bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selective Elaboration of Aminodiols towards Small Ring α‐ and β‐Amino Acid Derivatives that Incorporate an Aziridine, Azetidine, or Epoxide Scaffold
Authors: Semina Elena , Žukauskaitė Asta , Šačkus Algirdas , De Kimpe Norbert , Mangelinckx Sven 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe osmium‐catalyzed dihydroxylation of N‐substituted alkyl 2‐(aminomethyl)acrylates resulted in the efficient synthesis of 2‐(aminomethyl)‐2,3‐dihydroxypropanoates in good yields (82–89 %). The resulting aminodiols were elaborated in a selective diversity‐oriented synthesis to produce the corresponding 2‐(aminomethyl)oxirane‐2‐carboxylates, functionalized aziridine‐2‐carboxylates, and azetidine‐3‐carboxylates by using straightforward reactions.
Implementation of an analytical microfluidic device for the quantification of protein concentrations in high‐throughput format
Authors: Radtke Carsten Philipp , Schermeyer Marie‐Therese , Zhai Yün Claudia , Göpper Jacqueline , Hubbuch Jürgen 
Published: March 2016

Nowadays, the performance of experiments in automated microliter scale format is common practice in the biopharmaceutical process development. The increased number of experiments, reduced sample volumes, and usage of robotic platforms require the adjustment of photometric measurements to determine the protein concentration. This work presents the qualification and usage of a disposable measurement device that can be used with conventional microplate photometers. The application of the microfluidic device (μF‐device) allows absorption measurements of protein concentrations from around 0.1 to 100 mg/mL with an accuracy of 99.2% dependent on given protein extinction coefficients. The integrated four measurement chambers of increasing height (100–1500 μm) allow the direct calculation of calibration curves and the determination of protein concentrations independent of used optical path lengths with a sample volume of 36 μL. This study contains the validation of the analytical μF‐device according to ICH Guidelines as well as a representative case study. A salt gradient screening with chromatography columns in microliter scale performed on a liquid handling station presents the usability of the μF‐device. It is shown that an improvement of the repeatability and accuracy of the chromatograms could be achieved by μF‐device implementation in comparison to photometric measurements performed in microtiter plates.
Tissue explant coculture model of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal–liver axis of the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) as a predictive tool for endocrine disruption
Authors: Johnston Theresa K. , Perkins Edward , Ferguson Duncan C. , Cropek Donald M. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) can impact the reproductive system by interfering with the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. Although in vitro testing methods have been developed to screen chemicals for endocrine disruption, extrapolation of in vitro responses to in vivo action shows inconsistent accuracy. The authors describe a tissue coculture of the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) HPG axis and liver (HPG-L) as a tissue explant model that mimics in vivo results. Brain (hypothalamus), pituitary, gonad, and liver tissue explants from adult fish were examined for function both individually and in coculture to determine combinations and conditions that could replicate in vivo behavior. Only cocultures had the ability to respond to an EDC, trenbolone, similarly to in vivo studies, based on estradiol, testosterone, and vitellogenin production trends, where lower exposure doses suppressed hormone production but higher doses increased production, resulting in distinctive U-shaped curves. These data suggest that a coculture system with all components of the HPG-L axis can be used as a link between in vitro and in vivo studies to predict endocrine system disruption in whole organisms. This tissue-based HPG-L system acts as a flexible deconstructed version of the in vivo system for better control and examination of the minute changes in system operation and response on EDC exposure with options to isolate, interrogate, and recombine desired components. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2530–2541. Published 2016 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Halogenated carbazoles induce cardiotoxicity in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos
Authors: Fang Mingliang , Guo Jiehong , Chen Da , Li An , Hinton David E. , Dong Wu 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Halogenated carbazoles are increasingly identified as a novel class of environmental contaminants. However, no in vivo acute toxicity information on those compounds was available. In the present study, an in vivo zebrafish embryonic model (Danio rerio) was used to investigate the developmental toxicity of those halogenated carbazoles. The results suggested that acute toxicity was structure-dependent. Two of the 6 tested carbazoles, 2,7-dibromocarbazole (27-DBCZ) and 2,3,6,7-tetrachlorocarbazole, showed obvious developmental toxicity at nanomolar levels. The typical phenotypes were similar to dioxin-induced cardiotoxicity, including swollen yolk sac, pericardial sac edema, elongated and unlooped heart, and lower jaw shortening. During embryonic development 27-DBCZ also induced a unique pigmentation decrease. Gene expression and protein staining of cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) showed that both halogenated carbazoles could induce CYP1A expression at the micromolar level and primarily in the heart area, which was similar to dioxin activity. Further, aryl hydrocarbon receptor-(AhR)2 gene knockdown with morpholino confirmed that the acute cardiotoxicity is AhR–dependent. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that halogenated carbazoles represent yet another class of persistent organic pollutants with dioxin-like activity in an in vivo animal model. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2523–2529. © 2016 SETAC
Bounds and approximations on the ergodic mutual information of spatially correlated Nakagami‐m MIMO channels
Authors: Guimarães Antonio Alisson P. , Kountouris Marios , Cavalcante Charles Casimiro 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this paper, the ergodic mutual information of point‐to‐point multi‐antenna systems with spatially correlated Nakagami‐m fading channel is studied. We consider that no channel knowledge is available at the transmitter side, while the receiver has perfect channel state information. Using the unitary‐independent‐unitary framework, tools from majorisation theory, and recent results on the sum of independent Gamma random variables with different parameters, we derive new analytical closed‐form bounds and tight approximations to the ergodic mutual information in spatially correlated multi‐antenna channels. Our analytical expressions are verified through Monte Carlo simulations, and their effectiveness is compared with prior results in the literature. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) butter quality using screw expeller extraction
Authors: Gezahegn Yonas A. , Emire Shimelis A. , Asfaw Sisay F. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe quality of Shea butter is highly affected by processing factors. Hence, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of conditioning duration (CD), moisture content (MC), and die temperature (DT) of screw expeller on Shea butter quality. A combination of 33 full factorial design and response surface methodology was used for this investigation. Response variables were refractive index, acid value, and peroxide value. The model enabled to identify the optimum operating settings (CD = 28–30 min, MC = 3–5 g/100 g, and DT = 65–70°C) for maximize refractive index and minimum acid value. For minimum peroxide value 0 min CD, 10 g/100 g MC, and 30°C were discovered. In all‐over optimization, optimal values of 30 min CD, 9.7 g/100 g MC, and 70°C DT were found. Hence, the processing factors must be at their optimal values to achieve high butter quality and consistence.
Intracranial EEG potentials estimated from MEG sources: A new approach to correlate MEG and iEEG data in epilepsy
Authors: Grova Christophe , Aiguabella Maria , Zelmann Rina , Lina Jean‐Marc , Hall Jeffery A. , Kobayashi Eliane 
Published: March 2016

AbstractDetection of epileptic spikes in MagnetoEncephaloGraphy (MEG) requires synchronized neuronal activity over a minimum of 4cm2. We previously validated the Maximum Entropy on the Mean (MEM) as a source localization able to recover the spatial extent of the epileptic spike generators. The purpose of this study was to evaluate quantitatively, using intracranial EEG (iEEG), the spatial extent recovered from MEG sources by estimating iEEG potentials generated by these MEG sources. We evaluated five patients with focal epilepsy who had a pre‐operative MEG acquisition and iEEG with MRI‐compatible electrodes. Individual MEG epileptic spikes were localized along the cortical surface segmented from a pre‐operative MRI, which was co‐registered with the MRI obtained with iEEG electrodes in place for identification of iEEG contacts. An iEEG forward model estimated the influence of every dipolar source of the cortical surface on each iEEG contact. This iEEG forward model was applied to MEG sources to estimate iEEG potentials that would have been generated by these sources. MEG‐estimated iEEG potentials were compared with measured iEEG potentials using four source localization methods: two variants of MEM and two standard methods equivalent to minimum norm and LORETA estimates. Our results demonstrated an excellent MEG/iEEG correspondence in the presumed focus for four out of five patients. In one patient, the deep generator identified in iEEG could not be localized in MEG. MEG‐estimated iEEG potentials is a promising method to evaluate which MEG sources could be retrieved and validated with iEEG data, providing accurate results especially when applied to MEM localizations. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1661–1683, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Everyone Learns From Everyone
Authors: Hobbs Renee , Coiro Julie 
Published: March 2016

AbstractHobbs and Coiro describe a new approach to the professional development of educators, librarians, and media professionals that emphasizes the value of collaborative, interdisciplinary relationships. The authors explore why creative collaboration using digital media texts, tools, and technologies is vital to support the professional development of educators. Creative collaboration experiences generate personally meaningful, transformative learning by promoting personal reflection in a social context. It is important to provide cognitive and emotional support for the risk‐taking cycles of experimentation and trial‐and‐error process that is essential for learning to use digital tools. By using inquiry learning practices through collaborative and creative media production, adult learners thrive by taking on distinct and enmeshed roles that inevitably involve creative tension that stimulates and energizes innovation.
Inside the Crystal Ball: New Approaches to Predicting the Gasoline Price at the Pump
Authors: Baumeister Christiane , Kilian Lutz , Lee Thomas K. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryAppropriate real‐time forecasting models for the US retail price of gasoline yield substantial reductions in the mean‐squared prediction error (MSPE) at horizons up to 2 years as well as substantial increases in directional accuracy. Even greater MSPE reductions are possible by constructing a pooled forecast that assigns equal weight to five of the most successful forecasting models. Pooled forecasts have lower MSPE than the US Energy Information Administration gasoline price forecasts and the gasoline price expectations in the Michigan Survey of Consumers. We also show that as much as 39% of the decline in gas prices between June and December 2014 was predictable. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential Effects of Teriparatide and Zoledronic Acid on Bone Mineralization Density Distribution at 6 and 24 Months in the SHOTZ Study
Authors: Dempster David W , Roschger Paul , Misof Barbara M , Zhou Hua , Paschalis Eleftherios P , Alam Jahangir , Ruff Valerie A , Klaushofer Klaus , Taylor Kathleen A 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

The Skeletal Histomorphometry in Patients on Teriparatide or Zoledronic Acid Therapy (SHOTZ) study assessed the progressive effects of teriparatide (TPTD) and zoledronic acid (ZOL) on bone remodeling and material properties in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Previously, we reported that biochemical and histomorphometric bone formation indices were significantly higher in patients receiving TPTD versus ZOL. Here we report bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) results based on quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI). The 12-month primary study was randomized and double blind until the month 6 biopsy, then open label. Patients (TPTD, n = 28; ZOL, n = 31) were then eligible to enter a 12-month open-label extension with their original treatment: TPTD 20 μg/d (subcutaneous injection) or ZOL 5 mg/yr (intravenous infusion). A second biopsy was collected from the contralateral side at month 24 (TPTD, n = 10; ZOL, n = 10). In cancellous bone, ZOL treatment was associated at 6 and 24 months with significantly higher average degree of mineralization (CaMEAN, +2.2%, p = 0.018; +3.9%, p = 0.009, respectively) and with lower percentage of low mineralized areas (CaLOW, –34.6%, p = 0.029; –33.7%, p = 0.025, respectively) and heterogeneity of mineralization CaWIDTH (–12.3%, p = 0.003; –9.9%, p = 0.012, respectively), indicating higher mineralization density and more homogeneous mineral content versus TPTD. Within the ZOL group, significant changes were found in all parameters from month 6 to 24, indicating a progressive increase in mineralization density. In sharp contrast, mineralization density did not increase over time with TPTD, reflecting ongoing deposition of new bone. Similar results were observed in cortical bone. In this study, TPTD stimulated new bone formation, producing a mineralized bone matrix that remained relatively heterogeneous with a stable mean mineral content. ZOL slowed bone turnover and prolonged secondary mineralization, producing a progressively more homogeneous and highly mineralized bone matrix. Although both TPTD and ZOL increase clinical measures of bone mineral density (BMD), this study shows that the underlying mechanisms of the BMD increases are fundamentally different. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
α‐Solanine Isolated From Solanum Tuberosum L. cv Jayoung Abrogates LPS‐Induced Inflammatory Responses Via NF‐κB Inactivation in RAW 264.7 Macrophages and Endotoxin‐Induced Shock Model in Mice
Authors: Shin Ji‐Sun , Lee Kyoung‐Goo , Lee Hwi‐Ho , Lee Hae Jun , An Hyo‐Jin , Nam Jung‐Hwan , Jang Dae Sik , Lee Kyung‐Tae 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTα‐Solanine, a trisaccharide glycoalkaloid, has been reported to possess anti‐cancer effects. In this study, we investigated the anti‐inflammatory effects of α‐solanine isolated from “Jayoung” a dark purple‐fleshed potato by examining its in vitro inhibitory effects on inducible nitric‐oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in LPS‐induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and its in vivo effects on LPS‐induced septic shock in a mouse model. α‐Solanine suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX‐2 both at protein and mRNA levels and consequently inhibited nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in LPS‐induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. α‐Solanine also reduced the production and mRNA expression of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) induced by LPS. Furthermore, molecular mechanism studies indicated that α‐solanine inhibited LPS‐induced activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) by reducing nuclear translocation of p65, degradation of inhibitory κBα (IκBα), and phosphorylation of IκB kinaseα/β (IKKα/β). In an in vivo experiment of LPS‐induced endotoxemia, treatment with α‐solanine suppressed mRNA expressions of iNOS, COX‐2, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β, and the activation of NF‐κB in liver. Importantly, α‐solanine increased the survival rate of mice in LPS‐induced endotoxemia and polymicrobial sepsis models. Taken together, our data suggest that the α‐solanine may be a promising therapeutic against inflammatory diseases by inhibiting the NF‐κB signaling pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2327–2339, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Survey on the Computational Complexity of Coloring Graphs with Forbidden Subgraphs
Authors: Golovach Petr A. , Johnson Matthew , Paulusma Daniël , Song Jian 
Published: March 2016

AbstractFor a positive integer k, a k‐coloring of a graph is a mapping such that whenever . The Coloring problem is to decide, for a given G and k, whether a k‐coloring of G exists. If k is fixed (i.e., it is not part of the input), we have the decision problem k‐Coloring instead. We survey known results on the computational complexity of Coloring and k‐Coloring for graph classes that are characterized by one or two forbidden induced subgraphs. We also consider a number of variants: for example, where the problem is to extend a partial coloring, or where lists of permissible colors are given for each vertex.
Amylose content decreases during tuber development in potato
Authors: Jansky Shelley , Fajardo Diego 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDPotato starch is composed primarily of amylopectin and amylose in an approximately 3:1 ratio. Amylose is considered to be nutritionally desirable in North American and European markets, so there is interest in finding strategies to increase the amylose content of potato starch. There is also interest in marketing ‘baby’ potatoes, which are harvested when they are physiologically immature. This study was carried out to determine weekly changes in amylose content in potato tubers of 11 North American cultivars during the growing season. The trial was repeated across 3 years.RESULTSWe determined that amylose content is highest early and it decreases in a linear fashion as the growing season progresses. Mean amylose content across cultivars and years declined from 30.0% in late June to 26.8% in late August. The rate of decrease varied across years, with slopes of linear regression plots ranging from −0.17 in 2012 to −0.74 in 2011. Amylose content in tuber starch varied among cultivars, with the highest levels observed in Ranger Russet (30.7%) and White Pearl (31.6%); it was lowest in Kennebec (25.7%) and Langlade (25.6%).CONCLUSIONSThis study adds to a growing body of literature on the nutritional value of immature potato tubers. In addition to having higher levels of some phytonutrients, as reported in other studies, immature tubers have a higher proportion of amylose in the starch. This is nutritionally desirable in affluent regions where high fiber content is more important than calories from carbohydrates. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Aggregate Stability and Water Retention Near Saturation Characteristics as Affected by Soil Texture, Aggregate Size and Polyacrylamide Application
Authors: Mamedov Amrakh I. , Huang Chi‐hua , Aliev Fazil A. , Levy Guy J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractUnderstanding the effects of soil intrinsic properties and extrinsic conditions on aggregate stability is essential for the development of effective soil and water conservation practices. Our objective was to evaluate the combined role of soil texture, aggregate size and application of a stabilizing agent on aggregate and structure stability indices (composite structure index [SI], the α and n parameters of the VG model and the S‐index) by employing the high energy (0–5·0 J kg−1) moisture characteristic (HEMC) method. We used aggregates of three sizes (0·25–0·5, 0·5–1·0 and 1·0–2·0 mm) from four semi‐arid soils treated with polyacrylamide (PAM). An increase in SI was associated with the increase in clay content, aggregate size and PAM application. The value of α increased with the increase in aggregate size and with PAM application but was not affected by soil texture. For each aggregate size, a unique exponential type relationship existed between SI and α. The value of n and the S‐index tended, generally, to decrease with the increase in PAM application; however, an increase in aggregate size had an inconsistent effect on these two indices. The relationship between SI and n or the S‐index could not be generalized. Our results suggest that (i) the effects of PAM on aggregate stability are not trivial, and its application as a soil conservation tool should consider field soil condition, and (ii) α, n and S‐index cannot replace the SI as a solid measure for aggregate stability and soil structure firmness when assessing soil conservation practices. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional modelling of differential railway track settlement using a cycle domain constitutive model
Authors: Li Xin , Ekh Magnus , Nielsen Jens C. O. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryA method for simulation of differential (spatially varying) track settlement in a ballasted railway track is presented. It employs a cycle domain constitutive model to determine accumulated plastic (permanent) deformation of the granular layers supporting the track. The constitutive model is adopted for both the ballast and the sub‐ballast but with different parameter sets. The proposed framework can be used to predict differential track settlement accounting for heterogeneous (space‐variant) track characteristics and loading conditions. Here, it is demonstrated for three‐dimensional continuum modelling of a railway crossing panel subjected to a large number of axle passages. Because of the design of the crossing panel and the transient character of the impact loads on the crossing, the load transferred into the track bed is not uniform along the track, and the resulting differential settlement leads to vertical irregularities in track geometry. The spatial variation of track settlement is calculated both along the sleepers and along the rails. The influences of the number of adjacent sleepers accounted for in the model and the stiffness of the subgrade on the predicted settlement at the crossing are studied. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solution and aqueous miniemulsion polymerization of vinyl chloride mediated by a fluorinated xanthate
Authors: Huang Zhihui , Pan Pengju , Bao Yongzhong 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTSolution and aqueous miniemulsion polymerizations of vinyl chloride (VC) mediated by (3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8‐tridecafluorooctyl‐2‐((ethoxycarbonothioyl)thio) propanoate) (X1) were studied. The living characters of X1‐mediated solution and miniemulsion polymerizations of VC were confirmed by polymerization kinetics. The miniemulsion polymerization exhibits higher rate than solution polymerization. Final conversions of VC in the reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) miniemulsion polymerization reach as high as 87% and are independent of X1 concentration. Initiation process of X1‐mediated RAFT miniemulsion polymerization is controlled by the diffusion–adsorption process of prime radicals. Due to the heterogeneity of polymerization environments and concentration fluctuation of RAFT agent in droplets or latex particles, PVCs prepared in RAFT miniemulsion exhibit relatively broad molecular weight distribution. Furthermore, chain extensions of living PVC (PVC‐X) with VC, vinyl acetate (VAc), and N‐vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) reveal that PVC‐X can be reinitiated and extended, further confirming the living nature of VC RAFT polymerization. PVC‐b‐PVAc diblock copolymer is successfully synthesized by the chain extension of PVC‐X in RAFT miniemulsion polymerization. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2092–2101