bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal–Organic Framework Co(D‐Cam)1/2(bdc)1/2(tmdpy) for Improved Enantioseparations on a Chiral Cyclodextrin Stationary Phase in Gas Chromatography
Authors: Liu Hong , Xie Sheng‐Ming , Ai Ping , Zhang Jun‐Hui , Zhang Mei , Yuan Li‐Ming
Published: May 2014

Initial efforts to combine a chiral metal–organic framework (MOF), Co(D‐Cam)1/2(bdc)1/2(tmdpy) (D‐Cam=D‐camphoric acid, bdc=1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid, tmdpy=4,4′‐trimethylenedipyridine), with peramylated β‐cyclodextrins to investigate whether the use of a MOF can enhance enantioseparations on a cyclodextrin stationary phase are reported. Compared with columns of peramylated β‐cyclodextrin incorporated in a MOF containing sodium chloride, the column of peramylated β‐cyclodextrin+MOF shows excellent selectivity for the recognition of racemates, and higher resolutions are achieved on the peramylated β‐cyclodextrin+MOF stationary phase. Experimental results indicate that the use of Co(D‐Cam)1/2(bdc)1/2(tmdpy) can improve enantioseparations on peramylated β‐cyclodextrins. This is the first report that chiral MOFs can improve enantioseparations on a chiral stationary phase for chromatography.
β‐Sheet Breaker Peptides Containing α,β‐Dehydrophenylalanine: Synthesis and In Vitro Activity Studies
Authors: Giordano Cesare , Punzi Pasqualina , Lori Clorinda , Chiaraluce Roberta , Consalvi Valerio
Published: May 2014

The synthesis and fibrillogenesis‐inhibiting activity of the new peptide derivatives 1–6, containing α,β‐unsaturated phenylalanines, are reported. These compounds are related to the pentapeptide Ac‐LPFFD‐NH2 (iAβ5p), which was designed by Soto and co‐workers and is commonly accepted as a lead compound for fibrillogenesis inhibition . Their activities are determined by Thioflavin T binding assay, far‐UV circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy , and SEM; in addition, their structures in solution are studied through far‐UV CD and FTIR spectroscopy. The presence of two α,β‐unsaturated phenylalanines increases the fibrillogenesis inhibiting activity significantly in comparison with the lead compound. The interactions between the Aβ1–40 and the inhibitors using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry are also studied. The analyses prove the presence of noncovalent complexes of Aβ1–40 with iAβ5p and its derivatives 1–3 with stoichiometries of 1:1 and 2:1, and the results are independent of time and Aβ1–40/inhibitor ratio.
Solventless Oxidative Coupling of Amines to Imines by Using Transition‐Metal‐Free Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Qiu Xuan , Len Christophe , Luque Rafael , Li Yingwei
Published: May 2014

A highly efficient, simple, and versatile transition‐metal‐free metal–organic framework catalytic system is proposed for the oxidative coupling of amines to imines. The catalytic protocol features high activities and selectivities to target products; compatibility with a variety of substrates, including aliphatic amines and secondary amines; and the possibility to efficiently and selectively promote amine cross‐coupling reactions. A high stability and recyclability of the catalyst is also observed under the investigated conditions. Insights into the reaction mechanism indicate the formation of a superoxide species able to efficiently promote oxidative couplings.
Competing Reactions of CO2 with Cations and Anions in Azolide Ionic Liquids
Authors: Gohndrone Thomas R. , Bum Lee Tae , DeSilva M. Aruni , Quiroz‐Guzman Mauricio , Schneider William F. , Brennecke Joan F.
Published: May 2014

We show that phosphonium azolide ionic liquids of interest for CO2 capture applications react with CO2 both through the normal anion channel and, at elevated temperatures, through a previously unrecognized cation channel. The reaction is caused by an interaction between the anion and cation that allows proton transfer, and involves a phosphonium ylide intermediate. The cation reaction can be mitigated by using ammonium rather than phosphonium cations. Thus, phosphonium and ammonium cations paired with aprotic heterocyclic anions (AHAs) react with CO2 through different mechanisms at elevated temperatures. This work shows that careful consideration of both physical properties and chemical reactivity of ILs based on AHA anions is needed when designing ionic liquids for CO2 separations.
Balanced Gm‐C filters with improved linearity and power efficiency
Authors: Algueta‐Miguel Jose M. , De La Cruz Blas Carlos A. , Lopez‐Martin Antonio J.
Published: May 2014

A novel Gm‐C filter design technique is presented. It is based on floating‐gate metal oxide semiconductor (FGMOS) transistors and consists in a topological rearrangement of conventional fully differential Gm‐C structures without modifying the employed transconductors at transistor level. The proposed method allows decreasing the number of active elements (transconductors) of the filter. Moreover, high linearity is obtained at low and medium frequencies of the pass band. Drawbacks inherent to the use of FGMOS transistors are analyzed, such as large occupied area, high sensitivity to mismatch, or parasitic zeros in transfer functions. The features of the proposed technique are fully exploited in all‐pole Gm‐C filter design, specially implementing unity gain Butterworth transfer functions. Thus, two low‐power second‐order Butterworth Gm‐C filters have been designed and fabricated to compare the proposed FGMOS technique with their equivalent topologies obtained by a conventional design method. Measurement results for a test chip prototype in a 0.5‐µm standard complementary MOS process are presented, confirming the advantages of the proposed FGMOS design technique. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of spectrally efficient two‐way relay assisted free space optical systems in atmospheric turbulence with path loss
Authors: Puri Parul , Garg Parul , Aggarwal Mona
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we investigate the performance of two‐way relay assisted free space optical systems over atmospheric turbulence‐induced fading channels affected by molecular absorbtion‐induced path losses. A three node, dual‐hop, bi‐directional, half‐duplex relaying system with independent but not necessarily identically distributed channels is considered. Spectral efficiency is achieved by employing network coding to complete data transmission in two‐time phases. Closed form expression for system outage performance is derived considering decode‐and‐forward protocol. Additionally, the error performance in terms of average symbol error rate for M‐ary phase shift keying is evaluated. Further, the net achievable capacity of the system is also calculated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cocktail of synthetic stimulants found in a dietary supplement associated with serious adverse events
Authors: Venhuis Bastiaan , Keizers Peter , van Riel Antoinette , de Kaste Dries
Published: May 2014

