bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient expression of nattokinase in Bacillus licheniformis: host strain construction and signal peptide optimization
Authors: Wei Xuetuan , Zhou Yinhua , Chen Jingbang , Cai Dongbo , Wang Dan , Qi Gaofu , Chen Shouwen
Published: December 2014

Nattokinase (NK) possesses the potential for prevention and treatment of thrombus-related diseases. In this study, high-level expression of nattokinase was achieved in Bacillus licheniformis WX-02 via host strain construction and signal peptides optimization. First, ten genes (mpr, vpr, aprX, epr, bpr, wprA, aprE, bprA, hag, amyl) encoding for eight extracellular proteases, a flagellin and an amylase were deleted to obtain B. licheniformis BL10, which showed no extracellular proteases activity in gelatin zymography. Second, the gene fragments of P43 promoter, Svpr, nattokinase and TamyL were combined into pHY300PLK to form the expression vector pP43SNT. In BL10 (pP43SNT), the fermentation activity and product activity per unit of biomass of nattokinase reached 14.33 FU/mL and 2,187.71 FU/g respectively, which increased by 39 and 156 % compared to WX-02 (pP43SNT). Last, Svpr was replaced with SsacC and SbprA, and the maximum fermentation activity (33.83 FU/mL) was achieved using SsacC, which was 229 % higher than that of WX-02 (pP43SNT). The maximum NK fermentation activity in this study reaches the commercial production level of solid state fermentation, and this study provides a promising engineered strain for industrial production of nattokinase, as well as a potential platform host for expression of other target proteins.
Development of emotional autonomy from adolescence to young adulthood in Spain
Authors: Parra Águeda , Oliva Alfredo , Sánchez‐Queija Inmaculada
Published: December 2014

The main objective of this study was to learn whether emotional autonomy is truly part of a developmental stage for Spanish adolescents and young adults or if it is an indicator of difficult family relationships. Using a longitudinal design, a sample of ninety young people was followed for ten years, from their initial adolescence until their first years of adulthood. At four observation points, the participants completed various questionnaires to evaluate their emotional autonomy, the cohesion in their family relationships and their life satisfaction. There were no gender differences in the development of emotional autonomy. Family cohesion and life satisfaction showed significant negative associations with emotional autonomy and these associations became more pronounced as participants moved from adolescence into adulthood. Based on our results, emotional autonomy from parents does not seem to be a developmental stage taking place during adolescence, but rather, an indicator of difficult family relationships.
La efectividad de la publicidad oposicional
Authors: Farías Pablo
Published: November 2014

El propósito de este estudio es analizar la viabilidad de la publicidad oposicional en Chile. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de experimentación controlada, a través del uso de un anuncio impreso para un nuevo automóvil en donde se manipularon los elementos visuales y verbales (oposicionales vs. no oposicionales). Los hallazgos sugieren que los anuncios oposicionales pueden ser menos eficaces en la recordación del anuncio, a pesar de ser percibidos menos complejos por los participantes. Mientras que una investigación experimental no es suficiente para establecer la no superioridad de la publicidad oposicional en Chile, los resultados apoyan la idea de que la publicidad oposicional podría no ser más eficaz que la publicidad no oposicional para muchas campa˜nas de marketing en Chile.
Theoretical approaches to managing complexity in organizations: A comparative analysis
Authors: Bohórquez Arévalo Luz E. , Espinosa Angela
Published: November 2014

This paper aims to identify the differences and similarities in the way to explain self-organization from the different theories of complex systems used in management, which we have grouped as complex systems theories, complex adaptive systems (CAS) and organizational cybernetics. For this purpose we suggest three parallel and complementary dimensions to delimit the conceptual spaces where these theories can be placed. Using this classification as an analytical lens we summarize the core arguments suggested by each of these complex systems approaches, regarding the ideas of emergence and new order. This analysis helps us to conclude that the three theories coincide in their interest for studying nonlinear complex systems, but diverge in the nature of the complex problems studied. Finally we analyze the consequences that recognizing the similarities and differences between these approaches have, when using them for the study and research of social and business organizations and their management.
Glutathionyl‐hydroquinone reductases from poplar are plastidial proteins that deglutathionylate both reduced and oxidized glutathionylated quinones
Authors: Lallement Pierre‐Alexandre , Meux Edgar , Gualberto José M. , Dumarcay Stéphane , Favier Frédérique , Didierjean Claude , Saul Frederick , Haouz Ahmed , Morel-Rouhier Mélanie , Gelhaye Eric , Rouhier Nicolas , Hecker Arnaud
Published: November 2014

Glutathionyl‐hydroquinone reductases (GHRs) catalyze the deglutathionylation of quinones via a catalytic cysteine. The two GHR genes in the Populus trichocarpa genome, Pt‐GHR1 and Pt‐GHR2, are primarily expressed in reproductive organs. Both proteins are localized in plastids. More specifically, Pt‐GHR2 localizes in nucleoids. At the structural level, Pt‐GHR1 adopts a typical GHR fold, with a dimerization interface comparable to that of the bacterial and fungal GHR counterparts. Pt‐GHR1 catalyzes the deglutathionylation of both reduced and oxidized glutathionylated quinones, but the enzyme is more catalytically efficient with the reduced forms.
A potential function for neuronal exosomes: Sequestering intracerebral amyloid‐β peptide
Authors: Yuyama Kohei , Sun Hui , Usuki Seigo , Sakai Shota , Hanamatsu Hisatoshi , Mioka Tetsuo , Kimura Nobuyuki , Okada Megumi , Tahara Hidetoshi , Furukawa Jun-ichi , Fujitani Naoki , Shinohara Yasuro , Igarashi Yasuyuki
Published: November 2014

Elevated amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) in brain contributes to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. We demonstrated the presence of exosome‐associated Aβ in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of cynomolgus monkeys and APP transgenic mice. The levels of exosome‐associated Aβ notably decreased in the CSF of aging animals. We also determined that neuronal exosomes, but not glial exosomes, had abundant glycosphingolipids and could capture Aβ. Infusion of neuronal exosomes into brains of APP transgenic mice decreased Aβ and amyloid depositions, similarly to what reported previously on neuroblastoma‐derived exosomes. These findings highlight the role of neuronal exosomes in Aβ clearance, and suggest that their downregulation might relate to Aβ accumulation and, ultimately, the development of AD pathology.
Pathogenic uromodulin mutations result in premature intracellular polymerization
Authors: Stewart Andrew P. , Sandford Richard N. , Karet Frankl Fiona E. , Edwardson J. Michael
Published: November 2014

Several renal diseases involve mutations in the gene encoding uromodulin, the predominant protein in urine. We investigated the intracellular processing of wild‐type uromodulin, and three mutants: p.V93_G97del/ins AASC; C155R; and C150S. A renal biopsy from a patient harboring the C155R mutation revealed intracellular protein accumulation. Wild‐type uromodulin was efficiently trafficked to the cell surface in transfected tsA 201 cells, whereas the mutants were partially retained within the cell, and incompletely processed. Atomic force microscopy imaging revealed that the intracellular mutant proteins contained fibrillar structures similar to urinary uromodulin. We suggest that premature intracellular polymerization underlies the pathology of uromodulin diseases.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch and Yap1 have antagonistic roles in the regulation of ASPP2 protein stability
Authors: Gao Kun , An Jian , Zhang Yuanyuan , Jin Xiaofeng , Ma Jian , Peng Jingtao , Tang Yan , Yu Long , Zhang Pingzhao , Wang Chenji
Published: November 2014

ASPP2 is an important tumor suppressor protein promoting p53‐dependent and‐independent apoptosis. However, it has been unclear how ASPP2 protein is regulated. Here, we identified Itch as the E3 ubiquitin ligase for ASPP2. Itch interacts with ASPP2 and mediates its degradation and ubiquitination in vivo. The PPXY motif of ASPP2 interacts with the WW domains of Itch. Yap1 competes with Itch for binding to ASPP2, and prevents Itch‐mediated degradation and ubiquitination of ASPP2. Together, these observations reveal that Itch and Yap1 have antagonistic roles in the regulation of ASPP2 protein stability through competing post‐translational regulatory mechanism of ASPP2.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐520g induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition and promotes metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting SMAD7
Authors: Kan Heping , Guo Wenbin , Huang Yuqi , Liu Dingli
Published: November 2014

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Aberrant expression of miRNAs contributes to HCC development. Here, we observed elevated miR‐520g expression in tumor samples from HCC patients with relapse and metastasis, and this high miR‐520g expression was correlated with poor survival. Through gain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies, miR‐520g was demonstrated to facilitate HCC cell migration, invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). SMAD7 was identified as a direct target of miR‐520g. Accordingly, we conclude that high miR‐520g expression promotes HCC cell mobility and EMT by targeting SMAD7, and this is correlated with reduced survival in HCC patients.
Exploring NAG‐thiazoline and its derivatives as inhibitors of chitinolytic β‐acetylglucosaminidases
Authors: Liu Tian , Xia Meng , Zhang Haitao , Zhou Hao , Wang Jing , Shen Xu , Yang Qing
Published: November 2014

NAG‐thiazoline (NGT) and its derivatives are well‐known inhibitors against most β‐acetylglucosaminidases (β‐GlcNAcases) except for insect and bacterial chitinolytic β‐GlcNAcases, including the molting‐indispensable OfHex1 from the insect Ostrinia furnacalis. Here, we report the co‐crystal structure of OfHex1 in complex with NGT. This structure reveals a large active pocket in OfHex1 that may account for the poor inhibitory activity of NGT. To test this hypothesis, a bulky substituent was designed and synthesized on the thiazoline ring of NGT. The resulting compound (NMAGT) was determined to be a submicromolar inhibitor of OfHex1 with a K
i value of 0.13 μM, which is 600‐fold lower than K
i value of NGT. Molecular dynamics simulation analysis supported the good fit of NMAGT to the active pocket.
Thermally‐induced structural changes in an armadillo repeat protein suggest a novel thermosensor mechanism in a molecular chaperone
Authors: Bujalowski Paul J. , Nicholls Paul , Barral José M. , Oberhauser Andres F.
Published: November 2014

Molecular chaperones are commonly identified by their ability to suppress heat‐induced protein aggregation. The muscle‐specific molecular chaperone UNC‐45B is known to be involved in myosin folding and is trafficked to the sarcomeres A‐band during thermal stress. Here, we identify temperature‐dependent structural changes in the UCS chaperone domain of UNC‐45B that occur within a physiologically relevant heat‐shock range. We show that distinct changes to the armadillo repeat protein topology result in exposure of hydrophobic patches, and increased flexibility of the molecule. These rearrangements suggest the existence of a novel thermosensor within the chaperone domain of UNC‐45B. We propose that these changes may function to suppress aggregation under stress by allowing binding to a wide variety of aggregation prone loops on its client.
Systematic Characterization of Cell Cycle Phase-Dependent Protein Dynamics and Pathway Activities by High-Content Microscopy-Assisted Cell Cycle Phenotyping
Authors: Bruhn Christopher , Kroll Torsten , Wang Zhao-Qi
Published: November 2014

