bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The stability of water‐ and fat‐soluble vitamin in dentifrices according to pH level and storage type
Authors: Park Jung‐Eun , Kim Ki‐Eun , Choi Yong‐Jun , Park Yong‐Duk , Kwon Ha‐Jeong
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the vitamin stabilities in dentifrices by analyzing various vitamins according to the level and storage temperature. The stabilities of water‐ and fat‐soluble vitamins were investigated in buffer solution at different pH values (4, 7, 8, 10 and 11) for 14 days and in dentifrices at different pH (7 and 10) for 5 months at two temperature conditions (room and refrigeration temperature) by analyzing the remaining amounts using HPLC methods. In the buffer solution, the stability of vitamins B1, B6 and C was increased as the pH values increased. Vitamins E and K showed poor stability at pH 4, and vitamin B3 showed poor stability at pH 11. In dentifrices, the storage temperature highly influenced vitamin stability, especially vitamins C and E, but the stabilities of vitamins B1 and C according to pH values did not correspond to the buffer solution tests. Vitamin B group was relatively stable in dentifrices, but vitamin C completely disappeared after 5 months. Vitamin K showed the least initial preservation rates. Vitamins were not detected in commercial dentifrices for adults and detected amounts were less than the advertised contents in dentifrices for children. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The polyphenolic profiles and antioxidant effects of Agastache rugosa Kuntze (Banga) flower, leaf, stem and root
Authors: Desta Kebede Taye , Kim Gon‐Sup , Kim Yun‐Hi , Lee Won Sup , Lee Soo Jung , Jin Jong Sung , Abd El‐Aty A. M. , Shin Ho‐Chul , Shim Jae‐Han , Shin Sung Chul
Published: June 2015

Agastache rugosa Kuntze (Korean mint) is used as a spice and in folk medicine in East Asia. The present study identified a total of 18 polyphenols from the flower, leaf, stem and roots of this plant using high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Fourteen of these compounds had not previously been identified in these plant tissues. Each polyphenol was validated in comparison with external calibration curves constructed using structurally related compounds, with determination coefficients >0.9993. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.092–0.650 and 0.307–2.167 mg/L, respectively. Recoveries of 61.92–116.44% were observed at two spiking levels, with 0.91–11% precision, expressed as relative standard deviation (except anthraquinone spiked at 10 mg/L). Hydroxycinnamic acid was the most abundant compound in the root, while the flowers showed the highest total flavonoid level. Antioxidant activities, determined in terms of reducing power, Fe2+ chelating activity and the radical scavenging activities using α,α‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl and 2‐2ʹ‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid, increased in a concentration‐dependent manner; the highest activity was identified in the stems, followed by leaves > flowers > roots. These findings indicate that A. rugosa is a good source of bioactive compounds and can be used as a functional food. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Utilities of Chemical Reactions and Molecular Tools for O‐GlcNAc Proteomic Studies
Authors: Kim Eun Ju
Published: June 2015

The post‐translational modification of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins with O‐linked β‐N‐acetylglucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) is involved in a wide variety of cellular processes and is associated with the pathological progression of chronic diseases. Considering its emerging biological significance, systematic identification, site mapping, and quantification of O‐GlcNAc proteins are essential and have led to the development of several approaches for O‐GlcNAc protein profiling. This minireview mainly focuses on the various useful chemical reactions and molecular tools with detailed reaction mechanisms widely adopted for O‐GlcNAc protein/peptide enrichment and its quantification for comprehensive O‐GlcNAc protein profiling.
Adolescent sleep deprivation: Science ignored
Authors: Fritz Gregory K.
Published: June 2015

The length of time it takes for important scientific discoveries to get translated into practical solutions and implemented in ways that actually improve people's lives is distressing. A frequently stated estimate is that it takes an average of 17 years for medical research evidence to reach clinical practice. Achieving widespread public health benefit from research findings takes even longer. Nowhere is this lag time more obvious and troubling than the disconnect between what is known about the changes in adolescents' sleep patterns and the schedules of America's middle and high schools.
Growth Chart for the Mind May Be Able to Detect Psychosis Early
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2015

At first, when I heard that the director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) was in favor of the burgeoning idea of a “growth chart for the mind,” I was concerned. Don't kids who are too fat or too thin already feel stigmatized? What about kids who are at 5% for height — or 105% for that matter? Who is to say what is “normal” for the developing mind? Besides, as a parent, I can't help but wonder whether it isn't “normal” for kids to be “psychotic”?
Iliopsoas abscess in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Maines Evelina , Franceschi Roberto , Cauvin Vittoria , d'Annunzio Giuseppe , Pini Prato Alessio , Castagnola Elio , Di Palma Annunziata
Published: June 2015

Key Clinical Message

Iliopsoas abscesses have been reported in adult diabetic patients, but only one case has been so far reported in the pediatric diabetic literature. We report three cases of iliopsoas abscesses in three adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus, suggesting that an increased awareness of this condition is required for its early recognition and prompt treatment.
Brentuximab vedotin in the treatment of a patient with refractory Hodgkin disease and Proteus syndrome – a case report and discussion
Authors: Myakova Natalia , Smirnova Nadezhda , Evstratov Dmitry , Abugova Yulia , Balashov Dmitry , Diakonova Yulia , Konovalov Dmitry , Skvortsova Yulia , Maschan Alexey
Published: June 2015

Key Clinical Message

Treatment of patients with refractory Hodgkin lymphoma is a significant issue. We report a patient with Proteus syndrome and relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma, whose remission was finally achieved after brentuximab vedotin therapy, allowing her to receive a haploidentical stem cell transplant. The possible relationship between both disorders was discussed.
Convulsion and cerebellar ataxia associated with maternally inherited diabetes and deafness: a case report
Authors: Imamura Tomomi , Konno Shingo , Inoue Masashi , Murata Mayumi , Nakazora Hiroshi , Sugimoto Hideki , Fujioka Toshiki
Published: June 2015

Key Clinical Message

Convulsion in diabetics is often considered as a result from fluctuation of blood glucose level. However, if a diabetic patient also presents abnormal neurological signs, mitochondrial diseases need to be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Controlled Synthesis of Ultrathin Lanthanide Oxide Nanosheets and Their Promising pH‐Controlled Anticancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Ge Juan , Xue Yumeng , Lei Bo , Yan Dong , Li Na , Liu Zhengqing , Du Yaping , Cai Ren
Published: June 2015

Various lanthanide oxides (Sm2O3 and Gd2O3) nanostructures were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The loss of surfactants on the nanocrystals surface, followed by the resultant assembly is responsible for the formation of ultrathin nanosheets. Owing to strong surface effects, the different morphologies of the Sm2O3:5 % Eu and Gd2O3:5 % Eu nanocrystals present unique photoluminescence properties. As a proof‐of‐concept application, the as‐obtained Sm2O3 and Gd2O3 ultrathin nanosheets exhibit promising pH‐controlled anticancer drug‐delivery behavior.
Photoregulation of α‐Chymotrypsin Activity by Spiropyran‐Based Inhibitors in Solution and Attached to an Optical Fiber
Authors: Zhang Xiaozhou , Heng Sabrina , Abell Andrew. D.
Published: June 2015

Here the synthesis and characterization of a new class of spiropyran‐based protease inhibitor is reported that can be reversibly photoswitched between an active spiropyran (SP) isomer and a less active merocyanine (MC) isomer upon irradiation with UV and visible light, respectively, both in solution and on a surface of a microstructured optical fiber (MOF). The most potent inhibitor in the series (SP‐3 b) has a C‐terminal phenylalanyl‐based α‐ketoester group and inhibits α‐chymotrypsin with a Ki of 115 nM. An analogue containing a C‐terminal Weinreb amide (SP‐2 d) demonstrated excellent stability and photoswitching in solution and was attached to the surface of a MOF. The SP isomer of Weinreb amide 2 d is a competitive reversible inhibitor in solution and also on fiber, while the corresponding MC isomer was significantly less active in both media. The ability of this new class of spiropyran‐based protease inhibitor to modulate enzyme activity on a MOF paves the way for sensing applications.
Iodine(III)‐Mediated para‐Selective Direct Imidation of Anilides
Authors: Pialat Amélie , Bergès Julien , Sabourin Axel , Vinck Robin , Liégault Benoît , Taillefer Marc
Published: June 2015

The direct, nucleophilic imidation of acetanilide derivatives has been performed under mild, iodine(III)‐mediated or ‐catalyzed conditions, employing lithium triflimide as the nitrogen source. The reaction exhibits exclusive regioselectivity for the para position and shows a good tolerance for varied functional groups at both the ortho or meta positions. Preliminary mechanistic data suggest that the LiNTf2 reagent plays a key role in the reactivity.
Establishment and Evaluation of the Novel Tetramethylammonium‐L‐Hydroxyproline Chiral Ionic Liquid Synergistic System Based on Clindamycin Phosphate for Enantioseparation by Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Xu Guangfu , Du Yingxiang , Du Fan , Chen Jiaquan , Yu Tao , Zhang Qi , Zhang Jinjing , Du Shuaijing , Feng Zijie
Published: June 2015

Much attention has been paid to chiral ionic liquids (ILs) in analytical chemistry, especially its application in capillary electrophoresis (CE) enantioseparation. However, the investigation of chiral ionic liquids synergistic systems based on antibiotic chiral selectors has been reported in only one article. In this work, a novel chiral ionic liquid, tetramethylammonium‐L‐hydroxyproline (TMA‐L‐Hyp), was applied for the first time in CE chiral separation to evaluate its potential synergistic effect with clindamycin phosphate (CP) as the chiral selector. As observed, significantly improved separation was obtained in this TMA‐L‐Hyp/CP synergistic system compared to TMA‐L‐Hyp or a CP single system. Several primary factors that might influence the separation were investigated, including CP concentration, TMA‐L‐Hyp concentration, buffer pH, types and concentrations of organic modifier, applied voltage, and capillary temperature. The best results were obtained with a 40 mM borax buffer (pH 7.6) containing 30 mM TMA‐L‐Hyp, 80 mM CP, and 20% (v/v) methanol, while the applied voltage and temperature were set at 20 kV and 20°C, respectively. Chirality 27:598–604, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Grosso Dolores A. , Hess Rosemary C. , Weiss Mark A.
Published: June 2015

Despite the remarkable progress made in some leukemias such as CML and CLL, cytotoxic treatment for AML remains essentially unchanged over the last 4 decades. Several lines of evidence, including the graft versus leukemia effect associated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), suggest that immunotherapy is an active modality in AML. Given the lack of progress for chemotherapy in this disease, many novel immunologic treatment approaches have been explored. The goals of non‐transplant‐based immune approaches have largely consisted of the stimulation or restoration of endogenous immune responses or the targeting of specific tumor antigens by immune cells. These strategies have been associated with less toxicity than allogeneic HSCT but typically have inferior efficacy. Allogeneic HSCT exploits major and minor histocompatibility differences between the donor and recipient in order to recognize and eradicate malignancy. With the recognition that the immune system itself provides a basis for treating AML, immunotherapy continues to be an attractive modality to exploit in the treatment of this disease. Cancer 2015;121:2689‐2704. © 2015 American Cancer Society
Probing the Primary Photochemical Processes of Octahedral Iron(V) Formation with Femtosecond Mid‐infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Torres‐Alacan Joel , Lindner Jörg , Vöhringer Peter
Published: June 2015

Species containing iron at an oxidation state higher than +III are often termed “high‐valent iron” and are considered to be key catalytic intermediates in biochemistry. Here, we report the direct time‐domain probing of the photochemical formation of an octahedral nitrido iron(V) complex through dinitrogen cleavage from an diazido iron(III) precursor by using femtosecond mid‐infrared (MIR) spectroscopy. From the time‐resolved vibrational spectra, a mechanism is suggested for the photooxidation of the metal within 10 ps. This mechanism involves an initial ultrafast non‐adiabatic transition, followed by a quasithermal NN bond rupture on the ground‐state surface.
Cyclopamine–Paclitaxel‐Containing Nanoparticles: Internalization in Cells Detected by Confocal and Super‐Resolution Microscopy
Authors: Fumagalli Gaia , Mazza Davide , Christodoulou Michael S. , Damia Giovanna , Ricci Francesca , Perdicchia Dario , Stella Barbara , Dosio Franco , Sotiropoulou Panagiota A. , Passarella Daniele
Published: June 2015

Cyclopamine‐ and paclitaxel‐containing hetero‐nanoparticles generated by self‐assembly show combined efficacy in the treatment of three different cancer cell lines. The use of ternary combination with the addition of a dye‐squalene conjugate secured the obtainment of fluorescent nanoparticles that permitted the observation of the cellular internalization by confocal microscopy and super‐resolution dSTORM (direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy).
Autodetection of a Target by Eye Movement
Authors: Hareli Shlomo , Nave Ophir
Published: June 2015

Locating an unknown object position in a map by information stored in the unconscious mind is important from practical point of view. Locating captives, bomb, or terrorist secret bases by interrogation is problem that the intelligent agencies face daily. The person interrogated may have the desired information stored in unconscious or may not know it at all. In this article, we will present a novel way of retrieving the object location based on eye movement. The technique is based on a Bayesian mathematical approach to localization, in which measured count rates of eye fixation and duration, the probability of the location of the target is correlated with the count rate and drops as the distance increases from the fixation location. We focused on the discrete model and then generalized it to continuous model. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 452–459, 2016
Multiutility service companies: A complex systems model of increasing resource efficiency
Authors: Varga Liz , Robinson Marguerite , Allen Peter
Published: June 2015

Domestic households account for a significant portion of energy consumption and carbon emissions in the United Kingdom. Gains in energy and resource efficiency are undermined by the continuing rise in consumption. A multiutility service company (MUSCo) could enable households to make efficiency improvements through energy technologies and demand management, thus reducing overall consumption. We present a system dynamics model for the domestic energy demand and supply system in the United Kingdom, in which MUSCos compete with traditional utility providers. The market transition toward a leasing contracted service is examined and various potential business models explored. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 23–33, 2016
Mandatory Mediation outside the Court: A Process and Effect Study
Authors: Tjersland Odd , Gulbrandsen Wenke , Haavind Hanne
Published: June 2015

In a study of 154 couples in precourt mandatory mediation in Norway, a majority of the thirty‐eight high‐conflict (HC) cases left the mediation after two sessions and without any agreements. Eighteen months later, five of ten HC couples were still without an agreement. With seven sessions available free of charge, the mediation system seems to fail at helping the HC cases. The authors discuss some of the challenges that are attached to a mandatory mediation system. One explanation seems to be the attempt to fulfill several ambitions with the same intervention. Some ideas for improvement of the system are introduced.
Bi‐modal strategy of gastrulation in reptiles
Authors: Stower Matthew J. , Diaz Raul E. , Fernandez Lucia Carrera , Crother Mary White , Crother Brian , Marco Adolfo , Trainor Paul A. , Srinivas Shankar , Bertocchini Federica
Published: June 2015

Background: Amniote gastrulation is often described with respect to human, mouse and chick development by the presence of the primitive streak, a posterior‐to‐anterior midline morphological cell ingression feature that has come to define Amniote gastrulation. How this midline, ingression‐based strategy of gastrulation evolved from the ancestral blastopore, a circumferential involution event in Anamniotes, is unknown. However, within the Amniote clade there exists a more diverse range of gastrulation strategies than just the primitive streak. Investigating gastrulation in a wider range of Amniotes provides a way to understand evolutionary transition from blastopore to the primitive streak. Results: We analysed early to late gastrulation stages of Chamaeleo calyptratus, showing their unique morphology through confocal imaging of F‐actin and laminin‐stained embryos to visualise cell morphology and assess basal lamina integrity. We analysed the expression pattern of core mesodermal markers Brachyury and Fgf8 and complimented this analysis with that of the turtle, Trachemys scripta. Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that reptile gastrulation is bi‐modal; primary internalization occurs anteriorly by means of an incomplete blastopore‐like opening, while posteriorly the cells undergo ingression in the Brachyury‐expressing blastoporal plate. This strategy stands mid‐way between Anamniotes and Avians/Mammals, suggesting that blastoporal plate is a precursor of the avian primitive streak. Developmental Dynamics 244:1144–1157, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spin‐Crossover Nano‐ and Micrometric Rod‐Shaped Particles Synthesized in Homogeneous Acid Media
Authors: Peng Haonan , Molnár Gábor , Salmon Lionel , Bousseksou Azzedine
Published: June 2015

Acidic conditions have been used for the elaboration of spin‐crossover (SCO) nano‐ and microparticles of BF4 derivatives of a (triazole)iron complex. Modifying both the acid (HBF4) concentration and the synthetic method (reaction and evaporation rate), rods of various sizes ranging from 100 nm to ca. 50 μm were obtained. The morphologies of the particles were probed by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and high‐resolution transmission electronic microscopy coupled quantified energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (HRTEM‐EDX), elemental analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), NMR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to determine the fine compositions of the different samples. All these characterizations revealed a correlation between the size of the rod‐shape particles and their composition, the smaller rods corresponding to the [Fe(Htrz)2(trz)](BF4) complex (form A; Htrz = 1,2,4‐triazole and trz = 1,2,4‐triazolato), and the larger ones to the [Fe(Htrz)3](BF4)2·3H2O derivative (form B). The SCO properties were investigated by optical, magnetic, and Mössbauer measurements.
Synthesis of endo‐ and exo‐N‐Protected 5‐Arylated 2‐Aminothiazoles through Direct Arylation: An Efficient Route to Cell Differentiation Accelerators
Authors: Dao‐Huy Toan , Waldner Birgit J. , Wimmer Laurin , Schnürch Michael , Mihovilovic Marko D.
Published: June 2015

An improved protocol for the direct arylation of N‐phenyl‐N‐benzyl(thiazol‐2‐yl)amine by using aryl bromides as aryl donors is reported. The procedure was compared with a previously reported protocol in which aryl iodides were used as arylating agents. The improved direct arylation protocol was applied to structurally isomeric and nonaromatic 3‐benzyl‐N‐phenylthiazol‐2(3H)‐imine. The two substrates for direct arylation were obtained from a common starting material, N‐phenyl(thiazol‐2‐yl)amine, which was regioselectively benzylated either on the exo‐cyclic or the endo‐cyclic nitrogen by using two sets of reaction conditions. For the arylation of the isomeric nonaromatic 3‐benzyl‐N‐phenylthiazol‐2(3H)‐imine, exclusive regioselectivity in the 5‐position could be achieved.
Synthesis of Chromen[4,3‐b]pyrrolidines by Intramolecular 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloadditions of Azomethine Ylides: An Experimental and Computational Assessment of the Origin of Stereocontrol
Authors: Costa Paulo R. R. , Sansano José M. , Cossío Unai , Barcellos Julio C. F. , Dias Ayres G. , Nájera Carmen , Arrieta Ana , de Cózar Abel , Cossío Fernando P.
Published: June 2015

Azomethine ylides, generated from imine‐derived O‐cinnamyl or O‐crotonyl salicylaldeyde and α‐amino acids, undergo intramolecular 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition, leading to chromene[4,3‐b]pyrrolidines. Two reaction conditions are used: (a) microwave‐assisted heating (200 W, 185 °C) of a neat mixture of reagents, and (b) conventional heating (170 °C) in PEG‐400 as solvent. In both cases, a mixture of two epimers at the α‐position of the nitrogen atom in the pyrrolidine nucleus was formed through the less energetic endo‐approach (B/C ring fusion). In many cases, the formation of the stereoisomer bearing a trans‐arrangement into the B/C ring fusion was observed in high proportions. Comprehensive computational and kinetic simulation studies are detailed. An analysis of the stability of transient 1,3‐dipoles, followed by an assessment of the intramolecular pathways and kinetics are also reported.
Machine learning on encephalographic activity may predict opioid analgesia
Authors: Gram M. , Graversen C. , Olesen A.E. , Drewes A.M.
Published: June 2015

Background

Opioids are used for the treatment of pain. However, 30–50% of patients have insufficient effect to the opioid initially selected by the physician, and there is an urgent need for biomarkers to select responders to the most appropriate drug. Since opioids mediate their effect in the central nervous system, this study aimed to investigate if electroencephalography (EEG) during rest or pain before treatment could predict the analgesic response.

Methods

EEG from 62 channels was recorded in volunteers during rest and tonic pain (cold pressor test). Morphine (30 mg) or placebo was then administered, and the pain test repeated 60 min after. Washout period between drugs was 7 days. Based on pain ratings, subjects were stratified into responders and non‐responders. Spectral analysis was performed on the EEG. Conventional statistics on group basis were used and, furthermore, the most discriminative EEG features were subjected to support vector machine classification to predict the response for the individual subjects.

Results

Conventional statistics on the frequency bands revealed no differences between responders and non‐responders. On the individual basis, no differences between groups were found using resting EEG. However, EEG during cold pain was able to classify responders with an accuracy of 72% (p = 0.01) and the result was reproducible using baseline data from both study days.

Conclusions

Machine learning based on EEG before treatment enabled separation between responders and non‐responders. This study represents the first step towards the prediction of opioid analgesia based on EEG features prior to drug administration, and advocates for the use of machine learning in future studies.
Use these 10 tips for website redesign success
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: June 2015

From videos and pictures to stories and background information, there are so many things to think about when creating a website with appealing and effective content.
A Different Light on Normalization: Critical Theory and Responsive Evaluation Studying Social Justice in Participation Practices
Authors: Woelders Susan , Abma Tineke
Published: June 2015

Responsive evaluation provides guidelines to include various stakeholders in dialogue. However, a substantial theory to understand power asymmetries and inequalities is lacking. The purpose of this article is to consider which theoretical framework for societal critique can be helpful to evaluate practices in relation to social justice. These questions will be addressed using fragments from a responsive evaluation study on the involvement of people with an intellectual disability in public policy. Our study shows that Foucault's framework on normalization was helpful. It revealed that the engagement and striving for equality and social justice can turn out to be disciplining itself.
Integrating Human Rights in Program Evaluation: Lessons From Law and Health Programs in Kenya
Authors: Gruskin Sofia , Waller Emily , Safreed‐Harmon Kelly , Ezer Tamar , Cohen Jonathan , Gathumbi Anne , Kameri‐Mbote Patricia
Published: June 2015

Methods for assessing both the inclusion and impact of human rights within health program design and implementation are still nascent. We used human rights concepts and methods to evaluate the programs of three Kenyan nongovernmental organizations that integrate legal and health services as a means to empower key populations to better understand and claim their rights and improve their access to health care and justice. Drawing on evaluation experiences and results, this paper demonstrates that the systematic application of human rights principles and strategies can support the conceptualization of monitoring and evaluation objectives through logic model design, the identification and selection of appropriate evaluation measures, and the analysis of evaluation data. This evaluation represents an important step in moving human rights–related evaluation work beyond the mere conceptual and into the operational.
Promoting Social Justice Through a New Teacher Training Program for the Bedouin Population in the Negev: An Evaluation Case Study
Authors: Zamir Judith , Abu Jaber Saleem
Published: June 2015

This article presents the changes that took place in a new training model for student teachers in the Bedouin population as a result of joint work with the Evaluation Department and the Training Team of Kaye College for Education from the beginning of the program. The cooperation between the evaluation team and the program developers promoted equal opportunities for the Bedouin women teachers involved in the program. The joint project lasted for three years. Throughout this period, the evaluation department contributed to program development by means of developmental evaluation. The results show a higher quality of teacher training, including the enrichment of practicum at schools, the development of team and students’ social commitment and belonging, and the empowerment of women by improving their status at the professional and community level. The sense of independence and self‐confidence acquired by Bedouin women participating in the program constitutes a small and central step on the way toward social justice.
The Role of Evaluation in Affirmative Action–Type Programs
Authors: Zoabi Khawla , Awad Yaser
Published: June 2015

This article analyzes two cases of evaluation programs involving the Palestinian minority in Israel from the perspective of social justice and responsibility. The first focuses on the evaluation of a Pre‐Academic Preparatory Program (PAPP) of minority students in Sakhnin College. The second focuses on the evaluation of Equal Opportunities for Arab Minority Students at the Technion–Israel Institute of Technology. This article concludes that evaluation could be conceptualized as a promoter of social justice. The article suggests that the contribution of participatory–responsive evaluation is limited and maybe marginal. The article concludes that evaluation for social justice should be only a step in a longer process, which should feed into decision making afterward in order to change and improve policies and programs, as the case of PAPP suggests. Eventually, we conclude that evaluation played a role in promoting social justice in both systems.
Apatite fission‐track analysis of Cretaceous alkaline rocks of Ponta Grossa and Alto Paranaíba Arches, Brazil
Authors: Soares C. J. , Guedes S. , Jonckheere R. , Hadler J. C. , Passarella S. M. , Dias A. N. C.
Published: June 2015

This work presents fission‐track ages and thermal history modelling of apatite samples from two Brazilian alkaline formations: Alto Paranaíba and Ponta Grossa Arches. The apatite fission‐track ages obtained for Alto Paranaíba Arch agree with those determined by other radiometric dating methods presenting higher closure temperatures. The ages given by the fission‐track thermochronometer suggest that no strong tectonic event has occurred after Alto Paranaíba Formation during Upper Cretaceous. This event is also supported by thermal history modelling of this arch, which is characterized by fast cooling followed by residence at lower temperatures. On the other hand, apatite fission‐track ages from Ponta Grossa Arch are systematically lower than other radiometric ages, suggesting that at least one tectonic event occurred after Ponta Grossa Formation, around 130 Ma. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multidrug resistance‐associated protein 4 expression in ammonia‐treated cultured rat astrocytes and cerebral cortex of cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Jördens Markus S. , Keitel Verena , Karababa Ayse , Zemtsova Irina , Bronger Holger , Häussinger Dieter , Görg Boris
Published: June 2015

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome frequently accompanying liver cirrhosis and reflects the clinical manifestation of a low grade cerebral edema associated with cerebral oxidative/nitrosative stress. The multidrug resistance‐associated protein (Mrp) 4 is an export pump which transports metabolites that were recently suggested to play a major role in the pathogenesis of HE such as neurosteroids and cyclic nucleotides. We therefore studied Mrp4 expression changes in ammonia‐exposed cultured astrocytes and postmortem human brain samples of cirrhotic patients with HE. NH4Cl increased Mrp4 mRNA and protein levels in astrocytes in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner up to threefold after 72 h of exposure and concurrently inhibited N‐glycosylation of Mrp4 protein. Upregulation of Mrp4 mRNA and protein as well as impaired N‐glycosylation of Mrp4 protein by ammonia were sensitive towards the glutamine‐synthetase inhibitor l‐methionine‐S‐sulfoximine and were not induced by CH3NH3Cl (5 mmol/L). Upregulation of Mrp4 mRNA required ammonia‐induced activation of nitric oxide synthases or NADPH oxidase and p38MAPK‐dependent activation of PPARα. Inhibition of Mrp4 by ceefourin 1 synergistically enhanced both, inhibition of astrocyte proliferation as well as transcription of the oxidative stress surrogate marker heme oxygenase 1 by forskolin (10 µmol/L, 72 h) or NH4Cl (5 mmol/L, 72 h) in cultured rat astrocytes. Increased Mrp4 mRNA and protein levels were also found in postmortem brain samples from patients with liver cirrhosis with HE but not in those without HE. The data show that Mrp4 is upregulated in HE, which may be relevant for the handling of neurosteroids and cyclic nucleotides in response to ammonia. GLIA 2015;63:2092–2105
Cortical correlates of perceptual decision making during tactile spatial pattern discrimination
Authors: Li Hegner Yiwen , Lindner Axel , Braun Christoph
Published: June 2015

Perceptual decision making involves a distributed cortical network including areas related to sensory feature extraction, decision formation, and finally signalling the decision through a motor response. Although these processing steps are supposed to occur in sequence, the seemingly instant mapping of a perceptual decision onto a motor response renders these processes almost indistinguishable. To dissociate cortical areas related to sensory decision making from areas that prepare the subsequent motor response, we performed functional magnetic resonance imaging during a tactile spatial pattern discrimination task with interleaved immediate and delayed response conditions. Decision difficulty was manipulated parametrically by adding spatial noise to the tactile patterns, resulting in a rise in decision time with increasing noise. We assumed that areas involved in making the decision should show a variation in their activation with decision time and irrespective of whether (immediate response condition) or not (delayed response condition) a motor response could be prepared in advance. To exhibit these putative decision areas, we used response time, as was obtained in the immediate response condition, as parametric predictor for the difficulty‐dependent variations of blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD)‐activity in both response conditions. BOLD activations in right (contralateral) postcentral sulcus, right intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and bilateral anterior insula (aINS) reflected this parametric modulation in both response conditions, suggesting a role of these areas in tactile decisions independent of decision‐specific motor preparation. Furthermore, a multivariate pattern analysis performed on the BOLD responses in the delayed response condition for a single difficulty level independently validated IPS and aINS as decision‐related areas. Hum Brain Mapp 36:3339–3350, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brain tissue compartment density estimated using diffusion‐weighted MRI yields tissue parameters consistent with histology
Authors: Sepehrband Farshid , Clark Kristi A. , Ullmann Jeremy F.P. , Kurniawan Nyoman D. , Leanage Gayeshika , Reutens David C. , Yang Zhengyi
Published: June 2015

We examined whether quantitative density measures of cerebral tissue consistent with histology can be obtained from diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By incorporating prior knowledge of myelin and cell membrane densities, absolute tissue density values were estimated from relative intracellular and intraneurite density values obtained from diffusion MRI. The NODDI (neurite orientation distribution and density imaging) technique, which can be applied clinically, was used. Myelin density estimates were compared with the results of electron and light microscopy in ex vivo mouse brain and with published density estimates in a healthy human brain. In ex vivo mouse brain, estimated myelin densities in different subregions of the mouse corpus callosum were almost identical to values obtained from electron microscopy (diffusion MRI: 42 ± 6%, 36 ± 4%, and 43 ± 5%; electron microscopy: 41 ± 10%, 36 ± 8%, and 44 ± 12% in genu, body and splenium, respectively). In the human brain, good agreement was observed between estimated fiber density measurements and previously reported values based on electron microscopy. Estimated density values were unaffected by crossing fibers. Hum Brain Mapp 36:3687–3702, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Soluble levels of CD27 and CD30 are associated with risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in three Chinese prospective cohorts
Authors: Bassig Bryan A. , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Koh Woon‐Puay , Gao Yu‐Tang , Purdue Mark P. , Butler Lesley M. , Adams‐Haduch Jennifer , Xiang Yong‐Bing , Kemp Troy J. , Wang Renwei , Pinto Ligia A. , Zheng Tongzhang , Ji Bu‐Tian , Hosgood H. Dean , Hu Wei , Yang Gong , Zhang Heping , Chow Wong‐Ho , Kim Christopher , Seow Wei Jie , Zheng Wei , Yuan Jian‐Min , Lan Qing , Rothman Nathaniel
Published: June 2015

Prospective studies conducted in Western populations have suggested that alterations in soluble CD27 (sCD27) and soluble CD30 (sCD30), two markers indicative of B‐cell activation, are associated with risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Given that the characteristics of NHL in East Asia differ from the West and mechanistic commonalities between these populations with respect to the role of intermediate endpoint biomarkers in lymphomagenesis have not been explored, we conducted a pooled nested case‐control study from three prospective studies of Chinese men and women including 218 NHL cases and 218 individually matched controls. Compared with the lowest quartile, ORs (95% CIs) for the second, third and fourth quartiles of sCD27 were 1.60 (0.83–3.09), 1.94 (0.98–3.83) and 4.45 (2.25–8.81), respectively (ptrend = 0.000005). The corresponding ORs for sCD30 were 1.74 (0.85–3.58), 1.86 (0.94–3.67) and 5.15 (2.62–10.12; ptrend = 0.0000002). These associations remained statistically significant in individuals diagnosed with NHL 10 or more years after blood draw. Notably, the magnitude of the associations with NHL risk was very similar to those in Western populations in previous studies. These findings of the similar association between sCD27 or sCD30 and NHL risk across different populations support an important underlying mechanism of B‐cell activation in lymphomagenesis.
Requirements Driven e‐SE
Authors: McCay Brian M.
Published: June 2015

This article discusses how custom system/software order request for quote (RFQ) responses are being supported via the Net by requirements driven e‐SE processes. These e‐SE processes couple traditional SE development point tool solutions with enterprise level collaborative product commerce (CPC) tool solutions to manage the custom system/software order RFQ bid process. This marriage of traditional SE and software development, application tool solutions with CPC solutions is coined “e‐Product Lifecycle Management (e‐PLM).”
Implementing on the Internet–Don't Take It Lightly
Authors: Mackey William , Bagg Thomas C.
Published: June 2015

Implementing capabilities on the World Wide Web should never be taken lightly. A good systems engineer is able to examine such implementations from all points of view, including political, legal, security, access, technical deployment, and quality. This article summarizes the issues that were identified and evaluated in preparation for publishing the RECALL (Reusable Experience with Case‐Based Reasoning (CBR) for Automating Lessons Learned).
Fusion peptide P15‐CSP shows antibiofilm activity and pro‐osteogenic activity when deposited as a coating on hydrophilic but not hydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Li Xian , Contreras‐Garcia Angel , LoVetri Karen , Yakandawala Nandadeva , Wertheimer Michael R. , De Crescenzo Gregory , Hoemann Caroline D.
Published: June 2015

In the context of porous bone void filler for oral bone reconstruction, peptides that suppress microbial growth and promote osteoblast function could be used to enhance the performance of a porous bone void filler. We tested the hypothesis that P15‐CSP, a novel fusion peptide containing collagen‐mimetic osteogenic peptide P15, and competence‐stimulating peptide (CSP), a cationic antimicrobial peptide, has emerging properties not shared by P15 or CSP alone. Peptide‐coated surfaces were tested for antimicrobial activity toward Streptoccocus mutans, and their ability to promote human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) attachment, spreading, metabolism, and osteogenesis. In the osteogenesis assay, peptides were coated on tissue culture plastic and on thin films generated by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition to have hydrophilic or hydrophobic character (water contact angles 63°, 42°, and 92°, respectively). S. mutans planktonic growth was specifically inhibited by CSP, whereas biofilm formation was inhibited by P15‐CSP. MSC adhesion and actin stress fiber formation was strongly enhanced by CSP, P15‐CSP, and fibronectin coatings and modestly enhanced by P15 versus uncoated surfaces. Metabolic assays revealed that CSP was slightly cytotoxic to MSCs. MSCs developed alkaline phosphatase activity on all surfaces, with or without peptide coatings, and consistently deposited the most biomineralized matrix on hydrophilic surfaces coated with P15‐CSP. Hydrophobic thin films completely suppressed MSC biomineralization, consistent with previous findings of suppressed osteogenesis on hydrophobic bioplastics. Collective data in this study provide new evidence that P15‐CSP has unique dual capacity to suppress biofilm formation, and to enhance osteogenic activity as a coating on hydrophilic surfaces. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3736–3746, 2015.
Rapid fabrication system for three‐dimensional tissues using cell sheet engineering and centrifugation
Authors: Hasegawa Akiyuki , Haraguchi Yuji , Shimizu Tatsuya , Okano Teruo
Published: June 2015

Three‐dimensional (3D) tissues can be reconstructed by cell sheet technology, and various clinical researches using these constructed tissues have already been initiated to regenerate damaged tissues. While 3D tissues can be easily fabricated by layering cell sheets, the attachment period for cell adhesion between a cell sheet and a culture dish, or double‐layered cell sheets normally takes 20–30 min. This study proposed a more rapid fabrication system for bioengineered tissue using cell sheet technology and centrifugation. A C2C12 mouse myoblast sheet harvested from a temperature‐responsive culture dish will attach tightly to a culture dish or another cell sheet at 37°C after a 20 min‐incubation. However, the same cell sheet centrifuged (12–34 × g) for 3 min also attached tightly to a dish or another cell sheet at 37°C after only a 3 min‐incubation. The manipulation time was reduced by approximately two‐thirds by centrifugation. The rapid attachments were also cross‐sectionally confirmed by optical coherence tomography. These rapidly constructed cell sheet‐tissues using centrifugation showed active cell metabolism, cell viability, and very high production of vascular endothelial growth factor, like those prepared by the conventional method; indicating complete cell sheet‐attachment without any cell damage. This new system will be a powerful tool in the fields of cell sheet‐based tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and accelerate the use of cell sheets in clinical applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3825–3833, 2015.
Energy Excess, Glucose Utilization, and Skeletal Remodeling: New Insights
Authors: Lecka-Czernik Beata , Rosen Clifford J
Published: June 2015

Skeletal complications have recently been recognized as another of the several comorbidities associated with diabetes. Clinical studies suggest that disordered glucose and lipid metabolism have a profound effect on bone. Diabetes-related changes in skeletal homeostasis result in a significant increased risk of fractures, although the pathophysiology may differ from postmenopausal osteoporosis. Efforts to understand the underlying mechanisms of diabetic bone disease have focused on the direct interaction of adipose tissue with skeletal remodeling and the potential influence of glucose utilization and energy uptake on these processes. One aspect that has emerged recently is the major role of the central nervous system in whole-body metabolism, bone turnover, adipose tissue remodeling, and beta cell secretion of insulin. Importantly, the skeleton contributes to the metabolic balance inherent in physiologic states. New animal models have provided the insights necessary to begin to dissect the effects of obesity and insulin resistance on the acquisition and maintenance of bone mass. In this Perspective, we focus on potential mechanisms that underlie the complex interactions between adipose tissue and skeletal turnover by focusing on the clinical evidence and on preclinical studies indicating that glucose intolerance may have a significant impact on the skeleton. In addition, we raise fundamental questions that need to be addressed in future studies to resolve the conundrum associated with glucose intolerance, obesity, and osteoporosis. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Effect of GADD45a on Furazolidone‐Induced S‐Phase Cell‐Cycle Arrest in Human Hepatoma G2 Cells
Authors: Sun Yu , Tang Shusheng , Xiao Xilong
Published: June 2015

In this study, overexpression of GADD45a induced by furazolidone in HepG2 cells could arouse S‐phase cell cycle arrest, suppress cell proliferation, and increase the activities of cyclin D1, cyclin D3, and cyclin‐dependent kinase 6 (CDK6). To the opposite, GADD45a knockdown cells by RNAi could reduce furazolidone‐induced S‐phase cell cycle arrest, increase the cell viability, decrease the activities of cyclin D1, cyclin D3, and CDK6; however, cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) showed no change. Moreover, data from our current studies show that cyclin D1, cyclin D3, and CDK6 are target genes functioning at the downstream of the GADD45a pathway induced by furazolidone. These results demonstrate that the GADD45a pathway is partially responsible for the furazolidone‐induced S‐phase cell cycle arrest. GADD45a influences furazolidone‐induced S‐phase cell cycle arrest in human hepatoma G2 cells via cyclin D1, cyclin D3, and CDK6, but not CDK4.
The Phytoalexin Resveratrol Ameliorates Ochratoxin A Toxicity in Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) Cells
Authors: Raghubeer Shanel , Nagiah Savania , Phulukdaree Alisa , Chuturgoon Anil
Published: June 2015

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a nephrotoxic mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi. It contaminates human and animal food products, and chronic exposure is associated with renal fibrosis in humans (Balkan endemic nephropathy). Resveratrol, a phytoalexin, possesses anti‐cancer and antioxidant properties. We investigated the mechanism of cellular oxidative stress induced by OTA, and the effect of resveratrol in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells over 24 and 48 h. Cells were exposed to OTA [IC50 = 1.5 μM (24 h) and 9.4 μM (48 h) determined using MTT assay] and 25 μM resveratrol. Glutathione was quantified by luminometry and gene expression of Nrf2 and OGG1 was determined by qPCR. Protein expression of Nrf2, LonP1, SIRT3, and pSIRT1 was assessed by Western blot, DNA damage (comet assay), and intracellular reactive oxygen species (flow cytometry). At 24 h, resveratrol increased mRNA expression of the DNA repair enzyme, OGG1 (P < 0.05), whereas OTA and OTA+resveratrol significantly decreased OGG1 expression (P < 0.05). OGG1 expression increased during 48‐h exposure to resveratrol and OTA+resveratrol (P < 0.05). Comet tail lengths doubled in 48‐h OTA‐treated cells, whereas at both time periods, OTA+resveratrol yielded shorter comet tails (P < 0.0001). During 24‐ and 48‐h exposure, OTA, resveratrol, and OTA+resveratrol significantly decreased mRNA expression of Nrf2 (P < 0.05). Luminometry analysis of GSH revealed an increase by OTA+resveratrol for 24 and 48 h (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Western blot analysis showed decreased Nrf2 protein expression during 24‐h exposure, but increased Nrf2 expression during 48 h. LonP1 protein expression increased during 24‐h exposure to OTA (P < 0.05) and OTA+resveratrol (P < 0.0011) and during 48‐h exposure to resveratrol (P < 0.0005). J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2947–2955, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.