bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of liquiritin on human intestinal bacteria growth: metabolism and modulation
Authors: Zhang Wei , Jiang Shu , Qian Dawei , Shang Er‐xin , Duan Jin‐ao 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTLicorice is one of the oldest and most frequently used prescribed traditional Chimese medicines. However, the route and metabolites of liquiritin by human intestinal microflora are not well understood and its metabolites may accumulate to exert physiological effects. Therefore, our objective was to screen the ability of the bacteria to metabolize liquiritin and assess the effect of this compound on the intestinal bacteria. Finally, six strains, comprising Bacteroides sp. 22 and sp.57, Veillonella sp. 31 and sp.48, Bacillus sp. 46 and Clostridium sp. 51, were isolated and their abilities to convert liquiritin studied. A total of five metabolites were identified using ultra performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry in human incubated solution. The results indicated that hydrolysis, hydrogenation, methylation, deoxygenation and acetylation were the major routes of metabolism of liquiritin. On the other hand, effect of liquiritin on different strains of intestinal bacteria growth was detected using an Emax precision microplate reader. Growth of certain pathogenic bacteria, such as Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Clostridium and Bacteroides, was significantly repressed by liquiritin, while growth of commensal probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium was less severely affected. Our observation provided further evidence for the importance of intestinal bacteria in the metabolism, and the potential activity of liquiritin in human health and disease. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Improved Technique for the Rapid Chemical Characterisation of Bacterial Terpene Cyclases
Authors: Dickschat Jeroen S. , Pahirulzaman Khomaizon A. K. , Rabe Patrick , Klapschinski Tim A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA derivative of the pET28c(+) expression vector was constructed. It contains a yeast replication system (2μ origin of replication) and a yeast selectable marker (URA3), and can be used for gene cloning in yeast by efficient homologous recombination, and for heterologous expression in E. coli. The vector was used for the expression and chemical characterisation of three bacterial terpene cyclases.
Viability of Au/CeO2–ZnO/Al2O3 Catalysts for Pure Hydrogen Production by the Water–Gas Shift Reaction
Authors: Reina Tomás Ramírez , Ivanova Svetlana , Delgado Juan José , Ivanov Ivan , Idakiev Vasko , Tabakova Tatyana , Centeno Miguel Angel , Odriozola José Antonio 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe production of H2 pure enough for use in fuel cells requires the development of very efficient catalysts for the water–gas shift reaction. Herein, a series of gold catalysts supported on ZnO‐promoted CeO2–Al2O3 are presented as interesting systems for the purification of H2 streams through the water–gas shift reaction. The addition of ZnO remarkably promotes the activity of an Au/CeO2/Al2O3 catalyst. This increase in activity is mainly associated with the enhanced oxygen storage capacity exhibited for the Zn‐containing solids. High activity and good stability and resistance towards start‐up–shut‐down situations was found, which makes these catalysts a promising alternative for CO clean‐up applications.
Iron–Nitrogen Coordination in Modified Graphene Catalyzes a Four‐Electron‐Transfer Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Kamiya Kazuhide , Koshikawa Hiroyuki , Kiuchi Hisao , Harada Yoshihisa , Oshima Masaharu , Hashimoto Kazuhito , Nakanishi Shuji 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIt is shown that iron–nitrogen (Fe/N) coordination in an Fe/N‐modified graphene (Fe/N‐graphene) electrocatalyst catalyzes a four‐electron transfer oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The Fe/N‐graphene is synthesized by heat‐treating graphene oxides in the presence of an Fe/N complex at 900 °C for just 45 s. When the heat‐treatment period is increased, the Fe/N coordination bonds are broken and the number of electrons involved in the ORR decreases. Extended X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) show that both a complete sp2 graphitic structure and a high density of Fe/N coordination structures exist in the Fe/N‐graphene material, which is in contrast to the carbon‐based catalyst prepared by using the conventional pyrolysis method. XAS analysis also reveals that back‐donation from Fe atoms coordinated with N to an O antibonding π* orbital occurrs, promoting the four‐electron transfer ORR.
Oxonium Ions Substituting Cesium Ions in the Structure of the New High‐Pressure Borate HP‐Cs1−x(H3O)xB3O5 (x=0.5–0.7)
Authors: Sohr Gerhard , Neumair Stephanie C. , Heymann Gunter , Wurst Klaus , Schmedt auf der Günne Jörn , Huppertz Hubert 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe new high‐pressure borate HP‐Cs1−x(H3O)xB3O5 (x=0.5–0.7) was synthesized under high‐pressure/high‐temperature conditions of 6 GPa/900 °C in a Walker‐type multianvil apparatus. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c (Z=8) with the parameters a=1000.6(2), b=887.8(2), c=926.3(2) pm, β=103.1(1)°, V=0.8016(3) nm3, R1=0.0452, and wR2=0.0721 (all data). The boron–oxygen network is analogous to those of the compounds HP‐MB3O5, (M=K, Rb) and exhibits all three structural motifs of borates—BO3 groups, corner‐sharing BO4 tetrahedra, and edge‐sharing BO4 tetrahedra—at the same time. Channels inside the boron–oxygen framework contain the cesium and oxonium ions, which are disordered on a specific site. Estimating the amount of hydrogen by solid‐state NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction led to the composition HP‐Cs1−x(H3O)xB3O5 (x=0.5–0.7), which implies a nonzero phase width.
Molecular Recognition of Nucleotides in Water by Scorpiand‐Type Receptors Based on Nucleobase Discrimination
Authors: Inclán Mario , Albelda M. Teresa , Carbonell Esther , Blasco Salvador , Bauzá Antonio , Frontera Antonio , García‐España Enrique 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe detection of nucleotides is of crucial importance because they are the basic building blocks of nucleic acids. Scorpiand‐based polyamine receptors functionalized with pyridine or anthracene units are able to form stable complexes with nucleotides in water, based on coulombic, π–π stacking, and hydrogen‐bonding interactions. This behavior has been rationalized by means of an exploration with NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Binding constants were determined by potentiometry. Fluorescence spectroscopy studies have revealed the potential of these receptors as sensors to effectively and selectively distinguish guanosine‐5′‐triphosphate (GTP) from adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ATP).
Co3O4@CeO2 Core@Shell Cubes: Designed Synthesis and Optimization of Catalytic Properties
Authors: Zhen Jiangman , Wang Xiao , Liu Dapeng , Song Shuyan , Wang Zhuo , Wang Yinghui , Li Junqi , Wang Fan , Zhang Hongjie 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMastery of nanomaterial structure enables the control of its properties to enhance its performance for a given application. Herein, we demonstrate a fast and facile self‐assembly method for the synthesis of a series of Co3O4@CeO2 core@shell cubes, which are characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. The results indicate that the thickness of the CeO2 shell can be tuned through simple variation of the feeding molar ratio of Ce/Co. These Co3O4@CeO2 core@shell cubes are used for catalytic CO oxidation and show good catalytic properties. Moreover, the relationship between the catalytic performance and the CeO2 shell thickness is studied in depth to optimize the catalytic properties.
Easily Accessible and Highly Tunable Bisphosphine Ligands for Asymmetric Hydroformylation of Terminal and Internal Alkenes
Authors: Xu Kun , Zheng Xin , Wang Zhiyong , Zhang Xumu 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAn efficient methodology for synthesizing a small library of easily tunable and sterically bulky ligands for asymmetric hydroformylation (AHF) has been reported. Five groups of alkene substrates have been tested with excellent conversions, moderate‐to‐excellent regio‐ and enantioselectivities. Among the best result of the reported literature, application of ligand 1 c in the highly selective AHF of the challenging substrate 2,5‐dihydrofuran yielded almost one isomer in up to 99 % conversion along with enantiomeric excesses (ee) of up to 92 %. Highly enantioselective AHF of dihydropyrrole substrates is achieved using the same ligand, with up to 95 % ee and up to >1:50 β‐isomer/α‐isomer ratio.
Chemical Storage of Renewable Electrical Energy via Hydrogenation of Process Gases of the Steel Industry
Authors: Schöß Maximilian A. , Redenius Alexander , Turek Thomas , Güttel Robert 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAufgrund des steigenden Anteils erneuerbarer Energien in Deutschland wird eine Anpassung des stochastisch anfallenden, regenerativen elektrischen Stroms an den Bedarf notwendig. Eine Möglichkeit ist die Speicherung der Energie in Methan, wofür neben Wasserstoff auch eine Kohlenstoffquelle notwendig ist. In diesem Beitrag wird die Eignung von Prozessgasen der Stahlindustrie als Kohlenstoffquelle betrachtet, da diese in großen Mengen anfallen. Als Bewertungskriterium wird neben dem erreichbaren Wirkungsgrad auch die Qualität des erhaltenen Produktgases herangezogen. Es zeigt sich, dass Prozessgase der Stahlindustrie für die Zwischenspeicherung von Stromüberschüssen interessante Rohstoffe sind.
Spatially Resolved Simulation of the External Mass Transport in Complex Catalyst Supports
Authors: Heidig Tobias , Zeiser Thomas , Schwieger Wilhelm , Freund Hannsjörg 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDer Entwurf maßgeschneiderter neuartiger Katalysatorträger erlaubt eine verbesserte Reaktorleistung durch gezielt einstellbare Strömungs‐ und Stofftransportcharakteristika. Die numerische Geometrieerzeugung, Strömungssimulation und das Particle‐Tracking zur Stofftransportuntersuchung liefern das hierfür erforderliche Verständnis für Struktur‐Transport‐Zusammenhänge. Particle‐Tracking als Simulation der Bewegung einer Vielzahl von Tracerpartikeln ist aufwendig. Der Beitrag stellt Simulationsmethoden und ihre Optimierung vor und geht auf numerisch‐algorithmische Herausforderungen ein.
mRNA and miRNA analyses in cytologically positive endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration: Implications for molecular staging in lung cancer patients
Authors: Plönes Till , Elze Mirjam , Kayser Gian , Pfeifer Dietmar , Burger Meike , Zissel Gernot 
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUNDLung cancer is highly aggressive and tends to metastasize early. Therefore, accurate mediastinal staging is important for therapeutic decision making. Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) has emerged as a minimally invasive procedure for mediastinal lymph node sampling and cancer staging. Classical EBUS‐TBNA cytology has been combined with molecular staging techniques to improve sensitivity and specificity. This study aimed to assess mRNA integrity in samples acquired by EBUS‐TBNA in the clinics. As proof‐of‐principle experiments, we also investigated whether stable miRNA could be detected in these samples.METHODSIntegrity of mRNA isolated from tumor‐positive EBUS‐TBNA samples was assessed by calculating the RNA integrity number (RIN). In addition, 4 microRNAs were investigated (miRNA 21, miRNA 155, miRNA 200c, and miRNA 34a) because their relation to lung cancer has been documented recently. A group of patients with benign mediastinal lymphadenopathy served as a control.RESULTSmRNA isolated from EBUS‐TBNA samples was nearly completely degraded if handled under clinical conditions (RIN <5). Intact miRNA was detected in all samples, with no nonspecific amplification in negative control samples. miRNA 21 and miRNA 200c levels were significantly higher in tumor‐positive than in control samples (miRNA 21: median, 325,678 [range, 34,822‐583,502] vs. 801,430 (range, 17,013‐5,362,145]; P < .05; miRNA 200c: median, 9,198 [range, 610‐211,121] vs. 42,870 [range, 0‐926,252]; P < .05).CONCLUSIONSUnder clinical conditions, mRNA detection is likely unsuitable for improving sensitivity of EBUS‐TBNA‐facilitated cancer staging. In contrast, detection of miRNA combined with EBUS‐TBNA cytology may improve staging sensitivity. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2014;122:292–298. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Cu2O/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composites for the Photocatalytic Conversion of CO2
Authors: An Xiaoqiang , Li Kimfung , Tang Junwang 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA facile one‐step microwave‐assisted chemical method has been successfully used for the synthesis of Cu2O/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composites. Photocatalytic CO2 reduction was then investigated on the junction under ambient conditions. The RGO coating dramatically increases Cu2O activity for CO2 photoreduction to result in a nearly six times higher activity than the optimized Cu2O and 50 times higher activity than the Cu2O/RuOx junction in the 20th hour. Furthermore, an apparent initial quantum yield of approximately 0.34 % at 400 nm has been achieved by the Cu2O/RGO junction for CO2 photoreduction. The photocurrent of the junction is nearly double that of the blank Cu2O photocathode. The improved activity together with the enhanced stability of Cu2O is attributed to the efficient charge separation and transfer to RGO as well as the protection function of RGO, which was proved by XRD, SEM, TEM, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photo‐electrochemical, photoluminescence, and impedance characterizations. This study further presents useful information for other photocatalyst modification for efficient CO2 reduction without the need for a noble‐metal co‐catalyst.
Novel safflower oil with high γ‐tocopherol content has a high oxidative stability
Authors: Fernández‐Cuesta Álvaro , Velasco Leonardo , Ruiz‐Méndez María Victoria 
Published: February 2014

Safflower oil, either with high linoleic acid or high oleic acid content, has a tocopherol profile dominated by α‐tocopherol. Novel safflower germplasm that accumulates predominantly γ‐tocopherol in seeds instead of α‐tocopherol has been developed. The objective of this research was to evaluate the chemical properties and stability of safflower oil with high oleic acid and γ‐tocopherol contents, produced by either mechanical pressing or solvent extraction from seeds of safflower line IASC‐2. Safflower oil with high oleic acid and α‐tocopherol contents from seeds of safflower line CR‐6 was used as a control. Seeds of IASC‐2 had low oil content (22.2% compared to 39.3%), which is the result of its wild origin. Oil samples showed only slight differences in the fatty acid profile and total tocopherol content. The predominant tocopherol form, either α‐ or γ, accounted in all cases for more than 95% of total tocopherols. Solvent extracted oils had more sterols than pressed oils, with oils from IASC‐2 having higher sterol content than oils from CR‐6. Major differences were observed for oil stability, measured with Rancimat. High γ‐tocopherol pressed oil from IASC‐2 had an induction period of 66.4 h, compared to 38.0 h for high α‐tocopherol oil from CR‐6, whereas solvent extracted oil from IASC‐2 had an induction time of 121.0 h, compared to 32.0 h for oil from CR‐6.Practical applications: Safflower oil, either with high oleic or high linoleic acid contents, has been traditionally valued as a healthy edible oil. The results of the present research indicated that the nearly complete replacement of α‐tocopherol by γ‐tocopherol has a great impact on enhancing oil oxidative stability. Oils with high oxidative stability are demanded for high temperature applications such as deep frying or biolubrication. Also, extended oxidative stability is required for biofuels. According to the results of this research, the novel safflower oil with high oleic acid and high γ‐tocopherol content is more advantageous for such applications than safflower oils with high α‐tocopherol content.Chemical properties and stability of safflower oil with high oleic acid and γ‐tocopherol contents.
Cold‐pressed Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. ex Spach) seed oil as a rich source of α‐tocopherol, carotenoids and phenolics: A comparison of the composition and antioxidant activity with nine other plant oils
Authors: Górnaś Paweł , Siger Aleksander , Juhņeviča Karina , Lācis Gunārs , Šnē Elga , Segliņa Dalija 
Published: February 2014

New cold‐pressed oil recovered from seeds of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. ex Spach, family: Rosaceae), obtained as a by‐product of fruit processing, was characterized and compared with nine well‐known oils. The Japanese quince seed oil had the highest amounts of tocopherols, β‐carotene, and total phenolic compounds (726.20; 10.77 and 64.03 mg/kg, respectively) and the lowest amount of chlorophyll (0.12 mg/kg) and peroxide value (0.59 mEq O2/kg) compared to sesame, poppy, peanut, flaxseed, pumpkin, sunflower, almond, hazelnut, and walnut oils. A correlation was found between the total contents of tocochromanols, β‐carotene, phenolic compounds, and the radical‐scavenging capacity of the oils (0.94, 0.68, 0.63, respectively), and also between the amount of chlorophyll and the CIE a* coordinate (0.80) and the amount of β‐carotene and the CIE b* coordinate (0.47). In Japanese quince seed oil, 13 fatty acids were identified with three predominating: palmitic acid (10.07%), oleic acid (34.55%), and linoleic acid (52.35%). The highest consumer acceptance was noted for hazelnut and walnut oils, while it was lowest for the poppy and flaxseed oils. Amygdalin was not detected in the Japanese quince seed oil.Practical applications: This study demonstrated that Japanese quince seed oil is a richer source of nutritional bio‐components than other commercial cold‐pressed oils. The positive results of sensory evaluation and the absence of amygdalin in the oil indicates its potential future use in food. Moreover, it is recovered from by‐products of fruit industry; therefore, its utilization in obtaining of new, healthy products ensures environmental sustainability and a more effective use of harvested plant material.
Is Measuring OH. Radical Scavenging a Reasonable Measurement of Antioxidant Properties?
Authors: Meyerstein Dan 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe measurement of the hydroxyl radical scavenging properties of a compound is not indicative on its antioxidant properties in vivo. To get such information one has to elucidate the mechanism of its reaction with typical secondary radicals, mainly typical RO2. radicals and to some degree with R. radicals. Elucidation of the mechanisms of reaction is essential before a conclusion regarding the antioxidant properties can be derived. One should remember that in vivo even vitamins C and E might act as pro‐oxidants.
Nesting cormorants and temporal changes in Island habitat
Authors: Hebert Craig E. , Pasher Jon , Weseloh D.V. Chip , Dobbie Tammy , Dobbyn Sandy , Moore David , Minelga Valerie , Duffe Jason 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTDouble‐crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) populations have increased greatly across North America. The interior North America subpopulation is the largest with many birds nesting on the Laurentian Great Lakes. Lake Erie supports a large number of breeding pairs that nests primarily on islands in the western basin of the lake. These islands also harbor many rare plant species constituting some of the last vestiges of Carolinian plant communities in Canada. Nesting cormorants can adversely affect the plant communities on the islands on which they nest. Annual ground censuses were conducted from 1979 to 2011 to assess temporal changes in the density of nesting cormorants on 3 islands in western Lake Erie. We used aerial photographs taken over a maximum 16‐year span to assess changes in forest cover on these island ecosystems. We observed declines in forest cover on all 3 islands ranging from 47% to 85%. Trends among islands differed reflecting differences in cormorant colonization histories and the degree to which cormorants were managed, thereby influencing nest densities. Islands without cormorant management had cormorant nest densities ranging from approximately 300–500 nests/ha and forests declined continuously through time. On the island where cormorants were culled, nest densities were lower (approx. 200 nests/ha) and forest decline stabilized. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Effect of aging on magnetic resonance measures differentiating progressive supranuclear palsy from Parkinson's disease
Authors: Morelli Maurizio , Arabia Gennarina , Messina Demetrio , Vescio Basilio , Salsone Maria , Chiriaco Carmelina , Perrotta Paolo , Rocca Federico , Cascini Giuseppe Lucio , Barbagallo Gaetano , Nigro Salvatore , Quattrone Aldo 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTImaging measurements, such as the ratio of the midsagittal areas of the midbrain and pons (midbrain/pons) and the Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index (MRPI), have been proposed to differentiate progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) from Parkinson's disease (PD). However, abnormal midbrain/pons values suggestive of PSP have also been reported in elderly individuals and in patients with PD. We investigated the effect of aging on single or combined imaging measurements of the brainstem. We calculated the midbrain/pons and the MRPI (the ratio of the midsagittal areas of the pons and the midbrain multiplied by the ratio of the middle cerebellar peduncle and superior cerebellar peduncle widths) in 152 patients affected by PD, 25 patients with PSP, and a group of 81 age‐matched and sex‐matched healthy controls using a 3‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner. In healthy controls, aging was negatively correlated with midsagittal area of the midbrain and midbrain/pons values. In patients with PD, in addition to the effect of aging, the disease status further influenced the midbrain/pons values (R2 = 0.23; P < 0.001). In both groups, MRPI values were not influenced either by aging or by disease status. No effect of aging on either midbrain/pons or MRPI values was shown in the patients with PSP. Our findings indicated that the MRPI was not significantly influenced by aging or disease‐related changes occurring in PD; whereas, in contrast, the midbrain/pons was influenced. Therefore, the MRPI appears to be a more reliable imaging measurement compared with midbrain/pons values for differentiating PSP from PD and controls in an elderly population. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Nerve size in chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy varies with disease activity and therapy response over time: A retrospective ultrasound study
Authors: Zaidman Craig M. , Pestronk Alan 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Nerves are often enlarged in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). In this investigation we studied changes with treatment over time. Methods: We retrospectively compared serial ultrasound measurements of median and ulnar nerve size with clinical and electrodiagnostic evaluations in 23 CIDP subjects. We defined remission as stable clinical improvement on low or decreasing amounts of medication. Results: Nerves were normal at last follow‐up more often in subjects who achieved remission than in those who did not (10 of 13 vs. 0 of 10, P = 0.0001). Nerves were normal or smaller (>30% reduction) more often in subjects whose grip strength improved or remained strong compared those whose grip strength weakened (12 of 16 vs. 0 of 3, P = 0.04), and in subjects whose demyelinating electrodiagnostic features resolved compared with those whose demyelination persisted (7 of 7 vs. 6 of 12, P = 0.04). Over time, nerve size decreased more in subjects with baseline nerve enlargement who achieved remission than in those who did not (−41% vs. 7%, P = 0.04). Conclusion: In CIDP, enlarged nerves normalized or decreased with remission. Muscle Nerve 50: 733–738, 2014