bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of New Fermentation Systems on the Health Quality of Cocoa Beans (Theobroma cacao L. 1753) in the Main Cocoa-Growing Regions of Côte D'ivoire: Nawa, Bas-Sassandra and Haut-Sassandra
Authors: Konan Kouakou Ahossi , Coulibaly Ibourahema , Kouassi Kra Athanase , Sthéphane Foba Foba , Coulibaly Adja , Konaté Ibrahim
Published: August 2024

Aims: Cocoa cultivation plays a crucial role in the Ivorian economy, requiring rigorous post-harvest processes to ensure the quality of the chocolate produced. Fermentation is a fundamental step in these processes, directly influencing the development of the flavor and aromatic characteristics of cocoa beans. This study focuses on evaluating the impact of various fermentation supports on the microbiological quality of cocoa beans after drying.
Study Design: The beans were fermented on six types of supports: palm leaves, cocoa pods, polypropylene tarps, polypropylene bags, jute bags, and banana leaves (control), using two varieties of cocoa, Forasteros and Mercedes in the San Pedro, Soubré and Daloa regions.
Methodology: At the end of the drying process, 2 kg of dried beans from each fermentation support were collected. The analyses focused on moisture, pH, and the level of microbiological contamination, including fungal flora and Bacillus (spore-forming bacteria). The analyses were performed in triplicate. The fungal flora was identified through macroscopic and microscopic observations, while biochemical tests were used to identify presumptive Bacillus cereus.
Results: The results indicate that beans fermented in pods showed a pH above 5.5, and those fermented on polypropylene bags had moisture exceeding 8%. Bacillus bacteria were more frequent in the beans fermented in cacao pods. Molds, primarily Aspergillus ochraceus and Aspergillus niger, were more prevalent on jute bags and in the pods compared to the control. The presence of Bacillus spores and ochratoxigenic molds in the fermented beans, in the pods, and on jute bags poses a risk to the quality and safety of the cocoa beans.
Conclusion: In contrast, polypropylene bags, polypropylene tarps, and palm leaves are identified as suitable supports for maintaining the sanitary quality of the beans, similar to banana leaves (control support). These results show that, despite the gradual decline in banana plantations, cocoa producers will benefit from adequate support for the fermentation process, thereby guaranteeing the quality of cocoa beans and enabling them to obtain a competitive purchase price in the field, while offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to acquire higher quality products to increase their turnover.
Mechanization Challenges in Selected Distinct Agricultural Systems in India
Authors: S Rathinavel , Kavitha R , Mohankumar A P , Suthakar B , Surendrakumar A
Published: August 2024

Mechanization has significantly advanced various sectors, particularly agriculture, by enhancing productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. But still mechanization finds challenges in several agricultural systems. This study explores the challenges of mechanization in some distinct agricultural systems in India. Through survey of previous literature from India, various agricultural systems were identified. Following, brainstorming on such agricultural systems, based on ranking, distinct agricultural systems with significant mechanization challenges were selected and insights were made. Results states the practices such as the water logged paddy farming system, protected cultivation, pandhal system, hill farming, mixed and intercropping systems, organic farming, and shifting cultivation were identified as distinct agricultural systems holding unique hurdles towards mechanization. Each system was discussed with the insights derived on brainstorming. Practicable strategies to overcome the discussed hurdles on the distinct systems were identified and presented in short. In overall, the study explores the various research gaps and challenges upon mechanization of some agricultural systems in India for which further investigations and actions needed.
Spatiotemporal Assessment of Land Use System in Kathmandu Valley of Nepal Using Geospatial Techniques
Authors: Khadka Dak Bahadur , Bhandari Prajwal
Published: August 2024

The Kathmandu Valley is one of the growing urbanization trend spreading capital city of Nepal. This metropolitan valley is experiencing a significant transformation of its landscapes in the last few decades resulting in large land use and land cover change. A systematic study of the urbanization trend and LULC has been felt need on this valley. Considering the importance of LULC change this study is carried out using Arc GIS to assess land use system and change dynamics in the study area based on Landsat imagery of the years from 2000 to 2019 at yearly interval. From the study of LULC of Kathmandu valley over the period selected a remarkable change scenario was observed in Agricultural land, Forest area, Vegetation land, Built up and River Bed area. Built up area is found significantly increased by 16% during the period in Kathmandu Valley. Forest area is found increased by 3%, whereas because of concrete structures built in the city caused decrease in water body in the valley by 3% up to the year 2008 and found increased later years with the increase in forest area. The effects in rivers system are observed significantly. River bed area is found decreased over this time period by 9%.This study showed the fast expansion of urbanization area and rapid conversions of agricultural land in Kathmandu Valley (study area).
Identification and Characterization of Multi-Mycotoxins Recovered from Dry Corn in Selected Markets in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Chidimma Ezeh , Tasie Floretta Omebere , Mbah-Omeje Kelechi Nkechinyere
Published: August 2024

Corn is an important food crop that forms a major meal plan in Nigeria. Its high nutritious value also makes it perfect for fungi to thrive and produce its metabolites. Mycotoxin is a fungi metabolite that is toxic to both humans and animals. This study aimed at isolation of fungi from corn vended in selected markets in Enugu metropolis, identification and characterization of mycotoxin  produced from the isolates. A total of 9 corn samples were collected from 3 different markets in Enugu metropolis comprising of Emene ,Ogbete and New markets  respectively . The samples were cultured on potatoes dextrose agar for isolation, isolates were identified and characterized by cultural, biochemical and microscopic analysis of the organisms; selected isolates were further characterized by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The isolates were subjected for mycotoxin production by culturing in potatoe dextrose broth for 14 days at 35°C after which the filtrates were assayed for the presence of mycotoxin using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and individual aflatoxins were further characterized using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). From the study, Fusarium and Aspergillus flavus occurred at 66% respectively, Aspergillus niger at 55%, Mucor spp at 77%, Penicillium spp at 33%, and Aspergillus fumigates at 44%. PCR amplified products of the selected isolates showed positive amplification at 650bp for internal transcribed spacer gene. Mycotoxins identified from isolates were aflatotoxin, ochratoxin A (OTA), citrinin, patulin, citreoviridin, T-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol (DON), diacetoxyscirpenol, zearalenone (ZEN), nivalenol, Ht-2 toxin, cyclopiazonic acid with ochratoxin A, Diacetoxyscirpenol and Ht-2 toxin being above consumption limit at 2.64ug/kg,1.27ug/kg and 424.48ug/kg respectively. The isolates showed varied concentration of individual aflatoxins comprising of B1, B2, G1 and G2. These aflatoxins were produced by Aspergillus flavus strain ZMXL11, Aspergillus flavus strain AF-13, and Penicillium citrinin PEN-65 among, B1 was found to be above the maximum limit at 99% in all the isolates.Aflatoxin has been found as to be a group 1 carcinogen implicated in liver cancer. Constant consumption of mycotoxin contaminated corn could lead to varying health risk that includes liver cancer, kidney and gastrointestinal disturbances. This study showed that corn sold in selected markets in Enugu metropolis were contaminated with mycotoxigenic fungi that produced high levels of mycotoxin concentrations which is of public health concern.
Strong dependence of CO2 emissions from anthropogenic land cover change on initial land cover and soil carbon parametrization
Authors: Goll Daniel S. , Brovkin Victor , Liski Jari , Raddatz Thomas , Thum Tea , Todd‐Brown Kathe E. O.
Published: August 2015

The quantification of sources and sinks of carbon from land use and land cover changes (LULCC) is uncertain. We investigated how the parametrization of LULCC and of organic matter decomposition, as well as initial land cover, affects the historical and future carbon fluxes in an Earth System Model (ESM). Using the land component of the Max Planck Institute ESM, we found that the historical (1750–2010) LULCC flux varied up to 25% depending on the fraction of biomass which enters the atmosphere directly due to burning or is used in short‐lived products. The uncertainty in the decadal LULCC fluxes of the recent past due to the parametrization of decomposition and direct emissions was 0.6 Pg C yr−1, which is 3 times larger than the uncertainty previously attributed to model and method in general. Preindustrial natural land cover had a larger effect on decadal LULCC fluxes than the aforementioned parameter sensitivity (1.0 Pg C yr−1). Regional differences between reconstructed and dynamically computed land covers, in particular, at low latitudes, led to differences in historical LULCC emissions of 84–114 Pg C, globally. This effect is larger than the effects of forest regrowth, shifting cultivation, or climate feedbacks and comparable to the effect of differences among studies in the terminology of LULCC. In general, we find that the practice of calibrating the net land carbon balance to provide realistic boundary conditions for the climate component of an ESM hampers the applicability of the land component outside its primary field of application.
The imbalance of new and export production in the western Antarctic Peninsula, a potentially “leaky” ecosystem
Authors: Stukel Michael R. , Asher Elizabeth , Couto Nicole , Schofield Oscar , Strebel Stefanie , Tortell Philippe , Ducklow Hugh W.
Published: August 2015

To quantify the balance between new production and vertical nitrogen export of sinking particles, we measured nitrate uptake, net nitrate drawdown, ΔO2/Ar‐based net community production, sediment trap flux, and 234Th export at a coastal site near Palmer Station, Antarctica, during the phytoplankton growing season from October 2012 to March 2013. We also measured nitrate uptake and 234Th export throughout the northern western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) region on a cruise in January 2013. We used a nonsteady state 234Th equation with temporally varying upwelling rates and an irradiance‐based phytoplankton production model to correct our export and new production estimates in the complex coastal site near Palmer Station. Results unequivocally showed that nitrate uptake and net community production were significantly greater than the sinking particle export on region‐wide spatial scales and season‐long temporal scales. At our coastal site, new production (105 ± 17.4 mg N m−2 d−1, mean ± standard error) was 5.3 times greater than vertical nitrogen export (20.4 ± 2.4 mg N m−2 d−1). On the January cruise in the northern WAP, new production (47.9 ± 14.4 mg N m−2 d−1) was 2.4 times greater than export (19.9 ± 1.4 mg N m−2 d−1). Much of this imbalance can be attributed to diffusive losses of particulate nitrogen from the surface ocean due to diapycnal mixing, indicative of a “leaky” WAP ecosystem. If these diffusive losses are common in other systems where new production exceeds export, it may be necessary to revise current estimates of the ocean's biological pump.
Tracing mantle‐reacted fluids in magma‐poor rifted margins: The example of Alpine Tethyan rifted margins
Authors: Pinto Victor Hugo G. , Manatschal Gianreto , Karpoff Anne Marie , Viana Adriano
Published: August 2015

The thinning of the crust and the exhumation of subcontinental mantle in magma‐poor rifted margins is accompanied by a series of extensional detachment faults. We show that exhumation along these detachments is intimately related to migration of fluids leading to changes in mineralogy and chemistry of the mantle, crustal, and sedimentary rocks. Using field observation and analytical methods, we investigate the role of fluids in the fossil distal margins of the Alpine Tethys. Using Cr‐Ni‐V, Fe, and Mn as tracers, we show that fluids used detachment faults as pathways and interacted with the overlying crust and sediments. These observations allow us to discuss when, where, and how this interaction happened during the formation of the rifted margin. The results show that: (i) serpentinization of mantle rocks during their exhumation results in the depletion of elements and migration of mantle‐reacted fluids that are channeled along active detachment system; (ii) in earlier‐stages, these fluids affected the overlying syntectonic sediments by direct migration from the underlying detachments;(iii) in later‐stages, these fluids arrived at the seafloor, were introduced into, or “polluted” the seawater and were absorbed by post tectonic sediments. We conclude that a significant amount of serpentinization occurred underneath the hyperextended continental crust, and that the mantle‐reacted fluids might have modified the chemical composition of the sediments and seawater. We propose that the chemical signature of serpentinization related to mantle exhumation is recorded in the sediments and may serve as a proxy to date serpentinization and mantle exhumation at present‐day magma‐poor rifted margins.
Geochemistry of river‐borne clays entering the East China Sea indicates two contrasting types of weathering and sediment transport processes
Authors: Bi Lei , Yang Shouye , Li Chao , Guo Yulong , Wang Quan , Liu James T. , Yin Ping
Published: August 2015

The East China Sea is characterized by wide continental shelf receiving a huge input of terrigenous matter from both large rivers and mountainous rivers, which makes it an ideal natural laboratory for studying sediment source‐to‐sink transport processes. This paper presents mineralogical and geochemical data of the clays and bulk sediments from the rivers entering the East China Sea, aiming to investigate the general driving mechanism of silicate weathering and sediment transport processes in East Asian continental margin. Two types of river systems, tectonically stable continental rivers and tectonically active mountainous rivers, coexist in East Asia. As the direct weathering products, clays can better reflect the silicate weathering regimes within the two river systems. Provenance rock types are not the dominant factor causing silicate weathering intensity difference existed in the East Asian rivers. The silicate weathering intensity of tectonically stable river basins is primarily driven by monsoon climate, and the sediment transfer is relatively slow because of natural trapping process and increasing damming effect. The geochemistry of these river‐borne sediments can thus indicate paleo‐weathering intensities in East Asian continent. In contrast, silicate weathering intensity in tectonically active mountainous rivers is greatly limited by strong physical erosion despite the high temperature and highest monsoon rainfall. The factors controlling silicate weathering in tectonically active catchments are complex and thus, it should be prudent to use river sediment records to decipher paleoclimate change. These two different silicate weathering regimes and sediment transport processes are manifestations of the landscape evolution and overall dominate the sedimentation in Asian continental margin.
Myoglobin
Authors: Brunori Maurizio , Miele Adriana E
Published: August 2015

Myoglobin is a small globular monomeric protein, expressed in the red muscles of vertebrates, where it serves as molecular oxygen storage and delivery and as nitric oxide scavenger.

It can reversibly bind oxygen thanks to the presence of a prosthetic group, the haem, which is hosted in a fairly hydrophobic crevice, within the protein matrix. The iron is responsible of keeping the haem inside the protein being coordinated to the so‐called proximal histidine. On the sixth coordination site, Fe(II) is able to combine with high affinity, but reversibly, withO2and several other ligands.

The iron–ligand bond is broken by light; therefore, Mb has also been employed for exploring the very first relaxation events after photodissociation by fast and ultra‐fast kinetic methods.

Mb has also been a molecule of choice in unveiling the role of molecular motions in controlling function and stability of proteins.

Key Concepts

Myoglobin (Mb) is a water‐soluble globular protein of molecular weight 17 000 Da, expressed in the skeletal muscles and the heart.

The α‐helical organisation of the polypeptide chain yields a unique topology called the ‘globin fold’.

Its red colour is due to one molecule of Fe(II) haem, bound in a crevice of the globin in between helices E and F.

Mb's function is intracellular oxygen transport/storage, and nitric oxide scavenging.

Mb has been the paradigm for the discovery and the studies of protein plasticity and dynamics.

The photolability of the iron–ligand bond has been exploited for laser‐activated transient relaxation.

Many of the advanced biophysical techniques now available have been developed and tested on Mb.

Mb has been a benchmark for bioinformatics topological annotation and molecular dynamics simulations.

Globins paved the way to the concepts of molecular clock and molecular evolution, as they are expressed in all phyla.

Early studies on the structure–function relationships in Mb have represented a proof‐of‐principle of this powerful approach.
Chinese‐Noodle‐Inspired Muscle Myofiber Fabrication
Authors: Li Yuhui , Poon Chi Tat , Li Moxiao , Lu Tian Jian , Pingguan‐Murphy Belinda , Xu Feng
Published: August 2015

Much effort has been made to engineer artificial fiber‐shaped cellular constructs that can be potentially used as muscle fibers or blood vessels. However, existing microfiber‐based approaches for culturing cells are still limited to 2D systems, compatible with a restricted number of polymers (e.g., alginate) and always lacking in situ mechanical stimulation. Here, a simple, facile, and high‐throughput technique is reported to fabricate 3D cell‐laden hydrogel microfibers (named hydrogel noodles), inspired by the fabrication approach for Chinese Hele noodle. A magnetically actuated and noncontact method to apply tensile stretch on hydrogel noodles has also been developed. With this method, it is found that cellular strain‐threshold and saturation behaviors in hydrogel noodles differ substantially from their 2D analogs, including proliferation, spreading, and alignment. Moreover, it is shown that these cell‐laden microfibers can induce muscle myofiber formation by tensile stretching alone. This easily adaptable platform holds great potential for the creation of functional tissue constructs and probing mechanobiology in three dimensions.
Localized population divergence of vervet monkeys (Chlorocebusspp.) in South Africa: Evidence from mtDNA
Authors: Turner Trudy R. , Coetzer Willem G. , Schmitt Christopher A. , Lorenz Joseph G. , Freimer Nelson B. , Grobler J. Paul
Published: August 2015

Objective

Vervet monkeys are common in most tree‐rich areas of South Africa, but their absence from grassland and semi‐desert areas of the country suggest potentially restricted and mosaic local population patterns that may have relevance to local phenotype patterns and selection. A portion of the mitochondrial DNA control region was sequenced to study patterns of genetic differentiation.

Methods

DNA was extracted, and mitochondrial DNA sequences were obtained from 101 vervet monkeys at 15 localities, which represent both an extensive (widely across the distribution range) and intensive (more than one troop at most of the localities) sampling strategy. Analyses utilized Arlequin 3.1, MEGA 6, BEAST v1.5.2, and Network V3.6.1.

Results

The dataset contained 26 distinct haplotypes, with six populations fixed for single haplotypes. PairwiseP‐distance among population pairs showed significant differentiation among most population pairs, but with nonsignificant differences among populations within some regions. Populations were grouped into three broad clusters in a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree and a haplotype network. These clusters correspond to i) north‐western, northern, and north‐eastern parts of the distribution range as well as the northern coastal belt; ii) central areas of the country; and iii) southern part of the Indian Ocean coastal belt and adjacent inland areas.

Conclusions

Apparent patterns of genetic structure correspond to current and past distribution of suitable habitat, geographic barriers to gene flow, geographic distance, and female philopatry. However, further work on nuclear markers and other genomic data are necessary to confirm these results. Am J Phys Anthropol 159:17–30, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use and effectiveness of prothrombin complex concentrate in an emergency department: a review of 15 cases
Authors: Suzuki Kei , Iwashita Yoshiaki , Enokiya Tomoyuki , Yokoyama Kazuto , Fujioka Masaki , Katayama Naoyuki , Imai Hiroshi
Published: August 2015

Aim

Hemostatic management of patients on oral anticoagulant therapy with critical bleeding continues to be a major challenge. The present study aimed to validate the efficacy, safety, and optimal dosage of prothrombin complex concentrate for rapidly normalizing elevated international normalized ratio (INR) values and achieving control of hemorrhage at an emergency department in Japan.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from all patients who were treated with PCC at our emergency department between January 2013 and September 2014. We used a commercially available prothrombin complex concentrate.

Results

Fifteen patients (male / female, 7/8; average, 71.4 years) received prothrombin complex concentrate (14 for bleeding, including trauma‐related bleeding, and one for invasive intervention) without complications. All but one patient received warfarin and the INR value declined in all patients with 500 IU (average, 8.98 IU/kg) prothrombin complex concentrate (average INR value before and after treatment: 2.20 versus 1.26). Although two patients died because of multiple organ failure, a relatively satisfactory hemostatic response was obtained in at least 11/15 patients. However, patients with a baseline INR value above 2.5 never achieved an optimal response (INR value < 1.35).

Conclusion

A single dose of 500 IU prothrombin complex concentrate is insufficient for normalization of INR value, especially in patients with prolonged INR values. Administration strategies for trauma, the ideal dose (e.g., higher than 500 IU/patient), target optimal INR values, as well as the confirmation of safety should be addressed in the future. Further clinical trials are warranted to confirm this preliminary report.
Crowned dens syndrome: reports of six cases and review of the literature
Authors: Tajima Kosuke , Ueda Tomoko , Ueno Koichi , Shimizu Chikako , Yoshizawa Joe , Hori Shingo
Published: August 2015

Case

We have reported six cases of Crowned dens syndrome (CDS) diagnosed by computed tomography (CT). Presenting cases were three male and three female, aged from 45 to 89 (averaged in 72).

Outcome

All cases showed calcification around the dens of axis in CTs. Neck pain in all cases relieved within at least 10 days, treated by non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in five cases, and one by acetaminophens.

Conclusion

Bouvet et al. first reported CDS in 1985, as acute pseudogout of the neck, which causes neck pain. CDS is a radioclinical syndrome defined by the radiographic calcifications in a crown‐like configuration around the odontoid process, accompanied clinically by acute neck pain, often with neck stiffness, fevers and raised inflammatory markers. CDS is thought to be a rare condition; however, it is frequently misdiagnosed. CDS is an important differential diagnosis in patients presenting with acute neck pain.
Ascitic fluid with ammonia odor as a symptom of bladder rupture
Authors: Mizumura Naoto , Imagawa Atsuo , Kawasaki Masayasu , Okumura Satoshi , Toyoda Sho , Ogawa Masao
Published: August 2015

Case

An 88‐year‐old woman presented with abdominal pain, massive ascites, and acute kidney injury. She was clinically hypervolemic and the computed tomography attenuation value of the ascites was near that of water. Subsequent abdominocentesis revealed ammonia‐smelling ascites fluid, leading to a suspicion of urinary tract injury, and a conclusive diagnosis of spontaneous bladder rupture was achieved using cystography.

Outcome

The patient was managed conservatively with antibiotics, percutaneous drainage, and bladder catheter. As a result, she was discharged with normal renal function.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of bladder rupture is difficult, and is rarely confirmed in the absence of a diagnostic suspicion. This case indicates that ascitic fluid odor, patient volume status, and the computed tomography attenuation value of ascites are potential indicators of bladder rupture.
Surfactants as Promising Media for the Preparation of Crystalline Inorganic Materials
Authors: Xiong Wei‐Wei , Zhang Qichun
Published: August 2015

Given that surfactants can control the shape and size of micro‐/nanoparticles, they should be able to direct the growth of bulk crystals. This Minireview summarizes recent developments in the application of surfactants for the preparation of new crystalline inorganic materials, including chalcogenides, metal–organic frameworks, and zeolite analogues. The roles of surfactants in different reaction systems are discussed.
Hybrid Structure of the Type 1 Pilus of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Habenstein Birgit , Loquet Antoine , Hwang Songhwan , Giller Karin , Vasa Suresh Kumar , Becker Stefan , Habeck Michael , Lange Adam
Published: August 2015

Type 1 pili are filamentous protein assemblies on the surface of Gram‐negative bacteria that mediate adhesion to host cells during the infection process. The molecular structure of type 1 pili remains elusive on the atomic scale owing to their insolubility and noncrystallinity. Herein we describe an approach for hybrid‐structure determination that is based on data from solution‐state NMR spectroscopy on the soluble subunit and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy and STEM data on the assembled pilus. Our approach is based on iterative modeling driven by structural information extracted from different sources and provides a general tool to access pseudo atomic structures of protein assemblies with complex subunit folds. By using this methodology, we determined the local conformation of the FimA pilus subunit in the context of the assembled type 1 pilus, determined the exact helical pilus architecture, and elucidated the intermolecular interfaces contributing to pilus assembly and stability with atomic detail.
Fabrication of quaternary composite scaffold from silk fibroin, chitosan, gelatin, and alginate for skin regeneration
Authors: Sharma Chhavi , Dinda Amit K. , Potdar Pravin D. , Mishra Narayan C.
Published: August 2015

Quaternary composite scaffold consisting of chitosan, alginate, gelatin, and silk fibroin, was fabricated by applying foaming method, for tissue engineering applications. The fabricated scaffold was evaluated for its applicability in skin tissue regeneration. The environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) showed the presence of interconnected pores, mostly spread over the entire surface of the scaffold with mean pore size 92±11.8 μm and the porosity 88%. The scaffold showed good mechanical stability under physiological conditions as determined by short term mechanical stability testing. In vitro scaffold‐degradation study showed no degradation at day 1 and from day 3 scaffold starts degrading. The degradation of the composite scaffold after 28 days was 38%. Less degradation rate of the scaffold might be beneficial, as it can provide sufficient time for the formation of neo‐tissue and extracellular matrix (ECM) during tissue regeneration. In vitro cell culture studies by seeding L929 mouse fibroblast cells over composite scaffold showed good cell viability, proliferation, and adhesion as indicated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay and ESEM of cell‐scaffold construct. Giemsa staining of L929 fibroblast cells over the scaffold showed fibroblastic morphology of L929 cells, having elongated cells with nuclei and faint cytoplasm, and these cells are positive for Oil Red stain and negative for Alizarin Red staining—indicating that they maintained their dermal fibroblastic phenotype and were not differentiated into any other cell types in presence of composite scaffold. Results of histological staining supports growth and viability of L929 fibroblasts over scaffold, thereby proving the great prospective of this scaffold for skin tissue engineering applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42743.
Assessment of medium‐range ensemble forecasts of heat waves
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Ju , Lee Woo‐Seop , Yoo Jin Ho
Published: August 2015

This study assesses the predictability of heat wave occurrence over Korea applying The Observing system Research and Predictability Experiment Interactive Grand Global Ensemble (TIGGE) data for the Heat Wave Index (HWI) associated with large‐scale circulation. HWI shows higher predictability of heat waves than those of maximum temperature (TMAX) and bias corrected TMAX. The verification scores using HWI are compared to other cases of forecasts. It is concluded that the proposed HWI can be useful for heat wave forecasting, which may reduce the health impacts from heat waves through appropriate and timely mitigation efforts.
Expression and characterization of a cellobiohydrolase (CBH7B) from the thermophilic fungus Thielavia terrestris in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Woon James Sy‐Keen , Mackeen Mukram Mohamed , Mahadi Nor Muhammad , Illias Rosli Md , Abdul Murad Abdul Munir , Abu Bakar Farah Diba
Published: August 2015

The gene encoding a cellobiohydrolase 7B (CBH7B) of the thermophilic fungus Thielavia terrestris was identified, subcloned, and expressed in Pichia pastoris. CBH7B encoded 455 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 51.8 kDa. Domain analysis indicated that CBH7B contains a family 7 glycosyl hydrolase catalytic core but lacks a carbohydrate‐binding module. Purified CBH7B exhibited optimum catalytic activity at pH 5.0 and 55 °C with 4‐methylumbelliferryl‐cellobioside as the substrate and retained 85% of its activity following 24 H incubation at 50 °C. Despite the lack of activity toward microcrystalline substrates, this enzyme worked synergistically with the commercial enzyme cocktail Cellic® CTec2 to enhance saccharification by 39% when added to a reaction mixture containing 0.25% alkaline pretreated oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB). Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested a reduction of lignin and crystalline cellulose in OPEFB samples supplemented with CBH7B. Scanning electron microscopy revealed greater destruction extent of OPEFB strands in samples supplemented with CBH7B as compared with the nonsupplemented control. Therefore, CBH7B has the potential to complement commercial enzymes in hydrolyzing lignocellulosic biomass.
Ischaemic conditioning reduces kidney injury in an experimental large-animal model of warm renal ischaemia
Authors: Hunter J P , Hosgood S A , Barlow A D , Nicholson M L
Published: August 2015

Background

Ischaemic conditioning, using short repeated sequences of intermittent ischaemia, is a strategy that may ameliorate ischaemia–reperfusion injury. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of direct and remote ischaemic conditioning in a porcine model of renal warm ischaemia–reperfusion injury.

Methods

Pigs (50 kg) underwent laparotomy and 60-min occlusion of the left renal pedicle followed by right nephrectomy. Animals were divided into three groups: untreated controls (n = 8); direct postconditioning involving six 15-s cycles of clamping then releasing of the left renal artery (n = 7); or remote periconditioning involving four 5-min cycles of clamping then releasing of the left common iliac artery (n = 8). After 7 days kidney tissue was harvested, and blood and urine samples were collected on postoperative days 1, 3 and 7.

Results

The direct postconditioning group had a lower area under the serum creatinine curve (mean(s.d.) 1378(157) versus 2001(1022) µmol/l · day respectively; P = 0·036) and peak creatinine level (316(46) versus 501(253) µmol/l respectively; P = 0·033) compared with values in control animals. There was a significant increase in serum levels of tumour necrosis factor α on day 1 in control animals but not in the conditioning groups (P = 0·013). Urinary levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin increased over the study period in both the control and remote groups (P = 0·001 for both), but not in the direct group (P = 0·176). There was no mortality and no complications related to either conditioning technique.

Conclusion

In this in vivo large-animal model, direct renal artery ischaemic postconditioning protected kidneys against warm ischaemia injury. This straightforward technique could readily be translated into clinical practice.Surgical relevanceIschaemic conditioning has been shown to improve outcomes in both experimental studies and clinical trials in cardiac surgery. Evidence from small-animal and human studies assessing ischaemic conditioning techniques in renal transplantation have not yet established the optimal technique and timing of conditioning.In this study, a large-animal model of renal warm ischaemia was used to compare different conditioning techniques. Postconditioning applied directly to the renal artery was shown to reduce renal injury. Furthermore, new evidence is provided that shorter cycles of ischaemic postconditioning than previously described can protect against renal injury.Evidence from a large-animal model is provided for different conditioning techniques. The beneficial postconditioning technique described is straightforward to perform and provides an alternative method of conditioning following renal transplantation, with potential for application in clinical practice.
Histone methylation‐mediated silencing of miR‐139 enhances invasion of non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Watanabe Kousuke , Amano Yosuke , Ishikawa Rie , Sunohara Mitsuhiro , Kage Hidenori , Ichinose Junji , Sano Atsushi , Nakajima Jun , Fukayama Masashi , Yatomi Yutaka , Nagase Takahide , Ohishi Nobuya , Takai Daiya
Published: August 2015

MicroRNA expression is frequently altered in human cancers, and some microRNAs act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. MiR‐139‐5p (denoted thereafter as miR‐139) has recently been reported to function as a tumor suppressor in several types of human cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and gastric cancer), but its function in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the mechanism of its suppression have not been studied in detail. MiR‐139 was suppressed frequently in primary NSCLCs. MiR‐139 is located within the intron of PDE2A and its expression was significantly correlated with the expression of PDE2A. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that miR‐139 was epigenetically silenced by histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) of its host gene PDE2A and this process was independent of promoter DNA methylation. Pharmacological inhibition of both histone methylation and deacetylation‐induced miR‐139 with its host gene PDE2A. Ectopic expression of miR‐139 in lung cancer cell lines did not affect the proliferation nor the migration but significantly suppressed the invasion through the extracellular matrix. In primary NSCLCs, decreased expression of miR‐139 was significantly associated with distant lymph node metastasis and histological invasiveness (lymphatic invasion and vascular invasion) on both univariate and multivariate analyses. Collectively, these results suggest that H3K27me3‐mediated silencing of miR‐139 enhances an invasive and metastatic phenotype of NSCLC.
Try creative approaches to balancing family with career
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2015

ORLANDO, FLA. — Finding the right balance between family and work certainly has its challenges for any parent. But that juggle becomes even more challenging when you have a career in college athletics with its long hours and schedules that often overlap into nights and weekends. It's further complicated if you're a single parent or if your career takes you far from the support of extended family.
Coleifolides A and B, Two New Sesterterpenoids from the Aerial Parts of Scutellaria coleifolia H.Lév.
Authors: Kurimoto Shin‐ichiro , Pu Jian‐Xin , Sun Han‐Dong , Takaishi Yoshihisa , Kashiwada Yoshiki
Published: August 2015

Coleifolides A and B (1 and 2), two new sesterterpenoids with a β‐methyl‐α,β‐unsaturated‐γ‐lactone moiety, were isolated from the aerial parts of Scutellaria coleifolia H.Lév. (Lamiaceae), together with three known compounds. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS examinations. Coleifolides A and B were concluded to be partially racemic compounds by the HPLC analysis using a chiral column or introduction of chiral derivatizing agents. The absolute configuration of the major isomer was determined by analyses of the CD spectrum as well as NMR data of (R)‐ and (S)‐2‐NMA derivatives. Coleifolides A and B are structurally similar to manoalide derivatives, previously isolated from marine sponges, and appear to be the first examples of this type of compounds being isolated from higher plants.
Volatiles as Chemosystematic Markers for Distinguishing Closely Related Species within the Pinus mugo Complex
Authors: Celiński Konrad , Bonikowski Radosław , Wojnicka‐Półtorak Aleksandra , Chudzińska Ewa , Maliński Tomasz
Published: August 2015

Headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) coupled to GC/MS analysis was used to identify the constituents of pine‐needle volatiles differentiating three closely‐related pine species within the Pinus mugo complex, i.e., P. uncinata Ramond ex DC., P. uliginosa G.E.Neumann ex Wimm., and P. mugo Turra. Moreover, chemosystematic markers were proposed for the three analyzed pine species. The major constituents of the pine‐needle volatiles were α‐pinene (28.4%) and bornyl acetate (10.8%) for P. uncinata, δ‐car‐3‐ene (21.5%) and α‐pinene (16.1%) for P. uliginosa, and α‐pinene (20%) and δ‐car‐3‐ene (18.1%) for P. mugo. This study is the first report on the application of the composition of pine‐needle volatiles for the reliable identification of closely‐related pine species within the Pinus mugo complex.
New Labdane Diterpenes and Their Glycoside Derivatives from the Roots of Isodon adenantha
Authors: Wu La‐Bin , Xiao Chao‐Jiang , Jiang Xue , Qiu Lin , Dong Xiang , Jiang Bei
Published: August 2015

Two new labdane‐type diterpenes (adenanthic acids A and B; 1 and 2, resp.) and three new labdane diterpene glycosides (adenanthosides A–C; 3–5, resp.) were isolated from the roots of Isodon adenantha, together with 23 known constituents including seven diterpenoids (6–12), eight triterpenoids (13–20), one lignan glycoside (21), six steroids (22–27), and one ceramide (28). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including extensive 2D‐NMR techniques. Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activities of the samples were measured by the MTT method and the filter paper disc agar diffusion method. But none of them showed significant activities.
The Hybrid Pyrroloisoindolone–Dehydropyrrolizine Alkaloid (−)‐Chlorizidine A Targets Proteins within the Glycolytic Pathway
Authors: Álvarez‐Micó Xavier , Rocha Danilo D. , Guimarães Larissa A. , Ambrose Andrew , Chapman Eli , Costa‐Lotufo Leticia V. , La Clair James J. , Fenical William
Published: August 2015

The cytotoxic activity of (−)‐chlorizidine A, a marine alkaloid containing a unique fusion between a pyrroloisoindolone and dehydropyrrolizine, was explored by using a combination of cellular and molecular methods. Our studies began by applying preliminary SAR evidence gathered from semisynthetic bioactivity evaluations to prepare an active immunoaffinity fluorescent (IAF) probe. This probe was then used to identify two cytosolic proteins, GAPDH and hENO1, as the targets of (−)‐chlorizidine A.
Dynamic Release–Immobilization of a Homogeneous Rhodium Hydroformylation Catalyst by a Polyoxometalate Metal–Organic Framework Composite
Authors: Sartipi Sina , Valero Romero Maria Jose , Rozhko Elena , Que Zhenyang , Stil Hans A. , de With Jan , Kapteijn Freek , Gascon Jorge
Published: August 2015

Thermal treatment of phosphotungstic acid (PTA)‐MIL‐101(Cr) composites in the presence of hydroformylation catalyst RhH(CO)(PPh3)3 leads to immobilization of the homogeneous Rh complex within the metal–organic framework (MOF) scaffold by coordination of PTA‐Rh. The Rh complex‐containing MOFs are tested in the hydroformylation of 1‐octene in which PTA competes with CO during ligand association. In the presence of the carbonyl ligand, the Rh complex is released from the MOF and behaves as a homogeneous catalyst. Therefore, the product spectra and selectivities of the Rh complex‐containing MOFs are similar to those of RhH(CO)(PPh3)3. Upon CO evacuation, Rh recoordinates to PTA, allowing for easy recycling of this new pseudo‐heterogeneous catalyst.
Reductive Transformations of Carbonyl Compounds Catalyzed by Rhodium Supported on a Carbon Matrix by using Carbon Monoxide as a Deoxygenative Agent
Authors: Yagafarov Niyaz Z. , Usanov Dmitry L. , Moskovets Alexey P. , Kagramanov Nikolai D. , Maleev Victor I. , Chusov Denis
Published: August 2015

An efficient method for the rhodium on carbon matrix catalyzed preparation of secondary and tertiary amines, cyanoesters, and nitriles through the reductive amination/alkylation of carbonyl compounds was developed, including a convenient procedure for the tandem formal reductive addition of acetonitrile to aldehydes. The catalyst could be reused, and at least three consecutive reaction cycles were performed with comparable efficiency. The method was shown to be compatible with functional groups prone to reduction by hydrogen and complex hydrides.
Hybrid Diphenylalkyne–Dipeptide Oligomers Induce Multistrand β‐Sheet Formation
Authors: Ross Jonathan E. , Knipe Peter C. , Thompson Sam , Hamilton Andrew D.
Published: August 2015

Functionalized diphenylalkynes provide a template for the presentation of protein‐like surfaces composed of multistrand β‐sheets. The conformational properties of three‐, four‐, and seven‐stranded systems have been investigated in the solid‐ and solution‐state. This class of molecule may be suitable for the mediation of therapeutically relevant protein–protein interactions.
One‐pot Two‐Step Cycloaddition Reaction for Convenient Synthesis of Polycyclic Spirooxindole‐fused [1,3]Oxazines
Authors: Sun Jing , Gong Hui , Yan Chaoguo
Published: August 2015

The novel spirooxindoline fused [1,3]oxazines were efficiently synthesized from Diels‐Alder reaction of N‐arylmaleimides with 1,2‐dihydro‐2‐oxospiro[3H‐indole‐3,2′‐[2H,9aH‐pyrido[2,1‐b][1,3]oxazines], which were generated in situ from three‐component reactions of substituted pyridines and isatins with methyl propiolate, or dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate. The stereochemistry of the products was clearly clarified by the analysis of 1H NMR data and single crystal structures of the obtained polycyclic compounds.
Degradation of Linear Alkyl Benzene Using an Immobilized Nano TiO2 Photocatalytic Reactor: Process Analysis and Modeling
Authors: Zangeneh Hadis , Zinatizadeh Ali Akbar Lorestani , Feyzi Mostafa
Published: August 2015

An immobilized nano TiO2 photocatalytic reactor under UVA (365 nm) irradiation was used for the degradation of linear alkyl benzene (LAB) in industrial wastewater. The performance of the photocatalysis was analyzed and modeled by response surface methodology. The effects of chemical oxygen demand (CODin), reaction time and initial pH on the COD removal efficiency, specific COD removal rate, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)5/COD ratio, and final pH were determined. The enhancing effects of H2O2, O3, and O3/H2O2 on the performance of the photocatalysis process were also investigated. The maximum BOD5/COD ratio and COD removal efficiency for the photocatalytic reaction alone were found to be 0.45 and 37%, respectively, at an initial COD of 400 mg/L and pH 3, while the photocatalytic process induced by H2O2, O3, and O3/H2O2 showed maximum COD removal efficiencies of 50, 60, and 69%, respectively. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry results also showed a noticeable reduction in the organic content of the wastewater during the process. As the photocatalytic process was found time independent due to the catalyst poisoning, the catalyst surface regeneration was carried out by sequence aeration and ozonation. As a result, the procedure could improve the process performance by about 12% increase in COD removal efficiency. The characterization of the prepared TiO2 photocatalyst was carried out by powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy.
Equilibrium‐phase MR angiography: Comparison of unspecific extracellular and protein‐binding gadolinium‐based contrast media with respect to image quality
Authors: Erb‐Eigner Katharina , Taupitz Matthias , Asbach Patrick
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to compare contrast and image quality of whole‐body equilibrium‐phase high‐spatial‐resolution MR angiography using a non‐protein‐binding unspecific extracellular gadolinium‐based contrast medium with that of two contrast media with different protein‐binding properties. 45 patients were examined using either 15 mL of gadobutrol (non‐protein‐binding, n = 15), 32 mL of gadobenate dimeglumine (weakly protein binding, n = 15) or 11 mL gadofosveset trisodium (protein binding, n = 15) followed by equilibrium‐phase high‐spatial‐resolution MR‐angiography of four consecutive anatomic regions. The time elapsed between the contrast injection and the beginning of the equilibrium‐phase image acquisition in the respective region was measured and was up to 21 min. Signal intensity was measured in two vessels per region and in muscle tissue. Relative contrast (RC) values were calculated. Vessel contrast, artifacts and image quality were rated by two radiologists in consensus on a five‐point scale. Compared with gadobutrol, gadofosveset trisodium revealed significantly higher RC values only when acquired later than 15 min after bolus injection. Otherwise, no significant differences between the three contrast media were found regarding vascular contrast and image quality. Equilibrium‐phase high‐spatial‐resolution MR‐angiography using a weakly protein‐binding or even non‐protein‐binding contrast medium is equivalent to using a stronger protein‐binding contrast medium when image acquisition is within the first 15 min after contrast injection, and allows depiction of the vasculature with high contrast and image quality. The protein‐binding contrast medium was superior for imaging only later than 15 min after contrast medium injection. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvement in Hydrogen Desorption from β‐ and γ‐MgH2 upon Transition‐Metal Doping
Authors: Hussain Tanveer , Maark Tuhina Adit , Chakraborty Sudip , Ahuja Rajeev
Published: August 2015

The front cover artwork is provided by Dr. Tuhina Adit Maark (current affiliation: IIT Madras, India). The image shows that upon doping with transition metals the high‐pressure phases β‐ and γ‐MgH2 desorb H2 at a lower temperature than the pure hydrides. The released H2 is used in turn as a fuel for powering cars through fuel cells. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cphc.201500238