bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remarkable NIR Enhancement of Multifunctional Nanoprobes for In Vivo Trimodal Bioimaging and Upconversion Optical/T2‐Weighted MRI‐Guided Small Tumor Diagnosis
Authors: Yi Zhigao , Li Xiaolong , Xue Zhenluan , Liang Xiao , Lu Wei , Peng Hao , Liu Hongrong , Zeng Songjun , Hao Jianhua
Published: October 2015

Effective nanoprobes and contrast agents are urgently sought for early‐stage cancer diagnosis. Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are considerable alternatives for bioimaging, cancer diagnosis, and therapy. Yb3+/Tm3+ co‐doping brings both emission and excitation wavelengths into the near‐infrared (NIR) region, which is known as “optical transmission window” and ideally suitable for bioimaging. Here, NIR emission intensity is remarkably enhanced by 113 times with the increase of Yb3+ concentration from 20% to 98% in polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified NaYF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ UCNPs. PEG‐UCNPs‐5 (98% Yb3+) can act as excellent nanoprobes and contrast agents for trimodal upconversion (UC) optical/CT/T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition, the enhanced detection of lung in vivo long‐lasting tracking, as well as possible clearance mechanism and excretion routes of PEG‐UCNPs‐5 have been demonstrated. More significantly, a small tumor down to 4 mm is detected in vivo via intravenous injection of these nanoprobes under both UC optical and T2‐weighted MRI modalities. PEG‐UCNPs‐5 can emerge as bioprobes for multi‐modal bioimaging, disease diagnosis, and therapy, especially the early‐stage tumor diagnosis.
Nanosecond Phase Transition Dynamics in Compressively Strained Epitaxial BiFeO3
Authors: Cosgriff Margaret P. , Chen Pice , Lee Sung Su , Lee Hyeon Jun , Kuna Lukasz , Pitike Krishna C. , Louis Lydie , Parker William D. , Tajiri Hiroo , Nakhmanson Serge M. , Jo Ji Young , Chen Zuhuang , Chen Lang , Evans Paul G.
Published: October 2015

A highly strained BiFeO3 (BFO) thin film is transformed between phases with distinct structures and properties by nanosecond‐duration applied electric field pulses. Time‐resolved synchrotron X‐ray microdiffraction shows that the steady‐state transformation between phases is accompanied by a dynamical component that is reversed upon the removal of the field. Steady‐state measurements reveal that ≈20% of the volume of a BFO thin film grown on a LaAlO3 substrate can be reproducibly transformed between rhombohedral‐like and tetragonal‐like phases by electric field pulses with magnitudes up to 2 MV cm−1. A transient component, in which the transformation is reversed following the end of the electric field pulse, can transform a similar fraction of the BFO layer and occurs rapidly time scale limited by the charging time constant of the thin film capacitor. The piezoelectric expansion of the tetragonal‐like phase leads to a strain of up to 0.1%, with a lower limit of 10 pm V−1 for the piezoelectric coefficient of this phase. Density functional theory calculations provide insight into the mechanism of the phase transformation showing that imparting a transient strain of this magnitude favors a transformation from rhombohedral‐like to tetragonal‐like phase.
Dispersion of High‐Purity Semiconducting Arc‐Discharged Carbon Nanotubes Using Backbone Engineered Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)‐Based Polymers
Authors: Lei Ting , Pitner Gregory , Chen Xiyuan , Hong Guosong , Park Steve , Hayoz Pascal , Weitz Ralf Thomas , Wong Hon‐Sum Philip , Bao Zhenan
Published: October 2015

The isolation of semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes (sc‐SWNTs) with ideal diameter and high purity is highly desired for high‐performance electronic devices. However, current sorting methods for large‐diameter sc‐SWNTs suffer from either low purity (<99%) or long processing time (>20 h). Here, a backbone‐engineering strategy is reported for the polymer used for sorting to improve the purity of sorted sc‐SWNTs. Six diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)‐based conjugated polymers are used to systematically investigate their sorting ability for sc‐SWNTs. It is found that incorporation of more thiophenes building blocks in the repeating units of DPP polymer backbone leads to increased selectivity and yield for sc‐SWNTs. The DPP polymers can disperse sc‐SWNTs with 1.4–1.6 nm in diameter and high purity of 99.6% by a processing time as short as 1 h. Furthermore, a scalable film coating method named “solution shearing” is used to fabricate SWNT network thin‐film transistors (TFTs). The TFT devices exhibit both high mobilities over 50 cm2 V−1 s−1 and high on/off ratios over 105, which are among the highest performance for solution‐processed SWNT network TFTs.
Preparation of glucose‐sensitive and fluorescence micelles via a combination of photoinitiated polymerization and chemoenzymatic transesterification for the controlled release of insulin
Authors: Du Xiangxiang , Jiang Guohua , Li Lei , Yang Wentong , Chen Hua , Liu Yongkun , Huang Qin
Published: October 2015

Glucose‐sensitive and fluorescence copolymer micelles were designed and prepared via a combination of photoinitiated polymerization and enzymatic transesterification. The water‐soluble photoinitiator and emulsifier 2‐oxooctanoic acid self‐polymerized dimer molecules under UV irradiation were characterized by mass spectrometry. The fluorescence dye (9‐anthracene alcohol) and biocompatible hydrophilic chains [poly(ethylene glycol)] were introduced to the polymer chains during the photopolymerization and enzymatic transesterification processes. The as‐prepared copolymers were confirmed by1H‐NMR spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The resulting copolymers exhibited excellent glucose sensitivity and stability against protein. The optical fluorescence properties of the copolymer micelles were investigated with fluorescence spectrophotometry, fluorescence microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Because of the amphiphilic feature, the micelles could be self‐assembled and used to load insulin. The controlled release of insulin was evaluated and was triggered by glucosein vitro. This study provided a new strategy for fabricating functional carriers as self‐regulated insulin‐release systems. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 43026.
Synthesis of metal‐free poly(p‐dioxanone) by phosphazene base catalyzed ring‐opening polymerization
Authors: Yang Hongjun , Bai Tao , Xue Xiaoqiang , Huang Wenyan , Chen Jianhai , Jiang Bibiao
Published: October 2015

Poly(p‐dioxanone) (PPDO) has received significant attention due to its good biocompatibility and fast biodegradation profiles. In addition, PPDO is a polymer with high potential in biomedical applications. However, the conventional syntheses of PPDO via the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of p‐dioxanone (PDO) often use a metallic catalyst, which significantly limits its biorelated applications. This investigation was focused on the synthesis of metal‐free PPDO by using phosphazene base t‐BuP4 as the catalyst. The effects of the reaction conditions including temperature, reaction time, initiators, and feed molar ratios were studied in detail by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, viscosimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that t‐BuP4 exhibited especially high activity in catalyzing alcohol or aniline to initiate the ROP of PDO, consequently resulting in metal‐free PPDOs. The polymerization was optimum at a reaction temperature of approximately 100°C and 88.7% of PDO was consumed. The viscosity–average molecular weights of the resulting polymer reached as high as 2.09 × 104 g/mol. The molar ratios of [PDO]/[t‐BuP4] also had an obvious effect on both the polymerization and the resulting polymer. Increasing [PDO]/[t‐BuP4] ratios facilitated the molecular weight growth, whereas the conversions of PDO significantly decreased. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43030.
Relevance of the acid–base approach in prediction of adhesion properties in two‐component injection moulding
Authors: Kraus Eduard , Horvat Sonja , Deubel Christian , Staudigel Christian , Baudrit Benjamin , Heidemeyer Peter , Bastian Martin , Starostina Irina , Stoyanov Oleg
Published: October 2015

We demonstrate the use of innovative wetting method in prediction of the adhesion properties of biobased polymers for two‐component injection moulding, taking into account the acid–base surface properties of joined materials. The measurements were carried out in accordance with modified Berger method by calculation of the difference in shortened acidity parameter ΔDshort between hard and soft component. Correlation factors up to 0.99 were observed between ΔDshort and peel force. In comparison to results obtained by conventional wetting methods, high potential for the selection of components with high interface adhesion and for prediction of the functionality by the acid–base approach was demonstrated. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43048.
Preparation and characterization of inherently heat‐sealable polyimides with high glass transition temperatures
Authors: Ni Hongjiang , Liu Jingang , Yang Shiyong
Published: October 2015

A series of inherently heat‐sealable copolyimides (CPIs) with high glass transition temperatures were synthesized from 2,3,3′,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride (aODPA) and bicomponent diamines, 4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA) and para‐phenylenediamine (PDA). The PI chain rigidity was manipulated by the regulation of the diamine ratio, and its effects on the heat sealability and thermal resistance of the derived CPI films were investigated in detail. The results show that these films are in possession of both good heat sealability and thermal resistance due to the synergetic effect of the asymmetry of aODPA and the rigidity of PDA. It is also found that there exists one critical PDA content that distinguishes the heat‐sealing behaviors of the CPI films, and the relevant mechanism was established. Especially for CPI‐5, the heat‐sealing strength is up to 350 N m−1 simultaneously with a relatively high Tg of 310°C. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43058.
Modulating stability and mechanical properties of silica–gelatin hybrid by incorporating epoxy‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane oligomer
Authors: Han Xiaona , Du Weining , Li Yupeng , Li Zhengjun , Li Lixin
Published: October 2015

Silica‐gelatin hybrids, particularly GT‐G hybrids prepared by crosslinking gelatin (G) with γ‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GT), have attracted much attention in tissue engineering for diverse applications in hard or soft tissue regeneration; however, scaffolds with tunable properties are needed to meet specific requirements. In this work, a silica‐gelatin hybrid (ES/GT‐G) was synthesized by incorporating epoxy‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane oligomer (ES) to modulate the properties of GT‐G hybrid. The ES/GT‐G hybrid sponge presented a 3D network structure with porosity 86.4% ± 0.9%, determined by the liquid displacement method, and average pore size 340 ± 36 μm, determined by SEM observation. Compared with GT‐G hybrid material, the prepared ES/GT‐G hybrid wet film showed a decrease of tensile strength from 2.79 ± 0.04 MPa to 1.87 ± 0.12 MPa, with an increase of elongation at break from 19.96 ± 0.66% to 29.86 ± 0.87%, and the ES/GT‐G hybrid sponge exhibited a decline of compressive yield strength from 1.21 ± 0.04 MPa to 0.72 ± 0.06 MPa, based on the tensile and compression tests respectively. The introduction of ES enhanced the thermal denaturing temperature of GT‐G by 5°C as determined by a DSC study, and increased in vitro biodegradation slightly, without significantly changing surface wettability and swelling behavior. These findings suggest that silica‐gelatin hybrids with tunable properties are promising for applications from hard to soft tissue regeneration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43059.
Effect of layered silicates on fibril formation and properties of PCL/PLA microfibrillar composites
Authors: Kelnar Ivan , Fortelný Ivan , Kaprálková Ludmila , Kratochvíl Jaroslav , Angelov Borislav , Nevoralová Martina
Published: October 2015

The study deals with improvement of poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) parameters by in situ forming of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibrils. This structure is achieved by preparation of the melt‐drawn microfibrillar composite (MFC) from the PCL/PLA 80/20 blend containing the organophilized montmorillonite (oMMT) added using various mixing protocols. Improved mechanical behavior corresponds to the micron‐sized fibrils formation and reinforcement of both polymer components by oMMT, and to increased crystalline phase content in the fibrillar PLA phase. Effective melt drawing is only possible after the rheological parameters of the polymer components have been modified by oMMT where the clay addition method and content are of primary importance. From the results obtained, it follows that the role of oMMT in MFC is quite complex, numerous clay‐induced effects may be contradictory and must be harmonized to achieve PCL‐based biodegradable MFCs with improved parameters. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43061.
Robust depth filter sizing for centrate clarification
Authors: Lutz Herb , Chefer Kate , Felo Michael , Cacace Benjamin , Hove Sarah , Wang Bin , Blanchard Mark , Oulundsen George , Piper Rob , Zhao Xiaoyang
Published: October 2015

Cellulosic depth filters embedded with diatomaceous earth are widely used to remove colloidal cell debris from centrate as a secondary clarification step during the harvest of mammalian cell culture fluid. The high cost associated with process failure in a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) environment highlights the need for a robust process scale depth filter sizing that allows for (1) stochastic batch‐to‐batch variations from filter media, bioreactor feed and operation, and (2) systematic scaling differences in average performance between filter sizes and formats. Matched‐lot depth filter media tested at the same conditions with consecutive batches of the same molecule were used to assess the sources and magnitudes of process variability. Depth filter sizing safety factors of 1.2–1.6 allow a filtration process to compensate for random batch‐to‐batch process variations. Matched‐lot depth filter media in four different devices tested simultaneously at the same conditions was used with a common feed to assess scaling effects. All filter devices showed <11% capacity difference and the Pod format devices showed no statistically different capacity differences. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:1542–1550, 2015
The clinical anatomy of high take‐off coronary arteries
Authors: Loukas Marios , Andall Rebecca G. , Khan Akbar Z. , Patel Kush , Muresian Horia , Spicer Diane E. , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: October 2015

A number of criteria are used in the literature to describe high take‐off coronary arteries, which can in part, explain the divide in the literature on the pathological significance of this anomaly. This study presents the anatomical variations of high take‐off coronary arteries to draw attention to the possible clinical implications they may cause during angiography and other surgical procedures. The English Literature was searched to review high take‐off coronary arteries. A high take‐off coronary artery arising at least 1 cm in adults or 20% the depth of the sinus in children above the sinutubular junction, is considered of greater clinical relevance and was included in our meta‐analysis. High take‐off coronaries by other criteria was also included as part of the comprehensive review. Exclusion criteria were reports made in case studies or case reviews. The prevalence of high take‐off coronary arteries in our study was 26 of 12,899 (0.202%). High take‐off coronary arteries were found to originate up to 5 cm above the sinutubular junction. Right coronary arteries made up 84.46% of high take‐off coronary arteries reported in the literature. Three (0.023%) cases that originated more than one centimeter above the sinutubular junction was associated with sudden cardiac death. This is a higher reported association than in studies that used other criteria for classification. It is important for clinicians to recognize the importance of correctly diagnosing high take‐off coronary arteries in patients with coexisting cardiac morbidities so that suitable management plans can be developed. Clin. Anat. 29:408–419, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coculture with astrocytes reduces the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma stem‐like cells and identifies additional targets for radiosensitization
Authors: Rath Barbara H. , Wahba Amy , Camphausen Kevin , Tofilon Philip J.
Published: October 2015

Toward developing a model system for investigating the role of the microenvironment in the radioresistance of glioblastoma (GBM), human glioblastoma stem‐like cells (GSCs) were grown in coculture with human astrocytes. Using a trans‐well assay, survival analyses showed that astrocytes significantly decreased the radiosensitivity of GSCs compared to standard culture conditions. In addition, when irradiated in coculture, the initial level of radiation‐induced γH2AX foci in GSCs was reduced and foci dispersal was enhanced suggesting that the presence of astrocytes influenced the induction and repair of DNA double‐strand breaks. These data indicate that astrocytes can decrease the radiosensitivity of GSCs in vitro via a paracrine‐based mechanism and further support a role for the microenvironment as a determinant of GBM radioresponse. Chemokine profiling of coculture media identified a number of bioactive molecules not present under standard culture conditions. The gene expression profiles of GSCs grown in coculture were significantly different as compared to GSCs grown alone. These analyses were consistent with an astrocyte‐mediated modification in GSC phenotype and, moreover, suggested a number of potential targets for GSC radiosensitization that were unique to coculture conditions. Along these lines, STAT3 was activated in GSCs grown with astrocytes; the JAK/STAT3 inhibitor WP1066 enhanced the radiosensitivity of GSCs under coculture conditions and when grown as orthotopic xenografts. Further, this coculture system may also provide an approach for identifying additional targets for GBM radiosensitization.
Numerical investigation on hydrodynamics of vertically confined free film
Authors: Hu Jianguang , Yang Xiaogang , Yu Jianguo , Dai Gance
Published: October 2015

For intensification of the film transfer process, flow behaviours of a novel type of liquid film, “confined free film” (a coexistence of both wall‐bounded and unbounded films), on a vertically‐aligned plate with an open window were investigated using the CFD modelling approach. It was found from the simulations that the liquid flow profiles of confined free film in the region of the open window vary with flow time. The average film thickness of the confined free film in the open window region is approximately 0.50∼0.67 of that in the solid wall region, while the corresponding velocity is approximately 1.7∼2.0 times faster. The falling film reaches its maximum thickness value and maximum velocity magnitude at the lower part of the open‐window region in the current study. Simulation results also indicated that the region of the lower‐wall plate promotes both varicose and sinuous wavy behaviour of the confined free film, while the open‐window region assists in exciting film wave motion in the lower‐wall region. Compared with vertically falling free film, the confined free film exhibits several distinctive features in its flow behaviour.
Organization of the nitrergic neuronal system in the primitive bony fishesPolypterus senegalusandErpetoichthys calabaricus(Actinopterygii: Cladistia)
Authors: López Jesús M. , Lozano Daniel , Morona Ruth , González Agustín
Published: October 2015

Cladistians are a group of basal actinopterygian fishes that constitute a good model for studying primitive brain features, most likely present in the ancestral bony fishes. The analysis of the nitrergic neurons (with the enzyme nitric oxide synthase; NOS) has helped in understanding important aspects of brain organization in all vertebrates studied. We investigated the nitrergic system of two cladistian species by means of specific antibodies against NOS and NADPH‐diaphorase (NADPH‐d) histochemistry, which, with the exception of the primary olfactory and terminal nerve fibers, labeled only for NADPH‐d, yielded identical results. Double immunohistochemistry was conducted for simultaneous detection of NOS with tyrosine hydroxylase, choline acetyltransferase, calbindin, calretinin, and serotonin, to establish accurately the localization of the nitrergic neurons and fibers and to assess possible interactions between these neuroactive substances. The pattern of distribution in both species showed only subtle differences in the density of labeled cells. Distinct groups of NOS‐immunoreactive cells were observed in pallial and subpallial areas, paraventricular region, tuberal and retromammillary hypothalamic areas, posterior tubercle, prethalamic and thalamic areas, optic tectum, torus semicircularis, mesencephalic tegmentum, interpeduncular nucleus, superior and middle reticular nuclei, magnocellular vestibular nucleus, solitary tract nucleus, nucleus medianus magnocellularis, the spinal cord and amacrine cells in the retina. Large neurons in cranial nerve sensory ganglia were also labeled. The comparison of these results with those from other vertebrates, using a neuromeric analysis, reveals a conserved pattern of organization of the nitrergic system from this primitive fish group to amniotes, including mammals. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:1770–1804, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sex differences in the photoperiodic regulation of RF‐Amide related peptide (RFRP) and its receptor GPR147 in the syrian hamster
Authors: Henningsen Jo B. , Poirel Vincent‐Joseph , Mikkelsen Jens D. , Tsutsui Kazuyoshi , Simonneaux Valérie , Gauer François
Published: October 2015

RF‐(Arg‐Phe) related peptides (RFRP‐1 and ‐3) are considered to play a role in the seasonal regulation of reproduction; however, the effect of the peptides depends on species and gender. This study aimed at comparing the RFRP system in male and female Syrian hamsters over long and short photoperiods to investigate the neuroanatomical basis of these differential effects. The neuroanatomical distribution of RFRP neurons and fibers, revealed using an antiserum recognizing RFRP‐1 and ‐3, as well as GPR147 mRNA, are similar in male and female Syrian hamsters. RFRP neurons are mainly found in the medial hypothalamus, whereas RFRP projections and GPR147 mRNA are observed in the preoptic area, anteroventral–periventricular nucleus, suprachiasmatic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, ventromedial hypothalamus, habenular nucleus, and arcuate nucleus. The number of RFRP neurons is higher in females than in males, and in both sexes, the number of RFRP neurons is reduced in short photoperiods. GPR147 mRNA levels are higher in females than in males and are downregulated in short photoperiods, particularly in females. Interestingly, the number of RFRP‐positive fibers in the anteroventral–periventricular nucleus is higher only in females adjusted to a short photoperiod. Our results suggest that the RFRP system, which is strongly regulated by photoperiod in both male and female Syrian hamsters, is particularly important in females, with a distinct role in the anteroventral–periventricular nucleus, possibly in the regulation of the preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge via kisspeptin neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:1825–1838, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Parallel construction of classification trees on a GPU
Authors: Strnad D. , Nerat A.
Published: October 2015

Algorithms for constructing tree‐based classifiers are aimed at building an optimal set of rules implicitly described by some dataset of training samples. As the number of samples and/or attributes in the dataset increases, the required construction time becomes the limiting factor for interactive or even functional use. The problem is emphasized if tree derivation is part of an iterative optimization method, such as boosting. Attempts to parallelize the construction of classification trees have therefore been presented in the past. This paper describes a parallel method for binary classification tree construction implemented on a graphics processing unit (GPU) using compute unified device architecture (CUDA). By employing node‐level, attribute‐level, and split‐level parallelism, the task parallel and data parallel sections of tree induction are mapped to the architecture of a modern GPU. The GPU‐based solution is compared with the sequential and multi‐threaded CPU versions on public access datasets, and it is shown that an order of magnitude acceleration can be achieved on this data‐intensive task using inexpensive commodity hardware. The influence of dataset characteristics on the efficiency of parallel implementation is also analyzed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GSoC 2015 student contributions to GenApp and Airavata
Authors: Brookes Emre H. , Kapoor Abhishek , Patra Priyanshu , Marru Suresh , Singh Raminder , Pierce Marlon
Published: October 2015

GenApp generates applications on an extensible set of target languages for scientific modules. GenApp utilizes JavaScript object notation (JSON) format for all definition files. To create an application, definition files are created for global directives, menu, and modules. Target languages have definition files detailing the steps‐mapping code fragments to output. Modules must be wrapped to accept and produce JSON as defined in the module's definition file. Execution models are not defined by GenApp; they are included in target language code fragments. Previously, GenApp included target languages of HTML5/PHP, Qt3/C++, and Qt4/C++ with execution models of direct local execution, a web server, or a web server accessible resource. A Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 2014 student demonstrated Airavata‐managed execution in GenApp's current target languages. Subsequently, Airavata's API and GenApp have evolved. Two GSoC‐2015 students updated the previous Airavata integration to support the current API and extend target languages to include Qt5/C++, Qt5/Android, and Java. GenApp was initially developed to wrap modules utilized in the small angles scattering field but is not restricted to this discipline. The GenApp philosophy is to minimize effort of the researcher to deploy modules and insure preservation in an evolving software landscape. Generated applications are in production and used by small angle scattering researchers. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The twisted crossed cube
Authors: Wang Xinyang , Liang Jiarong , Qi Deyu , Lin Weiwei
Published: October 2015

The topology of interconnection networks plays an important role in the performance of parallel and distributed computing systems. In this paper, we propose a new interconnection network called twisted crossed cube (TCQn) and investigate its basic network properties in terms of the regularity, connectivity, fault tolerance, recursiveness, hamiltonicity and ability to simulate other architectures, and so on. Then, we develop an effective routing algorithm Route (u, v) for TCQn that takes no more than d(u, v) + 1 steps for any two nodes (u, v) to communicate with each other, and the routing process shows that the diameter, wide diameter, and fault‐tolerant diameter of TCQn are about half of the corresponding diameters of the equivalent hypercube with the same dimension. In the end, by combining TCQn with crossed cube (CQn), we propose a preferable dynamic network structure, that is, the dynamic crossed cube, which has the same network diameter as TCQn/CQn and better properties in other respects, for example, its connection complexity is half of that of TCQn/CQn when the network scale is large enough, and the number of its average routing steps is also much smaller than that in TCQn/CQn. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is There a Future for Labor‐Management Cooperation?
Authors: Masters Marick F. , Albright Robert , Gibney Raymond
Published: October 2015

Christina Merchant dedicated her working life to promoting conflict management and labor‐management cooperation. Unfortunately, the environment today does not seem hospitable to such cooperation. A massive assault is being waged against unions and collective bargaining, which begs the question of whether cooperation has a future. At the grassroots level, there is clearly a need for collaboration, where the parties can make a real difference.
Netrin‐1 induces local translation of down syndrome cell adhesion molecule in axonal growth cones
Authors: Jain Shruti , Welshhans Kristy
Published: October 2015

Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM) plays an important role in many neurodevelopmental processes such as axon guidance, dendrite arborization, and synapse formation. DSCAM is located in the Down syndrome trisomic region of human chromosome 21 and may contribute to the Down syndrome brain phenotype, which includes a reduction in the formation of long‐distance connectivity. The local translation of a select group of mRNA transcripts within growth cones is necessary for the formation of appropriate neuronal connectivity. Interestingly, we have found thatDscammRNA is localized to growth cones of mouse hippocampal neurons, and is dynamically regulated in response to the axon guidance molecule, netrin‐1. Furthermore, netrin‐1 stimulation results in an increase in locally translated DSCAM protein in growth cones. Deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC), a netrin‐1 receptor, is required for the netrin‐1‐induced increase inDscammRNA local translation. We also find that two RNA‐binding proteins—fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein (CPEB)—colocalize withDscammRNA in growth cones, suggesting their regulation ofDscammRNA localization and translation. Finally, overexpression of DSCAM in mouse cortical neurons results in a severe stunting of axon outgrowth and branching, suggesting that an increase in DSCAM protein results in a structural change having functional consequences. Taken together, these results suggest that netrin‐1‐induced local translation ofDscammRNA during embryonic development may be an important mechanism to regulate axon growth and guidance in the developing nervous system. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 799–816, 2016
Dendritic‐cell expression of Ship1 regulates Th2 immunity to helminth infection in mice
Authors: Gold Matthew J. , Antignano Frann , Hughes Michael R. , Zaph Colby , McNagny Kelly M.
Published: October 2015

In mouse models of infection with the gastrointestinal parasite Trichuris muris, appropriate dendritic‐cell (DC) Ag sampling, migration, and presentation to T cells are necessary to mount a protective Th2‐polarized adaptive immune response, which is needed to clear infection. SH2‐containing inositol 5′‐phosphatase 1 (SHIP‐1) has been shown to be an important regulator of DC function in vitro through the negative regulation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway, but its role in vivo is relatively unexplored. In the current work, mice with a specific deletion of SHIP‐1 in DCs (Ship1ΔDC) were infected with the parasite T. muris. Ship1ΔDC mice were susceptible to infection due to ineffective priming of Th2‐polarized responses. This is likely due to an increased production of interleukin (IL) 12p40 by SHIP‐1‐deficient DCs, as in vivo antibody blockade of IL‐12p40 was able to facilitate the clearing of infection in Ship1ΔDC mice. Our results describe a critical role for SHIP‐1 in regulating the ability of DCs to efficiently prime Th2‐type responses.
Changes in T‐cell subsets identify responders to FcR‐nonbinding anti‐CD3 mAb (teplizumab) in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Tooley James E. , Vudattu Nalini , Choi Jinmyung , Cotsapas Chris , Devine Lesley , Raddassi Khadir , Ehlers Mario R. , McNamara James G. , Harris Kristina M. , Kanaparthi Sai , Phippard Deborah , Herold Kevan C.
Published: October 2015

The mechanisms whereby immune therapies affect progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D) are not well understood. Teplizumab, an FcR nonbinding anti‐CD3 mAb, has shown efficacy in multiple randomized clinical trials. We previously reported an increase in the frequency of circulating CD8+ central memory (CD8CM) T cells in clinical responders, but the generalizability of this finding and the molecular effects of teplizumab on these T cells have not been evaluated. We analyzed data from two randomized clinical studies of teplizumab in patients with new‐ and recent‐onset T1D. At the conclusion of therapy, clinical responders showed a significant reduction in circulating CD4+ effector memory T cells. Afterward, there was an increase in the frequency and absolute number of CD8CM T cells. In vitro, teplizumab expanded CD8CM T cells by proliferation and conversion of non‐CM T cells. Nanostring analysis of gene expression of CD8CM T cells from responders and nonresponders versus placebo‐treated control subjects identified decreases in expression of genes associated with immune activation and increases in expression of genes associated with T‐cell differentiation and regulation. We conclude that CD8CM T cells with decreased activation and regulatory gene expression are associated with clinical responses to teplizumab in patients with T1D.
Coincident diabetes mellitus modulates Th1‐, Th2‐, and Th17‐cell responses in latent tuberculosis in an IL‐10‐ and TGF‐β‐dependent manner
Authors: Kumar Nathella Pavan , Moideen Kadar , George Parakkal Jovvian , Dolla Chandrakumar , Kumaran Paul , Babu Subash
Published: October 2015

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for the development of active tuberculosis (TB), although its role in the TB‐induced responses in latent TB (LTB) is not well understood. Since Th1, Th2, and Th17 responses are important in immunity to LTB, we postulated that coincident DM could alter the function of these CD4+ T‐cell subsets. To this end, we examined mycobacteria‐induced immune responses in the whole blood of individuals with LTB‐DM and compared them with responses of individuals without DM (LTB‐NDM). T‐cell responses from LTB‐DM are characterized by diminished frequencies of mono‐ and dual‐functional CD4+ Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells at baseline and following stimulation with mycobacterial antigens‐purified protein derivative, early secreted antigen‐6, and culture filtrate protein‐10. This modulation was at least partially dependent on IL‐10 and TGF‐β, since neutralization of either cytokine resulted in significantly increased frequencies of Th1 and Th2 cells but not Th17 cells in LTB‐DM but not LTB individuals. LTB‐DM is therefore characterized by diminished frequencies of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, indicating that DM alters the immune response in latent TB leading to a suboptimal induction of protective CD4+ T‐cell responses, thereby providing a potential mechanism for increased susceptibility to active disease.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells are dispensable for noninfectious intestinal IgA responses in vivo
Authors: Moro‐Sibilot Ludovic , This Sebastien , Blanc Pascal , Sanlaville Amelien , Sisirak Vanja , Bardel Emilie , Boschetti Gilles , Bendriss‐Vermare Nathalie , Defrance Thierry , Dubois Bertrand , Kaiserlian Dominique
Published: October 2015

Intestinal DCs orchestrate gut immune homeostasis by dampening proinflammatory T‐cell responses and inducing anti‐inflammatory IgA responses. Although no specific DC subset has been strictly assigned so far to govern IgA response, some candidate subsets emerge. In particular, plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), which notoriously promote anti‐viral immunity and T‐cell tolerance to innocuous antigens (Ags), contribute to IgA induction in response to intestinal viral infection and promote T‐cell‐independent IgA responses in vitro. Here, using two transgenic mouse models, we show that neither short‐term nor long‐term pDC depletion alters IgA class switch recombination in Peyer's patches and frequency of IgA plasma cells in intestinal mucosa at steady state, even in the absence of T‐cell help. In addition, pDCs are dispensable for induction of intestinal IgA plasma cells in response to oral immunization with T‐cell‐dependent or T‐cell‐independent Ags, and are not required for proliferation and IgA switch of Ag‐specific B cells in GALT. These results show that pDCs are dispensable for noninfectious IgA responses, and suggest that various DC subsets may play redundant roles in the control of intestinal IgA responses.
Whole brain fiber‐based comparison (FBC)—A tool for diffusion tensor imaging‐based cohort studies
Authors: Zimmerman‐Moreno Gali , Ben Bashat Dafna , Artzi Moran , Nefussy Beatrice , Drory Vivian , Aizenstein Orna , Greenspan Hayit
Published: October 2015

We present a novel method for fiber‐based comparison of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scans of groups of subjects. The method entails initial preprocessing and fiber reconstruction by tractography of each brain in its native coordinate system. Several diffusion parameters are sampled along each fiber and used in subsequent comparisons. A spatial correspondence between subjects is established based on geometric similarity between fibers in a template set (several choices for template are explored), and fibers in all other subjects. Diffusion parameters between groups are compared statistically for each template fiber. Results are presented at single fiber resolution. As an initial exploratory step in neurological population studies this method points to the locations affected by the pathology of interest, without requiring a hypothesis. It does not make any grouping assumptions on the fibers and no manual intervention is needed. The framework was applied here to 18 healthy subjects and 23 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. The results are compatible with previous findings and with the tract based spatial statistics (TBSS) method. Hum Brain Mapp 37:477–490, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A paired comparison between glioblastoma “stem cells” and differentiated cells
Authors: Schneider Matthias , Ströbele Stephanie , Nonnenmacher Lisa , Siegelin Markus D. , Tepper Melanie , Stroh Sebastien , Hasslacher Sebastian , Enzenmüller Stefanie , Strauss Gudrun , Baumann Bernd , Karpel‐Massler Georg , Westhoff Mike‐Andrew , Debatin Klaus‐Michael , Halatsch Marc‐Eric
Published: October 2015

Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been postulated to be responsible for the key features of a malignancy and its maintenances, as well as therapy resistance, while differentiated cells are believed to make up the rapidly growing tumour bulk. It is therefore important to understand the characteristics of those two distinct cell populations in order to devise treatment strategies which effectively target both cohorts, in particular with respect to cancers, such as glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumour in adults, with a mean patient survival of 12–15 months. Importantly, therapeutic improvements have not been forthcoming in the last decade. In this study we compare key features of three pairs of glioblastoma cell populations, each pair consisting of stem cell‐like and differentiated cells derived from an individual patient. Our data suggest that while growth rates and expression of key survival‐ and apoptosis‐mediating proteins are more similar according to differentiation status than genetic similarity, we found no intrinsic differences in response to standard therapeutic interventions, namely exposure to radiation or the alkylating agent temozolomide. Interestingly, we could demonstrate that both stem cell‐like and differentiated cells possess the ability to form stem cell‐containing tumours in immunocompromised mice and that differentiated cells could potentially be dedifferentiated to potential stem cells. Taken together our data suggest that the differences between tumour stem cell and differentiated cell are particular fluent in glioblastoma.
Trypanosoma cruzi extracts elicit protective immune response against chemically induced colon and mammary cancers
Authors: Ubillos Luis , Freire Teresa , Berriel Edgardo , Chiribao María Laura , Chiale Carolina , Festari María Florencia , Medeiros Andrea , Mazal Daniel , Rondán Mariella , Bollati‐Fogolín Mariela , Rabinovich Gabriel A. , Robello Carlos , Osinaga Eduardo
Published: October 2015

Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite that causes Chagas' disease, has anticancer effects mediated, at least in part, by parasite‐derived products which inhibit growth of tumor cells. We investigated whether immunity to T. cruzi antigens could induce antitumor activity, using two rat models which reproduce human carcinogenesis: colon cancer induced by 1,2‐dimethylhydrazine (DMH), and mammary cancer induced by N‐nitroso‐N‐methylurea (NMU). We found that vaccination with T. cruzi epimastigote lysates strongly inhibits tumor development in both animal models. Rats immunized with T. cruzi antigens induce activation of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and splenocytes from these animals showed higher cytotoxic responses against tumors as compared to rats receiving adjuvant alone. Tumor‐associated immune responses included increasing number of CD11b/c+ His48− MHC II+ cells corresponding to macrophages and/or dendritic cells, which exhibited augmented NADPH‐oxidase activity. We also found that T. cruzi lysate vaccination developed antibodies specific for colon and mammary rat cancer cells, which were capable of mediating antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro. Anti‐T. cruzi antibodies cross‐reacted with human colon and breast cancer cell lines and recognized 41/60 (68%) colon cancer and 38/63 (60%) breast cancer samples in a series of 123 human tumors. Our results suggest that T. cruzi antigens can evoke an integrated antitumor response involving both the cellular and humoral components of the immune response and provide novel insights into the understanding of the intricate relationship between parasite infection and tumor growth.
Efficient generation of endothelial cells from human pluripotent stem cells and characterization of their functional properties
Authors: Song Wei , Kaufman Dan S. , Shen Wei
Published: October 2015

Although endothelial cells (ECs) have been derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), large‐scale generation of hPSC‐ECs remains challenging and their functions are not well characterized. Here we report a simple and efficient three‐stage method that allows generation of approximately 98 and 9500 ECs on day 16 and day 34, respectively, from each human embryonic stem cell (hESC) input. The functional properties of hESC‐ECs derived in the presence and absence of a TGFβ‐inhibitory molecule SB431542 were characterized and compared with those of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Confluent monolayers formed by SB431542 + hESC‐ECs, SB431542‐hESC‐ECs, and HUVECs showed similar permeability to 10,000 Da dextran, but these cells exhibited striking differences in forming tube‐like structures in 3D fibrin gels. The SB431542 + hESC‐ECs were most potent in forming tube‐like structures regardless of whether VEGF and bFGF were present in the medium; less potent SB431542‐hESC‐ECs and HUVECs responded differently to VEGF and bFGF, which significantly enhanced the ability of HUVECs to form tube‐like structures but had little impact on SB431542‐hESC‐ECs. This study offers an efficient approach to large‐scale hPSC‐EC production and suggests that the phenotypes and functions of hPSC‐ECs derived under different conditions need to be thoroughly examined before their use in technology development. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 678–687, 2016.
Cellulose‐based porous scaffold for bone tissue engineering applications: Assessment of hMSC proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Demitri Christian , Raucci Maria Grazia , Giuri Antonella , De Benedictis Vincenzo Maria , Giugliano Daniela , Calcagnile Paola , Sannino Alessandro , Ambrosio Luigi
Published: October 2015

Physical foaming combined with microwave‐induced curing was used in this study to develop an innovative device for bone tissue regeneration. In the first step of the process, a stable physical foaming was induced using a surfactant (i.e. pluronic) as blowing agent of a homogeneous blend of Sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose (CMCNa) and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA700) solution. In the second step, the porous structure of the scaffold was chemically stabilized by radical polymerization induced by a homogeneous rapid heating of the sample in a microwave reactor. In this step 2,2‐Azobis[2‐(2‐imidazolin‐2 yl)propane]Dihydrochloride was used as thermoinitiator (TI). CMCNa and PEGDA were mixed with different blends to correlate the properties of final product with the composition. The chemical properties of each sample were evaluated by spectroscopy analysis ATR‐IR (before and after curing) in order to maximize reaction yield, and optimize kinetic parameters (i.e. time curing, microwave power). The stability of the materials was evaluated in vitro by degradation test in Phosphate Buffered Saline. Biological analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of scaffold materials on cellular behavior in terms of proliferation and early osteogenic differentiation of human Mesenchymal Stem Cells. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 726–733, 2016.
The hydration properties of carboxybetaine zwitterion brushes
Authors: Du Hongbo , Qian Xianghong
Published: October 2015

Combined quantum mechanical calculations and classical molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the hydration properties of carboxybetaine zwitterion brushes with varying separation distances between the quaternary ammonium cation and carboxylic anion. The brushes consist of zwitterion trimers and are investigated to mimic interacting zwitterion chains grafted on a substrate as well as polymers with interacting zwitterion side chains. Our results show that the values of both positive and negative charges, their separation distances as well as chain interactions appear to play a critical role in the hydration properties of the zwitterions. The overall hydration property of these zwitterions is dictated by the competition between the strong hydration of the charged groups and the dehydration of the hydrocarbon chains. The strongest hydration occurs when the CH2− unit in the hydrocarbon chain reaches 6–8 for these trimers. Further increase in the hydrocarbon chain length to 10–14 leads to significant and sudden dehydration of the trimers. The water structure and the water residence time surrounding the zwitterions also demonstrate substantial alteration at this length scale. This hydrophilic‐to‐hydrophobic transition is induced by the hydrophobic interactions of the trimer chains. Our hydration results could explain the observed trend of the superiority of the methylated carbohydrates and poly(ethylene glycol) as antifouling materials compared to corresponding hydroxyl‐terminated compounds. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.