bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer Associated With Rheumatic Disease
Authors: Kishikawa Junko , Kawai Kazushige , Tsuno Nelson H. , Ishihara Soichiro , Yamaguchi Hironori , Sunami Eiji , Watanabe Toshiaki
Published: January 2015

It is well known that host immunity plays an important role in the defense against colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. The effects of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatic disease (RD) in which the immune system is deregulated, on this immunity have not been fully investigated. The medical records of 1299 consecutive patients diagnosed with primary colorectal cancer who underwent surgical resection were retrospectively reviewed. The clinicopathologic factors of 28 subjects with RD (RD group) were compared with those of 1271 patients without RD (non-RD group). Compared to the non-RD group, the RD group was typified by a predominance of females (P < 0.01), older age (P < 0.01), and a lower incidence of rectal cancer (P = 0.02). Although no difference was observed between the groups in terms of TNM classification, disease-free and overall survival were significantly poorer in the RD group in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Subjects who had RD for more than 10 years tended to have a higher frequency of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.06) and a significantly higher incidence of synchronous distant metastasis (P = 0.035) at the time of cancer diagnosis. RD was associated with a significantly poorer prognosis of colorectal cancer, suggesting that deregulation of the immune system by autoimmune diseases may adversely affect the host immune defense against colorectal cancer progression.
Label‐Free Biomedical Imaging of Lipids by Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy
Authors: Ramachandran Prasanna V. , Mutlu Ayse Sena , Wang Meng C.
Published: January 2015

Advances in modern optical microscopy have provided unparalleled tools to study intracellular structure and function, yet visualizing lipid molecules within a cell remains challenging. Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) microscopy is a recently developed imaging modality that addresses this challenge. By selectively imaging the vibration of chemical moieties enriched in lipids, this technique allows for rapid imaging of lipid molecules in vivo without the need for perturbative extrinsic labels. SRS microscopy has been effectively employed in the study of fat metabolism, helping uncover novel regulators of lipid storage. This unit provides a brief introduction to the principle of SRS microscopy, and describes methods for its use in imaging lipids in cells, tissues, and whole organisms. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Whole Blood Measurement of Histone Modifications Linked to the Epigenetic Regulation of Gene Expression
Authors: Watson Maria , Hedley David
Published: January 2015

Rapid progress is being made to understand the regulatory mechanisms that underlie the epigenetic control of gene expression through histone modification. It is now recognized that this plays a major role in normal development and disease. This unit describes the application of flow cytometry to the study of epigenetic mechanisms by combining labeling of individual histone modifications and phenotypic markers, and it also discusses practical issues to optimize staining. The focus is on normal blood and samples from leukemia patients, but it can also be applied to cells grown in tissue culture. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Application of Click Chemistry Conditions for 5‐Bromo‐2′‐Deoxyuridine Determination Through Fenton and Related Reactions
Authors: Cappella Paolo , Pulici Maurizio , Gasparri Fabio
Published: January 2015

Mixtures of ascorbate and copper used in certain click chemistry experimental conditions act as oxidizing agents, catalyzing the formation of reactive oxygen species through Fenton and related reactions. Hydroxyl radicals act as chemical nucleases, introducing DNA strand breaks that can be exploited for BrdU immunostaining in place of acid denaturation. This procedure is readily applicable to high content analysis and flow cytometry assays, and provides results comparable to click chemistry EdU cycloaddition and classical BrdU immunodetection. Importantly, this approach allows preservation of labile epitopes such as phosphoproteins. This unit describes an optimized method that successfully employs Fenton chemistry for simultaneous detection of phosphoproteins and BrdU in intact cells. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Digital Data Acquisition and Processing
Authors: Naivar Mark A. , Galbraith David W.
Published: January 2015

A flow cytometer is made up of many different subsystems that work together to measure the optical properties of individual cells within a sample. The data acquisition system (also called the data system) is one of these subsystems, and it is responsible for converting the electrical signals from the optical detectors into list‐mode data. This unit describes the inner workings of the data system, and provides insight into how the instrument functions as a whole. Some of the information provided in this unit is applicable to everyday use of these instruments, and, at minimum, should make it easier for the reader to assemble a specific data system. With the considerable advancement of electronics technology, it becomes possible to build an entirely functional data system using inexpensive hobbyist‐level electronics. This unit covers both analog and digital data systems, but the primary focus is on the more prevalent digital data systems of modern flow cytometric instrumentation. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy (LSFM)
Authors: Adams Michael W. , Loftus Andrew F. , Dunn Sarah E. , Joens Matthew S. , Fitzpatrick James A.J.
Published: January 2015

The development of confocal microscopy techniques introduced the ability to optically section fluorescent samples in the axial dimension, perpendicular to the image plane. These approaches, via the placement of a pinhole in the conjugate image plane, provided superior resolution in the axial (z) dimension resulting in nearly isotropic optical sections. However, increased axial resolution, via pinhole optics, comes at the cost of both speed and excitation efficiency. Light sheet fluorescent microscopy (LSFM), a century‐old idea made possible with modern developments in both excitation and detection optics, provides sub‐cellular resolution and optical sectioning capabilities without compromising speed or excitation efficiency. Over the past decade, several variations of LSFM have been implemented each with its own benefits and deficiencies. Here we discuss LSFM fundamentals and outline the basic principles of several major light‐sheet‐based imaging modalities (SPIM, inverted SPIM, multi‐view SPIM, Bessel beam SPIM, and stimulated emission depletion SPIM) while considering their biological relevance in terms of intrusiveness, temporal resolution, and sample requirements. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Semi‐Automated Object Tracking Methods in Biological Imaging
Authors: Davis Michael A. , Pražský Ondřej , Sysko Laura R.
Published: January 2015

Time‐lapse imaging is a rich data source offering potential kinetic information of cellular activity and behavior. Tracking and extracting measurements of objects from time‐lapse datasets are challenges that result from the complexity and dynamics of each object's motion and intensity or the appearance of new objects in the field of view. A wide range of strategies for proper data sampling, object detection, image analysis, and post‐analysis interpretation are available. Theory and methods for single‐particle tracking, spot detection, and object linking are discussed in this unit, as well as examples with step‐by‐step procedures for utilizing semi‐automated software and visualization tools for achieving tracking results and interpreting this output. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Decadal‐scale variations in geomagnetic field intensity from ancientCypriot slag mounds
Authors: Shaar Ron , Tauxe Lisa , Ben‐Yosef Erez , Kassianidou Vasiliki , Lorentzen Brita , Feinberg Joshua M. , Levy Thomas E.
Published: January 2015

Geomagnetic models based on direct observations since the 1830s show that the averaged relative change in field intensity on Earth's surface over the past 170 years is less than 4.8% per decade. It is unknown if these rates represent the typical behavior of secular variations due to insufficient temporal resolution of archaeomagnetic records from earlier periods. To address this question, we investigate two ancient slag mounds in Cyprus—Skouriotissa Vouppes (SU1, fourth to fifth centuries CE, 21 m in height), and Mitsero Kokkinoyia (MK1, seventh to fifth centuries BCE, 8 m in height). The mounds are multilayered sequences of slag and charcoals that accumulated near ancient copper production sites. We modeled the age‐height relation of the mounds using radiocarbon dates, and estimated paleointensities using Thellier‐type IZZI experiments with additional anisotropy, cooling rate, and nonlinear TRM assessments. To screen out ambiguous paleointensity interpretations, we applied strict selection criteria at the specimen/sample levels. To ensure objectivity, consistency, and robust error estimation, we employed an automatic interpretation technique and put the data available in the MagIC database. The analyses yielded two independent subcentury‐scale paleointensity time series. The MK1 data indicate relatively stable field at the time the mound accumulated. In contrast, the SU1 data demonstrate changes that are comparable in magnitude to the fastest changes inferred from geomagnetic models. We suggest that fast changes observed in the published archaeomagnetic data from the Levant are driven by two longitudinally paired regions, the Middle East and South Africa, that show unusual activity in geomagnetic models.
Impact of Blend Morphology on Interface State Recombination in Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Bouthinon Benjamin , Clerc Raphaël , Vaillant Jérôme , Verilhac Jean‐Marie , Faure‐Vincent Jérôme , Djurado David , Ionica Irina , Man Gabriel , Gras Antoine , Pananakakis Georges , Gwoziecki Romain , Kahn Antoine
Published: January 2015

This work is a reinvestigation of the impact of blend morphology and thermal annealing on the electrical performance of regioregular‐P3HT:PC60BM bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. The morphological, structural, and electrical properties of the blend are experimentally investigated with atomic force microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and time‐of‐flight measurements. Current–voltage characteristics of photodiode devices are measured in the dark and under illumination. Finally, the existence of exponential electronic band tails due to gap states is experimentally confirmed by measuring the device spectral response in the subband gap regime. This method reveals the existence of a large density of gap states, which is partially and systematically reduced by thermal annealing. When the band tails are properly accounted for in the drift and diffusion simulations, experimentally measured charge transport characteristics, under both dark and illuminated conditions and as a function of annealing time, can be satisfactorily reproduced. This work further confirms the critical impact of tails states on the performance of solar cells.
Dual‐Mechanism Antimicrobial Polymer–ZnO Nanoparticle and Crystal Violet‐Encapsulated Silicone
Authors: Noimark Sacha , Weiner Jonathan , Noor Nuruzzaman , Allan Elaine , Williams Charlotte K. , Shaffer Milo S. P. , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: January 2015

The prevalence of healthcare‐associated infection caused by multidrug‐resistant bacteria is of critical concern worldwide. It is reported on the development of a bactericidal surface prepared by use of a simple, upscalable, two‐step dipping strategy to incorporate crystal violet and di(octyl)­phosphinic‐ acid‐capped zinc oxide nanoparticles into medical grade silicone, as a strategy to reduce the risk of infection. The material is characterized by UV–vis absorbance spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confirmed the incorporation of the ZnO nanoparticles in the polymer. The novel system proves to be a highly versatile bactericidal material when tested against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, key causative micro‐organisms for hospital‐acquired infection (HAI). Potent antimicrobial activity is noted under dark conditions, with a significant enhancement exhibits when the surfaces are illuminated with a standard hospital light source. This polymer has the potential to decrease the risk of HAI, by killing bacteria in contact with the surface.
Synthetic Asymmetric‐Shaped Nanodevices with Symmetric pH‐Gating Characteristics
Authors: Zhang Huacheng , Hou Xu , Hou Jue , Zeng Lu , Tian Ye , Li Lin , Jiang Lei
Published: January 2015

Synthetic stimuli‐gated nanodevices displaying intelligent ion transport properties similar to those observed in biological ion channels have attracted increasing interests for their wide potential applications in biosensors, nanofluidics, and energy conversions. Here, bioinspired asymmetric shaped nanodevices are reported that can exhibit symmetric and linear pH‐gating ion transport features based on polyelectrolyte‐asymmetric‐functionalized asymmetric hourglass‐shaped nanochannels. The pH‐responsive polymer brushes grafted on the inner channel surface are acted as a gate that open and close in response to external pH changing to linearly and symmetrically regulate transmembrane ionic currents of the channel. A complete experimental characterization of the pH‐dependent ion transport behaviors of the nanodevice and a comprehensive discussion of the experimental results in terms of theoretical simulation are also presented. Both experimental and theoretical data shown in this work demonstrate the feasibility of using the asymmetric chemical modification method to achieve symmetric pH gating behaviors inside the asymmetric nanochannels, and lay the foundation to build diverse stimuli‐gated artificial asymmetric shaped ion channels with symmetric gating ion transport features.
Ultrahigh Tunability of Room Temperature Electronic Transport and Ferromagnetism in Dilute Magnetic Semiconductor and PMN‐PT Single‐Crystal‐Based Field Effect Transistors via Electric Charge Mediation
Authors: Zhu Qiu‐Xiang , Yang Ming‐Min , Zheng Ming , Zheng Ren‐Kui , Guo Li‐Jie , Wang Yu , Zhang Jin‐Xing , Li Xiao‐Min , Luo Hao‐Su , Li Xiao‐Guang
Published: January 2015

Multiferroic heterostructures composed of complex oxide thin films and ferroelectric single crystals have aroused considerable interest due to the electrically switchable strain and charge elements of oxide films by the polarization reversal of ferroelectrics. Previous studies have demonstrated that the electric‐field‐control of physical properties of such heterostructures is exclusively due to the ferroelectric domain switching‐induced lattice strain effects. Here, the first successful integration of the hexagonal ZnO:Mn dilute magnetic semiconductor thin films with high performance (111)‐oriented perovskite Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐PbTiO3 (PMN‐PT) single crystals is reported, and unprecedented charge‐mediated electric‐field control of both electronic transport and ferromagnetism at room temperature for PMN‐PT single crystal‐based oxide heterostructures is realized. A significant carrier concentration‐tunability of resistance and magnetization by ≈400% and ≈257% is achieved at room temperature. The electric‐field controlled bistable resistance and ferromagnetism switching at room temperature via interfacial electric charge presents a potential strategy for designing prototype devices for information storage. The results also disclose that the relative importance of the strain effect and interfacial charge effect in oxide film/ferroelectric crystal heterostructures can be tuned by appropriately adjusting the charge carrier density of oxide films.
Removal of Hg0 from flue gas using two homogeneous photo‐fenton‐like reactions
Authors: Liu Yangxian , Zhang Jun , Yin Yanshan
Published: January 2015

Removal of Hg0 using two homogeneous Photo‐Fenton‐Like reactions was first investigated in a photochemical reactor. Effects of process parameters on Hg0 removal were studied. Free radical and reaction products were analyzed. Removal pathways of Hg0 were discussed. Simultaneous removal of Hg0, NO, and SO2 is also studied briefly. The results show that UV power, wavelength, H2O2 concentration, and solution pH have great effects on Hg0 removal. Hg0, and SO2 concentrations, solution temperature, Fe3+, Cu2+,
, and
concentrations also have significant effects on Hg0 removal. However, concentrations of CO2, NO, O2, Cl−,
,
, SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 only have slight effects on Hg0 removal. Hg0/NO/SO2 can be simultaneously removed by Photo‐Fenton‐Like reactions. ·OH was captured, and
/
/Hg2+ were also detected. Removals of Hg0 by photochemical oxidation and ·OH oxidation play a major role, and removal of Hg0 by H2O2 oxidation only plays a secondary role in removal of Hg0. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 1322–1333, 2015
A comparison of flow development in high density gas‐solids circulating fluidized bed downer and riser reactors
Authors: Wang Chengxiu , Li Chunyi , Zhu Jesse , Wang Chengxiu , Barghi Shahzad , Zhu Jesse
Published: January 2015

Comparison of flow development in high density downer and riser reactors is experimentally investigated using fluid catalytic cracking particles with very high solids circulation rate up to 700 kg/m2s for the first time. Results show that both axial and radial flow structures are more uniform in downers compared to riser reactors even at very high density conditions, although the solids distribution becomes less uniform in the high density downer. Solids acceleration is much faster in the downer compared to the riser reactor indicating a shorter length of flow development and residence time, which is beneficial to the chemical reactions requiring short contact time and high product selectivity. Slip velocity in risers and downers is also first compared at high density conditions. The slip velocity in the downer is much smaller than in the riser for the same solids holdup indicating less particle aggregation and better gas‐solids contacting in the downer reactors. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 1172–1183, 2015
New Urbanisation under Globalisation and the Social Implications in China
Authors: Hu Biliang , Chen Chunlai
Published: January 2015

China launched a new urbanisation programme for the period of 2014–2020. The new urbanisation programme will produce positive impacts on China's social and economic development through focusing on integrated urban and rural development, creating city clusters and promoting sustainable urban development. However, the new urbanisation programme may also bring some new social and economic problems, like widening the gap in urban development between different regions in China, leading to the formation of a new urban poor class, based on the current design and implementation. To minimise the negative effect, we suggest to better deal with the relationships between market and government and between economic and social development in the process of urbanisation. We argue that the key is to allow the market to determine the flows of capital, land and people in the process of urbanisation so as to achieve a sustainable development of China's urbanisation.
An initial assessment of observations from the Suomi‐NPP satellite: data from the Cross‐track Infrared Sounder (CrIS)
Authors: Smith Andrew , Atkinson Nigel , Bell William , Doherty Amy
Published: January 2015

This paper gives an appraisal of the hyperspectral Cross‐track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) on board the Suomi‐NPP satellite, for use in numerical weather prediction (NWP) at the Met Office. The quality of CrIS data is assessed by comparison with short‐range NWP forecasts, and the impact on forecasts is evaluated using results from assimilation experiments. The impact of assimilating CrIS and the complementary microwave sounder ATMS (Advanced Technology Microwave Sounding Unit) together is also presented.
Applying the Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics to Couples: A Cross‐Sectional Study in Primary Care
Authors: O'Flynn Anne Marie , McHugh Sheena M. , Madden Jamie M. , Harrington Janas M. , Perry Ivan J. , Kearney Patricia M.
Published: January 2015

Background

There is little research on overall cardiovascular (CV) health among couples. Our aim was to examine concordance levels forCVhealth among couples, using the American Heart Association ideal health metrics, and to investigate if theCVhealth of an individual is associated with that of his or her partner.

Hypothesis

There is a positive association between the overall cardiovascular health of an individual and that of his/her partner.

Methods

The Mitchelstown Study is a community‐based cohort study of middle‐aged Irish adults. Potential couples were identified as 2 study participants living at the same address. This list was cross‐referenced with self‐reported marital status and telephone number in the electronic patient record. Information onCVhealth metrics (smoking, body mass index, physical activity, diet, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose) was collected using standardized methods. Participants were categorized as ideal, intermediate, or poor for each of the metrics and for overallCVhealth. The 0‐ to 14‐pointCVhealth metrics score was compared within couples using linear regression.

Results

Of 2047 participants, 191 potential couples were identified. We excluded 6 sibling pairs, 1 divorced couple, and 3 couples who self‐reported being single. The analysis includes 181 couples. There were significant associations between partners for smoking, diet, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose (P< 0.05). No couple had idealCVhealth (ie, both partners with 7 ideal metrics). Most couples (n = 127, 69%) were concordant for poorCVhealth. There was a significant relationship between partners for theCVhealth metrics score (P< 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results suggest an individual'sCVhealth is associated with that of his or her partner. Therefore, prevention strategies targeting couples and families may be appropriate.
The Value of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Gu Jun , Hu Wei , Liu Xu
Published: January 2015

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. Catheter ablation is now a recognized treatment for those with symptomatic AF refractory to drug therapy. Innovations in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have empowered clinicians to improve ablation efficacy while reducing the risk of complications. It is demonstrated that late gadolinium enhancement MRI has additional advantages over modalities such as echocardiography and computed tomography, due to its ability to assess the structural remodeling directly. As a result, MRI has become an indispensable imaging tool to personalize the AF ablation strategy, assess the efficacy and potential complications of AF ablation, and guide the repeat procedure.
Avian top predator and the landscape of fear: responses of mammalian mesopredators to risk imposed by the golden eagle
Authors: Lyly Mari S. , Villers Alexandre , Koivisto Elina , Helle Pekka , Ollila Tuomo , Korpimäki Erkki
Published: January 2015

Top predators may induce extensive cascading effects on lower trophic levels, for example, through intraguild predation (IGP). The impacts of both mammalian and avian top predators on species of the same class have been extensively studied, but the effects of the latter upon mammalian mesopredators are not yet as well known. We examined the impact of the predation risk imposed by a large avian predator, the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos, L.), on its potential mammalian mesopredator prey, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes, L.), and the pine marten (Martes martes, L.). The study combined 23 years of countrywide data from nesting records of eagles and wildlife track counts of mesopredators in Finland, northern Europe. The predation risk of the golden eagle was modeled as a function of territory density, density of fledglings produced, and distance to nearest active eagle territory, with the expectation that a high predation risk would reduce the abundances of smaller sized pine martens in particular. Red foxes appeared not to suffer from eagle predation, being in fact most numerous close to eagle nests and in areas with more eagle territories. This is likely due to similar prey preferences of the two predators and the larger size of foxes enabling them to escape eagle predation risk. Somewhat contrary to our prediction, the abundance of pine martens increased from low to intermediate territory density and at close proximity to eagle nests, possibly because of similar habitat preferences of martens and eagles. We found a slightly decreasing trend of marten abundance at high territory density, which could indicate that the response in marten populations is dependent on eagle density. However, more research is needed to better establish whether mesopredators are intimidated or predated by golden eagles, and whether such effects could in turn cascade to lower trophic levels, benefitting herbivorous species.
Synthetic Strategies for Preparing Bicyclic Guanidines
Authors: Lemrová Barbora , Soural Miroslav
Published: January 2015

Different synthetic approaches leading to compounds containing bicyclic guanidine scaffolds are summarised. Because of the diversity within this group of target molecules and the wide range of individually reported synthetic routes, this review is divided into three subsections according to the key intermediate used to obtain the bicyclic structure. The first section is dedicated to strategies in which monocyclic guanidine derivatives are used as the key intermediates. The second section presents direct syntheses of bicyclic guanidines from acyclic or non‐guanidine starting materials. The last part of the text addresses the synthesis of target compounds through the use of polymer‐supported chemistry. The applicability of each synthetic approach for the preparation of target molecules with certain x+y combinations of individual cycles is specified.
A Social Interactions Model with Endogenous Friendship Formation and Selectivity
Authors: Hsieh Chih‐Sheng , Lee Lung Fei
Published: January 2015

This paper analyzes the endogeneity bias problem caused by associations of members within a network when the spatial autoregressive (SAR) model is used to study social interactions. When there are unobserved factors that affect both friendship decisions and economic outcomes, the spatial weight matrix (sociomatrix; adjacency matrix) in the SAR model, which represents the structure of a friendship network, might correlate with the disturbance term of the model, and consequently result in an endogenous selection problem in the outcomes. We consider this problem of selection bias with a modeling approach. In this approach, a statistical network model is adopted to explain the endogenous network formation process. By specifying unobserved components in both the network model and the SAR model, we capture the correlation between the processes of network and outcome formation, and propose a proper estimation procedure for the system. We demonstrate that the estimation of this system can be effectively done by using the Bayesian method. We provide a Monte Carlo experiment and an empirical application of this modeling approach on the friendship networks of high school students and their interactions on academic performance in the Add Health data. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antihyperlipidaemic, Antihypertrophic, and Reducing Effects of Zingerone on Experimentally Induced Myocardial Infarcted Rats
Authors: Hemalatha K. L. , Stanely Mainzen Prince P.
Published: January 2015

The present study aims to evaluate the antihyperlipidaemic, antihypertrophic, and reducing effects of zingerone on isoproterenol‐induced hyperlipidaemia and hypertrophy in rats. Rats were pretreated with zingerone (6 mg/kg body weight) daily for a period of 14 days and then induced myocardial infarction with isoproterenol (100 mg/kg body weight) on days 15 and 16. Isoproterenol increased serum creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities in the rats. Increased levels/concentrations of serum and heart cholesterol and triglycerides were observed in isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarcted rats. Isoproterenol also altered serum lipoproteins and the activity of liver 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl glutaryl‐coenzyme‐A‐reductase in the rats. The in vitro study revealed a very convincing reducing power of zingerone. Pretreatment with zingerone prevented hyperlipidaemia and cardiac hypertrophy, by virtue of its antihyperlipidaemic, antihypertrophic, and reducing properties in isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarcted rats.
MicroRNA‐150 Protects Against Pressure Overload‐Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Liu Wanli , Liu Yu , Zhang Yan , Zhu Xueyong , Zhang Rui , Guan Lihua , Tang Qizhu , Jiang Hong , Huang Congxin , Huang He
Published: January 2015

Cardiac hypertrophy is the response of the heart to a variety of hypertrophic stimuli; this condition progresses to heart failure and sudden death. MicroRNAs (miRs) are a family of small, non‐coding RNAs that mediate posttranscriptional gene silencing. Recent studies have identified miRs as important regulators in cardiac hypertrophy. One specific miR, miR‐150 has been reported to be downregulated in hypertrophic murine hearts. However, the role of miR‐150 as a regulator of cardiac hypertrophy remains unclear. In the present study, we used gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function approaches to investigate the functional roles of miR‐150 in cardiac hypertrophy induced by aortic banding. The extent of the cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated by echocardiography and by pathological and molecular analyses of heart samples. Our results revealed that transgenic mice that overexpress miR‐150 in the heart were resistant to cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis through down‐regulation of serum response factor (SRF). Conversely, the loss of function of miR‐150 by genetic knockdown or antagomiR approaches produced the opposite effects. These studies suggest that miR‐150 plays an important role in the regulation of cardiac hypertrophy and SRF is involved in miR‐150 mediated anti‐hypertrophic effect. Thus, miR‐150 may be a new therapeutic target for cardiac hypertrophy. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2166–2176, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
BHBA Influences Bovine Hepatic Lipid Metabolism via AMPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Deng Qinghua , Liu Guowen , Liu Lei , Zhang Yuming , Yin Liheng , Shi Xiaoxia , Wang Jianguo , Yuan Xue , Sun Guoquan , Li Yu , Yang Wei , Guo Lihui , Zhang Renhe , Wang Zhe , Li Xiaobing , Li Xinwei
Published: January 2015

β‐hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), an important metabolite in β‐oxidation, is involved in the development of ketosis in dairy cows. It is known that AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway plays an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism in hepatocytes. In the present study, bovine hepatocytes were treated with BHBA at variable concontrations and Compound C (Cpd C, an AMPK inhibitor) to investigate the effects of BHBA on the AMPK signaling pathway. The results showed that when the concentration of BHBA reached 1.2 mM, the AMPK signaling pathway was activated and the expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c) as well as its target genes were significantly decreased. And these decreases were blocked by Cpd C. The binding activity and nucleus translocation of SREBP‐1c showed a similar trend. The expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‐α (PPARα), carbohydrates response element binding protein (ChREBP) and their target genes were significantly increased while they were negatively suppressed by the Cpd C. The content of triglyceride (TG) had no obviously change in the BHBA and Cpd C‐treated groups. These results indicate that BHBA can activate AMPK signaling pathway and regulate lipid synthesis and lipid oxidation genes of AMPK but showed no effect on TG in bovine hepatocytes. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1070–1079, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new finite element approach for near real‐time simulation of light propagation in locally advanced head and neck tumors
Authors: Oakley Emily , Wrazen Brian , Bellnier David A. , Syed Yusef , Arshad Hassan , Shafirstein Gal
Published: January 2015

Background and Objectives

Several clinical studies suggest that interstitial photodynamic therapy (I‐PDT) may benefit patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC). For I‐PDT, the therapeutic light is delivered through optical fibers inserted into the target tumor. The complex anatomy of the head and neck requires careful planning of fiber insertions. Often the fibers' location and tumor optical properties may vary from the original plan therefore pretreatment planning needs near real‐time updating to account for any changes. The purpose of this work was to develop a finite element analysis (FEA) approach for near real‐time simulation of light propagation in LAHNC.

Methods

Our previously developed FEA for modeling light propagation in skin tissue was modified to simulate light propagation from interstitial optical fibers. The modified model was validated by comparing the calculations with measurements in a phantom mimicking tumor optical properties. We investigated the impact of mesh element size and growth rate on the computation time, and defined optimal settings for the FEA. We demonstrated how the optimized FEA can be used for simulating light propagation in two cases of LAHNC amenable to I‐PDT, as proof‐of‐concept.

Results

The modified FEA was in agreement with the measurements (P = 0.0271). The optimal maximum mesh size and growth rate were 0.005–0.02 m and 2–2.5 m/m, respectively. Using these settings the computation time for simulating light propagation in LAHNC was reduced from 25.9 to 3.7 minutes in one case, and 10.1 to 4 minutes in another case. There were minor differences (1.62%, 1.13%) between the radiant exposures calculated with either mesh in both cases.

Conclusions

Our FEA approach can be used to model light propagation from diffused optical fibers in complex heterogeneous geometries representing LAHNC. There is a range of maximum element size (MES) and maximum element growth rate (MEGR) that can be used to minimize the computation time of the FEA to 4 minutes. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:60–67, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ROS signaling by NADPH oxidase 5 modulates the proliferation and survival of prostate carcinoma cells
Authors: Höll Monika , Koziel Rafal , Schäfer Georg , Pircher Haymo , Pauck Alexander , Hermann Martin , Klocker Helmut , Jansen‐Dürr Pidder , Sampson Natalie
Published: January 2015

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of male cancer death in Western nations. Thus, new treatment modalities are urgently needed. Elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by NADPH oxidase (Nox) enzymes is implicated in tumorigenesis of the prostate and other tissues. However, the identity of the Nox enzyme(s) involved in prostate carcinogenesis remains largely unknown. Analysis of radical prostatectomy tissue samples and benign and malignant prostate epithelial cell lines identified Nox5 as an abundantly expressed Nox isoform. Consistently, immunohistochemical staining of a human PCa tissue microarray revealed distinct Nox5 expression in epithelial cells of benign and malignant prostatic glands. shRNA‐mediated knockdown of Nox5 impaired proliferation of Nox5‐expressing (PC‐3, LNCaP) but not Nox5‐negative (DU145) PCa cell lines. Similar effects were observed upon ROS ablation via the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine confirming ROS as the mediators. In addition, Nox5 silencing increased apoptosis of PC‐3 cells. Concomitantly, protein kinase C zeta (PKCζ) protein levels and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation were reduced. Moreover, the effect of Nox5 knockdown on PC‐3 cell proliferation could be mimicked by pharmacological inhibition of JNK. Collectively, these data indicate that Nox5 is expressed at functionally relevant levels in the human prostate and clinical PCa. Moreover, findings herein suggest that Nox5‐derived ROS and subsequent depletion of PKCζ and JNK inactivation play a critical role in modulating intracellular signaling cascades involved in the proliferation and survival of PCa cells. © 2014 The Authors. Molecular Carcinogenesis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mit der Kraft des Lichts
Authors: Kisch Horst
Published: January 2015

Ursprünglich eine Domäne der physikalischen Chemie, entwickelt sich die Halbleiterphotokatalyse zu einem interdisziplinären Gebiet von Chemie, Physik, Biologie und Ökologie. Anorganische Halbleiter katalysieren dabei Reaktionen, die formal der natürlichen Photosynthese ähneln.
Ungewöhnliche Zeiten
Authors: Schneider Bernd
Published: January 2015

Hohe Börsenkurse sollten einladend auf Börsenaspiranten wirken. Dennoch ist im Chemiesektor trotz attraktiver Kursniveaus und großem Investoreninteresse der Markt für Börsengänge schwach.
Rydberg‐Exzitonen – die größten künstlichen Wasserstoffatome
Authors: Bayer Manfred , Fröhlich Dietmar
Published: January 2015

In den letzten Jahren haben Atome mit einem Elektron, das in einen sehr hohen gebundenen Zustand angeregt wurde, großes Interesse erfahren. Diese so genannten Rydberg‐Atome können Abmessungen bis zu einigen Mikrometern aufweisen. Unser Team von der Universität Dortmund hat nun in einem Festkörper wasserstoffähnliche Rydberg‐Exzitonen erzeugt, die erstaunliche Eigenschaften besitzen.
Utilization of antibiotics for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Zobell Jeffery T. , Epps Kevin L. , Young David C. , Montague Madison , Olson Jared , Ampofo Krow , Chin Melissa J. , Marshall Bruce C. , Dasenbrook Elliott
Published: January 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to characterize the utilization of antibiotics for chronic methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with acute pulmonary exacerbations (PEx).

Methods

An anonymous national cross‐sectional survey of CF Foundation accredited care programs was performed using an electronic survey tool.

Results

Fifty‐eight percent (152/261) CF Foundation accredited programs completed the survey. Ninety‐eight percent (149/152) of respondents reported using antibiotics (oral or intravenous) against MRSA. Variability exists in the use of antibiotics amongst the programs and in the dosages utilized. For oral outpatient treatment, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim was the most commonly utilized antibiotic by both pediatric (109/287, 38%) and adult (99/295, 34%) respondents, of which, ten percent of reported to use it in combination with rifampin. For inpatient treatment, linezolid (both intravenous (IV) and oral) was most commonly utilized in both pediatric (IV 35/224, 16%; oral 41/224, 18%), and adult (IV 44/235, 19%; oral 38/235, 16%) respondents for inpatient treatment. IV vancomycin was the second most commonly utilized antibiotic by pediatric (70/224, 31%) and adult (71/235, 30%) respondents. Most respondents reported dose titration to achieve a vancomycin trough level of 15–20 mg/L (150/179, 84%). Topical or inhaled antibiotic utilization was reported to be an uncommon practice with approximately 70% of pediatric and adult respondents reporting to use them either rarely or never. The concomitant use of anti‐MRSA and anti‐pseudomonal antibiotics was common with 96% of pediatric and 99% of adult respondents answering in the affirmative.

Conclusion

We conclude that anti‐MRSA antibiotics are utilized via various dosage regimens by a majority of CF Foundation accredited care programs for the treatment of chronic MRSA in PEx, and there is no consensus on the best treatment approach. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:552–559. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age‐related increase in IL‐17 activates pro‐inflammatory signaling in prostate cells
Authors: De Angulo Alejandra , Faris Robert , Daniel Benjamin , Jolly Christopher , deGraffenried Linda
Published: January 2015

Background

A close relationship between aging, inflammation, and prostate cancer is widely accepted. Aging is accompanied by a progressive increase in pro‐inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 17 (IL‐17), a key pro‐inflammatory cytokine that becomes dysregulated with age. However, the contribution of IL‐17 to age‐related prostate tumorigenesis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of age‐related IL‐17 dysregulation in prostate tumorigenesis.

Methods

Serum and splenic T‐lymphocytes from young GPAT‐1 knock‐out aging‐mimic T cell mice as well as young and aged wild‐type mice were collected. shRNA was used to knock down the IL‐17 receptor in LNCaP prostate cancer cells and RWPE‐1 non‐transformed prostate epithelial cells, which were then exposed to the mouse sera or conditioned media from stimulated T‐lymphocytes. NF‐κB activation, NF‐κB target gene expression, and cell proliferation were all measured in these cells by luciferase assay, qPCR, Western blot analysis, and MTT assay, respectively.

Results

T‐lymphocyte‐secreted IL‐17 from aging‐mimic mice induced NF‐κB activity and target gene expression in LNCaP and RWPE‐1 cells. It also promoted proliferation of these cells.

Conclusion

Aging‐mimic T cell mice produce increased levels of IL‐17, which stimulates the pro‐inflammatory NF‐κB pathway in prostate epithelial cells. NF‐κB increases inflammation, carcinogenesis and metastatic potential in the prostate. These findings provide evidence that the dysregulation of cytokine production seen in aged T cells may directly contribute to the increased risk for prostate cancer in the elderly. Prostate 75: 449–462, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elevated circulating tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP‐1) levels are associated with neuroendocrine differentiation in castration resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Gong Yixuan , Chippada‐Venkata Uma D. , Galsky Matthew D. , Huang Jiaoti , Oh William K.
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) is a 28.5 kDa secreted glycoprotein that inhibits matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. Our group has previously shown that elevated plasma TIMP‐1 levels predict poor survival in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients; however, the underlying source and impact of elevated circulating TIMP‐1 protein is unknown.

METHODS

In this study, we used qRT‐PCR, ELISA and immunohistochemistry to evaluate TIMP‐1 expression in androgen‐sensitive and resistant prostate cancer (PC) cell lines, tumor tissues and patient sera, and to correlate TIMP‐1 levels to expression of chromogranin A (CGA), an established marker of neuroendocrine differentiation (NED). We also explored the relationship between TIMP‐1 overexpression and induction of NED by overexpressing TIMP‐1 in androgen‐sensitive LNCaP cells, as well as by inducing NED of LNCaP cells with IL‐6.

RESULTS

Patients with CRPC have significantly higher serum TIMP‐1 levels compared to patients with hormone‐sensitive disease. Although circulating TIMP‐1 levels were increased, peripheral blood cells were not the source of elevation. Instead, elevated TIMP‐1 expression was associated with higher expression of CGA in both blood and metastatic tumor tissue. We further show that androgen receptor (AR) and PSA non‐expressing prostate cancer cell lines known to display NED phenotypes such as PC‐3, PC‐3M, and DU145 cells, expressed high levels of TIMP‐1, in contrast to AR (+) and PSA (+) adenocarcinoma cell lines such as LNCaP, VCaP, and LAPC‐4, which had barely detectable levels of TIMP‐1. In addition, ectopic overexpression of TIMP‐1 in LNCaP cells did not induce NED. However, TIMP‐1 mRNA expression was elevated >10‐fold during IL‐6‐induced NED of LNCaP cells, suggesting that TIMP‐1 overexpression accompanies, but is not the driving force for NED. Finally, we show that conditioned media from androgen‐resistant PC‐3, PC‐3M, and DU145 cells induced TIMP‐1 mRNA expression in primary prostate stromal fibroblasts in an ERK and NF‐κB dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide in vitro and clinical evidence to support the association between NED and elevated circulating TIMP‐1 expression in CRPC. Our observation supports further evaluation of TIMP‐1 as a tissue and serum biomarker for NED in CRPC. Prostate 75: 616–627, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of a neuropeptide S tetrabranched derivative
Authors: Ruzza Chiara , Rizzi Anna , Malfacini Davide , Pulga Alice , Pacifico Salvatore , Salvadori Severo , Trapella Claudio , Reinscheid Rainer K. , Calo Girolamo , Guerrini Remo
Published: January 2015

The peptide welding technology (PWT) is a novel chemical strategy that allows the synthesis of multibranched peptides with high yield, purity, and reproducibility. With this approach, a tetrabranched derivative of neuropeptide S (NPS) has been synthesized and pharmacologically characterized. The in vitro activity of PWT1‐NPS has been studied in a calcium mobilization assay. In vivo, PWT1‐NPS has been investigated in the locomotor activity (LA) and recovery of the righting reflex (RR) tests. In calcium mobilization studies, PWT1‐NPS behaved as full agonist at the mouse NPS receptor (NPSR) being threefold more potent than NPS. The selective NPSR antagonists [tBu‐D‐Gly5]NPS and SHA 68 displayed similar potency values against NPS and PWT1‐NPS. In vivo, both NPS (1–100 pmol, i.c.v.) and PWT1‐NPS (0.1–100 pmol, i.c.v.) stimulated mouse LA, with PWT1‐NPS showing higher potency than NPS. In the RR assay, NPS (100 pmol, i.c.v.) was able to reduce the percentage of mice losing the RR after diazepam administration and their sleep time 5 min after the i.c.v. injection, but it was totally inactive 2 h after the injection. On the contrary, PWT1‐NPS (30 pmol, i.c.v.), injected 2 h before diazepam, displayed wake‐promoting effects. This PWT1‐NPS stimulant effect was no longer evident in mice lacking the NPSR receptor. The PWT1 technology can be successfully applied to the NPS sequence. PWT1‐NPS displayed in vitro a pharmacological profile similar to NPS. In vivo PWT1‐NPS mimicked NPS effects showing higher potency and long‐lasting action.
Identification of trichlormethiazide as a Mdr1a/b gene expression enhancer via a dual secretion‐based promoter assay
Authors: Schulze Sarina , Reinhardt Sven , Freese Christian , Schmitt Ulrich , Endres Kristina
Published: January 2015

Transporters of the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) family such as MDR1 play a pivotal role in persistence of brain homeostasis by contributing to the strict permeability properties of the blood–brain barrier. This barrier on one hand compromises treatment of central nervous system diseases by restricting access of drugs; on the other hand, an impaired or altered function of barrier building cells has been described in neurological disorders. The latter might contribute to increased vulnerability of the brain under pathological conditions or even enforce pathogenesis. Here, we present a novel approach for a systematic examination of drug impact on Mdr1 gene expression by establishing a dual reporter gene assay for the murine upstream core promoters of Mdr1a and b. We validated the time‐resolved assay in comparison with single reporter gene constructs and applied it to analyze effects of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved drug library consisting of 627 substances. The chemo‐preventive synthetic dithiolethione oltipraz was reidentified with our assay as an already known inducer of Mdr1 gene expression. Together with two newly characterized modifiers – gemcitabine and trichlormethiazide – we prove our findings in a blood–brain barrier culture model as well as in wild‐type and Mdr1 knockout mice. In sum, we could demonstrate that our dual reporter gene assay delivers results, which also persist in the living animal and consequently is applicable for further analysis and prediction of Mdr1 regulation in vivo.