Cell cycle progression is coordinated with metabolism, signaling and other complex cellular functions. The investigation of cellular processes in a cell cycle stage-dependent manner is often the subject of modern molecular and cell biological research. Cell cycle synchronization and immunostaining of cell cycle markers facilitate such analysis, but are limited in use due to unphysiological experimental stress, cell type dependence and often low flexibility. Here, we describe high-content microscopy-assisted cell cycle phenotyping (hiMAC), which integrates high-resolution cell cycle profiling of asynchronous cell populations with immunofluorescence microscopy. hiMAC is compatible with cell types from any species and allows for statistically powerful, unbiased, simultaneous analysis of protein interactions, modifications and subcellular localization at all cell cycle stages within a single sample. For illustration, we provide a hiMAC analysis pipeline tailored to study DNA damage response and genomic instability using a 3–4-day protocol, which can be adjusted to any other cell cycle stage-dependent analysis.
THPO-MPL pathway and bone marrow failure
Authors: Dasouki Majed , Saadi Irfan , Ahmed Syed O
Published: November 2014

Single or multilineage bone marrow failure can be a serious health problem caused by hereditary and non-hereditary causes such as exposure to drugs or environmental toxins. Normal hematopoiesis requires the integrity of several pathways including the THPO-MPL pathway. Over the last two decades, significant advances in the understanding of normal and abnormal functions of this and related pathways have led to novel diagnostic and therapeutic options.
Perceived social support reduces the pain of spending money
Authors: Xu Qian , Zhou Yuanji , Ye Maolin , Zhou Xinyue
Published: November 2014

People experience pain when they spend money. Because previous studies have shown that perceived social support reduces physical pain, this research examined whether perceived social support reduces spending pain. Our studies showed that both real and recalled social support reduced spending pain (Studies 1–3) and that perceived social support reduced the perceived importance of money as a protection mechanism, which in turn reduced spending pain (Studies 1 and 3). Moreover, the pain‐buffering effect of social support was stronger for hedonic purchases than for utilitarian purchases (Study 2). This research broadens our understanding of the factors that enhance consumer experiences and the relationships among love, security, and pain.
Colostrum whey down-regulates the expression of early and late inflammatory response genes induced byEscherichia coliandSalmonella entericaTyphimurium components in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Blais M. , Fortier M. , Pouliot Y. , Gauthier S. F. , Boutin Y. , Asselin C. , Lessard M.
Published: December 2014

Pathogenic invasion byEscherichia coliandSalmonellaeremains a constant threat to the integrity of the intestinal epithelium and can rapidly induce inflammatory responses. At birth, colostrum consumption exerts numerous beneficial effects on the properties of intestinal epithelial cells and protects the gastrointestinal tract of newborns from pathogenic invasion. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of colostrum on the early and late inflammatory responses induced by pathogens. The short-term (2 h) and long-term (24 h) effects of exposure to heat-killed (HK)E. coliandSalmonella entericaTyphimurium on gene expression in the porcine intestinal epithelial cell (IPEC-J2) model were first evaluated by microarray and quantitative PCR analyses. Luciferase assays were performed using a NF-κB-luc reporter construct to investigate the effect of colostrum whey treatment on the activation of NF-κB induced by HK bacteria. Luciferase assays were also performed using NF-κB-luc, IL-8-luc and IL-6-luc reporter constructs in human colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2/15 cells exposed to dose–response stimulations with HK bacteria and colostrum whey. Bovine colostrum whey treatment decreased the expression of early and late inflammatory genes induced by HK bacteria in IPEC-J2, as well as the transcriptional activation of NF-κB-luc induced by HK bacteria. Unlike that with colostrum whey, treatment with other milk fractions failed to decrease the activation of NF-κB-luc induced by HK bacteria. Lastly, the reduction of the HK bacteria-induced activation of NF-κB-luc, IL-8-luc and IL-6-luc by colostrum whey was dose dependent. The results of the present study indicate that bovine colostrum may protect and preserve the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier in the host by controlling the expression levels of early and late inflammatory genes following invasion by enteric pathogens.
A new species and two new records of Cirratulidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) from Guam, Mariana Islands
Authors: Magalhães Wagner F. , Bailey-Brock Julie H.
Published: December 2014

Polychaetes from the Mariana Islands of Guam and Saipan have been characterized in previous studies but a thorough taxonomic study of the cirratulids has only been possible recently. Here we report on two new records,Caulleriella pacificaandChaetozone flagellifera, and a new species,Monticellina lueldredgei, sp. nov. The speciesC. pacificais newly recorded for the western Pacific whileC. flagelliferais reported for the first time since its original description. The new speciesM. lueldredgeiis unique in the genus with respect to the ultrastructure and segmental origin of the modified capillaries as well as for the distinctive methyl green staining pattern.
Inherence-based views of social categories
Authors: Rhodes Marjorie
Published: December 2014

Children adopt an inherence-based view of some social categories, viewing certain social categories as reflecting the inherent features of their members. Thinking of social categories in these terms contributes to prejudice and intergroup conflict. Thus, understanding what leads children to apply inherence-based views to particular categories could provide new direction for efforts to reduce these negative social phenomena.
The Art of Misunderstanding Moral Bioenhancement
Authors: PERSSON INGMAR , SAVULESCU JULIAN
Published: December 2014

In our book Unfit for the Future and a number of papers, we have argued that there is a dangerous mismatch between, on the one hand, the tremendous power of scientific technology, which has created societies with millions of citizens, and, on the other hand, our moral capacities, which have been shaped by evolution for life in small, close-knit societies with primitive technology. To overcome this mismatch before it results in the downfall of human civilization, human beings stand in acute need of moral enhancement, not only by traditional means but also by biomedical means, should this turn out to be possible. After summarizing this argument, we respond to two critics, Michael Hauskeller and Robert Sparrow.
Khoisan hunter-gatherers have been the largest population throughout most of modern-human demographic history
Authors: Kim Hie Lim , Ratan Aakrosh , Perry George H. , Montenegro Alvaro , Miller Webb , Schuster Stephan C.
Published: December 2014

The Khoisan people from Southern Africa maintained ancient lifestyles as hunter-gatherers or pastoralists up to modern times, though little else is known about their early history. Here we infer early demographic histories of modern humans using whole-genome sequences of five Khoisan individuals and one Bantu speaker. Comparison with a 420 K SNP data set from worldwide individuals demonstrates that two of the Khoisan genomes from the Ju/’hoansi population contain exclusive Khoisan ancestry. Coalescent analysis shows that the Khoisan and their ancestors have been the largest populations since their split with the non-Khoisan population ~100–150 kyr ago. In contrast, the ancestors of the non-Khoisan groups, including Bantu-speakers and non-Africans, experienced population declines after the split and lost more than half of their genetic diversity. Paleoclimate records indicate that the precipitation in southern Africa increased ~80–100 kyr ago while west-central Africa became drier. We hypothesize that these climate differences might be related to the divergent-ancient histories among human populations.
Association Between MTHFR Polymorphisms and Congenital Heart Disease: A Meta-analysis based on 9,329 cases and 15,076 controls
Authors: Xuan Chao , Li Hui , Zhao Jin-Xia , Wang Hong-Wei , Wang Yi , Ning Chun-Ping , Liu Zhen , Zhang Bei-Bei , He Guo-Wei , Lun Li-Min
Published: December 2014

The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and the risk for congenital heart disease (CHD). Electronic literature databases were searched to identify eligible studies published beforeJun, 2014. The association was assessed by the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The publication bias was explored using Begg's test. Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the stability of the crude results. A total of 35 studies were included in this meta-analysis. For theMTHFRC677T polymorphism, we detected significant association in all genetic models for Asian children and the maternal population. Significant association was also detected in T vs. C for a Caucasian paediatric population (OR = 1.163, 95% CI: 1.008–1.342) and in both T vs. C (OR = 1.125, 95% CI: 1.043–1.214) and the dominant model (OR = 1.216, 95% CI:b1.096–1.348) for a Caucasian maternal population. For theMTHFRA1298C polymorphism, the association was detected in CC vs. AC for the Caucasian paediatric population (OR = 1.484, 95% CI: 1.035–2.128). Our results support theMTHFR-677T allele as a susceptibility factor for CHD in the Asian maternal population and the -1298C allele as a risk factor in the Caucasian paediatric population.
Structural insight into substrate recognition by the endoplasmic reticulum folding-sensor enzyme: crystal structure of third thioredoxin-like domain of UDP-glucose:glycoprotein glucosyltransferase
Authors: Zhu Tong , Satoh Tadashi , Kato Koichi
Published: December 2014

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) possesses a protein quality control system that supports the efficient folding of newly synthesized glycoproteins. In this system, a series of N-linked glycan intermediates displayed on proteins serve as quality tags. The ER folding-sensor enzyme UDP-glucose:glycoprotein glucosyltransferase (UGGT) operates as the gatekeeper for ER quality control by specifically transferring monoglucose residues to incompletely folded glycoproteins, thereby allowing them to interact with lectin chaperone complexes to facilitate their folding. Despite its functional importance, no structural information is available for this key enzyme to date. To elucidate the folding-sensor mechanism in the ER, we performed a structural study of UGGT. Based on bioinformatics analyses, the folding-sensor region of UGGT was predicted to harbour three tandem thioredoxin (Trx)-like domains, which are often found in proteins involved in ER quality control. Furthermore, we determined the three-dimensional structure of the third Trx-like domain, which exhibits an extensive hydrophobic patch concealed by its flexible C-terminal helix. Our structural data suggest that this hydrophobic patch is involved in intermolecular interactions, thereby contributing to the folding-sensor mechanism of UGGT.
A microelectrochemical biosensor for real-time in vivo monitoring of brain extracellular choline
Authors: Baker Keeley L. , Bolger Fiachra B. , Lowry John P.
Published: December 2014

A first generation Pt-based polymer enzyme composite biosensor developed for real-time neurochemical monitoring was characterised in vivo for sensitive and selective detection of choline.
Facile and green assembly of nanocomposite membranes for fuel cells
Authors: Quartarone Eliana , Villa Davide Carlo , Angioni Simone , Mustarelli Piercarlo
Published: December 2014

Spray deposition is a facile and green method to obtain nanocomposite membranes for HT-PEMFCs characterized by high homogeneity and excellent proton conductivity.
Hole-transport materials with greatly-differing redox potentials give efficient TiO2–[CH3NH3][PbX3] perovskite solar cells
Authors: Abate Antonio , Planells Miquel , Hollman Derek J. , Barthi Vishal , Chand Suresh , Snaith Henry J. , Robertson Neil
Published: December 2014

Hole-transport materials 0.44 V different in redox potential give perovskite solar cells with only 0.12 V difference in VOC and similar PCEs.
Negative isotope effect for charge transport in acenes and derivatives – a theoretical conclusion
Authors: Jiang Yuqian , Peng Qian , Geng Hua , Ma He , Shuai Zhigang
Published: December 2014

Negative isotope effects on charge transport for acenes and derivatives have been discovered via the quantum nuclear tunneling model.
Chiral anion recognition by a ureido-thiacalix[4]arene ligand immobilized in the 1,3-alternate conformation
Authors: Mačková Michaela , Mikšátko Jiří , Budka Jan , Eigner Václav , Cuřínová Petra , Lhoták Pavel
Published: December 2014

Tetranitrothiacalix[4]arene can be easily transformed into 1,3-alternatetetraalkoxy derivatives using the Mitsunobu reaction. The introduction of chiral alkyl groups leads to a receptor capable of chiral recognition of anions.
A facile and versatile strategy to efficiently synthesize sulfonated poly(butylene succinate), self-assembly behavior and biocompatibility
Authors: Wu Shaohua , Zheng Liuchun , Li Chuncheng , Huo Shuaidong , Xiao Yaonan , Guan Guohu , Zhu Wenxiang
Published: December 2014

The negatively charged micelles self-assembled from sulfonated poly(butylene succinate) have good stability and excellent biocompatibility.
A flying start to a bright future
Authors: Ma Shengming
Published: December 2014

Welcome to the first issue of Organic Chemistry Frontiers 2015
Nanoscale functionalization of surfaces by graft-through Sonogashira polymerization
Authors: Murugan P. , Ananthakrishnan Soundaran Jeevarathinam , Somanathan Narayanasastri , Samanta Debasis , Mandal Asit Baran
Published: December 2014

“Graft-through” Sonogashira polymerization has been performed on functionalized self-assembled monolayer.
Casein glycomacropeptide hydrolysate exerts cytoprotection against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in RAW 264.7 macrophages via ROS-dependent heme oxygenase-1 expression
Authors: Cheng Xue , Gao Dong-Xiao , Song Jia-Jia , Ren Fa-Zheng , Mao Xue-Ying
Published: December 2014

Casein glycomacropeptide hydrolysate had antioxidant activity and exerted protective actions against H2O2-induced oxidative stressviainduction of Nrf2-mediated HO-1 expression in RAW 264.7 macrophages.
Experimental design and machine learning strategies for parameters screening and optimization of Hantzsch condensation reaction for the assay of sodium alendronate in oral solution
Authors: Korany Mohamed A. , Ragab Marwa A. A. , Youssef Rasha M. , Afify Mostafa A.
Published: December 2014

An experimental design was adopted to attain the optimum reaction parameters of chemical derivatization of anhydrous sodium alendronate in an oral solution formulaviaHantzsch condensation reaction.
Computational aspects of hydroformylation
Authors: Kégl Tamás
Published: December 2014

This review is to focus on computational studies on hydroformylation and theoretical coordination chemistry results related to hydroformylation.
Preparation of Fe/activated carbon directly from rice husk pyrolytic carbon and its application in catalytic hydroxylation of phenol
Authors: Zhang Xian , Li Yaxin , Li Guiying , Hu Changwei
Published: December 2014

The loading of iron and the formation of activated carbon were combined to one step and the thus-obtained Fe/activated carbon showed good catalytic performance for phenol hydroxylation.
Improvement of dye-sensitized solar cells performance through introducing different heterocyclic groups to triarylamine dyes
Authors: Ju Ze-Min , Jia Hai-Lang , Ju Xue-Hai , Zhou Xing-Fu , Shi Zhi-Qiang , Zheng He-Gen , Zhang Ming-Dao
Published: December 2014

The overall power conversion efficiency (PCE) of DSSCs based on TTR1–3 with chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) coadsorbant are 5.20%, 5.71% and 6.30%, respectively, and the value of TTR3 is close to that of N719 (6.62%).
Peptide amphiphiles with multifunctional fragments promoting cellular uptake and endosomal escape as efficient gene vectors
Authors: Luan Liang , Meng Qingbin , Xu Liang , Meng Zhao , Yan Husheng , Liu Keliang
Published: December 2014

A series of peptides containing multiple functional fragments were designed as gene-delivery vectors with transfection efficiency comparable to Lipofectamine 2000.
Cu2+ accentuates distinct misfolding of Aβ(1–40) and Aβ(1–42) peptides, and potentiates membrane disruption
Authors: Matheou Christian J. , Younan Nadine D. , Viles John H.
Published: December 2014

Central to Alzheimer's disease is the misfolding of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide, which generates an assorted population of amorphous aggregates, oligomers and fibres. Metal ion homoeostasis is disrupted in the brains of sufferers of Alzheimer's disease and causes heightened Alzheimer's disease phenotype in animal models. In the present study, we demonstrate that substochiometric Cu2+ affects the misfolding pathway of Aβ(1–40), and the more toxic Aβ(1–42), in markedly different ways. Cu2+ accelerates Aβ(1–40) fibre formation. In contrast, for Aβ(1–42), substoichiometric levels of Cu2+ almost exclusively promote the formation of oligomeric and protofibrillar assemblies. Indeed, mature Aβ(1–42) fibres are disassembled into oligomers when Cu2+ is added. These Cu2+ stabilized oligomers of Aβ(1–42) interact with the lipid bilayer, disrupting the membrane and increasing permeability. Our investigation of Aβ(1–40)/Aβ(1–42) mixtures with Cu2+ revealed that Aβ(1–40) neither contributed to nor perturbed formation of Aβ(1–42) oligomers, although Cu2+–Aβ(1–42) does frustrate Cu2+–Aβ(1–40) fibre growth. Small amounts of Cu2+ accentuate differences in the propensity of Aβ(1–40) and Aβ(1–42) to form synaptotoxic oligomers, providing an explanation for the connection between disrupted Cu2+ homoeostasis and elevated Aβ(1–42) neurotoxicity in Alzheimer's disease.
Design and analysis of defected ground structure transformer for dual‐band antenna
Authors: Choi Wai‐Wa , Chang Ka Fai , Leong Chon Chio , Cheong Pedro , Tam Kam Weng
Published: December 2014

This study presents a novel dual‐band antenna design methodology utilising a dual‐frequency impedance transformer with defected ground structure (DGS). The proposed dual‐frequency DGS impedance transformer generates a second resonant frequency from a conventional single‐band antenna, resulting dual‐band operation. Simulation studies illustrate that the adopted design achieves versatile configurations for arbitrary operating frequencies and diverse input impedance ranges in planar antenna structures. To experimentally verify the proposed design methodology, a dual‐frequency DGS impedance transformer was implemented for a 2.4 GHz monopole antenna to obtain a 900/2400 MHz dual‐band antenna. Measurement shows that the 10 dB return loss bandwidth in 900 MHz band is 34.4 MHz, whereas that in 2400 MHz band is wider than 530 MHz. Typical monopole radiation patterns are observed at both operating bands.
Properties of ferromagnetic film hysteresis, on the surface of a hard-magnetic antiferromagnet, with a domain structure
Authors: Kovalev A. S. , Pankratova M. L.
Published: December 2014

This is a theoretical investigation of the exchange bias phenomenon, and the properties of a thin magnetic film's magnetization hysteresis loop, on the rough surface of a hard-magnetic antiferromagnet. An interface model with a periodic structure of atomic steps is presented. These atomic steps are associated with a spatially inhomogeneous distribution of the ferromagnetic film magnetization, akin to a system of domain walls. This structure leads to a complicated external field dependence of magnetization: the hysteresis curve can assume an asymmetrical shape and “fall apart” into two hysteresis loops, divided by a “horizontal plateau,” or an area with constant field-independent magnetization. Such field dependence behavior has been recently observed experimentally in different ferro/antiferromagnet systems. The field dependence of magnetization has been obtained analytically using the long-wave approximation for various characteristics of ferromagnetic film (its thickness, values of exchange interaction, and magnetic anisotropy), and the interface (the period of the inhomogeneous structure, and exchange interaction through the interface). The analytical results are confirmed by numerical calculations for the corresponding discrete model with a more complex interface structure.
Inhomogeneous thermal conductivity enhances thermoelectric cooling
Authors: Lu Tingyu , Zhou Jun , Li Nianbei , Yang Ronggui , Li Baowen
Published: December 2014

We theoretically investigate the enhancement of thermoelectric cooling performance in thermoelectric refrigerators made of materials with inhomogeneous thermal conductivity, beyond the usual practice of enhancing thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of materials. The dissipation of the Joule heat in such thermoelectric refrigerators is asymmetric which can give rise to better thermoelectric cooling performance. Although the thermoelectric figure of merit and the coefficient-of-performance are slightly enhanced, both the maximum cooling power and the maximum cooling temperature difference can be enhanced significantly. This finding can be used to increase the heat absorption at the cold end. We further find that the asymmetric dissipation of Joule heat leads to thermal rectification.
Electro-optical properties of photochemically stable polymer-stabilized blue-phase material
Authors: Chojnowska O. , Dąbrowski R. , Yan J. , Chen Y. , Wu S. T.
Published: December 2014

Polymer-stabilized blue-phase liquid crystal (BPLC) comprising fluorinated compounds with high resistivity and photochemical stability is demonstrated. The Kerr constant, driving voltage, and response time of this BPLC are measured using an in-plane switching liquid crystal cell. At 20 °C, the measured total response time is faster than 0.7 ms and Kerr constant is 2 nm/V2. This fluorinated BPLC material is a promising candidate for next-generation photonic and display devices, because it can be used in active matrix addressed devices.
Voltammetric and impedance behaviours of surface-treated nano-crystalline diamond film electrodes
Authors: Liu F. B. , Jing B. , Cui Y. , Di J. J. , Qu M.
Published: December 2014

The electrochemical performances of hydrogen- and oxygen-terminated nano-crystalline diamond film electrodes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and AC impedance spectroscopy. In addition, the surface morphologies, phase structures, and chemical states of the two diamond films were analysed by scanning probe microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The results indicated that the potential window is narrower for the hydrogen-terminated nano-crystalline diamond film than for the oxygen-terminated one. The diamond film resistance and capacitance of oxygen-terminated diamond film are much larger than those of the hydrogen-terminated diamond film, and the polarization resistances and double-layer capacitance corresponding to oxygen-terminated diamond film are both one order of magnitude larger than those corresponding to the hydrogen-terminated diamond film. The electrochemical behaviours of the two diamond film electrodes are discussed.
Preliminary assessment suggests that acoustic lures can increase capture rates of Australian echolocating bats
Authors: Hill David A. , Armstrong Kyle N. , Barden Paul A.
Published: November 2014

Capture is essential for any field research on bats that requires confirmation of species, sex, maturity and reproductive status, or that involves radio-tracking or marking individuals. However, bats can be difficult to capture. We made a preliminary test of the effectiveness of an acoustic lure that produces ultrasonic simulations of bat social calls for enhancing capture rates in harp traps. Over 102 trap-hours at seven forest sites in north-eastern Queensland, 65 bats representing seven species were captured in traps with lures, while no bats were captured in paired control traps. The results indicate great potential for the development and application of acoustic lures to increase the efficiency of field surveys and research on Australian echolocating bats that involve capture.
Catalytic Olefin Hydroalkoxylation by Nano Particles of Pollucite
Authors: Zamanian Sara , Kharat Ali Nemati
Published: November 2014

The catalytic hydroalkoxylation of α,β-unsaturated esters, nitriles, and ethers with aliphatic and aromatic alcohols over pollucite using thermal and microwave-assisted methods was investigated. To study the effect of the alcohol structures on the mechanism of the hydroalkoxylation reaction, different alcohols, such as methanol to butanol, cyclohexanol, phenol, and 2-ethylhexanol were used. The activities of pollucite, in contrast to other basic solids, were scarcely affected by the presence of air and moisture. The correlation between alcohol acidity and reaction activity is discussed. The prepared pollucite was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, volumetric nitrogen adsorption surface area analysis, and CO2 temperature‐programmed desorption. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the size of the modified nano catalyst particles was under 40 nm.
Host–Guest Inclusion System of Scutellarin with Polyamine-β-Cyclodextrin: Preparation, Characterisation, and Anti-cancer Activity
Authors: Ma Xue , Yang Bo , Zhao Yulin , Xie Hudie , Gong Xiaoshun
Published: November 2014

The inclusion complexation behaviours of scutellarin (SCU) with four polyamine-modified β-cyclodextrins (NH2-βCD, EN-βCD, DETA-βCD, and TETA-βCD; EN = ethylenediamine; DETA = diethylenetriamine; TETA = triethylenetetramine) have been investigated in both solution and solid state by photoluminescence spectroscopy, 1H and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that, with the increase in the number of amino groups, the hosts polyamine-modified β-cyclodextrins (NH2-βCD, EN-βCD, DETA-βCD, TETA-βCD) were able to solubilise SCU to higher levels than native β-CD (9.0 mg mL–1) up to 15.8, 20.4, 44.6, 50.7 mg mL–1 (calculated as SCU), respectively. Besides, the anti-tumour activity of SCU obviously increased after formation of the inclusion complexes. The SCU/CD complexes will be potentially useful for the design of a novel formulation of SCU for clinical treatment.
Gamete derivation from embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells or somatic cell nuclear transfer-derived embryonic stem cells: state of the art
Authors: Easley Charles A. , Simerly Calvin R. , Schatten Gerald
Published: December 2014

Generating gametes from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) has many scientific justifications and several biomedical rationales. Here, we consider several strategies for deriving gametes from PSCs from mice and primates (human and non-human) and their anticipated strengths, challenges and limitations. Although the ‘Weismann barrier’, which separates the mortal somatic cell lineages from the potentially immortal germline, has long existed, breakthroughs first in mice and now in humans are artificially creating germ cells from somatic cells. Spermatozoa with full reproductive viability establishing multiple generations of seemingly normal offspring have been reported in mice and, in humans, haploid spermatids with correct parent-of-origin imprints have been obtained. Similar progress with making oocytes has been published using mouse PSCs differentiated in vitro into primordial germ cells, which are then cultured after xenografting reconstructed artificial ovaries. Progress in making human oocytes artificially is proving challenging. The usefulness of these artificial gametes, from assessing environmental exposure toxicity to optimising medical treatments to prevent negative off-target effects on fertility, may prove invaluable, as may basic discoveries on the fundamental mechanisms of gametogenesis.
139 EFFICIENT CONDITIONS OF CYTOPLASMIC MICROINJECTION OF FOREIGN DNA TO GENERATE PORCINE TRANSGENIC EMBRYOS
Authors: Malaweera D. B. O. , Kim G. Y. , Ramachandra S. , Jung J. Y. , Lee Y. W. , Cho J. K.
Published: December 2014

To establish the efficient cytoplasmic microinjection system in the porcine embryos, pEGFP-N1 plasmid were microinjected into porcine parthenogenetic (PA) and in vitro-fertilized (IVF) embryos to investigate the optimal injection time, volume, and concentration. In experiment 1, to investigate the optimal injection time, development rates were compared among groups of 4 different time durations (2, 4, 6, and 8 hours) in the PA and IVF embryos with time point after activation and sperm removal, respectively. There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) between the 4 groups regarding the cleavage rates. However, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in development to the blastocysts (4.4, 8.9, 3.9, 0.6%) and GFP expression in blastocysts (1.3, 5.7, 2.3, 0.0%), which was injected after postactivation of 4 hours compared with another 3 groups. The IVF embryos injected after 2 and 4 hours expressed GFP significantly higher than the other two groups, which injected at 6 and 8 hours (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, EGFP-N1 with 2 different concentrations (20 and 50 ng μL–1) was injected in the PA and IVF embryos to investigate the optimal concentration. In PA embryos, there were significant differences in 20 ng μL–1-injected embryos, which had higher cleavage (58.8 v. 41.9%) than blastocysts (13.0 v. 11.1%) and GFP expression rates (P < 0.05). In IVF embryos, GFP were expressed only in 20 ng μL–1 embryos, GFP (4.2%) in the blastocysts showed no significant difference in the cleavage (77.3 v. 64.7%) and blastocyst rates (26.4 v. 23.5%). In experiment 3, three different volumes (5, 10, and 20 pL) were microinjected into porcine embryos to determine the most appropriate volume. Out of 3 groups, significantly higher development rates of cleavage (68.3, 58.0, 29.3%), blastocysts (11.7, 12.7, 0.5%), and GFP-expressed blastocysts (2.9, 7.8, 0.0%) were shown in the 10-pL group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these results imply that a 20 ng μL–1 concentration, 10 pL of volume, injection 4 hours after activation for PA embryos, as well as injection 2 and 4 hours after sperm removal, a 20 ng μL–1 concentration, and 10 pL of volume for IVF embryos were more effective cytoplasmic microinjection conditions.
173 THE IMPACT OF ELEVATED TEMPERATURE ON HSP70 EXPRESSION IN CATTLE MURAL GRANULOSA CELLS
Authors: Dabrowski S. , Starzynski R. R. , Trzeciak P. , Rapala L. , Poniatowski A. , Piliszek A. , Duszewska A. M.
Published: December 2014

Elevated temperature has an adverse impact on cattle fertility, causing disorders in ovarian functions and follicle development. Heat shock caused by elevated temperature leads to disruption in the cytoskeleton structure and the nuclear maturation of oocytes. Furthermore, it has an impact on mural granulosa cells (MGC), which are responsible for maintaining an appropriate microenvironment for oocyte development and signal transmission through the ovarian follicle. Heat-shock protein 70 is considered as a fundamental marker of cellular defence mechanisms related to heat shock. It protects other proteins from denaturation by forming complexes and stabilisation of their structure. HSP70 has also an ability to repair damaged proteins and allows them to return to their native structure. Furthermore, members of the HSP70 subfamily participate in the folding of newly synthesised proteins and their transport to different cell compartments. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of elevated temperature on HSP70 expression in mural granulosa cells. MGCs were obtained postmortem from mural layers of cattle ovarian follicles with diameters greater than 15 mm and randomly assigned to one of 5 variants: I (control) – MGCs after isolation; II – MGCs cultured in medium with LH at 38.5°C; III – MGCs cultured in medium with LH at elevated temperature, 41°C; IV – MGCs cultured in medium without LH at 38.5°C; and V – MGCs cultured in medium without LH at elevated temperature, 41°C. HSP70 expression was determined using real-time PCR method, and was normalised to s18/h2a expression. Statistical analysis was made in Statgraphics (Statpoint Technologies Inc., Warrenton, VA, USA; P = 0.01) using one-way ANOVA to compare expression of hsp70 between experimental variants and multifactor ANOVA to determine the influence of temperature and LH stimulation on hsp70 expression. Mean values of hsp70 expression in real-time PCR were compared using Tukey's test (a = 0.05). The significant increase of hsp70 expression was observed in MGCs cultured at 41°C (groups III and V) in comparison to MGCs cultured at 38.5°C (groups II and IV) and the control group. Simultaneously, there is no significant impact of LH stimulation on hsp70 expression. In conclusion, mural granulosa cells are susceptible to elevated temperature, which induces activation of cellular defence mechanisms performed by increased hsp70 expression. This may lead to disorders in the function of MGCs followed by changes in follicular fluid composition and signal transmission through the follicle.
Research was supported by 505-10-023300-L00171-99.
177 DOWN-REGULATION OF P450 AROMATASE AND GLUCOSE TRANSPORTER 4 mRNAs EXPRESSION IN SHEEP OVARIAN FOLLICLES AFTER ULTRASHORT NUTRITIONAL FLUSHING
Authors: Ferraro S. M. , Lamas M. , Gutiérrez C. G.
Published: December 2014

Nutritional supplementation before breeding (flushing) has become a common practice and is a reliable method to increase lambing and twining rates in sheep. We have shown that ultrashort flushing (USF: 1 day long) acutely increases ovulation rate without affecting the body condition or animal weight. A short nutritional stimulus would necessarily be acting either directly at the ovarian level or through hormones and factors other than gonadotropins. The possible mechanisms of action of USF on ovulation rate is the deregulation of the feedback loop between the ovaries and gonadotropin secretion, where nutrition causes a direct inhibition of follicular oestradiol production leading to compensatory secretion of FSH that stimulates folliculogenesis, or direct stimulation of follicular development through hormones and factors other than gonadotropins. We hypothesised that USF enhances the number of follicles selected for ovulation due to either a decrease in the expression of P450 aromatase or alternatively by advancing the maturation of the ovarian follicles, which would be reflected in an increase in LH receptor (LHr) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) mRNA expression, an increase in glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) mRNA expression, or both. To test these hypotheses, the oestrus cycle of 30 ewes was synchronized with progestin intravaginal sponges and prostaglandins. Animals were given the USF on the day of progestin withdrawal. The ovaries were removed surgically before treatment (time 0; n = 6), or at 12, 24, and 48 h after being treated with either glycerol or water (n = 4 per treatment by time category). The ovarian follicles were dissected out and counted. Follicles larger than 3 mm in diameter were pooled and the mRNA extracted for specific P450aromatase, 3β-HSD, LHr, and glucose transporter 4 determinations. USF increased the number of follicles larger than 3 mm at 48 h after treatment (P < 0.05). No effect was observed in the number of small follicles. In the two largest follicles, aromatase and GLUT4 mRNA abundance decreased (P < 0.01) 12 h after treatment. There was no effect of treatment on mRNA for LH receptor or 3β-HSD. These results demonstrate a reduction in aromatase expression in potentially ovulatory follicles 12 h after flushing. The decrease in aromatase may favour a transient increase in FSH concentrations 12 h after flushing that would allow the stimulation and selection of supplementary ovulatory follicles.