bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Room Temperature Flow Behavior of Ti Deformed by Equal‐Channel Angular Pressing Using Core–Sheath Method
Authors: Derakhshandeh Alireza , Nili‐Ahmadabadi Mahmoud , Khajezade Ali , Shahmir Hamed
Published: December 2016

The present investigation is conducted to successfully deform a commercially pure titanium as a hard‐to‐deform metal by equal‐channel angular pressing (ECAP, φ = 90°) using core‐sheath configuration at room temperature. Analyzing the flow behavior of metal via three‐dimensional finite element modeling (FEM) and analytical calculation reveals that the friction force between the sheath and inner surface of the die in the exit channel is the source of back pressure and its magnitude is dependent on the length of the billet and strength of the sheath. The ultimate tensile strength of Ti increases by a factor of ≈1.8 after processing through one pass of ECAP and the material exhibits total elongation of ≈17% after testing at room temperature, regardless of core size.
Bottom‐Up Meets Top‐Down: Patchy Hybrid Nonwovens as an Efficient Catalysis Platform
Authors: Schöbel Judith , Burgard Matthias , Hils Christian , Dersch Roland , Dulle Martin , Volk Kirsten , Karg Matthias , Greiner Andreas , Schmalz Holger
Published: December 2016

Heterogeneous catalysis with supported nanoparticles (NPs) is a highly active field of research. However, the efficient stabilization of NPs without deteriorating their catalytic activity is challenging. By combining top‐down (coaxial electrospinning) and bottom‐up (crystallization‐driven self‐assembly) approaches, we prepared patchy nonwovens with functional, nanometer‐sized patches on the surface. These patches can selectively bind and efficiently stabilize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The use of these AuNP‐loaded patchy nonwovens in the alcoholysis of dimethylphenylsilane led to full conversion under comparably mild conditions and in short reaction times. The absence of gold leaching or a slowing down of the reaction even after ten subsequent cycles manifests the excellent reusability of this catalyst system. The flexibility of the presented approach allows for easy transfer to other nonwoven supports and catalytically active NPs, which promises broad applicability.
Lithium‐Ion‐Transfer Kinetics of Single LiMn2O4 Particles
Authors: Zampardi Giorgia , Batchelor‐McAuley Christopher , Kätelhön Enno , Compton Richard G.
Published: December 2016

A stochastic investigation of lithium deinsertion from individual 200‐nm‐sized particles of LiMn2O4 reveals the rate‐determining step at high overpotentials to be the transfer of the cation across the particle–electrolyte interface. Measurement of the (electro)chemical behavior of the spinel is undertaken without forming a conductive composite electrode. The kinetics of the interfacial ion transfer defines a theoretical upper limit for the discharge rates of batteries using LiMn2O4 in an aqueous environment.
Measuring learning gain: Comparing anatomy drawing screencasts and paper‐based resources
Authors: Pickering James D.
Published: December 2016

The use of technology‐enhanced learning (TEL) resources is now a common tool across a variety of healthcare programs. Despite this popular approach to curriculum delivery there remains a paucity in empirical evidence that quantifies the change in learning gain. The aim of the study was to measure the changes in learning gain observed with anatomy drawing screencasts in comparison to a traditional paper‐based resource. Learning gain is a widely used term to describe the tangible changes in learning outcomes that have been achieved after a specific intervention. In regard to this study, a cohort of Year 2 medical students voluntarily participated and were randomly assigned to either a screencast or textbook group to compare changes in learning gain across resource type. Using a pre‐test/post‐test protocol, and a range of statistical analyses, the learning gain was calculated at three test points: immediate post‐test, 1‐week post‐test and 4‐week post‐test. Results at all test points revealed a significant increase in learning gain and large effect sizes for the screencast group compared to the textbook group. Possible reasons behind the difference in learning gain are explored by comparing the instructional design of both resources. Strengths and weaknesses of the study design are also considered. This work adds to the growing area of research that supports the effective design of TEL resources which are complimentary to the cognitive theory of multimedia learning to achieve both an effective and efficient learning resource for anatomical education. Anat Sci Educ 10: 307–316. © 2016 American Association of Anatomists.
Evaluation of gas and carbon transport in a methanogenic bioelectrochemical system (BES)
Authors: Dykstra Christy M. , Pavlostathis Spyros G.
Published: December 2016

Bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) may be used to upgrade anaerobic digester biogas by directly converting CO2 to CH4. The objective of this study was to evaluate gas (N2, CO2, CH4, and H2) and carbon transport within a methanogenic BES. Four BES configurations were evaluated: abiotic anode with abiotic cathode (AAn‐ACa), bioanode with abiotic cathode (BAn‐ACa), abiotic anode with biocathode (AAn‐BCa), and bioanode with biocathode (BAn‐BCa). Transport of N2, a gas commonly used for flushing anoxic systems, out of the anode headspace ranged from 3.7 to 6.2 L/d‐atm‐m2, normalized to the proton exchange membrane (PEM) surface area and net driving pressure (NDP). CO2 was transported from the cathode to the anode headspace at rates from 3.7 to 5.4 L/d‐atm‐m2. The flux of H2 from cathode to anode headspace was 48% greater when the system had a biocathode (AAn‐BCa) than when H2 was produced at an abiotic cathode (BAn‐ACa), even though the abiotic cathode headspace had 75% more H2 than the AAn‐BCa biocathode at the end of 1 day. A 7‐day carbon balance of a batch‐fed BAn‐BCa BES showed transient microbial carbon storage and a net transport of carbon from anode to cathode. After a 7‐day batch incubation, the CH4 production in the biocathode was 27% greater on a molar basis than the initial CO2 supplied to the biocathode headspace, indicating conversion of CO2 produced in the anode. This research expands the current understanding of methanogenic BES operation, which may be used in improving the assessment of BES performance and/or in the development of alternative BES designs and mathematical models. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 961–969. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A carbon dioxide stripping model for mammalian cell culture in manufacturing scale bioreactors
Authors: Xing Zizhuo , Lewis Amanda M. , Borys Michael C. , Li Zheng Jian
Published: December 2016

Control of carbon dioxide within the optimum range is important in mammalian bioprocesses at the manufacturing scale in order to ensure robust cell growth, high protein yields, and consistent quality attributes. The majority of bioprocess development work is done in laboratory bioreactors, in which carbon dioxide levels are more easily controlled. Some challenges in carbon dioxide control can present themselves when cell culture processes are scaled up, because carbon dioxide accumulation is a common feature due to longer gas‐residence time of mammalian cell culture in large scale bioreactors. A carbon dioxide stripping model can be used to better understand and optimize parameters that are critical to cell culture processes at the manufacturing scale. The prevailing carbon dioxide stripping models in literature depend on mass transfer coefficients and were applicable to cell culture processes with low cell density or at stationary/cell death phase. However, it was reported that gas bubbles are saturated with carbon dioxide before leaving the culture, which makes carbon dioxide stripping no longer depend on a mass transfer coefficient in the new generation cell culture processes characterized by longer exponential growth phase, higher peak viable cell densities, and higher specific production rate. Here, we present a new carbon dioxide stripping model for manufacturing scale bioreactors, which is independent of carbon dioxide mass transfer coefficient, but takes into account the gas‐residence time and gas CO2 saturation time. The model was verified by CHO cell culture processes with different peak viable cell densities (7 to 12 × 106 cells mL−1) for two products in 5,000‐L and 25,000‐L bioreactors. The model was also applied to a next generation cell culture process to optimize cell culture conditions and reduce carbon dioxide levels at manufacturing scale. The model provides a useful tool to understand and better control cell culture carbon dioxide profiles for process development, scale up, and characterization. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1184–1194. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Weight loss in the early stage of progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Tsuge Ayako , Kaneko Satoshi , Wate Reika , Oki Mitsuaki , Nagashima Masato , Asayama Shinya , Nakamura Masataka , Fujita Kengo , Saito Akemi , Takenouchi Norihiro , Kusaka Hirofumi
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To clarify whether weight change in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) or progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is caused by the disease itself or secondarily by other factors.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 51 patients with PD and 14 patients with PSP, especially during the early stage of their diseases. All patients were independent in terms of their activities of daily living and did not have any feeding difficulty.

Results

The body mass index measured within 3 years after the disease onset did not show a significant difference between the two diseases. However, the subsequent weight was stable in patients with PD and significantly decreased in patients with PSP.

Conclusions

Weight loss begins in the early stage of PSP, whereas dopaminergic treatment may contribute to keep weight in the early stage of PD through reduction of energy expenditure and/or improvement in appetite.
N‐Doped 3D Carbon Aerogel with Trace Fe as an Efficient Catalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wang Qichen , Chen Zhiyan , Wu Nan , Wang Bing , He Wei , Lei Yongpeng , Wang Yingde
Published: December 2016

The development of highly efficient, stable, and low‐cost oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts is urgently required. Herein, a three‐dimensional (3D) N‐doped carbon aerogel with trace Fe (ca. 0.60 wt%) was synthesized by using carbon aerogel as the main raw material with facile KOH activation and a solid‐state pyrolysis technique. The pyrolysis temperature and trace amount of Fe play crucial roles in the ORR activity. The optimal product (Fe−N‐CA‐800) displayed onset and half‐potentials of 0.918 and 0.798 V in alkaline solution and 0.801 and 0.592 V in acidic media, respectively. Besides, the methanol crossover effect and long‐term stability for Fe−N‐CA‐800 were better than those of Pt/C. Furthermore, the Fe‐Nx sites were proven to be the main ORR catalytic sites by using SCN−. The robust 3D structure with hierarchical pores, unique chemical composition, and uniform Fe‐Nx active sites contributed to the superior ORR performance. The low‐cost and efficient Fe−N‐CA‐800 catalyst presents potential in fuel cells and metal‐air batteries.
Encapsulation of Bimetallic Metal Nanoparticles into Robust Zirconium‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks: Evaluation of the Catalytic Potential for Size‐Selective Hydrogenation
Authors: Rösler Christoph , Dissegna Stefano , Rechac Victor L. , Kauer Max , Guo Penghu , Turner Stuart , Ollegott Kevin , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Yamamoto Tomokazu , Peeters Daniel , Wang Yuemin , Matsumura Syo , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Muhler Martin , Llabrés i Xamena Francesc X. , Fischer Roland A.
Published: December 2016

The realization of metal nanoparticles (NPs) with bimetallic character and distinct composition for specific catalytic applications is an intensively studied field. Due to the synergy between metals, most bimetallic particles exhibit unique properties that are hardly provided by the individual monometallic counterparts. However, as small‐sized NPs possess high surface energy, agglomeration during catalytic reactions is favored. Sufficient stabilization can be achieved by confinement of NPs in porous support materials. In this sense, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in particular have gained a lot of attention during the last years; however, encapsulation of bimetallic species remains challenging. Herein, the exclusive embedding of preformed core–shell PdPt and RuPt NPs into chemically robust Zr‐based MOFs is presented. Microstructural characterization manifests partial retention of the core–shell systems after successful encapsulation without harming the crystallinity of the microporous support. The resulting chemically robust NP@UiO‐66 materials exhibit enhanced catalytic activity towards the liquid‐phase hydrogenation of nitrobenzene, competitive with commercially used Pt on activated carbon, but with superior size‐selectivity for sterically varied substrates.
Effects of variable diffusivity on soybean hydration modelling as a Stefan problem
Authors: Nicolin Douglas J. , Jorge Regina Maria M. , Jorge Luiz Mario M.
Published: December 2016

The diffusion of moisture in soybean grains is usually followed by two physical facts related to the presence of water: the increase in grain size due to water accumulation and the increase in permeability, as more water is absorbed. In order to increase the physical meaning of the proposed model those two phenomenological facts were inserted in the classical Fick's Second Law of Diffusion. The increase of the grains was taken into account by considering the radius of the grains as a moving boundary of the diffusion system (characterizing a Stefan problem). The increase in permeability was taken into account by considering an exponential dependence of the diffusivity with the moisture content. The behaviour of the main parameters was analyzed with the temperatures. The moisture profiles were calculated for the moving boundary problem as well as the behaviour of the radius of the grains as a function of time. The results showed good agreement with experimental reality of soybean hydration process.
Advanced treatment of actual textile dye wastewater by Fenton‐flocculation process
Authors: Xiao Xuefeng , Sun Yongjun , Sun Wenquan , Shen Hao , Zheng Huaili , Xu Yanhua , Zhao Jinhui , Wu Huifang , Liu Cuiyun
Published: December 2016

To improve the performance of actual textile dye wastewater treatment, an advanced treatment combining the Fenton and flocculation processes was developed. The parameters affecting decolorization in the Fenton‐flocculation process, including initial pH, H2O2 dosage, Fe2+dosage, reaction temperature, reaction time, and flocculant dosage, were examined. With the optimal Fenton‐flocculation condition parameters, more than 95 % COD removal, 99 % colour removal, and 99 % turbidity removal were obtained. UV‐visible spectra of raw water and supernatant were further obtained after the Fenton‐flocculation process, and results demonstrated that the chromophoric groups and the conjugated system in the dye molecular structure were destroyed. All these results confirmed that the Fenton‐flocculation process was a favourable and effective post‐treatment method for actual textile dye wastewater.
Cytotoxicity of a Series of Norcantharidin‐Inspired Tetrahydroepoxyisoindole Carboxamides
Authors: Spare Lawson K. , Falsetta Pasquale , Gilbert Jayne , Harman David G. , Baker Mark A. , Li Feng , McCluskey Adam , Clegg Jack K. , Sakoff Jennette A. , Aldrich‐Wright Janice R. , Gordon Christopher P.
Published: December 2016

A series of 28 norcantharidin (NorC)‐inspired analogues were accessed via a robust two‐step Ugi intramolecular Diels–Alder (IMDA) sequence. Four analogues displayed whole‐cell cytotoxicity equipotent to that of NorC and cisplatin against a number of cancer cell lines and a normal breast cell line (MCF10A). Notably, (3S,3aS,6R)‐2‐benzyl‐7‐methyl‐N‐(naphthalen‐2‐yl)‐1‐oxo‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydro‐3a,6‐epoxyisoindole‐3‐carboxamide (trans‐27) displayed superior whole‐cell activity against breast (MCF‐7, GI50=2.9 μm) and colon (HT29, GI50=6.4 μm) cancer cell lines relative to the control (cisplatin), which elicited respective GI50 values of 6.5 and 11.3 μm against the aforementioned cell lines. This analogue also displayed improved activity relative to NorC across the breast (MCF‐7, GI50=2.9 μm; NorC GI50=7.5 μm), ovarian (A2780, GI50=2.2 μm; NorC GI50=4.4 μm), and neuroblastoma (BE2‐C, GI50=2.2 μm; NorC GI50=3.7 μm) cancer cell lines. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) investigations demonstrated that retention of sp2 hybridized connections within the tetrahydroepoxyisoindole carboxamide scaffold is crucial, as aromatization to a phenolic functionality decreased activity, whereas removal of a single olefin bond abolished cytotoxicity. Nonetheless, with respect to the latter, use of crotonic acid as opposed 2‐butynoic acid in the Ugi‐IMDA sequence imparted a significant improvement to diastereoselectivity, with the cis/trans isomer ratio shifting from ≈1:1.2 to ≈0.5:9.5.
The role of the microvascular network structure on diffusion and consumption of anticancer drugs
Authors: Mascheroni Pietro , Penta Raimondo
Published: December 2016

We investigate the impact of microvascular geometry on the transport of drugs in solid tumors, focusing on the diffusion and consumption phenomena. We embrace recent advances in the asymptotic homogenization literature starting from a double Darcy—double advection‐diffusion‐reaction system of partial differential equations that is obtained exploiting the sharp length separation between the intercapillary distance and the average tumor size. The geometric information on the microvascular network is encoded into effective hydraulic conductivities and diffusivities, which are numerically computed by solving periodic cell problems on appropriate microscale representative cells. The coefficients are then injected into the macroscale equations, and these are solved for an isolated, vascularized spherical tumor. We consider the effect of vascular tortuosity on the transport of anticancer molecules, focusing on Vinblastine and Doxorubicin dynamics, which are considered as a tracer and as a highly interacting molecule, respectively. The computational model is able to quantify the treatment performance through the analysis of the interstitial drug concentration and the quantity of drug metabolized in the tumor. Our results show that both drug advection and diffusion are dramatically impaired by increasing geometrical complexity of the microvasculature, leading to nonoptimal absorption and delivery of therapeutic agents. However, this effect apparently has a minor role whenever the dynamics are mostly driven by metabolic reactions in the tumor interstitium, eg, for highly interacting molecules. In the latter case, anticancer therapies that aim at regularizing the microvasculature might not play a major role, and different strategies are to be developed.
Towards Understanding the Solvent‐Dynamic Control of the Transport and Heterogeneous Electron‐Transfer Processes in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Bhat Mohsin Ahmad , Ingole Pravin P. , Randriamahazaka Hyacinthe
Published: December 2016

The impact of temperature‐induced changes in solvent dynamics on the diffusion coefficient and standard rate constant k0 for heterogeneous electron transfer (ET) of ethylferrocene (EFc) in 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF6]) is investigated. The results are analysed to understand the impact of solvent‐dynamic control, solute–solvent interactions and solvent friction on the transport of redox probes and k0. Concentration dependence of the diffusion coefficient of EFc in [BMIM][PF6] is observed. This is attributed to the solute‐induced enhancement of the structural organisation of the ionic liquid (IL), which is supported by the concentration‐dependent UV/Vis absorption and photoluminescence responses of EFc/[BMIM][PF6] solutions. Similar values of the activation energies for mass transport and ET and a linear relationship between the diffusion coefficient and the heterogeneous ET rate is observed. The ratio between the diffusion coefficient and the heterogeneous rate constant allows a characteristic length Ld, which is temperature‐independent, to be introduced. The presented results clearly establish that mass transport and heterogeneous ET of redox probes are strongly correlated in ILs. It is proposed that the apparent kinetics of heterogeneous ET reactions in ILs can be explained in terms of their impact on thermal equilibration, energy dissipation and thermal excitation of redox‐active probes.
The Early Memories of Warmth and Safeness Scale for adolescents: Cross‐Sample Validation of the Complete and Brief Versions
Authors: Vagos Paula , Ribeiro da Silva Diana , Brazão Nélio , Rijo Daniel , Gilbert Paul
Published: December 2016

This work presents psychometric analyses on the Early Memories of Warmth and Safeness Scale, which intends to evaluate the subjective perception of ones' early rearing experiences. Factor structure, measurement invariance, latent mean comparisons and validity in relation to external variables (i.e., forms of self‐criticism/self‐assurance, experiential avoidance and depressive, anxious and stress symptoms) were investigated. A sample of 1464 adolescents (52.3% male adolescents, mean age = 16.16, standard deviation = 1.51) was used, including 1064 participants recruited from schools, 192 participants recruited from foster care facilities and 208 boys recruited from juvenile justice facilities. A shortened version of the scale was also developed and subjected to the same psychometric analyses. A one‐factor measurement model was a good fit for the data taken from both the complete and brief versions of the instrument. Such measures showed to be internally consistent with alpha values higher than 0.89. Evidence for their construct validity in relation to external variables was also found, with correlation values ranging from 0.19 to 0.45 for the complete version and from 0.18 to 0.44 for the brief version of the instrument. The brief version was the only one proving to be gender and sample invariant. Boys and girls scored similarly in their account of early memories, whereas community boys presented significantly higher scores when compared with referred and detained boys. Thus, the brief version of the instrument may be an appropriate alternative for use with diverse adolescent samples and may serve to advance knowledge on how early experiences impact on psychopathological outcomes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioners Messages

The Early Memories of Warmth and Safeness Scale (EMWSS), assessing early memories of warmth and safeness, was studied across community, referred for behavioural problems and detained Portuguese adolescent samples. A brief version of this instrument was also developed and studied in these same samples.

Both versions of the EMWSS revealed a one-factor structure, good internal consistency and construct validity in relation to external variables; the brief version was also found to be invariant across gender and groups.

Boys and girls were found to report similar levels of experienced warmth and safeness, whereas community boys reported significantly more of those experiences, followed by detained boys, and, lastly, referred boys.

The brief version of the EMWSS represents a quick and valid measure to assess early memories of warmth and safeness in youth, providing for insights into the subjective experience of adolescents with diverse rearing experiences.

Early memories of warmth and safeness, as assessed by the brief version of the EMWSS, may serve to advance knowledge on how early experiences impact on psychopathological outcomes in diverse youth samples.
Is oxygen reduction a viable antioxidant strategy for oil‐in‐water emulsions?
Authors: Johnson David R. , Gisder Julia , Lew Lauren , Goddard Julie M. , Decker Eric A.
Published: December 2016

The impact of 0, 40, 58, 79, 93, and 98% total oxygen reduction on lipid oxidation kinetics in a 1.0% fish oil‐in‐water emulsion (pH 3.0; 32°C) was determined. Atmospheres were modified using nitrogen/oxygen gas blends or high purity nitrogen. Headspace and dissolved oxygen were monitored throughout the study using a non‐destructive technique in which fluorescent sensors were fixed in sealed vials. Lipid oxidation, as measured by lipid hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), was inhibited at oxygen reductions ≥58%. However, meaningful protection against lipid oxidation was only achieved at oxygen reductions ≥93%. Potential commercial strategies, nitrogen flushing/sparging, and ascorbic acid, were inefficient at reducing oxygen to levels that could significantly inhibit lipid oxidation. Results suggest that near complete oxygen removal is necessary to protect oxygen‐sensitive ingredients, but a need still exists to identify new strategies that sufficiently reduce the oxygen content of emulsions.

Practical applications: The practical application of this work is that there is a global demand to remove synthetic additives from food and beverage formulations, and as described in this work, defining the level oxygen reduction that provides meaningful increases in oxidative stability is necessary. Results suggest that the oxidative stability of 1% fish oil‐in‐water emulsions can be extended by reducing system oxygen by ∼58%, but to have a meaningful antioxidant impact greater than ∼93% oxygen removal is required. Further investigation into simulated commercial oxygen removal strategies (e.g., nitrogen displacement of oxygen and ascorbic acid) demonstrated that current industrial strategies are lacking and need to be optimized in order to enhance stability against lipid oxidation.

In this work, we design and modify a fish oil‐in‐water emulsion system to have different oxygen concentrations that range from almost complete oxygen removal to atmospheric conditions. The resulting emulsions are characterized over time by non‐destructively measuring oxygen concentrations, both in the headspace and dissolved phase, as shown in the figure of two sensor patches inside a sealed glass vial. The impact of oxygen concentrations on lipid oxidation kinetics is measured and represented in the graphed data. Results suggest that near complete oxygen removal is necessary to provide meaningful protection against lipid oxidation in emulsified systems.
Linolelaidic acid induces apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and inflammation stronger than elaidic acid in human umbilical vein endothelial cells through lipid rafts
Authors: Li Jing , Rao Huan , Bin Qiu , Fan Ya‐Wei , Li Hong‐Yan , Deng Ze‐Yuan
Published: December 2016

Lipid rafts were reported to play important roles in elaidic acid‐induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Linolelaidic acid induced cell injury more seriously than elaidic acid. However, whether lipid rafts may play the same roles for linolelaidic acid‐ and elaidic acid‐induced cell injury was unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of lipid rafts on linolelaidic acid‐ and elaidic acid‐induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and inflammation in HUVECs. The cell viability was significantly decreased, the number of apoptotic cells and cell population in G1 phase were significantly increased in elaidic acid‐ or linolelaidic acid‐treated cells, compared to methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin + trans‐fatty acids‐treated cells. In addition, the expression levels of pro‐apoptotic proteins (caspase‐3, ‐8, Bax, p53) and inflammation factors (vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, intercellular adhesion molecule, E‐selectin and nitro oxide) were significantly increased, and anti‐apoptotic protein like Bcl‐2 decreased significantly in linolelaidic acid‐treated cells, which were stronger than those in elaidic acid‐treated cells. In conclusion, linolelaidic acid induces a stronger lesion effect on HUVECs through lipid rafts compared to elaidic acid.

Practical applications: Different processing method generated different trans fatty acids, such as industrial hydrogenation produced amount of trans 18:1, deep frying with temperature over 200°C generated both trans 18:1 and trans 18:2. Researches reported that trans fatty acids with different saturation had diverse effect on human health, especially cardiovascular disease. This paper found that 9t12t18:2 induced a stronger lesion effect on HUVECs compared with 9t18:1 through lipid rafts, which indicated that we should pay attention to 9t12t18:2 produced from deep frying, and the deep frying temperature should be dropped to reduce the trans 18:2 level. Moreover, the involvement of lipid rafts in trans fatty acids induced apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and inflammation was demonstrated, which provided a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Both linoelaidic acid and elaidic acid induced HUVECs apoptosis and increased expression of pro‐apoptotic proteins. However, supplementation of TFAs to MβCD‐treated cells increased the cell viability and significantly decreased the number of apoptotic cells. Moreover, linolelaidic acid induces a stronger lesion effect on HUVECs by lipid rafts mediation compared to elaidic acid.
Quantitative Profiling of the Heavy‐Atom Effect in BODIPY Dyes: Correlating Initial Rates, Atomic Numbers, and 1O2 Quantum Yields
Authors: Rey Yannick P. , Abradelo Dario G. , Santschi Nico , Strassert Cristian A. , Gilmour Ryan
Published: December 2016

Direct oxidation using molecular oxygen is both attractive and atom‐efficient. However, this process first requires the catalyst‐based activation or electronic reconfiguration of inert O2. The most expedient strategy relies on the generation of singlet oxygen (1O2; a1Δg) from the triplet state (3O2; X3Σg–) by a photosensitizer. In the current arsenal of photosensitizers, boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY) cores are considered privileged on account of their unique photophysical characteristics and the ability to tune their behavior through facile structural modifications such as halogen (X) incorporation. Thus, the scaffold has become synonymous with the renowned heavy‐atom effect (HAE), a phenomenon that correlates the increasing atomic number (ZX) of pendant halogen atoms with an enhanced probability of intersystem crossing (S1→T1). Herein, a facile GC‐based method to assess catalyst performance has been developed and validated with a focused set of halogenated BODIPY scaffolds. An initial‐rate approximation was applied to a model transformation and follows the HAE trend (v0,H < v0,Cl < v0,Br < v0,I). This operationally simple approach was corroborated by complementary determinations of absolute singlet oxygen and photoluminescence quantum yields and time‐resolved luminescence decays to evaluate lifetimes. For double logarithmic plots, linear correlations between relative intersystem‐crossing rates kXisc/kYisc and relative atomic numbers ZX/ZY for the respective substituents with corresponding slopes of approximately 4 were obtained, that is, kisc ~ Z4, which also was shown to hold for the fluorescence‐lifetime‐corrected singlet‐oxygen quantum yields as independent measurements. This substantiates theoretical predictions pertaining to the heavy‐atom effect.
A Photocatalytic Meerwein Approach to the Synthesis of Isochromanones and Isochromenones
Authors: Crespi Stefano , Jäger Stefanie , König Burkhard , Fagnoni Maurizio
Published: December 2016

A visible‐light RuII photoredox Meerwein synthesis of isochromanones and isochromenones is described starting from diazonium salts of differently substituted anthranilic acids and various alkenes. This approach has allowed the reliable and efficient preparation of structures found in many biologically active molecules or used in materials chemistry.
Europium (III) and Uranium (VI) complexation by natural organic matter (NOM): Effect of source
Authors: Kautenburger Ralf , Sander Jonas M. , Hein Christina
Published: December 2016

For the safe long‐term storage of high‐level radioactive waste (HLW), detailed information about geo‐chemical behavior of radioactive and toxic metal ions under environmental conditions is important. Natural organic matter (NOM) can play a crucial role in the immobilization or mobilization of these metal ions due to its complexation and colloid formation tendency. In this study, the complexation of europium (as chemical homologue of trivalent actinides such as americium) and uranium (as main component of HLW) by ten humic acids (HA) from different sources and Suwannee NOM river extract has been analyzed. Capillary electrophoresis in combination with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry has been used for the evaluation of complex stability constants log β. In order to determine the complex stability constants a conservative single site model was used in this study. In dependence of their source and thus of NOM structure the log β values for the analyzed humic acids are in the range of 6.1–7.0 for Eu(III) and 5.2–6.4 for U(VI) (UO22+), respectively. In contrast to the results for HA the used Suwannee river NOM reveals log β values in the range of nearly two orders of magnitude lower (4.6 for Eu3+ and 4.5 for UO22+) under the geochemical conditions applied in this study.
One‐Step Process to Remove Spent Sulfidic Caustics and Assemble Advanced Sulfur Cathodes Synchronously for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Huang Wenlong , Shan Zhongqiang , Tang Qiwei , Li Xia , Yang Fangning , Wang Yun , Tian Jianhua
Published: December 2016

Spent sulfidic caustics (SSC) from caustic desulfurization are toxic hazards to the environment and humans. A new one‐step process is proposed firstly to decrease the concentration of SSC and to assemble a high‐performance sulfur cathode synchronously by electrolyzing a simulating solution with flexible carbon felt (CF) at 15 mA cm−2. The CF that electrolyzed for 8 hours with a sulfur content of 36.6 wt % or 5.63 mgsulfur cm−2 stands out from three S/CF composites in terms of areal capacity and cycling stability. XRD, TEM, thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman spectroscopy were then used to characterize the materials. Values of 4.03 mA h cm−2 over 150 cycles at 0.2 C and 2.34 mA h cm−2 after 90 cycles at 0.5 C can be attributed to an appropriate ratio of the external/inner sulfur content. The beneficial results prove the feasibility of an innovative mode of “pollutant disposal with synchronous application”, which integrates environmental management with the development of storage energy materials efficiently and eliminates the tedious individual disposal of pollutants and preparation of slurry‐derived sulfur cathodes.
ClC‐3 Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation in MC3T3‐E1 Cell After Dynamic Compression
Authors: Wang Dawei , Wang Hao , Gao Feng , Wang Kun , Dong Fusheng
Published: December 2016

ClC‐3 chloride channel has been proved to have a relationship with the expression of osteogenic markers during osteogenesis, persistent static compression can upregulate the expression of ClC‐3 and regulate osteodifferentiation in osteoblasts. However, there was no study about the relationship between the expression of ClC‐3 and osteodifferentiation after dynamic compression. In this study, we applied dynamic compression on MC3T3‐E1 cells to detect the expression of ClC‐3, runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), bone morphogenic protein‐2 (BMP‐2), osteopontin (OPN), nuclear‐associated antigen Ki67 (Ki67), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in biopress system, then we investigated the expression of these genes after dynamic compression with Chlorotoxin (specific ClC‐3 chloride channel inhibitor) added. Under transmission electron microscopy, there were more cell surface protrusions, rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, abundant glycogen, and lysosomes scattered in the cytoplasm in MC3T3‐E1 cells after dynamic compression. The nucleolus was more obvious. We found that ClC‐3 was significantly up‐regulated after dynamic compression. The compressive force also up‐regulated Runx2, BMP‐2, and OPN after dynamic compression for 2, 4 and 8 h. The proliferation gene Ki67 and PCNA did not show significantly change after dynamic compression for 8 h. Chlorotoxin did not change the expression of ClC‐3 but reduced the expression of Runx2, BMP‐2, and OPN after dynamic compression compared with the group without Cltx added. The data from the current study suggested that ClC‐3 may promotes osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3‐E1 cell after dynamic compression. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1606–1613, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphomechanics and Developmental Constraints in the Evolution of Ammonites Shell Form
Authors: Erlich Alexander , Moulton Derek E. , Goriely Alain , Chirat Regis
Published: December 2016

The idea that physical processes involved in biological development underlie morphogenetic rules and channel morphological evolution has been central to the rise of evolutionary developmental biology. Here, we explore this idea in the context of seashell morphogenesis. We show that a morphomechanical model predicts the effects of variations in shell shape on the ornamental pattern in ammonites, a now extinct group of cephalopods with external chambered shell. Our model shows that several seemingly unrelated characteristics of synchronous, ontogenetic, intraspecific, and evolutionary variations in ornamental patterns among various ammonite species may all be understood from the fact that the mechanical forces underlying the oscillatory behavior of the shell secreting system scale with the cross‐sectional curvature of the shell aperture. This simple morphogenetic rule, emerging from biophysical interactions during shell formation, introduced a non‐random component in the production of phenotypic variation and channeled the morphological evolution of ammonites over millions of years. As such, it provides a paradigm for the concept of “developmental constraints.”
HIV prevalence and phylogenetic characteristics among entry travelers in Xishuangbanna prefecture, Yunnan province, between 2003 and 2012
Authors: Wang Binghui , Liang Yuebo , Wang Yajuan , Feng Yue , Li Yaping , Zhang Li , Xuan Qicai , Miao Jing , Qin Weihong , Xia Xueshan
Published: December 2016

Xishuangbanna is a popular tourist destination in southern Yunnan Province, bordering with Vietnam and Laos, and Myanmar. There are more than 2 million cross‐border travelers annually entering China at two land ports, Daluo and Mohan. To clarify the characteristics of HIV‐1 prevalence among entry travelers, a retrospective epidemic investigation was conducted. Between 2003 and 2012, 196 among 91 432 entry travelers were detected to be HIV‐1‐positive, accounting for infection rate of 0.21%. Eighty‐one gag‐pol gene sequences were obtained for phylogenetic analyses and subsequent recombination analysis. It was shown that the most prevalent HIV‐1 subtype in this population was circulating recombinant form (CRF) 01_AE (42, 51.86%), followed by CRF08_BC (17, 20.99%), CRF07_BC (4, 4.94%), B’ (2, 2.47%), C (2, 2.47%), other recombinants (9, 11.11%), and undefined subtype (5, 6.17%). HIV‐1 genotype distribution among travelers entering at two land ports is different, CRF01_AE and CRF08_BC accounted for a larger percentage among individuals from Daluo, whereas the proportions of subtype C and undefined URFs were larger among individuals from Mohan. The undefined subtype indicates the occurrence of novel HIV‐1 subtype or CRF. This finding is useful for developing of AIDS prevention strategies.
DNMT1 modulation in chronic hepatitis B patients and hypothetic influence on mitochondrial DNA methylation status during long‐term nucleo(t)side analogs therapy
Authors: Madeddu Giordano , Ortu Silvia , Garrucciu Giovanni , Maida Ivana , Melis Michela , Muredda Alberto Augusto , Mura Maria Stella , Babudieri Sergio
Published: December 2016

Inhibition of viral replication is the most important goal in patients with Hepatitis B virus chronic infection (CHB). Currently, five oral nucleo(t)side analogs (NAs), including Lamivudine, Adefovir, Telbivudine, Entecavir, and Tenofovir, have been approved for treatment. The widespread use of NAs has also been linked with a progressive growth of unlikely anomaly attributable to mitochondrial dysfunctions, not previously recognized. Here, we explore the hypothesis that NAs may cause persistent epigenetic changes during prolonged NAs therapy in CHB patients. We obtained peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from whole blood samples of consecutive patients with chronic HBV infection, 18 receiving NAs and 20 untreated patients. All patients were Caucasian and Italians. Epigenetic analysis was performed by Bisulphite sequencing PCR to search the existence of methylated cytosine residues in the Light (L)‐strands of mitochondrial DNA control region (D‐loop). Gene expression analysis of DNA methyltransferases 1 was performed by a quantitative relative Real‐Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). DNMT1 expression was significantly (P < 000001) higher in NA treated patients (4.09, IQR 3.52‐5.15) when compared with HBV naives (0.61, IQR 0.34‐0.82). Besides, DNMT1 expression was significantly correlated with NA therapy duration (Spearman Rho = 0.67; P < 0.05). Furthermore, NA therapy duration was the only significant predictor of DNMT1 expression at multivariate analysis (Beta = 0.95, P < 0.0000001). Bisulphite PCR sequencing showed that methylation of cytosine residues occurred in a higher percentage in patients treated with NAs in comparison with untreated patients and healthy controls. Our data showed a DNMT1 overexpression significantly correlated to NA therapy duration and an higher regional mtDNA hypermethylation. This might suggest an epigenetic alteration that could be involved in one of the possible mechanisms of mitochondrial gene regulation during NAs therapy.
Full‐length genomic sequence analysis of new subtype 3k hepatitis E virus isolates with 99.97% nucleotide identity obtained from two consecutive acute hepatitis patients in a city in northeast Japan
Authors: Miura Masahito , Inoue Jun , Tsuruoka Mio , Nishizawa Tsutomu , Nagashima Shigeo , Takahashi Masaharu , Shimosegawa Tooru , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: December 2016

Full‐length genomic sequences of hepatitis E virus (HEV) obtained from two consecutive cases of acute self‐limiting hepatitis E in a city in northeast Japan were determined. Interestingly, two HEV isolates from each patient shared nucleotide identity of 99.97% in 7 225 nucleotides, and a phylogenetic analysis showed that they formed a cluster of Japanese isolates that is considered as a new HEV subtype 3k. The high similarity of HEV sequences of two isolates from these patients in this study suggested that a subtype 3k HEV strain had spread via a commonly distributed food in the city, possibly pig liver.
Protein biochip‐based semiquantitative detection for plasma leptin
Authors: Ye Lei , Hu Yuan , Xu Fei‐Hong , Cai Cheng‐Yun , Song Da‐Wei , Xu Zhen‐Shan , Du Wei‐Dong
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Plasma leptin is secreted from adipose tissues and plays pivotal roles in human physiological and pathological processes. Here, we aimed at conducting a protein biochip‐based sandwich‐like approach for detection of plasma leptin among healthy individuals, obesity, and diabetes patients.

Experimental design

Totally, 96 plasma samples, including 45 healthy individuals with standard body mass index (BMI), 28 obesity and 23 diabetes patients, were recruited in the study. Plasma leptin was detected by a well‐established protein biochip. Meanwhile an ELISA was also performed for assessment of the leptin detection by the protein biochip.

Results

We found that the plasma leptin level in the obesity and diabetes patients was significantly higher than that in healthy individuals with standard body mass index (p < 0.001). The limit detection concentration of leptin was as low as 0.006 μg/mL. The plasma leptin could be semiquantitatively detected by the protein biochip. The compatibility of the biochip‐based detection approach seemed acceptable in comparison with the ELISA assay (R2 = 0.948).

Conclusions

We provided a protein biochip‐based approach for plasma detection. This approach would be a potential substitution for the ELISA assay.
A boundary control problem for the steady self-propelled motion of a rigid body in a Navier–Stokes fluid
Authors: Silvestre Ana Leonor , Takahashi Takéo , Hishida Toshiaki
Published: December 2016

Consider a rigid body

\mathcal{S} \subset \mathbb{R}^{3}

immersed in an infinitely extended Navier–Stokes fluid. We are interested in self-propelled motions of

\mathcal{S}

in the steady state regime of the system rigid body-fluid, assuming that the mechanism used by the body to reach such a motion is modeled through a distribution of velocities

v_{⁎}

on

\partial \mathcal{S}

. If the velocity

V

of

\mathcal{S}

is given, can we find

v_{⁎}

that generates

V

? We show that this can be solved as a control problem in which

v_{⁎}

is a six-dimensional control such that either

\mathrm{Supp}\:v_{⁎} \subset \mathrm{\Gamma }

, an arbitrary nonempty open subset of

∂Ω

, or

v_{⁎} \cdot n|_{\partial \mathrm{\Omega }} = 0

. We also show that one of the self-propelled conditions implies a better summability of the fluid velocity.
Effect of Low-Energy Linear Shockwave Therapy on Erectile Dysfunction—A Double-Blinded, Sham-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Fojecki Grzegorz L. , Tiessen Stefan , Osther Palle J.S.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Previous studies have shown that focal low-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) can have a positive effect in men with erectile dysfunction (ED). Linear Li-ESWT (LLi-ESWT) for ED has not been previously assessed in a randomized trial.

Aim

To evaluate the treatment outcome of LLi-ESWT for ED.

Methods

Men with ED (n = 126) and a score lower than 25 points on the International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain (IIEF-EF) were included. Subjects were allocated to receive LLi-ESWT once a week for 5 weeks or sham treatment once a week for 5 weeks. After a 4-week break, the two groups received active treatment once a week for 5 weeks. Subjects completed the IIEF, Erection Hardness Scale (EHS), Sexual Quality of Life–Men, and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction at baseline, after 9 weeks, and after 18 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome measurement was an increase of at least five points on the IIEF-EF score. The secondary outcome measurement was an increased EHS score to at least 3 in men with a score no higher than 2 at baseline. Data were analyzed by linear and logistic regression.

Results

Mean IIEF-EF scores were 11.5 at baseline (95% CI = 9.8–13.2), 13.0 after five sessions (95% CI = 11.0–15.0), and 12.6 after 10 sessions (95% CI = 11.0–14.2) in the sham group and correspondingly 10.9 (95% CI = 9.1–12.7), 13.1 (95% CI = 9.3–13.4), and 11.8 (95% CI = 10.1–13.4) in the ESWT group. Success rates based on IIEF-EF score were 38.3% in the sham group and 37.9% in the ESWT group (odds ratio = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.45–2.02, P = .902). Success rates based on EHS score were 6.7% in the sham group and 3.5% in the ESWT group (odds ratio = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.08–2.61, P = .369). A limitation of this study is that device settings (number of shockwaves and penetration depth) were estimated based on an existing trial on focused ESWT.

Conclusion

No clinically relevant effect of LLi-ESWT on ED was found.
Lessons from Georgia’s neoliberal experiment: A rising tide does not necessarily lift all boats
Authors: Gugushvili Dimitri
Published: December 2016

Between 2004 and 2012, Georgia implemented one of the most comprehensive packages of neoliberal economic reforms ever. These reforms have certainly helped to spur growth, but their social effects remain under-researched. To narrow this gap, this article investigates the effects of growth on poverty in Georgia using the official household survey data. The analysis shows that contrary to popular expectations, poverty has decreased only slightly throughout this period and remains high despite a number of progressive measures adopted by a successor coalition government. These findings provide further evidence on the inappropriateness of the neoliberal model as a poverty reduction strategy.