aiming to facilitate the development of potential therapeutic targets for intratympanic drug therapy for the nonsurgical or complementary treatment of cholesteatoma.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:1923–1930, 2016
Bilinear estimate on tent‐type spaces with application to the well‐posedness of fluid equations
Authors: Li Pengtao , Yang Qixiang
Published: March 2016

We introduce a class of tent‐type spaces and establish a Poisson extension result of Triebel–Lizorkin spaces
. As an application, we get the well‐posedness of Navier–Stokes equations and magnetohydrodynamic equations with initial data in critical Triebel–Lizorkin spaces
,
. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inverse problems of combined photoacoustic and optical coherence tomography
Authors: Elbau Peter , Mindrinos Leonidas , Scherzer Otmar
Published: March 2016

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and photoacoustic tomography are emerging non‐invasive biological and medical imaging techniques. It is a recent trend in experimental science to design experiments that perform photoacoustic tomography and OCT imaging at once. In this paper, we present a mathematical model describing the dual experiment. Because OCT is mathematically modelled by Maxwell's equations or some simplifications of it, whereas the light propagation in quantitative photoacoustics is modelled by (simplifications of) the radiative transfer equation, the first step in the derivation of a mathematical model of the dual experiment is to obtain a unified mathematical description, which in our case are Maxwell's equations. As a by‐product, we therefore derive a new mathematical model of photoacoustic tomography based on Maxwell's equations. It is well known by now that without additional assumptions on the medium, it is not possible to uniquely reconstruct all optical parameters from either one of these modalities alone. We show that in the combined approach, one has additional information, compared with a single modality, and the inverse problem of reconstruction of the optical parameters becomes feasible. © 2016 The Authors. Mathematical Methods in the Applied Sciences Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Stability and periodic investigations of linear planar difference systems
Authors: Čermák Jan , Jánský Jiří
Published: March 2016

This paper discusses the problem of stability and periodic behaviour of linear planar difference systems appearing in modelling of discrete problems of population biology and Hopfield neural networks. We concentrate especially on procedures, which enable to formulate optimal (i.e. necessary and sufficient) conditions guaranteing such a behaviour. As a main tool, we analyse in detail location of zeros of characteristic polynomials with respect to the unit circle. From this viewpoint, derived results contribute also to the polynomial theory. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gene specific epigenetic regulation of hepatic folate transport system is responsible for perturbed cellular folate status during aging and exogenous modulation
Authors: Ahmad Najar Rauf , Rahat Beenish , Hussain Aashiq , Thakur Shilpa , Kaur Jaspreet , Kaur Jyotdeep , Hamid Abid
Published: March 2016

Scope

The present study was designed to identify the molecular mechanism of folate modulation and aging on aberrant liver folate transporter system.

Methods and results

An in vivo rat model was used, in which weanling, young and adult rats were given folate deficient diet for 3 and 5 months and after 3 months of folate deficiency, one group received physiological folate repletion (2 mg/kg diet) and another group received over supplemented folate diet (8 mg/kg diet) for another 2 months. In adult group, 3 and 5 months of folate deficiency decreased serum and tissue folate levels with decreased uptake of folate, further associated with decreased expression levels of reduced folate carrier (RFC) and increased expression levels of folate exporter (ABCG2) at both mRNA and protein levels, which in turn regulated by promoter hypermethylation of RFC and promoter hypomethylation of ABCG2 gene.

