bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidimensionale elektronische Spektroskopie photochemischer Reaktionen
Authors: Nuernberger Patrick , Ruetzel Stefan , Brixner Tobias
Published: August 2015

Kohärente multidimensionale Spektroskopie kann zur Aufklärung verschiedener Reaktionskanäle in chemischen Reaktionen genutzt werden. Diese Herangehensweise ist daher nicht auf die Analyse von Energie‐ oder Ladungstransfer beschränkt (d.h. auf Photophysik), sondern sie kann auch dann angewendet werden, wenn das untersuchte System dauerhafte Strukturveränderungen vollzieht (d.h. in der Photochemie). Photochemische Modellreaktionen werden anhand eines molekularen Schalters auf Merocyanin‐/Spiropyranbasis behandelt, der vielfältige Reaktionskanäle aufweist, darunter eine Ringöffnungs‐ und Ringschlussreaktion, cis‐trans‐Isomerisierung, kohärente Schwingungswellenpaketbewegung, Radikalionenbildung und Populationsrelaxation. Durch Anwendung der Anrege‐Abfrage‐, der Anrege‐Wiederanrege‐Abfrage‐, der kohärenten zwei‐ und dreidimensionalen, der “Triggered‐exchange”‐2D‐ sowie der Quantenkontrollspektroskopie erhalten wir intuitive Abbilder davon, welches Produkt aus welchem Reaktanten entsteht und welche molekularen Reaktionsmoden daran beteiligt sind.
Von ultraschnellen Strukturbestimmungen bis zum Steuern von Reaktionen: mehrdimensionale gemischte IR/nicht‐IR‐Schwingungsspektroskopie
Authors: van Wilderen Luuk J. G. W. , Bredenbeck Jens
Published: August 2015

Ultraschnelle, mehrdimensionale Infrarot‐Spektroskopie ist eine leistungsstarke Methode, um Informationen über molekulare Strukturen und deren Dynamik zu erhalten, die mit linearer Spektroskopie nicht oder nur schwer zugänglich sind. IR‐Pulssequenzen mit resonanten oder nichtresonanten UV‐, Vis‐ oder NIR‐Pulsen erweitern den Einsatzbereich der mehrdimensionalen Schwingungsspektroskopie erheblich und schaffen Möglichkeiten, die weit über die eines reinen IR‐Experimentes hinausgehen. Dazu gehört die oberflächenspezifische 2D‐IR‐Spektroskopie, deren Empfindlichkeit die Untersuchung molekularer Monolagen ermöglicht, die ultraschnelle Strukturbestimmung in Nichtgleichgewichtssystemen, die getriggerte Austauschspektroskopie, die es erlaubt, Edukt‐ und Produktbanden miteinander zu korrelieren, Untersuchung des Zusammenspiels von elektronischen und Kernfreiheitsgraden, die Untersuchung von Wechselwirkungen zwischen Raman‐ und IR‐aktiven Moden, Bildgebung mit chemischem Kontrast, subensembleselektive Photochemie und sogar das Steuern von Photoreaktionen durch selektive IR‐Anregung. Im Folgenden stellen wir nützliche gemischte IR/nicht‐IR‐Pulssequenzen vor, diskutieren deren Eigenheiten und veranschaulichen ihr Anwendungspotenzial.
A Highly Selective Mitochondria‐Targeting Fluorescent K+ Sensor
Authors: Kong Xiangxing , Su Fengyu , Zhang Liqiang , Yaron Jordan , Lee Fred , Shi Zhengwei , Tian Yanqing , Meldrum Deirdre R.
Published: August 2015

Regulation of intracellular potassium (K+) concentration plays a key role in metabolic processes. So far, only a few intracellular K+ sensors have been developed. The highly selective fluorescent K+ sensor KS6 for monitoring K+ ion dynamics in mitochondria was produced by coupling triphenylphosphonium, borondipyrromethene (BODIPY), and triazacryptand (TAC). KS6 shows a good response to K+ in the range 30–500 mM, a large dynamic range (Fmax/F0≈130), high brightness (ϕf=14.4 % at 150 mM of K+), and insensitivity to both pH in the range 5.5–9.0 and other metal ions under physiological conditions. Colocalization tests of KS6 with MitoTracker Green confirmed its predominant localization in the mitochondria of HeLa and U87MG cells. K+ efflux/influx in the mitochondria was observed upon stimulation with ionophores, nigericin, or ionomycin. KS6 is thus a highly selective semiquantitative K+ sensor suitable for the study of mitochondrial potassium flux in live cells.
Conductive Elastomers with Autonomic Self‐Healing Properties
Authors: Guo Kun , Zhang Da‐Li , Zhang Xiao‐Mei , Zhang Jian , Ding Li‐Sheng , Li Bang‐Jing , Zhang Sheng
Published: August 2015

Healable, electrically conductive materials are highly desirable and valuable for the development of various modern electronics. But the preparation of a material combining good mechanical elasticity, functional properties, and intrinsic self‐healing ability remains a great challenge. Here, we design composites by connecting a polymer network and single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) through host–guest interactions. The resulting materials show bulk electrical conductivity, proximity sensitivity, humidity sensitivity and are able to self‐heal without external stimulus under ambient conditions rapidly. Furthermore, they also possess elasticity comparable to commercial rubbers.
A Simplified Diagnostic Observational Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Early Childhood
Authors: Grodberg David , Siper Paige , Jamison Jesslyn , Buxbaum Joseph D. , Kolevzon Alexander
Published: August 2015

Subspecialty physicians who have expertise in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder typically do not have the resources to administer comprehensive diagnostic observational assessments for patients suspected of ASD. The autism mental status exam (AMSE) is a free and brief eight‐item observation tool that addresses this practice gap. The AMSE, designed by Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, Developmental Behavioral Pediatricians and Pediatric Neurologists structures the observation and documentation of signs and symptoms of ASD and yields a score. Excellent sensitivity and specificity was demonstrated in a population of high‐risk adults. This protocol now investigates the AMSE's test performance in a population of 45 young children age 18 months to 5 years with suspected ASD or social and communication concerns who are evaluated at an autism research center. Each subject received a developmental evaluation, including the AMSE, performed by a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, that was followed by independent standardized assessment using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and the Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised. A Best Estimate Diagnosis protocol used DSM‐5 criteria to ascertain a diagnosis of ASD or non‐ASD. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the AMSE cut point with the highest sensitivity and specificity. Findings indicate an optimized sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 100% for this high prevalence group. Because of its high classification accuracy in this sample of children the AMSE holds promise as a tool that can support both diagnostic decision making and standardize point of care observational assessment of ASD in high risk children. Autism Res 2016, 9: 443–449. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Evaluation of (4‐Chlorobenzhydryl) Piperazine Amides as Sodium Channel Nav1.7 Inhibitors
Authors: Back Seung Keun , Kam Yoo Lim , Oh Jung Ae , Na Heung Sik , Ih Uhtaek , Park Choo Hea‐Young
Published: August 2015

Blockage of voltage‐gated sodium channels is used to treat neuropathic pain which is chronic and can become debilitating. Sodium channels Nav1.7–1.9 are especially attractive targets for drug discovery because of the broad therapeutic potential of their modulation. For a neuropathic pain therapy, anticonvulsant like lamotrigine, carbamazepine and a topical anesthetic such as Lidocaine are used. A growing number of clinical reports suggest that selective inhibitors of Nav1.7 are likely to be the powerful analgesics for treating a broad range of pain conditions. Therefore we evaluated 108 amide derivatives synthesized on human Nav1.7 (hNav1.7) by VIPR (voltage/ion probe reader), a fluorescence image plate reader (FLIPR) assay that used voltage‐sensor fluorescence dye and stable HEK‐293 cell lines expressing hNaV1.7. Ten compounds demonstrated inhibitory activity, and the two most active compounds (5 and 6) had IC50 values of 8–10 μM.
Targeted Inhibition of Snail Activity in Breast Cancer Cells by Using a CoIII‐Ebox Conjugate
Authors: Vistain Luke F. , Yamamoto Natsuho , Rathore Richa , Cha Peter , Meade Thomas J.
Published: August 2015

The transition from a non‐invasive to an invasive phenotype is an essential step in tumor metastasis. The Snail family of transcription factors (TFs) is known to play a significant role in this transition. These TFs are zinc fingers that bind to the CAGGTG Ebox consensus sequence. CoIII‐Ebox is a cobalt(III) complex attached to an Ebox oligonucleotide that confers specificity towards Snail TFs. CoIII‐Ebox has been shown to inhibit Snail‐mediated embryonic neural crest development in Xenopus laevis, but its efficacy in inhibiting Snail‐induced cancer cell invasiveness has not been explored. Here, we describe the efficacy of CoIII‐Ebox in inhibiting the invasive aspects of heregulin‐β1(HRG)‐treated breast cancer cells. CoIII‐Ebox was found to inhibit the capacity of Snail to repress target genes after HRG induction. Snail inhibition by CoIII‐Ebox reduced the invasive propensity of cells in 2D and 3D, thereby demonstrating promise in inhibiting metastasis.
Prevalence and clinical correlates of police contact prior to a first diagnosis of schizophrenia
Authors: Schumann Cornelia , Asmal Laila , Chiliza Bonginkosi , Emsley Robin
Published: August 2015

Background

Little is known about the reasons why people with schizophrenia have contact with police, especially prior to the first episode of illness.

Aim

To investigate the prevalence and correlates of police contact in first‐episode schizophrenia.

Methods

The prevalence and type of police contact was established among all 110 patients presenting to psychiatric services in one catchment area during a first episode of schizophrenia and among 65 non‐mentally ill controls, by participant and collateral interview and from records. Socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics were also recorded and the two groups compared.

Results

The first episode of schizophrenia patients had more contact with police than controls, despite the higher prevalence of conduct disorder symptoms among the controls. The patients were not, however, more likely to be incarcerated or arrested. Among the patients, over half of the police call‐outs occurred during the period of untreated psychosis. Positive psychotic symptoms were independently associated with police contact, after allowing for socio‐demographics.

Conclusions

As over a third of people in a first episode of schizophrenia had been in contact with the police – more than twice the proportion among non‐psychotic controls – and contact was associated with untreated positive psychotic symptoms, better early detection and treatment of psychosis seems indicated. In the meantime, police services may be playing an important role in reducing the duration of untreated psychosis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical outcome of titanium‐nitride‐oxide‐coated cobalt‐chromium stents in patients with de novo coronary lesions: 12‐month results of the OPTIMAX first‐in‐man study
Authors: Karjalainen Pasi P. , Mikkelsson Jussi , Paana Tuomas , Nammas Wail
Published: August 2015

Objectives

We explored the 12‐month clinical outcome of the titanium‐nitride‐oxide‐coated OPTIMAX stent based on cobalt‐chromium platform. Background: The OPTIMAX stent demonstrated a satisfactory 6‐month clinical outcome in de novo coronary lesions. Methods: We enrolled 224 consecutive symptomatic patients with significant (50%) stenosis in de novo coronary lesions, who were treated with OPTIMAX stent implantation. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events at 12‐month follow‐up, defined as a composite of cardiac death, non‐fatal myocardial infarction (MI), or ischemia‐driven target lesion revascularization (TLR). Stent thrombosis was adjudicated according to the definition of the Academic Research Consortium. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 67 ± 8 years (75% males). Patients presented with acute coronary syndrome in 62.1%. Radial access was used in 92%; complex (type B and C) lesions were treated in 79.9%. Both procedural and clinical success occurred in 100% of the cases. The mean follow‐up period was 366 ± 22 days. At 12‐month follow‐up, the primary endpoint occurred in 14 (6.3%) patients. Cardiac death occurred in three (1.3%) patients, non‐fatal MI in seven (3.1%) patients, and ischemia‐driven TLR in seven (3.1%) patients. No definite stent thrombosis occurred. Conclusions: In the current prospective observational study, implantation of the OPTIMAX stent demonstrated an adequate 12‐month clinical outcome, with a low rate of major adverse cardiac events, and no stent thrombosis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flare‐up reactions in severe drug hypersensitivity: infection or ongoing T‐cell hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Jörg‐Walther Lukas , Schnyder Benno , Helbling Arthur , Helsing Karin , Schüller Alexandra , Wochner Annette , Pichler Werner
Published: August 2015

Key Clinical Message

“Flare‐up” reactions are late manifestations of severe T‐cell‐mediated drug hypersensitivity reactions. Management is anti‐inflammatory treatment and avoiding unnecessary medicines. Symptoms like fever, lymph node swelling, and blood count abnormalities may lead to confusion with bacterial infections. For prompt recognition it is important to keep the differential diagnosis in mind.
Effect of a Barium Promoter on the Stability and Activity of Carbon‐Supported Cobalt Catalysts for Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Tarka Aleksandra , Zybert Magdalena , Truszkiewicz Elżbieta , Mierzwa Bogusław , Kępiński Leszek , Moszyński Dariusz , Raróg‐Pilecka Wioletta
Published: August 2015

Samples of barium‐promoted carbon‐supported cobalt catalysts for ammonia synthesis were prepared; the cobalt content was constant (27.4 wt %) and the amount of barium introduced differed within the range of 0–0.88 mmol gC+Co−1. Turbostratic carbon was used as the support. Several techniques, including X‐ray powder diffraction, TEM, Thermogravimetric analysis–mass spectrometry (methanation studies) and H2 temperature‐programmed desorption were used to examine the properties of the carbon support or catalytic materials. The reaction rate measurements were performed under the following conditions: T=400 °C, p=9.0 MPa, x=8.5 mol %, H2/N2=3:1. It was found that barium is an important component of the cobalt catalysts supported on activated carbon for ammonia synthesis. Barium inhibits the process of carbon support methanation, which also results in a decrease in the sintering of the active phase (cobalt). Moreover, even a small amount of barium significantly activates the cobalt surface in ammonia synthesis, suggesting that barium locates primarily on the surface of cobalt.
Metal‐Free Carbonaceous Materials as Promising Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhu Yun‐Pei , Su Ming , Yuan Zhong‐Yong
Published: August 2015

Metal‐free carbonaceous materials have attracted considerable interests as heterogeneous catalysts owing to their superior physiochemical properties over metal‐based catalysts, such as low cost, no pollution, chemical and thermal stabilities, as well as readily tailorable porous structure and surface chemistry. This review article provides an overview of the fundamentals and recent advances in the field of metal‐free carbon catalysts, including graphenes, carbon nanotubes, mesoporous carbons, graphitic carbon nitrides, and related composites. Special focus is placed on their controllable preparation and applications in gas phase, liquid phase, electrochemical, and photocatalytic reactions, as well as defect and surface chemistry related catalytic activities of carbon materials. Some perspectives are highlighted on the development of more efficient metal‐free carbonaceous catalysts featuring high stability, low cost, optimized structures, and enhanced performance, which are the key factors to accelerate the designed preparation and commercialization of carbocatalysts.
Highly Active and Stable Bimetallic Nickel–Copper Core–Ceria Shell Catalyst for High‐Temperature Water–Gas Shift Reaction
Authors: Saw Eng Toon , Oemar Usman , Ang Ming Li , Hidajat Kus , Kawi Sibudjing
Published: August 2015

Highly dispersed bimetallic Ni‐Cu core encapsulated by a CeO2 shell catalyst has been synthesized by a combination of positive emulsion and the self‐assembly method. Several catalyst characterization techniques were implemented to investigate the core–shell structure and its unique properties. Field‐emission TEM, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and N2O chemisorption analyses showed that uniform bimetallic Ni‐Cu particles with an average size of 3.4 nm and narrow size distribution encapsulated by CeO2 shell with an average size of 4.3–5.4 nm were formed. 10 wt % bimetallic Ni‐Cu catalyst encapsulated by CeO2 exhibited high catalytic activity and stability at 500 °C in the high‐temperature water–gas shift reaction. This could owe to the contributing factors of a high level of metal–support interaction, small bimetallic Ni‐Cu particle size, and high surface lattice oxygen concentration enhancing the water–gas shift reaction. Moreover, strongly adsorbed CO and the presence of type I OH on the core–shell catalyst implied that these two active species could be the most important species in the formation of active intermediate species for the water–gas shift reaction, as evidenced by CO temperature‐programmed reduction–MS and in situ diffuse‐reflectance IR Fourier transform spectroscopy.
Mesoporous Sulfonated Carbon Materials Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Duyckaerts Nicolas , Trotuş Ioan‐Teodor , Nese Valentina , Swertz Ann‐Christin , Auris Sebastian , Wiggers Hartmut , Schüth Ferdi
Published: August 2015

A one‐step approach was developed for the production of mesoporous sulfonated carbon materials by means of an aerosol synthesis. Nebulizing a clear aqueous solution of sucrose and sulfuric acid through a heated oven leads to subsequent dehydration, carbonization and sulfonation of the carbohydrate structure, in less than two seconds residence time. Acid site concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.6 mmol g−1 can be obtained. Porosity can easily be introduced via salt templating, and can be adjusted by varying the loading and type of salt used. The highest surface area was obtained with Li2SO4, giving a BET surface area of 506 m2 g−1 and a mesopore size distribution between 2 and 8 nm. Fructose dehydration and inulin hydrolysis showed that the porous materials synthesized by salt templating are more active than the bulk ones, especially for inulin hydrolysis, for which the initial activity is enhanced by a factor of seven, making these materials competitive with the most active commercial resins.
Selective Targeting of the KRAS Codon 12 Mutation Sequence by Pyrrole–Imidazole Polyamide seco‐CBI Conjugates
Authors: Taylor Rhys D. , Chandran Anandhakumar , Kashiwazaki Gengo , Hashiya Kaori , Bando Toshikazu , Nagase Hiroki , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: August 2015

Mutation of KRAS is a key step in many cancers. Mutations occur most frequently at codon 12, but the targeting of KRAS is notoriously difficult. We recently demonstrated selective reduction in the volume of tumors harboring the KRAS codon 12 mutation in a mouse model by using an alkylating hairpin N‐methylpyrrole–N‐methylimidazole polyamide seco‐1,2,9,9a‐tetrahydrocyclopropa[1,2‐c]benz[1,2‐e]indol‐4‐one conjugate (conjugate 4) designed to target the KRAS codon 12 mutation sequence. Herein, we have compared the alkylating activity of 4 against three other conjugates that were also designed to target the KRAS codon 12 mutation sequence. Conjugate 4 displayed greater affinity for the G12D mutation sequence than for the G12V sequence. A computer‐minimized model suggested that conjugate 4 could bind more efficiently to the G12D match sequence than to a one‐base‐pair mismatch sequence. Conjugate 4 was modified for next‐generation sequencing. Bind‐n‐Seq analysis supported the evidence showing that conjugate 4 could target the G12D mutation sequence with exceptionally high affinity and the G12V mutation sequence with much higher affinity than that for the wild‐type sequence.
Single‐Scan Multidimensional NMR Analysis of Mixtures at Sub‐Millimolar Concentrations by using SABRE Hyperpolarization
Authors: Daniele Valeria , Legrand François‐Xavier , Berthault Patrick , Dumez Jean‐Nicolas , Huber Gaspard
Published: August 2015

Signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) is a promising method to increase the sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. However, SABRE‐enhanced 1H NMR signals are short lived, and SABRE is often used to record 1D NMR spectra only. When the sample of interest is a complex mixture, this results in severe overlaps for 1H spectra. In addition, the use of a co‐substrate, whose signals may obscure the 1H spectra, is currently the most efficient way to lower the detection limit of SABRE experiments. Here, we describe an approach to obtain clean, SABRE‐hyperpolarized 2D 1H NMR spectra of mixtures of small molecules at sub‐millimolar concentrations in a single scan. The method relies on the use of para‐hydrogen together with a deuterated co‐substrate for hyperpolarization and ultrafast 2D NMR for acquisition. It is applicable to all substrates that can be polarized with SABRE.
Hierarchically Macro‐/Mesoporous Polymer Foam as an Enhanced and Recyclable Catalyst System for the Sustainable Synthesis of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural from Renewable Carbohydrates
Authors: Zhang Yunlei , Chen Yao , Shen Yating , Yan Yongsheng , Pan Jianming , Shi Weidong , Yu Longbao
Published: August 2015

Renewable and abundant carbohydrates are being strongly focused upon as a green and sustainable alternative for the production of valuable chemicals and biofuels. In this study, we chemically integrated acid–base bifunctionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs‐SO3H‐NH2) and a macroporous polymer foam poly(HIPE) (PH) matrix that is derived from water‐in‐oil (W/O) high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) templating. After the subsequent sulfonation process, a SPHs@MSNs‐SO3H‐NH2 catalyst with a hierarchical porous structure and bifunctional sites was prepared and used for the highly efficient synthesis of top value‐added 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from renewable cellulose in an ionic liquid (i.e., 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride, [EMIM]Cl) based system. Evaluation of the catalytic activity revealed that the designed macropores were favorable for ready mass transfer, whereas the high surface area for active‐site anchoring provided by the mesoporous structure was beneficial in enhancing the catalyst performance. A theoretical study also suggested that acidic and basic active sites synergistically work for the transformation reaction. Under the optimized conditions, a remarkably high HMF yield (44.5 %) was obtained efficiently. Furthermore, the as‐prepared catalyst was recycled in four consecutive cycles with a total loss of only 4.9 % activity.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology in a rare case of recurrent mucinous carcinoma of skin, displaying psammoma bodies on smears
Authors: Rekhi Bharat , Deodhar Kedar K. , Ghosh Laskar Sarbani , D'Cruz Anil
Published: August 2015

Primary mucinous carcinoma of skin is an uncommonly documented tumor, especially on fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) smears. A 58‐year‐old gentleman presented with a recurrent swelling over his right zygoma. Earlier, he had undergone surgical resection at the same site, on two occasions, 4 years back. FNAC smears from the recurrent nodule displayed clusters and singly scattered relatively monomorphic, polygonal to plasmacytoid cells with mild nuclear atypia and moderate to abundant cytoplasm, including focal intracytoplasmic vacuoles. At places, tumor cells were arranged around psammoma bodies against a background of mucinous material. Histopathological sections from the subsequent tumor resection revealed tumor cells arranged in the form of islands, nests, cribriform, and papillary arrangements amidst mucinous stroma, along with focal psammomatous calcification, consistent with a recurrent mucinous adenocarcinoma. On immunohistochemistry, tumor cells were diffusely positive for CK 7, estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR), while negative for CDX2, CK20, and TTF1. Diagnosis of a recurrent mucinous carcinoma of skin was offered. Patient underwent adjuvant radiotherapy for achieving better loco regional clearance and is disease‐free, 4 months after. FNAC is a useful diagnostic tool for timely identification of mucinous carcinoma of skin, including recurrent lesions. Psammomatous calcification can be identified within this uncommon tumor, in recurrent lesions. While surgical resection remains the treatment mainstay, immunohistochemical expression of ER and PR in this tumor perhaps could have therapeutic impact, especially in recurrent cases. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:937–940. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ubiquilin2 as a novel marker for detection of urothelial carcinoma cells in urine
Authors: Shimada Keiji , Fujii Tomomi , Tatsumi Yoshihiro , Anai Satoshi , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Konishi Noboru
Published: August 2015

Background

Ubiquilin 2 (UBQLN2), an ubiquitin‐related protein, is strongly expressed in urothelial carcinoma cells, in contrast to no or less expression in non‐neoplastic cells; it protects cancer cells from reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐induced cytotoxicity. In this study, we investigated whether UBQLN2 immunostaining, using liquid‐based cytology sample could improve the accuracy of cytological urine diagnosis.

Methods

Two‐hundred and forty‐five urinary samples, including 143 negative controls and 102 urothelial carcinomas, consisting of 42 low‐grade and 60 high‐grade urothelial carcinomas, were used for immunocytochemical analysis of UBQLN2.

Results

Urothelial carcinoma cells were positive for UBQLN2‐staining, while non‐neoplastic cells, including renal tubular cells and degenerative atypical cells, were negative. Interestingly, percentage of nuclear stain immunopositive for UBQLN2 was significantly higher in carcinoma cells with high grade/invasive phenotype than in those with low grade/noninvasive phenotype. UBQLN2 immunostaining had an overall sensitivity of 87.6%, specificity of 98.6%, positive predictive value of 97.8% and negative predictive value of 92.8% for the detection of urothelial carcinoma.

Conclusions

UBQLN2 immunostaining is a practical test for urine cytology, even in samples with few cells, with slight atypia or severe degenerative changes. In addition, it allows prediction of tumor grade and stage by examining the cellular localization of UBQLN2. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:3–9. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytomorphologic findings of malignant mesothelioma in FNA biopsies and touch preps of core biopsies
Authors: Paintal Ajit , Raparia Kirtee , Nayar Ritu
Published: August 2015

Background

Given the lack of recent literature regarding the aspiration cytology of immunohistochemically confirmed malignant mesothelioma (MM), we were interested in reviewing the experience of our institution and establishing useful morphologic criteria.

Methods

Seventeen aspiration and touch preparation specimens with a diagnosis of MM obtained between 2002‐2013 were reviewed along with 20 cases of adenocarcinoma and 16 cases of squamous cell carcinoma. The utility of a number of morphologic features was evaluated.

Results

In most cases of MM, a consistent pattern emerged. Aspirates and touch preps were cellular with irregularly shaped 2 and 3 dimensional clusters. The individual cells were predominantly angulated and had dense cytoplasm with eccentric nuclei. In every case, a minority of tumor cells contained prominent microvacuoles. The chromatin pattern tended to be fine with small nucleoli. While most cases were cytologically monotonous, five cases displayed striking pleomorphism and three cases contained occasional large atypical cells. Two cases contained metachromatic background material. Features which were most useful in discriminating MM from adenocarcinoma were angulated cell shape(P = 0.0002), dense cytoplasm(P = 0.0001), and cytoplasmic microvacuoles(P = 0.0001). In our material, cases of squamous cell carcinoma were often difficult to distinguish from MM. Useful discriminatory features present in squamous cell carcinoma included ink dot nuclei(P = 0.0003), a “dirty” cystic, necrotic background (P = 0.0027) and tumor balls with peripheral spindling(P = 0.0041).

Conclusion

Most cases of MM have a consistent appearance in core biopsy touch preps and FNAs. Distinguishing MM from adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma can be facilitated by evaluating a few key morphologic features. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:14–19. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Alteration of Aging‐Dependent MicroRNAs in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Nho Richard Seonghun
Published: August 2015

Preclinical Research

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is the most severe fibrotic lung disease and characterized by the accumulation of (myo)fibroblasts and collagen within the alveolar wall resulting in obliteration of the gas‐exchange surface. Although the detailed pathogenesis is not understood, recent studies have found that several microRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with the progression of lung diseases including IPF. IPF is a fibrotic disease and, most frequently found in an aged population. In this review, the functional roles of miRNAs that are deregulated in IPF progression are discussed together with how aging affects the miRNA signature, altering the fibroblast phenotype and promoting lung fibrosis. Finally, the possibility of targeting miRNAs as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of IPF is discussed. Drug Dev Res 76 : 343–353, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of 40 weight loss compounds adulterated in health supplements by liquid chromatography quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Zeng Yun , Xu Yimin , Kee Chee‐Leong , Low Min‐Yong , Ge Xiaowei
Published: August 2015

In this study, a liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) with scheduled multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) enhanced product ion (EPI) method was developed for simultaneous determination of 40 compounds with weight loss effect, including bisacodyl, phenolphthalein, and sibutramine and its metabolites, etc. They might be adulterated in health supplements to get prominent weight loss effect. The samples were analyzed using a Q‐Trap 5500 coupled with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a CORTECS ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) C18 column (100 mm x 2.1 mm x1.6 µm). Scheduled MRM was used as survey scan, MS2 spectra acquired in the EPI mode were used to perform library searching to increase the confidence of detection. Limits of detection were less than 10 ng/g for the majority of the analytes. A total of 447 weight loss products were tested in our laboratory in the past three years. Among these samples, 119 samples were found to be adulterated with one or more weight loss compounds, including sibutramine, its metabolites benzyl sibutramine and desmethyl sibutramine; phenolphthalein; bisacodyl; furosemide; liothyronine (T3); and thyroxine (T4). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anchoring of Diphenylphosphinyl Groups to NH2‐MIL‐53 by Post‐Synthetic Modification
Authors: Castellanos Sonia , Sai Sankar Gupta Karthick Babu , Pustovarenko Alexey , Dikhtiarenko Alla , Nasalevich Maxim , Atienzar Pedro , García Hermenegildo , Gascon Jorge , Kapteijn Freek
Published: August 2015

Incorporation of new functionalities into metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) by post‐synthetic modification is a most attractive strategy for attaining the desired properties without risking destruction of the crystalline structure chosen for the aimed application. In this work the amine group in NH2‐MIL‐53(Al) was used as anchoring point for the diphenylphosphinyl (Ph2PO–) moiety. The success of the derivatization was confirmed by 31P MAS NMR and DRIFT spectroscopic studies. A newly synthesized reference linker bearing the same phosphinic amide functional group was used to assist in the MOF characterization. The introduction of the bulky diphenylphosphinyl group stabilizes the large‐pore form of the MOF and leads to changes in the optical properties as a consequence of the electronic influence of the PO group. The approach described here is relevant for the preparation of novel phosphorus‐containing MOFs.
Pincer‐Nickel‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Aryl Sulfamates with Arylzinc Chlorides
Authors: Tao Jian‐Long , Wang Zhong‐Xia
Published: August 2015

The nickel N,N,N‐pincer complex 2 was demonstrated to effectively catalyze the cross‐coupling of aryl sulfamates with arylzinc chlorides under mild conditions. The reaction is suitable for a wide range of substrates, and tolerates various functional groups.
Detection of chromothripsis‐like patterns with a custom array platform for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Salaverria Itziar , Martín‐Garcia David , López Cristina , Clot Guillem , García‐Aragonés Manel , Navarro Alba , Delgado Julio , Baumann Tycho , Pinyol Magda , Martin‐Guerrero Idoia , Carrió Ana , Costa Dolors , Queirós Ana C. , Jayne Sandrine , Aymerich Marta , Villamor Neus , Colomer Dolors , González Marcos , López‐Guillermo Armando , Campo Elías , Dyer Martin J. S. , Siebert Reiner , Armengol Lluís , Beà Sílvia
Published: August 2015

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common disease with highly variable clinical course. Several recurrent chromosomal alterations are associated with prognosis and may guide risk‐adapted therapy. We have developed a targeted genome‐wide array to provide a robust tool for ascertaining abnormalities in CLL and to overcome limitations of the 4‐marker fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). DNA from 180 CLL patients were hybridized to the qChip®Hemo array with a high density of probes covering commonly altered loci in CLL (11q22‐q23, 13q14, and 17p13), nine focal regions (2p15‐p16.1, 2p24.3, 2q13, 2q36.3‐q37.1, 3p21.31, 8q24.21, 9p21.3, 10q24.32, and 18q21.32‐q21.33) and two larger regions (6q14.1‐q22.31 and 7q31.33‐q33). Overall, 86% of the cases presented copy number alterations (CNA) by array. There was a high concordance of array findings with FISH (84% sensitivity, 100% specificity); all discrepancies corresponded to subclonal alterations detected only by FISH. A chromothripsis‐like pattern was detected in eight cases. Three showed concomitant shattered 5p with gain of TERT along with isochromosome 17q. Presence of 11q loss was associated with shorter time to first treatment (P = 0.003), whereas 17p loss, increased genomic complexity, and chromothripsis were associated with shorter overall survival (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.02, respectively). In conclusion, we have validated a targeted array for the diagnosis of CLL that accurately detects, in a single experiment, all relevant CNAs, genomic complexity, chromothripsis, copy number neutral loss of heterozygosity, and CNAs not covered by the FISH panel. This test may be used as a practical tool to stratify CLL patients for routine diagnostics or clinical trials. © 2015 The Authors. Genes, Chromosomes & Cancer Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mother's but not father's education predicts general fluid intelligence in emerging adulthood: Behavioral and neuroanatomical evidence
Authors: Kong Feng , Chen Zhencai , Xue Song , Wang Xu , Liu Jia
Published: August 2015

Lower parental education impairs cognitive abilities of their offspring such as general fluid intelligence dependent on the prefrontal cortex (PFC), but the independent contribution of mother's and father's education is unknown. We used an individual difference approach to test whether mother's and father's education independently affected general fluid intelligence in emerging adulthood at both the behavioral and neural level. Behaviorally, mother's but not father's education accounted for unique variance in general fluid intelligence in emerging adulthood (assessed by the Raven's advanced progressive matrices). Neurally, the whole‐brain correlation analysis revealed that the regional gray matter volume (rGMV) in the medial PFC was related to both mother's education and general fluid intelligence but not father's education. Furthermore, after controlling for mother's education, the association between general fluid intelligence and the rGMV in medial PFC was no longer significant, indicating that mother's education plays an important role in influencing the structure of the medial PFC associated with general fluid intelligence. Taken together, our study provides the first behavioral and neural evidence that mother's education is a more important determinant of general cognitive ability in emerging adulthood than father's education. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4582–4591, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thiol‐Functionalized IGEPAL® Surfactants as Novel Fluorescent Ligands for the Silica Coating of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Gavilán‐Rubio Helena , Coelho João Paulo , González‐Rubio Guillermo , Tardajos Gloria , Barcina José Osío , Salgado Castor , Guerrero‐Martínez Andrés
Published: August 2015

A synthesized thiol‐functionalized non‐ionic surfactant based on the IGEPAL® (polyoxyethylene(5) nonyl phenyl ether) structure, has been used to replace citrate ions from the surface of gold nanoparticles with 13.5 nm diameters. Upon IGEPAL®‐type stabilization in water, the nanoparticles were transferred to ethanol, where a layer of silica was efficiently grown on the nanocrystal surface through the conventional Stöber approach. This method allows fine control over the silica thickness, showing uniform and homogeneous core‐shell nanoparticles. Additionally, the luminescent properties of the IGEPAL® surfactant allow the versatile preparation of robust fluorescent nanoparticles with multiplexing potential as simultaneous plasmonic and fluorescence probes.
The effect of fretting associated periodic cathodic potential shifts on the electrochemistry andin vitrobiocompatibility of commercially pure titanium
Authors: Ciolko Alexandra A. , Tobias Menachem , Ehrensberger Mark T.
Published: August 2015

This study explored how periodic cathodic polarization of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) alters its electrochemical properties and biocompatibility. MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblast cells were cultured directly on cpTi samples and maintained at open circuit potential (OCP) for 24 h followed by an additional 24‐h sequence of periodic cathodic polarization to −1000 or −750 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) for 1 s followed by a 5‐s recovery at OCP. Control experiments were performed where the samples were maintained at OCP throughout the entire test. Subsequent electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed both of the periodic cathodic polarization conditions significantly reduced the polarization resistance (Rp), while only the −1000 mV condition significantly increased the capacitance (C) as compared to the controls. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the cells were fragmented and balled up on the samples periodically shifted to −1000 mV as compared to the cells that were well spread on the controls and samples periodically shifted to −750 mV. Additionally, live/dead fluorescence microscopy revealed that periodic polarizations to −1000 mV reduced cell viability to around 12% as compared to the greater than 95% cell viability observed on the controls and samples periodically polarized to −750 mV. This work showed that periodic cathodic potential shifts can notably alter the electrochemical behavior of cpTi and the viability and morphology of cells seeded directly onto its surface. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1591–1601, 2016.
Lipid Rafts Disruption Increases Ochratoxin A Cytotoxicity to Hepatocytes
Authors: Zhang Yu , Qi Xiaozhe , Zheng Juanjuan , Luo Yunbo , Zhao Changhui , Hao Junran , Li Xiaohong , Huang Kunlun , Xu Wentao
Published: August 2015

Lipid rafts are microdomains in plasma membrane and can mediate cytotoxicity. In this study, the role of lipid rafts in ochratoxin A‐induced toxicity was investigated using Hepatoblastoma Cell Line HepG‐2 cells. Disruption of cholesterol‐containing lipid rafts enhanced Ochratoxin A (OTA) toxicity, as shown by increased lactate dehydrogenase leakage, increased reactive oxygen species level and reduction of superoxide dismutase activity in a time‐dependent manner. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation‐based proteomics of the cell membranes showed that nearly 85.5% proteins were downregulated by OTA, indicating that OTA inhibited the membrane protein synthesis. Most of altered proteins were involved in Gene Ontology “transport”, “cell adhesion” and “vesicle‐mediated transport”. In conclusion, lipid rafts play a key role in OTA‐induced cytotoxicity. This study provides insight into how OTA toxicity is regulated by the plasma membrane, especially the lipid rafts.
Determination of HLA‐G Expression and Evaluation of Its Role as a Prognostic Factor in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Ozet Gulsum , Falay Mesude , Dagdas Simten , Ceran Funda
Published: August 2015

Background

In recent years, the clinical and biological features governing the clinical course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have been most extensively studied. Human leukocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) allows tumor cells to escape from the antitumor effect of the immune system. Recent studies have shown that various tumor cells show an increased HLA‐G expression. Data regarding HLA‐G expression in CLL are limited and controversial. The aim of this work is to evaluate flow cytometry study of HLA‐G expression on cell surface and assess its relationship with other prognostic factors (CD38, ZAP70, beta 2 microglobulin [β2MG]) in patients with CLL.

Design and methods

Forty‐five newly diagnosed CLL cases. White blood cell count, lymphocyte absolute count, hemoglobin level, platelet count, serum lactate dehydrogenase activity, and serum β2MG level were studied at admission. In each patient, morphologic diagnosis of B‐CLL was confirmed by flow cytometry HLA‐G, CD38 and ZAP70 expression levels were measured with four‐color flow cytometry.

Results

HLA‐G positivity ranged between 1% and 12% in CLL patients. A significant correlation was found with CD38, ZAP70, disease stage, and β2MG (P < 0.001). The off‐treatment follow‐up period was longer in the HLA‐G negative group (P < 0.022).

Conclusions

In conclusion, we suggest that, in addition to other prognostic factors, surface HLA‐G expression can be considered as an independent prognostic factor. However, our work should be confirmed by further prospective studies, a longer off‐treatment follow‐up period, and a standardized method.
Two‐sided Group Digraphs and Graphs
Authors: Iradmusa Moharram N. , Praeger Cheryl E.
Published: August 2015

We study a family of digraphs (directed graphs) that generalises the class of Cayley digraphs. For nonempty subsets of a group G, we define the two‐sided group digraph to have vertex set G, and an arc from x to y if and only if for some and . In common with Cayley graphs and digraphs, two‐sided group digraphs may be useful to model networks as the same routing and communication scheme can be implemented at each vertex. We determine necessary and sufficient conditions on L and R under which may be viewed as a simple graph of valency , and we call such graphs two‐sided group graphs. We also give sufficient conditions for two‐sided group digraphs to be connected, vertex‐transitive, or Cayley graphs. Several open problems are posed. Many examples are given, including one on 12 vertices with connected components of sizes 4 and 8.
The Same Upper Bound for Both: The 2‐page and the Rectilinear Crossing Numbers of the n‐Cube
Authors: Faria Luerbio , de Figueiredo Celina M. H. , Richter R. Bruce , Vrt'o Imrich
Published: August 2015

We present two main results: a 2‐page and a rectilinear drawing of the n‐dimensional cube . Both drawings have the same number of crossings, even though they are given by different constructions. The first improves the current best general 2‐page drawing, while the second is the first nontrivial rectilinear drawing of .
Rescue of deficient amygdala tonic γ‐aminobutyric acidergic currents in the Fmr–/y mouse model of fragile X syndrome by a novel γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptor‐positive allosteric modulator
Authors: Martin Brandon S. , Martinez‐Botella Gabriel , Loya Carlos M. , Salituro Francesco G. , Robichaud Albert J. , Huntsman Molly M. , Ackley Mike A. , Doherty James J. , Corbin Joshua G.
Published: August 2015

Alterations in the ratio of excitatory to inhibitory transmission are emerging as a common component of many nervous system disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Tonic γ‐aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) transmission provided by peri‐ and extrasynaptic GABA type A (GABAA) receptors powerfully controls neuronal excitability and plasticity and, therefore, provides a rational therapeutic target for normalizing hyperexcitable networks across a variety of disorders, including ASDs. Our previous studies revealed tonic GABAergic deficits in principal excitatory neurons in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in the Fmr1–/y knockout (KO) mouse model fragile X syndrome. To correct amygdala deficits in tonic GABAergic neurotransmission in Fmr1–/y KO mice, we developed a novel positive allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors, SGE‐872, based on endogenously active neurosteroids. This study shows that SGE‐872 is nearly as potent and twice as efficacious for positively modulating GABAA receptors as its parent molecule, allopregnanolone. Furthermore, at submicromolar concentrations (≤1 μM), SGE‐872 is selective for tonic, extrasynaptic α4β3δ‐containing GABAA receptors over typical synaptic α1β2γ2 receptors. We further find that SGE‐872 strikingly rescues the tonic GABAergic transmission deficit in principal excitatory neurons in the Fmr1–/y KO BLA, a structure heavily implicated in the neuropathology of ASDs. Therefore, the potent and selective action of SGE‐872 on tonic GABAA receptors containing α4 subunits may represent a novel and highly useful therapeutic avenue for ASDs and related disorders involving hyperexcitability of neuronal networks. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Onabotulinum toxin A dosage trends over time for adductor spasmodic dysphonia: A 15‐year experience
Authors: Tang Christopher G. , Novakovic Daniel , Mor Niv , Blitzer Andrew
Published: August 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Although onabotulinum neurotoxin A (BoNTA) has been used for over three decades for the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia, no study has been performed to look at the trend of BoNTA dosages across time. The goal of this study is to evaluate the dosage trends to determine if the dosage necessary for voice improvement in patients increases over time.

Study Design

Charts were reviewed for patients with 15 years or more of experience.

Methods

Linear regression analysis was performed to determine correlation coefficients and trends.

Results

Fifty‐five patients receiving BoNTA injections by the senior author (a.b.) for over 15 years were evaluated. Thirty‐nine patients (82% female) met inclusion criteria. Patients received injections over an average of 18.6 years ± 1.36 years, with the longest follow‐up of 21.5 years. Of 39 patients, 16 (41%) had a negative correlation coefficient (Pearson's r) suggesting a decrease over time, whereas 23 (59%) had a positive correlation coefficient suggesting an increase over time. The mean correlation coefficient was 0.139 ± 0.534 and P < 0.05 in 19 patients and P > 0.05 in 20 patients. R2 for all patients were less than 0.75.

Conclusions

Onabotulinum neurotoxin A injection dosage trends vary depending on the individual over time. Overall, the dose range appears to be stable in the majority of patients, suggesting that tolerance does not play a significant part in dose variation over time.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:678–681, 2016