bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethanol production from sweet potato: The effect of ripening, comparison of two heating methods, and cost analysis
Authors: Schweinberger Cristiane Martins , Putti Tobias Romanzini , Susin Gabriela Baldin , Trierweiler Jorge Otávio , Trierweiler Luciane Ferreira
Published: January 2016

Currently, biomass contributes to ∼14 % of global energy needs. Therefore, many studies and policies have been developed in order to expand the participation of renewable energy in the global energy matrix. In this context, ethanol has received substantial interest. This work investigates ways to improve efficiency in ethanol production from sweet potatoes, considering the costs that make the process potentially implementable. The following aspects were investigated: (i) conversion efficiency according to the post‐harvest time; (ii) influence of the heating method (water bath (conventional) and microwave) as well as the corresponding processing costs. The conversion efficiency increased significantly during sweet potato ripening, where the highest value was achieved 25 days after harvest. This is a very important result since it has a strong impact on the final cost. Among the heating methods, the conventional one was slightly superior in terms of conversion efficiency (9 % higher at 25 days) and also had better results regarding cost analysis. Among four designed scenarios, the largest cost difference was 17.5 %. Instead of a definitive elimination of microwave heating, the results should be analyzed to identify where the microwave heating should be improved in order to make it more attractive in the future.
An Interesting Class of Porous Polymer—Revisiting the Structure of Mesoporous α‐d‐Polysaccharide Gels
Authors: White Robin J. , Shuttleworth Peter S. , Budarin Vitaliy L. , Bruyn Mario De , Fischer Anna , Clark James H.
Published: January 2016

The processes involved in the transformation of non‐porous, native polysaccharides to their highly porous equivalents introduce significant molecular complexity and are not yet fully understood. In this paper, we propose that distinct changes in polysaccharide local short‐range ordering promotes and directs the formation of meso‐ and micro‐pores, which are investigated here using N2 sorption, FTIR, and solid‐state 13C NMR. It is found that an increase in the overall double helical amylose content, and their local association structures, are responsible for formation of the porous polysaccharide gel phase. An exciting consequence of this local ordering change is elegantly revealed using a 19F NMR experiment, which identifies the stereochemistry‐dependent diffusion of a fluorinated chiral probe molecule (1‐phenyl‐2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol) from the meso‐ to the micro‐pore region. This finding opens opportunities in the area of polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phases and asymmetric catalyst preparation.
Performance analysis of ultra‐dense networks with MRC reception and successive interference cancellation under rate‐limited backhaul
Authors: Wang Shipeng , Chen Li , Chen Xiaohui , Wei Guo
Published: January 2016

Ultra‐dense network (UDN) is one of candidate technologies for next generation cellular networks. In this paper, we explore performance limits of cooperative UDN with maximal ratio‐combining detection under limited‐capacity backhaul links. More concretely, based on the imperfect estimation, lower bounds of the average per‐user rate are derived for maximal ratio‐combining detection with and without successive interference cancellation scheme when the number of Base stations (BSs) in the network goes to infinite. Then we discuss how the average per‐user rate is impacted by the number of cooperative BSs and the backhaul capacity. Our results show that there is an optimal number of cooperative BSs in the UDN to achieve the best performance in low signal‐to‐noise‐ratio region. Simulations demonstrate that our asymptotic rate bounds are tight when the number of BSs is large. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parity and mortality in cases of childhood‐onset diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sjöberg L. , He L. , Kaaja R. , Tuomilehto J. , Pitkäniemi J.
Published: January 2016

Aims

This study aims to assess the association between parity and mortality in adults with childhood‐onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their matched controls.

Methods

Individual data (308 617 person‐years) on mortality and the reproductive histories of a Finnish cohort of 2307 women and 2819 men with T1D, each with two matched controls, were obtained from the National Population Register. All persons with diabetes had been diagnosed with T1D in 1965–1979 at the age of 17 or under.

Results

All‐cause mortality in people without offspring was significantly higher than that in people with children among both people with diabetes and non‐diabetic control persons in both sexes (all p‐values <0.01). In men with offspring, the decrease of mortality rate compared with men without offspring was less marked among those with diabetes (9% reduction in mortality hazard ratio (HR) with one offspring, 47% with two) than among those without diabetes (33% HR (p = 0.025) and 61% HR (p = 0.023) reduction, respectively). In women with offspring, the association between parity and mortality was independent of diabetes status. Having at least two offspring was associated with a decreased hazard of diabetes‐related death regardless of sex; among women with diabetes, even having one offspring was associated with a decreased hazard of dying from diabetes (HR = 0.46; 95% CI 0.31, 0.69).

Conclusions

The association between parity and mortality follows different patterns in men and women with T1D. To what extent this reflects effects of health on family planning decisions in people with T1D cannot be defined without further studies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High serum erythropoietin levels are related to heart failure development in subjects from the general population with albuminuria: data from PREVEND
Authors: Grote Beverborg Niels , van der Wal Haye H. , Klip IJsbrand T. , Voors Adriaan A. , de Boer Rudolf A. , van Gilst Wiek H. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Gansevoort Ron T. , Hillege Hans L. , van der Harst Pim , Bakker Stephan J.L. , van der Meer Peter
Published: January 2016

Aims

In patients with heart failure (HF), serum erythropoietin (EPO) levels are elevated and associated with disease severity and outcome. Whether endogenous EPO levels are prospectively associated with the development of HF or cardiovascular events in the general population is unknown.

Methods and results

Serum EPO levels were measured at baseline in 6686 subjects enrolled in the Prevention of REnal and Vascular ENd‐stage Disease (PREVEND) study. Mean age (±SD) was 53 ± 12 years, 49.8% were male, and the median (interquartile range) EPO level was 7.7 (5.9–10.2) IU/L. During a median follow‐up of 8.3 (7.7–8.8) years, 209 (3.1%) subjects were newly diagnosed with HF, 97 (1.5%) died of a cardiovascular cause, and 386 (6.0%) subjects had a non‐fatal cardiovascular event (277 cardiac events and 93 strokes). Each doubling of EPO level was multivariably associated with new‐onset HF [hazard ratio (HR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.69, P = 0.031]. EPO levels showed interaction with urinary albumin excretion (P = 0.006) and were only associated with HF in subjects with albuminuria (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.13–2.03, P = 0.005). There was an independent association of EPO levels with stroke in women (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.24–2.65, P = 0.002), but not in men. No association was observed for EPO levels with other cardiovascular events or cardiovascular mortality.

Conclusion

High serum EPO levels are independently associated with an increased risk of new‐onset HF in subjects with albuminuria. More research into the pathophysiological mechanisms linking EPO levels to HF is needed to understand this association.
Too much of a good thing: Sustained type 1 interferon signaling limits humoral responses to secondary viral infection
Authors: Teijaro John R.
Published: January 2016

The induction of a pan‐immunosuppressive state is a central feature of persistent viral infections. Over the past decade, multiple pathways have been identified that contribute to immune suppression. Recently, it was revealed that aberrant or sustained type 1 interferon (IFN‐I) production or signaling is a central contributor to immune suppression elicited during persistent viral infection. In this issue, Honke et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2016. 46: 372–380] identify that IFN‐I signaling promotes an immune suppressive state during persistent lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection by inhibiting enforced virus replication in CD169+ macrophages. The authors demonstrate that mice infected with a persistent strain of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus have blunted humoral immune responses to a superinfecting vesicular stomatitis virus infection. The absence of virus replication in CD169+ macrophages was not due to antiviral CD8+ T cell‐mediated killing of CD169+ macrophages, but required sustained IFN‐I responses. In turn, reduction in vesicular stomatitis virus replication in CD169+ macrophages resulted in a reduction in antigen production, which is necessary for generating optimal humoral responses. This study highlights a novel mechanism by which IFN‐I signaling promotes an immune suppressive state during persistent viral infection.
Multiple Modes of Motion: Realizing the Dynamics of CO Adsorbed in M‐MOF‐74 (M = Mg, Zn) by Using Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Lucier Bryan E. G. , Chan Hendrick , Zhang Yue , Huang Yining
Published: January 2016

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) often exhibit high porosities and surface areas, making them ideal media for gas storage and carbon capture. MOF‐74 is an intriguing porous MOF featuring one‐dimensional honeycomb‐shaped channels and open metal sites, and is able to adsorb poisonous CO. Variable‐temperature (VT) 13C solid‐state NMR (SSNMR) experiments focusing on 13CO adsorbed within M‐MOF‐74 (M = Mg, Zn) are a sensitive probe of guest motion, revealing valuable details regarding the dynamics of adsorbed CO within the MOF channels. 13C SSNMR experiments recorded at temperatures ranging from 153 to 373 K, along with accompanying simulations, unambiguously indicate that two types of dynamic CO motion are present in MOF‐74: a localized wobbling of CO on the open metal site, and a non‐localized hopping of CO molecules between adjacent open metal sites. The fine details of these motions, including the motional angles and rates, are revealed and discussed. The CO dynamics in MOF‐74 are then compared and contrasted with those of CO2, illustrating the similarities and differences in motion between the two types of guest molecules across the experimental temperature range.
The Stereoselective Self‐Assembly of Chiral Metallo‐Organic Cryptophanes
Authors: Schaly Astrid , Rousselin Yoann , Chambron Jean‐Claude , Aubert Emmanuel , Espinosa Enrique
Published: January 2016

Cryptophanes are macropolycyclic cyclophanes constructed from two triply bridged concave cyclotriveratrylene analogues that encapsulate a large range of molecular and monoatomic substrates. Self‐assembled metallo‐organic cryptophanes based on M2+–carbonitrile (M = Pd or Pt) interactions have been obtained through the reactions of chiral nitrile‐substituted cyclotribenzylenes (CTBs) 1 and 2 with [M(dppp)][OTf]2 (dppp = 1,3‐bisdiphenylphosphinopropane, OTf = triflate) in 2:3 ratios in chlorinated solvents. The cryptophanes [Pd3(dppp)3(1)2]6+ and [Pd3(dppp)3(2)2]6+ were obtained exclusively in the chiral anti form in solution at room temperature whatever solvent was used; however the meso,syn form was identified as the major isomer of [Pd3(dppp)3(1)2]6+ at low temperature in CD2Cl2, and – in the case of [Pt3(dppp)3(1)2]6+ – it formed in a minor amount at room temperature. [Pd3(dppp)3(1)2][OTf]6 and [Pt3(dppp)3(1)2][OTf]6 crystallized in the anti forms with an encapsulated chloroform molecule, and gas‐phase DFT calculations with the dispersion‐corrected B97‐D3 functional show that it is stabilized by 34.6 kJ mol–1. Interestingly, the heteroleptic cryptophane [Pd3(dppp)3(1)(2)]6+ was not detected in mixtures of [Pd(dppp)]2+ and CTBs 1 and 2 in a 3:1:1 ratio or through the equilibration of a 1:1 mixture of the preformed homoleptic cryptophanes; this points to favored self‐sorting processes.
An Evaluation of the Single‐Group Growth Model as an Alternative to Common‐Item Equating
Authors: Wei Youhua , Morgan Rick
Published: January 2016

As an alternative to common‐item equating when common items do not function as expected, the single‐group growth model (SGGM) scaling uses common examinees or repeaters to link test scores on different forms. The SGGM scaling assumes that, for repeaters taking adjacent administrations, the conditional distribution of scale scores in later administration, given the scale score in earlier administration, should generalize from previous repeaters to the repeaters taking the current administration. The current repeaters' scale score distribution is estimated from their earlier scale score distribution. The SGGM scaling first uses previous repeaters' data to estimate the conditional distribution of their later scale scores, given their earlier scale scores. Then the repeaters taking both the current and previous administrations are identified, and their scale score distribution on the current form is estimated based on their previous scale score distribution and the estimated conditional distribution. Finally, a single‐group equipercentile equating is performed between the current‐form repeaters' observed raw score distribution and their estimated scale score distribution to obtain the raw‐to‐scale score conversion. This study evaluated the SGGM scaling performance using the common‐item equating results for a language test as the criterion. The study found that the raw‐to‐scale conversions based on SGGM scaling differed from those based on common‐item equating. However, the SGGM scaling results did not show a systematic bias in either the average or the variability of examinees' scale scores.
The Active Site Structure of Transition Metal Ion‐Chelating Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Fuel Cell Catalysts
Authors: Dombrovskis J. K. , Palmqvist A. E. C.
Published: January 2016

Transition metal ion‐chelating ordered mesoporous carbons (TM‐OMCs) were studied as polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell cathode catalysts. The active site structure of the TM‐OMCs was studied by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy in combination with variations of a range of synthesis variables of the TM‐OMCs. The variations were found to have significant influence on the catalyst structure both in the mesoscale and on the atomic local structure allowing for detailed conclusions on the nature of the active sites. The main active site was found to be FeNx chelates. An additional highly active site was found and proposed to be a FeNx‐dioxygen site. It was further found that the catalytic activity could be increased threefold by acid washing and subsequent heat treatment of the as‐synthesized TM‐OMC materials.
Dynamics of Soil Water and Salinity Under Subsurface Drainage of a Coastal Area With High Groundwater Table in Spring and Rainy Season
Authors: Yu Shuhui , Liu Jintong , Eneji A. Egrinya , Han Lipu , Tan Limei , Liu Huitao
Published: January 2016

Timing subsurface drainage (SD) at two critical periods to coincide with melting of frozen soil water and the rainy season may effectively lower the groundwater table and increase the leaching of salts. A field experiment was set up in the eastern coastal saline area of Hebei Province, China, to assess the effects of SD on soil water and salinity. Subsurface drainage significantly prevented the rise of the groundwater table during melting of frozen soil water, and thus considerably reduced salinity across soil layers, especially in the 30 cm layer. In the rainy season, the SD effectively held the water depth to within 1 m, preventing waterlogging by more than two‐thirds and more than doubling the leaching of salts from the soil surface. The contents of Na+, Mg2+, Cl− and SO42− under SD reduced substantially (7.1–18.8%) after rainfall events and the mobility of ions was in the order Na+ > Cl− > SO42− > Mg2+. For the remaining period of the year when subsurface drainage was not carried out, the soil salinity generally increased but the salinity and groundwater table in areas under SD were slightly lower than those in the control area. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous determination of flupyradifurone and its two metabolites in fruits, vegetables, and grains by a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Yao , Liu Xingang , Wu Xiaohu , Dong Fengshou , Xu Jun , Zheng Yongquan
Published: January 2016

An effective analytical method for the simultaneous determination of a novel insecticide flupyradifurone and its two metabolites was developed using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry coupled with a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe procedure. The three target compounds were extracted with acetonitrile and cleaned up with octadecylsilane, and were separated successfully between 1.9 and 3.1 min using an HSS T3 chromatographic column connected to an electrospray ionization source. All the matrix‐matched samples at three fortified levels (0.01, 0.05, and 0.5 mg/kg) provided satisfactory recoveries in the range of 70.3–116.5% with relative standard deviations below 18.6%. The limits of quantitation were 10 μg/kg for flupyradifurone and difluoroethylamino‐furanone and 100 μg/kg for 6‐chloronicotinic acid. The limit of quantification of flupyradifurone was far below the maximum residue limit in the USA. The method is of great significance for establishing maximum residue limits in China.
Rapid analysis of pesticide residues in drinking water samples by dispersive solid‐phase extraction based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes and pulse glow discharge ion source ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Zou Nan , Gu Kejia , Liu Shaowen , Hou Yanbing , Zhang Jialei , Xu Xiang , Li Xuesheng , Pan Canping
Published: January 2016

An analytical method based on dispersive solid‐phase extraction with a multiwalled carbon nanotubes sorbent coupled with positive pulse glow discharge ion mobility spectrometry was developed for analysis of 30 pesticide residues in drinking water samples. Reduced ion mobilities and the mass–mobility correlation of 30 pesticides were measured. The pesticides were divided into five groups to verify the separation capability of pulse glow discharge in mobility spectrometry. The extraction conditions such as desorption solvent, ionic strength, conditions of adsorption and desorption, the amounts of multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and solution pH were optimized. The enrichment factors of pesticides were 5.4‐ to 48.7‐fold (theoretical enrichment factor was 50‐fold). The detection limits of pesticides were 0.01∼0.77 μg/kg. The linear range was 0.005–0.2 mg/L for pesticide standard solutions, with determination coefficients from 0.9616 to 0.9999. The method was applied for the analysis of practical and spiked drinking water samples. All results were confirmed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The proposed method was proven to be a commendably rapid screening qualitative and semiquantitative technique for the analysis of pesticide residues in drinking water samples on site.
Electrospun Poly(ε‐caprolactone)/Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane‐Based Copolymer Blends: Evolution of Fiber Internal Structures
Authors: Bauer Adam J. P. , Wu Yitian , Li Bingbing
Published: January 2016

This study reports the structural transition of electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/poly[(propylmethacryl‐heptaisobutyl‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane)‐co‐(methyl meth­acrylate)] (POSS‐MMA) blends, from PCL‐rich fibers, to bicontinuous PCL core/POSS‐MMA shell fibers, to POSS‐MMA‐rich fibers with a discontinuous PCL inner phase. A ternary phase diagram depicting the electrospinnability of PCL/POSS‐MMA solutions is constructed by evaluating the morphological features of fibers electrospun from solutions with various concentrations and PCL/POSS‐MMA blend ratios. X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry are further used to characterize the electrospun PCL/POSS‐MMA hybrid fibers. These physicochemical characterization results are thoroughly discussed to understand the internal structures of the hybrid fibers, which are directly correlated to the phase separation behavior of the electrospun solutions. The current study provides further insight into the complex phase behavior of POSS‐copolymer‐based systems, which hold great potential for a broad spectrum of biomedical applications.

image
PLC‐β2 is modulated by low oxygen availability in breast tumor cells and plays a phenotype dependent role in their hypoxia‐related malignant potential
Authors: Brugnoli Federica , Grassilli Silvia , Al‐Qassab Yasamin , Capitani Silvano , Bertagnolo Valeria
Published: January 2016

Limited oxygen availability plays a critical role in the malignant progression of breast cancer by orchestrating a complex modulation of the gene transcription largely dependent on the tumor phenotype. Invasive breast tumors belonging to different molecular subtypes are characterized by over‐expression of PLC‐β2, whose amount positively correlates with the malignant evolution of breast neoplasia and supports the invasive potential of breast tumor cells. Here we report that hypoxia modulates the expression of PLC‐β2 in breast tumor cells in a phenotype‐related manner, since a decrease of the protein was observed in the BT‐474 and MCF7 cell lines while an increase was revealed in MDA‐MB‐231 cells as a consequence of low oxygen availability. Under hypoxia, the down‐modulation of PLC‐β2 was mainly correlated with the decrease of the EMT marker E‐cadherin in the BT‐474 cells and with the up‐regulation of the stem cell marker CD133 in MCF7 cells. The increase of PLC‐β2 induced by low oxygen in MDA‐MB‐231 cells supports the hypoxia‐related reorganization of actin cytoskeleton and sustains invasion capability. In all examined cell lines, but with an opposite role in the ER‐positive and ER‐negative cells, PLC‐β2 was involved in the hypoxia‐induced increase of HIF‐1α, known to affect both EMT and CD133 expression. Our data include PLC‐β2 in the complex and interconnected signaling pathways induced by low oxygen availability in breast tumor cells and suggest that the forced modulation of PLC‐β2 programmed on the basis of tumor phenotype may prevent the malignant progression of breast neoplasia as a consequence of intra‐tumoral hypoxia. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Different Aspects of Psychological Ill Health in a National Sample of Swedish Parents after Successful Paediatric Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Lindahl Norberg Annika , Forinder Ulla
Published: January 2016

Background

Paediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may have great psychological impact on parents during the intense treatment period as well as many years after a successful transplantation. Since different psychological disorders require different interventions, a differentiation of general distress into specific types of psychological ill health is essential. The aim of this descriptive study was to distinguish anxiety, depression, and burnout, and investigate occurrence and co‐occurrence of these in a national Swedish sample of parents of children who had undergone HSCT and survived.

Procedure

Established self‐report instruments (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, posttraumatic stress checklist, and Shirom–Melamed Burnout Questionnaire) were used to assess parents’ subjective suffering. Inclusion criteria: the child had to be alive; ≤18 years of age; >6 months since HSCT.

Results

Four hundred twenty‐one eligible parents (220 mothers and 201 fathers) were identified, of whom 284 choose to participate (response rate 67%). In total, 134 parents (87 mothers, 47 fathers) reported clinically relevant levels of one or more of the assessed types of psychological ill health, representing 48% of the responding participants and 32% of the entire national population of parents of children who had undergone HSCT and survived. Anxiety and/or burnout were reported most frequently. A majority reported more than one type of psychological ill health. Depression only was rare.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the importance of recognizing—in research as well as in clinical practice—that different types of psychological ill health may affect parents after successful HSCT. When parents present with psychological suffering, a referral for qualified assessment is warranted to obtain the proper treatment.
Synthesis, characterization, and thin‐film properties of 6‐oxoverdazyl polymers prepared by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization
Authors: Paquette Joseph A. , Ezugwu Sabastine , Yadav Vishal , Fanchini Giovanni , Gilroy Joe B.
Published: January 2016

Redox‐active 6‐oxoverdazyl polymers were synthesized via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and their solution, bulk, and thin‐film properties investigated. Detailed studies of the ROMP method employed confirmed that stable radical polymers with controlled molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions (Ð < 1.2) were produced. Thermal gravimetric analysis of a representative example of the title polymers demonstrated stability up to 190 °C, while differential scanning calorimetry studies revealed a glass transition temperature of 152 °C. Comparison of the spectra of 6‐oxoverdazyl monomer 12 and polymer 13, including FT‐IR, UV‐vis absorption, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, was used to confirm the tolerance of the ROMP mechanism for the 6‐oxoverdazyl radical both qualitatively and quantitatively. Cyclic voltammetry studies demonstrated the ambipolar redox properties of polymer 13 (E1/2,ox = 0.25 and E1/2,red = −1.35 V relative to ferrocene/ferrocenium), which were consistent with those of monomer 12. The charge transport properties of thin films of polymer 13 were studied before and after a potential of 5 V was applied, revealing a drastic drop in the resistivity from 106−1010 Ω m or more to 1.7 × 104 Ω m and suggesting the potential usefulness of polymer 13 in bistable electronics. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 1803–1813
Synthesis of polymerizable poly(alkenoic acid)s via reversible addition fragmentation transfer polymerization for dental applications
Authors: Catel Yohann , Maissiat Lucie , Moszner Norbert
Published: January 2016

The novel polymerizable poly(alkenoic acid)s 1a–1c (expected
 = 2500, 5000, and 10,000 g/mol) were synthesized in three steps starting from tert‐butyl acrylate. A RAFT polymerization using 2,2‐(thiocarbonylbis(sulfanediyl))bis(2‐methylpropanoic acid) 4 as a chain transfer agent, followed by a Mitsunobu esterification and a deprotection of the tert‐butyl ester groups with trifluoroacetic acid, provided the desired acidic polymers in moderate to good yields. The synthesized polymers were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and by gel permeation chromatography. The number‐average molecular weights measured for 1a–1c were in good agreement with the expected values. Self‐etch adhesives (SEAs) based on poly(alkenoic acid)s 1a–1c were formulated in order to investigate their adhesive properties. The addition of 1a–1c to a SEA formulation containing 10‐methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate resulted in a strong increase of the shear bond strength (SBS) of a dimethacrylate‐based composite to dentin. No significant influence of the polymer molecular weight on the dentin and enamel SBS was observed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 1814–1821
Novel renin inhibitors containing derivatives of N‐alkylleucyl‐β‐hydroxy‐γ‐amino acids
Authors: Winiecka Iwona , Jaworski Paweł , Mazurek Aleksander Paweł , Marszałek Dorota , Goldnik Anna , Sokulski Daniel
Published: January 2016

In search for new drugs lowering arterial blood pressure, which could be applied in anti‐hypertensive therapy, research concerning agents blocking of renin‐angiotensin‐aldosteron system has been conducted. Despite many years of research conducted at many research centers around the world, aliskiren is the only one renin inhibitor, which is used up to now.

Four novel potential renin inhibitors, having structure based on the peptide fragment 8–13 of human angiotensinogen, a natural substrate for renin, were designed and synthesized. All these inhibitors contain unnatural moieties that are derivatives of N‐methylleucyl‐β‐hydroxy‐γ‐amino acids at the P2‐P1' position: 4‐[N‐(N‐methylleucyl)‐amino]‐3‐hydroxy‐7‐(3‐nitroguanidino)‐heptanoic acid (AHGHA), 4‐[N‐(N‐methylleucyl)‐amino]‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐phenyl‐pentanoic acid (AHPPA) or 4‐[N‐(N‐methylleucyl)‐amino]‐8‐benzyloxycarbonylamino‐3‐hydroxyoctanoic acid (AAHOA). The previously listed synthetic β‐hydroxy‐γ‐amino acids constitute pseudodipeptidic units that correspond to the P1‐P1' position of the inhibitor molecule. An unnatural amino acid, 4‐methoxyphenylalanin (Phe(4‐OMe)), was introduced at the P3 position of the obtained compounds. Three of these compounds contain isoamylamide of 6‐aminohexanoic acid (ε‐Ahx‐Iaa) at the P2'‐P3' position. The proposed modifications of the selected human angiotensinogen fragment are intended to increase bioactivity, bioavailability, and stability of the inhibitor molecule in body fluids and tissues. The inhibitor Boc‐Phe(4‐OMe)‐MeLeu‐AHGHA‐OEt was obtained in the form of an ethyl ester. The hydrophobicity coefficient, expressed as log P varied between 3.95 and 8.17. In vitro renin inhibitory activity of all obtained compounds was contained within the range 10−6‐10−9 M. The compound Boc‐Phe(4‐OMe)‐MeLeu‐AHPPA‐Ahx‐Iaa proved to be the most active (IC50 = 1.05 × 10−9 M). The compounds Boc‐Phe(4‐OMe)‐MeLeu‐AHGHA‐Ahx‐Iaa and Boc‐Phe(4‐OMe)‐MeLeu‐AHPPA‐Ahx‐Iaa are resistant to chymotrypsin. Copyright © 2016 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A multi‐scale methodology connecting device physics to compact models and circuit applications for OxRAM technology
Authors: Puglisi Francesco Maria , Deleruyelle Damien , Portal Jean‐Michel , Pavan Paolo , Larcher Luca
Published: January 2016

RRAM technology relying on transitional metal oxides (namely OxRAM) is about to reach the industrial stage. Nevertheless the physical‐based understanding of the material and process implications at device and circuit levels is still not completely clear, hindering the full industrial exploitation of the OxRAM technology. In this context, this article presents a multi‐scale methodology that connects the microscopic material properties to the electrical behavior of OxRAM devices at the circuit level. Microscopic models describing OxRAM operation (i.e., forming, resistive switching) and variability (e.g., cycle‐to‐cycle, RTN) will be reviewed and used for the development of compact models that will allow investigating the potential of this technology at the circuit level. An overview of some innovative applications involving OxRAM will be finally presented.
Evaluation of the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography on measuring impacted supernumerary teeth
Authors: Demiriz Levent , Hazar Bodrumlu Ebru , İçen Murat , Durmuşlar Mustafa Cenk
Published: January 2016

Supernumerary teeth may affect the tooth eruption negatively if they occur on the eruption way, and the treatment choice is usually the extraction to prevent the impaction of adjacent permanent teeth. CBCT enables clear and three dimensional images, and it may be helpful to determine the exact location and to measure the dimensions of the supernumerary tooth to avoid any complication during the extraction process. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of CBCT on measuring the tooth length and crown width of impacted supernumerary teeth. Twenty‐five impacted supernumerary teeth were evaluated using CBCT, and each sample's tooth length and crown width were measured prior to the extraction. After all the extractions were completed, the actual measurements were performed on the same samples. The differences between CBCT and actual measurements were evaluated statistically. Measurements on CBCT images were significantly larger than the actual measurements on tooth length and crown width. For tooth length and crown width, p value was found as 0.045, and <0.001, respectively. The results of the present study should be considered as important by clinicians during the treatment planning to decrease any complication risk under certain conditions such as being so close to an important anatomical structure or the root of an adjacent tooth. SCANNING 38:579–584, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A hidden Markov model approach to analyze longitudinal ternary outcomes when some observed states are possibly misclassified
Authors: Benoit Julia S. , Chan Wenyaw , Luo Sheng , Yeh Hung‐Wen , Doody Rachelle
Published: January 2016

Understanding the dynamic disease process is vital in early detection, diagnosis, and measuring progression. Continuous‐time Markov chain (CTMC) methods have been used to estimate state‐change intensities but challenges arise when stages are potentially misclassified. We present an analytical likelihood approach where the hidden state is modeled as a three‐state CTMC model allowing for some observed states to be possibly misclassified. Covariate effects of the hidden process and misclassification probabilities of the hidden state are estimated without information from a ‘gold standard’ as comparison. Parameter estimates are obtained using a modified expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm, and identifiability of CTMC estimation is addressed. Simulation studies and an application studying Alzheimer's disease caregiver stress‐levels are presented. The method was highly sensitive to detecting true misclassification and did not falsely identify error in the absence of misclassification. In conclusion, we have developed a robust longitudinal method for analyzing categorical outcome data when classification of disease severity stage is uncertain and the purpose is to study the process' transition behavior without a gold standard. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HEK293 cells exposed to microcystin‐LR show reduced protein phosphatase 2A activity and more stable cytoskeletal structure when overexpressing α4 protein
Authors: Huang Pu , Wang Beilei , Wang Xiaofeng , Xing Mingluan , Guo Zonglou , Xu Lihong
Published: January 2016

Microcystin‐LR (MC‐LR) is one of the most toxic members of microcystins released by freshwater cyanobacterial. The major mechanism of MC‐LR toxicity has been attributed to its inhibition of protein phosphatases 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A). In our prior research, α4 protein, a regulator of PP2A, was found not only crucial for PP2A regulation but also for the overall response of HEK 293 cells encountering MC‐LR. To explore the role of α4 in MC‐LR toxicity via PP2A regulation, here, HEK 293 cells overexpressing α4 protein were exposed to MC‐LR and PP2A, cytoskeletal organization, and cytoskeleton‐related proteins were investigated. The results showed that PP2A activity decreased and PP2A/C subunit expression and phosphorylation at Tyr307 increased significantly in the group exposed to high MC‐LR. Vimentin IF became concentrated and formed perinuclear bundles. However, the assembly of actin filament and microtubules remained unchanged and the expression and phosphorylation of the cytoskeleton‐related proteins HSP27 and VASP did not increase significantly. Some of these results differ from those of our previous study in which normal HEK293 cells were exposed to MC‐LR. Our results indicate that elevated α4 expression confers some resistance to MC‐LR‐induced cytoskeletal change These new findings provide helpful insights into the mechanism of MC‐LR toxicity and the role of α4 in regulating PP2A function. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 255–264, 2017.
para‐Phenylenediamine induces apoptosis through activation of reactive oxygen species‐mediated mitochondrial pathway, and inhibition of the NF‐κB, mTOR, and Wnt pathways in human urothelial cells
Authors: Reena Kasi , Ng Khuen Yen , Koh Rhun Yian , Gnanajothy Ponnudurai , Chye Soi Moi
Published: January 2016

para‐Phenylenediamine (PPD) has long been used in two‐thirds of permanent oxidative hair dye formulations. Epidemiological studies and in vivo studies have shown that hair dye is a suspected carcinogen of bladder cancer. However, the toxicity effects of PPD to human bladder remains elusive. In this study, the effects of PPD and its involvement in the apoptosis pathways in human urothelial cells (UROtsa) was investigated. It was demonstrated that PPD decreased cell viability and increased the number of sub‐G1 hypodiploid cells in UROtsa cells. Cell death due to apoptosis was detected using Annexin V binding assay. Further analysis showed PPD generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), induced mitochondrial dysfunction through the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and increased caspase‐3 level in UROtsa cells. Western blot analysis of PPD‐treated UROtsa cells showed down‐regulation of phosphorylated proteins from NF‐κB, mTOR, and Wnt pathways. In conclusion, PPD induced apoptosis via activation of ROS‐mediated mitochondrial pathway, and possibly through inhibition of NF‐κB, mTOR, and Wnt pathways. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 265–277, 2017.
Virus‐based nanoparticles as platform technologies for modern vaccines
Authors: Lee Karin L. , Twyman Richard M. , Fiering Steven , Steinmetz Nicole F.
Published: January 2016

Nanoscale engineering is revolutionizing the development of vaccines and immunotherapies. Viruses have played a key role in this field because they can function as prefabricated nanoscaffolds with unique properties that are easy to modify. Viruses are immunogenic via multiple pathways, and antigens displayed naturally or by engineering on the surface can be used to create vaccines against the cognate virus, other pathogens, specific molecules or cellular targets such as tumors. This review focuses on the development of virus‐based nanoparticle systems as vaccines indicated for the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases, chronic diseases, cancer, and addiction. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:554–578. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1383

This article is categorized under:

Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures
Urologische Malignome und rheumatoide Arthritis
Authors: Boegemann M. , Alten R. , Aringer M. , Zastrow S.
Published: January 2016

Urologische Malignome sind relativ häufig und nehmen mit zunehmendem Lebensalter zu. Der demografische Wandel führt dazu, dass bei immer mehr Patienten mit entzündlich-rheumatischen Erkrankungen urogenitale Tumoren koinzident sind oder unter antirheumatischer Therapie auftreten. Die Basistherapie rheumatischer Erkrankungen muss in dieses Fällen individuell sorgfältig abgewogen werden, obwohl die begrenzte Evidenz für die meisten Situationen gegen eine massive Risikoerhöhung durch konventionelle und/oder biologische Basistherapeutika spricht. Paraneoplastische Phänomene auch im Bewegungsapparat können durch urogenitale Malignome ausgelöst werden. Mit den sich abzeichnenden Umwälzungen der medikamentösen Tumortherapie durch die Immunonkologie ergeben sich darüber hinaus neue Herausforderungen für die interdisziplinäre Kooperation von Uroonkologen und Rheumatologen. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden unter Berücksichtigung der aktuellen deutschen und europäischen Leitlinien die Diagnostik, Standardbehandlung und Nachsorge urologischer Malignome skizziert. Wir beschreiben Kernaspekte, die von Urologen und Rheumatologen beachtet werden sollten. Durch persönliche Absprache, regelmäßigen Erfahrungsaustausch und Einbeziehung von Rheumatologen in interdisziplinäre Tumorboards sollte zukünftig eine bessere Behandlung unserer gemeinsamen Patienten möglich werden.
Vitamin D and Evening Primrose Oil Administration Improve Glycemia and Lipid Profiles in Women with Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Jamilian Mehri , Karamali Maryam , Taghizadeh Mohsen , Sharifi Nasrin , Jafari Zahra , Memarzadeh Mohammad Reza , Mahlouji Mahnaz , Asemi Zatolla
Published: January 2016

Limited data are available assessing the effects of vitamin D and evening primrose oil (EPO) administration on markers of insulin resistance and lipid concentrations in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study was designed to evaluate the effects of vitamin D and EPO administration on insulin resistance and lipid concentrations among women with GDM. In this prospective randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, 60 participants with GDM were divided into 2 groups of either 1000 IU vitamin D3 and 1000 mg EPO or placebo for 6 weeks. At the beginning and end of the study, fasting blood samples were obtained from the participants to measure related variables. After 6 weeks of intervention, changes in fasting plasma glucose (−3.6 ± 7.5 vs. +1.5 ± 11.4 mg/dL, P = 0.04), serum insulin concentrations (−2.0 ± 5.3 vs. +4.6 ± 10.7 µIU/mL, P = 0.004), homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA) insulin resistance (−0.5 ± 1.1 vs. +1.1 ± 2.5, P = 0.003), HOMA‐B cell function (−7.7 ± 23.3 vs. +17.4 ± 42.9, P = 0.007) and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.01 ± 0.02 vs. −0.01 ± 0.02, P = 0.007) in the vitamin D plus EPO group were significantly different from the placebo group. In addition, compared with the placebo, vitamin D and EPO supplementation resulted in significant reductions in serum TAG (−20.0 ± 54.3 vs. +34.3 ± 38.2 mg/dL, P < 0.001), VLDL (−4.0 ± 10.9 vs. +6.9 ± 7.6 mg/dL, P < 0.001), TC (−22.1 ± 32.6 vs. +5.3 ± 20.1 mg/dL, P < 0.001), LDL concentrations (−18.0 ± 25.5 vs. +1.8 ± 15.7 mg/dL, P = 0.001) and TC/HDL (−0.3 ± 0.4 vs. +0.3 ± 0.5 mg/dL, P < 0.001). We did not observe any significant effect of vitamin D and EPO supplementation on serum HDL concentrations.

Clinical trial registration number: http://www.irct.ir: IRCT201509115623N52.
Black-White Disparities in Test Scores: Distributional Characteristics
Authors: Fernandes Ronald , Ha Inhyuck Steve , McElroy Susan Williams , Myers Samuel L.
Published: January 2016

This paper investigates the distributional characteristics of racial differences in mathematics achievement, with particular attention to the potential influence of unexplained, and possibly unwarranted, racial differentials in rates of school suspension. It is well known that black students consistently score lower than whites on achievement tests, on average, even after controlling for family and schooling factors. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 cohort, we decompose the racial gap in mathematics test scores from the Peabody Individual Achievement Test-Revised (PIAT-R) into a component due to racial differences in underlying characteristics and another component that is unexplained by differences in measured characteristics. We account for the possible endogeneity of suspensions in our analysis and show that the portion of the racial gap that is unexplained differs between the top and the bottom of the test score distribution. Our results suggest that researchers should pay more attention to the problem of concentration of black students among those at the bottom of the distribution and their scarcity among those at the top of the test score distribution to better understand the factors that account for the observed disparities.
Comparing Direct and Indirect Branding in Advertising
Authors: Hartnett Nicole , Romaniuk Jenni , Kennedy Rachel
Published: January 2016

Advertising research has largely neglected to evaluate the relative effectiveness of the different forms of branding devices available to advertisers. Branding can be direct, through explicit use of brand names, or indirect, through use of (non-brand name) brand elements, such as logos, spokes-characters and slogans that are connected to the brand in consumers’ memory. Advertisers often downplay brand names in favour of brand elements because the latter are seen as less intrusive and more creative. This experiment in three categories demonstrates that direct branding often produces higher brand recall than indirect branding without compromising advertising likeability. There is, however, a clear picture-superiority effect, whereby picture elements (logos, spokes-characters) consistently elicit higher brand recall than text elements (slogans). The findings highlight that advertisers need not be reluctant to call out the brand name for fear of losing attention due to an unappealing ad, because consumers do not appear to penalise advertising with direct branding, nor do they reward advertising with subtler indirect branding.
Implementation of persistent identification of topological entities based on macro-parametrics approach
Authors: Farjana Shahjadi Hisan , Han Soonhung , Mun Duhwan
Published: January 2016

In history based parametric CAD modeling systems, persistent identification of the topological entities after design modification is mandatory to keep the design intent by recording model creation history and modification history. Persistent identification of geometric and topological entities is necessary in the product design phase as well as in the re-evaluation stage. For the identification, entities should be named first according to the methodology which will be applicable for all the entities unconditionally. After successive feature operations on a part body, topology based persistent identification mechanism generates ambiguity problem that usually stems from topology splitting and topology merging. Solving the ambiguity problem needs a complex method which is a combination of topology and geometry. Topology is used to assign the basic name to the entities. And geometry is used for the ambiguity solving between the entities. In the macro parametrics approach of iCAD lab of KAIST a topology based persistent identification mechanism is applied which will solve the ambiguity problem arising from topology splitting and also in case of topology merging. Here, a method is proposed where no geometry comparison is necessary for topology merging. The present research is focused on the enhancement of the persistent identification schema for the support of ambiguity problem especially of topology splitting problem and topology merging problem. It also focused on basic naming of pattern features.

Highlights A method for persistent identification of topological entities is implemented. Proposed method is verified using macro-parametrics based translator TransCAD. Proposed method is applicable for feature based CAD modeling operations. Proposed method is for basic naming and ambiguity solving of topological entities. In future this method can be extended for other feature operations.
JUSTICE IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF KNOWLEDGE
Authors: Kurtulmus Faik , Irzik Gürol
Published: January 2016

In this article we develop an account of justice in the distribution of knowledge. We first argue that knowledge is a fundamental interest that grounds claims of justice due to its role in individuals’ deliberations about the common good, their personal good and the pursuit thereof. Second, we identify the epistemic basic structure of a society, namely, the institutions that determine individuals’ opportunities for acquiring knowledge and discuss what justice requires of them. Our main contention is that a systematic lack of opportunity to acquire knowledge one needs as an individual and a citizen because of the way the epistemic basic structure of a society is organized is an injustice. Finally, we discuss how our account relates to John Rawls's influential theory of justice.