bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial activity and mechanism of action of a novel cationic α‐helical octadecapeptide derived from α‐amylase of rice
Authors: Taniguchi Masayuki , Ochiai Akihito , Takahashi Kiyoshi , Nakamichi Shun‐ichi , Nomoto Takafumi , Saitoh Eiichi , Kato Tetsuo , Tanaka Takaaki 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTAmyI‐1–18, an octadecapeptide derived from α‐amylase (AmyI‐1) of rice (Oryza sativa L. japonica), is a novel cationic α‐helical antimicrobial peptide (AMP) that contains two lysine and two arginine residues. The antimicrobial activity of AmyI‐1–18 against human pathogens was quantitatively evaluated using a chemiluminescence method that measures ATP derived from viable cells. Of the ten kinds of human pathogens, AmyI‐1–18 exhibited antimicrobial activity against nine. Its 50% growth‐inhibitory concentrations (ICs50) against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Propionibacterium acnes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Streptococcus mutans were 13, 19, 50, 64, and 77 μM, respectively. AmyI‐1–18 had little or no hemolytic activity even at 500 μM, and showed negligible cytotoxicity up to 1200 μM. The degree of 3,3′‐dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide release from P. gingivalis cells induced by the addition of AmyI‐1–18 was significantly lower than that induced by the addition of melittin. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the percentages of P. aeruginosa, S. mutans, and C. albicans cells stained with propidium iodide (PI), a DNA‐intercalating dye, were 89%, 43%, and 3%, respectively, when AmyI‐1–18 was added at a concentration equal to its 4×IC50. Therefore, the antimicrobial activity of AmyI‐1–18 against P. aeruginosa and S. mutans appears to be mainly attributable to its membrane‐disrupting activity. In contrast, its antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis and C. albicans most likely depends upon interactions with intracellular targets other than their cell membranes. Collectively, these results indicate that AmyI‐1–18 is useful as a safe and potent AMP against the pathogens described above in many fields of healthcare. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 73–83, 2015.
CC Coupling of Ketones with Methanol Catalyzed by a N‐Heterocyclic Carbene–Phosphine Iridium Complex
Authors: Quan Xu , Kerdphon Sutthichat , Andersson Pher G. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAn N‐heterocyclic carbene–phosphine iridium complex system was found to be a very efficient catalyst for the methylation of ketone via a hydrogen transfer reaction. Mild conditions together with low catalyst loading (1 mol %) were used for a tandem process which involves the dehydrogenation of methanol, CC bond formation with a ketone, and hydrogenation of the new generated double bond by iridium hydride to give the alkylated product. Using this iridium catalyst system, a number of branched ketones were synthesized with good to excellent conversions and yields.
Diagnostic value of H3F3A mutations in giant cell tumour of bone compared to osteoclast‐rich mimics
Authors: Presneau Nadège , Baumhoer Daniel , Behjati Sam , Pillay Nischalan , Tarpey Patrick , Campbell Peter J , Jundt Gernot , Hamoudi Rifat , Wedge David C , Loo Peter Van , Hassan A Bassim , Khatri Bhavisha , Ye Hongtao , Tirabosco Roberto , Amary M Fernanda , Flanagan Adrienne M 
Published: January 2015

AbstractDriver mutations in the two histone 3.3 (H3.3) genes, H3F3A and H3F3B, were recently identified by whole genome sequencing in 95% of chondroblastoma (CB) and by targeted gene sequencing in 92% of giant cell tumour of bone (GCT). Given the high prevalence of these driver mutations, it may be possible to utilise these alterations as diagnostic adjuncts in clinical practice. Here, we explored the spectrum of H3.3 mutations in a wide range and large number of bone tumours (n = 412) to determine if these alterations could be used to distinguish GCT from other osteoclast‐rich tumours such as aneurysmal bone cyst, nonossifying fibroma, giant cell granuloma, and osteoclast‐rich malignant bone tumours and others. In addition, we explored the driver landscape of GCT through whole genome, exome and targeted sequencing (14 gene panel). We found that H3.3 mutations, namely mutations of glycine 34 in H3F3A, occur in 96% of GCT. We did not find additional driver mutations in GCT, including mutations in IDH1, IDH2, USP6, TP53. The genomes of GCT exhibited few somatic mutations, akin to the picture seen in CB. Overall our observations suggest that the presence of H3F3A p.Gly34 mutations does not entirely exclude malignancy in osteoclast‐rich tumours. However, H3F3A p.Gly34 mutations appear to be an almost essential feature of GCT that will aid pathological evaluation of bone tumours, especially when confronted with small needle core biopsies. In the absence of H3F3A p.Gly34 mutations, a diagnosis of GCT should be made with caution.
Wide‐band divide‐by‐2 injection‐locked frequency divider using MOSFET mixers DC‐biased in subthreshold region
Authors: Jang Sheng‐Lyang , Lin Fa‐Bo , Huang Jhin‐Fang 
Published: January 2015

SummaryA novel wide locking range divide‐by‐2 injection‐locked frequency divider (ILFD) is proposed in the paper and was implemented in the TSMC 0.18‐µm 1P6M CMOS process. The divide‐by‐2 ILFD is based on a cross‐coupled voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) with an LC resonator and injection MOSFETs with source voltage coupled from ILFD output, and the injection MOSFET mixer is biased in subthreshold region. At the drain–source bias of 0.9 V, and at the incident power of 0 dBm the locking range of the divide‐by‐2 ILFD is 6.4 GHz; from the incident frequency 3.7 GHz to 10.1 GHz, the percentage is 92.75%. The core power consumption is 16.56 mW. The die area is 0.839 × 0.566 mm2. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cold pressed capia pepperseed (Capsicum Annuum L.) oils: Composition, aroma, and sensory properties
Authors: Yılmaz Emin , Sevgi Arsunar Emel , Aydeniz Buket , Güneşer Onur 
Published: January 2015

In this study, cold press‐produced capia pepperseed oil samples were characterized. Pre‐roasting and enzyme treatment against control group (no pre‐treatment) were applied to the seeds prior to cold pressing, and the oil yield, meal, and oil quality parameters were examined. The physico‐chemical parameters (refractive index, viscosity, turbidity, specific gravity, color, free acidity, peroxide and iodine values, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and energy value), components composition (fatty acid, sterol, and tocopherol), thermal parameters (melting and crystallization temperatures and enthalpies), volatile aromatics composition, sensory properties (Flavor Profile Analysis), and consumer perception (hedonic test) of the oil samples were accomplished. It was found that cold pressing is low in efficiency, and oil sensory quality and consumer acceptability levels were also low. Although pre‐roasted seeds yielded a little more oil and had better sensory quality, it was determined that these oils need at least a deodorization or a physical refining for acceptable sensory quality.Practical applications: The results of this study indicated that capia pepperseeds obtained as waste during vegetable processing can be used as an alternative source for cold pressed oils and a raw material for animal feed. Moreover, these seed oils have economical impact due to their essential fatty acid (linoleic acid, 71.13%), sterol, and tocopherol content. Based on the sensory findings, full or partial refining is recommended in order to increase the sensory quality of the pepperseed oil.The capia pepperseeds pretreated by roasting and enzyme applications were extracted by a cold‐pressing technique. It was shown that both treatments caused a decrease in antioxidant capacity, total phenol content, viscosity, and turbidity but an increase in oil yield and iodine number of the oils.
Nutritional and metabolic effects of dietary trans fats depend on the intake of linoleic acid
Authors: Fariña Ana Clara , González Marcela Aída , Scalerandi María Victoria , Lavandera Jimena Verónica , Bernal Claudio Adrián 
Published: January 2015

This study aimed to investigate the differential effects of trans fatty acids (TFA) on the nutritional parameters, serum and tissue triacylglycerol (TAG) levels, as well as the mechanisms involved in their regulation, in male Wistar rats fed linoleic acid‐enriched (+LA) or LA‐deficient (−LA) diets. The TFA effects on nutritional parameters and TAG metabolism differed depending on the dietary LA status. In the +LA + TFA diet, compared to the +LA diet, TFA did not alter the serum TAG levels despite the increased epididymal adipose tissue (EAT) lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and the higher hepatic TAG content associated with a lower CPT‐Ia activity. Otherwise, in –LA + TFA rats versus −LA, TFA increased the serum, liver, and adipose tissue TAG levels associated with higher FAS, G6PDH, and ME enzyme activities in both liver and adipose tissue, and a reduced TAG clearance by the adipose tissue LPL enzyme. Although TFA supplementation in both –LA and +LA‐rats tended to decrease the CPT‐Ib activity, the muscle TAG levels were not modified. We conclude that the nutritional and metabolic TFA effects depended mainly on the changes in the FA profile induced by dietary LA and, in a lesser extent, on the specific type of isomer retained in the tissues.Practical applications: Our approach involved growing animals in healthy physiological conditions with recommended levels of dietary fats, moderate intake of industrial TFA, and an unbalanced dietary LA:ALA ratio. These variables constitute a feasible situation to be observed in the human population. The present study might contribute to the understanding of how nutritional and lipid parameters are affected in the metabolic disorders induced by TFA.TAG regulation by TFA in rats fed LA enriched and deficient diets.
A novel 1H NMR spectroscopic method for determination of glycidyl fatty acid esters coexisting with acylglycerols
Authors: Song Ziliang , Wang Yong , Li Guoqiang , Tan Wei , Yao Shengwen 
Published: January 2015

A new approach for determination of glycidyl fatty acid esters (GDEs) based on 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy was developed. The 1H NMR spectra of the GDE standards were prepared and characterized. The quantification formula was then deduced from the characteristic signals of two epoxy methylene (CH2) protons at chemical shifts 2.56 and 2.76 ppm. Tests on repeatability, reproducibility, and recovery were conducted and proved the reliability of the quantification method. This method was extended to GDEs mixed with oil matrices composed of different acylglycerols (GREs). The weighted average factor fw is introduced to calculate the fatty acid composition based on the stoichiometric proportion of the lipid component and its esterification degree. With the fatty acid composition determined, the molar percentage obtained from 1H NMR can be converted to the weight percentage. This method is an analytical model for the determination of GDEs, with advantages such as easy operation and high accuracy.Practical applications: Heat treatment of edible oils in the refinery process can generate GDEs, a group of contaminants having potential risks to liberate a carcinogenic compound called glycidol during digestion of oil in the human body. It has become an important issue for the oil industry to develop an effective method for the determination of GDEs. The proposed 1H NMR spectroscopic method is able to characterize and quantify GDEs in an accurate, rapid, and noninvasive way. With these advantages, the analytical results also provide quantitative criteria for subsequent concentration and mitigation of GDEs in refined edible oils.A novel 1H NMR spectroscopic method was developed to determine glycidyl fatty acid esters (GDEs), a processing contaminant in refined edible oil.
Blending Local olive oils with Arbequina or Picual oils produces high quality, distinctive EVOOs
Authors: Reboredo‐Rodríguez Patricia , González‐Barreiro Carmen , Cancho‐Grande Beatriz , Fregapane Giuseppe , Salvador María Desamparados , Simal‐Gándara Jesus 
Published: January 2015

Arbequina and Picual are the most common olive fruit varieties cultivated in Galicia (NW Spain). However, in recent years, the interest of oil producers in autochthonous Local olive fruits has increased substantially since its oil has differentiated and peculiar characteristics, especially with respect to the aromatic and phenolic composition. The blending of Local oil (in low percentages) with Arbequina or Picual oils is assessed in this study. Quality‐related indices, fatty acid composition, as well as minor compounds, such as volatiles and phenolics, were determined for both monovarietal and blending oils. Results obtained showed that the blending has the advantage of producing high quality virgin olive oil with predictable phenolic and aromatic profiles.Practical application: The development of high quality and distinctive extra virgin olive oils in NW Spain based on blends with a minor oil of differentiated and peculiar characteristics, especially with respect to the aromatic and phenolic composition, could produce highly marketable EVOO, with qualities that could be selected à la carte.Galician virgin olive oil producers want to promote the production and marketing of high quality extra virgin olive oils with peculiar sensory and health characteristics. To reach this goal, it is of great interest to recover old autochthonous Local olive varieties, which may bring added value to the most common Galician olive oils elaborated from Arbequina and Picual cultivars. Results obtained in this study showed that the previous knowledge of quality‐related indices, fatty acid composition, as well as minor composition, such as phenolic and volatile profiles of monovarietal EVOOs, could be a good strategy to produce high quality extra virgin olive oils à la carte.
Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 mRNA levels and fatty acid desaturation index positively correlate with BMI in morbidly obese women
Authors: Mika Adriana , Kaska Lukasz , Korczynska Justyna , Mirowska Agnieszka , Stepnowski Piotr , Proczko Monika , Ratnicki‐Sklucki Krzysztof , Goyke Elzbieta , Sledzinski Tomasz 
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to re‐evaluate possible associations between BMI and (1) stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 (SCD1) gene expression in adipose tissue; (2) adipose tissue or serum lipids oleic acid/stearic acid (18:1/18:0) desaturation index (DI); and (3) expression of less studied SCD isoform SCD5 in adipose tissue of obese patients. SCD1 and SCD5 mRNA levels in adipose tissue from 16 morbidly obese women were analyzed by RT‐PCR. Fatty acid composition of adipose tissue and whole serum lipids were determined with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The SCD1 mRNA levels, as well as 18:1/18:0 DI in adipose tissue, correlated positively with BMI in obese patients. A weak positive association between the serum lipid 18:1/18:0 DI and BMI did not reach the threshold of statistical significance. The SCD5 mRNA levels in adipose tissue were approximately 400 times lower than the SCD1 levels and did not correlate with BMI. Positive correlations between BMI and visceral or subcutaneous adipose tissue 18:1/18:0 DI were stronger than the association between serum whole lipid 18:1/18:0 DI and BMI in morbidly obese women. The expression of the SCD1 gene in human adipose tissue is markedly stronger than the expression of the SCD5 gene.Practical applications: Our findings confirm previous suggestions that SCD1 may serve as an attractive therapeutic target in patients with obesity and related disorders.Oleic acid/stearic acid (18:1/18:0) desaturation index (DI) in adipose tissue of obese subjects reflects the level of SCD1 gene expression in adipose tissue. Positive correlations between BMI and adipose tissue DI were stronger than the association between serum whole lipid DI and BMI in morbidly obese women.
Phytonutrient concentration and unsaturation of glycerides predict optimal harvest time for Elaeis oleifera × E. guineensis palm oil hybrids
Authors: Lucci Paolo , Pacetti Deborah , Frega Natale G. , Mozzon Massimo 
Published: January 2015

Hybrid palm oil has been recently proved to have interesting chemical and nutritional characteristics. However, there is rather limited information on the chemical composition changes of hybrid palm oil during fruit ripening. In this paper we present for the first time a detailed chemical characterization of O × G interspecific hybrid palm oil extracted from fruits of Coari × La Mé cultivar, planted in the region of Llanos Orientales (Colombia) during the last 6 wk of fruit ripening (18–24 wk after anthesis [WAA]). It was found that during fruit development a progressive and significant decrease of the saturated fatty acids (SFAs) palmitic and stearic, and a corresponding increase in the relative percentage of the unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) oleic and linoleic occurred: the SFAs/UFAs ratio decreased from 0.84 to 0.58. Statistically significant changes in triacylglycerol species between 18 and 24 WAA were also observed. On the contrary, total unsaponifiable matter content ranged from 0.87 to 1.05 g/100 g oil sample, without any significant difference due to harvest time. However, a trend of increase in total tocol content was also observed, with a final value at 24 WAA of more than 26 ppm.Practical applications: The understanding of palm fruit development may be useful for setting both optimal harvest time and breeding purposes: the results of this study reveal that a better concentration of phytonutrients (tocols), together with a higher degree of unsaturation of glycerides, can be obtained at 24 WAA, which therefore represents the optimal harvest time for both quantitative (i.e., extraction rate, industrial applications, etc.) and qualitative (i.e., nutritional properties) characteristics of the O × G interspecific hybrid oil.Hybrid palm oil has interesting chemical and nutritional characteristics. During fruit development, a progressive and significant decrease of the saturated fatty acids palmitic and stearic acid, and a corresponding increase in the relative percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, oleic and linoleic acid occurred, along with changes in triacylglycerol species. Furthermore, a trend of increase in phytonutrient (tocol) levels was also observed.
A novel method to synthesize 1‐acyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine and 1,2‐diacyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine
Authors: Marrapu Balakrishna , Mallampalli Lakshmi Karuna , Kaki Shiva Shanker , Rachapudi Badari Narayana Prasad 
Published: January 2015

A facile, efficient, solvent‐free method for the synthesis of phosphocholines and lyso phosphocholines in excellent yields has been developed employing sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine‐kieselguhr complex with shorter reaction times with the recycling of kieselguhr for further use. Fatty acids with chain lengths C3–C6 and C8–C18 formed 1,2‐diacyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholines and 1‐acyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholines respectively. Fatty acid chlorides (C3–C18) resulted exclusively in 1,2‐diacyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholines.Practical applications: Synthetic methodology for the synthesis of symmetrical phosphatidylcholines is described. The described method uses kieselguhr as a catalyst and reagent which can be recycled after the reaction. By this method gram quantities of phosphatidylcholines can be prepared without the use of any other acylating reagents. The synthetic method is a novel approach for producing phosphatidylcholines and lysophosphatidylcholines which have wide range of applications.Synthesis of 1‐acyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine and 1,2‐diacyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine.
Development and experimental evaluation of a passive gap damper device to prevent pounding in base‐isolated structures
Authors: Rawlinson Taylor A. , Marshall Justin D. , Ryan Keri L. , Zargar Hamed 
Published: January 2015

SummaryStudies have shown the effectiveness of providing supplemental energy dissipation in base‐isolated structures to reduce displacements at the isolation level. A previous analytical study demonstrated the benefits of providing this energy dissipation at a specified gap larger than the design displacement. The gap before engagement allows the base isolation system to meet performance criteria in varying levels of ground excitation. Use of this ‘gap damper’ device eliminates undesirable effects often exhibited with large amounts of supplemental damping at lower intensity motions. Using results from an analytical study, the primary purpose of this research was to develop devices for practical implementation. Development of the devices demanded simplicity, feasibility, economy, and reliability to be an effective option in building design and construction. Multiple designs were proposed, and a final design was chosen based on selection criteria and finite element analyses. The device was designed and tested in Auburn University's Structural Research Lab. Experimental results were compared with theoretical models to verify behavior and make necessary adjustments for a shake table experiment. The design parameters were selected to accommodate re‐use of the device for the shake table test. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copper-induced root growth inhibition of Allium cepa var. agrogarum L. involves disturbances in cell division and DNA damage
Authors: Qin Rong , Wang Congyue , Chen Da , Björn Lars O. , Li Shaoshan 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Copper (Cu) is considered to be an indispensable microelement for plants. Excessive Cu, however, is toxic and disturbs several processes in the plant. The present study addressed the effects of ionic Cu (2.0 µM and 8.0 µM) on mitosis, the microtubule cytoskeleton, and DNA in root tip cells of Allium cepa var. agrogarum L. to better understand Cu toxicity on plant root systems. The results indicated that Cu accumulated in roots and that root growth was inhibited dramatically in Cu treatment groups. Chromosomal aberrations (for example, C-mitosis, chromosome bridges, chromosome stickiness, and micronucleus) were observed, and the mitotic index decreased during Cu treatments at different concentrations. Microtubules were one of the target sites of Cu toxicity in root tip meristematic cells, and Cu exposure substantially impaired microtubule arrangements. The content of α-tubulin decreased following 36 h of exposure to 2.0 µM or 8.0 µM of Cu in comparison with the control group. Copper increased DNA damage and suppressed cell cycle progression. The above toxic effects became more serious with increasing Cu concentration and prolonged exposure time. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1045–1055. © 2015 SETAC