bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing Metabolite Space of Escherichia coli via Growth Medium Composition as Monitored by Two‐Dimensional NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Kee Chae Young , Hyun Kim Seol , Seong Hyun Jin
Published: June 2015

As for recombinant protein production, Escherichia coli is one of the most frequently employed hosts because it offers a simple and inexpensive, but rapid and high‐yield system in addition to the vast information on its molecular genetics and biology. However, due to its prokaryotic nature, it often fails to produce eukaryotic proteins in a desired form. To devise a systematic way leading to a condition that produces a large amount of usable proteins, we attempted to monitor intracellular metabolites under various conditions, and to link them to recombinant protein production. With such an intention, we identified 31 metabolites from cells grown in different media by using two‐dimensional (2D) NMR spectroscopy. Our results revealed that 1) the level of betaine was low, while that of glutamic acid was high when grown in minimal media; 2) the level of glycerol was constantly high in all cases; 3) the level of oxidized glutathione was lower in Luria broth (LB); and 4) the level of leucine was low in minimal media. We hope this work might shed light onto how to improve production of the target proteins by metabolite profiling.
New Isoprenylated Phenolic Compounds from Morus laevigata
Authors: Wang Meng , Yu Bang‐Wei , Yu Mei‐Hua , Gao Li‐Xin , Li Jing‐Ya , Wang He‐Yao , Li Jia , Hou Ai‐Jun
Published: June 2015

Two new isoprenylated flavonoids, laevigasins A and B (1 and 2, resp.), and one new isoprenylated 2‐arylbenzofuran, leavigasin C (3), together with eight known compounds, 4–11, were isolated from the twigs of Morus laevigata. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Laevigasin A (1) showed significant inhibitory effect on α‐glucosidase in vitro. Notabilisin E (5), taxifolin (10), and hultenin (11) inhibited PTP1B phosphatase activity in vitro.
Catalytic Kinetic Resolution of Biaryl Compounds
Authors: Ma Gaoyuan , Sibi Mukund P.
Published: June 2015

Biaryl compounds with axial chirality are very common in synthetic chemistry, especially in catalysis. Axially chiral biaryls are important due to their biological activities and extensive applications in asymmetric catalysis. Thus the development of efficient enantioselective methods for their synthesis has attracted considerable attention. This Minireview discusses the progress made in catalytic kinetic resolution of biaryl compounds and chronicles significant advances made recently in catalytic kinetic resolution of biaryl scaffolds.
Modular Polyoxometalate‐Layered Double Hydroxide Composites as Efficient Oxidative Catalysts
Authors: Chen Yang , Yao Zhixiao , Miras Haralampos N. , Song Yu‐Fei
Published: June 2015

The exploitation of intercalation techniques in the field of two‐dimensional layered materials offers unique opportunities for controlling chemical reactions in confined spaces and developing nanocomposites with desired functionality. In this study, the exploitation of the novel and facile “one‐pot” anion‐exchange method for the functionalization of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) is demonstrated. As a proof‐of‐concept, we demonstrate the intercalation of a series of polyoxometalate (POM) clusters, Na3[PW12O40]⋅15 H2O (Na3PW12), K6[P2W18O62]⋅14 H2O (K6P2W18), and Na9LaW10O36⋅32 H2O (Na9LaW10) into tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris)‐modified layered double hydroxides (LDHs) under ambient conditions without the necessity of degassing CO2. Investigation of the resultant intercalated materials of Tris‐LDHs–PW12 (1), Tris‐LDH–P2W18 (2), and Tris‐LDH–LaW10 (3) for the degradation of methylene blue (MB), rhodamine B (RB) and crystal violet (CV) has been carried out, where Tris‐LDH–PW12 reveals the best performance in the presence of H2O2. Additionally, degradation of a mixture of RB, MB and CV by Tris‐LDH–PW12 follows the order of CV>MB>RB, which is directly related to the designed accessible area of the interlayer space. Also, the composite can be readily recycled and reused at least ten cycles without measurable decrease of activity.
Surface and Interface Engineering in Photocatalysis
Authors: Bai Song , Jiang Wenya , Li Zhengquan , Xiong Yujie
Published: June 2015

Surfaces and interfaces are two key parameters to maneuver the performance of photocatalytic materials, particularly for hybrid structures, in various reaction systems. In this Focus Review, we highlight the recent progress on surface and interface engineering toward designing highly efficient photocatalysts, and elucidate the fundamental principles behind the designs. We first introduce the roles of surfaces and interfaces in different models of charge kinetics—a key process determining the quantum efficiency of photocatalysis—followed by the definitions of surface and interface in basic photocatalytic architectural structures. We then outline the design rules and important parameters for surface and interface engineering, respectively. As an interplay effect, the relationships between surface and interface parameters in photocatalyst design are also presented. We further summarize the synthetic methods for surface and interface control. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities for photocatalysis research in terms of surface and interface engineering.
Pentoxifylline Decreases Dialysis Risk in Patients With Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wu P‐C , Wu C‐J , Lin C‐J , Pan C‐F , Chen C‐Y , Huang T‐M , Wu C‐H , Lin S‐L , Chen Y‐M , Chen L , Wu V‐C ,   and the NSARF Group,   the Kidney Consortium
Published: June 2015

Few studies evaluated the effects of pentoxifylline on hard endpoints in patients with predialysis stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thus, we tried to explore the effects of pentoxifylline and its interaction with renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade on the development of endstage renal disease (ESRD) and mortality. This nationwide cohort study retrospectively included patients who had a serum creatinine level of >6 mg/dL and received erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs) between 2000 and 2010. We analyzed 7,366 pentoxifylline users and 7,366 propensity score‐matched nonusers. Using Cox proportional hazard models, pentoxifylline reduced the risks of ESRD and the composite renal outcome but not that of mortality. In terms of the risks of developing ESRD, pentoxifylline alone exerted a comparable beneficial effect to combined therapy with an RAAS inhibitor and greater renoprotection than RAAS inhibitor monotherapy. This study suggests pentoxifylline is efficacious in slowing progression to ESRD in patients with predialysis stage 5 CKD.
Crystal growth of cyclodextrin‐based metal‐organic framework with inclusion of ferulic acid
Authors: Michida Wataru , Ezaki Masato , Sakuragi Mina , Guan Guoqing , Kusakabe Katsuki
Published: June 2015

The crystallization of γ‐cyclodextrin‐based metal‐organic framework (CD‐MOF) with inclusion of ferulic acid (FA) was carried out through vapor diffusion of methanol to the aqueous solution of γ‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD), KOH and FA. Although the crystallization of pure CD was limited in highly basic solution of KOH (pH>13.0), the CD‐MOF with inclusion of FA (FA/CD‐MOF) was able to be formed at pH 6.8 after the neutralization of KOH by FA. The inclusion behavior of FA in CD‐MOF was studied by using differential scanning calorimetry. The data indicate the formation of the stable association between FA and γ‐CD in FA/CD‐MOF.
Phase equilibria in BaB2O4–LiF system and β–BaB2O4 bulk crystals growth
Authors: Simonova Е.А. , Kokh А.Е. , Kononova N.G. , Shevchenko V.S. , Kokh D.А.
Published: June 2015

Solid state synthesis, differencial thermal analysis and visual polythermal analysis were applied to study the phase equilibria in BaB2O4–LiF system. A phase diagram BaB2O4–LiF has been plotted for the first time. The system has proved applicable for growing β–BaB2O4 bulk crystals.
Optical properties of flower‐like CdS prepared by a hydrothermal method with SDBS as surfactant
Authors: Yang Xiande , Wang Yongqian , Wang Zhengshu , Ma Qun , Kong Junhan , Jia Hanxiang , Yu Meihua
Published: June 2015

In this article, flower‐like CdS structures have been prepared by a hydrothermal method with SDBS as surfactant. The influences of different experimental conditions on the morphologies, UV‐Vis and fluorescence properties of CdS have been investigated. The performances of CdS have been analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), ultraviolet‐visible (UV–Vis) and room‐temperature photoluminescence (PL). The XRD result indicates that the flower‐like CdS structures are of hexagonal phase. The FESEM results indicate that the main role of SDBS is to make the CdS crystals assemble together to form the flower‐like structures. The UV–Vis results show CdS has a strong absorption in the ultraviolet region and visible‐light region. The PL results show CdS has two emission peaks, respectively at 461 nm and 553 nm. The growth mechanism for the formation of flower‐like CdS structures is also described.
Measurement of lymphocyte aggregation by flow cytometry–physiological implications in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Dezorella Nili , Kay Sigi , Baron Shoshana , Shapiro Mika , Porat Ziv , Deutsch Varda , Herishanu Yair , Katz Ben‐Zion
Published: June 2015

Background

Cellular aggregation is a physiological response of lymphocytes to various extracellular stimuli. Currently, lymphocytes aggregation is only evaluated qualitatively or by semiquantitative methods. In this study, we assessed the capacity of flow cytometry to measure lymphocytes aggregation in a quantitative, accurate, and reproducible manner, and examined the significance of aggregation responses in various lymphoproliferative diseases.

Methods

Extracellular triggers such as anti‐CD19 antibodies or phorbol ester were utilized to induce lymphoid cells aggregation in a concentration dependent manner. Aggregation was quantified by flow cytometry based on the forward or side scatter (SSC), or by dark‐field SSC of aggregates measured by ImageStreamX. Accuracy, reproducibility, and limitations of the methodology were evaluated. Aggregation responses were measured in various types of lymphoproliferative diseases, and correlated with immunophenotyping and IGHV mutational status in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Results

Lymphoid aggregates provoked by extracellular stimuli elevate the forward and SSC signals relatively to the number of cells in each event. Aggregation responses vary among different types of lymphoproliferative diseases. Moreover, elevated levels of CD19‐induced aggregation are associated with aberrant chronic lymphocytic leukemia characteristics, but not with IGHV mutational status of the disease

Conclusions

We have demonstrated that flow cytometry can provide accurate and reproducible measurement of both primary as well as T and B cell lines aggregation in response to extracellular stimuli. The use of quantitative evaluation of activation driven or other cellular aggregation may provide an analytical tool to elucidate biochemical and molecular mechanisms associated with lymphoproliferative diseases. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Cx36 expression in the AII‐mediated rod pathway is activity dependent in the developing rabbit retina
Authors: Tu Hung‐Ya , Chiao Chuan‐Chin
Published: June 2015

Gap junctions are composed of connexin 36 (Cx36) and play a critical role in the rod photoreceptor signaling pathways of the vertebrate retina. Despite the fact that their connection and modulation in various rod pathways have been extensively studied in adult animals, little is known about the contribution and regulation of gap junctions to the development of the AII amacrine cell (AC)‐mediated rod pathway. Using immunohistochemistry and microinjection, this study demonstrates a steady increase in relative Cx36 protein expression in both plexiform layers of the rabbit retina at around the time of eye opening. However, immediately after eye opening, most Cx36 immunoreactive AII ACs show no gap junction coupling pattern to neighboring cells and it is not until the third postnatal week that AII cells begin to exhibit an adult‐like tracer‐coupling pattern. Moreover, studies using dark‐rearing and AMPA receptor blockade during postnatal development both revealed that relative levels of Cx36 immunoreactivity in AII ACs were increased when neural activity was inhibited. Our findings suggest that Cx36 expression in the AII‐mediated rod pathway is activity dependent in the developing rabbit retina. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 473–486, 2016
Early weight gain in family‐based treatment predicts greater weight gain and remission at the end of treatment and remission at 12‐month follow‐up in adolescent anorexia nervosa
Authors: Madden Sloane , Miskovic‐Wheatley Jane , Wallis Andrew , Kohn Michael , Hay Phillipa , Touyz Stephen
Published: June 2015

Objective

To Identify whether early weight gain in family‐based treatment (FBT) predicted greater weight and remission at end of FBT and 12‐month follow‐up.

Method

Eighty‐two adolescents, with anorexia nervosa, participated in a randomized control trial comparing brief hospitalization for medical stabilization and hospitalization for weight restoration to 90% expected body weight (EBW) (1:1), followed by 20 sessions of FBT. Sixty‐nine completed trial protocol. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted investigating whether early weight‐gain in FBT predicted outcomes at end of FBT and 12‐month follow‐up. Participants were analyzed according to their original randomization and as a combined set. Binary logistic regression was used to control for randomization arm effect in combined set analysis.

Results

Weight gain greater than 1.8 kg at FBT Session 4 predicted greater %EBW (99.18 SD = 6.93 vs. 92.79 SD = 7.74, p < .05) and remission at end of FBT (46% vs. 11%, p < .05) and at 12‐month follow‐up (64% vs. 36%, p = .05). Binary logistic regression confirmed weight gain greater than 1.8 kg predicted remission (p < .05) while treatment arm randomization did not add significantly to the model.

Discussion

Early weight gain has potential to distinguish likely responders in FBT from those who may need more intensive intervention to achieve remission offering the potential to improve outcomes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:919–922).
Patterns of weight‐control behavior among 15 year old girls
Authors: Balantekin Katherine N. , Birch Leann L. , Savage Jennifer S.
Published: June 2015

Objective

The objectives were to identify and predict patterns of weight‐control behavior in 15 years old (yo) girls and to examine weight‐control group differences in energy intake.

Method

Participants included 166 girls assessed every 2 years (ys) from age 5 to 15. Latent class analysis was used to identify patterns of weight‐control behaviors. Antecedent variables (e.g., inhibitory control at 7 ys), and concurrent variables (e.g., BMI and dietary intake at 15 ys) were included as predictors. Assessments were a combination of survey, interview, and laboratory measures.

Results

Latent class analysis (LCA) identified four classes of weight‐control behaviors, nondieters (26%), and three dieting groups, namely lifestyle (16%), dieters (43%), and extreme dieters (17%). Levels of restraint, weight concerns, and dieting frequency increased across groups, from nondieters to extreme dieters. Body mass index (BMI) at 5 ys and inhibitory control at 7 ys predicted weight‐control group at 15 ys; for example, with every one point decrease in inhibitory control, girls were twice as likely to be extreme dieters than nondieters. Girls in the extreme dieters group were mostly classified as under‐reporters and had the lowest self‐reported intake, but ate significantly more in the laboratory.

Discussion

Among 15 yo girls, “dieting” includes a range of both healthy and unhealthy behaviors. Risk factors for membership in a weight‐control group are present as early as 5 ys. Patterns of intake in the laboratory support the view that lower reported energy intake by extreme dieters is likely due under‐reporting as an intent to decrease intake, not actual decreased intake. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:589–600)
Application of a multivariate approach for analyte focusing by micelle collapse‐micellar electrokinetic chromatography for analyzing sunscreen agents in cosmetics
Authors: Lin Yi‐Hui , Lu Chi‐Yu , Jiang Shiuh‐Jen , Hsiao Wen‐Yao , Cheng Hui‐Ling , Chen Yen‐Ling
Published: June 2015

The operating parameters that affect the performance of the online preconcentration technique “analyte focusing by micelle collapse‐MEKC (AFMC‐MEKC)” were examined using a multivariate approach involving experimental design to determine the sunscreen agents in cosmetics. Compared to the single‐variable approach, the advantage of the multivariate approach was that many factors could be investigated simultaneously to obtain the best separation condition. A fractional factorial design was used to identify the fewest significant factors in the central composite design (cCD). The cCD was adopted for evaluating the location of the minimum or maximum response in this study. The influences of the experimental variables on the response were investigated by applying a chromatographic exponential function. The optimized condition and the relationship between the experimental variables were acquired using the JMP software. The ANOVA analysis indicated that the Tris pH value, SDS concentration, and ethanol percentage influenced the separation quality and significantly contributed to the model. The optimized condition of the running buffer was 10 mM Tris buffer (pH 9.5) containing 60 mM SDS, 7 mM γ‐CD, and 20% v/v ethanol. The sample was prepared in 100 mM Tris buffer (pH 9.0) containing 7.5 mM SDS and 20% v/v ethanol. The SDS concentration in the sample matrix was slightly greater than the CMC value that makes the micelle be easily collapsed and the analytes be accumulated in the capillary. In addition, sunscreen agents in cosmetics after 1000‐fold dilution were successfully determined by AFMC‐MEKC.
Mixed Oxides of Iron and Manganese as Potential Low‐Cost Oxygen Carriers for Chemical Looping Combustion
Authors: Mungse Pallavi , Saravanan Govindachetty , Rayalu Sadhana , Labhsetwar Nitin
Published: June 2015

Low‐cost oxygen carriers with multicycle chemical looping combustion (CLC) performance and CO2 selectivity have been explored to realize a practical oxygen carrier to obtain sequestration‐ready CO2 from the combustion processes. The cubic structures of the pure mixed oxides of Fe and Mn (Fe3Mn3O8 and FeMnO3; Fe–Mn–O) were prepared successfully as oxygen carriers through a coprecipitation method. The Fe–Mn–O systems showed 100 % CH4 combustion performance in the absence of air or oxygen. MnO and Fe3O4 are the reduced products of the Fe–Mn–O systems after the CH4 combustion reaction. The regeneration of the Fe–Mn–O phase was achieved readily by reoxidation of their reduced products in air. The Fe–Mn–O systems showed a stable and multicycle CLC performance, however, the individual oxides of Fe and Mn showed an inferior CLC performance. Pure CO2 was formed during the CH4 combustion reaction of the Fe–Mn–O systems with practically no toxic CO byproduct. Therefore, the mixed oxide phase of Fe and Mn shows potential as a practical oxygen carrier in terms of its multicycle CLC performance and CO2 selectivity.
Key Practices in the English Language Arts (ELA): Linking Learning Theory, Assessment, and Instruction
Authors: Deane Paul , Sabatini John , Feng Gary , Sparks Jesse , Song Yi , Fowles Mary , O'Reilly Tenaha , Jueds Katherine , Krovetz Robert , Foley Colleen
Published: June 2015

This paper presents a framework intended to link the following assessment development concepts into a systematic framework: evidence‐centered design (ECD), scenario‐based assessment (SBA), and assessment of, for, and as learning. The context within which we develop this framework is the English language arts (ELA) for K‐12 students, though the framework could easily be applied to cover reading, writing, and critical thinking skills from pre‐K through college. Central to the framework is the concept of akey practice, drawn from constructivist learning theory, which emphasizes the purposeful social context within which skills are recruited and organized to carry out complex literacy tasks. We argue that key practices provide a key link between existingCBAL™ELAlearning progressions (defined as part of a student model for literacy skills) and the structure of well‐designedSBAs. This structure enables us to design assessments that model a key practice, supporting the systematic creation of task sequences that can be used to support both instruction and assessment.
Proving communal warfare among hunter‐gatherers: The quasi‐rousseauan error
Authors: Gat Azar
Published: June 2015

Was human fighting always there, as old as our species? Or is it a late cultural invention, emerging after the transition to agriculture and the rise of the state, which began, respectively, only around ten thousand and five thousand years ago? Viewed against the life span of our species, Homo sapiens, stretching back 150,000–200,000 years, let alone the roughly two million years of our genus Homo, this is the tip of the iceberg. We now have a temporal frame and plenty of empirical evidence for the “state of nature” that Thomas Hobbes and Jean‐Jacque Rousseau discussed in the abstract and described in diametrically opposed terms. All human populations during the Pleistocene, until about 12,000 years ago, were hunter‐gatherers, or foragers, of the simple, mobile sort that lacked accumulated resources. Studying such human populations that survived until recently or still survive in remote corners of the world, anthropology should have been uniquely positioned to answer the question of aboriginal human fighting or lack thereof. Yet access to, and the interpretation of, that information has been intrinsically problematic. The main problem has been the “contact paradox.” Prestate societies have no written records of their own. Therefore, documenting them requires contact with literate state societies that necessarily affects the former and potentially changes their behavior, including fighting.
Translating Policy Into Brownfield Solar Development
Authors: Pedersen Pete , Chase Julia
Published: June 2015

Developing solar power generating resources on dormant, suspect property is an evolving activity, growing in popularity.
Developing and Maintaining an Inspection‐Ready Pipeline Safety Program
Authors: Lawrence Melissa , Tipton Lauren
Published: June 2015

For the past several decades, pipeline incidents have resulted in highly publicized accounts of property damage, environmental harm, neighborhood destruction, serious injury, and death.
Taking Science Seriously in the Debate on Death and Organ Transplantation
Authors: Nair‐Collins Michael
Published: June 2015

The concept of death and its relationship to organ transplantation continue to be sources of debate and confusion among academics, clinicians, and the public. Recently, an international group of scholars and clinicians, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, met in the first phase of an effort to develop international guidelines for determination of death. The goal of this first phase was to focus on the biology of death and the dying process while bracketing legal, ethical, cultural, and religious perspectives. The next phase of the project will include a broader group of stakeholders in the development of clinical practice guidelines and will use expert consensus on biomedical criteria for death from the first phase as scientific input into normative deliberation about appropriate policies and practices.

Surely, science alone cannot resolve the normative and philosophical questions intertwined in debates about moral status, legal and moral rights, the ethics of killing, and personhood and the nature of the self; however, scientific input is necessary for informed moral deliberation. An objective and unbiased investigation of the biology of death is independent of, and should be undertaken prior to, an analysis of the normative questions engendered by debate about determination of death. This strategy is explicitly endorsed by the International Guidelines for Determination of Death and reflects the prevailing view of these issues in the mainstream medical literature. However, this mainstream literature, exemplified by the IGDD group's recent report, does not exhibit any of the characteristics usually associated with a scientifically rigorous investigation, such as making empirically testable and falsifiable claims, a commitment to evidence and logic over authoritative assertion, or a willingness to revise hypotheses and theories in light of new evidence. Indeed, the core claims and methodologies of the mainstream medical literature on death, both of which are represented by the IGDD report, are not merely scientifically unjustified; they are not science at all. This situation creates a problem for the integrity of science and the academy, and it unjustly obscures and prevents legitimate democratic and moral deliberation about issues that, at bottom, are normative, not scientific.
The Impact of Hospital Payment Schemes on Healthcare and Mortality: Evidence from Hospital Payment Reforms in OECD Countries
Authors: Wubulihasimu Parida , Brouwer Werner , van Baal Pieter
Published: June 2015

In this study, aggregate‐level panel data from 20 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries over three decades (1980‐2009) were used to investigate the impact of hospital payment reforms on healthcare output and mortality. Hospital payment schemes were classified as fixed‐budget (i.e. not directly based on activities), fee‐for‐service (FFS) or patient‐based payment (PBP) schemes. The data were analysed using a difference‐in‐difference model that allows for a structural change in outcomes due to payment reform. The results suggest that FFS schemes increase the growth rate of healthcare output, whereas PBP schemes positively affect life expectancy at age 65 years. However, these results should be interpreted with caution, as results are sensitive to model specification. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Population Aging and Healthcare Expenditure in Korea
Authors: Hyun Kyung‐Rae , Kang Sungwook , Lee Sunmi
Published: June 2015

Korea's rapid population aging has been considered as a major factor in increase of healthcare expenditure (HCE). However, there were no clear empirical evidences in Korea that show if population aging has a significant impact on HCE. To examine the ‘red herring’ argument, this study used Heckman, two‐part, and augmented model with Korean National Health Insurance claim data for the deceased and survivors of aged 20 years and over verified by Korean National Health Insurance Service between January 1 and December 31, 2010.

Our results suggest that when time to death is controlled for as explanatory variable, HCE decreases as a function of age, and HCE during the terminal year increases as a function of time to death, and HCE in the last quarter of life decreases with age. Therefore, this study affirms that there is no age effect in Korea experiencing the most rapid population aging among Asian countries. An increase in the number of elderly, due to the aging of baby boomers, may not increase a share of HCE out of gross domestic product (GDP) in Korea. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mineralocorticoid receptor suppresses cancer progression and the Warburg effect by modulating the miR‐338‐3p‐PKLR axis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nie Huizhen , Li Jun , Yang Xiao‐Mei , Cao Qing‐Zhen , Feng Ming‐Xuan , Xue Feng , Wei Lin , Qin Wenxin , Gu Jianren , Xia Qiang , Zhang Zhi‐Gang
Published: June 2015

Hormones and their corresponding receptors are vital in controlling metabolism under normal physiologic and pathologic conditions, but less is known about their roles in the metabolism of cancer. Using a small interfering RNA screening approach, we examined the effects of silencing 20 well‐known hormone receptors on the Warburg effect, specifically by measuring the production of lactate in four established hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. We found that silencing a variety of hormone receptors had effects on the production of this metabolite. Unexpectedly silencing of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) significantly increased lactate production in all these HCC cell lines. Subsequent in vitro and in vivo studies showed that gain‐ and loss‐of‐function of MR significantly influenced HCC cellular proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis. Furthermore, mechanistic studies revealed that MR as a transcriptional factor directly regulated the expression of miR‐338‐3p, suppressing the Warburg effects of HCC cells by targeting a key enzyme of glycolysis: pyruvate kinase, liver and red blood cells. Moreover, MR expression was significantly down‐regulated in 81% of HCC patient tissues, caused by both chromosome deletion and histone deacetylation. Low expression of MR in tumor tissues was associated with poor patient prognosis. The expression level of miR‐338‐3p was found to positively correlate with the expression of MR in HCC tissues and to inversely correlate with expression of the enzyme pyruvate kinase, liver and red blood cells. Conclusion: MR affects HCC development by modulating the miR‐338‐3p/pyruvate kinase, liver and red blood cells axis with an ability to suppress the Warburg effect. (Hepatology 2015;62:1145‐1159)
Low‐Temperature Olefin Syntheses in View of Parent Fulvenes and Fulvalenes
Authors: Neuenschwander Markus
Published: June 2015

Parent fulvenes and fulvalenes are thermally unstable cross‐conjugated olefins for which low‐temperature syntheses are indispensable. In this review 5 syntheses (in the temperature range between −100 and −10°) are discussed:

 1. Reaction of sodium cyclopentadienide with 1‐acetoxy‐1‐chloroalkanes or 1‐acetoxy‐1‐bromoalkanes (26) gives acetoxy‐alkyl‐cyclopentadienes (27) which are easily converted to pentafulvenes (2) by low‐temperature HOAc‐elimination with NEt3. This synthesis has been applied to parent pentafulvene (2a), heptafulvene (3a), nonafulvene (4a) and sesquifulvalene (19a) (Schemes 8–11).

 2. Based on a nearly quantitative oxidative coupling of cyclononatetraenide (8) to give dihydrononafulvalene (38) (Scheme 10), a general synthetic plan for fulvalenes has been outlined (Scheme 11) and applied to the synthesis of pentafulvalene (12), nonapentafulvalene (16) and nonafulvalene (14). Several applications of oxidative couplings of Hückel anions are discussed (Schemes 20 and 21).

 3. Trifunctional cyclopropanes 67 (in most cases 1,1‐dibromo‐2‐X‐cyclopropanes) are attractive precursors of parent triafulvene (1a) and calicene (17) (Scheme 18). Contrary to classical procedures they are transformed into nucleophiles (67→68) by halogen‐lithium exchange, methylation (68→69) and HBr‐elimination to give 1‐methylidene‐2‐X‐cyclopropanes of type 71. By subsequent HX‐elimination triafulvene (1a) has been synthesized and trapped as a [4+2]‐cycloadduct 73 (Scheme 20). Furthermore, calicene precursors 77 are available by using cyclopentenone as an electrophilic cyclopentadiene equivalent.

 4. Similarly, 1‐lithio‐1‐bromo‐2‐X‐cyclopropanes 68 are directly transformed into triafulvalene precursors 81 (Scheme 26) by a novel CuCl2‐catalyzed oxidative coupling.

 5. In view of the synthesis of parent triafulvene (1a), triafulvalene (11) and calicene (17), retro‐DielsAlder reactions of stable precursors – prepared by low‐temperature reactions (described in chapters 3 and 4) – have been explored.
Substituent Effects on π‐Bond Delocalization of Fulvenes and Fulvalenes. Are Fulvenes Aromatic?
Authors: Neuenschwander Markus
Published: June 2015

The influence of exocyclic substituents on π‐delocalization of pentafulvenes 2, heptafulvenes 3, and nonafulvenes 4 has been investigated.

Pentafulvenes 2: Changes of bond lengths (induced by exocyclic substituents R1 and R2 of 2) are reflected by systematic changes of 3J(H,H) (Fig. 2) as well as of 1J(C,C) coupling constants (Fig. 4), so that linear correlations of σp+ vs. 3J(H,H) and 1J(C,C) coupling constants were obtained. Plots of that type are very useful for determining the extent of π‐delocalization of various pentafulvalenes 5–8 (Figs. 6 and 12). Charge density effects of pentafulvenes and pentafulvalenes were observed by substituent‐induced shifts of the ring C‐atoms (Fig. 5).

 Heptafulvenes 3: Contrary to planar pentafulvenes, heptafulvenes did not show any linear correlations of σp+ vs. 3J(H,H)‐plots (Fig. 8) or σp+ vs. δ(13C)‐plots (Fig. 9), although substituents R1, R2 clearly influenced 3J(H,H)‐coupling constants as well as 13C chemical shifts of the ring H‐atoms and ring C‐atoms. In the NMR spectra of ‘heptafulvenes with inverse ring polarization’ (in the lower range of Fig. 8), 3J(H,H)‐coupling constants were strongly alternating and were barely influenced by exocyclic substituents. This supported a boat conformation of the corresponding heptafulvenes. In the range of Hammett σp+‐values above −0.5 to 0, strong substituent effects started to be effective, and a nearly linear approach of 3J(H,H)‐coupling constants J(2,3)/J(4,5) and J(3,4) was observed. This meant that, as soon as heptafulvenes were planar or nearly planar, there existed similar substituent effects as for planar pentafulvenes. – A similar ‘turning point’ was observed in plots of σp+ vs. 13C‐chemical shifts around σp+=0 (Fig. 9): In the range of strong electron‐accepting groups (above σp+=1), there was a marked substituent‐induced high‐frequency shift which strongly decreased in the series C(7)>C(2)/C(5)>C(3)/C(4), while C(1)/C(6) was barely influenced.

 Nonafulvenes 4: Most nonafulvenes are non‐planar olefins with strongly alternating vicinal H,H‐coupling constants. This has been convincingly shown by the high‐resolution 1H‐NMR spectrum of 10‐dimethylaminononafulvene (4c, Fig. 10), which was not planar but contained a nearly planar (E)‐dienamine substructure of the segment C(7)C(8)C(9)C(10)NMe2 according to the NMR data. Only with very strong π‐donors (like two dimethylamino groups in 4b), planarization of the nine‐membered ring could be observed at low temperatures (Fig. 10). Finally, the first stable nonatriafulvalene (11,12‐bis(diethylamino)nonatriafulvalene (10)) existed in the planar dipolar form in the whole temperature range and even in unpolar solvents.
In situ UV/VIS Spectroscopy of Electrochemically Synthesized SelenopheneThiophene Copolymers
Authors: Alakhras Fadi
Published: June 2015

In situ UV/VIS spectroscopy of selenophenethiophene homo‐ and copolymer films had been investigated. λ$\rm{{_{max}^{1}}}$ corresponding to the π→π* interband transition was determined. The optical transition with λ$\rm{{_{max}^{2}}}$ from the valence band into the higher bipolaron band was also allocated. Besides, band gap energy (Eg) of the individual homopolymer and the obtained copolymer films from a direct interband transition was estimated as well, and the values were between 1.91–2.10 eV. The influence of applied polymerization potential and monomer feed ratio on the optical properties of the copolymers is discussed.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Highly Substituted 1H‐Pyrazole‐5‐carboxylates from 4‐Aryl‐2,4‐diketoesters and Arylhydrazines
Authors: Zhai Jiao‐Jiao , Gu Chun‐Hui , Guo Ying , Liao Dao‐Hua , Zhu Dun‐Ru , Ji Ya‐Fei
Published: June 2015

A one‐pot synthesis of highly substituted 1H‐pyrazole‐5‐carboxylates 1 has been developed starting from easily available 4‐aryl‐2,4‐diketoesters 2 and arylhydrazine hydrochlorides 3. More active 2‐carbonyl group of 2 was blocked with methoxyamine hydrochloride to give 2‐methoxy imine intermediates, which were then subjected to condensation cyclization with 3 in situ to provide the desired products 1. In addition, the geometrical configuration of 1aa was unambiguously confirmed by single crystal X‐ray crystallography.
A method of chromatic aberration compensation in holographic projection display based on a single spatial light modulator
Authors: Wang Cui , Wang Di , Wang Qiong‐Hua
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we propose a method of chromatic aberration compensation in holographic projection display based on a single spatial light modulator (SLM). By combining the hologram of the object with that of the digital lens, three color holograms with different focal lengths can be generated. Then, the SLM is divided into three parts, input three color holograms with different focal lengths to the SLM, and each occupies one‐third area of the SLM. We verify our method, and the results show its feasibility.
Post‐operative survival following metastasectomy for patients receiving BRAF inhibitor therapy is associated with duration of pre‐operative treatment and elective indication
Authors: He Mike , Lovell Jane , Ng Bee Ling , Spillane John , Speakman David , Henderson Michael A. , Shackleton Mark , Gyorki David E.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Metastasectomy can provide durable disease control for selected patients with metastatic melanoma. Vemurafenib is a BRAF kinase inhibitor which has demonstrated significant improvement in disease‐specific survival in patients with metastatic melanoma with a BRAF gene mutation. This study examined the efficacy and safety of metastasectomy during treatment with vemurafenib.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of all patients receiving vemurafenib at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Patient records were reviewed to identify patients undergoing surgery within 30 days of vemurafenib therapy. Descriptive statistics and survival analysis were performed.

Results

Nineteen patients underwent 21 metastasectomies including craniotomy (57%), spinal decompression (14%), small bowel resection (14%), lung resection (9.5%) and neck dissection (4.5%). Indications for surgery were: an isolated residual focus of disease (n = 2); isolated progressive disease in the setting of stability elsewhere (n = 9); and symptomatic disease (n = 8). Grade 2 or higher surgical complications occurred in 19% of cases and there was one peri‐operative death. Median post‐operative survival was seven months. There was a trend toward improved post‐operative survival for patients with longer duration of vemurafenib therapy (P = 0.04) and for those undergoing elective surgery (P = 0.07).

Conclusion

Resection of oligometastatic disease during BRAF‐targeted therapy is safe. Selected patients have durable post‐operative disease control. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:980–984. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phase‐preserved macroscopic visible‐light carpet cloaking beyond two dimensions
Authors: Chu Chia‐Wei , Zhai Xiaomin , Lee Chih Jie , Wang Po‐Hao , Duan Yubo , Tsai Din Ping , Zhang Baile , Luo Yuan
Published: June 2015

Transformation optics, a recent geometrical design strategy of light manipulation with both ray trajectories and optical phase controlled simultaneously, promises an invisibility cloaking device that can render a macroscopic object invisible even to a scientific instrument measuring optical phase. Recent “carpet” cloaks have extended their cloaking capability to broadband frequency ranges and macroscopic scales, but they only demonstrated the recovery of ray trajectories after passing through the cloaks, while whether the optical phase would reveal their existence still remains unverified. In this paper, a phase‐preserved macroscopic visible‐light carpet cloak is demonstrated in a geometrical construction beyond two dimensions. As an extension of previous two‐dimensional (2D) macroscopic carpet cloaks, this almost‐three‐dimensional carpet cloak exhibits three‐dimensional (3D) invisibility for illumination near its center (i.e. with a limited field of view), and its ideal wide‐angle invisibility performance is preserved in multiple 2D planes intersecting in the 3D space. Optical path length is measured with a broadband pulsed‐laser interferometer, which provides unique experimental evidence on the geometrical nature of transformation optics.

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Expanding the Phenotype and Genetic Defects Associated with the GOSR2 Gene
Authors: Praschberger Roman , Balint Bettina , Mencacci Niccolo E. , Hersheson Joshua , Rubio‐Agusti Ignacio , Kullmann Dimitri M. , Bettencourt Conceição , Bhatia Kailash , Houlden Henry
Published: June 2015

Background

The homozygous missense mutation c.430G>T (p.G144W) in the GOSR2 gene has been repeatedly shown to cause progressive myoclonus epilepsy/ataxia. Thus far, no other disease associated GOSR2 mutation has been reported.

Methods

From epilepsy, movement disorder and genetic clinics 43 patients suffering from progressive myoclonus epilepsy/ataxia were screened for defects in GOSR2, SCARB2 and CSTB.

Results

A 61‐year‐old female patient suffering from progressive myoclonus epilepsy was found to be compound heterozygous for the known c.430G>T and a novel c.491_493delAGA (p.K164del) GOSR2 mutation. This is so far the oldest GOSR2 patient and her disease course seems overall milder.

Conclusions

This finding further highlights the GOSR2 gene as a cause of progressive myoclonus epilepsy and expands the genotype for a potentially weaker disease allele.
Incorporation of eicosapentaenioic and docosahexaenoic acids into breast adipose tissue of women at high risk of breast cancer: A randomized clinical trial of dietary fish and n‐3 fatty acid capsules
Authors: Straka Shana , Lester Joanne L. , Cole Rachel M. , Andridge Rebecca R. , Puchala Sarah , Rose Angela M. , Clinton Steven K. , Belury Martha A. , Yee Lisa D.
Published: June 2015

Scope

The fatty acid profile of dietary lipids is reflected in mammary adipose tissue and may influence mammary gland biology and cancer risk. To determine the effects of fish consumption on breast adipose tissue fatty acids, we conducted a study of fish versus n‐3 PUFA supplements in women at increased risk of breast cancer.

Methods and results

High risk women were randomized to comparable doses of marine n‐3 PUFAs as canned salmon + albacore or capsules for 3 months. Pre‐ and posttreatment fatty acid profiles were obtained by GC. Dietary fish (n = 12) and n‐3 PUFA capsules (n = 13) yielded increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in plasma (p < 0.0001), erythrocyte membranes (p < 0.0001), and breast fat (p < 0.01) at 3 months. Women taking capsules had higher plasma and erythrocyte membrane EPA changes (∼four versus twofold, p = 0.002), without significant differences in DHA. Increases in breast adipose EPA, DHA were similar for both groups. Higher BMI correlated with smaller changes in plasma, erythrocyte membrane EPA, and breast adipose EPA, DHA. Adherence was excellent at 93.9% overall and higher in the fish arm (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Fish provides an excellent source of n‐3 PUFAs that increases breast adipose EPA, DHA similar to supplements and represents a well‐tolerated intervention for future studies of the impact of n‐3 PUFAs and dietary patterns on breast cancer.
Improved rigorous perturbation bounds for the LU and QR factorizations
Authors: Li Hanyu , Wei Yimin
Published: June 2015

Combining the modified matrix–vector equation approach with the technique of Lyapunov majorant function and the Banach fixed point theorem, we obtain improved rigorous perturbation bounds for the LU and QR factorizations with normwise perturbation in the given matrix. Each of the improved rigorous perturbation bounds is a rigorous version of the first‐order perturbation bound derived by the matrix–vector equation approach in the literature, and we present their explicit expressions. These bounds are always tighter than those given by Chang and Stehlé in the paper entitled “Rigorous perturbation bounds of some matrix factorizations”. This fact is illustrated by numerical examples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatically generated embedded model predictive control: Moving an industrial PC‐based MPC to an embedded platform
Authors: Kufoalor D. K. M. , Aaker V. , Johansen T. A. , Imsland L. , Eikrem G. O.
Published: June 2015

An embedded model predictive controller (eMPC) based on the linear MPC module in Statoil Estimation and Prediction Tool for Identification and Control has been developed, and it is intended to facilitate the MPC application on embedded hardware. The control design approach illustrates a viable way of migrating from an industrial PC‐based MPC technology to an embedded platform. This work also provides the transformations and the real‐time considerations necessary to achieve a functional high‐performance predictive controller on a low‐cost embedded hardware, with limited computational resources. The eMPC was implemented for rapid prototyping on the Ethernut 5 open‐source hardware, and its performance was tested for a simulated process. The concept was tested using a real MPC application developed for a prototype of a new industrial process that requires an advanced embedded multivariable, constraint handling control solution. The results confirm the viability of the embedded MPC design approach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variation of magneto‐mechanical properties in giant magnetostrictive composite materials
Authors: Tomiczek Anna Ewa , Mech Rafał , Dobrzański Leszek Adam
Published: June 2015

The advantages of giant magnetostrictive materials (GMMs) include the contactless energy supply, short‐time response to the signal, and a high value of the magnetomechanical coupling factor. This paper presents the variation of the magneto‐mechanical properties in the composite materials with a polyurethane matrix reinforced with Terfenol‐D particles. The particle size distribution of Terfenol‐D powders, the impact of initial stress on the composite' materials magnetostriction value, and the compression modulus under various magnetic field intensities were analyzed. It was found that the optimization of composite materials with polyurethane matrix reinforced with Terfenol‐D particles is possible, with particular consideration of the Terfenol‐D particles' size and share in the polyurethane matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:797–802, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Hopkinson effect and temperature‐dependent dielectric properties of single domain SrFe12O19 particles
Authors: Manikandan M. , Kumar K. Saravana , Aparnadevi N. , Venkateswaran C.
Published: June 2015

Strontium hexagonal ferrite particles having single domain nature were prepared by initial ball milling followed by sintering. Effect of the synthesis method on structural, magnetic, and electrical properties were analyzed using various characterization techniques. XRD pattern reveals the formation of hexagonal phase SrFe12O19. XPS study indicates the presence of Fe3+ in different crystallographic environments. SEM image suggests the size of particles in the range of single domain. VSM studies; M–H loop illustrates the ferrimagnetic nature and the initial magnetization behavior demonstrates the typical behavior of single domain particles. Temperature‐dependent magnetization shows a Hopkinson peak before transition. Conductivity study shows two different conduction process with the activation energy values of 0.2 and 0.95 eV. The variation in the dielectric behavior with respect to frequency and temperature are explained using the grain‐grain boundary and polarization contributions. The hard ferrimagnetism and good dielectric response renders this material suitable for magneto‐electronic devices.