bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topical rather than intradermal application of the TLR7 ligand imiquimod leads to human dermal dendritic cell maturation and CD8+ T‐cell cross‐priming
Authors: Fehres Cynthia M. , Bruijns Sven C. M. , van Beelen Astrid J. , Kalay Hakan , Ambrosini Martino , Hooijberg Erik , Unger Wendy W. J. , de Gruijl Tanja D. , van Kooyk Yvette
Published: May 2014

Toll‐like receptor (TLR) ligands are attractive candidate adjuvants for therapeutic cancer vaccines, since TLR signaling stimulates and tunes both humoral and cellular immune responses induced by dendritic cells (DCs). Given that human skin contains a dense network of DCs, which are easily accessible via (intra‐)dermal delivery of vaccines, skin is actively explored as an antitumor vaccination site. Here we used a human skin explant model to explore the potential of TLR ligands as adjuvants for DC activation in their complex microenvironment. We show that topical application of Aldara skin cream, 5% of which comprises the TLR7 agonist imiquimod, significantly enhanced DC migration as compared with that resulting from intradermal injection of the TLR7/8 ligand R848 or the soluble form of imiquimod. Moreover, Aldara‐treated DCs showed highest levels of the costimulatory molecules CD86, CD83, CD40, and CD70. Topical Aldara induced the highest production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in skin biopsies. When combined with intradermal peptide vaccination, Aldara‐stimulated DCs showed enhanced cross‐presentation of the melanoma antigen MART‐1, which resulted in increased priming and activation of MART‐1‐specific CD8+ T cells. These results point to advantageous effects of combining the topical application of Aldara with antitumor peptide vaccination.
IL‐15 regulates Bcl‐2 family members Bim and Mcl‐1 through JAK/STAT and PI3K/AKT pathways in T cells
Authors: Shenoy Aparna R. , Kirschnek Susanne , Häcker Georg
Published: May 2014

Maintenance of T cells is determined by their survival capacity, which is regulated by Bcl‐2 proteins. Cytokines signalling through the common gamma chains such as IL‐2, IL‐7 and IL‐15 are important for T‐cell survival but how these cytokines determine the expression of Bcl‐2‐family proteins is not clear. We report signalling events of cytokines that regulate expression of two key Bcl‐2 proteins, pro‐apoptotic Bim and anti‐apoptotic Mcl‐1, in resting C57BL/6 mouse T cells. IL‐2, IL‐7 and IL‐15 inhibited apoptosis but paradoxically induced the expression of Bim, countered by concomitant induction of Mcl‐1. Bim induction by IL‐15 was found at the mRNA and protein levels and depended on both JAK/STAT and PI3K signals. A new STAT5‐binding site was identified in the Bim promoter, which was occupied by STAT5 upon IL‐15 stimulation. Although it also depended on JAK/STAT‐ and PI3K signalling, Mcl‐1 regulation was independent of Mcl‐1 mRNA levels and of regulation of protein stability, suggesting translational regulation. Concurrent CD3 signals inhibited some of the IL‐7 effect but not the IL‐15 effect on Bcl‐2 proteins. The data suggest that cytokines induce Bim and prime T cells for apoptosis, but also inhibit apoptosis by stabilising Mcl‐1. Later downregulation of short‐lived Mcl‐1 may induce efficient, Bim‐dependent apoptosis.
Cyanido‐Bearing Cobalt(II/III) Metalloligands – Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Alexandru Maria‐Gabriela , Visinescu Diana , Marino Nadia , De Munno Giovanni , Vallejo Julia , Lloret Francesc , Julve Miguel
Published: May 2014

New examples of cyanido‐bearing cobalt(III/II) complexes have been obtained by treatment of CoCl2·6H2O with bidentate nitrogen donors and potassium cyanide in a methanol/water mixture. Depending on the chelating ligand, the cobalt(III) complexes PPh4[Co(en)(CN)4] (1, en = ethylenediamine), PPh4[Co(ampy)(CN)4]·1.5H2O [2, ampy = 2‐(aminomethyl)pyridine], and PPh4[Co(phen)(CN)4]·CH3OH·0.25H2O (3, phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline) and the cobalt(II) complex PPh4[Co(dmphen)(CN)3]·3H2O (4, dmphen = 2,9‐dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline) were obtained. The complexes were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and variable‐temperature magnetic measurements. They are all mononuclear species with six‐coordinate cobalt(III) (1–3) and five‐coordinate cobalt(II) centers (4), and two nitrogen atoms from each bidentate ligand (1–4) and four (1–3) or three cyanide carbon atoms (4) build somewhat distorted octahedral (1–3) or square‐pyramidal (4) surroundings. Complexes 1–3 are diamagnetic cobalt(III) compounds, whereas 4 is a low‐spin cobalt(II) complex that exhibits Curie behavior in the temperature range 10–300 K. The g values of the X‐band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of 4 both in the solid state and in dichloromethane solution at 4.0 K (g⟂ = 2.28 > g∥ = 2.0) reveal that its unpaired electron is defined by a d‐type orbital. Complexes 1–4 can be viewed as new metalloligands for metal assemblies.
Iron‐Catalyzed Arylation of Aromatic Ketones and Aldehydes Mediated by Organosilanes
Authors: Savela Risto , Majewski Marcin , Leino Reko
Published: May 2014

A simple and efficient iron‐catalyzed method for arylation of aromatic carbonyl compounds is reported. The use of 4 % FeCl3 or Fe(acac)3 as the catalyst, in combination with a slight excess of chlorotrimethylsilane and triethylsilane, chlorination of benzylic ketones and aldehydes with subsequent Friedel–Crafts alkylation of arenes is achieved. Although the method is limited by the general constraints associated with Friedel–Crafts alkylation reactions, robust applications for the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates and so on can be envisioned.
Phosphoproteomics in photosynthetic organisms
Authors: Slade William O. , Werth Emily G. , Chao Alex , Hicks Leslie M.
Published: May 2014

As primarily sessile organisms, photosynthetic species survive in dynamic environments by using elegant signaling pathways to manifest molecular responses to extracellular cues. These pathways exploit phosphorylation of specific amino acids (e.g. serine, threonine, tyrosine), which impact protein structure, function, and localization. Despite substantial progress in implementation of phosphoproteomics to understand photosynthetic organisms, researchers still struggle to translate a biological question into an experimental strategy and vice versa. This review evaluates the current status of phosphoproteomics in photosynthetic organisms and concludes with recommendations based on current knowledge.
Analytical quality by design in the development of a cyclodextrin‐modified capillary electrophoresis method for the assay of metformin and its related substances
Authors: Orlandini Serena , Pasquini Benedetta , Gotti Roberto , Giuffrida Alessandro , Paternostro Ferdinando , Furlanetto Sandra
Published: May 2014

Quality by Design (QbD) is a new paradigm of quality to be applied to pharmaceutical products and processes, recently encouraged by International Conference on Harmonisation guidelines. In this paper QbD approach was applied to the development of a CE method for the simultaneous assay of metformin hydrochloride (MET) and its main impurities. QbD strategy was focused on electrophoretic process understanding, and the analytical method was thoroughly evaluated by applying risk assessment and chemometric tools. Method scouting allowed CD‐CZE based on the addition of carboxymethyl‐β‐CD to Britton‐Robinson acidic buffer to be chosen as operative mode. Seven critical process parameters (CPPs) were selected, related to capillary, injection, BGE and instrumental settings. The effect of the different levels of the CPPs on critical quality attributes (CQAs), e.g. critical resolution values and analysis time, was evaluated in a screening study. Response surface methodology led to draw contour plots and sweet spot plots. The definition of design space was accomplished by applying Monte‐Carlo simulations, thus identifying by risk of failure maps a multivariate zone where the CQAs fulfilled the requirements with a selected probability. Finally, a control strategy was designed and the method was applied to a real sample of MET tablets.
Dynamic computer simulation of electrophoretic enantiomer migration order and separation in presence of a neutral cyclodextrin
Authors: Thormann Wolfgang , Chankvetadze Lali , Gumustas Mehmet , Chankvetadze Bezhan
Published: May 2014

One‐dimensional dynamic computer simulation was employed to investigate the separation and migration order change of ketoconazole enantiomers at low pH in presence of increasing amounts of (2‐hydroxypropyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin (OHP‐β‐CD). The 1:1 interaction of ketoconazole with the neutral cyclodextrin was simulated under real experimental conditions and by varying input parameters for complex mobilities and complexation constants. Simulation results obtained with experimentally determined apparent ionic mobilities, complex mobilities, and complexation constants were found to compare well with the calculated separation selectivity and experimental data. Simulation data revealed that the migration order of the ketoconazole enantiomers at low (OHP‐β‐CD) concentrations (i.e. below migration order inversion) is essentially determined by the difference in complexation constants and at high (OHP‐β‐CD) concentrations (i.e. above migration order inversion) by the difference in complex mobilities. Furthermore, simulations with complex mobilities set to zero provided data that mimic migration order and separation with the chiral selector being immobilized. For the studied CEC configuration, no migration order inversion is predicted and separations are shown to be quicker and electrophoretic transport reduced in comparison to migration in free solution. The presented data illustrate that dynamic computer simulation is a valuable tool to study electrokinetic migration and separations of enantiomers in presence of a complexing agent.
Pascal's Wager and Information
Authors: Schredelseker Klaus
Published: May 2014

Should we make financial forecasts? The usual answer looks like Pascal's wager: we don't know whether God exists; who erroneously believes loses nothing, who correctly believes wins everything; who correctly disbelieves, gains nothing, who erroneously disbelieves loses everything. Believing is thus a dominant choice. Turned to finance: markets are efficient or not. In an efficient market forecasters and non‐forecasters win nothing; in a non‐ efficient market forecasters win and non‐forecasters lose. Forecasting is rational if inefficiencies have a probability > 0. We use an agent‐based approach in studying the information value in a market with endogenous prices. We show that in inefficient markets rational traders don't make forecasts and an improvement in public information may even be harmful for the users. On average, an investor who has no information (index investor) performs like the market does; it is impossible that all others—those who know more than nothing—perform better. Pascal's wager does not apply. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Synthesis of Pamidronic Derivatives in Different Solvents: An Optimization and a Mechanistic Study
Authors: Kovács Rita , Grün Alajos , Németh Orsolya , Garadnay Sándor , Greiner István , Keglevich György
Published: May 2014

The synthesis of pamidronic acid and sodium pamidronate dihydrate from β‐alanine and P‐reagents (phosphorus trichloride and phosphorous acid) was investigated at 75°C in different solvents, and the preparation was optimized. In sulfolane, the use of 2 equiv of phosphorus trichloride and phosphorous acid was found the optimum to lead to pamidronic acid in a yield of 63%. In methanesulfonic acid, 3.2 equiv of phosphorus trichloride was necessary without any phosphorous acid to give pamidronate dihydrate in the best yield (57%) after hydrolysis and pH adjustment. In the first case, the P‐nucleophile may be (HO)2P–O–PCl–O–P(OH)2 or (HO)2P–O–PCl2, whereas in the second case, the P‐reactant is probable Cl2P–O–S(O)2Me. It can be said that the mechanism proposed for the formation of pamidronic acid is highly influenced by the solvent used, as it determines the necessary P‐reagent(s). Our results promote the “on purpose” planning of the synthesis of dronates.
Retinoblastoma protein potentiates the innate immune response in hepatocytes: Significance for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hutcheson Jack , Bourgo Ryan J. , Balaji Uthra , Ertel Adam , Witkiewicz Agnieszka K. , Knudsen Erik S.
Published: May 2014

Cancers mediated by viral etiology must exhibit deregulated cellular proliferation and evade immune recognition. The role of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor (RB) pathway, which is lost at relatively high frequency in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has recently been expanded to include the regulation of innate immune responsiveness. In this study we investigated the coordinate impact of RB-loss on cell cycle control and immune function in the liver. We found that RB depletion in hepatoma cells resulted in a compromised immunological response to multiple stimuli and reduced the potential of these cells to recruit myeloid cells. Viral-mediated liver-specific RB deletion in vivo led to the induction of genes associated with proliferation and cell cycle entry as well as the significant attenuation of genes associated with immune function, as evidenced by decreases in cytokine and chemokine expression, leukocyte recruitment, and hepatic inflammation. To determine if these changes in gene expression were instructive in human disease, we compared our liver-specific RB-loss gene signature to existing profiles of HCC and found that this signature was associated with disease progression and confers a worse prognosis. Conclusion: Our data confirm that RB participates in the regulation of innate immunity in liver parenchymal cells both in vitro and in vivo and to our knowledge describes the first gene signature associated with HCC that includes both immunoregulatory and proliferative genes and that can also be attributed to the alteration of a single gene in vitro. (Hepatology 2014;60:1231–1240)
Overexpression of far upstream element (FUSE) binding protein (FBP)-interacting repressor (FIR) supports growth of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Malz Mona , Bovet Michael , Samarin Jana , Rabenhorst Uta , Sticht Carsten , Bissinger Michaela , Roessler Stephanie , Bermejo Justo Lorenzo , Renner Marcus , Calvisi Diego Francesco , Singer Stephan , Ganzinger Matthias , Weber Achim , Gretz Norbert , Zörnig Martin , Schirmacher Peter , Breuhahn Kai
Published: May 2014

The far upstream element binding protein (FBP) and the FBP-interacting repressor (FIR) represent molecular tools for transcriptional fine tuning of target genes. Strong overexpression of FBP in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) supports tumor growth and correlates with poor patient prognosis. However, the role of the transcriptional repressor FIR in hepatocarcinogenesis remains poorly delineated. We show that overexpression of FIR correlates with tumor dedifferentiation and tumor cell proliferation in about 60% of primary HCCs. Elevated FIR levels are associated with genomic gains of the FIR gene locus at chromosome 8q24.3 in human HCC specimens. In vitro, nuclear enrichment of FIR supports HCC cell proliferation and migration. Expression profiling of HCC cells after small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of FIR identified the transcription factor DP-1 (TFDP1) as a transcriptional target of FIR. Surprisingly, FIR stimulates the expression of FBP in a TFDP1/E2F1-dependent manner. FIR splice variants lacking or containing exon 2 and/or exon 5 are expressed in the majority of HCCs but not in normal hepatocytes. Specific inhibition of FIR isoforms with and without exon 2 revealed that both groups of FIR splice variants facilitate tumor-supporting effects. This finding was confirmed in xenograft transplantation experiments with lentiviral-infected short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting all FIR variants as well as FIR with and without exon 2. Conclusion: High-level nuclear FIR does not facilitate repressor properties but supports tumor growth in HCC cells. Thus, the pharmacological inhibition of FIR might represent a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC patients with elevated FIR expression. (Hepatology 2014;60:1241–1250)
Chromosomal aberrations of cancer–testis antigens in myeloma patients
Authors: Curioni‐Fontecedro Alessandra , Martin Vittoria , Vogetseder Alexander , Knuth Alexander , Moch Holger , Soldini Davide , Tinguely Marianne
Published: May 2014

Cancer–testis antigens (CTAgs) play a major role in the immune response against cancer, but their biological functions in germ and cancer cells is still unclear. MAGE‐C1 and MAGE‐C2 are two CTAgs located at the Xq27 region of chromosome X and frequently expressed in multiple myeloma. Chromosomal rearrangements often occur in myeloma. We therefore investigated whether numerical and structural chromosomal aberrations correlate with their protein expression in primary multiple myelomas. To this aim, we designed new fluorescence in situ hybridization probes specific for the MAGE region in the Xq27 region and evaluated simultaneously aberrations of the X chromosome centromere. The comparison of MAGE copy number and chromosome X status revealed that MAGE copy number changes occurred in 6/43 (14%) cases, independent of concomitant X chromosome alterations. These numerical aberrations are less frequent than the expression of MAGE‐C1 and MAGE‐C2 (63% and 27% of patients, respectively) and do not always correlate with MAGE‐C1 and MAGE‐C2 expressions, suggesting alternative regulatory mechanisms in the expression of these genes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The regulation of private hospitals in Asia
Authors: Morgan Rosemary , Ensor Tim
Published: May 2014

Private providers play a significant role in the provision of health services in low and middle income countries (LMICs), and the number of private hospitals is increasing rapidly. The growth of the sector has drawn attention to the many problems that are often associated with this sector and the need for effective regulation if private providers are to contribute to the effective provision of healthcare. This paper outlines three main regulatory strategies—command and control, incentives, and self‐regulation, providing examples of each approach in Asia. Traditionally, command and control regulatory instruments have dominated the regulation of private hospitals in Asia; however, when deciding on which approach is most appropriate, it is important to consider the goal of the regulation, the context in which it is to be implemented, and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. This paper concludes that regulation needs to extend beyond command and control to include a full range of mechanisms. Doing so will help address many of the challenges found within individual approaches, in addition to helping address the regulatory challenges particular to many LMICs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Children with Imaginary Companions Focus on Mental Characteristics When Describing Their Real‐Life Friends
Authors: Davis Paige E. , Meins Elizabeth , Fernyhough Charles
Published: May 2014

Relations between having an imaginary companion (IC) and (i) descriptions of a real‐life friend, (ii) theory of mind performance, and (iii) reported prosocial behaviour and behavioural difficulties were investigated in a sample of 5‐year‐olds (N = 159). Children who had an IC were more likely than their peers without an IC to describe their best friends with reference to their mental characteristics, but IC status was unrelated to children's theory of mind performance and reported prosocial behaviour and behavioural difficulties. These findings are discussed in the context of the proposal that there is a competence–performance gap in children's mentalizing abilities. © 2014 The Authors.Infant and Child Developmentpublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
When Does the Stepping‐Stone Work? Fixed‐Term Contracts Versus Temporary Agency Work in Changing Economic Conditions
Authors: Givord Pauline , Wilner Lionel
Published: May 2014

This paper emphasizes differences among short‐term contracts in terms of career prospects. Using French data over the 2002–2010 period, we rely on a dynamic model with fixed effects to disentangle state dependence from unobserved heterogeneity. Although fixed‐term contracts may provide a ‘stepping‐stone’ to permanent positions, temporary agency work is hardly better than unemployment in this regard. The Great Recession of 2008 has changed the dynamics on the labor market and amplified the difference between fixed‐term contracts and temporary agency work. For both types of temporary workers, providing overtime work does not significantly increase the transition to permanent employment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of microstructure and strain on the degradation behavior of novel bioresorbable iron–manganese alloy implants
Authors: Heiden Michael , Kustas Andrew , Chaput Kevin , Nauman Eric , Johnson David , Stanciu Lia
Published: May 2014

Advancing the understanding of microstructural effects and deformation on the degradability of Fe–Mn bioresorbable alloys (specifically, Fe–33%Mn) will help address the current problems associated with designing degradable fracture fixation implants for hard tissues. Potentiostatic polarization tests were conducted on a wide variety of metal samples to examine how different deformation processes affect the instantaneous rate of degradation of Fe–Mn alloys. Large‐strain machining (LSM), a novel severe plastic deformation (SPD) technique was utilized during these experiments to modify the degradation properties of the proposed Fe–Mn alloy. It was discovered that Fe–33%Mn after LSM with a rake angle of 0° (effective strain = 2.85) showed the most promising increase in degradation rate compared to as‐cast, annealed, and additional deformation conditions (rolled and other LSM parameters) for the same alloy. The mechanisms for enhancement of the corrosion rate are discussed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 738–745, 2015.
Hesperidin and Rutin, Antioxidant Citrus Flavonoids, Attenuate Cisplatin‐Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Kamel Kamel M. , Abd El‐Raouf Ola M. , Metwally Salwa A. , Abd El‐Latif Hekma A. , El‐sayed Mostafa E.
Published: May 2014

This study aimed to assess the protective effect of hesperidin (HES) and rutin (RUT) against cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity in male rats. Cisplatin (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) caused significant increases in serum sodium, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, total sodium and potassium excreted in urine, urine volume, and lipid peroxides measured as the malondialdehyde content of kidney, with significant decreases in serum total protein, creatinine clearance, reduced glutathione content of kidney, and kidney superoxide dismutase activity as compared with the control group. On the other hand, administration of HES (200 mg/kg, per oral [p.o.]) or RUT (30 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 days with a single cisplatin dose on the tenth day ameliorated the cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity as indicated by the restoration of kidney function and oxidative stress biomarkers. Furthermore, the test drugs reduced the histopathological changes induced by cisplatin. In conclusion, HES and RUT showed protective effects against cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity.
Bradykinin Regulates Osteoblast Differentiation by Akt/ERK/NFκB Signaling Axis
Authors: Srivastava Swati , Sharma Kirti , Kumar Narender , Roy Partha
Published: May 2014

Bradykinin (BK), a well known mediator of pain and inflammation, is also known to be involved in the process of bone resorption. The present study therefore evaluated the role of BK in osteoblast lineage commitment. Our data showed that BK inhibits the migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, but does not affect their viability. Moreover, BK also inhibits osteoblastic differentiation by significantly downregulating the levels of mRNAs for osteopontin, runX2, col24, osterix, osteocalcin genes and bone mineralization (P < 0.05). Further, BK was found to elicit the BK receptors (BDKR1 and BDKR2) mediated activation of ERK1/2 and Akt pathways, which finally led to the activation of NFκB. BK also promoted the osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow derived preosteoclast cells by upregulating the expression of c‐fos, NFATC1, TRAP, clcn7, cathK, and OSCAR genes and increasing TRAP activity through NFκB pathway. In conclusion, our data suggest that BK decreases the differentiation of osteoblasts with concomitant increase in osteoclast formation and thus provides new insight into the mechanism of action of BK in modulating bone resorption. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 2088–2105, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ras Oncoprotein Disrupts the TSH/CREB Signaling Upstream Adenylyl Cyclase in Human Thyroid Cell
Authors: Salzano Marcella , Russo Eleonora , Salzano Salvatore , Bifulco Maurizio , Vitale Mario
Published: May 2014

Activating mutations in RAS genes and p21 Ras overactivation are common occurrences in a variety of human tumors. p21 Ras oncoproteins deregulate a number of signaling pathways, dedifferentiating the thyroid cell, and negatively regulating the expression of thyroid specific genes. In rat thyroid cells, Ras oncoproteins inhibit the TSH pathway by reducing PKA activity and thus the expression of thyroid specific genes, while in mouse melanocytes, Ras oncoproteins reduce the αMSH‐stimulated cAMP signaling by increasing the expression of the phosphodiesterase‐4B. Given these cell‐dependent differences, we investigated if and how the TSH/CREB pathway is modulated by Ras oncoprotein in a human thyroid cell line. CREB phosphorylation was stimulated by TSH and forskolin in TAD‐2 cells. RasV12 expression negatively regulated the TSH‐stimulated CREB phosphorylation but was ineffective on forskolin‐stimulated CREB phosphorylation. Phosphodiesterase inhibition by IBMX enhanced TSH‐stimulated CREB phosphorylation, but did not restore TSH‐stimulated CREB phosphorylation inhibited by Ras oncoprotein. These data indicate that Ras oncoprotein disrupts the TSH/CREB pathway, upstream adenylyl cyclase, and highlight the existence of mechanisms of interaction between Ras and the cAMP pathway different in human and in rat thyroid cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 2137–2141, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Monod and a biphasic biodegradation kinetics of diesel hydrocarbons by a biofilm of Pseudomonas and the potential electromotive force involved
Authors: Acuna‐Askar Karim , Pecina‐Chacon David Eduardo , Mas‐Trevino Marcela , Tijerina‐Menchaca Rolando , Rodriguez‐Perez Elba Guadalupe , Luna‐Olvera Hugo Alberto , Ascacio‐Martinez Jorge Angel , Barrera‐Saldana Hugo Alberto , Alfaro‐Barbosa Juan Manuel
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

Two kinetic models for diesel degradation in a continuous‐flow reactor at a retention time of 1.5 h were compared. One model included the Monod equation and the other, a biphasic model, did not involve Monod parameters. The experiment included two Pseudomonas species. A thermodynamic study on the nitrate‐reducing degradation of diesel was performed in addition to a BOD5 /COD ratio to evaluate the biodegradability of both the diesel components and their residual concentrations.

RESULTS

The Monod model revealed that both μmax,h and for the C10–C18 chains were 2.5‐fold and 11‐fold, respectively, lower than those of chains C20–C22. The biphasic model failed to detect the influent concentration range at which the biofilm slowed down processing the substrates. The shifts of the influent‐to‐effluent BOD5/COD ratios from 0.67 to 0.80 and from 0.80 to 0.95, for the lowest and highest substrate concentrations, respectively, confirmed that residuals in the effluent can be degraded. Stoichiometric calculations for C10–C22 revealed theoretical spontaneous release of Gibbs free energies from –6.89 to –70.27 kJ, and electromotive forces from 4.4 to 45.51 mV for both the lowest and highest diesel concentrations, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The influent diesel concentration interval of 1008–1344 mg L−1 was the range over which the maximum utilization rates of chains C10–C22 decreased from 1.12 to 0.57 vss−1 due to the inhibitory action of chains C10–C18 (P<0.05). Following the degradation of diesel, the organic residuals left in the effluent can be easily assimilated. The nitrate‐reducing degradation was able to produce an electromotive force spontaneously. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Solid‐Phase Organic Synthesis of 1,4‐N‐Vinyl‐ and 1,4‐N‐Allyl‐Triazoles with the Sulfonate Linker
Authors: He Aiying , Sheng Shouri , Huang Zhenzhong , Liu Li , Cai Mingzhong
Published: May 2014

Polymer‐supported 2‐azidoethyl sulfonate and 3‐azidopropyl sulfonate reagents have been developed and applied to the solid‐phase organic synthesis of 1‐vinyl‐ and 1‐allyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles, respectively, by CuI‐mediated azide‐alkyne cycloadditions and subsequent cleavage from the polymer support through elimination reaction promoted by DBU. The advantages of this new synthetic method include simple operation and high yield of the products, as well as good stability of the reagents.
E‐Aroylethenesulfonylacetic Acid Methyl Ester: Source for Bis Heterocycles
Authors: Rajasekhar Chittoor , Durgamma Suram , Padmaja Adivireddy
Published: May 2014

A new class of pyrazolyl/isoxazolyl‐oxazolines and thiazolines was synthesized from simple substrate E‐aroylethenesulfonylacetic acid methyl ester with the aid of the samarium(III) chloride catalyst and 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition methodology.
Purification and biochemical characterization of a novel protease from Penicillium digitatum – Use in bioactive peptides production
Authors: Aissaoui Neyssene , Abidi Ferid , Mahat Safa , Marzouki M. Nejib
Published: May 2014

This work reports the production of a novel serine protease enzyme (P. dig‐protease) from the fungus Penicillium digitatum. The protease was purified from the culture supernatant to homogeneity using ammonium sulfate precipitation, Sephadex G‐150 gel filtration and carboxymethyl‐sepharose ion exchange chromatography with a 13‐fold increase in specific activity. The apparent molecular weight of P.dig‐protease was estimated to be 120 kDa by native high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) revealed a single polypeptide at about 30 kDa that indicates a tetrameric protein. The proteolytic activity was inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride suggesting a serine‐protease enzyme. P.dig‐protease stability was investigated over broad range of pH, temperature, salt concentrations, surfactants and metal ions. The purified P.dig‐protease was used for the production of bioactive peptides. Red scorpionfish (Scorpaena notata) muscle was hydrolyzed with P.dig‐protease in order to obtain peptides with biological activities. Interestingly, the hydrolysate revealed the presence of antioxidant and angiotensin‐I converting enzyme inhibitor peptides.
Global distribution and risk to shipping of very extreme sea states (VESS)
Authors: Cardone V. J. , Callahan B. T. , Chen H. , Cox A. T. , Morrone M. A. , Swail V. R.
Published: May 2014

The impact of extreme sea states on offshore infrastructure is of intense interest in the ocean engineering community at the present time. In this study, a new quality‐controlled database of global satellite‐derived estimates of significant wave height (HS) and surface marine wind speed from seven missions spanning the period August 1991–March 2010, known as GlobWave, is scanned to yield over 5000 ocean basin specific orbit segments with peak HS > 12 m. This population was subsequently distilled to a population of 120 individual storms [so‐called very extreme sea states (VESS) storms], in which there was at least one altimeter estimate of HS > 16 m. The highest HSs were observed in the Northern Hemisphere with ten orbit segments in the North Atlantic Ocean (NAO) with a peak HS of >18 m followed by four segments in the North Pacific Ocean (NPO). Only three HS peaks >18 m were seen in the entire Southern Oceans. Three of the >5000 orbit segments had a peak HS >20 m with the highest at 20.6 m. The number of VESS storms detected is greatest in the NAO (the smallest basin), a result that appears to be consistent with general circulation studies of extratropical cyclogenesis frequency and intensity in general atmospheric circulation models.

A new continuous 33‐year global wave hindcast (GROW2012) based on a new atmospheric reanalysis wind field product appears to provide unbiased estimates of the probability of exceedance of VESS in extratropical storms and small‐basin dependent biases (0.5–1.5 m) of peak HS greater than ∼16 m. GROW2012 was, therefore, applied with a voyage simulator for nine trade routes to assess the risk of a merchant vessel that does not avail itself of weather routing of encountering VESS. The highest monthly exceedance probabilities (MEPs) at the VESS threshold of 14 m are found in the NAO and NPO at ∼0.1% during winter months. The alternative statistical distribution of the MEP of the single maximum peak sea state to be expected for a voyage for any month (MEPm) shows that the highest MEPm is for the month of December in the NAO along the great circle route between the middle US East Coast and entrance to English Channel and in the NPO along the Yokohama–Seattle route, at about 3%. Still, the overall probability of a vessel encountering sea states that may contain waves capable of catastrophic damage over a 33‐year lifetime is quite small with mean number of hours of exposure to a vessel typically less than ∼3 h for six of the nine routes and a maximum of 10 h for two of the routes.
The effect of health insurance status on the treatment and outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Parikh Alexander A. , Robinson Jamie , Zaydfudim Victor M. , Penson David , Whiteside Martin A.
Published: May 2014

Background and Objectives

Uninsured and underinsured cancer patients often have delayed diagnosis and inferior outcomes. As healthcare reform proceeds in the US, this disparity may gain increasing importance. Our objective was to investigate the impact of health insurance status on the presentation, treatment, and survival among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

Methods

A total of 10,692 patients diagnosed with CRC between 2004 and 2008 identified from the Tennessee Cancer Registry were stratified into five groups: Private, Medicare, Military, Medicaid, and uninsured. Multivariable regression models were constructed to test the association of insurance with receipt of recommended adjuvant therapy and overall survival (OS).

Results

Uninsured and Medicaid patients were more often African American (AA) and presented with higher stage tumors (P < 0.001). Medicare patients were less likely to receive recommended adjuvant therapy (OR 0.54). Lack of insurance, Medicaid, and failure to receive recommended adjuvant therapy were independently associated with worse OS.

Conclusions

Although uninsured and Medicaid patients receive recommended adjuvant therapy comparable to other patients, they present with later stage disease and have a worse OS. Future studies are needed to better explain these disparities especially in the light of changing healthcare climate in the US. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:227–232. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nesting ecology and nest survival of lesser prairie‐chickens on the Southern High Plains of Texas
Authors: Grisham Blake A. , Borsdorf Philip K. , Boal Clint W. , Boydston Kathy K.
Published: May 2014

The decline in population and range of lesser prairie‐chickens (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) throughout the central and southern Great Plains has raised concerns considering their candidate status under the United States Endangered Species Act. Baseline ecological data for lesser prairie‐chickens are limited, especially for the shinnery oak‐grassland communities of Texas. This information is imperative because lesser prairie‐chickens in shinnery oak grasslands occur at the extreme southwestern edge of their distribution. This geographic region is characterized by hot, arid climates, less fragmentation, and less anthropogenic development than within the remaining core distribution of the species. Thus, large expanses of open rangeland with less anthropogenic development and a climate that is classified as extreme for ground nesting birds may subsequently influence nest ecology, nest survival, and nest site selection differently compared to the rest of the distribution of the species. We investigated the nesting ecology of 50 radio‐tagged lesser prairie‐chicken hens from 2008 to 2011 in the shinnery oak‐grassland communities in west Texas and found a substantial amount of inter‐annual variation in incubation start date and percent of females incubating nests. Prairie‐chickens were less likely to nest near unimproved roads and utility poles and in areas with more bare ground and litter. In contrast, hens selected areas dominated by grasses and shrubs and close to stock tanks to nest. Candidate models including visual obstruction best explained daily nest survival; a 5% increase in visual obstruction improved nest survival probability by 10%. The model‐averaged probability of a nest surviving the incubation period was 0.43 (SE = 0.006; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.56). Our findings indicate that lesser prairie‐chicken reproduction during our study period was dynamic and was correlated with seasonal weather patterns that ultimately promoted greater grass growth earlier in the nesting season that provided visual obstruction from predators. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Calcitonin pump improves nerve regeneration after transection injury and repair
Authors: Yan Ji‐Geng , Logiudice John , Davis John , Zhang Lin‐Ling , Agresti Michael , Sanger James , Matloub Hani S. , Havlik Robert
Published: May 2014

Introduction: After nerve injury, excessive calcium impedes nerve regeneration. We previously showed that calcitonin improved nerve regeneration in crush injury. We aimed to validate the direct effect of calcitonin on transected and repaired nerve. Methods: Two rat groups (n = 8) underwent sciatic nerve transection followed by direct repair. In the calcitonin group, a calcitonin‐filled mini‐osmotic pump was implanted subcutaneously, with a catheter parallel to the repaired nerve. The control group underwent repair only, without a pump. Evaluation and comparison between the groups included: (1) compound muscle action potential recording of the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle; (2) tetanic muscle force test of EDL; (3) nerve calcium concentration; and (4) nerve fiber count and calcified spot count. Results: The calcitonin pump group showed superior recovery. Conclusions: Calcitonin affects injured and repaired peripheral nerve directly. The calcitonin‐filled mini‐osmotic pump improved nerve functional recovery by accelerating calcium absorption from the repaired nerve. This finding has potential clinical applications. Muscle Nerve 51: 229–234, 2015
Optimizing measures of HIV‐associated neuropathy
Authors: Robinson‐Papp Jessica , Sharma Sandeep , Dhadwal Neetu , Simpson David M. , Morgello Susan
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) is common in HIV and is associated with autonomic impairment. However tools to measure HIV‐DSP do not include autonomic indices. We sought to optimize the Total Neuropathy Score (TNS) and the Composite Autonomic Severity Score (CASS) for use in HIV. Methods: HIV‐infected adults (n = 102) underwent neurologic examination, quantitative sensory testing (QST), nerve conduction studies, and autonomic testing. Modifications of the TNS and CASS were assessed for validity based on correlation with the original measure and internal consistency. Results: The TNS version commonly used in HIV‐DSP is valid, but it is improved by elimination of QST and addition of autonomic indices. A modified version of the CASS (M‐CASS) which was designed for sensitivity to milder impairment was also valid. Conclusions: A modified TNS that excludes QST and includes autonomic indices is optimal for HIV‐DSP. The M‐CASS is a valid measure of autonomic impairment in HIV. Muscle Nerve 51: 56–64, 2015
Inverse Analysis of Deep Excavation Using Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Zhao B. D. , Zhang L. L. , Jeng D. S. , Wang J. H. , Chen J. J.
Published: May 2014

This paper presents the applications of the differential evolution (DE) algorithm in back analysis of soil parameters for deep excavation problems. A computer code, named Python‐based DE, is developed and incorporated into the commercial finite element software ABAQUS, with a parallel computing technique to run an FE analysis for all trail vectors of one generation in DE in multiple cores of a cluster, which dramatically reduces the computational time. A synthetic case and a well‐instrumented real case, that is, the Taipei National Enterprise Center (TNEC) project, are used to demonstrate the capability of the proposed back‐analysis procedure. Results show that multiple soil parameters are well identified by back analysis using a DE optimization algorithm for highly nonlinear problems. For the synthetic excavation case, the back‐analyzed parameters are basically identical to the input parameters that are used to generate synthetic response of wall deflection. For the TNEC case with a total of nine parameters to be back analyzed, the relative errors of wall deflection for the last three stages are 2.2, 1.1, and 1.0%, respectively. Robustness of the back‐estimated parameters is further illustrated by a forward prediction. The wall deflection in the subsequent stages can be satisfactorily predicted using the back‐analyzed soil parameters at early stages. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperactive external awareness against hypoactive internal awareness in disorders of consciousness using resting‐state functional MRI: highlighting the involvement of visuo‐motor modulation
Authors: He Jiang‐Hong , Yang Yi , Zhang Yi , Qiu Si‐You , Zhou Zhen‐Yu , Dang Yuan‐Yuan , Dai Yi‐Wu , Liu Yi‐Jun , Xu Ru‐Xiang
Published: May 2014

Resting‐state functional MRI (fMRI) has emerged as a valuable tool to characterize the complex states encompassing disorders of consciousness (DOC). Awareness appears to comprise two coexistent, anticorrelated components named the external and internal awareness networks. The present study hypothesizes that DOC interrupts the balance between the internal and external awareness networks. To gain more understanding of this phenomenon, the present study analyzed resting‐state fMRI data from 12 patients with DOC versus 12 healthy age‐matched controls. The data were explored using independent component analysis and amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF) analysis. The results indicated that DOC deactivated midline areas associated with internal awareness. In addition, external awareness was strengthened in DOC because of increased activation in the insula, lingual gyrus, paracentral and supplementary motor area. The activity patterns suggested strengthened external awareness against weakened internal awareness in DOC. In particular, increased activity found in the insula, lingual gyrus, paracentral and supplementary motor area of patients with DOC implied possible involvement of augmented visuo‐motor modulation in these patients. DOC is probably related to hyperactive external awareness opposing hypoactive internal awareness. This unique pattern of brain activity may potentially be a prognostic marker for DOC. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dietary pulses, satiety and food intake: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of acute feeding trials
Authors: Li Siying S. , Kendall Cyril W.C. , de Souza Russell J. , Jayalath Viranda H. , Cozma Adrian I. , Ha Vanessa , Mirrahimi Arash , Chiavaroli Laura , Augustin Livia S.A. , Blanco Mejia Sonia , Leiter Lawrence A. , Beyene Joseph , Jenkins David J.A. , Sievenpiper John L.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To assess the effect of dietary pulses (beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils) on acute satiety and second meal intake, a systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Registry (through May 6, 2013) were searched for acute controlled trials examining the effect of dietary pulses on postprandial satiety or second meal intake compared with isocaloric controls. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed methodological quality and risk of bias. Data were pooled by generic inverse variance random effects models and expressed as ratio of means (RoMs) for satiety and mean differences (MDs) for second meal food intake, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed (Q statistic) and quantified (I2 statistic). Protocol registration: clinicaltrials.gov identifier, NCT01605422.

Results

Nine trials met the eligibility criteria. Dietary pulses produced a 31% greater satiety incremental area under the curve (IAUC) (RoM = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.58, P = 0.004; Phet = 0.96; I2 = 0%) without affecting second meal intake (MD = −19.94, 95% CI: −75‐35, P = 0.48; Phet = 0.01; I2 = 63%). Our data are limited by the small sample sizes, narrow participant characteristics and significant unexplained heterogeneity among the available trials.

Conclusions

Pooled analyses show that dietary pulses contribute to acute satiety but not second meal intake.
Effect of fibers treatment on dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy hybrid composites
Authors: Jawaid Mohammad , Alothman Othman Y. , Saba Naheed , Tahir Paridah Md. , Khalil H.P.S Abdul
Published: May 2014

Epoxy hybrid composites fabricated by reinforcing 2‐hydroxy ethyl acrylate (2‐HEA) treated oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) and jute fibers. It assume that chemical modification of jute and oil palm EFB fibers increased fiber/matrix interfacial bonding and it results in enhanced thermal properties of hybrid composites. Dynamic mechanical and thermal analysis of treated hybrid composites was carried out. Results indicated that chemical modification of oil palm EFB and jute fibers affect the dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid composites. The storage modulus values of hybrid composites increases with chemical treatment and loss modulus increased with fiber treatment in hybrid composites. Damping factor peak values of treated hybrid composites shifted toward the lower temperature compared to both untreated hybrid composites. Cole–Cole analysis was made to understand the phase behaviour of the hybrid composites. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated an increased in thermal stability of hybrid composite with the incorporation of chemically modified fibers. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1669–1674, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Maths in medicine: a life saving formula?
Authors: Swaminathan K , Kumaran OR
Published: May 2014

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a life threatening medical emergency. Occasionally, pulmonary thromboembolism can complicate the picture, potentially exacerbating the risk of cardiac arrest. Arterial blood gases are one among the first‐line investigations done in diabetic ketoacidosis. Proper interpretation of blood gases can unmask co‐existent pulmonary thromboembolism and can be life saving.