bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel method for blood‐typing using nitrocellulose
Authors: Afshari Parastoo , Abolfathi Nabiollah 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBlood wicking in its steady‐state form, i.e. the uniform distribution of blood cells in plasma, is completely different from that in its coagulated form on a porous surface like paper. The hydrophilic property of the cellulose leads to a significant wicking of the blood cells on paper fibers after rinsing with isotonic solution. The difference in the wicking length of the blood cells in steady state and that in the coagulated form could be considered as a criterion to recognize the blood type in a paper‐based kit. However, owing to the molecular structure of the nitrocellulose, a better process occurs while separating the coagulated blood from the steady‐state form of cells. Therefore, it is possible to use the nitrocellulose for the blood‐typing kit which leads to a simpler way to diagnose a blood type. Two series of experiments were performed on nitrocellulose membrane. First, antibody solutions and blood samples were sequentially absorbed on nitrocellulose strips, allowed to interact, rinsed with an isotonic solution and distilled water, and image processing performed on a digital picture of the remaining blood cells. The efficiency of the agglutinated blood cell fixation was quantified by red color intensity. Then, it was demonstrated that there is no considerable difference in fixation of agglutinated blood cells with rinsing using isotonic and nonisotonic solutions. This fact can be a considerable advantage over paper since it can eliminate the probable mistake from using unisotonic solution for rinsing. Second, owing to the nonwicking property of the blood cells on the hydrophobic nitrocellulose fibers, we employed another diagnostic criterion and investigated nitrocellulose blood‐typing prototypes. The nitrocellulose blood‐typing kit provides more simple, sensitive and trustworthy assay for rapid blood typing in situations with no access to laboratory facilities.
Relative tissue distribution and excretion studies of gastrodin and parishin from powder and extract of Gastrodiae Rhizoma in rat by UHPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Jiang Zhengmeng , Zheng Xiuyan , Gong Xiaojian , Zhao Chao , Zhou Xin , Zhao Yang , Yan Yanfang 
Published: December 2016

AbstractNew research has indicated that Gastrodiae Rhizome (GR) has potential anti‐diabetic and anti‐asthmatic effects in mouse models. On the basis of our previous study of the relative bioavailability of gastrodin (GAS) and parishin (PA) from extract and powder of GR, we performed further research on the tissue distribution and excretion of the two analytes. A reliable bioanalytical method for the quantification of GAS and PA in rat tissues and excretion is required. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a gradient mobile phase of acetonitrile–water with 0.1% formic acid. Calibration curves (1/x2 weighted) offered satisfactory linearity (r2 > 0.9835) within 100–3000 ng mL−1 for GAS and (r2 > 0.9862) within 10–1000 ng mL−1 for PA. The relative standard deviations of the intra‐day and inter‐day precision were all <14.98%, whilst the relative errors of the intra‐day and inter‐day accuracy were all within ±14.71%. The matrix effect and recovery values were satisfactory in all of the biological matrices examination. The data of relative differences in tissue distribution and excretion of GAS and PA from powder and extract of GR indicated that higher bioavailabilities for GAS and PA were obtained when a dosage of 4 g kg−1 GR powder was used.
Association of vitamin D status and clinical and radiological outcomes in a treated MS population in Poland
Authors: Wawrzyniak Sławomir , Mikołajewska Emilia , Kuczko‐Piekarska Ewelina , Niezgodzińska‐Maciejek Anna , Goch Aleksander 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundVitamin D influences the immune system significantly. Previous studies have found that vitamin D deficiency in adolescence can play a significant role in increasing the risk of developing autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the vitamin D status in serum and clinical and radiological outcomes in a treated population in Poland.MethodsInclusion criteria met 83 adult patients aged 20–61 years with diagnosis of relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis, who underwent immunomodulatory treatment which lasted at least 12 months. Levels of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D were determined using radio‐immuno assay. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and cervical part of a spinal cord was performed each time after 12 months of the treatment. Patients were assessed neurologically after 12 months of treatment, the level of disability was also assessed using Extended Disability Status Scale.ResultsThe largest group (63.8%) showed significant vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml), 21.7% showed the suboptimal level of vitamin D (20–30 ng/ml). The normal level of 25(OH)D (>30 ng/ml) was observed in 14.5% of the patients. Statistically significant correlation was observed between the vitamin D status and frequency of relapses.ConclusionsOur findings confirm that deficiency of vitamin D in patients with MS is correlated with clinical and radiological course of the disease.
Asymmetric Catalytic Aza‐Diels–Alder/Ring‐Closing Cascade Reaction Forming Bicyclic Azaheterocycles by Trienamine Catalysis
Authors: Li Yang , Barløse Casper , Jørgensen Julie , Carlsen Bjørn Dreiø , Jørgensen Karl Anker 
Published: December 2016

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is the group of Karl Anker Jørgensen at Aarhus University. The image depicts the basic reaction concept of the asymmetric catalytic aza‐Diels–Alder/ring‐closing cascade by the operation mode of a zipper. The two molecules (red 2,4‐dienal; blue hydrazone) in this reaction are mosaicked into the two chains of the zipper. The chiral slider, the diarylprolinol‐silyl ether catalyst, zips together the two molecules by sliding the hand down the chains forming the bicyclic aza‐heterocyclic products in a highly stereoselective manner. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201604310.
A prospective, multicenter cohort study to validate a simple performance status–based survival prediction system for oncologists
Authors: Yamada Takeshi , Morita Tatsuya , Maeda Isseki , Inoue Satoshi , Ikenaga Masayuki , Matsumoto Yoshihisa , Baba Mika , Sekine Ryuichi , Yamaguchi Takashi , Hirohashi Takeshi , Tajima Tsukasa , Tatara Ryohei , Watanabe Hiroaki , Otani Hiroyuki , Takigawa Chizuko , Matsuda Yoshinobu , Ono Shigeki , Ozawa Taketoshi , Yamamoto Ryo , Shishido Hideki , Yamamoto Naoki 
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUNDSurvival prediction systems such as the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI), which includes the Palliative Performance Scale (PPS), are used to estimate survival for terminally ill patients. Oncologists are, however, less familiar with the PPS in comparison with the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS). This study was designed to validate a simple survival prediction system for oncologists, the Performance Status–Based Palliative Prognostic Index (PS‐PPI), which is a modified form of the PPI based on the ECOG PS.METHODSThis multicenter, prospective cohort study enrolled all consecutive patients who were referred to 58 palliative care services in Japan. The primary responsible physicians rated the variables required to calculate the PS‐PPI and the PPI. Patient survival in these risk groups was compared, and the sensitivity and specificity of the PS‐PPI and the PPI were evaluated. Patients were subclassified as patients receiving care from in‐hospital palliative care teams, palliative care units, or home‐based palliative care services. Subsets of patients receiving chemotherapy were also analyzed.RESULTSThis study included 2346 patients. Survival predictions based on the PPI and the PS‐PPI differed significantly among the 3 risk groups (P < .001). The PS‐PPI was more sensitive, whereas the PPI was more specific. All areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of both indices were >0.78 for predicting survival at all times, from 3 weeks to 180 days.CONCLUSIONSIn predicting the prognosis of patients with advanced cancer, the PS‐PPI was as accurate as the PPI. The PS‐PPI was useful for short‐ and long‐term survival prediction and for the prediction of survival for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Cancer 2017;123:1442–1452. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Unraveling the Role of Formic Acid and the Type of Solvent in the Catalytic Conversion of Lignin: A Holistic Approach
Authors: Oregui‐Bengoechea Mikel , Gandarias Inaki , Arias Pedro L. , Barth Tanja 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe role of formic acid together with the effect of the solvent type and their synergic interactions with a NiMo catalyst were studied for the conversion of lignin into bio‐oil in an alcohol/formic acid media. The replacement of formic acid with H2 or isopropanol decreased the oil yield to a considerable degree, increased the solid yield, and altered the nature of the bio‐oil. The differences induced by the presence of H2 were comparable to those observed in the isopropanol system, which suggests similar lignin conversion mechanisms for both systems. Additional semi‐batch experiments confirmed that formic acid does not act merely as an in situ hydrogen source or hydrogen donor molecule. Actually, is seems to react with lignin through a formylation–elimination–hydrogenolysis mechanism that leads to the depolymerization of the biopolymer. This reaction competes with formic acid decomposition, which gives mainly H2 and CO2, and forms a complex reaction system. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the distinctive role/mechanism of formic acid has been observed in the conversion of real lignin feedstock. In addition, the solvent, especially ethanol, seems also to play a vital role in the stabilization of the depolymerized monomers and in the elimination/deformylation step.
Heterogeneously‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid with MnO2
Authors: Hayashi Eri , Komanoya Tasuku , Kamata Keigo , Hara Michikazu 
Published: December 2016

AbstractA simple non‐precious‐metal catalyst system based on costeffective and ubiquitously available MnO2, NaHCO3, and molecular oxygen was used to convert 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5‐difurandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) as a bioplastics precursor in 91 % yield. The MnO2 catalyst could be recovered by simple filtration and reused several times. The present system was also applicable to the aerobic oxidation of other biomass‐derived substrates and the gram‐scale oxidation of HMF to FDCA, in which 2.36 g (86 % yield) of the analytically pure FDCA could be isolated.
Organocatalytic Coupling of CO2 with a Propargylic Alcohol: A Comprehensive Mechanistic Study
Authors: Boyaval Amélie , Méreau Raphaël , Grignard Bruno , Detrembleur Christophe , Jerome Christine , Tassaing Thierry 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe metal‐free coupling of a propargylic alcohol with CO2 catalysed by guanidine derivatives was investigated in detail through the combination of online kinetic studies by in situ attenuated‐total reflection IR (ATR–IR) spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Bicyclic guanidines, namely 1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene (TBD) and 7‐methyl‐1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene (MTBD) are effective catalysts for the conversion of 2‐methyl‐3‐butyn‐2‐ol to α‐methylene cyclic carbonate and oxoalkyl acyclic carbonate under mild reaction conditions. The lower selectivity of TBD in comparison with MTBD towards the formation of α‐methylene cyclic carbonate was elucidated from DFT calculations and is related to the bifunctional activity (base/H‐bond donor) of TBD decreasing the Gibbs free energy of the reaction path for the formation of the acyclic carbonate.
Mechanism of Water Oxidation Catalyzed by a Mononuclear Manganese Complex
Authors: Li Ying‐Ying , Ye Ke , Siegbahn Per E. M. , Liao Rong‐Zhen 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe design and synthesis of biomimetic Mn complexes to catalyze oxygen evolution is a very appealing goal because water oxidation in nature employs a Mn complex. Recently, the mononuclear Mn complex [LMnII(H2O)2]2+ [1, L=Py2N(tBu)2, Py=pyridyl] was reported to catalyze water oxidation electrochemically at an applied potential of 1.23 V at pH 12.2 in aqueous solution. Density functional calculations were performed to elucidate the mechanism of water oxidation promoted by this catalyst. The calculations showed that 1 can lose two protons and one electron readily to produce [LMnIII(OH)2]+ (2), which then undergoes two sequential proton‐coupled electron‐transfer processes to afford [LMnVOO]+ (4). The O−O bond formation can occur through direct coupling of the two oxido ligands or through nucleophilic attack of water. These two mechanisms have similar barriers of approximately 17 kcal mol−1. The further oxidation of 4 to generate [LMnVIOO]2+ (5), which enables O−O bond formation, has a much higher barrier. In addition, ligand degradation by C−H activation has a similar barrier to that for the O−O bond formation, and this explains the relatively low turnover number of this catalyst.
Hybrid Perovskite Photovoltaic Devices: Properties, Architecture, and Fabrication Methods
Authors: Al‐Dainy Gailan A. , Bourdo Shawn E. , Saini Viney , Berry Brian C. , Biris Alexandru S. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAs the need for green energy increases, particularly solar energy, perovskite‐based devices have become a promising alternative to more complex, costly semiconductor‐based photovoltaic devices. The major advantage of perovskite‐based devices is their relatively facile fabrication as a thin film at fairly low temperatures and their tunable optoelectronic properties. The chemical composition of perovskite structures, solvent and heat treatments used in processing, additives, and deposition methods produce films with different morphologies. Their ability to be used with other organic and inorganic subcells makes them a useful component for an efficient, cost‐effective approach to harvest solar energy. This review presents some of the latest approaches and considerations for the fabrication, architecture, and performance of perovskite‐based solar cells. Various perovskite device architectures are discussed, as well as the effects of environmental conditions on performance and degradation.
Analysis of community-level mesocosm data based on ecologically meaningful dissimilarity measures and data transformation
Authors: Tebby Cleo , Joachim Sandrine , Van den Brink Paul J. , Porcher Jean-Marc , Beaudouin Rémy 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

The principal response curve (PRC) method is a constrained ordination method developed specifically for the analysis of community data collected in mesocosm experiments, which provides easily understood summaries and graphical representations of community response to stress. It is a redundancy analysis method and is usually performed on log-transformed abundance data. The choice of a measure of dissimilarity between samples and the choice of the data transformation significantly affect the results of multivariate analysis. Dissimilarity measures that are more ecologically meaningful than the Euclidean distance can be incorporated into the PRC using distance-based redundancy analysis. The present study investigates the ordinations produced by a small selection of dissimilarity measures: the Euclidean distance using log-transformed and Hellinger-transformed data and the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity using raw and log-transformed data. It compares 2 data sets from experiments on the effect of the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac and the insecticide chlorpyrifos on macroinvertebrate communities. The choice of dissimilarity measure can determine the outcome of a risk assessment. For the diclofenac data set, the PRCs were different depending on the dissimilarity measure: the community no-effect concentration was lowest for the Bray-Curtis on log-transformed data and Hellinger dissimilarity measures. For chlorpyrifos, however, the PRCs were similar for all dissimilarity measures. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1667–1679. © 2016 SETAC
Effect of natural organic matter on the photo-induced toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Wormington Alexis M. , Coral Jason , Alloy Matthew M. , Delmarè Carmen L. , Mansfield Charles M. , Klaine Stephen J. , Bisesi Joseph H. , Roberts Aaron P. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2) is the most widely used form of nanoparticles in commercial industry and comes in 2 main configurations: rutile and anatase. Rutile TiO2 is used in ultraviolet (UV) screening applications, whereas anatase TiO2 crystals have a surface defect that makes them photoreactive. There are numerous reports in the literature of photo-induced toxicity to aquatic organisms following coexposure to anatase nano-TiO2 and UV. All natural freshwater contains varying amounts of natural organic matter (NOM), which can drive UV attenuation and quench reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aquatic ecosystems. The present research examined how NOM alters the photo-induced toxicity of anatase nano-TiO2. Daphnia magna neonates were coexposed to NOM and photoexcited anatase nano-TiO2 for 48 h. Natural organic matter concentrations as low as 4 mg/L reduced anatase nano-TiO2 toxicity by nearly 100%. These concentrations of NOM attenuated UV by &lt;10% in the exposure system. However, ROS production measured using a fluorescence assay was significantly reduced in a NOM concentration­–dependent manner. Taken together, these data suggest that NOM reduces anatase nano-TiO2 toxicity via an ROS quenching mechanism and not by attenuation of UV. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1661–1666. © 2016 SETAC
Life-cycle exposure of fathead minnows to environmentally relevant concentrations of the β-blocker drug propranolol
Authors: Parrott Joanne L. , Balakrishnan Vimal K. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Propranolol is a human pharmaceutical β-blocker that has been detected in municipal wastewater effluents at ng/L to low μg/L. To assess the potential of this compound to affect fish, fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) were exposed for a life cycle in a flow-through system to nominal propranolol concentrations of 0.87 ng/L, 8.7 ng/L, 87 ng/L, 870 ng/L, and 8700 ng/L. Measured propranolol concentrations were below detection for the 2 lowest exposure concentrations, and were 76 ng/L, 580 ng/L, and 7800 ng/L for the 3 highest exposure concentrations. During the 162-d to 165-d exposure, no significant changes in weights or lengths were seen in fathead minnows, although the highest concentration of propranolol did cause a 15% decrease in survival of larval and juvenile stage fish compared with controls. At maturity, there were no significant changes in condition factor, liver-somatic index, or secondary sex characteristics in propranolol-exposed male or female fish. Female gonadosomatic index was significantly decreased in fish exposed to the highest concentrations of propranolol, probably because of increased egg-laying. Fathead minnows from all propranolol exposures produced more eggs than control fish, with fish exposed to 7800 ng/L propranolol producing 70% more eggs per female (p = 0.060), and having significantly increased clutch size (p = 0.008). Egg quality, % fertilization, % hatching, and % deformities in F1 fry were unaffected by propranolol exposure of fish. Propranolol exposure caused no effects in fathead minnows, except at the highest exposure concentration (7800 ng/L), where there were slight decreases in survival of juvenile minnows, and indications of increased reproduction. The present study is important because it is the first to assess the potential for effects in fish exposed to propranolol for a life cycle. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1644–1651. © 2016 SETAC
Microemulsions enhance the shelf‐life and processability of Smyrnium olusatrum L. essential oil
Authors: Cespi Marco , Quassinti Luana , Perinelli Diego Romano , Bramucci Massimo , Iannarelli Romilde , Papa Fabrizio , Ricciutelli Massimo , Bonacucina Giulia , Palmieri Giovanni Filippo , Maggi Filippo 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSmyrnium olusatrum L. is a horticultural crop cultivated during the Roman age for culinary and curative uses. The essential oil extracted from this plant (AEO) is rich in bioactive constituents such as isofuranodiene and germacrone. Several previous studies revealed that AEO and its isolated components possess interesting therapeutic features, such as antiproliferative, neuritogenic, hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, AEO has stability problems because of the high concentration of its main components. This issue makes AEO very difficult to handle and use. Thus, AEO was formulated as microemulsions known for their thermodynamic stability and easiness of preparation. AEO was hydrodistilled from inflorescences of S. olusatrum and its composition determined by different chromatographic methods. The microemulsions were developed using a central composite design and their activity tested using the MTT assay. The present study demonstrated the possibility to formulate stable AEO microemulsions where the crystallization of isofuranodiene is avoided, and the AEO biological activity is maintained. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heating and Flow Analysis in Hot‐Rolled Stainless Strip Continuous Annealing Furnace Based on CFD Modeling
Authors: Su Fuyong 
Published: December 2016

AbstractA three‐dimensional mathematical model was found for a continuous annealing furnace, the temperature field, and flow field of the furnace and the temperature of the stainless strip could be calculated by using this model. The simulation results were compared with measured data and the accuracy of the model was proved by the predicted temperature distribution. By using this model, the convective heat transfer coefficient and equivalent radiation heat transfer coefficient of the strip surface were also analyzed.
Effects of temperature on multiparametric evaluation of hindlimb ischemia with dynamic fluorescence imaging
Authors: Cai Wenjuan , Guang Huizhi , Cai Chuangjian , Luo Jianwen 
Published: December 2016

Quantitative evaluation of hindlimb ischemia is essential for early diagnosis and therapy of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Dynamic imaging using near‐infrared (NIR) fluorophore indocyanine green (ICG) is a noninvasive and effective tool to monitor multiple vascular parameters including perfusion rate (PR), perfusion vascular density (PVD) and hemodynamics. It has been previously demonstrated that temperature changes could lead to significant variations of blood flow rate and vascular perfusion. In this paper, multiparametric evaluation of hindlimb ischemia was performed at different temperatures. Five different parameters were extracted from dynamic fluorescence imaging, including PR, PVD, rising time (Trise), blood flow index (BFI) and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). Temperatures varied from 15 °C to 40 °C were set on a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia. The aforementioned five parameters were obtained at each temperature. The results suggest that PVD, BFI and MFI could be effective indicators to distinguish ischemic tissues from normal tissues in mouse hindlimb at different temperatures. In contrast, PR is effective only when the temperature is higher than 25 °C, while Trise is effective only when the temperature is lower than 35 °C. The parameters of PVD, BFI and MFI could provide quantitative and comprehensive evaluation for PAD at different temperatures.
(A) Bright‐field image of the normal (left) and ischemic (right) hindlimbs. (B–D) Parametric images of perfusion vascular density, blood flow index and mean fluorescence intensity.magnified image(A) Bright‐field image of the normal (left) and ischemic (right) hindlimbs. (B–D) Parametric images of perfusion vascular density, blood flow index and mean fluorescence intensity.