bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: A Longitudinal Study of Alkaloid Synthesis Reveals Functional Group Interconversions as Bad Actors
Authors: Crossley Steven W. M. , Shenvi Ryan A.
Published: October 2015

Review: 291 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Silylation of Unactivated C‐H Bonds
Authors: Cheng Chen , Hartwig John F.
Published: October 2015

Review: 154 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Discovery of Novel Synthetic Methodologies and Reagents During Natural Product Synthesis in the Post‐Palytoxin Era
Authors: Armaly Ahlam M. , DePorre Yvonne C. , Groso Emilia J. , Riehl Paul S. , Schindler Corinna S.
Published: October 2015

Review: 271 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Applications of Mannich Reaction in Total Syntheses of Natural Products
Authors: Heravi Majid M. , Zadsirjan Vahideh , Savadjani Zahra Bozorgpour
Published: October 2015

Review: 220 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Stronger Bronsted Acids: Recent Progress
Authors: Akiyama Takahiko , Mori Keiji
Published: October 2015

Review: 246 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Development and Applications of Disulfonimides in Enantioselective Organocatalysis
Authors: James Thomas , van Gemmeren Manuel , List Benjamin
Published: October 2015

Review: 122 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: The Emergence of Quinone Methides in Asymmetric Organocatalysis
Authors: Caruana Lorenzo , Fochi Mariafrancesca , Bernardi Luca
Published: October 2015

Review: 59 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Monofluorination of Organic Compounds: 10 Years of Innovation
Authors: Champagne Pier Alexandre , Desroches Justine , Hamel Jean‐Denys , Vandamme Mathilde , Paquin Jean‐Francois
Published: October 2015

Review: 685 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Stereocontrolled Formation of Several Carbon—Carbon Bonds in Acyclic Systems
Authors: Eppe Guillaume , Didier Dorian , Marek Ilan
Published: October 2015

Review: 277 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in Aryl Alkyl and Dialkyl Sulfide Synthesis
Authors: Kazemi Mosstafa , Shiri Lotfi , Kohzadi Homa
Published: October 2015

Review: 152 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Pursuing Chemical Efficiency by Using Supported Organocatalysts for Asymmetric Reactions under Aqueous Conditions
Authors: Guillena Gabriela , Alonso Diego , Baeza Alejandro , Chinchilla Rafael , Flores‐Ferrandiz Jesus , Gomez‐Martinez Melania , Trillo Paz
Published: October 2015

Review: 171 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Applications of Ionic Liquids in Organocatalytic Processes
Authors: Herradon Bernardo , Mann Enrique
Published: October 2015

Review: 59 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Organocatalytic Enantioselective Protonation of Enol Derivatives
Authors: Leow Dasheng , Shen Juan , Su Ying , Peh Guang Rong
Published: October 2015

Review: 80 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemical Constituents of Plants from the Genus Buxus
Authors: Zhang Jie , Qin Xiang‐Yang , Zhang Shou‐De , Xu Xu‐Sheng , Pei Jin‐Peng , Fu Jian‐Jun
Published: October 2015

Review: 46 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Boron Chemistry in a New Light
Authors: Duret Guillaume , Quinlan Robert , Bisseret Philippe , Blanchard Nicolas
Published: October 2015

Review: [72 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Reverse‐Hydroformylation: A Missing Reaction Explored
Authors: Nandakumar Avanashiappan , Sahoo Manoj K. , Balaraman Ekambaram
Published: October 2015

Review: [6 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Catalyzed Azide—Alkyne Cycloadditions (CuAAC): An Update
Authors: Haldon Estela , Nicasio M. Carmen , Perez Pedro J.
Published: October 2015

Review: [130 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Biophysical Approaches for the Study of Interactions Between Molecular Chaperones and Protein Aggregates
Authors: Wright Maya A. , Aprile Francesco A. , Arosio Paolo , Vendruscolo Michele , Dobson Christopher M. , Knowles Tuomas P. J.
Published: October 2015

Review: 103 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Biotechnological Conversion of Spent Coffee Grounds into Polyhydroxyalkanoates and Carotenoids
Authors: Obruca Stanislav , Benesova Pavla , Kucera Dan , Petrik Sinisa , Marova Ivana
Published: October 2015

Review: 35 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Progress on Reduced Graphene Oxide‐Based Counter Electrodes for Cost‐Effective Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Balasingam Suresh Kannan , Jun Yongseok
Published: October 2015

Review: [62 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Electrochemical Sensing Using Boronic Acids
Authors: Li Meng , Zhu Weihong , Marken Frank , James Tony D.
Published: October 2015

Review: 65 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Susrutha B. , Giribabu Lingamallu , Singh Surya Prakash
Published: October 2015

Review: 128 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: From Ultrafast Structure Determination to Steering Reactions: Mixed IR/Non‐IR Multidimensional Vibrational Spectroscopies
Authors: van Wilderen Luuk J. G. W. , Bredenbeck Jens
Published: October 2015

Review: 146 refs.
Preparation of Visible Light Active Ag‐ and N‐Doped KVMoO6: Photodegradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Reddy Jitta Raju , Kurra Sreenu , Veldurthi Naveen Kumar , Shrujana Prathapuram , Guje Ravinder , Vithal Muga
Published: October 2015

