bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Do Consumers Evaluate Explainer Videos? An Empirical Study on the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Different Explainer Video Formats
Authors: Krämer Andreas , Böhrs Sandra
Published: December 2016

There is a significant rise in the use of videos. More and more people use videos not only as a source of information but also as learning tool. This article explores the future potential of explainer videos, a format that conveys complex facts to a target group within a very short time. The findings are based on an empirical study representative for the German and U.S. population (18+ years). In the first step, the status quo of the use of e-learning in general and explainer videos in particular is presented. Subsequently, the effectiveness and efficiency of five different explainer video formats are analyzed using an experimental test design for one topic (US presidential election). On one hand, all formats reach a favorable evaluation based on the perception of the respondents, with only a few differences between test groups. On the other hand, significant differences occur in terms of relative improvements in knowledge level as well as input/output-ratios. Thirdly, expectations of potential users regarding the design of explainer videos are determined.
A Study of C-MYC, SOX10 and BCL-2 Proteins Expression in Head and Neck Mucosal Melanomas
Authors: R. Hsieh  , M.L. Prasad  , M.M.S. Nico  , H. Tavares  , A. Altemani  , R.S.S. Macarenco  , S.V. Lourenço
Published: December 2016

Background: Head and Neck Mucosal Melanoma (HNMM) is rare, accounting 1% of all melanomas in USA, and 6% in Japan. Melanoma’s development is a complex process involving activation of proto-oncogenes and loss of tumor suppressors. BCL-2 oncogene encodes a family of anti-apoptotic proteins and it is overexpressed in melanomas. On the other hand, proto-oncogene C-MYC is a transcriptional factor and plays crucial role both in driving cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis, its overexpression has been associated to melanoma progression. Moreover, oncogene SOX10 cooperates with other transcription factors to direct the development and differentiation of melanocytes. These three nuclear markers are associated to melanoma’s metastatic risk.Methods: We studied of BCL-2; C-MYC and SOX10 proteins in 19 Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded cases of HNMM from Yale School of Medicine and 10 cases from University of São Paulo by Alkalin Phosphatase immunohistochemistry technique.Results: We considered as positive expression when over 25% of tumor cells were immunostained. We observed 27/29 were positive to BCL-2 and 28/29 cases showed SOX10 expression (both markers showing immunostaining in over 75% of tumor cells). However, we noticed variable expression for C-MYC in 15/29 of HNMM cases.Conclusions: According to ours results, we suggest that BCL-2 and SOX10, should be good adjuctive biomarkers for HNMM, however lower expression of C-MYC has not shown to play main role in the HNMM development, thus further molecular biology studies should corroborate this present study.
Preventing Melanoma with the Help of Occupational Physicians
Authors: Alberto Modenese
Published: December 2016

Melanoma incidence is increasing constantly worldwide in recent years: 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year (WHO-INTERSUN). Despite this, no adequate evidence regarding the role of cumulative solar UV exposure in inducing the skin cancer has been provided. Recently, some studies appear to indicate that, also in patients with melanoma history, the habit of completely avoiding sun exposure is not a positive prognostic factor. According to IARC monograph published in 2012, evidences regarding UV risk factors for melanoma are the intermittent UV exposure with recurrent sunburns, especially in childhood and adolescence. According to these findings, various studies on occupational exposure to solar radiation (SR) failed to find an association between the performance of an outdoor job and the risk of melanoma. Recently, in Italy melanoma due to SR exposure has been erased from the national list of occupational diseases (D.P.R. 1124/65, last modification in 2014). But, in Europe an occupational health surveillance is needed for workers exposed to Artificial UV radiation according to EU Directive 2006/25/CE, and a skin examination for these workers is suggested, but quite paradoxically there are not similar indications for workers exposed to natural UV radiation. Considering the great number of outdoor workers employed in Europe, at least 14 million according to OSHA, and worldwide, the consideration of occupational solar radiation exposure as a specific professional risk requiring the health surveillance of exposed workers will be very helpful in order to prevent melanoma and other UV related diseases.
The Relation of Serum Adipocytokines Levels and Haematological Malignancy
Authors: Noor Fadzilah Zulkifli  , Asral Wirda Ahmad Asnawi  , Nur Syahrina Rahim  , Ainul Nadhirah Abdul Razak  , Chang Kian Meng
Published: December 2016

Obesity is a global health problem. Adipocytes produce adipocytokines, which participate in carcinogenesis of many solid tumours. However, reports on the effects in haematological malignancies are limited. We studied this feature in haematological malignancies. The body mass index (BMI), waist:hip ratio and serum adipocytokines levels (leptin and adiponectin) were measured in subjects (n=29) and healthy control (n=18). There was no significant difference in the mean BMI of control and subjects. However, the mean waist:hip ratio in subjects were significantly higher (0.91) compared to control (0.82); p=0.04. The mean level of leptin was raised in subjects compared to control (1.80 vs 17.41); p=0.00. The mean adiponectin level was suppressed in subjects (6.54 vs 0.15); p=0.00. The leptin:adiponectin ratio was also suppressed (0.01 vs 3.93); p=0.000. Subjects with good and poor initial clinical outcome did not show any significant difference in the adiposity index and the serum adipocytokines levels. This study supports the evidence that adiposity and adipocytokines are related to haematological malignancy similar to that reported in solid tumours. Leptin:adiponectin ratio may have the potential as a biomarker of obesity related malignancy. We also concluded that waist:hip ratio is a better index of adiposity compared to BMI. However, there is no significant relation of these parameters with the prognosis.
Infectious Complications Following Prostate Biopsy: A Single Institution Review
Authors: Mark Ferretti  , Akhil Saji  , Roopali Mittal  , Amit K. Tiwari
Published: December 2016

Purpose: Determine incidence of fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria complications among patients following prostate biopsy at New York Medical College, NY.Materials and Methods: Retrospective chart review of 229 consecutive patients receiving prostate biopsy between 2009 and 2013 at New York Medical College, NY. Each was administered a Fleet enema the morning of and a three-day course of ciprofloxacin starting the day before biopsy. Results: The 1.3% (3/229) of patients developed infectious complications following biopsy. Each of the (3/3) species isolated was fluoroquinolone-resistant. Among patients developing infectious complications, all had prior exposure to fluoroquinolones and all infectious complications were fluoroquinolone-resistant.Conclusion: This study highlights the need for confirming the patient’s exposure history with fluoroquinolones and considering another class of antibiotics for patients with prior fluoroquinolone exposure to avoid infectious complications following prostate biopsies.
Analysis of Thermodynamic Properties for Rare Earth Complexes in Ionic Liquids by Raman Spectroscopy and DFT Calculation
Authors: Matsumiya Masahiko , Kazama Ryo , Tsunashima Katsuhiko
Published: December 2016

The coordination states of the divalent and trivalent rare earth complexes in ionic liquid, triethyl-pentyl-phosphonium bis(trifluoromethyl-sulfonyl) amide [P2225][TFSA] were investigated by Raman spectroscopy and DFT calculation. The concentration dependences of the deconvoluted Raman spectra were investigated for 0.23-0.45 mol kg-1 RE(III), RE=Nd and Dy, and the mixed sample of RE(II)/RE(III)=1/3 at the molar ratio in [P2225][TFSA]. According to the conventional analysis, the solvation number; n of rare earth complexes in [P2225][TFSA] were determined to be n=4.06 for Nd(II), 5.01 for Nd(III), 4.12 for Dy(II) and 5.00 for Dy(III).
Thermodynamic properties such as ΔisoG, ΔisoH and ΔisoS for the isomerism of [TFSA]- from trans- to cis-isomer in bulk and the first solvation sphere of the centered [RE3+] cation in [P2225][TFSA] were evaluated from the temperature dependence in the range of 298-398K. ΔisoG(bulk), ΔisoH(bulk) and TΔisoS(bulk) at 298 K were -1.06, 6.86, and 7.92 kJ mol-1, respectively. The trans-[TFSA]-was dominant in the enthalpy due to the positive value of ΔisoH(bulk) and TÎ”isoS(bulk) was slightly larger than ΔisoH(bulk), so that cis-[TFSA]- was revealed to be an entropy-controlled in [P2225][TFSA]. On the other hand, in the first solvation sphere of [RE3+] cation, ΔisoH (Nd)(-47.39 kJ mol-1) increased to the negative value remarkably and implied that the cis-[TFSA]- isomers were stabilized for enthalpy. ΔisoH(Nd) contributed to the remarkable decrease in the ΔisoG(Nd) and this result clearly indicated that the cis-[TFSA]- bound to Nd3+ cation was preferred and the coordination state of [Dy(III)(cis-TFSA)5]2- was stable in [P2225][TFSA]
The optimized geometries and the bonding energies of [RE(II)(cis-TFSA)4]2- and [RE(III)(cis-TFSA)5]2- clusters were also investigated from DFT calculation with ADF package. The bonding energy; ΔEb was calculated from ΔEb= Etot(cluster) - Etot(RE2,3+) - nEtot([TFSA]-). ΔEb([Nd(II)(cis-TFSA)4]2-), ΔEb([Nd(III)(cis-TFSA)5]2-), ΔEb([Dy(II)(cis-TFSA)4]2-) and Î”Eb([Dy(III)(cis-TFSA)5]2-) were -2241.6, -4362.3, -2135.4 and -4284.2 kJmol-1, respectively. This result was revealed that [RE(III)(cis-TFSA)5]2-cluster formed stronger coordination bonds than [Dy(II)(cis-TFSA)4]2- cluster. The average atomic charges and the bond distances of these clusters were consistent with the thermodynamic properties.
Robust Cox Regression as an Alternative Method to Estimate Adjusted Relative Risk in Prospective Studies with Common Outcomes
Authors: Xie Wuxiang , Zheng Fanfan
Published: December 2016

Objective: To demonstrate the use of robust Cox regression in estimating adjusted relative risks (and confidence intervals) when all participants with an identical follow-up time and when a common outcome is investigated.
Methods: In this paper, we propose an alternative statistical method, robust Cox regression, to estimate adjusted relative risks in prospective studies. We use simulated cohort data to examine the suitability of robust Cox regression.
Results: Robust Cox regression provides estimates that are equivalent to those of modified Poisson regression: regression coefficients, relative risks, 95% confidence intervals, P values. It also yields reasonable probabilities (bounded by 0 and 1). Unlike modified Poisson regression, robust Cox regression allows for four automatic variable selection methods, it directly computes adjusted relative risks for continuous variables, and is able to incorporate time-dependent covariates.
Conclusion: Given the popularity of Cox regression in the medical and epidemiological literature, we believe that robust Cox regression may gain wider acceptance and application in the future. We recommend robust Cox regression as an alternative analytical tool to modified Poisson regression. In this study we demonstrated its utility to estimate adjusted relative risks for common outcomes in prospective studies with two or three waves of data collection (spaced similarly).
A Case-Control Study of Alcohol Consumption and Esophageal Cancer in the Northeast State of Mizoram, India
Authors: Lalpawimawha Mr.
Published: December 2016

Summary: Esophageal cancer is one of the main health issues in Mizoram. The risk factors of the disease are related to consumption of alcohol. There have not been any epidemiological studies on this subject in the state. The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between esophageal cancer and consumption of alcohol.
Materials and Methods: A hospital based matched case-control study was conducted comprising of 138 cases with histologically confirmed diagnosis of esophageal cancer and 276 controls that were cancer and esophageal cancer disease free. Cases and controls matched by gender and age (± 5 years). Ratio of cases and controls were 1:2. A questionnaire was used to collect information on possible risk factors of esophageal cancer. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for gastric cancer were calculated by a conditional logistic regression.
Results: Cases had significantly lower education level. Most of the cases are from middle income class. After adjustment for consumption of betel quid, tobacco, smoking, body mass index (BMI), family history of cancer, education level and income level, higher risk of esophageal cancer was found for those who have the habit of consuming alcohol in the morning. After controlling for consumption of betel quid, tobacco, smoking, body mass index (BMI), family history of cancer, education level, income level, dietary habits, physical activity, consumption of Zu(locally brewed alcohol) and both Zu(locally brewed alcohol) and commercial alcohol(rum, whisky, vodka and beer, etc) are also associated with higher risk of esophageal cancer (O.R = 9.820, 95% CI = 2.029-47.523).
Labeling proteins inside living cells using external fluorophores for microscopy
Authors: Teng Kai Wen , Ishitsuka Yuji , Ren Pin , Youn Yeoan , Deng Xiang , Ge Pinghua , Lee Sang Hak , Belmont Andrew S , Selvin Paul R
Published: December 2016

Site-specific fluorescent labeling of proteins inside live mammalian cells has been achieved by employing Streptolysin O, a bacterial toxin which forms temporary pores in the membrane and allows delivery of virtually any fluorescent probes, ranging from labeled IgG’s to small ligands, with high efficiency (>85% of cells). The whole process, including recovery, takes 30 min, and the cell is ready to be imaged immediately. A variety of cell viability tests were performed after treatment with SLO to ensure that the cells have intact membranes, are able to divide, respond normally to signaling molecules, and maintains healthy organelle morphology. When combined with Oxyrase, a cell-friendly photostabilizer, a ~20x improvement in fluorescence photostability is achieved. By adding in glutathione, fluorophores are made to blink, enabling super-resolution fluorescence with 20–30 nm resolution over a long time (~30 min) under continuous illumination. Example applications in conventional and super-resolution imaging of native and transfected cells include p65 signal transduction activation, single molecule tracking of kinesin, and specific labeling of a series of nuclear and cytoplasmic protein complexes.
Thalamo-cortical axons regulate the radial dispersion of neocortical GABAergic interneurons
Authors: Zechel Sabrina , Nakagawa Yasushi , Ibáñez Carlos F
Published: December 2016

Neocortical GABAergic interneuron migration and thalamo-cortical axon (TCA) pathfinding follow similar trajectories and timing, suggesting they may be interdependent. The mechanisms that regulate the radial dispersion of neocortical interneurons are incompletely understood. Here we report that disruption of TCA innervation, or TCA-derived glutamate, affected the laminar distribution of GABAergic interneurons in mouse neocortex, resulting in abnormal accumulation in deep layers of interneurons that failed to switch from tangential to radial orientation. Expression of the KCC2 cotransporter was elevated in interneurons of denervated cortex, and KCC2 deletion restored normal interneuron lamination in the absence of TCAs. Disruption of interneuron NMDA receptors or pharmacological inhibition of calpain also led to increased KCC2 expression and defective radial dispersion of interneurons. Thus, although TCAs are not required to guide the tangential migration of GABAergic interneurons, they provide crucial signals that restrict interneuron KCC2 levels, allowing coordinated neocortical invasion of TCAs and interneurons.
Structural basis for subtype-specific inhibition of the P2X7 receptor
Authors: Karasawa Akira , Kawate Toshimitsu
Published: December 2016

The P2X7 receptor is a non-selective cation channel activated by extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Chronic activation of P2X7 underlies many health problems such as pathologic pain, yet we lack effective antagonists due to poorly understood mechanisms of inhibition. Here we present crystal structures of a mammalian P2X7 receptor complexed with five structurally-unrelated antagonists. Unexpectedly, these drugs all bind to an allosteric site distinct from the ATP-binding pocket in a groove formed between two neighboring subunits. This novel drug-binding pocket accommodates a diversity of small molecules mainly through hydrophobic interactions. Functional assays propose that these compounds allosterically prevent narrowing of the drug-binding pocket and the turret-like architecture during channel opening, which is consistent with a site of action distal to the ATP-binding pocket. These novel mechanistic insights will facilitate the development of P2X7-specific drugs for treating human diseases.
Thin-film preparation by back-surface irradiation pulsed laser deposition using metal powder targets
Authors: Kawasaki Hiroharu , Ohshima Tamiko , Yagyu Yoshihito , Ihara Takeshi , Yamauchi Makiko , Suda Yoshiaki
Published: December 2016

Several kinds of functional thin films were deposited using a new thin-film preparation method named the back-surface irradiation pulsed laser deposition (BIPLD) method. In this BIPLD method, powder targets were used as the film source placed on a transparent target holder, and then a visible-wavelength pulsed laser was irradiated from the holder side to the substrate. Using this new method, titanium oxide and boron nitride thin films were deposited on the silicon substrate. Surface scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images suggest that all of the thin films were deposited on the substrate with some large droplets irrespective of the kind of target used. The deposition rate of the films prepared by using this method was calculated from film thickness and deposition time to be much lower than that of the films prepared by conventional PLD. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement results suggest that rutile and anatase TiO2 crystal peaks were formed for the films prepared using the TiO2 rutile powder target. Crystal peaks of hexagonal boron nitride were observed for the films prepared using the boron nitride powder target. The crystallinity of the prepared films was changed by annealing after deposition.
Properties of CaLa4(Zr0.05Ti0.95)4O15 thin films by RF magnetron sputtering
Authors: Hsu Cheng-Hsing , Liu Jen-Chieh , Tseng Ching-Fang , Hsieh Wan-Yu , Yang Yu-Han , Chou Po-Heng , Chang Chia-Hsien
Published: December 2016

CaLa4(Zr0.05Ti0.95)4O15 thin films deposited on n-type Si(100) substrates at different substrate temperatures and radio-frequency (RF) powers were investigated. The structural and morphological characteristics analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were found to be affected by substrate temperature (150–300 °C) and RF power (200–300 W). Highly oriented CaLa4(Zr0.05Ti0.95)4O15 (110) perpendicular to the substrate surface was identified for all of the deposition conditions. The XRD showed that the deposited films exhibited a polycrystalline microstructure. As the RF power and substrate temperature increased, the quality of the CaLa4(Zr0.05Ti0.95)4O15 thin films improved, and the kinetic energies of the sputtered atoms increased, resulting in a structural improvement of the deposited CaLa4(Zr0.05Ti0.95)4O15 thin films. The optimum conditions for the growth of CaLa4(Zr0.05Ti0.95)4O15 thin films in this study were a RF power of 300 W and substrate temperature of 300 °C. A high dielectric constant of 46.2 (f = 1 MHz), dissipation factor of 0.049 (f = 1 MHz) and a low leakage current density of 7.3 × 10−7 A/cm2 in an electrical field of 100 kV/cm were obtained for the prepared films.
Surface modification of carbon nanohorns by helium plasma and ozone treatments
Authors: Lin Zaw , Iijima Toru , Karthik Paneer Selvam , Yoshida Mitsunobu , Hada Masaki , Nishikawa Takeshi , Hayashi Yasuhiko
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we describe the effects of helium plasma and ozone treatments on the dispersibility of carbon nanohorns (CNHs) in water. The experimental setups have been designed to efficiently generate helium plasma and ozone by dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure. After being treated with ozone, the oxygen-containing functional groups were introduced to the surface of CNHs, and are responsible for better dispersion. Helium plasma treatment was performed separately and it resulted in hydroxyl functional groups on the surface of CNHs. It was also found that the sizes of CNHs in water were smaller after ozone treatment. However, plasma-treated CNHs were bigger than ozone treated CNHs. The dispersed CNHs modified by ozone treatment were stable for more than three months without precipitation. In contrast, though helium plasma treatment introduced hydroxyl groups to the surface of CNHs, the dispersibility decreased and the flocculation of CNHs was observed in a few minutes.
Why mitochondria need a genome revisited
Authors: Björkholm Patrik , Ernst Andreas M. , Hagström Erik , Andersson Siv G. E.
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we experimentally address the debate about why functional transfer of mitochondrial genes to the nucleus has been halted in some organismal groups and why cytosolic expression of mitochondrial proteins has proven remarkably difficult. By expressing all 13 human mitochondrial‐encoded genes with strong mitochondrial‐targeting sequences in the cytosol of human cells, we show that all proteins, except ATP8, are transported to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). These results confirm and extend previous findings based on three mitochondrial genes lacking mitochondrial‐targeting sequences that also were relocated to the ER during cytosolic expression. We conclude that subcellular protein targeting constitutes a major barrier to functional transfer of mitochondrial genes to the nuclear genome.
Divalent metal binding by histidine‐rich glycoprotein differentially regulates higher order oligomerisation and proteolytic processing
Authors: Priebatsch Kristin M. , Poon Ivan K. H. , Patel Kruti K. , Kvansakul Marc , Hulett Mark D.
Published: December 2016

The serum protein histidine‐rich glycoprotein (HRG) has been implicated in tissue injury and tumour growth. Several HRG functions are regulated by the divalent metal Zn2+, including ligand binding and proteolytic processing that releases active HRG fragments. Although HRG can bind divalent metals other than Zn2+, the impact of these divalent metals on the biophysical properties of HRG remains poorly understood. We now show that HRG binds Zn2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Co2+ with micromolar affinities, but differing stoichiometries, and regulate the release of specific HRG fragments during proteolysis. Furthermore, HRG binding to Zn2+ promotes HRG dimer formation in a Zn2+‐concentration‐ and pH‐dependent manner. Our data highlight the complex divalent metal‐dependent regulatory mechanisms that govern HRG function.
Radio Frequency Amplifiers Based on
DC SQUID
s
Authors: Mück Michael , McDermott Robert
Published: December 2016

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction

The
SQUID
at Very High Frequencies

Practical
SQUID rf
Amplifiers

Coupling Radio Frequency Power to the
SQUID

Noise Temperature of
SQUID
Amplifiers

Input and Output Impedance of a
SQUID rf
Amplifier

Nonlinearities and Intermodulation in
SQUID rf
Amplifiers

Applications of
SQUID
Amplifiers

Conclusion
Josephson Arrays as Radiation Sources (incl.Josephson Laser)
Authors: Wang Huabing
Published: December 2016

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction

Arrays that are Coherent through Classical Coupling

Arrays that are Coherent Coupling to an External Cavity

IntrinsicJosephson Junctions

Summarization

Acknowledgment
Tunable Microwave Devices
Authors: Khare Neeraj
Published: December 2016

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction

Mechanical/Electromechanical Tuning

Electrical Tuning

Magnetic Tuning

Optical Tuning
Preprogrammed Long‐Term Systemic Pulsatile Delivery of Parathyroid Hormone to Strengthen Bone
Authors: Dang Ming , Koh Amy J. , Danciu Theodora , McCauley Laurie K. , Ma Peter X.
Published: December 2016

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the only US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved anabolic agent for the treatment of osteoporosis. The anabolic action of PTH depends on the mode of PTH administration. Pulsatile administration promotes bone formation, however continuous PTH exposure results in bone resorption. In addition, the therapeutic effect of PTH is optimal when the dose and duration fit the therapeutic window. Current PTH treatment requires daily injection, which is neither a convenient nor a favorable choice of patients. Here, an implantable and biodegradable device capable of long‐term pulsatile delivery of PTH is developed as a patient‐friendly alternative. The advanced materials and fabrication techniques developed in this work enable us to preprogram a pulsatile delivery device to systemically deliver 21 daily pulses of PTH that build bone in vivo. In addition, the device is biodegradable and absorbable in vivo so that no retraction procedure is needed. Therefore, this implantable and biodegradable pulsatile device holds promise to promote bone growth and treat various conditions of bone loss without the burden of daily injections or secondary surgeries.
Bacterial Interactions with Immobilized Liquid Layers
Authors: Kovalenko Yevgen , Sotiri Irini , Timonen Jaakko V. I. , Overton Jonathan C. , Holmes Gareth , Aizenberg Joanna , Howell Caitlin
Published: December 2016

Bacterial interactions with surfaces are at the heart of many infection‐related problems in healthcare. In this work, the interactions of clinically relevant bacteria with immobilized liquid (IL) layers on oil‐infused polymers are investigated. Although oil‐infused polymers reduce bacterial adhesion in all cases, complex interactions of the bacteria and liquid layer under orbital flow conditions are uncovered. The number of adherent Escherichia coli cells over multiple removal cycles increases in flow compared to static growth conditions, likely due to a disruption of the liquid layer continuity. Surprisingly, however, biofilm formation appears to remain low regardless of growth conditions. No incorporation of the bacteria into the layer is observed. Bacterial type is also found to affect the number of adherent cells, with more E. coli remaining attached under dynamic orbital flow than Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa under identical conditions. Tests with mutant E. coli lacking flagella confirm that flagella play an important role in adhesion to these surfaces. The results presented here shed new light on the interaction of bacteria with IL layers, highlighting the fundamental differences between oil‐infused and traditional solid interfaces, as well as providing important information for their eventual translation into materials that reduce bacterial adhesion in medical applications.
Indium(III) Triflate‐Catalyzed Efficient Prins‐Type Cyclization of β‐Allenols and Aldehydes
Authors: Han Yulin , Tang Xinjun , Cheng Jiajia , Ma Shengming
Published: December 2016

We report here an indium(III) triflate (In(OTf)3)‐catalyzed Prins‐type cyclization of disubstituted β‐allenols in the presence of aldehydes in dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) affording different 3,6‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran at room temperature or 45 °C. The high efficiency of the reaction and easily available nature of the starting materials/catalyst make it useful in synthesizing different dihydropyran derivatives. A rationale for the formation of all the products was proposed.

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Synthesis and Properties of Hydrazino Amino Acyclic Carbenes of Gold(I), Platinum(II), Palladium(II) and Rhodium(III)
Authors: Tšupova Svetlana , Rudolph Matthias , Rominger Frank , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: December 2016

The nucleophilic addition of protected and substituted hydrazine derivatives to isonitrile complexes of gold(I), platinum(II), palladium(II) and rhodium(III) provides the corresponding hydrazino amino acyclic carbene complexes. These are characterized by their spectroscopic data, four different X‐ray single crystal structure analyses and their catalytic activity in the gold(I)‐catalyzed cycloisomerization of N‐propargylcarboxamides to alkylideneoxazolines is investigated.

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Synthesis of 3‐Formylfurans via a Silver(I)‐Catalyzed Epoxide Ring‐Opening/1,2‐Acyl Migration/Cyclization Cascade
Authors: Wang Jing , Shen Chen , Wang Tao , Mo Sheng , Li Xingxin , Zhang Zunting
Published: December 2016

By the design of suitable starting materials, a silver(I)‐catalyzed epoxide ring‐opening/1,2‐acyl migration/cyclization cascade has been developed, which allowed us to systematically prepare unsymmetrical 3‐formylfurans. Various 3‐formylfurans were prepared in good to excellent yields. In addition, the distinct fluorescence properties of 3‐formylfurans in solution and the solid state are disclosed.

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Dual Gold Catalysis: Synthesis of Fluorene Derivatives from Diynes
Authors: Bucher Janina , Wurm Thomas , Taschinski Svenja , Sachs Eleni , Ascough David , Rudolph Matthias , Rominger Frank , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: December 2016

1,5‐Diyne systems bearing one terminal and one benzyl‐ or allyl‐substituted alkyne attached to an aromatic backbone were converted in the presence of a gold catalyst. In a dual gold‐catalyzed process, gold vinylidenes are formed that selectively undergo formal CH insertion into the C(sp2)–H bond of the offered unsaturated systems. If H atoms are present in the propargylic position, a subsequent isomerization to the aromatic system takes place leading to 9H‐fluorene and 11H‐benzo[b]fluorene derivatives as final products. In the case of a quaternary carbon in the propargylic position no further aromatization is observed and 10H‐benzo[b]fluorene derivatives are obtained in high yield.

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Total Synthesis of Viniferifuran, Resveratrol‐Piceatannol Hybrid, Anigopreissin A and Analogues – Investigation of Demethylation Strategies
Authors: Vo Duc Duy , Elofsson Mikael
Published: December 2016

Resveratrol‐based natural products constitute a valuable source of unique compounds with diverse biological activities. In this report we investigate demethylation strategies to minimize formation of cyclized and dimerized products during the synthesis of viniferifuran and analogues. We found that boron trichloride/tetra‐n‐butylammonium iodide (BCl3/TBAI) is typically more effective than boron tribromide (BBr3). Based on these findings we carried out the first syntheses of dehydro‐δ‐viniferin, resveratrol‐piceatannol hybrid and anigopreissin A. In addition, we have developed a short and efficient route to viniferifuran that was obtained in 13% yield over six steps.

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A Modulator‐Induced Defect‐Formation Strategy to Hierarchically Porous Metal–Organic Frameworks with High Stability
Authors: Cai Guorui , Jiang Hai‐Long
Published: December 2016

The pore size enlargement and structural stability have been recognized as two crucial targets, which are rarely achieved together, in the development of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Herein, we have developed a versatile modulator‐induced defect‐formation strategy, in the presence of monocarboxylic acid as a modulator and an insufficient amount of organic ligand, successfully realizing the controllable synthesis of hierarchically porous MOFs (HP‐MOFs) with high stability and tailorable pore characters. Remarkably, the integration of high stability and large mesoporous property enables these HP‐MOFs to be important porous platforms for applications involving large molecules, especially in catalysis.
A mixed‐ligand copper(II) complex that inhibits growth and induces apoptosis by DNA targeting in human epithelial cervical cancer cells
Authors: Ma Zhong‐Ying , Qiao Zheng , Wang Dong‐Bo , Hou Xuan , Qiao Xin , Xie Cheng‐Zhi , Qiang Zhao‐Yan , Xu Jing‐Yuan
Published: December 2016

A new mixed‐ligand copper(II) complex, [Cu(L)(phen)]⋅MeOH (L = 4‐chloro‐2‐[(2‐hydroxyphenyl)iminomethyl]phenol), was synthesized. It belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system and Cu(II) is five‐coordinated in a seriously distorted square pyramidal geometry. DNA binding experiments confirmed an intercalative mode of interaction of the complex with calf thymus DNA. In a DNA cleavage experiment with the complex, as hydrogen peroxide was involved, oxidative DNA cleavage occurred and double‐stranded breaks even appeared at certain concentration. The strong interaction with bovine serum albumin suggested that the complex might be transported by protein. The complex exhibited more significant cytotoxicity in HeLa cells (IC50 = 0.46 ± 0.01 μM) for 48 h, compared with cisplatin (10.61 ± 0.86 μM). This work indicated that the complex could induce apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner and was associated with cell cycle arrest to some extent. Being consistent with the results of DNA cleavage experiment, comet assay indicated that the complex induced severe DNA fragmentation. The results showed the production of reactive oxygen species increased with increasing concentration of the complex. The complex was suggested to be capable of promoting HeLa cell apoptosis through an oxidative DNA damage pathway.
In situgeneration of highly active bis(N‐heterocyclic)carbene palladium as an efficient catalyst in directS‐arylation of methylphenyl sulfoxide and the Heck reaction: Ligand steric effects in product selectivity
Authors: Bagherzadeh Mojtaba , Mousavi Narges‐alsadat , Jamali Sirous
Published: December 2016

The use of 1,3‐bis(N‐heterocyclic)carbene ligands with different alkyl wingtip groups (alkyl = methyl, isopropyl andtert‐butyl) is an effective method for the palladium‐catalysed directS‐arylation of methylphenyl sulfoxide and C–C coupling of various of aryl halides with alkenes. The reactions proceed in moderate to good yields. Interestingly, it is shown experimentally that, by using bulkier bidentate N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands, more selective catalytic systems towardscisproducts in Heck coupling reactions can be achieved.
Iron(III) diacetylmonoxime‐2‐hydrazinopyridine complex: A new prospective antitumor drug
Authors: Saad Entsar A. , Hassanien Mohamed M. , Elneely Enas A.
Published: December 2016

Because of the side effects and drug resistance of cisplatin, a basic clinically approved chemotherapeutic drug, a new attempt is reported to develop a novel antitumor drug based on complexation of iron metal ion with organic moiety that may be effective and safer. A newly synthesized iron(III) diacetylmonoxime‐2‐hydrazinopyridine complex was tested firstly for its cytotoxicity and superoxide dismutase (SOD)‐mimic activity in vitro then for its antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and the related biochemical alterations in vivo in comparison with cisplatin. The complex showed 80.88% SOD‐mimic activity and IC50 of 2.6 μg ml−1. In EAC‐bearing mice, in a dose‐dependent manner, Fe(III) complex treatment exhibited significant hematological profile improvements, tumor volume, viable cell count and hepatic lipid peroxidation level decreases, life span extension, hepatic glutathione and total antioxidant capacity levels enhancements, hepatic SOD and catalase activities augmentations, liver function tests alterations attenuations, and hepatocyte nucleic acids content normalization. Thus, the Fe(III) diacetylmonoxime‐2‐hydrazinopyridine complex is a novel, promising, less toxic antitumor agent. Its killing of tumor cells may be via a reactive oxygen species scavenging mechanism.
Synthesis, characterization and anticancer activity of a series of curcuminoids and their half‐sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes
Authors: Li Peiyuan , Su Wei , Lei Xiaolin , Xiao Qi , Huang Shan
Published: December 2016

A series of curcuminoids (L1–L7) and their corresponding (η6‐p‐cymene)RuII(Cur)Cl complexes (1–7) were synthesized and characterized using 1H NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and high‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The molecular structures of L2, L4, 1 and 4 were determined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The stability of 1–7 was investigated by monitoring their UV profiles. The compounds were further evaluated for their in vitro antiproliferative activities against the HepG2 human liver and HeLa human cervical cancer cell lines and HEK‐293 T noncancerous cell line.
Fine needle aspiration in the diagnosis and classification of hepatoblastoma
Authors: Vlajnic Tatjana , Brisse Hervé J. , Aerts Isabelle , Fréneaux Paul , Cellier Cécile , Fabre Monique , Klijanienko Jerzy
Published: December 2016

Background

Diagnosis of hepatoblastoma (HBL) is based on characteristic clinical and radiological presentation, young age and marked elevation of serum α‐fetoprotein (aFP). Fine needle aspiration (FNA) technique is successfully used in the diagnosis of hepatoblastoma. To evaluate the value of FNA in the diagnosis and subtyping of HBL, we report our experience correlated to histological sections (core needle biopsy, CNB).

Methods

From 1991 to 2015, 21 cases from 20 patients were cytologically diagnosed as HBL. The patients were 15 males and 5 females, mean age being 3 years, and median age being 2 years and 4 months. Serum aFP levels ranged from negative to 1,285,000 ng/ml. We defined cytological criteria to diagnose fetal, embryonal, mesenchymal, and small cell undifferentiated components.

Results

The accurate cytological diagnosis of HBL was made in all cases; 8 cases exhibited a single component and 13 cases exhibited two or more components. Fetal and embryonal components were seen in 18 and 13 cases, respectively, and small cell undifferentiated component was seen in one case. Mesenchymal component was seen in 12 cases. Comparing cytology and histology, identical components were identified on both, FNA and CNB in 14 cases. When analyzing only the presence of epithelial components, 17 cases were concordant in both techniques.

Conclusion

FNA allows to accurately diagnose HBL and recognize its histological subtypes. On the basis of high concordance between cytological and histological diagnosis, FNA is validated as an alternative diagnostic method to CNB. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:91–100. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of porcine relaxin in plasma by liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Wong April S. Y. , Ho Emmie N. M. , Kwok W. H. , Leung Gary N. W. , Shen Yuehong , Qi Robert Z. , Yue Samuel K. , Wan Terence S. M.
Published: December 2016

Relaxin (RLX) has demonstrated diverse pharmacological effects in various scientific and clinical studies. The emergence of porcine relaxin (pRLX) has raised concerns on the doping potential of pRLX. There have also been speculations in the horseracing industry on its covert use. To control the abuse of pRLX in equine sports, a method to detect pRLX effectively and to provide its unequivocal identification in equine biological samples is required. This paper reports on the detection and confirmation of pRLX in equine plasma by liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry. pRLX was isolated from equine plasma by immunoaffinity purification using anti‐pRLX antibody‐coated magnetic beads. Anti‐pRLX antibody was generated in‐house by purifying antisera from rabbits immunized with pRLX. The isolated pRLX was subjected to reduction of their disulfide bonds to obtain their respective A‐ and B‐chains. The extracts were then further purified and concentrated prior to reversed‐phase LC separation and high resolution accurate mass measurement. As detection of the A‐chains was far more sensitive than that of the B‐chains, the A‐chain of pRLX was set as the targets for detection and confirmation. The limit of detection for pRLX was around 0.005 ng/mL (~ 0.86 fM) and the limit of confirmation was around 0.02 ng/mL (~ 3.4 fM). It was observed that method sensitivity was improved at least 5‐fold by using an EASY‐spray column and emitter in place of the conventional ESI source. The applicability of this method was demonstrated by the identification of pRLX and its metabolites in equine plasma obtained after subcutaneous administration. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a validated mass spectrometry method for the unequivocal confirmation of pRLX in any biological fluid. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moving beyond the concept of “primary forest” as a metric of forest environment quality
Authors: Bernier P. Y. , Paré D. , Stinson G. , Bridge S. R. J. , Kishchuk B. E. , Lemprière T. C. , Thiffault E. , Titus B. D. , Vasbinder W.
Published: December 2016

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been reporting country‐level area in primary forests in its Global Forest Resource Assessment since 2005. The FAO definition of a primary forest (naturally regenerated forest of native species where there are no clearly visible indications of human activities and the ecological processes are not significantly disturbed) is generally accepted as authoritative and is being used in policy making. However, problems with this definition undermine our capacity to obtain globally coherent estimates. In addition, the current reporting on primary forests fails to consider the complementarily of non‐primary forests toward the maintenance of ecosystem services. These issues undermine the appropriate tracking of changes in primary and non‐primary forests, and the assessment of impacts of such changes on ecosystem services. We present the case for an operational reconsideration of the primary forest concept and discuss how alternatives or supplements might be developed.
Syntheses of C‐6 Aryl‐ and Alkynyl‐Substituted Thymidines from Thymidine trans‐5,6‐Bromohydrins
Authors: Wrigstedt Pauli , Iashin Vladimir , Lagerblom Kalle , Keskiväli Juha , Chernichenko Konstantin , Repo Timo
Published: December 2016

C‐6‐substituted thymidines are biochemically important compounds. The thymidine (6–4) photoproduct [i.e., 5‐hydroxy‐6‐(thymidine‐4‐yl) dihydrothymidine], in particular, is a DNA lesion that is triggered by the UV irradiation of sunlight. Herein, we report a metal‐free cis‐diastereoselective ring opening of thymidine 5,6‐epoxides by using mildly nucleophilic organofluoroborates in the presence of BF3·Et2O to provide facile access to (6–4) photoproduct analogues. A broad range of aryl and alkynylfluoroborates are compatible with the reaction conditions, which also tolerate various protecting groups. Furthermore, the epoxide addition products can undergo a thionyl chloride/pyridine promoted dehydration process to give the respective pharmaceutically attractive C‐6‐substituted thymidines in high yields, thus providing a new and straightforward method for their synthesis.
Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene/graphene oxide nanocomposites: Wear characterization and biological response to wear particles
Authors: Suñer S. , Gowland N. , Craven R. , Joffe R. , Emami N. , Tipper J. L.
Published: December 2016

In the field of total joint replacements, polymer nanocomposites are being investigated as alternatives to ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for acetabular cup bearings. The objective of this study was to investigate the wear performance and biocompatibility of UHMWPE/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites. This study revealed that low concentrations of GO nanoparticles (0.5 wt %) do not significantly alter the wear performance of UHMWPE. In contrast, the addition of higher concentrations (2 wt %) led to a significant reduction in wear. In terms of biocompatibility, UHMWPE/GO wear particles did not show any adverse effects on L929 fibroblast and PBMNC viability at any of the concentrations tested over time. Moreover, the addition of GO to a UHMWPE matrix did not significantly affect the inflammatory response to wear particles. Further work is required to optimize the manufacturing processes to improve the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites and additional biocompatibility testing should be performed to understand the potential clinical application of these materials. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 183–190, 2018.
Genomic data integration in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Fernández‐Martínez Juan Luis , deAndrés‐Galiana Enrique J. , Sonis Stephen T.
Published: December 2016

Background

B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a heterogeneous disease and the most common adult leukemia in western countries. IgVH mutational status distinguishes two major types of CLL, each associated with a different prognosis and survival. Sequencing identified NOTCH1 and SF3B1 as the two main recurrent mutations. We described a novel method to clarify how these mutations affect gene expression by finding small‐scale signatures that predict the IgVH, NOTCH1 and SF3B1 mutations. We subsequently defined the biological pathways and correlation networks involved in disease development, with the potential goal of identifying new drugable targets.

Methods

We modeled a microarray dataset consisting of 48807 probes derived from 163 samples. The use of Fisher's ratio and fold change combined with feature elimination allowed us to identify the minimum number of genes with the highest predictive mutation power and, subsequently, we applied network and pathway analyses of these genes to identify their biological roles.

Results

The mutational status of the patients was accurately predicted (94–99%) using small‐scale gene signatures: 13 genes for IgVH, 60 for NOTCH1 and 22 for SF3B1. LPL plays an important role in the case of the IgVH mutation, whereas MSI2, LTK, TFEC and CNTAP2 are involved in the NOTCH1 mutation, and RPL32 and PLAGL1 are involved in the SF3B1 mutation. Four high discriminatory genes (IGHG1, MYBL1, NRIP1 and RGS1) are common to these three mutations. The IL‐4‐mediated signaling events pathway appears to be involved as a common mechanism and suggests an important role of the immune response mechanisms and antigen presentation.

Conclusions

This retrospective analysis served to provide a deeper understanding of the effects of the different mutations in CLL disease progression, with the expectation that these findings will be clinically applied in the near future to the development of new drugs.
A note on the uniqueness of the Poynting vector and of the Maxwell tensor
Authors: Bossavit Alain
Published: December 2016

Many alternatives to the classical Poynting vector P have been proposed, but they lack a property of locality that makes P special and makes it the right choice to represent the energy flux. We give a geometrical proof of this uniqueness. Similar considerations apply to the Maxwell stress tensor.