bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photokatalysatoren auf Graphenbasis für die Produktion von Solarbrennstoffen
Authors: Xiang Quanjun , Cheng Bei , Yu Jiaguo
Published: June 2015

Aufgrund des zunehmenden Energiebedarfs und wachsender Umweltprobleme erfahren die Produktion von Solarbrennstoffen durch photokatalytische Wasserspaltung und die CO2‐Reduktion mithilfe von Photokatalysatoren beträchtliches Interesse. In den letzten Jahren haben zahlreiche Studien gezeigt, dass die Effizienz der Photokatalysatoren für die Produktion von Solarbrennstoffen deutlich gesteigert werden kann, wenn man Graphen verwendet, das eine besondere konjugierte 2D‐Struktur und spezielle elektronischen Eigenschaften besitzt. Dieser Aufsatz gibt einen Überblick über jüngste Fortschritte bei der Anwendung von Photokatalysatoren auf Graphenbasis für die Produktion von Solarbrennstoffen einschließlich der CO2‐Reduktion zu Kohlenwasserstoffen und der H2‐Erzeugung mittels Wasserspaltung. Die Grundlagen der Wasserspaltung und der CO2‐Reduktion werden kurz dargestellt. Die für die Verbesserung der photokatalytischen Leistung relevanten Funktionen des Graphens werden diskutiert. Mit Blick auf bestehende Herausforderungen und Möglichkeiten auf diesem vielversprechenden Gebiet werden schließlich mögliche Perspektiven erörtert.
Eine kurze und divergente Totalsynthese von (+)‐Machaeriol B, (+)‐Machaeriol D, (+)‐Δ8‐THC und zugehörigen Analoga
Authors: Klotter Felix , Studer Armido
Published: June 2015

Ein kurzer und divergenter Syntheseweg mit hoch effizienten stereoselektiven Umsetzungen liefert Machaeriole und Cannabinoide aus einer gemeinsamen Vorstufe, der kommerziell erhältlichen (S)‐Perillasäure. Schlüsselschritte des neuen Ansatzes sind eine stereospezifische Pd‐katalysierte decarboxylierende Arylierung und eine Eintopf‐Sequenz aus stereoselektiver Hydroborierung mit anschließender Oxidation bzw. Reduktion der Boran‐Intermediate. Die divergente Strategie ließ sich überzeugend für je fünfstufige Synthesen von (+)‐Machaeriol B, (+)‐Machaeriol D sowie zugehörigen Analoga und für eine vierstufige Sequenz zu (+)‐Δ8‐THC und einem seiner Derivate heranziehen.
Convergent Versus Sequential Protein Synthesis: The Case of Ubiquitinated and Glycosylated H2B
Authors: Seenaiah Mallikanti , Jbara Muhammad , Mali Sachitanand M. , Brik Ashraf
Published: June 2015

The chemical synthesis of a protein from four fragments or more applying native chemical ligation could be achieved stepwise, in one‐pot, convergently, or on a solid support. With the increasing demands of applying protein synthesis to highly complex targets, examining these approaches becomes essential to achieve highly efficient synthesis. Different chemical synthetic strategies are compared for the preparation of the H2B protein having different post‐translational modifications. The analogues include H2B that is ubiquitinated at Lys34, Lys120, glycosylated at Ser112, and doubly modified with ubiquitin and N‐acetylglucosamine. This study demonstrates that the applied convergent strategy for the synthesis of most of these complex targets was better than the one‐pot approach in terms of yield and purity. Some guidelines are offered for future synthetic endeavors of similar challenging proteins.
A Perylene Bisimide Cyclophane as a “Turn‐On” and “Turn‐Off” Fluorescence Probe
Authors: Spenst Peter , Würthner Frank
Published: June 2015

A rigid, covalently linked perylene‐3,4:9,10‐tetracarboxylic acid bisimide (PBI) cyclophane was synthesized by imidization of a bay‐substituted perylene bisanhydride with p‐xylylenediamine. The interchromophoric distance of approximately 6.5 Å establishes an ideal rigid cavity for the encapsulation of large aromatic compounds such as perylene and anthracene with binding constants up to 4.6×104 M−1 (in CHCl3). For electron‐poor guest molecules, the complexation process is accompanied by a significantly increased fluorescence, whereas the emission intensity is dramatically quenched by more electron‐rich guests because of the formation of charge‐transfer complexes. Furthermore, the influence of the PBI core twist on the binding constant results in a remarkable selectivity towards more flexible aromatic guest molecules.
Real‐time Monitoring of Discrete Synaptic Release Events and Excitatory Potentials within Self‐reconstructed Neuromuscular Junctions
Authors: Li Yu‐Tao , Zhang Shu‐Hui , Wang Xue‐Ying , Zhang Xin‐Wei , Oleinick Alexander I. , Svir Irina , Amatore Christian , Huang Wei‐Hua
Published: June 2015

Chemical synaptic transmission is central to the brain functions. In this regard, real‐time monitoring of chemical synaptic transmission during neuronal communication remains a great challenge. In this work, in vivo‐like oriented neural networks between superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons and their effector smooth muscle cells (SMC) were assembled in a microfluidic device. This allowed amperometric detection of individual neurotransmitter release events inside functional SCG‐SMC synapse with carbon fiber nanoelectrodes as well as recording of postsynaptic potential using glass nanopipette electrodes. The high vesicular release activities essentially involved complex events arising from flickering fusion pores as quantitatively established based on simulations. This work allowed for the first time monitoring in situ chemical synaptic transmission under conditions close to those found in vivo, which may yield important and new insights into the nature of neuronal communications.
Graphene‐Based Photocatalysts for Solar‐Fuel Generation
Authors: Xiang Quanjun , Cheng Bei , Yu Jiaguo
Published: June 2015

The production of solar fuel through photocatalytic water splitting and CO2 reduction using photocatalysts has attracted considerable attention owing to the global energy shortage and growing environmental problems. During the past few years, many studies have demonstrated that graphene can markedly enhance the efficiency of photocatalysts for solar‐fuel generation because of its unique 2D conjugated structure and electronic properties. Herein we summarize the recent advances in the application of graphene‐based photocatalysts for solar‐fuel production, including CO2 reduction to hydrocarbon fuel and water splitting to H2. A brief overview of the fundamental principles for splitting of water and reduction of CO2 is given. The different roles of graphene in these graphene‐based photocatalysts for improving photocatalytic performance are discussed. Finally, the perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for future research in this promising area are also presented.
Complex Functional Systems with Three Different Types of Dynamic Covalent Bonds
Authors: Zhang Kang‐Da , Matile Stefan
Published: June 2015

Multicomponent surface architectures are introduced that operate with three different dynamic covalent bonds. Disulfide exchange under basic conditions accounts for the growth of π stacks on solid surfaces. Hydrazone exchange under acidic conditions is used to add a second coaxial string or stack, and boronic ester exchange under neutral conditions is used to co‐align a third one. The newly introduced boronic ester exchange chemistry is compatible with stack and string exchange without interference from the orthogonal hydrazone and disulfide exchange. The functional relevance of surface architectures with three different dynamic covalent bonds is exemplified with the detection of polyphenol natural products, such as epigallocatechin gallate, in competition experiments with alizarin red. These results describe synthetic strategies to create functional systems of unprecedented sophistication with regard to dynamic covalent chemistry.
Chemical Ligation and Isotope Labeling to Locate Dynamic Effects during Catalysis by Dihydrofolate Reductase
Authors: Luk Louis Y. P. , Ruiz‐Pernía J. Javier , Adesina Aduragbemi S. , Loveridge E. Joel , Tuñón Iñaki , Moliner Vincent , Allemann Rudolf K.
Published: June 2015

Chemical ligation has been used to alter motions in specific regions of dihydrofolate reductase from E. coli and to investigate the effects of localized motional changes on enzyme catalysis. Two isotopic hybrids were prepared; one with the mobile N‐terminal segment containing heavy isotopes (2H, 13C, 15N) and the remainder of the protein with natural isotopic abundance, and the other one with only the C‐terminal segment isotopically labeled. Kinetic investigations indicated that isotopic substitution of the N‐terminal segment affected only a physical step of catalysis, whereas the enzyme chemistry was affected by protein motions from the C‐terminal segment. QM/MM studies support the idea that dynamic effects on catalysis mostly originate from the C‐terminal segment. The use of isotope hybrids provides insights into the microscopic mechanism of dynamic coupling, which is difficult to obtain with other studies, and helps define the dynamic networks of intramolecular interactions central to enzyme catalysis.
Optimization of a heat‐tolerant β‐glucosidase production by Bacillus sp. ZJ1308 and its purification and characterization
Authors: Xu Zhenni , Zhang Lei , Yu Ping
Published: June 2015

Response surface methodology was used to optimize the medium composition to improve the production of the heat‐tolerant β‐glucosidase from Bacillus sp. ZJ1308. Three significant factors were found to be corn cob, beef extract, and MnSO4·H2O. The final medium compositions optimized were corn cob (51.8 g/L), beef extract (23.8 g/L), salicin (0.5 g/L), MnSO4·H2O (0.363 g/L), MgSO4·7H2O (0.4 g/L), and NaCl (5 g/L). Under the optimal conditions, the activity of β‐glucosidase was up to 4.71 U/mL. β‐Glucosidase was purified to homogeneity with a recovery rate of 5% and a specific activity of 110.47 U/mg. The optimal pH and temperature were 7.0 and 60 °C, respectively. β‐Glucosidase was stable within a pH range of 6.0–8.0 and showed an extremely high thermostability at 80 and 90 °C, retaining 56% and 38% of its maximal activity, respectively. Ni2+ and Ba2+ heavily inhibited the β‐glucosidase activity. The purified β‐glucosidase showed a high substrate specificity. The kinetic parameters revealed that it had a high catalytic efficiency toward the substrate p‐nitrophenyl‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (Kcat/Km = 700). It also showed a high catalytic activity toward the natural substrate salicin. This study provides a new insight into the future development and use of β‐glucosidase from Bacillus sp. ZJ1308.
Mortality incidence estimation using federal death certificate and natality data with an application to Tay–Sachs disease
Authors: Jalal Kabir , Carter Randy L.
Published: June 2015

For confidentiality reasons, US federal death certificate data are incomplete with regards to the dates of birth and death for the decedents, making calculation of total lifetime of a decedent impossible and thus estimation of mortality incidence difficult. This paper proposes the use of natality data and an imputation‐based method to estimate age‐specific mortality incidence rates in the face of this missing information. By utilizing previously determined probabilities of birth, a birth date and death date are imputed for every decedent in the dataset. Thus, the birth cohort of each individual is imputed, and the total on‐study time can be calculated. This idea is implemented in two approaches for estimation of mortality incidence rates. The first is an extension of a person‐time approach, while the second is an extension of a life table approach. Monte Carlo simulations showed that both approaches perform well in comparison to the ideal complete data methods, but that the person‐time method is preferred. An application to Tay–Sachs disease is demonstrated. It is concluded that the imputation methods proposed provide valid estimates of the incidence of death from death certificate data without the need for additional assumptions under which usual mortality rates provide valid estimates.
Defect‐Rich CoP/Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Composites Derived from a Metal–Organic Framework: High‐Performance Electrocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Hao Jinhui , Yang Wenshu , Tang Jilin
Published: June 2015

A defect‐rich CoP/nitrogen‐doped carbon composite is reported for the first time derived from ZIF‐67 by means of low‐temperature phosphidation process. As a hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalyst, the obtained CoP‐N‐C has high HER activity and good stability with a low onset overpotential of 31 mV, a small Tafel slope of 42 mV dec−1, a large exchange current density of 1.6×10−1 mA cm−2, and a 10 mA cm−2 current density at overpotential 91 mV.
Chaotic Analysis of the Concentration Field in a Submerged Impinging Stream Mixer
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Dong Xin , Ma Hongyue , Li Xiaoming , Feng Ying
Published: June 2015

The concentration field was measured with various nozzle diameters, nozzle distances, and inlet flow rates in a submerged impinging stream mixer (SISM) using planar laser‐induced fluorescence to obtain characteristic parameters such as correlation dimension, Kolmogorov entropy, and Lyapunov exponents that describe the chaos phenomenon and reflect the microcosmic mixture effect of a SISM by mean of the chaos theory. The chaotic characteristic parameters were influenced significantly by different nozzles distances, nozzle diameters, and inlet flow rates and their distributions followed a similar changing regularity by which all parameters decreased with larger nozzle diameter and increased with higher inlet flow rate.
Explicit Determinations of the Colebrook Equation for the Flow Friction Factor by Statistical Analysis
Authors: Heydari Amir , Narimani Elhameh , Pakniya Fatemeh
Published: June 2015

The implicit Colebrook equation is considered as a fundamental equation for estimating the friction factor for turbulent flows in pipes. A large number of simple and accurate explicit approximations cover just a limited area of turbulent regime inside rough or smooth pipes. Here, three explicit approximations of the friction factor were determined. The friction factor data were fitted into polynomials using the response surface design of Minitab® software. To reduce the relative error of the first approximation compared with the implicit Colebrook equation, the domain was divided into two regions based on the Reynolds number (Re). To compare the accuracy and complexity of the approximations with existing relations, advanced comparison analysis based on the relative error was performed. The second set of approximations defined in two ranges of Re demonstrated high accuracy and a satisfying complexity index.
Chemoproteomic Evaluation of the Polyacetylene Callyspongynic Acid
Authors: Nickel Sabrina , Serwa Remigiusz A. , Kaschani Farnusch , Ninck Sabrina , Zweerink Susanne , Tate Edward W. , Kaiser Markus
Published: June 2015

Polyacetylenes are a class of alkyne‐containing natural products. Although potent bioactivities and thus possible applications as chemical probes have already been reported for some polyacetylenes, insights into the biological activities or molecular mode of action are still rather limited in most cases. To overcome this limitation, we describe the application of the polyacetylene callyspongynic acid in the development of an experimental roadmap for characterizing potential protein targets of alkyne‐containing natural products. To this end, we undertook the first chemical synthesis of callyspongynic acid. We then used in situ chemical proteomics methods to demonstrate extensive callyspongynic acid‐mediated chemical tagging of endoplasmic reticulum‐associated lipid‐metabolizing and modifying enzymes. We anticipate that an elucidation of protein targets of natural products may serve as an effective guide to the development of subsequent biological assays that aim to identify chemical phenotypes and bioactivities.
Serial Hybrid Modelling for a Gold Cyanidation Leaching Plant
Authors: Zhang Jun , Mao Zhi‐Zhong , Jia Run‐Da , He Da‐Kuo
Published: June 2015

In this paper, a serial hybrid model of a gold cyanidation leaching process is proposed. The serial hybrid model consists of mass conservation equations of gold and cyanide as well as two kernel partial least square (KPLS) models, which are used as the estimators of the unknown kinetic reaction rates without the complicated kinetic model structures considered. The proposed serial hybrid model makes full use of both the a priori process knowledge and the ability of a data‐driven model to discover the information behind data sets. Moreover, before training the KPLS models, the proposed estimation strategy based on Tikhonov regularization is used to estimate the kinetic reaction rates, which can mitigate the effect of measurement noise on the estimation results effectively. The proposed serial hybrid model has been applied to a gold cyanidation leaching plant to predict the gold leaching rate. The prediction results show that the proposed serial hybrid model can track the real leaching rate of gold closely and has the best prediction accuracy at both dynamic and steady states compared with the pure KPLS and mechanistic models, thereby laying an important foundation for the successful implementation of optimization and control of the leaching process.
A Hybrid Intelligent Computational Scheme for Determination of Refractive Index of Crude Oil Using SARA Fraction Analysis
Authors: Tatar Afshin , Shokrollahi Amin , Halali Mohamad Amin , Azari Vahid , Safari Hossein
Published: June 2015

Asphaltene precipitation and consequent deposition may result in several operational problems ranging from the wellbore to transmission lines. Despite several studies, stability conditions of the asphaltene in crude oil are still a challenging issue and a potential area of investigation. Refractive Index (RI) is a parameter indicative of the region at which asphaltene becomes stable. In this study, a Committee Machine Intelligent System (CMIS) is incorporated to predict the RI of different crude oils through the existing SARA fractions experimental data. The CMIS itself utilizes different artificial neural networks: Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Radial Basis Function (RBF), and Least Squares Support Vector Machine (LSSVM). By comparing the results of each artificial neural network with the final output, it was demonstrated that the CMIS increases the generalization capability of the utilized artificial network. The results were compared with two well‐known classical correlations. It was proven that the proposed intelligent system outperforms the classical correlations. At the end, outlier detection was performed to identify data which deviate from the bulk of the data points and obtain the applicability domain of the CMIS model.
Effects of Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Tragacanth Gum on the Properties of Emulsion‐Based Drilling Fluids
Authors: Jha Praveen Kumar , Mahto Vikas , Saxena Vinod Kumar
Published: June 2015

This research article investigates the effects of carboxymethyl cellulose and tragacanth gum on the rheological, filtration, and interfacial properties such as interfacial tension, contact angle, and zeta potential of oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsion‐based drilling fluids. The emulsification of the drilling fluid system was achieved well by tragacanth gum, as it demonstrated surfactant properties. It was observed that the addition of these polymers controls the rheological parameters and filtrate loss characteristics of the emulsion systems. The stability of emulsion systems was analyzed by measuring zeta potential, interfacial tension, and contact angle of the emulsion‐based drilling fluids. Carboxymethyl cellulose and tragacanth gum have shown significant effects on the stability of emulsion systems, and their properties vary with different concentrations of these additives. The flow behaviour of the drilling fluids was measured with varying concentrations of these oil and additives. The fluids are found to be shear thinning (pseudoplastic) with the addition of oil and additives. It was also found that rheological and filtration properties of drilling fluids are stable at 70 °C. By optimizing the concentrations of these additives in the emulsion system, fundamental parameters such as fluid rheology, filtrate loss, and pH can be enhanced, which are required for favourable drilling fluid selection during oil and gas well drilling.
A novel acoustically quiet coil for neonatal MRI system
Authors: Ireland Christopher M. , Giaquinto Randy O. , Loew Wolfgang , Tkach Jean A. , Pratt Ronald G. , Kline‐Fath Beth M. , Merhar Stephanie L. , Dumoulin Charles L.
Published: June 2015

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acoustic exposure has the potential to elicit physiological distress and impact development in preterm and term infants. To mitigate this risk, a novel acoustically quiet coil was developed to reduce the sound pressure level experienced by neonates during MR procedures. The new coil has a conventional high‐pass birdcage radio frequency design, but is built on a framework of sound abating material. We evaluated the acoustic and MR imaging performance of the quiet coil and a conventional body coil on two small footprint neonatal intensive care unit MRI systems. Sound pressure level and frequency response measurements were made for six standard clinical MR imaging protocols. The average sound pressure level, reported for all six imaging pulse sequences, was 82.2 dBA for the acoustically quiet coil, and 91.1 dBA for the conventional body coil. The sound pressure level values measured for the acoustically quiet coil were consistently lower, 9 dBA (range 6–10 dBA) quieter on average. The acoustic frequency response of the two coils showed a similar harmonic profile for all imaging sequences. However, the amplitude was lower for the quiet coil, by as much as 20 dBA. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 45B: 107–114, 2015
Effective clinical practices for improved FNA biopsy cell block outcomes
Authors: Collins Brian T. , Garcia Telly C. , Hudson Jena B.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Cell blocks are critically important in fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies and the increasing requirements for personalized medicine testing further highlight their value. When a cell block is inadequate, it can necessitate additional procedures. The objective of the current study was to measure the impact and outcome of dedicated aspirate pass techniques and slide cellularity on cell block quality.

METHODS

Over a 6‐month period, all FNA biopsy cases with cell blocks were identified. Procedural data including the number of dedicated aspirate passes were recorded. Individual cases were retrospectively reviewed and scored for multiple endpoints, including aspirate smear cellularity and cell block quality.

RESULTS

A total of 605 FNA biopsy and cell block cases were identified. The cell block quality score demonstrated a progressive improvement with an increasing number of dedicated biopsies. The performance of a single dedicated biopsy demonstrated a higher percentage of intermediate to high cell block quality scores in comparison with none (+12.1%; P = .0142). The performance of 3 dedicated biopsies demonstrated a higher percentage of intermediate to high cell block quality scores in comparison with a single pass (+13.5%; P = .0138). An intermediate‐quality to high‐quality terminal aspirate smear was more likely to have a high cell block quality score (+31.6%; P = .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Performing at least 1 dedicated FNA biopsy pass was found to improve cell block quality and multiple dedicated biopsies resulted in nearly one‐half having a higher quality score. A high‐cellularity terminal FNA biopsy smear contributed significantly to obtaining a high‐quality cell block. Performing dedicated FNA biopsies and the use of high‐quality aspirate smears are effective clinical practices for improving cell block outcomes. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015;123:540–547. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Growth of Two‐Dimensional Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheet Crystals on Graphite Substrates by Thermal Equilibrium Treatment in Acetic Acid Vapor
Authors: Sakata Kouhei , Kashiyama Soichiro , Matsuo Gento , Uemura Shinobu , Kimizuka Nobuo , Kunitake Masashi
Published: June 2015

Large two‐dimensional (2D) nanosheets of crystalline coordination frameworks were prepared on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) by re‐crystallization induced by thermal equilibrium treatment in acetic acid vapor. The nanosheets comprised 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐porphyrin (H2TCPP) cross‐linked by copper ions. We found that an acetic acid vapor environment dramatically decreased the activation energy and accelerated the recombination of coordination bonds between metal ions and carboxylate ligands in the H2TCPP‐Cu frameworks. Ultimately, two‐dimensional horizontal crystal growth was induced to form monomolecular sheets as the most thermodynamically stable crystal structure on a well‐defined surface.
The Role of miR‐21 in Cancer
Authors: Pfeffer Susan R. , Yang Chuan He , Pfeffer Lawrence M.
Published: June 2015

Preclinical Research

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous noncoding RNAs that suppress gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level. In the past decade, miRNAs have been extensively studied in a number of different human cancers. MiRNAs have been identified to act both as oncogenes and as tumor suppressors. In addition, miRNAs are associated with the intrinsic resistance of cancer to various forms of therapy, and they are implicated in both tumor progression and metastasis. The characterization of the specific alterations in the patterns of miRNA expression in cancer has great potential for identifying biomarkers for early cancer detection, as well as for potential therapeutic intervention in cancer treatment. In this chapter, we describe the ever‐expanding role of miR‐21 and its target genes in different cancers, and provide insight into how this oncogenic miRNA regulates cancer cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis by suppressing the expression of tumor suppressors. Drug Dev Res 76 : 270–277, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New approach for vitamin E extraction in rainbow trout flesh: Application in fish fed commercial and red seaweed‐supplemented diets
Authors: Araújo Mariana , Alves Rita C. , Pimentel Filipa B. , Costa Anabela S.G. , Fernandes Telmo J.R. , Valente Luísa M.P. , Rema Paulo , Oliveira M. Beatriz P.P.
Published: June 2015

A vitamin E extraction method for rainbow trout flesh was optimized, validated, and applied in fish fed commercial and Gracilaria vermiculophylla‐supplemented diets. Five extraction methods were compared. Vitamers were analyzed by HPLC/DAD/fluorescence. A solid‐liquid extraction with n‐hexane, which showed the best performance, was optimized and validated. Among the eight vitamers, only α‐ and γ‐tocopherol were detected in muscle samples. The final method showed good linearity (>0.999), intra‐ (<3.1%) and inter‐day precision (<2.6%), and recoveries (>96%). Detection and quantification limits were 39.9 and 121.0 ng/g of muscle, for α‐tocopherol, and 111.4 ng/g and 337.6 ng/g, for γ‐tocopherol, respectively. Compared to the control group, the dietary inclusion of 5% G. vermiculophylla resulted in a slight reduction of lipids in muscle and, consequently, of α‐ and γ‐tocopherol. Nevertheless, vitamin E profile in lipids was maintained. In general, the results may be explained by the lower vitamin E level in seaweed‐containing diet.

Practical Applications: Based on the validation results and the low solvent consumption, the developed method can be used to analyze vitamin E in rainbow trout. The results of this work are also a valuable information source for fish feed industries and aquaculture producers, which can focus on improving seaweed inclusion in feeds as a source of vitamin E in fish muscle and, therefore, take full advantage of all bioactive components with an important role in fish health and flesh quality.

Muscle samples from rainbow trout fed a commercial diets were used to select, optimize, and validate an extraction method for vitamin E. The final method was used to extract α and γ‐tocopherol in muscle from rainbow trout fed a control (CTRL) and a seaweed‐supplemented diet (GRA).
A Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane‐Rhodamine Spirolactam Derivative as Dual Channel pH and Water Sensor and Its Application to Bio Imaging
Authors: Devi Manisha , Dhir Abhimanew , Pradeep Chullikkattil P.
Published: June 2015

A rhodamine spirolactam derivative, R1, having tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane moiety as substituent on the spirolactam ring has been synthesized and characterized. R1 shows visual colour change and fluorescence in protic solvents and it is capable of sensing trace amounts of water present in organic solvents. In addition, R1 shows reversible ON–OFF switching in its fluorescence and absorption properties as a function of solution pH. Different from majority of the reported rhodamine spirolactam derivatives, R1 shows strong fluorescence and absorption over a wide pH range (pH 3–9) and on either side of this range, it gets converted into colourless and non‐fluorescent ring closed form. The reversible ring opening and ring closure of R1 as a function of solution pH have been supported by spectroscopic analyses. We also demonstrate the potential use of R1 in cell imaging as it stains selectively the nucleus of Allium cepa root tip cells and human white blood cells (WBCs) at lower concentrations.
Vertical earthquake response of megawatt‐sized wind turbine with soil‐structure interaction effects
Authors: Kjørlaug Remi A. , Kaynia Amir M.
Published: June 2015

The dynamic response of a wind turbine on monopile is studied under horizontal and vertical earthquake excitations. The analyses are carried out using the finite element program SAP2000. The finite element model of the structure is verified against the results of shake table tests, and the earthquake response of the soil model is verified against analytical solutions of the steady‐state response of homogeneous strata. The focus of the analyses in this paper is the vertical earthquake response of wind turbines including the soil‐structure interaction effects. The analyses are carried out for both a non‐homogeneous stratum and a deep soil using the three‐step method. In addition, a procedure is implemented which allows one to perform coupled soil‐structure interaction analyses by properly tuning the damping in the tower structure. The analyses show amplification of the ground surface acceleration to the top of the tower by a factor of two. These accelerations are capable of causing damage in the turbine and the tower structure, or malfunctioning of the turbine after the earthquake; therefore, vertical earthquake excitation is considered a potential critical loading in design of wind turbines even in low‐to‐moderate seismic areas. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Daytime somnolence as an early sign of cognitive decline in a community‐based study of older people
Authors: Tsapanou Angeliki , Gu Yian , O'Shea Deirdre , Eich Teal , Tang Ming‐Xin , Schupf Nicole , Manly Jennifer , Zimmerman Molly , Scarmeas Nikolaos , Stern Yaakov
Published: June 2015

Objective

This study aimed to examine the association between self‐reported sleep problems and cognitive decline in community‐dwelling older people. We hypothesized that daytime somnolence predicts subsequent cognitive decline.

Methods

This is a longitudinal study in a 3.2‐year follow‐up, with 18‐month intervals. The setting is the Washington Heights‐Inwood Community Aging Project. There were 1098 participants, who were over 65 years old and recruited from the community.

Sleep problems were estimated using five sleep categories derived from the RAND Medical Outcome Study Sleep Scale: sleep disturbance, snoring, awaken short of breath/with a headache, sleep adequacy, and daytime somnolence. Four distinct cognitive composite scores were calculated: memory, language, speed of processing, and executive functioning. We used generalized estimating equations analyses with cognitive scores as the outcome, and time, sleep categories and their interactions as the main predictors. Models were initially unadjusted and then adjusted for age, gender, education, ethnicity, depression, and apolipoprotein E‐ε4 genotype.

Results

Increased daytime somnolence (including feeling drowsy/sleepy, having trouble staying awake, and taking naps during the day) was linked to slower speed of processing both cross‐sectionally (B = −0.143, p = 0.047) and longitudinally (B = −0.003, p = 0.027). After excluding the demented participants at baseline, the results remained significant (B = −0.003, p = 0.021).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that daytime somnolence may be an early sign of cognitive decline in the older population. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying run‐off contributions during melt‐induced run‐off events in a glacierized alpine catchment
Authors: Engel Michael , Penna Daniele , Bertoldi Giacomo , Dell'Agnese Andrea , Soulsby Chris , Comiti Francesco
Published: June 2015

We analysed contributions to run‐off using hourly stream water samples from seven individual melt‐induced run‐off events (plus one rainfall event) during 2011, 2012 and 2013 in two nested glacierized catchments in the Eastern Italian Alps. Electrical conductivity and stable isotopes of water were used for mixing analysis and two‐component and three‐component hydrograph separation.

High‐elevation snowmelt, glacier melt and autumn groundwater were identified as major end‐members. Discharge and tracers in the stream followed the diurnal variations of air temperature but markedly reacted to rainfall inputs. Hysteresis patterns between discharge and electrical conductivity during the melt‐induced run‐off events revealed contrasting loop directions at the two monitored stream sections. Snowmelt contribution to run‐off was highest in June and July (up to 33%), whereas the maximum contribution of glacier melt was reached in August (up to 65%). The maximum groundwater and rainfall contributions were 62% and 11%, respectively. Run‐off events were generally characterized by decreasing snowmelt and increasing glacier melt fractions from the beginning to the end of the summer 2012, while run‐off events in 2013 showed less variable snowmelt and lower glacier melt contributions than in 2012.

