bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative biocompatibility evaluation of nickel‐free high‐nitrogen stainless steel in vitro/in vivo
Authors: Inoue Motoki , Sasaki Makoto , Katada Yasuyuki , Taguchi Tetsushi
Published: July 2013

Coronary stents must not provoke an inflammatory response; however, some kinds of ions that are released from biometals induce biological reaction. In the present study, we quantitatively evaluated biological reaction of nickel‐free high‐nitrogen stainless steel (HNS) by endothelial cell culture, and a bioimaging system using NF‐κB/luciferase transgenic mice to confirm the potential of HNS for the application of coronary stent. Endothelialization was greater with HNS than with commercial stainless steel (SUS316L). In vivo inflammatory response of HNS was lower than that of SUS316L. These differences may be related to the amounts of nickel ion eluted from the stents, as HNS did not elute nickel ion. These data suggest that HNS may be useful as a material for coronary artery stents. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 68–72, 2014.
Effect of zircon‐based tricolor pigments on the color, microstructure, flexural strength and translucency of a novel dental lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic
Authors: Yuan Kun , Wang Fu , Gao Jing , Sun Xiang , Deng Zai‐Xi , Wang Hui , Jin Lei , Chen Ji‐Hua
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of zircon‐based tricolor pigments (praseodymium zircon yellow, ferrum zircon red, and vanadium zircon blue) on the color, thermal property, crystalline phase composition, microstructure, flexural strength, and translucency of a novel dental lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic. The pigments were added to the glass frit, milled, pressed, and sintered. Ninety monochrome samples were prepared and the colors were analyzed. The effect of the pigments on thermal property, crystalline phase composition, and microstructure were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Addition of the pigments resulted in the acquisition of subtractive primary colors as well as tooth‐like colors, and did not demonstrate significant effects on the thermal property, crystalline phase composition, microstructure, and flexural strength of the experimental glass‐ceramic. Although significant differences (p < 0.01) were observed between the translucencies of the uncolored and 1.0 wt % zircon‐based pigment colored ceramics, the translucencies of the latter were sufficient to fabricate dental restorations. These results indicate that the zircon‐based tricolor pigments can be used with dental lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic to produce abundant and predictable tooth‐like colors without significant adverse effects, if mixed in the right proportions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 98–107, 2014.
Bone morphogenetic protein‐2, ‐6, and ‐7 differently regulate osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Hakki Sema S. , Bozkurt Buket , Hakki Erdogan E. , Kayis Seyit Ali , Turac Gizem , Yilmaz Irem , Karaoz Erdal
Published: July 2013

The utility of adult stem cells for bone regeneration may be an attractive alternative in the treatment of extensive injury, congenital malformations, or diseases causing large bone defects. To create an environment that is supportive of bone formation, signals from molecules such as the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are required to engineer fully viable and functional bone. We therefore determined whether BMP‐2, ‐6, and ‐7 differentially regulate the (1) proliferation, (2) mineralization, and (3) mRNA expression of bone/mineralized tissue associated genes of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs), which were obtained from periodontal ligament tissue of human impacted third molars. hPDLSCs from six participants were isolated and characterized using histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. A real‐time cell analyzer was used to evaluate the effects of BMP‐2, ‐6, and ‐7 on the proliferation of hPDLSCs. hPDLSCs were treated with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium containing different concentrations of BMP‐2, ‐6, and ‐7 (10, 25, 50, 100 ng/mL) and monitored for 264 hours. After dose‐response experiments, 50 and 100 ng/mL concentrations of BMPs were used to measure bone/mineralized tissue‐associated gene expression. Type I collagen, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and osteoblastic transcription factor Runx2 mRNA expression of hPDLSCs treated with BMP‐2, ‐6, and ‐7, were evaluated using quantitative RT‐PCR. Biomineralization of hPDLSCs was assessed using von Kossa staining. This study demonstrated that BMPs at various concentrations differently regulate the proliferation, mineralization, and mRNA expression of bone/mineralized tissue associated genes in hPDLSCs. BMPs regulate hPDLSC proliferation in a time and dose‐dependent manner when compared to an untreated control group. BMPs induced bone/mineralized tissue‐associated gene mRNA expression and biomineralization of hPDLSCs. The most pronounced induction occurred in the BMP‐6 group in the biomineralization of the hPDLSCs. Our data suggest that BMP‐2, ‐6, and ‐7 are potent regulators of hPDLSC gene expression and biomineralization. Employing BMPs with hPDLSCs isolated from periodontal ligament tissues provides a promising strategy for bone tissue engineering. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 119–130, 2014.
Titaniumcarboxonitride layer increased biocompatibility of medical polyetherurethanes
Authors: Riescher Sebastian , Wehner Daniel , Schmid Thomas , Zimmermann Hanngoerg , Hartmann Björn , Schmid Christof , Lehle Karla
Published: July 2013

