bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local‐density driven clustered star formation: Model and (some) implications
Authors: Parmentier G.
Published: October 2014

A positive power‐law trend between the local surface densities of molecular gas, Σgas, and young stellar objects, Σstars, in molecular clouds of the solar neighbourhood has recently been identified. How it relates to the properties of embedded clusters has so far not been investigated. To that purpose, we model the development of the stellar component of molecular clumps as a function of time and local volume density. Specifically, we associate the observed volume density gradient of molecular clumps to the density‐dependent free‐fall time and we obtain the molecular clump star formation history by applying a constant star formation efficiency per free‐fall time, ϵff. The model reproduces naturally the observed (Σgas, Σstars) relation quoted above. The consequences of our model in terms of cluster survivability after residual star‐forming gas expulsion and in terms of star age distribution in young gas‐free clusters are discussed. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Asiago Supernova classification program: Blowing out the first two hundred candles
Authors: Tomasella L. , Benetti S. , Cappellaro E. , Pastorello A. , Turatto M. , Barbon R. , Elias‐Rosa N. , Harutyunyan A. , Ochner P. , Tartaglia L. , Valenti S.
Published: October 2014

We present the compilation of the first 221 supernovae classified during the Asiago Classification Program (ACP). The details of transients classification and the preliminarily reduced spectra, in fits format, are immediately posted on the Padova‐Asiago SN group web site. The achieved performances for the first 2 years of the ACP are analysed, showing that half of all our classifications were made within 5 days from transient detection. The distribution of the supernova types of this sample resembles the distribution of the general list of all the supernovae listed in the Asiago SN catalog (ASNC, Barbon et al. 1999). Finally, we use our subsample of 78 core‐collapse supernovae, for which we retrieve the host‐galaxy morphology and r ‐band absolute magnitudes, to study the observed subtype distribution in dwarf compared to giant galaxies. This ongoing program will give its contribution to the classification of the large number of transients that will be soon delivered by the Gaia mission. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cell‐free metabolic engineering: Biomanufacturing beyond the cell
Authors: Dudley Quentin M. , Karim Ashty S. , Jewett Michael C.
Published: October 2014

Industrial biotechnology and microbial metabolic engineering are poised to help meet the growing demand for sustainable, low‐cost commodity chemicals and natural products, yet the fraction of biochemicals amenable to commercial production remains limited. Common problems afflicting the current state‐of‐the‐art include low volumetric productivities, build‐up of toxic intermediates or products, and byproduct losses via competing pathways. To overcome these limitations, cell‐free metabolic engineering (CFME) is expanding the scope of the traditional bioengineering model by using in vitro ensembles of catalytic proteins prepared from purified enzymes or crude lysates of cells for the production of target products. In recent years, the unprecedented level of control and freedom of design, relative to in vivo systems, has inspired the development of engineering foundations for cell‐free systems. These efforts have led to activation of long enzymatic pathways (>8 enzymes), near theoretical conversion yields, productivities greater than 100 mg L–1 h–1, reaction scales of >100 L, and new directions in protein purification, spatial organization, and enzyme stability. In the coming years, CFME will offer exciting opportunities to: (i) debug and optimize biosynthetic pathways; (ii) carry out design‐build‐test iterations without re‐engineering organisms; and (iii) perform molecular transformations when bioconversion yields, productivities, or cellular toxicity limit commercial feasibility.
The transcriptomic profile of ovarian cancer grading
Authors: Yao Cindy Q. , Nguyen Francis , Haider Syed , Starmans Maud H. W. , Lambin Philippe , Boutros Paul C.
Published: October 2014

Ovarian carcinoma is the leading cause of gynecological malignancy, with the serous subtype being the most commonly presented subtype. Recent studies have demonstrated that grade does not yield significant prognostic information, independent of TNM staging. As such, several different grading systems have been proposed to reveal morphological characteristics of these tumors, however each yield different results. To help address this issue, we performed a rigorous computational analysis to better understand the molecular differences that fundamentally explain the different grades and grading systems. mRNA abundance levels were analyzed across 334 total patients and their association with each grade and grading system were assessed. Few molecular differences were observed between grade 2 and 3 tumors when using the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) grading system, suggesting their molecular similarity. In contrast, grading by the Silverberg system reveals that grades 1–3 are molecularly equidistant from one another across a spectrum. Additionally, we have identified a few candidate genes with good prognostic information that could potentially be used for classifying cases with similar morphological appearances.
δEF1 associates with DNMT1 and maintains DNA methylation of the E‐cadherin promoter in breast cancer cells
Authors: Fukagawa Akihiko , Ishii Hiroki , Miyazawa Keiji , Saitoh Masao
Published: October 2014

Abnormal DNA methylation at the C‐5 position of cytosine (5mC) of CpG dinucleotides is a well‐known epigenetic feature of cancer. Levels of E‐cadherin, which is regularly expressed in epithelial tissues, are frequently reduced in epithelial tumors due to transcriptional repression, sometimes accompanied by hypermethylation of the promoter region. δEF1 family proteins (δEF1/ZEB1 and SIP1/ZEB2), key regulators of the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), suppress E‐cadherin expression at the transcriptional level. We recently showed that levels of mRNAs encoding δEF1 proteins are regulated reciprocally with E‐cadherin level in breast cancer cells. Here, we examined the mechanism underlying downregulation of E‐cadherin expression in three basal‐type breast cancer cells in which the E‐cadherin promoter region is hypermethylated (Hs578T) or moderately methylated (BT549 and MDA‐MB‐231). Regardless of methylation status, treatment with 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐aza), which inhibits DNA methyltransferases, had no effect on E‐cadherin expression. Knockdown of δEF1 and SIP1 resulted in recovery of E‐cadherin expression in cells lacking hypermethylation, whereas combined treatment with 5‐aza synergistically restored E‐cadherin expression, especially when the E‐cadherin promoter was hypermethylated. Moreover, δEF1 interacted with DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) through the Smad‐binding domain. Sustained knockdown of δEF1 family proteins reduced the number of 5mC sites in the E‐cadherin promoter region, suggesting that these proteins maintain 5mC through interaction with DNMT1 in breast cancer cells. Thus, δEF1 family proteins appear to repress expression of E‐cadherin during cancer progression, both directly at the transcriptional level and indirectly at the epigenetic level.
A strange lupus‐like malar rash with renal involvement: an angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma – A case report
Authors: Dalbeni Andrea , Gomarasca Luca , Bellocchi Maria C. , Nuvolari Roberta , Bertagnin Matteo , Imbalzano Egidio , Fondrieschi Luigi , Minuz Pietro
Published: October 2014

Key Clinical Message

Cutaneous malar rash and kidney involvement has not previously been reported as presenting symptoms of an angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL). We report a case of a woman with erythematous rash. A PET‐CT revealed a lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. An inguinal lymph node biopsy showed an AITL. There was clinical improvement after prednisone.
Prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 6q25.3‐qter and monosomy 10q26.12‐qter by array CGH in a fetus with an apparently normal karyotype
Authors: Marinescu Ponnila S. , Saller Devereux N. , Parks W. Tony , Yatsenko Svetlana A. , Rajkovic Aleksandar
Published: October 2014

Key Clinical Message

We present the prenatal case of a 12.5‐Mb duplication involving 6q25‐qter and a 12.2‐Mb deletion encompassing 10q26‐qter diagnosed by aCGH, while conventional karyotype showed normal results. The genotype–phenotype correlation between individual microarray and clinical findings adds to the emerging atlas of chromosomal abnormalities associated with specific prenatal ultrasound abnormalities.
A case of metastasis‐induced acute pancreatitis in a patient with small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yamanashi Keiji , Marumo Satoshi , Saitoh Motoh , Kato Motokazu
Published: October 2014

Key Clinical Message

We report a rare case of metastasis‐induced acute pancreatitis (MIAP) from small cell lung cancer (SCLC) diagnosed on autopsy, indicating a diagnosis of MIAP with SCLC. Our case suggests that MIAP can arise as a complication of SCLC and has an extremely poor prognosis.
Tautomerism and Atropisomerism in Free‐Base (meso)‐Strapped Porphyrins: Static and Dynamic Aspects
Authors: Urbani Maxence , Torres Tomás
Published: October 2014

We report herein some outstanding examples of atropisomerism and tautomerism in five (meso‐)strapped porphyrins. Porphyrins S0–S4 have been synthesised, characterised and studied in detail by spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques, and their isomeric purity verified by HPLC analysis. In particular, they exhibit perfectly well‐defined NMR spectra that display distinct patterns depending on their average symmetry at room temperature: C2v, D2d, C2h, C2v, and D2h for S0–S4, respectively. NH tautomerism was evidenced by variable‐low‐temperature 1H NMR experiments in [D2]dichloromethane performed on S0 (Δ${G{{{\ne}\hfill \atop {\rm 298K}\hfill}}}$=48±1 kJ mol−1) and S1 (Δ${G{{{\ne}\hfill \atop {\rm 298K}\hfill}}}$=55±3 kJ mol−1), which has led to an understanding of the average spectra observed for the five porphyrins at room temperature. On the other hand, S2 and S3 are stable atropisomers at room temperature, easily separated and characterised, as a result of restricted rotation of their strapped bridges due to their high rotational barrier energies. Upon heating to 82 °C, they slowly equilibrate to a thermodynamic ratio of 64:36 in favour of the more stable S2 isomer. This atropisomerisation process was evidenced by 1H NMR spectroscopy and monitored by HPLC, from which high rotational energy barriers of 115.2 (Δ${G{{{\ne}\hfill \atop {\rm S2}\rightarrow {\rm S3}\hfill}}}$) and 116.9 kJ mol−1 (Δ${G{{{\ne}\hfill \atop {\rm S2}\rightarrow {\rm S3}\hfill}}}$) were deduced.
Pyranoside‐into‐Furanoside Rearrangement: New Reaction in Carbohydrate Chemistry and Its Application in Oligosaccharide Synthesis
Authors: Krylov Vadim B. , Argunov Dmitry A. , Vinnitskiy Dmitry Z. , Verkhnyatskaya Stella A. , Gerbst Alexey G. , Ustyuzhanina Nadezhda E. , Dmitrenok Andrey S. , Huebner Johannes , Holst Otto , Siebert Hans‐Christian , Nifantiev Nikolay E.
Published: October 2014

Great interest in natural furanoside‐containing compounds has challenged the development of preparative methods for their synthesis. Herein a novel reaction in carbohydrate chemistry, namely a pyranoside‐into‐furanoside (PIF) rearrangement permitting the transformation of selectively O‐substituted pyranosides into the corresponding furanosides is reported. The discovered process includes acid‐promoted sulfation accompanied by rearrangement of the pyranoside ring into a furanoside ring followed by solvolytic O‐desulfation. This process, which has no analogy in organic chemistry, was shown to be a very useful tool for the synthesis of furanoside‐containing complex oligosaccharides, which was demonstrated by synthesizing disaccharide derivatives α‐D‐Galp‐(1→3)‐β‐D‐Galf‐OPr, 3‐O‐s‐lactyl‐β‐D‐Galf‐(1→3)‐β‐D‐Glcp‐OPr, and α‐L‐Fucf‐(1→4)‐β‐D‐GlcpA‐OPr related to polysaccharides from the bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis and the brown seaweed Chordaria flagelliformis.
Influence of Dose and Route of Administration on the Enantioselective Pharmacokinetics of TJ0711 Hydrochloride in Rats
Authors: Sun Shuping , Fan Zhaoze , Hu Lei , Ma Yiming , Si Luqin , Qiu Jun , Li Gao
Published: October 2014

The enantioselective pharmacokinetics of TJ0711 hydrochloride were studied in rats given different doses of rac‐TJ0711 hydrochloride via intravenous and oral routes. R‐ and S‐TJ0711 hydrochloride were both rapidly absorbed, and the average AUC0‐∞ of R‐TJ0711 hydrochloride was greater than that of S‐TJ0711 hydrochloride after intragastric administration, with an R/S AUC ratio 1.11 and 1.35 for 30 and 50 mg/kg dose group, respectively. In contrast, the average AUC0‐∞ of R‐TJ0711 hydrochloride was smaller than that of S‐TJ0711 hydrochloride after intravenous injection, with an R/S AUC ratio 0.57 and 0.73 for 10 and 20 mg/kg dose group, respectively. R‐TJ0711 hydrochloride plasma half‐lives were shorter than those of S‐TJ0711 hydrochloride for all groups. AUC0‐4h and Cmax between the two enantiomers were significantly different after oral administration of 50 mg/kg dose of the racemate, while no significant differences between the two enantiomers were found for all the pharmacokinetic parameters of the 30 mg/kg dose group. Significant differences between the two enantiomers were detected for nearly all the pharmacokinetic parameters after intravenous administration, except for the VZ of 20 mg/kg dose group. This study suggests that dose and route of administration will influence the enantioselectivity in the pharmacokinetics of TJ0711 hydrochloride in rats. Chirality 27:53–57, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolation, Stereochemical Study, and Cytotoxic Activity of Isobenzofuran Derivatives From a Marine Streptomyces sp.
Authors: Zhang Shu‐Min , Zhang Hong‐Yu , Yang Sheng‐Xiang , Qu Cheng‐Lei , Xie Ze‐Ping , Pescitelli Gennaro
Published: October 2014

A new 1,3‐dihydroisobenzofuran derivative (1), together with its epimer (2), was isolated from marine Streptomyces sp. W007. The structure of the two compounds was established by extensive spectroscopic analysis and comparison with reported data. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by a combination of experimental and computational means, including J‐coupling analysis and nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) calculations, electronic circular dichroism (ECD), and optical rotation (OR) calculations. Compound 1 had no cytotoxicity against human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549, while compound 2 exhibited weak activity, suggesting that the biological activity depends on the configuration of a single chirality center. Chirality 27:82–87, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
[3H]UR‐DE257: Development of a Tritium‐Labeled Squaramide‐Type Selective Histamine H2 Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Baumeister Paul , Erdmann Daniela , Biselli Sabrina , Kagermeier Nicole , Elz Sigurd , Bernhardt Günther , Buschauer Armin
Published: October 2014

A series of new piperidinomethylphenoxypropylamine‐type histamine H2 receptor (H2R) antagonists with different substituted “urea equivalents” was synthesized and characterized in functional in vitro assays. Based on these data as selection criteria, radiosynthesis of N‐[6‐(3,4‐dioxo‐2‐{3‐[3‐(piperidin‐1‐ylmethyl)phenoxy]propylamino}cyclobut‐1‐enylamino)hexyl]‐(2,3‐3H2)propionic amide ([3H]UR‐DE257) was performed. The radioligand (specific activity: 63 Ci mmol−1) had high affinity for human, rat, and guinea pig H2R (hH2R, Sf9 cells: Kd, saturation binding: 31 nM, kinetic studies: 20 nM). UR‐DE257 revealed high H2R selectivity on membranes of Sf9 cells, expressing the respective hHxR subtype (Ki values: hH1R: >10 000 nM, hH2R: 28 nM, hH3R: 3800 nM, hH4R: >10 000 nM). In spite of insurmountable antagonism, probably due to rebinding of [3H]UR‐DE257 to the H2R (extended residence time), the title compound proved to be a valuable pharmacological tool for the determination of H2R affinities in competition binding assays.
A Fluorescent and Colorimetric Sensor for Nanomolar Detection of Co2+ in Water
Authors: Kuwar Anil , Patil Rahul , Singh Amanpreet , Bendre Ratnamala , Singh Narinder
Published: October 2014

A new disulfide‐based, imine‐linked fluorescent receptor 1 was processed into organic nanoparticles (ONPs) with an average particle size of 79 nm. The photophysical properties of the ONPs were evaluated by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy. Receptor 1 selectively recognized Co2+ ions in water with a detection limit down to 88 nm.
Comparative Studies on Rigid π Linker‐Based Organic Dyes: Structure–Property Relationships and Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Li Hairong , Koh Teck Ming , Hao Yan , Zhou Feng , Abe Yuichiro , Su Haibin , Hagfeldt Anders , Grimsdale Andrew C.
Published: October 2014

