bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Chondrogenic Potential of Mesenchymal Cells From Adipose Tissue Versus Bone Marrow‐Derived Cells in Osteoarthritic In Vitro Models
Authors: Pagani Stefania , Borsari Veronica , Veronesi Francesca , Ferrari Andrea , Cepollaro Simona , Torricelli Paola , Filardo Giuseppe , Fini Milena
Published: October 2016

Primarily, to compare the behavior of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow (hBMSCs) and adipose tissue (hADSCs) in an osteoarthritic (OA) microenvironment; secondly, to investigate the reaction of these cell types in two alternative in vitro culture systems, obtained by using TNFα and/or IL1β as inflammation mediators, or by using synovial fluid harvested by OA patients (OSF) to simulate the complex inflamed knee microenvironment. 3D micromass cultures of hBMSCs or hADSCs were grown in chondrogenic medium (CTR), in the presence of TNFα and/or IL1β, or synovial fluid from OA patients. After 1 month of culture, the chondrogenic differentiation of micromasses was evaluated by gene expression, matrix composition, and organization. Both hMSCs types formed mature micromasses in CTR, but a better response of hADSCs to the inflammatory environment was documented by micromass area and Bern score evaluations. The addition of OSF elicited a milder reaction than with TNFα and/or IL1β by both cell types, probably due to the presence of both catabolic and protective factors. In particular, SOX9 and ACAN gene expression and GAG synthesis were more abundant in hADSCs than hBMSCs when cultured in OSF. The expression of MMP1 was increased for both hMSCs in inflammatory conditions, but in particular by hBMSCs. hADSCs showed an increased chondrogenic potential in inflammatory culture systems, suggesting a better response of hADSCs in the OA environment, thus underlining the importance of appropriate in vitro models to study MSCs and potential advantages of using these cells for future clinical applications. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1478–1488, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Model based analysis of the growth kinetics of microalgal species residing in a waste stabilization pond
Authors: Decostere Bjorge , Alvarado Andres , Sánchez Esteban M , Pauta Guillermina C , Rousseau Diederik PL , Nopens Ingmar , Van Hulle Stijn WH
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

In this study the growth kinetics of Chlorella and Scenedesmus, isolated from a Waste Stabilization Pond were investigated under different conditions of light intensity and temperature. Experimental data were collected by means of a combined respirometric and titrimetric set‐up and used to extend a mathematical model.

RESULTS

The experimental results illustrated the interdependent relationship of light intensity and temperature, which had a significant influence on the microalgal growth. Consequently, a previously developed model was extended with a mathematical function that describes this relationship. The maximum specific growth rate and oxygen mass transfer coefficient were considered for model calibration. The optimized parameter values for Chlorella were μmax = 0.56 ± 0.0008 d−1 and KLa = 10.02 ± 0.02 d−1. For Scenedesmus, the optimized parameter values were μmax = 0.19 ± 0.0004 and KL a = 7.71 ± 0.004 d−1. The model with optimized parameter settings described the dissolved oxygen production (derived from the respirometric data) and the related proton consumption (derived from the titrimetric data) reasonably well for both microalgal species. The threshold value for Theil's Inequality Coefficient of 0.3 was never exceeded. In addition, model validation for both species was performed indicating good correspondence between model prediction and experimental values.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the experimental observations, a previously developed mathematical model was extended with a function that describes the interaction between light intensity and temperature. After model calibration a difference in maximum specific growth rate between the two microalgal species was observed. This might be explained by differences in cell metabolism. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Longer warm ischemia can accelerate tumor growth through the induction of HIF‐1α and the IL‐6–JAK–STAT3 signaling pathway in a rat hepatocellular carcinoma model
Authors: Hamaguchi Yuhei , Mori Akira , Fujimoto Yasuhiro , Ito Takashi , Iida Taku , Yagi Shintaro , Okajima Hideaki , Kaido Toshimi , Uemoto Shinji
Published: October 2016

Background

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of the duration of hepatic pedicle clamping (HPC) on tumor growth after major hepatectomy in a rat model.

Methods

Rats were divided into four groups according to the length of HPC during 70% partial hepatectomy followed by N1S1 tumor cell implantation: group 1, without HPC; group 2, with 5‐min HPC; group 3, 10‐min HPC; and group 4, 15‐min HPC. At three weeks after tumor cell implantation, liver tumor growth and its possible mechanisms were investigated.

Results

The number and largest diameter of liver tumor were significantly greater in group 4. At 6 h after reperfusion, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)‐6 were significantly higher in group 4 compared with the other groups. In the tumor tissues, the expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)‐1α (P < 0.001 versus group 2, P < 0.001 versus group 3) and that of phospho‐signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) (P < 0.001 versus group 2, P = 0.026 versus group 3) were significantly upregulated in group 4.

