bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Chondroitin Sulfate Oligosaccharides Using N‐(Tetrachlorophthaloyl)‐ and N‐(Trifluoroacetyl)galactosamine Building Blocks
Authors: Macchione Giuseppe , Maza Susana , Mar Kayser M. , de Paz José L. , Nieto Pedro M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe have explored synthetic routes for the preparation of chondroitin sulfate (CS) oligosaccharides based on the use of N‐tetrachlorophthaloyl‐ (N‐TCP) and N‐trifluoroacetyl‐substituted (N‐TFA) galactosamine building blocks. Using N‐TCP units, we carried out the total synthesis of two CS disaccharides, demonstrating the compatibility of TCP protection with the final deprotection/sulfation steps. However, an attempted 2 + 2 coupling of N‐TCP‐containing disaccharides for the synthesis of CS tetrasaccharides failed. In contrast, a synthetic route using N‐TFA galactosamine units efficiently led to biologically relevant CS‐like oligosaccharides. The N‐TFA groups could easily be removed at the end of the synthesis, and microwave irradiation greatly facilitated the sulfation reactions. The utility of this approach is illustrated with the total synthesis of two CS‐like tetrasaccharides with different sulfate distribution patterns. Finally, we used a fluorescence polarization assay to estimate the relative abilities of the synthesized compounds to inhibit the interaction between FGF‐2 and heparin.
The Catalytic Effect of Polypyrrole/Pt‐Cu on Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Saremi M. , Salehisaki M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis paper studies the electrochemical properties of ppy/Pt‐Cu composite for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and compares it to the highly porous ppy/Pt‐Cu catalyst, which can be synthesized by galvanostatic method (ppy/Pt‐Cu(GS)). The results of the polarization, rotating disk electrode and electrochemical impedance tests are discussed to determine the electrochemical properties of the catalysts. According to the results, ppy/Pt‐Cu(GS) catalyst is more active toward ORR compared to ppy/Pt‐Cu catalyst. The rotating disk electrode data indicates four‐electron transfer mechanism for this catalyst.
Development of a Very Sensitive ELIME Assay for Detection of sIgE to G5 and D2 Aeroallergens in Serum Samples
Authors: De Stefano A. , Volpe G. , Adornetto G. , Bernardini S. , Nuccetelli M. , Gallucci G. , Di Ruvo L. , Moscone D. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis work describes the development of an ELIME (Enzyme‐Linked ImmunoMagnetic Electrochemical) assay for a sensitive detection of specific IgE (sIgE) towards the aeroallergens G5 and D2 in serum samples. The system, with a detection limit of 0.1 KIU/L, uses magnetic beads as support of the immunological chain and a strip of eight‐magnetized screen‐printed electrodes, connected to a portable instrument, for a multiplexed detection. The analysis of 46 serum samples performed using both the ELIME and the Immulite 2000 assays, suggests that our method is able to measure very low concentration of sIgE and to discriminate all positive samples from negative ones.
On the effect of neural network compensation on MIMO‐STBC systems in the presence of HPA nonlinearity
Authors: Belkacem Oussama Ben Haj , Ammari Mohamed Lassaad , Zayani Rafik , Bouallegue Ridha 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we focus on the effect of nonlinear high‐power amplifiers (HPA) on the multiple‐input‐multiple‐output space‐time block coded (MIMO‐STBC) systems. In order to compensate the HPA nonlinearity, we propose a new receiver scheme based on a neural network algorithm in conjunction with the maximal‐ratio combining (MRC) technique. The performances of the proposed nonlinear network (NLN), called NLN‐MRC receiver, are evaluated for a MIMO‐STBC systems over uncorrelated Rayleigh fading channels. Analytic expressions of the average symbol error rate and the error vector magnitude are delivered. We also analyse the channel capacity of the considered system assuming the perfect knowledge of the channel coefficients and the use of the water‐filling approach.Simulation results show that the proposed compensation technique can efficiently reduce the effect of HPA distortions. In addition, we note an excellent agreement between analytic expressions and Monte‐Carlo simulation curves. Furthermore, the proposed adaptive NLN‐MRC scheme has a low complexity, fast convergence, and best performance than its competitors given in the literature. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BRAF mutation in fine‐needle aspiration specimens as a potential predictor for persistence/recurrence in patients with classical papillary thyroid carcinoma larger than 10 mm at a BRAF mutation prevalent area
Authors: Moon Hee Jung , Kim Eun‐Kyung , Chung Woong Youn , Shin Dong Yeob , Kwak Jin Young 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe association between the BRAF mutation and persistence/recurrence was investigated in patients with classical papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) at a BRAF mutation prevalent area.MethodsA total of 282 patients with total thyroidectomy and prophylactic central neck dissection were included in this study. The BRAF mutation was evaluated with cytology specimen using dual priming oligonucleotide (DPO)‐based multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing preoperatively.ResultsThirty‐four patients (12%) had persistence/recurrence. In all PTC, the BRAF mutation on both methods was not associated with persistence/recurrence. In PTC >10 mm, the BRAF mutation on DPO‐based multiplex PCR was significantly associated with persistence/recurrence and a potential predictor for persistence/recurrence. In PTC ≤10 mm, none of the covariates were significantly different between patients with and without persistence/recurrence.ConclusionThe BRAF mutation was significantly associated with persistence/recurrence and a potential predictor in patients with classical PTC >10 mm at a BRAF mutation prevalent area. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1432–1438, 2015
Nanocrystallized Organic Thin Films as Effective Light Outcoupling Layers for Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Chen Shuming , Kwok Hoi‐Sing 
Published: May 2014

AbstractLight outcoupling from organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) is essential for developing energy‐saving displays and efficient lighting sources. Nanocrystallized organic thin films exhibiting scattering features have been considered as effective light extractors for OLEDs. This paper reviews recent advancements in nanocrystallized thin films and their applications in OLEDs. Due to the advantages of easy preparation and OLED compatibility, nanocrystallized organic thin films can integrate with OLEDs as external or internal light extractors easily. Significant light enhancement has been achieved. The fabrication methods and mechanisms of light enhancement are discussed.
Gradual Fluorination of Ladder‐type Quarterphenyl
Authors: Kobin Björn , Grubert Lutz , Mebs Stefan , Braun Beatrice , Hecht Stefan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA series of partially bridge‐fluorinated derivatives of ladder‐type quarterphenyl L4P is reported. Successive introduction of two fluorine atoms each into the two terminal and one central benzylic methylene positions enabled the synthesis of the three symmetrical derivatives L4P‐F2, L4P‐F4, and L4P‐F6. X‐ray diffraction data show that fluorination does not notably affect the molecular structure of the π system; however, molecular packing in the crystalline solid is largely impacted by the introduction of strong dipoles perpendicular to the molecular axis. The effect of substitution with the present electron‐withdrawing fluorine atoms is clearly reflected in significantly lowered (frontier) molecular orbital levels (the LUMO of L4P is at approximately −1.8 to −2.0 eV and shifts to −2.8 eV or lower), as evidenced by lower reduction and higher oxidation potentials in cyclic voltammetry measurements. Furthermore, the influence of fluorination on the optical properties is unexpectedly strong, in particular, with regard to the fluorescence quantum yield. Fluorination in fluorene bridge positions thus provides an interesting alternative tool to tune the electronic and optical properties, as well as self‐assembly behavior, of ladder oligo(para‐phenylene)s.
Lewis Base Assisted Magnesium Complexes Incorporating Pyrrolyl and Ketiminate Ligands: Synthesis, Structural Diversity and Characterization
Authors: Hsueh Li‐Feng , Hsieh Min‐Hui , Hsu Shu‐Ya , Lee Cheng‐Yuan , Hsieh Hsiang‐Hua , Datta Amitabha , Huang Jui‐Hsien , Lin Chia‐Her , Lee Ting‐Yu 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA series of four, five and six‐coordinated magnesium derivatives integrating with substituted pyrrole and ketimine ligands are conveniently synthesized. Reaction of two equiv of 2‐dimethylaminomethyl pyrrole with Mg[N(SiMe3)2]2 in THF affords the monomeric magnesium complex Mg[C4H3N(2‐CH2NMe2)]2 (THF)2 (1) in high yield along with elimination of two equiv of HN(SiMe3)2. Similarly, the reaction between two equiv of 2‐t‐butylaminomethyl pyrrole and Mg[N(SiMe3)2]2 in THF renders the magnesium derivative, Mg[C4H3N(2‐CH2NHtBu)]2(THF)22(2) in good yield. Interestingly, reaction between two equiv of 2‐t‐butylaminomethyl pyrrole and Mg[N(SiMe3)2]2 in toluene, instead of THF, generates Mg[C4H3N(2‐CH2NHtBu)]2 (3), also in high yield. Furthermore, the assembly of two equiv of ketimine ligand, HOCMeCHCMeNAr (Ar = C6H3‐2,6‐iPr2) and Mg[N(SiMe3)2]2, yields five‐coordinated magnesium derivatives, Mg(OCMeCHCMeNAr)2(THF) (4) and Mg(OCMeCHCMeNAr)2(OEt2) (5), using THF and diethyl ether, respectively. All the aforementioned derivatives are characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy as well as 1, 3, 4 and 5 are subjected to X‐ray diffraction analysis in solid state.
Chemoselective Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Vinyl Ether to Acetate Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Kon Yoshihiro , Tanaka Shinji , Nakashima Takuya , Sato Kazuhiko , Shimada Hiromichi 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA practical and environmental‐friendly method was developed to convert vinyl ether into acetate by using a palladium complex with phosphine ligand and hydrogen peroxide. The only by‐product is water.
Nanocomposite of Platinum Particles Embedded into Nanosheets of Polycarbazole for Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Wu Tzi‐Yi , Tsai Cheng‐Jang , Tseng Lan‐Yu , Chen Sin‐Jhih , Hsieh Tar‐Hwa , Kuo Chung‐Wen 
Published: May 2014

AbstractNanoparticles of Pt were successfully electrodeposited onto polycarbazole (PCz) film on a stainless steel (SS‐PCz‐Pt) by chronocoulometry (0.2 C). For comparative purposes, Pt particles were deposited into stainless steel (SS‐Pt) under the same condition. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) results confirmed PCz exists in the SS‐PCz‐Pt composite electrode. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicated that PCz of SS‐PCz can interact easily with Pt particles. The crystalline behavior and morphology of SS‐PCz‐Pt and SS‐Pt were determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The TEM results indicated that Pt particles disperse more uniformly into the nanosheets of polycarbazole than those of SS film. Catalytic activity and stability for the oxidation of methanol were studied by using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. A high catalytic current for methanol oxidation (8.04 mA cm−2 mg−1) was found for the SS‐PCz‐Pt electrode in comparison to SS‐Pt electrode (5.01 mA cm−2 mg−1) at about 0.6 V (vs. Ag/AgCl).
Evaluation of Cardiac Markers in Children Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Ozturk Gulfer , Tavil Betul , Ozguner Meltem , Ginis Zeynep , Erden Gonul , Tunc Bahattin , Azik M. Fatih , Uckan Duygu , Delibas Namik 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundEarly life‐threatening cardiotoxicity and cardiac death have been reported after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The purpose of the current study was to evaluate cardiac toxicity of conventional chemotherapy followed by HSCT with cardiac markers: heart‐type fatty acid binding protein (H‐FABP), glycogen phosphorylase BB (GPBB), high sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP) cardiac troponin I, (cTnI), creatine kinase MB (CK‐MB mass) and myoglobin.MethodsA total of 20 children who underwent HSCT for malignant and non‐malignant diseases were included in this study. Blood samples were collected from all patients in 0th, 7th and 21st day for evaluating these cardiac biomarkers. The patients’ echocardiography was assessment before and after one‐month of HSCT.ResultsSerum 21st H‐FABP level was significantly higher when compared with the 0th day H‐FABP level (P < 0.05) . 7th day hsCRP level was significantly higher than 0th and 21st day levels (P < 0.05). Interestingly, 7th day GPBB level was significantly lower than 0th and 21st day levels (P < 0.05). Myoglobin, CK‐MB mass and cTnI biomarkers remained within the reference range in all patients.ConclusionsThis study showed that H‐FABP and hsCRP both seem to be promising markers for evaluation of cardiotoxicity in HSCT process and probably superior to GPBB, cTnI, CK‐MB mass and myoglobin.
Association Between Genetic Polymorphism of the MIF Gene and Colorectal Cancer in Taiwan
Authors: Ramireddy Latha , Chen William Tzu‐Liang , Peng Ching‐Tien , Hu Rouh‐Mei , Ke Tao‐Wei , Chiang Hua‐Che , Chang Sheng‐Chi , Tsai Fuu‐Jen , Lo Wan‐Yu 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is the highest leading cause of cancer‐related mortality in Taiwan. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has recently been defined as a novel protumorigenic factor that promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The aim of the present study is to identify the association between MIF gene polymorphism and CRC.MethodsA case–control study was designed to test the hypothesis. A total of 192 biopsy‐diagnosed CRC patients (CRC) and 256 healthy subjects (control) were recruited. Genotyping of four single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs; rs755662, rs11548059, rs1049829, rs1803976) at chromosome positions 755662 (5′ UTR), 11548059 (exon2), 1049829 (exon2), 1803976 (exon3) was performed using a Taqman SNP genotyping assay.ResultsThere is a significant difference in genotype frequency distribution of rs755662 polymorphism between CRC patients and controls (P = 0.011). No significant difference was found in the frequency distribution of rs11548059, rs1049829, rs1803976 polymorphism in CRC patients and controls (P = 0.660, P = 0.700, and P = 0.959, respectively). Moreover, the MIF‐173 SNP was also significantly associated with young patients (age < 50 years, P = 0.026) late stage (Stage IV, P = 0.038) and poor differentiation group (P = 0.040). Compared to the control group, the MIF‐173 SNP also significantly associated with patients with stages III and IV (P = 0.034 and 0.003, respectively).ConclusionThe presence of MIF‐173 (G/C) gene polymorphism (rs755662) was associated with susceptibility, patient age, and stages of CRC in Taiwanese.
Consistency Between Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination Assay and Architect Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay and Characterization of Inconsistent Samples
Authors: Zhiyan Li , Meiling Wang , Ping Liu , Jinhua Dong , Zhenlin Yan , Zhenru Feng 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundTreponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA) has been shown to be highly sensitive and specific at detecting treponemal antibodies and is still used as a confirmatory method in many laboratories, in China. In clinical practice, we found that a significant number of TPPA‐negative sera were identified when TPPA was used as a confirmatory assay of Architect chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) screening‐reactive sera.AimsTo investigate the consistency between Architect CMIA and TPPA, and analyzed the characterization of TPPA‐negative sera following Screening by Architect CMIA.MethodsAccording to the laboratory syphilis confirmatory testing protocol, a total of 4870 sera were initially tested by Architect CMIA and ELISA, and then the samples which shown positive results were tested by TPPA and rapid plasma reagin tests (RPR). Further analysis using Euroimmun dot‐immunoblot (dot‐IBT) assay was performed to the CMIA positive and TPPA negative samples.ResultsIn our cohort, we found that the positive rate of CMIA was 3.1% (149/4870). One hundred and twelve of 112 (75.2%) CMIA‐positive sera were TPPA reactive, while 37 (24.8%) sera which were reactive in CMIA were nonreactive by TPPA. Dot‐IBT testing was performed on these 37 sera: 8 (21.6%) were dot‐IBT positive, 11 (29.7%) were indeterminate and 18 (48.6%) negative.DiscussionIn this study, we observed that 18 CMIA‐positive sera were false positives confirmed by dot‐IBT. But, given the relatively high levels of early syphilis, we consider a small increase in the number of confirmatory tests is worthwhile if we can increase the detection of primary syphilis by 20%. We also found that significant numbers (8/37) of CMIA‐positive and TPPA‐negative sera were shown by further dot‐IBT testing to be positive. The reason why certain sera are negative by TPPA but reactive by CMIA and other syphilis confirmatory assays is not clear, and these initial findings should be further explored.ConclusionThe Architect CMIA is a highly sensitive screening assay for detecting syphilis but it is significantly less specific. Further analysis by TPPA is recommended to confirm the results. We would highlight the fact that in repeatedly screened populations discrepancies between treponemal CMIA and TPPA results are quite prevalent. This seems to be a function of very low levels of syphilis‐specific antibodies. Confirmation by immunoblot assay may be useful.
Tocopherol and tocotrienol contents of different varieties of rice in Malaysia
Authors: Shammugasamy Balakrishnan , Ramakrishnan Yogeshini , Ghazali Hasanah M , Muhammad Kharidah 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe present study examined the contents of tocopherols and tocotrienols and their distribution in 58 different varieties of whole rice cultivated in Malaysia. The analytical method used was saponification of samples followed by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography.RESULTSThe total vitamin E contents of different varieties of whole rice ranged between 19.36 and 63.29 mg kg−1. Contents of vitamin E isomers varied among rice varieties both within and between grain color groups. Black‐pigmented rice showed significantly higher mean contents of α‐tocopherol, β‐tocopherol and α‐tocotrienol than non‐pigmented rice and red‐pigmented rice. Red‐pigmented rice had significantly lower mean contents of γ‐tocotrienol and total vitamin E than non‐pigmented rice. The mean contents of δ‐tocotrienol and total vitamin E in non‐pigmented rice, however, were similar to those in black‐pigmented rice. γ‐Tocotrienol was the predominant form of vitamin E isomer in all analyzed varieties. The Pearson correlations among vitamin E isomers and total vitamin E content of whole rice were also studied.CONCLUSIONThis study provides information on vitamin E content of different rice varieties that would be beneficial for decision making in genetic breeding of bioactive compound‐rich rice varieties. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Antioxidant effects of the monoterpenes carvacrol, thymol and sabinene hydrate on chemical and sensory stability of roasted sunflower seeds
Authors: Quiroga Patricia R , Asensio Claudia M , Nepote Valeria 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDOxidation products and rancid flavors decrease the sensory quality of food products, making them unacceptable to consumers. Synthetic antioxidants are used in many foods to prevent rancidity, though their safety is questioned. Monoterpenes are obtained from essential oils and many of them have shown antioxidant activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of sensory and chemical parameters in roasted sunflower seeds supplemented with carvacrol, thymol and sabinene hydrate monoterpenes.RESULTSFive samples were prepared: control roasted sunflower seeds (RS‐C) and sunflower seeds treated with carvacrol (RS‐Car), sabinene hydrate (RS‐S), thymol (RS‐T) and butylated hydroxytoluene (RS‐BHT). The three monoterpenes (carvacrol, sabinene hydrate and thymol) provided protection to this food product, inhibiting the formation of oxidative deterioration compounds such as peroxides and hexanal and undesirable off‐flavors such as oxidized and cardboard flavors. Sabinene hydrate had greater effect preventing peroxide formation during storage than the other monoterpenes.CONCLUSIONCarvacrol, sabinene hydrate and thymol could be used as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants for preserving the quality of roasted sunflower seeds. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Amelioration of Sodic Soil for Wheat Cultivation Using Bioaugmented Organic Soil Amendment
Authors: Srivastava Pankaj Kumar , Gupta Manjul , Shikha  , Singh Nandita , Tewari Shri Krishna 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA novel bioaugmented organic amendment (SFOA) [consisted of vermicompost (pre‐enriched with plant growth promoting fungi) mixed with pressmud and Azadirachta indica (A. Juss.) seed cake] was developed to reclaim sodic soil and support wheat production. A field trial of the SFOA application with/without chemical fertilizers conducted in completely randomized design with four replications to compare growth, yield and seed protein contents of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) on sodic soil. The favourable changes occurred in different properties of amended soils were studied. A combined application of chemical fertilizer and SFOA significantly (p < 0·05) increased the number of spikelet per plant (63%) and weight of grains per ear (65%) in the amended soil compared with the control. Likewise, the grain yield, weight of 1000 grains and seed protein contents of wheat were significantly (p < 0·05) increased in the combined application compared with other treatments. The expression of protein bands with molecular weights of 36, 52 and 66 kDa were higher in seeds of wheat under the combined treatment. The improvement in wheat production was attributed to significant favourable changes in different soil characteristics such as bulk density, total organic C, alkaline phosphatase, β‐glucosidase, dehydrogenase and cellulase activities that were increased by 234%, 181%, 234%, 176%, 189% and 150%, respectively, in case of amended soil under the combined treatment compared with the control. The tested SFOA may be recommended as soil amendment for reclaiming sodic soil and supporting wheat cultivation with better crop growth and yield in combination with chemical fertilizers on sodic soil. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.