bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results of a 2‐arm, phase 2 clinical trial using post‐transplantation cyclophosphamide for the prevention of graft‐versus‐host disease in haploidentical donor and mismatched unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Gaballa Sameh , Ge Isabell , El Fakih Riad , Brammer Jonathan E. , Kongtim Piyanuch , Tomuleasa Ciprian , Wang Sa A. , Lee Dean , Petropoulos Demetrios , Cao Kai , Rondon Gabriela , Chen Julianne , Hammerstrom Aimee , Lombardi Lindsey , Alatrash Gheath , Korbling Martin , Oran Betul , Kebriaei Partow , Ahmed Sairah , Shah Nina , Rezvani Katayoun , Marin David , Bashir Qaiser , Alousi Amin , Nieto Yago , Qazilbash Muzaffar , Hosing Chitra , Popat Uday , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Khouri Issa , Champlin Richard E. , Ciurea Stefan O.
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

High‐dose, post‐transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) to prevent graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) has improved outcomes in haploidentical (HAPLO) stem cell transplantation (SCT). However, it remains unclear whether this strategy is effective in SCT from 1‐antigen human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐mismatched unrelated donors (9/10 MUD) and how the outcomes of these patients compare with those of haploidentical transplantation recipients.

METHODS

A parallel, 2‐arm, nonrandomized phase 2 clinical trial was conducted of melphalan‐based reduced‐intensity conditioning with PTCy, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil to prevent GVHD in patients with high‐risk hematologic malignancies who underwent HAPLO (n = 60) or 9/10 MUD (n = 46) SCT.

RESULTS

The 1‐year overall and progression‐free survival rates were 70% and 60%, respectively, in the HAPLO arm and 60% and 47%, respectively, in the 9/10 MUD arm. The day +100 cumulative incidence of grade II to IV acute GVHD and grade III to IV acute GVHD was 28% and 3%, respectively, in the HAPLO arm and 33% and 13%, respectively, in the 9/10 MUD arm. The 2‐year cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 24% in the HAPLO arm and 19% in the 9/10 MUD arm. The 1‐year cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality was 21% in the HAPLO arm and 31% in the 9/10 MUD arm, and the 1‐year relapse rate was 19% in the HAPLO arm and 25% in the 9/10 MUD arm.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this was a nonrandomized study and could not serve as a direct comparison between the 2 groups, the authors conclude that PTCy‐based GVHD prophylaxis is effective for both HAPLO and 9/10 MUD SCTs. Prospective randomized trials will be required to compare the efficacies of alternative donor options for patients lacking HLA‐matched donors. Cancer 2016;122:3316–3326. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Magnetic Field Models and their Application in Optimal Magnetic Divertor Design
Authors: Blommaert M. , Baelmans M. , Heumann H. , Marandet Y. , Bufferand H. , Gauger N. R. , Reiter D.
Published: July 2016

In recent automated design studies, optimal design methods were introduced to successfully reduce the often excessive heat loads that threaten the divertor target surface. To this end, divertor coils were controlled to improve the magnetic configuration. The divertor performance was then evaluated using a plasma edge transport code and a “vacuum approach” for magnetic field perturbations. Recent integration of a free boundary equilibrium (FBE) solver allows to assess the validity of the vacuum approach. It is found that the absence of plasma response currents significantly limits the accuracy of the vacuum approach. Therefore, the optimal magnetic divertor design procedure is extended to incorporate full FBE solutions. The novel procedure is applied to obtain first results for the new WEST (Tungsten Environment in Steady‐state Tokamak) divertor currently under construction in the Tore Supra tokamak at CEA (Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, France). The sensitivities and the related divertor optimization paths are strongly affected by the extension of the magnetic model. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Turbulence Interaction with Driven Transport Barriers in the Scrape‐Off Layer of Tokamaks
Authors: Nace N. , Perin M. , Tamain P. , Ciraolo G. , Baudoin C. , Futtersack R. , Ghendrih Ph. , Norscini C.
Published: July 2016

Two mechanisms able to generate a transport barrier by the stabilization of turbulence are analysed: the radial shear of the E × B velocity and the radial gradient of this shear. These two mechanisms are artificially forced in dedicated 2D non‐linear fluid simulations to study their impact on turbulence in the Scrape‐Off Layer. Generated barriers are characterized by their turbulence stopping capability and a key parameter, the barrier efficiency, is pointed out. The first two moments of this criterion can be studied to quantify the global efficiency, shape and width of the barrier as well as its intermittency. It is found that both mechanisms can drive intermittent or stable barriers but the radial shear mechanism generates stronger relaxation events. Small scale structures are damped by the E × B velocity shear while the radial shear gradient acts mainly on large scales. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Numerical Simulation Study of Plasma Flow in the GAMMA10/PDX End‐cell Using a Fluid Code
Authors: Takeda H. , Nakashima Y. , Hatayama A. , Islam M. S. , Ichimura K. , Islam M. M. , Shimuzu K. , Fukui K. , Ohuchi M. , Sakamoto M. , Imai T.
Published: July 2016

In order to understand the effect of impurity injection into divertor plasma, a multi‐fluid code was developed and applied to the region from west plug/barrier‐cell to end cell in GAMMA 10/PDX. In this research, Ar is applied as impurity neutrals. To investigate the effect of impurity injection on plasma parameters, interactions between Ar impurity and hydrogen bulk plasma were included in this model. Under the condition of injecting neutral hydrogen and impurity Ar, the charge exchange loss between hydrogen ion and neutrals reaches to about 95% and the radiation loss for electron is enhanced to about 45%. Therefore, hydrogen ion and electron temperatures decrease from about 55 eV to 4 eV and 15 eV to 4 eV, respectively. The heat load on the target plate is also reduced by nearly 80% compared with the condition of low injection rate of neutral hydrogen and impurity. It is also observed that the particle flux increases with neutral density and then shows a tendency to saturate in the higher neutral density (> 2.1 × 1018 m–3). (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Getting the whole picture: High content screening using three‐dimensional cellular model systems and whole animal assays
Authors: Kriston‐Vizi Janos , Flotow Horst
Published: July 2016

Phenotypic or High Content Screening (HCS) is becoming more widely used for primary screening campaigns in drug discovery. Currently the vast majority of HCS campaigns are using cell lines grown in well‐established monolayer cultures (2D tissue culture). There is widespread recognition that the more biologically relevant 3D tissue culture technologies such as spheroids and organoids and even whole animal assays will eventually be run as primary HCS. Upgrading the IT infrastructure to cope with the increase in data volumes requires investments in hardware (and software) and this will be manageable. However, the main bottleneck for the effective adoption and use of 3D tissue culture and whole animal assays in HCS is anticipated to be the development of software for the analysis of 3D images. In this review we summarize the current state of the available software and how they may be applied to analyzing 3D images obtained from a HCS campaign. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Synthesis and Evaluation of a New Series of 8‐(2‐Nitroaryl)Xanthines as Adenosine Receptor Ligands
Authors: Bansal Ranju , Kumar Gulshan , Rohilla Suman , Klotz Karl‐Norbert , Kachler Sonja , Young Louise C. , Harvey Alan L.
Published: July 2016

Preclinical Research

A new series of 1,3‐dimethylxanthine derivatives bearing 8‐(2‐nitroaryl) residue was synthesized and evaluated for affinity for recombinant human adenosine receptors subtypes. Nitrate esters of 7‐substituted‐1,3‐dimethyl‐8‐phenylxanthines were also synthesized and tested. Introducing a nitro substituent at the 2‐position of the 8‐substituted phenyl ring resulted in generally low affinity for adenosine receptors (ARs), selectivity toward the A2A subtype was enhanced in some of the compounds. 8‐(4‐Cyclopentyloxy‐5‐methoxy‐2‐nitrophenyl)‐1,3‐dimethylxanthine (9e) proved to be a potent compound among the 2‐nitrophenyl substituted xanthines exhibiting a Ki = 1 μM at human A2A ARs with at least 30 fold selectivity versus human A1 and A2B ARs. Replacement of 8‐chloropropoxy phenyl with 8‐nitrooxypropoxy phenyl resulted in a negligible change in binding affinity of the 8‐substituted xanthines for various AR subtypes. Drug Dev Res 77 : 241–250, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Field‐Induced Single‐Ion Magnetism Based on Spin‐Phonon Relaxation in a Distorted Octahedral High‐Spin Cobalt(II) Complex
Authors: Ishikawa Ryuta , Horii Yoji , Nakanishi Ryo , Ueno Shunya , Breedlove Brian K. , Yamashita Masahiro , Kawata Satoshi
Published: July 2016

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Ryuta Ishikawa at Fukuoka University, Japan, collaborating with the group of Masahiro Yamashita at Tohoku University, Japan. The cover image shows a schematic representation of possible slow magnetic relaxation pathways (a two‐phonon Raman process and a direct phonon bottleneck process) in a distorted octahedral high‐spin CoII SIM with positive zero‐field splitting.
Regioselective ortho‐Acylation of N‐Aryl‐1,2,3‐triazoles with Alcohols in Water
Authors: Premi Chanchal , Patel Shyam Sunder , Jain Nidhi
Published: July 2016

A palladium‐catalyzed regioselective ortho‐acylation of N‐aryl‐1,2,3‐triazoles has been achieved under aqueous conditions without the assistance of surfactants or additives. The reaction takes place by using benzylic, heterocyclic, and aliphatic alcohols as the acylating reagents and tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant and provides an alternative route for the synthesis of triazole‐substituted aryl, heteroaryl, and aliphatic ketones in moderate to excellent yields.
Ligand‐Free Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Carbonylative Homocoupling of Arylboron Reagents at Ambient Pressure
Authors: Zhao Hongyuan , Han Wei
Published: July 2016

Arylboronic acids or potassium aryltrifluoroborates were readily oxidatively carbonylated to their corresponding diaryl ketones in high yields with high selectivities by ligand‐free palladium‐catalyzed homocoupling at atmospheric pressure. This novel method employs molecular oxygen or iodine as the oxidant and offers an attractive alternative to transition‐metal‐based oxidant systems.
Secondary immunodeficiency in lymphoproliferative malignancies
Authors: Friman Vanda , Winqvist Ola , Blimark Cecilie , Langerbeins Petra , Chapel Helen , Dhalla Fatima
Published: July 2016

Secondary immunodeficiencies occur as a consequence of various diseases, including hematological malignancies, and the use of pharmacological therapies, such as immunosuppressive, anti‐inflammatory, and biological drugs. Infections are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in multiple myeloma (MM) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. Recent advances in treatment have prolonged the duration of remission and the time between relapse phases in MM and CLL patients. However, managing multiple relapses and the use of salvage therapies can lead to cumulative immunosuppression and a higher risk of infections. The pathogenesis of immune deficiency secondary to lymphoproliferative malignancy is multifactorial including disease‐ and treatment‐related factors. Supportive treatment, including early vaccination, anti‐infective prophylaxis, and replacement immunoglobulin, plays a key role in preventing infections in MM and CLL. This article provides an overview of the basic immunology necessary to understand the pathogenesis of secondary immunodeficiency and the infectious complications in MM and CLL. We also discuss the evidence supporting the role of prophylactic replacement immunoglobulin treatment in patients with antibody failure secondary to MM and CLL and the indications for its use. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biological and molecular characterization of a rare case of cutaneous Richter syndrome
Authors: Reda Gianluigi , Cassin Ramona , Fabris Sonia , Ciceri Gabriella , Fattizzo Bruno , Sciumè Mariarita , Orofino Nicola , Gianelli Umberto , Neri Antonino , Cortelezzi Agostino
Published: July 2016

Richter syndrome (RS) is the transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in a high‐grade lymphoma usually presenting nodal and bone marrow involvement. Richter syndrome can be localized at extranodal sites including the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and skin. Cutaneous RS is an extremely rare disease apparently showing a less aggressive course than common presentations. While nodal RS has been extensively investigated in literature, pathogenesis and prognosis of cutaneous RS are still partially unknown, even if a role of Epstein‐Barr virus infection and p53 disruption has been suggested. Herein, we characterized the histopathological, immunohistochemical features and cytogenetics and molecular alterations of a case of cutaneous RS developed after 8 years chronic lymphocytic leukemia history. Moreover, we reviewed the literature reports concerning cutaneous RS and made a focus on biological patterns and prognostic implications.
A comparative evaluation of the effect of polymer chemistry and fiber orientation on mesenchymal stem cell differentiation
Authors: Rowland David C.L. , Aquilina Thomas , Klein Andrei , Hakimi Osnat , Alexis‐Mouthuy Pierre , Carr Andrew J , Snelling Sarah J.B.
Published: July 2016

Bioengineered tissue scaffolds in combination with cells hold great promise for tissue regeneration. The aim of this study was to determine how the chemistry and fiber orientation of engineered scaffolds affect the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic differentiation on aligned and randomly orientated electrospun scaffolds of Poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA) and Polydioxanone (PDO) were compared. MSCs were seeded onto scaffolds and cultured for 14 days under adipogenic‐, chondrogenic‐, or osteogenic‐inducing conditions. Cell viability was assessed by alamarBlue metabolic activity assays and gene expression was determined by qRT‐PCR. Cell‐scaffold interactions were visualized using fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. Cells grew in response to scaffold fiber orientation and cell viability, cell coverage, and gene expression analysis showed that PDO supports greater multilineage differentiation of MSCs. An aligned PDO scaffold supports highest adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation whereas fiber orientation did not have a consistent effect on chondrogenesis. Electrospun scaffolds, selected on the basis of fiber chemistry and alignment parameters could provide great therapeutic potential for restoration of fat, cartilage, and bone tissue. This study supports the continued investigation of an electrospun PDO scaffold for tissue repair and regeneration and highlights the potential of optimizing fiber orientation for improved utility. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2843–2853, 2016.
HAIRDRESSERS’ PREPAREDNESS TO BE INFORMAL HELPERS FOR THEIR CLIENTS
Authors: Sattler Krystal M. , Deane Frank P.
Published: July 2016

Hairdressers have the potential to be gatekeepers for their clients. They are placed in the role of informal helpers because clients often raise personal and emotional problems with them during appointments. In the current study, 136 hairdressers completed self‐report surveys about the types of problems raised by clients, hairdresser responses, ability to select appropriate helping responses to disclosures, interest in training, and preparedness to help. Of the problem types discussed, 43% comprised moderate to severe problems. Greater years of hairdressing experience were related to a better ability to identify appropriate responses. The multiple regression model found that 44.8% of the variance in hairdresser preparedness was predicted by whether substance use and violence problems were raised, supportive responses, unhelpful responses, and supportive emotions. Results provide support for hairdressers as potential gatekeepers and identify areas of training that may lead to increased preparedness for this role.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EMERGENCY VOLUNTEERING
Authors: Kulik Liat , Bar Ronit , Dolev Aya
Published: July 2016

The main goal of the study was to examine gender differences in the emergency volunteer experiences of Israeli men (n = 180) and women (n = 305) who volunteered during Operation Protective Edge (military operation). We examined the experience of volunteering from different perspectives: antecedents of volunteering, feelings at the time of the event, and aspects related to volunteering in the future. For both genders, the main motive for volunteering was social solidarity, but personal empowerment was a stronger motive for men. The expected frequency of future volunteer activity and the willingness to volunteer in a field similar to the one in Operation Protective Edge were higher for men than women. The women's future intentions to volunteer were explained mainly by antecedents of volunteering such as motives for volunteering, whereas the men's intentions were explained mostly by the experience of volunteering itself.
MOTHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF NEIGHBORHOOD DISORDER ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CHILDREN'S HOME ENVIRONMENT QUALITY
Authors: Lin Joyce , Reich Stephanie M.
Published: July 2016