Conclusions

Longer HPC followed by reperfusion accelerated hepatocellular carcinoma growth through the induction of HIF‐1α and the activation of the IL‐6–JAK–STAT3 signaling pathway.
Infant gender‐based differentiation in concentration of milk fats using near infrared Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Ullah Rahat , Khan Saranjam , Khan Asifullah , Saleem Muhammad , Ali Hina , Bilal Muhammad , Ahmed Mushtaq
Published: October 2016

This study demonstrates infant gender‐based differentiation in concentration of milk fats using Raman spectroscopy. In total, 50 buffalo milk samples have been used in this study, out of which 20 have male and 30 have female infant babies. These samples were collected from local farm houses in Islamabad, Pakistan. Raman spectra of milk samples contain peaks/bands at 762, 797, 868–890, 1063–1083, 1126, 1223, 1296, 1439, 1654 and 1744 cm−1. Significant variation in peaks/bands at 1063–1083, 1296, 1438 and 1654 cm−1 corresponding to concentration of milk fats has been observed between buffalo milk for male and female infants. It shows that a buffalo with female infant produces comparatively high fat milk. The spectral difference has been further highlighted by applying principal component analysis (PCA)‐based algorithm on Raman spectra of the milk samples. It is observed that PCA is able to clearly separate the two sets of classes on the basis of features obtained from the Raman spectra. Additionally, more than 99.5% variance in the data has been explained by only the first five PC components. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The higher the better? Differences in phenolics and cyanogenic glycosides in Sambucus nigra leaves, flowers and berries from different altitudes
Authors: Senica Mateja , Stampar Franci , Veberic Robert , Mikulic‐Petkovsek Maja
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) possesses high antioxidant activity and has been used to treat numerous medicinal disorders. In addition to their antioxidant properties, elderberry parts accumulate toxic cyanogenic glycosides (CGG). It has been proven that altitude influences the biosynthesis of many secondary metabolites. In the present study we investigated the change of phenolics and CGG in elder leaves, flowers, and berries induced by different altitudes and locations.

RESULTS

The data indicate that the accumulation of CGG and phenolics is affected by the altitude of the growing site. An increase of anthocyanin content was recorded in elder berries collected at higher elevations in both locations. Fruit collected at the foothills of location 2 contained 3343 µg g−1 anthocyanins as opposed to fruit from the hilltop, which contained 7729 µg g−1. Elder berries contained the lowest levels of harmful CGG compared to other analysed plant parts. However, more cyanogenic glycosides were always present in plant parts collected at the hilltop. Accordingly, berries accumulated 0.11 µg g−1 CGG at the foothills and 0.59 µg g−1 CGG at the hilltop.

CONCLUSION

Elder berries and flowers collected at the foothill were characterised by the lowest levels of both beneficial (phenolics) and harmful compounds (CGG) and are suitable for moderate consumption. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Increase of protein extraction yield from rapeseed meal through a pretreatment with phytase
Authors: Rodrigues Ivo M , Carvalho M Graça VS , Rocha Jorge MS
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Rapeseed meal is a good source of high‐quality vegetal protein but contains antinutritional compounds that limit its use for human and animal feed. The aim of this study was to develop a methodology to enhance alkaline protein extraction of rapeseed meal and to produce protein‐rich products with low levels of phytic acid. Different phytase dosages and operating conditions were used for rapeseed meal pretreatment followed by alkaline extraction at different temperatures, time, pH and solid/liquid ratios (S/L).

RESULTS

The highest protein extraction yield attained was 72.1%, for 2 h at 55 °C, with a phytase dosage of 0.8 U g−1 when the alkaline extraction was performed at 75 °C, pH 12.5 and 60 min for an S/L ratio of 10 g 100 mL−1 water. The extraction yields were higher than those previously obtained without enzymatic pretreatment.

CONCLUSION

Phytase pretreatment enhanced alkaline extraction yield of proteins from rapeseed meal. This procedure allowed also the production of rapeseed protein concentrates with very low levels of phytic acid, ∼1 g kg−1, improving their nutritional properties and commercial value. Moreover, after the pretreatment, the amount of phytic acid in the remaining rapeseed meal decreases about 25%. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Multidimensional comparative analysis of phenolic compounds in organic juices with high antioxidant capacity
Authors: Nowak Dariusz , Gośliński Michał , Szwengiel Artur
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

A diet rich in fruit, vegetables and juices is associated with health benefit and reduced risk of certain civilization diseases. Antioxidant properties depend mainly on the total content of polyphenols and their composition. The aim of this study was to perform a multidimensional comparative analysis of phenolic compounds of organic juices with high antioxidant capacity (chokeberry, elderberry, cranberry, pomegranate).

RESULTS

All the analyzed juices were a rich source of phenolic compounds. Chokeberry juices had the highest total polyphenol content (up to 7900 mg GAE L−1). These juices as well as pomegranate juice were characterized by the highest antioxidant capacity (∼5000 mg Trolox equivalents L−1). Other samples had lower total polyphenols content and total antioxidant capacity. Multidimensional analysis of the profiles of phenolic compounds showed that chokeberry juices differ from the other juices. Cranberry and pomegranate juices were similar to each other, and elderberry juice was closer to these samples than to chokeberry. The predominant polyphenols of chokeberry juices were anthocyanins (especially cyanidin‐3‐galactoside and cyanidin‐3‐arabinoside) and phenolic acids (chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acid). Elderberry juice was an exception by having flavonols (quercetin derivatives) as the principal compounds.

CONCLUSION

Chokeberry juices were characterized by the highest antioxidant properties, which predispose them to further clinical research concerning the supporting cardiovascular disease prophylaxis. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Longest distance shifting: A simple and efficient approach for the alignment of shifted chromatographic peaks
Authors: Li Bao Qiong , Chen Jing , Wang Xue , Xu Min Li , Zhai Hong Lin
Published: October 2016

The preprocessing of chromatograms, such as the alignment of retention time shifts, is often a crucial step in the proper data analysis chain. Here, an efficient approach to align shifted chromatographic signals, longest distance shifting, is presented and highlighted. The performance of this novel strategy was demonstrated by using both simulated chromatograms that covered the different kinds of retention time shifts and the real experimental chromatograms of Pudilan Xiaoyan Tablets obtained by high‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection. The averaged correlation coefficient for experimental chromatograms were in the range of 0.9517–0.9840 and the peak factor was 0.9989. As a comparison, all the chromatograms have also been aligned using correlation optimized warping and Interval Correlation Optimized Shifting algorithms. The obtained results indicate that the longest distance shifting algorithm is simpler, faster and more effective, and will be potentially suitable for the alignment of other types of signals.
Synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers using acrylamide‐β‐cyclodextrin as a cofunctional monomer for the specific capture of tea saponins from the defatted cake extract of Camellia oleifera
Authors: Guo Huiqin , Xiong Jingjing , Ma Wentian , Wu Minghuo , Yan Liushui , Li Kexin , Liu Yu
Published: October 2016

Molecularly imprinted polymers were synthesized using mixed tea saponins as a template and acrylamide‐β‐cyclodextrin as a cofunctional monomer for the specific binding and purification of tea saponins from the defatted cake extract of Camellia oleifera. The adsorption properties of the prepared polymers were systematically evaluated including adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms, and selective recognition characteristics. It showed that the adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo first‐order kinetic model (R2 = 0.995) with an equilibrium time of 3 h, adsorption isotherm data fitted well with the Langmuir–Freundlich model (R2 = 0.984) with an adsorption capacity of 14.23 mg/g. The relative selectivity coefficient (k´) in the presence of the analogues glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhetinic acid were 1.16 and 17.21, respectively. The performance of the molecularly imprinted polymers as solid‐phase extraction materials was investigated and the results indicated that using acrylamide‐β‐cyclodextrin as a cofunctional monomer improved both the adsorption capacity and active sites stability of the imprinted polymers. The solid‐phase extraction using the polymers as packing materials was subsequently applied for the separation of tea saponins in raw C. oleifera press extract, and targets were obtained with a purity reaching 89%.
Easy Access to the Characteristic Ratio of Polymers Using Ion‐Mobility Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kokubo Shinsuke , Vana Philipp
Published: October 2016

Ion‐mobility mass spectrometry is used for measuring single‐charged sodium cation (Na+) adducted polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypropylene glycol (PPG). The collision cross sections of PEG and PPG are measured in dependence of the number of monomer units per chain, which can directly be related to the value of chain stiffness, i.e., the characteristic ratio (Cn). The evaluation of the data according to the globule model, which assumes that the chain in the gas phase exhibits spherical dimensions, yields very good agreement with the literature‐known reference values and Cn of 3.96 and 5.76 for PEG and PPG, respectively, is obtained. The presented method, for which practical guidelines are also presented, is extremely quick and easy to perform and provides stunningly rapid access to the conformation data of synthetic polymers.

image
The arc of Mass Spectrometry Exchange Formats is long, but it bends toward HDF5
Authors: Askenazi Manor , Ben Hamidane Hisham , Graumann Johannes
Published: October 2016

The evolution of data exchange in Mass Spectrometry spans decades and has ranged from human‐readable text files representing individual scans or collections thereof (McDonald et al., 2004) through the official standard XML‐based (Harold, Means, & Udemadu, 2005) data interchange standard (Deutsch, 2012), to increasingly compressed (Teleman et al., 2014) variants of this standard sometimes requiring purely binary adjunct files (Römpp et al., 2011). While the desire to maintain even partial human readability is understandable, the inherent mismatch between XML's textual and irregular format relative to the numeric and highly regular nature of actual spectral data, along with the explosive growth in dataset scales and the resulting need for efficient (binary and indexed) access has led to a phenomenon referred to as “technical drift” (Davis, 2013). While the drift is being continuously corrected using adjunct formats, compression schemes, and programs (Röst et al., 2015), we propose that the future of Mass Spectrometry Exchange Formats lies in the continued reliance and development of the PSI‐MS (Mayer et al., 2014) controlled vocabulary, along with an expedited shift to an alternative, thriving and well‐supported ecosystem for scientific data‐exchange, storage, and access in binary form, namely that of HDF5 (Koranne, 2011). Indeed, pioneering efforts to leverage this universal, binary, and hierarchical data‐format have already been published (Wilhelm et al., 2012; Rübel et al., 2013) though they have under‐utilized self‐description, a key property shared by HDF5 and XML. We demonstrate that a straightforward usage of plain (“vanilla”) HDF5 yields immediate returns including, but not limited to, highly efficient data access, platform independent data viewers, a variety of libraries (Collette, 2014) for data retrieval and manipulation in many programming languages and remote data access through comprehensive RESTful data‐servers. © 2016 The Authors. Mass Spectrometry Reviews published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 36:668–673, 2017
Hybrid MRI‐Ultrasound acquisitions, and scannerless real‐time imaging
Authors: Preiswerk Frank , Toews Matthew , Cheng Cheng‐Chieh , Chiou Jr‐yuan George , Mei Chang‐Sheng , Schaefer Lena F. , Hoge W. Scott , Schwartz Benjamin M. , Panych Lawrence P. , Madore Bruno
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To combine MRI, ultrasound, and computer science methodologies toward generating MRI contrast at the high frame rates of ultrasound, inside and even outside the MRI bore.

