bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of 3,5‐Diarylcyclohex‐2‐enones by NH4Cl/HCl‐Catalyzed Cyclization and Deacetylation of 4‐Acetylhexane‐1,5‐diones
Authors: Gezegen Hayreddin , Ceylan Mustafa
Published: February 2015

A new route for the synthesis of 3,5‐diarylcyclohex‐2‐enones is reported. The 4‐acetyl‐1,3‐diarylhexane‐1,5‐diones were obtained by the addition of pentane‐2,4‐dione to chalcones. The reaction of 4‐acetyl‐1,3‐diarylhexane‐1,5‐diones with NH4Cl/HCl in EtOH under reflux conditions gave the 3,5‐diarylcyclohex‐2‐enones in good yields. All synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods (1H‐, 13C‐NMR, and IR), and elemental analyses.
Stereoselective Total Synthesis of Decytospolides A and B Starting from D‐Mannitol
Authors: Srilatha Malampati , Das Biswanath
Published: February 2015

The stereoselective total synthesis of decytospolides A and B, two naturally occurring pyran derivatives, has been achieved using D‐mannitol as the starting material. The intramolecular oxa‐Michael reaction has been employed to construct the tetrahydropyran ring of the molecules and Weinreb amide formation to generate their side chain with a keto function.
Synthesis of Cyclopentapeptides with Three to Five Aib Units
Authors: Arnhold Franziska S. , Linden Anthony , Heimgartner Heinz
Published: February 2015

Four new Aib‐containing cyclopentapeptides have been synthesized by cyclization of the corresponding linear pentapeptides using the diethyl phosphorocyanidate (DEPC)/EtN(iPr)2 method. The linear precursors were prepared via the ‘azirine/oxazolone method’, i.e., the Aib units were introduced by the reaction of amino acids or peptide acids with a 2,2‐dimethyl‐2H‐azirin‐3‐amine, followed by selective hydrolysis of the terminal amide function. Most remarkably, cyclo[(Aib)5] exists in CDCl3 solution in a symmetrical conformation, i.e., no intramolecular H‐bonds are detectable.
Adoptive chemoimmunotherapy of a moloney lymphoma
Authors: Fefer A.
Published: February 2015

Adult BALB/c mice were inoculated with BALB/c Moloney lymphoma cells. On day 6, mice with palpable tumors received sublethal cyclophosphamide (CY) and BALB/c or DBA 2 spleen cells. All untreated mice died with tumor on days 8‐12. Spleen cells alone had no effect. All mice treated with CY alone died with tumor by day 30, as did all mice treated with CY plus cells from non‐immune donors or from DBA donors immunized against normal BALB/c tissue. By contrast, treatment with CY plus cells from BALB/c or DBA/2 donors immunized with antigenically‐related murine sarcoma virus (Moloney) was moderately effective — 30 of 65 mice lived beyond day 60 and 14 of 65 beyond day 100. Lethal X‐irradiation of the immune cells abolished their efficacy. Thus, an established antigenic lymphoma was inhibited or eradicated by a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy with spleen cells from syngeneic or H‐2‐compatible donors, but only if the cells were viable and were derived from donors pre‐immunized against tumor‐associated antigens. Finally, when lethal X‐irradiation was substituted for sublethal CY, immunotherapy was not effective, probably because the tumor cells were far less sensitive to X‐ray than to CY.
Antibody to feline oncornavirus‐associated cell membrane antigen in neonatal cats
Authors: Essex Myron , Klein George , Snyder Stanley P. , Harrold J. Boyd
Published: February 2015

Antibodies to a feline oncornavirus‐associated cell membrane antigen have been found in newborn kittens whose mothers had previously nursed litters of kittens injected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). These antibodies, which were apparently obtained passively from the mother, seem to protect the kittens from the development of progressive tumors following the injection of various amounts of feline sarcoma virus (FSV). That these mothers were apparently able to passively transmit immunity suggests that they became infected with FeLV in a horizontal manner while nursing previous litters and resisted the development of progressive tumors, but mounted an immune response which resulted in the production of humoral antibody. It also suggests that some degree of cross‐protection exists in vivo between the feline leukemia and sarcoma viruses used in this study.
Effect of the carcinogen N‐nitrosomethylurea on the tRNA methylase activity of cells cultured in vitro
Authors: Wilkinson Ray , Pillinger David J.
Published: February 2015

A comparison has been made between the activity of enzymes responsible for methylation of tRNA in a permanent line of adult Chinese hamster ovary fibroblasts maintained in in vitro culture, and that of cells derived from this line after exposure in vitro to the alkylating carcinogen N‐nitrosomethylurea. A significantly elevated activity has been observed in several clones of cells which had received a single acute dose of the nitrosamide. A series of chronic treatments in which the single acute dose was given over a period of 8 weeks illustrated the cumulative effect of the fractionated doses on the methylase enzymes, and confirmed the repeatability of findings after a single acute dose. Evidence has been obtained from morphological criteria that a correlation appears to exist between the extent of morphological conversion within the cell population and the activity of the enzymes. Kinetic evidence suggests that this alteration in activity is not related to changes in growth rate alone. These results are discussed in relation to the concept that methylation of tRNA may relate to the degree of maturation and differentiation in a particular cell population.
Production of variants of decreased malignancy and antigenicity from clones transformed in vitro by methylcholanthrene
Authors: Mondal Sukdeb , Embleton M. J. , Marquardt Hans , Heidelberger Charles
Published: February 2015

Starting with a thrice‐cloned highly malignant fibroblastic line of cells derived from C3H mouse prostate by treatment in vitro with methylcholanthrene (4C1), several variant clones were obtained following plating on glutaraldehyde‐fixed cells or by FUDR treatment. These variants had a lower saturation density than the parent clone and were 500 times less malignant. These less malignant variants had more or less chromosomes than the parent clone. The 4C1 cells possessed cell‐surface antigen (s) capable of inducing humoral and cell‐mediated immune responses in syngeneic C3H mice. The less malignant variants were deficient in the 4C1 antigen, although their cell‐surface alloantigens were unchanged. Thus, there was a loss of 4C1 antigen, and no new antigens could be detected on the variant cells.
Lymphocyte transformation in patients with Kaposi's sarcoma
Authors: Taylor John F. , Junge Ulrich , Wolfe Lauren , Deinhardt Friedrich , Kyalwazi Sebastian K.
Published: February 2015

This study describes a correlation between the morphologic types of cutaneous Kaposi's sarcomata and the capacity of lymphocytes to be stimulated in culture with PHA and tumour cells. Lymphocytes from patients with the sarcoma and from normal controls were cultured in vitro with PHA, autologous Mitomycin‐inhibited tumour cells, and control cells. Lymphocyte transformation was evaluated by measuring the uptake of 125 iodo‐2′ deoxyuridine. Lymphocytes from seven of 21 Kaposi patients showed increased transformation in cultures containing tumour cells and six of these seven patients had nodular or infiltrative disease. An impaired response to both PHA and tumour cells was noted in patients with florid tumours, a form thought to be associated with a diminished host response.

Standardized extracts of tumour and control cells were incubated with homologous lymphocytes from other Kaposi patients and normal controls. Two of nine cultures from Kaposi patients showed increased isotope uptake, compared with none of three control cultures.
Effect of withaferin a on Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. II. Target tumor cell destruction in vivo by immune activation
Authors: Shohat Batya , Joshua Henry
Published: February 2015

Intraperitoneal administration of Withaferin A 24 h after inoculation of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma resulted in an immediate inhibition of tumor growth, followed by complete disappearance of the malignant cells after 3‐4 days. During this period a striking proliferation of macrophages in the peritoneal cavity and clustering of viable acid‐phosphatase‐rich macrophages around Ehrlich ascites tumor cells was observed. In addition, giant cell formation in the peritoneal cavity of the tumor‐rejecting mice was commonly seen. No significant difference was found in the number of lymphocytes and polymorphonuclears of the peritoneal exudate of the tumor‐rejecting mice as compared to untreated tumor‐bearing mice. A similar sequence of changes with an even more striking proliferation of macrophages terminating again in complete tumor regression was observed after reinoculation of Ehrlich ascites cells to Withaferin A cured mice. Growth of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells in normal mice was prevented by passive transfer of serum or peritoneal cells, but not by spleen cells taken from immune mice. Humoral antibodies in the serum of immune mice were demonstrated by the complement fixation, the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, and the cytotoxic tests. One‐day‐old suckling litters born to immune mothers were also refractory to Ehrlich ascites implantation. However, Ehrlich ascites cell growth was not affected if the litters were injected previously with a cell‐free tumor homogenate.
Inhibition of hipa plasmacytoma cell‐free transmission by normal spleen of BALB/c, DBA/2 and C3H mice
Authors: Pedio G. , Rüttner J. R.
Published: February 2015

Spleen from normal BALB/c, DBA/2 and C3H mice exerted a protective effect against syngeneic and allogeneic cell‐free transmission of HIPA plasmacytoma in mice.

The maximal protective effect of these spleens was found in C3H and ICR mice (100‐70%). Inoculation of BALB/c spleen homogenates in syngeneic mice resulted in protection of about 56% of the cases. Spleen homogenates from BALB/c mice were not effective against cellular transplantation of HIPA plasmacytoma.

The fact that the protection required one week to develop suggested that an immune reaction was involved. The factor responsible for protection was found in the sedimentable fraction of spleen homogenates centrifuged at 500 × g during 15 minutes and was destroyed by heat and freezing/thawing.
Tumor induction in hamster by para (3cT)‐adenovirus 7 mutant. Morphology and antigenic profiles of neoplastic cells
Authors: Pauluzzi Sergio , Ribacchi Rodolfo
Published: February 2015

The variant 3ct of PARA‐adenovirus 7, which was able to synthesize SV40‐T antigen in cytoplasm, induced tumors in newborn hamsters. The neoplasms were either undifferentiated adenovirus tumors or pleomorphic sarcomas. Several cell lines were obtained from the tumors: some had the cytomorphology typical of adenovirus or SV40‐transformed cells, while others showed ribbon‐cell formation.

Only the cells derived from the “early” tumors displayed adenovirus T antigen (s); in these cells the SV40 T antigen had a diffuse, granular pattern and was mainly localized on the perinuclear region. In the other cell lines no adenovirus T antigen was shown by the indirect immunofluorescence test; the SV40 T antigen was present in the nuclei, either with the regular pattern of SV40‐transformed cells or in the form of faint and sparse fluorescent spots.
Morphology of tumors induced in hamster soft tissues by bovine adenovirus type 3
Authors: Levenbook I. S. , Strizhachenko N. M.
Published: February 2015

Thirty‐one hamsters were injected subcutaneously with bovine adenovirus type 3. The average titer of the virus was 4.38 lg TCD50/ml in a volume of 0.2 ml. Thirty animals developed solid tumors, while in one animal a cyst was seen. In 24 out of 30 hamsters the tumors were poorly differentiated sarcomas. However, a number of histological features suggest that they might be of vascular origin. Twenty‐one tumors had the structure of a malignant hemangiopericytoma with areas of angioleiomyosarcoma. After the first passage in adult hamsters the structure of angioleiomyosarcoma became particularly distinct. In three animals the tumors had the appearance of malignant hemangioendothelioma. In some animals there were tumors which we think it reasonable to identify as malignant schwannomas and in one animal an unclassifiable polymorphocellular sarcoma was found. The transplantation of tumors of malignant hemangiopericytoma type resulted in a lowering of the level of differentiation, but the tendency to angioplasia persisted for a long time, though it grew less marked. Tumor cells of KOH‐1 line after inoculation into hamsters induced tumors which had the structure of a malignant hemangiopericytoma with a well‐pronounced component of angioleiomyosarcoma.
The Association of Two “Frustrated” Lewis Pairs by State‐of‐the‐Art Quantum Chemical Methods
Authors: Bannwarth Christoph , Hansen Andreas , Grimme Stefan
Published: February 2015

State‐of‐the‐art quantum chemical methods have been applied to describe the association of two frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs), B(C6F5)3/PR3 (1: R=2,4,6‐Me3C6H2; 2: R=CMe3), with different steric demands of the base component. Interaction energies are calculated at the dispersion‐corrected DFT, MP2 (second‐order Møller‐Plesset), and DLPNO‐CCSD(T) (domain‐based local pair natural orbital‐coupled cluster, including single, double and perturbative triple excitations) levels of theory, combined with extended triple‐ or quadruple‐ζ AO (atom‐centered orbital) basis sets. Thermostatistical contributions to the free binding energy are calculated from harmonic frequencies at the efficient HF‐3c (minimal basis Hartree‐Fock with three corrections) level, while solvation effects in benzene are accounted for by the COSMO‐RS (conductor‐like screening model for realistic solvents) continuum model. Comparison with the recently measured experimental value for the free association energy of the FLP 1 reveals agreement between theory and experiment within the estimated error bars. The computed gas phase interaction energies for both FLPs are similar (about −13 kcal mol−1), with only small variations (about ±3 kcal mol−1) for various quantum chemical methods, when London dispersion interactions are accounted for properly. The association of the more “frustrated” FLP 1 is mainly driven by nondirectional dispersion forces, resulting in non‐preferential orientations, which is in agreement with experimental results. On the other hand, in FLP 2 with the “smaller” base, the boron and phosphorous atoms face each other in the favored complex structure, indicating a weak PB donor‐acceptor interaction. This conformation of 2 seems to be more suitable for small molecule (e.g., H2) activations.
Disentangling Crashes from Tail Events
Authors: Aboura Sofiane
Published: February 2015

The study of tail events has become a central preoccupation for academics, investors and policy makers, given the recent financial turmoil. However, the question on what differentiates a crash from a tail event remains unsolved. This article elaborates a new definition of stock market crash taking a risk management perspective based on an augmented extreme value theory methodology. An empirical test on the French stock market (1968–2008) indicates that it experienced only two crashes in 2007–2008 among the 12 identified over the whole period. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factor structure and correlates of the Mandarin version of the Managing the Emotions of Others (MEOS) scale
Authors: Saklofske Donald H. , Austin Elizabeth J. , Yan Gonggu , Smith Martin M.
Published: February 2015

The English‐language version of the Managing the Emotions of Others (MEOS) scale has been found to have a six‐factor structure. This includes two pairs (Enhance, Divert and Worsen, Inauthentic) that respectively describe prosocial and non‐prosocial interpersonal emotion management, together with an emotional concealment factor (Conceal) and a factor assessing poor self‐rated emotional skills. A Mandarin translation of the MEOS was completed by 277 Chinese student participants. Factor analysis indicated a four‐factor structure comprising a merged Enhance/Divert factor, together with Worsen, Inauthentic and Conceal factors. The emergence of a different factor structure compared to Western samples may be related to culture‐dependent attitudes to emotional expression. The associations of the MEOS factors with Five‐Factor model personality, the Dark Triad and trait emotional intelligence (EI) were examined; these were similar to but generally weaker than those found for the English‐language version.
Effects of social dominance orientation and right‐wing authoritarianism on corrupt intention: The role of moral outrage
Authors: Tan Xuyun , Liu Li , Zheng Wenwen , Huang Zhenwei
Published: February 2015

Previous research suggested that dominance orientation and authoritarianism may be associated with corruption, but little research has verified this assumption or uncovered its psychological processes. In this article, we examined empirically the relationships between social dominance orientation (SDO), right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA) and corrupt intention and explored the mediating role of moral outrage on these relationships. A total of 677 college students participated in the study and completed measures of SDO, RWA, moral outrage and corrupt intention. Our findings demonstrated that both SDO and RWA were positively associated with corrupt intention. Additionally, moral outrage partially mediated the relation between SDO and corrupt intention and fully mediated the relation between RWA and corrupt intention. Specifically, the results indicated that higher SDO or RWA was associated with reduced moral outrage and increased corrupt intention. This implies that the enhancement of morality and moral outrage may inhibit corrupt intention.
Carboxylation of multiwalled carbon nanotube attenuated the cytotoxicity by limiting the oxidative stress initiated cell membrane integrity damage, cell cycle arrestment, and death receptor mediated apoptotic pathway
Authors: Liu Zhenbao , Liu Yanfei , Peng Dongming
Published: February 2015

In this study, the effects of carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs‐COOH) on human normal liver cell line L02 was compared with that of pristine multiwalled carbon nanotubes (p‐MWCNTs). It was shown that compared with MWCNTs‐COOH, p‐MWCNTs induced apoptosis, reduced the level of intracellular antioxidant glutathione more significantly, and caused severer cell membrane damage as demonstrated by lactate dehydrogenase leakage. Cell cycles were arrested by both MWCNTs, while p‐MWCNTs induced higher ratio of G0/G1 phase arrestment as compared with MWCNTs‐COOH. Caspase‐8 was also activated after both MWCNTs exposure, indicating extrinsic apoptotic pathway was involved in the apoptosis induced by MWCNTs exposure, more importantly, MWCNTs‐COOH significantly reduced the activation of caspase‐8 as compared with p‐MWCNTs. All these results suggested that MWCNTs‐COOH might be safer for in vivo application as compared with p‐MWCNTs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2770–2777, 2015.
Chitosan leads to downregulation of YKL‐40 and inflammasome activation in human macrophages
Authors: Gudmundsdottir Steinunn , Lieder Ramona , Sigurjonsson Olafur E. , Petersen Petur H.
Published: February 2015

Chitosan, the deacetylated derivative of chitin, is used as biomaterial in diverse settings. It is also found on pathogens and can be proinflammatory. Shorter derivatives of chitosan can be generated chemically or enzymatically, chitosan oligosaccharides (ChOS). There is variation in the chemical composition of ChOS, including size distribution, but in general, they have been described as inert or anti‐inflammatory. Active human chitinases can cleave chitin and chitosan, while inactive chitinases bind both but do not cleave. Both active and inactive chitinases have important roles in the immune response. The inactive chitinase YKL‐40 is expressed highly during inflammation and has been proposed as a marker of poor prognosis. YKL‐40 acts as a negative regulator of the inflammasome and as a positive regulator of angiogenesis. Levels of YKL‐40 can therefore regulate levels of inflammation, the extent of angiogenesis, and the process of inflammation resolution. This study shows that chitosan leads to reduced secretion of YKL‐40 by primary human macrophages and that this is concomitant with inflammasome activation. This was most pronounced with a highly deacetylated ChOS. No effect on the secretion of the active chitinase Chit‐1 was detected. Smaller and more acetylated ChOS did not affect YKL‐40 levels nor inflammasome activation. We conclude that this effect on the levels of YKL‐40 is a part of the proinflammatory mechanisms of chitosan and its derivatives. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2778–2785, 2015.
LIM Mineralization Protein-1 Enhances Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2–Mediated Osteogenesis Through Activation of ERK1/2 MAPK Pathway and Upregulation of Runx2 Transactivity
Authors: Pan Hehai , Li Xiang , Wang Jianru , Zhang Kuibo , Yang Hao , Li Zemin , Zheng Zhaomin , Liu Hui
Published: February 2015

LIM mineralization protein-1 (LMP-1) is an intracellular regulator of bone formation. Upregulation of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and stabilization of BMP/Smad signaling have been proven to be the key mechanisms through which LMP-1 enhances osteogenesis. However, how LMP-1 regulates BMPs expression and related bone formation remains unclear. In this study, a LMP-1–induced osteogenesis cell model was used to study the molecular action of LMP-1 on BMP-2 expression and bone formation. The results show that overexpression of LMP-1 significantly increases, whereas downregulation of endogenous LMP-1 decreases BMP-2 expression and bone formation. Antagonism of BMP-2 with noggin or short hairpin BMP-2 significantly attenuates the osteoinductive effect of LMP-1, suggesting that the osteoinductive effect of LMP-1 is mediated by BMP-2. LMP-1 regulation of BMP-2 is found to occur at the transcription level using a luciferase reporter assay with a reporter construct containing a BMP-2 promoter. A promoter deletion assay reveals that –1000/–500 bp is the key regulated region by LMP-1. A Runx2-binding site is then located at –934/–920 bp and confirmed by luciferase assay using a reporter construct containing repeats of this Runx2-binding site and the site-directed mutagenesis analysis. Overexpression of LMP-1 significantly increases Runx2 expression. Downregulation of Runx2 expression significantly decreases BMP-2 promoter activity and BMP-2 expression. A ChIP assay demonstrates that LMP-1 increases the interaction between Runx2 and BMP-2 promoter. A luciferase reporter assay using the OSE2 promoter containing a Runx2-binding site confirms that Runx2 transactivity can be upregulated by LMP-1. Moreover, inhibiting the activation of different pathways with specific pathway inhibitors reveals that ERK1/2 MAPK activation is essential for LMP-1–induced upregulation of Runx2 transactivity and subsequent BMP-2 expression. In conclusion, our novel findings describe a positive regulatory effect of LMP-1 on BMP-2 expression and BMP-2–mediated osteogenesis. This effect occurs through activation of ERK1/2 pathway and subsequent upregulation of Runx2 transactivity. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Transcriptional Profiling of Laser Capture Microdissected Subpopulations of the Osteoblast Lineage Provides Insight Into the Early Response to Sclerostin Antibody in Rats
Authors: Nioi Paul , Taylor Scott , Hu Rong , Pacheco Efrain , He Yudong D , Hamadeh Hisham , Paszty Chris , Pyrah Ian , Ominsky Michael S , Boyce Rogely Waite
Published: February 2015

Sclerostin antibody (Scl-Ab) increases bone formation through a process dependent on the activation of canonical Wnt signaling, although the specific signaling in the osteoblast lineage in vivo is largely unknown. To gain insight into the signaling pathways acutely modulated by Scl-Ab, the transcriptional response of subpopulations of the osteoblast lineage was assessed by TaqMan and microarray analyses of mRNA isolated from laser capture microdissection (LCM)–enriched samples from the vertebrae of ovariectomized rats during the first week after Scl-Ab administration. Briefly, 6-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized and, after 2 months, received a single dose of vehicle (VEH) or 100 mg/kg Scl-Ab (n = 20/group). Lumbar vertebrae were collected at 6, 24, 72, and 168 hours postdose and cryosectioned for LCM. Osteocytes were captured from bone matrix, and osteoblasts and lining cells were captured from bone surfaces based on fluorochrome labeling. mRNA was isolated, amplified, and profiled by TaqMan and microarray. Expression analysis revealed that Scl-Ab caused strikingly similar transcriptional profiles across all three cell types. Only 13 known canonical Wnt target genes, the majority with known functions in bone, showed a significant change in expression by microarray in response to Scl-Ab, with Wisp1 and Twist1 being the most responsive. Coincident with increased expression of Wnt target genes was the upregulation of numerous extracellular matrix (ECM) genes. The acute and progressive upregulation of ECM genes in lining cells supports their activation into matrix-producing osteoblasts, consistent with modeling-based bone formation. A similar transcriptional profile in osteocytes may indicate that Scl-Ab stimulates perilacunar/pericanalicular matrix deposition. Pathway analyses indicated that Scl-Ab regulated a limited number of genes related to cell cycle arrest and B-cell development. These data describe the acute downstream signaling in response to Scl-Ab in vivo and demonstrate selected canonical Wnt target gene activation associated with increased bone formation in all mature osteoblast subpopulations. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Substituent Effect on the Tautomerization of 1‐Arylazonaphthalen‐2‐ols by Mass Spectrometric Analysis
Authors: Lin Shaw‐Tao , Lin Lee‐Hui , Lin Yi‐Cang , Ding Mei‐Fan
Published: February 2015

An electron‐ionization (EI) mass spectra of a series of 1‐arylazonaphthalen‐2‐ols was obtained for studying the substituent effect on the fragmentation. The correlation between the ratio, molecular ion and fragment ion, and Hammett’s constants is applied to examine the effect of the substituent on the fragmentation. The negative correction between the ratio, Imolecular ion/(I171amu + I143amu + I115amu), and Hammett’s constants indicates an electron‐withdrawing group destabilized the molecular ion. An unusual long‐range hydrogen transfer demonstrates an important role in the fragmentation process
Determination of Acetylcysteine in Pharmaceutical Samples by Silicomolybdenum Blue Spectrophotometry
Authors: Wen Xin‐Rong , Tu Chang‐Qing , Wen Xiao‐Hong
Published: February 2015

An accurate and fast spectrophotometric method for the determination of acetylcysteine by silicomolybdenum blue has been established. The various effect factors on the determination of acetylcysteine by silicomolybdenum blue spectrophotometry are investigated in detail. The results show that under the optimum reaction conditions, SiO32‐ reacts with Mo7O246‐ to form silicon molybdenum heteropoly acid (H4Si(Mo3O10)4). Then H4Si(Mo3O10)4 is reduced by hydrosulfuryl (‐SH) in acetylcysteine to form silicomolybdenum blue (H4Si(Mo3O10)2(Mo3O9)2). The absorbance of silicomolybdenum blue is measured at the maximal absorption wavelength of 735 nm, and the content of acetylcysteine can be calculated based on this absorbance. A good linear relationship is obtained between the absorbance of silicomolybdenum blue and the concentration of acetylcysteine in the range of 5.040∼25.20 μg⋅mL‐1. The linear regression equation is A = 0.0272 + 21.484C (mg⋅mL‐1), with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.9995. This proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of acetylcysteine in pharmaceutical samples, and the results agree well with those obtained by pharmacopoeial method.
From Chemistry to Translational Medicine: The Application of Proteomics to Cancer Biomarker Discovery and Diagnosis
Authors: Chiou Shyh‐Horng , Huang Chun‐Hao , Liang Shih‐Shin
Published: February 2015

The study of complex protein mixtures and their interactions in cells and tissues has been difficult due to the tedious process involved in their characterization and analysis. The recent emergence of fast‐evolving and state‐of‐the‐art proteomics methodologies has provided a rapid and scalable platform for understanding the comprehensive proteome profiles from complex whole tissues or cells of various biological sources. Therefore, proteomics has been increasingly valuable to examine real‐time changes in protein expression of various tissues or body fluids from patients with various diseases, especially cancer, resulting in the identification of clinically useful biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and disease staging. In this review, we focus on potential biomarkers for (1) Helicobacter pylori‐associated gastric cancer, (2) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and (3) renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In addition to the conventional gel‐based proteomics (1‐D or 2‐D gels), we have utilized a more advanced proteomic approach by incorporating stable isotope dimethyl labelling and shotgun proteomics strategy in combination with nanoliquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC‐MS/MS) to better characterize the biomarkers in several cancer tissues. By establishing a high‐throughput proteomics platform based on multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), we have successfully detected and analyzed potential protein markers at low concentrations in various normal and tumor tissues. This platform not only highlights the utility of proteomics for biomarker discovery but also can be uniquely applied to disease‐oriented translational medicine for diagnosis of diverse types of cancers and other diseases.
A Novel Ionic Liquid Based on Imidazolium Cation as an Efficient and Reusable Catalyst for the One‐pot Synthesis of Benzoxazoles, Benzthiazoles, Benzimidazoles and 2‐Arylsubstituted Benzimidazoles
Authors: Hasanpour Maede , Eshghi Hossein , Bakavoli Mehdi , Mirzaeia Mahdi
Published: February 2015

A novel dicationic ionic liquid based on imidazolium cation is designed, synthesized and successfully used as catalyst for the one‐pot synthesis of benzoxazoles, benzthiazoles, benzimidazoles and 2‐arylsubstituted benzimidazoles. The remarkable feature of this new catalyst is its ethyleneoxy bridge which participates in dissolving organic compound in ionic liquid. The application of this ionic liquid is studied in a new one‐pot method for synthesis of heterocyclic compounds under solvent‐free conditions. Simple and convenient procedure, high conversion, reusability of catalyst, easy purification and shorter reaction time are the advantageous features of this method.
Anandamide drives cell cycle progression through CB1 receptors in a rat model of synchronized liver regeneration
Authors: Pisanti Simona , Picardi Paola , Pallottini Valentina , Martini Chiara , Petrosino Stefania , Proto Maria Chiara , Vitale Mario , Laezza Chiara , Gazzerro Patrizia , Di Marzo Vincenzo , Bifulco Maurizio
Published: February 2015

The endocannabinoid system, through cannabinoid receptor signaling by endocannabinoids, is involved in a wide range of functions and physiopathological conditions. To date, very little is known concerning the role of the endocannabinoids in the control and regulation of cell proliferation. An anti‐proliferative action of CB1 signaling blockade in neurogenesis and angiogenesis argues in favor of proliferation‐promoting functions of endocannabinoids through CB1 receptors when pro‐growth signals are present. Furthermore, liver regeneration, a useful in vivo model of synchronized cell proliferation, is characterized by a peak of anandamide that elicits through CB1 receptor, the expression of critical mitosis genes. The aim of this study was to focus on the timing of endocannabinoid signaling changes during the different phases of the cell cycle, exploiting the rat liver regeneration model following partial hepatectomy, the most useful to study synchronized cell cycle in vivo. Hepatic regeneration led to increased levels of anandamide and endocannabinoid‐like molecules oleoylethanolamide (OEA) and palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, with a concomitant increase in CB1 mRNA levels, whose protein expression peaked later during the S phase. Blocking of CB1 receptor with a low dose of the selective antagonist/inverse agonist SR141716 (0.7 mg/kg/dose) affected cell cycle progression reducing the expression of PCNA, and through the inhibition of pERK and pSTAT3 pathways. These results support the notion that the signaling mediated by anandamide through CB1 receptor may be important for the entry and progression of cells into the cell cycle and hence for their proliferation under mitogenic signals. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 2905–2914, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metabolism and disposition of the αv‐integrin ß3/ß5 receptor antagonist cilengitide, a cyclic polypeptide, in humans
Authors: Becker Andreas , von Richter Oliver , Kovar Andreas , Scheible Holger , van Lier Jan J. , Johne Andreas
Published: February 2015

Cilengitide (EMD 121974, manufactured by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) is an αv‐integrin receptor antagonist showing high affinity for αvβ3 and αvβ5.This study determined the mass balance of cilengitide in healthy volunteers receiving a single intravenous infusion of 2.1 MBq 14C‐cilengitide spiked into 250 mL of 2000 mg of cilengitide. Blood, urine, and feces were collected up to day 15 or until excretion of radioactivity was below 1% of the administered dose. Total radioactivity derived from the administration of 14C‐cilengitide and unlabeled cilengitide levels were determined and used for calculation of pharmacokinetic parameters.14C‐cilengitide‐related radioactivity was completely recovered (94.5%; 87.4%–100.6%) and was mainly excreted into urine (mean, 79.0%; range, 70.3%–88.2%) and to a lesser extent into feces (mean, 15.5%; range, 9.3%–20.3%). Of the administered dose, 77.5% was recovered as unchanged cilengitide in urine. The concentration profiles of cilengitide and total radioactivity in plasma were comparable. No circulating metabolites were identified in plasma and urine. Two metabolites,M606‐1 and M606‐2, were identified in feces considered to be formed by intestinal peptidases or by peptidases from fecal bacteria. In conclusion, the data show that following intravenous administration, 14C‐cilengitide was completely recovered, was excreted mainly via renal elimination, and was not metabolized systemically.
Preparation and characterization of cassava starch‐based adsorbents for separating of azeotropic ethanol‐water in biofuels ethanol production
Authors: Li Hong , Liu Yiming , Gao Xin , Li Xingang
Published: February 2015

Background

Dehydration of biomass‐based fermentation product is an essential process in the production of biofuels ethanol for industrial applications. Cassava starch, an adsorbent with high efficiency, can be fermented after saturating with water, which overcomes the shortcomings of high energy consumption bioethanol production. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to prepare cassava starch‐based adsorbents with high adsorption efficiency that do not affect fermentative production.

Results

Porous cassava starch granules, which can be fermented to produce biofuel ethanol, were formed through the partial hydrolysis of starch using amylase and ultrasonication. The structural changes in cassava starch granules were also studied to prove that porous starch could be reused as feedstock for biomass‐based fuel ethanol production after adsorption. Finally, an adsorption experiment proved that the modified cassava adsorbents had better absorptive properties than the native cassava.

Conclusion

These structural changes in cassava starch granules showed that porous starch is an efficient adsorbent that can be reused after adsorption as feedstock for fuel ethanol, which increases the energy efficiency of ethanol–water azeotrope separation. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Functional analysis of a mutated analogue of the crustacean hyperglycaemic hormone from the crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus
Authors: Mosco Alessandro , Zlatev Ventsislav , Guarnaccia Corrado , Giulianini Piero G.
Published: February 2015

The crustacean hyperglycaemic hormone (CHH), a pleiotropic neuropeptide, belongs to a family of structurally related peptides, having six cysteine residues in conserved positions forming three disulphide bridges, and regulating several physiological processes in crustaceans and insects. Structure‐activity studies have shown that amidation of the C‐terminus is important to confer biological activity to CHH. In this study we investigated the function of the d‐Phe3 of the N‐terminal motif of Pontastacus leptodactylus CHH by a mutational analysis. The d‐Phe in position 3 was substituted by a d‐Ala and the functionality of the mutated analogue (Glp‐d‐A‐CHH) was tested by in vivo biological assays. The mutated analogue resulted far less active than its wild‐type counterparts, either in d‐ (Glp‐d‐CHH) or l‐ (Glp‐l‐CHH) configuration. These results suggest that Phe3 is essential for the biological activity of P. leptodactylus CHH, demonstrating that also the N‐terminus is involved in the binding with the receptor, and identifying in the Phe3 a hot spot for the peptide‐receptor binding. J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 121–127, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Smad nuclear interacting protein, SNIP1, mediates the ecdysteroid signal transduction in red crayfish Procambarus clarkii
Authors: Wang Daojun , Peng Tao , Yu Yingying , Liu Chao‐Liang , Zhu Bao‐Jian
Published: February 2015

A smad nuclear interacting protein 1 (SNIP1) homolog was identified in the crayfish Procambarus clarkii and this gene encoded a polypeptide of 288 amino acids. Phylogenic analysis showed that P. clarkii SNIP1 was highly homologous to that of invertebrates and shared a highly conserved FHA domain of SNIP proteins at the C‐terminus. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) analysis showed that Pc‐SNIP1 expression was higher in heart than that in other examined tissues. In addition, prokaryotic expression and purification of the recombinant SNIP1 protein were performed. SDS–PAGE and western blot analysis demonstrated that a 35 KDa recombinant protein was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli cells. The expression of Pc‐SNIP1 was significantly up‐regulated in hepatopancreas after 20‐hydroxyecdysone induction. Knockdown of Pc‐SNIP1 gene by small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection had significant influence on the expression of some ecdysteroid‐responsive genes in hepatopancreas, which were confirmed by qRT‐PCR and western blot. All together, these results suggest that SNIP1 is involved in the physiological process regulated by ecdysteroid in P. clarkii. J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 128–136, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
THE TRANSNATIONAL CIRCULATION OF SCIENTIFIC IDEAS: IMPORTING BEHAVIORALISM IN EUROPEAN POLITICAL SCIENCE (1950–1970)
Authors: BONCOURT THIBAUD
Published: February 2015

This article aims to deepen our understanding of the transatlantic circulation of scientific ideas during the Cold War by looking at the importation of behavioralism in European political science. It analyses the social, institutional, and intellectual dynamics that led to the creation, in 1970, of a transnational organization that aimed to promote behavioralism in Europe: the European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR). Using qualitative material drawn from archives and interviews, the study shows that the creation of the ECPR was the joint product of academic, scientific, and political rivalries. It argues that the founding of the organization served a purpose for several agents (chiefly, academic entrepreneurs and philanthropic foundations) who pursued different strategies in different social fields in the context of the Cold War. More broadly, it suggests that the postwar development of the social sciences and the circulation of scientific ideas are best accounted for by mapping sociological interactions between scientific fields and neighboring social spheres.
Optimization of phase‐contrast MRI for the quantification of whole‐brain cerebral blood flow
Authors: Peng Shin‐Lei , Su Pan , Wang Fu‐Nien , Cao Yan , Zhang Rong , Lu Hanzhang , Liu Peiying
Published: February 2015

Background

Whole‐brain cerebral blood flow (CBF) measured by phase‐contrast MRI (PC‐MRI) provides an important index for brain function. This work aimed to optimize the PC‐MRI imaging protocol for accurate CBF measurements.

Methods

Two studies were performed on a 3 Tesla system. In Study 1 (N = 12), we optimized in‐plane resolution of PC‐MRI acquisition for CBF quantification by considering accuracy, precision, and scan duration. In Study 2 (N = 7), we assessed the detrimental effect of nonperpendicular imaging slice orientation on CBF quantification. Both One‐way analysis of variance with repeated measurement and Friedman test were used to examine the effects of resolution and angulation on CBF quantification. Additionally, we evaluated the inter‐rater reliability in PC‐MRI data processing.

Results

Our results showed that CBF measurement with 0.7 mm resolution could be overestimated by up to 13.3% when compared with 0.4 mm resolution. Moreover, CBF could also be overestimated by up to 18.8% when the slice orientation is deviated by 30° from the ideal angulation. However, within 10° of the ideal slice orientation, estimated CBF was not significantly different from each other (P = 0.23 and 0.45 for internal carotid artery and vertebral artery, respectively). Inter‐rater difference was <3%.

Conclusion

For fast and accurate quantification of whole‐brain CBF with PC‐MRI, we recommend the use of an imaging resolution of 0.5 mm and a slice orientation that is less than 10° from vessel's axial plane. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1126–1133.
Prediction of long‐term monthly precipitation using several soft computing methods without climatic data
Authors: Kisi Ozgur , Sanikhani Hadi
Published: February 2015

Accurate estimation of precipitation is an important issue in water resources engineering, management and planning. The accuracy of four different soft computing methods, adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) with grid partition (GP),ANFISwith subtractive clustering (SC), artificial neural networks (ANN) and support vector regression (SVR), is investigated in predicting long‐term monthly precipitation without climatic data. The periodicity component, longitude, latitude and altitude data from 50 stations in Iran are used as inputs to the applied models. TheANFIS‐GPmodel is found to perform generally better than the other models in predicting long‐term monthly precipitation. TheSVRmodel provides the worst estimates. The maximum correlations are found to be 0.935 and 0.944 for theANFIS‐SCandSVRmodels in Fasa station, respectively. The highest correlations of theANFIS‐GPandANNmodels are found to be 0.964 and 0.977 for the Bam and Tabas (Zabol) stations. The minimum correlations are 0.683 and 0.661 for theANFIS‐GPandSVRmodels in Urmia station while theANFIS‐SCandANNmodels provide the minimum correlations of 0.696 and 0.785 in the Sari and Bandar Lengeh stations, respectively. The comparison results show that the long‐term monthly precipitations of any site can be successfully predicted byANFIS‐GPmodel without any weather data. The monthly and annual precipitations are also mapped and evaluated by using the optimalANFIS‐GPmodel in the study. The precipitation maps revealed that the highest amounts of precipitation occur in the north, southwestern and west regions, while the lowest values are seen in the east and southeastern parts of the Iran.
Impact of four‐stream radiative transfer algorithm on aerosol direct radiative effect and forcing
Authors: Zhang Hua , Wang Zhili , Zhang Feng , Jing Xianwen
Published: February 2015

Large uncertainties remain in the estimation of aerosol direct radiative effect (DRE) and forcing (DRF). In this work, using an aerosol‐climate model with two‐ and four‐stream radiation schemes, we show that the radiative transfer algorithms contribute to the uncertainties. Aerosol shortwave DREs and heating rate are underestimated significantly by the two‐stream algorithm. For present‐day conditions, the four‐stream algorithms are found to enhance global annual mean aerosol shortwave DREs by more than 8% (14%) at the top of the atmosphere (TOA), 15% (18%) in the atmosphere, and 12% (15%) at the surface for all‐sky (clear‐sky) case. The regional‐averaged relative differences in aerosol shortwave DREs between the two‐ and four‐stream algorithms increase as latitude increases, exceeding 25% at the TOA and 30% at the surface in the high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere. The DRE differences due to the four‐stream algorithms are negative, except for the Arctic, Tibetan Plateau, Arabia, and Sahara, at the TOA, are positive in the atmosphere, and are negative at the surface, with the maximum exceeding 4.0 W m−2. Increases in aerosol shortwave heating rates due to the four‐stream algorithms are generally more than 10% and may even exceed 100%. Our results also show that the two‐stream algorithm underestimates the DRFs due to anthropogenic aerosols. Significant underestimation appears in the middle latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, with the maximum being close to the quantity of 0.6 W m−2 for clear‐sky case. This study indicates that a multi‐stream radiative transfer algorithm is necessary to reduce the uncertainties of aerosol DREs and DRFs estimated by global climate models.
Anatomic correlates of reduced hip extension during walking in individuals with mild‐moderate radiographic hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Wyatt Cory , Chiba Ko , Lee Sonia , Nardo Lorenzo , Link Thomas M. , Majumdar Sharmila , Souza Richard B.
Published: February 2015

To identify radiographic and MR features of hip osteoarthritis (OA) related to reduced hip extension during walking. Sixty six subjects, were stratified into those with (n = 36, KL = 2, 3) and without (n = 30, KL = 0, 1) radiographic hip OA. Cartilage and labrum lesions were graded semi‐quantitatively on hip MRI. Alpha angle and lateral center edge (LCE) angle were measured. Sagittal kinematics and kinetics were calculated during walking at speed of 1.35 m/s using 3‐D motion capture. All subjects completed Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), timed up and go, and 6 min walk tests. Variables were compared between the two groups using one‐way ANOVA (adjusting for age). Correlations of radiographic and MR parameters with peak hip extension were calculated. The OA group was older, had greater pain, and limitation of function. They also had lower peak hip extension and higher peak hip flexion; and worse acetabular and femoral cartilage lesions. Peak hip extension and flexion correlated with KL grade, cartilage lesions in the inferior and posterior femur. Reduced hip extension and greater hip flexion during walking are present in high functioning (HOOS > 85%) individuals with mild‐moderate hip OA, and are associated with cartilage lesions. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:527–534, 2015.
Reflections on the origins of meta‐analysis
Authors: Rosenthal Robert
Published: February 2015

In this interview, we discuss my early uses of meta‐analytic procedures, first to combine p‐values and then to combine effect sizes as well. My interest in quantifying the magnitude and the statistical significance of the effect of interpersonal expectations probably grew out of the following: (1) a long‐held interest in the concept of replication and (2) a series of controversies over the very existence of any effect of interpersonal expectations held, for example, by psychological experimenters, classroom teachers, and leaders of various organizations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.