bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1H NMR study of the changes in brine‐ and dry‐salted sea bass lipids under thermo‐oxidative conditions: Both salting methods reduce oxidative stability
Authors: Vidal Natalia P. , Goicoechea Encarnación , Manzanos María J. , Guillén María D.
Published: October 2014

Farmed European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets were salted by two methods, brine‐ and dry‐salting. Both salted and unsalted fillets were submitted to thermo‐oxidative conditions in order to study the evolution of their lipids and their oxidative stability. Lipids were extracted and studied by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). This technique allowed the evolution of the molar percentages of the different kinds of acyl groups (omega‐3, docosahexaenoic, eicosapentaenoic, diunsaturated omega‐6, and omega‐1) to be followed. In addition, the formation of secondary oxidation compounds, such as aldehydes (alkanals, trans‐2‐alkenals, trans,trans‐2,4‐alkadienals), could be monitored and quantified by means of this technique, providing information about the oxidative status of the sea bass fillets. No primary oxidation compounds were detected. Moreover, the concentrations of 1,2‐diglycerides and phosphatidylcholine were determined. Equations for all the mentioned quantitative determinations were proposed. It was evidenced that the use of salting methods did not provoke the immediate oxidation of sea bass lipids, but reduced their oxidative stability, this effect being more pronounced in dry‐salting. Although oxidation began earlier in brine‐salted samples than it did in unsalted ones, these latter reached a degradation level of a similar order to that of the brine‐salted samples after a certain period of time under the degradative conditions.

Practical applications: The results of this study will be useful for optimizing the conditions of European sea bass salting processes, in order to minimize possible lipid oxidation. This is of great importance for sectors of the seafood industry, which focus on this and other fish species with similar lipid content and acyl group proportions, and which are interested in providing high quality food products. The information given by 1H NMR, a rapid and non‐destructive method compared with other conventional chemical ones, is very valuable for other researchers who also study fish lipid oxidation processes.

The study of the effect of brine‐ and dry‐salting on the lipid oxidative stability of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets submitted to thermo‐oxidative conditions (50°C and aeration) was carried out by means of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR).
Regulation of sonic hedgehog expression by integrin β1 and epidermal growth factor receptor in intestinal epithelium
Authors: Xu Changxin , Li Xiufen , Topham Matthew K. , Kuwada Scott K.
Published: October 2014

We previously found that conditional deletion of integrin β1 in intestinal epithelium of mice caused early postnatal lethality and intestinal phenotypic changes including excessive proliferation and defective differentiation of intestinal epithelium due to loss of Hedgehog expression. Here, we link these defects to the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway and show that loss of integrin β1 leads to excessive phosphorylation of MEK‐1 and increased expression of ErbB receptors, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We show that increased EGFR signaling attenuates Hh abundance and that an EGFR inhibitor rescues conditional β1 integrin null pups from postnatal lethality. These studies link the loss of Hh expression in the intestinal epithelium of integrin β1‐deficient mice to excessive EGFR/MAPK signaling, and identify a unique mechanism for crosstalk between stromal and epithelial signaling pathways that is critical for intestinal epithelial differentiation and function. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(10):694–703, 2014
Texts as Mirrors, Texts as Windows
Authors: Sciurba Katie
Published: October 2014

Discussions of culturally relevant and “boy” literature stress the importance of offering readers occasions tosee themselvesin texts. However, young men of color have had few opportunities within this discourse to reveal their own experiences with literature. Rather than make presumptions about how texts serve as mirrors to them, as members of collective groups, this study examines the ways in which two adolescent Black boys at an urban single‐sex school find relevance in what they read.
Elaidate, an 18‐Carbon Trans‐monoenoic Fatty Acid, but Not Physiological Fatty Acids Increases Intracellular Zn2+ in Human Macrophages
Authors: Zacherl Janelle R. , Tourkova Irina , St. Croix Claudette M. , Robinson Lisa J. , Peck Palmer Octavia M. , Mihalik Stephanie J. , Blair Harry C.
Published: October 2014

Artificial trans fatty acids promote atherosclerosis by blocking macrophage clearance of cell debris. Classical fatty‐acid response mechanisms include TLR4‐NF‐κB activation, and Erk1/2 phosphorylation, but these may not indicate long‐term mechanisms. Indeed, nuclear NF‐κB was increased by 60 min treatment by 30 μM of the 18 carbon trans unsaturated fatty acid elaidic acid (elaidate), the physiological cis‐unsaturated fatty acid oleic acid (oleate), and the 18 or 16 carbon saturated fatty acids stearic and palmitic acid (stearate or palmitate). However, except for stearate, effects on related pathways were minimal at 44 h. To determine longer term effects of trans fatty acids, we compared mRNA expression profiles of (trans) elaidate to (cis) oleate, 30 μM, at 44 h in human macrophages. We found that elaidate changed Zn2+‐homeostasis gene mRNAs markedly. This might be important because Zn2+ is a major regulator of macrophage activity. Messenger RNAs of seven Zn2+‐binding metallothioneins decreased 2–4‐fold; the zinc importer SLC39A10 increased twofold, in elaidate relative to oleate‐treated cells. Results were followed by quantitative PCR comparing cis, trans, and saturated fatty acid effects on Zn2+‐homeostasis gene mRNAs. This confirmed that elaidate uniquely decreased metallothionein expression and increased SLC39A10 at 44 h. Further, intracellular Zn2+ was measured using N‐(carboxymethyl)‐N‐[2‐[2‐[2(carboxymethyl) amino]‐5‐(2,7,‐difluoro‐6‐hydroxy‐3‐oxo‐3H‐xanthen‐9‐yl)‐phenoxy]‐ethoxy]‐4‐methoxyphenyl]glycine, acetoxymethyl ester (FluoZin‐3‐AM). This showed that, at 44 h, only cells treated with elaidate had increased Zn2+. The durable effect of elaidate on Zn2+ activation is a novel and specific effect of trans fatty acids on peripheral macrophage metabolism. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 524–532, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of Isophorone Diisocyanate on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Shape‐Memory Polyurethane Foams
Authors: Hasan Sayyeda M. , Raymond Jeffery E. , Wilson Thomas S. , Keller Brandis K. , Maitland Duncan J.
Published: October 2014

Previously developed shape‐memory polymer foams display fast actuation in water due to plasticization of the polymer network. The actuation presents itself as a depression in the glass‐transition temperature when moving from dry to aqueous conditions; this effect limits the working time of the foam to 10 min when used in a transcatheter embolic device. Reproducible foams are developed by altering the chemical backbone, which can achieve working times of greater than 20 min. This is accomplished by incorporating isophorone diisocyanate into the foam, resulting in increased hydrophobicity, glass transitions, and actuation time. This delayed actuation, when compared with previous systems, allows for more optimal working time in clinical applications.

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Combined treatment with chrysin and 1,2,3,4,6‐penta‐O‐galloyl‐β‐D‐glucose synergistically inhibits LRP6 and Skp2 activation in triple‐negative breast cancer and xenografts
Authors: Huang Cheng , Chen Yi Jing , Chen Wei‐Jen , Lin Chih‐Li , Wei Yu Xuan , Huang Hsiu Chen
Published: October 2014

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is difficult to treat because there is no targeted therapy available. Clinical studies have demonstrated that S‐phase kinase‐associated protein 2 (Skp2) and low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 6 (LRP6) are highly expressed in TNBC. Therefore, therapeutic strategies designed to downregulate LRP6 or Skp2 may play an important clinical role in the treatment of TNBC. However, the regulatory effects of many drugs on Skp2 and LRP6 expression are currently unknown. In the present study, combined treatment with chrysin and 1,2,3,4,6‐penta‐O‐galloyl‐β‐D‐glucose (5GG) synergistically induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation in AU565 and MDA‐MB‐231 human breast cancer cells. Furthermore, the combination of chrysin and 5GG suppressed tumor growth in nude mice with xenografted MDA‐MB‐231 cells by downregulating the phospho‐LRP6 (pLRP6) and Skp2 proteins. Overall, our findings suggested that the combination of chrysin and 5GG has a potential therapeutic value in treating breast cancer, particularly for TNBC associated with Skp2/LRP6 overexpression, and hence warrants further investigation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Geotechnical conditions at the Konrad mine – Excavation of drifts and rooms in squeezing rock / Geotechnische Bedingungen in der Schachtanlage Konrad – Auffahrung von Strecken und Kammern in druckhaftem Gebirge
Authors: Stahlmann Joachim , Missal Christian , Hahn Peter , Edel Thomas
Published: October 2014

The Konrad mine is a former iron ore mine near Salzgitter in Germany. The mine will be rebuilt in the next few years into a repository for low and intermediate level radioactive waste. During this conversion drifts and rooms for operating the repository are extended and newly constructed at shaft 2 on the 2nd floor level (depth 850 m). The planned useful life for the rooms is 40 years. In this period, maintenance‐free operation has to be ensured. The bedrock is characterized by complex geology. In addition, the mudstone layers show partly a squeezing behavior. For the proof of stability and usability, the observation method is applied. Therefor numerical prediction models are necessary, which can reproduce the three dimensional stress redistribution and convergences in the rock mass. These numerical calculations are flanked by an extensive geotechnical measurement program in order to detect the real behavior of the bedrock. The underground support system consists of a slotted lining with sliding anchors in the areas where squeezing rock is present. This allows converging of the bedrock. During the convergence period a bearing ring is formed within the rock mass. Afterwards the final lining is created in reinforced shotcrete. One major issue is the assessment of the convergence period taking into account the numerical prediction model and the measurement program.

Die Schachtanlage Konrad ist ein ehemaliges Erzbergwerk bei Salzgitter in Niedersachsen. Das Bergwerk wird in den nächsten Jahren zu einem Endlager für schwach‐ und mittelradioaktive Abfälle umgebaut. Im Zuge dieser Umbaumaßnahmen sollen am Schacht 2 auf der 2. Sohle (Teufe 850 m) Grubenbaue für den Betrieb des Endlagers erweitert und neu aufgefahren werden. Die geplante Nutzungsdauer der Räume beträgt 40 Jahre. Das anstehende Gebirge zeichnet sich durch eine komplexe Geologie aus, die durch Schichtungen und Trennflächen geprägt ist. Zudem zeigen die Tonsteinschichten zum Teil ein druckhaftes Gebirgsverhalten. Für den Nachweis der Standsicherheit und der Gebrauchstauglichkeit kommt die Beobachtungsmethode zum Einsatz. Numerische Prognosemodelle, welche die räumlichen Spannungsumlagerungen und Konvergenzen abbilden können, werden durch ein umfangreiches geotechnisches und markscheiderisches Messprogramm flankiert. Das Ausbaukonzept sieht in den Bereichen mit druckhaftem Gebirge eine geschlitzte Schale mit Gleitankern vor, die planmäßig Konvergenzen zulässt. Dadurch kann sich innerhalb des Konvergenzzeitraums ein Gebirgstragring ausbilden. Erst anschließend wird der endgültige Ausbau mit einer bewehrten Spritzbetonschale erstellt. Eine besondere Herausforderung ergibt sich aus der Abschätzung des Konvergenzzeitraums aus dem Prognosemodell unter Berücksichtigung des Messprogramms.
More than 100 years of tradition and progress – the work of the GDMB through the ages / Mehr als 100 Jahre Tradition und Fortschritt – Die Vereinsarbeit der GDMB im Wandel der Zeit
Authors: Steinbeck Sven , Zuchowski Jürgen
Published: October 2014

This article summarizes how the GDMB (the Society of Metallurgists and Miners) not only passively embraced the necessary changes in the traditionalist and at the same time forward‐looking work of the society, but in many cases actively promoted them, thus enabling it to permanently secure itself an important role. Accordingly, this article provides a detailed account of the historical development of the society, without neglecting to examine the current plans for further development.

Der Beitrag fasst zusammen, wie die GDMB (Gesellschaft der Metallurgen und Bergleute e.V.) notwendige Wandlungen in der traditionsbewussten und zugleich zukunftsgerichteten Vereinsarbeit nicht nur passiv annahm, sondern vielfach aktiv vorantrieb und sich so dauerhaft eine gewichtige Rolle zu sichern vermochte. Der Fokus dieses Beitrags liegt entsprechend auf der Darstellung der historischen Entwicklung des Vereins, ohne dabei den Blick auf aktuelle Pläne zur Fortentwicklung auszusparen
In vivo multifrequency magnetic resonance elastography of the human intervertebral disk
Authors: Streitberger Kaspar‐Josche , Diederichs Gerd , Guo Jing , Fehlner Andreas , Hamm Bernd , Braun Jürgen , Sack Ingolf
Published: October 2014

Purpose

To test in vivo magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) of the human intervertebral disk (IVD).

Methods

The feasibility of MRE in IVD was demonstrated in ex vivo bovine disks. Sixteen asymptomatic volunteers underwent multifrequency MRE of the lumbar spine (IVD L3/4 and L4/5, n = 32) using a posterior plate transducer connected to a loudspeaker and operated at five frequencies from 50 to 70 Hz. Full wave field data were acquired in 10 transverse slices of 2 × 2 × 2 mm3 resolution. High‐resolution maps of magnitude |G*| and phase angle φ of complex shear modulus G* were generated by multifrequency dual elasto visco (MDEV) inversion. Disk morphology was assessed by the Pfirrmann score (Pf).

Results

Morphological Pf was 1 in 25, 2 in 3, and 3 in 4 disks. |G*| decreased with Pf by a Pearson's linear correlation coefficient of R = −0.592 (P = 0.0004), while φ remained unchanged. Group mean mechanical parameters for Pf = 1 to 3 were |G*| = 6.51 ± 1.27, 5.29 ± 0.95, 4.03 ± 0.99 kPa, and φ = 1.190 ± 0.181, 1.170 ± 0.156, 1.088 ± 0.084 rad, respectively (p[Pf1‐Pf3] < 0.001). The variability of mechanical parameters in one volunteer including diurnal changes was approximately 11%.

Conclusion

Multifrequency MRE with MDEV inversion allows measurement of in vivo mechanical properties of IVDs and may provide additional information in disc degeneration beyond standard morphological changes. Magn Reson Med 74:1380–1387, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The biofeedback treatment for non‐monosymptomatic enuresis nocturna
Authors: Ebiloglu Turgay , Ergin Giray , Irkilata Hasan Cem , Kibar Yusuf
Published: October 2014

Aims

Enuresis is a child older than 5 years wetting in discrete portions during sleep. It has two subgroups: monosymptomatic enuresis nocturna (MSEN) and non‐monosymptomatic enuresis nocturna (NMSEN). In this research, we specifically aimed to examine the effect of biofeedback in NMSEN.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the hospital records of 182 children with NMSEN who were refractory to urotherapy modifications and directed to biofeedback therapies between 2005 and 2010. Enuresis before and after biofeedback therapies was evaluated. One or less enuretic night in a month was defined as success.

Results

There were 118 (64%) girls and 64 (35%) boys. With biofeedback therapy, 117 of 182 patients recovered with a success rate of 64% (P < 0.001), but 65 patients still had enuresis. Seventy‐two out of 118 girls recovered with a success rate of 61% (P < 0.001), whereas 45 out of 64 boys recovered with a success rate of 70% (P = 0.001). The NMSEN complaints of daytime incontinence, dysuria, urgency, holding maneuvers, and urgency incontinence disappeared significantly concomitant to the enuresis component, as well (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Biofeedback therapy is an effective treatment option for the enuresis component of NMSEN with a 64% success rate. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:58–61, 2016. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Critiquing War in the Classroom: Professor Positionality, Vulnerability, and Possibility
Authors: Taber Nancy
Published: October 2014

This article describes an analytic autoethnographical research study focusing on my experiences developing, delivering, and evaluating course content critiquing war from a feminist anti‐militarist perspective as a pre‐tenured faculty member. Themes include: professional vulnerability, student resistance, pedagogical possibility, and scholarly holism. This research demonstrates the importance of interrogating the educational experiences of post‐secondary professors, and of connecting them to complex sociocultural educational issues such as war, militarism, and gender.
Error analysis for an ALE evolving surface finite element method
Authors: Elliott Charles M. , Venkataraman Chandrasekhar
Published: October 2014

We consider an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian evolving surface finite element method for the numerical approximation of advection and diffusion of a conserved scalar quantity on a moving surface. We describe the method, prove optimal order error bounds and present numerical simulations that agree with the theoretical results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 459–499, 2015
The diagnosis and classification of osteonecrosis in patients with childhood leukemia
Authors: Niinimäki Tuukka , Harila‐Saari Arja , Niinimäki Riitta
Published: October 2014

Osteonecrosis is a well‐recognized complication in patients with childhood leukemia. Its clinical relevance is highly dependent on the size and location of the lesion. Therefore, the diagnosis, description of the affected site and the classification of the disease, must be precise. We conducted an extensive literature review to assess the quality of studies reporting the incidence of osteonecrosis in patients with childhood leukemia. Of the 31 included studies, one‐third (32% [n = 10]) did not describe the diagnostic method that was used to assess osteonecrosis. In almost two‐third (61% [n = 19]) of the studies, the osteonecrosis classification system was not used. We conclude that the quality of most published studies on the incidence of osteonecrosis in patients with childhood leukemia is relatively poor because many studies did not describe the radiological method used to diagnose osteonecrosis and/or did not use a validated osteonecrosis classification system. To compare the incidence of osteonecrosis, and to assess the severity and clinical consequences of osteonecrosis in patients with childhood leukemia, there is a need for a robust and widely recognized classification system to grade all cases of osteonecrosis despite the site of lesion. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:198–203. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Specific dephosphorylation of Janus Kinase 2 by protein tyrosine phosphatases
Authors: Li Jianzhuo , Liu Xidong , Chu Huiying , Fu Xueqi , Li Tianbao , Hu Lianghai , Xing Shu , Li Guohui , Gu Jingkai , Zhao Zhizhuang Joe
Published: October 2014

Many protein kinases are activated through phosphorylation of an activation loop thereby turning on downstream signaling pathways. Activation of JAK2, a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase with an important role in growth factor and cytokine signaling, requires phosphorylation of the 1007 and 1008 tyrosyl residues. Dephosphorylation of these two sites by phosphatases presumably inactivates the enzyme, but the underlying mechanism is not known. In this study, we employed MALDI‐TOF/TOF and triple quadrupole mass spectrometers to analyze qualitatively and quantitatively the dephosphorylation process by using synthetic peptides derived from the tandem autophosphorylation sites (Y1007 and Y1008) of human JAK2. We found that tyrosine phosphatases catalyzed the dephosphorylation reaction sequentially, but different enzymes exhibited different selectivity. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B caused rapid dephosphorylation of Y1008 followed by Y1007, while SHP1 and SHP2 selectively dephosphorylated Y1008 only, and yet HePTP randomly removed a single phosphate from either Y1007 or Y1008, leaving behind mono‐phosphorylated peptides. The specificity of dephosphorylation was further confirmed by molecular modeling. The data reveal multiple modes of JAK2 regulation by tyrosine phosphatases, reflecting a complex, and intricate interplay between protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation.
Curing of Glycidyl Azide Polymer (GAP) Diol Using Isocyanate, Isocyanate‐Free, Synchronous Dual, and Sequential Dual Curing Systems
Authors: Hagen Trond H. , Jensen Tomas L. , Unneberg Erik , Stenstrøm Yngve H. , Kristensen Tor E.
Published: October 2014

Glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) is an important energetic binder candidate for new minimum signature solid composite rocket propellants, but the mechanical properties of such GAP propellants are often limited. The mechanical characteristics of composite rocket propellants are mainly determined by the nature of the binder system and the binder‐filler interactions. In this work, we report a detailed investigation into curing systems for GAP diol with the objective of attaining the best possible mechanical characteristics as evaluated by uniaxial tensile testing of non‐plasticized polymer specimens. We started out by investigating isocyanate and isocyanate‐free curing systems, the latter by using the crystalline and easily soluble alkyne curing agent bispropargylhydroquinone (BPHQ). In the course of the presented study, we then assessed the feasibility of dual curing systems, either by using BPHQ and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) simultaneously (synchronous dual curing), or by applying propargyl alcohol and IPDI consecutively (sequential dual curing). The latter method, which employs propargyl alcohol as a readily available and adjustable hydroxyl‐telechelic branching agent for GAP through thermal triazole formation, gave rise to polymer specimens with mechanical characteristics that compared favorably with the best polymer specimens obtained from GAP diol and mixed isocyanate curatives. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of non‐plasticized samples was heightened when triazole‐based curing agents were included, but when plasticized with nitratoethylnitramine (NENA) plasticizer, Tg values were very similar, irrespective of the curing method.
Role of active‐site residues Tyr55 and Tyr114 in catalysis and substrate specificity of Corynebacterium diphtheriae C‐S lyase
Authors: Astegno Alessandra , Allegrini Alessandra , Piccoli Stefano , Giorgetti Alejandro , Dominici Paola
Published: October 2014

In recent years, there has been increased interest in bacterial methionine biosynthesis enzymes as antimicrobial targets because of their pivotal role in cell metabolism. C‐S lyase from Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate‐dependent enzyme in the transsulfuration pathway that catalyzes the α,β‐elimination of sulfur‐containing amino acids, such as l‐cystathionine, to generate ammonia, pyruvate, and homocysteine, the immediate precursor of L‐methionine. In order to gain deeper insight into the functional and dynamic properties of the enzyme, mutants of two highly conserved active‐site residues, Y55F and Y114F, were characterized by UV‐visible absorbance, fluorescence, and CD spectroscopy in the absence and presence of substrates and substrate analogs, as well as by steady‐state kinetic studies. Substitution of Tyr55 with Phe apparently causes a 130‐fold decrease in
at pH 8.5 providing evidence that Tyr55 plays a role in cofactor binding. Moreover, spectral data show that the mutant accumulates the external aldimine intermediate suggesting that the absence of interaction between the hydroxyl moiety and PLP‐binding residue Lys222 causes a decrease in the rate of substrate deprotonation. Mutation of Tyr114 with Phe slightly influences hydrolysis of l‐cystathionine, and causes a change in substrate specificity towards l‐serine and O‐acetyl‐l‐serine compared to the wild type enzyme. These findings, together with computational data, provide useful insights in the substrate specificity of C‐S lyase, which seems to be regulated by active‐site architecture and by the specific conformation in which substrates are bound, and will aid in development of inhibitors. Proteins 2015; 83:78–90. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The contribution of spray formulation component variables to foliar uptake of agrichemicals
Authors: Forster W Alison , Kimberley Mark O
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

The objective of the present study was to determine the contribution of the active ingredient (AI) and surfactant, and their concentrations, to the foliar uptake of agrichemicals, and to examine the physical properties that would need to be included in a model for foliar uptake.

RESULTS

All spray formulation component variables significantly affected uptake, explaining 73% of the deviance. The deviance explained by each factor ranged from 43% (AI concentration nested within AI) to 5.6% (surfactant). The only significant interaction was between AI and surfactant, explaining 15.8% of the deviance. Overall, 90% of the deviance could be explained by the variables and their first‐order interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

Uptake increased with increasing lipophilicity of the AI at concentrations below those causing precipitation on the leaf surface. AI concentration had a far greater (negative) effect on the uptake of the lipophilic molecule epoxiconazole. The uptake of 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (DOG) and 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) increased with increasing hydrophile–lipophile balance (HLB) of the surfactant, the effect of HLB being far greater on the hydrophilic molecule DOG. However, the differences observed in epoxiconazole uptake owing to the surfactant were strongly positively related to the spread area of the formulation on the leaf surface. For all AIs, uptake increased in a similar manner with increasing molar surfactant concentration. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Organized Chromophoric Assemblies for Nonlinear Optical Materials: Towards (Sub)wavelength Scale Architectures
Authors: Xu Jialiang , Semin Sergey , Rasing Theo , Rowan Alan E.
Published: October 2014

Photonic circuits are expected to greatly contribute to the next generation of integrated chips, as electronic integrated circuits become confronted with bottlenecks such as heat generation and bandwidth limitations. One of the main challenges for the state‐of‐the‐art photonic circuits lies in the development of optical materials with high nonlinear optical (NLO) susceptibilities, in particular in the wavelength and subwavelength dimensions which are compatible with on‐chip technologies. In this review, the varied approaches to micro‐/nanosized NLO materials based on building blocks of bio‐ and biomimetic molecules, as well as synthetic D‐π‐A chromophores, have been categorized as supramolecular self‐assemblies, molecular scaffolds, and external force directed assemblies. Such molecular and supramolecular NLO materials have intrinsic advantages, such as structural diversities, high NLO susceptibilities, and clear structure–property relationships. These “bottom‐up” fabrication approaches are proposed to be combined with the “top‐down” techniques such as lithography, etc., to generate multifunctionality by coupling light and matter on the (sub)wavelength scale.
High Density Lipoprotein Level is Negatively Associated With the Increase of Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein Lipids After a Fatty Meal
Authors: Tiainen Sanna , Ahotupa Markku , Ylinen Petteri , Vasankari Tommi
Published: October 2014

Recent reports show that a fatty meal can substantially increase the concentration of oxidized lipids in low density lipoprotein (LDL). Knowing the LDL‐specific antioxidant effects of high density lipoprotein (HDL), we aimed to investigate whether HDL can modify the postprandial oxidative stress after a fatty meal. Subjects of the study (n = 71) consumed a test meal (a standard hamburger meal) rich in lipid peroxides, and blood samples were taken before, 120, 240, and 360 min after the meal. The study subjects were divided into four subgroups according to the pre‐meal HDL cholesterol value (HDL subgroup 1, 0.66–0.91; subgroup 2, 0.93–1.13; subgroup 3, 1.16–1.35; subgroup 4, 1.40–2.65 mmol/L). The test meal induced a marked postprandial increase in the concentration of oxidized LDL lipids in all four subgroups. The pre‐meal HDL level was associated with the extent of the postprandial rise in oxidized LDL lipids. From baseline to 6 h after the meal, the concentration of ox‐LDL increased by 48, 31, 24, and 16 % in the HDL subgroup 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, and the increase was higher in subgroup 1 compared to subgroup 3 (p = 0.028) and subgroup 4 (p = 0.0081), respectively. The pre‐meal HDL correlated with both the amount and the rate of increase of oxidized LDL lipids. Results of the present study show that HDL is associated with the postprandial appearance of lipid peroxides in LDL. It is therefore likely that the sequestration and transport of atherogenic lipid peroxides is another significant mechanism contributing to cardioprotection by HDL.
On the modulating effect of three-dimensional instabilities in open cavity flows
Authors: Basley J. , Pastur L. R. , Lusseyran F. , Soria J. , Delprat N.
Published: October 2014

Open cavity flows are known to select and enhance locked-on modes or tones. High-energy self-sustained oscillations arise within the shear layer, impinging onto the trailing edge of the cavity. These self-sustained oscillations are subject to amplitude modulations (AMs) at multiple low frequencies. However, only a few studies have addressed the identification of the lowest modulating frequencies. The present work brings to light salient AMs of the shear layer waves and identifies their source as three-dimensional dynamics existing inside the cavity. Indeed, the recirculating inner flow gives rise to centrifugal instabilities, which entail broad-band frequencies down two orders of magnitude lower than those of the self-sustained oscillations. Using time-resolved PIV (TRPIV) in two planes, the nonlinearly saturated dynamics is analysed in both space and time by means of proper orthogonal decomposition, global Fourier decomposition and Hilbert–Huang transforms. The inner flow can be decomposed as three-dimensional waves carried by the main recirculation. Bicoherence distributions are computed to highlight the nonlinear interactions between these spanwise-travelling waves inside the cavity and the locked-on modes. The modulated envelope of the shear layer oscillations is extracted and investigated with regards to the inner-flow dynamics. Strong cross-correlations, in time rather than in space, reveal a global coupling mechanism, possibly related to the beating of the spanwise-travelling waves.
L2 Grammar and L2 Processing in the Acquisition of Spanish Prepositional Relative Clauses
Authors: PERPIÑÁN SILVIA
Published: October 2014

This paper investigates the acquisition of prepositional relative clauses in L2 Spanish by English and Arabic speakers to understand the role of previous linguistic knowledge and Universal Grammar on the one hand, and the relationship between grammatical knowledge and its use in real-time, on the other. An oral production task and an on-line self-paced grammaticality judgment task were analyzed. Results indicated that the acquisition of oblique relative clauses is a problematic area for L2 learners. Divergent results compared to native speakers in production and grammatical intuitions were found; however, L2 reading time data showed the same real-time effects that native speakers had, suggesting that the problems with this construction are not necessarily linked to processing deficits. These results are interpreted as evidence for the ability to apply universal processing principles in a second language, and the relative independence of the processing domain and the production system.
DERIVED ALGEBRAIC COBORDISM
Authors: Lowrey Parker E. , Schürg Timo
Published: October 2014

We construct a cohomology theory using quasi-smooth derived schemes as generators and an analog of the bordism relation using derived fiber products as relations. This theory has pull-backs along all morphisms between smooth schemes independent of any characteristic assumptions. We prove that, in characteristic zero, the resulting theory agrees with algebraic cobordism as defined by Levine and Morel. We thus obtain a new set of generators and relations for algebraic cobordism.
Assessment of decisional capacity: Prevalence of medical illness and psychiatric comorbidities
Authors: Boettger Susanne , Bergman Meredith , Jenewein Josef , Boettger Soenke
Published: October 2014

Objective:

Studies on decisional capacity have primarily focused on cognitive disorders, whereas noncognitive disorders remain understudied. The purpose of our study was to assess decisional capacity across a wide spectrum of medical and psychiatric disorders.

Method:

More than 2,500 consecutive consults were screened for decisional capacity, and 336 consults were reviewed at Bellevue Hospital Center in New York. Sociodemographic and medical variables, medical and psychiatric diagnoses, as well as decisional capacity assessments were recorded and analyzed.

Results:

Consults for decisional capacity were most commonly called for in male patients with cognitive and substance abuse disorders. Less commonly, consults were called for patients with mood or psychotic disorders. Overall, about two thirds of patients (64.7%) were deemed not to have decisional capacity. Among medical diagnoses, neurological disorders contributed to decisional incapacity, and among the psychiatric diagnoses, cognitive disorders were most frequently documented in cases lacking decisional capacity (54.1%) and interfered more commonly with decisional capacity than substance abuse or psychotic disorders (37.2 and 25%). In contrast, patients with mood disorders usually retained their decisional capacity (32%). Generally, the primary treatment team's assessment was accurate and was confirmed by the psychiatric service.

Significance of results:

Although decisional capacity assessments were most commonly requested for patients with substance abuse and cognitive disorders, the latter generally affected the ability to make healthcare decisions the most. Further, cognitive disorders were much more likely to impair the ability to make appropriate healthcare decisions than substance abuse or psychotic disorders.
A review on how meditation could be used to comfort the terminally ill
Authors: Ball Michael Stephen , Vernon Bryan
Published: October 2014

Objective:

Our objective was to review how meditation could comfort the terminally ill.

Method:

Our methodology was a literature search, which included books, journals, papers in collections, and online databases. The main search engines employed were Google Scholar and the Durham University Library. The main databases consulted were the Christian Meditation Centre, Project Meditation, and Stress-Related Facts and Well-Being at Monash. We were specifically interested in data acquired from clinical and nonclinical trials. The arguments needed to be based on qualitative and quantitative scientific data. Papers were published between 1985 and 2014. We then subdivided the review into three subcategories: physical, emotional, and self-awareness. When reviewing each category, we put our results into tabular form. In each table, we noted the percentage of terminally ill patients (TIPs) and non-terminally ill patients (NTIPs), and whether meditation had comforted them.

Results:

Our review demonstrated that there are many areas that have yet to be researched. First, very little work has been done on how meditation affects the physical health of TIPs, including such variables as blood pressure, chronic pain, and sleeping patterns. However, no research has been done on heart disease, hypertension, depression, among others. Second, virtually no research has been conducted on how meditation affects the mental health of TIPs. Notably neglected areas include anxiety, compliance, depression, and stress. Third, no research has been done on whether meditation increases self-awareness in TIPs. In each of these cases, most NTIPs reacted positively; however, no research has been done on why TIPs reacted differently.

Significance of Results:

Our results demonstrate the need for further research on how meditation affects terminally ill patients. In turn, this would enrich the debate on whether meditation should be prescribed for the dying.
microRNA-320/RUNX2 axis regulates adipocytic differentiation of human mesenchymal (skeletal) stem cells
Authors: Hamam D , Ali D , Vishnubalaji R , Hamam R , Al-Nbaheen M , Chen L , Kassem M , Aldahmash A , Alajez N M
Published: October 2014

The molecular mechanisms promoting lineage-specific commitment of human mesenchymal (skeletal or stromal) stem cells (hMSCs) into adipocytes (ADs) are not fully understood. Thus, we performed global microRNA (miRNA) and gene expression profiling during adipocytic differentiation of hMSC, and utilized bioinformatics as well as functional and biochemical assays, and identified several novel miRNAs differentially expressed during adipogenesis. Among these, miR-320 family (miR-320a, 320b, 320c, 320d and 320e) were ~2.2–3.0-fold upregulated. Overexpression of miR-320c in hMSC enhanced adipocytic differentiation and accelerated formation of mature ADs inex vivocultures. Integrated analysis of bioinformatics and global gene expression profiling in miR-320c overexpressing cells and during adipocytic differentiation of hMSC identified several biologically relevant gene targets for miR-320c including RUNX2, MIB1 (mindbomb E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1), PAX6 (paired box 6), YWHAH and ZWILCH. siRNA-mediated silencing of those genes enhanced adipocytic differentiation of hMSC, thus corroborating an important role for those genes in miR-320c-mediated adipogenesis. Concordant with that, lentiviral-mediated stable expression of miR-320c at physiological levels (~1.5-fold) promoted adipocytic and suppressed osteogenic differentiation of hMSC. Luciferase assay validated RUNX2 (Runt-related transcription factor 2) as a bona fide target for miR-320 family. Therefore, our data suggest miR-320 family as possible molecular switch promoting adipocytic differentiation of hMSC. Targeting miR-320 may have therapeutic potentialin vivothrough regulation of bone marrow adipogenesis.
Glutathione depletion sensitizes cisplatin- and temozolomide-resistant glioma cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Rocha C R R , Garcia C C M , Vieira D B , Quinet A , de Andrade-Lima L C , Munford V , Belizário J E , Menck C F M
Published: October 2014

Malignant glioma is a severe type of brain tumor with a poor prognosis and few options for therapy. The main chemotherapy protocol for this type of tumor is based on temozolomide (TMZ), albeit with limited success. Cisplatin is widely used to treat several types of tumor and, in association with TMZ, is also used to treat recurrent glioma. However, several mechanisms of cellular resistance to cisplatin restrict therapy efficiency. In that sense, enhanced DNA repair, high glutathione levels and functional p53 have a critical role on cisplatin resistance. In this work, we explored several mechanisms of cisplatin resistance in human glioma. We showed that cellular survival was independent of the p53 status of those cells. In addition, in a host-cell reactivation assay using cisplatin-treated plasmid, we did not detect any difference in DNA repair capacity. We demonstrated that cisplatin-treated U138MG cells suffered fewer DNA double-strand breaks and DNA platination. Interestingly, the resistant cells carried higher levels of intracellular glutathione. Thus, preincubation with the glutathione inhibitor buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) induced massive cell death, whereas N-acetyl cysteine, a precursor of glutathione synthesis, improved the resistance to cisplatin treatment. In addition, BSO sensitized glioma cells to TMZ alone or in combination with cisplatin. Furthermore, using an in vivo model the combination of BSO, cisplatin and TMZ activated the caspase 3–7 apoptotic pathway. Remarkably, the combined treatment did not lead to severe side effects, while causing a huge impact on tumor progression. In fact, we noted a remarkable threefold increase in survival rate compared with other treatment regimens. Thus, the intracellular glutathione concentration is a potential molecular marker for cisplatin resistance in glioma, and the use of glutathione inhibitors, such as BSO, in association with cisplatin and TMZ seems a promising approach for the therapy of such devastating tumors.
Smaller than a nanoparticle with the design of discrete polynuclear molecular complexes displaying near-infrared to visible upconversion
Authors: Zare Davood , Suffren Yan , Guénée Laure , Eliseeva Svetlana V. , Nozary Homayoun , Aboshyan-Sorgho Lilit , Petoud Stéphane , Hauser Andreas , Piguet Claude
Published: October 2014

An unprecedented molecular [ErN9] chromophore emits simultaneous dual green (542 nm) and near-infrared (1540 nm) light upon indirect excitation.
Significant differences in the biological activity of mononuclear Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) complexes with the polyquinolinyl ligand
Authors: Li Jun-Ling , Jiang Lin , Wang Bi-Wei , Tian Jin-Lei , Gu Wen , Liu Xin , Yan Shi-Ping
Published: October 2014

The difference in the redox activity of metal ions Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) results in some discrepancy in the biological activity of their complexes.
Effect of stacking mode on the mechanofluorochromic properties of 3-aryl-2-cyano acrylamide derivatives
Authors: Song Qingbao , Wang Yongsheng , Hu Chenchen , Zhang Yujian , Sun Jingwei , Wang Kunyan , Zhang Cheng
Published: October 2014

Three structurally simple 3-aryl-2-cyano acrylamide derivatives (o-MPCPA, m-MPCPA and p-MPCPA) were synthesized, which exhibited different optical properties due to their distinct face-to-face stacking mode.
Synthesis, optical and electrochemical properties of the A–π-D–π-A porphyrin and its application as an electron donor in efficient solution processed bulk heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Vijay Kumar Challuri , Cabau Lydia , Koukaras Emmanuel N. , Sharma Ganesh D. , Palomares Emilio
Published: October 2014

A conjugated acceptor–donor–acceptor with a Zn-porphyrin core and di-cyanovinyl substituted thiophene connected at meso positions was designed, synthesized and used in BHJ solar cells. The PCE of the devices reached 5.24%.
One-pot quadruple/triple reaction sequence: a useful tool for the synthesis of natural products
Authors: Kashinath K. , Srinivasa Reddy D.
Published: October 2014

Multiple reactions in one pot has always been a useful technique for synthetic organic chemists, as it can minimizes solvent usage, time and the number of purification steps when compared to individual multi-step syntheses.
Polymer electrolyte membranes from Cloisite 30B-based solid proton conductor and sulfonated polyether ether ketone/polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoro propylene blends for direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Prasad M. , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K.
Published: October 2014

The improved fuel cell performance of polymer electrolyte membranes from C 30B-filled sulfonated polyether ether ketone/polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoro propylene blends indicates their candidature for DMFC applications.
Rapid hydrogenation: perfect quasi architecture (Ag@SiO2NPs) as a substrate for nitrophenol reduction
Authors: Ramalingam Sathya , Devi Loganathan Bhavani , Raghava Rao Jonnalagadda , Unni Nair Balachandran
Published: October 2014

Spherical nanoparticles with core-frame architecture are a viable route to combine multiple functionalities on a nanoscopic scale.
Coherence improvement in dispersion‐tuned swept laser by pulse modulation
Authors: Nagai H. , Yamashita S.
Published: October 2014

The dispersion‐tuned swept laser (DTSL) is a fast and wideband swept source applicable in swept‐source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT). However, it suffers from coherence degradation at high sweep rates. The coherence in the DTSL, which can be improved by pulse modulation in place of sinusoidal modulation, is demonstrated. A coherence length of 8 mm is obtained at a sweep rate of 50 kHz using 100 ps pulse modulation.
Printed triple‐band circularly polarised antenna for wireless systems
Authors: Bao X.L. , Ammann M.J.
Published: October 2014

A triple‐band circularly polarised microstrip patch antenna operating in the 2.4, 3.5 and 5.7 GHz bands is presented. The antenna consists of two substrate layers with an electromagnetically coupled low‐band patch in the middle layer and a probe‐fed dual‐band patch on the top layer. The impedance bandwidths (voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) < 2.5) for the three frequency bands are 112, 118 and 427 MHz with 3 dB axial‐ratio bandwidths of 15, 44 and 36 MHz, respectively. The peak gains across the operating bands are 4.2, 5.5 and 4 dBic, respectively.
Miniaturised frequency selective surface based on 2.5‐dimensional closed loop
Authors: Shi Yongrong , Tang Wanchun , Zhuang Wei , Wang Cheng
Published: October 2014

A novel frequency selective surface (FSS) has been designed based on 2.5‐dimensional (2.5D) closed loop for miniaturisation. Compared with the previous FSSs in the literature, the proposed FSS is smaller (0.048λ0 × 0.048λ0) and shows almost the same transmission coefficient for different polarisations and incident angles. A prototype of the proposed FSS has been fabricated and measured. The results of the experiment show a consistency with the simulated ones.
Intermolecular potential energy surface and thermophysical properties of ethylene oxide
Authors: Crusius Johann-Philipp , Hellmann Robert , Hassel Egon , Bich Eckard
Published: October 2014

A six-dimensional potential energy hypersurface (PES) for two interacting rigid ethylene oxide (C2H4O) molecules was determined from high-level quantum-chemical ab initio calculations. The counterpoise-corrected supermolecular approach at the MP2 and CCSD(T) levels of theory was utilized to determine interaction energies for 10178 configurations of two molecules. An analytical site-site potential function with 19 sites per ethylene oxide molecule was fitted to the interaction energies and fine tuned to agree with data for the second acoustic virial coefficient from accurate speed of sound measurements. The PES was validated by computing the second virial coefficient, shear viscosity, and thermal conductivity. The values of these properties are substantiated by the best experimental data as they tend to fall within the uncertainty intervals and also obey the experimental temperature functions, except for viscosity, where experimental data are insufficient. Due to the lack of reliable data, especially for the transport properties, our calculated values are currently the most accurate estimates for these properties of ethylene oxide.