bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Treatment Resistance and Relapse in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis: A Study of 439 Cases in a Single Chinese Center
Authors: Li Zhi‐Ying , Chang Dong‐Yuan , Zhao Ming‐Hui , Chen Min 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTreatment resistance and relapse in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis (AAV) are major challenges for physicians. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors for treatment resistance and relapse in a single‐center cohort of Chinese patients with AAV.MethodsFour hundred thirty‐nine consecutive patients with AAV were recruited for inclusion in this study. The value of various clinical and pathologic parameters for the prediction of treatment resistance and relapse was analyzed.ResultsTreatment resistance occurred in 47 (10.7%) of 439 patients and was independently associated with a higher serum creatinine level (odds ratio [OR] 1.087, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.001–1.180, P = 0.047), a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR 1.009, 95% CI 1.001–1.018, P = 0.025), therapy with corticosteroids plus cyclophosphamide (OR 0.115, 95% CI 0.051–0.256, P = 0.000), and the presence of muscle pain (OR 0.249, 95% CI 0.083–0.747, P = 0.013). Relapse occurred in 128 (32.7%) of 392 patients in whom remission was achieved and was independently associated with lung involvement (hazard ratio [HR] 1.768, 95% CI 1.088–2.872, P = 0.021) and a lower serum creatinine level (HR 0.925, 95% CI 0.872–0.981, P = 0.009).ConclusionIn Chinese patients with AAV, lung involvement and lower serum creatinine levels were independently associated with an increased risk of relapse. Elevated serum creatinine levels were associated with treatment resistance.
Hollow‐Shell‐Structured Nanospheres: A Recoverable Heterogeneous Catalyst for Rhodium‐Catalyzed Tandem Reduction/Lactonization of Ethyl 2‐Acylarylcarboxylates to Chiral Phthalides
Authors: Liu Rui , Jin Ronghua , An Juzeng , Zhao Qiankun , Cheng Tanyu , Liu Guohua 
Published: March 2014

AbstractChiral organorhodium‐functionalized hollow‐shell‐structured nanospheres were prepared by immobilization of a chiral N‐sulfonylated diamine‐based organorhodium complex within an ethylene‐bridged organosilicate shell. Structural analysis and characterization reveal its well‐defined single‐site rhodium active center, and transmission electron microscopy images reveal a uniform dispersion of hollow‐shell‐structured nanospheres. As a heterogenous catalyst, it exhibits excellent catalytic activity and enantioselectivity in synthesis of chiral phthalides by a tandem reduction/lactonization of ethyl 2‐acylarylcarboxylates in aqueous medium. The high catalytic performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of the high hydrophobicity and the confined chiral organorhodium catalytic nature. The organorhodium‐functionalized nanospheres could be conveniently recovered and reused at least 10 times without loss of catalytic activity. This feature makes it an attractive catalyst in environmentally friendly organic reactions. The results of this study offer a new approach to immobilize chiral organometal functionalities within the hollow‐shell‐structured nanospheres to prepare materials with high activity in heterogeneous asymmetric catalysis.
Supramolecular Hydrogels Made of Basic Biological Building Blocks
Authors: Du Xuewen , Zhou Jie , Xu Bing 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAs a consequence of the self‐assembly of small organic molecules in water, supramolecular hydrogels are evolving from serendipitous events during organic synthesis to become a new type of materials that hold promise for applications in biomedicine. In this Focus Review, we describe recent advances in the use of basic biological building blocks for creating molecules that act as hydrogelators and the potential applications of the corresponding hydrogels. After introducing the concept of supramolecular hydrogels and defining the scope of this review, we briefly describe the methods for making and characterizing supramolecular hydrogels. We then discuss representative hydrogelators according to the categories of their building blocks, such as amino acids, nucleobases, and saccharides, and highlight the applications of the hydrogels when necessary. Finally, we offer our perspective and outlook on this fast‐growing field at the interface of organic chemistry, materials, biology, and medicine. By providing a snapshot for chemists, engineers, and medical scientists, we hope that this Focus Review will contribute to the development of multidisciplinary research on supramolecular hydrogels for a wide range of applications in different fields.
Development of sensitive spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric methods for the determination of duloxetine in capsule and spiked human plasma
Authors: Sagirli Olcay , Toker Sıdıka Erturk , Önal Armağan 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTA new, sensitive and selective spectrofluorimetric method has been developed for the determination of duloxetine (DLX) in capsule and spiked human plasma. DLX, as a secondary amine compound, reacts with 7‐chloro‐4‐nitrobenzofurazon (NBD‐Cl), a highly sensitive fluorogenic and chromogenic reagent used in many investigations. The method is based on the reaction between the drug and NBD‐Cl in borate buffer at pH 8.5 to yield a highly fluorescent derivative that is measured at 523 nm after excitation at 478 nm. The fluorescence intensity was directly proportional to the concentration over the range 50–250 ng/mL. The reaction product was also measured spectrophotometrically. The relation between the absorbance at 478 nm and the concentration is rectilinear over the range 1.0–12.0 µg/mL. The methods were successfully applied for the determination of this drug in pharmaceutical dosage form. The spectrofluorimetric method was also successfully applied to the determination of duloxetine in spiked human plasma. The suggested procedures could be used for the determination of DLX in pure form, capsules and human plasma being sensitive, simple and selective. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interplay between phase separation and gel formation in stirred acid milk/guar gum gels: Effect of acidification rate
Authors: Rohart Anne , Moulin Gabrielle , Michon Camille 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThe possibility of designing various microstructures through the interplay between phase separation due to depletion mechanisms and acid‐induced protein gelation was investigated. To modify the phase separation and gelation kinetics, guar gum/acid milk mixtures were acidified using glucono‐δ‐lactone at temperatures varying from 30 to 60°C. The microstructures of the stirred mixed gels were then discussed in light of the knowledge of the phase separation and gelation timescales. Small spherical protein‐enriched micro‐gels dispersed in a guar gum‐enriched continuous phase were found at high acidification temperatures, suggesting that the protein acid gelation kinetics was quicker than an extensive droplet growth through phase separation. For lower acidification temperatures, a region where droplet coalescence and sedimentation competed with gel formation was identified. Thus, depending on the residence time in that temperature domain, the resulting microstructures varied from spherical to extended filaments of more than 100 μm length. The results demonstrated that a broad range of defined microstructures can been created by triggered arrest through gelation of the phase‐separating structure. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 966–974, 2014.
Effect of CO2 on the DeNOx Activity of a Small Pore Zeolite Copper Catalyst for NH3/SCR
Authors: Kim Young Jin , Min Kyung Myung , Lee Jun Kyu , Hong Suk Bong , Cho Byong K. , Nam In‐Sik 
Published: March 2014

AbstractExposure of CuSSZ13 to CO2 at temperatures below 300 °C can deactivate its low‐temperature deNOx activity during NH3/SCR, with the severity of deactivation being dependent on reaction temperature. The adsorption of NO on Cu2+ ion is inhibited by CO2 due to its competitive adsorption, while NH3 adsorption on acidic sites of CuSSZ13 is largely unaffected by CO2, as evidenced by NO‐ and NH3‐TPD in the presence of CO2. Under O2‐rich conditions, CO2 forms unidentate carbonates on Cu2+ sites suppressing the formation of nitrates, a key reaction intermediate essential for NOx reduction during the NH3/SCR reaction, as revealed in an in situ FTIR study.
Selective Transfer Hydrogenation and Hydrogenation of Ketones Using a Defined Monofunctional (P^N(Bn)^N(Bn)^P)–RuII Complex
Authors: Hsu Shih‐Fan , Plietker Bernd 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA defined (P^N^N^P)–Ru complex possessing tertiary amines within the ligand backbone proved to be highly active both in transfer hydrogenations and hydrogenations of a variety of ketones. As compared to the existing catalytic systems, no bifunctional activation of H2 or of the substrate by the metal center and a secondary amine within the ligand backbone is required to obtain high activities at catalyst loadings of down to 10 ppm.
Thermotropic Properties and Molecular Packing of Discotic Tristriazolotriazines with Rigid Substituents
Authors: Rieth Thorsten , Marszalek Tomasz , Pisula Wojciech , Detert Heiner 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTristriazolotriazines with a threefold dialkoxyaryl substitution have been prepared by Huisgen reaction of cyanuric chloride and the corresponding tetrazoles. Although these dyes show a negative or inverted solvatochromism of the UV/Vis absorption, their fluorescence is strongly positive solvatochromic. These discotic fluorophores are also emissive in their solid state and in their broad liquid‐crystalline mesophase. The structural study indicates that the thermotropic properties and organization of these systems can be well tuned by the steric demand of the aryl groups. Depending on the substituents, the compounds showed either a pure crystalline phase or a highly complex helical superstructure with a characteristic liquid‐crystalline phase at elevated temperatures. Changing the steric demand of the attached aryls allowed controlling the discs arrangement within the columnar helix, which is of great importance for the molecular orbital overlap.
Palladium/Norbornene‐Mediated Tandem CH Amination/CI Alkenylation Reaction of Aryl Iodides with Secondary Cyclic O‐Benzoyl Hydroxylamines and Activated Terminal Olefins
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Yuan , Ye Chang‐Qing , Zhu Hui , Zeng Xing‐Ping , Yuan Jian‐Jun 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA novel palladium‐catalyzed norbornene‐mediated three‐component reaction for the construction of ortho‐alkenyl aromatic tertiary amines has been achieved, which represents a useful extension of the Catellani‐type tandem ortho‐selective CH amination transformations.
One‐Pot Protection‐Glycosylation Reactions for Synthesis of Lipid II Analogues
Authors: Mitachi Katsuhiko , Mohan Priya , Siricilla Shajila , Kurosu Michio 
Published: March 2014

Abstract(2,6‐Dichloro‐4‐methoxyphenyl)(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)methyl trichloroacetimidate (3) and its polymer‐supported reagent 4 can be successfully applied to a one‐pot protection‐glycosylation reaction to form the disaccharide derivative 7 d for the synthesis of lipid II analogues. The temporary protecting group or linker at the C‐6 position and N‐Troc protecting group of 7 d can be cleaved simultaneously through a reductive condition. Overall yields of syntheses of lipid II (1) and neryl‐lipid II Nε‐dansylthiourea are significantly improved by using the described methods.
Reaction Monitoring Using Mid‐Infrared Laser‐Based Vibrational Circular Dichroism
Authors: Rüther Anja , Pfeifer Marcel , Lórenz‐Fonfría Víctor A. , Lüdeke Steffen 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTChanges in vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) were recorded on‐line during a chemical reaction. The chiral complex nickel‐(–)‐sparteine chloride was hydrolyzed to free (–)‐sparteine base in a biphasic system of sodium hydroxide solution and chloroform (CHCl3). Infrared (IR) and VCD spectra were iteratively recorded after pumping a sample from the CHCl3 phase through a lab‐built VCD spectrometer equipped with a tunable mid‐IR quantum cascade laser light source, which allows for VCD measurements even in the presence of strongly absorbing backgrounds. Time‐dependent VCD spectra were analyzed by singular value decomposition and global exponential fitting. Spectral features corresponding to the complex and free (–)‐sparteine could be clearly identified in the fitted amplitude spectrum, which was associated with an exponential decay with an apparent time constant of 127 min (t½ = 88 min). Chirality 26:490–496, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of Regional Nutrient Management Model in Tunxi Catchment: In Support of the Trans‐boundary Eco‐compensation in Eastern China
Authors: Li Zeli , Liu Maohui , Zhao Yue , Liang Tao , Sha Jian , Wang Yuqiu 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThe first trans‐provincial watershed eco‐compensation pilot project has been implemented in Xin'anjiang River watershed, standing between China's Anhui Province and Zhejiang Province. The project purpose is to solve the trans‐boundary pollution issue, while ensuring sustainable use of water resources. Models have been proved to be effective tools for identifying major environmental objectives, especially in regard to the watershed management of agricultural non‐point source pollution. The regional nutrient management (ReNuMa) model was employed to interpret the main environmental problem (nitrogen contamination) generated within Tunxi catchment, the headstream of Xin'anjiang River watershed. After collecting and processing the available data and parameters, ReNuMa simulated stream flow, sediment yields and dissolved nitrogen loads on a monthly scale from 2000 to 2010 and thus estimated total nitrogen loads. Sensitivity and scenarios analysis were done to infer effective management options. The results showed that source apportionments of N loads emphasized the contribution proportion of each pollution source and characterized the temporal variations caused by natural and anthropogenic factors. Effective countermeasures were elicited by a series of scenarios analysis for water quality improvement. The application of the ReNuMa model showed usefulness to plan N management strategy for policy makers, which in turn helped reduce the N loads draining to the downstream, and gained mutual benefits from the ongoing trans‐provincial watershed eco‐compensation pilot project.
Synthesis and Electron‐Transfer Processes in a New Family of Ligands for Coupled Ru−Mn2 Complexes
Authors: Karlsson Erik A. , Lee Bao‐Lin , Liao Rong‐Zhen , Åkermark Torbjörn , Kärkäs Markus D. , Becerril Valeria Saavedra , Siegbahn Per E. M. , Zou Xiaodong , Abrahamsson Maria , Åkermark Björn 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA series of [Ru(bpy)3]2+‐type (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) photosensitisers have been coupled to a ligand for Mn, which is expected to give a dinuclear complex that is active as a water oxidation catalyst. Unexpectedly, photophysical studies showed that the assemblies had very short lived excited states and that the decay patterns were complex and strongly dependent on pH. One dyad was prepared that was capable of catalysing chemical water oxidation by using [Ru(bpy)3]3+ as an oxidant. However, photochemical water oxidation in the presence of an external electron acceptor failed, presumably because the short excited‐state lifetime precluded initial electron transfer to the added acceptor. The photophysical behaviour could be explained by the presence of an intricate excited‐state manifold, as also suggested by time‐dependent DFT calculations.
Host–Guest Nanocomposites of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Ionic Liquids with Controllable Composition
Authors: Ding Yuxiao , Su Dang Sheng 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIt is widely believed that low‐volatility is a defining characteristic of ionic liquids (ILs). Here we synthesize a series of host–guest nanocomposites containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and ILs using the volatility of ILs under vacuum conditions. The nanocomposites with different IL contents can be easily obtained through simple physical methods. The interactions between IL and MWCNTs are thoroughly investigated. This new nanocomposite can be used both in carbon catalysis and IL catalysis.
Single‐Ion Polymer Electrolyte Membranes Enable Lithium‐Ion Batteries with a Broad Operating Temperature Range
Authors: Cai Weiwei , Zhang Yunfeng , Li Jing , Sun Yubao , Cheng Hansong 
Published: March 2014

AbstractConductive processes involving lithium ions are analyzed in detail from a mechanistic perspective, and demonstrate that single ion polymeric electrolyte (SIPE) membranes can be used in lithium‐ion batteries with a wide operating temperature range (25–80 °C) through systematic optimization of electrodes and electrode/electrolyte interfaces, in sharp contrast to other batteries equipped with SIPE membranes that display appreciable operability only at elevated temperatures (>60 °C). The performance is comparable to that of batteries using liquid electrolyte of inorganic salt, and the batteries exhibit excellent cycle life and rate performance. This significant widening of battery operation temperatures coupled with the inherent flexibility and robustness of the SIPE membranes makes it possible to develop thin and flexible Li‐ion batteries for a broad range of applications.
Detection of CFTR protein in human leukocytes by flow cytometry
Authors: Johansson Jan , Vezzalini Marzia , Verzè Genny , Caldrer Sara , Bolognin Silvia , Buffelli Mario , Bellisola Giuseppe , Tridello Gloria , Assael Baroukh Maurice , Melotti Paola , Sorio Claudio 
Published: March 2014

AbstractLeukocytes have previously been shown to express detectable levels of the protein cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). This study aims to evaluate the application of flow cytometric (FC) analysis to detect CFTR expression, and changes thereof, in these cells. Aliquots (200 μL) of peripheral whole blood from 12 healthy control volunteers (CTRLs), 12 carriers of a CFTR mutation (CFC), and 40 patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) carrying various combinations of CFTR mutations were incubated with specific fluorescent probes recognizing CFTR protein expressed on the plasma membrane of leukocytes. FC was applied to analyze CFTR expression in monocytes, lymphocytes, and polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells. CFTR protein was detected in monocytes and lymphocytes, whereas inconclusive results were obtained from the analysis of PMN cells. Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) ratio value and %CFTR‐positive cells above a selected threshold were the two parameters selected to quantify CFTR expression in cells. Lowest variability and the highest reproducibility were obtained when analyzing monocytes. ANOVA results indicated that both parameters were able to discriminate monocytes of healthy controls and CF individuals according to CFTR mutation classes with high accuracy. Significantly increased MFI ratio values were recorded in CFTR‐defective cells that were also able to improve CFTR function after ex vivo treatment with PTC124 (Ataluren), an investigative drug designed to permit the ribosome to read through nonsense CFTR mutations. The method described is minimally invasive and may be used in the monitoring of responses to drugs whose efficacy can depend on increased CFTR protein expression levels. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Freeze drying for microencapsulation of α‐linolenic acid rich oil: A functional ingredient from Lepidium sativum seeds
Authors: Naik Azza , Meda V. , Lele S. S. 
Published: March 2014

Lipids rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are of great importance to the food industry. However, due to unsaturation they are highly prone to rancidity, thereby presenting an enormous technological challenge. Emulsification and subsequent microencapsulation of oil forms a protective micro‐environment for these bioactives. Further, freeze drying of emulsified lipids is used to enhance shelf‐life of the dietary targets. In the current study, α‐linolenic acid (ALA) rich oil from Lepidium sativum seed was stabilized through microencapsulation by freeze drying. O/W emulsion was prepared using a combination of gum ghatti, gum arabic, and soy protein isolate. Thereafter induced coacervates were lyophilized by the batch method in a tray dryer. The encapsulation procedure was optimized by the central composite design, through variation of parameters such as the ratio between gum and soy protein isolate (SPI), wall and core and the speed of homogenization. The response was measured in terms of microencapsulation efficiency (MEE) with the maxima of 81.11% for the parameter values of Gum:SPI at 0.32, Wall:Core at 2 and homogenization speed of 10 000 rpm. The prepared emulsion was characterized through ζ‐potential, viscosity, and droplet size measurements while the encapsulated product was deliberated through Raman spectroscopy and aw evaluations.Practical applications: Dietary requirement of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is seldom met by a vegetarian diet and therefore for the benefit of the vegetarian population, novel food products incorporating vegetarian PUFA need to be developed. However, rancidity is a major problem encountered while working on unsaturated molecules. Thus to gain maximum benefit from these functional lipids one needs to design stable bioavailable ingredients. With this in mind, the focus of the current study was formulation and process optimization to obtain encapsulated oil. Freeze drying process for microencapsulation leads to superior quality capsules due to the low temperature conditions. In this way L. sativum seed oil was explored for the first time to develop α‐linolenic acid rich bioactive ingredient.Microencapsulation of PUFA rich oil by freeze drying. In the current study α‐linolenic acid rich oil was extracted from Lepidium sativum and processed into a functional ingredient by freeze drying. Soxhlet extracted oil along with SPI, gum arabic, and gum ghatti was utilized for formation of coacervates. Encapsulated oil in the form of coacervates was then dehydrated to form microcapsules in a freeze dryer. The capsules were then analyzed for microencapsulation efficiency and capsule composition. The optimized capsules can be used to deliver α‐linolenic acid rich oil in novel targeted food products.
Heavy metals in seawater, sediments, and biota from the coastal area of Yancheng City, China
Authors: Fu Jie , Wang Hui , Billah Shah M. Reduwan , Yu Hongxia , Zhang Xiaowei 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

A systematic investigation was carried out to analyze the concentration levels of heavy metals in sample seawater, sediments, and biota collected from the coastal area of Yancheng City in Jiangsu Province, China. The authors assessed the impact of these heavy metals in different environmental samples in terms of potential risks to ecology and also to the human population exposed to this area. In addition, a further investigation was carried out to test the toxicity to early-life-stage zebrafish (Danio rerio) of selected samples that were considered to pose higher levels of potential risks to ecology or human health. Chemical analysis showed relatively higher concentrations of heavy metals in the seawater and biota samples collected from Xiangshui County and Binhai County, China. The heavy metal concentrations in different samples collected from the close vicinity of Dafeng Port, China, were also considerable. In all seawater and sediment samples, heavy metals showed a relatively moderate level of risk to ecological species; for consumption of marine organisms, heavy metals had adverse impacts on human health. Toxicity assessment indicated that the selected environmental samples or their extracts had significant toxicity to zebrafish early-life stages, including lethality, teratogenicity, and hatching delay (or advance). Thus the present study provides highly useful and important information on heavy metal pollution in Jiangsu Province. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1697–1704. © 2014 SETAC