bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodegradation of the endocrine disrupting chemical o‐phenylenediamine using intracellular enzymes from Citrobacter freundii and its kinetic studies
Authors: Paranji Saranya , Rajasekaran Muneeswari , Ganesan Sekaran
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

Endocrine disrupting chemicals are widely distributed in environment. o‐Phenylenediamine (OPD), an endocrine disruptor, is widely used in the leather, dyeing and polymer industries. There have been studies on the photocatalytic and biological degradation of OPD but there is no single report on the enzymatic degradation of OPD.

RESULTS

In the present investigation, purified mixed intracellular enzymes (MIE) were used for the degradation of aqueous OPD from Citrobacter freundii, a marine bacterium. The degradation rate of OPD (concentration, 333 ppm) by MIE was achieved with maximum removal of 93%. The degrading efficiency using MIE was enhanced by Zn2+ to about 95.87%. The degradation of OPD using MIE of C. freundii followed pseudo‐second‐order rate kinetics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, high‐performance liquid chromatography and cyclic voltammetry were used to characterise the degradation of OPD by enzymatic treatment. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry were used for confirmation of the end product of OPD in enzymatic treatment.

CONCLUSION

The endocrine disruptor OPD was degraded into pyruvic acid, a non‐toxic end product, using MIE. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Biodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene by resting cells of Pseudomonas putidaCECT5279: influence of the oxygen transfer rate in the scale‐up from shaken flask to stirred tank reactor
Authors: Martinez Igor , Santos Victoria E , Gomez Emilio , Garcia‐Ochoa Felix
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

In this work, the scale‐up of the biodesulfurization process at rest from shaken flask to stirred tank bioreactor cells has been studied taking into account the influence of the hydrodynamic conditions of the oxygen transfer rate.

RESULTS

Different hydrodynamic conditions to carry out the biodesulfurization in a stirred tank bioreactor have been studied and compared with the results obtained in a shaken flask. The best results were obtained at a stirrer speed of 400 rpm and an air flow rate of 2 vvm. The oxygen transfer rate has been found to be the rate‐limiting step, and there is a critical value, determined by a value for the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) of around 1.4 × 10−2 s−1, which cannot be exceeded without affecting the biodesulfurization process.

CONCLUSION

The 4S biodesulfurization pathway is highly sensitive to oxygen availability, even under oxygen limiting conditions. Results obtained in a shaken flask have been reproduced satisfactorily in a stirred tank bioreactor by combining different hydrodynamic conditions and the constant‐kLa scale‐up criterion has been used to validate this approach. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Mental Health Impacts of Forced Land Evictions on Women in Cambodia
Authors: Richardson Jayson W. , Nash John B. , Tan Karen , MacDonald Morgan
Published: September 2014

This research examines the mental health impacts of land evictions on 40 women in Cambodia based on interviews conducted in four Cambodian provinces. The results suggest that women subjected to forced land evictions display multiple symptoms of anxiety, post‐traumatic stress disorder and depression. Women who are forcibly evicted from their homes by the Cambodian government experience sadness, compulsive worry, difficulty in sleeping, difficulty in concentrating, emotional outbursts and a preoccupation with the safety of the family. Suggestions for assistance to this population are explored. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radiofluorination and first radiopharmacological characterization of a SWLAY peptide‐based ligand targeting EphA2
Authors: Pretze Marc , Mosch Birgit , Bergmann Ralf , Steinbach Jörg , Pietzsch Jens , Mamat Constantin
Published: September 2014

Peptides labeled with short‐lived positron emitters are of considerable interest as probes for molecular imaging by positron emission tomography. Herein, the regioselective and convenient radiofluorination of a biologically relevant alkyne‐modified SWLAY peptide bound on solid support with the radiolabeling building block 1‐(3‐azidopropyl)‐4‐(3‐fluoropropyl)piperazine ([18F]AFP) is described. Peptides including this amino acid sequence are promising candidates for imaging of the erythropoietin‐producing hepatoma cell line‐A2 receptor (Eph), which is an interesting target for tumor imaging due to its overexpression in various tumor entities. The desired 18F‐peptide could be prepared in a total synthesis time of 140 min including the removal of the catalytic copper species and was obtained with a radiochemical yield of 11 ± 2% (n = 5) and a radiochemical purity >98%. The method's feasibility for a robust and bioorthogonal radiolabeling via the 1,3‐dipolar Huisgen cycloaddition was demonstrated. Preliminary radiopharmacological studies regarding the metabolic stability of the peptides in cell culture supernatants and rat plasma were accomplished as well as the cellular association of the 18F‐peptide in erythropoietin‐producing hepatoma cell line‐A2‐overexpressing human melanoma cells in vitro. Furthermore, an initial in vivo positron emission tomography experiment was performed, which showed a fast metabolism of the novel 18F‐peptide.
Precipitation–temperature changes and evolution of a small glacier in the southeastern European Alps during the last 90 years
Authors: Colucci Renato R. , Guglielmin Mauro
Published: September 2014

Very small glaciers (area <0.1 km2) have received increased scientific attention during recent years, both for their rapid responses to the climate forcing and because they are characterized by microclimatic conditions, often marginal to glacier formation. They are particularly sensitive to climate changes and characterized by a great mass turnover, particularly evident in maritime areas with high precipitation. Here we consider the evolution from 1920 of the ‘Canin Eastern Glacier’ (Italian Southeastern Alps) in order to correlate its evolution to the precipitation–temperature trends. We reconstructed a precipitation–temperature record at the altitude of the glacier, filling a lack of knowledge in this alpine sector. We observed a decrease in the mean annual precipitation of 10% in 90 years and a warming trend of 0.1°C decade−1 since 1851, and of 0.7°C decade−1 in the last 20 years. An inverse correlation between precipitation and mean air temperature during summer and ablation periods was also observed. Glacier dynamics revealed a phase of stability between 1945 and 1985 that seems to be a peculiar characteristic of this area. Moreover, through a general regression model the glacial terminus variations seem to be statistically influenced only by winter precipitation. This fact opens interesting perspectives for the possible future evolution of this small glacier and, more in general, to other small glaciers in maritime areas in regard to climate change scenarios.
Complications following primary and revision transsphenoidal surgeries for pituitary tumors
Authors: Krings James G. , Kallogjeri Dorina , Wineland Andre , Nepple Kenneth G. , Piccirillo Jay F. , Getz Anne E.
Published: September 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study aimed to determine the incidence of major complications following both primary and revision transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Major complications included endocrinopathic, skull base, orbital, hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications, respiratory failure, and death. Secondarily, this study aimed to examine factors associated with the occurrence of complications.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort analysis of California and Florida all‐payer databases from 2005 to 2008.

Methods

The major complication rate following both primary and revision transsphenoidal pituitary surgery was calculated. Bivariate analyses were performed to investigate the relationship of patient characteristics with complication occurrence, and a multivariate model was constructed to determine risk factors associated with these complications.

Results

There were 5,277 primary cases and 192 revision cases that met inclusion criteria. There was a nonsignificant absolute difference of 3.09% (95% confidence interval [CI]: −11.00 to 16.14) between the rate of complications following primary (n = 443, 8.39%) and revision (n = 22, 11.46%) surgeries. Multivariate analyses showed that patients with Medicare (odds ratio [OR]:1.74, 95% CI: 1.17 to 2.61), Medicaid (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.59 to 2.86), or a malignant neoplasm (OR: 3.10, 95% CI: 1.62 to 5.93) were more likely to have complications.

Conclusions

The rate of major complications following transsphenoidal pituitary surgery is lower than earlier retrospective reports. The overall complication rate following revision surgery was not significantly different from primary surgery. Insurance status and a diagnosis of a malignant neoplasm were associated with a higher rate of complications.

Level of Evidence

2C Laryngoscope, 125:311–317, 2015
Association of Nucleobase‐Containing Ammonium Ionenes
Authors: Tamami Mana , Zhang Keren , Dixit Ninad , Moore Robert B. , Long Timothy E.
Published: September 2014

Adenine‐ and thymine‐functionalized ammonium ionenes with variation in spacer lengths are successfully synthesized using the Michael addition post‐polymerization functionalization. This report describes the influence of pendant spacer length on homoassociation and heteroassociation of complementary nucleobase‐containing ionenes. The ionene homo­polymers and complementary blends with various spacer lengths show a single glass transition temperature. Higher glass transition temperatures are observed for the shorter‐spacer ionene homopolymers and their blends. The hydrogen bonding interactions in both blends of adenine‐containing ionenes (ionene‐A) and thymine‐containing ionenes (ionene‐T) with both spacer lengths are studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). DSC analyses do not reveal hydrogen bonding interactions in the ionene blends with the shorter spacer length. In contrast, the longer spacer length ionene blends show the presence of hydrogen bonding interactions and demonstrate that homoassociation is stronger than heteroassociation. FTIR spectroscopy and AFM confirm hydrogen bonding interactions for the longer spacer ionene blends.

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Nano‐Stereocomplexation of Polylactide (PLA) Spheres by Spray Droplet Atomization
Authors: Arias Veluska , Odelius Karin , Albertsson Ann‐Christine
Published: September 2014

A direct, efficient, and scalable method to prepare stereocomplexed polylactide (PLA)‐based nanoparticles (NPs) is achieved. By an appropriate combination of fabrication parameters, NPs with controlled shape and crystalline morphology are obtained and even pure PLA stereocomplexes (PLASC) are successfully prepared using the spray‐drying technology. The formed particles of varying d‐ and l‐LA content have an average size of ≈400 nm, where the smallest size is obtained for PLA50, which has an equimolar composition of PLLA and PDLA in solution. Raman spectra of the particles show the typical shifts for PLASC in PLA50, and thermal analysis indicates the presence of pure stereocomplexation, with only one melting peak at 226 °C. Topographic images of the particles exhibit a single phase with different surface roughness in correlation with the thermal analysis. A high yield of spherically shaped particles is obtained. The results clearly provide a proficient method for achieving PLASC NPs that are expected to function as renewable materials in PLA‐based nanocomposites and potentially as more stable drug delivery carriers.

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Initial testing (stage 1) of the PARP inhibitor BMN 673 by the pediatric preclinical testing program: PALB2 mutation predicts exceptional in vivo response to BMN 673
Authors: Smith Malcolm A. , Hampton Oliver A. , Reynolds C. Patrick , Kang Min H. , Maris John M. , Gorlick Richard , Kolb E. Anders , Lock Richard , Carol Hernan , Keir Stephen T. , Wu Jianrong , Kurmasheva Raushan T. , Wheeler David A. , Houghton Peter J.
Published: September 2014

Background

BMN 673 is a potent inhibitor of poly‐ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) that is in clinical testing with a primary focus on BRCA‐mutated cancers. BMN 673 is active both through inhibiting PARP catalytic activity and by tightly trapping PARP to DNA at sites of single strand breaks.

Procedure

BMN 673 was tested in vitro at concentrations ranging from 0.1 nM to 1 μM and in vivo at a daily dose of 0.33 mg/kg administered orally twice daily (Mon‐Fri) and once daily on weekends (solid tumors) for 28 days.

Results

The median relative IC50 (rIC50) concentration against the PPTP cell lines was 25.8 nM. The median rIC50 for the Ewing cell lines was lower than for the remaining cell lines (6.4 vs. 31.1 nM, respectively). In vivo BMN 673 induced statistically significant differences in EFS distribution in 17/43 (39.5%) xenograft models. Three objective regressions were observed: a complete response (CR) in a medulloblastoma line (BT‐45), a maintained CR in a Wilms tumor line (KT‐10), and a maintained CR in an ependymoma line (BT‐41). BMN 673 maintained its high level of activity against KT‐10 with a threefold reduction in dose. KT‐10 possesses a truncating mutation in PALB2 analogous to PALB2 mutations associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer that abrogate homologous recombination (HR) repair.

Conclusions

The PPTP results suggest that single agent BMN 673 may have limited clinical activity against pediatric cancers. Single agent activity is more likely for patients whose tumors have defects in HR repair. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:91–98. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and characterization of Polyimide/Al2O3 nanocomposite film with good corona resistance
Authors: Hui Shi , Lizhu Liu , Ling Weng , Weiwei Cui , Xingsong Zhu
Published: September 2014

Polyimide/Al2O3 (PI/Al2O3) nanocomposite films based on pyromellitic dianhydride and 4,4′‐oxydianiline were fabricated by adding different proportions of nano‐Al2O3 inorganic particles via in situ polymerization. Microstructural analysis by scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the inorganic particles were homogenously dispersed in the PI matrix when mixed with appropriate amount of nano‐Al2O3. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis were also used to investigate the effect of nano‐Al2O3 on the polymerization process. The obtained composite films and pure film were characterized by thermogravimetry analysis, and the experimental results indicated that when comparing with pure film, the nanocomposite films displayed a better thermal stability than the pure one. Moreover, results also showed that the thermal stability of composite films steadily improved with increased content of nano‐Al2O3 particle. The electrical property test demonstrated that the composite films performed improving electrical breakdown strength and corona resistance. The microstructure changes of pure film and PI/Al2O3 nanocomposite films during corona aging have been analyzed by SEM. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:763–770, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Proteogenomics in microbiology: Taking the right turn at the junction of genomics and proteomics
Authors: Kucharova Veronika , Wiker Harald G.
Published: September 2014

High‐accuracy and high‐throughput proteomic methods have completely changed the way we can identify and characterize proteins. MS‐based proteomics can now provide a unique supplement to genomic data and add a new level of information to the interpretation of genomic sequences. Proteomics‐driven genome annotation has become especially relevant in microbiology where genomes are sequenced on a daily basis and limitations of an in silico driven annotation process are well recognized. In this review paper, we outline different strategies on how one can design a proteogenomic experiment, for example on genome‐sequenced (synonymous proteogenomics) versus unsequenced organisms (ortho‐proteogenomics) or with the aid of other “omic” data such as RNA‐seq. We touch upon many challenges that are encountered during a typical proteogenomic study, mostly concerning bioinformatics methods and downstream data analysis, but also related to creation and use of sequence databases. A large list of proteogenomic case studies of different microorganisms is provided to illustrate the mapping of MS/MS‐derived peptide spectra to genomic DNA sequences. These investigations have led to accurate determination of translational initiation sites, pointed out eventual read‐throughs or programmed frameshifts, detected signal peptide processing or other protein maturation events, removed questionable annotation assignments, and provided evidence for predicted hypothetical proteins.
Revisiting the identification of canonical splice isoforms through integration of functional genomics and proteomics evidence
Authors: Li Hong‐Dong , Menon Rajasree , Omenn Gilbert S. , Guan Yuanfang
Published: September 2014

Canonical isoforms in different databases have been defined as the most prevalent, most conserved, most expressed, longest, or the one with the clearest description of domains or posttranslational modifications. In this article, we revisit these definitions of canonical isoforms based on functional genomics and proteomics evidence, focusing on mouse data. We report a novel functional relationship network‐based approach for identifying the highest connected isoforms (HCIs). We show that 46% of these HCIs are not the longest transcripts. In addition, this approach revealed many genes that have more than one highly connected isoforms. Averaged across 175 RNA‐seq datasets covering diverse tissues and conditions, 65% of the HCIs show higher expression levels than nonhighest connected isoforms at the transcript level. At the protein level, these HCIs highly overlap with the expressed splice variants, based on proteomic data from eight different normal tissues. These results suggest that a more confident definition of canonical isoforms can be made through integration of multiple lines of evidence, including HCIs defined by biological processes and pathways, expression prevalence at the transcript level, and relative or absolute abundance at the protein level. This integrative proteogenomics approach can successfully identify principal isoforms that are responsible for the canonical functions of genes.
Thermodynamic analysis of F1‐ATPase rotary catalysis using high‐speed imaging
Authors: Watanabe Rikiya , Minagawa Yoshihiro , Noji Hiroyuki
Published: September 2014

F1‐ATPase (F1) is a rotary motor protein fueled by ATP hydrolysis. Although the mechanism for coupling rotation and catalysis has been well studied, the molecular details of individual reaction steps remain elusive. In this study, we performed high‐speed imaging of F1 rotation at various temperatures using the total internal reflection dark‐field (TIRDF) illumination system, which allows resolution of the F1 catalytic reaction into elementary reaction steps with a high temporal resolution of 72 µs. At a high concentration of ATP, F1 rotation comprised distinct 80° and 40° substeps. The 80° substep, which exhibited significant temperature dependence, is triggered by the temperature‐sensitive reaction, whereas the 40° substep is triggered by ATP hydrolysis and the release of inorganic phosphate (Pi). Then, we conducted Arrhenius analysis of the reaction rates to obtain the thermodynamic parameters for individual reaction steps, that is, ATP binding, ATP hydrolysis, Pi release, and TS reaction. Although all reaction steps exhibited similar activation free energy values, ΔG‡ = 53–56 kJ mol−1, the contributions of the enthalpy (ΔH‡), and entropy (ΔS‡) terms were significantly different; the reaction steps that induce tight subunit packing, for example, ATP binding and TS reaction, showed high positive values of both ΔH‡ and ΔS‡. The results may reflect modulation of the excluded volume as a function of subunit packing tightness at individual reaction steps, leading to a gain or loss in water entropy.
Field evaluation of an expertise‐based formal decision system for fungicide management of grapevine downy and powdery mildews
Authors: Delière Laurent , Cartolaro Philippe , Léger Bertrand , Naud Olivier
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

In France, viticulture accounts for 20% of the phytochemicals sprayed in agriculture, and 80% of grapevine pesticides target powdery and downy mildews. European policies promote pesticide use reduction, and new methods for low‐input disease management are needed for viticulture. Here, we present the assessment, in France, of Mildium®, a new decision support system for the management of grapevine mildews.

RESULTS

A 4 year assessment trial of Mildium has been conducted in a network of 83 plots distributed across the French vineyards. In most vineyards, Mildium has proved to be successful at protecting the crop while reducing by 30–50% the number of treatments required when compared with grower practices.

CONCLUSION

The design of Mildium results from the formalisation of a common management of both powdery and downy mildews and eventually leads to a significant fungicide reduction at the plot scale. It could encourage stakeholders to design customised farm‐scale and low‐chemical‐input decision support methods. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Mass spectral characterisation of a polar, esterified fraction of an organic extract of an oil sands process water
Authors: Rowland S. J. , Pereira A. S. , Martin J. W. , Scarlett A. G. , West C. E. , Lengger S. K. , Wilde M. J. , Pureveen J. , Tegelaar E. W. , Frank R. A. , Hewitt L. M.
Published: September 2014

RATIONALE

Characterising complex mixtures of organic compounds in polar fractions of heavy petroleum is challenging, but is important for pollution studies and for exploration and production geochemistry. Oil sands process‐affected water (OSPW) stored in large tailings ponds by Canadian oil sands industries contains such mixtures.

METHODS

A polar OSPW fraction was obtained by silver ion solid‐phase extraction with methanol elution. This was examined by numerous methods, including electrospray ionisation (ESI) Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICRMS) and ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography (uHPLC)/Orbitrap MS, in multiple ionisation and MS/MS modes. Compounds were also synthesised for comparison.

RESULTS

The major ESI ionisable compounds detected (+ion mode) were C15‐28 SO3 species with 3–7 double bond equivalents (DBE) and C27‐28 SO5 species with 5 DBE. ESI‐MS/MS collision‐induced losses were due to water, methanol, water plus methanol and water plus methyl formate, typical of methyl esters of hydroxy acids. Once the fraction was re‐saponified, species originally detected by positive ion MS, could be detected only by negative ion MS, consistent with their assignment as sulphur‐containing hydroxy carboxylic acids. The free acid of a keto dibenzothiophene alkanoic acid was added to an unesterified acid extract of OSPW in known concentrations as a putative internal standard, but attempted quantification in this way proved unreliable.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest the more polar acidic organic SO3 constituents of OSPW include C15‐28 S‐containing, alicyclic and aromatic hydroxy carboxylic acids. SO5 species are possibly sulphone analogues of these. The origin of such compounds is probably via further biotransformation (hydroxylation) of the related S‐containing carboxylic acids identified previously in a less polar OSPW fraction. The environmental risks, corrosivity and oil flow assurance effects should be easier to assess, given that partial structures are now known, although further identification is still needed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tandem mass spectrometric fragmentation behavior of lignans, flavonoids and triterpenoids in Streblus asper
Authors: Li Chen , Huang Cuiping , Lu Tailiang , Wu Liangdeng , Deng Shengping , Yang Ruiyun , Li Jun
Published: September 2014

RATIONALE

An unambiguous identification of compounds can be achieved by comparison of known fragmentation patterns. While the literature about fragmentation mechanisms of lignans, flavonoids and triterpenoids is few. So the present study analyses the fragmentation mechanisms of these compounds isolated from Streblus asper.

METHODS

Electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI‐ITMS) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (APCI‐ITMS) were used to obtain the MSn spectra of the compounds. By analyzing the differences between the ions, the fragmentation mechanisms of these compounds were explored.

RESULTS

Of the 29 compounds detected, 17, 7, and 5 were lignans, flavonoids and triterpenoids, respectively. The majority of lignans were found to give [M – H]– ions of sufficient abundance for MSn analyses. The flavonoids were prone to the loss of CO and H2O. The triterpenoids always lost one formic acid molecule and two hydrogens, or one H2O from [M – H]– to form the most abundant product ion in the MSn spectrum.

CONCLUSIONS

ESI/APCI‐ITMS were demonstrated to be fast, effective and practical tools to characterize the structures of flavonoids, triterpenoids and lignans. Results of the present study can help identify the analogous constituents by analyzing their MSn spectra. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Guarding males of the hermit crab climb up algae to avoid male–male competition
Authors: Kawaminami Takuma , Goshima Seiji
Published: September 2014

Males of the hermit crab Pagurus filholi show precopulatory guarding behavior in which a male grasps the shell of a mature female with his left cheliped before copulation. Hermit crabs were most common in rocky intertidal areas with cobbles and boulders, while many guarding pairs were observed on fronds of brown algae such as Sargassum confusum in Hakodate Bay, Japan. We examined three hypotheses explaining why the guarding pairs were most common on algae; (1) aggregation place for mature males and females to find mates, (2) avoidance of male–male combat, and (3) avoidance of predators. If solitary males and females climbed up algae, then many guarding pairs were observed after pairing, but only guarding pairs climbed up the algae after removing all crabs. Experiments in aquariums showed that the disturbance rate for guarding pairs due to male–male competition was lower on the algae than in boulder and rocky flat areas, and few disturbances were observed by predatory crabs in all habitat types. These results suggest that the guarding males climb up the fronds of algae to sequester guarded females from rival males and avoid male–male combat. This behavior could be considered as a male counter tactic against indirect female choice mediated by sex pheromones in which females release sex pheromones while guarded, attracting many rival males and inducing male–male competition.
High vanillin tolerance of an evolved Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain owing to its enhanced vanillin reduction and antioxidative capacity
Authors: Shen Yu , Li Hongxing , Wang Xinning , Zhang Xiaoran , Hou Jin , Wang Linfeng , Gao Nan , Bao Xiaoming
Published: September 2014

The phenolic compounds present in hydrolysates pose significant challenges for the sustainable lignocellulosic materials refining industry. Three Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains with high tolerance to lignocellulose hydrolysate were obtained through ethyl methanesulfonate mutation and adaptive evolution. Among them, strain EMV-8 exhibits specific tolerance to vanillin, a phenolic compound common in lignocellulose hydrolysate. The EMV-8 maintains a specific growth rate of 0.104 h−1 in 2 g L−1 vanillin, whereas the reference strain cannot grow. Physiological studies revealed that the vanillin reduction rate of EMV-8 is 1.92-fold higher than its parent strain, and the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity of EMV-8 is 15 % higher than its parent strain. Transcriptional analysis results confirmed an up-regulated oxidoreductase activity and antioxidant activity in this strain. Our results suggest that enhancing the antioxidant capacity and oxidoreductase activity could be a strategy to engineer S. cerevisiae for improved vanillin tolerance.
Anamorelin HCl (ONO‐7643), a novel ghrelin receptor agonist, for the treatment of cancer anorexia‐cachexia syndrome: preclinical profile
Authors: Pietra Claudio , Takeda Yasuhiro , Tazawa-Ogata Naoko , Minami Masashi , Yuanfeng Xia , Duus Elizabeth Manning , Northrup Robert
Published: September 2014

Background

Anamorelin HCl (ANAM) is a novel, orally active, ghrelin receptor agonist in clinical development for the treatment of cancer cachexia. We report in vitro and in vivo studies evaluating the preclinical pharmacologic profile of ANAM.

Methods

Fluorescent imaging plate reader and binding assays in HEK293 and baby hamster kidney cells determined the agonist and antagonist activity of ANAM, and its affinity for the ghrelin receptor. Rat pituitary cells were incubated with ANAM to evaluate its effect on growth hormone (GH) release. In vivo, rats were treated with ANAM 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg, or control orally, once daily for 6 days to evaluate the effect on food intake (FI) and body weight (BW), and once to assess GH response. In pigs, single (3.5 mg/kg) or continuous (1 mg/kg/day) ANAM doses were administered to assess GH and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF‐1) response.

Results

ANAM showed significant agonist and binding activity on the ghrelin receptor, and stimulated GH release in vitro. In rats, ANAM significantly and dose‐dependently increased FI and BW at all dose levels compared with control, and significantly increased GH levels at 10 or 30 mg/kg doses. Increases in GH and IGF‐1 levels were observed following ANAM administration in pigs.

Conclusion

ANAM is a potent and highly specific ghrelin receptor agonist with significant appetite‐enhancing activity, leading to increases in FI and BW, and a stimulatory effect on GH secretion. These results support the continued investigation of ANAM as a potential treatment of cancer anorexia‐cachexia syndrome.
Brief report: The interaction of impulsivity with risk‐taking is associated with early alcohol use initiation
Authors: Hamilton Kristen R. , Felton Julia W. , Risco Cristina M. , Lejuez C.W. , MacPherson Laura
Published: September 2014

Early alcohol use initiation is a well‐established risk factor for the subsequent development of alcohol abuse and dependence. Separate lines of research indicate that impulsivity and risk‐taking each are associated with early alcohol use. In this research, the association of the interaction of risk‐taking and impulsivity with early alcohol initiation was examined. Results suggest the interaction between impulsivity and risk‐taking was related to early alcohol initiation. Among children with lower levels of risk‐taking, level of impulsivity was associated with beginning to drink. By contrast, among children with higher levels of risk‐taking, level of impulsivity was not associated with the likelihood of initiating alcohol use. These findings suggest that early adolescence is a critical developmental period in which implementing an intervention to reduce impulsivity and risk‐taking may be particularly effective to prevent the early initiation of alcohol use.
Improper protein trafficking contributes to artemisinin sensitivity in cells lacking the KDAC Rpd3p
Authors: Jensen Amornrat Naranuntarat , Chindaudomsate Worathad , Thitiananpakorn Kanate , Mongkolsuk Skorn , Jensen Laran T.
Published: September 2014

Lysine deacetylases (KDACs) inhibitors may have therapeutic value in anti‐malarial combination therapies with artemisinin. To evaluate connections between KDACs and artemisinin, Saccharomyces cerevisiae deletion mutants in KDAC genes were assayed. Deletion of RPD3, but not other KDAC genes, resulted in strong sensitivity to artemisinin, which was also observed in sit4Δ mutants with impaired endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to Golgi protein trafficking. Decreased accumulation of the transporters Pdr5p, Fur4p, and Tat2p was observed in rpd3Δ and sit4Δ cells. The unfolded protein response is induced in rpd3Δ cells consistent with retention of proteins in the ER. Disruption of protein trafficking appears to sensitize cells to artemisinin and targeting these pathways may be useful as part of artemisinin based anti‐malarial therapy.
Osteoclastogenic activity of translationally‐controlled tumor protein (TCTP) with reciprocal repression of p21
Authors: Choi Sik-Won , Shin Hye Kyoung , Yang-Yen Hsin-Fang , Lee Myeung Su , Lee Chang Hoon , Park Sang-Joon , Kim Kwang-Jin , Lee Kyunglim , Kim Seong Hwan
Published: September 2014

Translationally‐controlled tumor protein (TCTP) plays a role in a number of cellular processes, but there is limited information about its function in cell differentiation. Previous observations of a twofold induction of TCTP mRNA during osteoclast differentiation prompted us to investigate its involvement in osteoclast differentiation. The osteoclastogenicity of TCTP gradually expressed during osteoclast differentiation was confirmed in mouse and human cells using loss‐of‐function studies and TCTP heterogeneous mice and transgenic mice. Higher expression ratios of TCTP to p21 could represent TCTP‐mediated phenotypic induction of osteoclast differentiation accompanied by p21 down‐regulation, attenuating the proliferation of osteoclast precursor cells.
Phases in the temporal multiscale evolution of the drug release mechanism in IPN-type chitosan based hydrogels
Authors: Bacaita E. S. , Ciobanu B. C. , Popa M. , Agop M. , Desbrieres J.
Published: September 2014

Different release mechanisms are identified in the temporal evolution of drug release from IPN-type hydrogels, conducted over longer timescales.
Performance comparison of weighted sum‐minimum mean square error and virtual signal‐to‐interference plus noise ratio algorithms in simulated and measured channels
Authors: Rahimi M. , Nielsen J.Ø. , Pedersen T. , Pedersen G.F.
Published: September 2014

A comparison in data achievement between two well‐known algorithms with simulated and real measured data is presented. The algorithms maximise the data rate in cooperative base stations (BS) multiple‐input–single‐output scenario. Weighted sum‐minimum mean square error algorithm could be used in multiple‐input–multiple‐output scenarios, but it has lower performance than virtual signal‐to‐interference plus noise ratio algorithm in theory and practice. A real measurement environment consisting of two BS and two users have been studied to evaluate the simulation results.
Probabilistic evaluation of voltage and reactive power control methods of wind generators in distribution networks
Authors: Van Pham Hoan , Rueda Jose Luis , Erlich Istvan
Published: September 2014

This paper presents a comprehensive approach to evaluate the effects of voltage and reactive power control methods for local and coordinated control schemes applied to wind generators (WGs) in distribution networks. Considering uncertainties related to variation of load demand, wind speed and outage of WGs, the approach employs a Monte Carlo‐based framework to ascertain the benefits and drawbacks of each scheme with respect to the resulting statistical attributes of voltage profiles, tap activity of on‐load tap changers and total active power losses. A 20 kV radial distribution network with four identical feeders, which resembles a typical case in Germany, is used for numerical tests.
Knudsen diffusion and surface trapping rates in slit, capillary, and spherical pores
Authors: Strieder William , Saddawi Salma
Published: September 2014

De Gennes model for Knudsen diffusion and strong surface trapping kinetics is applied to slit, capillary, and spherical pores. The exact analytical survival probability-time expressions obtained for each case, which scale with the average pore diameter, are compared with numerical simulation curves for a densely packed hard sphere model porous bed.
Extensions of the interfacial pinning method and application to hard core systems
Authors: Thapar Vikram , Escobedo Fernando A.
Published: September 2014

The precise estimation of the location of phase transitions is an essential task in the study of many condensed matter systems. A recently developed technique denoted interface pinning (IP) [U. R. Pedersen, F. Hummel, G. Kresse, G. Kahl, and C. Dellago, Phys. Rev. B. 88, 094101 (2013); U. R. Pedersen, J. Chem. Phys. 139, 104102 (2013)] can accurately estimate the location of fluid-solid transition using the NPzT ensemble for single-component systems by computing the free energy difference between a solid and a fluid. The IP method is extended here to be applicable to different ensembles for both single-component systems and binary mixtures. A more general scheme is also proposed for the extrapolation of properties targeting coexistence conditions. This framework is used to estimate the coexistence pressure for the isotropic-rotator phase transition for three single-component polyhedral systems and to estimate isotropic-crystal coexistence compositions for a binary mixture of hard cubes and spheres. In addition, by exploring various choices for the order parameter used to distinguish between the isotropic and ordered phases, it is found that volume provides a reasonable alternative to translational order parameters which can be either more expensive to calculate or unable to pin a two-phase interfacial state.
A full-dimensional multilayer multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree study on the ultraviolet absorption spectrum of formaldehyde oxide
Authors: Meng Qingyong , Meyer Hans-Dieter
Published: September 2014

Employing the multilayer multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree (ML-MCTDH) method in conjunction with the multistate multimode vibronic coupling Hamiltonian (MMVCH) model, we perform a full dimensional (9D) quantum dynamical study on the simplest Criegee intermediate, formaldehyde oxide, in five lower-lying singlet electronic states. The ultraviolet (UV) spectrum is then simulated by a Fourier transform of the auto-correlation function. The MMVCH model is built based on extensive MRCI(8e,8o)/aug-cc-pVTZ calculations. To ensure a fast convergence of the final calculations, a large number of ML-MCTDH test calculations is performed to find an appropriate multilayer separations (ML-trees) of the ML-MCTDH nuclear wave functions, and the dynamical calculations are carefully checked to ensure that the calculations are well converged. To compare the computational efficiency, standard MCTDH simulations using the same Hamiltonian are also performed. A comparison of the MCTDH and ML-MCTDH calculations shows that even for the present not-too-large system (9D here) the ML-MCTDH calculations can save a considerable amount of computational resources while producing identical spectra as the MCTDH calculations. Furthermore, the present theoretical \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\tilde{B}\:{}^1A^{\prime }\leftarrow \tilde{X}\:{}^1A^{\prime }$\end{document}B̃1A′←X̃1A′ UV spectral band and the corresponding experimental measurements [J. M. Beames, F. Liu, L. Lu, and M. I. Lester, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 134, 20045–20048 (2012); L. Sheps, J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 4, 4201–4205 (2013); W.-L. Ting, Y.-H. Chen, W. Chao, M. C. Smith, and J. J.-M. Lin, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 16, 10438–10443 (2014)] are discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first theoretical UV spectrum simulated for this molecule including nuclear motion beyond an adiabatic harmonic approximation.
Ion ejection from a permanent-magnet mini-helicon thruster
Authors: Chen Francis F.
Published: September 2014

A small helicon source, 5 cm in diameter and 5 cm long, using a permanent magnet (PM) to create the DC magnetic field B, is investigated for its possible use as an ion spacecraft thruster. Such ambipolar thrusters do not require a separate electron source for neutralization. The discharge is placed in the far-field of the annular PM, where B is fairly uniform. The plasma is ejected into a large chamber, where the ion energy distribution is measured with a retarding-field energy analyzer. The resulting specific impulse is lower than that of Hall thrusters but can easily be increased to relevant values by applying to the endplate of the discharge a small voltage relative to spacecraft ground.
Electromechanical coupling and gigahertz elastic properties of ScAlN films near phase boundary
Authors: Yanagitani Takahiko , Suzuki Masashi
Published: September 2014

The electromechanical coupling, elastic properties, and temperature coefficient of elastic constant c33D of ScxAl(1−x)N films with high Sc concentration (x) of 0–0.70 were experimentally investigated. Near the phase boundary, a Sc0.41Al0.59N film exhibited a maximum thickness extensional mode electromechanical coupling coefficient kt2 of 12% (kt = 0.35), which is almost double the value of 6.4% for typical pure AlN films. In the region of 0 < x < 0.2, the electromechanical coupling was confirmed to increase without any detectable deterioration in the temperature stability of c33D (=−54.5 ppm/ °C). This region is favorable in terms of temperature stability and is suitable for wideband resonator filter applications.
Wavelet analysis of coherent vorticity near the turbulent/non-turbulent interface in a turbulent planar jet
Authors: Watanabe T. , Sakai Y. , Nagata K. , Ito Y. , Hayase T.
Published: September 2014

Coherent vorticity near the turbulent/non-turbulent (T/NT) interface is investigated by using direct numerical simulation of a planar jet. The coherent vorticity extraction (CVE) method based on the orthogonal wavelet decomposition of vorticity is applied to the planar jet for extracting the coherent vorticity. We analyze the conditional statistics conditioned on the distance from the T/NT interface. The coherent vorticity is reconstructed from small number of wavelet coefficients. Nevertheless, the coherent vorticity contains most of enstrophy in the planar jet. Furthermore, the characteristics of the vorticity field are well captured even near the T/NT interface by the coherent vorticity. The coherent velocity obtained by the Biot–Savart relation shows that the large-scale motions, such as induced flow and engulfing motion in the non-turbulent region, are also well represented by the coherent field. The enstrophy transport equation is decomposed into coherent and incoherent parts by the CVE for investigating the role of the coherent vorticity in the enstrophy transport mechanism. The conditional average of the enstrophy transport equation shows that the enstrophy production and dissipation associated with the incoherent vorticity are small compared with the coherent contributions. The enstrophy diffusion near the T/NT interface, which causes the local entrainment of non-turbulent fluids, arises from the coherent vorticity. Thus, most of the enstrophy transport mechanism near the T/NT interface is well captured by the coherent vorticity extracted by the CVE method.
Experiments on tracer diffusion in aqueous and non-aqueous solvent combinations
Authors: Frasch Duncan M. , Spiegel Daniel R.
Published: September 2014

Forced Rayleigh scattering is used to study the tracer diffusion of an azobenzene in binary combinations of polar solvents, including water. In the absence of water, the tracer diffusion coefficient D in the mixture lies between the diffusion coefficients within the pure solvents, on a curve that is reasonably close to the prediction of free-volume theory. If water is present, on the other hand, the diffusion coefficient displays a minimum that is less than the smaller of the two pure-solvent values. We attempt to understand the different behavior in water by concentrating on the fairly hydrophobic nature of the solute, leading to a first solvent shell that is hydrophobic on the inside and hydrophilic on the outside. We also believe that clusters of amphiphiles explain the observation that, in aqueous combinations, D is nearly constant above a certain amphiphile mole fraction.
Electromagnetic power absorption due to bumps and trenches on flat surfaces
Authors: Pérez-Arancibia Carlos , Zhang Peng , Bruno Oscar P. , Lau Y. Y.
Published: September 2014

This paper presents a study of the absorption of electromagnetic power that results from the interaction of electromagnetic waves and cylindrical bumps or trenches on flat conducting surfaces. Configurations are characterized by means of adequately selected dimensionless variables and parameters so that applicability to mathematically equivalent (but physically diverse) systems can be achieved easily. Electromagnetic fields and absorption increments caused by such surface defects are evaluated by means of a high-order integral equation method which resolves fine details of the field near the surface, and which was validated by fully analytical approaches in a range of computationally challenging cases. The computational method is also applied to problems concerning bumps and trenches on imperfect conducting planes for which analytical solutions are not available. Typically, we find that absorption is enhanced by the presence of the defects considered, although, interestingly, absorption can also be significantly reduced in some cases—such as, e.g., in the case of a trench on a conducting plane where the incident electric field is perpendicular to the plane. Additionally, it is observed that, for some small-skin-depths large-wavelengths, the absorption increment is proportional to the increase in surface area. Significant physical insight is obtained on the heating that results from various types of electromagnetic incident fields.
Metallodrug induced apoptotic cell death and survival attempts are characterizable by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: le Roux K. , Prinsloo L. C. , Meyer D.
Published: September 2014

Chrysotherapeutics are under investigation as new or additional treatments for different types of cancers. In this study, gold complexes were investigated for their anticancer potential using Raman spectroscopy. The aim of the study was to determine whether Raman spectroscopy could be used for the characterization of metallodrug-induced cell death. Symptoms of cell death such as decreased peak intensities of proteins bonds and phosphodiester bonds found in deoxyribose nucleic acids were evident in the principal component analysis of the spectra. Vibrational bands around 761 cm−1 and 1300 cm−1 (tryptophan, ethanolamine group, and phosphatidylethanolamine) and 1720 cm−1 (ester bonds associated with phospholipids) appeared in the Raman spectra of cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells after metallodrug treatment. The significantly (p < 0.05, one way analysis of variance) increased intensity of phosphatidylethanolamine after metallodrug treatment could be a molecular signature of induced apoptosis since both the co-regulated phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine are externalized during cell death. Treated cells had significantly higher levels of glucose and glycogen vibrational peaks, indicative of a survival mechanism of cancer cells under chemical stress. Cancer cells excrete chemotherapeutics to improve their chances of survival and utilize glucose to achieve this. Raman spectroscopy was able to monitor a survival strategy of cancer cells in the form of glucose uptake to alleviate chemical stress. Raman spectroscopy was invaluable in obtaining molecular information generated by biomolecules affected by anticancer metallodrug treatments and presents an alternative to less reproducible, conventional biochemical assays for cytotoxicity analyses.