This study examines how low–income mothers' perceptions of their neighborhoods are associated with the home environments they provide for their young children. The connection between neighborhoods and homes is important since they are nested systems that are critical to children's healthy development. Women's perception of their neighborhoods may affect the way they set up their homes and interact with their young children. Given that various women may perceive the same neighborhood differently, this study uses subjective, rather than typical objective measures of neighborhood disadvantage. After controlling for maternal background characteristics, including stress and depression, these data find that the more women perceive their neighborhood to be disordered, the less likely they are to provide high–quality home environments and be responsive to their infants. Establishing a link between neighborhood and home environments is important and illuminates avenues for potentially improving the contexts of young children's lives.
PERCEPTIONS OF PROCEDURAL JUSTICE MEDIATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL VIOLENT CRIME DENSITY AND CRIME REPORTING INTENTIONS
Authors: Kruger Daniel J. , Crichlow Vaughn J. , McGarrell Edmund , Hollis Meghan , Jefferson Briana M. , Reischl Thomas M. , Zimmerman Marc A.
Published: July 2016

Community attitudes toward the police are of increasing concern to scholars and practitioners. Although it is widely accepted that perceptions of procedural justice are influential in shaping citizens’ attitudes toward police, prior studies have not considered its relationship to crime density. To address this gap, we examined the relationship between crime density, perceptions of procedural justice, and intentions to report crimes to police using data from a demographically representative survey in an urban center widely known for exhibiting extremely high violent crime rates. We created a path model predicting perceptions of procedural justice, the likelihood of contacting police to report a crime, and the likelihood of socially interacting with police other than in relation to crime. The results indicate that independent of race and educational background, community members’ trust in police mediates the relationship between local crime density and their intentions report crimes to and otherwise interact with the police.
SYSTEMATIC OBSERVATION OF DISORDER AND OTHER NEIGHBORHOOD CONDITIONS IN A DISTRESSED CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY
Authors: Johnson Devon , Maguire Edward R. , Maass Stephanie A. , Hibdon Julie
Published: July 2016

There is a growing recognition that physical and social disorder and other neighborhood conditions play an important role in shaping the attitudes, behaviors, and well‐being of residents. Most research that seeks to measure neighborhood conditions relies on census or survey data, yet systematic observation often provides a more objective measure of observable neighborhood conditions. However, almost all of the research that has used systematic observation to measure neighborhood conditions has been conducted in developed nations. We describe the conceptual and methodological issues that arose during our use of systematic observation to measure disorder and other neighborhood conditions in Trinidad and Tobago, a two‐island Caribbean nation. Adapting this methodology for use in a distressed community in a developing nation raised challenges not yet addressed in the literature. We describe these issues and reflect on the applicability of systematic observation techniques and current conceptualizations of disorder across different contexts.
The β2‐Adrenoceptor Agonist Terbutaline Stimulates Angiogenesis via Akt and ERK Signaling
Authors: Lemmens Stefanie , Kusters Lauren , Bronckaers Annelies , Geurts Nathalie , Hendrix Sven
Published: July 2016

Angiogenesis is associated with changes in endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and tube formation, controlled by extracellular receptor‐activated kinase (ERK)/mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Akt signaling. Important regulators of these systems include hormones acting on G‐protein‐coupled receptors, such as beta 2‐adrenoceptors (β2‐ARs). In central nervous system (CNS) trauma, the importance of β2‐AR modulation has been highlighted, although the effects on revascularization remain unclear. Vascular protection and revascularization are, however, key to support regeneration. We have investigated the angiogenic capacity of the specific β2‐AR agonist terbutaline on ECs derived from the CNS, namely bEnd.3‐cells. As angiogenesis is a multistep process involving increased proliferation and tube formation of ECs, we investigated the effects of terbutaline on these processes. We show that terbutaline significantly induced bEnd.3 tube formation in a matrigel in vitro assay. Moreover, administration of specific inhibitors of ERK and Akt signaling both inhibited terbutaline‐induced tube formation. The proliferation rate of the ECs was not affected. In order to investigate the general effects of terbutaline in an organotypic system, we have used the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM)‐assay. Most importantly, terbutaline increased the number of blood vessels in this in ovo setting. Although we observed a positive trend, the systemic administration of terbutaline did not significantly improve the functional outcome, nor did it affect revascularization in our spinal cord injury model. In conclusion, these data indicate that terbutaline is promising to stimulate blood vessel formation, underscoring the importance of further research into the angiotherapeutic relevance of terbutaline and β2‐AR signaling after CNS‐trauma. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 298–308, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of P2 Purinergic Receptors in Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Roles in Extracellular Nucleotide Regulation of Cell Functions
Authors: Jiang Lin‐Hua , Hao Yunjie , Mousawi Fatema , Peng Hongsen , Yang Xuebin
Published: July 2016

Extracellular ATP and other nucleotides induce autocrine and/or paracrine purinergic signalling via activation of the P2 receptors on the cell surface, which represents one of the most common signalling mechanisms. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are a type of multipotent adult stem cells that have many promising applications in regenerative medicine. There is increasing evidence to show that extracellular nucleotides regulate MSC functions and P2 receptor‐mediated purinergic signalling plays an important role in such functional regulation. P2 receptors comprise ligand‐gated ion channel P2X receptors and G‐protein‐coupled P2Y receptors. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding with respect to expression of the P2X and P2Y receptors in MSC and their roles in mediating extracellular nucleotide regulation of MSC proliferation, migration and differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 287–297, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Guanidinium‐based dicarboxylic acid ionic liquids for SO2 capture
Authors: Meng Xiaocai , Wang Jianying , Jiang Haichao , Zhang Xiangjing , Liu Shuolei , Hu Yongqi
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been widely used in the field of SO2 separation for gases. In this study, two kinds of guanidinium‐based dicarboxylic acid ionic liquids including [1,1,3,3‐tetramethylguanidinium][Poly(ethylene glycol) bis(carboxymethyl) ether] ([TMG][PBE]) and [1,1,3,3‐tetramethylguanidinium] [Suberic acid] ([TMG][SUB]) were synthesized, and their absorption and desorption performance of SO2 were investigated.

RESULTS

The saturated molar ratio of SO2 to [TMG][PBE] and [TMG][SUB] were 8.74 and 5.96 mol SO2 per mole ILs at 25 °C, respectively. [TMG][PBE] saturated with SO2 was easier to desorb and could be recycled at least 5 times without loss of initial performance, while the ability to absorb SO2 by [TMG][SUB] was gradually weakened after desorption. The absorption mechanism is discussed. Results showed that SO2 could interact not only with the amino group on the cation but also with the methylene bonded to the carbonyl carbon on the anion for [TMG][SUB]. As for [TMG][PBE], SO2 could interact with the ether group by S‐O ligand interaction, instead of interacting with the methylene group bonded to the carbonyl carbon on the anion. [TMG][PBE] show good performance for SO2 capture.

CONCLUSION

The anion of dicarboxylic acid‐based ILs plays an important role in absorption/desorption of SO2 on the basis of the experimental results. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Ceramic micro/ultra‐filtration of low‐concentration ultrafine sulfur in desulfurization wastewater
Authors: Yin Na , Wang Ke , Zhong Zhaoxiang , Low Ze‐Xian , Xing Weihong
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

A low concentration of ultrafine suspended sulfur (SS) in the wastewater produced from the coking gas desulfurization process is a serious problem. In this study, ceramic microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes were used to remove ultrafine SS for further recovery.

RESULTS

Results showed that membrane with a pore size of 0.05 µm at the operating conditions 0.15 MPa, 40 °C and 4.0 m s−1 experienced the lowest flux decline and degree of fouling in comparison with other conditions. All membranes exhibited good rejections of sulfur (>99.9%) and tar oil (>98.0%). The SS ranged from 1.5 to 34.0 g L−1 had no influence on the permeate turbidity (<1 NTU) but resulted in an increase in the tar oil content and a decrease in the permeate flux. SEM/EDX results indicated that the membrane surface was fouled by the sulfur particles and ammonium salts, while the tar oil entered the membrane pores. An effective cleaning method with high flux recovery (>98%) was applied to remove the foulants using mixed solutions of 1% (w/w) NaOH and 0.5% (w/w) NaClO.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that the ceramic membranes are effective in ultrafine sulfur removal from the wastewater. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
ESI‐MS studies of the non‐covalent interactions between biologically important metal ions and N‐sulfonylcytosine derivatives
Authors: Ključarić Valentina , Kobetić Renata , Rinkovec Jasmina , Kazazić Snježana , Gembarovski Dubravka , Saftić Dijana , Matić Josipa , Ban Željka , Žinić Biserka
Published: July 2016

The aim of this report is to present the electrospray ionization mass spectrometry results of the non‐covalent interaction of two biologically active ligands, N‐1‐(p‐toluenesulfonyl)cytosine, 1‐TsC, 1 and N‐1‐methanesulfonylcytosine, 1‐MsC, 2 and their Cu(II) complexes Cu(1‐TsC‐N3)2Cl2, 3 and Cu(1‐MsC‐N3)2Cl2 and 4 with biologically important cations: Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Zn2+. The formation of various complex metal ions was observed. The alkali metals Na+ and K+ formed clusters because of electrostatic interactions. Ca2+ and Mg2+ salts produced the tris ligand and mixed ligand complexes. The interaction of Zn2+ with 1–4 produced monometal and dimetal Zn2+ complexes as a result of the affinity of Zn2+ ions toward both O and N atoms. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of composted sewage sludge on morpho‐physiological growth parameters, grain yield and selected functional compounds of barley
Authors: Pasqualone Antonella , Summo Carmine , Centomani Isabella , Lacolla Giovanni , Caranfa Gianraffaele , Cucci Giovanna
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Several studies have evaluated the effects of composted sewage sludge on barley and found a positive influence on crop productivity. No studies have investigated the effects of composted sewage sludge on functional compounds of the caryopsis, such as phenolics and β‐glucans. The former play a role in plant defence mechanisms and both could be influenced by variations of kernel size related to fertilization intensity. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of different doses (3–12 mg ha−1) of composted sewage sludge applied alone or in combination with mineral fertilization on morpho‐physiological and yield qualitative parameters, especially phenolics and β‐glucans contents of grains, in barley.

RESULTS

Increasing fertilization rates, irrespective of fertilizer type, improved morpho‐physiological and yield parameters, whereas the phenolic compounds and the related antioxidant activity significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The β‐glucans and the main color indices did not show significant differences. The combined application of 6 mg ha−1 sewage sludge and nitrogen was not significantly different from mineral fertilization. Morpho‐physiological and qualitative parameters, as well as bioactive compounds, were all significantly correlated with nutrient levels, with higher r values for nitrogen.

CONCLUSION

Composted sewage sludge had a similar effect compared to mineral fertilization. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Highly selective defluoridation of brick tea infusion by tea waste supported aluminum oxides
Authors: Peng Chuanyi , Xi Junjun , Chen Guijie , Feng Zhihui , Ke Fei , Ning Jingming , Li Daxiang , Ho Chi‐Tang , Cai Huimei , Wan Xiaochun
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Brick tea usually contains very high fluoride, which may affect human health. Biosorbents have received much attention for selective removal of fluoride because of low cost, environmental friendliness, and relative safeness.

RESULTS

In the present study, a highly selective fluoride tea waste based biosorbent, namely, aluminum (Al) oxide decorated tea waste (Tea‐Al), was successfully prepared. The Tea‐Al biosorbent was characterized by energy‐dispersive spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis. The Tea‐Al sample exhibited remarkably selective adsorption for fluoride (52.90%), but a weaker adsorption for other major constituents of brick tea infusion, such as catechins, polyphenols and caffeine, under the same conditions. Fluoride adsorption by Tea‐Al for different times obeyed the surface reaction and adsorption isotherms fit the Freundlich model. In addition, the fluoride adsorption mechanism appeared to be an ion exchange between hydroxyl and fluoride ions.

CONCLUSION

Results from this study demonstrated that Tea‐Al is a promising biosorbent useful for the removal of fluoride in brick tea infusion. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
A rat model for determining the postprandial response to foods
Authors: Belobrajdic Damien P , Wei Jiangqin , Bird Anthony R
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

The use of small animal models for studying postprandial changes in circulating nutrients, hormones and metabolic biomarkers is hampered by the limited quantity of blood that can be withdrawn for analysis. Here, we describe the development of an unrestrained, meal‐fed rat model, having a permanent or temporary vascular cannula that permits repeated blood sampling. The applicability and performance of the model were evaluated in a series of experiments on acute glycaemic and insulinaemic responses to carbohydrate‐based test meals.

RESULTS

A test food containing 0.4 g carbohydrate raised blood glucose by 1.5 mmol L−1. Postprandial blood glucose levels peaked at 15 min and returned to baseline at 180 min, whereas they remained elevated for longer when the test meal contained 1.25 g carbohydrate. The glycaemic response tended (P = 0.063) to be higher when the meal tolerance test was conducted at the start rather than the end of the dark period, but the insulinaemic response was unaffected. The magnitude of the glycaemic response was less for blood collected from the caudal vein compared to that from the jugular vein. Both cannulation strategies were equally effective in enabling return of red blood cells, thus preserving blood volume.

CONCLUSION

This improved small animal model affords new opportunities to screen foods for nutrient bioavailability and explore metabolic mechanisms mediating responses to food consumption. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Phenylboronic acid modified solid‐phase extraction column: Preparation, characterization, and application to the analysis of amino acids in sepia capsule by removing the maltose
Authors: Guo Mengzhe , Yin Dengyang , Han Jie , Zhang Liyan , Li Xiao , He Dandan , Du Yan , Tang Daoquan
Published: July 2016

Maltose, a common auxiliary material of pharmaceutical preparation, may disturb the analysis of total amino acids in sepia capsule by aldolization. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the maltose through a convenient method. In this work, a phenylboronic acid modified solid‐phase extraction column has been synthesized and used to remove the maltose. The materials were synthesized by one step “thiol‐ene” reaction and the parameters of the column such as absorption capacity, recovery, and absorption specificity have been investigated. The results showed the column (0.5 cm of length × 0.5 cm of inner diameter) can absorb 4.6 mg maltose with a linear absorption and absorption specificity. Then this technique was applied in the quantification of amino acids in sepia capsule. After the optimization of the method, four kinds of amino acids, which were the most abundant, were quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The amounts of the four kinds of amino acids are 1.5∼2 times more than that without the treatment of solid‐phase extraction column, which almost overcomes the influence of the maltose. All the results indicate that the phenylboronic acid modified solid‐phase extraction column can successfully help to accurately quantify the total amino acids in sepia capsule.
Intrusive Cognitive Content and Postdeployment Distress
Authors: Shipherd Jillian C. , Salters‐Pedneault Kristalyn , Matza Alexis
Published: July 2016

Although intrusive cognitions (ICs) are common posttrauma, little is known about trauma‐related IC content, or associations between IC content and posttraumatic adjustment. A mixed‐method cross‐sectional approach was used in a secondary analysis of IC content and postdeployment distress. Participants were 1,521 U.S. Army soldiers 3–12 months postdeployment reporting their most distressing postdeployment ICs (mean number of ICs reported was 1.20). ICs were transcribed and content was categorized by 13 emergent themes. The most commonly reported ICs were of injury or death (48.2%) and combat (43.5%), and soldiers with probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD;n= 187) were more likely to report the presence of these ICs, χ2s(1) = 35.27,ps < .001, φs < .16 than those without probable PTSD (n= 1,331). Other domains also emerged frequently, including ICs about friends (31.0%), family (15.8%), and leadership concerns (13.8%). IC content was a small, but significant correlate of distress after adjusting for combat exposure (ΔR2≥ .02,ps ≤ .001). The presence of ICs of injury or death, combat, military sexual trauma, health, leadership, and family (βs> .06,ps < .02) were unique correlates of distress. Results suggested that ICs about a wide range of topics should be addressed in postdeployment interventions.
Hunter access affects elk resource selection in the Missouri breaks, Montana
Authors: Proffitt Kelly M. , Thompson Scott , Henry Drew , Jimenez Benjamin , Gude Justin A.
Published: July 2016

Elk (Cervus canadensis) populations that exceed socially tolerable population levels create problems with private landowners over property damage and competition with livestock. Increasing harvest of adult female elk is the primary management tool for curtailing elk population growth and reducing elk populations. However, this tool is not effective when elk are not accessible to hunters during hunting seasons. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effects of hunter access and other landscape factors on second‐order and third‐order elk resource selection during the archery and rifle hunting seasons in 2 populations: the Missouri River Breaks (MRB) and Larb Hills, Montana, USA. In our resource selection models, we first treated the individual elk‐year as the sampling unit to estimate individual‐level selection coefficients and second, we pooled data from all individuals to estimate population‐level selection coefficients. Second‐order population‐level selection coefficients indicated that elk in MRB and Larb Hills selected home ranges in areas with no hunter access, and hunter access was the strongest predictor of second‐order selection. Similarly, third‐order population‐level selection coefficients indicated elk in both populations selected locations within their seasonal home range with no hunter access, and the strength of selection for locations with no hunter access was stronger in the archery season than the rifle season. However, individual models revealed that although third‐order population‐level selection for locations with no hunter access was strong, only 46% of elk in the MRB selected for no hunter access during the archery season and 24% of elk selected for no hunter access during the rifle season. Additionally, the majority of all elk locations in the MRB (i.e., 68% of archery locations, 91% of rifle locations) occurred in areas accessible to hunters. These results highlight that population‐level selection coefficients may not always represent individual selection patterns, and we recommend employing a combination of population‐level and individual animal models as the basis of developing biological inferences. Even if hunter access is restricted in a relatively small geographic area within an elk population range, those areas may have a disproportionate effect on elk distributions and prevent effective harvest of female elk to maintain populations at objective levels (i.e., 1,700–2,000 elk). Working cooperatively with stakeholders to minimize elk harboring is necessary for curtailing further elk population increases and maintaining a distribution of elk across public and private lands. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
End‐ischemic reconditioning of liver allografts: Controlling the rewarming
Authors: Hoyer Dieter Paul , Paul Andreas , Luer Sebastian , Reis Henning , Efferz Patrik , Minor Thomas
Published: July 2016

Different nonhypothermic preservation modalities have shown beneficial effects in liver transplantation models. This study compares controlled oxygenated rewarming (COR) to normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) to resuscitate liver grafts following cold storage (CS). Porcine livers were preserved for 18 hours by CS. Before reperfusion, the grafts were put on a machine perfusion device (Liver Assist) for 3 hours and were randomly assigned to COR (n = 6) or NMP (n = 5) and compared to standard CS. COR was carried out with the new Custodiol‐N solution, slowly increasing temperature from 8 °C to 20 °C during the first 90 minutes. NMP was carried out with diluted autologous blood at 37 °C for 3 hours. In both cases, the perfusate was oxygenated to partial pressure of oxygen > 500 mm Hg. Then liver viability was tested for 180 minutes during in vitro isolated sanguineous reperfusion. Activity of the mitochondrial caspase 9 was lower after COR. Measurement of tissue adenosine triphosphate and total adenine nucleotides at the end of the reconditioning period showed better energetic recovery after COR. COR also resulted in significantly lower enzyme leakage and higher bile production (P < 0.05) during reperfusion. This first comparison of COR and NMP as end‐ischemic reconditioning modalities demonstrates superior results in terms of mitochondrial integrity resulting in better energetic recovery, less hepatocellular injury, and ultimately superior function in favor of COR. Liver Transplantation 22 1223–1230 2016 AASLD
Measurement and GIS‐based spatial modelling of copper corrosion in different environments in Europe
Authors: Slamova K. , Koehl M.
Published: July 2016

Despite having generally excellent corrosion resistance copper is still susceptible to several forms of corrosion. To obtain accurate and current information about atmospheric corrosion of copper in Europe, two different approaches are implemented. The copper corrosion is assessed at 17 European test sites with different climates after 1 year exposure to weathering. These results are tested against to other available international corrosion datasets and the effects of different environmental parameters on corrosion are discussed. In a second approach, GIS‐based spatial modelling of atmospheric corrosion for Europe according to the corrosivity function from ISO 9223/2012 is performed and the modelled results compared with the measured results. Spatial modelling is also implemented to predict the future development of copper corrosion in Europe. Therefore, pollution and climatic scenarios dataset are integrated into the dose‐response function for copper.
Corrosion mechanism of CuZn21Si3P in aggressive tap water
Authors: Seuss F. , Gaag N. , Virtanen S.
Published: July 2016

Exposure tests of CuZn21Si3P in drinking water and dezincification test solution have revealed good dezincification resistance of the lead‐free brass CuZn21Si3P. To clarify the underlying mechanism, electrochemical measurements in tap water and surface characterisation of samples exposed to drinking water were performed. Open circuit potential measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and micro‐electrochemical polarisation curves, as well as light‐microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy measurements reveal details on the corrosion behaviour and scale formation. Microstructural effects, electrochemical behaviour of the separate phases, and the role of the alloyed phosphorous in the dezincification process could be elucidated. Conclusively, a corrosion mechanism is proposed, that unites and explains the findings of long‐term exposure.
Influence of plasma electrolytic oxidation coatings on fatigue performance of AZ31 Mg alloy
Authors: Klein M. , Lu X. , Blawert C. , Kainer K. U. , Zheludkevich M. L. , Walther F.
Published: July 2016

Magnesium and its alloys are attractive for lightweight construction, but suffer often from poor corrosion resistance. Plasma electrolytic oxidation is a promising surface treatment to overcome these limitations. Recently, introduction of particles to the PEO electrolyte has been explored as new strategy to provide a wider range of compositions and new functionalities for PEO coatings. However, this surface treatment can have negative impact on the fatigue strength. In the present study, the influence of PEO coatings with and without particle addition on the corrosion fatigue behavior of AZ31 Mg alloy is investigated. The corrosion fatigue behavior is investigated in load increase tests and constant amplitude tests in 0.5% NaCl solutions. Results are correlated with the corrosion behavior evaluated in polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Corrosion tests show significant improvement of the corrosion resistances of PEO‐coated specimens. However, the uncoated material exhibits the highest corrosion fatigue strength, whereas a reduction of 7% for the PEO‐coated specimen without particles and 27% for the PEO‐coated specimen with particles is found.
Non‐discrete metrics in and some notions of finiteness
Authors: Keremedis Kyriakos
Published: July 2016

We show that (i) it is consistent with that there are infinite sets X on which every metric is discrete; (ii) the notion of real infinite is strictly stronger than that of metrically infinite; (iii) a set X is metrically infinite if and only if it is weakly Dedekind‐infinite if and only if the cardinality of the set of all metrically finite subsets of X is strictly less than the size of ; and (iv) an infinite set X is weakly Dedekind‐infinite if and only if has infinite towers if and only if X has countable partitions.
Analysis of steel structure corrosion of drinking water distribution system in family indoor environment
Authors: Guo Z. J. , Chen Z. L.
Published: July 2016

In this paper, corrosion investigation and analysis of steel structure of drinking water distribution system in a family kitchen have been carried out. Results indicate that galvanized corrosion and condensation corrosion under thin water layer have been found the main corrosion type. XRD analysis shows that the rust layer is composed of α‐FeOOH, γ‐FeOOH and Fe3O4. For preventing galvanic corrosion, using non‐conductive materials between metals of different electropotential, i.e. electrically insulating the two metals from each other has been recommended. For preventing condensation corrosion under thin water layer, cleaning the pipe external surface to minimize the condensation corrosion is necessary and a good epoxy coating on the pipe external surface may also work. The selection of PVC pipe with better quality and no leaching of inorganic pollutants into water is also a good choice, however, in this condition strong hitting to the PVC pipe should be avoided.
Structural and optical properties of nitrogen‐iron co‐doped titanium dioxide films prepared via sol‐gel dip‐coating: Effect of urea and iron nitrate concentration in the sol
Authors: Jalali H. B. , Trabzon L.
Published: July 2016

In this study, nitrogen‐iron co‐doped titanium dioxide films were prepared via sol‐gel dip‐coating method using urea and iron nitrate as nitrogen and iron source, respectively. Nonmetal doping of TiO2 have some disadvantages such as massive charge carrier recombination and losing the photo‐catalytic capability. Three different nitrogen‐iron co‐doped titanium dioxide sols with different urea and iron nitrate concentration were prepared. The resulting sols were homogeneous and transparent, and no precipitation was observed in any of them. It was observed that the film prepared with middle urea‐iron nitrate concentration sol got opaque in a short time after the dip‐coating process. All prepared films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, confocal microscopy and ultraviolet–visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy. It was found that the concentration of the urea and iron nitrate in the sol had an effect on the crystal structure, microstructure, surface morphology and optical properties of the resulting films. Samples with middle concentrations had amorphous structure and bigger particle size. It was seen that sample with higher iron amount has lower band‐gap. It is concluded that we can prepare transparent anatase, transparent amorphous and opaque amorphous titanium dioxide films by changing the urea and iron nitrate concentration in the sol.