bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dkk‐1–Mediated Inhibition of Wnt Signaling in Bone Ameliorates Osteoarthritis in Mice
Authors: Funck‐Brentano Thomas , Bouaziz Wafa , Marty Caroline , Geoffroy Valerie , Hay Eric , Cohen‐Solal Martine
Published: July 2014

Objective

Wnt signaling is a master regulator of joint homeostasis, but its role in osteoarthritis (OA) remains unclear. This study was undertaken to characterize the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin in knee joints of mice with OA and to assess how inhibiting this pathway in bone could affect cartilage.

Methods

OA was induced by partial meniscectomy in Topgal mice and in transgenic mice overexpressing Dkk‐1 under the control of the 2.3‐kb Col1a1 promoter (Col1a1‐Dkk‐1–Tg mice). Wnt/β‐catenin activation was assessed by X‐Gal staining at baseline and at weeks 4, 6, and 9. Cartilage and bone damage was analyzed in Col1a1‐Dkk‐1–Tg mice with OA at week 6. Primary chondrocytes and cartilage explants were used to assess the effect of Dkk‐1 on cartilage catabolism.

Results

In meniscectomized Topgal mice, Wnt was mainly activated in osteocytes from the subchondral bone at week 6 after OA induction, as well as in osteophytes and synovium at week 4. Chondrocytes from damaged zones expressed X‐Gal from week 4. Dkk‐1 expression was high in chondrocytes in control mouse knees (mean ± SEM 84.2 ± 3.1%) but decreased greatly in knees of meniscectomized mice from week 4 (mean ± SEM 14.4 ± 3.8%). The OA score was lower in meniscectomized Col1a1‐Dkk‐1–Tg mice at week 6 compared with wild‐type mice (5.1 ± 0.6 versus 8.4 ± 0.6; P = 0.002). Subchondral bone fraction and osteophyte volume were decreased. However, cartilage explants from Col1a1‐Dkk‐1–Tg mice showed proteoglycan loss and increased NITEGE expression. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was reduced in osteoblasts from Col1a1‐Dkk‐1–Tg mice, thereby decreasing expression of messenger RNA for matrix metalloproteinases in chondrocytes.

Conclusion

Wnt activation in OA affects the whole joint, particularly bone. Selective inhibition of this pathway in bone by Dkk‐1 decreased OA severity through VEGF inhibition.
Distinct Effects of Soluble and Membrane‐Bound Fas Ligand on Fibroblast‐like Synoviocytes From Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Audo Rachel , Calmon‐Hamaty Flavia , Papon Laura , Combe Bernard , Morel Jacques , Hahne Michael
Published: July 2014

Objective

Injection of agonistic anti‐Fas antibody has been shown to decrease disease symptoms in mouse models of arthritis. Additionally, membrane‐bound FasL (mFasL) has been shown to induce cell death in fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. However, levels of soluble FasL (sFasL) are increased in the joints of RA patients and have been associated with disease severity, indicating that mFasL and sFasL play opposing roles in RA. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of FasL on RA FLS responses.

Methods

The responses of FLS from RA and osteoarthritis (OA) patients to soluble and oligomeric FasL, the latter mimicking mFasL, were analyzed by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting and proliferation assays, using 3 different FasL variants. The signaling pathways that trigger FasL responses were characterized by Western blotting.

Results

We found that mFasL and sFasL have distinct roles in RA FLS. Crosslinked FasL preferentially induced apoptosis, whereas sFasL stimulated proliferation. Moreover, sFasL activated several signaling pathways in RA FLS, such as ERK‐1/2, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase, caspase 8, and JNK, with a prominent role of JNK, since only the blockade of this pathway rendered FLS more susceptible to FasL‐induced apoptosis. Crosslinked FasL induced apoptosis in FLS from OA patients, but sFasL failed to stimulate their proliferation.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that sFasL is a disease promoter in RA, a finding consistent with previous reports describing a tumor‐promoting role of FasL. Therefore, blocking of sFasL could be a therapeutic strategy for RA.
Synthesis, Structure, Photoluminescence, and Electroluminescence of Siloles that Contain Planar Fluorescent Chromophores
Authors: Chen Bin , Jiang Yibin , He Bairong , Zhou Jian , Sung Herman H. Y. , Williams Ian D. , Lu Ping , Kwok Hoi Sing , Qiu Huayu , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: July 2014

Herein, a new series of siloles that were 2,5‐substituted with planar fluorescent chromophores (PFCs), including fluorene, fluoranthene, naphthalene, pyrene, and anthracene, were synthesized and characterized. These compounds showed weak emission in the solution state, owing to active intramolecular rotation (IMR), but the synergistic effect from electronic coupling between the PFC and the silole ring compensated for the emission quenching by the IMR process to some extent, thereby affording higher emission efficiencies than those of 2,3,4,5‐tetraphenylsiloles in solution. These new siloles showed enhanced emission efficiencies in the aggregated state. The electroluminescence (EL) color and efficiency of new siloles were sensitive towards the PFC. Siloles containing naphthalene moieties showed green EL emission, whilst those containing anthracene moieties showed orange EL emission. The siloles containing pyrene moieties exhibited yellow EL emission at 546 nm, with a peak luminance of 49000 cd cm−2 and a high current efficiency of 9.1 cd A−1.
Time Reproduction Performance Is Associated With Age and Working Memory in High‐Functioning Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Brenner Laurie A. , Shih Vivian H. , Colich Natalie L. , Sugar Catherine A. , Bearden Carrie E. , Dapretto Mirella
Published: July 2014

Impaired temporal processing has historically been viewed as a hallmark feature of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Recent evidence suggests temporal processing deficits may also be characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, little is known about the factors that impact temporal processing in children with ASD. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of co‐morbid attention problems, working memory (WM), age, and their interactions, on time reproduction in youth with and without ASD.

Twenty‐seven high‐functioning individuals with ASD and 25 demographically comparable typically developing individuals (ages 9–17; 85% male) were assessed on measures of time reproduction, auditory WM, and inattention/hyperactivity. The time reproduction task required depression of a computer key to mimic interval durations of 4, 8, 12, 16, or 20 sec. Mixed effects regression analyses were used to model accuracy and variability of time reproduction as functions of diagnostic group, interval duration, age, WM, and inattention/hyperactivity.

A significant group by age interaction was detected for accuracy, with the deficit in the ASD group being greater in younger children. There was a significant group by WM interaction for consistency, with the effects of poor WM on performance consistency being more pronounced in youth with ASD. All participants tended to underestimate longer interval durations and to be less consistent for shorter interval durations; these effects appeared more pronounced in those who were younger or who had poorer WM performance. Inattention/hyperactivity symptoms in the ASD group were not related to either accuracy or consistency.

This study highlights the potential value of temporal processing as an intermediate trait of relevance to multiple neurodevelopmental disorders. Autism Res 2015, 8: 29–37. © 2014 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Corecovery of lipids and fermentable sugars from Rhodosporidium toruloides using ionic liquid cosolvents: Application of recycle to batch fermentation
Authors: Severa Godwin , Kumar Guneet , Cooney Michael J.
Published: July 2014

This work evaluates the ability of an ionic liquid‐methanol cosolvent system to extract lipids and recycle fermentable sugars recovered from oil‐bearing Rhodosporidium toruloides grown in batch culture on defined media using glucose and xylose as carbon sources. Growth on the recycled mixed carbon substrate was successful with glucose consumed before xylose and overall cell mass to lipid yields (YP/X) between 57% and 61% (w/w relative to whole dried cell mass) achieved. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the delipified carbohydrate fraction recovered approximately 9%–11% (w/w) of the whole dried cell mass as fermentable sugars, which were successfully recycled as carbon sources without further purification. In total, up to 70% (w/w) of the whole dried cell mass was recovered as lipids and fermentable sugars and the substrate to lipid yields (YP/S) was increased from 0.12 to 0.16 g lipid/g carbohydrate consumed, highlighting the promise of this approach to process lipid bearing cell biomass. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:1239–1242, 2014
Effects of glutamine and asparagine on recombinant antibody production using CHO‐GS cell lines
Authors: Xu Ping , Dai Xiao‐Ping , Graf Erica , Martel Richard , Russell Reb
Published: July 2014

A unique and nontraditional approach using glutamine and asparagine supplements for CHO‐glutamine synthetase (GS) cell lines was studied. In our experiments, we found that a decrease in pH and an increase in cell death occurred in production phase of a GS cell line, leading to reduced antibody expression and lower antibody yields. The experimental results and the statistical analysis (ANOVA) indicated that additions of glutamine and asparagine in the basal and feed media were effective to buffer the cell culture pH, reduce lactate generation, maintain a higher cell viability profile, and improve antibody productivity. In bench‐top bioreactors, glutamine and asparagine supplementation helped to prevent cell death, improve antibody yield, and reduce base usage. Glutamine is normally excluded from culture media for GS cell lines to prevent the bypass of selection pressure. In this study, however, the addition of glutamine did not affect cell population homogeneity, protein quality, or decrease antibody yield of two GS cell lines. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:1457–1468, 2014
Packing of large‐scale chromatography columns with irregularly shaped glass based resins using a stop‐flow method
Authors: Siu Sun Chau , Chia Celeste , Mok Yanglin , Pattnaik Priyabrata
Published: July 2014

Rigid chromatography resins, such as controlled pore glass based adsorbents, offer the advantage of high permeability and a linear pressure‐flow relationship irrespective of column diameter which improves process time and maximizes productivity. However, the rigidity and irregularly shaped nature of these resins often present challenges in achieving consistent and uniform packed beds as formation of bridges between resin particles can hinder bed consolidation. The standard flow‐pack method when applied to irregularly shaped particles does not yield well‐consolidated packed beds, resulting in formation of a head space and increased band broadening during operation. Vibration packing methods requiring the use of pneumatically driven vibrators are recommended to achieve full packed bed consolidation but limitations in manufacturing facilities and equipment may prevent the implementation of such devices. The stop‐flow packing method was developed as an improvement over the flow‐pack method to overcome these limitations and to improve bed consolidation without the use of vibrating devices. Transition analysis of large‐scale columns packed using the stop‐flow method over multiple cycles has shown a two‐ to three‐fold reduction of change in bed integrity values as compared to a flow‐packed bed demonstrating an improvement in packed bed stability in terms of the height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP) and peak asymmetry (As). © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:1319–1325, 2014
Enhanced heterologous protein production in Pichia pastoris under increased air pressure
Authors: Lopes Marlene , Oliveira Carla , Domingues Lucília , Mota Manuel , Belo Isabel
Published: July 2014

Pichia pastoris is a widely used host for the production of heterologous proteins. In this case, high cell densities are needed and oxygen is a major limiting factor. The increased air pressure could be used to improve the oxygen solubility in the medium and to reach the high oxygen demand of methanol metabolism. In this study, two P. pastoris strains producing two different recombinant proteins, one intracellular (β‐galactosidase) and other extracellular (frutalin), were used to investigate the effect of increased air pressure on yeast growth in glycerol and heterologous protein production, using the methanol AOX1‐inducible system. Experiments were carried out in a stainless steel bioreactor under total air pressure of 1 bar and 5 bar. The use of an air pressure raise of up to 5 bar proved to be applicable for P. pastoris cultivation. Moreover, no effects on the kinetic growth parameters and methanol utilization (Mut) phenotype of strains were found, while an increase in recombinant β‐galactosidase‐specific activity (ninefold) and recombinant frutalin production was observed. Furthermore, the air pressure raise led to a reduction in the secreted protease specific activity. This work shows for the first time that the application of an air pressure of 5 bar may be used as a strategy to decrease protease secretion and improve recombinant protein production in P. pastoris. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:1040–1047, 2014
Heteropoly Acid/Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Materials as Efficient Solid‐Acid Catalysts
Authors: Qi Wei , Liu Wei , Liu Songyun , Zhang Bingsen , Gu Xianmo , Guo Xiaoling , Su Dangsheng
Published: July 2014

A prototype supported solid‐acid catalyst composed of a heteropoly acid (HPA) and nitrogen‐functionalized carbon nanotubes (NCNT) has been developed. The chemical structure and acid strength of the HPA/NCNT hybrid have been characterized thoroughly by IR spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, TEM, and titration measurements. NCNT supports provide the HPA with an ideal hydrophobic environment, which could prevent the deactivation of the acid sites effectively in aqueous media. HPA/NCNT hybrid catalysts tend to adsorb and enrich hydrophobic substrates (ester) and release the product with high polarity (ethanol) in the aqueous phase, and this synergistic effect facilitates the catalytic process and enhances the activity of HPAs for ester hydrolysis reactions. The HPA and NCNT combine through electrostatic interactions, which ensures the relatively high stability and easy regeneration of the HPA/NCNT hybrid catalysts. The present approach provides a promising and universal strategy for the construction of hybrid catalysts based on HPA and nanocarbon with unique acidic or redox properties.
Organocatalyzed Step‐Growth Polymerization through Desymmetrization of Cyclic Anhydrides: Synthesis of Chiral Polyesters
Authors: Martin Anthony , Robert Frédéric , Taton Daniel , Cramail Henri , Vincent Jean‐Marc , Landais Yannick
Published: July 2014

The polymerization of prochiral bis‐anhydrides with diols catalyzed by a cinchona alkaloid was shown to provide chiral polyesters in good yields and with high levels of stereocontrol. The structures of the polyesters were determined by 1H and 13C NMR analyses, whereas their size was estimated by both size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry, which indicated that moderate degrees of polymerization were attained through this step‐growth polymerization. The enantioselectivity of the process was evaluated by using chiral HPLC analysis of the bis‐lactones resulting from a controlled chemoselective degradation of the polyesters. The best stereocontrol was reached for oligomers formed from bis‐anhydride and diol monomers bearing rigid aromatic spacers between the reactive functional groups. In this case, average enantioselectivities were comparable to those observed during ring‐opening of simple anhydrides with similar alcohols. In contrast, the use of more flexible spacers between reactive entities generally led to lower levels of stereocontrol.
Induced Helical Chirality of Perylenebisimide Aggregates Allows for Enantiopurity Determination and Differentiation of α‐Hydroxy Carboxylates by Using Circular Dichroism
Authors: Wu Xin , Chen Xuan‐Xuan , Song Bing‐Nan , Huang Yan‐Jun , Li Zhao , Chen Zhan , James Tony D. , Jiang Yun‐Bao
Published: July 2014

We have developed a working strategy for accurate enantiomeric excess (ee) determination based on induced helical aggregation of achiral perylenebisimide (PBI) dyes. PBI dyes functionalized with boronic acid moieties were shown to be effective chirality sensors for α‐hydroxy carboxylates. Seven α‐hydroxy carboxylates tested showed strong induced Cotton effects in the perylene absorption region around λ=500 nm, which were utilized for enantiomeric excess determination and chemo‐discrimination of the analytes, with an average absolute error of 2 % in ee determination and 100 % correctness in analyte classification. Responses in the absorption spectra, which arise from the guest‐enhanced aggregation, allow the determination of the sample concentration, thus enabling analysis of samples of unknown concentration and ee. The simplicity of the strategy, the ease of sample preparation, and the accuracy demonstrated, can potentially facilitate screening procedures in asymmetric synthesis.
Copper‐Catalyzed Domino Synthesis of 2‐Imino‐1H‐imidazol‐5(2H)‐ones and Quinoxalines Involving CC Bond Cleavage with a 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Unit as a Leaving Group
Authors: Yang Yan , Ni Fan , Shu Wen‐Ming , Wu An‐Xin
Published: July 2014

Although 2‐imino‐1H‐imidazol‐5(2H)‐ones have important biological activities in metabolism, their synthesis has rarely been investigated. Quinoxalines as “privileged scaffolds” in medicinal chemistry have been extensively investigated, but the development of novel and efficient synthetic methods remains very attractive. Herein, we have developed two copper‐catalyzed domino reactions for the synthesis of 2‐imino‐1H‐imidazol‐5(2H)‐ones and quinoxalines involving CC bond‐cleavage with a 1,3‐dicarbonyl unit as a leaving group. The domino sequence for the synthesis of 2‐imino‐1H‐imidazol‐5(2H)‐ones includes aza‐Michael addition, intramolecular cyclization, CC bond‐cleavage, 1,2‐rearrangement, and aerobic dehydrogenation reaction, whereas the domino sequence for the synthesis of quinoxalines includes aza‐Michael addition, intramolecular cyclization, elimination reaction, and CC bond‐cleavage reaction. The two domino reactions have significant advantages including high efficiency, mild reaction conditions, and high tolerance of various functional groups.
Polybenzoxazine: A Powerful Tool for Removal of Mercury Salts from Water
Authors: Taskin Omer S. , Kiskan Baris , Aksu Abdullah , Balkis Nuray , Weber Jens , Yagci Yusuf
Published: July 2014

A reusable macroporous polybenzoxazine resin with high specific surface area was prepared as sorbent material for the removal of mercury salts. For this purpose, allyl‐functionalized bis‐benzoxazine was cured in dimethyl sulfoxide by thermally activated ring‐opening polymerization at 180 °C for 3 d followed by a freeze‐drying process. The porous structure of the resin was confirmed by SEM analysis and N2 adsorption/desorption studies at 77.3 K. Among various metal ions, namely, PbII, FeII, MnII, CuII, ZnII, and CdII, the porous polybenzoxazine resin exhibited a specific sorption behaviour towards HgII. Mainly chemisorption and to some extent adsorption mechanisms were proposed for the observed high loading capacity of the resin. As evidenced by FTIR spectral analysis, the chemisorption is attributed to the coordination system formed between free OH and tertiary amino groups in the polybenzoxazine structure and HgII ions. It was also demonstrated that the porous polybenzoxazine can be regenerated simply by treatment with acids. The resin was recycled for up to seven cycles without any significant loss of activity, as proved by sorption and desorption experiments.
Concept of Waste Heat Recovery for Material Usage of Coal/Biomass Using a High Temperature Heat Exchanger
Authors: Hack Nina , Unz Simon , Beckmann Michael
Published: July 2014

Aufgrund der begrenzten Reichweite wird es zukünftig notwendig sein, Erdölprodukte durch stoffliche Kohle‐/Biomassenutzung zu ersetzen. Bisher sind stoffliche Nutzungsverfahren noch nicht wirtschaftlich umsetzbar. Hier wird daher ein neues Konzept zur Abwärmenutzung untersucht, um eine höhere energetische Effizienz und damit Wirtschaftlichkeit des Gesamtprozesses zu erreichen. Es beinhaltet eine indirekt beheizte Gasturbine mit nachgeschaltetem Abhitzedampferzeuger zur Bereitstellung des Vergasungsmittels. Die energetische Bilanzierung zeigt das thermodynamische Potenzial der Abwärmenutzung auf.
Laser Joining of Tight Ceramic‐Glass Composites for Use in Ceramic Heat Pipes
Authors: Börner Floriana‐Dana , Lippmann Wolfgang , Hurtado Antonio
Published: July 2014

Durch Bestrahlung eines Diodenlasers mit verschiedenen Wellenlängen können Keramik/Glas‐Verbindungen hergestellt werden, die dem dichten Verschließen keramischer Wärmerohre dienen. Hier werden die Vorgehensweise zur Optimierung des Fügeverfahrens sowie die Auswahl und Charakterisierung geeigneter Glaslote aus den Werkstoffsystemen Y2O3‐Al2O3‐SiO2 und MgO‐Al2O3‐SiO2 beschrieben und diskutiert. Ausgehend vom Einsatz der Wärmerohre zur Energierückgewinnung nach einem Vergasungsprozess werden erste Ergebnisse zur Auslagerung der Verbunde unter dem daraus resultierenden Rohgas präsentiert.
Comprehensive dynamic modelling and CFD simulation of heat and mass transfer in wetted wall absorption reactors
Authors: Hashemi Aref , Memardoost Saber , Asadi Sima , Molaei Dehkordi Asghar
Published: July 2014

A comprehensive mathematical model has been developed to analyze transport phenomena in wetted wall absorption reactors. In this regard, a wetted wall reactor was modelled considering the entrance regions of momentum, heat and mass transfer, compressibility of the gas phase as a function of gas temperature, pressure, and composition, and also non‐Newtonian behaviour of the liquid phase. In the developed model, a gas mixture of two components, A and B, was considered as the gas phase (A as the diffusing component), while a binary liquid mixture of components C and D was taken as the liquid phase (C as the reactant component). CFD methods were applied to solve nonlinear governing equations simultaneously and the simulation results were validated against experimental data reported in the literature and excellent agreement was found. Moreover, distributions of velocity, temperature, and species concentrations of both phases were obtained and the effects of various operating conditions and physicochemical properties on these distributions were carefully studied. Furthermore, the open‐loop response of the reactor to some typical step and pulse inputs was examined. Moreover, the closed‐loop response of the reactor was also examined; in this regard, a PI controller was designed to control the reactor's output properly.
A Numerical Study of the Effects on Acoustic Propagation Caused by Dissipation in the Atmosphere
Authors: Yang SONG , Zheng‐Yu ZHAO , Yuan‐Nong ZHANG
Published: July 2014

By using a finite‐difference time‐domain method combining the dispersion relation preserving scheme in space and a Runge‐Kutta scheme in time, the effect of dissipation on acoustic propagation is studied. It is shown that both trajectory and transmission loss of the wave packet are changed by the inhomogeneity of dissipation. Due to the inhomogeneous dissipation, the upper and lower part of the wave packet is attenuated at different levels, so that the energy center of the packet is shifted to the area where the dissipation is weaker, and the wave trajectory is refracted. As for the transmission loss, compared to the zero absorption case, the geometric spreading loss is reduced, and the atmospheric absorption is smaller than the constant absorption case. The dissipation makes acoustic propagation become dispersive because the attenuation coefficient is proportional to the square of frequency. The deflection of acoustic waves caused by the inhomogeneous dissipation is enhanced with increasing frequency.
The Effect on the Nucleation and Failure of MS7.0 Lushan Earthquake Induced by the MS8.0 Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: Chao‐Di XIE , Xing‐Lin LEI , Xiao‐Ping WU , Xiong‐Lin HU , Xiao‐Yan ZHAO , Rong‐Huan ZHU
Published: July 2014

Based on calculations of both the post‐seismic Coulomb failure stress change and coseismic dynamic Coulomb failure stress change caused by the 2008 Wenchuan Ms8.0 earthquake, we simulate the their effects on the time of the nucleation and failure of the 2013 Lushan earthquake fault. Our calculation uses the rate‐ and state‐dependent friction law and viscoelastic relaxation in the middle‐lower crust and upper mantle. Furthermore, the triggering relationship between the Wenchuan and Lushan earthquakes is studied. The results show that the peak value of dynamic stress change on the Lushan earthquake fault induced by Wenchuan event is 0.127 MPa. With the 5‐year accumulation of the viscoelastic relaxation in the middle‐lower crust and upper mantle, the post‐seismic stress change on the Lushan earthquake fault is 0.025 MPa. The results indicate that the process of the nucleation and failure of the Lushan earthquake fault is affected by the post‐seismic Coulomb failure stress change, dynamic stress change and static stress change induced by the Wenchuan earthquake, and the effect of dynamic stress change is more obvious than others. Finally, we investigate the field of stress changes in the study area after the Lushan earthquake.
Activity of Core‐Modified 10–23 DNAzymes against HCV
Authors: Robaldo Laura , Berzal‐Herranz Alfredo , Montserrat Javier M. , Iribarren Adolfo M.
Published: July 2014

The highly conserved untranslated regions of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) play a fundamental role in viral translation and replication and are therefore attractive targets for drug development. A set of modified DNAzymes carrying (2′R)‐, (2′S)‐2′‐deoxy‐2′‐C‐methyl‐ and ‐2′‐O‐methylnucleosides at various positions of the catalytic core were assayed against the 5′‐internal ribosome entry site element (5′‐IRES) region of HCV. Intracellular stability studies showed that the highest stabilization effects were obtained when the DNAzymes′ cores were jointly modified with 2′‐C‐methyl‐ and 2′‐O‐methylnucleosides, yielding an increase by up to fivefold in the total DNAzyme accumulation within the cell milieu within 48 h of transfection. Different regions of the HCV IRES were explored with unmodified 10–23 DNAzymes for accessibility. A subset of these positions was tested for DNAzyme activity using an HCV IRES‐firefly luciferase translation‐dependent RNA (IRES‐FLuc) transcript, in the rabbit reticulocyte lysate system and in the Huh‐7 human hepatocarcinoma cell line. Inhibition of IRES‐dependent translation by up to 65 % was observed for DNAzymes targeting its 285 position, and it was also shown that the modified DNAzymes are as active as the unmodified one.
The impact of atypia/follicular lesion of undetermined significance and repeat fine‐needle aspiration: 5 years before and after implementation of the Bethesda System
Authors: Sullivan Peggy S. , Hirschowitz Sharon L. , Fung Po Chu , Apple Sophia K.
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Limited studies have examined the impact of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (BSRTC) and specifically the category of atypia or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS). We studied their effects on reporting rates, subsequent management, and surgical outcome over a 10‐year period, 5 years before and after implementation of the BSRTC.

METHODS

A retrospective review of thyroid fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) reports from 2003 to 2012 was performed. Diagnoses made before BSRTC were reclassified into the most appropriate category. Repeat FNA results for all AUS/FLUS cases were recorded. Surgical follow‐up results were matched by side and size of the targeted nodule. Incidental microcarcinomas were not considered “malignant” on excision. Malignancy rates were calculated based on excision and by all aspirated specimens.

RESULTS

Initial AUS/FLUS cases increased from 3% to 7% (P = .001) with implementation of the BSRTC. The nondiagnostic rate decreased from 19% to 10% (P = .026). Differences in malignancy rates before and after implementation of the BSRTC were not significant for all diagnostic categories. More repeat FNAs and fewer surgical excisions were performed after an initial AUS/FLUS diagnosis. Repeat FNA reclassified 56% of AUS/FLUS cases into a definitive category. The malignancy risks for AUS/FLUS plus benign and AUS/FLUS plus AUS/FLUS repeat FNAs were elevated compared with single benign and AUS/FLUS diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

AUS/FLUS cases are increasing with the implementation of the BSRTC. Given the potential increase in repeat FNAs as a result, it may be important to alert the clinician regarding the elevated malignancy risk of a benign or AUS/FLUS diagnosis associated with a prior AUS/FLUS finding. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2014;122:866–872. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Algorithms for quantitative quasi‐static elasticity imaging using force data
Authors: Tyagi Mohit , Goenezen Sevan , Barbone Paul E. , Oberai Assad A.
Published: July 2014

Quasi‐static elasticity imaging can improve diagnosis and detection of diseases that affect the mechanical behavior of tissue. In this methodology, images of the shear modulus of the tissue are reconstructed from the measured displacement field. This is accomplished by seeking the spatial distribution of mechanical properties that minimizes the difference between the predicted and the measured displacement fields, where the former is required to satisfy a finite element approximation to the equations of equilibrium. In the absence of force data, the shear modulus is determined only up to a multiplicative constant. In this manuscript, we address the problem of calibrating quantitative elastic modulus reconstructions created from measurements of quasi‐static deformations. We present two methods that utilize the knowledge of the applied force on a portion of the boundary. The first involves rescaling the shear modulus of the original minimization problem to best match the measured force data. This approach is easily implemented but neglects the spatial distribution of tractions. The second involves adding a force‐matching term to the original minimization problem and a change of variables wherein we seek the log of the shear modulus. We present numerical results that demonstrate the usefulness of both methods. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using a sparse promoting method in linear programming approximations to schedule parallel jobs
Authors: Chrétien Stéphane , Nicod Jean‐Marc , Philippe Laurent , Rehn‐Sonigo Veronika , Toch Lamiel
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we tackle the well‐known problem of scheduling a collection of parallel jobs on a set of processors either in a cluster or in a multiprocessor computer. For the makespan objective, that is, the completion time of the last job, this problem has been shown to be NP‐hard, and several heuristics have already been proposed to minimize the execution time. In this paper, we consider both rigid and moldable jobs. Our main contribution is the introduction of a new approach to the scheduling problem, based on the recent discoveries in the field of compressed sensing. In the proposed approach, all possible positions and shapes of the jobs are encoded into a matrix, and the scheduling is performed by selecting the best columns under natural constraints. Thus, the solution to the new scheduling formulation is naturally sparse, and we may use appropriate relaxations to achieve the optimization task in the quickest possible way. Among many possible relaxation strategies, we choose to minimize the ℓp‐quasi‐norm for p∈(0,1). Minimization of the ℓp‐quasi‐norm is implemented via a successive linear programming approximation heuristic. We propose several new algorithms based on this approach, and we assess their efficiency through simulations. The experiments show that the scheme outperforms the classic Largest Task First list based algorithm for scheduling small to medium instances but needs improvements to compete on larger numbers of jobs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Continuous Re‐hyperpolarization of Nuclear Spins Using Parahydrogen: Theory and Experiment
Authors: Hövener Jan‐Bernd , Knecht Stephan , Schwaderlapp Niels , Hennig Jürgen , von Elverfeldt Dominik
Published: July 2014

The continuous re‐hyperpolarization of nuclear spins in the liquid state by means of parahydrogen (para‐H2) and chemical exchange at low magnetic fields was recently discovered and offers intriguing perspectives for many varieties of magnetic resonance. In this contribution, we provide a theoretical assessment of this effect and compare the results to experimental data. A distinct distribution of polarization is found, which shares some features with experimental data and, interestingly, does not directly correspond to the loss of the singlet order of para‐H2. We derived expressions for the magnetic field and para‐H2–substrate interaction time, for which the polarization transfer is maximal. This work sheds light onto the effect of continuous hyperpolarization and elucidates the underlying mechanism, which may facilitate the development of an optimized catalyst. As an application, continuous hyperpolarization may enable highly sensitive nuclear magnetic resonance at very low magnetic fields, for example, for the cost‐efficient screening of drugs.
Tuning the Mechanical and Adsorption Properties of Silica with Graphene Oxide
Authors: Singh Vivek K. , Cura M. Erkin , Liu Xuwen , Johansson Leena‐Sisko , Ge Yanling , Hannula Simo‐Pekka
Published: July 2014

Silica and graphene oxide (GO) were synthesized by modified Stöber and Hummer’s methods, respectively. Silica/GO composite powders of different compositions were obtained by introduction of GO sheets in between silica particles through a hydrothermal synthesis. Composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Density measurements were performed with a pycnometer and chemical analyses of powders were performed by energy‐dispersive X‐ray and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies. Composite powders showed an improvement in the Cu2+ ion adsorption property relative to pure silica. Composite powders were further consolidated at 1200 °C under 50 MPa pressure in vacuum by pulsed electric current sintering. Transparency in the UV/Vis region, the electrical conductivity, and the toughness of consolidated samples were altered by varying the GO content in the starting materials. Studies suggest that the use of GO as a reinforcing agent not only improves the mechanical properties of transparent silica ceramic, but also improves the electrical conductivity and adsorption properties of silica.
Stratified Dipole‐Arrays Model Accounting for Bulk Properties Specific to Perfluoroalkyl Compounds
Authors: Hasegawa Takeshi , Shimoaka Takafumi , Shioya Nobutaka , Morita Kohei , Sonoyama Masashi , Takagi Toshiyuki , Kanamori Toshiyuki
Published: July 2014

Perfluoroalkyl compounds are known to exhibit a hydrophobic character on the surface of the material, although the CF bond has a large dipole, which should make the molecular surface polar and hydrophilic. This inconsistency has long been a chemical matter to be solved. Herein, a stratified dipole‐arrays model is proposed: the molecular polar surface can be fully hidden by forming a two‐dimensional aggregate of perfluoroalkyl (Rf) groups; this aggregate is spontaneously induced by dipole–dipole interaction arrays owing to the helical structure of the Rf group. In this model, a ‘short’ Rf group should play the role of a single Rf group with a hydrophilic character, whereas a ‘long’ Rf group should spontaneously form a hexagonal aggregate. To examine this model, Rf‐containing myristic acids with various Rf lengths have been synthesized and their aggregation properties are analyzed by using the Langmuir monolayer technique aided by precise IR spectroscopic analysis.
Heteroepitaxy of Ga2(1‑x)In2xO3 layers by MOVPE with two different oxygen sources
Authors: Baldini M. , Gogova D. , Irmscher K. , Schmidbauer M. , Wagner G. , Fornari R.
Published: July 2014

Ga2(1‑x)In2xO3 epitaxial layers have been grown on (0001) Al2O3 substrates by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE). The process parameters were optimized and the effects related to the use of two alternative oxygenation sources like O2 and H2O were studied. Different In content x [x = In/(In + Ga)] were investigated in order to determine the In solubility limit in β‐Ga2O3. By using pure O2 during the growth, the In amount detected in the layers increased linearly with the flux of In precursor injected into the reactor, but the X‑ray diffraction patterns showed the presence of In2O3, in addition to β‐Ga2O3, for every In content. The second phase formation was confirmed by a double step feature placed at the absorption edge in optical transmission spectra, compatible with the presence of the two materials. With H2O as an oxygenation source, no In2O3 phase was observed up to x∼0.25. The growth of the mixed Ga2(1‐x)In2xO3 phase was confirmed by XRD spectra, wherein the β‐Ga2O3‐related peaks shifted at lower 2θ angles as expected from the substitution of Ga3+ ions with bigger In3+ ones. The variation of bandgap was confirmed by optical transmittance measurements, which showed a red shift of the absorption edge corresponding to In incorporation.
Fetal behavioral dynamics in cephalic versus breech presentations
Authors: Gonçalves Hernâni , Ayres‐de‐Campos Diogo , Bernardes João
Published: July 2014

Differences in fetal neurodevelopment can have important implications on future perceptual and learning capabilities. The aim of this study was to assess autonomic nervous system and complexity dynamics in fetal heart rate (FHR) tracings from 27 singleton fetuses in cephalic or breech presentations, matched for gestational age (37+3–40+4 weeks), weight, gender and outcome. Breeches exhibited significantly higher mean FHR and LF/(MF + HF) ratio, as well as lower entropy, denoting increased sympatho‐vagal balance and decreased complexity, consistent with the occurrence of more active fetal behavioral states. These findings suggest that there are neurodevelopment differences between fetuses in cephalic and breech presentation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1595–1600, 2014.
Test purchase, identification and synthesis of 2‐amino‐1‐(4‐bromo‐2, 5‐dimethoxyphenyl)ethan‐1‐one (bk‐2C‐B)
Authors: Power John D. , Kavanagh Pierce , O'Brien John , Barry Michael , Twamley Brendan , Talbot Brian , Dowling Geraldine , Brandt Simon D.
Published: July 2014

2‐Amino‐1‐(4‐bromo‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)ethan‐1‐one (bk‐2C‐B) has been recently offered for purchase by a variety of Internet retailers. This substance may be considered a cathinone analogue of the phenethylamine 2‐(4‐bromo‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)ethan‐1‐amine (2C‐B) which suggests that it may have psychoactive effects in humans. A test purchase of bk‐2C‐B was carried out and its identity was confirmed by a range of analytical techniques including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gas and liquid chromatography, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Confirmation was also obtained from the synthesis of bk‐2C‐B based on the implementation of the Delépine reaction in which the α‐brominated intermediate was reacted with hexamethylenetetramine to afford the primary amine. Analysis of underivatized bk‐2C‐B by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) showed that there was potential for artificial formation of 1‐(4‐bromo‐2,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)ethanone and a pyrazine dimer, these substances were not detected when employing liquid chromatographic analysis. Ion chromatography and X‐ray crystallography analysis confirmed that the purchased bk‐2C‐B consisted of a hydrochloride and hydrobromide salt mixture, which indicated that it might have been prepared by the hexamethylenetetramine route followed by hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of the quaternary ammonium salt. X‐ray crystallography also revealed that the purchased (mixed HCl/HBr salt) and synthesized bk‐2C‐B (HCl salt) exists as polymorphs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mmp25β facilitates elongation of sensory neurons during zebrafish development
Authors: Crawford Bryan D. , Po Michelle D. , Saranyan Pillai V. , Forsberg Daniel , Schulz Richard , Pilgrim Dave B.
Published: July 2014

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a large and complex family of zinc‐dependent endoproteinases widely recognized for their roles in remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM) during embryonic development, wound healing, and tissue homeostasis. Their misregulation is central to many pathologies, and they have therefore been the focus of biomedical research for decades. These proteases have also recently emerged as mediators of neural development and synaptic plasticity in vertebrates, however, understanding of the mechanistic basis of these roles and the molecular identities of the MMPs involved remains far from complete. We have identified a zebrafish orthologue of mmp25 (a.k.a. leukolysin; MT6‐MMP), a membrane‐type, furin‐activated MMP associated with leukocytes and invasive carcinomas, but which we find is expressed by a subset of the sensory neurons during normal embryonic development. We detect high levels of Mmp25β expression in the trigeminal, craniofacial, and posterior lateral line ganglia in the hindbrain, and in Rohon‐Beard cells in the dorsal neural tube during the first 48 h of embryonic development. Knockdown of Mmp25β expression with morpholino oligonucleotides results in larvae that are uncoordinated and insensitive to touch, and which exhibit defects in the development of sensory neural structures. Using in vivo zymography, we observe that Mmp25β morphant embryos show reduced Type IV collagen degradation in regions of the head traversed by elongating axons emanating from the trigeminal ganglion, suggesting that Mmp25β may play a pivotal role in mediating ECM remodeling in the vicinity of these elongating axons. genesis 52:833–848, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electronic and Magnetic Properties of a Gadolinium(III) Schiff Base Complex
Authors: Upadhyay Apoorva , Das Chinmoy , Shanmugam Muralidharan , Langley Stuart K. , Murray Keith S. , Shanmugam Maheswaran
Published: July 2014

A mononuclear GdIII Schiff base complex of formula [Gd(HL)2(NO3)3] (1), where HL = 2‐methoxy‐6‐[(E)‐phenyliminomethyl]phenol, has been isolated and its structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. 1H NMR spectroscopic data reveal the zwitterionic nature of the HL ligand upon coordination with the GdIII ion. Direct current (dc) magnetic susceptibility and X‐band EPR measurements were performed to probe the electronic and magnetic properties of complex 1. The susceptibility and magnetization data were fitted simultaneously, resulting in spin‐Hamiltonian parameters: S = 7/2, g = 2.018, and D = 0.108 cm–1. The extracted parameters are in good agreement with the values obtained by fitting the temperature‐dependent polycrystalline X‐band EPR spectra of 1 (S = 7/2, g = 2.005, and D = 0.0815 cm–1; E/D = 0.08). EPR dilution experiments performed on 1 indicates strongly that the anisotropy arises solely from the GdIII ion with undetectably small or no contribution from spin–spin exchange interactions.
Palladium Nanoparticles Stabilized by Glycodendrimers and Their Application in Catalysis
Authors: Gatard Sylvain , Salmon Lionel , Deraedt Christophe , Ruiz Jaime , Astruc Didier , Bouquillon Sandrine
Published: July 2014

Palladium nanoparticles stabilized by glycodendrimers (PdDSNs) in water were prepared by coordination of PdII to intradendritic triazole ligands upon reaction of K2PdCl4 with the dendrimer in water followed by aqueous NaBH4 reduction to Pd0. TEM images show that the PdDSNs are small (average diameter: 2.3 nm) and relatively monodisperse owing to a low concentration of metal precursor. The catalytic activity of these PdDSNs was evaluated for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) to 4‐aminophenol (4‐AP) by NaBH4 (only 0.2 mol‐% of Pd per mol substrate is used) and for the Miyaura–Suzuki C–C coupling with various substituted aryl bromides (only 0.01 mol‐% of Pd per mol substrate is used). Comparisons of the catalytic activities of these PdDSNs with those of larger PdDSNs (diameter: 14 nm) reveal that smaller NPs catalyze faster 4‐NP reduction than their larger counterparts but lack any notable surface dependency for Suzuki–Miyaura catalysis.
Control over spinal nociception as quantified by the nociceptive flexor reflex (RIII reflex) can be achieved under feedback of the RIII reflex
Authors: Ruscheweyh R. , Weinges F. , Schiffer M. , Bäumler M. , Feller M. , Krafft S. , Straube A. , Sommer J. , Marziniak M.
Published: July 2014

Background

Descending pain modulatory systems control transmission of nociceptive information at the spinal level, and their activity can be modified by cognitive and emotional processes. Thus, it may be possible to learn using cognitive–emotional strategies to specifically target descending pathways in order to achieve pain reduction.

Methods

The present study used visual feedback of the nociceptive flexor reflex (RIII reflex) to train healthy subjects over three sessions to reduce their spinal nociception (RIII reflex size) by self‐selected cognitive–emotional strategies. The study included two feedback groups (fixed vs. random stimulation intervals) and a control group without feedback (15 subjects each).

Results

While all three groups successfully reduced their RIII reflexes (p < 0.01), reductions were larger in the feedback groups (p < 0.05). Success increased over training sessions in the feedback groups (p < 0.05). In the third session, RIII was reduced to 90 ± 15% of baseline in the control group, and to 72 ± 24 and 66 ± 22% in the feedback groups. Most subjects used mental imagery or relaxation to achieve RIII reduction. Pain reduction correlated with RIII reduction in the feedback groups, but was not significantly different between feedback and control groups.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that healthy subjects are able to learn using cognitive and emotional strategies to reduce their spinal nociception under feedback of their RIII reflex size. However, future studies will have to include a sham feedback group to differentiate true learning effects from expectancy effects induced by the feedback procedure.