bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2‐Alkylsulfanyl‐4(5)‐aryl‐5(4)‐heteroarylimidazoles: An Overview on Synthetic Strategies and Biological Activity
Authors: Koch Pierre , Ansideri Francesco
Published: November 2017

2‐Alkylsulfanyl‐4(5)‐aryl‐5(4)‐heteroarylimidazoles represent an important class of ATP‐competitive protein kinase inhibitors, offering the possibility of multiple interactions with different regions of the target enzyme. The necessity of exploring the effects of diverse chemical decorations around the imidazole core prompted the design of several synthetic routes aimed at achieving both efficiency and flexibility. Additionally, the optimization of established protocols and the extensive use of transition metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions have been broadening the spectrum of preparative methodologies within the last decade. This review summarizes the progress in the development of synthetic strategies leading to 2‐alkylsulfanyl‐4(5)‐aryl‐5(4)‐heteroarylimidazoles and 1‐alkyl‐2‐alkylsulfanyl‐4(5)‐aryl‐5(4)‐heteroarylimidazoles and offers a glance at the biological activities of this class of compounds.
Synthesis and Application of Rylene Imide Dyes as Organic Semiconducting Materials
Authors: Feng Jiajing , Jiang Wei , Wang Zhaohui
Published: November 2017

Rylene imide dyes have been among the most promising organic semiconducting materials for several years due to their remarkable optoelectronic properties and high chemical/thermal stability. In the past decades, various excellent rylene imide dyes have been developed for optoelectronic devices, such as organic solar cells (OSCs) and organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). Recently, tremendous progress of perylene diimides (PDIs) and their analogues for use in OSCs has been achieved, which can be attributed to their ease of functionalization. In this review, we will mainly focus on the synthetic strategies toward to latest PDI dyes and higher rylene imide analogues. A variety of compounds synthesized from different building blocks are summarized, and some properties and applications are discussed.
Sphingosine‐1‐Phosphate Immobilized on Nanotopographical Scaffolds Improve Myogenic Differentiation
Authors: Lee Min Suk , Yang Hee Seok
Published: November 2017

The skeletal muscle consists of highly aligned dense cables of collagen fibers with nanometer feature size to support muscle fibers. The skeletal myocyte can be greatly affected to differentiate by their surrounding topographical structure. To improve myogenic differentiation, we fabricated cell culture platform that sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) which regulated myocyte behavior is immobilized on a biomimetic nanopatterned polyurethaneacrylate (PUA) substrate using 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA) for providing topographical and biological cues synergistically. In the present study, we hypothesized that cultured C2C12 cells can be induced to synergistically promote myogenic differenntiation on nanopatterned PUA‐L‐DOPA‐S1P. We confirmed that nanopatterned PUA‐L‐DOPA‐S1P has high hydrophilicity with a suitable range of water contact angle and small intensity of phosphate peak (P2p) by analyses of water contact analyzer and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, C2C12 cells culured on nanopatterned PUA‐L‐DOPA‐S1P has well‐oriented and organized myodubes formed with greater expression of myogenic regulatory factors such as MyoD and MyoG comapred to flat PUA groups. This functional platform which is not only provided topographical and biological cues has a suitable potential function to apply muscle cell niche as similar structure of muscle fiber but also utilized cell behavior within tissue engineered scaffolds and cellular microenvironment.
Varicuothiols A and B, New Fungal Metabolites from Aspergillus versicolor with Anti‐Inflammatory Activities
Authors: Chen Ran , Liu Dong , Guo Peng , Lin Wenhan
Published: November 2017

Chemical examination of a coral‐associated fungus Aspergillus versicolor LZD‐44‐03 resulted in the isolation of two new compounds with the trivial names of varicuothiols A (1) and B (2) as a unique scaffold. Their structures were determined through extensive spectroscopic analyses in association with the modified Mosher's method and chemical conversion. Both 1 and 2 exhibited significant inhibition against LPS‐induced RAW24.7 cell proliferation, in association with the down regulation of nitrite production and cytokines (MCP‐1, IL‐6, and TNF‐α).
Lin28a enhances in vitro osteoblastic differentiation of human periosteum‐derived cells
Authors: Park Jin‐Ho , Park Bong‐Wook , Kang Young‐Hoon , Byun Sung‐Hoon , Hwang Sun‐Chul , Kim Deok Ryong , Woo Dong Kyun , Byun June‐Ho
Published: November 2017

Despite a capacity for proliferation and an ability to differentiate into multiple cell types, in long‐term culture and with ageing, stem cells show a reduction in growth, display a decrease in differentiation potential, and enter senescence without evidence of transformation. The Lin28a gene encodes an RNA‐binding protein that plays a role in regulating stem cell activity, including self‐renewal and differentiation propensity. However, the effect of the Lin28a gene on cultured human osteoprecursor cells is poorly understood. In the present study, alkaline phosphatase activity, alizarin red‐positive mineralization, and calcium content, positive indicators of osteogenic differentiation, were significantly higher in cultured human periosteum‐derived cells (hPDCs) with Lin28a overexpression compared with cells without Lin28a overexpression. Lin28a overexpression by hPDCs also increased mitochondrial activity, which is essential for cellular proliferation, as suggested by a reduced presence of reactive oxygen species and significantly enhanced lactate levels and ATP production. Our results suggest that, in hPDCs, the Lin28a gene enhances osteoblastic differentiation and increases mitochondrial activity. Although Lin28a is known as a marker of undifferentiated human embryogenic stem cell, there is limited evidence regarding the influence of Lin28a on osteoblastic differentiation of cultured osteoprecursor cells. This study was to examine the impact of Lin28a on osteogenic phenotypes of human periosteum‐derived cells. Their phenotypes can be similar to those of mesenchymal stem cells. Our results suggest that the Lin28a gene enhances the osteoblastic differentiation of human periosteum‐derived cells. In addition, the Lin28a gene increases mitochondrial activity in human periosteum‐derived cells.
Fluidization characterization of nano‐powders in the presence of electrical field
Authors: Vahdat Mohammad T. , Zarghami Reza , Mostoufi Navid
Published: November 2017

Alternating electric field was used as an external assistance method to enhance the quality of fluidization of nanoparticles. The electric field was applied to the bed using two parallel electrodes, one grounded and AC voltage applied to the other. Varying electric field strength in the range of 0–1 kV/cm was used in the experiments. Hydrophilic TiO2 nanopowder was used as the bed material. The bed was fluidized with either pure nitrogen or nitrogen containing isopropanol vapour. It was found that increasing the alternating electric field strength decreases the minimum fluidization velocity, bubble size, and agglomerate size. Adding isopropanol vapour to the fluidizing gas decreases the minimum fluidization velocity, bubble size, and agglomerate size, compared to fluidization with dry nitrogen, at the same field strength. It is shown that increasing the alternating electric field strength increases the voidage of the bed at minimum fluidization and decreases the voidage of agglomerates.
Color matching of fiber blends: Stearns‐Noechel model of digital rotor spun yarn
Authors: Yang Rui Hua , Han Rui Ye , Lu Yu Zheng , Xue Yuan , Gao Wei Dong
Published: November 2017

Stearns‐Noechel model was utilized as a primary reference to study color matching principles of digital rotor spun yarn. Three primary colored (red, yellow and blue) cotton fibers were used to spin blended yarns. Spectral reflectance of the two‐component and three‐component samples was measured with data color spectrophotometer. For these samples, the Stearns‐Noechel model parameter M was determined. Four methods were employed to calculate the M value to improve accuracy of the model, 1.Classical method, named as M1; 2.Optimizing the M1 value obtained by the classical method considering the wavelength factor, named as M2; 3.Simplified M2 according to the linear correlation with the wavelength, named as M3; 4. Simplified M2 according to the segmentation correlation with the wavelength, named as M4. The study shows that average color difference of the two‐component decreases from 2.7 to 1.48, and for three‐component samples from 3.32 to 1.66, by using M2 instead of M1. While calculated using M3, the color difference of the two types of samples will be 1.73 and 2.19, correspondingly. This cannot meet color matching needs. As for M4, the average color difference of the two categories will be 1.54 and 1.91, better than the result obtained using M1 and M3, worse than M2.
Fine needle aspiration evaluation of pancreatic lymphoma: A retrospective study of 25 cases in a single institution
Authors: Zhou Jiehao , Wu Howard , Lin Jingmei , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhang Shanxiang , Cramer Harvey , Chen Shaoxiong
Published: November 2017

Background

Accurate diagnosis of pancreatic lymphoma is crucial for clinical management. We evaluate the role of fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) in the diagnosis of pancreatic lymphoma with the aid of flow cytometry and/or immunohistochemistry on the cell block.

Methods

Cases of pancreatic lymphoma were collected by searching our pathology laboratory information system over a period of 16 years. The clinical findings, cytologic features, and immunophenotypic results were reviewed. The diagnoses of FNA were correlated with surgical specimens in a subset of FNA cases.

Results

A total of 25 FNA cases of pancreatic lymphoma were included. The most common type of pancreatic lymphoma was large B cell lymphoma followed by follicular lymphoma. With the aid of flow cytometry and immunohistochemical work‐up on cell block, 72% (18/25) of the cases were diagnosed as lymphoma and 16% of the cases (4/25) were diagnosed as suspicious for lymphoma by FNA. Only two cases (8%) including one false negative and one nondiagnostic aspirate missed the lymphoma diagnosis and 1 case (4%) was indeterminate by FNA evaluation.

Conclusion

FNA demonstrated high accuracy in rendering diagnosis of pancreatic lymphoma. The overall sensitivity is 88% and the false negative and nondiagnostic rates are 4%, respectively. Further subtyping of certain lymphomas can be difficult due to the lack of architectural features of FNA specimens.
Urban environment improvement assessment by using hedonic price: Impact of city water system project in china
Authors: Luo Yuxi , Li Sheng , Zhang Yifei
Published: November 2017

A city water system improvement project (CWSIP) performs an important ecological and socio‐economic function. Development of public goods and services were commonly found to have an implicit price premium on the housing market. However, there have been few studies regarding CWSIPs. This article aims to reveal the implicit price of CWSIP on house prices in Guilin, China, by using the hedonic price approach. The model was tested with a sample of 9357 housing in the urban area. Results found that housing with a view of the CWSIP, or within a certain distance of the CWSIP, received house price premiums on housing sales. The results support that the scarcity of public goods could be charged for the implicit price in related goods or services that share this scarcely characteristic. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1339–1347, 2018
Interobserver agreement on standardized ultrasound and histopathologic signs for the prenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum disorders
Authors: Zosmer Nurit , Jauniaux Eric , Bunce Catey , Panaiotova Jenie , Shaikh Hizbullah , Nicholaides Kypros H.
Published: November 2017

Objective

To evaluate interobserver agreement in assessment of ultrasound signs and histopathologic findings associated with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted using data for patients prenatally diagnosed with PAS disorders at a UK hospital between January 31, 2012, and March 30, 2017. Ultrasound images (including gray‐scale and color Doppler imaging [CDI] parameters) and histopathologic slides were reviewed by two observers; the level of agreement was calculated.

Results

Among 25 patients, 11 had placenta creta, 10 had placenta increta, and four had placenta percreta. Interobserver agreement for ultrasound imaging in the second and third trimesters and histopathologic diagnosis of PAS was rated as good‐to‐excellent. The highest level of interobserver agreement for ultrasound signs was found for loss of clear zone (100%) and substantial myometrial thinning (96%–100%) on gray‐scale imaging, the presence of lacunar feeder vessels (100%) on two‐dimensional CDI, and crossing vessels and lacunae (92%–95%) on three‐dimensional CDI.

Conclusion

Standardized ultrasound signs might prove useful for prenatal screening of women at risk of PAS disorders and should enable remote evaluation of images when PAS is suspected.
Multiscale characterization of cortical bone composition, microstructure, and nanomechanical properties in experimentally induced osteoporosis
Authors: Shah Furqan A. , Stoica Adrian , Cardemil Carina , Palmquist Anders
Published: November 2017

Cortical bone plays a vital role in determining overall bone strength. We investigate the structural, compositional, and nanomechanical properties of cortical bone following ovariectomy (OVX) of 12‐week‐old Sprague Dawley rats, since this animal model is frequently employed to evaluate the performance of implantable biomaterials in compromised bone healing conditions. Morphological parameters and material properties of bone in the geometrical center of the femoral cortex were investigated four and eight weeks post‐OVX and in unoperated controls (Ctrl), using X‐ray micro‐computed tomography, backscattered electron scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and nanoindentation. The OVX animals showed increase in body weight, diminished bone mineral density, increased intracortical porosity, but increased bone mass through periosteal apposition (e.g., increases in periosteal perimeter, cortical cross‐sectional thickness, and cross‐sectional area). However, osteocyte densities, osteocyte lacunar dimensions, and the nanomechanical behavior on the single mineralized collagen fibril level remained unaffected. Our correlative multiscale investigation provides structural, chemical, and nanomechanical evidence substantiating earlier reports suggesting that rats ovariectomized at 12 weeks undergo simultaneous bone loss and growth, resulting in the effects of OVX being less obvious. Periosteal apposition contradicts the conventional view of bone loss in osteoporosis but appears advantageous for the greater functional demand imposed on the skeleton by increased body weight and fragility induced by increased intracortical porosity. Through a variety of morphological changes, it is likely that 12‐week‐old rats are able to adapt to OVX‐related microstructural and compositional alterations. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 997–1007, 2018.
The spatial patterning of RGD and BMP‐2 mimetic peptides at the subcellular scale modulates human mesenchymal stem cells osteogenesis
Authors: Bilem I. , Plawinski L. , Chevallier P. , Ayela C. , Sone E. D. , Laroche G. , Durrieu M. C.
Published: November 2017

Engineering artificial extracellular matrices, based on the biomimicry of the spatial distribution of proteins and growth factors within their native microenvironment, is of great importance for understanding mechanisms of bone tissue regeneration. Herein, photolithography is used to decorate glass surfaces with subcellular patterns of RGD and BMP‐2 ligands; two mimetic peptides recognized to be involved in stem cells osteogenesis. The biological relevance of well‐defined RGD and BMP‐2 patterned surfaces is evaluated by investigating the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) into osteoblasts, in the absence of induction media. The extent of hMSCs differentiation is revealed to be dependent on both the pattern shape and the ligand type. Indeed, the spatial patterning of BMP‐2, but not RGD peptide, significantly enhances the extent of hMSCs differentiation, suggesting that geometric cues guide stem cells specification into specialized cells in a ligand type dependent manner. Such cell culture models provide an interesting tool to investigate how stem cells perceive and respond to their microenvironment and may contribute to the development of next‐generation biomaterials capable of producing clinically relevant volume of bone tissue. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 959–970, 2018.
Retracted: Effects of microRNA‐24 targeting C‐myc on apoptosis, proliferation, and cytokine expressions in chondrocytes of rats with osteoarthritis via MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Yuan‐Hao , Liu Wei , Zhang Lei , Liu Xiao‐Ya , Wang Yi , Xue Bin , Liu Bin , Duan Ran , Zhang Bo , Ji Yang
Published: November 2017

To investigate whether microRNA‐24 (miR‐24) targeting C‐myc affects chondrocytes of rats with osteoarthritis (OA) via the MAPK signaling pathway. Thirty rats were assigned as a sham group and an OA group (established as OA rat models by cutting the anterior cruciate ligaments and removing 1/3 medial meniscus). TUNEL staining and immunohistochemistry were conducted for cell apoptosis index (AI) and positive expression rate of C‐myc protein. Enzyme‐linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out for serum level of IL‐1β and TNF‐α. Primary chondrocytes were assigned into the blank, negative control (NC), miR‐24 mimics, miR‐24 inhibitors, siRNA‐C‐myc, and miR‐24 inhibitors+siRNA‐C‐myc groups. The expressions of miR‐24, C‐myc, p38, ERK, JNK, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α in tissues and cells were detected using reverse transcription quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and Western blotting. CCK8 assay and flow cytometry were performed for cell proliferation and apoptosis. The OA group showed higher IL‐1β, TNF‐α, AI, and C‐myc than the sham group. C‐myc is a target gene of miR‐24. Compared with the blank group, the miR‐24 mimics and siRNA‐C‐myc groups showed reduced expression of C‐myc, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, p38, p‐p38, ERK, p‐ERK, JNK, and p‐JNK, apoptosis rate yet increased cell proliferation; however, the miR‐24 inhibitors group exhibited an opposite trend. The miR‐24 inhibitors+siRNA‐C‐myc group presented a same tendency compared to the siRNA‐C‐myc group. Upregulated miR‐24 downregulates C‐myc could suppress apoptosis and promote proliferation of chondrocytes to prevent the occurrence and subsequent progression of OA via inactivating the MAPK signaling pathway.
Stat3‐Atg5 signal axis inducing autophagy to alleviate hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion injury
Authors: Han Yu‐fang , Zhao Yan‐bing , Li Jun , Li Li , Li Yong‐gan , Li Shi‐peng , Li Zhong‐dong
Published: November 2017

In performing our experiment, impaired autophagy increased hepatocellular damage during the reperfusion period. It was demonstrated by the effect of blocking autophagy using bafilomycin A1 or knocking Atg5 gene out reduces the anti‐apoptotic effect of Stat3. Here we focus on the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) in regulating autophagy to alleviate hepatic IRI. We found that Stat3 was up‐regulated during hepatic IRI and was associated with an activation of the autophagic signaling pathway. This increased Stat3 expression, which was allied with high autophagic activity, alleviated liver damage to IR, an effect which was abrogated by Stat3 epletion as demonstrated in both in vivo and in vitro methods. The levels of Atg5 protein were decreased when Stat3 was inhibited by HO 3867 or siStat3. We conclude that Stat3 appeared to exert a pivotal role in hepatic IRI, by activating autophagy to alleviate hepatic IRI, and Atg5 was required for this process. The identification of this novel pathway, that links expression levels of Stat3 with Atg5‐mediated autophagy, may provide new insights for the generation of novel protective therapies directed against hepatic IRI.
Epidermal neural crest stem cell‐derived glia enhance neurotrophic elements in an ex vivo model of spinal cord injury
Authors: Pandamooz Sareh , Salehi Mohammad S. , Zibaii Mohammad I. , Ahmadiani Abolhassan , Nabiuni Mohammad , Dargahi Leila
Published: November 2017

Growing evidence that cell‐based therapies can improve recovery outcome in spinal cord injury (SCI) models substantiates their application for treatment of human with SCI. To address the effectiveness of these stem cells, potential candidates should be evaluated in proper SCI platform that allows direct real‐time monitoring. In this study, the role of epidermal neural crest stem cells (EPI‐NCSCs) was elucidated in an ex vivo model of SCI, and valproic acid (VPA) was administered to ameliorate the inhospitable context of injury for grafted EPI‐NCSCs. Here the contusion was induced in organotypic spinal cord slice culture at day seven in vitro using a weight drop device and one hour post injury the GFP‐ expressing EPI‐NCSCs were grafted followed by VPA administration. The evaluation of treated slices seven days after injury revealed that grafted stem cells survived on the injured slices and expressed GFAP, whereas they did not express any detectable levels of the neural progenitor marker doublecortin (DCX), which was expressed prior to transplantation. Immunoblotting data demonstrated that the expression of GFAP, BDNF, neurotrophin‐3 (NT3), and Bcl2 increased significantly in stem cell treated slices. This study illustrated that the fate of transplanted stem cells has been directed to the glial lineage in the ex vivo context of injury and EPI‐NCSCs may ameliorate the SCI condition through releasing neurotrophic factors directly and/or via inducing resident spinal cord cells.
Long non‐coding RNA H19 suppresses retinoblastoma progression via counteracting miR‐17‐92 cluster
Authors: Zhang Aihui , Shang Weiwei , Nie Qiaoli , Li Ting , Li Suhui
Published: November 2017

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are frequently dysregulated and play important roles in many cancers. lncRNA H19 is one of the earliest discovered lncRNAs which has diverse roles in different cancers. However, the expression, roles, and action mechanisms of H19 in retinoblastoma are still largely unknown. In this study, we found that H19 is downregulated in retinoblastoma tissues and cell lines. Gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function assays showed that H19 inhibits retinoblastoma cell proliferation, induces retinoblastoma cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, we identified seven miR‐17‐92 cluster binding sites on H19, and found that H19 directly bound to miR‐17‐92 cluster via these seven binding sites. Through binding to miR‐17‐92 cluster, H19 relieves the suppressing roles of miR‐17‐92 cluster on p21. Furthermore, H19 represses STAT3 activation induced by miR‐17‐92 cluster. Hence, our results revealed that H19 upregulates p21 expression, inhibits STAT3 phosphorylation, and downregulates the expression of STAT3 target genes BCL2, BCL2L1, and BIRC5. In addition, functional assays demonstrated that the mutation of miR‐17‐92 cluster binding sites on H19 abolished the proliferation inhibiting, cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis inducing roles of H19 in retinoblastoma. In conclusion, our data suggested that H19 inhibits retinoblastoma progression via counteracting the roles of miR‐17‐92 cluster, and implied that enhancing the action of H19 may be a promising therapeutic strategy for retinoblastoma.
TWEAK/Fn14 interaction induces proliferation and migration in human airway smooth muscle cells via activating the NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Zhu Cuimin , Zhang Leguo , Liu Zhiming , Li Chen , Bai Yajie
Published: November 2017

Asthma, an increasingly common chronic disease among children, are characterized by airway remodeling, which is partly attributed to the proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC). The purpose of the present study was to investigate potential roles and mechanisms of the tumor necrosis factor‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK)/fibroblast growth factor‐inducible molecule 14 (Fn14) axis on cell proliferation and migration in HASMCs. Compared to HASMCs from non‐asthmatic patients, those from asthmatic patients showed elevated expression levels of both Fn14 and TWEAK. Additionally, similar to the response triggered by platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB, stimulation with recombinant TWEAK strongly induced cell proliferation and migration in HASMCs. However, depletion of Fn14 remarkably abrogated the enhancement of TWEAK on the cell proliferation and migration of HASMCs. Furthermore, treatment with TWEAK led to the activation of NF‐κB. This effect was eliminated by silencing Fn14, indicating that TWEAK‐induced NF‐κB signaling was mediated via Fn14. Moreover, the TWEAK/Fn14 interaction promoted cell proliferation and migration. These effects were blocked by NF‐κB inhibitor SN50, which suggest that the TWEAK/Fn14 signaling system partially depends on NF‐κB activity. Collectively, we demonstrated that the TWEAK/Fn14 axis accelerated HASMC cell proliferation and migration by activating the NF‐κB pathway, thereby exacerbating airway remodeling in asthma. Altogether, these findings indicate a novel role for the TWEAK/Fn14/NF‐κB pathway as a potent option for limiting airway remodeling in asthma.
Full subgraphs
Authors: Falgas‐Ravry Victor , Markström Klas , Verstraëte Jacques
Published: November 2017

Let be a graph of density p on n vertices. Following Erdős, Łuczak, and Spencer, an m‐vertex subgraph H of G is called full if H has minimum degree at least . Let denote the order of a largest full subgraph of G. If is a nonnegative integer, define
urn:x-wiley:03649024:media:jgt22221:jgt22221-math-0005Erdős, Łuczak, and Spencer proved that for ,
urn:x-wiley:03649024:media:jgt22221:jgt22221-math-0007In this article, we prove the following lower bound: for ,
urn:x-wiley:03649024:media:jgt22221:jgt22221-math-0009Furthermore, we show that this is tight up to a multiplicative constant factor for infinitely many p near the elements of . In contrast, we show that for any n‐vertex graph G, either G or contains a full subgraph on vertices. Finally, we discuss full subgraphs of random and pseudo‐random graphs, and several open problems.
Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Novel 2‐(3, 5‐di methoxy‐4‐((1‐aryl‐1H‐1, 2, 3‐triazole‐4‐yl) methoxy) phenyl) benzo[d]thiazoles
Authors: N.J.P. Subhashini , Chinthala Sravanthi , Raj Shiva
Published: November 2017

A series of 12 new 2‐(3, 5‐dimethoxy‐4‐((1‐Aryl‐4H‐1, 2, 3‐triazol‐4‐yl) methoxy) phenyl) benzo[d]thiazoles have been synthesized from the reaction of 4‐hydroxy‐3, 5‐dimethoxybenzaldehyde, o‐amino thiophenol, propargyl bromide, and different substituted aromatic azides using “click chemistry”. The structures of these compounds were established on the basis of Fourier Transform infrared, 1H NMR, 13C–NMR, and mass spectral analysis. Compounds (6a–l) were screened for in vitro antimicrobial activity.
Automated synthesis of PET radiotracers by copper‐mediated 18F‐fluorination of organoborons: Importance of the order of addition and competing protodeborylation
Authors: Mossine Andrew V. , Brooks Allen F. , Bernard‐Gauthier Vadim , Bailey Justin J. , Ichiishi Naoko , Schirrmacher Ralf , Sanford Melanie S. , Scott Peter J.H.
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we describe the use of Cu‐mediated [18F]fluorodeboronation for the automated production of positron emission tomography radiotracers suitable for clinical use. Two recurrent issues with the method, low radiochemical conversion on automation and protoarene byproduct purification issues, have been successfully addressed. The new method was utilized to produce sterile injectable doses of [18F]‐(±)‐IPMICF17, a positron emission tomography radiotracer for tropomyosin receptor kinase B/C, using an automated synthesis module. The product was isolated in 1.9 ± 0.1% isolated radiochemical yield, excellent radiochemical purity (>99%), and high specific activity (5294 ± 1227 Ci/mmol). Quality control testing confirmed that doses were suitable for clinical use.
Characterization of complex, heterogeneous lipid A samples using HPLC‐MS/MS technique III. Positive‐ion mode tandem mass spectrometry to reveal phosphorylation and acylation patterns of lipid A
Authors: Sándor Viktor , Kilár Anikó , Kilár Ferenc , Kocsis Béla , Dörnyei Ágnes
Published: November 2017

In this study, we report the detailed analysis of the fragmentation patterns of positively charged lipid A species based on their tandem mass spectra obtained under low‐energy collision‐induced dissociation conditions of an electrospray quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer. The tandem mass spectrometry experiments were performed after the separation of the compounds with a reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography method. We found that both, phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated lipid A molecules can be readily ionized in the positive‐ion mode by adduct formation with triethylamine added to the eluent. The tandem mass spectra of the lipid A triethylammonium adduct ions showed several product ions corresponding to inter‐ring glycosidic cleavages of the sugar residues, as well as consecutive and competitive eliminations of fatty acids, phosphoric acid, and water following the neutral loss of triethylamine. Characteristic product ions provided direct information on the phosphorylation site(s), also when phosphorylation isomers (ie, containing either a C1 or a C4′ phosphate group) were simultaneously present in the sample. Continuous series of high‐abundance B‐type and low‐abundance Y‐type inter‐ring fragment ions were indicative of the fatty acyl distribution between the nonreducing and reducing ends of the lipid A backbone. The previously reported lipid A structures of Proteus morganii O34 and Escherichia coli O111 bacteria were used as standards. Although, the fragmentation pathways of the differently phosphorylated lipid A species significantly differed in the negative‐ion mode, they were very similar in the positive‐ion mode. The complementary use of positive‐ion and negative‐ion mode tandem mass spectrometry was found to be essential for the full structural characterization of the C1‐monophosphorylated lipid A species.
Determining the number of layers in few‐layer graphene by combining Raman spectroscopy and optical contrast
Authors: Bayle Maxime , Reckinger Nicolas , Felten Alexandre , Landois Périne , Lancry Ophélie , Dutertre Bertrand , Colomer Jean‐François , Zahab Ahmed‐Azmi , Henrard Luc , Sauvajol Jean‐Louis , Paillet Matthieu
Published: November 2017

Raman spectroscopy is commonly used to determine the number of layers of few‐layer graphene (FLG) samples. In this work, we focus on the criteria based on the G‐band integrated intensity and on the laser optical contrast. Limitations due to stacking order are discussed and lead to the conclusion that it is necessary to combine Raman and optical contrast to avoid misinterpretation. Both methods enable to distinguish unambiguously between single layer graphene and multilayer graphene. However, neither each method separately nor the combination of the two enable a determination of the number of layers for all possible stacking orientations. Importantly, because the two methods always significantly disagree when they fail, the comparison of the values deduced by each method allows to discriminate if the determined number of layers can be specified or not. Other important parameters (substrate, laser wavelength, objective numerical aperture) are discussed to define a reliable method to determine the number of graphene layers in FLG and its domain of validity. The proposed method that combines Raman and optical contrast measurements, carried out with a 532 nm laser and using a 100× objective with a numerical aperture of 0.9, allows the determination of the number of layers for (up to 5) FLG on the following substrates: (1) glass (soda lime glass or similar with refractive index between 1.50 and 1.55) and (2) oxidized silicon (SiO2 on silicon, with a SiO2 thickness of 90 ± 5 nm). The method is however limited to high quality graphene and FLG with small defect density and low residue. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial patterns of sediment connectivity in terraced lands: Anthropogenic controls of catchment sensitivity
Authors: Calsamiglia Aleix , Fortesa Josep , García‐Comendador Julián , Lucas‐Borja Manuel E. , Calvo‐Cases Adolfo , Estrany Joan
Published: November 2017

In recent decades, the dynamics of global change in developed countries has led to significant alterations in the hydrological and sediment dynamics of terraced land. Agricultural terraces were built to control overland flow and prevent erosion, acting as buffers and barriers throughout the sediment cascading system. Their abandonment and degradation increase the sensitivity of the catchment, promoting the collapse of dry‐stone walls and the reworking of stored sediment. In this study, a geomorphometric index of connectivity—derived from high‐resolution LiDAR data (0.9 pt/m, RMSE < 0.2 m)—analysed the spatial patterns of structural connectivity in a small Mediterranean catchment (4.8 km2) characterized by a massive presence of terraces (37% of the surface area). The morphological characteristics of these anthropogenic features generated a dual effect: (a) general disconnectivity between different compartments of the catchment and (b) concentration of water and sediment flows along preferential pathways promoted by a cascade effect of collapse within the terraced areas. The fieldwork found that 73% of wall collapses were located on these pathways that showed high index of connectivity values (>Q8). This spatial matching was related to feedback dynamics between structural and functional connectivity, in which the failure of walls increases the concentration of runoff, which in turn accelerates the hydraulic processes causing their collapse. Identifying the most connected pathways within the most vulnerable structures in an integrated analysis could be a cost‐effective strategy for establishing priority areas for the management of terraced lands.
Tailor‐Made Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for Selective Recognition of the Urinary Tumor Marker Pseudouridine
Authors: Krstulja Aleksandra , Lettieri Stefania , Hall Andrew J. , Roy Vincent , Favetta Patrick , Agrofoglio Luigi A.
Published: November 2017

Pseudouridine (Ψ) is an important urinary cancer biomarker, especially in human colorectal cancer (CRC). Disclosed herein is the first Ψ molecularly imprinted polymer (Ψ‐MIP) material obtained from tailor‐engineered functional monomers. The resulting MIP imprint exhibits a remarkable imprinting factor greater than 70. It is successfully used for the selective recognition of Ψ in spiked human urine. This selective functionalized material opens the route to the development of inexpensive disposable chemosensors for noninvasive CRC diagnosis and prognosis.
Rethinking status dystonicus
Authors: Ruiz‐Lopez Marta , Fasano Alfonso
Published: November 2017

Status dystonicus is a movement disorder emergency that has been a source of controversy in terms of terminology, phenomenology, and management since it was first described in 1982. Here we argue that the current use of the term status dystonicus falls well short of the precision needed for either clinical or academic use. We performed a critical review on this topic, describing possible pathophysiological mechanisms and areas of uncertainties. This review also addresses the problems derived by the extreme clinical heterogeneity of this condition, as the lack of an objective criterion useful for the definition, or the fact that status dystonicus may present not only in the context of a known dystonic syndrome. We propose a new possible definition that includes not only dystonia but also other hyperkinetic movements in the wide range of movement disorders that can be seen during an episode. The new definition keeps the term status dystonicus and highlights the fact that this is a medical emergency based on the impairment of bulbar and/or respiratory function requiring hospital admission as the principal feature. Furthermore, the new definition should not consider as necessary unspecific features as patient's condition at baseline, the distribution of dystonia, occurrence of systemic symptoms such as fever or laboratory findings. We hope that this proposal will stimulate the debate on this subject among our peers, further developing a clinical and pathophysiological understanding of status dystonicus. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Error analysis of helmholtz‐based MR‐electrical properties tomography
Authors: Mandija Stefano , Sbrizzi Alessandro , Katscher Ulrich , Luijten Peter R. , van den Berg Cornelis A.T.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

MR electrical properties tomography (MR‐EPT) aims to measure tissue electrical properties by computing spatial derivatives of measured
data. This computation is very sensitive to spatial fluctuations caused, for example, by noise and Gibbs ringing. In this work, the error arising from the computation of spatial derivatives using finite difference kernels (FD error) has been investigated. In relation to this FD error, it has also been investigated whether mitigation strategies such as Gibbs ringing correction and Gaussian apodization can be beneficial for conductivity reconstructions.

Methods

Conductivity reconstructions were performed on a phantom (by means of simulations and MR measurements at 3T) and on a human brain model. The accuracy was evaluated as a function of image resolution, FD kernel size, k‐space windowing, and signal‐to‐noise ratio. The impact of mitigation strategies was also investigated.

Results

The adopted small FD kernel is highly sensitive to spatial fluctuations, whereas the large FD kernel is more noise‐robust. However, large FD kernels lead to extended numerical boundary error propagation, which severely hampers the MR‐EPT reconstruction accuracy for highly spatially convoluted tissue structures such as the human brain. Mitigation strategies slightly improve the accuracy of conductivity reconstructions. For the adopted derivative kernels and the investigated scenario, MR‐EPT conductivity reconstructions show low accuracy: less than 37% of the voxels have a relative error lower than 30%.

Conclusion

The numerical error introduced by the computation of spatial derivatives using FD kernels is one of the major causes of limited accuracy in Helmholtz‐based MR‐EPT reconstructions. Magn Reson Med 80:90–100, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Effect of body temperature on the pharmacokinetics of a triarylmethyl‐type paramagnetic contrast agent used in EPR oximetry
Authors: Matsumoto Ken‐ichiro , Hyodo Fuminori , Mitchell James B. , Krishna Murali C.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Pharmacokinetics of the tri[8‐carboxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetrakis(2‐hydroxymethyl)benzo[1,2‐d:4,5‐d’]bis(1,3)dithio‐4‐yl]methyl radical (Oxo63) after a single bolus and/or continuous intravenous infusion was investigated in tumor‐bearing C3H mice with or without body temperature control while under anesthesia.

Method

The in vivo time course of Oxo63 in blood was measured using X‐band electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Distribution of Oxo63 in normal muscle and tumor tissues was obtained using a surface coil resonator and a 700‐MHz electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer. The whole‐body distribution of Oxo63 was obtained by 300‐MHz continuous‐wave electron paramagnetic resonance imaging. The high‐resolution 300‐MHz time‐domain electron paramagnetic resonance imaging was also carried out to probe the distribution of Oxo63.

Results

Urination of mice was retarded at low body temperature, causing the concentration of Oxo63 in blood to attain high levels. However, the concentration of Oxo63 in tumor tissue was lower with no control of body temperature than active body temperature control. The nonsystemized blood flow in the tumor tissues may pool Oxo63 at lower body temperature.

Conclusions

Pharmacokinetics of the contrast agent were found to be significantly affected by body temperature of the experimental animal, and can influence the probe distribution and the image patterns. Magn Reson Med 79:1212–1218, 2018. © Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA
Can training increase the confidence of staff and volunteers in a sector with inexperienced fundraisers? Lessons learnt from the “giving to heritage” programme
Authors: Webb Mark
Published: November 2017

The UK independent heritage sector has traditionally not been strong at fundraising. There is a perception amongst the general public that most heritage assets are supported by funds from the state, and that sectors such as children and health are more worthy of support. At a time when pressures on central and local government budgets are increasing, the need for heritage to look for sources of private funds has never been greater, yet the level of confidence and skills to achieve this goal are relatively low. A fundraising training programme tailored to the sector was delivered between 2014 and 2017 by The Heritage Alliance in partnership with the Institute of Fundraising and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. This paper analyses the results and explores what worked and what did not work in the programme. An emphasis on face‐to‐face training in small workshops, backed up with other training techniques, together with online resources, resulted in higher levels of fundraising skills amongst heritage fundraisers and a surprisingly high levels of actual funds raised attributable to the training programme.
Can Financial Aid Help to Address the Growing Need for STEM Education? The Effects of Need‐Based Grants on the Completion of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Courses and Degrees
Authors: Castleman Benjamin L. , Long Bridget Terry , Mabel Zachary
Published: November 2017

Although workers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields earn above‐average wages, the number of college graduates prepared for STEM jobs lags behind employer demand. A key question is how to recruit and retain college students in STEM majors. We offer new evidence on the role of financial aid in supporting STEM attainment. Exploiting a regression discontinuity that allows for causal inference, we find that eligibility for need‐based financial aid increased STEM credit completion by 20 to 35 percent among academically‐ready students in a large, public higher education system. These results appear to be driven by shifting students into STEM‐heavy course loads, suggesting aid availability impacts the academic choices students make after deciding to enroll. We also find suggestive evidence that aid offers increase degree attainment in STEM fields, although we cannot rule out null impacts on STEM degree production.
Isolation and whole genome sequencing of fetal cells from maternal blood towards the ultimate non‐invasive prenatal testing
Authors: Chen Fang , Liu Ping , Gu Ying , Zhu Zhu , Nanisetti Amulya , Lan Zhangzhang , Huang Zhiwei , Liu Jia Sophie , Kang Xiongbin , Deng Yuqing , Luo Liqiong , Jiang Dan , Qiu Yong , Pan Jianchang , Xia Jun , Xiong Ken , Liu Chao , Xie Lin , Shi Qianyu , Li Jing , Zhang Xiuqing , Wang Wei , Drmanac Snezana , Bolund Lars , Jiang Hui , Drmanac Radoje , Xu Xun
Published: November 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study were to develop a methodology of isolating fetal cells from maternal blood and use deep sequence demonstrating the promise for complete and accurate genetic screening compared to other non‐invasive prenatal testing.

Methods

Here in this study, we developed a double negative selection (DNS) procedure to unbiasedly enrich fetal cells. After validated by short tandem repeat (STR), the isolated circulating fetal cells (CFCs) were subjected to deep whole genome sequencing analysis.

Results

Our DNS protocol significantly increasing the purity of the mimic fetal cells from 1 in 1 million nucleated cells in whole blood to 1:8 to 1:30 (12.5%‐3.33%) after 2 steps of enrichment. Isolated single fetal cell obtained a coverage rate (86.8%) and allelic dropout rate (24.90%) comparative to the reported results of human cell line. Several disease‐associated variants were identified in the whole genome sequencing data of isolated CFCs and further confirmed in the sequencing data of unamplified gDNA.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the robustness of DNS and STR to collect CFCs from peripheral maternal blood for the first time coupled with deep sequencing technique demonstrates the possibility of comprehensive non‐invasive prenatal testing of genetic disorders using isolated CFCs.
Adsorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and inversion barriers of curved conjugated systems inside the molecular cage ExCage6+
Authors: Denis Pablo A. , Iribarne Federico
Published: November 2017

We investigated the hosting of planar and curved π systems by ExCage6+. The M06‐2X/6‐311G* method and including basis set superposition error (BSSE) corrections showed good agreement with the experimental free energy changes in solution. The mean absolute deviation (MAD) with respect to experiment was 1.3 kcal/mol. The M06‐2X/6‐31G* method exhibited a MAD of 2.1 kcal/mol, so it may be useful to investigate large systems. The good agreement between the M06‐2X/6‐311G*+BSSE results and the M06‐2X/6‐31G* ones was due to a fortuitous error cancelation between basis set incompleteness and BSSE. The interaction energies decreased linearly with the number of CC double bonds present in the PAH, but the shape of the PAH is an important factor in determining the binding strength. Finally, we studied how effective is ExCage6+ in reducing the inversion barriers of buckybowls. For corannulene, sumanene and dibenzo[a,g]corannulene they are reduced by 2.0, 2.7, and 2.0 kcal/mol, respectively. Although these values indicate an induced fit catalysis by ExCage6+, they are far from those values calculated inside bilayer graphene. Therefore, much work is necessary to replicate the reduction of inversion barriers observed for graphene.
A universe of stories: Mobilizing narrative practices during transformative change
Authors: Dalpiaz Elena , Di Stefano Giada
Published: November 2017

Research Summary: Constructing narratives of transformative change is an important but challenging practice through which strategy‐makers attempt to influence acceptance of an ongoing transformation. To understand whether and how strategy‐makers can construct a steady influx of captivating narratives of transformative change, we analyzed how one noted strategy‐maker assisted the successful transformation of his organization over three decades by orchestrating the production of change narratives. Our analysis reveals that the strategy‐maker constructed and reconstructed meanings of change over time using three sets of distinct but interconnected narrative practices. We develop a dynamic model linking the simultaneous mobilization of these practices to strategy‐makers’ ability to harness the persistent tension between novelty and familiarity in a transformative change, and thereby, win endorsement from key audiences.

Managerial Summary: How can storytelling be used to influence acceptance of an ongoing organizational transformation? In this article, we try to answer this question by examining how, over three decades, Italian company Alessi documented its transformation from a manufacturer of kitchen steel utensils to a producer of a variety of household objects purchased also for their symbolic value. The leader behind Alessi's transformation, Alberto Alessi, orchestrated such storytelling effort, targeting employees, customers, retailers, and visitors to Alessi exhibitions. Our findings uncover how stories can be used to win audiences’ endorsement of change through narrative practices aimed at: (a) constructing a collective memory of change, (b) depicting change as a novel but coherent departure from the past, and (c) portraying change as a transcendent endeavor.