bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Stability of Modified i‐Motif Oligonucleotides with Naphthalimide Intercalating Nucleic Acids
Authors: El‐Sayed Ahmed Ali , Pedersen Erik B. , Khaireldin Nahid Y.
Published: January 2016

In continuation of our investigation of characteristics and thermodynamic properties of the i‐motif 5′‐d[(CCCTAA)3CCCT)] upon insertion of intercalating nucleotides into the cytosine‐rich oligonucleotide, this article evaluates the stabilities of i‐motif oligonucleotides upon insertion of naphthalimide (1H‐benzo[de]isoquinoline‐1,3(2H)‐dione) as the intercalating nucleic acid. The stabilities of i‐motif structures with inserted naphthalimide intercalating nucleotides were studied using UV melting temperatures (Tm) and circular dichroism spectra at different pH values and conditions (crowding and non‐crowding). This study indicated a positive effect of the naphthalimide intercalating nucleotides on the stabilities of the i‐motif structures compared to the wild‐type structure which is in contrast to a previous observation for a pyrene‐intercalating nucleotide showing a decrease in Tm values.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Cadmium(II) and Mercury(II) Complexes Derived from 3‐Aminoquinoline
Authors: Azam Mohammad , Al‐Resayes Saud I. , Pallepogu Raghavaiah
Published: January 2016

Two novel metal complexes derived from interactions of Cd2+ and Hg2+ ions with 3‐aminoquinoline in the molar ratio 1 : 2 are reported. The synthesized and isolated metal complexes were characterized by UV/VIS, FT‐IR, 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR, and ESI‐MS spectroscopic studies, and elemental analyses. FT‐IR and NMR studies confirmed that the NH2 group remains uncoordinated in both synthesized complexes. The molecular structure of the CdII complex was additionally determined by X‐ray single‐crystal analysis. The Cd complex crystallizes in the triclinic centrosymmetric P$\bar 1$ space group. Moreover, the CdII complex exists as neutral discrete molecule and was found to show tetrahedral geometry.
A comparative evaluation of five hazard screening tools
Authors: Panko JM , Hitchcock K , Fung M , Spencer PJ , Kingsbury T , Mason AM
Published: January 2016

An increasing number of hazard assessment tools and approaches are being used in the marketplace as a means to differentiate products and ingredients with lower versus higher hazards or to certify what some call greener chemical ingredients in consumer products. Some leading retailers have established policies for product manufacturers and their suppliers to disclose chemical ingredients and their related hazard characteristics often specifying what tools to use. To date, no data exists that show a tool's reliability to provide consistent, credible screening-level hazard scores that can inform greener product selection. We conducted a small pilot study to understand and compare the hazard scoring of several hazard screening tools to determine if hazard and toxicity profiles for chemicals differ. Seven chemicals were selected that represent both natural and man-made chemistries as well as a range of toxicological activity. We conducted the assessments according to each tool provider's guidelines, which included factors such as endpoints, weighting preferences, sources of information, and treatment of data gaps. The results indicate the tools varied in the level of discrimination seen in the scores for these 7 chemicals and that tool classifications of the same chemical varied widely between the tools, ranging from little or no hazard or toxicity to very high hazard or toxicity. The results also highlight the need for transparency in describing the basis for the tool's hazard scores and suggest possible enhancements. Based on this pilot study, tools should not be generalized to fit all situations because their evaluations are context-specific. Before choosing a tool or approach, it is critical that the assessment rationale be clearly defined and matches the selected tool or approach. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:139–154. © 2016 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC

Key Points

An increasing number of chemical assessment tools are being used in the marketplace as a means to differentiate lower versus higher hazards or to certify “greener” chemicals and products. If screening-level hazard assessments share a common objective and are based on similar science and data, similar results are expected. The present pilot study showed that an assessment tool can provide a range of results from “prefer” to “avoid” based on value judgments of the tool developers and users. The primary drivers of differences among the tool results were the toxicity endpoints considered, weighting of the endpoints with respect to overall importance, the source of the information for the endpoints evaluated, and consideration of endpoint data gaps.
Versatile Donor‐Acceptor Cyclopropenes in Metal Carbene Transformations
Authors: Deng Yongming , Doyle Michael P.
Published: January 2016

Select transition metal compounds catalyze metal vinylcarbene formation from cyclopropenes, and their documented reactions include both intermolecular and intramolecular C−H insertion and cyclopropanation, as well as [3+3]‐cycloaddition. Although known to undergo carbene‐like transformations for decades, the uses of cyclopropenes as reactive alternatives to diazo compounds under mild conditions has been limited. However, recently developed donor‐acceptor cyclopropenes that are conveniently accessed from enoldiazoacetates and enoldiazoacetamides are effective metallo‐vinylcarbene precursors. They provide entry to highly stereoselective metal carbene transformations under reaction conditions that are milder than those required for dinitrogen extrusion from diazo compounds.
Becoming “Eligible to Matter”
Authors: Learned Julie E.
Published: January 2016

