bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cellulose acetate/nano‐porous zeolite mixed matrix membrane for CO2 separation
Authors: Sanaeepur Hamidreza , Nasernejad Bahram , Kargari Ali 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe aim of this research is to investigate the fabrication and evaluation of a new mixed matrix membrane for CO2/N2 separation. Micro‐sized nano‐porous sodium zeolite‐Y (NaY zeolite) particles (0–25 wt.%) were incorporated into the dense (homogeneous) cellulose acetate (CA) membrane to prepare the CA/NaY mixed matrix membranes. One of the most important features of this study is to explore the simultaneous effect of annealing and particle loadings on the morphology and gas permeation properties of the prepared membranes. The membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy – attenuated total reflectance (FTIR‐ATR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. Also, the CO2/N2 separation performance of the membranes was evaluated by single gas permeation measurements. The results showed that annealing causes a considerable improvement in the morphology of the CA and the related mixed matrix membranes. Additionally, more than a two‐fold increase in CO2 permeability with no considerable decrease in CO2/N2 selectivity was achieved by a 20 wt.% NaY loading into the CA membrane. The results of investigating the effect of pressure (4–22 bars) on CO2 permeability showed a reduction in the CO2‐induced plasticization of glassy CA with a significant shift in the plasticization pressure toward higher values. The introduction of NaY zeolite in the annealed CA membranes, shifted the plasticization pressure from 12.76 to 16.86 bars when the zeolite loading was changed from 0 to 25 wt.%.
An Efficient Approach to the Synthesis of Hydrazinyl Pseudo‐Peptides
Authors: Fathi Vaezeh , Ramezanpour Sorour , Balalaie Saeed , Rominger Frank , Reza Bijanzadeh Hamid 
Published: December 2014

AbstractNew hydrazinyl pseudo‐peptides have been obtained from Ugi four‐component reaction (4CR). The 5‐hydrazinyl‐5‐oxopentanoic acids used as starting materials were prepared by the reaction of hydrazides with anhydrides. Mild reaction conditions, high atom economy, bond‐forming efficiency, and easy workup are advantages of this approach. The products have four amide bonds and high potential for H‐bonding.
Six New Steroidal Saponins from Helleborus thibetanus
Authors: Zhang Hui , Su Yan‐Fang , Yang Feng‐Ying , Zhao Ze‐Qing , Gao Xiu‐Mei 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSix steroidal saponins, including five spirostanol glycosides, 1–5, and one furostanol glycoside 1‐sulfonate, 6, previously unknown in nature, together with three known compounds, 7–9, were isolated from dried roots and rhizomes of Helleborus thibetanus. Their structures were elucidated by extensive 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments, along with IR and HR‐ESI‐MS data, as well as the results of acid hydrolysis. Compounds 1–5 possessed a C(25)C(27) bond and were glycosylated at HOC(1), which was unusual in steroidal saponins.
Secondary Metabolites from the Endophytic Fungus Xylaria cubensis
Authors: Fan Nai‐Wen , Chang Hsun‐Shuo , Cheng Ming‐Jen , Hsieh Sung‐Yuan , Liu Ta‐Wei , Yuan Gwo‐Fang , Chen Ih‐Sheng 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSeven new metabolites, including three sesquiterpenoids, 10‐hydroxythujopsene (1), akotriol (2), and xylaritriol (3), one diterpenoid, cubentriol (4), one aliphatic derivative, akoenic acid (5), one alkaloid, akodionine (6), and one isocoumarin, akolitserin (7), together with seven known compounds, 8–14, were isolated from the AcOEt‐soluble fraction of the fermentation broth of the endophytic fungus Xylaria cubensis, derived from the leaves of Litsea akoensis Hayata (Lauraceae). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments, and by HR‐ESI‐MS mass spectrometry. Among the isolates, (−)‐(R)‐7‐hydroxymellein showed IL‐6 inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 9.41 μM.
