bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Electrochemical Assay for Monitoring Differentiation of the Osteoblastic Cell Line (MBA‐15) on the Sensor Chip
Authors: Yildirim‐Semerci Cigdem , Benayahu Dafna , Adamovski Miriam , Wollenberger Ulla
Published: March 2015

An electrochemical assay for the indication of the activity of the cell bound differentiation marker alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is proposed using voltammetry on an in‐vitro cell culture. The basis of the assay is cultivation of cells on gold microelectrodes in wells of a microplate, catalytic hydrolysis of p‐aminophenyl phosphate by ALP and indication of p‐aminophenol oxidation by square wave voltammetry (SWV) with the sensors onto which the cells attached. The morphology of the bone marrow stromal cell line (MBA‐15) on the electrode surface was investigated and it exhibited in vitro osteogenic characteristics. Since ALP is expressed on the cell surface in early differentiation stage of osteoblastic cells, its activity was followed after different culture times over a period of 144 h by recording repetitive voltammograms at different time points upon addition of the substrate p‐aminophenyl phosphate. The ALP activity was estimated from the signal increase related to formation rate of p‐aminophenol and the number of cells. The highest value was measured at 120 h, when the cells reached confluence. The results of the electrochemical activity assay are consistent with the colorimetric acquired value from p‐nitrophenol formation rate.
Comparison of Single Layer and Bilayer Biosensors Based on Crosslinking of Penicillinase for Potentiometric Detection of Penicillin in Milk and Antibiotics
Authors: Ismail Fatima , Adeloju Samuel B.
Published: March 2015

The use of bilayers for fabrication of biosensors is advantageous for increasing enzyme loading. Substantial improvement in sensitivity is often achieved through immobilisation of the enzyme in both layers. In particular, the use of cross linking agents such as glutaraldehyde (GLA), bovine serum albumin (BSA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are beneficial for enhancing enzyme stability and, hence, for fabricating stable biosensors. The successful fabrication of a single layer BSA‐GLA‐P’nase biosensor for potentiometric detection of penicillin is described. Subsequently, the three crosslinking agents were employed with two polymers, polypyrrole (PPy) and polytyramine (PTy), together with penicillinase (P’nase) for fabrication of PPy‐NO3‐P’nase/BSA‐PVA‐P’nase and PTy‐NO3‐P’nase/BSA‐GLA‐P’nase bilayer biosensors. The analytical performances of the bilayer biosensors were then compared with the single layer BSA‐GLA‐P’nase biosensor for the determination of penicillin in milk and amoxycillin tablets. While the determination of penicillin in milk was somewhat problematic, its determination in amoxicillin tablets proved to be successful, with recoveries of 102±15 % obtained with the PPy‐NO3‐P’nase/BSA‐PVA‐P’nase biosensor, 100±19 % with PTy‐NO3‐P’nase/BSA‐GLA‐P’nase biosensor and 103±5 % with BSA‐GLA‐P’nase biosensor. Notably, the results of the latter agreed favourably with those obtained through a reference titrimetric method.
Dielectrophoresis chips improve PCR detection of the food‐spoiling yeast Zygosaccharomyces rouxii in apple juice
Authors: del Carmen Jaramillo Maria , Huttener Mario , Alvarez Juan Manuel , Homs‐Corbera Antoni , Samitier Josep , Torrents Eduard , Juárez Antonio
Published: March 2015

Dielectrophoretic (DEP) manipulation of cells present in real samples is challenging. We show in this work that an interdigitated DEP chip can be used to trap and wash a population of the food‐spoiling yeast Zygosaccharomyces rouxii that contaminates a sample of apple juice. By previously calibrating the chip, the yeast population loaded is efficiently trapped, washed, and recovered in a small‐volume fraction that, in turn, can be used for efficient PCR detection of this yeast. DEP washing of yeast cells gets rid of PCR inhibitors present in apple juice and facilitates PCR analysis. This and previous works on the use of DEP chips to improve PCR analysis show that a potential use of DEP is to be used as a treatment of real samples prior to PCR.
Analysis of transthyretin in human serum by capillary zone electrophoresis electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Application to familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy type I
Authors: Pont Laura , Benavente Fernando , Barbosa José , Sanz‐Nebot Victoria
Published: March 2015

Transthyretin (TTR) is known to misfold and aggregate, causing different types of amyloidosis. Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy type I (FAP‐I), which is the most common hereditary systemic amyloidosis, is associated with a TTR variant that presents a single amino acid substitution of valine for methionine at position 30 (Met 30). To screen for TTR‐related amyloidosis rapidly and reliably, we have developed a novel procedure based on the analysis of monomers from the homotetrameric protein (∼56 kDa). First, we established a CZE‐ESI‐TOF‐MS method to detect wild‐type (normal) TTR with or without several PTMs, as well as an extra minor isoform in TTR standard solutions. Later, a sample pretreatment based on immunoprecipitation (IP) and centrifugal filtration was optimized to analyze serum samples from healthy controls and FAP‐I patients (including an asymptomatic patient, a symptomatic patient, a liver‐transplanted patient with the specific mutation, and a patient originally without the mutation who received a liver transplant from an FAP‐I patient (iatrogenic FAP‐I)). The mutant TTR (Met 30) variant with a relative molecular mass 32.07 higher than the wild‐type TTR was found in the asymptomatic, the symptomatic and the iatrogenic FAP‐I patients, who interestingly also presented the same concentration ratio between both variants of TTR (abnormal and normal). In contrast, as in the healthy controls, the abnormal TTR variant was not detected in the liver‐transplanted patient with the specific mutation, which confirms the effectiveness of the treatment. The proposed procedure could be regarded as a suitable screening system for individuals with suspected TTR amyloidosis, and to gain insight into TTR structure, to understand the mechanism underlying the disease.
In‐line coupled single drop liquid–liquid–liquid microextraction with capillary electrophoresis for determining fluoroquinolones in water samples
Authors: Springer Valeria H. , Lista Adriana G.
Published: March 2015

A simple in‐line single drop liquid–liquid–liquid microextraction (SD‐LLLME) coupled with CE for the determination of two fluoroquinolones was developed. The method is capable to quantify trace amount of analytes in water samples and to improve the sensitivity of CE detection. For the SD‐LLLME, a thin layer of organic phase was used to separate a drop of 0.1 M NaOH hanging at the inlet of the capillary from the aqueous donor phase. By this way, the analytes were extracted to the acceptor phase through the organic layer based on their acidic/basic dissociation equilibrium. The drop was immersed into the organic phase during 10 min for extraction and then it is directly injected into the capillary for the analysis. Parameters such as type and volume of organic solvent phase, aqueous donor, and acceptor phases and extraction time and temperature were optimized. The enrichment factor was calculated, resulting 40‐fold for enrofloxacin (ENR) and sixfold for ciprofloxacin (CIP). The linear range were 20–400 μg/L for ENR and 60–400 μg/L for CIP. The detection limits were 10.1 μg/L and 55.3 μg/L for ENR and CIP, respectively, and a good reproducibility was obtained (4.4% for ENR and 5.6% for CIP). Two real water samples were analysed applying the new method and the obtained results presented satisfactory recovery percentages (90–100.3%).
Proteomic and functional profiles of a follicle‐stimulating hormone positive human nonfunctional pituitary adenoma
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Guo Tianyao , Peng Fang , Long Ying , Mu Yun , Yang Haiyan , Ye Ningrong , Li Xuejun , Zhan Xianquan
Published: March 2015

Nonfunctional pituitary adenoma (NFPA) is highly heterogeneous with different hormone‐expressed subtypes in NFPA tissues including follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) positive, luteinizing hormone‐positive, FSH/luteinizing hormone‐positive, and negative types. To analyze in‐depth the variations in the proteomes among different NFPA subtypes for our long‐term goal to clarify molecular mechanisms of NFPA and to detect tumor biomarker for personalized medicine practice, a reference map of proteome of a human FSH‐expressed NFPA tissue was described here. 2DE and PDQuest image analysis were used to array each protein. MALDI‐TOF PMF and human Swiss‐Prot databases with MASCOT search were used to identify each protein. A good 2DE pattern with high level of between‐gel reproducibility was attained with an average positional deviation 1.98 ± 0.75 mm in the IEF direction and 1.62 ± 0.68 mm in the SDS‐PAGE direction. Approximately 1200 protein spots were 2DE‐detected and 192 redundant proteins that were contained in 141 protein spots were PMF‐identified, representing 107 nonredundant proteins. Those proteins were located in cytoplasm, nucleus, plasma membrane, extracellular space, and so on, and those functioned in transmembrane receptor, ion channel, transcription/translation regulator, transporter, enzyme, phosphatase, kinase, and so on. Several important pathway networks were characterized from those identified proteins with DAVID and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis systems, including gluconeogenesis and glycolysis, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, cell‐cycle alteration, MAPKsignaling system, immune response, TP53‐signaling, VEGF‐signaling, and inflammation signaling pathways. Those resulting data contribute to a functional profile of the proteome of a human FSH‐positive NFPA tissue, and will serve as a reference for the heterogeneity analysis of NFPA proteomes.
Effects of low oxygen levels on G2‐specific cytogenetic low‐dose hyper‐radiosensitivity in irradiated human cells
Authors: Joshi Gnanada S. , Joiner Michael C. , Tucker James D.
Published: March 2015

Low‐dose hyper‐radiosensitivity (HRS) has been reported in normal human lymphoblastoid cell lines for exposures at ≤ 20 cGy, but the cytogenetic effects of oxygen (O2) levels in tissue culture medium on HRS have not been evaluated. We asked whether HRS was lost in G2‐irradiated cells grown in atmospheres of 2.5% or 5% O2, compared to responses by cells cultured in ambient O2 (21%). The results indicate a loss of HRS when cells are cultured and irradiated either in 2.5% or 5% O2. We then evaluated whether low O2 levels either before or after exposure were responsible for the loss of HRS. For cells irradiated in 5% O2, subsequent immediate re‐oxygenation to ambient O2 levels restored the HRS effect, while cells cultured and irradiated at ambient O2 levels and then transferred to 5% O2 exhibited little or no HRS, indicating that ambient O2 levels after, but not before, radiation substantially affect the amounts of cytogenetic damage. HRS was not observed when cells were irradiated in G1. At doses of 40–400 cGy there was significantly less cytogenetic damage when cells were recovering from radiation at low O2 levels than at ambient O2 levels. Here we provide the first cytogenetic evidence for the loss of HRS at low O2 levels in G2‐irradiated cells; these results suggest that at low O2 levels for all doses evaluated there is either less damage to DNA, perhaps because of lower amounts of reactive oxygen species, or that DNA damage repair pathways are activated more efficiently. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:545–555, 2015. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interaction between runoff – bedrock groundwater in a steep headwater catchment underlain by sedimentary bedrock fractured by gravitational deformation
Authors: Padilla Cristobal , Onda Yuichi , Iida Tomoyuki
Published: March 2015

Recent studies have suggested the importance of the bedrock groundwater (BG) contribution in storm runoff in headwater catchments. However, few such studies have been conducted, and the study of different types of bedrock conditions is still ongoing. The role of BG in storm runoff is still poorly understood, particularly in headwater catchments underlain by relatively deep fractured bedrock. This study aims to clarify this role using hydrometric and hydrochemical observations of BG via boreholes and catchment discharge. The responses of the BG to rainfall are demonstrated to be fast and independent of the sediment cover. The BG exhibits different responses and flow paths that are largely controlled by the bedrock fracture system. The storm runoff in the studied catchment is characterized by rapid discharge response generally followed by a delayed discharge response. The peak of the delayed discharge is much faster than that observed in previous studies, and it is well correlated with the BG levels. A hydrograph separation was performed for two storm events using three end members: rainfall, shallow BG and deep BG. The results demonstrate that the delayed discharge is primarily composed of deep BG. Moreover, a significant contribution of shallow BG is observed during large precipitation events. Although we observed no physical evidence of direct contributions of BG in the catchment, the calculations presented in this study demonstrate that the BG controls the hydrological and hydrogeological response of the catchment to rainfall events. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implementation of HPV‐testing for cervical cancer screening in programmatic contexts: The Jujuy demonstration project in Argentina
Authors: Arrossi Silvina , Thouyaret Laura , Laudi Rosa , Marín Oscar , Ramírez Josefina , Paolino Melisa , Herrero Rolando , Campanera Alicia
Published: March 2015

The aim of this article is to present results of programmatic introduction of HPV testing with cytologic triage among women 30 years and older in the province of Jujuy, Argentina, including description of the planning phase and results of program performance during the first year. We describe the project implementation process, and calculate key performance indicators using SITAM, the national screening information system. We also compare disease detection rates of HPV testing in 2012 with cytology as performed during the previous year. HPV testing with cytology triage was introduced through a consensus‐building process. Key activities included establishment of algorithms and guidelines, creating the HPV laboratory, training of health professionals, information campaigns for women and designing the referral network. By the end of 2012, 100% (n = 270) of public health care centers were offering HPV testing and 22,834 women had been HPV tested, 98.5% (n = 22,515) were 30+. HPV positivity among women over 30 was 12.7%, 807 women were HPV+ and had abnormal cytology, and 281 CIN2+ were identified. CIN2+ detection rates was 1.25 in 2012 and 0.62 in 2011 when the program was cytology based (p = 0.0002). This project showed that effective introduction of HPV testing in programmatic contexts of low‐middle income settings is feasible and detects more disease than cytology.
Solvent‐Induced Self‐Assembly of Highly Hydrophobic Tetra‐ and Pentaphenylalanine Peptides
Authors: Arnon Zohar , Adler‐Abramovich Lihi , Levin Aviad , Gazit Ehud
Published: March 2015

Diphenylalanine peptide (FF) self‐assembles into ordered structures of notable physical properties. Moreover, the ability of the phenylalanine amino acid or triphenylalanine to assemble into ordered nanostructures had been demonstrated. Herein, we explored the association potential of larger phenylalanine peptides, tetraphenylalanine, and pentaphenylalanine. A major challenge in studying the assembly of these peptides is their lack of solubility in different solvents. Yet, the remarkable capacity of acetic acid to solubilize FF was recently shown. Inspired by this, we examined whether this solvent could also be employed to dissolve these insoluble peptides. By utilizing the solvent‐switch methodology, we revealed the self‐assembly of tetraphenylalanine and pentaphenylalanine. The peptides were assembled into ordered autofluorescent elongated structures, which were further characterized by electron microscopy and spectroscopy analysis and could be utilized in future technological applications.
Particle uptake efficiency is significantly affected by type of capping agent and cell line
Authors: Zhang Fan , Durham Phillip , Sayes Christie M. , Lau Boris L. T. , Bruce Erica D.
Published: March 2015

Surface‐functionalized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most deployed engineered nanomaterials in consumer products because of their optical, antibacterial and electrical properties. Almost all engineered nanoparticles are coated with application‐specific capping agents (i.e. organic/inorganic ligands on particle surface) to enhance their stability in suspension or increase their biocompatibility for biomedicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of the selected capping agents to their observed health impacts using realistic dose ranges. AgNPs capped with citrate, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and tannic acid were studied with human bronchoalveolar carcinoma (A549) and human colon adenocarcinoma (Caco‐2) cell lines and compared against exposures to Ag ions. Cellular uptake and cytotoxicity were evaluated up to 24 h. Tannic acid capped AgNPs induced higher cellular uptake and rate in both cell lines. Citrate‐capped and PVP‐capped AgNPs behaved similarly over 24 h. All three of the capped AgNPs penetrated more into the A549 cells than Caco‐2 cells. In contrast, the uptake rate of Ag ions in Caco‐2 cells (0.11 ± 0.0001 µg h–1) was higher than A549 cells (0.025 ± 0.00004 µg h–1). The exposure concentration of 3 mg l–1 is below the EC50 value for all of the AgNPs; therefore, little cytotoxicity was observed in any experiment conducted herein. Exposure of Ag ions, however, interrupted cell membrane integrity and cell proliferation (up to 70% lysed after 24 h). These findings indicate cellular uptake is dependent on capping agent, and when controlled to realistic exposure concentrations, cellular function is not significantly affected by AgNP exposure. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
miR‐544 Regulates Dairy Goat Male Germline Stem Cell Self‐Renewal via Targeting PLZF
Authors: Song Wencong , Mu Hailong , Wu Jiang , Liao Mingzhi , Zhu Haijing , Zheng Liming , He Xin , Niu Bowen , Zhai Yuanxin , Bai Chunling , Lei Anmin , Li Guangpeng , Hua Jinlian
Published: March 2015

The balance between the self‐renewal and differentiation of male germline stem cells (mGSCs) is critical for the initiation and maintenance of mammalian spermatogenesis. The promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF), a zinc finger protein, is a critical factor for maintaining the self‐renewal of mGSCs, so, evaluation of the PLZF pathway in mGSCs may provide a deeper insight into mammalian spermatogenesis. miRNA was also an important regulating factor for the self‐renewal and differentiation of mGSCs; however, there is currently no data indicating that which miRNA regulate the self‐renewal and differentiation of mGSCs via PLZF. Here, we predicted the prospective miRNA targeting to PLZF using the online Bioinformatics database‐Targetscan, and performed an analysis of the dual‐luciferase recombinant vector, psiCHCEKTM‐2‐PLZF‐3′UTR. miR‐544 mimics (miR‐544m), miR‐544 inhibitors (miR‐544i), Control (NC, scrambled oligonucleotides transfection), pPLZF‐IRES2‐EGFP or PLZF siRNA were transfected into mGSCs; the cells proliferation was evaluated by BRDU incorporation assay and flow cytometry, and the mGSC marker, GFRa1, PLZF, KIT, DAZL, and VASA expression were analyzed by RT‐qPCR, immunofluorescence and Western blot. The results showed that miR‐544 regulates dairy goat male germline stem cell self‐renewal via targeting PLZF. Our study identifies a new regulatory pathway for PLZF and expands upon the PLZF regulatory network in mGSCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2155–2165, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased SPHK2 Transcription of Human Colon Cancer Cells in Serum‐Depleted Culture: The Involvement of CREB Transcription Factor
Authors: Mizutani Naoki , Omori Yukari , Tanaka Koji , Ito Hiromi , Takagi Akira , Kojima Tetsuhito , Nakatochi Masahiro , Ogiso Hideo , Kawamoto Yoshiyuki , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Suzuki Motoshi , Kyogashima Mamoru , Tamiya‐Koizumi Keiko , Nozawa Yoshinori , Murate Takashi
Published: March 2015

Sphingosine kinases (SPHK) are important to determine cells' fate by producing sphingosine 1‐phosphate. Reportedly, exogenous SPHK2 overexpression induces cell cycle arrest or cell death. However, the regulatory mechanism of SPHK2 expression has not been fully elucidated. Here, we analyzed this issue using human colon cancer cell lines under various stress conditions. Serum depletion (FCS(‐)) but not hypoxia and glucose depletion increased mRNA, protein and enzyme activity of SPHK2 but not SPHK1. In HCT116 cells mostly used, SPHK2 activity was predominant over SPHK1, and serum depletion increased both nuclear and cytoplasmic SPHK2 activity. Based on previous reports analyzing cellular response after serum depletion, the temporal changes of intracellular signaling molecules and candidate transcription factors for SPHK2 were examined using serum‐depleted HCT116 cells, and performed transfection experiments with siRNA or cDNA of candidate transcription factors. Results showed that the rapid and transient JNK activation followed by CREB activation was the major regulator of increased SPHK2 transcription in FCS(−) culture. EMSA and ChIP assay confirmed the direct binding of activated CREB to the CREB binding site of 5′ SPHK2 promoter region. Colon cancer cells examined continued to grow in FCS(−) culture, although mildly, while hypoxia and glucose depletion suppressed cell proliferation or induced cell death, suggesting the different role of SPHK2 in different stress conditions. Because of the unique relationship observed after serum depletion, we examined effects of siRNA for SPHK2, and found the role of SPHK2 as a growth or survival factor but not a cell proliferation inhibitor in FCS(−) culture. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2227–2238, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Home‐Based Telehealth Versus In‐Person Prolonged Exposure for Combat‐Related PTSD in Veterans: Preliminary Results
Authors: Yuen Erica K. , Gros Daniel F. , Price Matthew , Zeigler Stephanie , Tuerk Peter W. , Foa Edna B. , Acierno Ron
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Telehealth technology may reduce the effect of treatment barriers and improve participation in treatment for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study is an ongoing randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of prolonged exposure (PE) delivered via in person or home‐based video telehealth modalities.

Method

A total of 52 veterans with combat‐related PTSD were randomized to receive 8–12 weeks of PE through either home‐based telehealth or standard in‐person office‐based care.

Results

Participants evinced significant reductions in symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety from pre‐ to posttreatment across both conditions. Analyses conducted within a noninferiority framework suggested nonsignificant treatment outcome differences in clinician‐reported PTSD and self‐reported anxiety between the conditions. Results were inconclusive for self‐reported PTSD and depression symptoms. Patient satisfaction ratings did not significantly differ between the two groups.

