bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunnel geothermics – International experience with renewable energy concepts in tunnelling / Tunnelgeothermie – Internationale Erfahrungen zu regenerativen Energiekonzepten im Tunnelbau
Authors: Moormann Christian , Buhmann Patrik , Friedemann Wolf , Homuth Sebastian , Pralle Norbert
Published: October 2016

Shallow geothermal energy now provides an essential contribution to the base load of heating energy. The thermal activation of tunnels is an interesting alternative and an economically appropriate supplement to the present hybrid systems in the field of ground engineering. An essential difference between the tunnel absorber and structures such as activated piles and diaphragm wall elements is the use of heat fluxes from the ground, as well as from the inside of the tunnel. Due to this circumstance, the tunnel absorber is assigned to the group of the duo‐hybrid systems. The tunnel air temperature is essential for the heat flux inside the tunnel. Stuttgart‐Fasanenhof and Jenbach are two geothermal tunnel plants which have been delivering dependable measurement data of the subsoil temperature, the tunnel lining temperature and the tunnel air temperature for four years. Based on the selected operation modes and case studies, the measurement results are analyzed and discussed. In addition, the possible geothermal potential of a geothermal tunnel system is introduced.

Oberflächennahe Geothermie leistet mittlerweile einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur Grundlastversorgung mit Wärmeenergie. Die thermische Aktivierung von Tunneln ist eine interessante Alternative und ökonomisch sinnvolle Ergänzung der bisherigen Hybridsysteme des Spezialtiefbaus. Ein wesentliches Unterscheidungsmerkmal des Tunnelabsorbers gegenüber z. B. aktivierten Pfählen oder Schlitzwandelementen ist die Nutzung von Wärmeströmen sowohl aus dem Erdreich als auch aus der Tunnelluft. Damit ist der Tunnelabsorber in die Gruppe der Duo‐Hybrid‐Systeme einzuordnen. Wesentlich für den Wärmestrom aus dem Tunnelinneren ist die Tunnellufttemperatur. Mit den Tunneln Stuttgart‐Fasanenhof und Jenbach existieren zwei Tunnelgeothermieanlagen, die seit nunmehr vier Jahren verlässliche Messdaten zu Baugrund‐, Tunnelschalen‐ und Tunnellufttemperatur liefern. An ausgesuchten Betriebsphasen und Modellstudien werden Messergebnisse analysiert und diskutiert sowie das mögliche tunnelgeothermische Potenzial vorgestellt.
Active place avoidance is no more stressful than unreinforced exploration of a familiar environment
Authors: Lesburguères Edith , Sparks Fraser T. , O'Reilly Kally C. , Fenton André A.
Published: October 2016

Training in the active place avoidance task changes hippocampus synaptic function, the dynamics of hippocampus local field potentials, place cell discharge, and active place avoidance memory is maintained by persistent PKMζ activity. The extent to which these changes reflect memory processes and/or stress responses is unknown. We designed a study to assess stress within the active place avoidance task by measuring serum corticosterone (CORT) at different stages of training. CORT levels did not differ between trained mice that learned to avoid the location of the mild foot shock, and untrained no‐shock controls exposed to the same environment for the same amount of time. Yoked mice, that received unavoidable shocks in the same time sequence as the trained mice, had significantly higher CORT levels than mice in the trained and no‐shock groups after the first trial. This increase in CORT disappeared by the fourth trial the following day, and levels of CORT for all groups matched that of home cage controls. The data demonstrate that place avoidance training is no more stressful than experiencing a familiar environment. We conclude that changes in neural function as a result of active place avoidance training are likely to reflect learning and memory processes rather than stress. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hypermethylation of PRDM1/Blimp‐1 promoter in extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type: an evidence of predominant role in its downregulation
Authors: Zhang Zhang , Liang Li , Li Dong , Nong Lin , Liu Jumei , Qu Linlin , Zheng Yalin , Zhang Bo , Li Ting
Published: October 2016

The loss of PRDM1 expression is common in extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type (EN‐NK/T‐NT), but the role of promoter methylation in silencing PRDM1 expression remains unclear. Hence, we performed pyrosequencing analysis to evaluate the promoter methylation of PRDM1 gene in vivo and in vitro, to analyze the association between methylation and its expression, and to assess cellular effects of PRDM1 reexpression. The promoter hypermethylation of PRDM1 gene was detected in 11 of 25 EN‐NK/T‐NT cases (44.0%) and NK92 and NKL cells. The promoter hypermethylation of PRDM1 was significantly correlated with PRDM1 expression in vivo and in vitro, predominantly contributing to the loss of PRDM1 expression compared with genetic deletion and aberrant expression of miR‐223 in EN‐NK/T‐NT. PRDM1 expression was significantly restored by demethylation treatment, which induced cell proliferation suppression, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis increase. We also found that PRDM1 reexpression could downregulate the expression of Ets‐1, T‐bet, granzyme B, and c‐myc. Our findings demonstrated that the promoter hypermethylation of PRDM1 harbored a predominant role in the downregulation of PRDM1 expression, significantly affecting the biological behavior of tumor cells in EN‐NK/T‐NT.
Experimental Investigation of Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient of Al2O3/Water–Mono Ethylene Glycol Nanofluids in an Automotive Radiator
Authors: Subhedar Dattatraya G. , Ramani Bharat M. , Gupta Akhilesh
Published: October 2016

In this research, the overall heat transfer coefficient of Al2O3/water–mono ethylene glycol (MEG) nanofluids is investigated experimentally in a car radiator under laminar flow conditions. The experimental rig developed is similar to the automotive cooling system. The stable nanofluid used is prepared by a two‐step method. Ultrasonication is done for proper dispersion of 20 nm Al2O3 nanoparticle in carrier fluid water and MEG mixture with 50:50 proportions by volume. The experimental study showed that use of a nanofluid enhances the overall heat transfer coefficient as compared to the base fluid. In this study as the nanoparticle volume fraction increases from 0% to 0.8%, the overall heat transfer coefficient also increases. It was observed that as the nanofluid inlet temperature increased from 65 °C to 85 °C, the overall heat transfer coefficient decreased. It was found that using a 0.2% volume fraction Al2O3/water–MEG nanofluid can enable a 36.69 % reduction in surface area of the radiator.
Monitoring litter interception of rainfall using leaf wetness sensor under controlled and field conditions
Authors: Acharya Bharat Sharma , Stebler Elaine , Zou Chris B.
Published: October 2016

Leaf litter interception of water is an integral component of the water budget for some vegetated ecosystems. However, loss of rainfall to litter receives considerably less attention than canopy interception due to lack of suitable sensors to measure changes in litter water content. In this study, a commercially available leaf wetness sensor was calibrated to the gravimetric water content of eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) litter and used to estimate litter interception in a subhumid eastern redcedar woodland in north‐central Oklahoma. Under controlled laboratory conditions, a strong positive correlation between the leaf wetness sensor output voltage (mV) and measured gravimetric litter water content (ϴg) was determined: ϴg = (.0009 × mV2) − (0.14 × mV) − 11.41 (R2 = .94, p < .0001). This relationship was validated with field sampling and the output voltage (mV) accounted for 48% of the observed variance in the measured water content. The maximum and minimum interception storage capacity ranged between 1.16 and 12.04 and 1.12 and 9.62 mm, respectively. The maximum and minimum amount of intercepted rain was positively correlated to rainfall amount and intensity. The continuous field measurements demonstrated that eastern redcedar litter intercepted approximately 8% of the gross rainfall that fell between December 16, 2014 and May 31, 2015. Therefore, rainfall loss to litter can constitute a substantial component of the annual water budget. Long‐term in situ measurement of litter interception loss is necessary to gain a better estimate of water availability for streamflow and recharge. This is critical to manage water resources in the south‐central Great Plains, USA where grasslands are rapidly being transformed to woodland or woody dominated savanna.
Mindfulness training for loneliness among Chinese college students: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Na , Fan Fu‐min , Huang Si‐yuan , Rodriguez Marcus A.
Published: October 2016

Loneliness has been found to predict a wide range of physical and mental health problems. It is suggested that China's One‐Child Policy places young Chinese people at a particularly high risk for loneliness. Although loneliness is most prevalent in late adolescence and early adulthood, interventions have primarily targeted children or older adults with limited success. The current study examines a pilot randomized controlled trial of a mindfulness training program among Chinese college students. Participants with elevated loneliness (N = 50, ages 17–25) were randomized into either an 8‐week mindfulness training or a control group. Self‐reported measures of loneliness and mindfulness were administered at baseline and posttest. The training group also completed a program evaluation form and a 3‐month follow‐up assessment. Results provided preliminary evidence indicating that the intervention was feasible and effective at reducing loneliness among Chinese college students. Limitations and future directions were discussed.
Refractive indices of organo‐metallic and ‐metalloid compounds: A long‐range corrected DFT study
Authors: Maekawa Shintaro , Moorthi Krzysztof , Shigeta Yasuteru
Published: October 2016

Refractive indices of metal‐ and metalloid‐containing compounds are systematically evaluated using the Lorentz–Lorenz equation with polarizabilities obtained via density functional theory (DFT). Among exchange‐correlation functionals studied, the long‐range corrected (LC) fuctionals yield the lowest errors for the polarizabilities of gaseous compounds and refractive indices of liquids. The LC‐DFT predicts very well the wavelength dependence of refractive indices. A scheme for computing Abbe numbers of organometallic and organometaloid compounds is proposed and a refractive index – Abbe number plot for 80 compounds is constructed. The compounds containing heavier metals tend to have higher refractive index and lower Abbe number, but several outliers, among them Te(CH3)2, Ni(PF3)4, Sb(C2F3)3, Hg(C2F3)2, are found. For Hg(C2F3)2, also the effect of intramolecular and intermolecular degrees of freedom on polarizability is investigated. The absolute relative error in polarizability decreases from 5.7% for monomer model to 1.7% when a dimer model (derived from the available experimental crystal data) is employed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Mild and Environmentally Benign Synthesis of Tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans and Pyrano[c]chromenes Using Pectin as a Green and Biodegradable Catalyst
Authors: Kangani Mehrnoosh , Hazeri Nourallah , Maghsoodlou Malek Taher
Published: October 2016

Pectin was applied as a green and biodegradable catalyst for the one‐pot three‐component synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans and pyrano[c]chromenes, from the condensation between aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile, and dimedone or 4‐hydroxycumarine at ambient temperature. This protocol has many advantages such as mild conditions, high yields, environmental benignity, simple work‐up procedures, short reaction time, as well as the use of a natural, easily accessible, convenient handling, and inexpensive catalyst. Another advantage of this method is that the products do not require further purification such as column chromatography.
Bone Shaft Revascularization After Marrow Ablation Is Dramatically Accelerated in BSP‐/‐ Mice, Along With Faster Hematopoietic Recolonization
Authors: Bouleftour Wafa , Granito Renata Neves , Vanden‐Bossche Arnaud , Sabido Odile , Roche Bernard , Thomas Mireille , Linossier Marie Thérèse , Aubin Jane E. , Lafage‐Proust Marie‐Hélène , Vico Laurence , Malaval Luc
Published: October 2016

The bone organ integrates the activity of bone tissue, bone marrow, and blood vessels and the factors ensuring this coordination remain ill defined. Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is with osteopontin (OPN) a member of the small integrin binding ligand N‐linked glycoprotein (SIBLING) family, involved in bone formation, hematopoiesis and angiogenesis. In rodents, bone marrow ablation induces a rapid formation of medullary bone which peaks by ∼8 days (d8) and is blunted in BSP‐/‐ mice. We investigated the coordinate hematopoietic and vascular recolonization of the bone shaft after marrow ablation of 2 month old BSP+/+ and BSP‐/‐ mice. At d3, the ablated area in BSP‐/‐ femurs showed higher vessel density (×4) and vascular volume (×7) than BSP+/+. Vessel numbers in the shaft of ablated BSP+/+ mice reached BSP‐/‐ values only by d8, but with a vascular volume which was twice the value in BSP‐/‐, reflecting smaller vessel size in ablated mutants. At d6, a much higher number of Lin− (×3) as well as LSK (Lin− IL‐7Rα− Sca‐1hi c‐Kithi, ×2) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSC: Flt3− LSK, ×2) were counted in BSP‐/‐ marrow, indicating a faster recolonization. However, the proportion of LSK and HSC within the Lin− was lower in BSP‐/‐ and more differentiated stages were more abundant, as also observed in unablated bone, suggesting that hematopoietic differentiation is favored in the absence of BSP. Interestingly, unablated BSP‐/‐ femur marrow also contains more blood vessels than BSP+/+, and in both intact and ablated shafts expression of VEGF and OPN are higher, and DMP1 lower in the mutants. In conclusion, bone marrow ablation in BSP‐/‐ mice is followed by a faster vascular and hematopoietic recolonization, along with lower medullary bone formation. Thus, lack of BSP affects the interplay between hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis, maybe in part through higher expression of VEGF and the angiogenic SIBLING, OPN. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2528–2537, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Passivity enforced circuit model of frequency‐domain responses with source elements
Authors: Su Donglin , Li Bing , Wang Junjun , Song Xinwei
Published: October 2016

This paper presents an equivalent circuit model with source elements for systems containing external field. The coupling effect of the external field is considered with current sources (Is) added to the expression of admittance matrix (Y) of the system. The frequency‐domain responses of Y and Is could be fit to the rational polynomials with vector fitting method and then converted to equivalent circuits with the proposed method. As the dual quantities of Y and Is, the circuit extraction method from Z and Vs is also introduced. Passivity enforcement of the RLC elements in the circuits is realized with the optimization method. A novel circuit structure for the multi‐port system is proposed with this method based on the equivalence of the field‐port coupling and port‐port coupling. The proposed model is demonstrated to be effective to extract the equivalent circuits of the multiconductor transmission line system under an incident wave.
Effects of cell type and configuration on anabolic and catabolic activity in 3D co‐culture of mesenchymal stem cells and nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: Ouyang Ann , Cerchiari Alec E. , Tang Xinyan , Liebenberg Ellen , Alliston Tamara , Gartner Zev J. , Lotz Jeffrey C.
Published: October 2016

Tissue engineering constructs to treat intervertebral disc degeneration must adapt to the hypoxic and inflammatory degenerative disc microenvironment. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of two key design factors, cell type and cell configuration, on the regenerative potential of nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) constructs. Anabolic and catabolic activity was quantified in constructs of varying cell type (NPCs, MSCs, and a 50:50 co‐culture) and varying configuration (individual cells and micropellets). Anabolic and catabolic outcomes were both dependent on cell type. Gene expression of Agg and Col2A1, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, and aggrecan immunohistochemistry (IHC), were significantly higher in NPC‐only and co‐culture groups than in MSC‐only groups, with NPC‐only groups exhibiting the highest anabolic gene expression levels. However, NPC‐only constructs also responded to inflammation and hypoxia with significant upregulation of catabolic genes (MMP‐1, MMP‐9, MMP‐13, and ADAMTS‐5). MSC‐only groups were unaffected by degenerative media conditions, and co‐culture with MSCs modulated catabolic induction of the NPCs. Culturing cells in a micropellet configuration dramatically reduced catabolic induction in co‐culture and NPC‐only groups. Co‐culture micropellets, which take advantage of both cell type and configuration effects, had the most immunomodulatory response, with a significant decrease in MMP‐13 and ADAMTS‐5 expression in hypoxic and inflammatory media conditions. Co‐culture micropellets were also found to self‐organize into bilaminar formations with an MSC core and NPC outer layer. Further understanding of these cell type and configuration effects can improve tissue engineering designs. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 35:61–73, 2017.
Shrinkage potential and pore shrinkage capacity of differently developed volcanic ash soils under pastures in southern Chile
Authors: Beck‐Broichsitter Steffen , Fleige Heiner , Goebel Marc‐Oliver , Dörner José , Bachmann Jörg , Horn Rainer
Published: October 2016

The drying process of volcanic ash soils often results in the formation of shrinkage cracks with consequences for their physical properties (i.e., decrease of water retention capacity) and land use management. This study presents the soil water characteristics and shrinkage behaviour (shrinkage phases in terms of void and moisture ratio), the shrinkage potential (COLE index), and the pore shrinkage capacity (PSI) for 5 and 20 cm depth of a Haplic Arenosol (tephric) and two Silandic Andosols under pasture management along a soil gradient from the Andean mountains to the coastal range in southern Chile. The main focus of the presented study is on the effect of soil development in conjunction with the weathering of volcanic ash soils on the shrinkage properties. The water retention and shrinkage curves were continuously determined for undisturbed soil samples (100 cm3) during a drying process under laboratory conditions. In addition, the shrinkage curve data were modelled to distinguish different shrinkage zones. The results suggest that the investigated soil properties vary depending on soil development. The more developed Andosols had higher total porosities (up to 70 cm3 cm−3) than the less developed Arenosol. The shrinkage behaviour of the Haplic Arenosol showed a wide structural shrinkage phase, whereas the Silandic Andosols revealed a more pronounced proportional shrinkage phase, which is related to the pore size distribution. In addition, wide and narrow coarse pores of the Haplic Arenosol and medium and fine pores of the Silandic Andosols determine the shrinkage potential (COLE) and the pore shrinkage capacity, respectively. The finer‐grained and organic matter‐rich Andosols indicate a higher COLE index (> 0.03–0.09) compared to the Arenosol (≤ 0.03). The pore shrinkage index (PSI) of the total pores (TP) varied significantly (P < 0.05) with values of 0.042–0.149 in 5 cm depth and 0.04–0.091 in 20 cm depth of sites 1–3, respectively.In summary, the shrinkage potential and pore shrinkage capacity are positively correlated to the organic carbon content and decrease with increasing dry bulk density. The study points out a higher risk of soil degradation due to irreversible drying processes for the more clayey and allophane containing Andosols than the Arenosol.
Assessment of ochratoxin A occurrence in Argentine red wines using a novel sensitive quechers‐solid phase extraction approach prior to ultra high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry methodology
Authors: Mariño‐Repizo Leonardo , Gargantini Raquel , Manzano Humberto , Raba Julio , Cerutti Soledad
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

The assessment of ochratoxin A (OTA) in wine is relevant for food safety and its continuous control allows to reduce the risk of intake. Thus, a novel sensitive QuEChERS‐SPE (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe – Solid Phase Extraction) pretreatment prior to liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry was developed for the determination of OTA in red wine samples from different grape‐growing regions in Argentine.

RESULTS

A sensitive methodology was achieved and thus the limits of detection and quantification were 0.02 and 0.05 µg L−1, respectively. Recoveries ranged from 89.0% to 105.3%. The method was applied to 136 red wine samples (Argentina's flagship varieties: Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon) from ten grape‐growing regions, during vintages 2013–2015. Although all of the samples investigated were contaminated with OTA (concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 0.98 µg L−1), the levels detected were lower than the maximum allowable concentration limit of 2.0 µg L−1 established by international regulations.

CONCLUSION

The methodology proposed is suitable for reliable OTA analysis in red wines. Similarly, the values obtained from the samples analyzed were in accordance with the current regulations and, as a consequence, preventive actions to reduce this mycotoxin incidence can be undertaken. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of two doses of urea foliar application on leaves and grape nitrogen composition during two vintages
Authors: Pérez‐Álvarez Eva P , Garde‐Cerdán Teresa , García‐Escudero Enrique , Martínez‐Vidaurre José María
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Nitrogen affects grapevine growth and also yeast metabolism, which have a direct influence on fermentation kinetics and the formation of different volatile compounds. Throughout the grapevine cycle, soil nitrogen availability and grape nitrogen composition can vary because of different factors. Nitrogen foliar applications can contribute toward enhancing grapevine nitrogen status and minimize the problem of leaching that traditional nitrogen‐soil applications can provoke. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of urea foliar applications on grapevine nitrogen status and grape amino acid content. Accordingly, two different doses of urea were applied over the leaves of a ‘Tempranillo’ vineyard.

RESULTS

The highest urea doses affected nitrogen content on blade leaf tissues after veraison. Must amino acid profiles were modified by urea application and some of the compounds increased their concentrations. The effect of year on the increase of must total amino acid concentrations was more important than the effect of the doses applied.