The practice of labeling readers persists in schools even though deficit labels can undermine literacy learning. To understand the literacy experiences of struggling readers, the author conducted a yearlong study in which she shadowed ninth graders across content area classes. This article examines times when youths appeared disengaged because they were experiencing high levels of stress due to, for example, homelessness or hunger. How teachers together with youths interpreted stress powerfully contributed to the construction of youths as struggling or capable readers and learners. When teachers saw stress as low motivation or work avoidance, it exacerbated deficit positioning. However, when teachers sought to understand the root causes of stress, teachers and youths jointly addressed obstacles in ways that bolstered youths' well‐being and literacy. Findings have implications for disrupting deficit notions about reading struggle and building positive student–teacher relationships through which students can grow as readers and young people.
Temperature dependence of the transport of single‐file water molecules through a hydrophobic channel
Authors: Su Jiaye , Yang Keda
Published: January 2016

Although great effort has been made on the transport properties of water molecules through nanometer channels, our understanding on the effect of some basic parameters are still rather poor. In this article, we use molecular dynamics simulations to study the temperature effect on the transport of single‐file water molecules through a hydrophobic channel. Of particular interest is that the water flow and average translocation time both exhibit exponential relations with the temperature. Based on the continuous‐time random‐walk model and Arrhenius equation, we explore some new physical insights on these exponential behaviors. With the increase of temperature, the water dipoles flip more frequently, since the estimated flipping barrier is less than 2 kBT. Specifically, the flipping frequency also shows an exponential relation with the temperature. Furthermore, the water‐water interaction and water occupancy demonstrate linear relations with the temperature, and the water density profiles along the channel axis can be slightly affected by the temperature. These results not only enhance our knowledge about the temperature effect on the single‐file water transport, but also have potential implications for the design of controllable nanofluidic machines. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Review: radiolabeled polymers containing covalently bound3Hand14C
Authors: Wolf Jeremy R.
Published: January 2016

Radiolabeled compounds are invaluable tools used to study synthetic and biological processes. Radiolabeled polymers find uses in mechanistic pathway elucidation, bioincorporation studies, biodegradation studies, and drug delivery applications. This literature review examines the syntheses (or biosyntheses), physical properties, and applications of radiolabeled polymers which contain covalently bound tritium and carbon‐14 atoms.
T2 mapping at 7T MRI can quantitatively assess intramyocardial hemorrhage in rats with acute reperfused myocardial infarction in vivo
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhang Bing , Xia Rui , Zhang Ruzhi , Xu Ziqian , Chen Yushu , Wang Chunhua , Wang Lei , Zheng Jie , Gao Fabao
Published: January 2016

Purpose

To investigate T2 mapping at 7T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection and quantification of reperfused intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH) in a rat model.

Materials and Methods

Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced in 25 female rats. Rats were scanned at a 7T MRI 48 hours after reperfusion, using T2 mapping and late gadolinium enhancement imaging. Gross sections of the left ventricular myocardium and corresponding hematoxylin and eosin staining were assessed for IMH. T2 mapping images were matched with the gross sections. The IMH volume, expressed as a percentage of the left ventricular myocardial volume, of each heart determined by T2 mapping was compared with that calculated by pathological gross examination.

Results

Six rats died. In all, 97 gross sections of the left ventricular myocardium from the 19 rats were matched with T2 mapping images. IMH occurred pathologically in 68 gross sections, which was detected as hypointense cores by T2 mapping in 63 images (93% sensitivity). Three T2 mapping images with hypointense cores showed no hemorrhage on pathological sections (90% specificity). The positive and negative predictive values of hemorrhage on T2 mapping were 95% and 84%, respectively. In terms of the IMH volume, there was no significant difference between T2 mapping and pathological gross measurements (4.8 ± 2.4% vs. 5.3 ± 3.2%; P = 0.11).

Conclusion

T2 mapping at 7T MRI can reliably detect and quantify IMH in rats in vivo. This may be useful as a noninvasive quantitative approach to investigating the mechanisms and evolution of MI and reperfusion injury. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:194–203.
Characterization of a new low‐dose 6‐hydroxydopamine model of Parkinson's disease in rat
Authors: Penttinen Anna‐Maija , Suleymanova Ilida , Albert Katrina , Anttila Jenni , Voutilainen Merja H. , Airavaara Mikko
Published: January 2016

Intrastriatal administration of 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) induces partial degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway, mimicking the pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD). Setting up the partial lesion model can be challenging because a number of experimental settings can be altered. This study compares seven experimental settings in a single study on d‐amphetamine‐induced rotations, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐positive neurites in the striatum, dopamine transporter (DAT)‐positive neurites in the striatum, and TH‐positive cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) in rats. Moreover, we validate a new algorithm for estimating the number of TH‐positive cells. We show that the behavior and immunoreactivity vary greatly depending on the injection settings, and we categorize the lesions as progressive, stable, or regressive based on d‐amphetamine‐induced rotations. The rotation behavior correlated with the degree of the lesion, analyzed by immunohistochemistry; the largest lesions were in the progressive group, and the smallest lesions were in the regressive group. We establish a new low‐dose partial 6‐OHDA lesion model in which a total of 6 μg was distributed evenly to three sites in the striatum at a 10° angle. The administration of low‐dose 6‐OHDA produced stable and reliable rotation behavior and induced partial loss of striatal TH‐positive and DAT‐positive neurites and TH‐positive cells in the SNpc. This model is highly suitable for neurorestoration studies in the search for new therapies for PD, and the new algorithm increases the efficacy for estimating the number of dopamine neurons. This study can be extremely useful for laboratories setting up the partial 6‐OHDA model. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Chihuahua dog: A new animal model for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis CLN7 disease?
Authors: Faller Kiterie M.E. , Bras Jose , Sharpe Samuel J. , Anderson Glenn W. , Darwent Lee , Kun‐Rodrigues Celia , Alroy Joseph , Penderis Jacques , Mole Sara E. , Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo , Guerreiro Rita J.
Published: January 2016

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of incurable lysosomal storage disorders characterized by neurodegeneration and accumulation of lipopigments mainly within the neurons. We studied two littermate Chihuahua dogs presenting with progressive signs of blindness, ataxia, pacing, and cognitive impairment from 1 year of age. Because of worsening of clinical signs, both dogs were euthanized at about 2 years of age. Postmortem examination revealed marked accumulation of autofluorescent intracellular inclusions within the brain, characteristic of NCL. Whole‐genome sequencing was performed on one of the affected dogs. After sequence alignment and variant calling against the canine reference genome, variants were identified in the coding region or splicing regions of four previously known NCL genes (CLN6, ARSG, CLN2 [=TPP1], and CLN7 [=MFSD8]). Subsequent segregation analysis within the family (two affected dogs, both parents, and three relatives) identified MFSD8:p.Phe282Leufs13*, which had previously been identified in one Chinese crested dog with no available ancestries, as the causal mutation. Because of the similarities of the clinical signs and histopathological changes with the human form of the disease, we propose that the Chihuahua dog could be a good animal model of CLN7 disease. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quadriceps function relates to muscle size following ACL reconstruction
Authors: Kuenze Christopher M. , Blemker Silvia S. , Hart Joseph M.
Published: January 2016

It remains unclear what role reduced volume and cross‐section area (CSA) of individual quadriceps muscles may play in persistent quadriceps weakness and more global dysfunction following ACL reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose of this investigation was to establish the relationship between cross‐sectional area of the quadriceps muscle group and measures of knee related and quadriceps function following ACLR. Thirty participants with a history of primary, unilateral ACLR experiencing persistent quadriceps activation failure participated in this cohort study. Clinical factors including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, normalized knee extension MVIC torque (Nm/kg) and quadriceps central activation ratio (CAR, %) were assessed in addition to CSA. Quadriceps CSA was measured via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; Siemens Avanto 1.5T). Quadriceps CSA (cm2) and quadriceps volume (cm3) as well as individual muscle estimates were identified within a 10 cm mid‐thigh capture area. Pearson's product‐moment correlation coefficients (r) established relationships between CSA and all other variables. Stepwise linear regression established which CSA factors were able to successfully predict clinical factors. Knee extension MVIC torque was strongly correlated with Vastus Intermedius (VI; r =  0.857, p < 0.001) CSA as well as partial VI (r = 0.849, p < 0.001) and quadriceps (r = 0.830, p < 0.001) volume. Partial VI (r = 0.365, p = 0.047) volume was weakly correlated with IKDC score. Knee extension MVIC torque was strongly predicted using VI CSA alone (R2 = 0.725) or in combination with Vastus Medialis CSA (VM; R2 = 0.756). Statement of Clinical Significance: Atrophy of the VI and VM muscles negatively impacts knee extension strength following ACLR. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1656–1662, 2016.
Proximate and fatty acid composition of zebra (Equus quagga burchellii) muscle and subcutaneous fat
Authors: Hoffman Louwrens C , Geldenhuys Greta , Cawthorn Donna‐Mareè
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

The meat from African game species is healthy, naturally produced and increasingly popular with consumers. Among these species, zebra (Equus quagga burchellii) are growing in number in South Africa, with the meat from surplus animals holding potential to contribute to food security and economic stability. Despite being consumed locally and globally, little information exists on the composition of zebra meat. This study aimed to determine the proximate composition of zebra meat as well as the fatty acid composition of the intramuscular (IMF) and subcutaneous (SCF) fat.

RESULTS

Zebra longissimus lumborum muscle was shown to have a high mean protein content (22.29 g per 100 g) and low mean fat content (1.47 g per 100 g). High proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were found in the IMF (41.15%) and SCF (37.71%), mainly comprising α‐linolenic (C18:3n‐3) and linoleic (C18:2n‐6) acids. Furthermore, the IMF and SCF had favourable PUFA/saturated fatty acid ratios (>0.4) and omega‐6/omega‐3 ratios (<4), indicating that both components are healthy lipid food sources.

CONCLUSION

This study has shed new light on the nutritional value of zebra meat, which will not only be important for food product labelling, nutritional education and incorporation into food composition databases, but will also be indispensable for marketing and export purposes. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Chinese hamster ovary‐sphingomyelin synthase2 biospecific extraction and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis for the prediction of bioactive components of Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati
Authors: Xue Ying , Dong Jibin , Liang Jianying
Published: January 2016

A novel strategy for predicting bioactive components in traditional Chinese medicines using Chinese hamster ovary‐sphingomyelin synthase2 (CHO‐SMS2) cell biospecific extraction and high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and tandem mass spectrometry analysis was proposed. The hypothesis is that when cells are incubated with the extract of traditional Chinese medicines, the potential bioactive components in the traditional Chinese medicines should selectively combine with the cells, while the cell‐combining components would be detectable in the extract of denatured cells. The identities of the cell‐combining components could be determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Using the proposed approach, the potential bioactive components of Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati, a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for atherosclerosis, were detected and identified. Eight compounds in the extract of Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati were detected as the components selectively combined with CHO‐SMS2 cells, which is a stable cell line that highly expresses sphingomyelin synthases, it was found that piceid, resveratrol, emodin‐8‐β‐d‐glucoside, physcion‐8‐β‐d‐glucoside, emodin, physcion, 3,5,4‘‐trihydroxystilbene‐3‐O‐(6“‐galloyl)‐glucoside, and emodin‐1‐O‐glucoside combined specifically with CHO‐SMS2 cells. The results indicate that the proposed approach may be applied to predict the bioactive candidates in traditional Chinese medicines.
Low‐density‐solvent‐based air‐assisted liquid–liquid microextraction followed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection for the determination of synthetic phenolic antioxidants in milk samples
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2016

A simple and rapid sample pretreatment technique termed low‐density‐solvent‐based air‐assisted liquid–liquid microextraction has been developed for the extraction and preconcentration of three synthetic phenolic antioxidants including butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, and tert‐butyl hydroquinone from milk samples prior to their analysis by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. In this method, initially trichloroacetic acid as a proteins precipitation agent is added to the sample, and then it is sonicated and centrifuged. The obtained aqueous phase is removed and the analytes extracted by the proposed method using a low‐density organic solvent. Some important parameters such as type and volume of extraction solvent, ionic strength, pH, and centrifugation rate and time were studied. Under the optimum conditions, enrichment factors were obtained in the range of 501–614. LODs and quantification were between 0.76–1.16 and 2.66–3.96 ng mL–1, respectively. This method is rapid and requires less than 15 min for sample preparation.
Separation and characterization of oligomeric hindered amine light stabilizers using high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric detection
Authors: Hintersteiner Ingrid , Reisinger Michael , Himmelsbach Markus , Buchberger Wolfgang
Published: January 2016

Hindered amine light stabilizers are an important class of stabilizers that protect synthetic polymers from degradation and thus from changing mechanical and optical properties. The current study presents an HPLC method capable of separating oligomeric hindered amine light stabilizers on a commercially available stationary phase, employing an MS‐compatible novel mobile phase. Based on the exact masses observed with Q‐TOF‐MS, a comprehensive characterization of five different types of oligomeric hindered amine light stabilizers was achieved, leading to structural information not included in the datasheets provided by the suppliers. For the different investigated hindered amine light stabilizers, a number of recurring units up to 17 and a molecular weight of 5200 g/mol were detected. Furthermore, the analysis of stabilizer extracts of processed polypropylene samples containing different types of hindered amine light stabilizers revealed significant differences in the oligomeric pattern between standards and polymer samples. Thus, changes in the analytes’ oligomeric pattern resulting from processing or aging of polymer materials can be monitored with the presented method.
Unbalanced reduction of nutrient loads has created an offshore gradient from phosphorus to nitrogen limitation in the North Sea
Authors: Burson Amanda , Stomp Maayke , Akil Larissa , Brussaard Corina P. D. , Huisman Jef
Published: January 2016

Measures to reduce eutrophication have often led to a more effective decline of phosphorus (P) than nitrogen (N) concentrations. The resultant changes in riverine nutrient loads can cause an increase in the N : P ratios of coastal waters. During four research cruises along a 450 km transect, we investigated how reductions in nutrient inputs during the past 25 yr have affected nutrient limitation patterns in the North Sea. This revealed a strong offshore gradient of dissolved inorganic N : P ratios in spring, from 375 : 1 nearshore toward 1 : 1 in the central North Sea. This gradient was reflected in high nearshore N : P and C : P ratios of particulate organic matter (mainly phytoplankton), indicative of severe P deficiency of coastal phytoplankton, which may negatively affect higher trophic levels in the food web. Nutrient enrichment bioassays performed on‐board showed P and Si limitation of phytoplankton growth nearshore, co‐limitation of N and P in a transitional region, and N limitation in the outer‐shore waters, confirming the existence of an offshore gradient from P to N limitation. Different species were limited by different nutrients, indicating that further reductions of P loads without concomitant reductions of N loads will suppress colonial Phaeocystis blooms, but will be less effective in diminishing harmful algal blooms by dino‐ and nanoflagellates. Hence, our results provide evidence that de‐eutrophication efforts in northwestern Europe have led to a large imbalance in the N : P stoichiometry of coastal waters of the North Sea, with major consequences for the growth, species composition, and nutritional quality of marine phytoplankton communities.
Recent advances in mass spectrometric analysis of protein deamidation
Authors: Hao Piliang , Adav Sunil S. , Gallart‐Palau Xavier , Sze Siu Kwan
Published: January 2016

Protein deamidation has been proposed to represent a “molecular clock” that progressively disrupts protein structure and function in human degenerative diseases and natural aging. Importantly, this spontaneous process can also modify therapeutic proteins by altering their purity, stability, bioactivity, and antigenicity during drug synthesis and storage. Deamidation occurs non‐enzymatically in vivo, but can also take place spontaneously in vitro, hence artificial deamidation during proteomic sample preparation can hamper efforts to identify and quantify endogenous deamidation of complex proteomes. To overcome this, mass spectrometry (MS) can be used to conduct rigorous site‐specific characterization of protein deamidation due to the high sensitivity, speed, and specificity offered by this technique. This article reviews recent progress in MS analysis of protein deamidation and discusses the strengths and limitations of common “top‐down” and “bottom‐up” approaches. Recent advances in sample preparation methods, chromatographic separation, MS technology, and data processing have for the first time enabled the accurate and reliable characterization of protein modifications in complex biological samples, yielding important new data on how deamidation occurs across the entire proteome of human cells and tissues. These technological advances will lead to a better understanding of how deamidation contributes to the pathology of biological aging and major degenerative diseases. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 36:677–692, 2017
Phase Transition in Hydrogels of Thermoresponsive Interpenetrating Polymer Networks
Authors: Spěváček Jiří , Hanyková Lenka
Published: January 2016

We compared behavior of hydrogels of two types of thermoresponsive interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN), PNIPMAm/PNIPAm and PVCL/PNIPAm, during their phase transition. One or two transitions, depending on the ratio of both IPN components, were found by NMR and DSC. SANS results showed that compact multi‐chain globules with gyration radius ∼20 nm are formed in collapsed IPN hydrogels. A certain portion of spatially restricted bound water (HDO) was established for all studied IPNs in the phase transition region and at temperatures above the phase transition by NMR methods. Fraction of bound water slowly decreases with time. The separate signal of bound water in NMR spectra appears already in pretransition region at temperatures when polymer segments just begin to form collapsed structures. Higher content of bound water as found for collapsed PVCL/PNIPAm hydrogels in comparison with PNIPMAm/PNIPAm hydrogels is in accord with swelling experiments and lower values of the shear mechanical modulus, and shows the decisive role of bound water in this respect.
Targeting MIF in Cancer: Therapeutic Strategies, Current Developments, and Future Opportunities
Authors: O'Reilly Ciaran , Doroudian Mohammad , Mawhinney Leona , Donnelly Seamas C.
Published: January 2016

Strong evidence has been presented linking chronic inflammation to the onset and pathogenesis of cancer. The multifunctional pro‐inflammatory protein macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) occupies a central role in the inflammatory pathway and has been implicated in the tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and metastasis of many cancer phenotypes. This review highlights the current state of the art, which presents MIF, and the second member of the MIF structural superfamily, d‐DT (MIF2), as significant mediators in the inflammatory–cancer axis. Although the mechanism by which MIF asserts its biological activity has yet to be fully understood, it has become clear in recent years that for certain phenotypes of cancer, MIF represents a valid therapeutic target. Current research efforts have focused on small molecule approaches that target MIF's unique tautomerase active site and neutralization of MIF with anti‐MIF antibodies. These approaches have yielded promising results in a number of preclinical murine cancer models and have helped to increase our understanding of MIF biological activity. More recently, MIF's involvement in a number of key protein–protein interactions, such as with CD74 and HSP90, has been highlighted and provides a novel platform for the development of anti‐MIF chemotherapeutic strategies in the future.
Role of vitamin D in adipose tissue in obese rats programmed by early weaning and post diet calcium
Authors: Nobre Jessica Lopes , Lisboa Patricia C. , Peixoto‐Silva Nayara , Quitete Fernanda Torres , Carvalho Janaine C. , de Moura Egberto Gaspar , de Oliveira Elaine
Published: January 2016

Scope

Early weaning (EW) is associated with an impairment of offspring development and leads to overweight and higher 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in adulthood, which can be corrected by calcium supplementation, potentially via vitamin D regulation of adipogenesis.

Methods and Results

We examined vitamin D status in adipose tissue in EW obese rats, treated with calcium. Dams were separated into: EW‐ dams were wrapped with a bandage to interrupt lactation (last 3 days), and C‐ pups with free access to milk. At PN120, EW pups were divided in: EW‐ standard diet, and EWCa‐ calcium supplementation (10 g of calcium carbonate/kg of chow). On PN21, EW group has hypocalcemia. On PN180, EW group showed lower intestinal calbidin, higher adiposity, and 25(OH)D. In adipose tissue, Cyp27b1/1alpha‐Hydroxylase, C/EBPB, PPAR‐γ, IL6, TNF‐A, and MCP1 were increased, while VDR and IL10 were decreased. Calcium increased calbidin, VDR and prevented adipose tissue dysfunction. EW group has a long‐term effect of vitamin D on adipocyte, contributing to pro‐inflammatory status and obesity.

Conclusion

We propose that in obese rat adipocytes, 1,25(OH)2D down‐regulates VDR, resulting in vitamin D resistance, characterized by higher Cyp27b1/1α‐Hydroxylase and adipogenesis. Calcium therapy appears to be an outstanding strategy for weight loss and improving endocrine metabolic disorders that are obesity associated.
Accelerated exponential parameterization of T2 relaxation with model‐driven low rank and sparsity priors (MORASA)
Authors: Peng Xi , Ying Leslie , Liu Yuanyuan , Yuan Jing , Liu Xin , Liang Dong
Published: January 2016

Purpose

This work is to develop a novel image reconstruction method from highly undersampled multichannel acquisition to reduce the scan time of exponential parameterization of T2 relaxation.

Theory and Methods

On top of the low‐rank and joint‐sparsity constraints, we propose to exploit the linear predictability of the T2 exponential decay to further improve the reconstruction of the T2‐weighted images from undersampled acquisitions. Specifically, the exact rank prior (i.e., number of non‐zero singular values) is adopted to enforce the spatiotemporal low rankness, while the mixed L2–L1 norm of the wavelet coefficients is used to promote joint sparsity, and the Hankel low‐rank approximation is used to impose linear predictability, which integrates the exponential behavior of the temporal signal into the reconstruction process. An efficient algorithm is adopted to solve the reconstruction problem, where corresponding nonlinear filtering operations are performed to enforce corresponding priors in an iterative manner.

Results

Both simulated and in vivo datasets with multichannel acquisition were used to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method. Experimental results have shown that the newly introduced linear predictability prior improves the reconstruction quality of the T2‐weighted images and benefits the subsequent T2 mapping by achieving high‐speed, high‐quality T2 mapping compared with the existing fast T2 mapping methods.

Conclusion

This work proposes a novel fast T2 mapping method integrating the linear predictable property of the exponential decay into the reconstruction process. The proposed technique can effectively improve the reconstruction quality of the state‐of‐the‐art fast imaging method exploiting image sparsity and spatiotemporal low rankness. Magn Reson Med 76:1865–1878, 2016. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Second‐order motion compensated PRESS for cardiac spectroscopy
Authors: Fuetterer Maximilian , Stoeck Christian T. , Kozerke Sebastian
Published: January 2016

Purpose

Second‐order motion compensation for point‐resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) is proposed to allow for robust single‐voxel cardiac spectroscopy throughout the entire cardiac cycle and at various heart rates.

Methods

Bipolar FID spoiling gradient pairs compensating for first and second‐order motion were designed and implemented into a cardiac‐triggered PRESS sequence on a clinical MR system. A numerical three‐dimensional model of cardiac motion was used to optimize and validate the gradient waveforms. In vivo measurements in healthy volunteers were obtained to assess the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and triglyceride‐to‐water ratio (TG/W). SNR gains and variability of TG/W of the proposed approach were evaluated against a conventional PRESS sequence with optimized gradients.

Results

The proposed sequence increases the mean SNR by 32% (W) and 23% (TG) on average with significantly lower variability for different trigger delays. The variability of TG/W quantification over the cardiac cycle is significantly decreased with second‐order motion compensated PRESS when compared with conventional PRESS with reduced‐spoiler gradients (coefficient of variation: 0.1 ± 0.02 versus 0.37 ± 0.26).

Conclusion

Second‐order motion compensated PRESS effectively reduces cardiac motion–induced signal degradation during FID spoiling, providing higher SNR and less variability for TG/W quantification. The sequence is considered promising to assess the TG/W modulation during various interventions including pharmacologically induced stress. Magn Reson Med 77:57–64, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direct comparison of 129Xe diffusion measurements with quantitative histology in human lungs
Authors: Thomen Robert P. , Quirk James D. , Roach David , Egan‐Rojas Tiffany , Ruppert Kai , Yusen Roger D. , Altes Talissa A. , Yablonskiy Dmitriy A. , Woods Jason C.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an irreversible lung disease characterized by small‐airway obstruction and alveolar‐airspace destruction. Hyperpolarized 129Xe diffusion MRI of lung is a promising biomarker for assessing airspace enlargement, but has yet to be validated by direct comparison to lung histology. Here we have compared diffusion measurements of hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe in explanted lungs to regionally matched morphological measures of airspace size.

Methods

Explanted lungs from five COPD patients and two idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients were imaged using MRI with hyperpolarized 129Xe using a two‐b‐value gradient‐echo diffusion sequence, and 34 histological samples were taken from these lungs for quantitative histology. Mean‐linear‐intercept (Lm) was compared with spatially matched measures of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) from 129Xe MRI.

Results

The mean ADC from COPD lung samples was 0.071 ± 0.011 cm2/s, and for IPF lungs was 0.033 ± 0.001 cm2/s (P < 10−15 between groups). The mean Lm in COPD samples was 0.076 ± 0.027 cm and 0.041 ± 0.004 cm in IPF (P = 2.7 × 10−7 between groups). The Pearson‐correlation between ADC and Lm measurements was r = 0.59.

Conclusions

Diffusion MRI of HP 129Xe quantifies regional airspace enlargement in COPD. 129Xe ADC showed much less overlap between groups than quantitative histology, consistent with our past experience with 3He diffusion MRI in COPD. Magn Reson Med 77:265–272, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of interpolation on noise propagation from images to DIC displacement maps
Authors: Blaysat B. , Grédiac M. , Sur F.
Published: January 2016

This paper introduces and validates a new prediction of sensor noise propagation from images of randomly marked surfaces to displacement maps obtained by digital image correlation (DIC). Images are indeed often affected by sensor noise, which propagates to DIC output. We consider here the 2D global DIC, for which this output is the in‐plane displacement calculated at a set of nodes. Predictive formula for the resolution of the displacement at these nodes is already available in the literature. The contribution of the present paper is to revisit this formula to take into account the interpolation required by sub‐pixel displacement. A generalization is also proposed to predict the displacement resolution throughout the field of view. It is then extended to several kinds of DIC. The correlation procedure is thoroughly described in order to emphasize the role of the interpolation. A numerical assessment on synthetic data validates the new prediction and shows the improvement brought about by the proposed formula. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel Natural Oximes and Oxime Esters with a Vibralactone Backbone from the Basidiomycete Boreostereum vibrans
Authors: Chen He‐Ping , Zhao Zhen‐Zhu , Li Zheng‐Hui , Dong Ze‐Jun , Wei Kun , Bai Xue , Zhang Ling , Wen Chun‐Nan , Feng Tao , Liu Ji‐Kai
Published: January 2016

A variety of novel natural products with significant bioactivities are produced by the basidiomycete Boreostereum vibrans. In the present study, we describe 16 novel natural oximes and oxime esters with a vibralactone backbone, vibralactoximes, which were isolated from the scale‐up fermentation broth of B. vibrans. Their structures were determined through extensive spectroscopic analyses. These compounds represent the first oxime esters from nature. The hypothetical biosynthetic pathway of these compounds was also proposed. Seven compounds exhibited significant pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity, while ten compounds exhibited cytotoxicities against five human cancer cell lines (HL‐60, SMMC‐7721, A‐549, MCF‐7, and SW480), with IC50 values comparable with those of cisplatin.
Comparison of Reductive Ligation‐Based Detection Strategies for Nitroxyl (HNO) and S‐Nitrosothiols
Authors: Miao Zhengrui , King S. Bruce
Published: January 2016

Phosphine‐based detection strategies for both nitroxyl (HNO) and S‐nitrosothiols (RSNO) were investigated and compared. Phosphorus NMR studies show that azaylides derived from HNO or organic RSNO efficiently participate in subsequent reductive ligation required for fluorescence generation in properly substituted substrates. S‐Azaylides derived from biological RSNO containing free amine and carboxylic acid groups primarily yield phosphine oxides suggesting these groups facilitate nonligation pathways such as hydrolysis. The fluorescence response of a phosphine‐based fluorophore toward the same RSNO confirms these differences and indicates that these probes selectively react with HNO. Flow cytometry experiments in HeLa cells reinforce the reactivity difference and offer a potential fast screening approach for endogenous HNO sources.
Internal disinhibition predicts 5‐year weight regain in the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR)
Authors: Lillis J. , Thomas J. G. , Niemeier H. , Wing R. R.
Published: January 2016

Background

Maintenance of weight loss remains elusive for most individuals. One potential innovative target is internal disinhibition (ID) or the tendency to eat in response to negative thoughts, feelings or physical sensations. Individuals high on ID do worse on average in standard behavioural treatment programmes, and recent studies suggest that disinhibition could play a significant role in weight regain.

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to examine whether ID was associated with weight change over 5 years of follow‐up in the National Weight Control Registry, a registry of individuals who have successfully lost weight and maintained it.

Methods

From the National Weight Control Registry, 5,320 participants were examined across 5 years. Weight data were gathered annually. The disinhibition subscale of the Eating Inventory was used to calculate internal disinhibition and External Disinhibition (ED) and was collected at baseline, year 1, year 3 and year 5. Linear mixed models were used to estimate the weight loss maintained across follow‐up years 1 to 5 using ID and ED as baseline and prospective predictors.

Results

Internal disinhibition predicted weight regain in all analyses. ED interacted with ID, such that individuals who were high on ID showed greater weight regain if they were also higher on ED.

Conclusions

The ID scale could be a useful screening measure for risk of weight regain, given its brevity. Improved psychological coping could be a useful target for maintenance or booster interventions.
Phase diagrams of thermally stable, polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals: Exploring the impact of chain length and chemical structure
Authors: Jang Keon‐Soo , Korley LaShanda T.J.
Published: January 2016

Polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) have garnered significant interest and motivated the investigation of the phase behavior of thermally stable smectic liquid crystals (LCs) via thermally induced phase separation (TIPS). In this study, we examined a series of two, biphenyl‐based smectic LCs suitable for high temperature polymer blend processing. Phase diagrams for LC/polystyrene (PS) blends at various compositions (0–60 wt%) were constructed. Less than 15 wt% of 8B8 (1,1′‐biphenyl‐4,4′‐diyl dioctanoate) LC in PS led to good polymer miscibility, while phase separation was induced at concentrations higher than 15 wt%. The LC concentration at saturation decreased with increasing aliphatic chain length. We also investigated the chain length (C6‐C16) effect on the PS glass transition temperature (Tg) at the LC saturation point. The Tg increased with increasing chain length due to reduced plasticization. We further examined the role of chemical structure (relatively less polar ether vs. more polar ester) on the phase diagram regions and the Tg of the nonpolar PS matrix, respectively. It is anticipated that these LC/PS phase diagrams will benefit elevated temperature processing for TIPS by highlighting the role of LC chemical structure and chain length on blend morphology. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:388–393, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Realistic efficiency potential of next‐generation industrial Czochralski‐grown silicon solar cells after deactivation of the boron–oxygen‐related defect center
Authors: Walter Dominic C. , Lim Bianca , Schmidt Jan
Published: January 2016

We measure carrier lifetimes of different Czochralski‐grown silicon (Cz‐Si) materials of various boron and oxygen concentrations and determine the maximum achievable lifetime after an optimized thermal treatment. We obtain very high and stable bulk lifetimes of several milliseconds, virtually eliminating the boron–oxygen (BO) defect complex, which previously limited the carrier lifetime in boron‐doped Cz‐Si materials after prolonged illumination. Based on these experimental results, we introduce a new parameterization of the bulk lifetime of B‐doped Cz‐Si after permanent deactivation of the BO center. Notably, we measure lifetimes up to 4 ms on 2‐Ωcm Cz‐Si wafers at an injection level of 1/10 of the doping concentration. Importantly, these high lifetime values can be reached within 10 and 20 s of BO deactivation treatment. A detailed analysis of the injection‐dependent lifetimes reveals that the lifetimes after permanent deactivation of the BO center can be well described by a single‐level recombination center characterized by an electron‐to‐hole capture cross‐section ratio of 12 and located in the middle of the silicon band gap. We implement the novel parameterization into a two‐dimensional device simulation of a passivated emitter and rear solar cell using technologically realistic cell parameters. The simulation reveals that based on current state‐of‐the‐art solar cell production technology, efficiencies reaching 22.1% are realistically achievable in the near future after complete deactivation of the BO center. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applications of carrier de‐smearing of photoluminescence images on silicon wafers
Authors: Phang Sieu Pheng , Sio Hang Cheong , Macdonald Daniel
Published: January 2016

Lateral carrier diffusion can lead to significant smearing in photoluminescence (PL) images of silicon wafers with high lifetime or localised recombination centres. A method to de‐smear the PL image by applying the continuity equation in two dimensions has been proposed previously and demonstrated on a virtual wafer with simulated carrier diffusion and artificial random Gaussian noise. This work will demonstrate the de‐smearing method experimentally by using a partially shaded monocrystalline silicon wafer. A criterion for determining the noise filter parameters is also proposed based on the convergence of multiple images measured under the same settings and filtered and de‐smeared in parallel. The results show that the de‐smearing method is effective across most of the wafer, with the exception of regions very close to the shaded edge where the signal to noise ratio is poor. The de‐smearing method was also applied to PL images on a high lifetime n‐type multicrystalline wafer and for Fe imaging of p‐type multicrystalline silicon. De‐smearing of the PL images suggests that the intra grain lifetime of the n‐type multicrystalline silicon can reach up to 800 µs, but is limited by recombination in the grain boundaries. The application of de‐smearing for Fe imaging results in a sharper Fe profile near the grain boundaries. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Entanglement is not enough
Authors: Susskind Leonard
Published: January 2016

This is the written version of a lecture given at KITP in Oct 2014 on Black Holes and quantum complexity. I've included (in boldface) various questions that came up during the lecture and discussions the following day, as well as the quantitative calculations that form the basis of the arguments.
Frankliniella fusca resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides: an emerging challenge for cotton pest management in the eastern United States
Authors: Huseth Anders S , Chappell Thomas M , Langdon Kevin , Morsello Shannon C , Martin Scott , Greene Jeremy K , Herbert Ames , Jacobson Alana L , Reay‐Jones Francis PF , Reed Timothy , Reisig Dominic D , Roberts Phillip M , Smith Ron , Kennedy George G
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND

Over the past two decades, neonicotinoid seed treatments have become the primary method to manage tobacco thrips, Frankliniella fusca Hinds, on seedling cotton. Because this insect is highly polyphagous and the window of insecticide exposure is short, neonicotinoid resistance was expected to pose a minimal risk. However, reports of higher than expected F. fusca seedling damage in seed‐treated cotton fields throughout the Mid‐South and Southeast US production regions suggested neonicotinoid resistance had developed. To document this change, F. fusca populations from 86 different locations in the eastern United States were assayed in 2014 and 2015 for imidacloprid and thiamethoxam resistance to determine the extent of the issue in the region.

RESULTS

Approximately 57 and 65% of the F. fusca populations surveyed had reduced imidacloprid and thiamethoxam sensitivity respectively. Survivorship in diagnostic bioassays was significantly different at both the state and regional scales. Multiple‐dose bioassays conducted on 37 of the populations documented up to 55‐ and 39‐fold resistance ratios for imidacloprid and thiamethoxam respectively.

CONCLUSION

Estimates of neonicotinoid resistance indicate an emerging issue for management of F. fusca in the eastern United States. Significant variation in survivorship within states and regions indicated that finer‐scale surveys were needed to determine factors (genetic, insecticide use) driving resistance evolution. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry