bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propane Activation by Palladium Complexes with Chelating Bis(NHC) Ligands and Aerobic Cooxidation
Authors: Munz Dominik , Strassner Thomas
Published: January 2014

The development of efficient aerobic oxidation methods remains a challenge for the selective functionalization of CH bonds in alkanes. Herein we report the development of a CH functionalization procedure for propane by using a palladium catalyst with chelating bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene) ligands in trifluoroacetic acid together with a vanadium co‐catalyst. Halides play a decisive role in the reaction. The experimental results are presented together with supporting kinetic data and an isotope effect. The reaction can be run with dioxygen as the oxidant if vanadium salts and halides are present in the reaction mixture. Experimental as well as computational results favor a mechanism involving CH activation by palladium(II), followed by oxidation to palladium(IV) by bromine.
Preparation and properties of hydrophobic poly(vinylidene fluoride)–SiO2 mixed matrix membranes for dissolved oxygen removal from water
Authors: Li Ting , Yu Ping , Luo Yunbai
Published: January 2014

The application of the membrane method for removing dissolved oxygen (DO) from water on the laboratory scale was studied. Flat mixed matrix membranes were composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and hydrophobic nanosilica particles, which were used to improve the DO removal process. The SiO2 particles were modified by a silane coupling agent and examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was shown that the surface of the SiO2 particles was bonded to hydrophobic long‐chain alkane groups through chemical bonding. The effects of adding SiO2 particles on the membrane properties and morphology were examined. The results show that the porosity and pore size of the membrane were affected by the introduction of SiO2 particles, and the cross‐sectional morphology of the PVDF composite membranes changed from fingerlike macrovoids to a spongelike structure. The membrane performance of DO removal was evaluated through the membrane unit by a vacuum degassing process. It was found that the SiO2/PVDF hybrid membranes effectively improved the oxygen removal efficiency compared with the original PVDF membranes. The maximum permeation flux was obtained when the loading amount was 2.5 wt %. The effect of the downstream vacuum level was also investigated. The experimental results show that the SiO2/PVDF hybrid membranes had superior performances and could be an alternative membrane for removing DO from water. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40430.
Experimental and numerical study of distortion in flat, L‐shaped, and U‐shaped carbon fiber–epoxy composite parts
Authors: Roozbehjavan Pooneh , Tavakol Behrouz , Ahmed Ashraf , Koushyar Hoda , Das Rony , Joven Ronald , Minaie Bob
Published: January 2014

In this study, flat composite panels were fabricated to find the effect of different manufacturing parameters, including stacking sequence, part thickness, and tooling material, on distortion of carbon fiber‐epoxy composite parts. L‐shaped and U‐shaped panels were also made to investigate the effect of stacking sequence on spring‐in angle and warpage of the curved panels. Results showed that distortion of the flat panels caused by asymmetry in the stacking sequence was an order of magnitude greater than distortion of the panels with an unbalanced stacking sequence; whereas in the curved panels, the panel with an asymmetric stacking sequence showed the least spring‐in angle, and the largest angle was observed in the symmetric panel. MSC Marc was used to predict distortion of the panels, and the simulation results were compared with the experimental results for several stacking sequences of the flat and the L‐shaped panels. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40439.
Flexible and flame‐retardant S‐SEB‐S triblock copolymer/PPE nano‐alloy
Authors: Araki Yoshifumi , Hori Yukari , Suzuki Katsumi , Shirai Hiroshi , Kato Kiyoo , Saito Hiromu
Published: January 2014

We observed that modified polyphenylene ether (PPE) was solubilized in thermoplastic styrenic elastomer (TPS) and that a two‐phase lacy structure formed on nanometer scales when the TPS composition was 67 wt % and modified PPE and polystyrene‐block‐poly(styrene‐co‐ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐block‐polystyrene (S‐SEB‐S triblock copolymer) were blended. However, the molecular weight of the outer PS block segments MoutPS and the content of the outer PS block segments ϕoutPS were <10,000 g/mol and 20 wt %, respectively. The resulting S‐SEB‐S/modified PPE nano‐alloy exhibited both flexibility and flame retardancy, unlike other materials, where a trade‐off exists between these two properties; that is, the flame retardancy was excellent when the phosphorus additive was present. This combination of properties might be attributed to the two‐phase nanometer‐scale structure consisting of flame‐retardant styrene/PPE domains and a continuous soft, lacy SEB matrix. The results for polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐block‐polystyrene (S‐EB‐S triblock copolymer)/modified PPE blends were presented for comparison. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40446.
Preparation and flocculation behavior of cellulose‐g‐PMOTAC copolymer
Authors: Parviainen Helena , Hiltunen Miia , Maunu Sirkka Liisa
Published: January 2014

As a contribution to the wider use of biodegradable materials, this article reports the synthesis and testing of cationic polyelectrolyte cellulose derivatives for use as flocculation chemicals. Cellulose macroinitiator is synthesized in DMAc/LiCl solvent system by direct acylation of cellulose with 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide. Cellulose‐graft‐poly(N,N‐dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate) (cellulose‐g‐PDMAEMA) copolymers are prepared by copper‐mediated radical polymerization in homogeneous medium. Formation of the macroinitiator and graft copolymers is confirmed by ATR‐FTIR and 1H NMR. Quaternization of the graft chains to poly(methacryloxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride) (PMOTAC) produces cellulose‐g‐PMOTAC, which performs similarly to a commercial product in flocculation of pulp and kaolin. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40448.
Effect of TiO2 on morphology and mechanical properties of PVDF/PMMA blend films prepared by melt casting process
Authors: Hosoda Tomonori , Yamada Toshiro
Published: January 2014