Methods

A small transducer, held onto the abdomen with an adhesive bandage, collected ultrasound signals during MRI. Based on these ultrasound signals and their correlations with MRI, a machine‐learning algorithm created synthetic MR images at frame rates up to 100 per second. In one particular implementation, volunteers were taken out of the MRI bore with the ultrasound sensor still in place, and MR images were generated on the basis of ultrasound signal and learned correlations alone in a “scannerless” manner.

Results

Hybrid ultrasound‐MRI data were acquired in eight separate imaging sessions. Locations of liver features, in synthetic images, were compared with those from acquired images: The mean error was 1.0 pixel (2.1 mm), with best case 0.4 and worst case 4.1 pixels (in the presence of heavy coughing). For results from outside the bore, qualitative validation involved optically tracked ultrasound imaging with/without coughing.

Conclusion

The proposed setup can generate an accurate stream of high‐speed MR images, up to 100 frames per second, inside or even outside the MR bore. Magn Reson Med 78:897–908, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Conventionality and Intentionality as Potential Contributors to Ideational Praxis in Japanese Preschoolers: An Exploratory Study with Correspondence Analysis
Authors: Hagihara Hiromichi , Shimo Saori , Matsushima Kanae , Kato Toshihiro
Published: October 2016

Ideation is an essential central concept in sensory integration theory. The Test of Ideational Praxis (TIP) (May‐Benson, ) is the first instrument developed to specifically assess children's ideational abilities but qualitative differences of its performance are not well examined. The purpose of the present study was to explore the components of ideational abilities that influenced the TIP score or its developmental change. The TIP was administered to 119 Japanese preschoolers, aged 3–6 years. The demonstrated actions were categorized based on the scoring criteria, and scores were calculated by summing the number of actions. Correspondence analysis was conducted to summarize the data into several components. Results indicate that conventionality and intentionality are contributors to ideational abilities in preschoolers. Conventionality was significantly related to the development of ideation, while intentionality was significantly associated with the TIP score. These results suggest that action differences during the TIP, in addition to the score, may be helpful for interpreting the results of the TIP when it is used clinically. Although the data does not sufficiently explain these two components, the results add new evidence for understanding preschoolers' ideational praxis. Further research is needed on factors related to the TIP score and development of ideational abilities. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms of Selective Antitumor Action of Cold Atmospheric Plasma‐Derived Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species
Authors: Bauer Georg , Graves David B.
Published: October 2016

Transformed cells are subject to elimination through intercellular reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (RONS)‐dependent apoptosis‐inducing signaling. Tumor progression, therefore, requires expression of membrane‐bound catalase. Recent research demonstrates that 1O2 can inactivate membrane‐bound catalase, thus, inducing the generation of tumor cell‐derived secondary 1O2 and RONS‐dependent apoptosis selectively in tumor cells. Crucially, 1O2 signaling can result in self‐perpetuating apoptotic signaling from cell‐to‐cell. It is known that CAP contains 1O2 and that certain CAP constituents can generate 1O2 in solution. The analysis of model experiments performed with defined RONS implies that CAP‐derived 1O2 induces the mechanism through which CAP acts selectively against cancer cells in vitro and tumors in vivo. This hypothesis needs to be tested experimentally in order to establish its validity.
Assessment of extravascular lung water by ultrasound after congenital cardiac surgery
Authors: Kaskinen Anu K. , Martelius Laura , Kirjavainen Turkka , Rautiainen Paula , Andersson Sture , Pitkänen Olli M.
Published: October 2016

Background: Lung ultrasounds show vertical artifacts known as B‐lines in the presence of increased extravascular lung water (EVLW). We aimed to investigate whether lung ultrasound could estimate EVLW after congenital cardiac surgery. Methods: This prospective observational study comprised 61 children (age range 3 days to 7.4 years) undergoing congenital cardiac surgery. We compared postoperative B‐line scores from lung ultrasounds, early postoperative ultrasound as our primary interest, with corresponding postoperative chest radiography (CXR) lung edema scores, with static lung compliance, and with short‐term clinical outcome interpreted as time on mechanical ventilation and length of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay. Results: Our findings showed lung ultrasound B‐line scores and CXR lung edema scores as correlating 1–6 hr postoperatively (r2 = 0.41, P < 0.0001), on the first postoperative day (r2 = 0.15, P = 0.004) and on the fourth postoperative day (r2 = 0.28, P = 0.008). The B‐line score or CXR lung edema score showed no correlation with lung compliance. We found that in multivariable analyses, with length of perfusion and presence of postoperative complications as covariates, both lung ultrasound (P ≤ 0.02) and CXR (P ≤ 0.002) 1–6 hr postoperatively predicted the length of mechanical ventilation and PICU stay. The interobserver variability was less for lung ultrasound B‐line score than for CXR lung edema score (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Our results show that lung ultrasound in assessment of postoperative EVLW predicted length of mechanical ventilation and stay in the PICU, and it had less interobserver variability than CXR. Accordingly, lung ultrasound may complement CXR in assessment of lung edema after surgery for congenital heart defect. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:345–352. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DRESS syndrome in a patient with cystic fibrosis: A case report
Authors: Gohy Sophie , Froidure Antoine , Lebecque Patrick
Published: October 2016

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptom (DRESS) syndrome is a rare and severe side‐effect, mainly described after intake of anticonvulsants, allopurinol, or antibiotics. It usually begins within 2 months after drug introduction. Symptoms include cutaneous rash, hematologic abnormalities, and internal organ involvement and the diagnosis might be challenging. This case report illustrates for the first time this life‐threatening complication in a patient with cystic fibrosis (CF). In this case, withdrawal of the offending drug was sufficient for full recovery. Clinicians involved in CF care should be aware of DRESS syndrome, as they commonly prescribe several potentially culprit drugs. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:E18–E21. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of airborne respiratory syncytial virus in a pediatric acute care clinic
Authors: Grayson Stephanie A. , Griffiths Pamela S. , Perez Miriam K. , Piedimonte Giovanni
Published: October 2016

Objective: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of respiratory illness in infants and young children, but this virus is also capable of re‐infecting adults throughout life. Universal precautions to prevent its transmission consist of gown and glove use, but masks and goggles are not routinely required because it is believed that RSV is unlikely to be transmitted by the airborne route. Our hypothesis was that RSV is present in respirable‐size particles aerosolized by patients seen in a pediatric acute care setting. Study Design: RSV‐laden particles were captured using stationary 2‐stage bioaerosol cyclone samplers. Aerosol particles were separated into three size fractions (<1, 1–4.1, and ≥4.1 μm) and were tested for the presence of RSV RNA by real‐time PCR. Samplers were set 152 cm (“upper”) and 102 cm (“lower”) above the floor in each of two examination rooms. Results: Of the total, 554 samples collected over 48 days, only 13 (or 2.3%) were positive for RSV. More than 90% of the RSV‐laden aerosol particles were in the ≥4.1 μm size range, which typically settle to the ground within minutes, whereas only one sample (or 8%) was positive for particles in the 1–4.1 μm respirable size range. Conclusions: Our data indicate that airborne RSV‐laden particles can be detected in pediatric outpatient clinics during the epidemic peak. However, RSV airborne transmission is highly inefficient. Thus, the logistical and financial implications of mandating the use of masks and goggles to prevent RSV spread seem unwarranted in this setting.Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:684–688.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Natural products, their derivatives, mimics and synthetic equivalents: role in agrochemical discovery
Authors: Sparks Thomas C , Hahn Donald R , Garizi Negar V
Published: October 2016

Natural products (NPs) have a long history as a source of, and inspiration for, novel agrochemicals. Many of the existing herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides have their origins in a wide range of NPs from a variety of sources. Owing to the changing needs of agriculture, shifts in pest spectrum, development of resistance, and evolving regulatory requirements, the need for new agrochemical tools remains as critical as ever. As such, NPs continue to be an important source of models and templates for the development of new agrochemicals, demonstrated by the fact that NP models exist for many of the pest control agents that were discovered by other means. Interestingly, there appear to be distinct differences in the success of different NP sources for different pesticide uses. Although a few microbial NPs have been important starting points in recent discoveries of some insecticidal agrochemicals, historically plant sources have contributed the most to the discovery of new insecticides. In contrast, fungi have been the most important NP sources for new fungicides. Like insecticides, plant‐sourced NPs have made the largest contribution to herbicide discovery. Available data on 2014 global sales and numbers of compounds in each class of pesticides indicate that the overall impact of NPs to the discovery of herbicides has been relatively modest compared to the impact observed for fungicides and insecticides. However, as new sourcing and approaches to NP discovery evolve, the impact of NPs in all agrochemical arenas will continue to expand. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Model based prediction of the trap limited diffusion of hydrogen in post‐hydrogenated amorphous silicon
Authors: Gerke Sebastian , Becker Hans‐Werner , Rogalla Detlef , Job Reinhart , Terheiden Barbara
Published: October 2016

The diffusion of hydrogen within an hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) layer is based on a trap limited process. Therefore, the diffusion becomes a self‐limiting process with a decreasing diffusion velocity for increasing hydrogen content. In consequence, there is a strong demand for accurate experimental determination of the hydrogen distribution. Nuclear resonant reaction analysis (NRRA) offers the possibility of a non‐destructive measurement of the hydrogen distribution in condensed matter like a‐Si:H thin films. However, the availability of a particle accelerator for NRR‐analysis is limited and the related costs are high. In comparison, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is also a common method to determine the total hydrogen content of an a‐Si:H layer. FTIR spectrometers are practical table‐top units but lack spatial resolution. In this study, an approach is discussed that greatly reduces the need for complex and expensive NRR‐analysis. A model based prediction of hydrogen depth profiles based on a single NRRA measurement and further FTIR measurements enables to investigate the trap limited hydrogen diffusion within a‐Si:H. The model is validated by hydrogen diffusion experiments during the post‐hydrogenation of hydrogen‐free sputtered a‐Si. The model based prediction of hydrogen depth profiles in a‐Si:H allows more precise design of experiments, prevents misinterpretations, avoids unnecessary NRRA measurements and thus saves time and expense. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High‐temperature mass spectrometric study of the vaporization processes and thermodynamic properties of samples in the Bi2O3‐P2O5‐SiO2 system
Authors: Vorozhtcov Viktor A. , Stolyarova Valentina L. , Lopatin Sergey I. , Shugurov Sergey M. , Shilov Andrey L. , Sapega Vladimir F.
Published: October 2016

Rationale

The Bi2O3‐P2O5‐SiO2 system possesses a number of valuable properties that may be of use for various practical applications, both for obtaining new materials, e.g. optical fibers, and for replacing systems based on toxic lead silicate. Information on vaporization processes and thermodynamic properties obtained in the present study will be useful for the development of synthetic methods and approaches for modeling the thermodynamic properties of materials based on this system.

Methods

High‐temperature Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry was used to study the vaporization processes and to determine the thermodynamic properties of the components in the Bi2O3‐P2O5‐SiO2 system. Measurements were performed with a MS‐1301 magnetic sector mass spectrometer. Vaporization was carried out using an iridium‐plated molybdenum twin effusion cell containing the sample under study and pure bismuth(III) oxide as a reference substance. Electron ionization at an energy of 30 eV was employed in the study.

Results

At a temperature of 950 K, Bi and O2 were found to be the main vapor species over the samples studied. The Bi2O3 activity as a function of composition in the Bi2O3‐P2O5‐SiO2 system was derived from the obtained Bi partial pressures. The excess Gibbs energy of the system studied was calculated at 950 K and 1273 K. The possibility of using the Kohler method for the calculation of thermodynamic properties in the Bi2O3‐P2O5‐SiO2 system was illustrated.

Conclusions

The excess Gibbs energy of the Bi2O3‐P2O5‐SiO2 system obtained in the present study using the Knudsen mass spectrometric method at 950 K and 1273 K demonstrated significant negative deviations from ideal behavior. The excess Gibbs energy values calculated by the Kohler method were shown to be in good agreement with those obtained from experimental data. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composite anti‐disturbance resilient control for Markovian jump nonlinear systems with partly unknown transition probabilities and multiple disturbances
Authors: Li Yankai , Sun Haibin , Zong Guangdeng , Hou Linlin
Published: October 2016

In this paper, the problem of composite anti‐disturbance resilient control is studied for Markovian jump nonlinear systems with partly unknown transition probabilities and multiple disturbances. The multiple disturbances include two types: one is in the input channel generated by an exogenous system with perturbations, and the other is belong to L2[0,∞). The first class of disturbances is estimated by designing a disturbance observer. Combining the disturbance estimation with conventional L2 − L∞ resilient control law, a composite anti‐disturbance control scheme is constructed such that the closed‐loop system is stochastically stable, and different types of disturbances can be attenuated and rejected. By using Lyapunov function method and linear matrix inequalities technique, some sufficient conditions for the desired controller and observer gains are developed. Finally, an application example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tea polyphenols: Enzyme inhibition effect and starch digestibility
Authors: Peng Shanli , Chai Yanwei , Luo Kaiyun , Zhou Xiaoting , Zhang Genyi
Published: October 2016

Slowly digestible starch (SDS) offers a range of health benefits due to its stabilizing and sustaining effect on blood glucose. Contributors to the slow digestion property of certain starches include their specific structure and their interaction with factors that inhibit effective digestion. In this study, the effects of tea polyphenols (TPLs) on the enzyme activities of pancreatic α‐amylase and amyloglucosidase, which are used during starch digestion, were investigated by an in vitro Englyst test. Our results showed that TPLs noncompetitively inhibit the activity of pancreatic α‐amylase (pH 6.9) but activate amyloglucosidase (pH 4.6) in a dose‐dependent manner. However, when the two enzymes were employed together under the Englyst test condition at pH 5.2, a heterogeneous inhibition pattern was observed with a peak inhibition of ∼30% when the TPL content was ∼2.5 mg/mL, and a negative inhibition pattern when TPL content was greater than 4 mg/mL. In contrast, a similar degree of starch digestibility was observed in the presence of TPLs, which indicates that a modification of the Englyst assay warrants further studies to reflect the in vivo starch‐digestion patterns, where a slower digestion of starch was observed in the presence of TPLs, which is corroborated by in vivo studies from the literature.
Small Fractions of Muscular Dystrophy Embryonic Stem Cells Yield Severe Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Defects in Adult Mouse Chimeras
Authors: Gonzalez J. Patrick , Kyrychenko Sergii , Kyrychenko Viktoriia , Schneider Joel S. , Granier Celine J. , Himelman Eric , Lahey Kevin C. , Zhao Qingshi , Yehia Ghassan , Tao Yuan-Xiang , Bhaumik Mantu , Shirokova Natalia , Fraidenraich Diego
Published: October 2016

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by the loss of the protein dystrophin, leading to muscle fragility, progressive weakening, and susceptibility to mechanical stress. Although dystrophin-negative mdx mouse models have classically been used to study DMD, phenotypes appear mild compared to patients. As a result, characterization of muscle pathology, especially in the heart, has proven difficult. We report that injection of mdx embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into Wild Type blastocysts produces adult mouse chimeras with severe DMD phenotypes in the heart and skeletal muscle. Inflammation, regeneration and fibrosis are observed at the whole organ level, both in dystrophin-negative and dystrophin-positive portions of the chimeric tissues. Skeletal and cardiac muscle function are also decreased to mdx levels. In contrast to mdx heterozygous carriers, which show no significant phenotypes, these effects are even observed in chimeras with low levels of mdx ESC incorporation (10%-30%). Chimeric mice lack typical compensatory utrophin upregulation, and show pathological remodeling of Connexin-43. In addition, dystrophin-negative and dystrophin–positive isolated cardiomyocytes show augmented calcium response to mechanical stress, similar to mdx cells. These global effects highlight a novel role of mdx ESCs in triggering muscular dystrophy even when only low amounts are present.
Vakuummessung im Wandel der Zeit
Authors: Iwicki Jaroslaw , Gottschall Sophie , Flämmich Michael , Bergner Ute
Published: October 2016

Seit der ersten Vakuummessung, Mitte des 17. Jahrhunderts wurden vielfältige Methoden zur Totaldruckmessung im Vakuum entwickelt. Mit der breiteren Anerkennung der kinetischen Gastheorie im späten 19. Jahrhundert begann die Entwicklung verschiedener indirekter Messverfahren. Die bis dahin bei direkten Verfahren (wie z.B. Quecksilberröhren) bestehende untere Messgrenze verschob sich im 20. Jahrhundert vom Feinvakuum immer weiter Richtung Ultrahochvakuum. Das Kombinieren unterschiedlicher Sensortypen in einem Weitbereichssensor ermöglichte bald die Messung über erweiterte Druckbereiche — mit nur einem Gerät. Neueste, hier vorgestellte Entwicklungen in der Vakuummesstechnik sind ausheizbare passive Weitbereichssensoren. Sie vereinen optimierte Ionisations‐Vakuum‐Sensoren mit einer neuartigen Einbindung eines digitalen Pirani‐Sensors. Mit diesen ausheizbaren Sensoren gelingt erstmals die präzise Totaldruckmessung mit einem Gerät über 15 Dekaden hinweg — von Atmosphäre bis ins Ultrahochvakuum (10+3 bis 10‐12 mbar).
Dichtheitsprüfung
Authors: Hart Hans‐Peter
Published: October 2016

Die wachsenden Anforderungen, wie beispielsweise längere Haltbarkeit des verpackten Nahrungsmittels oder besserer Langzeitschutz vor Umwelteinflüssen, verändern auch die Ansprüche an Methoden zur zerstörungsfreien Dichtheitsprüfung für flexible Verpackungen. Flexible und damit fragile Verpackungen können meist ohnehin nur erschwert zerstörungsfrei dichtgeprüft werden.

Ein besonderes Augenmerk wird bei flexiblen Verpackungen primär auf die Prüfung der Siegelnaht gelegt da diese meist die Schwachstelle hinsichtlich Dichtigkeit darstellt.

Es gibt verschiedene Prüfverfahren zur Dichtheitsprüfung von flexiblen Verpackungen wie Wasserbad, Druckdifferenzverfahren und Dichtheitsprüfung mit Tracergasen. Jedes der aufgezeigten Verfahren hat für den jeweiligen Anwendungsbereich sowohl Vor‐ aber auch Nachteile. Die geforderte Leckrate bestimmt dabei maßgeblich welche Prüfmethode sich am besten eignet. Für die Erkennung sehr kleiner Leckagen (<10 μ oder 10‐5 mbar l/s) oder sehr kurzen Prüfzeiten eignen sich zur Zeit nur Prüfverfahren mit Tracergasen. Der zusätzliche Nutzen bei dieser Methode ist, dass das Leck in einem zweiten Prüfschritt eindeutig lokalisiert werden kann. Schwachstelle an der Verpackung können so schnell und unkompliziert erkannt und damit anschließend entsprechende Maßnahmen in der Produktion zur Qualitätsverbesserung eingeleitet werden. Jedoch stellt das zur Prüfung notwendige Vakuum, und die damit verbundene mechanische Belastung auf die Verpackung, gerade bei flexiblen Verpackungen ein nicht unerhebliches Problem dar.
Die Hauptstrommessung als Innovation in der industriellen Helium‐Dichtheitsprüfung
Authors: Kawczynski Armin
Published: October 2016

Das sogenannte Hauptstromverfahren mit seinen speziellen Vakuum‐Pumpstationen bietet bei der Helium‐Dichtheitsprüfung zahlreiche technologische Vorteile, durch die sich die Wirtschaftlichkeit und Effizienz von industriellen Inline‐Prüfanlagen signifikant steigern lassen. Die Ausblendung von Umgebungseinflüssen und die Erzielbarkeit kürzester Taktraten sind die bedeutendsten Kriterien für eine erfolgreiche Automatisierung der Prüfprozesse. Durch die Reduzierung des Heliumverbrauchs sowie erreichbare Energieeinsparungen verbessert sich die Kostenbilanz der Investition in eine Prüfanlage, die nach dem Hauptstromverfahren arbeitet, noch weiter. PINK‐Dichtheitsprüfanlagen sind mit umfangreichen Diagnosesystemen ausgestattet, die von der kontinuierlichen Eigenüberwachung über die vollautomatische Leckratenkontrolle, bis hin zur eigenständigen Berechnung von neuen Prüfparametern reichen.
Über die Vermeidung von Lecks in lösbaren Verbindungen
Authors: Voss Gerhard
Published: October 2016

In diesem Artikel wird dargestellt, welche Größen einen negativen Einfluss auf die Dichtheit von lösbaren Verbindungen in der Vakuum‐Technik haben und welche Möglichkeiten der Betreiber einer Vakuum‐Anlage hat, diesen Einfluss in Grenzen zu halten.
Physik und Technik von Radiofrequenz‐Ionentriebwerken
Authors: Volkmar Chris , Holste Kristof , Simon Jens
Published: October 2016

Die um Größenordnungen höhere Treibstoffeffizienz elektrischer Weltraumantriebe gegenüber chemischen motiviert deren Nutzung für die Lage‐ und Bahnstabilisierung, für Spiralflüge auf höhere Orbits (orbit raising) sowie für interplanetare Raumflüge. Ganz besonders hohe Effizienz bieten Radiofrequenz‐Ionentriebwerke (RIT), da sie den Schub über Ionen eines Plasmas erzeugen, die in einem elektrostatischen Feld sehr stark beschleunigt werden. Dieser Artikel beschreibt die grundlegenden physikalischen Zusammenhänge innerhalb dieser Triebwerke, die zu einer hocheffizienten, feinst dosierbaren Schubgenerierung beitragen. Weiterhin wird eine ganzheitliche Betrachtung des Antriebssystems geliefert, indem besonders auf den energieeinspeisenden Radiofrequenz‐Generator (RFG), der maßgeblich den Gesamtwirkungsgrad des Antriebssystems definiert, eingegangen wird. Als forschungsintensiver Ausblick werden alternative Treibstoffe zur Bereitstellung des notwendigen Plasmas diskutiert, welche die Kostenbilanz einer Mission erheblich begünstigen könnten.
Verkürzen der Messzeit eines Lecksuchers
Authors: Konwitschny Rudolf
Published: October 2016

Bei der Helium‐Lecksuche sind sowohl bei der Einzelprüfung als auch der industriellen Serienprüfung eine schnelle Reaktionszeit und Signalabklingzeit für eine eindeutige Lokalisierung und/oder für kurze Zykluszeiten von Interesse.

Anhand eines realen Prüfaufbaus werden die Effekte zusätzlicher Pumpen beschrieben. Der Einsatz einer in Serie geschalteten Turbomolekularpumpe als Maßnahme zur Verkürzung der Prüfzeit wird vorgestellt.
Cover Image, Volume 3, Issue 6
Authors: Larson Kristine M.
Published: October 2016

The cover image, by Kristine M Larson, is based on the Overview GPS interferometric reflectometry: applications to surface soil moisture, snow depth, and vegetation water content in the western United States, DOI: 10.1002/wat2.1167.

image
Functional characterization of missense mutations in severe methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency using a human expression system
Authors: Burda Patricie , Suormala Terttu , Heuberger Dorothea , Schäfer Alexandra , Fowler Brian , Froese D. Sean , Baumgartner Matthias R.
Published: October 2016

5,10‐Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) catalyzes the NADPH‐dependent reduction of 5,10‐methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate using FAD as the cofactor. Severe MTHFR deficiency is the most common inborn error of folate metabolism, resulting in hyperhomocysteinemia and homocystinuria. Approximately 70 missense mutations have been described that cause severe MTHFR deficiency, however, in most cases their mechanism of dysfunction remains unclear. Few studies have investigated mutational specific defects; most of these assessing only activity levels from a handful of mutations using heterologous expression. Here, we report the in vitro expression of 22 severe MTHFR missense mutations and two known single nucleotide polymorphisms (p.Ala222Val, p.Thr653Met) in human fibroblasts. Significant reduction of MTHFR activity (<20 % of wild‐type) was observed for five mutant proteins that also had highly reduced protein levels on Western blot analysis. The remaining mutations produced a spectrum of enzyme activity levels ranging from 22–122 % of wild‐type, while the SNPs retained wild‐type‐like activity levels. We found increased thermolability for p.Ala222Val and seven disease‐causing mutations all located in the catalytic domain, three of which also showed FAD responsiveness in vitro. By contrast, six regulatory domain mutations and two mutations clustering around the linker region showed increased thermostability compared to wild‐type protein. Finally, we confirmed decreased affinity for NADPH in individual mutant enzymes, a result previously described in primary patient fibroblasts. Our expression study allows determination of significance of missense mutations in causing deleterious loss of MTHFR protein and activity, and is valuable in detection of aberrant kinetic parameters, but should not replace investigations in native material.
Relation of NMR parameters with specific surface and resistivity of shaly sandstone and siltstone samples: experimental study
Authors: Shumskayte M.Y. , Glinskikh V.N.
Published: October 2016

Using an MST-05 NMR relaxometer, we determined the dependence of NMR parameters on the specific surface and resistivity of water-saturated shaly sandstone and siltstone core samples. The influence of the type and quantity of clay minerals was evaluated at residual water saturation, because the main contribution to the measured NMR signal in this case is made by clay content. Based on NMR relaxometry data, we obtained quantitative estimates of the specific surface with clay- and capillary-bound fluids. The surface relaxivity was estimated from thermal-desorption and NMR relaxometry data. The high degree of reliability of its values was confirmed by the agreement between the pore size distributions determined by NMR relaxometry and by capillarimetry and granulometry. We have established that the parameters of NMR spectra depend on the specific surface and resistivity, which are, in turn, a function of the surface properties of both clay and sandstone/siltstone particles.
The effects of tool eccentricity and formation anisotropy on resistivity logs: forward modeling
Authors: Karinskiy A.D. , Daev D.S.
Published: October 2016

The theory of resistivity logging (RL) originally stems from the Fock–Stefãnescu forward problem solution for the stationary electric field E in a piecewise homogeneous isotropic medium, with a single boundary corresponding to the surface of a cylinder unlimited by height. The cylinder simulates a borehole filled with drilling mud of resistivity ρ = ρb, which penetrates a formation with resistivity of rocks ρ = ρr. The primary field E is produced by the charge of a current electrode A placed on the cylinder axis. In this paper the forward problem for the field E is investigated for the electrode A at an arbitrary point off the axis of a borehole embedded in a transversely isotropic formation, with an anisotropy axis parallel to the borehole axis. The solution of forvard problem is used in algorithms and respective software for processing resistivity logs affected by electrode eccentricity and formation anisotropy. The changes caused to apparent resistivity by the two effects are estimated in percent for axial and lateral electrode dispositions.