bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalytic Conversion of Cellulose into Levulinic Acid by a Sulfonated Chloromethyl Polystyrene Solid Acid Catalyst
Authors: Zuo Yong , Zhang Ying , Fu Yao
Published: February 2014

A novel solid acid catalyst, sulfonated chloromethyl polystyrene (CP) resin (CP‐SO3H‐1.69), was synthesized by partially substituting chlorine groups (Cl) of CP resin with sulfonic group(SO3H). This new type solid acid contains not only acid sites, but also cellulose‐binding sites (Cl). A high yield of levulinic acid up to 65.5 % was obtained by converting microcrystalline cellulose over CP‐SO3H‐1.69. The high catalytic activity of CP‐SO3H‐1.69 was attributed to high amount of sulfonic group and chlorine on the catalyst, which is essential to keep the catalyst with great affinity to substrate.
Nanoscale Structuring in Au–Ni Films Grown by Electrochemical Underpotential Co‐deposition
Authors: Liang Defu , Rajput Parasmani , Zegenhagen Jorg , Zangari Giovanni
Published: February 2014

Nanoscale phase separation is a simple but powerful method for the self‐assembly of nanostructures, which enables properties to be tuned by tailoring the phase composition, size, and topology of the structures. We demonstrate, contrary to thermodynamic predictions, the spontaneous nanoscale phase separation of Au–Ni alloy films, grown by electrochemical underpotential deposition of Ni onto a surface constantly renewed by the ongoing reduction of Au at overpotential. Strain‐energy relaxation during film growth, in combination with the net attractive interaction between Au and Ni atoms, results in the dynamic formation of a nanoscale alloy structure, consisting of Au‐rich grains of about 5 nm in size surrounded by relatively thick (2–3 nm) Ni‐rich grain boundaries. The estimated cohesive energy of such alloy configurations is stronger than that of the phase‐separated mixture, suggesting the formation of an unexpected local equilibrium configuration for the Au–Ni binary system, stabilized by the grain nanosize and the high density of grain boundaries.
Ist Kaffeetrinken gesund?
Authors: Richling Elke , Habermeyer Michael
Published: February 2014

Bei Kaffee handelt es sich um ein vielfach täglich verzehrtes Lebensmittel mit präventiven Eigenschaften. Bis zum heutigen Zeitpunkt konnten in Kaffee über 1000 Inhaltsstoffe identifiziert werden. Insgesamt kann bei moderatem Kaffeekonsum (3–4 Tassen pro Tag) von einem gesundheitsfördernden Aspekt ausgegangen werden. Ein positiver Zusammenhang zwischen dem Verzehr von Kaffee konnte für Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 und Parkinson festgestellt werden. Im Allgemeinen ist das Krebsrisiko nicht erhöht. Bei manchen Krebsarten war eine Reduzierung des Risikos feststellbar. Trotz des Vorkommens von Kontaminanten in Kaffee ist insgesamt von einer positiven Wirkung dieses populären Getränkes auf den menschlichen Organismus auszugehen.
Das Kräuterbuch des Eucharius Rösslin
Authors: Karzel Simon
Published: February 2014

Das Hohenlohe‐Zentralarchiv in Neuenstein verwahrt zahlreiche naturwissenschaftliche Werke aus den einzelnen Bibliotheken der Familie Hohenlohe, darunter auch das Kreuterbuoch von aller Kreuter / Gethier / Gesteine und Metal / Natur / nutz unnd gebrauch. Mitt aller derenn leblicher Abconterfeytunge.
Aptamersensoren für kontinuierliche Bluttests
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: February 2014

Biosensoren auf der Grundlage von Strukturveränderungen in DNA‐Molekülen wurden bereits 2005 entwickelt. Erst jetzt gelang es allerdings, sie mit unbehandeltem Blut einzusetzen. Sogar die kontinuierliche Überwachung von Wirkstoffkonzentrationen im Blut ist jetzt möglich.
Flüssigkristalle
Authors: Harrer Roswitha
Published: February 2014

Jeder, der diesen Artikel nicht gedruckt, sondern auf einem wie auch immer gearteten Flachbildschirm liest, blickt unvermeidlich auf ein chemisches Produkt, das die Bildschirmtechnologie vollkommen umgekrempelt hat. Flüssigkristalle sind derzeit das Zentrum praktisch aller elektronischen Anzeigen. Ganz unbescheiden kann man daher sagen: Flüssigkristalle tun gut.
Süß aus Pflanze: Stevia
Authors: Harrer Roswitha
Published: February 2014

Die einen müssen, die anderen wollen ihren Geschmacksinn betrügen und nicht Saccharose, sondern kalorienfreie Süßungsmittel genießen. Mit Steviolgycosid, einem kalorienfreien, karieshemmenden natürlichen Süßstoff, haben wir künftig die Qual der Wahl: naturbelassen als Pflanzenextrakt oder extrem preisgünstig hergestellt aus genmanipulierter Hefe.
cGAMP‐Synthase als Sensor für invasive DNA
Authors: Hille‐Rehfeld Annette
Published: February 2014

Zyklische Dinucleotide, bei denen zwei Riboseeinheiten durch Phosphodiesterbindungen ringförmig verbunden sind, galten lange Zeit als Besonderheit der Prokaryoten. Doch auch bei Eukaryoten sind sie Komponenten der Signaltransduktion und leisten einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Pathogenabwehr.
Aqueous Bromate Reduction by UV Activation of Sulfite
Authors: Liu Xiaowei , Zhang Tuqiao , Shao Yu
Published: February 2014

Photoactivation of SO32− with UV (254 nm) irradiation was adopted to generate the hydrated electron‐based advanced reduction process, which was used to degrade BrO3− in water. The second‐order reaction rate constant of BrO3− with hydrated electron was determined, and the effects of operational parameters (dosage of SO32−, solution pH, HCO3−, humic acids (HA), and dissolved oxygen (DO)) were evaluated. The transformation intermediates of BrO3− and SO32− were identified and mass balances of bromine and sulfur were checked. Results showed a positive correlation between the removal efficiency of BrO3− and dosage of SO32− (0.5–2.0 mM). Increasing the solution pH from 5 to 9 promoted elimination of BrO3− because of the pH‐dependent effect of SO32− photoactivity, whereas further increasing the pH from 9 to 10 caused no further enhancement. In addition, 1–4 mM HCO3− exerted about 5% inhibition on BrO3− destruction, indicating that HCO3− is a weak inhibitor. The presence of 1.5–4.0 mg L−1 HA deteriorated BrO3− degradation, while depletion of DO by N2 bubbling benefitted BrO3− removal. The balances of bromine and sulfur denoted that the final transformation products of BrO3− and SO32− were harmless SO42−, bromide, and minor dithionate.
High control rate in patients with chondrosarcoma of the skull base after carbon ion therapy: First report of long‐term results
Authors: Uhl Matthias , Mattke Matthias , Welzel Thomas , Oelmann Jan , Habl Gregor , Jensen Alexandra D. , Ellerbrock Malte , Haberer Thomas , Herfarth Klaus K. , Debus Jürgen
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND

The current study was performed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of irradiation with carbon ions using raster scanning as well as prognostic factors in patients with skull base chondrosarcomas.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2008, 79 patients with chondrosarcoma of the skull base were treated using carbon ions in raster scanning. The applied median total dose was 60 gray equivalent (GyE) at 3 GyE per fraction. Local control and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Long‐term toxicity was quantitatively assessed using questionnaires.

RESULTS

The median follow‐up after irradiation was 91 months (range, 3 months‐175 months). Within the follow‐up, 10 patients developed local disease recurrence. The 3‐year, 5‐year, and 10‐year local control rates were 95.9%, 88%, and 88%, respectively; the corresponding OS rates were 96.1%, 96.1%, and 78.9%, respectively. With a median follow‐up of 110 months after first diagnosis, the corresponding 3‐year, 5‐year, and 10‐year OS rates were 97.5%, 97.5%, and 91.5%, respectively. Age ≤ 45 years and boost volume ≤ 55 mL were associated with significantly better local control rates. We observed a clinically relevant improvement in cranial nerve deficits 7 to 10 years after treatment (range, 45.5%‐53.3%) compared with the baseline (73.4%). During follow‐up, none of the patients in the current study developed a secondary malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Carbon ion therapy is a safe and effective treatment in patients with chondrosarcoma of the skull base. For further evaluation, a prospective randomized phase 3 trial comparing protons versus carbon ions has been recruiting patients with low‐grade and intermediate‐grade chondrosarcoma of the skull base since 2009. Cancer 2014;120:1579–1585. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Insights into Adhesion Biology Using Single‐Molecule Localization Microscopy
Authors: Tabarin Thibault , Pageon Sophie V. , Bach Cuc T. T. , Lu Yong , O'Neill Geraldine M. , Gooding J. Justin , Gaus Katharina
Published: February 2014

Focal adhesions are complex multi‐protein structures that mediate cell adhesion and cell migration in multicellular organisms. Most of the protein components involved in focal adhesion formation have been identified, but a major challenge remains: determination of the spatial and temporal dynamics of adhesion proteins in order to understand the molecular mechanisms of adhesion assembly, maturation, signal regulation, and disassembly. Progress in this field has been hampered by the limited resolution of fluorescence microscopy. Recent advances have led to the development of super‐resolution techniques including single‐molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). Here, we discuss how the application of these techniques has revealed important new insights into focal adhesion structure and dynamics, including the first description of the three‐dimensional nano‐architecture of focal adhesions and of the dynamic exchange of integrins in focal adhesions. Hence, SMLM has contributed to the refinement of existing models of adhesions as well as the establishment of novel models, thereby opening new research directions. With current improvements in SMLM instrumentation and analysis, it has become possible to study cellular adhesions at the single‐molecule level.
End‐to‐end mobility support in content centric networks
Authors: Kim Do‐hyung , Kim Jong‐hwan , Kim Yu‐sung , Yoon Hyun‐soo , Yeom Ikjun
Published: February 2014

Content‐centric networking (CCN) has been recently proposed as an alternative to traditional IP‐based networking. In CCN, content is accessed by content name instead of a host identifier (locational identifier). This new type of access methodology rapidly and efficiently disseminates content in combination with the in‐network caching mechanism. For practical use of CCN, many network properties studied in IP‐based networking are being revisited, and new types of CCN architecture components are being designed. Although mobility is an essential aspect of the future networking system, it has not been sufficiently studied. We therefore address fundamental mobility issues, such as seamless handover, optimal access point selection, network mobility, and handling of persistent interests. In addition, for each issue, we propose practical solutions that efficiently align to a CCN environment. To ensure seamless handoff, we propose various handoff schemes and compare their performance in terms of handoff latency using packet‐level simulation. Because our proposed schemes are consistent with the characteristics and rules of CCN, we believe that they can easily be integrated as a part of CCN. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TLR2 engagement on CD4+ T cells enhances effector functions and protective responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Reba Scott M. , Li Qing , Onwuzulike Sophia , Ding Xuedong , Karim Ahmad F. , Hernandez Yeritza , Fulton Scott A. , Harding Clifford V. , Lancioni Christina L. , Nagy Nancy , Rodriguez Myriam E. , Wearsch Pamela A. , Rojas Roxana E.
Published: February 2014

We have previously demonstrated that mycobacterial lipoproteins engage TLR2 on human CD4+ T cells and upregulate TCR‐triggered IFN‐γ secretion and cell proliferation in vitro. Here we examined the role of CD4+ T‐cell‐expressed TLR2 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) Ag‐specific T‐cell priming and in protection against MTB infection in vivo. Like their human counterparts, mouse CD4+ T cells express TLR2 and respond to TLR2 costimulation in vitro. This Th1‐like response was observed in the context of both polyclonal and Ag‐specific TCR stimulation. To evaluate the role of T‐cell TLR2 in priming of CD4+ T cells in vivo, naive MTB Ag85B‐specific TCR transgenic CD4+ T cells (P25 TCR‐Tg) were adoptively transferred into Tlr2−/− recipient C57BL/6 mice that were then immunized with Ag85B and with or without TLR2 ligand Pam3Cys‐SKKKK. TLR2 engagement during priming resulted in increased numbers of IFN‐γ‐secreting P25 TCR‐Tg T cells 1 week after immunization. P25 TCR‐Tg T cells stimulated in vitro via TCR and TLR2 conferred more protection than T cells stimulated via TCR alone when adoptively transferred before MTB infection. Our findings indicate that TLR2 engagement on CD4+ T cells increases MTB Ag‐specific responses and may contribute to protection against MTB infection.
Relationship of hepatitis C virus infection with diabetes in the U.S. population
Authors: Ruhl Constance E. , Menke Andy , Cowie Catherine C. , Everhart James E.
Published: February 2014

An association of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with diabetes has been reported in many studies, but few have been population based and applied standard criteria for diabetes diagnosis. We examined this relationship using recent population-based data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Adult participants (15,128) in the 1999–2010 surveys had data on diabetes status and serum HCV antibody (anti-HCV) or HCV RNA. Using American Diabetes Association criteria, diabetes was defined as a health care provider diagnosis, serum hemoglobin A1C (A1C) ≥6.5%, or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥126 mg/dL, prediabetes as A1C 5.7%-<6.5% or FPG 100-<126 mg/dL, and normal glucose as A1C <5.7% and FPG <100 mg/dL. Odds ratios (ORs) for diabetes and prediabetes, comparing persons with HCV infection to those without, were adjusted for demographics, BMI, C-reactive protein, smoking, drinking, and blood transfusion before 1992. Among participants without diabetes, we compared mean insulin resistance (IR), estimated using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), by HCV status. The overall prevalence of anti-HCV+ was 1.7%, of HCV RNA+ 1.1%, of diabetes 10.5%, and of prediabetes 32.8%. The prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes did not differ by HCV status. In multivariate-adjusted analysis, diabetes remained unassociated with anti-HCV (OR, 1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6–1.7) or with HCV RNA (OR, 1.1; 95% CI: 0.6–1.9). In contrast, elevated alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyltransferase activities were associated with diabetes regardless of HCV status. HOMA-IR was not associated with HCV markers in unadjusted or multivariate-adjusted analyses (P > 0.05). Conclusion: In the U.S. population, HCV was not associated with diabetes or with IR among persons with normal glucose. Previously reported relationships of HCV with diabetes were possibly attributable to the effect of elevated liver enzymes. (Hepatology 2014;60:1139–1149)
All-Oral Combination of Ledipasvir, Vedroprevir, Tegobuvir, and Ribavirin in Treatment-Naïve Patients With Genotype 1 HCV Infection
Authors: Wyles David L. , Rodriguez-Torres Maribel , Lawitz Eric , Shiffman Mitchell L. , Pol Stanislas , Herring Robert W. , Massetto Benedetta , Kanwar Bittoo , Trenkle James D. , Pang Phil S. , Zhu Yanni , Mo Hongmei , Brainard Diana M. , Subramanian Mani G. , McHutchison John G. , Habersetzer François , Sulkowski Mark S.
Published: February 2014

This phase II trial assessed the efficacy and safety of a combination regimen of the nonstructural protein (NS)5A inhibitor ledipasvir (LDV), NS3 protease inhibitor vedroprevir (VDV), non-nucleoside NS5B inhibitor tegobuvir (TGV), and ribavirin (RBV) in treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 without cirrhosis. Patients were randomized 1:2 to LDV 30 mg once daily (QD; Arm 1; n = 46) or LDV 90 mg QD (Arm 2; n = 94); patients in both arms also received VDV 200 mg QD, TGV 30 mg twice-daily, and RBV 1,000-1,200 mg/day. Patients in Arm 2 with vRVR, defined as HCV RNA below the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) from treatment weeks 2 to 10, were randomized 1:1 to stop treatment at 12 weeks or continue for 24 weeks. Sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12) was higher in patients receiving 90 mg of LDV for 24 weeks (63%), compared with LDV 90 mg for 12 weeks (54%) and LDV 30 mg for 24 weeks (48%). In patients with very rapid virologic response (vRVR) in Arm 2, SVR12 was achieved by 68% and 81% of patients treated for 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. Virologic breakthrough was more common in patients with HCV genotype 1a and was associated with resistance-associated variants for all three direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs); however, in all but 1 patient who relapsed, resistance-associated variants directed against only one or two of the DAAs were detected. The most common adverse events were fatigue, headache, nausea, rash, and diarrhea.

Conclusion :

In patients with HCV genotype 1, an interferon-free regimen containing LDV/VDV/TGV/RBV was well tolerated and led to SVR12 in up to 63% of patients. LDV 90 mg is currently being investigated in combination with the nucleotide polymerase inhibitor, sofosbuvir. (Hepatology 2014;60:56–64)
Genome‐wide DNA methylation patterns in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma reveal epigenetic deregulation of SLIT‐ROBO, ITGA2 and MET signaling
Authors: Nones Katia , Waddell Nic , Song Sarah , Patch Ann‐Marie , Miller David , Johns Amber , Wu Jianmin , Kassahn Karin S. , Wood David , Bailey Peter , Fink Lynn , Manning Suzanne , Christ Angelika N. , Nourse Craig , Kazakoff Stephen , Taylor Darrin , Leonard Conrad , Chang David K. , Jones Marc D. , Thomas Michelle , Watson Clare , Pinese Mark , Cowley Mark , Rooman Ilse , Pajic Marina ,   APGI, Butturini Giovanni , Malpaga Anna , Corbo Vincenzo , Crippa Stefano , Falconi Massimo , Zamboni Giuseppe , Castelli Paola , Lawlor Rita T. , Gill Anthony J. , Scarpa Aldo , Pearson John V. , Biankin Andrew V. , Grimmond Sean M.
Published: February 2014

The importance of epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation in tumorigenesis is increasingly being appreciated. To define the genome‐wide pattern of DNA methylation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC), we captured the methylation profiles of 167 untreated resected PDACs and compared them to a panel of 29 adjacent nontransformed pancreata using high‐density arrays. A total of 11,634 CpG sites associated with 3,522 genes were significantly differentially methylated (DM) in PDAC and were capable of segregating PDAC from non‐malignant pancreas, regardless of tumor cellularity. As expected, PDAC hypermethylation was most prevalent in the 5′ region of genes (including the proximal promoter, 5′UTR and CpG islands). Approximately 33% DM genes showed significant inverse correlation with mRNA expression levels. Pathway analysis revealed an enrichment of aberrantly methylated genes involved in key molecular mechanisms important to PDAC: TGF‐β, WNT, integrin signaling, cell adhesion, stellate cell activation and axon guidance. Given the recent discovery that SLIT‐ROBO mutations play a clinically important role in PDAC, the role of epigenetic perturbation of axon guidance was pursued in more detail. Bisulfite amplicon deep sequencing and qRT‐PCR expression analyses confirmed recurrent perturbation of axon guidance pathway genes SLIT2, SLIT3, ROBO1, ROBO3, ITGA2 and MET and suggests epigenetic suppression of SLIT‐ROBO signaling and up‐regulation of MET and ITGA2 expression. Hypomethylation of MET and ITGA2 correlated with high gene expression, which was associated with poor survival. These data suggest that aberrant methylation plays an important role in pancreatic carcinogenesis affecting core signaling pathways with potential implications for the disease pathophysiology and therapy.
Towards the design of novel boron‐ and nitrogen‐substituted ammonia‐borane and bifunctional arene ruthenium catalysts for hydrogen storage
Authors: Bandaru Sateesh , English Niall J. , Phillips Andrew D. , MacElroy J.M.D.
Published: February 2014

Electronic‐structure density functional theory calculations have been performed to construct the potential energy surface for H2 release from ammonia‐borane, with a novel bifunctional cationic ruthenium catalyst based on the sterically bulky β‐diketiminato ligand (Schreiber et al., ACS Catal. 2012, 2, 2505). The focus is on identifying both a suitable substitution pattern for ammonia‐borane optimized for chemical hydrogen storage and allowing for low‐energy dehydrogenation. The interaction of ammonia‐borane, and related substituted ammonia‐boranes, with a bifunctional η6‐arene ruthenium catalyst and associated variants is investigated for dehydrogenation. Interestingly, in a number of cases, hydride‐proton transfer from the substituted ammonia‐borane to the catalyst undergoes a barrier‐less process in the gas phase, with rapid formation of hydrogenated catalyst in the gas phase. Amongst the catalysts considered, N,N‐difluoro ammonia‐borane and N‐phenyl ammonia‐borane systems resulted in negative activation energy barriers. However, these types of ammonia‐boranes are inherently thermodynamically unstable and undergo barrierless decay in the gas phase. Apart from N,N‐difluoro ammonia‐borane, the interaction between different types of catalyst and ammonia borane was modeled in the solvent phase, revealing free‐energy barriers slightly higher than those in the gas phase. Amongst the various potential candidate Ru‐complexes screened, few are found to differ in terms of efficiency for the dehydrogenation (rate‐limiting) step. To model dehydrogenation more accurately, a selection of explicit protic solvent molecules was considered, with the goal of lowering energy barriers for H‐H recombination. It was found that primary (1°), 2°, and 3° alcohols are the most suitable to enhance reaction rate. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Feasibility of using 3D MR elastography to determine pancreatic stiffness in healthy volunteers
Authors: Shi Yu , Glaser Kevin J. , Venkatesh Sudhakar K. , Ben‐Abraham Ephraim I. , Ehman Richard L.
Published: February 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of using three‐dimensional (3D) MR elastography (MRE) to determine the stiffness of the pancreas in healthy volunteers.

Materials and Methods

Twenty healthy volunteers underwent 1.5 Tesla MRE exams using an accelerated echo planar imaging (EPI) pulse sequence with low‐frequency vibrations (40 and 60 Hz). Stiffness was calculated with a 3D direct inversion algorithm. The mean shear stiffness in five pancreatic subregions (uncinate, head, neck, body, and tail) and the corresponding liver stiffness were calculated. The intrasubject coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated as a measure of the reproducibility for each volunteer.

Results

The mean shear stiffness (average of values obtained in different pancreatic subregions) was (1.15 ± 0.17) kPa at 40 Hz, and (2.09 ± 0.33) kPa at 60 Hz. The corresponding liver stiffness was higher than the pancreas stiffness at 40 Hz ([1.60 ± 0.21] kPa, mean pancreas‐to‐liver stiffness ratio: 0.72), but similar at 60Hz ([2.12 ± 0.23) kPa, mean ratio: 0.95). The mean intrasubject CV for each pancreatic subregion was lower at 40 Hz than 60 Hz (P < 0.05 for all subregions, range: 11.9–15.7% at 40 Hz and 16.5–19.6% at 60 Hz).

Conclusion

The 3D pancreatic MRE can provide promising and reproducible stiffness measurements throughout the pancreas, with more consistent data acquired at 40 Hz. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:369–375.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
miR‐193b promotes cell proliferation by targeting Smad3 in human glioma
Authors: Zhong Qisheng , Wang Tongli , Lu Peigang , Zhang Rongwei , Zou Jianan , Yuan Shaoji
Published: February 2014

Studies have shown that several miRNAs play important roles in regulating a variety of cellular processes in gliomas. In these reports, upregulation of miR‐193b has been found to be associated with a poor prognosis for glioma, but its functional mechanism in glioma remains unclear. This study investigates the roles of miR‐193b in glioma tumor growth. We first showed that the expression of miR‐193b was elevated in both glioma samples and glioma cells. Furthermore, downregulation of miR‐193b by inhibitors was statistically correlated with a decrease in cell growth and a restored G1 accumulation. Luciferase assay and Western blot analysis revealed that Smad3 is a direct target of miR‐193b. To prove that miR‐193b regulated cell growth through the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) pathway in glioma cells by regulating Smad3, we tested endogenous targets of the TGF‐β pathway by measuring the accumulation of p21 mRNAs after downregulation of miR‐193b. The results confirmed that induction of p21 was promoted by miR‐193b inhibitors in glioma cells, although this induction disappeared when Smad3 was knocked down with siRNA. Moreover, downregulation of Smad3 mitigates the miR‐193b suppression of glioma proliferation. In conclusion, these results suggest that miR‐193b regulated cell growth in glioma through the TGF‐β pathway by regulating Smad3. Thus, our study indicates that miR‐193b promotes cell proliferation by targeting Smad3 in human glioma, which may serve as a potentially useful target for development of miRNA‐based therapies in the future. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo effect of two different pulsed electromagnetic field frequencies on osteoarthritis
Authors: Veronesi F. , Torricelli P. , Giavaresi G. , Sartori M. , Cavani F. , Setti S. , Cadossi M. , Ongaro A. , Fini M.
Published: February 2014

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint pathology characterized by fibrillation, reduced cartilage thickness and subchondral bone sclerosis. There is evidence that pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) counteract OA progression, but the effect of two different PEMF frequencies has not yet been shown. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of PEMFs at two different frequencies (37 and 75 Hz) in a late OA stage in 21‐month‐old Guinea pigs. After 3 months of 6 h/day PEMF stimulation, histological and histomorphometric analyses of the knees were performed. At both frequencies, PEMFs significantly reduced histological cartilage score, fibrillation index (FI), subchondral bone thickness (SBT) and trabecular number (Tb.N) and increased trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and separation (Tb.Sp) in comparison to the not treated SHAM group. However, PEMFs at 75 Hz produced significantly more beneficial effects on the histological score and FI than 37 Hz PEMFs. At 75 Hz, PEMFs counteracted cartilage thinning as demonstrated by a significantly higher cartilage thickness values than either those of the SHAM or 37 Hz PEMF‐treated groups. Although in severe OA both PEMF frequencies were able to limit its progression, 75 Hz PEMF stimulation achieved the better results. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:677–685, 2014.
Survey of methods of facial palsy documentation in use by members of the Sir Charles Bell Society
Authors: Fattah Adel Y. , Gavilan Javier , Hadlock Tessa A. , Marcus Jeffrey R. , Marres Henri , Nduka Charles , Slattery William H. , Snyder‐Warwick Alison K.
Published: February 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Facial palsy manifests a broad array of deficits affecting function, form, and psychological well‐being. Assessment scales were introduced to standardize and document the features of facial palsy and to facilitate the exchange of information and comparison of outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine which assessment methodologies are currently employed by those involved in the care of patients with facial palsy as a first step toward the development of consensus on the appropriate assessments for this patient population.

Study Design

Online questionnaire.

Methods

The Sir Charles Bell Society, a group of professionals dedicated to the care of patients with facial palsy, were surveyed to determine the scales used to document facial nerve function, patient reported outcome measures (PROM), and photographic documentation.

Results

Fifty‐five percent of the membership responded (n = 83). Grading scales were used by 95%, most commonly the House‐Brackmann and Sunnybrook scales. PROMs were used by 58%, typically the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation scale or Facial Disability Index. All used photographic recordings, but variability existed among the facial expressions used. Videography was performed by 82%, and mostly involved the same views as still photography; it was also used to document spontaneous movement and speech. Three‐dimensional imaging was employed by 18% of respondents.

Conclusions

There exists significant heterogeneity in assessments among clinicians, which impedes straightforward comparisons of outcomes following recovery and intervention. Widespread adoption of structured assessments, including scales, PROMs, photography, and videography, will facilitate communication and comparison among those who study the effects of interventions on this population.

Level of Evidence

5 Laryngoscope 124:2247–2251, 2014
Fractional ablative erbium YAG laser: Histological characterization of relationships between laser settings and micropore dimensions
Authors: Taudorf Elisabeth H. , Haak Christina S. , Erlendsson Andrés M. , Philipsen Peter A. , Anderson R. Rox , Paasch Uwe , Haedersdal Merete
Published: February 2014

Background and Objectives

Treatment of a variety of skin disorders with ablative fractional lasers (AFXL) is driving the development of portable AFXLs. This study measures micropore dimensions produced by a small 2,940 nm AFXL using a variety of stacked pulses, and determines a model correlating laser parameters with tissue effects.

Materials and Methods

Ex vivo pig skin was exposed to a miniaturized 2,940 nm AFXL, spot size 225 µm, density 5%, power levels 1.15–2.22 W, pulse durations 50–225 microseconds, pulse repetition rates 100–500 Hz, and 2, 20, or 50 stacked pulses, resulting in pulse energies of 2.3–12.8 mJ/microbeam and total energy levels of 4.6–640 mJ/microchannel. Histological endpoints were ablation depth (AD), coagulation zone (CZ) and ablation width (AW). Data were logarithmically transformed if required prior to linear regression analyses. Results for histological endpoints were combined in a mathematical model.

Results

In 138 sections from 91 biopsies, AD ranged from 16 to a maximum of 1,348 µm and increased linearly with the logarithm of total energy delivered by stacked pulses, but also depended on variations in power, pulse duration, pulse repetition rate, and pulse energy (r2 = 0.54–0.85, P < 0.0001). Microchannels deeper than 500 µm were created only by the highest pulse energy of 12.8 mJ/microbeam. Pulse stacking increased AD, and enlarged CZ and AW. CZ varied from 0 to 205 µm and increased linearly with total energy (r2 = 0.56–0.75, P < 0.0001). AW ranged from 106 to 422 µm and increased linearly with the logarithm of number of stacked pulses (r2 = 0.53–0.61, P < 0.001). The mathematical model estimated micropores of specific ADs with an associated range of CZs and AWs, for example, 300 µm ADs were associated with CZs from 27 to 73 µm and AWs from 190 to 347 µm.

Conclusions

Pulse stacking with a small, low power 2,940 nm AFXL created reproducible shallow to deep micropores, and influenced micropore configuration. Mathematical modeling established relations between laser settings and micropore dimensions, which assists in choosing laser settings for desired tissue effects. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:281–289, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Facile Monitoring of Fullerene Crystallization in Polymer Solar Cell Blends by UV–vis Spectroscopy
Authors: Lindqvist Camilla , Wang Ergang , Andersson Mats R. , Müller Christian
Published: February 2014

A simple technique is demonstrated based on UV–vis spectroscopy that permits the onset of fullerene crystallization to be monitored in polymer:fullerene bulk‐heterojunction blends. The growth of fullerene crystals only occurs during thermal annealing above the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the blend. Light scattering due to the presence of micrometer‐sized fullerene crystals reduces the apparent transmittance, which can serve as a clear indicator for the upper limit of the Tg. This principle is used to deduce this critical parameter for two high‐performance photovoltaic blends that are based on a thiophene–quinoxaline and a thiophene–isoindigo copoly­mer, respectively. High Tgs of 115 and 145 °C promise good thermal stability.

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Characterization of Ethylene/α‐Olefin Copolymers Using High‐Temperature Thermal Gradient Interaction Chromatography
Authors: Al‐Khazaal Abdulaal Z. , Soares João B. P.
Published: February 2014

Several crystallization‐based techniques are used to measure the chemical‐composition distribution of polyolefins, but they are limited to semicrystalline polyolefins. Recently, high‐temperature thermal gradient interaction chromatography (HT‐TGIC) has been developed to quantify the chemical‐composition distribution of semicrystalline and amorphous polyolefins, thus broadening the range of techniques available for the analysis of polyolefin chemical‐composition distribution. In HT‐TGIC, the fractionation mechanism relies on the interaction of polyolefin chains with a graphite surface upon temperature change in an isocratic solvent. In the present investigation, a series of ethylene/1‐octene copolymers having approximately the same molecular weight average and different comonomer fractions (up to 25% of 1‐octene) is synthesized using a metallocene catalyst to investigate the fractionation mechanism of HT‐TGIC. Three copolymer samples and their blends are also studied to determine which operation parameters influence the HT‐TGIC peak shape and position. The cooling rate has no significant effect on the desorption temperature and the broadness of the HT‐TGIC chromatograms. On the other hand, the heating rate and the elution flow rate substantially influence the peak temperature and breadth.

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On syzygies of divisors on rational normal scrolls
Authors: Park Euisung
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we study the minimal free resolution of a nondegenerate projective variety when X is contained in a variety Y of minimal degree as a divisor. Such a variety is of interest because of its extremal behavior with respect to various properties. The graded Betti diagram of X has been completely known only when X is arithmetically Cohen‐Macaulay. Our main result in the present paper provides a detailed description of the graded Betti diagram of X for the case where X is not arithmetically Cohen‐Macaulay.
Concurrent Solution‐Like Decoloration Rate and High Mechanical Strength from Polymer‐Dispersed Photochromic Organogel
Authors: Long Shijun , Bi Shuguang , Liao Yonggui , Xue Zhigang , Xie Xiaolin
Published: February 2014

To achieve a fast photochromic response in solid matrix, photochromic molecules/segments have been either dispersed into elastomers via physical doping or linked to glassy polymers by soft units through covalent bonding. However, the former is lack of high mechanical strength and the latter owes the drawback of time‐consumption of synthesis. Here, we propose a facile strategy of co‐solvent evaporation to prepare polymer‐dispersed photochromic organogel where both high mechanical strength of the glassy polymer matrix and solution‐like fast photochromism of the photochromic molecule within organogel can be retained concurrently. Glassy PVA matrix and dispersed organogel of 1,3:2,4‐di‐O‐benzylidene‐d‐sorbitol/poly(propylene glycol) (DBS/PPG) provide high mechanical strength and sufficient free volume for intramolecular rotation of photochromic spiropyran (SP), respectively. Interestingly, these thin films behave a solution‐like decoloration the decay rate of which is 65–70 fold faster than that in the SP‐directly doped PVA film and only slightly slower than those in their corresponding PPG solutions.

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Instruments to measure behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia
Authors: van der Linde Rianne M. , Stephan Blossom C.M. , Dening Tom , Brayne Carol
Published: February 2014

Reliable and valid measurement of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) is important for research and clinical practice. Here we provide an overview of the different instruments and discuss issues involved in the choice of the most appropriate instrument to measure BPSD in research. A list of BPSD instruments was generated. For each instrument Pubmed and SCOPUS were searched for articles that reported on their use or quality. Eighty‐three instruments that are used to measure BPSD were identified. Instruments differ in length and detail, whether the interview is with participants, informants or by observation, the target sample and the time frames for use. Reliability and validity is generally good, but reported in few independent samples. When choosing a BPSD instrument for research the research question should be carefully scrutinised and the symptoms of interest, population, quality, detail, time frame and practical issues should be considered. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Profiling the subjective effects of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol using visual analogue scales
Authors: Kleinloog Daniël , Roozen Frits , De Winter Willem , Freijer Jan , Van Gerven Joop
Published: February 2014

The subjective effects of cannabis and its main psychoactive component Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have played an important part in determining the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid agonists and antagonists. The effects mainly consist of feeling high, changes in perception, feelings of relaxation and occasionally dysphoric reactions. These effects are captured by two of the most frequently used visual analogue scales (VASs) in clinical (pharmacologic) research to measure subjective effects: VAS Bond and Lader (alertness, calmness and mood) and VAS Bowdle (psychedelic effects). In this analysis, the effects of THC on these VASs were compared within a total of 217 subjects who participated in 10 different studies. Not surprisingly, the item feeling high was found to be the best predictor for the effect of THC. Three separate clusters that describe the spectrum of subjective effects of THC were identified using different statistical methods, consisting of VAS “time”, “thoughts” and “high” (“perception”), VAS “drowsy”, “muzzy”, “mentally slow” and “dreamy” (“relaxation”) and VAS “voices”, “meaning” and “suspicious” (“dysphoria”). These results provide experimental evidence that THC can evoke different classes of effects. These distinct subjective clusters could represent effects on various systems in the brain, which can be used to further differentiate the involvement of endocannabinoid systems in health and disease. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Über die Inflation wissenschaftlicher Zeitschriften
Authors: Böhme Uwe , Tesch Silke
Published: February 2014

In den letzten Jahren starteten zahlreiche neue Zeitschriften in der Chemie und den angrenzenden Gebieten, etablierte wurden eingestellt. Kommt hier eine nicht mehr beherrschbare Informationslawine auf uns zu oder ist das ein normaler Wachstumsprozess?
Paul Harteck und die Uranmaschine
Authors: Stegmann Annalena , Habekost Achim
Published: February 2014

Im April 1939 erhielt das deutsche Heereswaffenamt einen Brief, der auf das militärische Potenzial der unlängst entdeckten Kernspaltung hinwies. Initiator des Briefs war der österreichisch‐deutsche Physikochemiker Paul Harteck. Er war auch derjenige, der anschließend die experimentelle Entwicklung einer “Uranmaschine” am intensivsten voran trieb.
Was ist was? Biochemie, chemische Biologie et al.
Authors: Köhn Maja
Published: February 2014

Die Begriffe molekulare Zellbiologie, Molekularbiologie, Biochemie, bio(an)organische Chemie und chemische Biologie sind weit verbreitet, doch scheint es immer weniger Unterschiede zwischen den Fachgebieten zu geben. Wo liegen die Überlappungen, wo sind Grenzen sinnvoll?
Zellfreie Biotechnik
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: February 2014

Viele Stoffe, vom Ethanol bis hin zu Antikörpern, werden biotechnisch in kultivierten Zellen hergestellt. Oft wäre es effizienter, wenn die Reaktionen in einem Bioreaktor liefen statt in lebenden Zellen.
Modelling übers Web
Authors: Engel Thomas
Published: February 2014

Caddle unterstützt das Moleküldesign vollständig webbasiert. Das Programm ist durch seine Benutzerfreundlichkeit auch in der Lehre sowie für Studenten und Anfänger geeignet.
Energiekosten senken
Authors: Windecker Gunther
Published: February 2014

Wie Automatisierungstechnik chemische Anlagen energieeffizienter macht.
Chemische Sensorik mit Nanoteilchen
Authors: Wolfbeis Otto S.
Published: February 2014

Nanopartikel gibt es als Stäbe, Röhren, Körner, Korallen, Hörner, Reis oder Drähte. Sie sind aus Kohlenstoff, Metallen, Halbleitern und Oxiden. Aufgrund ihrer elektrischen, katalytischen und optischen Eigenschaften eignen sie sich als Sensormaterialien. Ihre geringe Größe prädestiniert sie für Untersuchungen in lebenden Zellen.
Was verdienen Chemiker?
Authors: Schmitz Karin J.
Published: February 2014

Auch dieses Jahr gibt es wieder eine Gehaltsumfrage der GDCh. An Mitglieder, die in der Industrie arbeiten, wurde der Fragebogen Ende Januar per Post verschickt. Mitglieder, die keinen Fragebogen erhalten haben, können ihn beim Karriereservice anfordern.
The aspartate metabolism pathway is differentiable in human hepatocellular carcinoma: transcriptomics and 13C‐isotope based metabolomics
Authors: Darpolor Moses M. , Basu Sankha S. , Worth Andrew , Nelson David S. , Clarke‐Katzenberg Regina H. , Glickson Jerry D. , Kaplan David E. , Blair Ian A.
Published: February 2014

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the primary form of human adult liver malignancy, is a highly aggressive tumor with average survival rates that are currently less than a year following diagnosis. Although bioinformatic analyses have indicated differentially expressed genes and cancer related mutations in HCC, integrated genetic and metabolic pathway analyses remain to be investigated. Herein, gene (i.e. messenger RNA, mRNA) enrichment analysis was performed to delineate significant alterations of metabolic pathways in HCC. The objective of this study was to investigate the pathway of aspartate metabolism in HCC of humans. Coupled with transcriptomic (i.e. mRNA) and NMR based metabolomics of human tissue extracts, we utilized liquid chromatography mass spectrometry based metabolomics analysis of stable [U‐13C6]glucose metabolism or [U‐13C5,15N2]glutamine metabolism of HCC cell culture. Our results indicated that aspartate metabolism is a significant and differentiable metabolic pathway of HCC compared with non‐tumor liver (p value < 0.0001). In addition, branched‐chain amino acid metabolism (p value < 0.0001) and tricarboxylic acid metabolism (p value < 0.0001) are significant and differentiable. Statistical analysis of measurable NMR metabolites indicated that at least two of the group means were significantly different for the metabolites alanine (p value = 0.0013), succinate (p value = 0.0001), lactate (p value = 0.0114), glycerophosphoethanolamine (p value = 0.015), and inorganic phosphate (p value = 0.0001). However, 13C isotopic enrichment analysis of these metabolites revealed less than 50% isotopic enrichment with either stable [U‐13C6]glucose metabolism or [U‐13C5,15N2]glutamine. This may indicate the differential account of total metabolite pool versus de novo metabolites from a 13C labeled substrate. The ultimate translation of these findings will be to determine putative enzyme activity via 13C labeling, to investigate targeted therapeutics against these enzymes, and to optimize the in vivo performance of 13C MRI techniques. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust fault detection for networked control systems with packet dropouts: An average dwell time method
Authors: Long Yue , Yang Guang‐Hong
Published: February 2014

The problem of fault detection for networked control systems with respect to packet dropouts is investigated in this paper based on average dwell time method. For the cases that there may be sensor stuck failure and packet dropouts, the networked control systems are modeled as discrete time switched systems. Subsequently, a novel fault detection scheme, which is valid to detect the failures with small magnitudes even the outage ones, is proposed by making the generated residuals sensitive to servo inputs in faulty cases and robust against it in normal case. By utilizing the average dwell time method, new sufficient conditions, which include some existing results, for characterizing the sensitivity performance and the attenuation performance are presented in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Meanwhile, the relation between the packet dropout rate and the system performance is established. Finally, an application of a linearized aircraft is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel poly(lactic acid)–poly(ethylene oxide) chain‐linked copolymer and its application in nano‐encapsulation
Authors: Pavelkova Alena , Kucharczyk Pavel , Stloukal Petr , Koutny Marek , Sedlarik Vladimir
Published: February 2014

The work presented here investigates the synthesis of poly(lactic acid)–poly(ethylene oxide) diisocyanate chain‐linked copolymer, and its application in the nano‐encapsulation of bioactive compounds. Study was conducted on the effect of the type of chain‐linking agent, along with molecular weight, thermal properties and hydrophilic/hydrophobic behavior, through the methods of gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy–attenuated total reflectance, differential scanning calorimetry, light scattering, water uptake experimentation, and water contact angle measurements. Nanoparticle formation was performed via a single solvent evaporation process, and the particles obtained were characterized by dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. Results show the significantly enhanced molecular weight of the final product after the chain‐linking reaction (up to 300,000 g/mol), as well as the non‐linear nature of the sample due to broad polydispersity, ranging from 4–13. The final products exhibited glass transition temperatures of between 30 and 44 °C, while their crystalline quality was either significantly suppressed or a completely amorphous attribute was observed. Nanoparticles in the range of 300 nm that contained metazachlor were successfully prepared, and their releasing behavior exhibited first order release kinetics. A slower rate of release was observed in samples containing 4,4′‐methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) as a chain‐linker. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical properties, morphology, and crystallization behavior of polypropylene/elastomer/talc composites
Authors: Wu Jyh‐Horng , Chen Chien‐Wen , Wu Yao‐Tsu , Wu Guan‐Ting , Kuo M.C. , Tsai Yuhsin
Published: February 2014

In this study, polypropylene/ethylene–octene copolymer (PP/POE) blends, PP/talc, and PP/POE/micro‐talc (MT) composites were fabricated using a twin screw. To estimate the performances of the PP/POE blends, PP/talc, and PP/POE/MT composites, mechanical properties, heat deflection temperature (HDT), thermomechanical analysis, and isothermal crystallization characterization were conducted. Incorporating talc particles increased the tensile strength, flexural properties, and HDT of the PP matrix, but reduced the elongation at break and notched impact strength. The inclusion of POE elastomers in the PP matrix yielded the opposite effect on PP/talc composites. PP/POE/MT composites provide a compromise that improves both the flexural properties and notched impact strength. Moreover, the inclusion of talc particles in PP/POE blends induced heterogeneous nucleation and considerably reduced the crystallization time. Consequently, the time required for processing was also greatly reduced. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:69–77, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers