bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Escaping from ancient Rome! Applications and challenges for designing smart cities
Authors: Heo Taewook , Kim Kwangsoo , Kim Hyunhak , Lee Changwon , Ryu Jae Hong , Leem Youn Taik , Jun Jong Arm , Pyo Chulsik , Yoo Seung‐Mok , Ko JeongGil
Published: January 2014

From ancient Europe, the renaissance and industrialisation eras, to the modern times, urban planning paradigms have evolved in many ways, advancing the environments where people live in. Nevertheless, the recent development of wireless and wired communication network technologies and low‐power miniature sensors for various application domains provide us with another chance of revolutionising cities by making them smarter. Smart cities, propelled by a city‐scale infrastructure, where information provided from different application systems integrate together, will initiate the development of new applications that can benefit our everyday lives. This article presents an overview of representative applications that consist a smart city with their respective challenges and application requirements. Furthermore, we share our experiences obtained from designing and deploying examples of such smart systems in multiple application domains and summarise the remaining challenges for making the vision of designing smart cities a reality. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High Polymer Content 3,5‐Pyridine‐Polybenzimidazole Copolymer Membranes with Improved Compressive Properties
Authors: Molleo M. A. , Chen X. , Ploehn H. J. , Fishel K. J. , Benicewicz B. C.
Published: January 2014

Three series of polybenzimidazole (PBI) copolymers (3,5‐pyridine‐r‐2OH‐PBI, 3,5‐pyridine‐r‐para‐PBI, and 3,5‐pyridine‐r‐meta‐PBI) were polymerized and cast into membranes by the polyphosphoric acid (PPA) process. Monomer pairs with high and low solubility characteristics were used to define phase stability‐processing windows for preparing membranes with high temperature membrane gel stability. Creep compliance of these membranes (measured in compression at 180 °C) generally decreased with increasing polymer content. Membrane proton conductivities decreased linearly with increasing membrane polymer content. Fuel cell performances of some high‐solids 3,5‐pyridine‐based copolymer membranes (up to 0.66 V at 0.2 A cm–2 following break‐in) were comparable to para‐PBI (0.68 V at 0.2 A cm–2) despite lower phosphoric acid (PA) loadings in the high solids membranes. Long‐term steady‐state fuel cell studies showed 3,5‐pyridine‐r‐para‐PBI copolymers maintained a consistent fuel cell voltage of >0.6 V at 0.2 A cm–2 for over 2,300 h. Phosphoric acid that was continuously collected from the long‐term study demonstrated that acid loss is not a significant mode of degradation for these membranes. The PBI copolymer membranes' reduced high‐temperature creep and long‐term operational stability suggests that they are excellent candidates for use in extended lifetime electrochemical applications.
Hepatitis B virus infection enhances susceptibility toward adeno-associated viral vector transduction in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Hösel Marianna , Lucifora Julie , Michler Thomas , Holz Gisela , Gruffaz Marion , Stahnke Stephanie , Zoulim Fabien , Durantel David , Heikenwalder Mathias , Nierhoff Dirk , Millet Rachel , Salvetti Anna , Protzer Ulrike , Büning Hildegard
Published: January 2014

Gene therapy has become an accepted concept for the treatment of a variety of different diseases. In contrast to preclinical models, subjects enrolled in clinical trials, including gene therapy, possess a history of infection with microbes that may influence its safety and efficacy. Especially, viruses that establish chronic infections in the liver, one of the main targets for in vivo gene therapy, raise important concerns. Among them is the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which has chronically infected more than 350 million people worldwide. Here, we investigated the effect of HBV on adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, the most frequently applied gene transfer vehicles for in vivo gene therapy. Unexpectedly, we found that HBV greatly improved AAV transduction in cells replicating HBV and identified HBV protein x (HBx) as a key factor. Whereas HBV-positive and -negative cells were indistinguishable with respect to cell-entry efficiency, significantly higher numbers of AAV vector genomes were successfully delivered to the nucleus in the presence of HBV. The HBV-promoting effect was abolished by inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). PI3K was required for efficient trafficking of AAV to the nucleus and was enhanced in HBV-replicating cells and upon HBx expression. Enhancement of AAV transduction was confirmed in vivo using HBV transgenic mice and could successfully be applied to inhibit HBV progeny release. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that acute, as well as chronic, infections with unrelated viruses change the intracellular milieu, thereby likely influencing gene therapy outcomes. In the case of HBV, HBx-mediated enhancement of AAV transduction is an advantage that could be exploited for development of novel treatments of HBV infection. (Hepatology 2014;59:2110-2120)
Ring finger protein20 regulates hepatic lipid metabolism through protein kinase A-dependent sterol regulatory element binding protein1c degradation
Authors: Lee Jae Ho , Lee Gha Young , Jang Hagoon , Choe Sung Sik , Koo Seung-Hoi , Kim Jae Bum
Published: January 2014

