bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inverse association between height increase and LDL cholesterol during puberty: A 3‐year follow‐up study of the Fukuroi City
Authors: Fujita Yuki , Kouda Katsuyasu , Nakamura Harunobu , Iki Masayuki
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Few studies have reported on the association between changes in serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and height increase. We investigated the association between LDL‐C change and height increase during puberty in a 3‐year follow‐up study in Fukuroi City, Japan.

Methods

The source population was all fifth grade 2,515 students enrolled in any public school in Fukuroi, Japan in 2008, 2009, and 2010. The follow‐up survey was conducted in eighth grade students in 2011, 2012, and 2013. In total, 2,225 adolescents were followed. To evaluate the relationships between height increases and changes in LDL‐C, a regression analysis was conducted after stratification by tertiles of weight change (LW: lowest group, MW: middle group, and HW: highest group).

Results

In each weight change tertile, serum LDL‐C significantly decreased from the lowest to highest tertiles of height change (LW: regression coefficient (B) = −0.12, MW: B = −0.07, HW: B = −0.08 in males; MW: B = −0.17, HW: B = −0.14 in females). The association between height increases and LDL‐C was significantly stronger than that between weight increases and LDL‐C (male: B = −0.609 and 95% CI −0.836 to −0.382 in height, B = 0.008 and 95% CI −0.193 to 0.209 in weight; female: B = −0.963 and 95% CI −1.301 to −0.624 in height, B = 0.366 and 95% CI 0.058–0.675 in weight).

Conclusions

Serum LDL‐C decreased with increasing height, independent of increases in weight. The association between LDL‐C and height is stronger than that between LDL‐C and weight. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:330–334, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
National machine guarding program: Part 2. Safety management in small metal fabrication enterprises
Authors: Parker David L. , Yamin Samuel C. , Brosseau Lisa M. , Xi Min , Gordon Robert , Most Ivan G. , Stanley Rodney
Published: September 2015

Background

Small manufacturing businesses often lack important safety programs. Many reasons have been set forth on why this has remained a persistent problem.

Methods

The National Machine Guarding Program (NMGP) was a nationwide intervention conducted in partnership with two workers' compensation insurers. Insurance safety consultants collected baseline data in 221 business using a 33‐question safety management audit. Audits were completed during an interview with the business owner or manager.

Results

Most measures of safety management improved with an increasing number of employees. This trend was particularly strong for lockout/tagout. However, size was only significant for businesses without a safety committee. Establishments with a safety committee scored higher (55% vs. 36%) on the safety management audit compared with those lacking a committee (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Critical safety management programs were frequently absent. A safety committee appears to be a more important factor than business size in accounting for differences in outcome measures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:1184–1193, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. American Journal of Industrial Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Congenital anomalies associated with trisomy 18 or trisomy 13: A registry‐based study in 16 european countries, 2000–2011
Authors: Springett Anna , Wellesley Diana , Greenlees Ruth , Loane Maria , Addor Marie‐Claude , Arriola Larraitz , Bergman Jorieke , Cavero‐Carbonell Clara , Csaky‐Szunyogh Melinda , Draper Elizabeth S. , Garne Ester , Gatt Miriam , Haeusler Martin , Khoshnood Babak , Klungsoyr Kari , Lynch Catherine , Dias Carlos Matias , McDonnell Robert , Nelen Vera , O'Mahony Mary , Pierini Anna , Queisser‐Luft Annette , Rankin Judith , Rissmann Anke , Rounding Catherine , Stoianova Sylvia , Tuckerz David , Zymak‐Zakutnia Natalya , Morris Joan K.
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of trisomies 18 and 13 in Europe and the prevalence of associated anomalies. Twenty‐five population‐based registries in 16 European countries provided data from 2000–2011. Cases included live births, fetal deaths (20+ weeks’ gestation), and terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomaly (TOPFAs). The prevalence of associated anomalies was reported in live births. The prevalence of trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 were 4.8 (95%CI: 4.7–5.0) and 1.9 (95%CI: 1.8–2.0) per 10,000 total births. Seventy three percent of cases with trisomy 18 or trisomy 13 resulted in a TOPFA. Amongst 468 live born babies with trisomy 18, 80% (76–83%) had a cardiac anomaly, 21% (17–25%) had a nervous system anomaly, 8% (6–11%) had esophageal atresia and 10% (8–13%) had an orofacial cleft. Amongst 240 Live born babies with trisomy 13, 57% (51–64%) had a cardiac anomaly, 39% (33–46%) had a nervous system anomaly, 30% (24–36%) had an eye anomaly, 44% (37–50%) had polydactyly and 45% (39–52%) had an orofacial cleft. For babies with trisomy 18 boys were less likely to have a cardiac anomaly compared with girls (OR = 0.48 (0.30–0.77) and with trisomy 13 were less likely to have a nervous system anomaly [OR = 0.46 (0.27–0.77)]. Babies with trisomy 18 or trisomy 13 do have a high proportion of associated anomalies with the distribution of anomalies being different in boys and girls. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Severe CNS involvement in WWOX mutations: Description of five new cases
Authors: Tabarki Brahim , AlHashem Amal , AlShahwan Saad , Alkuraya Fowzan S. , Gedela Satyanarayana , Zuccoli Giulio
Published: September 2015

Recently, mutations in WWOX have been identified in the setting of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, highlighting a previously unrevealed role of this gene in the normal development and function of the CNS. In this report, we add five patients from two seemingly unrelated families presenting with a primarily neurological phenotype. All the children were product of consanguineous marriages. Whole exome sequencing revealed the same homozygous mutation (NM_016373.3:c.606‐1G>A) of WWOX in all five patients. All patients and carriers in the family share the same haplotype indicating the families are in fact related to one another. The clinical presentation included progressive microcephaly, early onset of spasticity in the first 3 months of life, intractable epilepsy, severe failure to thrive, and profound developmental delay. Retinopathy was observed in two patients. All five patients died before their third birthday. Neuroimaging showed extensive neurodegeneration characterized by periventricular white matter volume loss and atrophy of the corpus callosum. Additional degeneration selectively affecting the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus was observed in one patient. Our findings in five new patients affected by WWOX mutation with early infantile phenotype confirm the features of the disease represented by early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. We suggest that neuroimaging in these patients reveals a characteristic pattern of neurodegeneration in which the cerebellum is spared that could help with early diagnosis in the appropriate clinical setting. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Substance use associated with short sleep duration in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
Authors: Tang Vivian K. , Pato Michele T. , Sobell Janet L. , Hammond Terese C. , Valdez Mark M. , Lane Christianne J. ,   Genomic Psychiatry Cohort Consortium, Pato Carlos N.
Published: September 2015

Study Objectives

To examine the association between substance use and short sleep duration in individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, depressive type (SADD).

Design

Cross‐sectional, retrospective study.

Setting

Urban, suburban, and rural centers across the United States.

Participants

2,462 consented, adult individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, depressive type (SADD). Participants included inpatients in acute or chronic care settings as well as outpatients and residents in community dwellings.

Measurements

Substance use was assessed with 10 questions adopted from well‐validated measures (e.g., CAGE questionnaire) for alcohol, marijuana, and illicit drugs. Short sleep duration was defined as <6 hr of self‐reported sleep per night.

Results

Close to 100% of our sample used nicotine while 83% used substances other than nicotine. More importantly, there was a significant association between substance use and short sleep duration. Interestingly, this association was strongest among African–Americans with schizophrenia or SADD.

Conclusions

Because psychiatric medications often target chemical receptors involved with both sleep and substance use, understanding the association between short sleep duration and substance use in individuals with schizophrenia and SADD is important. Given that the majority of premature deaths in individuals with psychotic illness are due to medical conditions associated with modifiable risk factors, prospective studies designed to examine the effect of short sleep duration on behaviors like substance use should be undertaken. Finally, analyzing genetic and environmental data in a future study might help illuminate the strong association found between short sleep duration and substance use in African–Americans with schizophrenia and SADD. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Environmental perturbations can be detected through microwear texture analysis in two platyrrhine species from Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: Estalrrich Almudena , Young Mariel B. , Teaford Mark F. , Ungar Peter S.
Published: September 2015

Recent dental microwear studies have shown that fossil species differ from one another in texture attributes—both in terms of central tendency and dispersion. Most comparative studies used to interpret these results have relied on poorly provenienced museum samples that are not well‐suited to consideration of within species variation in diet. Here we present a study of two species of platyrrhine monkeys, Alouatta belzebul (n = 60) and Sapajus apella (n = 28) from Pará State in the Brazilian Amazon in order to assess effects of habitat variation on microwear (each species was sampled from forests that differ in the degree of disturbance from highly disturbed to minimally disturbed). Results indicate that microwear texture values vary between habitats—more for the capuchins than the howler monkeys. This is consistent with the notion that diets of the more folivorous A. belzebul are less affected by habitat disturbance than those of the more frugivorous S. apella. It also suggests that microwear holds the potential to reflect comparatively subtle differences in within‐species variation in fossil taxa if sample size and control over paleohabitat allow. Am. J. Primatol. 77:1230–1237, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cosmological implications of Higgs field fluctuations during inflation
Authors: Grobov A. V. , Konoplich R. V. , Rubin S. G.
Published: September 2015

Cosmological implications of Higgs field fluctuations during inflation are considered. This study is based on the Standard Model and the standard quadratic model of chaotic inflation where the Higgs field is minimally coupled to gravity and has no direct coupling to the inflaton. In the Standard model the renormalisation group improved effective potential develops an instability (an additional minimum and maximum) at large field values. It is shown that such a new maximum should take place at an energy scale above , otherwise a universe like ours is extremely unlikely. The extension to the case of the Higgs field interacting with the inflaton field is discussed.

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Discovery of a Potent Allosteric Kinase Modulator by Combining Computational and Synthetic Methods
Authors: Kroon Edwin , Schulze Jörg O. , Süß Evelyn , Camacho Carlos J. , Biondi Ricardo M. , Dömling Alexander
Published: September 2015

The rational design of allosteric kinase modulators is challenging but rewarding. The protein kinase PDK1, which lies at the center of the growth‐factor signaling pathway, possesses an allosteric regulatory site previously validated both in vitro and in cells. ANCHOR.QUERY software was used to discover a potent allosteric PDK1 kinase modulator. Using a recently published PDK1 compound as a template, several new scaffolds that bind to the allosteric target site were generated and one example was validated. The inhibitor can be synthesized in one step by multicomponent reaction (MCR) chemistry when using the ANCHOR.QUERY approach. Our results are significant because the outlined approach allows rapid and efficient scaffold hopping from known molecules into new easily accessible and biologically active ones. Based on increasing interest in allosteric‐site drug discovery, we foresee many potential applications for this approach.
Diphenyltin(IV) dithiocarbamate macrocyclic scaffolds as potent apoptosis inducers for human cancer HEP 3B and IMR 32 cells: synthesis, spectral characterization, density functional theory study andin vitrocytotoxicity
Authors: Kadu Rahul , Roy Hetal , Singh Vinay K.
Published: September 2015

Binuclear diphenyltin(IV) dithiocabamate macrocyclic complexes [(Ph2SnIV)2‐μ2‐bis{(κ2S,S‐S2CN(R)CH2CONHC6H4)2O}] (R =iPr (1),sBu (2),nBu (3), Cy (4), 2‐furfuryl (5) or benzyl (6)) were synthesized through a self‐assembly process involving novel diamino precursors 4,4′‐bis(2‐(alkylamino)acetamido)diphenyl ethers (L1,L2,L3,L4,L5,L6), CS2and Ph2SnCl2. These were characterized using microanalysis and relevant spectroscopic methods. The geometry of all compounds was optimized using the density functional theory method.In vitrocytotoxic activity was evaluated against HEP 3B (hepatoma) and IMR 32 (neuroblastoma) using the MTT assay. Notably, complexes1,2,3,4,5,6were found to be extremely active against both cell lines and cytotoxicity data confirmed their 16‐fold better potency compared to cisplatin, a well‐known antineoplastic drug. Flow cytometric analysis of annexin V–propidium iodide‐stained cells demonstrated the ability ofL5,4and6to induce apoptosis in HEP 3B and IMR 32 cells, required for major therapeutic implication in cancer therapy. The extraordinary potency of binuclear complex4can be correlated with higher LUMO energy together with the greatest value of residual charge on the Sn(IV) centre among the compounds under investigation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copper‐Catalyzed Direct Sulfoximination of Heteroaromatic N‐Oxides by Dual C−H/N−H Dehydrogenative Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Yu Hao , Dannenberg Carl Albrecht , Li Zhen , Bolm Carsten
Published: September 2015

A dual C−H/N−H dehydrogenative coupling of quinoline‐type N‐oxides with sulfoximines that leads to N‐(hetero)arylsulfoximines in high yields has been realized by using a catalytic amount of CuBr in air. The method does not require any additional ligand, base, reactivity modifier or oxidant and provides a practical route towards a series of sulfoximidoyl‐functionalized quinolines and derivatives.
Simulating and evaluating best management practices for integrated landscape management scenarios in biofuel feedstock production
Authors: Ha Miae , Wu May
Published: September 2015

Sound crop and land management strategies can maintain land productivity and improve the environmental sustainability of agricultural crop and feedstock production. This study evaluates a strategy of incorporating landscape design and management concepts into bioenergy feedstock production. It examines the effect of land conversion and agricultural best management practices (BMPs) on water quality (nutrients and suspended sediments) and hydrology. The strategy was applied to the watershed of the South Fork Iowa River in Iowa, where the focus was on converting low‐productivity land to provide cellulosic biomass and implementing riparian buffers. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was employed to simulate the impact at watershed and sub‐basin scales. The study compared the representation of buffers by using trapping efficiency and area ratio methods in SWAT. Landscape design and management scenarios were developed to quantify water quality under (i) current land use, (ii) partial land conversion to switchgrass, and (iii) riparian buffer implementation. Results show that implementation of vegetative barriers and riparian buffer can trap the loss of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and sediment significantly. The effect increases with the increase of buffer area coverage. Implementing riparian buffer at 30 m width is able to produce 4 million liters of biofuels. When low‐productivity land (15.2% of total watershed land area) is converted to grow switchgrass, suspended sediment, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and nitrate loadings are reduced by 69.3%, 55.5%, 46.1%, and 13.4%, respectively. Results highlight the significant role of lower‐productivity land and buffers in cellulosic biomass and provide insights into the design of an integrated landscape with a conservation buffer for future bioenergy feedstock production. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Antibiotic use and abuse: A threat to mitochondria and chloroplasts with impact on research, health, and environment
Authors: Wang Xu , Ryu Dongryeol , Houtkooper Riekelt H. , Auwerx Johan
Published: September 2015

Recently, several studies have demonstrated that tetracyclines, the antibiotics most intensively used in livestock and that are also widely applied in biomedical research, interrupt mitochondrial proteostasis and physiology in animals ranging from round worms, fruit flies, and mice to human cell lines. Importantly, plant chloroplasts, like their mitochondria, are also under certain conditions vulnerable to these and other antibiotics that are leached into our environment. Together these endosymbiotic organelles are not only essential for cellular and organismal homeostasis stricto sensu, but also have an important role to play in the sustainability of our ecosystem as they maintain the delicate balance between autotrophs and heterotrophs, which fix and utilize energy, respectively. Therefore, stricter policies on antibiotic usage are absolutely required as their use in research confounds experimental outcomes, and their uncontrolled applications in medicine and agriculture pose a significant threat to a balanced ecosystem and the well‐being of these endosymbionts that are essential to sustain health.

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A ratiometric fluorescent probe for sensing hydrogen peroxide based on a hemicyanine–naphthol fluorophore
Authors: Lei Yingjie , Xue Cong , Zhang Sichun , Sha Yaowu
Published: September 2015

The synthesis, properties and applications of a water‐soluble boronate‐functioned hemicyanine–naphthol hybrid as a novel ratiometric fluorescent sensor for hydrogen peroxide are presented. The dye displayed remarkable a colour change from pale orange (λem = 590 nm) to pink (λem = 690 nm) in the presence of H2O2, which could be rationalized by the chemoselective H2O2‐mediated transformation of arylboronate to phenolate with high selectivity and a fast response (within 2 min). A good linear relationship (R2 = 0.9951) was obtained with the H2O2 concentration ranging from 0 to 25 μM, with a limit of detection of 0.09 μM according to the signal‐to‐noise ratio (S/N = 3). The advantages of this fluorophore include easy modification, excellent aqueous solubility and superior photostability, and it has been applied to the detection of trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide in water samples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On‐site Colorimetric Forensic Sensor (I): Quantitative Detection of Toxic H2S and NH3 Gases Using Metal‐Ion‐modified Silica Powders
Authors: Ryu Seung‐Jin , Arifin Eric , Ha Shin‐Woo , Lee Jin‐Kyu
Published: September 2015

A highly sensitive on‐site colorimetric forensic sensor has been developed for the quantitative detection of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia gases. The sensor consists of metal‐ion‐modified silica‐gel powders placed in a glass tube. The powder color changes upon reaction with toxic hydrogen sulfide and ammonia gases. It is capable of easily detecting toxic gases in the concentration range between 100 ppm, which is considered as immediately dangerous to life and health, and 3000 ppm, which may cause death, by using a glass tube with an inner diameter of 3 mm. As the sensor reported here is insensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature or humidity, and is featured by simplicity, fast response, high sensitivity, and easily understandable results based on absolute affirmative/negative response, it is expected to be effectively used for on‐site applications such as testing the existence of toxic gases in confined working and industrial spaces.
The Synthesis of Novel 5′‐Deoxy‐3′,5′,5′‐trifluoro‐apiosyl Nucleoside Phosphonic Acid Analogs as Antiviral Agents
Authors: Kim Seyeon , Hong Joon Hee
Published: September 2015

Racemic syntheses of novel 5′‐deoxy‐3′,5′,5′‐trifluoro‐apiose nucleoside phosphonic acid analogs were carried out from 1,3‐dihydroxyacetone, to be used as antiviral agents. Nucleophilic displacement of the triflate intermediate with diethyl (lithiodifluoromethyl)phosphonate was performed to yield the corresponding (α,α‐difluoroalkyl) phosphonate. Condensation successfully proceeded from a glycosyl donor under Vorbrüggen conditions to yield the nucleoside phosphonate analogs. Ammonolysis and hydrolysis of the phosphonates yielded the corresponding nucleoside phosphonic acid analogs. Furthermore, the lipophilic prodrug of the adenine derivative was synthesized to increase cellular uptake. The synthesized nucleoside analogs were screened for their antiviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1. The bis(SATE) prodrug of the adenine analog exhibited significant in vitro activity against HIV‐1.
Accelerating Dissolution of Polyacrylamide in Offshore Oil Field
Authors: Yu Qin , Lu Xiangguo , Zhang Defu , Xie Kun
Published: September 2015

The solubility of polyacrylamide significantly reduces the efficiency of polymer flooding in offshore oil fields, because of the low performance of polyacrylamide and the special environment. The objective of this paper is to investigate a novel approach to accelerate the dissolution of hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) by adding a co‐solvent cholamine (MEA). We investigated the effects of MEA on the microstructure and the performance of HPAM. Results showed that the addition of MEA and the temperature rise greatly shortened the dissolution time of HPAM, while improved the rheological property and seepage behavior. The enhanced solubility of polyacrylamide and the performance of polymer solution can be attributed to the enlarging of the molecular clew size, the stretching of molecular chains and the lowering of the glass transition temperature of HPAM. The new approach has high practical and the economic values for applications of the polymer flooding technology in offshore oilfields with complex reservoir conditions.
Water‐selective Membrane from Crosslinking of Poly(vinyl alcohol) with Tartaric Acid and Its Pervaporation Separation Characteristics for a Water/Acetic Acid Mixture
Authors: Chaudhari Shivshankar , Kwon YongSung , Moon MyngJun , Shon MinYoung , Park YouIn , Song HyeRim , Jang BongJun , Nam SeungEun
Published: September 2015

The preparation of a water‐selective membrane from the crosslinking of high molecular weight poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with tartaric acid is reported. The resulting membrane was characterized by IR spectroscopy, swelling studies, differential scanning calorimetry, and contact angle testing, and was finally applied in the pervaporation. The performance of the membrane was evaluated in relation to the mixing ratio, changes in feed concentration, and changes in operating temperature. An optimum mixing ratio of 80:20 (wt %) of PVA to tartaric acid was determined, giving a flux range from 0.0072 to 0.095 kg/m2h and a separation factor of 41.5–707.6 at 40–60 °C and 80–90 wt % aqueous acetic acid feed solution. From an Arrhenius type of relationship, it was determined that flux varies exponentially with temperature. The activation energy was calculated for the permeation of each of component of the mixture, with a higher activation energy being observed for acetic acid than for water. From the separation index, it could be concluded that the membrane has good selectivity toward water and exhibits better performance at higher acetic acid concentrations.
Final‐year projects using open source OpenEEG
Authors: Collins Tim , Woolley Sandra I. , Rawson Nicholas C. , Haroon Luth
Published: September 2015

Electronic Engineering undergraduates are increasingly interested in final‐year individual projects that involve brain–computer interfacing. This paper outlines the challenges of resourcing these types of medical instrumentation projects and describes the adoption of the open source OpenEEG electroencephalography platform in final‐year undergraduate projects. The OpenEEG projects applied a broad range of curriculum components including computer interfacing, signal processing, and software development. The applications were wide‐ranging and provided good opportunities to explore relevant research. The paper describes the initial investment in support required to resource the projects, in particular, the provision of supporting code examples. The projects were particularly popular with students. In total, twelve final‐year project students used the OpenEEG platform. Student engagement was good and the project outcomes were slightly above cohort average. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ. 24:156–164, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21682
Changes in glucose transporter expression and nitric oxide production are associated with liver injury in diabetes
Authors: Sokolovska Jeļizaveta , Isajevs Sergejs , Rostoka Evita , Sjakste Tatjana , Trapiņa Ilva , Ošiņa Kristīne , Paramonova Natalia , Sjakste Nikolajs
Published: September 2015

In diabetes mellitus (DM), both hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia can initiate accumulation of fat in the liver, which might be further mediated by inducible nitric oxide synthase. We have studied changes in GLUT1, nitric oxide (NO·) concentration and liver damage in two rat DM models. STZ model was induced by strepozotocin 50 mg/kg. HS model was induced by high‐fat diet and 30 mg/kg streptozotocin. GLUT1 expression was studied by means of real‐time RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. Production of NO· was monitored by means of erythrocyte sedimentation rate spectroscopy of Fe‐DETC‐NO complex. Liver damage was assessed using histological activity index (HAI). NO· concentration was increased in the liver of STZ rats, but it did not change in HS rats (control 36.8 ± 10.3; STZ 142.1 ± 31.1; HS 35.4 ± 9.8 ng/g). Liver HAI was higher in STZ group, 8.6 ± 0.17 versus HS 4.7 ± 0.31, p < 0.05. GLUT1 protein expression was elevated only in STZ group, 16 ± 3 cells/mm2 versus Control 5 ± 2 cells/mm2, p = 0.007. Hyperglycaemia sooner causes severe liver damage in rat models of DM, compared with hyperlipidaemia, and is associated with increased NO· production. GLUT1 transporter expression might be involved in toxic effects of glucose in the liver.

We have obtained novel data about association of GLUT1 expression and NO· metabolism in the pathogenesis of liver injury in DM. Increased GLUT1 expression was observed together with overproduction of NO· and pronounced liver injury in severely hyperglycaemic rats. On the contrary, moderately hyperglycaemic hyperlipidaemic rats developed only moderate liver steatosis and no increase in GLUT1 and NO·. GLUT1 overexpression might be implicated in the toxic effects of glucose in the liver. Glycotoxicity is associated with oxidative stress and NO· hyperproduction. GLUT1 and NO· metabolism might become novel therapeutic targets in liver steatosis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phenylalanine Ammonia‐Lyase‐Catalyzed Deamination of an Acyclic Amino Acid: Enzyme Mechanistic Studies Aided by a Novel Microreactor Filled with Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Weiser Diána , Bencze László Csaba , Bánóczi Gergely , Ender Ferenc , Kiss Róbert , Kókai Eszter , Szilágyi András , Vértessy Beáta G. , Farkas Ödön , Paizs Csaba , Poppe László
Published: September 2015

Phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL), found in many organisms, catalyzes the deamination of l‐phenylalanine (Phe) to (E)‐cinnamate by the aid of its MIO prosthetic group. By using PAL immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles and fixed in a microfluidic reactor with an in‐line UV detector, we demonstrated that PAL can catalyze ammonia elimination from the acyclic propargylglycine (PG) to yield (E)‐pent‐2‐ene‐4‐ynoate. This highlights new opportunities to extend MIO enzymes towards acyclic substrates. As PG is acyclic, its deamination cannot involve a Friedel–Crafts‐type attack at an aromatic ring. The reversibility of the PAL reaction, demonstrated by the ammonia addition to (E)‐pent‐2‐ene‐4‐ynoate yielding enantiopure l‐PG, contradicts the proposed highly exothermic single‐step mechanism. Computations with the QM/MM models of the N‐MIO intermediates from l‐PG and l‐Phe in PAL show similar arrangements within the active site, thus supporting a mechanism via the N‐MIO intermediate.
Hyperlipidemia induces vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation involving Wnt/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Zhuang Yu , Mao Jian‐Qiang , Yu Min , Dong Li‐Ya , Fan Yong‐Liang , Lv Zhi‐Qian , Xiao Ming‐Di , Yuan Zhong‐xiang
Published: September 2015

Hyperlipidemia has been shown to stimulate vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Wnt signaling pathway plays a critical role in embryonic development and cell proliferation. In this study, Sprague–Dawley rats fed with high‐fat or normal diet for 12 weeks were sacrificed, and the thoracic aorta was harvested to determine wnt3a, β‐catenin, T‐cell factor 4 (TCF4), and cyclin D1 expressions. VSMC proliferation within thoracic aorta and lipid accumulation within VSMCs were detected. Rat aortic VSMCs were cultured in serum from rats with hyperlipidemia or DKK‐1; Wnt3a, β‐catenin, TCF4, and cyclin D1 expressions, and cell cycle distribution were determined. The findings demonstrated that increased number of VSMCs, lipid droplets, and vacuoles within thoracic aorta in the high‐fat‐fed group. Compared with controls, VSMCs from high‐fat‐fed rats showed higher mRNA expressions of wnt3a, β‐catenin, TCF4, and cyclin D1, as well as in VSMCs cultured with hyperlipidemic serum. After 24 h, VSMCs stimulated with hyperlipidemic serum showed significantly increased cell number and S‐phase entry compared with cells exposed to normolipidemic serum. These effects were blocked by DKK‐1. These results suggest that Wnt/β‐catenin signaling plays an important role in hyperlipidemia‐induced VSMC proliferation.
Thermal Evaluation of Diesel/Hydrogen Peroxide Fuel Blend
Authors: Yusof Zainal Abidin Mohd , Ahmed Iqbal , Khan Muhammad Saad , Hussain S. Altaf , Hussain Ahmad , Mutalib Ibrahim bin Abdul , Balkhair Khaled S. , Albeirutty Muhammad H.
Published: September 2015

Thermal properties of fossil fuel are the key fundamental characteristics, which can distinguish any compound as a potential fuel. The performance of diesel fuel blend along with stability and solubility parameter designs are evaluated. The results from the experimental study indicate that the increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) amount enhances the cetane number of diesel fuel blend significantly. However, the calorific value decreases as compared to pure diesel fuel. All values performed well according to the ASTM D‐975 diesel testing method. The thermodynamics of the prepared fuel blends also revealed that substantial solubility and diesel/H2O2 blend stability are provided even at lower temperatures. Such blends can be used as a feasible replacement of pure diesel fuel.
Simulation of Propane Dehydrogenation to Propylene in a Radial‐Flow Reactor over Pt‐Sn/Al2O3 as the Catalyst
Authors: Miraboutalebi Seyed M. , Vafajoo Leila , Kazemeini Mohammad , Fattahi Moslem
Published: September 2015

Catalytic paraffin dehydrogenation for manufacturing olefins is considered to be one of the most significant production routes in the petrochemical industries. A reactor kinetic model for the dehydrogenation of propane to propylene in a radial‐flow reactor over Pt‐Sn/Al2O3 as the catalyst was investigated here. The model showed that the catalyst activity was highly time dependent. In addition, the component concentrations and the temperature varied along the reactor radius owing to the occurring endothermic reaction. Moreover, a similar trend was noticed for the propane conversion as for the propylene selectivity, with both of them decreasing over the time period studied. Furthermore, a reversal of this trend was also revealed when the feed temperature was enhanced or when argon was added into the feed as an inert gas.
Release of Nanoparticles when Handling Fumed Silica
Authors: Schmidt Eberhard
Published: September 2015

The handling of dispersed solids may lead to undesirable release of particles. Size and quantity of the particles transferred into the gas depend on powder properties and the kind of stress acting on the bulk. This has to be taken into account concerning the requirements and the choice of appropriate test methods for determining dustiness in industrial processes. Two commercially available testers technically enhanced by two specific particle analyzers were utilized. The ability of six different qualities of pyrogenic silica to release airborne nanoparticles was measured and compared to each other.
Vertically Ordered Silica Mesochannel Modified Bipolar Electrode for Electrochemiluminescence Imaging Analysis
Authors: Guo Weiliang , Lin Xingyu , Yan Fei , Su Bin
Published: September 2015

This paper describes a miniaturized bipolar electrode (BPE) sensor that is constructed with an indium tin oxide (ITO) microband and a slice of poly(dimethylsioxane) (PDMS). The ITO microband modified by vertically ordered silica mesochannels (SMCs) functions as the BPE. Owing to the uniform pore size of ≈2–3 nm in diameter and negatively charged surface, the SMCs can significantly accelerate the mass transport of positively charged species via strong electrostatic interactions. Thus, an increase of more than two orders of magnitude in sensitivity for tri‐n‐propylamine (TPrA) analysis was achieved for the electrochemluminescence (ECL) of tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+) at a relatively low concentration (10 μm). Moreover, the SMC film with ultrasmall channels can effectively serve as an antifouling layer of the underlying ITO electrode to prevent the access of undesired large molecules, allowing the electrochemical detection in real complex media, such as atropine and l‐proline in human blood serum.
Bimolecular Homolytic Substitutions at Nitrogen: An Experimental and Theoretical Study on the Gas‐Phase Reactions of Alkyl Radicals with NF3
Authors: Antoniotti Paola , Benzi Paola , Borocci Stefano , Demaria Chiara , Giordani Maria , Grandinetti Felice , Operti Lorenza , Rabezzana Roberto
Published: September 2015

The X‐ray irradiation of binary mixtures of alkyl iodides RI (R=CH3, C2H5, or i‐C3H7 radicals) and NF3 produces RNF2 and RF. Based on calculations performed at the CCSD(T), MRCI(SD+Q), G3B3, and G3 levels of theory, the former product arises from a bimolecular homolytic substitution reaction (SH2) by the alkyl radicals R, which attack the N atom of NF3. This mechanism is consistent with the suppression of RNF2 by addition of O2 (an efficient alkyl radical scavenger) to the reaction mixture. The RF product arises from the attack of R to the F atom of NF3, but additional contributing channels are conceivably involved. The F‐atom abstraction is, indeed, considerably more exothermic than the SH2 reaction, but the involved energy barriers are comparable, and the two processes are comparably fast.
Ligand Noninnocence in Coinage Metal Corroles: A Silver Knife‐Edge
Authors: Thomas Kolle E. , Vazquez‐Lima Hugo , Fang Yuanyuan , Song Yang , Gagnon Kevin J. , Beavers Christine M. , Kadish Karl M. , Ghosh Abhik
Published: September 2015

A silver β‐octabromo‐meso‐triarylcorrole has been found to exhibit a strongly saddled geometry, providing the first instance of a strongly saddled corrole complex involving a metal other than copper. The Soret maxima of the Ag octabromocorroles also redshift markedly in response to increasingly electron‐donating para substituents on the meso‐aryl groups. In both these respects, the Ag octabromocorroles differ from simple Ag triarylcorrole derivatives, which exhibit only mild saddling and substituent‐insensitive Soret maxima. These results have been rationalized in terms of an innocent MIII‐corrole3− description for the simple Ag corroles and a noninnocent MII‐corrole.2− description for the Ag octabromocorroles. In contrast, all copper corroles are thought to be noninnocent, while all gold corroles are innocent. Uniquely among metallocorroles, silver corroles thus seem poised on a knife‐edge, so to speak, between innocent and noninnocent electronic structures and may tip either way, depending on the exact nature of the corrole ligand.
Phosphorus‐Doped Graphene Oxide Layer as a Highly Efficient Flame Retardant
Authors: Some Surajit , Shackery Iman , Kim Sun Jun , Jun Seong Chan
Published: September 2015

A simple and easy process has been developed to efficiently dope phosphorus into a graphene oxide surface. Phosphorus‐doped graphene oxide (PGO) is prepared by the treatment of polyphosphoric acid with phosphoric acid followed by addition of a graphene oxide solution while maintaining a pH of around 5 by addition of NaOH solution. The resulting materials are characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The as‐made PGO solution‐coated cloth exhibits excellent flame retardation properties. The PGO‐coated cloth emits some smoke at the beginning without catching fire for more than 120 s and maintains its initial shape with little shrinkage. In contrast, the pristine cloth catches fire within 5 s and is completely burned within 25 s, leaving trace amounts of black residue. The simple technique of direct introduction of phosphorus into the graphene oxide surface to produce phosphorus‐doped oxidized carbon nanoplatelets may be a general approach towards the low‐cost mass production of PGO for many practical applications, including flame retardation.
Ring‐Closing and Cross‐Metathesis with Artificial Metalloenzymes Created by Covalent Active Site‐Directed Hybridization of a Lipase
Authors: Basauri‐Molina Manuel , Verhoeven Dide G. A. , van Schaik Arnoldus J. , Kleijn Henk , Klein Gebbink Robertus J. M.
Published: September 2015

A series of Grubbs‐type catalysts that contain lipase‐inhibiting phosphoester functionalities have been synthesized and reacted with the lipase cutinase, which leads to artificial metalloenzymes for olefin metathesis. The resulting hybrids comprise the organometallic fragment that is covalently bound to the active amino acid residue of the enzyme host in an orthogonal orientation. Differences in reactivity as well as accessibility of the active site by the functionalized inhibitor became evident through variation of the anchoring motif and substituents on the N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand. Such observations led to the design of a hybrid that is active in the ring‐closing metathesis and the cross‐metathesis of N,N‐diallyl‐p‐toluenesulfonamide and allylbenzene, respectively, the latter being the first example of its kind in the field of artificial metalloenzymes.
Boron Clusters as a Platform for New Materials: Synthesis of Functionalized o‐Carborane (C2B10H12) Derivatives Incorporating DNA Fragments
Authors: Janczak Slawomir , Olejniczak Agnieszka , Balabańska Sandra , Chmielewski Marcin K. , Lupu Marius , Viñas Clara , Lesnikowski Zbigniew J.
Published: September 2015

A synthetic strategy for functionalization of the three vertices of o‐carborane and the attachment of the obtained triped to the solid support was developed. Further functionalization of the triped with short DNA sequences by automated DNA synthesis was achieved. The proposed methodology is a first example of boron cluster chemistry on a solid support opening new perspectives in boron cluster functionalization.
Microsecond X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy Identification of CoI Intermediates in Cobaloxime‐Catalyzed Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Smolentsev Grigory , Cecconi Bianca , Guda Alexander , Chavarot‐Kerlidou Murielle , van Bokhoven Jeroen A. , Nachtegaal Maarten , Artero Vincent
Published: September 2015

Rational development of efficient photocatalytic systems for hydrogen production requires understanding the catalytic mechanism and detailed information about the structure of intermediates in the catalytic cycle. We demonstrate how time‐resolved X‐ray absorption spectroscopy in the microsecond time range can be used to identify such intermediates and to determine their local geometric structure. This method was used to obtain the solution structure of the CoI intermediate of cobaloxime, which is a non‐noble metal catalyst for solar hydrogen production from water. Distances between cobalt and the nearest ligands including two solvent molecules and displacement of the cobalt atom out of plane formed by the planar ligands have been determined. Combining in situ X‐ray absorption and UV/Vis data, we demonstrate how slight modification of the catalyst structure can lead to the formation of a catalytically inactive CoI state under similar conditions. Possible deactivation mechanisms are discussed.
Mixed‐Matrix Membrane Adsorbers for the Selective Binding of Metal Ions from Diluted Solutions
Authors: Niedergall Klaus , Kopp Denis , Besch Sandra , Schiestel Thomas
Published: September 2015

In the coming years more and more diluted and complex material streams will have to be recycled. Variable amounts of different metals have to be separated from these streams due to their value or their toxicity. Polymer hybrid membranes with embedded functional nanoadsorber particles have been developed to remove diverse metal ions from these solutions. The membrane adsorbers were tested and their performance was evaluated using various metals such as Cu, Ag and Pb. In addition, the desorption behavior of these membrane adsorbers was evaluated with regard to multiple use and recovery of the adsorbed metals.
Effect of interphase mass transfer on the coalescence of two bubbles under constant approach velocity
Authors: Shen Jianbiao , Wang Li
Published: September 2015

The equations for the drainage of a full mobile liquid film between two bubbles under a constant approach velocity are extended to investigate the effect of interphase mass transfer on bubble coalescence. The diffusion boundary layer thickness in the bubble is considered to be on the same order of bubble radius because of the high diffusion rate of the gas phase, and as a result the solute concentration in the bubble is approximated to be constant. The numerical results indicate that the Marangoni effect induced by mass transfer prevents bubble coalescence for positive systems, while it promotes coalescence for negative systems, which is consistent with experimental results for bulk distillation processes. In addition, the effects of Marangoni number, surface Peclet number, and film Peclet number on film drainage rate are reported.
Stability and electrochemical performance of Ni/YSZ pattern anodes in H2/H2O atmosphere
Authors: Yao Weifang , Croiset Eric
Published: September 2015

Thorough understanding of H2 electrochemical oxidation helps optimize SOFC anode design and improve its performance. However, controversies still exist regarding H2 electrochemical oxidation. Due to their well‐defined 2‐D structure, Ni/YSZ pattern anodes are ideally suited for reaction kinetic studies. In this study, a systematic study was performed to determine conditions for the stabilization of Ni/YSZ pattern anode performance. Moreover, a comprehensive and reliable dataset of H2 electrochemical oxidation was obtained under stable test conditions. We found that stabilization of Ni/YSZ pattern anode performance relies on temperature and Ni thickness. Polarization resistance (Rp) depends on temperature, overpotential, H2 partial pressure, and TPB length, and it increases with decreasing any of these parameters. Rp also depends on H2O content. When the pH2O is between 3000 Pa (3 % of the total gases) and 30 000–40 000 Pa (30–40 % of the total gases), Rp decreases with increasing H2O content. However, Rp is less affected with further increasing H2O content. Charge transfer reactions coupled with H2O‐related processes contribute to the rate‐limiting steps for H2 electro‐oxidation.
Notch inhibition in desmoids: “Sure it works in practice, but does it work in theory?”
Authors: Gounder Mrinal M.
Published: September 2015

The biology of inhibiting Notch and potentially other targets of γ‐secretase in desmoid tumors is examined.
Impact of patient navigation in eliminating economic disparities in cancer care
Authors: Rodday Angie Mae , Parsons Susan K. , Snyder Frederick , Simon Melissa A. , Llanos Adana A. M. , Warren‐Mears Victoria , Dudley Donald , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Patierno Steven R. , Markossian Talar W. , Sanders Mechelle , Whitley Elizabeth M. , Freund Karen M.
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Patient navigation may reduce cancer disparities associated with socioeconomic status (SES) and household factors. This study examined whether these factors were associated with delays in diagnostic resolution among patients with cancer screening abnormalities and whether patient navigation ameliorated these delays.

METHODS

This study analyzed data from 5 of 10 centers of the National Cancer Institute's Patient Navigation Research Program, which collected SES and household data on employment, income, education, housing, marital status, and household composition. The primary outcome was the time to diagnostic resolution after a cancer screening abnormality. Separate adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were fit for each SES and household factor, and an interaction between that factor and the intervention status was included.

RESULTS

Among the 3777 participants (1968 in the control arm and 1809 in the navigation intervention arm), 91% were women, and the mean age was 44 years; 43% were Hispanic, 28% were white, and 27% were African American. Within the control arm, the unemployed experienced a longer time to resolution than those employed full‐time (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; P = .02). Renters (HR, 0.81; P = .02) and those with other (ie, unstable) housing (HR, 0.60; P < .001) had delays in comparison with homeowners. Never married (HR, 0.70; P < .001) and previously married participants (HR, 0.85; P = .03) had a longer time to care than married participants. There were no differences in the time to diagnostic resolution with any of these variables within the navigation intervention arm.

CONCLUSIONS

Delays in diagnostic resolution exist by employment, housing type, and marital status. Patient navigation eliminated these disparities in the study sample. These findings demonstrate the value of providing patient navigation to patients at high risk for delays in cancer care. Cancer 2015;121:4025–4034. © 2015 American Cancer Society.