bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebrospinal fluid markers reveal intrathecal inflammation in progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Komori Mika , Blake Andrew , Greenwood Mark , Lin Yen Chih , Kosa Peter , Ghazali Danish , Winokur Paige , Natrajan Muktha , Wuest Simone C. , Romm Elena , Panackal Anil A. , Williamson Peter R. , Wu Tianxia , Bielekova Bibiana
Published: March 2015

Objective

The management of complex patients with neuroimmunological diseases is hindered by an inability to reliably measure intrathecal inflammation. Currently implemented laboratory tests developed >40 years ago either are not dynamic or fail to capture low levels of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. Therefore, we aimed to identify and validate biomarkers of CNS inflammation in 2 blinded, prospectively acquired cohorts of untreated patients with neuroimmunological diseases and embedded controls, with the ultimate goal of developing clinically useful tools.

Methods

Because biomarkers with maximum utility reflect immune phenotypes, we included an assessment of cell specificity in purified primary immune cells. Biomarkers were quantified by optimized electrochemiluminescent immunoassays.

Results

Among markers with cell‐specific secretion, soluble CD27 is a validated biomarker of intrathecal T‐cell activation, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.97. Comparing the quantities of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) immune cells and their respective cell‐specific soluble biomarkers (released by CSF cells as well as their counterparts in CNS tissue) provided invaluable information about stationary CNS immune responses, previously attainable via brain biopsy only. Unexpectedly, progressive and relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have comparable numbers of activated intrathecal T and B cells, which are preferentially embedded in CNS tissue in the former group.

Interpretation

The cell‐specific biomarkers of intrathecal inflammation may improve diagnosis and management of neuroimmunological diseases and provide pharmacodynamic markers for future therapeutic developments in patients with intrathecal inflammation that is not captured by imaging, such as in progressive MS. Ann Neurol 2015;78:3–20
Alkynyl‐Protected Au23 Nanocluster: A 12‐Electron System
Authors: Wan Xian‐Kai , Yuan Shang‐Fu , Tang Qing , Jiang De‐en , Wang Quan‐Ming
Published: March 2015

A 23‐gold‐atom nanocluster was prepared by NaBH4‐mediated reduction of a solution of PhCCAu and Ph3PAuSbF6 in CH2Cl2. The cluster composition was determined to be [Au23(PhCC)9(Ph3P)6]2+ and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction revealed that the cluster has an unprecedented Au17 kernel protected by three PhC2‐Au‐C2(Ph)‐Au‐C2Ph motifs and six Ph3P groups. The Au17 core can be viewed as the fusion of two Au10 units sharing a Au3 triangle. Electronic structure analysis from DFT calculations suggests that the stability of this unusual 12‐electron cluster is a result of the splitting of the superatomic 1D orbitals under D3h symmetry of the Au17 kernel. The discovery and determination of the structure of the Au23 cluster demonstrates the versatility of the alkynyl ligand in leading to the formation of new cluster compounds.
Flow of non‐Newtonian fluids in converging–diverging rigid tubes
Authors: Sochi Taha
Published: March 2015

A residual‐based lubrication method is used to find the flow rate and pressure field in converging‐diverging rigid tubes for the flow of time‐independent category of non‐Newtonian fluids. Five converging‐diverging prototype geometries were used in this investigation in conjunction with two fluid models: Ellis and Herschel‐Bulkley. The method was validated by convergence behavior sensibility tests, convergence to analytical solutions for the straight tubes as special cases for the converging‐diverging tubes, convergence to analytical solutions found earlier for the flow in converging‐diverging tubes of Newtonian fluids as special cases for non‐Newtonian, and convergence to analytical solutions found earlier for the flow of power‐law fluids in converging‐diverging tubes. A brief investigation was also conducted on a sample of diverging‐converging geometries. The method can in principle be extended to the flow of viscoelastic and thixotropic/rheopectic fluid categories. The method can also be extended to geometries varying in size and shape in the flow direction, other than the perfect cylindrically‐symmetric converging‐diverging ones, as long as characteristic flow relations correlating the flow rate to the pressure drop on the discretized elements of the lubrication approximation can be found. These relations can be analytical, empirical and even numerical and hence the method has a wide applicability range. © 2015 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Antitumor Drug Sorafenib on Chick Embryo Development
Authors: Cheng Yi‐Sen , Wang Xiao‐Yu , Wang Guang , Li Yan , Chen Yue‐Lei , Chuai Man‐li , Lee Kenneth Ka Ho , Ding Xiao‐Yan , Yang Xue‐song
Published: March 2015

Sorafenib has been used as an oral anti‐cancer drug because of its ability to inhibit tumor growth. However, the pharmacological effect of sorafenib is still the lack of in vivo experimental evidence. Tumor and embryonic cells share some similar features, so we investigated the effects of sorafenib on the development of gastrulating chick embryos. We found that sorafenib exposure was markedly attributed to the number of embryonic cell in proliferation and apoptosis. We also detected sorafenib significantly interfered with epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, sorafenib treatment impaired the production and migration of neural crest cells. Anat Rec, 298:1271–1281, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Further Data on Sesamoid Identity from Two Anuran Species
Authors: Corina Vera Miriam , Laura Ponssa María , Abdala Virginia
Published: March 2015

Considering that the identification of equivalent entities is the basis for any comparative analysis, we compare the histology, histochemistry, shape and dimensions of epiphyses, carpal and sesamoids in two anuran frogs. Our goal was to explore the morphological correspondence among these three skeletal elements in order to clarify the sesamoid identity. We studied the skeletogenesis, contour geometric morphometry and dimensions of forelimb elements of juveniles of two anurans speciesLeptodactylus bufoniusandRhinella arenarum. Skeletogenesis in anurans present a common trait between carpals and sesamoids: both elements exhibit endochondral ossification. A difference between these elements is the presence of fibrocartilage in the development of sesamoids. The geometric morphometry does not allow us to establish a shape pattern that can be compared either between sesamoids and epiphyses or carpals. With regard to dimensions, our data indicate that bones categorization based on these aspects is ambiguous and therefore is useless to classify of skeletal bones. The data about tissue differentiation of sesamoids provide evidence that support the idea that these elements should be considered part of the typical endowment of the vertebrate skeleton. Anat Rec, 298:1376–1394, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epitope Specificity Determines Pathogenicity and Detectability of Anti–Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor Receptor α Autoantibodies in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Moroncini Gianluca , Grieco Antonella , Nacci Giulia , Paolini Chiara , Tonnini Cecilia , Pozniak Katarzyna N. , Cuccioloni Massimiliano , Mozzicafreddo Matteo , Svegliati Silvia , Angeletti Mauro , Kazlauskas Andrius , Avvedimento Enrico V. , Funaro Ada , Gabrielli Armando
Published: March 2015

Objective

To identify the epitopes recognized by autoantibodies targeting platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and develop novel assays for detection of serum anti‐PDGFRα autoantibodies.

Methods

Epstein‐Barr virus–immortalized B cells from 1 patient with SSc (designated PAM) were screened for expression of IgG binding to PDGFRα and induction of reactive oxygen species in fibroblasts. The variable regions of anti‐PDGFRα IgG were cloned into an IgG expression vector to generate distinct recombinant human monoclonal autoantibodies (mAb), which were characterized by binding and functional assays. The epitopes of anti‐PDGFRα recombinant human mAb were defined by molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance binding assays, screening of a conformational peptide library spanning the PDGFRα extracellular domains, and expression analyses of alanine‐scanned PDGFRα mutants. Direct or competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were established to detect all serum anti‐PDGFRα autoantibodies or, selectively, the agonistic ones.

Results

Three types of anti‐PDGFRα recombinant human mAb, with the same VH but distinct VL chains, were generated. Nonagonistic VHPAM–Vκ13B8 recognized 1 linear epitope, whereas agonistic VHPAM–Vλ16F4 and VHPAM–Vκ16F4 recognized 2 distinct conformational epitopes. Serum anti‐PDGFRα antibodies were detected in 66 of 70 patients with SSc, 63 of 130 healthy controls, 11 of 26 patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), and 13 of 29 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Serum VHPAM–Vκ16F4‐like antibodies were found in 24 of 34 patients with SSc, but not in healthy controls, patients with primary RP, or patients with SLE. Peptides composing the VHPAM–Vκ16F4 epitope inhibited PDGFRα signaling triggered by serum IgG from SSc patients.

Conclusion

Agonistic anti‐PDGFRα autoantibodies are enriched in SSc sera and recognize specific conformational epitopes that can be used to discriminate agonistic from nonagonistic antibodies and block PDGFRα signaling in patients with SSc.
The Simple View of Reading as a framework for national literacy initiatives: a hierarchical model of pupil‐level and classroom‐level factors
Authors: Savage Robert , Burgos Giovani , Wood Eileen , Piquette Noella
Published: March 2015

The Simple View of Reading (SVR) describes Reading Comprehension as the product of distinct child‐level variance in decoding (D) and linguistic comprehension (LC) component abilities. When used as a model for educational policy, distinct classroom‐level influences of each of the components of the SVR model have been assumed, but have not yet been demonstrated in basic research. Hierarchical linear modelling (HLM) of the SVR is thus explored here in a longitudinal experiment with 701 children in 50 grade 1 (year 1) classrooms. Multilevel results showed independent distinct classroom‐level effects for both D and LC with up to 68% of the classroom‐level shared variance explained by these two components. Overall, the model fit thus suggests that the SVR is a good model for framing the underlying structure of classroom‐level literacy attainment in grade 1.
Determination of bergenin based on the electrochemiluminescence quenching of tris(2,2′‐bipyridine)‐ruthenium(II)
Authors: Zhu Yinggui , Zou Lili , Dong Qin , Jiang Derong
Published: March 2015

Quenching effects of bergenin, based on the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of the tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)‐ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+)/tri‐n‐propylamine (TPrA) system in aqueous solution, is been described. The quenching behavior can be observed with a 100‐fold excess of bergenin over Ru(bpy)32+. In the presence of 0.1 m TPrA, the Stern–Volmer constant (KSV) of the ECL quenching is as high as 1.16 × 104 M−1 for bergenin. The logarithmic plot of the inhibited ECL versus logarithmic plot of the concentration of bergenin was linear over the range 3.0 × 10−6–1.0 × 10−4 mol/L. The corresponding limit of detection was 6.0 × 10−7 mol/L for bergenin (S/N = 3). In the mechanism of quenching it is believed that the competition of the active free radicals between Ru(bpy)32+/TPrA and bergenin was the key factor for the ECL inhibition of the system. Photoluminescence, cyclic voltammetry, coupled with bulk electrolysis, supports the supposition mechanism of the Ru(bpy)32+/TPrA–bergenin system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Employment of 4‐(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)phenol as a signal enhancer of the chemiluminescent luminol–H2O2–horseradish peroxidase reaction for detection of hepatitis C virus in real samples
Authors: Liu Jian , Zhang Lili , Fu Chuanyun , Wang Yunshan , Sun Shanhui
Published: March 2015

Highly sensitive detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in serum is a key method for diagnosing and classifying the extent of HCV infection. In this study, a p‐phenol derivative, 4‐(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)phenol (4‐TRP), was employed as an efficient enhancer of the luminol–hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)–horseradish peroxidase (HRP) chemiluminescence (CL) system for detection of HCV. Compared with a traditional enhancer, 4‐TRP strongly enhanced CL intensity with the effect of prolonging and stabilizing light emission. The developed CL system was applied to detecting HCV core antigen (HCV‐cAg) using a sandwich structure inside microwells. Our experimental results showed that there was good linear relationship between CL intensity and HCV‐cAg concentration in the 0.6–3.6 pg/mL range (R = 0.99). The intra‐ and inter‐assay coefficients of variation were 4.5–5.8% and 5.0–7.3%, respectively. In addition, sensitive determination of HCV‐cAg in serum samples using the luminol–H2O2–HRP–4‐TRP CL system was also feasible in clinical settings. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ionizing radiation increases primary cilia incidence and induces multiciliation in C2C12 myoblasts
Authors: Filipová Alžběta , Diaz‐Garcia Daniel , Bezrouk Aleš , Čížková Dana , Havelek Radim , Vávrová Jiřina , Dayanithi Govindan , Řezacová Martina
Published: March 2015

Primary cilia act as physical‐chemical sensors and their functions include the perception of the extracellular milieu, regulation of organogenesis, and cell polarity. In general, these cells are monociliated and the single cilium possesses diverse receptors and channels which are involved in morphogenesis and growth signaling, and are, therefore, important for cell proliferation and differentiation. In this study, we used an in vitro model of C2C12 myoblasts to evaluate the effect of DNA damage induced by gamma ionizing radiation on primary cilia incidence. A significantly higher number of ciliated cells were observed after 1 day post‐irradiation with 2–20 Gy when compared with non‐irradiated cells. After 3 days post‐irradiation, the cilia incidence in cells had decreased slightly when treated with 2, 6, and 10 Gy, although an increase in incidence rate was observed in cells treated with 20 Gy. Multi‐ciliated cells were also detected in myoblasts irradiated with 10 and 20 Gy but not in non‐irradiated cells or after low irradiation (2–6 Gy). Irradiation also caused a dose‐dependent decrease in cell viability and proliferation and corresponding cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, an activation of caspases 3/7, 8, and 9 was observed after higher radiation (10 and 20 Gy) with increased apoptosis. Together, our results show that irradiation by gamma rays promotes myoblast ciliogenesis, with pronounced effects observed after 3 days post‐irradiation. We conclude that irradiation doses of 10 and 20 Gy are sufficient to induce cell death and are responsible for the formation of multiple cilia originating from multiple basal bodies.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) promotes myoblast proliferation and skeletal muscle growth of embryonic chickens via the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway
Authors: Yu Minli , Wang Huan , Xu Yali , Yu Debing , Li Dongfeng , Liu Xiuhong , Du Wenxing
Published: March 2015

During embryonic development, IGF‐1 fulfils crucial roles in skeletal myogenesis. However, the involvement of IGF‐1‐induced myoblast proliferation in muscle growth is still unclear. In the present study, we have characterised the role of IGF‐1 in myoblast proliferation both in vitro and in vivo and have revealed novel details of how exogenous IGF‐1 influences myogenic genes in chicken embryos. The results show that IGF‐1 significantly induces the proliferation of cultured myoblasts in a dose‐dependent manner. Additionally, the IGF‐1 treatment significantly promoted myoblasts entering a new cell cycle and increasing the mRNA expression levels of cell cycle‐dependent genes. However, these effects were inhibited by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and the Akt inhibitor KP372‐1. These data indicated that the pro‐proliferative effect of IGF‐1 was mediated in response to the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. Moreover, we also showed that exogenous IGF‐1 stimulated myoblast proliferation in vivo. IGF‐1 administration obviously promoted the incorporation of BrdU and remarkably increased the number of PAX7‐positive cells in the skeletal muscle of chicken embryos. Administration of IGF‐1 also significantly induced the upregulation of myogenic factors gene, the enhancement of c‐Myc and the inhibition of myostatin (Mstn) expression. These findings demonstrate that IGF‐1 has strong activity as a promoter of myoblast expansion and muscle fiber formation during early myogenesis. Therefore, this study offers insight into the mechanisms responsible for IGF‐1‐mediated stimulation of embryonic skeletal muscle development, which could have important implications for the improvement of chicken meat production.
Asymmetric Carbon–Carbon Bond Formation under Solventless Conditions in Ball Mills
Authors: Jörres Manuel , Aceña José Luis , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Bolm Carsten
Published: March 2015

Solventless asymmetric alkylation of a nickel complex in a ball mill led to α‐amino acid precursors with essentially complete stereochemical control; this outcome is generally superior to that obtained for analogous reactions performed in solution. Extension to aldol chemistry and the potential of the ball‐milling technique in “one‐pot” asymmetric alkylation/click reaction sequences were demonstrated.
In Situ Generated Catalyst System to Convert Biomass‐Derived Levulinic Acid to γ‐Valerolactone
Authors: Tang Xing , Zeng Xianhai , Li Zheng , Li Weifeng , Jiang Yetao , Hu Lei , Liu Shijie , Sun Yong , Lin Lu
Published: March 2015

This is the first report of HCl/ZrO(OH)2 catalysts prepared in situ by the autonomous decomposition of ZrOCl2⋅8 H2O in levulinic acid (LA)/2‐butanol solution, which catalyzed the esterification of LA in tandem with hydrocyclization to γ‐valerolactone (GVL) by Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley (MPV) reduction without the use of external H2. A maximum GVL yield of 92.4 % from neat LA and a GVL formation rate of 1092.2 μmol g−1 min−1 were achieved in 2‐butanol at 240 °C in 2 h. The in situ generated ZrO(OH)2 was characterized comprehensively and its unexpected catalytic efficiency was attributed mainly to its extremely high surface area. A crude LA stream from the acid hydrolysis of cellulose was extracted into 2‐butanol and subjected to this catalyst system to give a GVL yield of 82.0 % even in the presence of humins.
Predicting Permeate Fluxes and Rejection Rates in Reverse Osmosis and Tight‐Nanofiltration Processes
Authors: Lopes Gustavo H. , Ibaseta Nelson , Guichardon Pierrette , Haldenwang Pierre
Published: March 2015

The performance of reverse osmosis and tight nanofiltration with flat‐sheet membranes can be predicted accurately. The proposed numerical model solves the local momentum and mass conservation equations in the module's feed channel with solution‐diffusion boundary conditions. Both qualitative and quantitative predictions of the permeate flux and of the rejection rate are obtained with an accuracy depending on the limitations of the solution‐diffusion model for describing membrane mass transport and on the value of solute permeability. As an extension of the applications to plate‐and‐frame modules, the ability to describe the performance of processes carried out with spiral‐wound modules is also tested with own desalination experiments and with data from the literature.
Theoretical Studies on the Asymmetric Baeyer–Villiger Oxidation Reaction of 4‐Phenylcyclohexanone with m‐Chloroperoxobenzoic Acid Catalyzed by Chiral Scandium(III)–N,N′‐Dioxide Complexes
Authors: Yang Na , Su Zhishan , Feng Xiaoming , Hu Changwei
Published: March 2015

The mechanism and enantioselectivity of the asymmetric Baeyer–Villiger oxidation reaction between 4‐phenylcyclohexanone and m‐chloroperoxobenzoic acid (m‐CPBA) catalyzed by ScIII–N,N′‐dioxide complexes were investigated theoretically. The calculations indicated that the first step, corresponding to the addition of m‐CPBA to the carbonyl group of 4‐phenylcyclohexanone, is the rate‐determining step (RDS) for all the pathways studied. The activation barrier of the RDS for the uncatalyzed reaction was predicted to be 189.8 kJ mol−1. The combination of an ScIII–N,N′‐dioxide complex and the m‐CBA molecule can construct a bifunctional catalyst in which the Lewis acidic ScIII center activates the carbonyl group of 4‐phenylcyclohexanone while m‐CBA transfers a proton, which lowers the activation barrier of the addition step (RDS) to 86.7 kJ mol−1. The repulsion between the m‐chlorophenyl group of m‐CPBA and the 2,4,6‐iPr3C6H2 group of the N,N′‐dioxide ligand, as well as the steric hindrance between the phenyl group of 4‐phenylcyclohexanone and the amino acid skeleton of the N,N′‐dioxide ligand, play important roles in the control of the enantioselectivity.
Controllable Assembly and Separation of Colloidal Nanoparticles through a One‐Tube Synthesis Based on Density Gradient Centrifugation
Authors: Qi Xiaohan , Li Minglin , Kuang Yun , Wang Cheng , Cai Zhao , Zhang Jin , You Shusen , Yin Meizhen , Wan Pengbo , Luo Liang , Sun Xiaoming
Published: March 2015

Self‐assembly of gold nanoparticles into one‐dimensional (1D) nanostructures with finite primary units was achieved by introducing a thin salt (NaCl) solution layer into density gradient before centrifugation. The electrostatic interactions between Au nanoparticles would be affected and cause 1D assembly upon passing through the salt layer. A negatively charged polymer such as poly(acrylic acid) was used as an encapsulation/stabilization layer to help the formation of 1D Au assemblies, which were subsequently sorted according to unit numbers at succeeding separation zones. A centrifugal field was introduced as the external field to overcome the random Brownian motion of NPs and benefit the assembly effect. Such a facile “one‐tube synthesis” approach couples assembly and separation in one centrifuge tube by centrifuging once. The method can be tuned by changing the concentration of interference salt layer, encapsulation layer, and centrifugation rate. Furthermore, positively charged fluorescent polymers such as perylenediimide‐poly(N,N‐diethylaminoethyl methacrylate) could encapsulate the assemblies to give tunable fluorescence properties.
Vinylic MIDA Boronates: New Building Blocks for the Synthesis of Aza‐Heterocycles
Authors: Llona‐Minguez Sabin , Desroses Matthieu , Ghassemian Artin , Jacques Sylvain A. , Eriksson Lars , Isacksson Rebecka , Koolmeister Tobias , Stenmark Pål , Scobie Martin , Helleday Thomas
Published: March 2015

A two‐step synthesis of structurally diverse pyrrole‐containing bicyclic systems is reported. ortho‐Nitro‐haloarenes coupled with vinylic N‐methyliminodiacetic acid (MIDA) boronates generate ortho‐vinyl‐nitroarenes, which undergo a “metal‐free” nitrene insertion, resulting in a new pyrrole ring. This novel synthetic approach has a wide substrate tolerance and it is applicable in the preparation of more complex “drug‐like” molecules. Interestingly, an ortho‐nitro‐allylarene derivative furnished a cyclic β‐aminophosphonate motif.
Copper‐Catalyzed Trifluoromethylation of Trisubstituted Allylic and Homoallylic Alcohols
Authors: Lei Jian , Liu Xiaowu , Zhang Shaolin , Jiang Shuang , Huang Minhao , Wu Xiaoxing , Zhu Qiang
Published: March 2015

An efficient copper‐catalyzed trifluoromethylation of trisubstituted allylic and homoallylic alcohols with Togni’s reagent has been developed. This strategy, accompanied by a double‐bond migration, leads to various branched CF3‐substituted alcohols by using readily available trisubstituted cyclic/acyclic alcohols as substrates. Moreover, for alcohols in which β‐H elimination is prohibited, CF3‐containing oxetanes are isolated as the sole product.
Synthesis and Characterization of Biphenylene‐Containing Diazaacenes
Authors: Biegger Philipp , Schaffroth Manuel , Patze Christian , Tverskoy Olena , Rominger Frank , H. F. Bunz Uwe
Published: March 2015

We describe the efficient synthesis of substituted benzo[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2‐b]phenazine, benzo[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2]benzo[1,2‐i]phenazine, and benzo[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2‐b]naphtho[2,3‐i]phenazine by a condensation reaction of aromatic diamines with the stable biphenylene‐2,3‐dione.
Improving Singlet Oxygen Resistance during Photochemical Water Oxidation by Cobalt Porphyrin Catalysts
Authors: Nakazono Takashi , Parent Alexander R. , Sakai Ken
Published: March 2015

Enabling the production of solar fuels on a global scale through artificial photosynthesis requires the development of water oxidation catalysts with significantly improved stability. The stability of photosystems is often reduced owing to attack by singlet oxygen, which is produced during light harvesting. Here, we report photochemical water oxidation by CoFPS, a fluorinated Co‐porphyrin designed to resist attack by singlet oxygen. CoFPS exhibits significantly improved stability relative to its non‐fluorinated analogue, as shown by a large increase in turnover numbers. This increased stability results from resistance of CoFPS to attack by singlet oxygen, the formation of which was monitored in situ by using 9,10‐diphenylanthracene as a chemical probe. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) confirms that CoFPS remains homogeneous, proving its stability during water oxidation catalysis.
Highly Active Phosphine‐Free Bifunctional Iron Complex for Hydrogenation of Bicarbonate and Reductive Amination
Authors: Thai Trieu‐Tien , Mérel Delphine S. , Poater Albert , Gaillard Sylvain , Renaud Jean‐Luc
Published: March 2015

Based on a “transition metal frustrated Lewis pair” approach, a cyclopentadienone iron tricarbonyl complex has been designed and applied in the reductive amination and hydrogenation of bicarbonate. This well‐defined phosphine‐free complex displays the best activities reported to date for an iron complex in the reduction of bicarbonate into formate and in reductive amination.
BiomassPyrolysisRefinery – Herstellung von nachhaltigen Treibstoffen
Authors: Schwaiger Nikolaus , Feiner Roland , Pucher Hannes , Ellmaier Lisa , Ritzberger Jürgen , Treusch Klara , Pucher Peter , Siebenhofer Matthäus
Published: March 2015

In der BiomassPyrolysisRefinery wird Lignocellulose in zwei Stufen verflüssigt. In der ersten Stufe wird Lignocellulose durch Flüssigphasenpyrolyse (FPP) in flüssige und feste Zwischenprodukte umgewandelt. Erprobt wird die FFP im Pilotmaßstab in der OMV Raffinerie Schwechat. Dabei entstehen aus der Biomasse Flüssigphasenpyrolyseöl, Pyrolysekohle, Gase und 10 – 20 % flüssige Pyrolyseprodukte, die direkt in der Raffinierie zu Treibstoffen weiterverwertet werden. In der zweiten Stufe wird Pyrolysekohle in Tetralin als Wasserstoffdonor verflüssigt und das Flüssigphasenpyrolyseöl durch Hydrodeoxygenierung unter Wasserstoffdruck in flüssigen Treibstoff umgewandelt.
Understanding Disease–Drug Interactions in Cancer Patients: Implications for Dosing Within the Therapeutic Window
Authors: Coutant DE , Kulanthaivel P , Turner PK , Bell RL , Baldwin J , Wijayawardana SR , Pitou C , Hall SD
Published: March 2015

The human inflammatory response can result in the alteration of drug clearance through effects on metabolizing enzymes or transporters. In this article we briefly review the theory of how cancer can lead to indirect changes in drug metabolism, review acute phase proteins and cytokines as markers of changes in cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity in cancer patients, and provide clinical case examples of how the inflammation in advanced cancer patients can lead to altered CYP‐mediated drug clearance.
Nanoporous Ru as a Carbon‐ and Binder‐Free Cathode for Li–O2 Batteries
Authors: Liao Kaiming , Zhang Tao , Wang Yongqing , Li Fujun , Jian Zelang , Yu Haijun , Zhou Haoshen
Published: March 2015

Porous carbon‐free cathodes are critical to achieve a high discharge capacity and efficient cycling for rechargeable Li–O2 battery. Herein, we present a very simple method to directly grow nanoporous Ru (composed of polycrystalline particles of ∼5 nm) on one side of a current collector of Ni foam via a galvanic replacement reaction. The resulting Ru@Ni can be employed as a carbon‐ and binder‐free cathode for Li–O2 batteries and delivers a specific capacity of 3720 mAh gRu−1 at a current density of 200 mA gRu−1. 100 cycles of continuous discharge and charge are obtained at a very narrow terminal voltage window of 2.75∼3.75 V with a limited capacity of 1000 mAh gRu−1. The good performance of the nanoporous Ru@Ni cathode can be mainly attributed to the effective suppression of the by‐products related to carbon or binder, the good adhesion of the catalyst to the current collector, and the good permeation of O2 and electrolyte into the active sites of the nanoporous Ru with the open pore system. This new type electrode provides a snapshot toward developing high‐performance carbon‐ and binder‐free Li–O2 batteries.
Incorporation of a Metal Oxide Interlayer using a Virus‐Templated Assembly for Synthesis of Graphene‐Electrode‐Based Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Lee Yong Man , Kim Wanjung , Kim Young Hun , Kim Jung Kyu , Jang Ji‐ryang , Choe Woo‐Seok , Park Jong Hyeok , Yoo Pil J.
Published: March 2015

Transition metal oxide (TMO) thin films have been exploited as interlayers for charge extraction between electrodes and active layers in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. Additionally, graphene‐electrode‐based OPVs have received considerable attention as a means to enhance device stability. However, the film deposition process of a TMO thin‐film layer onto the graphene electrode is highly restricted owing to the hydrophobic nature of the graphene surface; thus, the preparation of the device should rely on a vacuum process that is incompatible with solution processing. In this study, we present a novel means for creating a thin tungsten oxide (WO3) interlayer on a graphene electrode by employing an engineered biotemplate of M13 viruses, whereby nondestructive functionalization of the graphene and uniform synthesis of a WO3 thin interlayer are concurrently achieved. As a result, the incorporated virus‐templated WO3 interlayer exhibited solar‐conversion efficiency that was 20 % higher than that of conventional OPVs based on the use of a (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) interlayer. Notably, bilayer‐structured OPVs with synergistically integrated WO3/PEDOT:PSS achieved >60 % enhancement in device performance.
A bio‐inspired OSPF path selection scheme based on an adaptive attractor selection model
Authors: Gong Weibing , Yang Xiaolong , Zhang Min , Long Keping
Published: March 2015

Current Internet Protocol routers only support equal cost multi‐path routing, which performs the random path selection or the traffic uniform distribution among equal‐cost paths. In biology, an adaptive attractor selection model is presented to simulate the concentration changes of two kinds of Escherichia coli's mRNA in changing nutrition environments with bistability equations. Inspired by the metabolism behaviors of E. coli, we propose an adaptive path selection scheme Open Shortest Path First‐path selection by attractor selection to dynamically select the transmission path by the real‐time path quality. Here, the mRNA concentration is analogous to the path quality. Then, to reflect the multipath quality, multi‐stability equations are adopted and redesigned. Our scheme consists of two main features. The first one is a redefined path‐activity to indicate multipath transmission goodness, which is inversely proportional to the offset between current path quality and best path quality. And the second one is a new attractor expression of the multi‐stability equations to concretely specify the effect of a stochastic item noise in the equations on the path selection. Compared with the greedy selection and the uniform random selection in file transfer protocol (FTP) service, our scheme gains better performance on reducing file transmission time, traffic throughput, and traffic dropped. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An exploratory examination of patient and parental self‐efficacy as predictors of weight gain in adolescents with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Byrne Catherine E. , Accurso Erin C. , Arnow Katherine D. , Lock James , Le Grange Daniel
Published: March 2015

Objective

To determine whether increases in adolescent or parental self‐efficacy predicted subsequent weight gain in two different therapies for adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN).

Method

Participants were 121 adolescents with AN (M = 14.4 years, SD = 1.6), from a two‐site randomized clinical trial for family‐based treatment (FBT) and individual adolescent focused therapy (AFT). Both adolescent and parental self‐efficacy were assessed at baseline and sessions 2, 4, 6, and 8. Adolescent self‐efficacy was assessed using a generic measure of self‐efficacy, while parental self‐efficacy was assessed using a measure specific to the recovery of an eating disorder. Weight was assessed at baseline, sessions 1 through 8, and end of treatment. Mixed‐effects models were used to evaluate the relation between patient and parent self‐efficacy and subsequent weight gain, controlling for weight at the previous time point.

Results

For families who received FBT, greater within‐treatment increases in parental self‐efficacy predicted greater subsequent adolescent weight gain compared to those who received FBT with lesser change in parental self‐efficacy and those who received AFT. Interestingly, adolescent self‐efficacy did not significantly predict subsequent weight gain.

Discussion

Greater increases in parental self‐efficacy predicted significantly greater subsequent weight gain for adolescents who received FBT, but the same was not true for adolescents who received AFT. Neither overall level nor change in adolescent self‐efficacy significantly predicted subsequent weight gain in either treatment group. These findings emphasize the importance of increasing parental self‐efficacy in FBT in order to impact adolescent weight outcomes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:883–888)
Prevalence of and familial influences on purging disorder in a community sample of female twins
Authors: Munn‐Chernoff Melissa A. , Keel Pamela K. , Klump Kelly L. , Grant Julia D. , Bucholz Kathleen K. , Madden Pamela A.F. , Heath Andrew C. , Duncan Alexis E.
Published: March 2015

Objective

Purging disorder (PD) was recently included as an otherwise specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) in the DSM‐5; however, limited information is available on its prevalence, and its etiology is unknown.

Method

Data from 1,790 monozygotic and 1,440 dizygotic European American female twins (age range = 18–29 years) from the Missouri Adolescent Female Twin Study were used to investigate prevalence and familial influences for PD. A structured clinical interview assessed lifetime DSM‐IV criteria for eating disorders and PD. After adjustment for age, twin correlations and biometrical twin models were used to estimate familial (i.e., genetic plus shared environmental) influences on PD.

Results

One hundred and twenty one (3.77%; 95% CI: 3.14, 4.49) women met criteria for lifetime PD. Twin correlations suggested that genetic, shared environmental, and nonshared environmental factors influenced liability to PD. Nonshared environmental factors accounted for 56% [35%, 79%] of the variance in PD. Although familial effects accounted for a significant proportion of variance (44% [21%, 65%]), it was not possible to disentangle the independent contributions of additive genetic effects (20% [0%, 65%]) and shared environmental effects (24% [0%, 57%]).

Discussion

PD is a prevalent form of eating pathology. Familial factors are relevant to the development of PD but do not demonstrate the magnitude of heritable factors found for other eating disorders. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:601–606)
Polyandry in dragon lizards: inbred paternal genotypes sire fewer offspring
Authors: Frère Celine H. , Chandrasoma Dani , Whiting Martin J.
Published: March 2015

Multiple mating in female animals is something of a paradox because it can either be risky (e.g., higher probability of disease transmission, social costs) or provide substantial fitness benefits (e.g., genetic bet hedging whereby the likelihood of reproductive failure is lowered). The genetic relatedness of parental units, particularly in lizards, has rarely been studied in the wild. Here, we examined levels of multiple paternity in Australia's largest agamid lizard, the eastern water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii), and determined whether male reproductive success is best explained by its heterozygosity coefficient or the extent to which it is related to the mother. Female polyandry was the norm: 2/22 clutches (9.2%) were sired by three or more fathers, 17/22 (77.2%) were sired by two fathers, and only 3/22 (13.6%) clutches were sired by one father. Moreover, we reconstructed the paternal genotypes for 18 known mother–offspring clutches and found no evidence that females were favoring less related males or that less related males had higher fitness. However, males with greater heterozygosity sired more offspring. While the postcopulatory mechanisms underlying this pattern are not understood, female water dragons likely represent another example of reproduction through cryptic means (sperm selection/sperm competition) in a lizard, and through which they may ameliorate the effects of male‐driven precopulatory sexual selection.
Temporal patterns in Saturnidae (silk moth) and Sphingidae (hawk moth) assemblages in protected forests of central Uganda
Authors: Akite Perpetra , Telford Richard J. , Waring Paul , Akol Anne M. , Vandvik Vigdis
Published: March 2015

Forest‐dependent biodiversity is threatened throughout the tropics by habitat loss and land‐use intensification of the matrix habitats. We resampled historic data on two moth families, known to play central roles in many ecosystem processes, to evaluate temporal changes in species richness and community structure in three protected forests in central Uganda in a rapidly changing matrix. Our results show some significant declines in the moth species richness and the relative abundance and richness of forest‐dependent species over the last 20–40 years. The observed changes in species richness and composition among different forests, ecological types, and moth groups highlight the need to repeatedly monitor biodiversity even within protected and relatively intact forests.
Effects of natural and artificial selection on survival of columnar cacti seedlings: the role of adaptation to xeric and mesic environments
Authors: Guillén Susana , Terrazas Teresa , Casas Alejandro
Published: March 2015

Escontria chiotilla, Polaskia chichipe, and Stenocereus pruinosus are species of Mexican columnar cacti that are economically important because of their edible fruits. These species are managed by gathering fruits from the wild, silvicultural management in agroforestry systems, and cultivation in home gardens. Previous studies reported that artificial selection favored individuals that produced larger fruits, which indirectly led to the production of larger seeds and seedlings, with possible effects on survival. We hypothesized that seedlings from managed populations would be larger but more susceptible to xeric conditions than those from wild populations. We evaluated the effects of artificial and natural selection on seedling survival of the three species in wild and managed populations, which were managed with low and high intensity, respectively. We tested seedling performance in gradients of shade (0, 40, and 80%) and humidity (low and high). A GLM of seedling survival showed significant differences among species, shade, and humidity treatments, with each species having environmental requirements associated with their particular adaptations. High humidity decreased seedling survival of all species, and high solar radiation decreased survival of S. pruinosus and P. chichipe. The effect of management type was significant only in S. pruinosus. Significant differences in the initial growth of seedlings among species were detected with ANOVA. In optimal conditions, the hypocotyl and the cotyledons decreased in size and the epicotyl grew, whereas under stress, these structures remained unchanged. The optimum conditions of shade and humidity varied among species and management types. The seedlings of S. pruinosus were the largest and the most susceptible, but in all species, seedlings from managed populations were more susceptible to environmental conditions. Thus, artificial selection influenced the susceptibility of these cacti to xeric environments.
Hypercapnia in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Konishi Masaaki , Akiyama Eiichi , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Iwahashi Noriaki , Maejima Nobuhiko , Tsukahara Kengo , Hibi Kiyoshi , Kosuge Masami , Ebina Toshiaki , Sakamaki Kentaro , Matsuzawa Yasushi , Endo Mitsuaki , Umemura Satoshi , Kimura Kazuo
Published: March 2015

Aims

Non‐invasive positive pressure ventilation rapidly improves the symptoms of acute heart failure (AHF). A portion of patients, however, are forced to be intubated even though intubation is associated with serious complications, and hypercapnia is often observed in AHF requiring intubation. The purpose of this study is to examine the clinical profile and management of hypercapnia in AHF patients.

Methods and results

We examined the arterial blood gas analysis in 193 consecutive AHF patients (73 ± 12 years, 61% men) at admission. Many patients (n = 129, 66.8%) had already been treated with oxygen by the ambulance staff. Hypercapnia (PaCO2 at admission >45 mmHg) and hypocapnia (PaCO2 < 35 mmHg) were observed in 33.7% and 32.6%, respectively. Whereas 16 (24.6%) hypercapnic patients were intubated, there were only one (1.5%) normocapnic and no hypocapnic patients intubated. Patients with hypercapnia are more likely to be in the New York Heart Association Class IV (96.9% vs. 78.9%, P < 0.001), to have acute onset within 6 h (50.8% vs. 25.0%, P < 0.001), and to have radiographic pulmonary oedema (84.6% vs. 57.8%, P < 0.001) than those with hypo‐normocapnia. Hypercapnia was more frequent in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema than in those with acute decompensated heart failure (51.9% vs. 23.6%, P < 0.001). At discharge, hypercapnia was observed in 17.8% of patients who were hypercapnic at admission.

Conclusion

Hypercapnia emerged in AHF acutely and transiently, was associated with immediate airway intervention, and was possibly involved in the pathophysiology of acute pulmonary oedema. Patients with acute onset dyspnoea should have their respiratory status carefully managed. These pathophysiological findings are expected to be utilized in treating or preventing AHF.
Potent Reactivity in Solubilised Oxo‐Titanium Polymers
Authors: Nielson Alastair J. , Waters Joyce M.
Published: March 2015

[TiO(salen)]n polymers are solubilised in aldehyde solution giving highly reactive entities. Unprecedented carbon‐based chemistry is demonstrated by the formation of new ligands about the titanium centre. Identified by X‐ray crystallography are a polymer deconstructed [Ti(salen)] oxo dimer, a [Ti(salen)] catecholato complex and an unusual [Ti(salen)] diolato complex. Formation of the new ligands appears to be related to the salicylidene ligand aromatic ring ortho substituent and the aldehyde used.
Lipase‐catalyzed regioselective synthesis of flavone C‐glucosides esters and high‐efficiency oil‐soluble antioxidant of bamboo leaves (eAOB‐o)
Authors: Liu Lingyi , Pang Meirong , Zhang Ying
Published: March 2015

AOB‐w is a water‐soluble antioxidant extracted from bamboo leaves, containing four flavone C‐glucosides (orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, and isovitexin) as functional components. Flavone C‐glucoside esters were firstly synthesized by three lipases (CALB, RM IM, and TL IM) in organic solvent system or solvent‐free system. Results indicated that C12 fatty acid ester exhibited the optimal antioxidant capacity, CALB was the most efficient lipase in both systems, and higher conversion yields were achieved in solvent‐free system. Highest conversion was obtained with 1% water content for CALB and 2% water content for RM IM and TL IM. All lipases displayed absolute 6″‐regioselectivities with monoester. It is required to consider both of hydrophobicity and antioxidant capacity to prepare high‐efficiency oil‐soluble antioxidant. Regression equations were built up to illuminate the relationship between conversion yield of flavone C‐glucoside and antioxidant capacity of its corresponding ester. Highest antioxidant capacity could be achieved when conversion yield was nearly 60% for flavone C‐glucosides. Based on reaction parameters of flavone C‐glucosides, high‐efficiency eAOB‐o was prepared, which could be expected as an excellent oil‐soluble antioxidant in lipids.

Practical applications: Water‐soluble antioxidant of bamboo leaves (AOB‐w) is a natural food antioxidant extracted from bamboo leaves, with four flavone C‐glucosides (orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, and isovitexin) as functional components. This study aimed to provide a practical procedure to prepare high‐efficiency lipid antioxidant by enzymatic acylation. Based on the optimal parameters from the synthesis of flavone C‐glucoside esters, high‐efficiency oil‐soluble antioxidant of bamboo leaves (eAOB‐o) was prepared. eAOB‐o exhibited higher antioxidant capacity than cAOB‐o, which has been approved as food antioxidants in China.

High‐efficiency acylation products were obtained by consideration both of lipid solubility and antioxidant capacity. Based on the rule, flavone C‐glucoside ester and eAOB‐o were prepared.
DNA Electrochemical Aptasensor for Detecting Fumonisins B1 Based on Graphene and Thionine Nanocomposite
Authors: Shi Zhi‐Yu , Zheng Ya‐Ting , Zhang Hao‐Bo , He Cheng‐Hua , Wu Wen‐Da , Zhang Hai‐Bin
Published: March 2015

In this paper, a novel aptasensor was designed by with the dual amplification of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) and graphene/thionine nanocomposites (GS‐TH) for sensitive determination of fumonisins B1 (FB1). AuNPs is modified at the electrode surface to increase the electrical conductivity and fabricate specific recognition interface for FB1 through the hybridization of capture DNA and its aptamer. Large number of TH molecules were loaded at the surface of graphene sheet to served as electrochemical probe and increase its electrochemical signal due to the excellent conductivity and large surface area of graphene sheet. This type of nanocomposites is then assembled to the single strand section of FB1 aptamer at electrode surface by π–π stacking interactions between them, leading to an enhanced electrochemical signal. After the specific combination between FB1 aptamer and its target (FB1) in solution, GS–TH was released from electrode surface, resulting in a decreased electrochemical signal. The result demonstrated that the decreased currents were proportional to the FB1 concentration in the range of 1–106 pg/mL with a detection limit of 1 pg/mL. Besides, the developed aptasensor was also applied successfully for the determination of FB1 in feed samples. The result shows this aptasensor has a higher sensitivity and selectivity.
One Step Fabrication of Au Nanoparticles‐Ni‐Al Layered Double Hydroxide Composite Film for the Determination of L‐Cysteine
Authors: Wu Liping , Li Jing , Zhang Hui‐Min
Published: March 2015

This paper reports the fabrication of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs)‐Ni‐Al layerd double hydroxide (LDH) composite film by one step electrochemical deposition on the surface of a glass carbon electrode from the mixture solution containing HAuCl4 and nitrate salts of Ni2+ and Al3+. Improved conductivity was obtained by Au NPs codeposited on LDH film. The synergic effect of LDHs and Au NPs dramatically improves the performance of L‐cysteine electro‐oxidation, displaying low oxidation peak potential (0.16 V) and high current response. Thus the electrode was used to sense L‐cysteine, showing good sensitivity and selectivity.