New Isoprenylated Xanthones from Cudrania tricuspidata
Authors: Lei Chun , Liu Chang‐Chang , Pi En‐Hao , Hou Ai‐Jun 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA phytochemical investigation of the roots of Cudrania tricuspidata afforded three new isoprenylated xanthones, cudratricusxanthones N–P (1–3, resp.), together with five known compounds, 4–8. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses.
Chemical Constituents of the Leaves of Desmos cochinchinensis var. fulvescensBan
Authors: Wu Tung‐Ying , Cheng Yuan‐Bin , Cheng Fu‐Ting , Hsu Yu‐Ming , Tran Dinh Thang , Chang Fang‐Rong , Wu Yang‐Chang 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA phytochemical investigation of MeOH extract of Desmos cochinchinensis var. fulvescens Ban afforded two new compounds, 1β,7α‐dihydroxyeudesman‐4‐one (1) and 5αH‐megastigm‐7‐ene‐3α,4α,6β,9‐tetrol (2), together with nine known terpenoids. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopic analysis. Their relative configurations were assigned by NOESY experiments.
Enantioselective Sulfur‐Michael Addition of Thioacetic Acid to Nitroalkenes Catalyzed by Bifunctional Amine‐Thiourea Catalysts
Authors: Wang Renchao , Xu Jiaxi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAn enantioselective Michael addition of thioacetic acid (AcSH) to nitroalkenes, catalyzed by a leucine‐derived bifunctional aminethiourea, was developed with high yields and moderate enantioselectivities. The thiourea‐ammonium salt formed in the reaction is identified as the active catalyst, and the multiple H‐bonding system is responsible for the stereocontrol. The resulting thioester products are useful intermediates for the synthesis of enantiomerically enriched S‐containing compounds.
Induction of the estrogen‐responsive genes encoding choriogenin H and L in the liver of male medaka (Oryzias latipes) upon exposure to estrogen receptor subtype‐selective ligands
Authors: Yamaguchi Akemi , Kato Keisuke , Arizono Koji , Tominaga Nobuaki 
Published: December 2014

AbstractChoriogenin (Chg) H and L are estrogen‐induced chorion precursors. We measured the induction of ChgH and ChgL mRNA in the livers of male medaka fish treated with Orthoester‐2k, a selective ligand for estrogen receptor (ER) α, and 2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐5‐hydroxy‐1,3‐benzoxazole (HPHB), a selective ligand of ERβ. Although both ChgH and ChgL mRNA were induced by treatment with Orthoester‐2k or HPHB separately, their combination induced much greater expression of each Chg. ChgH expression correlated more closely with Orthoester‐2k dosage when combined with a small fixed dose of HPHB (1 μm), whereas ChgL mRNA expression was more responsive to HPHB dose when combined with a fixed dose of Orthoester‐2k (2.8 nm). Moreover, upon long‐term treatment with Orthoester‐2k, ChgH mRNA and ERα mRNA expression showed similar patterns with peak expression between days 6 and 10. These results imply that ERβ primarily regulates ChgL mRNA expression and ERα action primarily regulates ChgH mRNA expression. Thus, it is necessary to develop screening methods for fish ER subtype‐specific ligands. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inner Ear Vestibular Signals Regulate Bone Remodeling via the Sympathetic Nervous System
Authors: Vignaux Guillaume , Ndong Jean DLC , Perrien Daniel S , Elefteriou Florent 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

The inner ear vestibular system has numerous projections on central brain centers that regulate sympathetic outflow, and skeletal sympathetic projections affect bone remodeling by inhibiting bone formation by osteoblasts and promoting bone resorption by osteoclasts. In this study, we show that bilateral vestibular lesions in mice cause a low bone mass phenotype associated with decreased bone formation and increased bone resorption. This reduction in bone mass is most pronounced in lower limbs, is not associated with reduced locomotor activity or chronic inflammation, and could be prevented by the administration of the β-blocker propranolol and by genetic deletion of the β2-adrenergic receptor, globally or specifically in osteoblasts. These results provide novel experimental evidence supporting a functional autonomic link between central proprioceptive vestibular structures and the skeleton. Because vestibular dysfunction often affects the elderly, these results also suggest that age-related bone loss might have a vestibular component and that patients with inner ear pathologies might be at risk for fracture. Lastly, these data might have relevance to the bone loss observed in microgravity, as vestibular function is altered in this condition as well. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Dual gas diffusion cathode design for microbial fuel cell (MFC): optimizing the suitable mode of operation in terms of bioelectrochemical and bioelectro‐kinetic evaluation
Authors: Pasupuleti Suresh Babu , Srikanth Sandipam , Dominguez‐Benetton Xochitl , Mohan S Venkata , Pant Deepak 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDUpscaling microbial fuel cells (MFCs) to make them energy‐competitive systems requires a systematic understanding of their operating conditions. This study emphasizes the operation of a new MFC design with two gas diffusion cathodes under three different operational modes (batch mode (MFC‐BM), semi‐continuous mode (MFC‐SCM) and continuous mode (MFC‐CM)), towards increasing the power density, substrate utilization, bioelectrochemical kinetics and energy conversion efficiencies.RESULTSHigher power density was recorded with MFC‐SCM (20.54 mW m−2) followed by MFC‐CM (17.22 mW m−2) and MFC‐BM (0.75 mW m−2). Such power density magnitudes were obtained with high anode projected surface area 220 cm2, which is about 10–100 times larger than frequently used in laboratory‐scale MFCs. On the contrary, susbtrate utilization was higher with MFC‐BM (91–96%) followed by MFC‐SCM (74–84%) and MFC‐CM (53–81%). A higher coulombic efficiency (CE) was obtained with the MFC‐CM (7.5–11.2%), followed by MFC‐SCM (5.4–5.6%) and MFC‐BM (0.5–4%). This is of interest due to its dependence on both current generation as well as substrate utilization. Cyclic voltammograms along with derived bioelectro‐kinetic parameters, i.e. redox Tafel's slopes (βa/βc) and electron transfer co‐efficients (αa/αc), also explained the higher performance of MFC‐CM and MFC‐SCM.CONCLUSIONOutput from this study demonstrates clearly that the new MFC design can be effectively operated under continuous mode operation with high retention time to enhance wastewater treatment along with good amounts of power output. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
The extreme drought episode of August 2011–May 2012 in the Czech Republic
Authors: Zahradníček Pavel , Trnka Miroslav , Brázdil Rudolf , Možný Martin , Štěpánek Petr , Hlavinka Petr , Žalud Zdeněk , Malý Antonín , Semerádová Daniela , Dobrovolný Petr , Dubrovský Martin , Řezníčková Ladislava 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTThe weather conditions from August 2011 to May 2012 produced an extreme drought in the eastern Czech Republic (Moravia), whereas the patterns were nearly normal in its western region (Bohemia). The Southern and Central Moravia regions, which represent the most important agricultural areas, were most affected by the drought. The precipitation totals for the studied period were 50–70% of the long‐term mean, which was calculated for 1961–2000. In autumn 2011, the total precipitation accounted for 10–30% of the long‐term mean for most of Moravia, increasing to 30–50% in spring 2012. Moreover, 7.5% of the Czech Republic experienced a 100‐year drought; 20% of the country experienced a 20‐year drought. According to the Palmer Drought Severity Index, the 2012 drought was classified as the worst in the past 130 years. The drought patterns were related to the prevailing high‐pressure systems over Central Europe and the occurrence of weather types with different precipitation amounts in Bohemia and Moravia. The most substantial drought effects occurred in the agricultural sector. A decrease in cereal yields was observed in the analysed production areas in Moravia, which was unprecedented in the past 52 years. Moreover, winter crops were affected more than spring crops. An increased risk of fire occurred due to the drought conditions; the largest forest fire in the past 15 years was recorded during this period. Furthermore, signs of hydrological drought were also reported in rivers. The 2011–2012 drought was compared with the significant droughts in 2000, 2003 and 2007. Austria and Slovakia, which neighbour the Czech Republic, experienced a similar drought. Global circulation model sensitivity experiments appear to indicate that droughts similar to this episode may be occurring at a recurrence interval of 20 years by the 2050s.
Subjective and Objective Sleep Quality in Individuals with Osteoarthritis in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Ching‐Ju , McHugh Gretl , Campbell Malcolm , Luker Karen 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe negative effects of osteoarthritis (OA), such as pain and depression, interfere with an individual's sleep quality. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of poor quality of sleep in individuals with OA in Taiwan and identify potential predictors. A secondary objective was to examine agreement between objective and subjective measures of sleep quality.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional survey, OA outpatients in Taiwan completed a self‐administered questionnaire, incorporating validated measurements for assessing quality of sleep (the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)), pain and physical functioning, anxiety and depression, and health‐related quality of life. In a nested feasibility study, a sub‐sample of participants wore an Actigraph wrist monitor to measure sleep objectively over a three‐day period.ResultsOf 192 individuals with OA who completed the survey, 30 completed the Actigraph study. The mean PSQI global score was 9.0 (standard deviation 4.5); most participants (135, 70.3%) had poor quality of sleep (global PSQI >5). Key predictors of poor quality of sleep included role limitation due to poor physical functioning, poor social functioning, higher anxiety levels and higher pain levels. There were moderate correlations between subjective and objective measures of sleep quality, although participants underestimated their true sleeping time by two hours.ConclusionsHealth professionals need to discuss sleep issues with individuals with OA and include strategies for coping with these difficulties. For reduced night‐time pain which may interfere with sleep, additional and appropriate advice about medication is required. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of formulation and repeated applications on the enantioselectivity of metalaxyl dissipation and leaching in soil
Authors: Celis Rafael , Gámiz Beatriz , Adelino María A , Cornejo Juan , Hermosín María C 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDSoil incubation and column leaching experiments were conducted to address the question of whether the type of formulation (unsupported versus clay supported) and repeated applications of the chiral fungicide (RS)‐metalaxyl affected the enantioselectivity of its dissipation and leaching in a slightly alkaline, loamy sand agricultural soil.RESULTSRegardless of the type of formulation and the number of fungicide applications, the R‐enantiomer of metalaxyl was degraded faster than the S‐enantiomer, but the individual degradation rates of R‐ and S‐metalaxyl were highly affected by the different application regimes assayed (t1/2 = 2–104 days). Repeated applications accelerated the degradation of the biologically active R‐metalaxyl enantiomer, whereas they led to slower degradation of the non‐active S‐metalaxyl enantiomer. The type of formulation had less influence on the dissipation rates of the enantiomers. For all formulations tested, soil column leachates became increasingly enriched in S‐enantiomer as the number of fungicide applications was increased, and application of metalaxyl to soil columns as clay‐based formulations reduced the leaching of both enantiomers.CONCLUSIONPesticide application conditions can greatly influence the enantioselective dissipation of chiral pesticides in soil, and hence are expected to exert a great impact on both the biological efficacy and the environmental chiral signatures of pesticides applied as mixtures of enantiomers or racemates to agricultural soils. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Histological, histochemical and ultrastructural analysis reveals functional division of the oesophagogastric segment in freshwater tubenose goby Proterorhinus semilunaris Heckel, 1837
Authors: Wołczuk Katarzyna , Nowakowska Julita , Płąchocki Dariusz , Kakareko Tomasz 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Histological and histochemical features of the oesophagogastric segment of the alimentary canal as well as ultrastructure of gastric gland cells of freshwater tubenose goby Proterorhinus semilunaris were examined. The studies revealed that despite the lack of anatomical distinction, the oesophagogastric segment is histologically divided into the oesophagus, oesogaster and stomach, which provides evidence for the functional compartmentation of this organ. The oesophagus was characterised by the presence of numerous goblet cells secreting mainly a mixture of neutral and acid mucopolysaccharides. In the stomach, the apical zone of the surface epithelial cells contained neutral mucopolysaccharides. Numerous proliferating cells were scattered throughout the surface epithelium. In the lamina propria of the stomach, a well-developed layer of gastric glands was observed. The glands were of the alveolar type and occupied nearly the entire length of the stomach except the pyloric region. The gastric gland cells were varied into light and dark; however, their ultrastructure was identical. All cells had numerous mitochondria and a well-developed tubulovesicular system typical for the oxynticopeptic cells, but pepsinogen granules were not present in the cytoplasm of these cells. These findings contribute new evidence to literature reports that not all gobiid fish are stomachless. Moreover, they suggest higher adaptation of the species to utilise protein-rich food compared to stomachless fish, and its ability to adjust the alimentary canal quickly to changing diet. How this may facilitate establishment of P. semilunaris in invaded environments remains an open question.
Robustness of Taylor's law under spatial hierarchical groupings of forest tree samples
Authors: Xu Meng , Schuster William S. F. , Cohen Joel E. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTesting how well Taylor's law (TL) describes spatial variation of the population density of a species requires grouping sampling areas (patches of habitat) into blocks so that a mean and a variance of the population density can be calculated over the patches in each block. The relationship between specific groupings and TL remains largely unknown. Here, using tree counts from a deciduous forest, we studied the effect of four biological methods of grouping sampling areas into blocks on the form and parameters of TL. Regardless of the method of grouping, the species‐specific basal area densities obeyed TL, and the estimated slopes were not significantly different from one grouping method to another. Surprisingly, TL remained valid when four kinds of randomizations were performed to the biological groupings and tree census. These randomizations randomly assigned sampling areas to blocks, and/or randomized the species composition within or across sampling areas. We found that the form of TL was robust to different grouping methods and species randomizations, but its parameter values depended significantly on species compositions at sampling areas.
Thermodynamic Modeling of Multi‐phase Solid–Liquid Equilibria in Industrial‐Grade Oils and Fats
Authors: Hjorth Jeppe L. , Miller Rasmus L. , Woodley John M. , Kiil Søren 
Published: December 2014

AbstractCompositional thermodynamic phase separation is investigated for industrial‐grade vegetable oils with complex compositions. Solid–liquid equilibria have been calculated by utilizing the Margules 2‐suffix activity‐coefficient model in combination with minimization of the Gibb's free energy of the system. On the basis of quasi‐equilibrium solid‐fat content (SFC) measurements, a new approach to the estimation of the interaction parameters, needed for the activity‐coefficient model, has been developed. The parameters are fitted by matching the SFC of two oils at various degrees of dilution and isothermal temperatures. Subsequently, the parameters are successfully validated against three oils, rich in asymmetric and symmetric triacylglycerols (TAG), respectively. The new approach developed is shown to be very flexible, allowing incorporation of additional TAG and polymorphic states. It thereby provides a simple way to dealing with multi‐component, multi‐phase TAG mixtures without having the required binary interaction parameters at hand a priori. This ultimately provides a powerful, predictive tool which may serve as a starting point for laboratory screening and creation of tailor‐made products because many different oil mixtures can be evaluated quickly with respect to specific properties, prior to more time‐consuming experimental evaluation.
Carriers of a common variant in the dopamine transporter gene have greater dementia risk, cognitive decline, and faster ventricular expansion
Authors: Roussotte Florence F. , Gutman Boris A. , Hibar Derrek P. , Madsen Sarah K. , Narr Katherine L. , Thompson Paul M. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Published: December 2014

AbstractIntroductionGenetic variants in DAT1, the gene encoding the dopamine transporter (DAT) protein, have been implicated in many brain disorders. In a recent case‐control study of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a regulatory polymorphism in DAT1 showed a significant association with the clinical stages of dementia.MethodsWe tested whether this variant was associated with increased AD risk, and with measures of cognitive decline and longitudinal ventricular expansion, in a large sample of elderly participants with genetic, neurocognitive, and neuroimaging data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.ResultsThe minor allele—previously linked with increased DAT expression in vitro—was more common in AD patients than in both individuals with mild cognitive impairment and healthy elderly controls. The same allele was also associated with poorer cognitive performance and faster ventricular expansion, independently of diagnosis.DiscussionThese results may be due to reduced dopaminergic transmission in carriers of the DAT1 mutation.