bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Distance Electron Transport in Multicellular Freshwater Cable Bacteria
Authors: Yang Tingting , Chavez Marko S. , Niman Christina M. , Xu Shuai , El-Naggar Mohamed Y.
Published: July 2024

Filamentous multicellular cable bacteria perform centimeter-scale electron transport in a process that couples oxidation of an electron donor (sulfide) in deeper sediment to the reduction of an electron acceptor (oxygen or nitrate) near the surface. While this electric metabolism is prevalent in both marine and freshwater sediments, detailed electronic measurements of the conductivity previously focused on the marine cable bacteria (
Candidatus
Electrothrix), rather than freshwater cable bacteria, which form a separate genus (
Candidatus
Electronema) and contribute essential geochemical roles in freshwater sediments. Here, we characterize the electron transport characteristics of
Ca.
Electronema cable bacteria from Southern California freshwater sediments. Current-voltage measurements of intact cable filaments bridging interdigitated electrodes confirmed their persistent conductivity under a controlled atmosphere and the variable sensitivity of this conduction to air exposure. Electrostatic and conductive atomic force microscopies mapped out the characteristics of the cell envelope’s nanofiber network, implicating it as the conductive pathway in a manner consistent with previous findings in marine cable bacteria. Four-probe measurements of microelectrodes addressing intact cables demonstrated nanoampere currents up to 200 μm lengths at modest driving voltages, allowing us to quantify the nanofiber conductivity at 0.1 S/cm for freshwater cable bacteria filaments under our measurement conditions. Such a high conductivity can support the remarkable sulfide-to-oxygen electrical currents mediated by cable bacteria in sediments. These measurements expand the knowledgebase of long-distance electron transport to the freshwater niche while shedding light on underlying conductive network of cable bacteria.Cable bacteria are multicellular filaments composed of up-to-thousands of end-to-end cells and are found worldwide in both marine and freshwater sediments. Remarkably, these cells gain energy from a long-distance electron transport process that carries electrons generated by sulfide oxidation in deeper sediment layers to drive oxygen reduction near the sediment-water interface. This electric metabolism requires an unusually high electronic conductivity, previously thought impossible in natural biological materials. However, the underlying mechanism(s) remain poorly understood, and previous characterization of the conductivity largely focused on marine cable bacteria. Here, we characterize and quantify the electronic conductivity of freshwater cable bacteria from sediments in Southern California, with emphasis on the role of the conductive periplasmic fiber network in routing electron transport along cables.
The role of heterochronic gene expression and regulatory architecture in early developmental divergence
Authors: Harry Nathan D. , Zakas Christina
Published: July 2024

New developmental programs can evolve through adaptive changes to gene expression. The annelid
Streblospio benedicti
has a developmental dimorphism, which provides a unique intraspecific framework for understanding the earliest genetic changes that take place during developmental divergence. Using comparative RNAseq through ontogeny, we find that only a small proportion of genes are differentially expressed at any time, despite major differences in larval development and life-history. These genes shift expression profiles across morphs by either turning off any expression in one morph or changing the timing or amount of gene expression. We directly connect the contributions of these mechanisms to differences in developmental processes. We examine F
1
offspring— using reciprocal crosses— to determine maternal mRNA inheritance and the regulatory architecture of gene expression. These results highlight the importance of both novel gene expression and heterochronic shifts in developmental evolution, as well as the
trans
-acting regulatory factors in initiating divergence.
Improbidade administrativa: inovações trazidas pela Lei nº 14.230/21 na improbidade administrativa
Authors: Miranda Michele Braga , Fernandes Eusa Maria de Oliveira Braga , Roberto José Carlos Alves
Published: July 2024

Este artigo aborda as inovações trazidas pela Lei nº 14.230/21, que alterou o regime de improbidade administrativa no Brasil, buscando compreender seu impacto nas práticas de controle e responsabilização de agentes públicos. O objetivo geral é analisar como as mudanças promovidas por essa legislação influenciam o combate à corrupção e a efetividade das ações administrativas. A pergunta problema que orienta a pesquisa é: quais são os principais efeitos das inovações da Lei 14.230/21 sobre a prevenção e punição da improbidade administrativa no contexto brasileiro? Para alcançar os objetivos propostos, foi utilizada uma metodologia qualitativa, com revisão bibliográfica e análise documental, examinando os principais dispositivos da nova lei e suas implicações práticas. Além disso, foram realizadas entrevistas com especialistas na área do direito administrativo e da ética pública. Os resultados esperados incluem a identificação de avanços significativos na transparência e na responsabilização dos agentes públicos, bem como uma compreensão mais clara das novas diretrizes para a aplicação das sanções previstas. Espera-se que as inovações da Lei 14.230/21 contribuam para um ambiente administrativo mais íntegro e eficiente, promovendo uma cultura de responsabilidade entre os servidores públicos.
The Synergy of Molecular Docking and Bioinformatics: An in Depth Review in Drug Discovery
Authors: E. A. Okpo, , A. A. Agboke, , C. E. Udobi, , G. E. John, , I. E. Andy,
Published: July 2024

