bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conditioned Medium From Human Amniotic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Limits Infarct Size and Enhances Angiogenesis
Authors: Danieli Patrizia , Malpasso Giuseppe , Ciuffreda Maria Chiara , Cervio Elisabetta , Calvillo Laura , Copes Francesco , Pisano Federica , Mura Manuela , Kleijn Lennaert , de Boer Rudolf A. , Viarengo Gianluca , Rosti Vittorio , Spinillo Arsenio , Roccio Marianna , Gnecchi Massimiliano
Published: April 2015

The paracrine properties of human amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMCs) have not been fully elucidated. The goal of the present study was to elucidate whether hAMCs can exert beneficial paracrine effects on infarcted rat hearts, in particular through cardioprotection and angiogenesis. Moreover, we aimed to identify the putative active paracrine mediators. hAMCs were isolated, expanded, and characterized. In vitro, conditioned medium from hAMC (hAMC-CM) exhibited cytoprotective and proangiogenic properties. In vivo, injection of hAMC-CM into infarcted rat hearts limited the infarct size, reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and ventricular remodeling, and strongly promoted capillary formation at the infarct border zone. Gene array analysis led to the identification of 32 genes encoding for the secreted factors overexpressed by hAMCs. Among these, midkine and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine were also upregulated at the protein level. Furthermore, high amounts of several proangiogenic factors were detected in hAMC-CM by cytokine array. Our results strongly support the concept that the administration of hAMC-CM favors the repair process after acute myocardial infarction.

Significance

The demonstration that stem cells repair infarcted hearts mainly through paracrine mechanisms represents a potential breakthrough. Characterization of therapeutic paracrine mediators could lead to the possibility of treating acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with a single stem cell-derived molecule or a mixture. Compared with cell therapy, this approach would be technically easier to translate to the bedside. An even more straightforward strategy consists of the administration of the entire stem cell secretome (i.e., conditioned medium [CM]). Despite these potential advantages, this approach has not been thoroughly investigated using human cells. This study shows that CM of fetal stromal cells (human amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stromal cell [hAMC]-CM), derived from an ethically acceptable source such as the placenta, can repair infarcted hearts without the need for any manipulation. The use of hAMC-CM might be readily translated to the clinical arena in the setting of AMI upon demonstration of its effectiveness in a large animal model.
Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes Enhance Angiogenesis Through the Wnt4/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wu Xiaodan , Zhang Xu , Sun Yaoxiang , Yan Yongmin , Shi Hui , Zhu Yanhua , Wu Lijun , Pan Zhaoji , Zhu Wei , Qian Hui , Xu Wenrong
Published: April 2015

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) and their exosomes have been considered as potential therapeutic tools for tissue regeneration; however, the underlying mechanisms are still not well understood. In this study, we isolated and characterized the exosomes from hucMSCs (hucMSC-Ex) and demonstrated that hucMSC-Ex promoted the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we demonstrated that hucMSC-Ex promoted wound healing and angiogenesis in vivo by using a rat skin burn model. We discovered that hucMSC-Ex promoted β-catenin nuclear translocation and induced the increased expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cyclin D3, N-cadherin, and β-catenin and the decreased expression of E-cadherin. The activation of Wnt/β-catenin is critical in the induction of angiogenesis by hucMSC-Ex, which could be reversed by β-catenin inhibitor ICG-001. Wnt4 was delivered by hucMSC-Ex, and the knockdown of Wnt4 in hucMSC-Ex abrogated β-catenin nuclear translocation in endothelial cells. The in vivo proangiogenic effects were also inhibited by interference of Wnt4 expression in hucMSC-Ex. Taken together, these results suggest that hucMSC-Ex-mediated Wnt4 induces β-catenin activation in endothelial cells and exerts proangiogenic effects, which could be an important mechanism for cutaneous wound healing.

Significance

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) and their exosomes have been considered as potential therapeutic tools for tissue regeneration; however, the underlying mechanisms are still not well understood. In this study, it is reported that hucMSC-Ex-mediated Wnt4 induces β-catenin activation in endothelial cells and exerts proangiogenic effects, which could be one of the important mechanisms responsible for cutaneous wound healing.
La construcción de la identidad nacional española a través de los cuadernos escolares (1957-1959)
Authors: Sanchidrián Blanco Carmen , Arias Gómez Bárbara
Published: April 2015

El proceso de construcción de la identidad nacional que se llevó a cabo en las escuelas durante el nacional-catolicismo, quedó reflejado en los cuadernos escolares que los alumnos elaboraron en el desarrollo de su actividad diaria.  Los cuadernos son un medio en el que han permanecido todos los elementos de integración que permitieron producir, desde la escuela, el concepto de identidad nacional pretendido. En ellos se observa, cómo se trata de un hecho cognitivo y emocional que la escuela debía promover y que se creó partiendo de la interacción de los alumnos en un contexto en el que predominaban por un lado, aspectos como la autoestima individual y colectiva asociadas a la idea de España, y por otro, los sentimientos y emociones que el franquismo pudo despertar en los jóvenes.
 

