bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of human foreskin fibroblast‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells into hepatocyte‐like cells
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Zhao Ping , Wan Zhihong , Jin Xueyuan , Cheng Yongqian , Yan Tao , Qing Song , Ding Ning , Xin Shaojie
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the differentiation potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) into hepatocyte‐like cells (HLCs). The iPSCs were firstly induced by transduction of OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and c‐MYC into HFFs using retrovirus. Afterwards, expressions of pluripotency factors were identified by semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining, and karyotype, embryoid, and teratoma were observed by microscope. Then, iPSCs were gradually differentiated into endoderm cells, hepatic progenitor cells, and mature HLCs by special culture medium. During this process, differentiation efficiency into each kind of cells was evaluated by detecting SOX17, HNF4a, and ALB using flow cytometry, respectively. Besides, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to detect the secretion of ALB in iPSC‐induced HLCs and quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the expression levels of hepatocyte‐specific genes. The iPSCs were successfully induced by HFFs, which exhibited typical embryonic stem cells morphology, positive alkaline phosphatase staining, normal diploid karyotype, and positive expression of various pluripotency factors. Meanwhile, spherical embryoid and teratoma with 3 germ layers were formed by iPSCs. The iPSCs were consecutively induced into endoderm cells, hepatic progenitor cells and mature HLCs, and the differentiation efficiency was 55.7 ± 2.9%, 45.7 ± 4.8%, and 35.0 ± 3.9%, respectively. Besides, the secretion of ALB and expression of various hepatocyte‐specific genes was highly detected in iPSC‐induced HLCs. The iPSCs were successfully derived from HFFs and then differentiated into HLCs, which proved a new source for hepatocyte transplantation.

Highlights

HFFs were successfully induced into iPSCs by transduction of OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and c‐MYC.

Positive expressions of various pluripotency factors were exhibited in HFFs‐induced iPSCs.

The iPSCs were consecutively induced into endoderm cells, hepatic progenitor cells, and mature HLCs.

Various hepatocyte‐specific genes were highly expressed in iPSC‐induced HLCs.
Lipophilic 2′‐O‐Acetal Ester RNAs: Synthesis, Thermal Duplex Stability, Nuclease Resistance, Cellular Uptake, and siRNA Activity after Spontaneous Naked Delivery
Authors: Biscans Annabelle , Bertrand Jean‐Rémi , Dubois Josephine , Rüger Jacqueline , Vasseur Jean‐Jacques , Sczakiel Georg , Dupouy Christelle , Debart Françoise
Published: August 2016

The in vivo application of siRNA depends on its cellular uptake and intracellular release, and this is an unsatisfactorily resolved technical hurdle in medicinal applications. Promising concepts directed towards providing efficient cellular and intracellular delivery include lipophilic chemical modification of siRNA. Here we describe chemistry for the production of modified siRNAs designed to display improved transmembrane transport into human cells while preserving the potency of the RNAi‐based inhibitors. We report the synthesis and the biochemical and biophysical characteristics of 2′‐O‐phenylisobutyryloxymethyl (PiBuOM)‐modified siRNAs and their impact on biological activity. In the case of spontaneous cellular uptake of naked PiBuOM‐modified siRNA, we observed increased target suppression in human cells relative to unmodified or pivaloyloxymethyl (PivOM)‐modified siRNA. We provide evidence of improved spontaneous cellular uptake of naked PiBuOM‐modified siRNA and of substantial target suppression in human cells in serum‐containing medium.
AMPK activation by prolonged stimulation with interleukin‐1β contributes to the promotion of GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Takaguri Akira , Inoue Saya , Kubo Takashi , Satoh Kumi
Published: August 2016

Impaired insulin signaling in skeletal muscle cells causes insulin resistance associated with the onset of type 2 diabetes. Although interleukin (IL)‐1β has been considered to be implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, the action of prolonged stimulation with IL‐1β on the insulin signaling pathway in skeletal muscle cells remains poorly understood. In the current study, we investigated the effect of IL‐1β stimulation on insulin signal transduction from the insulin receptor (IR), resulting in glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation in skeletal muscle cells. In L6‐GLUT4myc cells, stimulation with IL‐1β for 24 h promoted GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane and increased glucose uptake in a concentration‐dependent manner, whereas short‐term stimulation with IL‐1 for up to 6 h did not affect that. In addition, stimulation with IL‐1β for 24 h further increased insulin‐stimulated GLUT4 translocation. Interestingly, stimulation with IL‐1β for 24 h did not cause any change in the phosphorylation of insulin signal molecules IR, insulin receptor substrate (IRS)‐1, Akt, and p21‐activated kinase (PAK1). Stimulation with IL‐1β for 24 h significantly increased AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and GLUT4 protein expression. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting AMPK1/2 significantly inhibited IL‐1β‐stimulated GLUT4 translocation. These results suggest that prolonged stimulation with IL‐1β positively regulates GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle cells. IL‐1β may have a beneficial effect on maintaining glucose homeostasis in skeletal muscle cells in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Manipulating the Crystalline Structure and Electrochemical Performance of a Dilithium Manganese Silicate Cathode Material by Polyanion Doping
Authors: Ji Ran , Ding Zhengping , Zhao Ying , Ma Cheng , Zeng Xiaohui , Chen Libao , Ivey Douglas G. , Wei Weifeng
Published: August 2016

As a promising candidate for lithium‐ion battery cathodes, dilithium manganese silicate (Li2MnSiO4) has high theoretical capacity (333 mA h g−1) and compatible working potentials resulting in high energy density. However, the material suffers from low electronic conductivity and severe capacity loss as a result of structural instability during charge and discharge. Herein, a strategy to manipulate crystalline structure through incorporating boracic polyanions into the lattice of Li2MnSiO4 is presented to achieve preferential growth of an orthorhombic Pmn21 structure, which has proven difficult to achieve through traditional synthesis methods. The modified cathode material exhibits improved cycling stability and excellent rate capability. The excellent electrochemical performance is due to the higher structural consistency, the pillar effect of the boracic polyanions and enlarged Li+ pathways in the structure.
Correlating mammographic and pathologic findings in clinical decision support using natural language processing and data mining methods
Authors: Patel Tejal A. , Puppala Mamta , Ogunti Richard O. , Ensor Joe E. , He Tiancheng , Shewale Jitesh B. , Ankerst Donna P. , Kaklamani Virginia G. , Rodriguez Angel A. , Wong Stephen T. C. , Chang Jenny C.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

A key challenge to mining electronic health records for mammography research is the preponderance of unstructured narrative text, which strikingly limits usable output. The imaging characteristics of breast cancer subtypes have been described previously, but without standardization of parameters for data mining.

METHODS

The authors searched the enterprise‐wide data warehouse at the Houston Methodist Hospital, the Methodist Environment for Translational Enhancement and Outcomes Research (METEOR), for patients with Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS) category 5 mammogram readings performed between January 2006 and May 2015 and an available pathology report. The authors developed natural language processing (NLP) software algorithms to automatically extract mammographic and pathologic findings from free text mammogram and pathology reports. The correlation between mammographic imaging features and breast cancer subtype was analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance and the Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

The NLP algorithm was able to obtain key characteristics for 543 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Patients with estrogen receptor‐positive tumors were more likely to have spiculated margins (P = .0008), and those with tumors that overexpressed human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) were more likely to have heterogeneous and pleomorphic calcifications (P = .0078 and P = .0002, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Mammographic imaging characteristics, obtained from an automated text search and the extraction of mammogram reports using NLP techniques, correlated with pathologic breast cancer subtype. The results of the current study validate previously reported trends assessed by manual data collection. Furthermore, NLP provides an automated means with which to scale up data extraction and analysis for clinical decision support. Cancer 2017;114–121. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Impact of country of birth on age at the time of diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States
Authors: Yang Ju Dong , Altekruse Sean F. , Nguyen Mindie H. , Gores Gregory J. , Roberts Lewis R.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

There is global variation in the onset of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of the current study was to investigate the impact of country of birth on age at the time of HCC diagnosis in the United States.

METHODS

Incident HCC cases diagnosed between 2000 and 2012 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program 18 registry were included. Factors associated with very early onset (age at diagnosis < 40 years) and early onset (age at diagnosis < 50 years) were identified by logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 59,907 patients were included. The median age at the time of diagnosis of HCC was 62 years and 76% of the patients were male. Of the 75% of patients for whom information regarding birth country was available, 29% were foreign born. In multivariate logistic regression, birth in West Africa (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 16.3; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 9.2‐27.9 [P<.01]), Central/South/other Africa (AOR, 11.0; 95% CI, 4.5‐23.7 [P<.01]), Oceania (AOR, 4.9; 95% CI, 2.9‐8.0 [P<.01]), and East Africa (AOR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.5‐6.8 [P<.01]) was found to have the strongest association with very early‐onset HCC after adjusting for sex and race/ethnicity. Birth in West Africa, Central/South/other Africa, Oceania, or East Africa also was found to be strongly associated with early‐onset HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Birth country was found to be independently associated with age at the time of HCC diagnosis in the United States. Birth in Africa (except for North Africa) and Oceania was strongly associated with very early‐onset HCC. These findings have implications for the design of comprehensive HCC surveillance programs in the United States. Cancer 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society. Cancer 2017;81–89. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Perceived barriers to treatment predict adherence to aromatase inhibitors among breast cancer survivors
Authors: Brier Moriah J. , Chambless Dianne L. , Gross Robert , Chen Jinbo , Mao Jun J.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Although poor adherence to hormonal therapies such as aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is widely documented, to the authors' knowledge less is known regarding whether health beliefs predict treatment nonadherence. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the relationship between health beliefs (perceived susceptibility to breast cancer, perceived benefits of AI treatment, and perceived barriers to AI treatment) and adherence to AIs.

METHODS

Postmenopausal women with early‐stage, estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer who were currently receiving treatment with an AI completed the 3‐factor Health Beliefs and Medication Adherence in Breast Cancer scale and questionnaires concerning their demographics and symptoms. Adherence data (treatment gaps and premature discontinuation) were abstracted from participants' medical charts. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between health beliefs and adherence.

RESULTS

Among 437 participants, 93 (21.3%) were nonadherent. Those who perceived greater barriers to their AI treatment were more likely to demonstrate AI nonadherence behaviors by the end of their treatment period compared with those who reported fewer barriers to AI therapy (adjusted odds ratio, 1.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.03‐2.86 [P = .04]). In contrast, perceived susceptibility to cancer recurrence and perceived benefits of AIs did not appear to predict AI adherence. Minority individuals were found to have lower perceived susceptibility to breast cancer recurrence and higher perceived barriers to AI treatment (P<.05 for both).

Conclusions

Greater perceived barriers appeared to predict nonadherence to AIs. Interventions addressing women's negative beliefs regarding the challenges of AI treatment are needed to help optimize adherence in survivors of breast cancer. Cancer 2017;169–176. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Application of γ‐Valerolactone as an Alternative Biomass‐Based Medium for Aminocarbonylation Reactions
Authors: Marosvölgyi‐Haskó Diána , Lengyel Blanka , Tukacs József M. , Kollár László , Mika László T.
Published: August 2016

γ‐Valerolactone (GVL) was proposed as a renewable, nontoxic reaction medium with negligible vapor pressure for homogeneous Pd‐catalyzed aminocarbonylation reactions. Iodobenzene as a model substrate and its 4‐substituted derivatives were converted to the corresponding 2‐ketocarboxamides with high conversions and chemoselectivities in γ‐valerolactone. The effect of carbon monoxide pressure and reaction temperature on the conversion and selectivities were studied in the range 1–50 bar and 25–100 °C, respectively. The highest conversion and selectivity was achieved at 25 bar and 50 °C for iodobenzene in GVL for 24 h.
Benefits of Cognitive Treatments Administered to Patients Affected by Mild Cognitive Impairment/Mild Neurocognitive Disorder
Authors: Cavallo Marco , Signorino Arianna , Perucchini Maria Luisa
Published: August 2016

Preclinical Research

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) now termed Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (MCD) in DSM‐5, is widely used to define the disorder in individuals who have subjective cognitive deficits, objective memory impairments, or other cognitive deficits, without impairments in daily activities. Cognitive enhancers such as the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, commonly used with some benefit in overt dementia, have recently started to be used in MCI/MCD. Treatment of disorders associated with cognitive dysfunction represents an expanding area of neurological rehabilitation and continues to be of paramount importance from political, social and ethical perspectives. In the present overview we briefly review recent studies regarding the efficacy of cognitive treatment in MCI/MCD and its potential benefits for MCI/MCD patients. A literature search was performed using studies published in English over the 5‐year period 2012–2016, designed as Randomized Controlled Trials and/or methodologically sound and robust studies that were searchable via MedLine. While findings from the studies reviewed indicate that cognitive intervention has potential in the treatment of MCI/MCD there are significant methodological limitations in current studies that need to be overcome. Drug Dev Res 77 : 444–452, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Environmental flows in the context of unconventional natural gas development in the Marcellus Shale
Authors: Buchanan Brian P. , Auerbach Daniel A. , McManamay Ryan A. , Taylor Jason M. , Flecker Alexander S. , Archibald Josephine A. , Fuka Daniel R. , Walter M. Todd
Published: August 2016

Quantitative flow–ecology relationships are needed to evaluate how water withdrawals for unconventional natural gas development may impact aquatic ecosystems. Addressing this need, we studied current patterns of hydrologic alteration in the Marcellus Shale region and related the estimated flow alteration to fish community measures. We then used these empirical flow–ecology relationships to evaluate alternative surface water withdrawals and environmental flow rules. Reduced high‐flow magnitude, dampened rates of change, and increased low‐flow magnitudes were apparent regionally, but changes in many of the flow metrics likely to be sensitive to withdrawals also showed substantial regional variation. Fish community measures were significantly related to flow alteration, including declines in species richness with diminished annual runoff, winter low‐flow, and summer median‐flow. In addition, the relative abundance of intolerant taxa decreased with reduced winter high‐flow and increased flow constancy, while fluvial specialist species decreased with reduced winter and annual flows. Stream size strongly mediated both the impact of withdrawal scenarios and the protection afforded by environmental flow standards. Under the most intense withdrawal scenario, 75% of reference headwaters and creeks (drainage areas <99 km2) experienced at least 78% reduction in summer flow, whereas little change was predicted for larger rivers. Moreover, the least intense withdrawal scenario still reduced summer flows by at least 21% for 50% of headwaters and creeks. The observed 90th quantile flow–ecology relationships indicate that such alteration could reduce species richness by 23% or more. Seasonally varying environmental flow standards and high fixed minimum flows protected the most streams from hydrologic alteration, but common minimum flow standards left numerous locations vulnerable to substantial flow alteration. This study clarifies how additional water demands in the region may adversely affect freshwater biological integrity. The results make clear that policies to limit or prevent water withdrawals from smaller streams can reduce the risk of ecosystem impairment.
Plant diversity enhances moth diversity in an intensive forest management experiment
Authors: Root Heather T. , Verschuyl Jake , Stokely Thomas , Hammond Paul , Scherr Melissa A. , Betts Matthew G.
Published: August 2016

Intensive forest management (IFM) promises to help satisfy increasing global demand for wood but may come at the cost of local reductions to forest biodiversity.IFMoften reduces early seral plant diversity as a result of efforts to eliminate plant competition with crop trees. If diversity is a function of bottom‐up drivers, theory predicts that specialists at lower trophic levels (e.g., insect herbivores) should be particularly sensitive to reductions in plant diversity. We conducted a stand‐level experiment to test bottom‐up controls on moth community structure, as mediated by degrees of forest management intensity. Using a dataset of 12,003 moths representing 316 moth species, moth richness decreased only slightly, if at all, as herbicide intensity increased (P = 0.062); the moderate treatment, which is most commonly applied in the northwesternUSA, was estimated to have 4.72 (±2.14SE,P = 0.039) fewer species than the control. Structural equation modeling revealed strong support for an effect of herbicide on plant abundance, which influenced plant species richness and subsequently moth species richness. Moth species richness was associated with plant species richness and followed a power law function (z = 0.42,P = 0.006), which is surprisingly consistent with a recent large‐scale experiment in agricultural systems, and provides support for bottom‐up drivers of moth community structure. Moth abundance was not influenced by the direct effects of silvicultural herbicide treatments. Site‐level effects and variation in pre‐harvest vegetation communities resulted in residual broadleaf and herbaceous vegetation in even the most intensive treatment. Even at low densities, these residual deciduous and herbaceous plants supported higher than expected moth abundance and richness. We conclude that forest management practices that retain early seral vegetation diversity are the most likely to conserve moth communities.
Lake zooplankton δ13C values are strongly correlated with the δ13C values of distinct phytoplankton taxa
Authors: Taipale Sami J. , Vuorio Kristiina , Brett Michael T. , Peltomaa Elina , Hiltunen Minna , Kankaala Paula
Published: August 2016

Analyses of carbon stable isotopes are often used to estimate the contributions of allochthonous and autochthonous dietary resources to aquatic consumers. Most pelagic food web studies assume that all phytoplankton taxa have a similar δ13C value. We studied pelagic food web compartments (dissolved inorganic carbon [DIC], phytoplankton, bacteria, seston, cladoceran zooplankton) in 12 small (< 0.1 km2) lakes in southern Finland. These lakes were classified as oligotrophic, mesotrophic, eutrophic, and dystrophic based on their concentrations of total phosphorus and dissolved organic carbon. Additionally, we studied phytoplankton photosynthetic carbon fractionation (εp) in laboratory conditions. The photosynthetic fractionation in 28 phytoplankton cultures from nine different phytoplankton classes varied significantly at the class level, and fractionation correlated significantly with the DIC concentration of the growth media. In small boreal lakes, the δ13C values of different phytoplankton taxa, as directly measured or estimated from the δ13C values of biomarker fatty acids, varied greatly (−18‰ to −44.5‰). Phytoplankton δ13C values varied significantly by lake type and were most depleted in dystrophic lakes even though the δ13C values of the DIC was similar to mesotrophic lakes. Further within‐taxa variation was found between lakes and between different depths within a lake. Vertical samples from dystrophic lakes also showed lower εp in the phytoplankton from meta‐ and hypolimnion, possibly as a result of reduced light intensity. Altogether, in nine of the 10 sampled lakes, the δ13C values of cladoceran zooplankton were between the minimum and the maximum phytoplankton δ13C value of each lake, and thus, phytoplankton alone could explain zooplankton δ13C values. We conclude that stable isotope mixing models should take into account carbon variation among different phytoplankton taxa.
Homo‐ and Heterodinuclear Rh and Ir Complexes Supported by SNn Mixed‐Donor Ligands (n = 2–4): Stereochemistry and Coordination‐Site‐Exchange Reactions of Cp*M (M = Rh, Ir) Units
Authors: Nakajima Takayuki , Kawasaki Yuki , Kure Bunsho , Tanase Tomoaki
Published: August 2016

A series of SNn mixed‐donor ligands [n = 2: H2NC2H4SCH2‐2‐pyridyl (2‐NSpy) (1a), H2NC2H4SCH2‐4‐pyridyl (4‐NSpy) (1b), n = 3: 2‐pyridylCH2NHC2H4SCH2‐2‐pyridyl (2‐pyNSpy) (2), n = 4: (2‐pyridylCH2)2NC2H4SCH2‐2‐pyridyl (2‐py2NSpy) (3)] was utilized to support homo‐ and heterodinuclear complexes including Cp*MIII units (M = Rh, Ir; Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl). Reactions of [Cp*MCl2]2 with 2‐pyNSpy (2), 2‐py2NSpy (3), and 4‐NSpy (1b) afforded homodinulear complexes, [(Cp*MCl)(2‐pyNSpy)(Cp*MCl)](PF6)2 [M = Rh (5a), Ir (5b)], [(Cp*M)(2‐py2NSpy)(Cp*MCl)](PF6)3 [M = Rh (6a), Ir (6b)], [(Cp*MCl)(4‐NSpy)(Cp*MCl2)]Cl [M = Rh (8a), Ir (8b)]. Heterodinuclear complexes [(Cp*MCl)(4‐NSpy)(Cp*M′Cl2)]Cl [M, M′ = Rh, Ir (8c), Ir, Rh (8d)] were prepared using mononuclear complexes [(Cp*MCl)(4‐NSpy)]Cl [M = Rh (7a), Ir (7b)] reacted with [Cp*MCl2]2 (M = Ir, Rh), respectively. Complexes 5–8 were characterized by X‐ray crystallography to determine the configurations around the M, M′, S, and N centers. The solid‐state structures of 6 are retained in acetonitrile solution whereas four diastereomers are generated in the case of 5 due to low stereoselectivity around the coordinated amine nitrogen atom, in contrast to the sulfur atom. Heterodinuclear complexes 8c,d are unstable in solution at 55 °C, readily affording mixtures of 8a–d via intra‐ and intermolecular coordination‐site‐exchange reactions of Cp*M fragments between the SN moiety and the py site. In order to evaluate the selectivity of Cp*M fragments for the SN and py coordination sites, several competitive reactions of [Cp*MCl2]2 (M = Rh, Ir) with H2NC2H4SCH2C6H5 (NSph) (4) and/or 4‐methylpyridine (4‐Mepy) were carried out to demonstrate predominant formation of iridium complexes 9b and 10b among [(Cp*MCl)(NSph)]Cl [M = Rh (9a), Ir (9b)] and [(Cp*MCl)(4‐Mepy)]Cl [M = Rh (10a), Ir (10b)]. These reactions indicated higher affinity of the Cp*Ir fragment to both the NS and py sites relative to the rhodium analogue.
Resin‐Assisted Constructive Synthesis of Spin‐Crossover Nanorod Arrays
Authors: Wang Yu‐Xia , Qiu Dan , Li Zhi‐Hua , Gu Zhi‐Guo , Ren Xuehong , Li Zaijun
Published: August 2016

Spin‐crossover (SCO) nanorod arrays have been fabricated by a very simple construction method with cation‐exchange polymer resin beads as templates. The nucleation and growth mechanism of the nanorod arrays was studied by SEM. The spin‐crossover properties of nanorod arrays with different growth times were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Mössbauer spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The transition temperatures of the obtained nanorod arrays increase as the immersion time of the nanorods increases. The hysteresis loop widths of these nanorod arrays are larger than that reported for [Fe(Htrz)2(trz)][BF4] (Htrz = 1,2,4‐triazole) as bulk powder and nanoparticles. This offers a new route for the fabrication of ordered SCO nanorod arrays by a self‐assembly method.
On Route to C4/C5 P‐Bifunctional 1,3‐Thiazole‐Based Carbenes
Authors: Begum Imtiaz , Schnakenburg Gregor , Streubel Rainer
Published: August 2016

A facile synthetic protocol enables the synthesis of the 4‐phosphanyl‐5‐thiophosphanoyl thiazole‐2‐thione 1 through the selective lithiation of the 5‐thiophosphanoyl thiazole‐2‐thione VIb followed by reaction with chlorodiphenylphosphane. The reaction of 1 with elemental sulfur leads to the PV/PV homochalcogenide thiazole‐2‐thione 2. The heterochalcogenide thiazole‐2‐thione 4 was obtained through the reaction of PIII/PV‐substituted thiazole‐2‐thione VIb with H2O2–urea. All compounds were characterized by 31P, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.
A poly(dimethylsiloxane) microfluidic sheet reversibly adhered on a glass plate for creation of emulsion droplets for droplet digital PCR
Authors: Nakashoji Yuta , Tanaka Hironari , Tsukagoshi Kazuhiko , Hashimoto Masahiko
Published: August 2016

A PDMS microfluidic chip with T‐junction channel geometry, two inlet reservoirs, and one outlet reservoir was reversibly adhered on a glass plate through the viscoelastic properties of PDMS. This formed a detachable microfluidic device for creation of water‐in‐oil emulsion droplets that were used as discrete reaction compartments for the droplet digital PCR. The PDMS/glass device could continuously produce monodisperse droplets without leakage of fluids using a vacuum‐driven autonomous micropumping method. This droplet preparation technique only required evacuation of air dissolved in the PDMS before loading of oil and aqueous phases into separate inlet reservoirs. Degassing of the PDMS chip at approximately 300 Pa for 1.5 h in a vacuum desiccator gave 40 000 droplets in 80 min, which corresponded to a generation frequency of up to nine droplets per second. Over multiple runs the droplet creation was very reproducible, and the size reproducibility of generated droplets (polydispersity of up to 4.1%) was comparable to that acquired using other microfluidic droplet preparation techniques. Because the PDMS chip can be peeled off the glass plate, blocked channels can easily be fixed when they arise, and this extends the lifetime of the chip. Single DNA molecules partitioned into the droplets were successfully amplified by PCR. In addition, the droplet digital PCR platform allowed absolute quantification of low copy numbers of target DNA, and was robust against instrumental variance.
Thermodynamics and regeneration studies of CO2 adsorption on activated carbon
Authors: Cen Qigang , Fang Mengxiang , Wang Tao , Majchrzak‐Kucęba Izabela , Wawrzyńczak Dariusz , Luo Zhongyang
Published: August 2016

The kinetic and thermodynamic studies of CO2 adsorption on activated carbon were carried out in a fixed bed. Six different CO2 concentrations (from 5% up to 18 vol.%) and four temperatures (303 K, 313 K, 323 K, and 333 K) were applied to investigate dynamic adsorption behaviors. It showed that the increase in temperature led to faster adsorption kinetics, but also reduced the adsorption capacity. An isotherms modeling was made by the Langmuir isotherm model. The experimental isotherms data were well fitted. Then, based on the adsorption isotherms, the isosteric heats of CO2 adsorption were determined by Clausius‐Clapeyron equation. The calculated isosteric heat declined slightly with the adsorbed amount on activated carbon, and had an average value of 16.09 kJ/mol, which is much lower than the actual heat of adsorption measured by calorimeter. Moreover, regeneration experiments by vacuum evacuation (<10 kPa) were conducted to assess the regeneration efficiency (RE) of activated carbon. Regeneration efficiency increased with the reduction of vacuum pressure and reached over 90% at the vacuum of 4 kPa. A temperature swing integrated into the vacuum evacuation process resulted in a remarkable increase of RE with an increase in regeneration temperature, which confirmed the favorable effect of temperature on regeneration of activated carbon and providing almost full regeneration. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Modification of traditionally impregnated Fe2O3/Al2O3 oxygen carriers by ultrasonic method and their performance in chemical looping combustion
Authors: Chen Xing , Zhang Shuai , Xiao Rui , Li Peng
Published: August 2016

The selection of high‐performance oxygen carriers has always been a major focus of attention and considered to be a determining factor in chemical‐looping combustion (CLC). The traditional impregnation method by agitator for material synthesis usually causes a long crystallization time, uncontrollable crystalline size formation, and insufficient penetration and dispersion of the active component into the binder. The physical incorporation of ultrasound technology into the impregnation process is considered an effective method in the material synthesis field. In this study, the modification of a traditionally impregnated Fe2O3/Al2O3 oxygen carrier by ultrasonic method and its performance in the CLC process with methane as fuel were investigated to clarify the ultrasonic effect on the physicochemical properties of the Fe2O3/Al2O3 oxygen carrier. The characterization and optimization of an ultrasonic‐assisted Fe2O3/Al2O3 oxygen carrier by varying the ultrasonic time and ultrasonic power were especially in focus. The results confirmed a significant improvement in the physical properties of the Fe2O3/Al2O3 oxygen carrier and its reactivity performance by ultrasonic modification. Ultrasound effectively promoted the penetration and dispersion of Fe2O3 into the pores and on the surface of Al2O3 powder, resulting in a great reduction in crystalline size. Higher methane conversion was obtained by an ultrasonic‐assisted Fe2O3/Al2O3 oxygen carrier. The optimal ultrasonic parameters determined by orthogonal experimental design (OED) method and characterization analyses were 30 min of ultrasonic time and 500 W of ultrasonic power. Cyclic tests showed that the CO2 yield and CH4 conversion increased slightly from around 28% to 34% and 70% to 76%, respectively. Characterization indicated that the pore structural properties of reduced UI‐20Fe/Al‐30‐300 samples were improved at typical cycles, resulting in more CH4 converted. Overall, ultrasound technology is a promising way to promote the physicochemical properties of oxygen carriers in the CLC process. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The myeloid heat shock transcription factor 1/β‐catenin axis regulates NLR family, pyrin domain‐containing 3 inflammasome activation in mouse liver ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Yue Shi , Zhu Jianjun , Zhang Ming , Li Changyong , Zhou Xingliang , Zhou Min , Ke Michael , Busuttil Ronald W. , Ying Qi‐Long , Kupiec‐Weglinski Jerzy W. , Xia Qiang , Ke Bibo
Published: August 2016

Heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) has been implicated in the differential regulation of cell stress and disease states. β‐catenin activation is essential for immune homeostasis. However, little is known about the role of macrophage HSF1‐β‐catenin signaling in the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury (IRI) in the liver. This study investigated the functions and molecular mechanisms by which HSF1‐β‐catenin signaling influenced NLRP3‐mediated innate immune response in vivo and in vitro. Using a mouse model of IR‐induced liver inflammatory injury, we found that mice with a myeloid‐specific HSF1 knockout (HSF1M‐KO) displayed exacerbated liver damage based on their increased serum alanine aminotransferase levels, intrahepatic macrophage/neutrophil trafficking, and proinflammatory interleukin (IL)‐1β levels compared to the HSF1‐proficient (HSF1FL/FL) controls. Disruption of myeloid HSF1 markedly increased transcription factor X‐box‐binding protein (XBP1), NLR family, pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3), and cleaved caspase‐1 expression, which was accompanied by reduced β‐catenin activity. Knockdown of XBP1 in HSF1‐deficient livers using a XBP1 small interfering RNA ameliorated hepatocellular functions and reduced NLRP3/cleaved caspase‐1 and IL‐1β protein levels. In parallel in vitro studies, HSF1 overexpression increased β‐catenin (Ser552) phosphorylation and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in bone‐marrow‐derived macrophages. However, myeloid HSF1 ablation inhibited β‐catenin, but promoted XBP1. Furthermore, myeloid β‐catenin deletion increased XBP1 messenger RNA splicing, whereas a CRISPR/CRISPR‐associated protein 9‐mediated XBP1 knockout diminished NLRP3/caspase‐1. Conclusion: The myeloid HSF1‐β‐catenin axis controlled NLRP3 activation by modulating the XBP1 signaling pathway. HSF1 activation promoted β‐catenin, which, in turn, inhibited XBP1, leading to NLRP3 inactivation and reduced I/R‐induced liver injury. These findings demonstrated that HSF1/β‐catenin signaling is a novel regulator of innate immunity in liver inflammatory injury and implied the therapeutic potential for management of sterile liver inflammation in transplant recipients. (Hepatology 2016;64:1683‐1698).
Advance hydrological studies utilizing open access internet databases
Authors: Sun Kerang , Sun Kevin W.
Published: August 2016

This paper introduces three web‐based databases relating to hydrological and water resources studies in the United States of America with the intention of promoting public awareness of their existence. These open access databases are the products of efforts taken by federal and state governments to make government‐owned data more accessible to the general public. The megadata sets of climate, surface water, groundwater, and water quality contained in these databases provide hydrologists and environmental scientists with unprecedented opportunities to conduct research across multiple regions and on different scales.
Improved B cell development in humanized NOD‐scid IL2Rγnull mice transgenically expressing human stem cell factor, granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and interleukin‐3
Authors: Jangalwe Sonal , Shultz Leonard D. , Mathew Anuja , Brehm Michael A.
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Immunodeficient mice engrafted with human immune systems support studies of human hematopoiesis and the immune response to human‐specific pathogens. A significant limitation of these humanized mouse models is, however, a severely restricted ability of human B cells to undergo class switching and produce antigen‐specific IgG after infection or immunization.

Methods

In this study, we have characterized the development and function of human B cells in NOD‐scid IL2Rγnull (NSG) mice transgenically expressing human stem cell factor (SCF), granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), and IL‐3 (NSG‐SGM3) following engraftment with human hematopoietic stem cells, autologous fetal liver, and thymic tissues (bone marrow, liver, thymus or BLT model). The NSG‐SGM3 BLT mice engraft rapidly with human immune cells and develop T cells, B cells, and myeloid cells.

Results

A higher proportion of human B cells developing in NSG‐SGM3 BLT mice had a mature/naive phenotype with a corresponding decrease in immature/transitional human B cells as compared to NSG BLT mice. In addition, NSG‐SGM3 BLT mice have higher basal levels of human IgM and IgG as compared with NSG BLT mice. Moreover, dengue virus infection of NSG‐SGM3 BLT mice generated higher levels of antigen‐specific IgM and IgG, a result not observed in NSG BLT mice.

Conclusions

Our studies suggest that NSG‐SGM3 BLT mice show improved human B cell development and permit the generation of antigen‐specific antibody responses to viral infection.
Postmarketing Safety Events Relating to New Drugs Approved in Brazil Between 2003 and 2013: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Botelho Stephanie Ferreira , Martins Maria Auxiliadora Parreiras , Vieira Liliana Batista , Reis Adriano Max Moreira
Published: August 2016

This study investigated postmarketing safety events (PMSEs) for new drugs approved in Brazil and evaluated whether a range of drug characteristics influenced the time between approval and the first PMSE. This retrospective study included new drugs registered between 2003 and 2013 by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), which is responsible for medicines approval in Brazil. PMSEs were defined as any drug safety alert or drug withdrawal from the market. The existence of risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Brazil were recorded. A Kaplan‐Meier survival curve of the period between the date of ANVISA registration and the PMSE was calculated. We found a statistically significant difference between the time to PMSE for drugs with an FDA REMS compared with those without a REMS, with a log rank value (Mantel Cox) of 0.002. There was no association between the time to PMSE and the other drug characteristics investigated. This study demonstrated that the frequency of PMSEs for new drugs approved by ANVISA was statistically associated with the existence of an FDA REMS. The time between approval and first PMSE was shorter for drugs with an FDA REMS, and this finding may contribute to improved awareness of the risk/benefit balance required to ensure continued safe and effective use of new drugs.
Reference values of cardiac volumes, dimensions, and new functional parameters by MR: A multicenter, multivendor study
Authors: Aquaro Giovanni Donato , Camastra Giovanni , Monti Lorenzo , Lombardi Massimo , Pepe Alessia , Castelletti Silvia , Maestrini Viviana , Todiere Giancarlo , Masci Piergiorgio , di Giovine Gabriella , Barison Andrea , Dellegrottaglie Santo , Perazzolo Marra Martina , Pontone Gianluca , Di Bella Gianluca ,   On behalf of the working group “Applicazioni della Risonanza Magnetica” of the Italian Society of Cardiology
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To define reference values of cardiac volumes, dimensions, and new morpho‐functional parameters normalized for age, gender, and body surface area by cine‐bSSFP (balanced steady‐state free‐precession) magnetic resonance (MR).

Materials and Methods

We enrolled 308 healthy subjects subdivided by gender and by six age classes: class I, >15–20 years; class II, >20–30 years; class III, >30–40 years; class IV, >40–50 years; class V, >50–60 years; and class VI >60 years. Dimensional, volumetric and morpho‐functional parameters of the left (LV) and right (RV) ventricles were measured using cine‐bSSFP MRI at 1.5T.

Results

The LV and RV end‐diastolic volume indexes (EDVi) were inversely related to age (P < 0.0001 r = –0.34 and P < 0.0001 r = –0.37, respectively). In addition, the LV mass index decreased with age (P = 0.0004, r = –0.21). The LV longitudinal shortening was not significantly different among groups: ≥15% in all populations (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16–31). The sphericity index measured in end‐diastole was higher in females than in males (P < 0.03): the upper limit was 40% for males and 42% for females. The normality cutoff of LV global function index was ≥33% in males and ≥35% in females. The end‐diastolic volume (EDV) of RV and LV was balanced (RV/LV ratio 0.85–1.15) without differences in the population. The LV EDV/mass was 1.0–1.8 in males and 1.0–2.1 in females.

Conclusion

This study provides potential age‐ and gender‐specific reference.

Level of Evidence: 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:1055–1067
Palmyra palm (Borassus aethiopum Mart.) fruits: novel raw materials for the pectin industry
Authors: Assoi Sylvie , Konan Koffi , Agbo Georges N , Dodo Hortense , Holser Ron , Wicker Louise
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Preventing post‐harvest waste of Palmyra palm (Borassus aethiopum Mart.) fruits is possible by recovery of pectin as a value‐added ingredient. Extraction conditions on yield and functionality of Palmyra palm pectin was determined at different temperatures and pH values with 30 min extraction time.

RESULTS

Palmyra palm fruits contain more than 650 g kg−1 galacturonic acid and produce soft gels with sucrose in acidic media despite a high degree of acetylation (∼5%). Mechanical deformation of pectin gel was similar when extracted at pH 2.5 and 70 °C or under natural pH at room temperature or 70 °C. Pectins isolated at pH 7 exhibited comparable gel softness (G′/G″) with commercial pectin. Palm pectins also showed emulsifying activity greater than 50%, attributed to high protein content of 8 g 100 g−1. For pectins extracted at pH near 5.2–5.5, molar mass ranged from 3.00 to 3.38 × 105 g mol−1; intrinsic viscosity ranged from 218 to 297 mL g−1; arabinose was the main neutral sugar; ζ‐potential ranged from −23 to −25 mV.

CONCLUSION

Palm fruit offers an inexpensive raw material to extract pectin in environmentally friendly and economical way and yield a pectin with unique gelling, viscosifying and emulsifying properties. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Egg white powder‐stabilised multiple (water‐in‐olive oil‐in‐water) emulsions as beef fat replacers in model system meat emulsions
Authors: Öztürk Burcu , Urgu Müge , Serdaroğlu Meltem
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Today, multiple emulsions are believed to have a considerable application potential in food industry. We aimed to investigate physical, chemical and textural quality characteristics of model system meat emulsions (MSME) in which beef fat (C) was totally replaced by 10% (E‐10), 20% (E‐20) or 30% (E‐30) multiple emulsions (W1/O/W2) prepared with olive oil and egg white powder (EWP).

RESULTS

Incorporation of W1/O/W2 emulsion resulted in reduced fat (from 11.54% to 4.01%), increased protein content (from 13.66% to 14.74%), and modified fatty acid composition, significantly increasing mono‐ and polyunsaturated fatty acid content and decreasing saturated fatty acid content. E‐20 and E‐30 samples had lower jelly and fat separation (5.77% and 5.25%) compared to C and E‐10 (9.67% and 8.55%). W1/O/W2 emulsion treatments had higher water‐holding capacity (93.96–94.35%) than C samples (91.84%), and also showed the desired storage stability over time. Emulsion stability results showed that E‐20 and E‐30 samples had lower total expressible fluid (14.05% and 14.53%) and lower total expressible fat (5.06% and 5.33%) compared to C samples (19.13% and 6.09%). Increased concentrations of W1/O/W2 emulsions led to alterations in colour and texture parameters. TBA values of samples were lower in W1/O/W2 emulsion treatments than control treatment during 60 days of storage.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that multiple emulsions prepared with olive oil and EWP had promising impacts on reducing fat, modifying the lipid composition and developing both technologically and oxidatively stable meat systems. These are the first findings concerning beef matrix fat replacement with multiple emulsions stabilised by EWP. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular DNA‐based detection of ionising radiation in meat
Authors: Şakalar Ergün
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Ionising radiation induces molecular alterations, such as formation of ions, free radicals, and new stable molecules, and cleavage of the chemical bonds of the molecules present in food. Irradiation‐treated meat should be labelled to control the process and to ensure free consumer choice. Therefore, sensitive analytical methods are required to detect the irradiation dose.

RESULTS

Meat samples were exposed to radiation doses of 0, 0.272, 0.497, 1.063, 3.64, 8.82 and 17.42 kGy in an industrial 60Co gamma cell. Primers were designed to amplify 998, 498 and 250‐base pair (bp) regions of the 18S rRNA gene of nuclear DNA from the irradiated samples. A new DNA‐based method was developed to quantify the radiation exposed to the unstored meat and the meat stored at −20 °C for 3 and 6 months. The method was able to detect meat samples stored and unstored with dose limits of 1.063 and 3.64 kGy, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The level of irradiation can be detected using primer pairs that target particularly different‐sized sequences for DNA amplification by PCR. This method can be widely used for the analysis of not only meat samples, but also all biological materials containing DNA. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Recent progress of chiral stationary phases for separation of enantiomers in gas chromatography
Authors: Xie Sheng‐Ming , Yuan Li‐Ming
Published: August 2016

Chromatography techniques based on chiral stationary phases are widely used for the separation of enantiomers. In particular, gas chromatography has developed rapidly in recent years due to its merits such as fast analysis speed, lower consumption of stationary phases and analytes, higher column efficiency, making it a better choice for chiral separation in diverse industries. This article summarizes recent progress of novel chiral stationary phases based on cyclofructan derivatives and chiral porous materials including chiral metal–organic frameworks, chiral porous organic frameworks, chiral inorganic mesoporous materials, and chiral porous organic cages in gas chromatography, covering original research papers published since 2010. The chiral recognition properties and mechanisms of separation toward enantiomers are also introduced.
Thermally Stable Dibenzo[def,mno]chrysene‐Based Polymer Solar Cells: Effect of Thermal Annealing on the Morphology and Photovoltaic Performances
Authors: Hong Jisu , Kim Yu Jin , Kim Yun‐Hi , Park Chan Eon
Published: August 2016

The photovoltaic performances of dibenzo[def,mno]chrysene‐based polymer (poly(2,2′‐thiophenevinylenthiophene‐4,10‐[6,12‐bis(2‐decyltetradecyloxy)‐dibenzo[def,mno]chrysene]) (PTVTC) or poly(4,10‐bithiophene‐6,12‐bis(2‐decyltetradecyloxy)‐dibenzo[def,mno]chrysene) (PTTC)) solar cells as a function of thermal annealing temperatures from 100 to 180 °C are reported. Interestingly, the solar cells with PTTC containing two thiophene units, have superior thermal stability compared to the PTVTC:[6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) solar cells, in which the PTVTC has two thiophene and vinyl groups. Atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction demonstrate that morphological stability of PTTC:PC71BM blend films conduces thermally stable photovoltaic performances of PTTC solar cells. Therefore, the PTTC:PC71BM bulk heterojunction solar cells have highly stable efficiency, retaining 97% of its original power conversion efficiency value without PCBM clusters in the blend films even at elevated temperatures. There have been no previous reports on the thermal stability aspect of dibenzo[def,mno]chrysene‐based polymer solar cells so far.

image