bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Organocatalyzed Michael Addition on Arylmethylidenemalonates Involving 4‐(2‐Nitrophenyl)acetoacetate: Diversity‐Oriented Access to 8,9‐Dihydropyrido[1,2‐a]indol‐6(7H)‐one and Salicylate Scaffolds.
Authors: Srivastava Anvita , Biswas Soumen , Singh Shivendra , Mobin Shaikh M. , Samanta Sampak
Published: July 2015

Conditions for the one‐pot synthesis of hexa‐substituted salicylate derivatives are elaborated starting from 4‐(2‐nitrophenyl)acetoacetate and various aryl or hetaryl aldehydes.
ChemInform Abstract: 1‐Sulfopyridinium Chloride: Green and Expeditious Ionic Liquid for the One‐Pot Synthesis of Fused 3,4‐Dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones and Thiones under Solvent‐Free Conditions.
Authors: Velpula Ravibabu , Banothu Janardhan , Gali Rajitha , Deshineni Rajitha , Bavantula Rajitha
Published: July 2015

The ionic liquid catalyst is recycled and reused in five consecutive cycles with marginal loss of its activity.
ChemInform Abstract: One‐Pot Multi‐Component Synthesis of 1,4‐Dihydropyridines Using Zn2+@KSF and Evaluating Their Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities.
Authors: Mahmoodi Nosrat O. , Ramzanpour Sahar , Ghanbari Pirbasti Fateme
Published: July 2015

Title compounds (IV) are conveniently and efficiently synthesized in high yields.
ChemInform Abstract: A Coumarin Lignanoid from the Stems of Kadsura heteroclita.
Authors: Wang Wei , et al.
Published: July 2015

Coumarinlignan (I), possessing a unique coumarin‐containing lignan skeleton shows good anti‐HBV activity against HbeAg and HbsAg, and moderate anti‐fibrotic and neuroprotective activities.
ChemInform Abstract: B‐Site Metal (Pd, Pt, Ag, Cu, Zn, Ni) Promoted La1‐xSrxCo1‐yFeyO3‐ δ Perovskite Oxides as Cathodes for IT‐SOFCs
Authors: Guo Shaoli , Wu Hongjing , Puleo Fabrizio , Liotta Leonarda F.
Published: July 2015

Review: 77 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances and New Concepts for the Synthesis of Axially Stereoenriched Biaryls
Authors: Wencel‐Delord J. , Panossian A. , Leroux F. R. , Colobert F.
Published: July 2015

Review: [53 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: 2‐Azanorbornane — A Versatile Chiral aza‐Diels—Alder Cycloadduct: Preparation, Applications in Stereoselective Synthesis and Biological Activity
Authors: Wojaczynska Elzbieta , Wojaczynski Jacek , Kleniewska Karolina , Dorsz Mateusz , Olszewski Tomasz K.
Published: July 2015

Review: [163 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Nitrogen Heterocycles via Radical Cascade Reactions Using Isonitriles as Radical Acceptors
Authors: Zhang Bo , Studer Armido
Published: July 2015

Review: [65 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Macrocyclic Amphiphiles
Authors: Jie Kecheng , Zhou Yujuan , Yao Yong , Huang Feihe
Published: July 2015

Review: recent results in the investigation of macrocyclic amphiphiles, which are classified based on different macrocyclic frameworks including cyclodextrins, calixarenes, cucurbiturils, pillararenes; 130 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Catalysis for the Hydrogenation of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: History, Advances and Future Directions
Authors: Pritchard James , Filonenko Georgy A. , van Putten Robbert , Hensen Emiel J. M. , Pidko Evgeny A.
Published: July 2015

Review: 209 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: The Emergence of Sulfoxides as Efficient Ligands in Transition Metal Catalysis
Authors: Sipos Gellert , Drinkel Emma E. , Dorta Reto
Published: July 2015

Review: 218 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Amino Acid Fluorides: Viable Tools for Synthesis of Peptides, Peptidomimetics and Enantiopure Heterocycles
Authors: Prabhu Girish , Narendra N. , Basavaprabhu Basavaprabhu , Panduranga V. , Sureshbabu Vommina V.
Published: July 2015

Review: [166 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in the Application of Deep Eutectic Solvents as Sustainable Media as well as Catalysts in Organic Reactions
Authors: Liu Peng , Hao Jian‐Wu , Mo Li‐Ping , Zhang Zhan‐Hui
Published: July 2015

Review: [152 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Strategies Towards Chemoselective Suzuki—Miyaura Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Fyfe James W. B. , Watson Allan J. B.
Published: July 2015

Review: [24 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Building Electron‐Precise Boron‐Boron Single Bonds: Imposing Monogamy on a Promiscuous Element
Authors: Braunschweig Holger , Dewhurst Rian D. , Mozo Silvia
Published: July 2015

Review: [71 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: A Review on Synthesis and Spectral Properties of Quinazolines and Pyrimidines
Authors: Al‐Ebaisat Hamdan S.
Published: July 2015

Review: 56 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Exploiting the C—H Bond in Metal‐Catalyzed C—C Bond‐Forming Reactions
Authors: Schnuerch Michael
Published: July 2015

Review: 72 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Nickel N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes and Their Utility in Homogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Prakasham A. P. , Ghosh Prasenjit
Published: July 2015

Review: 570 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Natural and Semisynthetic Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) Inhibitors as anti‐Diabetic Agents
Authors: Wang Li‐Jun , Jiang Bo , Wu Ning , Wang Shuai‐Yu , Shi Da‐Yong
Published: July 2015

Review: 94 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: 1,3,4‐Oxadiazoles: An Emerging Scaffold to Target Growth Factors, Enzymes and Kinases as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Bajaj Shalini , Asati Vivek , Singh Jagadish , Roy Partha Pratim
Published: July 2015

Review: 104 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Challenges and Prospects of Anodes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs)
Authors: Kan Wang Hay , Thangadurai Venkataraman
Published: July 2015

Review: 90 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Phosphorus Dendrimers as Supports of Transition Metal Catalysts
Authors: Caminade Anne‐Marie , Ouali Armelle , Laurent Regis , Majoral Jean‐Pierre
Published: July 2015

Review: 61 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Fluorescent Probes for Dual and Multi Analyte Detection
Authors: Yu Lun , Wang Shuailiang , Huang Kunzhu , Liu Zhiguo , Gao Feng , Zeng Wenbin
Published: July 2015

Review: 78 refs.
Effect of chemical components in white liquor on carbon activation
Authors: Namazi Azadeh B. , Allen D. Grant , Jia Charles Q.
Published: July 2015

Conversion of pulp mill sludge into activated carbon is an alternative solution for waste management at pulp mills. In this study, the use of white liquor as an activating agent was investigated, with the aim of applying an available source at pulp mills. A Specific Surface Area (SSA) value of 650 m2/g and an activation yield of 61 % were achieved with synthetic white liquor at 600 °C and 2 h. The SSA values obtained with white liquor were ∼60 % lower than those with NaOH alone. Thermodynamic analyses, X‐ray diffraction, and elemental analyses showed that both Na2S and Na2CO3 inhibit the activation reaction with carbon.
Mapping chromatic pathways in the Drosophila visual system
Authors: Lin Tzu‐Yang , Luo Jiangnan , Shinomiya Kazunori , Ting Chun‐Yuan , Lu Zhiyuan , Meinertzhagen Ian A. , Lee Chi‐Hon
Published: July 2015

In Drosophila, color vision and wavelength‐selective behaviors are mediated by the compound eye's narrow‐spectrum photoreceptors R7 and R8 and their downstream medulla projection (Tm) neurons Tm5a, Tm5b, Tm5c, and Tm20 in the second optic neuropil or medulla. These chromatic Tm neurons project axons to a deeper optic neuropil, the lobula, which in insects has been implicated in processing and relaying color information to the central brain. The synaptic targets of the chromatic Tm neurons in the lobula are not known, however. Using a modified GFP reconstitution across synaptic partners (GRASP) method to probe connections between the chromatic Tm neurons and 28 known and novel types of lobula neurons, we identify anatomically the visual projection neurons LT11 and LC14 and the lobula intrinsic neurons Li3 and Li4 as synaptic targets of the chromatic Tm neurons. Single‐cell GRASP analyses reveal that Li4 receives synaptic contacts from over 90% of all four types of chromatic Tm neurons, whereas LT11 is postsynaptic to the chromatic Tm neurons, with only modest selectivity and at a lower frequency and density. To visualize synaptic contacts at the ultrastructural level, we develop and apply a “two‐tag” double‐labeling method to label LT11's dendrites and the mitochondria in Tm5c's presynaptic terminals. Serial electron microscopic reconstruction confirms that LT11 receives direct contacts from Tm5c. This method would be generally applicable to map the connections of large complex neurons in Drosophila and other animals. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:213–227, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Energy minimization in medical image analysis: Methodologies and applications
Authors: Zhao Feng , Xie Xianghua
Published: July 2015

Energy minimization is of particular interest in medical image analysis. In the past two decades, a variety of optimization schemes have been developed. In this paper, we present a comprehensive survey of the state‐of‐the‐art optimization approaches. These algorithms are mainly classified into two categories: continuous method and discrete method. The former includes Newton–Raphson method, gradient descent method, conjugate gradient method, proximal gradient method, coordinate descent method, and genetic algorithm‐based method, while the latter covers graph cuts method, belief propagation method, tree‐reweighted message passing method, linear programming method, maximum margin learning method, simulated annealing method, and iterated conditional modes method. We also discuss the minimal surface method, primal‐dual method, and the multi‐objective optimization method. In addition, we review several comparative studies that evaluate the performance of different minimization techniques in terms of accuracy, efficiency, or complexity. These optimization techniques are widely used in many medical applications, for example, image segmentation, registration, reconstruction, motion tracking, and compressed sensing. We thus give an overview on those applications as well. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Personalize your processes to accommodate and retain disabled student‐veterans
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2015

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — At the latest count, there are 21.8 million veterans in the United States. Of these, 92 percent already have a high school diploma and only 26 percent have a bachelor's degree. Often, even veterans who have already earned a degree find college to be a different experience than they remembered. Veterans who are either returning to campus after incurring a disability or who are first‐time students with a disability also face added barriers to their education.
Understand research evidence about impact of anxiety in those with autism
Authors: Bedrossian Louise
Published: July 2015

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism spectrum disorders are the fastest‐growing disability, estimated at approximately 1 in 68 people in the United States. ASD is almost five times more common among males (1 in 42) than among females (1 in 189). Service providers are likely to have experienced a rapidly growing population of students with ASD on their campuses due to better diagnoses and earlier interventions.
Thiocyanato Coordination Polymers with Isomeric Coordination Networks – Synthesis, Structures, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Werner Julia , Runčevski Tomče , Dinnebier Robert , Ebbinghaus Stefan G. , Suckert Stefan , Näther Christian
Published: July 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Christian Näther at the University of Kiel, Germany. The cover image shows the structures of two isomeric coordination polymers that are located somewhere on an energy hypersurface. This is represented by the desert landscape; the thermodynamically stable structure is located in the valley, whereas the metastable one is located on the mountain.
Are movement disturbances in complex regional pain syndrome intentional?
Authors: Vallence A.‐M. , Drummond P.D.
Published: July 2015

This commentary accompanies the following article: Bank, P.J.M., Peper, C.E., Marinus, J., Van Hilten, J.J., Beek, P.J. (2015). Intended and unintended (sensory‐)motor coupling between the affected and unaffected upper limb in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Eur J Pain 19, 1021‐1034.
How many dimensions are needed to describe pain properly?
Authors: Moisset X. , Bouhassira D.
Published: July 2015

This commentary accompanies the following article: Bustan, S., Gonzalez‐Roldan, A.M., Kamping, S., Brunner, M., Löffler, M., Flor, H. and Anton, F. (2015), Suffering as an independent component of the experience of pain. Eur J Pain 19, 1035‐1048.
Utilities Must Be Proactive in Public Participation in Siting Transmission
Authors: DeCotis Paul A.
Published: July 2015

Utilities like to plan, build, and run things—and they are good at it. Following decades of experience building power plants, transmission and distribution systems, and IT systems to automate wholesale market transactions and operations, utilities are generally competent and capable. But when it comes to stakeholder engagement, including government and public relations and customer relationship management, some utilities are very good and some fall short.
Hydrolysis of Diazonium Salts Using a Two‐Phase System (CPME and Water)
Authors: Taniguchi Toshihide , Imoto Mitsutaka , Takeda Motonori , Nakai Takeo , Mihara Masatoshi , Iwai Toshiyuki , Ito Takatoshi , Mizuno Takumi , Nomoto Akihiro , Ogawa Akiya
Published: July 2015

A new method for the hydrolysis of diazonium salts, without the formation of tar, was developed. A two‐phase system consisting of cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME) and water is very effective for the hydrolysis of diazonium salts. Using this solvent system, the diazonium salt prepared from 3‐(4‐nitrophenoxy)aniline gave 3‐(4‐nitrophenoxy)phenol in high yield (96%) within 20 min. The synthesized phenol is an industrially important raw material in polymer syntheses. Furthermore, the use of the present two‐phase system of CPME and water successfully brought about the efficient conversions of several m‐substituted anilines into the corresponding m‐substituted phenols. This is the first example of hydrolysis of diazonium salts using the two‐phase system (CPME and water).
RBMY, a novel inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3β, increases tumor stemness and predicts poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chua Huey‐Huey , Tsuei Daw‐Jen , Lee Po‐Huang , Jeng Yung‐Ming , Lu Jean , Wu Jia‐Feng , Su De‐Shiuan , Chen Ya‐Hui , Chien Chin‐Sung , Kao Pei‐Chi , Lee Chien‐Nan , Hu Rey‐Heng , Ni Yen‐Hsuan , Chang Mei‐Hwei
Published: July 2015

Male predominance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs particularly among young children aged 6‐9 years, indicative of a possible role of the Y chromosome–encoded oncogene in addition to an androgenic effect. The discovery of oncogenic activation of RBMY (RNA‐binding motif on Y chromosome), which is absent in normal hepatocytes but present in male HCC tissues, sheds light on this issue. Herein, we report on a critical hepatocarcinogenic role of RBMY and its ontogenic origin. During liver development, the Ser/Thr phosphorylated RBMY is expressed in the cytoplasm of human and rodent fetal livers. It is then silenced in mature hepatocytes and restricted to scarce expression in the bile ductular cells. Upon hepatocarcinogenesis, a noteworthy increase of cytoplasmic and nuclear RBMY is observed in HCC tissues; however, only the former is expressed dominantly in hepatic cancer stem cells and correlates significantly to a poor prognosis and decreased survival rate in HCC patients. Cytoplasmic expression of RBMY, which is mediated by binding to nuclear exporter chromosome region maintenance 1 and further enriched upon Wnt‐3a stimulation, confers upon tumor cells the traits of cancer stem cell by augmenting self‐renewal, chemoresistance, cell‐cycle progression, proliferation, and xenograft tumor growth. This is achieved mechanistically through increasing Ser9 phosphorylation‐inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β by RBMY, thereby impeding the glycogen synthase kinase 3β–dependent degradation of β‐catenin and eventually inducing the nuclear entry of β‐catenin for the transcription of downstream oncogenes. Conclusion: RBMY is a novel oncofetal protein that plays a key role in attenuating glycogen synthase kinase 3β activity, leading to aberrant activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, which facilitates malignant hepatic stemness; because of its absence from normal human tissues except the testis, RBMY represents a feasible therapeutic target for the selective eradication of HCC cells in male patients. (Hepatology 2015;62:1480–1496)
Enhancing Self‐Organizing Map Capabilities with Graph Clustering: An Application to Financial Markets
Authors: Resta Marina
Published: July 2015

This work introduces an algorithm combining self‐organizing maps (SOMs) with graph filtering procedures and discusses how to employ it for analysing financial markets. This method defines graphs resulting from SOM leader units and the calculation of the correlation among them. The technique is applied on financial datasets, with an eye to markets at different levels of (in)stability; they were analysed both on a period of 1 year and with a moving window along a time span of 10 years, comparing graph topologies. In both cases, enhancing SOMs with graphs made it possible to emphasize relations among enterprises and to check for the emergence of critical patterns. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Type‐2 diabetes: Current understanding and future perspectives
Authors: Pandey Ankita , Chawla Sheetal , Guchhait Prasenjit
Published: July 2015

The rapid outbreak of type‐2 diabetes is one of the largest public health problems around the globe. Particularly, the developing nations are becoming the epicenters of cardiometabolic disorders owing to the change in lifestyle and diet preference besides genetic predisposition. Diabetes has become a major independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in South Asian countries including India. The pathogenesis of type‐2 diabetes primarily initiates with inadequacy of pancreatic islet β‐cells to respond to chronic fuel surfeit and hence causing glycemic load, insulin resistance, and obesity. Urban Indian life is threatened with unhealthy high calorie diet and sedentary habits, and thus impairing the metabolic status of “thin‐fat Indians” and rendering them more vulnerable to metabolic disorders. Furthermore, the metabolic dysfunction may be triggered off quite early in life due to poor maternal health and impairment in intrauterine programming and, particularly in rural India. The impaired fetal development affects the health status in later stage of life by promoting obesity, insulin resistance, type‐2 diabetes, and cardiovascular complications. Therefore, the preventive and therapeutic approaches focus on a holistic strategy to improve maternal and child health, promote balanced diet and physical exercise in combination with pharmacological intervention of reducing/checking hyperglycemia, obesity, and cardiovascular complications. This review summarizes the epidemiology, mechanisms, and risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disorders with a focus on the Indian subcontinent. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(7):506–513, 2015
Bioassay Guided Isolation and Identification of a Cytotoxic Compound from Azadirachta indica Leaves
Authors: Sandanasamy Jessinta , Hamid Nour Azhari , Nizam Tajuddin Saiful , Hamid Nour Abdurahman , Abd Hamid Hazrulrizawati , Ziad Sulaiman Ahmad
Published: July 2015

This study aimed to investigate the structural features of the isolated flavonol glycoside, which might behave as a cytotoxic compound. The hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions of an 80% methanol solution of Neem (Azadirachta indica) (Family: Meliaceae) leaves were subjected to a cytotoxicity bioassay against brine shrimp, Artemia salina. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest cytotoxic effect, supported by the lowest lethal concentration, a LC50 value of 1.35±0.40 ppm. A compound, Quercetin 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside, was isolated from the most toxic fraction of the ethyl acetate via preparative liquid chromatography and then identified via ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis), infrared (IR), mass spectrum (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses. The compound was further confirmed by physical state, color, solubility, and melting point determination. The cytotoxic results suggest that the leaf ethyl acetate fraction consists of toxic compounds, which point towards the isolation of Quercetin 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside.
Immune Checkpoint inhibitors: An introduction to the next‐generation cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Lee Lucy , Gupta Manish , Sahasranaman Srikumar
Published: July 2015

Activating the immune system to eliminate cancer cells and produce clinically relevant responses has been a long‐standing goal of cancer research. Most promising therapeutic approaches to activating antitumor immunity include immune checkpoint inhibitors. Immune checkpoints are numerous inhibitory pathways hardwired in the immune system. They are critical for maintaining self‐tolerance and modulating the duration and amplitude of physiological immune responses in peripheral tissues to minimize collateral tissue damage. Tumors regulate certain immune checkpoint pathways as a major mechanism of immune resistance. Because immune checkpoints are initiated by ligand‐receptor interactions, blockade by antibodies provides a rational therapeutic approach. Although targeted therapies are clinically successful, they are often short‐lived due to rapid development of resistance. Immunotherapies offer one notable advantage. Enhancing the cell‐mediated immune response against tumor cells leads to generation of a long‐term memory lymphocyte population patrolling the body to attack growth of any new tumor cells, thereby sustaining the therapeutic effects. Furthermore, early clinical results suggest that combination immunotherapies offer even more potent antitumor activity. This review is intended to provide an introduction to immune checkpoint inhibitors and discusses the scientific overview of cancer immunotherapy, mechanisms of the inhibitors, clinical pharmacology considerations, advances in combination therapies, and challenges in drug development.
The Rise of a Middle Class in East and Southern Africa: Implications for Food System Transformation
Authors: Tschirley David , Reardon Thomas , Dolislager Michael , Snyder Jason
Published: July 2015

We show five points regarding the middle class in developing East and Southern Africa: (1) 55 per cent of the region's middle class—37 per cent of the ‘non‐vulnerable’ middle class—is rural; (2) 61–83 per cent of the middle class's food is purchased; (3) processed food occupies 70–80 per cent of the class's food expenditure, with similar shares in urban and rural areas; (4) perishable products account for 44–55 per cent of the class's expenditure. Policy attention to processing and to food products ‘beyond‐grains’ thus needs to be ‘mainstreamed’; and (5) the import share of food expenditure does not rise with income in urban areas. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of Doxepin in human plasma using cloud‐point extraction with high‐performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet detection
Authors: Baezzat Mohammad Reza , Banavand Fatemeh , Tabandeh Mahboobeh , Amiri Ali Asghar , Pourghobadi Rogheye
Published: July 2015

A new straightforward method based on cloud‐point extraction has been developed, optimized, and validated for the determination of doxepin in human plasma by high‐performance liquid chromatography separation and UV detection. The nonionic surfactant Triton X‐114 was chosen as the extraction solvent. Chromatography separation was performed on a μBondapakR C18 column (4.6 mm id × 300 mm, 3 μm particle size), which was used for isocratic elution at a detection wavelength of 289 nm. Under the optimum conditions, the linear range of doxepin in human plasma was 0.1–0.9 μg/mL. Also, the detection limit, preconcentration factor, and enrichment factor were 0.08 μg/mL, 50, and 49.0, respectively.
Impact of comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography with mass spectrometry on food analysis
Authors: Tranchida Peter Q. , Purcaro Giorgia , Maimone Mariarosa , Mondello Luigi
Published: July 2015

Comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography with mass spectrometry has been on the separation‐science scene for about 15 years. This three‐dimensional method has made a great positive impact on various fields of research, and among these that related to food analysis is certainly at the forefront. The present critical review is based on the use of comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography with mass spectrometry in the untargeted (general qualitative profiling and fingerprinting) and targeted analysis of food volatiles; attention is focused not only on its potential in such applications, but also on how recent advances in comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography with mass spectrometry will potentially be important for food analysis. Additionally, emphasis is devoted to the many instances in which straightforward gas chromatography with mass spectrometry is a sufficiently‐powerful analytical tool. Finally, possible future scenarios in the comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography with mass spectrometry food analysis field are discussed.
Antimicrobial copper alloy surfaces are effective against vegetative but not sporulated cells of gram‐positive Bacillus subtilis
Authors: San Kaungmyat , Long Janet , Michels Corinne A. , Gadura Nidhi
Published: July 2015

This study explores the role of membrane phospholipid peroxidation in the copper alloy mediated contact killing of Bacillus subtilis, a spore‐forming gram‐positive bacterial species. We found that B. subtilis endospores exhibited significant resistance to copper alloy surface killing but vegetative cells were highly sensitive to copper surface exposure. Cell death and lipid peroxidation occurred in B. subtilis upon copper alloy surface exposure. In a sporulation‐defective strain carrying a deletion of almost the entire SpoIIA operon, lipid peroxidation directly correlated with cell death. Moreover, killing and lipid peroxidation initiated immediately and at a constant rate upon exposure to the copper surface without the delay observed previously in E. coli. These findings support the hypothesis that membrane lipid peroxidation is the initiating event causing copper surface induced cell death of B. subtilis vegetative cells. The findings suggest that the observed differences in the kinetics of copper‐induced killing compared to E. coli result from differences in cell envelop structure. As demonstrated in E. coli, DNA degradation was shown to be a secondary effect of copper exposure in a B. subtilis sporulation‐defective strain.
Loss of EEGNetwork Efficiency Is Related to Cognitive Impairment in Dementia With Lewy Bodies
Authors: van Dellen Edwin , de Waal Hanneke , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Lemstra Afina W. , Slooter Arjen J.C. , Smits Lieke L. , van Straaten Elisabeth C.W. , Stam Cornelis J. , Scheltens Philip
Published: July 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to test whether disturbed EEG resting‐state functional connectivity and network organization are a potential neurophysiological substrate of cognitive impairment in dementia with Lewy bodies.

Methods

EEG recordings were obtained in dementia with Lewy bodies patients, Alzheimer's disease patients and controls, matched for age and sex (N = 66 for each group; 14 [21%] female; mean age: 70 years). We analyzed functional connectivity of band‐filtered EEG time series using the phase lag index. Functional brain network topology was analyzed with the minimum spanning tree. Mini–Mental State Examination, Trail Making Test A, and Visual Association Test were used as cognitive measures.

Results

Dementia with Lewy bodies patients showed lower connectivity strength in the alpha frequency band, compared to both controls and Alzheimer's disease patients (P < 0.001). Functional network topology in dementia with Lewy bodies patients was less efficient and contained less hubs (P < 0.01). Network characteristics in Alzheimer's disease patients were in between (but did not differ from) those of the other two groups. In dementia with Lewy bodies patients, lower alpha band phase lag index correlated with Visual Association Test scores and Trail Making Test scores (ρ = 0.33 and ρ = 0.31, respectively), whereas leaf fraction (a measure of ‘network efficiency’) correlated with Visual Association Test scores (ρ = 0.29) and Mini–Mental State Examination scores (ρ = 0.27).

Conclusion

Functional networks of dementia with Lewy bodies patients are characterized by decreased connectivity strength and a loss of network efficiency and hubs. Severity of these disturbances is related to cognitive impairment, suggesting that network disturbances mediate between neuropathology and the clinical syndrome in dementia with Lewy bodies. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Quantitative Regression Models for the Prediction of Chemical Properties by an Efficient Workflow
Authors: Yin Yongmin , Xu Congying , Gu Shikai , Li Weihua , Liu Guixia , Tang Yun
Published: July 2015

Rapid safety assessment is more and more needed for the increasing chemicals both in chemical industries and regulators around the world. The traditional experimental methods couldn’t meet the current demand any more. With the development of the information technology and the growth of experimental data, in silico modeling has become a practical and rapid alternative for the assessment of chemical properties, especially for the toxicity prediction of organic chemicals. In this study, a quantitative regression workflow was built by KNIME to predict chemical properties. With this regression workflow, quantitative values of chemical properties can be obtained, which is different from the binary‐classification model or multi‐classification models that can only give qualitative results. To illustrate the usage of the workflow, two predictive models were constructed based on datasets of Tetrahymena pyriformis toxicity and Aqueous solubility. The qcv2 and qtest2 of 5‐fold cross validation and external validation for both types of models were greater than 0.7, which implies that our models are robust and reliable, and the workflow is very convenient and efficient in prediction of various chemical properties.
Obesity‐induced miR‐15b is linked causally to the development of insulin resistance through the repression of the insulin receptor in hepatocytes
Authors: Yang Won‐Mo , Jeong Hyo‐Jin , Park Se‐Whan , Lee Wan
Published: July 2015

Scope

Obesity increases intracellular lipid accumulation in key tissues or organs, which often leads to metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance. Diets rich in saturated fatty acid (SFA) exacerbate obesity and hepatic steatosis, which accentuate the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Although microRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the regulation of gene expression, the implication of obesity‐induced miRNAs in metabolic disorders particularly in the development of insulin resistance is largely unknown. Here, we investigated the implication of miR‐15b, which is induced by SFA palmitate or obesity, in hepatic insulin resistance.

Methods and results

Diet‐induced obesity (DIO) in mice developed hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, accompanying with a reduction of insulin receptor (INSR) expression. Palmitate impaired insulin signaling as well as a decrease of INSR in hepatocytes. The expression of miR‐15b was upregulated by DIO or palmitate in hepatocytes. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR‐15b suppressed the protein expression of INSR through targeting INSR 3’ untranslated region directly, resulting in an impairment of the insulin signaling and glycogen synthesis in hepatocytes.

Conclusion

These results unveil a novel mechanism whereby miR‐15b is linked causally to the pathogenesis of hepatic insulin resistance in SFA‐induced obesity.
Intrauterine programming of lipid metabolic alterations in the heart of the offspring of diabetic rats is prevented by maternal diets enriched in olive oil
Authors: Capobianco Evangelina , Pelesson Magalí , Careaga Valeria , Fornes Daiana , Canosa Ivana , Higa Romina , Maier Marta , Jawerbaum Alicia
Published: July 2015

Scope

Maternal diabetes can program metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in the offspring. The aim of this work was to address whether an olive oil supplemented diet during pregnancy can prevent lipid metabolic alterations in the heart of the offspring of mild diabetic rats.

Methods and results

Control and diabetic Wistar rats were fed during pregnancy with either a standard diet or a 6% olive oil supplemented diet. The heart of adult offspring from diabetic rats showed increases in lipid concentrations (triglycerides in males and phospholipids, cholesterol, and free fatty acids in females), which were prevented with the maternal diets enriched in olive oil. Maternal olive oil supplementation increased the content of unsaturated fatty acids in the hearts of both female and male offspring from diabetic rats (possibly due to a reduction in lipoperoxidation), increased the expression of Δ6 desaturase in the heart of male offspring from diabetic rats, and increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α in the hearts of both female and male offspring from diabetic rats.

Conclusion

Relevant alterations in cardiac lipid metabolism were evident in the adult offspring of a mild diabetic rat model, and regulated by maternal diets enriched in olive oil.
Talking microbes: When gut bacteria interact with diet and host organs
Authors: Cani Patrice D. , Everard Amandine
Published: July 2015

Obesity and diabetes have reached epidemic proportions. Evidence suggests that besides dietary habits and physical activity, other environmental factors, such as gut microbes, are recognized as additional partners implicated in the control of energy homeostasis. Studies on the human gut microbiota have shown that the general population can be stratified on the sole basis of three dominant bacteria (i.e., the concept of enterotypes), while some others have suggested categorizing the population according to their microbiome gene richness. Both aspects have been strengthened by recent studies investigating the impact of nutrients (e.g., dietary fibers, fat feeding) and dietary habits (i.e., vegans versus omnivores) of different populations. Using preclinical models, quite a few novel mechanisms have been proposed in these gut microbiota–host interactions, including the role of novel bacteria, the regulation of antimicrobial peptide production, the maintenance of the gut barrier function and intestinal innate immunity. In this review, we discuss several of the aforementioned aspects. Nonetheless, determining the overall mechanisms by which microbes dialogue with host cells will require further investigations before anticipating the development of next‐generation nutritional interventions using prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, or even specific nutrients for promoting health benefits.
Revenue management under randomly evolving economic conditions
Authors: Xia Yusen , Yang Jian , Zhou Tingting
Published: July 2015

We consider a dynamic pricing model in which the instantaneous rate of the demand arrival process is dependent on not only the current price charged by the concerned firm, but also the present state of the world. While reflecting the current economic condition, the state evolves in a Markovian fashion. This model represents the real‐life situation in which the sales season is relatively long compared to the fast pace at which the outside environment changes. We establish the value of being better informed on the state of the world. When reasonable monotonicity conditions are met, we show that better present economic conditions will lead to higher prices. Our computational study is partially calibrated with real data. It demonstrates that the benefit of heeding varying economic conditions is on par with the value of embracing randomness in the demand process. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 66:73–89,2019
Adaptive modeling of damage growth using a coupled FEM/BEM approach
Authors: Mobasher Mostafa E. , Waisman Haim
Published: July 2015

We propose a coupled boundary element method (BEM) and a finite element method (FEM) for modelling localized damage growth in structures. BEM offers the flexibility of modelling large domains efficiently, while the non‐linear damage growth is accurately accounted by a local FEM mesh. An integral‐type nonlocal continuum damage mechanics with adapting FEM mesh is used to model multiple damage zones and follow their propagation in the structure. Strong form coupling, BEM hosted, is achieved using Lagrange multipliers. Because the non‐linearity is isolated in the FEM part of the system of equations, the system size is reduced using Schur complement approach, then the solution is obtained by a monolithic Newton method that is used to solve both domains simultaneously. The coupled BEM/FEM approach is verified by a set of convergence studies, where the reference solution is obtained by a fine FEM. In addition, the method is applied to multiple fractures growth benchmark problems and shows good agreement with the literature. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Segregated Runge–Kutta methods for the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Colomés Oriol , Badia Santiago
Published: July 2015

In this work, we propose Runge–Kutta time integration schemes for the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations with two salient properties. First, velocity and pressure computations are segregated at the time integration level, without the need to perform additional fractional step techniques that spoil high orders of accuracy. Second, the proposed methods keep the same order of accuracy for both velocities and pressures. The segregated Runge–Kutta methods are motivated as an implicit–explicit Runge–Kutta time integration of the projected Navier–Stokes system onto the discrete divergence‐free space, and its re‐statement in a velocity–pressure setting using a discrete pressure Poisson equation. We have analysed the preservation of the discrete divergence constraint for segregated Runge–Kutta methods and their relation (in their fully explicit version) with existing half‐explicit methods. We have performed a detailed numerical experimentation for a wide set of schemes (from first to third order), including implicit and IMEX integration of viscous and convective terms, for incompressible laminar and turbulent flows. Further, segregated Runge–Kutta schemes with adaptive time stepping are proposed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PBRM1 (BAF180) protein is functionally regulated by p53‐induced protein degradation in renal cell carcinomas
Authors: Macher‐Goeppinger Stephan , Keith Martina , Tagscherer Katrin E , Singer Stephan , Winkler Juliane , Hofmann Thomas G , Pahernik Sascha , Duensing Stefan , Hohenfellner Markus , Kopitz Juergen , Schirmacher Peter , Roth Wilfried
Published: July 2015

About 40% of clear‐cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC) harbour mutations in Polybromo‐1 (PBRM1), encoding the BAF180 subunit of a SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complex. This qualifies PBRM1 as a major cancer gene in ccRCC. The PBRM1 protein alters chromatin structure and its known functions include transcriptional regulation by controlling the accessibility of DNA and influencing p53 transcriptional activity. Since little is known about the regulation of PBRM1, we studied possible mechanisms and interaction partners involved in the regulation of PBRM1 expression. Activation of p53 in RCC cells resulted in a marked decrease of PBRM1 protein levels. This effect was abolished by siRNA‐mediated down‐regulation of p53, and transcriptional activity was not crucial for p53‐dependent PBRM1 regulation. Pulse‐chase experiments determined post‐translational protein degradation to be the underlying mechanism for p53‐dependent PBRM1 regulation, which was accordingly inhibited by proteasome inhibitors. The effects of p53 activation on PBRM1 expression were confirmed in RCC tissue ex vivo. Our results demonstrate that PBRM1 is a target of p53‐induced proteasomal protein degradation and provide further evidence for the influence of PBRM1 on p53 function in RCC tumour cells. Considering the paramount role of p53 in carcinogenesis and the presumptive impact of PBRM1 in RCC development, this novel regulation mechanism might be therapeutically exploited in the future. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles on poly(GMA‐co‐EGDMA) polymer support
Authors: Vukoje Ivana D. , Džunuzović Enis S. , Lončarević Davor R. , Dimitrijević Suzana , Ahrenkiel S. Phillip , Nedeljković Jovan M.
Published: July 2015

Poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (poly(GMA‐co‐EGDMA) macroporous copolymer decorated with silver nanoparticles was prepared by a modification of poly(GMA‐co‐EGDMA) in the reaction with arginine, and consequent reduction of silver ions with amino groups. The mercury intrusion porosimetry, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, UV–vis reflection spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission measurements were used to characterize obtained composite. The coordination of silver nanoparticles to the poly(GMA‐co‐EGDMA) copolymer was studied using infrared spectroscopy. Time dependence and concentration dependence of the antimicrobial efficiency of composite were tested against Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, and fungus Candida albicans. The composite ensured maximum reduction of both bacteria, while the fungi reduction reached satisfactory 96.8%. Preliminary antimicrobial efficiency measurements using laboratory flow setup indicated potential applicability of composite for wastewater treatment. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1206–1214, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Hydrogen induced growth and coalescence of helium‐based defects
Authors: Vallet Maxime , Barbot Jean‐François , Donnelly Steve , Hinks Jonathan , Beaufort1 Marie‐France
Published: July 2015

The first stages of growth of He‐based planar defects under H supply have been investigated in (001)‐oriented Si. The H atoms were introduced by implantation using the MIAMI facility. Implantations at different temperatures were conducted in the microscope chamber and thus the evolution of He‐plates under H implantation was observed in real‐time. In situ transmission electron microscopy during the subsequent annealing was also performed. Results show that the growth phenomena are governed by diffusion mechanisms. The kinetic model of Johnson‐Mehl‐Avrami‐Kolmogorov was successfully applied to model the evolution of the diameters of the He‐plates either as function of the temperature of annealing or of the fluence. Isotropic coalescence of close defects occurs when the out‐of plane tensile stress reaches the yield strength. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Short notes on maximum likelihood inference for control‐based pattern‐mixture models
Authors: Tang Yongqiang
Published: July 2015

A likelihood‐based analytical approach has been proposed for the control‐based pattern‐mixture model and its extension. In this note, we derive equivalent but simpler analytical expressions for the treatment effect and its variance for these control‐based pattern mixture models. Our formulae are easier to use and interpret. An application of our formulae to an antidepressant trial is provided, in which the likelihood‐based analysis is compared with the multiple imputation approach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pulsed Flow Wave Attenuation on a Regulated Montane River
Authors: Fong C. S. , Yarnell S. M. , Viers J. H.
Published: July 2015

This study investigated the effects of hydrograph shape on attenuation of regulated pulsed flow events below a hydropower dam by categorizing and modelling the downstream movement of representative pulses on the upper Tuolumne River in the Sierra Nevadas of California, USA. We extracted underlying hydrograph shape patterns using principal component analysis on individual pulsed flow events released from 1988 to 2012 (n = 4439). From principal component loadings, six shape categories were determined: rectangular, front‐step, back‐step, goalpost, centred tower, and other. Attenuation of representative pulses from each shape type was then modelled using a one‐dimensional hydraulic model of 42 river km. Model results demonstrated a durational threshold for representative pulses (~3–5 h) over which the degree of attenuation of ramping rates and peak discharge approached a limit. Simulations of front and back‐step representative pulses showed trade‐offs between attenuation of peak magnitudes and steepness of rising ramping rates. Reshaping pulses to reduce the adverse ecological effects of rapid changes in stage and velocity downstream was infeasible if the system was required to maintain current electricity production and recreational service levels. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scanning MWCNT‐Nanopipette and Probe Microscopy: Li Patterning and Transport Studies
Authors: Larson Jonathan M. , Bharath Satyaveda C. , Cullen William G. , Reutt‐Robey Janice E.
Published: July 2015

A carbon‐nanotube‐enabling scanning probe technique/nanotechnology for manipulating and measuring lithium at the nano/mesoscale is introduced. Scanning Li‐nanopipette and probe microscopy (SLi‐NPM) is based on a conductive atomic force microscope (AFM) cantilever with an open‐ended multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) affixed to its apex. SLi‐NPM operation is demonstrated with a model system consisting of a Li thin film on a Si(111) substrate. By control of bias, separation distance, and contact time, attograms of Li can be controllably pipetted to or from the MWCNT tip. Patterned surface Li features are then directly probed via noncontact AFM measurements with the MWCNT tip. The subsequent decay of Li features is simulated with a mesoscale continuum model, developed here. The Li surface diffusion coefficient for a four (two) Li layer thick film is measured as cm2 s−1 ( cm2 s−1). Dual‐Li pipetting/measuring with SLi‐NPM enables a broad range of time‐dependent Li and nanoelectrode characterization studies of fundamental importance to energy‐storage research.