bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Kidney Bioengineering with Pluripotent Stem‐Cell‐Derived Renal Progenitor Cells and Decellularized Kidney Scaffolds
Authors: Du Chan , Narayanan Karthikeyan , Leong Meng Fatt , Ibrahim Mohammed Shahrudin , Chua Ying Ping , Khoo Vanessa Mei Hui , Wan Andrew C. A.
Published: June 2016

Recent advances in developmental biology and stem cell technology have led to the engineering of functional organs in a dish. However, the limited size of these organoids and absence of a large circulatory system poses limits to its clinical translation. To overcome these issues, decellularized whole kidney scaffolds with native microstructure and extracellular matrix (ECM) are employed for kidney bioengineering, using human‐induced pluripotent‐stem‐cell‐derived renal progenitor cells and endothelial cells. To demonstrate ECM‐guided cellular assembly, the present work is focused on generating the functional unit of the kidney, the glomerulus. In the repopulated organ, the presence of endothelial cells broadly upregulates the expression level of genes related to renal development. When the cellularized native scaffolds are implanted in SCID mice, glomeruli assembly can be achieved by co‐culture of the renal progenitors and endothelial cells. These individual glomerular units are shown to be functional in the context of the whole organ using a simulated bio‐reactor set‐up with urea and creatinine excretion and albumin reabsorption. Our results indicate that the repopulation of decellularized native kidney using clinically relevant, expandable patient‐specific renal progenitors and endothelial cells may be a viable approach for the generation of a functional whole kidney.
Influence of the Processing Parameters on the Dispersion and Coloration Behavior of a Halogenated Copper Phthalocyanine‐Based Masterbatch
Authors: Buccella Mauro , Dorigato Andrea , Rizzola Fabio , Caldara Mauro , Fambri Luca
Published: June 2016

A monodispersed green masterbatch was produced through an industrial extrusion process, by mixing a commercial Polyamide 6 matrix (PA6) with a halogenated copper phthalocyanine green pigment. The production process was investigated and optimized in order to improve the pigment dispersion, reducing the clogging power and increasing the color strength of the resulting products. The compounding process based on three extrusions without filtration led to a filter pressure value (FPV) reduction of about 84% and a relative color strength (RCS) increase of about 50% with respect to the standard production process (i.e single extrusion). The thermal stability of the prepared compounds was evaluated by rheological test, viscosity measurements, and end group analysis, and it was found that a triple extrusion without filtration promoted thermo‐oxidative matrix degradation. However, the same processing conditions led to a significant reduction of the production waste, increasing the productivity and the quality of the final product.
Human‐Like Sensing and Reflexes of Graphene‐Based Films
Authors: Zhang Qin , Tan Lifang , Chen Yunxu , Zhang Tao , Wang Wenjie , Liu Zhongfan , Fu Lei
Published: June 2016

Humans have numerous senses, wherein vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch are considered as the five conventionally acknowledged senses. Triggered by light, sound, or other physical stimulations, the sensory organs of human body are excited, leading to the transformation of the afferent energy into neural activity. Also converting other signals into electronical signals, graphene‐based film shows its inherent advantages in responding to the tiny stimulations. In this review, the human‐like senses and reflexes of graphene‐based films are presented. The review starts with the brief discussions about the preparation and optimization of graphene‐based film, as where as its new progress in synthesis method, transfer operation, film‐formation technologies and optimization techniques. Various human‐like senses of graphene‐based film and their recent advancements are then summarized, including light‐sensitive devices, acoustic devices, gas sensors, biomolecules and wearable devices. Similar to the reflex action of humans, graphene‐based film also exhibits reflex when under thermal radiation and light actuation. Finally, the current challenges associated with human‐like applications are discussed to help guide the future research on graphene films. At last, the future opportunities lie in the new applicable human‐like senses and the integration of multiple senses that can raise a revolution in bionic devices.
Magnetically Guided Protein Transduction by Hybrid Nanogel Chaperones with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Kawasaki Riku , Sasaki Yoshihiro , Katagiri Kiyofumi , Mukai Sada‐atsu , Sawada Shin‐ichi , Akiyoshi Kazunari
Published: June 2016

Protein pharmaceuticals show great therapeutic promise, but effective intracellular delivery remains challenging. To address the need for efficient protein transduction systems, we used a magnetic nanogel chaperone (MC): a hybrid of a polysaccharide nanogel, a protein carrier with molecular chaperone‐like properties, and iron oxide nanoparticles, enabling magnetically guided delivery. The MC complexed with model proteins, such as BSA and insulin, and was not cytotoxic. Cargo proteins were delivered to the target HeLa cell cytosol using a magnetic field to promote movement of the protein complex toward the cells. Delivery was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Delivered β‐galactosidase, inactive within the MC complex, became enzymatically active within cells to convert a prodrug. Thus, cargo proteins were released from MC complexes through exchange interactions with cytosolic proteins. The MC is a promising tool for realizing the therapeutic potential of proteins.
Mechanistische Charakterisierung von zwei Sesquiterpen‐Cyclasen aus dem phytopathogenen Pilz Fusarium fujikuroi
Authors: Burkhardt Immo , Siemon Thomas , Henrot Matthias , Studt Lena , Rösler Sarah , Tudzynski Bettina , Christmann Mathias , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: June 2016