Brannerite‐type layered vanadomolybdate, KVMoO6, was synthesized by sol–gel method using ethylene glycol as gelating agent. Its silver‐ and nitrogen‐doped analogues were prepared by ion exchange and solid state methods, respectively. All compounds were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra. The bandgap energy of all compounds was obtained from their diffuse reflectance spectra. Bandgap was reduced considerably upon silver and nitrogen doping in KVMoO6. The photocatalytic activity of parent and doped samples was studied by degradation of methylene blue. The nitrogen‐doped KVMoO6 shows higher photocatalytic activity against the degradation of methylene blue. The stability and reusability of the nitrogen‐doped KVMoO6 were investigated. N‐doped KVMoO6 is a potential catalytic material for cleaning wastewater.
Influence of Environmental Factors on Hexavalent Chromium Removal From Aqueous Solutions by Nano‐Adsorbent Composites
Authors: Xue Xiaoqin , Lv Xiaoshu , Jiang Guangming , Baig Shams Ali , Xu Xinhua
Published: October 2015

This study investigates the removal of Cr(VI) by nanoscale zero‐valent iron (nZVI)‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composites from aqueous solutions. Various influential environmental factors including temperature, pH, co‐existing ions, and natural organic matters (NOM) on Cr(VI) removal were evaluated. Results revealed that temperature variations significantly influenced Cr(VI) removal and the efficiency decreased to 22% with increasing in temperature from 10 to 40°C. Cr(VI) removal efficiency decreased with increasing pH and the final pH increased to 9.1, 10.1, and 10.2 from 5, 7, and 9, respectively, after 2 h of the reaction. Interestingly, most of the co‐existing ions except copper presented comparatively lower final removal rates. However, co‐existing ions including Pd2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, and Mg2+ facilitated higher Cr(VI) removal. Copper was observed to greatly promote the reaction and 99.5% removal efficiency was achieved within 30 min after adding 20 mg L−1 of Cu2+. In contrast, Cr(VI) removal efficiency drastically dropped to 58.9% from 97.9% in the presence of As(V). At higher concentrations of humic and tannic acid; the two representatives of NOM were observed to exhibit a negative impact on Cr(VI) removal. The changes appeared on nZVI‐MWCNTs before and after the reaction with Cr(VI) were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The reusability of nZVI‐MWCNTs showed a recovery rate of 53.4% in the third round and demonstrated a better utility of nZVI‐MWCNTs composites in wastewater treatment applications.
Structural characterization of procentrioles in Drosophila spermatids
Authors: Gottardo Marco , Callaini Giuliano , Riparbelli Maria Giovanna
Published: October 2015

Male gametogenesis in insects is unusual in that the centrioles do not duplicate during the second meiosis and the differentiating spermatids inherit only one centriole. Here it is showed that a distinct procentriole is assembled close to the proximal region of the centriole in early S13 spermatids at the onion stage, confirming previous reports of a proximal centriole‐like structure at the proximal end of the spermatid centriole. However, the procentrioles of Drosophila spermatids do not behave like true procentrioles, but their development is blocked at an early stage before the assembly of a complete A‐tubule set. Therefore, they may represent early frozen stages of procentriole assembly that do not develop further and eventually disappear in late spermatids. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative analysis of antibodies to xCT (Slc7a11): Forewarned is forearmed
Authors: Van Liefferinge Joeri , Bentea Eduard , Demuyser Thomas , Albertini Giulia , Follin‐Arbelet Virginie , Holmseth Silvia , Merckx Ellen , Sato Hideyo , Aerts Joeri L. , Smolders Ilse , Arckens Lutgarde , Danbolt Niels C. , Massie Ann
Published: October 2015

The cystine/glutamate antiporter or system
exchanges cystine for glutamate, thereby supporting intracellular glutathione synthesis and nonvesicular glutamate release. The role of system
in neurological disorders can be dual and remains a matter of debate. One important reason for the contradictory findings that have been reported to date is the use of nonspecific anti‐xCT (the specific subunit of system
) antibodies. Often studies rely on the predicted molecular weight of 55.5 kDa to identify xCT on Western blots. However, using brain extracts from xCT knockout (xCT−/−) mice as negative controls, we show that xCT migrates as a 35‐kDa protein. Misinterpretation of immunoblots leads to incorrect assessment of antibody specificity and thereby to erroneous data interpretation. Here we have verified the specificity of most commonly used commercial and some in‐house‐developed anti‐xCT antibodies by comparing their immunoreactivity in brain tissue of xCT+/+ and xCT−/− mice by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The Western blot screening results demonstrate that antibody specificity not only differs between batches produced by immunizing different rabbits with the same antigen but also between bleedings of the same rabbit. Moreover, distinct immunohistochemical protocols have been tested for all the anti‐xCT antibodies that were specific on Western blots in order to obtain a specific immunolabeling. Only one of our in‐house‐developed antibodies could reveal specific xCT labeling and exclusively on acetone‐postfixed cryosections. Using this approach, we observed xCT protein expression throughout the mouse forebrain, including cortex, striatum, hippocampus, midbrain, thalamus, and amygdala, with greatest expression in regions facing the cerebrospinal fluid and meninges. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:1015–1032, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Realtime 31P NMR Investigation on the Catalytic Behavior of the Enzyme Adenylate kinase in the Matrix of a Switchable Ionic Liquid
Authors: Rogne Per , Sparrman Tobias , Anugwom Ikenna , Mikkola Jyri‐Pekka , Wolf‐Watz Magnus
Published: October 2015