Conclusion

Promoter hypermethylation of RFC and promoter hypomethylation of ABCG2 may be attributed to the down regulation of RFC and up regulation of ABCG2 at mRNA and protein levels in conditions of 3 and 5 months of folate deficiency in the adult group.
MicroRNA‐195a‐3p inhibits angiogenesis by targeting Mmp2 in murine mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Gao Fan , Sun Meng , Gong Yumei , Wang Haiyan , Wang Yusheng , Hou Huiyuan
Published: March 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) modulate complex physiological and pathological processes, including the regulation of angiogenesis. Our previous study reported that bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recruited into choroidal neovascularization lesions. miRNA‐195 is highly expressed in MSCs, but its function remains unknown. In the present study, miR‐195a‐3p abundance was significantly decreased in hypoxia‐treated murine MSCs; on the other hand, its overexpression reduced MSC proliferation and migration while increasing the activation of anti‐angiogenic factor pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF). We further discovered that matrix metalloproteinase 2 (Mmp2) transcript is a target of miR‐195a‐3p, and that silencing Mmp2 phenocopied the reduced proliferation and migration of MSCs. The therapeutic potential of miR‐195a‐3p as an angiogenesis inhibitor was also demonstrated in a laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization mouse model. These findings collectively indicate that miR‐195a‐3p is a negative modulator of angiogenesis, and could be used as an angiogenesis inhibitor. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 413–423, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MR thermometry near metallic devices using multispectral imaging
Authors: Weber Hans , Taviani Valentina , Yoon Daehyun , Ghanouni Pejman , Pauly Kim Butts , Hargreaves Brian A.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The lack of a technique for MR thermometry near metal excludes a growing patient population from promising treatments such as MR‐guided focused ultrasound therapy. Here we explore the feasibility of multispectral imaging (MSI) for noninvasive temperature measurement in the presence of strong field inhomogeneities by exploiting the temperature dependency of the T1 relaxation time.

Methods

A two‐dimensional inversion‐recovery–prepared MSI pulse sequence (2DMSI) was implemented for artifact‐reduced T1 mapping near metal. A series of T1 maps was acquired in a metallic implant phantom while increasing the phantom temperature. The measured change in T1 was analyzed with respect to the phantom temperature. For comparison, proton resonance frequency shift (PRFS) thermometry was performed.

Results

2DMSI achieved artifact‐reduced, single‐slice T1 mapping in the presence of strong off‐resonance with a spatial resolution of 1.9 mm in‐plane and a temporal resolution of 5 min. The maps enabled temperature measurements over a range of 30°C with an uncertainty below 1.4°C. The quality of the resulting temperature maps was independent of the distance from the metal, whereas the PRFS‐based temperature measurements were increasingly impaired with increasing off‐resonance.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the ability to noninvasively measure temperature near metal using MSI and the T1 temperature sensitivity. Magn Reson Med 77:1162–1169, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Analysis of piled raft with nodular pile subjected to vertical load using a Winkler model approach
Authors: Hirai Hiroyoshi
Published: March 2016

An investigation is made to present analytical solutions provided by a Winkler model approach for analysis of piled rafts with nodular pile subjected to vertical loads in nonhomogeneous soils. The vertical stiffness coefficient along a piled raft with the nodular pile in nonhomogeneous soils is derived from the displacement given by the Mindlin solution for elastic continuum analysis. The vertical stiffness coefficients for the bases of the raft and the nodular part in the nodular pile in a soil are expressed by the Muki solution for the 3‐D elastic analysis. The relationship between settlement and vertical load on the pile base is presented considering the Mindlin solution and the equivalent thickness in the equivalent elastic method. The interaction factor between the shaft of the nodular pile and the soil is expressed taking into account the Mindlin solution and the equivalent elastic modulus. The relationship between settlement and vertical load for a piled raft with the nodular pile in nonhomogeneous soils is obtained by using the recurrence equation of influence factors of the pile for each layer. The percentage of each load carried by both nodular pile and raft subjected to vertical load is represented through the vertical influence factors proposed here. Comparison of the results calculated by the present method for piled rafts with nodular piles in nonhomogeneous soils has shown good agreement with those obtained from the finite element method and a field test. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of patients who are admitted with or acquire Pressure Ulcers in a District General Hospital; a 3 year retrospective analysis
Authors: Worsley Peter R. , Smith Glenn , Schoonhoven Lisette , Bader Dan L.
Published: March 2016

Aim

The study aimed to characterize demographic and clinical practice factors associated with community (CAPU) and hospital acquired pressure ulcers (HAPU).

Design

A comparative retrospective evaluation of pressure ulcer data, collected from a district general hospital.

Methods

Demographic and pressure ulcer related data were collected from patients at risk of developing a pressure ulcer, collated by a single observer using a standardized tool. Comparisons were made within and between patient groups (no PU, CAPU and HAPU).

Results

CAPU and HAPU patient groups were significantly (P < 0·001) older, had extended lengths of hospital stay and were less likely to be provided quickly with a pressure relieving support surface than those with no PU. HAPU patients had a longer length of stay and a higher proportion of heel PUs compared to CAPU.
Aminothiozolyl maleamic acid based multi chelating hydrogels for the separation of uranium (VI) ions from aqueous environment
Authors: Sivagangi Reddy N. , Krishna Rao K.S.V. , Madhusudana Rao K. , Parambadath Surendran , Ha Chang Sik
Published: March 2016

Multi chelating hydrogels (MCHs) were synthesized using a simple radical polymerization method from acrylamide, hydroxyethyl acrylate, and N‐(2‐aminothiozolyl)maleamic acid (AMA) monomers, methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) a cross‐linker, and azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) an initiator. The resulting MCHs were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy to confirm the formation and morphological properties. The MCHs were highly swellable in aqueous solutions as well as different pH conditions. MCHs were applied to evaluate uptake behavior of Uranium (VI) ion from aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption studies were performed by varying experimental conditions like contact time, pH, and initial metal ion concentration. The kinetics data was best suited with the second‐order equation model. The equilibrium adsorption data was correlated with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. This study suggests that maximum Uranium (VI) ion uptake has been found to be 288 mg.g−1 and regenerated for 5 cycles without any significant change. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of ulexite to the tribological properties of brake lining materials
Authors: Sugozu Ilker , Mutlu Ibrahim , Sugozu Kezban Banu
Published: March 2016

Recently, different brake pads have started to be investigated in brake friction industry by replacing the asbestos with new materials. This paper presents the role of Ulexite on friction assessment and screening Test of newly formulated brake pads. Friction coefficient, specific wear ratio, and scanning electron microscope SEM for friction surfaces were examined to assess the performance of brake pads. From the results, they concluded that the friction material containing Ulexite improved friction stability and fade resistance. Further, for heat treated samples they claimed a higher and stable friction coefficient. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:55–62, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation of nacrite nanorolls and their reinforcing effect in LLDPE matrix
Authors: Xue Bing , Wang Huimin , Xia Maosheng , Wang Xingyuan , Yang Kuo , Chi Qianwen , Li Fangfei , Jiang Yinshan
Published: March 2016

Nacrite nanorolls were prepared by the delamination and rolling of the platy nacrite particles and the nacrite nanorolls were melt‐compounded with LLDPE to prepare a novel Nacrite/LLDPE composite. In this method, hexylamine was intercalated into the interlayer space of methoxy‐modified nacrite precursor and the deintercalation of nacrite‐hexylamine intercalation complex in toluene resulted in the delamination and rolling of nacrite layers. The nacrite nanorolls were composed with linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) to prepare a novel Nacrite/LLDPE composite. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and N2 adsorption–desorption test were used to evaluate the prepared nacrite nanorolls. The results showed that the interlayer octahedral surface of nacrite was grafted with methanol and the methoxy‐modified nacrite was intercalated with hexylamine. The deintercalation of nacrite‐hexylamine intercalation complex in toluene disturbed the orderly arrangement of nacrite layers, leading to a delamination of the layered particles and subsequent formation of aluminosilicate nanorolls. The specific surface area (SSA) and Vpor value of nacrite nanorolls reached 34.69 m2/g and 0.22 cm3/g (4.52 m2/g and 0.13 cm3/g for raw nacrite). Furthermore, the mechanical properties test confirmed that the introduction of nacrite nanorolls into LLDPE matrix could improve the tensile and tear strength. 6.4% and 6.8% higher tensile strength than the pure LLDPE were observed for Nacrite/LLDPE composite with 2 wt% and 4 wt% nacrite nanorolls filler. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:448–456, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers