bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on synthesis and photochemical behavior of carbamate photobase generators for fluorescence imaging
Authors: Liu Lanlan , Guo Jinbao , Wei Jie
Published: June 2014

A fluorescence imaging system is designed based on the photodecomposition of photobase generators embedded in polyvinyl butyral (PVB) matrix. These photobase generators were synthesized with propyl and phenethyl units served as leaving groups, and phthalimido, succinimido, di‐2‐thienyl ketoximino, and benzophenoneoximino units acted as photosensitive species, respectively. The influences of the two leaving groups and four photosensitive species on the photochemical behavior were investigated in detail. The results demonstrate that the photochemical properties of these photobase generators depend on the photosensitive species other than the leaving groups. And further study shows that succinimido propylcarbamate (SPrC) exhibits the best thermal stability and relatively quick rate of photodecomposition among all the photobase generators. Therefore, a PVB film embedded with SPrC is used as a fluorescence imaging material. The patterned fluorescence image obtained from the fluorescamine‐treated irradiated PVB film showed bright green fluorescence, which provides potential application for optical storage or color electronic displays. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41058.
Technology and Technicity: A Critical Analysis of Some Contemporary Models of Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Cammell Paul
Published: June 2014

In this article I discuss the philosophical writings of Bernard Stiegler, Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault concerning the concept of technology. Technology and “technicity” can be seen to be essential elements of any current culture not only in relation to material practices, but also in terms of how cultures understand and represent themselves as a collective of “individuals”. I argue that our current technological culture plays a significant role in determining how emotional problems and forms of mental illness are constituted or constructed. In particular, I focus on the widespread adoption of the concept of “borderline personality disorder”. I critically analyze how contemporary models of the treatment of this disorder form part of a contemporary cultural context in which the diagnosis and recipients of the diagnosis are actively constructed or constituted by practitioners of these models, rather than disinterestedly studied and treated by them in an objective or naturalistic sense. I draw conclusions about how a greater awareness of our “technological” cultural context can influence or improve the orientation of the psychotherapist. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Targeting the TGF‐β Receptor with Kinase Inhibitors for Scleroderma Therapy
Authors: Cong Lin , Xia Zhi‐Kuan , Yang Rong‐Ya
Published: June 2014

Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is a connective tissue disease that affects various organ systems; the treatment of scleroderma is still difficult and remains a challenge to the clinician. Recently, kinase inhibitors have shown great potential against fibrotic diseases and, specifically, the transforming growth factor‐β receptor (TGF‐βR) was found as a new and promising target for scleroderma therapy. In the current study, we propose that the large pool of existing kinase inhibitors could be exploited for inhibiting the TGF‐βR to suppress scleroderma. In this respect, we developed a modeling protocol to systematically profile the inhibitory activities of 169 commercially available kinase inhibitors against the TGF‐βR, from which five promising candidates were selected and tested using a standard kinase assay protocol. Consequently, two molecular entities, namely the PKB inhibitor MK‐2206 and the mTOR C1/C2 inhibitor AZD8055, showed high potency when bound to the TGF‐βR, with IC50 values of 97 and 86 nM, respectively, which are close to those of the recently developed TGF‐βR selective inhibitors SB525334 and LY2157299 (IC50 = 14.3 and 56 nM, respectively). We also performed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and post‐molecular mechanics/Poisson–Boltzmann surface area analyses to dissect the structural basis and energetic properties of intermolecular interactions between the TGF‐βR kinase domain and these potent compounds, highlighting intensive nonbonded networks across the tightly packed interface of non‐cognate TGF‐βR‐inhibitor complexes.
Synthesis, Cytotoxic, and Antitumor Activities of 2‐Pyridylhydrazones Derived from 3‐Benzoylpyridazines
Authors: Easmon Johnny , Pürstinger Gerhard , Heinisch Gottfried , Fiebig Hans H. , Roth Thomas , Hofmann Johann
Published: June 2014

A series of 2‐pyridylhydrazones derived from phenyl‐pyridazin‐3‐yl‐methanones were prepared in search for potential novel antitumor agents. The stereochemistry of these compounds was established by means of NMR spectroscopy. Whereas hydrazones derived from 3‐benzoylpyridazines (IC50 = 0.99–8.74 µM) inhibited the proliferation of the tumor cell lines tested, the non‐fully aromatic 3‐benzoylpyridazinone hydrazones (IC50 > 10 µM) turned out to be inactive. Compounds E‐1b (IC50 = 0.12 µM) and E‐1d (IC50 = 0.18 µM) exert high cytotoxic activities in clonogenic assays involving human tumor cells of different tissue origins. In vivo application of compound E‐1b (300 mg/kg/day) resulted in a 66% reduction in tumor burden.
Design and implementation of an online systemic human anatomy course with laboratory
Authors: Attardi Stefanie M. , Rogers Kem A.
Published: June 2014

Systemic Human Anatomy is a full credit, upper year undergraduate course with a (prosection) laboratory component at Western University Canada. To meet enrollment demands beyond the physical space of the laboratory facility, a fully online section was developed to run concurrently with the traditional face to face (F2F) course. Lectures given to F2F students are simultaneously broadcasted to online students using collaborative software (Blackboard Collaborate). The same collaborative software is used by a teaching assistant to deliver laboratory demonstrations in which three‐dimensional (3D) virtual anatomical models are manipulated. Ten commercial software programs were reviewed to determine their suitability for demonstrating the virtual models, resulting in the selection of Netter's 3D Interactive Anatomy. Supplementary online materials for the central nervous system were developed by creating 360° images of plastinated prosected brain specimens and a website through which they could be accessed. This is the first description of a fully online undergraduate anatomy course with a live, interactive laboratory component. Preliminary data comparing the online and F2F student grades suggest that previous student academic performance, and not course delivery format, predicts performance in anatomy. Future qualitative studies will reveal student perceptions about their learning experiences in both of the course delivery formats. Anat Sci Educ 8: 53–62. © 2014 American Association of Anatomists.
On searching misspelled collections
Authors: Soo Jason , Frieder Ophir
Published: June 2014

We describe an unsupervised, language‐independent spelling correction search system. We compare the proposed approach with unsupervised and supervised algorithms. The described approach consistently outperforms other unsupervised efforts and nearly matches the performance of a current state‐of‐the‐art supervised approach.
A Cresyl Violet‐Based Fluorescent Off–On Probe for the Detection and Imaging of Hypoxia and Nitroreductase in Living Organisms
Authors: Wan Qiong‐Qiong , Gao Xing‐Hui , He Xin‐Yuan , Chen Su‐Ming , Song Yan‐Chao , Gong Qiu‐Yu , Li Xiao‐Hua , Ma Hui‐Min
Published: June 2014

A new cresyl violet‐based fluorescent off–on probe has been developed through a one‐step synthesis for the detection of nitroreductase (NTR) and hypoxia. The detection mechanism is based on the NTR‐catalyzed reduction of the probe to cresyl violet, accompanied with a large fluorescence enhancement at a long wavelength of 625 nm. The probe can detect NTR in aqueous solution with high selectivity and sensitivity, and the detection limit is 1 ng mL−1 NTR. Most importantly, the probe has been successfully used to image not only NTR and hypoxia in living cells, but also the distribution of NTR in zebrafish in vivo.
Optimization of medium composition for 3‐hydroxycarboxylic acid production by Pseudomonas mendocina–biodegraded polyhydroxybutyrate
Authors: Wang Zhanyong , Mao Hailong , Liu Huifang , Su Tingting , Jiang Husheng
Published: June 2014

We optimized the culture medium for 3‐hydroxycarboxylic acid production by Pseudomonas mendocina DS‐04‐T–biodegraded polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) using the Plackett–Burman design, steepest ascent method, and Box–Behnken design. The optimized concentrations of the constituents of the culture medium were as follows: PHB (7.57 g/L), NH4Cl (5.0 g/L), KH2PO4 (2.64 g/L), Na2HPO4·12H2O (12 g/L), MgSO4·7H2O (0.5 g/L), and CaCl2·2H2O (5 mg/L). The yield of 3‐hydroxycarboxylic acid obtained using the optimized culture medium was 56.8 ± 1.64%, which was 2.5‐fold higher than that obtained when the unoptimized culture medium was used.
G‐protein‐coupled receptors and localized signaling in the primary cilium during ventral neural tube patterning
Authors: Hwang Sun‐Hee , Mukhopadhyay Saikat
Published: June 2014

The primary cilium is critical in sonic hedgehog (Shh)‐dependent ventral patterning of the vertebrate neural tube. Most mutants that cause disruption of the cilium result in decreased Shh signaling in the neural tube. In contrast, mutations in the intraflagellar complex A (IFT‐A) and the tubby family protein, Tulp3, result in increased Shh signaling in the neural tube. Proteomic analysis of Tulp3‐binding proteins first pointed to the role of the IFT‐A complex in trafficking Tulp3 into the cilia. Tulp3 directs trafficking of rhodopsin family G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) to the cilia, suggesting the role of a GPCR in mediating the paradoxical effects of the Tulp3/IFT‐A complex in causing increased Shh signaling. Gpr161 has recently been identified as a Tulp3/IFT‐A‐regulated GPCR that localizes to the primary cilium. A null knock‐out mouse model of Gpr161 phenocopies Tulp3 and IFT‐A mutants, and causes increased Shh signaling throughout the neural tube. In the absence of Shh, the bifunctional Gli transcription factors are proteolytically processed into repressor forms in a protein kinase A (PKA) ‐dependent and cilium‐dependent manner. Gpr161 activity results in increased cAMP levels in a Gαs‐coupled manner, and determines processing of Gli3. Shh signaling also results in removal of Gpr161 from the cilia, suggesting that Gpr161 functions in a positive feedback loop in the Shh pathway. As PKA‐null and Gαs mutant embryos also exhibit increased Shh signaling in the neural tube, Gpr161 is a strong candidate for a GPCR that regulates ciliary cAMP levels, and activates PKA in close proximity to the cilia. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:12–19, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel validated spectrofluorimetric methods for the determination of taurine in energy drinks and human urine
Authors: Sharaf El Din M. K. , Wahba M. E. K.
Published: June 2014

Two sensitive, selective, economic and validated spectrofluorimetric methods were developed for the determination of taurine in energy drinks and spiked human urine. Method Ι is based on fluorimetric determination of the amino acid through its reaction with Hantzsch reagent to form a highly fluorescent product measured at 490 nm after excitation at 419 nm. Method ΙΙ is based on the reaction of taurine with tetracyanoethylene yielding a fluorescent charge transfer complex, which was measured at λex/em of (360 nm/450 nm). The proposed methods were subjected to detailed validation procedures, and were statistically compared with the reference method, where the results obtained were in good agreement. Method Ι was further applied to determine taurine in energy drinks and spiked human urine giving promising results. Moreover, the stoichiometry of the reactions was studied, and reaction mechanisms were postulated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of hybrid virus‐like particles to enhance the immunogenicity of a broadly protective HPV vaccine
Authors: Tyler Mitchell , Tumban Ebenezer , Peabody David S. , Chackerian Bryce
Published: June 2014

Virus‐like particles (VLPs) can serve as a highly immunogenic vaccine platform for the multivalent display of epitopes from pathogens. We have used bacteriophage VLPs to develop vaccines that target a highly conserved epitope from the human papillomavirus (HPV) minor capsid protein, L2.VLPs displaying an L2‐peptide from HPV16 elicit antibodies that broadly neutralize infection by HPV types associated with the development of cervical cancer. To broaden the cross‐neutralization further, we have developed a strategy to display two different peptides on a single, hybrid VLP in a multivalent, highly immunogenic fashion. In general, hybrid VLPs elicited high‐titer antibody responses against both targets, although in one case we observed an immunodominant response against only one of the displayed epitopes. Immunization with hybrid particles elicited antibodies that were able to neutralize heterologous HPV types at higher titers than those elicited by particles displaying one epitope alone, indicating that the hybrid VLP approach may be an effective technique to target epitopes that undergo antigenic variation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 2398–2406. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Das Leuchten der Pflanzen
Authors: Burkart Andreas , Wrobel T.J. , Räsch A. , Rascher U.
Published: June 2014

In dieser Studie demonstrieren wir, wie man mit einfachen Mitteln, durch Visualisierung der Chlorophyllfluoreszenz, Einblicke in die Dynamik der Photosynthese erhält. Mithilfe eines Rotfilters und einer speziellen blauen Lampe wird das rote Leuchten der Chlorophyllfluoreszenz für das Auge oder eine normale Digitalkamera wahrnehmbar. Die Methode gibt nicht nur Forschern die Möglichkeit, Fluoreszenz auf die denkbar einfachste Weise direkt visuell wahrzunehmen, sondern ist durch den einfachen Aufbau und die direkte Informationsvermittlung optimal didaktisch einsetzbar.
Determination and pharmacokinetics of linarin in rat plasma after intramuscular administration of linarin solution and Yejuhua injection by HPLC
Authors: Zhao Xu , Mao Xin , Xu Xuan , Li Xiaolong , Bi Kaishun , Jia Ying
Published: June 2014

A simple and sensitive HPLC method was developed and validated for the determination of linarin in rat plasma. Plasma samples were carried out by protein precipitation with acetonitrile and separated on a Shim‐pack VP‐ODS analytical column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm). The calibration curve was linear in the measured range of 20.8–4160 ng/mL and the lower limit of quantification was 20.8 ng/mL for linarin. The validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of linarin in rat plasma after intramuscular administration of monomeric compound and traditional Chinese medicinal preparation – Yejuhua injection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of two parental imprinted miRNAs improves the risk stratification of neuroblastoma patients
Authors: Gattolliat Charles‐Henry , Le Teuff Gwénaël , Combaret Valérie , Mussard Eugénie , Valteau‐Couanet Dominique , Busson Pierre , Bénard Jean , Douc‐Rasy Sétha
Published: June 2014

Age at diagnosis, stage, and MYCN amplification are the cornerstones of the risk‐stratification score of neuroblastoma that enables defining patients at low‐ and high risk. Refinement of this stratification is needed to optimize standard treatment and to plan future clinical trials. We investigated whether two parental imprinted miRNAs (miR‐487b and miR‐516a‐5p) may lead to a risk score with a better discrimination. Expression levels of maternal miR‐487b and paternal miR‐516a‐5p were determined using quantitative RT‐PCR both for 231 neuroblastoma tumors (derivation set) and 101 independent neuroblastoma tumors (validation set). Survival outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS). Multivariable Cox models were developed from derivation set and their performance evaluated using Akaike's information criterion (AIC) (goodness‐of‐fit) and time‐dependent area under curves (discrimination). The selected model was validated using internal and external validation. The prognostic model including current prognostic factors plus miR‐487b, miR‐516a‐5p, and interaction between two miRNAs was selected. Performance of this model was better in terms of both predictive ability (smallest AIC) and discrimination power (AUC close to 0.70). This model identifies three risk groups: high (3), intermediate (2), and low (1). Hazard ratios (HR) across risk groups were HR2/1 = 6.3 (2.7–14.6), HR3/1 = 14.8 (7.2–30.2) for OS and HR2/1 = 2.8 (1.5–5.4), HR3/1 = 7.2 (3.9–13.4) for DFS. The rank between these three risk groups was maintained and validated when performing internal and external validation. Expression of maternal miR‐487b and paternal miR‐516a‐5p improves the risk stratification. This better discrimination at diagnosis is of clinical utility both for current and future treatments of neuroblastoma patients.
Replacement of Highly Conserved E222 by the Photostable Non‐photoconvertible Histidine in GFP
Authors: Auerbach Dagmar , Klein Martin , Franz Silke , Carius Yvonne , Lancaster C. Roy D. , Jung Gregor
Published: June 2014

The widely used green fluorescent protein (GFP) decarboxylates upon irradiation; this involves removal of the acidic function of the glutamic acid at position 222, thereby resulting in the irreversible photoconversion of GFP. To suppress this phenomenon, the photostable, non‐photoconvertible histidine was introduced at position 222 in GFP. The variant E222H shows negligible photodynamic processes and high expression yield. In addition, the stable and bright fluorescence over a wide pH range makes the E222H protein an alternative for GFP in fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy. Other fluorescent proteins are predicted to benefit from replacement of the catalytic glutamic acid by histidine.
A Hybrid Supercapacitor based on Porous Carbon and the Metal‐Organic Framework MIL‐100(Fe)
Authors: Campagnol Nicolò , Romero‐Vara Ricardo , Deleu Willem , Stappers Linda , Binnemans Koen , De Vos Dirk E. , Fransaer Jan
Published: June 2014

Composite supercapacitor electrodes based on carbon nanotubes, carbon black, and a metal–organic framework with iron(III) coordination centers [MIL‐100(Fe), MIL‐88B(Fe), or MIL‐53(Fe)] were prepared and tested with several aqueous electrolytes. A correlation between hydrated ion size and the electric response of the electrodes was found, which sheds light on how these materials work as energy‐storage devices. MIL‐100(Fe) shows the most promising results, and the capacitance obtained with the samples in the solutions used is higher than that of a mixture of carbon and nanotubes in the same solution. Unfortunately, shortcomings due to reductive dissolution still hamper the long‐term cyclability of the electrodes.
Protonation Switching to the Least‐Basic Heteroatom of Carbamate through Cationic Hydrogen Bonding Promotes the Formation of Isocyanate Cations
Authors: Kurouchi Hiroaki , Sumita Akinari , Otani Yuko , Ohwada Tomohiko
Published: June 2014

We found that phenethylcarbamates that bear ortho‐salicylate as an ether group (carbamoyl salicylates) dramatically accelerate OC bond dissociation in strong acid to facilitate generation of isocyanate cation (N‐protonated isocyanates), which undergo subsequent intramolecular aromatic electrophilic cyclization to give dihydroisoquinolones. To generate isocyanate cations from carbamates in acidic media as electrophiles for aromatic substitution, protonation at the ether oxygen, the least basic heteroatom, is essential to promote CO bond cleavage. However, the carbonyl oxygen of carbamates, the most basic site, is protonated exclusively in strong acids. We found that the protonation site can be shifted to an alternative basic atom by linking methyl salicylate to the ether oxygen of carbamate. The methyl ester oxygen ortho to the phenolic (ether) oxygen of salicylate is as basic as the carbamate carbonyl oxygen, and we found that monoprotonation at the methyl ester oxygen in strong acid resulted in the formation of an intramolecular cationic hydrogen bond (>CO+H⋅⋅⋅O<) with the phenolic ether oxygen. This facilitates OC bond dissociation of phenethylcarbamates, thereby promoting isocyanate cation formation. In contrast, superacid‐mediated diprotonation at the methyl ester oxygen of the salicylate and the carbonyl oxygen of the carbamate afforded a rather stable dication, which did not readily undergo CO bond dissociation. This is an unprecedented and unknown case in which the monocation has greater reactivity than the dication.
Boronate Affinity Monolith with a Gold Nanoparticle‐Modified Hydrophilic Polymer as a Matrix for the Highly Specific Capture of Glycoproteins
Authors: Wu Ci , Liang Yu , Zhao Qun , Qu Yanyan , Zhang Shen , Wu Qi , Liang Zhen , Zhang Lihua , Zhang Yukui
Published: June 2014

As low abundance is the great obstacle for glycoprotein analysis, the development of materials with high efficiency and selectivity for glycoprotein enrichment is a prerequisite in glycoproteome research. Herein, we report a new kind of hydrophilic boronate affinity monolith by attaching 4‐mercaptophenylboronic acid (MPBA) with 2‐mercaptoethylamine (MPA) on the gold nanoparticle‐modified poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate)) monolith for glycoprotein enrichment. With poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate as the cross‐linker and the further modification of gold nanoparticles, the matrix has advantages of good hydrophilicity and enhanced surface area, which are beneficial to improve the enrichment selectivity and efficiency for glycoproteins. The attachment of MPBA and MPA provide intramolecular BN coordination, which could further enhance the specificity of glycoprotein capture. Such a boronate affinity monolith was applied to enrich horseradish peroxidase (HRP) from the mixture of HRP and bovine serum albumin (BSA), and high selectivity was obtained even at a mass ratio of 1:1000. In addition, the binding capacity of ovalbumin on such monolith reached 390 μg g−1. Furthermore, the average recovery of HRP on the prepared affinity monoliths was (84.8±1.9) %, obtained in three times enrichment with the same column. Finally, the boronate affinity monolith was successfully applied for the human‐plasma glycoproteome analysis. As a result, 160 glycoproteins were credibly identified from 9 μg of human plasma, demonstrating the great potential of such a monolith for large‐scale glycoproteome research.
CAPE‐OPEN: Interoperability in Industrial Flowsheet Simulation Software
Authors: van Baten Jasper , Pons Michel
Published: June 2014

Chemical process modelling and simulation are widely used in process industries to progress in the understanding and in the improvement of many processes. Due to the complexity and variety of these processes, several pieces of software are often needed to model a given process, hence requiring interoperability between software. CAPE‐OPEN is an industry standard for interoperability between process simulation software. Compared to proprietary interfaces of software applications, CAPE‐OPEN allows for less overhead on programming and maintenance, fast access to market and a common basis for collaboration in joint projects.
CD117: A novel ancillary marker for papillary thyroid carcinoma in fine‐needle aspiration biopsies
Authors: Pusztaszeri Marc P. , Sadow Peter M. , Faquin William C.
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

c‐KIT/CD117 down‐regulation has been described in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). In this study, the authors investigated CD117 as an ancillary immunocytochemical test for PTC in fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB).

METHODS

The expression of CD117 was assessed in cytologic samples of histologically confirmed classic PTC (n = 35) and in a control group of benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) (n = 30) using immunocytochemistry. The corresponding PTCs and BTNs from surgical resection specimens also were evaluated immunohistochemically for CD117. The expression of CD117 was assessed semiquantitatively using a scoring system from 0 to 5 that combined the proportion and the intensity of staining.

RESULTS

The difference in immunoreactivity for CD117 between PTC and BTNs was highly significant both in FNAB samples and in the corresponding histology samples (P < .0001). On cytology, most PTCs (74%; n = 26) lacked immunoreactivity for CD117, and 9 samples (26%) had faint reactivity in <2% of tumor cells (score, 0). In contrast, all BTNs (100%; n = 30) were positive for CD117, and at least 50% of the cells (score, 2‐4) were positive in 79% (n = 24) of BTNs. Results with corresponding histology were similar to the cytology results; most PTCs (89%; n = 31) lacked immunoreactivity for CD117, and 4 samples (11%) had faint reactivity in <2% of tumor cells. In contrast, all BTNs (n = 30) were variably positive for CD117 (score, 2‐4). Normal follicular epithelium also was positive for CD117 (score, 2‐4).

CONCLUSIONS

CD117 is expressed in both normal follicular epithelium and in BTNs. In contrast, expression of CD117 is absent or weak in PTC. These results suggest that CD117 may be useful as an ancillary marker for PTC. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2014;122:596–603 © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Reading Cadaveric Decomposition Chemistry with a New Pair of Glasses
Authors: Stefanuto Pierre‐Hugues , Perrault Katelynn , Stadler Sonja , Pesesse Romain , Brokl Michał , Forbes Shari , Focant Jean‐François
Published: June 2014

The chemical processes of human cadaver decomposition are complex and not well understood. The study of decomposition chemistry aims to elucidate the postmortem processes, particularly relating to the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) throughout the various decomposition stages. The use of thermal desorption coupled with comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TD‐GC×GC‐TOFMS) has allowed for the VOC profile of decomposition odor above pig carcasses (human analogues) to be determined. An enhanced data‐processing approach combining Fisher ratio calculations with principal component analysis assisted in the identification of the major classes of compounds that contribute to the VOC profile and their variation across decomposition stages. Detection and profiling of these VOCs is valuable for understanding the mechanisms by which human‐remains detection (HRD) dogs locate victims in mass disasters and forensic investigations.
Characterization of Layered LiMO2 Oxides for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction of Metal–Air Batteries (M=Mn, Co, Ni)
Authors: Augustyn Veronica , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: June 2014

The behavior of layered LiMO2 (M=transition metal) oxides has been investigated systematically as a function of composition for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline electrolytes. The rich variety of LiMO2 compositions with the O3‐type layered structure makes this class of materials an excellent testbed for understanding the effects of the nature and oxidation states of the transition‐metal ions on the OER. Accordingly, the OER behaviors of a range of LiMO2 oxide solid solutions are presented here: LiCo1−xMnxO2, LiNi1−xMnxO2, and LiCo1−xNixO2 with 0.25≤x≤ 0.7. It is found that the OER activity increases with decreasing Mn content, and the Ni‐rich compositions exhibit high OER activities. Furthermore, the pre‐OER potential region displays contributions from surface faradaic reactions that involve Ni and Co. The overall higher activity of the Ni‐ and Co‐rich compositions might be due to the in situ transformation of the LiMO2 surface into a highly active electrocatalyst.
Descriptive review: Hormonal influences on risk for eating disorder symptoms during puberty and adolescence
Authors: Harden K. Paige , Kretsch Natalie , Moore Sarah R. , Mendle Jane
Published: June 2014

Objective

Puberty is an important period of risk for the onset of eating pathology in adolescent females. This review focuses on changes in reproductive hormones during puberty as one specific psychopathogenic mechanism.

Method

Studies of puberty and eating disorder‐related phenotypes were identified using search databases and the reference sections of previous literature.

Results

Correlational studies of adult women and experimental studies of animals provide evidence for the effects of reproductive hormones on eating disorder symptoms. Very few studies of puberty, however, have directly measured or tested the effects of hormonal change in samples of human adolescents. Commonly used measures of pubertal development, such as menarche or self‐reported pubertal status, are relatively poor indicators of individual differences in hormones. The extent to which puberty‐related hormonal change accounts for elevated risk for disordered eating remains unclear.

Discussion

Future research is necessary to elucidate the specific relations between hormonal change during puberty and risk for disordered eating. In particular, there is a need for longitudinal studies with multivariate measurement of pubertal development, including direct measures of change in reproductive hormones. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:718–726)
Efficacy and safety of the pulsed infusions of levosimendan in outpatients with advanced heart failure (LevoRep) study: a multicentre randomized trial
Authors: Altenberger Johann , Parissis John T. , Costard‐Jaeckle Angelika , Winter Andreas , Ebner Christian , Karavidas Apostolos , Sihorsch Kurt , Avgeropoulou Ekaterini , Weber Thomas , Dimopoulos Lida , Ulmer Hanno , Poelzl Gerhard
Published: June 2014

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine whether intermittent ambulatory treatment with levosimendan would improve functional capacity, quality of life, and event‐free survival in patients with advanced heart failure.

Methods and results

This was a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicentre, parallel‐group trial of pulsed infusions of levosimendan in 120 outpatients with advanced heart failure (EF ≤35%, NYHA class III or IV). The study was conducted at 11 centres in Austria, Greece, and Germany. Levosimendan (0.2 µg/kg/min) or placebo was administered for 6 h at 2‐week intervals over 6 weeks, in addition to standard care therapy. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a ≥20% improvement in the 6 min walk test and a ≥15% score increase on the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire at the end of the 24‐week study period. Secondary outcomes included event‐free survival after 24 weeks. Analyses were performed on an intention‐to‐treat basis. The primary endpoint was reached in 19% of patients receiving levosimendan and 15.8% of patients receiving placebo (odds ratio 1.25; 95% confidence interval 0.44–3.59; P = 0.810). Cardiac death (four vs. one), heart transplants (two vs. one), and acute heart failure (14 vs. nine) were more frequent with placebo as compared with levosimendan. The incidence of side effects was comparable between groups.

Conclusion

Intermittent ambulatory treatment with levosimendan in patients with advanced heart failure did not improve significantly functional capacity or quality of life as compared with placebo. An adequately powered, event‐driven trial is warranted to enlarge on our findings.

Trial registration:

NCT01065194.
Electroactive Prussian Blue Encapsulated Iron Oxide Nanostructures for Mediator‐Free Cholesterol Estimation
Authors: Sharma Rachna , Sinha R. K. , Agrawal Ved Varun
Published: June 2014

Iron oxide nanoparticles of size ∼10 nm have been encapsulated into four nanometer thick shells of Prussian blue and were then electrophoretically deposited onto an indium tin oxide substrate. The immobilization of cholesterol oxidase has been done onto the nanostructured film to investigate the kinetic parameters and biosensing characteristics. The fabricated bioelectrode exhibits an electron transfer coefficient and a charge transfer rate constant of 0.45 and 45.15 s−1, respectively. Direct electron transfer properties of the nanostructured film result in 3rd generation cholesterol biosensor. The bioelectrode exhibits high sensitivity (2.15 mAM−1 cm−2), a low Kmapp value (0.07 mM), good stability and high selectivity towards cholesterol.
Exploring Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Naproxen Detection
Authors: Montes Rodrigo H. O. , Stefano Jéssica S. , Richter Eduardo M. , Munoz Rodrigo A. A.
Published: June 2014

The electrochemical oxidation of naproxen was investigated at a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐modified electrode. A decrease (200 mV) in the overpotential of the naproxen oxidation reaction and considerable (4‐fold) current increase (compared to the bare glassy‐carbon electrode) was observed. Two one‐electron transfers were verified at both bare and MWCNT‐modified electrodes and thus a new mechanism for the electrochemical oxidation of naproxen is proposed. Indicative of a mass transport regime that includes a thin‐layer diffusional process (entrapment of naproxen species within the MWCNT film) is presented as a possible explanation for the lowered oxidation potential and substantial current increase. The anti‐fouling properties of MWCNTs on the amperometric detection of naproxen using a batch‐injection analysis (BIA) system is demonstrated.
Nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis as separation technique to support metabolism studies by means of electrochemistry and mass spectrometry
Authors: Roscher Jörg , Faber Helene , Stoffels Marius , Hachmöller Oliver , Happe Jana , Karst Uwe
Published: June 2014

The first combination of electrochemistry (EC), NACE, and ESI‐MS to mimic the metabolic fate of drugs is described. While the combination of EC, HPLC, and ESI‐MS has been used for this purpose before, NACE is able to deliver valuable additional information about possible metabolites of harmane when compared to HPLC. In this paper, NACE is used as a comprehensive separation technique in metabolism studies of harmane, a naturally occurring monoaminooxidase inhibitor, since it exhibits beneficial properties for the separation of polar compounds. Harmane is known to be metabolized via the oxidative metabolism catalyzed by cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are the most important metabolizing superfamily of enzymes in the human liver. The application of HPLC and NACE enabled the detection of 37 products in total, with 14 different mass‐to‐charge ratios. A total of 31 products could be detected in HPLC‐MS and 26 in NACE‐MS analysis. The combination of both NACE and RP‐HPLC allows the identification of significantly more potential metabolites than any of the separation techniques alone.
Microarray screening and qRT‐PCR evaluation of microRNA markers for forensic body fluid identification
Authors: Park Jong‐Lyul , Park Seong‐Min , Kwon Oh‐Hyung , Lee Han‐chul , Kim Jin‐young , Seok Hyun Ha , Lee Woo Sik , Lee Seung‐Hwan , Kim Yong Sung , Woo Kwang‐Man , Kim Seon‐Young
Published: June 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a class of small (∼22 nucleotides) noncoding RNAs that regulate diverse biological processes at the post‐transcriptional level. MiRNAs have great potential for forensic body fluid identification because they are expressed in a tissue specific manner and are less prone to degradation. Previous studies reported several miRNAs as body fluid specific, but there are few overlaps among them. Here, we used a genome‐wide miRNA microarray containing over 1700 miRNAs to assay 20 body fluid samples and identify novel miRNAs useful for forensic body fluid identification. Based on Shannon Entropy and Q‐statistics, 203 miRNAs specifically expressed in each body fluid were first selected. Eight miRNAs were then selected as novel forensically relevant miRNA markers: miR‐484 and miR‐182 for blood, miR‐223 and miR‐145 for saliva, miR‐2392 and miR‐3197 for semen, and miR‐1260b and miR‐654–5p for vaginal secretions. When the eight selected miRNAs were evaluated in 40 additional body fluid samples by qRT‐PCR, they showed high sensitivity and specificity for the identification of the target body fluid. We suggest that the eight miRNAs may be candidates for developing an effective molecular assay for forensic body fluid identification.
Flavor and appearance of whole shell eggs made safe with ozone pasteurization
Authors: Maxkwee Esther N. , Perry Jennifer J. , Lee Ken
Published: June 2014

Raw eggs are a potential health hazard and a new federally approved process uses ozone to maintain freshness while ensuring safety. The impact of an ozone process on the flavor, color, and shell integrity of eggs must be known for market acceptance. The visual perception and consumer acceptance of full commercial scale ozone‐pasteurized eggs are reported, using a degree of liking test and a Just‐About‐Right analysis. Instrumental analysis of albumen turbidity, yolk color, and Haugh Units correlate with human perception. Visual tests reveal that ozone‐pasteurized eggs were equivalent to thermally pasteurized eggs in attributes such as appearance, spread, and cloudiness. They were equivalent to untreated eggs in yolk height, yellowness, and appeal. There were no differences in taste among all egg treatments for measures of aroma, flavor, texture and overall liking. Ozone‐pasteurized eggs have the same appeal as raw eggs, and can be cooked without flavor loss. This promising new ozone process maintains good sensory quality relative to thermal processing.
Reduction of suture associated inflammation after 28 days using novel biocompatible pseudoprotein poly(ester amide) biomaterials
Authors: Hernandez Karina A. , Hooper Rachel Campbell , Boyko Tatiana , Golas Alyssa R. , van Harten Michel , Wu D.Q. , Weinstein Andrew , Chu C.C. , Spector Jason A.
Published: June 2014

Sutures elicit an inflammatory response, which may impede the healing process and result in wound complications. We recently reported a novel family of biocompatible, biodegradable polymers, amino acid‐based poly(ester amide)s (AA‐PEA), which we have shown to significantly attenuate the foreign body inflammatory response in vitro. Two types of AA‐PEA (Phe‐PEA and Arg‐Phe‐PEA) were used to coat silk or plain‐gut sutures, which were implanted in the gluteus muscle of C57BL/6 mice, while the uncoated control sutures were implanted in the contralateral side. After 3, 7, 14, and 28 days the mean area of inflammation surrounding the sutures was compared. Phe‐PEA coating of silk sutures significantly decreased inflammation compared with noncoated controls (67.8 ± 17.4% after 3d [p = 0.0014], 51.6 ± 7.2% after 7d [p < 0.001], and 37.3 ± 8.3% after 28d [p = 0.0001]) when assessed via analysis of photomicrographs using digital image software. Phe‐PEA coated plain‐gut sutures were similarly assessed and demonstrated a significant decrease in the mean area of inflammation across all time points (54.1 ± 8.3% after 3 d, 41.4 ± 3.9% after 7 d, 71.5 ± 8.1% after 14 d, 78.4 ± 8.5%, and after 28 d [all p < 0.0001]). Arg‐Phe‐PEA coated silk demonstrated significantly less inflammation compared to noncoated controls (61.3 ± 9.4% after 3 d, 44.7 ± 4.7% after 7 d, 19.6 ± 8%, and 38.3 ± 6.8% after 28 d [all p < 0.0001]), as did coated plain‐gut (37.4 ± 8.3% after 3 d [p = 0.0004], 55.0 ± 7.8% after 7 d [p < 0.0001], 46.0 ± 4.6% after 14 d [p < 0.0001], and 59.0 ± 7.9% after 28 d [p < 0.0001]). Both Phe‐PEA and Arg‐Phe‐PEA coatings significantly decrease the inflammatory response to sutures in vivo for up to 28 days. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 457–463, 2015.
Nestin is a Marker of Lung Remodeling Secondary to Myocardial Infarction and Type I Diabetes in the Rat
Authors: Chabot Andréanne , Meus Marc‐Andre , Naud Patrice , Hertig Vanessa , Dupuis Jocelyn , Villeneuve Louis , El Khoury Nabel , Fiset Celine , Nattel Stanley , Jasmin Jean‐Francois , Calderone Angelino
Published: June 2014

Upregulation of the intermediate filament protein nestin was identified in a subpopulation of fibroblasts during reactive and reparative fibrosis and directly contributed to the enhanced proliferative phenotype. The present study tested the hypothesis that nestin was expressed in lung fibroblasts and the pattern of expression represented a distinct marker of pulmonary remodeling secondary to myocardial infarction and type I diabetes. Nestin(+) fibroblasts were detected in rat lungs and a subpopulation exhibited a myofibroblast phenotype delineated by the co‐expression of smooth muscle α‐actin. In the lungs of myocardial infarcted rats, interstitial collagen content and nestin mRNA/protein levels were significantly increased despite the absence of secondary pulmonary hypertension, whereas smooth muscle α‐actin protein expression was unchanged. Exposure of rat pulmonary fibroblasts to pro‐fibrotic stimuli angiotensin II and transforming growth factor‐β significantly increased nestin protein levels. In the lungs of type I diabetic rats, the absence of a reactive fibrotic response was associated with a significant downregulation of nestin mRNA/protein expression. Nestin was reported a target of miR‐125b, albeit miR‐125b levels were unchanged in pulmonary fibroblasts treated with pro‐fibrotic stimuli. Nestin(+) cells lacking smooth muscle α‐actin/collagen staining were also identified in rodent lungs and a transgenic approach revealed that expression of the intermediate filament protein was driven by intron 2 of the nestin gene. The disparate regulation of nestin characterized a distinct pattern of pulmonary remodeling secondary to myocardial infarction and type I diabetes and upregulation of the intermediate filament protein in lung fibroblasts may have facilitated in part the reactive fibrotic response. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 170–179, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of New Hybrid Heterocyclic Compounds Having 1,2,3‐Triazole and Isoxazole via Click Chemistry
Authors: Rao Y. Jayaprakash , Srinivas A.
Published: June 2014

A simple and highly efficient method for the regioselective synthesis of isoxazolyl‐1,4‐disubstituted‐1,2,3‐triazoles 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i, 6j, 6k, 6l in good to excellent yields from terminal alkynes having isoxazole scaffold 4a, 4b, 4c and various azides through Cu(I)‐catalyzed 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition is described. The reaction proceeds smoothly in 1:1 mixture of t‐BuOH and water at RT. The structures of all newly synthesized hybrid heterocycles are established on the basis of spectral data ir, 1H nmr, mass, and elemental analysis.
Synthesis and pH‐Dependent Spectroscopic Behavior of 2,4,6‐Trisubstituted Pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Chapman Gala , Solomon Isaac , Patonay Gabor , Henary Maged
Published: June 2014

Seven 2,4,6‐trisubstituted pyridine derivatives with N,N‐diethylaniline substituents at the 4‐position were synthesized, and their spectroscopic properties in the absence and presence of acid were studied. The spectral effects of protonation, molar absorptivities, pKa values, and the structural origins of the observed spectral behavior were ascertained. The pyridine nitrogen was found to be more basic than the diethylamino nitrogen atom. Protonation of the pyridine ring nitrogen is associated with the appearance of a red‐shifted intramolecular charge transfer peak in the UV‐visible spectra. Favorable color indicating properties result from electron‐donating substitution at the 2 and 6 positions of pyridine, which provide a greater absorptivity of the red‐shifted peak associated with protonation of the pyridine nitrogen. These findings will assist in the design and optimization of these compounds for ion‐indicating and pH‐sensing applications.
An Easy Access to Benzofurans via DBU Induced Condensation Reaction of Active 2‐Hydroxy Acetophenones with Phenacyl Chlorides: A Novel Class of Antioxidant Agents
Authors: Rangaswamy J. , Kumar H. Vijay , Harini S. T. , Naik Nagaraja
Published: June 2014

A convenient and efficient one‐pot synthesis of benzofurans 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j, 3k, 3l, 3m, 3n, 3o, 3p, 3q, 3r, 3s, 3t has been described from 2‐hydroxy acetophenones and phenacyl chlorides in the presence of DBU. The procedure was applicable for a variety of phenacyl chlorides and provides a variety of benzofurans with higher yields. DBU acts as a base and as well as nucleophiles. All the derivatives were subjected to in vitro antioxidant screenings against representative 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radicals and results worth for further investigations.
Synthesis and Antioxidant Evaluation of Some New Pyridopyrazolotriazine Derivatives
Authors: Gouda Moustafa A.
Published: June 2014

Diazodization of pyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyridine 1 afforded diazonium salt 2 that coupled with active methylene compounds such as 3a,3b, 6, 7, 8, 15a,15b, 16a,16b, 17, and 24 in pyridine to give aryl hydrazone derivatives 4a,4b, 9, 10, 11, 18a, 18b, 19a,19b, 20, and 25, respectively. The previous synthesized compounds underwent cyclization in acetic acid to give the corresponding pyridopyrazolotriazines 5a,5b, 12, 13, 14, 21a,21b, 22a, 22b, 22c, 23, and 26, respectively. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and spectral data and screened for their antioxidant activities. The results of ABTS method showed clearly that compounds 1, 4b, 5b, 11, 20, 25, and 26 displayed promising in vitro antioxidant activities. Compounds 1 and 4a exhibited high protection against DNA damage induced by the bleomycine iron complex.
A Mild and Efficient Synthesis of Novel Isoxazolyl‐Benzo[d]Pyrazino[2,1‐b] [1,3]Oxazoles
Authors: Rajanarendar Eligeti , Venkateshwarlu Paka , Ramakrishna Saini , Nagaraju Dharavath
Published: June 2014

Synthesis of novel 2‐3‐methyl‐5‐[(E)‐2‐aryl‐1‐ethenyl]‐4‐isoxazolyl‐4,10a‐diaryl‐1,10a‐dihydro‐2H‐benzo[d]pyrazino[2,1‐b][1,3]oxazoles 5 were simply achieved by the reaction of 2‐[3‐methyl‐5‐[(E)‐2‐aryl‐1‐ethenyl]‐4‐isoxazolyl(2‐oxo‐2‐arylethyl)amino]‐1‐aryl‐1‐ethanones 3 with o‐aminophenol 4 in the presence of CAN catalyst. The intermediates, 2‐[3‐methyl‐5‐[(E)‐2‐aryl‐1‐ethenyl]‐4‐isoxazolyl(2‐oxo‐2‐arylethyl)amino]‐1‐aryl‐1‐ethanones 3, were prepared by the reaction of 4‐amino‐3‐methyl‐5‐styrylisoxazole 1, with phenacylbromides 2 in ethanol in the presence of K2CO3. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j, 3k, 3l and 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5h, 5i, 5j, 5k, 5l have been confirmed by analytical and spectral data.
Combined Claisen Rearrangement and Oxidative Cyclization as a Route to Hydroxymethyl Dihydrofuran‐Annulated Coumarins
Authors: Jayaprakash Rao Y. , Chakravarthula Venu
Published: June 2014

A convenient and simple method for the synthesis of novel 3,4‐dihydrofuran‐annulated coumarins, 3‐(hydroxymethyl)‐2H‐furo[3,2‐c]chromen‐4(3H)‐ones 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, by combined Claisen rearrangement and intramolecular regioselective oxidative cyclization of 4‐O‐allyl coumarin intermediates 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g using inexpensive oxidizing agent m‐CPBA is described. The reaction proceeds smoothly by tandem epoxidation/regioselective 5‐exo‐tet‐intramolecular ring opening. The structures of synthesized compounds are established on the basis of spectral data including IR, 1H NMR, and mass and elemental analyses.
[1,3]Thiazolo[2′,3′:3,4][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines – A New Heterocyclic System Accessed via Bromocyclization
Authors: Fizer Maksym , Slivka Mikhailo , Rusanov Eduard , Turov Alexandr , Lendel Vasil
Published: June 2014

A facile access to novel condensed system of [1,3]thiazolo[2′,3′:3,4][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine is presented. This protocol consists of bromine‐assisted direct electrophilic heterocyclization of 3‐N‐allylamine‐5,6‐dihydro[1,3]thiazolo[2,3‐c][1,2,4]triazole. The bromination took place in acetic acid and gave a good yield of the target product, which was dehydrobrominated by sodium acetate action.