bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN ENTOMOPATHOGENIC BACTERIUM, Xenorhabdus nematophila, SUPPRESSES EXPRESSION OF ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDES CONTROLLED BY TOLL AND IMD PATHWAYS BY BLOCKING EICOSANOID BIOSYNTHESIS
Authors: Hwang Jihyun , Park Youngjin , Kim Yonggyun , Hwang Jihyun , Lee Daeweon
Published: June 2013

Immune‐associated genes of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua, were predicted from 454 pyrosequencing transcripts of hemocytes collected from fifth instar larvae challenged with bacteria. Out of 22,551 contigs and singletons, 36% of the transcripts had at least one significant hit (E‐value cutoff of 1e‐20) and used to predict immune‐associated genes implicated in pattern recognition, prophenoloxidase activation, intracellular signaling, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Immune signaling and AMP genes were further confirmed in their expression patterns in response to different types of microbial challenge. To discriminate the AMP expression signaling between Toll and Imd pathways, RNA interference was applied to specifically knockdown each signal pathway; the separate silencing treatments resulted in differential suppression of AMP genes. An entomopathogenic bacterium, Xenorhabdus nematophila, suppressed expression of most AMP genes controlled by Toll and Imd pathways, while challenge with heat‐killed X. nematophila induced expression of all AMPs in experimental larvae. Benzylideneacetone (BZA), a metabolite of X. nematophila, suppressed the AMP gene inductions when it was co‐injected with the heat‐killed X. nematophila. However, arachidonic acid, a catalytic product of PLA2, significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of BZA on the AMP gene expression. This study suggests that X. nematophila suppresses AMP production controlled by Toll and Imd pathways by inhibiting eicosanoid biosynthesis in S. exigua.
CCL19, a B Cell Chemokine, Is Related to the Decrease of Blood Memory B Cells and Predicts the Clinical Response to Rituximab in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Sellam Jérémie , Rouanet Stéphanie , Hendel‐Chavez Houria , Miceli‐Richard Corinne , Combe Bernard , Sibilia Jean , Le Loët Xavier , Tebib Jacques , Jourdan Rosemary , Dougados Maxime , Taoufik Yassine , Mariette Xavier
Published: June 2013

Objective

Migration of B cells from peripheral blood to the synovium in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may predict clinical response to rituximab (RTX). We undertook this study to investigate whether serum levels of chemokines involved in B cell trafficking are correlated with blood levels of memory B cells or serum levels of B cell activation biomarkers before B cell depletion and whether chemokine levels predict RTX responsiveness.

Methods

Blood B cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry (CD27, IgD), and serum B cell activation biomarkers (rheumatoid factor, anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide, free light chains, IgG, IgA, IgM, and BAFF) were measured in 208 RA patients and 70 control subjects. Serum CCL19, CXCL12, and CXCL13 chemokine levels in patients and controls were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The first course of RTX was administered to RA patients, and the response was evaluated at week 24 according to European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria. Results were expressed as the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results

Levels of all chemokines were increased in RA patients compared with controls, and levels were inversely correlated with CD27+ memory B cell frequency. CCL19 and CXCL13 levels correlated with levels of 6 serum B cell biomarkers and 4 serum B cell biomarkers, respectively. By univariate analysis, the CCL19 level was positively associated with EULAR response (OR 1.43 [95% CI 1.08–1.90], P = 0.01). By multivariate analysis, the CCL19 level was predictive of a response to RTX (OR 1.48 [95% CI 1.06–2.06], P = 0.02), but this did not persist after adjustment for autoantibody status.

Conclusion

CXCL13 and CCL19 reflect blood B cell disturbances and their levels correlate with those of other serum B cell biomarkers. CXCL13 and CCL19 are, therefore, surrogate measures for serum B cell biomarkers in RA. Serum CCL19 measurement is a new hallmark of the B cell–mediated RA subtype and may predict clinical response to RTX.
Patellofemoral Joint Loading During Stair Ambulation in People With Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis
Authors: Fok Laurence A. , Schache Anthony G. , Crossley Kay M. , Lin Yi‐Chung , Pandy Marcus G.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To determine whether people with patellofemoral (PF) joint osteoarthritis (OA) ascend and descend stairs with different PF joint loading, knee joint moments, lower limb kinematics, and muscle forces compared to healthy people.

Methods

We recruited 17 participants with isolated PF joint OA, 13 participants with concurrent PF joint OA and tibiofemoral (TF) joint OA, and 21 age‐matched controls. Joint kinematics and ground reaction forces were measured while participants ascended and descended stairs at a self‐selected speed. Musculoskeletal computer modeling was used to determine lower limb muscle forces and the PF joint reaction force, and these parameters were compared between groups by analysis of variance.

Results

Compared to their healthy counterparts, participants with isolated PF joint OA and participants with concurrent PF and TF joint OA ascended and descended stairs with lower knee extension moments, lower quadriceps muscle forces, lower PF joint reaction forces, and increased anterior pelvic tilt. Participants with OA also ascended stairs with increased hip flexion angles and descended stairs with smaller knee flexion angles and smaller hip abductor muscle forces. No differences were evident between the two groups with OA.

Conclusion

Compared to their healthy counterparts, people with PF joint OA (with or without concurrent TF joint OA) exhibit lower PF joint reaction forces during stair ascent and descent, in conjunction with lower knee extension moments and lower quadriceps muscle forces.
Doxycycline‐Induced Expression of Transgenic Human Tumor Necrosis Factor α in Adult Mice Results in Psoriasis‐like Arthritis
Authors: Retser Eugen , Schied Tanja , Skryabin Boris V. , Vogl Thomas , Kanczler Janos M. , Hamann Nina , Niehoff Anja , Hermann Sven , Eisenblätter Michel , Wachsmuth Lydia , Pap Thomas , van Lent Peter L. E. M. , Loser Karin , Roth Johannes , Zaucke Frank , Ludwig Stephan , Wixler Viktor
Published: June 2013

Objective

To generate doxycycline‐inducible human tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)–transgenic mice to overcome a major disadvantage of existing transgenic mice with constitutive expression of TNFα, which is the limitation in crossing them with various knockout or transgenic mice.

Methods

A transgenic mouse line that expresses the human TNFα cytokine exclusively after doxycycline administration was generated and analyzed for the onset of diseases.

Results

Doxycycline‐inducible human TNFα–transgenic mice developed an inflammatory arthritis– and psoriasis‐like phenotype, with fore and hind paws being prominently affected. The formation of “sausage digits” with characteristic involvement of the distal interphalangeal joints and nail malformation was observed. Synovial hyperplasia, enthesitis, cartilage and bone alterations, formation of pannus tissue, and inflammation of the skin epidermis and nail matrix appeared as early as 1 week after the treatment of mice with doxycycline and became aggravated over time. The abrogation of human TNFα expression by the removal of doxycycline 6 weeks after beginning stimulation resulted in fast resolution of the most advanced macroscopic and histologic disorders, and 3–6 weeks later, only minimal signs of disease were visible.

Conclusion

Upon doxycycline administration, the doxycycline‐inducible human TNFα–transgenic mouse displays the major features of inflammatory arthritis. It represents a unique animal model for studying the molecular mechanisms of arthritis, especially the early phases of disease genesis and tissue remodeling steps upon abrogation of TNFα expression. Furthermore, unlimited crossing of doxycycline‐inducible human TNFα–transgenic mice with various knockout or transgenic mice opens new possibilities for unraveling the role of various signaling molecules acting in concert with TNFα.
Brief Report: Interferon‐α Induction and Detection of Anti‐Ro, Anti‐La, Anti‐Sm, and Anti‐RNP Autoantibodies by Autoantigen Microarray Analysis in Juvenile Dermatomyositis
Authors: Balboni Imelda , Niewold Timothy B. , Morgan Gabrielle , Limb Cindy , Eloranta Maija‐Leena , Rönnblom Lars , Utz Paul J. , Pachman Lauren M.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To evaluate serum interferon‐α (IFNα) activity in the context of autoantibody profiles in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).

Methods

Sera from 36 patients with JDM were analyzed. Autoantibody profiles were determined by probing microarrays, which were fabricated with ∼80 distinct autoantigens, with serum and a Cy3‐conjugated secondary antibody. Arrays were scanned and analyzed to determine antigen reactivity. Serum IFNα activity was measured using a functional reporter cell assay. Sera were assayed alone or in combination with cellular material released from necrotic U937 cells to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors in vitro, and IFNα production in culture was measured by a dissociation‐enhanced lanthanide fluoroimmunoassay (DELFIA).

Results

Reactivity against at least 1 of 41 autoantigens on the microarray, including Ro 52, Ro 60, La, Sm, and RNP, was observed in 75% of the serum samples from patients with JDM. IFNα activity was detected in 7 samples by reporter cell assay. The reporter cell assay showed a significant association of reactivity against Ro, La, Sm, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen with serum IFNα activity (P = 0.005). Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM) identified increased reactivity against Sm, RNP, Ro 52, U1‐C, and Mi‐2 in these sera. Sixteen samples induced IFNα production as measured by DELFIA, and there was a significant association of reactivity against Ro, La, Sm, and RNP with the induction of IFNα by serum and necrotic cell material (P = 0.034). SAM identified increased reactivity against Ro 60 in these sera.

Conclusion

These data support the hypothesis that nucleic acid–associated autoantibodies, including the Ro/La and Sm/RNP complexes, may stimulate the production of active IFNα in children with JDM.
Pyrenoimidazole‐Based Deep‐Blue‐Emitting Materials: Optical, Electrochemical, and Electroluminescent Characteristics
Authors: Kumar Dhirendra , Thomas K. R. Justin , Lin Ching‐Chiao , Jou Jwo‐Huei
Published: June 2013

A series of pyrenoimidazoles that contained various functional chromophores, such as anthracene, pyrene, triphenylamine, carbazole, and fluorene, were synthesized and characterized by optical, electrochemical, and theoretical studies. The absorption spectra of the dyes are dominated by electronic transitions that arise from the pyrenoimidazole core and the additional chromophore. All of the dyes exhibited blue‐light photoluminescence with moderate‐to‐high quantum efficiencies. They also displayed high thermal stability and their thermal‐decomposition temperatures fell within the range 462–512 °C; the highest decomposition temperature was recorded for a carbazole‐containing dye. The oxidation propensity of the dyes increased on the introduction of electron‐rich chromophores, such as triphenylamine or carbazole. The application of selected dyes that featured additional chromophores such as pyrene, carbazole, and triphenylamine as blue‐emissive dopants into multilayered organic light‐emitting diodes with a 4,4′‐bis(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)biphenyl (CBP) host was investigated. Devices that were based on triphenylamine‐ and carbazole‐containing dyes exhibited deep‐blue emission (CIE 0.157, 0.054 and 0.163, 0.041), whereas a device that was based on a pyrene‐containing dye showed a bright‐blue emission (CIE 0.156, 0.135).
High‐throughput screening for transglutaminase activities using recombinant fluorescent proteins
Authors: Lee Jae‐Hun , Song Eunjung , Lee Sun‐Gu , Kim Byung‐Gee
Published: June 2013

Since detailed evaluation of specific transglutaminases (TGs) from various species requires identification of their substrate specificities, rapid substrate screening method by measurement of their relative activities is in great demand. Here, a novel evaluation method of TG activity was developed using two recombinant fluorescent proteins (FPs), that is, eYFP and DsRed, tagged with TG substrate peptides. By cross‐linking the two FPs based on the tagged target peptide sequences at their C‐terminus, the expression of co‐transformed TG allows quenching of the yellow fluorescence intensities. It was shown that the degree of in vivo fluorescent quenching by the TG activity agrees well with its in vitro reaction data, suggesting that this system can be used to identify relative substrate specificity of TGs for target peptide sequences. Using this method, the lysine substrates of TGs from Bacillus species (BTG) were evaluated, and the newly selected pentapeptide, KTKTN showed almost the same reactivity with the well‐known hexa‐lysine (K6) substrate for BTG reaction. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 2865–2873. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Fully Automated Ad‐ and Desorption Method for Resin and Solvent Screening
Authors: Schuldt S. , Schembecker G.
Published: June 2013

Ad‐ and desorption are common techniques for the purification of natural substances. The main drawback is the tedious experimental procedure for resin and solvent screening. An approach of fully automated batch experiments is presented. In order to fulfill all requirements like automation of flexible dosing of loose resins, handling organic solvents, and providing reproducible conditions, these experiments are performed on a custom‐built modular robotic platform. The batch ad‐ and desorption experiments were fully automated for the determination of essential process parameters like kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamic parameters without the need of manual intervention. Thus, the hands‐on time could be significantly reduced by more than 90 % which contributes to improved health and safety outcome by preventing the contact of operators to potentially hazardous materials.
Molecular‐Level Understanding of the Carbonisation of Polysaccharides
Authors: Shuttleworth Peter S. , Budarin Vitaliy , White Robin J. , Gun'ko Vladimir M. , Luque Rafael , Clark James H.
Published: June 2013

Understanding of both the textural and functionality changes occurring during (mesoporous) polysaccharide carbonisation at the molecular level provides a deeper insight into the whole spectrum of material properties, from chemical activity to pore shape and surface energy, which is crucial for the successful application of carbonaceous materials in adsorption, catalysis and chromatography. Obtained information will help to identify the most appropriate applications of the carbonaceous material generated during torrefaction and different types of pyrolysis processes and therefore will be important for the development of cost‐ and energy‐efficient zero‐waste biorefineries. The presented approach is informative and semi‐quantitative with the potential to be extended to the formation of other biomass‐derived carbonaceous materials.
Stereodivergent Synthesis of Piperidine Alkaloids by Ring‐Rearrangement Metathesis/Reductive Lactam Alkylation of Nitroso Diels–Alder Cycloadducts
Authors: Vincent Guillaume , Karila Delphine , Khalil Georges , Sancibrao Pierre , Gori Didier , Kouklovsky Cyrille
Published: June 2013

A general methodology for the stereoselective synthesis of 2‐(2‐hydroxyalkyl)piperidine alkaloids by ring‐rearrangement metathesis of nitroso Diels–Alder cycloadducts is reported. The approach is illustrated by the formal synthesis of porantheridine and the total synthesis of andrachcinidine through a diastereodivergent allylation of an N‐alkoxy bicyclic lactam. The asymmetric synthesis of the latter alkaloid provides new insights into the configurational stability of cycloadducts between chloronitroso reagents and cyclopentadiene.
Supramolecular Immobilization of Laccase on Carbon Nanotube Electrodes Functionalized with (Methylpyrenylaminomethyl)anthraquinone for Direct Electron Reduction of Oxygen
Authors: Bourourou Mariem , Elouarzaki Kamal , Lalaoui Noémie , Agnès Charles , Le Goff Alan , Holzinger Michael , Maaref Abderrazak , Cosnier Serge
Published: June 2013

An efficient way of immobilizing and wiring a large amount of laccase on non‐covalently‐functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) electrodes is reported. 1‐(2‐anthraquinonylaminomethyl)pyrene and 1‐[bis(2‐anthraquinonyl)aminomethyl]pyrene were synthesized and studied for their capability to non‐covalently functionalize MWCNT electrodes and immobilize and orientate laccase on the nanostructured electrodes. This led to high‐performance biocathodes for oxygen reduction by direct electron transfer with maximum current densities of (1±0.2) mA cm−2. The performance of the resulting bioelectrodes could be doubled simply by using the bis‐anthraquinone compound. The bioelectrodes show excellent stability over weeks and can thus be envisioned in enzymatic biofuel cells.
Above‐ and Belowground Response along Degradation Gradient in an Alpine Grassland of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wu Gao‐Lin , Ren Guo‐Hua , Dong Quan‐Min , Shi Jian‐Jun , Wang Yan‐Long
Published: June 2013

Grassland degradation is one of the worldwide ecological problems. The objective of this study was to assess the above‐ and belowground response of an alpine grassland along degradation gradient in the headwater areas of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. Results showed that aboveground biomass, cover, and high quality herbage percentage presented a decreasing trend along degradation gradient. But, species number, species diversity, and evenness showed the maximum value in moderate degraded grassland, and the minimum value was appeared in the extreme degraded grassland. Similarity index was the maximum between original vegetation and light degradation grassland. And the similarity index between light degradation and moderate degradation, between original vegetation and moderate degradation were significantly different. Meanwhile, soil hardness, pH value, soil moisture, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium, all showed the decreased trend along the grassland degradation gradient. Grassland degradation led to a decrease of soil physics and chemical properties. Our results predicted that there was also a degradation of soil properties when community structure and composition degraded along the grassland degradation gradient.
Biodegradation of Acetamiprid by Isolated Bacterial Strain Rhodococcus sp. BCH2 and Toxicological Analysis of Its Metabolites in Silkworm (Bombax mori)
Authors: Phugare Swapnil S. , Jadhav Jyoti P.
Published: June 2013

An acetamiprid degrading bacterial strain that showed confluent growth on a minimal medium containing acetamiprid was isolated by enrichment technique, from the soil contaminated with pesticide. The 16S rRNA gene sequence was used for identification and further the strain was designated as Rhodococcus sp. BCH2 based on BLAST results. The biodegradation of acetamiprid was studied using Rhodococcus sp. BCH2, followed by toxicological evaluation of pesticide and its biodegradation metabolites. Acetamiprid was found to be degraded via formation of N‐amidoamide derivative, 1‐(6‐chloropyridin‐3yl)‐N‐methylmethanamine (m/z = 156) and 6‐chloronicotinic acid (m/z = 157). Toxicological analysis was performed with respect to genotoxicity, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation using silkworm (Bombax mori) as a model animal. The studies showed that, the parent compound exerts more toxic effect than its biodegradation metabolites. Rhodococcus sp. BCH2 was a good candidate for faster and effective biodegradation of acetamiprid.
Integrated Principal Component Analysis of Microcystis aeruginosa Dissolved Organic Matter and Assessment of UV‐C Pre‐Treatment on Cyanobacteria‐Containing Water
Authors: Ou Hua‐Se , Wei Chao‐Hai , Deng Yang , Gao Nai‐Yun
Published: June 2013

The intrinsic characteristic of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and bioactivity materials derived from toxic Microcystis aeruginosa was investigated. Fluorescence excitation emission matrix combined with parallel factor analysis (EEM‐PARAFAC) determined six CDOM components, and principal component analysis (PCA) identified two integrated principle factors. PCA factor 1 mainly represented the intracellular and extracellular microbial active components, and factor 2 represented the extracellular residuals and degraded products. These two PCA factors accounted for 53 and 31% of the variance in nine parameters distributions, and were used to assess the variation pattern of DOM. The variation tendencies of PCA factors in experiments using single UV‐C (254 nm), UV‐C/H2O2, , , and UV‐C/humic acid were estimated. Photolysis and photo‐oxidation were dominating processes in single UV‐C irradiation, and H2O2 improved photo‐oxidation, resulting in high efficient removal of intracellular DOM and extracellular DOM. The presences of , and humic acid had negative effects on the degradation of extracellular DOM, but little influence on intracellular DOM. Results revealed that UV‐C/H2O2 can be considered as an option for the pretreatment of cyanobacteria‐contained water, and EEM‐PARAFAC‐PCA can be applied to simplify multiple parameters in water treatment process, which would be benefit to water quality monitoring and management.
Rational Design of Angiotensin‐I‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptides by Integrating in silico Modeling and an in vitro Assay
Authors: Jing Tao , Feng Jian , Li De , Liu Jianping , He Guoxiang
Published: June 2013

Human angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme (ACE) is a classic target of antihypertensive drugs and possesses a bulky, amphiphilic active pocket that is physicochemically compatible with a wide spectrum of small peptide ligands. Herein we describe a synthetic pipeline to directly optimize the atomic interactions between ACE in complex with its peptide ligands. By using this pipeline, we were able to derive thousands of peptides with potential ACE‐inhibitory capacity, from which 15 structurally diverse, theoretically active samples were investigated systematically with respect to the structural, energetic, and dynamic aspects of their interactions with ACE. Subsequently, ACE‐inhibitory activities of several highly promising candidates were evaluated in vitro using a standard spectrophotometric method. As might be expected, three of these candidates showed high inhibitory activities against ACE and others also significantly inhibited the enzymatic activity at low or moderate doses. Furthermore, one of these peptides, LHGPYP, was chosen for structural modification based on the details of its interaction with ACE using modeled structure data. Consequently, a Gly 3 Leu/Tyr 5 Ala double mutation on the peptide was assessed to obtain a more potent mutant LHLPAP, leading to a considerable increase in ACE‐inhibitory activity (IC50 decrease from 75.4 to 4.2 μM).
A Bipodal Dicyano Anchor Unit for Single‐Molecule Spintronic Devices
Authors: Tsuji Yuta , Semoto Takayuki , Yoshizawa Kazunari
Published: June 2013

The conductance through single 7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) connected to gold electrodes is studied with the nonequilibrium Green’s function method combined with density functional theory. The aim of the study is to derive the effect of a dicyano anchor group, C(CN)2, on energy level alignment between the electrode Fermi level and a molecular energy level. The strong electron‐withdrawing nature of the dicyano anchor group lowers the LUMO level of TCNQ, resulting in an extremely small energy barrier for electron injection. At zero bias, electron transfer from electrodes easily occurs and, as a consequence, the anion radical state of TCNQ with a magnetic moment is formed. The unpaired electron in the TCNQ anion radical causes an exchange splitting between the spin‐α and spin‐β transmission spectra, allowing the single TCNQ junction to act as a spin‐filtering device.
Ozone‐Induced Band Bending on Metal‐Oxide Surfaces Studied under Environmental Conditions
Authors: Lampimäki Markus , Zelenay Veronika , Křepelová Adéla , Liu Zhi , Chang Rui , Bluhm Hendrik , Ammann Markus
Published: June 2013

Ozone adsorption and decomposition on metal oxides is of wide interest in technology and in atmospheric chemistry. Here, ozone‐adsorption‐induced band bending is observed on Ti‐ and Fe‐oxide model surfaces under dry and humid conditions. Photoelectron spectroscopic studies indicate the effect of charge transfer to O3, which limits the surface coverage of the precursor to decomposition reactions. This is also consistent with the negative pressure dependence observed in previous studies. These results contribute to our fundamental understanding of ozone adsorption and decomposition mechanisms on metal oxides of environmental and technological relevance.
Personalized cytomic assessment of vascular health: Evaluation of the vascular health profile in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kurtzman Nicholas , Zhang Lifeng , French Benjamin , Jonas Rebecca , Bantly Andrew , Rogers Wade T. , Moore Jonni S. , Rickels Michael R. , Mohler Emile R.
Published: June 2013

Background

An inexpensive and accurate blood test does not currently exist that can evaluate the cardiovascular health of a patient. This study evaluated a novel high dimensional flow cytometry approach in combination with cytometric fingerprinting (CF), to comprehensively enumerate differentially expressed subsets of pro‐angiogenic circulating progenitor cells (CPCs), involved in the repair of vasculature, and microparticles (MPs), frequently involved in inflammation and thrombosis. CF enabled discovery of a unique pattern, involving both MPs and CPCs and generated a personalized signature of vascular health, the vascular health profile (VHP).

Methods

Levels of CPCs and MPs were measured with a broad panel of cell surface markers in a population with atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and age‐similar Healthy controls (HC) using an unbiased computational approach, termed CF.

Results

Circulating hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (CHSPCAng) levels were detected at significantly lower concentrations in DM (P < 0.001), whereas levels of seven phenotypically distinct MPs were present at significantly higher concentrations in DM patients and one MP subset was present at significantly lower concentration in DM patients. Collectively, the combination of CHSPCAng and MP levels was more informative than any one measure alone.

Conclusions

This work provides the basis for a personalized cytomic vascular health profile that may be useful for a variety of applications including drug development, clinical risk assessment and companion diagnostics. © 2013 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Demographic patterns of a widespread long‐lived tree are associated with rainfall and disturbances along rainfall gradients in SE Australia
Authors: Cohn Janet S. , Lunt Ian D. , Bradstock Ross A. , Hua Quan , McDonald Simon
Published: June 2013

Predicting species distributions with changing climate has often relied on climatic variables, but increasingly there is recognition that disturbance regimes should also be included in distribution models. We examined how changes in rainfall and disturbances along climatic gradients determined demographic patterns in a widespread and long‐lived tree species, Callitris glaucophylla in SE Australia. We examined recruitment since 1950 in relation to annual (200–600 mm) and seasonal (summer, uniform, winter) rainfall gradients, edaphic factors (topography), and disturbance regimes (vertebrate grazing [tenure and species], fire). A switch from recruitment success to failure occurred at 405 mm mean annual rainfall, coincident with a change in grazing regime. Recruitment was lowest on farms with rabbits below 405 mm rainfall (mean = 0–0.89 cohorts) and highest on less‐disturbed tenures with no rabbits above 405 mm rainfall (mean = 3.25 cohorts). Moderate levels of recruitment occurred where farms had no rabbits or less disturbed tenures had rabbits above and below 405 mm rainfall (mean = 1.71–1.77 cohorts). These results show that low annual rainfall and high levels of introduced grazing has led to aging, contracting populations, while higher annual rainfall with low levels of grazing has led to younger, expanding populations. This study demonstrates how demographic patterns vary with rainfall and spatial variations in disturbances, which are linked in complex ways to climatic gradients. Predicting changes in tree distribution with climate change requires knowledge of how rainfall and key disturbances (tenure, vertebrate grazing) will shift along climatic gradients.
Method for the Preparation of Nonracemic Bis‐Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes
Authors: Helms Melanie , Lin Zhijie , Gong Lei , Harms Klaus , Meggers Eric
Published: June 2013

A practical strategy for the generation of virtually enantiomerically pure bis‐cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes is reported. Accordingly, the reactions of [Ir(μ‐Cl)(ppy)2]2 (ppy = cyclometalating 2‐phenylpyridine) with (S)‐4‐tert‐butyl‐2‐(2′‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐oxazoline [(S)‐1a], [Ir(μ‐Cl)(pq)2]2 (pq = cyclometalating 2‐phenylquinoline) with (S)‐2‐(2′‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazoline [(S)‐1b], and [Ir(μ‐Cl)(pbt)2]2 (pbt = cyclometalating 2‐phenylbenzothiazole) with (S)‐2‐(2′‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4‐isopropyl‐2‐thiazoline [(S)‐1d] afforded diastereomeric mixtures of salicyloxazolinato or salicylthiazolinato complexes Λ/Δ‐[Ir(ppy)2{(S)‐1a–H}]PF6, Λ/Δ‐[Ir(pq)2{(S)‐1b–H}]PF6, and Λ/Δ‐[Ir(pbt)2{(S)‐1d–H}]PF6, respectively, which could be resolved by silica gel flash chromatography. With the individual diastereomers in hand, an acid‐induced substitution of the chiral auxiliaries by achiral bidentate ligands with retention of configuration afforded several iridium complexes Λ‐ or Δ‐[Ir(C∧N)2(N∧N)]PF6 (C∧N = cyclometalating ppy, pq, or pbt; N∧N = 2,2′‐bipyridine, 1,10‐phenanthroline, or 2,2′‐biquinoline) with enantiomeric ratio (er) values of 24:1 to 230:1.
Cu(OTf)2‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenative C–H Activation under Atmospheric Oxygen: An Expedient Approach to Pyrrolo[3,2‐d]pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Roy B. , Hazra Somjit , Mondal Biplab , Majumdar K. C.
Published: June 2013

A new dehydrogenative C–H activation of uracil in an open atmosphere was developed to synthesize pyrrolo‐pyrimidines, which are potentially bioactive molecules. This new approach establishes the selective catalytic activity of Cu(OTf)2 to accomplish the uracil C‐6–H activation.
Magnetically Recoverable CuFe2O4 Nanoparticles: Catalyzed Synthesis of Aryl Azides and 1,4‐Diaryl‐1,2,3‐triazoles from Boronic Acids in Water
Authors: Kumar A. Suresh , Reddy M. Amarnath , Knorn M. , Reiser O. , Sreedhar B.
Published: June 2013

Magnetically recoverable and reusable CuFe2O4 nanoparticles are shown to be highly efficient catalysts for the one‐pot synthesis of biologically important 1,4‐diaryl‐1,2,3‐triazoles starting from boronic acids, sodium azide, and acetylenes. The use of aqueous reaction medium at room temperature, the low cost and facile recovery of the catalyst by application of an external magnetic field, and consistently high catalytic efficiency for at least three consecutive cycles renders the protocol operationally attractive.
Calix[2]triazole[2]arenes; A Class of Hybrid Heterocalixarenes
Authors: Cho Jihee , Lee Seokwoo , Hwang Soonho , Kim Sang Hoon , Kim Jong Seung , Kim Sanghee
Published: June 2013

A series of calix[2]triazole[2]arenes, which are members of the heterocalixarene family, were generated by copper(I)‐catalyzed Huisgen reaction in a one‐pot synthesis. Their various conformational structures and physical properties were characterized by a computational, NMR spectroscopic, and X‐ray structural investigation. Among six conformations, the 1,2‐alternate conformation was found to be the most stable due to two intramolecular hydrogen bonds between the phenolic hydroxyl group and the triazole nitrogen atom.
Selenium‐Promoted Intramolecular Oxidative Amidation of 2‐(Arylamino)acetophenones for the Synthesis of N‐Arylisatins
Authors: Liu Yong , Chen Hui , Hu Xiong , Zhou Wang , Deng Guo‐Jun
Published: June 2013

A convenient method for the synthesis of N‐arylisatins from 2‐(arylamino)acetophenones by using SeO2 as an oxidant is described. Various substituted N‐arylisatins were selectively obtained in good to excellent yields. The reaction tolerates a wide range of functionalities.
Improvement in the One‐Carbon Chain Extension of Esters with Dimethylsulf­oxonium Methylide
Authors: Luong Hoa , Luss‐Lusis Eduard , Tanoury Gerald J. , Nugent William A.
Published: June 2013

A recent report suggests that the reaction of dimethylsulfoxonium methylide with esters does not produce a chain‐extended sulfur ylide as previously reported, but rather affords the corresponding carboxylate salt. We have investigated this assertion by using a combination of ab initio molecular orbital calculations, spiking studies, and isotopic labeling. The formation of carboxylate is unambiguously demonstrated to arise through hydrolysis involving adventitious water, principally derived from moisture in commercial trimethylsulfoxonium chloride. Careful vacuum drying of this reagent diminishes the competing hydrolytic pathway resulting in higher yields for the chain‐extension reaction than previously reported.
Electrochemical Oxidation of Ibuprofen and Its Voltammetric Determination at a Boron‐Doped Diamond Electrode
Authors: Lima Amanda B. , Faria Eric O. , Montes Rodrigo H. O. , Cunha Rafael R. , Richter Eduardo M. , Munoz Rodrigo A. A. , dos Santos Wallans T. P.
Published: June 2013

The electrochemical oxidation of ibuprofen at a boron‐doped diamond electrode (BDDE) and its voltammetric determination is reported for the first time. A well‐defined oxidation peak was observed at around 1.6 V in 0.1 mol L−1 H2SO4 solution with 10 % (v/v) ethanol at the BDDE surface activated by either cathodic or anodic pretreatments. A differential‐pulse voltammetric method for the determination of ibuprofen in pharmaceutical formulations was optimized with a detection limit of 5 µmol L−1 and compared with the British Pharmacopeia method.
pH‐Switchable Redox Reactions and Bioelectrocatalytic Processes Using Au Nanoparticles‐Modified Electrodes
Authors: Trifonov Alexander , Yehezkeli Omer , Tel‐Vered Ran , Willner Itamar
Published: June 2013

Boronate ester complexes generated between methylene blue (MB+)‐functionalized Au nanoparticles (NPs) and electrode surfaces are implemented to stimulate the bioelectrocatalyzed reduction of H2O2 in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Two kinds of Au NPs are prepared: Class I includes MB+/phenylboronic acid as a modifying layer, whereas Class II includes MB+/dithiothreitol as a mixed capping layer. The Class I or II NPs form boronate ester complexes with a dithiothreitol‐ or phenylboronic acid‐functionalized Au electrodes, respectively. By the cyclic loading of the NPs on the electrodes (pH 8.1), and the removal of the NPs (pH 1.5), switchable bioelectrocatalyzed reduction of H2O2 is demonstrated.
Simultaneous Square‐Wave Voltammetric Determination of Paracetamol, Caffeine and Orphenadrine in Pharmaceutical Formulations Using a Cathodically Pretreated Boron‐Doped Diamond Electrode
Authors: Eisele Ana Paula Pires , Clausen Débora Nóbile , Tarley César Ricardo Teixeira , Dall'Antonia Luiz Henrique , Sartori Elen Romão
Published: June 2013

An electroanalytical method for the simultaneous determination of paracetamol (PAR), caffeine (CAF), and orphenadrine (ORPH) using the square‐wave voltammetry (SWV) and a cathodically pretreated boron‐doped diamond electrode was developed. The method exhibits linear responses to PAR, CAF, and ORPH in the concentration ranges 5.4×10−7–6.1×10−5 M, 7.8×10−7–3.5×10−5 M, and 7.8×10−7–3.5×10−5 M, respectively, with detection limits of 2.3×10−7 M, 9.6×10−8 M, and 8.4×10−8 M, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied in the simultaneous determination of these analytes in pharmaceutical formulations.
Weather types, runoff and sediment yield in a Mediterranean mountain landscape
Authors: Nadal‐Romero E. , Cortesi N. , González‐Hidalgo J. C.
Published: June 2013

The relationship between the synoptic weather types (WTs), runoff and sediments in a Mediterranean mountain landscape was analysed. The study was performed between 2005 and 2012 using one of the most complete and extensive daily databases of rainfall, runoff and sediment recorded in the Spanish Pyrenees, coupled with WTs defined from the National Meteorological Center/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NMC/NCAR) 40‐Year Reanalysis Project. The results show that the three wettest WTs accounted for 30% of rainy days and 46% of rainfall, but comprised only 13% of total daily records. To obtain a much more robust association between WTs and rainfall an analysis was carried out using a longer rainfall record (1989–2011). The analyses confirmed that the results obtained from the Araguás catchment are representative of a longer time span.

The cyclonic, north‐westerly and westerly WTs play an important role in runoff generation, coinciding with the wettest WTs. Extreme floods are commonly associated also with south‐westerly and westerly airflows, whereas less flooding was generated under cyclonic circulations. Sediment transport was concentrated in 2.9% of total time mainly related to westerly WTs.

Seasonal differences exist in WT frequency. In winter and spring north‐west and West are the most prominent WTs related to rainfall, water and sediment yield, although in spring cyclonic frequency was higher. During autumn north‐west and south‐west were the most frequent, but sediment yield was produced nearby under south‐west flow. In summer the WTs that produce sediment are north and west. A magnitude–frequency analysis shows the different behaviour of WTs according to their efficiency in producing runoff and sediment.

A study with different monitored areas around the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean basin would be very valuable in providing information for hydrological and sediment behaviour under the current conditions of global climate change. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of pH on uranium uptake and oxidative stress responses induced in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Saenen Eline , Horemans Nele , Vanhoudt Nathalie , Vandenhove Hildegarde , Biermans Geert , Van Hees May , Wannijn Jean , Vangronsveld Jaco , Cuypers Ann
Published: June 2013

Uranium (U) causes oxidative stress in Arabidopsis thaliana plants grown at pH 5.5. However, U speciation and its toxicity strongly depend on environmental parameters, for example pH. It is unknown how different U species determine U uptake and translocation within plants and how they might affect the oxidative defense mechanisms of these plants. The present study analyzed U uptake and oxidative stress-related responses in A. thaliana (Columbia ecotype) under contrasted U chemical speciation conditions. The 18-d-old seedlings were exposed for 3 d to 25 µM U in a nutrient solution of which the pH was adjusted to 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, or 7.5. Results indicate that there is a different rate of U uptake and translocation at the different pHs, with high uptake and low translocation at low pH and lower uptake but higher translocation at high pH. After U exposure, an increased glutathione reductase activity and total glutathione concentration were observed in U-exposed roots, pointing toward an important role for glutathione in the root defense system against U either by chelation or by antioxidative defense mechanisms. In leaves, antioxidative defense mechanisms were activated on U exposure, indicated by increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activity. As it seems that U toxicity is influenced by pH, it is important to consider site-specific characteristics when making U risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2125–2133. © 2013 SETAC
Layered subspace codes for random network coding
Authors: Chen Chao , Xie Hongmei , Bai Baoming
Published: June 2013

Subspace codes were introduced by Kötter and Kschischang for error control in random linear network coding. In this paper, a layered type of subspace codes is considered, which can be viewed as a superposition of multiple component subspace codes. Exploiting the layered structure, we develop two decoding methods for these codes. The first method operates by separately decoding each component code. The second method is similar to the successive interference cancellation algorithm for conventional superposition coding and further permits an iterative version. We show that both methods decode not only deterministically up to but also probabilistically beyond the error‐correction capability of the overall code. Finally, we present possible applications of layered subspace codes in several network coding scenarios. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metallic trace elements in cereal grain – a review: how much metal do we eat?
Authors: Teklić Tihana , Lončarić Zdenko , Kovačević Vlado , Singh Bal Ram
Published: June 2013

Plants are the first step of a metal's pathway from the soil to heterotrophic organisms such as animals and humans, so the content of metallic trace elements in edible parts of a plant represent available load of these metals that may enter the food chain through plants. Among metal elements, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn are micronutrients as they are essential in trace amounts for physiological processes in living organisms and therefore are a significant component of the soil–plant–food continuum. Billions of people around the world suffer from micronutrient malnutrition. This review is aimed at giving an overview of the data pertaining to the Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu content of the grains of the globally most important cereals – wheat, rice, and maize, reported mostly during the last two decades. The prevailing opinions on their importance in the food chain, and current strategies for enrichment of cereal grains with those essential microelements are briefly summarized.
Novel YAP1‐TFE3 fusion defines a distinct subset of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma
Authors: Antonescu Cristina R. , Le Loarer Francois , Mosquera Juan‐Miguel , Sboner Andrea , Zhang Lei , Chen Chun‐Liang , Chen Hsiao‐Wei , Pathan Nursat , Krausz Thomas , Dickson Brendan C. , Weinreb Ilan , Rubin Mark A. , Hameed Meera , Fletcher Christopher D. M.
Published: June 2013

Conventional epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas (EHE) have a distinctive morphologic appearance and are characterized by a recurrent t(1;3) translocation, resulting in a WWTR1‐CAMTA1 fusion gene. We have recently encountered a fusion‐negative subset characterized by a somewhat different morphology, including focally well‐formed vasoformative features, which was further investigated for recurrent genetic abnormalities. Based on a case showing strong transcription factor E3 (TFE3) immunoreactivity, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis for TFE3 gene rearrangement was applied to the index case as well as to nine additional cases, selected through negative WWTR1‐CAMTA1 screening. A control group, including 18 epithelioid hemangiomas, nine pseudomyogenic HE, and three epithelioid angiosarcomas, was also tested. TFE3 gene rearrangement was identified in 10 patients, with equal gender distribution and a mean age of 30 years old. The lesions were located in somatic soft tissue in six cases, lung in three and one in bone. One case with available frozen tissue was tested by RNA sequencing and FusionSeq data analysis to detect novel fusions. A YAP1‐TFE3 fusion was thus detected, which was further validated by FISH and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). YAP1 gene rearrangements were then confirmed in seven of the remaining nine TFE3‐rearranged EHEs by FISH. No TFE3 structural abnormalities were detected in any of the controls. The TFE3‐rearranged EHEs showed similar morphologic features with at least focally, well‐formed vascular channels, in addition to a variably solid architecture. All tumors expressed endothelial markers, as well as strong nuclear TFE3. In summary, we are reporting a novel subset of EHE occurring in young adults, showing a distinct phenotype and YAP1‐TFE3 fusions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization and Correction of Error in Genome‐Wide IBD Estimation for Samples with Population Structure
Authors: Morrison Jean
Published: June 2013

The proportion of the genome that is shared identical by descent (IBD) between pairs of individuals is often estimated in studies involving genome‐wide SNP data. These estimates can be used to check pedigrees, estimate heritability, and adjust association analyses. We focus on the method of moments technique as implemented in PLINK [Purcell et al., 2007] and other software that estimates the proportions of the genome at which two individuals share 0, 1, or 2 alleles IBD. This technique is based on the assumption that the study sample is drawn from a single, homogeneous, randomly mating population. This assumption is violated if pedigree founders are drawn from multiple populations or include admixed individuals. In the presence of population structure, the method of moments estimator has an inflated variance and can be biased because it relies on sample‐based allele frequency estimates. In the case of the PLINK estimator, which truncates genome‐wide sharing estimates at zero and one to generate biologically interpretable results, the bias is most often towards over‐estimation of relatedness between ancestrally similar individuals. Using simulated pedigrees, we are able to demonstrate and quantify the behavior of the PLINK method of moments estimator under different population structure conditions. We also propose a simple method based on SNP pruning for improving genome‐wide IBD estimates when the assumption of a single, homogeneous population is violated.
Genetic Association With Multiple Traits in the Presence of Population Stratification
Authors: Yan Ting , Li Qizhai , Li Yuanzhang , Li Zhaohai , Zheng Gang
Published: June 2013

Testing association between a genetic marker and multiple‐dependent traits is a challenging task when both binary and quantitative traits are involved. The inverted regression model is a convenient method, in which the traits are treated as predictors although the genetic marker is an ordinal response. It is known that population stratification (PS) often affects population‐based association studies. However, how it would affect the inverted regression for pleiotropic association, especially with the mixed types of traits (binary and quantitative), is not examined and the performance of existing methods to correct for PS using the inverted regression analysis is unknown. In this paper, we focus on the methods based on genomic control and principal component analysis, and investigate type I error of pleiotropic association using the inverted regression model in the presence of PS with allele frequencies and the distributions (or disease prevalences) of multiple traits varying across the subpopulations. We focus on common alleles but simulation results for a rare variant are also reported. An application to the HapMap data is used for illustration.