bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanocomposite of 2‐Aminophenol with Aniline Using Copper‐Montmorillonite: Synthesis, Characterization, Conductivity, and Electrochemical Study
Authors: DAHOU F. Z. , KHALDI M. A. , ZEHHAF A. , BENYOUCEF A. , FERRAHI M. I.
Published: August 2015

Polymer/clay nanocomposite particles with 2‐aminophenol (2AP) and polyaniline and modified montmorillonite by copper minerals were synthesized using an in situ intercalative oxidative polymerization method. The nanocomposites were characterized by elementary analysis, X‐ray diffraction, FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and conductivity measurements. The insertion of the polymer into the layer of the clay was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analysis, which shows a significantly larger d spacing expansion from 13.35 to 13.45 Å, thus indicating that the conducting polymer chain was aligned with layers of the clay. The conductivity of the nanocomposites salt is between 8.87×10−5 and 9.78×10−4 S/cm, probably due to the confined environment in the nanometer size layers of the nanocomposite. The electrochemical behavior of the polymers extracted from the nanocomposites has been studied by cyclic voltammetry. Good electrochemical response has been observed for polymers grown into M‐Cu; the redox processes indicate that the polymerization into M‐Cu is electroactive.
Experimental investigation of solid particles flow in a conical spouted bed using radioactive particle tracking
Authors: Spreutels Laurent , Haut Benoit , Legros Robert , Bertrand Francois , Chaouki Jamal
Published: August 2015

Solid particles flow in a conical spouted bed is characterized by radioactive particle tracking. The influence of operating conditions on key parameters of this flow is evaluated and discussed: the morphology of the solid bed is not strongly influenced by the forces exerted by the gas on the solid particles, but rather by geometrical considerations; the particles spend approximately 8% of their time in the spout in all experiments; it is the force exerted on the solid particles by the gas that directly controls the volumetric flow rate between adjacent regions, and not the amount of particles in the bed; as U/Ums increases, the volume of solid particles in the annulus decreases, the volume of solid particles in the fountain increases and the volume of solid particles in the spout remains constant. Correlations to predict key flow parameters as functions of operating conditions are also established and discussed. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 26–37, 2016
Thermodynamics and separation process for quaternary acrylic systems
Authors: Zuo Cuncun , Li Yaping , Li Chunshan , Cao Shasha , Yao Haoyu , Zhang Suojiang
Published: August 2015

Vapor‐liquid equilibrium (VLE) and liquid‐liquid equilibrium (LLE) data of binary and ternary acrylic systems were systematically measured. Subsequently, VLLE phase diagrams of binary systems, tridimensional VLE phase diagrams of methyl acrylate (MA)‐methanol (Me)‐H2O ternary system, and quaternary LLE phase diagrams of MA‐Me‐H2O‐methyl acetate (MeOAc) system were constructed. These diagrams clearly demonstrated the effects of temperature on phase equilibrium. The experimental data was fitted by the NRTL and UNIQUAC models, and the best‐fitted parameters were used to predict interaction properties of ternary and quaternary mixture. Therefore, the phase equilibrium data were provided as reference for the design of acrylic systems rectification or extraction process. Residue curve was mapped out for MA‐Me‐H2O system through Aspen plus software. Finally, using thermodynamics and residue curve as theoretical basis, two novel separation processes were proposed and applied to the quaternary acrylic systems. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 228–240, 2016
Exudativory in the Asian loris, Nycticebus: Evolutionary divergence in the toothcomb and M3
Authors: Burrows Anne M. , Hartstone‐Rose Adam , Nash Leanne T.
Published: August 2015

Objectives

Slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.) are obligate exudativores that gouge tree bark. Dental adaptations for gouging within marmosets, the only other known primate obligate exudativore, are well‐known but dental adaptations in Nycticebus are largely unidentified. In an effort to more completely understand potential dental adaptions within Nycticebus and the evolution of this dietary niche within Primates as an order, the present study examined dental morphometrics in the Asian lorises (Nycticebus and Loris).

Materials and Methods

We compared dental morphometrics between Nycticebus and the insectivorous slender lorises (Loris). Measurements from the toothcomb and select other teeth were taken from 92 specimens. Each variable was scaled by the geometric mean and resulting mean ratios were statistically compared between groups. A biomechanical shape variable was also calculated to estimate the ability of the toothcomb to resist bending that may be experienced during gouging.

Results

Toothcombs in Nycticebus were significantly (P < 0.05) more narrow, shorter, and thicker than those in Loris and had a higher calculated ability to withstand bending forces. Nycticebus also had reduced size in the last lower molar relative to Loris.

Conclusions

The more robust, “squared off” toothcomb in Nycticebus matches behavioral observations that these primates gouge to access exudates. Results of the present study indicate that the toothcomb is the likely candidate for the dental tool used in gouging. The size reduction of the lower last molar in Nycticebus, a trait also found in a previous study in exudativorous galagos, may indicate that there is reduced selective pressure in a diet where little mastication would be needed to mechanically process exudates. These results may indicate that reduction in molar size could be a potential dental signature for exudativory, but further studies on a wider phylogenetic range of exudativorous primates would be necessary. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:663–672, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bipedality from locomotor autonomy to adulthood in captive olive baboon (Papio anubis): Cross‐sectional follow‐up and first insight into the impact of body mass distribution
Authors: Druelle François , Aerts Peter , Berillon Gilles
Published: August 2015

Objective

Despite that the biomechanics of standing and walking bipedally has been extensively studied in nonhuman primates, the morphological features that may constrain, or facilitate, the control of balance and thus of the spontaneous occurrence of bipedal behavior are poorly known. We aim to test the relationship between body mass distribution and bipedal behavior using a nonhuman primate species, the olive baboon, Papio anubis, raised in captivity.

Materials and Methods

We collected quantitative data on the frequency and duration of bipedalism together with morphometrics on a sample of 22 individuals. We used ontogenetic changes as a natural experiment that provides insights into the impact of morphology. Specifically we focus on 1) quantifying how body mass distribution changes from infancy to adulthood in baboons; and 2) whether the different patterns of mass distribution influence the behavioral variables, i.e., a) the frequency and b) the duration of bouts of bipedal behavior realized in different activity contexts.

Results

With regard to assisted bipedal behaviors, the duration and frequency of bouts of standing, contrary to walking, are significantly related to age. With regard to unassisted bipedal behaviors, no correlation to age is observed; the bout duration of walking is strongly correlated to body mass and mass distribution, contrary to the frequency of walking as well as the bout duration and frequency of bipedal standing.

Discussion

Our results suggest a close relationship between the pattern of mass distribution and the mechanism of balance control in the spontaneous bipedal walking of baboons. The mechanical effects of the pattern of mass distribution on the ability to perform bipedally in extant nonhuman primates are discussed in the context of the evolution toward habitual bipedalism. Am J Phys Anthropol 159:73–84, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of a graphene oxide additive and the conditions of membrane formation on the morphology and separative properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes
Authors: Fryczkowska Beata , Sieradzka Marta , Sarna Ewa , Fryczkowski Ryszard , Janicki Jarosław
Published: August 2015

In this article, we present our study of the influence of a graphene oxide (GO) additive and the method of preparation on the properties of membranes. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/GO membranes were obtained by an inverse phase method, which was conducted by two different methods. The first one was based on solvent evaporation, and the second method was a coagulation bath in distilled water. Our studies clearly showed that the introduction of the GO nanoadditive into the polymer membrane matrix played a major role in the pore process formation, and it also contributed to the reduction of the contact angle, and this led to an improvement in the hydrophilic properties of the obtained membranes. Furthermore, the PVDF/GO membrane preparation process had a direct influence on the thickness and porosity. Both of these factors had a direct influence on the transport properties of the membrane. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42789.
Fluorinated bismaleimide resin with good processability, high toughness, and outstanding dielectric properties
Authors: Guo Ying , Han Yue , Liu Feng , Zhou Heng , Chen Fenghua , Zhao Tong
Published: August 2015

In this study, novel fluorinated bismaleimide (BMI) resins were prepared by the copolymerization of 2,2′‐bis[4‐(4‐maleimidephenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane (6FBMP) and diallyl hexafluorobisphenol A (6FDABPA) to enhance their dielectric properties. The dielectric properties of the resins were investigated in the frequency range 7–18 GHz through a cavity method. Through the incorporation of a hexafluoroisopropyl group with the polymer chain, the dielectric constant (ε) was effectively decreased because of the small dipole and the low polarizability of the carbon‐fluorine (CF) bonds. The 6FBMP/6FDABPA resin possessed excellent dielectric properties, with ε being 2.88 and the dielectric loss being 0.009 at 10 GHz and 25°C. In comparison with the 4,4′‐bismaleimidodiphenylmethane (BDM)/2,2′‐diallyl bisphenol A (DABPA) resin, the glass‐transition temperature (Tg) of 6FBMP/6FDABPA decreased. The flexible ether group in the long chain of 6FBMP was considered to disrupt chain packing and cause a decreased crosslinking density and a lower Tg. 6FBMP/6FDABPA showed a similar thermal decomposition temperature and good thermal properties like the BDM/DABPA resin, whereas the impact strength of the 6FBMP/6FDABPA resin was almost 1.6 times higher than that of the BDM/DABPA resin. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42791.
Synthesis of Tolmetin Hydrazide–Hydrazones and Discovery of a Potent Apoptosis Inducer in Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Küçükgüzel Ş. Güniz , Koç Derya , Çıkla‐Süzgün Pelin , Özsavcı Derya , Bingöl‐Özakpınar Özlem , Mega‐Tiber Pınar , Orun Oya , Erzincan Pınar , Sağ‐Erdem Safiye , Şahin Fikrettin
Published: August 2015

Tolmetin hydrazide and a novel series of tolmetin hydrazide–hydrazones 4a–l were synthesized in this study. The structures of the new compounds were determined by spectral (FT‐IR, 1H NMR) methods. N′‐[(2,6‐Dichlorophenyl)methylidene]‐2‐[1‐methyl‐5‐(4‐methylbenzoyl)‐1H‐pyrrol‐2‐yl]acetohydrazide (4g) was evaluated in vitro using the MTT colorimetric method against the colon cancer cell lines HCT‐116 (ATCC, CCL‐247) and HT‐29 (ATCC, HTB‐38) to determine growth inhibition and cell viability at different doses. Compound 4g exhibited anti‐cancer activity with an IC50 value of 76 μM against colon cancer line HT‐29 (ATCC, HTB‐38) and did not display cytotoxicity toward control NIH3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblast cells compared to tolmetin. In addition, this compound was evaluated for caspase‐3, caspase‐8, caspase‐9, and annexin‐V activation in the apoptotic pathway, which plays a key role in the treatment of cancer. We demonstrated that the anti‐cancer activity of this compound was due to the activation of caspase‐8 and caspase‐9 involved in the apoptotic pathway. In addition, in this study, we investigated the catalytical effect of COX on the HT‐29 cancer line, the apoptotic mechanism, and the moleculer binding of tolmetin and compound 4g on the COX enzyme active site.
Novel Boronlectins Based on Bispyridium Salt with a Flexible Linker: Discriminative Sensing of Lactose and Other Monosaccharides and Disaccharides in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐tai , Wang Shu , Xing Guo‐wen
Published: August 2015

N,N‐Di‐2‐picolylamine (DPA)‐derived diboronic acid receptors (NHBAs) with a flexible linker were designed and synthesized in this study, and two‐component sensing ensembles based on cationic NHBAs and an anionic fluorescent indicator 8‐hydroxypyrene‐1,3,6‐trisulfonic acid trisodium salt (HPTS) were successfully developed for both monosaccharides and disaccharides sensing. The dibranched ortho‐substituted receptor NHoBA exhibited unexpected selectivity towards lactose among five disaccharides used. The discrimination of five disaccharides and six monosaccharides was finally achieved by the integrated sensor array through linear discriminant analysis (LDA).
Association and gene–gene interactions study of reelin signaling pathway related genes with autism in the Han Chinese population
Authors: Shen Yidong , Xun Guanglei , Guo Hui , He Yiqun , Ou Jianjun , Dong Huixi , Xia Kun , Zhao Jingping
Published: August 2015

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with unclear etiology. Reelin had been proposed to participate in the etiology of autism due to its important role in brain development. The goal of this study was to explore the association and gene–gene interactions of reelin signaling pathway related genes (RELN, VLDLR, LRP8, DAB1, FYN, and CDK5) with autism in Han Chinese population. Genotyping data of the six genes were obtained from a recent genome‐wide association study performed in 430 autistic children who fulfilled the DSM‐IV‐TR criteria for autistic disorder, and 1,074 healthy controls. Single marker case‐control association analysis and haplotype case‐control association analysis were conducted after the data was screened. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) was applied to further test gene–gene interactions. Neither the single marker nor the haplotype association tests found any significant difference between the autistic group and the control group after permutation test of 1,000 rounds. The 4‐locus MDR model (comprising rs6143734, rs1858782, rs634500, and rs1924267 which belong to RELN and DAB1) was determined to be the model with the highest cross‐validation consistency (CVC) and testing balanced accuracy. The results indicate that an interaction between RELN and DAB1 may increase the risk of autism in the Han Chinese population. Furthermore, it can also be inferred that the involvement of RELN in the etiology of autism would occur through interaction with DAB1. Autism Res 2016, 9: 436–442. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Folding propensity of anoplin: A molecular dynamics study of the native peptide and four mutated isoforms
Authors: Aschi Massimiliano , Luzi Carla , Fiorillo Annarita , Bozzi Argante
Published: August 2015

Anoplin, a cationic decapeptide amide GLLKRIKTLL‐NH2 derived from venom sac of the solitary wasp Anoplius samariensis has been investigated through Molecular Dynamics. The wild‐type (WT) and four isoforms were simulated both in water and in the membrane‐mimicking solvent trifluoroethanol (TFE). In water all the investigated species, found to be in rapid equilibrium between different conformational states, can be considered as unfolded. On the other hand, in TFE all the systems enhance their rigidity and, in general, show α‐helix as the main folded conformation. Interestingly, a semi‐quantitative thermodynamic analysis has suggested that the folding driving force is not always the same being in some cases (e.g., the WT Anoplin) of entropic nature and in other cases of energetic nature. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 103: 692–701, 2015.
Stability and Conversion of Tin Zintl Anions in Liquid Ammonia Investigated by NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Fendt Franziska , Koch Carina , Neumeier Maria , Gärtner Stefanie , Gschwind Ruth M. , Korber Nikolaus
Published: August 2015

Homoatomic polyanions of post‐transition main‐group metals, namely, Zintl anions, are precast in analogous Zintl phases and can react in solution to form new materials. Despite comprehensible reaction approaches, the formed products cannot be planned in advance, as hitherto undetected and therefore disregarded side reactions take place. The outcomes and interpretations of the reactions of Zintl anions are so far based mainly on crystal structures, which only allow characterization of the product that has the lowest solubility. Here we present the results of our investigation of the stability of highly charged tin Zintl anions in liquid ammonia, which is not exclusively based on solution effects but also on the oxidative influence of the solvent. This allows for a deeper understanding of the ongoing processes in solution and opens doors to the directed synthesis of transition metal complexes of Sn44−, here shown by its reactivity towards MesCu.
Activation of Hsp90 Enzymatic Activity and Conformational Dynamics through Rationally Designed Allosteric Ligands
Authors: Sattin Sara , Tao Jiahui , Vettoretti Gerolamo , Moroni Elisabetta , Pennati Marzia , Lopergolo Alessia , Morelli Laura , Bugatti Antonella , Zuehlke Abbey , Moses Mike , Prince Thomas , Kijima Toshiki , Beebe Kristin , Rusnati Marco , Neckers Len , Zaffaroni Nadia , Agard David A. , Bernardi Anna , Colombo Giorgio
Published: August 2015

Hsp90 is a molecular chaperone of pivotal importance for multiple cell pathways. ATP‐regulated internal dynamics are critical for its function and current pharmacological approaches block the chaperone with ATP‐competitive inhibitors. Herein, a general approach to perturb Hsp90 through design of new allosteric ligands aimed at modulating its functional dynamics is proposed. Based on the characterization of a first set of 2‐phenylbenzofurans showing stimulatory effects on Hsp90 ATPase and conformational dynamics, new ligands were developed that activate Hsp90 by targeting an allosteric site, located 65 Å from the active site. Specifically, analysis of protein responses to first‐generation activators was exploited to guide the design of novel derivatives with improved ability to stimulate ATP hydrolysis. The molecules’ effects on Hsp90 enzymatic, conformational, co‐chaperone and client‐binding properties were characterized through biochemical, biophysical and cellular approaches. These designed probes act as allosteric activators of the chaperone and affect the viability of cancer cell lines for which proper functioning of Hsp90 is necessary.
Palladin expression is a conserved characteristic of the desmoplastic tumor microenvironment and contributes to altered gene expression
Authors: Cannon Austin R. , Owen Meredith K. , Guerrero Michael S. , Kerber Michael L. , Goicoechea Silvia M. , Hemstreet Kathryn C. , Klazynski Brian , Hollyfield Johnathan , Chang Emily H. , Hwang Rosa F. , Otey Carol A. , Kim Hong Jin
Published: August 2015

The stroma surrounding solid tumors contributes in complex ways to tumor progression. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the predominant cell type in the tumor stroma. Previous studies have shown that the actin‐binding protein palladin is highly expressed in the stroma of pancreas tumors, but the interpretation of these results is complicated by the fact that palladin exists as multiple isoforms. In the current study, the expression and localization of palladin isoform 4 was examined in normal specimens and adenocarcinomas of human pancreas, lung, colon, and stomach samples. Immunohistochemistry with isoform‐selective antibodies revealed that expression of palladin isoform 4 was higher in adenocarcinomas versus normal tissues, and highest in CAFs. Immunohistochemistry staining revealed that palladin was present in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus of CAFs, and this was confirmed using immunofluorescence staining and subcellular fractionation of a pancreatic CAF cell line. To investigate the functional significance of nuclear palladin, RNA Seq analysis of palladin knockdown CAFs versus control CAFs was performed, and the results showed that palladin regulates the expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis and assembly of collagen, and organization of the extracellular matrix. These results suggested that palladin isoform 4 may play a conserved role in establishing the phenotype of CAFs in multiple tumor types. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Longitudinal smoking patterns in survivors of childhood cancer: An update from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Gibson Todd M. , Liu Wei , Armstrong Gregory T. , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Hudson Melissa M. , Leisenring Wendy M. , Mertens Ann C. , Klesges Robert C. , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Nathan Paul C. , Robison Leslie L.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Survivors of pediatric cancer have elevated risks of mortality and morbidity. Many late adverse effects associated with cancer treatment (eg, second cancers and cardiac and pulmonary disease) are also associated with cigarette smoking, and this suggests that survivors who smoke may be at high risk for these conditions.

METHODS

This study examined the self‐reported smoking status for 9397 adult survivors of childhood cancer across 3 questionnaires (median time interval, 13 years). The smoking prevalence among survivors was compared with the smoking prevalence among siblings and the prevalence expected on the basis of age‐, sex‐, race‐, and calendar time–specific rates in the US population. Multivariable regression models examined characteristics associated with longitudinal smoking patterns across all 3 questionnaires.

RESULTS

At the baseline, 19% of survivors were current smokers, whereas 24% of siblings were current smokers, and 29% were expected to be current smokers on the basis of US rates. Current smoking among survivors dropped to 16% and 14% on follow‐up questionnaires, with similar decreases in the sibling prevalence and the expected prevalence. Characteristics associated with consistent never‐smoking included a higher household income (relative risk [RR], 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08‐1.25), higher education (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.22‐1.43), and receipt of cranial radiation therapy (RR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03‐1.14). Psychological distress (RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.80‐0.92) and heavy alcohol drinking (RR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.58‐0.71) were inversely associated. Among ever‐smokers, a higher income (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.32) and education (RR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.10‐1.38) were associated with quitting, whereas cranial radiation (RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76‐0.97) and psychological distress (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72‐0.90) were associated with not having quit. The development of adverse health conditions was not associated with smoking patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite modest declines in smoking prevalence, the substantial number of consistent current smokers reinforces the need for continued development of effective smoking interventions for survivors. Cancer 2015;121:4035–4043. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Insular cortex activity and the evocation of laughter
Authors: Wattendorf Elise , Westermann Birgit , Lotze Martin , Fiedler Klaus , Celio Marco R.
Published: August 2015

The insular cortex is fundamentally involved in the processing of interoceptive information. It has been postulated that the integrative monitoring of the bodily responses to environmental stimuli is crucial for the recognition and experience of emotions. Because emotional arousal is known to be closely coupled to functions of the anterior insula, we suspected laughter to be associated primarily with neuronal activity in this region. An anatomically constrained re‐analysis of our imaging data pertaining to ticklish laughter, to inhibited ticklish laughter, and to voluntary laughter revealed regional differences in the levels of neuronal activity in the posterior and mid‐/anterior portions of the insula. Ticklish laughter was associated specifically with right ventral anterior insular activity, which was not detected under the other two conditions. Hence, apparently, only laughter that is evoked as an emotional response bears the signature of autonomic arousal in the insular cortex. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:1608–1615, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tuning of the Electronic Properties of Armchair Graphene Nanoribbons through Functionalization: Theoretical Study of 1Δg O2 Border Addition
Authors: Ghigo Giovanni , Maranzana Andrea , Tonachini Glauco
Published: August 2015

We report the results of a DFT study of the border oxidation by 1Δg O2 of molecular models of armchair graphene nanoribbons (a‐GNRs). The aim of this work is to propose a new method, as an alternative or complementary method to the tuning of the size, to modify the electronic properties of a‐GNRs. Here, we investigate modification of the HOMO and LUMO energies, which are some of the most important parameters to be controlled in the design of organic electronic devices. We study the oxidation reaction mechanism of medium‐size polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, mimicking the stiffness and reactivity of a‐GNRs. Thermodynamics and kinetics indicate that the reaction should bring about a decoration of the borders with vicinal dialdehyde groups. We also study the effect of this oxidation on the HOMO and LUMO energies of two series of molecular models of a‐GNRs with increasing lengths. The results suggest that the oxidized a‐GNRs should present LUMO energies lowered by 0.3–0.5 eV with respect to the original material, whereas the HOMO energies are barely lowered.
Multiple myeloma: New surface antigens for the characterization of plasma cells in the era of novel agents
Authors: Muccio Vittorio Emanuele , Saraci Elona , Gilestro Milena , Gattei Valter , Zucchetto Antonella , Astolfi Monica , Ruggeri Marina , Marzanati Eleonora , Passera Roberto , Palumbo Antonio , Boccadoro Mario , Omedè Paola
Published: August 2015

Background

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a neoplastic disorder characterized by clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells (PCs). Flow cytometry is an essential tool to confirm diagnosis and evaluate minimal residual disease (MRD). This study aims at identifying new surface PC markers suitable for targeted therapy in MM and able to improve MRD detection.

Methods

The expression of 82 molecules provided by the “Ninth International Workshop on Leukocyte Antigens” was analyzed by flow cytometry in 5 MM cell lines and in 20 newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients. Based on the antigens expression and monoclonal antibody availability, CD150, CD48, CD229, CD352, CD319, CD272, CD86, CD200 and CD184 were subsequently tested in 24 NDMM, 8 relapsed MM (RMM), 6 plasma cell leukemia (PCL) and 13 healthy subjects.

Results

CD352 was less frequently expressed on NDMM than on healthy PCs; CD200 was more frequently expressed on NDMM than on RMM and healthy PCs. CD150, CD319, CD229, CD352 Mean Fluorescence Intensity (MFI) was lower in pathological than in healthy samples. The proportion of CD150‐positive samples was lower in NDMM and RMM than in healthy subjects; CD86+ samples were less frequent in NDMM than in healthy subjects; CD200+ samples were more frequent in NDMM than in RMM and healthy subjects.

Conclusions

CD150, CD86 and CD200 can help to identify malignant PCs; CD272, CD319, CD229, CD48 are highly expressed on all PCs and could be considered for targeted therapy. All these antigens could be added to a routine panel for PCs identification and MRD evaluation. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Autoreactivity and the positive selection of B cells
Authors: Übelhart Rudolf , Jumaa Hassan
Published: August 2015

The diversity among B‐cell antigen receptor (BCR) specificities is generated by random rearrangement of gene segments during early B‐cell development. While such stochastic recombination of gene segments is important for diversity, it introduces the risk of producing self‐reactive BCRs which might lead to the development of autoimmune diseases. Therefore, it has been proposed that negative selection of autoreactive BCR specificities during early B‐cell development are required to establish tolerance towards self. In fact, transgenic mouse models have identified a number of “tolerance mechanisms” such as receptor editing, clonal deletion and anergy, all of which prevent the development of autoreactive B cells. Recent data, however, reveal that self‐recognition is crucial for the generation of B cells, and that the precursor‐BCR (pre‐BCR), which is essential for early B‐cell development, basically plays the role of an autoreactive BCR. Moreover, although it has become clear that autoreactive B cells are present in the periphery of healthy individuals, the role of autoantigen in their development, persistence and regulation is unclear. This review outlines the important role of autoreactivity in early B‐cell development and presents potential models for the regulation of the activation of peripheral B cells by different forms of self or foreign antigens.
Asymmetric Oxidation Synthesis of Modafinil Acid by Use of a Recyclable Chiral‐at‐Metal Complex
Authors: Li Zheng‐Zheng , Yao Su‐Yang , Wen A‐Hao , Ye Bao‐Hui
Published: August 2015

The enantioselective oxidation synthesis of chiral modafinil acid and its analogues with high enantiomeric excess has been developed by means of a chiral‐at‐metal strategy. Treatment of ruthenium complexes cis‐[Ru(bpy)2Cl2] or Δ/Λ‐[Ru(bpy)2(MeCN)2](PF6)2 (bpy is 2,2′‐bipyridine) with the appropriate prochiral thioether ligands afforded thioether complexes rac‐1, Δ/Λ‐1, rac‐2, Δ/Λ‐2, rac‐3, and Δ/Λ‐3. Diastereoselective oxidation of the thioether complexes in situ produced the corresponding sulfoxide complexes rac‐1a, Δ/Λ‐1a, rac‐2a, Δ/Λ‐2a, rac‐3a, and Δ/Λ‐3a. The configuration at the metal center in each case is stable during the coordination and oxidation reactions, and dictates the chirality of the sulfoxide ligand in the oxidation process. The chiral modafinil acids were obtained with ee values greater than 98 % upon their removal from the corresponding sulfoxide complexes in the presence of TFA/MeCN. Moreover, the chiral ruthenium precursors Δ/Λ‐[Ru(bpy)2(MeCN)2](PF6)2 are recyclable and reusable with complete retention of the configurations.
A Very Stable Nickel Broken‐Chain Complex with Isolated Ni–Ni Interactions
Authors: Wang Wen‐Zhen , Zhao Dan , Tsao Ting‐Bin , Ismayilov Rayyat , Lee Gene‐Hsiang , Peng Shie‐Ming
Published: August 2015

Two defective nickel‐extended metal‐atom chain (EMAC) complexes were synthesized from a pyrazine‐ and naphthyridine‐containing ligand and structurally characterized. The chains consist of dinickel and trinickel units with one absent metal center, in spite of which the complexes are very stable. The magnetic interaction between the two terminal, high‐spin nickel atoms is very weak with a spin exchange of J = –0.62(3) cm–1. An electrochemical study on one of the defective nickel EMAC complexes showed high resistance to both oxidation and reduction, with one reduction at E1/2 = –0.76 V and no observable oxidation events in the range from –0.9 V to +1.20 V.
Recent Progress in the in situ Detrifluoro­acetylative Generation of Fluoro Enolates and Their Reactions with Electrophiles
Authors: Mei Haibo , Xie Chen , Aceña José Luis , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Röschenthaler Gerd‐Volker , Han Jianlin
Published: August 2015

Detrifluoroacetylative generation of fluoro enolates is an emerging area of high‐impact research. In this review article we provide, for the first time, a comprehensive and critical treatment of this subject. The reaction types reported to date include Mannich, aldol, and Michael addition and halogenation reactions. These processes can be very successfully conducted in asymmetric fashion, in stoichiometric or catalytic mode. In general, these reactions allow for synthetically rather simple and practical installation of CF2, CHF, and quaternary CF structural units into various types of organic compounds. In particular, the overall scientific importance, as well as the potential influence of this methodology for the development of useful approaches to the preparation of pharmaceutically valuable compounds is highlighted. Attractive features such as operationally convenient, mild reaction conditions, remarkable substrate generality, and excellent stereochemical outcome bode well for widespread applications of this innovative and synthetically advanced approach.
Emergent geomorphic–vegetation interactions on a subalpine alluvial fan
Authors: Lane Stuart N. , Borgeaud Laure , Vittoz Pascal
Published: August 2015

Following perturbation, an ecosystem (flora, fauna, soil) should evolve as a function of time at a rate conditioned by external variables (relief, climate, geology). More recently, biogeomorphologists have focused upon the notion of co‐development of geomorphic processes with ecosystems over very short through to very long (evolutionary) timescales. Alpine environments have been a particular focus of this co‐development. However, work in this field has tended to adopt a simplified view of the relationship between perturbation and succession, including: how the landform and ecosystem itself conditions the impact of a perturbation to create a complex spatial response impact; and how perturbations are not simply ecosystem destroyers but can be a significant source of ecosystem resources. What this means is that at the within landform scale, there may well be a complex and dynamic topographic and sedimentological template that co‐develops with soil, flora and fauna. Here, we present and test a conceptual model of this template for a subalpine alluvial fan. We combine detailed floristic inventory with soil inventory, determination of edaphic variables and analysis of historical aerial imagery. Spatial variation in the probability of perturbation of sites on the fan surface was associated with down fan variability in the across‐fan distribution of fan ages, fan surface channel characteristics and fan surface sedimentology. Floristic survey confirmed that these edaphic factors distinguished site floristic richness and plant communities up until the point that the soil–vegetation system was sufficiently developed to sustain plant communities regardless of edaphic conditions. Thus, the primary explanatory variable was the estimated age of each site, which could be tied back into perturbation history and its spatial expression due to the geometry of the fan: distinct plant communities were emergent both across fan and down fan, a distribution maintained by the way in which the fan dissipates potentially perturbing events. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Astrocyte‐expressed FABP7 regulates dendritic morphology and excitatory synaptic function of cortical neurons
Authors: Ebrahimi Majid , Yamamoto Yui , Sharifi Kazem , Kida Hiroyuki , Kagawa Yoshiteru , Yasumoto Yuki , Islam Ariful , Miyazaki Hirofumi , Shimamoto Chie , Maekawa Motoko , Mitsushima Dai , Yoshikawa Takeo , Owada Yuji
Published: August 2015

Fatty acid binding protein 7 (FABP7) expressed by astrocytes in developing and mature brains is involved in uptake and transportation of fatty acids, signal transduction, and gene transcription. Fabp7 knockout (Fabp7 KO) mice show behavioral phenotypes reminiscent of human neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. However, direct evidence showing how FABP7 deficiency in astrocytes leads to altered brain function is lacking. Here, we examined neuronal dendritic morphology and synaptic plasticity in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of Fabp7 KO mice and in primary cortical neuronal cultures. Golgi staining of cortical pyramidal neurons in Fabp7 KO mice revealed aberrant dendritic morphology and decreased spine density compared with those in wild‐type (WT) mice. Aberrant dendritic morphology was also observed in primary cortical neurons co‐cultured with FABP7‐deficient astrocytes and neurons cultured in Fabp7 KO astrocyte‐conditioned medium. Excitatory synapse number was decreased in mPFC of Fabp7 KO mice and in neurons co‐cultured with Fabp7 KO astrocytes. Accordingly, whole‐cell voltage‐clamp recording in brain slices from pyramidal cells in the mPFC showed that both amplitude and frequency of action potential‐independent miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) were decreased in Fabp7 KO mice. Moreover, transplantation of WT astrocytes into the mPFC of Fabp7 KO mice partially attenuated behavioral impairments. Collectively, these results suggest that astrocytic FABP7 is important for dendritic arbor growth, neuronal excitatory synapse formation, and synaptic transmission, and provide new insights linking FABP7, lipid homeostasis, and neuropsychiatric disorders, leading to novel therapeutic interventions. GLIA 2016;64:48–62
A functional magnetic resonance imaging study of cognitive control and neurosensory deficits in mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Mayer Andrew R. , Hanlon Faith M. , Dodd Andrew B. , Ling Josef M. , Klimaj Stefan D. , Meier Timothy B.
Published: August 2015

Mild traumatic brain injury patients (mTBI) frequently report symptoms of increased distractability and sensory disturbances during mutisensory stimulation. These common post‐concussive symptoms could putatively result from dysfunction within the cognitive control network (CCN; top‐down) or from unisensory cortex (bottom‐up) itself. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and high‐resolution structural data were therefore prospectively collected during a multisensory (audio‐visual) cognitive control task from 46 mTBI patients within 3 weeks of injury and 46 matched healthy controls (HC), with a subset of participants returning at 4 months. Multisensory stimuli were presented at two frequencies to manipulate cognitive and perceptual load. Patients self‐reported more cognitive, emotional, somatic, vestibular and visual symptoms relative to HC, which improved, but did not entirely resolve, over the 4 month follow‐up period. There were no group differences in behavior or functional activation during cognitive control (incongruent – congruent trials). In contrast, patients exhibited abnormal activation within different regions of visual cortex that depended on whether attention was focused on auditory or visual information streams. Patients also exhibited increased activation within bilateral inferior parietal lobules during higher cognitive/perceptual loads, suggesting a compensatory mechanism to achieve similar levels of behavioral performance. Functional abnormalities within the visual cortex and inferior parietal lobules were only partially resolved at 4 months post‐injury, suggesting that neural abnormalities may take longer to resolve than behavioral measures used in most clinical settings. In summary, current results indicate that abnormalities within unisensory cortex (particularly visual areas) following mTBI, which likely contribute to deficits commonly reported during multisensory stimulation. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4394–4406, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impaired reward processing in the human prefrontal cortex distinguishes between persistent and remittent attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Wetterling Friedrich , McCarthy Hazel , Tozzi Leonardo , Skokauskas Norbert , O'Doherty John P. , Mulligan Aisling , Meaney James , Fagan Andrew J. , Gill Michael , Frodl Thomas
Published: August 2015

Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children often persist into adulthood and can lead to severe antisocial behavior. However, to‐date it remains unclear whether neuro‐functional abnormalities cause ADHD, which in turn can then provide a marker of persistent ADHD. Using event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we measured blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal changes in subjects during a reversal learning task in which choice of the correct stimulus led to a probabilistically determined ‘monetary’ reward or punishment. Participants were diagnosed with ADHD during their childhood (N = 32) and were paired with age, gender, and education matched healthy controls (N = 32). Reassessment of the ADHD group as adults resulted in a split between either persistent (persisters, N = 17) or remitted ADHDs (remitters, N = 15). All three groups showed significantly decreased activation in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the left striatum during punished correct responses, however only remitters and controls presented significant psycho‐physiological interaction between these fronto‐striatal reward and outcome valence networks. Comparing persisters to remitters and controls showed significantly inverted responses to punishment (P < 0.05, family‐wise error corrected) in left PFC region. Interestingly, the decreased activation shown after punishment was located in different areas of the PFC for remitters compared with controls, suggesting that remitters might have learned compensation strategies to overcome their ADHD symptoms. Thus, fMRI helps understanding the neuro‐functional basis of ADHD related behavior differences and differentiates between persistent and remittent ADHD. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4648–4663, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo evidence of hippocampal dentate gyrus expansion in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rocca Maria A. , Longoni Giulia , Pagani Elisabetta , Boffa Giacomo , Colombo Bruno , Rodegher Mariaemma , Martino Gianvito , Falini Andrea , Comi Giancarlo , Filippi Massimo
Published: August 2015

Using MR‐based radial mapping, we assessed morphological alterations of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) in patients with relapse‐onset multiple sclerosis (MS). We analyzed different stages of the disease and the association of DG alterations with hippocampal‐related cognitive functions. Using high‐resolution morphological imaging, hippocampal radial mapping analysis was performed in 28 relapsing‐remitting (RR), 34 secondary progressive, and 26 benign MS patients and 28 healthy controls (HC). Between‐groups differences of DG radial distance (from surface points to the central core of the hippocampus) and correlations with clinical, neuropsychological, and radiological measures were evaluated using surface‐based mesh modeling. Compared with HC, all MS clinical phenotypes revealed a larger radial distance of the DG, which was more marked on the left side. Radial distance enlargement was more pronounced in RRMS patients compared with the other disease clinical phenotypes and was inversely correlated to disease duration. Radial distance enlargement was correlated with higher T2 lesion volume and a better cognitive performance in RRMS and with a poor cognitive performance in secondary progressive and benign MS patients. Surface expansion of the DG might represent an inflammation‐induced neurogenic (reactive) process of the subgranular zone of the hippocampus primarily aimed at rescuing the functional competence of hippocampal circuitry. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4702–4713, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Observations on hippocampal mossy cells in mink (Neovison vison) with special reference to dendrites ascending to the granular and molecular layers
Authors: Blackstad Jan Sigurd , Osen Kirsten K. , Scharfman Helen E. , Storm‐Mathisen Jon , Blackstad Theodor W. , Leergaard Trygve B.
Published: August 2015

Detailed knowledge about the neural circuitry connecting the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex is necessary to understand how this system contributes to spatial navigation and episodic memory. The two principal cell types of the dentate gyrus, mossy cells and granule cells, are interconnected in a positive feedback loop, by which mossy cells can influence information passing from the entorhinal cortex via granule cells to hippocampal pyramidal cells. Mossy cells, like CA3 pyramidal cells, are characterized by thorny excrescences on their proximal dendrites, postsynaptic to giant terminals of granule cell axons. In addition to disynaptic input from the entorhinal cortex and perforant path via granule cells, mossy cells may also receive monosynaptic input from the perforant path via special dendrites ascending to the molecular layer. We here report qualitative and quantitative descriptions of Golgi‐stained hippocampal mossy cells in mink, based on light microscopic observations and three‐dimensional reconstructions. The main focus is on the location, branching pattern, and length of dendrites, particularly those ascending to the granular and molecular layers. In mink, the latter dendrites are more numerous than in rat, but fewer than in primates. They form on average 12% (and up to 29%) of the total dendritic length, and appear to cover the terminal fields of both the lateral and medial perforant paths. In further contrast to rat, the main mossy cell dendrites in mink branch more extensively with distal dendrites encroaching upon the CA3 field. The dendritic arbors extend both along and across the septotemporal axis of the dentate gyrus, not conforming to the lamellar pattern of the hippocampus. The findings suggest that the afferent input to the mossy cells becomes more complex in species closer to primates. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.