bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scale‐down of the inactivated polio vaccine production process
Authors: Thomassen Yvonne E. , van 't Oever Aart G. , Vinke Marian , Spiekstra Arjen , Wijffels René H. , van der Pol Leo A. , Bakker Wilfried A.M.
Published: November 2012

The anticipated increase in the demand for inactivated polio vaccines resulting from the success in the polio eradication program requires an increase in production capacity and cost price reduction of the current inactivated polio vaccine production processes. Improvement of existing production processes is necessary as the initial process development has been done decades ago. An up‐to‐date lab‐scale version encompassing the legacy inactivated polio vaccine production process was set‐up. This lab‐scale version should be representative of the large scale, meaning a scale‐down model, to allow experiments for process optimization that can be readily applied. Initially the separate unit operations were scaled‐down at setpoint. Subsequently, the unit operations were applied successively in a comparative manner to large‐scale manufacturing. This allows the assessment of the effects of changes in one unit operation to the consecutive units at small‐scale. Challenges in translating large‐scale operations to lab‐scale are discussed, and the concessions that needed to be made are described. The current scale‐down model for cell and virus culture (2.3‐L) presents a feasible model with its production scale counterpart (750‐L) when operated at setpoint. Also, the current scale‐down models for the DSP unit operations clarification, concentration, size exclusion chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, and inactivation are in agreement with the manufacturing scale. The small‐scale units can be used separately, as well as sequentially, to study variations and critical product quality attributes in the production process. Finally, it is shown that the scale‐down unit operations can be used consecutively to prepare trivalent vaccine at lab‐scale with comparable characteristics to the product produced at manufacturing scale. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1354–1365. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Successful transfemoral aortic Edwards®SAPIEN® bioprosthesis implantation without using iodinated contrast media in a woman with severe allergy to contrast agent
Authors: Leroux Lionel , Dijos Marina , Santos Pierre Dos
Published: November 2012

Severe anaphylactoid reaction after the use of iodinated contrast media are rare but can contraindicate the use of contrast agent. It was the case of a 53‐year‐old woman suffering from symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, recused for cardiac surgery because of deleterious effects of chest‐wall irradiation, with porcelain aorta. We decided to implant a 23‐mm Edwards® SAPIEN® transcatheter aortic valve via a femoral route without using any contrast media. The implantation was successful after surgical approach of the femoral artery, transesophageal echocardiography guiding, and localization of native leaflets and coronary trunk with catheters. Immediate and one month post‐interventional follow‐up was favorable and echocardiography showed a good functioning of the aortic bioprosthesis. Although conventional angiography is the best way to visualize the good positioning of the valve before deployment, our case suggests that, in special situations, transfemoral implantation of an Edwards® SAPIEN® aortic bioprosthesis is feasible without any contrast injection. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Urgent trans‐axillary valve‐in‐valve procedure using the Edwards 16‐F expandable introducer
Authors: Ruggieri Vito Giovanni , Bedossa Marc , Verhoye Jean‐Philippe
Published: November 2012

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation could represent an alternative option to conventional surgery in high‐risk patients with degeneration of aortic bioprosthesis. Herein, we report the performance of a valve‐in‐valve procedure in urgent conditions and via the left axillary artery in a patient with patent left internal mammary artery coronary graft. A 23‐mm Edwards Sapien® transcatheter valve was deployed within a 23‐mm Edwards Magna Ease bioprosthesis through the novel Edwards 16‐F expandable introducer. In this non‐elective case, the expandable introducer allowed a safe procedure, reduced the risk of subclavian injury, and preserved the left internal mammary artery graft flow. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relating the Composition of PtxRu100−x/C Nanoparticles to Their Structural Aspects and Electrocatalytic Activities in the Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Taufany Fadlilatul , Pan Chun‐Jern , Lai Feng‐Ju , Chou Hung‐Lung , Sarma Loka Subramanyam , Rick John , Lin Jhih‐Min , Lee Jyh‐Fu , Tang Mau‐Tsu , Hwang Bing‐Joe
Published: November 2012

A controlled composition‐based method—that is, the microwave‐assisted ethylene glycol (MEG) method—was successfully developed to prepare bimetallic PtxRu100−x/C nanoparticles (NPs) with different alloy compositions. This study highlights the impact of the variation in alloy composition of PtxRu100−x/C NPs on their alloying extent (structure) and subsequently their catalytic activity towards the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). The alloying extent of these PtxRu100−x/C NPs has a strong influence on their Pt d‐band vacancy and Pt electroactive surface area (Pt ECSA); this relationship was systematically evaluated by using X‐ray absorption (XAS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and electrochemical analyses. The MOR activity depends on two effects that act in cooperation, namely, the number of active Pt sites and their activity. Here the number of active Pt sites is associated with the Pt ECSA value, whereas the Pt‐site activity is associated with the alloying extent and Pt d‐band vacancy (electronic) effects. Among the PtxRu100−x/C NPs with various Pt:Ru atomic ratios (x=25, 50, and 75), the Pt75Ru25/C NPs were shown to be superior in MOR activity on account of their favorable alloying extent, Pt d‐band vacancy, and Pt ECSA. This short study brings new insight into probing the synergistic effect on the surface reactivity of the PtxRu100−x/C NPs, and possibly other bimetallic Pt‐based alloy NPs.
Aggregation Effects in Visible‐Light Flavin Photocatalysts: Synthesis, Structure, and Catalytic Activity of 10‐Arylflavins
Authors: Daďová Jitka , Kümmel Susanne , Feldmeier Christian , Cibulková Jana , Pažout Richard , Maixner Jaroslav , Gschwind Ruth M. , König Burkhard , Cibulka Radek
Published: November 2012

A series of 10‐arylflavins (10‐phenyl‐, 10‐(2′,6′‐dimethylphenyl)‐, 10‐(2′,6′‐diethylphenyl)‐, 10‐(2′,6′‐diisopropylphenyl)‐, 10‐(2′‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐, and 10‐(2′,6′‐dimethylphenyl)‐3‐methylisoalloxazine (2 a–f)) was prepared as potentially nonaggregating flavin photocatalysts. The investigation of their structures in the crystalline phase combined with 1H‐DOSY NMR spectroscopic experiments in CD3CN, CD3CN/D2O (1:1), and D2O confirm the decreased ability of 10‐arylflavins 2 to form aggregates relative to tetra‐O‐acetyl riboflavin (1). 10‐Arylflavins 2 a–d do not interact by π–π interactions, which are restricted by the 10‐phenyl ring oriented perpendicularly to the isoalloxazine skeleton. On the other hand, N3H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds were detected in their crystal structures. In the structure of 10‐aryl‐3‐methylflavin (2 f) with a substituted N3 position, weak CH⋅⋅⋅O bonds and weak π–π interactions were found. 10‐Arylflavins 2 were tested as photoredox catalysts for the aerial oxidation of 4‐methoxybenzyl alcohol to the corresponding aldehyde (model reaction), thus showing higher efficiency relative to 1. The quantum yields of 4‐methoxybenzyl alcohol oxidation reactions mediated by arylflavins 2 were higher by almost one order of magnitude relative to values in the presence of 1.
Magnetic Blocking from Exchange Interactions: Slow Relaxation of the Magnetization and Hysteresis Loop Observed in a Dysprosium–Nitronyl Nitroxide Chain Compound with an Antiferromagnetic Ground State
Authors: Han Tian , Shi Wei , Niu Zheng , Na Bo , Cheng Peng
Published: November 2012

The combination of the anisotropic DyIII ion and organic radicals as spin carriers results in discrete and one‐dimensional lanthanide–radical magnetic materials, namely, [Dy(hfac)3(NITThienPh)2] (1) and [Dy2(hfac)6(NITThienPh)2]n (2; hfac=hexafluoroacetylacetonate, NITThienPh=2‐(5‐phenyl‐2‐thienyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐imidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide). Linking monomeric 1 with the DyIII ion leads to the formation of polymeric 2, and the transformation between them is chemically controllable and reversible. The characterization of both static and dynamic magnetic properties shows that the dominant intrachain exchange interaction is important to observe magnetic bistability in 2 rather than that in 1. Monomeric 1 exhibits paramagnetic behavior, whereas polymeric 2 shows the unusual coexistence of superparamagnetic and two‐step field‐induced metamagnetic behaviors. The antiferromagnetic ground state of 2 does not prevent the dynamic relaxation of the magnetization with the finite‐sized effect in the lanthanide–radical system. Energy barriers to thermally activated relaxation for 2 are 53 and 98 K in the low‐ and high‐temperature regimes, respectively. A hysteresis loop is observed with the coercive field of 99 Oe at 2 K.
Diversity‐Oriented Enantioselective Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Cyclic and Bicyclic Alcohols
Authors: Mao Bin , Fañanás‐Mastral Martín , Lutz Martin , Feringa Ben L.
Published: November 2012

The copper‐catalyzed hetero‐allylic asymmetric alkylation (h‐AAA) of functionalized Grignard reagents that contain alkene or alkyne moieties has been achieved with excellent regio‐ and enantioselectivity. The corresponding alkylation products were further transformed into a variety of highly functionalized cyclic and bicyclic alcohols with excellent control over the chemo‐, regio‐, and stereoselectivity.
A New Series of C‐6 Unsubstituted Tetrahydropyrimidines: Convenient One‐Pot Chemoselective Synthesis, Aggregation‐Induced and Size‐Independent Emission Characteristics
Authors: Zhu Qiuhua , Huang Lan , Chen Zhipeng , Zheng Sichao , Lv Longyun , Zhu Zhibo , Cao Derong , Jiang Huanfeng , Liu Shuwen
Published: November 2012

A new series of C‐6 unsubstituted tetrahydropyrimidines 6 have been directly synthesized via a convenient urea‐catalyzed chemoselective five‐component reaction (5CR) under mild conditions. Compounds 6 show typical aggregation‐induced emission enhancement (AIEE) characteristics because they are practically no emissive in solution but emit blue or green fluorescence in aggregates with fluorescence yield up to 93 %. One of the 5CR products, 6 aa, exhibits blue‐ and green‐fluorescence aggregates (bf‐ and gf‐aggregates). The bf‐ and gf‐aggregates are prepared under different conditions and proved to result from different J‐aggregations by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. In addition, the bf‐ and gf‐aggregates of 6 aa show unusual size‐independent emission (SIE) characteristics because their maximum emission wavelengths in different sizes (suspension particles, film, powder and crystals) are the same, 434 and 484 nm, respectively. Based on the obtained experimental results, the 5CR mechanism, the origins of AIEE and SIE characteristics are discussed.
Construction of Supramolecular Self‐Assembled Microfibers with Fluorescent Properties through a Modified Ionic Self‐Assembly (ISA) Strategy
Authors: Zhao Mingwei , Zhao Yurong , Zheng Liqiang , Dai Caili
Published: November 2012

Highly ordered supramolecular microfibers were constructed through a simple ionic self‐assembly strategy from complexes of the N‐tetradecyl‐N‐methylpyrrolidinium bromide (C14MPB) surface‐active ionic liquid and the small methyl orange (MO) dye molecule, with the aid of patent blue VF sodium salt. By using scanning electron microscopy and polarized optical microscopy, the width of these self‐assembled microfibers is observed to be about 1 to 5 μm and their length is from tens of micrometers to almost a millimeter. The 1H NMR spectra of the microfibers indicates that the supramolecular complexes are composed of C14MPB and MO in equal molar ratio. The electrostatic, hydrophobic, and π–π stacking interactions are regarded as the main driving forces for the formation of microfibers. Furthermore, through characterization by using confocal fluorescence microscopy, the microfibers were observed to show strong fluorescent properties and may find potential applications in many fields.
Functionalization of Non‐activated CH Bonds of Alkanes: An Effective and Recyclable Catalytic System Based on Fluorinated Silver Catalysts and Solvents
Authors: Fuentes M. Ángeles , Muñoz Bianca K. , Jacob Kane , Vendier Laure , Caballero Ana , Etienne Michel , Pérez Pedro J.
Published: November 2012

The complexes Fn‐TpAg(L) (Fn‐Tp=a perfluorinated hydrotris(indazolyl) borate ligand; L=acetone or tetrahydrofuran) efficiently catalyze the functionalization of non‐activated alkanes such as hexane, 2,3‐dimethylbutane, or 2‐methylpentane by insertion of CHCO2Et units (from N2CHCO2Et, ethyl diazoacetate, EDA) into their CH bonds. The reactions are quantitative (EDA‐based), with no byproducts derived from diazo coupling being formed. In the case of hexane, the functionalization of the methyl CH bonds has been achieved with the highest regioselectivity known to date with this diazo compound. This catalytic system also operates under biphasic conditions by using fluorous solvents such as Fomblin or perfluorophenanthrene. Several cycles of catalyst recovery and reuse have been performed, with identical chemo‐ and regioselectivities.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Mediated Fluorination of Aryl Iodides.
Authors: Fier Patrick S. , Hartwig John F.
Published: November 2012

The fluorination of a diversity of functionalized aryl iodides is readily achieved by silver fluoride in the presence of a cationic copper complex.The reaction is proposed to proceed by C—F reductive elimination from an in situ generated aryl copper(III) fluoride.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of N‐Methyl‐2‐indolyl‐ and N‐Methyl‐2‐benzo[b]furyl‐Substituted Sulfoximines by Pd/Cu Co‐Catalyzed Domino Cross‐Coupling/Cyclization Reactions.
Authors: Schumacher Ricardo F. , Honraedt Aurelien , Bolm Carsten
Published: November 2012

The mild title synthesis tolerates a wide variety of functional groups.
ChemInform Abstract: A Multipathway Coupled Domino Strategy: Metal‐Free Oxidative Cyclization for One‐Pot Synthesis of 2‐Acylbenzothiazoles from Multiform Substrates.
Authors: Zhu Yan‐ping , Jia Feng‐cheng , Liu Mei‐cai , Wu An‐xin
Published: November 2012

It is found that metal‐free oxidation of styrenes, arylacetylenes, 2‐hydroxylated aromatic ketones, and carbinols can provide phenylglyoxals.
ChemInform Abstract: Cascade Synthesis of 3‐Alkenylcoumarins by Palladium‐Catalyzed Reaction of Phenols and Ethyl Propiolate.
Authors: Kitamura Tsugio , Tatemoto Kotaro , Sakai Mariko , Oyamada Juzo
Published: November 2012

A variety of 3‐alkenylcoumarin derivatives is obtained in a highly effective cascade process involving pallada‐arylation of ethyl propiolate with phenols, intramolecular transesterification to 3‐coumarylpalladium species, its alkyne insertion, and protonation.
ChemInform Abstract: Carbon Nitride‐Catalyzed Photoredox C—C Bond Formation with N‐Aryltetrahydroisoquinolines.
Authors: Moehlmann Lennart , Baar Moritz , Riess Julian , Antonietti Markus , Wang Xinchen , Blechert Siegfried
Published: November 2012

Tetrahydroisoquinolines undergo the title reaction with nucleophiles under very mild and environmentally friendly conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Regioselective N1‐Alkylation of 3,4‐Dihydropyrimidine‐2(1H)‐ones: Screening of Their Biological Activities Against Ca2+‐ATPase.
Authors: Putatunda Salil , Chakraborty Srabasti , Ghosh Swatilekha , Nandi Pinki , Chakraborty Supriya , Sen Parimal C. , Chakraborty Arijit
Published: November 2012

A highly regioselective N‐1 alkylation of dihydropyrimidinones is achieved by using the moderately strong base cesium carbonate and alkyl halides.
ChemInform Abstract: Frontiers in Mesoporous Molecular Sieves Containing Niobium: From Model Materials to Catalysts
Authors: Nowak Izabela
Published: November 2012

Review: 82 refs.
Green Asymmetric Synthesis: β‐Amino Alcohol‐Catalyzed Direct Asymmetric Aldol Reactions in Aqueous Micelles
Authors: Pinaka Afroditi , Vougioukalakis Georgios C. , Dimotikali Dimitra , Yannakopoulou Elina , Chankvetadze Bezhan , Papadopoulos Kyriakos
Published: November 2012

The ability of chiral β‐amino alcohols to catalyze the direct asymmetric aldol reaction was evaluated for the first time in aqueous micellar media. A family of cheap and easily accessible β‐amino alcohols, obtained in one step from naturally occurring amino acids, was shown to successfully catalyze the asymmetric aldol reaction between a series of ketones and aromatic aldehydes. These aldol reactions furnished the corresponding β‐hydroxy ketones with up to 93% isolated yield and 89% ee. (S)‐2‐phenylglycinol and Triton X‐100 proved to be the best organocatalyst and surfactant, respectively. Chirality 25:119–125, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Factors Affecting UV/H2O2 Oxidation of 17α‐Ethynyestradiol in Water
Authors: Li Qingsong , Gao Naiyun , Deng Yang , Ma Xiaoyan , Chu Wenhai
Published: November 2012

In this study, bench‐scale experiments were conducted to examine the UV/H2O2 oxidation of 17α‐ethynyestradiol (EE2) in water in a batch operation mode. The EE2 degradation exhibited pseudo‐first‐order kinetics, and the removal was ascribed to the production of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) by the UV/H2O2 system. Typically, the EE2 oxidation rate increased with increasing UV intensity and H2O2 dose, and with deceasing initial EE2 levels and solution pH. At EE20 = 650 µg/L, UV intensity = 154 µW/cm2, H2O2 = 5 mg/L, and neutral pH, the UV/H2O2 treatment was able to remove 90% of the EE2 content within 30 min. Four anions commonly present in water were found to inhibit EE2 degradation to varying degrees: ${\rm HCO}_{3}^{- } $ > ${\rm SO}_{4}^{2- } $ > Cl− > ${\rm NO}_{3}^{- } $. Our results demonstrate that the described UV/H2O2 process is an effective method to control EE2 pollution in water.
Phytoremediation of Cadmium‐Contaminated Soil by Two Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) Genotypes
Authors: Long Xiaohua , Ni Ni , Wang Lin , Wang Xuheng , Wang Jinxing , Zhang Zhenhua , Zed Rengel , Liu Zhaopu , Shao Hongbo
Published: November 2012

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) can be used not just for bioethanol production, bur potentially also for soil phytoremediation via removal of heavy metal pollutants. An experiment was carried out to characterize the phytoextraction efficiency of two Jerusalem artichoke genotype (NY2 and NY5) in cadmium (Cd) contaminated soil. After 90 days of growth, NY5 had greater plant biomass and greater Cd accumulation in tissues than NY2. The chlorophyll content and chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters were slightly higher when plants were grown in Cd‐contaminated versus control soil. It implies that this examined NY2 and NY5 can extract more Cd than some hyperaccumulators, indicating that NY2 and NY5 can be applied to clean up Cd‐contaminated soils. Compared with NY2, NY5 had higher phytoextraction potential due to more biomass and higher concentrations of Cd in tissues, and may therefore be the better candidates for phytoremediation in Cd‐contaminated soil.
Cancer care planning and quality improvement: 2 for the price of 1?
Authors: Garcia Sofia F. , Ganz Patricia A.
Published: November 2012

This editorial comments on 2 companion articles that present the preliminary results of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) breast cancer registry (BCR) pilot program. The ASCO BCR demonstrates how registry data can be collected prospectively for quality assessment purposes as well as the creation of treatment and survivorship care plans in a way that is acceptable to oncology clinicians and patients.
The Johns Hopkins Hospital template for urologic cytology samples
Authors: VandenBussche Christopher J. , Sathiyamoorthy Srividya , Owens Christopher L. , Burroughs Frances H. , Rosenthal Dorothy L. , Guan Hui
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND:

Urine cytology represents a major portion of testing volume in many cytopathology laboratories.

METHODS:

The authors previously reported a template designed to standardize urothelial diagnostic categories to enable clinicians to uniformly manage their patients. In this study, they examined the common cytomorphologic features observed in specimens diagnosed with atypical urothelial cells, cannot exclude high‐grade urothelial carcinoma (AUC‐H), which prove most predictive of high‐grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC).

RESULTS:

The most common morphologic features observed in the AUC‐H specimens were hyperchromasia, irregular nuclear borders, increased nucleus‐to‐cytoplasm ratio, and anisonucleosis. Of the 58 patients who had specimens diagnosed with AUC‐H, 95% ultimately were diagnosed with HGUC on follow‐up biopsy over the study period. The small number of patients who had AUC‐H with non‐HGUC follow‐up did not allow for a statistical comparison to determine the predictive ability of the selected criteria for HGUC. Next, the authors used the same features to examine a subset of urine samples that were diagnosed with atypical urothelial cells of unknown significance (AUC‐US) in an attempt to improve the predictive value of this clinically frustrating category. A blind review was performed of 290 urine specimens from 217 patients. In contrast to the AUC‐H specimen cohort, the majority of specimens with AUC‐US did not contain atypical cells with the 4 common morphologic features. All 4 features significantly predicted HGUC in surveillance patients, but not in patients with hematuria.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hyperchromasia was the strongest predictor of HGUC by far in patients who were undergoing surveillance (odds ratio, 9.81). Hyperchromasia remained statistically significant in multivariate analysis, indicating its predictive strength even in the absence of other features. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013;121:21–28 © 2012 American Cancer Society.
BRAF (V600E) mutation analysis on liquid‐based cytology‐processed aspiration biopsies predicts bilaterality and lymph node involvement in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Authors: Rossi Esther Diana , Martini Maurizio , Capodimonti Sara , Lombardi Celestino Pio , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Vellone Valerio Gaetano , Zannoni Gian Franco , Larocca Luigi Maria , Fadda Guido
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

Activating mutations in the valine‐to‐glutamic acid substitution at position 600 of the v‐raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF‐1) gene are detected frequently in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). These mutations have been identified in approximately 29% to 69% of PTCs and in >80% of PTCs of the tall cell variant, whereas they have not been detected in benign lesions or in the majority of those (80%) with the follicular variant of PTC. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the role of liquid‐based cytology (LBC) for the detection of BRAF mutations in the outcome of patients who have thyroid PTC measuring ≤1 cm and, hence, in guiding their clinical and surgical management.

METHODS

From October 2010 through June 2011, 230 consecutive cases were diagnosed as positive for malignancy on fine‐needle aspiration cytology processed by LBC. Of these, 73 PTCs ≤1 cm underwent BRAF mutational analysis. The aspirated material was processed using an LBC technique. After DNA extraction of the residual material, BRAF mutation analysis was performed using a direct sequencing method.

RESULTS

Fifty of 73 patients (68.5%) underwent surgery, and 34 of those patients (68%) had tumors that expressed a BRAF mutation (31 PTCs, including 11 tall cell variants and 3 follicular‐variant PTCs). A significant association between BRAF mutation and bilaterality of cancer was observed (odds ratio, 0.077; P = .0007). BRAF mutation was associated significantly with lymph node involvement (odds ratio, 19; P = .0007) but not with extracapsular infiltration (odds ratio, 0.298; P = .179).

CONCLUSIONS

The current results indicated that BRAF gene mutations can be identified successfully on LBC material and using other cytologic methods with high reproducibility, feasibility, and informative results. The presence of a BRAF mutation may preoperatively predict the behavior of microscopic PTC, suggesting a more aggressive surgical approach. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013;121:291–7. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Correct Timing of Proliferation and Differentiation is Necessary for Normal Inner Ear Development and Auditory Hair Cell Viability
Authors: Kopecky Benjamin J. , Jahan Israt , Fritzsch Bernd
Published: November 2012

Background: Hearing restoration through hair cell regeneration will require revealing the dynamic interactions between proliferation and differentiation during development to avoid the limited viability of regenerated hair cells. Pax2‐Cre N‐Myc conditional knockout (CKO) mice highlighted the need of N‐Myc for proper neurosensory development and possible redundancy with L‐Myc. The late‐onset hair cell death in the absence of early N‐Myc expression could be due to mis‐regulation of genes necessary for neurosensory formation and maintenance, such as Neurod1, Atoh1, Pou4f3, and Barhl1. Results: Pax2‐Cre N‐Myc L‐Myc double CKO mice show that proliferation and differentiation are linked together through Myc and in the absence of both Mycs, altered proliferation and differentiation result in morphologically abnormal ears. In particular, the organ of Corti apex is re‐patterned into a vestibular‐like organization and the base is truncated and fused with the saccule. Conclusions: These data indicate that therapeutic approaches to restore hair cells must take into account a dynamic interaction of proliferation and differentiation regulation of basic Helix‐Loop‐Helix transcription factors in attempts to stably replace lost cochlear hair cells. In addition, our data indicate that Myc is an integral component of the evolutionary transformation process that resulted in the organ of Corti development. Developmental Dynamics 242:132–147, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Nanosphere Supported Europium(III) Tetrakis(β‐diketonate) Complexes with Ionic Liquid Compounds as Linkers
Authors: Shao Yan‐Fei , Yan Bing , Li Qiu‐Ping
Published: November 2012

A series of organic–inorganic hybrids are prepared with magnetic mesoporous silica nanosphere supported europium(III) tetrakis(β‐diketonate) complexes with ionic liquid compounds as linker {denoted as MMS·Im+·[Eu(β‐diketonate)4]–}. Firstly, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized through the coprecipitation of ferrous and ferric ion solutions and were incorporated into mesoporous silica nanospheres. Secondly, europium(III) tetrakis(β‐diketonate) complexes [β‐diketonate = 2‐thenoyltrifluoroacetonate (TTA), 4,4,4‐trifluoro‐1‐phenyl‐1,3‐butanedionate (BTA), trifluoroacetylacetonate (TAA), acetylacetone (ACAC), hexafluoroacetylacetone (HFACAC)] and the ionic liquid 1‐methyl‐3‐[3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]imidazolium chloride (Im+Cl–) were prepared. The ionic liquid was then covalently attached to the magnetic mesoporous silica nanospheres through the Si–O network. Finally, europium(III) tetrakis (β‐diketonate) complexes were attached by an anion exchange reaction. The physical characterization, magnetic, and especially luminescent properties are discussed in detail. These results reveal that the resultant nanocomposites possess high surface area and superparamagnetic properties at 300 K. Additionally, the MMS·Im+·[Eu(TTA)4]– and MMS·Im+·[Eu(BTA)4]– hybrids exhibit high luminescent quantum efficiencies.
A New Validated Potentiometric Method for Batch and Continuous Quality Control Monitoring of Oseltamivir Phosphate (Taminil) in Drug Formulations and Biological Fluids
Authors: Hassan Saad S. M. , EL‐Nashar Rasha M. , El‐Tantawy Aliaa S. M.
Published: November 2012

A new validated potentiometric method is described for batch and continuous quality control monitoring of the drug oseltamivir phosphate (Taminil) (OST). The method involves the development of a potentiometric sensor responsive to the drug based on the use of the ion‐association complex of (OST+) cation with phosphomolybdate anion (PMA−) as an electroactive material in a poly(vinyl chloride) matrix membrane plasticized with o‐nitrophenyloctyl ether (o‐NPOE). Optimization of the performance characteristics of the sensor is described. A membrane incorporating the OST‐PMA‐NPOE complex in a tubular flow through detector is used in a two channel flow injection set up for continuous monitoring of the drug at a frequency of ∼30 samples h−1. The sensor shows fast near‐Nernstian response for OST over the concentration range 5.2×10−5–0.8×10−2 M (21.34 µg mL−1–3.23 mg mL−1) with a detection limit of 9.1×10−6 M (3.73 µg mL−1) over the pH range 4.6–6.1. The sensor displays good selectivity for OST drug over some basic drugs, inorganic cations, excipients and diluents commonly used in the drug formulations. Validation of the assay method is tested by measuring the lower detection limit, range, linearity, bias, trueness, accuracy, precision, and between‐day‐variability, within day reproducibility, selectivity and ruggedness (robustness). The results reveal good potentiometric performance of the proposed sensor for determination of OST in pharmaceutical capsules and in biological fluid matrices as well as for testing the dissolution profile of the drug and drug homogeneity.
A procedure for generating performance spectra for structures equipped with passive supplemental dampers
Authors: Guo Jack Wen Wei , Christopoulos Constantin
Published: November 2012

A procedure for estimating the peak response of SDOF systems equipped with passive supplemental dampers using code‐defined uniform hazard spectra is presented. The proposed procedure makes use of an improved equivalent linearization method that unifies the treatment of supplemental hysteretic and viscous‐viscoelastic damping and can be readily implemented in a computer script. Nonlinear time‐history analyses demonstrated that the proposed method makes significantly more reliable predictions than other common equivalent linearization methods for systems with supplemental dampers. Using the proposed procedure, performance spectra, which are plots of normalized response of SDOF systems with dampers, can be generated for practical performance‐based design. To obtain a more complete description of the system performance, a simplified method for estimating the residual drift is also verified using results of extensive nonlinear time‐history analyses. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of essential oils from Chinese indigenous aromatic plants on mycelial growth and morphogenesis of three phytopathogens
Authors: Lu Min , Han Zhiqiang , Xu Yun , Yao Lei
Published: November 2012

Essential oils from Chinese indigenous aromatic plants were tested for antimicrobial activity and induction of morphological changes in the tobacco pathogens Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum destructivum and Phytophthora parasitica. The results revealed that the extent of mycelial growth inhibition was widely dependent upon the composition and concentration of essential oils. Among the 29 essential oils tested, superior broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activities were observed from cinnamon, geranium, cumin, thyme, basil and lemongrass essential oils. Concentration‐dependent inhibition was also determined for these active essential oils. The essential oils from cinnamon and thyme exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity against mycelial growth of A. alternata, C. destructivum and P. parasitica. The essential oils also had a strong detrimental effect on spore germination of all the plant pathogens tested in a dose‐dependent manner. Compositions of the essential oils from cinnamon, geranium, cumin, thyme, basil and lemongrass were identified by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The major components of these essential oils were cinnamaldehyde (80.4%), citronellol (41.6%), cuminaldehyde (46.9%), thymol (39.8%), linalool (50.0%) and citronellal (20.8%), respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that these essential oils caused considerable morphological degeneration, including cytoplasmic coagulation, shrivelled hyphal aggregation, flattened empty hyphae, and swelling and lysis of hyphal wall in the three phytopathogens. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical Model for the Optimal Design of Air Cooling Systems of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells. Application to a High‐Temperature PEMFC
Authors: Barreras F. , Lozano A. , Barroso J. , Roda V. , Maza M.
Published: November 2012

The cooling system of a high‐temperature PEM fuel cell with a nominal electric power of 1.5 kW for a combined heat and power unit (CHP) has been designed using a thermochemical model. The 1D model has been developed as a simple, predictive, and useful tool to evaluate, design, and optimize cooling systems of PEM fuel cells. As proved, it can also be used to analyze the influence of different operational and design parameters, such as the number and geometry of the channels, or the air flow rate, on the overall performance of the stack. To validate the model, predicted results have been compared with experimental measurements performed in a commercial 2 kW air‐forced open‐cathode stack. The model has then been applied to calculate the air flow required by the designed prototype stack as a function of the power output, as well as to analyze the influence of the cooling channels configuration (cross‐section geometry and number) on the heat management. Results have been used to select the optimum air‐fan cooling system, which is based on compact axial fans.
Optimization of DC Reactive Magnetron Sputtering Deposition Process for Efficient YSZ Electrolyte Thin Film SOFC
Authors: Hidalgo H. , Thomann A.‐L. , Lecas T. , Vulliet J. , Wittmann‐Teneze K. , Damiani D. , Millon E. , Brault P.
Published: November 2012

Yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ, ZrO2:Y2O3) thin films were deposited by reactive DC magnetron sputtering with a high deposition rate from a metallic target of Zr/Y in an argon/oxygen atmosphere. Plasma parameters and composition analysis of the gas phase reveal that the sputtering process in the “compound” mode is reached for a 2.5 sccm oxygen flow rate. Deposition onto silicon in “metal” mode at a flow rate close to the transition, allows obtaining at very high deposition rates (>10 μm h–1) a compact columnar stoichiometric crystallized YSZ film. When deposited on NiO‐YSZ commercial anode, the obtained coatings show the same properties. In spite of the complexity of the substrate (roughness and porosity), a compact and conformed layer was formed. Annealing treatments in air or hydrogen do not significantly alter the structure of the layers. Electrochemical test at 850 °C with a screen‐printed LSM (LaSrMnO3) cathode exhibits a satisfying gastightness (OCV = 900 mV) and a maximum power density of 350 mW cm–2.
Study on the Oxidation Enhancement of Formic Acid and Formate Blended Fuel Solution on Pt Catalyst
Authors: Guo J. , Gao Y.‐Y. , Tan C.‐H. , Li Y.‐P. , Zhao S.‐L. , Bai L.‐Z. , Zhang S.‐Y.
Published: November 2012

The effect of [HCOOH]/[HCOONa] ratio on the oxidation activity of HOOH and HCOONa blended fuel solution on Pt nanocatalyst is studied using cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and Tafel analysis. Five electrolyte solutions with the same total concentrations of HCOOH and HCOONa but different [HCOOH]/[HCOONa] ratios are tested. Blended solutions containing both higher HCOOH and HCOONa concentrations are found to be more active than single HCOOH or HCOONa solution, with the solution containing 0.8 mol dm–3 HCOONa and 0.2 mol dm–3 HCOOH exhibiting the best activity. The reasons behind the better performance of the HCOOH and HCOONa blended solutions – such as electric conductivity, pH, concentrations of HCOOH, and HCOONa, ionic strength of the solution, and oxidation mechanism of HCOOH – are investigated. Enhanced oxidation activity of the HCOOH and HCOONa blended solution is observed to be the mutual effect of various reasons, with pH and [HCOO–] assuming the key roles.
Long‐Term Testing of SOFC Stacks at Forschungszentrum Jülich
Authors: Blum L. , Packbier U. , Vinke I. C. , de Haart L. G. J.
Published: November 2012

Forschungszentrum Jülich is performing long‐term SOFC stack tests for more than 17 years. Within the European project Real‐SOFC (2004–2008) durability tests operating at 700 °C were started with two short stacks which reached the first milestone of 10,000 h in November 2008. The operation of one stack, clearly showing progressive degradation over the last 5,000 h, was terminated after more than 2 years for inspection of the status of the components and interfaces. The second stack is now in operation for more than 5 years having reached 43,800 h in August 2012. The average voltage degradation over the full duration was about 1% per 1,000 h. Another short stack with plasma sprayed protective coatings on the air side of the interconnects is running for more than 14,000 h, showing about 0.12% voltage degradation per 1,000 h. A stack with a similar configuration but LSM cathodes, operated at a temperature of 800 °C, broke down after 2 years. As reason for the break‐down manganese diffusion from the LSM cathode into the 8YSZ electrolyte could be determined by post‐test analysis. All these short stacks have been tested with humidified hydrogen at a fuel utilization of 40% and with dry air. In the meantime a 2.6 kW stack was operated on internally reformed methane for 4,500 h showing about 0.3% voltage degradation per 1,000 h.
Feasibility, internal consistency and covariates of TICS‐m (telephone interview for cognitive status ‐ modified) in a population‐based sample: findings from the KORA‐Age study
Authors: Lacruz ME , Emeny RT , Bickel H , Linkohr B , Ladwig KH
Published: November 2012

Objective

Test the feasibility of the modified telephone interview for cognitive status (TICS‐m) as a screening tool to detect cognitive impairment in a population‐based sample of older subjects.

Methods

Data were collected from 3,578 participants, age 65–94 years, of the KORA‐Age study. We used analysis of covariance to test for significant sex, age and educational differences in raw TICS‐m scores. Internal consistency was analysed by assessing Cronbach's alpha. Correction for education years was undertaken, and participants were divided in three subgroups following validated cut‐offs. Finally, a logistic regression was performed to determine the impact of sex on cognition subgroups.

Results

Internal consistency of the TICS‐m was 0.78. Study participants needed approximately 5.4 min to complete the interview. Lower raw TICS‐m scores were associated with male sex, older age and lower education (all p < 0.0001). After correction for education years, 2,851 (79%) had a non‐impaired cognitive status (score >31). Male sex was independently associated with having a score equal to or below 27 and 31 (OR = 1.9, 95%CI 1.4–2.5 and OR = 1.5, 95%CI 1.2–1.7, respectively).

Conclusions

The TICS‐m is a feasible questionnaire for community‐dwelling older adults with normal cognitive function or moderate cognitive impairment. Lower cognitive performance was associated with being a man, being older, and having fewer years of formal education. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrational spectroscopic changes of B‐lymphocytes upon activation
Authors: Mazur Antonella I. , Monahan Jennifer L. , Miljković Miloš , Laver Nora , Diem Max , Bird Benjamin
Published: November 2012

The first study interpreting B‐lymphocyte activation in normal lymph nodes using vibrational micro‐spectral imaging is reported. Lymphocyte activation indicates the presence and response against a pathogen, regardless of the inciting pathogen's etiology, whether a benign, reactive or malignant process. Understanding the biochemical makeup of lymphocyte activation during early stages of disease and immune response may offer significant aid in determining a tumor's origin without the presence of malignant metastatic cells but within lymph nodes that are reactive and displaying regions of hyperplasia. Infrared and Raman data scrutinized via unsupervised multivariate methods may provide a physical and reproducible method to determine the biochemical components and variances therein of activated lymph nodes with distinguishing characteristics depending on the malignancy present in the region or elsewhere in the body. The results reported here provide a proof‐of‐concept study that reveal a potential to screen lymph nodes for disease without the presence of metastatic cells. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Noninvasive imaging of heart chamber in Drosophila with dual‐beam optical coherence tomography
Authors: Tsai Meng‐Tsan , Lee Cheng‐Kuang , Chang Feng‐Yu , Wu June‐Tai , Wu Chung‐Pu , Chi Ting‐Ta , Yang C. C.
Published: November 2012

The heart chamber of an adult Drosophila is approximately 2 mm long and 0.5 mm wide, and the interwall separation of different heart portions during systole and diastole range from tens of micrometers to hundreds of micrometers. Furthermore, the heart chamber has a curved structure, which results in the larger differences in depth between the different heart portions. However, applying the wavelength calibration process before Fourier transform in an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system may cause degradation in system sensitivity and longitudinal resolution when the optical path difference between the reference and sample arms increases, which makes imaging the entire heart chamber difficult with OCT system. Additionally, since the heartbeat rate of Drosophila is approximately 6 beats/s, a high‐speed OCT system is necessary to record the dynamics of the heat beats. In this study, we propose a new approach to visualize the entire heart chamber including the conical chamber and four ostia portions, and to observe the retrograde and anterograde beats. A buffered Fourier‐domain mode‐locked (FDML) laser is implemented to provide a high imaging speed. Two output ports of the buffered FDML laser are used simultaneously to scan the different heart portions of Drosophila, and the effective A‐scan rate of the OCT system can be doubled. Then, the two scanned images are merged into a single B‐mode scan. Furthermore, with dual‐beam OCT system, the beating behaviors of the different heart portions from 7‐day‐old and 21‐day‐old flies are compared. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The histone H3K27 methylation mark regulates intestinal epithelial cell density‐dependent proliferation and the inflammatory response
Authors: Turgeon Naomie , Blais Mylène , Delabre Jean‐François , Asselin Claude
Published: November 2012

Polycomb‐group proteins form multimeric protein complexes involved in transcriptional silencing. The Polycomb Repressive complex 2 (PRC2) contains the Suppressor of Zeste‐12 protein (Suz12) and the histone methyltransferase Enhancer of Zeste protein‐2 (Ezh2). This complex, catalyzing the di‐ and tri‐methylation of histone H3 lysine 27, is essential for embryonic development and stem cell renewal. However, the role of Polycomb‐group protein complexes in the control of the intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) phenotype is not known. We show that Suz12 and Ezh2 were differentially expressed along the intestinal crypt‐villus axis. ShRNA‐mediated Suz12 depletion in the IEC‐6 rat crypt‐derived cell line decreased Ezh2 expression and H3K27 di‐trimethylation. Suz12‐depleted cells achieved higher cell densities after confluence, with increased cyclin D2 and cyclin D3 protein levels, and increased STAT3 activation in post‐confluent cells. Suz12 depletion specifically increased mostly developmental, cell adhesion and immune response gene expression, including neuronal and inflammatory genes. Suz12 depletion directly and indirectly de‐regulated the IL‐1β‐dependent inflammatory response, as demonstrated by decreased MAPK p38 activation as opposed to JNK activation, and altered basal and stimulated expression of inflammatory genes, including transcription factors such as C/EBPβ. Of note, this positive effect on cell proliferation and inflammatory gene expression was revealed in the absence of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p16, a main target negatively regulated by PRC2. These results demonstrate that the PRC2 complex, in addition to keeping in check non‐IEC differentiation pathways, insures the proper IEC response to cell density as well as to external growth and inflammatory signals, by controlling specific signaling pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1203–1215, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Curcumin inhibits telomerase and induces telomere shortening and apoptosis in brain tumour cells
Authors: Khaw Aik Kia , Hande M. Pradeepa , Kalthur Guruprasad , Hande M. Prakash
Published: November 2012

Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound isolated from Curcuma longa (Turmeric) is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Its potential therapeutic effects on a variety of diseases have long been known. Though anti‐tumour effects of curcumin have been reported earlier, its mode of action and telomerase inhibitory effects are not clearly determined in brain tumour cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that curcumin binds to cell surface membrane and infiltrates into cytoplasm to initiate apoptotic events. Curcumin treatment has resulted in higher cytotoxicity in the cells that express telomerase enzyme, highlighting its potential as an anticancer agent. Curcumin induced growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in the glioblastoma and medulloblastoma cells used in the study. Gene and protein expression analyses revealed that curcumin down‐regulated CCNE1, E2F1 and CDK2 and up‐regulated the expression of PTEN genes resulting in growth arrest at G2/M phase. Curcumin‐induced apoptosis is found to be associated with increased caspase‐3/7 activity and overexpression of Bax. In addition, down‐regulation of Bcl2 and survivin was observed in curcumin‐treated cells. Besides these effects, we found curcumin to be inhibiting telomerase activity and down‐regulating hTERT mRNA expression leading to telomere shortening. We conclude that telomerase inhibitory effects of curcumin underscore its use in adjuvant cancer therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1257–1270, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unraveling amyloid toxicity pathway in NIH3T3 cells by a combined proteomic and1H‐NMR metabonomic approach
Authors: Vilasi Annalisa , Vilasi Silvia , Romano Rocco , Acernese Fausto , Barone Fabrizio , Balestrieri Maria Luisa , Maritato Rosa , Irace Gaetano , Sirangelo Ivana
Published: November 2012

A range of debilitating human diseases is known to be associated with the formation of stable highly organized protein aggregates known as amyloid fibrils. The early prefibrillar aggregates behave as cytotoxic agents and their toxicity appears to result from an intrinsic ability to impair fundamental cellular processes by interacting with cellular membranes, causing oxidative stress and increase in free Ca2+that lead to apoptotic or necrotic cell death. However, specific signaling pathways that underlie amyloid pathogenicity remain still unclear. This work aimed to clarify cell impairment induced by amyloid aggregated. To this end, we used a combined proteomic and one‐dimensional1H‐NMR approach on NIH‐3T3 cells exposed to prefibrillar aggregates from the amyloidogenic apomyoglobin mutant W7FW14F. The results indicated that cell exposure to prefibrillar aggregates induces changes of the expression level of proteins and metabolites involved in stress response. The majority of the proteins and metabolites detected are reported to be related to oxidative stress, perturbation of calcium homeostasis, apoptotic and survival pathways, and membrane damage. In conclusion, the combined proteomic and1H‐NMR metabonomic approach, described in this study, contributes to unveil novel proteins and metabolites that could take part to the general framework of the toxicity induced by amyloid aggregates. These findings offer new insights in therapeutic and diagnostic opportunities. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1359–1367, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.