bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Crystallized Nanometer‐Sized Zeolite A with Large Cs Adsorption Capability for the Decontamination of Water
Authors: Torad Nagy L. , Naito Masanobu , Tatami Junichi , Endo Akira , Leo Sin‐Yen , Ishihara Shinsuke , Wu Kevin C.‐W. , Wakihara Toru , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: January 2014

Nanometer‐sized zeolite A with a large cesium (Cs) uptake capability is prepared through a simple post‐milling recrystallization method. This method is suitable for producing nanometer‐sized zeolite in large scale, as additional organic compounds are not needed to control zeolite nucleation and crystal growth. Herein, we perform a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) study to evaluate the uptake ability of Cs ions by zeolite, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time. In comparison to micrometer‐sized zeolite A, nanometer‐sized zeolite A can rapidly accommodate a larger amount of Cs ions into the zeolite crystal structure, owing to its high external surface area. Nanometer‐sized zeolite is a promising candidate for the removal of radioactive Cs ions from polluted water. Our QCM study on Cs adsorption uptake behavior provides the information of adsorption kinetics (e.g., adsorption amounts and rates). This technique is applicable to other zeolites, which will be highly valuable for further consideration of radioactive Cs removal in the future.
An Efficient Probe for Rapid Detection of Cyanide in Water at Parts per Billion Levels and Naked‐Eye Detection of Endogenous Cyanide
Authors: Kumari Namita , Jha Satadru , Bhattacharya Santanu
Published: January 2014

A new molecular probe based on an oxidized bis‐indolyl skeleton has been developed for rapid and sensitive visual detection of cyanide ions in water and also for the detection of endogenously bound cyanide. The probe allows the “naked‐eye” detection of cyanide ions in water with a visual color change from red to yellow (Δλmax=80 nm) with the immediate addition of the probe. It shows high selectivity towards the cyanide ion without any interference from other anions. The detection of cyanide by the probe is ratiometric, thus making the detection quantitative. A Michael‐type addition reaction of the probe with the cyanide ion takes place during this chemodosimetric process. In water, the detection limit was found to be at the parts per million level, which improved drastically when a neutral micellar medium was employed, and it showed a parts‐per‐billion‐level detection, which is even 25‐fold lower than the permitted limits of cyanide in water. The probe could also efficiently detect the endogenously bound cyanide in cassava (a staple food) with a clear visual color change without requiring any sample pretreatment and/or any special reaction conditions such as pH or temperature. Thus the probe could serve as a practical naked‐eye probe for “in‐field” experiments without requiring any sophisticated instruments.
Morphological Change of Cell Membrane by Interaction with Domain‐Swapped Cytochrome c Oligomers
Authors: Junedi Sendy , Yasuhara Kazuma , Nagao Satoshi , Kikuchi Jun‐ichi , Hirota Shun
Published: January 2014

Monomeric cyt c has been reported to bind to the mitochondrial membrane by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with anionic phospholipids. We have previously shown that domain‐swapped oligomeric cyt c retains the secondary structure of the monomer, and its surface possesses a larger area and more charges compared to the monomer. However, the effect of oligomerization of cyt c on cells has yet to be revealed. Herein, we investigated the interaction of oligomeric cyt c with anionic phospholipid‐containing vesicles and the outer membrane of HeLa cells. Oligomeric cyt c interacted more strongly than monomeric cyt c with anionic phospholipid‐containing vesicles and the outer membrane of HeLa cells. Oligomeric cyt c induced lateral phase separation of lipids in LUVs and GUVs, thereby leading to membrane disruption, whereas monomeric cyt c did not. Morphological changes in HeLa cells resulted from interaction with oligomeric cyt c, but little from interaction with the monomer. These results show that domain‐swapped oligomeric proteins might exhibit properties different to those of monomer in cell systems.
Identification of Fluorinases from Streptomyces sp MA37, Norcardia brasiliensis, and Actinoplanes sp N902‐109 by Genome Mining
Authors: Deng Hai , Ma Long , Bandaranayaka Nouchali , Qin Zhiwei , Mann Greg , Kyeremeh Kwaku , Yu Yi , Shepherd Thomas , Naismith James H. , O'Hagan David
Published: January 2014

The fluorinase is an enzyme that catalyses the combination of S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (SAM) and a fluoride ion to generate 5′‐fluorodeoxy adenosine (FDA) and L‐methionine through a nucleophilic substitution reaction with a fluoride ion as the nucleophile. It is the only native fluorination enzyme that has been characterised. The fluorinase was isolated in 2002 from Streptomyces cattleya, and, to date, this has been the only source of the fluorinase enzyme. Herein, we report three new fluorinase isolates that have been identified by genome mining. The novel fluorinases from Streptomyces sp. MA37, Nocardia brasiliensis, and an Actinoplanes sp. have high homology (80–87 % identity) to the original S. cattleya enzyme. They all possess a characteristic 21‐residue loop. The three newly identified genes were overexpressed in E. coli and shown to be fluorination enzymes. An X‐ray crystallographic study of the Streptomyces sp. MA37 enzyme demonstrated that it is almost identical in structure to the original fluorinase. Culturing of the Streptomyces sp. MA37 strain demonstrated that it not only also elaborates the fluorometabolites, fluoroacetate and 4‐fluorothreonine, similar to S. cattleya, but this strain also produces a range of unidentified fluorometabolites. These are the first new fluorinases to be reported since the first isolate, over a decade ago, and their identification extends the range of fluorination genes available for fluorination biotechnology.
A novel estrogen receptor GPER mediates proliferation induced by 17β‐estradiol and selective GPER agonist G‐1 in estrogen receptor α (ERα)‐negative ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Liu Huidi , Yan Yan , Wen Haixia , Jiang Xueli , Cao Xuefeng , Zhang Guangmei , Liu Guoyi
Published: January 2014

G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is recently identified as a membrane‐associated estrogen receptor that mediates non‐genomic effects of estrogen. Our previous immunohistochemistry study found an association between GPER and the proliferation of epithelial ovarian cancer. However, the contributions and mechanisms of GPER in the proliferation of ovarian cancers are not clear. We have examined the role of GPER in estrogen receptor α (ERα)‐negative/GPER positive OVCAR5 ovarian cancer cell line. MTT assay was used to detect cell proliferation. BrdU incorporation assay was used to measure the cells in S‐phase. Protein expression of marker genes of proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were examined by Western blot. The results showed that 17β‐estradiol and selective GPER agonist G‐1 stimulated the proliferation of OVCAR5 cells and increased the cells in S‐phase. Both ligands upregulated the protein levels of c‐fos and cyclin D1. Small interfering RNA targeting GPER or G protein inhibitor pertussin toxin (PTX) inhibited basal cell proliferation and attenuated 17β‐estradiol‐ or G‐1‐induced cell proliferation. GPER mediated cell growth was also associated with the apoptosis of OVCAR5 cells. These findings suggest that GPER has an important function in the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells lacking ERα. GPER might be a promising therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.
Artesunate exerts an anti‐immunosuppressive effect on cervical cancer by inhibiting PGE2 production and Foxp3 expression
Authors: Zhang Li‐xin , Liu Zhi‐neng , Ye Jun , Sha Min , Qian Hua , Bu Xin‐hua , Luan Zheng‐yun , Xu Xin‐lan , Huang Ai‐hua , Yuan Dong‐lan , Wu Yi‐qun , Wang Xiao‐xiang , Wang Jia , Huang Jun‐xing , Ye Li‐hua
Published: January 2014

Artesunate (ART), derived from a common traditional Chinese medicine, has beeen used an antimalarial for several years. In this study, the effect and mechanism of ART on anti‐human cervical cancer cells was examined. The level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the population of CD4+CD25+Foxp3 regulatory T cells (Treg) in peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometry. In vivo antitumor activity was investigated in mice with cervical cancer by the subcutaneous injection of various concentrations of ART. The concentrations of PGE2 in the supernatants of CaSki cells were measured using an ELISA kit. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and Foxp3 expression were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot analysis. The effect of ART on the viability of CaSki and Hela cells was evaluated with a 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. It was identified that the level of PGE2 and the population of CD4+CD25+Foxp3 Treg cells in the peripheral blood were significantly higher in cervical cancer patients and mice with cervical cancer. ART was capable of inhibiting orthotopic tumor growth, which correlated with a decrease in the level of PGE2 and the percentage of Treg cells in mice with cervical cancer. Furthermore, ART decreased COX‐2 expression and the production of PGE2 in CaSki and Hela cells. Notably, the supernatants of CaSki cells treated with ART lowered the expression of Foxp3 in Jurkat T cells, which was capable of being reversed by exogenous PGE2. Our data revealed that ART may elicit an anti‐tumor effect against cervical cancer by inhibition of PGE2 production in CaSki and Hela cells, which resulted in the decrease of Foxp3 expression in T cells. Therefore, ART may be an effective drug for immunotherapy of cervical cancer.
Differentiation potential of menstrual blood‐ versus bone marrow‐stem cells into glial‐like cells
Authors: Azedi Fereshteh , Kazemnejad Somaieh , Zarnani Amir Hassan , Behzadi Gila , Vasei Mohammad , Khanmohammadi Manijeh , Khanjani Sayeh , Edalatkhah Haleh , Lakpour Niknam
Published: January 2014

Menstrual blood is easily accessible, renewable, and inexpensive source of stem cells that have been interested for cell therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we showed conversion of menstrual blood stem cells (MenSCs) into clonogenic neurosphere‐ like cells (NSCs), which can be differentiated into glial‐like cells. Moreover, differentiation potential of MenSCs into glial lineage was compared with bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs). Differentiation potential of individual converted NSCs derived from MenSCs or BMSCs into glial‐like cells was investigated using immunofluorescence staining and real‐time polymerase chain reaction.The fibroblastic morphology of both MenSCs and BMSCs was turned into NSCs shape during first step of differentiation. NSCs derived from both BMSCs and MenSCs expressed higher levels of Olig‐2 and Nestin markers compared to undifferentiated cells. The expression levels of myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNA up regulated only in BMSCs‐NSCs no in MenSCs‐NSCs. However, outgrowth of individual NSCs derived from both MenSCs and BMSCs into glial‐like cells led to significant up regulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein,Olig‐2 and MBP at mRNA and protein level accompanied with down regulation of Nestin protein.This is the first study demonstrating that MenSCs can be converted to NSCs with differentiation ability into glial‐like cells. Accumulative data show different expression pattern of glial markers in differentiated MenSCs compared to BMSCs. The comparable differentiation potential, more accessibility and no invasive technique for sample collection of MenSCs in comparison with BMSCs introduce MenSCs as an apt, consistent and safe alternative to BMSCs for cell therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.
3‐D structure, volume, and DNA content of erythrocyte nuclei of polyploid fish
Authors: Bytyutskyy Dmytro , Kholodnyy Vitaliy , Flajšhans Martin
Published: January 2014

We have explored the potential relationship between ploidy level, DNA content (pg DNA nucleus−1), and dimensional characteristics, such as volume (μm3), surface area (μm2), and 3‐D structure of erythrocyte nuclei in a series of fish ploidy level models using Feulgen image analysis densitometry, flow cytometry, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The species were diploid tench (Tinca tinca) (2n), Cuban gar (Atractosteus tristoechus) (2n), triploid tench (3n), evolutionary tetraploid sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) (4n), evolutionary octaploid Siberian sturgeon (A. baerii) (8n), triploid Siberian sturgeon exhibiting dodecaploidy (12n), evolutionary 12n shortnose sturgeon (A. brevirostrum), and experimentally obtained sturgeon hybrids that were tetraploid, hexaploid (6n), heptaploid (7n), octaploid, decaploid (10n), dodecaploid and/or tetradecaploid (14n). Increase in ploidy was accompanied by growth of the nucleus and an increase in the number of flattened ellipsoid nuclei with increased transverse diameter. The volume (Vvoxel) of erythrocyte nuclei, as the sum of voxels calculated from live cells, seems more accurate than volume (Vaxis) calculated from measuring the major and minor axis, especially at higher and odd ploidy levels. Data of absolute and relative DNA content were in agreement with previously published reports. Species of the same ploidy level, but differing in DNA content, had a similar mean erythrocyte nuclear volume (Vvoxel), as demonstrated in sterlet and a hybrid of sterlet and beluga (48.3 and 48.9 μm3, respectively), with a respective mean DNA content of 3.74 and 3.10 pg DNA nucleus−1. A similar relationship was found for the ploidy 6n, 10n, 12n. The surface‐to‐volume ratio decreased non‐linearly with increasing ploidy. The DNA in erythrocyte nuclei appeared to be more densely packed with increase in ploidy level.
Disordered Mesoporous TiO2−xNx+Nano‐Au: An Electronically Integrated Nanocomposite for Solar H2 Generation
Authors: Sivaranjani Kumarsrinivasan , RajaAmbal Sivaraman , Das Tanmay , Roy Kanak , Bhattacharyya Somnath , Gopinath Chinnakonda S.
Published: January 2014

We report on H2 generation by photocatalysis driven by simulated white light by electronically integrated Au nanoparticles with multifunctional, disordered mesoporous TiO2−xNx (Au‐NT) nanocomposites. Solar H2 generation (1.5 mmol h−1 g−1) from aqueous methanol has been demonstrated with Au‐NT nanocomposites. The water splitting activity of Au‐NT is attributed to the 21.1 ps lifetime of charge carriers observed from fluorescence lifetime measurements, which indicates a high electron‐injection efficiency from nano‐Au to the conduction band of TiO2, and hence charge separation as well as utilization. This is directly supported by the observation of a high photoluminescence emission intensity with Au‐NT that highlights the energy transfer from nano‐Au to TiO2. The p–n heterojunction observed between the Au (0 0 1) and TiO2 (1 0 1) facets helps towards the higher charge separation and their utilization. A low mesochannel depth (<10 nm) associated with disordered mesoporous TiO2−xNx helps the charge carriers to move towards the surface for redox reactions and hence charge utilization. Visible‐light absorption, as a result of the surface plasmon resonance of nano‐Au, is observed in a broad range between 500 and 750 nm, which helps in harvesting visible‐light photons. Finally, electronically integrated nano‐Au with TiO2−xNx in Au‐NT is evident from Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. All of these factors help to achieve a high rate of H2 production. It is likely that a higher rate of H2 production than that reported here is feasible by strategically locating Au clusters in porous TiO2 to generate hot spots through electronic integration.
Phosphorus Electrodes in Sodium Cells: Small Volume Expansion by Sodiation and the Surface‐Stabilization Mechanism in Aprotic Solvent
Authors: Yabuuchi Naoaki , Matsuura Yuta , Ishikawa Toru , Kuze Satoru , Son Jin‐Young , Cui Yi‐Tao , Oji Hiroshi , Komaba Shinichi
Published: January 2014

The electrode performance of amorphous phosphorus in aprotic Na cells is examined. Amorphous phosphorus is electrochemically reduced in the Na cells with a three‐electron redox process, crystallizing into Na3P. NaP bonds in Na3P have high covalent characteristics. Therefore, the molar volume of Na in Na3P is anomalously small in comparison to other Na–metal alloys that have been used as negative electrode materials. The theoretical volumetric capacity, calculated at full volume expansion of amorphous phosphorus electrodes through sodiation, is expected to be 27 % larger than that of metallic sodium. However, experimentally, it is found that severe electrolyte decomposition results in insufficient reversibility of the electrode materials, owing to the highly reactive Na3P surface. Electrode reversibility is successfully improved by utilizing an electrolyte additive, fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC). The surface chemistry of phosphorus in the aprotic solvent with sodium salts is examined by hard/soft X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (PES). PES studies reveal that FEC effectively stabilizes the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI), containing monovalent phosphorus species and sodium fluoride, and thus electrolyte decomposition is partly suppressed by the relatively stable SEI formed on the surface of phosphorus particles.
Organic Nanoparticles: Mechanism of Electron Transfer to Indigo Nanoparticles
Authors: Cheng Wei , Batchelor‐McAuley Christopher , Compton Richard G.
Published: January 2014

Organic nanoparticles are attracting many significant applications in bio‐imaging and nanomedicine. However, in comparison with intensive studies of metal and inorganic nanoparticles, the research of organic nanoparticles is still at a very early stage due to their complex physical and chemical properties. Most recently, there are increasingly significant interests in developing nano‐capacitors and nano‐scale energy storage and sensor devices based on organic materials. Herein, we report for the first time the kinetics and mechanism of electron transfer to individual organic nanoparticles, using indigo nanoparticles as a model system, via analysis of the charge transferred in the reduction of individual organic nanoparticles. We conclude the indigo nanoparticles display irreversible (slow) electron transfer kinetics and that the charge transfer is the rate‐determining step in the reductive dissolution of the nanoparticles; protonation and detachment of molecules from the nanoparticles occurs after this rate‐determining step. The transfer coefficient, α, of the electron transfer is found to be 0.25±0.05, whilst the rate constant (k0) is determined as the composite parameter ${k^0 \exp \left( {{{0.25F} \over {RT}}E_{\rm{f}}^{\rm{{\rm \theta} }} } \right)}$, where ${E_{\rm{f}}^{\rm{{\rm \theta} }} }$ is the formal potential, which is found to have the value of 1.7×10−8 m s−1. Given the high importance of the electron transfer mechanism for organic nanomaterials, this report may have great significance on future research of organic nanomaterials for diverse applications.
A General Route to Hollow Mesoporous Rare‐Earth Silicate Nanospheres as a Catalyst Support
Authors: Jin Renxi , Yang Yang , Zou Yongcun , Liu Xianchun , Xing Yan
Published: January 2014

Hollow mesoporous structures have recently aroused intense research interest owing to their unique structural features. Herein, an effective and precisely controlled synthesis of hollow rare‐earth silicate spheres with mesoporous shells is reported for the first time, produced by a simple hydrothermal method, using silica spheres as the silica precursors. The as‐prepared hollow rare‐earth silicate spheres have large specific surface area, high pore volume, and controllable structure parameters. The results demonstrate that the selection of the chelating reagent plays critical roles in forming the hollow mesoporous structures. In addition, a simple and low‐energy‐consuming approach to synthesize highly stable and dispersive gold nanoparticle–yttrium silicate (AuNPs/YSiO) hollow nanocomposites has also been developed. The reduction of 4‐nitrophenol with AuNPs/YSiO hollow nanocomposites as the catalyst has clearly demonstrated that the hollow rare‐earth silicate spheres are good carriers for Au nanoparticles. This strategy can be extended as a general approach to prepare multifunctional yolk–shell structures with diverse compositions and morphologies simply by replacing silica spheres with silica‐coated nanocomposites.
Vertically Oriented Silica Mesochannels as the Template for Electrodeposition of Polyaniline Nanostructures and Their Electrocatalytic and Electroanalytical Applications
Authors: Ding Longhua , Li Wanzhen , Wang Qiaohong , Sun Qinqin , He Yayun , Su Bin
Published: January 2014

A mesoporous silica film (MSF) with vertically oriented mesochannels on a conductive substrate serves as a hard‐template for electrodeposition of polyaniline (PANI). The PANI nanostructures thus prepared are orderly confined in silica mesochannels, eventually producing a robust hybrid film. The film displays a good electrocatalytic activity toward oxidation of ascorbic acid, and can be used for potentiometric pH sensing with a Nernstian response.
meso‐Ester and Carboxylic Acid Substituted BODIPYs with Far‐Red and Near‐Infrared Emission for Bioimaging Applications
Authors: Ni Yong , Zeng Lintao , Kang Nam‐Young , Huang Kuo‐Wei , Wang Liang , Zeng Zebing , Chang Young‐Tae , Wu Jishan
Published: January 2014

A series of meso‐ester‐substituted BODIPY derivatives 1–6 are synthesized and characterized. In particular, dyes functionalized with oligo(ethylene glycol) ether styryl or naphthalene vinylene groups at the α positions of the BODIPY core (3–6) become partially soluble in water, and their absorptions and emissions are located in the far‐red or near‐infrared region. Three synthetic approaches are attempted to access the meso‐carboxylic acid (COOH)‐substituted BODIPYs 7 and 8 from the meso‐ester‐substituted BODIPYs. Two feasible synthetic routes are developed successfully, including one short route with only three steps. The meso‐COOH‐substituted BODIPY 7 is completely soluble in pure water, and its fluorescence maximum reaches around 650 nm with a fluorescence quantum yield of up to 15 %. Time‐dependent density functional theory calculations are conducted to understand the structure–optical properties relationship, and it is revealed that the Stokes shift is dependent mainly on the geometric change from the ground state to the first excited singlet state. Furthermore, cell staining tests demonstrate that the meso‐ester‐substituted BODIPYs (1 and 3–6) and one of the meso‐COOH‐substituted BODIPYs (8) are very membrane‐permeable. These features make these meso‐ester‐ and meso‐COOH‐substituted BODIPY dyes attractive for bioimaging and biolabeling applications in living cells.
CuI/Pd0 Cooperative Dual Catalysis: Tunable Stereoselective Construction of Tetra‐Substituted Alkenes
Authors: Vercruysse Sébastien , Cornelissen Loïc , Nahra Fady , Collard Laurent , Riant Olivier
Published: January 2014

This paper describes a tunable and stereoselective dual catalytic system that uses copper and palladium reagents. This cooperative silylcupration and palladium‐catalyzed allylation readily affords trisubstituted alkenylsilanes. Fine‐tuning the reaction conditions allows selective access to one stereoisomer over the other. This new methodology tolerates different substituents on both coupling partners with high levels of stereoselectivity. The one‐pot reaction involving a CuI/Pd0 cooperative dual catalyst directly addresses the need to develop more time‐efficient and less‐wasteful synthetic pathways.
Lysine Deacetylase (KDAC) Regulatory Pathways: an Alternative Approach to Selective Modulation
Authors: Van Dyke Michael W.
Published: January 2014

Protein lysine deacetylases (KDACs), including the classic Zn2+‐dependent histone deacetylases (HDACs) and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)‐requiring sirtuins, are enzymes that play critical roles in numerous biological processes, particularly the epigenetic regulation of global gene expression programs in response to internal and external cues. Dysregulation of KDACs is characteristic of several human diseases, including chronic metabolic, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases and many cancers. This has led to the development of KDAC modulators, two of which (HDAC inhibitors vorinostat and romidepsin) have been approved for the treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphoma. By their nature, existing KDAC modulators are relatively nonspecific, leading to pan‐KDAC changes and undesired side effects. Given that KDACs are regulated at many levels, including transcriptional, post‐translational, subcellular localization, and through their complexation with other proteins, it should be possible to affect specific KDAC activity through manipulation of endogenous signaling pathways. In this Minireview, we discuss our present knowledge of the cellular controls of KDAC activity and examples of their pharmacologic regulation.
Impact of obesity on the survival of patients with early‐stage squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue
Authors: Iyengar Neil M. , Kochhar Amit , Morris Patrick G. , Morris Luc G. , Zhou Xi K. , Ghossein Ronald A. , Pino Alejandro , Fury Matthew G. , Pfister David G. , Patel Snehal G. , Boyle Jay O. , Hudis Clifford A. , Dannenberg Andrew J.
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

Although obesity increases risk and negatively affects survival for many malignancies, the prognostic implications in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral tongue, a disease often associated with prediagnosis weight loss, are unknown.

METHODS

Patients with T1‐T2 oral tongue SCC underwent curative‐intent resection in this single‐institution study. All patients underwent nutritional assessment prior to surgery. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and weight and categorized as obese (≥ 30 kg/m2), overweight (25‐29.9 kg/m2), or normal (18.5‐24.9 kg/m2). Clinical outcomes, including disease‐specific survival, recurrence‐free survival, and overall survival, were compared by BMI group using Cox regression.

RESULTS

From 2000 to 2009, 155 patients (90 men, 65 women) of median age 57 years (range, 18‐86 years) were included. Baseline characteristics were similar by BMI group. Obesity was significantly associated with adverse disease‐specific survival compared with normal weight in univariable (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07‐6.59; P = .04) and multivariable analyses (HR = 5.01; 95% CI = 1.69‐14.81; P = .004). A consistent association was seen between obesity and worse recurrence‐free survival (HR = 1.87; 95% CI = 0.90‐3.88) and between obesity and worse overall survival (HR = 2.03; 95% CI = 0.88‐4.65) though without reaching statistical significance (P = .09 and P = .10, respectively) in multivariable analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective study, obesity was an adverse independent prognostic variable. This association may not have been previously appreciated due to confounding by multiple factors including prediagnosis weight loss. Cancer 2014;120:983–991. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Harnack Inequalities and Bôcher‐Type Theorems for Conformally Invariant, Fully Nonlinear Degenerate Elliptic Equations
Authors: Li Yan Yan , Nguyen Luc
Published: January 2014

We give a generalization of a theorem of Bôcher for the Laplace equation to a class of conformally invariant fully nonlinear degenerate elliptic equations. We also prove a Harnack inequality for locally Lipschitz viscosity solutions and a classification of continuous radially symmetric viscosity solutions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Global Uniqueness for an Inverse Stochastic Hyperbolic Problem with Three Unknowns
Authors: Lü Qi , Zhang Xu
Published: January 2014

This paper is addressed to an inverse stochastic hyperbolic problem with three unknowns, i.e., a random force intensity, an initial displacement, and an initial velocity. The global uniqueness for this inverse problem is proved by means of a new global Carleman estimate for the stochastic hyperbolic equation. It is found that both the formulation of stochastic inverse problems and the tools to solve them differ considerably from their deterministic counterpart. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two‐Color RESOLFT Nanoscopy with Green and Red Fluorescent Photochromic Proteins
Authors: Lavoie‐Cardinal Flavie , Jensen Nickels A. , Westphal Volker , Stiel Andre C. , Chmyrov Andriy , Bierwagen Jakob , Testa Ilaria , Jakobs Stefan , Hell Stefan W.
Published: January 2014

Up to now, all demonstrations of reversible saturable optical fluorescence transitions (RESOLFT) superresolution microscopy of living cells have relied on the use of reversibly switchable fluorescent proteins (RSFP) emitting in the green spectral range. Here we show RESOLFT imaging with rsCherryRev1.4, a new red‐emitting RSFP enabling a spatial resolution up to four times higher than the diffraction barrier. By co‐expressing green and red RSFPs in living cells we demonstrate two‐color RESOLFT imaging both for single (“donut”) beam scanning and for parallelized versions of RESOLFT nanoscopy where an array of >23 000 “donut‐like” minima are scanned simultaneously.
Synthesis of C8‐Functionalized Magnetic Graphene with a Polydopamine Coating for the Enrichment of Low‐Abundance Peptides
Authors: Zhao Man , Deng Chunhui , Zhang Xiangmin
Published: January 2014

For the first time, C8‐functionalized magnetic graphene (magG) has been designed and synthesized with a polydopamine (PDA) coating. The magG prepared by a solvothermal reaction was encapsulated in a layer of PDA through the oxidative polymerization of dopamine in alkaline buffer, and C8 groups were grafted onto magG/PDA composites through a silanization method. The as‐prepared material integrates the merits of graphene, magnetic microspheres, PDA, and C8 chains; thus possessing an ultrahigh specific area, strong magnetic responsiveness, excellent solubility, and an extraordinary enrichment capability. The C8‐functionalized magnetic composites were employed in the enrichment and identification of low‐concentration standard peptides, peptides in standard protein digest solutions, and endogenous peptides in human urine. The enriched peptides were eluted and analyzed by MALDI‐TOF MS. The MS results indicated that the C8‐functionalized material exhibited the distinguished ability to enrich hydrophobic peptides mainly through hydrophobic–hydrophobic interactions. Moreover, thanks to the enrichment approach based on magG@PDA@C8, the limit of detection of the standard peptide decreased to as low as 50 pM. The experimental results demonstrate that the magG@PDA@C8 composite is a promising candidate for the enrichment of low‐abundance peptides in biological samples.
Water Oxidation by Amorphous Cobalt‐Based Oxides: Volume Activity and Proton Transfer to Electrolyte Bases
Authors: Klingan Katharina , Ringleb Franziska , Zaharieva Ivelina , Heidkamp Jonathan , Chernev Petko , Gonzalez‐Flores Diego , Risch Marcel , Fischer Anna , Dau Holger
Published: January 2014

Water oxidation in the neutral pH regime catalyzed by amorphous transition‐metal oxides is of high interest in energy science. Crucial determinants of electrocatalytic activity were investigated for a cobalt‐based oxide film electrodeposited at various thicknesses on inert electrodes. For water oxidation at low current densities, the turnover frequency (TOF) per cobalt ion of the bulk material stayed fully constant for variation of the thickness of the oxide film by a factor of 100 (from about 15 nm to 1.5 μm). Thickness variation changed neither the nanostructure of the outer film surface nor the atomic structure of the oxide catalyst significantly. These findings imply catalytic activity of the bulk hydrated oxide material. Nonclassical dependence on pH was observed. For buffered electrolytes with pKa values of the buffer base ranging from 4.7 (acetate) to 10.3 (hydrogen carbonate), the catalytic activity reflected the protonation state of the buffer base in the electrolyte solution directly and not the intrinsic catalytic properties of the oxide itself. It is proposed that catalysis of water oxidation occurs within the bulk hydrated oxide film at the margins of cobalt oxide fragments of molecular dimensions. At high current densities, the availability of a proton‐accepting base at the catalyst–electrolyte interface controls the rate of water oxidation. The reported findings may be of general relevance for water oxidation catalyzed at moderate pH by amorphous transition‐metal oxides.
Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Efficiency of a Hematite–Ordered Sb:SnO2 Host–Guest System
Authors: Wang Lei , Palacios‐Padrós Anna , Kirchgeorg Robin , Tighineanu Alexei , Schmuki Patrik
Published: January 2014

Host–guest systems such as hematite/SnO2 have attracted a great deal of interest as photoanodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting. In the present work we form an ordered porous tin oxide layer formed by self‐organizing anodization of Sn films on a FTO substrate. Subsequently the anodic tin oxide nanostructure is doped with antimony (ATO) by a simple impregnation and annealing treatment, and then decorated with hematite using anodic deposition. Photoelectrochemical water splitting experiments show that compared to conventional SnO2 nanostructures, using a Sb doped nanochannel SnO2 as a host leads to a drastic increase of the water splitting photocurrent response up to 1.5 mA cm−2 at 1.6 V (vs. RHE) in 1 M KOH under AM 1.5 (100 mW cm−2) conditions compared to 0.04 mA cm−2 for the non‐Sb doped SnO2 scaffold.
Relationship Between Blood Levels and the Anti‐Hyperalgesic Effect of Ketoprofen in the Rat
Authors: Aguilar‐Carrasco José Carlos , Rodríguez‐Silverio Juan , Jiménez‐Andrade Juan Miguel , Carrasco‐Portugal Miriam del Carmen , Flores‐Murrieta Francisco Javier
Published: January 2014

Preclinical Research

The relationship between blood levels of ketoprofen and its anti‐hyperalgesic effects was examined in rat using the carrageenan‐evoked thermal hyperalgesia model. Female adult Wistar rats were injected with carrageenan into the plantar surface of the right hind paw. Immediately after, rats were administered with ketoprofen po and hindpaw withdrawal latency measured and micro‐whole blood samples were obtained over six hours via a cannula inserted in the caudal artery. Ketoprofen levels were measured by HPLC. Ketoprofen concentration increased in a dose‐dependent manner and was reflected in dose‐dependent anti‐hyperalgesic effect. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters expressed as mean ± s.e.m. following administration of 1, 3.2, and 10 mg/kg ketoprofen were: Cmax 1.27 ± 0.08, 3.44 ± 0.20 and 11.76 ± 0.81 μg/mL; AUClast 4.16 ± 0.17, 11.63 ± 0.65 and 28.15 ± 1.32 μg h/mL; and Emax observed (AUCE): 65.41 ± 7.79, 92.06 ± 6.46 and 98.42 ± 7.53%. A direct relationship between blood concentrations and the anti‐hyperalgesic effect of ketoprofen followed a maximum effect model equation. The results indicate that the anti‐hyperalgesic effect of ketoprofen in the carrageenan pain model can be predicted by the pharmacokinetic properties of ketoprofen.
Sialic acid methylation refines capillary electrophoresis laser‐induced fluorescence analyses of immunoglobulin G N‐glycans of ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Schwedler Christian , Kaup Matthias , Petzold Dominique , Hoppe Berthold , Braicu Elena Iona , Sehouli Jalid , Ehlers Marc , Berger Markus , Tauber Rudolf , Blanchard Véronique
Published: January 2014

Alterations in IgG N‐glycosylation coincide with the development of a number of diseases including cancer and could potentially be used as diagnostic markers. CE‐LIF of 8‐aminopyrene‐1,3,6‐trisulfonic acid labeled N‐glycans is a well‐established rapid method to characterize IgG N‐glycans that needs only low amounts of starting material. However, sialylated N‐glycans have short migration times due to their negative charge. As a result, some of them are not well resolved and co‐migrate with neutral glycans. In this work, we neutralized the negative charge of sialic acids by methylation and optimized the protocol using the commercially available disialylated biantennary oligosaccharide (A2G2S2). IgG N‐glycans isolated from healthy human serum were then analyzed using this method. We could demonstrate that co‐migration of A2, FA2G2S1, and FA2B[3]G1S1 was prevented, which allowed an accurate quantification of these N‐glycans. Finally, we investigated the IgG N‐glycan profiles of patients suffering from ovarian cancer using the conventional and methylation methods. With both methods, we observed an increase of agalactosylated structures that was accompanied by a decrease in digalactosylated structures. Finally, using the methylation protocol, we could further demonstrate an increase of A2, which was technically impossible with the conventional method.
In silico detection of phylogenetic informative Y‐chromosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms from whole genome sequencing data
Authors: Van Geystelen Anneleen , Wenseleers Tom , Decorte Ronny , Caspers Maarten J. L. , Larmuseau Maarten H. D.
Published: January 2014

A state‐of‐the‐art phylogeny of the human Y‐chromosome is an essential tool for forensic genetics. The explosion of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data due to the rapid progress of next‐generation sequencing facilities is useful to optimize and to increase the resolution of the phylogenetic Y‐chromosomal tree. The most interesting Y‐chromosomal variants to increase the phylogeny are SNPs (Y‐SNPs) especially since the software to call them in WGS data and to genotype them in forensic assays has been optimized over the past years. The PENNY software presented here detects potentially phylogenetic interesting Y‐SNPs in silico based on SNP calling data files and classifies them into different types according to their position in the currently used Y‐chromosomal tree. The software utilized 790 available male WGS samples of which 172 had a high SNP calling quality. In total, 1269 Y‐SNPs potentially capable of increasing the resolution of the Y‐chromosomal phylogenetic tree were detected based on a first run with PENNY. Based on a test panel of 57 high‐quality and 618 low‐quality WGS samples, we could prove that these newly added Y‐SNPs indeed increased the resolution of the phylogenetic Y‐chromosomal analysis substantially. Finally, we performed a second run with PENNY whereby all samples including those of the test panel are used and this resulted in 509 additional phylogenetic promising Y‐SNPs. By including these additional Y‐SNPs, a final update of the present phylogenetic Y‐chromosomal tree which is useful for forensic applications was generated. In order to find more convincing forensic interesting Y‐SNPs with this PENNY software, the number of samples and variety of the haplogroups to which these samples belong needs to increase. The PENNY software (inclusive the user manual) is freely available on the website http://bio.kuleuven.be/eeb/lbeg/software.
Cellular interactions and biological responses to titanium dioxide nanoparticles in HepG2 and BEAS‐2B cells: Role of cell culture media
Authors: Prasad Raju Y. , Simmons Steven O. , Killius Micaela G. , Zucker Robert M. , Kligerman Andrew D. , Blackman Carl F. , Fry Rebecca C. , DeMarini David M.
Published: January 2014

We showed previously that exposure of human lung cells (BEAS‐2B) to TiO2 nanoparticles (nano‐TiO2) produced micronuclei (MN) only when the final concentration of protein in the cell‐culture medium was at least 1%. Nanoparticles localize in the liver; thus, we exposed human liver cells (HepG2) to nano‐TiO2 and found the same requirement for MN induction. Nano‐TiO2 also formed small agglomerates in medium containing as little as 1% protein and caused cellular interaction as measured by side scatter by flow cytometry and DNA damage (comet assay) in HepG2 cells. Nano‐TiO2 also increased the activity of the inflammatory factor NFkB but not of AP1 in a reporter‐gene HepG2 cell line. Suspension of nano‐TiO2 in medium containing 0.1% protein was sufficient for induction of MN by the nanoparticles in either BEAS‐2B or HepG2 cells as long the final concentration of protein in the cell‐culture medium was at least 1%. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 55:336–342, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Alterations of the lung methylome in allergic airway hyper‐responsiveness
Authors: Cheng Robert YS , Shang Yan , Limjunyawong Nathachit , Dao Tyna , Das Sandhya , Rabold Richard , Sham James SK , Mitzner Wayne , Tang Wan‐Yee
Published: January 2014

Asthma is a chronic airway disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, affecting 300 million people around the world (available at: www.who.int). To date, genetic factors associated with asthma susceptibility have been unable to explain the full etiology of asthma. Recent studies have demonstrated that the epigenetic disruption of gene expression plays an equally important role in the development of asthma through interaction with our environment. We sensitized 6‐week‐old C57BL/6J mice with house‐dust‐mite (HDM) extracts intraperitoneally followed by 5 weeks of exposure to HDM challenges (three times a week) intratracheally. HDM‐exposed mice showed an increase in airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR) and inflammation together with structural remodeling of the airways. We applied methylated DNA immunoprecipitation‐next generation sequencing (MeDIP‐seq) for profiling of DNA methylation changes in the lungs in response to HDM. We observed about 20 million reads by a single‐run of massive parallel sequencing. We performed bioinformatics and pathway analysis on the raw sequencing data to identify differentially methylated candidate genes in HDM‐exposed mice. Specifically, we have revealed that the transforming growth factor beta signaling pathway is epigenetically modulated by chronic exposure to HDM. Here, we demonstrated that a specific allergen may play a role in AHR through an epigenetic mechanism by disrupting the expression of genes in lungs that might be involved in airway inflammation and remodeling. Our findings provide new insights into the potential mechanisms by which environmental allergens induce allergic asthma and such insights may assist in the development of novel preventive and therapeutic options for this debilitative disease. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 55:244–255, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Process Evaluation of the MOSAIC Trial, Part I: Therapist Experiences of Delivering Two Psychological Therapies for Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Waterman‐Collins Daniella , Renwick Beth , Lose Anna , Kenyon Martha , Serpell Lucy , Richards Lorna , Boughton Nicky , Treasure Janet , Schmidt Ulrike ,   on behalf of the MOSAIC trial group
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Forming part of a process evaluation of a large randomised controlled trial (the Maudsley Outpatient Study of Treatments for Anorexia Nervosa and Related conditions, MOSAIC) comparing two outpatient therapies for Anorexia Nervosa (AN), the Maudsley Model for Treatment of Adults with Anorexia Nervosa (MANTRA) and Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM), this study adopted a qualitative approach to examine therapist experiences of treatment delivery.

Method

Twenty MOSAIC therapists completed semi‐structured interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results

Themes of positive aspects, challenges and therapeutic fit emerged. MANTRA was seen as structured and flexible but could feel demanding on therapist time and skill. The slow pace and narrower focus of SSCM gave patients space to talk, but the lack of psychological tools and nutritional emphasis could create frustration. Views on the therapeutic relationship and patient‐therapy fit differed across treatments.

Discussion

Findings provide testable hypotheses about what works for whom, ideas for therapist training, treatment development and delivery. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
The effects of cultural differences between the west and Saudi Arabia on emergency evacuation—clothing effects on walking speed
Authors: Almejmaj Majed , Meacham Brian , Skorinko Jeanine
Published: January 2014

Evacuation analysis is an integral part of safety when dealing with the increasing number of complex building designs around the world. During such analysis, engineers use predetermined input values based on experiments for factors such as alarm reaction time and walking speed. However, much of the data currently in use were collected in Western countries, such as the UK and the USA, and were applied regardless of where the building will be constructed. This research explores the suitability of applying such data cross‐culturally, with a focus on Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is of particular interest because of cultural differences in traditional clothing, personal space, fire training, and religious requirements, such as gender segregation. Because these factors could impact evacuation behavior and movement speeds, data were collected and analyzed on the effects of traditional Saudi clothing on movement speeds of different genders in Saudi Arabia. Outcomes of our analysis indicate that the length and type of clothing worn by women in Saudi Arabia have a significant effect on their walking speeds on flat surfaces and when ascending and descending stairways. This paper highlights the effects of cultural differences and presents a set of data that can be used when conducting an evacuation analysis within Saudi Arabia. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The leucine twenty homeobox (LEUTX) gene, which lacks a histone acetyltransferase domain, is fused to KAT6A in therapy‐related acute myeloid leukemia with t(8;19)(p11;q13)
Authors: Chinen Yoshiaki , Taki Tomohiko , Tsutsumi Yasuhiko , Kobayashi Satoru , Matsumoto Yosuke , Sakamoto Natsumi , Kuroda Junya , Horiike Shigeo , Nishida Kazuhiro , Ohno Hirofumi , Uike Naokuni , Taniwaki Masafumi
Published: January 2014

The monocytic leukemia zinc finger protein KAT6A (formerly MOZ) gene is recurrently rearranged by chromosomal translocations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). KAT6A is known to be fused to several genes, all of which have histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity and interact with a number of transcription factors as a transcriptional coactivator. The present study shows that the leucine twenty homeobox (LEUTX) gene on 19q13 is fused to the KAT6A gene on 8p11 in a therapy‐related AML with t(8;19)(p11;q13) using the cDNA bubble PCR method. The fusion transcripts contained 83 nucleotides upstream of the first ATG of LEUTX and are presumed to create in‐frame fusion proteins. LEUTX is known to have a homeobox domain. Expression of the LEUTX gene was only detected in placenta RNA by RT‐PCR, but not in any tissues by Northern blot analysis. The putative LEUTX protein does not contain any HAT domain, and this is the first study to report that KAT6A can fuse to the homeobox gene. The current study, with identification of a new partner gene to KAT6A in a therapy‐related AML, does not elucidate the mechanisms of leukemogenesis in KAT6A‐related AML but describes a new gene with a different putative function. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.