bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrolysis of progesterone with conductive‐diamond electrodes
Authors: Martín de Vidales María José , Sáez Cristina , Cañizares Pablo , Rodrigo Manuel Andrés 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Progesterone is considered an endocrine disruptor chemical. It can be found in industrial discharges, municipal wastewaters, and, in some instances, even in treated effluents at the level of ng dm−3.RESULTS: Conductive diamond electrolysis can be used to remove progesterone from aqueous solutions. Increases in current density lead to less efficient processes, indicating mass transfer control of the process rate. Occurrence of chlorides in the electrolytic media favors the depletion of progesterone compared with sulphates, although it does not affect the mineralization rate. Independently of the solubilizing agent used, the process behaves similarly during a first stage of the electrolysis (at the four ranges of pollutant concentration studied). However, in a second stage, the rate changes abruptly due to reduced action of hydroxyl radicals in methanol media.CONCLUSIONS: Progesterone can be removed efficiently by conductive diamond electrolysis from aqueous solutions within the range of initial concentrations 10−2 to 102 mg dm−3. The process efficiency increases with the current density. Removal rate does not depend on the nature of the electrolyte, but this parameter affects the intermediates formed during the experiment. When pure methanol is used as solubilizing agent, only direct electro‐oxidation takes place. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Transcranial magnetic stimulation reduces nociceptive threshold in rats
Authors: Ambriz‐Tututi Mónica , Sánchez‐González Violeta , Drucker‐Colín René 
Published: February 2012

AbstractTranscranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate or inhibit nerve cells in the brain noninvasively. TMS induces an electromagnetic current in the underlying cortical neurons. Varying frequencies and intensities of TMS increase or decrease excitability in the cortical area directly targeted. It has been suggested that TMS has potential in the treatment of some neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, and depression. Initial case reports and open label trials reported by several groups support the use of TMS in pain treatment. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of TMS on the nociceptive threshold in the rat. The parameters used were a frequency of 60 Hz and an intensity of 2 and 6 mT for 2 hr twice per day. After 5 days of TMS treatment, rats were evaluated for mechanical, chemical, and cold stimulation. We observed a significant reduction in the nociceptive threshold in TMS‐treated rats but not in sham‐treated rats in all behavioral tests evaluated. When TMS treatment was stopped, a slow recovery to normal mechanic threshold was observed. Interestingly, i.c.v. MK‐801 or CNQX administration reverted the TMS‐induced pronociception. The results suggest that high‐frequency TMS can alter the nociceptive threshold and produce allodynia in the rats; results suggest the involvement of NMDA and AMPA/KA receptors on TMS‐induced allodynia in the rat. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis to microbial diversity analysis in Chinese Douchi
Authors: Chen Tingtao , Jiang Shuying , Xiong Shunqiang , Wang Mengjuan , Zhu Daochen , Wei Hua 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Douchi is a traditional Chinese soybean food which has been consumed for thousands years as an important protein source and flavouring ingredient. Studies have rarely been carried out to investigate its microbial composition and these are urgently required for the commercial labels and safety considerations.RESULTS: Microbial counts were statistically significant different among Douchi samples. Although the maximum diversity indexes of bacterial, bacillus and fungal polymerase chain reaction–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR‐DGGE) patterns were only 79%, 70% and 64%, some microorganisms, e.g. Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Pseudomonas sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia farinose, were found to share dominant positions in most Douchi samples. In addition, some pathogens, e.g. Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Pantoea sp., Staphylococcus sciuri, Enterobacter sp. and Staphylococcus sp., were also identified.CONCLUSION: The PCR‐DGGE technique was used for the first time as an effective method to assess the microbial communities in different Chinese Douchi samples. This information may be useful in improving the product quality, reformatting production methods, extending shelf life and scaling up the fermentation process. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Quinoa starch granules: a candidate for stabilising food‐grade Pickering emulsions
Authors: Rayner Marilyn , Timgren Anna , Sjöö Malin , Dejmek Petr 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Particle‐stabilised emulsions, so‐called Pickering emulsions, are known to possess many beneficial properties, including being extremely stable. Starch granules isolated from quinoa have been used as emulsion stabilising particles. The granules were intact, 1–3 µm in diameter and modified with octenyl succinic anhydride to increase their hydrophobicity. Starch granules, as opposed to most other particles used to generate Pickering emulsions, are edible, abundant and derived from natural sources.RESULTS: Emulsions produced by high shear homogenisation had droplet sizes of 9–70 µm depending on the starch‐to‐oil ratio. Droplet size decreased with increasing starch‐to‐oil ratio, but was unaffected by the oil phase volume over a range of 5–33% oil (v/v). Although the drops were large and subject to creaming, their size remained unchanged over a period of 7 days. By adjusting the starch‐to‐oil ratio drops could be made to be buoyancy neutral to prevent creaming. Rheological characterisation indicated a gel structure with an elastic modulus in the range 200–2000 Pa depending on droplet size.CONCLUSION: This work has demonstrated the successful use of starch granules to stabilise emulsions which may find applications beyond that of food, for example in cosmetics and pharmaceutical formulations. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Screening of the antioxidant properties and polyphenol composition of aromatised green tea infusions
Authors: Pȩkal Anna , Dróżdż Paulina , Biesaga Magdalena , Pyrzynska Krystyna 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Aromatised green teas are widely sold and popular owing to their fragrance. In this study the antioxidant activity of six commercial green tea infusions was assessed by three complementary assays.RESULTS: In order to evaluate the tea infusions as antioxidant sources, their phenolic content (Folin‐Ciocalteu assay), cupric ion‐reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging ability were determined. Their content of polyphenols was also determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) in negative electrospray ionisation mode. Some teas with citrus aroma, besides having a relatively high content of catechins, also contain other phenolic compounds such as naringin and hesperidin. The three assays used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of the tea infusions gave different rank orders. Therefore an antioxidant index was calculated for better correlation of the results, and its highest value was obtained for Clear Green Mint tea infusion.CONCLUSION: The studied teas, besides having a relatively high content of catechins, also contain naringin and hesperidin, which are not present in ‘pure’ green tea. It is important to run multiple assays to get a better estimate of the antioxidant capacity of a given sample. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
PROJECTED CHANGES IN SOIL ORGANIC CARBON STOCKS UPON ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PRACTICES IN THE UPPER TANA RIVER CATCHMENT, KENYA
Authors: Batjes N. H. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTLarge areas in the Upper Tana river catchment, Kenya, have been over‐exploited, resulting in soil erosion, nutrient depletion and loss of soil organic matter (SOM). This study focuses on sections of the catchment earmarked as being most promising for implementing Green Water Credits, an incentive mechanism to help farmers invest in land and soil management activities that affect all fresh water resources at source. Such management practices can also help restore SOM levels towards their natural level. Opportunities to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, for two broadly defined land use types (croplands and plantation crops, with moderate input levels), are calculated using a simple empirical model, using three scenarios for the proportion of suitable land that may be treated with these practices (low = 40 per cent, medium = 60 per cent, high = 80 per cent). For the medium scenario, corresponding to implementation on ~348 000 ha in the basin, the eco‐technologically possible SOC gains are estimated at 4·8 to 9·3 × 106 tonnes (Mg) CO2 over the next 20 years. Assuming a conservative price of US$10 per tonne CO2‐equivalent on the carbon offset market, this would correspond to ~US$48–93 million over a 20‐year period of sustained green water management. This would imply a projected (potential) payment of some US$7–13 ha−1 to farmers annually; this sum would be in addition to incentives that are being put in place for implementing green water management practices and also in addition to the benefits that farmers would realize from the impact on production of these practices themselves. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Femtosecond pulse written fiber gratings: a new avenue to integrated fiber technology
Authors: Thomas J. , Voigtländer C. , Becker R.G. , Richter D. , Tünnermann A. , Nolte S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe use of ultrashort laser pulses for fiber grating inscription has many advantages in comparison to continuous wave and long pulse lasers. The most important one is that it allows inscription in nonphotosensitive fiber materials. In this paper the principal inscription techniques and the physical properties of femtosecond (fs) pulse written in‐fiber gratings are reviewed. The role of focusing and order walk‐off on the inscribed structures is emphasized. A fs pulse written fiber Bragg grating (FBG) also has a unique coupling behavior, due to a refractive index change that is independent from the fiber geometry. Selected applications of such gratings for sensing and fiber lasers are discussed.
Tribological performance of poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulphonate) as additive in water–glycol hydraulic fluid
Authors: Wang Junming , Wang Jianhua , Li Chunsheng , Zhao Gaiqing , Wang Xiaobo 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTThe tribological behaviour of poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulphonate) (PSS) as additive in the base fluid of water–glycol hydraulic fluid was evaluated with four‐ball machine and Optimol SRV‐IV (Optimol Instruments, Munich, Germany) oscillating friction and wear tester, and its viscosity‐enhancing performance was also investigated. The results show that PSS exhibits excellent friction‐reducing and anti‐wear properties in the base fluid and can significantly improve the latter's welding load and viscosity. The worn surfaces were characterised by scanning electron microscope and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The analytical results of typical elements on the worn surfaces demonstrate that PSS molecules adsorb on the rubbing surface and form a stable chemically absorbed film through the interactions between the sulphonate anions and surface metallic atoms during the sliding process, which contributed to improve the tribological properties of the base fluid. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heteroleptic Ruthenium(II) Complex‐Containing Polymers and Their Bandgap Tuning and Photosensitizing Properties
Authors: Cheung Wai Kei , Mak Chris S. K. , Chan Wai Kin 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA new synthetic route to novel ruthenium‐containing polymers is reported. [Ru(L)(L′)Cl2] type complexes (L and L′ = bidentate N^N ligands) with a dibromo‐substituted ligand were polymerized by Stille cross‐coupling reaction. The subsequent displacement of chloride ligands by thiocyanate was highly effective and the structures of the target polymers were fully characterized. The main chain absorption showed a significantly red‐shift upon metal coordination and the metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) band of the complex enhanced the photon harvesting ability of the polymer. The extent of π‐electron delocalization of the ancillary ligands also showed interesting effects on the electronic properties of the polymers. The photosensitizing and bandgap tuning properties of these Ru(II) complexes demonstrated a new avenue to develop new classes of optoelectronic materials.
Antimicrobial metallic copper surfaces kill Staphylococcus haemolyticus via membrane damage
Authors: Santo Christophe Espírito , Quaranta Davide , Grass Gregor 
Published: February 2012

AbstractRecently, copper (Cu) in its metallic form has regained interest for its antimicrobial properties. Use of metallic Cu surfaces in worldwide hospital trials resulted in remarkable reductions in surface contaminations. Yet, our understanding of why microbes are killed upon contact to the metal is still limited and different modes of action have been proposed. This knowledge, however, is crucial for sustained use of such surfaces in hospitals and other hygiene‐sensitive areas. Here, we report on the molecular mechanisms by which the Gram‐positive Staphylococcus haemolyticus is inactivated by metallic Cu. Staphylococcus haemolyticus was killed within minutes on Cu but not on stainless steel demonstrating the antimicrobial efficacy of metallic Cu. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP‐MS) analysis and in vivo staining with Coppersensor‐1 indicated that cells accumulated large amounts of Cu ions from metallic Cu surfaces contributing to lethal damage. Mutation rates of Cu‐ or steel‐exposed cells were similarly low. Instead, live/dead staining indicated cell membrane damage in Cu‐ but not steel‐exposed cells. These findings support a model of the cellular targets of metallic Cu toxicity in bacteria, which suggests that metallic Cu is not genotoxic and does not kill via DNA damage. In contrast, membranes constitute the likely Achilles’ heel of Cu surface‐exposed cells.
Long Noncoding RNAs: Insights from Biological Features and Functions to Diseases
Authors: Li Xiaolei , Wu Zhiqiang , Fu Xiaobing , Han Weidong 
Published: February 2012

AbstractOver the past decade, genome‐wide transcriptomic studies have shown that the mammalian genome is pervasively transcribed and produces many thousands of transcriptomes without bias from previous genome annotations. This finding, together with the discovery of a plethora of unexpected RNAs that have no obvious coding capacities, have challenged the traditional views that proteins are the main protagonists of cellular functions and that RNA is merely an intermediary between DNA sequence and its encoded protein. There are many different kinds of products that are generated by this pervasive transcription; this review focuses on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that have shown spatial and temporal specific patterns of expression and regulation in a wide variety of cells and tissues, adding significant complexity to the understanding of their biological roles. Recent research has shed new light onto the biological function significance of lncRNAs. Here, we review the rapidly advancing field of lncRNAs, describing their biological features and their roles in regulation of gene expression. Moreover, we highlight some recent advances in our understanding of ncRNA‐mediated regulation of stem cell pluripotency, morphogenesis, and development, focusing mainly on the regulatory roles of lncRNAs. Finally, we consider the potential medical implications, and the potential use of lncRNAs in drug development and discovery and in the identification of molecular markers of diseases, including cancer.
Identification of Novel Nitrosative Stress Inhibitors through Virtual Screening and Experimental Evaluation
Authors: Sirimulla Suman , Pal Rituraj , Raparla Mrudula , Bailey Jake B. , Duran Rene , Altamirano Alvin M. , Herndon William C. , Narayan Mahesh 
Published: February 2012

AbstractNitrosative and oxidative stress, associated with the generation of excessive reactive nitrogen and oxygen radical species respectively, are thought to contribute to protein misfolding diseases which represent a group of neurodegenerative disorders that are characterized by protein aggregation and plaque formation. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound, possesses diverse anti‐inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant properties. Several studies have revealed that curcumin can reduce the oxidative/nitrosative stress and thereby decrease the neuronal attrition. However, curcumin has poor bioavailability and has raised several concerns focused on its limited clinical impact. The aim of this study was to find other compounds which can assist in decreasing nitrosative stress and possess enhanced bioavailability. Here, use of β‐lactoglobulin was examined as a vehicle to transport molecules to the gut. The Zinc database was searched using curcumin as reference and 6457 compounds were selected for the study. These compounds were docked to β‐lactoglobulin using Glide to find the best fit ligands. Our studies identified four compounds that bind to β‐lactoglobulin and scavenge NOx (free radicals) efficiently.
QSPR Study of Valproic Acid and Its Functionalized Derivatives
Authors: Comelli Nieves C. , Duchowicz Pablo R. , Lobayan Rosana M. , Jubert Alicia H. , Castro Eduardo A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis work establishes a Quantitative Structure‐Property Relationships (QSPR) based analysis with the aim of interpreting both the structural and electronic properties of the polar region of valproic acid and its derivatives, in terms of stabilizing intramolecular interactions related to the involved substituents. We consider ten different calculated properties as dependent variables for the QSPR models: the bond lengths C8O9, C8X10, and the percentage of s‐character of the natural hybrids forming the bonding σ orbitals of the O9C8X10 region. The representative descriptors are the charges transferred during donor/acceptor interactions around this function calculated at the B3LYP/6‐311++G**(6d,10f) level of theory, and/or hybrid descriptors derived therefrom. The models so established result simple, predictive, and have a quite direct physical meaning.
Benchmarking Variable Selection in QSAR
Authors: Eklund Martin , Norinder Ulf , Boyer Scott , Carlsson Lars 
Published: February 2012

AbstractVariable selection is important in QSAR modeling since it can improve model performance and transparency, as well as reduce the computational cost of model fitting and predictions. Which variable selection methods that perform well in QSAR settings is largely unknown. To address this question we, in a total of 1728 benchmarking experiments, rigorously investigated how eight variable selection methods affect the predictive performance and transparency of random forest models fitted to seven QSAR datasets covering different endpoints, descriptors sets, types of response variables, and number of chemical compounds. The results show that univariate variable selection methods are suboptimal and that the number of variables in the benchmarked datasets can be reduced with about 60 % without significant loss in model performance when using multivariate adaptive regression splines MARS and forward selection.
Fold of the conserved DTC domain in deltex proteins
Authors: Obiero Josiah , Walker John R. , Dhe‐Paganon Sirano 
Published: February 2012

AbstractHuman Deltex 3‐like (DTX3L) is a member of the Deltex family of proteins. Initially identified as a B‐lymphoma and BAL‐associated protein, DTX3L is an E3 ligase that regulates subcellular localization of its partner protein, BAL, by a dynamic nucleocytoplasmic trafficking mechanism. Unlike other members of the Deltex family of proteins, DTX3L lacks the highly basic N‐terminal motif and the central proline‐rich motif present in other Deltex proteins, and instead contains other unique N‐terminal domains. The C‐terminal domains are, however, homologous with other members of the Deltex family of proteins; these include a RING domain and a previously unidentified C‐terminal domain. In this study, we report the high‐resolution crystal structure of this previously uncharacterized C‐terminal domain of human DTX3L, which we term the Deltex C‐terminal domain. Proteins 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification for rapid identification of biotypes B and Q of the globally invasive pest Bemisia tabaci, and studying population dynamics
Authors: Hsieh Chia‐Hung , Wang Hurng‐Yi , Chen Young‐Fa , Ko Chiun‐Cheng 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Bemisia tabaci, the sweetpotato whitefly, is a globally invasive pest that causes serious agricultural damage by transmitting plant viruses. This pest forms a cryptic species complex that displays morphologically indistinguishable biotypes. Among them, the B and Q biotypes are the most important pests worldwide. Because they have different levels of insecticide resistance, these biotypes must be identified in order to achieve proper pest control. Therefore, a convenient, rapid and specific detection method for identifying the two biotypes is necessary.RESULTS: Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) was employed for rapid identification of B. tabaci B and Q biotypes. By combining a quick DNA extraction method, identification of the two biotypes was achieved within 1 h of detection time. The LAMP assay was applied to study the dynamics of B. tabaci biotypes both in the field and in greenhouses. It was found that, while temperature may be important for population dynamics of the whitefly in the field, population dynamics in greenhouse conditions may be influenced by the types of insecticide.CONCLUSION: The newly designed LAMP assay is a simple, rapid and accurate method for identifying the B and Q biotypes. It can be conducted by non‐specialists and can contribute to pest management. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
A new gene from Xenorhabdus bovienii and its encoded protease inhibitor protein against Acyrthosiphon pisum
Authors: Zeng Fanrong , Xue Renfeng , Zhang Heqing , Jiang Taozhen 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Aphids are insect pests with significant importance worldwide for agricultural and horticultural crops. The chemical pesticides used to control aphids could result in pesticide residues in agricultural and horticultural products as well as in negative effects on the environment. Therefore, alternative control methods are urgently needed. This study identified a new gene from strain BJFS526 of the symbiotic bacterium Xenorhabdus bovienii and expressed the protease inhibitor protein encoded by the gene. The effects of the protein on the pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum, were also investigated.RESULTS: The gene PIN1 encoding the protease inhibitor protein against aphids was successfully cloned from BJFS526. The study demonstrated that the protein had adverse effects on pea aphid survival, and that the activity of aphid aminopeptidase was significantly inhibited by the protein.CONCLUSION: The results from this study suggest that this gene and the protease inhibitor protein encoded may offer an alternative method to control aphids in the future. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry