bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bio‐Based Chiral Amines via Aza‐Michael Additions to (–)‐Levoglucosenone Under Aqueous Conditions
Authors: Kim Shi‐Wei , Ledingham Edward T. , Kudo Shinji , Greatrex Ben W. , Sperry Jonathan
Published: March 2018

Chiral amines are highly coveted within the fine‐chemical industry and sustainable synthetic methodologies for their production are of great value. By harnessing the chirality present in cellulose‐derived (–)‐levoglucosenone (LGO), several bio‐based sp3‐rich amines containing up to four chiral centres have been readily prepared under aqueous conditions without using any catalysts, ligands, auxiliaries or resolutions.
All‐solid‐State Potentiometric Cu(II)‐selective Sensor Based on Ion Imprinted Methacrylamide Polymer
Authors: Yolcu Murat , Dere Nurşen
Published: March 2018

In this study; a novel all‐solid‐state type potentiometric microsensor based on ion‐imprinted polymer (IIP) has been developed for Cu(II) sensing. The IIP was synthesized by suspension polymerization by using Cu(II) ion, methacrylamide, methacrylic acid and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as template, functional monomers and cross‐linker respectively. The resultant Cu(II)‐imprinted polymer was used as ionophore in the structure of the PVC membrane to obtain a selective potentiometric response towards Cu(II) ions. The fabricated microsensor exhibited a highly selective Nernstian response (28.6±2.2 mV per decade) over the concentration range of 10−1 to 10−6 mol L−1 of Cu2+ ion for 2 months without any considerable divergence in potentials. The response time of the microsensor was considerably short (less than 15 s) and its detection limit was determined as 7.6×10−7 mol L−1. The microsensor was effectively performed in the pH range of 4–7. The microsensor was successfully used as an indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of Cu(II) ions with EDTA. The proposed microsensor was also used for the determination of Cu(II) contents of some environmental water samples. The obtained potentiometric results were in good harmony with the results obtained by the AAS method.
In situ Activation of Thick‐film Disposable Copper Electrodes for Sensitive Detection of Malachite Green Using Electrochemical Surface‐enhanced Raman Scattering (EC‐SERS)
Authors: Martín‐Yerga Daniel , Pérez‐Junquera Alejandro , Hernández‐Santos David , Fanjul‐Bolado Pablo
Published: March 2018

In this work, disposable thick‐film copper electrodes were used for the detection of malachite green by Electrochemical Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (EC‐SERS). In situ real‐time SERS detection of malachite green was performed during the activation of copper electrodes by voltammetry. This time‐resolved method allowed to find dynamically the optimal potential where the detection sensitivity is increased. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the generation of new fresh copper nanoparticles are responsible to produce the SERS enhancement. A fast decrease of the SERS signal was observed when the potential was shifted from the optimal potential, which could be due to surface changes on the copper electrode. This fact demonstrates the importance of recording the SERS signal in situ and dynamically to obtain the most sensitive method. The combination of in situ time‐resolved EC‐SERS with disposable, cost‐effective screen‐printed electrodes leads to a very appropriate method for the sensitive and fast detection of malachite green.
Preparation of Gold Modified Nickel Wire Electrodes for Electroanalysis via a Galvanic Replacement Reaction
Authors: Umeya Yuki , Kobayashi Yusuke , Kawashimo Toshiyuki , Ahn Sunyhik , Chang Gang , Oyama Munetaka
Published: March 2018

Gold modified nickel (Ni) electrodes were prepared via a simple galvanic replacement reaction between chloroauric acid (AuCl4−) and Ni base materials. Au nano‐ or micro‐structures were deposited on the Ni surface by immersing Ni disk/wire electrode in an aqueous solution of AuCl4−. The concentration of AuCl4− and the immersion time were systematically varied, and the surfaces of Ni wire were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, electrochemical responses of ferrocyanide, uric acid and glucose were observed with Au modified Ni wire electrodes prepared at lower concentrations of AuCl4− (below 1.0×10−4 M) after fixing some conditions. Consequently, reversible electrochemical responses of ferrocyanide could be observed even for Ni wire treated with 1.0×10−6 M AuCl4−, though no deposition was observed in the SEM measurements. Also, control of electrocatalytic activity was possible below 1.0×10−4 M AuCl4− for uric acid and glucose. Judging from the tunable electrocatalytic performance, simplicity of preparation, and the cost of electrode materials, we believe that Au modified Ni electrodes holds promise for applications in electroanalysis. On the other hand, in our preliminary trials, the properties of deposited Au nano‐ or micro‐particles were found to be sensitive to several factors. Further work is needed to achieve quantitative Au deposition over individual electrodes.
Suitable simple and fast methods for selective isolation of phospholipids as a tool for their analysis
Authors: Pimentel Lígia , Fontes Ana Luiza , Salsinha Sofia , Machado Manuela , Correia Inês , Gomes Ana Maria , Pintado Manuela , Rodríguez‐Alcalá Luís Miguel
Published: March 2018

Lipids are gaining relevance over the last 20 years, as our knowledge about their role has changed from merely energy/structural molecules to compounds also involved in several biological processes. This led to the creation in 2003 of a new emerging research field: lipidomics. In particular the phospholipids have pharmacological/food applications, participate in cell signalling/homeostatic pathways while their analysis faces some challenges. Their fractionation/purification is, in fact, especially difficult, as they are amphiphilic compounds. Moreover, it usually involves SPE or TLC procedures requiring specific materials hampering their suitableness for routine analysis. Finally, they can interfere with the ionization of other molecules during mass spectrometry analysis. Thus, simple high‐throughput reliable methods to selectively isolate these compounds based on the difference between chemical characteristics of lipids would represent valuable tools for their study besides that of other compounds. The current review work aims to describe the state‐of‐the‐art related to the extraction of phospholipids using liquid‐liquid methods for their targeted isolation. The technological and biological importance of these compounds and ion suppression phenomena are also reviewed. Methods by precipitation with acetone or isolation using methanol seem to be suitable for selective isolation of phospholipids in both biological and food samples.
A contribution to the taxonomy of Cephalaria subgen. Cephalaria (Caprifoliaceae) in eastern Turkey
Authors: Ranjbar Massoud , Ranjbar Zahra
Published: March 2018

Cephalaria cilodaghensis is described and illustrated as a new species from Hakkari in eastern Turkey. Cephalaria cilodaghensis is a locally endemic species, known only from the type collection and classifiable as critically endangered. Cephalaria cilodaghensis is closely related to C. hakkiarica. The diagnostic morphological characters that distinguish these species are discussed. We designated or reconfirmed the typification for four taxa of Cephalaria based on the herbarium materials at G, G‐BOIS, K, W and their related literature. Furthermore, C. speciosa is reported for the first time from northwest Iran.
Seagrasses of Piauí, Brazil: A floristic treatment
Authors: da Silva Noelia Pereira , Costa Francimeire do Nascimento , Silva Maria Francilene Souza , Mayo Simon Joseph , de Andrade Ivanilza Moreira
Published: March 2018

Marine angiosperms are submerged marine plants with a wide global distribution, occurring in temperate and tropical areas where they form meadows that harbour algae and marine fauna that are important for the functioning of the coastal ecosystem. This study is a floristic survey of the seagrasses occurring in the coastal region of the State of Piauí, Brazil. Five species were recorded for two genera in two families; for the Cymodoceaceae: Halodule wrightii Asch., Halodule beaudettei (Hartog) Hartog and Halodule emarginata Hartog; and for the Hydrocharitaceae: Halophila decipiens Ostenf. and Halophila baillonis Asch. ex Dickie. Species descriptions, an identification key, and information on geographic distributions and habitats of the five taxa are presented. All species are native but only Halodule emarginata is endemic to Brazil, and is reported here as a new record for Piauí, extending its range northwest from the coast of the neighbouring state of Ceará.
Leopards provide public health benefits in Mumbai, India
Authors: Braczkowski Alexander R , O'Bryan Christopher J , Stringer Martin J , Watson James EM , Possingham Hugh P , Beyer Hawthorne L
Published: March 2018

Populations of large carnivores are often suppressed in human‐dominated landscapes because they can kill or injure people and domestic animals. However, carnivores can also provide beneficial services to human societies, even in urban environments. We examined the services provided by leopards (Panthera pardus) to the residents of Mumbai, India, one of the world's largest cities. We suggest that by preying on stray dogs, leopards reduce the number of people bitten by dogs, the risk of rabies transmission, and the costs associated with dog sterilization and management. Under one set of assumptions, the presence of leopards in this highly urbanized area could save up to 90 human lives per year. A further indirect benefit of leopard presence may be an increase in local abundance of other wildlife species that would otherwise be predated by dogs. The effective conservation of carnivores in human‐dominated landscapes involves difficult trade‐offs between human safety and conservation concerns. Quantitative assessments of how large carnivores negatively and positively affect urban ecosystems are critical, along with improved education of local communities about large carnivores and their impacts.
Spatially dynamic recurrent information flow across long‐range dorsal motor network encodes selective motor goals
Authors: Yoo Peter E. , Hagan Maureen A. , John Sam E. , Opie Nicholas L. , Ordidge Roger J. , O'Brien Terence J. , Oxley Thomas J. , Moffat Bradford A. , Wong Yan T.
Published: March 2018

Performing voluntary movements involves many regions of the brain, but it is unknown how they work together to plan and execute specific movements. We recorded high‐resolution ultra‐high‐field blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent signal during a cued ankle‐dorsiflexion task. The spatiotemporal dynamics and the patterns of task‐relevant information flow across the dorsal motor network were investigated. We show that task‐relevant information appears and decays earlier in the higher order areas of the dorsal motor network then in the primary motor cortex. Furthermore, the results show that task‐relevant information is encoded in general initially, and then selective goals are subsequently encoded in specifics subregions across the network. Importantly, the patterns of recurrent information flow across the network vary across different subregions depending on the goal. Recurrent information flow was observed across all higher order areas of the dorsal motor network in the subregions encoding for the current goal. In contrast, only the top–down information flow from the supplementary motor cortex to the frontoparietal regions, with weakened recurrent information flow between the frontoparietal regions and bottom–up information flow from the frontoparietal regions to the supplementary cortex were observed in the subregions encoding for the opposing goal. We conclude that selective motor goal encoding and execution rely on goal‐dependent differences in subregional recurrent information flow patterns across the long‐range dorsal motor network areas that exhibit graded functional specialization.
Cortical activation patterns to spatially presented pure tone stimuli with different intensities measured by functional near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Bauernfeind Günther , Wriessnegger Selina C. , Haumann Sabine , Lenarz Thomas
Published: March 2018

Functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an emerging technique for the assessment of functional activity of the cerebral cortex. Recently fNIRS was also envisaged as a novel neuroimaging approach for measuring the auditory cortex activity in the field of in auditory diagnostics. This study aimed to investigate differences in brain activity related to spatially presented sounds with different intensities in 10 subjects by means of functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We found pronounced cortical activation patterns in the temporal and frontal regions of both hemispheres. In contrast to these activation patterns, we found deactivation patterns in central and parietal regions of both hemispheres. Furthermore our results showed an influence of spatial presentation and intensity of the presented sounds on brain activity in related regions of interest. These findings are in line with previous fMRI studies which also reported systematic changes of activation in temporal and frontal areas with increasing sound intensity. Although clear evidence for contralaterality effects and hemispheric asymmetries were absent in the group data, these effects were partially visible on the single subject level. Concluding, fNIRS is sensitive enough to capture differences in brain responses during the spatial presentation of sounds with different intensities in several cortical regions. Our results may serve as a valuable contribution for further basic research and the future use of fNIRS in the area of central auditory diagnostics.
Arsenic and other water‐quality issues affecting groundwater, Indus alluvial plain, Pakistan
Authors: Naseem Sadaf , McArthur John M.
Published: March 2018

Groundwater beneath the alluvial plain of the Indus River, Pakistan, is reported to be widely polluted by arsenic (As) and to adversely affect human health. In 79 groundwaters reported here from the lower Indus River plain in southern Sindh Province, concentrations of As exceeded the WHO guideline value for drinking water of 10 μg/L in 38%, with 22% exceeding 50 μg/L, Pakistan's guideline value. The As pollution is caused by microbially‐mediated reductive dissolution of sedimentary iron oxyhydroxides in anoxic groundwaters; oxic groundwaters contain <10 μg/L of As. In the upper Indus River plain, in Punjab Province, localized As pollution of groundwater occurs by alkali desorption as a consequence of ion exchange in groundwater, possibly supplemented by the use for irrigation of groundwater that has suffered ion exchange in the aquifer and so has values >0 for residual sodium carbonate. In the field area in southern Sindh, concentrations of Mn in groundwater exceed 0.4 mg/L in 11% of groundwaters, with a maximum of 0.7 mg/L, as a result of reduction of sedimentary manganese oxides. Other trace elements pose little or no threat to human health. Salinities in groundwaters range from fresh to saline (electrical conductivity up to 6 mS/cm). High salinities result from local inputs of waste water from unsewered sanitation but mainly from evaporation/evapotranspiration of canal water and groundwater used for irrigation. The process does not concentrate As in the groundwater owing to sorption of As to soils. Ion exchange exerts a control on concentrations of Na, Ca, and B but not directly on As. High values of Cl/Br mass ratios (most ≫288, the marine value) reflect the pervasive influence on groundwater of sewage‐contaminated water from irrigation canals through seepage loss and deep percolation of irrigation water, with additional, well‐specific, contributions from unsewered sanitation.
MiR‐483‐5p and miR‐139‐5p promote aggressiveness by targeting N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene family members in adrenocortical cancer
Authors: Agosta Claire , Laugier Jonathan , Guyon Laurent , Denis Josiane , Bertherat Jérôme , Libé Rossella , Boisson Bruno , Sturm Nathalie , Feige Jean‐Jacques , Chabre Olivier , Cherradi Nadia
Published: March 2018

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a tumor with poor prognosis in which overexpression of a panel of microRNAs has been associated with malignancy but a very limited number of investigations on their role in ACC pathogenesis have been conducted. We examined the involvement of miR‐483‐5p and miR‐139‐5p in adrenocortical cancer aggressiveness. Using bioinformatics predictions and mRNA/miRNA expression profiles, we performed an integrated analysis to identify inversely correlated miRNA–mRNA pairs in ACC. We identified N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene family members 2 and 4 (NDRG2 and NDRG4) as targets of miR‐483‐5p and miR‐139‐5p, respectively. NDRG2 and NDRG4 expressions were inversely correlated respectively with miR‐483‐5p and miR‐139‐5p levels in aggressive ACC samples from two independent cohorts of 20 and 44 ACC. Moreover, upregulation of miR‐139‐5p and downregulation of NDRG4 demonstrated a striking prognostic value. A direct interaction between miR‐483‐5p or miR‐139‐5p and their targets was demonstrated in reporter assays. Downregulation of miR‐483‐5p or miR‐139‐5p in the ACC cell lines NCI‐H295R and SW13 increased NDRG2 or NDRG4 mRNA and protein expression, compromised adrenocortical cancer cell invasiveness and anchorage‐independent growth. MiR‐483‐5p or miR‐139‐5p overexpression and NDRG2 or NDRG4 inhibition produce similar changes, which are rescued by NDRG2 or NDRG4 ectopic expression. We established that key factors mediating epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition are downstream effectors of miR‐483‐5p/NDRG2 and miR‐139‐5p/NDRG4 pathways. Collectively, our data show for the first time that miR‐483‐5p/NDRG2 and miR‐139‐5p/NDRG4 axes promote ACC aggressiveness, with potential implications for prognosis and therapeutic interventions in adrenocortical malignancies.
Breast cancer risk in relation to history of preeclampsia and hyperemesis gravidarum: Prospective analysis in the Generations Study
Authors: Wright Lauren B. , Schoemaker Minouk J. , Jones Michael E. , Ashworth Alan , Swerdlow Anthony J.
Published: March 2018

Preeclampsia and hyperemesis gravidarum are pregnancy complications associated with altered sex hormone levels. Previous studies suggest preeclampsia may be associated with a decreased risk of subsequent breast cancer and hyperemesis with an increased risk, but the evidence remains unclear. We used data from the Generations Study, a large prospective study of women in the United Kingdom, to estimate relative risks of breast cancer in relation to a history of preeclampsia and hyperemesis using Cox regression adjusting for known breast cancer risk factors. During 7.5 years average follow‐up of 82,053 parous women, 1,969 were diagnosed with invasive orin situbreast cancer. Women who had experienced preeclampsia during pregnancy had a significantly decreased risk of premenopausal breast cancer (hazard ratio (HR) =0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49–0.90) and of HER2‐enriched tumours (HR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12–0.91), but there was no association with overall (HR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.80–1.02) or postmenopausal (HR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.85–1.12) breast cancer risk. Risk reductions among premenopausal women were strongest within 20 years since the last pregnancy with preeclampsia. Hyperemesis was associated with a significantly increased risk of HER2‐enriched tumours (HR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.07–2.87), but not with other intrinsic subtypes or breast cancer risk overall. These results provide evidence that preeclampsia is associated with a decreased risk of premenopausal and HER2‐enriched breast cancer and that hyperemesis, although not associated with breast cancer risk overall, may be associated with raised risk of HER2‐enriched tumours.
Integrating Participatory Data Acquisition and Modelling of Irrigation Strategies to Enhance Water Productivity in a Small‐Scale Irrigation Scheme in Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Habtu Solomon , Erkossa Teklu , Froebrich Jochen , Tquabo Filmon , Fissehaye Degol , Kidanemariam Tesfay , Xueliang Cai
Published: March 2018

Application of participatory modelling to water‐saving strategies in smallholder farming is rare. Farmer‐preferred and efficient strategies were identified through participatory modelling. The farmers' basin irrigation and scheduling (I), farmers' scheduling with furrow strategy (II), farmers' scheduling with alternate furrow strategy (III) and scheduling at 55% maximum allowable depletion (MAD) (IV) were evaluated for maize (Zea mais) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) using the FAO AquaCrop model. The results showed that I resulted in over‐irrigation for maize and under‐irrigation for barley, while IV resulted in maximum yield (8.6 t ha‐1 for maize and 2 t ha‐1 for barley) with maximum (1.8 kg m‐3) and minimum (0.8 kg m‐3) water productivity of maize under IV and I, respectively. A shift from I to IV (most preferred strategy by farmers) can save 8440 mm of water, which can possibly bring back 18.5 ha of land into irrigation. It is essential to interact with farmers on a basis of mutual comprehension to increase their trust and to lay a base for discussion, awareness raising and decision making. The transdisciplinary approach, Community of Practice (CoP) and Learning Practice Alliance (LPA) were appropriate platforms for participation. The increased crop yield and water productivity may contribute to ecological and economical sustainability and social equity. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐space grid representation of momentum and kinetic energy operators for electronic structure calculations
Authors: Ninno Domenico , Cantele Giovanni , Trani Fabio
Published: March 2018

We show that the central finite difference formula for the first and the second derivative of a function can be derived, in the context of quantum mechanics, as matrix elements of the momentum and kinetic energy operators on discrete coordinate eigenkets
defined on a uniform grid. Starting from the discretization of integrals involving canonical commutations, simple closed‐form expressions of the matrix elements are obtained. A detailed analysis of the convergence toward the continuum limit with respect to both the grid spacing and the derivative approximation order is presented. It is shown that the convergence from below of the eigenvalues in electronic structure calculations is an intrinsic feature of the finite difference method. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of multiplex methylated‐specific PCR with capillary electrophoresis to explore prognostic value of TSGs hypermethylation for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huang Yuan , Wei Ling , Sun Ai‐min , Li Bo , Sun Cheng‐jun , Liang Wei‐bo , Liu Qiu‐ying , Yu Xiao‐qin , He Jing‐yang , Qin Yang
Published: March 2018

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor that severely threatens human health. To date, early detection for HCC patients is particularly significant due to their poor survival rates even after liver resection.

Methods

Therefore, an efficient and sensitive detection method for monitoring liver cancer, multiplex methylation‐specific PCR (MSP) coupled with capillary electrophoresis, is developed.

Results

Simulations demonstrated that the methylation status of RASSF1A, p16, SFRP1, and ELF could be detected even when DNA equaled or exceeded 12.5 ng simultaneously. Also, its accuracy for methylation detection outweighed polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (87.5%) and agarose electrophoresis (84.3%), reaching 92.1%. Subsequently, we implemented multiplex MSP with capillary electrophoresis to investigate methylation status of the four tumor suppressor genes in tissue specimens and explore the prognostic value for HCC patients. As the data suggested, multivariate cox regression analysis revealed that the recurrence‐free survival of 46 patients was greatly associated with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) and p16 methylation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated that the predictive range of portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) combined with p16 hypermethylation was more sensitive than that of either PVTT or p16 hypermethylation alone with regard to disease recurrence in patients with HCC, which could be testified as a valuable biomarker in Clinical application.

Conclusion

Multiplex MSP coupled with capillary electrophoresis has an excellent prospect of clinical application for monitoring early liver cancer and screening valuable biomarkers for prognosis of HCC patients.
Cover Image, Volume 93, Issue 4
Authors: Zeng Zhi‐wei , Tian Si‐rong , Liu Yun‐guo , Tan Xiao‐fei , Zeng Guang‐ming , Jiang Lu‐hua , Yin Zhi‐hong , Liu Ni , Liu Shao‐bo , Li Jiang
Published: March 2018

The cover image, by Zhi‐wei Zeng et al., is based on the Research Article Comparative study of rice husk biochars for aqueous antibiotics removal, DOI: 10.1002/jctb.5464.

image
Fabrication of WO2.72/UiO‐66 nanocomposites and effects of WO2.72 ratio on photocatalytic performance: judgement of the optimal content and mechanism study
Authors: Zhang Qingsong , Yang Jinghua , Xu Min , Chen Jinxi , Lou Yongbing , Zhou Jiancheng , Cheng Lin
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Recently, hybrid nanocomposites based on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and inorganic nanomaterials have been actively investigated as a potential technology for solving the environmental pollution problems. However, to our knowledge, there have been no composites of WO2.72 and MOFs reported until now. In this study, highly dispersed WO2.72 nanorods were first grown in situ upon UiO‐66 through a hydrothermal process.

RESULTS

The optimal content of the WO2.72 (30 wt%) could be intuitively judged by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The degradation efficiency of methyl orange (MO) in photocatalysis with 30 wt% WO2.72 loading exhibited better photocatalytic activity than bare UiO‐66, WO2.72 and other WO2.72 loadings. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity over hybrid WO2.72/UiO‐66 can be ascribed to the difference of conduction band between WO2.72 and UiO‐66, which could cause the photoelectron inject to the WO2.72 from UiO‐66, and the lone pair electrons of –OH and –COOH groups of the UiO‐66, which not only repel excited electrons but also attract photogenerated holes.

CONCLUSIONS

The enhanced separation of photoexcited carriers between WO2.72 and UiO‐66 led to the enhancement of photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic reaction mechanism for MO treatment was also studied. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
An optimal blend of single autodisplayed cellulases for cellulose saccharification – a proof of concept
Authors: Obeng Eugene Marfo , Ongkudon Clarence M , Budiman Cahyo , Maas Ruth , Jose Joachim
Published: March 2018

BACKGOUND

To date, it has been challenging to determine the optimal proportions of the individual cellulases in crude extracts and multienzyme systems to promote enzyme synergism. The application of single surface‐display of enzymes may obviate such challenges. This article presents a proof of concept of the optimal mixing of single surface‐displayed cellulases for cellulose hydrolysis using Simplex lattice mixture design.

RESULTS

The recently discovered maximized autotransporter‐mediated expression system was used to express the three cellulases. The biochemical screening analysis revealed that the enzymes have a broad range of functional pH (4–9) and temperature (30–100 °C) characteristics. The evaluated optima were pH 6 and 60 °C. Through the statistical design of experiment, a blend ratio of 1: 1.6: 1.4 of endoglucanase: exoglucanase: β‐glucosidase was identified as the ‘sweet spot’ for optimum sugar yield. The application of this blend generated about 0.354 mg mL‐1and 0.446 mg mL‐1of sugars from filter paper (Ø 6 mm, ∼2.5 mg) and 2.5% pretreated EFB, respectively, within 12 h. Supplementing the enzyme blend with CaCl2and Tween 20 improved the sugar yield.

CONCLUSION

This research has revealed an interesting concept of efficiently addressing cellulase synergism. The overall outcome of this research is promising for the derivation of value from lignocellulose. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Synergistic effects of components in deep eutectic solvents relieve toxicity and improve the performance of steroid biotransformation catalyzed by Arthrobacter simplex
Authors: Mao Shuhong , Li Kang , Hou Yali , Liu Yanna , Ji Shaoxian , Qin Huimin , Lu Fuping
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

The discovery of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) has introduced a new class of promising green solvents to overcome many drawbacks associated with organic solvents. In this study, the synergistic effects of the components in the form of DESs on bacterial viability, membrane integrity, and retention of metabolic activity as well as the efficiency of Δ1,2‐dehydrogeneration of cortisone acetate (CA) using whole cells of Arthrobacter simplex were investigated.

RESULTS

The agar disc diffusion method, viability assays and the retention of sugar metabolic activity were used to investigate their toxicity to A. simplex. The results indicated that colinium salts were more toxic than the corresponding hydrogen bond donor (HBDs), but their deleterious effect could be weakened by incorporating them into DESs. Moreover, the best catalytic performance was found in the ChCl:U(DES)‐containing system when Δ1,2‐dehydrogeneration using A. simplex was carried out in three different systems followed by the addition of DES, their components and their mixtures, respectively. In addition, metabolites with significantly changed concentration were identified by means of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and principal component analysis, which revealed five compounds that may be used as potential indicators to discriminate the effects of different concentrations of DESs on A. simplex.

CONCLUSION

The cholinium salts used in this study were toxic to A. simplex to some extent, while synergistic effects were observed after DES formation. The efficient biotransformation in DESs especially in the ChCl:U(DES)‐containing system potentially offers a promising strategy for the production of many different steroids. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Sonographic appearance of endometrial osseous metaplasia
Authors: Chotaliya Ankit B. , Saifi Shenaz G. A. , Achuthan Gayathri
Published: March 2018

Osseous metaplasia of the endometrium is a rare condition characterized by the presence of mature or immature bone in the endometrium. Most cases present with secondary infertility following an abortion or chronic endometritis. Some patients are asymptomatic, while others have menstrual abnormalities such as menorrhagia or oligomenorrhea. Removal of the bony fragments helps in spontaneous conception. We hereby present two cases of osseous metaplasia of the endometrium with radiological and pathological correlation.
Dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging in localizing local recurrence of prostate cancer after radiotherapy: Limited added value for readers of varying level of experience
Authors: Luzurier Anna , Jouve De Guibert Paul‐Hugo , Allera Alexandre , Feldman Sarah F. , Conort Pierre , Simon Jean Marc , Mozer Pierre , Compérat Eva , Boudghene Franck , Servois Vincent , Lucidarme Olivier , Granger Benjamin , Renard‐Penna Raphaele
Published: March 2018

Background

The incremental value of dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) imaging in localizing radiorecurrent prostate cancer is uncertain.

Purpose

To assess the added‐value of DCE imaging to the combination T2‐weighted imaging (T2W)+diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in detecting locally radiorecurrent prostate cancer (PCa), by radiologists with different levels of experience.

Study Type

Analytic retrospective study.

Population

In all, 52 men with biological suspected PCa recurrence after radiotherapy were retrospectively included.

Field Strength/Sequence

All men underwent prostatic MRI (1.5T or 3T), including T2W, DWI, and DCE imagings, before biopsies.

Assessment

Two junior (6 months' experience) and two senior readers (more than 3 years' experience) independently assigned a Likert score for each prostatic sextant on T2W+DW+DCE imagings, then on T2W+DW imagings, 4 weeks later.

Statistical Tests

The reference standard was prostatic biopsies. For two levels of positivity of Likert score, 3/5 and 4/5, sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating curve (AUC), and interreader agreement were compared.

Results

T2W+DWI+DCE and T2W+DWI imaging had similar AUC at lobe and sextant level (0.853–0.946 vs. 0.819–0.955, P from 0.071–0.534). Using a Likert score ≥4/5, T2W+DWI+DCE significantly improved the sensitivity for junior readers at the patient, lobe, and sextant level (40–80% vs. 22–66%, P < 0.0001–0.041). Sensitivity was not significantly modified with DCE imaging for senior readers (54–95% vs. 50–91%, P from 0.074–1). Specificity was not modified for all readers (50–100% vs. 50%–100%, P from 0.134–1). DCE imaging improved interreader agreement for a Likert score ≥4/5 (kappa from 0.6–0.73 vs. 0.38–0.73).

Data Conclusion

The addition of DCE imaging did not significantly improve accuracy in recurrent PCa detection after radiotherapy, whatever the level of experience of the readers. However, the addition of DCE imaging slightly improved the sensitivity for less‐experienced readers and increased their diagnostic confidence.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:1012–1023.
Variable flip angle 3D ultrashort echo time (UTE) T1 mapping of mouse lung: A repeatability assessment
Authors: Alamidi Daniel F. , Smailagic Amir , Bidar Abdel W. , Parker Nicole S. , Olsson Marita , Hockings Paul D. , Lagerstrand Kerstin M. , Olsson Lars E.
Published: March 2018

Background

Lung T1 is a potential translational biomarker of lung disease. The precision and repeatability of variable flip angle (VFA) T1 mapping using modern 3D ultrashort echo time (UTE) imaging of the whole lung needs to be established before it can be used to assess response to disease and therapy.

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of regional lung T1 quantification with VFA 3D‐UTE and to investigate long‐ and short‐term T1 repeatability in the lungs of naive mice.

Study type

Prospective preclinical animal study.

Population

Eight naive mice and phantoms.

Field strength/Sequence

3D free‐breathing radial UTE (8 μs) at 4.7T.

Assessment

VFA 3D‐UTE T1 calculations were validated against T1 values measured with inversion recovery (IR) in phantoms. Lung T1 and proton density (S0) measurements of whole lung and muscle were repeated five times over 1 month in free‐breathing naive mice. Two consecutive T1 measurements were performed during one of the imaging sessions.

Statistical Tests

Agreement in T1 between VFA 3D‐UTE and IR in phantoms was assessed using Bland–Altman and Pearson 's correlation analysis. The T1 repeatability in mice was evaluated using coefficient of variation (CV), repeated‐measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), and paired t‐test.

Results

Good T1 agreement between the VFA 3D‐UTE and IR methods was found in phantoms. T1 in lung and muscle showed a 5% and 3% CV (1255 ± 63 msec and 1432 ± 42 msec, respectively, mean ± SD) with no changes in T1 or S0 over a month. Consecutive measurements resulted in an increase of 2% in both lung T1 and S0.

Data Conclusion

VFA 3D‐UTE shows promise as a reliable T1 mapping method that enables full lung coverage, high signal‐to‐noise ratio (∼25), and spatial resolution (300 μm) in freely breathing animals. The precision of the VFA 3D‐UTE method will enable better design and powering of studies.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:846–852.
MR‐assisted PET motion correction in simultaneous PET/MRI studies of dementia subjects
Authors: Chen Kevin T. , Salcedo Stephanie , Chonde Daniel B. , Izquierdo‐Garcia David , Levine Michael A. , Price Julie C. , Dickerson Bradford C. , Catana Ciprian
Published: March 2018

Background

Subject motion in positron emission tomography (PET) studies leads to image blurring and artifacts; simultaneously acquired magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data provides a means for motion correction (MC) in integrated PET/MRI scanners.

Purpose

To assess the effect of realistic head motion and MR‐based MC on static [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET images in dementia patients.

Study Type

Observational study.

Population

Thirty dementia subjects were recruited.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T hybrid PET/MR scanner where EPI‐based and T1‐weighted sequences were acquired simultaneously with the PET data.

Assessment

Head motion parameters estimated from high temporal resolution MR volumes were used for PET MC. The MR‐based MC method was compared to PET frame‐based MC methods in which motion parameters were estimated by coregistering 5‐minute frames before and after accounting for the attenuation‐emission mismatch. The relative changes in standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) between the PET volumes processed with the various MC methods, without MC, and the PET volumes with simulated motion were compared in relevant brain regions.

Statistical Tests

The absolute value of the regional SUVR relative change was assessed with pairwise paired t‐tests testing at the P = 0.05 level, comparing the values obtained through different MR‐based MC processing methods as well as across different motion groups. The intraregion voxelwise variability of regional SUVRs obtained through different MR‐based MC processing methods was also assessed with pairwise paired t‐tests testing at the P = 0.05 level.

Results

MC had a greater impact on PET data quantification in subjects with larger amplitude motion (higher than 18% in the medial orbitofrontal cortex) and greater changes were generally observed for the MR‐based MC method compared to the frame‐based methods. Furthermore, a mean relative change of ∼4% was observed after MC even at the group level, suggesting the importance of routinely applying this correction. The intraregion voxelwise variability of regional SUVRs was also decreased using MR‐based MC. All comparisons were significant at the P = 0.05 level.

Data Conclusion

Incorporating temporally correlated MR data to account for intraframe motion has a positive impact on the FDG PET image quality and data quantification in dementia patients.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1288–1296.
Consistency of Multiple Renal Functional MRI Measurements Over 18 Months
Authors: Li Lu‐Ping , Thacker Jon , Li Wei , Tan Huan , Wang Chi , Kohn Orly , Sprague Stuart , Prasad Pottumarthi
Published: March 2018

Background

Identification of patients with progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those likely to respond to candidate therapeutics is urgently needed. Functional MRI measurements have shown promise. However, knowledge about the consistency of the measurements is essential to conduct longitudinal studies.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To investigate the consistency of repeated functional MRI measurements in healthy subjects.

Study Type

Prospective, longitudinal study.

Subjects

Seventeen healthy subjects were examined on two different occasions, 18 months apart.

Field Strength/Sequence

Multiple gradient‐recalled‐echo, 2D navigator‐gated flow‐sensitive alternating inversion recovery True‐FISP and spin‐echo planar diffusion‐weighted sequences were used on a 3T scanner. Images were acquired on two different scanner configurations.

Assessment

Blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) R2*, arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion‐derived blood flow (BF) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were analyzed using a custom image processing toolbox. Regions of interest (ROIs) were placed on renal cortex, medulla, and whole kidney. Multiple researchers were involved in defining the ROIs.

Statistical Tests

Intra‐ and intersubject coefficients of variation (CV) and Bland–Altman plots were used to measure consistency and evaluate bias in the measurements. A nonparametric Wilcoxon test was used to compare differences between two timepoints.

Results

The intrasubject CV for R2* and ADC were 6.8% and 5.3% with small (−3.8 and 5.3%) bias, respectively, comparing baseline and 18‐month data. Intrasubject CV for renal cortex BF was higher (18.7%) compared to R2* and ADC, but comparable to prior literature values over shorter durations. It also exhibited a larger bias (−15.4%) between two timepoints and significantly lower values (P = 0.022) at 18‐month data.

Data Conclusion

All three MRI parameters over 18 months, even with a scanner upgrade and involving multiple observers, showed good consistency. These results are useful for the interpretation of longitudinal data and support the use of these methods to monitor progression in patients with CKD.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2018;48:514–521.
Application of a glass fertilizer in sustainable tomato plant crops
Authors: Tamayo Aitana , de la Torre Rosa , Ruiz Oscar , Lozano Pablo , Mazo Maria Alejandra , Rubio Juan
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Glass frits with a P2O5/K2O ratio equal to 0.65 and different concentrations of SiO2 (6.5–56.0 wt%), CaO (0–5.1 wt%) and Al2O3 (0–14.6 wt%) have been prepared and analysed as potential glass fertilizers (GF).

RESULTS

P2O5 and K2O were leached primarily within the first 5 days but the total amount was dependent on the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of the glass frit. Sustained P2O5 and K2O leaching for more than 40 days could be obtained if the glass frit contained more than 7% Al2O3. A final glass frit composition (29% SiO2, 5% CaO, 7% Al2O3, 30% P2O5, 25% K2O) was selected and used in an experimental tomato crop of 1 ha area, where one half was fertilized with an NPK conventional fertilizer and the other half with the GF fertilizer.

CONCLUSION

After harvesting the tomato crops, the GF fertilizer was found to result in a higher yield than the NPK conventional fertilizer: 59980 kg and 74 360 kg for NKP and GF, respectively. The general characteristics of the harvested tomato fruits and leaves were similar in the two cases and the differences fell within statistical error. No differences in any of the soil characteristics were detected as a result of the use of GF. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Ampullary adenocarcinoma: Defining predictors of survival and the impact of adjuvant therapy following surgical resection for stage I disease
Authors: Stiles Zachary E. , Behrman Stephen W. , Deneve Jeremiah L. , Glazer Evan S. , Dong Lei , Wan Jim Y. , Martin Michael G. , Dickson Paxton V.
Published: March 2018

Background and Objectives

Outcomes and recommendations regarding adjuvant therapy (AT) for stage I ampullary adenocarcinoma (AAC) are inadequately described. We sought to determine factors associated with survival and better define the impact of AT.

Methods

The NCDB was queried for stage I AAC patients undergoing resection. We evaluated variables influencing the administration of AT and affecting survival, including the receipt of AT.

Results

Five hundred thirty‐seven patients were identified. 1, 3, and 5‐year OS were 91.3%, 78.8%, and 67.4%, respectively. 103 received AT: 101 chemotherapy, 31 radiation, and 29 a combination of both. AT was more commonly utilized in patients with poorly differentiated and T2 tumors. Comorbid disease was inversely associated with use of AT. Age ≥65 was associated with decreased survival for stage IA and IB, while positive resection margins and sampling of <12 LNs were associated with decreased OS for stage IA and IB, respectively. After propensity matching key covariates, no significant difference in OS was observed between those receiving and not receiving AT (P = 0.449).

Conclusion

This analysis revealed a modest 5‐year OS for stage I AAC. Age, positive resection margins, and evaluation of <12 LNs negatively influenced OS and AT did not convey a survival benefit.
The Influence of Substituents in the 3‐Position on the Polymerization of Metaphenylenes
Authors: Leysen Pieter , Mannaerts Astrid , Koeckelberghs Guy
Published: March 2018

In this manuscript, the influence of the position of the alkoxy‐substituents on the polymerization of poly(phenylenes) is investigated. For this purpose, 3‐alkoxy‐m‐phenylene is polymerized using the Kumada catalyst transfer condensative polymerization. Three different catalyst systems are tried, which all resulted in polymer, but with a high dispersity. Additional experiments show that the polymerization proceeds via a noncontrolled chain growth mechanism.
An optimization problem for the first eigenvalue of the ‐fractional Laplacian
Authors: Del Pezzo Leandro , Fernández Bonder Julián , López Ríos Luis
Published: March 2018

In this paper we analyze an eigenvalue problem related to the nonlocal p‐Laplace operator plus a potential. After reviewing some elementary properties of the first eigenvalue of these operators (existence, positivity of associated eigenfunctions, simplicity and isolation) we investigate the dependence of the first eigenvalue on the potential function and establish the existence of some optimal potentials in some admissible classes.
Modeling of the unsteady flow through a channel with an artificial outflow condition by the Navier–Stokes variational inequality
Authors: Kračmar Stanislav , Neustupa Jiří
Published: March 2018

We prove the global in time existence of a weak solution to the variational inequality of the Navier–Stokes type, simulating the unsteady flow of a viscous fluid through the channel, with the so‐called “do nothing” boundary condition on the outflow. The condition that the solution lies in a certain given, however arbitrarily large, convex set and the use of the variational inequality enables us to derive an energy‐type estimate of the solution. We also discuss the use of a series of other possible outflow “do nothing” boundary conditions.
t‐Butyl‐Oxycarbonylated Diamines as Building Blocks for Isocyanate‐Free Polyurethane/Urea Dispersions and Coatings
Authors: Ma Shuang , Zhang Huiyi , Sablong Rafaël J. , Koning Cor E. , van Benthem Rolf A. T. M.
Published: March 2018

t‐Butyl‐oxycarbonylated diamines (“di‐Boc‐carbamates”) are investigated as dicarbamate monomers for diamine/dicarbamate polymerizations. Polyureas (PUs) and polyurethanes (PURs) with high molecular weights are prepared from stoichiometric polymerizations of diamines or diols with N‐N′‐di‐t‐butyl‐oxycarbonyl isophorone diamine (DiBoc‐IPDC) using KOt‐Bu as a catalyst, while gelation is observed when an excess of DiBoc‐IPDC is used with respect to the diamines or diols. Stable dispersions are obtained from PUs and PURs with 3,3′‐diamino‐N‐methyldipropylamine (DMDPA) as internal dispersing agent. The corresponding PU‐based coatings exhibit superior mechanical properties and solvent resistances compared to the polyurethane urea coatings synthesized from diols, DiBoc‐IPDC, and DMDPA.
Automatically Programmable Shape‐Memory Polymers Based on Asymmetric Swelling of Bilayer Structures
Authors: Tang Junkun , Zhou Yan , Wan Liqiang , Huang Farong
Published: March 2018

Shape‐memory polymers (SMPs) possess the capability to change shapes upon stimulation; however, the programming process that determines the temporary shape cannot proceed without external manipulation, which may greatly affect the shape complexity, accuracy, and reproducibility. Here, an automatically programmable SMP (AP‐SMP) based on asymmetric swelling of bilayer SMP structures is demonstrated without external manipulation. In the automatic programming process, the AP‐SMP can be deformed by the swelling of its hydrophilic hinge film in warm water to a temporary shape, which could be fixed by the glass transition of the two SMP films through cooling and drying in air. Owing to the unique ability, many complex shapes can be easily customized through diverse design strategies. Moreover, the AP‐SMPs can reversibly transform between the permanent and temporary shapes, and both shapes are free‐standing in normal conditions. The automatic programming of AP‐SMPs may greatly expand the potential application range of SMPs.