Polyetherurethane (PEU) is in use for blood‐contacted devices because of its excellent mechanical properties. However, poor hemocompatibility of the hydrophobic material required surface modification or endothelialization. To increase the biocompatibility of PEU, the polymer was coated with a titaniumcarboxonitride [Ti(C,N,O)] layer by a plasma‐activated chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) process. Biocompatibility of titaniferously coated PEU was verified using static and dynamic cell culture techniques. Titaniferous coating significantly improved proliferation and mitochondrial activity of human endothelial cells on PEU. These cells captured significantly less mononuclear cells and platelets. Under shear stress for up to 72 hours, titaniferous coating increased endothelial cell adhesion, spreading, and cell density to form an organized monolayer covering the whole luminal surface of vascular PEU grafts. In summary, coating of PEU surfaces with Ti(C,N,O) might be a promising strategy to improve the biocompatibility of biomedical biomaterials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 141–148, 2014.
Integrated furfural production as a renewable fuel and chemical platform from lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Cai Charles M , Zhang Taiying , Kumar Rajeev , Wyman Charles E
Published: July 2013

Furfural is a natural precursor to furan‐based chemicals and has the potential to become a major renewable platform chemical for the production of biochemicals and biofuels. However, current industrial furfural production relies on relatively old and inefficient strategies that have hindered its capacity, and low production yields have strongly diminished its competitiveness with petroleum‐based alternatives in the global market. This mini‐review provides a critical analysis of past and current progress to enhance furfural production from lignocellulosic biomass. First, important chemical and fuel products derived from the catalytic conversion of furfural are outlined. We then discuss the importance of developing integrated production strategies to co‐produce furfural with other valuable chemicals. Furfural formation and loss chemistries are explored to understand effective methods to improve furfural yields from pentosans. Finally, selected relevant commercial and academic technologies that promise to improve lignocellulosic furfural production are discussed. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
A novel approach for poly‐γ‐glutamic acid production using xylose and corncob fibres hydrolysate in Bacillus subtillisHB‐1
Authors: Zhu Fan , Cai Jin , Zheng Qiang , Zhu Xiangcheng , Cen Peilin , Xu Zhinan
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Poly‐γ‐glutamic acid (γ‐PGA) is an extracellular anionic polymer with various potential applications. Renewable and economical carbon sources as the major fermentation feedstock are in need for γ‐PGA production.

RESULTS

Xylose has been demonstrated to support cell growth and γ‐PGA biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis HB‐1. Batch fermentation using xylose could produce about 23.63 g L−1 γ‐PGA in the broth with a high production rate of 0.74 g L−1 h−1. Subsequent fed‐batch fermentation could further improve the concentration of γ‐PGA up to 28.15 g L−1 with a high conversion rate of 0.97 g g−1 (l‐glutamate). Based on these preliminary results, the multiple‐sugar containing substrate (corncob fibres hydrolysate) was chosen as the alternative complex carbon source to produce γ‐PGA, and one high concentration (24.92 g L−1) of γ‐PGA was attained.

CONCLUSIONS

Our pilot trial results suggested that the low‐cost and renewable lignocellulosic biomass can be used for the environmental friendly and efficient production of γ‐PGA. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Recent advances in production and biotechnological applications of thermostable and alkaline bacterial lipases
Authors: Bora Limpon , Gohain Dibakar , Das Reshmi
Published: July 2013

Microbial lipases occupy a vital position with respect to their industrial applications and they are studied extensively. Thermophilic microorganisms are potential sources of thermostable alkaline lipases, which have been isolated from various natural origins. Most lipases can act in a wide range of pH and temperature, though alkaline bacterial lipases are more common. Thermostable alkaline lipases have commercial value and find applications in various industrial and biotechnological sectors such as additives in detergents, additives in food industries, environmental bioremediations and in molecular biology. The latest trend in lipase research is the development of novel and improved lipases through molecular approaches such as directed evolution and exploring natural communities by the metagenomic approach. Therefore, thermostable alkaline lipases are the enzymes of choice for many biotechnologists, microbiologists, biochemists, environmentalists and biochemical engineers. In the present review, we discuss some novel sources along with recent advances in fermentation conditions, substrate conditions and biotechnological applications of thermostable alkaline bacterial lipases. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Anaerobic digestion of aerobic granular biomass: effects of thermal pre‐treatment and addition of primary sludge
Authors: Val Del Río Ángeles , Palmeiro‐Sanchez Tania , Figueroa Mónica , Mosquera‐Corral Anuska , Campos José L , Méndez Ramón
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Management of the sludge generated in the wastewater treatment plants accounts for more than 50% of their operational costs. To minimise these costs, technologies capable of reducing the production of sludge in the plant need to be developed, such as aerobic granular systems. The aggregation state of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) could be a limiting factor for its further anaerobic digestion. Therefore in this work the feasibility of anaerobic digestion of AGS has been studied under three conditions: (1) raw AGS, (2) thermal pre‐treated AGS and (3) a mixture of thermal pre‐treated AGS with primary sludge.

RESULTS

The values obtained for anaerobic biodegradability and reduction of solids in the case of raw AGS were 44% and 32%, respectively. Thermal pre‐treatment of AGS at 133 °C enhanced the anaerobic digester performance, in terms of solids reduction, by approximately 47%. The mixture of thermal pre‐treated AGS with primary sludge provided better results for solids removal than in the case with only thermal pre‐treated AGS.

CONCLUSION

Anaerobic digestion of AGS has a similar performance as that reported for waste activated sludge, which indicates that the aggregation of the biomass into granules does not seem to limit the anaerobic process. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical and electrical impact of lightning on the Earth mesosphere: The case of sprite halos
Authors: Parra‒Rojas F. C. , Luque A. , Gordillo‒Vázquez F. J.
Published: July 2013

A one‒dimensional electrochemical model is developed to describe, in a self‒consistent way, the response of the Earth mesosphere to different types of lightning discharges between 50 and 87 km of altitude. This model is applied to the case of sprite halos, one of the most common types of transient luminous events (TLE). We have studied the time‒altitude evolution of more than 20 chemical species. Our model predicts an increase of up to 70 cm−3 in the electron density from ambient electron density values between 55 and 81 km of altitude in the +CG lightning cases and a negligible mesospheric electron density perturbation in the −CG lightning case. For all the +CG and some −CG (200 kAkm) cases considered, the model also shows an enhancement of several orders of magnitude in the concentration of ground‒state negative and positive ions and electronically excited positive ions such as responsible for the Meinel emissions and . On the other hand, for the first positive group of N2the calculated emission brightness exceeds the threshold of visibility (1 MR) for a halo of 100 km of diameter at an altitude of 77 km for all the CG lightning discharges studied (except for the −CG case with 100 kAkm current peak) and for relatively lower altitudes when +CG lightnings are considered. Moreover, the calculated concentration of the metastables and O(1D) exhibit an enormous enhancement (of more than 10 orders of magnitude) over their ambient values that, for +CG, remains high (5–7 orders of magnitude above ambient values) for long times (up to 500 s), below 55 km.
Rapid acceleration of protons upstream of earthward propagating dipolarization fronts
Authors: Ukhorskiy A. Y. , Sitnov M. I. , Merkin V. G. , Artemyev A. V.
Published: July 2013

Transport and acceleration of ions in the magnetotail largely occurs in the form of discrete impulsive events associated with a steep increase of the tail magnetic field normal to the neutral plane (Bz), which are referred to as dipolarization fronts. The goal of this paper is to investigate how protons initially located upstream of earthward moving fronts are accelerated at their encounter. According to our analytical analysis and simplified two‐dimensional test‐particle simulations of equatorially mirroring particles, there are two regimes of proton acceleration: trapping and quasi‐trapping, which are realized depending on whether the front is preceded by a negative depletion in Bz. We then use three‐dimensional test‐particle simulations to investigate how these acceleration processes operate in a realistic magnetotail geometry. For this purpose we construct an analytical model of the front which is superimposed onto the ambient field of the magnetotail. According to our numerical simulations, both trapping and quasi‐trapping can produce rapid acceleration of protons by more than an order of magnitude. In the case of trapping, the acceleration levels depend on the amount of time particles stay in phase with the front which is controlled by the magnetic field curvature ahead of the front and the front width. Quasi‐trapping does not cause particle scattering out of the equatorial plane. Energization levels in this case are limited by the number of encounters particles have with the front before they get magnetized behind it.
A method to predict electric field spectra from empirically modeled geomagnetic ULF activity
Authors: Rosenqvist L.
Published: July 2013

A model for prediction of the Earth background electromagnetic field spectra in the ULF range (1 mHz to 10 Hz) is developed. The possibility to model the hourly integrated magnetic wave power spectra with two different mathematical models, a power law or a fourth‒order polynomial, is investigated. Spectral properties of 3 months of ground magnetic data show that the temporal evolution of the power law parameters can be modeled based on the hourly planetary magnetic activity, the Kp index. Furthermore, the parameters of the polynomial model are related to the magnetic wave power in two spectral bands within the Pc3 and Pc1 pulsation bands. Empirical models of the magnetic wave power in these bands are developed based on the diurnal variation and the correlation with solar wind velocity of geomagnetic pulsations. Comparison with observations shows that the power law model represents the spectra well for low frequencies. However, the polynomial model based on solar wind velocity provides a better representation for the bulk of the ULF domain with mean errors between 2 and 7 dB, increasing with decreasing frequency. The modeled magnetic wave spectrum and knowledge of the underlying electrical conductivity profile can be used to predict the induced ground electric field spectra. An apparent electric conductivity profile was found via model‒based inversion, and the predicted electric wave power is compared to observations from an electrode systems offshore of the test site. The mean error between the observed and predicted electric field amplitudes is 2–7 dB and is consistently lower than the 95% central range of the data set.
The mechanism of first raindrops formation in deep convective clouds
Authors: Khain A. , Prabha Thara V. , Benmoshe Nir , Pandithurai G. , Ovchinnikov M.
Published: July 2013

The formation of first raindrops in deep convective clouds is investigated. A combination of observational data analysis and 2D and 3D simulations of deep convective clouds suggests that the first raindrops form at the top of undiluted or slightly diluted cores. It is shown that droplet size distributions in these regions are wider and contain more large droplets than in diluted volumes. The results of the study suggest that the initial raindrop formation is determined by the basic microphysical processes within ascending adiabatic volumes. It allows one to predict the height of the formation of first raindrops considering the processes of cloud condensation nuclei activation, droplet diffusion growth, and coalescence growth. The results obtained in the study explain observational results through which the in‐cloud height of first raindrop formation depends linearly on the droplet number concentration at cloud base. The results also explain why a simple adiabatic parcel model can reproduce this dependence. The present study provides a physical basis for retrieval algorithms of cloud microphysical properties and aerosol properties using satellites. The study indicates that the role of mixing and entrainment in the formation of the first raindrops is not of crucial importance. It is also shown that low variability of effective and mean volume radii along horizontal traverses, as regularly observed by in situ measurements, can be simulated by high‐resolution cloud models in which mixing is parameterized by a traditional 1.5 order turbulence closure scheme.
Imaging DOAS detection of primary formaldehyde and sulfur dioxide emissions from petrochemical flares
Authors: Pikelnaya Olga , Flynn James H. , Tsai Catalina , Stutz Jochen
Published: July 2013

Metropolitan areas with a high number of petrochemical facilities are often struggling to meet current and future air quality standards. The Houston‐Galveston area, for example, continues to be in noncompliance with the U.S. federal air quality standard of ozone, despite significant progress in mitigating air pollution. In recent years, the magnitude and role of primary emissions of ozone‐forming chemicals, and in particular formaldehyde, from flares in petrochemical facilities have been discussed as a potential factor contributing to ozone formation. However, no direct observations of flare emissions of formaldehyde have thus far been reported. Here we present observations of formaldehyde and sulfur dioxide emissions from petrochemical flares in the Houston‐Galveston area during the 2009 Formaldehyde and Olefin from Large Industrial Sources campaign using a new imaging differential optical absorption spectrometer (I‐DOAS). Formaldehyde emissions from burning flares were observed directly above the flare stack and ranged from 0.2 to 8.5 kg/h. Unlit flares were found not to emit formaldehyde. SO2 emission rates from a burning acid gas flare ranged between 2 and 4 kg/h. None of the sampled flares coemitted HCHO and SO2. Comparison of the emission fluxes measured by the I‐DOAS instrument with those from emission inventories and with fluxes calculated from plumes detected by the long‐path DOAS over downtown Houston shows that the flares observed by the I‐DOAS were relatively small. While burning flares clearly emit HCHO, a larger observational database is needed to assess the importance of flare emissions for ozone formation.
Coupled sandbar patterns and obliquely incident waves
Authors: Price T. D. , Castelle B. , Ranasinghe R. , Ruessink B. G.
Published: July 2013

In double sandbar systems, the alongshore variability in the inner bar often resembles that of the outer bar, suggesting that the outer bar acts as a morphological template for the inner bar. Earlier observations have indicated that this resemblance, also termed “coupling,” may take several forms. Here we apply a nonlinear 2DH morphodynamic model with time‐invariant forcing to show that the angle of wave incidence (θ) is crucial for the alongshore‐variable morphodynamic evolution of the inner bar, for a given crescentic outer bar. In contrast to previous modeling efforts of double‐barred systems, which mostly used highly idealized boundary conditions, we force our model with realistic hydrodynamics and bathymetrical data derived from video observations at the double‐barred Gold Coast, Australia. The results show that for small angles of wave incidence (θ<10°) over a crescentic outer‐bar, cell‐circulation patterns govern the flow at the inner bar, giving rise to rip channels that incise the inner bar at the locations of the landward perturbations in the outer bar (horns). On the other hand, for obliquely incident waves (θ=10°–20°) over a crescentic outer bar, the circulatory nature of the flow disappears and gives way to a meandering alongshore current. The offshore‐directed sections of this meandering alongshore current erode the inner‐bar downdrift of the outer‐bar horns, leading to landward perturbations of the inner bar that are coupled to the outer‐bar horns; an observed coupling type that had not been reproduced as yet. Oblique wave incidence thus proves to be crucial to the development of this type of sandbar coupling, as previously hypothesized from sandbar‐coupling observations at the Gold Coast. Additional simulations including tidal water level variations and bar depth variations demonstrate the robustness of our findings.
Basal channels on ice shelves
Authors: Sergienko O. V.
Published: July 2013

Recent surveys of floating ice shelves associated with Pine Island Glacier (Antarctica) and Petermann Glacier (Greenland) indicate that there are channels incised upward into their bottoms that may serve as the conduits of meltwater outflow from the sub‐ice‐shelf cavity. The formation of the channels, their evolution over time, and their impact on ice‐shelf flow are investigated using a fully‐coupled ice‐shelf/sub‐ice‐shelf ocean model. The model simulations suggest that channels may form spontaneously in response to meltwater plume flow initiated at the grounding line if there are relatively high melt rates and if there is transverse to ice‐flow variability in ice‐shelf thickness. Typical channels formed in the simulations have a width of about 1–3 km and a vertical relief of about 100–200 m. Melt rates and sea‐water transport in the channels are significantly higher than on the smooth flat ice bottom between the channels. The melt channels develop through melting, deformation, and advection with ice‐shelf flow. Simulations suggest that both steady state and cyclic state solutions are possible depending on conditions along the lateral ice‐shelf boundaries. This peculiar dynamics of the system has strong implications on the interpretation of observations. The richness of channel morphology and evolution seen in this study suggests that further observations and theoretical analysis are imperative for understanding ice‐shelf behavior in warm oceanic conditions.
A combined nonlinear and nonlocal model for topographic evolution in channelized depositional systems
Authors: Falcini F. , Foufoula‐Georgiou E. , Ganti V. , Paola C. , Voller V. R.
Published: July 2013

Models for the overall topographic evolution of erosional and depositional systems can be grouped into two broad classes. The first class is local models in which the sediment flux at a point is expressed as a linear or nonlinear function of local hydrogeomorphic measures (e.g., water discharge and slope). The second class is nonlocal models, where the sediment flux at a point is expressed via a weighted average (i.e., convolution integral) of measures upstream and/or downstream of the point of interest. Until now, the nonlinear and nonlocal models have been developed independently. In this study, we develop a unified model for large‐scale morphological evolution that combines both nonlinear and nonlocal approaches. With this model, we show that in a depositional system, under piston‐style subsidence, the topographic signatures of nonlinearity and nonlocality are identical and that in combination, their influence is additive. Furthermore, unlike either nonlinear or nonlocal models alone, the combined model fits observed fluvial profiles with parameter values that are consistent with theory and independent observations. By contrast, under conditions of steady bypass, the nonlocal and nonlinear components in the combined model have distinctly different signatures. In the absence of nonlocality, a purely nonlinear model always predicts a bypass fluvial profile with a spatially constant slope, while a nonlocal model produces a nonconstant slope, i.e., profile curvature. This result can be used as a test for inferring the presence of nonlocality and for untangling the relative roles of local and nonlocal mechanisms in shaping depositional morphology.
Long‐Term Starvation in Cave Salamander Effects on Liver Ultrastructure and Energy Reserve Mobilization
Authors: Bizjak Mali Lilijana , Sepčić Kristina , Bulog Boris
Published: July 2013

Cover illustration. Like most other cave animals, the Proteus anguinus anguinus (cave‐dwelling salamander) experiences periodically poor and discontinuous food supply and/or intermittent hypoxia that may occur for long periods in the subterranean environments. The salamander adjusts its metabolism and utilization of metabolic reserves to these fluctuating periods of food supply. In this issue of the Journal of Morphology, Mali and coauthors studied morphological and biochemical changes of liver tissue of the cave‐dwelling salamander during periods of food deprivation (pp 887–900). With a combination of qualitative morphological and quantitative biochemical data, the authors evaluate the adaptive capacity of the liver and the importance of the liver as an energy storing organ.
Simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of counterfeit and unregistered medicines using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Fraser Sara J. , Oughton James , Batten William A. , Clark Austina S. S. , Schmierer David M. , Gordon Keith C. , Strachan Clare J.
Published: July 2013

Raman spectroscopy was used to classify a group of seized counterfeit medications associated with erectile dysfunction. Using appropriate data preprocessing, principal component analysis and the classification method soft independent modelling of class analogy (SIMCA), it was possible to classify genuine from unregistered generic and counterfeit Cialis® batches. However, SIMCA did not effectively classify samples on the basis of their active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Partial least squares discriminant analysis, principal component regression and support vector machines effectively distinguished between the API of the samples but were unable to correctly distinguish all samples as genuine or generic/counterfeit. This study highlights the importance of choosing the correct preprocessing procedures and classification method for the data set.

Despite diverse tablet contents in addition to the drug, it was possible to quantify the levels of drug in the medicines as high, medium or low (within ±20 mg g−1 tablet concentration).

Overall, the potential for Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis for qualitative and semiquantitative analysis of counterfeit medicines was demonstrated, and the approach may be used to determine the potential level of harm in counterfeit medicines on the basis of API identity and amount. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eugenol enhances the resistance of tomato against tomato yellow leaf curl virus
Authors: Wang Chunmei , Fan Yongjian
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus disease (TYLCVD) causes severe to economic losses in tomato crops in China. The control of TYLCVD is based primarily on the use of synthetic insecticide to control its vector whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). To look for an alternative method for disease control, we investigated the effect of eugenol on controlling TYLCVD. The potential of eugenol to trigger systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in tomato (Jiangsu 14) plants against TYLCV was also investigated.

RESULTS

In greenhouse experiments, eugenol significantly reduced disease severity when applied as a foliar spray, thus demonstrating a systemic effect. The disease spread rapidly in control plants and by the end of the experiment almost all control plants showed severe symptoms. Eugenol also induced H2O2 accumulation in tomato plants. Activities of peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) were significantly induced compared with those of control plants. As further consequences, increase of salicylic acid (SA) levels and expression of PR‐1 proteins, a molecular marker of SAR in tomato, could also be observed.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of eugenol as an elicitor and its ability to suppress plant virus diseases under greenhouse conditions. It is suggested that eugenol has the potential to be an effective biocontrol agent against TYLCV in tomato plants. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization and biocompatibility of glucan: a safe food additive from probiotic Lactobacillus plantarumDM5
Authors: Das Deeplina , Goyal Arun
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Exopolysaccharide produced by lactic acid bacteria are the subject of an increasing number of studies for their potential applications in the food industry as stabilizing, bio‐thickening and immunostimulating agents. In this regard, the authors isolated an exopolysaccharide producing probiotic lactic acid bacterium from fermented beverage Marcha of north eastern Himalayas.

RESULTS

The isolate Lactobacillus plantarum DM5 showed extracellular glucansucrase activity of 0.48 U mg−1 by synthesizing natural exopolysaccharide glucan (1.87 mg mL−1) from sucrose. Zymogram analysis of purified enzyme confirms the presence of glucosyltransferase of approximately 148 kDa with optimal activity of 18.7 U mg−1 at 30 °C and pH 5.4. The exopolysaccharide was purified by gel permeation chromatography and had an average molecular weight of 1.11 × 106 Da. Acid hydrolysis and structural characterization of exopolysaccharide revealed that it was composed of d‐glucose residues, containing 86.5% of α‐(1→6) and 13.5% of α‐(1→3) linkages. Rheological study exhibited a shear thinning effect of glucan appropriate for food additives. A cytotoxicity test of glucan on human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) and human cervical cancer (HeLa) cell lines revealed its nontoxic biocompatible nature.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report on the structure and biocompatibility of homopolysaccharide α‐d‐glucan (dextran) from probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum strain and its unique physical and rheological properties that facilitate its application in the food industry as viscosifying and gelling agent. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
The role of impedance monitoring in patients with extraesophageal symptoms
Authors: Kavitt Robert T. , Yuksel Elif Saritas , Slaughter James C. , Garrett C. Gaelyn , Hagaman David , Higginbotham Tina , Vaezi Michael F.
Published: July 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Ambulatory esophageal impedance monitoring is commonly employed to assess for nonacid reflux in patients with extraesophageal reflux. We aimed to determine if on therapy impedance data can be predicted from off therapy upper endoscopy, manometry, or pH parameters.

Study Design

Prospective Cohort Study.

Methods

Patients with extraesophageal reflux symptoms and either partial‐ or nonresponders to twice‐daily PPI underwent impedance monitoring on twice‐daily PPI, as well as manometry, upper endoscopy, and 48‐hour wireless pH monitoring off acid‐suppressive medications for 1 week. Percent time pH < 4 and number of reflux episodes were obtained. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine association between the impedance data on therapy and upper endoscopy, manometry, and pH parameters measured off therapy.

Results

Seventy‐five patients (77% female, median BMI 29, 38% with hiatal hernia, and 19% with esophagitis) were studied both on and off therapy. Thirty‐five percent had abnormal impedance monitoring on therapy and 84% had abnormal pH testing off therapy. There was no significant (P = 0.184) overall correlation between total number of impedance events and the baseline physiologic parameters of hiatal hernia, degree of acid reflux, or manometric findings, with only weak correlation (r = 0.54, P = 0.045) with % time pH < 4 among patients with esophagitis.

Conclusions

In patients with suspected extraesophageal reflux refractory to PPI therapy, impedance measures on therapy cannot be predicted from traditional baseline esophageal physiologic parameters. We recommend caution regarding over‐interpretation of impedance data.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 123:2463–2468, 2013
Patient‐centered decision making in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Soler Zachary M. , Rudmik Luke , Hwang Peter H. , Mace Jess C. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: July 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To explore possible factors that might impact a patient's choice to pursue endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) or continue with medical management for treatment of refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Study Design

Cross‐sectional evaluation of a multicenter prospective cohort.

Methods

Two hundred forty‐two subjects with CRS were prospectively enrolled within four academic tertiary care centers across North America with ongoing symptoms despite prior medical treatment. Subjects either self‐selected continued medical management (n = 62) or ESS (n = 180) for treatment of sinonasal symptoms. Differences in demographics, comorbid conditions, and clinical measures of disease severity between subject groups were compared. Validated metrics of social support, personality, risk aversion, and physician–patient relationships were compared using bivariate analyses, predicted probabilities, and receiver operating characteristic curves at the 0.05 alpha level.

Results

No significant differences were found between treatment groups for any demographic characteristic, clinical cofactor, or measure of social support, personality, or the physician–patient relationship. Subjects electing to pursue sinus surgery did report significantly worse average quality‐of‐life (QOL) scores on the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22; P < .001) compared to those electing continued medical therapy (54.6 ± 18.9 vs. 39.4 ± 17.7), regardless of surgical history or polyp status. SNOT‐22 score significantly predicted treatment selection (odds ratio, 1.046; 95% confidence interval, 1.028‐1.065; P < .001) and was found to accurately discriminate between subjects choosing endoscopic sinus surgery and those electing medical management 72% of the time.

Conclusions

Worse patient‐reported disease severity, as measured by the SNOT‐22, was significantly associated with the treatment choice for CRS. Strong consideration should be given for incorporating CRS‐specific QOL measures into routine clinical practice.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 123:2341–2346, 2013
The SoundBite hearing system: Patient‐assessed safety and benefit study
Authors: Gurgel Richard K. , Shelton Clough
Published: July 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the safety and efficacy of the SoundBite for patients over a 6 month period of use.

Study Design

Prospective, multisite, nonrandomized patient enrollment with outcomes based on audiometric profile and self‐reported assessment.

Methods

Patients with single‐sided deafness were eligible for the study. Patients were fit with the standard SoundBite sound transducer and were asked to wear the device regularly for 6 months. At the end of the trial period, patients completed both a self‐assessment and the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaires.

Results

Thirty‐four subjects completed the study. Mean APHAB scores improved significantly for ease of communication (P < 0.001), background noise (P < 0.001), reverberation (P < 0.001), and global benefit (P < 0.001). Patients reported high rates of auditory benefit in a variety of listening situations and high rates of overall satisfaction with the device. One adverse event with a superficial mouth sore was reported and resolved after appropriate dental care. Twelve patients (35%) reported acoustic feedback. In six of these patients, the feedback resolved after device adjustment.

Conclusion

The SoundBite is a new hearing prosthesis that delivers bone conduction energy. It offers advantages over traditional osseointegrated devices that require surgical placement. Patient satisfaction with the device after 6 months of regular use is high. The SoundBite provided improvement in ease of communication, hearing in background noise, sound reverberation, and an overall global hearing benefit. Acoustic feedback is the most commonly reported problem with the SoundBite, and this is minimized with proper fitting.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 123:2807–2812, 2013
Self‐Assemblies of pH‐Activatable PEGylated Multiarm Poly(lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid)‐Doxorubicin Prodrugs with Improved Long‐Term Antitumor Efficacies
Authors: Ding Jianxun , Li Di , Zhuang Xiuli , Chen Xuesi
Published: July 2013

Two pH‐activatable star‐shaped prodrugs are synthesized through the condensation reaction between Y‐ or dumbbell‐shaped poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) (PEG‐PLGA) copolymer and acid‐sensitive cis‐aconityl‐doxorubicin. The prodrugs self‐assemble into micelles with favorable hydrodynamic radii and relatively low critical micelle concentrations. In vitro DOX release from prodrug micelles is accelerated by the decrease of the PLGA content or at the late endosomal pH. The efficient cellular uptake and intracellular DOX release of the prodrug micelles are confirmed and the improved long‐term anti‐proliferative activities of prodrug micelles are revealed. These features suggest that the prodrugs provide a favorable approach to construct effective polymeric drug delivery systems for malignancy therapy.
Au@poly(N‐propargylamide) Nanoparticles: Preparation and Chiral Recognition
Authors: Zhang Chaohong , Song Ci , Yang Wantai , Deng Jianping
Published: July 2013

This communication reports the first gold nanoparticles (NPs) chirally functionalized with optically active helical substituted polyacetylene (the resulting hybrid particles are defined as Au@PPA NPs). The novel nanoparticles consist of gold as core and optically active helical poly(N‐propargylamide) as shell and show considerable optical activity derived from helical poly(N‐propargylamide) chains with predominantly one‐handed screw sense. The Au@PPA NPs are prepared by a three‐step approach: i) a thiol‐containing N‐propargylamide monomer [Mth, HC≡CCH2NHCO(CH2)10SH] is synthesized and characterized with FTIR and1HNMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis; ii) a copolymer (poly(Mth‐co‐Mch)) was prepared by starting from monomer Mth and another chiral N‐propargylamide monomer (Mch); poly(Mth‐co‐Mch) formed helical conformations and showed optical activities; and, iii) Au@PPA NPs are prepared from hydrogen tetrachloroaurate (III) and poly(Mth‐co‐Mch) through a one‐spot procedure by using LiBH4 as reducing agent. The as‐obtained hybrid nanoparticles are characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, TEM, UV‐vis absorption and circular dichroism (CD) techniques. UV‐vis and CD measurements demonstrated the remarkable optical activity of the Au@PPA NPs. More interestingly, the Au@PPA NPs show much stronger UV‐vis and CD sigals when compared to the corresponding orginal helical copolymer, poly(Mth‐co‐Mch). The chiral hybrid nanoparticles demonstrate different absorption toward (R)‐(+)‐ and (S)‐(−)‐1‐phenylethylamines, preferentially adsorbing the (S)‐isomer.