Conclusions

Results suggest that PE can be delivered via home‐based telehealth with outcomes and satisfaction ratings comparable to in‐person practices for certain symptoms, however additional research is needed. This modality has the potential to address stigma‐ and geographic‐related barriers to treatment, such as travel time and cost.
Loss of MicroRNA‐101 Promotes Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Hepatocytes
Authors: Zhao Shuhua , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zheng Xiuxiu , Tu Xiaolong , Li Huanan , Chen Jiangning , Zang Yuhui , Zhang Junfeng
Published: March 2015

Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in embryonic development and various pathological events. However, the involvement of microRNA in the process of EMT remains to be fully defined in hepatocyte. ZEB1 is a well‐known transcriptional repressor of E‐cadherin and plays a major role in triggering EMT during organ fibrosis and cancer cell metastasis. Computational microRNA target predictions detect a conserved sequence matching to miR‐101 in the 3′UTR of ZEB1 mRNA. Our results confirm that miR‐101 suppresses ZEB1 expression by targeting the predicted site of ZEB1 3′UTR. Subsequent investigations show that miR‐101 is significantly downregulated in the cultured hepatocytes undergoing EMT and in the hepatocytes isolated from fibrotic liver. Along with the loss of miR‐101, the ZEB1 expression increases simultaneously in hepatocytes. In addition, miR‐101 levels in HCC cell lines are negatively associated with the ZEB1 productions and the metastatic potentials of tumor cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that miR‐101 significantly inhibits the TGF‐β1‐induced EMT in hepatocytes, whereas inhibition of miR‐101 promotes the EMT process as indicated by the changes of morphology, cell migration, and the expression profiles of EMT markers. In the fibrotic liver, ectopic expression of miR‐101 can significantly downregulate ZEB1 in the hepatocyte and thereby reduces the mesenchymal marker expression. Moreover, miR‐101 significantly inhibits the proliferation and migration of HCC cell. Our results demonstrate that miR‐101 regulates HCC cell phenotype by upregulating the epithelial marker genes and suppressing the mesenchymal ones. J. Cell. Physiol. 9999: 2706–2717, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Establishment of Four New Human Primary Cell Cultures from Chemo‐Naïve Italian Osteosarcoma Patients
Authors: Laschi Marcella , Bernardini Giulia , Geminiani Michela , Ghezzi Lorenzo , Amato Loredana , Braconi Daniela , Millucci Lia , Frediani Bruno , Spreafico Adriano , Franchi Alessandro , Campanacci Domenico , Capanna Rodolfo , Santucci Annalisa
Published: March 2015

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary highly malignant tumor of bone, affecting predominately adolescents and young adults between 10 and 20 years of age. OS is characterized by an extremely aggressive clinical course, with a rapid development of metastasis to the lung and distant bones. J. Cell. Physiol. 9999: 2718–2727, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Offender and Offence Characteristics of School Shooting Incidents
Authors: Gerard F. J. , Whitfield K. C. , Porter L. E. , Browne K. D.
Published: March 2015

School shootings are a concern due to their impact in the local community. This paper aimed to (a) establish frequent characteristics of the offender and offence, (b) explore the differences between offenders who are over the age of 18 years and those who are younger, and (c) consider the underlying themes of the offence characteristics. Data were collected on 28 cases through accessing resources such as West Law and case studies. The majority of the offenders were Caucasian and US citizens and suffered from depression. Their offences were primarily well planned, involved more than three deaths, and resulted in the offender committing suicide. Pearson's chi‐square test and Fisher's exact test identified significant differences between the two age groups. Offenders who were 18 years of age or under were more likely to experience depression, be US citizens and be linked to the school. Additionally, offenders who were 18 years of age or under were more likely to have stolen their weapons and made threats prior to the incident. Smallest space analysis revealed four thematic regions in relation to the offence characteristics: making an impact, delivering a message, doing unrestrained activity, and targeting specific individuals. These findings have implications for risk assessment and furthering understanding. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of neohesperidin dihydrochalcone on the activity and stability of alpha‐amylase: a comparative study on bacterial, fungal, and mammalian enzymes
Authors: Kashani‐Amin Elaheh , Ebrahim‐Habibi Azadeh , Larijani Bagher , Moosavi‐Movahedi Ali Akbar
Published: March 2015

Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC) was recently introduced as an activator of mammalian alpha‐amylase. In the current study, the effect of NHDC has been investigated on bacterial and fungal alpha‐amylases. Enzyme assays and kinetic analysis demonstrated the capability of NHDC to significantly activate both tested alpha‐amylases. The ligand activation pattern was found to be more similar between the fungal and mammalian enzyme in comparison with the bacterial one. Further, thermostability experiments indicated a stability increase in the presence of NHDC for the bacterial enzyme. In silico (docking) test locates a putative binding site for NHDC on alpha‐amylase surface in domain B. This domain shows differences in various alpha‐amylase types, and the different behavior of the ligand toward the studied enzymes may be attributed to this fact. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ablating hedgehog signaling in tenocytes during development impairs biomechanics and matrix organization of the adult murine patellar tendon enthesis
Authors: Breidenbach Andrew P. , Aschbacher‐Smith Lindsey , Lu Yinhui , Dyment Nathaniel A. , Liu Chia‐Feng , Liu Han , Wylie Chris , Rao Marepalli , Shearn Jason T. , Rowe David W. , Kadler Karl E. , Jiang Rulang , Butler David L.
Published: March 2015

