bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing the compatibility of poly(l‐lactide)/poly(para‐dioxanone) blends through the addition of poly(para‐dioxanone‐co‐l‐lactide)
Authors: Xie Xulong , Bai Wei , Wu Ai , Chen Dongliang , Xiong Chengdong , Tang Congming , Pang Xiubing
Published: August 2014

To modify the mechanical properties of a poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA)/poly(para‐dioxanone) (PPDO) 85/15 blend, poly(para‐dioxanone‐co‐l‐lactide) (PDOLLA) was used as a compatibilizer. The 85/15 PLLA/PPDO blends containing 1–5 wt % of the random copolymer PDOLLA were prepared by solution coprecipitation. Then, the thermal, morphological, and mechanical properties of the blends with different contents of PDOLLA were studied via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and tensile testing, respectively. The DSC result revealed that the addition of PDOLLA into the blends only slightly changed the thermal properties by inhibiting the crystallization degree of the poly(l‐lactide) in the polymer blends. The SEM photos indicated that the addition of 3 wt % PDOLLA into the blend was ideal for making the interface between the PLLA and PPDO phases unclear. The tensile testing result demonstrated that the mechanical properties of the blends containing 3 wt % PDOLLA were much improved with a tensile strength of 48 MPa and a breaking elongation of 214%. Therefore, we concluded that the morphological and mechanical properties of the PLLA/PPDO 85/15 blends could be tailored by the addition of the PDOLLA as a compatibilizer and that the blend containing a proper content of PDOLLA had the potential to be used as a medical implant material. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41323.
Surface‐tethered conjugated polymers created via the grafting‐from approach
Authors: Saha Sampa , Baker Gregory L.
Published: August 2014

Polyacrylate brushes with pendent terthiophenes [poly(terthiophene methyl methacrylate) (PTTMM)] were successfully grown from indium tin oxide and gold with surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. The films formed on both substrates were characterized by ellipsometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Using cyclic voltammetry, we electrochemically crosslinked the PTTMM brush to form a conjugated polymer network. The conjugation lengths in the film were increased as evidenced by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. Additionally, an atomic force microscopy study on the surface‐modified solid substrate revealed the formation of a smooth and uniform polymer brush with a low surface roughness, even after electrochemical crosslinking. These uniformly grafted conducting polymer brushes may find use in photovoltaic devices. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41363.
Universal Practical Tracking Control of a Planar Underactuated Vehicle
Authors: Wen‐Jing Xie , Bao‐Li Ma
Published: August 2014

In this article, a universal controller is proposed for a planar underactuated vehicle to track arbitrary trajectories including feasible/non‐feasible ones and fixed points. The controller design relies on several coordinate/input transformations, auxiliary trajectory design and the back‐stepping technique. The stability analysis shows that the position and orientation tracking errors are uniformly globally practically asymptotically convergent (UGPAC), and the velocity tracking errors are uniformly globally asymptotically convergent (UGAC) to a ball of origin. Moreover, if the tracked target is in uniform rectilinear motion or motionless, the whole closed‐loop tracking error system is uniformly globally practically asymptotically stable (UGPAS). The effectiveness of proposed control law is verified by simulation examples.
Further evidence suggesting a role for variation in ARHGAP29 variants in nonsyndromic cleft lip/palate
Authors: Letra Ariadne , Maili Lorena , Mulliken John B. , Buchanan Edward , Blanton Susan H. , Hecht Jacqueline T.
Published: August 2014

Background

Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is a common birth defect of complex etiology. Several genes have been implicated in the etiology of NSCL/P, although only a few have been replicated across datasets.

Methods

ARHGAP29 was suggested as a candidate gene for NSCL/P as it is located in close proximity to ABCA4 (1p22), a gene previously identified in a genome‐wide association study of NSCL/P.

Results

Rare, potentially damaging, coding variants in ARHGAP29 were found in NSCL/P cases, and its expression was detected during murine craniofacial development. In this study, we investigated whether variations in ARHGAP29 were associated with NSCL/P in our family based dataset. Five single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) flanking and within ARHGAP29 were genotyped in our NSCL/P datasets consisting of simplex and multiplex families of non‐Hispanic white (NHW, primarily European) and Hispanic ethnicities. Results showed strong association of three ARHGAP29 SNPs with NSCL/P in the NHW families. Two intronic SNPs (rs1541098 and rs3789688) showed strong association with NSCL/P in all NHW families (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.0002, respectively), and simplex NHW families (p = 0.003 for both SNPs). A SNP in the 3′ untranslated region (rs1576593) also showed strong association with NSCL/P in all NHW families (p = 0.002), and the multiplex subset (p = 0.002). ARHGAP29 SNP haplotypes were also associated with NSCL/P. Evidence of gene–gene interaction was found between ARHGAP29 and additional cleft susceptibility genes.

Conclusion

This study further supports ARHGAP29 as a candidate gene for human NSCL/P in families of Caucasian descent. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 100:679–685, 2014 © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous determination and pharmacokinetic study of gambogic acid and gambogenic acid in rat plasma after oral administration of Garcinia hanburyi extracts by LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Hua Xiangdong , Liang Chuang , Dong Lei , Qu Xiaotong , Zhao Tong
Published: August 2014

Gambogic acid and gambogenic acid are two major bioactive components of Garcinia hanburyi, and play a pivotal role in biologic activity. In this study, a specific and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of gambogic acid and gambogenic acid in rat plasma. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 column using an isocratic elution with methanol–10 m m ammonium acetate buffer–acetic acid (90:10:0.1, v/v/v) as the mobile phase. The detection was performed on a triple–quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer equipped with electrospray positive ionization using multiple reaction monitoring modes. The transitions monitored were m/z 629.3 [M + H]+ → 573.2 for gambogic acid, m/z 631.2 [M + H]+ → 507.2 for gambogenic acid and m/z 444.2 [M + NH4]+ → 83.1 for IS. Linear calibration curves were obtained in the concentration range of 2.00–1000 ng/mL for gambogic acid and 0.500–250 ng/mL for gambogenic acid. The lower limits of quantification of gambogic acid and gambogenic acid in rat plasma were 2.00 and 0.500 ng/mL, respectively. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision (RSD) values were <11.7% and accuracy (RE) was −10.6–12.4% at three QC levels for both analytes. The assay was successfully applied to evaluate pharmacokinetics behavior in rats after oral administration of Garcinia hanburyi extracts. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors affecting the determination of cerebrovascular reactivity
Authors: Regan Rosemary E. , Fisher Joseph A. , Duffin James
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose

Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), measures the ability of the cerebrovasculature to respond to vasoactive stimuli such as CO2. CVR is often expressed as the ratio of cerebral blood flow change to CO2 change. We examine several factors affecting this measurement: blood pressure, stimulus pattern, response analysis and subject position.

Methods

Step and ramp increases in CO2 were implemented in nine subjects, seated and supine. Middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (MCAv), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were determined breath‐by‐breath. Cerebrovascular conductance (MCAc) was estimated as MCAv/MAP. CVR was calculated from both the relative and absolute measures of MCAc and MCAv responses.

Results

MAP increased with CO2 in some subjects so that relative CVR calculated from conductance responses were less than those calculated from CVR calculated from velocity responses. CVR measured from step responses were affected by the response dynamics, and were less than those calculated from CVR measured from ramp responses. Subject position did not affect CVR.

Conclusions

(1) MAP increases with CO2 and acts as a confounding factor for CVR measurement; (2) CVR depends on the stimulus pattern used; (3) CVR did not differ from the sitting versus supine in these experiments; (4) CVR calculated from absolute changes of MCAv was less than that calculated from relative changes.
Noticing and Helping Neglected Children: Messages from Action on Neglect
Authors: Daniel Brigid , Burgess Cheryl , Whitfield Erica , Derbyshire David , Taylor Julie
Published: August 2014

This paper sets out the messages from Action on Neglect, an Economic and Social Research Council Follow on Fund‐sponsored project which ran from April 2011 to the end of March 2012 in England. Undertaken by a small team of researchers and practitioners from the universities of Stirling and Dundee and the national charity Action for Children, it was a follow‐up to a literature review produced as part of the Safeguarding Children Across Services Research Initiative.

The project team met with multidisciplinary groups of practitioners and managers from all key professions working with children in three areas of England on four occasions. The messages from the study were used to consider the extent to which current practice equates with evidence from the research. Through a process of co‐production, the project explored the ways in which neglected children are currently helped and considered what could be done to improve recognition and early response.

‘The messages from the study were used to consider the extent to which current practice equates with evidence from the research’

The final product was a pack – Action on Neglect – that outlines a series of detailed worked examples setting out improved pathways to help for neglected children and their families. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Messages

Practitioners can work together effectively to identify blocks to effective intervention and generate solutions.

The views of children and young people show that practitioners need to be aware of, and sensitive to, young people's feelings.

Practitioners need to become better at discerning which parents can use help on a voluntary basis and which cannot.

Children want to feel loved, but this love needs to be practically as well as emotionally expressed.
Modified Niobium Oxyhydroxide Catalyst: An Acetalization Reaction to Produce Bio‐additives for Sustainable Use of Waste Glycerol
Authors: Souza Talita E. , Portilho Marcio F. , Souza Priscila M. T. G. , Souza Patterson P. , Oliveira Luiz C. A.
Published: August 2014

We report the synthesis and characterization of new niobium oxyhydroxide catalysts from ammonium niobium oxalate (NH4[NbO(C2O4)2(H2O)](H2O)n) or niobium chloride (NbCl5) precursors. The materials have been modified by incorporating a surfactant, specifically cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, on the catalyst surface to impart partial hydrophobicity to the catalyst. The change in the precursor during the synthesis changes properties associated with the morphology, texture and number of acid sites. These properties provide increased contact at the interface between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions to improve the catalytic properties, particularly in biphasic reactions. Acetalization reactions were tested using three different glycerols: commercial glycerol p.a., a crude residual originating from biodiesel production and the same material after desalination. The results show 65 and 60 % conversion for the acetalization under mild reactions conditions.
Synthesis, Thermal Behavior, and Dehydrogenation Kinetics Study of Lithiated Ethylenediamine
Authors: Chen Juner , Wu Guotao , Xiong Zhitao , Wu Hui , Chua Yong Shen , Zhou Wei , Liu Bin , Ju Xiaohua , Chen Ping
Published: August 2014

The lithiation of ethylenediamine by LiH is a stepwise process to form the partially lithiated intermediates LiN(H)CH2CH2NH2 and [LiN(H)CH2CH2NH2][LiN(H)CH2CH2N(H)Li]2 prior to the formation of dilithiated ethylenediamine LiN(H)CH2CH2N(H)Li. A reversible phase transformation between the partial and dilithiated species was observed. One dimensional {LinNn} ladders and three‐dimensional network structures were found in the crystal structures of LiN(H)CH2CH2NH2 and LiN(H)CH2CH2N(H)Li, respectively. LiN(H)CH2CH2N(H)Li undergoes dehydrogenation with an activation energy of 181±8 kJ mol−1, whereas the partially lithiated ethylenediamine compounds were polymerized and released ammonia at elevated temperatures. The dynamical dehydrogenation mechanism of the dilithiated ethylenediamine compounds was investigated by using the Johnson‐Mehl‐Avrami equation.
Biological Evaluation of Potent Triclosan‐Derived Inhibitors of the Enoyl–Acyl Carrier Protein Reductase InhA in Drug‐Sensitive and Drug‐Resistant Strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Stec Jozef , Vilchèze Catherine , Lun Shichun , Perryman Alexander L. , Wang Xin , Freundlich Joel S. , Bishai William , Jacobs William R. , Kozikowski Alan P.
Published: August 2014

New triclosan (TRC) analogues were evaluated for their activity against the enoyl–acyl carrier protein reductase InhA in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). TRC is a well‐known inhibitor of InhA, and specific modifications to its positions 5 and 4′ afforded 27 derivatives; of these compounds, seven derivatives showed improved potency over that of TRC. These analogues were active against both drug‐susceptible and drug‐resistant Mtb strains. The most active compound in this series, 4‐(n‐butyl)‐1,2,3‐triazolyl TRC derivative 3, had an MIC value of 0.6 μg mL−1 (1.5 μM) against wild‐type Mtb. At a concentration equal to its MIC, this compound inhibited purified InhA by 98 %, and showed an IC50 value of 90 nM. Compound 3 and the 5‐methylisoxazole‐modified TRC 14 were able to inhibit the biosynthesis of mycolic acids. Furthermore, mc24914, an Mtb strain overexpressing inhA, was found to be less susceptible to compounds 3 and 14, supporting the notion that InhA is the likely molecular target of the TRC derivatives presented herein.
Distribution of the creatine transporter throughout the human brain reveals a spectrum of creatine transporter immunoreactivity
Authors: Lowe Matthew T.J. , Faull Richard L.M. , Christie David L. , Waldvogel Henry J.
Published: August 2014

Creatine is a molecule that supports energy metabolism in cells. It is carried across the plasma membrane by the creatine transporter. There has been recent interest in creatine for its neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases and its potential as a therapeutic agent. This study represents the first systematic investigation of the distribution of the creatine transporter in the human brain. We have used immunohistochemical techniques to map out its location and the intensity of staining. The transporter was found to be strongly expressed, especially in the large projection neurons of the brain and spinal cord. These include the pyramidal neurons in the cerebral cortex, Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex, and motor neurons of the somatic motor and visceromotor cranial nerve nuclei and the ventral horn of the spinal cord. Many other neurons in the brain also had some degree of creatine transporter immunoreactivity. By contrast, the medium spiny neurons of the striatum and the catecholaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra and locus coeruleus, which are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, showed a very low to almost absent level of immunoreactivity for the transporter. We propose that the distribution may reflect the energy consumption by different cell types and that the extent of creatine transporter expression is proportional to the cell's energy requirements. Furthermore, the distribution indicates that supplemented creatine would be widely taken up by brain cells, although possibly less by those cells that degenerate in Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:699–725, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DEP domain‐containing mTOR‐interacting protein in the rat brain: Distribution of expression and potential implication
Authors: Caron Alexandre , Baraboi Elena‐Dana , Laplante Mathieu , Richard Denis
Published: August 2014

DEP domain–containing mTOR‐interacting protein (DEPTOR) has been recently discovered as an endogenous regulator of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2. mTORC1 is present in the brain, and there is growing evidence that its dysregulation contributes to several brain alterations. This suggests the involvement of mTOR signaling and its modulators in neurobiological controls. Here, we characterized and mapped the expression of DEPTOR in the rat brain. We show that DEPTOR was widely expressed from the forebrain to the hindbrain, including the hippocampus, the mediobasal hypothalamus, and the circumventricular organs (CVOs). In the hippocampus, DEPTOR protein and Deptor mRNA were highly expressed in the dendate gyrus and CA3 field. In the CVOs, DEPTOR was expressed in the subfornical organ, the median eminence, and the area postrema. In the mediobasal hypothalamus, DEPTOR was expressed in neurons of the ventromedial nucleus (VMH) and colocalized with proopiomelanocortin (POMC) in the arcuate nucleus (ARC). The hypothalamic distribution suggested a role for DEPTOR in energy balance. Supporting this possibility, we observed that Deptor hypothalamic expression was modulated by the nutritional status in a context of diet‐induced and genetic obesity; food deprivation increased Deptor mRNA in both the ARC and VMH of obese rats. In conclusion, the present results illustrate the presence of DEPTOR in the rat brain and suggest a role for DEPTOR in the hypothalamic regulation of energy balance, which further supports the role of mTOR in energy homeostasis. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:93–107, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direct Voltammetric Determination of Redox‐Active Iron in Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Teo Wei Zhe , Pumera Martin
Published: August 2014

With the advances in nanotechnology over the past decade, consumer products are increasingly being incorporated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). As the harmful effects of CNTs are suggested to be primarily due to the bioavailable amounts of metallic impurities, it is vital to detect and quantify these species using sensitive and facile methods. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the possibility of quantifying the amount of redox‐available iron‐containing impurities in CNTs with voltammetric techniques such as cyclic voltammetry. We examined the electrochemistry of Fe3O4 nanoparticles in phosphate buffer solution and discovered that its electrochemical behavior could be affected by pH of the electrolyte. By utilizing the unique redox reaction between the iron and phosphate species, the redox available iron content in CNTs was determined successfully using voltammetry.
Progress in the Analysis of Multiple Activity Profile of Screening Data Using Computational Approaches
Authors: Kuyoc‐Carrillo Vicente F. , Medina‐Franco José L.
Published: August 2014

Preclinical Research

The increasing awareness that drugs may have the clinical effect through the interaction with multiple targets is encouraging the screening of investigational compounds across multiple biological endpoints. As the number and complexity of chemogenomics data sets increase, more computational approaches are being developed for the efficient analysis of structure–multiple activity relationships. In silico methods cover a wide range of applications including visual, qualitative, and quantitative approaches to describe in detail multiple ligand–protein relationships, find associations between targets and, whenever possible, to predict the bioactivity profile of small molecules. Here, we present a commentary of representative computational methods and their applications to characterize structure–multiple activity relationships and conduct the rational design of polypharmacology for the advancement of drug discovery.
Poly peak parser: Method and software for identification of unknown indels using sanger sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products
Authors: Hill Jonathon T. , Demarest Bradley L. , Bisgrove Brent W. , Su Yi‐Chu , Smith Megan , Yost H. Joseph
Published: August 2014

Background: Genome editing techniques, including ZFN, TALEN, and CRISPR, have created a need to rapidly screen many F1 individuals to identify carriers of indels and determine the sequences of the mutations. Current techniques require multiple clones of the targeted region to be sequenced for each individual, which is inefficient when many individuals must be analyzed. Direct Sanger sequencing of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified region surrounding the target site is efficient, but Sanger sequencing genomes heterozygous for an indel results in a string of “double peaks” due to the mismatched region. Results: To facilitate indel identification, we developed an online tool called Poly Peak Parser (available at http://yost.genetics.utah.edu/software.php) that is able to separate chromatogram data containing ambiguous base calls into wild‐type and mutant allele sequences. This tool allows the nature of the indel to be determined from a single sequencing run per individual performed directly on a PCR product spanning the targeted site, without cloning. Conclusions: The method and algorithm described here facilitate rapid identification and sequence characterization of heterozygous mutant carriers generated by genome editing. Although designed for screening F1 individuals, this tool can also be used to identify heterozygous indels in many contexts. Developmental Dynamics 243:1632–1636, 2014. © 2014 The Authors. Developmental Dynamics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Anatomists
Fluorochrome‐based definition of naturally occurring Foxp3+ regulatory T cells of intra‐ and extrathymic origin
Authors: Petzold Cathleen , Steinbronn Nadine , Gereke Marcus , Strasser Ruth H. , Sparwasser Tim , Bruder Dunja , Geffers Robert , Schallenberg Sonja , Kretschmer Karsten
Published: August 2014

Under physiological conditions, studies on the biology of naturally induced Foxp3+ Treg cells of intra‐ and extrathymic origin have been hampered by the lack of unambiguous markers to discriminate the mature progeny of such developmental Treg‐cell sublineages. Here, we report on experiments in double‐transgenic mice, in which red fluorescent protein (RFP) is expressed in all Foxp3+ Treg cells, whereas Foxp3‐dependent GFP expression is exclusively confined to intrathymically induced Foxp3+ Treg cells. This novel molecular genetic tool enabled us to faithfully track and characterize naturally induced Treg cells of intrathymic (RFP+GFP+) and extrathymic (RFP+GFP−) origin in otherwise unmanipulated mice. These experiments directly demonstrate that extrathymically induced Treg cells substantially contribute to the overall pool of mature Foxp3+ Treg cells residing in peripheral lymphoid tissues of steady‐state mice. Furthermore, we provide evidence that intra‐ and extrathymically induced Foxp3+ Treg cells represent distinct phenotypic and functional sublineages.
Chromophores, Fluorophores and Robust Ancillary Ligands for Molecular Catalysts: 1,3‐Bis(2‐pyridylimino)isoindolines
Authors: Sauer Désirée C. , Melen Rebecca L. , Kruck Matthias , Gade Lutz H.
Published: August 2014

Since the first report in the early 1950s, 1,3‐bis(2‐pyridylimino)isoindolines (BPIs) have found widespread applications in organic, inorganic and materials chemistry. This microreview focuses on recent progress towards chiral BPI derivatives as ligands for enantioselective catalysis as well as developments in the use of BPI complexes in materials science, focusing on luminescent and birefringent materials.
An Ionic Dysprosium Complex Made of a Hexanuclear Dy6 Cationic Cluster and a Mononuclear Dy Anionic Unit
Authors: Costes Jean‐Pierre , Duhayon Carine
Published: August 2014

A genuine 2‐hydroxy‐N′‐{[3‐(hydroxyimino)butan‐2‐ylidene]}benzohydrazide ligand, characterized by 1H, 13C, and 15N NMR spectroscopy and chemical analysis, has been used to synthesize a novel ionic dysprosium species. The structural determination confirms the existence of a hexanuclear Dy cationic entity along with a mononuclear Dy anionic unit. The topological analysis of the hexanuclear cluster indicates that it corresponds to a 2,4M6–1 graph, observed for the first time for Dy complexes. The electrostatic model for the determination of the magnetic anisotropy in Dy complexes implemented in the Magellan program confirms that it is difficult to control the orientation of the different anisotropy axes of the six Dy ions in order to obtain large anisotropy in polynuclear Dy entities, which is in agreement with the ac susceptibility measurements that show frequency‐dependent signals and absence of maxima for the out‐of‐phase susceptibility signals above 2 K, even under a dc bias field of 0.1 T or 0.2 T.
Synthesis of N‐(2,3,4,5,6‐Pentafluorobenzyloxy)‐γ‐lactams by Rhodium‐Catalyzed Cyclization of Diazo Amides
Authors: Budny Marcin , Nowak Magdalena , Wojtczak Andrzej , Wolan Andrzej
Published: August 2014

Rhodium‐catalyzed cyclization of N‐(2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluoro‐benzyloxy) diazo amides leading to the corresponding γ‐lactams is described. The cyclization is based on the intramolecular catalytic insertion into the C–H bond. Fourteen lactams were obtained with up to 91 % yield and 88 % ee. Gabapentin hydrochloride, a GABA analog, was also synthesized by this method, which shows that deprotection of the 2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorobenzyloxy group is possible.
LiAlH4‐Promoted Tandem Reduction/Oxidation of Fluorenyl Derivatives under Air
Authors: Matviiuk Tetiana , Menendez Christophe , Carayon Chantal , Saffon Nathalie , Voitenko Zoia , Lherbet Christian , Baltas Michel
Published: August 2014

The tandem reduction/oxidation of fluorenyl compounds was performed with LiAlH4 under air to afford the corresponding 9‐hydroxyfluorenyl derivatives in good yields. This methodology with LiAlH4 is unprecedented and most likely proceeds by an organoaluminium intermediate, and in the proposed mechanism.
High‐Voltage Asymmetric Supercapacitors based on Carbon and Manganese Oxide/Oxidized Carbon Nanofiber Composite Electrodes
Authors: Śliwak Agata , Gryglewicz Grażyna
Published: August 2014

Asymmetric supercapacitors with high operating voltages have been successfully developed, using manganese oxide/oxidized carbon nanofibers (MnO2/CNFox) composites as the positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as the negative electrode, in a neutral aqueous 0.5 mol L−1 K2SO4 solution. The assembled MnO2/CNFox//AC supercapacitor can operate reversibly in a wide voltage range up to 2.3 V, showing an excellent stability with only a 7.6 % loss of its initial capacitance after 5000 cycles at 1 A g−1. A high energy density of 24.8 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 100 W kg−1 is achieved. This unique electrochemical performance is attributed to the presence of CNFox with hydrophilic surface properties in the MnO2‐based electrode, which ensures a perfect dispersion of nanofibers in the bulk MnO2 and a very good adhesion between the components of the MnO2/CNFox composite. The obtained results show great potential in developing asymmetric supercapacitors with high energy and power densities working in neutral aqueous media.
ATTENDANCE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIES IN A BEHAVIORAL PARENT‐TRAINING PROGRAM: COMPARISONS BETWEEN ENGLISH AND ESPAÑOL PROGRAMS
Authors: Ogg Julia , Shaffer‐Hudkins Emily , Childres Jillian , Feldman Marissa , Agazzi Heather , Armstrong Kathleen
Published: August 2014

Low levels of attendance and implementation of strategies in behavioral parent‐training programs may limit their impact. The purpose of this study was to examine attendance and implementation across a behavioral parent‐training program delivered in English and Español. Participants included parents (n = 739) of young children who attended a behavioral parent‐training program. The mean number of sessions attended for the entire sample was 4.46 (SD = 1.66, range = 1–6) of six sessions, and the mean number of strategies implemented was 17.66 (SD = 11.43, range = 0–35) of a possible 35. There were no significant differences across the number of sessions attended among the participants in the English (M = 4.45) and Español versions (M = 4.48) of the course, t(737) = −0.20, p = .85. There also were no significant differences between the English (M = 17.97) and Español (M = 16.87) versions for the number of Tip Trackers completed, t(737) = 1.18, p = .24. Only child diagnosis predicted parent attendance in the English group. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
High‐Impact Practices and the First‐Year Student
Authors: Tukibayeva Malika , Gonyea Robert M.
Published: August 2014

High‐impact practices, programs, and activities where students commit considerable time and effort in different settings can help to define the first‐year college experience and are likely to increase success in areas like persistence, deep learning, and self‐reported gains.
New Counselors' Experiences of Community Health Centers
Authors: Freadling Amy H. , Foss‐Kelly Louisa L.
Published: August 2014

This phenomenological study explored 6 new counselors' experiences working in community mental health centers and their experiences of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs‐accredited training received in preparation for such work. Three themes from the interviews were identified to provide implications for counselor preparation: contextual descriptions, essential graduate training components, and supportive factors.
The Presence of Androgen Receptor Elements Regulates ZEB1 Expression in the Absence of Androgen Receptor
Authors: Mooney Steven M. , Parsana Princy , Hernandez James R. , Liu Xin , Verdone James E. , Torga Gonzalo , Harberg Calvin A. , Pienta Kenneth J.
Published: August 2014

Zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a transcription factor that plays a central role in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cell lines. Studies on its regulation have mostly focused on the negative 3'UTR binding of miR200c. Interestingly, it has been previously reported that androgen receptor (AR) regulates ZEB1 expression in breast and prostate cancers. In order to validate this, various ZEB1 promoter deletions were cloned into a luciferase reporter system to elucidate the contribution of two putative androgen response elements (AREs). The in vivo contribution of AR was also assessed in cell lines after R1881 treatment using qPCR with prostate specific antigen (PSA) as the positive control. We discovered that AR upregulates the levels of expression of ZEB1 10‐fold on a luciferase promoter that only contains the distal ARE. However, when the proximal ARE is included, no additional activation is apparent with AR or its hormone independent variant, AR‐V7. Furthermore, we demonstrate here that a promoter construct containing both AREs activates transcription of ZEB1 even in the AR‐null cell lines DU145 and PC3. Incubation of the AR‐positive cell line, LNCaP with R1881, failed to substantially increase the expression levels of ZEB1. Despite the presence of AREs in the promoter region, it appears that ZEB1 expression can be induced even without AR. In addition, the region around the distal ARE is a potent repressor in AR‐null cell lines. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 115–123, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An “Ortho Effect” in Electrophilic Aromatic Nitrations: Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Validation
Authors: Li Hui‐Jing , Wu Yan‐Chao , Dai Jian‐Hong , Song b Yan , Cheng Runjiao , Qiao Yuanyuan
Published: August 2014

Usually, a π‐donor substituent acts as an ortho/para directing group in an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction, and a π‐acceptor substituent acts as a meta directing group. Interestingly, when a π‐acceptor substituent is meta to a π‐donor substituent, certain electrophilic aromatic nitration occurs ortho to the acceptor substituent rather than para. The “ortho effect”, highlighted in various text books, has been tentatively analyzed here based on ab initio calculations. The reliability of the calculations was verified by the corresponding experimental data, including a new‐designed electrophilic aromatic nitration that also gave reasonable product distributions.
Derivation of Endodermal Progenitors From Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Ikonomou Laertis , Kotton Darrell N.
Published: August 2014

Stem and progenitor cells play important roles in organogenesis during development and in tissue homeostasis and response to injury postnatally. As the regenerative capacity of many human tissues is limited, cell replacement therapies hold great promise for human disease management. Pluripotent stem cells such as embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are prime candidates for the derivation of unlimited quantities of clinically relevant cell types through development of directed differentiation protocols, that is, the recapitulation of developmental milestones in in vitro cell culture. Tissue‐specific progenitors, including progenitors of endodermal origin, are important intermediates in such protocols since they give rise to all mature parenchymal cells. In this review, we focus on the in vivo biology of embryonic endodermal progenitors in terms of key transcription factors and signaling pathways. We critically review the emerging literature aiming to apply this basic knowledge to achieve the efficient and reproducible in vitro derivation of endodermal progenitors such as pancreas, liver and lung precursor cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 246–258, 2015. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Physiology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blocking the Expression of Both Bone Sialoprotein (BSP) and Osteopontin (OPN) Impairs the Anabolic Action of PTH in Mouse Calvaria Bone
Authors: Bouleftour Wafa , Bouet Guenaelle , Granito Renata Neves , Thomas Mireille , Linossier Marie‐Thérèse , Vanden‐Bossche Arnaud , Aubin Jane E. , Lafage‐Proust Marie‐Héléne , Vico Laurence , Malaval Luc
Published: August 2014

Osteopontin (OPN) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) are coexpressed in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and display overlapping properties. We used daily injection of parathyroid hormone 1–84 (iPTH) over the calvaria of BSP knockout (−/−) mice to investigate further their functional specificity and redundancy. iPTH stimulated bone formation in both +/+ and −/− mice, increasing to the same degree periosteum, osteoid and total bone thickness. Expression of OPN, osterix, osteocalcin (OCN) and DMP1 was also increased by iPTH in both genotypes. In contrast to +/+, calvaria cell cultures from −/− mice revealed few osteoblast colonies, no mineralization and little expression of OCN, MEPE or DMP1. In contrast, OPN levels were 5× higher in −/− versus +/+ cultures. iPTH increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in cell cultures of both genotypes, with higher OCN and the induction of mineralization in −/− cultures. siRNA blocking of OPN expression did not alter the anabolic action of the hormone in BSP +/+ calvaria, while it blunted iPTH effects in −/− mice, reduced to a modest increase in periosteum thickness. In −/− (not +/+) cell cultures, siOPN blocked the stimulation by iPTH of ALP activity and OCN expression, as well as the induction of mineralization. Thus, full expression of either OPN or BSP is necessary for the anabolic effect of PTH at least in the ectopic calvaria injection model. This suggests that OPN may compensate for the lack of BSP in the response to this hormonal challenge, and provides evidence of functional overlap between these cognate proteins. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 568–577, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
PLCβ1a and PLCβ1b Selective Regulation and Cyclin D3 Modulation Reduced by Kinamycin F During K562 Cell Differentiation
Authors: Bavelloni Alberto , Dmitrienko Gary I. , Goodfellow Valerie J. , Ghavami Ahmad , Piazzi Manuela , Blalock William , Chiarini Francesca , Cocco Lucio , Faenza Irene
Published: August 2014

Here we report that both PLCβ1a and PLCβ1b are relevant regulators of erythropoiesis in that kinamycin F, a potent inducer of γ‐globin production in K562 cells, caused a selectively reduction of both PLCβ1 isozymes even though the results point out that the effect of the drug is mainly directed toward the expression of the PLCβ1a isoform. We have identified a different role for the two isozymes as regulators of K562 differentiation process induced by kinamycin F. The overexpression of PLCβ1b induced an increase in γ‐globin expression even in the absence of kinamycin F. Moreover during K562 differentiation, cyclin D3 level is regulated by PLCβ1 signaling pathway. Namely the amplification of the expression of the PLCβ1a, but not of PLCβ1b, is able to maintain high levels of expression of cyclin D3 even after treatment with kinamycin F. This could be due to their different distribution in the cell compartments since the amount of PLCβ1b is mainly present in the nucleus in respect to PLCβ1a. Our data indicate that the amplification of PLCβ1a expression, following treatment with kinamycin F, confers a real advantage to K562 cells viability and protects cells themselves from apoptosis. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 587–594, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
Inhibition of Metalloproteinase Activity in FANCA Is Linked to Altered Oxygen Metabolism
Authors: Ravera Silvia , Capanni Cristina , Tognotti Danika , Bottega Roberta , Columbaro Marta , Dufour Carlo , Cappelli Enrico , Degan Paolo
Published: August 2014

Bone marrow (BM) failure, increased risk of myelodysplastic syndrome, acute leukaemia and solid tumors, endocrinopathies and congenital abnormalities are the major clinical problems in Fanconi anemia patients (FA). Chromosome instability and DNA repair defects are the cellular characteristics used for the clinical diagnosis. However, these biological defects are not sufficient to explain all the clinical phenotype of FA patients. The known defects are structural alteration in cell cytoskeleton, altered structural organization for intermediate filaments, nuclear lamina, and mitochondria. These are associated with different expression and/or maturation of the structural proteins vimentin, mitofilin, and lamin A/C suggesting the involvement of metalloproteinases (MPs). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are involved in normal physiological processes such as human skeletal tissue development, maturation, and hematopoietic reconstitution after bone marrow suppression. Current observations upon the eventual role of MPs in FA cells are largely inconclusive. We evaluated the overall MPs activity in FA complementation group A (FANCA) cells by exposing them to the antioxidants N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) and resveratrol (RV). This work supports the hypothesis that treatment of Fanconi patients with antioxidants may be important in FA therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 603–609, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
The Differential Palmitoylation States of N‐Ras and H‐Ras Determine Their Distinct Golgi Subcompartment Localizations
Authors: Lynch Stephen J. , Snitkin Harriet , Gumper Iwona , Philips Mark R. , Sabatini David , Pellicer Angel
Published: August 2014

Despite a high degree of structural homology and shared exchange factors, effectors and GTPase activating proteins, a large body of evidence suggests functional heterogeneity among Ras isoforms. One aspect of Ras biology that may explain this heterogeneity is the differential subcellular localizations driven by the C‐terminal hypervariable regions of Ras proteins. Spatial heterogeneity has been documented at the level of organelles: palmitoylated Ras isoforms (H‐Ras and N‐Ras) localize on the Golgi apparatus whereas K‐Ras4B does not. We tested the hypothesis that spatial heterogeneity also exists at the sub‐organelle level by studying the localization of differentially palmitoylated Ras isoforms within the Golgi apparatus. Using confocal, live‐cell fluorescent imaging and immunogold electron microscopy we found that, whereas the doubly palmitoylated H‐Ras is distributed throughout the Golgi stacks, the singly palmitoylated N‐Ras is polarized with a relative paucity of expression on the trans Golgi. Using palmitoylation mutants, we show that the different sub‐Golgi distributions of the Ras proteins are a consequence of their differential degree of palmitoylation. Thus, the acylation state of Ras proteins controls not only their distribution between the Golgi apparatus and the plasma membrane, but also their distribution within the Golgi stacks. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 610–619, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
Surgical treatment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in Europe: a single center experience
Authors: Bektas Hüseyin , Yeyrek Cemil , Kleine Moritz , Vondran Florian W. R. , Timrott Kai , Schweitzer Nora , Vogel Arndt , Jäger Mark D. , Schrem Harald , Klempnauer Jürgen , Kousoulas Lampros
Published: August 2014

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is the second most common primary liver tumor. The aim of this study was to analyze retrospectively the outcome of surgical treatment and prognostic factors. Clinical, histopathological and treatment data of 221 patients treated from 1995 to 2010 at our institution were investigated. Univariate and multivariate analysis of the patient's data was performed. Patients after R0 and R1 resection presented an overall survival of 67% and 54.5% after 1 year and 40% and 36.4% after 3 years, respectively. The survival of patients without resection of the tumor was dismal with 26% and 3.4% after 1 and 3 years, respectively. Survival after resection was not statistically different in cases with R0 versus R1 resection (P = 0.639, log rank). Univariate Cox regression revealed that higher T stages are a significant hazard for survival (P = 0.048, hazard ratio (HR): 1.211, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.002–2.465). Patients with tumor recurrence had a significantly inferior long‐term survival when compared to patients without recurrence (P < 0.001, log rank). Presence of lymph node metastasis (N1) was an independent prognostic factor for survival after resection in risk‐adjusted multivariate Cox regression (P < 0.001, HR: 2.577, 95% CI: 1.742–3.813). Adjuvant chemotherapy did not improve patient survival significantly (P = 0.550, log rank). Surgical resection is still the best treatment option for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma regarding the patient's long‐term survival. R0 and R1 resection enable both better survival rates when compared to surgical exploration without resection. T status, N status, and tumor recurrence seem to be the most important prognostic factors after resection.
How Are Indigenous and Local Communities' Rights Over Their Traditional Knowledge and Genetic Resources Protected in Current Free Trade Negotiations? Highlighting the Draft Trans‐Pacific Partnership Agreement (TTPA)
Authors: Haugen Hans Morten
Published: August 2014

The article analyzes the relevant traditional knowledge provisions of two chapters of the TTPA: on intellectual property rights and on the environment. There is no agreement where these provisions shall be included. There is also wide disagreement over the content of the specific provisions. Some states want to have a widest possible scope of the public domain, and no provisions for sanctioning the taking of genetic resources and associated traditional intellectual property without the consent of indigenous peoples and local communities. The article investigates whether and in which form indigenous peoples are given stronger rights over their intellectual property in international legal instruments, compared to non‐indigenous traditional communities. It finds that in many legal instruments, there is no difference. The strongest provisions on traditional knowledge are, however, found in an instrument that applies only to indigenous peoples, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The article also investigates whether the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities are stronger in the realm of traditional knowledge than in the realm of genetic resources. It finds that this is generally the case. The provisions are analyzed from the perspective of collective decision‐making, defensive protection and positive protection.
Nature, the CoAuthor of Its Products? An Analysis of the Recent Controversy Over Rejected AOC Wines in France
Authors: Teil Geneviève
Published: August 2014

Producers defending terroir have called for and obtained a reform of the AOC (French GI) regulation which they deem to be incapable of containing “dangerous shifts” in the interpretation of terroir. An analysis of their accusations shows that the intellectual property dimension of AOCs is returning to the forefront of concerns. The “terroir” quality of AOCs is the multifaceted result of a duet between the vintner and his vineyard, allowing greater creativity. The present reform embraces this change by adding to regulations specifying the means, an accreditation more receptive to innovation. However, it runs into difficulties over the assessment of typicity upon which the AOC quality guarantee has to be based. This paper concludes with a discussion of the reasons for these difficulties and suggestions for an assessment better suited to the multifaceted nature of typicity.
Current therapeutic options for Huntington's disease: Good clinical practice versus evidence‐based approaches?
Authors: Killoran Annie , Biglan Kevin M.
Published: August 2014

Therapeutic decision‐making in Huntington's disease (HD) is often guided by clinical experience, because of the limited empirical evidence available. The only medication for HD that has met the regulatory hurdle for approval is tetrabenazine, indicated for the treatment of chorea. However, its use has limitations, and in the setting of specific contraindications or comorbidities the treatment of choice for chorea is still the multipurpose antipsychotics. For the management of psychiatric disturbances, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and mood stabilizers are often used, although empirical evidence is lacking. Finally, no known effective treatment is available for cognitive dysfunction in HD. We discuss the limited evidence available and current expert opinion on medical treatment of the dominant motor, psychiatric, and cognitive features of HD. This follows a brief introduction on the general principles of HD management and on evidence‐based medicine in relation to clinical practice. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society