Food supplements are regularly found to contain pharmacologically active substances. Recently, the food supplement Dexaprine was removed from the Dutch market because it was associated with severe adverse events. Reports to the Dutch Poisons Information Center (DPIC) showed that ingestion of as little as half a tablet caused several cases of nausea, agitation, tachycardia, and palpitations and even one case of cardiac arrest. The remaining tablets of four patients were sent in by different healthcare professionals. Analysis by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass‐spectrometry (UPLC–QTOF‐MS) confirmed the presence of synephrine, oxilofrine, deterenol, yohimbine, caffeine, and theophylline. Two more compounds were found which were tentatively identified as β‐methyl‐β‐phenylethylamines. This incident is only the next in a series of similar incidents involving dietary supplements with (undeclared) active substances that are either unsafe or have no known safety profile. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eating behaviors and negative affect in college women's everyday lives
Authors: Heron Kristin E. , Scott Stacey B. , Sliwinski Martin J. , Smyth Joshua M.
Published: May 2014

Objective

A growing body of research seeks to understand the relationship between mood and eating behaviors. Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) methods provide a method for assessing these processes in natural settings. We used EMA to examine the relationship between mood and eating behaviors in everyday life among women with subclinical disordered eating behaviors.

Method

Participants (N = 127, age M = 19.6 years, BMI M = 25.5) completed five daily EMA reports on palmtop computers for 1 week. Assessments included measures of negative affect (NA) and eating‐related behavior during eating (eating large amounts of food, loss of control over eating, and restricting food intake) and noneating episodes (skip eating to control weight/shape). Time‐lagged multilevel models tested mood–eating behavior relationships.

Results

Higher NA did not precede any unhealthy eating and weight control behaviors. However, NA was higher when women reported eating large quantities of food, losing control over eating, and restricting food intake during their most recent eating episode, but not after skipping eating to control weight/shape.

Discussion

These findings elucidate the processes in daily life that may influence the development and maintenance of unhealthy eating and weight control behaviors that, in turn, can inform interventions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:853–859)
Mating system variation drives rapid evolution of the female transcriptome in Drosophila pseudoobscura
Authors: Immonen Elina , Snook Rhonda R. , Ritchie Michael G.
Published: May 2014

Interactions between the sexes are believed to be a potent source of selection on sex‐specific evolution. The way in which sexual interactions influence male investment is much studied, but effects on females are more poorly understood. To address this deficiency, we examined gene expression in virgin female Drosophila pseudoobscura following 100 generations of mating system manipulations in which we either elevated polyandry or enforced monandry. Gene expression evolution following mating system manipulation resulted in 14% of the transcriptome of virgin females being altered. Polyandrous females elevated expression of a greater number of genes normally enriched in ovaries and associated with mitosis and meiosis, which might reflect female investment into reproductive functions. Monandrous females showed a greater number of genes normally enriched for expression in somatic tissues, including the head and gut and associated with visual perception and metabolism, respectively. By comparing our data with a previous study of sex differences in gene expression in this species, we found that the majority of the genes that are differentially expressed between females of the selection treatments show female‐biased expression in the wild‐type population. A striking exception is genes associated with male‐specific reproductive tissues (in D. melanogaster), which are upregulated in polyandrous females. Our results provide experimental evidence for a role of sex‐specific selection arising from differing sexual interactions with males in promoting rapid evolution of the female transcriptome.
Inhibition of STAT6 during vaccination with formalin‐inactivated RSV prevents induction of Th2‐cell‐biased airway disease
Authors: Srinivasa Bharat T. , Fixman Elizabeth D. , Ward Brian J.
Published: May 2014

The pattern of immune response to a vaccine antigen can influence both efficacy and adverse events. Th2‐cell‐deviated responses have been implicated in both human and murine susceptibility to enhanced disease following formalin‐inactivated (FI) vaccines for measles and RSV. In this study, we used the Th2‐cell‐deviated murine model of FI‐RSV vaccination to test the ability of a dominant negative, cell‐penetrating peptide inhibitor of STAT6 (STAT6 inhibitory peptide (IP)) to modulate the vaccine‐induced predisposition to exaggerated inflammation during later RSV infection. Intranasal delivery of STAT6‐IP in BALB/c mice at the time of distal intramuscular FI‐RSV vaccination (Early Intervention) markedly decreased vaccine‐enhanced, Th2‐cell‐dependent pathology upon subsequent RSV challenge. Administration of the STAT6‐IP at the time of RSV challenge (Late Intervention) had no effect. Following RSV challenge, the STAT6‐IP‐treated mice in the Early Intervention group had lower airway eosinophils, increased lung IFN‐γ levels, as well as increased IFN‐γ‐secreting CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the lungs. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of targeting intracellular signaling pathways as a new way to modulate vaccine‐induced responses.
In situ proliferation contributes to accumulation of tumor‐associated macrophages in spontaneous mammary tumors
Authors: Tymoszuk Piotr , Evens Hanneke , Marzola Vanessa , Wachowicz Katarzyna , Wasmer Marie‐Helene , Datta Sebak , Müller‐Holzner Elisabeth , Fiegl Heidi , Böck Günther , van Rooijen Nico , Theurl Igor , Doppler Wolfgang
Published: May 2014

Infiltration of a neoplasm with tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) is considered an important negative prognostic factor and is functionally associated with tumor vascularization, accelerated growth, and dissemination. However, the ontogeny and differentiation pathways of TAMs are only incompletely characterized. Here, we report that intense local proliferation of fully differentiated macrophages rather than low‐pace recruitment of blood‐borne precursors drives TAM accumulation in a mouse model of spontaneous mammary carcinogenesis, the MMTVneu strain. TAM differentiation and expansion is regulated by CSF1, whose expression is directly controlled by STAT1 at the gene promoter level. These findings appear to be also relevant for human breast cancer, in which an interrelationship between STAT1, CSF1, and macrophage marker expression was identified. We propose that, akin to various MU subtypes in nonmalignant tissues, local proliferation and CSF1 play a vital role in the homeostasis of TAMs.
Reversible Solvent‐Exchange‐Driven Transformations in Multifunctional Coordination Polymers Based on Copper‐Containing Organosulfur Ligands
Authors: Gallego Almudena , Castillo Oscar , Gómez‐García Carlos J. , Zamora Félix , Delgado Salome
Published: May 2014

The preparation by simple direct synthesis of a series of coordination polymers based on copper with chloride or bromide and dipyrimidinedisulfide is reported. The structural characterisations of these compounds reveal a rich structural variety as a result of the number of coordination modes available to the organosulfur ligand, in combination with the bridging capabilities of the halides. Interestingly, some of the polymers displayed fully reversible solvent exchange/removal crystal‐to‐crystal 2D to 0D and 2D to 2D transformations. These materials show multifunctional electronic properties. Thus, some of them are semiconductors and present weak antiferromagnetic interactions, and the CuI/CuII coordination polymers present coexistence of paramagnetism with weak red emission. These compounds present some of the lowest NIR energy luminescence in d10 transition‐metal complexes.
Variable Nuclearity in Lanthanoid Coordination Chemistry
Authors: Andrews Philip C. , Hennersdorf Felix , Junk Peter C. , Thielemann Dominique T.
Published: May 2014

A series of lanthanoid and iodine containing compounds of formulae [Ln(IPhacac)3(dmf)2], [K(dmf)2{Ln(IPhacac)4}]n and [Ln5(OH)5(IPhacac)10] {(IPhacac) = bis(para‐iododibenzoyl)methanide} have been prepared and structurally characterised. X‐ray crystallography establishes that the compounds exist as monomers [Ln(IPhacac)3(dmf)2] {Ln = Pr (1), Nd (2), Tb (5), Dy (6)} and [Yb(IPhacac)3(dmf)2][Yb(IPhacac)3(dmf)(H2O)] (7) (dmf = N,N‐dimethylformamide), polymers [K(dmf)2{Ln(IPhacac)4}]n {Ln = Nd (2a), Eu (3a), Gd (4a), Tb (5a), Dy (6a)} and pentanuclear clusters [Ln5(OH)5(IPhacac)10] {Ln = Tb (5b), Dy (6b), Yb (7b)}.
Determination of Absolute Configurations of Bedaquiline Analogs by Quantum Chemical Electronic Circular Dichroism Calculations and an X‐ray Diffraction Study
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Zhao Lixia , Chen Yu , Xu Wei , Sun Tiemin
Published: May 2014

Two chiral analogs of bedaquiline were selected from a series of compounds designed as anti‐Mycobacterium tuberculosis drugs for synthetic and stereochemical research. The compounds were synthesized from chiral precursors for the first time, and the absolute configurations (ACs) were determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and quantum chemical calculations. Single crystals of both compounds were obtained for X‐ray analysis, and the crystal structures and ab initio calculated geometries were extremely similar, which permitted a comparison of the relative reliabilities of ACs obtained by ECD analyses and theoretical simulation. In addition, the in vitro antituberculosis activities of the two compounds were investigated.
Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Bisindolization of α‐Amido Acetals: Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Bis(indolyl)ethanamino Derivatives
Authors: Mari Michele , Tassoni Aurora , Lucarini Simone , Fanelli Mirco , Piersanti Giovanni , Spadoni Gilberto
Published: May 2014

A Brønsted acid catalyzed bisindolization reaction with suitable α‐amido acetals that tolerates a wide range of indoles is reported. The method allows rapid access to the biologically relevant bisindolyl ethanamine scaffold in good to excellent yields upon mild amide basic hydrolysis. In preliminary pharmacological studies, some of these compounds display cytotoxic activity in U937 cancer cells. The marine natural alkaloid 2,2‐di(6′‐bromo‐3′‐indolyl)‐ethylamine was the most active compound and could be a lead candidate for further optimization. For the first time, the biological role of this brominated bisindole marine alkaloid is presented.
Synthesis of Di‐ and Trivalent Carbohydrate Mimetics with Oxepane Substructure by Employing Copper‐Catalyzed [3+2] Cycloadditions of Alkynes with Azido­oxepanes
Authors: Bouché Léa , Reissig Hans‐Ulrich
Published: May 2014

A series of enantiopure poly(hydroxy)aminooxepanes was converted into the corresponding azidooxepanes by a safe and efficient copper(II)‐catalyzed diazo transfer reaction employing nonafluorobutanesulfonyl azide as nitrogen donor. These azidooxepanes underwent smooth copper(I)‐catalyzed [3+2] cycloadditions with alkynes (click reaction) to provide a series of simple triazoles. With dialkynes and a trialkyne, bis‐ and tristriazoles containing oxepane substructures were prepared. Due to the polyhydroxylated end groups, these compounds are regarded as carbohydrate mimetics with potential biological activities, for example, as selectin inhibitors. In addition, unsymmetrical systems and macrocyclic compounds were prepared, again by employing [3+2] cycloadditions as key steps.
Aqueous Copper Nitrate Catalyzed Synthesis of 3‐Alkylideneoxindoles from α‐Diazo‐β‐ketoanilides
Authors: Mo Shanyan , Yang Zhanhui , Xu Jiaxi
Published: May 2014

An economical, practical, and green protocol with which to synthesize 3‐alkylideneoxindoles from α‐diazo‐β‐ketoanilides has been developed. The approach employs inexpensive Cu(NO3)2·3H2O as catalyst and environmentally friendly water as solvent, and achieves moderate to excellent yields. The method has good tolerance to a range of N‐alkyl and N‐aryl groups, including electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating groups on the aromatic ring, ortho‐, meta‐, and para‐substituents, and β‐aliphatic and β‐aromatic keto groups. A plausible mechanism involving intramolecular aromatic metal carbene electrophilic addition as the key step is proposed.
A Novel Electrochemical Sensor Based on a Mixed Diazonium/PEDOT Surface Functionalization for the Simultaneous Assay of Ascorbic and Uric Acids. Towards an Improvement in Amperometric Response Stability
Authors: Richard William , Evrard David , Gros Pierre
Published: May 2014

A new electrochemical sensor was developed for the simultaneous assay of 2 major antioxidants, namely ascorbic (AA) and uric (UA) acids in neutral media. The electrode was modified by means of electropolymerized conductive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) organic films. The stability of the resulting interface was improved thanks to a thiophene‐containing diazonium layer previously grafted onto the glassy carbon substrate. The morphology and electrochemical properties of all PEDOT and diazonium/PEDOT layers were characterized by Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG‐SEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The best analytical performances were obtained for both biomarkers with diazonium electrodeposited under galvanostatic mode and PEDOT generated by CV. Using CV the sensitivities and detection limits were found to be 0.345 µA cm−2 µM−1 and 6 µM for AA and 0.665 µA cm−2 µM−1 and 1.5 µM for UA. The calibration curves were linear in the concentration range 12–1400 µM and 10–1000 µM for AA and UA, respectively. A high selectivity was observed with a detection potential difference more than 250 mV. The sensor exhibited a particularly long lifetime as well in storage (at least 85 % of the initial response recorded after one month) as in operational conditions (more than 80 % recovery after 40 successive measurements).
Electrochemical Detection of miRNAs
Authors: Lautner Gergely , Gyurcsányi Róbert E.
Published: May 2014

The recent progress made in the development of electrochemical methods for microRNA (miRNA) detection is presented. The progress is conceived to be largely due to the invention of novel assay methodologies and the use of various bioreagents and nanostructures. These enable a rigorous control over the sensing interface, provide enormous signal amplifications and single‐base mismatch specificity. Femtomolar or even subfemtomolar detection limits were shown to be feasible by electrochemical assays. Thus electrochemical detection methodologies are of perspective for diagnostic miRNA detection.
Label‐Free Sensing of Biomolecules with Field‐Effect Devices for Clinical Applications
Authors: Poghossian Arshak , Schöning Michael J.
Published: May 2014

Among the variety of transducer concepts proposed for label‐free detection of biomolecules, the semiconductor field‐effect device (FED) is one of the most attractive platforms. As medical techniques continue to progress towards diagnostic and therapies based on biomarkers, the ability of FEDs for a label‐free, fast and real‐time detection of multiple pathogenic and physiologically relevant molecules with high specificity and sensitivity offers very promising prospects for their application in point‐of‐care and personalized medicine for an early diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The presented paper reviews recent advances and current trends in research and development of different FEDs for label‐free, direct electrical detection of charged biomolecules by their intrinsic molecular charge. The authors are mainly focusing on the detection of the DNA hybridization event, antibody‐antigen affinity reaction as well as clinically relevant biomolecules such as cardiac and cancer biomarkers.
Approaches Toward Allowing Electroanalytical Devices to be Used in Biological Fluids
Authors: Barfidokht Abbas , Gooding J. Justin
Published: May 2014

Biofouling on surfaces can deleteriously affect the function of electrochemical sensor used in a biological fluid. The demand is thus to develop a sensor operatable in complex matrices. Herein, we concisely review the technologies developed to date to minimize fouling of electrochemical interfaces by blood‐based fluids with an emphasis on affinity biosensing. The methods toward this sensor fabrication that are discussed here include approaches where; chemically modified surfaces with antifouling layers such as ethylene oxides, zwitterionics and some alternative antifouling agents; physical forces such as fluidic systems; electrode surface topography, prevent biofouling, as well as recent approaches where biofouling does not interfere with the response (aptasensors). Furthermore, the important emerging field of implantable biosensors, originated from such fabrication procedures is discussed.
Fire safety and evacuation implications from behaviours and hazard development in two fatal care home incidents
Authors: Purser David A.
Published: May 2014

Two fatal care home fires, Rosepark, involving multiple deaths, and a Lincolnshire Residential Home, involving one fatality in the fire enclosure, are examined for fire scenario development and occupant behaviours. Compartmentation in both premises provided greater than 30‐min protection from smoke penetration for closed rooms but was compromised by open rooms. Safety then depended on staff response. At the Lincolnshire Home, staff rapidly investigated and isolated the fire, resulting in a local fatality but protecting other occupants. At Rosepark, the open fire enclosure (a cupboard) affected ten open occupied bedrooms in two subcompartments. Training inadequacies resulted in failure to identify the fire location and close room doors, leading to multiple deaths within 9 min, and reporting delays. These incidents and others show common features involving fire and smoke spread from open rooms exposing occupants in other open rooms and staff failing to close doors while involved in other activities. With well‐trained staff, safety can be provided by fire‐resisting construction, incorporating subcompartments with few bedrooms and free‐swing, fire‐rated doors, with smoke seals and automatic closure. These protect all occupants beyond the fire enclosure so that members of the staff are free to attend those immediately affected. Sprinklers provide further protection, particularly for occupants and members of the staff near the fire. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ore geology, fluid inclusion and isotope geochemistry of the Xunyang Hg–Sb orefield, Qinling Orogen, Central China
Authors: Zhang Ying , Tang Hao‐Shu , Chen Yan‐Jing , Leng Cheng‐Biao , Zhao Cheng‐Hai
Published: May 2014

The Xunyang Hg–Sb orefield, Shaanxi Province, containing two large (Gongguan and Qingtonggou) and tens of small to medium Hg–Sb deposits, is located in the southern Qinling Orogen. Ore bodies of the deposits are hosted in Devonian dolomite and controlled by a fault system. Ores are mainly present as massive veins, disseminations, breccias and fine veinlets, with cinnabar (Hg) and stibnite (Sb) being the dominant ore minerals. Gangue minerals include quartz, calcite and dolomite. Hydrothermal minerals (quartz and calcite) only contain aqueous fluid inclusions with low homogenization temperature (135–274 °C) and salinity (1.23–12.3 wt.% NaCl equiv.), supporting an epizonogenic hydrothermal origin. The carbon, oxygen and hydrogen isotope data indicate that the ore‐forming fluids were mainly sourced from epizonogenic to metamorphic devolatilization of the Sinian−Triassic strata that possibly underthrusted beneath the orefield, with inflow of the circulating meteoric water. Sulphur isotope ratios of stibnite and cinnabar range from 2‰ to 12‰, suggesting a contribution from sedimentary sulphate or sulphate‐bearing fluids potted in strata, which is coincident with the δ34S values (3.4–8.6‰) of diagenetic pyrite in the strata. The conclusion drawn from sulphur isotopes is fully supported by the Pb isotope signatures. In addition, the 87Sr/86Sr ratios gradationally increase from ore‐hosting dolostones, through ore‐barren calcite or low‐grade ores, to high‐grade ores, indicating that a portion of the fluids originated from a source with higher 87Sr/86Sr values than the host‐rocks, which is possibly composed of the Neoproterozoic−Lower Palaeozoic basement of the Xunyang Basin. Integrating the data from ore geology, fluid inclusion microthermometry and stable, radioactive isotope geochemistry, it can be concluded that the deposits in the Xunyang Hg–Sb orefield were formed by epizonogenic hydrothermal fluids mainly sourced from the strata via structural deformation during the North China−Yangtze continental collision. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole‐Based Aromatic and Heterocyclic/Phenylpyrazole Derivatives
Authors: Wang Li‐Ya , Chang En‐Chiuan , Yeh Mou‐Yung , Chung Yu Hsuan , Huang Jiann‐Jyh , Wong Fung Fuh
Published: May 2014

A new series of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐based aromatic and heterocyclic/phenylpyrazole derivatives 6a–c, 7a–d, and 8 were synthesized via sequential 1,3‐dipolar cyclization, hydrazidation, benzoylation, dehydrative cyclization, and the Suzuki coupling reaction. Among the derivatives, compounds 7a and 7c with the corresponding 2‐thienyl and 2‐benzo[b]thienyl (Ar) at the phenyl group located at the N‐1 position of pyrazole showed a better conjugation range.
Phosphorylated Aminoacetal in the Synthesis of New Acyclic, Cyclic, and Heterocyclic Polyphenol Structures
Authors: Vagapova Liliya I. , Burilov Alexander R. , Voronina Julia K. , Syakaev Victor V. , Sharafutdinova Dilyara R. , Amirova Lyaysan R. , Pudovik Michael A. , Garifzyanov Airat R. , Sinyashin Оleg G.
Published: May 2014

New phosphorylated aminoacetal has been synthesized by the Kabachnik–Fields reaction; its reactivity has been studied in acid‐catalyzed condensation with linear polyphenols (2‐methylresorcinol, resorcinol, pyrogallol) and the Mannich reaction with macrocyclic polyphenol (calix[4]resorcinol). It has been determined for the first time that acid‐catalyzed reaction of phosphorus‐containing acetal with resorcinol and its derivatives in ethanol in the presence of hydrochloric acid gives new phosphorylated piperazines in addition to the compounds of diarylmethane series. Condensation of macrocyclic polyphenol (calix[4]resorcinol) with formaldehyde and N‐((dihexylphosphoryl)methyl)‐2, 2‐dimethoxyethylamine (the Mannich reaction) has resulted in novel tetrasubstituted calixarene containing aminophosphine oxide and acetal groups on the “upper rim” of molecule.
Prosurvival function of the cellular apoptosis susceptibility/importin-α1 transport cycle is repressed by p53 in liver cancer
Authors: Winkler Juliane , Ori Alessandro , Holzer Kerstin , Sticht Carsten , Dauch Daniel , Eiteneuer Eva Maria , Pinna Federico , Geffers Robert , Ehemann Volker , Andres-Pons Amparo , Breuhahn Kai , Longerich Thomas , Bermejo Justo Lorenzo , Gretz Norbert , Zender Lars , Schirmacher Peter , Beck Martin , Singer Stephan
Published: May 2014

Proteins of the karyopherin superfamily including importins and exportins represent an essential part of the nucleocytoplasmic transport machinery. However, the functional relevance and regulation of karyopherins in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly understood. Here we identified cellular apoptosis susceptibility (CAS, exportin-2) and its transport substrate importin-α1 (imp-α1) among significantly up-regulated transport factor genes in HCC. Disruption of the CAS/imp-α1 transport cycle by RNAi in HCC cell lines resulted in decreased tumor cell growth and increased apoptosis. The apoptotic phenotype upon CAS depletion could be recapitulated by direct knockdown of the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) and partially reverted by XIAP overexpression. In addition, XIAP and CAS mRNA expression levels were correlated in HCC patient samples (r = 0.463; P < 0.01), supporting the in vivo relevance of our findings. Furthermore, quantitative mass spectrometry analyses of murine HCC samples (p53−/− versus p53+/+) indicated higher protein expression of CAS and imp-α1 in p53−/− tumors. Consistent with a role of p53 in regulating the CAS/imp-α1 transport cycle, we observed that both transport factors were repressed upon p53 induction in a p21-dependent manner. Conclusion: The CAS/imp-α1 transport cycle is linked to XIAP and is required to maintain tumor cell survival in HCC. Moreover, CAS and imp-α1 are targets of p53-mediated repression, which represents a novel aspect of p53's ability to control tumor cell growth in hepatocarcinogenesis. (Hepatology 2014;60:884–895)
Androcin, a novel type of cysteine‐rich venom peptide from Androctonus bicolor, induces akinesia and anxiety‐like symptoms in mice
Authors: Yang Ye , Zeng Xian‐Chun , Zhang Lei , Nie Yao , Shi Wanxia , Liu Yichen
Published: May 2014

A novel type of venom peptide with six disulfide bridges, referred to as Androcin, was identified from the scorpion Androctonus bicolor using a cDNA library strategy. The amino acid sequence of Androncin displays little identity to other known peptides from scorpions. We found that the genomic sequence of Androcin consists of three exons interrupted by two introns that are localized in the signal sequence and mature peptide encoding regions, inserted in phase 2 and phase 0, respectively. This genomic organization is unique among those of the cysteine‐rich peptides from scorpions described so far. The primary and secondary structures of Androcin are homologous to those of the N‐terminal domains of insulin‐like growth factor‐binding proteins; this suggests that Androcin may block the normal function of IGFs. Toxicological analysis using the recombinant Androcin peptide revealed that Androcin is able to induce severe akinesia and anxiety‐like symptoms in mice. Androcin is a novel mammalian toxin with six disulfide bridges that provides the scorpion with another tool to subdue animals. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(4):277–285, 2014
In‐vitro Aluminum Determination and Preconcentration in Blood of Dialysis Patients Based on Ionic Liquid Dispersive Liquid‐Liquid Biomicroextraction by 2‐Amino‐3‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)propanoic Acid
Authors: Shirkhanloo H. , Mousavi H. Z. , Mohamadi M.
Published: May 2014

In this study, trace amounts of aluminum in serum of dialysis patients were chelated with 2‐Amino‐3‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)propanoic acid (Histidine) and determined by electro‐thermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). A fast and efficient method based on ionic liquid dispersive liquid‐liquid bio‐micro‐extraction (IL‐DLLBME) was developed for the determination of Al cation in human blood serum samples. In this work, a small amount of 1‐Hexyl‐3‐methylimmidazolum hexafluorophosphate ([HMIM] [PF6]) as an extractant solvent was dissolved in acetone as a dispersant solvent and then the binary solution was rapidly injected by a syringe into the serum containing Al3+,Which have already in‐vitro chelated by Histidine amino acid (Al‐His) at pH = 6.5. After separation, the settled IL‐phase was dissolved in ethanol up to 200 μL and 20 μL of samples injected into the ET‐AAS by auto‐sampler. Various parameters have been studied and optimized for 10 mL of sample. Under the optimum conditions, the enrichment factor (EF), limit of detection (LOD) and working range (peak area mode) were obtained 53, 15 ng L−1 and 0.05‐4.1 μg L−1 respectively. In vitro Al chelation showed that His can significantly decrease aluminum concentration in serum of dialysis patients. Validation of methodology was confirmed by standard reference material (SRM).
Solvent‐Free Sonochemical Synthesis and Antifungal Activity of 1‐Alkyl‐3‐Methylimidazolium Bromide [RMIM]Br Ionic Liquids
Authors: Perez Ser John Lynon P. , Arco Susan D.
Published: May 2014

In view of the continuous threat of opportunistic fungal infections to human health and the emerging importance of ionic liquids in therapeutic applications, we report the efficient one‐pot synthesis of a series of 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide [RMIM]Br ionic liquids through an ultrasound‐assisted reaction of 1‐methylimidazole and alkyl bromides (RBr) under solvent‐free conditions. High product yields were obtained for all syntheses (>95%) under mild conditions (2‐5 hours at 20‐40 °C). The success of the synthetic method was confirmed through 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR and FT‐IR spectroscopy. All products exhibited activity against the fungus C. albicans with clotrimazole and water as positive and negative controls, respectively. At a concentration of 1%, [OMIM]Br IL exhibited an antimycotic activity with an index of 1.5 which is comparable to that of 1% clotrimazole having an antimicrobial index of 1.3, signifying the potential of the product as a fungal growth inhibitor. Structure‐Activity Relationship (SAR) studies showed that an increase in the alkyl chain length corresponds to an increase in the antifungal activity of the ionic liquids.
Property and Application of BACy‐Based Functional Hydrogels
Authors: Lin Yan‐Su , Huang Yi‐Long , Lee Wen‐Fu , Lin Chao‐Hsiung
Published: May 2014

Conventional polyacrylamide hydrogels prepared from the free radical polymerization between acrylamide and N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (NMBA) have been frequently used in the biochemical technique like the sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) to resolve protein mixtures. In this study, we have prepared an alternative polyacrylamide hydrogel from the cross‐linking of acrylamide and N,N′‐bisacrylylcystamine (BACy). In addition, we have compared the BACy‐based hydrogel with the NMBA‐based polyacrylamide hydrogel for their physical properties such as swelling ratio, shear modulus, crosslink density and morphology. Moreover, we further determined whether BACy‐based polyacrylamide hydrogel could be applied to SDS‐PAGE and proteomics research. The results showed that this type of hydrogel is capable of separating proteins and facilitates further in‐gel protein digestion and the following protein identifications by mass spectrometry. In summary, our study provides a basis for the putative application of BACy‐based hydrogels.
Evaluation of the Utility of Serum Prolidase as a Marker for Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Stanfliet John C. , Locketz Michael , Berman Peter , Pillay Tahir S.
Published: May 2014

Background

Liver dysfunction is common and often unrecognized. Liver biopsy is the gold standard in the assessment of liver fibrosis, but has disadvantages. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of serum prolidase enzyme activity (SPA) in predicting the presence and degree of liver fibrosis, as compared with liver biopsy. Further, we evaluated the effect of hemolysis on measured SPA levels.

Methods

We undertook a prospective case control study. Thirty eight outpatients without apparent liver illness and 20 patients with liver pathology scheduled to undergo liver biopsy had their SPA levels measured.

Results

Patients undergoing liver biopsy had higher SPA levels (361 (268) IU/l [median (interquartile range)]) compared with controls (169 (160) (P < 0.001)). A SPA cutoff value of 200 IU/l yielded a sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 59%, an odds ratio of 11.5, negative predictive value of 92%, and a positive predictive value of 50%. Hemolysis causes an apparent increase in SPA levels.

Conclusion

Higher SPA levels in patients undergoing liver biopsies compared with controls may reflect the presence of liver fibrosis. SPA levels could not be used to stage the degree of fibrosis. SPA measurement may be useful in the diagnostic workup of suspected liver disease.
Reference Intervals of Several Renal and Hepatic Function Parameters for Apparently Healthy Adults From Eastern China
Authors: Guo Shang , Jin Dongxu , Wang Hsingying , Zhang Changqing
Published: May 2014

Background

Biochemical substances relating to renal and hepatic function are influenced not only by individual factors such as gender, lifestyle, and age but also by ecological factors, such as altitude, climate, and ethnic background. The purpose of the present study was to establish reference intervals for 16 biochemical substances relating to renal and hepatic function in healthy Chinese adults.

Methods

A total of 2,405 apparently healthy individuals (18–77 years of age) were chosen as reference individuals in the present study. The 16 biochemical substances relating to renal and hepatic function were analyzed using a HITACHI RL7600 analyzer. The reference intervals were established using nonparametric methods to estimate the 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles of the distribution as the lower and the upper limits, respectively.

Results

Age‐ and gender‐appropriate reference intervals were established for some biochemical substances relating to renal and hepatic function in healthy Chinese adults.

Conclusion

The reference intervals established in this study can provide a useful clinical tool for the assessment of the kidney and liver damage. In addition, the established reference intervals can be adopted in other clinical laboratories after further validation.
Noteworthy issues for producing and transforming bioproducts by electrodalysis
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Wang Yaoming , Zhang Xu , Jiang Chenxiao , Xu Tongwen
Published: May 2014

Bioproducts have been used as bulk chemicals for processing and producing materials, chemicals and energy. The growing environmental concerns and shrinking reserves of fossil fuel have directed the attention to the production of bioproducts from renewable resources. Integrating sustainability considerations into bioproducts development make biotechnology a dominating technology platform. As bioproducts transformation and purification often contribute most to the final cost, improvements in separation techniques are essential to achieve competitive and efficient bioprocesses. One major breakthrough in transforming bioproducts is thus expected to come from novel separation techniques. Among them, electrodialysis (ED) with ion exchange membranes (IEM) has deserved special attention due to its diversity, sophisticated functions and technological compatibility. It is considered a very competitive technology when it comes to the transformation and separation of bioproducts. This review will focus on some noteworthy issues about ED technologies in producing and transforming bioproducts. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Phenolic profiles of olive mill wastewaters treated by membrane filtration systems
Authors: Comandini Patrizia , Lerma‐García María Jesús , Massanova Pietro , Simó‐Alfonso Ernesto Francisco , Gallina Toschi Tullia
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

Olive mill wastewater is an important by‐product obtained after olive oil extraction. In this investigation, the phenolic composition of olive mill wastewater treated with a semi‐industrial membrane filtration system, including ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis modules, was studied. In particular, untreated olive mill wastewater was compared with the permeate and the concentrate fractions of each filtration step.

RESULTS

3,4‐(dihydroxyphenyl) ethanol and p‐(hydroxyphenyl) ethanol were the main compounds of all olive mill wastewater analyzed. A total of 32 compounds, detected at 240 or 280 nm by HPLC‐DAD, were considered for phenol quantification. Ultrafiltration reduced phenol concentration by about 40% with respect to the initial level; in the permeate of reverse osmosis, the phenol concentration ranged from 0 to 1% of the initial content. In contrast, the content of phenolic compounds was increased about 2.6 fold in reverse osmosis concentrate.

CONCLUSION

The membranes used in this investigation produced a high phenol content fraction than might be used as functional component in food, cosmetic or feed products. Moreover, the final wastewater obtained by reverse osmosis, thanks to the low content of phenols, could be recycled and reused in the oil mill, reducing water consumption and disposal costs. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Caging, but not air deprivation, slows tadpole growth and development in the amphibian Xenopus laevis
Authors: Rose Christopher S.
Published: May 2014

Xenopus laevis tadpoles raised in submerged cages in normoxic water develop more slowly than tadpoles raised with access to air. This study distinguishes between the effects of being caged and being deprived access to air on development and growth. Tadpoles were raised in high and low density control tanks and in cages in the same tank that were either completely submerged or with the top exposed to air. Experiments were repeated with the cages in different positions relative to the air stones and with and without the water flow from air stones supplemented with a pump. Whereas caging tadpoles has a large effect on their development and growth, additionally depriving them of air has a small effect and this effect can be removed by optimizing water flow through the cage. The effect of caging, though significant in this study, is small compared to the variation in growth and developmental rates that is commonly encountered within and among controls in lab studies. Caging effects can also be diminished by optimizing rearing conditions and/or having exceptionally vigorous tadpoles. The effects of air deprivation and caging thus pose less of a problem for experimenting on air‐deprived (AD) and air‐restored Xenopus tadpoles than their inherent variability in growth and developmental rates and their susceptibility to growth and developmental arrest. Further, the effect of air deprivation in this air‐breathing amphibian does not pose a conflict with evolutionary hypotheses for lung loss involving lengthening of the larval period and delay in the onset of air breathing. J. Exp. Zool. 321A: 365–375, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regio‐controlled and Stereo‐controlled Ring Expansion of N‐Substituted‐2 Benzoylaziridines Using Fe(NO3)3
Authors: Samimi Heshmat A. , Shams Zahra
Published: May 2014

Several N‐acyl‐2‐benzoylaziridines were previously prepared conveniently and used in the preparation of 5‐benzoyl‐2,4‐diaryl oxazolines in the presence of NaI. In this work, synthesis of some trans‐4‐benzoyl‐2,5‐diaryl oxazolines by a regio‐controlled and stereo‐controlled reaction in the presence of Iron (III) nitrate at room temperature is reported. A plausible mechanism has been proposed for ring expansion of N‐acylaziridines to oxazolines.
Synthesis of 1‐(α‐Aminobenzyl)‐2‐naphthol Derivatives, their Structure in Crystal and in Solution
Authors: Metlushka К. Е. , Sadkova D. N. , Shaimardanova L. N. , Tufatullin A. I. , Zheltukhin V. F. , Kataeva О. N. , Alfonsov V. А.
Published: May 2014

The series of tautomeric 1,3‐diarylnaphthoxazines (the Betti base precursors) was obtained by the interaction of 2‐naphthols and 1,3,5‐trisaryl‐2,4‐diazapenta‐1,4‐dienes. Their structure has been established in solid state and solution.
Synthesis of Quinoline Derivatives by Multicomponent Reaction Using Niobium Pentachloride as Lewis Acid
Authors: de Andrade Aloisio , dos Santos Giovanny Carvalho , da Silva‐Filho Luiz Carlos
Published: May 2014

The aim of this work was to investigate the use of NbCl5 as a Lewis acid in multicomponent reactions between benzaldehyde, aniline derivatives and phenylacetylene in the synthesis of quinoline derivatives. The effects of the temperature and substituents in the aromatic ring of the aniline were also evaluated. The reactions were carried out at low concentration of niobium and in relatively short reaction times, resulting in yields ranging from 67 to 96%.
Nonsteroidal Anti‐inflammatory Drug‐based N‐Allylidene Benzohydrazides and 1‐Acyl‐2‐pyrazolines: Their Synthesis as Potential Cytotoxic Agents In Vitro
Authors: Kankanala Kavitha , Ranga Reddy V. , Devi Yumnam Priyadarshini , Mangamoori Lakshmi Narasu , Rambabu D. , Mukkanti K. , Pal Sarbani
Published: May 2014

A series of 1‐acyl‐2‐pyrazoline derivatives derived from nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs was designed as potential anticancer agents. Synthesis of these compounds was carried out via the condensation reaction of chalcones and acid hydrazides under heating. The methodology did not require the use of any costly reagents or catalysts, and the acid hydrazide reactants were readily prepared from mefenamic acid or ibuprofen. A variety of 1‐acyl‐2‐pyrazolines was prepared in good to excellent yields. An N‐allylidene benzohydrazide intermediate was isolated during the reaction optimization study, the structure of which was confirmed unambiguously by X‐ray single crystal data. A range of N‐allylidene benzohydrazides were also prepared in good yields. Some of the compounds synthesized showed promising cytotoxic activities when tested against HCT‐15 human colon cancer cell line in vitro.