Restoring the native structure of the tendon enthesis, where collagen fibers of the midsubstance are integrated within a fibrocartilaginous structure, is problematic following injury. As current surgical methods fail to restore this region adequately, engineers, biologists, and clinicians are working to understand how this structure forms as a prerequisite to improving repair outcomes. We recently reported on the role of Indian hedgehog (Ihh), a novel enthesis marker, in regulating early postnatal enthesis formation. Here, we investigate how inactivating the Hh pathway in tendon cells affects adult (12‐week) murine patellar tendon (PT) enthesis mechanics, fibrocartilage morphology, and collagen fiber organization. We show that ablating Hh signaling resulted in greater than 100% increased failure insertion strain (0.10 v. 0.05 mm/mm, p<0.01) as well as sub‐failure biomechanical deficiencies. Although collagen fiber orientation appears overtly normal in the midsubstance, ablating Hh signaling reduces mineralized fibrocartilage by 32%, leading to less collagen embedded within mineralized tissue. Ablating Hh signaling also caused collagen fibers to coalesce at the insertion, which may explain in part the increased strains. These results indicate that Ihh signaling plays a critical role in the mineralization process of fibrocartilaginous entheses and may be a novel therapeutic to promote tendon‐to‐bone healing. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 33:1142–1151, 2015.
Resurfacing of the humeral head: An analysis of the bone stock and osseous integration under the implant
Authors: Schmidutz Florian , Sprecher Christoph M. , Milz Stefan , Gohlke Frank , Hertel Ralph , Braunstein Volker
Published: March 2015

Cementless‐surface‐replacement‐arthroplasty (CSRA) of the shoulder aims for functional joint restoration with minimal bone loss. Good clinical results have been reported, but due to the radiopaque metal shell no data is available on the structure, osseous integration, and bone stock under the implant.

14 hemi‐CSRAs (4 manufacturers) with two geometries (crown [n = 7]/ stem [n = 7] fixation) were retrieved from patients undergoing revision due to glenoidal erosion. Histological sections cutting through the implant centre and bone were analysed. Quantitative histomorphometry evaluated the bone‐implant‐contact and compared the bone‐area to native humeral retrievals (n = 7). The bone‐implant‐interface was further assessed by scanning‐electron‐microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive‐x‐ray (EDX).

Qualitative histology revealed a reduced and inhomogeneous bone stock. Obvious signs of stress shielding were observed with bone predominantly visible at the stem and implant rim. Quantitative histomorphometry confirmed the significantly reduced bone‐area (9.2 ± 3.9% [crown 9.9 ± 4.3%, stem 8.6 ± 3.6%]) compared to native humeri (21.2 ± 9.1%; p < 0.05). Bone‐implant‐contact was 20.5 ± 5.8% (crown 21.8 ± 6.2%, stem 19.2 ± 5.6%) which was confirmed by SEM and EDX.

Altogether, CRSA shows satisfactory bone ingrowth at the interface suggesting sufficient primary stability to allow osseous integration. However, clear signs of stress shielding with an inhomogeneous and reduced bone stock were observed. The impact on the long‐term‐results is unclear requiring further investigation. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1382–1390, 2015.
Structural characteristics of pineapple pulp polysaccharides and their antitumor cell proliferation activities
Authors: Wang Ling , Tang De‐Qiang , Kuang Yu , Lin Feng‐Jiao , Su Yu
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Pineapple has a delicious taste and good health benefits. Bioactive polysaccharides are important components of pineapple that might contribute to its health benefits. Since little structural information on these polysaccharides is currently available, the aim of this study was to investigate their structural characteristics and bioactivities.

RESULTS

The polysaccharides of pineapple pulp were fractionated into three fractions (PAPs 1–3) by anion exchange chromatography. Their structural characteristics were first identified, including molecular weights and glycosidic linkages. The monosaccharide compositions were revealed as PAP 1 (Ara, Xyl, Man, Glc and Gal), PAP 2 (Rha, Ara, Xyl, Man, Glc and Gal) and PAP 3 (Rha, Ara, Xyl, Man and Gal). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra suggested that PAP 2 had a backbone of → 4)‐α‐d‐Manp‐(1 → 2,4)‐α‐d‐Manp‐(1 → with branches attached to O‐4 of Manp. The NMR data of α‐l‐Araf‐(1→, →3)‐α‐l‐Araf‐(1→, →4)‐β‐d‐Galp‐(1 → and → 4)‐α‐d‐GalpAMe‐(1 → were assigned. PAPs 1 and 2 showed significant antitumor cell proliferation activities against breast carcinoma cell line and strong antioxidant activities.

CONCLUSION

The above findings indicated that PAPs 1–3 contributed much to the health benefits of pineapple. They could be used as health‐beneficial food additives in functional foods. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Biochemical characterization of a d‐psicose 3‐epimerase from Treponema primitiaZAS‐1 and its application on enzymatic production of d‐psicose
Authors: Zhang Wenli , Zhang Tao , Jiang Bo , Mu Wanmeng
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

The rare sugar d‐psicose is a hexoketose monosaccharide and a C‐3 epimer of d‐fructose. d‐Psicose is a novel functional sweetener with 70% of the sweetness but only 0.3% of the energy content of sucrose. Generally, the industrial production of d‐psicose involves a bioconversion from d‐fructose induced by ketose 3‐epimerases.

RESULTS

The d‐psicose 3‐epimerase (DPEase) gene from Treponema primitia ZAS‐1 (Trpr‐DPEase) was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The recombinant enzyme was purified with a molecular mass of 33 kDa. Trpr‐DPEase exhibited optimal activity at pH 8.0 and 70 °C and was sensitive to temperature, with relative thermal stability below 50 °C. It was strictly metal‐dependent and displayed maximum catalytic activity with 450 µmol L−1 Co2+. The Km values of the enzyme for d‐psicose and d‐fructose were 209 and 279 mmol L−1 respectively. The d‐psicose/d‐fructose equilibrium ratio of Trpr‐DPEase was 28:72.

CONCLUSION

A novel DPEase from T. primitia ZAS‐1 was characterized that could catalyze the formation of d‐psicose from d‐fructose. d‐Psicose was produced at a yield of 137.5 g L−1 from 500 g L−1 d‐fructose, suggesting that Trpr‐DPEase might be appropriate for the industrial production of d‐psicose. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of synthetic and natural water‐absorbing soil amendments on photosynthesis characteristics and tuber nutritional quality of potato in a semi‐arid region
Authors: Xu Shengtao , Zhang Lei , McLaughlin Neil B , Mi Junzhen , Chen Qin , Liu Jinghui
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

The effect of water‐absorbing soil amendments on photosynthesis characteristics and tuber nutritional quality was investigated in a field experiment in a semi‐arid region in northern China in 2010–2012. Treatments included two synthetic water‐absorbing amendments, potassium polyacrylate (PAA) and polyacrylamide (PAM), and one natural amendment, humic acid (HA), both as single amendments and compound amendments (HA combined with PAA or PAM), and a no amendment control.

RESULTS

Soil amendments had a highly significant effect (P ≤ 0.01) on photosynthesis characteristics, dry biomass, crop root/shoot (R/S) ratio and tuber nutritional quality. They improved both dry biomass above ground and dry biomass underground in the whole growing season by 4.6–31.2 and 1.1–83.1% respectively in all three years. Crop R/S ratio was reduced in the early growing season by 2.0–29.4% and increased in the later growing season by 2.3–32.6%. Soil amendments improved leaf soil plant analysis development value, net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate by 1.4–17.0, 5.1–45.9, 2.4–90.6 and 2.0–22.6% respectively and reduced intercellular CO2 concentration by 2.1–19.5% in all three years.

CONCLUSION

Amendment treatment with PAM + HA always had the greatest effect on photosynthesis characteristics and tuber nutritional quality among all amendment treatments and thus merits further research. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
An Oligonucleotide Transfection Vector Based on HSA and PDMAEMA Conjugation: Effect of Polymer Molecular Weight on Cell Proliferation and on Multicellular Tumor Spheroids
Authors: Jiang Yanyan , Wong Chin Ken , Stenzel Martina H.
Published: March 2015

A novel gene transfection vector was fabricated based on the conjugation of human serum albumin (HSA) and maleimide end functionalized poly[(N,N‐dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA). The bioconjugation was achieved in a site‐specific manner to yield well‐defined polymer‐protein conjugates. The biohybrid was able to bind DNA with high affinity resulting in nanoparticles with a HSA shell. This paper mainly focuses on the influence of polymeric chain length on the particle properties and their drug‐carrying ability to deliver oligonucleotides into breast cancer cells. The cytotoxic agent of interest, ISIS5132, is an oligonucleotide which disrupts DNA function within the cell. There was no evidence that the polymeric chain length had any effects on the conjugation efficiency and the subsequent condensation ability of the conjugates to oligonucleotide. However, the polymeric chain length had an obvious effect on the size of the complex micelles. Low molecular weights only led to loosely compacted complexes with the oligonucleotide, while large molecular weight led to well‐defined nanoparticle structures. More importantly, it was found that the variation in the length of the PDMAEMA block resulted in a change in cytotoxicity of the drug loaded complex micelle. That is, the concentration of 50% inhibition (IC50) of the complex micelle on MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cells reached the lowest value at a chain length of around 21 000 g mol−1. The IC50 value increased when the polymeric chain length was shorter (8000 g mol−1 and 10 000 g mol−1) while it increased again when PDMAMEA of  = 47 000 g mol−1, probably due to insufficient release of the drug. These result were reflected when investigating the performance of the polyplex using MCF‐7 multicellular tumor spheroids, where again the medium PDMAEMA chain length led to the best delivery vehicle for ISIS5132.
Realistic Representation of Kinetics and Microstructure Development During Chain Shuttling Polymerization of Olefin Block Copolymers
Authors: Ahmadi Mostafa , Nasresfahani Amin
Published: March 2015

Olefin block copolymers (OBCs) are new class of thermoplastic elastomers having low glass transition temperature soft blocks and highly crystalline hard blocks synthesized by reversible chain shuttling between two catalysts with considerably different comonomer responses through a chain transfer agent. Theoretical representation of kinetics and microstructure evolution in chain shuttling polymerization (CSP) is of vital importance especially since the existing characterization tools have severe limitations in retrieving the blocky nature of OBCs. In this work, we correspondingly develop an effective model to represent CSP in practical conditions and compare our predictions to the existing experimental data. We illuminate kinetics and microstructure development in both OBC chains and individual blocks. We specifically clarify the effect of varying the reversibility of transfer reactions through tuning chain shuttling agent and hydrogen concentrations on OBC chains and blocks in terms of their corresponding molecular weight and chemical composition distribution and draw guidelines for achieving OBCs with desired properties.
Greedy and Linear Ensembles of Machine Learning Methods Outperform Single Approaches for QSPR Regression Problems
Authors: Kew William , Mitchell John B. O.
Published: March 2015

The application of Machine Learning to cheminformatics is a large and active field of research, but there exist few papers which discuss whether ensembles of different Machine Learning methods can improve upon the performance of their component methodologies. Here we investigated a variety of methods, including kernel‐based, tree, linear, neural networks, and both greedy and linear ensemble methods. These were all tested against a standardised methodology for regression with data relevant to the pharmaceutical development process. This investigation focused on QSPR problems within drug‐like chemical space. We aimed to investigate which methods perform best, and how the ‘wisdom of crowds’ principle can be applied to ensemble predictors. It was found that no single method performs best for all problems, but that a dynamic, well‐structured ensemble predictor would perform very well across the board, usually providing an improvement in performance over the best single method. Its use of weighting factors allows the greedy ensemble to acquire a bigger contribution from the better performing models, and this helps the greedy ensemble generally to outperform the simpler linear ensemble. Choice of data preprocessing methodology was found to be crucial to performance of each method too.
Novel Uses of In Vitro Data to Develop Quantitative Biological Activity Relationship Models for in Vivo Carcinogenicity Prediction
Authors: Pradeep Prachi , Povinelli Richard J. , Merrill Stephen J. , Bozdag Serdar , Sem Daniel S.
Published: March 2015

The availability of large in vitro datasets enables better insight into the mode of action of chemicals and better identification of potential mechanism(s) of toxicity. Several studies have shown that not all in vitro assays can contribute as equal predictors of in vivo carcinogenicity for development of hybrid Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) models. We propose two novel approaches for the use of mechanistically relevant in vitro assay data in the identification of relevant biological descriptors and development of Quantitative Biological Activity Relationship (QBAR) models for carcinogenicity prediction. We demonstrate that in vitro assay data can be used to develop QBAR models for in vivo carcinogenicity prediction via two case studies corroborated with firm scientific rationale. The case studies demonstrate the similarities between QBAR and QSAR modeling in: (i) the selection of relevant descriptors to be used in the machine learning algorithm, and (ii) the development of a computational model that maps chemical or biological descriptors to a toxic endpoint. The results of both the case studies show: (i) improved accuracy and sensitivity which is especially desirable under regulatory requirements, and (ii) overall adherence with the OECD/REACH guidelines. Such mechanism based models can be used along with QSAR models for prediction of mechanistically complex toxic endpoints.
On a model of a flexural prestressed shell
Authors: Marohnić Maroje , Tambača Josip
Published: March 2015

E. Sanchez‐Palencia We derive a linearized prestressed elastic shell model from a nonlinear Kirchhoff model of elastic plates. The model is given in terms of displacement and micro‐rotation of the cross‐sections. In addition to the standard membrane, transverse shear, and flexural terms, the model also contains a nonstandard prestress term. The prestress is of the same order as flexural effects; hence, the model is appropriate when flexural effects dominate over membrane ones. We prove the existence and uniqueness of the solutions by Lax–Milgram theorem and compare solution with the solution of the standard shell model via numerical examples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved DC model for AlGaN/GaN HEMTs
Authors: Shen Li , Chen Bo , Sun Ling , Luo Danting , Gao Jianjun
Published: March 2015

An Improved empirical model for the DC I‐V characteristics of a GaN High electron mobility transistor (HEMT) is presented in this article. The improvement consists in allowing the Curtice model parameters to vary with gate‐source voltage. Model parameter extraction is made for a 100 μm gate‐width GaN HEMT. A good agreement is obtained between modeled results and measured results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1027–1029, 2015
A flexible and transparent antenna on a polyamide substrate for laptop computers
Authors: Lee Chang Min , Kim Youngsung , Kim Yongjin , Kim Il Kwon , Jung Chang Won
Published: March 2015

This article presents an antenna with the characteristics of flexibility and transparency for use in laptop computers. The operating frequency band of the antenna is 5.18–5.32 GHz, in wireless local area network 802.11a service. The proposed antenna was fabricated on a polyamide substrate, and the conducting material for the antenna consisted of a multilayer film (IZTO/Ag/IZTO). In addition, we designed and measured two antennas with two electrodes (IZTO/Ag/IZTO and Ag) to compare and evaluate their performance and transparency. Moreover, we applied this antenna to laptop application and simulated and measured the performance dependence of the antenna by both the position and angle with the display plane (ground) of the laptop. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1038–1042, 2015
A micro controller‐based adaptive tuning technique for enhancing power flatness of an X‐band ×72 frequency multiplier
Authors: Jung Jin‐Woo , Jung Won‐Jae , Lim Se‐mi , Lee Ji‐Hoon , Nam Kyu‐Hyun , Park Jun‐Seok
Published: March 2015

This article presents an adaptive tuning technique for improving the power flatness of an X‐band frequency multiplier. The major features are highlighted: a tunable band‐pass filter, and a microcontroller process. Simulation and measurement results show the power flatness is improved from 5–5.5 dB to 0.5–1 dB. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1056–1060, 2015
Inductive power transfer and FAR‐field radiation with small dual‐band antennas
Authors: Chang Tammy , Tanabe Yuji , Tan Bryant , Poon Ada
Published: March 2015

Although traditional designs achieve performance requirements by placing antennas for separate radio applications far apart to minimize coupling, recent trends require antennas to be placed within close proximity of each other due to space constraints. To enable both near‐field wireless powering and far‐field data communication on a single device, this letter describes the design of small antennas with both Bluetooth and near‐field communication capabilities. The results for three distinct antenna designs indicate that combining disparate field regimes into a single dual‐band antenna can be used to optimize performance for the particular application. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1053–1056, 2015