A series of six structurally correlated donor–π bridge–acceptor organic dyes were designed, synthesized, and applied as sensitizers in dye‐sensitized solar cells. Using the most widely studied donor (triarylamine) and cyclopenta[1,2‐b:5,4‐b′]dithiophene or cyclopenta[1,2‐b:5,4‐b′]dithiophene[2′,1′:4,5]thieno[2,3‐d]thiophene as π spacers, their structure–property relationships were investigated in depth by photophysical techniques and theoretical calculations. It was found that the photovoltaic performance of these dyes largely depends on their electronic structures, which requires synergistic interaction between donors and acceptors. Increasing the electron richness of the donor or the elongation of π‐conjugated bridges does not necessarily lead to higher performance. Rather, it is essential to rationally design the dyes by balancing their light‐harvesting capability with achieving suitable energy levels to guarantee unimpeded charge separation and transport.
A Short History of Atomic Layer Deposition: Tuomo Suntola's Atomic Layer Epitaxy
Authors: Puurunen Riikka L.
Published: October 2014

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a thin film growth technique based on the repeated use of separate, saturating gas‐solid reactions. The principle of ALD has been discovered twice; in the 1960s under the name “molecular layering” in the Soviet Union, and in the 1970s under the name “atomic layer epitaxy” (ALE) in Finland. In 2014, it is forty years since the filing of the worldwide patent on ALE as a method for the growth of compound thin films. This essay celebrates the fortieth anniversary of ALE‐ALD, briefly telling the story of ALE as shared by its Finnish inventor, Dr. Tuomo Suntola. Initially, ALE was aimed at the growth of high‐quality polycrystalline ZnS thin films for electroluminescent (EL) display panels. Gradually, the material selection of ALE increased, and the application areas were extended to photovoltaics, catalysis, semiconductor devices, and beyond. Fast, production‐worthy ALE reactors were imperative for industrial success. The unprejudiced creation of new technologies and products with ALE, initiated by Dr. Tuomo Suntola and led by him until early 1998, are an integral part of the Finnish industrial history, the fruits of which are seen today in numerous applications worldwide.
Comparison of Antidepressant‐Like and Abuse‐Related Effects of Phencyclidine in Rats
Authors: Hillhouse Todd M. , Porter Joseph H. , Negus S. Stevens
Published: October 2014

Preclinical Research

N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, such as ketamine, have emerged as novel candidate treatments for major depressive disorder, but abuse potential of these agents is a concern. The NMDA antagonist phencyclidine has known abuse liability but undefined efficacy as an antidepressant. To further evaluate the relationship between antidepressant‐like and abuse‐related effects of NMDA antagonists, this study evaluated the effects of phencyclidine (1.0–10.0 mg/kg) in male Sprague‐Dawley rats responding under two procedures that have been used to assess antidepressant‐like effects (differential‐reinforcement‐of‐low‐rate [DRL] 72 s schedule of food reinforcement; n = 9) and abuse‐related drug effects (intracranial self‐stimulation [ICSS]; n = 6). Under the DRL 72 s schedule, phencyclidine (10.0 mg/kg) increased reinforcers and decreased responses without shifting the peak location of the interresponse time (IRT) distribution. Ketamine (10.0 mg/kg) also increased reinforcers and decreased responses, but unlike phencyclidine, it produced a rightward shift in the peak location of the IRT distribution. The 10.0 mg/kg phencyclidine dose that decreased DRL 72 s responding also decreased rates of ICSS for 50 min after its administration; however, abuse‐related ICSS facilitation was observed at later times (100–300 min) or after a lower phencyclidine dose (3.2 mg/kg). These results suggest that phencyclidine produces weaker antidepressant‐like effects, but stronger abuse‐related effects than ketamine in these procedures.
Clinical outcome of critically ill, not fully recompensated, patients undergoing MitraClip therapy
Authors: Rudolph Volker , Huntgeburth Michael , von Bardeleben Ralph Stephan , Boekstegers Peter , Lubos Edith , Schillinger Wolfgang , Ouarrak Taoufik , Eggebrecht Holger , Butter Christian , Plicht Björn , May Andreas , Franzen Olaf , Schofer Joachim , Senges Jochen , Baldus Stephan
Published: October 2014

Aims

As periprocedural risk is low, MitraClip implantation is often performed in critically ill, not fully recompensated patients, who are in NYHA functional class IV at the time of the procedure, to accelerate convalescence. We herein sought to evaluate the procedural and 30‐day outcome of this patient group.

Methods and results

A total of 803 patients undergoing MitraClip implantation were included in the German Mitral Valve Registry, and 30‐day outcomes were prospectively assessed. Patients were separated based on NYHA functional class [(NYHA IV (n = 143), III (n = 572), and I/II (n = 88)]. No difference was noted in co‐morbities and echocardiographic parameters of LV function between groups. However, parameters of severity of mitral regurgitation (MR) were higher in NYHA IV patients. High procedural success rates and low residual MR grades at discharge were observed throughout all groups. In‐hospital major adverse cardiac events were similar between groups. Importantly, 30‐day mortality (8.0% vs. 3.2% vs. 4.8%; P < 0.05) was significantly higher in NYHA IV patients, whereas rehospitalization did not differ between groups. At 30 days, 47.6% of NYHA IV patients were still in NYHA class III or IV compared with 32.5% and 14.8% in the other groups (P < 0.05), although NYHA functional class decreased in 69% of patients. Quality of life, which was very poor at baseline, showed an overall improvement in NYHA IV patients after 30 days, with, for example, a reduction of bed‐ridden patients from 19.6% to 3.3%.

Conclusion

MitraClip therapy is feasible and safe even in critically ill, not fully recompensated patients and leads to symptomatic improvement in over two‐thirds of these patients; however, it is associated with an elevated 30‐day mortality.
Different regions of latest electrical activation during left bundle‐branch block and right ventricular pacing in cardiac resynchronization therapy patients determined by coronary venous electro‐anatomic mapping
Authors: Mafi Rad Masih , Blaauw Yuri , Dinh Trang , Pison Laurent , Crijns Harry J. , Prinzen Frits W. , Vernooy Kevin
Published: October 2014

Aim

Current targeted left ventricular (LV) lead placement strategy is directed at the latest activated region during intrinsic activation. However, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is most commonly applied by simultaneous LV and right ventricular (RV) pacing without contribution from intrinsic conduction. Therefore, targeting the LV lead to the latest activated region during RV pacing might be more appropriate. We investigated the difference in LV electrical activation sequence between left bundle‐branch block (LBBB) and RV apex (RVA) pacing using coronary venous electro‐anatomic mapping (EAM).

Methods and results

Twenty consecutive CRT candidates with LBBB underwent intra‐procedural coronary venous EAM during intrinsic activation and RVA pacing using EnSite NavX. Left ventricular lead placement was aimed at the latest activated region during LBBB according to current recommendations. In all patients, LBBB was associated with a circumferential LV activation pattern, whereas RVA pacing resulted in activation from the apex of the heart to the base. In 10 of 20 patients, RVA pacing shifted the latest activated region relative to LBBB. In 18 of 20 patients, the LV lead was successfully positioned in the latest activated region during LBBB. For the whole study population, LV lead electrical delay, expressed as percentage of QRS duration, was significantly shorter during RVA pacing than during LBBB (72 ± 13 vs. 82 ± 5%, P = 0.035).

Conclusion

Right ventricular apex pacing alters LV electrical activation pattern in CRT patients with LBBB, and shifts the latest activated region in a significant proportion of these patients. These findings warrant reconsideration of the current practice of LV lead targeting for CRT.
Tumor‐infiltrating dendritic cells exhibit defective cross‐presentation of tumor antigens, but is reversed by chemotherapy
Authors: McDonnell Alison M. , Lesterhuis Willem Joost , Khong Andrea , Nowak Anna K. , Lake Richard A. , Currie Andrew J. , Robinson Bruce W. S.
Published: October 2014

Cross‐presentation defines the unique capacity of an APC to present exogenous Ag via MHC class I molecules to CD8+ T cells. DCs are specialized cross‐presenting cells and as such have a critical role in antitumor immunity. DCs are routinely found within the tumor microenvironment, but their capacity for endogenous or therapeutically enhanced cross‐presentation is not well characterized. In this study, we examined the tumor and lymph node DC cross‐presentation of a nominal marker tumor Ag, HA, expressed by the murine mesothelioma tumor AB1‐HA. We found that tumors were infiltrated by predominantly CD11b+ DCs with a semimature phenotype that could not cross‐present tumor Ag, and therefore, were unable to induce tumor‐specific T‐cell activation or proliferation. Although tumor‐infiltrating DCs were able to take up, process, and cross‐present exogenous cell‐bound and soluble Ags, this was significantly impaired relative to lymph node DCs. Importantly, however, systemic chemotherapy using gemcitabine reversed the defect in Ag cross‐presentation of tumor DCs. These data demonstrate that DC cross‐presentation within the tumor microenvironment is defective, but can be reversed by chemotherapy. These results have important implications for anticancer therapy, particularly regarding the use of immunotherapy in conjunction with cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Functionalization of the Benzylic C–H Bonds in Azaarenes by Cobalt‐Catalyzed 1,4‐Addition to Enones
Authors: Jamal Zaini , Teo Yong‐Chua , Wong Ling‐Keong
Published: October 2014

Functionalization of the C(sp3)–H bonds in azaarenes was catalyzed by CoCl2 as an inexpensive Lewis acid catalyst. Enones were demonstrated to be good C=C electrophilic acceptors for the construction of various azaarene‐containing 1,4‐addition products in yields of up to 95 %.
Impedimetric DNA‐Based Biosensor for Silver Ions Detection with Hemin/G‐Quadruplex Nanowire as Enhancer
Authors: Liu Guangpeng , Yuan Yali , Wei Shiqiang , Zhang Dujian
Published: October 2014

A DNA‐based biosensor was reported for detection of silver ions (Ag+) by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with [Fe(CN)6]4−/3− as redox probe and hybridization chain reaction (HCR) induced hemin/G‐quadruplex nanowire as enhanced label. In the present of target Ag+, Ag+ interacted with cytosine‐cytosine (CC) mismatch to form the stable CAg+C complex with the aim of immobilizing the primer DNA on electrode, which thus triggered the HCR to form inert hemin/G‐quadruplex nanowire with an amplified EIS signal. As a result, the DNA biosensor showed a high sensitivity with the concentration range spanning from 0.1 nM to 100 µM and a detection limit of 0.05 nM.
Residual displacements of RC structures as SDOF systems
Authors: Liossatou Eftychia , Fardis Michael N.
Published: October 2014

Residual displacements are sensitive to ground motion details, hence more random than peak inelastic displacements. Among the factors with systematic impact on residual displacements, the post‐yield‐stiffness‐ratio has been studied thoroughly; its effects are not investigated further. Concerning another important factor, the hysteresis law, past studies have focused on the bilinear model, which does not represent concrete structures. Residual displacements from nonlinear response‐history analyses of bilinear systems are compared to those from models tuned to concrete structures, conforming to modern codes, deficient or intermediate. Deficient‐type structures, with their narrow, almost self‐centering hysteresis loops, develop markedly smaller residual displacements than those with stable energy‐dissipating behavior. A velocity pulse in the motion increases peak inelastic and residual displacements by about the same proportion. As a fraction of the peak inelastic or spectral displacement, residual displacements are on average almost independent of the period and increase when the lateral strength ratio increases, reaching a limit at a lateral strength ratio of 2 to 5. Peak inelastic displacements are a better basis for estimation of residual displacements than spectral ones: the ratio of the two is almost independent of the period, the lateral strength ratio (beyond values of 2 to 3) and velocity pulses. The spectrum of the ratio of residual displacement to peak inelastic or spectral displacement is considered as a random process of period; its mean and variance functions, marginal probability distributions and autocorrelation functions are given in terms of the lateral strength ratio, the hysteresis model and the presence of a velocity pulse. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Critical review of mercury sediment quality values for the protection of benthic invertebrates
Authors: Conder Jason M. , Fuchsman Phyllis C. , Grover Melissa M. , Magar Victor S. , Henning Miranda H.
Published: October 2014

Sediment quality values (SQV) are commonly used—and misused—to characterize the need for investigation, understand causes of observed effects, and derive management strategies to protect benthic invertebrates from direct toxic effects. The authors compiled more than 40 SQVs for mercury, nearly all of which are “co-occurrence” SQVs derived from databases of paired chemistry and benthic invertebrate effects data obtained from field-collected sediment. Co-occurrence SQVs are not derived in a manner that reflects cause–effect, concentration–response relationships for individual chemicals such as mercury, because multiple potential stressors often co-occur in the data sets used to derive SQVs. The authors assembled alternative data to characterize mercury-specific effect thresholds, including results of 7 laboratory studies with mercury-spiked sediments and 23 studies at mercury-contaminated sites (e.g., chloralkali facilities, mercury mines). The median (± interquartile range) co-occurrence SQVs associated with a lack of effects (0.16 mg/kg [0.13–0.20 mg/kg]) or a potential for effects (0.88 mg/kg [0.50–1.4 mg/kg]) were orders of magnitude lower than no-observed-effect concentrations reported in mercury-spiked toxicity studies (3.3 mg/kg [1.1–9.4 mg/kg]) and mercury site investigations (22 mg/kg [3.8–66 mg/kg]). Additionally, there was a high degree of overlap between co-occurrence SQVs and background mercury levels. Although SQVs are appropriate only for initial screening, they are commonly misused for characterizing or managing risks at mercury-contaminated sites. Spiked sediment and site data provide more appropriate and useful alternative information for characterization and management purposes. Further research is recommended to refine mercury effect thresholds for sediment that address the bioavailability and causal effects of mercury exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:6–21. © 2014 SETAC
Derivation of a water quality guideline for aluminium in marine waters
Authors: Golding Lisa A. , Angel Brad M. , Batley Graeme E. , Apte Simon C. , Krassoi Rick , Doyle Chris J.
Published: October 2014

Metal risk assessment of industrialized harbors and coastal marine waters requires the application of robust water quality guidelines to determine the likelihood of biological impacts. Currently there is no such guideline available for aluminium in marine waters. A water quality guideline of 24 µg total Al/L has been developed for aluminium in marine waters based on chronic 10% inhibition or effect concentrations (IC10 or EC10) and no-observed-effect concentrations (NOECs) from 11 species (2 literature values and 9 species tested including temperate and tropical species) representing 6 taxonomic groups. The 3 most sensitive species tested were a diatom Ceratoneis closterium (formerly Nitzschia closterium; IC10 = 18 µg Al/L, 72-h growth rate inhibition) < mussel Mytilus edulis plannulatus (EC10 = 250 µg Al/L, 72-h embryo development) < oyster Saccostrea echinata (EC10 = 410 µg Al/L, 48-h embryo development). Toxicity to these species was the result of the dissolved aluminium forms of aluminate (Al(OH4−) and aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH)30) although both dissolved, and particulate aluminium contributed to toxicity in the diatom Minutocellus polymorphus and green alga Dunaliella tertiolecta. In contrast, aluminium toxicity to the green flagellate alga Tetraselmis sp. was the result of particulate aluminium only. Four species, a brown macroalga (Hormosira banksii), sea urchin embryo (Heliocidaris tuberculata), and 2 juvenile fish species (Lates calcarifer and Acanthochromis polyacanthus), were not adversely affected at the highest test concentration used. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:141–151. © 2014 SETAC
Selenium tissue burden compartmentalization in resident white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) of the San Francisco Bay Delta estuary
Authors: Linares‐Casenave Javier , Linville R. , Van Eenennaam J.P. , Muguet J.B. , Doroshov S.I.
Published: October 2014

High selenium (Se) loads in the San Francisco Bay Delta are bioaccumulated and biomagnified in food webs and can impair the reproduction of resident oviparous animals such as white sturgeon. The objective of the present study was to determine the Se tissue burden in San Francisco Bay Delta–resident white sturgeon to assess Se bioaccumulation in different organs, including ovaries and liver where egg yolk precursor proteins are synthesized. The authors obtained 54 San Francisco Bay Delta–resident white sturgeon including 26 female and 28 male subadults with immature gonads, 8 females with vitellogenic eggs, and 13 males with maturing gonads. Length, weight, age, reproductive stage of development, and kidney, liver, gonad, and muscle Se concentrations were determined in all fish. Concentrations of Se in muscle, gonads, and liver significantly increased with fish size, whereas kidney Se was not correlated to body size and was at the highest level compared with other organs. There was no difference between the sexes (p > 0.05) in Se concentrations in kidney (12.83 ± 0.51 µg · g−1 dry wt), liver (11.85 ± 1.04 µg · g−1 dry wt), and muscle (7.09 ± 0.52 µg · g−1 dry wt; mean ± standard error, n = 47); but Se concentration was higher in the ovary than in testis (p = 0.04). Females with vitellogenic eggs had higher Se concentrations in the ovaries (20.77 ± 4.11 µg · g−1 dry wt vs 5.22 ± 2.50 µg · g−1 dry wt), liver (21.84 ± 2.07 µg · g−1 dry wt vs 8.03 ± 1.03 µg · g−1 dry wt), and muscle (10.18 ± 1.93 µg · g−1 dry wt vs 5.48 ± 0.64 µg · g−1 dry wt) compared with less advanced, previtellogenic females (p < 0.05). The elevated Se concentrations in the ovaries and liver of vitellogenic San Francisco Bay Delta white sturgeon were comparable with levels previously shown to cause reproductive toxicity in dietary Se experiments with captive white sturgeon. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:152–160. © 2014 SETAC
The effects of phosphate on arsenic uptake and toxicity alleviation in tobacco genotypes with differing arsenic tolerances
Authors: Zvobgo Gerald , Hu Hongliang , Shang Shenghua , Shamsi Imran Haider , Zhang Guoping
Published: October 2014

Phosphate (PO43–) has been reported to suppress arsenate (Asv) uptake in plants. However, its effects on controlling the availability of Asv in tobacco genotypes with different arsenic (As) tolerances has not been fully explored. In the present study, the effects of PO43– on Asv uptake were investigated in a hydroponic culture using 2 tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) genotypes (ZY90 and FSMY) that differed in Asv tolerance. A total of 9 treatment combinations comprising Asv treatments of 0 µM, 10 µM, and 100 µM and PO43– treatments of 0 µM, 50 µM, and 500 µM were used. The results showed that ZY90 had greater reductions in leaf photosynthetic parameters, root and shoot dry weight, length, and nutrient content than did FSMY when exposed to Asv stress. The addition of 500 µM external PO43– significantly suppressed Asv (100 µM) uptake in both FSMY and ZY90, with the effect being more pronounced in FSMY. Greater PO43– uptake in plants significantly reduced the influx of Asv, causing an increase in photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. Phosphate supply increased superoxide dismutase activity, catalase activity, and malondialdehyde content. The present study showed that PO43– is an effective competitive inhibitor of Asv, and it can be effectively used to control Asv accumulation in tobacco plants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:45–52. © 2014 SETAC
A Reform in Search of a Purpose: French Insolvency Law Changes (Again!)
Authors: Omar Paul J.
Published: October 2014

This article charts the additions made by the French legislator to the insolvency framework, reformed relatively recently in 2005 and 2008, consisting in a fresh set of amendments in 2014 aimed at encouraging more take up of upstream rescue proceedings as well as improving the existing procedures.
Circumference and Pathwidth of Highly Connected Graphs
Authors: Marshall Emily A. , Wood David R.
Published: October 2014

Birmele [J Graph Theory 2003] proved that every graph with circumference t has treewidth at most . Under the additional assumption of 2‐connectivity, such graphs have bounded pathwidth, which is a qualitatively stronger conclusion. Birmele's theorem was extended by Birmele et al. [Combinatorica 2007] who showed that every graph without k disjoint cycles of length at least t has treewidth . Our main result states that, under the additional assumption of ‐connectivity, such graphs have bounded pathwidth. In fact, they have pathwidth . Moreover, examples show that ‐connectivity is required for bounded pathwidth to hold. These results suggest the following general question: for which values of k and graphs H does every k‐connected H‐minor‐free graph have bounded pathwidth? We discuss this question and provide a few observations.
On a Conjecture of Erdős, Gallai, and Tuza
Authors: Puleo Gregory J.
Published: October 2014

Erdős, Gallai, and Tuza posed the following problem: given an n‐vertex graph G, let denote the smallest size of a set of edges whose deletion makes G triangle‐free, and let denote the largest size of a set of edges containing at most one edge from each triangle of G. Is it always the case that ? We have two main results. We first obtain the upper bound , as a partial result toward the Erdős–Gallai–Tuza conjecture. We also show that always , where m is the number of edges in G; this bound is sharp in several notable cases.
Statistical detection of spurious variations in daily raingauge data caused by changes in observation practices, as applied to records from various parts of the world
Authors: Sugahara Shigetoshi , da Rocha Rosmeri Porfirio , Ynoue Rita Yuri , da Silveira Reinaldo Bomfim
Published: October 2014

In the instrumental records of daily precipitation, we often encounter one or more periods in which values below some threshold were not registered. Such periods, besides lacking small values, also have a large number of dry days. Their cumulative distribution function is shifted to the right in relation to that for other portions of the record having more reliable observations. Such problems are examined in this work, based mostly on the two‐sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) test, where the portion of the series with more number of dry days is compared with the portion with less number of dry days. Another relatively common problem in daily rainfall data is the prevalence of integers either throughout the period of record or in some part of it, likely resulting from truncation during data compilation prior to archiving or by coarse rounding of daily readings by observers. This problem is identified by simple calculation of the proportion of integers in the series, taking the expected proportion as 10%. The above two procedures were applied to the daily rainfall data sets from the European Climate Assessment (ECA), Southeast Asian Climate Assessment (SACA), and Brazilian Water Resources Agency (BRA). Taking the statistic D of the KS test >0.15 and the corresponding p‐value <0.001 as the condition to classify a given series as suspicious, the proportions of the ECA, SACA, and BRA series falling into this category are, respectively, 34.5%, 54.3%, and 62.5%. With relation to coarse rounding problem, the proportions of series exceeding twice the 10% reference level are 3%, 60%, and 43% for the ECA, SACA, and BRA data sets, respectively. A simple way to visualize the two problems addressed here is by plotting the time series of daily rainfall for a limited range, for instance, 0–10 mm day−1.
Holocene vegetation history, precipitation changes and Indian Summer Monsoon evolution documented from sediments of Xingyun Lake, south‐west China
Authors: CHEN FAHU , CHEN XUEMEI , CHEN JIANHUI , ZHOU AIFENG , WU DUO , TANG LINGYU , ZHANG XIAOJIAN , HUANG XIAOZHONG , YU JUNQING
Published: October 2014

We present a pollen‐based precipitation reconstruction and multi‐proxy records from a 485‐cm‐long sequence from a sediment core from Xingyun Lake, Yunnan Plateau, south‐west China, which depicts the evolution of the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) during the last 8500 years. Pollen and other palaeoenvironmental records document several stages of vegetation history and climate change. The warmest and wettest climate in the Xingyun Lake catchment occurred before 5500 cal a BP, and subsequently the climate became gradually drier. After 2000 cal a BP the regional environmental conditions became unstable, and a wet Medieval Warm Period is probably recorded. Our reconstruction of the ISM is similar to that portrayed by Holocene speleothem δ18O records from southern China, but is distinctly different from the East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) evolution, which features a mid‐Holocene maximum. Our results support the hypothesis that the ISM and EASM evolved asynchronously during the Holocene, and imply that the Chinese speleothem δ18O records from southern China may principally reflect changes in moisture source from the Indian monsoon domain, and thus record the history of the ISM rather than the EASM.
Lateglacial cryptotephra detected within clay varves in Östergötland, south‐east Sweden
Authors: MACLEOD A. , BRUNNBERG L. , WASTEGÅRD S. , HANG T. , MATTHEWS I. P.
Published: October 2014

Here we present a 710‐year‐long floating varve record from south‐east Sweden. Tephra analyses confirm the presence of the rhyolitic Vedde Ash preserved within two consecutive varve years, confirming the Younger Dryas age of the varve series. This permits, for the first time, direct correlation of Swedish varved clay with other records of equivalent resolution which also preserve the Vedde Ash and demonstrates that the potential exists to independently date the Swedish Timescale. This discovery will allow direct comparison of rates, timing and duration of key climatic events across Europe and the North Atlantic region in records of equivalent resolution.
Using palaeoenvironmental DNA to reconstruct past environments: progress and prospects
Authors: RAWLENCE NICOLAS J. , LOWE DAVID J. , WOOD JAMIE R. , YOUNG JENNIFER M. , CHURCHMAN G. JOCK , HUANG YU‐TUAN , COOPER ALAN
Published: October 2014

Palaeoenvironmental DNA (PalEnDNA) is defined as ancient DNA (aDNA) originating from disseminated genetic material within palaeoenvironmental samples. Sources of PalEnDNA include marine and lake sediments, peat, loess, till, ice, permafrost, palaeosols, coprolites, preserved gut contents, dental calculus, tephras, and soils as well as deposits in caves/rockshelters and at archaeological sites. PalEnDNA analysis provides a relatively new tool for Quaternary and archaeological sciences and its applications have included palaeoenvironmental and palaeodietary reconstructions, testing hypotheses regarding megafaunal extinctions, human–environment interactions, taxonomic studies, and studies of DNA damage. Because PalEnDNA samples comprise markedly different materials, and represent wide‐ranging depositional and taphonomic contexts, various issues must be addressed to achieve robust, reproducible findings. Such issues include climatic and temporal limitations, the biological origin and state (free versus bound) of PalEnDNA, stratigraphic reliability, sterile sampling, ability to distinguish modern from aDNA signals, DNA damage and PCR amplification, DNA extraction methods, and taxonomic resolution. In this review, we provide a non‐specialist introduction to the use of PalEnDNA for Quaternary and archaeological researchers, assess attributes and limitations of this palaeoenvironmental tool, and discuss future prospects of using PalEnDNA to reconstruct past environments.
Antioxidant activity and essential oil composition of Satureja hortensis L. as influenced by sulfur fertilizer
Authors: Najafian Sharareh , Zahedifar Maryam
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

The quantity and quality of essential oils in plants can be influenced by various factors, including genetic traits, agricultural practices and environmental conditions such as nutrient availability. Macronutrients such as sulfur (S) are among the major factors influencing plant growth and development. Therefore this study was carried out to determine the effect of S fertilization at three levels (0, 0.05 and 0.1 g S kg−1 soil) on the essential oil composition and antioxidant activity of Satureja hortensis L.

RESULTS

Application of 0.05 g S kg−1 soil increased the levels of α‐terpinene, p‐cymene, myrcene, α‐thujene and α‐pinene but decreased the level of γ‐terpinene in the essential oil. This S application was most suitable for obtaining higher proportions of α‐terpinene, p‐cymene, myrcene, α‐thujene and α‐pinene, while application of 0.1 g S kg−1 soil was preferable for carvacrol. γ‐Terpinene was most abundant in the control. All extracts showed a considerable DPPH‐inhibitory effect, with IC50 ranging from 0.720 g L−1 in the control to 0.363 g L−1 with application of 0.1 g S kg−1 soil. The maximum antioxidant effect was observed with application of 0.1 g S kg−1 soil.

CONCLUSION

The results revealed that the use of chemical fertilizers such as S could improve the antioxidant activity of plant extracts significantly. Studying the secondary plant metabolites, mainly essential oils, is an interesting research area, so further studies are recommended to determine the effect of chemical fertilizers on the composition and antioxidant activity of essential oils of other aromatic plants. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry