bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorbents for Apheresis Prepared from Polysaccharides of Algae that Threaten Ecosystem Services
Authors: Kanno Kenichi , Tanigawa Tetsuya , Fujita Yoshihiro , Ohnaka Naoto , Kubo Yuichiro , Yoshida Kaito , Kojima Kota , Nakata Koshiro , Shimohara Masafumi
Published: August 2014

In this work, we investigated whether materials isolated from algae that threaten ecosystems can be used for human benefit. We converted acidic polysaccharides (ulvan) from the alga Ulva pertusa into soft hydrogel materials. In addition to ulvan, the hydrogels also contained alginate in a polyion complex with chitosan. Cross‐linking the hydrogel with glutaraldehyde reduced polysaccharide elution from the polyion complex gel. We also found that both ulvanchitosan and alginatechitosan gels were able to remove urea and heavy metals from aqueous solution. This is clinically significant, since during apheresis, toxic compounds such as urea have to be removed from the bloodstream of patients. Importantly, albumin was not removed by the hydrogels, implying that this vital protein can be returned to the bloodstream following dialysis.
Structure–Activity Relationships of Strychnine Analogs at Glycine Receptors
Authors: Mohsen Amal M. Y. , Heller Eberhard , Holzgrabe Ulrike , Jensen Anders A. , Zlotos Darius P.
Published: August 2014

Nine strychnine derivatives including neostrychnine, strychnidine, isostrychnine, 21,22‐dihydro‐21‐hydroxy‐22‐oxo‐strychnine, and several hydrogenated analogs were synthesized, and their antagonistic activities at human α1 and α1β glycine receptors were evaluated. Isostrychnine has shown the best pharmacological profile exhibiting an IC50 value of 1.6 μM at α1 glycine receptors and 3.7‐fold preference towards the α1 subtype. SAR Analysis indicates that the lactam moiety and the C(21)C(22) bond in strychnine are essential structural features for its high antagonistic potency at glycine receptors
Site‐Specific Modification of the Anticancer and Antituberculosis Polyether Salinomycin by Biosynthetic Engineering
Authors: Luhavaya Hanna , Williams Simon R. , Hong Hui , Gonzaga de Oliveira Luciana , Leadlay Peter F.
Published: August 2014

The complex bis‐spiroacetal polyether ionophore salinomycin has been identified as a uniquely selective agent against cancer stem cells and is also strikingly effective in an animal model of latent tuberculosis. The basis for these important activities is unknown. We show here that deletion of the salE gene abolishes salinomycin production and yields two new analogues, in both of which the C18C19 cis double bond is replaced by a hydroxy group stereospecifically located at C19, but which differ from each other in the configuration of the bis‐spiroacetal. These results identify SalE as a novel dehydratase and demonstrate that biosynthetic engineering can be used to redirect the reaction cascade of oxidative cyclization to yield new salinomycin analogues for use in mechanism‐of‐action studies.
Synergistic Actions of Tailoring Enzymes in Pradimicin Biosynthesis
Authors: Napan Kandy , Zhang Shuwei , Morgan Whitney , Anderson Thomas , Takemoto Jon Y. , Zhan Jixun
Published: August 2014

Three key tailoring enzymes in pradimicin biosynthesis: PdmJ, PdmW, and PdmN, were investigated. PdmW was characterized as the C‐6 hydroxylase by structural characterization of the corresponding product, 6‐hydroxy‐G‐2A. The efficiencies of the C‐5 and C‐6 hydroxylations, catalyzed respectively by PdmJ and PdmW, were low when they were expressed individually with the early biosynthetic enzymes that form G‐2A. When these two cytochrome P450 enzymes were co‐expressed, a dihydroxylated product, 5,6‐dihydroxy‐G‐2A, was efficiently produced, indicating that these two enzymes work synergistically in pradimicin biosynthesis. Heterologously expressed PdmN in Streptomyces coelicolor CH999 converted G‐2A to JX137a by ligating a unit of D‐alanine to the carboxyl group. PdmN has relaxed substrate specificity toward both amino acid donors and acceptors. Through combinatorial biosynthesis, a series of new pradimicin analogues were produced.
Output‐relevant fault detection and identification of chemical process based on hybrid kernel T‐PLS
Authors: Zhao Xiaoqiang , Xue Yongfei
Published: August 2014

The single kernel total projection to latent structures (T‐PLS) would lead to a higher missing alarm rate and false alarm rate because either global kernel function or local kernel function can be utilized. The hybrid kernel T‐PLS algorithm proposed in this paper combines global function with local function to solve non‐linear problems by projecting low‐dimensional input data to high‐dimensional feature space. The feature space is then divided into output directly correlated subspace, output orthogonal subspace, output uncorrelated subspace, and residual subspace by output variables. Based on fault detected by statistic D and Q in these subspaces, respectively, fault‐free data are reconstructed and the fault magnitude is estimated by generalized reconstruction‐based contribution (RBC). The simulation results of Tennessee Eastman process show the proposed algorithm can not only detect output‐relevant fault with higher detection rate, but also identify the type of fault.
The aging biological clock in Neurospora crassa
Authors: Case Mary E. , Griffith James , Dong Wubei , Tigner Ira L. , Gaines Kimberly , Jiang James C. , Jazwinski S. Michal , Arnold Jonathan ,   the Georgia Centenarian Study
Published: August 2014

The biological clock affects aging through ras‐1 (bd) and lag‐1, and these two longevity genes together affect a clock phenotype and the clock oscillator in Neurospora crassa. Using an automated cell‐counting technique for measuring conidial longevity, we show that the clock‐associated genes lag‐1 and ras‐1 (bd) are true chronological longevity genes. For example, wild type (WT) has an estimated median life span of 24 days, while the double mutant lag‐1, ras‐1 (bd) has an estimated median life span of 120 days for macroconidia. We establish the biochemical function of lag‐1 by complementing LAG1 and LAC1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with lag‐1 in N. crassa. Longevity genes can affect the clock as well in that, the double mutant lag‐1, ras‐1 (bd) can stop the circadian rhythm in asexual reproduction (i.e., banding in race tubes) and lengthen the period of the frequency oscillator to 41 h. In contrast to the ras‐1 (bd), lag‐1 effects on chronological longevity, we find that this double mutant undergoes replicative senescence (i.e., the loss of replication function with time), unlike WT or the single mutants, lag‐1 and ras‐1 (bd). These results support the hypothesis that sphingolipid metabolism links aging and the biological clock through a common stress response
Contribution of high‐throughput DNA sequencing to the study of primary immunodeficiencies
Authors: Picard Capucine , Fischer Alain
Published: August 2014

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are inborn errors of the immune system. PIDs have been characterized immunologically for the last 60 years and genetically, principally by Sanger DNA sequencing, over the last 30 years. The advent of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) in 2011, with the development of whole‐exome sequencing in particular, has facilitated the identification of previously unknown genetic lesions. NGS is rapidly generating a stream of candidate variants for an increasing number of genetically undefined PIDs. The use of NGS technology is ushering in a new era, by facilitating the discovery and characterization of new PIDs in patients with infections and other phenotypes, thereby helping to improve diagnostic accuracy. This review provides a historical overview of the identification of PIDs before NGS, and the advances and limitations of the use of NGS for the diagnosis and characterization of PIDs.
Functional engraftment of human peripheral T and B cells and sustained production of autoantibodies in NOD/LtSzscid/IL‐2Rγ−/− mice
Authors: Ishikawa Yuki , Usui Takashi , Shiomi Aoi , Shimizu Masakazu , Murakami Kosaku , Mimori Tsuneyo
Published: August 2014

NOD/LtSzscid/IL‐2Rγ−/− (NSG) mice have advantages in establishing humanized mouse models. However, transferring human PBMCs into these mice often causes lethal GVH disease. In this study, we discovered an improved method for the engraftment of normal or pathological human PBMCs into NSG mice and examined the subsequent induction of specific immune responses. We sequentially transferred human CD4+ memory T (Tm) and B cells obtained from PBMCs of healthy adults or patients with autoimmune diseases into NSG mice. Removing naïve CD4+ T cells from the transferred PBMCs allowed successful engraftment without lethal GVH disease. The transferred Tm cells were found to reside mainly in the spleen and the lymphoid nodules, where they expressed MHC class II molecules and produced cytokines, including IL‐21. Surprisingly, the transferred B cells were also well maintained in the lymphoid organs, underwent de novo class‐switch recombination, and secreted all isotypes of human Igs at significant levels. Moreover, transferring patient‐derived Tm and B cells resulted in sustained production of IgM‐rheumatoid factor and antiaminoacyl transfer RNA synthetase Abs in these mice. These results suggest that transfer of Tm and B cells derived from human PBMCs into NSG mice could be a useful method for the study of human autoimmune mechanisms.
Modeling forward stutter: Toward increased objectivity in forensic DNA interpretation
Authors: Bright Jo‐Anne , Buckleton John S. , Taylor Duncan , Fernando M. A. C. S. S. , Curran James M.
Published: August 2014

Forward stutter, or over stutter, one repeat unit length larger than the parent allele (N + 1 stutter), is a relatively rare product of the PCR amplification of STRs used in forensic DNA analysis. We have investigated possible explanatory variables for the occurrence and size of forward stutter for four different autosomal multiplexes. In addition, we have investigated models used to predict the expected heights of forward stutter. For all tetra and penta‐nucleotide repeats we can find no correlation between allelic peak height, marker, or longest uninterrupted sequence in the allele. The data fit a gamma distribution with no explanatory variables. For the single trinucleotide repeat present in two of the four multiplexes (D22S1045) forward stutter is much more common and the best explanatory variable appears to be back stutter height. This suggests some fundamental cocausation of high backward and forward stutter for this locus.
Size‐based cell sorting with a resistive pulse sensor and an electromagnetic pump in a microfluidic chip
Authors: Song Yongxin , Li Mengqi , Pan Xinxiang , Wang Qi , Li Dongqing
Published: August 2014

