bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet‐induced obesity increases the frequency of Pig‐a mutant erythrocytes in male C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Wickliffe Jeffrey K. , Dertinger Stephen D. , Torous Dorothea K. , Avlasevich Svetlana L. , Simon‐Friedt Bridget R. , Wilson Mark J.
Published: October 2016

Obesity increases the risk of a number of chronic diseases in humans including several cancers. Biological mechanisms responsible for such increased risks are not well understood at present. Increases in systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, endogenous production of mutagenic metabolites, altered signaling in proliferative pathways, and increased sensitivity to exogenous mutagens and carcinogens are some of the potential contributing factors. We hypothesize that obesity creates an endogenously mutagenic environment in addition to increasing the sensitivity to environmental mutagens. To test this hypothesis, we examined two in vivo genotoxicity endpoints. Pig‐a mutant frequencies and micronucleus frequencies were determined in blood cells in two independent experiments in 30‐week old male mice reared on either a high‐fat diet (60% calories from fat) that exhibit an obese phenotype or a normal‐fat diet (10% calories from fat) that do not exhibit an obese phenotype. Mice were assayed again at 52 weeks of age in one of the experiments. N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU) was used as a positive mutation control in one experiment. ENU induced a robust Pig‐a mutant and micronucleus response in both phenotypes. Obese, otherwise untreated mice, did not differ from non‐obese mice with respect to Pig‐a mutant frequencies in reticulocytes or micronucleus frequencies. However, such mice, had significantly higher and sustained Pig‐a mutant frequencies (increased 2.5‐3.7‐fold, p < 0.02) in erythrocytes as compared to non‐obese mice (based on measurements collected at 30 weeks or 30 and 52 weeks of age). This suggests that obesity, in the absence of exposure to an exogenous mutagen, is itself mutagenic. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:668–677, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stormy geomorphology: geomorphic contributions in an age of climate extremes
Authors: Naylor Larissa A. , Spencer Tom , Lane Stuart N. , Darby Stephen E. , Magilligan Francis J. , Macklin Mark G. , Möller Iris
Published: October 2016

The increasing frequency and/or severity of extreme climate events are becoming increasingly apparent over multi‐decadal timescales at the global scale, albeit with relatively low scientific confidence. At the regional scale, scientific confidence in the future trends of extreme event likelihood is stronger, although the trends are spatially variable. Confidence in these extreme climate risks is muddied by the confounding effects of internal landscape system dynamics and external forcing factors such as changes in land use and river and coastal engineering. Geomorphology is a critical discipline in disentangling climate change impacts from other controlling factors, thereby contributing to debates over societal adaptation to extreme events. We review four main geomorphic contributions to flood and storm science. First, we show how palaeogeomorphological and current process studies can extend the historical flood record while also unraveling the complex interactions between internal geomorphic dynamics, human impacts and changes in climate regimes. A key outcome will be improved quantification of flood probabilities and the hazard dimension of flood risk. Second, we present evidence showing how antecedent geomorphological and climate parameters can alter the risk and magnitude of landscape change caused by extreme events. Third, we show that geomorphic processes can both mediate and increase the geomorphological impacts of extreme events, influencing societal risk. Fourthly, we show the potential of managing flood and storm risk through the geomorphic system, both near‐term (next 50 years) and longer‐term. We recommend that key methods of managing flooding and erosion will be more effective if risk assessments include palaeodata, if geomorphological science is used to underpin nature‐based management approaches, and if land‐use management addresses changes in geomorphic process regimes that extreme events can trigger. We argue that adopting geomorphologically‐grounded adaptation strategies will enable society to develop more resilient, less vulnerable socio‐geomorphological systems fit for an age of climate extremes. © 2016 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Cost‐effectiveness of donepezil and memantine in moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease (the DOMINO‐AD trial)
Authors: Knapp Martin , King Derek , Romeo Renée , Adams Jessica , Baldwin Ashley , Ballard Clive , Banerjee Sube , Barber Robert , Bentham Peter , Brown Richard G , Burns Alistair , Dening Tom , Findlay David , Holmes Clive , Johnson Tony , Jones Robert , Katona Cornelius , Lindesay James , Macharouthu Ajay , McKeith Ian , McShane Rupert , O'Brien John T , Phillips Patrick P J , Sheehan Bart , Howard Robert
Published: October 2016

Objective

Most investigations of pharmacotherapy for treating Alzheimer's disease focus on patients with mild‐to‐moderate symptoms, with little evidence to guide clinical decisions when symptoms become severe. We examined whether continuing donepezil, or commencing memantine, is cost‐effective for community‐dwelling, moderate‐to‐severe Alzheimer's disease patients.

Methods

Cost‐effectiveness analysis was based on a 52‐week, multicentre, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, factorial clinical trial. A total of 295 community‐dwelling patients with moderate/severe Alzheimer's disease, already treated with donepezil, were randomised to: (i) continue donepezil; (ii) discontinue donepezil; (iii) discontinue donepezil and start memantine; or (iv) continue donepezil and start memantine.

Results

Continuing donepezil for 52 weeks was more cost‐effective than discontinuation, considering cognition, activities of daily living and health‐related quality of life. Starting memantine was more cost‐effective than donepezil discontinuation. Donepezil–memantine combined is not more cost‐effective than donepezil alone.

Conclusions

Robust evidence is now available to inform clinical decisions and commissioning strategies so as to improve patients' lives whilst making efficient use of available resources. Clinical guidelines for treating moderate/severe Alzheimer's disease, such as those issued by NICE in England and Wales, should be revisited. © 2016 The Authors. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Communicating landscape hydrology — the water cycle in a box
Authors: Lehr Christian , Rauneker Philipp , Fahle Marcus , Hohenbrink Tobias L. , Böttcher Steven , Natkhin Marco , Thomas Björn , Dannowski Ralf , Schwien Bernd , Lischeid Gunnar
Published: October 2016

Physical models are a well‐established tool in education to strengthen hydrological understanding. They facilitate the straightforward visualization of hydrological processes and allow the communication of hydrological concepts, research and questions of general interest to the public. In order to visualize the water cycle in a landscape of postglacial sediments, in particular the subsurface part, a physical model was constructed. In two videos, (1) a detailed construction manual and (2) visualization examples of hydrological concepts and processes are presented. With our contribution, we like to encourage professionals in the field of hydrology to share methods and tools of knowledge transfer and communication of hydrological concepts. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Establishing motion control in children with autism and intellectual disability: Applications for anatomical and functional MRI
Authors: Cox Alison D. , Virues‐Ortega Javier , Julio Flavia , Martin Toby L.
Published: October 2016

Excessive motion makes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) extremely challenging among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The medical risks of sedation establish the need for behavioral interventions to promote motion control among children with ASD undergoing MRI scans. We present a series of experiments aimed at establishing both tolerance of the MRI environment and a level of motion control that would be compatible with a successful MRI. During Study 1, we evaluated the effects of prompting and contingent reinforcement on compliance with a sequence of successive approximations to an MRI using a mock MRI. During Study 2, we used prompting and progressive differential reinforcement of other behaviors (DRO) to promote motion control in a mock MRI for increasing periods of time. Finally, during Study 3, some of the participants underwent a real MRI scan while a detailed in‐session motion analysis informed the quality of the images captured.
A quantitative review of overjustification effects in persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Levy Allison , DeLeon Iser G. , Martinez Catherine K. , Fernandez Nathalie , Gage Nicholas A. , Sigurdsson Sigurdur Óli , Frank‐Crawford Michelle A.
Published: October 2016

The overjustification hypothesis suggests that extrinsic rewards undermine intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic rewards are common in strengthening behavior in persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities; we examined overjustification effects in this context. A literature search yielded 65 data sets permitting comparison of responding during an initial no‐reinforcement phase to a subsequent no‐reinforcement phase, separated by a reinforcement phase. We used effect sizes to compare response levels in these two no‐reinforcement phases. Overall, the mean effect size did not differ from zero; levels in the second no‐reinforcement phase were equally likely to be higher or lower than in the first. However, in contrast to the overjustification hypothesis, levels were higher in the second no‐reinforcement phase when comparing the single no‐reinforcement sessions immediately before and after reinforcement. Outcomes consistent with the overjustification hypothesis were somewhat more likely when the target behavior occurred at relatively higher levels prior to reinforcement.
Uncertainty of current algorithm for bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in population-based studies: a systematic review
Authors: Kim Hye-Yeon , Kim Jin-Woo , Kim Sun-Jong , Lee Sang-Hwa , Lee Hong-Soo
Published: October 2016

To assess the relevance of previous epidemiologic studies on bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), we first conducted a systematic review of large population-based observational studies and evaluated the validity of claims-based algorithms for the identification of BRONJ. Studies containing primary observational epidemiologic data regarding bisphosphonate (BP) exposure and outcomes of osteonecrosis of the jaw were systematically reviewed. Using surrogates for identifying potential BRONJ cases from a population-based hospital registry, validation was performed through medical chart review. Positive predictive value (PPV) was estimated for each diagnostic code and for the overall algorithm utilized. Various strategies to increase PPV were also performed. Seventeen studies were systematically reviewed and presented with variations in study quality as well as inconsistent findings. Moreover, there was a high level of methodological heterogeneity. A total of 1920 patients were identified through the ICD-10 algorithm with potential BRONJ, although only 109 cases were confirmed, corresponding to an overall PPV of 5.68% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.68–6.81). Only K10.2 (inflammatory conditions of the jaw) exhibited a relatively high PPV of 26.18%, which increased to 74.47% after confinement to BP users. Other strategies to increase PPV value were not effective. Our findings showed that the overall PPV for BRONJ identification was very low, indicating low validity of the current algorithm and possible overestimation of ONJ occurrence. There is an urgent need to develop more reliable and specific operational definitions for the identification of BRONJ cases in large population databases. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Arabinogalactan Proteins From Baobab and Acacia Seeds Influence Innate Immunity of Human Keratinocytes In Vitro
Authors: Zahid Abderrakib , Despres Julie , Benard Magalie , Nguema‐Ona Eric , Leprince Jerome , Vaudry David , Rihouey Christophe , Vicré‐Gibouin Maité , Driouich Azeddine , Follet‐Gueye Marie‐Laure
Published: October 2016

Plant derived arabinogalactan proteins (AGP) were repeatedly confirmed as immunologically as well as dermatologically active compounds. However, little is currently known regarding their potential activity toward skin innate immunity. Here, we extracted and purified AGP from acacia (Acacia senegal) and baobab (Adansonia digitata) seeds to investigate their biological effects on the HaCaT keratinocyte cell line in an in vitro system. While AGP from both sources did not exhibit any cytotoxic effect, AGP from acacia seeds enhanced cell viability. Moreover, real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) analysis showed that AGP extracted from both species induced a substantial overexpression of hBD‐2, TLR‐5, and IL1‐α genes. These data suggest that plant AGP, already known to control plant defensive processes, could also modulate skin innate immune responses. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2558–2568, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PPARα Antagonist AA452 Triggers Metabolic Reprogramming and Increases Sensitivity to Radiation Therapy in Human Glioblastoma Primary Cells
Authors: Benedetti Elisabetta , d'Angelo Michele , Ammazzalorso Alessandra , Gravina Giovanni Luca , Laezza Chiara , Antonosante Andrea , Panella Gloria , Cinque Benedetta , Cristiano Loredana , Dhez Anne Chloè , Astarita Carlo , Galzio Renato , Cifone Maria Grazia , Ippoliti Rodolfo , Amoroso Rosa , Di Cesare Ernesto , Giordano Antonio , Cimini Annamaria
Published: October 2016

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common cancer in the brain and with an increasing incidence. Despite major advances in the field, there is no curative therapy for GB to date. Many solid tumors, including GB, experienced metabolic reprogramming in order to sustain uncontrolled proliferation, hypoxic conditions, and angiogenesis. PPARs, member of the steroid hormone receptor superfamily, are particularly involved in the control of energetic metabolism, particularly lipid metabolism, which has been reported deregulated in gliomas. PPARα was previously indicated by us as a potential therapeutic target for this neoplasm, due to the malignancy grade dependency of its expression, being particularly abundant in GB. In this work, we used a new PPARα antagonist on patient‐derived GB primary cells, with particular focus on the effects on lipid metabolism and response to radiotherapy. The results obtained demonstrated that blocking PPARα results in cell death induction, increase of radiosensitivity, and decrease of migration. Therefore, AA452 is proposed as a new adjuvant for the gold standard therapies for GB, opening the possibility for preclinical and clinical trials for this class of compounds. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1458–1466, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
From a lab test to industrial application: scale‐up of Fenton process for real olive mill wastewater treatment
Authors: Amaral‐Silva Nuno , Martins Rui C , Nunes Paulo , Castro‐Silva Sérgio , Quinta‐Ferreira Rosa M
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates the integration of ferric coagulation, Fenton oxidation (both at lab and industrial scale) and activated sludge (at lab scale) for the treatment of olive mill wastewater.

RESULTS

Initially, an iron based coagulation at the raw pH of olive mill effluent was performed, leading to 38% COD abatement at bench scale. This procedure also provided some dissolved iron that can be used as catalyst in the following Fenton's peroxidation step. At lab scale Fenton's process accomplished COD removal of 75%. Moreover, some biodegradability enhancement was achieved with this procedure with initial BOD5/CODaverage = 0.03 increasing to BOD5/CODaverage = 0.37 after the process. This integrated treatment was then applied at industrial scale and, after further optimization, coagulation and Fenton's processes were able to remove 43% and 62% of COD, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Based on the interesting results gathered at lab‐scale, it was possible to optimize an industrial WWTP (waste water treatment plant). Ferric coagulation followed by Fenton's peroxidation was implemented with efficiency up to 90% and final COD of 200 mgO2 L−1. The resulting wastewater can be discharged into municipal sewage or can be recycled for reutilization after an in situ biological treatment. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
UV‐C‐driven oxidation of ciprofloxacin in conventionally treated urban wastewater: degradation kinetics, ecotoxicity and phytotoxicity assessment and inactivation of ciprofloxacin‐resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Boudriche Lilya , Michael‐Kordatou Irene , Michael Stella , Karaolia Popi , Fatta‐Kassinos Despo
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

This study aims at evaluating the degradation of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP) in urban wastewater effluents using a UV‐C‐driven oxidation processes in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the phytotoxicity and ecotoxicity of the treated samples were investigated against one plant species (Sinapis alba) and a crustacean (Daphnia magna), respectively. The efficiency of the process to remove E. coli and ciprofloxacin‐resistant E. coli was also assessed.

RESULTS

Complete degradation of CIP was achieved within 15 min of treatment under the optimum concentration of the oxidant ([H2O2] = 10 mg L−1). The degradation rate of the antibiotic fitted pseudo‐first‐order kinetics. An increase in both shoot inhibition and root inhibition was observed, until 60 min of treatment, beyond which, the phytotoxic effect was eliminated. The results demonstrated the ability of the UV‐C process to reduce the toxicity towards D. magna by 40%, comparatively, to the untreated wastewater. The inactivation of E. coli and CIP‐resistant E. coli was achieved within 2 min of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The UV‐C/H2O2 process was successfully applied for the removal of CIP at low environmental concentration level. The treatment process was able to achieve a significant reduction of phyto‐ and eco‐toxic effects, as well as E. coli harbouring resistance to CIP. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Disjoint Paths in Decomposable Digraphs
Authors: Bang‐Jensen Jørgen , Christiansen Tilde My , Maddaloni Alessandro
Published: October 2016

The k‐linkage problem is as follows: given a digraph and a collection of k terminal pairs such that all these vertices are distinct; decide whether D has a collection of vertex disjoint paths such that is from to for . A digraph is k‐linked if it has a k‐linkage for every choice of 2k distinct vertices and every choice of k pairs as above. The k‐linkage problem is NP‐complete already for [11] and there exists no function such that every ‐strong digraph has a k‐linkage for every choice of 2k distinct vertices of D [17]. Recently, Chudnovsky et al. [9] gave a polynomial algorithm for the k‐linkage problem for any fixed k in (a generalization of) semicomplete multipartite digraphs. In this article, we use their result as well as the classical polynomial algorithm for the case of acyclic digraphs by Fortune et al. [11] to develop polynomial algorithms for the k‐linkage problem in locally semicomplete digraphs and several classes of decomposable digraphs, including quasi‐transitive digraphs and directed cographs. We also prove that the necessary condition of being ‐strong is also sufficient for round‐decomposable digraphs to be k‐linked, obtaining thus a best possible bound that improves a previous one of . Finally we settle a conjecture from [3] by proving that every 5‐strong locally semicomplete digraph is 2‐linked. This bound is also best possible (already for tournaments) [1].
Synthesis of stable isotope labeled D9‐Mabuterol, D9‐Bambuterol, and D9‐Cimbuterol
Authors: Tu Yahui , Zhong Jiaqi , Wang Haoran , Pan Jie , Xu Zhongjie , Yang Weicheng , Luo Yong
Published: October 2016

Three stable and simple synthetic routes of labeled D9‐Mabuterol, D9‐Bambuterol, and D9‐Cimbuterol were described with 98.5%, 99.7%, and 98.4% isotopic abundance and good purity. These structures and isotope‐abundance were confirmed according to 1H NMR and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry.
High specific activity is not optimal: 18F‐fluoroestradio positron emission tomography‐computed tomography results in a breast cancer xenograft
Authors: Yang Zhongyi , Yuan Huiyu , Xu Xiaoping , Gu Bingxin , Wang Mingwei , Zhang Jianping , Zhang Yongping , Zhang Yingjian
Published: October 2016

The purpose of the preliminary study was to investigate whether high specific activity (SA) of 18F‐fluoroestradiol was optimal in breast cancer diagnosis. Imaging at variable SA was conducted in a ZR‐75‐1 xenograft model of estrogen‐receptor positive human breast cancer in 6 mice. The region of interest was manually drawn, and the percent of injected dose per gram of the tumor and muscle in the regions of interest were recorded. Tumor‐to‐muscle ratio (T/M) was calculated and compared in each group with different SAs. In addition, the correlation between blood estradiol and sex hormone‐binding globulin and the value of T/M were also analyzed. The value of T/M increased initially with the rise of SA and it reached the peak at SA of 1.6 Ci/μmol. After that, the value fell down sharply and remained stable from SA of 3.1 Ci/μmol. The value of T/M was highest at SA of 1.6 Ci/μmol (P < .001). Additionally, the blood levels of estradiol and sex hormone‐binding globulin showed no correlation with the value of T/M (P > .05). High SA of 18F‐fluoroestradiol leads to low T/M results in breast cancer xenograft models. We should control SA in a reasonable range to obtain high‐quality images.
Cloud transitions: comparison of temporal variation in the southeastern Pacific with the spatial variation in the northeastern Pacific at low latitudes
Authors: Yu Haiyang , Zhang Minghua , Lin Wuyin , Zhang Xiaoxiao
Published: October 2016

The seasonal variation of clouds in the southeastern equatorial Pacific (SEP) is analysed and compared with the spatial variation of clouds in the northeastern Pacific along the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment Cloud System Study/Working Group on Numerical Experimentation (GCSS/WGNE) Pacific Cross‐Section Intercomparison (GPCI) transect. A ‘seasonal cloud transition’ – from stratocumulus to shallow cumulus and eventually to deep convection – is found in the SEP from September to April, which is similar to the spatial cloud transition along the GPCI transect from the California coast to the equator. It is shown that this seasonal cloud transition in the SEP is associated with increasing sea surface temperature (SST), decreasing lower tropospheric stability and large‐scale subsidence, which are all similar to the spatial variation of these fields along the GPCI transect. Difference is found that the SEP cloud transition is associated with decreasing surface wind speed and surface latent heat flux, weaker larger‐scale upward motion and convective instability, which lead to less deepening of the low clouds and less frequent deep convection than those in the GPCI transect. The seasonal cloud transition in the SEP provides a test for climate models to simulate the relationships between clouds and large‐scale atmospheric fields in a region that features a spurious double inter‐tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) in most models.
Introducing and evaluating a new building‐height categorization based on the fractal dimension into the coupled WRF/urban model
Authors: Li Yuhuan , Miao Shiguang , Chen Fei , Liu Yonghong
Published: October 2016

Model simulations of the boundary‐layer structures and summer rainfall in cities are heavily affected by urban morphology, which are defined by a number of urban canopy parameters (UCPs). In the default Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) model/urban canopy model (UCM) system, UCPs are specified in a lookup table as function of three different urban land‐use types, which cannot totally capture the heterogeneity in building heights (BHs). In this article, a method of using a fractal dimension (FD) was developed to define new categories of urban BH for characterizing the vertical urban canopy morphology. Combined with the default three urban land‐use categories in WRF/UCM system, the BH categorization improves the description of the urban canopy characteristics. WRF/UCM multi‐day simulations showed that the new method produced lower air temperatures and higher 10‐m wind speeds in densely urbanized areas in Beijing, and performed better in capturing the temperature variations and spatial distributions of the 10‐m wind speed. A rainfall case was also simulated by WRF/UCM using the two methods, and the new BH method yielded a more accurate simulation of precipitation. The difference of 24‐h total precipitation between WRF simulations using the two methods can reach 40 mm, indicating a high sensitivity to urban surface representations. Results showed that the introduction of FD‐based BH categorization is a simple and yet efficient way to improve WRF/UCM performance in the areas where detailed information on BHs is not available.
Laparoscopic anatomical segmentectomy of liver segments VII and VIII with the hepatic veins exposed from the head side (with videos)
Authors: Xiao Le , Li Jian‐wei , Zheng Shu‐guo
Published: October 2016

Background

The reported protocol was difficult to expose the hepatic veins for laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy of segments VII and VIII. We introduce a new, convenient, applicable approach with the hepatic vein exposed from the head side.

Methods

This study included 10 patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection for HCC in the segments VII and VIII between October, 2014 and November, 2015. Their perioperative course and operative techniques were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

All patients underwent laparoscopic anatomical segmentectomy of segments VII and/or VIII of the liver with the hepatic vein exposed from the head side. None of the cases was converted to open surgery. The average procedure duration was 326.20 ± 51.13 min, and the average blood loss volume was 375.0 ± 166.42 ml. No postoperative complications were observed. The average postoperative hospital stay was 6.7 ± 0.82 days. No recurrence or metastasis was observed.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic anatomical segmentectomy of liver segments VII and VIII, with the hepatic vein exposed from the head side, may be safe, convenient, and applicable to perform. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:752–756. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultrafiltration‐LC–MS combined with semi‐preparative HPLC for the simultaneous screening and isolation of lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors from Belamcanda chinensis
Authors: Li Senlin , Li Sainan , Tang Ying , Liu Chunming , Chen Lina , Zhang Yuchi
Published: October 2016

Stroke represents the fourth leading cause of death in the USA and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of ischemic stroke and natural products are considered a promising source of novel lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors. In this study, we used PC12 cells to determine the protective effect of extracts from the herb Belamcanda chinensis following toxic challenge. Using ultrafiltration high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photo‐diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, we screened and identified isoflavonoids from Belamcanda chinensis extracts. Semi‐preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography was then applied to separate and isolate the active constituents. Using these methods, we identified six major compounds in Belamcanda chinensis as lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors: tectoridin, iristectorin A, iridin, tectorigenin, irigenin, and irisflorentin, which were then isolated to >92% purity. This is the first report that Belamcanda chinensis extracts contain potent lactate dehydrogenase inhibitors. Our results demonstrate that the systematic isolation of bioactive components from Belamcanda chinensis guided by ultrafiltration high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photo‐diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry represents a feasible and efficient technique that could be extended for the identification and isolation of other enzyme inhibitors.
Laser Cutting Head for High‐Brightness Lasers
Authors: Wolff Detlev , Karam Jean‐Baptiste , Groß Christine
Published: October 2016

The present market of metal laser cutting machines is mainly dominated by laser sources that emit radiation in the wavelength range around one micron. The majority of these lasers generate radiation through pumping of ytterbium doped fiber or ytterbium doped disks, or directly from gallium arsenide (GaAs) semiconductor diodes. The latter direct diode approach has been increasing its market share due to a significant increase of beam quality. A few years ago, high‐power direct diode lasers were used for applications where low brightness (BPP between 20 — 30 mm mrad @ 4 kW) was ­sufficient, such as laser brazing and hardening. With the latest improvements in beam quality, reaching 4 mm mrad and below, direct diode lasers are now suitable for laser cutting applications, which are dominated currently by other laser types. This article investigates cutting quality and speed using the II‐VI Highyag laser cutting head BIMO‐FSC in combination with a direct diode laser. In addition, the machine controlled and independent adjustment of focus position and diameter of the BIMO‐FSC have been analyzed in regards to optimization of the piercing process.
Oscillation Welding of Al/Al and Al/Cu
Authors: Fritsche Haro , Müller Norbert , Ashkenasi David
Published: October 2016

Diode lasers provide, in principle, a low beam parameter product with near flat top power distribution. By launching this beam into a standard fiber its profile is deteriorated further. By directly mounting a high brightness direct diode laser on top of a trepanning optic, we avoid additional power loss and beam parameter product reduction and therefore enable aluminum welding already at a medium power level.
Ultrashort Pulse Laser Material Processing
Authors: Bliedtner Jens , Schindler Christian , Seiler Michael , Wächter Sebastian , Friedrich Maria , Giesecke Jan
Published: October 2016

The field of ultrashort pulsed lasers has grown dramatically over the past years. Besides many research topics, the industrial application, especially for laser material processing has focused around USP lasers. The success of USP lasers contributes to many economic branches. The advantages ranges from higher output power, shorter pulse duration, innovative amplifier systems to beam guidance. One question remains: Where is the potential for industrial applications of this technology? This article presents the recent research and the derived possible area of application for USP lasers. Our aim is to introduce the huge material spectrum to possible users. Furthermore, the laser application center in Jena, and the scope prospective customers is introduced.
Environmental dependence of the correlations between stoichiometric and fatty acid‐based indicators of phytoplankton nutritional quality
Authors: Bi Rong , Ismar Stefanie , Sommer Ulrich , Zhao Meixun
Published: October 2016

Marine phytoplankton is simultaneously affected by multiple environmental drivers. To‐date integrative assessments of multiple combined effects are rare on the relationship between elemental stoichiometry and biochemicals in marine phytoplankton. We investigated responses of stoichiometric (N:C and P:C ratios) and fatty acid‐based (polyunsaturated fatty acid, PUFA) indicators of nutritional quality to three N:P supply ratios (10:1, 24:1, and 63:1 mol mol−1), three temperatures (12, 18, and 24°C) and two pCO2 levels (560 and 2400 μatm) in the marine phytoplankters Rhodomonas sp. and Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Overall, warming and nutrient deficiency showed dramatic effects, but increased pCO2 had modest effects on the two indicators of nutritional quality. Specifically, warming showed strong positive effects on N:C and P:C ratios in Rhodomonas sp. but negative effects on PUFAs in both species. The low N‐ and low P‐media led to low contents of both nutrients but high contents of PUFAs in the biomass of Rhodomonas sp., while the response of P. tricornutum was more complex: N:C ratios were lowest at the intermediate N:P supply but P:C ratios responded negatively to P deficiency and positively to N deficiency. Large variations in the two indicators of nutritional quality can be attributed to species‐specific physiological optima and interactions between the three manipulated variables. Our results suggest that stoichiometric and FA‐based indicators of nutritional quality may change differentially in response to warming and nutrient deficiency in marine phytoplankton, highlighting the relevance of simultaneous considerations of the two indicators of nutritional quality, when assessing food web dynamics under future ocean scenarios.
Sustained photon pulse revivals from inhomogeneously broadened spin ensembles
Authors: Krimer Dmitry O. , Zens Matthias , Putz Stefan , Rotter Stefan
Published: October 2016

A very promising recent trend in applied quantum physics is to combine the advantageous features of different quantum systems into what is called “hybrid quantum technology”. One of the key elements in this new field will have to be a quantum memory enabling to store quanta over extended periods of time. Systems that may fulfill the demands of such applications are comb‐shaped spin ensembles coupled to a cavity. Due to the decoherence induced by the inhomogeneous ensemble broadening, the storage time of these quantum memories is, however, still rather limited. Here we demonstrate how to overcome this problem by burning well‐placed holes into the spectral spin density leading to spectacular performance in the multimode regime. Specifically, we show how an initial excitation of the ensemble leads to the emission of more than a hundred well‐separated photon pulses with a decay rate significantly below the fundamental limit of the recently proposed “cavity protection effect”.

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Achieving High Drug Loading and Sustained Release of Hydrophobic Drugs in Hydrogels through In Situ Crystallization
Authors: Ci Tianyuan , Shen Yuning , Cui Shuquan , Liu Ruili , Yu Lin , Ding Jiandong
Published: October 2016

Inadequate drug loading of hydrophobic drugs is a classic problem when hydrogels are utilized as sustained‐release carriers of drugs. Herein, a strategy to load plenty of hydrophobic drugs is presented. The antitumor drug 10‐hydroxycamptothecin in the thermogel of poly(d,l‐lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(d,l‐lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) is employed. The drug is soluble in an alkaline medium, yet insoluble in a neutral/acidic medium. The crystallization is triggered after adding an alkaline drug solution into an acidic copolymer solution. The concentrated copolymer aqueous solution undergoes a sol–gel transition upon heating, faster than the crystallization. As a result, plenty of evenly dispersed drug microcrystals are formed. The in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate both high drug loading and sustained release with enhanced antitumor efficacy and reduced adverse effects. The system resolves the challenge in formulation of hydrophobic drugs in hydrogels, and is stimulating for encapsulating drugs with a soluble‐insoluble transition into a material environment.

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Large Scale Production of Continuous Hydrogel Fibers with Anisotropic Swelling Behavior by Dynamic‐Crosslinking‐Spinning
Authors: Hou Kai , Wang Huiyi , Lin Yunyin , Chen Shaohua , Yang Shengyuan , Cheng Yanhua , Hsiao Benjamin S. , Zhu Meifang
Published: October 2016

Hydrogel microfibers have been considered as a potential biomaterial to spatiotemporally biomimic 1D native tissues such as nerves and muscles which are always assembled hierarchically and have anisotropic response to external stimuli. To produce facile hydrogel microfibers in a mathematical manner, a novel dynamic‐crosslinking‐spinning (DCS) method is demonstrated for direct fabrication of size‐controllable fibers from poly(ethylene glycol diacrylate) oligomer in large scale, without microfluidic template and in a biofriendly environment. The diameter of fibers can be precisely controlled by adjusting the spinning parameters. Anisotropic swelling property is also dependent on inhomogeneous structure generated in spinning process. Comparing with bulk hydrogels, the resulting fibers exhibit superior rapid water adsorption property, which can be attributed to the large surface area/volume ratio of fiber. This novel DCS method is one‐step technology suitable for large‐scale production of anisotropic hydrogel fibers which has a promising application in the area such as biomaterials.

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Reconstruction of midfoot bone and soft tissue loss with chimeric partial scapula and latissimus dorsi muscle flap and short perforator‐based skin flap following gunshot injuries: Report of two cases
Authors: Ozcan Akcal Arzu , Ünal Kerim , Gorgulu Tahsin , Akif Akcal Mehmet , Bigat Zekiye
Published: October 2016

Introduction

In this report we present two cases of gunshot injury related midfoot defects, reconstructed with a chimeric partial scapula and latissimus dorsi muscle flap and short perforator‐based skin flap. The first case, a 14 years old male, had 10 × 8 cm medial plantar and 6 × 4 cm dorsal foot defects and the second case, a 55 years old female, had only 8 × 6 cm dorsal foot defect. In both cases the defects were associated with fractures, one with lateral cuneiform and cuboid with 90% bone loss and the other with navicular bone, respectively. After 6 months, the patients could walk well without support, and radiographs confirmed bony union. A chimeric partial scapula and latissimus dorsi muscle flap and short perforator‐based skin flap may be used for the reconstruction of combined bony and soft tissue defects of the midfoot and to promote bone healing. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:598–603, 2016.
A New Descriptor of Amino Acids‐SVGER and its Applications in Peptide QSAR
Authors: Tong Jianbo , Li Lingxiao , Bai Min , Li Kangnan
Published: October 2016

In the study of peptide quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR), a new descriptor of amino acids (SVGER) was calculated. It was applied in two peptides which are angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and bitter tasting threshold of di‐peptide. QSAR models were built by stepwise multiple regression‐multiple linear regression (SMR‐MLR) and stepwise multiple regression‐partial least square regression (SMR‐PLS). In the SMR‐MLR models for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, the squared cross‐validation correlation coefficient (QLOO2) was 0.907, squared correlation coefficient between predicted and observed activities (Rcum2) was 0.977 and external multiple correlation coefficient (Qext2) was 0.867. The corresponding data for the bitter tasting threshold of di‐peptide were 0.802, 0.966, 0.719. While in the SMR‐PLS model, QLOO2, Rcum2 and Qext2 were 0.804, 0.915, 0.858 for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and 0.782, 0.881, 0.747 for bitter tasting threshold of di‐peptide. Our results showed that descriptor SVGER can afford good account of relationships between activity and structure of peptide drugs.
Global attractor for a low order ODE model problem for transition to turbulence
Authors: Singler John R.
Published: October 2016

Many researchers have studied simple low order ODE model problems for fluid flows in order to gain new insight into the dynamics of complex fluid flows. We investigate the existence of a global attractor for a low order ODE system that has served as a model problem for transition to turbulence in viscous incompressible fluid flows. The ODE system has a linear term and an energy‐conserving, non‐quadratic nonlinearity. Standard energy estimates show that solutions remain bounded and converge to a global attractor when the linear term is negative definite, that is, the linear term is energy decreasing; however, numerical results indicate the same result is true in some cases when the linear term does not satisfy this condition. We give a new condition guaranteeing solutions remain bounded and converge to a global attractor even when the linear term is not energy decreasing. We illustrate the new condition with examples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finding a Nash equilibrium and an optimal sharing policy for multiagent network expansion game
Authors: Chaabane Nadia , Briand Cyril , Huguet Marie‐José , Agnetis Alessandro
Published: October 2016

In this work, a multiagent network flow problem is addressed, aiming at characterizing the properties of stable flows and allowing their computation. Two types of agents are considered: transportation‐agents, that carry a flow of products on a given network and another agent, either a producer or a customer, who is willing to ship (receive, respectively), products. Every transportation‐agent controls a set of arcs, each having a capacity that can be increased up to a certain point at a given cost. The other agent (i.e., the customer/producer) is interested in maximizing the flow transshipped through the network. To this aim, we assume it offers the transportation‐agents a reward that is proportional to the realized flow value. This particular multiagent framework is referred to as a Multiagent network expansion game. We characterize and find particular stable strategies (i.e., Nash equilibria) that are of interest for this game. We particularly focus on the problem of finding a Nash Equilibrium and a sharing policy that maximize the value of the total flow. We prove that this problem is NP‐hard in the strong sense and show how such a strategy can be characterized considering paths in specific auxiliary graphs. We also provide a mixed integer linear programming formulation to solve the problem. Computational experiments are provided to prove the effectiveness of our approach and derive some insights for practitioners. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 69(1), 94–109 2017
Supplying Disadvantaged Schools with Effective Teachers: Experimental Evidence on Secondary Math Teachers from Teach For America
Authors: Chiang Hanley S. , Clark Melissa A. , McConnell Sheena
Published: October 2016

Teach For America (TFA) is an important but controversial source of teachers for hard‐to‐staff subjects in high‐poverty U.S. schools. We present findings from the first large‐scale experimental study of secondary math teachers from TFA. We find that TFA teachers are more effective than other math teachers in the same schools, increasing student math achievement by 0.07 standard deviations over one school year. Addressing concerns about the fact that TFA requires only a two‐year commitment, we find that TFA teachers in their first two years of teaching are more effective than more experienced non‐TFA teachers in the same schools.
Suppressing shrinkage/warpage of PBT injection molded parts with fillers
Authors: Xie Zhouhao , Wu Xianghong , Giacomin A. Jeffrey , Zhao Guoqun , Wang Weihua
Published: October 2016

Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) was chosen as the model polymer for studying the method of polymer modification in purpose of suppressing shrinkage and warpage with fillers. With high crystallinity, injection molded PBT products would easily be distorted by anisotropic shrinkage or residual stress. In this article, glass fiber, talcum, calcium carbonate, wollastonite powder were filled into PBT to make composites, and the roles of filler types, filler compositions, and feeding methods for filler incorporation were explored by studying the performance of the resulted composites. The samples were also investigated with differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electronic microscopy. It is shown that uniform shrinkage and enhanced mechanical performance can be obtained. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2377–2384, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Bipyridine copper functionalized polymer resins as support materials for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols
Authors: Sand Henning , Weberskirch Ralf
Published: October 2016

Here, we report the first polymer resin supported Cu(I)/bipyridine/N‐oxyl catalyst systems for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols at room temperature with ambient air. We chose polystyrene‐poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer (TentaGel®) and Merrifield resin as support materials because of their different swelling properties in polar and nonpolar solvents. The bromo functionalized TentaGel resin TG1 or Merrifield resin MR1 were functionalized with 4,4′‐dimethoxy‐2,2′‐bipyridine (MeObpy) to give the ligand modified polymer resin TG2/MR2 that was loaded with CuI(Br) to give the final CuI(Br)/bipyridine support TG3/MR3. These resins were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, SEM, SEM energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Catalytic activity and recyclability of TG3 was investigated in acetonitrile and cyclohexane and displayed high activities in acetonitrile but also high metal leaching. In cyclohexane as solvent leaching was reduced to 1% − 2%, and catalytic activity was still at 75% after the fifth run. MR3 was consequently tested in cyclohexane and toluene. In both solvents low metal leaching was observed with higher activity in toluene as solvent, showing still over 90% conversion after the seventh run with 9‐azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane N‐oxyl (ABNO) and 80% with 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxyl (TEMPO). © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of epoxidized cardanol butyl ether as a novel renewable plasticizer and its application for poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Nie Xiaoan , Chen Jie , Wang Yigang
Published: October 2016

A new type of plasticizer, epoxidized cardanol butyl ether (ECBE), was synthesized via etherification and epoxidation. Successful synthesis was confirmed from Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra. The obtained product was evaluated by adding it to poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) incorporated with dioctyl phthalate (DOP). Mechanical and thermal properties of PVC blends were studied using tensile testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Processability, migration and volatility of plasticizing systems were also investigated. Tensile tests found a maximum increase of 17.8% in elongation at break. DMA results indicated that glass transition temperature shifted to lower temperature with a maximum decrease of 5.76 °C. TGA results revealed that PVC blends with higher content of ECBE had higher thermal stability; initial degradation temperature, 50% weight loss temperature and the first peak degradation temperature increased by 15.3, 14.8 and 4.1 °C, respectively. Processing time was extended from 11.56 to 59.94 min. The plasticizing performance of migration and volatility resistance were higher than those of neat DOP. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry