bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Toward the Total Synthesis of Klaivanolide: Complete Reinterpretation of Its Originally Assigned Structure.
Authors: Ferrie Laurent , Ferhi Sabrina , Bernadat Guillaume , Figadere Bruno
Published: March 2015

The originally proposed structure of klaivanolide, an antiparasitic natural product isolated from Uvaria klaineana, is revised based on both experimental evidence by attempted total synthesis as well as spectroscopic data.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of the Revised Structure of Acortatarin A.
Authors: Geng Hui Min , Stubbing Louise A. , Chen Jack Li‐yang , Furkert Daniel P. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: March 2015

Key step in the total synthesis of the unusual morpholine‐spiroketal acortatarin A (I) is a novel Maillard‐type condensation reaction between a primary amine derived from D‐mannitol and a dihydropyranone.
ChemInform Abstract: Complete Recovery of Eu from BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+ by Alkaline Fusion and Its Mechanism.
Authors: Zhang Shengen , Liu Hu , Pan De'an , Tian Jianjun , Liu Yifan , Volinsky Alex A.
Published: March 2015

Eu is completely recovered from BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+ (I) by disintegration via alkaline fusion using NaOH and (I) in a 1:1 mass ratio for ball milling followed by heating (Fe crucible, 150‐375 °C, 2 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Chrysanthemum‐Like 3D Hierarchical Magnetic γ‐Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 Superstructures: Facile Synthesis and Application in Adsorption of Organic Pollutants from Water.
Authors: Li Guoliang , Lan Jing , Li Gang
Published: March 2015

Chrysanthemum‐like 3D hierarchical magnetic γ‐Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 superstructures, self‐assembled by nanobelts, are prepared by a one‐pot solvothermal route without the use of structure‐directing additives.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Biological Activities of Chalcones and Their Heterocyclic Derivatives: A Review
Authors: Ghosh Rajat , Das Abhijit
Published: March 2015

Review: 46 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Pyrazolopyrimidines: Synthesis, Chemical Reactions and Biological Activity
Authors: Ahmed Sayed A. , Elgendy Hussein S. , Younis Walaa O.
Published: March 2015

Review: 256 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Ultrasound‐Promoted Synthesis of Indole‐Appended Heterocycles
Authors: Nikalje Anna Pratima G. , Shaikh Sameer I.
Published: March 2015

Review: 59 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Deactivation in Homogeneous Transition Metal Catalysis: Causes, Avoidance, and Cure
Authors: Crabtree Robert H.
Published: March 2015

Review: 277 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Perfluoro Organic Compounds
Authors: Ohashi Masato , Ogoshi Sensuke
Published: March 2015

Review: 102 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in Enantioselective Vanadium‐Catalyzed Transformations
Authors: Pellissier Helene
Published: March 2015

Review: 155 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in the Prins Cyclization
Authors: Greco Sandro Jose , Fiorot Rodolfo Goetze , Lacerda Valdemar , dos Santos Reginaldo Bezerra
Published: March 2015

Review: 69 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Joy and Flustration with Organofluorine Compounds ‐ A Fluorous Autobiography
Authors: Seebach Dieter
Published: March 2015

Review: 89 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Advances in the Synthesis of Imidazo[1,5‐a]‐ and Imidazo[1,2‐a]‐quinoxalines
Authors: Kalinin V. A. , Mamedov A. A.
Published: March 2015

Review: 183 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Supramolecular Carbene Chemistry
Authors: Brinker Udo H. , Mieusset Jean‐Luc , Rosenberg Murray G.
Published: March 2015

Review: 288 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Carbodicarbenes
Authors: Frenking Gernot , Tonner Ralf
Published: March 2015

Review: 51 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Acid‐base Chemistry of Carbenes
Authors: O'Donoghue AnnMarie C. , Massey Richard S.
Published: March 2015

Review: 79 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Heteropoly Acids‐Catalyzed Organic Reactions in Water: Doubly Green Reactions
Authors: Heravi Majid M. , Vazin Fard Mahdiyeh , Faghihi Zeinab
Published: March 2015

Review: 124 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemical Composition of Pinus sibirica (Pinaceae)
Authors: Rogachev Artem D. , Salakhutdinov Nariman F.
Published: March 2015

Review: [120 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Naturally Occurring Arbutin Derivatives and Their Bioactivities
Authors: Xu Wen‐Hui , Liang Qian , Zhang Ying‐Jun , Zhao Ping
Published: March 2015

Review: 157 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Impact of Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis on Benzo Derivatives of Five‐Membered N‐Heterocycles
Authors: Kaur Navjeet
Published: March 2015

Review: 128 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Organocatalytic Synthesis of Optically Active Organophosphorus Compounds
Authors: Dziegielewski Marek , Pieta Jakub , Kaminska Elzbieta , Albrecht Lukasz
Published: March 2015

Review: [recent progress in this field of enantioselective synthesis; 71 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Artificial Metalloenzymes for Asymmetric Catalysis by Creation of Novel Active Sites in Protein and DNA Scaffolds
Authors: Drienovska Ivana , Roelfes Gerard
Published: March 2015

Review: 74 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: The Diels—Alder Reaction in Steroid Synthesis
Authors: Mackay Emily G. , Sherburn Michael S.
Published: March 2015

Review: [169 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Mechanism and Application of Baker—Venkataram O→C Acyl Migration Reactions
Authors: Ameen Dana , Snape Timothy J.
Published: March 2015

Review: [127 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: N‐Fluorobenzenesulfonimide: An Efficient Nitrogen Source for C—N Bond Formation
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Qian
Published: March 2015

Review: [31 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Total Syntheses of Heliannuols: An Overview
Authors: Chen Ke , Li Youqiang , Du Zhenting , Tao Zhang
Published: March 2015

Review: [41 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Supramolecularly Engineered Functional π‐Assemblies Based on Complementary Hydrogen‐Bonding Interactions
Authors: Yagai Shiki
Published: March 2015

Review: [74 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Transition Metal‐Catalyzed Oxidative Transformations of Methylarenes
Authors: Feng Jian‐Bo , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: March 2015

Review: [146 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Physical, Chemical and Structural Effects as Important Factors for the Determination of Thermodynamic and Transport Properties and the Modelling of Non‐Electrolyte Solutions
Authors: Djordjevic Bojan D. , Kijevcanin Mirjana Lj. , Radovic Ivona R. , Serbanovic Slobodan P. , Tasic Aleksandar Z.
Published: March 2015

Review: 63 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Toward Molecular Catalysts by Computer
Authors: Raugei Simone , DuBois Daniel L. , Rousseau Roger , Chen Shentan , Ho Ming‐Hsun , Bullock R. Morris , Dupuis Michel
Published: March 2015

Review: 41 refs.
Evaluating Catalytic Fixed‐Bed Reactors for Dry Reforming of Methane with Detailed CFD
Authors: Wehinger Gregor D. , Eppinger Thomas , Kraume Matthias
Published: March 2015

A rigorous modeling of catalytic fixed‐bed reactors with spherical and non‐spherical particles is presented. The spatially resolved randomly distributed particles allow a comprehensive description of the interstitial flow. The detailed fluid dynamics are coupled with a detailed reaction mechanism of the heterogeneous dry reforming of methane (DRM). Three different kinds of particles of typical industrial dimensions are evaluated under characteristic reaction conditions toward conversions and yields of the DRM. It was found that the fixed bed consisting of cylindrical particles shows the highest conversions and yields. On the contrary, the one‐hole cylinder packing exhibits a low performance. With this modeling transport phenomena inside fixed beds can be fully addressed and finally, a substantial quantitative comparison between different packings is possible.
Positive affectivity under work overload: Evidence of differential outcomes
Authors: Gallagher Vickie Coleman , Meurs James A.
Published: March 2015

We argue that, although positive affectivity (PA) provides intraindividual benefits when experiencing stress, this resilience to stressors does not necessarily translate into improved evaluations by others. In the context of our research, different outcomes in response to increased role overload are expected on the basis of prior theoretical and empirical research. We found that, under conditions of high role overload, those with high PA did not experience reduced job satisfaction (Study 1). However, supervisor‐rated performance decreased in the context of heightened role overload for those high in PA (Study 2). Thus, PA may help the individual cope, but it may not convert to increased performance ratings as reported by one's supervisor. Copyright © 2015 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of location and scale functionals in nonparametric regression under copula dependent censoring
Authors: Sujica Aleksandar , van Keilegom Ingrid
Published: March 2015

Let be a random vector, where Y denotes the variable of interest possibly subject to random right censoring, and X is a covariate. The variable Y is a (possible monotone transformation of a) survival time. The censoring time C and the survival time Y are allowed to be dependent, and the dependence is described via a known copula (this also includes the independent case). Under this setting we propose estimators of certain location and scale functionals of Y given X. We derive their asymptotic properties, uniformly over the support of X. In particular we derive an asymptotic representation and the uniform convergence rates for these estimators and their derivatives. We also prove asymptotic results for an estimator of the conditional distribution (the so‐called conditional copula‐graphic estimator), which generalizes previous results obtained by Braekers & Veraverbeke (2005). We also illustrate the results via simulations and the analysis of data on bone marrow transplantation. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 43: 306–335; 2015 © 2015 Statistical Society of Canada
Zeeman truncation in NMR. I. The role of operator commutation
Authors: Edén Mattias
Published: March 2015

Hamiltonians are of pivotal importance for describing and analyzing NMR experiments. However, the “exact” spin Hamiltonian operators are in practice not utilized, but merely a simplified form referred to either as the “secular,” “Zeeman‐truncated,” or “high‐field” Hamiltonian. It results after accounting for the dominating role of the Zeeman interaction relative to all other, much smaller NMR interactions, such as chemical shifts, through‐bond, or through‐space spin–spin couplings. In this article and the following one, we introduce the Zeeman truncation process to newcomers to NMR by thoroughly reviewing the options available for reducing the full Hamiltonian of a spin interaction to its Zeeman‐truncated counterpart. The present paper considers time‐independent Hamiltonians, where we discuss the criteria for performing truncation, highlighting the role of operator commutation by a simple formalism that is equivalent to application of lowest‐order static perturbation theory. The validity of the approximations are illustrated by examining the explicit matrix representations of the “exact” and “Zeeman truncated” Hamiltonians, considering the NMR interactions relevant for systems of interacting spin‐1/2 nuclei. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 43A: 91–108, 2015.
A new T‐cell activation mode for suboptimal doses of antigen under the full activation of T cells with different specificity
Authors: Shibuya Mihoko , Fujio Keishi , Shoda Hirofumi , Okamura Tomohisa , Okamoto Akiko , Sumitomo Shuji , Yamamoto Kazuhiko
Published: March 2015

Loss of tolerance for autoantigens is a common feature in autoimmune diseases. Bystander T‐cell activation is the activation of T cells to produce functional changes through TCR‐independent stimulation. Although bystander activation may be related to tolerance loss to multiple autoantigens, the activation mechanism of T cells directed to an autoantigen with limited amount is not clear. We investigated an activation mode of T cells (designated as “associator T cells”) directed to a suboptimal dose of cognate antigen X in the presence of fully activated T cells (designated as “responder T cells”) directed to an optimal dose of antigen Y. In in vitro coculture, the activation of associator T cells was dependent on the presentation of antigen X, and soluble factors from activated responder T cells were not sufficient. Therefore, we conclude this activation mode is different from bystander activation and named it “extended antigen priming (EAP)”. T cells with EAP showed a different phenotype compared to conventionally primed cells, suggesting the unique nature of EAP. Intriguingly, EAP was dependent on the CD40–CD40L signaling pathway. Thus, the EAP model is a T‐cell activation mode for suboptimal dose of antigen and presumably related to the immune response to autoantigens in autoimmune status.
Pentanuclear and Octanuclear Manganese Helices
Authors: Sato Hiroki , Yamaguchi Momoyo , Onuki Tatsuya , Noguchi Mao , Newton Graham N. , Shiga Takuya , Oshio Hiroki
Published: March 2015

Two helical manganese complexes, [Mn5(L)3(μ3‐O)(NO3)(OMe)2(MeOH)](NO3)·4MeOH·H2O (1) and [Mn8(L)6(μ3‐Cl)2]Cl2·3C2H4Cl2·60H2O·2DMF (2, DMF = N,N‐dimethylformamide), were obtained by the reaction of the multidentate polypyridine ligand 2,6‐bis[5‐(2‐pyridinyl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐3‐yl]‐pyridine (H2L) with manganese nitrate and chloride, respectively. The compounds were characterized by elemental analyses and single‐crystal X‐ray structural analyses. The pentanuclear complex 1 is composed of three ligands and five manganese ions with μ3‐oxido bridges, whereas the octanuclear complex 2 is constructed from six ligands and eight manganese ions with two μ3‐chlorido bridges. Both compounds have helix‐type structures. The manganese ions in 1 are present in a mixture of +2 and +3 valence states, whereas 2 is homovalent and contains only +2 ions. The magnetic properties of both compounds were investigated in the temperature range 1.8–300 K, and antiferromagnetic interactions between the manganese ions are dominant in both complexes.
Simultaneous extraction of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine from soybean lecithin
Authors: John Johnson V. , Park Huiju , Lee Hye Ri , Suh Hongsuk , Kim Il
Published: March 2015

A high composition of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) was simultaneously extracted from soybean lecithin by using a mixed solvent consisting of ethanol and chloroform. The addition of chloroform in ethanol improved the total extraction yield to give high a composition of PC and PE. Thus, the best extraction yield (52%) of PC and PE was achieved at an ethanol/chloroform ratio of 6/4 (v/v). Molecular dynamics calculations of the amorphous cell bearing PC, PE, and solvent molecules were performed in order to understand the distribution of PC and PE molecules in specific solvent conditions. The extraction yield was also sensitive to extraction temperature, time and liquid to solid ratio. The extracted PC and PE mixture was successfully purified by flash chromatography using chloroform/methanol (8/2 v/v) as eluting solvent. The purified yields of PE and PC from lecithin extract were 16 and 35%, respectively. The structure of the extracted products was characterized by thin‐layer chromatography and 1H, 13C, 31P NMR, FTIR and UV/vis spectroscopies, and elemental analysis. The purity of PE and PC was higher than 95%.

Practical applications: Lecithin composed of phosphoric acid, choline, fatty acids, glycerol, glycolipids, triglycerides, and phospholipids is widely used in human food, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, paints, and other industrial applications. Lecithin can easily be extracted chemically using various solvents in order to obtain pure components. Due to the importance of phospholipids there have been a number of reports on the extraction of PC from lecithin; however, there have been few reports on the extraction of PE or the simultaneous extraction of PC and PE. Thus the simultaneous extraction of PC (35%) and PE (16%) from soybean lecithin by using a mixed solvent consisting of ethanol and chloroform can be a good example to obtain such components in high yields. The protocol employed here is quite straightforward so that pure PC and PE can be obtained economically and may attract interest on mixed solvent systems for the simultaneous extraction of lecithin components.

Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine were simultaneously extracted from soybean lecithin by using a mixed solvent consisting of ethanol and chloroform.
Maternal high‐fat diet exposure leads to insulin resistance and impacts myogenic and adipogenicgene expression in offspring rats
Authors: Yang Xiao , Lai Peng , Chen Xiang‐Gui , Liu Zhen‐Ping , Tang Yuan‐Mou , Rao Su , Wen Chun‐Juan , Jiao Shi‐Rong , Lei Ji
Published: March 2015

To obtain information on the molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance (IR) in offspring rats due to maternal high‐fat diet exposure, we investigated (i) the consequences of maternal high‐fat diet consumption on offspring malprogramming that predisposes the offspring to the onset of IR during adulthood and (ii) the impact of a maternal high‐fat diet on myogenic and adipogenic gene expression in muscle. Sprague–Dawley female rats were randomly divided into two groups and fed either a normal chow (NC) or a high‐fat diet (HF). After breeding, the pups were divided into four groups: male offspring of HF (MOH), female offspring of HF (FOH), male offspring of NC (MON) and female offspring of NC (FON). The offspring rats were fed NC until 18 weeks after weaning. The body weight, plasma parameters, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) of the dam and the offspring rats were measured, and nuclear and mitochondrial morphologies of skeletal muscular cells of the offspring rats were observed. The expression of myogenic and adipogenic marker genes in muscle were measured during the embryonic and foetal periods. The results indicated that maternal high‐fat diet exposure led to the emergence of IR in MOH and FOH. The expression of myogenic and adipogenic genes in muscular tissues was seriously disrupted in MOH and FOH, which was revealed firstly in the present study.

The consequences of maternal high‐fat diet consumption on offspring malprogramming that predisposes the offspring to the onset of insulin resistance during adulthood and the possible mechanism of offspring IR, that is the impact of a maternal high‐fat diet on skeletal muscle and adipose tissue gene expression, were investigated.
Recent Advancements in Calix[4]pyrrole‐Based Anion‐Receptor Chemistry
Authors: Saha Indrajit , Lee Jeong Tae , Lee Chang‐Hee
Published: March 2015

Calix[4]pyrroles and their congeners are conformationally flexible, nonplanar tetrapyrrolic macrocycles that can recognize anionic substrates. Although the mother calix[4]pyrrole was reported more than 100 years ago, anion recognition accompanied with conformational changes was first discovered in 1996. These compounds have shown preferential binding of halide anions such as fluoride and chloride as well as that of phosphate and carboxylate anions. Extensive efforts have been made to improve the affinity and selectivity. Continuous expansion of related research makes this easy‐to‐make macrocycle more promising. In this review, recent synthetic developments and the anion binding properties of newly developed calix[4]pyrroles are discussed and accomplishments to date are summarized. We hope that this review provides a seed for future developments in this area of chemistry.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Domino Mizoroki–Heck/Intermolecular C(sp3)–H Activation Sequence: An Approach to the Formation of C(sp3)–C(sp3) Bonds
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhou Rong , Jiang Zhi‐Jie , Wang Xin , Fu Hai‐Yan , Zheng Xue‐Li , Chen Hua , Li Rui‐Xiang
Published: March 2015

A palladium‐catalyzed domino Mizoroki–Heck/intermolecular unactivated C(sp3)–H alkylation reaction has been developed. This simple palladium nanoparticle catalytic system shows good activity and affords the dimeric dihydrobenzofuran derivatives in moderate to good yields. Furthermore, this reaction provides a new method for the elaboration of domino reactions involving a C(sp3)–C(sp3) bond‐forming process.
Reaction of Bicyclic Zirconacyclopentenes with Aldehydes and a Potential Pathway to Condensed 5–7–6(Ar) Ring Systems
Authors: Topolovčan Nikola , Panov Illia , Kotora Martin
Published: March 2015

Bicyclic zirconacyclopentenes prepared by the reactions of 1,6‐ and 1,7‐enynes with [Cp2ZrBu2] (Negishi reagent) reacted with a plethora of aldehydes (aryl, heteroaryl, alkyl, α,β‐unsaturated) by chemo‐ and stereoselective insertion into the sp3 C–Zr bond to give the corresponding oxazirconacycloheptenes. Subsequent hydrolysis or halogenolysis provided the corresponding alcohols 4 (31–74 % isolated yields) or halides 10 (35–50 % isolated yields). The oxazirconacycloheptenes prepared by the insertion of 2‐iodobenzaldehyde were also subjected to intramolecular coupling in the presence of CuCl and additives, and compounds possessing the condensed 5–7–6(aryl) ring system were obtained in reasonable isolated yields (32–46 %). The same ring system was also prepared by the Pd‐catalyzed coupling of dihalo derivatives 10 (38–42 % 1H NMR yields). Moreover, the mechanism of the unproductive side‐reaction leading to ketones during the reaction with CuCl was elucidated.
Do Recognizable Lifetime Eating Disorder Phenotypes Naturally Occur in a Culturally Asian Population? A Combined Latent Profile and Taxometric Approach
Authors: Thomas Jennifer J. , Eddy Kamryn T. , Ruscio John , Ng King Lam , Casale Kristen E. , Becker Anne E. , Lee Sing
Published: March 2015

Background

We examined whether empirically derived eating disorder (ED) categories in Hong Kong Chinese patients (N = 454) would be consistent with recognizable lifetime ED phenotypes derived from latent structure models of European and American samples.

Method

We performed latent profile analysis (LPA) using indicator variables from data collected during routine assessment, and then applied taxometric analysis to determine whether latent classes were qualitatively versus quantitatively distinct.

Results

Latent profile analysis identified four classes: (i) binge/purge (47%); (ii) non‐fat‐phobic low‐weight (34%); (iii) fat‐phobic low‐weight (12%); and (iv) overweight disordered eating (6%). Taxometric analysis identified qualitative (categorical) distinctions between the binge/purge and non‐fat‐phobic low‐weight classes, and also between the fat‐phobic and non‐fat‐phobic low‐weight classes. Distinctions between the fat‐phobic low‐weight and binge/purge classes were indeterminate.

Conclusion

Empirically derived categories in Hong Kong showed recognizable correspondence with recognizable lifetime ED phenotypes. Although taxometric findings support two distinct classes of low weight EDs, LPA findings also support heterogeneity among non‐fat‐phobic individuals. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Navigating life
Authors: Cohen Neal J.
Published: March 2015

The discoveries of “place cells” in the hippocampus and “grid cells” in the entorhinal cortex are landmark achievements in relating behavior to neural activity, permitting analysis of a powerful system for spatial representation in the brain. The contributions of this work include not only the empirical findings but also the approach this work pioneered of examining neural activity in complex behaviors with real ecological validity in freely moving animals, and of attempting to place the findings in the larger context of how the neural representations of space are used in service of real‐world behavior, namely what the Nobel committee described as permitting us to “navigate our way through a complex environment.” These discoveries and approaches have had far‐ranging impact on and implications for work in human cognitive neuroscience, where we see (1) confirmation in humans that the hippocampus and overlying MTL cortex are critically engaged in supporting a relational representation of space, and that it can be used for flexible spatial navigation and (2) evidence that these regions are also critically involved in aspects of relational memory not limited to space, and in the flexible use of hippocampal memory extending beyond spatial navigation. Recent work, using tasks that emphasize the requirement for the active use of memory in online processing, just as spatial navigation has long placed such a requirement on rodents, suggests that the hippocampus and related MTL cortex can support the navigating of environments even more complex than what is needed in spatial navigation. It allows us to use memory in guiding upcoming actions and choices to act optimally in and on the world, permitting us to navigate life in all its beautiful complexity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Navigating the human hippocampus without a GPS
Authors: Zucker Halle R. , Ranganath Charan
Published: March 2015

The award of the Nobel Prize to Professors John O'Keefe, May‐Britt Moser, and Edvard Moser brings global recognition to one of the most significant success stories in modern neuroscience. Here, we consider how their findings, along with related studies of spatial cognition in rodents, have informed our understanding of the human hippocampus. Rather than identifying a “GPS” in the brain, we emphasize that these researchers helped to establish a fundamental role for cortico‐hippocampal networks in the guidance of behavior based on a representation of the current place, time, and situation. We conclude by highlighting the major questions that remain to be addressed in future research. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Place fields and the cognitive map
Authors: Dudchenko Paul A. , Wood Emma R.
Published: March 2015

The discovery of place cells by John O'Keefe in the early 1970s was a breakthrough not just for systems neuroscience, but also for psychology: place fields provided a clear neural substrate for the notion of a cognitive map, a construct devised to explain rat learning and spatial cognition. However, is the robust location‐related firing of place cells still best conceptualised as a cognitive map? In this commentary, we reassess this view of hippocampus function in light of subsequent findings on place cells. We argue that as place fields encode local space, and as they are modulated by ongoing behavior, the representation they provide may be more cognitive than map‐like. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The mantle of the heavens: Reflections on the 2014 nobel prize for medicine or physiology
Authors: Morris Richard G. M.
Published: March 2015

The award of the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology in 2014 for the discovery of place and grid cells was both a personal award to three great scientists and also a mark of the maturity of systems neuroscience as a discipline. This article offers both personal and scientific reflections on these discoveries, detailing both how getting to know all three winners had an impact on my life and the research questions that we shared in common work together. It ends with brief reflections on three important outstanding questions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Osteoblast-Specific Loss of IGF1R Signaling Results in Impaired Endochondral Bone Formation During Fracture Healing
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Yongmei , Menendez Alicia , Fong Chak , Babey Muriel , Tahimic Candice GT , Cheng Zhiqiang , Li Alfred , Chang Wenhan , Bikle Daniel D.
Published: March 2015

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are important local regulators during fracture healing. Although IGF1 deficiency is known to increase the risk of delayed union or non-union fractures in the elderly population, the underlying mechanisms that contribute to this defect remains unclear. In this study, IGF1 signaling during fracture healing was investigated in an osteoblast-specific IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) conditional knockout (KO) mouse model. A closed tibial fracture was induced in IGF1Rflox/flox/2.3-kb α1(1)-collagen-Cre (KO) and IGF1Rflox/flox (control) mice aged 12 weeks. Fracture callus samples and nonfractured tibial diaphysis were collected and analyzed by μCT, histology, immunohistochemistry, histomorphometry, and gene expression analysis at 10, 15, 21, and 28 days after fracture. A smaller size callus, lower bone volume accompanied by a defect in mineralization, bone microarchitectural abnormalities, and a higher cartilage volume were observed in the callus of these KO mice. The levels of osteoblast differentiation markers (osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, collagen 1α1) were significantly reduced, but the early osteoblast transcription factor runx2, as well as chondrocyte differentiation markers (collagen 2α1 and collagen 10α1) were significantly increased in the KO callus. Moreover, increased numbers of osteoclasts and impaired angiogenesis were observed during the first 15 days of fracture repair, but decreased numbers of osteoclasts were found in the later stages of fracture repair in the KO mice. Although baseline nonfractured tibias of KO mice had decreased trabecular and cortical bone compared to control mice, subsequent studies with mice expressing the 2.3-kb α1(1)-collagen-Cre ERT2 construct and given tamoxifen at the time of fracture and so starting with comparable bone levels showed similar impairment in fracture repair at least initially. Our data indicate that not only is the IGF1R in osteoblasts involved in osteoblast differentiation during fracture repair, but it plays an important role in coordinating chondrocyte, osteoclast, and endothelial responses that all contribute to the endochondral bone formation required for normal fracture repair. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Use of a dual lumen port for automated red cell exchange in adults with sickle cell disease
Authors: Shrestha Anuj , Jawa Zeeshan , Koch Kathryn L. , Rankin Amy B. , Xiang Qun , Padmanabhan Anand , Karafin Matthew S. , Field Joshua J.
Published: March 2015

Red cell exchange (RCE) is a common procedure in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD). Implantable dual lumen Vortex (DLV) ports can be used for RCE in patients with poor peripheral venous access. We performed a retrospective cohort study of RCE procedures performed in adults with SCD. The main objective of the study was to compare the inlet speed, duration of procedures and rate of complications performed through DLV ports to those performed through temporary central venous and peripheral catheters. Twenty‐nine adults with SCD underwent a total of 318 RCE procedures. Twenty adults had DLV ports placed and 218 procedures were performed using DLV ports. Mean length of follow‐up after DLV port placement was 397 ± 263 days. Six DLV ports were removed due to infection and 1 for malfunction after a mean of 171 ± 120 days. Compared to temporary central venous and peripheral catheters, DLV port procedures had a greater rate of procedural complications, a longer duration, and a lower inlet speed (all P < 0.01). When accounting for the maximum allowable inlet speed to avoid citrate toxicity, 40% of DLV port procedures were greater than 10% below maximum speed, compared to 7 and 14% of procedures performed through temporary central venous and peripheral catheters (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, DLV ports can be used for RCE in adults with SCD, albeit with more procedural complications and longer duration. The smaller internal diameter and longer catheter of DLV ports compared to temporary central venous catheters likely accounts for the differences noted. J. Clin. Apheresis 30:353–358, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates, a family of natural polymers, and their applications in drug delivery
Authors: Nigmatullin Rinat , Thomas Peter , Lukasiewicz Barbara , Puthussery Hima , Roy Ipsita
Published: March 2015

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are natural biopolymers produced by various microorganisms as a reserve of carbon and energy.PHAsynthesis generally occurs during fermentation under nutrient limiting conditions with excess carbon. There are two main types ofPHAs, short chain lengthPHAs(scl‐PHAs) and medium chain lengthPHAs(mcl‐PHAs). The mechanical and thermal properties ofPHAsdepend mainly on the number of carbons in the monomer unit and its molecular weight.PHAsare promising materials for biomedical applications because they are biodegradable, non‐toxic and biocompatible. The large range ofPHAs, along with their varying physical properties and high biocompatibility, make them highly attractive biomaterials for use in drug delivery. They can be used to produce tablets, micro‐ and nanoparticles as well as drug eluting scaffolds. A large range of differentPHAshave been explored and the results obtained suggest thatPHAsare excellent candidates for controlled and targeted drug delivery systems. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
An improved diagnostic for summertime rainfall along the eastern seaboard of Australia
Authors: Black Mitchell T. , Lane Todd P.
Published: March 2015

The eastern seaboard of Australia (ESB) is a unique climate entity. A region of complex topography bound by the coastline and the ridge of the Great Dividing Range, the ESB exhibits distinctly different rainfall patterns to the rest of southeastern Australia. As a large percentage of the Australian population resides along the ESB, understanding current and future rainfall variability in this region presents an important and difficult challenge. This challenge is compounded by the inability of most general circulation models to properly resolve the region. This study presents a diagnostic for characterizing the variability in summertime rainfall along the ESB. This simple yet effective East Coast Flow Index (ECFI) infers easterly geostrophic flow from the meridional pressure gradient along the ESB, and vertical circulation from the upper‐level ω field. The ECFI outperforms the common indices for drivers of rainfall variability, achieving statistically significant correlations with ESB summertime rainfall for a range of different timescales. The ECFI is shown to have great potential as a predictor for statistically downscaling rainfall along the ESB as (1) it provides a physical link between large‐scale forcings and local precipitation responses, (2) is capable of capturing multiyear variability and (3) is realistically represented by general circulation models. While the ECFI was designed for the summer months (December–February) it is still capable of performing well in the other seasons, especially spring (September–November).
Properties and stability of blueberry anthocyanin – bovine serum albumin nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Jian , Tao Xiaoyun , Zhang Meng , Sun Aidong , Zhao Liyi
Published: March 2015

This article corrects: Retracted: Properties and stability of blueberry anthocyanin – bovine serum albumin nanoparticles
Identifying inhibitors/enhancers of quantitative real‐time PCR in food samples using a newly developed synthetic plasmid
Authors: Sovová Tereza , Křížová Barbora , Hodek Jan , Ovesná Jaroslava
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become a common technique offering fast and sensitive analysis of DNA in food/feed samples. However, many substances, either already present in the sample or introduced during sample processing, inhibit PCR and thus underestimate the DNA content. It is therefore necessary to identify PCR inhibition in order to correctly evaluate the sample.

RESULTS

We designed and validated a synthetic plasmid DNA that can be used to detect and quantify PCR inhibition. The DNA sequence, appropriate primers and probe, were designed in silico, synthesized and the sequence was inserted into a plasmid vector. The performance of the plasmid was verified via calibration curves and by performing the assay in the presence of various DNAs (crops, fungus, bacterium). The detection of PCR inhibition was assessed using six inhibiting substances with different modes of action, substances used in sample processing (EDTA, ethanol, NaCl, SDS) and food additives (sodium glutamate, tartrazine). The plasmid performance proved to be reproducible and there were no interactions with other DNAs. The plasmid was able to identify the presence of the inhibitors in a wide range of concentrations.

CONCLUSION

The presented plasmid DNA is a suitable and inexpensive possibility for evaluating PCR inhibition. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermal aggregation behaviour of soy protein: characteristics of different polypeptides and sub‐units
Authors: He Xiu‐Ting , Yuan De‐Bao , Wang Jin‐Mei , Yang Xiao‐Quan
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Due to the differences in structure and composition of glycinin and β‐conglycinin, they exhibit different characteristics during heat treatment. In present study, the thermal aggregation behaviour of glycinin, β‐conglycinin and their isolated sub‐units was investigated at pH 7.0.

RESULTS

Acidic polypeptides, basic polypeptides, αα′ and β sub‐units of soy protein were denatured during the isolation process. The degree of aggregation of protein fractions after heat treatment was in the order: denatured basic polypeptides > native glycinin > denatured β sub‐unit > native β‐conglycinin > denatured acidic polypeptides > denatured αα′ sub‐units. Glycinin, β‐conglycinin, acidic polypeptides and αα′/β sub‐units exhibited different changing trends of surface hydrophobicity with increasing temperature. The αα′ sub‐units showed higher ability to suppress thermal aggregation of basic polypeptides than β sub‐units during heat treatment. The β sub‐units were shown to form soluble aggregates with glycinin after heating.

CONCLUSION

The interaction mechanism of αα′ and β sub‐units heated with basic polypeptides was proposed. For the β sub‐units–basic polypeptides mixed system, more hydrophobic chains were binding together and buried inside during heat treatment, which resulted in lower surface hydrophobicity. The αα′ sub‐units–basic polypeptides mixed system was considered to be a stable system with higher surface hydrophobicity after being heated. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Dietary sources, current intakes, and nutritional role of omega‐3 docosapentaenoic acid
Authors: Byelashov Oleksandr A. , Sinclair Andrew J. , Kaur Gunveen
Published: March 2015

Fish oils and long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acids are well recognized for their critical role in human diets. Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22 : 5n‐3) has always been a part of healthy nutrition, since infants obtain almost as much DPA as DHA from human milk. Fish oil supplements and ingredients, oily fish, and grass‐fed beef can serve as the primary DPA sources for the general population. Although the DPA levels in fish oils are substantially lower than those of EPA and DHA, concentrated DPA products are now becoming commercially available, and DPA‐based drugs are under development.

Epidemiological studies show that similar to eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 20 : 5n‐3) and docosahexaenoic (DHA, 22 : 6n‐3) acids, DPA is linked to various improvements in human health, perhaps owing to its structural similarity to the other two molecules. Studies in mammals, platelets, and cell cultures have demonstrated that DPA reduces platelet aggregation, and improves lipid metabolism, endothelial cell migration, and resolution of chronic inflammation. Further, other in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that DPA can improve neural health. A human supplementation trial with 99.8% pure DPA suggested that it serves as a storage depot for EPA and DHA in the human body. Future randomized controlled human trials with purified DPA will help clarify its effects on human health. They may confirm the available evidence pointing to its nutritional and biological functions, unique or overlapping with those of EPA and DHA.
Laser lithotripsy of salivary stones: Correlation with physical and radiological parameters
Authors: Schrötzlmair Florian , Müller Mona , Pongratz Thomas , Eder Matthias , Johnson Thorsten , Vogeser Michael , von Holzschuher Vanessa , Zengel Pamela , Sroka Ronald
Published: March 2015

Background and Objectives

Sialolithiasis is a common disease of the major salivary glands. Owing to the variety of conservative and minimally invasive techniques, it is now possible to treat most cases of sialolithiasis without removal of the affected salivary gland. One treatment option is the endoscopic removal of the calculi. In cases of larger concretions, intraductal disintegration using laser‐induced shock waves can be appropriate to allow endoscopic removal. In the present study, we investigated whether physical and radiological parameters of salivary stones can effectively predict the applicability of laser lithotripsy. Furthermore, we determined to what extent the applied laser energy resulted in tissue damage.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

In addition to basic parameters like size and density, we analysed 47 salivary stones using fluorescence spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and dual‐energy computed tomography. Subsequent fragmentation of all stones was performed with a Ho:YAG laser in a near‐contact manner. Fragmentation rates were calculated and correlated with the previously measured physical and radiological parameters. Finally, to test for tissue damage, we performed HE‐histology of salivary duct mucosa treated with the same laser energy used for stone fragmentation.

Results

Blue light excitation induced either green or red fluorescence emission. Dual‐energy CT resulted in evidence of calcium‐containing material. Infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, both identified carbonate apatite as the main component of salivary stones. Disintegration into pieces smaller than 2 mm was possible in all cases. Fragmentation rates depended on the energy per pulse applied but not on any of the analysed physical and radiological parameters. In contrast to lithotripsy with 500 mJ per pulse, which was associated with no tissue damage, lithotripsy with 1,000 mJ per pulse resulted in damage of salivary duct mucosa. This suggests that the optimal laser energy for stone fragmentation is between 500 and 1,000 mJ per pulse.

Conclusion

Laser lithotripsy using Ho:YAG laser is a highly efficient treatment, at least in vitro. All salivary stones could be disintegrated irrespective of their physical and radiological composition. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:342–349, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Highly Porous Gelatin Reinforced 3D Scaffolds for Articular Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Amadori Sofia , Torricelli Paola , Panzavolta Silvia , Parrilli Annapaola , Fini Milena , Bigi Adriana
Published: March 2015

3D highly porous (93% total porosity) gelatin scaffolds were prepared according to a novel, simple method, which implies gelatin foaming, gelification, soaking into ethanol and successive freeze‐drying. Reinforcement of the as‐prepared scaffolds (GEL) was performed through immersion in aqueous solutions at different gelatin concentrations. Reinforcement solutions with and without genipin addition allowed to prepare two series of samples:cross‐linked and uncross‐linked samples, respectively. The amount of gelatin adsorbed onto the reinforced samples increases as a function of gelatin concentration in solution and provokes a drastic improvement of the compressive modulus and collapse strength up to values of about 30 and 4 MPa, respectively. The open and interconnected porosity, although slightly reduced, is still of the order of 80% in the samples reinforced with the highest concentration of gelatin. Water uptake ability evaluated after immersion in PBS for 20 s decreases with gelatin reinforcement. The presence of genipin in cross‐linked samples reduces gelatin release and stabilizes the scaffolds in solution. Chondrocytes from human articular cartilage adhere, proliferate, and penetrate into the scaffolds. The evaluation of differentiation markers both on the supernatants of cell culture and by means of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) indicates a dose‐dependent promotion of cell differentiation.
Time‐dependent fluid‐structure interaction
Authors: Hsiao George C. , Sayas Francisco‐Javier , Weinacht Richard J.
Published: March 2015

The problem of determining the manner in which an incoming acoustic wave is scattered by an elastic body immersed in a fluid is one of the central importance in detecting and identifying submerged objects. The problem is generally referred to as a fluid‐structure interaction and is mathematically formulated as a time‐dependent transmission problem. In this paper, we consider a typical fluid‐structure interaction problem by using a coupling procedure that reduces the problem to a nonlocal initial‐boundary problem in the elastic body with a system of integral equations on the interface between the domains occupied by the elastic body and the fluid. We analyze this nonlocal problem by the Lubich approach via the Laplace transform, an essential feature of which is that it works directly on data in the time domain rather than in the transformed domain. Our results may serve as a mathematical foundation for treating time‐dependent fluid‐structure interaction problems by convolution quadrature coupling of FEM and BEM. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dose‐dependent induction of signaling pathways by the flavonoid quercetin in human primary hepatocytes: A transcriptomic study
Authors: Waizenegger Julia , Lenze Dido , Luckert Claudia , Seidel Albrecht , Lampen Alfonso , Hessel Stefanie
Published: March 2015

Scope

Quercetin is widespread in plant kingdom and consumed regularly with human diet (16 mg/day). Due to reported positive effects on health, quercetin supplements with recommended doses up to 2 g/day are offered. However, molecular effects of such high doses on human liver have not been assessed yet. Therefore, molecular effects on human hepatocytes were analyzed to help assessing the risk of quercetin supplementation.

Methods and results

Molecular effects of three different quercetin concentrations on gene expression in human hepatocytes were investigated by microarray analysis. Possible new signaling pathways were investigated using reporter gene assays. Quercetin concentrations representing the normal intake showed weak effects on mRNA expression in liver cells. In contrast, supplemental doses affect immune response and p53 signaling and might be associated with cancer. Additionally, quercetin showed inhibition of transcriptional activation and mRNA‐expression of HNF4α and its target genes. Inhibitory effects were also found for FXR, LXRα, and PXR.

Conclusion

Normal intake of quercetin seems to play a minor regulatory role, while supplement doses may have great effects on gene expression in hepatocytes. However, since it is not clarified whether such high doses of quercetin exert positive or negative effects, a careful handling of quercetin supplements is advised.
Role of taurine in the pathogenesis of obesity
Authors: Murakami Shigeru
Published: March 2015

Taurine is a sulfur‐containing amino acid that is present in mammalian tissues in millimolar concentrations. Taurine is involved in a diverse array of biological and physiological functions, including bile salt conjugation, osmoregulation, membrane stabilization, calcium modulation, anti‐oxidation, and immunomodulation. The prevalence of obesity and being overweight continues to rise worldwide at an alarming rate. Obesity is associated with a higher risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other clinical conditions. Ingestion of taurine has been shown to alleviate metabolic diseases such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity in animal models. A global epidemiological survey showed that 24‐h urinary taurine excretion, as a marker of dietary taurine intake, was inversely associated with BMI, blood pressure, and plasma cholesterol in humans. In addition, taurine chloramine, an endogenous product derived from activated neutrophils, has been reported to suppress obesity‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation in adipocytes. Synthetic activity and concentration of taurine in adipose tissues and plasma have been shown to decrease in humans and animals during the development of obesity, suggesting a relationship between taurine deficiency and obesity. In this review, I summarize the effects of taurine on the progression of obesity in animal models and humans. Furthermore, I discuss possible mechanisms underlying the antiobesity effects of taurine.