Molecular docking and bioinformatics have emerged as pivotal tools in the realm of drug discovery, significantly transforming the landscape of pharmaceutical research and development. These computational techniques enable scientists to predict, analyze, and expedite the identification of potential drug candidates with remarkable precision and efficiency. Molecular docking facilitates the virtual screening of vast compound libraries, offering a cost-effective means of selecting promising lead compounds for further study. Bioinformatics, on the other hand, harnesses the power of biological data analysis, encompassing genomics, proteomics, and other omics fields to elucidate disease mechanisms, identify drug targets, and advance personalized medicine. Recent innovations, including the integration of artificial intelligence, cryo-electron microscopy, and quantum computing, are poised to propel these tools further into the future of drug discovery. However, alongside these advancements, ethical and regulatory considerations regarding data privacy, algorithmic fairness, transparency, and adherence to legal and ethical guidelines must be carefully navigated. Striking a harmonious balance between innovation and ethical practice is paramount as molecular docking and bioinformatics continue to reshape the landscape of healthcare and pharmaceutical research.
Studies on Genetic Variability, Heritability, Genetic Advance and Correlation Analysis in Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
Authors: Savadi Sahana Ashok , P Pavan Kumar , Shirol A. M. , Cholin Sarvamangala S. , Y S Mahesh
Published: July 2024

The experiment was conducted in the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, University of Horticultural Sciences, College of Horticulture, Bagalkot to evaluate twenty cultivars of marigold (Tagetesspp) during 2020-2021. The experiment was laid out RCBD (Randomised Complete Block Design) with two replications for growth and yield contributing characters to determine genetic variability, heritability, genetic gain and correlation among fourteen characters. The magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variance (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variance (GCV) for all characters under study. The estimates for the coefficients of variance related to genotype and phenotype varied from 10.87% to 50.65% and 11.48% to 50.96% respectively. Heritability was high for all the growth and flowering parameters ranged from 89.60% to 99.00%. The plant with the highest heritability was noticed in leaf width (99.00%), followed by the flowers yield per plant (98.90%). Plant height (42.08) and leaf width (96.34%) were showed high genetic advance and genetic advance as per cent of mean, respectively. Correlation coefficient analysis indicated that the characters viz., plant height, plant spread in east-west and north-south directions, number of primary and secondary branches per plant, leaf length, number of flowers per plant, individual flower weight, flower diameter and flowering duration exhibited positive significant correlation (genotypic and phenotypic) with flower yield per plant. Our investigation indicated that these characters are important in determining the flower yield per plant. Hence, these characters may be considered as selection indices for deciding flower yield per plant and might be considered as selection indices in a marigold improvement program.
Antibody-drug Conjugates in Cancer Treatment: An Overview
Authors: Gupta Nikita , Geethika L. Sai , Sneha Payavula
Published: July 2024

The development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) has significantly impacted cancer therapy, progressing from foundational discoveries in the late 19th century to contemporary clinical applications. With the approval of the first ADC in 2000 and subsequent advancements, including over 30 ADCs in advanced clinical development, the therapeutic landscape for cancer patients has undergone a notable transformation. From initial cleavable linker technologies to the latest third-generation ADCs, continuous innovation in ADC design has been evident. Novel conjugation and linker technologies, alongside the identification of specific target antigens in solid cancers, have reinvigorated prospects for treating challenging malignancies. However, challenges such as off-target toxicity and heterogeneous antigen expression persist. The prevailing empirical approach to systemic cancer therapy administration presents challenges, including potential under-treatment of aggressive disease and over-treatment of indolent conditions, along with frequent adverse effects. Robust prognostic markers are essential to differentiate disease aggressiveness levels, guide treatment decisions, and anticipate adverse effects. Companion diagnostics for targeted therapies, such as HER-2 status for trastuzumab in breast cancer and BCR–ABL mutations for imatinib resistance in CML, enable personalized treatment strategies. Similarly, BRCA mutations predict response to PARP inhibitors in breast and ovarian cancers, while BRAF mutations guide treatment with BRAF inhibitors in melanoma. Patient selection strategies for clinical trials involving ADCs rely on prospective selection or retrospective analysis, each with its merits and challenges.
Characterization for Qualitative Traits in Segregating Population of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)
Authors: Jha A.K. , Ranjan A. , Choudhary A.K. , Bhardwaj A. , Verma R.B. , Kumar Abhishek
Published: July 2024

The present investigation revealed the wide variation for qualitative characters viz, stem colour, leaf colour, flower colour and pod colour among the eight F3 populations of faba bean. Wide range of variability was observed for morphological characters like flower colour (white) under the crosses Bak-1 × Bak-11 and Bak-12 × Bak-5 (96.25%), Bak-1 × Bak-20 (92.50%), Bak-1 × Bak-5 (91.25%),  Bak-2 × Bak-5, Bak-2 × Bak-20  and Bak-16 × Bak-20 (90%). Pod colour (light green) was observed in crosses Bak-1 × Bak-20 and Bak-2 × Bak-11 (97.50%) whereas pod colour (green) in Bak-16 × Bak-20 (86.25%). Leaf colour (light green) in the crosses Bak-2 × Bak-20 (92.50%) followed by Bak-2 × Bak-5, Bak-2 × Bak-11 (87.50 %) and stem colour (light green) was observed maximum in Bak-1 × Bak-20 and Bak-2 × Bak-11 (95 %) followed by Bak-2 × Bak-20 (93.75%) whereas only seven crosses had diverse flower colour viz. violet (1.25%) in Bak-1 × Bak-5 and Bak-2 × Bak-20, dark brown (2.50%) in Bak-1 × Bak-11, Bak-2 × Bak-20, Bak-12 × Bak-5 and  Bak-16 × Bak-20 and in cross Bak-1 × Bak-5 (1.25%), light brown (2.50%) in Bak-1 × Bak-5,  Bak-2 × Bak-5 and Bak-12 × Bak-5 and (1.25%) was observed in Bak-1 × Bak-11 and Bak-2 × Bak-1, pink (1.25%) in Bak-2 × Bak-11 and Bak-16 × Bak-20 and mixed (white petals with black, brown and purple wing melanin spot) (1.25%) in crosses Bak-2 × Bak-5 and Bak-2 × Bak-11. It was observed that only three crosses had diverse pod colour viz. green in cross combination Bak-1 × Bak-20 (2.50%) and Bak-2 × Bak-11 (1.25%) and dark green in cross combinations Bak-12 × Bak-5 (2.50%) and Bak-2 × Bak-11 (1.25%). However, previous work on the characterization of faba bean for qualitative traits has been limited. Thus, the present study suggested that these traits maybe useful for further plant breeding programmes.
Implementation of National Land Policy and Industrial Development in Tanzania: Highlights from Mbeya Region
Authors: Kipene Visent , Tonya Emmanuel
Published: July 2024

Industrial development is crucial for the progress and economic strength of any nation, as it can absorb a large workforce and bolster the economy. Efficient land use planning is essential for industrial development. This study assessed the implementation of Tanzania's national land policy in terms of land allocation for industrial purposes, access to land for industrial investment, and the procedures for registering land for industrial use. Guided by Von Thunen's land use model, the study involved 120 randomly selected small industry owners from six districts in the Mbeya region. Using a quantitative approach and descriptive statistical analysis, the findings revealed that the current land management policy fails to meet investors' needs for easy land access for industrial development. The study highlighted the challenges faced in developing local by-laws for land management, with no effective land planning at the local government level. Additionally, the registration process for industrial land was found to be problematic. The study recommends reforms to the land policy to facilitate easier access and ownership of land by investors and streamline the land registration process.
Heater‐induced ionization inferred from spectrometric airglow measurements
Authors: Hysell D. L. , Miceli R. J. , Kendall E. A. , Schlatter N. M. , Varney R. H. , Watkins B. J. , Pedersen T. R. , Bernhardt P. A. , Huba J. D.
Published: February 2014

Spectrographic airglow measurements were made during an ionospheric modification experiment at High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program on 12 March 2013. Artificial airglow enhancements at 427.8, 557.7, 630.0, 777.4, and 844.6 nm were observed. On the basis of these emissions and using a methodology based on the method of Backus and Gilbert (1968, 1970), we estimate the suprathermal electron population and the subsequent equilibrium electron density profile, including contributions from electron impact ionization. We find that the airglow is consistent with heater‐induced ionization in view of the spatial intermittency of the airglow.
Unusually large shear wave anisotropy for chlorite in subduction zone settings
Authors: Mookherjee Mainak , Mainprice David
Published: February 2014

Using first principle simulations we calculated the elasticity of chlorite. At a density ρ~ 2.60 g cm−3, the elastic constant tensor reveals significant elastic anisotropy: VP ~27%, VS1 ~56%, and VS2 ~43%. The shear anisotropy is exceptionally large for chlorite and enhances upon compression. Upon compression, the shear elastic constant component C44 and C55 decreases, whereas C66 shear component stiffens. The softening in C44 and C55 is reflected in shear modulus, G, and the shear wave velocity, VS. Our results on elastic anisotropy at conditions relevant to the mantle wedge indicates that a 10–20 km layer of hydrated peridotite with serpentine and chlorite could account for the observed shear polarization anisotropy and associated large delay times of 1–2 s observed in some subduction zone settings. In addition, chlorite could also explain the low VP/VS ratios that have been observed in recent high‐resolution seismological studies.
Phase diagrams and interface in inflating balloon
Authors: Meng Fanlong , Chen Jeff Z. Y. , Doi Masao , Ouyang Zhongcan
Published: February 2014

When a cylindrical balloon is inflated, inflation often takes place nonuniformly, inflated near one end first and followed by the growth of this part along the entire cylinder. This phenomenon is discussed from the phase‐transition perspective in terms of the Gent model, a free‐energy model that has the same structure as that of the gas–liquid transition in normal fluids. A phase diagram which describes the inflation behavior is constructed, showing the binodal and spinodal curves terminated at a critical point. The hysteresis effects are discussed based on the phase diagram. The interface between the coexisting inflated and weakly inflated regions along the cylindrical balloon is also examined, and the interfacial thickness and the interfacial energy are numerically calculated. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical EngineersAIChE J, 60: 1393–1399, 2014
Computational analysis of the reacting flow in a microstructured reformer using a multiscale approach
Authors: Naseri Alireza T. , Peppley Brant A. , Pharoah Jon G.
Published: February 2014

