bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabonomic analysis of the anti‐inflammatory effects of volatile oils of Angelica sinensis on rat model of acute inflammation
Authors: Zhang Wen‐quan , Hua Yong‐li , Zhang Man , Ji Peng , Li Jin‐xia , Zhang Ling , Li Peng‐ling , Wei Yan‐ming
Published: December 2014

Metabonomics based on GC‐MS was used to study the possible anti‐inflammatory mechanisms of volatile oils of Angelica sinensis (VOAS) in rats with acute inflammation. Acute inflammation was induced by subcutaneous injection of carrageenan in rats. The levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), histamine (HIS) and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) in the inflammatory fluid were detected. Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares‐discriminant analysis models were performed for pattern recognition analysis. After the administration of VOAS, the levels of PGE2, HIS, and 5‐HT returned to levels observed in normal group. According to GC‐MS analysis, the intervention of VOAS in rats with acute inflammation induced substantial and characteristic changes in their metabolic profiles. Fourteen metabolite biomarkers, namely, lactic acid, malic acid, citric acid, trans‐dehydroandrosterone, aldosterone, linoleic acid, hexadecanoic acid, pregnenolone, octadecenoic acid, myristic acid, l‐histidine, octadecanoic acid, arachidonic acid (AA) and l‐tryptophan, were detected in the inflammatory fluid. The levels of all biomarkers either increased or decreased significantly in model groups. VOAS possibly intervened in the metabolic process of inflammation by altering histidine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, AA metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism and energy metabolism. Metabonomics was used to reflect an organism's physiological and metabolic state comprehensively, and it is a potentially powerful tool that reveals the anti‐acute‐inflammatory mechanism of VOAS. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of three antidepressants in urine using simultaneous derivatization and temperature‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction followed by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection
Authors: Alizadeh Nabil Ali Akbar , Nouri Nina , Farajzadeh Mir Ali
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a fast and simple method for the extraction, preconcentration and determination of fluvoxamine, nortriptyline and maprotiline in urine using simultaneous derivatization and temperature‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (TA‐DLLME) followed by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC‐FID). An appropriate mixture of dimethylformamide (disperser solvent), 1,1,2,2‐tetrachloroethane (extraction solvent) and acetic anhydride (derivatization agent) was rapidly injected into the heated sample. Then the solution was cooled to room temperature and cloudy solution formed was centrifuged. Finally a portion of the sedimented phase was injected into the GC‐FID. The effect of several factors affecting the performance of the method, including the selection of suitable extraction and disperser solvents and their volumes, volume of derivatization agent, temperature, salt addition, pH and centrifugation time and speed were investigated and optimized. Figures of merit of the proposed method, such as linearity (r2 > 0.993), enrichment factors (820–1070), limits of detection (2–4 ng mL−1) and quantification (8–12 ng mL−1), and relative standard deviations (3–6%) for both intraday and interday precisions (concentration = 50 ng mL−1) were satisfactory for determination of the selected antidepressants. Finally the method was successfully applied to determine the target pharmaceuticals in urine. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cultural Inclusiveness Contributing to International Students' Intercultural Attitudes: Mediating Role of Intergroup Contact Variables
Authors: Tawagi Adrienne L. , Mak Anita S.
Published: December 2014

This study sought to examine the relationships among Asian‐born international students' perceived cultural inclusiveness and intercultural contact, along with the contributions these variables made to the students' attitudes towards culturally different domestic students. Based on Pettigrew's (1998) intergroup contact theory and previous research on educational cultural climate, we hypothesised that more positive intercultural attitudes would be associated with perceptions of a culturally inclusive educational environment and higher levels of intergroup contact as indicated by quantity of contact, quality of contact, and extent of intercultural friendships. Anonymous survey participants were 190 (76 male and 113 female) Asian‐born international university students at an Australian university. Results showed small to moderate relationships among perceived cultural inclusiveness, all the dimensions of intercultural contact, and intercultural attitudes, except for an unexpected insignificant association between intercultural friendship and attitudes. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that cultural inclusiveness and quality of contact were the only significant predictors of intercultural attitudes. Mediation analysis indicated that quality of contact partially mediated the relationship between cultural inclusiveness and intercultural attitudes. The importance of an inclusive educational environment on intergroup contact and attitudes, from international students' viewpoint, is discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trichostatin a modulates intracellular reactive oxygen species through SOD2 and FOXO1 in human bone marrow‐mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Jeong Sin‐Gu , Cho Goang‐Won
Published: December 2014

Engraft cells are often exposed to oxidative stress and inflammation; therefore, any factor that can provide the stem cells resistance to these stresses may yield better efficacy in stem cell therapy. Studies indicate that histone deacetylase (HDACs) inhibitors alleviate damage induced by oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated whether regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) occurs through the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) in human bone marrow‐mesenchymal stem cells (hBM‐MSCs). Intracellular ROS levels increased following exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and were suppressed by TSA treatment. Levels of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) increased following treatment with 200 nM TSA and to a lesser level at 1–5 μM TSA. Cell protective effects against oxidative stress were significantly increased in TSA‐MSCs after treatment with low doses of TSA (50–500 nM) and decreased with high doses of TSA (5–10 μM). Consistent results were obtained with immunoblot analysis for caspase3. Investigation of Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), and p53 levels to determine intracellular signaling by TSA in oxidative stress‐induced MSCs demonstrated that expression of phosphorylated‐FOXO1 and phosphorylated‐SOD2 decreased in H2O2‐treated MSCs while levels of p53 increased. These effects were reversed by the treatment of 200 nM TSA. These results suggest that the main function of ROS modulation by TSA is activated through SOD2 and FOXO1. Thus, optimal treatment with TSA may protect hBM‐MSCs against oxidative stress. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Encapsulation of Heteropolyanion‐Based Ionic Liquid within the Metal–Organic Framework MIL‐100(Fe) for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Wan Hui , Chen Chong , Wu Zuowang , Que Yigen , Feng Yu , Wang Wei , Wang Lei , Guan Guofeng , Liu Xiaoqin
Published: December 2014

A new strategy was proposed to construct the ionic liquid, polyoxometalate (POM), and metal–organic framework (MOF) composite. The POM‐based MOF was synthesized by using the direct hydrothermal method. The sulfonic acid group‐functionalized ionic liquid was used for further modification of the hybrid material to realize the encapsulation of the heteropolyanion‐based ionic liquid within the cages of the MOF. The catalysts were characterized by using XRD, N2 adsorption–desorption, FTIR, SEM, TEM, elemental analysis, and TGA. The results indicated that the heteropolyanion‐based ionic liquid had been successfully encapsulated within the cages and the structure of MIL‐100 (MIL=Materials of Institut Lavoisier) remained intact. The POM–ionic‐liquid‐functionalized MOF, with high content of the active component, had both Lewis and Brønsted acid sites, which led to high catalytic activity for the esterification of oleic acid with ethanol. The esterification reaction conditions were optimized by using response surface methodology (RSM), and the corresponding conversion of oleic acid reached 94.6 %. The catalyst could be easily recovered and reused six times without significant loss of activity.
Synthesis of TiOx Nanotubular Arrays with Oxygen Defects as High‐Performance Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fan Li‐Zhen , Chi Shang‐Sen , Wang Lu‐Ning , Song Wei‐Li , He Min , Gu Lin
Published: December 2014

As promising, safe, high‐power electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), titanium‐dioxide‐based anodes that have been prepared to date are still restricted by their limited specific capacity. In this work, we demonstrate a facile electrochemical anodization for TiOx nanotubular arrays of oxygen defects in a nitrogen atmosphere. In comparison with those fabricated under air conditions, the as‐prepared nanotubular arrays present much reduced impedance with oxygen defects, which allow fast electronic and ionic transport in the TiOx nanotubular arrays. The binder‐free anode based on as‐prepared TiOx nanotubular arrays exhibited record‐setting capacities (395, 325, and 235 mAh g−1 at 0.2, 1, and 10 C, respectively) among TiO2‐based anode materials, that is, approaching state‐of‐the‐art TiO2 electrodes for LIBs.
Effet de la force ionique et hydrodynamique sur le dépôt de particules colloïdales dans un milieu poreux consolidé
Authors: Djehiche Abdelkader , Gafsi Mostefa , Canseco Vladimire , Omari Aziz , Bertin Henri
Published: December 2014

Notre travail présente une étude expérimentale du dépôt de particules colloïdales dans un milieu poreux consolidé, homogène et initialement saturé en eau. La phase fluide injectée dans le milieu poreux est une suspension de particules de latex dont la dimension est connue.

L'influence de la force ionique de la suspension colloïdale et du débit d'injection sur le dépôt de particules est étudiée. On observe que le recouvrement de surface (θ) croît avec la force ionique alors que le recouvrement de surface (θ) décroît quand le nombre de Péclet augmente. Des mesures locales, par atténuation d'un rayonnement γ, mettent en évidence la réduction de porosité due au dépôt de particules. La réduction de la perméabilité, mesurée en fin d'expérience.
Selective Excitation with Asymmetric Adiabatic Pulses for NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Huawei , Zhang Shanmin
Published: December 2014

Existing selective pulses are mainly constructed in the forms of classically shaped pulses, such as the Gaussian pulses, or generated by using numerical optimization methods. However, all of these pulses are highly sensitive to radiofrequency (RF) intensity variation, which means their performance is highly dependent on the accuracy and stability of the RF intensity. Even a slight RF intensity deviation can cause severe degradation in the excitation profile. To solve this problem, we propose a method for narrow selective excitation by sequential application of a pair of phase‐opposite asymmetric adiabatic pulses, all within two scans. By retaining the adiabatic character, the new method is highly robust to RF intensity variation. Moreover, it has flexible excitation bandwidth, ranging from line‐selective to narrow‐band‐selective pulses. The method is tested both in numerical simulations and solution‐state NMR experiments.
Measurement of monocyte‐platelet aggregates by imaging flow cytometry
Authors: Hui Henry , Fuller Kathryn , Erber Wendy N. , Linden Matthew D.
Published: December 2014

Platelets are subcellular blood elements with a well‐established role in haemostasis. Upon activation platelets express P‐Selectin (CD62P) on the cell membrane and bind to P‐Selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 expressing monocytes, influencing them toward a pro‐adhesive and inflammatory phenotype. It is well established that elevated circulating monocyte‐platelet aggregates (MPAs) are linked to atherothrombosis in high risk patients. However, whole blood flow cytometry (FCM) has recently shown that circulating MPAs may also occur in the absence of platelet activation, particularly in healthy children. A potential limitation of conventional FCM is the potential for coincident events to resemble monocyte platelet aggregates. Here we report a novel imaging cytometry approach to further characterize monocyte‐platelet aggregate formation by P‐Selectin dependent and P‐Selectin independent mechanisms and distinguish circulating MPAs from coincidental events. Monocytes were identified by expression of the lipopolysachharide receptor (CD14 BV421), while platelets were identified by expression of the glycoprotein Ib (CD42b APC). Differentiation of P‐Selectin dependent and P‐Selectin independent binding was achieved with AF488 labeled CD62P. Overall analysis of circulating and in vitro generated MPAs by conventional and imaging cytometry methods showed very strong correlation (r2 = >0.99, P < 0.01). The Bland‐Altman bias of −1.72 was not significantly different to zero. However, when measuring only P‐Selectin negative MPAs, a lack of correlation (r2 = 0.27, P = n.s.) likely reflects better discrimination of coincidence events using imaging cytometry. Our data demonstrate that IFC is more accurate in enumerating MPAs than conventional FCM, which over‐estimates the number of MPAs due to the presence of coincident events. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Differential leukocyte counting and immunophenotyping in cryopreserved ex vivo whole blood
Authors: Nemes Elisa , Kagina Benjamin M. N. , Smit Erica , Africa Hadn , Steyn Marcia , Hanekom Willem A. , Scriba Thomas J.
Published: December 2014

Absolute cell counts are typically measured in fresh samples, but this is impractical in large field studies. We compared quantification of leukocyte proportions and absolute counts using reference real‐time methods (stain and lyse/no‐wash (LNW) or hematology analyser) with a novel assay that allows long‐term cryopreservation of fixed leukocytes for later counting (DLC‐ICE: differential leukocyte count and immunophenotype in cryopreserved ex vivo whole blood). For the LNW method, whole blood (WB) was stained with fluorescent antibodies, then erythrocytes were lysed, and leukocytes fixed prior to flow cytometry. Alternatively, our novel DLC‐ICE method entailed erythrocyte lysis and leukocyte fixation, cryopreservation and later staining of permeabilized cells prior to flow cytometry. Outcomes were proportions and absolute counts of granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, T cells, B cells, and activated T cells within the leukocyte population. We also compared leukocyte subset counts in fresh WB from 51 healthy infants measured by hematology analyser at a rural clinical site or by DLC‐ICE method after 2 years of cryopreservation. We observed excellent agreement and strong correlations between absolute counts or cell proportions measured by the LNW and DLC‐ICE methods on fresh WB from 10 healthy adults. Compared to LNW, DLC‐ICE yielded similar or brighter staining even after cryopreservation. Duration of cryopreservation, assessed monthly for 1 year, had little effect on cell enumeration: median coefficients of variation were below 15% for all outcomes. Under field site conditions, we observed strong correlations between infant leukocyte numbers measured in fresh samples by hematology analyser and those measured by DLC‐ICE up to 2 years of cryopreservation. Our novel DLC‐ICE method allows accurate flow cytometric quantification of cell subsets from fixed WB even after long‐term cryopreservation. This method is ideal for batched, retrospective analysis of samples from large field studies, or when advanced flow cytometry equipment is not available for clinical research purposes. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Cytometric characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells Captured by microfiltration and their correlation to the cellsearch® CTC test
Authors: Adams Daniel L. , Stefansson Steingrimur , Haudenschild Christian , Martin Stuart S. , Charpentier Monica , Chumsri Saranya , Cristofanilli Massimo , Tang Cha‐Mei , Alpaugh R. Katherine
Published: December 2014

Recent studies reporting hundreds, to thousands, of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the blood of cancer patients have raised questions regarding the prevalence of CTCs, as enumerated by the CellSearch® CTC Test. Although CellSearch has been shown to consistently detect clinically relevant CTCs; the ability to only capture EpCAM positive cells has led to speculation that it captures limited subsets of CTCs. In contrast, alternative approaches to CTC isolation are often cited as capturing large numbers of CTCs from patient blood. Not surprisingly the number of cells isolated by alternative approaches show poor correlations when compared to CellSearch, even when accounting for EpCAM presence or absence. In an effort to address this discrepancy, we ran an exploratory method comparison study to characterize and compare the CTC subgroups captured from duplicate blood samples from 30 breast and prostate cancer patients using a microfiltration system (CellSieve™) and CellSearch. We then categorized the CellSieve Cytokeratin(CK)+/CD45−/DAPI+ cells into five morphologically distinct subpopulations for correlative analysis. Like other filtration techniques, CellSieve isolated greater numbers of CK+/CD45− cells than CellSearch. Furthermore, analysis showed low correlation between the total CK+/CD45− cells captured by these two assays, regardless of EpCAM presence. However, subgrouping of CK+/CD45−/DAPI+ cells based on distinct cytokeratin staining patterns and nuclear morphologies elucidated a subpopulation correlative to CellSearch. Using method comparison analyses, we identified a specific CTC morphology which is highly correlative between two distinct capture methods. These data suggests that although various morphologic CTCs with similar phenotypic expressions are present in the blood of cancer patients, the clinically relevant cells isolated by CellSearch can potentially be identified using non‐EpCAM dependent isolation. © 2014 The Authors. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictive power of late gadolinium enhancement for myocardial recovery in chronic ischaemic heart failure: a HEART sub‐study
Authors: McDiarmid Adam K. , Loh Huan , Nikitin Nikolay , Cleland John G. , Ball Stephen G. , Greenwood John P. , Plein Sven , Sparrow Patrick
Published: December 2014

Background

The amount of myocardial scar measured by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging predicts regional recovery in wall motion following revascularization. Previous studies have been conducted in patients with a relatively recent myocardial insult and relatively preserved left ventricular (LV) function. In this sub‐study of a clinical trial, the predictive value of LGE, and other CMR‐derived data, for myocardial recovery in patients with chronic severe ischaemic cardiomyopathy was assessed.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients with severe LV impairment of ischaemic origin were enrolled as a sub‐study of a trial that randomly assigned patients to revascularization or not in addition to guideline‐indicated pharmacological therapy. Patients underwent a CMR study at baseline and 6 months. Scans were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed for wall motion, rest/stress myocardial perfusion, and LGE.

Results

The median duration of heart failure was 13 (inter‐quartile range 5–21) months. Patients had severe LV dilatation [end‐diastolic volume (EDV) 280 ± 77 mL] and reduction in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (29 ± 10%). The percentage scar burden by LGE was 17 ± 9%. Patient characteristics of those undergoing revascularization (n = 7) or not (n = 14) were similar. Myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI) improved following revascularization (MPRI 1.17 vs. 1.57, P < 0.0001) but not following medical therapy (1.39 vs. 1.32, P = 0.54). However, LVEF improved in patients whether or not they had revascularization. In the revascularization group, 14% of dysfunctional segments with LGE <25% and 22% of dysfunctional segments with LGE <50% had improved contractile function. However, the transmural extent of LGE did not predict contractile recovery following revascularization or pharmacological therapy (P = 0.19, P = 0.42). LVEDV improved overall (280 ± 77 to 269 ± 83 mL, P = 0.05); improvement was associated with heart failure duration (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

In patients with chronic severe LV impairment of ischaemic origin, duration of heart failure is a better predictor of recovery than transmural extent of LGE, following medical therapy or successful revascularization. This suggests that the extent of myocardial remodelling is more important for LV recovery than the presence and extent of prior infarction alone and that LGE should not be the sole determinant of treatment method in severe LV systolic dysfunction of ischaemic origin.
Iron(II) Spin‐Crossover Complexes with Schiff Base Like Ligands and N‐Alkylimidazoles
Authors: Schlamp Stephan , Lochenie Charles , Bauer Tobias , Kempe Rhett , Weber Birgit
Published: December 2014

Three new iron(II) spin‐crossover complexes with N2O2‐coordinating Schiff base like equatorial ligands and alkylimidazole ligands in the axial positions were synthesised. The chain length of the alkylimidazole was varied from the previously published 1 to 5, 7 and 10 carbon atoms to investigate the influence of the alkyl chain length on the spin‐transition behaviour in solution and in the solid state. The crystal structures of [1(HeptIm)2] and [1(DecIm)2] (1 = Fe complex with equatorial Schiff base like ligand; HeptIm = N‐heptylimidazole, DecIm = N‐decylimidazole) and the packing of the molecules in the crystals are discussed.
Triphenylacetic Acid Amides: Molecular Propellers with Induced Chirality
Authors: Prusinowska Natalia , Bendzińska‐Berus Wioletta , Jelecki Maciej , Rychlewska Urszula , Kwit Marcin
Published: December 2014

The combination of electronic circular dichroism spectroscopy (ECD), X‐ray diffraction, and theoretical calculations permitted a detailed description of an unexpected chirality transfer in triphenylacetamides, which is achieved solely through weak intramolecular interactions. The observed phenomenon proceeds as a cascade process. The triphenylacetamide chromophore is sensitive to even small changes in the relative size of the substituent attached to the stereogenic center. Substitution at the stereogenic center influences helicity of the distal trityl chromophore but does not affect its propeller shape. Deformation of the propeller shape and consequent loss of itsC3symmetry results mainly from substitution of the amide hydrogen and is connected with an increase in steric hindrance. As an outcome of our studies, a model of optical activity of chiral triphenylacetamides is proposed. The performed X‐ray studies revealed that this novel class of chiral compounds is likely to be of additional value due to the porosity of the crystals.
Stereoselective TiCl4‐Mediated Aldol Reactions Starting from Acylsilanes
Authors: Marri Gangababu , Reddy J. Satyanarayana , Ruiz Johal , Das Saibal , Grée René
Published: December 2014

A simple and efficient method for the preparation of β‐hydroxyacylsilanes has been developed through a TiCl4‐mediated aldol reaction. A selection of Lewis acids has been assessed, and other parameters such as solvent and temperature have been optimized. These aldol reactions occur under mild conditions and furnish a selection of β‐hydroxy acylsilanes in fair‐to‐good yields with high syn selectivities (up to 99 %).
Solvent Induced Fabrication of Solid Polymer Electrolyte Water Electrolyzer: A study in Sulfonated Poly(Ether Ether Ketone) Based Membrane Electrode Assembly
Authors: Xiang Z. , Bu F. , Xing W. , Na H. , Zhang Y.
Published: December 2014

A novel solvent induced fabrication technique is developed for the preparation of the sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (sPEEK) based water electrolysis membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The solvent, dimethyl formamide (DMF), instead of the high pressure and temperature, is used to induce the softening of the membrane and better integration of the MEA with excellent interface compatibility. The influence of hot pressing period, the amount of polymer used in the electrode, and the temperature are investigated to optimize the performance of the MEA. The single cell performance for the water electrolysis is evaluated to optimize the fabrication parameters. It is found out that all three factors have great influences on the final cell performance and the tradeoff effects are observed due to the various states of the catalyst efficiency, TPBs, the conductivity, and cell resistance. As a result, the cell performance is optimized with the MEA fabricated at 120 °C, using the catalysts to polymer weight ratio of 5:1 and a 60s hot pressing period.
Fabrication of Titanium Bipolar Plates by Rubber Forming Process and Evaluation Characteristics of TiN coated Titanium Bipolar Plates
Authors: Lee K. H. , Jin C. K. , Kang C. G. , Seo H. Y. , Kim J. D.
Published: December 2014

In this study, the rubber forming process is used to fabricate a micro‐channel titanium plate for a PEM fuel cell. The micro‐channel plate is fabricated using a 200 ton hydraulic press, and various parameters (punch speed, press pressure, rubber thickness, rubber hardness) are investigated in order to evaluate the formability. TiN films are deposited by reactive DC magnetron sputtering (DCMS) with an electromagnetic field system (EMFS). For the uncoated titanium and TiN‐coated titanium substrates, the hardness, surface roughness, and corrosion resistance are estimated by nano‐indentation and electrochemical methods, respectively. The improved corrosion resistance of the TiN films can be attributed to the densification of the film caused by enhancement of nitrification with increasing high reactive nitrogen radicals. The uncoated titanium and TiN‐coated titanium bipolar plates are combined with a unit cell for a performance test, and respective current densities of 0.396 and 0.888 A cm−2 at 0.6 V are obtained.
Enhanced Fuel Cell Performance of Decalin Treated Nafion® Membranes
Authors: Krishnan L. , Yeager G. , Clark K. , Kerr J. , Soloveichik G.
Published: December 2014

The interaction of Nafion® 212 membrane with a carbocyclic fuel, decalin was studied. Membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) fabricated with decalin treated membranes exhibited significant increase in power density in a H2/Air fuel cell at 60% relative humidity. Small angle X‐ray scattering experiments were used to understand the morphological changes in the membrane due to decalin treatment.
Prostaglandin d synthase is a potential novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of gastric carcinomas expressing PPARγ
Authors: Fukuoka Tatsunari , Yashiro Masakazu , Kinoshita Haruhito , Morisaki Tamami , Hasegawa Tsuyoshi , Hirakawa Toshiki , Aomatsu Naoki , Takeda Hiroshi , Maruyama Takayuki , Hirakawa Kosei
Published: December 2014

The antitumor activity of prostaglandin (PG) D2 has been demonstrated against some types of cancer, including gastric cancer. However, exogenous PGD2 is not useful from a clinical point of view because it is rapidly metabolized in vivo. The aim of this study was to clarify the antitumor efficacy of an alternative, PGD synthase (PGDS), on gastric cancer cells. The effects of PGD2 and PGDS on the proliferation of gastric cancer cells were examined in vivo and in vitro. The expression levels of PGD2 receptors and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) were evaluated by RT‐PCR. The effects of a PPARγ antagonist or siPPARγ on the proliferation of cancer cells and the c‐myc and cyclin D1 expression were examined in the presence or absence of PGD2 or PGDS. PPARγ was expressed in gastric cancer cell lines, but PGD2 receptors were not. PGD2 and PGDS significantly decreased the proliferation of gastric cancer cells that highly expressed PPARγ. PGDS increased the PGD2 production of gastric cancer cells. A PPARγ antagonist and siPPARγ transfection significantly suppressed the growth‐inhibitory effects of PGD2 and PGDS. Expression of c‐myc and cyclin D1 was significantly decreased by PGD2; this inhibitory effect was suppressed by PPARγ antagonist. Both PGD2 and PGDS significantly decreased subcutaneous tumor growth in vivo. Tumor volume after PGDS treatment was significantly less than PGD2 treatment. These findings suggest that PGDS and PGD2 decrease the proliferation of gastric cancer cells through PPARγ signaling. PGDS is a potentially promising therapeutic agent for gastric cancers that express PPARγ.
From workstations to workbenches: Towards predicting physicochemically viable protein–protein interactions across a host and a pathogen
Authors: Ramakrishnan Gayatri , Chandra Nagasuma R. , Srinivasan Narayanaswamy
Published: December 2014

The understanding of protein–protein interactions is indispensable in comprehending most of the biological processes in a cell. Small‐scale experiments as well as large‐scale high‐throughput techniques over the past few decades have facilitated identification and analysis of protein–protein interactions which form the basis of much of our knowledge on functional and regulatory aspects of proteins. However, such rich catalog of interaction data should be used with caution when establishing protein–protein interactions in silico, as the high‐throughput datasets are prone to false positives. Numerous computational means developed to pursue genome‐wide studies on protein–protein interactions at times overlook the mechanistic and molecular details, thus questioning the reliability of predicted protein–protein interactions. We review the development, advantages, and shortcomings of varied approaches and demonstrate that by providing a structural viewpoint in terms of shape complementarity and interaction energies at protein–protein interfaces coupled with information on expression and localization of proteins homologous to an interacting pair, it is possible to assess the credibility of predicted interactions in biological context. With a focus on human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, we show that such scrupulous use of details at the molecular level can predict physicochemically viable protein–protein interactions across host and pathogen. Such predicted interactions have the potential to provide molecular basis of probable mechanisms of pathogenesis and hence open up ways to explore their usefulness as targets in the light of drug discovery. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(11):759–774, 2014
Clinical trial simulation to evaluate population pharmacokinetics and food effect: Capturing abiraterone and nilotinib exposures
Authors: Li Claire H. , Sherer Eric A. , Lewis Lionel D. , Bies Robert R.
Published: December 2014

The objectives of this study were to determine (1) the accuracy with which individual patient level exposure can be determined and (2) whether a known food effect can be identified in a trial simulation of a typical population pharmacokinetic trial. Clinical trial simulations were undertaken using NONMEM VII to assess a typical oncology pharmacokinetic trial design. Nine virtual trials for each compound were performed for combinations of different levels of between‐occasion variability, number of patients in the trial, and magnitude of a food covariate on oral clearance. Less than 5% and 20% bias and precision were obtained in individual clearance estimated for both abiraterone and nilotinib using this design. This design resulted in biased and imprecise population clearance estimates for abiraterone. The between‐occasion variability in most trials was captured with less than 30% of percent bias and precision. The food effect was detectable as a statistically significant covariate on oral clearance for abiraterone and nilotinib with percent bias and precision of the food covariate less than 20%. These results demonstrate that clinical trial simulation can be used to explore the ability of specific trial designs to evaluate the power to identify individual and population level exposures, covariate, and variability effects.
The inhibitory effect of fluoride on anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox)
Authors: Ji Yu‐Xin , Zhu Mei‐Hong , Ye Xiao‐Qing , Peng Ting‐Yu , Jin Ren‐Cun
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a promising process for nitrogen removal, but it cannot always be used successfully in the presence of inorganic matter. The feasibility of using the anammox process for treating wastewater that contains fluoride was examined in this study. The short‐term inhibitory effect was tested at various fluoride concentrations and exposure times, and diverse pre‐exposure strategies were performed in special serum bottles. Subsequently, the long‐term effect of fluoride stress was continuously monitored and evaluated in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor.

RESULTS

The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of fluoride for anammox biomass was calculated to be 767 mg L−1 in batch tests with an initial total nitrogen (TN) level of 200 mg L−1. A remarkable inhibitory effect of fluoride emerged when the substrate was supplied at >420 mg L−1 TN. The diameter and settling velocity of the granules significantly increased with the addition of 250 mg L−1 fluoride.

CONCLUSION

The performance of the anammox system and the granule properties were abnormal at a fluoride concentration of 400 mg L−1. The anammox UASB reactor was able to treat wastewater containing up to 350 mg L−1 fluoride after 183 days. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Multi‐technique study of archaeological cord‐marked wares decorated with red coatings from Taiwan
Authors: Liou Ying San
Published: December 2014

Archaeological finds of Neolithic to Iron Age pottery show clay potsherds characterized by red cord‐markings. The items date back from 5500 to 1500 B.P. To better understand temporal changes in the provenance of raw‐material sources, and the nature of materials used in the red colorant and ceramic bodies, micro‐Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and micro X‐ray florescence spectroscopy (μXRF) were applied to 29 red‐coated potsherd samples found at twelve archaeological sites across Taiwan. The techniques identified the chemical and mineralogical composition of the red coatings and ceramic bodies as well as the production methods of ancient potters. Eighteen mineral phases were identified from the Raman spectra, including hematite, α‐quartz, and anatase. Feldspar, rutile, pyroxenes, calcite, gypsum, amorphous carbon, and graphite were also detected. XRD measurements, and μXRF analyses were used as complementary techniques to obtain mineral and chemical compositions. Hematite, anatase, calcite, plagioclase feldspar, and illite were present in potsherds, suggesting pottery produced from illitic clays fired at less than 850 °C under oxidizing conditions. Results further suggest that raw materials were sourced from or near local volcanic rock areas, and more broadly from metamorphic or sedimentary rocks and clays. Chemically, raw materials used for red coatings are different to those of the ceramic bodies. Objects from most sites used the same raw material sources; however, some sites contain objects made from changing sources over time. Pot coatings exhibit polygonal cracks, and loosened cementation strongly suggesting that finely processed moist clays were fired to a biscuit form with no second stage firing process. The non‐destructive Raman experiments identified and characterized mineral phases, which helped understand manufacturing techniques. Overall the multi‐technique approach gave extensive information on the finds, helping to differentiate raw material sources and production technologies. This approach is an important and effective method for investigating archaeological finds. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The ν3 − ν4difference band contribution to the CCl4symmetric stretch (ν1) mode
Authors: Gaynor James D. , Wetterer Anna M. , Valente Edward J. , Mayer Steven G.
Published: December 2014

The Raman spectrum of the symmetric stretching vibration (ν1) of liquid carbon tetrachloride observed at 295 K and reported repeatedly over the last 80 years clearly shows four of the five more abundant isotopomers at 440–470 cm−1. At the lower energy end of this spectrum, additional intensity due to isotopomeric contributions from the symmetric stretch for v = 1 → 2 (hotbands) partially overlaps the prominent v = 0 → 1 features, and accounts for about 18% of the integrated intensity at 295 K in agreement with theory. When these two patterns are modeled and subtracted from the experimental spectrum, a feature underlying almost exactly the C35Cl4(v = 0 → 1) band at 462.5 cm−1becomes apparent. We propose that this feature is the ν3 − ν4difference band. Observations at lower temperatures, and of the combination bands, and the polarized Raman spectra are consistent with this hypothesis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neue Grubenwehr‐Leitlinien des Deutschen Ausschusses für das Grubenrettungswesen
Authors: Hermülheim Walter , Roehl Wolfgang
Published: December 2014

In Neubearbeitung der Empfehlungen aus den Jahren 1990 und 2005 hat der Deutsche Ausschuss für das Grubenrettungswesen (DA GRW) im Juni 2014 neue Leitlinien für Grubenwehren verabschiedet. Die Leitlinien berücksichtigen vor allem die seit einigen Jahren rückläufige Anzahl an Grubenwehren sowie die Tatsache, dass es in Deutschland eine Reihe von kleinen Bergbaubetrieben gibt, die wegen ihrer Betriebsgröße nicht über eine eigene Grubenwehr verfügen oder aber keine Hilfeleistungsgrubenwehr aus dem Nahbereich anfordern können. Die neuen Empfehlungen sind ferner gedacht als ein erster Schritt zu einer Zusammenführung der Grubenwehr‐Regeln des Nichtkohlenbergbaus mit dem entsprechenden Regelwerk des deutschen Steinkohlenbergbaus, wenn es wie geplant 2019 zu einer Konzentration aller deutschen Hauptstellen unter dem Dach des Zentralen Grubenrettungswesens der Berufsgenossenschaft Rohstoffe und Chemische Industrie (BGRCI) kommen wird. In den neuen Leitlinien des DA GRW sind vor allem folgende Themengebiete überarbeitet bzw. gegenüber den bisherigen Regeln ergänzt worden:

– Personelle Stärke von Grubenwehren,

– Ersatzmaßnahmen bei Nichterreichen der notwendigen Grubenwehrstärke,

– Ausrüstung der Grubenwehr,

– Einsätze unter erschwerten Bedingungen.

New guidelines for mine rescue teams of the German Mine Rescue Committee

In revision of former recommendations as of 1990 and 2005 the German Mine Rescue Committee (DA GRW) has adopted new guidelines for mine rescue teams in June 2014. The guidelines take into account that throughout the last years particularly, the number of mine rescue teams in Germany has been declining and that there is an increasing number of small mining operations that do not have an own full mine rescue brigade or can not call mine rescue assistance from close range. The new guidelines are also intended as a first step towards an amalgamation of the mine rescue rules of non‐coal mining with the appropriate regulations of the German coal industry, when in 2019 all German rescue stations as planned will be united under the umbrella of the Central Mine Rescue Service of the Employers' Liability Insurance Association Raw Materials and Chemical Industry (BG RCI). In the new guidelines of the DA GRW, especially the following issues have been revised or added, compared to the previous rules:

– Strength of mine rescue teams in non‐coal mining,

– Alternative safety measures in case of inability to meet the required number of personnel,

– Equipment of mine rescue brigades,

– Mine rescue operations under difficult ambient conditions.
Was there really any evidence that rosiglitazone increased the risk of myocardial infarction or death from cardiovascular causes?
Authors: Stone Jennifer C. , Furuya‐Kanamori Luis , Barendregt Jan J. , Doi Suhail A. R.
Published: December 2014

Rosiglitazone has previously been widely used to treat patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but its safety in terms of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality had been called into question. Recently, there have been doubts raised about the meta‐analytic evidence with the regulatory authorities relaxing its restrictions. We hypothesized that the original analyses may have produced exaggerated results because of the small baseline risks involved. To demonstrate this, we replicated the meta‐analysis of four randomized trials of greater than 12‐month follow‐up that made use of a randomized control group not receiving rosiglitazone and reported outcome data for all occurrences of the complementary outcomes (no myocardial infarction, no death from cardiovascular causes, and no heart failure). Data were combined by means of a fixed‐effects model. In the rosiglitazone group, as compared with the control group, the relative risk for no myocardial infarction was 0.997 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.994 to 1.000), and the relative risk for no death from cardiovascular causes was 1.001 (95%CI, 0.999 to 1.003). Finally, no heart failure had a relative risk of 0.995 (95%CI, 0.993 to 0.998). Rosiglitazone does not seem to have any significant increase in the risk of myocardial infarction or of death from cardiovascular causes associated with its use. Regulatory authorities should revisit this issue of the appropriate measure for reporting of adverse events with low baseline risks as this has implications well beyond rosiglitazone. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Core‐shell structured poly(glycidyl methacrylate)/BaTiO3 nanocomposites prepared by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization: A novel material for high energy density dielectric storage
Authors: Ejaz Muhammad , Puli Venkata S. , Elupula Ravinder , Adireddy Shiva , Riggs Brian C. , Chrisey Douglas B. , Grayson Scott M.
Published: December 2014

Core‐shell structured barium titanate‐poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (BaTiO3‐PGMA) nanocomposites were prepared by surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of GMA from the surface of BaTiO3 nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the grafting of the PGMA shell on the surface of the BaTiO3 nanoparticles cores. Transmission Electron Microscopy results revealed that BaTiO3 nanoparticles are covered by thin brushes (∼20 nm) of PGMA forming a core‐shell structure and thermogravimetric analysis results showed that the grafted BaTiO3‐PGMA nanoparticles consist of ∼13.7% PGMA by weight. Upon incorporating these grafted nanoparticles into 20 μm‐thick films, the resultant BaTiO3‐PGMA nanocomposites have shown an improved dielectric constant (ε = 54), a high breakdown field strength (∼3 MV/cm) and high‐energy storage density ∼21.51 J/cm3. AC conductivity measurements were in good agreement with Jonscher's universal power law and low leakage current behavior was observed before the electrical breakdown field of the films. Improved dielectric and electrical properties of core‐shell structured BaTiO3‐PGMA nanocomposite were attributed to good nanoparticle dispersion and enhanced interfacial polarization. Furthermore, only the surface grafted BaTiO3 yielded homogenous films that were mechanically stable. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 719–728
Synthesis and crystallization of star‐shaped photocleavable poly(ε‐caprolactone)s
Authors: Kasegaonkar Ajay S. , Barqawi Haitham , Binder Wolfgang H.
Published: December 2014

Here, we report on the synthesis and different crystallization behavior of linear‐ and star‐ PCL's containing a photocleavable linker (5‐hydroxy‐2‐nitro benzaldehyde), modulated by photochemical switching. Basis is the attachment of a photocleavable moiety close to the star‐core of a three‐arm star poly(caprolactone), so that the crystallization behavior can be controlled via a photochemical stimulus. The polymerization of ε‐caprolactone using a trivalent photocleavable initiator and stannous octanoate catalyst resulted in the synthesis of different molecular weights of star‐shaped photocleavable polymers. Various techniques like 1H NMR and ESI‐TOF‐MS confirmed the successful synthesis of the star‐shaped polymers. Complete photocleavage is ensured via GPC, HPLC, and ESI‐TOF‐MS. DSC studies clearly indicated the enhancement in crystallinity after photocleavage of the star‐shaped poly(ε‐caprolactone)s. Hence, for the first time phototriggered crystallization behavior of PCL polymers is reported, where the confinement exerted by the star architecture is removed by photoirradiation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 642–649
Polymer/clay nanocomposites through multiple hydrogen‐bonding interactions
Authors: Aydin Muhammed , Uyar Tamer , Tasdelen Mehmet Atilla , Yagci Yusuf
Published: December 2014

An 2‐ureido‐4[1H]pyrimidinone (UPy) motif with self‐association capability (through quadruple hydrogen bonds) was successfully anchored onto montmorillonite clay layers. Polymer/clay nanocomposites were prepared by specific hydrogen bonding interactions between surface functionalized silica nanoclays and UPy‐bonded supramolecular poly(ethylene glycol) or poly(ɛ‐caprolactone). The mixed morphologies including intercalated layers with a non‐uniform separation and exfoliated single layers isolated from any stack were determined by combined X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopic measurements. Thermal analyses showed that all nanocomposites had higher decomposition temperatures and thermal stabilities compared with neat polymer. The differential scanning calorimetric data implied that the crystallinity of polymers did not show essential changes upon introduction of organomodified UPy clays. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 650–658
Naphthalimide‐phthalimide derivative based photoinitiating systems for polymerization reactions under blue lights
Authors: Xiao Pu , Dumur Frédéric , Zhang Jing , Graff Bernadette , Gigmes Didier , Fouassier Jean Pierre , Lalevée Jacques
Published: December 2014

Naphthalimide‐phthalimide derivatives (NDPDs) have been synthesized and combined with an iodonium salt, N‐vinylcarbazole, amine or 2,4,6‐tris(trichloromethyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine to produce reactive species (i.e., radicals and cations). These generated reactive species are capable of initiating the cationic polymerization of epoxides and/or the radical polymerization of acrylates upon exposure to very soft polychromatic visible lights or blue lights. Compared with the well‐known camphorquinone based systems used as references, the novel NDPD based combinations employed here demonstrate clearly higher efficiencies for the cationic polymerization of epoxides under air as well as the radical polymerization of acrylates. Remarkably, one of the NDPDs (i.e., NDPD2) based systems is characterized by an outstanding reactivity. The structure/reactivity/efficiency relationships of the investigated NDPDs were studied by fluorescence, cyclic voltammetry, laser flash photolysis, electron spin resonance spin trapping, and steady state photolysis techniques. The key parameters for their reactivity are provided. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 665–674