Effect of titanium dioxide (TiO2) on morphology and mechanical properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blend films prepared at different TiO2 contents by a melt casting process was studied. The results showed that tensile moduli in both the machine direction (MD) and the transverse direction (TD) increased with increasing TiO2 content, and calculated tensile moduli based on the Halpin–Tsai and the Kerner model were consistent with experimental ones in both the MD and TD of films containing 10 wt % TiO2. However, experimental tensile moduli exhibited smaller values compared with calculated ones, as the TiO2 content increased to 30 wt %, and it was assumed that this is due to the decrease of crystallinity of PVDF. Morphological observations indicated that TiO2 particles did not affect crystal structures of PVDF and the morphology of PVDF/PMMA amorphous phase, but hindered the crystallization of PVDF. The MD and TD elongation at break exhibited >200 and <20%, respectively. The SEM micrographs revealed that spherulites could deform along the MD when the tensile force was applied along the direction. By contrast, spherulites could not deform along the TD and fractured at very small elongation, owing to the anisotropic morphology of spherulites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40454.
Naming the body (or the bones): Human remains, anthropological/medical collections, religious beliefs, and restitution
Authors: Charlier Philippe
Published: January 2014

Human bones and biological remains conserved in anthropological, medical, and archaeological collections are foci of ethical debate, as recently illustrated by the affair of Charles Byrne's bones. In the near future, curators will have to choose between global conservation of all (or almost all) anthropological collections and systematic restitution to their original communities or families. Various proposals and examples of restitution and nonrestitution are given (with justifications) in order to support the concept that the body (especially the dead body) is not property. We propose that the only element supporting arguments in favor of restitution could be the name of the individual, highlighting the importance of all identification processes for such “artifacts.” This is undoubtedly a universal value: naming the dead, identifying and then burying the person, i.e., reversing the progression along the timeline from individual to scientific specimen. Such elements could be of great interest to all universities and medical institutions that keep human remains in their collections for educational or historical purposes when they are confronted with ethical problems and/or repatriation requests. Clin. Anat. 27:291–295, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Light‐Activated Metal Complex Targets both DNA and RNA in a Fluorescent in Vitro Transcription and Translation Assay
Authors: Heidary David K. , Glazer Edith C.
Published: January 2014

A coupled in vitro transcription and translation (IVTT) assay that uses GFP as a fluorescent reporter allowed the potency of a light‐activated cytotoxic ruthenium agent to be quantified. The compound inhibits the function of both DNA and mRNA only upon light activation. The IVTT functional assay provides estimates of potency that are consistent with cellular cytotoxicity values, in marked contrast to the values obtained from traditional DNA‐damage assays.
Nanorods with Biocatalytically Induced Self‐Electrophoresis
Authors: Pavel Ileana‐Alexandra , Bunea Ada‐Ioana , David Sorin , Gáspár Szilveszter
Published: January 2014

Nanorods with motion enhanced through biocatalytically induced self‐electrophoresis are described. To obtain such nanorods, the polymer half of polypyrrole–gold (PPy‐Au) nanorods is decorated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and their metal half with cytochrome c (Cyt c). If such nanorods are suspended in enzymatically generated mixtures of O2⋅− and H2O2, the immobilized Cyt c is reduced by O2⋅−, and the immobilized HRP is oxidized by H2O2. As both hemeproteins are capable of direct electron transfer to/from solid substrates, the oxidized HRP is subsequently reduced with electrons received, through the nanorod, from the reduced Cyt c. The combined processes cause species from the electrical double layer of the nanorods to move from one end of the nanorod to the other, which powers the motion of the nanorods in the opposite direction. The diffusive motion of the hemeprotein‐modified nanorods is characterized by a diffusion coefficient 30 % larger in the presence of O2⋅− and H2O2 than in their absence. Unmodified nanorods do not show such behavior.
ChemInform Abstract: Control of Phase Coexistence in Calcium Tantalate Composite Photocatalysts for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Production.
Authors: Wang Ping , Chen Peirong , Kostka Aleksander , Marschall Roland , Wark Michael
Published: January 2014

A series of phase‐controlled and composition‐tuned Ca‐tantalate composite photocatalysts is prepared by adjusting the initial atomic ratio of Ta/Ca precursors from 0.9 to 2.0 using Ca2CO3, Ta2O5, and a 45:55 wt% NaCl/KCl melt flux (corundum crucible, 1123 K, 2 h).
ChemInform Abstract: FeCl3/Pyridine: Dual‐Activation in Opening of Epoxide with Carboxylic Acid under Solvent Free Condition.
Authors: Zhao Yichao , Wang Wen , Li Jian , Wang Feng , Zheng Xiufang , Yun Hongying , Zhao Weili , Dong Xiaochun
Published: January 2014

The title reaction provides a facile approach to various 1,2‐diol monoesters.
ChemInform Abstract: The Reaction of Fullerene C60 with Halogen Azides.
Authors: Dzhemilev Usein M. , Tuktarov Airat R. , Yarullin Ildar R. , Akhmetov Arslan R.
Published: January 2014

First time, previously unknown 1‐halo‐2‐azidofullerenes are synthesized by reaction of fullerene C60 with halogen azides.
ChemInform Abstract: Metal‐Free Borylative Ring‐Opening of Vinyl Epoxides and Aziridines.
Authors: Sanz Xavier , Lee Graham M. , Pubill‐Ulldemolins Cristina , Bonet Amadeu , Gulyas Henrik , Westcott Stephen A. , Bo Carles , Fernandez Elena
Published: January 2014

The title reaction proceeds with total chemoselectivity towards polyfunctionalized allyl boronates (III), (V), and (VII).
ChemInform Abstract: Two New Naphthoquinone Derivatives from Lysionotus pauciflorus
Authors: Zhong Yu‐Jiao , Wen Qing‐Fa , Li Cong‐Ying , Su Xue‐Hui , Yuan Zhi‐Peng , Li Yan‐Fang
Published: January 2014

isolation, structure and cytotoxic activity
ChemInform Abstract: Intercalation Assembly Method and Intercalation Process Control of Layered Intercalated Functional Materials
Authors: Li Kaitao , Wang Guirong , Li Dianqing , Lin Yanjun , Duan Xue
Published: January 2014

Review: 74 refs.
2,6‐Bis(arylsulfonyl)anilines as Fluorescent Scaffolds through Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonds: Solid‐State Fluorescence Materials and Turn‐On‐Type Probes Based on Aggregation‐Induced Emission
Authors: Beppu Teruo , Kawata So , Aizawa Naoya , Pu Yong‐Jin , Abe Yasuyuki , Ohba Yoshihiro , Katagiri Hiroshi
Published: January 2014

A series of 2,6‐bis[aryl(alkyl)sulfonyl]anilines were synthesized by nucleophilic aromatic substitution of 2,6‐dichloronitrobenzene with various aryl or alkyl thiolates (benzyl‐, phenyl‐, 2‐naphthyl‐, and 2‐aminophenyl thiolate), followed by hydrogenation and subsequent oxidation. All prepared 2,6‐bis[aryl‐(alkyl)sulfonyl]anilines showed high fluorescence emissions in the solid state; X‐ray structures revealed well‐defined intramolecular hydrogen bonds, which served to immobilize the rotatable amino group and generate a fluorescence enhancement in addition to improved photostability. Moreover, absorption and fluorescence spectra showed redshifts in the order of benzyl<phenyl<2‐naphthyl in solution and the solid state, and DFT calculations confirmed charge transfer from the central aniline unit to the side aryl groups through the sulfonyl bridges, which together indicated the push–pull effect with an extended π‐conjugated system comprising the 2,6‐bis(arylsulfonyl)aniline unit. Furthermore, 2,6‐bis(2‐aminophenylsulfonyl)aniline, with rotatable amino groups at the flanking aryl units, was affected by fluorescence quenching in solution. This nonemissive state showed an enhanced environmental sensitivity to solvent polarity and viscosity, along with a “turn‐on” fluorescence response in frozen solvent and in the aggregated form. 2,6‐Bis(2‐aminophenylsulfonyl)aniline behaved as a turn‐on fluorescence probe for selective detection of DNA based on its aggregation‐induced emission.
uPA‐uPAR molecular complex is involved in cell signaling during neuronal migration and neuritogenesis
Authors: Lino Noelia , Fiore Luciano , Rapacioli Melina , Teruel Luisa , Flores Vladimir , Scicolone Gabriel , Sánchez Viviana
Published: January 2014

Background: In the development of the central nervous system (CNS), neuronal migration and neuritogenesis are crucial processes for establishing functional neural circuits. This relies on the regulation exerted by several signaling molecules, which play important roles in axonal growth and guidance. The urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA)—in association with its receptor—triggers extracellular matrix proteolysis and other cellular processes through the activation of intracellular signaling pathways. Even though the uPA‐uPAR complex is well characterized in nonneuronal systems, little is known about its signaling role during CNS development. Results: In response to uPA, neuronal migration and neuritogenesis are promoted in a dose‐dependent manner. After stimulation, uPAR interacts with α5‐ and β1‐integrin subunits, which may constitute an αβ‐heterodimer that acts as a uPA‐uPAR coreceptor favoring the activation of multiple kinases. This interaction may be responsible for the uPA‐promoted phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and its relocation toward growth cones, triggering cytoskeletal reorganization which, in turn, induces morphological changes related to neuronal migration and neuritogenesis. Conclusions: uPA has a key role during CNS development. In association with its receptor, it orchestrates both proteolytic and nonproteolytic events that govern the proper formation of neural networks. Developmental Dynamics 243:676–689, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Implications of genome‐wide association studies in novel therapeutics in primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Carbone Marco , Lleo Ana , Sandford Richard N. , Invernizzi Pietro
Published: January 2014

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have revolutionized the search for genetic influences on complex disorders, such as primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Recent GWAS have identified many disease‐associated genetic variants. These, overall, highlighted the remarkable contribution of key immunological pathways in PBC that may be involved in the initial mechanisms of loss of tolerance and the subsequent inflammatory response and chronic bile duct damage. Results from GWAS have the potential to be translated in biological knowledge and, hopefully, clinical application. There are a number of immune pathways highlighted in GWAS that may have therapeutic implications in PBC and in other autoimmune diseases, such as the anti‐interleukin‐12/interleukin‐23, nuclear factor‐kb, tumor necrosis factor, phosphatidylinositol signaling and hedgehog signaling pathways. Further areas in which GWAS findings are leading to clinical applications either in PBC or in other autoimmune conditions, include disease classification, risk prediction and drug development. In this review we outline the possible next steps that may help accelerate progress from genetic studies to the biological knowledge that would guide the development of predictive, preventive, or therapeutic measures in PBC.
Near‐IR Sensitization of Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells Using Thiocyanate‐Free Cyclometalated Ruthenium(II) Complexes Having a Pyridylquinoline Ligand
Authors: Funaki Takashi , Kusama Hitoshi , Onozawa‐Komatsuzaki Nobuko , Kasuga Kazuyuki , Sayama Kazuhiro , Sugihara Hideki
Published: January 2014

Three thiocyanate‐free cyclometalated ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(dcpq)2(CN)]Cl [where dcpq is 2‐(4′‐carboxypyridin‐2′‐yl)quinoline‐4‐carboxylic acid and C∧N is a bidentate cyclometalating ligand] (compounds FT22, FT23, and FT61), were designed and synthesized as near‐IR (NIR) sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) to investigate the effect of the ligand structure on the photovoltaic performance. Density functional theory calculations of these complexes show that the highest occupied molecular orbital is mainly localized on the metal center with the C∧N ligand, and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital is mainly localized on the anchoring dcpq ligand. These complexes exhibit a broad absorption band and superior light‐harvesting properties in the NIR region. FT22‐, FT23‐, and FT61‐based DSSCs exhibit efficiencies of 3.81, 3.43, and 5.53 %, respectively. The modification of the C∧N ligand improves the photovoltaic performance of this class of cyclometalated ruthenium(II) complexes. The DSSC sensitized with FT61 exhibited a 25 % incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency at 900 nm.
Antioxidant activity of monooleyl and dioleyl p‐coumarates in in vitro and biological model systems
Authors: Wang Jiankang , Shahidi Fereidoon
Published: January 2014

Lipase‐catalysed acidolysis of p‐coumaric acid with triolein was carried out, followed by separation of the synthesized phenolipids using column chromatography. The identification of synthesized phenolipids was conducted by using HPLC–MS. The antioxidant activities of the purified phenolipids were assessed in in vitro assays and biological systems. Monooleyl and dioleyl p‐coumarates were identified as the phenolipid species present. The prepared phenolipids exhibited varying antioxidant activities in 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and peroxyl radical scavenging, reducing power, β‐carotene/linoleate bleaching, human low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol oxidation as well as hydroxyl and peroxyl radical‐induced DNA cleavage assays.

Practical applications: In this study, the antioxidant activity of synthesized phenolipids, monooleyl and dioleyl p‐coumarates obtained from p‐coumaric acid and triolein, was investigated and confirmed in a number of commonly employed assays. The synthesized model phenolipids containing p‐coumaric acid moiety and fatty acid chains exhibited improved lipophilicity and antioxidant activity. Extension of this work to marine omega‐3 oils as starting materials is expected to produce novel phenolipids that may be used as nutraceuticals and functional food ingredients with unique stability characteristics and potentially improved health benefits.
A stabilized finite element formulation for high‐speed inviscid compressible flows using finite calculus
Authors: Kouhi Mohammad , Oñate Eugenio
Published: January 2014

This paper aims at the development of a new stabilization formulation based on the finite calculus (FIC) scheme for solving the Euler equations using the Galerkin FEM on unstructured triangular grids. The FIC method is based on expressing the balance of fluxes in a space–time domain of finite size. It is used to prevent the creation of instabilities typically present in numerical solutions due to the high convective terms and sharp gradients. Two stabilization terms, respectively called streamline term and transverse term, are added via the FIC formulation to the original conservative equations in the space–time domain. An explicit fourth‐order Runge–Kutta scheme is implemented to advance the solution in time. The presented numerical test examples for inviscid flows prove the ability of the proposed stabilization technique for providing appropriate solutions especially near shock waves. Although the derived methodology delivers precise results with a nearly coarse mesh, a mesh refinement technique is coupled to the solution process for obtaining a suitable mesh particularly in the high‐gradient zones. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new insight into fecal hemoglobin concentration‐dependent predictor for colorectal neoplasia
Authors: Yen Amy Ming‐Fang , Chen Sam Li‐Sheng , Chiu Sherry Yueh‐Hsia , Fann Jean Ching‐Yuan , Wang Po‐En , Lin Sheng‐Che , Chen Yao‐Der , Liao Chao‐Sheng , Yeh Yen‐Po , Lee Yi‐Chia , Chiu Han‐Mo , Chen Hsiu‐Hsi
Published: January 2014

We sought to assess how much of the variation in incidence of colorectal neoplasia is explained by baseline fecal hemoglobin concentration (FHbC) and also to assess the additional predictive value of conventional risk factors. We enrolled subjects aged 40 years and over who attended screening for colorectal cancer with the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in Keelung community‐based integrated screening program. The accelerated failure time model was used to train the clinical weights of covariates in the prediction model. Datasets from two external communities were used for external validation. The area under curve (AUC) for the model containing only FHbC was 83.0% (95% CI: 81.5–84.4%), which was considerably greater than the one containing only conventional risk factors (65.8%, 95% CI: 64.2–67.4%). Adding conventional risk factors did not make significant additional contribution (p = 0.62, AUC = 83.5%, 95% CI: 82.1–84.9%) to the predictive model with FHbC only. Males showed a stronger linear dose‐response relationship than females, yielding gender‐specific FHbC predictive models. External validation confirms these results. The high predictive ability supported by a dose‐dependent relationship between baseline FHbC and the risk of developing colorectal neoplasia suggests that FHbC may be useful for identifying cases requiring closer postdiagnosis clinical surveillance as well as being an early indicator of colorectal neoplasia risk in the general population. Our findings may also make contribution to the development of the FHbC‐guided screening policy but its pros and cons in connection with cost and effectiveness of screening should be evaluated before it can be applied to population‐based screening for colorectal cancer.
Cancer prevention by adult‐onset calorie restriction after infant exposure to ionizing radiation in B6C3F1 male mice
Authors: Shang Yi , Kakinuma Shizuko , Yamauchi Kazumi , Morioka Takamitsu , Kokubo Toshiaki , Tani Shusuke , Takabatake Takashi , Kataoka Yasushi , Shimada Yoshiya
Published: January 2014

Children are especially sensitive to ionizing radiation and chemical carcinogens, and limiting their cancer risk is of great public concern. Calorie restriction (CR) is a potent intervention for suppressing cancer. However, CR is generally not appropriate for children. This study, therefore, examined to see if adult‐onset CR influences the lifetime cancer risk in mice after early‐life exposure to ionizing radiation. Infant male mice (1‐week‐old) were exposed to 3.8 Gy X‐rays, fed a control 95 kcal/week or CR 65 kcal/week diet from 7 weeks of age (adult stage), and their lifespan and tumor development were assessed. Irrespective of CR, X‐rays shortened lifespan by 38%, and irrespective of irradiation CR extended lifespan by 20%. Thymic lymphoma (TL) and early‐occurring non‐TL were induced by radiation. The liver and Harderian gland were more susceptible to radiation‐induced tumors than the lungs and non‐thymic lymphoid tissues (late occurring). CR reduced the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, late‐occurring non‐TL, lung tumor, Harderian tumor, and hemangioma but had less impact on TL and early‐occurring non‐TL. Most notably, the effects of X‐rays on induction of lung tumors, late‐occurring non‐TL and hemangioma were essentially canceled by CR. The ability of CR to prevent late‐occurring tumors was the same for non‐irradiated and irradiated mice, indicating that the mechanism by which CR influences cancer is independent of irradiation. Our results indicate that adult‐onset CR significantly inhibits late‐occurring tumors in a tissue‐dependent manner regardless of infant radiation exposure.
Effects of Nicotine on Proliferation and Survival in Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zeng Hui‐Lan , Qin Yong‐Liang , Chen Hui‐Zhong , Bu Qian‐Qian , Li Yang , Zhong Qi , Han Xin‐Ai , Chen Jie , Yu Pan‐Xi , Liu Ge‐Xiu
Published: January 2014

Cigarette smoking is known to have negative effects on tissue repair and healing. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of nicotine in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). After nicotine treatment, MSCs became pyknotic, vacuoles appeared in the cytoplasm and nucleus, and the nuclear boundary became fuzzy as observed using atomic force microscopy. Cell proliferation was inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner (P < 0.05 for all concentrations). The proportion of apoptotic MSCs was significantly increased in a dose‐dependent manner. The mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Nicotine‐treated MSCs had a significantly higher G0/G1 ratio (P < 0.05). Peptide mass fingerprinting identified 27 proteins that were differentially expressed between MSCs with and without nicotine treatment. These nicotine exerted toxic effects on MSCs are likely related, at least in part, to the altered expression of multiple proteins that are essential to the health and proliferation of these cells.
Calcineurin Regulates Progressive Motility Activation of Rhinella (Bufo) arenarum Sperm Through Dephosphorylation of PKC Substrates
Authors: Krapf Dario , O'Brien Emma , Maidagán Paula M. , Morales Enrique S. , Visconti Pablo E. , Arranz Silvia E.
Published: January 2014

Animals with external fertilization, as amphibians, store their sperm in a quiescent state in the testis. When spermatozoa are released into natural fertilization media, the hypotonic shock triggers activation of sperm motility. Rhinella (Bufo) arenarum sperm are immotile in artificial seminal plasma (ASP, resembling testicular plasma tonicity) but acquire in situ flagellar beating upon dilution. However, if components from the egg shelly coat are added to this medium, motility shifts to a progressive pattern. Recently, we have shown that the signal transduction pathway required for in situ motility activation involves a rise in intracellular cAMP through a transmembrane adenylyl cyclase and activation of PKA, mostly in the midpiece and in the sperm head. In this report, we demonstrate that activation of calcineurin (aka PP2B and PPP3) is required for the shift from in situ to progressive sperm motility. The effect of calcineurin is manifested by dephosphorylation of PKC substrates, and can be promoted by intracellular calcium rise by Ca2+ ionophore. Both phosphorylated PKC substrates and calcineurin localized to the flagella, indicating a clear differentiation between compartmentalization of PKA and calcineurin pathways. Moreover, no crosstalk is observed between these signaling events, even though both pathways are required for progressive motility acquisition as discussed. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1378–1386, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CD40 Signaling Drives B Lymphocytes Into an Intermediate Memory‐Like State, Poised Between Naïve and Plasma Cells
Authors: Upadhyay Mala , Priya G. Krishna , Ramesh P. , Madhavi M.B. , Rath Satyajit , Bal Vineeta , George Anna , Vaidya Tushar
Published: January 2014

Immunological memory comprising of antigen‐specific B and T cells contributes to the acquisition of long‐term resistance to pathogens. Interactions between CD40 on B cells and CD40L on T cells are responsible for several aspects of acquired immune responses including generation of memory B cells. In order to gain insights into events leading to memory B cell formation, we analyzed the genome‐wide expression profile of murine naive B cells stimulated in the presence of anti‐CD40. We have identified over 8,000 genes whose expression is altered minimally 1.5‐fold at least at one time point over a 3‐day time course. The array analysis indicates that changes in expression level of maximum number of these genes occur within 24 h of anti‐CD40 treatment. In parallel, we have studied the events following CD40 ligation by examining the expression of known regulators of naive B cell to plasma cell transition, including Pax5 and BLIMP1. The expression profile of these regulatory genes indicates firstly, that CD40 signaling activates naïve B cells to a phenotype that is intermediate between the naive and plasma cell stages of the B cell differentiation. Secondly, the major known regulator of plasma cell differentiation, BLIMP1, gets irreversibly downregulated upon anti‐CD40 treatment. Additionally, our data reveal that CD40 signaling mediated BLIMP1 downregulation occurs by non‐Pax5/non‐Bcl6 dependent mechanisms, indicating novel mechanisms at work that add to the complexity of understanding of B cell master regulatory molecules like BLIMP1 and Pax5. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1387–1396, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epidemiology of GB virus type C among patients infected with HIV in Singapore
Authors: Lee Chun Kiat , Tang Julian Wei‐Tze , Chiu Lily , Loh Tze Ping , Olszyna Dariusz , Chew Nicholas , Archuleta Sophia , Koay Evelyn Siew‐Chuan
Published: January 2014

Several studies have shown that individuals co‐infected with GB virus type C (GBV‐C), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have slower progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and a prolonged lifespan, compared to those infected with only HIV. In Singapore, despite the steadily increasing number of HIV infections in recent years, there are no studies documenting the extent of GBV‐C/HIV co‐infection in this group of patients. To fill this dearth of information, two GBV‐C screening assays was performed on 80 archived HIV‐1‐positive samples from the National University Hospital. The overall prevalence of GBV‐C co‐infection among patients infected with HIV in this study was 10% (8/80). Phylogenetic analysis of the eight dual‐infection cases revealed that genotypes 3 (4/8, 50%) and 2a (2/8, 25%) were the main genotypes circulating among these Singaporean HIV patients. One case each of genotypes 2b (1/8, 12.5%) and 4 (1/8, 12.5%), which have not been described previously in Singapore, were identified. These findings hint at the complex epidemiology of GBV‐C in different patient groups and a larger study would be needed to characterize, and understand the potential clinical impact of GBV‐C co‐infection on the patients. J. Med. Virol. 86:737–744, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Curcumin ameliorates rat experimental autoimmune neuritis
Authors: Han Fuyu , Luo Bangwei , Shi Rongchen , Han Changhao , Zhang Zhonghao , Xiong Jian , Jiang Man , Zhang Zhiren
Published: January 2014

Experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) is a helper T cell‐mediated autoimmune demyelinating inflammatory disease of the peripheral nervous system that serves as an animal model for human Guillain‐Barre syndrome. Curcumin, a naturally occurring polyphenolic phytochemical isolated from the medicinal plant Curcuma longa, has anti‐inflammatory activities. Here we investigated the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of curcumin in EAN rats. Exogenous curcumin treatment (100 mg/kg/day) significantly delayed the onset of EAN neurological signs, ameliorated EAN neurological severity, and reduced body weight loss of EAN rats. In EAN sciatic nerves, curcumin treatment suppressed the inflammatory cell accumulation and the expression of interferon (IFN)‐γ, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐17. Furthermore, curcumin treatment significantly decreased the percentage of CD4+ T helper cells in EAN spleen and suppressed concanavalin A‐induced lymphocyte proliferation in vitro. In addition, curcumin altered helper T cell differentiation by decreasing IFN‐γ+CD4+ Th1 cells in EAN lymph node and spleen. In summary, our data demonstrate that curcumin could effectively suppress EAN by attenuating inflammation, indicating that curcumin might be a candidate for treatment of autoimmune neuropathies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aptamer‐affinity column clean‐up coupled with ultra high performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection for the rapid determination of ochratoxin A in ginger powder
Authors: Yang Xihui , Kong Weijun , Hu Yichen , Yang Meihua , Huang Luqi , Zhao Ming , Ouyang Zhen
Published: January 2014

Aptamers are single‐stranded oligonucleotides with high affinity and specificity and are widely used in targets separation and enrichment. Here, an aptamer‐affinity column (AAC) was firstly prepared in‐house through a covalent immobilization strategy. Then, ochratoxin A (OTA) in ginger powder was absorbed and enriched using the new aptamer‐based clean‐up technology for the first time, and was further analyzed by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. After optimization, the average recoveries for blank samples spiked with OTA at 5, 15, and 45 μg/kg ranged from 85.36 to 96.83%. Furthermore, the AAC exhibited a similar accuracy as an immunoaffinity column to clean up OTA in ginger powder. Above all, it exhibited better reusability, twice that of the immunoaffinity column, had lower toxicity and cost, and took less time. Of 25 contaminated ginger powder samples, OTA contamination levels ranged from 1.51 to 4.31 μg/kg, which were lower than the European Union (EU) regulatory limits. All the positive samples were further confirmed by ultra‐fast LC with MS/MS. In conclusion, the method of clean‐up based on the AAC coupled to ultra‐HPLC with fluorescence detection was rapid, specific, and sensitive for the quantitative analysis of OTA in a complex matrix.
Analysis of ibuprofen enantiomers in rat plasma by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Cardoso Juciane Lauren Cavalcanti , Lanchote Vera Lucia , Pereira Maria Paula Marques , de Moraes Natália Valadares , Lepera José Salvador
Published: January 2014

A sensitive and selective method for the analysis of ibuprofen enantiomers by LC–MS/MS was developed and validated for the purpose of application in pharmacokinetic studies in small experimental animals. Aliquots of 200 μL plasma were submitted to liquid–liquid extraction with hexane/diisopropylether (50:50 v/v) in acid pH. Separation was accomplished in a Chirex® 3005 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column at 25°C with a mobile phase that consisted of 0.01 M ammonium acetate in methanol at a flow rate of 1.1 mL/min. The mass spectrometer consisted of an ESI interface operating at negative ionization mode and multiple reaction monitoring. The transitions 205 > 161 and 240 > 197 were monitored for ibuprofen enantiomers and fenoprofen (internal standard), respectively. Method validation included the evaluation of the matrix effect, stability, linearity, lower LOQ, within‐run and between‐run precision, and accuracy. The lower LOQ was 25 ng/mL for each ibuprofen enantiomer, and the calibration curves showed good linearity in the range 0.025–50 μg/mL. The method was successfully applied in the investigation of pharmacokinetic disposition of ibuprofen enantiomers in rats treated orally with 25 mg/kg of the racemate. Enantioselective kinetic disposition was observed with accumulation of (+)‐(S)‐ibuprofen in rats following single oral administration.
Determination of strobilurin fungicides in cotton seed by combination of acetonitrile extraction and dispersive liquid−liquid microextraction coupled with gas chromatography
Authors: Xue Jiaying , Li Huichen , Liu Fengmao , Jiang Wenqing , Chen Xiaochu
Published: January 2014

The simultaneous determination of four strobilurin fungicides (picoxystrobin, kresoxim‐methyl, trifloxystrobin, and azoxystrobin) in cotton seed by combining acetonitrile extraction and dispersive liquid−liquid microextraction was developed prior to GC with electron capture detection. Several factors, including the type and volume of the extraction and dispersive solvents, extraction condition and time, and salt addition, were optimized. The analytes were extracted with acetonitrile from cotton seed and the clean‐up was carried out by primary secondary amine. Afterwards, 60 μL of n‐hexane/toluene (1:1, v/v) with a lower density than water was mixed with 1 mL of the acetonitrile extract, then the mixture was injected into 7 mL of distilled water. A 0.1 mL pipette was used to collect a few microliters of n‐hexane/toluene from the top of the aqueous solution. The enrichment factors of the analytes ranged from 36 to 67. The LODs were in the range of 0.1 × 10−3−2 × 10−3 mg/kg. The relative recoveries varied from 87.7 to 95.2% with RSDs of 4.1−8.5% for the four fungicides. The good performance of the method, compared with the conventional pretreatments, has demonstrated it is suitable for determining low concentrations of strobilurin fungicide residues in cotton seed.
A branch‐and‐price approach for the stochastic generalized assignment problem
Authors: Sarin Subhash C. , Sherali Hanif D. , Kim Seon Ki
Published: January 2014

In this article, we address a stochastic generalized assignment machine scheduling problem in which the processing times of jobs are assumed to be random variables. We develop a branch‐and‐price (B&P) approach for solving this problem wherein the pricing problem is separable with respect to each machine, and has the structure of a multidimensional knapsack problem. In addition, we explore two other extensions of this method—one that utilizes a dual‐stabilization technique and another that incorporates an advanced‐start procedure to obtain an initial feasible solution. We compare the performance of these methods with that of the branch‐and‐cut (B&C) method within CPLEX. Our results show that all B&P‐based approaches perform better than the B&C method, with the best performance obtained for the B&P procedure that includes both the extensions aforementioned. We also utilize a Monte Carlo method within the B&P scheme, which affords the use of a small subset of scenarios at a time to estimate the “true” optimal objective function value. Our experimental investigation reveals that this approach readily yields solutions lying within 5% of optimality, while providing more than a 10‐fold savings in CPU times in comparison with the best of the other proposed B&P procedures. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 61: 131–143, 2014
Chain‐end lactonization of polyacrylates prepared by photopolymerization
Authors: Sanai Yasuyuki , Morita Yuki , Asano Youichi , Ishizaki Kenichi , Kubota Kouzou
Published: January 2014

The structural change of the end groups of UV‐cured acrylates with time has been investigated as well as photopolymerization behavior. 2‐Ethylhexyl acrylate, n‐lauryl acrylate, 2‐(2‐ethoxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate, and 2‐ethylhexyl methacrylate were used as a monomer in the current study. In order to mimic industrial conditions, the photopolymerization was conducted with relatively high UV intensity (576 mW/cm2) using a common photoinitiator 1‐hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone. Conversion‐time profile gave a linear first‐order plot suggesting that the steady state was hold throughout the polymerization. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectra of the resultant polymers indicated the number of the hydroxycyclohexyl chain‐ends decreased with storage time at room temperature. Instead, a lactonic ring appeared to form at the chain‐end by transesterification of the hydroxycyclohexyl group with the ester side chain of the adjacent acrylate according to the results of mass spectrometry and 13C NMR. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1161–1171
Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) in pediatric intensive care—A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kallio Merja , Peltoniemi Outi , Anttila Eija , Pokka Tytti , Kontiokari Tero
Published: January 2014

Background

Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) has been shown to improve patient‐ventilator synchrony during invasive ventilation. The aim of this trial was to study NAVA as a primary ventilation mode in pediatric intensive care and to compare it with current standard ventilation modes.

Methods

One hundred seventy pediatric intensive care patients were randomized to conventional ventilation or NAVA. The primary endpoints were time on the ventilator and the amount of sedation needed. To enable comparison between sedative agents, a “sedative unit” was defined for each drug.

Results

The median time on the ventilator was 3.3 hr in the NAVA group and 6.6 hr in the control group (P = 0.17), and the length of stay in the PICU 49.5 hr in the NAVA group and 72.8 hr in the control group (P = 0.10, per protocol P = 0.03). The amount of sedation needed in the total patient population did not differ between the groups (P = 0.20), but when postoperative patients were excluded (19 vs. 20 patients), the amount was significantly lower in the NAVA group (0.80 vs. 2.23 units/hr, P = 0.03). Lower peak inspiratory pressure and a lower inspired oxygen fraction were found in the NAVA group (P = 0.001 for both). Arterial blood CO2 tensions were slightly higher in the NAVA group up to 32 hr of treatment (P = 0.008). There were no significant differences in the other ventilatory or vital parameters, arterial blood gas values or complications.

Conclusions

We found NAVA to be a safe and feasible primary ventilation mode for use with children. It outscored standard ventilation in some aspects, as it was able to enhance oxygenation even at lower airway pressures and led to reduced use of sedatives during longer periods of treatment. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:55–62. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nasal versus oral aerosol delivery to the “lungs” in infants and toddlers
Authors: Amirav Israel , Borojeni Azadeh A. T. , Halamish Asaf , Newhouse Michael T. , Golshahi Laleh
Published: January 2014

Objectives

The oral route has been considered superior to the nasal route for aerosol delivery to the lower respiratory tract (LRT) in adults and children. However, there are no data comparing aerosol delivery via the oral and nasal routes in infants. The aim of this study was to compare nasal and oral delivery of aerosol in anatomically correct replicas of infants' faces containing both nasal and oral upper airways.

Methods

Three CT‐derived upper respiratory tract (“URT”) replicas representing infants/toddlers aged 5, 14 and 20 months were studied and aerosol delivery to the “lower respiratory tract” (LRT) by either the oral or nasal route for each of the replicas was measured at the “tracheal” opening. A radio‐labeled (99mDTPA) normal saline solution aerosol was generated by a soft‐mist inhaler (SMIRespimat® Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany) and aerosol was delivered via a valved holding chamber (Respichamber® TMI, London, Canada) and an air‐tight mask (Unomedical, Inc., McAllen, TX). A breath simulator was connected to the replicas and an absolute filter at the “tracheal” opening captured the aerosol representing “LRT” dose. Age‐appropriate mask dimensions and breathing patterns were employed for each of the airway replicas. Two different tidal volumes (Vt) were used for comparing the nasal versus oral routes.

Results

Nasal delivery to the LRT exceeded that of oral delivery in the 5‐ and 14‐month models and was equivalent in the 20‐month model. Differences between nasal and oral delivery diminished with “age”/size. Similar findings were observed with lower and higher tidal volumes (Vt).

Conclusion

Nasal breathing for aerosol delivery to the “LRT” is similar to, or more efficient than, mouth breathing in infant/toddler models, contrary to what is observed in older children and adults. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:276–283. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamics of biotypes B and Q of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci and its impact on insecticide resistance
Authors: Horowitz Abraham Rami , Ishaaya Isaac
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a key pest in many agricultural crops, including vegetables, ornamentals and field crops. B. tabaci is known for its genetic diversity, which is expressed in a complex of biotypes or, as recently suggested, a complex of distinct cryptic species. The biotypes are largely differentiated on the basis of biochemical or molecular polymorphism and differ in characteristics such as host plant range, attraction by natural enemies, secondary symbionts and expression of insecticide resistance. An extensive survey of B. tabaci biotypes and their impact on insecticide resistance was conducted from 2003 to 2012 in cotton fields and other crops from several locations in Israel.

RESULTS

Two biotypes of B. tabaci, B and Q, were identified, and some differences in the biotype dynamics were recorded from different areas. In northern Israel from 2003 to 2007, a higher proportion of the B biotype was consistently found in early season. However, by the end of the season a definite rise of the Q biotype was sampled, ranging from 60 to 100%, along with high resistance to the insect growth regulator (IGR) pyriproxyfen and to a lesser extent to the neonicotinoid insecticides. In fields located in the central part of Israel, the Q biotype was predominant throughout the seasons, with high resistance to pyriproxyfen. Since 2009, a significant shift in the biotype ratios has been observed: the B biotype has come to predominate over the Q biotype ranging up to 90% or more in most fields. At the same time, resistance to the IGR pyriproxyfen was reduced considerably.

CONCLUSION

The possible reasons for the change in the dynamics of B. tabaci biotypes, and its implications for resistance management, are discussed. Strong B. tabaci resistance to pyriproxyfen in Israel has been associated with the Q rather than with the B biotype. The B biotype is more competitive than the Q biotype under untreated conditions. Reduction in the acreage of cotton fields during recent years, along with a decrease in insecticide use, especially pyriproxyfen, has resulted in the expansion of the B biotype. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry