bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal‐Ion‐Triggered Exonuclease III Activity for the Construction of DNA Colorimetric Logic Gates
Authors: Gao Wan , Zhang Li , Liang Ru‐Ping , Qiu Jian‐Ding
Published: September 2015

The logic system is obtained by using a series of double‐stranded (ds) DNA templates with mismatched base pairs (T–T or C–C) and ion‐modulated exonuclease III (Exo III) activity, in which the Exo III cofactors, Hg2+ and Ag+ ions, are used as inputs for the activation of the respective scission of Exo III based on the formation of T–Hg2+–T or C–Ag+–C base pairs. Additionally, two kinds of signal probes are utilized to transduce the logic operations. One is the two split G‐rich DNA strands that are used to design the OR, AND, INHIBIT, and XOR gates, whereas the other is the self‐assembled split G‐quadruplex structure to construct NOR, NAND, IMPLICATION, and XNOR operations based on DNA hybridization and strand displacement. In the presence of hemin, the split G‐quadruplex biocatalyzes the formation of a colored product, which is an output signal for the different logic gates. Thus, we have constructed a complete set of colorimetric DNA logic gates based on the Exo III and split G‐quadruplex for the first time. In addition, we are able to effortlessly recognize the logic output signals by the naked eye and their simplicity and cost‐effective design is the most apparent feature for the logic gates developed in this work.
“Stripping” the Carbon Atom of Methyl Halide by a Cationic Holmium Complex: A Gas‐Phase Study
Authors: Zhou Shaodong , Schlangen Maria , Li Jilai , Wu Xiao‐Nan , Schwarz Helmut
Published: September 2015

Mechanistic aspects of an unusual reaction of [HoC6H4S]+ with CH3X (X=Cl, Br, I) have been investigated using Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In this thermal process, all four bonds of the methyl halides are cleaved.
Organic Photocatalytic Cyclization of Polyenes: A Visible‐Light‐Mediated Radical Cascade Approach
Authors: Yang Zhongbo , Li Han , Zhang Long , Zhang Ming‐Tian , Cheng Jin‐Pei , Luo Sanzhong
Published: September 2015

A visible‐light‐mediated, organic photocatalytic stereoselective radical cascade cyclization of polyprenoids is described. The desired cascade cyclization products are achieved in good yields and high stereoselectivities with eosin Y as photocatalyst in hexafluoro‐2‐propanol. The catalyst system is also suitable for 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds, which require only catalytic amounts of LiBr to promote the formation of the corresponding enols.
Short Convergent Synthesis of the Mycolactone Core Through Lithiation–Borylation Homologations
Authors: Brown Christopher A. , Aggarwal Varinder K.
Published: September 2015

Using iterative lithiation–borylation homologations, the mycolactone toxin core has been synthesized in 13 steps and 17 % overall yield. The rapid build‐up of molecular complexity, high convergence and high stereoselectivity are noteworthy features of this synthesis.
Pharmaceutically active compounds in water, Aksaray, Turkey
Authors: Ayman Zeynep , Işık Mustafa
Published: September 2015

Pharmaceutically active compounds (PACs) are widely used around the world to maintain human and animal health. There is growing concern that these compounds pass through sewage‐treatment plants and enter the environment for potential harmful effects on living things. In this study, the occurrence of nine PACs (acetaminophen, caffeine, carbamazepine, codeine, methyltestosterone, metoprolol, propranolol, stanozolol, and testosterone) in hospital wastewater, sewage wastewater, raw water used for drinking water, and treated water was studied in three sampling events representing different flow conditions, i.e., December, April, and June 2010–2011. Most of the target compounds were detected in both hospital and sewage wastewater samples rather than in drinking water samples. The most frequently detected compounds in the samples were acetaminophen and caffeine with increased concentrations of up to 160 µg/L in sewage wastewater, while their concentrations were significantly lower in raw water. Generally, a seasonal variation of the test compounds in the samples was significant. All drugs were detected in higher levels during winter as drug use for diseases might increase through this season and a faster degradation and removal might occur during summer. The results showed that water had been polluted with these substances, and although purified by water treatment, reached humans via drinking water.
Novel targeted agents for the treatment of lung cancer in China
Authors: Liu Si‐Yang , Mok Tony , Wu Yi‐Long
Published: September 2015

Since the discovery of epidermal growth factor receptor mutations and epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, lung cancer treatment in China has entered the precision era. However, novel targeted agents based on novel biomarkers still need to be developed. In the current study, the authors review the biomarker features of lung cancer in the Chinese population and the novel agents that are aimed at novel targets. Furthermore, they discuss issues that require improvement for the production of novel drugs and provided future directions for development in China. Cancer 2015;121:3089‐96. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
An overview of Cancer's special issue on lung cancer in China
Authors: Khuri Fadlo R.
Published: September 2015

Although the incidence of lung cancer has decreased in the United States, Western Europe, and Australia as tobacco control regulations have taken effect, China has increasingly borne more and more of the burden of the lung cancer epidemic, with lung cancer mortality rates increasing significantly between 1990 and 2010. This Special Issue of Cancer was undertaken to examine the state of the art in lung cancer research and tobacco control in China in 2015 in a single issue.
Synthesis of an Amphiphilic Bis‐Aqua Gd(OBETA) Complex for the Preparation of High‐Relaxivity Supramolecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Probes
Authors: Negri Roberto , Carniato Fabio , Botta Mauro , Giovenzana Giovanni B. , Tei Lorenzo
Published: September 2015

Prompted by the favourable relaxometric, thermodynamic and kinetic properties of the bis‐hydrated Gd(OBETA) (OBETA=2,2′‐oxybis(ethylamine)‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid) complex, a novel derivative tailored with an n‐hexadecyl chain was synthesised. The amphiphilic gadolinium complex was designed and prepared with the aim of obtaining high relaxivity supramolecular aggregates by self‐assembly in micelles and liposomes. Thus, lipidic nanoparticles were prepared and characterised by dynamic light scattering and 1H NMR relaxometry. Relaxivity values of up to 48.3 mm−1 s−1 (20 MHz and 298 K) were registered in liposomal aggregates. The binding to human serum albumin (HSA), evaluated both in terms of affinity and relaxometric properties of the supramolecular adduct, yielded exceptionally high relaxivity values (71.4 mm−1 s−1 at 30 MHz and 298 K).
Highly Efficient Organocatalyzed Conversion of Oxiranes and CO2 into Organic Carbonates
Authors: Sopeña Sergio , Fiorani Giulia , Martín Carmen , Kleij Arjan W.
Published: September 2015

A binary catalyst system based on tannic acid/NBu4X (X=Br, I) is presented as a highly efficient organocatalyst at very low catalyst loading for the coupling of carbon dioxide and functional oxiranes to afford organic carbonates in good yields. The presence of multiple polyphenol fragments within the tannic acid structure is considered to be beneficial for synergistic effects that lead to higher stabilization of the catalyst structure during catalysis. The observed turnover frequencies (TOFs) exceed 200 h−1 and are among the highest reported to date for organocatalysts in this area of CO2 conversion. This organocatalyst system presents a useful, readily available, inexpensive, and, above all, reactive alternative for most of the metal‐based catalyst systems reported to date.
Toward an orofacial gene regulatory network
Authors: Kousa Youssef A. , Schutte Brian C.
Published: September 2015

Orofacial clefting is a common birth defect with significant morbidity. A panoply of candidate genes have been discovered through synergy of animal models and human genetics. Among these, variants in interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) cause syndromic orofacial clefting and contribute risk toward isolated cleft lip and palate (1/700 live births). Rare variants in IRF6 can lead to Van der Woude syndrome (1/35,000 live births) and popliteal pterygium syndrome (1/300,000 live births). Furthermore, IRF6 regulates GRHL3 and rare variants in this downstream target can also lead to Van der Woude syndrome. In addition, a common variant (rs642961) in the IRF6 locus is found in 30% of the world's population and contributes risk for isolated orofacial clefting. Biochemical studies revealed that rs642961 abrogates one of four AP‐2alpha binding sites. Like IRF6 and GRHL3, rare variants in TFAP2A can also lead to syndromic orofacial clefting with lip pits (branchio‐oculo‐facial syndrome). The literature suggests that AP‐2alpha, IRF6 and GRHL3 are part of a pathway that is essential for lip and palate development. In addition to updating the pathways, players and pursuits, this review will highlight some of the current questions in the study of orofacial clefting. Developmental Dynamics 245:220–232, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Somatic mutations and affinity maturation are impaired by excessive numbers of T follicular helper cells and restored by Treg cells or memory T cells
Authors: Preite Silvia , Baumjohann Dirk , Foglierini Mathilde , Basso Camilla , Ronchi Francesca , Rodriguez Blanca M. Fernandez , Corti Davide , Lanzavecchia Antonio , Sallusto Federica
Published: September 2015

We previously reported that Cd3e‐deficient mice adoptively transferred with CD4+ T cells generate high numbers of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, which go on to induce a strong B‐cell and germinal center (GC) reaction. Here, we show that in this system, GC B cells display an altered distribution between the dark and light zones, and express low levels of activation‐induced cytidine deaminase. Furthermore, GC B cells from Cd3e–/– mice accumulate fewer somatic mutations as compared with GC B cells from wild‐type mice, and exhibit impaired affinity maturation and reduced differentiation into long‐lived plasma cells. Reconstitution of Cd3e–/– mice with regulatory T (Treg) cells restored Tfh‐cell numbers, GC B‐cell numbers and B‐cell distribution within dark and light zones, and the rate of antibody somatic mutations. Tfh‐cell numbers and GC B‐cell numbers and dynamics were also restored by pre‐reconstitution of Cd3e–/– mice with Cxcr5–/– Treg cells or non‐regulatory, memory CD4+ T cells. Taken together, these findings underline the importance of a quantitatively regulated Tfh‐cell response for an efficient and long‐lasting serological response.
Intercalation of Lamellar Mineral Kaolinite with 2‐Picolinic Acid: Facile Preparation, Crystal Structure Optimization, and Proton Conductivity
Authors: Huang Xiao‐Qing , Yang Hao , Zhao Shun‐Ping , Liu Jian‐Lan , Ren Xiao‐Ming
Published: September 2015

Kaolinite intercalated with 2‐picolinic acid was prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The proton conductivity (σ) of the material is 1.85 × 10–10 S cm–1 at 353 K and gradually increases to 1.7 × 10–7 S cm–1 at 393 K under N2 (anhydrous environment) with an activation energy of Ea = 1.93 eV, whereas σ = 1.56 × 10–7 S cm–1 under 80 % relative humidity at 353 K with Ea = 0.91 eV. The crystal structure optimized with the Cambridge Sequential Total Energy Package discloses the absence of a dense H‐bond network in the layer space of kaolinite, which explains the low proton conductivity and high proton transfer activation energy of the intercalated proton conductor.
From Cyclen to 12‐Crown‐4 Copper(II) Complexes: Exchange of Donor Atoms Improves DNA Cleavage Activity
Authors: Hormann Jan , van der Meer Margarethe , Sarkar Biprajit , Kulak Nora
Published: September 2015

Macrocyclic CuII complexes with [NXOY] donor sets of different N/O ratios were synthesised resulting in a series ranging from cyclen (X = 4, Y = 0: 1) to 12‐crown‐4 (X = 0, Y = 4: 6) complexes. In order to elucidate the structure of the complexes UV/Vis spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography were applied, focusing especially on the literature‐unknown compounds with regioisomeric [N2O2] and [NONO] donor sets (3, 4). The complexes were subjected to DNA cleavage experiments under reducing conditions and were also tested in the absence of a reducing agent. Although 3 and 6 were the most active DNA cleavers in the presence of reducing ascorbate, both of them and 4 also cleaved DNA (not hydrolytically) in its absence. This brings up questions regarding the cleavage mechanism. The present study is an expansion of our previously reported finding that heterosubstitution in macrocyclic ligands leads to changes in oxidative DNA cleavage activity of CuII complexes.
Aryl–F Bond Cleavage vs. C–E Reductive Elimination: Competitive Pathways of Metal–Ligand‐Cooperation‐Based E–H Bond Activation (E = N, S)
Authors: Scharf Adam , Goldberg Israel , Vigalok Arkadi , Vedernikov Andrei N.
Published: September 2015

An 8‐fluoroquinoline‐based dearomatized PNF‐pincer (Ar)PdII complex 1 reacts with N‐methylaniline to give an aromatized PNNH‐pincer complex, the product of the aromatic nucleophilic substitution of the PNF ligand fluorine atom. In contrast, the reaction between 1 and thiophenol leads exclusively to the Ar–S coupling product. Experimental and theoretical (DFT) studies suggest that both reactions proceed via substrate coordination and substrate‐to‐PNF hydrogen atom transfer through a metal–ligand cooperation mechanism to produce a PdII amide or sulfide intermediate. In the case of the amide, intramolecular nucleophilic substitution of the fluorine by the amide has a lower activation barrier than Ar–N coupling, whereas in the case of the phenylsulfide intermediate, Ar–S elimination is favored kinetically. Interestingly, for EtSH, both reaction pathways have similar activation energies, consistent with the experimentally observed formation of mixtures of products of both reactions. Overall, the DFT calculations support the feasibility of the Ar–E (E = N, S) coupling reactions via a metal–ligand cooperation mechanism.
Emulsifying triglycerides with dairy phospholipids instead of soy lecithin modulates gut lipase activity
Authors: Mathiassen Jakob Hovalt , Nejrup Rikke Guldhammer , Frøkiær Hanne , Nilsson Åke , Ohlsson Lena , Hellgren Lars I.
Published: September 2015

A high energy supply and appropriate amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids is crucial for proper growth and development in neonates. The capacity for fatty acid absorption in newborns is however hampered due to an undeveloped pancreatic function combined with a low bile output. This seems in particular to limit fatty acid absorption in babies given infant formulas. Since interaction between the lipid droplet and the gastric and duodenal lipases occur through the hydrophobic/hydrophilic interface, the composition of the emulsifier may be crucial for efficient hydrolysis. We therefore determined hydrolytic rate of gastric lipase and pancreatic lipase, on their own or pancreatic lipase after gastric lipase on TAG droplets of similar size emulsified in either soy lecithin (SL) or in bovine milk phospholipids (MPL), more similar to human milk globule membrane lipids than soy lecithin. Gastric lipase activity was substantially higher on MPL‐emulsified particles, while SL emulsification caused a higher rate of pancreatic lipase hydrolysis, on particles that had not been pre‐treated with gastric lipase. MPL emulsification did however cause higher pancreatic lipase activity, when the particles had been pre‐treated with gastric lipase. The attenuating effect of MPL‐emulsification on pancreas lipase activity was validated in vivo in mice.

Practical application: Our results show that the activity of gastric lipase, a key enzyme in lipid absorption in neonates, is highly dependent on the phospholipid composition of the surface layer on the emulsion droplets. We furthermore show that increasing gastric lipase activity by modifying the phospholipid composition on the droplet surface, also enhance the subsequent activity of the pancreatic lipase acting in the duodenum. This implies that it is possible to strategically design the surface layer of lipid droplets in infant formulas to maximize gastric lipase activity, and that this could improve total fatty acid absorption in formula‐fed neonates. This is of particular importance in the development of formula aimed at pre‐mature babies, but is also highly relevant for formulas for term‐born infants.

Emulsifying corn oil in milk phospholipids rather than soy lecithin causes a substantial increase in gastric lipase activity (upper). The increased gastric lipase activity on the emulsion particles also causes a threefold increase in pancreatic lipase activity, when done in sequence of gastric lipase hydrolysis (lower). MPL = milk phospholipids, SL = soy lecithin, w/o GL = without gastric lipase pre‐treatment, w GL = with gastric lipase pre‐treatment.
Effects of a victim's response to an offender's apology: When the victim becomes the bad guy
Authors: Dhami Mandeep K.
Published: September 2015

The ‘apology‐acceptance’ script that may prevail during the victim–offender mediation process suggests that victims may feel obliged or pressured to accept an offender's offer of an apology. Violations of this expectation in terms of rejection of an apology or no recognition of it may influence the outcomes of mediation in several ways. Two experiments examined the effects of a victim's response to an offender's offer of a full apology on offenders' perceptions of the victim's response, emotional reactions, perceptions of the victim, attitudes towards the dispute and attitudes towards mediation. Experiment 1 compared the effects of a rejection, acceptance and no recognition of an apology, and Experiment 2 further investigated the effects of an acceptance versus no recognition of an apology. It was found that offenders who had their apology rejected considered the victim's response as least appropriate and were least satisfied by it. ‘Rejected’ offenders felt more anger towards the victim and had more negative impressions of the victim. Offenders who had their apology accepted felt more guilt and shame. They were, however, also more willing to reach an agreement and were more likely to perceive the conflict as being resolved. ‘Accepted’ offenders were also more likely to participate in mediation in the future and more willing to recommend mediation to others. The present research also demonstrated that no recognition of an apology has adverse effects similar to a rejection of an apology.
Emergent social identity and observing social support predict social support provided by survivors in a disaster: Solidarity in the 2010 Chile earthquake
Authors: Drury John , Brown Rupert , González Roberto , Miranda Daniel
Published: September 2015

Survivors of disasters commonly provide each other with social support, but the social‐psychological processes behind such solidarity behaviours have not been fully explicated. We describe a survey of 1240 adults affected by the 2010 Chile earthquake to examine the importance of two factors: observing others providing social support and social identification with other survivors. As expected, emotional social support was associated with social identification, which in turn was predicted by disaster exposure through common fate. Observing others' supportive behaviour predicted both providing emotional social support and providing coordinated instrumental social support. Expected support was a key mediator of these relationships and also predicted collective efficacy. There was also an interaction: social identification moderated the relationship between observing and providing social support. These findings serve to develop the social identity account of mass emergency behaviour and add value to disaster research by showing the relevance of concepts from collective action.
Efficient separation of tanshinones by polyvinylpyrrolidone‐stabilized graphene‐modified micellar electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Yang Hua , Ding Yao , Gao Wen , Qi Lian‐Wen , Cao Jun , Li Ping
Published: September 2015

In this work, a PVP‐stabilized graphene was used in MEKC for the separation of tanshinones. Seven structurally similar tanshinones were studied, that is, tanshinone IIB, dihydrotanshinone I, tanshinone I, cryptotanshinone, 1,2‐dihydrotanshinone I, miltirone, and tanshinone IIA. To achieve optimal conditions, graphene concentration, sample solvent composition, SDS concentration, 2‐propanolconcentration, and buffer pH were investigated. At a separation voltage of 30 kV and a 41.5 cm effective length fused‐silica capillary, good resolution within 12 min was performed using 10 mM borate buffer (pH 9.3) containing 30 mM SDS, 10% v/v 2‐propanol and 6 μg/mL graphene. The method was validated in terms of linearity (r2 > 0.9970), intra‐ and inter‐day precision were less than 3.56 and 4.83%, respectively. The proposed method was then successfully applied to Danshentong capsule, an herbal preparation from Salvia miltiorrhiza. Our results indicated the high separation efficiency of PVP‐stabilized graphene provided new opportunities for the analysis of complex samples.
Recent advances in chemiluminescence detection coupled with capillary electrophoresis and microchip capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Liu Yuxuan , Huang Xiangyi , Ren Jicun
Published: September 2015

CE is an ideal analytical method for extremely volume‐limited biological microenvironments. However, the small injection volume makes it a challenge to achieve highly sensitive detection. Chemiluminescence (CL) detection is characterized by providing low background with excellent sensitivity because of requiring no light source. The coupling of CL with CE and MCE has become a powerful analytical method. So far, this method has been widely applied to chemical analysis, bioassay, drug analysis, and environment analysis. In this review, we first introduce some developments for CE–CL and MCE–CL systems, and then put the emphasis on the applications in the last 10 years. Finally, we discuss the future prospects.
Synthesis and application of mesoporous molecular sieve for miniaturized matrix solid‐phase dispersion extraction of bioactive flavonoids from toothpaste, plant, and saliva
Authors: Cao Wan , Cao Jun , Ye Li‐Hong , Xu Jing‐Jing , Hu Shuai‐Shuai , Peng Li‐Qing
Published: September 2015

This article describes the use of the mesoporous molecular sieve KIT‐6 as a sorbent in miniaturized matrix solid‐phase dispersion (MSPD) in combination with ultra‐performance LC for the determination of bioactive flavonoids in toothpaste, Scutellariae Radix, and saliva. In this study, for the first time, KIT‐6 was used as a sorbent material for this mode of extraction. Compared with common silica‐based sorbents (C18 and activated silica gel), the proposed KIT‐6 dispersant with a three‐dimensional cubic Ia3d structure and highly ordered arrays of mesoporous channels exhibits excellent adsorption capability of the tested compounds. In addition, several experimental variables, such as the mass ratio of sample to dispersant, grinding time, and elution solvent, were optimized to maximize the extraction efficiency. The proposed analytical method is simple, fast, and entails low consumption of samples, dispersants and elution solvents, thereby meeting “green chemistry” requirements. Under the optimized conditions, the recoveries of three bioactive flavonoids obtained by analyzing the spiked samples were from 89.22 to 101.17%. Also, the LODs and LOQs for determining the analytes were in the range of 0.02–0.04 μg/mL and 0.07–0.13 μg/mL, respectively. Finally, the miniaturized matrix solid‐phase dispersion method was successfully applied to the analysis of target solutes in real samples, and satisfactory results were obtained.
Postoperative nomogram for predicting disease‐specific death and recurrence in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Lang Brian H. H. , Wong Carlos K. H. , Yu Hyeong Won , Lee Kyu Eun
Published: September 2015

Background

A nomogram could provide individualized prognostic for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The purpose of our study was to develop and validate a new nomogram.

Methods

Consecutive patients with PTC from 2 different institutions were analyzed and divided into the development (n = 849) and validation (n = 275) sets. The former was used for formulating a nomogram in predicting disease‐specific death and recurrence, whereas the latter was for validation (by area under the curve [AUC]).

Results

The nomogram had excellent discrimination in predicting 10‐year disease‐specific death and recurrence (0.984; 0.969–0.998; and 0.743; 0.658–0.828; respectively). A score <30 meant 100% of the patients survived at 10 years and those who died within 10 years had a score ≥30. A score <17 meant almost all the patients (91.04%) were disease‐free within 10 years.

Conclusion

Using a competing‐risk model, a nomogram was created with excellent discriminatory ability and accuracy in predicting 10‐year disease‐specific death and recurrence for PTC. Our results implied its potential for wider use in other populations. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1256–E1263, 2016
Tau phosphorylation‐associated spine regression does not impair hippocampal‐dependent memory in hibernating golden hamsters
Authors: Bullmann Torsten , Seeger Gudrun , Stieler Jens , Hanics János , Reimann Katja , Kretzschmann Tanja Petra , Hilbrich Isabel , Holzer Max , Alpár Alán , Arendt Thomas
Published: September 2015

The microtubule‐associated protein tau, in its hyperphosphorylated form, is the major component of paired helical filaments and other aggregates in neurodegenerative disorders commonly referred to as “tauopathies”. Recent evidence, however, indicates that mislocalization of hyperphosphorylated tau to subsynaptic sites leads to synaptic impairment and cognitive decline even long before formation of tau aggregates and neurodegeneration occur. A similar, but reversible hyperphosphorylation of tau occurs under physiologically controlled conditions during hibernation. Here, we study the hibernating Golden hamster (Syrian hamster, Mesocricetus auratus). A transient spine reduction was observed in the hippocampus, especially on apical dendrites of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cells, but not on their basal dendrites. This distribution of structural synaptic regression was correlated to the distribution of phosphorylated tau, which was highly abundant in apical dendrites but hardly detectable in basal dendrites. Surprisingly, hippocampal memory assessed by a labyrinth maze was not affected by hibernation. The present study suggests a role for soluble hyperphosphorylated tau in the process of reversible synaptic regression, which does not lead to memory impairment during hibernation. We hypothesize that tau phosphorylation associated spine regression might mainly affect unstable/dynamic spines while sparing established/stable spines. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SynCAM 1 improves survival of adult‐born neurons by accelerating synapse maturation
Authors: Doengi Michael , Krupp Alexander J. , Körber Nils , Stein Valentin
Published: September 2015

The survival of adult‐born dentate gyrus granule cells critically depends on their synaptic integration into the existing neuronal network. Excitatory inputs are thought to increase the survival rate of adult born neurons. Therefore, whether enhancing the stability of newly formed excitatory synapses by overexpressing the synaptic cell adhesion molecule SynCAM 1 improves the survival of adult‐born neurons was tested. Here it is shown that overexpression of SynCAM 1 improves survival of adult‐born neurons, but has no effect on the proliferation rate of precursor cells. As expected, overexpression of SynCAM 1 increased the synapse density in adult‐born granule neurons. While adult‐born granule neurons have very few functional synapses 15 days after birth, it was found that at this age adult‐born neurons in SynCAM 1 overexpressing mice exhibited around three times more excitatory synapses, which were stronger than synapses of adult‐born neurons of control littermates. In summary, the data indicated that additional SynCAM 1 accelerated synapse maturation, which improved the stability of newly formed synapses and in turn increased the likelihood of survival of adult‐born neurons. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mapping the electrophysiological and morphological properties of CA1 pyramidal neurons along the longitudinal hippocampal axis
Authors: Malik Ruchi , Dougherty Kelly Ann , Parikh Komal , Byrne Connor , Johnston Daniel
Published: September 2015

Differences in behavioral roles, anatomical connectivity, and gene expression patterns in the dorsal, intermediate, and ventral regions of the hippocampus are well characterized. Relatively fewer studies have, however, focused on comparing the physiological properties of neurons located at different dorsoventral extents of the hippocampus. Recently, we reported that dorsal CA1 neurons are less excitable than ventral neurons. There is little or no information for how neurons in the intermediate hippocampus compare to those from the dorsal and ventral ends. Also, it is not known whether the transition of properties along the dorsoventral axis is gradual or segmented. In this study, we developed a statistical model to predict the dorsoventral position of transverse hippocampal slices. Using current clamp recordings combined with this model, we found that CA1 neurons in dorsal, intermediate, and ventral hippocampus have distinct electrophysiological and morphological properties and that the transition in most (but not all) of these properties from the ventral to dorsal end is gradual. Using linear and segmented regression analyses, we found that input resistance and resting membrane potential changed linearly along the V–D axis. Interestingly, the transition in resonance frequency, rebound slope, dendritic branching in stratum radiatum, and action potential properties was segmented along the V–D axis. Together, the findings from this study highlight the heterogeneity in CA1 neuronal properties along the entire longitudinal axis of hippocampus. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ANN‐Based Correlation for Heat Transfer Coefficient of Gas‐Liquid Flow for Different Flow Patterns in Horizontal Pipes
Authors: Hajir Karimi , Sobhanifar Najmeh
Published: September 2015

Flow patterns and local heat transfer coefficients were measured for air–water flow in a horizontal pipe. A technique based upon a cascade neural network was developed for simultaneously recognition of the flow pattern (FP) and the corresponding heat transfer coefficient (hTP) for each FP. The results show good agreement between the estimated and the experimental values with 98.35% accuracy for FP and 95.6% accuracy for hTP. The results were compared with the Kim and Ghajar heat transfer correlation. The findings revealed that the proposed model is efficient and predicts flow more accurately than the Kim and Ghajar correlation.
Experimental Analysis of the Process Performance and Quality Index in the Waste Gas Recovery Iron Ore Sintering—Based on a Plant Test
Authors: Wang Gan , Wen Zhi , Lou Guofeng , Dou Ruifeng , Li Xianwei
Published: September 2015

Effects of different waste gas recovery sintering (WGRS) methods on the quality index and process performance of the iron ore sinter were studied by a plant test, compared to the conventional sintering (CS). Two key operational parameters, namely, the temperature and oxygen content of the recycling gas, were selectively discussed. The values of these two parameters were measured in the gas‐mixing chamber. The sintering mixture with a constant proportion was obtained ensuring the similar mass averaged particle sizes. The changes in the sintering process performance, such as the exhaust emission regulation, productivity, energy consumption, and sintering efficiency of the system, were analyzed. The quality indexes including the yield, chemical composition and size distribution of the sinter cake, the tumbler index (TI), and the reducibility (RI) in different methods of WGRS were also analyzed. Systematic analyses demonstrate the feasibility of replacing the CS production with the WGRS technology. The optimal temperature range of the recycling gas was 200 °C∼250 °C, and the suggested values of oxygen content was closed to 21%.
Ecosystem services as assessment endpoints for ecological risk assessment
Authors: Munns Wayne R , Rea Anne W , Suter Glenn W , Martin Lawrence , Blake-Hedges Lynne , Crk Tanja , Davis Christine , Ferreira Gina , Jordan Steve , Mahoney Michele , Barron Mace G
Published: September 2015

Ecosystem services are defined as the outputs of ecological processes that contribute to human welfare or have the potential to do so in the future. Those outputs include food and drinking water, clean air and water, and pollinated crops. The need to protect the services provided by natural systems has been recognized previously, but ecosystem services have not been formally incorporated into ecological risk assessment practice in a general way in the United States. Endpoints used conventionally in ecological risk assessment, derived directly from the state of the ecosystem (e.g., biophysical structure and processes), and endpoints based on ecosystem services serve different purposes. Conventional endpoints are ecologically important and susceptible entities and attributes that are protected under US laws and regulations. Ecosystem service endpoints are a conceptual and analytical step beyond conventional endpoints and are intended to complement conventional endpoints by linking and extending endpoints to goods and services with more obvious benefit to humans. Conventional endpoints can be related to ecosystem services even when the latter are not considered explicitly during problem formulation. To advance the use of ecosystem service endpoints in ecological risk assessment, the US Environmental Protection Agency's Risk Assessment Forum has added generic endpoints based on ecosystem services (ES-GEAE) to the original 2003 set of generic ecological assessment endpoints (GEAEs). Like conventional GEAEs, ES-GEAEs are defined by an entity and an attribute. Also like conventional GEAEs, ES-GEAEs are broadly described and will need to be made specific when applied to individual assessments. Adoption of ecosystem services as a type of assessment endpoint is intended to improve the value of risk assessment to environmental decision making, linking ecological risk to human well-being, and providing an improved means of communicating those risks. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:522–528. Published 2015 SETAC. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the USA.
An Active Asset Management Investment Process for Drawdown‐Averse Investors
Authors: Reveiz‐Herault Alejandro
Published: September 2015

The contribution of this article is to present an investment process that allows the asset manager to limit risk exposure to macro‐factors – including expectations on correlation dynamics – whilst allowing for selective exposure to risk factors using factor‐portfolios that emulate the risk and return profile of market micro‐factors.

The design of the process provides the ability to explicitely limit risk exposures to macro‐factors based on forward‐looking narratives allowing the investor to reflect – in the resulting active allocation – expectations of financial or systemic crises by, say, restricting the overall exposure to the credit macro‐factor that includes the risk factor exposures (micro‐level) arising, for example, from corporate and supranational spreads whilst simultaneously increasing the exposure to flight‐to‐safety macro‐factors under a local or global crisis. This process is better suited to drawdown‐averse investors that are willing to forgo some upside in order to effectively limit significant portfolio losses from crises, systemic or otherwise.

In order to improve the optimization over the rugged solution space resulting from superimposing macro‐factors' risk envelopes on the factor‐portfolios' tracking error allocation, a genetic‐algorithm‐based optimization is proposed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deletion of the Distal Tnfsf11 RL-D2 Enhancer That Contributes to PTH-Mediated RANKL Expression in Osteoblast Lineage Cells Results in a High Bone Mass Phenotype in Mice
Authors: Onal Melda , St. John Hillary C , Danielson Allison L , Pike J Wesley
Published: September 2015

Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like cytokine that is necessary for osteoclast formation and survival. Elevated RANKL synthesis is associated with both increased osteoclast number and bone resorption. Earlier studies identified an enhancer 76 kb upstream of the Tnfsf11 transcriptional start site (TSS) termed RL-D5 or the distal control region (DCR) that modulates RANKL expression in response to PTH, 1,25(OH)2D3,, and an array of cytokines. Mice lacking RL-D5 exhibit high bone mass associated with decreased RANKL expression in bone, spleen, and thymus. In addition to RL-D5, genome-wide studies have identified 9 additional Tnfsf11 enhancers residing upstream of the gene's TSS, which provide RANKL cell type-specificity and responsiveness to local and systemic factors. ChIP-chip analyses has revealed inducible vitamin D receptor (VDR) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) binding at an enhancer termed RL-D2 23 kb upstream of the Tnfsf11 TSS in osteoblastic ST2 cells. Herein, we use ChIP-seq analyses to confirm this finding and then delete this enhancer from the mouse genome to determine its physiological role in vivo. RL-D2-/- primary stromal cells showed decreased RANKL-induction by both forskolin and 1,25(OH)2D3 ex vivo. Consistent with this, the parathyroid hormone (PTH) induction of RANKL expression was significantly blunted in RL-D2-/- mice in vivo. In contrast, lack of RL-D2 had no effect on 1,25(OH)2D3 induction of RANKL in vivo. Similar to the results found in RL-D5-/- mice, lack of RL-D2 led to decreased skeletal RANKL expression, resulting in decreased osteoclast numbers and a progressive increase in bone mineral density. Lack of RL-D2 increased cancellous bone mass in femur and spine but did not alter femoral cortical bone thickness. These results highlight the role of distal enhancers in the regulation of RANKL expression by PTH and perhaps 1,25(OH)2D3 and suggest that the RL-D2 and RL-D5 enhancers contribute in either an additive or synergistic manner to regulate bone remodeling. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Emotional Assets of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Single‐Case Therapeutic Outcome Experiment
Authors: Ware Balch Jenifer , Ray Dee C.
Published: September 2015

The authors explored the effect of child‐centered play therapy on the social competence, empathy, and self‐regulation of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This study used a single‐case design with 5 children ranging from 6 to 8 years old. Visual analysis of the data indicated that play therapy was beneficial for 3 participants, whereas results for 2 participants were mixed. Discussion includes implications for clinical practice and future research.
Adsorption of raw and treated by membranes fermentation brines from table olives processing for phenolic compounds separation and recovery
Authors: Ferrer‐Polonio Eva , Mendoza‐Roca José A , Iborra‐Clar Alicia , Pastor‐Alcañiz Laura
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Fermentation brines from table olive processing are effluents characterized by very high salinity and high organic matter concentration, which includes phenols of high value as hydroxytyrosol that is used by pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

RESULTS

In this work the adsorption with a phenols‐selective resin (MN200) of fermentation brine (raw and pre‐treated by ultrafiltration or by ultrafiltration plus nanofiltration) has been studied. The study included the adsorption and desorption process, and the useful life of the resin was evaluated. Results indicated that resin MN200 above 20 g L−1 yielded phenols separation efficiencies higher than 90%. However, the adsorption of nanofiltrated effluent separated phenols more selectively. Adsorption kinetics fitted properly to a pseudo‐second‐order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm correctly model the adsorption process. Results of the intra‐particle diffusion model show that the pore diffusion is not the only rate limiting step. Desorption was carried out with ethanol. More than 85% of phenolic compounds were recovered. The use of the resin during ten cycles showed that the nanofiltrated effluent increased the useful time of the resin.

CONCLUSION

The MN200 resin was a viable alternative to phenols removing and further recovering, in FTOP effluents. The optimal conditions were obtained for nanofiltrated effluents. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparing Abbott m2000 RealTime HIV test and Roche COBAS Ampliprep/COBAS Taqman HIV test, v2.0 in treated HIV‐1 B and non‐B subjects with low viraemia
Authors: Margariti Apostolia , Chatzidimitriou Dimitrios , Metallidis Simeon , Pilalas Dimitrios , Kourelis Andreas , Papadimitriou Evangelia , Haidich Anna‐Bettina , Malisiovas Nicolaos , Skoura Lemonia
Published: September 2015

Viral load testing is a valuable tool in HIV clinical care and research. Discrepancies among diverse viral load assays, especially with regard to non‐B HIV‐1 subtypes have been reported. Our study aimed to explore the impact of HIV subtype (B versus non‐B) on the agreement between CAP/CTM, v2.0 and m2000 RealTime in treated HIV patients, focusing on low viral loads (<200 copies/ml). Our findings indicate that there is a significant difference in the performance of the compared assays in the low‐viremic range and non–B subtypes, suggesting that a single assay should be used for follow‐up. J. Med. Virol. 88:724–727, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling of noise and distortion associated with ultra‐high‐speed modulation of VCSEL with slow‐light feedback
Authors: Ahmed Moustafa , Bakry Ahmed , Alghamdi Mohamed S. , Koyama Fumio
Published: September 2015

This paper presents numerical modeling on the noise properties and signal distortion associated with millimeter‐frequency modulation of vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting laser (VCSEL) under with a transverse‐coupled cavity. The study is based on a time‐delay rate equation model that takes into account the multiple round trips in the feedback cavity and the optical loss and phase delay in each round trip. Strong slow‐light feedback is found to boost the modulation bandwidth to frequencies approaching 70 GHz and induce resonance modulation due to photon–photon resonance (PPR) over passbands centered on frequencies reaching 90 GHz. We show that the relative intensity noise of the VCSEL with resonance modulation is enhanced when the noise frequency approaches the corresponding PPR frequency VCSEL. The same effect applies for the VCSEL with extended carrier‐photon resonance (CPR) at the CPR frequency. The low‐frequency part is characterized by flat (white) noise of level nearly equal to −140 dB/Hz. The second‐harmonic distortion (2HD) values are smaller than −10 dB under small‐signal modulation and increase to lower than −5 dB when the modulation index becomes 0.3. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human umbilical cord blood‐derived mesenchymal stem cells improve functional recovery through thrombospondin1, pantraxin3, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the ischemic rat brain
Authors: Park Hyung Woo , Moon Hyo‐Eun , Kim Hye‐Soo R. , Paek Seung Leal , Kim Yona , Chang Jong Wook , Yang Yoon Sun , Kim KwanWoo , Oh Wonil , Hwang Jae Ha , Kim Jin Wook , Kim Dong Gyu , Paek Sun Ha
Published: September 2015

Cell therapy is a potential therapeutic method for cerebral ischemia, which remains a serious problem. In the search for more effective therapeutic methods, many kinds of stem cells from various tissues have been developed and tested as candidate therapeutic agents. Among them, human umbilical cord blood (hUCB)‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used for cell therapy because of their genetic flexibility. To confirm that they are effective and understand how they affect ischemic neural cells, hUCB‐MSCs were directly administered ipsilaterally into an ischemic zone induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). We found that the neurobehavioral performance of the hUCB‐MSC group was significantly improved compared with that of the vehicle‐injected control group. The infarct was also remarkably smaller in the hUCB‐MSC group. Additionally, hUCB‐MSC transplantation resulted in a greater number of newly generated cells and angiogenic and tissue repair factors and a lower number of inflammatory events in the penumbra zone. To determine why these events occurred, hUCB‐MSCs were assayed under hypoxic and normoxic conditions in vitro. The results showed that hUCB‐MSCs exhibit higher expression levels of thrombospondin1, pantraxin3, and vascular endothelial growth factor under hypoxic conditions than under normoxic conditions. These results were found to be correlated with our in vivo immunofluorescent staining results. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that hUCB‐MSCs may have a beneficial effect on cerebral ischemia, especially through angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and anti‐inflammatory effects, and thus could be used as a therapeutic agent to treat neurological disorders such as cerebral ischemia. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of Business Internships on Students, Employers, and Higher Education Institutions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sanahuja Vélez Gisela , Ribes Giner Gabriela
Published: September 2015

The objective of this study is to provide a systematic review of the literature on the impact of internships completed by university students. This research also aims to analyze variables that can affect outcomes and satisfaction in the internship experience. Fifty‐seven studies were included and examined. The effects and variables identified were listed and classified. The findings of this review support the overall positive effects of business internships and confirm that they are a win‐win situation for the main 3 stakeholders: students, employers, and higher education institutions.
Elimination of the artefact peaks in capillary electrophoresis determination of glutamate by using organic solvents in sample preparation
Authors: Campos Camila Dalben Madeira , deCampos Braga Patricia Aparecida , Reyes Felix Guillermo Reyes , daSilva José Alberto Fracassi
Published: September 2015

Focusing on the demand from the food industry for fast and reliable alternative methods to control the quality of food products, we present in this paper a method for amino acid separation and glutamic acid quantification in complex matrices employing capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection. We demonstrate by simulation and experimentally the use of organic solvents in sample preparation to prevent peak splitting and increase stacking in capillary electrophoretic separations of amino acids. Additionally, we obtained results for glutamic acid quantification comparable to those obtained via traditional methods used at industrial sites. We tested premium and low‐cost samples with large variations in their glutamic acid content, which demonstrated the wide range of applicability of the method presented herein. The results of the proposed capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection based capillary electrophoresis method agreed with those obtained by an enzymatic detector and ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, considering a confidence level of 95%.