bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Brf1 interaction with ERα, and significance of its overexpression, in human breast cancer
Authors: Fang Zeng , Yi Yunfeng , Shi Ganggang , Li Songqi , Chen Songlin , Lin Ying , Li Zhi , He Zhimin , Li Wen , Zhong Shuping
Published: October 2017

TFIIB‐related factor 1 (Brf1) modulates the transcription of RNA Pol III genes (polymerase‐dependent genes). Upregulation of Pol III genes enhances tRNA and 5S RNA production and increases the translational capacity of cells to promote cell transformation and tumor development. However, the significance of Brf1 overexpression in human breast cancer (HBC) remains to be investigated. Here, we investigate whether Brf1 expression is increased in the samples of HBC, and we explore its molecular mechanism and the significance of Brf1 expression in HBC. Two hundred and eighteen samples of HBC were collected to determine Brf1 expression by cytological and molecular biological approaches. We utilized colocalization, coimmunoprecipitation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation methods to explore the interaction of Brf1 with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). We determined how Brf1 and ERα modulate Pol III genes. The results indicated that Brf1 is overexpressed in most cases of HBC, which is associated with an ER‐positive status. The survival period of the cases with high Brf1 expression is significantly longer than those with low levels of Brf1 after hormone treatment. ERα mediates Brf1 expression. Brf1 and ERα are colocalized in the nucleus. These results indicate an interaction between Brf1 and ERα, which synergistically regulates the transcription of Pol III genes. Inhibition of ERα by its siRNA or tamoxifen reduces cellular levels of Brf1 and Pol III gene expression and decreases the rate of colony formation of breast cancer cells. Together, these studies demonstrate that Brf1 is a good biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of HBC. This interaction of Brf1 with ERα and Brf1 itself are potential therapeutic targets for this disease.
On the Role of Dust‐Deposited Lithogenic Particles for Iron Cycling in the Tropical and Subtropical Atlantic
Authors: Ye Y. , Völker C.
Published: October 2017

Lithogenic material deposited as dust is one of the major sources of trace metals to the ocean, particularly in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic. On the other hand, it can also act as a scavenging surface for iron. Here we studied this double role of lithogenic material in the marine iron cycle by adding a new scheme for describing particle dynamics into a global biogeochemistry and ecosystem model including particle aggregation and disaggregation of two particle size classes and scavenging on both organic and lithogenic particles. Considering the additional scavenging of iron on lithogenic particles, the modeled dissolved iron concentration is reduced significantly in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, bringing the model much closer to observations. This underlines the necessity to consider the double role of dust particles as iron source and sink in studies on the marine iron cycle in high dust regions and with changing dust fluxes.
Australia's Unprecedented Future Temperature Extremes Under Paris Limits to Warming
Authors: Lewis Sophie C. , King Andrew D. , Mitchell Daniel M.
Published: October 2017

Record‐breaking temperatures can detrimentally impact ecosystems, infrastructure, and human health. Previous studies show that climate change has influenced some observed extremes, which are expected to become more frequent under enhanced future warming. Understanding the magnitude, as a well as frequency, of such future extremes is critical for limiting detrimental impacts. We focus on temperature changes in Australian regions, including over a major coral reef‐building area, and assess the potential magnitude of future extreme temperatures under Paris Agreement global warming targets (1.5°C and 2°C). Under these limits to global mean warming, we determine a set of projected high‐magnitude unprecedented Australian temperature extremes. These include extremes unexpected based on observational temperatures, including current record‐breaking events. For example, while the difference in global‐average warming during the hottest Australian summer and the 2°C Paris target is 1.1°C, extremes of 2.4°C above the observed summer record are simulated. This example represents a more than doubling of the magnitude of extremes, compared with global mean change, and such temperatures are unexpected based on the observed record alone. Projected extremes do not necessarily scale linearly with mean global warming, and this effect demonstrates the significant potential benefits of limiting warming to 1.5°C, compared to 2°C or warmer.
Global Response of Clear‐Air Turbulence to Climate Change
Authors: Storer Luke N. , Williams Paul D. , Joshi Manoj M.
Published: October 2017

Clear‐air turbulence (CAT) is one of the largest causes of weather‐related aviation incidents. Here we use climate model simulations to study the impact that climate change could have on global CAT by the period 2050–2080. We extend previous work by analyzing eight geographic regions, two flight levels, five turbulence strength categories, and four seasons. We find large relative increases in CAT, especially in the midlatitudes in both hemispheres, with some regions experiencing several hundred per cent more turbulence. The busiest international airspace experiences the largest increases, with the volume of severe CAT approximately doubling over North America, the North Pacific, and Europe. Over the North Atlantic, severe CAT in future becomes as common as moderate CAT historically. These results highlight the increasing need to improve operational CAT forecasts and to use them effectively in flight planning, to limit discomfort and injuries among passengers and crew.
Illuminating the Voluminous Subsurface Structures of Old Faithful Geyser, Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Hurwitz Shaul , Shelly David R.
Published: October 2017

Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park has attracted scientific research for almost a century and a half. Temperature and pressure measurements and video recordings in the geyser's conduit led to proposals of many quantitative eruption models. Nevertheless, information on the processes that initiate the geyser's eruption in the subsurface remained limited. Two new studies, specifically Wu et al. (2017) and Ward and Lin (2017), take advantage of recent developments in seismic data acquisition technology and processing methods to illuminate subsurface structures. Using a dense array of three‐component nodal geophones, these studies delineate subsurface structures on a scale larger than previously realized, which exert control on the spectacular eruptions of Old Faithful geyser.
Solar Cycle Occurrence of Alfvénic Fluctuations and Related Geo‐Efficiency
Authors: Tanskanen E. I. , Snekvik K. , Slavin J. A. , Pérez‐Suárez D. , Viljanen A. , Goldstein M. L. , Käpylä M. J. , Hynönen R. , Häkkinen L. V. T. , Mursula K.
Published: October 2017

We examine solar wind intervals with Alfvénic fluctuations (ALFs) in 1995–2011. The annual number, the total annual duration, and the average length of ALFs vary over the solar cycle, having a maximum in 2003 and a minimum in 2009. ALFs are most frequent in the declining phase of solar cycle, when the number of high‐speed streams at the Earth's vicinity is increased. There is a rapid transition after the maximum of solar cycle 23 from ALFs being mainly embedded in slow solar wind (<400 km/s) until 2002 to ALFs being dominantly in fast solar wind (>600 km/s) since 2003. Cross helicity increased by 30% from 2002 to 2003 and maximized typically 4–6 h before solar wind speed maximum. Cross helicity remained elevated for several days for highly Alfvénic non‐ICME streams, but only for a few hours for ICMEs. The number of substorms increased by about 40% from 2002 to 2003, and the annual number of substorms closely follows the annual cross helicity. This further emphasizes the role of Alfvénic fluctuations in modulating substorm activity. The predictability of substorm frequency and size would be greatly improved by monitoring solar wind Alfvénic fluctuations in addition to the mean values of the important solar wind parameters.
Extreme Value Analysis of Induced Geoelectric Field in South Africa
Authors: Lotz S. I. , Danskin D. W.
Published: October 2017

Extreme geomagnetic disturbances occur rarely but can have great impact on technological systems such as power supply networks. Long‐term planning for extreme events requires the estimation of event impact for occurrence periods greater than the length of observed data. With this in mind an analysis of extreme geomagnetic events observed in South Africa (middle geomagnetic latitude) is performed over four solar cycles (1974–2015). An algorithm to identify active periods with minimumSYM‐H ≤−100 nT is demonstrated. The sum of induced electric field over the course of each event is used to characterize the severity of each active period. It is found that the severity index (accumulated electric field magnitudeΣE) shares a highly linear relationship with accumulatedSYM‐Hover each event. The index ΣEis lognormal distributed, with tail deviating greater than lognormal, confirming heavy‐tailed occurrence. A general Pareto distribution is fitted to the tail of the distribution and extrapolated to calculate the return levels of extreme events. Return levels of once in 100 and once in 200 year events are estimated to be 9.4 × 104 mV/km min and 1.09 × 105 mV/km min, respectively. The top three events, in ascending order of severity, are the March 1989 storm, the events of late October 2003, and the April 1994 event—a long interval of coronal‐hole driven disturbances, bookended by two intense geomagnetic storms.
Relationship Between Poverty and Mortality in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Yelin Edward , Yazdany Jinoos , Trupin Laura
Published: October 2017

Objective

A prior study established that concurrent poverty, persistent poverty, and exiting poverty were associated with the subsequent extent of damage accumulation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we examined whether concurrent poverty affects mortality after taking extent of damage accumulation into account.

Methods

Analyses were conducted on 807 persons with SLE participating in the University of California–San Francisco Lupus Outcomes Study in 2009, stratified by whether they lived in households with incomes ≤125% of the federal poverty level in that year. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate the risk of mortality as a function of poverty status, with and without adjustment for demographics; lupus status, including extent of disease damage; overall health status; health behaviors; and health care characteristics.

Results

Among 807 individuals interviewed in 2009, 71 (8.8%) had died by 2015, 57 (8.3%) among the nonpoor and 14 (12.1%) among the poor (P = 0.18). With adjustment only for age, poverty in 2009 was associated with an increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 2.14 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.18–3.88]) through 2015. However, after adjustment for extent of damage and age, poverty was no longer associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR 1.68 [95% CI 0.91–3.10]). Among those who died, those who were poor lived 13.9 fewer years (95% CI 6.9–20.8; P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The principal way that poverty results in higher mortality in SLE is by increasing the extent of damage accumulation.
Improved Hand Function, Self‐Rated Health, and Decreased Activity Limitations: Results After a Two‐Month Hand Osteoarthritis Group Intervention
Authors: Bjurehed Linda , Brodin Nina , Nordenskiöld Ulla , Björk Mathilda
Published: October 2017

Objective

To evaluate the effects on hand function, activity limitations, and self‐rated health of a primary care hand osteoarthritis (OA) group intervention. Hand OA causes pain, impaired mobility, and reduced grip force, which cause activity limitations. OA group interventions in primary care settings are sparsely reported.

Methods

Sixty‐four individuals with hand OA agreed to participate; 15 were excluded due to not fulfilling the inclusion criteria. The 49 remaining (90% female) participated in an OA group intervention at a primary care unit with education, paraffin wax bath, and hand exercise over a 6‐week period. Data were collected at baseline, end of intervention, and after 1 year. Instruments used were the Grip Ability Test (GAT), the Signals of Functional Impairment (SOFI), dynamometry (grip force), hand pain at rest using a visual analog scale (VAS), the Patient‐Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick‐DASH), and the EuroQol VAS (EQ VAS). Data were analyzed using nonparametric statistics.

Results

Hand function, activity limitation, and self‐rated health significantly improved from baseline to end of intervention, grip force (right hand: P < 0.001; left hand: P = 0.008), SOFI (P = 0.011), GAT (P < 0.001), hand pain at rest (P < 0.001), PSFS (1: P = 0.008, 2: P < 0.001, and 3: P = 0.004), Quick‐DASH (P = 0.001), and EQ VAS (P = 0.039), and the effects were sustained after 1 year.

Conclusion

The hand OA group intervention in primary care improves hand function, activity limitation, and self‐rated health. The benefits are sustained 1 year after completion of the intervention.
Oxidative Coupling of â‐O‐4′ Dilignol Models Leading to Polycyclic Products with Rare Interlignol Linkages
Authors: Peng Chang , Liu Wujun , Ning Siyang , Ge Guangbo , Zhao Zongbao K.
Published: October 2017

Our capability to utilize lignin as a renewable resource has been continuously expanding thanks to the information acquired through in‐depth studies with various model compounds. Herein, efficient routes were devised to assemble biomass‐derived building blocks for functionalized â‐O‐4′ dilignol models. Oxidative coupling of these dilignols with hypervalent iodine(III) reagents led to two series of highly fused polycyclic products, dibenzo[b,d]oxepine and 2,7‐dioxabicyclo[3,3,1]nonane derivatives. These products contain rare interlignol C−C and C−O linkages and are otherwise difficult to synthesize. Preliminary studies suggested that some of these products had moderate anticancer activity.
P−B Desulfurization: An Enabling Method for Protein Chemical Synthesis and Site‐Specific Deuteration
Authors: Jin Kang , Li Tianlu , Chow Hoi Yee , Liu Han , Li Xuechen
Published: October 2017

Cysteine‐mediated native chemical ligation is a powerful method for protein chemical synthesis. Herein, we report an unprecedentedly mild system (TCEP/NaBH4 or TCEP/LiBEt3H; TCEP=tris(2‐carboxyethyl)phosphine) for chemoselective peptide desulfurization to achieve effective protein synthesis via the native chemical ligation–desulfurization approach. This method, termed P−B desulfurization, features usage of common reagents, simplicity of operation, robustness, high yields, clean conversion, and versatile functionality compatibility with complex peptides/proteins. In addition, this method can be used for incorporating deuterium into the peptides after cysteine desulfurization by running the reaction in D2O buffer. Moreover, this method enables the clean desulfurization of peptides carrying post‐translational modifications, such as phosphorylation and crotonylation. The effectiveness of this method has been demonstrated by the synthesis of the cyclic peptides dichotomin C and E and synthetic proteins, including ubiquitin, γ‐synuclein, and histone H2A.
Quantifying Guest Exchange in Supramolecular Systems
Authors: Avram Liat , Wishard Anthony D. , Gibb Bruce C. , Bar‐Shir Amnon
Published: October 2017

The ability to accurately determine and quantitatively evaluate kinetic phenomena associated with supramolecular assemblies, in real time, is key to a better understanding of their defined architectures and diverse functionalities. Therefore, analytical tools that can precisely assess a wide range of exchange rates within such systems are of considerable importance. This study demonstrates the ability to use an NMR approach based on saturation transfer for the determination of rates of guest exchange from molecular capsules. By using cavitands that assemble into distinct dimeric assemblies, we show that this approach, which we term guest exchange saturation transfer (GEST), allows the use of a conventional NMR setup to study and quantitatively assess a wide range of exchange rates, from 35 to more than 5000 s−1.
Programmable Supra‐Assembly of a DNA Surface Adapter for Tunable Chiral Directional Self‐Assembly of Gold Nanorods
Authors: Lan Xiang , Su Zhaoming , Zhou Yadong , Meyer Travis , Ke Yonggang , Wang Qiangbin , Chiu Wah , Liu Na , Zou Shengli , Yan Hao , Liu Yan
Published: October 2017

An important challenge in molecular assembly and hierarchical molecular engineering is to control and program the directional self‐assembly into chiral structures. Here, we present a versatile DNA surface adapter that can programmably self‐assemble into various chiral supramolecular architectures, thereby regulating the chiral directional “bonding” of gold nanorods decorated by the surface adapter. Distinct optical chirality relevant to the ensemble conformation is demonstrated from the assembled novel stair‐like and coil‐like gold nanorod chiral metastructures, which is strongly affected by the spatial arrangement of neighboring nanorod pair. Our strategy provides new avenues for fabrication of tunable optical metamaterials by manipulating the directional self‐assembly of nanoparticles using programmable surface adapters.
Determination of the Structures of Uranyl–Tri‐n‐butyl‐Phosphate Aggregates by Coupling Experimental Results with Molecular Dynamic Simulations
Authors: Guilbaud Phillipe , Berthon Laurence , Louisfrema Wilfried , Diat Olivier , Zorz Nicole
Published: October 2017

The complex structure of a plutonium uranium refining by extraction (PUREX) process organic phase was characterized by combining results from experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. For the first time, the molecular interactions between tri‐n‐butyl phosphate (TBP) and the extracted solutes, as well as TBP aggregation after the extraction of water and/or uranyl nitrate, were described and analyzed concomitantly. Coupling molecular dynamics simulations with small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (SWAXS) experiments can lead to simulated organic solutions that are representative of the experimental ones, even for high extractant and solute concentrations. Furthermore, this coupling is well adapted for the interpretation of SWAXS experiments without preliminary hypothesis on the size or shape of aggregates. The results link together previous literature studies obtained for each level of depiction separately (complexation or aggregation). Without uranium, or at low metal concentration, almost no aggregation was observed. At high uranium concentration, organic phases contain small [UO2(NO3)2(TBP)2]n polymetallic aggregates (with n=2 to 4), in which the 1:2 U/TBP stoichiometry is preserved.
Photocatalytic Transfer Hydrogenolysis of Allylic Alcohols on Pd/TiO2: A Shortcut to (S)‐(+)‐Lavandulol
Authors: Takada Yuki , Caner Joaquim , Kaliyamoorthy Selvam , Naka Hiroshi , Saito Susumu
Published: October 2017

We report herein a regio‐ and stereoselective photocatalytic hydrogenolysis of allylic alcohols to form unsaturated hydrocarbons employing a palladium(II)‐loaded titanium oxide; the reaction proceeds at room temperature under light irradiation without stoichiometric generation of salt wastes. Olefin and saturated alcohol moieties tolerated the reaction conditions. Hydrogen atoms were selectively incorporated into less sterically congested carbons of the allylic functionalities. This protocol allowed a short‐step synthesis of (S)‐(+)‐lavandulol from (R)‐(−)‐carvone by avoiding otherwise necessary protection/deprotection steps.
Investigation of maltodextrin‐based synergistic system with amino acid chiral ionic liquid as additive for enantioseparation in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Chen Jiaquan , Du Yingxiang , Sun Xiaodong
Published: October 2017

The combined use of chiral ionic liquids (ILs) and chiral selectors in capillary electrophoresis (CE) to establish a synergistic system has proven to be an effective approach for enantioseparation. In this article, tetramethylammonium‐L‐arginine, a kind of amino acid chiral IL, was applied to investigate its potential synergistic effect with maltodextrin in CE enantioseparation. The established maltodextrin‐based synergistic system showed markedly improved enantioseparations compared with the single maltodextrin system. Parameters such as the chiral IL concentration, maltodextrin concentration, buffer pH, applied voltage, and capillary temperature were optimized. Satisfactory enantioseparation of the five studied drugs, including nefopam, duloxetine, ketoconazole, cetirizine, and citalopram was achieved in 50 mM Tris‐H3PO4 buffer solution (pH 3.0) containing 7.0% (m/v) maltodextrin and 60 mM tetramethylammonium‐L‐arginine. In addition, the chiral configuration of tetramethylammonium‐L‐arginine was also investigated to demonstrate the existence of a synergistic effect between chiral ILs and maltodextrin.
Luminescent Spectral Conversion to Improve the Performance of Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Hosseini Zahra , Taghavinia Nima , Wei‐Guang Diau Eric
Published: October 2017

Relative to the broadband solar spectrum, a narrow range of spectral absorption of photovoltaic (PV) devices is considered an important determinant that the efficiency of light harvesting of these devices is less than unity. Having the narrowest spectral response to solar radiation among all PV devices, dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) suffer severely from this loss. Luminescent spectral conversion provides a mechanism to manipulate and to adapt the incident solar spectrum by converting, through photoluminescence, the energies of solar photons into those that are more effectively captured by a PV device. This mechanism is particularly helpful for DSSCs because there is much flexibility in both the choice of the light‐harvesting materials and the architecture of the DSSC. Here we review and discuss recent advances in the field of luminescent spectral conversion for DSSCs. The focus is on the architectural design of DSSCs, and the complications, advantages and new functionalities offered by each of their configurations are discussed. The loss mechanisms are examined and important parameters governing the spectral conversion mechanism of a DSSC are introduced.
Solution and Solid‐State Study of the Spin‐Crossover [FeII(R‐bik)3](BF4)2 Complexes (R = Me, Et, Vinyl)
Authors: De Siddhartha , Tewary Subrata , Garnier Delphine , Li Yanling , Gontard Geoffrey , Lisnard Laurent , Flambard Alexandrine , Breher Frank , Boillot Marie‐Laure , Rajaraman Gopalan , Lescouëzec Rodrigue
Published: October 2017

The magnetic properties of three spin‐crossover complexes, [FeII(R‐bik)3](BF4)2·nH2O (1–3), based on bis(imidazolyl)ketone ligands, were investigated in solution and the solid state. Their properties were compared with those of the ketone‐free analogue, [FeII(bim)3](OTf)2 (4). The alkyl and vinyl R groups have weak influence on the transition temperature, T1/2, in solution, while stronger differences are observed in the solid state, because different intermolecular interactions occur in 1–3. The spin‐state equilibria in solution were followed by SQUID magnetometry and the Evans NMR spectroscopy method. Interestingly, the equilibria can also be simply and efficiently probed by following the temperature dependence of an adequately chosen 1H chemical shift. Overall, these experiments give coherent results, with T1/2 located between 320 and 335 K, a narrow range, in comparison with the solid state. DFT calculations have allowed the rationalization of the magnetic differences. The molecular‐orbital and spin‐density calculations reveal that the presence of the C=O group between the imidazolyl units in the ligands of 1–3 leads to an extended aromatic system, an effective π‐acceptor effect, stabilizing the LS state and reducing the LS–HS gap, in comparison with 4.
An ESIPT Fluorophore Based on Zinc‐Induced Intramolecular Proton Transfer between Ligands in the Complex
Authors: Zhang Bin , Gu Mengsi , Liu Chunmei , Liu Xu , Gao Na , Gao Qin , Zhu Yanyan , Tang Mingsheng , Du Chenxia , Song Maoping
Published: October 2017

The zinc complex ZnE containing two 2‐(2′‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1‐ethyl‐4‐hydroxybenzimidazole (EtL) ligands has been designed and synthesized. The zinc ion acts as a spacer linking the two coordinated EtL, between which intramolecular hydrogen bonds form. Upon excitation, in addition to a weak emission at 399 nm, ZnE exhibits strong excited‐state intramolecular proton‐transfer (ESIPT) emission with a maximum at 479 nm with a large Stokes shift (8449 cm–1) in tetrahydrofuran solution. Importantly, the ESIPT in ZnE also takes place in the powder form, resulting in dual emission (407 and 490 nm) with total photoluminescence quantum yields (Φ) of 0.16. The results of quantum calculations suggest that the ESIPT fluorescence is based on a zwitterionic excited‐state species resulting from a single proton transfer between the ligands.
Ten‐year prevalence of mental disorders in patients presenting with chronic pain in secondary care: A register linkage cohort study
Authors: Søndergård S. , Vaegter H.B. , Erlangsen A. , Stenager E.
Published: October 2017

Background

Prevalence rates of mental disorders in patients with chronic pain vary and may be overestimated when assessed by screening instruments only. Objectives were to estimate the 10‐year prevalence of different mental disorders diagnosed by psychiatrists in patients with chronic pain compared with the Danish general population.

Methods

Patients (n = 7197) consulted in the interdisciplinary Pain Clinic South at Odense University Hospital, Denmark, from 2005 to 2015 were included. Data from the Pain Clinic were linked to the Danish National Patient Register‐Psychiatry and the Danish Civil Registration System. Age and gender standardized prevalence ratios (SPR) were calculated.

Results

In all, 17.8% of patients with chronic pain had been diagnosed with a mental disorder. The most frequent diagnoses were adjustment disorders (subcategory of anxiety disorders) (8.9%), depression (6.1%), personality disorders (3.8%), and substance abuse disorders (3.5%). Women and men with chronic pain had higher rates of anxiety disorders (SPR 3.1; 95% CI 2.9–3.4) and depression (SPR 2.5; 95% CI 2.3–2.8), whereas men had higher rates of substance abuse disorders (SPR 1.6; 95% CI 1.3–1.9) than found for the general population.

Conclusions

Although depression and anxiety were noted more frequently among patients with chronic pain than the general population, prevalence rates were lower than previously reported. The most frequent diagnoses were adjustment disorders.

Significance

Prevalence rates of anxiety and depression diagnosed by psychiatrists in patients with chronic pain were found to be lower than previous findings using screening instruments. Adjustment disorders were the most frequent disorders diagnosed, as this study is the first to investigate.
In‐line monitoring of amino acids in mammalian cell cultures using raman spectroscopy and multivariate chemometrics models
Authors: Bhatia Hemlata , Mehdizadeh Hamidreza , Drapeau Denis , Yoon Seongkyu
Published: October 2017

The application of PAT for in‐line monitoring of biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations has a central role in developing more robust and consistent processes. Various spectroscopic techniques have been applied for collecting real‐time data from cell culture processes. Among these, Raman spectroscopy has been shown to have advantages over other spectroscopic techniques, especially in aqueous culture solutions. Measurements of several process parameters such as glucose, lactate, glutamine, glutamate, ammonium, osmolality and VCD using Raman‐based chemometrics models have been reported in literature. The application of Raman spectroscopy, coupled with calibration models for amino acid measurement in cell cultures, has been assessed. The developed models cover four amino acids important for cell growth and production: tyrosine, tryptophan, phenylalanine and methionine. The chemometrics models based on Raman spectroscopy data demonstrate the significant potential for the quantification of tyrosine, tryptophan and phenylalanine. The model for methionine would have to be further refined to improve quantification.
Optimized preparation of PPFAS and removal of heavy metals
Authors: Tang Wenwei , Zhang Mengtian , Wu Wei , Zhang Yazhou , Zeng Xinping
Published: October 2017

The basification method was used for the optimized preparation of a new flocculant, poly‐ferric aluminum phosphate sulfate (PPFAS). The Ferron method was used to analyze the distributions of the Fe and Al forms in PPFAS. The conditions of the optimized preparation of PPFAS were as follows: the n(OH)/n(Fe) ratio of 0.6, the n(P)/n(Fe) ratio of 1/5, and the reaction temperature of 60°C. After each addition of NaOH and Na3PO4, the reaction was allowed to proceed for 10 min, and then, the reaction continued on the shaking table for 1 h; the aging process continued for 60 h at 25°C. Under these conditions, the content of the effective component, [Fe + Al]b, could reach up to 60%. The order of the removal rates of the mixed heavy metals by PPFAS is Cu(II)> Cr(III)> Pb(II)> Zn(II)> Cd(II). The order of the removal rates of the mixed complex heavy metals is EDTA‐Cd(II)> EDTA‐Zn(II)> EDTA‐Pb(II)> EDTA‐Cu(II)> EDTA‐Cr(III). © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 240–248, 2018
Deletion of TLX and social isolation impairs exercise‐induced neurogenesis in the adolescent hippocampus
Authors: Kozareva Danka A. , O'Leary Olivia F. , Cryan John F. , Nolan Yvonne M.
Published: October 2017

Adolescence is a sensitive period of neurodevelopment during which life experiences can have profound effects on the brain. Hippocampal neurogenesis, the neurodevelopmental process of generating functional new neurons from neural stem cells, occurs throughout the lifespan and has been shown to play a role in learning, memory and in mood regulation. In adulthood it is influenced by extrinsic environmental factors such as exercise and stress. Intrinsic factors that regulate hippocampal neurogenesis include the orphan nuclear receptor TLX (Nr2e1) which is primarily expressed in the neurogenic niches of the brain. While mechanisms regulating adult hippocampal neurogenesis have been widely studied, less is known on how hippocampal neurogenesis is affected during adolescence. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of both TLX and isolation stress on exercise‐induced increases in neurogenesis in running and sedentary conditions during adolescence. Single‐ (isolation stress) wild type and Nr2e1‐/‐ mice or pair‐housed wild type mice were housed in sedentary conditions or allowed free access to running wheels for 3 weeks during adolescence. A reduction of neuronal survival was evident in mice lacking TLX, and exercise did not increase hippocampal neurogenesis in these Nr2e1‐/‐ mice. This suggests that TLX is necessary for the pro‐neurogenic effects of exercise during adolescence. Interestingly, although social isolation during adolescence did not affect hippocampal neurogenesis, it prevented an exercise‐induced increase in neurogenesis in the ventral hippocampus. Together these data demonstrate the importance of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in promoting an exercise‐induced increase in neurogenesis at this key point in life.
Cancer survival in people with AIDS: A population‐based study from São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Tanaka Luana F. , Latorre Maria do Rosário D. O. , Gutierrez Eliana B. , Curado Maria P. , Dal Maso Luigino , Herbinger Karl‐Heinz , Froeschl Guenter , Heumann Christian
Published: October 2017

Cancer survival among people with AIDS (PWA) has been described in developed countries, but there is lack of data from developing countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate survival after cancer diagnosis in PWA and compare it with people without AIDS (non‐PWA) in São Paulo, Brazil. A probabilistic record linkage was carried out between the databases of the Population‐based Cancer Registry of São Paulo (PBCR‐SP) and the AIDS registry of SP (SINAN) to identify PWA who developed cancer. For comparison, non‐PWA were frequency matched from the PBCR‐SP by cancer site/type, sex, age, and period. Hazard ratio (HR) stratified by matching variables was estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model. A total of 1,294 PWA (20 patients with two primary site tumors) were included in the site/type‐specific analyses. AIDS‐defining cancers (ADC) comprised 51.9% of cases assessed. The all‐cancer 5‐year overall survival in PWA was 49.4% versus 72.7% in non‐PWA (HR = 2.64; 95%CI = 2.39–2.91). Survival was impaired in PWA for both ADC (HR = 2.93; 95%CI = 2.49–3.45) and non‐ADC (HR = 2.51; 95%CI = 2.21–2.84), including bladder (HR = 8.11; 95% CI = 2.09–31.52), lung (HR = 2.93; 95%CI = 1.97–4.36) and anal cancer (HR = 2.53; 95%CI = 1.63–3.94). These disparities were seen mainly in the first year after cancer diagnosis. The overall survival was significantly lower in PWA in comparison with non‐PWA in São Paulo, as seen in high‐income countries. Efforts to enhance early diagnosis and ensure proper cancer treatment in PWA should be emphasized.
Correcting the limited view in optical‐resolution photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhou Yuan , Wang Mengran , Li Lei , Vienneau Emelina , Chen Ruimin , Luo Jianwen , Xu Chris , Zhou Qifa , Wang Lihong V. , Yao Junjie
Published: October 2017

Optical‐resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR‐PAM) has proven useful for anatomical and functional imaging with high spatial resolutions. However, the coherent signal generation and the desired reflection‐mode detection in OR‐PAM can result in a limited detectability of features aligned with the acoustic axis (ie, vertical structures). Here, we investigated the limited‐view phenomenon in OR‐PAM by simulating the generation and propagation of the acoustic pressure waves and determined the key optical parameters affecting the visibility of vertical structures. Proof‐of‐concept numerical experiments were performed with different illumination angles, optical foci and numerical apertures (NA) of the objective lens. The results collectively show that an NA of 0.3 can readily improve the visibility of vertical structures in a typical reflection‐mode OR‐PAM system. This conclusion was confirmed by numerical simulations on the cortical blood vessels in a mouse brain and by experiments in a suture‐cross phantom and in a mouse brain in vivo.
Synthesis, structure, and biological active evaluation of a new cyclic tetranuclear copper(II) complex bridged both by oxamido and carboxylate groups
Authors: Zhang Mei‐Jiao , Liu Fang , Li Yan‐Tuan , Yan Cui‐Wei , Wu Zhi‐Yong
Published: October 2017

A new tetracopper(II) complex bridged both by oxamido and carboxylato groups, namely [Cu4(dmaepox)2(bpy)2](NO3)2·2H2O, where H3dmaepox and bpy represent N‐benzoato‐N′‐ (3‐methylaminopropyl)oxamide and 2,2′‐bipyridine, was synthesized, and its structure reveals the presence of a centrosymmetric cyclic tetracopper(II) cation assembled by a pair of cis‐dmaepox3–‐ bridged dicopper(II) units through the carboxylato groups, in which the endo‐ and exo‐copper(II) ions bridged by the oxamido group have a square‐planar and a square‐pyramidal coordination geometries, respectively. The aromatic packing interactions assemble the complex molecules to a two‐dimensional supramolecular structure. The reactivity toward DNA and protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) indicates that the complex can interact with herring sperm DNA through the intercalation mode and the binding affinity is dominated by the hydrophobicity and chelate ring arrangement around copper(II) ions and quenches the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA via a static process. The cytotoxicity of the complex shows selective cancer cell antiproliferative activity.
Enhancement of biomass retention in an EGSB reactor used to treat 1‐methoxy‐2‐propanol
Authors: Lafita Carlos , San‐Valero Pau , Marzal Paula , Penya‐roja Josep M , Gabaldón Carmen
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

An expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor is commonly used in anaerobic treatment of industrial wastewater. To develop applications to remove solvents, the granular sludge retention within the reactor must be improved.

RESULTS

This work evaluated the addition of chitosan as a strategy to enhance granulation in an EGSB reactor used to treat a wastewater containing 1‐methoxy‐2‐propanol and ethanol. Two reactors, one with chitosan supplementation and the other without chitosan (control), were operated in parallel. Greater particle size was obtained in the reactor with chitosan. The retention of solids within the reactor was clearly improved. Moreover, the settling properties were clearly enhanced in the first stages (days 0–44) in terms of settling velocity and sludge volume index. The time required to obtain 80% removal of 1‐methoxy‐2‐propanol was shortened from 38 days to 22 days when chitosan was supplemented.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of chitosan is a promising alternative to enhance granulation in EGSB reactors that are used to treat glycol ethers. A single addition rapidly improves the settling properties of the granular sludge; this method could be used as an operational strategy when partial degranulation occurs. This work provides useful guidelines on the enhancement of biomass retention while operating an EGSB. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Recent changes in heat waves and cold waves detected based on excess heat factor and excess cold factor in Romania
Authors: Piticar Adrian , Croitoru Adina‐Eliza , Ciupertea Flavius‐Antoniu , Harpa Gabriela‐Victoria
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we investigated changes in heat and cold waves in Romania over the period 1961–2015 by employing a new and superior approach. It consists in using excess heat factor to identify heat waves and excess cold factor to identify cold waves. Five indices were calculated and then analysed for both heat waves and cold waves resulting in a set of ten indices. Indices for heat waves were analysed for the extended summer season (May–September), whereas those for cold waves were assessed for the extended winter (November–March). The intensity threshold was set to be equal or above the 90th percentile for heat waves, and equal or below the 10th percentile for cold waves, while the duration threshold for both heat and cold waves was of at least three consecutive days. For a better comparison with other studies conducted worldwide, and to get more information from the data sets, the percentile thresholds for heat and cold waves identification were calculated based on three reference periods: 1961–1990, 1971–2000, and 1981–2010. Trends were calculated using ordinary least square method, whereas statistical significance was assessed by the t‐test. The main results indicated that changes are more substantial in the case of indices calculated based on excess heat factor compared to those based on excess cold factor, suggesting that the warming process is more reflected in heat waves rather than in cold waves. Thus, heat waves became more frequent, longer, and more intense, while cold waves became less frequent, but more intense. When the reference period for percentile threshold calculation was changed from the earliest to the most recent ones, the frequency of increasing and significant increasing trends decreased for some of the heat wave indices, while for the cold wave indices the significant downward trends increased.
Contributions of terrestrial organic carbon to northern lake sediments
Authors: Gudasz Cristian , Ruppenthal Marc , Kalbitz Karsten , Cerli Chiara , Fiedler Sabine , Oelmann Yvonne , Andersson August , Karlsson Jan
Published: October 2017

Sediments of northern lakes sequester large amounts of organic carbon (OC), but direct evidence of the relative importance of their sources is lacking. We used stable isotope ratios of nonexchangeable hydrogen (δ2Hn) in topsoil, algae, and surface sediments in order to measure the relative contribution of terrestrial OC in surface sediments of 14 mountainous arctic and lowland boreal lakes in Sweden. The terrestrial contribution to the sediment OC pool was on average 66% (range 46–80) and similar between arctic and boreal lakes. Proxies for the supply of terrestrial and algal OC explained trends in the relative contribution of terrestrial OC across lakes. However, the data suggest divergent predominant sources for terrestrial OC of sediments in Swedish lakes, with dissolved matter dominating in lowland boreal lakes and particulate OC in mountainous arctic lakes.
A note on the justification of the eddy current model in electrodynamics
Authors: Pauly Dirk , Picard Rainer
Published: October 2017

The issue of justifying the eddy current approximation of Maxwell's equations is reconsidered in the time‐dependent setting. Convergence of the solution operators is shown in the sense of strong operator limits.
Apigenin Ameliorates the Obesity‐Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy by Attenuating Mitochondrial Dysfunction in the Muscle of Obese Mice
Authors: Choi Won Hee , Son Hyo Jeong , Jang Young Jin , Ahn Jiyun , Jung Chang Hwa , Ha Tae Youl
Published: October 2017

Scope

It was investigated whether apigenin (AP) protected against skeletal muscle atrophy induced by obesity.

Methods and results

Mice were fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 9 weeks to induce obesity, and then were assigned to two groups; the HFD group received a high‐fat diet, and the HFD+AP group received a 0.1% AP‐containing HFD. After additional feeding of the experimental diet for 8 weeks, mice in the HFD group were highly obese compared with the mice in the standard diet fed mice group. The mice in the AP‐treated group showed less fat pad accumulation and less inflammatory cytokines without body weight reduction. The weight of skeletal muscle in the AP group tended to increase as compared with that of the HFD group. Furthermore, AP reduced the expression of atrophic genes, including MuRF1 and Atrogin‐1, but increased the exercise capacity. The mitochondrial function and mitochondrial biogenesis were enhanced by AP. In cultured C2C12 cells, AP also suppressed palmitic acid‐induced muscle atrophy and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, AP activated AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the C2C12 and the muscle of HFD‐induced obese mice.

Conclusion

The results suggested that AP ameliorated the obesity‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy by attenuating mitochondrial dysfunction.
Isotropic 3D cardiac cine MRI allows efficient sparse segmentation strategies based on 3D surface reconstruction
Authors: Odille Freddy , Bustin Aurélien , Liu Shufang , Chen Bailiang , Vuissoz Pierre‐André , Felblinger Jacques , Bonnemains Laurent
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Segmentation of cardiac cine MRI data is routinely used for the volumetric analysis of cardiac function. Conventionally, 2D contours are drawn on short‐axis (SAX) image stacks with relatively thick slices (typically 8 mm). Here, an acquisition/reconstruction strategy is used for obtaining isotropic 3D cine datasets; reformatted slices are then used to optimize the manual segmentation workflow.

Methods

Isotropic 3D cine datasets were obtained from multiple 2D cine stacks (acquired during free‐breathing in SAX and long‐axis (LAX) orientations) using nonrigid motion correction (cine‐GRICS method) and super‐resolution. Several manual segmentation strategies were then compared, including conventional SAX segmentation, LAX segmentation in three views only, and combinations of SAX and LAX slices. An implicit B‐spline surface reconstruction algorithm is proposed to reconstruct the left ventricular cavity surface from the sparse set of 2D contours.

Results

All tested sparse segmentation strategies were in good agreement, with Dice scores above 0.9 despite using fewer slices (3–6 sparse slices instead of 8–10 contiguous SAX slices). When compared to independent phase‐contrast flow measurements, stroke volumes computed from four or six sparse slices had slightly higher precision than conventional SAX segmentation (error standard deviation of 5.4 mL against 6.1 mL) at the cost of slightly lower accuracy (bias of −1.2 mL against 0.2 mL). Functional parameters also showed a trend to improved precision, including end‐diastolic volumes, end‐systolic volumes, and ejection fractions).

Conclusion

The postprocessing workflow of 3D isotropic cardiac imaging strategies can be optimized using sparse segmentation and 3D surface reconstruction. Magn Reson Med 79:2665–2675, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Optimal codesign of controller and linear plants with input saturation: The sensitivity Lyapunov approach
Authors: Moradi M. , Naraghi M. , Kamali Eigoli A.
Published: October 2017

Integrating the plant and controller designs reduces the unnecessary interactions, which increases the overall control cost. This is the main concern of the plant‐controller codesign (PCCD) theory that is extensively covered in the literature for linear plants. However, in the presence of input saturation, linear methods are not valid anymore. Indeed, for attaining the optimal controller with input saturation, the Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equation should be satisfied. In this paper, an iterative technique is proposed for solving the linear PCCD problem with input saturation. In order to achieve the optimal design, the plant is updated using the necessary condition for optimality expressed by sensitivity equations appended to the Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equation. Results indicate that the PCCD improves the control effort and reduces the overall performance index significantly.
Potential of magnetite reduced graphene oxide/chitosan nanocomposite as biosorbent for the removal of dyes from aqueous solutions
Authors: Sheshmani Shabnam , Mashhadi Samineh
Published: October 2017

In this study, the fast and considerable adsorption of Remazol Black B (RBB) and Acid Red 22 (AR22) from an aqueous solution by magnetite reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/chitosan nanocomposite was studied. Several important parameters influencing the adsorption of dye pollutants such as pH (1–8), sorbent mass (5–25 mg), contact time (30–180 min), and dye concentration (10–50 ppm) were considered. The results showed that, the surface property of rGO, the amino, and hydroxyl functional groups of chitosan, and the magnetic property of Fe3O4, the adsorbent possesses quite good adsorption capacity to the dye under investigation. Both dye solutions sorption on nanocomposite was strongly dependent on pH. An adsorption efficiency of 95.32 and 99.46% could be achieved at initial RBB and AR22 concentrations of 20 mg/mL, respectively. In the aqueous solution of RBB and AR22, the adsorption data could be fitted by the Langmuir and Freundlich equations, respectively. In addition, the adsorption kinetics of RBB and AR22 were investigated to show that it was well‐described by Elovich and Blanchard models, respectively. These results indicate that magnetite reduced GO/chitosan nanocomposite could be regarded as a potential biosorbent for RBB and AR22 dye removal in wastewater treatment process. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E457–E462, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers