bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quantitative analysis of the temporal effects on automatic text classification
Authors: Salles Thiago , Rocha Leonardo , Gonçalves Marcos André , Almeida Jussara M. , Mourão Fernando , Meira Wagner , Viegas Felipe
Published: August 2015

Automatic text classification (TC) continues to be a relevant research topic and several TC algorithms have been proposed. However, the majority of TC algorithms assume that the underlying data distribution does not change over time. In this work, we are concerned with the challenges imposed by the temporal dynamics observed in textual data sets. We provide evidence of the existence of temporal effects in three textual data sets, reflected by variations observed over time in the class distribution, in the pairwise class similarities, and in the relationships between terms and classes. We then quantify, using a series of full factorial design experiments, the impact of these effects on four well‐known TC algorithms. We show that these temporal effects affect each analyzed data set differently and that they restrict the performance of each considered TC algorithm to different extents. The reported quantitative analyses, which are the original contributions of this article, provide valuable new insights to better understand the behavior of TC algorithms when faced with nonstatic (temporal) data distributions and highlight important requirements for the proposal of more accurate classification models.
Core indicators and professional recognition of scientometricians
Authors: Vinkler Péter
Published: August 2015

The publication performance of 30 scientometricians is studied. The individuals are classified into 3 cohorts according to their manifested professional recognition, as Price medalists (Pm), members of the editorial board of Scientometrics and the Journal of Informetrics (Rw), and session chairs (Sc) at an International Society of Scientometrics and Informetrics (ISSI) conference. Several core impact indicators are calculated: h, g, π, citation distribution score (CDS), percentage rank position (PRP), and weight of influence of papers (WIP10). The indices significantly correlate with each other. The mean value of the indices of the cohorts decreases parallel with the decrease in professional recognition: Pm > Rw > Sc. The 30 scientometricians studied were clustered according to the core impact indices. The members in the clusters so obtained overlap only partly with the members in the cohorts made by professional recognition. The Total Overlap is calculated by dividing the sum of the diagonal elements in the cohorts‐clusters matrix with the total number of elements, times 100. The highest overlap (76.6%) was obtained with the g‐index. Accordingly, the g‐index seems to have the greatest discriminative power in the system studied. The cohorts‐clusters method may be used for validating scientometric indicators.
Multivariate Markov models for the conditional probability of toxicity in phase II trials
Authors: Fernandes Laura L. , Murray Susan , Taylor Jeremy M. G.
Published: August 2015

In addition to getting a preliminary assessment of efficacy, phase II trials can also help to determine dose(s) that have an acceptable toxicity profile over repeated cycles as well as identify subgroups with particularly poor toxicity profiles. Correct modeling of the dose‐toxicity relationship in patients receiving multiple cycles of the same dose in oncology trials is crucial. A major challenge lies in taking advantage of the conditional nature of data collection, that is each cycle is observed conditional on having no previous toxicities on earlier cycles. We develop a novel and parsimonious model for the probability of toxicity during a cycle of therapy, conditional on not seeing toxicity in any of the previous cycles using a Markov model, hereafter we refer to these probabilities as conditional probabilities of toxicity. Our model allows the conditional probability of toxicity to depend on randomized dose group, cumulative dose from prior cycles, a measure of how consistently a patient responds to the same dose exposure and individual risk factors influencing the ability to tolerate the treatment regimen. Simulations studying finite sample properties of the model are given. Finally, the approach is demonstrated in a phase II trial studying two dose levels of ifosfamide plus doxorubicin and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor in soft tissue sarcoma patients over four cycles. The Markov model provides correct estimates of the probabilities of toxicity in finite sample simulations. It also correctly models the data from the phase II clinical trial, and identifies particularly high cumulative toxicity in females.
Photoluminescence properties of a new orange–red‐emitting Sm3+–La3SbO7 phosphor
Authors: Li Zeng‐Mei , Deng Li‐Gang , Zhao Shan‐Cang , Zhang Shu‐Qiu , Guo Chang‐Ying , Liang Jing‐Yun , Yue Hui , Wan Chun‐Yan
Published: August 2015

The antimonate compound La3SbO7 has high chemical stability, lattice stiffness and thermal stability. Orange–red‐emitting antimonate‐based phosphors La3SbO7:xSm3+ (x = 0.02, 0.05, 0.08, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25) were synthesized. The phase structure and photoluminescence properties of these phosphors were investigated. The emission spectrum obtained on excitation at 407 nm contained exclusively the characteristic emissions of Sm3+ at 568, 608, 654 and 716 nm, which correspond to the transitions from 4G5/2 to 6H5/2, 6H7/2, 6H9/2 and 6H11/2 of Sm3+, respectively. The strongest emission was located at 608 nm due to the 4G5/2→6H7/2 transition of Sm3+, generating bright orange–red light. The critical quenching concentration of Sm3+ in La3SbO7:Sm3+ phosphor was determined as 10% and the energy transfer between Sm3+ was found to be through an exchange interaction. The International Commission on Illumination chromaticity coordinates of the La3SbO7:0.10Sm3+ phosphors are located in the orange–red region. The La3SbO7:Sm3+ phosphors may be potentially used as red phosphors for white light‐emitting diodes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inclusion of mPRISM potential for polymer‐induced protein interactions enables modeling of second osmotic virial coefficients in aqueous polymer‐salt solutions
Authors: Herhut Marcel , Brandenbusch Christoph , Sadowski Gabriele
Published: August 2015

The downstream processing of therapeutic proteins is a challenging task. Key information needed to estimate applicable workup strategies (e.g. crystallization) are the interactions of the proteins with other components in solution. This information can be deduced from the second osmotic virial coefficient B22, measurable by static light scattering. Thermodynamic models are very valuable for predicting B22 data for different process conditions and thus decrease the experimental effort. Available B22 models consider aqueous salt solutions but fail for the prediction of B22 if an additional polymer is present in solution. This is due to the fact that depending on the polymer concentration protein‐protein interactions are not rectified as assumed within these models. In this work, we developed an extension of the xDLVO model to predict B22 data of proteins in aqueous polymer‐salt solutions. To show the broad applicability of the model, lysozyme, γ‐globulin and D‐xylose ketol isomerase in aqueous salt solution containing polyethylene glycol were considered. For all proteins considered, the modified xDLVO model was able to predict the experimentally observed non‐monotonical course in B22 data with high accuracy. When used in an early stage in process development, the model will contribute to an efficient and cost effective downstream processing development.
Entwicklung der Eukaryoten aus Archaeen
Authors: Braun Volkmar
Published: August 2015

Archaeen zählen zu den fundamentalsten biologischen Entdeckungen der vergangenen Jahrzehnte. Sie bilden neben Bakterien und Eukaryoten eine dritte Domäne. Die bisher aus Einzeldaten abgeleitete enge Beziehung der Archaeen zu Eukaryoten wird durch den Nachweis eines gemeinsamen Stammbaums einer neu isolierten Archaeengruppe (Lokiarchaeota) mit Eukaryoten belegt.
Enzymdenaturierung mit Kiwis
Authors: Högermann Christiane
Published: August 2015

Die Wirkungsweise der Protease Actinidin aus Kiwifrüchten sowie die Wirkungslosigkeit des denaturierten Enzyms lassen sich in einem einfachen Experiment mit Fleisch‐ und Käsestücken veranschaulichen.
The relationships among individual and regional smoking, socioeconomic status, and oral and pharyngeal cancer survival: a mediation analysis
Authors: Guo Yi , Logan Henrietta L. , Marks John G. , Shenkman Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2015

Poorer survival from oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC) has been reported for populations of lower socioeconomic status (SES), adjusting for risk factors such as patient and clinical characteristics. Beyond these risk factors, higher rates of tobacco use may be a mediator for the observed poorer OPC survival for low SES populations. In this study, we aimed to examine the impact of the relationships among SES, individual smoking status, and living in a region with a higher smoking rate on OPC survival. We obtained Florida Cancer Data System data from 1996 to 2010 and merged the data with US Census data and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 1996 to 2010. We built multivariable survival models to quantify the mediational effect of individual smoking on overall and OPC‐specific survival, adjusting for regional smoking, demographics, and clinical characteristics. We found that lower SES, individual smoking, and living in a region with a higher smoking rate were all strongly associated with poorer survival. We estimated that the indirect effect of individual smoking accounted for a large part (ranged from 13.3% to 30.2%) of the total effect of SES on overall and OPC‐specific survival. In conclusion, individual and regional smoking are both significant and independent predictors of poor cancer survival. Higher rate of individual smoking is partially responsible for poorer cancer survival in low SES populations. Results of this study provide rationale for considering a multi‐level approach that simultaneously targets both individual and contextual factors for future smoking cessation interventions.
Modeling Separation Processes in Decanter Centrifuges by Considering the Sediment Build‐Up
Authors: Gleiss Marco , Nirschl Hermann
Published: August 2015

Mathematical modeling of the separation process in counter‐current decanter centrifuges was performed, taking into account the influence of the sediment build‐up and the flow pattern. Thus far, separation processes in centrifuges have been calculated by means of simplified empirical models based on the so‐called sigma theory. To reduce experimental efforts, a new model was developed that describes the separation process by considering material functions for sedimentation and the gel point. In addition, an arising sediment build‐up and changes in the flow conditions were taken into account. The conducted numerical simulations were validated by experiments. Simplified models such as the sigma theory usually depend on experimental data of industrial machines. The approach presented here shows an enhanced accuracy while not depending on such information. The proposed simulation procedure is adaptable to other types of decanter centrifuges such as co‐current machines.
Carbonated water injection: Effects of silica nanoparticles and operating pressure
Authors: Fathollahi Alireza , Rostami Behzad
Published: August 2015

Carbonated water injection (CWI) is the process of injecting CO2‐saturated water into hydrocarbon reservoirs as a displacing fluid. As CO2 is dissolved in and transported by the flood water, CO2 is more evenly distributed within the reservoir, improving sweep efficiency. This is beneficial to watered‐out oil reservoirs, where high water saturation can adversely affect the performance of conventional CO2 injection.

In this study, the effects of increasing CO2 concentration in water using silica nanoparticles, and of pressure on the CWI process were investigated through a number of high‐pressure coreflooding experiments. The experiments were performed in a highly water‐wet core, using normal decane as the oil phase. The results showed an increase in ultimate oil recovery as the level of CO2 concentration in water increased. It was also observed that in the application of nanoparticles, an optimized concentration of nanoparticles must be used to obtain the maximum oil recovery factor. CWI showed a higher recovery factor both in the secondary and tertiary modes at higher pressures, owing to the increased solubility of CO2 in water at high pressures. The results of this study suggest that secondary CWI performs better than tertiary recovery, due to the high probability of contact between the oil and the CO2 gas and a growing concentration of CO2 in the water.
Solvent‐Free Ruthenium(II)‐Catalyzed C–H Activation: Synthesis of Alkenylarylpyrazole Derivatives
Authors: Shome Sanchari , Singh Surya Prakash
Published: August 2015

The RuII carboxylate complex Ru(MesCO2)2(p‐cymene) (Mes = mesityl) was found to be an efficient catalyst for the direct dehydrogenative alkenylation of N‐arylpyrazoles by using styrenes and acrylates in the presence of Cu(OAc)2·H2O in open air. The highly step‐economical C–H bond functionalization process is characterized by a wide substrate scope and significant chemoselectivity, which allowed direct alkenylation to be performed either under solvent‐free reaction conditions or by using a user‐friendly solvent system in which water was present as the major component. With less‐reactive styrenes, monoalkenylation took place, whereas with alkyl acrylates ortho‐dialkenylation occurred. This approach may provide new insight into the design of an environmentally benign method for the oxidative heterocoupling of N‐phenylpyrazole.
Unmodified Primary Amine Organocatalysts for Asymmetric Michael Reactions in Aqueous Media
Authors: Rogozińska‐Szymczak Maria , Mlynarski Jacek
Published: August 2015

The organocatalytic asymmetric Michael addition of aldehydes to a nitro olefin in aqueous organic solvents catalysed by a broad range of simple primary amines and amino alcohols is reported. In particular, the use of (S,S)‐diphenylethylenediamine, which is the chiral backbone of various organocatalysts, gave addition products in good yields and with good to high enantioselectivities (45–96 % ee). Remarkably high enantioselectivities were observed for the demanding conjugate addition of α,α‐disubstituted aldehydes to nitrostyrene (96–98 % ee) in aqueous organic solvent mixtures.
Brain stimulation improves cognitive control by modulating medial‐frontal activity and preSMA‐vmPFC functional connectivity
Authors: Yu Jiaxin , Tseng Philip , Hung Daisy L. , Wu Shih‐Wei , Juan Chi‐Hung
Published: August 2015

Previous research has demonstrated that brain stimulation can improve inhibitory control. However, the neural mechanisms underlying such artificially induced improvement remain unclear. In this study, by coupling anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) with functional MRI, we found that atDCS over preSMA effectively improved stopping speed, which was associated with increased BOLD response in the preSMA and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Furthermore, such atDCS‐induced BOLD increase in vmPFC was positively correlated with participants’ improvement in stopping efficiency, and the functional connectivity between preSMA and vmPFC increased during successful stop. These results suggest that the rapid behavioral improvement from preSMA brain stimulation involves modulated medial‐frontal activity and preSMA‐vmPFC functional connectivity. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4004–4015, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
G‐protein genomic association with normal variation in gray matter density
Authors: Chen Jiayu , Calhoun Vince D. , Arias‐Vasquez Alejandro , Zwiers Marcel P. , van Hulzen Kimm , Fernández Guillén , Fisher Simon E. , Franke Barbara , Turner Jessica A. , Liu Jingyu
Published: August 2015

While detecting genetic variations underlying brain structures helps reveal mechanisms of neural disorders, high data dimensionality poses a major challenge for imaging genomic association studies. In this work, we present the application of a recently proposed approach, parallel independent component analysis with reference (pICA‐R), to investigate genomic factors potentially regulating gray matter variation in a healthy population. This approach simultaneously assesses many variables for an aggregate effect and helps to elicit particular features in the data. We applied pICA‐R to analyze gray matter density (GMD) images (274,131 voxels) in conjunction with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data (666,019 markers) collected from 1,256 healthy individuals of the Brain Imaging Genetics (BIG) study. Guided by a genetic reference derived from the gene GNA14, pICA‐R identified a significant SNP‐GMD association (r = −0.16, P = 2.34 × 10−8), implying that subjects with specific genotypes have lower localized GMD. The identified components were then projected to an independent dataset from the Mind Clinical Imaging Consortium (MCIC) including 89 healthy individuals, and the obtained loadings again yielded a significant SNP‐GMD association (r = −0.25, P = 0.02). The imaging component reflected GMD variations in frontal, precuneus, and cingulate regions. The SNP component was enriched in genes with neuronal functions, including synaptic plasticity, axon guidance, molecular signal transduction via PKA and CREB, highlighting the GRM1, PRKCH, GNA12, and CAMK2B genes. Collectively, our findings suggest that GNA12 and GNA14 play a key role in the genetic architecture underlying normal GMD variation in frontal and parietal regions. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4272–4286, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The primary somatosensory cortex and the insula contribute differently to the processing of transient and sustained nociceptive and non‐nociceptive somatosensory inputs
Authors: Hu Li , Zhang Li , Chen Rui , Yu Hongbo , Li Hong , Mouraux André
Published: August 2015

Transient nociceptive stimuli elicit consistent brain responses in the primary and secondary somatosensory cortices (S1, S2), the insula and the anterior and mid‐cingulate cortex (ACC/MCC). However, the functional significance of these responses, especially their relationship with sustained pain perception, remains largely unknown. Here, using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we characterize the differential involvement of these brain regions in the processing of sustained nociceptive and non‐nociceptive somatosensory input. By comparing the spatial patterns of activity elicited by transient (0.5 ms) and long‐lasting (15 and 30 s) stimuli selectively activating nociceptive or non‐nociceptive afferents, we found that the contralateral S1 responded more strongly to the onset of non‐nociceptive stimulation as compared to the onset of nociceptive stimulation and the sustained phases of nociceptive and non‐nociceptive stimulation. Similarly, the anterior insula responded more strongly to the onset of nociceptive stimulation as compared to the onset of non‐nociceptive stimulation and the sustained phases of nociceptive and non‐nociceptive stimulation. This suggests that S1 is specifically sensitive to changes in incoming non‐nociceptive input, whereas the anterior insula is specifically sensitive to changes in incoming nociceptive input. Second, we found that the MCC responded more strongly to the onsets as compared to the sustained phases of both nociceptive and non‐nociceptive stimulation, suggesting that it could be involved in the detection of change regardless of sensory modality. Finally, the posterior insula and S2 responded maximally during the sustained phase of non‐nociceptive stimulation but not nociceptive stimulation, suggesting that these regions are preferentially involved in processing non‐nociceptive somatosensory input. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4346–4360, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
RAB2A Polymorphism impacts prefrontal morphology, functional connectivity, and working memory
Authors: Li Jin , Liu Bing , Chen Chuansheng , Cui Yue , Shang Liqing , Zhang Yun , Wang Chao , Zhang Xiaolong , He Qinghua , Zhang Wen , Bi Wenwei , Jiang Tianzi
Published: August 2015

Calbindin‐containing γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) have been found to play an important role in working memory (WM) and their malfunctions have been linked to psychiatric disorders. A recent genome‐wide association and expression‐SNP study indicated that the RAB2A gene was associated with the density of prefrontal calbindin‐positive neurons, suggesting this gene may have a broader influence on prefrontal structure and function. Using multimodal MRI and behavioral tasks, the current study investigated the effect of RAB2A on prefrontal morphology, resting‐state functional connectivity, and WM performance in a large sample of healthy Han Chinese subjects. Results showed that the RAB2A AGCAAA haplotype was associated with improved WM accuracy, increased cortical thickness in the left inferior frontal gyrus, and decreased functional connectivity between the left inferior frontal gyrus and the left dorsolateral PFC. Our findings provide consistent evidence supporting the effect of RAB2A on the structure and function of the PFC and related cognitive functions. These results should provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying the GABAergic genes' role in WM as well as its dysfunction. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4372–4382, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐throughput T‐cell receptor sequencing across chronic liver diseases reveals distinct disease‐associated repertoires
Authors: Liaskou Evaggelia , Henriksen Eva Kristine Klemsdal , Holm Kristian , Kaveh Fatemeh , Hamm David , Fear Janine , Viken Marte K. , Hov Johannes Roksund , Melum Espen , Robins Harlan , Olweus Johanna , Karlsen Tom H. , Hirschfield Gideon M.
Published: August 2015

Hepatic T‐cell infiltrates and a strong genetic human leukocyte antigen association represent characteristic features of various immune‐mediated liver diseases. Conceptually the presence of disease‐associated antigens is predicted to be reflected in T‐cell receptor (TCR) repertoires. Here, we aimed to determine if disease‐associated TCRs could be identified in the nonviral chronic liver diseases primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We performed high‐throughput sequencing of the TCRβ chain complementarity‐determining region 3 of liver‐infiltrating T cells from PSC (n = 20), PBC (n = 10), and ALD (n = 10) patients, alongside genomic human leukocyte antigen typing. The frequency of TCRβ nucleotide sequences was significantly higher in PSC samples (2.53 ± 0.80, mean ± standard error of the mean) compared to PBC samples (1.13 ± 0.17, P < 0.0001) and ALD samples (0.62 ± 0.10, P < 0.0001). An average clonotype overlap of 0.85% was detected among PSC samples, significantly higher compared to the average overlap of 0.77% seen within the PBC (P = 0.024) and ALD groups (0.40%, P < 0.0001). From eight to 42 clonotypes were uniquely detected in each of the three disease groups (≥30% of the respective patient samples). Multiple, unique sequences using different variable family genes encoded the same amino acid clonotypes, providing additional support for antigen‐driven selection. In PSC and PBC, disease‐associated clonotypes were detected among patients with human leukocyte antigen susceptibility alleles. Conclusion: We demonstrate liver‐infiltrating disease–associated clonotypes in all three diseases evaluated, and evidence for antigen‐driven clonal expansions. Our findings indicate that differential TCR signatures, as determined by high‐throughput sequencing, may represent an imprint of distinctive antigenic repertoires present in the different chronic liver diseases; this thereby opens up the prospect of studying disease‐relevant T cells in order to better understand and treat liver disease. (Hepatology 2016;63:1608‐1619)
Sorafenib enriches epithelial cell adhesion molecule–positive tumor initiating cells and exacerbates a subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma through TSC2‐AKT cascade
Authors: Guan Dong‐Xian , Shi Jie , Zhang Yang , Zhao Jiang‐Sha , Long Ling‐Yun , Chen Tian‐Wei , Zhang Er‐Bin , Feng Yuan‐Yuan , Bao Wen‐Dai , Deng Yue‐Zhen , Qiu Lin , Zhang Xue‐Li , Koeffler H. Phillip , Cheng Shu‐qun , Li Jing‐Jing , Xie Dong
Published: August 2015

Sorafenib is a specific adenosine triphosphate–competitive RAF inhibitor used as a first‐line treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the responses are variable, reflecting heterogeneity of the disease, while the resistance mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we report that sorafenib treatment can exacerbate disease progression in both patient‐derived xenografts and cell line–derived xenografts and that the therapeutic effect of the drug inversely covaries to the ratio of epithelial cell adhesion molecule–positive cells, which may be tumor initiating cells in HCC. The TSC2‐AKT cascade mediates this sorafenib resistance. In response to sorafenib treatment, formation of the TSC1/2 complex is enhanced, causing increased phosphorylation of AKT, which contributes to up‐regulation of “stemness”‐related genes in epithelial cell adhesion molecule–positive cells and enhancement of tumorigenicity. The expression of TSC2 negatively correlated with prognosis in clinical sorafenib therapy. Furthermore, all‐trans retinoic acid decreased AKT activity, reduced the epithelial cell adhesion molecule–positive cell population enriched by sorafenib, and potentiated the therapeutic effect of sorafenib in the patient‐derived xenograft model. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a subtype of HCC is not suitable for sorafenib therapy; this resistance to sorafenib can be predicted by the status of TSC2, and agents inducing differentiation of tumor initiating cells (e.g., all‐trans retinoic acid) should improve the prognosis of this subtype of HCC.(Hepatology 2015;62:1791–1803)
MHD Turbulent and Laminar Natural Convection in a Square Cavity utilizing Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Sajjadi H. , Kefayati GH.R.
Published: August 2015

In this study, the lattice Boltzmann method was used to solve the turbulent and laminar natural convection in a square cavity. In this paper a fluid with Pr = 6.2 and different Rayleigh numbers (Ra = 103, 104,105 for laminar flow and Ra = 107, 108,109 for turbulent flow) in the presence of a magnetic field (Ha = 0, 25, 50, and 100) was investigated. (Results show that the magnetic field drops the heat transfer in the laminar flow as the heat transfer behaves erratically toward the presence of a magnetic field in a turbulent flow. Moreover, the effect of the magnetic field is marginal for a turbulent flow in contrast with a laminar flow.The greatest influence of the magnetic field is observed at Ra = 105 from Ha = 0 to 100 as the heat transfer decreases significantly.
Microalgal phycocyanin productivity: strategies for phyco‐valorization
Authors: Querques Nicolas , Cesta Mercedes , Santos Rafael M , Chiang Yi Wai
Published: August 2015

Phyco‐valorization is the exploitation of microalgae and microalgal chemicals as valuable products. This paper discusses the optimization of microalgal bioreactor‐based systems for C‐phycocyanin pigment production. Various aspects contributing to system development and enhancement of phycocyanin productivity are described. A wide range of potential microalgal species have been identified for phycocyanin production; the selection of a species for mass culturing can be determined by desired bioreactor trophic mode and symbiotic relations. Research has demonstrated that species amenability to local lighting and climatic conditions, and to variations in bioreactor substrate concentrations and operational parameters, have significant impact on phycocyanin production. The simultaneous optimization of all factors contributing to system productivity may be accomplished efficiently through process modelling. A summary of established models for microalgal phycocyanin production is presented. A suggested strategy for increasing economic viability of phycocyanin production systems is their application in integrated resource recovery. Through the incorporation of phycocyanin productivity optimization principles within a phycoremediation process, the valorization of waste resources may be achieved. The simultaneous economic potential and environmentally‐forward concept of phyco‐valorization through phycocyanin production is a promising application of microalgal biotechnology awaiting further development for industrial implementation. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Exploration and Optimization of an Efficient One‐pot Sequential Synthesis of Di/tri‐substituted Thiazoles from α‐Bromoketones, Thioacids Salt, and Ammonium Acetate
Authors: Venkateswararao Eeda , Jalani Hitesh B. , Manoj, Manickam , Jung Sang‐Hun
Published: August 2015

Exploration of scope of an optimized one‐pot sequential procedure for preparing of 2,4‐di‐ and 2,4,5‐tri‐substituted thiazoles has been accomplished. The synthesis was performed by the initial formation of a β‐keto‐thioester intermediate from nucleophilic substitution of α‐bromoketones with thioacid potassium salts, followed by treatment with ammonium acetate and one equivalent of acetic acid in toluene to form imine intermediate eventually leading to cyclization yielding thiazoles. This procedure should be highlighted with a flexible way to control the substitution pattern around thiazole ring by choosing appropriately substituted α‐bromoketones even containing acid labile functionality and thioacid potassium salts, and thus its applicability is very wide.
El Niño influence on potential maize yield in Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Capa‐Morocho Mirian , Rodríguez‐Fonseca Belén , Ruiz‐Ramos Margarita
Published: August 2015

El Niño phenomenon is the leading mode of sea surface temperature interannual variability. It can affect weather patterns worldwide and therefore crop production. Crop models are useful tools for impact and predictability applications, allowing to obtain long time series of potential and attainable crop yield, unlike to available time series of observed crop yield for many countries. Using this tool, crop yield variability in a location of Iberia Peninsula (IP) has been previously studied, finding predictability from Pacific El Niño conditions. Nevertheless, the work has not been done for an extended area. The present work carries out an analysis of maize yield variability in IP for the whole 20th century, using a calibrated crop model at five contrasting Spanish locations and reanalyses climate datasets to obtain long time series of potential yield. The study tests the use of reanalysis data for obtaining only climate‐dependent time series of crop yield for the whole region, and to use these yield to analyse the influences of oceanic and atmospheric patterns. The results show a good reliability of reanalysis data. The spatial distribution of the leading principal component of yield variability shows a similar behaviour over all the studied locations in the IP. The strong linear correlation between El Niño index and yield is remarkable, being this relation non‐stationary on time, although the air temperature–yield relationship remains on time, being the highest influences during grain filling period. Regarding atmospheric patterns, the summer Scandinavian pattern has significant influence on yield in IP. The potential usefulness of this study is to apply the relationships found to improving crop forecasting in IP.
Use of enzymes to minimize the rheological dough problems caused by high levels of damaged starch in starch–gluten systems
Authors: Barrera Gabriela N , León Alberto E , Ribotta Pablo D
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

During wheat
milling, starch granules can experience mechanical damage, producing damaged starch. High levels of damaged starch modify the physicochemical properties of wheat flour, negatively affecting the dough behavior as well as the flour quality and cookie and bread making quality. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of α‐amylase, maltogenic amylase and amyloglucosidase on dough rheology in order to propose alternatives to reduce the issues related to high levels of damaged starch.

RESULTS

The dough with a high level of damaged starch became more viscous and resistant to deformations as well as less elastic and extensible. The soluble fraction of the doughs influenced the rheological behavior of the systems. The α‐amylase and amyloglucosidase reduced the negative effects of high damaged starch contents, improving the dough rheological properties modified by damaged starch. The rheological behavior of dough with the higher damaged‐starch content was related to a more open gluten network arrangement as a result of the large size of the swollen damaged starch granules.

CONCLUSION

We can conclude that the dough rheological properties of systems with high damaged starch content changed positively as a result of enzyme action, particularly α‐amylase and amyloglucosidase additions, allowing the use of these amylases and mixtures of them as corrective additives. Little information was reported about amyloglucosidase activity alone or combined with α‐amylase. The combinations of these two enzymes are promising to minimize the negative effects caused by high levels of damaged starch on product quality. More research needs to be done on bread quality combining these two enzymes. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of different strains Penicillium nalgiovense in the Nalžovy cheese during ripening
Authors: Mrázek Josef , Pachlová Vendula , Buňka František , Černíková Michaela , Dráb Vladimír , Bejblová Martina , Staněk Karel , Buňková Leona
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

The present study examined the influence of eight selected strains of Penicillium nalgiovense as secondary culture on the ripening of soft mould cheese. Ion‐exchange chromatography, SDS‐PAGE and sensory analysis were used for comparison of P. nalgiovense with common secondary mould culture (Penicillium camemberti).

RESULTS

Proteolytic activity was more intensive in the case of the strains of P. nalgiovense in comparison with the control strains of P. camemberti. Some differences in the proportion and amount of free amino acids were observed between the strains of P. nalgiovense during ripening. Lower proteolytic activity of P. nalgiovense was more desirable for sensory properties of cheese, especially in case sample N2.

CONCLUSION

This study provides information on the usability of selected strains of P. nalgiovense that could support the development of sensory properties of mould‐ripened soft cheese. The cheese with the culture N2 had the best flavour after 35 days of storage. Moreover, this strain showed the lowest bitterness in comparison with the other used P. nalgiovense cultures. The intensity of bitterness of sample N2 was comparable to that of the control sample with P. camemberti. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Inhibiting sorbent stripping by designing a sorbent‐packed porous probe for headspace solid‐phase microextraction
Authors: Qin Shuai , Tao Gu , Yunjie Huang , Shuangshuang Xu , Luyan Li , Hongyan Xiao
Published: August 2015

To prevent the stripping of coating sorbents in headspace solid‐phase microextraction, a porous extraction probe with packed sorbent was introduced by using a porous stainless steel needle tube and homemade sol–gel sorbents. The traditional stainless‐steel needle tube was punched by a laser to obtain two rows of holes, which supply a passageway for analyte vapor during extraction and desorption. The sorbent was prepared by a traditional sol–gel method with both poly(ethylene glycol) and hydroxy‐terminated silicone oil as coating ingredients. Eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and six benzene series compounds were used as illustrative semi‐volatile and volatile organic compounds in sequence to verify the extraction performance of this porous headspace solid‐phase microextraction probe. It was found that the analysis method combining a headspace solid‐phase microextraction probe and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry yielded determination coefficients of no less than 0.985 and relative standard deviations of 4.3–12.4%. The porous headspace solid‐phase microextraction probe showed no decrease of extraction ability after 200 uses. These results demonstrate that the packed extraction probe with porous structure can be used for headspace solid‐phase microextraction. This novel design may overcome both the stripping and breakage problems of the conventional coating fiber.
Benefits Derived from Rehabilitating a Degraded Semi‐Arid Rangeland in Private Enclosures in West Pokot County, Kenya
Authors: Wairore John N. , Mureithi Stephen M. , Wasonga Oliver V. , Nyberg Gert
Published: August 2015

Rehabilitating degraded rangelands using enclosures offers various benefits to agro‐pastoral households. However, enclosure benefits cannot be generalized as there are variations across dryland ecosystems and societies. This study assessed the qualitative and quantitative benefits derived from rehabilitating degraded rangelands using private enclosures in Chepareria, West Pokot County, Kenya. Dry‐season grazing reserves, healthier livestock, improved livestock productivity, easier livestock management, food security, reduced animal losses, ecosystem services, land ownership, independence and improved standard of living were the main qualitative benefits from private enclosures identified. Quantitative benefits were manifested through various enclosure enterprise combinations, sale of enclosure marketable products and adoption of alternative income generating activities. They included the sale of livestock and livestock products, maize, wood cutting, grass cuttings, contractual grazing, grass seeds, poultry products, fruits and honey, amongst others. Livestock production directly accounts for 42·4% of the total enclosure income and is the main source of livelihood in Chepareria. There was a significant trend of increasing total enclosure income with enclosure acreage (p ≤ 0·05) while enclosure age was insignificant. Enclosures cushion households against climatic shocks such as drought by providing additional flexibility in land, fodder, livestock management and the uptake of various income generating activities. We conclude that enclosures have the potential of contributing to resilience as attested from the benefits reported in this study. However, private enclosure tradeoffs such income differentiation, reduced communal land and conflict have implications on how the ecological and socio‐economic aspects may be impacted as the establishment of private enclosures in Chepareria continues. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The value of perioperative antibiotics on the success of oral free flap reconstructions
Authors: Mücke Thomas , Rohleder Nils H. , Rau Andrea , Ritschl Lucas M. , Kesting Marco , Wolff Klaus‐Dietrich , Mitchell David A. , Loeffelbein Denys J.
Published: August 2015

The subject of the presented study was to monitor and compare problems and outcomes of reconstructive surgery with microvascular free flaps in the head and neck region between groups of patients treated with perioperative antibiotics and a group of patients without antibiotics. Patients requiring oral reconstructive surgery following cancer resections with microvascular free flaps were prospectively evaluated (2007–2012). Antibiotic therapy was started 30 min before the operation and administered for 10 days. Three hundred and fifty patients were included (208 male, 59.4%; 142 female, 40.6%; mean age 59.8 ± 13.2 years). 330 patients received perioperative antibiotics. Twenty patients (5.7%) who received no antibiotics for specific reasons served as the control group. Wound infections developed in 33 of 122 patients (27%) who received benzylpenicillin, 17 of 88 patients (19.3%) who received amoxicillin combined with sulbactam and 25 of 120 patients (20.8%) who received cefuroxime. Ten patients (50%) who did not receive antibiotics developed wound infections. Receiving no antibiotics or penicillin showed no benefit (P = 0.11). Those receiving cefuroxime showed significantly lower incidence of wound infections (P = 0.034; risk decreased by the factor 2.88). The use of amoxicillin combined with sulbactam showed the lowest rate of wound infections (P = 0.018; risk decreased by the factor 3.46). The use of amoxicillin combined with sulbactam appears to be the most appropriate prophylactic antibiotic followed by cefuroxime in oral microsurgical free flap reconstructions. These data may serve as a guide until a controlled multicenter prospective trial is performed comparing newer antibiotics against current standards. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:507–511, 2015.
The Brassica epithionitrile 1‐cyano‐2,3‐epithiopropane triggers cell death in human liver cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Hanschen Franziska S. , Herz Corinna , Schlotz Nina , Kupke Franziska , Bartolomé Rodríguez María M. , Schreiner Monika , Rohn Sascha , Lamy Evelyn
Published: August 2015

Scope

Glucosinolates are secondary metabolites present in Brassica vegetables. Alkenyl glucosinolates are enzymatically degraded forming nitriles or isothiocyanates, but in the presence of epithiospecifier protein, epithionitriles are released. However, studies on the occurrence of epithionitriles in Brassica food and knowledge about their biological effects are scarce.

Methods and results

Epithionitrile formation from glucosinolates of seven Brassica vegetables was analyzed using GC‐MS and HPLC‐DAD. Bioactivity of synthetic and plant‐derived 1‐cyano‐2,3‐epithiopropane (CETP) – the predominant epithionitrile in Brassica vegetables – in three human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines and primary murine hepatocytes was also evaluated. The majority of the Brassica vegetables were producers of nitriles or epithionitriles as hydrolysis products and not of isothiocyanates. For example, Brussels sprouts and savoy cabbage contained up to 0.8 μmol CETP/g vegetable. Using formazan dye assays, concentrations of 380–1500 nM CETP were observed to inhibit the mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity of human HCC cells without impairment of cell growth. At 100‐fold higher CETP concentrations, cell death was observed. Presence of plant matrix increased CETP‐based toxicity.

Conclusion

These in vitro data provide no indication that epithionitriles will severely affect human health by Brassica consumption. In contrast to isothiocyanates, no evidence of selective toxicity against HCC cells was found.
Sparse grids‐based stochastic approximations with applications to aerodynamics sensitivity analysis
Authors: Resmini A. , Peter J. , Lucor D.
Published: August 2015

This work compares sample‐based polynomial surrogates, well suited for moderately high‐dimensional stochastic problems. In particular, generalized polynomial chaos in its sparse pseudospectral form and stochastic collocation methods based on both isotropic and dimension‐adapted sparse grids are considered. Both classes of approximations are compared, and an improved version of a stochastic collocation with dimension adaptivity driven by global sensitivity analysis is proposed. The stochastic approximations efficiency is assessed on multivariate test function and airfoil aerodynamics simulations. The latter study addresses the probabilistic characterization of global aerodynamic coefficients derived from viscous subsonic steady flow about a NACA0015 airfoil in the presence of geometrical and operational uncertainties with both simplified aerodynamics model and Reynolds‐Averaged Navier‐Stokes (RANS) simulation. Sparse pseudospectral and collocation approximations exhibit similar level of performance for isotropic sparse simulation ensembles. Computational savings and accuracy gain of the proposed adaptive stochastic collocation driven by Sobol' indices are patent but remain problem‐dependent. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The risk of acute liver injury among users of antibiotic medications: a comparison of case‐only studies.
Authors: Brauer Ruth , Ruigómez Ana , Klungel Olaf , Reynolds Robert , Feudjo Tepie Maurille , Smeeth Liam , Douglas Ian
Published: August 2015

Purpose

The aims of this study were two‐fold: (i) to investigate the effect of exposure to antibiotic agents on the risk of acute liver injury using a self‐controlled case series and case‐crossover study and (ii) to compare the results between the case‐only studies.

Methods

For the self‐controlled case series study relative incidence ratios (IRR) were calculated by dividing the rate of acute liver injury experienced during patients' periods of exposure to antibiotics to patients' rate of events during non‐exposed time using conditional Poisson regression. For the case‐crossover analysis we calculated Odds Ratios (OR) using conditional logistic regression by comparing exposure during 14‐ and 30‐day risk windows with exposure during control moments.

Results

Using the self‐controlled case series approach, the IRR was highest during the first 7 days after receipt of a prescription (10.01, 95% CI 6.59–15.18). Omitting post‐exposure washout periods lowered the IRR to 7.2. The highest estimate in the case‐crossover analysis was found when two 30‐day control periods 1 year prior to the 30‐day ALI risk period were retained in the analysis: OR = 6.5 (95% CI, 3.95–10.71). The lowest estimate was found when exposure in the 14‐day risk period was compared to exposure in four consecutive 14‐day control periods immediately prior to the risk period (OR = 3.05, 95% CI, 2.06–4.53).

Conclusion

An increased relative risk of acute liver injury was consistently observed using both self‐controlled case series and case‐crossover designs. Case‐only designs can be used as a viable alternative study design to study the risk of acute liver injury, albeit with some limitations. © 2015 The Authors Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Solar Radiation and Air and Ground Temperature Relations in the Cold and Hyper‐Arid Quartermain Mountains, McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica
Authors: Lacelle Denis , Lapalme Caitlin , Davila Alfonso F. , Pollard Wayne , Marinova Margarita , Heldmann Jennifer , McKay Christopher P.
Published: August 2015

This study compares the relations between solar radiation and air and ground temperatures in the Quartermain Mountains of the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica with those in ice‐free Victoria Land and Arctic Canada. The surface offset is near 0°C at all sites in the Quartermain Mountains and other sites in coastal Victoria Land, whereas the thermal offset is near 0°C at shallow ice table depths (< 20 cm) and near 1°C for ice tables deeper than the depth of diurnal temperature variation. The surface and thermal offsets in Victoria Land differ markedly from those in Arctic Canada, which are generally characterised by a positive surface offset and a negative thermal offset. These important differences highlight the effects of a lack of vegetation, surface organic layer, snow cover and moisture content in near‐surface soils on the direction and magnitude of surface and thermal offsets. Summer ground surface temperatures in the Quartermain Mountains correlate strongly with incoming solar radiation. Based on measured ground surface temperatures and modelled potential incoming solar radiation, two zones with distinct ground surface temperatures are defined in the Quartermain Mountains: (i) perennially cryotic zones (PCZs) characterised by ground surface temperatures always below 0°C; and (ii) seasonally non‐cryotic zones (NCZs) characterised by ground surface temperatures > 0°C for at least a few hours. Soils in the PCZs experience water exchange through vapour diffusion, whereas soils in the NCZs contain features associated with liquid water activity, such as increased soil moisture and frozen ponds recharged by snow/glacier meltwater. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.