bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ruthenium(II)‐katalysierte C‐H‐Aktivierung/Alkinanellierung durch schwache Koordination mit O2 als einzigem Oxidationsmittel
Authors: Warratz Svenja , Kornhaaß Christoph , Cajaraville Ana , Niepötter Benedikt , Stalke Dietmar , Ackermann Lutz
Published: March 2015

Aerobe oxidative C‐H‐Funktionalisierungen von schwach koordinierenden Benzoesäuren wurden mit vielseitig anwendbaren Ruthenium(II)‐biscarboxylat‐Komplexen unter Sauerstoffatmosphäre oder Luft ermöglicht. Mechanistische Studien führten zur Identifizierung der Schlüsselfaktoren der Oxidation von Ruthenium(0)‐Komplexen.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Hydrazones and Other Ketimines
Authors: Xu Haiyan , Yang Peng , Chuanprasit Pratanphorn , Hirao Hajime , Zhou Jianrong (Steve)
Published: March 2015

We report the use of nickel catalysts for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of hydrazones and other ketimines with formic acid. Strongly donating bisphosphines must be used to support the catalysts. As in enzymatic catalysis, attractive weak interactions may be important for stereochemical control by the nickel/binapine catalyst.
Electron Flow in Reaction Mechanisms—Revealed from First Principles
Authors: Knizia Gerald , Klein Johannes E. M. N.
Published: March 2015

The “curly arrow” of Robinson and Ingold is the primary tool for describing and rationalizing reaction mechanisms. Despite this approach’s ubiquity and stellar success, its physical basis has never been clarified and a direct connection to quantum chemistry has never been found. Here we report that the bond rearrangements expressed by curly arrows can be directly observed in ab initio computations, as transformations of intrinsic bond orbitals (IBOs) along the reaction coordinate. Our results clarify that curly arrows are rooted in physical reality—a notion which has been challenged before—and show how quantum chemistry can directly establish reaction mechanisms in intuitive terms and unprecedented detail.
Learning Language in Autism: Maternal Linguistic Input Contributes to Later Vocabulary
Authors: Bang Janet , Nadig Aparna
Published: March 2015

It is well established that children with typical development (TYP) exposed to more maternal linguistic input develop larger vocabularies. We know relatively little about the linguistic environment available to children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and whether input contributes to their later vocabulary. Children with ASD or TYP and their mothers from English and French‐speaking families engaged in a 10 min free‐play interaction. To compare input, children were matched on language ability, sex, and maternal education (ASD n = 20, TYP n = 20). Input was transcribed, and the number of word tokens and types, lexical diversity (D), mean length of utterances (MLU), and number of utterances were calculated. We then examined the relationship between input and children's spoken vocabulary 6 months later in a larger sample (ASD: n = 19, 50–85 months; TYP: n = 44, 25–58 months). No significant group differences were found on the five input features. A hierarchical multiple regression model demonstrated input MLU significantly and positively contributed to spoken vocabulary 6 months later in both groups, over and above initial language levels. No significant difference was found between groups in the slope between input MLU and later vocabulary. Our findings reveal children with ASD and TYP of similar language levels are exposed to similar maternal linguistic environments regarding number of word tokens and types, D, MLU, and number of utterances. Importantly, linguistic input accounted for later vocabulary growth in children with ASD. Autism Res 2015, 8: 214–223. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of dilution rate and methanol‐glycerol mixed feeding on heterologous Rhizopus oryzae lipase production with Pichia pastorisMut+ phenotype in continuous culture
Authors: Canales Christian , Altamirano Claudia , Berrios Julio
Published: March 2015

The induction using substrate mixtures is an operational strategy for improving the productivity of heterologous protein production with Pichia pastoris. Glycerol as a cosubstrate allows for growth at a higher specific growth rate, but also has been reported to be repressor of the expression from the AOX1 promoter. Thus, further insights about the effects of glycerol are required for designing the induction stage with mixed substrates. The production of Rhizopus oryzae lipase (ROL) was used as a model system to investigate the application of methanol‐glycerol feeding mixtures in fast metabolizing methanol phenotype. Cultures were performed in a simple chemostat system and the response surface methodology was used for the evaluation of both dilution rate and methanol‐glycerol feeding composition as experimental factors. Our results indicate that productivity and yield of ROL are strongly affected by dilution rate, with no interaction effect between the involved factors. Productivity showed the highest value around 0.04–0.06 h−1, while ROL yield decreased along the whole dilution rate range evaluated (0.03–0.1 h−1). Compared to production level achieved with methanol‐only feeding, the highest specific productivity was similar in mixed feeding (0.9 UA g‐biomass−1 h−1), but volumetric productivity was 70% higher. Kinetic analysis showed that these results are explained by the effects of dilution rate on specific methanol uptake rate, instead of a repressor effect caused by glycerol feeding. It is concluded that despite the effect of dilution rate on ROL yield, mixed feeding strategy is a proper process option to be applied to P. pastoris Mut+ phenotype for heterologous protein production. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:707–714, 2015
Gallic acid‐based alkyl esters synthesis in a water‐free system by celite‐bound lipase of Bacillus licheniformisSCD11501
Authors: Sharma Shivika , Kanwar Shamsher S. , Dogra Priyanka , Chauhan Ghanshyam S.
Published: March 2015

Gallic acid (3, 4, 5‐ trihydroxybenzoic acid) is an important antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and radical scavenging agent. In the present study, a purified thermo‐tolerant extra‐cellular lipase of Bacillus licheniformis SCD11501 was successfully immobilized by adsorption on Celite 545 gel matrix followed by treatment with a cross‐linking agent, glutaraldehyde. The celite‐bound lipase treated with glutaraldehyde showed 94.8% binding/retention of enzyme activity (36 U/g; specific activity 16.8 U/g matrix; relative increase in enzyme activity 64.7%) while untreated matrix resulted in 88.1% binding/retention (28.0 U/g matrix; specific activity 8.5 U/g matrix) of lipase. The celite‐bound lipase was successfully used to synthesis methyl gallate (58.2%), ethyl gallate (66.9%), n‐propyl gallate (72.1%), and n‐butyl gallate (63.8%) at 55oC in 10 h under shaking (150 g) in a water‐free system by sequentially optimizing various reaction parameters. The low conversion of more polar alcohols such as methanol and ethanol into their respective gallate esters might be due to the ability of these alcohols to severely remove water from the protein hydration shell, leading to enzyme inactivation. Molecular sieves added to the reaction mixture resulted in enhanced yield of the alkyl ester(s). The characterization of synthesised esters was done through fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and 1H NMR spectrum analysis. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:715–723, 2015
Covalent and Stable CuAAC Modification of Silicon Surfaces for Control of Cell Adhesion
Authors: Vutti Surendra , Buch‐Månson Nina , Schoffelen Sanne , Bovet Nicolas , Martinez Karen L. , Meldal Morten
Published: March 2015

Stable primary functionalization of metal surfaces plays a significant role in reliable secondary attachment of complex functional molecules used for the interfacing of metal objects and nanomaterials with biological systems. In principle, this can be achieved through chemical reactions either in the vapor or liquid phase. In this work, we compared these two methods for oxidized silicon surfaces and thoroughly characterized the functionalization steps by tagging and fluorescence imaging. We demonstrate that the vapor‐phase functionalization only provided transient surface modification that was lost on extensive washing. For stable surface modification, a liquid‐phase method was developed. In this method, silicon wafers were decorated with azides, either by silanization with (3‐azidopropyl)triethoxysilane or by conversion of the amine groups of an aminopropylated surface by means of the azido‐transfer reaction. Subsequently, D‐amino acid adhesion peptides could be immobilized on the surface by use of CuI‐catalyzed click chemistry. This enabled the study of cell adhesion to the metal surface. In contrast to unmodified surfaces, the peptide‐modified surfaces were able to maintain cell adhesion during significant flow velocities in a microflow reactor.
Structures of the Apo and FAD‐Bound Forms of 2‐Hydroxybiphenyl 3‐monooxygenase (HbpA) Locate Activity Hotspots Identified by Using Directed Evolution
Authors: Jensen Chantel N. , Mielke Tamara , Farrugia Joseph E. , Frank Annika , Man Henry , Hart Sam , Turkenburg Johan P. , Grogan Gideon
Published: March 2015

The FAD‐dependent monooxygenase HbpA from Pseudomonas azelaica HBP1 catalyses the hydroxylation of 2‐hydroxybiphenyl (2HBP) to 2,3‐dihydroxybiphenyl (23DHBP). HbpA has been used extensively as a model for studying flavoprotein hydroxylases under process conditions, and has also been subjected to directed‐evolution experiments that altered its catalytic properties. The structure of HbpA has been determined in its apo and FAD‐complex forms to resolutions of 2.76 and 2.03 Å, respectively. Comparisons of the HbpA structure with those of homologues, in conjunction with a model of the reaction product in the active site, reveal His48 as the most likely acid/base residue to be involved in the hydroxylation mechanism. Mutation of His48 to Ala resulted in an inactive enzyme. The structures of HbpA also provide evidence that mutants achieved by directed evolution that altered activity are comparatively remote from the substrate‐binding site.
Improving Cell‐Free Protein Synthesis through Genome Engineering of Escherichia coli Lacking Release Factor 1
Authors: Hong Seok Hoon , Kwon Yong‐Chan , Martin Rey W. , Des Soye Benjamin J. , de Paz Alexandra M. , Swonger Kirsten N. , Ntai Ioanna , Kelleher Neil L. , Jewett Michael C.
Published: March 2015

Site‐specific incorporation of non‐standard amino acids (NSAAs) into proteins opens the way to novel biological insights and applications in biotechnology. Here, we describe the development of a high yielding cell‐free protein synthesis (CFPS) platform for NSAA incorporation from crude extracts of genomically recoded Escherichia coli lacking release factor 1. We used genome engineering to construct synthetic organisms that, upon cell lysis, lead to improved extract performance. We targeted five potential negative effectors to be disabled: the nuclease genes rna, rnb, csdA, mazF, and endA. Using our most productive extract from strain MCJ.559 (csdA− endA−), we synthesized 550±40 μg mL−1 of modified superfolder green fluorescent protein containing p‐acetyl‐L‐phenylalanine. This yield was increased to ∼1300 μg mL−1 when using a semicontinuous method. Our work has implications for using whole genome editing for CFPS strain development, expanding the chemistry of biological systems, and cell‐free synthetic biology.
Comparison of the Electronic and Vibrational Optical Activity of a Europium(III) Complex
Authors: Wu Tao , Hudecová Jana , You Xiao‐Zeng , Urbanová Marie , Bouř Petr
Published: March 2015

The geometry and the electronic structure of chiral lanthanide(III) complexes are traditionally probed by electronic methods, such as circularly polarised luminescence (CPL) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy. The vibrational phenomena are much weaker. In the present study, however, significant enhancements of vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and Raman optical activity (ROA) spectral intensities were observed during the formation of a chiral bipyridine–EuIII complex. The ten‐fold enhancement of the vibrational absorption and VCD intensities was explained by a charge‐transfer process and the dominant effect of the nitrate ion on the spectra. A much larger enhancement of the ROA and Raman intensities and a hundred‐fold increase of the circular intensity difference (CID) ratio were explained by the resonance of the λ=532 nm laser light with the 7F0 → 5D0 transitions. This phenomenon is combined with a chirality transfer, and mixing of the Raman and luminescence effects involving low‐energy 7F states of europium. The results thus indicate that the vibrational optical activity (VOA) may be a very sensitive tool for chirality detection and probing of the electronic structure of EuIII and other coordination compounds.
Guanidine‐Based Polymer Brushes Grafted onto Silica Nanoparticles as Efficient Artificial Phosphodiesterases
Authors: Savelli Claudia , Salvio Riccardo
Published: March 2015

Polymer brushes grafted to the surface of silica nanoparticles were fabricated by atom‐transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and investigated as catalysts in the cleavage of phosphodiesters. The surfaces of silica nanoparticles were functionalized with an ATRP initiator. Surface‐initiated ATRP reactions, in varying proportions, of a methacrylate moiety functionalized with a phenylguanidine moiety and an inert hydrophilic methacrylate species afforded hybrid nanoparticles that were characterized with potentiometric titrations, thermogravimetric analysis, and SEM. The activity of the hybrid nanoparticles was tested in the transesterification of the RNA model compound 2‐hydroxypropyl para‐nitrophenylphosphate (HPNP) and diribonucleoside monophosphates. A high catalytic efficiency and a remarkable effective molarity, thus overcoming the effective molarities previously observed for comparable systems, indicate the existence of an effective cooperation of the guanidine/guanidinium units and a high level of preorganization in the nanostructure. The investigated system also exhibits a marked and unprecedented selectivity for the diribonucleoside sequence CpA. The results presented open up the way for a novel and straightforward strategy for the preparation of supramolecular catalysts.
Prognostic Implications of Low Level Cardiac Troponin Elevation Using High‐Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T
Authors: Grinstein Jonathan , Bonaca Marc P. , Jarolim Petr , Conrad Michael J. , Bohula‐May Erin , Deenadayalu Naveen , Braunwald Eugene , Giugliano Robert P. , Newby L. Kristin , Sabatine Marc S. , Morrow David A.
Published: March 2015

Background

High‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hsTnT) is used in many countries, but is not available in the United States. Prior evidence has been viewed as inconclusive as to whether low cardiac troponin T (cTnT) concentrations detected with hsTnT are prognostically meaningful compared with fourth‐generation cTnT.

Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic performance of low‐level cTnT elevations using the hsTnT assay compared with the assay (fourth‐generation) currently available in the United States.

Methods

We measured serum cTnT in 4160 patients with non–ST‐elevation acute coronary syndrome using both the hsTnT and fourth‐generation assays. Patients were stratified at the 99th percentile cut point for each assay.

Results

Patients with baseline hsTnT ≥14 ng/L (n = 3697) vs <14 ng/L were at higher 30‐day risk of cardiovascular death (CVD) or myocardial infarction (MI) (9.1% vs 1.9%, P < 0.0001). After adjusting for all other elements of the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction risk score, hsTnT ≥14 carried a 5.2‐fold higher risk of CVD/MI (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.6‐10.1, P < 0.0001). Low levels of hsTnT (14–50 ng/L) also revealed increased risk (CVD/MI: 6.4%, P = 0.002). Importantly, patients with negative fourth‐generation cTnT but positive hsTnT were at 4.5‐times higher risk of CVD/MI (95% CI: 1.9‐11.0, P = 0.0008) than patients with negative hsTnT. In contrast, patients with a negative hsTnT but positive fourth‐generation cTnT result had a lower rate of CVD/MI than with a positive hsTnT (1.3% vs 8.2%, P = 0.0005).

Conclusions

Low‐level increases in cTnT detected using the hsTnT assay identified patients at a meaningfully higher risk and who might otherwise be missed, and improves upon risk stratification using the cTnT assay currently available in the United States.
Pharmacophore‐Based Design of Novel Oxadiazoles as Selective Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) Receptor Agonists with in vivo Efficacy
Authors: Quattropani Anna , Sauer Wolfgang H. B. , Crosignani Stefano , Dorbais Jerome , Gerber Patrick , Gonzalez Jerome , Marin Delphine , Muzerelle Mathilde , Beltran Fanny , Nichols Anthony , Georgi Katrin , Schneider Manfred , Vitte Pierre‐Alain , Eligert Valerie , Novo‐Perez Laurence , Hantson Jennifer , Nock Sebastien , Carboni Susanna , de Souza Adriano Luis Soares , Arrighi Jean‐François , Boschert Ursula , Bombrun Agnes
Published: March 2015

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) receptor agonists have shown promise as therapeutic agents for multiple sclerosis (MS) due to their regulatory roles within the immune, central nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Here, the design and optimization of novel [1,2,4]oxadiazole derivatives as selective S1P receptor agonists are described. The structure–activity relationship exploration was carried out on the three dominant segments of the series: modification of the polar head group (P), replacement of the oxadiazole linker (L) with different five‐membered heterocycles, and the use of diverse 2,2′‐disubstituted biphenyl moieties as the hydrophobic tail (H). All three segments have a significant impact on potency, S1P receptor subtype selectivity, physicochemical properties, and in vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) profile of the compounds. From these optimization studies, a selective S1P1 agonist, N‐methyl‐N‐(4‐{5‐[2‐methyl‐2′‐(trifluoromethyl)biphenyl‐4‐yl]‐1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl}benzyl)glycine (45), and a dual S1P1,5 agonist, N‐methyl‐N‐(3‐{5‐[2′‐methyl‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)biphenyl‐4‐yl]‐1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐3‐yl}benzyl)glycine (49), emerged as frontrunners. These compounds distribute predominantly in lymph nodes and brain over plasma and induce long lasting decreases in lymphocyte count after oral administration. When evaluated head‐to‐head in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model, together with the marketed drug fingolimod, a pan‐S1P receptor agonist, S1P1,5 agonist 49 demonstrated comparable efficacy while S1P1‐selective agonist 45 was less potent. Compound 49 is not a prodrug, and its improved property profile should translate into a safer treatment of relapsing forms of MS.
Preference index for Japanese complexion under illuminations
Authors: Yano Tadashi , Hashimoto Kenjiro
Published: March 2015

This article proposes a useful evaluation method based on preferred complexion as one of color‐rendering methods of light sources. A relational equation between subjective evaluation values of preferred Japanese complexion under various illuminations and the D65 corresponding colors by adopting CIE94 chromatic adaptation transform on the CIE 1976 u′v′ chromaticity diagram was derived by using multiple regression. Then, preference index of skin color or PS was developed in order to evaluate quantitatively the degrees of preferred complexion from the equation. Furthermore, a new index PS(ac,bc) was derived by using CAM02 color appearance model instead of the CIE94. Each relationship of Ra, R15, CQS, MCRI, FCI, CCRI, and HCR to PS was examined. Then, the PS was found as an independent index which was quite different from the other indices when the PS was more than or equal to 80. Therefore, it is useful to develop and evaluate light sources to realize more comfortable lighting environments by applying the concept of the PS. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 143–153, 2016
Evaluation of opicapone on cardiac repolarization in a thorough QT/QTc study
Authors: Pinto Roberto , l'Hostis Philippe , Patat Alain , Homery Marie‐Claude , Falcão Amílcar , Nunes Teresa , Rocha José‐Francisco , Soares‐da‐Silva Patrício
Published: March 2015

Opicapone, a novel third‐generation catechol‐O‐methyltransferase inhibitor for use as adjunctive therapy in levodopa‐treated Parkinson's disease patients, was investigated on cardiac repolarization in healthy adult volunteers. This was a single‐center, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, open‐label active‐controlled, 4‐period crossover study conducted in 64 subjects. In each period, subjects received a single oral dose of 50 mg opicapone, 800 mg opicapone, placebo, or 400 mg moxifloxacin and 24‐hour 12‐lead Holter monitoring was performed on day ‐1 (baseline) and after each single dose. After a single oral administrations of 50 and 800 mg opicapone, opicapone was the major entity in the circulation, with a median tmax of 1.5–2.0 hours. Opicapone was rapidly eliminated, with an elimination half‐life of 1–2 hours. There was no clinically relevant effect of 50 and 800 mg opicapone versus placebo on cardiac depolarization or repolarization. All upper bounds of the 1‐sided 95% confidence interval (CI) were below 10 milliseconds, confirming that opicapone has no QT‐prolonging effect. Moxifloxacin caused an increase in the QTcI, with a lower bound of the 2‐sided 95% CI always higher than 5 milliseconds, around the tmax of peak concentration, demonstrating assay sensitivity. In conclusion, administration of opicapone at therapeutic (50 mg) and supratherapeutic (800 mg) doses did not induce a clinically significant prolongation of the QTc interval.
Toward the Prediction of Activity in the Ethylene Polymerisation of ansa‐Bis(indenyl) Zirconocenes: Effect of the Stereochemistry and Hydrogenation of the Indenyl Moiety
Authors: Bravo Iván , Alonso‐Moreno Carlos , Carrillo‐Hermosilla Fernando , López‐Solera Isabel , Antiñolo Antonio , Albaladejo José
Published: March 2015

A combined experimental and quantum chemical study has been performed on rac‐ and meso‐[Zr{1‐Me2Si(3‐η5‐C9H5Et)2}Cl2] (rac‐ and meso‐1) and their hydrogenated forms (rac‐ and meso‐2) to understand ligand effects and guide ligand design for more active ansa‐bis(indenyl) zirconocenes for the polymerisation of ethylene. The rac‐ansa‐zirconocene rac‐[Zr(1‐Me2Si{3‐Et‐(η5‐C9H9)}2)Cl2] (rac‐2) has been prepared and fully characterised by NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The molecular structure of rac‐2 has also been determined by single‐crystal XRD. The behaviour of the catalysts was analysed in the polymerisation of ethylene and higher activities were obtained for rac‐1 and its hydrogenated form rac‐2. The influence of the stereochemistry and hydrogenation of the indenyl ligand on the experimental activities has been evaluated by computational studies. The differences along the reaction pathway are dominated by changes in the relative stabilities of the catalytic intermediates. A hybrid density functional B3LYP study, in the presence of toluene as the solvent, indicates that the rac forms give rise to more active species than their meso counterparts. The hydrogenation of the rac forms is a very promising approach to increase activities in polymerisation, in contrast to the meso forms. Finally, the global mechanism rate constants for the polymerisation reaction for each metallocene were calculated by using the thermodynamic formulation of transition‐state theory to complement the computational study.
Influence of magnetic field on the nucleation rate control of mono paracetamol
Authors: Sudha C. , Sivanarendiran R. , Srinivasan K.
Published: March 2015

Crystallization of paracetamol was carried out under magnetic field in pure aqueous solution at ambient condition for the first time. Solutions at different supersaturation levels σ = 0.28–1.6 were exposed to various magnetic flux densities in the range 160–510 Gauss and the grown crystals were compared with that grown in the absence of magnetic field. Both in the absence and presence of magnetic field, solution yields only stable mono paracetamol and does not favors the metastable ortho polymorph at all supersaturation levels. The presence of magnetic field reduces the rate of crystal nucleations as well as modifies the habit of the nucleated mono paracetamol. Crystals obtained in the presence of magnetic field were of good quality and highly transparent as compared to the crystals grown in the absence of magnetic field. The induction period of the nucleation in solution decreases significantly with increase in magnetic flux density at all supersaturation ranges. The internal structure and thermal stability of the grown paracetamol crystal was confirmed by PXRD and DSC analysis.
Erratum to: Spectroscopic properties of Tm,Ho: CaYAlO4 single crystal [Cryst. Res. Technol. 49, 446–451 (2014)]
Authors: Di J. Q. , Zhou D. H. , Xu X. D. , Xia C. T. , Gao W. , Zheng H. R. , Sai Q. L. , Mou Fei , Xu Jun
Published: March 2015

We correct fit description from a previous paper [Cryst. Res. Technol. 49, 446–451 (2014)].
3D‐printed biosensor with poly(dimethylsiloxane) reservoir for magnetic separation and quantum dots‐based immunolabeling of metallothionein
Authors: Heger Zbynek , Zitka Jan , Cernei Natalia , Krizkova Sona , Sztalmachova Marketa , Kopel Pavel , Masarik Michal , Hodek Petr , Zitka Ondrej , Adam Vojtech , Kizek Rene
Published: March 2015

Currently, metallothioneins (MTs) are extensively investigated as the molecular biomarkers and the significant positive association of the MT amount was observed in tumorous versus healthy tissue of various types of malignant tumors, including head and neck cancer. Thus, we proposed a biosensor with fluorescence detection, comprising paramagnetic nanoparticles (nanomaghemite core with gold nanoparticles containing shell) for the magnetic separation of MT, based on affinity of its sulfhydryl groups toward gold. Biosensor was crafted from PDMS combined with technology of 3D printing and contained reservoir with volume of 50 μL linked to input (sample/detection components and washing/immunobuffer) and output (waste). For the immunolabeling of immobilized MT anti‐MT antibodies conjugated to CdTe quantum dots through synthetic heptapeptide were employed. After optimization of fundamental conditions of the immunolabeling (120 min, 20°C, and 1250 rpm) we performed it on a surface of paramagnetic nanoparticles in the biosensor reservoir, with evaluation of fluorescence of quantum dots (λexc 400 nm, and λem 555 nm). The developed biosensor was applied for quantification of MT in cell lines derived from spinocellular carcinoma (cell line 122P‐N) and fibroblasts (122P‐F) and levels of the biomarker were found to be about 90 nM in tumor cells and 37 nM in fibroblasts. The proposed system is able to work with low volumes (< 100 μL), with low acquisition costs and high portability.
Professional Resources
Authors: Haddix Marcelle M.
Published: March 2015

This column provides reviews of adolescent and adult professional resources and provides a valuable resource for professional resource selection in‐ and outside the classroom.
Mesenchymal Deletion of Histone Demethylase NO66 in Mice Promotes Bone Formation
Authors: Chen Qin , Sinha Krishna , Deng Jian Min , Yasuda Hideyo , Krahe Ralf , Behringer Richard R , de Crombrugghe Benoit
Published: March 2015

Our previous studies indicated that the Jumonji C (JmjC)-domain-containing NO66 is a histone demethylase with specificity for methylated histone H3K4 and H3K36. NO66 binds to the transcription factor Osterix (Osx) and inhibits its transcriptional activity in promoter assays. However, the physiological role of NO66 in formation of mammalian bones is unknown. Here, using a genetically engineered mouse model, we show that during early skeletal development, Prx1-Cre–dependent mesenchymal deletion of NO66 promotes osteogenesis and formation of both endochondral as well as intramembranous skeletal elements, leading to a larger skeleton and a high bone mass phenotype in adult mice. The excess bone formation in mice where NO66 was deleted in cells of mesenchymal origin is associated with an increase in the number of preosteoblasts and osteoblasts. Further analysis revealed that in the embryonic limbs and adult calvaria of mice with deletion of NO66 in cells of mesenchymal origin, expression of several genes including bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2), insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1), and osteoclast inhibitor osteoprotegerin was increased, concurrent with an increase in expression of bone formation markers such as osterix (Osx), type I collagen, and bone sialoprotein (Bsp). Taken together, our results provide the first in vivo evidence that NO66 histone demethylase plays an important role in mammalian osteogenesis during early development as well as in adult bone homeostasis. We postulate that NO66 regulates bone formation, at least in part, via regulating the number of bone-forming cells and expression of multiple genes that are critical for these processes. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
An ATF4‐Signal‐Modulating Machine Other Than GADD34 Acts in ATF4‐to‐CHOP Signaling to Block CHOP Expression in ER‐Stress‐Related Autophagy
Authors: Iwasaki Noboru , Sugiyama Yoshiki , Miyazaki Shuichi , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Nishimura Kazuhiko , Matsuo Saburo
Published: March 2015

Cells respond to ER‐stress via ER‐stress sensors, leading to the UPR and subsequent apoptosis; however, occasionally, they activate autophagy without subsequent apoptosis in response to ER‐stress. We previously showed that the induction of apoptosis by ER‐stress was related to the presence or absence of CHOP expression; nevertheless, how ATF4 expression is elicited without downstream CHOP expression is unknown. We studied the role of GADD34 on the induction of autophagy and/or apoptosis by NaF‐ or tunicamycin‐induced ER‐stress in HepG2 cells transfected with GADD34 siRNA. Although NaF and tunicamycin both induced PERK activation followed by eIF2α phosphorylation and ATF4 expression, CHOP expression was only induced by tunicamycin. Concomitant with the signaling change, autophagy was activated both by NaF and tunicamycin, and apoptosis was induced only by tunicamycin. After 4 h, GADD34 mRNA expression was also increased by NaF and tunicamycin. Suppression of GADD34 by GADD34 siRNA increased ATF4 expression in both NaF‐ and tunicamycin‐treated cells. The GADD34 siRNA increased CHOP expression, which corresponded to increased ATF4 in tunicamycin‐treated cells; however, the increased ATF4 did not induce CHOP expression in NaF‐treated cells. In concert with signal changes, siRNA treatment additively increased the autophagic activity of both NaF‐ and tunicamycin‐treated cells; however, apoptosis was produced and accelerated only for tunicamycin‐treated cells. These findings indicate that GADD34 expression induced by ER‐stress delays CHOP expression and retards apoptotic cell death, and that an ATF4‐signal‐modulating machine other than GADD34 acts on ATF4‐to‐CHOP signaling to block ATF4‐induced CHOP expression in ER‐stress related autophagy. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1300–1309, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Applications of magnetic surface imprinted materials for solid phase extraction of levofloxacin in serum samples
Authors: Xiao Deli , Wang Cuixia , Dai Hao , Peng Jun , He Jia , Zhang Kai , Kong Sumei , Qiu Panzi , He Hua
Published: March 2015

In this work, molecularly imprinted magnetic carbon nanotubes (MCNTs@MIPs) was prepared with surface imprinting technique for extraction of levofloxacin in serum samples. The preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) used levofloxacin as template, methacrylic acid as functional monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross‐linker, and the magnetic carbon nanotubes (MCNTs) was synthesized by solvothermal method. The prepared polymers not only can be separated and collected easily by an external magnetic, but also exhibited high specific surface area and high selectivity to template molecules. Kinetic adsorption and static adsorption capacity investigations indicated that the synthesized MCNTs@MIPs had excellent recognition towards levofloxacin. Furthermore, magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) using the prepared MCNTs@MIPs as sorbent was then investigated, and an efficient sample cleanup was obtained with recoveries ranged from 78.7 ± 4.8 % to 83.4 ± 4.1%. In addition, several parameters, including the pH of samples, the amount of MCNTs@MIPs, the adsorption and desorption times, and the eluent, were investigated to obtain optimal extraction efficiency. Under the optimal extraction conditions, the stability of the polymer was also evaluated, and the average recovery reduced less than 7.6% after 5 cycles. MCNTs@MIPs successfully applied in the preconcentration and determination of levofloxacin in serum sample suggested that the MSPE method based on the novel polymers could be a promising alternative for selective and efficient extraction of trace amounts of pharmaceutical substances in bio‐matrix samples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calibration of the limiting current of oxygen sensors by the Fermi–Dirac distribution
Authors: Changshi Liu , Feng Li
Published: March 2015

Based on Fermi–Dirac distribution, a physical model describing the current–voltage characteristics of limiting‐current oxygen sensors is presented. The model focuses on the prediction of the current via voltage by using an analytically invertible method. The response of oxygen concentration to limiting current is explained theoretically via a function. The simulations agree very well with the observed curves (either current versus voltage or oxygen concentration versus limiting current). Consequently, the oxygen concentration can be predicted from limiting current by using only one function. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal patterns and trends of fastest 2‐min winds at coastal stations in the conterminous USA
Authors: Klink Katherine
Published: March 2015

Weather extremes have a substantial societal impact, particularly in increasingly densely populated coastal areas. This research uses ‘fastest 2‐min wind’ records at land‐based coastal automated weather stations in the conterminous United States to characterize seasonal patterns of ‘extreme’ wind speed. The records also are examined for evidence of trends in the fastest winds that may be indicative of changes in cyclone activity over the available period of record (13–19 years).

Fastest 2‐min winds at stations along the Pacific, western Gulf, and northern Atlantic coasts have a winter maximum and a summer minimum, similar to the seasonal variation in mean wind speeds. In contrast, the fastest winds at southern Atlantic and eastern Gulf coast stations show a winter minimum and a summer maximum that is opposite what is observed for mean speeds. Over the period of available record, many coastal stations show positive trends in the fastest 2‐min wind speeds in winter, spring and summer. Negative trends are most frequent in the autumn. On an annual basis, the trends in fastest 2‐min winds are consistent with the results of satellite‐derived near‐coastal oceanic wind speed assessments. Examination of daily weather maps and synoptic composites supports the interpretation that extratropical cyclone activity is the primary driver of the fastest wind speeds at most stations, with tropical systems and mesoscale features such as thunderstorms producing some of the fastest winds during the summer and autumn.
Synthesis, Properties, and Doping Behavior of Optically Active Polythiophenes Bearing a Bornyl Group
Authors: Matsumura Atsushi , Kawabata Kohsuke , Goto Hiromasa
Published: March 2015

Polythiophenes bearing a bornyl group as a side chain are synthesized. The polymers, which consist of multiple thiophenes and a substituted aromatic ring in the repeat unit, demonstrate right‐handed helicity in the film state. Results of energy level measurements show good agreement with the density functional theory calculation results for the model compounds. In situ electron spin resonance (ESR) studies indicate that increasing the number of unsubstituted thiophene units in the repeat unit increases susceptibility for the dopants. The chiral charge carriers are confirmed with ESR and circular dichroism spectroscopy measurements.

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Congenital multiple cranial neuropathies: Relevance of orofacial electromyography in infants
Authors: Renault Francis , Flores‐Guevara Roberto , Baudon Jean‐Jacques , Vazquez Marie‐Paule
Published: March 2015

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess diagnoses and outcomes of infants with 2 or more cranial neuropathies identified using orofacial electromyography (EMG). Methods: This retrospective study involved 90 patients. Diagnoses took into account clinical, radiological, and genetic data. EMG examined the orbicularis oculi, genioglossus, and levator veli palatini muscles, and blink responses. To evaluate outcome, neurological disability, respiratory complications, and feeding difficulties were recorded. Results: The patients had malformation syndromes (59), encephalopathies (29), or no underlying disorders (2). Neurogenic EMG signs were detected in a mean of 4 muscles, reflecting a mean of 3 affected nerves. EMG identified a higher number of neuropathies than clinical examination alone (82 vs. 31, facial; 56 vs. 2, pharyngeal; 25 vs. 3, hypoglossal). Poor outcome and death were more frequent when EMG identified ≥4 affected nerves (P = 0.02). Conclusion: EMG highlights multiple cranial neuropathies that can be clinically silent in infants with malformation syndromes or encephalopathies. Muscle Nerve 52: 754–758, 2015
Recyclable carbon fiber‐reinforced plastics (CFRP) containing degradable acetal linkages: Synthesis, properties, and chemical recycling
Authors: Yamaguchi Ayaka , Hashimoto Tamotsu , Kakichi Yoshinori , Urushisaki Michio , Sakaguchi Toshikazu , Kawabe Kazumasa , Kondo Keiichi , Iyo Hirohumi
Published: March 2015

Two epoxy resins containing degradable acetal linkages were synthesized by the reaction of cresol novolak‐type phenolic resin (CN) with vinyl ethers containing a glycidyl group [cyclohexane dimethanol vinyl glycidyl ether (CHDMVG) and 4‐vinyloxybutyl glycidyl ether (VBGE). Carbon fiber‐reinforced plastics (CFRPs) were prepared by heating laminated prepreg sheets with CN‐CHDMVG resin (derived from CN and CHDMVG) and CN‐VBGE resin (derived from CN and VBGE), in which carbon fibers are impregnated with epoxy resins containing curing agents [dicyandiamide (DICY)] and curing accelerator [3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea (DCMU)]. CN‐CHDMVG‐based CFRPs and CN‐VBGE‐based CFRPs exhibited almost the same tensile strength as the conventional bisphenol‐A‐based CFRPs. CN‐CHDMVG‐based CFRPs and CN‐VBGE‐based CFRPs underwent smooth breakdown with the treatment of hydrochloric acid in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature for 24 h to regenerate strands of carbon fibers. The surface conditions of the recovered carbon fibers had little changes during degradation and recovery processes on the basis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The recovered carbon fibers exhibited almost the same tensile strength as virgin carbon fibers and hence would be reused for the production of CFRPs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1052–1059
State‐of‐the‐art nanoplatform‐integrated MALDI‐MS impacting resolutions in urinary proteomics
Authors: Gopal Judy , Muthu Manikandan , Chun Se‐Chul , Wu Hui‐Fen
Published: March 2015

Urine proteomics has become a subject of interest, since it has led to a number of breakthroughs in disease diagnostics. Urine contains information not only from the kidney and the urinary tract but also from other organs, thus urinary proteome analysis allows for identification of biomarkers for both urogenital and systemic diseases. The following review gives a brief overview of the analytical techniques that have been in practice for urinary proteomics. MALDI‐MS technique and its current application status in this area of clinical research have been discussed. The review comments on the challenges facing the conventional MALDI‐MS technique and the upgradation of this technique with the introduction of nanotechnology. This review projects nano‐based techniques such as nano‐MALDI‐MS, surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization, and nanostructure‐initiator MS as the platforms that have the potential in trafficking MALDI‐MS from the lab to the bedside.
Who you know, what you know and knowing the ropes: a review of evidence about access to higher education institutions in England
Authors: Whitty Geoff , Hayton Annette , Tang Sarah
Published: March 2015

This paper considers the history of access to higher education in England and reviews the evidence on the progress made in widening participation and ensuring ‘fair access’ under the New Labour governments of 1997–2010 and, insofar as is possible, under the Coalition government that has been in office since 2010. While recognising that we need also to consider the nature of what students gain access to, the focus of this particular review is on evidence about inequalities in access to higher education as presently constituted, including in particular access to what are often regarded as the most ‘prestigious’ institutions. The paper considers the various ‘barriers’ to widening participation that are said to exist—from finance, aspiration and awareness and prior attainment—and assesses claims that socio‐economic inequalities in access largely disappear once prior attainment is taken into account. It then discusses the role of social and cultural capitals in perpetuating inequalities both in prior attainment and access to higher education in its various forms. The importance of ‘knowing the ropes’ is highlighted and the paper ends with a discussion of the implications of the findings of the review for future approaches to policy and research in this field.
Investigation on the interface of Cu/Al couples during isothermal heating
Authors: Han Yan-qiu , Ben Li-hua , Yao Jin-jin , Feng Shu-wei , Wu Chun-jing
Published: March 2015

The evolutionary process and intermetallic compounds of Cu/Al couples during isothermal heating at a constant bonding temperature of 550°C were investigated in this paper. The interfacial morphologies and microstructures were examined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The results suggest that bonding is not achieved between Cu and Al at 550°C in 10 min due to undamaged oxide films. Upon increasing the bonding time from 15 to 25 min, however, metallurgical bonding is obtained in these samples, and the thickness of the reactive zone varies with holding time. In the interfacial region, the final microstructure consists of Cu9Al4, CuAl, CuAl2, and α-Al + CuAl2. Furthermore, these results provide new insights into the mechanism of the interfacial reaction between Cu and Al. Microhardness measurements show that the chemical composition exerts a significant influence on the mechanical properties of Cu/Al couples.
EPA guidance on the early intervention in clinical high risk states of psychoses
Authors: Schmidt S.J. , Schultze-Lutter F. , Schimmelmann B.G. , Maric N.P. , Salokangas R.K.R. , Riecher-Rössler A. , van der Gaag M. , Meneghelli A. , Nordentoft M. , Marshall M. , Morrison A. , Raballo A. , Klosterkötter J. , Ruhrmann S.
Published: March 2015

This guidance paper from the European Psychiatric Association (EPA) aims to provide evidence-based recommendations on early intervention in clinical high risk (CHR) states of psychosis, assessed according to the EPA guidance on early detection. The recommendations were derived from a meta-analysis of current empirical evidence on the efficacy of psychological and pharmacological interventions in CHR samples. Eligible studies had to investigate conversion rate and/or functioning as a treatment outcome in CHR patients defined by the ultra-high risk and/or basic symptom criteria. Besides analyses on treatment effects on conversion rate and functional outcome, age and type of intervention were examined as potential moderators. Based on data from 15 studies (n = 1394), early intervention generally produced significantly reduced conversion rates at 6- to 48-month follow-up compared to control conditions. However, early intervention failed to achieve significantly greater functional improvements because both early intervention and control conditions produced similar positive effects. With regard to the type of intervention, both psychological and pharmacological interventions produced significant effects on conversion rates, but not on functional outcome relative to the control conditions. Early intervention in youth samples was generally less effective than in predominantly adult samples. Seven evidence-based recommendations for early intervention in CHR samples could have been formulated, although more studies are needed to investigate the specificity of treatment effects and potential age effects in order to tailor interventions to the individual treatment needs and risk status.
THE AUTOMORPHISM GROUP OF A SHIFT OF LINEAR GROWTH: BEYOND TRANSITIVITY
Authors: CYR VAN , KRA BRYNA
Published: March 2015

For a finite alphabet ${\mathcal{A}}$ and shift $X\subseteq {\mathcal{A}}^{\mathbb{Z}}$ whose factor complexity function grows at most linearly, we study the algebraic properties of the automorphism group $\text{Aut}(X)$. For such systems, we show that every finitely generated subgroup of $\text{Aut}(X)$ is virtually $\mathbb{Z}^{d}$, in contrast to the behavior when the complexity function grows more quickly. With additional dynamical assumptions we show more: if $X$ is transitive, then $\text{Aut}(X)$ is virtually $\mathbb{Z}$; if $X$ has dense aperiodic points, then $\text{Aut}(X)$ is virtually $\mathbb{Z}^{d}$. We also classify all finite groups that arise as the automorphism group of a shift.
The Froude number for solitary water waves with vorticity
Authors: Wheeler Miles H.
Published: March 2015

We consider two-dimensional solitary water waves on a shear flow with an arbitrary distribution of vorticity. Assuming that the horizontal velocity in the fluid never exceeds the wave speed and that the free surface lies everywhere above its asymptotic level, we give a very simple proof that a suitably defined Froude number $F$ must be strictly greater than the critical value $F=1$. We also prove a related upper bound on $F$, and hence on the amplitude, under more restrictive assumptions on the vorticity.
Case Report: Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) in Hospitalized Surgical Patient
Authors: Sisler Laurel , Trout Susan , Ripley-Moffitt Carol , Goldstein Adam O.
Published: March 2015

Hospital surgical services are often reluctant to offer nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to inpatients due to concerns that nicotine leads to vasoconstriction and impaired wound healing. However, multiple potential health benefits result from offering NRT to hospitalized surgical patients who use tobacco products. A 28-year-old female patient, hospitalized following a motor vehicle accident, experienced severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms and a strong desire to smoke. After a Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) consultation, the Physical Medical and Rehabilitation service at the hospital began her on NRT with positive outcomes. The patient experienced decreased cravings and withdrawal symptoms, as well as an increased desire to remain tobacco free after discharge. More surgical patients may have an increased commitment to remain tobacco free after discharge, if their withdrawal symptoms are treated during hospitalization using NRT.