bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of autoantibodies against brain antigens in health and disease
Authors: Dahm Liane , Ott Christoph , Steiner Johann , Stepniak Beata , Teegen Bianca , Saschenbrecker Sandra , Hammer Christian , Borowski Kathrin , Begemann Martin , Lemke Sandra , Rentzsch Kristin , Probst Christian , Martens Henrik , Wienands Jürgen , Spalletta Gianfranco , Weissenborn Karin , Stöcker Winfried , Ehrenreich Hannelore 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveWe previously reported an unexpectedly high seroprevalence (∼10%) of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate‐receptor subunit‐NR1 (NMDAR1) autoantibodies (AB) in healthy and neuropsychiatrically ill subjects (N = 2,817). This finding challenges an unambiguous causal relationship of serum AB with brain disease. To test whether similar results would be obtained for other brain antigen‐directed AB previously connected with pathological conditions, we systematically screened serum samples of 4,236 individuals.MethodsSerum samples of healthy (n = 1,703) versus neuropsychiatrically ill subjects (schizophrenia, affective disorders, stroke, Parkinson disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, personality disorder; total n = 2,533) were tested. For analysis based on indirect immunofluorescence, we used biochip mosaics of frozen brain sections (rat, monkey) and transfected HEK293 cells expressing respective recombinant target antigens.ResultsSeroprevalence of all screened AB was comparable in healthy and ill individuals. None of them, however, reached the abundance of NMDAR1 AB (again ∼10%; immunoglobulin [Ig] G ∼1%). Appreciable frequency was noted for AB against amphiphysin (2.0%), ARHGAP26 (1.3%), CASPR2 (0.9%), MOG (0.8%), GAD65 (0.5%), Ma2 (0.5%), Yo (0.4%), and Ma1 (0.4%), with titers and Ig class distribution similar among groups. All other AB were found in ≤0.1% of individuals (anti–AMPAR‐1/2, AQP4, CV2, Tr/DNER, DPPX‐IF1, GABAR‐B1/B2, GAD67, GLRA1b, GRM1, GRM5, Hu, LGl1, recoverin, Ri, ZIC4). The predominant Ig class depended on antigen location, with intracellular epitopes predisposing to IgG (chi‐square = 218.91, p = 2.8 × 10−48).InterpretationTo conclude, the brain antigen‐directed AB tested here are comparably detectable in healthy subjects and the disease groups studied here, thus questioning an upfront pathological role of these serum AB. Ann Neurol 2014;76:82–94
Unlocking the N2 Selectivity of Benzotriazoles: Regiodivergent and Highly Selective Coupling of Benzotriazoles with Allenes
Authors: Xu Kun , Thieme Niels , Breit Bernhard 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe rhodium‐catalyzed, highly N2‐ and N1‐selective coupling of benzotriazoles with allenes is reported. The exceptionally high N2 and N1 selectivities were achieved by using a rhodium(I)/DPEphos and rhodium(I)/JoSPOphos catalyst, respectively. This method permits the atom‐economic synthesis of valuable branched N2‐ and N1‐allylated benzotriazole derivatives and allows for preliminary studies of their reactivity.
Thiopeptide Engineering: A Multidisciplinary Effort towards Future Drugs
Authors: Just‐Baringo Xavier , Albericio Fernando , Álvarez Mercedes 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe recent development of thiopeptide analogues of antibiotics has allowed some of the limitations inherent to these naturally occurring substances to be overcome. Chemical synthesis, semisynthetic derivatization, and engineering of the biosynthetic pathway have independently led to complementary modifications of various thiopeptides. Some of the new substances have displayed improved profiles, not only as antibiotics, but also as antiplasmodial and anticancer drugs. The design of novel molecules based on the thiopeptide scaffold appears to be the only strategy to exploit the high potential they have shown in vitro. Herein we present the most relevant achievements in the production of thiopeptide analogues and also discuss the way the different approaches might be combined in a multidisciplinary strategy to produce more sophisticated structures.
High electrical conductivity of nylon 6 composites obtained with hybrid multiwalled carbon nanotube/carbon fiber fillers
Authors: Zhu Xiang‐Dong , Zang Chong‐Guang , Jiao Qing‐Jie 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe synergetic effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and carbon fibers (CFs) in enhancing the electrical conductivity of nylon 6 (PA6) composites was investigated. To improve the compatibility between the fillers and the PA6 resin, we grafted γ‐aminopropyltriethoxy silane (KH‐550) onto the MWNTs and CFs after carboxyl groups were generated on their surface by chemical oxidation with nitric acid. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis proved that the KH‐550 molecules were successfully grafted onto the surface of the MWNTs and CFs. Scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy showed that the obtained modified fillers reduced the aggregation of fillers and resulted in better dispersion and interfacial compatibility. We found that the electrical percolation threshold of the MWNT/PA6 and CF/PA6 composites occurred when the volume fraction of the fillers were 4 and 5%, respectively. The MWNT/CF hybrid‐filler system exhibited a remarkable synergetic effect on the electrically conductive networks. The MWNT/7% CF hybrid‐filler system appeared to show a second percolation when the MWNT volume fraction was above 4% and a volume resistivity reduction of two orders of magnitude compared with the MWNT/PA6 system. The mechanical properties of different types of PA6 composites with variation in the filler volume content were also studied. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40923.
The influence of the operational environment on efficiency of international airports
Authors: Marques Rui Cunha , Simões Pedro , Carvalho Pedro 
Published: May 2014

SummaryHeterogeneity must be considered in the efficiency analysis of decision‐making units; otherwise, the results will be strongly biased. This is also valid for airport management where the operational environment heavily influences efficiency. In this paper, conditional efficiency measures are applied to airports to incorporate heterogeneity in non‐parametric frontier models which are robust for outlying observations. In particular, the influence of the operational environment on airport efficiency is examined in a sample of 141 international airports. The conclusions show that the operational environment indeed matters and that privatisation, regulation, traffic transfer and the dominant carrier have a positive effect on efficiency, whereas aeronautical revenues influence it negatively. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolite profiles of epimedin C in rat plasma and bile by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐TOF‐MS
Authors: Cui Li , Sun E. , Zhang Zhenhai , Tan Xiaobin , Xu Fengjuan , Jia Xiaobin 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTEpimedin C is one of the major bioactive constituents of Herba Epimedii. In this study, the metabolite profiles of epimedin C in rat plasma and bile were qualitatively investigated, and the possible metabolic pathways of epimedin C were subsequently proposed. After oral administration of epimedin C at a single dose of 80 mg/kg, rat biological samples were collected and pretreated by protein precipitation. Then these pretreated samples were injected into an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column and detected by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. In all, 12 metabolites were identified in the biosamples. Of these, eight, two from plasma and six from bile, are, to our knowledge, reported here for the first time. The results indicated that epimedin C was metabolized via desugarization, dehydrogenation, hydrogenation, dehydroxylation, hydroxylation, demethylation and glucuronidation pathways in vivo. Thus, this study revealed the possible metabolite profiles of epimedin C in rat plasma and bile. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioavailability comparison of a new form of vilazodone XVII to IV in beagles using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Zeng Ling‐ling , Sun Li‐li , Zou Qiaogen , Zhou Fan , Wei Ping , Ouyang Ping‐kai 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTVilazodone hydrochloride (CAS 163521‐12‐8) is polymorphic and has 15 crystal forms, referred to as I–XI and XIII–XVI. In the study, we prepared and performed structural identification of a new crystal form named XVII. To investigate this in vivo, a rapid and sensitive method based on liquid–liquid extraction, followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) was developed and validated for the determination of vilazodone hydrochloride in dog plasma. This HPLC‐MS/MS method was successfully applied to a bioavailability comparison of two crystal forms of vilazodone hydrochloride (IV and XVII) in six healthy beagles using a single‐dose, two‐way crossover design. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), the time taken to reach Cmax, and the area under the concentration–time curve were determined following oral administration of 10 mg vilazodone hydrochloride (IV or XVII) to beagles. These analyses revealed no significant bioavailability differences between vilazodone hydrochloride forms IV and XVII in dogs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assistant agents to advice users in hybrid structured 3D virtual environments
Authors: Almajano Pablo , Lopez‐Sanchez Maite , Rodriguez Inmaculada , Trescak Tomas 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTHybrid structured 3D Virtual Environments model serious activities in immersive 3D spaces, where participants are human and software agents, and their interactions are regulated by an Organization Centered Multi‐Agent System (OCMAS). In this context, both OCMAS social model and the tasks that users need to accomplish can be rather complex, and thus, users may benefit from having an assistance service. Hence, we propose personal assistant agents (PA), which, based on knowledge about the OCMAS specification and current system state, provide the user with an advice (a plan) to achieve her or his goal. Additionally, we implement this service with PLAN-EA, an Extension of the A *  algorithm that generates plans for a user whose actions may depend on other users’ actions. Thus, PAs provide plans that do not only include assisted user actions but also other users’ ones. We illustrate our approach by means of v‐mWater—an online water market—and make a comparative analysis, with and without assistance, where efficiency—in terms of number of user actions—shows an improvement (7 vs 10.8), efficacy—percentage of completed tasks—also improves (93% vs 77%), and assistance's overall satisfaction is positive. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nickel–Copper/Gadolinium‐Doped Ceria (CGO) Composite Electrocatalyst as a Protective Layer for a Solid‐Oxide Fuel Cell Anode Fed with Ethanol
Authors: Lo Faro Massimiliano , Reis Rafael M. , Saglietti Guilherme G. A. , Sato Andre G. , Ticianelli Edson A. , Zignani Sabrina C. , Aricò Antonio S. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA nickel–copper alloy is prepared by using the oxalate method and subsequent in situ reduction. The bimetallic alloy is mixed with gadolinium‐doped ceria (CGO) to obtain a composite material with mixed electronic–ionic conductivity. The catalytic and electrocatalytic properties of the composite material for ethanol conversion are described. Different conditions to simulate bio‐ethanol feed operation are selected. Electrochemical tests are performed by utilizing the NiCu/CGO cermet as a barrier layer in a conventional anode‐supported solid‐oxide fuel cell (AS‐SOFC). A comparative study between the modified cell and a conventional AS‐SOFC without the protective layer is made. A maximum power density of 277 mW cm−2@0.63 V is recorded in the presence of a mixture of ethanol–water for a cell containing the protective anodic layer compared with 231 mW cm−2@0.64 V for a bare cell under the same conditions. This corresponds to a 20 % increase in performance.
Zincocene and Dizincocene N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes and Catalytic Hydrogenation of Imines and Ketones
Authors: Jochmann Phillip , Stephan Douglas W. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) adducts Zn(CpR)2(NHC)] (CpR=C5HMe4, C5H4SiMe3; NHC=ItBu, IDipp (Dipp=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl), IMes (Mes=mesityl), SIMes) were prepared and shown to be active catalysts for the hydrogenation of imines, whereas decamethylzincocene [ZnCp*2] is highly active for the hydrogenation of ketones in the presence of noncoordinating NHCs. The abnormal carbene complex [Zn(OCHPh2)2(aItBu)]2 was formed from spontaneous rearrangement of the ItBu ligand during incomplete hydrogenation of benzophenone. Two isolated ZnI adducts [Zn2Cp*2(NHC)] (NHC=ItBu, SIMes) are presented and characterized as weak adducts on the basis of 13C NMR spectroscopic and X‐ray diffraction experiments. A mechanistic proposal for the reduction of [ZnCp*2] with H2 to give [Zn2Cp*2] is discussed.
Retrograde intraciliary trafficking of opsin during the maintenance of cone‐shaped photoreceptor outer segments of Xenopus laevis
Authors: Tian Guilian , Lodowski Kerrie H. , Lee Richard , Imanishi Yoshikazu 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTPhotoreceptor outer segments (OSs) are essential for our visual perception, and take either rod or cone forms. The cell biological basis for the formation of rods is well established; however, the mechanism of cone formation is ill characterized. While Xenopus rods are called rods, they exhibit cone‐shaped OSs during the early process of development. To visualize the dynamic reorganization of disk membranes, opsin and peripherin/rds were fused to a fluorescent protein, Dendra2, and expressed in early developing rod photoreceptors, in which OSs are still cone‐shaped. Dendra2 is a fluorescent protein which can be converted from green to red irreversibly, and thus allows spatiotemporal labeling of proteins. Using a photoconversion technique, we found that disk membranes are assembled at the base of cone‐shaped OSs. After incorporation into disks, however, Opsin‐Dendra2 was also trafficked from old to new disk membranes, consistent with the hypothesis that retrograde trafficking of membrane components contributes to the larger disk membrane observed toward the base of the cone‐shaped OS. Such retrograde trafficking is cargo‐specific and was not observed for peripherin/rds‐Dendra2. The trafficking is unlikely mediated by diffusion, since the disk membranes have a closed configuration, as evidenced by CNGA1 labeling of the plasma membrane. Consistent with retrograde trafficking, the axoneme, which potentially mediates retrograde intraflagellar trafficking, runs through the entire axis of OSs. This study provides an insight into the role of membrane reorganization in developing photoreceptor OSs, and proves that retrograde trafficking of membrane cargoes can occur there. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:3577–3589, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Corporate Environmental Sustainability in Danish SMEs: A Longitudinal Study of Motivators, Initiatives, and Strategic Effects
Authors: Reyes‐Rodríguez Juan Felipe , Ulhøi John P. , Madsen Henning 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWhile industry leaders proactively address environmental issues as an integrated part of corporate strategy, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often perceive it as a means of cost reduction. The aim of this paper is to track the development of motivators, environmental initiatives, and their perceived effects on competitive advantage among SMEs. For that purpose, we conducted a longitudinal analysis of 4 repeated surveys over a period of 14 years among Danish manufacturing SMEs. Results show that Danish SMEs have increasingly deployed environmental initiatives that are associated with both lower costs and a differentiation dimensions of competitive advantage. The study also shows that over managerial attitudes, strategic intent has been the main driver when adopting such initiatives. Furthermore, we found that despite some differences between small and medium‐sized firms in terms of the levels of environmental engagement, the competitive benefits are generally robust regarding firm size. Before concluding, implications for future research and corporate managers are pointed out. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Long‐term cortisol levels measured in scalp hair of obese patients
Authors: Wester Vincent L. , Staufenbiel Sabine M. , Veldhorst Margriet A. B. , Visser Jenny A. , Manenschijn Laura , Koper Jan W. , Klessens‐Godfroy Francoise J. M. , van den Akker Erica L. T. , van Rossum Elisabeth F. C. 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveIn obese subjects a relatively high cortisol output in urine has been observed compared to nonobese individuals. However, cortisol levels in blood, saliva, and urine in association with obesity have been inconsistent across studies, possibly due to the high variability of systemic cortisol levels. Cortisol levels measured in scalp hair provide a marker for long‐term cortisol exposure, and have been associated with cardiovascular disease in an elderly population and to disease course in Cushing's disease. We aimed to compare hair cortisol levels between obese patients and nonobese controls.MethodsHair cortisol levels of 47 obese patients (median BMI 38.8, range 31.1‐65.8), 41 overweight, and 87 normal‐weight subjects using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were measured.ResultsObese patients had higher hair cortisol levels than overweight and normal weight subjects (respectively 30.8 vs 8.5 and 8.4 pg/mg hair, P < 0.001). No significant difference in hair cortisol levels was found between normal weight and overweight subjects.ConclusionsOur results suggest a higher long‐term cortisol exposure in obese patients, which may contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. Future research will determine whether long‐term cortisol levels provide a novel treatment target in the management of cardiovascular disease risk in obesity.
Preparation and Characterization of Aqueous Nanothermite Inks for Direct Deposition on SCB Initiators
Authors: Nellums R. Ross , Son Steven F. , Groven Lori J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractNanothermites are a promising replacement energetic for many devices but their use has been limited by high sensitivity during processing, hazardous processing solvents, and time consuming deposition. Incorporating processing and deposition into a single step, especially if no organic solvents were used, could allow nanothermites to be applied safely in a wider range of applications. This work reports on the performance and characterization of direct‐deposited water processed nanothermite inks on semiconductor bridge (SCB) initiators. Specifically, it investigates the replacement of nanothermites processed by resonant mixing (Resodyn LabRAM) in the solvent N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) with nanothermites processed in water. Processing safety and mixture performance were then characterized. It was found that water processed nanothermites were stable for up to 480 min in a water bath at 50 °C only if both metal and metal oxide particles were coated with palmitic acid. In addition, water processed nanothermites were found to have better mixing intimacy, which resulted in better performance than nanothermite processed in DMF. Direct deposition of water processed nanothermites also mitigates electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitivity, while the material remains wetted, improving processing safety dramatically. For the system investigated, it was found that processing at a solids loading of 30 vol.% resulted in a high density, high performance ink that was deposited directly onto the SCBs. This resulted in a 25 % reduction in the all fire threshold over traditional energetics. This mixing approach uses an environmentally friendly mixing medium, can result in a higher density final material, and allows safe one‐step mixing and deposition.
A modified procedure for gas‐source isotope ratio mass spectrometry: the long‐integration dual‐inlet (LIDI) methodology and implications for clumped isotope measurements
Authors: Hu Bin , Radke Jens , Schlüter Hans‐Jürgen , Heine Frank Torsten , Zhou Liping , Bernasconi Stefano M. 
Published: May 2014

RATIONALEHigh‐precision stable isotope measurements in gas‐source isotope ratio mass spectrometry are generally carried out by repeated comparison of the composition of an unknown sample with that of a working gas (WG) through a dual‐inlet (DI). Due to the established DI protocols, however, most of the sample gas is wasted rather than measured, which is a major problem when sample size is limited. Here we propose a new methodology allowing the measurement of a much larger portion of the available sample.METHODSWe tested a new measurement protocol, the long‐integration dual‐inlet (LIDI) method, which consists of a single measurement of the sample for 200 to 600 seconds followed by a single measurement of the WG. The isotope ratios of the sample are calculated by comparison of the beam ratios of the WG and sample at equivalent intensities of the major ion beam.RESULTSThree isotopically very different CO2 samples were analyzed. The LIDI measurements of large samples (50 to 100 µmol of CO2) measured at quasi‐constant beam sizes, and of small samples (1.5 to 2 µmol of CO2) measured in micro‐volume mode, generated results that are indistinguishable from the standard DI measurements for carbon, oxygen and clumped isotope compositions. The external precision of Δ47 using the LIDI protocol (~±0.007 ‰) is similar to that of the state of the art DI measurements.CONCLUSIONSFor traditional and clumped isotope measurements of CO2, the LIDI protocol allows the measurement of a much larger portion of the sample gas rather than only ~20 % of it. In addition, the sample can be measured at higher signal intensity and for longer time, allowing the measurement of smaller samples while preserving precision. We suggest that other gases commonly used for stable isotope measurements with gas‐source mass spectrometry would also benefit from this new protocol. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel method to analysis benzo[a]pyrene in filter by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry: Application to assess mouth level benzo[a]pyrene exposure
Authors: Zhang Xiaotao , Hou Hongwei , Shi Longkai , Liu Yong , Wang An , Hu Qingyuan 
Published: May 2014

RATIONALEBenzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is a well‐known carcinogenic compound produced from incomplete combustion of organic compounds. During cigarette smoking, cigarette filters trap a portion of mainstream smoke B[a]P and accurate measurement of B[a]P levels in cigarette filter can be used to estimate human exposure level of this compound.METHODSA rapid and sensitive method to quantify B[a]P levels trapped by cigarette filter was developed. The method is based on liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure photoionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/APPI‐MS/MS). Validation was provided in smoked cigarette filter.RESULTSThe method involved no extensive manual cleanup and concentration steps, hence is easy to use. The limit of detection was 0.064 ng/mL. The recovery ranged from 82.68% to 103.27% and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was less than 7%. A regression model between mainstream cigarette smoke and trapped B[a]P by cigarette filter was established (y = 2.5089x – 0.1851, R2 = 0.999, n = 6). This model was applied to estimate mouth‐level B[a]P exposure of smokers.CONCLUSIONSThe LC/APPI‐MS/MS method developed in this work had an excellent throughput in estimating the mouth‐level exposure under natural human smoking conditions. Mouth‐level B[a]P exposure based on a study of three cigarettes (8, 10 and 13 mg tar levels) showed significant positive correlations with B[a]P trapped by cigarette filter measured (y = 2.5456x – 0.5056, R2 = 1, n = 249). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.