bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chiral imbalance induced by longitudinal photons in a charged magnetized QED plasma
Authors: Acosta Avalo J. L. , Pérez Rojas H.
Published: November 2015

We demonstrate the existence of a chiral magnetic effect in an electron‐positron magnetized gas in QED. A vector current is induced by the electric field related to the pseudo‐vector longitudinal Debye massive photon mode propagating along the external magnetic field B and separating opposite charges of the same helicity. A equation associated to the nonconservation of the axial current is obtained in a medium of massive and magnetized charged fermions. The effect is interesting in connection to the QCD chiral magnetic case reported in current literature. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On propagation of photons in a magnetized medium
Authors: Cruz Rodríguez L. , Pérez Martínez A. , Pérez Rojas H. , Rodríguez Querts E.
Published: November 2015

The aim of this work is to solve the dispersion relations near the first excitation threshold of a photon propagating along a magnetic field in the strong field limit. We have calculated the time damping of the photon in two particular cases: the degenerate gas as well as the diluted gas limit, both being important from the astro‐physical point of view. In particular, the diluted gas limit could describe the magnetosphere of neutron stars. The solutions have been used to obtain a finite quantum Faraday angle in both limits. A resonant behavior for the Faraday angle is also obtained. To reproduce the semi‐classical result for the Faraday rotation angle, the weak field limit is considered. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Interplanetary GPS using pulsar signals
Authors: Becker W. , Bernhardt M. G. , Jessner A.
Published: November 2015

An external reference system suitable for deep space navigation can be defined by fast spinning and strongly magnetized neutron stars, called pulsars. Their beamed periodic signals have timing stabilities comparable to atomic clocks and provide characteristic temporal signatures that can be used as natural navigation beacons, quite similar to the use of GPS satellites for navigation on Earth. By comparing pulse arrival times measured on‐board a spacecraft with predicted pulse arrivals at a reference location, the spacecraft position can be determined autonomously and with high accuracy everywhere in the solar system and beyond. The unique properties of pulsars make clear already today that such a navigation system will have its application in future astronautics. In this paper we describe the basic principle of spacecraft navigation using pulsars and report on the current development status of this novel technology. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hybrid chitosan–ß‐glycerol phosphate–gelatin nano‐/micro fibrous scaffolds with suitable mechanical and biological properties for tissue engineering
Authors: Lotfi Marzieh , Bagherzadeh Roohollah , Naderi‐Meshkin Hojjat , Mahdipour Elahe , Mafinezhad Asghar , Sadeghnia Hamid Reza , Esmaily Habibollah , Maleki Masoud , Hasssanzadeh Halimeh , Ghayaour‐Mobarhan Majid , Bidkhori Hamid Reza , Bahrami Ahmad Reza
Published: November 2015

Scaffold‐based tissue engineering is considered as a promising approach in the regenerative medicine. Graft instability of collagen, by causing poor mechanical properties and rapid degradation, and their hard handling remains major challenges to be addressed. In this research, a composite structured nano‐/microfibrous scaffold, made from a mixture of chitosan–ß‐glycerol phosphate–gelatin (chitosan–GP–gelatin) using a standard electrospinning set‐up was developed. Gelatin–acid acetic and chitosan ß‐glycerol phosphate–HCL solutions were prepared at ratios of 30/70, 50/50, 70/30 (w/w) and their mechanical and biological properties were engineered. Furthermore, the pore structure of the fabricated nanofibrous scaffolds was investigated and predicted using a theoretical model. Higher gelatin concentrations in the polymer blend resulted in significant increase in mean pore size and its distribution. Interaction between the scaffold and the contained cells was also monitored and compared in the test and control groups. Scaffolds with higher chitosan concentrations showed higher rate of cell attachment with better proliferation property, compared with gelatin‐only scaffolds. The fabricated scaffolds, unlike many other natural polymers, also exhibit non‐toxic and biodegradable properties in the grafted tissues. In conclusion, the data clearly showed that the fabricated biomaterial is a biologically compatible scaffold with potential to serve as a proper platform for retaining the cultured cells for further application in cell‐based tissue engineering, especially in wound healing practices. These results suggested the potential of using mesoporous composite chitosan–GP–gelatin fibrous scaffolds for engineering three‐dimensional tissues with different inherent cell characteristics. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 163–175, 2016.
p53 R175H hydrophobic patch and H‐bond reorganization observed by MD simulation
Authors: Thayer Kelly M. , Quinn Taylor R.
Published: November 2015

Molecular dynamics simulations probe the origins of aberrant functionality of R175H p53, which normally prevent tumorigenesis. This hotspot mutation exhibits loss of its essential zinc cofactor, aggregation, and activation of gain of function promoters, characteristics contributing to the loss of normal p53 activity. This study provided molecular level insight into the reorganization of the hydrogen bonding network and the formation of a hydrophobic patch on the surface of the protein. The hydrogen bonding network globally redistributes at the expense of the stability of the β‐sandwich structure, and surface residues reorganize to expose a 250 Å2 hydrophobic patch of residues covering approximately 2% of the solvent accessible surface. These changes could both stabilize the protein in the conformation exposing the patch to solvent to mediate the reported aggregation, and cause a destabilization in the area associated with DNA binding residues to affect the specificity. The development of the patch prior to loss of zinc indicates that stabilizing the patch quickly may prevent zinc loss. Considerations for rational design of small molecule therapeutics in light of the structural insight has been discussed and it suggest the positive ring around the hydrophobic patch and conserved residues may constitute a druggable site. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 176–185, 2016.
C‐terminus of a hexapeptidic ghrelin receptor inverse agonist can switch peptide behavior from inverse agonism to agonism
Authors: Els‐Heindl Sylvia , Bellmann‐Sickert Kathrin , Beck‐Sickinger Annette G.
Published: November 2015

Subtle changes in the sequence at the N‐terminus and in the aromatic core of hexapeptidic ghrelin receptor inverse agonists can switch behavior from inverse agonism to agonism, but the C‐terminal role of the sequence is unclear. Thus, analogs of the ghrelin receptor inverse agonist KbFwLL‐NH2 (b = β‐(3‐benzothienyl)‐d‐alanine) were synthesized by solid phase peptide synthesis in order to identify the influence of aromaticity, charge, and hydrophobicity. Potency and efficacy of the hexapeptides were evaluated in inositol triphosphate turnover assays. Notably, modifications directly at the C‐terminal Leu6 could influence peptide efficacy leading to decreased constitutive activity. High hydrophobicity at the C‐terminal position was of importance for elevated inverse agonist activity, the introduction of charged amino acids led to decreased potency. In contrast, structure–activity relationship studies of Leu5 located closer to the aromatic core revealed an agonism‐inducing position. These findings imply that amino acids with possible cation–π or π–π interactions and a suitable orientation at the C‐terminus of the aromatic core induce agonism. Receptor binding studies showed that most peptides bind to the receptor at a concentration of 1 µM and modification directly at the C‐terminus is generally more accepted than Leu5 substitution. Interestingly, this observation is not dependent on the type of modification. These studies reveal another switch region of the short ghrelin receptor ligand pointing out the sensitivity of the ghrelin receptor binding pocket. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 101–108, 2016.
Synthesis of chiral five‐membered carbocyclic ring amino acids with an acetal moiety and helical conformations of its homo‐chiral homopeptides
Authors: Koba Yurie , Hirata Yoko , Ueda Atsushi , Oba Makoto , Doi Mitsunobu , Demizu Yosuke , Kurihara Masaaki , Tanaka Masakazu
Published: November 2015

Chiral five‐membered carbocyclic ring amino acids bearing various diol acetal moieties were synthesized starting from l‐malic acid, and homo‐chiral homopeptides composed of cyclic amino acid (S)‐Ac5c3EG bearing an ethylene glycol acetal, up to an octapeptide, were prepared. A conformational analysis revealed that (S)‐Ac5c3EG homopeptides formed helical structures. (S)‐Ac5c3EG homopeptides, up to hexapeptides, formed helical structures without controlling the helical screw direction, while (S)‐Ac5c3EG hepta‐ and octapeptides formed helical structures with a preference for the left‐handed (M) helical‐screw direction. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 555–562, 2016.
Identification of a degrading enzyme in human serum that hydrolyzes a C‐terminal core sequence of neuromedin U
Authors: Takayama Kentaro , Taguchi Akihiro , Yakushiji Fumika , Hayashi Yoshio
Published: November 2015

Neuromedin U (NMU), an anorexigenic peptide, has attracted attention as a candidate for development of drugs against obesity. We recently developed several potent hexapeptidic agonists derived from NMU that share a common Pro‐Arg‐Asn‐NH2 (PRN) sequence at their C‐termini and found that the amide bond between Arg and Asn is rapidly degraded in serum. In this study, we determined that the key enzyme responsible for this biodegradation was thrombin. Both irreversible and reversible thrombin inhibitors (PPACK and argatroban, respectively) enhanced the serum stability of both hexapeptidic agonists and human NMU itself as an inherent ligand. In addition, rapid degradation did not occur in citrated human plasma because thrombin was not activated under these conditions. Furthermore, we found that an N‐terminal 2‐thienylacetyl group in hexapeptidic agonists enhanced recognition by thrombin. These findings will be valuable for future investigations of the biological functions of NMU in vivo. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 440–445, 2016.
Design and testing of an assessment instrument to measure understanding of protein structure and enzyme inhibition in a new context
Authors: Villafañe Sachel M. , Heyen Bruce J. , Lewis Jennifer E. , Loertscher Jennifer , Minderhout Vicky , Arnold Murray Tracey
Published: November 2015

Assessment instruments designed to measure student conceptual understanding and skills proficiency related to biochemistry are important to transform undergraduate biochemistry education. The purpose of this study was to develop an assessment instrument to measure student understanding of protein structure and enzyme inhibition in a new context, that of saturable binding. A community of biochemistry educators was involved in an iterative process of designing and testing of this assessment, which consists of true/false and open‐ended questions that map to low and high levels in Bloom's taxonomy. A total of 188 students' responses were collected from seven different institutions and were graded by two independent raters using a rubric. Results from this administration indicate that most students were able to answer the questions related to lower‐levels in Bloom's taxonomy; however for higher‐level questions, students had more difficulty. The results from this assessment can give instructors insight into the ways in which persistent incorrect or incomplete ideas related to protein structure and binding events can hinder knowledge application. Also, the use of a community of practice to develop assessment instruments of this type and the format of the instrument itself could be a useful model for development of assessment instruments in the future. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44:179–190, 2016.
Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty in carcinoid pulmonary valve stenosis
Authors: Rasmussen Vibeke Guldbrand , Kanstrup Helle Lynge , Nielsen‐Kudsk Jens Erik
Published: November 2015

More than half of patients with carcinoid syndrome develop carcinoid valve disease. Both the tricuspid and pulmonary valve are often involved. Symptoms of carcinoid syndrome with flushing, diarrhea, and bronchospasm often precedes cardiac symptoms. We report a case of carcinoid initially presenting with rapid development of right heart failure due to severe pulmonary valve stenosis. In untreated carcinoid, there is a risk of carcinoid crisis with anesthesia and surgery. In local anesthesia, we performed a sub‐acute balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty. The procedure was successful without any residual pulmonary valve stenosis and with immediately relief of dyspnea. The final diagnostic workup for the underlying malignancy continued the day after valvuloplasty. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Iron–Carbonyl Aqueous Vesicles (MCsomes) by Hydration of [Fe(CO){CO(CH2)5CH3}(Cp)(PPh3)] (FpC6): Highly Integrated Colloids with Aggregation‐Induced Self‐Enhanced IR Absorption (AI‐SEIRA)
Authors: Murshid Nimer , Wang Xiaosong
Published: November 2015

Self‐assembly of hydrophobic molecules into aqueous colloids contradicts common chemical intuition, but has been achieved through hydration of [Fe(CO){CO(CH2)5CH3}(Cp)(PPh3)] (FpC6). FpC6 has no surface activity, no NMR signals in D2O and no critical aggregation concentration (CAC) in H2O. The molecule, however, contains both acyl and terminal CO groups that are prone to being hydrated. By adding water to a solution in THF, self‐assembly of FpC6 can be initiated through water–carbonyl interactions (WCIs) with the highly polarized acyl CO groups. This aggregation subsequently enhances the hydration of the acyl CO groups and also induces the WCI of otherwise unhydrated terminal CO groups. The resultant metal–carbonyl aggregates have been proved to be bilayer vesicles with iron complexes exposed towards water and alkyl chains forming inner walls (MCsomes). These MCsomes show high structure integration upon dilution due to the hydrophobic nature of the building blocks. The highly polarized CO groups on the surface of the MCsomes result in a negative zeta potential (−65 mV) and create a local electric field, which significantly enhances the IR absorption of CO groups by more than 100‐fold. This is the first discovery of aggregation‐induced self‐enhanced IR absorption (AI‐SRIRA) without the assistant of external dielectric substrates. Highly integrated MCsomes are, therefore, promising as a novel group of materials, for example, for IR‐based sensing and imaging.
Coating Platinum Nanoparticles with Methyl Radicals: Effects on Properties and Catalytic Implications
Authors: Bar‐Ziv Ronen , Zilbermann Israel , Shandalov Michael , Shevchenko Vladimir , Meyerstein Dan
Published: November 2015

It was recently reported that the reaction of methyl radicals with Pt0 nanoparticles (NPs), prepared by the reduction of Pt(SO4)2 with NaBH4, is fast and yields as the major product stable (Pt0‐NPs)(CH3)n and as side products, in low yields, C2H6, C2H4, and some oligomers. We decided to study the effect of this coating on the properties of the Pt0‐NPs. The results show that the coating can cover up to 75 % of the surface Pt0 atoms. The rate constant of the reaction, k(.CH3+Pt0‐NPs), decreases with the increase in the surface coverage, leading to competing reaction paths in the solution, which gradually become dominant, affecting the composition of the products. The methyl coating also affects the zeta potential, the UV spectra, and the electrocatalytic reduction of water in the presence of the NPs. Thus, the results suggest that binding alkyl radicals to Pt0 surfaces might poison the NPs catalytic activity. When the Pt0‐NPs are prepared by the reduction of a different precursor salt, PtCl62−, nearly no C2H4 and oligomers are formed and the methyl coating covers a larger percentage of the surface Pt0 atoms. The difference is attributed to the morphology of the Pt0‐NPs: those prepared from Pt(SO4)2 are twinned nanocrystals, whereas those prepared from PtCl62− consist mostly of single crystals. Thus, the results indicate that the side products, or most of them at least, are formed on the twinned Pt0 nanocrystal edges created between (111) facets. In addition, the results show that Pt0‐NPs react very differently compared with other noble metals, for example, Au0 and Ag0; this difference is attributed in part to the difference in the bond strength, (M0‐NP)CH3, and should be considered in heterogeneous catalytic processes involving alkyl radicals as intermediates.
Three‐Dimensional Porous Heterometallic‐Organic Frameworks: Synthesis, Luminescent, Magnetic, Adsorption and Hydrogen Storage Properties
Authors: Cao Yaqun , Wang Runwei , Wu Gang , Fang Qianrong , Qiu Shilun
Published: November 2015

Two three‐dimensional (3D) porous heterometal‐organic frameworks (HMOFs) with isostructures, [Zn2Cd(OH)(BTC)2(DMF)(H2O)2]·(H3O) (JUC‐155A) and [ZnCo2(OH)(BTC)2(DMF)(H2O)2]·(H3O) (JUC‐155B) (JUC=Jilin University China, BTC=1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylate and DMF=N,N‐dimethylformamide), have been successfully synthesized by utilizing two kinds of 3d metal ions (Zn(II) and Cd(II) or Zn(II) and Co(II)) under conformable conditions. X‐ray crystallography reveals that both HMOFs consist of trinuclear metal‐carboxylate secondary building units (SBUs), and these SBUs are interlinked by the phenyl groups of BTC ligands to generate 3D open‐frameworks with two types of channels of about 6.3 and 10.7 Å. Both HMOFs show the multifunctional properties in photoluminescence and adsorption. JUC‐155B also exhibits an antiferromagnetic interaction, owing to the presence of dinuclear cobalt centers. Additionally, the high‐pressure hydrogen storage of JUC‐155A has been also examined at 77 K. By using mixed metal centers in clustered SBUs, it is a good strategy to construct those isostructures with heterometallic systems, and it is believed that the presence of such HMOFs will further facilitate the exploration of multifunctional materials.
An Efficient Copper‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Synthesis of 1‐Aryl‐1,2,3‐triazoles from Arylboronic Acids in Water under Mild Conditions
Authors: Hao Changbo , Zhou Changjian , Xie Jianwei , Zhang Jie , Liu Ping , Dai Bin
Published: November 2015

A convenient method for one‐pot two‐step 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditon reaction of arylboronic acid, sodium azide followed with terminal alkynes in the presence of 2‐pyrrolecarbaldiminato‐Cu(II) complexes catalyst is reported. Various 1‐aryl‐1,2,3‐triazoles were prepared in 63%–97% yields in water at 30°C without any additives and avoiding the isolation of unstable aryl azides.
Three Dimensional Sulfur‐doped Graphene Hydrogels with Tetrathiafulvalene for High Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Jingli , Jiang Man , Xing Lingbao , Qin Kun , Liu Tianzhen , Zhou Jin , Si Weijiang , Cui Hongyou , Zhuo Shuping
Published: November 2015

By using tetrathiafulvalene as reducing and doping agents, three‐dimensional (3D) sulfur‐doped graphene hydrogels (SGHs) were facilely prepared in mixed solvents of dimethyl formamide and water. Several investigations reveal that TTF plays a critical role in the formation of such unique 3D architecture, as it not only reduces GO to self‐assembly into 3D structures, but also can be transformed to TTF·+ and TTF2+ as doping agents in the reduction process. The morphology, crystal structure, chemical bonding, elemental composition and porosity of the as‐prepared SGHs have been studied. Benefiting from well‐defined and cross‐linked 3D porous network architectures, the supercapacitors based on the SGHs in KOH electrolyte exhibited a high specific capacitance of 212.5 F·g−1 at 0.3 A·g−1. Furthermore, this capacitance also showed good electrochemical stability and a high degree of reversibility in the repetitive charge/discharge cycling test.
Response of the Growth of Vallisneria natans Under High Zn2+ Stress and Different NH4+/NO3− Ratios
Authors: Wang Baozhong , Zhou Lihua , Zhang Xia , Luo Yanqing , Li Susu
Published: November 2015

In order to evaluate the combined effects of Zn2+ and NH4+/NO3– stress, a cross experiment composed of different concentrations of Zn2+ (0, 2, 4, 8 mg L−1) and ratios of NH4+ and NO3– (1:6, 3:4, and 5:2) was conducted with Vallisneria natans under eutrophication (N = 4.667 mg L−1). Chlorophyll, protein, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity of V. natans leaves were measured after cultivation for 7 days under stress of NH4+/NO3– and Zn2+. Variance analysis indicated that chlorophyll continuously decreased significantly with increasing Zn2+ concentration and NH4+/NO3– ratio, with the highest value at 0 mg L−1 Zn2+ and NH4+/NO3–, 1:6. However, MDA, soluble protein, SOD activity, and APX activity increased first and decreased subsequently, showing the greatest values at 2 mg L−1 Zn2+ and NH4+/NO3–, 1:6. Physiological responses of V. natans under high Zn2+ stress were obvious. A Zn2+ concentration of <2 mg L−1 could promote the growth of V. natans. Physiological functions of V. natans were partly affected under high NH4+/NO3–. However, it could promote the growth of V. natans at NH4+/NO3– <3:4 and a total nitrogen concentration of 4.667 mg L−1. Meanwhile, this study also showed that Zn2+ and NH4+/NO3– have a synergistic effect on V. natans.
Phytoremediation Potential of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): Identification and Characterization of Heavy Metals Responsive Genes
Authors: Ahmad Rafiq , Tehsin Zara , Malik Samina Tanvir , Asad Saeed Ahmad , Shahzad Muhammad , Bilal Muhammad , Shah Mohammad Maroof , Khan Sabaz Ali
Published: November 2015

Soil pollution caused by heavy metals is one of the major problems throughout the world. To maintain a safe and healthy environment for human beings, there is a dire need to identify hyperaccumulator plants and the underlying genes involved in heavy metals stress tolerance and accumulation. The goal of this research is to explore the potential of hemp as a decontaminator of heavy metals by identifying the two important heavy metals responsive genes, glutathione‐disulfidereductase (GSR) and phospholipase D‐α (PLDα). The results revealed heavy metals accumulation; Cu (1530 mg kg−1), Cd (151 mg kg−1), and Ni (123 mg kg−1) in hemp plants’ leaves collected from the contaminated site. This shows the ability of the hemp plant to tolerate heavy metals, perhaps due to the presence of stress tolerance genes. In this study, partial sequences of putative GSR (215 bp) and PLDα (517 bp) genes were identified, responsive to heavy metals stress in hemp leaves. Both genes exhibited 40–60% sequence identity to previously reported genes from other plant species. Glutathione binding residues and conserved arginine residues were found identical in a putative GSR gene to those of other plant species, while the phospholipids binding domain and catalytic domain were found in the PLDα gene. These results will help to improve our understanding about the phytoremediation potential of hemp as well as in manipulating GSR and PLDα genes in breeding programs to produce transgenic heavy‐metals‐tolerant varieties.
Impact of access to NCI‐ and NCCN‐designated cancer centers on outcomes for multiple myeloma patients: A SEER registry analysis
Authors: Ailawadhi Sikander , Advani Pooja , Yang Dongyun , Ghosh Radhika , Swaika Abhisek , Roy Vivek , Foran James , Colon‐Otero Gerardo , Chanan‐Khan Asher
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

National Cancer Institute (NCI)/National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)–designated cancer centers (CCs) offer patients state‐of‐the‐art treatment, but their impact on multiple myeloma (MM) patient outcomes has not been evaluated.

METHODS

Adult MM patients diagnosed between 1973 and 2011 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database and were stratified by the county of residence at the time of diagnosis and the year of CC designation. The influence of NCI/NCCN CC access, race, and the year of diagnosis on overall survival (OS) was evaluated with a Cox regression model.

RESULTS

A statistically significant OS improvement was noted in patients diagnosed after 1995 with access to 2 or more NCI CCs overall (P = .002 for 1996‐2002; P < .001 for 2003‐2011) and by race for whites (hazard ratio [HR] for 1996‐2002, 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78‐0.91; HR for 2003‐2011, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.79‐0.91) but not for nonwhites. For NCCN access, improvement was seen in 1996‐2002 (P = .003), in 2003‐2011 (P < .001), and by race for whites (HR, 0.917; 95% CI, 0.88‐0.95) and nonwhites (0.94; 95% CI, 0.89‐0.99), but within nonwhites, this was true only for African Americans (AAs; HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81‐0.97) and not for Asians, Hispanics, or Native Americans.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvement in OS was seen in MM patients diagnosed after 1995 with access to 1 NCCN CC or 2 or more NCI CCs. NCI access benefited only whites, whereas NCCN access benefited only white and AA patients. No OS benefit was seen for any subgroup with access to only 1 NCI center. Eliminating racial disparities in health care access and utilization is needed to improve outcomes. Cancer 2016;122:618–625. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Impact of oncogene rearrangement patterns on outcomes in patients with double‐hit non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Landsburg Daniel J. , Petrich Adam M. , Abramson Jeremy S. , Sohani Aliyah R. , Press Oliver , Cassaday Ryan , Chavez Julio C. , Song Kevin , Zelenetz Andrew D. , Gandhi Mitul , Shah Namrata , Fenske Timothy S. , Jaso Jesse , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Yang David T. , Nabhan Chadi
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Double‐hit lymphomas (DHLs) are collectively defined as B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas harboring rearrangements of MYC as well as B‐cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) and/or B‐cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6). To the authors' knowledge, the impact of specific oncogene rearrangements on outcomes of patients with DHL who are treated with immunochemotherapy has not been previously described.

METHODS

The authors identified patients whose diagnostic tissue specimens underwent metaphase karyotyping or fluorescence in situ hybridization for MYC as well as both BCL2 and BCL6 rearrangements. Cohorts were defined by the presence (+) or absence (−) of rearrangements: MYC+/BCL2+/BCL6− (BCL2‐DHL), MYC+/BCL2−/BCL6+ (BCL6‐DHL), and MYC+/BCL2+/BCL6+ (triple‐hit lymphoma; THL).

RESULTS

A total of 117 patients were included in the current analysis (76 BCL2‐DHL patients, 16 BCL6‐DHL patients, and 25 THL patients). Compared with patients with BCL2‐DHL, those with BCL6‐DHL were more likely to be classified as having a non‐germinal center cell of origin, presented with extranodal disease, and appeared to achieve higher rates of complete response despite receiving intensive induction therapy less frequently. However, patients with BCL6‐DHL experienced a shorter median overall survival if achieving an initial complete response compared with patients with BCL2‐DHL. Patients with THL experienced survival outcomes similar to those of patients with BCL2‐DHL.

CONCLUSIONS

Recognition of the specific oncogene rearrangements may be of prognostic value and potentially guide future therapeutic strategies for patients with DHL. Cancer 2016;122:559–564. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Integrating Apache Airavata with Docker, Marathon, and Mesos
Authors: Saha Pankaj , Govindaraju Madhusudhan , Marru Suresh , Pierce Marlon
Published: November 2015

Science Gateways provide scientists with tools for creating, executing, and monitoring scientific experiments on multiple resource infrastructures. Apache Airavata abstracts interactions between gateways and distributed computing infrastructures like Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment, international grids, and campus clusters. Airavata consists of several component services such as the API server, Orchestrator, Workflow Interpreter, Credential Store, and Application Factory. In addition, Airavata uses third party software, including RabbbitMQ for messaging, MySQL for production database management, and Apache Zookeeper for internal communications. In this paper, we discuss our initial experiences with leveraging open source technologies to manage Airavata and its dependent components to deploy, detect, and restart failed components in an auto‐scaling platform. Such capabilities will allow Airavata services to be deployed in a wide area, large Virtual Machine (VM) based cluster, and a developer's laptop. The emerging technologies in cloud computing and Big Data that address these needs are the following: Docker, Marathon, and Apache Mesos. Docker is a Linux‐based lightweight container that allows different applications to run isolated from each other but safely share the machine's resources. Docker images of applications can be published in registries and retrieved for execution in the target infrastructures. Marathon provides a cluster‐wide init and control system for services, including Docker containers. Mesos provides a cluster‐wide framework to schedule tasks based on fine‐grained resource needs. Mesosphere provides the packages, scripts, and web interface to ease the use of these technologies. We present the design, experience, and lessons learned from integrating Mesos, Docker, and Marathon with Apache Airavata. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon Dioxide Sequestration by Using a Model Carbonic Anhydrase Complex in Tertiary Amine Medium
Authors: Sivanesan Dharmalingam , Choi Youngju , Lee Jiyeon , Youn Min Hye , Park Ki Tae , Grace Andrew Nirmala , Kim Hak‐Joo , Jeong Soon Kwan
Published: November 2015

Globally, the elevation of carbon dioxide (CO2) levels due to the anthropogenic effect poses a serious threat to the ecosystem. Hence, it is important to control and/or mitigate the level of CO2 in the atmosphere, which necessitates novel tools. Herein, it is proposed to improve CO2 sequestration by using model complexes based on the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA) in aqueous tertiary amine medium. The effect of substituents on the model CA model complexes on CO2 absorption and desorption was determined by using a stopped‐flow spectrophotometer to follow pH changes through coupling to pH indicator and a continuous stirred‐tank reactor (CSTR). The CO2 hydration rate constants were determined under basic conditions and compound 6, which contained a hydrophilic group, showed the highest absorption or hydration levels of CO2 (2.860×103 L mol−1 s−1). In addition, CSTR results for the absorption and desorption of CO2 suggest that simple model CA complexes could be used in post‐combustion processing.
Design of a Data‐Oriented Multivariable PID Control System
Authors: HAYASHI KAYOKO , YAMAMOTO TORU
Published: November 2015

PID control schemes have been widely employed for industrial processes. However, it is important to choose a suitable set of PID gains included in the PID controller, because the control performance strongly depends on these PID gains. For single‐input/single‐output systems, data‐oriented control schemes without using the system model in computing PID gains have been proposed. In this paper, the proposed scheme is extended to a multi‐input/multi‐output case. That is, PID gains included in the multivariable PID controllers can be derived by using only the operating data. As a result, the suitable set of PID gains can be obtained, and it enables the system output to track to the reference model output. The behavior of the proposed scheme is examined by numerical simulation examples.
Enlargement of Claw Pole Motor Using SMC Cores Divided in the Circumferential Direction
Authors: KOKA HIDETOSHI , NAGANUMA RYOICHI , ENOMOTO YUJI , KITAMURA MASASHI , KIKUCHI SATOSHI
Published: November 2015

Clawtooth motors have the feature that they can be made thin in the axial direction. This makes them suitable for appliances, automobile accessories, and small‐sized industrial motors. On the other hand, there is a need for thinner HEV and elevator motors and large‐sized industrial motors. In this study, we examined ways of increasing the output of clawtooth motors. We arrived at the following conclusions. (1) The optimal stator structure was determined and the prospects of attaining the target specification of 123 N‐m were determined. (2) Three important manufacturing tasks, assurance of core assembly accuracy, thin coil manufacture, and rotator insertion, were identified. (3) Experimental results and the results of analysis were in agreement with respect to the EMF. (4) The experimental cogging torque results and finite element analysis (FEA) results were in agreement with the FEA results at sixth order but not at second and fourth order. (5) Although the core needed to be divided in the circumferential direction in order to increase its size, it was clear that the influence on the torque was small. (6) Use of a divided core is a good solution for enlargement of clawtooth motors.
Improved Modified Switching Transient Pulse Width Modulation (MT‐PWM) Method Applied to H‐Bridge Type Step‐Down Converter
Authors: MORI TAKAO , FUNATO HIROHITO , OGASAWARA SATOSHI , OKAZAKI FUMIHIRO , HIROTA YUKITSUGU
Published: November 2015

The authors have devised a new method to decrease high‐frequency harmonics in a specific frequency band by modifying the switching transient slope. In previous studies, there were several problems in applying modified transient pulse width modulation (MT‐PWM) to actual converters. In this paper, three problems are solved using an improved MT‐PWM method. First, the MT‐PWM signal was obtained using a trial‐and‐error approach that involved complex computation procedures in the previous studies. In this paper, a new calculation procedure for obtaining the MT‐PWM waveform using a simple calculation is proposed. Second, a new controller (drain‐source voltage controller) based on voltage feedback is proposed in order to realize a modified switching transient to increase the stability of the switching operation. Third, the dependency of MT‐PWM on source voltage variation is investigated in order to implement MT‐PWM in an actual step‐down converter. From this result, the concept of a new type of controller with the source voltage variation taken into consideration is proposed. Finally, the authors attempted to apply MT‐PWM to an H‐bridge converter to expand the application of MT‐PWM. An H‐bridge converter with MT‐PWM for a dc motor drive is successfully operated in an experiment.
Total Synthesis of [14C]‐Labelled Homoharringtonine
Authors: Marguerit Melanie , Little Gill , Wang Yi , He Linli , Allwein Shawn , Reif James , Rossi Jason , Roemmele Renee , Bakale Roger
Published: November 2015

A total synthesis of enantiomerically pure [14C]‐labelled (–)‐homoharringtonine in 17 steps is reported. This synthetic process enabled the production of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant (–)‐[14C]homoharringtonine that was used in a human mass balance study that was a post‐approval commitment to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (–)‐Homoharringtonine, also called omacetaxine mepesuccinate, is approved to treat adult patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a blood and bone marrow disease. In November 2012, the product was commercialised as Synribo® in the U.S., marketed by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
BEt3‐Initiated Thiol–Ene Click Reactions as a Versatile Tool To Modify Sensitive Substrates
Authors: Gorges Jan , Kazmaier Uli
Published: November 2015

BEt3‐initiated thiol–ene click reactions are an interesting alternative to the generally used thermal or photochemical thiol additions. The reactions proceed under very mild conditions, and require only 10 mol‐% of BEt3, and an almost stoichiometric amount of thiol. In this regard, this method is an attractive alternative to the other protocols, which often use the thiol component in a large excess.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Regio‐ and Chemo­selective Reactions of 2‐Bromobenzyl Bromides: Expanding the Scope for the Synthesis of Biaryls Fused to a Seven‐Membered Sultam
Authors: Laha Joydev K. , Sharma Shubhra , Dayal Neetu
Published: November 2015

Speedy access to biaryls fused to seven‐membered sultams was achieved by starting from readily accessible N‐alkylbenzenesulfonamides and 2‐bromobenzyl bromides. The protocol features a domino reaction and proceeds through an N‐benzylation followed by an intramolecular direct C–H arylation that occurs ortho to the sulfonamide group.
Correlation of Overvoltages and Current Densities to Estimate Optimal Electrode Size for Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Nam Jonghyeon , Lee Yoo Seok , An Junyeong , Kim Bongkyu , Lee Hyung‐Sool , Chang In Seop
Published: November 2015

We propose a method to determine the optimal electrode size of sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs). Four SMFCs presented a proportional increase in the current to the electrode size of the MFCs at day 16. From the I–V curves of the SMFCs, four plots of current versus electrode size (I–Esize plots) were obtained, which displayed high R2 values ranging from 0.980 to 0.994. At day 47, however, V–I curves deviated in one of the four MFCs, such that the I–Esize plots obtained from the I–V curves were inappropriate for estimating the electrode size. We found that the curves of overvoltage against the current density (η–j curves) were comparable in the SMFCs, suggesting that the overvoltage is inversely proportional to the electrode size of the MFCs. The I–Esize plots corrected by using the η–j curves had high R2 values of over 0.978, indicating that the η–j curves can be used for estimating the electrode size when the working voltage to current density ratio is different in SMFCs.
Nontarget effects of ivermectin residues on earthworms and springtails dwelling beneath dung of treated cattle in four countries
Authors: Scheffczyk Adam , Floate Kevin D. , Blanckenhorn Wolf U. , Düring Rolf-Alexander , Klockner Andrea , Lahr Joost , Lumaret Jean-Pierre , Salamon Jörg-Alfred , Tixier Thomas , Wohde Manuel , Römbke Jörg
Published: November 2015

The authorization of veterinary medicinal products requires that they be assessed for nontarget effects in the environment. Numerous field studies have assessed these effects on dung organisms. However, few studies have examined effects on soil-dwelling organisms, which might be exposed to veterinary medicinal product residues released during dung degradation. The authors compared the abundance of earthworms and springtails in soil beneath dung from untreated cattle and from cattle treated 0 d, 3 d, 7 d, 14 d, and 28 d previously with ivermectin. Study sites were located in different ecoregions in Switzerland (Continental), The Netherlands (Atlantic), France (Mediterranean), and Canada (Northern Mixed Grassland). Samples were collected using standard methods from 1 mo to 12 mo after pat deposition. Ivermectin concentrations in soil beneath dung pats ranged from 0.02 mg/kg dry weight (3 mo) to typically <0.006 mg/kg dry weight (5–7 mo). Earthworms were abundant and species-rich at the Swiss and Dutch sites, less common with fewer species at the French site, and essentially absent at the Canadian site. Diverse but highly variable communities of springtails were present at all sites. Overall, results showed little effect of residues on either earthworms or springtails. The authors recommend that inclusion of soil organisms in field studies to assess the nontarget effects of veterinary medicinal products be required only if earthworms or springtails exhibit sensitivity to the product in laboratory tests. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1959–1969. © 2015 SETAC
Resting‐state functional connectivity of the striatum in early‐stage Parkinson's disease: Cognitive decline and motor symptomatology
Authors: Manza Peter , Zhang Sheng , Li Chiang‐Shan R. , Leung Hoi‐Chung
Published: November 2015

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by changes to dopaminergic function in the striatum and a range of cognitive and motor deficits. Neuroimaging studies have repeatedly shown differences in activation and functional connectivity patterns of the striatum between symptomatic individuals with Parkinson's disease and healthy controls. However, the presence and severity of cognitive and motor symptoms seem to differ dramatically among individuals with Parkinson's disease at the early‐stages. To investigate the neural basis of such heterogeneity, we examined the resting state functional connectivity patterns of caudate and putamen subdivisions in relation to cognitive and motor impairments among 62 early‐stage individuals with Parkinson's disease (21 females, 23 drug naive, ages 39–77 years, average UPDRS motor scores off medication = 18.56, average H&Y stage = 1.66). We also explored how changes in striatal connectivity relate to changes in symptomatology over a year. There are two main findings. First, higher motor deficit rating was associated with weaker coupling between anterior putamen and midbrain including substantia nigra. Intriguingly, steeper declines in functional connectivity between these regions were associated with greater declines in motor function over the course of 1 year. Second, decline in cognitive function, particularly in the memory and visuospatial domains, was associated with stronger coupling between the dorsal caudate and the rostral anterior cingulate cortex. These findings remained significant after controlling for age, medication, gender, and education. In sum, our findings suggest that cognitive decline and motor deficit are each associated with a differentiable pattern of functional connectivity of striatal subregions. Hum Brain Mapp 37:648–662, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identifying cutoff scores for the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and the head and neck cancer–specific module EORTC QLQ‐H&N35 representing unmet supportive care needs in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Jansen Femke , Snyder Claire F. , Leemans C. René , Verdonck–de Leeuw Irma M.
Published: November 2015

Background

This study investigates cutoff scores for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Core 30‐questions (EORTC QLQ‐C30) and head and neck cancer‐specific module (QLQ‐H&N35) to identify patients with head and neck cancer who may require clinical attention.

Methods

Ninety‐six patients with head and neck cancer completed the EORTC QLQ‐C30/H&N35 and questions on supportive care needs. For all EORTC domains with the ability to discriminate between patients with and without unmet needs (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] ≥0.70), the accuracy (eg, sensitivity and specificity) of potential cutoff scores were calculated.

Results

Cutoff scores (sensitivity ≥0.80 and specificity ≥0.60) of 90 (functioning domains) and 5 to 10 (symptom domains) were found on 7 of 28 continuous EORTC QLQ‐C30/H&N35 domains. Borderline cutoff scores (sensitivity ≥0.70 and specificity ≥0.60 or sensitivity ≥0.80 and specificity ≥0.50) were found on 5 other domains.

Conclusions

This study provided cutoff scores on the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and H&N35 based on patients' perceptions of their needs for supportive care. Future research is needed on the replicability of these cutoff scores. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1493–E1500, 2016
Spontaneous initiation, promotion and progression of colorectal cancer in the novel A/J Min/+ mouse
Authors: Sødring Marianne , Gunnes Gjermund , Paulsen Jan Erik
Published: November 2015

The C57BL/6J multiple intestinal neoplasia (Min/+) mouse is a widely used murine model for familial adenomatous polyposis, a hereditary form of human colorectal cancer. However, it is a questionable model partly because the vast majority of tumors arise in the small intestine, and partly because the fraction of tumors that progress to invasive carcinomas is minuscule. A/J mice are typically more susceptible to carcinogen‐induced colorectal cancer than C57BL/6J mice. To investigate whether the novel Min/+ mouse on the A/J genetic background could be a better model for colorectal cancer, we examined the spontaneous intestinal tumorigenesis in 81 A/J Min/+ mice ranging in age from 4 to 60 weeks. The A/J Min/+ mouse exhibited a dramatic increase in number of colonic lesions when compared to what has been reported for the conventional Min/+ mouse; however, an increase in small intestinal lesions did not occur. In addition, this novel mouse model displayed a continual development of colonic lesions highlighted by the transition from early lesions (flat ACF) to tumors over time. In mice older than 40 weeks, 13 colonic (95% CI: 8.7–16.3) and 21 small intestinal (95% CI: 18.6‐24.3) tumors were recorded. Notably, a considerable proportion of those lesions progressed to carcinomas in both the colon (21%) and small intestine (51%). These findings more closely reflect aspects of human colorectal carcinogenesis. In conclusion, the novel A/J Min/+ mouse may be a relevant model for initiation, promotion and progression of colorectal cancer.
Assesment of apoptosis induced changes in scattering using optical coherence tomography
Authors: de Bruin Daniel M. , Broekgaarden Mans , van Gemert Martin J. C. , Heger Michal , de la Rosette Jean J. , Van Leeuwen Ton G. , Faber Dirk J.
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study is to identify changes in scattering with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and relate these measurements with mitochondrial changes during the initiation of apoptosis.

Human retinal pigment epithelial cells were cultured and apoptosis was induced using 10% alcohol. Using the attenuation coefficient and backscattering, changes were measured during cell death in a cell‐pellet and monolayer respectively. To confirm apoptosis, fluorescent activated cell sorting was used. Mitochondrial activity during apoptosis was assessed using an oxidative stress assay and fluorescent confocal microscopy.

Pelleted apoptotic cells measured with OCT showed a clear rise while untreated cells showed a very small increase in attenuation coefficient. Monolayered apoptotic cells displayed a distinct increase, while untreated cells showed a small increase in the backscattering. Apoptosis was confirmed by FACS experiments. Mitochondrial changes during the onset of apoptosis were also measured.

The results demonstrate that apoptotic cell death could be monitored in real‐time by OCT. Changes in the scattering after induction of apoptosis are likely to be related to changes in the intracellular morphology. Oxidative stress‐induced mitochondrial swelling could be responsible for the initial increase, while cell blebbing and secondary necrosis subsequently for the observed decrease in scattering.

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