An electrokinetic microfluidic chip is developed to detect and sort target cells by size from human blood samples. Target‐cell detection is achieved by a differential resistive pulse sensor (RPS) based on the size difference between the target cell and other cells. Once a target cell is detected, the detected RPS signal will automatically actuate an electromagnetic pump built in a microchannel to push the target cell into a collecting channel. This method was applied to automatically detect and sort A549 cells and T‐lymphocytes from a peripheral fingertip blood sample. The viability of A549 cells sorted in the collecting well was verified by Hoechst33342 and propidium iodide staining. The results show that as many as 100 target cells per minute can be sorted out from the sample solution and thus is particularly suitable for sorting very rare target cells, such as circulating tumor cells. The actuation of the electromagnetic valve has no influence on RPS cell detection and the consequent cell‐sorting process. The viability of the collected A549 cell is not impacted by the applied electric field when the cell passes the RPS detection area. The device described in this article is simple, automatic, and label‐free and has wide applications in size‐based rare target cell sorting for medical diagnostics.
Thermal shrinkage of fabrics used for out layer of firefighter protective clothing under flash fire
Authors: Li Jun , Zhao Mengmeng , Xie Yuchen , Wang Yunyi
Published: August 2014

The thermal shrinkage of the firefighter protective clothing can greatly affect its thermal protective performance. In this study, a novel and systematic approach to measure the thermal shrinkage of fabrics used for the firefighter protective clothing is presented. The study was limited to fabrics that are used for the outer layer of fire fighter clothing. A total of six different fabrics were tested. They were exposed to a short duration simulation of a structural fire using a Thermal Protection Performance tester. The exposed fabrics were then scanned with a hand‐held laser scanner for their 3D surface appearance. Software named Geomagic Studio was used to deal with the point clouds of the fabric images. Another software package named ArcGis, which was normally used in geological studies, was then used to analyze the heights and slope angles of the tags and crests of the burned fabrics. The results showed that for the fabrics tested the thicker and heavier the fabric, the smaller was the thermal shrinkage. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐order ADER‐WENO ALE schemes on unstructured triangular meshes—application of several node solvers to hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics
Authors: Boscheri W. , Dumbser M. , Balsara D. S.
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we present a class of high‐order accurate cell‐centered arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) one‐step ADER weighted essentially non‐oscillatory (WENO) finite volume schemes for the solution of nonlinear hyperbolic conservation laws on two‐dimensional unstructured triangular meshes. High order of accuracy in space is achieved by a WENO reconstruction algorithm, while a local space–time Galerkin predictor allows the schemes to be high order accurate also in time by using an element‐local weak formulation of the governing PDE on moving meshes. The mesh motion can be computed by choosing among three different node solvers, which are for the first time compared with each other in this article: the node velocity may be obtained either (i) as an arithmetic average among the states surrounding the node, as suggested by Cheng and Shu, or (ii) as a solution of multiple one‐dimensional half‐Riemann problems around a vertex, as suggested by Maire, or (iii) by solving approximately a multidimensional Riemann problem around each vertex of the mesh using the genuinely multidimensional Harten–Lax–van Leer Riemann solver recently proposed by Balsara et al. Once the vertex velocity and thus the new node location have been determined by the node solver, the local mesh motion is then constructed by straight edges connecting the vertex positions at the old time level tn with the new ones at the next time level tn + 1. If necessary, a rezoning step can be introduced here to overcome mesh tangling or highly deformed elements. The final ALE finite volume scheme is based directly on a space–time conservation formulation of the governing PDE system, which therefore makes an additional remapping stage unnecessary, as the ALE fluxes already properly take into account the rezoned geometry. In this sense, our scheme falls into the category of direct ALE methods. Furthermore, the geometric conservation law is satisfied by the scheme by construction.

We apply the high‐order algorithm presented in this paper to the Euler equations of compressible gas dynamics as well as to the ideal classical and relativistic magnetohydrodynamic equations. We show numerical convergence results up to fifth order of accuracy in space and time together with some classical numerical test problems for each hyperbolic system under consideration. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zircon geochronology and Hf isotope geochemistry of the granitoids in the Yangshan gold field, western Qinling, China: implications for petrogenesis, ore genesis and tectonic setting
Authors: Mao Shidong , Chen Yan‐jing , Zhou Zhenju , Lu Yinghuai , Guo Junhua , Qin Yan , Yu Jinyuan
Published: August 2014

The Yangshan gold deposit, Gansu Province, is the largest gold deposit in China and the best representative of the western Qinling gold province. Granite dykes can be observed in the orefield, of which some are spatially associated with the gold orebodies. Gold mineralization was debated between magmatic hydrothermal and metamorphic hydrothermal models in previous studies due to a shortage of precise isotopic ages of the granite dykes in the orefield. In this contribution, we reportin‐situzircon LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb ages combined with Hf isotope and REE data. The age of granite dykes is constrained to be 220.2 ± 3.1 Ma, coeval with the regional development of Triassic granitoids, which resulted from the northward subduction of the Mian–Lue oceanic plate. The εHf(t) values of inherited and new zircon grains from the granite dykes show that the granite dykes have a complex source dominated by sediments which were sourced from the North China Craton, Yangtze Craton and Qinling Orogen, and accumulated in a fore‐arc setting. The granite dykes were derived from partial melting of the fore‐arc sediment prism induced by the fluids sourced from metamorphic devolatilizaiton of the underthrust Mian–Lue oceanic plate. The Yangshan gold deposit was formed at about 190 Ma, some 30 Myr later than the intrusion of the granite dykes, ruling out the possibility that gold mineralization was caused by Triassic granitic magmatism. The Yangshan gold deposit is a transitional system between Carlin‐ and orogenic‐types that resulted from continental collision orogeny, metallogeny and fluid flow. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Novel α‐(Acyloxy)‐α‐(quinolin‐4‐yl)acetamides by a Three‐Component Reaction between an Isocyanide, Quinoline‐4‐carbaldehyde, and Arenecarboxylic Acids
Authors: Taran Jafar , Ramazani Ali , Woo Joo Sang , Ślepokura Katarzyna , Lis Tadeusz
Published: August 2014

Novel α‐(acyloxy)‐α‐(quinolin‐4‐yl)acetamides were synthesized by the Passerini three‐component reaction between an isocyanide, quinoline‐4‐carbaldehyde, and arenecarboxylic acids in H2O. The reactions were carried out in one pot at room temperature with quantitative yields.
PN Bond Cleavage during the Insertion of Carbon Fragments into PIIIN Bonds in Bis(diphenylphosphino) Amines
Authors: Biricik Nermin , Kayan Cezmi , Gümgüm Bahattin
Published: August 2014

The reaction of tertiary amine functionalized phosphines with aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes gives insertion of carbon fragments into the PIIIN bonds or PIIIN bond cleavage. The reaction of bis(diphenylphosphino) amines, 1a–1c, with two equiv. of aldehydes in toluene afforded the PIIIN bond inserted products, 2a–4a, 4b–6b, and 3c–5c, in moderate‐to‐good yield. The products were characterized by IR, 1H‐ and 31P‐NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis.
Glutamate enrichment as new diagnostic opportunity in breast cancer
Authors: Budczies Jan , Pfitzner Berit M. , Györffy Balazs , Winzer Klaus‐Jürgen , Radke Cornelia , Dietel Manfred , Fiehn Oliver , Denkert Carsten
Published: August 2014

Exogenous glutamine is an important source of energy and molecular building blocks for many tumors. There is a renewed interest in therapeutically targeting glutamine metabolism due to the recent discovery of two novel glutaminase inhibitors. To quantify the dysregulation of the glutamate‐glutamine equilibrium in breast cancer, metabolomics analysis of 270 clinical breast cancer samples and 97 normal breast samples was carried out using gas chromatography combined with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Positive correlation between glutamate and glutamine in normal breast tissues switched to negative correlation between glutamate and glutamine in breast cancer tissues. Compared with the ratio of glutamate to glutamine in normal tissues, we found 56% of the ER+ tumor tissues and 88% of the ER− tumor tissues glutamate‐enriched. The glutamate‐to‐glutamine ratio (GGR) significantly correlated with ER status (p = 8.0E‐09) and with tumor grade (p = 3.3E‐05). Higher levels of GGR were associated with prolonged overall survival in univariate analysis (HR = 0.77, p = 0.027) and in multivariate analysis (HR = 0.73, p = 0.038). GGR levels were reflected in an unsupervised clustering of metabolomics profiles. In a supervised analysis of metabolomics data and of genome‐wide expression data, replacement of GGR by metabolite surrogate markers was feasible, while replacement of GGR by RNA markers had a limited accuracy. Functional analysis of the gene expression data showed negative correlation between glutamate enrichment and activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) pathway. Our findings may have important implications for patient stratification related to utilization of glutaminase inhibitors.
Evaluating tumor metastatic potential by imaging intratumoral acidosis via pH‐activatable near‐infrared fluorescent probe
Authors: Wang Lu , Fan Zhichao , Zhang Jingye , Changyi Yinzhi , Huang Cuiyun , Gu Yanjuan , Xu Ziyao , Tang Zhijia , Lu Weiyue , Wei Xunbin , Li Cong
Published: August 2014

Metastasis accounts for the vast majority of cancer deaths. To minimize metastasis‐associated mortality, it is crucially important to evaluate the metastatic potential (M.P.), that is, defined as a tendency of a primary tumor to colonize a distant organ. Dysregulated pH in solid tumors, especially the acidification of extracellular pH (pHe) promotes dormant metastasis by driving protease‐mediated digestion, disrupting cell‐matrix interaction and increasing migration of cancer cells. Therefore, imaging intratumoral acidosis creates a unique opportunity to evaluate the M.P. In this work, a novel pH activatable probe was developed, in which two near‐infrared (NIR) fluorophores were conjugated via a flexible and acid liable linkage. While the fluorescence of this probe is quenched due to intramolecular dimeric aggregate under neutral environment, the cleavage of pH liable linkage with the concomitant disruption of aggregates in acidic tumor microenvironment results in a remarkable fluorescence enhancement. This probe not only visualized the primary tumors with high target to background (T/B) signal ratio in vivo, but also revealed the correlation between the M.P. and acidosis distribution pattern in tumor. While the acidosis locate dispersedly at tumor periphery in highly metastatic tumor, it distribute more widely in lowly metastatic tumor and the acidification degree increases substantially from the margin to core areas. This pH activatable NIR fluorescent probe holds the potential to evaluate the M.P., monitor the therapeutic response and predict the prognosis by delineating acidosis in tumors.
Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, vitamin D binding protein and risk of colorectal cancer in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial
Authors: Weinstein Stephanie J. , Purdue Mark P. , Smith‐Warner Stephanie A. , Mondul Alison M. , Black Amanda , Ahn Jiyoung , Huang Wen‐Yi , Horst Ronald L. , Kopp William , Rager Helen , Ziegler Regina G. , Albanes Demetrius
Published: August 2014

The potential role of vitamin D in cancer prevention has generated substantial interest, and laboratory experiments indicate several anti‐cancer properties for vitamin D compounds. Prospective studies of circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], the accepted biomarker of vitamin D status, suggest an inverse association with colorectal cancer risk, but with some inconsistencies. Furthermore, the direct or indirect impact of the key transport protein, vitamin D binding protein (DBP), has not been examined. We conducted a prospective study of serum 25(OH)D and DBP concentrations and colorectal cancer risk in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, based on 476 colorectal cancer cases and 476 controls, matched on age, sex, race and date of serum collection. All subjects underwent sigmoidoscopic screening at baseline and once during follow‐up. Conditional logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Circulating 25(OH)D was inversely associated with colorectal cancer (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.38–0.94 for highest versus lowest quintile, p trend 0.01). Adjusting for recognized colorectal cancer risk factors and accounting for seasonal vitamin D variation did not alter the findings. Neither circulating DBP nor the 25(OH)D:DBP molar ratio, a proxy for free circulating 25(OH)D, was associated with risk (OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.54–1.26, and OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.52–1.21, respectively), and DBP did not modify the 25(OH)D association. The current study eliminated confounding by colorectal cancer screening behavior, and supports an association between higher vitamin D status and substantially lower colorectal cancer risk, but does not indicate a direct or modifying role for DBP.
Dullard/Ctdnep1 Regulates Endochondral Ossification via Suppression of TGF-β Signaling
Authors: Hayata Tadayoshi , Yoichi  , Ezura  , Asashima Makoto , Nishinakamura Ryuichi , Noda Masaki
Published: August 2014

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling plays critical roles during skeletal development and its excessive signaling causes genetic diseases of connective tissues including Marfan syndrome and acromelic dysplasia. However, the mechanisms underlying prevention of excessive TGF-β signaling in skeletogenesis remain unclear. We previously reported that Dullard/Ctdnep1 encoding a small phosphatase is required for nephron maintenance after birth through suppression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Unexpectedly, we found that Dullard is involved in suppression of TGF-β signaling during endochondral ossification. Conditional Dullard-deficient mice in the limb and sternum mesenchyme by Prx1-Cre displayed the impaired growth and ossification of skeletal elements leading to postnatal lethality. Dullard was expressed in early cartilage condensations and later in growth plate chondrocytes. The tibia growth plate of newborn Dullard mutant mice showed reduction of the proliferative and hypertrophic chondrocyte layers. The sternum showed deformity of cartilage primordia and delayed hypertrophy. Micromass culture experiments revealed that Dullard deficiency enhanced early cartilage condensation and differentiation, but suppressed mineralized hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation, which was reversed by treatment with TGF-β type I receptor kinase blocker LY-364947. Dullard deficiency induced upregulation of protein levels of both phospho-Smad2/3 and total Smad2/3 in micromass cultures without increase of Smad2/3 mRNA levels, suggesting that Dullard may affect Smad2/3 protein stability. The phospho-Smad2/3 level was also upregulated in perichondrium and hypertrophic chondrocytes in Dullard-deficient embryos. Response to TGF-β signaling was enhanced in Dullard-deficient primary chondrocyte cultures at late, but not early, time point. Moreover, perinatal administration of LY-364947 ameliorated the sternum deformity in vivo. Thus, we identified Dullard as a new negative regulator of TGF-β signaling in endochondral ossification. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Bone Mineral Density Changes Among Women Initiating Proton Pump Inhibitors or H2 Receptor Antagonists: A SWAN Cohort Study
Authors: Solomon Daniel H , Diem Susan J , Ruppert Kristine , Lian Yin Juan , Liu Chih-Chin , Wohlfart Alyssa , Greendale Gail A , Finkelstein Joel S
Published: August 2014

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been associated with diminished bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased risk of fracture; however, prior studies have not yielded consistent results, and many have suboptimal ascertainment of both PPI use and BMD. We used data from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), a multicenter, multi-ethnic, community-based longitudinal cohort study of women across the menopause transition to examine the association between annualized BMD changes and new use of PPIs. We compared changes in BMD in new PPI users with changes in BMD in new users of histamine 2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and with changes in BMD in subjects who did not use either class of medications. Mixed linear regression models included recognized risk factors for osteoporosis, including demographics, menopausal transition stage, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle factors, as well as comorbidities and concomitant medications. To provide further evidence for the validity of our analytic approach, we also examined the effects of hormone-replacement therapy (HT), a class of medications that should reduce bone loss, on changes in BMD as an internal positive control group. We identified 207 new users of PPIs, 185 new users of H2RAs, and 1,676 non-users. Study subjects had a mean age of 50 years and were followed for a median of 9.9 years. Adjusted models found no difference in the annualized BMD change at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, or total hip in PPI users compared with H2RA users or non-users. These results were robust to sensitivity analyses. BMD increased as expected in HT users, supporting the validity of our study design. These longitudinal analyses plus similar prior studies argue against an association between PPI use and BMD loss. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Knee implant imaging at 3 Tesla using high‐bandwidth radiofrequency pulses
Authors: Bachschmidt Theresa J. , Sutter Reto , Jakob Peter M. , Pfirrmann Christian W.A. , Nittka Mathias
Published: August 2014

Background

To investigate the impact of high‐bandwidth radiofrequency (RF) pulses used in turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences or combined with slice encoding for metal artifact correction (SEMAC) on artifact reduction at 3 Tesla in the knee in the presence of metal.

Methods

Local transmit/receive coils feature increased maximum B1 amplitude, reduced SAR exposition and thus enable the application of high‐bandwidth RF pulses. Susceptibility‐induced through‐plane distortion scales inversely with the RF bandwidth and the view angle, hence blurring, increases for higher RF bandwidths, when SEMAC is used. These effects were assessed for a phantom containing a total knee arthroplasty. TSE and SEMAC sequences with conventional and high RF bandwidths and different contrasts were tested on eight patients with different types of implants. To realize scan times of 7 to 9 min, SEMAC was always applied with eight slice‐encoding steps and distortion was rated by two radiologists.

Results

A local transmit/receive knee coil enables the use of an RF bandwidth of 4 kHz compared with 850 Hz in conventional sequences. Phantom scans confirm the relation of RF bandwidth and through‐plane distortion, which can be reduced up to 79%, and demonstrate the increased blurring for high‐bandwidth RF pulses. In average, artifacts in this RF mode are rated hardly visible for patients with joint arthroplasties, when eight SEMAC slice‐encoding steps are applied, and for patients with titanium fixtures, when TSE is used.

Conclusion

The application of high‐bandwidth RF pulses by local transmit coils substantially reduces through‐plane distortion artifacts at 3 Tesla. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:1570–1580. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Meat quality and the histological structure of breast and leg muscles in Ayam Cemani chickens, Ayam Cemani × Sussex hybrids and slow‐growing Hubbard JA 957 chickens
Authors: Łukasiewicz Monika , Niemiec Jan , Wnuk Agnieszka , Mroczek‐Sosnowska Natalia
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of meat and the histological structure of muscles of Ayam Cemani chickens, Ayam Cemani × Sussex hybrids and slow‐growing Hubbard JA 957 chickens and to examine whether crossing generally available Sussex chickens with little available Ayam Cemani gives a good quality product of interest to the poultry industry and in food technology.

RESULTS

The size of breast and leg muscle fibers varied among genotypes. The breast and leg muscles of slow‐growing Hubbard JA 957 chickens had the largest fiber diameter. The histological and biochemical properties of muscles, including the type, number, proportions, diameter and metabolic profile of fibers, had a significant effect on the pH and water‐binding capacity of meat, thus affecting its quality. The muscle fibers of Ayam Cemani chickens were approximately half the size of the muscle fibers of Hubbard JA 957 chickens. Ayam Cemani and Ayam Cemani × Sussex gave a product of as good quality as Hubbard JA 957 chickens.

CONCLUSION

Meat from Ayam Cemani chickens is a rich source of protein and could be highly valued by gourmet consumers, connoisseurs and dieticians for its rarity and originality. The results of this study show that genotype (Ayam Cemani, Ayam Cemani × Sussex, Hubbard JA 957) affected the quality and color of meat and the histological profile of chicken breast and leg muscles. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Culinary preparation of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.): the impact on sensory quality and appropriateness
Authors: Bach Vibe , Mikkelsen Lærke , Kidmose Ulla , Edelenbos Merete
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Beetroot is a diverse vegetable available in different shapes and colours. The objectives of this study were to evaluate sensory qualities, and sugar and dry matter content of five beetroot varieties in relationship to the appropriateness for raw, boiled and pan‐fried preparation.

RESULTS

Sensory evaluation by descriptive sensory analysis and consumer tests showed clear distinctions between red varieties Taunus, Rocket and Pablo, and the pink–white striped Chioggia and yellow Burpee's Golden in raw preparations. However, variety delimination was more difficult after boiling and pan‐frying. Different sensory qualities were important for beetroot appropriateness in raw, boiled and pan‐fried preparations. Appropriateness of raw beetroots was associated with high sensory scores in beetroot flavour, crispness and juiciness, and low scores in bitterness. Appropriateness of boiled beetroots was related to high scores in beetroot and earthy flavours. Pan‐fried beetroot appropriateness was associated with high scores in beetroot flavour, colour intensity and crispness.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the quality of raw materials is integral in culinary preparations. These results can be used to guide consumers in the use of beetroot in culinary preparations and subsequently increase consumption. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Combination of a sub‐3 μm superficially porous particle packed column with charged aerosol detection for the simple and sensitive measurement of nine macrolides in human urine
Authors: Jia Shaodong , Song In Gi , Jeong Kyung Min , Li Jing , Park Jeong Hill , Lee Jeongmi , Kwon Sung Won
Published: August 2014

Due to the lack of chromophores in many macrolides, analytical methods based on mass spectrometry and electrochemical detection coupled to liquid chromatography have been suggested to be suitable for the quantification of macrolides in complex matrices. In this study, a simple and sensitive analytical method was established for the simultaneous measurement of nine macrolides in human urine by combining a sub‐3 μm superficially porous particle packed column with charged aerosol detection. After thorough investigation of various sample preparation methods, including two liquid–liquid extraction methods and four solid‐phase extraction methods, HLB solid‐phase extraction was selected and further optimized. Absolute recovery of the optimized sample preparation method ranged from 99.5–110.2%, indicating its very high extraction/clean‐up efficiency. For chromatography, parameters influencing macrolide separation were systematically optimized, and the resulting conditions allowed baseline separation of nine macrolides within 24 min using a very simple mobile phase. The established method was validated for linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, absolute recovery, and precision. Based on its limit of detection (0.025–0.100 μg/mL), the method had similar or greater sensitivity than most methods based on electrochemical detection. It was found that the current method was appropriate for application to real human urine samples after drug administration.
Ionic liquid foam floatation coupled with ionic liquid dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for the separation and determination of estrogens in water samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wang Chuanliu , Yue Qiaohong , Zhou Tiecheng , Li Na , Zhang Hanqi , Hao Xiaoke
Published: August 2014

An ionic liquid foam floatation coupled with ionic liquid dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method was proposed for the extraction and concentration of 17‐α‐estradiol, 17‐β‐estradiol‐benzoate, and quinestrol in environmental water samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. 1‐Hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate was applied as foaming agent in the foam flotation process and dispersive solvent in microextraction. The introduction of the ion‐pairing and salting‐out agent NH4PF6 was beneficial to the improvement of recoveries for the hydrophobic ionic liquid phase and analytes. Parameters of the proposed method including concentration of 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, flow rate of carrier gas, floatation time, types and concentration of ionic liquids, salt concentration in samples, extraction time, and centrifugation time were evaluated. The recoveries were between 98 and 105% with relative standard deviations lower than 7% for lake water and well water samples. The isolation of the target compounds from the water was found to be efficient, and the enrichment factors ranged from 4445 to 4632. This developing method is free of volatile organic solvents compared with regular extraction. Based on the unique properties of ionic liquids, the application of foam floatation, and dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction was widened.
The Role of Website Quality on PAD, Attitude and Intentions to Visit and Recommend Island Destination
Authors: Loureiro Sandra Maria Correia
Published: August 2014

This study investigates the effect of website stimuli on positive attitude and intentions to visit and recommend, through three emotional responses (pleasure, arousal and dominance). The model was tested regarding three island‐related websites. Findings show the role of emotions as mediators between website quality attitude and intentions. Arousal and dominance are revealed to be more important in the formation of a positive attitude than pleasure. Visual appeal and ease of use, followed by information, seem to be the most important components in forming a perception of the islands' website quality. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The interaction of APEX1 variant with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on increasing chromosome damage and lung cancer risk among male Chinese
Authors: Li Xiaoliang , Wei Jinyu , Xu Ping , Yin Xiangqian , Hu Die , Zhang Xiao , Liu Li , Zhang Kai , Zhou Changchun , Wang Tian , Zhang Xiaomin , He Meian , Wu Tangchun , Yang Ming , Guo Huan
Published: August 2014

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the most significant contributors to tobacco‐induced lung carcinogenesis. Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) is a central enzyme in the removal of apurinic/apyrimidinic sites caused by DNA damaging agents. This study aimed to investigate the potential interaction of APEX1 polymorphisms and PAHs on genetic damage and lung cancer risk among male Chinese. We recruited an occupational cohort of 922 male coke oven workers and determined their DNA damage levels by calculating the lymphocytic micronucleus (MN) frequencies. Two well‐studied APEX1 polymorphisms (−307A > C and Asp148Glu) and their associations with MN frequencies were examined. The impact of MN‐related single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on lung cancer risk was further investigated in two case‐control studies including 1634 male lung cancer patients and 1678 controls. It was shown that, the APEX1 148Glu allele was associated with significantly higher MN frequencies than 148Asp allele, with strongest associations among the highest PAH‐exposure workers (P = 0.008). The APEX1 148Glu allele was also associated with increased lung cancer risk among male smokers, especially among heavy smokers in both case‐control studies (odd ratio: 4.40, 95%CI: 3.29–5.72). In addition, APEX1 148Glu variant interacts with smoking in increasing male lung cancer risk, as measured by the attributable proportion due to interaction, which was 0.23 (95%CI: 0.06–0.39). This study showed evidence on interaction between APEX1 148Glu variant and cigarette smoking in increasing lung cancer susceptibility among male Chinese, which may be due to the synergistic effects of APEX1 148Glu and PAHs in increasing chromosome damage levels. The results provide a new insight into gene‐interactions in lung carcinogenesis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Visual hallucinations in Parkinson's disease: Theoretical models
Authors: Muller Alana J. , Shine James M. , Halliday Glenda M. , Lewis Simon J.G.
Published: August 2014

One of the most challenging tasks in neuroscience is to be able to meaningfully connect information across the different levels of investigation, from molecular or structural biology to the resulting behavior and cognition. Visual hallucinations are a frequent occurrence in Parkinson's disease and significantly contribute to the burden of the disease. Because of the widespread pathological processes implicated in visual hallucinations in Parkinson's disease, a final common mechanism that explains their manifestation will require an integrative approach, in which consideration is taken across all complementary levels of analysis. This review considers the leading hypothetical frameworks for visual hallucinations in Parkinson's disease, summarizing the key aspects of each in an attempt to highlight the aspects of the condition that such a unifying hypothesis must explain. These competing hypotheses include implications of dream imagery intrusion, deficits in reality monitoring, and impairments in visual perception and attention. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Mind the gap: Models in multiple species needed for therapeutic development in Huntington's disease
Authors: Howland David S. , Munoz‐Sanjuan Ignacio
Published: August 2014

Unraveling the pathophysiology and testing candidate therapeutics in neurodegenerative disorders is, necessarily, highly dependent on model systems. Because Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by a single (expanded CAG tract) mutation in the huntingtin (HTT) gene, a richness of model systems, particularly mice, have been engineered to both dissect disease mechanisms and test potential therapeutics. Even so, as with other neurodegenerative diseases, very little success has been achieved in translating HD mouse model drug testing results to the clinic. Because of the considerable costs—human, opportunity, and financial—there is a pressing need to improve the use of existing HD models and also to develop models in higher species beyond rodent, such as sheep, minipig, and nonhuman primate, to bridge the translational gap from preclinical to clinical testing of candidate therapeutics. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Size‐exclusion chromatographic NMR of polymer mixtures
Authors: Lucena Alcalde Guillermo , Joyce Rebecca E. , Day Iain J.
Published: August 2014

The use of chromatographic stationary phases or solvent modifiers to modulate diffusion properties in NMR experiments is now well established. Their use can be to improve resolution in the diffusion domain or to provide an insight into analyte–modifier interactions and, hence, the chromatography process. Here, we extend previous work using size‐exclusion chromatographic stationary phases to the investigation of polymer mixtures. We demonstrate that similar diffusion modulation behaviour is observed with a size‐exclusion chromatographic stationary phase that can be understood in terms of size‐exclusion behaviour. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐linked thrombocytopenia in three males with normal sized platelets due to novel WAS gene mutations
Authors: Mantadakis Elpis , Sawalle‐Belohradsky Julie , Tzanoudaki Marianna , Kanariou Maria , Chatzimichael Athanassios , Albert Michael H.
Published: August 2014

The authors describe two young brothers and a 12‐year‐old male with long‐standing thrombocytopenia with normal sized platelets, in whom novel mutations of the WAS gene were identified. Their clinical picture and the in vitro assessment of the T‐cell function were consistent with X‐linked thrombocytopenia (XLT). A high index of suspicion for XLT is required, even in the setting of normal sized platelets for males with affected maternally‐related male family members, and males with moderately severe chronic thrombocytopenia that have failed to respond to treatments that are usually effective for immune thrombocytopenia. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:2305–2306. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphology and viscoelastic properties of melt‐spun HDPE/hydrotalcite nanocomposite fibers
Authors: Fambri Luca , Dabrowska Izabela , Ferrara Giuseppe , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: August 2014

Viscoelastic properties of nanocomposite fibers of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and organically modified hydrotalcite were studied. Neat and nanofilled HDPE fibers (with nanofiller content between 0.5 and 3 wt%) were produced by melt spinning and hot‐drawing at different draw ratios up to 20. Effect of temperature on storage modulus, loss modulus, and creep compliance were compared. Rising nanofiller content and/or drawing ratio accounted for an increase in storage modulus in the glassy (i.e., below the γ transition at −100°C) as well as in the rubbery state of non‐crystalline regions. The α relaxation temperature read‐off for the maximum of the loss modulus peak ranged from 20 to 60°C being dependent on frequency, filler content and draw ratio. Sumita model was successfully applied to evaluate the effective volume fraction of the dispersed phase; maximum fraction of immobilized matrix was observed for the composite with 1 wt% of nanofiller. Creep behavior was evaluated by fitting experimental data with the Burgers model. The addition of a small amount of well‐dispersed hydrotalcite (0.5–1 wt%) had a beneficial effect on the creep resistance of drawn fibers at room temperature as well as at 70°C. TEM analysis evidenced a good dispersion of 0.5% nanofiller in as‐spun fibers and improved interfacial adhesion after drawing. The best mechanical properties were observed for the composition with 1 wt% of hydrotalcite, due to combined effects of nanofiller reinforcement and stiffening produced by hot drawing. POLYM. COMPOS., 288–298, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and performance of nano‐SiO2 stabilized Pickering emulsion type sizing agent for glass fiber
Authors: Chen Juan , Zhou Xin‐Rui , Ge He‐Yi , Wang Dong‐Zhi , Liu Hua‐Shi , Li Shun
Published: August 2014

The nano‐SiO2 particles modified by silane coupling agent A‐1100 were used for preparing the vinyl ester resin (VE) Pickering emulsion. The stable emulsion could be served as the film former of sizing agent for glass fiber (GF). The influence of the wettability and the addition amount of nano‐SiO2 on the stability of film former emulsion was explored. The effect of nano‐SiO2 Pickering emulsion type sizing agent on the properties of GF was investigated. SEM images show that there existed a layer of sizing agent film with nano‐SiO2 particles evenly on the GF surface. The abrasion resistance of the sized GF reached 3,579 times and the stiffness was 69 mm. The strand integrity also performed well. The fracture strength of GF bundles treated by Pickering emulsion type sizing agent increased by 28.6% to 0.504 N/Tex compared with that of the unsized GF bundles. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of GF/VE composites sized by self‐made sizing agent which contained nano‐SiO2 has improved, compared to the unsized GF reinforced VE composite. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:334–341, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers