bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Li17Sb13S28: A New Lithium Ion Conductor and addition to the Phase Diagram Li2S–Sb2S3
Authors: Huber Sebastian , Pfitzner Arno
Published: August 2015

Li17Sb13S28 was synthesized by solid‐state reaction of stoichiometric amounts of anhydrous Li2S and Sb2S3. The crystal structure of Li17Sb13S28 was determined from dark‐red single crystals at room temperature. The title compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m (no. 12) with a=12.765(2) Å, b=11.6195(8) Å, c=9.2564(9) Å, β=119.665(6)°, V=1193.0(2) Å3, and Z=4 (data at 20 °C, lattice constants from powder diffraction). The crystal structure contains one cation site with a mixed occupation by Li and Sb, and one with an antimony split position. Antimony and sulfur form slightly distorted tetragonal bipyramidal [SbS5E] units (E=free electron pair). Six of these units are arranged around a vacancy in the anion substructure. The lone electron pairs E of the antimony(III) cations are arranged around these vacancies. Thus, a variant of the rock salt structure type with ordered vacancies in the anionic substructure results. Impedance spectroscopic measurements of Li17Sb13S28 show a specific conductivity of 2.9×10−9 Ω−1 cm−1 at 323 K and of 7.9×10−6 Ω−1 cm−1 at 563 K, the corresponding activation energy is EA=0.4 eV below 403 K and EA=0.6 eV above. Raman spectra are dominated by the SbS stretching modes of the [SbS5] units at 315 and 341 cm−1 at room temperature. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) measurements of Li17Sb13S28 indicate peritectic melting at 854 K.
Fate of Plant Available Nutrients during Hydrothermal Carbonization of Digestate
Authors: Funke Axel
Published: August 2015

Products from the hydrothermal carbonization of two digestates have been analyzed in order to investigate the fate of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in specific plant available speciations. The availability of phosphate and potassium ions was significantly increased due to hydrothermal carbonization of a nutrient‐rich digestate. In contrast, the availability of NH4+ and PO43− in the process liquor was decreased to < 10 % of the original value in the case of a nutrient‐poor digestate. With the exception of nitrate, process parameters did not show an influence on the recovery of the investigated ions with the HTC process liquor.
4‐OH‐TEMPO/TCQ/TBN/HCl: A Metal‐Free Catalytic System for Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols under Mild Conditions
Authors: Dong Yanli , Zhao Xiaomei , Liu Renhua
Published: August 2015

A green and economical catalyst system, 4‐OH‐TEMPO/TCQ/TBN/HCl, for the aerobic oxidation of a broad range of primary and secondary alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl compounds has been developed. These reactions proceed without transition‐metals under mild conditions with excellent yields.
AgOTf‐Catalyzed Tandem Reaction of Oxabenzonorbornadienes with Arylacetylenes
Authors: Zhou Yongyun , Liu Shanshan , Chen Hualei , Chen Jingchao , Sun Weiqing , Li Sifeng , Yang Qingjing , Fan Baomin
Published: August 2015

A tandem isomerization/hydroarylation reaction of oxabenzonorbornadienes and arylacetylenes was realized by using AgOTf as catalyst. 1,1‐Diarylethylenes could be easily generated as products in moderate to good yields in this tandem reaction.
Pd‐Catalyzed Synthesis of α‐Aryl Vinylphosphonates via Suzuki Arylation of α‐Phosphonovinyl Nonaflates
Authors: Yuan Meijuan , Fang Yewen , Zhang Li , Jin Xiaoping , Tao Minjia , Ye Qilin , Li Ruifeng , Li Jinjian , Zheng Hui , Gu Juejun
Published: August 2015

The first palladium‐catalyzed method for the arylation of α‐phosphonovinyl nonaflates is described. Using a catalyst comprised of Pd(OAc)2 and SPhos, terminal and internal α‐aryl vinylphosphonates could be efficiently accessed under mild conditions. The reaction features a broad coupling partner scope and tolerates many functional groups.
MyosinVIand cardiomyopathy: Left ventricular hypertrophy, fibrosis, and both cardiac and pulmonary vascular endothelial cell defects in theSnell's waltzer mouse
Authors: Hegan Peter S. , Lanahan Anthony A. , Simons Michael , Mooseker Mark S.
Published: August 2015

In mice and humans, loss of myosin VI (Myo6) function results in deafness, and certain Myo6 mutations also result in cardiomyopathies in humans. The current studies have utilized theSnell's waltzer(sv) mouse (a functional null mutation for Myo6) to determine if this mouse also exhibits cardiac defects and thus used to determine the cellular and molecular basis for Myo6‐associated heart disease. Myo6 is expressed in mouse heart where it is predominantly expressed in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) based on co‐localization with the VEC cell marker CD31.Sv/svheart mass is significantly greater than that ofsv/+littermates, a result of left ventricle hypertrophy. The left ventricle of thesv/svexhibits extensive fibrosis, both interstitial and perivascular, based on histologic staining, and immunolocalization of several markers for fibrosis including fibronectin, collagen IV, and the fibroblast marker vimentin. Myo6 is also expressed in lung VECs but not in VECs of intestine, kidney, or liver.Sv/svlungs exhibit increased periaveolar fibrosis and enlarged air sacs. Electron microscopy ofsv/svcardiac and lung VECs revealed abnormal ultrastructure, including luminal protrusions and increased numbers of cytoplasmic vesicles. Previous studies have shown that loss of function of either Myo6 or its adaptor binding partner synectin/GIPC results in impaired arterial development due to defects in VEGF signaling. However, examination of synectin/GIPC−/− heart revealed no fibrosis or significantly altered VEC ultrastructure, suggesting that the cardiac and lung defects observed in thesv/svmouse are not due to Myo6 function in arterial development. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Potent Synergy between Spirocyclic Pyrrolidinoindolinones and Fluconazole against Candida albicans
Authors: Premachandra Ilandari Dewage Udara Anulal , Scott Kevin A. , Shen Chengtian , Wang Fuqiang , Lane Shelley , Liu Haoping , Van Vranken David L.
Published: August 2015

A spiroindolinone, (1S,3R,3aR,6aS)‐1‐benzyl‐6′‐chloro‐5‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐7′‐methylspiro[1,2,3a,6a‐tetrahydropyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐3,3′‐1H‐indole]‐2′,4,6‐trione, was previously reported to enhance the antifungal effect of fluconazole against Candida albicans. A diastereomer of this compound was synthesized, along with various analogues. Many of the compounds were shown to enhance the antifungal effect of fluconazole against C. albicans, some with exquisite potency. One spirocyclic piperazine derivative, which we have named synazo‐1, was found to enhance the effect of fluconazole with an EC50 value of 300 pM against a susceptible strain of C. albicans and going as low as 2 nM against some resistant strains. Synazo‐1 exhibits true synergy with fluconazole, with an FIC index below 0.5 in the strains tested. Synazo‐1 exhibited low toxicity in mammalian cells relative to the concentrations required for antifungal synergy.
Evolutionary origin of Tbr2‐expressing precursor cells and the subventricular zone in the developing cortex
Authors: Martínez‐Cerdeño Verónica , Cunningham Christopher L. , Camacho Jasmin , Keiter Janet A. , Ariza Jeanelle , Lovern Matthew , Noctor Stephen C.
Published: August 2015

The subventricular zone (SVZ) is greatly expanded in primates with gyrencephalic cortices and is thought to be absent from vertebrates with three‐layered, lissencephalic cortices, such as the turtle. Recent work in rodents has shown that Tbr2‐expressing neural precursor cells in the SVZ produce excitatory neurons for each cortical layer in the neocortex. Many excitatory neurons are generated through a two‐step process in which Pax6‐expressing radial glial cells divide in the VZ to produce Tbr2‐expressing intermediate progenitor cells, which divide in the SVZ to produce cortical neurons. We investigated the evolutionary origin of SVZ neural precursor cells in the prenatal cerebral cortex by testing for the presence and distribution of Tbr2‐expressing cells in the prenatal cortex of reptilian and avian species. We found that mitotic Tbr2+ cells are present in the prenatal cortex of lizard, turtle, chicken, and dove. Furthermore, Tbr2+ cells are organized into a distinct SVZ in the dorsal ventricular ridge (DVR) of turtle forebrain and in the cortices of chicken and dove. Our results are consistent with the concept that Tbr2+ neural precursor cells were present in the common ancestor of mammals and reptiles. Our data also suggest that the organizing principle guiding the assembly of Tbr2+ cells into an anatomically distinct SVZ, both developmentally and evolutionarily, may be shared across vertebrates. Finally, our results indicate that Tbr2 expression can be used to test for the presence of a distinct SVZ and to define the boundaries of the SVZ in developing cortices. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:433–447, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Demystifying the 16 × 16 thread‐block for stencils on the GPU
Authors: Tabik Siham , Peemen Maurice , Guil Nicolas , Corporaal Henk
Published: August 2015

Stencil computation is of paramount importance in many fields, in image processing, structural biology and biomedicine, among others. There exists a permanent demand of maximizing the performance of stencils on state‐of‐the‐art architectures, such graphics processing units (GPUs). One of the important issues when optimizing these kernels for the GPU is the selection of the best thread‐block that maximizes the overall performance. Usually, programmers look for the optimal thread‐block configuration in a reduced space of square thread‐block configurations or simply use the best configurations reported in previous works, which is usually 16 × 16. This paper provides a better understanding of the impact of thread‐block configurations on the performance of stencils on the GPU. In particular, we model locality and parallelism and consider that the optimal configurations are within the space that provides: (1) a small number of global memory communications; (2) a good shared memory utilization with small numbers of conflicts; (3) a good streaming multi‐processors utilization; and (4) a high efficiency of the threads within a thread‐block. The model determines the set of optimal thread‐block configurations without the need of executing the code. We validate the proposed model using six stencils with different halo widths and show that it reduces the optimization space to around 25% of the total valid space. The configurations in this space achieve at least a throughput of 75% of the best configuration and guarantee the inclusion of the best configurations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptive deadline constrained energy‐efficient scheduling heuristic for workflows in clouds
Authors: Zheng Wei , Huang Shouhui
Published: August 2015

There is an increasing interest for cloud services to be provided in a more energy‐efficient way. The growing deployment of large‐scale, complex workflow applications onto cloud computing hosts are facing with crucial challenges in reducing the energy consumption without violating certain quality of service. Dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) is a power management technique commonly used to lower the processor frequency and decrease the energy consumption in modern computing systems. However, as lowering processor frequency may result in increased idle time on processors, which may in turn lead to increased overall energy consumption, scaling the processor frequency as low as possible may not always be energy‐efficient. In this paper, we consider cloud hosts with the DVFS technique and focus on the problem of scaling frequency to reduce overall energy consumption of a workflow given an allocation of tasks to hosts and a deadline to complete the execution. We propose a novel scheduling heuristic, which takes the system and application characteristics and the overall energy consumption into account when making frequency scaling decision. The proposed heuristic is evaluated using simulation with four different real‐world applications. The observed results indicate that our heuristic can achieve significant energy saving and outperform the existing approaches. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Network‐aware optimization of communications for parallel matrix multiplication on hierarchical HPC platforms
Authors: Malik Tania , Rychkov Vladimir , Lastovetsky Alexey
Published: August 2015

Communications on hierarchical heterogeneous high‐performance computing platforms can be optimized based on topology and performance information. For MPI, as a major programming tool for such platforms, a number of topology‐aware and performance‐aware implementations of collective operations have been proposed for optimal scheduling of messages. This approach improves performance of application and does not require to modify application source code. However, it is applicable to collective operations only and does not affect the parts of the application that are based on point‐to‐point exchanges. In this paper, we address the problem of efficient execution of data‐parallel applications on interconnected clusters and present optimizations that improve data partition by taking into account the entire communication flow of the application. This approach is also non‐intrusive to the source code but application specific. For illustration, we use parallel matrix multiplication, where the matrices are partitioned into irregular two‐dimensional rectangles assigned to different processors and arranged in columns, and the processors communicate over this partition vertically and horizontally. By rearranging the rectangles, we can minimize communications between different levels of the network hierarchy. Finding the optimal arrangement is NP‐complete; therefore, we propose two heuristic approaches based on evaluation of the communication flow on the given network topology. We demonstrate the correctness and efficiency of the proposed approaches by experimental results on multicore nodes and interconnected heterogeneous clusters. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biosilica‐Entrapped Enzymes Studied by Using Dynamic Nuclear‐Polarization‐Enhanced High‐Field NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Ravera Enrico , Michaelis Vladimir K. , Ong Ta‐Chung , Keeler Eric G. , Martelli Tommaso , Fragai Marco , Griffin Robert G. , Luchinat Claudio
Published: August 2015

Enzymes are used as environmentally friendly catalysts in many industrial applications, and are frequently immobilized in a matrix to improve their chemical stability for long‐term storage and reusability. Recently, it was shown that an atomic‐level description of proteins immobilized in a biosilica matrix can be attained by examining their magic‐angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectra. However, even though MAS NMR is an excellent tool for determining structure, it is severely hampered by sensitivity. In this work we provide the proof of principle that NMR characterization of biosilica‐entrapped enzymes could be assisted by high‐field dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP).
Identification of genes expressed in the migrating primitive myeloid lineage of Xenopus laevis
Authors: Agricola Zachary N. , Jagpal Amrita K. , Allbee Andrew W. , Prewitt Allison R. , Shifley Emily T. , Rankin Scott A. , Zorn Aaron M. , Kenny Alan P.
Published: August 2015

Background: During primitive hematopoiesis in Xenopus, cebpa and spib expressing myeloid cells emerge from the anterior ventral blood island. Primitive myeloid cells migrate throughout the embryo and are critical for immunity, healing, and development. Although definitive hematopoiesis has been studied extensively, molecular mechanisms leading to the migration of primitive myelocytes remain poorly understood. We hypothesized these cells have specific extracellular matrix modifying and cell motility gene expression. Results: In situ hybridization screens of transcripts expressed in Xenopus foregut mesendoderm at stage 23 identified seven genes with restricted expression in primitive myeloid cells: destrin; coronin actin binding protein, 1a; formin‐like 1; ADAM metallopeptidase domain 28; cathepsin S; tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1; and protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor 6. A detailed in situ hybridization analysis revealed these genes are initially expressed in the aVBI but become dispersed throughout the embryo as the primitive myeloid cells become migratory, similar to known myeloid markers. Morpholino‐mediated loss‐of‐function and mRNA‐mediated gain‐of‐function studies revealed the identified genes are downstream of Spib.a and Cebpa, key transcriptional regulators of the myeloid lineage. Conclusions: We have identified genes specifically expressed in migratory primitive myeloid progenitors, providing tools to study how different gene networks operate in these primitive myelocytes during development and immunity. Developmental Dynamics 245:47–55, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ferric Ammonium Citrate – What's in It?
Authors: Tenne Dana , Bogoslavsky Benny , Bino Avi
Published: August 2015

Ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) is administered to humans in drugs or food supplements, but its exact composition and structural features are not known. We report that the major component in commercial FAC‐brown and FAC‐green is a trinuclear ferric citrate complex, namely [Fe3(cit)4H]6– (1). Complex 1 comprises a dinuclear subunit in which two ferric ions with a 3.122(1) Å separation are bridged by two alkoxido oxygen atoms from two citrate ligands. Two other alkoxido oxygen atoms form a bridge to a third ferric ion completing an Fe3O4 inner core. The compound [Cr(urea)6]2·1·14.5H2O exhibits paramagnetic behavior that corresponds to three magnetically independent high‐spin (HS) d5 and two d3 centers. In addition to complex 1, FAC‐green also contains a dinuclear ferric citrate complex, namely [Fe2(Hcit)3]3–, in an approximate ratio of 1:1.
Cadmium potentiates toxicity of cypermethrin in zebrafish
Authors: Yang Ye , Ye Xiaoqing , He Buyuan , Liu Jing
Published: August 2015

Co-occurrence of pesticides such as synthetic pyrethroids and metals in aquatic ecosystems raises concerns over their combined ecological effects. Cypermethrin, 1 of the top 5 synthetic pyrethroids in use, has been extensively detected in surface water. Cadmium (Cd) has been recognized as 1 of the most toxic metals and is a common contaminant in the aquatic system. However, little information is available regarding their joint toxicity. In the present study, combined toxicity of cypermethrin and Cd and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. Zebrafish embryos and adults were exposed to the individual contaminant or binary mixtures. Co-exposure to cypermethrin and Cd produced synergistic effects on the occurrence of crooked body, pericardial edema, and noninflation of swim bladder. The addition of Cd significantly potentiated cypermethrin-induced spasms and caused more oxidative stress in zebrafish larvae. Cypermethrin-mediated induction of transcription levels and catalytic activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme were significantly down-regulated by Cd in both zebrafish larvae and adults. Chemical analytical data showed that in vitro elimination of cypermethrin by CYP1A1 was inhibited by Cd. The addition of Cd caused an elevation of in vivo cypermethrin residue levels in the mixture-exposed adult zebrafish. These results suggest that the enhanced toxicity of cypermethrin in the presence of Cd results from the inhibitory effects of Cd on CYP-mediated biotransformation of this pesticide. The authors' findings provide a deeper understanding of the mechanistic basis accounting for the joint toxicity of cypermethrin and Cd. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:435–445. © 2015 SETAC
Enzyme induction and histopathology elucidate aryl hydrocarbon receptor–mediated versus non–aryl hydrocarbon receptor–mediated effects of Aroclor 1268 in American mink (Neovison vison)
Authors: Folland William R. , Newsted John L. , Fitzgerald Scott D. , Fuchsman Phyllis C. , Bradley Patrick W. , Kern John , Kannan Kurunthachalam , Zwiernik Matthew J.
Published: August 2015

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations reported in preferred prey and blubber of bottlenose dolphins from the Turtle-Brunswick River estuary (Georgia, USA) suggest the potential for adverse effects. However, PCBs in Turtle-Brunswick River estuary dolphins are primarily derived from Aroclor 1268, and predicting toxic effects of Aroclor 1268 is uncertain because of the mixture's unique composition and associated physiochemical characteristics. These differences suggest that toxicity benchmarks for other PCB mixtures may not be relevant to dolphins exposed to Aroclor 1268. American mink (Neovison vison) were used as a surrogate model for cetaceans to characterize mechanisms of action associated with Aroclor 1268 exposure. Mink share similarities in phylogeny and life history with cetaceans and are characteristically sensitive to PCBs, making them an attractive surrogate species for marine mammals in ecotoxicity studies. Adult female mink and a subsequent F1 generation were exposed to Aroclor 1268 through diet, and effects on enzyme induction, histopathology, thyroid hormone regulation, hematology, organ weights, and body condition index were compared to a negative control and a 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126)–positive control. Aroclor 1268 dietary exposure concentrations ranged from 1.8 µg/g wet weight to 29 µg/g wet weight. Anemia, hypothyroidism, and hepatomegaly were observed in mink exposed to Aroclor 1268 beyond various dietary thresholds. Cytochrome P450 induction and squamous epithelial proliferation jaw lesions were low in Aroclor 1268 treatments relative to the positive control. Differences in enzyme induction and the development of squamous epithelial proliferation jaw lesions between Aroclor 1268 treatments and the positive control, coupled with effects observed in Aroclor 1268 treatments not observed in the positive control, indicate that mechanisms additional to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor–mediated pathway are associated with Aroclor 1268 exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:619–634. © 2015 SETAC
Acute toxicity of binary-metal mixtures of copper, zinc, and nickel to Pimephales promelas: Evidence of more-than-additive effect
Authors: Lynch Natalie R. , Hoang Tham C. , O'Brien Timothy E.
Published: August 2015

Metal mixture toxicity has been studied for decades. However, the results are not consistent, and thus ecological risk assessment and regulation of mixtures has been difficult. The objective of the present study was to use a systematic experimental design to characterize the toxicity of binary-metal mixture of Cu, Zn, and Ni to Pimephales promelas, typically to determine whether the effect of these binary-metal mixtures on P. promelas is more-than-additive. Standard 96-h toxicity tests were conducted with larval P. promelas based on US Environmental and Protection Agency methods to determine metal mixture effects. All experiments were conducted in synthetic moderately hard water with no addition of dissolved organic matter. Three different effect analysis approaches, the MixTox model, the Finney model, and the toxic unit method, were used for comparison. The results indicate that the toxicity of Cu+Zn, Cu+Ni, and Zn+Ni mixtures to P. promelas was more-than-additive. Among the 3 mixtures, the effect of the Cu+Ni mixture was the most profound. The results of the present study are useful for applications to models such as the metal mixture biotic ligand model. More research should be conducted to determine the mechanisms of acute and chronic toxicity of metal mixtures. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:446–457. © 2015 SETAC
Forecasting Longevity Gains Using a Seemingly Unrelated Time Series Model
Authors: Neves César , Fernandes Cristiano , Veiga Álvaro
Published: August 2015

In this paper a multivariate time series model using the seemingly unrelated time series equation (SUTSE) framework is proposed to forecast longevity gains. The proposed model is represented in state space form and uses Kalman filtering to estimate the unobservable components and fixed parameters. We apply the model both to male mortality rates in Portugal and the USA. Our results compare favorably, in terms of mean absolute percentage error, in‐sample and out‐of‐sample, to those obtained by the Lee–Carter method and some of its extensions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liver receptor homolog‐1 is a critical determinant of methyl‐pool metabolism
Authors: Wagner Martin , Choi Sungwoo , Panzitt Katrin , Mamrosh Jennifer L. , Lee Jae Man , Zaufel Alex , Xiao Rui , Wooton‐Kee Ruth , Ståhlman Marcus , Newgard Christopher B. , Borén Jan , Moore David D.
Published: August 2015

Balance of labile methyl groups (choline, methionine, betaine, and folate) is important for normal liver function. Quantitatively, a significant use of labile methyl groups is in the production of phosphatidylcholines (PCs), which are ligands for the nuclear liver receptor homolog‐1 (LRH‐1). We studied the role of LRH‐1 in methyl‐pool homeostasis and determined its metabolic effects using the methionine and choline–deficient (MCD) diet, which depletes methyl groups and results in a deleterious decrease in the PC‐to‐phosphatidylethanolamine ratio. We found that MCD diet–fed, liver‐specific LRH‐1 knockout mice (Lrh‐1
–/–) do not show the expected decreased methyl‐pool and PC/phosphatidylethanolamine ratio and are resistant to the hepatitis and fibrosis normally induced by the diet. Adaptive responses observed in wild‐type mice on the MCD diet were also observed in Lrh‐1
–/– mice on a normal diet. This includes reduced expression of the highly active glycine‐n‐methyltransferase and the biliary phospholipid floppase multidrug‐resistance protein 2 (Mdr2/Abcb4), resulting in reduced consumption of methyl groups and biliary PC secretion. In vitro studies confirm that Gnmt and Mdr2 are primary LRH‐1 target genes. Additional similarities between hepatic gene expression profiles in MCD diet–fed wild‐type and untreated Lrh‐1
–/– mice suggest that methyl‐pool deficiency decreases LRH‐1 activity, and this was confirmed by in vitro functional results in cells maintained in MCD medium. Conclusion: LRH‐1 is a novel transcriptional regulator of methyl‐pool balance; when the methyl‐pool is depleted, decreased LRH‐1 transactivation suppresses expression of key genes to minimize loss of labile methyl groups. (Hepatology 2016;63:95–106)
One‐Pot ‘On‐solvent’ Multicomponent Protocol for the Synthesis of Medicinally Relevant 4H‐Pyrano[3,2‐c]quinoline Scaffold
Authors: Vereshchagin Anatoly N. , Elinson Michail N. , Nasybullin Ruslan F. , Ryzhkov Fedor V. , Bobrovsky Sergey I. , Bushmarinov Ivan S. , Egorov Mikhail P.
Published: August 2015

‘One‐pot’ AcONa‐catalyzed transformation of salicylaldehydes, malononitrile and 4‐hydroxy‐1‐methylquinolin‐2(1H)‐one in the presence of a minimal quantity of EtOH results in fast (3 min) and efficient formation of unknown 2‐amino‐4‐(2‐hydroxyaryl)‐6‐methyl‐5‐oxo‐5,6‐dihydro‐4H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]quinoline‐3‐carbonitriles in 85–98% yields, which are potential pharmaceutical agents for treating disorders responsive to the induction of apoptosis, antiproliferation, or vascular disruption. This efficient ‘on‐solvent’ approach to the 4H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]quinoline scaffold represents a novel synthetic concept for multicomponent reaction (MCR) strategy and allows to combine the synthetic virtues of conventional MCR with ecological benefits and convenience of facile ‘on‐solvent’ procedure.
Isolation and Characterization of Secondary Metabolites from Rhododendron microphyton
Authors: Zhu Ya‐Zhu , Li Yan‐Hong , Liu Dan , Gao Ling‐Huan , Li Hong‐Mei , Li Rong‐Tao
Published: August 2015

Four new iridoids, incarvoids D–F (1–3, resp.) and incarvoid B 9‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (4), and one new monoterpenoid, argutoid B (5), along with 14 known compounds, were isolated from Rhododendron microphyton. Their structures were established by comprehensive 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopic analysis.
Chemical Constituents of the Endophytic Fungus Hypoxylon sp. 12F0687 Isolated from Taiwanese Ilex formosana
Authors: Chen Yi‐Shuan , Cheng Ming‐Jen , Hsiao Yi , Chan Hing‐Yuen , Hsieh Sung‐Yuan , Chang Chun‐Wei , Liu Ta‐Wei , Chang Hsun‐Shuo , Chen Ih‐Sheng
Published: August 2015

Bioassay‐guided fractionation of an AcOEt‐soluble fraction of the liquid fermentation of an endophytic fungus Hypoxylon sp. BCRC 12F0687 associated with the root of Taiwanese Ilex formosana (Aquifoliaceae) resulted in the isolation of two new compounds, i.e., one benzenoid, hypoxyphenone (1), and one azaphilone derivative, hypoillexidiol (2), two metabolites isolated for the first time from natural source, (−)‐(3S)‐3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyloxindole (3) and (+)‐vermelone (4), along with twelve previously identified compounds, 5–16. Their structures were determined through in‐depth spectroscopic and mass‐spectrometric analyses. The effects of some isolates on the inhibition of NO and IL‐6 production in lipopolysaccharide‐activated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were evaluated. Of the isolates, 2 and 3 exhibited potent anti‐NO production activity, with IC50 values of 17.5±1.8 and 24.7±1.6 μM, respectively, compared to that of quercetin, an iNOS inhibitor with an IC50 value of 35.9±1.7 μM. Compounds 2, 4, 5, and 12 also showed moderate inhibition of IL‐6 production, with IC50 values ranging from 27.2±1.8 to 35.3±5.8 μM. This is the first report on an oxindole metabolite from the genus Hypoxylon.
Optical detection of glucose and glycated hemoglobin using etched fiber Bragg gratings coated with functionalized reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Sridevi S. , Vasu K. S. , Sampath S. , Asokan S. , Sood A. K.
Published: August 2015

An enhanced optical detection of D‐glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) has been established in this study using etched fiber Bragg gratings (eFBG) coated with aminophenylboronic acid (APBA)‐functionalized reduced graphene oxide (RGO). The read out, namely the shift in Bragg wavelength (ΔλB) is highly sensitive to changes that occur due to the adsorption of glucose (or HbA1c) molecules on the eFBG sensor coated with APBA–RGO complex through a five‐membered cyclic ester bond formation between glucose and APBA molecules. A limit of detection of 1 nM is achieved with a linear range of detection from 1 nM to 10 mM in the case of D‐glucose detection experiments. For HbA1c, a linear range of detection varying from 86 nM to 0.23 mM is achieved. The observation of only 4 pm (picometer) change in ΔλB even for the 10 mM lactose solution confirms the specificity of the APBA–RGO complex coated eFBG sensors to glucose molecules.

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Assessment of collagen crosslinking and denaturation for the design of regenerative scaffolds
Authors: Madaghiele Marta , Calò Emanuela , Salvatore Luca , Bonfrate Valentina , Pedone Deborah , Frigione Mariaenrica , Sannino Alessandro
Published: August 2015

Crosslinking and denaturation were two variables that deeply affected the performance of collagen‐based scaffolds designed for tissue regeneration. If crosslinking enhances the mechanical properties and the enzymatic resistance of collagen, while masking or reducing the available cell binding sites, denaturation has very opposite effects, as it impairs the mechanical and the enzymatic stability of collagen, but increases the number of exposed cell adhesive domains. The quantification of both crosslinking and denaturation was thus fundamental to the design of collagen‐based scaffolds for selected applications. The aim of this work was to investigate the extents of crosslinking and denaturation of collagen‐based films upon dehydrothermal (DHT) treatment, that is, one of the most commonly employed methods for zero‐length crosslinking that shows the unique ability to induce partial denaturation. Swelling measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, colorimetric assays for the quantification of primary amines, and mechanical tests were performed to analyze the effect of the DHT temperature on crosslinking and denaturation. In particular, chemically effective and elastically effective crosslink densities were evaluated. Both crosslinking and denaturation were found to increase with the DHT temperature, although according to different trends. The results also showed that DHT treatments performed at temperatures up to 120°C maintained the extent of denaturation under 25%. Coupling a mild DHT treatment with further crosslinking may thus be very useful not only to modulate the crosslink density, but also to induce a limited amount of denaturation, which shows potential to partially compensate the loss of cell binding sites caused by crosslinking. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 186–194, 2016.
Simulations of thermodynamics and kinetics on rough energy landscapes with milestoning
Authors: Bello‐Rivas Juan M. , Elber Ron
Published: August 2015

We investigated by computational means the kinetics and stationary behavior of stochastic dynamics on an ensemble of rough two‐dimensional energy landscapes. There are no obvious separations of temporal scales in these systems, which constitute a simple model for the behavior of glasses and some biomaterials. Even though there are significant computational challenges present in these systems due to the large number of metastable states, the Milestoning method is able to compute their kinetic and thermodynamic properties exactly. We observe two clearly distinguished regimes in the overall kinetics: one in which diffusive behavior dominates and another that follows an Arrhenius law (despite the absence of a dominant barrier). We compare our results with those obtained with an exactly‐solvable one‐dimensional model, and with the results from the rough one‐dimensional energy model introduced by Zwanzig. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ethnic and geographic variations in HPV prevalence and genotype distribution in north‐western Yunnan, China
Authors: Baloch Zulqarnain , Yuan Tao , Wang Binghui , Tai Wenlin , Feng Yue , Liu Yanqing , Li Xiao , Feng Yue , Liu Li , Zhang A‐mei , Wu Xiaomei , Xia Xueshan
Published: August 2015

The prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) vary throughout the world. To assess the prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV among three ethnic groups in two geographic locations in north‐western Yunnan, we recruited 522 women in Shangri‐le (n = 255) and Lijiang (n = 267). PCR amplification of HPV DNA was performed on cervical cells from these women using two consensus primer systems (MY09/11 and GP5/6). Amplified‐HPV DNA was genotyped using the HPV GenoArray test. Geographically, the HPV prevalence was significantly higher (P = 0.002) among Shangri‐le women than among Lijiang women. Infections with high‐risk (HR)‐HPV and with multiple HPV genotypes were also significantly more common (P = 0.001) among women in Shangri‐le than women in Lijiang. Additionally, the prevalence of overall, HR‐HPV, and single genotype HPV infections was significantly higher (P = 0.001) among Tibetan women than among Naxi and Han women. HPV‐16 and HPV‐33 were significantly more frequent in Shangri‐le women compared with Lijiang (P = 0.006) women. In addition, HPV‐16 (9.81%) and HPV‐33 (5.88%) were significantly more prevalent in Tibetan women than in Naxi and Han women. Here, for the first time, we highlight the significant variation in the prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV in various populations in the north‐western region of Yunnan Province. J. Med. Virol. 88:532–540, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biodegradation of paraffin wax by crude Aspergillus enzyme preparations for potential use in removing paraffin deposits
Authors: Zhang Junhui , Xue Quanhong , Gao Hui , Wang Ping
Published: August 2015

Paraffin deposition problems have plagued the oil industry. Whist mechanical and chemical methods are problematic, microbiological method of paraffin removal is considered an alternative. However, studies have mainly investigated the use of bacteria, with little attention to the potential of fungi. The performance of six Aspergillus isolates to degrade paraffin wax was evaluated under laboratory conditions using solid enzyme preparations. The results showed that all the six enzyme preparations efficiently improved the solubility of paraffin wax in n‐hexane and degraded n‐alkanes in paraffin wax. The degradation process was accompanied by dynamic production of gases (CO2 and H2) and organic acids (oxalate and propionate). The shape of wax crystals markedly changed after enzymatic degradation, with a rough surface and a loose structure. This study indicates that extracellular enzymes from Aspergillus spp. can efficiently degrade paraffin wax. These enzyme preparations have the potential for use in oil wells with paraffin deposition problems.
Changes and roles of membrane compositions in the adaptation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to ethanol
Authors: Wang Yanfeng , Zhang Shuxian , Liu Huaqing , Zhang Lei , Yi Chenfeng , Li Hao
Published: August 2015

Bioethanol fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae is often stressed by the accumulation of ethanol. Cell membrane is the first assaulting target of ethanol. Ethanol‐adapted S. cerevisiae strains provide opportunity to shed light on membrane functions in the ethanol tolerance. This study aimed at clarifying the roles of cell membrane in the ethanol tolerance of S. cerevisiae through comparing membrane components between S. cerevisiae parental strain and ethanol‐adapted strains. A directed evolutionary engineering was performed to obtain the ethanol‐adapted S. cerevisiae strains. The parental, ethanol‐adapted M5 and M10 strains were selected to be compared the percentage of viable cells after exposing to ethanol stress and cell membrane compositions (i.e., ergosterol, trehalose, and fatty acids). Compared with the parental strain, M5 or M10 strain had higher survival rate in the presence of 10% v/v ethanol. Compared with that in the parental strain, contents of trehalose, ergosterol, and fatty acids increased about 15.7, 12.1, and 29.3%, respectively, in M5 strain, and about 47.5, 107.8, and 61.5%, respectively, in M10 strain. Moreover, expression differences of genes involved in fatty acids metabolisms among the parental, M5 and M10 strains were analyzed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and results demonstrated that M5 or M10 strain had higher expression of ACC1 and OLE1 than the parental strain. These results indicated that although being exposed to step‐wise increased ethanol, S. cerevisiae cells might remodel membrane components or structure to adapt to the ethanol stress.
The continental record of Marine Isotope Stage 11 (Middle Pleistocene) on the Iberian Peninsula characterized by herpetofaunal assemblages
Authors: Blain Hugues‐Alexandre , Lozano‐Fernández Iván , Ollé Andreu , Rodríguez Jesus , Santonja Manuel , Pérez‐González Alfredo
Published: August 2015

Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 11 in Iberia is documented at three main Acheulean archaeological sites: Gran Dolina (Burgos, Atapuerca), Áridos‐1 (Madrid) and Ambrona (Soria). As the amphibians and reptiles recovered as fossils from these sites are not extinct and their ecology can be directly studied, mutual climatic range and habitat weighting methods have been applied to the herpetofaunal assemblages to estimate climatic and environmental parameters during MIS 11. Compared with today, mean annual temperature varies from +2.7 to +0.3 °C and mean annual precipitation varies from +311.7 to +74.4 mm, suggesting, in accordance with the numerical dates for each locality, a progressive decrease in temperature and rainfall from the fully interglacial conditions of MIS 11c to the end of MIS 11. The presence of woodland areas is also well substantiated throughout the duration of MIS 11, at least during the interglacial and interstadial periods.
Elicitation effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast extract on main health‐promoting compounds and antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory potential of butter lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Złotek Urszula , Świeca Michał
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

This paper presents a study on changes in the main phytochemical levels and antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity of lettuce caused by different doses and times of application of yeast extracts.

RESULTS

Elicitation with yeast extract caused an increase in the total phenolic compounds and chlorophyll content, which varied according to the dose and time of spraying, but it did not have a positive impact on vitamin C, flavonoid and carotenoid content in lettuce. The best effect was achieved by double spraying with 1% yeast extract and by single spraying with 0.1% yeast extract. The increase in phytochemical content was positively correlated with the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity of the studied lettuce leaves. Chicoric acid seems to be the major contributor to these antioxidant activities.

CONCLUSION

Yeast extract may be used as a natural, environmentally friendly and safe elicitor for improving the health‐promoting qualities of lettuce. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Improved disease‐free survival and overall survival after fluorescence‐guided surgery of liver metastasis in an orthotopic nude mouse model
Authors: Murakami Takashi , Hiroshima Yukihiko , Zhang Yong , Bouvet Michael , Chishima Takashi , Tanaka Kuniya , Endo Itaru , Hoffman Robert M.
Published: August 2015

Background

In the present study, we sought to determine if fluorescence‐guided surgery (FGS) would improve survival compared to standard bright light surgery (BLS) in an experimental colorectal liver metastasis nude mouse model.

Methods

Orthotopic nude‐mouse models of human HT‐29‐GFP colon cancer liver metastasis were established in the left lobe of the liver of mice. Fourteen mice with a single liver metastasis were randomized into FGS or BLS groups of seven each. FGS of liver metastasis was performed using a hand‐held portable fluorescence imaging system (Dino‐Lite) to visualize the GFP fluorescence of the metastasis. The BLS‐ and FGS‐treated mice were followed by weekly fluorescence imaging in order to detect recurrence.

Results

The bright fluorescence of GFP provided sufficient illumination to accurately distinguish the margins of the metastasis within the liver. Recurrence occurred in multiple sites including the liver, lung, and other organs in the BLS‐treated mice but was significantly reduced in FGS‐treated mice. The FGS‐treated mice had significantly prolonged disease‐free survival (P = 0.001) and overall survival (P = 0.027) compared to BLS‐treated mice.

Conclusion

The results of the present report demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of FGS for liver metastasis and suggest its important clinical potential. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:119–124. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endonasal identification of the orbital apex
Authors: Tepedino Miguel S. , Pinheiro‐Neto Carlos D. , Bezerra Thiago F. P. , Gardner Paul A. , Snyderman Carl H. , Voegels Richard L.
Published: August 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To describe anatomical landmarks for endoscopic endonasal approaches to the orbital apex and to measure the distances between those landmarks.

Methods

In this anatomic study, the nasal fossae of 30 adult fresh cadavers were dissected (n = 60 half‐skulls). One double‐injected orbit was carefully dissected, mainly focusing on the neurovascular structures. The orbital apex was dissected under endoscopic endonasal visualization in all cases. The distances between the ethmoidal crest and choanal arch to the optic canal (OC) and superior orbital fissure (SOF) were measured and recorded.

Results

The sample was predominantly male (63.3%, 19/30 cadavers). The following correlations between measurements according to side were observed: ethmoidal crest to OC, r = 0.748 (P = 0.0001); ethmoidal crest to SOF, r = 0.785 (P = 0.0001); choanal arch to OC, r = 0.835 (P = 0.0001); choanal arch to SOF, r = 0.820 (P = 0.0001).

Conclusions

In the cadavers studied in this sample, the ethmoidal crest and choanal arch were relevant structures and exhibited consistent measurements. Spearman correlation coefficients were greater than 0.7, which is indicative of good correlation between measurements obtained in the skull halves of each cadaver. Comparison of the measurements obtained in different sides showed similar values, with no statistically significant differences in the distances between any of the proposed anatomic landmarks.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 126:33–38, 2016
The efficacy of the interferon‐γ release assay for diagnosing cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis: A prospective controlled study
Authors: Kim Kyung Hee , Kim Rock Bum , Woo Seung Hoon
Published: August 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

The whole‐blood interferon (IFN)‐γ release assay (IGRA) has been studied mainly for diagnosing latent tuberculosis (TB). We prospectively evaluated its diagnostic usefulness in patients with suspected cervical TB lymphadenitis.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

An IGRA was performed in subjects with suspected TB lymphadenitis. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the IGRA, we calculated the sensitivity and specificity of culture, radiologic imaging, polymerase chain reaction testing, fine needle aspiration, and excisional biopsy.

Result

Of the 271 adult patients with suspected TB lymphadenitis, 42 were diagnosed with the disease. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the IGRA were 78.8% and 95.5%, respectively. When the cutoff value of IFN‐γ was set to 0.26 IU/mL, it met the inclusion criteria for suspicious TB lymphadenitis, with sensitivity and specificity of 83.3% and 95.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

The IGRA is useful in diagnosing TB lymphadenitis, with high sensitivity and specificity.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:378–384, 2016
Volumetric nasal cavity analysis in children with unilateral and bilateral cleft lip and palate
Authors: Farzal Zainab , Walsh Jonathan , Lopes de Rezende Barbosa Gabriella , Zdanski Carlton J. , Davis Stephanie D. , Superfine Richard , Pimenta Luiz A. , Kimbell Julia S. , Drake Amelia Fischer
Published: August 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) often suffer from nasal obstruction that may be related to effects on nasal volume. The objective of this study was to compare side:side volume ratios and nasal volume in patients with unilateral (UCLP) and bilateral (BCLP) clefts with age‐matched controls.

Study Design

Retrospective case–control study using three‐dimensional (3D) nasal airway reconstructions.

Methods

We analyzed 20 subjects (age range = 7–12 years) with UCLP and BCLP from a regional craniofacial center who underwent cone beam computed tomography (CT) prior to alveolar grafting. Ten multislice CT images from age‐matched controls were also analyzed. Mimics software (Materialise, Plymouth, MI) was used to create 3D reconstructions of the main nasal cavity and compute total and side‐specific nasal volumes. Subjects imaged during active nasal cycling phases were excluded.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in affected:unaffected side volume ratios in UCLP (P = .48) or left:right ratios in BCLP (P = .25) when compared to left:right ratios in controls. Mean overall nasal volumes were 9,932 ± 1,807, 7,097 ± 2,596, and 6,715 ± 2,115 mm3 for control, UCLP, and BCLP patients, respectively, with statistically significant volume decreases for both UCLP and BCLP subjects from controls (P < .05).

Conclusions

This is the first study to analyze total nasal volumes in BCLP patients. Overall nasal volume is compromised in UCLP and BCLP by approximately 30%. Additionally, our finding of no major difference in side:side ratios in UCLP and BCLP compared to controls conflicts with pre‐existing literature, likely due to exclusion of actively cycling scans and our measurement of the functional nasal cavity.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 126:1475–1480, 2016