bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population balance approach for the modelling of enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose
Authors: Lebaz Noureddine , Cockx Arnaud , Spérandio Mathieu , Morchain Jérôme
Published: September 2014

In this numerical work, a population balance‐based model is proposed in order to describe the cellulose particles size evolution during the enzymatic hydrolysis. Two kinds of actions are considered: endoglucanase activity that cleaves randomly β‐1,4‐glycosidic linkages of cellulose, and exoglucanase activity which reduces the particles size with chain‐end‐cleaving producing cellobiose (a dimer of two glucoses linked by a β‐1,4‐glycosidic bond). A discretization method with a fixed pivot technique is used for the endoglucanase action and a moving pivot technique for exoglucanase attack. The numerical resolution is then validated by analytical solutions available in literature. Afterwards, the combination of the two actions is investigated for different enzyme ratios in order to reproduce the endo‐exo synergism numerically. Since the biodegradation of cellulose releases D‐glucose as a final product due to β‐glucosidase which hydrolyzes cellobiose into two molecules of glucose, numerical kinetic model predicting the fractional conversion of cellulose is derived from the population balance developed model. The enzymes activity is strongly affected by the accumulation of the end‐products (cellobiose and glucose) during the hydrolysis, the inhibition effect is thereby incorporated in the model. The numerical model prediction is compared to experimental data in the case of combined activity and shows a promising approach for the modelling of cellulose‐cellulase systems.
Distributed estimation for a class of nonlinear systems with application to Navier‐Stokes flow estimation
Authors: Park Derek , Guay Martin
Published: September 2014

This paper presents a distributed estimation for a class of nonlinear systems operating over a sensor network. The paper investigates alternative consensus filters based on a nonlinear filter. This nonlinear filter arises in the design of observers for the estimation of Navier‐Stokes flow based on a proper orthogonal decomposition method. Using point measurements operating over a sensor network, it is shown that the proposed distributed filter can be used to generate a consensus estimate of the overall Navier‐Stokes flow field at each sensor location. A two‐dimensional room case‐study is considered to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Detection of BRAFV600E mutation on papillary thyroid carcinoma and metastatic malignant melanoma by fine‐needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Rocca Bruno Jim , Ambrosio Maria Raffaella , Ginori Alessandro , Disanto Andrea
Published: September 2014

A genetic link between cutaneous melanoma and thyroid cancer (TC) has been identified. A high percentage of both melanomas and papillary carcinomas of the thyroid harbors a recurrent mutation (i.e., BRAFV600E) in the BRAF oncogene. Herein, we report the case of a 65‐year‐old man with papillary TC and cutaneous malignant melanoma metastatic to masseter muscle, both characterized by BRAF mutation. This is one of the rare reports in which a complete molecular characterization has been performed. As the patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma have a higher risk of malignant melanoma and vice versa, continuous monitoring of such patients, with either of these tumors is necessary. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology is useful as shown in the present case. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:877–879. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Non‐serotinous woody plants behave as aerial seed bank species when a late‐summer wildfire coincides with a mast year
Authors: Pounden Edith , Greene David F. , Michaletz Sean T.
Published: September 2014

Trees which lack obvious fire‐adaptive traits such as serotinous seed‐bearing structures or vegetative resprouting are assumed to be at a dramatic disadvantage in recolonization via sexual recruitment after fire, because seed dispersal is invariably quite constrained. We propose an alternative strategy in masting tree species with woody cones or cone‐like structures: that the large clusters of woody tissue in a mast year will sufficiently impede heat transfer that a small fraction of seeds can survive the flaming front passage; in a mast year, this small fraction would be a very large absolute number.

In Kootenay National Park in British Columbia, we examined regeneration by Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii), a non‐serotinous conifer, after two fires, both of which coincided with mast years. Coupling models of seed survivorship within cones and seed maturation schedule to a spatially realistic recruitment model, we show that (1) the spatial pattern of seedlings on a 630 m transect from the forest edge into the burn was best explained if there was in situ seed dissemination by burnt trees; (2) in areas several hundred meters from any living trees, recruitment density was well correlated with local prefire cone density; and (3) spruce was responding exactly like its serotinous codominant, lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta).

We conclude that non‐serotinous species can indeed behave like aerial seed bank species in mast years if the fire takes place late in the seed maturation period. Using the example of the circumpolar boreal forest, while the joint probability of a mast year and a late‐season fire will make this type of event rare (we estimate P = 0.1), nonetheless, it would permit a species lacking obvious fire‐adapted traits to occasionally establish a widespread and abundant cohort on a large part of the landscape.
Complement C5a potentiates uric acid crystal‐induced IL‐1β production
Authors: An Ling‐Ling , Mehta Payal , Xu Linda , Turman Sean , Reimer Thornik , Naiman Brian , Connor Jane , Sanjuan Miguel , Kolbeck Roland , Fung Michael
Published: September 2014

Anaphylatoxin C5a released upon complement activation is associated with both acute and chronic inflammations such as gout. The pathogenesis of gout was identified as uric acid crystal deposition in the joints that activates inflammasome, leading to IL‐1β release. However, little is known about the interaction between complement activation and monosodium urate/uric acid (MSU) crystal‐induced inflammasome activation or IL‐1β production. Here, we report that MSU crystal‐induced proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines in human whole blood is predominantly regulated by C5a through its interaction with C5a receptor. C5a induces pro‐IL‐1β and IL‐1β production in human primary monocytes, and potentiates MSU or cholesterol crystals in IL‐1β production. This potentiation is caspase‐1 dependent and requires intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, K+ efflux, and cathepsin B activity. Our results provide insight into the role of C5a as an endogenous priming signal that is required for the initiation of uric acid crystal‐induced IL‐1β production. C5a could potentially be a therapeutic target together with IL‐1β antagonists for the treatment of complement‐dependent and inflammasome‐associated diseases.
TNFR2 and IL‐12 coactivation enables slanDCs to support NK‐cell function via membrane‐bound TNF‐α
Authors: Tufa Dejene M. , Chatterjee Debanjana , Low Hui Z. , Schmidt Reinhold E. , Jacobs Roland
Published: September 2014

Human blood NK cells exert strong cytotoxicity against transformed cells and produce different cytokines and chemokines with an important role in modulating immune responses. However, the nature of NK‐cell function depends on NK‐cell interaction with other immune cells. One type of immune cells that communicate with NK cells are 6‐sulfo LacNAc DCs (slanDCs), which comprise a major subpopulation of proinflammatory human blood DCs. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms by which slanDCs interact with NK cells. Our in vitro studies demonstrate that LPS‐stimulated slanDCs enhance activation and function of NK cells essentially via membrane‐bound TNF‐α (mTNF‐α). LPS stimulation upregulates expression of mTNF‐α in slanDCs, and surface TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) is upregulated on NK cells after coincubation with slanDCs. IL‐12 secreted by slanDCs increases surface expression of TNFR2 in NK cells. TNFR2 signaling in NK cells leads to activation of NF‐kB, a transcription factor for cytokines such as GM‐CSF. GM‐CSF provided by NK cells is responsible for enhancing IL‐12 secretion in slanDCs. In conclusion, TNFR2 and IL‐12 signaling, which support one another, enables slanDCs to enhance NK‐cell function through mTNF‐α, thereby regulating immune responses.
Ruthenium(II) Photosensitizers with Electron‐Rich Diarylamino‐Functionalized 2,2′‐Bipyridines and Their Application in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Qiwei , Wu Wenjun , Ho Cheuk‐Lam , Xue Liqin , Lin Zhenyang , Li Hua , Lo Yih Hsing , Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: September 2014

New ruthenium(II) photosensitizers [Ru(dcbpy)(L)(NCS)2] (dcbpy = 4,4′‐dicarboxylic acid‐2,2′‐bipyridine; L = 4,4′‐bis{di[4‐(N,N′‐dimethylamino)phenyl]amino}‐2,2′‐bipyridine (1), 4,4′‐bis[di(4‐methoxyphenyl)amino]‐2,2′‐bipyridine (2), and 4,4′‐bis[di(4‐tolyl)amino]‐2,2′‐bipyridine (3)) were prepared and characterized and their application in dye‐sensitized solar cells is presented. The optical absorption of these photosensitizers gives a peak at around 540 nm, which is very similar to that of the standard N719. The maximum incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency (IPCE) of 80.6 % was obtained for 3, which corresponded to a power conversion efficiency (η) of 5.68 % under standard air mass (AM) 1.5 sunlight (versus N719 at 6.76 %). Molecular cosensitization of 3 with an organic dye, QS‐DPP‐I, yielded higher η values up to 6 % relative to the cells based on individual photosensitizers, and the corresponding IPCE can reach 93.6 % at 549 nm. A preliminary stability test of the devices was also conducted.
Synthesis, Characterization of Some Ferrocenoyl Cysteine and Histidine Conjugates, and Their Interactions with Some Metal Ions
Authors: Han Guo‐Cheng , Ferranco Annaleizle , Feng Xiao‐Zhen , Chen Zhencheng , Kraatz Heinz‐Bernhard
Published: September 2014

The synthesis and characterization of a series of 1,n′‐disubstituted ferrocenoyl cysteine and histidine conjugates is reported. Their interaction with a range of metal ions was studied. The results show that metal coordination in His‐containing peptides involved the imidazole group. Metal coordination affects the structural properties of the ferrocene (Fc) conjugates, as judged by CD spectroscopy, and also the redox properties of the Fc group.
Reactivity of a Seven‐Membered Zirconacyclocumulene towards CN Multiple Bonds – Formation of Metallaheterocycles by Insertion of C≡N and C=N Groups
Authors: Burlakov Vladimir V. , Becker Lisanne , Bogdanov Vyacheslav S. , Andreev Maxim V. , Arndt Perdita , Spannenberg Anke , Baumann Wolfgang , Rosenthal Uwe
Published: September 2014

The reactions of the seven‐membered zirconacyclocumulene [Cp2Zr{η4‐Me3SiC4(SiMe3)–C(C2SiMe3)=CSiMe3}] (1) with nitriles (RC≡N, R = Me, Ph) started with an insertion of a cyanide group into the metal–butadiyne bond followed by an alkyne–nitrile coupling and formation of 1‐zircona‐2‐azacyclopenta‐2,4‐dienes. The reaction product for R = Me is stabilized by dimerization to give a compound containing a four‐membered –N–Zr–N–Zr– ring and two identical five‐membered 1‐metalla‐2‐aza‐cyclopentadiene rings. In case of R = Ph, a metallacycle could not be isolated, and a pyrimidine was formed. The catalytic potential of this reaction was investigated. For PhN=C(H)Ph, again after insertion and coupling, a corresponding 1‐zircona‐2‐azacyclopenta‐4‐ene was established. The reaction of this compound with carbon dioxide led to ring expansion and formation of a seven‐membered product, which released CO2 at higher temperature and to give back the reactant. The above‐mentioned products were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis.
Designing Near‐Infrared and Visible Light Emitters by Postsynthetic Modification of Ln+3–IRMOF‐3
Authors: Abdelhameed Reda M. , Carlos Luis D. , Rabu P. , Santos Sérgio M. , Silva Artur M. S. , Rocha João
Published: September 2014

The postsynthetic modification of metal–organic frameworks is a promising new route for engineering optical centres and tuning the light emission properties of materials. Here, the postsynthetic modification of isoreticular metal–organic framework‐3 (IRMOF‐3) with ethyl oxalyl monochloride and ethyl acetoacetate followed by the chelation of trivalent lanthanide ions afforded efficient near‐infrared (Nd3+) and visible (Eu3+ and Tb3+) light emitters. IRMOF‐3 was used as an example owing to its highly porous crystalline structure and the presence of non‐coordinating amino groups on the benzenedicarboxylate (bdc) linker, which are amenable to modification. The conversion of the amino groups was 100 and 65 % for ethyl oxalyl monochloride and ethyl acetoacetate, respectively. The materials were characterised by elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, optical and scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and solution (1H) and (13C) solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The solid‐state luminescence properties of Ln‐modified IRMOF‐3 were investigated at room temperature. The presence of the bdc aromatic ring, β‐diketonates and oxamate enhanced the Ln3+ sensitization through ligand‐to‐metal energy transfer. The magnetic behaviour of all compounds was further analysed. The spin–orbit coupling and zero‐field splitting parameters were evaluated by fitting the experimental magnetic susceptibility to the analytical expressions for the free Ln3+ ions.
Diffusion‐Ordered Spectroscopy and Saturation Transfer Difference NMR Spectroscopy Studies of Selective Interactions between ELAV Protein Fragments and an mRNA Target
Authors: Vasile Francesca , Rossi Daniela , Collina Simona , Potenza Donatella
Published: September 2014

Recently, the crucial role of post‐transcriptional processes in the control of gene expression opened a new fascinating route to the translation of basic mechanisms into clinical medicine. In this contest, Embryonic Lethal Abnormal Vision (ELAV) proteins represent a family of well‐characterized proteins that bind mRNA molecules and affect their fate and, thus, the amount of corresponding proteins. Interestingly, preliminary data bode well that the ELAV‐mediated mRNA stabilization is a mechanism relevant to Alzheimer's disease. Herein, we report the analysis of four ELAV‐derived peptides (P1–P4) belonging to the RNA recognition motif of ELAV proteins in the presence of an mRNA fragment from tumor necrosis factor α. Advanced NMR techniques were used to gain insights into the interaction mechanism. Saturation transfer difference and diffusion‐ordered NMR spectroscopy experiments showed that appropriate mixtures of peptides (and not each peptide individually) bind effectively to the biological target. The diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) technique was applied here for the first time to the study of mRNA–peptides complexes. For each peptide, the 3D structure was also determined by NOE analysis supported by molecular dynamics simulations.
Evaluation of the in vivo mutagenicity of isopropyl methanesulfonate in acute and 28‐day studies
Authors: Coffing Stephanie L. , Kenyon Michelle O. , Ackerman Joel I. , Shutsky Thomas J. , Dobo Krista L.
Published: September 2014

Understanding the mutagenic dose response could prove beneficial in the management of pharmaceutically relevant impurities. For most alkyl ester impurities, such as isopropyl methanesulfonate (IPMS), little in vivo mutagenicity data exist for dose analysis. The likelihood of a sublinear dose response for IPMS was assessed by comparing the Swain Scott constant, the SN1/SN2 reaction mechanism and the O6:N7 guanine adduct ratio to that of more well‐known alkyl esters. Based on available information, IPMS was predicted to have a mutagenic profile most like ethyl nitrosourea. To test this hypothesis, mature male Wistar Han rats were administered IPMS using acute (single administration at 3.5 to 56 mg/kg) or subchronic (28 days at 0.125 to 2 mg/kg/day) exposures. The in vivo Pig‐a mutation assay was used to identify mutant phenotype reticulocyte (Ret) and red blood cell (RBC) populations. The maximum mutant response occurred approximately 15 and 28 days after the last dose administration in the mutant Ret and RBC populations respectively in the acute study and on Day 29 and 56 in the mutant Ret and RBC populations, respectively, in the subchronic study. A comparison of RBC mutant frequencies from acute and subchronic protocols suggests a sublinear response; however, this was not substantiated by statistical analysis. A No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) of 0.25 mg/kg/day resulted in a Permitted Daily Exposure equivalent to the Threshold of Toxicological Concern. An estimate of the NOEL based on the previously mentioned factors, in practice, would have pre‐empted further investigation of the potent mutagen IPMS. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:322–332, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk management at the Illinois Basin – Decatur Project: A FEPs‐based approach
Authors: Hnottavange‐Telleen Ken
Published: September 2014

Illinois Basin – Decatur Project (IBDP) evaluates risk as the potential for negative impact to five project values: health and safety, environment, financial, research, and industry stewardship. Goals include monitoring one million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) injected about 2,150 meters below the ground surface. Risk treatments address ways in which any project value is at risk: for example, monitoring is designed to narrow parameter uncertainties that are important for system control, research, and public assurance. This paper details the risk management approach undertaken by the IBDP. Although approaches taken by other geologic storage projects are not compared here, some aspects of this project's risk management approach are judged to have been more effective (comprehensiveness; contribution to early‐project organization), and some less effective (execution efficiency and information management). IBDP initially evaluated risk related to 123 Features, Events, and Processes (FEPs). Higher‐risk FEPs provided the basis for writing 88 scenarios, which are the critical entities whose associated risks are tracked and treated. Individuals are assigned to organize and to confirm the execution of risk treatments. Maintaining risk at acceptable levels is a key aspect of performance management. In concept, risk is re‐evaluated before significant new activities and decision points, and after significant new information is received. In practice, project workers are charged to maintain everyday awareness of risk levels in the scenarios already identified, and to be vigilant for the emergence of new risk‐bearing scenarios.

Coordinating the activities of multiple organizations presents special risks and challenges. For IBDP, the first risk workshop was a central element in the project kickoff meeting, initiating a risk management process whose application has been a key aspect of project success. Integrated risk management has influenced activities within all IBDP partner organizations, shaped internal and external communications, and contributed to smooth operation of the project's physical components.
Development and implementation of a seismic characterization and CO2 monitoring program for the Illinois Basin – Decatur Project
Authors: Couëslan Marcia L. , Smith Valerie , El‐Kaseeh George , Gilbert John , Preece Nikolas , Zhang Lei , Gulati Jitendra
Published: September 2014

The Illinois Basin – Decatur Project (IBDP) is a carbon capture and storage (CCS) project that is located at the Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Company's corn processing plant in Decatur, Illinois. The IBDP has an extensive seismic program that was designed to meet site characterization and monitoring objectives that includes two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) surface seismic data, time‐lapse 3D vertical seismic profiles (VSPs), and microseismic monitoring. As little deep subsurface data was available within a 20‐mile (32‐km) radius of site, the surface seismic surveys have been important to the site characterization objectives for the project. Through seismic inversion analysis, rock properties such as density, porosity, and rock lithology were derived from the surface seismic data and incorporated into the geologic and geomechanical models for the project. Time‐lapse 3D VSPs are acquired with a permanent geophone array in Geophysical Monitoring Well #1 (GM1). Carbon dioxide (CO2) injection commenced in November 2012, and the first monitor survey was acquired in February 2012 after approximately 70 000 tonnes of CO2 had been injected. While this is a small volume of CO2 to detect seismically, anomalies were identified that may be suggestive of CO2 movement in the Mt Simon Sandstone at the depth of injection. Microseismic activity has been monitored using the geophone array in GM1 and two deep geophones installed in the Injection well (CCS1). A comparison of the different operation parameters with microseismic activity shows a correlation between microseismicity and pressure changes in the formation.
Litho‐facies and reservoir characterization of the Mt Simon Sandstone at the Illinois Basin – Decatur Project
Authors: Leetaru Hannes E. , Freiburg Jared T.
Published: September 2014

The Illinois Basin – Decatur Project (IBDP) is a large‐scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration project managed by the Midwest Geologic Sequestration Consortium (MGSC). The IBDP is injecting 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in the Upper Cambrian Mt Simon Sandstone over three years at a rate of 1000 tonnes per day. The Mt Simon Sandstone can be subdivided into three major units with different geologic and diagenetic histories that have a profound effect on reservoir quality. At the IBDP site, the top of the Mt Simon Sandstone is overlain by 100 m (300 ft) of tight silt and shale in the Eau Claire Formation that forms the primary seal that prevents possible migration of CO2 into the overlying strata. Below the Mt Simon Sandstone is a Pre‐Mt Simon interval that is characterized by its poor reservoir quality. The Pre‐Cambrian basement at this site is composed of rhyolite. Three‐dimensional seismic reflection data from the IBDP suggests that as much as 61 m (200 ft) of local Pre‐Cambrian topographic relief is present in the study area. The Mt Simon Sandstone appears to thin over topographic high areas and thicken in the valleys. At the IBDP, the best reservoir quality rocks are in the lowermost Mt Simon Sandstone where the average porosity is 22% and permeability is 200 mD, respectively. Regional mapping suggests that these Lower Mt Simon reservoirs are widespread within a basin that is centered just slightly north of the Illinois Basin depocenter.
Proton‐transfer‐reaction mass spectrometry for the study of the production of volatile compounds by bakery yeast starters
Authors: Makhoul Salim , Romano Andrea , Cappellin Luca , Spano Giuseppe , Capozzi Vittorio , Benozzi Elisabetta , Märk Tilmann D. , Aprea Eugenio , Gasperi Flavia , El‐Nakat Hanna , Guzzo Jean , Biasioli Franco
Published: September 2014

The aromatic impact of bakery yeast starters is currently receiving considerable attention. The flavor characteristics of the dough and the finished products are usually evaluated by gas chromatography and sensory analysis. The limit of both techniques resides in their low‐throughput character. In the present work, proton‐transfer‐reaction mass spectrometry (PTR‐MS), coupled to a time‐of‐flight mass analyzer, was employed, for the first time, to measure the volatile fractions of dough and bread, and to monitor Saccharomyces cerevisiae volatile production in a fermented food matrix. Leavening was performed on small‐scale (1 g) dough samples inoculated with different commercial yeast strains. The leavened doughs were then baked, and volatile profiles were determined during leavening and after baking. The experimental setup included a multifunctional autosampler, which permitted the follow‐up of the leavening process on a small scale with a typical throughput of 500 distinct data points in 16 h. The system allowed to pinpoint differences between starter yeast strains in terms of volatile emission kinetics, with repercussions on the final product (i.e. the corresponding micro‐loaves). This work demonstrates the applicability of PTR‐MS for the study of volatile organic compound production during bread‐making, for the automated and online real‐time monitoring of the leavening process, and for the characterization and selection of bakery yeast starters in view of their production of volatile compounds. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DART mass spectrometry for rapid screening and quantitative determination of cholesterol in egg pasta
Authors: Al‐Balaa Dania , Rajchl Aleš , Grégrová Adéla , Ševčík Rudolf , Čížková Helena
Published: September 2014

To ensure that egg‐containing products, such as dried eggs and egg pasta, conform to the technological and legislative requirements for egg content, methods are needed to determine the amount of cholesterol in such products. The conventional approach, direct saponification and hexane extraction followed by cholesterol determination by gas chromatography coupled to a flame ionization detector, is very time consuming. Therefore, we developed a rapid method on the basis of direct analysis in real time coupled to time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Samples were prepared simply by solvent extraction followed by extract filtration. The optimization of certain parameters, including the solvent used and direct analysis in real time ionization gas temperature, had a pronounced effect on the intensities of the produced ions, in particular, the molecular and dehydrated ions of cholesterol and its deuterated analog, cholesterol 2,2,3,4,4,6‐d6, which was used as an internal standard. For the developed method, limits of detection and quantification were 0.03 and 0.05 mg g−1, respectively. The results of the real samples were compared with those obtained using the conventional approach [limit of detection = 0.002 mg g−1 and limit of quantification = 0.05 mg g−1], and it was found that, although the results obtained using the conventional approach were more accurate, our developed method is much simpler and faster, where the time was dramatically reduced by 87% for executing a screening analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local manganese chloride treatment accelerates fracture healing in a rat model
Authors: Hreha Jeremy , Wey Aaron , Cunningham Catherine , Krell Ethan S. , Brietbart Eric A. , Paglia David N. , Montemurro Nicholas J. , Nguyen Daniel A. , Lee Yung‐Jae , Komlos Daniel , Lim Elisha , Benevenia Joseph , O'Connor J. Patrick , Lin Sheldon S.
Published: September 2014

This study investigated the effects of local delivery of manganese chloride (MnCl2), an insulin‐mimetic compound, upon fracture healing using a rat femoral fracture model. Mechanical testing, histomorphometry, and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess early and late parameters of fracture healing. At 4 weeks post‐fracture, maximum torque to failure was 70% higher (P < 0.05) and maximum torsional rigidity increased 133% (P < 0.05) in animals treated with 0.125 mg/kg MnCl2 compared to saline controls. Histological analysis of the fracture callus revealed percent new mineralized tissue was 17% higher (P < 0.05) at day 10. Immunohistochemical analysis of the 0.125 mg/kg MnCl2 treated group, compared to saline controls, showed a 379% increase in the density of VEGF‐C+ cells. In addition, compared to saline controls, the 0.125 mg/kg MnCl2 treated group showed a 233% and 150% increase in blood vessel density in the subperiosteal region at day 10 post‐fracture as assessed by detection of PECAM and smooth muscle α actin, respectively. The results suggest that local MnCl2 treatment accelerates fracture healing by increasing mechanical parameters via a potential mechanism of amplified early angiogenesis leading to increased osteogenesis. Therefore, local administration of MnCl2 is a potential therapeutic adjunct for fracture healing. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:122–130, 2015.
Timing of nimodipine therapy for the treatment of vocal fold paralysis
Authors: Sridharan Shaum S. , Rosen Clark A. , Smith Libby J. , Young VyVy N. , Munin Michael C.
Published: September 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To retrospectively determine optimal timing for initiation of nimodipine within a cohort of patients with acute vocal fold paralysis (VFP).

Study Design

Retrospective patient review.

Methods

Subjects were divided into three groups: initiation within 15 days postinjury (n = 19), between 15 and 30 days postinjury (n = 23), or greater than 30 days postinjury (n = 11).

Results

Fifty‐one patients (53 paralyzed vocal folds [VFs]) met entrance criteria and were offered and started off‐label nimodipine treatment. Thirty‐six of 53 VFs recovered purposeful motion (67.9%). There was no significant difference in the rate of VF recovery among patients who began nimodipine within 15 days (68.4%), patients who started nimodipine between 15 and 30 days (73.9%) of nerve injury (P = .1405), and patients who initiated nimodipine after 30 days postinjury (54.5%).

Conclusions

Nimodipine treatment for acute VFP yielded equal VF motion recovery rates regardless of when the medication was initiated. Time to recovery of motion was not different between groups studied.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 125:186–190, 2015
Prognostic value of hypoxia‐associated markers in advanced larynx and hypopharynx squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Bernstein Jonathan M. , Andrews Timothy D. , Slevin Nick J. , West Catharine M. L. , Homer Jarrod J.
Published: September 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the prognostic value of hypoxia‐associated markers carbonic anhydrase‐9 (CA‐9) and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) in advanced larynx and hypopharynx squamous cell carcinoma (SCCa) treated by organ preservation strategies.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Pretreatment CA‐9 and HIF‐1α expression, clinicopathologic data, and tumor volume were analyzed in a series of 114 patients with T3–4 SCCa larynx or hypopharynx treated by (chemo)radiation.

Results

Adverse prognostic factors for locoregional control were T4 classification (P = 0.008), and for disease‐specific survival were CA‐9 positivity (P = 0.039), T4 classification (P = 0.001), larger tumor volume (P = 0.004), N1–3 classification (P = 0.002), and pretreatment hemoglobin < 13.0 g/dl (P = 0.014). With increasing CA‐9 expression, there was a trend to increasing tumor recurrence (Ptrend = 0.009) and decreasing survival (Ptrend = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, independent variables were T4 classification (hazard ratio [HR] 13.54, P = 0.01) for locoregional failure, and CA‐9 positivity (HR = 8.02, P = 0.042) and higher tumor volume (HR = 3.33, P = 0.007) for disease‐specific mortality.

Conclusion

This is the first study to look specifically at T3 and T4 SCCa larynx and hypopharynx for a relationship between hypoxia‐associated marker expression and clinical outcome. Pretreatment immunohistochemical CA‐9 expression is an adverse prognostic factor for disease‐specific survival, indicating that CA‐9 expression may confer a more aggressive tumor phenotype.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:E8–E15, 2015
Dynamic nuclear polarization enhancement of protons and vanadium‐51 in the presence of pH‐dependent vanadyl radicals
Authors: Perez Linde Angel J. , Carnevale Diego , Miéville Pascal , Sienkiewicz Andrzej , Bodenhausen Geoffrey
Published: September 2014

We report applications of dynamic nuclear polarization to enhance proton and vanadium‐51 polarization of vanadyl sulfate samples doped with TOTAPOL under magic angle spinning conditions. The electron paramagnetic resonance response stemming from the paramagnetic 51V species was monitored as a function of pH, which can be adjusted to improve the enhancement of the proton polarization. By means of cross‐polarization from the proton bath, 51V spins could be hyperpolarized. Enhancement factors, build‐up times, and longitudinal relaxation times T1(1H) and T1(51V) were investigated as a function of pH. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3He NMR studies on helium–pyrrole, helium–indole, and helium–carbazole systems: a new tool for following chemistry of heterocyclic compounds
Authors: Radula‐Janik Klaudia , Kupka Teobald
Published: September 2014

The 3He nuclear magnetic shieldings were calculated for free helium atom and He–pyrrole, He–indole, and He–carbazole complexes. Several levels of theory, including Hartree–Fock (HF), Second‐order Møller‐Plesset Perturbation Theory (MP2), and Density Functional Theory (DFT) (VSXC, M062X, APFD, BHandHLYP, and mPW1PW91), combined with polarization‐consistent pcS‐2 and aug‐pcS‐2 basis sets were employed. Gauge‐including atomic orbital (GIAO) calculated 3He nuclear magnetic shieldings reproduced accurately previously reported theoretical values for helium gas. 3He nuclear magnetic shieldings and energy changes as result of single helium atom approaching to the five‐membered ring of pyrrole, indole, and carbazole were tested. It was observed that 3He NMR parameters of single helium atom, calculated at various levels of theory (HF, MP2, and DFT) are sensitive to the presence of heteroatomic rings. The helium atom was insensitive to the studied molecules at distances above 5 Å. Our results, obtained with BHandHLYP method, predicted fairly accurately the He–pyrrole plane separation of 3.15 Å (close to 3.24 Å, calculated by MP2) and yielded a sizable 3He NMR chemical shift (about −1.5 ppm). The changes of calculated nucleus‐independent chemical shifts (NICS) with the distance above the rings showed a very similar pattern to helium‐3 NMR chemical shift. The ring currents above the five‐membered rings were seen by helium magnetic probe to about 5 Å above the ring planes verified by the calculated NICS index. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MiR‐506 inhibits multiple targets in the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition network and is associated with good prognosis in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Sun Yan , Hu Limei , Zheng Hong , Bagnoli Marina , Guo Yuhong , Rupaimoole Rajesha , Rodriguez‐Aguayo Cristian , Lopez‐Berestein Gabriel , Ji Ping , Chen Kexin , Sood Anil K , Mezzanzanica Delia , Liu Jinsong , Sun Baocun , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2014

Extensive investigations have shown that miRNAs are important regulators of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), mainly targeting the transcriptional repressors of E‐cadherin (E‐cad). Less is known about the post‐transcriptional regulation of vimentin or N‐cadherin (N‐cad) in EMT. Our previous study identified miR‐506 as a key EMT inhibitor through directly targeting the E‐cad transcriptional repressor SNAI2. In this study, we provide evidence that miR‐506 simultaneously suppresses vimentin and N‐cad. The knockdown of vimentin using siRNA reversed EMT, suppressed cell migration and invasion, and increased E‐cad expression on the cell membrane in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells. In a set of tissue microarrays that included 204 EOCs of all major subtypes (eg serous, endometrioid, clear cell, and mucinous), miR‐506 was positively correlated with E‐cad and negatively correlated with vimentin and N‐cad in all subtypes of EOC. A high level of miR‐506 was positively associated with early FIGO stage and longer survival in EOC. Introduction of miR‐506, mediated by nanoparticle delivery, in EOC orthotopic mouse models resulted in decreased vimentin, N‐cad, and SNAI2 expression and increased E‐cad expression; it also suppressed the dissemination of EOC cells. Thus, miR‐506 represents a new class of miRNA that regulates both E‐cad and vimentin/N‐cad in the suppression of EMT and metastasis. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of polysulfone based on poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste
Authors: Tawfik M.E. , Tawfic M.L.
Published: September 2014

The recycling process of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) wastes is commercially important since it converts a waste material into a value‐added product and also helps to alleviate environmental pollution. PET waste was depolymerized in the presence of ethylene glycol and manganese acetate as a catalyst. Bis(hydroxyethyl terephthalate), (BHET) and other oligomers are predominately the glycolyzed products (GP). These GP products were reacted with a prepared dichlorodiphenylsulfone (DCDPS) in presence of dried potassium carbonate. Two polysulfones (A &B) with different number average molecular weights, 1787 and 3162 g/mol. were obtained, respectively. The chemical structures of the resulting two polysulfones were elucidated using 1HNMR and characterized by the known conventional analysis techniques (e.g. FTIR, GPC, DSC, TGA…). The prepared polysulfone (B) disclosed higher thermal stability with respect to the initial reactants. The originality of this study was derived from the use of waste materials to yield a product that has acceptable high thermal stability which provide many beneficial applications in various industrial fields. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1671–1678, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Non‐contact high precision alternative to Hg‐probe for dopant profiling in SiC
Authors: Czett Andor , Buday Csaba , Savtchouk Sasha , Marinskiy Dmitriy
Published: September 2014

The silicon carbide industry has been expanding in the recent years, producing a search for SiC non‐contact electrical characterization methods capable of replacing the commonly used Hg‐probe technique. In this work we present doping metrology based on the corona‐Kelvin method, which was originally developed and used for silicon IC dielectric and interface characterization. The method employs corona discharge in air to deposit precise doses of charge on the SiC surface. The corresponding depletion voltage is then measured with a Kelvin probe enabling non‐contact determination of the static charge‐voltage and capacitance‐voltage characteristics. The approach incorporates three novel elements: 1. corona charging of SiC to high depletion voltage with constant surface potential method; 2. the derivative charge‐voltage measurements for d(1/C2)/dV analysis and doping profiling; 3. surface charge neutralization with appropriate SiC illumination for repeated measurements. We demonstrate excellent repeatability and accuracy of the novel approach for n and p‐type SiC doping measurements in a range from 1014cm‐3 to mid 1018cm‐3 and excellent correlation with results obtained with mercury‐probe C‐V. Using multi‐layer epitaxial SiC structures, we further demonstrate the effectiveness of novel non‐contact depth profiling. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Oxygen gettering in low‐energy arsenic or antimony ion implanted Cz‐silicon
Authors: Oberemok O. , Kladko V. , Litovchenko V. , Romanyuk B. , Popov V. , Melnik V. , Vanhellemont J.
Published: September 2014

Low energy As or Sb ion implantation followed by furnace annealing was used to create ultra shallow junctions. It was found that a significant amount of oxygen was redistributed from the Si bulk to the As implanted layer leading even to an increase of the screening oxide film thickness. Using a marker layer created by implantation of 18O ions, it was confirmed that a large number of interstitial oxygen atoms are transferred from the bulk of the Si wafer to the wafer surface during implanted As activation annealing. Estimation of the O diffusivity in Si during the 950 °C activation anneal, yields a value of about 10–10 cm2 /s which is more than an order of magnitude larger than the literature value which is close to 7 × 10–12 cm2/s. In the case of Sb implantation, the oxygen gettering effect is much reduced. This difference in oxygen behavior can be attributed to the influence of mechanical stress in the near surface highly doped layer. The configuration of the mechanical stress field is different for the cases of As and Sb implantation, with tensile stress dominating for the latter. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The impact of electrical stimulation techniques on behavior
Authors: Antal Andrea , Ambrus Géza Gergely , Chaieb Leila
Published: September 2014

Low‐intensity transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) methods are a group of noninvasive brain stimulation techniques, whereby currents are applied with intensities typically ranging between 1 and 2 mA, through the human scalp. These techniques have been shown to induce changes in cortical excitability and activity during and after the stimulation in a reversible manner. They include transcranial direct current simulation (tDCS), transcranial alternating current simulation (tACS), and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS). Currently, an increasing number of studies have been published regarding the effects of tES on cognitive performance and behavior. Processes of learning and increases in cognitive performance are accompanied by changes in cortical plasticity. tES can impact upon these processes and is able to affect task execution. Many studies have been based on the accepted idea that by increasing cortical excitability (e.g., by applying anodal tDCS) or coherence of oscillatory activity (e.g., by applying tACS) an increase in performance should be detected; however, a number of studies now suggest that the basic knowledge of the mechanisms of action is insufficient to predict the outcome of applied stimulation on the execution of a cognitive or behavioral task, and so far no standard paradigms for increasing cortical plasticity changes during learning or cognitive tasks have been established. The aim of this review is to summarize recent findings with regard to the effects of tES on behavior concentrating on the motor and visual areas. WIREs Cogn Sci 2014, 5:649–659. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1319

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Memory

Psychology > Motor Skill and Performance

Neuroscience > Cognition
Hormonal therapy for non‐obstructive azoospermia: basic and clinical perspectives
Authors: Shiraishi Koji
Published: September 2014

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro‐TESE) combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection is a standard therapeutic option for patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Hormonal treatment has been believed to be ineffective for NOA because of high gonadotropin levels; however, several studies have stimulated spermatogenesis before or after micro‐TESE by using anti‐estrogens, aromatase inhibitors, and gonadotropins. These results remain controversial; however, it is obvious that some of the patients showed a distinct improvement in sperm retrieval by micro‐TESE, and sperm was observed in the ejaculates of a small number of NOA patients. One potential way to improve spermatogenesis is by optimizing the intratesticular testosterone (ITT) levels. ITT has been shown to be increased after hCG‐based hormonal therapy. The androgen receptor that is located on Sertoli cells plays a major role in spermatogenesis, and other hormonal and non‐hormonal factors may also be involved. Before establishing a new hormonal treatment protocol to stimulate spermatogenesis in NOA patients, further basic investigations regarding the pathophysiology of spermatogenic impairment are needed. Gaining a better understanding of this issue will allow us to tailor a specific treatment for each patient.
Heat shock preconditioning protects against ER stress‐induced apoptosis through the regulation of the BH3‐only protein BIM
Authors: Kennedy Donna , Mnich Katarzyna , Samali Afshin
Published: September 2014

A mild heat shock (HS) preconditioning and acquisition of thermotolerance protects cells against a variety of cytotoxic agents that otherwise induce apoptosis. Here we tested whether there is a molecular link between HS preconditioning and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐induced apoptosis. ER stress results from a loss of ER lumen homeostasis, culminating in an accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins in the ER and activation of unfolded protein response (UPR). Unresolved, ER stress leads to activation of BH3‐only proteins, mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, caspase activation and apoptotic cell death. HS preconditioning (1 h at 42 °C) induced a rapid increase in HSPA1 (HSP70) levels which remained elevated for at least 48 h post‐HS. HS preconditioning significantly reduced BAX, caspase activation and apoptosis in cell cultures treated with the ER stress‐inducing agents thapsigargin (TG) and tunicamycin (TM). HS‐mediated protection was found to be due to regulation of the BH3‐only protein BIM. Further, overexpression of HSPA1 could not mimic the effect of HS on BIM expression, suggesting that other HS factors may play a role in inhibiting ER stress‐induced apoptosis by regulating BIM.
Influence of microglial activation on neuronal function in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease dementia
Authors: Fan Zhen , Aman Yahyah , Ahmed Imtiaz , Chetelat Gaël , Landeau Brigitte , Ray Chaudhuri K. , Brooks David J. , Edison Paul
Published: September 2014

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the two common neurodegenerative diseases characterized by progressive neuronal dysfunction in the presence of pathological microglial activation.

Methods

10 AD, 10 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 11 PD dementia (PDD), and 16 controls underwent magnetic resonance imaging, [11C](R)PK11195 (1‐[2‐chlorophenyl]‐N‐methyl‐N‐[1‐methyl‐propyl]‐3‐isoquinoline carboxamide), [11C]PIB (11C‐Pittsburgh compound B), [18F]FDG‐PET (18F‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography) scans. Parametric images were interrogated using region of interest (ROI), biological parametric mapping (BPM) and statistical parametric mapping analysis, and neuropsychometric tests.

Results

Using BPM analysis, AD, MCI, and PDD subjects demonstrated significant correlation between increased microglial activation and reduced glucose metabolism (rCMRGlc). AD and MCI subjects also showed significant positive correlation between amyloid and microglial activation. Levels of cortical microglial activation were negatively correlated with Mini‐Mental State Examination in both AD and PDD.

Conclusion

The significant inverse correlations between cortical levels of microglial activation and rCMRGlc in AD and PDD suggest cortical neuroinflammation may drive neuronal dysfunction in these dementias.