bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of the first step of the dermatoscopic 2-step algorithm for pigmented skin lesions
Authors: Tschandl Philipp , Rosendahl Cliff , Kittler Harald
Published: September 2012

Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of misclassifications of equivocal pigmented lesions according to the first step of the dermatoscopic 2-step algorithm.

Patients and Methods: 707 consecutive cases from 553 patients of central Europe and Australia were included in the study. Dermatoscopic images were evaluated in a blinded fashion for the presence of features described in the 2-step algorithm to determine their melanocytic or non-melanocytic origin. Mucosal, genital and non-pigmented lesions were excluded.

Results: The sensitivity of the first step was 97.1% for patients from Australia and 96.8% for patients from central Europe. The specificity was 33.6% for Australian patients and 67.9% for European patients. The most common reasons for misclassification were the presence of a pigmented network in a non-melanocytic lesion (n=68, 25.2%) and the absence of dermatoscopic features of melanocytic and non-melanocytic lesions in 69 (25.6%) non-melanocytic lesions.

Conclusion: The first step of the dermatoscopic 2-step algorithm, if applied consistently, has high sensitivity but low specificity. Many non-melanocytic lesions, especially solar lentigines and seborrheic keratoses, are wrongly classified as melanocytic. The worse performance of the first step algorithm in Australian patients is probably due to a higher rate of solar lentigines in patients with severely sun-damaged skin.
About the treatment of gonorrhea in the former Soviet Union
Authors: Jargin Sergei V.
Published: September 2012

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Oxidation Kinetics and Its Impact on the Strength of Carbon Short Fiber Reinforced C/SiC Ceramics
Authors: Shi Yuan , Tushtev Kamen , Hausherr Jan‐Marcel , Koch Dietmar , Rezwan Kurosch
Published: September 2012

Because of the excellent fracture toughness and oxidation resistance, carbon short fiber reinforced ceramics have a sound potential for a variety of high‐temperature applications. For the composite's reliable use in long‐term applications, however, the oxidation effects on the mechanical strength are of crucial interest and have hitherto not been investigated in detail yet. In this study, the weight change of carbon short fiber reinforced C/SiC composites with carbon fiber lengths of 9 mm (long cut fiber composite – LCFC) and 2 mm (short milled fiber composite – SMFC), respectively, are evaluated in the temperature range from 500 to 1200 °C for two different fiber orientations. Both types of composites were additionally tested in bending mode after 25 and 50 min of exposure to air at 700 °C depending on fiber orientation. After 3 h of exposure at 1000 °C, a total weight loss of up to 37% for LCFC and 47% for SMFC could be determined. The bending test carried out after 50 min exposure at 700 °C showed a dramatic decrease down to 50% of the initial flexural strength for LCFC samples with fibers orientated in parallel to the beam axis. The smallest strength decrease of around 13% was found for SMFC samples with fibers orientated perpendicularly to the beam axis. Microstructural investigations suggest strongly that oxidation along the fibers is the most dominating weakening mechanism and is therefore directly affected by the fiber orientation and length.
Ultrahigh Efficiency Fluorescent Single and Bi‐Layer Organic Light Emitting Diodes: The Key Role of Triplet Fusion
Authors: Chiang Chien‐Jung , Kimyonok Alpay , Etherington Marc K. , Griffiths Gareth C. , Jankus Vygintas , Turksoy Figen , Monkman Andy P.
Published: September 2012

A new family of anthracene core, highly fluorescent emitters is synthesized which include diphenylamine hole transport end groups. Using a very simple one or two layer organic light emitting diode (OLED) structure, devices without outcoupling achieve an external quantum efficiency of 6% and photonic efficiencies of 20 cd/A. The theoretical maximum efficiency of such devices should not exceed 3.55%. Detailed photophysical characterization shows that for these anthracene based emitters 2T1≤Tn and so in this special case, triplet fusion can achieve a singlet production yield of 0.5. Indeed, delayed electroluminescence measurements show that triplet fusion contributes 59% of all singlets produced in these devices. This demonstrates that when triplet fusion becomes very efficient, fluorescent OLEDs even with very simple structures can approach an internal singlet production yield close to the theoretical absolute maximum of 62.5% and rival phosphorescent‐based OLEDs with the added advantage of much improved stability.
Confined Volume Change in Sn‐Co‐C Ternary Tube‐in‐Tube Composites for High‐Capacity and Long‐Life Lithium Storage
Authors: Gu Yan , Wu Fendan , Wang Yong
Published: September 2012

All high capacity Li‐alloy anodes for Li‐ion battery suffer from enormous volume expansion and extraction during the lithium‐ion insertion and extraction process. A Sn‐Co‐CNT@CNT ternary tube‐in‐tube nanostructure is prepared by an in situ template technique and shows perfect structure suitability to solve the critical volume change problem. The morphology, size, and quantity of the filled CNT‐supported Sn‐Co nanoparticles can be also tuned by adjusting the experimental conditions to achieve optimal electrochemical performances. The tube‐in‐tube product exhibits larger‐than‐theoretical reversible capacities of 890–811 mA h g−1 at 0.1C in 200 cycles and excellent rate capability and high‐rate cycling stability. The excellent electrochemical performance is mainly attributed to the confined volume change in the nanotube cavities and ensured permanent electrical connectivity of the immobilized Sn‐Co anodes.
Follicular lymphoma: 2012 update on diagnosis and management
Authors: Freedman* Arnold
Published: September 2012

Disease overview: Follicular lymphoma (FL) is generally an indolent B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder of transformed follicular center B cells. FL is characterized by diffuse lymphoadenopathy, involvement of bone marrow, splenomegaly, and less commonly other extranodal sites of involvement. In general, cytopenias can occur but constitutional symptoms of fever, nightsweats, and weight loss are uncommon.

Diagnosis: Diagnosis is based on histology of preferably a biopsy of a lymph node. Immunohistochemical staining is positive in virtually all cases for cell surface CD19, CD20, CD10, and monoclonal immunoglobulin, as well as cytoplasmic expression of bcl‐2 protein. The overwhelming majority of cases have the characteristic t(14;18) translocation involving the IgH/bcl‐2 genes.

Risk stratification: The FL International Prognostic Index prognostic model for FL uses five independent predictors of inferior survival: age > 60 years, hemoglobin < 12 g/dL, serum lactate dehydrogenase > normal, Ann Arbor stage III/IV, number of involved nodal areas > 4. The presence of 0, 1, 2, and ≥ 3 adverse factors defines low, intermediate, and high‐risk disease with median 10‐year survivals in the pre‐rituximab era of ∼71, 51, and 36 months, respectively. With the use of more modern therapies, specifically anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody, the outcome has improved.

Risk‐adapted therapy: Observation continues to be adequate for asymptomatic patients with low bulk disease and no cytopenias. For patients needing therapy, most patients are treated with chemotherapy plus rituximab, which has improved response rates, duration of response, and overall survival. Randomized studies have shown additional benefit for maintenance rituximab both following chemotherapy‐rituximab and single‐agent rituximab. Autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) has not shown a survival benefit in first remission patients. SCT including both autologous and allogeneic SCT or experimental agent therapy is considered for recurrent disease. Am. J. Hematol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genome‐wide analysis of primary plasma cell leukemia identifies recurrent imbalances associated with changes in transcriptional profiles
Authors: Mosca Laura , Musto Pellegrino , Todoerti Katia , Barbieri Marzia , Agnelli Luca , Fabris Sonia , Tuana Giacomo , Lionetti Marta , Bonaparte Eleonora , Sirchia Silvia Maria , Grieco Vitina , Bianchino Gabriella , D'Auria Fiorella , Statuto Teodora , Mazzoccoli Carmela , De Luca Luciana , Petrucci Maria Teresa , Morabito Fortunato , Offidani Massimo , Di Raimondo Francesco , Falcone Antonietta , Caravita Tommaso , Omedè Paola , Boccadoro Mario , Palumbo Antonio , Neri Antonino
Published: September 2012

Primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) is a rare, yet aggressive form of de novo plasma cell tumor, distinct from secondary PCL (sPCL) which represents a leukemic transformation of pre‐existing multiple myeloma (MM). Herein, we performed a comprehensive molecular analysis of a prospective series of pPCLs by means of FISH, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and gene expression profiling (GEP). IGH@ translocations were identified in 87% of pPCL cases, with prevalence of t(11;14) (40%) and t(14;16) (30.5%), whereas the most frequent numerical alterations involved 1p (38%), 1q (48%), 6q (29%), 8p (42%), 13q (74%), 14q (71%), 16q (53%), and 17p (35%). We identified a minimal biallelic deletion (1.5 Mb) in 8p21.2 encompassing the PPP2R2A gene, belonging to a family of putative tumor suppressors and found to be significantly down‐regulated in deleted cases. Mutations of TP53 were identified in four cases, all but one associated with a monoallelic deletion of the gene, whereas activating mutations of the BRAF oncogene occurred in one case and were absent in N‐ and K‐RAS. To evaluate the influence of allelic imbalances in transcriptional expression we performed an integrated genomic analysis with GEP data, showing a significant dosage effect of genes involved in transcription, translation, methyltransferase activity, apoptosis as well as Wnt and NF‐kB signaling pathways. Overall, we provide a compendium of genomic alterations in a prospective series of pPCLs which may contribute to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of this aggressive form of plasma cell dyscrasia and the mechanisms of tumor progression in MM. Am. J. Hematol. 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic variants in the catechol‐o‐methyltransferase gene are associated with impulsivity and executive function: Relevance for major depression
Authors: Pap Dorottya , Gonda Xenia , Molnar Eszter , Lazary Judit , Benko Anita , Downey Darragh , Thomas Emma , Chase Diana , Toth Zoltan G. , Mekli Krisztina , Platt Hazel , Payton Antony , Elliott Rebecca , Anderson Ian M. , Deakin J.F. William , Bagdy Gyorgy , Juhasz Gabriella
Published: September 2012

The catechol‐o‐methyltransferase (COMT) gene has been extensively investigated in depression with somewhat contradictory results but the role of impulsivity, as a possible intermediate phenotype in this disorder, has not been considered yet. In our study, four tagging SNPs in the COMT gene (rs933271, rs740603, rs4680, rs4646316) were genotyped in two independent population cohorts: Manchester (n = 1267) and Budapest (n = 942). First, we investigated the association between COMT genotypes, impulsivity, neuroticism and depression using haplotype trend regression, and constructed a model using structural equation modeling to investigate the interaction between these factors. Secondly, we tested the effect of executive function on this model in a smaller interviewed sample (n = 207). Our results demonstrated that COMT haplotypes were significantly associated with impulsivity in the combined cohort, showing the same direction of effects in both populations. The COMT effect on depressive symptoms (in subjects without history of depression) and on executive function (interviewed sample) showed the opposite pattern to impulsivity. Structural equation models demonstrated that COMT and impulsivity acted, both together (through neuroticism) and independently, to increase the risk of depression. In addition, better executive function also operated as a risk factor for depression, possibly though reduced ability to flexibly disengage negative emotions. In conclusion, variations in the COMT gene exert complex effects on susceptibility to depression involving various intermediate phenotypes, such as impulsivity and executive function. These findings emphasise that modeling of disease pathways at phenotypic level are valuable for identifying genetic risk factors. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fiber optic particle plasmon resonance sensor based on plasmonic light scattering interrogation
Authors: Lin H.‐Y. , Huang C.‐H. , Chau L.‐K.
Published: September 2012

A highly sensitive fiber optic particle plasmon resonance sensor (FO‐PPR) is demonstrated for label‐free biochemical detection. The sensing strategy relies on interrogating the plasmonic scattering of light from gold nanoparticles on the optical fiber in response to the surrounding refractive index changes or molecular binding events. The refractive index resolution is estimated to be 3.8 × 10‐5 RIU. The limit of detection for anti‐DNP antibody spiked in buffer is 1.2 × 10‐9 g/ml (5.3 pM) by using the DNP‐functionalized FO‐PPR sensor. The image processing of simultaneously recorded plasmonic scattering photographs at different compartments of the sensor is also demonstrated. Results suggest that the compact sensor can perform multiple independent measurements simultaneously by means of monitoring the plasmonic scattering intensity via photodiodes or a CCD. The potential of using a combination of different kinds of noble metal nanoparticles with different types of functionalized probes in multiple cascaded detection windows on a single fiber to become an inexpensive and ultrasensitive linear‐array sensing platform for higher‐throughput biochemical detection is provided.
Biological evaluation of novel selenazole‐based compounds as potential thioredoxin reductase inhibitors
Authors: Li Dong‐Dong , He Jie , Zeng Hui‐Hui
Published: September 2012

Recently, thioredoxin reductase as a target for treatment of tumors has attracted the attention of scientists. 1,2‐[Bis(1,2‐benzisoselenazolone‐3(2 H)‐ketone)]ethane (ethaselen, BBSKE, PCT: CN02/00412), designed and synthesized previously, is an effective thioredoxin reductase inhibitor; presently it is in phase II clinical trials, targeting gastric cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer. To seek more novel and effective anticancer drugs, we have developed many selenazole‐based compounds. Evaluation of the thioredoxin reductase inhibitory effect and investigation of the mechanism of anticancer drugs require abundant thioredoxin reductase, but since commercial thioredoxin reductase is expensive its use is often limited. Therefore, the preparation of thioredoxin reductase is necessary. Base on the above investigation, in this work we have prepared thioredoxin reductase and evaluated selenazole‐based compounds, and found that 44 compounds have high inhibitory effect on thioredoxin reductase with IC50 < 10 µ m, of which 16 compounds have IC50 values below 1 µ m. This is helpful in investigating and elucidating the mechanism of this kind of compound. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanistic study of palladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative coupling of phenylpropiolic acid and aryl iodide
Authors: Pyo Ayoung , Kim Yu Hyun , Park Kyungho , Kim Gwui Cheol , Choi Hyun Chul , Lee Sunwoo
Published: September 2012

The mechanism of decarboxylative coupling of phenylpropiolic acid and methyl 4‐iodobenzoate was investigated by gas chromatographic analysis and monitoring the decarboxylation reaction by FT‐IR spectroscopy. Among many possible pathways, we found that the mechanism involves two possible pathways, namely the decarboxylation of phenylpropiolic acid and that proceeding through the carboxylated palladium complex. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
STUDY ON ECDYSTEROID LEVELS AND GENE EXPRESSION OF ENZYMES RELATED TO ECDYSTEROID BIOSYNTHESIS IN THE LARVAL TESTIS OF Spodoptera littoralis
Authors: Iga Masatoshi , Blais Catherine , Smagghe Guy
Published: September 2012

We investigated here the ecdysteroid titers and the expression of six genes coding for known enzymes of the ecdysteroid biosynthesis in the testes of last instar larvae of the pest cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis. We showed that the timing of the ecdysteroid profile was the same in testes and in hemolymph, with a small peak at day 2 and a large one at day 4 after ecdysis. Ecdysone and 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) were detected in both tissues. 20E was the major ecdysteroid in testes and in hemolymph from day 4. Interestingly, the gene expression of the steroidogenetic enzymes, Neverland, and the five cytochrome P450 enzymes encoded by the Halloween genes was confirmed in the testes, and varied during the instar. However, from the data obtained so far, we cannot conclude that the measured ecdysteroids in the testes result from the activity of the genes under study. Indeed, it is suggested that the ecdysone produced centrally in the prothoracic glands, could have been transformed into 20E in the testes, where Sl‐shade is well expressed.
Amniotic Fluid MMP‐9 and Neurotrophins in Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Abdallah Morsi W. , Pearce Brad D. , Larsen Nanna , Greaves‐Lord Kirstin , Nørgaard‐Pedersen Bent , Hougaard David M. , Mortensen Erik L. , Grove Jakob
Published: September 2012

Evidence suggests that some developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), are caused by errors in brain plasticity. Given the important role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and neurotrophins (NTs) in neuroplasticity, amniotic fluid samples for 331 ASD cases and 698 frequency‐matched controls were analyzed for levels of MMP‐9, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, NT‐4 and transforming growth factor‐β utilizing a Danish historic birth cohort and Danish nationwide health registers. Laboratory measurements were performed using an in‐house multiplex sandwich immunoassay Luminex xMAP method, and measurements were analyzed using tobit and logistic regression. Results showed elevated levels of MMP‐9 in ASD cases compared with controls (crude and adjusted tobit regression P‐values: 0.01 and 0.06). Our results highlight the importance of exploring the biologic impact of MMP‐9 and potential therapeutic roles of its inhibitors in ASD and may indicate that neuroplastic impairments in ASD may present during pregnancy. Autism Res 2012, 5: 428–433. © 2012 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stimulation of bioluminescence in Noctiluca sp. using controlled temperature changes
Authors: Han Jing , Li GuiJuan , Liu HuanYing , Hu HaoHao , Zhang XueGang
Published: September 2012

Bioluminescence induced by multifarious stimuli has long been observed and is remains under investigation because of its great complexity. In particular, the exact mechanism underlying bioluminescence is not yet fully understood. This work presents a new experimental method for studying Noctiluca sp. bioluminescence under temperature change stimulation. It is a study of Noctiluca sp. bioluminescence using controlled temperature changes in a tank. A characteristic of this experiment is the large volume of water used (1 m3 in a tank of 2 × 1 × 1 m). Temperature changes were controlled by two methods. In the first, a flask filled with hot water was introduced into the tank and in the second, a water heater was used in the tank. Temperature changes were recorded using sensors. Noctiluca sp. bioluminescence was recorded using a Canon 5D Mark II and this allowed the characteristics of Noctiluca sp. bioluminescence under temperature change stimulation to be monitored. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution of the concept of conformational dynamics of enzyme functions over half of a century: A personal view
Authors: Závodszky Péter , Hajdú István
Published: September 2012

To most physicists, it was always evident that conformational fluctuation is an inherent property of all molecules. Its existence in proteins was mentioned first by Linderström‐Lang and Schellman in 1959 based on their hydrogen‐deuterium exchange experiments. The “induced fit” mechanism to explain ligand‐induced conformational changes was suggested by Koshland in 1958. Straub combined these two concepts in his “fluctuation fit” theory in 1964. The era of protein X‐ray crystallography imposed a static view of protein structures. With proteins becoming accessible to NMR analysis, conformational dynamics could be mapped, and a new wave of dynamic interpretation of enzymatic catalysis and molecular recognition appeared. Energy landscapes, energy funnels, conformational selection, conformational distribution shifts are now frequent terms in interpreting biomolecular recognition and enzymatic catalysis. All these interpretations are based on the concept that evolution uses the conformational fluctuations of enzymes to develop efficient and dynamic catalytic machines. In a resurrection of the original “fluctuation fit” concept, it is generally recognized now that spatial and temporal events of catalysis are equally important to describe its mechanism. This special issue, dedicated to the memory of Henryk Eisenberg, prompted us to look back at the last 50 years of development of a concept that—like other important concepts—appeared, evolved and became accepted during the period covered by the scientific lifespan of Henryk. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 263–269, 2013.
Combined effects of solvation and aggregation propensity on the final supramolecular structures adopted by hydrophobic, glycine‐rich, elastin‐like polypeptides
Authors: Salvi Anna M. , Moscarelli Pasquale , Bochicchio Brigida , Lanza Giuseppe , Castle James E.
Published: September 2012

Previous work on elastin‐like polypeptides (ELPs) made of hydrophobic amino acids of the type XxxGlyGlyZzzGly (Xxx, Zzz = Val, Leu) has consistently shown that differing dominant supramolecular structures were formed when the suspending media were varied: helical, amyloid‐like fibers when suspended in water and globules evolving into “string of bead” structures, poly(ValGlyGlyValGly), or cigar‐like bundles, poly(ValGlyGlyLeuGly), when suspended in methyl alcohol. Comparative experiments with poly(LeuGlyGlyValGly) have further indicated that the interface energy plays a significant role and that solvation effects act in concomitance with the intrinsic aggregation propensity of the repeat sequence. Continuing our investigation on ELPs using surface (X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy) and bulk (circular dichroism, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) techniques for their characterization, here we have compared the effect of suspending solvents (H2O, dimethylsulfoxide, ethylene glycol, and MeOH) on poly(ValGlyGlyValGly), the polypeptide most inclined to form long and well‐refined helical fibers in water, searching for the signature of intermolecular interactions occurring between the polypeptide chains in the given suspension. The influence of sequence specificities has been studied by comparing poly(ValGlyGlyValGly) and poly(LeuGlyGlyValGly) with a similar degree of polymerization. Deposits on substrates of the polypeptides were characterized taking into account the differing evaporation rate of solvents, and tests on their stability in ultra high vacuum were performed. Finally, combining experimental and computational studies, we have revaluated the three‐dimensional modeling previously proposed for the supramolecular assembly in water of poly(ValGlyGlyValGly). The results were discussed and rationalized also in the light of published data. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 292–292, 2013.
Cytochrome P450‐catalyzed O‐dealkylation coupled with photochemical NADPH regeneration
Authors: Lee Sahng Ha , Kwon Yong‐Chan , Kim Dong‐Myung , Park Chan Beum
Published: September 2012

Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases are multifunctional enzymes with potential applications in chemoenzymatic synthesis of complex chemicals as well as in studies of metabolism and xenobiotics. Widespread application of cytochrome P450s, however, is encumbered by the critical need for redox equivalents in their catalytic function. To overcome this limitation, we studied visible light‐driven regeneration of NADPH for P450‐catalyzed O‐dealkylation reaction; we used eosin Y as a photosensitizing dye, triethanolamine as an electron donor, and [Cp*Rh(bpy)H2O] as an electron mediator. We analyzed catalytic activity of cell‐free synthesized P450 BM3 monooxygenase variant (Y51F/F87A, BM3m2) in the presence of key components for NADPH photoregeneration. The P450‐catalyzed O‐dealkylation reaction sustainably maintained its turnover with the continuous supply of photoregenerated NADPH. Visible light‐driven, non‐enzymatic NADPH regeneration provides a new route for efficient, sustainable utilization of P450 monooxygenases. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 383–390. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overexpression of O‐methyltransferase leads to improved vanillin production in baker's yeast only when complemented with model‐guided network engineering
Authors: Brochado Ana Rita , Patil Kiran R.
Published: September 2012

Overproduction of a desired metabolite is often achieved via manipulation of the pathway directly leading to the product or through engineering of distant nodes within the metabolic network. Empirical examples illustrating the combined effect of these local and global strategies have been so far limited in eukaryotic systems. In this study, we compared the effects of overexpressing a key gene in de novo vanillin biosynthesis (coding for O‐methyltransferase, hsOMT) in two yeast strains, with and without model‐guided global network modifications. Overexpression of hsOMT resulted in increased vanillin production only in the strain with model‐guided modifications, exemplifying advantage of using a global strategy prior to local pathway manipulation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 656–659. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhancement of extracellular electron transfer and bioelectricity output by synthetic porin
Authors: Yong Yang‐Chun , Yu Yang‐Yang , Yang Yun , Liu Jing , Wang Jing‐Yuan , Song Hao
Published: September 2012

The microbial fuel cell (MFC), is a promising environmental biotechnology for harvesting electricity energy from organic wastes. However, low bacterial membrane permeability of electron shuttles is a limiting factor that restricts the electron shuttle‐mediated extracellular electron transfer (EET) from bacteria to electrodes, thus the electricity power output of MFCs. To this end, we heterologously expressed a porin protein OprF from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 into Escherichia coli, which dramatically increased its membrane permeability, delivering a much higher current output in MFCs than its parental strain (BL21). We found that the oprF‐expression strain showed more efficient EET than its parental strain. More strikingly, the enhanced membrane permeability also rendered the oprF‐expression strain an efficient usage of riboflavin as the electron shuttle, whereas its parental strain was incapable of. Our results substantiated that membrane permeability is crucial for the efficient EET, and indicated that the expression of synthetic porins could be an efficient strategy to enhance bioelectricity generation by microorganisms (including electrogenic bacteria) in MFCs. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 408–416. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age‐ and disease‐related features of task‐related brain oscillations by using mutual information
Authors: Liu Chia‐Ju , Huang Chin‐Fei , Chou Chia‐Yi , Kuo Wen‐jin , Lin Yu‐Te , Hung Chao‐Ming , Chen Tsung‐Ching , Ho Ming‐Chung
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in task‐related brain oscillations and corticocortical connections in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and those with normal aging using cross‐mutual information (CMI) analysis. We hypothesized that task‐related brain oscillations and corticocortical connections were affected by age‐ and disease‐related changes, which could be reflected in the CMI analysis. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were measured in 16 MCI patients, 15 healthy age‐matched controls, and 16 healthy younger individuals. The frequencies and interhemispheric CMI data were estimated in all groups. The specific EEG rhythms measured were delta (δ), theta (θ), alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ) bands. Significant differences in δ, θ, α, and β bands were observed between the younger and elderly groups. However, only the θ band was significantly different between the elderly and MCI groups. Moreover, this study used EEG recordings to investigate age‐ and disease‐related changes in the corticocortical connections of the brain. This study proves that the θ‐band frequency of the connection between the parietal and occipital lobes for the age‐ and disease‐related changes can be depicted using the CMI analysis.
A United States Forensic Sample for the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scales
Authors: Frumkin I. Bruce , Lally Stephen J. , Sexton James E.
Published: September 2012

The Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scales (GSS) is a valuable test to use as part of a comprehensive assessment of psychological and interrogative factors relevant to a defendant's vulnerability to giving a false or involuntary confession. One limitation of the test is that the manual only provides information for samples from Iceland and Great Britain. This report describes the results of 334 individuals in the United States, who were administered the tests as part of an evaluation to assess confession‐related issues in a forensic context (i.e., capacity to waive Miranda rights or vulnerability in providing a false or involuntary confession). This forensic sample includes both juveniles and adults. Results are consistent with Gudjonsson's British and Icelandic samples, in which the Yield 1 score is more affected by intellectual and cognitive variables, but Shift and, to a lesser extent, Yield 2 scores are more related to emotional and personality characteristics. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effects of polydeoxyribonucleotides on cartilage degradation in experimental cultures
Authors: Gennero Luisa , Denysenko Tetyana , Calisti Gian Franco , Vercelli Andrea , Vercelli Carlo Maria , Amedeo Stefano , Mioletti Silvia , Parino Enrico , Montanaro Manuela , Melcarne Antonio , Juenemann Carola , Vivo Enrico De , Longo Alessandro , Cavallo Giovanni , De Siena Rocco
Published: September 2012