Sterol regulatory element binding protein1c (SREBP1c) is a key transcription factor for de novo lipogenesis during the postprandial state. During nutritional deprivation, hepatic SREBP1c is rapidly suppressed by fasting signals to prevent lipogenic pathways. However, the molecular mechanisms that control SREBP1c turnover in response to fasting status are not thoroughly understood. To elucidate which factors are involved in the inactivation of SREBP1c, we attempted to identify SREBP1c-interacting proteins by mass spectrometry analysis. Since we observed that ring finger protein20 (RNF20) ubiquitin ligase was identified as one of SREBP1c-interacting proteins, we hypothesized that fasting signaling would promote SREBP1c degradation in an RNF20-dependent manner. In this work, we demonstrate that RNF20 physically interacts with SREBP1c, leading to degradation of SREBP1c via ubiquitination. In accordance with these findings, RNF20 represses the transcriptional activity of SREBP1c and turns off the expression of lipogenic genes that are targets of SREBP1c. In contrast, knockdown of RNF20 stimulates the expression of SREBP1c and lipogenic genes and induces lipogenic activity in primary hepatocytes. Furthermore, activation of protein kinase A (PKA) with glucagon or forskolin enhances the expression of RNF20 and potentiates the ubiquitination of SREBP1c via RNF20. In wild-type and db/db mice, adenoviral overexpression of RNF20 markedly suppresses FASN promoter activity and reduces the level of hepatic triglycerides, accompanied by a decrease in the hepatic lipogenic program. Here, we reveal that RNF20-induced SREBP1c ubiquitination down-regulates hepatic lipogenic activity upon PKA activation. Conclusion: RNF20 acts as a negative regulator of hepatic fatty acid metabolism through degradation of SREBP1c upon PKA activation. Knowledge regarding this process enhances our understanding of how SREBP1c is able to turn off hepatic lipid metabolism during nutritional deprivation. (Hepatology 2014;60:844–857)
Clearance of hepatitis C infection is associated with the early appearance of broad neutralizing antibody responses
Authors: Osburn William O. , Snider Anna E. , Wells Brittany L. , Latanich Rachel , Bailey Justin R. , Thomas David L. , Cox Andrea L. , Ray Stuart C.
Published: January 2014

The contribution of humoral immune responses to spontaneous control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains unclear. We assessed neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses during acute HCV infection to determine whether infection outcome is associated with the nAb response, specifically, its timing or breadth (neutralization of multiple genotype-matched variants). A representative genotype 1 HCV pseudoparticle (HCVpp) library, consisting of 19 genetically distinct genotype 1 HCVpp that comprise the natural variability of genotype 1 E1E2 sequences, was used to assess anti-genotype 1 nAb responses during acute infection in at-risk persons followed prospectively. Neutralization of individual library HCVpp by the last viremic plasma sample obtained before clearance was compared to either 1-year post-initial viremia or clearance time-matched specimens obtained from subjects developing persistent infection. In persistently infected persons nAb responses were delayed then progressively broadened, whereas in persons who controlled viremia broader responses were detected early and contracted after clearance of viremia. Surprisingly, the breadth of anti-genotype 1 nAb responses was not dependent on subjects' infection genotype. Also, individual library HCVpp neutralization sensitivity was not associated with any known E2 sequence determinants. Interestingly, two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the HLA-DQ locus were associated with nAb breadth. Conclusion: Control of HCV infection is associated with more rapid development of a broad nAb response, independent of the infection viral genotype, providing further evidence for the role of nAb in controlling HCV infection and the potential benefit of generating broad anti-HCV nAb responses by vaccination. (Hepatology 2014;59:2140–2151)
The Effects of the Service Environment on Perceived Waiting Time and Emotions
Authors: Chien Shih‐Yi , Lin Ying‐Tung
Published: January 2014

Because customers’ experience of waiting for service may negatively affect their behavioral approach toward the service organization, improving the service environment may also improve their waiting experience. This study examined the different effects of environmental elements on the perceived waiting time route and the emotional route. We surveyed 326 customers of a leading fast‐food chain restaurant in Taiwan during rush hour. We found that the emotional route is a stronger predictor of customer approach behavior than the perceived waiting time route. Moreover, the explained wait and perceived crowding directly affect both the perceived waiting time route and the emotional route. The effect of the design factor on the customer behavior approach is significant in the emotional route, but it is not significant in the perceived waiting route. In addition, perceived crowding has the strongest effect on the perceived waiting time route, and the explained wait has the strongest effect on the emotional route.
A randomized, double‐blind, fixed‐dose study comparing the efficacy and tolerability of vortioxetine 2.5 and 10 mg in acute treatment of adults with generalized anxiety disorder
Authors: Mahableshwarkar Atul R. , Jacobsen Paula L. , Serenko Michael , Chen Yinzhong
Published: January 2014

Background

Vortioxetine is a recently approved multimodal antidepressant with anxiolytic properties in preclinical studies.

Objective

This double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of vortioxetine in subjects with a primary diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder.

Methods

Subjects (n = 457) were randomized 1:1:1 to treatment with placebo or vortioxetine 2.5 or 10 mg once daily. The primary efficacy endpoint was reduction in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM‐A) total scores from baseline after 8 weeks of treatment. Key secondary outcomes were changes from baseline in HAM‐A total scores for the 2.5 and 10 mg dose, Hospital Anxiety and Depression anxiety subscore, 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey, Sheehan Disability Scale, and Clinical Global Impression‐Improvement Scale score, as well as HAM‐A response rate at week 8.

Results

Neither vortioxetine dose achieved a statistically significant improvement over placebo on the primary endpoint (least‐squares mean difference ± standard error from placebo: –0.87 ± 0.803 [p = 0.279] for 2.5 mg and −0.81 ± 0.791 [p = 0.306] for 10 mg vortioxetine) or on any secondary efficacy endpoints. Common adverse events (≥5% in either vortioxetine group) were nausea, dry mouth, headache, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting.

Conclusions

Vortioxetine 2.5 and 10 mg treatment did not significantly improve generalized anxiety disorder symptoms versus placebo. Vortioxetine was safe and well tolerated in this patient population. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SMOS‐derived soil moisture anomalies and drought indices: a comparative analysis using in situ measurements
Authors: Scaini Anna , Sánchez Nilda , Vicente‐Serrano Sergio M. , Martínez‐Fernández José
Published: January 2014

The objective of this analysis is to demonstrate the feasibility of using a composite L2 Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) soil moisture product for determining drought conditions by taking advantage of its spatial and temporal resolutions. The work investigates the potential relationships between soil moisture anomalies and two drought indices, the Standardized Precipitation Index and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index, both calculated on a ten‐day basis. As the two drought indices can be applied to different time scales for precipitation series, the influence of time scale on the drought definition is also studied. The anomalies were calculated both for the in situ soil moisture by REMEDHUS (Soil Moisture Measurement Stations Network, Spain) and from the SMOS L2 soil moisture product. In general, in situ anomalies exhibit higher correlation coefficients for the drought indices than those of SMOS, except for the shortest time scale. As expected, the short‐term remotely sensed anomalies have a high response to precipitation events. This effect may be due to the greater sensitivity of SMOS data to rainfall, as well as to the spatial averaged nature of its observations. The optimal time scale was 1 month for the SMOS values and ranged between 30 and 50 days for the in situ values. The use of evapotranspiration in the calculation of the indices did not improve the description of the anomalies. The relationship between indices and soil moisture conditions provides encouraging results. Indeed, this method generates preliminary but valuable insights for future satellite products. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization and characterization of stable lipid‐based, oxygen‐filled microbubbles by mixture design
Authors: Polizzotti Brian D. , Thomson Lindsay M. , O'Connell Daniel W. , McGowan Francis X. , Kheir John N.
Published: January 2014

Tissue hypoxia is a final common pathway that leads to cellular injury and death in a number of critical illnesses. Intravenous injections of self‐assembling, lipid‐based oxygen microbubbles (LOMs) can be used to deliver oxygen gas, preventing organ injury and death from systemic hypoxemia. However, current formulations exhibit high polydispersity indices (which may lead to microvascular obstruction) and poor shelf‐lives, limiting the translational capacity of LOMs. In this study, we report our efforts to optimize LOM formulations using a mixture response surface methodology (mRSM). We study the effect of changing excipient proportions (the independent variables) on microbubble diameter and product loss (the dependent variables). By using mRSM analysis, the experimental data were fit using a reduced Scheffé linear mixture model. We demonstrate that formulations manufactured from 1,2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine, corn syrup, and water produce micron‐sized microbubbles with low polydispersity indices, and decreased product loss (relative to previously described formulations) when stored at room temperature over a 30‐day period. Optimized LOMs were subsequently tested for their oxygen‐releasing ability and found to have similar release kinetics as prior formulations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1148–1156, 2014.
Modeling and simulation of material degradation in biodegradable wound closure devices
Authors: Xiong Linfei , Chui Chee‐Kong , Teo Chee‐Leong , Lau David P. C.
Published: January 2014

Biodegradable materials have been used as wound closure materials. It is important for these materials to enhance wound healing when the wound is vulnerable, and maintain wound closure until the wound is heal. This article studies the degradation process of bioresorbable magnesium micro‐clips for wound closure in voice/laryngeal microsurgery. A novel computational approach is proposed to model degradation of the biodegradable micro‐clips. The degradation process that considers both material and geometry of the device as well as its deployment is modeled as an energy minimization problem that is iteratively solved using active contour and incremental finite element methods. Strain energy of the micro‐clip during degradation is calculated with the stretching and bending functions in the active contour formulation. The degradation rate is computed from strain energy using a transformation formulation. By relating strain energy to material degradation, the degradation rates and geometries of the micro‐clip during degradation can be represented using a simulated degradation map. Computer simulation of the degradation of the micro‐clip presented in the study is validated by in vivo and in vitro experiments. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1181–1189, 2014.
Effects of processing parameters in thermally induced phase separation technique on porous architecture of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Akbarzadeh Rosa , Yousefi Azizeh‐Mitra
Published: January 2014

Tissue engineering makes use of 3D scaffolds to sustain three‐dimensional growth of cells and guide new tissue formation. To meet the multiple requirements for regeneration of biological tissues and organs, a wide range of scaffold fabrication techniques have been developed, aiming to produce porous constructs with the desired pore size range and pore morphology. Among different scaffold fabrication techniques, thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) method has been widely used in recent years because of its potential to produce highly porous scaffolds with interconnected pore morphology. The scaffold architecture can be closely controlled by adjusting the process parameters, including polymer type and concentration, solvent composition, quenching temperature and time, coarsening process, and incorporation of inorganic particles. The objective of this review is to provide information pertaining to the effect of these parameters on the architecture and properties of the scaffolds fabricated by the TIPS technique. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1304–1315, 2014.
Polymeric hollow fiber membranes for bioartificial organs and tissue engineering applications
Authors: Diban Nazely , Stamatialis Dimitrios
Published: January 2014

Polymeric hollow fiber (HF) membranes are commercially available, i.e. microfiltration and ultrafiltration cartridges or reverse osmosis and gas separation modules, to be applied for separation purposes in industry, for instance to recover valuable raw materials or products, or for the treatment of end‐of‐pipe wastes to avoid environmental impacts, to regenerate or treat waters for reuse and for the separation of key components or clarification in food and beverage industries. They have also shown important benefits as hemodialyzers, hemodiafiltration or plasma purification devices in patients with liver or kidney damage. The good mass transport properties characterizing the polymeric HFs have opened new research areas of application in the biomedical field, such as the tissue engineering (TE) and the construction of bioartificial organs (BAO). In TE, the HFs act as scaffolds or supports and/or allow high permeance of nutrients and waste removal for cell proliferation and differentiation. In BAO, HFs are used for the fabrication of bio‐hybrid constructs that replace the damaged organs of the patient or can be used as in vitro models for therapeutic studies. This review presents the state‐of‐the‐art concerning preparation and application of HFs for TE and BAO and discusses the challenges and future perspectives of the HFs in both fields. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Fenton and photo‐Fenton processes for the degradation of atrazine: a kinetic study
Authors: Benzaquén Tamara B. , Isla Miguel A. , Alfano Orlando M.
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

This study is focused on the kinetic modelling of the Fenton and photo‐Fenton degradation of a model pollutant (atrazine) in aqueous solution. The effects of hydrogen peroxide and ferric ion concentrations as well as those of radiation level on the atrazine degradation processes have been investigated.

RESULTS

The experimental work was performed in a well‐stirred tank laboratory reactor irradiated from both sides with two tubular UV‐lamps. The reaction rate expressions were derived from an accepted reaction mechanism, explicitly taking into account the local volumetric rate of photon absorption inside the photoreactor. The proposed kinetic model was able to reproduce the combined effects of changing the ferric iron concentrations, hydrogen peroxide to atrazine molar ratios and radiation level on the pollutant degradation rate. Model predictions were compared with experimental data and good agreement was obtained. The maximum root mean square error (RMSE) for all the estimations was < 2.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained indicate that Fenton and photo‐Fenton processes are possible ways to improve the biodegradability of water containing commercial atrazine. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Transition metal mediated [11C]carbonylation reactions: recent advances and applications
Authors: Kealey Steven , Gee Antony , Miller Philip W.
Published: January 2014

[11C]Carbon monoxide is undoubtedly a highly versatile radiolabelling synthon with many potential applications for the synthesis of positron emission tomography (PET) tracer molecules and functional groups, but why has it not found more applications in the PET radiolabelling arena? Today, 11CO radiolabelling is still primarily viewed as a niche area; however, there are signs that this is beginning to change as some of the technical and chemistry challenges of producing, handling and reacting 11CO are overcome. This mini review covers the more recent developments of 11CO‐labelling chemistry and is focused on palladium and rhodium‐mediated carbonylation reactions that are growing in importance and finding wider application for carbon‐11 PET radiotracer development. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nitrogen‐13: historical review and future perspectives
Authors: Gómez‐Vallejo Vanessa , Gaja Vijay , Gona Kiran B. , Llop Jordi
Published: January 2014

Positron emission tomography is an ultra‐sensitive, in vivo molecular imaging technique that allows the determination of the spatiotemporal distribution of a positron emitter labeled radiotracer after administration into living organisms. Among all existing positron emitters, 18F has been by far the most widely used both in clinical diagnosis and in preclinical investigation, while the use of 11C significantly increased after the 1980s because of the widespread installation of biomedical cyclotrons. The use of other shorter‐lived positron emitters such as 13N (T1/2 = 9.97 min) has been historically more restricted. Paradoxically, its stable isotope (14N) is present in many biological active molecules; consequently, the development of strategies for the efficient incorporation of 13N into radiotracers would represent an interesting alternative to 11C‐ and 18F‐labeling. In the current paper, the developments related to 13N chemistry are reviewed, including different production routes of primary precursors and their applications to the preparation of more complex 13N‐labeled molecules. The current situation and future perspectives are also briefly discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A coupled K‐nearest neighbour and Bayesian neural network model for daily rainfall downscaling
Authors: Lu Y. , Qin X. S.
Published: January 2014

A coupled K‐nearest neighbour (KNN) and Bayesian neural network (BNN) model was developed for downscaling daily rainfall at a single site. The KNN was used for classification of dry/wet day and rainfall typing based on rainfall magnitude. The BNN was applied for prediction of rainfall amount. The proposed method was applied to rainfall downscaling at Singapore Island. The Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) data were used for providing large‐scale predictors at a high spatial resolution; 31‐years daily rainfall record at two typical weather stations on the island was used as predictand. The performance of KNN–BNN was compared with two classical downscaling tools including automated statistical downscaling tool (ASD) and generalized linear model (GLM). The study results indicated that, the proposed model performed equally good or better than both ASD and GLM, in terms of prediction of basic statistical indicators (i.e. mean, SD, probability of wet days, 90th percentile rainfall amount, and maximum rainfall); it notably outperformed others in generating narrower uncertainty intervals for all indicators, especially for monthly mean and maximum rainfall. It was also demonstrated that separation of yearly data into monthly or seasonal could considerably enhance the performance of KNN–BNN.
Barrier, structural and mechanical properties of bovine gelatin–chitosan blend films related to biopolymer interactions
Authors: Benbettaïeb Nasreddine , Kurek Mia , Bornaz Salwa , Debeaufort Frédéric
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

The increased use of synthetic packaging films has led to a high ecological problem due to their total non‐biodegradability. Thus, there is a vital need to develop renewable and environmentally friendly bio‐based polymeric materials. Films and coatings made from polysaccharide polymers, particularly chitosans and gelatins have good gas barrier properties and are envisaged more and more for applications in the biomedical and food fields, as well as for packaging. In this study a casting method was used to develop an edible plasticised film from chitosan and gelatin. Aiming to develop a blend film with enhanced properties, the effects of mixing chitosan (CS) and gelatin (G) in different proportions (CS:G, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, w/w) on functional and physico‐chemical properties have been studied.

RESULTS

Mean film thickness increased linearly (R2 = 0.999) with surface density of the film forming solution. An enhancement of mechanical properties by increasing the tensile strength (38.7 ± 11 MPa for pure chitosan and 76.8 ± 9 MPa for pure gelatin film) was also observed in blends, due to gelatin content. When the gelatin content in blend films was increased an improvement of both water vapour barrier properties [(4 ± 0.3) × 10−10 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1 for pure chitosan and (2.5 ± 0.14) × 10−10 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1 for pure gelatin, at 70% RH gradient] and oxygen barrier properties ((822.62 ± 90.24) × 10−12 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1 for blend film chitosan:gelatin (25:75 w/w) and (296.67 ± 18.76) × 10−12 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1 for pure gelatin was observed. Fourier transform infrared spectra of blend films showed a shift in the peak positions related to the amide groups (amide‐I and amide‐III) indicating interactions between biopolymers.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of gelatin in chitosan induced greater functional properties (mechanical, barrier) due to chemical interactions, suggesting an inter‐penetrated network. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of citronella essential oil on the inhibition of postharvest Alternaria alternata in cherry tomato
Authors: Chen Qianru , Xu Shixiang , Wu Tao , Guo Jun , Sha Sha , Zheng Xiaodong , Yu Ting
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

Essential oils such as citronella oil exhibit antifungal activity and are potential alternative inhibitors to chemical synthetic fungicides for controlling postharvest diseases. In this study the antifungal activity of citronella oil against Alternaria alternata was investigated.

RESULTS

In vitro, citronella oil showed strong inhibition activity against A. alternata. The minimum inhibitory concentration in potato dextrose agar and potato dextrose broth medium was determined as 1 and 0.8 µL mL−1 respectively. In vivo the disease incidence of Lycopersicon esculentum (cherry tomato) treated with citronella oil was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced compared with the control after 5 days of storage at 25 °C and 95% relative humidity. The disease incidence at oil concentrations of 0.2–1.5 µL mL−1 was 88–48%. The most effective dosage of the oil was 1.5 µL mL−1, with 52% reduction, and the oil had no negative effect on fruit quality. Scanning electron microscopy observation revealed considerably abnormal mycelial morphology.

CONCLUSION

Citronella oil can significantly inhibit A. alternata in vitro and in vivo and has potential as a promising natural product for controlling black rot in cherry tomato. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Amino acid availability in ruminants of cereals and cereal co‐products
Authors: González Javier , Arroyo José M , Guevara‐González Jésus Alberto , Mouhbi Rabiaa , Piquer Olga , Moya Vicente Javier
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

Microbial corrected in situ estimates of the ruminal undegraded fraction (RU) and intestinal effective digestibility (IED) of amino acids (AA), except tryptophan, of rye, wheat and corn grains, wheat bran, wheat and barley distilled dried grains and corn gluten feed were measured on three rumen‐ and duodenum‐cannulated wethers using 15N‐labelling techniques and considering ruminal rates of particle comminution and outflow.

RESULTS

The lack of microbial correction led to overestimations of the intestinal digested fraction that rose with the increase in ruminal degradability. Thus these overestimations varied widely among feeds (from 4.3 to 32.1% for total analysed AA) and among AA. Digestion led to large changes in the AA supply that were greater in the rumen than in the intestine. The impact of these changes on the protein value is conditioned by the magnitude of the undegraded protein fraction.

CONCLUSION

Microbial contamination taking place in the rumen and changes in the AA supply with digestion should be considered to attain accurate estimates of AA digestion. Globally, digestion improved the AA supply in rye, wheat and wheat distilled dried grain and decreased it in corn and corn gluten feed by reducing the supply of valine and basic AA, especially lysine. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
The impact of comorbid migraine on quality‐of‐life outcomes after endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: DeConde Adam S. , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: January 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and migraine are common entities with overlapping symptomatology, yet little research exists that investigates the intersection of the two. This study seeks to investigate whether patients with CRS—with and without a migraine history—experience comparable quality‐of‐life (QOL) improvement after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort.

Methods

An adult population (n = 229) with medically refractory CRS was prospectively evaluated following ESS using disease‐specific QOL surveys: the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI), the Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS), and the Sinonasal Outcome Test‐22 (SNOT‐22). History of comorbid migraine was identified (n = 46), and preoperative and postoperative QOL was compared to patients without migraine (n = 183).

Results

Patients migraine and CRS were more likely to be female (P = 0.023); experience allergies (P = 0.024), fibromyalgia (P = 0.009), and depression (P = 0.010); and be less likely to have nasal polyposis (P = 0.003). Objective measures of disease (endoscopy and computed tomography scores) were significantly lower in patients with migraine (P = 0.027 and P = 0.002, respectively), yet these patients scored lower on baseline RSDI and SNOT‐22 scores (P = 0.025 and P = 0.019, respectively). QOL in both patients with and without migraine improved significantly after ESS (P ≤ 0.003) and by comparable magnitudes (P ≥ 0.062).

Conclusion

Patients with comorbid migraine and CRS are more likely to have less severe evidence of disease and worse preoperative baseline QOL scores. This may imply that comorbid migraine disorder, in the setting of CRS, compels these patients to seek surgical management earlier in the disease process. Regardless, ESS provides comparable improvement for both patients with and without comorbid migraine.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 124:1750–1755, 2014
Changing etiologies and outcomes of acute liver failure: Perspectives from 6 transplant centers in Argentina
Authors: Mendizabal Manuel , Marciano Sebastián , Videla María G. , Anders Margarita , Zerega Alina , Balderramo Domingo C. , Chan Débora , Barrabino Martín , Gil Octavio , Mastai Ricardo , Yantorno Silvina , Gadano Adrián , Silva Marcelo O.
Published: January 2014

There is significant geographic variation in the etiologies and prognoses of acute liver failure (ALF). The aims of the present study were to determine the causes and short-term outcomes of ALF in Argentina, to evaluate the performance of prognostic criteria, and to identify clinical prognostic factors of death. We performed a retrospective analysis of 154 adult patients with ALF who were admitted to 6 liver transplantation (LT) programs between June 2005 and December 2011. The most frequent causes of ALF were viral hepatitis B (46 patients or 30%), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH; 40 patients or 26%), and indeterminate causes (40 patients or 26%). No acetaminophen (ACM) overdose was reported. One hundred and twenty one patients (78%) were included on the waiting list, and LT was performed for 83 patients (54%). Overall survival rate is now corected to 73%. Multivariate logistic regression identified 2 independent variables associated with adverse outcomes on admission: a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score ≥ 29 and an encephalopathy grade ≥ 3. In a direct comparison using a receiving operating characteristic curve analysis, the MELD score [C statistic = 0.830, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.73-0.93] had better prognostic accuracy for predicting outcomes than the Clichy criteria (C statistic = 0.719, 95% CI = 0.58-0.85) or the King's College criteria (C statistic = 0.631, 95% CI = 0.49-0.77). In conclusion, hepatitis B and AIH were the most frequent causes of fulminant hepatic failure in our series, and no cases of ACM overdosing were identified. A MELD score ≥ 29 and an encephalopathy grade ≥ 3 at admission were associated with death. The MELD score at admission showed the highest prognostic accuracy. Liver Transpl 20:483–489, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Clinical outcomes of living donor liver transplantation for patients 65 years old or older with preserved performance status
Authors: Ikegami Toru , Bekki Yuki , Imai Daisuke , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Ninomiya Mizuki , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Yamashita Yo-Ichi , Uchiyama Hideaki , Shirabe Ken , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for elderly recipients. We reviewed 411 adult-to-adult LDLT cases, including 46 recipients who were 65 years old or older and 365 recipients who were less than 65 years old. The elderly group had a higher proportion of females (P = 0.04) and a smaller body surface area (P < 0.001) and more frequently underwent transplantation because of hepatitis C (P < 0.001) or hepatocellular carcinoma (P < 0.001). Elderly patients had less advanced liver disease with lower Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores (P = 0.02) and preserved health without the need for prolonged hospitalization (P < 0.01). The transplanted graft volume/standard liver volume ratios were similar for the 2 groups (P = 0.22). The elderly group had fewer episodes of acute rejection (P = 0.03) but had more neuropsychiatric complications (P = 0.01). The 5- and 10-year graft survival rates were comparable for the elderly group (89.8% and 77.8%, respectively) and the younger group (79.4% and 72.9%, respectively; P = 0.21). Seven recipients were 70 years old or older, and they had a mean MELD score of 15.6 ± 5.2; 6 of these patients were treated as outpatients before LDLT. All were alive after LDLT and showed good compliance with medical management with a mean follow-up of 5.7 ± 3.0 years. In conclusion, LDLT can be safely performed and has acceptable long-term outcomes for low-risk elderly recipients with preserved performance status. Liver Transpl 20:408–415, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Flavanol metabolites reduce monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells through modulation of expression of genes via p38‐MAPK and p65‐Nf‐kB pathways
Authors: Claude Sylvain , Boby Celine , Rodriguez‐Mateos Ana , Spencer Jeremy P. E. , Gérard Nicolas , Morand Christine , Milenkovic Dragan
Published: January 2014

Scope

Consumption of flavanol‐rich foods is associated with an improvement in endothelial function. However, the specific biologically active flavanol metabolites involved in this benefit, as well as their molecular mechanisms of action have not been identified. The aim of this work was to examine the effect of plasma flavanol metabolites on adhesion of monocytes to TNF‐α‐activated endothelial cells and identify potential underlying mechanisms.

Methods and results

4′‐O‐methyl(−)‐epicatechin, 4′‐O‐methyl(−)‐epicatechin‐7‐β‐d‐glucuronide, and (−)­epicatechin‐4′‐sulfate decreased the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells at physiologically relevant concentrations, from 0.2 to 1 μM. Transcriptomic studies showed that each of the flavanol metabolites affected the expression of different genes in endothelial cells. However, these genes are involved in the cellular processes that control adhesion and migration of monocytes to vascular endothelium, most notably those regulating cell adhesion, cell–cell junctions, focal adhesion, and cytoskeleton remodeling. Gene expression profiles obtained suggest lower monocyte recruitment, in agreement with results from cell adhesion assays. The nutrigenomic effect of metabolites seems to be mediated through their capacity to modulate phosphorylation of p65 and p38 cell‐signaling proteins.

Conclusion

Our study provides findings into the molecular mechanisms by which plasma flavanol metabolites could be efficient to preserve vascular endothelium integrity in nutritionally relevant conditions.
New biodegradable bisphosphonate vinylic monomers and near infrared fluorescent nanoparticles for biomedical applications
Authors: Gluz Eran , Rudnick‐Glick Safra , Mizrahi Dana M. , Chen Ravit , Margel Shlomo
Published: January 2014

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are non‐hydrolyzable pyrophosphate analogs with high affinity to hydroxyapatite due to their ability to create bidentate or tridentate chelates with calcium ions. Consequently, BP lead to strong interactions with dentin, enamel, and bones. BPs (especially those bearing OH) accelerate osteoblasts action, while strongly inhibiting osteoclasts, thus contributing to enhanced bone formation. Recently, several novel BP non‐biodegradable and biodegradable vinylic monomers were synthesized in our laboratory. This article provides a detailed description regarding the synthesis of a unique biodegradable BP monomer and near infrared (NIR) fluorescent nano/microparticles for diagnosis and therapy of bone malignancy. These particles were prepared by dispersion copolymerization of three monomers: methacrylate polyethylene glycol (PEG) BP, N‐(3‐aminopropyl) methacrylamide, and the crosslinker monomer tetra(ethyleneglycol) diacrylate. The PEG‐BP nanoparticles size was controlled by changing various polymerization parameters. These BP particles possess dual functionality: covalent attachment of a dye (e.g., NIR fluorescent dye) or drug to the nanoparticles through the primary amine groups belonging to the aminopropyl methacrylamide monomeric units and chelation to the bone mineral hydroxyapatite through the BP groups belonging to the methacrylate PEG‐BP monomeric units. Body distribution of the optimal crosslinked BP nanoparticles was tested on a chicken embryo model via intravenous administration. This study indicated that the fluorescence intensity of all the organs except the bones decreased significantly within 48 h (p < 0.05) while that of the bones hardly changed over that time (p > 0.05). In addition, a relatively long half‐life time of these nanoparticles in blood has been demonstrated, probably due to the PEG moiety. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of β‐SiCw/BDM/DBA composites with excellent comprehensive properties
Authors: Dang Jing , Wang Rumin , Yang Li , Gao Lihong , Zhang Zhang , Zha Meng
Published: January 2014

Functionalized β‐SiC whiskers (β‐SiCw) are employed to prepare β‐SiCw/N,N′‐4, 4′‐bimaleimide diphenyl methane/diallylbisphenol A (β‐SiCw/BDM/DBA) composites via powder blending‐casting method. The thermal conductive coefficient of the β‐SiCw/BDM/DBA composites is 0.994 W/mK with 40 wt% functionalized β‐SiCw, five times higher than that of pure BDM/DBA. The mechanical properties of the β‐SiCw/BDM/DBA composites are optimal with 10 wt% functionalized β‐SiCw. Both thermal resistance and dielectric constant are increased with the increasing addition of β‐SiCw. For a given β‐SiCw loading, the surface functionalization of β‐SiCw exhibits a positive effect on the thermal conductivities and mechanical properties of the β‐SiCw/BDM/DBA composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1875–1878, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Possible use of volcanic ash as a filler in polyphenylene sulfide composites: Thermal, mechanical, and erosive wear properties
Authors: Avcu Egemen , Çoban Onur , Özgür Bora Mustafa , Fidan Sinan , Sınmazçelik Tamer , Ersoy Orkun
Published: January 2014

It is a common practice to use particle materials as fillers to improve engineering properties of polymer composites and to lower the cost of final products. There is an obvious cost advantage of compounding volcanic ash (VA) in polymers, either to replace traditional fillers. This study is concerned with thermal, mechanical, and erosive properties of VA‐filled polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) composites. Composite samples containing VA particles at various concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) were manufactured by twin screw extruder and injection molding machine. Thermal properties were investigated by thermogravimetric and dynamic mechanical analysis methods. Erosive wear properties were investigated by performing solid particle erosion tests at 30º and 90º impingement angles. The mechanical properties such as flexural strength and modulus of uneroded samples and residual flexural strength and modulus of eroded composite samples were determined by three‐point bending tests. Results show that thermal, mechanical, and residual mechanical properties of the PPS composite were significantly improved by adding VA, although erosion resistance was decreased markedly. It was concluded that VA can be used as a reinforcement in PPS composites to improve thermal and mechanical properties and to reduce the cost of the PPS composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1826–1833, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Prediction of the effective thermal conductivity of carbon nanotube‐reinforced polymer systems
Authors: Fiamegkou Eleni , Athanasopoulos Nikolaos , Kostopoulos Vassilis
Published: January 2014

A study dealing with the effect of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs), at various weight fractions, on the effective thermal conductivity of a CNT‐reinforced polymer by associating it with the Kapitza resistance (RKap) phenomena is presented. The finite element method was utilized as a tool for the models' solution by using the principles of the representative volume element. An intermediate continuum layer between polymer matrix and CNTs was considered for the representation of theRKapphenomena. The influence of the intensity ofRKapphenomena at various CNT contents was investigated through the parametric study of theRKapvalue and the thickness of the intermediate layer. The predicted results were compared against experimental measurements derived from an equivalent CNT–epoxy resin system. The discrepancy between calculated and measured values is diminished when theRKapphenomena are taken into account, thus confirming the existence of thermal resistance between the CNTs and the polymer matrix. TheRKaprise as the % CNT weight content is increased. This behavior is correlated to the higher CNT agglomeration at higher CNT contents, which is proven by the scanning electron microscopy and thus providing a first indication of the effect of the CNT agglomeration on the effective thermal conductivity at various CNT contents. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1997–2009, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and characterization of phenol‐urea‐formaldehyde foaming resin used to block air leakage in mining
Authors: Hu Xiangming , Zhao Yanyun , Cheng Weimin , Wang Deming , Nie Wen
Published: January 2014

In this study, phenol, urea, and paraformaldehyde were used as the monomers for the one‐step synthesis of phenol‐urea‐formaldehyde (PUF) foaming resin that was used to block air leakage in mining. An orthogonal test was used to study the effects of urea amount, catalyst amount, reaction temperature, and reaction time on the foaming property of the resin. The results showed that the optimum parameters for synthesizing PUF resin are as follows: 1 mol phenol, 0.5 mol urea, 3 mol formaldehyde equivalents of paraformaldehyde, and 0.05 mol catalyst at 75°C for 3 h. The infrared and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of the PUF resin showed that the chemical structure of the PUF resin was significantly different from that of phenol‐formaldehyde resin, indicating that a copolymerization reaction has occurred among the three components, that is, phenol, urea, and paraformaldehyde. In this study, PUF foam was prepared from catalysts and PUF resin. The results showed that the foaming capacity and oxygen index of the PUF foam were significantly improved by using urea, whereas the shrinking percentage decreased with no change in compression strength. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:2056–2066, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and properties of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes/carbon fiber/epoxy composites
Authors: Ma Aijie , Wu Yalan , Chen Weixing , Wu Xinming
Published: January 2014

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes/carbon fiber (MWCNTs/CF) hybrid fillers are employed to prepare MWCNTs/CF/epoxy composites. Results reveal that a great improvement of the thermal conductivities of the epoxy composites with the addition of MWCNTs/CF hybrid fillers, and the thermal conductivity of the MWCNTs/CF/epoxy composites is 1.426 W/mK with 8 vol% treated MWCNTs/CF hybrid fillers (5 vol% MWCNTs + 3 vol% CF). Both the flexural and impact strength of the MWCNTs/CF/epoxy composites are increased firstly, but decreased with the excessive addition of MWCNTs. The flexural and impact strength of the MWCNTs/epoxy composites are optimal with 2 vol% MWCNTs. For a given MWCNTs/CF hybrid fillers loading, the surface treatment of MWCNTs/CF hybrid fillers can further increase the thermal conductivities and mechanical properties of the MWCNTs/CF/epoxy composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:2150–2153, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers