bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Katalysatoren des Leuna Werkes 1945 – 1991: Von der Empirie zur Wissenschaft. Teil II: Reformier‐ und Isomerisierungskatalysatoren
Authors: Becker Karl
Published: March 2016

Im ersten Teil dieser Veröffentlichungsreihe wurde der Weg der Entwicklung und Fertigung technischer Katalysatoren im Leuna Werk von 1921 – 1945 dargestellt. Mit diesem und nachfolgenden Teilen wird die Welt der Leuna‐Katalysatoren in der Zeit von 1945 – 1991 beschrieben. Unter komplizierten und völlig anderen Rahmenbedingungen wurde eine leistungsfähige Produktion neuer Katalysatoren aufgebaut und damit verbunden eine ebenso leistungsfähige Forschung. Da der erste neue Katalysator nach dem Krieg ein Reformierkatalysator war, wird hier zunächst der Entwicklungsweg dieser Katalysatorgruppe und der ihnen nahestehenden Isomerisierungskatalysatoren nachvollzogen.
Steviosid aus Süßkraut
Authors: Reuß Franziska , Zeller Klaus‐Peter , Siehl Hans‐Ullrich , Berger Stefan , Sicker Dieter
Published: March 2016

Das Diterpenglykosid Steviosid ist das häufigste in einer Gruppe süß schmeckender Steviolglykoside, die im Süßkraut (Stevia rebaudiana) vorkommen. Es stammt aus Paraguay und wurde bereits von den Guarani‐Indianern genutzt. 2011 EU‐weit als Lebensmittelzusatzstoff E 960 (Süßstoff) zugelassen, schmecken diese Naturstoffe etwa 250mal süßer als Zucker (Saccharose). Sie haben inzwischen beträchtliche Bekanntheit erlangt, nicht zuletzt nach ihren Nutzung in Coca Cola life®. Wir beschreiben die Isolierung von Steviosid und des verwandten Rebaudiosids A aus getrockneten Blättern des Süßkrauts und dazu den kompletten Satz Spektren für Steviosid. Dieser Artikel gehört zur Reihe über die Isolierung und Spektroskopie von Naturstoffen und fußt auf einer Bachelorarbeit.
Distribution of concentration of coarse particle‐water mixture in horizontal smooth pipe
Authors: Vlasak Pavel , Chara Zdenek , Konfrst Jiri , Krupicka Jan
Published: March 2016

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the effects of mixture velocity and overall concentration on local concentration of coarse particles conveyed by water in a smooth horizontal pipe. A fraction of basalt pebbles with a narrow particle size distribution and particle sizes ranging from 8–16 mm was used as the solid phase. The mixture flow behaviour and concentration distribution were investigated in an experimental pipeline loop of inner diameter 100 mm. In a pipe cross‐section, the local particle concentration distribution (chord‐averaged concentration profiles and concentration maps) was measured using a γ‐ray densitometer and compared with the model proposed by Gillies and Shook. This study confirms the existence of significant stratification of the studied mixtures and stresses the importance of saltation movement in the transport of coarse particles in a pipe. The difference between measured and predicted chord‐averaged concentration profiles decreased with increasing mixture velocity and mean concentration.
Experimental evaluation of bed friction and solids transport in steep flume
Authors: Matoušek Václav , Bareš Vojtěch , Krupička Jan , Picek Tomáš , Zrostlík Štěpán
Published: March 2016

Experimental data on bed friction and solids transport in an open‐channel flow at high bed shear are presented in this paper together with a discussion using analytical developments. Experiments were carried out using plastic particles transported in water above an erodible bed in a tilting flume. They confirmed that bed friction is affected by transport of solids for large bed shear stresses in the upper plane bed regime. Similarities in flow conditions were also observed between open‐channel flows in steep slopes with intense solids transport, and stratified flows in slurry pipes. Furthermore, the experiments revealed two different sub‐regimes for the upper plane bed regime in open channels. Formulae for the friction coefficient and the solids flowrate were proposed for an erodible bed with a developed shear layer. Measured velocity distribution indicated a linear velocity profile across a major part of the shear layer.
Die Repräsentation der Natur der Naturwissenschaften in Schulbüchern
Authors: Marniok Karl , Reiners Christiane S.
Published: March 2016

Zahlreiche Studien belegen, dass sowohl unter Lernenden als auch unter Lehrenden unangemessene Vorstellungen und Klischees über das Wesen naturwissenschaftlicher Forschung verbreitet sind. Um diesem Defizit zu begegnen, könnten Schulbücher einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Verbesserung leisten, sofern sie ein angemessenes Bild von naturwissenschaftlichen Denk‐ und Arbeitsweisen vermitteln. In dieser Analyse wurden Chemiebücher für Gymnasien in Nordrhein‐Westfalen auf zehn bedeutende Aspekte naturwissenschaftlicher Forschung untersucht und mit Punktzahlen bewertet. Die Ergebnisse werden am Ende tabellarisch zusammengefasst, verglichen und gedeutet.
Effect of Transition Metals on Polysialic Acid Structure and Functions
Authors: Murthy Raghavendra Vasudeva , Bharate Priya , Gade Madhuri , Sangabathuni Sivakoti , Kikkeri Raghavendra
Published: March 2016

Polysialic acid (PSA) is one of the most abundant glycopolymer present in embryonic brain, and it is known to be involved in key roles such as plasticity in the central nervous system, cell adhesion, migration and localization of neurotrophins. However, in adult brain, its expression is quite low. The exception to this is in Alzheimer′s disease (AD) brain, where significantly increased levels of polysilylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA‐NCAM) have been reported. Here, we confirm the role of PSA as a metal chelator, allowing it to decrease cytotoxicity caused by high levels of transition metals, commonly found in AD brain, and as a regulator of cell behavior. UV‐visible (UV‐vis) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) techniques were used to investigate the assembly of PSA–metals complexes. These PSA–metal complexes exhibited less toxicity compared to free metal ions, and in particular, the PSA–Cu2+ complex synergistically promoted neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells.
A Dual‐Targeting Octaguanidine–Doxorubicin Conjugate Transporter for Inducing Caspase‐Mediated Apoptosis on Folate‐Expressing Cancer Cells
Authors: Nair Jyothi B. , Joseph Manu M. , Mohapatra Saswat , Safeera M. , Ghosh Surajit , Sreelekha T. T. , Maiti Kaustabh Kumar
Published: March 2016

An efficient synthetic framework was assembled (G8‐FKE‐FA‐Dox), consisting of a lysosome‐targeting octaguanidine molecular transporter with a cathepsin B (cath B)‐specific peptide substrate, folic acid, and the potent chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (Dox). Because the folate receptor (FR) and cath B are overexpressed in malignant cells, this transporter conjugate successfully executed lysosome‐mediated transport of Dox to FR‐positive tumor cells, illustrating this framework as an excellent targeted drug delivery system (TDDS). G8‐FKE‐FA‐Dox was shown to exhibit selective toxicity toward FR‐overexpressing cancer cells, with an IC50 value superior to that of the USFDA‐approved LipodoxTM and proportional to that of free Dox via selective induction of apoptosis by the activation of caspases 8, 9, and 3. This TDDS was observed to be nontoxic to red blood cells and lymphocytes at neutral pH. Furthermore the tumor‐targeting dissemination pattern of this system was revealed by monitoring the in vivo biodistribution of the carrier (G8‐FKE‐FA‐FL) in normal and FR‐overexpressing tumor‐bearing mice.
Characterization of the Binding of Hydroxyindole, Indoleacetic acid, and Morpholinoaniline to the Salmonella Type III Secretion System Proteins SipD and SipB
Authors: McShan Andrew C. , Anbanandam Asokan , Patnaik Sikta , De Guzman Roberto N.
Published: March 2016

Many Gram‐negative bacteria require the type III secretion system (T3SS) to cause infectious diseases in humans. A looming public health problem is that all bacterial pathogens that require the T3SS to cause infectious diseases in humans have developed multidrug resistance to current antibiotics. The T3SS is an attractive target for the development of new antibiotics because of its critical role in virulence. An initial step in developing anti‐T3SS‐based therapeutics is the identification of small molecules that can bind to T3SS proteins. Currently, the only small molecules that are known to bind to the Salmonella T3SS proteins SipD and SipB are bile salts (to SipD) and sphingolipids and cholesterol (to SipB). Herein we report the results of a surface plasmon resonance screen of 288 compounds wherein the binding of 4‐morpholinoaniline to SipD, 3‐indoleacetic acid to SipB, and 5‐hydroxyindole to both SipD and SipB were identified. We also identified by NMR the SipD surfaces involved in binding. These three compounds represent a new class of molecules that can bind to T3SS tip (SipD) and translocon (SipB) proteins that could find use in future drug design.
Comparison of small animal CT contrast agents
Authors: Mannheim Julia G. , Schlichthaerle Thomas , Kuebler Laura , Quintanilla‐Martinez Leticia , Kohlhofer Ursula , Kneilling Manfred , Pichler Bernd J.
Published: March 2016

Non‐invasive in vivo small animal computed tomography (CT) imaging provides high resolution bone scans but cannot differentiate between soft tissues. For most applications injections of contrast agents (CAs) are necessary. Aim of this study was to uncover the advantages and disadvantages of commercially available CT CAs (ExiTron nano 12 000 and 6000, eXIA 160 and 160XL, Fenestra VC and LC) regarding their pharmacokinetics, toxicological side‐effects and the influence of anesthesia on the biodistribution, based on an injection volume of 100 μL/25 g body weight. The pharmacokinetics of the CAs were determined for up to five days. The CA‐induced toxicological/physiological side‐effects were evaluated by determining blood counts, liver enzymes, thyroxine and total protein values, pro‐inflammatory mediators (messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)), histology and immunohistochemistry. ExiTron nano 12 000 and 6000 yielded a long‐term contrast enhancement (CE) in the liver and spleen for up to five days. Some of the evaluated CAs did not show any CE at all. Anesthesia did not impair the CAs' biodistribution. The CAs differentially affected the body weight, blood counts, liver enzymes, thyroxine and total protein values. ExiTron nano 12 000 and 6000 induced histiocytes in the liver and spleen. Moreover, ExiTron nano 12 000 and eXIA 160 enhanced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) mRNA expression levels in the kidneys. Thus, we recommend ExiTron nano 12 000 and 6000 when multiple injections should be avoided. We recommend careful selection of the employed CA in order to achieve an acceptable CE in the organs of interest and to avoid influences on the animal physiology. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uveal melanoma: From diagnosis to treatment and the science in between
Authors: Chattopadhyay Chandrani , Kim Dae Won , Gombos Dan S. , Oba Junna , Qin Yong , Williams Michelle D. , Esmaeli Bita , Grimm Elizabeth A. , Wargo Jennifer A. , Woodman Scott E. , Patel Sapna P.
Published: March 2016

Melanomas of the choroid, ciliary body, and iris of the eye are collectively known as uveal melanomas. These cancers represent 5% of all melanoma diagnoses in the United States, and their age‐adjusted risk is 5 per 1 million population. These less frequent melanomas are dissimilar to their more common cutaneous melanoma relative, with differing risk factors, primary treatment, anatomic spread, molecular changes, and responses to systemic therapy. Once uveal melanoma becomes metastatic, therapy options are limited and are often extrapolated from cutaneous melanoma therapies despite the routine exclusion of patients with uveal melanoma from clinical trials. Clinical trials directed at uveal melanoma have been completed or are in progress, and data from these well designed investigations will help guide future directions in this orphan disease. Cancer 2016;122:2299–2312. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Preliminary estimates of SEER cancer incidence for 2013
Authors: Lewis Denise Riedel , Chen Huann‐Sheng , Cockburn Myles , Wu Xiao‐Cheng , Stroup Antoinette M. , Midthune Douglas N. , Krapcho Martin F. , Miller Daniel G. , Penberthy Lynne , Feuer Eric J.
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

This article presents a first look at rates and trends for cases in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program diagnosed through 2013 using the February 2015 submission, and a validation of rates and trends from the February 2014 submission using the subsequent November 2014 submission. To the authors' knowledge, this is the second time SEER has published trends based on the early February submission. Three new cancer sites were added: cervix, thyroid, and liver/ intrahepatic bile duct.

METHODS

A reporting delay model adjusted for the undercount of cases, which is substantially larger for the February than the subsequent November submission, was used. Joinpoint regression methodology was used to assess trends. Delay‐adjusted rates and trends were checked to assess validity between the February and November 2014 submissions.

RESULTS

The validation of rates and trends from the February and November 2014 submissions demonstrated even better agreement than the previously reported comparison between the February and November 2013 submissions, thereby affording additional confidence that the delay‐adjusted February submission data can be used to produce valid estimates of incidence trends. Trends for cases diagnosed through 2013 revealed more rapid declines in female colon and rectal cancer and prostate cancer. A plateau in female melanoma trends and a slowing of the increases in thyroid cancer and male liver/intrahepatic bile duct cancer trends were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of early cancer data submissions can provide a preliminary indication of differences in incidence trends with an additional year of data. Although the delay adjustment correction adjusts for underreporting of cases, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results in this early submission. Cancer 2016;122:1579–87. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Impact of end‐of‐life discussions on the reduction of Latino/non‐Latino disparities in do‐not‐resuscitate order completion
Authors: Shen Megan Johnson , Prigerson Holly G. , Paulk Elizabeth , Trevino Kelly M. , Penedo Frank J. , Tergas Ana I. , Epstein Andrew S. , Neugut Alfred I. , Maciejewski Paul K.
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Compared with non‐Latino, white patients with advanced cancer, Latino patients with advanced cancer are less likely to sign do‐not‐resuscitate (DNR) orders, which is a form of advance care planning associated with better quality of life at the end of life (EOL). Latinos' completion of DNR orders may be more sensitive to clinical discussions regarding EOL care. The current study examined differences between Latino and white terminally ill patients with cancer with regard to the association between EOL discussions and DNR order completion.

METHODS

A total of 117 participants with advanced cancer (61 of whom were Latino and 56 of whom were non‐Latino white individuals) were recruited between 2002 and 2008 from Parkland Hospital (a public hospital in Dallas, Texas) as part of the Coping with Cancer study, which is a large, multiinstitutional, prospective cohort study of patients with advanced cancer that is designed to examine social and psychological influences on EOL care. In structured interviews, patients reported if they had EOL discussions with their physicians, and if they completed DNR orders.

RESULTS

The association between EOL discussions and DNR order completion was significantly greater in Latino compared with white patients, adjusting for potential confounds (interaction adjusted odds ratio, 6.64; P = .041). Latino patients who had an EOL discussion were >10 times more likely (adjusted odds ratio, 10.91; P = .001) to complete a DNR order than those who had not, and were found to be equally as likely to complete a DNR order as white patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in the impact of EOL discussions on DNR order completion may explain Latino/non‐Latino ethnic disparities in DNR order completion in EOL care, and point to a means to eliminate those disparities. Cancer 2016;122:1749‐56. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Detection of human papillomavirus type 16 in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Biron Vincent L. , Kostiuk Morris , Isaac Andre , Puttagunta Lakshmi , O'Connell Daniel A. , Harris Jeffrey , Côté David W. J. , Seikaly Hadi
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma caused by oncogenic HPV (HPV‐OPSCC) is rising worldwide. HPV‐OPSCC is commonly diagnosed by RT‐qPCR of HPV‐16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins or by cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A, multiple tumor suppressor 1 (p16) immunohistochemistry (IHC). Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) has been recently reported as ultra‐sensitive and highly precise method of nucleic acid quantification for biomarker analysis. We aimed to validate this method for the detection of HPV‐16 E6 and E7 in HPV‐OPSCC.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from January 2015‐November 2015 at initial presentation to the University of Alberta Head and Neck Oncology Clinic. RNA was extracted, purified and quantified from prospectively collected participant tissues, and ddPCR was performed with fluorescent probes detecting HPV‐16 E6 and E7. Results from ddPCR were compared with p16 IHC performed by clinical pathology as standard of care.

RESULTS

Head and neck tissues were prospectively obtained from 68 participants including 29 patients with OPSCC, 29 patients with non‐OPSCC and 10 patients without carcinoma. 79.2% of patients with OPSCC were p16 positive. The sensitivity and specificity of ddPCR HPV E6/E7 compared with p16 IHC in OPSCC was 91.3 and 100%, respectively. The amount of target RNA used was ≤1 ng, 20‐50 times lower than reported by other for RT‐qPCR HPV E6/E7.

CONCLUSIONS

The ddPCR of HPV E6/E7 is a novel and highly specific method of detecting HPV‐16 in OPSCC. Cancer 2016;122:1544–51. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Using the galactose‐α‐1,3‐galactose enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to predict anaphylaxis in response to cetuximab
Authors: Weiss Jared , Grilley Olson Juneko , Deal Allison Mary , Chera Bhishamjit , Weissler Mark , Murphy Barbara A. , Hayes David Neil , Gilbert Jill
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor with activity against head and neck cancer and colorectal cancer. Anaphylaxis in response to cetuximab is a significant clinical problem in the Southeastern United States with a grade 3/4 infusion reaction rate of 14%. Previous retrospective data have suggested that the presence of preformed immunoglobulin E antibodies against galactose‐α‐1,3‐galactose in serum can predict anaphylaxis in response to cetuximab.

METHODS

Sixty patients were prospectively screened as part of the entry criteria for a phase 2 study of neoadjuvant carboplatin, nab‐paclitaxel, and cetuximab. Patients were recruited at 2 academic medical centers known to have high anaphylaxis rates: the University of North Carolina and Vanderbilt. Only patients with a negative laboratory result were treated on the clinical protocol.

RESULTS

No patient experienced anaphylaxis; the negative predictive value was thus 100%. Other than smoking history, the demographics were similar for assay‐positive subjects and assay‐negative subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects with a negative test result can be safely treated with cetuximab. Further research is required regarding the optimal cutoff for positivity and the positive predictive value. Cancer 2016;122:1697‐701. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Human papillomavirus detection in a “Digital” age
Authors: Bishop Justin A. , Ha Patrick K.
Published: March 2016

It is increasingly important to identify the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, because HPV status is now useful for clinical trial stratification, prognostic determination, diagnosis in patients with neck masses, and identification of the primary tumor site. Therefore, it is important that the technique used for identification be feasible, accurate, reproducible, and cost effective. The authors summarize these aspects of HPV detection and the use of newer digital polymerase chain reaction technology for this purpose. See also pages.
Activity of the oral mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor trametinib in RAS‐mutant relapsed or refractory myeloid malignancies
Authors: Borthakur Gautam , Popplewell Leslie , Boyiadzis Michael , Foran James , Platzbecker Uwe , Vey Norbert , Walter Roland B. , Olin Rebecca , Raza Azra , Giagounidis Aristoteles , Al‐Kali Aref , Jabbour Elias , Kadia Tapan , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Bauman John W. , Wu Yuehui , Liu Yuan , Schramek Dan , Cox Donna S. , Wissel Paul , Kantarjian Hagop
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

RAS/RAF/mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation is common in myeloid malignancies. Trametinib, a mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1)/MEK2 inhibitor with activity against multiple myeloid cell lines at low nanomolar concentrations, was evaluated for safety and clinical activity in patients with relapsed/refractory leukemias.

METHODS

This phase 1/2 study accrued patients with any relapsed/refractory leukemia in phase 1. In phase 2, this study accrued patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or high‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with NRAS or KRAS mutations (cohort 1); patients with AML, MDS, or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) with a RAS wild‐type mutation or an unknown mutation status (cohort 2); and patients with CMML with an NRAS or KRAS mutation (cohorts 3).

RESULTS

The most commonly reported treatment‐related adverse events were diarrhea, rash, nausea, and increased alanine aminotransferase levels. The phase 2 recommended dose for Trametinib was 2 mg orally daily. The overall response rates were 20%, 3%, and 27% for cohorts 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and this indicated preferential activity among RAS‐mutated myeloid malignancies. Repeated cycles of trametinib were well tolerated with manageable or reversible toxicities; these results were similar to those of other trametinib studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The selective, single‐agent activity of trametinib against RAS‐mutated myeloid malignancies validates its therapeutic potential. Combination strategies based on a better understanding of the hierarchical role of mutations and signaling in myeloid malignancies are likely to improve the response rate and duration. Cancer 2016;122:1871–9. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
A GABAergic tecto–tegmento–tectal pathway in pigeons
Authors: Stacho Martin , Letzner Sara , Theiss Carsten , Manns Martina , Güntürkün Onur
Published: March 2016

Previous studies have demonstrated that the optic tecta of the left and right brain halves reciprocally inhibit each other in birds. In mammals, the superior colliculus receives inhibitory γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic input from the basal ganglia via both the ipsilateral and the contralateral substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). This contralateral SNr projection is important in intertectal inhibition. Because the basal ganglia are evolutionarily conserved, the tectal projections of the SNr may show a similar pattern in birds. Therefore, the SNr could be a relay station in an indirect tecto–tectal pathway constituting the neuronal substrate for the tecto–tectal inhibition. To test this hypothesis, we performed bilateral anterograde and retrograde tectal tracing combined with GABA immunohistochemistry in pigeons. Suprisingly, the SNr has only ipsilateral projections to the optic tectum, and these are non‐GABAergic. Inhibitory GABAergic input to the contralateral optic tectum arises instead from a nearby tegmental region that receives input from the ipsilateral optic tectum. Thus, a disynaptic pathway exists that possibly constitutes the anatomical substrate for the inhibitory tecto–tectal interaction. This pathway likely plays an important role in attentional switches between the laterally placed eyes of birds. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2886–2913, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Targeted Delivery of Anti‐miR‐712 by VCAM1‐Binding Au Nanospheres for Atherosclerosis Therapy
Authors: Sun Tianmeng , Simmons Rachel , Huo Da , Pang Bo , Zhao Xin , Kim Chan Woo , Jo Hanjoong , Xia Younan
Published: March 2016

Atherosclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the vascular wall, which preferentially develops in regions under disturbed flow (d‐flow). Once inflamed, the endothelial cells initiate a signaling cascade that culminates in the expression of pro‐atherogenic genes such as mRNAs and miRNAs. Here we demonstrate that vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), which is highly expressed on the surface of endothelial cells under d‐flow, can serve as a marker for the targeted delivery of drug to the inflamed endothelium. We could selectively deliver anti‐miR‐712, an inhibitor of a key pro‐atherogenic miRNA, to VCAM1‐expressing immortalized mouse aortic endothelial cells (iMAECs) by hybridizing the inhibitor with a carrier DNA that has a complementary sequence and is conjugated to the surface of Au nanospheres. Our results suggest that the combination of VCAM1‐binding peptide and Au nanosphere could provide an effective strategy for the selective delivery of anti‐athero‐miRNAs or other drugs into inflamed endothelium for the purpose of inhibiting the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
Research on social network discovery algorithm in pervasive sensing environment
Authors: Gao Kun , Zhu Yiwei , Gong Songjie , Tan Hengsong , Zhou Guangyu
Published: March 2016

Considering the real social community network partition approach regardless of the directed and weighted characteristic, we propose a novel algorithm in pervasive sensing environment. The proposed SDOR algorithm is based on the definition of nodes optimal route, community likeness index, community discrete degree index and so on parameters to achieve the sensible partition for directed weighted social community network. We conduct some different types of experiments to verify the scalability, accuracy, and validity of the proposed algorithm. The experimental consequences demonstrate that the accuracy of the algorithm is about 90%, higher than existing models about 10%. In addition, the algorithm has good effectiveness and scalability in other different kinds of network. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen Bonding between Metal‐Ion Complexes and Noncoordinated Water: Electrostatic Potentials and Interaction Energies
Authors: Andrić Jelena M. , Misini‐Ignjatović Majda Z. , Murray Jane S. , Politzer Peter , Zarić Snežana D.
Published: March 2016

The hydrogen bonding of noncoordinated water molecules to each other and to water molecules that are coordinated to metal‐ion complexes has been investigated by means of a search of the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) and through quantum chemical calculations. Tetrahedral and octahedral complexes that were both charged and neutral were studied. A general conclusion is that hydrogen bonds between noncoordinated water and coordinated water are much stronger than those between noncoordinated waters, whereas hydrogen bonds of water molecule in tetrahedral complexes are stronger than in octahedral complexes. We examined the possibility of correlating the computed interaction energies with the most positive electrostatic potentials on the interacting hydrogen atoms prior to interaction and obtained very good correlation. This study illustrates the fact that electrostatic potentials computed for ground‐state molecules, prior to interaction, can provide considerable insight into the interactions.
Neutron Scattering of Aromatic and Aliphatic Liquids
Authors: Falkowska Marta , Bowron Daniel T. , Manyar Haresh G. , Hardacre Christopher , Youngs Tristan G. A.
Published: March 2016

Organic solvents, such as cyclohexane, cyclohexene, methylcyclohexane, benzene and toluene, are widely used as both reagents and solvents in industrial processes. Despite the ubiquity of these liquids, the local structures that govern the chemical properties have not been studied extensively. Herein, we report neutron diffraction measurements on liquid cyclohexane, cyclohexene, methylcyclohexane, benzene and toluene at 298 K to obtain a detailed description of the local structure in these compounds. The radial distribution functions of the centres of the molecules, as well as the partial distribution functions for the double bond for cyclohexene and methyl group for methylcyclohexane and toluene have been calculated. Additionally, probability density functions and angular radial distribution functions were extracted to provide a full description of the local structure within the chosen liquids. Structural motifs are discussed and compared for all liquids, referring specifically to the functional group and aromaticity present in the different liquids.
Charge‐Transfer Complex of p‐Aminodiphenylamine with Maleic Anhydride: Spectroscopic, Electrochemical, and Physical Properties
Authors: Karaca Erhan , Kaplan Can Hatice , Bozkaya Uğur , Özçiçek Pekmez Nuran
Published: March 2016

A new charge‐transfer complex and the amide formed by the interaction between the electron donor of the p‐aminodiphenylamine and the electron acceptor of maleic anhydride are investigated by spectroscopic methods. The amidation reaction is caused by proton and charge transfer between the maleic anhydride and p‐aminodiphenylamine molecules. The Benesi–Hildebrand equation is used to determine the formation constant, the molar extinction coefficient and the standard Gibbs free energy of the complex by using UV/Vis spectroscopy. To reveal the electronic and spectroscopic properties of these molecules, theoretical computations are performed on the structures of maleic anhydride, p‐aminodiphenylamine and the conformers of their charge‐transfer complex. The charge‐transfer complex and amidation reaction mechanism are also confirmed by IR and NMR spectroscopy and HRMS. The nature of the maleic anhydride–p‐aminodiphenylamine complex is characterized by cyclic voltammetry, thermogravimetric analysis, XRD and SEM. Solid microribbons of this complex show higher thermal stability than p‐aminodiphenylamine.
Chalcogenide and Phosphide Solid‐State Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Generation
Authors: You Bo , Sun Yujie
Published: March 2016

Electrocatalytic water splitting to produce H2 and O2 by means of efficient, robust, and low‐cost catalysts represents a promising approach for clean H2 production. Recent years have witnessed the rise of transition‐metal chalcogenides and phosphides as competent H2‐evolution electrocatalysts, the activities of which rapidly approach those of platinum‐group benchmarks. This Minireview highlights several representative catalytic systems of chalcogenides and phosphides for electrocatalytic H2 generation and emphasizes in particular the electronic and structural optimization to improve their catalytic performance. The most recent trend in developing bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting is also summarized. Finally, the remaining challenges, emerging opportunities, and future advancement of inexpensive electrocatalysts for H2 generation are further discussed.
Glutathione Bioresponsive Cyclodextrin Nanosponges
Authors: Trotta Francesco , Caldera Fabrizio , Dianzani Chiara , Argenziano Monica , Barrera Giuseppina , Cavalli Roberta
Published: March 2016

Invited for this month's cover is Prof. Francesco Trotta′s group from the University of Torino, Italy. The cover picture shows the chemical structure of a glutathione‐responsive β‐cyclodextrin nanosponge, bearing disulfide bridges and loaded with anticancer doxorubicin (red and white pills). Glutathione thiol groups are able to reduce the nanosponge disulfide moieties. The cleavage of the disulfide bridges allows a targeted release of anticancer drugs into glutathione‐rich chemoresistant tumor cells. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.201500531.
Basic characteristics of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF): blood cell components and biological effects
Authors: Nishiyama Kazuhiko , Okudera Toshimitsu , Watanabe Taisuke , Isobe Kazushige , Suzuki Masashi , Masuki Hideo , Okudera Hajime , Uematsu Kohya , Nakata Koh , Kawase Tomoyuki
Published: March 2016

Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is widely used in regenerative medicine because of its high concentrations of various growth factors and platelets. However, the distribution of blood cell components has not been investigated in either PRP or other PRP derivatives. In this study, we focused on plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF), a PRP derivative, and analyzed the distributions of platelets and white blood cells (WBCs). Peripheral blood samples were collected from healthy volunteers (N = 14) and centrifuged to prepare PRGF and PRP. Blood cells were counted using an automated hematology analyzer. The effects of PRP and PRGF preparations on cell proliferation were determined using human periosteal cells. In the PRGF preparations, both red blood cells and WBCs were almost completely eliminated, and platelets were concentrated by 2.84‐fold, whereas in the PRP preparations, both platelets and WBCs were similarly concentrated by 8.79‐ and 5.51‐fold, respectively. Platelet counts in the PRGF preparations were positively correlated with platelet counts in the whole blood samples, while the platelet concentration rate was negatively correlated with red blood cell counts in the whole blood samples. In contrast, platelet counts and concentration rates in the PRP preparations were significantly influenced by WBC counts in whole blood samples. The PRP preparations, but not the PRGF preparations, significantly suppressed cell growth at higher doses in vitro. Therefore, these results suggest that PRGF preparations can clearly be distinguished from PRP preparations by both inclusion of WBCs and dose‐dependent stimulation of periosteal cell proliferation in vitro.
Individual differences in early adolescents’ latent trait cortisol (LTC): Relation to early adversity
Authors: Stroud Catherine B. , Chen Frances R. , Doane Leah D. , Granger Douglas A.
Published: March 2016

Substantial evidence suggests that youth who experience early adversity exhibit alterations in hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis functioning, thereby increasing risk for negative health outcomes. However, few studies have explored whether early adversity alters enduring trait indicators of HPA axis activity. Using objective contextual stress interviews with adolescents and their mothers to assess early adversity, we examined the cumulative impact of nine types of early adversity on early adolescents girls’ latent trait cortisol (LTC). Adolescents (n = 122; M age = 12.39 years) provided salivary cortisol samples three times a day (waking, 30 min post‐waking, and bedtime) over 3 days. Latent state‐trait modeling indicated that the waking and 30 min post‐waking samples contributed to a LTC factor. Moreover, greater early adversity was associated with a lower LTC level. Implications of LTC for future research examining the impact of early adversity on HPA axis functioning are discussed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 58:700–713, 2016.
Baseline level of 30‐min plasma glucose is an independent predictor of incident diabetes among Asian Indians: analysis of two diabetes prevention programmes
Authors: Chamukuttan Snehalatha , Ram Jagannathan , Nanditha Arun , Shetty Ananth Samith , Sevick Mary Ann , Bergman Michael , Johnston Desmond G. , Ramachandran Ambady
Published: March 2016

Background

The objective was to study the ability of the 30‐min plasma glucose (30‐min PG) during an oral glucose tolerance test to predict the future risk of type 2 diabetes among Asian Indians with impaired glucose tolerance.

Methods

For the present analyses, we utilized data from 753 participants from two diabetes primary prevention studies, having complete data at the end of the study periods, including 236 from Indian Diabetes Prevention Programme‐1 and 517 from the 2013 study. Baseline 30‐min PG values were divided into tertiles: T1 < 9.1 mmol/L (<163.0 mg/dL); T2 9.2–10.4 mmol/L (164.0–187.0 mg/dL) and T3 ≥ 10.4 mmol/L (≥188 mg/dL). The predictive values of tertiles of 30‐min PG for incident diabetes were assessed using Cox regression analyses

Results

At the end of the studies, 230 (30.5%) participants developed diabetes. Participants with higher levels of 30‐min PG were more likely to have increased fasting, 2‐h PG and HbA1c levels, increased prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and decreased beta cell function. The progression rate of diabetes increased with increasing tertiles of 30‐min PG. Cox's regression analysis showed that 30‐min PG was an independent predictor of incident diabetes after adjustment for an array of covariates [Hazard Ratio (HR):1.44 (1.01–2.06)]

Conclusions

This prospective analysis demonstrates, for the first time, an independent association between an elevated 30‐min PG level and incident diabetes among Asian Indians with impaired glucose tolerance. Predictive utility of glycemic thresholds at various time points other than the traditional fasting and 2‐h PG values should therefore merit further consideration. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gluten‐free diet increases beta‐cell volume and improves glucose tolerance in an animal model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Haupt‐Jorgensen Martin , Buschard Karsten , Hansen Axel K. , Josefsen Knud , Antvorskov Julie Christine
Published: March 2016

Background

Gluten‐free (GF) diet alleviates type 1 diabetes in animal models and possibly in humans. We recently showed that fatty acid‐induced insulin secretion is enhanced by enzymatically digested gluten (gliadin) stimulation in INS‐1E insulinoma cells. We therefore hypothesized that GF diet would induce beta‐cell rest and ameliorate type 2 diabetes.

Methods

C57BL/6JBomTac (B6) mice were fed a high‐fat (HF), gluten‐free high‐fat (GF–HF), standard (STD) or gluten‐free (GF) diet for 42 weeks.

Results

Short‐term (6–24 weeks) GF–HF versus HF feeding impaired glucose tolerance and increased fasting glucose. Long‐term (36–42 weeks) GF–HF versus HF feeding improved glucose tolerance and decreased fasting leptin. Mice fed a GF–HF versus HF diet for 42 weeks showed higher volumes of beta cells, islets and pancreas. The beta‐cell volume correlated with the islet‐ and pancreas volume as well as body weight. GF–HF versus HF diet did not influence toll‐like receptor 4 (Tlr4), interleukin 1 (IL‐1), interleukin 6 (IL‐6) or tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐alpha) mRNA expression in intestine. STD versus GF feeding did not affect any parameter studied.

Conclusions

Long‐term feeding with GF–HF versus HF increases beta‐cell volume and improves glucose tolerance in B6 mice. The mechanism may include beta‐cell rest, but is unlikely to include TLR4 and proinflammatory cytokines in the intestine. Beta‐cell volume correlates with pancreas volume and body weight, indicating that insulin secretion capacity controls pancreas volume. Thus, long‐term GF diets may be beneficial for obese type 2 diabetes patients and trials should be performed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of a sample pretreatment protocol to convert a drug‐sensitive into a drug‐tolerant anti‐infliximab antibody immunoassay
Authors: Van Stappen Thomas , Brouwers Els , Vermeire Séverine , Gils Ann
Published: March 2016

A meta‐analysis revealed that up to 51% of patients treated with infliximab develop anti‐drug Abs (ADA) which are associated with loss of response. Detection of ADA is strongly influenced by assay technique since drug‐sensitive ADA assays are not able to detect ADA in the presence of drug and therefore underestimate ADA development. In addition, the lack of a calibrator antibody that can be used in a drug‐sensitive and drug‐tolerant assay hampers an adequate comparison among different assays. Here we present a sample pretreatment protocol to convert the bridging assay, originally developed as a drug‐sensitive assay, into a drug‐tolerant assay, allowing use of the same assay and calibrator antibody MA‐IFX10F9. Using the sample pretreatment protocol, the bridging assay detects antibodies towards infliximab in samples containing up to 5‐fold infliximab over anti‐infliximab. Analysis of consecutive serum samples from infliximab treated patients revealed that the drug‐tolerant assay detects ADA development up to 40 weeks earlier compared to the drug‐sensitive assay. In conclusion, the sample pretreatment protocol can be implemented in various assay formats and allows determination of ADA in the presence of drug, providing the possibility for early treatment optimization. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation and Characterization of a Tissue‐Specific Centrosome Indicator Mouse Line
Authors: Hirai Maretoshi , Chen Ju , Evans Sylvia M.
Published: March 2016

Centrosomes are major microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) that play an important role in chromosome segregation during cell division. Centrosomes provide a stable anchor for microtubules, constituting the centers of the spindle poles in mitotic cells, and determining the orientation of cell division. However, visualization of centrosomes is challenging because of their small size. Especially in mouse tissues, it has been extremely challenging to observe centrosomes belonging to a specific cell type of interest among multiple comingled cell types. To overcome this obstacle, we generated a tissue‐specific centrosome indicator. In this mouse line, a construct containing a floxed neomyocin resistance gene with a triplicate polyA sequence followed by an EGFP‐Centrin1 fusion cassette was knocked into the Rosa locus. Upon Cre‐mediated excision, EGFP‐Centrin1 was expressed under the control of the Rosa locus. Experiments utilizing mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) demonstrated the feasibility of real‐time imaging, and showed that EGFP‐Centrin1 expression mirrored the endogenous centrosome cycle, undergoing precisely one round of duplication through the cell cycle. Moreover, experiments using embryo and adult mouse tissues demonstrated that EGFP‐Centrin1 specifically mirrors the localization of endogenous centrosomes. genesis 54:286–296, 2016. © 2016 The Authors. Genesis Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A low‐cost, computer‐controlled robotic flower system for behavioral experiments
Authors: Kuusela Erno , Lämsä Juho
Published: March 2016

Human observations during behavioral studies are expensive, time‐consuming, and error prone. For this reason, automatization of experiments is highly desirable, as it reduces the risk of human errors and workload. The robotic system we developed is simple and cheap to build and handles feeding and data collection automatically. The system was built using mostly off‐the‐shelf components and has a novel feeding mechanism that uses servos to perform refill operations. We used the robotic system in two separate behavioral studies with bumblebees (Bombus terrestris): The system was used both for training of the bees and for the experimental data collection. The robotic system was reliable, with no flight in our studies failing due to a technical malfunction. The data recorded were easy to apply for further analysis. The software and the hardware design are open source. The development of cheap open‐source prototyping platforms during the recent years has opened up many possibilities in designing of experiments. Automatization not only reduces workload, but also potentially allows experimental designs never done before, such as dynamic experiments, where the system responds to, for example, learning of the animal. We present a complete system with hardware and software, and it can be used as such in various experiments requiring feeders and collection of visitation data. Use of the system is not limited to any particular experimental setup or even species.
Toxicity and population structure of the Rough‐Skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa) outside the range of an arms race with resistant predators
Authors: Hague Michael T.J. , Avila Leleña A. , Hanifin Charles T. , Snedden W. Andrew , Stokes Amber N. , Brodie Edmund D. , Brodie Edmund D.
Published: March 2016

Species interactions, and their fitness consequences, vary across the geographic range of a coevolutionary relationship. This spatial heterogeneity in reciprocal selection is predicted to generate a geographic mosaic of local adaptation, wherein coevolutionary traits are phenotypically variable from one location to the next. Under this framework, allopatric populations should lack variation in coevolutionary traits due to the absence of reciprocal selection. We examine phenotypic variation in tetrodotoxin (TTX) toxicity of the Rough‐Skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa) in regions of allopatry with its TTX‐resistant predator, the Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis). In sympatry, geographic patterns of phenotypic exaggeration in toxicity and toxin‐resistance are closely correlated in prey and predator, implying that reciprocal selection drives phenotypic variation in coevolutionary traits. Therefore, in allopatry with TTX‐resistant predators, we expect to find uniformly low levels of newt toxicity. We characterized TTX toxicity in northwestern North America, including the Alaskan panhandle where Ta. granulosa occur in allopatry with Th. sirtalis. First, we used microsatellite markers to estimate population genetic structure and determine if any phenotypic variation in toxicity might be explained by historical divergence. We found northern populations of Ta. granulosa generally lacked population structure in a pattern consistent with northern range expansion after the Pleistocene. Next, we chose a cluster of sites in Alaska, which uniformly lacked genetic divergence, to test for phenotypic divergence in toxicity. As predicted, overall levels of newt toxicity were low; however, we also detected unexpected among‐ and within‐population variation in toxicity. Most notably, a small number of individuals contained large doses of TTX that rival means of toxic populations in sympatry with Th. sirtalis. Phenotypic variation in toxicity, despite limited neutral genetic divergence, suggests that factors other than reciprocal selection with Th. sirtalis likely contribute to geographic patterns of toxicity in Ta. granulosa.
Temporal trends in genetic data and effective population size support efficacy of management practices in critically endangered dusky gopher frogs (Lithobates sevosus)
Authors: Hinkson Kristin M. , Richter Stephen C.
Published: March 2016

Monitoring temporal changes in population genetic diversity and effective population size can provide vital information on future viability. The dusky gopher frog, Lithobates sevosus, is a critically endangered species found only in coastal Mississippi, with low genetic variability as a consequence of isolation and population size reduction. Conservation management practices have been implemented, but their efficacy has not been addressed. We genotyped individuals collected 1997–2014 to determine temporal trends in population genetic variation, structure, and effective size. Observed and expected heterozygosity and allelic richness revealed temporally stable, but low, levels of genetic variation. Positive levels of inbreeding were found in each year. There was weak genetic structure among years, which can be attributed to increased effects of genetic drift and inbreeding in small populations. L. sevosus exhibited an increase in effective population size, and currently has an estimated effective size of 33.0–58.6 individuals, which is approximately half the census size. This large ratio could possibly be explained by genetic compensation. We found that management practices have been effective at maintaining and improving effective size and genetic diversity, but that additional strategies need to be implemented to enhance viability of the species.