bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The adsorption behaviors of the multiple stimulus‐responsive poly(ethylene glycol)‐based hydrogels for removal of RhB dye
Authors: Yuan Zhicheng , Wang Yang , Han Xiao , Chen Dajun
Published: April 2015

In this article, the multiple stimulus‐responsive organic/inorganic hybrid hydrogels by combining poly(2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy) ethyl methacrylate‐co‐oligo (ethylene glycol) methacrylate‐co‐acrylic acid) (PMOA) hydrogel with magnetic attapulgite/Fe3O4 (AT‐Fe3O4) nanoparticles were applied to the removal of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye from wastewater. The adsorption of RhB by the hydrogels was carried out under different external environmental, such as pH, temperature and magnetic‐field. The results showed that the hydrogels still possessed temperature, pH and magnetic‐field sensitivity during the adsorption process, which indicated that the adsorption could be controlled by the hydrogels responsive. The dye adsorption had a significant increment at 30°C and the removal of RhB could reach to over 95%. Besides, the low pH values were also favorable for the RhB adsorption, the removal was over 90% at pH = 4.56. Kinetic studies showed that the pseudo‐second order kinetic model well fitted the experimental data. The rate constant of adsorption was 0.0379 g/mg min. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to the equilibrium adsorption for describing the interaction between sorbent and adsorbate. The maximum KL and KF were 2.23 (L/g) and 0.87 (mg/g) at 30°C, respectively. Under the external magnetic‐field, the adsorption rate significantly increased within 250 min and the hydrogels could be separated easily from wastewater. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42244.
Preparation of poly(propylene carbonate)/nano calcium carbonate composites and their supercritical carbon dioxide foaming behavior
Authors: Yu Peng , Mi Hao‐Yang , Huang An , Liu Xian , Chen Bin‐Yi , Zhang Shui‐Dong , Peng Xiang‐Fang
Published: April 2015

Biodegradable polymer foams are attracting extensive attention in both academic and industrial fields. In this study, an emerging biodegradable polymer, poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC), was compounded with nano calcium carbonate (nano‐CaCO3) and foamed via supercritical carbon dioxide for the first time. Four concentrations of nano‐CaCO3, 1, 3, 5, and 10 wt %, were used and the thermal properties of PPC/nano‐CaCO3 composites were investigated. The glass‐transition temperature and thermal decomposition temperature of the PPC/nano‐CaCO3 composites increased with the addition of nano‐CaCO3. The morphologies of the PPC/nano‐CaCO3 composites and the rheological results showed that homogeneous dispersions of nano‐CaCO3 and percolated nano‐CaCO3 networks were achieved at a nano‐CaCO3 content of 3 wt %. Therefore, the finest cell diameter (3.13 μm) and highest cell density (6.02 × 109 cells/cm3) were obtained at the same nano‐CaCO3 content. The cell structure dependences of PPC and PPC with a nano‐CaCO3 content of 3 wt % (PPC‐3) foams on the foaming pressure and temperature were investigated as well. The results suggested that the cell structure of PPC‐3 was more stable at different foaming conditions due to the networks of nano‐CaCO3. Moreover, the change in pressure was more influential on the cell structure than the temperature. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42248.
Isolation and characterization of a new [FeFe]‐hydrogenase from Clostridium perfringens
Authors: Morra Simone , Mongili Beatrice , Maurelli Sara , Gilardi Gianfranco , Valetti Francesca
Published: April 2015

This paper reports the first characterization of an [FeFe]‐hydrogenase from a Clostridium perfringens strain previously isolated in our laboratory from a pilot‐scale bio‐hydrogen plant that efficiently produces H2 from waste biomasses. On the basis of sequence analysis, the enzyme is a monomer formed by four domains hosting various iron–sulfur centres involved in electron transfer and the catalytic center H‐cluster. After recombinant expression in Escherichia coli, the purified protein catalyzes H2 evolution at high rate of 1645 ± 16 s−1. The optimal conditions for catalysis are in the pH range 6.5–8.0 and at the temperature of 50 °C. EPR spectroscopy showed that the H‐cluster of the oxidized enzyme displays a spectrum coherent with the Hox state, whereas the CO‐inhibited enzyme has a spectrum coherent with the Hox‐CO state. FTIR spectroscopy showed that the purified enzyme is composed of a mixture of redox states, with a prevalence of the Hox; upon reduction with H2, vibrational modes assigned to the Hred state were more abundant, whereas binding of exogenous CO resulted in a spectrum assigned to the Hox‐CO state. The spectroscopic features observed are similar to those of the [FeFe]‐hydrogenases class, but relevant differences were observed given the different protein environment hosting the H‐cluster.
A hypothesis for reactivation of pulmonary tuberculosis: How thoracic wall shape affects the epidemiology of tuberculosis
Authors: Casha Aaron R. , Camilleri Liberato , Manché Alexander , Gatt Ruben , Attard Daphne , Wolak Wiktor , Dudek Krzysztof , Gauci Marilyn , Giordimaina Christopher , Grima Joseph N.
Published: April 2015

This study was aimed at determining the cause for the high incidence of tuberculosis (TB) reactivation occurring in males with a low body mass index (BMI). Current thinking about pulmonary TB describes infection in the lung apex resulting in cavitation after reactivation. A different hypothesis is put forward for TB infection, suggesting that this occurs in subclinical apical cavities caused by increased pleural stress due to a low BMI body habitus. A finite element analysis (FEA) model of a lung was constructed including indentations for the first rib guided by paramedian sagittal CT reconstructions, and simulations were conducted with varying antero‐posterior (AP) diameters to mimic chests with a different thoracic index (ratio of AP to the transverse chest diameters). A Pubmed search was conducted about gender and thoracic index, and the effects of BMI on TB. FEA modeling revealed a tenfold increase in stress levels at the lung apex in low BMI chests, and a four‐fold increase with a low thoracic index, r2 = 0.9748 P < 0.001. Low thoracic index was related to BMI, P = 0.001. The mean thoracic index was statistically significantly lower in males, P = 0.001, and increased with age in both genders. This article is the first to suggest a possible mechanism linking pulmonary TB reactivation to low BMI due to the flattened thoracic wall shape of young male adults. The low thoracic index in young males may promote TB reactivation due to tissue destruction in the lung apex from high pleural stress levels. Clin. Anat. 28:614–620, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of oxygen and glucose deprivation on VEGF and its receptors in microvascular endothelial cells co‐cultured with mast cells
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Tao Jianping , Zhang Qingyong , Wei Meng
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between angiogenesis and the differential expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors in myocardial microvascular endothelial cells (MMVECs) co‐cultured with mast cells (MCs) or mast cell granules (MCGs) under oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). MMVECs and MCs were isolated from Wistar rats. MCs spontaneously degranulated in OGD. The expression of VEGF peaked at 8 h and decreased from 16 h in OGD. However, the expression of its receptor, fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (Flt‐1), and fetal liver kinase‐1 (Flk‐1), decreased significantly, and angiogenic potential of MMVECs decreased in OGD. Expression of VEGF, Flt‐1, and Flk‐1 increased significantly when MMVECs were co‐cultured with MCGs or active MCs, but MCs had only a limited ability to induce angiogenesis in OGD. The angiogenic potential of MMVECs cultured in OGD (even with MCGs) was inferior to that of MMVECs cultured under normoxic conditions. OGD have a profound effect on angiogenesis, which is more pronounced than the effect of MCs on angiogenesis.
Techno‐Economic Comparison of a 7‐MWth Biomass Chemical Looping Gasification Unit with Conventional Systems
Authors: Aghabararnejad Milad , Patience Gregory S. , Chaouki Jamal
Published: April 2015

The chemical looping process is an alternative method to provide conventional gasification (CG) systems with the required oxygen. The syngas produced via chemical looping has a higher calorific value than that generated by a conventional process with air. For comparison, a conventional gasification unit with pure oxygen (CGPO) and a chemical looping gasification (CLG) system were simulated with Aspen Plus. The CGPO reactor consisted of a bubbling fluidized bed and sand as bed material with oxygen supplied via a pressure swing adsorption unit. The CLG comprised a bubbling fluidized‐bed gasifier working in parallel with a fast fluidized‐bed oxidizer. The total capital investment (TCI) of the CLG unit was higher than that of the CGPO unit but the annual operating cost of the former was less which repays the difference in TCI in less than six years.
Tether‐Directed Bisfunctionalization Reactions of C60 and C70
Authors: Cerón Maira R. , Izquierdo Marta , Pi Yunhong , Atehortúa Sandra L. , Echegoyen Luis
Published: April 2015

Four easily isolable regio‐ and stereoselective bis‐adducts of C60 and C70, as well as a new C70‐dumbbell derivative, have been synthesized by using two different bismalonate tethered moieties. The derivatives that possess relatively long‐tethered moieties show highly symmetric addition patterns, as evidenced by spectroscopic measurements, whereas the derivatives possessing the shorter‐tethered moiety exhibit interesting addition patterns on C60 and C70.
Easy To Synthesize, Robust Organo‐osmium Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation Catalysts
Authors: Coverdale James P. C. , Sanchez‐Cano Carlos , Clarkson Guy J. , Soni Rina , Wills Martin , Sadler Peter J.
Published: April 2015

Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH) is an important process in organic synthesis for which the Noyori‐type RuII catalysts [(arene)Ru(Tsdiamine)] are now well established and widely used. We now demonstrate for the first time the catalytic activity of the osmium analogues. X‐ray crystal structures of the 16‐electron OsII catalysts are almost identical to those of RuII. Intriguingly the precursor complex was isolated as a dichlorido complex with a monodentate amine ligand. The OsII catalysts are readily synthesised (within 1 h) and exhibit excellent enantioselectivity in ATH reactions of ketones.
Prediction of emission spectra of fluorescence materials using principal component analysis
Authors: Shams‐Nateri A. , Piri N.
Published: April 2015

Fluorescent materials are now a critical field of research due to their unique excitation and emission properties that can be tailored to specific fluorescence detection technologies. In this work, a procedure is described to approximate the emission spectral data of fluorescent materials of different types from their excitation spectral data using principal component analysis (PCA) technique. First, PCA as a statistical and mathematical method was used to reconstruct the excitation and emission spectra of training dataset and then, the approximation was accomplished by multiple linear regression (MLR).The performance of obtained function was examined on testing dataset. Afterward, CIE tristimulus values of the fluorescent samples were calculated based on ASTM, E2152–12 standard test method. The colorimetric accuracy was then evaluated by calculating the geometric differences in CIE tristimulus values X, Y, and Z for the 1964 standard colorimetric observer under illuminant D65. The obtained results show a good curve fit between the actual emission spectra and recovered emission spectra. In addition, based on cumulative variance and root mean square (RMS), eight principal components were selected as optimum number of principal components for prediction of emission spectra data. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 16–21, 2016
Adaptive fuzzy backstepping control for a class of MIMO switched nonlinear systems with unknown control directions
Authors: Hou Yingxue , Tong Shaocheng
Published: April 2015

In this article, an adaptive fuzzy output tracking control approach is proposed for a class of multiple‐input and multiple‐output uncertain switched nonlinear systems with unknown control directions and under arbitrary switchings. In the control design, fuzzy logic systems are used to identify the unknown switched nonlinear systems. A Nussbaum gain function is introduced into the control design and the unknown control direction problem is solved. Under the framework of the backstepping control design, fuzzy adaptive control and common Lyapunov function stability theory, a new adaptive fuzzy output tracking control method is developed. It is proved that the proposed control approach can guarantee that all the signals in the closed‐loop system are bounded and the tracking error remains an adjustable neighborhood of the origin. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 155–166, 2016
New delay‐dependent global robust passivity analysis for stochastic neural networks withMarkovian jumping parameters and interval time‐varying delays
Authors: Chen Guoliang , Xia Jianwei , Park Ju H. , Zhuang Guangming
Published: April 2015

The problem of passivity analysis for stochastic neural networks with Markovian jumping parameters and interval time‐varying delays is investigated in this article. By constructing a novel Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional based on the complete delay‐decomposing idea and using improved free‐weighting matrix method, some improved delay‐dependent passivity criteria are established in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Numerical examples are also given to show the effectiveness of the proposed methods. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 167–179, 2016
Combined accurate platelet enumeration and reticulated platelet determination by flow cytometry
Authors: Hedley Benjamin D. , Llewellyn‐Smith Nigel , Lang Stephen , Hsia Cyrus C. , MacNamara Neil , Rosenfeld David , Keeney Michael
Published: April 2015

Background

Diagnosing the cause of thrombocytopenia often requires a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy, an invasive procedure. Reticulated platelets (RP) are immature RNA containing platelets, accurate RP enumeration has yet to be achieved, partially due to the lack of a robust reference method.

Goal: To refine previous work and gating strategies distinguishing RP from mature platelets while incorporating accurate platelet enumeration into the analysis.

After reviewing previously published studies on Thiazole Orange (TO) staining of RP, we systematically evaluated CD41/CD61 in combination with a commercial source of TO (BDBiosciences). Previous RP methods have not taken advantage of platelet enumeration therefore our goal was to incorporate the ICSH platelet enumeration protocol into our method.

Methods

TO concentration, incubation, and fixation method were determined to be 10% of stock concentration, 30 min, and 1% formaldehyde respectively. Gating strategy to determine RP fraction used an unstained control tube to set the limit of TO staining.

Results

Normal range (n = 51) was 9.9 ± 3.1%. Analysis of 40 patients with immune‐thrombocytopenia‐purpura (ITP) showed a RP range from 4.3% to 81.2%. Platelet enumeration was consistent with our previous studies in this area.

Conclusions

Combining CD41/CD61 platelet enumeration with TO RP percentage is possible. Accurate RP percentage requires an effective gating strategy, as background fluorescence cursor placement is important. This method for enumeration of RP percentage combined with accurate platelet enumeration, particularly in the low range, should prove useful in differentiating production from consumption issues in thrombocytopenia and monitoring response to therapy. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Optimization of EGFR high positive cell isolation procedure by design of experiments methodology
Authors: Levi Ofer , Tal Baruch , Hileli Sagi , Shapira Assaf , Benhar Itai , Grabov Pavel , Eliaz Noam
Published: April 2015

Background

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood circulation may play a role in monitoring and even in early detection of metastasis patients. Due to the limited presence of CTCs in blood circulation, viable CTCs isolation technology must supply a very high recovery rate.

Methods

Here, we implement design of experiments (DOE) methodology in order to optimize the Bio‐Ferrography (BF) immunomagnetic isolation (IMI) procedure for the EGFR high positive CTCs application. All consequent DOE phases such as screening design, optimization experiments and validation experiments were used.

Results

A significant recovery rate of more than 95% was achieved while isolating 100 EGFR high positive CTCs from 1 mL human whole blood.

Conclusions

The recovery achievement in this research positions BF technology as one of the most efficient IMI technologies, which is ready to be challenged with patients' blood samples. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
High‐Power True Green Laser Diodes on Semipolar GaN Substrates
Authors: KATAYAMA KOJI , SAGA NOBUHIRO , UENO MASAKI , IKEGAMI TAKATOSHI , NAKAMURA TAKAO
Published: April 2015

InGaN green laser diodes (LDs) on semipolar GaN substrates with output powers of over 100 mW in the spectral region beyond 530 nm are demonstrated. Wall plug efficiencies as high as 7.0–8.9% are realized in the wavelength range of 525–532 nm, exceeding those reported for c‐plane LDs. The lifetime at a case temperature of 55 °C was estimated to be over 5000 hours for an optical output power of 50 mW. These results suggest that InGaN green LDs on the plane are better suited as light sources for applications requiring wavelengths above 525 nm.
A White Light Source Excited by Laser Diodes
Authors: MASUI SHINGO , YAMAMOTO TOMOYA , NAGAHAMA SHIN‐ICHI
Published: April 2015

We developed a compact, high luminance white light source based on nitride semiconductor blue laser diodes (LDs) with yellow phosphor materials. The blue laser light from the LD is focused on the yellow phosphor by an optical lens. As a result, white light is obtained by the mixing of blue laser light and yellow light from the phosphors excited by blue laser light. The luminous flux and the luminance were 250 lm and 270 cd/mm2 at an operating current of 1.2 A. This high luminance is 2.5 times that of a conventional HID light.
Empirical Study of Stepped‐FM UWB Sensor for Indoor Intruder Detection
Authors: NAKAMURA RYOHEI , OTA YUKI , KEYA NOBUYASU , KAJIWARA AKIHIRO
Published: April 2015

Home security sensors are becoming more and more practical today for protection against intruders, and several sensor types, such as infrared, video cameras, and microwave radio are commonly used. Ultra‐wideband impulse‐radio (UWB‐IR) sensors have lately attracted considerable attention because they are expected to measure not only the motion of an intruder but also the distance. This paper presents an indoor intruder detection sensor system using stepped FM based on UWB radio which can detect and track the movement of an intruder. The usefulness of the method is experimentally investigated using our fabricated sensor. The measurements were conducted for various intrusion scenarios inside a typical house.
Immediate change in throughfall spatial distribution and canopy water balance after heavy thinning in a dense mature Japanese cypress plantation
Authors: Nanko Kazuki , Onda Yuichi , Kato Hiroaki , Gomi Takashi
Published: April 2015

This study revealed the influence of change in forest canopy structure by forest management practice for throughfall generation and canopy water interception process. Throughfall and stemflow were observed in a mature Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) plantation before and after thinning. Decreased stem density (from 2400 to 1300 trees ha−1) and basal area (from 107.6 to 60.4 m2 ha−1) resulted in an increase in the throughfall fraction (from 58% to 79%) and decreases in the stemflow fraction (from 14% to 8.6%) and the canopy interception loss fraction (from 27% to 12%). Thinning also decreased spatial variability in throughfall and smoothed temporal persistence of throughfall among sampling points or rainfall events. These results were supported by the change in the throughfall balance between direct throughfall and released throughfall. The proportion of direct throughfall of incident rainfall changed from 0.16 to 0.42 owing to an increase in canopy gap. The distribution ratio of released throughfall from intercepted rainwater by canopy changed from 50% to 64% because of a decrease in foliage; this led to lower water storage in the canopy (from 1.83 to 0.82 mm), and thus less precipitation was needed to saturate the canopy. Consequently, the amount of throughfall increased and less precipitation was needed to stabilize the water flow path during the post‐thinning period. This study contributes to knowledge of differential canopy wetting processes and spatiotemporal heterogeneity of throughfall distribution in response to specific silvicultural prescription. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
4,8‐Disubstituted Bicyclo[3.3.1]nona‐2,6‐dienes as Chiral Ligands for Rh‐Catalyzed Asymmetric 1,4‐Addition Reactions
Authors: Rimkus Renaldas , Jurgelėnas Marius , Stončius Sigitas
Published: April 2015

C2‐symmetric chiral diene ligands based on 4,8‐endo,endo‐disubstituted bicyclo[3.3.1]nona‐2,6‐diene framework have been designed and synthesized. The rhodium complexes of the dienes, which were obtained in a few straightforward steps from enantiomerically pure bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐2,6‐dione, exhibited excellent catalytic activity and high enantioselectivity (up to 96 % ee) in the conjugate addition reaction of arylboronic acids to cyclic enones under mild reaction conditions with high atom efficiency.
Synthesis of para‐Aryl‐Substituted Salicyldialdehydes
Authors: Reinhard Dennis , Schöttner Ludger , Brosius Victor , Rominger Frank , Mastalerz Michael
Published: April 2015

para‐Substituted salicyldialdehydes are versatile molecular building blocks for porous organic cages, fluorescent dyes, spirobenzopyrans, homooxacalixarenes, dinuclear metal complexes, macrocycles, and cryptands. To date, no procedures for the synthesis of para‐aryl‐substituted salicyldialdehydes have been reported, which would broaden the scope of the above‐mentioned topics, especially in the field of sensors and dyes, because the aromatic π systems can be enlarged and absorption or fluorescent events can be fine‐tuned by various substituents. Herein, two synthetic routes to para‐aryl‐substituted salicyldialdehydes with both electron‐withdrawing and ‐donating aromatic units are reported.
Ni‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reaction: The Direct Synthesis of Symmetrical Disulfanes from Aryl and Primary Alkyl Halides
Authors: Soleiman‐Beigi Mohammad , Arzehgar Zeinab
Published: April 2015

A novel Ni‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction is introduced for the direct synthesis of diaryldisulfanes and dialkyldisulfanes from aryl halides and primary alkyl halides at normal atmospheric conditions, respectively. This one‐pot and domino protocol utilizes only 10 mol% of NiCl2 as a catalyst and morpholin‐4‐ium morpholine‐4‐carbo‐dithioate as a new, stable, solid, and odorless sulfurating reagent in the presence of ethylene glycol as a cosolvent and bidentate ligand in dimethyl formamide (DMF) at 130°C with good to excellent yields and relatively short time reaction.
Cd11b+ myeloid cells support hepatic metastasis through down‐regulation of angiopoietin‐like 7 in cancer cells
Authors: Lim Su Yin , Gordon‐Weeks Alex , Allen Danny , Kersemans Veerle , Beech John , Smart Sean , Muschel Ruth J.
Published: April 2015

Myeloid cells are known to mediate metastatic progression. Here, we attempted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects by identifying gene expression alterations in cancer cells forming hepatic metastases after myeloid cell depletion. Hepatic metastases are heavily infiltrated by CD11b+ myeloid cells. We established hepatic metastases in transgenic CD11b‐diphtheria toxin receptor mice by intrasplenic injection of MC38 colon and Lewis lung carcinoma cells before depleting myeloid cells with diphtheria toxin. Myeloid cell depletion inhibited metastatic growth with a marked diminishment of tumor vasculature. Expression of ANGPTL7 (angiopoietin‐like 7), a protein not previously linked to metastasis, was highly up‐regulated in cancer cells after myeloid cell depletion. This effect was duplicated in tissue culture, where coculture of cancer cells with tumor‐conditioned myeloid cells from liver metastases or myeloid cell conditioned media down‐regulated ANGPTL7 expression. Analogous to myeloid cell depletion, overexpression of ANGPTL7 in cancer cells significantly reduced hepatic metastasis formation and angiogenesis. We found that ANGPTL7 itself has strong antiangiogenic effects in vitro. Furthermore, analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas colorectal and breast cancer data sets revealed striking ANGPTL7 underexpression in cancerous compared to normal tissues. Also, ANGPTL7 was down‐regulated in metastatic liver colonies of colorectal cancer patients compared to their adjacent liver tissue. Conclusion: Myeloid cells promote liver metastasis by down‐regulating ANGPTL7 expression in cancer cells; our findings implicate ANGPTL7 as a mediator of metastatic progression and a potential target for interference with liver metastases. (Hepatology 2015;62:521–533
The maturation of research into the avian hippocampal formation: Recent discoveries from one of the nature's foremost navigators
Authors: Herold Christina , Coppola Vincent J. , Bingman Verner P.
Published: April 2015

For more than 30 years, a growing number of researchers have been attracted to the challenge of understanding the neurobiological organization of the avian hippocampal formation (HF) and its relationship to the remarkable spatial cognitive abilities of birds. In this selective review, we highlight recent anatomical and developmental findings that reveal a HF design that defies any simple comparison to the mammalian hippocampus and leaves unanswered the seemingly enduring question of whether a dentate gyrus homologue is to be found in HF. From a functional perspective, we highlight the recent discoveries that implicate HF in the use of space for memory pattern segregation and continued interest in the role HF neurogenesis may play in supporting memory function and its relationship to memory decline in aging birds. We also summarize data that nurture a fundamental reinterpretation of the role of HF in spatial cognition by suggesting HF involvement in spatial perception antecedent to any memory formation. Given the disproportionate adaptive significance of space for birds, which has led to the evolution of their exceptional navigational and memory abilities, there is little doubt that the avian HF will continue to provide important and unexpected insights into the neural basis of spatial cognition. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topoisomerase‐1 gene copy aberrations are frequent in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Kümler Iben , Balslev Eva , Poulsen Tim S. , Nielsen Signe Lykke , Nygård Sune Boris , Rømer Maria Unni , Christensen Ib Jarle , Høgdall Estrid , Moreira José , Nielsen Dorte L. , Brünner Nils , Stenvang Jan
Published: April 2015

Topoisomerase‐1 (Top1) targeting drugs have shown promising efficacy in patients with metastatic breast cancer (BC). However, these drugs are rather toxic calling for development and validation of predictive biomarkers to increase the therapeutic index. As these drugs are targeting the Top1 protein and since no validated anti‐Top1 antibodies for immunohistochemistry have been reported, we raised the hypothesis that TOP1 gene amplifications may serve as a proxy for the Top1 protein and thereby a biomarker of response to treatment with Top1 inhibitors in BC. The aim was to determine the prevalence of TOP1 gene copy gain in BC.

The prevalence of TOP1 gene copy gain was investigated by fluorescence in situ hybridization with a TOP1/CEN‐20 probemix in normal breast tissue (N = 100) and in tissue from patients with metastatic BC in a discovery (N = 100) and a validation cohort (N = 205). As amplification of 20q including CEN‐20 is common in BC a TOP1/CEN‐2 probemix was applied to the validation cohort.

More than 30% of the patients had gene copy numbers of ≥ 4 and ∼20% of the patients had TOP1/CEN‐20 ratios ≥ 1.5. The CEN‐2 probe did not add any information.

Gain of the TOP1 gene appears to be common in BC making the gene a potential biomarker for response to treatment with Top1 inhibitors. As 20q amplification is a common finding in BC and as no other suitable reference gene has yet been identified, TOP1 copy number may be a more valid method of detecting gain than using a gene/centromere ratio.
Replication of Grier, Henry, Olekalns and Shields (2004): the Asymmetric Effects of Uncertainty on Inflation and Output Growth
Authors: Savva Christos S.
Published: April 2015

In their influential work Grier et al.(The asymmetric effects of uncertainty on inflation and output growth. Journal of Applied Econometrics 2004; 19: 551–565) examine the effects of growth and inflation uncertainties on their average rates. The current study replicates their main results and performs a similar analysis on a more recent dataset. Their findings are confirmed to a large extent. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Therapeutic plasma exchange as a steroid‐sparing therapy in a patient with limbic encephalitis due to antibodies to voltage‐gated potassium channels
Authors: Martin Isabella W. , Martin Christi‐Lynn B. , Dunbar Nancy M. , Lee Stephen L. , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew M.
Published: April 2015

Autoantibodies to the voltage‐gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex cause a spectrum of non‐paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes including limbic encephalitis (LE). We report a case of a man with LE who underwent a course of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in addition to other immunomodulatory therapies and experienced sustained clinical resolution of his symptoms. This report adds to the existing literature supporting TPE in cases of LE due to VGKC complex autoantibodies. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:63–65, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HCBP6 Modulates Triglyceride Homeostasis in Hepatocytes Via the SREBP1c/FASN Pathway
Authors: Gao Li‐Li , Li Min , Wang Qi , Liu Shun‐Ai , Zhang Jin‐Qian , Cheng Jun
Published: April 2015

Hypertriglyceridemia leads to liver steatosis, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Although HCBP6 (hepatitis C virus core‐binding protein 6) was previously shown to be an HCV (hepatitis C virus) core‐binding protein, its biological function remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that HCBP6 negatively regulates intracellular triglyceride (TG) levels in hepatocytes. We found that bidirectional manipulation of hepatocyte HCBP6 expression by knockdown or overexpression results in increased or decreased TG accumulation, respectively. In addition, HCBP6 mRNA and protein levels exhibited significant time‐ and dose‐dependent increases in a cellular model of lipid‐overload hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, TG levels are regulated by HCBP6‐sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c)‐mediated fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression. We also demonstrate that HCBP6 mRNA and protein expression is inhibited by microRNA‐122 (miR‐122), and miR‐122 overexpression elicited more robust translational repression of luciferase activity driven by the full 3′‐UTR of HCBP6. Taken together, our results provide new evidence that miR‐122‐regulated HCBP6 functions as a sensor protein to maintain intrahepatocyte TG levels. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2375–2384, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of Two Available RNA Extraction Protocols for microRNA Amplification in Serum Samples
Authors: Bergallo Massimiliano , Gambarino Stefano , Martino Silvana , Montin Davide , Montanari Paola , Galliano Ilaria , Tovo Pier‐Angelo
Published: April 2015

Background

microRNAs play a critical role in many biological processes such as cell proliferation and maturation, apoptosis, regulation of chronic inflammation and development of cancer.

Methods

In this study is described a protocol for the isolation of RNA from serum and subsequent determination of miRNA expression levels using TaqMan‐based MGB Real‐Time PCR detection. RNA was extracted using two different isolation methods including available kits RNAzol and a modified RNAzol protocol. In all cases, RNA was eluted in RNase free H2O, kept frozen until analysis and the presence of contaminants assessed by NanoDrop spectrophotometry.

Results

Higher RNA quantity was observed in RNAzol (378.8 ng/μl) vs RNAzol modified protocol (226.5 ng/μl) and a better performance in terms of RNA extraction yield and purity. Subsequently, measurements of endogenous miRNAs (RNU43), cellular miRNAs (mir155 and mir146a) and EBV miRNAs (mirBART2‐5p, mirBART15 and mirBART22) were performed by RT‐qPCR.

Conclusion

In contrast to the findings in terms of purity and quantity, the amplifiable RNA was more abundant using RNAzol modified protocol compared to not modified protocol.
The Other Side of the RAAS: Aldosterone Improves Migration of Cardiac Progenitor Cells
Authors: Könemann Stephanie , Wenzel Kristin , Ameling Sabine , Grube Karina , Hammer Elke , Könemann Raik , Samal Rasmita , Völker Uwe , Felix Stephan B.
Published: April 2015

Stem cell therapy is a promising new option for patients suffering from heart failure. Though many clinical studies show encouraging results, little is known about the signals which cause stem cells to home to diseased but not to healthy hearts. We hypothesized that aldosterone as one of the main players of heart failure functions as an attractant for progenitor cells and stimulates their migration. Stem cell antigen‐1 (Sca‐1) positive cells were isolated from the hearts of wild type FVB mice via magnetic cell sorting. The migration rate of the cells was determined using aldosterone as an attractant in a modified Boyden chamber (n = 5). Aldosterone led to a dose dependent increase in migration rate and this effect could be prevented by adding its blocker eplerenone. The mineralocorticoid receptor could be detected on Sca‐1+ cells via western blot and immunofluorescence. Therefore, aldosterone seems to play a role in stem cell migration and there the effect is most likely mediated by the mineralocorticoid receptor. J. Cell. Physiol. 9999: 2829–2836, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Convergence vs. Specialization in the ear region of moles (mammalia)
Authors: Crumpton Nick , Kardjilov Nikolay , Asher Robert J.
Published: April 2015

We investigated if and how the inner ear region undergoes similar adaptations in small, fossorial, insectivoran‐grade mammals, and found a variety of inner ear phenotypes. In our sample, afrotherian moles (Chrysochloridae) and the marsupialNotoryctesdiffer from most other burrowing mammals in their relatively short radii of semicircular canal curvature; chrysochlorids and fossorial talpids share a relatively long interampullar width. Chrysochlorids are unique in showing a highly coiled cochlea with nearly four turns. Extensive cochlear coiling may reflect their greater ecological dependence on low frequency auditory cues compared to talpids, tenrecids, and the marsupialNotoryctes. Correspondingly, the lack of such extensive coiling in the inner ear of other fossorial species may indicate a greater reliance on other senses to enable their fossorial lifestyle, such as tactile sensation from vibrissae and Eimer's organs. The reliance of chrysochlorids on sound is evident in the high degree of coiling and in the diversity of its mallear types, and may help explain the lack of any semiaquatic members of that group. The simplest mallear types among chrysochlorids are not present in the basal‐most members of that clade, but all extant chrysochlorids investigated to date exhibit extensive cochlear coiling. The chrysochlorid ear region thus exhibits mosaic evolution; our data suggest that extensive coiling evolved in chrysochlorids prior to and independently of diversification in middle ear ossicle size and shape. J. Morphol. 276:900–914, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
R&D Spillovers on a Salop Circle
Authors: Lamantia Fabio , Pezzino Mario
Published: April 2015

The paper describes quality/price equilibrium and welfare effects of R&D spillovers when firms are located around the circumference of a Salop circle, and the extent of the spillovers may depend on the geographic proximity between firms. In particular, we show that an increase in competition may have a positive effect on the provision of quality and firms' profits. We also extend the model allowing a multinational enterprise to locate at the centre of the circle. In this scenario it is important to understand the interplay of local R&D spillovers with the spillovers that propagate from and to the centre. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound visualization of the lymphatic vessels in the lower leg
Authors: Hayashi Akitatsu , Yamamoto Takumi , Yoshimatsu Hidehiko , Hayashi Nobuko , Furuya Megumi , Harima Mitsunobu , Narushima Mitsunaga , Koshima Isao
Published: April 2015

Background

Identification of lymphatic vessels for lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA), which is an effective surgical treatment for obstructive lymphedema, is important. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography is useful for that purpose, but is not common in many institutions. Although ultrasound is a very common modality, no research has yet underlined the feasibility of the device to detect the lymphatic vessels.

Methods

First, identification of lymphatic vessels in the lower legs using ultrasound was performed in non‐edematous limbs with linear‐pattern on ICG lymphography (n = 12). The imaging findings and characteristic of the lymphatic vessels in ultrasonography were investigated on transverse scans. Second, to assess the ultrasound detection technique, ICG was injected to healthy volunteers after identification and marking of the lymphatic vessels using ultrasound (n = 14). Sensitivity and specificity of the examination were calculated.

Results

In the first part, the lymphatic vessels were detected by ultrasound in all cases. Characteristic ultrasonography findings of lymphatic vessels included homogeneous, hypoechoic and spicular misshapen images in all cases. In the second part, the overall sensitivity and specificity were 95.5 and 92.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Ultrasonography can identify lymphatic vessels of the lower leg with precision and may aid lymphatic microsurgery for lymphedema. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:397–401, 2016.
Accelerated whole‐brain multi‐parameter mapping using blind compressed sensing
Authors: Bhave Sampada , Lingala Sajan Goud , Johnson Casey P. , Magnotta Vincent A. , Jacob Mathews
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To introduce a blind compressed sensing (BCS) framework to accelerate multi‐parameter MR mapping, and demonstrate its feasibility in high‐resolution, whole‐brain
and T2 mapping.

Methods

BCS models the evolution of magnetization at every pixel as a sparse linear combination of bases in a dictionary. Unlike compressed sensing, the dictionary and the sparse coefficients are jointly estimated from undersampled data. Large number of non‐orthogonal bases in BCS accounts for more complex signals than low rank representations. The low degree of freedom of BCS, attributed to sparse coefficients, translates to fewer artifacts at high acceleration factors (R).

Results

From 2D retrospective undersampling experiments, the mean square errors in
and T2 maps were observed to be within 0.1% up to R = 10. BCS was observed to be more robust to patient‐specific motion as compared to other compressed sensing schemes and resulted in minimal degradation of parameter maps in the presence of motion. Our results suggested that BCS can provide an acceleration factor of 8 in prospective 3D imaging with reasonable reconstructions.

Conclusion

BCS considerably reduces scan time for multiparameter mapping of the whole brain with minimal artifacts, and is more robust to motion‐induced signal changes compared to current compressed sensing and principal component analysis‐based techniques. Magn Reson Med 75:1175–1186, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Moment‐independent regional sensitivity analysis of complicated models with great efficiency
Authors: Zhang Leigang , Lu Zhenzhou , Cheng Lei , Hong Dongpao
Published: April 2015

Moment‐independent regional sensitivity analysis (RSA) is a very useful guide tool for assessing the effect of a specific range of an individual input on the uncertainty of model output, while large computational burden is involved to perform RSA, which would certainty lead to the limitation of engineering application. Main tasks for performing RSA are to estimate the probability density function (PDF) of model output and the joint PDF of model output and the input variable by some certain smart techniques. Firstly, a method based on the concepts of maximum entropy, fractional moment and sparse grid integration is utilized to estimate the PDF of the model output. Secondly, Nataf transformation is applied to obtain the joint PDF of model output and the input variable. Finally, according to an integral transformation, those regional sensitivity indices can be easily computed by a Monte Carlo procedure without extra function evaluations. Because all the PDFs can be estimated with great efficiency, and only a small amount of function evaluations are involved in the whole process, the proposed method can greatly decrease the computational burden. Several examples with explicit or implicit input–output relations are introduced to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The outcomes and treatment burden of childhood acute myeloid leukaemia in Australia, 1997–2008: A report from the Australian Paediatric Cancer Registry
Authors: Foresto Steven A. , Youlden Danny R. , Baade Peter D. , Hallahan Andrew R. , Aitken Joanne F. , Moore Andrew S.
Published: April 2015

Childhood acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) requires intensive therapy and is associated with survival rates that are substantially inferior to many other childhood malignancies. We undertook a retrospective analysis of Australian Paediatric Cancer Registry data from 1997 to 2008 together with a single‐centre audit during the same period assessing burden on service delivery at a tertiary children's hospital (Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane). Although survival improved from 54.3% (1997–2002) to 69.2% (2003–2008), childhood AML caused a disproportionate number of childhood cancer deaths, accounting for 5.5% of all childhood cancer diagnoses yet 7.9% of all childhood cancer mortality. Furthermore, treatment was associated with significant toxicity requiring intensive use of local health resources. Novel therapeutic strategies aimed at improving survival and reducing toxicity are urgently required. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1664–1666. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Curvature sensing MARCKS‐ED peptides bind to membranes in a stereo‐independent manner
Authors: Yan Lei , de Jesus Armando Jerome , Tamura Ryo , Li Victoria , Cheng Kui , Yin Hang
Published: April 2015

Membrane curvature and lipid composition plays a critical role in interchanging of matter and energy in cells. Peptide curvature sensors are known to activate signaling pathways and promote molecular transport across cell membranes. Recently, the 25‐mer MARCKS‐ED peptide, which is derived from the effector domain of the myristoylated alanine‐rich C kinase substrate protein, has been reported to selectively recognize highly curved membrane surfaces. Our previous studies indicated that the naturally occurring l‐MARCKS‐ED peptide could simultaneously detect both phosphatidylserine and curvature. Here, we demonstrate that d‐MARCKS‐ED, composed by unnatural d‐amino acids, has the same activities as its enantiomer, l‐MARCKS‐ED, as a curvature and lipid sensor. An atomistic molecular dynamics simulation suggests that d‐MARCKS‐ED may change from linear to a boat conformation upon binding to the membrane. Comparable enhancement of fluorescence intensity was observed between d‐ and l‐MARCKS‐ED peptides, indicating similar binding affinities. Meanwhile, circular dichroism spectra of d‐ and l‐MARCKS‐ED are almost symmetrical both in the presence and absence of liposomes. These results suggest similar behavior of artificial d‐ and natural l‐MARCKS‐ED peptides when binding to curved membranes. Our studies may contribute to further understanding of how MARCKS‐ED senses membrane curvature as well as provide a new direction to develop novel membrane curvature probes. Copyright © 2015 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adsorption of chemically synthesized mussel adhesive peptide sequences containing DOPA on stainless steel
Authors: Chandrasekaran Neha , Dimartino Simone , Janmale Tejraj , Gieseg Steven P. , Fee Conan J.
Published: April 2015

The adsorption of proteins at solid–liquid interfaces is important in biosensor and biomaterial applications. Marine mussels affix themselves to surfaces using a highly cross‐linked, protein‐based adhesive containing a high proportion of L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) residues. In this work, the effect of DOPA residues on protein adhesion on stainless steel surfaces was studied using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation system. The adsorption of two repetitive peptide motifs, KGYKYYGGSS and KGYKYY, from the mussel Mytilus edulis foot protein 5 on stainless steel was studied before and after chemo‐enzymatic modification of tyrosine residues to DOPA using mushroom tyrosinase. Conversion from tyrosine to DOPA, evaluated by HPLC, was in the range 70–99%. DOPA‐modified sequences showed fourfold greater adhesion than unmodified M. edulis foot protein 5 motifs. Copyright © 2015 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some South African Rubiaceae Tree Leaf Extracts Have Antimycobacterial Activity Against Pathogenic and Non‐pathogenic Mycobacterium Species
Authors: Aro Abimbola O. , Dzoyem Jean P. , Hlokwe Tiny M. , Madoroba Evelyn , Eloff Jacobus N. , McGaw Lyndy J.
Published: April 2015

Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains an ongoing threat to human health. Many plant species contain antimycobacterial compounds, which may serve as template molecules for new anti‐TB drugs. The Rubiaceae family is the largest family of trees in southern Africa, and preliminary evidence revealed antimycobacterial activity in several species of the genus, motivating further studies. Leaf extracts of 15 tree species from the Rubiaceae family were screened for antimycobacterial activity against pathogenic M. tuberculosis and non‐pathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mycobacterium aurum and Mycobacterium bovis BCG (Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin) using a twofold serial microdilution assay. Cytotoxicity was determined using a tetrazolium‐based colorimetric assay against C3A liver cells and Vero kidney cells. Minimum inhibitory concentration values as low as 0.04 mg/mL against M. smegmatis and M. tuberculosis were recorded. Activity against M. aurum was the best predictor of activity against pathogenic M. tuberculosis (correlation coefficient = 0.9). Bioautography indicated at least 40 different antimycobacterial compounds in the extracts. Cytotoxicity of the extracts varied, and Oxyanthus speciosus had the most promising selectivity index values. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.