The capacity of cartilage self‐regeneration is considered to be limited. Joint injuries often evolve in the development of chronic wounds on the cartilage surface. Such lesions are associated with articular cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis. Re‐establishing a correct micro/macro‐environment into damaged joints could stop or prevent the degenerative processes. This study investigated the effect of polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRNs) on cartilage degradation in vitro and on cartilage extracted cells. The activities of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 were measured in PDRN‐treated cells and in controls at days 0 and 30 of culture. Human nasal cartilage explants were cultured, and the degree of proteoglycan degradation was assessed by measuring the amount of glycosaminoglycans released into the culture medium. The PDRN properties compared with controls were tested on cartilage tissues to evaluate deposition of extracellular matrix. Chondrocytes treated with PDRNs showed a physiological deposition of extracellular matrix (aggrecan and type II collagen: Western blot, IFA, fluorescence activated cell sorting, Alcian blue and safranin O staining). PDRNs were able to inhibit proteoglycan degradation in cartilage explants. The activities of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 were reduced in all PDRN‐treated samples. Our results indicate that PDRNs are suitable for a long‐term cultivation of in vitro cartilage and have therapeutic effects on chondrocytes by protecting cartilage. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Derepression of c‐Fos caused by MicroRNA‐139 down‐regulation contributes to the metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fan Qin , He Minyi , Deng Xinjun , Wu William K. K. , Zhao Liang , Tang Jing , Wen Ge , Sun Xuegang , Liu Yawei
Published: September 2012

This study investigates whether the anti‐metastasis effect of microRNA‐139 (miR‐139) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is mediated through regulating c‐fos expression. The expression levels of miR‐139 and c‐fos in human HCC cell sublines with high (MHCC97H) and low (MHCC97L) spontaneous metastatic potentials were quantified using QPCR or Western blot. miR‐139 mimics was transfected into MHCC97H cells to overexpress miR‐139, and miR‐139 inhibitor was transfected into MHCC97L cells to down‐express miR‐139. The effect of overexpression or down‐expression of miR‐139 on c‐fos expression of MHCC97H and MHCC97L cells was evaluated using QPCR and Western blot. The 3′ untranslated region segments of FOS containing the miR‐139 binding sites were amplified by PCR, and the luciferase activity in the transfected cells was assayed. In comparison with the expression level of miR‐139 in MHCC97L cells, the expression level in MHCC97H cells was significantly decreased, whereas c‐Fos was significantly up‐regulated in MHCC97H. The overexpression of miR‐139 significantly inhibited the expression of c‐fos in MHCC97H cells, and the down‐expression of miR‐139 significantly promoted the expression of c‐fos in MHCC97L cells. miR‐139 suppressed the luciferase activity of the pGL‐FOS by approximately 40% compared with the negative control. In vitro cell migration analysis demonstrated that depletion of c‐fos or overexpression of miR‐139 in MHCC97H cells reduced cell migration, whereas overexpression of c‐fos or depletion of miR‐139 in MHCC97L cells increased cell migration. Thus, we got the conclusion that miR‐139 expression is down‐regulated in human HCC cell sublines with high spontaneous metastatic potentials (MHCC97H). Derepression of c‐Fos caused by miR‐139 down‐regulation contributes to the metastasis of HCC. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A pH‐Based High‐Throughput Assay for Transketolase: Fingerprinting of Substrate Tolerance and Quantitative Kinetics
Authors: Yi Dong , Devamani Titu , Abdoul‐Zabar Juliane , Charmantray Franck , Helaine Virgil , Hecquet Laurence , Fessner Wolf‐Dieter
Published: September 2012

A pH‐based high‐throughput assay method has been developed for the rapid and reliable measurement of transketolase (TK) activity. The method is based on the decarboxylation of lithium hydroxypyruvate (HPA) as a hydroxyacetyl donor with an aldehyde acceptor, using phenol red as the pH indicator. Upon release of carbon dioxide from HPA, the pH increase in the reaction mixture can be determined photometrically by the color change of the pH indicator. At low buffer concentration (2 mM triethanolamine, pH 7.5), the method is highly sensitive and allows continuous monitoring, for quantitative determination of the kinetic parameters. By using this method, the substrate specificities of the TK enzymes from Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as well as two active‐site‐modified variants of the E. coli TK (D469E, H26Y) were evaluated against a panel of substrate analogues; specific activities and kinetic constants could be rapidly determined. Substrate quality indicated by assay determination was substantiated with novel TK applications by using achiral 3‐hydroxypropanal and 4‐hydroxybutanal for preparative synthesis of chiral deoxyketose‐type products. Determination of ee for the latter could be performed by chiral GC analysis, with an unambiguous correlation of the absolute configuration from rotation data. This pH‐based assay method is broadly applicable and allows rapid, sensitive, and reliable screening of the substrate tolerance of known TK enzymes and variants obtained from directed evolution.
Studies Related to Norway Spruce Galactoglucomannans: Chemical Synthesis, Conformation Analysis, NMR Spectroscopic Characterization, and Molecular Recognition of Model Compounds
Authors: Ekholm Filip S. , Ardá Ana , Eklund Patrik , André Sabine , Gabius Hans‐Joachim , Jiménez‐Barbero Jesús , Leino Reko
Published: September 2012

Galactoglucomannan (GGM) is a polysaccharide mainly consisting of mannose, glucose, and galactose. GGM is the most abundant hemicellulose in the Norway spruce (Picea abies), but is also found in the cell wall of flax seeds, tobacco plants, and kiwifruit. Although several applications for GGM polysaccharides have been developed in pulp and paper manufacturing and the food and medical industries, attempts to synthesize and study distinct fragments of this polysaccharide have not been reported previously. Herein, the synthesis of one of the core trisaccharide units of GGM together with a less‐abundant tetrasaccharide fragment is described. In addition, detailed NMR spectroscopic characterization of the model compounds, comparison of the spectral data with natural GGM, investigation of the acetyl‐group migration phenomena that takes place in the polysaccharide by using small model compounds, and a binding study between the tetrasaccharide model fragment and a galactose‐binding protein (the toxin viscumin) are reported.
Construction of Chlorosomal Rod Self‐Aggregates in the Solid State on Any Substrates from Synthetic Chlorophyll Derivatives Possessing an Oligomethylene Chain at the 17‐Propionate Residue
Authors: Shoji Sunao , Hashishin Takeshi , Tamiaki Hitoshi
Published: September 2012

Chlorosomes are one of the most unique natural light‐harvesting antennas and their supramolecular nanostructures are still under debate. Chlorosomes contain bacteriochlorophyll (BChl)‐c, d and e molecules and these pigments self‐aggregate under a hydrophobic environment inside a chlorosome. The self‐aggregates are mainly constructed by the following three interactions: hydrogen bonding, coordination bonding and π–π stacking. Supramolecular nanostructures of self‐aggregated BChls have been widely investigated by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Model compounds of such chlorosomal BChl molecules have been synthesized and the effects of esterified long alkyl chains at the 17‐propionate residue for their self‐aggregation have been studied. Structurally simple zinc chlorophyll derivatives possessing an oligomethylene chain as the esterifying group at the 17‐propionate residue were prepared as chlorosomal BChl models. The synthetic zinc BChls self‐aggregated in nonpolar organic solvents to give precipitates. The resulting insoluble self‐aggregated solids were investigated on a variety of substrates, including hydrophobic, neutral and hydrophilic substrates, by visible absorption, circular dichroism and polarized light absorption spectroscopies, as well as atomic force, transmission electron and scanning electron microscopies. The self‐aggregates of synthetic Zn‐BChls formed rods with an approximately 5 nm diameter and wires with further elongated growth of the rods (aspect ratio >200). The diameter size was consistent with that estimated for natural chlorosomal rods in a filamentous anoxygenic phototroph, Chloroflexus aurantiacus. The supramolecular formation and stability of the rod on the examined substrates depended on the length of an oligomethylene chain at the 17‐propionate residue as well as on the surface properties. Especially, the number of the 5 nm rods on the substrates increased with an elongation of the chain.
Enantiomeric Specificity of Biologically Significant Cu(II) and Zn(II) Chromone Complexes Towards DNA
Authors: Arjmand Farukh , Jamsheera A. , Afzal Mohd. , Tabassum Sartaj
Published: September 2012

Novel chiral Schiff base ligands (R)/(S)‐2‐amino‐3‐(((1‐hydroxypropan‐2‐yl)imino)methyl)‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one (L1 and L2) derived from 2‐amino‐3‐formylchromone and (R/S)‐2‐amino‐1‐propanol and their Cu(II)/Zn(II) complexes (R1, S1, R2, and S2) were synthesized. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared (IR), hydrogen (1H) and carbon (13C) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electrospray ionization‐mass spectra (ESI‐MS), and molar conductance measurements. The DNA binding studies of the complexes with calf thymus were carried out by employing different biophysical methods and molecular docking studies that revealed that complexes R1 and S1 prefers the guanine–cytosine‐rich region, whereas R2 and S2 prefers the adenine–thymine residues in the major groove of DNA. The relative trend in Kb values followed the order R1  S1  R2  S2. This observation together with the findings of circular dichroic and fluorescence studies revealed maximal potential of (R)‐enantiomeric form of complexes to bind DNA. Furthermore, the absorption studies with mononucleotides were also monitored to examine the base‐specific interactions of the complexes that revealed a higher propensity of Cu(II) complexes for guanosine‐5′‐monophosphate disodium salt, whereas Zn(II) complexes preferentially bind to thymidine‐5′‐monophosphate disodium salt. The cleavage activity of R1 and R2 with pBR322 plasmid DNA was examined by gel electrophoresis that revealed that they are good DNA cleavage agents; nevertheless, R1 proved to show better DNA cleavage ability. Topoisomerase II inhibitory activity of complex R1 revealed that the complex inhibits topoisomerase II catalytic activity at a very low concentration (25 μM). Furthermore, in vitro antitumor activity of complexes R1 and S1 were screened against human carcinoma cell lines of different histological origin. Chirality 24:977–986, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noncovalent Immobilization of Ionic‐tagged Box‐Cu(OAc)2 Complex and Its Application in Asymmetric Henry Reaction
Authors: Li Zhi‐Huai , Zhou Zhi‐Ming , Hao Xiao‐Yan , Zhang Jun , Dong Xiao , Liu Ying‐Qiang
Published: September 2012

Immobilized Cu(OAc)2‐bis(oxazolines) via hydrogen bonding by SBA‐15 was applied to asymmetric Henry reaction, and good enantioselectivities were obtained (up to 83% ee) between 2‐methoxybenzaldehyde and CH3NO2 in isopropyl alcohol (iPrOH). The catalyst could be reused seven times without any obvious loss in enantioselectivity. For the first time, this facile and clean immobilization method is applied to the use of bis(oxazolines) complexes. Chirality 24:1092‐1095, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stereoselective Interaction Between Tetrahydropalmatine Enantiomers and CYP Enzymes in Human Liver Microsomes
Authors: Sun Si‐Yuan , Wang Yu‐Qing , Li Li‐Ping , Wang Lu , Zeng Su , Zhou Hui , Jiang Hui‐Di
Published: September 2012

Tetrahydropalmatine (THP), with one chiral center, is an alkaloid that possesses analgesic and many other pharmacological actives. The aim of the present study is to investigate stereoselective metabolism of THP enantiomers in human liver microsomes (HLM) and elucidate which cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms contribute to the stereoselective metabolism in HLM. Additionally, the inhibitions of THP enantiomers on activity of CYP enzymes are also investigated. The results demonstrated that (+)‐THP was preferentially metabolized by HLM. Ketoconazole (inhibitor of CYP3A4/5) inhibited metabolism of (−)‐THP or (+)‐THP at same degree, whereas the inhibition of fluvoxamine (inhibitor of CYP1A2) on metabolism of (+)‐THP was greater than that of (−)‐THP; moreover, the metabolic rate of (+)‐THP was 5.3‐fold of (−)‐THP in recombinant human CYP1A2. Meanwhile, THP enantiomers did not show obvious inhibitory effect on the activity of various CYP isoforms (CYP1A2, 2A6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2E1, and 3A4/5), whereas (−)‐THP, but not (+)‐THP, significantly inhibited the activity of CYP2D6 with the Ki value of 6.42 ± 0.38 μM. The results suggested that THP enantiomers were predominantly metabolized by CYP3A4/5 and CYP1A2 in HLM, and (+)‐THP was preferentially metabolized by CYP1A2, whereas CYP3A4/5 contributed equally to metabolism of (−)‐THP or (+)‐THP. Besides, the inhibition of CYP2D6 by (−)‐THP may cause drug–drug interaction, which should be considered. Chirality 25:43–47, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new kinetic model for pyrolysis of Athabasca bitumen
Authors: Kapadia Punitkumar R. , Kallos Michael S. , Gates Ian D.
Published: September 2012

Pyrolysis of bitumen is a key contributor to gas production in in situ combustion and in situ gasification recovery processes, yet a detailed reaction scheme, that includes a breakdown of products into the most abundant gas components, that is simple enough to be used in detailed thermal‐reactive simulation models, does not exist. Here, we present a novel reaction scheme for pyrolysis of Athabasca bitumen that was developed and calibrated against four experimental data sets (65 data points) over a temperature range from 130 to 422°C. The new model was then verified by comparing its thermogravimetric behaviour against published literature. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Common vulnerabilities of RTO implementations in real chemical processes
Authors: Quelhas André D. , de Jesus Normando José Castro , Pinto José Carlos
Published: September 2012

Real‐time optimisation (RTO) systems face challenging scenarios in industrial practice, such as incomplete and corrupted process information, uncertain large‐scale mathematical models and numerical optimisation issues. Proper design of RTO structure and robust diagnosis tools are keys for good performance, although they are neglected in commercial RTO software and not fully solved in the technical literature. This article reviews the concepts behind the two‐step RTO approach and suggests performance metrics. It also points out the large list of structural decisions and the consequences of intuitive, experience‐based RTO design choices. The discussed vulnerabilities are illustrated with some simulations and real industrial implementations. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Intrapericardial Mature Cystic Teratoma in an Adult: Case Presentation
Authors: Cohen Ronny , Mirrer Brooks , Loarte Pablo , Navarro Victor
Published: September 2012

Cardiac Teratoma is a tumor of very rare occurrence in adult population. Here we report a case in a Caucasian male with history of Human immunodeficiency virus infection where the symptom as presentation was recurrent episodes of tachycardia. The chest radiograph showed a lesion in the right heart border and subsequent investigation revealed an intrapericardial lesion, which was demonstrated to be a pericardial teratoma diagnosed by histopathology.

In this case the initial differential diagnosis included lymphoma or an infectious organism as possible causes in a immunocompromised patient. Cardiac teratomas are among the less common types of cardiac tumors being more frequent in child population and around 1% of all the cardiac tumors in adults. Imaging studies are very helpful. CT and MRI are the best due to their resolution and ability to assess the relationship of the mass with the surrounding structures. Echocardiogram in also helpful determining the presence of pericardial effusion because cardiac teratomas are most of the time present in the pericardium. The final diagnosis is mostly made after surgical excision and this is the most effective treatment because they are relatively resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Variation of wavelet entropy in electroencephalogram signal during neurofeedback training
Authors: Ghoshuni Majid , Firoozabadi Mohammad , Khalilzadeh Mohammad Ali , Hashemi Golpayegani Mohammad Reza
Published: September 2012

Neurofeedback training (NFT) has an important role in improvement of cognitive functions in both clinical and healthy individuals. In this study, variation of wavelet entropy during low beta NFT was investigated. To investigate the effect of low beta NFT on wavelet entropy, correlation between the change in low beta activity and the change in wavelet entropy was computed. The results revealed that there is a highly significant negative correlation between the change in low beta activity and wavelet entropy. The given outcome suggests that enhancing low beta activity through NFT associated with decrements in wavelet entropy. Furthermore, we discuss a new implementation of NFT, based on wavelet entropy for future research. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2012