bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solvent‐Dependent Oxime–Azide and Oxime–Nitrile Coupling: Crystallographic and Catalytic Studies
Authors: Dolai Malay , Mistri Tarun , Biswas Surajit , Rogez Guillaume , Ali Mahammad
Published: September 2014

This study describes the solvent‐dependent conversion of an oxime under identical reaction conditions ([Cu(bipy)Cl2]/NaN3/5‐Br‐H2salox/TEA=1:2:1:2 molar ratio; bipy=2,2′‐bipyridyl, 5‐Br‐H2salox=5‐bromosalicylaldoxime, TEA=triethylamine), but in different solvents. In DMSO/CH2Cl2 (2:1 v/v) only tetrazole is formed, whereas iminoacylation in MeCN and simple complexation takes place in MeOH. The formed tetrazole and iminoacylated ligands further undergo complexation with metal ions, as evidenced from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies and ESI‐MS analyses. Mechanistic models have been proposed in which coordination‐assisted bonding of sodium azide across the CNOH double bond occurs to form a tetrazole and oxime–MeCN coupling forms an iminoacylated ligand. The former is a catalytic reaction, as evidenced from a turnover number of approximately 50, whereas the latter is stoichiometric in nature. This is the first report to demonstrate the dependence of solvent polarity on oxime transformation reactions through structural elucidation.
The association between 5‐HTTLPR gene polymorphism and behavioral inhibition in Chinese toddlers
Authors: Chen Xinyin , Zhang Guangzhen , Liang Zongbao , Zhang Minghao , Way Niobe , Yoshikawa Hirokazu , Ke Xiaoyan , Lu Zuhong , Deng Huihua
Published: September 2014

As one of the fundamental individual characteristics, behavioral inhibition in early childhood has considerable implications for the development of social, cognitive, and psychological adjustment. The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism and behavioral inhibition in Chinese children using a cross‐sectional design. A sample of 263 2‐year‐old children (134 boys and 129 girls of Han ethnicity; ages ranging from 24 to 26 months) in China participated in the study. Behavioral inhibition was assessed through laboratory observations, and genomic DNA was collected with buccal swabs. The results of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated that the homozygous short 5‐HTTLPR allele was associated with lower levels of behavioral inhibition, which was different from most of the findings based on individuals in Western countries. The results suggest that social and cultural factors may be involved in shaping links between the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism and children's specific behaviors. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1601–1608, 2014.
A Method of Readability Assessment for Web Documents Using Text Features and HTML Structures
Authors: Yamasaki Takahiro , Tokiwa Kin‐Ichiroh
Published: September 2014

This paper describes a method of readability assessment for Web documents. Readability is the ease in which text can be read and understood. We hypothesize that the readability is determined by whether a reader can easily grasp text structures. The impression and complexity of text are significant factors. We extract features of impression and complexity from plain text and additional data, such as HTML tags. In order to compare the effect of extracting features, we assess readability rank by machine learning. We conduct fivefold cross validation for each domain and calculate the root mean squared error between the actual rank and the estimated rank. Cross validation experiments confirm that the performance of our method is high, showing the effectiveness of extracting features about the impression and complexity for readability assessment.
Detection of Deception Using the Steady‐State Visual Evoked Field
Authors: Katayama Shota , Itabashi Yusuke , Tanaka Keita , Uchikawa Yoshinori
Published: September 2014

This study investigated the idea that the detection of deception is related to the amplitudes of the steady‐state visual evoked field (SSVEF) in magnetoencephalography (MEG). We used four illustrated symbol cards (triangle, square, circle, and diamond). Each subject then selected one card for use as the critical condition and the other three cards were used under the noncritical conditions. The visual stimuli of the symbols were presented at 20 Hz. The SSVEF obtained by MEG was measured with a 122‐channel magnetometer system. We obtained the source waveform of the SSVEF and applied the Hilbert transform. The amplitude of the SSVEF in the critical condition was greater than that in the the noncritical condition at durations of 0.5 s to 1.0 s after the stimulus (). This result indicates that the SSVEF in MEG is related to certain psychical activities in humans.
Analysis of Gases Desorbed from Oxygen‐Free Copper by Irradiation with Single‐Pulsed Electron Beam
Authors: Kaneko Hiroki , Yamano Yasushi , Kobayashi Shinichi , Saito Yoshio
Published: September 2014

Desorbed gases from an anode stimulated by electron irradiation are regarded as one of the causes of vacuum breakdown. To understand vacuum breakdown phenomena, it is important to analyze the composition and quantity of electron‐stimulated desorption gases. The single‐pulse electron beam irradiation method was developed for detailed analysis of desorbed gas characteristics. It is possible for this method to reduce the modification of surface conditions due to electron beam irradiation, and it makes it possible to measure the transitions of the gas desorption rate from the virgin surface state to a certain period. Using this method, we investigated the desorbed gases from an oxygen‐free copper electrode. It was found that electron irradiation caused H2 gas desorption from the copper electrode and produced conditioning of the gas desorption. A large amount of H2 gas was desorbed in the initial electron beam irradiation. By analysis of the gas desorbed by irradiation with a single‐pulse electron beam, it is possible to observe the change of the gas desorption rate from the virgin surface to a certain number of electron‐irradiated surface states. Detailed analysis of the gases desorbed from a sample can be used to evaluate the electrode material in a vacuum.
CH3N=SF2=NCH3: Structural, Conformational, and Configurational Properties in the Gaseous and in the Condensed Phases
Authors: Robles Norma L. , Parsons Simon , Mews Rüdiger , Oberhammer Heinz
Published: September 2014

CH3–N=SF2=N–CH3 (1) was obtained in 88 % yield from the reaction of a bis(silylated) amine RN(Si–Me3)2 with a sulfur tetrafluoride imide R′N=SF4 (R = R′ = CH3). Single crystals suitable for X‐ray crystallography were obtained by low‐temperature crystallization; the data were collected at 120 K. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 5.8356(7) Å, b = 12.1665(14) Å, c = 8.1488(8) Å, β = 110.381(7)°, Z = 4, in the anti–anti form (whereby anti or syn describe the orientation of the N–CH3 bonds with respect to opposite S=N bonds). The structural, conformational, and configurational properties of CH3–N=SF2=N–CH3 were studied by vibrational spectroscopy [IR (gas) and Raman (liquid)] and quantum chemical calculations [B3LYP and MP2 with 6‐311+G(2df,p) and cc‐pVTZ basis sets]. Vibrational spectroscopy in the gas and liquid phases shows evidence of a configurational equilibrium of the anti–anti form and a slightly less favored anti–syn form of CH3–N=SF2=N–CH3.
Lipidomics is going great guns: Interview with Kai Simons about the power of shotgun lipidomics
Authors: Kalvodova Lucie , Simons Kai
Published: September 2014

There are thousands of lipid species in living cells but we do not fully understand this diversity as it is not possible to pin down a specific function to each lipid species. Lipids have structural, metabolic and signaling functions. While signaling lipids can be understood and functionally characterized in a way similar to proteins, membrane lipids act collectively. This may have been one of the reasons for lipid neglect in the past. In order to understand the complexity of lipids in membranes, lipoproteins, body fluids, and organisms in general, we need to know the big picture which can only be delivered by modern lipidomic analyses. This has been increasingly appreciated mainly in the biomedical area. It is likely that interpretation of blood cell lipidomes will lead to the discovery of new biomarkers and lipid signatures of pathological states and cardiovascular disease risk, and so the era of HDL/LDL, TAG and cholesterol quantification may soon be over. But that is just one example. The motto of this year's Euro Fed Lipid Congress reads “From lipidomics to industrial innovation”. Indeed with the advancement of mass‐spectrometry and computational approaches to analyze and understand big data, lipidomics is becoming more interesting for clinical applications and industry.

The shotgun methodology is so robust, comprehensive, fast and quantitative that it can be taken to the clinic, food R&D and into other applications.
Regioselectivity and High Electrophilicity in the σ Complexation of Aromatic Triflones
Authors: El Guesmi Nizar , Boubaker Taoufik , Goumont Régis , Terrier François
Published: September 2014

The kinetics of σ complexation of unsymmetrical 2‐nitro‐4,6‐bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)anisole (1e) has been investigated over a large pH range of 2.7–15.68 in methanol. Two competitive σ complexation processes have been identified that lead, respectively, to the formation of the 1,3‐ and 1,1‐adducts 2e and 3e of 1e. No evidence for nucleophilic addition at the unsubstituted 5‐position para to the nitro group of 1e to afford the 1,5‐dimethoxy adduct 4e could be obtained. The observed regioselectivity supports the view derived from previous investigations that a SO2CF3 group exerts a much stronger electron‐withdrawing effect than a NO2 group, both in the ortho and para positions of a reactive centre in an aromatic ring. In accord with this conclusion, the 1,1‐dimethoxy adduct 3e is found to be 102‐fold less stable than the tris‐SO2CF3 analogue 3a but ten times more stable than the 1,1‐dimethoxy adduct 3b of 4‐nitro‐2,6‐bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)anisole (1b). However, a most significant result is the finding that the solvent contribution to the formation of 3e is not negligible in the pH range of 9–10. With a pKaMeOH value of 9.42, the electrophilic reactivity of the parent triflone 1e is clearly located in the region of extremely high electrophilicity defined for σ complexation and SNAr substitutions in methanol (pKaMeOH ≤ 9–10). This work adds to the recognition that the activating effect of a SO2CF3 group is in general much greater than that of a NO2 group when bonded to an aromatic or heteroaromatic ring. A return to the origin of the exceptional electron‐transmission capability of the SO2CF3 group is helpful to predict reactivity.
A Scalable Synthesis of the Antidepressant Agomelatine by a Tandem Allylic Chlorination–Isomerization Process
Authors: Stathakis Christos I. , Neokosmidis Efstratios , Koftis Theocharis V.
Published: September 2014

A concise, scalable, and industrially applicable process for the synthesis of the antidepressant agomelatine is described. The process relies on a tandem allylic chlorination–isomerization sequence, on a tetralone‐derived allyl carbinol, as the key transformation. The target compound is obtained in five steps from commercially available 7‐methoxy‐1‐tetralone, in 52.3 % overall yield after final recrystallization.
Probabilistic methods of analysis for the time series Moran scatterplot quadrant signature
Authors: Rohde D. , Corcoran J. , McGee T. R. , Wickes R. , Townsley M.
Published: September 2014

Recently, time series Moran scatterplot quadrant signatures (MSQS) have been introduced as a means of spatio‐temporal analysis. Moran scatter plots summarise a set of local Moran statistics that identify how a quantity of interest relates to its neighbours. By reducing these scatter plots to just one of four quadrant locations at fixed time intervals, a time series MSQS is obtained. Clustering on the time series MSQS allows regions that show similar behaviour relative to their neighbours to be identified. It has recently been shown that the Levenshtein metric, a distance metric originally used for string comparison, can be used to construct a kernel that allows standard Ward hierarchical clustering to be applied. The result is that regions with similar spatio‐temporal behaviour can be identified. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the use of Dirichlet Process mixture models as a fully probabilistic alternative to applying Ward hierarchical clustering with the Levenshtein metric. This approach offers an advance to the existing literature as it proposes a fully generative model that articulates the underlying assumptions and allows prediction of new test points. Additionally, it provides a principled method that avoids using heuristics to select the number of clusters. An efficient Gibbs sampling Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is presented, and it is demonstrated how the output of this can be mapped and analysed. Difficulties inherent in mapping and plotting high‐dimensional mathematical objects are discussed, and practical solutions are proposed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extension and validation of the target lipid model for deriving predicted no-effect concentrations for soils and sediments
Authors: Redman Aaron D. , Parkerton Thomas F. , Paumen Miriam Leon , McGrath Joy A. , den Haan Klaas , Di Toro Dominic M.
Published: September 2014

Substance risk assessments require estimation of predicted no-effect concentrations (PNECs) in soil and sediment. The present study applies the target lipid model (TLM) and equilibrium partitioning (EqP) model to toxicity data to evaluate the extrapolation of the TLM-derived aquatic PNECs to these compartments. This extrapolation assumes that the sensitivity of aquatic species is similar to that of terrestrial and benthic species. The acute species sensitivity distribution, expressed in terms of species-specific critical target lipid body burdens, was computed using the TLM-EqP framework and found to span a similar range as the aquatic organism species sensitivity distribution but with a slightly lower median value (less than 2 times). The species sensitivity distribution for acute-to-chronic ratios also exhibited a similar range and distribution across species, suggesting similar mechanisms of action. This hypothesis was further tested by comparing empirical soil/sediment chronic effect levels to the calculated PNEC derived using TLM-EqP. The results showed that 95% of the compiled chronic effects data fell above the PNEC, confirming an adequate protection level. These findings support the conclusion that TLM-derived aquatic PNECs can be successfully extrapolated to derive credible PNECs for soil and sediment compartments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2679–2687. © 2014 SETAC
Life at the Limits
Authors: Stoeck Thorsten , Weinisch Lea
Published: September 2014

Protozoa play a key role in the food webs of the oceans. Ecologists are seeking to understand the evolution and species diversity of microbial plankton — both in the laboratory and at the bottom of the hostile, low‐oxygen deep‐sea basins of the Mediterranean Sea.
When Good Intentions Aren' t Enough
Authors: Krogull Susanne , Scheunpflug Annette
Published: September 2014

Youth exchange programmes between industrialised and developing countries are flourishing. But how do they help young people learn more about world society? An empirical study shows that the pedagogical setting and organisational framework are decisive factors.
HPV‐related oropharyngeal cancer: Risk factors for treatment failure in patients managed with primary transoral robotic surgery
Authors: Kaczmar John M. , Tan Kay See , Heitjan Daniel F. , Lin Alexander , Ahn Peter H. , Newman Jason G. , Rassekh Christopher H. , Chalian Ara A. , O'Malley Bert W. , Cohen Roger B. , Weinstein Gregory S.
Published: September 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine clinical factors that predict locoregional recurrence or distant metastasis in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive oropharyngeal cancer treated with surgery and guideline‐indicated adjuvant therapy.

Methods

We identified all presumed HPV‐positive patients with oropharyngeal cancer in our health system from January 2010 to August 2012 treated with surgery and guideline‐indicated adjuvant therapy. Statistical analysis was performed to identify clinical predictors associated with treatment failure.

Results

One hundred fourteen p16+ oropharyngeal cancers managed with initial surgical resection were identified. Median follow‐up was 17 months. Two‐year locoregional failure was 3.3% and distant failure was 8.4%. Statistical analysis found that conventional poor prognostic features did not predict treatment failure.

Conclusion

Locoregional recurrence and development of distant metastatic disease are uncommon in patients who are appropriately selected for surgical management of p16+ oropharyngeal cancer regardless of the presence or absence of conventional poor prognostic features. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 59–65, 2016
Epigenetic markers for noninvasive early detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by methylation‐sensitive high resolution melting
Authors: Yang Xuesong , Dai Wei , Kwong Dora Lai‐wan , Szeto Carol Y.Y. , Wong Elibe Hiu‐wun , Ng Wai Tong , Lee Anne W.M. , Ngan Roger K.C. , Yau Chun Chung , Tung Stewart Y. , Lung Maria Li
Published: September 2014

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a human malignancy that is closely associated with Epstein‐Barr Virus (EBV). Early diagnosis of NPC will greatly improve the overall survival. However, current EBV DNA marker detection still lacks the predictive value to perform well in high‐risk populations for early detection of NPC. Since aberrant promoter hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) is widely considered to be an important epigenetic change in early carcinogenesis, this study identified a panel of methylation markers for early detection of NPC and also assessed the clinical usefulness of these markers with noninvasive plasma specimens instead of biopsies. MS‐HRM assays were carried out to assess the methylation status of a selected panel of four TSGs (RASSF1A, WIF1, DAPK1 and RARβ2) in biopsies, NP brushings and cell‐free plasma from NPC patients. High‐risk and cancer‐free groups were used as controls. DNA methylation panel showed higher sensitivity and specificity than EBV DNA marker in cell‐free plasma from NPC patients at early Stages (I and II) and in addition to the EBV DNA marker, MS‐HRM test for plasma and NP brushing DNA methylation significantly increased the detection rate at all NPC stages as well as local recurrence, using this selected four‐gene panel (p < 0.05). MS‐HRM assay on a selected gene panel has great potential to become a noninvasive and complementary test for NPC early and recurrent detection in combination with the EBV DNA test to increase the sensitivity for NPC detection at an early stage.
SALES, INVENTORIES AND REAL INTEREST RATES: A CENTURY OF STYLIZED FACTS
Authors: Benati Luca , Lubik Thomas A.
Published: September 2014

We use Bayesian time‐varying parameter structural vector autoregressions with stochastic volatility to investigate changes in reduced‐form and structural correlations between inventories and either sales growth or the real interest rate in the USA during both the inter‐war and post‐World War II periods. We identify four structural shocks by combining a single long‐run restriction to identify a permanent output shock with three sign restrictions to identify demand‐ and supply‐side transitory shocks. We show that during both the inter‐war and post‐war periods the structural correlation between inventories and real interest rate conditional on identified interest rate shocks is systematically positive; the reduced‐form correlation between the two series is positive during the post‐war period, but in line with the predictions of theory it is robustly negative during the inter‐war era; during that era the correlations between inventories and either of the two other series exhibit a remarkably strong co‐movement with output at business cycle frequencies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heparinized PLLA/PLCL nanofibrous scaffold for potential engineering of small‐diameter blood vessel: Tunable elasticity and anticoagulation property
Authors: Wang Weizhong , Hu Jinwei , He Chuanglong , Nie Wei , Feng Wei , Qiu Kexin , Zhou Xiaojun , Gao Yu , Wang Guoqing
Published: September 2014

The success of tissue engineered vascular grafts depends greatly on the synthetic tubular scaffold, which can mimic the architecture, mechanical, and anticoagulation properties of native blood vessels. In this study, small‐diameter tubular scaffolds were fabricated with different weight ratios of poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(l‐lactide‐co‐ɛ‐caprolactone) (PLCL) by means of thermally induced phase separation technique. To improve the anticoagulation property of materials, heparin was covalently linked to the tubular scaffolds by N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐N′‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride and N‐hydroxysuccinimide coupling chemistry. The as‐prepared PLLA/PLCL scaffolds retained microporous nanofibrous structure as observed in the neat PLLA scaffolds, and their structural and mechanical properties can be fine‐tuned by changing the ratio of two components. The scaffold containing 60% PLCL content was found to be the most promising scaffold for engineering small‐diameter blood vessel in terms of elastic properties and structural integrity. The heparinized scaffolds showed higher hydrophilicity, lower protein adsorption ability, and better in vitro anticoagulation property than their untreated counterparts. Pig iliac endothelial cells seeded on the heparinized scaffold showed good cellular attachment, spreading, proliferation, and phenotypic maintenance. Furthermore, the heparinized scaffolds exhibited neovascularization after subcutaneous implantation into the New Zealand white rabbits for 1 and 2 months. Taken together, the heparinized PLLA/PLCL nanofibrous scaffolds have the great potential for vascular tissue engineering application. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1784–1797, 2015.
Tubular perfusion system for chondrocyte culture and superficial zone protein expression
Authors: Yu Li , Ferlin Kimberly M. , Nguyen Bao‐Ngoc B. , Fisher John P.
Published: September 2014

Tissue engineering is an alternative method for articular cartilage repair. Mechanical stimulus has been found to be an important element to the healthy development of chondrocytes and maintenance of their native phenotype. To enhance nutrient transport and apply mechanical stress, we have developed a novel bioreactor, the tubular perfusion system (TPS), to culture chondrocytes in three‐dimensional scaffolds. In our design, chondrocytes are encapsulated in alginate scaffolds and placed into a tubular growth chamber, which is perfused with media to enhance nutrient transfer and expose cells to fluid flow. Results demonstrate that TPS culture promotes the proliferation of chondrocytes compared to static culture as shown by DNA content and histochemical staining. After 14 days of culture, low messenger RNA expression of proinflammatory and apoptotic markers in TPS bioreactor culture confirmed that a flow rate of 3 mL/min does not damage the chondrocytes embedded in alginate scaffolds. Additionally, cells cultured in the TPS bioreactor showed increased gene expression levels of aggrecan, type II collagen, and superficial zone protein compared to the static group, indicative of the emergence of the superficial zone specific phenotype. Therefore, the TPS bioreactor is an effective means to enhance the proliferation and phenotype maintenance of chondrocytes in vitro. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1864–1874, 2015.
Ventricular septal rupture, right ventricular dissection, and tricuspid chordae rupture—A rare complication after inferior and right ventricular infarction
Authors: Li Xiao‐hong , Zhao Ying , Dong Jianzeng , He Yihua , Liu Wenxu , Han Jiancheng
Published: September 2014

A 76‐year‐old man under stable hemodynamic condition was admitted to our hospital for delayed percutaneous coronary intervention following a diagnosis of acute inferior myocardial infarction. Bedside echocardiography revealed ventricular septal rupture at the basal posteroinferior wall with a large left‐to‐right shunt. Right ventricular free‐wall intramyocardial dissection and tricuspid chordae rupture were noted. Coronary angiography demonstrated occlusion of the proximal right coronary artery, which was treated by balloon angioplasty and stenting. While preparing for surgical repair, the patient's overall cardiac and renal function deteriorated and surgery was contraindicated. The patient died 16 days after discharge. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43:512–515 2015
Simplified dipole concept for the assessment of transient electromagnetic field in the vicinity of grounding grid
Authors: Chouki Makhlouf , Nekhoul Bachir , Poljak Dragan , Kerroum Kamal , Drissi Khalil El Khamlichi
Published: September 2014

The objective of this work is to provide a simplified model to analyse the electromagnetic emission of the grounding grid thus enabling engineers to perform parametric studies rapidly without greater loss of accuracy. The proposed approach is based on the use of the transmission line theory and the concept of dipole radiation in the presence of a lossy half‐space including the Sommerfeld integral approach. The model proposes to determine the electromagnetic fields (soil and air) and current distribution in a grounding system. The proposed model is described and illustrated with applications. The limitations and advantages are also discussed and compared against antenna theory counter parts. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deglycosylation of isoflavone C‐glycosides by newly isolated human intestinal bacteria
Authors: Kim Mihyang , Lee Jaekwan , Han Jaehong
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

Plant isoflavones are mostly present in the glycoside form. Isoflavone aglycones produced by intestinal microflora are reported to be more bioactive than the glycoside form. However, the deglycosylation of isoflavone C‐glycosides is known to be rare, and is less studied.

RESULTS

Three new bacteria were isolated from human faecal samples, two of which hydrolysed the C‐glycosidic bond of puerarin, daidzein‐8‐C‐glucoside. They were identified as two Lactococcus species, herein designated as MRG‐IFC‐1 and MRG‐IFC‐3, and an Enterococcus species, herein designated MRG‐IFC‐2, based on their 16S rDNA sequences. From a reactivity study, it was found that Lactococcus sp. MRG‐IFC‐1 and Enterococcus sp. MRG‐IFC‐2 hydrolysed isoflavone C‐ and O‐glycosides, as well as the flavone O‐glycoside apigetrin, but could not hydrolyse the flavone C‐glycosidic bond of vitexin. The other Lactococcus sp., MRG‐IF‐3, could not hydrolyse the C‐glycosidic linkage of puerarin, while it showed a broad substrate spectrum of O‐glycosidase activity similar to the other two bacteria. Puerarin was completely converted to daidzein within 100 min by Lactococcus sp. MRG‐IFC‐1 and Enterococcus sp. MRG‐IFC‐2, which is the fastest conversion among the reported human intestinal bacteria.

CONCLUSION

Two new puerarin‐metabolising human intestinal bacteria were isolated and identified, and the deglycosylation activity for various flavonoid glycosides was investigated. The results could facilitate the study of C‐glycosidase reaction mechanisms, as well as the pharmacokinetics of bioactive C‐glycoside natural products. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficiency of Artemisia nilagirica (Clarke) Pamp. essential oil as a mycotoxicant against postharvest mycobiota of table grapes
Authors: Sonker Nivedita , Pandey Abhay K , Singh Pooja
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

In order to get a potent botanical fungicide for the management of fungal decay of table grapes, an experiment was conducted in which 20 essential oils of higher plants were screened at 0.33 µL mL−1 against dominant fungi causing decay of table grapes, including Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and A. ochraceus. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory/fungicidal concentration, fungitoxic spectrum and mycotoxin inhibition activity of the most potent oil were determined. The efficacy of the most potent oil in preservation of table grapes, along with organoleptic evaluation, was also carried out by storing 1 kg of grapes in the oil vapour.

RESULTS

Artemisia nilagirica oil was found to be most toxic, exhibiting 100% mycelia inhibition of all test fungi. Moreover, 0.29 µL mL−1 A. nilagirica oil was fungistatic and 0.58 µL mL−1 was fungicidal for all tested species of Aspergillus. The oil exhibited a broad range of fungitoxicity against other grape berry‐rotting fungi. Artemisia nilagirica oil completely suppressed the growth and mycotoxin (AFB1 and OTA) secretion of aflatoxigenic and ochratoxigenic strains of Aspergillus at 1.6 µL mL−1. During the in vivo experiment, fumigation of 1 kg of table grapes with 200 and 300 µL dosage of A. nilagirica oil enhanced the shelf life for up to 9 days. The oil did not show any phytotoxic effect. Besides, oil application did not substantively change the sensory properties of the fruits.

CONCLUSION

Artemisia nilagirica oil can be used as an alternative botanical fungicide for the control of fruit‐rotting fungi of stored grapes. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Nothing Less Than More Affordable Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Walter Dmitrij , Schmieder Benjamin , Moldovan Vasil Raul
Published: September 2014

E‐Mobility will only become established when the energy storage units required in the car become more affordable – on this point the experts agree. The key here is lowering production costs. To accomplish this, the high‐tech engineering company Manz is relying on a new type of laser welding in the production of lithium‐ion batteries which is raising the bar for the quality of welding seams, process stability, and the required output of the beam source.
Keyhole Depth is just a Distance
Authors: Bautze Thibault , Kogel‐Hollacher Markus
Published: September 2014

Talking about laser welding predominately means talking about the generation of a keyhole, the physics behind and invariably the depth of this steam capillary. Having the ability to measure this depth would undoubtedly raise the confidence in laser welding and also raise the quality of the processed part on a higher level.
How the Laser Changed the Game
Authors: Kaliudis Athanassios
Published: September 2014

Once a big name when it comes to traditional sheet metal processing, the company had to leave the comfort zone to advance to a leadership position in using the new tool that began its carreer around fifty years ago: the laser.
Health and nutrition update on trans fatty acids
Authors: Hunter J. Edward
Published: September 2014

This article covers four topics related to current health and nutrition aspects of dietary trans fatty acids (TFA): (1) current dietary guidelines for TFA; (2) an updated exposure estimate to industrially‐produced TFA; (3) a consideration of effects of TFA from ruminant sources; and (4) a discussion of effects of substituting stearic acid (STA) for TFA. Health professional organizations recommend that intake of TFA from industrial sources be as low as possible. Doell and coworkers have reported a substantial reduction in exposure to industrially‐produced TFA in the US from 4.6 g/person/day in 2003 to 1.0 g/person/day currently. Brouwer et al. have concluded that all TFA, whether from animal or industrial sources, raise the ratio of plasma LDL‐ to HDL‐cholesterol. Studies involving one‐to‐one substitution of STA for TFAs have shown a decrease or no effect on LDL‐cholesterol concentration and an increase or no effect on HDL‐cholesterol concentration. Overall, during the last 10 or more years, there has been a major reduction in TFA levels in the U.S. food supply, and efforts continue to reduce these levels further.
Neurotized sural flap: An alternative in sensory reconstruction of the foot and ankle defects
Authors: Tan Onder , Aydin Osman E. , Demir Recep , Barin Ensar Z. , Cinal Hakan , Algan Said
Published: September 2014

Introduction

The sensory reconstruction of the lower extremity is one of the main goals in lower extremity reconstruction. Reconstructive options endowing sensory recovery are limited. The aim of this report is to evaluate the neurotized sural flap in reconstruction of foot and ankle defects.

Patients and Methods

Seven cases that were operated for foot and ankle skin defects with the neurotized sural flap were reported. The largest flap was 10 cm × 14 cm in size. Median age was 38 years. Four defects were on the heel, two were on the ankle, and one was on the dorsum of the foot. The sural nerve was coaptated to a recipient nerve in seven patients.

Results

All flaps survived totally. Follow‐up time ranged between 9 and 29 months. All cases had hot–cold perception and two‐point discrimination at average 14 ± 1.63 mm at 6th month. Sensory conduction test revealed very low action potentials related to stimulation of the flap.

Conclusion

The neurotized sural flap is a versatile modification, for the sensory reconstruction of the moderate size foot and ankle defects. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:183–189, 2015.
Resolving confounding enrichment kinetics due to overlapping resonance signals from 13C‐enriched long chain fatty acid oxidation and uptake within intact hearts
Authors: O'Donnell J. Michael , Fasano Matthew J. , Lewandowski E. Douglas
Published: September 2014

Purpose

Long chain fatty acid (LCFA) oxidation measurements in the intact heart from 13C‐NMR rely on detection of 13C‐enriched glutamate. However, progressive increases in overlapping resonance signal from LCFA can confound detection of the glutamate 4‐carbon (GLU‐C4) signal. We evaluated alternative 13C labeling for exogenous LCFA and developed a simple scheme to distinguish kinetics of LCFA uptake and storage from oxidation.

Methods

Sequential 13C‐NMR spectra were acquired from isolated rat hearts perfused with 13C LCFA and glucose. Spectra were evaluated from hearts supplied: U 13C LCFA, [2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16‐13C8] palmitate, [2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18‐13C9] oleate, [4,6,8,10,12,14,16‐13C7] palmitate, or [4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18‐13C8] oleate.

Results

13C signal reflected the progressive enrichment at 34.6 ppm from GLU‐C4, confounded by additional signal with distinct kinetics attributed to 13C‐enriched LCFA 2‐carbon (34.0 ppm). Excluding 13C at the 2‐carbon of both palmitate and oleate eliminated signal overlap and enabled detection of the exponential enrichment of GLU‐C4 for assessing LCFA oxidation.

Conclusion

Eliminating enrichment at the 2‐carbon of 13C LCFA resolved confounding kinetics between GLU‐C4 and LCFA 2‐carbon signals. With this enrichment scheme, oxidation of LCFA, the primary fuel for cardiac ATP synthesis, can now be more consistently examined in whole organs with dynamic mode, proton‐decoupled 13C‐NMR. Magn Reson Med 74:330–335, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Manifold Learning in MR spectroscopy using nonlinear dimensionality reduction and unsupervised clustering
Authors: Yang Guang , Raschke Felix , Barrick Thomas R. , Howe Franklyn A.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

To investigate whether nonlinear dimensionality reduction improves unsupervised classification of 1H MRS brain tumor data compared with a linear method.

Methods

In vivo single‐voxel 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (55 patients) and 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI) (29 patients) data were acquired from histopathologically diagnosed gliomas. Data reduction using Laplacian eigenmaps (LE) or independent component analysis (ICA) was followed by k‐means clustering or agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) for unsupervised learning to assess tumor grade and for tissue type segmentation of MRSI data.

Results

An accuracy of 93% in classification of glioma grade II and grade IV, with 100% accuracy in distinguishing tumor and normal spectra, was obtained by LE with unsupervised clustering, but not with the combination of k‐means and ICA. With 1H MRSI data, LE provided a more linear distribution of data for cluster analysis and better cluster stability than ICA. LE combined with k‐means or AHC provided 91% accuracy for classifying tumor grade and 100% accuracy for identifying normal tissue voxels. Color‐coded visualization of normal brain, tumor core, and infiltration regions was achieved with LE combined with AHC.

Conclusion

The LE method is promising for unsupervised clustering to separate brain and tumor tissue with automated color‐coding for visualization of 1H MRSI data after cluster analysis. Magn Reson Med 74:868–878, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An analytical solution for deforming twin‐parallel tunnels in an elastic half plane
Authors: Fu Jinyang , Yang Junsheng , Yan Li , Abbas Syed Muntazir
Published: September 2014

The interaction between twin‐parallel tunnels affects the tunnelling‐induced ground deformation, which may endanger the nearby structures. In this paper, an analytical solution is presented for problems in determining displacements and stresses around deforming twin‐parallel tunnels in an elastic half plane, on the basis of complex variable theory. As an example, a uniform radial displacement was assumed as the boundary condition for each of the two tunnels. Special attention was paid to the effects of tunnel depth and spacing between the two tunnels on the surface movement to gain deep insight into the effect of the interaction between twin‐parallel tunnels using the proposed analytical approach. It is revealed that the influence of twin tunnel interaction on surface movements diminishes with both the increase of the tunnel depth and the spacing between the two tunnels. The presented analytical solution manifests that, similar to most of the existing numerical results, the principle of superposition can be applied to determine ground deformation of twin‐parallel tunnels with a certain large depth and spacing; otherwise, the interaction effect between the two tunnels should be taken into account for predicting reliable ground movement. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel foaming method to fabricate microcellular injection molded polycarbonate parts using sodium chloride and active carbon as nucleating agents
Authors: Peng Jun , Sun Xiaofei , Mi Haoyang , Jing Xin , Peng Xiang‐Fang , Turng Lih‐Sheng
Published: September 2014

Microcellular injection molding can fabricate lightweight, dimensionally stable plastic parts while using less material and energy. This article investigates a new process using water vapor as the physical blowing agent and comparing two kinds of nucleating agents, namely, cubic sodium chloride (NaCl) and non‐uniform active carbon (AC). The effects of different nucleating agents on the surface roughness, mechanical properties, and microstructure of solid and foamed parts were characterized. Compared with typical microcellular injection molded parts, water vapor‐foamed polycarbonate (PC)/NaCl had a smooth surface comparable to that of solid parts, whereas foamed PC/AC had desirable specific mechanical properties as well as an attractive average weight reduction of 16.4 wt%. Low density and non‐uniform AC particles, used as a nucleating agent and reinforcement, improved the microcellular structure. Based on PC molecular weight measurement, the melt processing and water vapor‐foaming processes did induce a slight amount of thermal degradation and hydrolytic degradation, respectively. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1634–1642, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of air‐cooling on skin cells of hollow‐fiber membranes prepared via thermally induced phase separation
Authors: Wu Haoyun , Li Lei , Li Pingli , Yin Qiuxiang , Chang Heying
Published: September 2014

A new coarsening model was established to describe the growth of skin droplets on a hollow‐fiber membrane prepared by liquid–liquid thermally induced phase separation. Forced air‐cooling was performed to trigger the phase separation. The heat and mass transfer processes of the skin layer are considered simultaneously. With the aid of a transfer model and data from the phase diagram, the skin cell sizes could be calculated. The effects of air velocity, air temperature, and dimensions of the hollow fiber on the skin cell sizes of the isotactic polypropylene–di‐n‐butyl phthalate–dioctyl phthalate system were investigated. The growth of the skin droplets follows an exponential relationship with time, and the exponent increases with the decrease in the polymer content. All exponents are close to 1/3. The air temperature plays less important roles on the skin cell sizes as compared with those of the air velocity and fiber dimension. Calculated values of cell sizes agree well with the experimental values. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1661–1670, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characterization of narrow compositional distribution polyampholytes as potential biomaterials: Copolymers of N‐(3‐aminopropyl)methacrylamide hydrochloride (APM) and methacrylic acid (MAA)
Authors: Dubey Ankita , Burke Nicholas A. D. , Stöver Harald D. H.
Published: September 2014

This article describes the preparation and solution properties of a series of polyampholytes composed of N‐(3‐aminopropyl)methacrylamide hydrochloride (APM) and methacrylic acid (MAA). In particular, conditions were found where the copolymers could be formed with little or no drift in composition over the course of polymerization to quite high conversions. The compositional drift, common to many copolymerizations, was limited by adjusting the reactivity of MAA through control of its degree of ionization (i.e., pH). As revealed by potentiometric measurements and changes in 1H NMR spectra, the solution pH drifted over the course of some polymerizations. This was ascribed to changes in the pKa values of the ammonium and carboxylate groups upon incorporation in the copolymer. The pH drift led to a change in degree of MAA ionization, and hence the relative reactivities of APM and MAA, but this effect could be minimized by using a buffer. Precipitation, which occurred during some polymerizations, could be prevented, in some cases, by the addition of salt or an organic cosolvent. Even in cases where precipitation could not be prevented, it was found that the copolymer was still formed with minimal compositional drift. The solubility of the resulting polyampholytes in aqueous solution was found to depend on their composition, as well as pH, ionic strength and temperature. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 353–365
Alternate deacylating specificities of the archaeal sirtuins Sir2Af1 and Sir2Af2
Authors: Ringel Alison E. , Roman Christina , Wolberger Cynthia
Published: September 2014

Sirtuins were originally shown to regulate a wide array of biological processes such as transcription, genomic stability, and metabolism by catalyzing the NAD+‐dependent deacetylation of lysine residues. Recent proteomic studies have revealed a much wider array of lysine acyl modifications in vivo than was previously known, which has prompted a reevaluation of sirtuin substrate specificity. Several sirtuins have now been shown to preferentially remove propionyl, succinyl, and long‐chain fatty acyl groups from lysines, which has changed our understanding of sirtuin biology. In light of these developments, we revisited the acyl specificity of several well‐studied archaeal and bacterial sirtuins. We find that the Archaeoglobus fulgidus sirtuins, Sir2Af1 and Sir2Af2, preferentially remove succinyl and myristoyl groups, respectively. Crystal structures of Sir2Af1 bound to a succinylated peptide and Sir2Af2 bound to a myristoylated peptide show how the active site of each enzyme accommodates a noncanonical acyl chain. As compared to its structure in complex with an acetylated peptide, Sir2Af2 undergoes a conformational change that expands the active site to accommodate the myristoyl group. These findings point to both structural and biochemical plasticity in sirtuin active sites and provide further evidence that sirtuins from all three domains of life catalyze noncanonical deacylation.
In situ Raman spectroscopy studies on time‐dependent inner tube growth in ferrocene‐filled large diameter single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Kharlamova Marianna V. , Kramberger Christian , Saito Takeshi , Shiozawa Hidetsugu , Pichler Thomas
Published: September 2014

We fill single‐walled carbon nanotubes with a mean diameter of 1.7 nm with ferrocene and perform in situ studies on time‐dependent inner tube growth by Raman spectroscopy. The evolution of Raman spectra dependent on annealing time is analyzed. It is found that inner tube growth does not follow a simple exponential model. The growth rates of inner tubes are calculated within a suggested growth model. It is found that the growth rate is higher for smaller diameter inner nanotubes.
Evaluation of Inhibitory Effects of Caffeic acid and Quercetin on Human Liver Cytochrome P450 Activities
Authors: Rastogi Himanshu , Jana Snehasis
Published: September 2014

When herbal drugs and conventional allopathic drugs are used together, they can interact in our body which can lead to the potential for herb–drug interactions. This work was conducted to evaluate the herb–drug interaction potential of caffeic acid and quercetin mediated by cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibition. Human liver microsomes (HLMs) were added to each selective probe substrates of cytochrome P450 enzymes with or without of caffeic acid and quercetin. IC50, Ki values, and the types of inhibition were determined. Both caffeic acid and quercetin were potent competitive inhibitors of CYP1A2 (Ki = 1.16 and 0.93 μM, respectively) and CYP2C9 (Ki = 0.95 and 1.67 μM, respectively). Caffeic acid was a potent competitive inhibitor of CYP2D6 (Ki = 1.10 μM) and a weak inhibitor of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 (IC50 > 100 μM). Quercetin was a potent competitive inhibitor of CYP 2C19 and CYP3A4 (Ki = 1.74 and 4.12 μM, respectively) and a moderate competitive inhibitor of CYP2D6 (Ki = 18.72 μM). These findings might be helpful for safe and effective use of polyphenols in clinical practice. Our data indicated that it is necessary to study the in vivo interactions between drugs and pharmaceuticals with dietary polyphenols. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The sensitivity of simulated high clouds to ice crystal fall speed, shape and size distribution
Authors: Furtado K. , Field P. R. , Cotton R. , Baran A. J.
Published: September 2014

The sensitivity of an operational numerical weather prediction model to the parametrized microphysical properties of ice hydrometeors is examined. The effects of varying ice‐particle size distribution, fall speed, mass and depositional capacitance are considered in kilometre‐scale simulations of midlatitude cloud systems and 20 year global climate integrations. It is shown that the observed sensitivity can be obtained from steady‐state arguments, whereby the vertical moisture flux is balanced by the hydrometeor sedimentation flux and supersaturation production is in equilibrium with depositional growth. The high‐resolution simulations are compared with in situ measurements from the Constrain field campaign (Prestwick, UK).