Zwei Sesquiterpencyclasen aus Fusarium fujikuroi wurden in Escherichia coli exprimiert und gereinigt. Das erste Enzym war wegen einer kritischen Mutation inaktiv, die Aktivität konnte aber durch Sequenzkorrektur per ortsgerichteter Mutagenese wiederhergestellt werden. Das mutierte Enzym und zwei natürlicherweise funktionale Homologe aus anderen Fusarien konvertierten Farnesyldiphosphat zu Guaia‐6,10(14)‐dien. Das zweite Enzym produzierte Eremophilen. Die absolute Konfiguration von Guaia‐6,10(14)‐dien wurde durch enantioselektive Synthese aufgeklärt, während die des Eremophilens aus dem Vorzeichen der optischen Drehung ableitbar war und derjenigen aus Pflanzen entgegengesetzt ist, aber mit der aus Sorangium cellulosum übereinstimmt. Die Mechanismen beider Terpencyclasen wurden mithilfe diverser 13C‐ und 2H‐markierter FPP‐Isotopomere studiert.
Nitrogen‐Doped Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Supported Bimetallic PtCo Nanoparticles for Upgrading of Biophenolics
Authors: Wang Guang‐Hui , Cao Zhengwen , Gu Dong , Pfänder Norbert , Swertz Ann‐Christin , Spliethoff Bernd , Bongard Hans‐Josef , Weidenthaler Claudia , Schmidt Wolfgang , Rinaldi Roberto , Schüth Ferdi
Published: June 2016

Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is an attractive route for the upgrading of bio‐oils produced from lignocellulose. Current catalysts require harsh conditions to effect HDO, decreasing the process efficiency in terms of energy and carbon balance. Herein we report a novel and facile method for synthesizing bimetallic PtCo nanoparticle catalysts (ca. 1.5 nm) highly dispersed in the framework of nitrogen‐doped ordered mesoporous carbon (NOMC) for this reaction. We demonstrate that NOMC with either 2D hexagonal (p6m) or 3D cubic (Im
m) structure can be easily synthesized by simply adjusting the polymerization temperature. We also demonstrate that PtCo/NOMC (metal loading: Pt 9.90 wt %; Co 3.31 wt %) is a highly effective catalyst for HDO of phenolic compounds and “real‐world” biomass‐derived phenolic streams. In the presence of PtCo/NOMC, full deoxygenation of phenolic compounds and a biomass‐derived phenolic stream is achieved under conditions of low severity.
Hollow Carbon Nanobubbles: Synthesis, Chemical Functionalization, and Container‐Type Behavior in Water
Authors: Hofer Corinne J. , Grass Robert N. , Zeltner Martin , Mora Carlos A. , Krumeich Frank , Stark Wendelin J.
Published: June 2016

Thin‐walled, hollow carbon nanospheres with a hydrophobic interior and good water dispersability can be synthesized in two steps: First, metal nanoparticles, coated with a few layers of graphene‐like carbon, are selectively modified on the outside with a covalently attached hydrophilic polymer. Second, the metal core is removed at elevated temperature treatment with acid, leaving a well‐defined carbon‐based hydrophobic cavity. Loading experiments with the dye rhodamine B and doxorubicin confirmed the filling and release of a cargo and adjustment of a dynamic equilibrium (cargo‐loaded versus release). Rhodamine B preferably accumulates in the interior of the bubbles. Filled nanobubbles allowed constant dye release into pure water. Studies of the concentration‐dependent loading and release show an unusual hysteresis.
GM1 Ganglioside Inhibits β‐Amyloid Oligomerization Induced by Sphingomyelin
Authors: Amaro Mariana , Šachl Radek , Aydogan Gokcan , Mikhalyov Ilya I. , Vácha Robert , Hof Martin
Published: June 2016

β‐Amyloid (Aβ) oligomers are neurotoxic and implicated in Alzheimer's disease. Neuronal plasma membranes may mediate formation of Aβ oligomers in vivo. Membrane components sphingomyelin and GM1 have been shown to promote aggregation of Aβ; however, these studies were performed under extreme, non‐physiological conditions. We demonstrate that physiological levels of GM1, organized in nanodomains do not seed oligomerization of Aβ40 monomers. We show that sphingomyelin triggers oligomerization of Aβ40 and that GM1 is counteractive thus preventing oligomerization. We propose a molecular explanation that is supported by all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations. The preventive role of GM1 in the oligomerization of Aβ40 suggests that decreasing levels of GM1 in the brain, for example, due to aging, could reduce protection against Aβ oligomerization and contribute to the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
Flexible, dicationic imidazolium salts for in situ application in palladium‐catalysed Mizoroki–Heck coupling of acrylates under aerobic conditions
Authors: Milton Marilyn Daisy , Garg Parul
Published: June 2016

