bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomimetic microstructural reorganization during suture retention strength evaluation of electrospun vascular scaffolds
Authors: Chaparro Francisco J. , Matusicky Michelle E. , Allen Matthew J. , Lannutti John J.
Published: August 2015

Suture retention strength (SRS) is commonly used as a measure the ability of sutures to adhere implants to surrounding tissue. While SRS is widely employed, surprisingly its effects on graft microstructure have not been characterized. This is particularly germane to the broad utilization of electrospun implants in tissue engineering. These implants need to retain their initial nanoscale topography while simultaneously preserving clinically critical mechanical properties. We examined the suture‐driven microstructural deformation of polycaprolactone electrospun to form both square and tubular SRS samples. The impact of fiber orientation (generally parallel or random orientation, orthogonally aligned) on the SRS of these vascular tissue equivalents was analyzed and compared to native and decellularized porcine vasculature. The initial state of the fiber clearly dictates the overall efficiency of scaffold utilization. SRS values for as‐spun fibers at a thickness of 300 μm were found to be in the range of 1.59–4.78 N for the three orientations. Unexpectedly, random fibers provided the optimal SRS values based on both resistance to suture motion and the percentage of scaffold involvement. A “V‐shaped” failure morphology is observed for both electrospun scaffolds and native tissue during SRS testing. Post‐test fiber alignment in the tensile direction was visible in all initial fiber orientations similar to that of native tissue. These findings are significant as they allow us to employ new, counterintuitive biomimetic design criteria for nanofiber‐based scaffolds in which reliable mechanical integration with the surrounding tissues via suture‐based methods is important. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1525–1534, 2016.
Saemaul Undong Revisited: A Case of State–Society Dynamics in Social Capital Mobilisation, Focusing on the Role of Local Leaders in South Korea of the 1970s
Authors: Yang Yunjeong
Published: August 2015

This study aims at a re‐interpretation of the Saemaul Undong of the 1970s in South Korea. The study departs from the usual understanding of the ‘Korean miracle’ led by a strong state leadership, but emphasises the role of society, here represented by Saemaul Leaders as middle agents of change, and their roles of ‘bonding’ and ‘linking’ social capital, within and beyond communities. From this, communities are no longer simply recipients of, or followers to, the central leadership, but they turn out to be active participants and, in fact, leaders of rural community development. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Machine learning tools formineral recognition and classification from Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Carey C. , Boucher T. , Mahadevan S. , Bartholomew P. , Dyar M. D.
Published: August 2015

Tools for mineral identification based on Raman spectroscopy fall into two groups: those that are largely based on fits to diagnostic peaks associated with specific phases, and those that use the entire spectral range for multivariate analyses. In this project, we apply machine learning techniques to improve mineral identification using the latter group. We test the effects of common spectrum preprocessing steps, such as intensity normalization, smoothing, and squashing, and found that the last is superior. Next, we demonstrate that full‐spectrum matching algorithms exhibit excellent performance in classification tasks, without requiring time‐intensive dimensionality reduction or model training. This class of algorithms supports both vector and trajectory input formats, exploiting all available spectral information. By combining these insights, we find that optimal mineral spectrum matching performance can be achieved using careful preprocessing and a weighted‐neighbors classifier based on a vector similarity metric. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nexrutine inhibits azoxymethane‐induced colonic aberrant crypt formation in rat colon and induced apoptotic cell death in colon adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Alam Shamshad , Pal Anu , Kumar Rahul , Mir Snober S. , Ansari Kausar M.
Published: August 2015

Colon cancer is the third most common cause of death in the United States. Therefore, new preventive strategies are warranted for preventing colon cancer. Nexrutine (NX), an herbal extract from Phellodendron amurense, has been shown to have anti‐inflammatory, anti‐microbial and anti‐cancer activity for various tissue specific cancers, but its chemopreventive efficacy has not been evaluated against colon cancer. Here, we explored the mechanism of chemopreventive/chemotherapeutic efficacy of NX against colon cancer. We found that dietary exposure of NX significantly reduced the number of azoxymethane (AOM)‐induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rats. In addition, significant inhibition in AOM‐induced cell proliferation and reduced expression of the inflammatory markers COX‐2, iNOS as well as the proliferative markers PCNA and cyclin D1 were also seen. Moreover, NX exposure significantly enhanced apoptosis in the colon of AOM treated rats. Furthermore, in in vitro studies, NX (2.5, 5, 10 μg/ml, 48 h) decreased cell survival and colony formation while inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in colon adenocarcinoma cells COLO205 and HCT‐15. However, NX had minimal cytotoxic effect on IEC‐6 normal rat intestinal cells, suggesting its high therapeutic index. NX treatment also modulates the level of Bax and Bcl‐2 proteins along with cytochrome c release, cleavage and enhanced expression of poly (adenosine diphosphate‐ribose) polymerase as well as the catalytic activity of caspase 3 and caspase 9 in both COLO205 and HCT‐15 cells. Based on these in vivo and in vitro findings, we suggest that NX could be useful candidate agent for colon cancer chemoprevention and treatment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lower mitochondrial DNA copy number in peripheral blood leukocytes increases the risk of endometrial cancer
Authors: Sun Yuhui , Zhang Liren , Ho Simon S. , Wu Xifeng , Gu Jian
Published: August 2015

Mitochondria are the primary source of energy generation in human cells. Low mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) has been associated with obesity and increased risks of several cancers. Since obesity is a significant risk factor for endometrial cancer, we hypothesize that low mtDNA copy number in PBLs is associated with an increased susceptibility to endometrial cancer. Using a Caucasian case–control study, we measured mtDNA copy number in PBLs from 139 endometrial cancer patients and 139 age‐matched controls and determined the association of mtDNA copy number with the risk of endometrial cancer using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The normalized mtDNA copy number was significantly lower in endometrial cancer cases (median, 0.84; range, 0.24–2.00) than in controls (median, 1.06; range, 0.64–1.96) (P < 0.001). Dichotomized into high and low groups based on the median mtDNA copy number value in the controls, individuals with low mtDNA copy number had a significantly increased risk of endometrial cancer (adjusted OR, 5.59; 95%CI, 3.05–10.25; P < 0.001) compared to those with high mtDNA copy number. There was a significant dose–response association in tertile analysis. In addition, there was a significant joint effect between lower mtDNA copy number and never smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in elevating the risk of endometrial cancer. Low mtDNA copy number in PBLs is significantly associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer in Caucasians. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the accuracy of viscous and turbulent loss quantification in stenotic aortic flow using phase‐contrast MRI
Authors: Binter Christian , Gülan Utku , Holzner Markus , Kozerke Sebastian
Published: August 2015

Purpose

To investigate the limits of phase contrast MRI (PC‐MRI)–based measurements of viscous losses and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) pertaining to spatial resolution, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and non‐Gaussian intravoxel velocity distributions.

Theory and Methods

High‐resolution particle tracking velocimetry data obtained in a realistic aortic phantom with stenotic flow were used to simulate PC‐MRI measurements at different resolutions and noise levels. Laminar viscous losses were computed using the spatial gradients of the mean velocity vector field, and TKE levels were derived based on the intravoxel phase dispersion of flow‐sensitized PC‐MRI measurements.

Results

Increasing the voxel size from 0.625 to 2.5 mm resulted in an underestimation of viscous losses of up to 83%, whereas total TKE values showed errors of <15% and reduced sensitivity to voxel size. Relative errors in viscous loss quantification were found to be less dependent on noise levels when compared with TKE values. In general, a SNR of 20–30 is required for both methods.

Conclusion

At spatial resolutions feasible in clinical three‐dimensional PC‐MRI measurements, viscous losses of stenotic flows are significantly underestimated, whereas TKE shows smaller errors and reduced sensitivity to spatial resolution. Magn Reson Med 76:191–196, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of high‐sugar and high‐fiber meals on physical activity behaviors in Latino and African American adolescents
Authors: O'Reilly Gillian A. , Belcher Britni R. , Davis Jaimie N. , Martinez Lauren T. , Huh Jimi , Antunez‐Castillo Luz , Weigensberg Marc , Goran Michael I. , Spruijt‐Metz Donna
Published: August 2015

Objective

This crossover experimental study examined the acute effects of high‐sugar/low‐fiber (HSLF) vs. low‐sugar/high‐fiber (LSHF) meals on sedentary behavior (SB) and light‐plus activity (L+) in minority adolescents with overweight and obesity.

Methods

87 Latino and African American adolescents (mean age = 16.3 ± 1.2 years, mean BMI z‐score = 2.02 ± 0.52, 56.8% Latino, 51.1% male) underwent two experimental meal conditions during which they consumed HSLF or LSHF meals. Physical activity and SB were measured using accelerometers, and blood glucose and insulin were collected every 30 minutes over 5 hours. Mixed models were used to examine the temporal trends of SB and L+, whether the temporal trends of SB and L+ differed by meal condition, and the influence of blood glucose and insulin on the activity behaviors.

Results

SB and L+ fluctuated over time during the HSLF condition but were stable during the LSHF condition. SB and L+ were influenced by the blood glucose response to the HSLF meals. Insulin did not influence SB or L+ in either meal condition.

Conclusions

Sugar and fiber content of meals can have differing acute impacts on activity behaviors in minority adolescents with overweight and obesity, possibly due to differing metabolic responses.
Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry‐based O‐glycomics to evaluate glycosylation alterations in gastric cancer
Authors: He Yun , Xie Qin , Wang Yanping , Liang Yong , Xu Xiukun , Li Yong , Miao Jinsheng , Chen Zijun , Li Yunsen
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common malignant cancer worldwide. Important for tumorigenesis and progression, aberrant glycosylation occurs frequently in cancers. We investigated the differences in O‐glycosylation in the serum of 157 gastric cancer patients (GC) and 144 healthy donors.

Experimental design

We used the method of labeling O‐glycans (released from proteins) with 1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐5‐pyrazolone followed by LC‐MS analysis. Analyzing the LC‐MS data by partial least squares discriminant and unpaired Student t test, combined with the structural information of O‐glycans from LC‐MS/MS in positive mode.

Results

The expression level of core1, core2, ST antigen, and core2 complex O‐glycans (m/z 733.33, m/z 809.42) were increased significantly (p < 0.0001), whereas m/z 529.75 and diST‐antigen were decreased in the serum of GC compared with controls (p < 0.001). In addition, there were significant correlations between the abundance of the O‐glycans and glycoproteins (MUC1, CEA) in the serum of GC.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Glycomics approaches identified multiple candidate antigens for patients with GC. The O‐glycan structures are increased in the serum of GC, they may be candidates for carbohydrate tumor markers.
Intracellular pH modulates quinary structure
Authors: Cohen Rachel D. , Guseman Alex J. , Pielak Gary J.
Published: August 2015

NMR spectroscopy can provide information about proteins in living cells. pH is an important characteristic of the intracellular environment because it modulates key protein properties such as net charge and stability. Here, we show that pH modulates quinary interactions, the weak, ubiquitous interactions between proteins and other cellular macromolecules. We use the K10H variant of the B domain of protein G (GB1, 6.2 kDa) as a pH reporter in Escherichia coli cells. By controlling the intracellular pH, we show that quinary interactions influence the quality of in‐cell 15N–1H HSQC NMR spectra. At low pH, the quality is degraded because the increase in attractive interactions between E. coli proteins and GB1 slows GB1 tumbling and broadens its crosspeaks. The results demonstrate the importance of quinary interactions for furthering our understanding of protein chemistry in living cells.
Differential backbone dynamics of companion helices in the extended helical coiled‐coil domain of a bacterial chemoreceptor
Authors: Bartelli Nicholas L. , Hazelbauer Gerald L.
Published: August 2015

Cytoplasmic domains of transmembrane bacterial chemoreceptors are largely extended four‐helix coiled coils. Previous observations suggested the domain was structurally dynamic. We probed directly backbone dynamics of this domain of the transmembrane chemoreceptor Tar from Escherichia coli using site‐directed spin labeling and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Spin labels were positioned on solvent‐exposed helical faces because EPR spectra for such positions reflect primarily polypeptide backbone movements. We acquired spectra for spin‐labeled, intact receptor homodimers solubilized in detergent or inserted into native E. coli lipid bilayers in Nanodiscs, characterizing 16 positions distributed throughout the cytoplasmic domain and on both helices of its helical hairpins, one amino terminal to the membrane‐distal tight turn (N‐helix), and the other carboxyl terminal (C‐helix). Detergent solubilization increased backbone dynamics for much of the domain, suggesting that loss of receptor activities upon solubilization reflects wide‐spread destabilization. For receptors in either condition, we observed an unanticipated difference between the N‐ and C‐helices. For bilayer‐inserted receptors, EPR spectra from sites in the membrane‐distal protein‐interaction region and throughout the C‐helix were typical of well‐structured helices. In contrast, for approximately two‐thirds of the N‐helix, from its origin as the AS‐2 helix of the membrane‐proximal HAMP domain to the beginning of the membrane‐distal protein‐interaction region, spectra had a significantly mobile component, estimated by spectral deconvolution to average approximately 15%. Differential helical dynamics suggests a four‐helix bundle organization with a pair of core scaffold helices and two more dynamic partner helices. This newly observed feature of chemoreceptor structure could be involved in receptor function.
A Framework for Analyzing Malpractice Cases to Improve Healthcare Systems
Authors: Dror Shuki , Margol Dina
Published: August 2015

This study develops a framework for analyzing the judgments handed down by courts in malpractice cases. We analyzed 215 cases that included awards for damages caused by medical negligence, handled by Israeli courts from 2005 to 2011. The Pareto principle coupled with the mean square error criterion supports the selection of the vital hospital departments and the vital causes of claims. A quality function deployment matrix is used to translate the desired improvement in malpractice costs into relevant medical decisions and diagnostic tests. Based on the analysis, we can conclude that the essential part of all malpractice claims submitted to and found legitimate by the courts was related to the obstetrics field. We reveal that most claims have elements in common. When we based the analysis on the malpractice compensation, covering costs of corrective treatment, suffering, future medical treatment, and associated legal fees, based on court data, we found that the group of vital causes decreased. In this study, we analyze claims related to the obstetrics department. Other departments where errors are frequently made should be addressed in turn, with the objective of continuously improving the medical system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investor perceptions of CEO successor selection in the wake of integrity and competence failures: A policy capturing study
Authors: Connelly Brian L. , Ketchen David J. , Gangloff K. Ashley , Shook Christopher L.
Published: August 2015

Research summary: Drawing on theory about signaling, sensemaking, and the romance of leadership, we extend inquiry on investors' perceptions of CEO succession following misconduct. Whereas past studies have treated misconduct monolithically, we examine failures of integrity and competence separately. Using a policy capturing methodology that isolates investors' decision making from potential confounds, we find that, following an integrity failure, investors perceive outside and interim successors positively but inside successors negatively. Following a competence failure, investors perceive outside successors positively but are ambivalent toward inside and interim successors. Our findings indicate that whether an act of misconduct was an integrity failure or a competence failure, and what type of successor the firm chooses, are important considerations when using CEO succession as a means to restore investor confidence.

Managerial summary: Business headlines regularly feature episodes of organizational misconduct, such as product safety problems, environmental violations, employee mistreatment, and securities lawsuits, and their aftermath. In such scenarios, shareholders demand answers from the people at the top, even if those people were not directly responsible for the problem. As a result, companies often fire the CEO as a means to restore investor confidence. Does this work? It depends on the type of misconduct and who is the CEO's successor. Following a competence failure, investors welcome the appointment of an outsider, but they are indifferent to inside and interim successors. Following an integrity failure, shareholders greet outside and interim CEO successors favorably while frowning on the promotion of insiders. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction and Validation of the Austenite Phase Fraction upon Intercritical Annealing of Medium Mn Steels
Authors: Farahani Hussein , Xu Wei , van der Zwaag Sybrand
Published: August 2015

In this research, the effects of Mn and Si concentration and that of the isothermal intercritical holding temperature on the austenite-to-ferrite (γ → α) and the martensite-to-austenite (α′ → γ) phase transformations are studied for a series of Fe-C-Mn-Si steels with up to 7 wt pct Mn. The model is based on the local equilibrium (LE) concept. The model predictions are compared to experimental observations. It is found that the austenite volume fraction at the end of intercritical annealing depends significantly on the initial microstructure. For Mn concentrations between 3 and 7 wt pct, the LE model is qualitatively correct. However, at higher Mn levels the discrepancy between the predicted austenite fractions and the experimental values increases, in particular for the α′ → γ transformation. Intragrain nucleation is held responsible for the higher austenite fractions observed experimentally. Silicon is found have a much smaller effect on the kinetics of the intercritical annealing than Mn.
Drug trafficking in Guinea-Bissau, 1998–2014: the evolution of an elite protection network
Authors: Shaw Mark
Published: August 2015

Guinea-Bissau has been regularly described as a ‘narco-state’. Yet, few studies analyse how drug trafficking has evolved here. Based on extensive interviews in Guinea-Bissau over several years, this paper documents the process. It concludes that using the term ‘narco-state’, where much of the state has little or no capacity, is inappropriate. A better approach is to analyse the actions of key players as an elite protection network. In Guinea-Bissau, that network did not act on its own, but relied on a series of ‘entrepreneurs' who operated as an interface between traffickers and the elite. While the military as an institution is often said to be in charge of trafficking, exclusive control by high-ranking military personnel within the elite network only occurred relatively late. Senior soldiers' attempts to provide more than just protection, and to enter the drug market themselves, led to the network's undoing.
Between party capitalism and market reforms – understanding sector differences in Rwanda
Authors: Behuria Pritish
Published: August 2015

Different strategies have been used by the Rwandan government to promote capitalist accumulation. In some sectors, party and military owned enterprises are predominant. In others, the government has chosen to embrace market-led reforms. Ultimately, the vulnerability experienced by ruling elites contributes to the choice of how capital accumulation is promoted in different sectors. Ruling elites use party and military enterprises to centralise rents and establish control over the direction of economic policy. However, centralising rents is a political choice and excludes individuals from developing access to rents. The pyrethrum sector shows that the use of such groups has resulted in unequal outcomes despite increases in productivity. Reduced international prices have stunted further productivity. Conversely, the mining sector shows evidence of the pursuit of market-led reforms. These reforms have been accompanied by rapid growth in domestic production and exports. Foreign investment was necessary in order to bring capital and expertise to the sector. However, the government has struggled to retain the capacity to enforce legislation and discipline foreign investors in line with national priorities. Both sectors show evidence that ruling elites have been prompted by vulnerability to commit to economic development. Constraints that have accompanied strategies pursued in these sectors have forced the government to work ‘reactively’ to achieve strategic targets.
Study of Protein Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant Vitamins and Inflammation in Patients Undergoing either Hemodialysis or Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Marques de Mattos Andresa , Afonso Jordão Alceu , Abrão Cardeal da Costa José , Garcia Chiarello Paula
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Background: The influence of dialysis modality on oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation is not yet clear. Elucidating this influence could provide novel therapy concepts for cardiovascular diseases. Aim: To compare protein OS, antioxidant vitamins and inflammation in patients undergoing either hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 19 PD and 21 HD patients treated for ≥ 6 months. The control group was composed of 17 healthy individuals. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), vitamins C, A and E, C-reactive protein and interleukin 6 were measured in plasma samples. Results: OS was higher in the dialysis group when compared with controls, but HD patients showed higher AOPP compared with PD (HD:141.9 ± 75.2 µmol/L; PD: 112.5 ± 69.3 µmol/L, P< 0.01) and AGEs (HD: 32.2 ± 10.6 AU x10³; PD: 26.6 ± 4.9 AUx10³, P< 0.05). There was no difference in inflammation and vitamin levels among dialysis patients. In HD patients, AGEs correlated moderately with serum vitamin C (r = 0.46; P< 0.05). Conclusion: The dialysis modality adopted influences protein OS, but it has no effect on antioxidant status or inflammation. Hemodialysis probably exacerbates OS due to the increased bioincompatibility of the dialysis procedure, and this scenario seems to be related to the intravenous supplementation of vitamin C. Peritoneal dialysis allows for a better oxidative balance, which may reduce cardiovascular risk.
Pomegranate Seed Oil Modulates Functions and Survival of BV-2 Microglial Cells in vitro
Authors: Račková Lucia , Ergin Volkan , Burcu Bali Elif , Kuniaková Marcela , Karasu Çimen
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Current evidence has demonstrated the immunomodulatory efficacy of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in glial cells, suggesting their therapeutic potential for diseases in the central nervous system (CNS). However, conjugated omega-5 PUFAs have also attracted considerable attention because of their suggested anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, the effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) seed oil (PSEO) (a rich source of omega-5 PUFAs) on the activation of cultured BV-2 microglia was investigated within a 24-hour incubation period. PSEO (25 μg/ml) showed only a slightly smaller inhibitory effect on LPS-stimulated NO production (243 ± 12.5 % of control, p<0.001 vs. 437 ± 9.2 % in stimulated cells) and TNF-α release (87.1 ± 5.62 pg/ml vs. 229 ± 24.4 pg/ml in stimulated cells), as well as iNOS expression (7.36-fold of control, p < 0.01, vs. 17.5-fold increase in stimulated cells) compared to a standardized omega-3 PUFAs mixture (25 μg/ml) and the flavonoid quercetin (25 μmol/l). Unlike quercetin and stobadine, only the PUFA preparations effectively prevented apoptosis of microglia (as confirmed by the suppression of caspase 3 activation) exposed to the toxic concentration of LPS. The PUFA preparations did not provide a notable suppression of the intracellular oxidant generation and did not influence the intracellular distribution of cholesterol (as confirmed by filipin staining). However, they appeared to affect the morphology of activated cells. In conclusion, our data point to the first evidence of immunomodulation and cytoprotection of BV-2 microglia by the pomegranate seed oil, indicating that it may be (comparably to omega-3 PUFAs) efficient against microglia-mediated neuroinflammation while preventing the premature depletion of these immune effector cells in the brain.
High diversity stabilizes the thermal resilience of pollinator communities in intensively managed grasslands
Authors: Kühsel Sara , Blüthgen Nico
Published: August 2015

The resilience of ecosystems depends on the diversity of species and their specific responses to environmental variation. Here we show that the diversity of climatic responses across species contributes to a higher projected resilience of species-rich pollinator communities in real-world ecosystems despite land-use intensification. We determined the thermal niche of 511 pollinator species (flies, bees, beetles and butterflies) in 40 grasslands. Species in intensively used grasslands have broader thermal niches and are also more complementary in their thermal optima. The observed increase in thermal resilience with land-use intensification is mainly driven by the dominant flies that prefer cooler temperatures and compensate for losses of other taxa. Temperature explained 84% of the variation in pollinator activity across species and sites. Given the key role of temperature, quantifying the diversity of thermal responses within functional groups is a promising approach to assess the vulnerability of ecosystems to land-use intensification and climate change.
Bacterioplankton community shifts associated with epipelagic and mesopelagic waters in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Yu Zheng , Yang Jun , Liu Lemian , Zhang Wenjing , Amalfitano Stefano
Published: August 2015

The Southern Ocean is among the least explored marine environments on Earth and still little is known about regional and vertical variability in the diversity of Antarctic marine prokaryotes. In this study, the bacterioplankton community in both epipelagic and mesopelagic waters was assessed at two adjacent stations by high-throughput sequencing and quantitative PCR. Water temperature was significantly higher in the superficial photic zone, while higher salinity and dissolved oxygen were recorded in the deeper water layers. The highest abundance of the bacterioplankton was found at a depth of 75 m, corresponding to the deep chlorophyll maximum layer. Both Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria were the most abundant taxa throughout the water column, while more sequences affiliated to Cyanobacteria and unclassified bacteria were identified from surface and the deepest waters, respectively. Temperature was the most significant environmental variable affecting the bacterial community structure. The bacterial community composition displayed significant differences at the epipelagic layers between two stations, whereas those in the mesopelagic waters were more similar to each other. Our results indicated that the epipelagic bacterioplankton might be dominated by short-term environmental variable conditions, whereas the mesopelagic communities appeared to be structured by longer water-mass residence time and relative stable environmental factors.
Gene expression in breastmilk cells is associated with maternal and infant characteristics
Authors: Twigger Alecia-Jane , Hepworth Anna R. , Tat Lai Ching , Chetwynd Ellen , Stuebe Alison M. , Blancafort Pilar , Hartmann Peter E. , Geddes Donna T. , Kakulas Foteini
Published: August 2015

Breastmilk is a rich source of cells with a heterogeneous composition comprising early-stage stem cells, progenitors and more differentiated cells. The gene expression profiles of these cells and their associations with characteristics of the breastfeeding mother and infant are poorly understood. This study investigated factors associated with the cellular dynamics of breastmilk and explored variations amongst women. Genes representing different breastmilk cell populations including mammary epithelial and myoepithelial cells, progenitors and multi-lineage stem cells showed great variation in expression. Stem cell markers ESRRB and CK5, myoepithelial marker CK14 and lactocyte marker α-lactalbumin were amongst the genes most highly expressed across all samples tested. Genes exerting similar functions, such as either stem cell regulation or milk production, were found to be closely associated. Infant gestational age at delivery and changes in maternal bra cup size between pre-pregnancy and postpartum lactation were associated with expression of genes controlling stemness as well as milk synthesis. Additional correlations were found between genes and dyad characteristics, which may explain abnormalities related to low breastmilk supply or preterm birth. Our findings highlight the heterogeneity of breastmilk cell content and its changes associated with characteristics of the breastfeeding dyad that may reflect changing infant needs.
Tumor Suppressor WWOX inhibits osteosarcoma metastasis by modulating RUNX2 function
Authors: Del Mare Sara , Aqeilan Rami I.
Published: August 2015

Osteosarcoma (OS) is among the most frequently occurring primary bone tumors, primarily affecting adolescents and young adults. This malignant osteoid forming tumor is characterized by its metastatic potential, mainly to lungs. We recently demonstrated that WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) is frequently inactivated in human OS and that WWOX restoration in WWOX-negative OS cells suppresses tumorigenicity. Of note, WWOX levels are reduced in paired OS samples of post-treatment metastastectomies as compared to pre-treatment biopsies suggesting that decreased WWOX levels are associated with a more aggressive phenotype at the metastatic site. Nevertheless, little is known about WWOX function in OS metastasis. Here, we investigated the role of tumor suppressor WWOX in suppressing pulmonary OS metastasis bothin vitroandin vivo. We demonstrated that ectopic expression of WWOX in OS cells, HOS and LM-7, inhibits OS invasion and cell migration in vitro. Furthermore, WWOX expression reduced tumor burden in vivo and inhibited metastases’ seeding and colonization. Mechanistically, WWOX function is associated with reduced levels of RUNX2 metastatic target genes implicated in adhesion and motility. Our results suggest that WWOX plays a critical role in determining the aggressive phenotype of OS and its expression could be an attractive therapeutic target to combat this devastating adolescent disease.
White matter alterations in first episode treatment-naïve patients with deficit schizophrenia: a combined VBM and DTI study
Authors: Lei Wei , Li Na , Deng Wei , Li Mingli , Huang Chaohua , Ma Xiaohong , Wang Qiang , Guo Wanjun , Li Yinfei , Jiang Lijun , Zhou Yi , Hu Xun , Mary McAlonan Grainne , Li Tao
Published: August 2015

Categorizing ‘deficit schizophrenia’ (DS) as distinct from ‘non-deficit’ schizophrenia (NDS) may help reduce heterogeneity within schizophrenia. However, it is unknown if DS has a discrete white matter signature. Here we used MRI to compare white matter volume (voxel-based morphometry) and microstructural integrity (fractional anisotropy, FA) in first-episode treatment-naïve patients with DS and NDS and their unaffected relatives to control groups of similar age. We found that white matter disruption was prominent in DS compared to controls; the DS group had lower volumes in the cerebellum, bilateral extra-nuclear and bilateral frontoparietal regions and lower FA in the body of corpus callosum, posterior superior longitudinal fasciculus and uncinate fasciculus. The DS group also had lower volume in bilateral extra-nuclear regions compared to NDS and the volume of these clusters was negatively correlated with deficit symptom ratings. NDS patients however, had no significant volume alterations and limited disruption of microstructural integrity compared to controls. Finally, first-degree relatives of those with DS shared volume abnormalities in right extra-nuclear white matter. Thus, white matter pathology in schizophrenia is most evident in the deficit condition and lower extra-nuclear white matter volumes in both DS patients and their relatives may represent a brain structural ‘endophenotype’ for DS.
miR-378a-3p modulates tamoxifen sensitivity in breast cancer MCF-7 cells through targeting GOLT1A
Authors: Ikeda Kazuhiro , Horie-Inoue Kuniko , Ueno Toshihide , Suzuki Takashi , Sato Wataru , Shigekawa Takashi , Osaki Akihiko , Saeki Toshiaki , Berezikov Eugene , Mano Hiroyuki , Inoue Satoshi
Published: August 2015

Breast cancer is a hormone-dependent cancer and usually treated with endocrine therapy using aromatase inhibitors or anti-estrogens such as tamoxifen. A majority of breast cancer, however, will often fail to respond to endocrine therapy. In the present study, we explored miRNAs associated with endocrine therapy resistance in breast cancer. High-throughput miRNA sequencing was performed using RNAs prepared from breast cancer MCF-7 cells and their derivative clones as endocrine therapy resistant cell models, including tamoxifen-resistant (TamR) and long-term estrogen-deprived (LTED) MCF-7 cells. Notably, miR-21 was the most abundantly expressed miRNA in MCF-7 cells and overexpressed in TamR and LTED cells. We found that miR-378a-3p expression was downregulated in TamR and LTED cells as well as in clinical breast cancer tissues. Additionally, lower expression levels of miR-378a-3p were associated with poor prognosis for tamoxifen-treated patients with breast cancer. GOLT1A was selected as one of the miR-378a-3p candidate target genes by in silico analysis. GOLT1A was overexpressed in breast cancer specimens and GOLT1A-specific siRNAs inhibited the growth of TamR cells. Low GOLT1A levels were correlated with better survival in patients with breast cancer. These results suggest that miR-378a-3p-dependent GOLT1A expression contributes to the mechanisms underlying breast cancer endocrine resistance.
Fishing the PTM proteome with chemical approaches using functional solid phases
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhang Cheng , Jiang Hucong , Yang Pengyuan , Lu Haojie
Published: August 2015

Currently available chemical approaches for the enrichment and separation of a PTM proteome using functional solid phases were reviewed.
A nanofibrous polypyrrole/silicon composite derived from cellulose substance as the anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Jiao , Huang Jianguo
Published: August 2015

A bio-inspired nanofibrous polypyrrole/silicon composite derived from cellulose substance was fabricated showing enhanced electrochemical performance as an anode material for LIBs.
3-Aza π-allyl palladium derived from imino migration in palladium-carbene: MCRs toward multiple substituted indole skeleton
Authors: Dai Qiang , Jiang Yan , Guo Songjin , Yu Jin-Tao , Cheng Jiang
Published: August 2015

Palladium-catalyzed multi-component reactions (MCRs) between 2-iodoaniline, aryl isonitrile, N-tosylhydrazones and solvent were developed.
A rechargeable aluminum-ion battery utilizing a copper hexacyanoferrate cathode in an organic electrolyte
Authors: Reed L. D. , Ortiz S. N. , Xiong M. , Menke E. J.
Published: August 2015

Reversible aluminum intercalation/deintercalation from an organic electrolyte into copper hexacyanoferrate is presented.
cis-to-trans isomerization of azobenzene investigated by using thin films of metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Yu Xiaojuan , Wang Zhengbang , Buchholz Maria , Füllgrabe Nena , Grosjean Sylvain , Bebensee Fabian , Bräse Stefan , Wöll Christof , Heinke Lars
Published: August 2015

The energetic barrier for the cis-to-trans isomerization of azobenzene was experimentally investigated by using thin films of azobenzene-containing MOFs as well-defined model system.
Correction: New avenues for ligand-mediated processes – expanding metal reactivity by the use of redox-active catechol, o-aminophenol and o-phenylenediamine ligands
Authors: Broere Daniël L. J. , Plessius Raoul , van der Vlugt Jarl Ivar
Published: August 2015

Correction for ‘New avenues for ligand-mediated processes – expanding metal reactivity by the use of redox-active catechol, o-aminophenol and o-phenylenediamine ligands’ by Daniël L. J. Broere et al., Chem. Soc. Rev., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5cs00161g.
The structure of trimethyltin fluoride
Authors: Chaudhary Praveen , Bieringer Mario , Hazendonk Paul , Gerken Michael
Published: August 2015

Contrary to previous reports, trimethyltin fluoride was shown to adopt a linear chain structure with symmetric fluorine bridges in the solid state.
(S)-Naproxen based novel chiral reagent for C–N bond formation: enantioseparation of some β-blockers, determination of absolute configuration and elution order of diastereomers
Authors: Singh Manisha , Bhushan Ravi
Published: August 2015

Symmetrical anhydride proved to be a good reagent for C–N bond formation instead of direct reaction of amino group of analyte with (S)-Npx.
Iron–copper bimetallic nanoparticles supported on hollow mesoporous silica spheres: an effective heterogeneous Fenton catalyst for orange II degradation
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Chao , Tong Lu , Li Jiansheng , Luo Rui , Qi Junwen , Li Yang , Wang Lianjun
Published: August 2015

Iron–copper bimetallic nanoparticles supported on hollow mesoporous silica spheres as a composite catalyst (FeCu/HMS) was synthesized.
One-pot regioselective synthesis of functionalized and fused furans from Morita–Baylis–Hillman and Rauhut–Currier adducts of nitroalkenes
Authors: Mane Vaijinath , Kumar Tarun , Pradhan Sourav , Katiyar Savita , Namboothiri Irishi N. N.
Published: August 2015

Functionalized and fused furans were synthesized by a one-pot regioselective cascade reaction from Morita–Baylis–Hillman acetates and Rauhut–Currier adducts of nitroalkenes.
Fabrication of porous thin films of block copolymer at the liquid/liquid interface and construction of composite films doped with noble metal nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhao Xingjuan , Zhang Xiao-Kai , Lee Yong-Ill , Liu Hong-Guo
Published: August 2015

A porous polymer film was fabricated at a liquid/liquid interface that can be used as a matrix to form various composite films.
Subphthalocyanine as hole transporting material for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Sfyri Georgia , Kumar Challuri Vijay , Sabapathi Gokulnath , Giribabu Lingamallu , Andrikopoulos Konstantinos S. , Stathatos Elias , Lianos Panagiotis
Published: August 2015

A boron subphthalocyanine has been studied as hole transporting material in perovskite solar cells.
Synthesis and sub-10 nm supramolecular self-assembly of a nanohybrid with a polynorbornene main chain and side-chain POSS moieties
Authors: Hou Ping-Ping , Gu Ke-Hua , Zhu Yu-Feng , Zhang Zheng-Yu , Wang Qian , Pan Hong-Bing , Yang Shuang , Shen Zhihao , Fan Xing-He
Published: August 2015

A polynorbornene-based mesogen-jacketed liquid crystalline polymer containing side-chain crystalline POSS moieties was synthesized through ROMP. It self-assembles into an organic–inorganic hybrid inclusion complex on the sub-10 nm scale.
The origin for highly enantioselective induction of 1-naphthol to isatin-derived N-Boc ketimines catalyzed by quinine thiourea catalyst: an experimental and computational study
Authors: kumari Prathibha , Barik Sunirmal , Khan Noorul H. , Ganguly Bishwajit , Kureshy Rukhsana I. , Abdi Sayed H. R. , Bajaj H. C.
Published: August 2015

An enantioselective aza-Friedel–Crafts reaction of 1-naphthol with isatin derivedN-Boc ketimines by cinchona based bifunctional thiourea as organo-catalyst is reported.
A near-infrared chemodosimeter with Pi-selective colorimetric and fluorescent sensing and its application in vivo imaging
Authors: Zang Tie Nan , Zhao Rui Rui , Yang Xing Zhu , Gao Yan , Wang Guang Ke , Zhou Ying , Liu Bo , Zhang Jun Feng
Published: August 2015

A near-infrared colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor for detecting phosphate ion (Pi) has been developed. The practical utility of this chemosensor was demonstrated by employing it to detect Pi in Paramecium and C. elegans.
Correction: Humidity-dependent surface tension measurements of individual inorganic and organic submicrometre liquid particles
Authors: Morris Holly S. , Grassian Vicki H. , Tivanski Alexei V.
Published: August 2015

Correction for ‘Humidity-dependent surface tension measurements of individual inorganic and organic submicrometre liquid particles’ by Holly S. Morris et al., Chem. Sci., 2015, 6, 3242–3247.
The accessibility of nitrogen sites makes a difference in selective CO2 adsorption of a family of isostructural metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Song Chengling , Hu Jiayi , Ling Yajing , Feng YunLong , Krishna Rajamani , Chen De-li , He Yabing
Published: August 2015

Three isostructural metal–organic frameworks exhibit different CO2 adsorption properties depending on the number and orientation of nitrogen sites in the frameworks, and the accessibility of nitrogen sites plays a much more crucial role in enhancing CO2 adsorption.
Development and characterization of polyethylene glycol–carbon nanotube hydrogel composite
Authors: Shah K. , Vasileva D. , Karadaghy A. , Zustiak S. P.
Published: August 2015

Polyethylene–glycol–carbon nanotube composite was developed where carbon nanotubes altered the hydrogel mechanical and physical properties and aided neuronal cell viability.
Sterically stabilized spongosomes for multidrug delivery of anticancer nanomedicines
Authors: Chen Yiyin , Angelova Angelina , Angelov Borislav , Drechsler Markus , Garamus Vasil M. , Willumeit-Römer Regine , Zou Aihua
Published: August 2015

SAXS patterns of drug-loaded lipid nanocarriers stabilized by polysorbate P80 (left); cryo-TEM image of BAI-BJO-spongosomes-2 (right).
The species distribution of xanthine oxidase
Authors: Al-Khalidi UAS , Chaglassian TH
Published: August 2015

1. The distribution of xanthine oxidase in blood and tissues of various animals was studied by means of a radioactive assay capable of detecting 10(-7) unit of enzyme. The method was shown to be applicable to tissues with a high uricase content. 2. Of 16 mammalian species examined, six had low concentrations of xanthine oxidase in the serum. In six non-mammalian species, no activity was detected in the serum. 3. The enzyme was not found in the blood cells of any mammals, but was present in the nucleated red blood corpuscles of chicken, turtle and tortoise. 4. Studies of the tissue distribution in four species demonstrated high activities in the liver and intestinal mucosa and consistently low activities in skeletal muscle, heart and brain. 5. There is a rough correlation between the activity of enzyme in serum and its activity in lung tissue in 12 mammalian species. In the dog, left-atrial blood had higher concentrations of xanthine oxidase than right-atrial blood.
Ethylene production from methionine
Authors: Lieberman M , Kunishi AT , Mapson LW , Wardale DA
Published: August 2015

1. A new reaction is described in which ethylene is formed from the Cu(+)-catalysed breakdown of methionine in phosphate buffer at 30 degrees in air. Some of the other products of the reaction are methionine sulphone, methionine sulphoxide, homocysteic acid, homocystine, acrolein, dimethyl disulphide, methanethiol, ethyl methyl sulphide, methane and ethane. These are considered to be produced in different reaction pathways. 2. Hydrogen peroxide is an intermediate in this reaction and can support ethylene production in the model system in anaerobic atmospheres. Cuprous copper is the active form that catalyses the formation of ethylene from an oxidized intermediate. The initial reaction is probably a Strecker degradation, but the aldehyde product is further degraded to ethylene and other products. 3. Methional (CH(3).S.CH(2).CH(2).CHO) is the most effective producer of ethylene in the model system and appears to be an intermediate in the reaction. 4. The evidence, from both tracer studies and from other precursors of ethylene in the reaction, indicates that ethylene is derived from the -CH(2).CH(2)- group of methionine.
Effects of stimulation by carbachol on the metabolism of the bovine adrenal medulla
Authors: Banks P
Published: August 2015

1. A method is described that has made it possible to achieve a great decrease in the catecholamine and adenine nucleotide contents of the perfused bovine adrenal gland by the infusion of carbachol. 2. Although the catecholamines secreted were recovered in the perfusion medium, no evidence was obtained that the nucleotides are secreted by the gland. 3. It is concluded that the secretion of catecholamines is accompanied by extensive chemical alteration of the adenine nucleotides of the chromaffin granules. 4. The secretory response and the spontaneous release of catecholamines depends on the presence of Ca(2+) in the perfusing Tyrode solution. 5. Anoxia does not have a significant effect on the carbachol-induced secretion of catecholamines. 6. Strips of bovine adrenal medullary tissue perfused with oxygenated Tyrode solution show an increased oxygen consumption when carbachol is added.