bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expansion of Foxp3+ T‐cell populations by Candida albicans enhances both Th17‐cell responses and fungal dissemination after intravenous challenge
Authors: Whibley Natasha , MacCallum Donna M. , Vickers Mark A. , Zafreen Sadia , Waldmann Herman , Hori Shohei , Gaffen Sarah L. , Gow Neil A. R. , Barker Robert N. , Hall Andrew M.
Published: January 2014

Candida albicans remains the fungus most frequently associated with nosocomial bloodstream infection. In disseminated candidiasis, the role of Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells remains largely unexplored. Our aims were to characterize Foxp3+ Treg‐cell activation in a murine intravenous challenge model of disseminated C. albicans infection, and determine the contribution to disease. Flow cytometric analyses demonstrated that C. albicans infection drove in vivo expansion of a splenic CD4+Foxp3+ population that correlated positively with fungal burden. Depletion from Foxp3hCD2 reporter mice in vivo confirmed that Foxp3+ cells exacerbated fungal burden and inflammatory renal disease. The CD4+Foxp3+ population expanded further after in vitro stimulation with C. albicans antigens (Ags), and included at least three cell types. These arose from proliferation of the natural Treg‐cell subset, together with conversion of Foxp3− cells to the induced Treg‐cell form, and to a cell type sharing effector Th17‐cell characteristics, expressing ROR‐γt, and secreting IL‐17A. The expanded Foxp3+ T cells inhibited Th1 and Th2 responses, but enhanced Th17‐cell responses to C. albicans Ags in vitro, and in vivo depletion confirmed their ability to enhance the Th17‐cell response. These data lead to a model for disseminated candidiasis whereby expansion of Foxp3+ T cells promotes Th17‐cell responses that drive pathology.
BAFF regulates activation of self‐reactive T cells through B‐cell dependent mechanisms and mediates protection in NOD mice
Authors: Mariño Eliana , Walters Stacey N. , Villanueva Jeanette E. , Richards James L. , Mackay Charles R. , Grey Shane T.
Published: January 2014

Targeting the BAFF/APRIL system has shown to be effective in preventing T‐cell dependent autoimmune disease in the NOD mouse, a spontaneous model of type 1 diabetes. In this study we generated BAFF‐deficient NOD mice to examine how BAFF availability would influence T‐cell responses in vivo and the development of spontaneous diabetes. BAFF‐deficient NOD mice which lack mature B cells, were protected from diabetes and showed delayed rejection of an allogeneic islet graft. Diabetes protection correlated with a failure to expand pathogenic IGRP‐reactive CD8+ T cells, which were maintained in the periphery at correspondingly low levels. Adoptive transfer of IGRP‐reactive CD8+ T cells with B cells into BAFF‐deficient NOD mice enhanced IGRP‐reactive CD8+ T‐cell expansion. Furthermore, when provoked with cyclophosphamide, or transferred to a secondary lymphopenic host, the latent pool of self‐reactive T cells resident in BAFF‐deficient NOD mice could elicit beta cell destruction. We conclude that lack of BAFF prevents the procurement of B‐cell‐dependent help necessary for the emergence of destructive diabetes. Indeed, treatment of NOD mice with the BAFF‐blocking compound, BR3‐Fc, resulted in a delayed onset and reduced incidence of diabetes.
Phosphorylation of Diaminopyridines: Synthesis of a Compound Containing Both a Diphosphinoamine (P–N–P) and an Iminobiphosphine (N=P–P) Fragment
Authors: Fei Zhaofu , Păunescu Emilia , Ang Wee Han , Scopelliti Rosario , Dyson Paul J.
Published: January 2014

The phosphorylation of a series of diaminopyridines (2,3‐, 3,4‐, 2,5‐ and 2,6‐diaminopyridine), with various molecular equivalents of chlorodiphenylphosphine in the presence of TEA has been studied. Notably, phosphorylation of 2,3‐ and 3,4‐diaminopyridine affords compounds with diphosphinoamine (P–N–P) and iminobiphosphine (N=P–P) entities co‐existing in the same molecule. Phosphorylations of 2,5‐ and 2,6‐diaminopyridine afford compounds containing only diphosphinoamine units. The solid‐state structure of three compounds has been determined including the first example of a crystallographically characterized compound containing both a diphosphinoamine group and an iminobiphosphine group in the same structure.
Superhydrophobic Polyoxometalate/Calixarene Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Materials with Highly Efficient Desulfurization Ability
Authors: Zhou Xu‐Miao , Chen Wei , Song Yu‐Fei
Published: January 2014

In this paper, imidazole‐based ionic liquids with different alkyl chains were covalently grafted onto calix[4]arene, which resulted in the formation of 4–6 with the molecular formula [C44H56O4·2C4H6N2(CH2)n]·2Br [n = 5 (4), n = 8 (5), n = 12 (6)]. Ion exchange of 4–6 with Na9EuW10O36·32H2O (denoted EuW10) led to the formation of new inorganic–organic hybrid materials 7–9 with a molecular composition of [C44H56O4·2C4H6N2(CH2)n]4.5·EuW10O36·xH2O [n = 5, x = 10 (7); n = 8, x = 7 (8); n = 12, x = 20 (9)]. Contact angles above 139° suggested superhydrophobicity of the resulting hybrid materials 7–9. Sulfur removal of dibenzothiophene by applying hybrid materials 7–9 as heterogeneous catalytic systems indicated that deep desulfurization could be achieved at 70 °C in 7, 5.5, and 5 min, respectively. Hybrid materials 7–9 were demonstrated to be highly efficient and selective desulfurization systems that could be reused more than 10 times without a clear decrease in reactivity.
Metathesis‐Based De Novo Synthesis of Noviose
Authors: Schmidt Bernd , Hauke Sylvia
Published: January 2014

The rare carbohydrate L‐(+)‐noviose was synthesized from enantiomerically pure L‐lactate. The configuration at C‐4 was established by diastereoselective nucleophilic addition to an in‐situ‐generated lactaldehyde. The resulting homoallylic alcohol was further transformed into a set of ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) precursors. These compounds were converted into noviose in few steps using RCM and RCM–allylic‐oxidation sequences.
Precise, fast, and flexible determination of protein interactions by affinity capillary electrophoresis: Part 3: Anions
Authors: Xu Yuanhong , Redweik Sabine , El‐Hady Deia Abd , Albishri Hassan M. , Preu Lutz , Wätzig Hermann
Published: January 2014

The binding of physiologically anionic species or negatively charged drug molecules to proteins is of great importance in biochemistry and medicine. Since affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE) has already proven to be a suitable analytical tool to study the influence of ions on proteins, this technique was applied here for comprehensively studying the influence of various anions on proteins of BSA, β‐lactoglobulin, ovalbumin, myoglobin, and lysozyme. The analysis was performed using different selected anions of succinate, glutamate, phosphate, acetate, nitrate, iodide, thiocyanate, and pharmaceuticals (salicylic acid, aspirin, and ibuprofen) that exist in the anionic form at physiological pH 7.4. Due to the excellent repeatability and precision of the ACE measurements, not necessarily strong but significant influences of the anions on the proteins were found in many cases. Different influences in the observed bindings indicated change of charge, mass, or conformational changes of the proteins due to the binding with the studied anions. Combining the mobility‐shift and pre‐equilibrium ACE modes, rapidity and reversibility of the protein–anion bindings were discussed. Further, circular dichroism has been used as an orthogonal approach to characterize the interactions between the studied proteins and anions to confirm the ACE results. Since phosphate and various anions from amino acids and small organic acids such as succinate or acetate are present in very high concentrations in the cellular environment, even weak influences are certainly relevant as well.
The foodomics approach for the evaluation of protein bioaccessibility in processed meat upon in vitro digestion
Authors: Bordoni Alessandra , Laghi Luca , Babini Elena , Di Nunzio Mattia , Picone Gianfranco , Ciampa Alessandra , Valli Veronica , Danesi Francesca , Capozzi Francesco
Published: January 2014

The present work describes a foodomics protocol coupling an in vitro static simulation of digestion to a combination of omics techniques, to grant an overview of the protein digestibility of a meat‐based food, namely Bresaola. The proteolytic activity mediated by the digestive enzymes is evaluated through Bradford and SDS‐PAGE assays, combined to NMR relaxometry and spectroscopy, to obtain information ranging from the microscopic to the molecular level, respectively. The simple proteomics tool adopted here points out that a clear increase of bioaccessible proteins occurs in the gastric phase, rapidly disappearing during the following duodenal digestion. However, SDS‐PAGE and the Bradford assay cannot follow the fate of the digested proteins when the products are sized <5 kDa. Conversely, NMR spectroscopy is able to capture the overall molecular profile of small fragments and peptides, which are mainly formed during the duodenal phase, thus giving the kinetics of the whole digestion process. Time domain NMR relaxometry, finally, detects the swelling phenomenon occurring during the gastric phase, when the digestion fluid enters the meat matrix.
Optimal spatial design for air quality measurement surveys
Authors: Romary Thomas , Malherbe Laure , de Fouquet Chantal
Published: January 2014

Measurement surveys using passive diffusion tubes are regularly carried out to elaborate atmospheric concentration maps over various areas. Sampling schemes must be designed to characterize both contaminant concentrations (of benzene or nitrogen dioxide for example) and their relations to environmental variables so as to obtain pollution maps as precise as possible. Here, a spatial statistical methodology to design benzene air concentration measurement surveys on the urban scale is exposed. In a first step, ana priorimodeling is conducted that is based on the analysis of data coming from previous campaigns on two different agglomerations. More precisely, we retain a modeling with an external drift which consists of a drift plus a spatially correlated residual. The statistical analysis performed on available data leads to choose the most relevant auxiliary variables and to determine ana priorivariogram model for the residual. Ana prioridistribution is also defined for the variogram parameters, whose values appear to vary from a campaign to another. In a second step, we optimize the positioning of the measuring devices on a third agglomeration according to a Bayesian criterion. Practically, we aim at finding the design that minimizes the mean over the urban domain of the universal kriging variance, whose parameters are based on thea priorimodeling while accounting for the prior distribution over the variogram parameters. Two global optimization algorithms are compared: simulated annealing and a particle filter‐based algorithm. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of highly ordered nanorod arrays 9Mn1CeMOs and character of high sulfur capacity for hot coal gas desulfurization
Authors: Liu B.S. , Guo Y.H. , Zhang Q.L. , Zhang F.M. , Zhao X.H.
Published: January 2014

Highly ordered nanorod arrays 9Mn1Ce metal oxides (MOs) were prepared by negative replication of SBA‐15 hard template and were used directly for hot coal gas desulfurization at 600°C. The results indicated that 9Mn1CeMOs sorbent presented a superior desulfurization activity and small resistance of H2S diffusion compared with 9Mn1Ce mixed oxides. The breakthrough sulfur capacity (19.03 g‐S/100 sorbent) was significantly higher than that (7.94 g‐S/100 sorbent) over LaxFeyOz/MCM‐41 due to highly ordered nano‐rod array structure. The five successive sulfidation/regeneration cycles verified that 9Mn1CeMOs exhibited highly durable regeneration ability. The morphology and structure of the 9Mn1CeMOs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, and N2 adsorption, it revealed that parallel nanorod arrays formed with a diameter of 6–7 nm and the nanobridges between the nanorods played a crucial role for the stability of 9Mn1CeMOs. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 1266–1273, 2014
Interpolation techniques for modeling and estimating indoor radon concentrations in Ohio: Comparative study
Authors: Gummadi Jayaram , Bhatt Deepak , Adusumilli Srujana , Devabhaktuni Vijay , Acosta William , Kumar Ashok
Published: January 2014

Radon‐222 and its parent, radium‐226, is a naturally occurring radioactive decay product of uranium‐238. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) states that 10% of total lung cancer cases in the United States are directly attributable to indoor radon. The USEPA has categorized Ohio as a Zone 1 state (i.e., the average indoor radon screening level is greater than 4 pCi/L). To implement preventive measures, it is necessary to know radon concentration levels in all the zip codes of a geographic area. However, it is not possible to survey all the zip codes, owing to reasons such as inapproachability. In such places where radon data are unavailable, several interpolation techniques are used to estimate the radon concentrations. This article presents a comparison between recently developed interpolation techniques such as neural network techniques, support vector regression (SVR), random forest regression (RFR), and the conventional interpolation techniques. The performance of all the techniques has been assessed using 10‐fold cross‐validation data. This study confirmed that the correction‐based artificial neural networks have performed better over SVR and RFR with least validation error of 3.63. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 169–177, 2015
Finlaysonia obovata—A renewable resource of plant hydrocarbons
Authors: Manjari Mishra Pravat , Sree A.
Published: January 2014

Because of the increased demand and depletion of fossil hydrocarbons, the researchers have now started to pay attention toward exploitation of new energy plants and biomass of plants as alternate source of fuels and petrochemicals. Mangroves which possess enormous economic potential and utilitarian value in the ecosystem are very promising as energy plants, because they are fast growing and most of them contain abundant fatty acids, hydrocarbons, and so forth. In this article, the isolation of a white waxy amorphous solid from the hexane extract of leaves of Finlaysonia obovata is described, a mangrove plant which was found to be a mixture of saturated straight‐chain, branched‐chain, and long‐chain linear aliphatic hydrocarbons by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The waxy solid showed the existence of hydrocarbons ranging from 8 to 30 carbon atoms. The waxy solid contains more than 70% of linear saturated long‐chain hydrocarbons. Among the saturated hydrocarbons, the content of docosane and pentacosane were found to be the major ones. The other major saturated hydrocarbons are tetradecane, hexadecane, and triacontane. Its high carbon content (85–90%) and absence of nitrogen and oxygen indicates its good fuel quality. The similarity of physical/ spectral characteristics of the waxy component with other renewable sources of hydrocarbons from the literature is discussed, and the results obtained are very promising. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 265–268, 2015
Testing techniques to quantify drumlin height and volume: synthetic DEMs as a diagnostic tool
Authors: Hillier John K. , Smith Michael J.
Published: January 2014

Glacial bedform height (H) and volume (V) likely preserve important information about the behaviour of former ice sheets. However, large systematic errors exist in the measurement of H and V. Three semi‐automated methods to isolate drumlins from other components of the landscape (e.g. trees, hills) as portrayed by NEXTMap have recently been devised; however, it is unclear which is most accurate. This paper undertakes the first quantitative comparison of such readily implementable methods, illustrating the use of statistically representative ‘synthetic landscapes’ as a diagnostic tool. From this analysis, guidelines for quantifying the 3D attributes of drumlins are proposed. Specifically, to avoid obtaining incorrect estimates caused by substantial systematic biases, interpreters should currently take three steps: declutter the digital elevation model for estimating H but not V; remove height data within the drumlin; then interpolate across the resultant hole to estimate a basal surface using Delaunay triangulation. Results are demonstrated through analysis of drumlins in an area in western central Scotland. The guidance arguably represents the best current advice for subglacial bedforms in general, highlighting the need for more studies into the quality of mapped data using synthetic landscapes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Episodic post‐rift deformation in the south‐eastern Australian passive margin: evidence from the Lapstone Structural Complex
Authors: McPherson Andrew , Clark Dan , Macphail Mike , Cupper Matthew
Published: January 2014

Identifying the influence of neotectonics on the morphology of elevated passive margins is complicated in that major morpho‐structural patterns might plausibly be explained by processes related to late Mesozoic to early Cenozoic rifting and/or differential erosion induced by Cenozoic epeirogenic uplift. The proportional contribution of each process can vary from continent to continent, and potentially even within the same passive margin.

In the passive margin setting of the southeast Australian highlands the documented occurrence of neotectonic deformation is rare, and accordingly its role in landscape evolution is difficult to establish. The results of investigations within the Lapstone Structural Complex, which forms the eastern range front of the Blue Mountains Plateau, provide evidence for two periods of Cenozoic neotectonic uplift in this part of the highlands. The first, demonstrated by seismic and structural evidence, is suggested to have occurred in the Paleogene, and is thus unrelated to Cretaceous rifting. The second period, demonstrated by evidence from the Kurrajong Fault (presented herein) suggests that uplift occurred in both the Mio‐Pliocene and the Middle Pleistocene. The cumulative Neogene and younger uplift of ~15 m determined for the Kurrajong Fault is less than 10% of the 130 m of total measured throw across the fault. The apparently minor contribution of neotectonism to the current elevation of the Blue Mountains Plateau supports a predominantly erosional exhumation origin for the topographic relief at the plateau's eastern edge. This finding contrasts with evidence from fault complexes associated with similar topographic relief elsewhere in the south‐eastern highlands, indicating that present‐day topography cannot be directly related to relief generated by Neogene and younger uplift, even from relatively closely‐spaced (< 150 km) structures within the same passive margin. These findings have implications for understanding the spatio‐temporal variability of post‐rift faulting in continental passive margin settings and the evolution of landscapes therein. © Commonwealth of Australia. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lagrangian formulation for finite element analysis of quasi‐incompressible fluids with reduced mass losses
Authors: Oñate Eugenio , Franci Alessandro , Carbonell Josep M.
Published: January 2014

We present a Lagrangian formulation for finite element analysis of quasi‐incompressible fluids that has excellent mass preservation features. The success of the formulation lays on a new residual‐based stabilized expression of the mass balance equation obtained using the finite calculus method. The governing equations are discretized with the FEM using simplicial elements with equal linear interpolation for the velocities and the pressure. The merits of the formulation in terms of reduced mass loss and overall accuracy are verified in the solution of 2D and 3D quasi‐incompressible free‐surface flow problems using the particle FEM (www.cimne.com/pfem). Examples include the sloshing of water in a tank, the collapse of one and two water columns in rectangular and prismatic tanks, and the falling of a water sphere into a cylindrical tank containing water. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bunte Vielfalt
Authors: Gottschalk Thomas , Sudfeldt Christoph
Published: January 2014

Mehr Grünland, mehr Hecken, mehr Mais? Landnutzungsszenarien geben Auskunft, wie der biologische Artenreichtum in deutschen Agrarlandschaften erhöht werden kann. Grundlage dafür ist ein Monitoring von zehn Vogelarten in ihren Lebensräumen.
Der Weg und seine Richtung
Authors: Strohschneider Peter
Published: January 2014

Gegangen ist der Weg noch keineswegs, doch seine Richtung scheint im Grundsatz festgelegt. In Sachen Wissenschaft und Forschung hat sich die Große Koalition in Berlin die richtigen Ziele gesteckt. Jetzt gilt es, die besten Routen dahin einzuschlagen.
Mirakel Milchstraße
Authors: Grebel Eva K.
Published: January 2014

Galaktische Archäologie: Mit riesigen Datensätzen und neuartigen Modellen lernen Astronomen, die Entwicklung unserer Heimatgalaxie und von Spiralgalaxien insgesamt besser zu verstehen.
Palygorskite Hybridized Carbon Nanocomposite as PtRuIr Support for the Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Wang H. , Luo R. , Ji S. , Linkov V. , Wang R.
Published: January 2014

A palygorskite/carbon heterogeneous nanocomposite, a unique hybrid of palygorskite and carbon, was prepared and designed as an electrocatalyst support material for PtRuIr nanoparticles and evaluated for methanol electrooxidation. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy results showed that PtRuIr nanoparticles were well‐dispersed on the composite support with highly dispersed tiny crystal alloy phase on the surface of PtRuIr amorphous alloy. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicated that the formation of Ru and Ir oxides on the surface of the PtRuIr nanoparticles. The electrochemical results show that the palygorskite hybridized carbon used as electrocatalysts support can improve the electrocatalytic activity towards methanol oxidation and CO tolerance.
Start‐Up of HT‐PEFC Systems Operating with Diesel and Kerosene for APU Applications
Authors: Wiethege C. , Samsun R. C. , Peters R. , Stolten D.
Published: January 2014

Fuel‐cell‐based auxiliary power units offer power generation with reduced fuel consumption and low emissions. A very promising system is the combination of an autothermal reformer with a high‐temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cell. A fast start‐up procedure is a crucial requirement for the use of this system as an auxiliary power unit. This paper reports on the development of a suitable start‐up strategy for a 10 kWel auxiliary power unit with a start‐up burner. A commercially available diesel burner was tested as a start‐up device. A dynamic MATLAB/Simulink model was developed to analyze different start‐up strategies. With the currently available apparatus and start‐up burner it takes 2,260 s before power generation can begin according to simulation results. The fuel processor alone would be ready for operation after 1,000 s. An optimization of the fuel cell stack with regard to its thermal mass would lead to a start‐up time of 720 s. A reduction to 600 s is possible with a slight customization of the start‐up burner.
Factors associated with elder mistreatment in rural Tamil Nadu, India: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Chokkanathan Srinivasan
Published: January 2014

Background

There is limited evidence for the multifactorial aetiology of elder mistreatment. The goal of this study is to investigate the factors associated with the mistreatment of older adults living in rural Tamil Nadu, India.

Method

A cross‐sectional household survey was conducted in a sub‐district of rural Tamil Nadu by using a standard questionnaire. Face to face interviews were conducted with 902 older adults aged 61 years and older. The relation between the characteristics of older adults, family members and family environments with reported mistreatment was examined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

The multivariate results reveal that elder mistreatment is related to several factors associated with the perpetrator and the family environment. Perpetrator factors include middle age, a tertiary education (protective), alcohol consumption and the mistreatment of other family members. Family environment factors include family stress and low cohesion. Among the factors related to older adults, only physical abuse of family members was associated with exposure to mistreatment.

Conclusion

The characteristics of older adults, family members and family environment are potent predictors of elder mistreatment. Multi‐dynamic interventions should target dysfunctional families displaying alcohol use, relationship conflicts, low cohesion and the presence of some form of family violence. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone as indicator for fine‐needle aspiration in patients with thyroid nodules
Authors: Choi Ji Soo , Nam Chung Mo , Kim Eun‐Kyung , Moon Hee Jung , Han Kyung Hwa , Kwak Jin Young
Published: January 2014

Background

Recently, it has been reported that the risk of thyroid malignancy increases with increasing concentrations of serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH). The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not serum TSH can be a predictor for thyroid malignancy when considering the relevant ultrasound features and clinical risk factors.

Methods

This retrospective study included 1200 euthyroid patients with 1269 thyroid nodules who underwent ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy between January and June 2009. Serum TSH, ultrasound feature, and clinical parameters were compared according to final diagnosis. Subgroup analyses were performed according to nodule size.

Results

Serum TSH did not show a positive association with malignancy for all nodules and the micronodule subgroup in multivariate analysis, although they showed significant association with thyroid malignancy for the macronodule subgroup. For all nodules and the 2 subgroups, suspicious ultrasound features and younger age were significantly associated with malignancy in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that TSH alone is not as useful as ultrasound features in deciding whether or not to perform FNA in patients with micronodules. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 498–504, 2015
Unexpected Ring Enlargement of 2‐Hydrazono‐2,3‐dihydro‐1,3‐thiazoles to 1,3,4‐Thiadiazines
Authors: Pfeiffer Wolf‐Diethard , Ahlers Klaus‐Dieter , Saghyan Ashot S. , Villinger Alexander , Langer Peter
Published: January 2014

The cyclization of thiosemicarbazide with α‐bromoacetophenone can result in the formation of isomeric 1,3,4‐thiadiazines and two different thiazoles. We studied the use of 4‐methyl‐ and 4‐ethylthiosemicarbazide as dinucleophilic building blocks. In this context, we observed an unprecedented rearrangement of a 2‐hydrazono‐2,3‐dihydrothiazole to a 1,3,4‐thiadiazine. While ring contractions of 1,3,4‐thiadiazines to thiazoles are quite common, ring enlargements are new. The course of the reaction depends on the substitution pattern of the substrate.
Two New Cytotoxic Spirostane‐Steroidal Saponins from the Roots of Bletilla striata
Authors: Park Jong Eel , Woo Kyeong Wan , Choi Sang Un , Lee Je Hyun , Lee Kang Ro
Published: January 2014

Two new spirostane‐steroidal saponins, bletilnoside A (1) and bletilnoside B (2), together with five known compounds, 3–7, were isolated from the roots of Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb. F. The structures of the new compounds were determined based on their 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectral data. The isolated compounds 1–7 were tested for cytotoxicity against four human tumor cells (A549, SK‐OV‐3, SK‐MEL‐2, and HCT15) in vitro using a sulforhodamin B bioassay, and compounds 1, 2, and 5 showed significant cytotoxicities against all tested tumor cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 3.98±0.16 to 12.10±0.40 μM.
Three New 24‐Nortriterpenoids from the Roots of Ilex asprella
Authors: Jiang Kun , Bai Jun‐Qi , Chang Jun , Tan Jun‐Jie , Qu Shi‐Jin , Luo Hong‐Feng , Tan Chang‐Heng , Zhu Da‐Yuan
Published: January 2014

Asprellols A–C (1–3, resp.), three new 24‐nortriterpenoids, were isolated from the CHCl3‐soluble fraction of 95% EtOH extract of the roots of Ilex asprella, together with a known nortriterpenoid. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 2,6β,20β‐trihydroxy‐3‐oxo‐11α,12α‐epoxy‐24‐norursa‐1,4‐dien‐28,13β‐olide (1), 2,6β‐dihydroxy‐3‐oxo‐11α,12α‐epoxy‐24‐norursa‐1,4,20(30)‐trien‐28,13β‐olide (2), and 2,6β‐dihydroxy‐3‐oxo‐11α,12α‐epoxy‐24‐noroleana‐1,4‐dien‐28,13β‐olide (3) on the basis of spectroscopic analyses.
Two Novel Abietane Diterpenoids from Illicium wardii A.C.Sm.
Authors: Gao Yan‐Ping , Shen Yun‐Heng , Zhang Wei‐Dong
Published: January 2014

Two novel abietane diterpenoids, wardinols A and B (1 and 2, resp.), together with five known diterpenoids, 3–7, were isolated from the fruits of Illicium wardii A.C.Sm. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of intensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopy. Wardinol A (1) is a rare 9,10‐epoxy‐9,10‐secoabietane diterpenoid. All of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicities against three human tumor cell lines, A549, HCT116, and CCRF‐CEM.
Suberosanones A – C, New Metabolites Possessing Cyclopentenone System from the South China Sea Gorgonian Coral Subergorgia suberosa
Authors: Zhang Jun , Liang Yan , Li Liang‐Chun , Xu Shi‐Hai
Published: January 2014

Two unusual novel bicyclic lactones, suberosanones A and B (1 and 2, resp.), characterized by the co‐occurrence of cyclopentenone and butanolide rings within the same molecule, along with one tricyclic cyclopentenone derivative, suberosanone C (3), were isolated from the South China Sea gorgonian coral Subergorgia suberosa. Their structures were unambiguously established by detailed spectroscopic analyses (NMR, IR, and HR‐MS). The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by quantum‐chemical calculations using the time‐dependent density‐functional theory (TDDFT) method. All compounds showed neither antifouling activity against Balanus amphitrite larvae settlement nor antibacterial activity against a panel of bacterial strains at concentrations up to 25 μg/ml.
Is it better to be an English little pea than a Mexican little pea?: The role of the categorization process on the evaluation of football players
Authors: Puente‐Diaz Rogelio , Puente‐Diaz Silvia
Published: January 2014

Two studies investigated the effects of manipulating team membership on the evaluation of a football player. We hypothesized that the evaluations of the same football player, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, would vary as a function of the categorization process. For study 1, participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: Manchester United, Mexican National team or control. Results showed that “Chicharito” obtained better evaluations when his membership to Manchester United was made salient. In study 2, participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: Manchester United and Mexican National team condition. We found support for the mediating role of team evaluation on the relationship between team membership and the evaluations of Chicharito. The theoretical and applied implications were discussed.
A Positive Role of MicroRNA‐15b on Regulation of Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Vimalraj S. , Partridge Nicola C. , Selvamurugan N.
Published: January 2014

Osteoblast differentiation is tightly regulated by several factors including microRNAs (miRNAs). In this paper, we report that pre‐mir‐15b is highly expressed in differentiated osteoblasts. The functional role of miR‐15b in osteoblast differentiation was determined using miR‐15b mimic/inhibitor and the expression of osteoblast differentiation marker genes such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type I collagen genes was decreased by miR‐15b inhibitor. Runx2, a bone specific transcription factor is generally required for expression of osteoblast differentiation marker genes and in response to miR‐15b inhibitor treatment, Runx2 mRNA expression was not changed; whereas its protein expression was decreased. Even though Smurf1 (SMAD specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1), HDAC4 (histone deacetylase 4), Smad7, and Crim1 were found to be few of miR‐15b's putative target genes, there was increased expression of only Smurf1 gene at mRNA and protein levels by miR‐15b inhibitor. miR‐15b mimic treatment significantly increased and decreased expressions of Runx2 and Smurf1 proteins, respectively. We further identified that the Smurf1 3′UTR is directly targeted by miR‐15b using the luciferase reporter gene system. This is well documented that Smurf1 interacts with Runx2 and degrades it by proteasomal pathway. Hence, based on our results we suggest that miR‐15b promotes osteoblast differentiation by indirectly protecting Runx2 protein from Smurf1 mediated degradation. Thus, this study identified that miR‐15b can act as a positive regulator for osteoblast differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1236–1244, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of hypopharyngeal carcinoma using high‐resolution ultrasound: Comparison with CT
Authors: Dhoot Nilu M. , Singh Shobit , Choudhury Binoy , Kataki Amal C. , Kalita Nripati K. , Bhattacharyya Mouchumee , Kalita Apurba
Published: January 2014

Background

To evaluate the role of sonography (US) in assessing hypopharyngeal carcinoma when compared with CT.

Methods

A randomized prospective study was performed on 40 biopsy‐proven cases of hypopharyngeal carcinoma.Contrast‐enhanced CT of the neck was performed in all patients, followed by US. Sonographic identification of any tumor extension into the extralaryngeal soft tissues, postcricoid space, subglottis, thyroid gland, esophagus, and across the midline was recorded. US observations and CT findings were compared and then correlated with the histopathologic findings in 14 operative cases. In the remaining 26 inoperable cases, US was compared only with CT.

Results

Our cohort was composed of 38 men and 2 women ranging in age from 36 to 59 years. In a subset of 14 operative patients, US had a sensitivity of 71.4% (10/14), while CT achieved a sensitivity of 92.8% (13/14), and the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). US and CT findings concurred in 67.5% (27/40) of cases.

Conclusions

Even though small tumors are difficult to visualize, US can play a significant role in the assessment of tumor extension within and beyond the larynx, especially when cross‐sectional imaging is either unavailable or unaffordable. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:143–149, 2014
In vitro assessment of the lenz effect on heart valve prostheses at 1.5 T
Authors: Edwards Maria‐Benedicta , Mclean John , Solomonidis Stephanos , Condon Barrie , Gourlay Terence
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Increasing numbers of patients with cardiac valve prostheses are being referred for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) despite concerns about the potential for functional valve impedance due to Lenz forces. This study aims to determine, in vitro, the occurrence of Lenz forces on 9 heart valve prostheses at 1.5 T and assess the risk of impedance of valve function.

Materials and Methods

A specially designed hydro‐pneumatic system was used to record pressure changes across the valve indicative of any MR induced alteration in leaflet performance. Nine cardiac valve prostheses were exposed to the B0 field at 1.5 T. Each valve was advanced through the B0 field and continuous signals from high frequency pressure transducers were recorded and pressure drops across the valve were assessed using time correction superimposition. The delta p across the valve was assessed as a marker of any MRI induced alteration in leaflet performance.

Results

All prostheses produced sinusoidal waveforms. Profiles were asymmetrical and there was no consistency in complex shape and valve type/sub‐group. Irregularities in pressure profiles of 4 prostheses were detected indicating resistance of the occluder to the B0 field.

Conclusion

This study provides empirical evidence of the Lenz Effect on cardiac valve prostheses exposed to the MR B0 field causing functional valve impedance and increasing the risk of valvular regurgitation and reduced cardiac output. Thus, it is essential to consider the potential for the Lenz Effect when scanning cardiac valve implant patients in order to safeguard their wellbeing. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:74–82. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Volumetric arterial wall shear stress calculation based on cine phase contrast MRI
Authors: Potters Wouter V. , van Ooij Pim , Marquering Henk , vanBavel Ed , Nederveen Aart J.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To assess the accuracy and precision of a volumetric wall shear stress (WSS) calculation method applied to cine phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC‐MRI) data.

Materials and Methods

Volumetric WSS vectors were calculated in software phantoms. WSS algorithm parameters were optimized and the influence of spatial resolution and segmentation was evaluated. Subsequently, 2D cine PC‐MRI data in the carotid and the aorta at varying spatial resolutions were obtained (n = 2) and compared with the simulations. Finally, volumetric WSS was calculated in 3D cine PC‐MRI data of the carotid bifurcation and the aorta (n = 6).

Results

We found that at least 8 voxels across the diameter are required to obtain a WSS accuracy of 5% and a precision of 20% in software phantoms. Systematic WSS quantification errors up to 40% were found in the case of segmentation errors. The in vivo measurements using 2D cine PC‐MRI exhibited WSS increase at increasing spatial resolutions, similar to the results in software phantoms. Volumetric WSS vectors were successfully calculated in three healthy carotid bifurcations and aortas.

Conclusion

The effects of resolution and segmentation on the accuracy and precision of the WSS algorithm were quantified. We were able to calculate volumetric WSS in the carotid bifurcation and the aorta. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:505–516.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of a semiautomated spinal cord segmentation method
Authors: El Mendili Mohamed‐Mounir , Chen Raphaël , Tiret Brice , Pélégrini‐Issac Mélanie , Cohen‐Adad Julien , Lehéricy Stéphane , Pradat Pierre‐François , Benali Habib
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To validate semiautomated spinal cord segmentation in healthy subjects and patients with neurodegenerative diseases and trauma.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐nine healthy subjects, as well as 29 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, 19 with spinal muscular atrophy, and 14 with spinal cord injuries were studied. Cord area was measured from T2‐weighted 3D turbo spin echo images (cord levels from C2 to T9) using the semiautomated segmentation method of Losseff et al (Brain [1996] 119(Pt 3):701–708), compared with manual segmentation. Reproducibility was evaluated using the inter‐ and intraobserver coefficient of variation (CoV). Accuracy was assessed using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). Robustness to initialization was assessed by simulating modifications to the contours drawn manually prior to segmentation.

Results

Mean interobserver CoV was 4.00% for manual segmentation (1.90% for Losseff's method) in the cervical region and 5.62% (respectively 2.19%) in the thoracic region. Mean intraobserver CoV was 2.34% for manual segmentation (1.08% for Losseff's method) in the cervical region and 2.35% (respectively 1.34%) in the thoracic region. DSC was high (0.96) in both cervical and thoracic regions. DSC remained higher than 0.8 even when modifying initial contours by 50%.

Conclusion

The semiautomated segmentation method showed high reproducibility and accuracy in measuring spinal cord area. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:454–459.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regular representations of time‐frequency groups
Authors: Mayeli Azita , Oussa Vignon
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we study the Plancherel measure of a class of non‐connected nilpotent groups which is of special interest in Gabor theory. Let G be a time‐frequency group. That is where , are translations and modulations operators acting in and B is a non‐singular matrix. We compute the Plancherel measure of the left regular representation of G which is denoted by L. The action of G on induces a representation which we call a Gabor representation. Motivated by the admissibility of this representation, we compute the decomposition of L into direct integral of irreducible representations by providing a precise description of the unitary dual and its Plancherel measure. As a result, we generalize Hartmut Führ's results which are only obtained for the restricted case where , and Even in the case where G is not type I, we are able to obtain a decomposition of the left regular representation of G into a direct integral decomposition of irreducible representations when . Some interesting applications to Gabor theory are given as well. For example, when B is an integral matrix, we are able to obtain a direct integral decomposition of the Gabor representation of G.
Neurochemical correlates of caudate atrophy in Huntington's disease
Authors: Padowski Jeannie M. , Weaver Kurt E. , Richards Todd L. , Laurino Mercy Y. , Samii Ali , Aylward Elizabeth H. , Conley Kevin E.
Published: January 2014

The precise pathogenic mechanisms of Huntington's disease (HD) are unknown but can be tested in vivo using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) to measure neurochemical changes. The objective of this study was to evaluate neurochemical differences in HD gene mutation carriers (HGMCs) versus controls and to investigate relationships among function, brain structure, and neurochemistry in HD. Because previous 1H MRS studies have yielded varied conclusions about HD neurochemical changes, an additional goal was to compare two 1H MRS data analysis approaches. HGMCs with premanifest to early HD and controls underwent evaluation of motor function, magnetic resonance imaging, and localized 1H MRS in the caudate and the frontal lobe. Analytical approaches that were tested included absolute quantitation (unsuppressed water signal as an internal reference) and relative quantification (calculating ratios of all neurochemical signals within a voxel). We identified a suite of neurochemicals that were reduced in concentration proportionally to loss of caudate volume in HGMCs. Caudate concentrations of N‐acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine, choline, and caudate and frontal lobe concentrations of glutamate plus glutamine (Glx) and glutamate were correlated with caudate volume in HGMCs. The relative, but not the absolute, quantitation approach revealed disease‐related differences; the Glx signal was decreased relative to other neurochemicals in the caudate of HGMCs versus controls. This is the first study to demonstrate a correlation among structure, function, and chemical measures in HD brain. Additionally, we demonstrate that a relative quantitation approach may enable the magnification of subtle differences between groups. Observation of decreased Glx suggests that glutamate signaling may be disrupted relatively early in HD, which has important implications for therapeutic approaches. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Breathing variability and brainstem serotonergic loss in a genetic model of multiple system atrophy
Authors: Flabeau Olivier , Meissner Wassilios G. , Ozier Annaig , Berger Patrick , Tison François , Fernagut Pierre‐Olivier
Published: January 2014

Breathing disorders like sleep apnea, stridor, and dysrythmic breathing are frequent in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). These observations have been related to neurodegeneration in several pontomedullary respiratory nuclei and may explain the occurrence of sudden death. In this study, we sought to determine whether these functional and neuropathological characteristics could be replicated in a transgenic model of MSA. Mice expressing human wild‐type α‐synuclein under the control of the proteolipid promoter (PLP‐αSYN) were compared with age‐matched controls. Using whole‐body, unrestrained plethysmography, the following breathing parameters were measured: inspiratory and expiratory times, tidal volume, expiratory volume, peak inspiratory and expiratory flows, and respiratory frequency. For each category, the mean, coefficient of variation, and irregularity score were analyzed. Brains were then processed for stereological cell counts of pontomedullary respiratory nuclei. A significant increase in the coefficient of variation and irregularity score was observed for inspiratory time, tidal volume, and expiratory volume in PLP‐αSYN mice (P < 0.05). Glial cytoplasmic inclusions were found in the medullary raphe of PLP‐αSYN mice, together with a loss of serotonergic immunoreactivity in the raphe obscurus (P < 0.001) and pallidus (P < 0.01). There was a negative correlation between α‐synuclein burden and raphe pallidus cell counts (P < 0.05). There was no significant neuronal loss in the pre‐Botzinger complex. The PLP‐αSYN mouse model replicates the breathing variability and part of the neuronal depletion in pontomedullary respiratory nuclei observed in patients with MSA. Our findings support the use of this model for future candidate drugs in the breathing disorders observed in MSA. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Synthesis, NMR structural characterization and molecular modeling of substituted thiosemicarbazones and semicarbazones using DFT calculations to prove the syn/anti isomer formation
Authors: Venkatachalam T. K. , Pierens Gregory K. , Reutens David C.
Published: January 2014

Thiosemicarbazones possessing electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing groups were prepared, and their spectral characteristics determined. In all cases, the spectra showed that one isomer was formed, allowing further functionalization to molecules of biological interest. We provide NMR data for some of the thiosemicarbazones and semicarbazones. We also provide evidence that for 2‐pyridyl thiosemicarbazone, the syn isomer slowly converts into the anti isomer in dimethyl sulfoxide solvent with first‐order kinetics. Molecular modeling and density functional theory calculations confirmed these observations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microstructural origins of gadolinium‐enhanced susceptibility contrast and anisotropy
Authors: Dibb Russell , Li Wei , Cofer Gary , Liu Chunlei
Published: January 2014

Purpose

MR histology based on magnetic susceptibility can be used to visualize diamagnetic myelin (and its deterioration) in the central nervous system and is facilitated by the application of high magnetic field strengths and paramagnetic contrast agents. Characterizing the effect of these tools will aid in assessing white matter myelin content and microstructure.

Methods

Image data from six gadolinium‐perfused mouse brain specimens were acquired at 2.0, 7.0, and 9.4 Tesla. Magnetic susceptibility contrast was analyzed for its dependence on field strength, gadolinium concentration, and white matter fiber orientation. A model for this contrast is presented based on the three‐pool model for white matter.

Results

The specimen data illustrate that white–gray matter susceptibility contrast is field strength independent. White–gray matter contrast improves significantly as a function of gadolinium contrast agent in the tissue, i.e., white matter appears increasingly more diamagnetic relative to gray matter. The simulated data from the model suggest that susceptibility anisotropy of white matter fiber bundles increases nonlinearly as a function of gadolinium concentration due to contrast agent compartmentalization into the extracellular white matter water pool.

Conclusion

Using contrast agents in MR histology facilitates white–gray matter susceptibility contrast modulation and the probing of white matter microstructure and orientation. Magn Reson Med 72:1702–1711, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.