bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein‐based bioplastics and their antibacterial potential
Authors: Jones Alexander , Mandal Abhyuday , Sharma Suraj 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThe use of conventional petroleum‐based plastics in many applications poses the risk of contamination, potentially causing infection when used in medical applications, and contamination when used in food packaging. Nontraditional materials such as protein are being examined for their potential use in the production of bioplastics for applications that require uncontaminated materials. The proteins of albumin, soy, and whey provide possible sources of raw material for bioplastic production, as they have already been utilized in the area of edible films and low‐stress applications. We conducted this study to investigate the thermal, viscoelastic, and antibacterial properties of the albumin, soy, and whey bioplastics with the use of three plasticizers—water, glycerol, and natural rubber latex (NRL). Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli were utilized as Gram (+) and Gram (−) species, respectively, for antimicrobial analysis. Albumin and whey bioplastics exhibited similar thermal and viscoelastic properties, whereas soy bioplastics had varied viscoelastic properties based on the plasticizer used. In terms of antibacterial activity, the albumin–glycerol and whey–glycerol were the best bioplastics, as no bacterial growth was observed on the plastics after 24 h of inoculation. In terms of the future impact of this research, the aim will be to scale up production of the bioplastics for use in food packaging as well as biomedical applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41931.
Films made from poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene) and soluble biopolymers isolated from postharvest tomato plant
Authors: Franzoso Flavia , Antonioli Diego , Montoneri Enzo , Persico Paola , Tabasso Silvia , Laus Michele , Mendichi Raniero , Negre Michele , Vaca‐Garcia Carlos 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTBlended films were obtained from polyvinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene (EVOH) with 52 kDa weight average molecular weight (Mw) and three water soluble biopolymers isolated from exhausted tomato plants hydrolysates. Two biopolymers contained mainly polysaccharides and had 27 and 79 kDaMw, respectively. The third contained mainly lignin‐like C moieties and had 392 kDaMW. The films were fabricated with a biopolymer/EVOH w/w ratio ranging from 0.1 to 0.9. All blends had molecular weight and solubility which were substantially different from the starting materials. They were characterized for the chemical nature, and the thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties. Evidence of a chemical reaction between the biopolymers and EVOH was found. Generally, the films exhibited higher mechanical strength but lower strain at break then the neat EVOH. The best performing blended film was fabricated from the 27 kDaMwpolysaccharide. This contained less than 10% biopolymer. It exhibited 1043 MPa Young's modulus and 70% strain at break against 351 MPa modulus and 86% strain for neat EVOH. The results offer scope for investigating biopolymers sourced from other biowastes to understand more the reasons of the observed effects and exploit their full potential to modify or to replace synthetic polymers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 41935.
Size‐Controllable Synthesis of Trimetallic RhPdPt Island‐Shaped Nanoalloys with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Performance for Ethanol Oxidation in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Huang Da‐Bing , He Pei‐Lei , Yuan Qiang , Wang Xun 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSize‐controllable, high‐yield, island‐shaped RhPdPt trimetallic nanocrystals with sub‐2.0 nm islands have been successfully synthesized through a facile aqueous solution approach. The results of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) line scanning and elemental mapping analysis showed the as‐synthesized RhPdPt nanocrystals are alloy structures. These island‐shaped RhPdPt trimetallic nanoalloys showed a composition‐dependent electrocatalytic performance for ethanol oxidation in alkaline medium. Due to the special structure and intermetallic synergies, the Rh10Pd40Pt50 nanoalloys exhibited an enhanced catalytic activity and durability relative to island‐shaped Pd50Pt50 bimetallic nanoalloys and commercial Pt black. The peak current density for Rh10Pd40Pt50 nanoalloys was 1.81 and 1.38 times that for commercial Pt black and Pd50Pt50 nanoalloys, respectively. In addition, the peak potential on Rh10Pd40Pt50 nanoalloys decreased 42 mV relative to commercial Pt black and Pd50Pt50 nanoalloys.
Development and validation of a LC‐MS assay for the quantification of ikh12 a novel anti‐tumor candidate in rat plasma and tissues and its application in a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Otaegui Dorleta , Masdeu Carme , Aldaba Eneko , Vara Yosu , Zubia Aizpea , San Sebastian Eider , Alcalá Maria , Villafruela Sergio , Cossío Fernando P. , Rodriguez‐Gascón Alicia 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIKH12 is a novel histone deacetylase 6 selective inhibitor. A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the quantification of IKH12 in rat plasma and tissue with kendine 91 as internal standard (IS). The samples were prepared by liquid–liquid extraction with tert‐butyl methyl ether. The chromatographic separation was accomplished by using a Zorbax Extend C18 4.6 × 150 mm, 5 µm column, with a mobile phase consisting of methanol and 0.1% formic acid (75:25 v/v). Multiple reaction monitoring, using electrospray ionization in positive ion mode, was employed to quantitatively detect IKH12 and IS. The monitored transitions were set at m/z 418 → 252 and 444 → 169 for IKH12 and kendine 91, respectively. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range 2–1000 ng mL−1. The intra‐ and inter‐assay precision and accuracy of the quality controls and the limit of quantification were satisfactory in all cases (according to European Medicines Agency guidelines). Stability studies showed that plasma samples were stable in the chromatography rack for 24 h and at −80 °C for 2 months and also after three freeze–thaw cycles. This method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of IKH12 in rat. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and application of a novel molecularly imprinted solid‐phase microextraction monolith for selective enrichment of cholecystokinin neuropeptides in human cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Ji Xiang , Li Dan , Li Hua 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA novel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) monolith for highly selective extraction of cholecystokinin (CCK) neuropeptides was prepared in a micropipette tip. The MIPs were synthesized by epitope imprinting technique and the polymerization conditions were investigated and optimized. The synthesized MIPs were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analyzer and scanning electron microscope. A molecularly imprinted solid‐phase microextraction (MI‐μ‐SPE) method was developed for the extraction of CCK neuropeptides in aqueous solutions. The parameters affecting MI‐μ‐SPE were optimized. The results indicated that this MIP monolith exhibited specific recognition capability and high enrichment efficiency for CCK neuropeptides. In addition, it showed excellent reusability. This MIP monolith was used for desalting and enrichment of CCK4, CCK5 and CCK8 from human cerebrospinal fluid prior to matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry analysis, and the results show that this MIP monolith can be a useful tool for effective purification and highly selective enrichment of multiple homologous CCK neuropeptides in cerebrospinal fluid simultaneously. By employing MI‐μ‐SPE combined with HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS analysis, endogenous CCK4 in human cerebrospinal fluid was quantified. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sugar Recognition: Designing Artificial Receptors for Applications in Biological Diagnostics and Imaging
Authors: Miron Caitlin E. , Petitjean Anne 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAt the cellular level, numerous processes ranging from protein folding to disease development are mediated by a sugar‐based molecular information system that is much less well known than its DNA‐ or protein‐based counterparts. The subtle structural diversity of such sugar tags nevertheless offers an excellent, if challenging, opportunity to design receptors for the selective recognition of biorelevant sugars. Over the past 40 years, growing interest in the field of sugar recognition has led to the development of several promising artificial receptors, which could soon find widespread use in medical diagnostics and cell imaging.
Emerging Enzymes for ATP Regeneration in Biocatalytic Processes
Authors: Andexer Jennifer N. , Richter Michael 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAdenosine‐5′‐triphosphate‐dependent enzyme catalysed reactions are widespread in nature. Consequently, the enzymes involved have an intrinsic potential for use in syntheses of high value products. Although regeneration systems for ATP starting from adenosine‐5′‐diphosphate are available, certain limitations exist for both in vitro and in vivo applications requiring ATP regeneration from adenosine‐5′‐monophosphate, or adenosine. Following a short overview of the chemical and thermodynamic background, this Minireview focuses on emerging enzymes and methodologies for ATP regeneration. A large range of as yet unexploited reactions will be accessible with new, powerful, multistep ATP regeneration systems that use cheap phosphate donors and provide high longevity, compatibility, and robustness under process conditions. Their potential might go far beyond the direct use of ATP in enzymatic reactions; enzyme discovery, and engineering, as well as immobilisation strategies, will help to realise such systems.
Pd/C‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Isoquinolones through CH Activation
Authors: Shu Zhen , Li Wei , Wang Baiquan 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe direct synthesis of isoquinolones from benzamides and alkynes through CH activation was developed by using Pd/C as a heterogeneous catalyst without a ligand under mild conditions. A variety of isoquinolones were obtained in good yields with excellent regioselectivities. The Pd/C catalyst could be recycled three times without a significant decrease in the activity (yields as high as 85 %).
Carboxyl Multiwalled Carbon‐Nanotube‐Stabilized Palladium Nanocatalysts toward Improved Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Wang Yiran , He Qingliang , Guo Jiang , Wei Huige , Ding Keqiang , Lin Hongfei , Bhana Saheel , Huang Xiaohua , Luo Zhiping , Shen T. D. , Wei Suying , Guo Zhanhu 
Published: January 2015

AbstractCarboxyl‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT‐COOH) decorated with palladium (Pd) nanoparticles (NPs, Pd–MWNT‐COOH) are prepared by using a one‐pot thermal decomposition method without addition of reductant or surfactant. An increased ratio of the D band to G band in Raman spectra and a decreased ratio of oxygen‐containing groups measured using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggest the interaction between Pd NPs and carboxyl groups in Pd–MWNT‐COOH. TEM studies reveal improved dispersion of Pd NPs after introducing MWNT‐COOH or MWNTs; the carboxyl groups act as anchors to perfectly disperse Pd NPs in Pd–MWNT‐COOH, which is responsible for the highest peak current of Pd–MWNT‐COOH for the methanol oxidation reaction. The best catalytic performance is observed in conditions that afford a balanced adsorption between hydroxide and methanol through varying the concentrations of methanol and KOH. Increasing temperature can also improve the catalyst performance due to enhanced reaction kinetics.
Synthesis of Few‐Layer MoS2–Graphene Composites with Superior Electrochemical Lithium‐Storage Performance by an Ionic‐Liquid‐Mediated Hydrothermal Route
Authors: Ma Lin , Ye Jianbo , Chen Weixiang , Wang Jianming , Liu Run , Lee Jim Yang 
Published: January 2015

AbstractFew‐layer MoS2–graphene (FL‐MoS2/G) composites are successfully fabricated by using a facile hydrothermal approach with the assistance of a small amount of ionic liquid (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [BMIM]BF4). The effects of the ionic liquid on the microstructure and electrochemical performance of the FL‐MoS2/G composites are investigated. It is found that the composites have quasi‐3D architectures composed of the interconnected graphene, on which the few‐layer MoS2 sheets with more edges and defects are anchored. Electrochemical tests demonstrate that the FL‐MoS2/G delivers a high reversible capacity of approximately 1200 mA h g−1 with excellent cycle performance and enhanced high‐rate capability. The remarkable electrochemical performance can be attributed to novel features such as the robust quasi‐3D heterostructural architecture and the synergetic interaction between FL‐MoS2 sheets and graphene.
Dinuclear Ruthenium(II) Complexes That Induce and Stabilise G‐Quadruplex DNA
Authors: Xu Li , Chen Xiang , Wu Jingheng , Wang Jinquan , Ji Liangnian , Chao Hui 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA series of dinuclear ruthenium(II) complexes were synthesised, and the complexes were determined to be new highly selective compounds for binding to telomeric G‐quadruplex DNA. The interactions of these complexes with telomeric G‐quadruplex DNA were studied by using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) melting assays, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and molecular modelling. The results showed that the complexes 1, 2 and 4 induced and stabilised the formation of antiparallel G‐quadruplexes of telomeric DNA in the absence of salt or in the presence of 100 mM K+‐containing buffer. Furthermore, complexes 1 and 2 strongly bind to and effectively stabilise the telomeric G‐quadruplex structure and have significant selectivity for G‐quadruplex over duplex DNA. In comparison, complex 3 had a much lesser effect on the G‐quadruplex, suggesting that possession of a suitably sized plane for good π–π stacking with the G‐quadruplets is essential for the interaction of the dinuclear ruthenium(II) complexes with the G‐quadruplex. Moreover, telomerase inhibition by the four complexes and their cellular effects were studied, and complex 1 was determined to be the most promising inhibitor of both telomerase and HeLa cell proliferation.
A secure re‐encryption scheme for data services in a cloud computing environment
Authors: Xiong Lizhi , Xu Zhengquan , Xu Yanyan 
Published: January 2015

SUMMARYCloud computing as a promising technology and paradigm can provide various data services, such as data sharing and distribution, which allows users to derive benefits without the need for deep knowledge about them. However, the popular cloud data services also bring forth many new data security and privacy challenges. Cloud service provider untrusted, outsourced data security, hence collusion attacks from cloud service providers and data users become extremely challenging issues. To resolve these issues, we design the basic parts of secure re‐encryption scheme for data services in a cloud computing environment, and further propose an efficient and secure re‐encryption algorithm based on the EIGamal algorithm, to satisfy basic security requirements. The proposed scheme not only makes full use of the powerful processing ability of cloud computing but also can effectively ensure cloud data security. Extensive analysis shows that our proposed scheme is highly efficient and provably secure under existing security model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reasoning about security in sensor networks
Authors: Peralta Manuel , Mukhopadhyay Supratik , Bharadwaj Ramesh 
Published: January 2015

SummaryWe present a formal framework for reasoning about security concerns in the context of embedded sensor networks. We first provide an agent‐based programming model for sensor networks. A logical framework enables reasoning about security, safety, and integrity with respect to usage of resources in this model. Embedded sensor networks often operate in rapidly changing mission‐critical environments where both functional and nonfunctional requirements can alter dynamically in an unforeseen manner. The network may need to be reconfigured and reprogrammed in response to changes in its operating conditions. We provide a framework based on counterfactual logic to formally represent changes to the system and perform what‐if reasoning about their impact on security and safety even before they have been applied. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hollow Mesoporous Carbon Cubes with High Activity towards the Electrocatalytic Reduction of Oxygen
Authors: Chen Lisong , Cui Xiangzhi , Zhang Lingxia , Wang Yongxia , Wang Min , Cui Fangming , Wei Chenyang , Feng Jingwei , Ge Tongguang , Ren Wenchao , Shi Jianlin 
Published: January 2015

AbstractHollow‐structured mesoporous carbon cubes (HMCCs) have been successfully synthesized from carbon dioxide by a facile approach based on thermal reduction of magnesium. The approach is economical and applicable to large‐scale synthesis. Notably, pyrrole‐type nitrogen species are doped into the HMCCs during the synthesis in situ, that is, without introducing a nitrogen‐containing precursor. A formation mechanism of the HMCCs is proposed, and formation of the structure is attributed to MgO templates generated in situ. Furthermore, the HMCCs are demonstrated to be a promising alternative to commercial Pt/C fuel‐cell catalysts for the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction.
A Review of Studies on Strongly‐Coupled Coulomb Systems Since the Rise of DFT and SCCS‐1977
Authors: Dharmawardana M. W. C. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe conferences on “Strongly Coupled Coulomb Systems” (SCCS) arose from the “Strongly Coupled Plas‐mas” meetings, inaugurated in 1977. The progress in SCCS theory is reviewed in an ‘author‐centered’ frame to limit its scope. Our efforts, i.e., with François Perrot, sought to apply density functional theory (DFT) to SCCS calculations. DFT was then poised to become the major computational scheme for condensed matter physics. The ion‐sphere models of Salpeter and others evolved into useful average‐atom models for finite‐T Coulomb systems, as in Lieberman's Inferno code. We replaced these by correlation‐sphere models that exploit the description of matter via density functionals linked to pair‐distributions. These methods provided practical computational means for studying strongly interacting electron‐ion Coulomb systems like warm‐dense matter (WDM). The staples of SCCS are wide‐ranged, viz., equation of state, plasma spectroscopy, opacity (absorption, emission), scattering, level shifts, transport properties, e.g., electrical and heat conductivity, laser‐ and shock‐created plasmas, their energy relaxation and transient properties etc. These calculations need pseudopotentials and exchange‐correlation functionals applicable to finite‐T Coulomb systems that may be used in ab initio codes, molecular dynamics, etc. The search for simpler computational schemes has proceeded via proposals for orbital‐free DFT, statistical potentials, classical maps of quantum systems using classical schemes like HNC to include strong coupling effects (CHNC). Laughlin's classical plasma map for the fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) is a seminal example where we report new results for graphene. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of Mass and Charge of Ionic Species on Spatio‐Temporal Evolution of Transient Electric Field in CCP Discharges
Authors: Sharma S. , Mishra S. K. , Kaw P. K. , Turner M. M. , Karkari S. K. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe formation of capacitive sheath and existence of the transition electric field between sheath edge and bulk plasma in RF‐CCP discharge is predicted (PRL 89, 265006 2002); such structures are sensitive to the plasma composition. On the basis of semi‐infinite particle‐in‐cell (PIC) simulation the effect of charge and mass of ionic species on the spatio‐temporal evolution of the transient electric field and phase mixing phenomena in linear and weakly nonlinear regime has been explored. As an important feature, the simulation results predict that the maximum amplitude of the transient electric field decreases with increasing ionic mass and charge; further the sheath width increases with increasing ionic mass while follow opposite trend with increasing ionic charge. The excitation of wave like structures in the transition region and efficient energy transport to the bulk region of CCP discharges in a nonlinear regime has also been predicted. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Aberrant DNA methylation of DLX4 and SIM1 is a predictive marker for disease progression of uterine cervical low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
Authors: Sakane Junichi , Taniyama Kiyomi , Miyamoto Kazuaki , Saito Akihisa , Kuraoka Kazuya , Nishimura Toshinao , Sentani Kazuhiro , Oue Naohide , Yasui Wataru 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundA few uterine cervical low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) are known to progress with high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV).MethodsOne hundred and thirteen patients were classified into four groups according to their cervical cytology, hrHPV infection, and follow up. Cytology samples were examined for aberrant DNA methylation of DLX4 and SIM1 genes and protein expressions. CaSki cells were treated with 5‐Aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐aza‐dC).ResultsGroup 1 was negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancies. LSIL in group 2 showed a continuance of LSIL for longer than 365 days and LSIL in group 3 showed an upgrading to high‐grade (H) SIL or higher (HSIL+) within 365 days of LSIL diagnosis. Group 4 was squamous cell carcinoma. All but group 1 were infected with hrHPV. Significant differences existed in the frequency of DNA methylation between groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.044), between groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.020) for DLX4, and between groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.0003), and groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.005) for the SIM1 gene. DLX4 protein expression was significantly reduced in the DLX4 methylation positive tissues (p = 0.008). The 5‐aza‐dC treatment restored DLX4 mRNA expressions of CaSki cells (p < 0.005). The LSIL cases with DNA methylation of the SIM1 gene, or both genes, progressed faster to HSIL+ than did the others (p = 0.033 and p = 0.045, respectively).ConclusionAberrant DNA methylation of the DLX4 and SIM1 genes should be a novel progression marker for uterine cervical LSIL with hrHPV infection. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:462–470. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.