bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chiroptical Properties of Bilirubin‐Serum Albumin Binding Sites
Authors: Goncharova Iryna , Orlov Sergey , Urbanová Marie 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTAlthough the interactions between bilirubin and serum albumin are among the most studied serum albumin‐ligand interactions, the binding‐site location and the participation of bilirubin‐serum albumin complexes in pathological and physiological processes are under debate. In this article, we have benefited from the chiral structure of bilirubin and used CD spectroscopy to characterize the structure of bilirubin bound to human and bovine serum albumins. We determined that in a phosphate buffer at pH 7.8 there are three binding sites in both human and bovine serum albumins. While the primary binding sites in human and bovine serum albumins bind bilirubin with P‐ and M‐helical conformations, respectively, the secondary binding sites in both albumins bind bilirubin in the P‐helical conformation. We have shown that the bonding of bilirubin to the serum albumin matrix is a more favorable process than the self‐association of bilirubin under the studied conditions, with a maximum of three bound bilirubins per serum albumin molecule. Although bilirubin bound to the primary binding site has attracted the most attention, the presented results have documented the impact of the secondary binding sites which are relevant in the displacement reactions between BR and drugs and in the phenomena where bilirubin plays antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anti‐inflammatory roles. Chirality 00:000000, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Heat‐Integrated Exhaust Purification for Natural Gas Engines
Authors: Rink Matthias , Eigenberger Gerhart , Nieken Ulrich 
Published: March 2013

AbstractVehicles running on compressed natural gas (CNG) are a promising option to significantly decrease automotive CO2 emissions. However, considerable amounts of methane are emitted by the exhaust of CNG powered engines which are difficult to convert by standard catalytic converters. Yet, by combining the catalyst with an efficient heat exchanger, the temperature level of the catalyst can be raised for enhanced conversion performance. Experimental results of stationary tests performed with a heat‐integrated laboratory‐scale system are shown. A special cold start strategy required for fast system heating is presented based on a detailed transient simulation study and a new system layout is described.
Multiscale Approaches for Modeling Hydrocarbon Conversion Reactions in Zeolites
Authors: Hansen Niels , Keil Frerich J. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMethodological advances in quantum chemistry and classical molecular simulation combined with the ever increasing speed of computers allow for approaching chemical accuracy in the prediction of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of zeolite catalyzed hydrocarbon reactions. In this account, progress in the area of multiscale modeling is illustrated by two examples taken from the authors' recent work and needs for further developments are identified.
Poly(Propylene Carbonate) from Carbon Dioxide: Challenges for Large‐Scale Application
Authors: Korashvili Revaz , Nörnberg Benjamin , Bornholdt Nick , Borchardt Endres , Luinstra Gerrit A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDer Stand der Technik bei der Herstellung von Poly(propylencarbonat) ausgehend von Propylenoxid und Kohlenstoffdioxid wird vorgestellt. Thermodynamisch betrachtet ist Poly(propylencarbonat) ein kinetisches Produkt mit einer hohen Bildungsenthalpie. Nach jahrzehntelangen Entwicklungen sind einige vielversprechende Katalysatoren gefunden worden, die eine kostengünstige Herstellung ermöglichen könnten. Ein kontinuierliches Verfahren wurde kürzlich patentiert. Die verbleibenden Herausforderungen für eine großtechnische Umsetzung bestehen darin, ein einfaches Verfahren zu finden und die Materialeigenschaften für bestehende Anwendungen maßzuschneidern.
Localization and divergent profiles of estrogen receptors and aromatase in the vocal and auditory networks of a fish with alternative mating tactics
Authors: Fergus Daniel J. , Bass Andrew H. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTEstrogens play a salient role in the development and maintenance of both male and female nervous systems and behaviors. The plainfin midshipman (Porichthys notatus), a teleost fish, has two male reproductive morphs that follow alternative mating tactics and diverge in multiple somatic, hormonal, and neural traits, including the central control of morph‐specific vocal behaviors. After we identified duplicate estrogen receptors (ERβ1 and ERβ2) in midshipman, we developed antibodies to localize protein expression in the central vocal–acoustic networks and saccule, the auditory division of the inner ear. As in other teleost species, ERβ1 and ERβ2 were robustly expressed in the telencephalon and hypothalamus in vocal–acoustic and other brain regions shown previously to exhibit strong expression of ERα and aromatase (estrogen synthetase, CYP19) in midshipman. Like aromatase, ERβ1 label colocalized with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in telencephalic radial glial cells. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed similar patterns of transcript abundance across reproductive morphs for ERβ1, ERβ2, ERα, and aromatase in the forebrain and saccule. In contrast, transcript abundance for ERs and aromatase varied significantly between morphs in and around the sexually polymorphic vocal motor nucleus (VMN). Together, the results suggest that VMN is the major estrogen target within the estrogen‐sensitive hindbrain vocal network that directly determines the duration, frequency, and amplitude of morph‐specific vocalizations. Comparable regional differences in steroid receptor abundances likely regulate morph‐specific behaviors in males and females of other species exhibiting alternative reproductive tactics. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:2850–2869, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Planting parallel program simulation on the cloud
Authors: Cuomo Antonio , Rak Massimiliano , Villano Umberto 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThe writing of efficient parallel code has always been a tedious and time‐consuming process. However, the performance prediction prototype tools devised in the last decade come of age now, thanks to the availability of the almost unlimited computing power of clouds. This paper presents the practical use of mJADES, a novel environment for running multiple concurrent simulations in the cloud, to predict the performance of parallel code in multiple working conditions at once. After an introduction on mJADES and its operational aspects, the construction of parallel code performance prediction models will be dealt with. The models and the results obtained for a simple but complete and meaningful case study will be presented, discussing the accuracy obtained by simulation and the time required for performing the whole set of simulations necessary to characterize the program behavior. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Added Value and Constraints of Transdisciplinary Case Studies in Environmental Science Curricula
Authors: Bootsma Margien C. , Vermeulen Walter J.V. , van Dijk Jerry , Schot Paul P. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTSustainable development issues are characterised by their multidisciplinary character, and the fact they are not merely an academic exercise but pertain to real‐world problems. Academic sustainable development curricula should therefore not only focus on developing the analytical and research skills and theoretical and professional knowledge of their students; they should also include real‐world learning opportunities in the curriculum. This paper evaluates the added value and constraints associated with a specific type of real‐world learning called transdisciplinary learning, based on the experiences with three courses from the undergraduate and graduate Environmental Sciences curriculum of Utrecht University, the Netherlands. In these courses, students carry out a small multidisciplinary research project or a consultancy project for a real‐life client. It is concluded that transdisciplinary courses have clear added value for students, involved stakeholders, and the university alike, making them an essential part of the sustainable development curricula. The main constraint is the balance between academic quality (grading) vs stakeholder satisfaction. Although time investments for adequate problem definition with clients may constitute a constraint for university supervisors, it has the potential added value of sparking research cooperation with societal stakeholders, and internships and employment opportunities for graduates. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Catalytic Conversion of Cellulose to Ethylene Glycol over a Low‐Cost Binary Catalyst of Raney Ni and Tungstic Acid
Authors: Tai Zhijun , Zhang Junying , Wang Aiqin , Pang Jifeng , Zheng Mingyuan , Zhang Tao 
Published: March 2013

AbstractFollowing our previous report on the selective transformation of cellulose to ethylene glycol (EG) over a binary catalyst composed of tungstic acid and Ru/C, we herein report a new low‐cost but more effective binary catalyst by using Raney nickel in place of Ru/C (Raney Ni+H2WO4). In addition to tungstic acid, other W compounds were also investigated in combination with Raney Ni. The results showed that the EG yield depended on the W compound: H4SiW12O40<H3PW12O40<WO3<H2WO4, but all the investigated W compounds were selective towards EG. Moreover, both WO3 and H2WO4 were dissolved partially under the reaction conditions and transformed into HxWO3, which is the genuinely active species for the CC bond breakage of cellulose. This result further confirmed that the reaction that involves the selective breakage of the CC bonds of cellulose with W species is homogenous. Among various binary catalysts, the combination of Raney Ni and H2WO4 gave the highest yield of EG (65 %), which could be attributed to the high activity of Raney Ni for hydrogenation and its inertness for the further degradation of EG. Moreover, Raney Ni+H2WO4 showed good reusability; it could be reused at least 17 times without any decay in the EG yield, which shows its great potential for industrial applications.
Improvement of Catalytic Water Oxidation on MnOx Films by Heat Treatment
Authors: Zhou Fengling , Izgorodin Alex , Hocking Rosalie K. , Armel Vanessa , Spiccia Leone , MacFarlane Douglas R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractManganese oxides (MnOx) are considered to be promising catalysts for water oxidation. Electrodeposited MnOx films from aqueous electrolytes have previously been shown to exhibit a lower catalytic action than films deposited from ionic liquids when tested in strongly alkaline conditions. In this study, we describe a thermal treatment that converts the MnOx films deposited from aqueous electrolytes to highly catalytic films with comparable activity to ionic‐liquid‐deposited films. The films deposited from aqueous electrolytes show a remarkable improvement in the catalysis of water oxidation after heat treatment at a low temperature (≤120 °C) for 30 min. The films were characterised by using XRD and SEM, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, which indicate that dehydration occurs during the heat treatment without significant change to the microstructure or bulk composition. The X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) results show the growth of small amounts (ca. 3–10 %) of reduced Mn species (MnII or MnIII) after heat treatment. The dehydration process removes structural water and hydroxyl species to result in a conductivity improvement and a more active catalyst, thereby contributing to the enhancement in water oxidation performance.
A computational platform for robotized fluorescence microscopy (II): DNA damage, replication, checkpoint activation, and cell cycle progression by high‐content high‐resolution multiparameter image‐cytometry
Authors: Furia Laura , Pelicci Pier Giuseppe , Faretta Mario 
Published: March 2013

AbstractDissection of complex molecular‐networks in rare cell populations is limited by current technologies that do not allow simultaneous quantification, high‐resolution localization, and statistically robust analysis of multiple parameters. We have developed a novel computational platform (Automated Microscopy for Image CytOmetry, A.M.I.CO) for quantitative image‐analysis of data from confocal or widefield robotized microscopes. We have applied this image‐cytometry technology to the study of checkpoint activation in response to spontaneous DNA damage in nontransformed mammary cells. Cell‐cycle profile and active DNA‐replication were correlated to (i) Ki67, to monitor proliferation; (ii) phosphorylated histone H2AX (γH2AX) and 53BP1, as markers of DNA‐damage response (DDR); and (iii) p53 and p21, as checkpoint‐activation markers. Our data suggest the existence of cell‐cycle modulated mechanisms involving different functions of γH2AX and 53BP1 in DDR, and of p53 and p21 in checkpoint activation and quiescence regulation during the cell‐cycle. Quantitative analysis, event selection, and physical relocalization have been then employed to correlate protein expression at the population level with interactions between molecules, measured with Proximity Ligation Analysis, with unprecedented statistical relevance. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
R‐phycoerythrin‐conjugated antibodies are inappropriate for intracellular staining of murine plasma cells
Authors: Kim Myun Soo , Kim Tae Sung 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPhycoerythrin (PE) is a type of phycobiliproteins found in cyanobacteria and red algae. PE‐conjugated antibodies are broadly used for flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy. Because nonspecific binding of antibodies results in decreased analytic accuracy, numerous efforts have been made to unveil cases and mechanisms of nonspecific bindings. However, nonspecific binding of specific cell types by a fluorescent dye‐conjugated form of antibody has been rarely reported. In the present study, we discovered that PE‐conjugated antibodies, but not FITC‐ or APC‐antibodies, selectively stained lamina propria plasma cells (LP‐PCs) from the murine small intestine after membrane permeabilization. We demonstrated that LP‐PC‐selective staining with PE‐antibodies was not due to interactions of antibody‐epitope or antibody‐Fc receptor. This unexpected staining by PE‐antibody was not dependent on the mouse strain of LP‐PCs, experimental methods, or origin species of the antibody, but dependent on PE itself. This phenomenon was also observed in plasma cells isolated from bone marrow, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes. Furthermore, in vitro activated B cells and in vivo generated LP‐PCs were also selectively stained by PE‐conjugated antibodies. Taken together, these results show that PE‐conjugated antibodies are inappropriate for intracellular staining of murine plasma cells. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Green cell association for multimedia transmission in cognitive heterogeneous networks
Authors: Li Xi , Chen Shanzhi , Chen Dan , Ji Hong , Leung Victor C. M. 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYWith the introduction of low‐powered pico/femto‐base stations and relay nodes into the macro‐cell, recent heterogeneous networks provide an attractive approach for future wireless communication. Although it may achieve better coverage and higher capacity, several problems remain unsolved before practical deployment. For example, how to select the proper cell from neighbor low‐powered cells and then occupy the radio resource without interference on macro‐users is both important and challenging, especially for rigorous multimedia applications. The traditional cell access algorithms and quality‐control parameters such as delay or throughput no longer suit well in this complex environment. An effective approach should be pursued. In this paper, we investigate this interesting cell association problem and propose a complete green resolution on the basis of thorough discussions about the multimedia transmission under these concerns. Cognitive radio is introduced to share spectrum between macro‐cell and low‐powered cells while securing the transmission of authorized macro‐users. We also bring forth the concept of ‘interference balance’ to better manage the overall interference and energy consumption in the network. Restless bandit model is formulated on the basis of channel state, data rate, interference control, and the carefully chosen intra‐refreshing rate for multimedia traffic. Then the cell association scheme is designed to be efficient and practical because of the simple index property of our model output. Simulation results have proven the performance of our proposed resolution compared with existing algorithms on interference constraint, multimedia distortion, and overall network energy consumption balance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sodium–glucose cotransporter inhibition: therapeutic potential for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Raskin Philip 
Published: March 2013

SummaryResults from randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that the risk of microvascular complications can be reduced by intensive glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, only about half of patients with diagnosed diabetes achieve recommended glycaemic goals. New therapies with complementary mechanisms of action that are independent of insulin secretion or action may provide additional therapeutic options to enable patients to achieve glycaemic control. The kidney plays an important role in glucose homeostasis, primarily by the reabsorption of filtered glucose. The sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), located in the proximal convoluted tubule, is responsible for the majority of glucose reabsorption by the kidney. SGLT2 inhibitors offer a novel approach to treat T2DM and reduce hyperglycaemia by increasing urinary excretion of glucose. Dapagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor recently approved in Europe for the treatment of T2DM, improves glycaemic control in patients with T2DM when used as monotherapy or when added to other diabetes medications, such as metformin, sulfonylureas, pioglitazone, and insulin. As a class, SGLT2 inhibitors are well tolerated and have a low propensity to cause hypoglycaemia. An increase in signs, symptoms, and other events suggestive of genital and, in some studies, urinary tract infections has been reported with SGLT2 inhibitors. Results from ongoing and future clinical trials will help define the role for this new class of investigational compounds, with its unique mechanism of action, as a treatment option for reducing hyperglycaemia in patients with T2DM. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The adaptive significance of population differentiation in offspring size of the least killifish, Heterandria formosa
Authors: Leips Jeff , Helen Rodd F. , Travis Joseph 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe tested the hypothesis that density‐dependent competition influences the evolution of offspring size. We studied two populations of the least killifish (Heterandria formosa) that differ dramatically in population density; these populations are genetically differentiated for offspring size, and females from both populations produce larger offspring when they experience higher social densities. To look at the influences of population of origin and relative body size on competitive ability, we held females from the high‐density population at two different densities to create large and small offspring with the same genetic background. We measured the competitive ability of those offspring in mesocosms that contained either pure or mixed population treatments at either high or low density. High density increased competition, which was most evident in greatly reduced individual growth rates. Larger offspring from the high‐density population significantly delayed the onset of maturity of fish from the low‐density population. From our results, we infer that competitive conditions in nature have contributed to the evolution of genetically based interpopulation differences in offspring size as well as plasticity in offspring size in response to conspecific density.
A Floating Porous Crystalline TiO2 Ceramic with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance for Wastewater Decontamination
Authors: Xing Zipeng , Li Jiazhe , Wang Qiang , Zhou Wei , Tian Guohui , Pan Kai , Tian Chungui , Zou Jinlong , Fu Honggang 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA highly porous TiO2 ceramic floating photocatalyst was successfully synthesized by using ethanediamine‐modified Degussa P25 as precursor, followed by a camphene‐based freeze‐casting process and high‐temperature calcination. The ceramics were characterized in detail by XRD, SEM, and TEM. The results indicate that an ethanediamine protector can inhibit undesirable titania grain growth and phase transformation during calcination. The porosity and compressive strength of the ceramics varies with sintering temperatures; the optimal sintering temperature, 800 °C, produces high porosity, high compressive strength, and high photocatalytic activity. The ceramics exhibit good photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of rhodamine B (10 mg L–1), and the total organic carbon removal efficiency is up to 96.7 % after 5 h. The photocatalytic kinetics of rhodamine B removal are pseudo‐first order. The ceramics are recyclable, and no clear changes are observed after six cycles. Furthermore, the ceramics are also active in phenol, thiobencarb, atrazine, and octane. Therefore, this novel floating photocatalyst will likely have wide applications, including the removal of soluble organic pollutants from wastewater or the removal of oil pollutants from wastewater surfaces.
Redox Active DipyrrometheneCu(II) Monolayer for Oriented Immobilization of His‐Tagged RAGE Domains – the Base of Electrochemical Biosensor for Determination of Aβ16–23′
Authors: Jargiło Agata , Grabowska Iwona , Radecka Hanna , Sulima Magdalena , Marszałek Ilona , Wysłouch‐Cieszyńska Aleksandra , Dehaen Wim , Radecki Jerzy 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe new system which consists of the thiol derivative of dipyrromethene–Cu(II) complex created on the surface of a gold electrode was applied for the first time for oriented immobilization of selected His‐tagged domains of a receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE). Cyclic voltammetry (CV), Osteryoung square‐wave voltammetry (OSWV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used for characterization of the redox active sensing layer. The biosensor proposed was applied for determination of Aβ16–23′ peptide. In its presence, a decrease of the maximum Cu(II) redox current was observed. These values correlated linearly with the Aβ16–23′ concentration in the range 0.001–1.000 µM. The presence of diluted human plasma has no influence on the sensor responses.
Direct Electrochemistry of Native and Denatured Anticancer Antibody Rituximab at a Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Oliveira Severino Carlos B. , Santarino Inês B. , Oliveira‐Brett Ana Maria 
Published: March 2013

AbstractRituximab (RTX) is a human/murine chimeric monoclonal antibody (mAb) that specifically targets the transmembrane protein CD20 of B‐cells. The oxidation mechanism of native and denatured RTX was investigated on glassy carbon electrode. The denaturing agent sodium dodecyl sulfate and the redutancts tris(2‐carboxyethyl)phosphine and dithiothreitol were used. Significant differences were observed for native and denatured RTX oxidation due to morphological changes and unfolding of the RTX native structure. Native RTX presented only one oxidation peak of tyrosine and tryptophan residues, whereas in denatured RTX were detected three peaks corresponding to the oxidation of tyrosine, tryptophan and histidine residues.