bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silver nanoparticle impregnated rechargeable polyethersulfone (PES) membrane for biofouling prevention and water disinfection
Authors: Biswas Pritam , Bandyopadhyaya Rajdip 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDBiofouling severely limits membrane life and performance. To address the twin challenges of biofouling prevention and water disinfection, silver nanoparticle (Ag‐NP) impregnated, sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES) membrane was chosen.RESULTSBy tuning the degree of sulfonation, Ag‐SPES‐1, Ag‐SPES‐2 and Ag‐SPES‐3 membranes were synthesized, having increasing Ag content of 4.1, 8.8 and 15.1 wt%, respectively. Time‐dependent confocal microscopy images of E. coli cells (after the passage of 104 CFU mL‐1) show that all attached E. coli cells were killed in 5, 2 and 2 min for Ag‐SPES‐1, Ag‐SPES‐2 and Ag‐SPES‐3 membranes, respectively. However, Ag‐SPES‐2 shows maximum permeability coefficient (452 L m‐2 h‐1 bar‐1) of decontaminated water in a cross‐flow module. This is because, Ag‐SPES‐1 takes a longer time for E. coli cell‐death due to its lowest Ag loading, whereas Ag‐SPES‐3 – due to excess Ag loading – results in the formation of an undesirable Ag‐NP layer on the membrane surface, leading to 16.7% decrease in its porosity. The latter translates into lower permeability. Fresh membranes showed the same permeability over six runs. However, to simulate the eventual depletion of Ag in the very long run, the membranes were recharged with Ag, upon which it showed similar permeability to a fresh membrane.CONCLUSIONTherefore, the study achieved: (i) optimization of Ag content for highest permeability; (ii) recharging of membrane for prevention of biofouling‐initiation with both fresh and recharged Ag‐SPES membrane, leading to membrane reuse; and (iii) E. coli free disinfected water with Ag concentration (39 μg L‐1), well‐within the permissible limit for drinking‐water (100 μg L‐1). © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Prototype of a scaled‐up microbial fuel cell for copper recovery
Authors: Rodenas Motos Pau , Molina Gonzalo , ter Heijne Annemiek , Sleutels Tom , Saakes Michel , Buisman Cees 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundBioelectrochemical systems (BESs) enable recovery of electrical energy through oxidation of a wide range of substrates at an anode and simultaneous recovery of metals at a cathode. Scale‐up of BESs from the laboratory to pilot scale is a challenging step in the development of the process, and there are only a few successful experiences to build on. This paper presents a prototype BES for the recovery of copper.ResultsThe cell design presented here had removable electrodes, similar to those in electroplating baths. The anode and cathode in this design could be replaced independently. The prototype bioelectrochemical cell consisted of an 835 cm2 bioanode fed with acetate, and a 700 cm2 cathode fed with copper. A current density of 1.2 A/−2 was achieved with 48 mW m−2 of power production. The contribution of each component (anode, electrolytes, cathode and membrane) was evaluated through the analysis of the internal resistance distribution. This revealed that major losses occurred at the anode, and that the design with removable electrodes results in higher internal resistance compared with other systems. To further assess the practical applicability of BES for copper recovery, an economic evaluation was performed.ConclusionAnalysis shows that the internal resistance of several lab‐scale BESs is already sufficiently low to make the system economic, while the internal resistance for scaled‐up systems still needs to be improved considerably to become economically applicable.© 2017 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Correlates between calcaneal morphology and locomotion in extant and extinct carnivorous mammals
Authors: Panciroli Elsa , Janis Christine , Stockdale Maximilian , Martín‐Serra Alberto 
Published: June 2017

AbstractLocomotor mode is an important component of an animal's ecology, relating to both habitat and substrate choice (e.g., arboreal versus terrestrial) and in the case of carnivores, to mode of predation (e.g., ambush versus pursuit). Here, we examine how the morphology of the calcaneum, the ‘heel bone’ in the tarsus, correlates with locomotion in extant carnivores. Other studies have confirmed the correlation of calcaneal morphology with locomotion behaviour and habitat. The robust nature of the calcaneum means that it is frequently preserved in the fossil record. Here, we employ linear measurements and 2D‐geometric morphometrics on a sample of calcanea from eighty‐seven extant carnivorans and demonstrate a signal of correlation between calcaneal morphology and locomotor mode that overrides phylogeny. We used this correlation to determine the locomotor mode, and hence aspects of the palaeobiology of, 47 extinct carnivorous mammal taxa, including both Carnivora and Creodonta. We found ursids (bears), clustered together, separate from the other carnivorans. Our results support greater locomotor diversity for nimravids (the extinct ‘false sabertooths’, usually considered to be more arboreal), than previously expected. However, there are limitations to interpretation of extinct taxa because their robust morphology is not fully captured in the range of modern carnivoran morphology.
Pretarsal structures in Leiodidae and Agyrtidae (Coleoptera, Staphylinoidea)
Authors: Gnaspini Pedro , Antunes‐Carvalho Caio , Leschen Richard A. B. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe analysed pretarsal characters of 87 species of Leiodidae (including 10 cholevines and representatives of all tribes and ca. 60% of the genera of non‐cholevines), five species of Agyrtidae, and nine representatives of outgroup taxa (Hydraenidae, Staphylinidae, Hydrophilidae, and Histeridae) using scanning electron microscopy. We focused our observations on the architecture of the empodium (including the sclerites and associated setae), the shape and composition of the medial projection of the distal margin of the terminal tarsomere, and the armature of the claws, which were considered a promising source of information for delimiting supraspecific taxa in our previous study. We identified several diagnostic features and recognize potential synapomorphies at the tribal, subtribal and generic levels. The internal systematic arrangement and/or even the monophyletic status of most of the subfamilies of Leiodidae (Camiarinae, Catopocerinae, Leiodinae, and Platypsyllinae) are challenged. We identified potential synapomorphies for Camiarinae (Camiarini and Agyrtodini) and Leiodinae. The non‐monophyly of Cholevinae is possible because part of the tribe (Anemadini, Eucatopini, and Oritocatopini) shares potentially apomorphic features with Leiodinae (e.g., a triangular medial projection with a diagonal row of conical spines), whereas another part (Leptodirini and Ptomaphagini) shares a potentially apomorphic feature with Coloninae and Platypsyllinae (a typical medial projection with two distinct triangular projections).
Suppression of the vacuolar invertase gene delays senescent sweetening in chipping potatoes
Authors: Wiberley‐Bradford Amy E , Bethke Paul C 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDPotato chip processors require potato tubers that meet quality specifications for fried chip color, and color depends largely upon tuber sugar contents. At later times in storage, potatoes accumulate sucrose, glucose, and fructose. This developmental process, senescent sweetening, manifests as a blush of color near the center of the fried chip, becomes more severe with time, and limits the storage period. Vacuolar invertase (VInv) converts sucrose to glucose and fructose and is hypothesized to play a role in senescent sweetening. To test this hypothesis, senescent sweetening was quantified in multiple lines of potato with reduced VInv expression.RESULTSChip darkening from senescent sweetening was delayed by about 4 weeks for tubers with reduced VInv expression. A strong positive correlation between frequency of dark chips and tuber hexose content was observed. Tubers with reduced VInv expression had lower hexose to sucrose ratios than controls.CONCLUSIONVInv activity contributes to reducing sugar accumulation during senescent sweetening. Sucrose breakdown during frying may contribute to chip darkening. Suppressing VInv expression increases the storage period of the chipping potato crop, which is an important consideration, as potatoes with reduced VInv expression are entering commercial production in the USA. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Targeted metabolomics analysis of aromatic amino acids and their gut microbiota–host cometabolites in rat serum and urine by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zeng Yifeng , Luo Liang , Hou Waner , Lu Biyu , Gong Jing , Chen Jiahui , Zhang Xiaojun , Han Bo , Xie Zhiyong , Liao Qiongfeng 
Published: June 2017

Gut microbiota–host cometabolites are closely related to various diseases. Monitoring dynamic changes of cometabolites can provide a more comprehensive understanding of pathophysiology. Here, a novel liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was performed for the analysis of aromatic amino acids and their gut microbiota–host cometabolites in rat serum and urine. In the developed method, seven key gut microbiota–host cometabolites were chromatographically separated on a Kinetex Phenyl‐Hexyl column by gradient elution, and the run time was 6 min. Serum and urine were extracted by protein precipitation. This method was linear between 10.20 and 1000.00 ng/mL for phenylalanine and p‐cresyl sulfate; 25.60–2500.00 ng/mL for tryptophan; 51.20–5000.00 ng/mL for tyrosine, indole, and indoxyl sulfate; and 75.50–7500.00 ng/mL for p‐cresol. The linearity, accuracy, precision, and recovery of seven analytes were all satisfactory. The method was sufficiently sensitive and robust. It was successfully applied to characterize the alterations of gut microbiota–host cometabolites in inflammatory disorders. All of these results suggest that the developed method is able to simultaneously monitor aromatic amino acids and their gut microbiota–host cometabolites. This method will be expected to be a valuable tool for clinical researches and comprehensive studies of the pathophysiological roles.
Pediatric cochlear implantation: Variation in income, race, payer, and charges across five states
Authors: Huang Zhen , Gordish‐Dressman Heather , Preciado Diego , Reilly Brian K. 
Published: June 2017

Objectives/HypothesisOur objectives were to investigate pediatric cochlear implantation (PCI) across representative states within the United States and analyze any geographical differences in age, median household income, race, insurance, and total medical charges.Study DesignCross‐sectional.MethodsData from children (aged 0.5–18 years) who received cochlear implantation surgery were collected from the 2011 State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases from California (CA), Florida (FL), Maryland (MD), New York (NY), and Kentucky (KY) as a part of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. We performed data analysis using a combination of Kruskal‐Wallis and Wilcoxon rank sum tests, as well as nominal logistic regression.ResultsFive hundred twelve cases of PCI were performed during 2011 across the five states. The overall mean and median age of implantation were 5.6 years and 4 years, respectively. There was no statistical difference in age of implantation across states (P = .85). However, there were statistical differences in primary payer (P < .001), median household income quartiles of patients who received an implant (P < .006), race (P < .001), and total median hospital charges for four of the states, with the exception of CA (P < .001).ConclusionsAge of PCI appears to be similar across the five states in cross‐sectional analysis. Geographic variations in charges, payer, race, and median household income occur with statistical significance in PCI. Further analysis of contributing factors at each state level may help elucidate the root cause of these disparities and improve and justify a uniform approach to healthcare delivery and standards of care.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 128:954–958, 2018
Delivered adipose‐derived stromal cells improve host‐derived adipose tissue formation in composite constructs in vivo
Authors: Storck Katharina , Fischer Reyk , Buchberger Maria , Haller Bernhard , Regn Sybille 
Published: June 2017

Objectives/HypothesisAdipose tissue engineering aims to provide functional tissue surrogates for the restoration of soft tissue defects and contour deformities in the face. Many studies involve the delivery of cells; however, the impact and the exact role of the implanted cells is not yet fully elucidated.Study DesignAnimal research.MethodsIn this study, we used a mouse model for the development of volume‐stable adipose tissue using polyurethane scaffolds combined with a long‐term stable fibrin gel and adipose‐derived stromal cells to investigate the influence of cell delivery on tissue development.ResultsAfter 12 weeks in vivo, the emerging tissue in these constructs was shown to be exclusively of host origin by human‐specific vimentin staining. Comparison of unseeded versus seeded scaffolds revealed a significant effect of the delivered cells on adipose tissue development as shown by histological staining and histomorphometric quantification of adipocytes, whereas blood vessel formation was not affected by delivery of adipose‐derived stromal cells at this time point.ConclusionsThis is evidence for an indirect action of the implanted cells, providing a proadipogenic microenvironment within constructs, which was further boosted by adipogenic precultivation of the seeded constructs. Especially in peripheral areas of the constructs, the number of adipocytes was significantly elevated in seeded scaffolds compared to nonseeded controls, suggesting that the implanted cells likely triggered the invasion and differentiation of host cells. This is supported by the fact that the provision of a fat rich environment (by coverage of the constructs with a fat flap upon implantation) additionally stimulated adipose tissue formation.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 127:E428–E436, 2017
Cationic Nanohydrogel Particles for Therapeutic Oligonucleotide Delivery
Authors: Leber Nadine , Nuhn Lutz , Zentel Rudolf 
Published: June 2017

AbstractShort pharmaceutical active oligonucleotides such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) or cytidine‐phosphate‐guanosine (CpG) are considered as powerful therapeutic alternatives, especially to medicate hard‐to‐treat diseases (e.g., liver fibrosis or cancer). Unfortunately, these molecules are equipped with poor pharmacokinetic properties that prevent them from translation. Well‐defined nanosized carriers can provide opportunities to optimize their delivery and guide them to their site of action. Among several concepts, this Feature Article focuses on cationic nanohydrogel particles as a universal delivery system for small anionic molecules including siRNA and CpG. Cationic nanohydrogels are derived from preaggregated precursor block copolymers, which are further cross‐linked to obtain well‐defined nanoparticles of tunable sizes and with (degradable) cationic cores. Novel opportunities for oligonucleotide delivery in vitro and in vivo with respect to liver fibrosis therapies will be highlighted as well as perspectives toward modulating the immune system. In general, the approach of covalently stabilized cationic carrier systems can contribute to find advanced oligonucleotide therapeutics.
Envisioning a future purchase: The effects of consumption imagery perspective and identity on consumer motivation
Authors: Soliman Monica , Buehler Roger , Peetz Johanna 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWhen people visualize a potential purchase, they can adopt either a first‐person or a third‐person perspective. The present research examines whether the perspective adopted would affect consumer motivation, and whether this effect would depend on the extent to which the imagined purchase is connected to identity. In four studies, third‐person imagery resulted in stronger consumer motivation than first‐person imagery, but only for purchases that were tied closely to identity. Furthermore, the results suggest that the motivational effect of third‐person imagery is not based on concerns about others’ views of the self, but rather on the extent to which one feels that the imagined behavior is tied closely to identity.
Engaging fans on microblog: the synthetic influence of parasocial interaction and source characteristics on celebrity endorsement
Authors: Gong Wanqi , Li Xigen 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBrand managers use celebrity microbloggers to endorse their products on microblogs. Previous studies on celebrity endorsement mechanisms concentrated on source factors such as celebrity's characteristics and celebrity—product congruence. This study introduces a new audience factor: the fan–celebrity parasocial interaction (PSI) to explore the celebrity endorsement mechanism within a microblog context. The study hypothesizes that PSI and source factors (credibility, attractiveness, and congruence) significantly influence endorsement effectiveness. The results of an online survey (N = 862) indicate that PSI and celebrity–product congruence are salient antecedents of endorsement effectiveness. PSI serves as a mediator of the effect of source attractiveness on endorsement effectiveness. Source credibility and celebrity–product congruence are mediators between PSI and endorsement effectiveness. The study develops and tests a conceptual model to illustrate the influential mechanism of celebrity endorsement on microblog platforms.
Mild cognitive impairment as a risk factor for Parkinson's disease dementia
Authors: Hoogland Jeroen , Boel Judith A. , de Bie Rob M.A. , Geskus Ronald B. , Schmand Ben A. , Dalrymple‐Alford John C. , Marras Connie , Adler Charles H. , Goldman Jennifer G. , Tröster Alexander I. , Burn David J. , Litvan Irene , Geurtsen Gert J. ,   on behalf of the MDS Study Group “Validation of Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson Disease”
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society criteria for mild cognitive impairment in PD were recently formulated.ObjectivesThe aim of this international study was to evaluate the predictive validity of the comprehensive (level II) version of these criteria by assessment of their contribution to the hazard of PD dementia.MethodsIndividual patient data were selected from four separate studies on cognition in PD that provided information on demographics, motor examination, depression, neuropsychological examination suitable for application of level II criteria, and longitudinal follow‐up for conversion to dementia. Survival analysis evaluated the predictive value of level II criteria for cognitive decline toward dementia as expressed by the relative hazard of dementia.ResultsA total of 467 patients were included. The analyses showed a clear contribution of impairment according to level II mild cognitive impairment criteria, age, and severity of PD motor symptoms to the hazard of dementia. There was a trend of increasing hazard of dementia with declining neuropsychological performance.ConclusionsThis is the first large international study evaluating the predictive validity of level II mild cognitive impairment criteria for PD. The results showed a clear and unique contribution of classification according to level II criteria to the hazard of PD dementia. This finding supports their predictive validity and shows that they contribute important new information on the hazard of dementia, beyond known demographic and PD‐specific factors of influence. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
New structural classes of antituberculosis agents
Authors: Kumar Vajinder , Patel Sanjay , Jain Rahul 
Published: June 2017

AbstractTuberculosis (TB), one of the deadliest diseases is shattering the health and socioeconomic status of the society. The emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) and extremely drug resistant (XDR) strains has provided unprecedented lethal character to TB. The development of MDR and XDR strains of TB results in more deaths, longer duration of therapy, and appearance of the disease in the immunocompromised patients. Because of the development of rapid resistance byMycobacterium tuberculosis, researchers are confronted with serious challenges in combating TB. For instance, the need for potency and specificity in therapeutic agents approaching clinics, and the increasing demand of low toxicity due to long duration of treatment. Recently, it is proposed that such challenges could be addressed by a shift from contemporary or known classes of drugs to new scaffold‐containing or entirely new structural classes of drugs that possibly act on the previously unknown targets, resulting in possibly less instances of resistance development. The exploitation of advances made in the biology of TB in the last and present decades have created opportunities to discover a large number of new structural classes that specifically targets TB by molecular mechanism of action(s) unknown earlier. We have earlier reviewed new structural classes of anti‐TB agents up to year 2005. This review covers literature reports of the subsequent 10 years on the discovery of new structural classes of synthetic anti‐TB agents. Due to the availability of large number of research reports, we have divided new compounds in 38 structural classes, 368 structures, and 307 references.
Dynamic nuclear polarization studies of nitroxyl spin probes in agarose gel using Overhauser‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Meenakumari V. , Utsumi Hideo , Hyodo Fuminori , Jawahar A. , Milton Franklin Benial A. 
Published: June 2017

Agarose is a tissue‐equivalent material and its imaging characteristics similar to those of real tissues. Hence, the dynamic nuclear polarization studies of 3‐carboxy‐2,2,5,5‐tetramethyl‐pyrrolidine‐1‐oxyl (carboxy‐PROXYL) in agarose gel were carried out. The dynamic nuclear polarization parameters such as spin lattice relaxation time, longitudinal relaxivity, leakage factor, saturation parameter and coupling parameter were estimated for 2 mM carboxy‐PROXYL in phosphate‐buffered saline solution and water/agarose mixture (99 : 1). From these results, the spin probe concentration was optimized as 2 mM, and the reduction in enhancement was observed for carboxy‐PROXYL in water/agarose mixture (99 : 1) compared with phosphate‐buffered saline solution. Phantom imaging was also performed with 2 mM concentration of carboxy‐PROXYL in various concentrations of agarose gel at various radio frequency power levels. The results from the dynamic nuclear polarization measurements agree well with the phantom imaging results. These results pave the way for designing model system for human tissues suited to the biological applications of electron spin resonance/Overhauser‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.