bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanoparticles prepared by CO2 laser supersonic atomization
Authors: Suzuki Akihiro , Shima Yoshiaki
Published: May 2014

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) particles were prepared by the irradiation of PET fibers with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser while atomizing them at supersonic velocities. A supersonic jet was generated by blowing air into a vacuum chamber through a fiber injection orifice. The fibers are melted by laser heating and atomized by the supersonic jet at the outlet of the orifice. The PET particles produced by CO2 laser supersonic atomization conducted at a laser power of 34 W and at a chamber pressure of 10 kPa have an average particle size of 0.619 μm, high circularity, and a smooth surface that is not roughened by laser ablation. The novel CO2 laser supersonic atomization technique can be used to easily prepare polymeric nanoparticles of various thermoplastic polymers using only CO2 laser irradiation without the need for solvents and additives. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40909.
Improving query expansion using WordNet
Authors: Pal Dipasree , Mitra Mandar , Datta Kalyankumar
Published: May 2014

This study proposes a new way of using WordNet for query expansion (QE). We choose candidate expansion terms from a set of pseudo‐relevant documents; however, the usefulness of these terms is measured based on their definitions provided in a hand‐crafted lexical resource such as WordNet. Experiments with a number of standard TREC collections WordNet‐based that this method outperforms existing WordNet‐based methods. It also compares favorably with established QE methods such as KLD and RM3. Leveraging earlier work in which a combination of QE methods was found to outperform each individual method (as well as other well‐known QE methods), we next propose a combination‐based QE method that takes into account three different aspects of a candidate expansion term's usefulness: (a) its distribution in the pseudo‐relevant documents and in the target corpus, (b) its statistical association with query terms, and (c) its semantic relation with the query, as determined by the overlap between the WordNet definitions of the term and query terms. This combination of diverse sources of information appears to work well on a number of test collections, viz., TREC123, TREC5, TREC678, TREC robust (new), and TREC910 collections, and yields significant improvements over competing methods on most of these collections.
A Lyapunov Based Multi‐level Controller for Semi‐active Suspension System with an MRF Damper
Authors: Tyan Feng , Tu Shun‐Hsu
Published: May 2014

In this work, we study the implementation of magnetorheological fluid (MRF) to the semi‐active suspension. Owing to the nonlinear hysteretic phenomenon, the analysis and synthesis of a controller are not trivial. The kinematic energy and spring potential function of the suspension system plus an integral term of the hysteretic component of an MR damper is chosen as the Lyaupnov function to verify the stability and dissipativity of the system. Then, a multi‐level controller, which is constructed in virtue of stability analysis, turns out to be effective in vibration suppression. Through numerical examples, the controller is shown to be robust. In addition, the controller algorithm is simple and easy to implement, requiring only the measurements of relative displacement and velocity between sprung and unsprung masses, along with the damping force of the MR damper.
Design of Traffic Safety Control Systems for Railroads and Roadways Using Timed Petri Nets
Authors: Weng Yi‐Shun , Huang Yi‐Sheng , Pan Yen‐Liang , Jeng MuDer
Published: May 2014

Timed Petri nets (TPNs) are useful for performance evaluation of discrete event systems due to their mathematical formalism. This paper proposes the use of TPNs to model parallel railroad level crossing traffic safety control systems. Double‐track railroad lines using TPNs are illustrated. The resulting models allow us to identify and thus avoid critical scenarios in such systems by using conditions and events of the model that control the phase of traffic light alternations. Their analysis is performed to demonstrate how the models enforce the phase of traffic transitions using the method of a reachability graph with timed information. The liveness and reversibility of the proposed model are verified. This helps advance the state‐of‐the‐art in traffic safety related to the intersection of railroads and roadways.
Toward the improvement of short‐range forecasts by the analysis of cloud variables from IASI radiances
Authors: Martinet Pauline , Fourrié Nadia , Bouteloup Yves , Bazile Eric , Rabier Florence
Published: May 2014

The use of the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) to improve short‐range forecasts by the analysis of cloud variables is presented. After the retrieval of cloud microphysical variables, a one‐dimensional (1D) version of the French convective scale model AROME is used here to discuss the persistence of the cloudy increment in the numerical weather prediction (NWP) model. The analysis of cloud variables is shown to significantly improve the forecasts of cloud variables, temperature and humidity during 3 h. This maintenance of the cloud information in the NWP model is expected to have a high impact on the forecasts of clouds and heavy rainfall events.
Immobilization of lipase on porous monodisperse chitosan microspheres
Authors: Chen Yang , Liu Junteng , Xia Chunjie , Zhao Chenxi , Ren Zhongqi , Zhang Weidong
Published: May 2014

Porous monodisperse chitosan microspheres were synthesized for enzyme immobilization. The microspheres were prepared using microchannels and modified with glutaraldehyde. The microspheres had a mean diameter of 495 µm; the polydispersity indices were less than 0.08, and the specific surface area was between 121 and 173 m2/g. Candida sp. 1619 lipase was selected as a model lipase. Immobilization conditions such as enzyme loading, glutaraldehyde concentration, and immobilization time were optimized. The temperature, pH, and storage stability of the free and immobilized enzymes were also investigated. The immobilized enzyme had broad‐ranging pH and temperature optima as compared with free enzyme. The storage stability of the immobilized enzyme was higher than that of the free enzyme.
A comparison of Protein A chromatographic stationary phases: Performance characteristics for monoclonal antibody purification
Authors: Liu Zhuo , Mostafa Sigma S. , Shukla Abhinav A.
Published: May 2014

Protein A chromatography remains the dominant capture step used during the downstream purification of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). With the recent expiry of the Repligen patent on recombinant Protein A, a variety of new Protein A resins have been introduced in the market. Given productivity limitations during downstream processing that have come into sharper focus with the recent increase in cell culture titers for mAbs, the selection of an appropriate Protein A resin has direct implications on the overall process economics of mAb production. The performance of seven different Protein A chromatographic resins was compared with respect to static binding capacity and dynamic binding capacity as a function of flow rate. This data was translated into a comparison of productivity (g mAb purified per unit resin volume per unit time) for the seven stationary phases. In addition, elution pH and host cell protein impurity levels after product capture on each of these resins were determined. The current article provides an effective methodology and dataset for the selection of the optimal Protein A chromatographic resin.
Photocurrent generation by adsorption of two main pigments of Halobacterium salinarum on TiO2 nanostructured electrode
Authors: Molaeirad Ahmad , Janfaza Sajad , Karimi‐Fard Abbas , Mahyad Baharak
Published: May 2014

Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), which are proposed as a substitute for silicon crystalline solar cells, have received considerable attention in the recent decade. They could be produced from inexpensive materials through low‐cost processes. In the current work, a bio‐sensitized solar cell is designed using abundant, cheap, and nontoxic materials. Bacteriorhodopsin and bacterioruberin are two natural biomolecules found in the cytoplasmic membrane of Halobacterium salinarum. These two pigments were immobilized on nanoporous titanium dioxide films successfully and employed as molecular sensitizers in DSSC with efficient photocurrent generation. The photovoltaic performance of DSSCs based on bacteriorhodopsin and bacterioruberin sensitizers was investigated. Under AM1.5 irradiation a short‐circuit current of 0.45 mA cm−2, open circuit voltages of 0.57 V, fill factor of 0.62, and an overall energy conversion efficiency of 0.16% are achieved by employing a mixture of biomolecules as a sensitizer.
Harnessing neuroendocrine controls of keratin expression: A new therapeutic strategy for skin diseases?
Authors: Ramot Yuval , Paus Ralf
Published: May 2014

Human skin produces numerous neurohormones and neuropeptides. Recent evidence has shown that the neuroendocrine regulation of human skin biology also extends to keratins, the major structural components of epithelial cells. For example, thyrotropin‐releasing hormone, thyrotropin, opioids, prolactin, and cannabinoid receptor 1‐ligands profoundly modulate human keratin gene and protein expression in human epidermis and/or hair follicle epithelium in situ. Since selected keratins are now understood to exert important regulatory functions beyond mechanical stability, we argue that neuroendocrine pathways of keratin regulation are important for maintaining skin and hair follicle homeostasis. This invites innovative neuroendocrine therapeutic interventions for skin disorders characterized by abnormal keratin expression, ranging from psoriasis to genodermatoses, and for promoting skin wound healing and hair growth. This strategy can be probed in simple, but instructive and readily available human skin and hair follicle organ culture assays as ideal models for exploring this new neuroendocrine frontier in translational epithelial biology.
THE USE OF A VERBAL REPRIMAND TO DECREASE RUMINATION IN A CHILD WITH AUTISM
Authors: Dominguez Alex , Wilder David A. , Cheung Kim , Rey Catalina
Published: May 2014

After a pre‐treatment screening analysis suggested that rumination exhibited by a boy with autism occurred in the absence of social consequences, we evaluated the effect of a verbal reprimand contingent on the target behavior via a reversal design. The reprimand reduced rumination to near‐zero levels; we then thinned the reprimand schedule and rumination remained infrequent. Follow‐up data collected 6, 12, and 18 months after initial treatment suggested that intervention effects were maintained. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Helicases, G4‐DNAs, and Drug Design
Authors: Hale Tracy K. , Norris Gillian E. , Jameson Geoffrey B. , Filichev Vyacheslav V.
Published: May 2014

New helicase assays that recognise therapeutically important G4‐DNA structures will lead to the discovery of novel molecular entities that bind not only to G4‐tetrads, but also to grooves and loops of G4‐DNA. Such assays can also provide inhibitors of G4‐specific helicases that will shed light on the emerging involvement of helicases in cancer and other diseases linked to defective DNA repair pathways.
In vivo biodistribution of radiolabeled MMP‐2/9 activatable cell‐penetrating peptide probes in tumor‐bearing mice
Authors: van Duijnhoven Sander M. J. , Robillard Marc S. , Nicolay Klaas , Grüll Holger
Published: May 2014

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a pivotal role in cancer progression and present therefore an interesting biomarker for early diagnosis, staging and therapy evaluation. Consequently, MMP‐specific molecular imaging probes have been proposed for noninvasive visualization and quantification of MMP activity. An interesting approach is MMP‐2/9 activatable cell‐penetrating peptides (ACPP) that accumulate in the tumor tissue after activation. However, a recent study revealed that probe activation occurred already in the vasculature followed by nonspecific tumor targeting. In the latter study, biodistribution was determined 6 and 24 h post‐ACPP injection. An alternative explanation could still be that the kinetics of tumor‐specific activation is faster than that of blood activation plus subsequent nonspecific uptake in tumor. The aim of this study was to assess if tumor‐specific ACPP activation occurs in mice with MMP‐2/9 positive subcutaneous HT‐1080 tumors at 3 h post‐injection. As control, we studied the MMP‐2/9 sensitive ACPP in mice bearing subcutaneous BT‐20 tumors with low MMP‐2/9 expression to test if probe cleavage correlates with tumoral MMP expression. Ex vivo biodistribution showed no improved tumoral ACPP activation in HT‐1080 tumor‐bearing mice at 3 h post‐injection compared with previous reported data collected at 24 h post‐injection. Furthermore, tumoral uptake and relative tumoral activation for ACPP were similar in both BT‐20 and HT‐1080 tumor‐bearing mice. In conclusion, this study suggests that tumoral ACPP uptake in these tumor models originates from probe activation in the vasculature instead of tumor‐specific MMP activation. Novel ACPPs that target tissue‐specific proteases without nonspecific activation may unleash the full potential of the elegant ACPP concept. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topographic specializations in the retinal ganglion cell layer of Australian passerines
Authors: Coimbra João Paulo , Collin Shaun P. , Hart Nathan S.
Published: May 2014

Thornbills, honeyeaters, and silvereyes represent an abundant group of Australian passerines, whose diversity in niche differentiation suggests a pivotal role for vision. Using stereological methods and retinal wholemounts, we studied the topographic distribution of neurons in the ganglion cell layer of insectivorous, nectarivorous, and frugivorous species occupying terrestrial and arboreal microhabitats. All species studied have a central convexiclivate fovea (peak densities from 130,000 to 160,000 cells/mm2), which is shallow in the terrestrial/insectivorous yellow‐rumped thornbill and deep in the arboreal/nectarivorous honeyeaters and frugivorous silvereye. Surrounding the fovea, neuronal densities in the ganglion cell layer form a broadly ovoid and asymmetric plateau in the yellow‐rumped thornbill and a more restricted, circular and symmetric plateau in the other species. These differences in the plateau organization may reflect specific needs to locate food on the ground or among dense vegetation. We also found a temporal area (peak densities from 43,000 to 54,000 cells/mm2) across species, which increases spatial resolution in the frontal visual field and assists with foraging. Using microtubule‐associated protein 2 (MAP2) immunohistochemistry, we detected a higher concentration of giant ganglion cells forming an area gigantocellularis in the temporal retina of all species. Giant ganglion cell densities also form a horizontal streak in all species, except in the yellow‐rumped thornbill, which has an unusual increase toward the retinal periphery. In the yellow‐rumped thornbill and silvereye, giant ganglion cells also peak in the nasal retina. We suggest that these topographic variations afford differential sampling of motion signals for the detection of predators. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:3609–3628, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Large basolateral processes on type II hair cells are novel processing units in mammalian vestibular organs
Authors: Pujol Rémy , Pickett Sarah B. , Nguyen Tot Bui , Stone Jennifer S.
Published: May 2014

Sensory receptors in the vestibular system (hair cells) encode head movements and drive central motor reflexes that control gaze, body movements, and body orientation. In mammals, type I and II vestibular hair cells are defined by their shape, contacts with vestibular afferent nerves, and membrane conductance. Here we describe unique morphological features of type II vestibular hair cells in mature rodents (mice and gerbils) and bats. These features are cytoplasmic processes that extend laterally from the hair cell base and project under type I hair cells. Closer analysis of adult mouse utricles demonstrated that the basolateral processes of type II hair cells vary in shape, size, and branching, with the longest processes extending three to four hair cell widths. The hair cell basolateral processes synapse upon vestibular afferent nerves and receive inputs from vestibular efferent nerves. Furthermore, some basolateral processes make physical contacts with the processes of other type II hair cells, forming some sort of network among type II hair cells. Basolateral processes are rare in perinatal mice and do not attain their mature form until 3–6 weeks of age. These observations demonstrate that basolateral processes are significant signaling regions of type II vestibular hair cells and suggest that type II hair cells may directly communicate with each other, which has not been described in vertebrates. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:3141–3159, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioequivalence of enalapril oral solution for treatment of pediatric hypertension and enalapril tablets
Authors: Moffett Brady S. , DiSanto Anthony R. , Espinosa Orlando , Hou Jingguo , Colabuono Peter
Published: May 2014

Treating children with compounded liquid formulations of tablets intended for adults, where quality‐control and compliance issues exist, was previously the only antihypertensive therapy option. A 1‐mg/mL oral solution of enalapril maleate (enalapril), Epaned™, recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is the first angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor treatment for pediatric hypertension. The pharmacokinetic comparability of enalapril oral solution to the reference listed drug (RLD) tablet was assessed under fasted conditions. The effect of food on the bioavailability of enalapril oral solution was also assessed. Plasma levels of enalapril and the active metabolite, enalaprilat, were measured postdose using validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectroscopy methods. The ratio of enalapril oral solution to the RLD tablet was assessed. The 90% confidence intervals for the geometric mean ratios of Cmax, AUClast, and AUCinf for plasma levels of enalapril and enalaprilat were bioequivalent (within the FDA‐accepted range of 80–125%). A commercially available oral solution of enalapril is bioequivalent to tablet formulations and can expand therapeutic options for pediatric patients. Administering enalapril oral solution with a high‐fat meal decreased Cmax of plasma concentrations of enalapril and Cmax, AUClast, and AUCinf of plasma concentrations of enalaprilat compared to enalapril oral solution under fasting conditions.
Low‐Temperature Depolymerization of Polysiloxanes with Iron Catalysis
Authors: Enthaler Stephan , Kretschmer Robert
Published: May 2014

The easy accessibility and high adjustability of polymers mainly accounts for the great impact of such materials on modern society. Besides this great success, an important matter is the accumulation of large amounts of end‐of‐life polymers, which are mainly deposited in landfills or converted by thermal recycling or down‐cycling to low‐quality materials. In contrast to that, the depolymerization of end‐of‐life polymers to monomers, which can be applied as feedstock in polymerization chemistry for high‐quality polymers, is only carried out for a small fraction of waste. Polysiloxanes are extensively used in a diverse array of technological applications. Based on intrinsic properties of polymers, depolymerization is challenging and only a few high‐temperature or less environment‐friendly processes have been reported. In this regard, we have set up a capable low‐temperature protocol for the depolymerization of poly(dimethylsiloxane) in the presence of catalytic amounts of simple iron salts in combination with different depolymerization reagents. The application of benzoyl fluoride, benzoyl chloride/potassium fluoride, or benzoic anhydride/potassium fluoride as depolymerization reagents affords difluorodimethylsilane or 1,3‐difluoro‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisilxanes as products, which are interesting building blocks for the synthesis of new polymers and allow an overall recycling of polysiloxanes.
Ultrathin Graphitic C3N4 Nanosheets/Graphene Composites: Efficient Organic Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Tian Jingqi , Liu Qian , Asiri Abdullah M. , Alamry Khalid A. , Sun Xuping
Published: May 2014

Graphitic C3N4 (g‐C3N4) is used as a low‐cost organic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst. The integration of ultrathin g‐C3N4 nanosheets with graphene leads to g‐C3N4/graphene composites with high OER activity and good durability. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies suggest that the OER activity results from pyridinic‐N‐related active sites. This catalyst provides an alternative to OER catalysts based on transition metals.
Embedding and reconfiguration algorithms for service aggregation in network virtualization
Authors: Jiang Yiming , Lan Julong , Wang Zhiming , Deng Yuanyuan
Published: May 2014

Network virtualization and transmission quality optimization are promising techniques for future Internet. Previous researches on virtual network embedding focused on efficient utilization of network resources. In this paper, we present a virtual network embedding scheme that aims at improving the effect of transmission quality optimization. In order to enable more service benefit from optimization, the embedding algorithm presented in this paper follows the service aggregation embedding principle. We also develop a reconfiguration algorithm based on service aggregation and load balance. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed algorithms can achieve good performance on service aggregation as well as efficient resource utilization. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Internal validation testing for new technologies: Bringing telecytopathology into the mainstream
Authors: McCarthy Erin E. , McMahon Rachel Q. , Das Kasturi , Stewart Jimmie
Published: May 2014

Implementing new technology in the laboratory can improve processes and patient care, but compliance with regulatory requirements can be a significant hurdle to clear. This study provides a detailed procedure to address user training, competency assessment, and internal validation of telecytopathology simultaneously, while fulfilling regulatory requirements set forth by the College of American Pathologists and CLIA ‘88.

 Six pathologists participated in this study. Methods and materials used included a blind correlation study between diagnoses rendered via telecytopathology and via direct microscopy on 10 finalized fine needle aspiration (FNA) cases. The first step of this procedure involved each pathologist to render a diagnosis for each specimen using telecytopathology. The second step was to allow each pathologist to diagnose each specimen via direct microscopic review after a wait period of at least 6 weeks. The diagnoses rendered via telecytopathology were then compared to both the established final diagnoses and the secondary direct microscopic review diagnoses to examine interpathologist and intrapathologist reproducibility with a passing rate of 90% or better.

 Results of the study yielded an average concordance rate of 96.67% for interpathologist reproducibility and 95% for intrapathologist reproducibility across all participating pathologists. All participants passed the assessment with a rate of 90% or better, proving evidence of competency.

 This study confirmed user competency and validated telecytopathology as an effective tool for examining and diagnosing cytology FNA specimens remotely. It also satisfied regulatory compliance requirements to ensure high quality of diagnostic testing and patient care. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:3–7. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Red mangrove life history variables along latitudinal and anthropogenic stress gradients
Authors: Proffitt C. Edward , Travis Steven
Published: May 2014

Mangroves migrate northward in Florida and colonize marshes historically dominated by salt marsh species. In theory, this migration should be facilitated by greater numbers of propagules stemming from increased reproductive activity and greater genetic variability caused by outcrossing. We aimed to determine if stand reproduction and % outcrossing were affected by cold stress (stress increases with latitude), anthropogenic stress (human population density as a proxy), and years since a major hurricane. Further, we wished to determine if mutation rate varied with the stressors and if that affected stand reproduction. Both coasts of Florida from the southern Florida Keys to Tampa Bay on the Gulf of Mexico coast, and Merritt Island on the Atlantic coast. We conducted field surveys of frequency of reproducing trees (104,211 trees surveyed in 102 forested stands), incidence of trees showing albinism in propagules, and% outcrossing estimated from the ratio of albino:normal propagules. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test a conceptual model that served as a multivariate hypothesis. Reproductive frequencies varied by site and increased with latitude although more strongly on the Gulf coast. Our SEM results indicate that outcrossing increases in this predominately selfing species under conditions of cold and anthropogenic stress, and that this increases reproductive output in the population. Further, we find that increased mutation rates suppress stand reproductive output but there is no significant relationship between outcrossing and mutation rate. Tree size responded to stressors but did not affect stand reproduction. Reproduction increased with years since major hurricane. Potential for colonization of northern Florida salt marshes by mangroves is enhanced by increased reproductive rates that provides more propagules and outcrossing that should enhance genetic variation thereby promoting adaptation to novel environmental conditions. Natural (cold) stress reduced mutation rate and increased stand reproductive output but anthropogenic stress did the opposite.
Assessment of Optimal Power Generation Mix Considering Extensive Variable Renewable Energy and Nationwide Power Interchange through Tie Lines
Authors: Komiyama Ryoichi , Shibata Saeko , Fujii Yasumasa
Published: May 2014

This paper evaluates the optimal power generation mix considering massive deployment of variable renewable energy and regional power interchange. Japan has initiated the feed‐in‐tariff (FIT) and expected the significant introduction of PV and wind power for energy self‐sufficiency and climate change. However, wind power resources in Japan are concentrated mainly in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region, which are remote from electricity‐consuming areas such as Tokyo, and facilitating the considerable deployment of wind power requires the establishment of inter‐regional power transmission lines. Against these backgrounds, we develop an optimal power generation mix model including regional electricity exchange as a large‐scale linear programming model with 10 million variables and 30 million constraints. The calculation results show that regional grid expansion encourages wind power installation in the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions for power supply to the Tokyo area, where PV power and stationary batteries are alternatively replaced. Grid expansion too promotes the shift of PV installation to the Kyushu and Shikoku regions, which have longer sunshine duration, and interchangeably mitigates PV deployment in other regions through the transport of PV power from those two regions.
Apoptotic cell capture by DCs induces unexpectedly robust autologous CD4+ T‐cell responses
Authors: Valente Michael , Baey Camille , Louche Pauline , Dutertre Charles‐Antoine , Vimeux Lene , Marañón Concepción , Hosmalin Anne , Feuillet Vincent
Published: May 2014

Apoptotic cells represent an important source of self‐antigens and their engulfment by dendritic cells (DCs) is usually considered to be related to tolerance induction. We report here an unexpectedly high level of human CD4+ T‐cell proliferation induced by autologous DCs loaded with autologous apoptotic cells, due to the activation of more than 10% of naive CD4+ T cells. This proliferation is not due to an increase in the costimulatory capacity of DCs, but is dependent on apoptotic cell‐associated material processed through an endo‐lysosomal pathway and presented on DC MHC class II molecules. Autologous CD4+ T cells stimulated with apoptotic cell‐loaded DCs exhibit suppressive capacities. However, in the presence of bacterial lipopolysaccharide, apoptotic cell‐loaded DCs induce the generation of IL‐17‐producing cells. Thus, apoptotic cell engulfment by DCs may lead to increased autologous responses, initially generating CD4+ T cells with suppressive capacities able to differentiate into Th17 cells in the presence of a bacterial danger signal such as LPS.
Lysosomal phospholipase A2: A novel player in host immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Schneider Bianca E. , Behrends Jochen , Hagens Kristine , Harmel Nadine , Shayman James A. , Schaible Ulrich E.
Published: May 2014

Phospholipases catalyze the cleavage of membrane phospholipids into smaller bioactive molecules. The lysosomal phospholipase A2 (LPLA2) is specifically expressed in macrophages. LPLA2 gene deletion in mice causes lysosomal phospholipid accumulation in tissue macrophages leading to phospholipidosis. This phenotype becomes most prominent in alveolar macrophages where LPLA2 contributes to surfactant phospholipid degradation. High expression of LPLA2 in alveolar macrophages prompted us to investigate its role in host immunity against the respiratory pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. Here we report that adaptive immune responses to M. tuberculosis were impaired in LPLA2 deficient mice. Upon aerosol infection with M. tuberculosis, LPLA2 deficient mice showed enhanced mycobacterial counts but less lung immunopathology and pulmonary inflammatory responses. Compromised T‐cell priming in the lymph nodes was associated with impaired pulmonary T‐cell recruitment and activation. Together with reduced Th1 type cytokine production, these results indicate that LPLA2 is indispensable for the induction of adaptive T‐cell immunity to M. tuberculosis. Taken together, we identified an unexpected and novel function of a lysosomal phospholipid‐degrading enzyme.
Shape‐Controlled Synthesis of Silver Nature‐Like Spiky Particles for Piezoresistive Sensor Applications
Authors: Stassi Stefano , Cauda Valentina , Canavese Giancarlo , Manfredi Diego , Chiodoni Angelica , Pirri Candido Fabrizio
Published: May 2014

Silver particles with spiky nanostructured morphologies have been obtained by two different wet‐synthesis approaches. A detailed investigation was carried out into the synthesis parameters to tune the shape of the sample into desert‐rose‐ and succulent‐like particles. The first synthetic route was based on the reduction of silver nitrate by iron sulfate in the presence of maleic acid as anisotropic agent, whereas in the second method ascorbic acid was used as the reducing agent and citric acid as the anisotropic agent. A nucleation model is proposed to explain the growth mechanism and the effect of each parameter on the particle morphology. These Ag nanostructured spiky particles have been used as conductive fillers in polymeric piezoresistive composites, the working principle of which is based on the tunneling conduction mechanism. Composite samples were thus prepared and characterized, demonstrating the enhancing effect of the sharp protrusions on the tunneling phenomena upon a mechanical compressive strain.
New Gold(I) Organometallic Compounds with Biological Activity in Cancer Cells
Authors: Bertrand Benoît , de Almeida Andreia , van der Burgt Evelien P. M. , Picquet Michel , Citta Anna , Folda Alessandra , Rigobello Maria Pia , Le Gendre Pierre , Bodio Ewen , Casini Angela
Published: May 2014

N‐Heterocyclic carbene gold(I) complexes bearing a fluorescent coumarin ligand were synthesized and characterized by various techniques. The compounds were examined for their antiproliferative effects in normal and tumor cells in vitro; they demonstrated moderate activity and a certain degree of selectivity. The compounds were also shown to efficiently inhibit the selenoenzyme thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), whereas they were poorly effective towards the glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase enzymes. Notably, {3‐[(7‐methoxy‐2‐oxo‐2H‐chromen‐4‐yl)methyl]‐1‐methylimidazol‐2‐ylidene}(tetra‐O‐acetyl‐1‐thio‐β‐D‐glucopyranosido)gold(I) (3) showed a pronounced inhibition of TrxR also in cell extracts, and it appeared to activate GR. Mechanistic information on the system derived from biotin‐conjugated iodoacetamide assays showed selective metal binding to selenocysteine residues. Preliminary confocal fluorescence microscopy experiments proved that 3 enters tumor cells, where it reaches the nuclear compartment.
Trends in proteomic analysis of human vitreous humor samples
Authors: Rocha Ana S. , Santos Fátima M. , Monteiro João P. , Castro‐de‐Sousa João P. , Queiroz João A. , Tomaz Cândida T. , Passarinha Luís A.
Published: May 2014

Proteomic analysis of human vitreous humor (VH) may elucidate the pathogenesis of retinal ocular diseases and may provide information for the development of potential therapeutic targets due to its pivotal location near lens and retina. The discovery of whole VH proteome involves a complex analysis of thousands of proteins simultaneously. Therefore, in proteomic studies the protein fractionation is important for reducing sample complexity, facilitating the access to the low‐abundant proteins, and recognizing them as biotargets for clinical research. Although several separation methods have been used, gel‐based proteomics are the most popular and versatile ones applied for global protein separation. However, chromatographic methods and its combination with other separation techniques are now beginning to be used as promising set‐ups for VH protein identification. This review attempts to offer an overview of the techniques currently used with VH, exploring its methodological demands, exposing its advantages, and helping the reader to plan future experiences. Moreover, this review shows the relevance of VH proteomic analysis as a tool for the study of the mechanisms underlying some ocular diseases and for the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Enhancing the Equating of Item Difficulty Metrics: Estimation of Reference Distribution
Authors: Ali Usama S. , Walker Michael E.
Published: May 2014

Two methods are currently in use at Educational Testing Service (ETS) for equating observed item difficulty statistics. The first method involves the linear equating of item statistics in an observed sample to reference statistics on the same items. The second method, or the item response curve (IRC) method, involves the summation of conditional observed item statistics across the reference population total score frequencies. This article introduces a quick and effective method for obtaining the reference distribution for the transition from the linear equating method to the IRC method without recalculating all the item difficulties. More specifically, a mathematical formula is derived to estimate the score distribution of a reference group that maintains the current item difficulty scale. Future research is needed to compare the performance of the two approaches.
Raman spectroscopy as an analytical tool for analysis of vegetable and essential oils
Authors: Vargas Jentzsch Paul , Ciobotă Valerian
Published: May 2014

Vegetable and essential oils are very important raw materials in the food, cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical industries. Vegetable oils are composed fundamentally of triglycerides (esters derived from glycerol and fatty acids). Triglycerides have different chemical characteristics depending on the seed or fruit from which they are extracted, with those containing unsaturated fatty acids being the most appreciated. Essential oils are composed of volatile compounds extracted from aromatic plants. Some of these volatile compounds are highly appreciated by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The economic relevance of vegetable and essential oils implies the need of appropriate analytical techniques to evaluate their quality. Raman spectroscopy is a remarkable non‐destructive and versatile analytical technique that provides a fast identification of vegetable and essential oils. In this work, measurements were performed on 19 vegetable oils and 9 essential oils using a portable Raman spectrometer. The most important bands observed in the Raman spectra are discussed. It is difficult to distinguish vegetable oils from each other only by visual inspection of their spectra, because the spectra show important similarities. However, identification can be performed successfully using chemometric methods. On the other hand, essential oils can be distinguished by visual inspection, because their spectra show sharp characteristic bands. This work may serve as a basis for future works using Raman spectroscopy not only to confirm the authenticity of oils and the presence/absence of certain compounds in essential oils, but also to trace back their origin and the extraction methods used during the production process. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brainstem abnormalities in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder support high accuracy individual diagnostic classification
Authors: Johnston Blair A. , Mwangi Benson , Matthews Keith , Coghill David , Konrad Kerstin , Steele J. Douglas
Published: May 2014

Despite extensive research, psychiatry remains an essentially clinical and, therefore, subjective clinical discipline, with no objective biomarkers to guide clinical practice and research. Development of psychiatric biomarkers is consequently important. A promising approach involves the use of machine learning with neuroimaging, to make predictions of diagnosis and treatment response for individual patients. Herein, we describe predictions of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis using structural T1 weighted brain scans obtained from 34 young males with ADHD and 34 controls and a support vector machine. We report 93% accuracy of individual subject diagnostic prediction. Importantly, automated selection of brain regions supporting prediction was used. High accuracy prediction was supported by a region of reduced white matter in the brainstem, associated with a pons volumetric reduction in ADHD, adjacent to the noradrenergic locus coeruleus and dopaminergic ventral tegmental area nuclei. Medications used to treat ADHD modify dopaminergic and noradrenergic function. The white matter brainstem finding raises the possibility of “catecholamine disconnection or dysregulation” contributing to the ADHD syndrome, ameliorated by medication. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5179–5189, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatic DNA deposition drives drug‐induced liver injury and inflammation in mice
Authors: Marques Pedro Elias , Oliveira André Gustavo , Pereira Rafaela Vaz , David Bruna Araújo , Gomides Lindisley Ferreira , Saraiva Adriana Machado , Pires Daniele Araújo , Novaes Júlia Tosta , Patricio Daniel O. , Cisalpino Daniel , Menezes‐Garcia Zélia , Leevy W. Matthew , Chapman Sarah Ellen , Mahecha GermánArturo , Marques Rafael Elias , Guabiraba Rodrigo , Martins Vicente Paulo , Souza Danielle Gloria , Mansur Daniel Santos , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Leite M. Fatima , Menezes Gustavo Batista
Published: May 2014

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is an important cause of acute liver failure, with limited therapeutic options. During DILI, oncotic necrosis with concomitant release and recognition of intracellular content amplifies liver inflammation and injury. Among these molecules, self‐DNA has been widely shown to trigger inflammatory and autoimmune diseases; however, whether DNA released from damaged hepatocytes accumulates into necrotic liver and the impact of its recognition by the immune system remains elusive. Here we show that treatment with two different hepatotoxic compounds (acetaminophen and thioacetamide) caused DNA release into the hepatocyte cytoplasm, which occurred in parallel with cell death in vitro. Administration of these compounds in vivo caused massive DNA deposition within liver necrotic areas, together with an intravascular DNA coating. Using confocal intravital microscopy, we revealed that liver injury due to acetaminophen overdose led to a directional migration of neutrophils to DNA‐rich areas, where they exhibit an active patrolling behavior. DNA removal by intravenous DNASE1 injection or ablation of Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9)‐mediated sensing significantly reduced systemic inflammation, liver neutrophil recruitment, and hepatotoxicity. Analysis of liver leukocytes by flow cytometry revealed that emigrated neutrophils up‐regulated TLR9 expression during acetaminophen‐mediated necrosis, and these cells sensed and reacted to extracellular DNA by activating the TLR9/NF‐κB pathway. Likewise, adoptive transfer of wild‐type neutrophils to TLR9−/− mice reversed the hepatoprotective phenotype otherwise observed in TLR9 absence. Conclusion: Hepatic DNA accumulation is a novel feature of DILI pathogenesis. Blockage of DNA recognition by the innate immune system may constitute a promising therapeutic venue. (Hepatology 2015;61:348–360)
A Framework For Work‐Life Instruments: A Cross‐National Review
Authors: Bardoel E. Anne , De Cieri Helen
Published: May 2014

Recently there has been growing attention paid by practitioners to the need for effective measurement of the contribution of work‐life management initiatives to both financial and nonfinancial performance objectives and to organizational effectiveness overall. We review a range of performance indicators, criteria, and indices that are used in a variety of countries to measure the performance of work‐life initiatives. Using insights from research as a theoretical foundation, we present a framework for organizations to use when developing metrics for work‐life measurement that comprise the four dimensions of planning and alignment, customization, supportive culture, and demonstrated value. Finally, we offer recommendations for research and practice related to measurement of work‐life initiatives to assist scholars, managers, employees, and communities. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vitrobiological response of micro‐ and nano‐sized monosodium titanates and titanate–metal compounds
Authors: Drury Jeanie L. , Jang Yoonji , Taylor‐Pashow Kathryn M. L. , Elvington Mark , Hobbs David T. , Wataha John C.
Published: May 2014

Previous studies report that microsized monosodium titanates (MSTs) deliver metal ions and species to mammalian cells and bacteria with cell‐specific and metal‐specific effects. In this study, we explored the use of MST and a new synthesized nanosized monosodium titanate (nMST) to deliver gold(III),cisplatin, or platinum(IV) to two human cell lines with different population doubling times,in vitro. The effect was measured using a fluorescent mitochondrial activity assay (CellTiter‐Blue®Assay). This fluorescence assay was implemented to mitigate optical density measurement errors owing to particulate titanate interference and allowed for the studies to be extended to higher titanate concentrations than previously possible. Overall, native MST significantly (p < 0.05) decreased mitochondrial activity of both cell types by 50% at concentrations of >50 mg/L. Native nMST significantly suppressed the rapidly dividing cell line (by 50%) over untreated cultures, but had no effect on the more slowly dividing cells. For both cell types, increased titanate concentrations resulted in increased effects from delivered metals. However, there was no difference in the effect of metal delivered from micro‐ versus nano‐sized MST. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 254–260, 2015.
Potent antimicrobial activity of bone cement encapsulating silver nanoparticles capped with oleic acid
Authors: Prokopovich Polina , Köbrick Mathias , Brousseau Emmanuel , Perni Stefano
Published: May 2014

Bone cement is widely used in surgical treatments for the fixation for orthopaedic devices. Subsequently, 2–3% of patients undergoing these procedures develop infections that are both a major health risk for patients and a cost for the health service providers; this is also aggravated by the fact that antibiotics are losing efficacy because of the rising resistance of microorganisms to these substances. In this study, oleic acid capped silver nanoparticles (NP) were encapsulated into Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)‐based bone cement samples at various ratios. Antimicrobial activity against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, S. aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Acinetobacter baumannii was exhibited at NP concentrations as low as 0.05% (w/w). Furthermore, the mechanical properties and cytotoxicity of the bone cement containing these NP were assessed to guarantee that such material is safe to be used in orthopaedic surgical practice. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 273–281, 2015.
Experimental and numerical evaluation of drug release from nanofiber mats to brain tissue
Authors: Nakielski Paweł , Kowalczyk Tomasz , Zembrzycki Krzysztof , Kowalewski Tomasz A.
Published: May 2014

Drug delivery systems based on nanofibrous mats appear to be a promising healing practice for preventing brain neurodegeneration after surgery. One of the problems encountered during planning and constructing optimal delivery system based on nanofibrous mats is the estimation of parameters crucial for predicting drug release dynamics. This study describes our experimental setup allowing for spatial and temporary evaluation of drug release from nanofibrous polymers to obtain data necessary to validate appropriate numerical models. We applied laser light sheet method to illuminate released fluorescent drug analog and CCD camera for imaging selected cross‐section of the investigated volume. Transparent hydrogel was used as a brain tissue phantom. The proposed setup allows for continuous observation of drug analog (fluorescent dye) diffusion for time span of several weeks. Images captured at selected time intervals were processed to determine concentration profiles and drug release kinetics. We used presented method to evaluate drug release from several polymers to validate numerical model used for optimizing nanofiber system for neuroprotective dressing. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 282–291, 2015.