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3D‐FEM formulations of limit analysis methods for porous pressure‐sensitive materials
Authors: Pastor Franck , Kondo Djimedo , Pastor Joseph
Published: July 2013

The first purpose of this paper is the numerical formulation of the three general limit analysis methods for problems involving pressure‐sensitive materials, that is, the static, classic, and mixed kinematic methods applied to problems with Drucker–Prager, Mises–Schleicher, or Green materials. In each case, quadratic or rotated quadratic cone programming is considered to solve the final optimization problems, leading to original and efficient numerical formulations. As a second purpose, the resulting codes are applied to non‐classic 3D problems, that is, the Gurson‐like hollow sphere problem with these materials as matrices. To this end are first presented the 3D finite element implementations of the static and kinematic classic methods of limit analysis together with a mixed method formulated to give also a purely kinematic result. Discontinuous stress and velocity fields are included in the analysis. The static and the two kinematic approaches are compared afterwards in the hydrostatic loading case whose exact solution is known for the three cases of matrix. Then, the static and the mixed approaches are used to assess the available approximate criteria for porous Drucker–Prager, Mises–Schleicher, and Green materials. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of in situ bonding system and surface modification of montmorillonite on the properties of butyl rubber/montmorillonite composites
Authors: Halim S.F. , Lawandy S.N. , Nour M.A.
Published: July 2013

Isobutylene–isoprene rubber (IIR)/nanoclay composites were prepared by solution intercalation method. Cloisite Na+ montmorillonite and organo‐modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanoclays, namely, cloisite 10 A, cloisite 15 A, and cloisite 20 A were used in this study. The effect of in situ bonding system HRH (hexametylene tetramine: resorcinol: hydrated silica) on the dispersion of used nanoclays in the rubber matrix were examined by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Both techniques showed complete exfoliation of the clays silicate layers in IIR/OMMT/HRH nanocomposites (NCs). Rheometeric and mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break%, and E‐modulus) of the NCs were studied. The addition of HRH system to IIR/OMMT NCs improves their mechanical properties. Moreover, IIR/clays/HRH NCs showed a decrease in the scorch time (tS2) and the cure time (tC90), which is an industrial privilege for saving time and energy. Swelling measurements were used to determine the filler–rubber interaction (Qf/Qg), the molar mass between cross‐links (Mc) and the cross‐linking density (ν) for each composite. The presence of HRH system enhances the rubber–filler interaction; in addition to an increase in the cross‐link density values. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1559–1565, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Poly(acrylamide‐co‐vinyl alcohol)—Superabsorbent materials reinforced by modified clay
Authors: Swain Sarat K. , Shur Bhargabi , Patra Subrata K.
Published: July 2013

A series of copolymeric superabsorbent materials comprising polyacrylamide (PAM), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) reinforced with variable wt% of modified clay were prepared. The copolymer/clay composite was characterized by Fourier transformed infrared, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The water absorbencies of poly(acrylamide‐co‐vinyl alcohol)/clay composites were measured by calculating their percentage swelling ratio. The effects of copolymerization, type of clay, and clay content on the water absorbencies were studied. The swelling was measured in acidic, alkaline, and saline condition to ensure its versatility. The results indicated a remarkable increase in swelling ratio by incorporation of modified clay having higher hydrophilicity and optimum clay loading. The poly(acrylamide‐co‐vinyl alcohol)/clay composite hydrogel was found to have better re‐swelling ability and water retention capacity compared to the virgin copolymer. The substantial enhancement of swelling properties enables the superabsorbent poly(acrylamide‐co‐vinyl alcohol)/clay suitable for agricultural and horticultural application. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1794–1800, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mixed‐phase clouds in a turbulent environment. Part 2: Analytic treatment
Authors: Field P. R. , Hill A. A. , Furtado K. , Korolev A.
Published: July 2013

The coexistence of supercooled liquid and ice is thermodynamically unstable. When no external forcing is applied, the ice will grow at the expense of the supercooled liquid water, eventually removing it completely. When dynamical forcing is applied, it is possible to activate supercooled liquid water in the presence of ice. Analytic solutions are presented that provide an estimate of the fraction and amount of supercooled liquid water that can be found in pre‐existing ice cloud affected by turbulence. The approach used is to simplify the equation representing the evolution of supersaturation to a stochastic differential equation. The solution to this equation provides an expression for the variance of the supersaturation with respect to ice as a function of the parameters describing the turbulence and the ice cloud. Given a supersaturation distribution with respect to ice, the mixed‐phase cloud properties can be predicted, including mixed‐phase cloud fraction, mean liquid water content and liquid water distribution. Large Eddy Simulation results from decametre‐resolution simulations of mixed‐phase cloud in a turbulent environment are in favourable agreement with the analytic estimates.