bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Asymmetric Electrophilic Amination Reactions to Form Nitrogen‐Bearing Tetrasubstituted Carbon Stereocenters
Authors: Zhou Feng , Liao Fu‐Min , Yu Jin‐Sheng , Zhou Jian
Published: February 2015

Review: [56 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Transition‐Metal‐Free C—C Bond Forming Reactions of Aryl, Alkenyl and Alkynylboronic Acids and Their Derivatives
Authors: Roscales S. , Csaky A. G.
Published: February 2015

Review: 51 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Jack of All Trades: Versatile Catechol Crosslinking Mechanisms
Authors: Yang Juan , Cohen Stuart Martien A. , Kamperman Marleen
Published: February 2015

Review: 156 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Polypyrrole Derivatives for Electrochromic Applications
Authors: Camurlu Pinar
Published: February 2015

Review: 141 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: ortho‐Quinone Methide (o‐QM): A Highly Reactive, Ephemeral and Versatile Intermediate in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Singh Maya Shankar , Nagaraju Anugula , Anand Namrata , Chowdhury Sushobhan
Published: February 2015

Review: [112 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Sanguinarine, a Promising Anticancer Therapeutic: Photochemical and Nucleic Acid Binding Properties
Authors: Kumar Gopinatha Suresh , Hazra Soumitra
Published: February 2015

Review: 84 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Riboflavin Interactions with Oxygen — A Survey from the Photochemical Perspective
Authors: Insinska‐Rak Malgorzata , Sikorski Marek
Published: February 2015

Review: 90 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Biologically Active Spirooxindoles
Authors: Santos Maria M.M.
Published: February 2015

Review: 129 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Axially Chiral Broensted Acid Catalyzed Transformations of Electrophilic Imines
Authors: Bhadury Pinaki S. , Sun Zhihua
Published: February 2015

Review: 95 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Developments in the ′Cation Pool′ Method
Authors: Yoshida Jun‐ichi , Ashikari Yosuke , Matsumoto Kouichi , Nokami Toshiki
Published: February 2015

Review: 89 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Solid‐Phase Organic Synthesis and Catalysis: Some Recent Strategies Using Alumina, Silica, and Polyionic Resins
Authors: Basu Basudeb , Paul Susmita
Published: February 2015

Review: 264 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Goniomitine: an Overview on the Chemistry of This Indole Alkaloid
Authors: Alves Jose C. F.
Published: February 2015

Review: 26 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: New Developments in Gold‐Catalyzed Manipulation of Inactivated Alkenes
Authors: Chiarucci Michel , Bandini Marco
Published: February 2015

Review: 87 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: The Use of Supported Acidic Ionic Liquids in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Skoda‐Foldes Rita
Published: February 2015

Review: 79 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthetic Approaches Towards Huperzine A and B
Authors: Abu Sohel Shariar Md. , Opatz Till
Published: February 2015

Review: 44 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Total Synthesis of Diterpenoid Pyrones, Nalanthalide, Sesquicillin, Candelalides A‐C, and Subglutinols A, B
Authors: Katoh Tadashi
Published: February 2015

Review: 36 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Modeling the Interaction Between Dendrimers and Nucleic Acids: A Molecular Perspective Through Hierarchical Scales
Authors: Pavan Giovanni M.
Published: February 2015

Review: [50 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Aspartic Protease Inhibitors Containing Tertiary Alcohol Transition‐State Mimics
Authors: Motwani Hitesh V. , De Rosa Maria , Odell Luke R. , Hallberg Anders , Larhed Mats
Published: February 2015

Review: 137 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Steam Electrolysis by Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs) with Proton‐Conducting Oxides
Authors: Bi Lei , Boulfrad Samir , Traversa Enrico
Published: February 2015

Review: 138 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Involvement of Process Parameters and Various Modes of Application of TiO2 Nanoparticles in Heterogeneous Photocatalysis of Pharmaceutical Wastes — a Short Review
Authors: Sarkar Santanu , Das Ranjana , Choi Heechul , Bhattacharjee Chiranjib
Published: February 2015

Review: 94 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Kinetic Modelling of Heterogeneous Catalytic Systems
Authors: Stamatakis Michail
Published: February 2015

Review: 245 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Ultrafast Kinetics of Carbene Reactions
Authors: Burdzinski Gotard , Platz Matthew S.
Published: February 2015

Review: 45 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Dynamics in Carbene Reactions
Authors: Merrer Dina C. , Houk K. N. , Xu Lai
Published: February 2015

Review: 171 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: UV Raman Spectroscopic Characterization of Catalysts and Catalytic Active Sites
Authors: Jin Shaoqing , Feng Zhaochi , Fan Fengtao , Li Can
Published: February 2015

Review: 131 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Less is More: How Compressed Sensing is Transforming Metrology in Chemistry
Authors: Holland Daniel J. , Gladden Lynn F.
Published: February 2015

Review: principles and key application of compressed sensing across chemistry, physics, and medicine; 93 refs.
Improvement of CO2 absorption using AL2O3 nanofluids in a stirred thermostatic reactor
Authors: Lu Sumin , Song Jing , Li Yongdan , Xing Min , He Qing
Published: February 2015

The improvement of CO2 absorption by Al2O3 nanofluids with deionized water as the base fluid was studied experimentally. The reactor used was a stirred thermostatic reactor, operated batchwise. Pure CO2 was employed in all the experiments. The content of Al2O3 in nanofluids ranged from 0 to 0.2 % (wt). Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) was employed to improve the stability of the nanofluids, and the combined effect of nanoparticles and surfactants on the absorption enhancement was studied. The parameters such as the concentration of Al2O3 nanoparticles and surfactants, the stirring speed, and the ultrasonic time were varied. The results show that the nanoparticle mass fraction and the ultrasonic time have an optimum value for the CO2 absorption enhancement. The combination of surfactants and nanoparticles improves the enhancement performance of Al2O3 nanofluids more effectively than that without surfactants. With the increase of the stirring speed, the effective absorption ratio in stable nanofluids declines, while in poorly dispersed Al2O3 suspensions, it is increased first and then reduced. The mechanism of the Al2O3 nanofluid enhancing CO2 absorption is discussed accordingly. The absorption enhancement by the Al2O3 nanofluid is mainly attributable to convective motion induced by the Brownian motion.
Biodegradation of Polychlorinated Biphenyls Using a Moving‐Bed Biofilm Reactor
Authors: Dong Bin , Chen Han‐Yu , Yang Yang , He Qun‐biao , Dai Xiao‐Hu
Published: February 2015

As persistent organic pollutants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are rarely degraded in nature environment. Biodegradation is an effective method for the removal of PCBs from contaminated wastewater. In this study, an assessment of the performance of a combined moving‐bed biofilm reactor and a membrane filtration system (MBBR‐MF) for the treatment of PCB‐containing wastewater was performed. Simulated wastewater containing PCB77 was treated in an MBBR system. PCB removal efficiency was investigated at different sections of the combined MBBR‐MF system. The results showed that the removal efficiencies for PCB77 in the anaerobic MBBR were 73 and 84.4% in the aerobic section. The possible biodegradation products were investigated. The results of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry indicate that the PCBs were converted into small molecules that were easily mineralized under aerobic conditions. Thus, the MBBR technology could have potential for biodegradation use of PCB‐contaminated wastewater.
Antimicrobial peptide LL‐37 promotes antigen‐specific immune responses in mice by enhancing Th17‐skewed mucosal and systemic immunities
Authors: Kim Sae‐Hae , Yang In‐Young , Kim Ju , Lee Kyung‐Yeol , Jang Yong‐Suk
Published: February 2015

The human antimicrobial peptide LL‐37 is known to have chemotactic and modulatory activities on various cells including monocytes, T cells, and epithelial cells. Given that LL‐37 enhances chemotactic attraction and modulates the activity of DCs, it is conceivable that it might play a role as an immune adjuvant by skewing the immune environment toward immunostimulatory conditions. In this study, we characterized the mucosal adjuvant activity of LL‐37 using model and pathogenic Ags. When LL‐37‐conjugated Ag was administered orally to mice, a tolerogenic Peyer's patch environment was altered to cell populations containing IL‐6‐secreting CD11c+, CD11c+CD70+, and Th17 cells capable of evoking a subsequent LL‐37‐conjugated Ag‐specific immune response in both systemic and mucosal immune compartments. In addition, we showed presentation of formyl peptide receptor, an LL‐37 receptor, on M cells, which may aid the initiation of an LL‐37‐mediated enhanced immune response through targeting and transcytosis of the conjugated Ag. Based on our findings, we conclude that LL‐37 has potential as an oral mucosal adjuvant, not only by enhancing the delivery of LL‐37‐conjugated Ag to M cells, but also by triggering T‐cell‐mediated Ag‐specific immune responses through modulation of the mucosal immune environment.
[XeF5]+/Metal and [XeF5]+/Non‐Metal Mixed‐Cation Salts of Hexafluoridoantimonate(V)
Authors: Mazej Zoran , Goreshnik Evgeny
Published: February 2015

New types of [XeF5]+ salts, i.e., NO2XeF5(SbF6)2 and XeF5[Cu(SbF6)3], are derived from reactions between XeF5SbF6 and NO2SbF6 or Cu(SbF6)2, respectively. The crystal structure of the former consists of [NO2]+ and [XeF5]+ cations and [SbF6]– anions. The main feature of the crystal structure of XeF5[Cu(SbF6)3] are rings of CuF6 octahedra that share apexes with SbF6 octahedra connected into an infinite tridimensional framework. This arrangement leads to the formation of cavities within which [XeF5]+ cations are located. Raman spectra of both [NO2]+/[XeF5]+ and [XeF5]+/Cu2+ mixed‐cation hexafluorido‐antimonates(V) are reported herein.
Iron‐Catalyzed Tandem Cyclization and Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Iodoalkanes and Aryl Grignard Reagents
Authors: Kim Jae Gon , Son Young Hoon , Seo Jin Won , Kang Eun Joo
Published: February 2015

A range of arylmethyl‐substituted pyrrolidines and tetrahydrofurans were produced by FeCl2‐catalyzed tandem cyclization and cross‐coupling reactions of alkyl iodides and aryl Grignard reagents. The substituents on alkenes had a profound effect on the progress of the tandem reactions, with di‐ and tri‐substituted alkenes affording cyclized pyrrolidines. Several experimental results, such as cyclopropyl ring opening, the stereochemical outcome of the reaction with a secondary iodide substrate, and intermediate identification with 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO), support the conclusion that a radical process is involved in this catalytic system. Moreover, deuterium labeling experiments indicated that radical disproportionation could occur in the termination reactions of the cyclized alkyl radical species.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of 2,6‐Diaryltetrahydrothiopyran‐4‐ones by Phase‐Transfer Catalysis
Authors: Gendron Thibault , Kessedjian Hripsimée , Davioud‐Charvet Elisabeth , Lanfranchi Don Antoine
Published: February 2015

Two efficient phase‐transfer‐catalyzed protocols for the diastereoselective synthesis of cis and trans isomers of 2,6‐diaryltetrahydrothiopyran‐4‐ones (2,6‐DATHTPs) have been developed. In a study of the scope of the reactions, differently substituted 2,6‐DATHTPs were successfully accessed in high yields and diastereomeric excessses on both experimental and preparative scales.
(Diacetoxyiodo)benzene‐Mediated Oxygenation of Benzylic C(sp3)–H Bonds with N‐Hydroxyamides at Room Temperature
Authors: Qian Peng‐Cheng , Liu Yu , Song Ren‐Jie , Hu Ming , Yang Xu‐Heng , Xiang Jian‐Nan , Li Jin‐Heng
Published: February 2015

A new, metal‐free method for the formation of C(sp3)–O bonds was established by PhI(OAc)2‐mediated oxygenation of benzylic C(sp3)–H bonds with N‐hydroxyamides at room temperature, in which the C(sp3)–H oxidation is activated by a polyflurophenylamide group.
CuII‐Promoted Aerobic Cascade Reactions of 2‐Alkynylanilines with Methyl Perfluoroalk‐2‐ynoates: En Route to 4‐Carbonyl‐2‐perfluoroalkylquinolines
Authors: Han Jing , Shen Yangyong , Sun Xuechun , Yao Qiuxia , Chen Jie , Deng Hongmei , Shao Min , Fan Bozhen , Zhang Hui , Cao Weiguo
Published: February 2015

Using air as the oxygen source, 4‐carbonyl‐2‐perfluoroalkylquinolines were prepared in good to excellent yields, from readily available 2‐alkynylanilines and methyl perfluoroalk‐2‐ynoates through a CuII‐promoted sequential process that omits the isolation of the enamine intermediates. The reaction tolerates several useful functionalities including ether, ester and chloro substituents.
Direct Organocatalytic Oxo‐Metathesis, a trans‐Selective Carbocation‐Catalyzed Olefination of Aldehydes
Authors: Veluru Ramesh Naidu  , Bah Juho , Franzén Johan
Published: February 2015

A direct organocatalytic carbonyl/olefin oxo‐metathesis has been developed. The reaction is catalyzed by trityl tetrafluoroborate (TrBF4) and utilizes unactivated alkenes for the olefination of aromatic aldehydes to give trans β‐alkylstyrenes in yields of 44–85 % with only acetone as the byproduct. The pronounced Lewis acidity of the carbocation results in unusual reactivity that is proposed to catalyze a stepwise [2+2] cycloaddition to give an oxetane intermediate. Fragmentation of the latter in a formal retro [2+2] reaction gives the oxo‐metathesis product.
Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Secondary Allylic Alcohols
Authors: Shoola Christopher O. , DelMastro Thomas , Wu Ruoqiu , Sowa John R.
Published: February 2015

Racemic secondary allylic alcohols were transformed into optically active secondary alcohols by a combined Ru‐catalyzed isomerization/asymmetric transfer‐hydrogenation reaction. The catalyst was generated in situ in isopropyl alcohol from di‐μ‐chlorobis[(p‐cymene)chlororuthenium(II)], the chiral ligand (1S,2S)‐N‐(p‐tolylsulfonyl)‐1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine, and K2CO3, and the products were afforded in yields up to 97 % with up to 93 % enantiomeric excess without the use of hydrogen gas. A Hammett study revealed that the reaction rate was enhanced with electron‐withdrawing aryl substituents. The reaction supports the recent work published by Adolfsson et al. as new methodology for the synthesis of chiral compounds from allylic alcohols.
Oncolytic measles viruses produced at different scales under serum‐free conditions
Authors: Weiss Katja , Gerstenberger Jarrid , Salzig Denise , Mühlebach Michael D. , Cichutek Klaus , Pörtner Ralf , Czermak Peter
Published: February 2015

Measles virus (MV) with attenuated pathogenicity has potential as oncolytic agent. However, the clinical translation of this therapy concept has one major hurdle: the production of sufficient amounts of infectious oncolytic MV particles. The current study describes oncolytic MV production in Vero cells grown on microcarrier using serum‐free medium. The impact of the number of harvests, cell concentration at infection (CCI), multiplicity of infection (MOI), and temperature on MV production was determined in different production scales/systems (static T‐flasks, dynamic spinner, and bioreactor system) and modes (batch, repeated‐batch, and perfusion). Cell growth, metabolic, and production kinetics were analyzed. It was found that the number of harvests had the strongest positive impact on MV yield in each production scale, and that high temperatures affected MV yield adversely. Moderate MV titers were produced in T‐ and spinner flasks at 37°C (∼107 TCID50 mL−1, where TCID50 is tissue culture infective doses 50%), but stirred tank reactor (STR) MV production at 37°C yielded up to 10 000‐fold lower MV titers. In contrast, at lower temperatures (32°C, 27°C), 1.4 × 107 TCID50 mL−1 were achieved in the STR. Variations in MOI and CCI had almost no influence on MV production yield. The current study improves oncolytic MV production process understanding and identifies process bottlenecks for large‐scale production.
Toxic effects of combined stressors on Daphnia pulex: Interactions between diazinon, 4-nonylphenol, and wastewater effluent
Authors: Zein Maya A. , McElmurry Shawn P. , Kashian Donna R. , Savolainen Peter T. , Pitts David K.
Published: February 2015

Contaminant exposure in aqueous systems typically involves complex chemical mixtures. Given the large number of compounds present in the environment, it is critical to identify hazardous chemical interactions rapidly. The present study utilized a prototype for a novel high-throughput assay to quantify behavioral changes over time to identify chemical interactions that affect toxicity. The independent and combined effects of 2 chemicals, diazinon (an insecticide) and 4-nonylphenol (a detergent metabolite), on the swimming behavior of the freshwater crustacean Daphnia pulex were examined. Cumulative distance and change in direction were measured repeatedly via optical tracking over 90 min. Exposure to low concentrations of diazinon (0.125–2 µM) or 4-nonylphenol (0.25–4 µM) elicited significant concentration- and time-dependent effects on swimming behavior. Exposure to 0.5 µM 4-nonylphenol alone did not significantly alter mean cumulative distance but did elicit a small, significant increase in mean angle, the measure of change in direction. When 0.5 µM 4-nonylphenol was used in combination with diazinon (0.125–0.5 µM), it augmented the adverse impact of diazinon on the swimming behavior of Daphnia. Additionally, enhanced sensitivity to diazinon was observed in animals exposed to treated wastewater effluent for 24 h prior to a diazinon challenge. The present experiments demonstrate that exposure to 4-nonylphenol and complex chemical mixtures (e.g., treated wastewater) can enhance the toxicity of exposure to the insecticide diazinon. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1145–1153. © 2015 SETAC
Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2A Regulates Hydrogen Peroxide‐Induced Senescence of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Via microRNA‐143
Authors: Zhao Wang , Zheng Xi‐Long , Peng Dao‐Quan , Zhao Shui‐Ping
Published: February 2015

Myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A) is involved in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, migration, and senescence. MicroRNA‐143/145 (miR‐143/145), which may be regulated by MEF2A, is known to promote cellular senescence. We hypothesized that MEF2A may promote VSMC senescence via miR‐143/145. VSMC senescence was induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), followed by detection using a senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase staining kit. The MEF2A protein, mRNA, and miR‐143/145 levels in VSMCs were detected using Western blot analysis and SYBR green real‐time quantitative PCR, respectively. We further manipulated the expression levels of MEF2A and miR‐143 through viral or transient transfection. VSMC proliferation and migration were determined by methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide and Millicell chamber, respectively. Both MEF2A and miR‐143, but not miRNA‐145, were up‐regulated in senescent VSMCs. Overexpression of either MEF2A or miR‐143 significantly enhanced VSMC senescence, but reduced proliferation and migration. MEF2A knockdown or miR‐143 inhibitor suppressed cellular senescence and increased proliferation and migration. We further revealed AKT signaling as a potential miR‐143 target, and an induction of miR‐143 expression by MEF2A via KLF2. Additionally, overexpression of MEF2A and miR‐143 resulted in synergistic effects on promotion of senescence, and MEF2A knockdown and miR‐143 reduction by inhibitor had synergistic inhibitory effects. Finally, MEF2A barely promoted VSMC senescence when miR‐143 was inhibited, and miR‐143 overexpression antagonized the inhibitory effect of MEF2A knockdown on VSMC senescence. Our results revealed a link and interaction between MEF2A and miR‐143 and suggested a potential mechanism for MEF2A to regulate H2O2‐induced VSMC senescence. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 2202–2211, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overcoming any configuration limitation: an alternative operating mode for pervaporation and vapour permeation
Authors: Genduso Giuseppe , Luis Patricia , Van der Bruggen Bart
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

Membranes are the core and the main limitation of pervaporation. For example, in certain cases (more often for organic–organic mixtures) a pure product is not attainable as a permeate of a single stage and a series of membrane stages spaced by a condenser is required, making the process economically unacceptable.

RESULTS

This work discusses the use of an alternative approach by exploring the multi‐stage‐batch‐pervaporation (MSBP) unit operation. Here, the permeate obtained after each batch‐stage is recycled to the feed tank to increase the permeate product purity in a following stage. The separation of methanol–methyl acetate mixtures was chosen as a case study.

Simulations demonstrate how a multi‐stage‐batch‐pervaporation unit is able to meet product purity requirements, by varying the stage‐termination condition and the number of stages, employing a single membrane‐module and a single condenser.

Moreover, a new way to visualize pervaporation separation performance of different membranes is proposed to replace the pervaporation separation index (PSI) analysis.

CONCLUSION

Being very flexible, the multi‐stage‐batch‐pervaporation unit operation could be of benefit for all small batch productions, even when using medium‐low performance membranes. Parts of continuous productions could also be suitable for multi‐stage‐batch‐pervaporation systems. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Catalytic upgrading of bio‐oils by esterification
Authors: Ciddor Lachlan , Bennett James A , Hunns James A , Wilson Karen , Lee Adam F
Published: February 2015

Biomass is the term given to naturally‐produced organic matter resulting from photosynthesis, and represents the most abundant organic polymers on Earth. Consequently, there has been great interest in the potential exploitation of lignocellulosic biomass as a renewable feedstock for energy, materials and chemicals production. The energy sector has largely focused on the direct thermochemical processing of lignocellulose via pyrolysis/gasification for heat generation, and the co‐production of bio‐oils and bio‐gas which may be upgraded to produce drop‐in transportation fuels. This mini‐review describes recent advances in the design and application of solid acid catalysts for the energy efficient upgrading of pyrolysis biofuels. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Differentiating benign from malignant vertebral fractures using T1‐weighted dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Arevalo‐Perez Julio , Peck Kyung K. , Lyo John K. , Holodny Andrei I. , Lis Eric , Karimi Sasan
Published: February 2015

Purpose

To differentiate pathologic from benign vertebral fractures, which can be challenging. We hypothesized that dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) can aid in the noninvasive distinction between pathologic and benign fractures.

Materials and Methods

Consecutive patients with vertebral fractures who underwent DCE‐MRI, biopsy, and kyphoplasty were reviewed. Forty‐seven fractures were separated into pathologic and benign fractures. Benign fractures were in turn separated into acute and chronic fractures for further comparison. Regions of interest (ROIs) were placed over fractured vertebral bodies. Perfusion parameters: plasma volume (Vp), Ktrans, wash‐in slope, peak enhancement, and area under the curve (AUC) were measured and compared between the three different groups of fractures. A Mann–Whitney U‐test was conducted to assess the difference between the groups.

Results

Pathologic fractures had significantly higher (P < 0.01) perfusion parameters (Vp, Ktrans, wash‐in slope, peak enhancement, and AUC) compared with benign fractures. We also found significant differences (P < 0.001) in all parameters between chronic and acute fractures. Vp and Ktrans were able to differentiate between pathologic and acute fractures (P < 0.01). No significant differences were found with peak enhancement (P = 0.21) and AUC (P = 0.4) between pathologic and acute fractures.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that T1‐weighted DCE‐MRI has potential to differentiate between pathologic vs. benign, acute vs. chronic, and most important, benign acute vs. pathologic vertebral fractures. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1039–1047.
Molecular identification of a G2 rotavirus that provided a G1P[4] mono‐reassortant with a DS‐1‐like genotype constellation
Authors: Sasaki Eriko , Nakagomi Toyoko , Doan Yen Hai , Gauchan Punita , Kaneko Miho , Nakagomi Osamu
Published: February 2015

The segmented nature of the rotavirus genome provides an opportunity for the virus to reassort upon co‐infection of more than one rotavirus strain. Previously, two G1P[4] strains isolated from children with diarrhoea, AU64, and AU67, were shown by RNA–RNA hybridization to be a VP7 mono‐reassortant possessing a DS‐1 genogroup background. However, the origin of the parental G2 strain was not sought for at that time. The aim of this study, therefore, was to identify the G2 strain that provided AU64/AU67 with the DS‐1‐like genotype constellation. By carefully comparing the genomic RNA migration patterns on polyacrylamide gels of strains circulating at the same and nearby geographic locations around the time of the mono‐reassortant detection (1989), a G2 strain designated 88H449 was shown to possess 10 genome segments co‐migrating with those of AU64. Sequencing of all genome segments of AU64 and 88H449 showed that those two strains were 99.6–100% identical at the nucleotide level in all except the VP7 gene, indicating that the parental G2 strain that provided AU64 with the 10 genome segments was a sibling of 88H449. Sequencing of the VP7 genes of 36 G1P[8] strains circulating locally between 1981 and 1990 revealed the presence of strains bearing diverse VP7 sequences among which the closest nucleotide identity to AU64 was 98.6% and the closest amino acid identity in the major antigenic regions was 100%. This unusual mono‐reassortant was concluded to be the result of a contemporary reassosrtment event occurring between locally co‐circulating strains. J. Med. Virol. 87:694–701, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The biological characteristics of predominant strains of HIV‐1 genotype: Modeling of HIV‐1 infection among men who have sex with men
Authors: Dai Di , Shang Hong , Han Xiao‐Xu , Zhao Bin , Liu Jing , Ding Hai‐Bo , Xu Jun‐Jie , Chu Zhen‐Xing
Published: February 2015

To investigate the molecular subtypes of prevalent HIV‐1 strains and characterize the genetics of dominant strains among men who have sex with men. Molecular epidemiology surveys in this study concentrated on the prevalent HIV‐1 strains in Liaoning province by year. 229 adult patients infected with HIV‐1 and part of a high‐risk group of men who have sex with men were recruited. Reverse transcription and nested PCR amplification were performed. Sequencing reactions were conducted and edited, followed by codon‐based alignment. NJ phylogenetic tree analyses detected two distinct CRF01_AE phylogenetic clusters, designated clusters 1 and 2. Clusters 1 and 2 accounted for 12.8% and 84.2% of sequences in the pol gene and 17.6% and 73.1% of sequences in the env gene, respectively. Another six samples were distributed on other phylogenetic clusters. Cluster 1 increased significantly from 5.6% to 20.0%, but cluster 2 decreased from 87.5% to 80.0%. Genetic distance analysis indicated that CRF01_AE cluster 1 in Liaoning was homologous to epidemic CRF01_AE strains, but CRF01_AE cluster 2 was different from other scattered strains. Additionally, significant differences were found in tetra‐peptide motifs at the tip of V3 loop between cluster 1 and 2; however, differences in coreceptor usage were not detected. This study shows that subtype CRF01_AE strain may be the most prevalent epidemic strain in the men who have sex with men. Genetic characteristics of the subtype CRF01_AE cluster strain in Liaoning showed homology to the prevalent strains of men who have sex with men in other parts of China. J. Med. Virol. 87:557–568, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bacterial community analysis of cypermethrin enrichment cultures and bioremediation of cypermethrin contaminated soils
Authors: Akbar Shamsa , Sultan Sikander , Kertesz Michael
Published: February 2015

Cypermethrin is widely used for insect control; however, its toxicity toward aquatic life requires its complete removal from contaminated areas where the natural degradation ability of microbes can be utilized. Agricultural soil with extensive history of CM application was used to prepare enrichment cultures using cypermethrin as sole carbon source for isolation of cypermethrin degrading bacteria and bacterial community analysis using PCR‐DGGE of 16 S rRNA gene. DGGE analysis revealed that dominant members of CM enrichment culture were associated with α‐proteobacteria followed by γ‐proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. Three potential CM‐degrading isolates identified as Ochrobactrum anthropi JCm1, Bacillus megaterium JCm2, and Rhodococcus sp. JCm5 degraded 86–100% of CM (100 mg L−1) within 10 days. These isolates were also able to degrade other pyrethroids, carbofuran, and cypermethrin degradation products. Enzyme activity assays revealed that enzymes involved in CM‐degradation were inducible and showed activity when strains were grown on cypermethrin. Degradation kinetics of cypermethrin (200 mg kg−1) in soils inoculated with isolates JCm1, JCm2, and JCm5 suggested time‐dependent disappearance of cypermethrin with rate constants of 0.0516, 0.0425, and 0.0807 d−1, respectively, following first order rate kinetics. The isolated bacterial strains were among dominant genera selected under CM enriched conditions and represent valuable candidates for in situ bioremediation of contaminated soils and waters.
Expression of recombinant Arabian camel lactoferricin‐related peptide in Pichia pastoris and its antimicrobial identification
Authors: Chahardooli Mahmood , Niazi Ali , Aram Farzaneh , Sohrabi Seyyed Mohsen
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

Lactoferricin (LFcin) is a strong cationic peptide released from the N‐terminus of lactoferrin by gastric pepsin digestion. LFcin has some important properties, including high antimicrobial activity. To date, lactoferricins have been isolated and characterised from various animal species, but not from camel. The aim of this study was to characterise and express recombinant camel lactoferricin (LFcinC) in Pichia pastoris and investigate its antimicrobial activity.

RESULTS

After methanol induction, LFcinC was expressed and secreted into a culture broth medium and the results determined by concentrated supernatant culture medium showed high antimicrobial activity against the following microorganisms: Escherichia coli PTCC 1330 (ATCC 8739), Staphylococcus aureus PTCC 1112 (ATCC 6538), Pseudomonas aeruginosa PTCC 1074 (ATCC 9027), Bacillus subtilis PTCC 1023 (ATCC 6633), and Candida albicans PTCC 5027 (ATCC 10231). Thermal stability was clarified with antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli PTCC 1330 (ATCC 8739).

CONCLUSION

Results confirmed that camel lactoferricin had suitable antimicrobial activity and its production by Pichia pastoris can be used for recombinant production. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Electrically Conductive Graphene/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Composites with Ultra‐Low Percolation Threshold by Electrostatic Self‐Assembly in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Vo Ngoc Hoang , Dao Trung Dung , Jeong Han Mo
Published: February 2015

Thermally reduced graphene modified with cationic ammonium ions (AAG)—affording a stable dispersion in water—self‐assembles well by electrostatic interaction on the surface of anionic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles of various sizes, by simple mixing in water. An interconnected 3D electrically conductive network of AAG is effectively generated in the composite when the self‐assembled composite is compression molded. The AAG network becomes wide‐meshed and electrical conduction is improved when the PMMA particle size increases, exhibiting a percolation threshold of electrical conductivity as low as 0.06 vol%. In contrast, the protection of PMMA from oxidation by air is more effective when the network is fine‐meshed.

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Definable topological dynamics and real Lie groups
Authors: Jagiella Grzegorz
Published: February 2015

We investigate definable topological dynamics of groups definable in an o‐minimal expansion of the field of reals. Assuming that a definable group G admits a model‐theoretic analogue of Iwasawa decomposition, namely the compact‐torsion‐free decomposition , we give a description of minimal subflows and the Ellis group of its universal definable flow in terms of this decomposition. In particular, the Ellis group of this flow is isomorphic to . This provides a range of counterexamples to a question by Newelski whether the Ellis group is isomorphic to . We further extend the results to universal topological covers of definable groups, interpreted in a two‐sorted structure containing the o‐minimal sort and a sort for an abelian group.
A Self‐Assembling Dendritic Reactor: Versatile Formation of Characteristic Patterns with Nanoscale Dimension
Authors: Imaoka Takane , Bukeo Noriko , Yamamoto Kimihisa
Published: February 2015

Spherical dendrimers with phenylazomethine backbones are modified onto atomically flat mica or graphite substrates with a simple solvent based spin‐coating method, and the resulting surfaces are observed by atomic force microscopy. Especially on the mica substrate, dendrimers form very fine and highly regular patterns with aligned nano‐dot arrays and lines. An important observation is that the interval of each dot or line is ≈400 nm whereas previously reported self‐assembling patterns exhibit longer intervals than 5 μm. It is revealed that spherical dendrimers with relatively low intermolecular interactions without any terminal modifications are suitable for the fine self‐assembling pattern formation. This fact suggests that the regular pattern arises from a physical dissipative structure formation due to a fingering instability induced by Marangoni convection but not by anisotropic intermolecular interactions.

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Modelling of coupled fluid‐mechanical problems in fractured geological media using enriched finite elements
Authors: Silvestre Jose Roberto , Vargas Euripedes do Amaral , Vaz Luiz Eloy , Soares Antonio Claudio
Published: February 2015

Geological environments, such as petroleum reservoirs, normally exhibit physical discontinuities, for example, fractures and faults. Because of the reduced thickness of these discontinuities, finite element formulations with strong discontinuity have been applied to the numerical modelling of geological environments. Until now, two relevant characteristics of petroleum reservoirs have not been addressed by these formulations. The first is the pore pressure jump in the direction normal to a discontinuity in a fluid‐mechanical coupling condition, which is present primarily in sealing faults owing to the contrast of permeability with the porous medium. The absence of this jump can affect the prediction of the deformability of a physical discontinuity. Furthermore, reservoir models frequently use coarse meshes. Thus, the method used to evaluate the pore pressure in the discontinuity may exhibit a strong dependence relative to the mesh refinement. Based on these characteristics, in this study, a formulation of an enriched finite element for application to coupled fluid‐mechanical problems with pre‐existing physical discontinuities saturated by a single fluid is presented. The formulation employs discontinuous interpolation functions and enables the reproduction of jumps of displacement and pore pressure associated with a discontinuity inside the element without the need to discretise it. An approximation to estimate the pore pressure in the discontinuity was developed, one which seeks to minimise the influence of refinement. The element's response is verified by comparison with a one‐dimensional analytical solution and simple examples that are simulated using commercial software. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A persisting perception disorder after cannabis use
Authors: Ellison‐Wright Zoë , Sessa Ben
Published: February 2015

Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder is a disorder of uncertain aetiology occurring mainly after ‘classical’ hallucinogen use (ie mescaline, psilocybin, dimethyltryptamine and LSD) use. Here, the authors describe the case of a boy with similar symptoms developing after he reported using cannabis seven times.
Insight into the Meligethes aeneus voltage‐sensitive sodium channel structure and an attempt to select the best pyrethroid ligands
Authors: Obrępalska‐Stęplowska Aleksandra , Czerwoniec Anna , Wieczorek Przemysław , Wrzesińska Barbara
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

The voltage‐sensitive sodium channel (VSSC) is a target for the pharmacological action of pyrethroids which are used in controlling pests, including those of agricultural importance. Among these is the pollen beetle (Meligethes aeneus F.) – the most serious pest of Brassica napus. Owing to the heavy use of pyrethroids, a widespread build‐up of resistance has occurred. The main cause of pyrethroid insensitivity in M. aeneus is considered to be an increased oxidative metabolism; however, the additional mechanism of resistance associated with mutations in the VSSC might contribute to this phenomenon.

RESULTS

We generated a VSSC 3D model to study the docking affinities of pyrethroids to their target site within the channel. Our goal was to identify the pyrethroids for which docking affinity scores were high and not affected by potential mutations in the VSSC. We found that the docking scores of cypermethrin are hardly influenced by the appearance of point mutations. Additionally, tau‐fluvalinate, deltamethrin and bifenthrin are VSSC ligands with high affinity scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Our docking models suggest that point mutations in the VSSC binding pocket might affect the stability of ligand interactions and change the pattern of ligand docking locations, which might have a potential effect on VSSC gating properties. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
The Regional Ice Prediction System (RIPS): verification of forecast sea ice concentration
Authors: Lemieux Jean‐François , Beaudoin Christiane , Dupont Frédéric , Roy François , Smith Gregory C. , Shlyaeva Anna , Buehner Mark , Caya Alain , Chen Jack , Carrieres Tom , Pogson Lynn , DeRepentigny Patricia , Plante André , Pestieau Paul , Pellerin Pierre , Ritchie Hal , Garric Gilles , Ferry Nicolas
Published: February 2015

In recent years, the demand for improved environmental forecasts in the Arctic has intensified as maritime transport and offshore exploration increase. As a result, Canada has accepted responsibility for the preparation and issuing services for the new Arctic MET/NAV Areas XVII and XVIII. Environmental forecasts are being developed based on a new integrated Arctic marine prediction system. Here, we present the first phase of this initiative, a short‐term pan‐Arctic 1/12° resolution Regional Ice Prediction System (RIPS). RIPS is currently set to perform four 48 h forecasts per day. The RIPS forecast model (CICE 4.0) is forced by atmospheric forecasts from the Environment Canada regional deterministic prediction system. It is initialized with a 3D‐Var analysis of sea ice concentration and the ice velocity field and thickness distribution from the previous forecast. The other forcing (surface current) and initialization fields (mixed‐layer depth, sea surface temperature and salinity) come from the 1/4° resolution Global Ice Ocean Prediction System. Three verification methods for sea ice concentration are presented. Overall, verifications over a complete seasonal cycle (2011) against the Ice Mapping System ice extent product show that RIPS 48 h forecasts are better than persistence during the growth season while they have a lower skill than persistence during the melt period. A better representation of landfast ice, oceanic processes (wave–ice interactions, upwelling events, etc.) in the marginal ice zone and better initializing fields should lead to improved forecasts.
A comparison of the regional Arctic System Reanalysis and the global ERA‐Interim Reanalysis for the Arctic
Authors: Bromwich David H. , Wilson Aaron B. , Bai Le‐Sheng , Moore George W. K. , Bauer Peter
Published: February 2015

The Arctic System Reanalysis version 1 (ASRv1), a high‐resolution regional assimilation of model output, observations and satellite data across the mid‐ and high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, and the global European Centre for Medium Range Forecasting Interim Reanalysis (ERAI) are compared with atmospheric observations for the period December 2006 to November 2007. Results throughout the troposphere show observations to be well assimilated in the ASRv1, as monthly and annual near‐surface (upper‐level) temperature, dew‐point (relative humidity), pressure (geopotential height) and wind‐speed biases compared with surface stations and radiosondes are very small. These results are similar to the ERAI, although wind‐speed biases are significantly smaller in the ASRv1. Despite the ASRv1's use of a 3D‐variational (Var) assimilation compared with the ERAI's 4D‐Var, similar results suggest that a regional approach with higher‐resolution terrain and a detailed land‐surface description forced by a global reanalysis may improve the assimilation of observations and help offset temporal information lost by the 3D‐Var compared with the 4D‐Var. However, the ASRv1 forecast field results compared with the ERAI are mixed. The ASRv1 and ERAI show negative precipitation biases during cool months compared with gauge observations, and too much precipitation falls in the ASRv1 during summer in the midlatitudes. Stations north of 60°N demonstrate smaller precipitation biases in the ASRv1 than the ERAI except during the summer, when the ASRv1 is very dry. Short‐wave radiation compared with observations is much too large in the ASRv1, and both reanalyses show long‐wave radiation deficits during most months. These results point to inadequacies in model physics in the ASRv1 (e.g. convective and radiation schemes) that will continue to be refined in subsequent versions of the ASR.
A Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index for the Implementation of the European Water Framework Directive in French Guiana, East Amazonia
Authors: Dedieu N. , Clavier S. , Vigouroux R. , Cerdan P. , Céréghino R.
Published: February 2015

Neotropical, overseas regions of Europe are subjected to the same water policy objectives as the continental ones but were overlooked during recent developments of bioindicators that fulfil the Water Framework Directive guidelines. We designed a macroinvertebrate‐based multimetric index [Indice Biotique Macroinvertébrés de Guyane (IBMG)] to assess ecological health in remote headwater‐small streams of French Guiana, Europe's only overseas region of continental South America. Invertebrates were sampled at 95 sites including reference and impacted river reaches, following a standardized protocol. Among the 102 biological metrics calculated from site‐specific data, we selected metrics exhibiting the best trade‐off between high discrimination efficiency, low specificity, low redundancy and high stability under reference conditions. The IBMG is composed of two taxonomic richness‐based metrics, two abundance‐based metrics, one trait‐related metric and a diversity index (Shannon's entropy). Each metric was weighted by its discrimination efficiency. Using a test data set, we found that the IBMG was sensitive to the range of disturbances in French Guiana. Finally, comparing the IBMG with other indices developed in other neotropical countries reveals that, for several reasons, multimetric indices developed in the neotropics may perform well in the context of the data sets used to generate them but would certainly fail to be robust when used elsewhere. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluorescence Quenching Nanoprobes Dedicated to In Vivo Photoacoustic Imaging and High‐Efficient Tumor Therapy in Deep‐Seated Tissue
Authors: Qin Huan , Zhou Ting , Yang Sihua , Xing Da
Published: February 2015

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and photoacoustic (PA) therapy have promising applications for treating tumors. It is known that the utilization of high‐absorption‐coefficient probes can selectively enhance the PAI target contrast and PA tumor therapy efficiency in deep‐seated tissue. Here, the design of a probe with the highest availability of optical‐thermo conversion by using graphene oxide (GO) and dyes via π–π stacking interactions is reported. The GO serves as a base material for loading dyes and quenching dye fluorescence via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), with the one purpose of maximum of PA efficiency. Experiments verify that the designed fluorescence quenching nanoprobes can produce stronger PA signals than the sum of the separate signals generated in the dye and the GO. Potential applications of the fluorescence quenching nanoprobes are demonstrated, dedicating to enhance PA contrast of targets in deep‐seated tissues and tumors in living mice. PA therapy efficiency both in vitro and in vivo by using the fluorescence quenching nanoprobes is found to be higher than with the commonly used PA therapy agents. Taken together, quenching dye fluorescence via FRET will provide a valid means for developing high‐efficiency PA probes. Fluorescence quenching nanoprobes are likely to become a promising candidate for deep‐seated tumor imaging and therapy.
Fully coupled numerical analysis of high frequency induction heating and warm sheet metal forming
Authors: Park Jong Han , Kim Jong Bong , Park Keun
Published: February 2015

The present study aims to develop a warm forming process for an aluminum alloy sheet to reduce weight of an electric housing part. Considering that the target product is produced through a series of metal forming processes using a progressive die, high frequency induction heating is proposed to heat a specific drawing punch locally and rapidly, out of a series performed using a progressive die. To validate the effect of the induction heating on the formability improvement of aluminum alloys, a fully coupled numerical simulation is proposed: (i) finite element (FE) analyses for the multi‐stage deep drawing processes are performed to predict formability at each stage; (ii) electrostatic‐thermal coupled FE analysis is performed to predict the temperature rise of the drawing punch; and (iii) thermo‐mechanical coupled analysis is conducted to investigate the effect of induction heating on the formability change. Through the proposed coupled simulation, it is proven that the drawing punch can be efficiently heated without a significant increase in cycle time, and the corresponding drawing process using aluminum alloys can be successfully performed without forming failure.
Composition of Catalpa ovata Seed Oil and Flavonoids in Seed Meal as Well as Their Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Xu Hong‐yu , Zhu Li‐rong , Dong Juan‐e , Wei Qin , Lei Ming
Published: February 2015

In view of the growing demand for vegetable oil, currently exploration of some non‐conventional oils is of great concern. This study firstly analyzed the contents of fatty acids, phytosterols, and tocopherols in Catalpa ovata seed oil collected from four different Provinces in China. Then the composition of flavonoids as well as their antioxidant activities in defatted seed meal was determined. The results showed that the relative oil content in C. ovata seeds ranged from 24.0 to 36.0 % and seed oil was mainly composed of fatty acids linoleic acid (43.4–50.1 %), α‐linolenic acid (23.8–24.4 %), and oleic acid (13.1–16.2 %). The content of unsaturated fatty acids was up to 85.0 %. Sterol in seed oil mainly contained campesterol, stigmasterol, and β‐sitosterol. β‐sitosterol accounted for 74.0 % of the total sterol. The tocopherol content was 173.0–225.7 mg/100 g. Defatted seed meal from Hubei Province showed the highest content of total flavonoids (11 mg/g) and the strongest activities for DPPH radicals scavenging, ABTS radicals scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power compared with other defatted seed meal in this study. Seven flavonoids were identified from C. ovata seed meal. These results suggest that C. ovata seeds may be developed as a new source of oil and can also be properly used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.