bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Low Loss Magnetodielectric Nanocomposites of Epoxy Resin and Iron Nanoparticles
Authors: Hirose Yuichi , Hasegawa Daiji , Ohki Yoshimichi
Published: October 2014

To achieve the aim of developing a new insulating substrate that can exhibit both high permittivity and high permeability, ferromagnetic iron nanoparticles were dispersed uniformly in epoxy resin. Measurements of the electrical conductivity, permittivity, and permeability indicate that the composite can be a good candidate for an insulating substrate with negligibly small eddy‐current loss and sufficiently high permittivity.
Effect of extended follow‐up in a specialized heart failure clinic on adherence to guideline recommended therapy: NorthStar Adherence Study
Authors: Schou Morten , Gislason Gunnar , Videbaek Lars , Kober Lars , Tuxen Christian , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Hildebrandt Per R. , Gustafsson Finn ,   on behalf of the NorthStar Investigators
Published: October 2014

Aims

The optimal duration of a public heart failure (HF) clinic programme is unknown. This substudy of the NT‐proBNP stratified follow‐up in outpatient heart failure clinics (NorthStar) trial was designed to evaluate the effect of extended follow‐up in an outpatient HF clinic on long‐term adherence to guideline‐based therapy.

Methods and results

Patients with HF with reduced EF on optimal medical therapy (n = 921) were randomized to either extended follow‐up in the HF clinic (n = 461) or discharge to primary care (n = 460) and followed for a median of 4.1 years (range: 13 months to 6.1 years). The effect of the HF clinic intervention on treatment adherence (time to at least a 90 day break in treatment) was estimated by drug dispensing from pharmacies of an ACE inhibitor/ARB, beta‐blocker (BB), or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA). Median age was 69 years, 25% were females, LVEF was 30%, and 90% were in NYHA class II–III. The HF clinic intervention did not reduce time to a 90 day break in treatment with either an ACE inhibitor/ARB [hazard ratio (HR) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–1.97, P = 0.650], a BB (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.53–2.66, P = 0.820), or an MRA (HR 1.30, 95% CI 0.85–2.00, P = 0.238).

Conclusions

Extended follow‐up in an outpatient HF clinic did not improve long‐term adherence to guideline‐based therapy, and adherence did not deteriorate when follow‐up was shifted from the HF clinic to primary care.
Chocolate consumption and risk of heart failure in the Physicians' Health Study
Authors: Petrone Andrew B. , Gaziano J. Michael , Djoussé Luc
Published: October 2014

Aims

To test the hypothesis that chocolate consumption is associated with a lower risk of heart failure (HF).

Methods and Results

We prospectively studied 20 278 men from the Physicians' Health Study. Chocolate consumption was assessed between 1999 and 2002 via a self‐administered food frequency questionnaire and HF was ascertained through annual follow‐up questionnaires with validation in a subsample. We used Cox regression to estimate multivariable adjusted relative risk of HF. During a mean follow‐up of 9.3 years there were 876 new cases of HF. The mean age at baseline was 66.4 ± 9.2 years. Hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals (CI)] for HF were 1.0 (ref), 0.86 (0.72–1.03), 0.80 (0.66–0.98), 0.92 (0.74–1.13), and 0.82 (0.63–1.07), for chocolate consumption of less than 1/month, 1–3/week, 2–4/week, and 5+/week, respectively, after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol, exercise, energy intake, and history of atrial fibrillation (P for quadratic trend = 0.62). In a secondary analysis, chocolate consumption was inversely associated with risk of HF in men whose BMI was <25 kg/m2 [HR (95% CI) = 0.59 (0.37–0.94) for consumption of 5+ servings/week, P for linear trend = 0.03) but not in those with BMI of 25+ kg/m2 [HR (95% CI) = 1.01 (0.73–1.39), P for linear trend = 0.42, P for interaction = 0.17).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that moderate consumption of chocolate might be associated with a lower risk of HF in male physicians.
Exploring the glycoproteomics landscape with advanced MS technologies
Authors: Lazar Iulia M. , Deng Jingren , Ikenishi Fumio , Lazar Alexandru C.
Published: October 2014

The advance of glycoproteomic technologies has offered unique insights into the importance of glycosylation in determining the functional roles of a protein within a cell. Biologically active glycoproteins include the categories of enzymes, hormones, proteins involved in cell proliferation, cell membrane proteins involved in cell–cell recognition, and communication events or secreted proteins, just to name a few. The recent progress in analytical instrumentation, methodologies, and computational approaches has enabled a detailed exploration of glycan structure, connectivity, and heterogeneity, underscoring the staggering complexity of the glycome repertoire in a cell. A variety of approaches involving the use of spectroscopy, MS, separation, microfluidic, and microarray technologies have been used alone or in combination to tackle the glycoproteome challenge, the research results of these efforts being captured in an overwhelming number of annual publications. This work is aimed at reviewing the major developments and accomplishments in the field of glycoproteomics, with focus on the most recent advancements (2012–2014) that involve the use of capillary separations and MS detection.
Analysis of shear‐dominated RC columns using the nonlinear truss analogy
Authors: Moharrami Mohammadreza , Koutromanos Ioannis , Panagiotou Marios , Girgin Sadik Can
Published: October 2014

This paper uses nonlinear truss models for the analysis of shear‐dominated reinforced concrete (RC) columns subjected to cyclic loading. A previously established method, aimed to the analysis of RC walls, is enhanced to allow simulations of column members. The concrete constitutive equations are modified to account for the contribution of the aggregate interlock to the shear resistance. Additionally, an equation is proposed to determine the inclination angle of the diagonal members in the truss models. The modeling approach is validated using the results of quasi‐static and dynamic tests on shear‐dominated RC columns. The combination of predictive capabilities and conceptual simplicity establishes truss‐based models as an attractive approach for the systematic analysis of shear‐dominated RC frame construction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Syntheses of the fragrance hydroxyambran using hydrogenation methods
Authors: Deutsch Jens , Jiménez Pinto Jhonny , Doerfelt Stephan , Martin Andreas , Köckritz Angela
Published: October 2014

The preparation of 2‐cyclododecylpropan‐1‐ol (trade names: Hydroxyambran® and Amberwood®) from an easily available starting material was performed using two complementary synthesis routes. A high target product yield was achieved for one of the routes investigated by means of a heterogeneously and a consecutive homogeneously catalysed hydrogenation step. The reported approach is more effective than formerly applied reaction sequences. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monotonicity in high‐order curvilinear finite element arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian remap
Authors: Anderson R. W. , Dobrev V. A. , Kolev Tz. V. , Rieben R. N.
Published: October 2014

The remap phase in arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) hydrodynamics involves the transfer of field quantities defined on a post‐Lagrangian mesh to some new mesh, usually generated by a mesh optimization algorithm. This problem is often posed in terms of transporting (or advecting) some state variable from the old mesh to the new mesh over a fictitious time interval. It is imperative that this remap process be monotonic, that is, not generate any new extrema in the field variables. It is well known that the only linear methods that are guaranteed to be monotonic for such problems are first‐order accurate; however, much work has been performed in developing non‐linear methods, which blend both high and low (first) order solutions to achieve monotonicity and preserve high‐order accuracy when the field is sufficiently smooth. In this paper, we present a set of methods for enforcing monotonicity targeting high‐order discontinuous Galerkin methods for advection equations in the context of high‐order curvilinear ALE hydrodynamics. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Concordance of sustained virological response 4, 12, and 24 weeks post‐treatment with sofosbuvir‐containing regimens for hepatitis C virus
Authors: Yoshida Eric M. , Sulkowski Mark S. , Gane Edward J. , Herring Robert W. , Ratziu Vlad , Ding Xiao , Wang Jing , Chuang Shu‐Min , Ma Julie , McNally John , Stamm Luisa M. , Brainard Diana M. , Symonds William T. , McHutchison John G. , Beavers Kimberly L. , Jacobson Ira M. , Reddy K. Rajender , Lawitz Eric
Published: October 2014

Historically, clinical trials of regimens to treat chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have used, as their primary efficacy endpoint, a sustained virological response (SVR)—defined as HCV RNA levels below a designated threshold of quantification—24 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR24). More recently, regulatory authorities have begun to accept SVR at 12 weeks post‐treatment (SVR12) as a valid efficacy endpoint because of its high rate of concordance with SVR24. However, the concordance between SVR12 and SVR24 has not been systematically assessed with new regimens of recently approved direct‐acting antiviral agents. The aim of this study was to assess the concordance between SVR at various post‐treatment time points in phase III clinical trials of sofosbuvir (SOF)‐containing regimens. We conducted a retrospective analysis of five trials enrolling 863 patients infected with HCV genotypes 1‐6. The concordance between SVR at 4 weeks post‐treatment (SVR4) and SVR12, and between SVR12 and SVR24, were determined, as well as positive predictive values (PPVs) and negative predictive values (NPVs). Overall, 779 of 796 patients (98.0%) with an SVR4 also achieved an SVR12, making the PPV of SVR4 for SVR12 98% and the NPV 100%. Of the 779 patients with an SVR12, 777 (99.7%) also achieved an SVR24, making the PPV of SVR12 for SVR24 >99% and the NPV 100%. Of patients who relapsed post‐therapy, 77.6% did so within 4 weeks of completing therapy. Conclusion: Data from phase III studies demonstrate that with SOF‐based regimens, with or without interferon, SVR12 and SVR24 correlate closely. Thus, SVR12 can be used effectively to determine “cure” rates in trials and in clinical practice. (Hepatology 2015;61:41–45)
Arousal and the attentional network in panic disorder
Authors: Geiger Maximilian J. , Neufang Susanne , Stein Dan J. , Domschke Katharina
Published: October 2014

Although a great deal of information about the neurobiology of panic disorder is now available, there is a need for an updated etiological model integrating recent findings on the neurobiology of the arousal system and its relationship with higher cortical functions in panic disorder. The current mini‐review presents psychophysiological, molecular biological/genetic and functional neuroimaging evidence for dysfunction in major arousal systems of the brain. Such dysfunction may influence the development of panic disorder by precipitating autonomic bodily symptoms and at the same time increasing vigilance to these sensations by modulating cortical attentional networks. A multilevel model of arousal, attention and anxiety—including the norepinephrine, orexin, neuropeptide S and caffeine‐related adenosine systems—may be useful in integrating a range of data available on the pathogenesis of panic disorder. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proton exchange reactions in isotope chemistry (II) synthesis of stable isotope‐labeled LCQ908
Authors: Jian Zhigang , Ray Tapan , Wu Amy , Jones Lawrence , Forseth Ry
Published: October 2014

The proton exchange reaction was applied to the preparation of stable isotope‐labeled LCQ908. For this synthesis, a suitable intermediate with protons alpha to a carbonyl group was first subjected to the H–D exchange reaction; subsequent coupling of a carbonyl group with [13C2]triethyl phosphonoacetate, followed by hydrogenation and hydrolysis, led to the stable labeled compound. Incorporation of two carbon‐13 atoms in the molecule eliminated the presence of undesired M+0.
Quantification of the physical structure of fats in 20 minutes: Implications for formulation
Authors: Peyronel Fernanda , Ilavsky Jan , Pink David A. , Marangoni Alejandro G.
Published: October 2014

One challenge facing the fat industry involves finding healthy fat‐replacers that do not compromise the functionality of the product made with them. For the past three years crystalline nanoplatelets (CNPs) have been reported as the smallest crystal unit in different edible fat systems. This paper summarizes the latest understanding in the area of CNP aggregation and the structures that emerge from their aggregation when using the techniques of ultra small angle X‐ray scattering and modelling with computer simulation. An understanding of how these CNPs aggregate should allow the engineering of new healthy fat‐replacers.
Symbiosis, dysbiosis, and rebiosis—The value of metaproteomics in human microbiome monitoring
Authors: Mao Lei , Franke Jacqueline
Published: October 2014

As just one species in the larger ecosystem, the health and disease status of human beings is highly dependent on other biological species in their environment, both inside and outside of the human body. Since proteins are the major functional building blocks of the biological world, most homeostasis regulations are realized at the protein level. Diagnosis‐oriented monitoring of cross‐species proteostasis will constitute a solid basis for next‐generation preventive medicine. After a brief review of the history and state‐of‐the‐art of metaproteomics in the field of environmental health research, focus of this perspective article will be put on the role of cross‐species joint efforts in symbiosis, dysbiosis, and rebiosis of the human gut during human development, pathogenesis, and aging. The distinctive merit of metaproteomics on health state monitoring will be given special attention. Questions to be addressed include: How this microbial ecosystems in and around humans beings coevolve and stabilize during human development and aging? How the grade of microbial virulence is controlled at the community level? What happens upon temporary or ultimate homeostasis breakdown? How metaproteomics will affect next‐generation diagnostics and preventive medicine? As an increasing amount of data becomes available, researchers need to become ever more hypothesis‐oriented, so as not to be lost in sea of data, but instead efficiently extract the insights from “Big data.” Future directions of metaproteomic research and its integration with other “omics” will be suggested, including the sophisticated use of systems biological approaches such as predictive modeling and simulations, in order to truly serve next‐generation medicine.
A Bayesian Methodology Applied to the Estimation of Earthquake Recurrence Parameters for Seismic Hazard Assessment
Authors: Keller Merlin , Pasanisi Alberto , Marcilhac Marine , Yalamas Thierry , Secanell Ramón , Senfaute Gloria
Published: October 2014

Seismic hazard curves provide the rate (or probability) of exceedance of different levels of a ground motion parameter (e.g., the peak ground acceleration, PGA) in a given geographical point and for a given time frame. Hence, to evaluate seismic hazard curves, one needs an occurrence model of earthquakes and an attenuation law of the ground motion with the distance. Generally, the input data needed to define the occurrence model consists in values of the magnitude, experimentally observed or, in the case of ancient earthquakes, indirectly inferred based on historically recorded damages. In this paper, we sketch a full Bayesian methodology for estimating the parameters characterizing the seismic activity in pre‐determined seismotectonical zones, given such a catalog of recorded magnitudes. The statistical model, following the peak over threshold formalism, consists in the distribution of the annual number of earthquakes exceeding a given magnitude, coupled with the probability density of the magnitudes, given that they exceed the threshold. Then, as an example of the possible applications of the proposed methodology, the PGA is evaluated in several sites of interest, while taking into account the uncertainty tainting the parameters of the magnitudes' distribution in several seismotectonical zones and the attenuation law. Finally, some perspectives are sketched. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical chest compression with a medical parallel manipulator for cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Yedukondalu G. , Srinath A. , Suresh Kumar J.
Published: October 2014

Background

Chest compression is the primary technique in emergency situations for resuscitating patients who have a cardiac arrest. Even for experienced personnel, it is difficult to perform chest compressions at the correct compression rate and depth.

Methods

We describe a new translational three‐revolute–revolute–revolute (3‐RRR) parallel manipulator designed for delivering chest compressions. The kinematic and chest analyses have been carried out analytically. The motion of the parallel manipulator while performing chest compressions was simulated under experimental conditions and the results were verified in MSC ADAMS software.

Results

Simulation and experimental results had more or less similar results. The proposed parallel manipulator was able to achieve 120 compressions/min (cpm) with a depth in the range 38–51 mm during cardio‐pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Conclusions

The design of the manipulator makes it easy to deploy for performing chest compressions at the correct compression rate and depth, as outlined in the 2010 resuscitation guidelines. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of processing conditions on producing a reactive derivative from β‐cyclodextrin with itaconic acid
Authors: Nazi Malihe , Malek Reza Mohammad Ali , Moghadam Mohammad Bameni
Published: October 2014

A reactive cyclodextrin was synthesised by reacting β‐cyclodextrin with itaconic acid to enable it to fix permanently onto cellulosic materials. Because synthesis is a complicated process that is greatly influenced by many factors, the response surface methodology was applied in this study to optimise production. To investigate the efficiency of the esterification reaction, the amount of carboxyl groups and the double bond content of the end product were measured and employed as the responses. The 3D response surface plots and the contour plots derived from the mathematical models were applied to evaluate the interactive effects of parameters affecting the reaction, such as itaconic acid and catalyst concentrations, material to liquor ratio, temperature and time of reaction. The amount of carboxyl groups and the double bond content of cyclodextrin itaconate (about 175 and 150 meq./100 g CDI, respectively) in the optimum conditions indicated that one to two itaconic acid molecules could react with cyclodextrin according to the esterification reaction. In addition, the presence of the new supplementary groups on cyclodextrin could effect on the aggregation behaviour of this new cyclodextrin derivative as demonstrated by dynamic light scattering and AFM.
Effect of the thermo‐alkaline treatment over the thermal degradation of corn starch
Authors: Pineda‐Gómez Posidia , Rosales‐Rivera Andres , Rodríguez‐García Mario E.
Published: October 2014

In this work, thermogravimetric data were used for to study the thermal degradation of corn starch with and without thermo‐alkaline treatment. Flynn–Wall–Ozawa, modified Coats–Redfern, and Kissinger methods were used to determine the activation energy. Corn starch treated with calcium hydroxide exhibited the highest activation energy values during the whole thermal degradation process which could be related to the physical crosslinking process between starch constituents and Ca ions as was confirmed by the infrared analysis. The energy activation was dependent of the conversion, indicating that this degradation is a complex process. DSC at high temperatures, used for starch, corroborated that the degradation in this material is a complex process governed by different chemical reactions. Thermo‐alkaline treatment has a decelerator role in thermal degradation of corn starch.
Catalytic conversion of carbohydrates into 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural by Hafnium(IV) chloride in ionic liquids
Authors: Zhang Zehui , Liu Bing , Zhao Zongbao K.
Published: October 2014

Conversion of carbohydrates into HMF in ionic liquids (ILs) catalyzed by HfCl4 has been investigated in search of an efficient and environment‐friendly process. The structure of ILs, catalyst loading, and reaction temperature had remarkable effects on this new catalytic system. Under optimal conditions, HMF yield up to 77.5% was obtained from fructose in 30 min at 100°C. Moderate yields of HMF were also obtained from aldohexose such as glucose, cellobiose, even cellulose. Furthermore, a possible mechanism for carbohydrates conversion into HMF catalyzed by HfCl4 was proposed according to the configuration of valence shell of Hf. This work provides a meaningful method for the conversion of carbohydrates into fine chemicals.
The inhibition effects of reactive oxygen species by Maillard reaction products in Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Chung Soo Yeon , Lee Yong Kwon , Han Sung Hee , Lee Seog Won , Rhee Chul
Published: October 2014

Maillard reaction products (MRPs) were prepared by heating a mixture of rice starch with different dextrose equivalents (DE 10, 30, 50 and 70) and glycine. The glycine was added to the sample pastes at the same molar concentration as the sugar contained in each sample. As the dextrose equivalent of rice starch increased, the browning intensity and fluorescence of the MRPs increased. The antioxidant properties of the MRPs were investigated by DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and phenolic content in a chemical system, and were evaluated by measuring reactive oxygen species levels and antioxidant enzymes activities in Caco‐2 cells. The darkest MRPs, MRPs‐4, showed the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic content among the samples; in addition, it inhibited the cellular oxidative stress. The decrease of cell viability and antioxidant enzymes activities caused by reactive oxygen species and apoptosis were recovered by MRPs‐4. Actually, the addition of the MRPs suppressed apoptosis by decreasing the proportion of cells in the sub‐G1 phase. Therefore, these MRPs, as compounds formed by the Maillard reaction, are considered to possess an effective antioxidant activity against oxidizable substrates.
L‐lactic acid production by Rhizopus oryzae MBG‐10 using starch‐rich waste loquat kernels as substrate
Authors: Taskin Mesut , Ortucu Serkan , Unver Yagmur , Arslan Nazli Pinar , Algur Omer Faruk , Saghafian Amir
Published: October 2014

The objective of this work was to perform production of L‐lactic acid from starch‐rich waste loquat kernels by newly isolated Rhizopus oryzae MBG‐10 fungus. Loquat kernel flour (LKF) was used as substrate (mainly as carbon source). The most favorable conditions for L‐lactic acid production were LKF concentration of 80 g/L, CaCO3 concentration of 20 g/L, ammonium sulfate concentration of 3 g/L and incubation time of 108 h. Under these conditions, L‐lactic acid and biomass concentrations were 45.4 and 8.2 g/L, respectively, and α‐amylase activity was 81.6 U/mL. No significant pH changes were observed in the medium thanks to the buffering capacity of LKF. L‐lactic acid could be produced in a single‐stage from starch‐rich LKF without prior saccharification by the fungus with high amylolytic enzyme activity. This is the first report on use of waste loquat kernels as a lactic acid production substrate.
Studies on the morphological, crystalline, thermal properties of an under utilized starch from yam Dioscoreae zingiberensis C. H. Wright
Authors: Zhou Qiong , Shi Wenjuan , Meng Xiangyan , Liu Ya
Published: October 2014

Physicochemical properties such as AM content, morphology, gelatinization, crystallography and pasting behavior of an under utilized yam starch from Dioscoreae zingiberensis C.H. Wright were characterized by SEM, particle size analysis, X‐ray powder diffraction, DSC, and Brabender viscoamylograph, and compared to commercial potato and maize starches. D. zingiberensis starch had an AM content of 23.62% and exhibited a flattened ovoid shaped granules with majority (87.4%) of them having diameter in the range of 10–50 µm and centering at 21.192 µm. The X‐ray powder diffraction showed A‐type crystalline patterns of D. zingiberensis. Higher values in onset temperature (To, 70.49°C), peak temperature (Tp, 78.53°C) and conclusion temperature (Tc, 85.96°C) of D. zingiberensis. Unlike potato starch, pasting properties of D. zingiberensis starch were somewhat similar to that of maize starch. Pasting onset temperature, maximum, breakdown, and setback viscosity of D. zingiberensis starch were 73.4°C, 309, 46, and 161 BU, respectively. Interestingly, a very stable paste viscosity was observed during high temperature (5 min for D. zingiberensis starch.
The effect of long‐term alkali treatment on the molecular characteristics of native and extruded starches at 35°C
Authors: Praznik Werner , Buksa Krzysztof , Ziobro Rafał , Gambuś Halina , Nowotna Anna
Published: October 2014

In this study the molecular characteristics of native and extruded starches of wheat, corn, and potato were observed under long‐term alkali treatment (0.5 M NaOH, 7 days, 35°C). The molar mass distribution of samples determined by means of calibrated semi‐analytical size exclusion chromatography (SEC) showed different profiles (double and single peak distribution) depending on the dissolution status of the starch polysaccharides with simultaneous loss of supermolecular structures because of disintegration of the aggregates. The molecular range was between 4 × 103 and 2 × 106 g/mol and their calculated average molar masses were Mw = 1.7 × 105–4.1 × 105 and Mn = 2.5 × 104–1.1 × 105 g/mol. The reduction value and the value of intrinsic viscosity were additional indicators for the dissolving status of starch polysaccharides as well as for the stability of starch molecules in alkaline solution.
Cassava starch–konjac glucomannan biodegradable blend films: In vitro study as a matrix for controlled drug delivery
Authors: Nair Soumya B. , Jyothi Alummoottil N.
Published: October 2014

Cassava starch (ST)–konjac glucomannan (KGM) blend films were prepared, characterized, and their suitability as matrices for the sustained release of a model drug, theophylline (Thp) was investigated. Structural studies showed that there was a good compatibility between ST and KGM and also revealed the existence of strong interaction between Thp and the polymer blend. The thermal stability of the films did not alter on blending of the two polymers. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and swelling capacity of the blend films were higher than that of the neat ST, while lower than that of the neat KGM films. The drug release was related to the pH of the medium and the relative humidity (RH) under which the films were stored. The drug release data fitted well to Higuchi kinetic model and the mechanism corresponds to anomalous transport with non‐Fickian kinetics corresponding to coupled diffusion/polymer relaxation. The rate of drug release was significantly (p<0.05) and positively correlated with the degree of erosion of the blend films. The study showed that the blend film with a composition, ST: 1.5 × 10−3 kg and KGM: 1.5 × 10−3 kg with 20% glycerol as plasticizer stored at a relative humidity in the range 11–53% was appropriate for the sustained release of the less water soluble drug, theophylline.
Preparation and partial characterization of low dextrose equivalent (DE) maltodextrin from banana starch produced by enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Yusraini Era , Hariyadi Purwiyatno , Kusnandar Feri
Published: October 2014

This study was aimed to prepare low dextrose equivalent (DE) maltodextrin from banana starch. Banana starch was extracted from unripe banana fruit var. uli after steeping in 0.045 M sodium hydroxide. This process yielded 42.58% of starch (in dry basis) and produced high purity starch (97.96%, db) and excellent whiteness (99.44%). The gelatinized banana starch was hydrolyzed enzymatically by using α‐amylase from Bacillus subtilis. Starch hydrolysis used a batch reactor with a four‐blade Teflon pitched turbine impeller at 75°C (at initial gelatinization temperature of banana starch) for 10 min to produced maltodextrin with DE ≈ 3. Particle size of irregularly shaped banana maltodextrin (BM) granules were below and around 5 µm in diameter. This BM produced a fat‐like gel texture, which was similar to that of commercial maltodextrin (CM; N‐Lite D). This maltodextrin had also a lower in vitro digestibility than that of the commercial one and potato starch.
Perspectives on the history of research on starch
Authors: Seetharaman Koushik , Bertoft Eric
Published: October 2014

Starch has been used over several millennia for a number of different applications. However, research on understanding this substance only spans about three centuries starting with Leeuwenhoek who observed it microscopically as discrete granules in 1716. This story of discovery of the molecular structure and architectural makeup of starch will be chronicled in a series of six essays of which this is the first with a focus on the molecular linkages in starch. The principally simple molecular constitution of starch is well known to everyone at this time. However, the researchers that contributed to this knowledge found the substance to be extraordinarily mysterious and the history of research on the molecular constitution of starch spans over several centuries. Starch had been used for thousands of years, which expanded in the early 19th century when it was discovered that it could be transformed into sugars by hydrolysis in dilute sulfuric acid. It took, however, still more than a century before the nature and the true molecular structure of the basic monomeric unit was established. Only after this, was it possible to clarify the nature of the glycosidic linkages in starch.
Comparative fermentation of insoluble carbohydrates in an in vitro human feces model spiked with Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM
Authors: Knudsen Anne , van Zanten Gabriella C. , Jensen Susanne L. , Forssten Sofia D. , Saarinen Markku , Lahtinen Sampo J. , Bandsholm Ole , Svensson Birte , Jespersen Lene , Blennow Andreas
Published: October 2014

Dietary fiber and slow carbohydrates can have differential beneficial effects on gut microbial composition and metabolism. Insoluble substrates such as RS cannot be used in continuous simulation systems and we tested an in vitro batch fermentation system for possible prebiotic effects using waxy maize starch granules, pectin‐rich potato fiber, and potato lintner starch tested with human fresh fecal microbiota spiked with the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM. Microbial quantification by real‐time polymerase chain‐reaction (qRT‐PCR) revealed that Bacteroidetes was specifically suppressed by each insoluble carbohydrate resulting in a clear decrease in the ratio of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Notably, all carbohydrates tested appeared to block the formation of the potentially harmful branched chain fatty acids (BCFA) fermentation products, but supported lactobacilli growth and increase in lactic acid production. Potato lintner starch had the greatest effect. Insoluble carbohydrates also suppressed production of SCFAs as compared to the control medium. Importantly, potato lintner starch most efficiently suppressed the ratio between the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes and suppressed growth of bifidobacteria, Enterobactericeae and Faecalibacterium prausnizii. Degradative resistance of the lintner starch were linked to these effects. Problems using continuous fermentation systems for insoluble prebiotics and interpretation of batch fermentation data are discussed.
Optimization of the production of a maltooligosaccharides producing amylase from the alkalophilic Streptomyces lonarensis strain NCL 716 using SVR Modeling
Authors: Sharma Trupti K. , Bhadane Vaibhav A. , Kumar Lalitha S. , Rele Meenakshi V. , Bhawar Gajanan , Rahman Imran
Published: October 2014

The Streptomyces lonarensis strain NCL 716 hydrolyses starch to produce a mixture of maltotriose (G3) and maltotetraose (G4) along with maltose (G2). The objective of the present work was to determine an optimum cost effective media composition for the production of α‐amylase from this strain. The most influential factor was found to be starch while the least influential factor found was peptone by Plackett–Burman method. Peptone amount was kept constant throughout the fermentation. Peptone, which is one of the expensive media components was used at a concentration of 1 g/L, which made the optimum media composition cost effective. A support vector regression‐based process model was developed for approximating the non‐linear relationship between the fermentation operating variables and the α‐amylase yield. Multicanonical Jump Walk Annealing, a stochastic optimization technique is used to obtain optimal operating variables to maximize amylase yield. The maximum amylase activity thus obtained was in good agreement with the experimental values at the optimized levels. The optimum media composition obtained by this method was: yeast extract: 4.53 g/L, starch: 20.246 g/L, K2HPO4: 0.0827%, MgSO4: 0.15%, peptone: 1 g/L. A maximum enzyme activity of 297 U/mL, which was achieved using the above approaches compares well with the activity of reported amylases producing maltooligosaccharides.
Synthesis of biodegradable thermoplastic copolymers based on starch by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP): Monolayer chain growth on starch
Authors: Najafi Moghaddam Peyman , Fareghi Amir Reza , Entezami Ali Akbar , Ghaffari Mehr Mohammad Amin
Published: October 2014

Modification of starch is increasingly being studied and starch is used for applications in which synthetic polymers have traditionally been the materials of choice. In this work the surface of starch was successfully modified by the polymerization of polystyrene and polyacrylamide by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method in dispersion medium. For this propose the bromoactylated starch was prepared by the reaction between hydroxyl groups of starch and the bromoacetyl bromide in DMA/LiCl (5%) in the presence of pyridine. The bromoactylated starch acts as macroinitiator in ATRP of styrene. The polymer chains' growth on surface of starch was clearly showed by the AFM images. Other analyses were used in this work such as FT‐IR, DSC, and TGA.
Characterization of structure and properties of thermoplastic potato starch film surface cross‐linked by UV irradiation
Authors: He Guang Jian , Liu Qiang , Thompson Michael R.
Published: October 2014

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is an environmentally friendly technique to modify starch. In this study, potato starch films were irradiated by UV (wavelength ∼302 nm) in the presence of sodium benzoate as a photo‐sensitizer (PHS). PHS concentrations in the starch films were varied in the range of 0.2–1.0% (based on dry starch). Cross‐linking reaction was initiated by UV irradiation and proven by gel mass and swelling degree measurement when immersed in DMSO. The modified starch film was characterized by attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) to investigate the changes of the surface properties with UV irradiation over time. Water contact angle and Tq of starch film were measured to understand the influence of the UV modification. The result showed that water contact angle and Tq of the cross‐linked starch film increased with the dosage of UV irradiation.
Perspectives on the history of research on starch
Authors: Seetharaman Koushik , Bertoft Eric
Published: October 2014

Starch has been used over several millennia for a number of different applications. However, research on understanding this substance only spans about three centuries starting with Leeuwenhoek who observed it in 1716. This story of discovery of the molecular structure and architectural makeup of starch is chronicled in a series of six essays of which this is the third with a focus on contemporary terminologies used in the 19th and early 20th centuries and its impact on advances in starch. Following the discovery of diastase, researchers focused on understanding the action of diastase on “transforming” starch into sugar. Besides maltose, they found that the products consisted of a range of dextrins with different abilities to complex with iodine. However, the nomenclature of the products that were obtained under a myriad of experimental conditions gave rise to confusions and misinterpretations, which transpired for over 30 years. Researchers also attempted to understand starch structure through systematic analyses of the different stages of starch breakdown. A new era of confusion in both nomenclature and structural interpretation started in the early 20th century with the discovery of cyclodextrins that were obtained from starch using the microorganism B. macerans. This gave rise to the school of “the low molecular elementary unit hypothesis” for starch structure, which lasted for about 25 years.

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Glycemic response in healthy rats fed with composite cereal bars
Authors: Utrilla‐Coello Rubí G. , Agama‐Acevedo Edith , Osorio‐Díaz Perla , Reynoso‐Camacho Rosalia , Bello‐Pérez Luis A.
Published: October 2014

Three composite cereal bars containing white maize, blue maize, or unripe banana flours were prepared. The glycemic response in rats feed with a dose available carbohydrates, and the bars effect on a glucose tolerance test were evaluated. A dose of 0.85 g/kg was used in the experiments with the three bars. The experiment with a glucose load showed that rats previously fed with blue maize and unripe banana bars showed reduced glycemic response, probably as consequence of glucose entrapment within the food matrix and produce a slow release. The effect was more pronounced for the unripe banana bar. The groups fed with equivalent load of available carbohydrates from the various bars exhibited lower and slower glycemic responses than a control group administered only with a glucose load. The white maize bar elicited a maximal blood glucose level at 30 min postprandial, blue maize at 45 min and unripe banana bar at 60 min. Bars inducing variable glycemic response may be prepared following the proper choice of functional ingredients.
Perspectives on the history of research on starch Part IV: On the visualization of granule architecture
Authors: Seetharaman Koushik , Bertoft Eric
Published: October 2014

Starch has been used over several millennia for a number of different applications. However, research on understanding this substance only spans about three centuries starting with Leeuwenhoek who observed it in 1716. This story of discovery of the molecular structure and architectural makeup of starch is chronicled in a series of six essays of which this is the fourth with a focus on visualizing the granule, its development and architecture. Since the starch granule was visualized initially, researchers focused on the content and composition of the granule and also tried to understand what they saw by way of layers, polarization, and staining properties using a microscope. Two schools of thought prevailed in the 1800s with regards to granule development. Confusion prevailed with respect to terminologies and composition through this period. The first model of the crystallized granule was proposed in the late 19th century and it was not until mid‐20th century that the blocklet and crystalline arrangement of starch was understood. However, the crystallinity and helical complex between AM and iodine continued to obscure the source of starch crystallinity during the second half of the 20th century.

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Preparation and characterization of high degree substituted sago (Metroxylon sagu) starch with propylene oxide
Authors: Aminian Monireh , Nafchi Abdorreza Mohammadi , Bolandi Marzieh , Alias Abd Karim
Published: October 2014

The effects of etherification on properties of sago starch were investigated. Hydroxypropylated sago starch (HPSS) was prepared in basic medium in ratios ranging from 0 to 70% v/w propylene oxide to sago starch. The physicochemical, thermal, and rheological properties of HPSS were determined. The highest molar substitution (MS) obtained for HPSS was 0.66. DSC studies showed that the gelatinization temperature and enthalpy of HPSS decreased with increasing MS. Starch with a high MS (MS > 0.15) exhibited cold water solubility up to 100%, with very minimal retrogradation and no syneresis during freeze–thaw cycles. Highly substituted starch exhibited different properties than starch with lower MS values (MS ≤ 0.1). Thus, hydroxypropylation could be used to modify properties of starch for specific applications such as coating of nuts as well as foods.
Structure and digestibility of debranched and hydrothermally treated water yam starch
Authors: Trinh Khanh Son , Choi Seung Jun , Moon Tae Wha
Published: October 2014

Debranched water yam starch was subjected to repeated hydrothermal treatment (HTT), and its physicochemical and structural properties and digestion pattern were investigated. The B‐type crystalline pattern of raw starch was recrystallized to B‐ and CA‐type patterns by debranching and repeated HTT. The degree of relative crystallinity of debranched starch gradually increased and reached its maximum (43.3%) after five repetitions of HTT. The thermal transition temperatures and melting enthalpy of recrystallized starches increased progressively, reflecting the perfection of their crystalline structure, leading to the accumulation of boiling‐stable crystalline structure under repeated HTT conditions. As a result, RS of HTT starches reached a very high level (>92.2%). The boiling‐stable RS content depended on the repetition of this treatment and was maximized (81.0%) after five repetitions.
Physicochemical properties of protease‐treated rice flour
Authors: Dorglamud Suchanya , Suwannaporn Prisana , Huang Tzou‐Chi , Tester Richard F.
Published: October 2014

The physicochemical properties of rice flour treated with protease (Protease‐RF) and a conventional alkali steeping method (Alkali‐RF) were compared with native flour. The physical properties of flour gels were assessed by rapid visco analyzer, texture analysis, and rheology with reference to their composition and impact on their starch structures by the two treatment methods. Alkali‐RF exhibited shorter pasting time to peak with higher breakdown but lower setback. However, the textural parameters of both treatments were not significantly different (p > 0.05). The storage modulus for both treatments increased to a greater extent was compared to native flour. Low‐MW polypeptides (5–30 kDa) had less effect on gel‐forming properties, since similar texture qualities were obtained either in their presence or absence. The granule‐bound SS or GBSS (58–60 kDa) had less effect since it could not be removed either by proteases or alkali. The high molecular weight polypeptides (>77 kDa), which were partly removed either by alkali or protease treatments, played an important role in impairing the gel‐forming property of rice flour. Textural quality was observed to improve after their removal, compared to native flour.
Modification of starch by graft copolymerization: A drug delivery system tested for cephalexin antibiotic
Authors: Avval Mahsa Ensafi , Moghaddam Peyman Najafi , Fareghi Amir Reza
Published: October 2014

Natural polymers are defined as high value polymeric materials because of their biocompatibility with medical applications. The chemical modification of these materials by grafting synthetic polymers has received considerable attention in recent years. As the first part of this research, transmutation of the prepared carboxymethyl starch (CMS) to useful biopolymer‐based materials was done by grafting acrylamide and hydroxyethylacrylate monomers using free radical polymerization. Also by chloroacetylation of starch, the graft copolymerization of the mentioned monomers via atom transfer radical polymerization was performed successfully. Both methods lead to obtain biodegradable superabsorbent copolymers. Moreover, the degree of substitution of each copolymer from both methods was determined. The prepared CMS, chloroacetylated starch, and copolymers were characterized by FTIR, DSC, thermal gravimetric analysis, XRD, and AFM, in which the latter analysis clearly shows the chain growth of the synthetic polymers on the backbone surface. Finally, in vitro drug release of cephalexin antibiotic loaded in each type of copolymers was studied in three different media (HCl solution: pH 3 and buffer solutions: pH 6.1 and pH 8).
Perspectives on the history of research on starch Part VI: Postscriptum
Authors: Seetharaman Koushik , Bertoft Eric
Published: October 2014

Starch has been used over several millennia for a number of different applications. However, research on understanding this substance only spans about three centuries starting with Leeuwenhoek who observed it in 1716. This story of discovery of the molecular structure and architectural makeup of starch is chronicled in a series of six essays of which this is the last. This essay juxtaposes the key developments in starch science within the broader context of historical developments in science highlighting the development of some key techniques in the 1800s that were essential to studying starch. This essay also provides insight into the personalities of researchers, the styles of research, and the communicating of research throughout history.
Starch‐modifying enzymes of lactic acid bacteria – structures, properties, and applications
Authors: Petrova Penka , Petrov Kaloyan , Stoyancheva Galina
Published: October 2014

In spite that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are used for production of fermented foods and drinks for millennia, their ability to grow using starch as a sole carbon source was noticed by the scientists in the last 30 years. A number of amylolytic LAB (ALAB) strains were isolated and several detailed investigations of biochemical and genetic basis of starch hydrolysis were performed. The purpose of this review is to summarize for the first time the available data about the starch‐modifying enzymes in ALAB. The most important amylolytic representatives of the genera Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Streptococcus, Pediococcus, Carnobacterium, and Weissella are described. Amino acid sequences, corresponding to ALAB amylase enzymes are compared and some features of the gene expression are analyzed. The possible application of ALAB strains for direct production of lactic acid from starch, as well as their participation in food manufacturing is discussed.
Amylase inhibitors and their biomedical applications
Authors: Jayaraj Sujatha , Suresh Sukrutha , Kadeppagari Ravi‐Kumar
Published: October 2014

Amylases are a class of enzymes that hydrolyze starch to yield low molecular weight dextrins and sugars and they play important role in the digestion of carbohydrates. Inhibition of α‐amylase along with α‐glucosidase can significantly reduce the post‐prandial increase of blood glucose and can be an important strategy in the control of blood glucose level in the type‐2 diabetic patients. Hence, pancreatic α‐amylase and gastric glucoamylases are the major therapeutic targets for the type‐2 diabetes mellitus. Amylase inhibitors are already in the market for the treatment of diabetes. Amylase inhibitors can also be used for controlling obesity. In addition to medical applications, amylase inhibitors help in the control of pests. Therefore, amylase inhibitors play an important role in the pest management. Hence, this review is focused on the biomedical applications of amylase inhibitors. In addition, sources, different types, inhibition mechanisms, and molecular aspects of amylase inhibitors are discussed.