bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Healthy community‐living older men differ from women in associations between myostatin levels and skeletal muscle mass
Authors: Peng Li‐Ning , Lee Wei‐Ju , Liu Li‐Kuo , Lin Ming‐Hsien , Chen Liang‐Kung 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundMyostatin is a negative regulator of muscle growth but the relationship between serum myostatin levels and muscle mass is unclear. This study investigated the association between serum myostatin levels and skeletal muscle mass among healthy older community residents in Taiwan, to evaluate the potential of serum myostatin as a biomarker for diagnosing sarcopenia and/or evaluating the effect of its treatment.MethodsStudy data were excerpted from a random subsample of the I‐Lan Longitudinal Aging Study population. Serum myostatin levels were determined and categorized into tertiles (low, medium, high). Relative appendicular skeletal muscle mass (RASM) was calculated as appendicular lean body mass by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry divided by height squared (kg/m2). Low muscle mass was defined as recommended by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia.ResultsThe analytic study sample comprised 463 adults (mean age: 69.1 years; 49.5% men). Compared with subjects with normal RASM, those with lower RASM were older and frailer, with significantly higher prevalence of malnutrition, lower serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels, and were more likely to have low serum myostatin status. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that male sex (OR 3.60, 95% CI 1.30–9.92), malnutrition (OR 4.39, 95% CI 1.56–12.36), DHEA (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99–1.00), and low myostatin (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.49–7.01) were all independent risk factors for low RASM (all P < 0.05). In men, DHEA (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–1.00) and low myostatin (OR 4.89, 95% CI 1.79–13.37) were significantly associated with low RASM (both P < 0.05); however, only malnutrition was associated with low RASM in women (OR 13.59, 95% CI 2.22–83.25, P < 0.05).ConclusionsAmong healthy community‐living older adults, low serum myostatin levels were associated with low skeletal muscle mass in men, but not in women. Our results do not support using serum myostatin levels to diagnose sarcopenia, or to monitor how it responds to treatments. Further research is needed to understand why men apparently differ from women in the interrelationship between their myostatin levels and muscle mass.
Preparation of 5‐(Aminomethyl)‐2‐furanmethanol by direct reductive amination of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural with aqueous ammonia over the Ni/SBA‐15 catalyst
Authors: Chen Wei , Sun Yong , Du Juan , Si Zhihao , Tang Xing , Zeng Xianhai , Lin Lu , Liu Shijie , Lei Tingzhou 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND5‐(Aminomethyl)‐2‐furanmethanol (AMF), used widely in medicinal chemistry, is usually synthesized by the reductive amination of furfural or 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) with ammonia. However, a challenging task when synthesizing this furyl primary amine is to enhance the selectivity of the product due to its high nucleophilicity. Conventional measures have used excessive liquid ammonia and precious metal catalysts. Usually, the molar ratio of ammonia to substrate is up to 30:1. This study employed aqueous ammonia to synthesize AMF by the direct reductive amination of HMF using the non‐noble metal Ni/SBA‐15 catalyst.RESULTSThe Ni/SBA‐15 catalyst displayed higher catalytic selectivity in the reductive amination of HMF to AMF compared to other precious metal catalysts, such as Ru/C, Pd/C and Pt/C. The AMF yield of 89.8% was obtained at the relatively mild reaction temperature of 100 °C for 4 h. After the fifth cycle, an acceptable decrease in catalytic activity with 74.2% yield of AMF was observed.CONCLUSIONAn improved process was developed for preparing AMF by the reductive amination of HMF with aqueous ammonia using the non‐noble Ni/SBA‐15 catalyst. The high selectivity of nickel catalyst is attributed mainly to the moderate catalytic activity. Moreover, a small amount of water enhanced the yield of AMF by promoting the formation of ammonium ions to prevent the further side reaction of AMF with HMF. Results of recycling experiments and analyses showed that agglomeration, loss and oxidization of nickel species together with carbon deposition were responsible for the slight deactivation of the catalyst. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced bioconversion of L‐phenylalanine into 2‐phenylethanol via an oxygen control strategy and in situ product recovery
Authors: Shu Chin‐Hang , Chen Yi‐Jun , Nirwana Wa Ode Cakra , Cahyani Chandrawati 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUND2‐Phenylethanol (PEA) production through bioconversion of L‐phenylalanine (L‐Phe) has been gaining increasing global interest in recent years. Studies have been conducted on the bioconversion of L‐Phe into PEA using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, the influence of oxygen supply on the bioconversion has not been investigated thus far. In this research, we have attempted not only to explore the effects of oxygen on bioconversion of L‐Phe, but also to develop strategies to enhance PEA production.RESULTSExperimental results indicated that two‐stage batch fermentation with oxygen supply control showed optimal operation for culture. The employment of a semi‐continuous culture enhanced total PEA by 35.53% more in comparison to batch culture. In situ product recovery (ISPR) using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponge reduced the ethanol and PEA in the broth by approximately 4.2 and 0.50 g L−1 for each operation, respectively. However, semi‐continuous culture with ISPR failed to enhance total PEA because high glucose concentration and low oxygen supply triggered ethanol production. Based on these results, a novel three‐stage ISPR fermentation by oxygen supply control was designed to maximize PEA production and minimize both the product feedback inhibition and ethanol formation. As a result, the total PEA concentration at 5.14 g L−1 was achieved.CONCLUSIONWe propose that a multi‐stage fermentation strategy with both oxygen control and ISPR can be employed to enhance PEA formation by S. cerevisiae. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Role of non‐ion surfactants in three‐dimensional ordered porous biomass carbon foam derived from the liquefied eucalyptus sawdust for metronidazole adsorption
Authors: Hua Zulin , Wan Shungang , Sun Lei , Yu Zebin , Bai Xue 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThree‐dimensional ordered honeycomb‐like structured biomass carbon foams (BCFs) were prepared from eucalyptus sawdust using polyethylene glycol 2000 (PEG), Pluronic® P‐123 and Pluronic® F‐127 as structure‐directing agents. The effect of different surfactants on the morphology and pore structure of BCFs, and the adsorption performance and mechanisms of metronidazole onto BCFs was clarified.RESULTSThe physicochemical characteristics of BCFs depend on the surfactant molecular structure. The adsorption process of metronidazole was spontaneous and endothermic in nature and followed a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Metronidazole adsorption onto BCF‐PEG and BCF‐F127 followed the Langmuir isotherm, whereas that onto BCF‐P123 followed the Freundlich isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacities for BCF‐PEG, BCF‐P123 and BCF‐F127 were 56.40, 67.52 and 42.92 mg g−1, respectively. The adsorption mechanisms of metronidazole onto BCF‐PEG and BCF‐P123 were mainly hydrogen bonding, π‐π interactions and pore filling. Hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions were mainly responsible for adsorption of metronidazole onto BCF‐F127.CONCLUSIONAll results demonstrated that types of surfactant significantly affected the BCFs' physicochemical properties, and played an important role in controlling the adsorption characteristics of metronidazole onto BCFs. In addition, shaped BCF can be utilized as an effective, easily recovered and promising adsorbent for the removal of pollutants in wastewater. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Screening for intellectual disability in Dutch police suspects
Authors: Geijsen Koen , Kop Nicolien , de Ruiter Corine 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe screener for mild intellectual disability (SCIL) was developed to screen for mild intellectual disability (IQ below 85). The aims of this study were (a) to examine the predictive validity of the SCIL in screening for intellectual disability among police suspects and (b) to explore the prevalence of cognitive intellectual disability among suspects in police custody in the Netherlands. An unselected sample of police suspects (N = 178) charged with a variety of offences was assessed with the SCIL, a Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)‐III‐NL short form, and a malingering measure. The SCIL screened 50.0% of the sample as having mild intellectual disabilities, whereas the short WAIS classified 84.3% of the sample with an IQ below 85. A principal component analysis of the SCIL showed ambiguous results. Furthermore, the short WAIS classified 55.6% of our sample with a borderline IQ (IQ = 70–84), 84.3% with an IQ below 85 and 28.7% with an IQ below 70. The prevalence of intellectual disability in this sample of Dutch (police) suspects appears to be higher than prevalence rates found in previous international studies. More exhaustive research is needed to examine the prevalence of intellectual disabilities in police suspects, and the utility of the SCIL to screen for these disabilities.
Reducing tunnel vision with a pen‐and‐paper tool for the weighting of criminal evidence
Authors: Rassin Eric 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn order to prevent tunnel vision, and ultimately miscarriages of justice, police, prosecutors, and judges must remain open to alternative scenarios in which the suspect is in fact innocent. However, it is not evident from the literature that people are sufficiently aware of how alternative scenarios should be employed in the decision‐making process. In the present research, participants read a case vignette and formed an impression of the suspect's guilt. Some participants were made familiar with an alternative scenario. Others were not only presented with an alternative scenario but were also instructed to score (with pen and paper) the extent to which every piece of evidence fitted in the primary and the alternative scenario. Findings suggest that this pen‐and‐paper task helped to reduce tunnel vision.
miR-181c-BRK1 axis plays a key role in actin cytoskeleton-dependent T cell function
Authors: Lim Shok Ping , Ioannou Nikolaos , Ramsay Alan G , Darling David , Gäken Joop , Mufti Ghulam J 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMicroRNAs are short endogenous noncoding RNAs that play pivotal roles in a diverse range of cellular processes. The miR-181 family is important in T cell development, proliferation, and activation. In this study, we have identified BRK1 as a potential target of miR-181c using a dual selection functional assay and have showed that miR-181c regulates BRK1 by translational inhibition. Given the importance of miR-181 in T cell function and the potential role of BRK1 in the involvement of WAVE2 complex and actin polymerization in T cells, we therefore investigated the influence of miR-181c-BRK1 axis in T cell function. Stimulation of PBMC derived CD3+ T cells resulted in reduced miR-181c expression and up-regulation of BRK1 protein expression, suggesting that miR-181c-BRK1 axis is important in T cell activation. We further showed that overexpression of miR-181c or suppression of BRK1 resulted in inhibition of T cell activation and actin polymerization coupled with defective lamellipodia generation and immunological synapse formation. Additionally, we found that BRK1 silencing led to reduced expressions of other proteins in the WAVE2 complex, suggesting that the impairment of T cell actin dynamics was a result of the instability of the WAVE2 complex following BRK1 depletion. Collectively, we demonstrated that miR-181c reduces BRK1 protein expression level and highlighted the important role of miR-181c-BRK1 axis in T cell activation and actin polymerization-mediated T cell functions.
The binding interaction between cadmium‐based, aqueous‐phase quantum dots with Candida rugosa lipase
Authors: Zhao Lining , Hu Shimeng , Meng Qiwei , Xu Mengchen , Zhang Hao , Liu Rutao 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAs a promising biolabeling biomaterials, quantum dots (QDs) present a great potential. However, the toxicity of QDs to organisms has attracted wide attention. In our research, we introduced an in vitro method to study the molecular mechanisms for the structure and activity alterations of Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) with the binding of 3‐mercaptopropionic acid‐capped CdTe QDs. Multiple spectroscopic methods, isothermal titration calorimetry, and enzyme activity measurements were used in this paper. QDs statically quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of CRL with the quenching constant decreases from 2.46 × 1013 to 1.64 × 1013 L mol−1 second−1 (298 to 310 K). It binds to CRL through hydrophobic force with 1 binding site, unfolding and loosening the skeleton and changed its secondary structure. Rather than aggregating on the surface, it enters the pocket of the CRL to interact with Ser‐209 (2.43 Å) and the residues surrounding Ser‐209, making the catalytic triad more exposed. Furthermore, the activity of CRL was inhibited by approximately 15%. This work demonstrates that 3‐mercaptopropionic acid‐capped CdTe QDs may cause negative effects to CRL and obtains a molecular mechanism on QD‐induced toxicity to proteins in vitro.
Simulation‐based education: A narrative review of the use of VERT in radiation therapy education
Authors: Kane Paul 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSimulation has a long history in medical and health science training and education. The literature describing this history is extensive. The role simulation plays in many health disciplines has evolved, as has the focus of the literature around it. The Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT) system is a relative newcomer to radiation therapy education and, similar to the literature around radiation therapy (RT) education, is still in its infancy. This narrative review sets the scene of simulation‐based education within the health sciences and considers the lessons learned from published work on VERT to date. The evidence suggests that future inquiry involving VERT should explore different ways in which VERT can be used to contribute to the skillset required by the radiation therapist of tomorrow.
Precipitation anomalies in the Pan‐Asian monsoon region during El Niño decaying summer 2016
Authors: Gao Ya , Wang Huijun , Chen Dong 
Published: April 2018

The El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has an intimate relationship with Asian summer monsoon precipitation. Previous study pointed out that the most recent 2015–2016 El Niño event is tied with the 1997–1998 and 1982–1983 El Niño events as the strongest event since 1950, which may result in catastrophe in Asian monsoon region. Therefore, in this article, we mainly focus on the anomalous precipitation pattern in the Pan‐Asian monsoon region during MJJ 2016 and its impact factors. Results show that the summer precipitation anomalies display a meridional tripole pattern from north to south in the Pan‐Asian monsoon region during 2016. This pattern indicates that the anomalous increased rainfall is located over the middle–lower reaches of the Yangtze River valley–East China Sea (ECS) and the tropical eastern Indian Ocean–western Maritime Continent, while the anomalous decreased rainfall is located over the South China Sea (SCS)–Philippine Sea.Results suggest that the preceding winter and spring ENSO and the simultaneous summer Maritime Continent sea surface temperature (SST) are the primary impact factors of the pattern of tripole precipitation anomalies in the Pan‐Asian monsoon region during MJJ 2016. The preceding ENSO can intensify the western North Pacific subtropical high (WPSH), which results in the anomalous decrease in precipitation over the Indo‐China Peninsula–Philippine Sea. Meanwhile, more moisture is transported from the northwestern flank of WPSH to the Yangtze River valley–ESC to increase rainfall. In the ENSO decaying summer, the Maritime Continent SST anomalous warming induces an anomalous convergence in situ, which increases the local precipitation. Later, this warming can intensify the WPSH through the local meridional circulation. The north Indian Ocean SST, including Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, also has a high relationship with tripole precipitation pattern, but it cannot induce this tripole rainfall pattern, which establishes the linkage through the extending WPSH.
Regulation of mycorrhiza development in durum wheat by P fertilization: Effect on plant nitrogen metabolism
Authors: Di Martino Catello , Palumbo Giuseppe , Vitullo Domenico , Di Santo Patrick , Fuggi Amodio 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe aim of this work was to study the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae on growth and nitrogen (N) metabolism of durum wheat (Tritcum durum) under various P soil contents. The analyses were extended to macro and micronutrient tissue concentrations, nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activities, as well as protein, aminoacids, pyridine dinucleotides and adenine nucleotides. Arbuscular mycorrhiza increased wheat growth in soil in which P availability was low and nitrate was the dominant N form. The root colonization occurred at the highest level in plants grown in limiting soil P and was inversely related to soil P content. The micorrhizal wheat plants contained also the highest concentrations of macro (P, K, Ca, N) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn) as well as free amino acids, protein, NAD, NADP, AMP, ADP, ATP in roots and leaves. In particular, the micronutrient tissue concentrations (Zn, Mn) supported that mycorrhiza actively modulated their uptake limiting interferences and optimizing growth better than the plant roots, like a very efficient “rootstock”. Control plants grown at the highest soil P did not reach the same concentration as the mycorrhizal plants. Nitrate reductase activities in the roots of mycorrhizal plants were higher than in the control ones, while glutamine synthetase activities were highest in the leaves. Protein and amino acids concentrations, as well as AMP, ADP, ATP, NAD(P), and NAD(P)H were also higher than in the control. Among the free amino acids in the roots, the high levels of glutamine, asparagine, arginine, support the view that ammonium was transferred through the arbuscules to the root cells where it was re‐assimilated in the cortical cells, forming high N : C ratio‐amino acids. They were transferred to the leaves where all the other N compounds could be largely synthesized using the carbon skeletons supplied by photosynthesis.
Investigation on Foam Self‐Generation Using In Situ Carbon Dioxide (CO2) for Enhancing Oil Recovery
Authors: Jin Fayang , Wei Peng , Pu Wanfen , Zhang Lan , Qian Zhen , Wu Guangsheng 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn situ carbon dioxide (CO2) foam flooding has proved to be economically feasible in the oil field, but its self‐generation behavior in the bulk scale/porous media is far from understood. In this study, the optimum in situ CO2‐foaming agent was first screened, and then in situ foam was investigated in the bulk. In situ foam flooding was conducted to evaluate the displacement characteristics and enhanced oil recovery of this system. The results showed that the foaming agent comprising 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS) + 0.5% lauramido propyl hydroxyl sultaine (LHSB) gave the best foam properties and that the in situ CO2 foam with a slow releasing rate is effective both in bulk scale and in porous media, allowing a considerable enhancement of oil recovery in sand packs with different permeabilities.
Synthesis, Surface Activity, and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Diaryliodonium Salt‐Derived Amphiphiles
Authors: Huang Mengen , Xu Shujia , Wu Xunshen , Zhao Min , Wang Limin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTwo sets of 19 amphiphiles derived from diaryliodonium salt in the form of 4‐methylbenzenesulfonate salts and trifluoromethanesulfonate salts were synthesized in good yields through the oxidation of 17 different aryl iodides using oxone (potassium peroxymonosulfate) as the oxidation agent in Route I and meta‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid as the oxidation agent in Routes II and III, followed by Friedel–Crafts reaction with (2‐(2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)benzene to obtain the target compounds (1–19). Their structures were characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry studies. Their surface activities were evaluated on the basis of surface tension and critical micelle concentration measurements by the Wilhelmy plate method at 25 °C. With their good water solubility, diaryliodonium salts (1–19) have excellent short‐term bactericidal efficacy against Bacillus cereus in the concentration of 600 ppm at 20 °C. After compounding 1 or 18 with the broad‐spectrum but skin‐irritating antibacterial agent Kathon CG (methylchloroisothiazolinone in combination with methylisothiazolinone) in the ratio of 1:1 by mass, both formulations maintained lethality rate of >90% after 48 h.
Effects of the Polypropylene Oxide Number on the Surface Properties of a Type of Extended Surfactant
Authors: Lv Mengdie , Zhou Yawen , Wang Shan , Han Fu , Xu Baocai 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe surface properties of 5 extended surfactant C12–14P
mE2S solutions in pure water and 0.1 M NaCl were investigated through surface tension and electrical conductivity measurements. The surface properties measured include the critical micelle concentration (CMC), critical surface tension (γcmc), maximum surface excess concentration (Γmax), minimum area occupied per surfactant molecule (Amin), and efficiency in surface tension reduction (pC20). The CMC values of the 5 surfactants decreased with increasing polypropylene oxide number (PON) and were higher than those obtained in 0.1 M NaCl. The Γmax values showed a downward trend whereas the Amin values exhibited an upward trend with increasing PON without NaCl. The Γmax values were higher and the Amin values were lower than those obtained without 0.1 M NaCl. The CMC values increased at elevated temperatures. The CMC values of C12–14P3E2S, C12–14P5E2S, and C12–14P8E2S were similar but were markedly lower than those of C12–14E2S at different temperatures. When PON was less than 12, the log CMC value decreased linearly with increasing PON in the absence of salt, and the relationship between pC20 and PON was linear. But in the presence of 0.1 M NaCl, the log CMC value decreased exponentially with increasing PON.
Ultrasound‐Assisted Assessment of Medial Elbow Stability
Authors: DeMoss Andrew , Millard Nathaniel , McIlvain Gary , Beckett Joseph A. , Jasko John J. , Timmons Mark K. 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesAn assessment of medial elbow stability is essential to the patient with an ulnar collateral ligament injury. Ultrasound imaging can be used to assess medial elbow stability. This study determined the effect of the elbow flexion angle on the medial elbow joint space during clinical tests of medial elbow stability.MethodsUltrasound images of the nondominant elbow were collected during 3 tests of medial elbow stability: valgus stress test, weighted valgus test, and milking maneuver. The elbow flexion angle increased between the valgus stress test and milking maneuver. The width of the medial joint space was measured on ultrasound images collected in unstressed and stressed conditions.ResultsAcross test conditions, the medial joint width was greater in the stressed condition (mean ± SD, 3.7 ± 0.1 mm) than in the unstressed condition (2.9 ± 0.09 mm). The medial elbow joint space width was less (mean difference, 0.16 ± 0.01 mm; P = .01) in the milking maneuver position compared to the valgus stress test positions.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that changes in the width of the medial elbow during clinical evaluation of the unimpaired elbow can be detected by ultrasound. Changing the elbow flexion angle did not affect the change in width of the medial elbow during valgus loading.