bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age‐ and sex‐related differences in diastolic function and cardiac dimensions in a hypertensive population
Authors: Hoshida Shiro , Shinoda Yukinori , Ikeoka Kuniyasu , Fukuoka Hidetada , Inui Hirooki , Watanabe Tetsuya
Published: July 2016

Aims

The prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction increases with age, particularly in hypertensive women. We aimed to determine the age‐ and sex‐related differences in diastolic function, and its relation to alterations of cardiac dimensions in a hypertensive population.

Methods and results

We enrolled 479 hypertensive patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% (men/women, 267/212) and their echocardiographic parameters regarding LV performance and vascular function were measured. Left atrial volume index (LAVI) and operant diastolic elastance (EdI: E/e′/stroke volume index), but not LV mass index (LVMI), correlated weakly with age in both sexes. The arterial elastance index (EaI) and EdI did not differ significantly between sexes in any of the three age groups (A, <65 years; B, ≥65 years but <75 years; C, age ≥75 years). The EdI indexed to EaI, EdI/EaI = E/e′/(0.9 × systolic blood pressure), was significantly more impaired in women than in men only in group C. There were significant differences in LAVI, LVMI, and EdI/EaI between groups B and C only in women.

Conclusions

Impairment of diastolic function relative to arterial elasticity, EdI/EaI, occurred in elderly hypertensive women and was coincident with the alteration of cardiac dimensions. The coincidence with the changes in diastolic function and the alterations of cardiac dimensions occurred in a different time point between the sexes.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Construction of Chiral 1‐[6]Helicenols and Application in the Synthesis of [6]Helicene‐Based Phosphinite Ligands
Authors: Tsujihara Tetsuya , Inada‐Nozaki Nao , Takehara Tsunayoshi , Zhou Da‐Yang , Suzuki Takeyuki , Kawano Tomikazu
Published: July 2016

Two 1‐[6]helicenol derivatives were synthesized by Ni‐catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition on a multigram scale. Both enantiomers of the 1‐[6]helicenols could be efficiently prepared by simple optical resolution. As a synthetic application of helically chiral 1‐[6]helicenols, a novel class of [6]helicene‐based phosphinites was developed; these compounds represent the first examples of helically chiral phosphinite ligands. Up to 90 % ee was obtained for the Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation reaction.
Influence of the Feedstock on Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis with a Solid Acid Catalyst
Authors: Wang Kaige , Mante Ofei D. , Peters Jonathan E. , Dayton David C.
Published: July 2016

At RTI, we are developing a catalytic fast pyrolysis process with a new solid acid catalyst, the performance of which has been evaluated in a pilot‐scale reactor using loblolly pine. More robust technology development requires a deeper understanding of the influence of the feedstock properties of process performance defined by the organic liquid yield and composition. Seven types of woody and herbaceous biomass were tested in a 2.54 cm diameter fluidized‐bed reactor. This study shows that the product distribution and biocrude composition vary widely with different feedstocks. The yield of organic biocrude is in the range of 14.0–20.8 wt % for the tested feedstocks. The yields of incondensable gases and carbonaceous solids vary significantly from feedstock to feedstock, which may be because of the variation of the ash content in the feedstock. A feedstock with a higher ash content generates more gases; specifically more CO2 but not necessarily more CO. The chemical composition, which includes lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose, also affects the biocrude composition and the yield of gases. We also demonstrated a positive correlation between the cellulose content and CO yield and a negative correlation between the hemicellulose content and CO yield.
Aquatic hazard assessment of MON 0818, a commercial mixture of alkylamine ethoxylates commonly used in glyphosate-containing herbicide formulations. Part 2: Roles of sediment, temperature, and capacity for recovery following a pulsed exposure
Authors: Rodriguez-Gil Jose L. , Prosser Ryan , Hanta Gregory , Poirier David , Lissemore Linda , Hanson Mark , Solomon Keith R.
Published: July 2016

A series of toxicity tests with MON 0818, a commercial surfactant mixture of polyoxyethylene tallow amines, were performed: 1) in the presence of sediment for benthic invertebrates and fish: 2) to examine the recovery capacity of Daphnia magna and 4 primary producers after a pulsed (24-h) exposure; and 3) to examine the potential effect of increased water temperature on toxicity of MON 0818 to 2 cold-water fishes. In the presence of sediment, no acute (24-h) mortality was observed for 3 of the 5 species up to 10 mg L−1. The median effective concentrations for the other 2 species were significantly greater than for water only tests. The EC50 at 15 °C for Salvelinus alpinus was statistically lower than that at 10 °C. Latent effects of a 24-h exposure (1 mg L−1) were observed for Rhabdocelis subcapitata and Chlorella vulgaris, as indicated by delayed growth during recovery phase; however, both cultures were able to recover, as indicated by a lack of changes in maximum absolute growth rates. No significant effects of a 24-h exposure to MON 0818 were observed for Oophila sp. (1.5 mg L−1) or Lemna minor (100 mg L−1). Latent mortality after a 24-h exposure to 5 mg L−1 was observed during the recovery phase for D. magna; however, reproduction endpoints on surviving individuals were not altered. The results indicate that quick dissipation of MON 0818 in the presence of sediment can reduce the effects on exposed organisms, and that full recovery from 24-h exposures to concentrations of MON 0818 equal to, or greater than, those expected in the environment is possible. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:512–521. © 2016 SETAC
Aquatic hazard assessment of MON 0818, a commercial mixture of alkylamine ethoxylates commonly used in glyphosate-containing herbicide formulations. Part 1: Species sensitivity distribution from laboratory acute exposures
Authors: Rodriguez-Gil Jose L. , Prosser Ryan , Poirier David , Lissemore Linda , Thompson Dean , Hanson Mark , Solomon Keith R.
Published: July 2016

The sensitivity of 15 aquatic species, including primary producers, benthic invertebrates, cladocerans, mollusks, and fish, to MON 0818, a commercial surfactant mixture of polyoxyethylene tallow amines, was evaluated in standard acute (48–96-h) laboratory tests. In addition, the potential for chronic toxicity (8 d) was evaluated with Ceriodaphnia dubia. Exposure concentrations were confirmed. No significant effects on any endpoint were observed in the chronic test. A tier-1 hazard assessment was conducted by comparing species sensitivity distributions based on the generated data, as well as literature data, with 4 exposure scenarios. This assessment showed moderate levels of hazard (43.1% of the species exposed at or above median effective concentration levels), for a chosen worst-case scenario—unintentional direct over-spray of a 15-cm-deep body of water with the maximum label application rate for the studied formulations (Roundup Original, Vision Forestry Herbicide; 12 L formulation ha−1, equivalent to 4.27 kg acid equivalent [a.e.] ha−1). The hazard decreased to impairment of 20.9% of species under the maximum application rate for more typical uses (6 L formulation ha−1, 2.14 kg a.e. ha−1), and down to 6.9% for a more frequently employed application rate (2.5 L formulation ha−1, 0.89 kg a.e. ha−1). Finally, the percentage (3.8%) was less than the hazardous concentration for 5% of the species based on concentrations of MON 0818 calculated from maximum measured concentrations of glyphosate in the environment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:501–511. © 2016 SETAC
Sensitivity Analysis of the Impedance Characteristics of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Niya S. M. Rezaei , Phillips R. K. , Hoorfar M.
Published: July 2016

The sensitivity of the impedance characteristics to the operating conditions of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell is studied. The impedance of a cell is measured in different potentials (current densities), operating temperatures, and anode and cathode relative humidities to estimate the indifference interval of each of these parameters. The indifference interval of a parameter, defined for a specific point, refers to a range out of which the impedance results are statistically dissimilar from that specific point. The analysis presented evaluates the average indifference intervals of the potential, temperature and relative humidities to be 10 mV, 5 °C and 7%, respectively. In other words, the changes less than the above mentioned limits do not affect the impedance of the cell statistically.
Geochemistry and provenances of core sediments from the Shikoku Basin
Authors: Han Zongzhu , Liu Han , Li Chao , Li Xiyao , Wang Chuan , Sun Yufei , Liu Bo , Zhang Aibin
Published: July 2016

Provenances of pelagic sediments are a less well‐known and key problem of sedimentation in the deep sea. Two sediment cores from the south and middle Shikoku Basin are selected for grain size analysis and element geochemical analysis in this paper. Grain size analysis for the studied cores shows that the grain sizes become coarser upwards gradually, especially for subsurface sediments. It probably reveals the enhancement of terrigenous clastic material. Rare elements analysis reveals that two cores are enriched in Ba and Th. However, the other elements are more or less the same as those of the North American Shales (NAS). Through the NASC‐normalized REE distribution, curves are nearly aclinic, and there are no Ce and Eu anomalies. The geochemical characteristics of elements indicate that the sediments in the Shikoku Basin should mainly be regarded as hemipelagic and pelagic sediments. The comparison of samples from the Nankai Trough, Kyushu Ridge and Izu Island Arc and the analysis of DSDP and ODP cores jointly show that the sediments of the core SG1‐2 have an apparent ‘affinity’ with the Nankai Trough. The core SG1‐1 is influenced by the submarine volcanic activities, having a relatively complex provenance, and is possibly derived from the spreading centre of the Kyushu Ridge and the central Shikoku Basin. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Animal Intuitions
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E.
Published: July 2016

As described by Lori Gruen in the Perspective column at the back of this issue, federally supported biomedical research conducted on chimpanzees has now come to an end in the United States, although the wind‐down has taken longer than expected. The process began with a 2011 Institute of Medicine report that set up several stringent criteria that sharply limited biomedical research. The National Institutes of Health accepted the recommendations and formed a committee to determine how best to implement them. The immediate question raised by this transition was whether the IOM restrictions should be extended in some form to other nonhuman primates—and beyond them to other kinds of animals. In the lead article in this issue, Anne Barnhill, Steven Joffe, and Franklin Miller consider the status of other nonhuman primates.
“I am not interested in talking with you.”
Authors: Peña Adam , Bibler Trevor
Published: July 2016

Mr. M is an eighty‐five‐year‐old who presented to the hospital with congestive heart failure exacerbation, pneumonia, altered mental status, and sepsis. A physician determines that he lacks capacity, and the team in the intensive care unit looks to the patient's daughter, Celia, as his surrogate decision‐maker because she is named as an agent in his medical power of attorney form. While in the ICU, Mr. M suffers acute respiratory distress secondary to pneumonia and thus requires intubation. Celia accepts several life‐sustaining interventions, but she sporadically refuses other medically indicated therapies. Although providers explain the importance of the ICU insulin regimen for glucose control, she either refuses the insulin or requests a lower dose. The health care team believes that it is providing substandard care and that Celia's medical decisions are not in the patient's best interests, so they request an ethics consultation. When the clinical ethicist attempts to talk with Celia, she refuses to speak with him, saying flatly, “I am not interested in talking with you.” The clinical ethicist meets with Celia on a couple of occasions, but she consistently refuses to have a conversation with him. He wonders if the patient's surrogate decision‐maker can refuse a clinical ethics consultation and is unsure what his next steps should be.
The Effect of Medical Marijuana on Sickness Absence
Authors: Ullman Darin F.
Published: July 2016

Utilizing the Current Population Survey, the study identifies that absences due to sickness decline following the legalization of medical marijuana. The effect is stronger in states with ‘lax’ medical marijuana regulations, for full‐time workers, and for middle‐aged males, which is the group most likely to hold medical marijuana cards. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioconversion of anhydrosugars: Emerging concepts and strategies
Authors: Bacik John‐Paul , Jarboe Laura R.
Published: July 2016

As methods for the use of anhydrosugars in chemical and biofuel production continue to develop, our collective knowledge of anhydrosugar processing enzymes continues to improve, including their mechanistic details, structural dynamics and modes of substrate binding. Of particular interest, anhydrosugar kinases, such as levoglucosan kinase (LGK) and 1,6‐anhydro‐N‐acetylmuramic acid kinase (AnmK), utilize an unusual mechanism whereby the sugar substrate is both cleaved and phosphorylated. The phosphorylated sugar can then be routed to other metabolic pathways, thereby allowing its further bioconversion. Advanced engineering efforts to improve the catalytic efficiency and stability of LGK have been steadily progressing. Other enzymes that cleave the glycosidic bond of disaccharide sugars containing an anhydrosugar component are also being identified and characterized. Accordingly, the potential future use of these enzymes in large‐scale production strategies is becoming increasingly viable. Here, a mini‐review of the observed characteristics of anhydrosugar processing enzymes is presented along with recent developments in the bioconversion of these sugars. © 2016 IUBMB Life 68(9):700–708, 2016
Endomyocardial radial strain rate imaging during dobutamine stress echocardiography for the evaluation of contractile reserve in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Minoshima Makoto , Noda Akiko , Kobayashi Masakazu , Miyata Seiko , Hirashiki Akihiro , Okumura Takahiro , Izawa Hideo , Ishii Hideki , Kondo Takahisa , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Myocardial contractile reserve is associated with clinical prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We assessed myocardial contractile reserve using tissue Doppler strain rate imaging with dobutamine stress echocardiography in DCM patients.

Methods

Simultaneous echocardiography and left ventricular (LV) catheterization during dobutamine stress were performed in 20 patients with DCM, and echocardiography was performed in 31 control subjects. Dobutamine was infused at a starting dose of 5 μg/kg/min for 5 minutes and then at 10 μg/kg/min. Peak endomyocardial radial strain (ɛ) and systolic strain rate (SRsys) measured with echocardiography and the maximum first derivative of LV pressure (LV dP/dtmax) derived from catheterization were used as indices of contractility. Their percentage change from baseline to the dose of 10 μg/kg/min was calculated.

Results

The ɛ and SRsys were significantly smaller in DCM patients than in controls. The LV dP/dtmax, ɛ, and SRsys were significantly higher at the dose of 10 μg/kg/min than at baseline. The percentage change in SRsys was significantly correlated with the percentage change in LV dP/dtmax.

Conclusions

Strain rate imaging during dobutamine stress in DCM might prove noninvasively informative for the evaluation of myocardial contractile reserve and provide insight into LV systolic dysfunction. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:555–560, 2016
On the Rigidity of Sparse Random Graphs
Authors: Linial Nati , Mosheiff Jonathan
Published: July 2016

A graph with a trivial automorphism group is said to be rigid. Wright proved (Acta Math 126(1) (1971), 1–9) that for a random graph is rigid whp (with high probability). It is not hard to see that this lower bound is sharp and for with positive probability is nontrivial. We show that in the sparser case , it holds whp that G's 2‐core is rigid. We conclude that for all p, a graph in is reconstructible whp. In addition this yields for a canonical labeling algorithm that almost surely runs in polynomial time with o(1) error rate. This extends the range for which such an algorithm is currently known (T. Czajka and G. Pandurangan, J Discrete Algorithms 6(1) (2008), 85–92).
Structure and growth pattern of the bizarre hemispheric prominence on the rostrum of the fossil beaked whale Globicetus hiberus (Mammalia, Cetacea, Ziphiidae)
Authors: Dumont Maïtena , de Buffrénil Vivian , Miján Ismael , Lambert Olivier
Published: July 2016

The rostrum of most ziphiids (beaked whales) displays bizarre swollen regions, accompanied with extreme hypermineralisation and an alteration of the collagenous mesh of the bone. The functional significance of this specialization remains obscure. With the voluminous and dense hemispheric excrescence protruding from the premaxillae, the recently described fossil ziphiid Globicetus hiberus is the most spectacular case. This study describes the histological structure and interprets the growth pattern of this unique feature. Histologically, the prominence in Globicetus is made up of an atypical fibro‐lamellar complex displaying an irregular laminar organization and extreme compactness (osteosclerosis). Its development is suggested to have resulted from a protraction of periosteal accretion over the premaxillae, long after the end of somatic growth. Complex shifts in the geometry of this tissue are likely to have occurred during its accretion and no indication of Haversian remodeling could be found. X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy indicate that the bone matrix in the premaxillary prominence of Globicetus closely resembles that of the rostrum of the extant beaked whale Mesoplodon densirostris: apatite crystals are of common size and strongly oriented, but the collagenous meshwork within bone matrix seems to be extremely sparse. These morphological and structural data are discussed in the light of functional interpretations proposed for the highly unusual and diverse ziphiid rostrum. J. Morphol. 277:1292–1308, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Push or Pull? The light‐weight architecture of the Daphnia pulex carapace is adapted to withstand tension, not compression
Authors: Kruppert Sebastian , Horstmann Martin , Weiss Linda C. , Schaber Clemens F. , Gorb Stanislav N. , Tollrian Ralph
Published: July 2016

Daphnia (Crustacea, Cladocera) are well known for their ability to form morphological adaptations to defend against predators. In addition to spines and helmets, the carapace itself is a protective structure encapsulating the main body, but not the head. It is formed by a double layer of the integument interconnected by small pillars and hemolymphatic space in between. A second function of the carapace is respiration, which is performed through its proximal integument. The interconnecting pillars were previously described as providing higher mechanical stability against compressive forces. Following this hypothesis, we analyzed the carapace structure of D. pulex using histochemistry in combination with light and electron microscopy. We found the distal integument of the carapace to be significantly thicker than the proximal. The pillars appear fibrous with slim waists and broad, sometimes branched bases where they meet the integument layers. The fibrous structure and the slim‐waisted shape of the pillars indicate a high capacity for withstanding tensile rather than compressive forces. In conclusion they are more ligaments than pillars. Therefore, we measured the hemolymphatic gauge pressure in D. longicephala and indeed found the hemocoel to have a pressure above ambient. Our results offer a new mechanistic explanation of the high rigidity of the daphniid carapace, which is probably the result of a light‐weight construction consisting of two integuments bound together by ligaments and inflated by a hydrostatic hyper‐pressure in the hemocoel. J. Morphol. 277:1320–1328, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Potential of quantitative susceptibility mapping for detection of prostatic calcifications
Authors: Straub Sina , Laun Frederik B. , Emmerich Julian , Jobke Björn , Hauswald Henrik , Katayama Sonja , Herfarth Klaus , Schlemmer Heinz‐Peter , Ladd Mark E. , Ziener Christian H. , Bonekamp David , Röthke Matthias C.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To evaluate whether quantitative susceptibility (QSM) may be used as an alternative to computed tomography (CT) to detect calcification in prostate cancer patients.

Materials and Methods

Susceptibility map calculation was performed using 3D gradient echo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 26 patients measured at 3T who previously received a planning CT of the prostate. Phase images were unwrapped using Laplacian‐based phase unwrapping, the background field was removed with the V‐SHARP method, and susceptibility maps were calculated with the iLSQR method. Two blinded readers were asked to identify peri‐ and intraprostatic calcifications.

Results

Average mean and minimum susceptibility values (referenced to iliopsoas muscle) of calcifications were −0.249 ± 0.179 ppm and –0.551 ± 0.323 ppm, and average mean and maximum intensities in CT images were 319 ± 164 HU and 679 ± 392 HU. Twenty‐one and 17 out of 22 prostatic calcifications were identified using susceptibility maps and magnitude images, respectively, as well as more than half of periprostatic phleboliths depicted by CT. Calcifications in the prostate and its periphery were quantitatively differentiable from noncalcified prostate tissue in CT (mean values for calcifications / for noncalcified tissue: 71 to 649 / –1 to 83 HU) and in QSM (mean values for calcifications / for noncalcified tissue: –0.641 to 0.063 / –0.046 to 0.181 ppm). Moreover, there was a significant correlation between susceptibility values and CT image intensities for calcifications (P < 0.004).

Conclusion

Prostatic calcifications could be well identified with QSM. Susceptibility maps can be easily obtained from clinical prostate MR protocols that include a 3D gradient echo sequence, rendering it a promising technique for detection and quantification of intraprostatic calcifications.

Level of Evidence: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:889–898.
Clinical application of PET/MRI in oncology
Authors: Sotoudeh Houman , Sharma Akash , Fowler Kathryn J. , McConathy Jonathan , Dehdashti Farrokh
Published: July 2016

Hybrid imaging with integrated positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combines the advantages of the high‐resolution anatomic data from MRI and functional imaging data from PET, and has the potential to improve the diagnostic evaluation of various types of cancers. The clinical oncologic applications of this newest hybrid imaging technology are evolving and substantial efforts are underway to define the role of PET/MRI in routine clinical use. The current published literature suggests that PET/MRI may play an important role in the evaluation of patients with certain types of malignancies, involving anatomic locations such as the pelvis and the liver. The purpose of this article is to review the current published PET/MRI literature in specific body oncologic applications. In addition, PET/MRI protocols and some of the technical issues of this hybrid imaging will be briefly discussed. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:265–276.
Relationship between cell‐mediated immunity to Varicella–Zoster virus and aging in subjects from the community‐based Shozu Herpes Zoster study
Authors: Shirane Risako , Tang Huamin , Hayashi Kenichi , Okuno Yoshinobu , Iso Hiroyasu , Asada Hideo , Yamanishi Koichi , Mori Yasuko ,   for the SHEZ study group
Published: July 2016

Age‐related declines in cell‐mediated immunity (CMI) are associated with the incidence and severity of Herpes Zoster (HZ) infection. However, the level of Varicella–Zoster virus (VZV)‐specific CMI associated with disease onset is unclear. This study aimed to examine factors associated with VZV‐specific CMI, as measured by an interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay, in a Japanese cohort. The study enrolled 365 subjects aged 60 years and over, all of whom were taking part in the Shozu Herpes Zoster (SHEZ) study and had undergone four sets of blood and intradermal reaction tests during a 3 year follow‐up period. The VZV‐specific immunity profile of each subject was assessed, and linear mixed effects models were constructed to analyze IFN‐γ ELISPOT results in association with a combination of factors. The model that best explained the IFN‐γ ELISPOT results was selected using the Akaike Information Criteria. The best‐fit model consisted of age group as the only explanatory fixed‐effect variable. The model showed that VZV‐specific CMI, quantified as numbers of spots on the ELISPOT assay, among subjects aged 70–79 was on average 10.30 points lower than that among subjects aged 60–69. There was no statistically significant difference between subjects aged 70–79 and those aged 80–89. Age was the only factor significantly associated with the level of VZV‐specific CMI, as measured by the IFN‐γ ELISPOT assay. These results may represent an important step towards quantifying the relationship between VZV‐specific CMI and the onset of HZ. J. Med. Virol. 89:313–317, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Binding and lubrication of biomimetic boundary lubricants on articular cartilage
Authors: Samaroo Kirk J. , Tan Mingchee , Putnam David , Bonassar Lawrence J.
Published: July 2016

The glycoprotein, lubricin, is the primary boundary lubricant of articular cartilage and has been shown to prevent cartilage damage after joint injury. In this study, a library of eight bottle‐brush copolymers were synthesized to mimic the structure and function of lubricin. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) grafted onto a polyacrylic acid (pAA) core mimicked the hydrophilic mucin‐like domain of lubricin, and a thiol terminus anchored the polymers to cartilage surfaces much like lubricin's C‐terminus. These copolymers, abbreviated as pAA‐g‐PEG, rapidly bound to cartilage surfaces with binding time constants ranging from 20 to 39 min, and affected lubrication under boundary mode conditions with coefficients of friction ranging from 0.140 ± 0.024 to 0.248 ± 0.030. Binding and lubrication were highly correlated (r2 = 0.89–0.99), showing that boundary lubrication in this case strongly depends on the binding of the lubricant to the surface. Along with time‐dependent and dose‐dependent behavior, lubrication and binding of the lubricin‐mimetics also depended on copolymer structural parameters including pAA backbone length, PEG side chain length, and PEG:AA brush density. Polymers with larger backbone sizes, brush sizes, or brush densities took longer to bind (p < 0.05). Six of the eight polymers reduced friction relative to denuded cartilage plugs (p < 0.05), suggesting their potential to lubricate and protect cartilage in vivo. In copolymers with shorter pAA backbones, increasing hydrodynamic size inhibited lubrication (p < 0.08), while the opposite was observed in copolymers with longer backbones (p < 0.05). These polymers show similar in vitro lubricating efficacy as recombinant lubricins and as such have potential for in vivo treatment of post‐traumatic osteoarthritis. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:548–557, 2017.
Pleurotus ostreatus decreases cornstalk lignin content, potentially improving its suitability for animal feed
Authors: Chen Ying , Fan Huan , Meng Fanrui
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

The capacity of Pleurotus ostreatus to degrade lignin was investigated in the fermentation of cornstalk. Cornstalk was incubated with P. ostreatus for 30 days, and acid‐soluble and acid‐insoluble lignins were assessed. The microscopic structure of cornstalk samples was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and spectroscopic characteristics were measured by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) spectroscopy.

RESULTS

During fermentation of cornstalk, the proportion of acid‐soluble lignin did not vary significantly (P > 0.05), but that of acid‐insoluble lignin decreased gradually from 17.8% on day 0 to 7.6% on day 30 (P < 0.01). SEM revealed that the surface of cornstalk was gradually damaged with cavities increasing in number and size, forming a quasi‐network structure. Crystallinity decreased from 35.0 on day 0 to 15.2 on day 30. FTIR and cross‐polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) 13C NMR spectra showed that the intensity of the peaks corresponding to lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose also decreased gradually over 30 days.

CONCLUSION

Cornstalk can be effectively degraded by P. ostreatus within 30 days. Pleurotus ostreatus decreases cornstalk lignin content, potentially improving its suitability for animal feed. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
The quest for improved reproducibility in MALDI mass spectrometry
Authors: O'Rourke Matthew B. , Djordjevic Steven P. , Padula Matthew P.
Published: July 2016

Reproducibility has been one of the biggest hurdles faced when attempting to develop quantitative protocols for MALDI mass spectrometry. The heterogeneous nature of sample recrystallization has made automated sample acquisition somewhat “hit and miss” with manual intervention needed to ensure that all sample spots have been analyzed. In this review, we explore the last 30 years of literature and anecdotal evidence that has attempted to address and improve reproducibility in MALDI MS. Though many methods have been attempted, we have discovered a significant publication history surrounding the use of nitrocellulose as a substrate to improve homogeneity of crystal formation and therefore reproducibility. We therefore propose that this is the most promising avenue of research for developing a comprehensive and universal preparation protocol for quantitative MALDI MS analysis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 37:217–228, 2018.
Effect of magnetic pore surface coating on the NMR relaxation and diffusion signal in quartz sand
Authors: Duschl Markus , Pohlmeier Andreas , Brox Timothy I. , Galvosas Petrik , Vereecken Harry
Published: July 2016

Magnetic impurities are ubiquitous in natural porous media such as sand and soil. They generate internal magnetic field gradients because of increased magnetic susceptibility differences between solid and liquid phase in the pore space and because of the presence of magnetic centers. These internal gradients accelerate NMR relaxation rates and thus might limit the possibility of pore space characterization using NMR. In this study, we investigate the effects of coating the surface of natural sands by the antiferromagnetic iron oxyhydroxide goethite on NMR relaxation and diffusion properties. We found a non‐quadratic dependence of the relaxation time distributions on the echo time indicating that the relaxation experiments were not performed in the fast diffusion limit, while the weak dependence on the external magnetic field strength is explained by the preponderance of the surface relaxation over the effect of diffusion in internal gradients.

The surface to volume ratio of the pore space, determined by NMR diffusimetry ((S/V)NMR) remains approximately constant, whereas the same quantity, determined from gas adsorption ((S/V)BET) increases proportional to the coating density. This is because gas adsorption measures surface roughness on sub‐nanometer scale, whereas NMR diffusimetry averages over structures smaller than few microns. This has consequences for the calculation of the surface relaxivities. The usage of the (S/V)NMRleads to constant values, whereas the usage of (S/V)BETleads to apparently decreasing relaxivities with increasing coating, which is unrealistic. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approximation algorithms for sequential batch‐testing of series systems
Authors: Daldal Rebi , Gamzu Iftah , Segev Danny , Ünlüyurt Tonguç
Published: July 2016

We introduce and study a generalization of the classic sequential testing problem, asking to identify the correct state of a given series system that consists of independent stochastic components. In this setting, costly tests are required to examine the state of individual components, which are sequentially tested until the correct system state can be uniquely identified. The goal is to propose a policy that minimizes the expected testing cost, given a‐priori probabilistic information on the stochastic nature of each individual component. Unlike the classic setting, where variables are tested one after the other, we allow multiple tests to be conducted simultaneously, at the expense of incurring an additional set‐up cost. The main contribution of this article consists in showing that the batch testing problem can be approximated in polynomial time within factor
, for any fixed
. In addition, we explain how, in spite of its highly nonlinear objective function, the batch testing problem can be formulated as an approximate integer program of polynomial size, while blowing up its expected cost by a factor of at most
. Finally, we conduct extensive computational experiments, to demonstrate the practical effectiveness of these algorithms as well as to evaluate their limitations. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 63: 275–286, 2016
A flexible information service for management of virtualized software‐defined infrastructures
Authors: Mamatas Lefteris , Clayman Stuart , Galis Alex
Published: July 2016

There is a major shift in the Internet towards using programmable and virtualized network devices, offering significant flexibility and adaptability. New networking paradigms such as software‐defined networking and network function virtualization bring networks and IT domains closer together using appropriate architectural abstractions. In this context, new and novel information management features need to be introduced. The deployed management and control entities in these environments should have a clear, and often global, view of the network environment and should exchange information in alternative ways (e.g. some may have real‐time constraints, while others may be throughput sensitive). Our work addresses these two network management features. In this paper, we define the research challenges in information management for virtualized highly dynamic environments. Along these lines, we introduce and present the design details of the virtual infrastructure information service, a new management information handling framework that (i) provides logically centralized information flow establishment, optimization, coordination, synchronization and management with respect to the diverse management and control entity demands; (ii) is designed according to the characteristics and requirements of software‐defined networking and network function virtualization; and (iii) inter‐operates with our own virtualized infrastructure framework. Evaluation results demonstrating the flexible and adaptable behaviour of the virtual infrastructure information service and its main operations are included in the paper. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rheological and thermal behavior of PLA modified by chemical crosslinking in the presence of ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylates
Authors: Yamoum Chamaiporn , Maia Joao , Magaraphan Rathanawan
Published: July 2016

Crosslinking structures can be partly introduced into PLA by melt mixing in a twin screw extruder with dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylates (Bis‐EMAs) as a crosslinking coagent. The study of DCP and Bis‐EMA contents on the melt rheology, thermal properties, dynamic mechanical properties and morphology of the reactive extruded pellets is presented. The results show that PLA with a DCP content higher than 3 phr exhibits increases in both the melt modulus and complex viscosity as compared with PLA. The introduction of DCP into PLA improved the thermal stability of the PLA. PLAs with various Bis‐EMA contents showed the optimum storage modulus and complex viscosity to occur at 5 phr Bis‐EMAs. Moreover, the glass transition, cold crystallization and melting temperature of PLAs decreased with increasing Bis‐EMA content. The crystallinity of the partly crosslinked PLAs was lower than that of PLA. Similar to the rheological results, the thermo‐mechanical properties showed that the storage modulus and loss modulus of the partly crosslinked PLAs increased with increasing Bis‐EMA contents up to 5 phr. In addition, these partly crosslinked PLAs showed rough surface or sea island‐like structure. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Renewable biocomposites based on cellulose fibers and dimer fatty acid polyamide: Experiments and modeling of the stress–strain behavior
Authors: Boumbimba R. Matadi , Wang K. , Hablot E. , Bahlouli N. , Ahzi S. , Avérous L.
Published: July 2016

Dimer fatty acid‐based polyamide (DAPA) was reinforced with cellulose fibers (CF) from 5 to 15 wt%. The mechanical behaviors in terms of dynamic responses were examined by dynamic mechanical analysis and split Hopkinson pressure bars at various temperatures and strain rates. Both DAPA matrix and DAPAC biocomposites showed fiber concentration, temperatures, and strain rates sensibilities. A constitutive elasto‐viscoplastic model was developed to predict the finite deformation response for these materials. In this, to account for strain rate, temperature and cellulose concentration effects in elastic behavior, a new formulation of statistical model of Richeton was proposed. A modified cooperative model, based on the recognition of the effective activation energy and volume, was used for the prediction of the composites yield stress. Eight‐chain model was also used to capture the large stretch hyperelastic behavior for both DAPA and DAPAC. The constitutive model predictions were found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:95–104, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
An insight into the thermodynamic characteristics of human thrombopoietin complexation with TN1 antibody
Authors: Arai Shigeki , Shibazaki Chie , Adachi Motoyasu , Honjo Eijiro , Tamada Taro , Maeda Yoshitake , Tahara Tomoyuki , Kato Takashi , Miyazaki Hiroshi , Blaber Michael , Kuroki Ryota
Published: July 2016

Human thrombopoietin (hTPO) primarily stimulates megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet production and is neutralized by the mouse TN1 antibody. The thermodynamic characteristics of TN1 antibody–hTPO complexation were analyzed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) using an antigen‐binding fragment (Fab) derived from the TN1 antibody (TN1‐Fab). To clarify the mechanism by which hTPO is recognized by TN1‐Fab the conformation of free TN1‐Fab was determined to a resolution of 2.0 Å using X‐ray crystallography and compared with the hTPO‐bound form of TN1‐Fab determined by a previous study. This structural comparison revealed that the conformation of TN1‐Fab does not substantially change after hTPO binding and a set of 15 water molecules is released from the antigen‐binding site (paratope) of TN1‐Fab upon hTPO complexation. Interestingly, the heat capacity change (ΔCp) measured by ITC (−1.52 ± 0.05 kJ mol−1 K−1) differed significantly from calculations based upon the X‐ray structure data of the hTPO‐bound and unbound forms of TN1‐Fab (−1.02 ∼ 0.25 kJ mol−1 K−1) suggesting that hTPO undergoes an induced‐fit conformational change combined with significant desolvation upon TN1‐Fab binding. The results shed light on the structural biology associated with neutralizing antibody recognition.
Experimental investigation of the innovative foaming device using gas as the sole power for firefighting
Authors: Xi Zhilin
Published: July 2016

Foam is used as an efficient means of firefighting. The innovative foaming device using gas as the sole power is designed to replace the previous foam generating system using two or three power sources, and appropriate size of the new foaming device can be made to control dust and fire in households or companies based on the actual need. The results of the experimental investigation on the new device in three cases are as follows: in the first case, the minimum working pressure is 0.4 MPa and the working flow range is: 8.0858 m3/h ≤ qa ≤ 48.45 m3/h and qL ≤ 0.4532 m3/h. In the second case, the maximum working time of the new foaming device is 109 s and the minimum working pressure of the storage tank II is 0.26 Mpa. In the third case, the maximum working time of the new device is 205 s and the minimum working pressure values of the storage tanks I and II are 0.26 Mpa and 0.3 Mpa respectively. The fire extinguishing experiment is explained in this article, and the results show that the foam generated by the new foaming device is more effective and efficient than the ABC powder fire extinguisher. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 36: 150–157, 2017
Ion‐beam induced effects in multi‐layered semiconductor systems
Authors: Wendler Elke , Sobolev Nikolai A. , Redondo‐Cubero Andrés , Lorenz Katharina
Published: July 2016

In this article, ion‐beam induced effects in multi‐layered III–V semiconductor structures are reviewed. Besides doping, important effects occurring during ion irradiation are defect formation and diffusion, amorphisation and intermixing. It is shown that these processes are closely related to each other. In layered systems consisting of group III‐phosphides and ‐arsenides, which can be amorphised by ion implantation, cascade mixing is the dominant mixing mechanism at low temperatures. At a critical temperature, the crystalline structure is retained after implantation and the mixing efficiency may drop down because cascade mixing is more efficient in amorphous semiconductors than in their crystalline counterparts. A further increase of temperature results in an increase of the mixing efficiency due to thermally enhanced processes. Although much less experimental data exist on ion‐beam induced effects in layered group III‐nitride systems, the results suggest that these systems are not amorphised during ion implantation. In this case, the experimental results can be explained assuming recoil rather than cascade mixing to occur with the former being much weaker than the latter. A few applications of ion implantation of multi‐layered semiconductor systems are addressed.
Defect‐induced electrostatic charging of nitrogen films
Authors: Savchenko Elena , Khyzhniy Ivan , Uyutnov Sergey , Bludov Mikhail , Gumenchuk Galina , Bondybey Vladimir
Published: July 2016

Electrostatic charging of nanostructured N2 films was studied employing optical and a current set of emission spectroscopy methods: cathodoluminescence CL, thermally and photon‐stimulated exoelectron emission TSEE, PSEE as well as thermally and photon‐stimulated luminescence TSL, PSL. Concurrently with thermally stimulated yield of electrons the yield of nitrogen particles was detected, so‐called “postdesorption.” An enhancement of the optical emission stemmed from the neutralization reaction N4+ + e → N2* + N2* → N2 + N2 + hν was observed with an exposure to an electron beam. The experiments performed with a variable voltage applied to an electrode for current detection demonstrated significant accumulation of negative charge. The TSEE current in the low‐temperature range was detected at negative voltages up to −30 V. An accumulation of trapped electrons (up to 1016 cm−3) was detected. A possible contribution of N3− in electrostatic charging was assumed.

Thermally stimulated yield of negatively charged particles from a N2 film subjected to an electron beam.
Revisiting alternative pathways in the Fischer–Tropsch process: Accurate density functional theory calculations on “magic” Ru12 clusters
Authors: Mahler Andrew , Janesko Benjamin G.
Published: July 2016

Models of the Fischer–Tropsch reaction typically focus on two proposed mechanisms for the initial carbon monoxide dissociation: unassisted dissociation (carbide mechanism), and hydrogen‐assisted dissociation via an adsorbed oxymethylidene (HCO*) intermediate. Much evidence for hydrogen‐assisted dissociation comes from density functional theory calculations modeling ruthenium nanoparticle catalysts as infinite, periodic metal slabs. However, the generalized gradient approximations (GGAs) used in these calculations can make significant errors in reaction barrier heights. How these errors affect the predicted selectivity to unassisted vs. hydrogen‐assisted dissociation is not well understood. We address the problem by considering a different regime, applying GGA and beyond‐GGA approximations to CO dissociation on a “magic” nonmagnetic Ru12 cluster modeling supported nanoparticle catalysts. Both approximations concur that hydrogen‐assisted dissociation is facile on this cluster, providing additional support for its potential role in real catalysts.
The Effects of Replacing Native Forest on the Quantity and Impacts of In‐Channel Pieces of Large Wood in Chilean Streams
Authors: Mao L. , Ugalde F. , Iroume A. , Lacy S. N.
Published: July 2016

Dead trees in rivers can significantly affect their morphological and ecological properties by increasing flow resistance, affecting sediment transport, and storing organic matter. Logs are usually recruited from banks or along the entire upstream basin. Although it is generally acknowledged that forested headwater streams feature higher volumes of in‐channel pieces of large wood, the influence of forest type and forest management of the potential recruitment zone on the volumes and effects of wood have been less explored, especially in relation to the effects of replacing native forests with pine plantations. This paper presents a comparison of volumes of wood, and characteristics and effects on streams draining paired basins with comparable slopes, areas, and hydrologic regimes, but different in terms of land use. The five selected pairs of basins are located in the Coastal and Andean mountain Ranges in central Chile, in order to compare native forest and pine plantation basins. The results show that logs tend to be shorter and with larger diameters in streams draining native forest basins. Because of their smaller dimensions, logs and jams tend to be more mobile and oriented parallel to the flow. Volumes of in‐channel wood in native forest basins are only slightly larger than in pine plantation basins, and no differences have been identified in terms of morphological effects on channel geometry. Also, fish type and biomass were comparable among pairs. Evidence highlights the importance of the width of riparian buffers in mitigating the effects of land use change, especially the substitution of native forest with plantations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of 2‐Arylbenzoxazoles by Hetereogeneous γ‐MnO2 Catalyzed Redox Reaction of o‐Nitrophenol with Benzyl Alcohols or Benzyl Amines
Authors: Sen Chiranjit , Sahoo Tapan , Galani Sunil M , Panda A. B , Ghosh Subhash C.
Published: July 2016

Hetereogeneous γ‐MnO2 Catalyzed Redox Reaction of o‐Nitrophenol with Benzyl Alcohols/ benzyl amines for the synthesis of 2‐Arylbenzoxazoles is described here. Surface active Mn+3 species and the surface O−& O2− species were found to play an important role in the catalytic activity. Catalyst is easy to prepare, economic and can be reused for several times. The procedure is very simple and general and applicable for wide range of substrates to afford 2‐aryl benzoxazole in good to excellent yield.