CONCLUSION

Urea foliar applications can be an interesting tool for decreasing grapevine nitrogen deficiencies. This method of nitrogen implementation in the vineyard could avoid sluggish fermentation problems during winemaking, enhance must nitrogen composition, and contribute to improving wine quality. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Above‐Ground and Below‐Ground Ecosystem Biomass Accumulation and Carbon Sequestration with Caragana korshinskii Kom Plantation Development
Authors: Deng Lei , Han Qi‐sheng , Zhang Chao , Tang Zhuang‐sheng , Shangguan Zhou‐ping
Published: October 2016

Ensuring ecological sustainability in fragile ecosystems has always been a top priority in China. Under the ‘Grain for Green’ Program (GGP), Caragana korshinskii Kom plantations are valued for their important use in soil and water conservation efforts on the Loess Plateau. This study was to estimate biomass increment and carbon accumulation in five different age classes [young age (YO), middle age (MI), pre‐mature (PR), mature (MA) and post‐mature (PO)], as well as the distribution of carbon stock among the various biomass components and soil depths. The results showed afforestation with C. korshinskii resulted in a significant increase in plant biomass and carbon stock, and soil organic carbon stocks. The total ecosystem carbon stock showed a notable carbon sink increase rate of 1.33 Mg ha−1 yr−1 from the YO to the MA stage, and then slightly decreased. The total biomass carbon of the understory plants represented only a relatively small fraction in the ecosystem, accounting for 2.4%–8.7% (median 3.8%). The proportion of ligneous components (roots, stems and branches) of C. korshinskii was increased following stand development. Our study suggested that C. korshinskii plantations should be harvested and revegetated following the MA stage (~35 years). Continuation of the GGP on the Loess Plateau, together with maturation of C. korshinskii trees over the next few years, will increase carbon sequestration in the medium term. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Six‐wave mixing induced by free‐carrier plasma in silicon nanowire waveguides
Authors: Zhou Heng , Liao Mingle , Huang Shu‐Wei , Zhou Linjie , Qiu Kun , Wong Chee Wei
Published: October 2016

Nonlinear wave mixing in mesoscopic silicon structures is a fundamental nonlinear process with broad impact and applications. Silicon nanowire waveguides, in particular, have large third‐order Kerr nonlinearity, enabling salient and abundant four‐wave‐mixing dynamics and functionalities. Besides the Kerr effect, in silicon waveguides two‐photon absorption generates high free‐carrier densities, with corresponding fifth‐order nonlinearity in the forms of free‐carrier dispersion and free‐carrier absorption. However, whether these fifth‐order free‐carrier nonlinear effects can lead to six‐wave‐mixing dynamics still remains an open question until now. Here we report the demonstration of free‐carrier‐induced six‐wave mixing in silicon nanowires. Unique features, including inverse detuning dependence of six‐wave‐mixing efficiency and its higher sensitivity to pump power, are originally observed and verified by analytical prediction and numerical modeling. Additionally, asymmetric sideband generation is observed for different laser detunings, resulting from the phase‐sensitive interactions between free‐carrier six‐wave‐mixing and Kerr four‐wave‐mixing dynamics. These discoveries provide a new path for nonlinear multi‐wave interactions in nanoscale platforms.

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Benefits of temporary portocaval shunt during orthotopic liver transplantation with vena cava preservation: A propensity score analysis
Authors: Rayar Michel , Levi Sandri Giovanni B. , Cusumano Caterina , Locher Clara , Houssel‐Debry Pauline , Camus Christophe , Lombard Nicolas , Desfourneaux Veronique , Lakehal Mohamed , Meunier Bernard , Sulpice Laurent , Boudjema Karim
Published: October 2016

During orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), clamping of the portal vein induces splanchnic venous congestion and accumulation of noxious compounds. These adverse effects could increase ischemia/reperfusion injury and subsequently the risk of graft dysfunction, especially for grafts harvested from extended criteria donors (ECDs). Temporary portocaval shunt (TPCS) could prevent these complications. Between 2002 and 2013, all OLTs performed in our center were retrospectively analyzed and a propensity score matching analysis was used to compare the effect of TPCS in 686 patients (343 in each group). Patients in the TPCS group required fewer intraoperative transfusions (median number of packed red blood cells—5 versus 6; P = 0.02; median number of fresh frozen plasma—5 versus 6; P = 0.02); had improvement of postoperative biological parameters (prothrombin time, Factor V, international normalized ratio, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma‐glutamyltransferase levels); and showed significant reduction of biliary complications (4.7% versus 10.2%; P = 0.006). Survival analysis revealed that TPCS improved 3‐month graft survival (94.2% versus 88.6%; P = 0.01) as well as longterm survival of elderly (ie, age > 70 years) donor grafts (P = 0.02). In conclusion, the use of TPCS should be recommended especially when considering an ECD graft. Liver Transplantation 23 174–183 2017 AASLD
Structural Analysis and Application of n‐Alkyl Cyanoacrylate Surgical Adhesives to the Fixation of Meshes for Hernia Repair
Authors: Fernández‐Gutiérrez Mar , Rodriguez‐Mancheño Marta , Pérez‐Köhler Bárbara , Pascual Gemma , Bellón Juan Manuel , Román Julio San
Published: October 2016

The article deals with a comparative analysis of the parameters of the polymerization in physiological conditions of three commercially available alkyl cyanoacrylates, n‐butyl cyanoacrylate (GLUBRAN 2), n‐hexyl cyanoacrylate (IFABOND), and n‐octyl cyanoacrylate (EVOBOND), the cell behavior of the corresponding polymers and the application of these adhesives in the fixation of surgical polypropylene meshes for hernia repair in an animal model of rabbits. The results obtained demonstrate that the curing process depends on the nature of the alkyl residue of the ester group of cyanoacrylate molecules, being the heat of polymerization lower for the octyl derivative in comparison with the hexyl and butyl, and reaching a maximum temperature of 35 °C after a time of mixing with physiological fluids of 60–70 s. The cell behavior demonstrates that the three systems do not present toxicity for fibroblasts and low adhesion of cells, which is a positive result for application as tissue adhesives, especially for the fixation of abdominal polypropylene meshes for hernia repair. The animal experimentation indicates the excellent tolerance of the meshes fixed with the cyanoacrylic adhesives, during at least a period of 90 d, and guarantees a good adhesion for the application of hernia repair meshes.

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Heterostereocomplex‐ and Homocrystallization and Thermal Properties and Degradation of Substituted Poly(lactic acid)s, Poly(l‐2‐hydroxybutanoic acid) and Poly(d‐2‐hydroxy‐3‐methylbutanoic acid)
Authors: Tsuji Hideto , Hayakawa Tomohiro
Published: October 2016

Heterostereocomplex‐ and homocrystallization behavior, thermal properties and degradation of neat poly(l‐2‐hydroxybutanoic acid) [P(l‐2HB)], poly(d‐2‐hydroxy‐3‐methylbutanoic acid) [P(d‐2H3MB)], and their equimolar blend are first investigated. Regime I and II kinetics are observed for neat P(l‐2HB), whereas regime II and III kinetics are seen for the blend. The growth geometry of the neat P(l‐2HB) is linear and circular while that of the blend is spherical, whereas that of the neat P(d‐2H3MB) changes from linear to spherical, depending on crystallization temperature (T
c). The main crystalline species is heterostereocomplex (HTSC) in the blend for a wide T
c range of 0–180 °C and a very small amount of P(d‐2H3MB) homocrystallites form for melt‐crystallization at T
c below 70 °C and solution‐crystallization. The equilibrium melting temperature of P(l‐2HB)/P(d‐2H3MB) HTSC crystallites (234.5 °C) is higher than those of P(l‐2HB) and P(d‐2H3MB) homocrystallites (114.9 and 208.6 °C, respectively). The activation energy values for thermal degradation of the P(l‐2HB)/P(d‐2H3MB) blend (190–219 kJ mol−1) are between those of neat P(l‐2HB) and P(d‐2H3MB) (164–180 and 210–380 kJ mol−1, respectively), reflecting that the interaction between the polymers with opposite configurations is similar to or lower than that between the polymers with the same configurations at a high temperature in the melt.

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Twisted Novikov homology of complex hypersurface complements
Authors: Friedl Stefan , Maxim Laurentiu
Published: October 2016

We study the twisted Novikov homology of the complement of a complex hypersurface in general position at infinity. We give a self‐contained topological proof of the vanishing (except possibly in the middle degree) of the twisted Novikov homology groups associated to positive cohomology classes of degree one defined on the complement.
The free medial sural artery perforator flap: Versatile option for soft tissue reconstruction in small‐to‐moderate size defects of the foot and ankle
Authors: Jandali Zaher , Lam Martin C. , Aganloo Kiomars , Merwart Benedikt , Buissink Jouke , Müller Klaus , Jiga Lucian P.
Published: October 2016

Background

The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap shows advantages for reconstruction in the foot and ankle, where bulk is a liability. We evaluated the versatility of this flap and provide further evidence on its use for covering small‐to‐moderate size defects by comparing the outcome depending on the region of reconstruction.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients with variable defects of 4 × 4 to 18 × 7 cm underwent MSAP flap reconstruction. Final outcomes of all patients were evaluated 12‐months postoperatively using the AOFAS ankle‐hindfoot, midfoot and hallux scale for clinical‐functional evaluation, and the SF‐36 health survey for quality‐of‐life measurement. The scores were compared in three groups according to the anatomic region of MSAP flap reconstruction.

Results

The flap size ranged between 6 × 4 and 21 × 9 cm. One venous congestion was salvaged by venous thrombectomy and reanastomosis, and one marginal flap necrosis healed by secondary intention. All flaps survived, and all patients returned to ambulation. Patients with reconstruction of the ankle‐hindfoot or hallux showed significantly lower AOFAS ankle‐hindfoot (P = 0.021) or hallux scores (P = 0.034), whereas reconstruction of the midfoot led to equal AOFAS midfoot scores (P = 0.265) as compared with patients without reconstruction in the respective region. Comparison of SF‐36 physical (P = 0.936) and mental (P = 0.855) scores of all three regions remained insignificant.

Conclusion

The MSAP flap provides thin soft tissue coverage, enabling good functional recovery after defect reconstruction all around the foot and ankle, with evident advantages in the midfoot. However, the functional outcomes after reconstruction of the ankle‐hindfoot or hallux region depend on the preexistent functional impairment.
Buckwheat bioactive compounds, their derived phenolic metabolites and their health benefits
Authors: Giménez‐Bastida Juan Antonio , Zielinski Henryk , Piskula Mariusz , Zielinska Danuta , Szawara‐Nowak Dorota
Published: October 2016

Scope

Buckwheat (BW) consumption has been associated with a broad range of health benefits: antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anticancer. These beneficial effects have been partially related to the presence of flavonoids. However, some of these compounds (i.e., rutin and quercetin) are metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract generating derived phenolic metabolites. In this study, we investigated the biological activity of rutin (Ru), quercetin (Q) an their derived phenolic metabolites 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (3,4‐DHPAA), 3‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid (3‐HPAA), and 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenylacetic acid (homovanillic acid, HVA).

Methods and results

Q showed the highest antioxidant and reducing activity, and Ru the maximum chelating activity (85.33%). Antioxidant activity of 3,4‐DHPAA was 5‐fold higher than that of HVA, whereas their reducing activity was similar. The formation of methylglyoxal (MGO)‐BSA and glucose‐BSA (advanced glycation end products) was inhibited by Ru (98.5 and 92.7%), Q (95.6 and 89.1%) and 3,4‐DHPPA (84.4.6 and 77.5%). Furthermore, Q (10–50 μM) and Ru (1–50 μM) downregulated the release of PGE2, IL‐8 and MCP‐1, molecules involved in the inflammatory response, in IL1β‐inflamed myofibroblasts of colon CCD‐18Co.

Conclusion

This study suggests that BW phytochemicals and their phenolic metabolites may be responsible for the beneficial effects against chronic diseases attributed to BW consumption.
Dependence of Propagation Rate Coefficients in Radical Polymerization on Solution Properties
Authors: Deglmann Peter , Hungenberg Klaus‐Dieter , Vale Hugo M.
Published: October 2016

The effect of solvents and monomer concentration on rate coefficients of propagation in radical polymerization has received tremendous interest during recent years, but a quantitative explanation and method of prediction of the medium effect is still missing. In this paper, it is shown that the thermodynamic formulation of the transition state theory is able to explain such effects almost quantitatively for a wide variety of monomers and solvents, including not only organic solvents but also less common solvents like ionic liquids or water, and monomers ranging from styrene to water‐soluble monomers like acrylic acid or N‐vinylformamide and also bulky monomers like isobornyl methacrylate. The medium effect is dictated by the activity coefficient of the monomer as well as by the ratio of the activity coefficients of the growing chain and the transition state. The solvent and concentration effects are, thus, a consequence of the degree of nonideality of the system. This interpretation based on the thermodynamics of real solutions offers for the first time a straightforward method to estimate the propagation rate coefficient of a given monomer in various solvents once the corresponding coefficient in bulk monomer is known.

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Higher‐order multi‐resolution topology optimization using the finite cell method
Authors: Groen Jeroen P. , Langelaar Matthijs , Sigmund Ole , Ruess Martin
Published: October 2016

This article presents a detailed study on the potential and limitations of performing higher‐order multi‐resolution topology optimization with the finite cell method. To circumvent stiffness overestimation in high‐contrast topologies, a length‐scale is applied on the solution using filter methods. The relations between stiffness overestimation, the analysis system, and the applied length‐scale are examined, while a high‐resolution topology is maintained. The computational cost associated with nested topology optimization is reduced significantly compared with the use of first‐order finite elements. This reduction is caused by exploiting the decoupling of density and analysis mesh, and by condensing the higher‐order modes out of the stiffness matrix. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An o(n) complexity recursive algorithm for multi‐flexible‐body dynamics based on absolute nodal coordinate formulation
Authors: Hu Jingchen , Wang Tianshu
Published: October 2016

A new algorithm called recursive absolute nodal coordinate formulation algorithm (REC‐ANCF) is presented for dynamic analysis of multi‐flexible‐body system including nonlinear large deformation. This method utilizes the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) to describe flexible bodies, and establishes a kinematic and dynamic recursive relationship for the whole system based on the articulated‐body algorithm (ABA). In the ordinary differential equations (ODEs) obtained by the REC‐ANCF, a simple form of the system generalized Jacobian matrix and generalized mass matrix is obtained. Thus, a recursive forward dynamic solution is proposed to solve the ODEs one element by one element through an appropriate matrix manipulation. Utilizing the parent array to describe the topological structure, the REC‐ANCF is suitable for generalized tree multibody systems. Besides, the cutting joint method is used in simple closed‐loop systems to make sure the O(n) algorithm complexity of the REC‐ANCF. Compared with common ANCF algorithms, the REC‐ANCF has several advantages: the optimal algorithm complexity (O(n)) under limited processors, simple derivational process, no location or speed constraint violation problem, higher algorithm accuracy. The validity and efficiency of this method are verified by several numerical tests. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of 11C‐labeled Sulfonyl Carbamates through a Multicomponent Reaction Employing Sulfonyl Azides, Alcohols, and [11C]CO
Authors: Stevens Marc Y. , Chow Shiao Y. , Estrada Sergio , Eriksson Jonas , Asplund Veronika , Orlova Anna , Mitran Bogdan , Antoni Gunnar , Larhed Mats , Åberg Ola , Odell Luke R.
Published: October 2016

We describe the development of a new methodology focusing on 11C‐labeling of sulfonyl carbamates in a multicomponent reaction comprised of a sulfonyl azide, an alkyl alcohol, and [11C]CO. A number of 11C‐labeled sulfonyl carbamates were synthesized and isolated, and the developed methodology was then applied in the preparation of a biologically active molecule. The target compound was obtained in 24±10 % isolated radiochemical yield and was evaluated for binding properties in a tumor cell assay; in vivo biodistribution and imaging studies were also performed. This represents the first successful radiolabeling of a non‐peptide angiotensin II receptor subtype 2 agonist, C21, currently in clinical trials for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Microgels based on isotactic poly(styrene): Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Tschage Marie , Beckerle Klaus , Rahimi Khosrow , Jung Seungwhan , Chang Stefan S.‐H. , Stellbrink Jörg , Okuda Jun
Published: October 2016

Poly(styrene) microgels are known, but the influence of tacticity on particle formation and behavior has not been investigated yet. Isotactic poly(styrene) (iPS) with Mn = 15–120 kg/mol is synthesized by coordinate polymerization and cross‐linked by Friedel–Crafts alkylation in a miniemulsion. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, light microscopy, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, and wide‐angle powder diffraction are applied to understand the structure of microgels obtained. Typically, spherical microgels with overall diameter of 40–500 nm are found. Isotacticity of the polymer is retained during microgel formation. Increase of cross‐linker content leads to partial crystallinity inside the microgel. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 175–180
Microstructural PALS study of regulated dimethacrylates: Thiol‐ versus β‐allyl sulfone‐based networks
Authors: Švajdlenková Helena , Šauša Ondrej , Steindl Johannes , Koch Thomas , Gorsche Christian
Published: October 2016

Radical photocuring of multifunctional (meth)acrylates is lacking control over the irregular chain growth process yielding highly crosslinked, inhomogeneous networks. Chain transfer agents (CTAs, e.g., thiols or β‐allyl sulfones) have been widely used to modify this curing process, thus reducing shrinkage stress and increasing the toughness of the formed photopolymers. Resulting photopolymer networks exhibit higher bulk density, lower crosslinking density, and narrow glass transitions. Consequently, a more homogeneous network structure was postulated for those networks. Whereas macroscopic properties of the modified final materials have already been studied, herein the microstructural arrangement of such modified networks has also been evaluated with the help of positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). A more homogenous network structure with a decreased average free‐volume void size was confirmed for CTA‐based dimethacrylate networks. A sharper distribution of the ortho‐positronium (o‐Ps) lifetime, mainly for the β‐allyl sulfone‐based photopolymers, hints toward a more regulated network structure. Moreover, the combination of PALS, DMTA, density and swelling experiments elucidates relations between void formation, crosslinking density and macroscopic characteristics such as shrinkage stress and mechanical properties. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 2476–2484
Novel Melt‐Castable Energetic Pyrazole: A Pyrazolyl‐Furazan Framework Bearing Five Nitro Groups
Authors: Dalinger Igor L. , Suponitsky Kyrill Yu. , Pivkina Alla N. , Sheremetev Aleksei B.
Published: October 2016

Continuing advances in energetic pyrazole construction foster further its rational use. This work establishes an approach for the first synthesis of nitropyrazole that bear both furazan and trinitromethyl moieties. The approach to the installation of the C(NO2)3 group exploits the destructive nitration of N‐acetonyl group. The target 3‐(3,4‐dinitro‐1‐(trinitromethyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl)‐4‐methylfurazan (6) has promising explosive properties.
Modeling and minimizing CAPRI round 30 symmetrical protein complexes from CASP‐11 structural models
Authors: El Houasli Marwa , Maigret Bernard , Devignes Marie‐Dominique , Ghoorah Anisah W. , Grudinin Sergei , Ritchie David W.
Published: October 2016

Many of the modeling targets in the blind CASP‐11/CAPRI‐30 experiment were protein homo‐dimers and homo‐tetramers. Here, we perform a retrospective docking‐based analysis of the perfectly symmetrical CAPRI Round 30 targets whose crystal structures have been published. Starting from the CASP “stage‐2” fold prediction models, we show that using our recently developed “SAM” polar Fourier symmetry docking algorithm combined with NAMD energy minimization often gives acceptable or better 3D models of the target complexes. We also use SAM to analyze the overall quality of all CASP structural models for the selected targets from a docking‐based perspective. We demonstrate that docking only CASP “center” structures for the selected targets provides a fruitful and economical docking strategy. Furthermore, our results show that many of the CASP models are dockable in the sense that they can lead to acceptable or better models of symmetrical complexes. Even though SAM is very fast, using docking and NAMD energy minimization to pull out acceptable docking models from a large ensemble of docked CASP models is computationally expensive. Nonetheless, thanks to our SAM docking algorithm, we expect that applying our docking protocol on a modern computer cluster will give us the ability to routinely model 3D structures of symmetrical protein complexes from CASP‐quality models. Proteins 2017; 85:463–469. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling complexes of modeled proteins
Authors: Anishchenko Ivan , Kundrotas Petras J. , Vakser Ilya A.
Published: October 2016

Structural characterization of proteins is essential for understanding life processes at the molecular level. However, only a fraction of known proteins have experimentally determined structures. This fraction is even smaller for protein–protein complexes. Thus, structural modeling of protein–protein interactions (docking) primarily has to rely on modeled structures of the individual proteins, which typically are less accurate than the experimentally determined ones. Such “double” modeling is the Grand Challenge of structural reconstruction of the interactome. Yet it remains so far largely untested in a systematic way. We present a comprehensive validation of template‐based and free docking on a set of 165 complexes, where each protein model has six levels of structural accuracy, from 1 to 6 Å Cα RMSD. Many template‐based docking predictions fall into acceptable quality category, according to the CAPRI criteria, even for highly inaccurate proteins (5–6 Å RMSD), although the number of such models (and, consequently, the docking success rate) drops significantly for models with RMSD > 4 Å. The results show that the existing docking methodologies can be successfully applied to protein models with a broad range of structural accuracy, and the template‐based docking is much less sensitive to inaccuracies of protein models than the free docking. Proteins 2017; 85:470–478. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.