bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dual role of a yeast metacaspase: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Authors: Hill Sandra Malmgren , Nyström Thomas
Published: February 2015

Recent reports suggest that the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae caspase‐related metacaspase, Mca1, is required for cell‐autonomous cytoprotective functions that slow cellular aging. Because the Mca1 protease has previously been suggested to be responsible for programmed cell death (PCD) upon stress and aging, these reports raise the question of how the opposing roles of Mca1 as a protector and executioner are regulated. One reconciling perspective could be that executioner activation may be restricted to situations where the death of part of the population would be beneficial, for example during colony growth or adaptation into specialized survival forms. Another possibility is that metacaspases primarily harbor beneficial functions and that the increased survival observed upon metacaspase removal is due to compensatory responses. Herein, we summarize data on the role of Mca1 in cell death and survival and approach the question of how a metacaspase involved in protein quality control may act as killer protein.
Mercaptopropionic acid–capped CdTe quantum dots as fluorescence probe for the determination of salicylic acid in pharmaceutical products
Authors: Bunkoed Opas , Kanatharana Proespichaya
Published: February 2015

Mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)–capped cadmium telluride (CdTe) quantum dot (QDs) fluorescent probes were synthesized in aqueous solution and used for the determination of salicylic acid. The interaction between the MPA–capped CdTe QDs and salicylic acid was studied using fluorescence spectroscopy and some parameters that could modify the fluorescence were investigated to optimize the measurements. Under optimum conditions, the quenched fluorescence intensity of MPA–capped CdTe QDs was linearly proportional to the concentration of salicylic acid in the range of 0.5–40 µg mL–1 with a coefficient of determination of 0.998, and the limit of detection was 0.15 µg mL–1. The method was successfully applied to the determination of salicylic acid in pharmaceutical products, and satisfactory results were obtained that were in agreement with both the high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and the claimed values. The recovery of the method was in the range 99 ± 3% to 105 ± 9%. The proposed method is simple, rapid, cost effective, highly sensitivity and eminently suitable for the quality control of pharmaceutical preparation. The possible mechanisms for the observed quenching reaction was also discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved virus purification processes for vaccines and gene therapy
Authors: Nestola Piergiuseppe , Peixoto Cristina , Silva Ricardo R. J. S , Alves Paula M. , Mota José P. B. , Carrondo Manuel J. T.
Published: February 2015

The downstream processing of virus particles for vaccination or gene therapy is becoming a critical bottleneck as upstream titers keep improving. Moreover, the growing pressure to develop cost‐efficient processes has brought forward new downstream trains. This review aims at analyzing the state‐of‐the‐art in viral downstream purification processes, encompassing the classical unit operations and their recent developments. Emphasis is given to novel strategies for process intensification, such as continuous or semi‐continuous systems based on multicolumn technology, opening up process efficiency. Process understanding in the light of the pharmaceutical quality by design (QbD) initiative is also discussed. Finally, an outlook of the upcoming breakthrough technologies is presented. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 843–857. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication of multi‐well chips for spheroid cultures and implantable constructs through rapid prototyping techniques
Authors: Lopa Silvia , Piraino Francesco , Kemp Raymond J. , Di Caro Clelia , Lovati Arianna B. , Di Giancamillo Alessia , Moroni Lorenzo , Peretti Giuseppe M. , Rasponi Marco , Moretti Matteo
Published: February 2015

Three‐dimensional (3D) culture models are widely used in basic and translational research. In this study, to generate and culture multiple 3D cell spheroids, we exploited laser ablation and replica molding for the fabrication of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) multi‐well chips, which were validated using articular chondrocytes (ACs). Multi‐well ACs spheroids were comparable or superior to standard spheroids, as revealed by glycosaminoglycan and type‐II collagen deposition. Moreover, the use of our multi‐well chips significantly reduced the operation time for cell seeding and medium refresh. Exploiting a similar approach, we used clinical‐grade fibrin to generate implantable multi‐well constructs allowing for the precise distribution of multiple cell types. Multi‐well fibrin constructs were seeded with ACs generating high cell density regions, as shown by histology and cell fluorescent staining. Multi‐well constructs were compared to standard constructs with homogeneously distributed ACs. After 7 days in vitro, expression of SOX9, ACAN, COL2A1, and COMP was increased in both constructs, with multi‐well constructs expressing significantly higher levels of chondrogenic genes than standard constructs. After 5 weeks in vivo, we found that despite a dramatic size reduction, the cell distribution pattern was maintained and glycosaminoglycan content per wet weight was significantly increased respect to pre‐implantation samples. In conclusion, multi‐well chips for the generation and culture of multiple cell spheroids can be fabricated by low‐cost rapid prototyping techniques. Furthermore, these techniques can be used to generate implantable constructs with defined architecture and controlled cell distribution, allowing for in vitro and in vivo investigation of cell interactions in a 3D environment. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1457–1471. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development and scale‐up of the recovery and purification of a domain antibody Fc fusion protein‐comparison of a two and three‐step approach
Authors: Herzer Sibylle , Bhangale Atul , Barker Gregory , Chowdhary Isha , Conover Matthew , O'Mara Brian W. , Tsang Lily , Wang Shi‐Yu , Krystek Stanley R. , Yao Yan , Rieble Siegfried
Published: February 2015

A robust, economical process should leverage proven technology, yet be flexible enough to adopt emerging technologies which show significant benefit. Antibody and Fc‐fusion processes may capitalize on the high selectivity of an affinity capture step by reducing the total number of chromatographic steps to 2. Risk associated with this approach stems from the potentially increased time frame needed for process development as well as unforeseen changes in impurity profile during first scale‐up of drug substance (DS) for animal toxicology and clinical phase I trials (FIH) production, which could challenge a two‐step process to the point of failure. Two different purification strategies were pursued during process development for an FIH process of a dAB‐Fc fusion protein. A two‐step process was compared to a three‐step process. The two‐step process leveraged additives to maximize impurity reduction during affinity capture. While wash additives in combination with a mixed mode chromatography met all impurity reduction requirements, HCP levels were still higher as compared to the three‐step process. The three‐step process was implemented for manufacture of clinical material to mitigate risk. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1417–1428. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An optogenetic upgrade for the Tet‐OFF system
Authors: Müller Konrad , Zurbriggen Matias D. , Weber Wilfried
Published: February 2015

The rapid development of mammalian optogenetics has produced an expanding number of gene switches that can be controlled with the unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution of light. However, in the “pre‐optogenetic” era many networks, cell lines and transgenic organisms have been engineered that rely on chemically‐inducible transgene expression systems but would benefit from the advantages of the traceless inducer light. To open the possibility for the effortless upgrade of such systems from chemical inducers to light, we capitalized on the specific Med25VBD inhibitor of the VP16/VP64 transactivation domain. In a first step, we demonstrated the efficiency and selectivity of Med25VBD in the inhibition of VP16/VP64‐based transgene expression systems. Then, we fused the inhibitor to the blue light‐responsive B‐LID degron and optimized the performance of this construct with regard to the number of Med25VBD repeats. This approach resulted in an optogenetic upgrade of the popular Tet‐OFF (TetR‐VP64, tetO7‐PhCMVmin) system that allows tunable, blue light‐inducible transgene expression in HEK‐293T cells. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1483–1487. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of the activity of the spore cortex lytic enzyme CwlJ1
Authors: Wu Xia , Grover Navdeep , Paskaleva Elena E. , Mundra Ruchir V. , Page Martin A. , Kane Ravi S. , Dordick Jonathan S.
Published: February 2015

The germination enzyme CwlJ1 plays an important role in degrading the cortex during the germination of Bacillus anthracis spores. However, the specific function and catalytic activity of CwlJ1 remain elusive. Here we report for the first time a detailed in vitro mechanistic study of CwlJ1 expressed in Escherichia coli and its activity against the spore cortical fragments of B. anthracis when added exogenously. CwlJ1 was active on both decoated spores and spore cortical fragments. Through liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis of the digested cortical fragments, we determined that CwlJ1 was a thermostable N‐acetylmuramoyl‐l‐alanine amidase. CwlJ1 mainly recognized large segments of glycan chains in the cortex instead of the minimal structural unit tetrasaccharide, with specificity for muramic acid‐δ‐lactam‐containing glycan chains and preference for the tetrapeptide side chain. Unlike most amidases, CwlJ1 did not appear to contain a divalent cation, as it retained its activity in the presence of EDTA. This study shines some light on the mechanism of spore germination, and provides increased insight into the development of sporicidal enzyme systems for decontamination of B. anthracis and other related bacteria. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1365–1375. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanism for multiplicity of steady states with distinct cell concentration in continuous culture of mammalian cells
Authors: Yongky Andrew , Lee Jongchan , Le Tung , Mulukutla Bhanu Chandra , Daoutidis Prodromos , Hu Wei‐Shou
Published: February 2015

Continuous culture for the production of biopharmaceutical proteins offers the possibility of steady state operations and thus more consistent product quality and increased productivity. Under some conditions, multiplicity of steady states has been observed in continuous cultures of mammalian cells, wherein with the same dilution rate and feed nutrient composition, steady states with very different cell and product concentrations may be reached. At those different steady states, cells may exhibit a high glycolysis flux with high lactate production and low cell concentration, or a low glycolysis flux with low lactate and high cell concentration. These different steady states, with different cell concentration, also have different productivity. Developing a mechanistic understanding of the occurrence of steady state multiplicity and devising a strategy to steer the culture toward the desired steady state is critical. We establish a multi‐scale kinetic model that integrates a mechanistic intracellular metabolic model and cell growth model in a continuous bioreactor. We show that steady state multiplicity exists in a range of dilution rate in continuous culture as a result of the bistable behavior in glycolysis. The insights from the model were used to devise strategies to guide the culture to the desired steady state in the multiple steady state region. The model provides a guideline principle in the design of continuous culture processes of mammalian cells. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1437–1445. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MiRNA mimic screen for improved expression of functional neurotensin receptor from HEK 293 cells
Authors: Xiao Su , Chen Yu‐Chi , Betenbaugh Michael J. , Martin Scott E. , Shiloach Joseph
Published: February 2015

Obtaining adequate quantities of functional mammalian membrane proteins has been a bottleneck in their structural and functional studies because the expression of these proteins from mammalian cells is relatively low. To explore the possibility of enhancing expression of these proteins using miRNA, a stable T‐REx‐293 cell line expressing the neurotensin receptor type 1 (NTSR1), a hard‐to‐express G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR), was constructed. The cell line was then subjected to human miRNA mimic library screening. In parallel, an HEK293 cell line expressing luciferase was also screened with the same human miRNA mimic library. Five microRNA mimics: hsa‐miR‐22‐5p, hsa‐miR‐18a‐5p, hsa‐miR‐22‐3p, hsa‐miR‐429, and hsa‐miR‐2110were identified from both screens. They led to 48% increase in the expression of functional NTSR1 and to 239% increase of luciferase expression. These miRNAs were also effective in enhancing the expression of secretedglypican‐3 hFc‐fusion protein from HEK293 cells.The results indicate that these molecules may have a wide role in enhancing the production of proteins with biomedical interest. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1632–1643. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sustainability Management within Supply Chains – A Resource Dependence View
Authors: Schnittfeld Nicole Luisa , Busch Timo
Published: February 2015

Proceeding from three basic concepts of resource dependence theory – organizational effectiveness, interdependence and external control – we conducted a multiple‐case study to investigate factors that facilitate and hinder sustainability management within supply chains. Our empirical observations highlight that focal firms do not necessarily transfer their own corporate sustainability agendas into control mechanisms for managing the sustainability of their suppliers. Based on this insight, we develop a new theory that explains how intra‐ and interorganizational sustainability management is affected by a firm's business case for promoting sustainability, control mechanisms, trade‐offs, trust and market liberalization. The theory offers new insights into drivers and barriers for effective interorganizational sustainability management, whereas previous theories could not fully explain the reasons for diverging sustainability management practices in supply chains. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Self‐assessment of anatomy, sexual sensitivity, and function of the labia and vagina
Authors: Schober Justine M. , Alguacil Nieves Martin , Cooper R. Scott , Pfaff Donald W. , Meyer‐Bahlburg Heino F.L.
Published: February 2015

Patient perceptions of genital esthetics are motivating requests for plastic surgeries that could change sexual sensitivity. There is little information about the sensitivities of labial and introital sites. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between sexual sensitivity and self‐reported sizes of labial and introital sites. Sixty‐two healthy, sexually active, adult women (mean age 37.9, range 21–60) with no history of genital or vaginal surgery gave written consent to participate in this study. A modified version of Self‐Assessment of Genital Anatomy and Sexual Function (L‐SAGASF‐F) was used to assess labial and introital size. Site‐specific sensation was rated on Likert scales of 1–5. Anatomical locations were compared for ratings. Of 62 responders, 84% (52) described their labia as “average‐sized,” 11% (7) described their labia minora and 13% (8) their labia majora as “large”, and 3% (2) and 5% (3) as “small”. Sexual pleasure ratings were “moderate” (median value: 3.0 for external genitalia and vaginal lumen) or “strong” (median value: 4.0 for the interior vagina). Significantly higher rankings related to the vaginal opening (P = 0.007). Orgasm intensity for stimulation of the external genitalia progressively increased toward the vaginal opening, from 1.0 to 3.0 (P = 0.001); vaginal ratings showed a similar progression, from 2.0 at the external luminal margin to 3.0 in the deep interior (P < 0.0001). Orgasm effort scores were intermediate (median: 3.0), uniform throughout the external and internal areas (P = 0.626). Ratings for labial and introital sensitivity, regardless of self‐reported size, were very similar to those at other genital sites for sexual pleasure. Surgical excision of labial and introital structures could modify sexual sensation. Clin. Anat. 28:355–362, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Listen, invite community into your unit's affairs
Authors: Gomez Cynthia
Published: February 2015

Becoming a police chief was never part of Matthew Carmichael's plan. When he was asked to step into the role after the infamous 2011 pepper‐spray incident that catapulted the University of California, Davis, into the spotlight led to his former boss being placed on administrative leave and then terminated, he said “no.” But university officials were persistent.
Uphold conduct codes while respecting free speech rights
Authors: Maderer William F. , Finnegan John F.
Published: February 2015

Upholding conduct codes while respecting students' free speech rights is a tricky tightrope to walk. A recent court case (Serodio v. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, No. 09‐2221, D.N.J., June 13, 2014) provides a useful roadmap to help higher education administrators manage this balancing act.
Fire safety education requires more than conducting fire drills
Authors: Gomez Cynthia
Published: February 2015

Campus safety leaders and their officers often participate in new‐student orientations to educate freshmen about how to stay safe on campus. It's also common for them to host or participate in events throughout the year designed to remind freshmen about the many dangers inherent to college life. But if fire safety isn't among the topics you cover, you could be doing them a great disservice.
Step up your hazing prevention, response initiatives
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: February 2015

More than half of college students who are members of a club, team or organization experience hazing. And 40 percent of college students admit to knowing that hazing is occurring on campus, while 20 percent admit the coach or advisor was involved. That's according to a University of Maine study by Elizabeth Allan and Mary Madden.
Create culture of balance, structure to increase success, boost impact of your athletics department
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: February 2015

TRACEY RANIERI, ATHLETICS, INTRAMURAL AND RECREATION DIRECTOR, SUNY ONEONTA
Make your professional development plans now
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: February 2015

It's a great time to plan ahead and set goals for yourself as well as your coaches, staff members and student‐athletes.
Was the university deliberately indifferent to a student's alleged rape?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: February 2015

Joan Roe was on the Saint Louis University field hockey team. She was allegedly raped at a party held on Oct. 27 in an off‐campus apartment building. A few days later, Roe told one of the field hockey captains that she had been raped at the party. Another field hockey captain reported Roe's allegation to Janet Oberle, assistant athletic director for National Collegiate Athletic Association compliance, on Nov. 1.
Don't be afraid to mentor a millennial
Authors: Williams Kate
Published: February 2015

As a college athletics administrator, you may have thought about mentoring one of your junior millennial employees, but are hesitant due to negative generational stereotypes.
Reconstructing 3D human models with a Kinect
Authors: Chen Guang , Li Jituo , Wang Bei , Zeng Jiping , Lu Guodong , Zhang Dongliang
Published: February 2015

Three‐dimensional human model reconstruction has wide applications due to the rapid development of computer vision. The appearance of cheap depth camera, such as Kinect, opens up new horizons for home‐oriented 3D human reconstructions. However, the resolution of Kinect is relatively low, making it difficult to build accurate human models. In this paper, we improve the accuracy of human model reconstruction from two aspects. First, we improve the depth data quality by registering the depth images captured from multi‐views with a single Kinect. The part‐wise registration method and implicit‐surface‐based de‐noising method are proposed. Second, we utilize a statistical human model to iteratively augment and complete the human body information by fitting the statistical human model to the registered depth image. Experimental results and several applications demonstrate the applicability and quality of our system, which can be potentially used in virtual try‐on systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibacterial Activity of Enrofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin Derivatives of β‐Octaarginine
Authors: Purkayastha Nirupam , Capone Stefania , Beck Albert K. , Seebach Dieter , Leeds Jennifer , Thompson Katherine , Moser Heinz E.
Published: February 2015

β3‐Octaarginine chains were attached to the functional groups NH and CO2H of the antibacterial fluoroquinolones ciprofloxacin (→1) and enrofloxacin (→2), respectively, in order to find out whether the activity increases by attachment of the polycationic, cell‐penetrating peptide (CPP) moiety. For comparison, simple amides, 3–5, of the two antimicrobial compounds and β3‐octaarginine amide (βR8) were included in the antibacterial susceptibility tests to clarify the impact of chemical modification on the microbiological activity of either scaffold (Table).
Using Modern Tools To Probe the Structure–Function Relationship of Fatty Acid Synthases
Authors: Finzel Kara , Lee D. John , Burkart Michael D.
Published: February 2015

Fatty acid biosynthesis is essential to life and represents one of the most conserved pathways in nature, preserving the same handful of chemical reactions across all species. Recent interest in the molecular details of the de novo fatty acid synthase (FAS) has been heightened by demand for renewable fuels and the emergence of multidrug‐resistant bacterial strains. Central to FAS is the acyl carrier protein (ACP), a protein chaperone that shuttles the growing acyl chain between catalytic enzymes within the FAS. Human efforts to alter fatty acid biosynthesis for oil production, chemical feedstock, or antimicrobial purposes has been met with limited success, due in part to a lack of detailed molecular information behind the ACP–partner protein interactions inherent to the pathway. This review will focus on recently developed tools for the modification of ACP and analysis of protein–protein interactions, such as mechanism‐based crosslinking, and the studies exploiting them. Discussion specific to each enzymatic domain will focus first on mechanism and known inhibitors, followed by available structures and known interactions with ACP. Although significant unknowns remain, new understandings of the intricacies of FAS point to future advances in manipulating this complex molecular factory.
Boyhood: A Guide for Parents
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2015

Since the movie Boyhood came out almost a year ago, many film critics have given this wonderful coming‐of‐age story glowing reviews. And many parents have discussed it, between themselves, on social media, and on blogs, saying that its slice‐of‐life reality resonated with their own experiences. The movie has an R rating (no one under 17 allowed without a parent), which is likely to discourage many parents from bringing their children to see it, but there is good reason for families to see this movie, and to see it together.
Atrial fibrillation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Room for improvement
Authors: Krishnaswamy Amar , Tuzcu E. Murat
Published: February 2015

Key Points

Demonstrates the burden of AF in patients undergoing TAVR

Highlights the association of AF with adverse outcomes and the low rate of anticoagulation for patients with AF after TAVR

Provides a background for consideration of left atrial appendage occlusion devices in patients with AF after TAVR
Covered stents—we need them, but it would be better if we didn't
Authors: Latson Larry A.
Published: February 2015

Key Points

Right ventricular outflow tract conduit disruption occurs in about 6% of transcatheter pulmonary valve placement procedures, with highest risk in patients with larger gradients

The Covered Cheatham‐Platinum Stent is an effective treatment for acute events, but longer‐term follow‐up data is still lacking

Pre‐placement of a covered stent in high risk patients should be further evaluated
Once normal coronary arteries, always normal coronary arteries?
Authors: Pilgrim Thomas , Meier Bernhard
Published: February 2015

Key Points

Completely normal coronary arteries on an angiogram all but guarantee a course free of coronary artery disease.

Documented normal coronary arteries need not to be restudied for many years to come if at all.

A larger study with coronary angiograms assessed as completely normal by a panel and with at least 10‐year follow‐up needs to corroborate these conclusions.
The TAVI stent frame: Minimum security prison for the coronary arteries
Authors: Safian Robert D.
Published: February 2015

Key Points

MDCT performed 1 month after TAVI identified partial or complete coverage of more than 33.6% of coronary artery ostia

There was no relationship between coronary ostial coverage and subsequent myocardial infarction, need for late PCI, or success of PCI.

While the risk of coronary artery occlusion is low after TAVI, the risk of occlusion may be higher and the ability to access the coronary arteries may be lower if the coronary height is < 10 mm, the sinuses of Valsalva are effaced, the patient requires valve‐in‐valve procedure, or the stent frame consists of a tightly woven braided design.
Fluoroscopic time: Necessary but not sufficient
Authors: Balter Stephen
Published: February 2015

Key Points

Contrast utilization and fluoroscopic time decreased over time due to increased operator proficiency.

There is no estimate of radiation hazard because radiation utilization was not recorded.

Fluoroscopic time is an increasingly imprecise measure of radiation risk because of improving equipment configurations.
Use of intravascular ultrasound to guide endovascular repair of popliteal artery aneurysms
Authors: Raney Aidan R. , Stinis Curtiss T.
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the outcomes of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) directed endovascular exclusion of popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) using stent grafts.

Methods

Clinical data of seven patients who underwent endovascular exclusion of PAA using IVUS guidance between 2009 and 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Outcome measures included graft patency, endoleak, and clinical symptoms.

Results

A total of seven patients were treated with Viabahn stent grafts using IVUS guidance. No patients were lost to follow‐up (mean 12 ± 2 months). Patients had an average of two vessel runoff at the end of the procedure. All patients were symptom free with patent stents and no evidence of endoleak at follow‐up.

Conclusions

Use of IVUS during endovascular treatment of PAA allows the physician to fully appreciate the anatomy of PAA, including location and extent of thrombus burden and the diameter and location of desired landing zones for appropriate sealing of the aneurysm proximally and distally. IVUS‐guided treatment is associated with excellent outcomes and does not increase procedural radiation and contrast load. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quadricuspid aortic valve and anomalous origin of the left circumflex coronary artery in a young man with Down syndrome
Authors: Bassareo Pier Paolo , Hasan Tammam , Bonvicini Marco , Mercuro Giuseppe
Published: February 2015

Key Clinical Message

The Authors present the case of an asymptomatic 36‐year‐old man, affected by Down syndrome, with an unexpected quadricuspid aortic valve coupled with the anomalous origin of the left circumflex coronary artery from the proximal right coronary artery. This is the first report of the concomitant presence of these three conditions.
Streptococcus pneumoniae sepsis in a pleural effusion smear with concomitant Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia
Authors: Austein Thorsten
Published: February 2015

Key Clinical Message

Usually identification of the causative bacteria for an episode of sepsis is achieved using microbiological culture of blood or body fluid. In the case of pleural effusion and fever, a microscopic examination of the pleural effusion smear to identify the bacteria responsible should be performed immediately to optimize the selection of antibiotic therapy regimen.
Induction with azacytidine followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a Jehovah's Witness with acute monocytic leukemia
Authors: Garelius Hege , Grund Sofia , Stockelberg Dick
Published: February 2015

Key Clinical Message

We have used a hypomethylating agent instead of conventional chemotherapy to induce remission in a young Jehovah's Witness with acute monocytic leukemia to avoid severe myelosuppression and blood product support. The treatment was consolidated with reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation. This could be an alternative when transfusions must be avoided.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome postpartum
Authors: Nielsen Lise Hald , Grøn Brian Stausbøl , Ovesen Per Glud
Published: February 2015

Key Clinical Message

Preeclampsia (PE) should be considered in women with headache who are in gestational week 20 or more, are in labor, or have recently given birth. Early diagnosis is essential to arrest disease progression and further prognosis in PE.
Selective Oxidation with Aqueous Hydrogen Peroxide by [PO4{WO(O2)2}4]3−Supported on Zinc‐Modified Tin Dioxide
Authors: Nojima Susumu , Kamata Keigo , Suzuki Kosuke , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: February 2015

We prepared supported phosphorus‐containing tetranuclear peroxotungstate ([PO4{WO(O2)2}4]3−, denoted by PW4) catalysts by using zinc‐modified SnO2supports with different zinc contents [PW4‐Zn(x)/SnO2, in whichxdenotes the zinc content (wt %)]. The supported catalysts, in particular PW4‐Zn(0.8)/SnO2, could act as efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalysts for selective oxidation with aqueous H2O2as the terminal oxidant. The catalytic performance of PW4‐Zn(0.8)/SnO2was much superior to those of the corresponding homogeneous analogue THA3PW4 (THA=tetra‐n‐hexylammonium) and the previously reported tungstate‐based heterogeneous catalysts such as our W‐Zn/SnO2. In the presence of PW4‐Zn(0.8)/SnO2, various types of organic substrates such as alkenes, amines, silanes, and sulfides could be converted into the corresponding oxygenated products in high to excellent yields by using near‐stoichiometric amounts of H2O2with respect to the substrates (typically 1.2 equiv.). The PW4 species interacting with highly dispersed Zn2+species on SnO2likely plays an important role in the present oxidation.
A CuII‐N,P Oxazolinylferrocene Ligand Complex for the Asymmetric [3+2] 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of Azomethine Ylide with Malonates
Authors: Dai Li , Xu Di , Tang Li‐Wei , Zhou Zhi‐Ming
Published: February 2015

A series of enantioselective pyrrolidine‐2,4,4‐tricarboxylate derivatives were synthesized by the [3+2] 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylide with alkylidene malonates. By using 4 mol % of a CuIIN,P oxazolinylferrocene ligand complex and 10 mol % of a base, pyrrolidine analogues were obtained in high yields (77–99 %) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee).
Hybrid Conducting Biofilm with Built‐in Bacteria for High‐Performance Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhao Cui‐e , Wu Jiansheng , Ding Yuanzhao , Wang Victor Bochuan , Zhang Yingdan , Kjelleberg Staffan , Loo Joachim Say Chye , Cao Bin , Zhang Qichun
Published: February 2015

Efficiently transporting extracellular electrons from microbial biofilms to the electrodes is challenging and critical in achieving high‐performance microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In this work, we develop a simple and effective method to fabricate hybrid electroactive biofilms by inserting bacteria into graphene–carbon‐nanotube (G–CNT) networks (namely, G–CNT‐biofilm) as an anode for MFCs. This novel architecture greatly enhances direct extracellular electron transfer between Shewanella oneidensis and the electrode, due to strong adhesion of the hybrid conducting biofilm onto the anode surface, as well as the large surface area of graphene and the high conductivity of CNTs. A current density of 120 μA cm−2 and a maximum power density of 97.9 μW cm−2 are obtained in the MFC with the hybrid biofilm anode, which is significantly higher than those of a naturally growing biofilm anode (20 μA cm−2 and 6.5 μW cm−2).
Morphology and Phase Evolution of CoAl Layered Double Hydroxides in an Alkaline Environment with Enhanced Pseudocapacitive Performance
Authors: Xu Tianhao , Wu Xiaochao , Li Yingjie , Xu Wenwen , Lu Zhiyi , Li Yaping , Lei Xiaodong , Sun Xiaoming
Published: February 2015

The morphology and phase transformation of CoAl layered double hydroxide (denoted CAL) nanoplates are systematically investigated in highly concentrated basic solution. Characterization results reveal that this is a time‐dependent process, in which CALs are gradually converted to β‐Co(OH)2 and CoOOH, and the structure becomes increasingly porous. This process could be caused by the dissolution of the Al part of CoAl LDHs, recrystallization of the Co part, and subsequent oxidation of Co. It is found that the pseudocapacitive performance of the products vary with the immersion time. CALs already show a reasonable performance, whereas short‐term treatment would lead to the enhanced capacitance of 1123 F g−1 with both remarkable rate capability and stability. However, the formation of CoOOH will significantly degrade the supercapacitive performance.
A Mechanistic Investigation of the Kinetic Resolution of Secondary Aromatic Alcohols Using a Ferrocene‐Based Planar Chiral 4‐(Dimethylamino)pyridine Catalyst
Authors: Mesas‐Sánchez Laura , Dinér Peter
Published: February 2015

A detailed computational and kinetic analysis of the acetylation of 1‐phenylethanol with acetic anhydride catalyzed by planar chiral 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) catalyst (−)‐1 is presented. The study includes a computational investigation of the potential‐energy surface including the acylation and stereoselective transition states at the DFT level of theory. Experimentally, the kinetic study shows that the reaction proceeds in a first‐order manner in catalyst, whereas both substrates, acetic anhydride and 1‐phenylethanol, show fractional order, which is in accordance with steady‐state conditions. The fractional order depends on an equilibrium between the free catalyst and the acetylated catalyst.
The Role of Equilibrium and Kinetic Properties in the Dissociation of Gd[DTPA‐bis(methylamide)] (Omniscan) at near to Physiological Conditions
Authors: Baranyai Zsolt , Brücher Ernő , Uggeri Fulvio , Maiocchi Alessandro , Tóth Imre , Andrási Melinda , Gáspár Attila , Zékány László , Aime Silvio
Published: February 2015

[Gd(DTPA‐BMA)] is the principal constituent of Omniscan, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent. In body fluids, endogenous ions (Zn2+, Cu2+, and Ca2+) may displace the Gd3+. To assess the extent of displacement at equilibrium, the stability constants of DTPA‐BMA3− complexes of Gd3+, Ca2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ have been determined at 37 °C in 0.15 M NaCl. The order of these stability constants is as follows: GdL≈CuL>ZnL≫CaL. Applying a simplified blood plasma model, the extent of dissociation of Omniscan (0.35 mM [Gd(DTPA‐BMA)]) was found to be 17 % by the formation of Gd(PO4), [Zn(DTPA‐BMA)]− (2.4 %), [Cu(DTPA‐BMA)]− (0.2 %), and [Ca(DTPA‐BMA)]− (17.7 %). By capillary electrophoresis, the formation of [Ca(DTPA‐BMA)]− has been detected in human serum spiked with [Gd(DTPA‐BMA)] (2.0 mM) at pH 7.4. Transmetallation reactions between [Gd(DTPA‐BMA)] and Cu2+ at 37 °C in the presence of citrate, phosphate, and bicarbonate ions occur by dissociation of the complex assisted by the endogenous ligands. At physiological concentrations of citrate, phosphate, and bicarbonate ions, the half‐life of dissociation of [Gd(DTPA‐BMA)] was calculated to be 9.3 h at pH 7.4. Considering the rates of distribution and dissociation of [Gd(DTPA‐BMA)] in the extracellular space of the body, an open two‐compartment model has been developed, which allows prediction of the extent of dissociation of the GdIII complex in body fluids depending on the rate of elimination of the contrast agent.
Highly Efficient Copper(II) Ion Sorbents Obtained by Calcium Carbonate Mineralization on Functionalized Cross‐Linked Copolymers
Authors: Mihai Marcela , Bunia Ion , Doroftei Florica , Varganici Cristian‐Dragos , Simionescu Bogdan C.
Published: February 2015

A new type of CuII ion sorbents is presented. These are obtained by CaCO3 mineralization from supersaturated solutions on gel‐like cross‐linked polymeric beads as insoluble templates. A divinylbenzene–ethylacrylate–acrylonitrile cross‐linked copolymer functionalized with weakly acidic, basic, or amphoteric functional groups has been used, as well as different initial inorganic concentrations and addition procedures for CaCO3 crystal growth. The morphology of the new composites was investigated by SEM and compared to that of the unmodified beads, and the polymorph content was established by X‐ray diffraction. The beads, before and after CaCO3 mineralization, were tested as sorbents for CuII ions. The newly formed patterns on the bead surface after CuII sorption were observed by SEM, and the elemental distribution on the composites and the chemical structure of crystals after interaction with CuII were investigated by EDAX elemental mapping and by FTIR‐ATR spectroscopy, respectively. The sorption capacity increased significantly after CaCO3 crystals growth on the weak anionic bead surface (up to 1041.5 mg CuII/g sample) compared to that of unmodified beads (491.5 mg CuII/g sample).
Absolute Asymmetric Synthesis: Protected Substrate Oxidation
Authors: Olsson Susanne , Björemark Per Martin , Kokoli Theonitsa , Sundberg Jonas , Lennartson Anders , McKenzie Christine J. , Håkansson Mikael
Published: February 2015

Three new conglomerates incorporating bidentate sulfide ligands coordinated by RuII centers have been prepared. Total spontaneous resolution by slow crystallization gives highly enantioenriched crystal batches, which are used in enantioselective oxidation of the sulfide ligands to give chiral sulfoxide complexes with >98 % ee. All relevant stereoisomers have been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, CD spectroscopy, and chiral HPLC. If the ligand range can be extended to monodentate sulfides, a large‐scale and recyclable process for enantioselective oxidation of sulfides can be designed.
Isoguanine and 5‐Methyl‐Isocytosine Bases, In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Bande Omprakash , Abu El Asrar Rania , Braddick Darren , Dumbre Shrinivas , Pezo Valérie , Schepers Guy , Pinheiro Vitor B. , Lescrinier Eveline , Holliger Philipp , Marlière Philippe , Herdewijn Piet
Published: February 2015

The synthesis, base‐pairing properties and in vitro and in vivo characteristics of 5‐methyl‐isocytosine (isoCMe) and isoguanine (isoG) nucleosides, incorporated in an HNA(h) (hexitol nucleic acid)–DNA(d) mosaic backbone, are described. The required h‐isoG phosphoramidite was prepared by a selective deamination as a key step. As demonstrated by Tm measurements the hexitol sugar showed slightly better mismatch discrimination against dT. The d‐isoG base mispairing follows the order T>G>C while the h‐isoG base mispairing follows the order G>C>T. The h‐ and d‐isoCMe bases mainly mispair with G. Enzymatic incorporation experiments show that the hexitol backbone has a variable effect on selectivity. In the enzymatic assays, isoG misincorporates mainly with T, and isoCMe misincorporates mainly with A. Further analysis in vivo confirmed the patterns of base‐pair interpretation for the deoxyribose and hexitol isoCMe/isoG bases in a cellular context, through incorporation of the bases into plasmidic DNA. Results in vivo demonstrated that mispairing and misincorporation was dependent on the backbone scaffold of the base, which indicates rational advances towards orthogonality.
Polyoxometalate‐Mediated One‐Pot Synthesis of Pd Nanocrystals with Controlled Morphologies for Efficient Chemical and Electrochemical Catalysis
Authors: Kim Dongheun , Seog Ji Hyun , Kim Minjune , Yang MinHo , Gillette Eleanor , Lee Sang Bok , Han Sang Woo
Published: February 2015

Polyoxometalates (POMs), as inorganic ligands, can endow metal nanocrystals (NCs) with unique reactivities on account of their characteristic redox properties. In the present work, we present a facile POM‐mediated one‐pot aqueous synthesis method for the production of single‐crystalline Pd NCs with controlled shapes and sizes. The POMs could function as both reducing and stabilizing agents in the formation of NCs, and thus gave a fine control over the nucleation and growth kinetics of NCs. The prepared POM‐stabilized Pd NCs exhibited excellent catalytic activity and stability for electrocatalytic (formic acid oxidation) and catalytic (Suzuki coupling) reactions compared to Pd NCs prepared without the POMs. This shows that the POMs play a pivotal role in determining the catalytic performance, as well as the growth, of NCs. We envision that the present approach can offer a convenient way to develop efficient NC‐based catalyst systems.
Alkyl Halide‐Free Heteroatom Alkylation and Epoxidation Facilitated by a Recyclable Polymer‐Supported Oxidant for the In‐Flow Preparation of Diazo Compounds
Authors: Nicolle Simon M. , Hayes Christopher J. , Moody Christopher J.
Published: February 2015

Highly reactive metal carbenes, generated from simple ketones via diazo compounds, including diazo‐amides and ‐phosphonates, using a recyclable reagent in‐flow, are transient but versatile electrophiles for heteroatom alkylation reactions and for epoxide formation. The method produces no organic waste, with the only by‐products being water, KI and nitrogen, without the attendant hazards of isolation of intermediate diazo compounds.
Kanarienvögel und Grubenlampen
Authors: Offermanns Heribert
Published: February 2015

Sprichwörtlich bezeichnet man einen Menschen oder eine auch Sache als “a Canary in the Coalmine”, wenn sie als Frühwarnsystem für eine gefährliche Situation dienen. Seinen Ursprung hat dieser Ausspruch wohl im Bergbau, wo Kanarienvögel lange Zeit als Indikatoren für Kohlenmonoxid dienten.
Selektives Tumor‐Targeting mit Prodrugs
Authors: Oltmanns Dörte
Published: February 2015

Schwere Nebenwirkungen in der Krebstherapie können vermieden werden, wenn die Medikamente als inaktive Prodrugs eingesetzt werden. Erstmals konnte ein EGFR‐Inhibitor entwickelt werden, der durch Cobalt‐Komplexierung selektiv erst am Zielort wirksam wird.
The link between product diversification and performance among Spanish manufacturing firms: Analyzing the role of firm size
Authors: Benito‐Osorio Diana , Colino Alberto , Zúñiga‐Vicente José Ángel
Published: February 2015

This study sheds additional light on the product diversification‐performance relationship for firms in a country having recently attained an advanced economy status in our period of analysis. We assume there will be an inverted U‐shaped relationship and use a sample of small, medium, and large Spanish manufacturing firms between 1994 and 2008. Our findings provide solid support for this assumption, and are identical when the sample consists of small, medium, and large firms and of large firms alone. Our results also suggest that the larger the firm, the higher the optimal level of diversification. Panel data models are used to control for unobservable heterogeneity and potential endogeneity problems. Copyright © 2015 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intense Lower Hybrid Waves Within the Reconnection Diffusion Region Near X‐Line by Geotail Observation
Authors: Shi‐You LI , Shi‐Feng ZHANG , Hong CAI , Hua‐Bo YANG
Published: February 2015

The Lower Hybrid Wave (LHW) is studied within magnetic reconnection diffusion region in the near‐earth tail by Geotail on May 15, 2003. The Hall magnetic field (By) are observed when plasma flow reverses during the Geotail crossing the reconnection diffusion region from tailward‐southern‐lobe side to earthward‐northern‐lobe side. Intense waves enhancement near lower hybrid frequency (fLH ≈ 6.8 Hz) is observed both within and around the reconnection diffusion region with the propagation vector mainly perpendicular to the ambient field and they are identified as LHW. The observation of LHW near the reconnection X‐line suggests that the LHW is still active after the magnetic reconnection has been triggered and developed into matured X‐line. This result is different with the simulation which suggested that LHW disappears as soon as an X‐line is matured. Our observation will shed new light on the understanding of the role and behavior of the LHW in the magnetic reconnection developing process.
Finite Element Numerical Simulation of Pivotal Movement of Daqing Segment of Zemuhe Fault
Authors: Xiang GAO , Qi‐Dong DENG , Han‐Lin CHEN , Han‐Jing HONG
Published: February 2015

Deformation localization and earthquake nucleation are important issues in the research of tectonic deformation mechanisms and large earthquakes. For strike‐slip movement and strike‐slip types of earthquakes, pivotal movement in strike‐slip faults is necessary for generating localized deformation and earthquake nucleation. Realization of this process and mechanism is essential for understanding the seismogenic and occurrence mechanism of earthquakes in strike‐slip fault zones. This thesis is based on previous research of the Zemuhe fault zone, which is controlled by pivotal movement. We tested and verified the processes of pivotal movement, in which geomorphology and stress are distributed in four quadrants, and examined factors that can influence the pivotal movement and stress conditions of the fault plane. The results indicate that the dip angle and area of the block region can influence pivotal movement. Moreover, we determined that a stress centralization area develops to hold the accumulating stress, the stress centralizes from outside to the core, the largest amount of stress always occurs in the core, and the core is significantly smaller than the block region.
Yanshan‐Himalayan Denudation in Western Hubei Eastern Chongqing Area
Authors: Yu‐Song YUAN , Juan‐Hua LIN , Xin‐Yang CHENG , Shuang‐Jian LI
Published: February 2015

Western Hubei Eastern Chongqing area is a major exploration block of marine‐facies petroleum as well as a currently popular area of shale gas exploration. It has suffered long term uplift and erosion since the Late Yanshan‐Himalayan period. Erosion thickness is an indispensable basic parameter for study of thermal evolution of source rocks, reservoir formation and evolution, and basin modeling to calculate the amount of resources. Considering the inherent limitations and application conditions of the existing methods of erosion thickness reconstruction, firstly we used the paleogeothermal gradient inversion method to reconstruct the erosion thickness of boreholes after analyzing the vitrinite reflectance (Ro) profiles. Then, we studied the relationship between the erosion thickness of boreholes and the upmost sequences of the boreholes drilled. After that, a contour map was compiled based on the geological map. The results show that the vitrinite reflectance (Ro) profiles of boreholes in the western Hubei Eastern Chongqing area do not show obvious “dislocations” or “jumps”, recorded maximum palaeotemperatures of sequences in the maximum burial depth. There exists a clear correlation between the erosion thickness and the upmost sequence of the wells: the greater age of the upmost sequence, the greater erosion thickness of the well, and vice versa. Generally, the late Yanshan‐Himalayan erosion amount gradually decreases from east to west in the Western Hubei Eastern Chongqing area. From the Lichuan area to Shizhu and to the west of the Fangdoushan, the erosion thickness decreases from 2000∼4000 m to 1500∼2500 m and to 1000∼1500 m.