The synthesis, characterization and in situ catalytic performance of new unsymmetric N,N′‐disubstituted imidazolium‐based dicationic salts in Mizoroki–Heck coupling of acrylates with aryl bromides under aerobic conditions are described. A series of flexible dicationic salts with varying steric and electronic properties were synthesized in good to excellent yields. All the salts were well characterized using spectroscopic techniques. X‐ray diffraction analysis of two salts with the same dicationic backbone and different counter anions shows that the ligand adopts two different conformations which are influenced by the nature of the anion. Thus, the ligand is capable of changing its conformation according to the change in environment due to its flexible nature. All the synthesized imidazolium salts were found to be active in in situ palladium‐catalysed Mizoroki–Heck coupling under aerobic conditions. Amongst the salts, the hydroxyl‐functionalized imidazolium salt, incorporating the features of both bidentate chelating O,O ligand and carbene, shows the maximum catalytic activity. A variety of aryl and heteroaryl methyl and ethyl cinnamates were synthesized using these imidazolium salts as preligands. In addition, NMR studies confirm in situ generation of normal N‐heterocyclic carbenes from the C‐2 position of imidazol‐2‐ylidene ring. The mercury poisoning test was also performed to ascertain the nature of catalytically active palladium species. Aerobic conditions, low catalytic loading (0.5 mol%), shorter reaction times, broad functional group tolerance and good to excellent isolated yields are some of the significant features of the novel catalytic systems described here. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natural hydroxyapatite‐supported MnO2: a green heterogeneous catalyst for selective aerobic oxidation of alkylarenes and alcohols
Authors: Shaabani Ahmad , Afaridoun Hadi , Shaabani Shabnam
Published: June 2016

Natural hydroxyapatite‐supported MnO2 (MnO2@NHAp) was easily prepared in situ from reduction of potassium permanganate with natural hydroxyapatite derived from cow bones in water at room temperature, and its structure was characterized using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The catalytic activity of the synthesized catalyst was investigated for the aerobic oxidation of alkylarenes and alcohols. MnO2@NHAp shows excellent catalytic performance for the oxidation of alkylarenes and alcohols to their corresponding carbonyl compounds without using any other oxidizing agent. This catalyst can be readily recycled and reused for several runs without any significant loss of efficiency. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transition metal complexes of a novel quinoxaline‐based tridentate ONO donor ligand: synthesis, spectral characterization, thermal, in vitro pharmacological and molecular modeling studies
Authors: Dhanaraj Chellaian Justin , Johnson Jijo
Published: June 2016

Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of a novel tridentate heterocyclic ligand, 3‐{[(2‐benzoyl‐4‐chlorophenyl)imino]methyl}quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐one, have been synthesized. The ligand and the metal complexes were characterized using elemental analysis, molar conductance and magnetic susceptibility measurements, and UV–visible, Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, electron spin resonance and DART mass spectral data. The ligand behaves as a tridentate one, coordinating through two oxygen atoms from two keto groups and through the azomethine nitrogen atom. The thermal properties of the newly synthesized compounds were determined using thermogravimetric analysis. The ligand and its metal complexes were subjected to powder X‐ray diffraction analysis by which average crystallite size and unit cell parameters were calculated. The electrochemical behaviour of the compounds was studied using cyclic voltammetry. The ligand and the metal complexes were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activities against the bacterial strains E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. pneumoniae and S. aureus and the fungal species A. niger, A. flavus, P. chrysogenum and R. stolonifer. DNA binding, DNA cleavage and antioxidant activities of the compounds were also evaluated. The compounds bind with DNA through groove binding. The Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes exhibit higher superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities, respectively. The Cu(II) complex exhibits better anticancer activity against the MCF7 cell line. The compounds were subjected to molecular docking study against B‐DNA dodecamer d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor kinase to justify the experimental DNA binding and MTT assay. Density functional theory studies were used to optimize the geometry of the compounds and to calculate the nonlinear optical properties. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile synthesis of alkynyl‐, aryl‐ and ferrocenyl‐substituted pyrazoles via Sonogashira and Suzuki–Miyaura approaches
Authors: Karabiyikoglu Sedef , Zora Metin
Published: June 2016

A concise and efficient synthesis of densely substituted novel pyrazoles with alkynyl, aryl and ferrocenyl functionalities is reported, providing a platform for biological studies. The general strategy involves Sonogashira and Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions of easily obtainable 5‐ferrocenyl/phenyl‐4‐iodo‐1‐phenylpyrazoles with terminal alkynes and boronic acids, respectively. The starting 4‐iodopyrazoles were synthesized by electrophilic cyclization of α,β‐alkynic hydrazones with molecular iodine. Sonogashira reactions have been achieved by employing 5 mol% PdCl2(PPh3)2, 5 mol% CuI, excess Et3N and 1.2 equiv. of terminal alkyne, relative to 4‐iodopyrazole, in tetrahydrofuran at 65 °C, while Suzuki–Miyaura reactions have been accomplished using 5 mol% PdCl2(PPh3)2 and 1.4 equiv. of both boronic acid/ester and KHCO3, with respect to 4‐iodopyrazole, in 4:1 dimethylformamide–H2O solution at 110 °C. Both Sonogashira and Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions have proven effective for the synthesis of alkynyl‐, aryl‐ and ferrocenyl‐substituted pyrazoles and demonstrated good tolerance to a diverse range of substituents, including electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing groups. These coupling approaches could allow for the rapid construction of a library of functionalized pyrazoles of pharmacological interest. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of silylated triarylphosphine ligands on rhodium‐catalyzed hydrosilylation
Authors: Li Jiayun , Xue Mei , Bai Ying , Peng Jiajian , Xiao Wenjun
Published: June 2016

A series of silylated triarylphosphines was synthesized. Hydrosilylation reactions of styrene with triethoxysilane catalyzed by RhCl3/silylated triarylphosphine complexes were investigated. The complexes RhCl3/phenylbis(4‐trimethylsilylphenyl)phosphine and RhCl3/tris(4‐trimethylsilylphenyl)phosphine exhibited higher activity as well as greater β‐adduct selectivity, and no unsaturated product was obtained. The results suggest that the silyl moieties have a significant impact on the catalytic process. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile synthesis of tetrahydrobenzoxanthenones via a one‐pot three‐component reaction using an eco‐friendly and magnetized biopolymer chitosan‐based heterogeneous nanocatalyst
Authors: Maleki Ali , Aghaei Morteza , Ghamari Nakisa
Published: June 2016

A chitosan‐based magnetic nanocomposite was synthesized by an eco‐friendly and simple procedure, and was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was then used for the efficient synthesis of tetrahydrobenzoxanthen‐11‐one derivatives via a one‐pot three‐component condensation of 2‐naphthol, various aldehydes and dimedone in ethanol. The catalyst was recovered easily and reused several times without significant loss of catalytic activity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A network enhancement model with integrated lane reorganization and traffic control strategies
Authors: Zhao Jing , Liu Yue , Li Peng
Published: June 2016

Lane reorganization strategies such as lane reversal, one‐way street, turning restriction, and cross elimination have demonstrated their effectiveness in enhancing transportation network capacity. However, how to select the most appropriate combination of those strategies in a network remains challenging to transportation professionals considering the complex interactions among those strategies and their impacts on conventional traffic control components. This article contributes to developing a mathematical model for a traffic equilibrium network, in which optimization of lane reorganization and traffic control strategies are integrated in a unified framework. The model features a bi‐level structure with the upper‐level model describing the decision of the transportation authorities for maximizing the network capacity. A variational inequality (VI) formulation of the user equilibrium (UE) behavior in choosing routes in response to various strategies is developed in the lower level. A genetic algorithm (GA) based heuristic is used to yield meta‐optimal solutions to the model. Results from extensive numerical analyses reveal the promising property of the proposed model in enhancing network capacity and reducing congestion. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ovarian Stimulators, Intrauterine Insemination, and Assisted Reproductive Technologies Use and the Risk of Major Congenital Malformations—The AtRISK Study
Authors: Chaabane Sonia , Sheehy Odile , Monnier Patricia , Bissonnette François , Trasler Jacquetta M. , Fraser William , Bérard Anick
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the risk of major congenital malformations (MCMs) associated with the use of ovarian stimulators alone, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs).

METHODS

We conducted a case–control analysis using a birth cohort, built with the linkage of data obtained by a self‐administered questionnaire, medical, pharmaceutic, and birth databases. Cases were pregnancies with at least one live birth with an MCM. Controls were pregnancies that did not result in major or minor congenital malformations. Multiple logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Among the 5021 pregnancies identified, 825 were cases of MCM and 4196 were controls. Compared with spontaneous conception, the use of ART increased the risk of major urogenital malformations (adjusted OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.33–7.27). The use of IUI was associated with an increased risk of major musculoskeletal malformations (adjusted OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.10–3.71). Among the 471 women who used fertility treatments for conception, the use of ART was associated with an increased risk of any MCM (adjusted OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.00–2.79) and urogenital malformations (adjusted OR, 7.18; 95% CI, 1.59–32.53) when compared with ovarian stimulators used alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of ART and IUI was associated with an increased risk of major musculoskeletal and urogenital malformations. ART was associated with a higher risk of MCM compared to ovarian stimulators used alone. Even the adjustment, a contribution of the underlying subfertility problems cannot completely ruled out given the differences in the severity of subfertility
Solving the student grouping problem in e‐learning systems using swarm intelligence metaheuristics
Authors: Alhunitah Hamad , Menai Mohamed El Bachir
Published: June 2016

The student grouping problem (SGP) is NP‐hard; however, obtaining approximate solutions is essential to collaborative work in e‐learning. This paper explores swarm intelligence metaheuristics including particle swarm optimization (PSO), ant colony system (ACS), and artificial bee colony (ABC) to solve the student grouping problem and create heterogeneous groups. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 24:831–842, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21752
Higher preoperative serum levels of PD‐L1 and B7‐H4 are associated with invasive and metastatic potential and predictable for poor response to VEGF‐targeted therapy and unfavorable prognosis of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Fukuda Takehiko , Kamai Takao , Masuda Akinori , Nukui Akinori , Abe Hideyuki , Arai Kyoko , Yoshida Ken‐Ichiro
Published: June 2016

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is an immunogenic and proangiogenic cancer. Although antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies achieve impressive responses in some patients, many tumors eventually develop resistance to such therapy. The B7 family molecules such as CTLA‐4, PD‐1, and PD‐L1 are pivotal players in immune checkpoints that positively or negatively regulate various immune responses. Recently, immunotherapy based on blocking immune checkpoints with anti‐CTLA4, anti‐PD‐1, or anti‐PD‐L1 antibodies has been proposed as a potential new approach to the treatment of metastatic RCC. Higher expression of PD‐L1 and B7‐H4 in the tumors is associated with a poor prognosis in RCCs, however, the clinical impact of serum levels of B7 family molecules has not been elucidated in patients with metastatic RCCs receiving VEGF‐targeted agents. We assessed the preoperative serum levels of B7 family molecules, including CD80, CD86, PD‐1, PD‐L1, B7‐H3, B7‐H4, and CTLA‐4, and CD28 in RCC patients, and determined their relations with various clinicopathological characteristics. Elevated preoperative serum levels of PD‐L1 and B7‐H4 were correlated with less differentiated tumors, higher invasive and metastatic potential, a worse response to anti‐VEGF therapy, and shorter overall survival. These findings suggested that investigating preoperative serum levels of PD‐L1 and B7‐H4 might not only be useful to assess the biological aggressiveness of RCCs, but also to predict the efficacy of anti‐VEGF therapy and the eventual prognosis, indicating the future design of clinical trials of therapies targeting immune checkpoint in advanced RCCs.
MT3‐MMP down‐regulation promotes tumorigenesis and correlates to poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xue Zengfu , Wu Xiumin , Chen Xiong , Luo Qi
Published: June 2016

The membrane‐type matrix metalloproteinases (MT‐MMPs) play an important role in degrading the extracellular matrix (ECM) and facilitating protease‐dependent tumor progression and invasion. Here, we report that unlike MT1‐MMP, MT3‐MMP was down‐regulated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) as detected by real‐time PCR (qPCR), Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Down‐regulation of MT3‐MMP was observed at protein level in 66.3% of ESCC specimens (by IHC, n = 86) for routine pathologic diagnosis, as well as at mRNA level in 63.3% of surgically resected ESCC tumors paired with surrounding nontumor tissues (by qPCR, n = 30). Notably, MT3‐MMP down‐regulation significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and poor overall survival of patients with ESCC (median 5‐year survival = 50.69 vs. 30.77 months for patients with MT3‐MMP‐negative and ‐positive ESCC, respectively). Mechanistically, MT3‐MMP negatively regulated proliferation, colony formation, and migration of ESCC cells, in association with cell cycle arrest at G1, due to up‐regulation of p21Cip1 and p27Kip1. Together, as a tumor suppressor in ESCC, MT3‐MMP down‐regulation represents an unfavorable factor for prognosis of patients with ESCC.
Ceranib‐2‐induced suicidal erythrocyte death
Authors: Signoretto Elena , Zierle Jens , Bhuyan Abdulla Al Mamun , Castagna Michela , Lang Florian
Published: June 2016

Ceramide is known to trigger apoptosis of nucleated cells and eryptosis of erythrocytes. Eryptosis is characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Besides ceramide, stimulators of eryptosis include increase of cytosolic Ca2+‐activity ([Ca2+]i) and oxidative stress. Ceramide is degraded by acid ceramidase and inhibition of the enzyme similarly triggers apoptosis. The present study explored, whether ceramidase inhibitor Ceranib‐2 induces eryptosis. Flow cytometry was employed to quantify phosphatidylserine‐exposure at the cell surface from annexin‐V‐binding, cell volume from forward scatter, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3‐fluorescence, reactive oxygen species (ROS) from DCF dependent fluorescence, and ceramide abundance utilizing specific antibodies. Hemolysis was estimated from hemoglobin concentration in the supernatant. A 48 h exposure of human erythrocytes to Ceranib‐2 significantly increased the percentage of annexin‐V‐binding cells (≥50 μM) and the percentage of hemolytic cells (≥10 μM) without significantly modifying forward scatter. Ceranib‐2 significantly increased Fluo3‐fluorescence, DCF fluorescence and ceramide abundance. The effect of Ceranib‐2 on annexin‐V‐binding was not significantly blunted by removal of extracellular Ca2+. Ceranib‐2 triggers phospholipid scrambling of the erythrocyte cell membrane, an effect at least in part due to increase of ceramide abundance and induction of oxidative stress, but not dependent on Ca2+ entry. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copper(I)–Phosphinite Complexes in Click Cycloadditions: Three‐Component Reactions and Preparation of 5‐Iodotriazoles
Authors: Pérez Juana M. , Crosbie Peter , Lal Steven , Díez‐González Silvia
Published: June 2016

The remarkable activity displayed by copper(I)–phosphinite complexes of general formula [CuBr(L)] in two challenging cycloadditions is reported: a) the one‐pot azidonation/cycloaddition of boronic acids, NaN3, and terminal alkynes; b) the cycloaddition of azides and iodoalkynes. These air‐stable catalysts led to very good results in both cases and the expected triazoles could be isolated in pure form under ‘Click‐suitable’ conditions.
Metal Bromide Controlled Interfacial Aromatization Reaction for Shape‐Selective Synthesis of Palladium Nanostructures with Efficient Catalytic Performances
Authors: Dutta Soumen , Ray Chaiti , Roy Anindita , Sahoo Ramkrishna , Pal Tarasankar
Published: June 2016

Herein, the effect of diverse metal bromides for the shape evolution of palladium nanostructures (Pd NS) has been demonstrated. Aromaticity‐driven reduction of bromopalladate(II) is optimized to reproducibly obtain different Pd NS at the water/organic layer interface. In this soft interfacial strategy, a redox potential driven reaction has been performed, forming the thermodynamically more stable (>104‐fold) PdBr42− precursor from PdCl42− by adding extra metal bromides. In the process, the reductant, Hantzsch dihydropyridine ester (DHPE), is aromatized. Interestingly, alkali metal bromides devoid of coordination propensity exclusively evolve Pd nanowires (Pd NWs), whereas in the case of transition metal bromides the metal ions engage the ‘N’ donor of DHPE at the interface, making the redox reaction sluggish. Hence, controlled Pd nanoparticles growth is observed, which evolves Pd broccolis (Pd NBRs) and Pd nanorods (Pd NRs) at the interface in the presence of NiBr2 and CuBr2, respectively, in the aqueous solution. Thus, the effect of diverse metal bromides in the reaction mixture for tailor‐made growth of the various Pd NS is reported. Among the as‐synthesized materials, the Pd NWs stand to be superior catalysts and their efficiency is almost 6 and 2.5 times higher than commercial 20 % Pd/C in the electrooxidation of ethanol and CrVI reduction reaction by formic acid, respectively.
Variations of Food Web Structure and Energy Availability of Shallow Lake with Long‐Term Eutrophication: A Case Study from Lake Taihu, China
Authors: Xu Delin , Cai Ying , Jiang Hao , Wu Xiaoqing , Leng Xin , An Shuqing
Published: June 2016

Eutrophication in aquatic ecosystem is known to cause an intensification of primary production, with consequences for the ecosystem degradation. Various researches provided evidences about food web structure variations during eutrophication process, but there were few attempts to empirically investigate the relationship between energy availability and trophic relationships, which is an important goal with relevance for management of eutrophic lakes. As a large shallow lake, Lake Taihu has suffered long‐term eutrophication. Here, the species compositions of Lake Taihu food web in three different trophic periods (oligotrophic stage, beginning of eutrophication, and developed stage of eutrophication) were conducted. Food web matrixes and Ecopath model were used to estimate the dynamic of food web structure and energy availability. The results showed that the number of trophic species, trophic links, and the length of food chain declined during the eutrophication process from 1960s to 2000s, which means food web structure of Lake Taihu was simplified even though entrophication brought sufficient nutrient into ecosystem. Meanwhile, the total transfer efficiency of food web declined from 24.1% in 1960s to 23.3% in 1990s and 21.9% in 2000s. These results suggest that long‐term eutrophication altered the energy availability of food web, and then influenced the food web structure gradually.
Diversity and Distribution of Microzooplankton Tintinnid (Ciliata: Protozoa) in the Core Region of Indian Sundarban Wetland
Authors: Rakshit Dibyendu , Sarkar Santosh K. , Satpathy Kamala K. , Ganesh Palani Sankar , Godhantaraman Nallamuthu , Biswas Jayanta K.
Published: June 2016

The study first investigated the spatial distribution, diversity, and biomass of the planktonic choreotrich ciliate tintinnids inhabiting the biosphere reserve, the core region of Indian Sundarban mangrove wetland. A total of 21 species (eight genera and six families) were recorded including agglomerated and non‐agglomerated or hyaline forms from these intricate estuarine network systems. Maximum mean abundance (2747 ± 111 individuals L−1) and species diversity (H′ = 2.32) of tintinnid ciliate were recorded at the sampling site located towards the Bay of Bengal whereas lower abundance (666 ± 56 individuals L−1) and diversity (H′ = 1.55) were encountered towards inner part of the estuary. Tintinnopsis represented the most dominant agglutinated genus comprising of Tintinnopsis beroidea, Tintinnopsis fimbriata, Tintinnopsis cylindrica, Tintinnopsis tocantinensis, and Tintinnopsis radix, accounting ∼52% of total tintinnid community. The agglomerated forms Amphorellopsis tetragona, Eutintinnus apertus, Codonellopsis lusitanica, and T. fimbriata were recorded for the first time in this region. The biomass value exhibited wide range of variations (0.03 ± 0.09 to 12.4 ± 1.1 μg C L−1), accounting maximum value towards seaward region. The small‐sized tintinnid (lorica length <40 μm) contributed the most dominant group (sharing ∼85% of total species abundance) in this core region and their presence was mainly governed by factors, namely, chlorophyll α, salinity, and nutrients (nitrate and silicate). The results of combining multivariate methods (RELATE and BIOENV analyses) reveal that chl a and nitrate were the potential significant factors for tintinnid abundance and distribution.
Knowledge of, attitudes toward, and use of low‐dose computed tomography for lung cancer screening among family physicians
Authors: Ersek Jennifer L. , Eberth Jan M. , McDonnell Karen Kane , Strayer Scott M. , Sercy Erica , Cartmell Kathleen B. , Friedman Daniela B.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

The results of the National Lung Screening Trial showed a 20% reduction in lung cancer mortality and a 6.7% reduction in all‐cause mortality when high‐risk patients were screened with low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) versus chest x‐ray (CXR). The US Preventive Services Task Force has issued a grade B recommendation for LDCT screening, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and private insurers now cover the screening cost under certain conditions. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of, attitudes toward, and use of LDCT screening for lung cancer among family physicians.

METHODS

A 32‐item questionnaire was distributed to members of the South Carolina Academy of Family Physicians in 2015. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

RESULTS

There were 101 respondents, and most had incorrect knowledge about which organizations recommended screening. Many physicians continued to recommend CXR for lung cancer screening. Most felt that LDCT screening increased the odds of detecting disease at earlier stages (98%) and that the benefits outweighed the harms (75%). Concerns included unnecessary procedures (88%), stress/anxiety (52%), and radiation exposure (50%). Most physicians discussed the risks/benefits of screening with their patients in some capacity (76%); however, more than 50% reported making 1 or no screening recommendations in the past year.

CONCLUSIONS

Most family physicians report discussing LDCT with patients at high risk for lung cancer; however, referrals remain low. There are gaps in physician knowledge about screening guidelines and reimbursement, and this indicates a need for further educational outreach. The development of decision aids may facilitate shared decision‐making discussions about screening, and targeted interventions may improve knowledge gaps. Cancer 2016;122:2324–2331. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Systematic Measures of Biological Networks II: Degeneracy, Complexity, and Robustness
Authors: Li Yao , Yi Yingfei
Published: June 2016

This paper is part II of a two‐part series devoted to the study of systematic measures in a complex bionetwork modeled by a system of ordinary differential equations. In this part, we quantify several systematic measures of a biological network including degeneracy, complexity, and robustness. We will apply the theory of stochastic differential equations to define degeneracy and complexity for a bionetwork. Robustness of the network will be defined according to the strength of attractions to the global attractor. Based on the study of stationary probability measures and entropy made in part I of this series, we will investigate some fundamental properties of these systematic measures, in particular the connections between degeneracy, complexity, and robustness.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thyroid Hormone, Cancer, and Apoptosis
Authors: Lin Hung‐Yun , Chin Yu‐Tan , Yang Yu‐Chen S. H. , Lai Hsuan‐Yu , Whang‐Peng Jacqueline , Liu Leroy F. , Tang Heng‐Yuan , Davis Paul J.
Published: June 2016

Thyroid hormones play important roles in regulating normal metabolism, development, and growth. They also stimulate cancer cell proliferation. Their metabolic and developmental effects and growth effects in normal tissues are mediated primarily by nuclear hormone receptors. A cell surface receptor for the hormone on integrin αvβ3 is the initiation site for effects on tumor cells. Clinical hypothyroidism may retard cancer growth, and hyperthyroidism was recently linked to the prevalence of certain cancers. Local levels of thyroid hormones are controlled through activation and deactivation of iodothyronine deiodinases in different organs. The relative activities of different deiodinases that exist in tissues or organs also affect the progression and development of specific types of cancers. In this review, the effects of thyroid hormone on signaling pathways in breast, brain, liver, thyroid, and colon cancers are discussed. The importance of nuclear thyroid hormone receptor isoforms and of the hormone receptor on the extracellular domain of integrin αvβ3 as potential cancer risk factors and therapeutic targets are addressed. We analyze the intracellular signaling pathways activated by thyroid hormones in cancer progression in hyperthyroidism or at physiological concentrations in the euthyroid state. Determining how to utilize the deaminated thyroid hormone analog (tetrac), and its nanoparticulate derivative to reduce risks of cancer progression, enhance therapeutic outcomes, and prevent cancer recurrence is also deliberated. © 2016 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol6:1221‐1237, 2016.
Role of Mitochondria in Cerebral Vascular Function: Energy Production, Cellular Protection, and Regulation of Vascular Tone
Authors: Busija David W. , Rutkai Ibolya , Dutta Somhrita , Katakam Prasad V.
Published: June 2016

Mitochondria not only produce energy in the form of ATP to support the activities of cells comprising the neurovascular unit, but mitochondrial events, such as depolarization and/or ROS release, also initiate signaling events which protect the endothelium and neurons against lethal stresses via pre‐/postconditioning as well as promote changes in cerebral vascular tone. Mitochondrial depolarization in vascular smooth muscle (VSM), via pharmacological activation of the ATP‐dependent potassium channels on the inner mitochondrial membrane (mitoKATPchannels), leads to vasorelaxation through generation of calcium sparks by the sarcoplasmic reticulum and subsequent downstream signaling mechanisms. Increased release of ROS by mitochondria has similar effects. Relaxation of VSM can also be indirectly achieved via actions of nitric oxide (NO) and other vasoactive agents produced by endothelium, perivascular and parenchymal nerves, and astroglia following mitochondrial activation. Additionally, NO production following mitochondrial activation is involved in neuronal preconditioning. Cerebral arteries from female rats have greater mitochondrial mass and respiration and enhanced cerebral arterial dilation to mitochondrial activators. Preexisting chronic conditions such as insulin resistance and/or diabetes impair mitoKATPchannel relaxation of cerebral arteries and preconditioning. Surprisingly, mitoKATPchannel function after transient ischemia appears to be retained in the endothelium of large cerebral arteries despite generalized cerebral vascular dysfunction. Thus, mitochondrial mechanisms may represent the elusive signaling link between metabolic rate and blood flow as well as mediators of vascular change according to physiological status. Mitochondrial mechanisms are an important, but underutilized target for improving vascular function and decreasing brain injury in stroke patients. © 2016 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol6:1529‐1548, 2016.
Vanadium Electrolyte Studies for the Vanadium Redox Battery—A Review
Authors: Skyllas‐Kazacos Maria , Cao Liuyue , Kazacos Michael , Kausar Nadeem , Mousa Asem
Published: June 2016

The electrolyte is one of the most important components of the vanadium redox flow battery and its properties will affect cell performance and behavior in addition to the overall battery cost. Vanadium exists in several oxidation states with significantly different half‐cell potentials that can produce practical cell voltages. It is thus possible to use the same element in both half‐cells and thereby eliminate problems of cross‐contamination inherent in all other flow battery chemistries. Electrolyte properties vary with supporting electrolyte composition, state‐of‐charge, and temperature and this will impact on the characteristics, behavior, and performance of the vanadium battery in practical applications. This Review provides a broad overview of the physical properties and characteristics of the vanadium battery electrolyte under different conditions, together with a description of some of the processing methods that have been developed to produce vanadium electrolytes for vanadium redox flow battery applications.
Gap junctions in C. elegans: Their roles in behavior and development
Authors: Hall David H.
Published: June 2016

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans utilizes gap junctions in different fashions in virtually all of its cells. This model animal has a surprisingly large number of innexin genes within its genome, and many nematode cell types can express multiple innexins at once, leading to the formation of diverse junction types and enough redundancy to limit the effect of single gene knockdowns on animal development or behavioral phenotypes. Here, we review the general properties of these junctions, their expression patterns, and their known roles in tissue development and in the animal's connectome. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 587–596, 2017
Efficient generation of transgenic reporter strains and analysis of expression patterns in Caenorhabditis elegans using library MosSCI
Authors: Kaymak Ebru , Farley Brian M. , Hay Samantha A. , Li Chihua , Ho Samantha , Hartman Daniel J. , Ryder Sean P.
Published: June 2016

Background: In C. elegans, germline development and early embryogenesis rely on posttranscriptional regulation of maternally transcribed mRNAs. In many cases, the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) is sufficient to govern the expression patterns of these transcripts. Several RNA‐binding proteins are required to regulate maternal mRNAs through the 3′UTR. Despite intensive efforts to map RNA‐binding protein–mRNA interactions in vivo, the biological impact of most binding events remains unknown. Reporter studies using single copy integrated transgenes are essential to evaluate the functional consequences of interactions between RNA‐binding proteins and their associated mRNAs. Results: In this report, we present an efficient method of generating reporter strains with improved throughput by using a library variant of MosSCI transgenesis. Furthermore, using RNA interference, we identify the suite of RNA‐binding proteins that control the expression pattern of five different maternal mRNAs. Conclusions: The results provide a generalizable and efficient strategy to assess the functional relevance of protein–RNA interactions in vivo, and reveal new regulatory connections between key RNA‐binding proteins and their maternal mRNA targets. Developmental Dynamics 245:925–936, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Behavioral buffering of global warming in a cold‐adapted lizard
Authors: Ortega Zaida , Mencía Abraham , Pérez‐Mellado Valentín
Published: June 2016

Alpine lizards living in restricted areas might be particularly sensitive to climate change. We studied thermal biology ofIberolacerta cyreniin high mountains of central Spain. Our results suggest thatI. cyreniis a cold‐adapted thermal specialist and an effective thermoregulator. Among ectotherms, thermal specialists are more threatened by global warming than generalists. Alpine lizards have no chance to disperse to new suitable habitats. In addition, physiological plasticity is unlikely to keep pace with the expected rates of environmental warming. Thus, lizards might rely on their behavior in order to deal with ongoing climate warming. Plasticity of thermoregulatory behavior has been proposed to buffer the rise of environmental temperatures. Therefore, we studied the change in body and environmental temperatures, as well as their relationships, forI. cyrenibetween the 1980s and 2012. Air temperatures have increased more than 3.5°C and substrate temperatures have increased by 6°C in the habitat ofI. cyreniover the last 25 years. However, body temperatures of lizards have increased less than 2°C in the same period, and the linear relationship between body and environmental temperatures remains similar. These results show that alpine lizards are buffering the potential impact of the increase in their environmental temperatures, most probably by means of their behavior. Body temperatures ofI. cyreniare still cold enough to avoid any drop in fitness. Nonetheless, if warming continues, behavioral buffering might eventually become useless, as it would imply spending too much time in shelter, losing feeding, and mating opportunities. Eventually, if body temperature exceeds the thermal optimum in the near future, fitness would decrease abruptly.
Using bioacoustics to examine shifts in songbird phenology
Authors: Buxton Rachel T. , Brown Emma , Sharman Lewis , Gabriele Christine M. , McKenna Megan F.
Published: June 2016

Monitoring patterns in biodiversity and phenology have become increasingly important given accelerating levels of anthropogenic change. Long‐term monitoring programs have reported earlier occurrence of spring activity, reflecting species response to climate change. Although tracking shifts in spring migration represents a valuable approach to monitoring community‐level consequences of climate change, robust long‐term observations are challenging and costly. Audio recordings and metrics of bioacoustic activity could provide an effective method for monitoring changes in songbird activity and broader biotic interactions. We used 3 years of spring and fall recordings at six sites in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska, an area experiencing rapid warming and glacial retreat, to examine the utility of bioacoustics to detect changes in songbird phenology. We calculated the Acoustic Complexity Index (ACI), an algorithm representing an index of bird community complexity. Abrupt changes in ACI values from winter to spring corresponded to spring transition, suggesting that ACI may be an effective, albeit coarse metric to detect the arrival of migrating songbirds. The first peak in ACI shifted from April 16 to April 11 from 2012 to 2014. Changes in ACI were less abrupt in the fall due to weather events, suggesting spring recordings are better suited to indicate phenology. To ensure changes in ACI values were detecting real changes in songbird activity, we explored the relationship between ACI and song of three species: varied thrush (Ixoreus naevius), Pacific wren (Troglodytes pacificus), and ruby‐crowned kinglet (Regulus calendula). ACI was positively related to counts of all species, but most markedly with song of the varied thrush, the most common species in our recordings and a known indicator of forest ecosystem health. We conclude that acoustic recordings paired with bioacoustic indices may be a useful method of monitoring shifts in songbird communities due to climate change and other sources of anthropogenic disturbance.