bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Enantioselective Benzofuran‐Based Receptor for Dinitrobenzoyl‐Substituted Amino Acids
Authors: de Juan Fernández Leire , Fuentes de Arriba Ángel L. , Monleón Laura M. , Rubio Omayra H. , Alcázar Montero Victoria , Rubio Luis Simón , Morán Joaquín Rodríguez
Published: February 2016

The easily accessible benzofuran skeleton has been used as a platform for building two synthetic receptors able to associate with carboxylic acids and dinitrobenzoyl‐substituted (DNB) amino acids. The synthesis of the benzofuran framework allows for functionalization with hydrogen bond binding sites such as amide and sulfonamide units, in a straightforward way. Substrates containing carboxylic acids are bound in the receptor cleft by multiple H‐bonding interactions. The resulting associations can be further stabilized when new interactions such as aromatic π–π stacking are established. These binding interactions become important in the recognition of the dinitrobenzoyl‐substituted amino acids, as charge transfer interactions between the electron‐deficient dinitrobenzoyl group and the rich aromatic rings in the receptors are established. Reasonable enantioselectivities have been achieved for some of the tested dinitrobenzoyl‐substituted amino acids, allowing the resolution of the racemic receptor by preparative TLC. Experimental data (NMR titrations and ROESY experiments) and molecular modelling have been used to propose reasonable structures for the diastereomeric complexes.
Microbial Electricity Generation and Isolation of Exoelectrogenic Bacteria Based on Petroleum Hydrocarbon‐contaminated Soil
Authors: Zhou Lei , Deng Dandan , Zhang Di , Chen Qi , Kang Jingquan , Fan Ningjuan , Liu Ying
Published: February 2016

In this study, the petroleum hydrocarbon‐contaminated soil was used as both inoculation and carbon source simultaneously to enrich exoelectrogenic bacteria for using in microbial fuel cell system and it demonstrated working output power density at around 220 mW m−2. The feasible electrochemical properties have displayed by means of cyclic voltammetry and dual‐chamber MFCs experiments. Moreover, two species of exoelectrogens were isolated belonging to Geobacter sp. and Ochrobactrum sp., respectively. This work evaluates the capability of naturally occurring petroleum‐degrading species to produce electric current in bioelectrochemical system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time when ecological information on electroactive, petroleum‐degrading consortium is provided.
Energy Harvesting with a Bimorph Type Piezoelectric Diaphragm Multilayer Structure and Mechanically Induced Pre‐stress
Authors: Leinonen Mikko , Juuti Jari , Jantunen Heli , Palosaari Jaakko
Published: February 2016

The energy harvester is constructed from four circular bimorph type piezoelectric diaphragms which are stacked and pre‐stressed with a mechanical spring. Mechanical pre‐stress keeps the voltage cancellation at a minimum between the bimorph layers and enhances the physical compression distance. This results in much higher power densities than previously reported for low‐frequency piezoelectric energy harvesting applications. The voltage output at ∼1 Hz compression frequency, which closely corresponds to the pace of human walking, gives an average power output of 11.30 mW, a very high average power density of 10.55 mW cm−3 for the piezoelectric material. The results show that bimorph type stacked and pre‐stressed piezoelectric diaphragms can provide a sufficiently compact and efficient structure to harvest useful amounts of energy; enough, for example, to power and recharge various portable devices and sensors in future applications.
Study of Donor–Acceptor–π–Acceptor Architecture Sensitizers with Benzothiazole Acceptor for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Koyyada Ganesh , Singh Surya Prakash , Bhanuprakash K. , Han Liyuan , Bedja Idriss M. , Gupta Ravindra Kumar , Islam Ashraful , Chandrasekharam M.
Published: February 2016

A new additional benzothiazole (BT) acceptor has been introduced into metal‐free organic dyes (MCG1–MCG4) to construct donor–acceptor–π–acceptor (D‐A‐π‐A) architecture with the systematic replacement of diheteroanthracene donors and heteroaromatic π‐bridge components. BT not only facilitates effective electron transfer from the donor to the anchoring group, but also lowers the band gap. The planarity of the sensitizers induces J aggregation on TiO2, causes the redshift on TiO2, and enhances the light‐harvesting efficiency up to λ=750–800 nm. Transient absorption spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy have been used to understand the trends in short‐circuit current (Jsc) and open‐circuit voltage (Voc). Dye MCG4 showed a superior efficiency of 6.46 %. DFT has been complemented with experimentally determined photoelectrochemical properties. These molecules are new and support π‐bridge extension with BT for better performance of D‐A‐π‐A organic sensitizers.
A fuzzy mixed‐integer linear programming model for optimal design of polygeneration systems with cyclic loads
Authors: Ubando Aristotle T. , Aviso Kathleen B. , Culaba Alvin B. , Cuello Joel L. , El‐Halwagi Mahmoud M. , Ng Denny K.S. , Tan Raymond R.
Published: February 2016

Polygeneration plants are composed of integrated processes which produce multiple energy and material products simultaneously. Their inherent efficiency generally results in reduced emissions and environmental impacts compared to stand‐alone systems. However, rigorous mathematical modeling approaches need to be used for the synthesis of such systems. In this work, a fuzzy mixed‐integer linear programming (FMILP) model is proposed for the optimal design of a polygeneration plant with cyclic loads. A hypothetical but realistic polygeneration system case study is then solved to illustrate the applicability of the developed model. Results show that to accommodate varying cyclic loads, the optimal design of the polygeneration plant will require a storage tank. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1105–1112, 2016
Recovery of samarium (III) from aqueous solutions by poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) assisted‐ultrafiltration
Authors: Hammami Mahria , Ennigrou Dorra Jellouli , Naifer Karima Horchani , Ferid Mokhtar
Published: February 2016

Polyelectrolyte‐assisted ultrafiltration (PAUF) was investigated for the removal of samarium (III) from aqueous solutions by using poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS) as a complexing agent. The ultrafiltration studies were carried out using a tangential cell system, equipped with a polyethersulfone membrane. Factors affecting the samarium ions retention, such as applied pressure, polyelectrolyte concentration, pH, and ionic strength, were investigated. After optimization, the best operating conditions can be obtained in order to achieve high levels of recovery. Experimental results indicate that the retention of samarium ions increases respectively with applied pressure and polyelectrolyte concentration. A maximum retention was obtained at 2 × 10−4 mol L−1 PSS concentration and 3 bars transmembrane pressure. Samarium retention by PSS assisted ultrafiltration was influenced by the pH varying from 5 to 9. The study of the ionic strength effect has shown a retention decrease with the salt concentration increase. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1091–1097, 2016
Google's MIDAS Touch: Predicting UK Unemployment with Internet Search Data
Authors: Smith Paul
Published: February 2016

Internet search data could be a useful source of information for policymakers when formulating decisions based on their understanding of the current economic environment. This paper builds on earlier literature via a structured value assessment of the data provided by Google Trends. This is done through two empirical exercises related to the forecasting of changes in UK unemployment. Firstly, economic intuition provides the basis for search term selection, with a resulting Google indicator tested alongside survey‐based variables in a traditional forecasting environment. Secondly, this environment is expanded into a pseudo‐time nowcasting framework which provides the backdrop for assessing the timing advantage that Google data have over surveys. The framework is underpinned by a MIDAS regression which allows, for the first time, the easy incorporation of Internet search data at its true sampling rate into a nowcast model for predicting unemployment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Sediment Cores Reveal Environmental Changes Driven by Tectonic Processes at Ancient Helike, Greece
Authors: Engel Max , Jacobson Kirstin , Boldt Katrin , Frenzel Peter , Katsonopoulou Dora , Soter Steven , Alvarez Zarikian Carlos A. , Brückner Helmut
Published: February 2016

According to various historical sources an earthquake and an associated tsunami wiped out the Greek city of Helike on the Gulf of Corinth in 373 B.C. This study combines stratigraphical data from a new series of sediment cores with archaeological findings of the Helike Project to better assess the fate of Helike. Abrupt lithological changes, for example, from coarse‐grained littoral facies at the base to fine‐grained lagoonal deposits, in three of the new cores suggest sudden formation of lagoonal or lacustrine conditions in the central delta during tectonic events of subsidence due to fault‐slip. These events date before c. 2550 B.C., before 348 cal. B.C.–64 cal. A.D. (probably 373 B.C.), and before 1437–1634 cal. A.D. (probably A.D. 1402). Vertically displaced isochronic surfaces between two neighboring cores may be related to active faulting of the fan‐delta north of the Western Helike Fault Zone in 373 B.C. and A.D. 1402. Although the Helike Project reported possible tsunami evidence in earlier cores and trenches, no unequivocal sedimentary traces of a tsunami were identified in the Classical horizons of the new cores.
Simvastatin and atorvastatin facilitates amyloid β‐protein degradation in extracellular spaces by increasing neprilysin secretion from astrocytes through activation of MAPK/Erk1/2 pathways
Authors: Yamamoto Naoki , Fujii Yoko , Kasahara Rika , Tanida Mamoru , Ohora Kentaro , Ono Yoko , Suzuki Kenji , Sobue Kazuya
Published: February 2016

One of the major neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the deposition of amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) in the brain. Aβ accumulation seems to arise from an imbalance between Aβ production and clearance. Neprilysin (NEP) and insulin‐degrading enzyme (IDE) are the important Aβ‐degrading enzymes in the brain, and deficits in their expression may promote Aβ deposition in patients with sporadic late‐onset AD. Statins, which are used clinically for reducing cholesterol levels, can exert beneficial effects on AD. Therefore, we examined whether various statins are associated with Aβ degradation by inducing NEP and IDE expression, and then evaluating the relation between activation of intracellular signaling transduction, inhibition of cholesterol production, and morphological changes to astrocytes. Treating cultured rat astrocytes with simvastatin and atorvastatin significantly decreased the expression of NEP but not IDE in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. The decrease in NEP expression was a result of activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) but not the reduction of cholesterol synthesis pathway. This NEP reduction was achieved by the release to the extracellular space of cultured astrocytes. Furthermore, the cultured medium prepared from simvastatin‐ and atorvastatin‐treated astrocytes significantly induced the degradation of exogenous Aβ. These results suggest that simvastatin and atorvastatin induce the increase of Aβ degradation of NEP on the extracellular of astrocytes by inducing ERK‐mediated pathway activity and that these reagents regulate the differential mechanisms between the secretion of NEP, the induction of cholesterol reduction, and the morphological changes in the cultured astrocytes. GLIA 2016;64:952–962
Neurobiological origin of spurious brain morphological changes: A quantitative MRI study
Authors: Lorio Sara , Kherif Ferath , Ruef Anne , Melie‐Garcia Lester , Frackowiak Richard , Ashburner John , Helms Gunther , Lutti Antoine , Draganski Bodgan
Published: February 2016

The high gray‐white matter contrast and spatial resolution provided by T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has made it a widely used imaging protocol for computational anatomy studies of the brain. While the image intensity in T1‐weighted images is predominantly driven by T1, other MRI parameters affect the image contrast, and hence brain morphological measures derived from the data. Because MRI parameters are correlates of different histological properties of brain tissue, this mixed contribution hampers the neurobiological interpretation of morphometry findings, an issue which remains largely ignored in the community. We acquired quantitative maps of the MRI parameters that determine signal intensities in T1‐weighted images (R1 (=1/T1), R2*, and PD) in a large cohort of healthy subjects (n = 120, aged 18–87 years). Synthetic T1‐weighted images were calculated from these quantitative maps and used to extract morphometry features—gray matter volume and cortical thickness. We observed significant variations in morphometry measures obtained from synthetic images derived from different subsets of MRI parameters. We also detected a modulation of these variations by age. Our findings highlight the impact of microstructural properties of brain tissue—myelination, iron, and water content—on automated measures of brain morphology and show that microstructural tissue changes might lead to the detection of spurious morphological changes in computational anatomy studies. They motivate a review of previous morphological results obtained from standard anatomical MRI images and highlight the value of quantitative MRI data for the inference of microscopic tissue changes in the healthy and diseased brain. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1801–1815, 2016. © 2016 The Authors. Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between FAT1 mutation and overall survival in patients with human papillomavirus–negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kim Ki Tae , Kim Bo‐Sung , Kim Ju Han
Published: February 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to characterize the mutation profile of FAT atypical cadherin 1 (FAT1) and determine the prognostic significance of FAT1 mutation for overall survival in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)‐negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

Data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) data portals and used as discovery and validation sets. FAT1 mutational status was determined in 234 and 37 patients with HPV‐negative HNSCC, respectively, and overall survival analysis was performed. For comparison, HPV‐positive patients were also analyzed for overall survival.

Results

Most of the identified nonsynonymous somatic FAT1 mutations were loss‐of‐function mutations. FAT1 mutation was significantly associated with better overall survival in HPV‐negative patients from both the TCGA cohort (p = .026) and the ICGC cohort (p = .047), but not in HPV‐positive patients.

Conclusion

FAT1 mutational status is a strong independent prognostic factor in patients with HPV‐negative HNSCC. © 2016 The Authors Head & Neck Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2021–E2029, 2016
Impact of preoperative embolization on the outcomes of carotid body tumor surgery: A meta‐analysis and review of the literature
Authors: Abu‐Ghanem Sara , Yehuda Moshe , Carmel Narin Nard , Abergel Avraham , Fliss Dan M.
Published: February 2016

Background

There is no consensus on the impact of preoperative embolization (EMB) on the surgical outcomes of carotid body tumor (CBT) resections.

Methods

A systematic review and a meta‐analysis were conducted to clarify the role of preoperative EMB in patients undergoing surgical removal of CBTs.

Results

Fifteen studies with a total number of 470 patients met the inclusion criteria. The results of the meta‐analysis showed that there is no significant difference in estimated blood loss, operative time, length of hospital stay, or risks of cranial nerve injury, vascular injury, and stroke between the EMB and nonembolization (NEMB) groups.

Conclusion

This systemic review and meta‐analysis demonstrate that preoperative EMB does not confer any operative or postoperative advantage in patients scheduled for CBT surgery. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2386–E2394, 2016
Role of endoscopic surgery in the management of sinonasal and skull base schwannomas
Authors: Karligkiotis Apostolos , Turri‐Zanoni Mario , Sica Eleonora , Facco Carla , Freguia Stefania , Mercuri Anna , Pistochini Andrea , Bignami Maurizio , Castelnuovo Paolo
Published: February 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to report our experience with the endoscopic management of sinonasal schwannomas, analyzing the advantages, limitations, and outcomes of the technique.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was carried out on 11 patients treated endoscopically between 2000 and 2014 at a single institution.

Results

Eight patients underwent an exclusive endoscopic endonasal approach, whereas, in 3 patients, an osteoplastic flap was combined because of massive or lateral frontal sinus involvement. The tumor extended into the orbit in 5 cases, and involved the skull base in 5 patients who required a concomitant endoscopic duraplasty. No evidence of disease was observed in 10 patients after a mean follow‐up of 90.1 months (range, 14–189 months). One patient was alive with persistence of disease, although asymptomatic.

Conclusion

The endoscopic endonasal approach is a valid alternative for the vast majority of sinonasal schwannomas with minimal morbidity for the patient. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2074–E2082, 2016
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo controlled, parallel group, efficacy study of alpha BRAIN® administered orally
Authors: Solomon Todd M. , Leech Jarrett , deBros Guy B. , Murphy Cynthia A. , Budson Andrew E. , Vassey Elizabeth A. , Solomon Paul R.
Published: February 2016

Objective

Alpha BRAIN® is a nootropic supplement that purports to enhance cognitive functioning in healthy adults. The goal of this study was to investigate the efficacy of this self‐described cognitive enhancing nootropic on cognitive functioning in a group of healthy adults by utilizing a randomized, double blind, placebo‐controlled design.

Methods

A total of 63‐treatment naïve individuals between 18 and 35 years of age completed the randomized, double‐blind, placebo controlled trial. All participants completed a 2‐week placebo run in before receiving active product, Alpha BRAIN® or new placebo, for 6 weeks. Participants undertook a battery of neuropsychological tests at randomization and at study completion. Primary outcome measures included a battery of neuropsychological tests and measures of sleep.

Results

Compared with placebo, Alpha BRAIN® significantly improved on tasks of delayed verbal recall and executive functioning. Results also indicated significant time‐by‐group interaction in delayed verbal recall for the Alpha BRAIN® group.

Conclusions

The use of Alpha BRAIN® for 6 weeks significantly improved recent verbal memory when compared with controls, in a group of healthy adults. While the outcome of the study is encouraging, this is the first randomized controlled trial of Alpha BRAIN®, and the results merit further study.
From junk to master regulators of invasion: lncRNA functions in migration, EMT and metastasis
Authors: Dhamija Sonam , Diederichs Sven
Published: February 2016

Metastasis is a multistep process that involves the dissemination of cells from the primary tumor and colonization of distant secondary organs. Epithelial cells at the invasive front of a carcinoma acquire an enhanced migratory phenotype in a process called epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). This cellular plasticity seems to drive the initiation of metastasis. Identifying important molecules and understanding their molecular mechanisms is a key to cancer prognosis and the development of therapeutics for late stage malignancies. Recent advances in sequencing technology uncovered that the mammalian genome is pervasively transcribed into many nonprotein‐coding RNAs including the class of long noncoding RNA, a.k.a. lncRNA. Several lncRNAs are differentially expressed in carcinomas and they are emerging as potent regulators of tumor progression and metastasis. Here, we review the diverse molecular mechanisms, cellular roles and regulatory patterns that are becoming apparent for the noncoding transcriptome. Chromatin modification, epigenetic regulation, alternative splicing and translational control by MALAT1, HOTAIR and TRE lncRNAs represent important examples of lncRNA‐mediated control of cell migration and invasion, EMT and metastasis. Beyond these better characterized examples, numerous additional transcripts have been associated with cancer metastasis, but their functional roles await their discovery.
Small Ring Compounds and N‐oxides: Cycloadditions and Related Processes
Authors: Tabolin Andrey A. , Ioffe Sema L.
Published: February 2016

The review discusses the possibilities for reactions of small ring compounds (cyclopropanes, cyclobutanes, and their heteroanalogs) with various N‐oxides (nitrones, nitronates, nitrile oxides, etc.). Two major paths include: formal cycloadditions of small cycles with N‐oxide possessing dipoles, and [3+2] cycloadditions of small cyclic alkenes with N‐oxides, followed by N−O bond cleavage‐assisted rearrangement/ring opening.
Cyber Warfighter
Authors: Morrill Peter O.
Published: February 2016

Cyber war has the same components to the warfighter as in any other domain. The battle is won and lost in the mind‐set and willingness to win. Though we are still in the frontier phase, this should not stop us from seeking solutions. Technology is merely a tool; the mind is the weapon. This veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps shares skill sets that he learned while serving in the Corps. He uses a lively approach to stimulate those responsible for dynamic management leadership. The key ideas come from the battlefields faced in every life arena. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CAV1 Prevents Gallbladder Cholesterol Crystallization by Regulating Biosynthesis and Transport of Bile Salts
Authors: Xu Guoqiang , Li Yiqiao , Jiang Xin , Chen Hongtan
Published: February 2016

Cholesterol gallstone disease (CGD) is a hepatobiliary disorder which results from a biochemical imbalance in the gallbladder bile. Here we show that loss of CAV1 sensitized mice to lithogenic diet‐induced gallbladder cholesterol crystallization, which was associated with dysregulation of several hepatic transporters that efflux cholesterol, phospholipids, and bile salts. The combined effect of increased biliary cholesterol concentration and decreased biliary bile salt secretion in CAV1−/− mice led to an increased cholesterol saturation index and the formation of cholesterol crystals. At the signaling level, the ERK/AP‐1 pathway seems to mediate the effects of CAV1 on biliary BA homeostasis and might be developed as a therapeutic target for CGD. We propose that CAV1 is an anti‐lithogenic factor and that the CAV1−/− mice may offer a convenient CGD model to develop therapeutic interventions for this disease. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2118–2127, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Docosahexaenoic acid‐supplementation prior to fasting prevents muscle atrophy in mice
Authors: Deval Christiane , Capel Frédéric , Laillet Brigitte , Polge Cécile , Béchet Daniel , Taillandier Daniel , Attaix Didier , Combaret Lydie
Published: February 2016

Background

Muscle wasting prevails in numerous diseases (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular and kidney diseases, COPD,…) and increases healthcare costs. A major clinical issue is to devise new strategies preventing muscle wasting. We hypothesized that 8‐week docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation prior to fasting may preserve muscle mass in vivo.

Methods

Six‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice were fed a DHA‐enriched or a control diet for 8 weeks and then fasted for 48 h.

Results

Feeding mice a DHA‐enriched diet prior to fasting elevated muscle glycogen contents, reduced muscle wasting, blocked the 55% decrease in Akt phosphorylation, and reduced by 30–40% the activation of AMPK, ubiquitination, or autophagy. The DHA‐enriched diet fully abolished the fasting induced‐messenger RNA (mRNA) over‐expression of the endocannabinoid receptor‐1. Finally, DHA prevented or modulated the fasting‐dependent increase in muscle mRNA levels for Rab18, PLD1, and perilipins, which determine the formation and fate of lipid droplets, in parallel with muscle sparing.

Conclusions

These data suggest that 8‐week DHA supplementation increased energy stores that can be efficiently mobilized, and thus preserved muscle mass in response to fasting through the regulation of Akt‐ and AMPK‐dependent signalling pathways for reducing proteolysis activation. Whether a nutritional strategy aiming at increasing energy status may shorten recovery periods in clinical settings remains to be tested.
Doxorubicin caused severe hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance, mediated by inhibition in AMPk signalling in skeletal muscle
Authors: de Lima Junior Edson Alves , Yamashita Alex Shimura , Pimentel Gustavo Duarte , De Sousa Luís G. O. , Santos Ronaldo Vagner T , Gonçalves Cinara Ludvig , Streck Emilio Luiz , de Lira Fábio Santos , Rosa Neto Jose Cesar
Published: February 2016

Background

Cancer is considered the second leading cause of death in the world, and for the treatment of this disease, pharmacological intervention strategies are frequently based on chemotherapy. Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most widely used chemotherapeutic agents in clinical practice for treating a number of solid tumours. The treatment with DOX mimics some effects of cancer cachexia, such as anorexia, asthenia, decreases in fat and skeletal muscle mass and fatigue. We observed that treatment with DOX increased the systemic insulin resistance and caused a massive increase in glucose levels in serum. Skeletal muscle is a major tissue responsible for glucose uptake, and the positive role of AMPk protein (AMP‐activated protein kinase) in GLUT‐4 (Glucose Transporter type 4) translocation, is well established. With this, our aim was to assess the insulin sensitivity after treatment with DOX and involvement of AMPk signalling in skeletal muscle in this process.

Methods

We used Wistar rats which received a single dose of doxorubicin (DOX group) or saline (CT group) intraperitoneally at a dose of 15 mg/kg b.w. The expression of proteins involved in insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, inflammation, and activity of electron transport chain was assessed in extensor digitorum longus muscle, as well as the histological evaluation. In vitro assays were performed in L6 myocytes to assess glucose uptake after treatment with DOX. Agonist of AMPk [5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide (AICAR)] and the antioxidant n‐acetyl cysteine were used in L6 cells to evaluate its effect on glucose uptake and cell viability.

Results

The animals showed a significant insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, and hyperinsulinemia. A decrease in the expression of AMKP and GLUT‐4 was observed in the extensor digitorum longus muscle. Also in L6 cells, DOX leads to a decrease in glucose uptake, which is reversed with AICAR.

Conclusions

DOX leads to conditions similar to cachexia, with severe glucose intolerance both in vivo and in vitro. The decrease of AMPk activity of the protein is modulated negatively with DOX, and treatment with agonist of AMPk (AICAR) has proved to be a possible therapeutic target, which is able to recover glucose sensitivity in skeletal muscle.
Simultaneous adsorption of lead and aniline onto magnetically recoverable carbon: optimization, modeling and mechanism
Authors: Kakavandi Babak , Jonidi Jafari Ahmad , Rezaei Kalantary Roshanak , Nasseri Simin , Esrafili Ali , Gholizadeh Abdolmajid , Azari Ali
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

A magnetic Fe3O4/powder activated carbon (Fe3O4/PAC) composite was fabricated as a hybrid adsorbent for the simultaneous removal of Pb(II) and aniline (An) from synthetic wastewater. SEM, EDX, VSM, BET, TEM and XRD analyses were employed for composite characterization. Adsorption experiments in a batch mode were conducted through evaluation of the factors affecting the adsorption process (i.e. pH, contact time, different adsorbent and adsorbate concentrations, and temperature).

RESULTS

The adsorption of both contaminants followed pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. According to the Langmuir isotherm the maximum Pb(II) and An sorption capacities at pH 6.0 were found to be 94.3 and 206.6 mg g−1, respectively. A comparative study on the performance of the adsorption process in both single and simultaneous systems revealed that the presence of Pb(II) and An together had synergistic effects on the adsorption efficiency. Moreover, the adsorbent performance in the presence of the two pollutants compared with each of them alone was not diminished.

CONCLUSION

Fe3O4/PAC shows simple and easy regeneration and good potential reusability, and its adsorption efficiency was preserved effectively even after four successive cycles of use. Fe3O4/PAC could be considered an excellent conducting material for the treatment of metal ions and organic pollutants. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Experimental assessment of the integration of in situ removal of ethanol by pervaporation with a simultaneous saccharification–fermentation process
Authors: Orozco‐González Natalia , Bustamante Felipe , Acosta‐Cárdenas Alejandro
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

The effect of process integration in bioethanol productivity was experimentally evaluated by coupling an ethanol‐selective pervaporation module to a simultaneous saccharification–fermentation process (SSF). Ethanol concentration in the permeate stream and ethanol productivity were evaluated. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and silicalite, pure and composite multilayer membranes, supported on porous stainless steel disks, were synthesized and used. Selectivity tests were conducted using ethanol–water mixtures and fermentation broths (5–12 wt% ethanol).

RESULTS

Multilayer composite membranes showed the best performance among the membranes studied; separation factor, permeance and ethanol concentration in the permeate stream were 31.4, 5.39 kg m−2 h−1 bar−1 (959 gas permeation units (gpu)) and 81.77 wt%, and 26.5, 5.02 kg m−2 h−1 bar−1 (894 gpu) and 77.41 wt%, with model solutions (12.76 wt% ethanol) and actual fermentation broths (11.69 wt% ethanol), respectively. The coupled pervaporator–SSF system, using silicalite‐PDMS multilayer composite membranes, achieved ethanol concentrations in the permeate up to 71.53 wt% and an increase of 3% in productivity with respect to the SSF process without in situ removal of ethanol; permeance and separation factor in the coupled system were 3.25 kg m−2 h−1 bar−1 (578.4 gpu) and 24.8, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The integrated process improves bioreactor productivity and could reduce the energy penalty in the distillation process conventionally used in bioethanol production. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Management and valorisation of wastes through use in producing alkali‐activated cement materials
Authors: Bernal Susan A , Rodríguez Erich D , Kirchheim Ana Paula , Provis John L
Published: February 2016

There is growing global interest in maximising the re‐use and recycling of waste, to minimise the environmental impacts associated with waste treatment and disposal. Use of high‐volume wastes in the production of blended or novel cements (including alkali‐activated cements) is well known as a key pathway by which these wastes can be re‐used. This paper presents a critical overview of the urban, agricultural, mining and industrial wastes that have been identified as potential precursors for the production of alkali‐activated cement materials, or that can be effectively stabilised/solidified via alkali activation, to assure their safe disposal. The central aim of this review is to elucidate the potential advantages and pitfalls associated with the application of alkali‐activation technology to a wide variety of wastes that have been claimed to be suitable for the production of construction materials. A brief overview of the generation and characteristics of each waste is reported, accompanied by identification of opportunities for the use of alkali‐activation technology for their valorisation and/or management. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Rethinking Microfinance for Developed Countries
Authors: Pedrini Matteo , Bramanti Valentina , Minciullo Marco , Ferri Laura Maria
Published: February 2016

Despite the growth of the sector, microfinance's academic research in developed countries is still very limited. The paper builds on earlier works, which discuss four technical problems related to the diffusion of microfinance in developing countries. In re‐framing their approach to apply it to developed countries, we propose a set of recommendations in order to foster the growth of the microfinance sector: (1) the use of financial institutions to supply microfinance products; (2) the development of an alternative credit scoring in banks; (3) the adoption of a regulatory framework for microfinance; and (4) the use of networks as social collaterals. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of adding amino acids residues in N‐ and C‐terminus of Vip3Aa16 (L121I) toxin
Authors: Sellami Sameh , Cherif Marwa , Jamoussi Kaïs
Published: February 2016

To study the importance of N‐ and C‐terminus of Bacillus thuringiensis Vip3Aa16 (L121I) toxin (88 kDa), a number of mutants were generated. The addition of two (2R: RS) or eleven (11R: RSRPGHHHHHH) amino acid residues at the Vip3Aa16 (L121I) C‐terminus allowed to an unappropriated folding illustrated by the abundant presence of the 62 kDa proteolytic form. The produced Vip3Aa16 (L121I) full length form was less detected when increasing the number of amino acids residues in the C‐terminus. Bioassays demonstrated that the growth of the lepidopteran Ephestia kuehniella was slightly affected by Vip3Aa16 (L121I)‐2R and not affected by Vip3Aa16 (L121I)‐11R. Additionally, the fusion at the Vip3Aa16 (L121I) N‐terminus of 39 amino acids harboring the E. coli OmpA leader peptide and the His‐tag sequence allowed to the increase of protease sensitivity of Vip3Aa16 (L121I) full length form, as only the 62 kDa proteolysis form was detected. Remarkably, this fused protein produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli) was biologically inactive toward Ephestia kuehniella larvae. Thus, the N‐terminus of the protein is required to the accomplishment of the insecticidal activity of Vip3 proteins. This report serves as guideline for the study of Vip3Aa16 (L121I) protein stability and activity.
Poly(trimethylene carbonate) as a carrier for rifampicin and vancomycin to target therapy‐recalcitrant staphylococcal biofilms
Authors: Kluin Otto S. , Busscher Henk J. , Neut Daniëlle , van der Mei Henny C.
Published: February 2016

Standard antibiotic therapy in osteomyelitis patients is of limited value when methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE), or small‐colony variants (SCV) are present. Far better results are obtained by local drug delivery of antibiotic combinations including rifampicin, using a suitable carrier. We therefore investigated release kinetics of antibiotics from biodegradable poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) and in vitro biofilm inhibition of MRSA, MRSE, and S. aureus SCV strains in the course of 24, 72, and 168 h treatment by PTMC, either unloaded, gentamicin‐loaded, loaded with rifampicin and fosfomycin, or rifampicin and vancomycin. PTMC appeared to be a suitable carrier for rifampicin alone or in combination with other antibiotics. Biofilm colony forming units and metabolic activity measurement (MTT assay) demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) inhibition for all strains when PTMC loaded with rifampicin and vancomycin was employed, especially after 168 h treatment. Confocal laser scanning microscopy images showed similar qualitative results. PTMC loaded with only gentamicin did not show any inhibition. This exemplifies that PTMC loaded with rifampicin and vancomycin holds promise for the treatment of recalcitrant osteomyelitis. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1828–1837, 2016.
Yield formation of five crop species under water shortage and differential potassium supply
Authors: Schilling Günther , Eißner Helmut , Schmidt Lothar , Peiter Edgar
Published: February 2016

A long‐term field experiment on a Haplic Phaeozem, established 1949 with four levels of potassium (K) supply (5, 69, 133, and 261 kg K ha−1), was analyzed for the interaction between K supply and yield loss of five crop species by water shortage. The crop species were cultivated simultaneously side‐by‐side in the following rotation: potato (Solanum tuberosumL.), silage maize (Zea maysL.), spring wheat (Triticum aestivumL.), beet (Beta vulgarisL.), and spring barley (Hordeum vulgareL.). The treatment with 133 kg K ha−1supply had a nearly balanced K budget. In the treatments with lower supply, the soil delivered K from its mineral constituents. On the low‐K plots (especially on those with only 5 kg K ha−1), crops suffered yield depressions of nearly all main harvest products (cereal grains, potato tubers, beet storage roots, silage maize) and by‐products (straw, beet leaves) by up to 40.7% of dry matter. Only wheat grains were an exception. Potassium concentrations in the harvested plant parts decreased nearly in parallel to the reduction of their dry matter yields, with the exception of cereal grains, which kept stable concentrations even in the treatment with only 5 kg K ha−1. A comparison of four year‐pairs with differing levels of precipitation in yield‐relevant periods showed an average water shortage‐induced depression of dry matter yields by 19.7% in the main harvest products. The severity of this yield depression was not mitigated by elevated K supply, with the exception of beet leaves, where the dry matter production was stabilized by high K supply. In this crop, the reduction of storage‐root yield was associated with a decrease in harvest index and was therefore obviously caused by an inhibition of assimilate translocation from the leaves into these organs, in contrast to cereals, where water shortage primarily affected dry matter production in vegetative organs. It is concluded that the physiological causes of yield reduction by drought stress and the possibility of its amelioration by K supply differ between plant species and organs.
Optimizing the acceleration and resolution of three‐dimensional fat image navigators for high‐resolution motion correction at 7T
Authors: Gallichan Daniel , Marques José P.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To investigate the effect of spatial resolution and parallel imaging acceleration factor on the quality of the motion estimates derived from image navigators with a three‐dimensional (3D) gradient‐recalled echo (GRE) acquisition with fat excitation (3D FatNavs) for neuroimaging at 7T.

Methods

Six healthy subjects were scanned for 10 min, during which time repeated GRE volumes were acquired during small movements—alternating between fat and water excitations (WaterNavs)—allowing retrospective decimation of the data to simulate a variety of combinations of image resolution and acceleration factor. Bias and error in the motion estimates were then compared across navigator parameters.

Results

The 2‐mm, 4 × 4 accelerated data (TRvolume = 1.2 s) provided motion estimates that were almost indistinguishable from those from the full original acquisition (2 mm, 2 × 2, TRvolume = 5.2 s). For faster navigators, it was found that good accuracy and precision were achievable with TRvolume = 144 ms, using a lower spatial resolution (4 mm, 6 × 6 acceleration) to avoid the bias observed at exceptionally high acceleration factors (8 × 8 or higher). Parameter estimates from WaterNavs and FatNavs showed close agreement with FatNavs, with better performance at exceptionally high acceleration factors.

Conclusion

Our data help to guide the parameter choice for 3D FatNavs when a compromise must be reached between the quality of the motion estimates and the available scan time. Magn Reson Med 77:547–558, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Stimulated echo diffusion weighted imaging of the liver at 3 Tesla
Authors: Zhang Hui , Sun Aiqi , Li Hongjun , Saiviroonporn Pairash , Wu Ed X. , Guo Hua
Published: February 2016

Purpose

Diffusion time (Δ) effect in diffusion measurements has been validated as a sensitive biomarker in liver fibrosis by rat models. To extend this finding to clinical study, a reliable imaging technique is highly desirable. This study aimed to develop an optimal stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) method dedicated to human liver imaging on 3 Tesla (T) and preliminarily investigate the dependence effect in healthy volunteers.

Methods

STEAM DWI with single‐shot echo planar imaging readout was used as it provided better signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) than spin echo DWI methods when a long Δ was needed for liver imaging. Additionally, a slice‐selection gradient reversal method was used for fat suppression. Motion compensation and SNR improvement strategies were used to further improve the image quality. Five b‐values with three Δs were tested in 10 volunteers.

Results

Effective fat suppression and motion compensation were reproducibly achieved in the optimized sequence. The signal decay generally became slower when the Δs increased. Obvious reduction of diffusion coefficients was observed with increasing Δs in the liver.

Conclusion

The results verified the Δ dependence in diffusion measurements, indicating restricted diffusion in healthy human livers for the first time at 3T. This prepared STEAM DWI a potential technique for liver fibrotic studies in clinical practice. Magn Reson Med 77:300–309, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the equivalent static load method for flexible multibody systems described with a nonlinear finite element formalism
Authors: Tromme E. , Sonneville V. , Brüls O. , Duysinx P.
Published: February 2016

The equivalent static load (ESL) method is a powerful approach to solve dynamic response structural optimization problems. The method transforms the dynamic response optimization into a static response optimization under multiple load cases. The ESL cases are defined based on the transient analysis response whereupon all the standard techniques of static response optimization can be used. In the last decade, the ESL method has been applied to perform the structural optimization of flexible components of mechanical systems modeled as multibody systems (MBS). The ESL evaluation strongly depends on the adopted formulation to describe the MBS and has been initially derived based on a floating frame of reference formulation. In this paper, we propose a method to derive the ESL adapted to a nonlinear finite element approach based on a Lie group formalism for two main reasons. Firstly, the finite element approach is completely general to analyze complex MBS and is suitable to perform more advanced optimization problems like topology optimization. Secondly, the selected Lie group formalism leads to a formulation of the equations of motion in the local frame, which turns out to be a strong practical advantage for the ESL evaluation. Examples are provided to validate the proposed method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Brain–Computer Interface‐controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation Training on Shoulder Subluxation for Patients with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jang Yun Young , Kim Tae Hoon , Lee Byoung Hee
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of brain–computer interface (BCI)‐controlled functional electrical stimulation (FES) training on shoulder subluxation of patients with stroke. Twenty subjects were randomly divided into two groups: the BCI‐FES group (n = 10) and the FES group (n = 10). Patients in the BCI‐FES group were administered conventional therapy with the BCI‐FES on the shoulder subluxation area of the paretic upper extremity, five times per week during 6 weeks, while the FES group received conventional therapy with FES only. All patients were assessed for shoulder subluxation (vertical distance, VD; horizontal distance, HD), pain (visual analogue scale, VAS) and the Manual Function Test (MFT) at the time of recruitment to the study and after 6 weeks of the intervention. The BCI‐FES group demonstrated significant improvements in VD, HD, VAS and MFT after the intervention period, while the FES group demonstrated significant improvements in HD, VAS and MFT. There were also significant differences in the VD and two items (shoulder flexion and abduction) of the MFT between the two groups. The results of this study suggest that BCI‐FES training may be effective in improving shoulder subluxation of patients with stroke by facilitating motor recovery. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Race‐Specific Influence of CYP4F2 on Dose and Risk of Hemorrhage Among Warfarin Users
Authors: Shendre Aditi , Brown Todd M. , Liu Nianjun , Hill Charles E. , Beasley T. Mark , Nickerson Deborah A. , Limdi Nita A.
Published: February 2016

Objective

The p.V433M in cytochrome P450 4F2 (rs2108622, CYP4F2*3) is associated with a higher warfarin dose and lower risk of hemorrhage among European Americans. We evaluate the influence of CYP4F2*3 on warfarin dose, time to target international normalized ratio (INR), and stable dose, proportion of time spent in target range (PTTR), as well as the risk of overanticoagulation and hemorrhage among European and African Americans.

Design

CYP4F2*3 was genotyped in 1238 patients initiated on warfarin in a prospective inception cohort. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess warfarin dose and PTTR; proportional hazards analysis was performed to evaluate time to target INR and stable dose, overanticoagulation, and hemorrhage.

Setting

Two outpatient anticoagulation clinics.

Participants

A total of 1238 anticoagulated patients.

Outcomes

Warfarin dose (mg/day), time to target INR and stable dose, PTTR, overanticoagulation (INR more than 4), and major hemorrhage.

Results

Minor allele frequency for the CYP4F2*3 variant was 30.3% among European Americans and 8.4% among African Americans. CYP4F2*3 was associated with higher dose among European Americans but not African Americans. Compared to CYP4F2*1/*1, *1/*3 was associated with a statistically nonsignificant increase in dose (4.5%, p=0.22) and *3/*3 was associated with a statistically significant increase in dose (13.2%, p=0.02). CYP4F2 genotype did not influence time to target INR, time to stable dose, or PTTR in either race group. CYP4F2*3/*3 was associated with a 31% lower risk of over anticoagulation (p=0.06). Incidence of hemorrhage was lower among participants with CYP4F2 *3/*3 compared with *1/*3 or *1/*1 (incidence rate ratio = 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.14–1.11, p=0.09). After controlling for covariates, CYP4F2 *3/*3 was associated with a 52% lower risk of hemorrhage, although this was not statistically significant (p=0.24).

Conclusion

Possession of CYP4F2*3 variant influences warfarin dose among European Americans but not African Americans. The CYP4F2‐dose, CYP4F2‐overanticoagulation, and CYP4F2‐hemorrhage association follows a recessive pattern with possession of CYP4F2*3/*3 genotype likely demonstrating a protective effect. These findings need further confirmation.