A multiscale methodology is presented to analyze the transport and reaction processes in the catalyst coating of a microstructured reformer and to elucidate the effect of catalyst morphology on transport limitations and the reformer performance. This analysis includes three‐dimensional simulations of methane steam reforming at both reactor level (macroscale) and catalyst microstructure level (microscale). Hypothetical catalyst microstructures are generated using an in‐house particle packing code. Based on the generated structures, the effective transport properties of the porous catalyst and the average reaction rates in the microstructure are determined to be applied in the pseudohomogeneous model used in the macroscale simulation. Parametric study is done to demonstrate the significant effect of the catalyst intraparticle and interparticle porosity as well as the particle size on the reaction effectiveness factor and methane conversion. This study shows that an optimal catalyst coating has a decreasing porosity along the reformer length based on the difference in the degree of diffusion limitation. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2263–2274, 2014
Parametric analysis of transient skin heating induced by terahertz radiation
Authors: Zilberti Luca , Arduino Alessandro , Bottauscio Oriano , Chiampi Mario
Published: February 2014

This paper investigates the effect of relevant physical parameters on transient temperature elevation induced in human tissues by electromagnetic waves in the terahertz (THz) band. The problem is defined by assuming a plane wave, which, during a limited time interval, normally impinges on the surface of a 3‐layer model of the human body, causing a thermal transient. The electromagnetic equations are solved analytically, while the thermal ones are handled according to the finite element method. A parametric analysis is performed with the aim of identifying the contribution of each parameter, showing that the properties of the first skin layer (except blood flow) play a major role in the computation of the maximum temperature rise for the considered exposure situation. Final results, obtained by combining all relevant parameters together, show that the deviation from the reference solution of the maximum temperature elevation in skin is included in the coverage intervals from −30% to +10% at 0.1 THz and from −33% to +18% at 1 THz (with 95% confidence level). These data allow bounding the possible temperature increase against the spread of tissue properties that could be reasonably used for dosimetric simulations. Bioelectromagnetics. 35:314–323, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A tool for selective inline quantification of co‐eluting proteins in chromatography using spectral analysis and partial least squares regression
Authors: Brestrich Nina , Briskot Till , Osberghaus Anna , Hubbuch Jürgen
Published: February 2014

Selective quantification of co‐eluting proteins in chromatography is usually performed by offline analytics. This is time‐consuming and can lead to late detection of irregularities in chromatography processes. To overcome this analytical bottleneck, a methodology for selective protein quantification in multicomponent mixtures by means of spectral data and partial least squares regression was presented in two previous studies. In this paper, a powerful integration of software and chromatography hardware will be introduced that enables the applicability of this methodology for a selective inline quantification of co‐eluting proteins in chromatography. A specific setup consisting of a conventional liquid chromatography system, a diode array detector, and a software interface to Matlab® was developed. The established tool for selective inline quantification was successfully applied for a peak deconvolution of a co‐eluting ternary protein mixture consisting of lysozyme, ribonuclease A, and cytochrome c on SP Sepharose FF. Compared to common offline analytics based on collected fractions, no loss of information regarding the retention volumes and peak flanks was observed. A comparison between the mass balances of both analytical methods showed, that the inline quantification tool can be applied for a rapid determination of pool yields. Finally, the achieved inline peak deconvolution was successfully applied to make product purity‐based real‐time pooling decisions. This makes the established tool for selective inline quantification a valuable approach for inline monitoring and control of chromatographic purification steps and just in time reaction on process irregularities. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1365–1373. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Strong cellulase inhibition by Mannan polysaccharides in cellulose conversion to sugars
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Wyman Charles E.
Published: February 2014

Cellulase enzymes contribute a major fraction of the total cost for biological conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to fuels and chemicals. Although a several fold reduction in cellulase production costs and enhancement of cellulase activity and stability have been reported in recent years, sugar yields are still lower at low enzyme doses than desired commercially. We recently reported that hemicellulose xylan and its oligomers strongly inhibit cellulase and that supplementation of cellulase with xylanase and β‐xylosidase would significantly reduce such inhibition. In this study, mannan polysaccharides and their enzymatically prepared hydrolyzates were discovered to be strongly inhibitory to fungal cellulase in cellulose conversion (>50% drop in % relative conversion), even at a small concentration of 0.1 g/L, and inhibition was much greater than experienced by other known inhibitors such as cellobiose, xylooligomers, and furfural. Furthermore, cellulase inhibition dramatically increased with heteromannan loading and mannan substitution with galactose side units. In general, enzymatically prepared hydrolyzates were less inhibitory than their respective mannan polysaccharides except highly substituted ones. Supplementation of cellulase with commercial accessory enzymes such as xylanase, pectinase, and β‐glucosidase was effective in greatly relieving inhibition but only for less substituted heteromannans. However, cellulase supplementation with purified heteromannan specific enzymes relieved inhibition by these more substituted heteromannans as well, suggesting that commercial preparations need to have higher amounts of such activities to realize high sugar yields at the low enzyme protein loadings needed for low cost fuels production. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1341–1353. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Salting‐out thin‐layer chromatography and computational analysis of some oral hypoglycemic drugs
Authors: Mohamed Abdel Maaboud Ismail , Mohamed Fardous Abdel‐Fattah , Ahmed Sameh Abdel‐Raouf , Aboraia Ahmed Safwat , Mohamed Yahya Abduh Salim
Published: February 2014

A quantitative structure–retention relationship study of some oral hypoglycemic drugs was carried out using a salting‐out thin‐layer chromatographic technique. Aqueous solution of ammonium sulfate and acetonitrile was used as a mobile phase. It was established that the applied mobile phase has different effects on retention of the studied oral antidiabetic drugs. The factors that affect the salting‐out process were determined. In this study a good correlation between the structures of the investigated drugs with the retention data and molecular descriptors was established throughout computational analysis and using molecular operating environment software, focusing on octanol/water partition coefficient, molar refractivity, total hydrophobic surface area, hydrophobic volume, Van der Waals energy and solvation energy. Quantitative structure–retention relationship modeling for the separation of the investigated drugs was carried out, validated and evaluated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of Secondary Metabolites, Biological Activity and Glandular Trichomes of Stachys tymphaeaHausskn. from the Monti Sibillini National Park (Central Apennines, Italy)
Authors: Venditti Alessandro , Bianco Armandodoriano , Nicoletti Marcello , Quassinti Luana , Bramucci Massimo , Lupidi Giulio , Vitali Luca Agostino , Papa Fabrizio , Vittori Sauro , Petrelli Dezemona , Maleci Bini Laura , Giuliani Claudia , Maggi Filippo
Published: February 2014

Stachys tymphaea (Lamiaceae) is a perennial herb growing in forest openings and dry meadows of central and southern Italy. It was investigated for the first time here, determining the content of secondary metabolites, the micromorphology of glandular trichomes, the histochemical localization of secretion, and the biological activity of the volatile oil, namely, the cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The plant showed a peculiar molecular pattern, being rich of biophenolic compounds as flavonoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, but poor of iridoids, which are known as marker compounds of the genus Stachys. The essential oil was characterized by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses, revealing a high percentage of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (54.6%), with germacrene D (30.0%) and (E)‐β‐farnesene (12.4%) as the most abundant compounds, while other main components were representatives of the diterpenes (19.2%), represented mainly by (E)‐phytol (11.9%). This composition supported the taxonomic relationships in the genus Stachys, which comprises oil‐poor species producing essential oils rich in hydrocarbons, with germacrene D as one of the predominant components. The micromorphological study revealed three types of glandular hairs, i.e., Type A peltate trichomes, being the primary sites of essential oil biosynthesis, Type B short‐stalked trichomes, typical mucopolysaccharide producers, and Type C long capitate trichomes, secreting a complex mixture of both lipophilic and hydrophilic substances, with a major phenolic fraction. Moreover, the MTT assay revealed the potential of the volatile oil to inhibit A375, HCT116, and MDA‐MB 231 tumor cells lines (IC50 values of 23.9–34.4 μg/ml).
Chemical Variability of Xylopia quintasiiEngl. & Diels Leaf Oil from Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Yapi Thierry Acafou , Boti Jean Brice , Tonzibo Zanahi Félix , Ahibo Coffy Antoine , Bighelli Ange , Casanova Joseph , Tomi Félix
Published: February 2014

The chemical composition of 42 essential‐oil samples isolated from the leaves of Xylopia quintasii harvested in three Ivoirian forests was investigated by GC‐FID, including the determination of retention indices (RIs), and by 13C‐NMR analyses. In total, 36 components accounting for 91.9–92.6% of the oil composition were identified. The content of the main components varied drastically from sample to sample: (E)‐β‐caryophyllene (0.9–56.9%), (Z)‐β‐ocimene (0.3–54.6%), β‐pinene (0.8–27.9%), α‐pinene (0.1–22.8%), and furanoguaia‐1,4‐diene (0.0–17.6%). The 42 oil compositions were submitted to hierarchical cluster and principal components analysis, which allowed the distinction of three groups within the oil samples. The composition of the oils of the major group (22 samples) was dominated by (E)‐β‐caryophyllene. The oils of the second group (12 samples) contained β‐pinene and α‐pinene as the principal compounds, while the oils of the third group (8 samples) were dominated by (Z)‐β‐ocimene, germacrene D, (E)‐β‐ocimene, and furanoguaia‐1,4‐diene. The oil samples of Group I and II came from clay‐soil forests, while the oil samples belonging to Group III were isolated from leaves harvested in a sandy‐soil forest.
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) siRNA inhibits human hypertrophic scar by suppressing integrin α, TGF‐β and α‐SMA
Authors: Chen Rui , Zhang Zhiliang , Xue Zhujia , Wang Lin , Fu Mingang , Lu Yi , Bai Ling , Zhang Dongqing , Fan Zhihong
Published: February 2014

The effect of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) on suppressing scarring and the potential molecular mechanism underlying it has been investigated. Ten samples of human hypertrophic scars (HS) tissue cultured in vitro were transfected with FAK siRNA mediated by liposome. Quantitative real‐time PCR was used to detect the expression of integrin α, transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), FAK and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) after transfection. MTT assay was used as a measure of fibroblast proliferation. Flow cytometry and3H‐proincorporation technique gave measurements of the cell cycle and the quantity of collagen synthesis, respectively. Expression of FAK was effectively blocked, accompanied by decreasing expression of integrin α, TGF‐β and α‐SMA in hypertrophic scars fibroblast (HSFB) cells. One to 4 h after transfection with FAK siRNA, proliferation of HSFB cells was strongly inhibited (P < 0.01), reaching a maximum at 48 h. The proportion of G1cells was higher and the proportion of the S and G2cells lower after transfection. The amount of collagen synthesis in HSFB cells decreased when HSFB cells were transfected for 48 h. RNA interference targeting the FAK gene can block the two abnormal signal transduction pathways mediated by the integrin and TGF‐β receptors that are responsible for hyperplasia and contracture of the scar, making FAK iRNA therapy a potentially effective approach in HS treatment.
Chemometric determination of PAHs in aerosol samples by fluorescence spectroscopy and second‐order data analysis algorithms
Authors: Elcoroaristizabal Saioa , de Juan Anna , García Jose Antonio , Elorduy Iñaki , Durana Nieves , Alonso Lucio
Published: February 2014

The development of a method based on the combination of excitation–emission fluorescence matrices (EEMs) and second‐order algorithms is proposed to identify and quantify 10 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in extracts of aerosol samples, a particularly complex sample matrix because of the low amount of PAHs and the numerous fluorescent interferences. Parallel factor analysis, unfolded partial least squares coupled to residual bilinearization (RBL) and multivariate curve resolution – alternating least squares offered satisfactory results for their identification and quantification and were also helpful for the optimization of the extraction procedure for these substances by means of analysis of a standard reference material.

Multivariate curve resolution – alternating least squares and parallel factor analysis combined with EEM proved to be fast and cheap analysis methods that are able to do semiquantitative monitoring of PAHs patterns in the inhalable and respirable fractions of atmospheric aerosols, important features for routine environmental monitoring. Accurate quantifications could also be achieved when the strategy of standard addition method was used.

Unfolded partial least squares/RBL achieved slightly better quantitative results when sample matrices were moderately complex; in aerosol sample analysis, the selection of number of RBL contributions turned particularly difficult—because of the lack of information on the sample composition—and the time‐consuming application of the method did not suggest its use for routine environmental monitoring.

Finally, results of EEM with second‐order methods in agreement with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis of ambient air samples proved the suitability of the methodology proposed because of the sensitivity of fluorescence measurements and the lower analytical cost and fast computation time compared with standard analytical procedures. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The cholinergic system in the olfactory center of the terrestrial slug Limax
Authors: Matsuo Ryota , Kobayashi Suguru , Wakiya Kyoko , Yamagishi Miki , Fukuoka Masayuki , Ito Etsuro
Published: February 2014

Acetylcholine plays various important roles in the central nervous system of invertebrates as well as vertebrates. In the olfactory center of the terrestrial slug Limax, the local field potential (LFP) oscillates, and the change in its oscillatory frequency is thought to correlate with the detection of odor that potentially changes an ongoing behavior of the animal. Acetylcholine is known to upregulate the frequency of the LFP oscillation, and is one of the candidates for the neurotransmitters that are involved in such higher cognitive functions. However, there have been no histological data on the cholinergic system in gastropods, nor are there data on the receptors that are responsible for the upregulation of the oscillatory frequency of LFP due to the lack of analytical tools (such as antibodies or cDNA sequence information on cholinergic system‐related genes). Here we cloned the cDNAs of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), acetylcholinesterase, vesicular acetylcholine transporter, and several nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), and investigated their localization in the brain of Limax. We also generated a polyclonal antibody against ChAT to examine its localization, and investigated pharmacologically the involvement of nAChRs in the LFP oscillation. Our data showed: 1) dense distribution of the neurons expressing mRNAs of ChAT and vesicular acetylcholine transporter in the olfactory center; 2) spatially unique expression patterns of different nAChRs in the olfactory center; 3) involvement of nAChRs in the upregulation of the oscillation; 4) localization of ChAT protein in nerve fibers and/or terminals; and 5) the presence of cholinergic nerves in the tentacles. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2951–2966, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Piroxicam immediate release formulations: A fasting randomized open‐label crossover bioequivalence study in healthy volunteers
Authors: Helmy Sally A. , El‐Bedaiwy Heba M.
Published: February 2014

Piroxicam is a NSAID with analgesic and antipyretic properties, used for the treatment of rheumatoid diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two brands of piroxicam capsules (20 mg) in 24 Egyptian volunteers. The in vivo study was established according to a single‐center, randomized, single‐dose, laboratory‐blinded, 2‐period, 2‐sequence, crossover study with a washout period of 3 weeks. Under fasting conditions, 24 healthy male volunteers were randomly selected to receive a single oral dose of one capsule (20 mg) of either test or reference product. Plasma samples were obtained over a 144‐hour interval and analyzed for piroxicam by HPLC with UV detection. The pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, tmax, AUC0–t, AUC0–∞, Vd/F, Cl/F, and t1/2 were determined from plasma concentration–time profiles. The 90% confidence intervals for the ratio of log transformed values of Cmax, AUC0–t, and AUC0–∞ of the two treatments were within the acceptable range (0.8–1.25) for bioequivalence. From PK perspectives, the two piroxicam formulations were considered bioequivalent, based on the rate and extent of absorption. No adverse events occurred or were reported after a single 20‐mg piroxicam and both formulations were well‐tolerated.
Modeling of Direct H2S Fueled Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with Reforming Chemical Kinetics
Authors: Xie Y. , Xue X.
Published: February 2014

A direct H2S fueled SOFC model is developed based on Ni‐YSZ/YSZ/YSZ‐LSM button cell test stand. The model considers the detailed reforming chemical processes of H2S and multi‐physics transport processes in the fuel cell and fuel supply tubes. The model is validated using experimental data. Extensive simulations are performed to study the complicated interactions between multi‐physics transport processes and chemical/electrochemical reactions. The results elucidate the fundamental mechanisms of direct H2S fueled SOFCs. It is found that suitably increasing the H2O content in the supplied H2S fuel can improve SOFC electrochemical performance; high operating temperature may facilitate the reforming of H2S and improve the electrochemical performance. The sulfur poisoning effect may be mitigated by increasing the H2O content in the fuel, increasing the operating temperature, decreasing the flow rate, and/or making the cell work at low voltage (or high current) conditions.
Tuning the Performance of Ni‐Based Catalyst by Doping Coinage Metal on Steam Reforming of Methane and Carbon‐Tolerance
Authors: Wang M. , Fu Z. , Yang Z.
Published: February 2014

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are employed to investigate the key reactions in steam reforming of methane (SRM) on Ni‐based bimetallic surface alloys, including the dissociation of CH4 and H2O, the oxidation of CH by oxygen atom to form formyl (CHO), and the dehydrogenation of CHO to form carbon monoxide (CO). The aim of this investigation is to hunt for an optimal catalyst for SRM, which can inhibit carbon formation while maintaining high activity to the SRM. Coinage metal impurity (Au, Ag, and Cu) doped Ni catalysts have been proven to inhibit carbon deposition. In this work, we focus on investigating the doping effects on some leading processes in SRM. It is found that the coinage metal doping has a little effect on the two‐step dissociation of H2O, which has a linear correlation between the dissociation barriers and the OH–H coadsorption energies. In addition, the dehydrogenation of CHO is kinetically favorable on all alloy surfaces. However, for the CH oxidation to CHO, only the Ni–Cu surface remains high activity. These results suggest that Ni–Cu bimetallic material is an excellent active carbon‐tolerance SRM catalyst for solid‐oxide fuel cells.
Multi‐mode tunnel boring machines / Multi‐Mode Tunnelvortriebsmaschinen
Authors: Burger Werner
Published: February 2014

Classic tunnelling shields can reach their technical, but also their economic limits, when they have to drive through highly varied geologies along the tunnel route. A tunnel route may pass through extended sections of stable rock faces which alternate with soft, water‐bearing loose soils. Such tunnelling routes are among the most demanding challenges in tunnel construction and they have to be mastered more and more often, because important infrastructures nowadays are being built in such formations. Herrenknecht has developed so‐called Multi‐mode tunnel boring machines especially for ground conditions of this kind. These are hybrid tunnel boring machines which offer optimum safety and flexibility when choosing the support and excavation method. They allow for an optimum tunnelling strategy that is adaptable to the conditions along the tunnel alignment. And they also have a positive influence on the desired efficiency. Multi‐mode machines have different concepts in terms of how rapidly or how easily they can be adapted. The following chapters describe the functionalities of the Multi‐mode TBM and the corresponding reference projects. In addition, this paper deals with the innovative concept of the Herrenknecht Variable Density TBM, a first universal tunnel boring machine for mixed ground conditions.

Klassische Vortriebsschilde können bei geologisch variantenreich aufgebauten Tunneltrassen an technische, aber auch wirtschaftliche Grenzen stoßen. So kann eine Tunneltrasse längere Passagen standfestes Gebirge enthalten, das in weiche, wasserführende Lockerböden wechselt sowie umgekehrt. Derartige Streckenverläufe gehören zu den anspruchsvollsten Anforderungen im Tunnelbau. Sie stellen immer öfter eine Herausforderung dar, da wichtige Infrastrukturen in solchen Formationen gebaut werden. Herrenknecht hat speziell für solche Baugründe und Projekthintergründe sogenannte Multi‐Mode‐Tunnelbohrmaschinen entwickelt. Es handelt sich hier um hybrid aufgebaute Vortriebsmaschinen, die höchstmögliche Sicherheit und Flexibilität bei der Wahl des Stütz‐ und Abbauverfahrens bieten, also eine in Hinsicht auf den Streckenverlauf anpassungsfähige und möglichst optimale Vortriebsstrategie ermöglichen. Dies hat auch positive Effekte auf die gebotene Wirtschaftlichkeit. Multi‐Mode‐Maschinen sind hinsichtlich der Anpassungsschnelligkeit und des Anpassungsaufwands unterschiedlich angelegt. Die folgenden Kapitel beschreiben die Funktionsweisen der Multi‐Mode‐TBM und entsprechende Referenzprojekte. Zudem geht der Beitrag auf das neuartige Konzept der Herrenknecht “Variable Density TBM” ein, einer ersten universellen Vortriebsmaschine für Lockergestein.
Determining soil abrasiveness by use of index tests versus using intrinsic soil parameters / Bewertung der Abrasivität von Lockergesteinen mit Indexverfahren und herkömmlichen Bodenkennwerten
Authors: Düllmann Jan , Alber Michael , Plinninger Ralf J.
Published: February 2014

The evaluation of the abrasiveness of soil is not unified or standardised at the moment. Mostly used are complex index processes with greatly simplified model bodies and simplified test conditions such as the LCPC abrasimeter test. These processes can however at best measure the efficiency of the wear mechanism and are not capable of reflecting the strength of the bonding of the internal fabric, an essential factor determining the level of operational demands, i.e. the resistance to excavation. These index processes therefore offer no advantages over evaluation processes based on conventional soil mechanics parameters. Quite the opposite, these mostly prototype tests imply new problems that are inevitable with the testing methods. The paper thus presents at the end an extended method of evaluating wear to excavation tools and the conveyance or transport of excavated spoil.

Die Beurteilung der Abrasivität von Lockergesteinen ist bis heute nicht vereinheitlicht oder normiert. Verbreitet sind vor allem komplexe Indexverfahren mit stark vereinfachten Modellkörpern und vereinfachten Versuchsrahmenbedingungen wie z.B. der Drehflügelversuch LCPC. Diese Verfahren können aber allenfalls die Wirksamkeit des Verschleißmechanismus abbilden und sind nicht in der Lage, die Festigkeit des Gefügeverbands als maßgeblichen Einflussfaktor auf die Größe der Beanspruchung, d.h. den Abbauwiderstand zu erfassen. Derartige Indexverfahren besitzen daher keine Vorteile gegenüber Bewertungsverfahren, die auf herkömmlichen, bodenmechanischen Kennwerten beruhen. Ganz im Gegenteil implizieren diese, meist prototypartigen Versuche neue, versuchsspezifische Probleme. Der Beitrag stellt daher abschließend einen erweiterten Bewertungsansatz zur Verschleißbewertung von Abbauwerkzeugen sowie der Abförderung bzw. dem Abtransport von gelöstem Abbaugut vor.
TBM and spoil treatment selection process – case history Crossrail C310 Thames Tunnel
Authors: Rengshausen Rainer , Tauriainen Riku , Raedle Andreas
Published: February 2014

Slurry TBM versus EPB TBM The contract C310 comprises the construction of the Plumstead and North Woolwich Portals and the twin tube Thames Tunnel, which has a length of approximately 2.6 km between the two portals. The two TBMs used for the construction of the Thames Tunnel will drive through varying ground conditions (Thanet Sand, River Terrace Deposit (gravel), and chalk) below the water table. During the drive under the River Thames, the tunnels will only have an overburden of approximately 12 m. The effect of pressure variation due to the tidal River Thames has to be accounted for in the control of the tunnelling. The tunnel will pass underneath several grade II listed buildings, utilities, adjacent to operational railway tracks and close to existing subway tunnels. Previous experience of the handling and disposal of excavated chalk has been gained on several tunnelling projects in chalk, most notably the Dartford Road Tunnels, the Channel Tunnel, the Brighton Stormwater Tunnel, the Lille Metro Tunnel, the Socatop Road Tunnel near Paris and Channel Tunnel Rail Link CTRL 320. The Contract allowed for both Mixshield and EPB TBM Technology. The advantages and disadvantages of a TBM‐S with Earth Pressure Balanced face support (EPB‐TBM) and a TBM‐S with Slurry Face support (Mix‐Shield TBM) for the C310 Thames Tunnels were discussed after contract award and a comparative risk assessment was developed. A Mixshield TBM is more expensive but outperformed the EPB TBM in the overall scoring of risk assessment and therefore it has been decided to use this type at C310.
Three New Triterpene Saponins from Bolbostemma paniculatum
Authors: Tang Yun , Cao Jia‐Qing , Li Wei , Li Wei , Zhao Yu‐Qing
Published: February 2014

Two novel noroleanane saponins, tubeimoside A (1) and tubeimoside B (2), and a new dammarane triterpene saponin, tubeimoside C (3), together with two known compounds, 4 and 5, were isolated from the bulbs of Bolbostemma paniculatum (Maxim.) Franquet. Compound 4 was found in this genus for the first time. Based on spectroscopic methods, including IR, NMR (DEPT, COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and TOCSY), and MS experiments, and chemical reactions, the structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 3β‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy]‐2β,23‐dihydroxy‐28‐norolean‐12‐en‐16‐one (1), 3β‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy]‐2β,23‐dihydroxy‐28‐norolean‐12‐en‐22‐one (2), (3β,7β)‐7,18,20‐trihydroxydammar‐24‐en‐3‐yl 2‐O‐α‐L‐arabinopyranosyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (3).
The Effect of Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) Micelles on a BelousovZhabotinsky Oscillating System Catalyzed with a Tetraazamacrocyclic Copper(II) Complex
Authors: Chen Yang‐Yang , Hu Gang , Nian Yu‐Qin , Li Meng‐Shuo , Song Ji‐Mei , Hu Lin
Published: February 2014

This article deals with the influence of micelles of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) on the BelousovZhabotinsky (BZ) oscillating reaction catalyzed by a tetraazamacrocyclic copper(II) complex [CuL](ClO4)2, an enzyme‐like catalyst (L=5,7,7,12,14,14‐hexamethyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradeca‐4,11‐diene). Unlike the classical BZ oscillator in which malonic acid is usually used as a substrate, malic acid (an intermediate in the Krebs cycle) is involved in this oscillating system. Experiments reveal that formation of the SDBS micelles markedly affects the behavior of the oscillating reaction. It is found that there is a linear relationship between the change in the oscillation amplitude (ΔA) and the concentration of SDBS, whereas the change in the oscillation period (ΔT) is linearly proportional to the SDBS concentration. The most likely mechanism that involves the formation of the SDBS micelles and the effects of the micelles on the oscillating chemical system can be rationalized by assuming that the SDBS micelles are so negatively charged that they attract more [CuL]3+ than [CuL]2+. This hypothesis was confirmed by UV/VIS spectrophotometric measurements of a constant concentration of [CuL](ClO4)2 in different concentrations of SDBS; as the SDBS concentration increased, the absorbance of [CuL](ClO4)2 increased, while the maximum absorption wavelength for [CuL](ClO4)2 remained at 502 nm.