 
Los resultados de los estudiantes en un proceso de evaluación con metodologías distintas
Authors: Mingorance Arnáiz Cristina , Calvo Bernardino Antonio
Published: April 2015

La utilización de una metodología docente basada en el fortalecimiento de distintas competencias exige la aplicación de un sistema de evaluación que permita valorar adecuadamente el logro de las competencias establecidas. Si bien, se suele decir que un sistema de enseñanza de este tipo perjudica el aprendizaje al reducir los conocimientos adquiridos. Nuestro objetivo es averiguar si la utilización de una metodología docente variada es positiva para la formación del alumno, así como si existe algún tipo de actividad que resulte más atractiva o más favorable para superar la asignatura. Para ello nos servimos de los resultados obtenidos por los alumnos de una misma asignatura a lo largo de varios cursos académicos
Análisis bibliométrico de la Revista de Investigación Educativa (2000-2012)
Authors: Ariza Tania , Quevedo-Blasco Raúl
Published: April 2015

Se realiza un análisis bibliométrico de la Revista de Investigación Educativa para conocer la evolución y características de su producción científica. Se analizan 366 documentos publicados entre 2000 y 2012 a partir de indicadores como el año de publicación, idioma, metodología utilizada, tipo de muestra, contexto de la investigación, temática, índice de autoría, filiación institucional y productividad por país. La información se obtuvo de la versión electrónica de la revista y para conseguir otros indicadores bibliométricos relacionados con las citas que recibe, autores más citados, índice de impacto, envejecimiento, así como especialidades y revistas del Journal Citation Reports (JCR) en las que más se cita, se utilizó la base de datos IN-RECS y el JCR. En los resultados se observa información específica sobre su producción científica, y sus puntos positivos y negativos. Se discuten los aspectos más relevantes que hay que potenciar y otros que es necesario mejorar para que la revista consiga una mayor difusión.
School Leadership in a Contradictory World
Authors: Moos Lejf
Published: April 2015

The article captures important trends and tendencies in public governance and thus in conditions for school leadership. The general movement towards Globalization influences the core trends in national policies and in public governance. But international discourses and practices are formed in national or regional contexts of culture, practice and politics. The author is part of a Nordic context and therefore he observes governance and leadership from this point. But it is possible to translate the analyses to other contexts as well. An analyse of some of the effects of the meetings of transnational influences with national values and practises are discussed in the case of Danish education and school leadership. School leaders are left with a number of dilemmas between traditional, welfare state values and neo-liberal values. They have to find locally satisfying balances between academic proficiencies and competences of curiosity and deliberation.
An unusual case of cryoglobulinemic purpura in elderly patient
Authors: Turrin Mauro
Published: April 2015

Cryoglobulinemia is associated with infections, in particular chronic hepatitis C, autoimmune diseases, and lymphoproliferative disorders. Its frequency seems to be higher than is commonly considered, even in elderly patients.We describe the case of an elderly patient with diabetes, nephroangiosclerosis and purpura who presented marked and persistent increase in rheumatoid factor, hypocomplementemia and cryoglobulinemia with nephrotic disagreement unrelated to HCV. A thirteen‑month follow‑up showed neither immunorheumatologic nor neoplastic disorders. In literature, associations with hepatic pseudocyst is not described and a lack of association with HCV is very rare. Therefore, the hypothesis of “essential” mixed cryoglobulinemia (EMC) associated with nephrotic syndrome was formulated. Renal disease associated with EMC (unrelated to HCV) is characterized by the high prevalence of primary Sjögren syndrome and overt B‑cell non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma for which repetitive clinical evaluation is necessary.
Local development and Local Partnerships: Universities applying pro-active PR in a local systems network logics
Authors: Musaraj Arta
Published: April 2015

Facing turmoil and continuous stunning, local governing bodies, decision makers and local actors, in most of cases found the most stable solution has been the regional cooperation and particularly that of increasing and strengthening local human resources capacities at a regional level. Trying to increase competiveness, local systems understand more and more the importance of being flexible, on the frame of a sustainable strategic planning. Local infrastructure and interaction of all local factors and actors, at any time, must consider their development following a wider regional prospective. Important evolutions in the education area, mainly in higher education, gave breath to outstanding improvements in the capacities to develop qualified human resources, matching needs from local developments. While achieving standardized didactic tools at a Mediterranean and furthermore, EU level, they become able to deliver internationally recognized knowledge and capacities, improving so at a general level. human resources among countries with different socio-economic level. At the same time, these developments spread quickly the culture of interaction and collaboration among local actors. This also makes possible knowledge and expertise transfer from excellence center and universities toward local public administration and other local stake holders or public, and increases cooperation standardizing practices according to EU requirements. Local issues need local solutions, but this at no case must cause localization or isolation, all those developments must be conceptualized, oriented and managed in a wider prospective, specific needs must have specific answers, and universities are the best in doing this.
Histerosalpingografia: introdução ao estudo da radiologia ginecológica
Authors: Maia Hugo
Published: April 2015

O livro destina-se aos ginecologistas, ultrassonografistas e, especialmente, aos médicos que pretendem o título de Especialista em Radiologia. Serve como fonte de consulta sobre a histerosalpingografia (HSG) naquilo em que ela é ainda soberana: o diagnóstico ginecológico.
Anisotropic tomography of Hokkaido reveals delamination‐induced flow above a subducting slab
Authors: Koulakov Ivan , Kukarina Ekaterina , Fathi Ismail Husain , El Khrepy Sami , Al‐Arifi Nassir
Published: April 2015

We present a new 3‐D anisotropic seismic model for the crust and upper mantle beneath Hokkaido (Japan) based on tomographic inversion of P and S arrival times from a regional seismic database. The P model is parameterized with three parameters at each point that describe the azimuthal anisotropy; the S model is represented isotropically. The isotropic P and S velocity anomalies match nearly perfectly. In the crust, they show a prominent linear anomaly in central Hokkaido along the Kamuikotan and Hidaka Belts, which represents the area of eastward underthrusting of the Japan Block underneath the Kuril fore arc. We interpret the high‐velocity anomaly beneath the Hidaka zone as being delaminated mafic crust and entrained mantle lithosphere, which developed due to crustal shortening in the collision zone. One of our vertical sections shows a very unusual configuration for a subduction zone: a low‐velocity slab is overlain by a high‐velocity body in the mantle wedge. We propose that the high‐velocity delaminated material sinking along the slab surface prevents the escape of fluids and melts from the upper part of the slab, where they are generated due to phase transitions. As a result, a large portion of the fluids is entrained downward and lowers the seismic velocities in the slab. The azimuthal anisotropy in the crust clearly corresponds to the major tectonic units and delineates the major suture zones. In the mantle, the anisotropy has a fan‐shaped configuration and most likely represents the deviating of flows starting in southern Hokkaido and splitting into three directions. The western and eastern flows proceed toward the two volcanic groups on Hokkaido, and they may carry with them additional material to trigger the characteristic caldera‐forming eruptions in these groups.
Effectiveness of Nonpharmacologic Interventions in Systemic Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Willems Linda M. , Vriezekolk Johanna E. , Schouffoer Anne A. , Poole Janet L. , Stamm Tanja A. , Boström Carina , Kwakkenbos Linda , Vliet Vlieland Theodora P. M. , van den Ende Cornelia H. M.
Published: April 2015

Objective

To systematically and comprehensively document the effectiveness of nonpharmacologic interventions on physical functioning and psychological well‐being in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

Multiple electronic databases were searched for studies on the effectiveness of nonpharmacologic interventions in SSc. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs), and observational designs (ODs) with ≥10 participants were included. Two reviewers independently assessed methodologic quality using the Downs and Black checklist.

Results

Twenty‐three studies (9 RCTs, 4 CCTs, and 10 ODs) were included. Studies assessing comparable interventions were grouped, resulting in data for 16 different interventions. The total number of patients included per study ranged from 10 to 53. Seventeen different outcome domains were assessed, with hand function, limitations in activities, and quality of life being assessed most frequently. Three studies, all RCTs, were rated as high quality. These RCTs reported that 1) a multifaceted oral health intervention improves mouth hygiene, and additional orofacial exercises did not improve mouth opening, 2) a multidisciplinary team‐care program improves limitations in activities, mouth opening, and hand grip strength, and 3) manual lymph drainage improves hand function, limitations in activities, and quality of life.

Conclusion

The body of knowledge regarding nonpharmacologic care in SSc is very limited due to the wide variety in studied interventions and outcomes in the relatively uncommon but highly disabling disease. To structure and focus future research, an international consensus should be established to prioritize primary targets for nonpharmacologic treatment and the content of interventions and to agree on a core set of outcome measures.
Dehydroepiandrosterone and multiple measures of functional immunity in young adults
Authors: Prall Sean P. , Muehlenbein Michael P.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Human immune function is strongly influenced by variation in hormone concentrations. The adrenal androgens dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulfate (DHEA‐S) are thought to be beneficial to immune function and disease resistance, but physiologically interact with testosterone and cortisol. We predict that DHEA and DHEA‐S will interact with these other hormones in determining immunological outcomes. Understanding the interactive effects of these hormones will aid in understanding variability in immunocompetence and clarify discrepancies in human studies of androgen–immune interactions.

Methods

Thirty‐eight participants collected morning saliva over three days, from which concentrations of DHEA, DHEA‐S, testosterone, and cortisol were measured, as well as salivary bacteria killing ability to measure innate immune function. From blood collection, serum was collected to measure innate immune function via a hemolytic complement assay, and whole blood collected and processed to measure proliferative responses of lymphocytes in the presence of mitogens.

Results

DHEA was negatively correlated with T cell proliferation, and positively correlated with salivary bacteria killing in male participants. Additionally, using regression models, DHEA‐S was negatively associated with hemolytic complement activity, but interaction variables did not yield statistically significant relationships for any other outcome measure.

Conclusions

While interactions with other hormones did not significantly relate with immune function measures in this sample, DHEA and DHEA‐S did differentially impact multiple branches of the immune system. Generally characterized as immunosupportive in action, DHEA is shown to inhibit certain facets of innate and cell‐mediated immunity, suggesting a more complex role in regulating immunocompetence. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:877–880, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distance Measurement on an Endogenous Membrane Transporter in E. coli Cells and Native Membranes Using EPR Spectroscopy
Authors: Joseph Benesh , Sikora Arthur , Bordignon Enrica , Jeschke Gunnar , Cafiso David S. , Prisner Thomas F.
Published: April 2015

Membrane proteins may be influenced by the environment, and they may be unstable in detergents or fail to crystallize. As a result, approaches to characterize structures in a native environment are highly desirable. Here, we report a novel general strategy for precise distance measurements on outer membrane proteins in whole Escherichia coli cells and isolated outer membranes. The cobalamin transporter BtuB was overexpressed and spin‐labeled in whole cells and outer membranes and interspin distances were measured to a spin‐labeled cobalamin using pulse EPR spectroscopy. A comparative analysis of the data reveals a similar interspin distance between whole cells, outer membranes, and synthetic vesicles. This approach provides an elegant way to study conformational changes or protein–protein/ligand interactions at surface‐exposed sites of membrane protein complexes in whole cells and native membranes, and provides a method to validate outer membrane protein structures in their native environment.
Red, Green, and Blue Luminescence by Carbon Dots: Full‐Color Emission Tuning and Multicolor Cellular Imaging
Authors: Jiang Kai , Sun Shan , Zhang Ling , Lu Yue , Wu Aiguo , Cai Congzhong , Lin Hengwei
Published: April 2015

A facile approach for preparation of photoluminescent (PL) carbon dots (CDs) is reported. The three resulting CDs emit bright and stable red, green and blue (RGB) colors of luminescence, under a single ultraviolet‐light excitation. Alterations of PL emission of these CDs are tentatively proposed to result from the difference in their particle size and nitrogen content. Interestingly, up‐conversion (UC)PL of these CDs is also observed. Moreover, flexible full‐color emissive PVA films can be achieved through mixing two or three CDs in the appropriate ratios. These CDs also show low cytotoxicity and excellent cellular imaging capability. The facile preparation and unique optical features make these CDs potentially useful in numerous applications such as light‐emitting diodes, full‐color displays, and multiplexed (UC)PL bioimaging.
Proton‐conductive membranes based on vanadium substituted heteropoly acids with Keggin structure and polymers
Authors: Tian Naiqin , Wu Xuefei , Yang Baihe , Wu Qingyin , Cao Fahe , Yan Wenfu , Yaroslavtsev Andrei B.
Published: April 2015

In this article, novel proton‐conducting composite membranes SPEEK/PW11V and PVA/SiW11V were synthesized from vanadium substituted heteropoly acids (H4PW11VO40·8H2O and H5SiW11VO40·15H2O, abbreviated as PW11V and SiW11V) and polymers (SPEEK or PVA) at the weight ratio 70 : 30. The membranes were characterized by the infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, which confirmed the maintenance of the Keggin framework and dispersion homogeneously in the polymer matrix without long‐range ordering. Their proton‐conducting properties were investigated with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show that the respective proton conductivities of SPEEK/PW11V and PVA/SiW11V membranes were in the order of 10−2 and 10−4 S cm−1 at ambient temperature. The temperature dependence of the two composite membrane electrolytes exhibit Arrhenius behavior, and the observed activation energies to be 15.82 kJ mol−1 for SPEEK/PW11V and 14.40 kJ mol−1 for PVA/SiW11V, which indicates that the proton conduction complies with the Grotthuss mechanism. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42204.
Irbesartan‐loaded electrospun nanofibers‐based PVP K90 for the drug dissolution improvement: Fabrication, in vitro performance assessment, and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Adeli Ehsan
Published: April 2015

Irbesartan with a low bioavailability is known as a poorly water‐soluble drug. The purpose of this investigation is the improvement of physicochemical properties (such as solubility and dissolution rate) of Irbesartan using electrospun nanofibers‐based solid dispersion preparation. Nanofibers were prepared using certain weight ratios of the drug and polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 (PVP K90). Then, dissolution studies were carried out. Moreover, selected samples were examined by many different tests such as Fourier transform infra red (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Though solubility and dissolution rate of all Irbesartan‐PVP nanofibers improved, but the best result was obtained through of ENSD5 (3% (w/v) : 7% (w/v)). In sink condition approximately 97% of this sample was released during 60 min. The drug content was among the different batches from 40.55 ± 1.01 to 245.32 ± 1.77 μg/mL. The maximum saturation solubility was belonged to this sample. According to the results of the thermal analysis and FTIR spectroscopy, there is no chemical reaction between drug and carrier, also samples has not changed during the process. Amorphous structure for nanofibers was confirmed by DSC thermograms and XRD diffractograms and morphological structure of samples were observed by SEM images. Ultimately, in vivo studies were performed in healthy grey rabbits and the results were satisfactory. The drug–polymer nanofibers showed an increase in relative bioavailability than the plain Irbesartan suspension. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42212.
Reversal of Arthritis by Human Monomeric IgA Through the Receptor‐Mediated SH2 Domain–Containing Phosphatase 1 Inhibitory Pathway
Authors: Rossato Elisabetta , Ben Mkaddem Sanae , Kanamaru Yutaka , Hurtado‐Nedelec Margarita , Hayem Gilles , Descatoire Véronique , Vonarburg Cédric , Miescher Sylvia , Zuercher Adrian W. , Monteiro Renato C.
Published: April 2015

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), one of the most frequent chronic inflammatory rheumatic disorders, is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies and joint infiltration by activated immune cells, leading to cartilage and bone destruction. IgA occurs predominantly as monomers (mIgA) in plasma and regulates many cell responses through interaction with the Fcα receptor type I (FcαRI). FcαRI targeting by anti‐FcαRI Fab inhibits activating receptors by inducing an inhibitory immunoreceptor tyrosine–based activation motif (ITAMi) configuration through SH2 domain–containing phosphatase 1 (SHP‐1) recruitment. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential utility of mIgA for the treatment of arthritis by acting as an inducer of ITAMi signaling.

Methods

The effect of plasma‐derived human mIgA on inhibition of multiple heterologous receptors was evaluated on FcαRI+ cell transfectants, blood phagocytes from healthy individuals, and synovial cells from RA patients. FcαRI‐transgenic mice and wild‐type mice treated with mIgA were studied in models of collagen antibody–induced arthritis (CAIA) and collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). The mice were assessed for development of arthritis using an arthritis score, and joint tissue samples were evaluated for the extent of leukocyte infiltration and expression of phosphatase.

Results

Treatment with mIgA impaired cell activation in an FcαRI–FcRγ‐dependent manner, involving ITAMi signaling. Human mIgA or anti‐FcαRI Fab were strongly effective in either preventing or attenuating CAIA or CIA in FcαRI‐transgenic mice. Administration of mIgA markedly inhibited the recruitment of leukocytes to the inflamed joints of mice, which was associated with induction of SHP‐1 phosphorylation in joint tissue cells. Moreover, mIgA reversed the state of inflammation in the synovial fluid of RA patients by inducing an ITAMi configuration.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate a therapeutic potential of human mIgA in experimental arthritis. The findings support future clinical exploration of mIgA for the treatment of RA.
Conformation Diversity of a Fused‐Ring Pyrazine Derivative on Au(111) and Highly Ordered Pyrolytic Graphite
Authors: Yan Hui‐Juan , Sändig Nadja , Wang Haifeng , Wang Dong , Zerbetto Francesco , Zhan Xiaowei , Wan Li‐Jun
Published: April 2015

Heterocyclic aromatic compounds have attracted considerable attention because of their high carrier mobility that can be exploited in organic field‐effect transistors. This contribution presents a comparative study of the packing structure of 3,6‐didodecyl‐12‐(3,6‐didodecylphenanthro[9,10‐b]phenazin‐13‐yl)phenanthro[9,10‐b]phenazine (DP), an N‐heterocyclic aromatic compound, on Au(111) and highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). High‐resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) combined with atomistic simulations provide a picture of the interface of this organic semiconductor on an electrode that can have an impact on the field‐effect transistor (FET) performance. DP molecules adsorb with different conformational isomers (R/S: trans isomers; C: cis isomer) on HOPG and Au(111) substrates. All three isomers are found in the long‐range disordered lamella domains on Au(111). In contrast, only the R/S trans isomers self‐assemble into stable chiral domains on the HOPG surface. The substrate‐dependent adsorption configuration selectivity is supported by theoretical calculations. The van der Waals interaction between the molecules and the substrate dominates the adsorption binding energy of the DP molecules on the solid surface. The results provide molecular evidence of the interface structures of organic semiconductors on electrode surfaces.
Photobioreactors with internal illumination – A survey and comparison
Authors: Heining Martin , Buchholz Rainer
Published: April 2015

The idea of internally illuminated photobioreactors has existed since the 1990s and various systems were developed since. Recently, the interest in these systems has been on the rise again, due to the increased production of and research on high‐value products and recombinant proteins from microalgae and plant cell cultures. While promising results in lab‐scale have been achieved, the potential of photoautotrophic or mixotrophic production of these compounds is limited due to the lack of scalable photobioreactors, which could be overcome by internally illuminated systems. In this article, we review different internally illuminated photobioreactors from the last two decades and classify them into two major groups. The photobioreactors are compared based on the ratio of illuminated surface‐to‐culture volume and the occupied volume by internal light‐emitting elements, and possible obstacles, challenges and future trends are discussed. Looking forward, new technologies and smaller light sources have improved the potential of internally illuminated photobioreactors with internal light sources and will enable these technologies to compete with systems with internal light guides, but only a few of these systems have currently achieved a relevant scale.
Biocatalytic synthesis of C3 chiral building blocks by chloroperoxidase‐catalyzed enantioselective halo‐hydroxylation and epoxidation in the presence of ionic liquids
Authors: Liu Yan , Wang Yali , Jiang Yucheng , Hu Mancheng , Li Shuni , Zhai Quanguo
Published: April 2015

The optically active C3 synthetic blocks are remarkably versatile intermediates for the synthesis of numerous pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. This work provides a simple and efficient enzymatic synthetic route for the environment‐friendly synthesis of C3 chiral building blocks. Chloroperoxidase (CPO)‐catalyzed enantioselective halo‐hydroxylation and epoxidation of chloropropene and allyl alcohol was employed to prepare C3 chiral building blocks in this work, including (R)‐2,3‐dichloro‐1‐propanol (DCP*), (R)‐2,3‐epoxy‐1‐propanol (GLD*), and (R)‐3‐chloro‐1‐2‐propanediol (CPD*). The ee values of the formed C3 chiral building blocks DCP*, CPD*, and glycidol were 98.1, 97.5, and 96.7%, respectively. Moreover, the use of small amount of imidazolium ionic liquid enhanced the yield efficiently due to the increase of solubility of hydrophobic organic substrates in aqueous reaction media, as well as the improvement of affinity and selectivity of CPO to substrate. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:724–729, 2015
Effect of leaf incubation temperature profiles on agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transient expression
Authors: Jung Sang‐Kyu , McDonald Karen A. , Dandekar Abhaya M.
Published: April 2015

Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transient expression is known to be highly dependent on incubation temperature. Compared with early studies that were conducted at constant temperature, we examined the effect of variable leaf incubation temperature on transient expression. As a model system, synthetic endoglucanase (E1) and endoxylanase (Xyn10A) genes were transiently expressed in detached whole sunflower leaves via vacuum infiltration for biofuel applications. We found that the kinetics of transient expression strongly depended on timing of the temperature change as well as leaf incubation temperature. Surprisingly, we found that high incubation temperature (27–30 °C) which is suboptimal for T‐DNA transfer, significantly enhanced transient expression if the high temperature was applied during the late phase (Day 3–6) of leaf incubation whereas incubation temperature in a range of 20–25 °C for an early phase (Day 0–2) resulted in higher production. On the basis of these results, we propose that transient expression is governed by both T‐DNA transfer and protein synthesis in plant cells that have different temperature dependent kinetics. Because the phases were separated in time and had different optimal temperatures, we were then able to develop a novel two phase optimization strategy for leaf incubation temperature. Applying the time‐varying temperature profile, we were able to increase the protein accumulation by fivefold compared with the control at a constant temperature of 20 °C. From our knowledge, this is the first report illustrating the effect of variable temperature profiling for improved transient expression. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:783–790, 2015
Stable isotopic labeling‐based quantitative targeted glycomics (i‐QTaG)
Authors: Kim Kyoung‐Jin , Kim Yoon‐Woo , Kim Yun‐Gon , Park Hae‐Min , Jin Jang Mi , Hwan Kim Young , Yang Yung‐Hun , Kyu Lee Jun , Chung Junho , Lee Sun‐Gu , Saghatelian Alan
Published: April 2015

Mass spectrometry (MS) analysis combined with stable isotopic labeling is a promising method for the relative quantification of aberrant glycosylation in diseases and disorders. We developed a stable isotopic labeling‐based quantitative targeted glycomics (i‐QTaG) technique for the comparative and quantitative analysis of total N‐glycans using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). We established the analytical procedure with the chemical derivatizations (i.e., sialic acid neutralization and stable isotopic labeling) of N‐glycans using a model glycoprotein (bovine fetuin). Moreover, the i‐QTaG using MALDI‐TOF MS was evaluated with various molar ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:5) of 13C6/12C6‐2‐aminobenzoic acid‐labeled glycans from normal human serum. Finally, this method was applied to direct comparison of the total N‐glycan profiles between normal human sera (n = 8) and prostate cancer patient sera (n = 17). The intensities of the N‐glycan peaks from i‐QTaG method showed a good linearity (R2 > 0.99) with the amount of the bovine fetuin glycoproteins. The ratios of relative intensity between the isotopically 2‐AA labeled N‐glycans were close to the theoretical molar ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:5). We also demonstrated that the up‐regulation of the Lewis antigen (∼82%) in sera from prostate cancer patients. In this proof‐of‐concept study, we demonstrated that the i‐QTaG method, which enables to achieve a reliable comparative quantitation of total N‐glycans via MALDI‐TOF MS analysis, has the potential to diagnose and monitor alterations in glycosylation associated with disease states or biotherapeutics. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:840–848, 2015
Influence of l‐homoarginine as an analogue of l‐arginine on the heat‐induced aggregation of proteins
Authors: Cirkovas Andrejus , Sereikaite Jolanta
Published: April 2015

The influence of l‐homoarginine on the heat‐induced aggregation of three model proteins, i.e. porcine, mink, and human growth hormones was investigated by circular dichroism spectroscopy. It was found that the effect of l‐homoarginine as an analogue of arginine depends on the concentration of the additive as well as the protein itself. l‐Homoarginine increased the onset temperature of heat‐induced aggregation of both porcine and mink growth hormones. However, the formation of human growth hormone aggregates was increased at low concentrations of l‐homoarginine. Only at higher concentrations of the additive was the onset temperature of human growth hormone aggregation found to increase. Additional experiments of human growth hormone melting in the presence of histidine, lysine, and sodium chloride were performed. The effect of lysine was similar as in the presence of l‐homoarginine. It follows that in protein formulations low concentrations of amino acids should be used with some precaution. At low concentration of additive, depending on the charge of both protein and amino acid used, the promotion of aggregation of unfolding intermediates may occur. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:808–814, 2015
Using computer virtualization and software tools to implement a low cost laboratory for the teaching of storage area networks
Authors: García Javier , Entrialgo Joaquín
Published: April 2015

This article presents a lab approach for teaching storage area networks (SANs). Physical SANs are complex and costly infrastructures that require significant space. Both the cost and size are serious difficulties in setting up labs for teaching SANs. The lab approach presented in this article solves both problems by using computer virtualization, as well as software tools to emulate storage systems, so that lab activities can be carried out in a single physical computer. The article discusses the selection of a virtualization platform suitable for the teaching of SANs. Using the selected platform (the Hyper‐V hypervisor), a set of learning modules is designed. These modules teach students fundamental concepts and skills about SAN architecture, configuration and operation. The article provides brief descriptions of the modules. Then, the configuration schema of the practice platform used to support the SAN lab is explained. This configuration schema is designed for the cohabitation of multiple hypervisors (required to support the SAN lab activities) and a client operating system in the same physical computer. Thus, the SAN lab can be taught in a general purpose computer laboratory and coexist with other courses in the same physical lab. The proposed approach has been successfully implemented and verified by teaching the SAN lab in the context of an information technology degree in 2013 and 2014. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ. Comput Appl Eng Educ 23:715–723, 2015; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21644
A phase I clinical trial of bavituximab and paclitaxel in patients with HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Chalasani Pavani , Marron Marilyn , Roe Denise , Clarke Kathryn , Iannone Maria , Livingston Robert B. , Shan Joseph S. , Stopeck Alison T.
Published: April 2015

Bavituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets phosphatidylserine (PS). PS is externalized on cells in the tumor microenvironment when exposed to hypoxia and/or other physiological stressors. On attaching to PS, bavituximab is thought to promote antitumor immunity through its effects on PS receptors in monocytes, and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, as well as trigger antitumor effects by inducing an antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity on tumor‐associated endothelial cells. We conducted a phase I clinical trial of bavituximab in combination with paclitaxel in patients with HER2‐negative metastatic breast cancer. Patients were treated with weekly paclitaxel (80 mg/m2 for 3/4 weeks) and weekly bavituximab (3 mg/kg for 4/4 weeks). Correlative studies included the measurement of circulating microparticles, endothelial cells, and apoptotic tumor cells by flow cytometry. Fourteen patients with metastatic breast cancer were enrolled; all were evaluable for toxicity and 13 were evaluable for response. Treatment resulted in an overall response rate (RR) of 85% with a median progression‐free survival (PFS) of 7.3 months. Bone pain, fatigue, headache, and neutropenia were the most common adverse effects. Infusion‐related reactions were the most common adverse event related to bavituximab therapy. Correlative studies showed an increase in the PS‐expressing apoptotic circulating tumor cells in response to bavituximab, but not with paclitaxel. No changes in the number of circulating endothelial cells or apoptotic endothelial cells were observed with therapy. Platelet and monocyte‐derived microparticles decreased after initiation of bavituximab. Bavituximab in combination with paclitaxel is well tolerated for treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer with promising results observed in terms of clinical RRs and PFS. The toxicity profile of bavituximab is notable for manageable infusion‐related reactions with no evidence for increased thrombogenicity. Recent preclinical data suggest that bavituximab can also promote antitumor immune activity that should be explored in future clinical trials.
Injectable hydrogel delivery plus preconditioning of mesenchymal stem cells: exploitation of SDF‐1/CXCR4 axis toward enhancing the efficacy of stem cells' homing
Authors: Naderi‐Meshkin Hojjat , Matin Maryam M. , Heirani‐Tabasi Asieh , Mirahmadi Mahdi , Irfan‐Maqsood Muhammad , Edalatmanesh Mohmmad Amin , Shahriyari Mina , Ahmadiankia Naghmeh , Moussavi Nasser Sanjar , Bidkhori Hamid Reza , Bahrami Ahmad Reza
Published: April 2015

Clinical applications of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) rely on their capacity to home and engraft in the appropriate target injury tissues for the long term. However, their homing efficiency has been observed to be very poor because of the lack or modifications of homing factors SDF‐1α and CXCR4 receptors. Hence, this study was designed to investigate the homing and retention of pretreated human adipose tissue‐derived MSCs (hASCs) from three different delivery routes in response to SDF‐1α, released from chitosan‐based injectable hydrogels. After stimulation of ASCs with a hypoxia mimicking agent, the expression level and functionality of CXCR4 were analyzed by flowcytometric analysis (FACS), transwell migration assay and qPCR. Then, the homing/retention of pretreated DiI‐labeled hASCs were compared through three different in vivo delivery routes, 2 weeks after transplantation in Wistar rats. The cells were tracked histologically by fluorescent microscope and by PCR for human‐specific CXCR4 gene. Results showed CXCR4 has dynamic expression pattern and pretreatment of hASCs significantly up‐regulates CXCR4, leading to an increase in migration capacity toward 100 ng/mL SDF‐1α in vitro and homing into the subcutaneously implanted hydrogel releasing SDF‐1α in vivo. Furthermore, it seems that SDF‐1α is particularly important in the retention of ASCs, in addition to its chemoattraction role. In summary, the delivery route in which the ASCs were mixed with the hydrogel rather than systemic delivery and local injection and preconditioning undertaken to increase CXCR4 expression concomitant with SDF‐1α delivery by the injectable hydrogel, allowed for further homing/retention of ASCs. This might be a promising way to get better therapeutic outcomes in stem cell therapy.
Unusual consequence of a fetal atrial septal aneurysm
Authors: Sun Heather Y. , Fripp Raymond R. , Printz Beth F.
Published: April 2015

Key Clinical Message

We describe the case of a significant fetal atrial septal aneurysm causing left ventricular inflow obstruction. Serial fetal echocardiograms demonstrated potential left heart hypoplasia. The fetal cardiologist guided the perinatal team to electively deliver the infant early and modify the course of developing hypoplastic left heart.
A numerical study of fixed bed reactor modelling for steam methane reforming process
Authors: Rout Kumar R. , Jakobsen Hugo A.
Published: April 2015

A numerical comparison of the pseudo‐homogeneous, conventional heterogeneous, and simplified heterogeneous reactor models is performed for the steam methane reforming process. The pseudo‐homogeneous reactor model consists of a set of partial differential equations, where the diffusional limitations are accounted for by considering the effectiveness factor. The heterogeneous model is divided into two categories: conventional and simplified heterogeneous models. In the conventional heterogeneous model, there are separate equations for the fluid phase species mass balance, the fluid inside the catalyst pores. This is type of reactor model is needed when there is a considerable amount of inter‐phase mass transfer resistance present in the process. However, in the simplified heterogeneous reactor model the mass transport phenomenon is accounted for by accounting the efficiency factors. The model is validated against literature data. Several closures for the intra‐particle mass diffusion fluxes, the Maxwell–Stefan, Wilke, dusty gas, and Wilke–Bosanquet models, have been compared on the level of the catalyst pellet and the impacts of the different particle flux closures on the reactor performance are investigated.

The simulations show that the conventional heterogeneous reactor model is necessary for the SMR process, because the effectiveness factor values of different reactions of the SMR process vary along the reactor axis. The maximum deviation between the pseudo‐homogeneous and the conventional heterogeneous reactor model is less than 38 %, whereas between the conventional and simplified heterogeneous reactor models it is less than 21 %. A parametric study of the transport phenomena on the pellet level is recommended prior to any large‐scale reactor simulation to determine what the rate determining transport mechanisms are.
Rheological Properties of Thermoviscosifying Polymers in High‐temperature and High‐salinity Environments
Authors: Kamal Muhammad Shahzad , Sultan Abdullah S. , Al‐Mubaiyedh Usamah A. , Hussein Ibnelwaleed A. , Feng Yujun
Published: April 2015

Thermo‐viscosifying polymers (TVPs) are a novel class of materials developed for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications in high‐temperature and high‐salinity (HTHS) oil reservoirs. The rheological properties of the TVP‐fluorocarbon surfactant and its interactions with different salts were studied. The effects of surfactant concentration, polymer concentration, salinity, and different inorganic salts on the rheological properties of the TVP and the surfactant‐polymer (SP) system were evaluated. Critical association temperature (Tcass) was found to be a function of the TVP concentration and salinity. At low salinity, only thermo‐thinning behaviour was observed in the entire temperature range. At high salinity, thermo‐thinning was obtained in the low temperature range (Tcass).The interfacial tension between crude oil and the TVP solution was reduced by 3 orders of magnitude with a combination of a fluorocarbon surfactant and a co‐surfactant. About a 22 % increase in oil recovery was obtained using the TVP and the SP injection. The TVP showed much better performance and promising results in HTHS conditions compared with commercially available partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM). In HTHS conditions, HPAM suffers a large viscosity loss due to thermo‐thinning and charge screening. On the other hand, the high viscosity of the TVP due to thermo‐thickening increases oil recovery in HTHS conditions. The thermo‐thickening tendency is enhanced by high temperature and high salinity, which makes it more promising for EOR.
Flexible replica placement for optimized P2P backup on heterogeneous, unreliable machines
Authors: Skowron Piotr , Rzadca Krzysztof
Published: April 2015

P2P architecture is a viable option for enterprise backup. In contrast to dedicated backup servers, nowadays, a standard solution, making backups directly on organization's workstations should be cheaper as existing hardware is used, more efficient as there is no single bottleneck server, and more reliable as the machines can be geographically dispersed. We present an architecture of a P2P backup system that uses pairwise replication contracts between a data owner and a replicator. In contrast to a standard P2P storage system using directly a distributed hash table (DHT), the contracts allow our system to optimize replicas' placement depending on a specific optimization strategy and so to take advantage of the heterogeneity of the machines and the network. Such optimization is particularly appealing in the context of backup: replicas can be geographically dispersed, the load sent over the network can be minimized, or the optimization goal can be to minimize the backup/restore time. However, managing the contracts, keeping them consistent and adjusting them in response to dynamically changing environment is challenging. We built a scientific prototype and ran experiments on 150 workstations in our university's computer laboratories and, separately, on 50 PlanetLab nodes. We found out that the main factor affecting the performance of the system is the availability of the machines. Yet, our main conclusion is that it is possible to build an efficient and reliable backup system on highly unavailable machines, as our computers had just 13% average availability. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.