bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Photoinduced Energy and Electron Transfer in ZnII–Porphyrin/Fullerene Dyads with Interchromophoric Distances up to 2.6 nm and No Wire‐like Connectivity
Authors: Mohanraj John , Barbieri Andrea , Armaroli Nicola , Vizuete María , Langa Fernando , Delavaux‐Nicot Béatrice , Vartanian Maida , Iehl Julien , Hahn Uwe , Nierengarten Jean‐François
Published: July 2017

The dyads 1–3 made of an alkynylated ZnII–porphyrin and a bis‐methanofullerene derivative connected through a copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition have been synthesized. The porphyrin and fullerene chromophores are separated through a bridge made of a bismethanofullerene tether linked to different spacers conjugated to the porphyrin moiety [i.e., m‐phenylene (1), p‐phenylene (2), di‐p‐phenylene‐ethynylene (3)]. Compounds 1–3 exhibit relatively rigid structures with an interchromophoric separation of 1.7, 2.0, and 2.6 nm, respectively, and no face‐to‐face or direct through‐bond conjugation. The photophysical properties of compounds 1–3 have been investigated in toluene and benzonitrile with steady‐state and time‐resolved techniques as well as model calculations on the Förster energy transfer. Excited‐state interchromophoric electronic interactions are observed with a distinct solvent and distance dependence. The latter effect is evidenced in benzonitrile, where compounds 1 and 2 exhibit a photoinduced electron transfer in the Marcus‐inverted region, with charge‐separated (CS) states living for 0.44 and 0.59 μs, respectively, whereas compound 3 only undergoes energy transfer, as in apolar toluene. The quantum yield of the charge separation (φCS) of compounds 1 and 2 in benzonitrile is ≥0.75. It is therefore demonstrated that photoinduced energy and electron transfers in porphyrin–fullerene systems with long interchromophoric distances may efficiently occur also when the bridge does not provide a wire‐like conjugation and proceed through the triplet states of the chromophoric moieties.
Alkyl Esterification of Vinylarenes Enabled by Visible‐Light‐Induced Decarboxylation
Authors: Ge Liang , Li Yajun , Jian Wujun , Bao Hongli
Published: July 2017

A decarboxylative alkyl esterification of vinylarenes induced by visible light is described. A variety of alkyl diacyl peroxides synthesized from readily available aliphatic carboxylic acids are used as not only the oxygenation but also alkylation source. This simple and easy to handle reaction has a wide substrate scope, excellent yields, and works under mild reaction conditions. Carbon dioxide is the sole byproduct. An oxidative quenching process is proposed as the mechanism.
Efficient One‐Pot Multifunctionalization of Alkynes en Route to α‐Alkoxyketones, α‐Thioketones, and α‐Thio Thioketals by using an Umpolung Strategy
Authors: Xu Zhou , Zhai Rongliang , Liang Ting , Zhang Liming
Published: July 2017

The use of polarized synthons is a highly desirable strategy, as it generally enables unprecedented retrosynthetic disconnections for the synthesis of unique substances. Herein, a new approach for α‐oxygenated ketones, α‐thioketones and α‐thio thioketals via an intermolecular umpolung reaction between nucleophiles (alcohols/thioalcohols) and N‐alkenoxypyridinium salts, which were generated from the corresponding alkynes, has been developed for the first time. The reactions proceed with good substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance in one‐pot manner. Applications of the products, α‐oxygenated ketones, to the synthesis of other valuable synthetic moieties has also been successfully achieved.
Magnetic EDTA Functionalized Preyssler Cross Linked Chitosan Nanocomposite for Adsorptive Removal of Pb(II) Ions
Authors: Tanhaei Bahareh , Ayati Ali , Bamoharram Fatemeh F. , Sillanpää Mika
Published: July 2017

In this study, the magnetic ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) modified Preyssler/chitosan/Fe3O4 nanoparticles composite (EDTA‐PCF) was introduced as a novel adsorbent for Pb(II) ions removal from aqueous solutions. The characterization study of the prepared EDTA‐PCF was carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherms. The adsorption activity of EDTA‐PCF was evaluated by the effect of adsorbent dosage, pH and contact time on the Pb(II) ions removal. The optimum values for adsorbent dosage and pH were 1.2 g/L and 5.3, respectively (>99% removal efficiency for [Pb2+] = 10 mg/L). In addition, the kinetic study was carried out using pseudo‐first order, pseudo‐second order, Bangham, Elovich, and Weber and Morris models and also the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models were applied for isothermal study. The results revealed that the pseudo‐second‐order rate model and Langmuir adsorption model can well describe the adsorption process of Pb(II) ions onto EDTA‐PCF. The Weber and Morris model proposed that film and intra‐particle diffusion were involved in this adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity of Pb(II) onto EDTA‐PCF was estimated to be 25.9 mg/g at 25°C.
Predicting personality associations evoked by multicolored appearance of virtual agents: An exploratory study
Authors: Wu Zhiming , Lin Tao , Xu Hongyan , Tang Ningjiu
Published: July 2017

Designing agents' color appearance that can evoke desired color‐personality associations (CPAs) is still a challenge. To respond to the challenge, this study proposed a multicolor personality index (MCPI) model to predict the CPAs evoked by agents using the color‐personality indices for single colors together with the histogram of agents' image. Specifically, the color personality index for each bin of an agent's histogram was first calculated based on the color‐personality indices for single colors; then, the predicted values of CPAs were obtained by calculating the weighted average of color‐personality indices of all bins in the histogram. To improve the MCPI model, a simple color‐attention index model was proposed to evaluate the effects of color on attention and the effects were introduced into the MCPI model, that is, the multi‐color personality index based on color attention (MCPI‐CA) model. To validate the two models, an experiment was conducted to collect the CPAs of five traits (i.e., extraverted‐introverted, moody‐unemotional, agreeable‐disagreeable, organized‐disorganized, and wide interests‐narrow interests) evoked by the multi‐colored appearance of agents. The results showed that (a) observers in general perceived the CPAs evoked by color appearance in similar way; (b) for most agents, the CPAs evoked by multi‐colored appearance could be predicted well by the MCPI model; and (c) the MCPI‐CA model usually had better performance than the MCPI model due to the inclusion of the effects of color attributes on attention. In addition, the limitations of the proposed models and their implications for designers were also discussed.
Hyperpolarizing Water with Parahydrogen
Authors: Lehmkuhl Sören , Emondts Meike , Schubert Lukas , Spannring Peter , Klankermayer Jürgen , Blümich Bernhard , Schleker P. Philipp M.
Published: July 2017

Studies of water‐based systems are of fundamental interest for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as water is the most abundant and important medium for global living. Hence, increasing the polarization of water and dissolved compounds is particularly attractive for biomedical applications such as investigations of intermolecular interactions and metabolite structures as well as for imaging purposes. In this work, we show a new approach based on para enriched hydrogen (p‐H2) that enables the hyperpolarization of bulk water if a suitable catalytic system is employed. The results indicate that the polarization is transferred by a new exchange mechanism.
Protonation‐State‐Driven Photophysics in Phenothiazinium Dyes: Intersystem Crossing and Singlet‐Oxygen Production
Authors: Rodriguez‐Serrano Angela , Daza Martha C. , Doerr Markus , Tatchen Jörg , Marian Christel M.
Published: July 2017

The impact of altering the solvent pH value on the photodynamic activity of thionine has been studied computationally by means of density functional theory and multi‐reference interaction methods. To this end, we have investigated the electronic structure of the ground and excited states of diprotonated (TH22+) and neutral imine (T) forms of thionine (TH+). It is well known experimentally that the T1 state of TH+ undergoes acid–base equilibrium reactions resulting in a pronounced pH effect for the efficiency of singlet‐oxygen (1O2) production. Our results show that the energy‐transfer reactions from the T1 state of TH22+ and T to 3O2 correspond to reversible equilibrium processes, whereas in TH+ this process is very exothermic in a vacuum (−0.66 eV) and in aqueous solution (−0.49 eV). These facts explain the experimental observation of a much smaller efficiency of 1O2 production for TH22+ than for TH+. Moreover, we found that the pH value significantly effected the intersystem crossing (ISC) kinetics impacting the concentration of triplet‐state species available for energy transfer. In very acidic aqueous solution (pH<2) where TH22+ is the prevailing species, the ISC proceeds with a rate constant of ≈108 s−1. In a basic medium where T is the dominant species, ISC decay occurs by means of a thermally activated channel (≈108 s−1) which competes with fluorescence (5.32×107 s−1). According to these results, maximum ISC efficiency is expected for intermediate acidic pH values (TH+, ≈109 s−1).
Energy‐efficient communications over multiple access relay channels
Authors: Moeen Taghavi Ehsan , Abed Hodtani Ghosheh
Published: July 2017

Recently, due to the importance of green communications and power‐limited systems, energy efficiency in vehicular technologies has become a hot research topic. In this paper, we analyze energy‐efficient coding schemes in multiple access relay channels. First, the coding scheme in the multiple access relay channel is introduced. At the desired source rates, 3 optimal sets of resource allocation (the total power consumption, the relay power consumption, and the source power consumption) are given in the closed form. The analysis shows that the proposed energy‐efficient schemes achieve higher data rates and significantly outperform especially by reducing the relay energy consumption, which is useful for the shared relays. Moreover, the results allow a comprehensive description of the power consumption systems and give a detailed understanding of the desired message coding and the resource dedication for every desired sum rate.
New methods for enhancing fine acquisition in dual folding algorithm of long pseudo noise codes
Authors: Borna Maryam , Madani Mohammad Hossein
Published: July 2017

Long code Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum is a good choice for applications where security and antispoofing ability of a spread spectrum connection is concerned. Due to long period of spreading code, acquisition is a challenge for these systems because a trade‐off between detection probability and acquisition time must be made. For confronting this challenge, various algorithms were proposed in the literature but almost all of them focus on expediting the coarse acquisition. In this paper, we consider the efficient dual folding algorithm for coarse acquisition level and propose 3 methods for enhancing the fine acquisition level leading to faster execution of overall acquisition algorithm. The methods are based on estimations from coarse acquisition level that are not used in conventional algorithms for fine acquisition, ie, zero padding. Theoretical expressions of 2 main comparison criteria in acquisition algorithms, ie, detection probability and mean acquisition time, are derived for conventional zero padding and each of the proposed method. Besides, a coarse estimate of resource consumption is provided by the number of floating point operations for each algorithm to make a useful comparison. Considering these 3 parameters, in comparison, the proposed methods surpass zero padding in 1, 2, or all of the 3 aspects. Simulation agrees well with analytical results.
Transcriptional changes in chick wing bud polarization induced by retinoic acid
Authors: Pickering Joseph , Wali Neha , Towers Matthew
Published: July 2017

Background: Retinoic acid is implicated in the induction of the gene encoding Sonic hedgehog (Shh) that specifies anteroposterior positional values and promotes growth of the developing limb bud. However, because retinoic acid is involved in limb initiation, it has been difficult to determine if it could have additional roles in anteroposterior patterning. To investigate this, we implanted retinoic acid–soaked beads to the anterior margin of the chick wing bud and performed microarray analyses prior to onset of Shh expression. Results: Retinoic acid up‐regulates expression of Hoxd11‐13 that encode transcription factors implicated in inducing Shh transcription and that are involved in digit development. In our assay, retinoic acid induces Shh transcription and, consequently, a new pattern of digits at a much later stage than anticipated. Retinoic acid represses many anteriorly expressed genes, including Bmp4, Lhx9, Msx2, and Alx4. We provide evidence that retinoic acid influences transcription via induction of dHAND and inhibition of Gli3 to establish a new anteroposterior pre‐pattern. We show that transient exposure to retinoic acid can suppress distal development and expedite cells to transcriptionally respond to Shh. Conclusions: Our findings reveal how retinoic acid and Shh signaling could cooperate in anteroposterior patterning of the limb. Developmental Dynamics 246:682–690, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The spitting image of plant defenses: Effects of plant secondary chemistry on the efficacy of caterpillar regurgitant as an anti‐predator defense
Authors: Desurmont Gaylord A. , Köhler Angela , Maag Daniel , Laplanche Diane , Xu Hao , Baumann Julien , Demairé Camille , Devenoges Delphine , Glavan Mara , Mann Leslie , Turlings Ted C. J.
Published: July 2017

In the arms race between plants, herbivores, and their natural enemies, specialized herbivores may use plant defenses for their own benefit, and variation in plant traits may affect the benefits that herbivores derive from these defenses. Pieris brassicae is a specialist herbivore of plants containing glucosinolates, a specific class of defensive secondary metabolites. Caterpillars of P. brassicae are known to actively spit on attacking natural enemies, including their main parasitoid, the braconid wasp Cotesia glomerata. Here, we tested the hypothesis that variation in the secondary metabolites of host plants affects the efficacy of caterpillar regurgitant as an anti‐predator defense. Using a total of 10 host plants with different glucosinolate profiles, we first studied natural regurgitation events of caterpillars on parasitoids. We then studied manual applications of water or regurgitant on parasitoids during parasitization events. Results from natural regurgitation events revealed that parasitoids spent more time grooming after attack when foraging on radish and nasturtium than on Brassica spp., and when the regurgitant came in contact with the wings rather than any other body part. Results from manual applications of regurgitant showed that all parameters of parasitoid behavior (initial attack duration, attack interruption, grooming time, and likelihood of a second attack) were more affected when regurgitant was applied rather than water. The proportion of parasitoids re‐attacking a caterpillar within 15 min was the lowest when regurgitant originated from radish‐fed caterpillars. However, we found no correlation between glucosinolate content and regurgitant effects, and parasitoid behavior was equally affected when regurgitant originated from a glucosinolate‐deficient Arabidopsis thaliana mutant line. In conclusion, host plant affects to a certain extent the efficacy of spit from P. brassicae caterpillars as a defense against parasitoids, but this is not due to glucosinolate content. The nature of the defensive compounds present in the spit remains to be determined, and the ecological relevance of this anti‐predator defense needs to be further evaluated in the field.
A Series of Copper Complexes of a Dinucleating Bis(tetradentate) Nitrogen Ligand: Synthesis, Structural, Spectroscopic, Electrochemical, and Magnetic Characterization
Authors: Limpke Thomas , Butenuth Christoph , Stammler Anja , Bögge Hartmut , Glaser Thorsten
Published: July 2017

The dinucleating ligand “susan” [4,7‐dimethyl‐1,1,10,10‐tetra(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazadecane] has been used for the synthesis of a series of dinuclear CuII complexes with varying exogenous ligands: [(susan){Cu(MeCN)}2](ClO4)4, [(susan){CuCl}2]Cl2, [(susan){CuBr}2]Br2, [(susan){Cu(µ‐OH)Cu}](ClO4)3, and [(susan){Cu(µ‐OH)Cu}](PF6)3. In the solid state, the CuII ions are trigonal‐bipyramidally coordinated in [(susan){Cu(µ‐OH)Cu}]3+, whereas they are in a square‐pyramidal environment in the other complexes although mononuclear CuII complexes are trigonal‐bipyramidal. In solution, all complexes are trigonal‐bipyramidal; only [(susan){Cu(MeCN)}2]4+ is distorted even in solution. The UV/Vis spectra exhibit unique charge‐transfer (CT) transitions, which make them easy to identify in solution. Complex [(susan){Cu(MeCN)}2]4+ exhibits two reversible reductive processes, demonstrating access to a CuICuI complex, whereas the other complexes exhibit only one reductive process. Complexes [(susan){Cu(µ‐OH)Cu}](ClO4)3 and [(susan){Cu(µ‐OH)Cu}](PF6)3 exhibit strong antiferromagnetic interactions with coupling constants of J = –247 and –234 cm–1, respectively. These data are compared to mononuclear analogs and discussed with respect to the steric flexibility of the ligand backbone and influence of intramolecular interactions on the properties of the dinuclear complexes. Complex [(susan){Cu(µ‐OH)Cu}]3+ catalyzes the aerobic oxidation of 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol in the presence and absence of a base.
Developing a capillary electrophoresis based method for dynamically monitoring enzyme cleavage activity using quantum dots‐peptide assembly
Authors: Wang Jianhao , Fan Jie , Liu Li , Ding Shumin , Liu Xiaoqian , Wang Jianpeng , Gao Liqian , Chattopadhaya Souvik , Miao Peng , Xia Jiang , Qiu Lin , Jiang Pengju
Published: July 2017

Herein, a novel assay has been developed for monitoring PreScission protease (His‐PSP) mediated enzyme cleavage of ATTO 590 labeled peptide substrate (ATTO‐LEV). This novel method is based on combining the use of capillary electrophoresis and fluorescence detection (CE‐FL) to dynamically monitor the enzyme cleavage activity. A multivalent peptide substrate was first constructed by immobilizing His‐tagged ATTO 590 labeled peptide substrate (ATTO‐LEVH6) onto the surface of CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs). Once successfully immobilized, the novel multivalent peptide substrate resulted in the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from QDs to ATTO 590. The ATTO‐LEVH6‐QD assembly was then incubated with His‐PSP to study the proteolytic cleavage of surface bound ATTO‐LEVH6 by CE‐FL. Our data suggests that PreScission‐mediated proteolytic cleavage is enzyme concentration‐ and incubation time‐dependent. By combining capillary electrophoresis, QDs and FRET, our study herein not only provides a new method for the detection and dynamically monitoring of PSP enzyme cleavage activity, but also can be extended to the detection of many other enzymes and proteases.
Quantitative analysis of flavonoids and phenolic acid in Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt. by capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: Deng Yong , Lam Shing‐Chung , Zhao Jing , Li Shao‐Ping
Published: July 2017

Capillary zone electrophoresis was developed for the simultaneous determination of five flavonoids and one phenolic acid, including taxifolin‐7‐O‐glucoside, flavanomarein, quercetagetin‐7‐O‐glucoside, okanin 4′‐O‐glucoside, okanin, and chlorogenic acid, in different parts and origins of Coreopsis tinctoria and its related species. Effects of acidity, running‐buffer concentration, and modifier concentration were investigated to determine the optimum conditions for analyte determination. Analysis was performed within 18 min by using 50 mM borax buffer containing 15% acetonitrile as a modifier (pH 9.0) at 25 kV and 25°C. Hyperoside was used as internal standard for quantification. The method was accurate, simple, and repeatable, and was successfully applied to the analysis in 13 samples with satisfactory assay results. Results showed that C. tinctoria obviously differed from the related flower tea materials, “Hangju” and “Gongju”. The parts (flowers, buds, seeds, stems, and leaves) of C. tinctoria also varied among one another. This study can serve as a foundation for the quality control and pharmacological evaluation of different parts of C. tinctoria and its related species.
Stability of polymersomes with focus on their use as nanoreactors
Authors: Poschenrieder Sarah Theresa , Schiebel Sina Katharina , Castiglione Kathrin
Published: July 2017

The increased membrane stability of polymersomes compared to their liposomal counterparts is one of their most important advantages. Due to this benefit, polymer vesicles are intended to be used not only as carrier systems for drug delivery purposes but also as nanoreactors for biotechnological applications. Within this work, the stability of polymersomes made of the triblock copolymer poly(2‐methyloxazoline)15‐poly(dimethylsiloxane)68‐poly(2‐methyloxazoline)15 (PMOXA15‐PDMS68‐PMOXA15) toward mechanical stress, typically prevailing in stirred‐tank reactors being the most often used reactor type in the biotechnological industry, was characterized. Dynamic light scattering and turbidity measurements showed that stirrer rotation causing a maximum local energy dissipation of up to 1.23 W/kg−1 did not result in any loss of vesicle quality or quantity. Nevertheless, most probably due to local membrane defects, 6.6% release of the previously encapsulated model dye calcein was recognized at 25°C within 48 h. Moreover, increased temperature, leading to decreased membrane viscosity and increased membrane fluidity, respectively, led to a higher molecule leakage. Besides, the stability of polymersomes in two‐phase systems was investigated. Although alkanes and ionic liquids were shown not to lead to complete vesicle damage, no efficient calcein retention was achieved in either case.
Analytical model for the out‐of‐plane response of vertically spanning unreinforced masonry walls
Authors: Godio Michele , Beyer Katrin
Published: July 2017

An analytical model describing the flexural response of vertically spanning out‐of‐plane loaded unreinforced masonry walls is presented in this paper. The model is based on the second‐order Euler‐Bernoulli beam theory and captures important characteristics of the out‐of‐plane response of masonry walls that have been observed in experimental tests and from numerical studies but for which an analytical solution was still lacking: the onset and the evolution of cracking, the peak strength of the out‐of‐plane loaded walls, and the softening of the response due to P−Δ effects. The model is validated against experimental results, and the comparison shows that the model captures both the prepeak and postpeak response of the walls. From the analytical model of the force‐displacement curve, a formula for the maximum out‐of‐plane strength of the walls is derived, which can be directly applied in engineering practice.
A single‐cell transcriptomic analysis reveals precise pathways and regulatory mechanisms underlying hepatoblast differentiation
Authors: Yang Li , Wang Wei‐Hua , Qiu Wei‐Lin , Guo Zhen , Bi Erfei , Xu Cheng‐Ran
Published: July 2017

How bipotential hepatoblasts differentiate into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes remains unclear. Here, using single‐cell transcriptomic analysis of hepatoblasts, hepatocytes, and cholangiocytes sorted from embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5) to E17.5 mouse embryos, we found that hepatoblast‐to‐hepatocyte differentiation occurred gradually and followed a linear default pathway. As more cells became fully differentiated hepatocytes, the number of proliferating cells decreased. Surprisingly, proliferating and quiescent hepatoblasts exhibited homogeneous differentiation states at a given developmental stage. This unique feature enabled us to combine single‐cell and bulk‐cell analyses to define the precise timing of the hepatoblast‐to‐hepatocyte transition, which occurs between E13.5 and E15.5. In contrast to hepatocyte development at almost all levels, hepatoblast‐to‐cholangiocyte differentiation underwent a sharp detour from the default pathway. New cholangiocyte generation occurred continuously between E11.5 and E14.5, but their maturation states at a given developmental stage were heterogeneous. Even more surprising, the number of proliferating cells increased as more progenitor cells differentiated into mature cholangiocytes. Based on an observation from the single‐cell analysis, we also discovered that the protein kinase C/mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway promoted cholangiocyte maturation. Conclusion: Our studies have defined distinct pathways for hepatocyte and cholangiocyte development in vivo, which are critically important for understanding basic liver biology and developing effective strategies to induce stem cells to differentiate toward specific hepatic cell fates in vitro. (Hepatology 2017;66:1387–1401).
Smoking and subsequent risk of acute myeloid leukaemia: A pooled analysis of 9 cohort studies in Japan
Authors: Ugai Tomotaka , Matsuo Keitaro , Oze Isao , Ito Hidemi , Wakai Kenji , Wada Keiko , Nagata Chisato , Nakayama Tomio , Liu Rong , Kitamura Yuri , Tamakoshi Akiko , Tsuji Ichiro , Sugawara Yumi , Sawada Norie , Sadakane Atsuko , Tanaka Keitaro , Mizoue Tetsuya , Inoue Manami , Tsugane Shoichiro , Shimazu Taichi ,   for the Research Group for the Development and Evaluation of Cancer Prevention Strategies in Japan
Published: July 2017

Smoking has been identified as a significant risk factor for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). However, epidemiological evidence for the effect of smoking on the risk of AML among Asians is scarce. Here, we investigated the impact of smoking habits on the risk of AML by conducting a pooled analysis of 9 population‐based prospective cohort studies in Japan. We analysed original data on smoking habits at baseline from 9 cohort studies. Hazard ratios (HRs) in the individual studies were calculated using a Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for potential confounders and combined using a random‐effects model. During 4 808 175 person‐years of follow‐up for a total of 344 676 participants (165 567 men and 179 109 women), 245 AML cases (139 men and 106 women) were identified. For both sexes combined, current smokers had a marginally significant increased risk of AML compared to never smokers (HR = 1.44, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97‐2.14). Ever smokers with more than 30 pack‐years had a statistically significant increased risk of AML compared to never smokers among both sexes combined (HR = 1.66, 95% CI, 1.06‐2.63). By sex, this significant association was observed only among men, with an HR of 1.69 (95% CI, 1.00‐2.87) for ever smokers with more than 30 pack‐years relative to never smokers. In conclusion, this study confirmed that cigarette smoking increases the risk of AML in Japanese. This study provides important evidence that smoking increases the risk of AML among Asians, which has already been shown in Western populations.
Selenium and breast cancer risk: A prospective nested case–control study on serum selenium levels, smoking habits and overweight
Authors: Sandsveden Malte , Manjer Jonas
Published: July 2017

Previous research has not been conclusive regarding the association between selenium (Se) and breast cancer. This study was conducted to clarify if there is an association between prediagnostic serum Se levels and breast cancer risk. A population based cohort, the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study, was used and linked with the Swedish cancer registry up to 31 December 2013. Our study included 1,186 women with breast cancer and an equal number of controls. Selenium levels were analysed from stored serum samples. The included individuals were divided into quartiles based on Se value and we compared breast cancer cases with controls using logistic regression yielding odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. Serum Se was also analysed as a continuous variable regarding breast cancer risk. The analyses were adjusted for established risk factors and stratified on smoking status and body mass index (BMI). When comparing the highest Se quartile with the lowest, the adjusted OR for breast cancer was 0.98 (0.75–1.26). With selenium as a continuous variable the adjusted OR was 1.00 (1.00–1.01) per 10 ng/ml. When comparing the highest with the lowest Se quartile in women with BMI > 25 kg/m2 the adjusted OR was 0.77 (0.53–1.14). We conclude that it is unlikely that prediagnostic serum selenium is overall associated with breast cancer risk and no modifying effect from BMI or smoking was seen.
Characterization of PD‐1 upregulation on tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes in human and murine gliomas and preclinical therapeutic blockade
Authors: Dejaegher Joost , Verschuere Tina , Vercalsteren Ellen , Boon Louis , Cremer Jonathan , Sciot Raf , Van Gool Stefaan W. , De Vleeschouwer Steven
Published: July 2017

Blockade of the immune checkpoint molecule programmed‐cell‐death‐protein‐1 (PD‐1) yielded promising results in several cancers. To understand the therapeutic potential in human gliomas, quantitative data describing the expression of PD‐1 are essential. Moreover, due the immune‐specialized region of the brain in which gliomas arise, differences between tumor‐infiltrating and circulating lymphocytes should be acknowledged. In this study we have used flow cytometry to quantify PD‐1 expression on tumor‐infiltrating T cells of 25 freshly resected glioma cell suspensions (10 newly and 5 relapsed glioblastoma, 10 lower grade gliomas) and simultaneously isolated circulating T cells. A strong upregulation of PD‐1 expression in the tumor microenvironment compared to the blood circulation was seen in all glioma patients. Additionally, circulating T cells were isolated from 15 age‐matched healthy volunteers, but no differences in PD‐1 expression were found compared to glioma patients. In the murine GL261 malignant glioma model, there was a similar upregulation of PD‐1 on brain‐infiltrating lymphocytes. Using a monoclonal PD‐1 blocking antibody, we found a marked prolonged survival with 55% of mice reaching long‐term survival. Analysis of brain‐infiltrating cells 21 days after GL261 tumor implantation showed a shift in infiltrating lymphocyte subgroups with increased CD8+ T cells and decreased regulatory T cells. Together, our results suggest an important role of PD‐1 in glioma‐induced immune escape, and provide translational evidence for the use of PD‐1 blocking antibodies in human malignant gliomas.
On Water and its Effect on the Performance of T1‐Shortening Contrast Agents
Authors: Payne Katherine M. , Wilds Jennifer M. , Carniato Fabio , Botta Mauro , Woods Mark
Published: July 2017

The performance of low molecular weight Gd3+ chelates as T1‐shortening contrast agents for MRI is limited by their rapid rate of molecular tumbling, which makes them very sensitive to factors that alter the rate of molecular reorientation. Unlike the interactions of these chelates with other solutes present in solution, which have been widely studied, the effect of the solvent water itself on tumbling seems to have been largely ignored. Water has long been known to adopt structures that vary from freely diffusing molecules on one extreme and a more “ice‐like” structure on the other. A variety of salts can be used to alter this “structure” of water. Relaxometric studies on inner and outersphere Gd3+ chelates were performed in the presence of both structure making and structure breaking salts. The addition of structure‐making salts to low molecular weight Gd3+ chelates was found to increase both the second‐ and outer‐sphere contributions to relaxivity. These results point to a slowing of molecular tumbling arising from an increase solvent structure and therefore microviscosity. The implication of these findings is that the performance of low molecular weight Gd3+ contrast agents is not, as generally assumed, constant in the absence of secondary interactions but may vary depending upon the nature of the solution in which it is dissolved.
Gender‐specific factors associated with the suicidal ideation of children in Taiwan: A large‐scale cross‐sectional study
Authors: Huang Hsiao‐Ling , Peng Wu‐Der , Lin Ying‐Chun , Lee Chien‐Hung , Hu Chih‐Yang , Huang Shun‐Te
Published: July 2017

We examined the relationship between suicidal ideation (SI) and the depressed mood, life stress and parenting styles in children. A large‐scale survey was conducted including 5328 children from 65 elementary schools in Taiwan. SI was measured by asking children if any suicidal thoughts had occurred in the previous month. A series of regression models was analysed separately for male and female students. Compared with boys, girls demonstrated a higher proportion of SI. Among boys, SI was significantly associated with a high level of perceived environmental stress (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.61), a high degree of depressed mood (aOR = 2.39), authoritative (aOR = 1.72) and authoritarian (aOR = 2.53) parenting styles and two or more life‐stress events (aOR = 1.45). A high level of perceived environmental stress (aOR = 2.09), a high degree of depressed mood (aOR = 2.89) and an authoritarian parenting style (aOR = 1.76) were significantly associated with the SI in girls. Gender‐specific interventions aimed at preventing SI must enhance support systems at school and at home, particularly for students who suffer from a high degree of stress and depressed mood, and are subjected to an authoritarian parenting style.
Vaccarin administration ameliorates hypertension and cardiovascular remodeling in renovascular hypertensive rats
Authors: Zhu Xuexue , Zhou Zhou , Zhang Qingfeng , Cai Weiwei , Zhou Yuetao , Sun Haijian , Qiu Liying
Published: July 2017

Sympathetic overdrive, activation of renin angiotensin systems (RAS), and oxidative stress are vitally involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension and cardiovascular remodeling. We recently identified that vaccarin protected endothelial cell function from oxidative stress or high glucose. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether vaccarin attenuated hypertension and cardiovascular remodeling. Two‐kidney one‐clip (2K1C) model rats were used, and low dose of vaccarin (10 mg/kg), high dose of vaccarin (30 mg/kg), captopril (30 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally administrated. Herein, we showed that 2K1C rats exhibited higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), left ventricular mass/body weight ratio, myocardial hypertrophy or fibrosis, media thickness, and media thickness to lumen diameter, which were obviously alleviated by vaccarin and captopril. In addition, both vaccarin and captopril abrogated the increased plasma renin, angiotensin II (Ang II), norepinephrine (NE), and the basal sympathetic activity. The AT1R protein expressions, NADPH oxidase subunit NOX‐2 protein levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were significantly increased, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were decreased in myocardium, aorta, and mesenteric artery of 2K1C rats, both vaccarin and captopril treatment counteracted these changes in renovascular hypertensive rats. Collectively, we concluded that vaccarin may be a novel complementary therapeutic medicine for the prevention and treatment of hypertension. The mechanisms for antihypertensive effects of vaccarin may be associated with inhibition of sympathetic activity, RAS, and oxidative stress.
Transcriptional regulation of Runx2 by HSP90 controls osteosarcoma apoptosis via the AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Liang Gui‐Hong , Liu Ning , He Ming‐Tang , Yang Jie , Liang Zu‐Jian , Gao Xue‐Juan , Rahhal Ali Hasan , He Qing‐Yu , Zhang Huan‐Tian , Zha Zhen‐Gang
Published: July 2017

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most malignant primary bone tumor in children and adolescents with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Recently, aberrant expression of Runx2 has been found in OS, thereby contributing to the development, and progression of OS. However, the upstream signaling molecules that regulate its expression in OS remain largely unknown. In the present study, we first confirmed that the inhibition of HSP90 with 17‐AAG caused significant apoptosis of OS cells via a caspase‐3‐dependent mechanism, and that inhibition or knockdown of HSP90 by 17‐AAG or siRNAs significantly suppressed mRNA and protein expression of Runx2. Furthermore, we provided evidence that Runx2 was transcriptionally regulated by HSP90 when using MG132 and CHX chase assay. We also demonstrated that β‐catenin was overexpressed in OS tissue, and that knockdown of β‐catenin induced pronounced apoptosis of OS cells in the presence or absence of 17‐AAG. Interestingly, this phenomenon was accompanied with a significant reduction of Runx2 and Cyclin D1 expression, indicating an essential role of Runx2/Cyclin D1 in 17‐AAG‐induced cells apoptosis. Moreover, we demonstrated that the apoptosis of OS cells induced by 17‐AAG did require the involvement of the AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signaling pathway by using pharmacological inhibitor GSK‐3β (LiCl) or siGSK‐3β. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism that Runx2 is transcriptionally regulated by HSP90 via the AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signaling pathway, and by which leads to apoptosis of OS cells.
A shared comparison of diabetes mellitus and neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Morsi Mahmoud , Maher Ahmed , Aboelmagd Omnia , Johar Dina , Bernstein Larry
Published: July 2017

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common diseases in the world population, associated with obesity, pancreatic endocrine changes, cardiovascular disease, renal glomerular disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, neurodegenerative disease, retinal disease, sleep apnea, some of which are bundled into the metabolic syndrome. The main characteristic of this disease is hyperglycemia, and often with albuminuria. Nevertheless, the classic features, with ketoacidosis in the extreme, are only a first layer of description of this condition. The description of the islet cells of the endocrine pancreas was first described by Opie, and the discovery of insulin by tying off the exocrine pancreatic ducts followed. We later find that the β‐cells secrete insulin and glucagon, which synchronously stimulate or suppress glycogenolysis, and that insulin is essential for glucose intake into the cell. There are yet two other layers for our understanding of diabetes and the effects of its dysfunction, which is the basis for understanding the system‐wide expression of the disease. We describe the molecular basis for the central nervous system neuropathic diseases that are associated with both Type 1 DM (T1DM) and Type 2 DM (T2DM), but more so with T2DM. T2DM is an autoimmune disease that destroys the insulin secreting islet cells. T2DM is the diabetes that is associated with an imbalance in the glucagon/insulin homeostasis that leads to the formation of amyloid deposits in the brain, pancreatic islet cells, and possibly the kidney glomerulus.
Effect of low‐level laser therapy and oxytocin on osteoporotic bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Fallahnezhad Somaye , Piryaei Abbas , Darbandi Hasan , Amini Abdollah , Ghoreishi Seyed Kamran , Jalalifirouzkouhi Reza , Bayat Mohammad
Published: July 2017

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (OP) is a major concern for public health. Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) has a positive effect on the health of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of LLLT and oxytocin (OT) incubation—individually and in combination—on osteoporotic BMMSCs in ovariectomized rats. Twelve female rats were randomized into two groups to undergo either a sham surgery (sham group) or ovariectomy‐induced osteoporosis (OVX group). MSCs harvested from the BM of healthy and OVX rats underwent culture expansion. There were five groups. In Groups one (sham‐BMMSC) and two (OVX‐BMMSC) the cells were held in osteogenic condition medium without any intervention. In the group three (OT), OT incubation with optimum dose was performed for 48 h (two times, 10−12 molar). In Group four, laser‐treated‐OVX‐BMMSCs were treated with optimum protocol of LLLT (one time, 1.2 J/cm2). In Group five (laser + OT group), the OT incubation plus the laser irradiation was performed. The biostimulatory effect of LLLT is demonstrated by a significant increase in the viability of OVX‐BMMSCs, cell cycle, and extracellular levels of Transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β), insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I), and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) compared to control OVX‐BMMSCs and/or the sham group. OT incubation and laser + OT incubation have a positive effect on OVX‐BMMSCs. However, LLLT is more effective statistically. We conclude that LLLT significantly improved cell viability, enhanced the osteogenic potential of the OVX‐BMMSCs, and increased the extracellular levels of the TGF‐β, IGF‐I, and ALP.
Indomethacin elicits proteasomal dysfunctions develops apoptosis through mitochondrial abnormalities
Authors: Amanullah Ayeman , Mishra Ribhav , Upadhyay Arun , Reddy Pothula P. , Das Ranabir , Mishra Amit
Published: July 2017

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a class of drugs that are mainly used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever via cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibition. There are abundant findings that uncover the hidden critical chemotherapeutics potential of NSAIDs in cancer treatment. However, still the precise mechanism by which NSAIDs could be used as an effective anti‐tumor agent in the prevention of carcinogenesis is not well understood. Here, we show that indomethacin, a well‐known NSAID, induces proteasomal dysfunction that results in accumulation of unwanted proteins, mitochondrial abnormalities, and successively stimulate apoptosis in cells. We observed the interaction of indomethacin with proteasome and noticed the massive accumulation of intracellular ubiquitin‐positive proteins, which might be due to the suppression of proteasome activities. Furthermore, we also found that exposure of indomethacin causes the accumulation of critical proteasomal substrates that consequently generate severe mitochondrial abnormalities and prompt up key apoptotic events in cells. Our results demonstrate how indomethacin affects normal proteasomal functions and induces mitochondrial apoptosis in cells. These findings also improve our current understanding of how NSAIDs can exhibit crucial anti‐proliferative effects in cells. In near future, our findings may suggest a new possible strategy for the development of specific proteasome inhibitors in conjunction with other chemo‐preventive anticancer agents.
Occludin as a functional marker of vascular endothelial cells on tube‐forming activity
Authors: Kanayasu‐Toyoda Toshie , Ishii‐Watabe Akiko , Kikuchi Yutaka , Kitagawa Hiroko , Suzuki Hiroko , Tamura Hiroomi , Tada Minoru , Suzuki Takuo , Mizuguchi Hiroyuki , Yamaguchi Teruhide
Published: July 2017

Cell therapy using endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is a promising strategy for the treatment of ischemic diseases. Two types of EPCs have been identified: early EPCs and late EPCs. Late EPCs are able to form tube structure by themselves, and have a high proliferative ability. The functional marker(s) of late EPCs, which relate to their therapeutic potential, have not been fully elucidated. Here we compared the gene expression profiles of several human cord blood derived late EPC lines which exhibit different tube formation activity, and we observed that the expression of occludin (OCLN) in these lines correlated with the tube formation ability, suggesting that OCLN is a candidate functional marker of late EPCs. When OCLN was knocked down by transfecting siRNA, the tube formation on Matrigel, the S phase + G2/M phase in the cell cycle, and the spheroid‐based sprouting of late EPCs were markedly reduced, suggesting the critical role of OCLN in tube formation, sprouting, and proliferation. These results indicated that OCLN plays a novel role in neovascularization and angiogenesis.
Wnt5a suppresses osteoblastic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cell‐like cells via Ror2/JNK signaling
Authors: Hasegawa Daigaku , Wada Naohisa , Yoshida Shinichiro , Mitarai Hiromi , Arima Mai , Tomokiyo Atsushi , Hamano Sayuri , Sugii Hideki , Maeda Hidefumi
Published: July 2017

Wnt5a, a non‐canonical Wnt protein, is known to play important roles in several cell functions. However, little is known about the effects of Wnt5a on osteoblastic differentiation of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. Here, we examined the effects of Wnt5a on osteoblastic differentiation and associated intracellular signaling in human PDL stem/progenitor cells (HPDLSCs). We found that Wnt5a suppressed expression of bone‐related genes (ALP, BSP, and Osterix) and alizarin red‐positive mineralized nodule formation in HPDLSCs under osteogenic conditions. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that a Wnt5a‐related receptor, receptor tyrosine kinase‐like orphan receptor 2 (Ror2), was expressed in rat PDL tissue. Interestingly, knockdown of Ror2 by siRNA inhibited the Wnt5a‐induced downregulation of bone‐related gene expression in HPDLSCs. Moreover, Western blotting analysis showed that phosphorylation of the intracellular signaling molecule, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) was upregulated in HPDLSCs cultured in osteoblast induction medium with Wnt5a, but knockdown of Ror2 by siRNA downregulated the phosphorylation of JNK. We also examined the effects of JNK inhibition on Wnt5a‐induced suppression of osteoblastic differentiation of HPDLSCs. The JNK inhibitor, SP600125 inhibited the Wnt5a‐induced downregulation of bone‐related gene expression in HPDLSCs. Additionally, SP600125 inhibited the Wnt5a‐induced suppression of the alizarin red‐positive reaction in HPDLSCs. These results suggest that Wnt5a suppressed osteoblastic differentiation of HPDLSCs through Ror2/JNK signaling. Non‐canonical Wnt signaling, including Wnt5a/Ror2/JNK signaling, may function as a negative regulator of mineralization, preventing the development of non‐physiological mineralization in PDL tissue.
Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs reduce the incidence of post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Lin , Han Zhen , Yuan Heming , Zhang Guozheng , Jia Yuliang , He Chiyi
Published: July 2017

Background

Several recent studies suggested that nonsteroidal anti‐inflammation drugs (NSAIDs) could prevent the pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, the routes of administration, the dosages of NSAIDs and the potential efficacy in reducing the severity of pancreatitis remain controversial. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of NSAIDs for post‐ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) prophylaxis.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, Elsevier and Web of Science databases up to 1 October 2016 for relevant studies.

Results

A total of 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. Compared to the controls, the risk of pancreatitis was much lower in the NSAIDs group (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.48–0.67, P < 0.0001). However, NSAIDs were not effective in reducing the risk of moderate to severe pancreatitis compared with placebo (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.57–1.00). In the subanalyses, rectal administration was the only effective route (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.42–0.62), and the risk of PEP was reduced in both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.52–0.76) and case–control articles (C–Cs) (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.28–0.58).

Conclusions

Prophylactic administration of NSAIDs reduced the incidence of PEP in both RCTs and C–Cs, especially when rectally administered, but was not effective in reducing the risk of moderate to severe pancreatitis.