The integration of highly efficient enzymatic catalysis with the solvation properties of ionic liquids for an environmentally friendly and efficient use of raw materials such as wood requires fundamental knowledge about the influence of relevant ionic liquids on enzymes. Switchable ionic liquids (SIL) are promising candidates for implementation of enzymatic treatments of raw materials. One industrially interesting SIL is constituted by monoethanol amine (MEA) and 1,8‐diazabicyclo‐[5.4.0]‐undec‐7‐ene (DBU) formed with sulfur dioxide (SO2) as the coupling media (DBU‐SO2‐MEASIL). It has the ability to solubilize the matrix of lignocellulosic biomass while leaving the cellulose backbone intact. Using a novel 31P NMR‐based real‐time assay we show that this SIL is compatible with enzymatic catalysis because a model enzyme, adenylate kinase, retains its activity in up to at least 25 wt % of DBU‐SO2‐MEASIL. Thus this SIL appears suitable for, for example, enzymatic degradation of hemicellulose.
Functional diversity of urban bird communities: effects of landscape composition, green space area and vegetation cover
Authors: Schütz Claudia , Schulze Christian H.
Published: October 2015

In this study, we aim to gain a better insight on how habitat filtering due to urbanization shapes bird communities of Vienna city parks. This may help to derive implications for urban planning in order to promote and maintain high diversity and ecosystem function in an increasing urbanized environment. The structure of wintering bird communities of 36 Vienna city parks – surveyed once a month in January 2009, December 2009, December 2012, and January 2013 – was described by species richness and the functional diversity measurements FRic (functional richness), FEve (functional evenness), and FDiv (functional divergence). Environmental filtering was quantified by park size, canopy heterogeneity within the park, and the proportion of sealed area surrounding each park. Species richness, FRic, and FDiv increased with increasing park size. Sealed area had a strong negative effect on species richness and FDiv. Canopy heterogeneity played a minor role in explaining variance in FDiv data. FEve did not respond to any of these park parameters. Our results suggest a loss of species richness and functional diversity, hence most likely indicate a decline in ecosystem function, with decreasing park size and increasing sealed area of the surrounding urban landscape matrix.
Role of biomarkers in cardiac structure phenotyping in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: critical appraisal and practical use
Authors: D'Elia Emilia , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Gori Mauro , Gavazzi Antonello , Butler Javed , Senni Michele
Published: October 2015

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome characterized by cardiovascular, metabolic, and pro‐inflammatory diseases associated with advanced age and extracardiac comorbidities. All of these conditions finally lead to impairment of myocardial structure and function. The large phenotypic heterogeneity of HFpEF from pathophysiological underpinnings presents a major hurdle to HFpEF therapy. The new therapeutic approach in HFpEF should be targeted to each HF phenotype, instead of the ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ approach, which has not been successful in clinical trials. Unless the structural and biological determinants of the failing heart are deeply understood, it will be impossible to appropriately differentiate HFpEF patients, identify subtle myocardial abnormalities, and finally reverse abnormal cardiac function. Based on evidence from endomyocardial biopsies, some of the specific cardiac structural phenotypes to be targeted in HFpEF may be represented by myocyte hypertrophy, interstitial fibrosis, myocardial inflammation associated with oxidative stress, and coronary disease. Once the diagnosis of HFpEF has been established, a potential approach could be to use a panel of biomarkers to identify the main cardiac structural HFpEF phenotypes, guiding towards more appropriate therapeutic strategies. Accordingly, the purpose of this review is to investigate the potential role of biomarkers in identifying different cardiac structural HFpEF phenotypes and to discuss the merits of a biomarker‐guided strategy in HFpEF.
Lithium Polymer Electrolytes Based on Sulfonated Poly(ether ether ketone) for Lithium Polymer Batteries
Authors: Thayumanasundaram Savitha , Rangasamy Vijay Shankar , Seo Jin Won , Locquet Jean‐Pierre
Published: October 2015

We studied a lithium‐ion conducting polymer based on sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) doped with lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI). Self‐standing membranes were prepared by the solvent‐casting technique with a LiTFSI loading of 0 to 30 wt.‐%. The thermogravimetric analysis curves showed that the SO3H groups decompose earlier in the SPEEK–LiTFSI membranes than in pure SPEEK, owing to interactions between the Li+ ions and the SO3H groups. X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry studies showed that the addition of LiTFSI decreased the crystallinity and the glass‐transition temperature of the polymer, which revealed the plasticizing effect of the lithium salt on the polymer matrix. The 7Li NMR spectroscopy results showed a single central transition line at around δ = –1.2 ppm, which indicated the presence of free mobile lithium ions. Dynamic mechanical analysis of the membrane showed it to be mechanically stable up to 100 °C, a prerequisite for flexible lithium polymer batteries. The highest room‐temperature conductivity in the order of 10–5 S cm–1 was observed for the 20 wt.‐% LiTFSI‐doped SPEEK membrane, which increased to 5 × 10–4 S cm–1 at 100 °C.
Enhanced Reactivity of Aerobic Diimide Olefin Hydrogenation with Arylboronic Compounds: An Efficient One‐Pot Reduction/Oxidation Protocol
Authors: Santra Surojit , Guin Joyram
Published: October 2015

A catalyst‐free and efficient method for simultaneous olefin hydrogenation and oxidation of arylboronate esters to phenols with hydrazine hydrate and molecular oxygen is presented. The process is based on the utilization of a readily available Lewis acidic arylboron compound, which evades common problems associated with the catalyst‐free aerobic hydrogenation of olefins with diimide. Using an operationally simple procedure, the protocol smoothly delivers phenol derivatives and various alkanes in excellent yields with remarkable functional group compatibility. The method allows the reaction to be scaled up to 1 g of the starting materials.
Long‐term opioid therapy for chronic non‐cancer pain in Germany
Authors: Marschall U. , L'hoest H. , Radbruch L. , Häuser W.
Published: October 2015

Background

No data are available on the prevalence and predictors of (high‐dose) long‐term opioid therapy (LTOT) and on abuse/addiction of prescribed opioids by patients with chronic non‐cancer pain (CNCP) outside North America and Scandinavia.

Methods

We analysed randomly selected claims records of 870,000 persons (10% of insureds) in a large German medical health insurance organization during the fiscal year 2012.

Results

The prevalence of LTOT prescriptions (defined by at least one opioid prescription per quarter for at least three consecutive quarters) for CNCP was 1.3% of all insureds. The mean daily dosage of LTOT was 58 (SD 79; minimum 0.3, maximum 2010) mg morphine equivalent/day. The percentage of insureds with high‐dose opioid prescriptions (≥100 mg morphine equivalent/day) among LTOT insureds was 15.5%. High‐dose LTOT (compared to traditional dose) prescription was associated with younger age, male gender, diagnoses of chronic pain disease, somatoform pain disorder, depression and prescription of anticonvulsants. The pooled 1‐year prevalence of abuse/addiction of prescribed opioids (defined by hospital stays because of mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol, opioids, tranquilizers, multiple substances and intoxications by narcotic agents) was 0.56%. Abuse/addiction of prescribed opioids was associated with younger age, diagnoses of somatoform pain disorder, depression and prescription of tranquilizers.

Conclusions

The study found no signals of an ‘opioid epidemic’ in Germany. However, careful selection of patients with CNCP considered for LTOT and continuous evaluation during LTOT are warranted.
The association of total and central body fat with pain, fatigue and the impact of fibromyalgia in women; role of physical fitness
Authors: Segura‐Jiménez V. , Castro‐Piñero J. , Soriano‐Maldonado A. , Álvarez‐Gallardo I.C. , Estévez‐López F. , Delgado‐Fernández M. , Carbonell‐Baeza A. ,   the al‐Ándalus project.
Published: October 2015

Background

The relationship between estimates of total and central body fat with fibromyalgia pain, fatigue and overall impact has not been fully described. We aimed to assess the individual and combined association of body fat (total and central) with pain, fatigue and the overall impact in fibromyalgia women; and to study the possible mediation role of physical fitness in these associations.

Methods

A total of 486 fibromyalgia women with a mean (standard deviation) age of 52.2 (8.0) years participated. Pain was measured with self‐reported measures and algometry, whereas fatigue with the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. The impact of fibromyalgia was measured with the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) total score. Total and central body fat were assessed by means of bioelectrical impedance and waist circumference, respectively. The Functional Senior Fitness Test battery and the handgrip strength test were used to assess physical fitness.

Results

Total and central body fat were positively associated with pain‐ and fatigue‐related measures and the FIQR total score (β from 0.10 to 0.25; all, p < 0.05). A combined effect of total and central body fat was observed on pain (FIQR and 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey), general and physical‐related fatigue and FIQR total score (all, overall p < 0.05), so that the group with no total and central obesity had more favourable results than those with total and central obesity. Cardiorespiratory fitness partially mediated (between 22–40% of the total effect) the associations between total and central body fat with pain, general fatigue, physical fatigue and reduced activity, and largely mediated (80%) the association of central body fat with the FIQR total score.

Conclusions

Physical fitness might potentially explain the association between obesity and fibromyalgia symptoms.
Laser‐evoked potentials mediated by mechano‐insensitive nociceptors in human skin
Authors: Dusch M. , van der Ham J. , Weinkauf B. , Benrath J. , Rukwied R. , Ringkamp M. , Schmelz M. , Treede R.‐D. , Baumgärtner U.
Published: October 2015

Objectives

Laser‐evoked potentials (LEP) were assessed after peripheral nerve block of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) in healthy volunteers from partially anesthetized skin areas to differentially stimulate mechano‐insensitive nociceptors.

Methods

An ultrasound‐guided nerve block of the LFCN was performed in 12 healthy male subjects with Ropivacain 1%. After 30 min, the nerve block induced significantly larger anesthetic areas to mechanical stimuli than to electrical stimuli revealing an area of differential sensitivity. LEPs, reaction times and pain ratings were recorded in response to the laser stimuli of (1) completely anesthetic skin, (2) mechano‐insensitive, but electrically excitable skin (‘differential sensitivity’), (3) normal skin.

Results

LEP latencies in the area of differential sensitivity were increased compared to unaffected skin (228 ± 8.5 ms, vs. 181 ± 3.6 ms, p < 0.01) and LEP amplitudes were reduced (14.8 ± 1.2 μV vs. 24.6 ± 1.7 μV, p < 0.01). Correspondingly, psychophysically assessed response latencies in the differentially anesthetic skin were increased (649 ms vs. 427 ms, p < 0.01) and pain ratings reduced (1.5/10 vs. 5/10 NRS, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The increase in LEP latency suggests that mechano‐insensitive heat‐sensitive Aδ nociceptors (MIA, type II) have a slower conduction velocity or higher utilization time than mechano‐sensitive type II Aδ nociceptors. Moreover, widely branched, slowly conducting and mechano‐insensitive branches of Aδ nociceptors can explain our finding. LEPs in the differentially anesthetized skin provide specific information about a mechanically insensitive but heat‐sensitive subpopulation of Aδ nociceptors. These findings support the concept that A‐fibre nociceptors exhibit a similar degree of modality specificity as C‐fibre nociceptors.
Micro Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (μEIS) Fabricated on the Curved Surface of a Fine Needle for Biotissue Discrimination
Authors: Kang Giseok , Yun Joho , Cho Jin‐Seong , Yoon JungHan , Lee Jong‐Hyun
Published: October 2015

This work presents a novel micro electrical impedance spectroscopy (μEIS) technique that can measure and discriminate the electrical signal responses of biotissues in real time. An EoN (EIS‐on‐a‐needle), EIS on the surface of a fine needle (400 μm in diameter), was fabricated using a newly developed flexible photomask film. The base material of the photomask is parylene‐C, which allows uniform contact on the curved surface of the needle; thus, the designed electrode patterns of the photomask can be transferred onto the needle surface with a high resolution (2.95 % or less in dimensional error). To validate the developed EoN as an electrical sensor, ex vivo experiments with various biotissues—butchered pork (skin, fat, and muscle) and human breast tissues (normal and cancerous)—were conducted by measuring real‐time electrical impedance during a frequency sweep. The conductivities (relative permittivity) of the pork tissues were evaluated by electrical equivalent circuit analysis: 56.6 mS/m (37,800), 68.0 mS/m (74,755), and 74.9 mS/m (26,145) for the skin, fat, and muscle, respectively. Moreover, the normal and cancerous tissues were well distinguished by electrical resistance at 4.04 kHz for various cancer grades (Elston grades 1, 2, and 3). Analysis of the electrical impedance suggests that the EoN can be utilized to diagnose the physiological states of biotissues in clinical use.
Influence of Syngas Composition on the Kinetics of Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis of using Cobalt as Catalyst
Authors: Pöhlmann Ferdinand , Jess Andreas
Published: October 2015

A promising method for the utilization of CO2 (e.g., captured from the flue gases of gas‐ or coal‐based power plants) is the production of liquid hydrocarbons from CO2 and renewable H2 (power to liquid, PTL). This is a three‐step process and consists of water electrolysis, reverse water–gas shift (RWGS), and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS). Here, the syngas for the FTS always contains CO2 owing to the incomplete conversion of CO2 in the RWGS reactor because of thermodynamic constraints. Therefore, the influence of not only the main reactants CO and H2 but also CO2 on the kinetics of FTS using a homemade cobalt catalyst was studied. Moreover, under effective conditions (i.e., with particles of millimeter size, as used in fixed‐bed reactors), the FTS is affected by internal mass‐transport limitations, which lead to an increased H2/CO ratio inside the particle, which has an impact on the local reaction rate and selectivity. Therefore, the effect of the H2/CO ratio was studied in a broad range of 0.5 to 40 at temperatures of 210 to 230 °C at a total pressure of approximately 3 MPa. With increasing H2/CO ratio and a surplus of H2, the methane selectivity rises and the selectivity to higher hydrocarbons decreases. As long as a certain (very low) amount of CO is present, CO2 behaves like an inert component. However, for particle sizes of several millimeters and pronounced pore diffusion limitations, the CO concentration decreases towards the particle center and a core region free of CO is formed. At H2/CO ratios >10, CO2 is also converted (but practically solely to methane). The intrinsic kinetic parameters of the reaction rates were evaluated by using Langmuir–Hinshelwood‐type rate expressions. The selectivities were also described by a model from Vervloet et al.1 The used models are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Semiparametric Allelic Tests for Mapping Multiple Phenotypes: Binomial Regression and Mahalanobis Distance
Authors: Majumdar Arunabha , Witte John S. , Ghosh Saurabh
Published: October 2015

Binary phenotypes commonly arise due to multiple underlying quantitative precursors and genetic variants may impact multiple traits in a pleiotropic manner. Hence, simultaneously analyzing such correlated traits may be more powerful than analyzing individual traits. Various genotype‐level methods, e.g., MultiPhen (O'Reilly et al. []), have been developed to identify genetic factors underlying a multivariate phenotype. For univariate phenotypes, the usefulness and applicability of allele‐level tests have been investigated. The test of allele frequency difference among cases and controls is commonly used for mapping case‐control association. However, allelic methods for multivariate association mapping have not been studied much. In this article, we explore two allelic tests of multivariate association: one using a Binomial regression model based on inverted regression of genotype on phenotype (Binomial regression‐based Association of Multivariate Phenotypes [BAMP]), and the other employing the Mahalanobis distance between two sample means of the multivariate phenotype vector for two alleles at a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (Distance‐based Association of Multivariate Phenotypes [DAMP]). These methods can incorporate both discrete and continuous phenotypes. Some theoretical properties for BAMP are studied. Using simulations, the power of the methods for detecting multivariate association is compared with the genotype‐level test MultiPhen's. The allelic tests yield marginally higher power than MultiPhen for multivariate phenotypes. For one/two binary traits under recessive mode of inheritance, allelic tests are found to be substantially more powerful. All three tests are applied to two different real data and the results offer some support for the simulation study. We propose a hybrid approach for testing multivariate association that implements MultiPhen when Hardy‐Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) is violated and BAMP otherwise, because the allelic approaches assume HWE.
Health information systems and disability in the Lao PDR: a qualitative study
Authors: Durham Jo , Sychareun Vanphanom , Rodney Anna , Gouda Hebe N. , Richards Nicola , Rampatige Rasika , Whittaker Maxine
Published: October 2015

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities provides an opportunity to strengthen disability‐related health information. This study analysed the health information system in Lao PDR and sought evidence of interventions to improve disability‐related health information. The study was based on a literature review and key informant interviews (N = 17) informed by the Health Metrics Network's Framework and Standards and the Performance of Routine Information System Management framework. The Lao health information system is in an embryonic stage with health data often incomplete, inaccurate and poorly used. Indicators related to disability or functioning are not included, and capacity to diagnose the health condition of disability is limited. No studies of health information interventions were found. As a State Party to the CRPD, the Lao PDR has a legal obligation to collect health‐related information on people with disabilities. Given the nascent stage of development of the health information system in the Lao PDR and diagnostic capacity, indicators related to basic functioning and access to services should be integrated into household level surveys. As the health information system further develops, small, incremental changes in the type of disability information and rehabilitation and the way it is collected can be implemented. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Rate of Inducible MLSBResistance in the Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococci Isolated From Clinical Samples
Authors: Toka Özer Türkan
Published: October 2015

Background

Staphylococci are one of the most common pathogens in nasocomial and community‐acquired infections. Methicillin‐resistant staphylococci are known to be resistant against all beta‐lactam antibiotics. Therefore, non‐beta‐lactam antibiotics such as macrolide and lincosamides can be used. Resistance to those antibiotics may lead to therapeutic failure. The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin B (MLSB) resistance by usingD‐test in staphylococcal isolates from various clinical samples.

Methods

Seventy‐one methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus isolates (sixS. aureus, 65 coagulase negative staphylococci) were included in this study. Staphylococci were identified with conventional methods. According to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria, susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method.

Results

One of six (16.6%) methicillin‐resistantS. aureusisolates and 19 of 65 (29.2%) methicillin‐resistant coagulase‐negative staphylococci (MR‐CNS) were detected asD‐test positive. Twenty of 71 (28.1%) staphylococcal isolates detected asD‐test positive. Inducible clindamycin resistance was found at a higher rate in MR‐CNS.

Conclusion

Since the resistant community and hospital acquired staphylococcal infections have become a therapeutic problem, it is very important to detect MLSBresistance routinely in microbiology laboratories.D‐test is a cheap and reliable diagnostic method that can be performed in every laboratory.
Automated liver elasticity calculation for MR elastography
Authors: Dzyubak Bogdan , Venkatesh Sudhakar K. , Manduca Armando , Glaser Kevin J. , Ehman Richard L.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

MR elastography (MRE) is a phase‐contrast MRI technique that is used to quantitatively assess liver stiffness for staging hepatic fibrosis. The current approach requires manual selection of a region of interest (ROI) with good wave quality from which to measure stiffness. The purpose of this work was to develop and evaluate a fully automated approach for measuring hepatic stiffness from MRE images to further reduce measurement variability.

Materials and Methods

An automated liver elasticity calculation (ALEC) algorithm was developed to address reader stiffness measurement variability. ALEC has three stages: initial tissue estimation, segmentation, and ROI cleanup. Stiffnesses measured by the algorithm were compared with technicians and an expert radiologist in a set of 121 clinical cases acquired at 1.5 Tesla. Intra‐class correlation (ICC), Bland‐Altman analysis, and a noninferiority test were performed to evaluate whether the algorithm can be used in place of manual analysis by technicians.

Results

The stiffness measurement difference with the expert was 1.42% ± 11.17% (mean ± standard deviation) for the algorithm and 1.82% ± 13.65% for the technicians. The ICCs were 0.981 and 0.984, respectively. Both the algorithm and technicians were equivalent to the expert within a 5% significance margin (P < 0.01). The algorithm had no failures in the 119 cases that were considered analyzable by the human readers.

Conclusion

The results of this study show that the newly developed automated algorithm is able to measure stiffness in clinical liver MRE exams with an accuracy that is equivalent to that of an expert radiologist. ALEC may be useful for analysis of archived data and suitable for performing multi‐center studies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:1055–1063.
Evidence of autochthonous hepatitis E in a Portuguese pediatric cohort, 1992–1995
Authors: Mesquita J.R. , Abreu‐Silva J. , Sousa J.C. , Aguiar A. , Nascimento M.S.J.
Published: October 2015

Despite the growing importance of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in industrialized countries, minimal attention has been given to autochthonous HEV infection in children. The present study screened archived sera (N = 71) from a Portuguese pediatric cohort collected in 1992–1995 for the presence of antibodies against HEV, using enzyme immunoassays and immunodot. Anti‐HEV IgG was detected in two children and anti‐HEV IgM in one, suggesting an acute HEV infection. This shows that HEV was circulating in the paediatric population of Portugal in the early 1990s. J. Med. Virol. 88:919–921, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Turkana low‐level jet: mean climatology and association with regional aridity
Authors: Nicholson Sharon
Published: October 2015

This article develops the first climatology of the low‐level jet that prevails in the Turkana Channel of northern Kenya. ERA‐Interim data are utilized, giving the analysis a resolution of 0.75° of latitude/longitude and a temporal resolution of 6 h. The jet is found to be a semi‐permanent feature, its occurrence ranging from 69% of the days in May to 90% of the days in October. It is strongest during the June–September dry season. Typical core speeds in a 0.75 × 0.75 grid point are 10–15 m s−1. The Turkana Jet is clearly a nocturnal feature, being strongest at 0000 UTC or 0600 UTC and usually barely discernible at 1200 UTC. There are distinct patterns of divergence and vertical motion associated with the jet and these differ between the entrance, core, and exit regions. The jet appears to modulate rainfall, especially during the nocturnal hours, with strong jets suppressing rainfall. It also appears to be a factor in the prevailing aridity in the northeast Kenya, southern Somalia, and southeastern Ethiopia and the absence of a summer rainy season in this region.
Production of the angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitory peptides and isolation of four novel peptides from jellyfish (Rhopilema esculentum) protein hydrolysate
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Miansong , Shi Yaping , Qiao Ruojin , Tang Wei , Sun Zhenliang
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) plays an important role in regulating blood pressure in the human body. ACE inhibitory peptides derived from food proteins could exert antihypertensive effects without side effects. Jellyfish (Rhopilema esculentum) is an important fishery resource suitable for production of ACE inhibitory peptides. The objective of this study was to optimize the hydrolysis conditions for production of protein hydrolysate from R. esculentum (RPH) with ACE inhibitory activity, and to isolate and identify the ACE inhibitory peptides from RPH.

RESULTS

Rhopilema esculentum protein was hydrolyzed with Compound proteinase AQ to produce protein hydrolysate with ACE inhibitory activity, and the hydrolysis conditions were optimized using response surface methodology. The optimum parameters for producing peptides with the highest ACE inhibitory activity were as follows: hydrolysis time 3.90 h, hydrolysis temperature 58 °C, enzyme:substrate ratio 2.8% and pH 7.60. Under these conditions, the ACE inhibitory rate reached 32.21%. In addition, four novel ACE inhibitory peptides were isolated, and their amino acids sequences were identified as Val‐Gly‐Pro‐Tyr, Phe‐Thr‐Tyr‐Val‐Pro‐Gly, Phe‐Thr‐Tyr‐Val‐Pro‐Gly‐Ala and Phe‐Gln‐Ala‐Val‐Trp‐Ala‐Gly, respectively. The IC50 value of the purified peptides for ACE inhibitory activity was 8.40, 23.42, 21.15 and 19.11 µmol L−1.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the protein hydrolysate prepared from R. esculentum might be a commercial competitive source of ACE inhibitory ingredients to be used in functional foods. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Review of in situ derivatization techniques for enhanced bioanalysis using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry
Authors: Baghdady Yehia Z. , Schug Kevin A.
Published: October 2015

Accurate and specific analysis of target molecules in complex biological matrices remains a significant challenge, especially when ultra‐trace detection limits are required. Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry is often the method of choice for bioanalysis. Conventional sample preparation and clean‐up methods prior to the analysis of biological fluids such as liquid–liquid extraction, solid‐phase extraction, or protein precipitation are time‐consuming, tedious, and can negatively affect target recovery and detection sensitivity. An alternative or complementary strategy is the use of an off‐line or on‐line in situ derivatization technique. In situ derivatization can be incorporated to directly derivatize target analytes in their native biological matrices, without any prior sample clean‐up methods, to substitute or even enhance the extraction and preconcentration efficiency of these traditional sample preparation methods. Designed appropriately, it can reduce the number of sample preparation steps necessary prior to analysis. Moreover, in situ derivatization can be used to enhance the performance of the developed liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry‐based bioanalysis methods regarding stability, chromatographic separation, selectivity, and ionization efficiency. This review presents an overview of the commonly used in situ derivatization techniques coupled to liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry‐based bioanalysis to guide and to stimulate future research.
Comment on Demars et al. 2015, “Stream metabolism and the open diel oxygen method: Principles, practice, and perspectives”
Authors: Holtgrieve Gordon W. , Schindler Daniel E. , Jankowski KathiJo
Published: October 2015

Demars et al. present a review of stream ecosystem metabolism theory that provides the basis for a set of best practices. Here we clarify two technical and conceptual errors in reviewing the current state of research regarding inverse modeling of ecosystem metabolism. Specifically, the assertions by Demars et al. that inverse modeling of metabolism is limited to low reaereation, high productivity ecosystems and, when feasible, measurement of gas transfer by volatile tracer injection is the preferred method, are based on an incomplete conceptualization of current ecosystem metabolism models and does not recognize the unconstrained biases in tracer injection methods. In addition to these corrections, we highlight how inverse model fitting is a robust methodology to constrain key metabolic parameters by capturing the information contained in the dynamics of diel O2 data. When done in a Bayesian context, inverse model fitting also provides a means to incorporate multiple sources of available data, including those from tracer studies, and formally propagate uncertainties in parameter estimates. Last, we describe how model fitting of diel O2 data can also provide information on temperature sensitivity of ecosystem respiration.
A study of casting high‐boron high‐speed steel roll materials
Authors: Li X. , Hou J. , Qu Y. , Fu H.
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we design and prepare five kinds of high‐boron high‐speed steel roll materials. The microstructure, mechanical property and wear resistance of high‐boron high‐speed steel roll materials were studied by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and hardness measurement, impact test and abrasion test. The results show that as‐cast microstructure of high‐boron high‐speed steel consists of martensite, retained austenite and borocarbide. Hardness of as‐cast high‐boron high‐speed steel excels 64 HRC. In unmodified high‐boron high‐speed steel, eutectic borocarbide is distributed in a network along the grain boundary. With the addition of RE‐Mg‐Ti compound modifier, the networks of borocarbide is broken. The hardness of high‐boron high‐speed steel gradually decreased with the increase of tempering temperature. Under the same conditions, the impact toughness of unmodified high‐boron high‐speed steel roll material is slightly lower than that of modified steel. The wear resistance of modified high‐boron high‐speed steel roll material is greater than that of high‐carbon high‐vanadium high‐speed steel roll.
Comparative corrosion studies of zirconia particle reinforced high‐alloyed 14‐6‐6 CrMnNi‐steel by potentiodynamic polarisation and one year outdoor exposure
Authors: Mandel M. , Krüger L. , Decker S.
Published: October 2015

The corrosion behaviour of a spark plasma sintered CrMnNi high‐alloyed steel, without and with 10 vol.% zirconia particle reinforcement was investigated by potentiodynamic polarisation in 5 wt.% sodium chloride solution and by an one year outdoor exposure test. After the polarisation test both materials revealed a similar damage behaviour as in the outdoor exposure test. The unreinforced material was attacked by pitting corrosion, whereas the particle reinforced material showed a more homogeneous corrosion attack involving an intensified particle detachment. Furthermore, investigations of the unreinforced steel by white light interferometry revealed pit depths of approximately 65 µm after potentiodynamic polarisation and 36 µm after one year outdoor exposure. In contrast, for the composite a damage evolution due to particle detachment was found in both experiments.
Nanostructured rhodium: electrochemical behaviour and electrodeposition from low‐temperature carbamide‐ and acetamide‐containing melts
Authors: Kochetova S. , Savchuk A. , Malyshev V. , Gon‐Eskar M. , Solianyk L.
Published: October 2015

It was ascertained that in carbamide‐ and acetamide‐chloride melts at anodic dissolution of rhodium some mixed complexes [Rh(NH3)4Cl2]+ form which are of quasi‐octahedral structure and D4h symmetry. During cathodic reduction of the obtained complexes Rh(III) in the investigated melts the synthesis of nanoparticles Rh was carried out as well as nanocoating of Fe, Cu and Mo by them.
Influence of the Al(Co, Ni) layer on the corrosion resistance of a cobalt based alloy (Mar‐M‐509®)
Authors: Sitek R. , Kaminski J. , Zdunek J. , Jaroszewicz J. , Mizera J.
Published: October 2015

In the present work, the results of studies on the structure and corrosion resistance of Al(Co, Ni) layer are shown. The diffusion Al(Co, Ni) layer was created on the cobalt alloy Mar‐M‐509 substrate by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method with aluminum trichloride (AlCl3) under the hydrogen atmosphere. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations and microtomography measurements of layers were performed. Also an analysis of the chemical (energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS)) and phase (X‐ray diffraction (XRD)) composition was carried out. By the X‐ray diffraction method (sin2 φ) also the residual stresses were calculated in the matrix of the material.

The corrosion resistance was tested with impedance and potentiodynamic methods in 0.1 M Na2SO4, 0.1 M H2SO4 solutions and acidulous 0.1 M NaCl solution (pH = 4.2) at room temperature.

The results indicate that the analyzed layer with a thickness of about 14 μm have a similar corrosion resistance compared to the base material – Mar‐M‐509® cobalt alloy. Only in the strongly acidic environments, the corrosion resistance of the layer is remarkably decreased.
How does magnetization transfer influence mcDESPOT results?
Authors: Zhang Jing , Kolind Shannon H. , Laule Cornelia , MacKay Alex L.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

A steady‐state approach that was termed multicomponent driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1 and T2 (mcDESPOT) has recently been proposed for myelin water fraction (fM) mapping in brain development and demyelinating diseases. However, fMs estimated by mcDESPOT are significantly higher than myelin water fraction derived from multiecho spin echo T2‐decay curve approaches. Magnetization transfer (MT), enhanced by the use of short, relatively high amplitude radiofrequency (RF) pulses in mcDESPOT, may artifactually influence fM maps. Our goal was to investigate the role of MT in mcDESPOT.

Methods

mcDESPOT data was collected twice from three healthy volunteers using short RF pulses with higher MT effect and long RF pulses with lower MT effect. MR parameters from 11 white and gray regions were compared using a paired student t‐test. Whole slice difference images were also compared.

Results

MT effects had a substantial influence on the signal generated by the balanced steady‐state free procession sequences used in mcDESPOT. However, these MT effects were not clearly evident in the fM values determined by the conventional two‐pool mcDESPOT analysis.

Conclusion

The signal generated from mcDESPOT is sensitive to MT, but the extracted myelin water fractions are relatively insensitive to changes of MT. Magn Reson Med 74:1327–1335, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.