The results provided essential insights into the complex dynamics of melt‐induced run‐off events and may be of further use in the context of water resource management in alpine catchments. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A self‐enforcing CD44s/ZEB1 feedback loop maintains EMT and stemness properties in cancer cells
Authors: Preca Bogdan‐Tiberius , Bajdak Karolina , Mock Kerstin , Sundararajan Vignesh , Pfannstiel Jessica , Maurer Jochen , Wellner Ulrich , Hopt Ulrich T. , Brummer Tilman , Brabletz Simone , Brabletz Thomas , Stemmler Marc P.
Published: June 2015

Invasion and metastasis of carcinomas are often activated by induction of aberrant epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). This is mainly driven by the transcription factor ZEB1, promoting tumor‐initiating capacity correlated with increased expression of the putative stem cell marker CD44. However, the direct link between ZEB1, CD44 and tumourigenesis is still enigmatic. Remarkably, EMT‐induced repression of ESRP1 controls alternative splicing of CD44, causing a shift in the expression from the variant CD44v to the standard CD44s isoform. We analyzed whether CD44 and ZEB1 regulate each other and show that ZEB1 controls CD44s splicing by repression of ESRP1 in breast and pancreatic cancer. Intriguingly, CD44s itself activates the expression of ZEB1, resulting in a self‐sustaining ZEB1 and CD44s expression. Activation of this novel CD44s‐ZEB1 regulatory loop has functional impact on tumor cells, as evident by increased tumor‐sphere initiation capacity, drug‐resistance and tumor recurrence. In summary, we identified a self‐enforcing feedback loop that employs CD44s to activate ZEB1 expression. This renders tumor cell stemness independent of external stimuli, as ZEB1 downregulates ESRP1, further promoting CD44s isoform synthesis.
Dietary fat, fat subtypes and hepatocellular carcinoma in a large European cohort
Authors: Duarte‐Salles Talita , Fedirko Veronika , Stepien Magdalena , Aleksandrova Krasimira , Bamia Christina , Lagiou Pagona , Laursen Anne Sofie Dam , Hansen Louise , Overvad Kim , Tjønneland Anne , Boutron‐Ruault Marie‐Christine , Fagherazzi Guy , His Mathilde , Boeing Heiner , Katzke Verena , Kühn Tilman , Trichopoulou Antonia , Valanou Elissavet , Kritikou Maria , Masala Giovanna , Panico Salvatore , Sieri Sabina , Ricceri Fulvio , Tumino Rosario , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita H. B(as) , Peeters Petra H. , Hjartåker Anette , Skeie Guri , Weiderpass Elisabete , Ardanaz Eva , Bonet Catalina , Chirlaque Maria‐Dolores , Dorronsoro Miren , Quirós J. Ramón , Johansson Ingegerd , Ohlsson Bodil , Sjöberg Klas , Wennberg Maria , Khaw Kay‐Tee , Travis Ruth C. , Wareham Nick , Ferrari Pietro , Freisling Heinz , Romieu Isabelle , Cross Amanda J. , Gunter Marc , Lu Yunxia , Jenab Mazda
Published: June 2015

The role of amount and type of dietary fat consumption in the etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly understood, despite suggestive biological plausibility. The associations of total fat, fat subtypes and fat sources with HCC incidence were investigated in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort, which includes 191 incident HCC cases diagnosed between 1992 and 2010. Diet was assessed by country‐specific, validated dietary questionnaires. A single 24‐hr diet recall from a cohort subsample was used for measurement error calibration. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated from Cox proportional hazard models. Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV/HCV) status and biomarkers of liver function were assessed separately in a nested case–control subset with available blood samples (HCC = 122). In multivariable calibrated models, there was a statistically significant inverse association between total fat intake and risk of HCC (per 10 g/day, HR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.65–0.99), which was mainly driven by monounsaturated fats (per 5 g/day, HR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.55–0.92) rather than polyunsaturated fats (per 5 g/day, HR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.68–1.25). There was no association between saturated fats (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.88–1.34) and HCC risk. The ratio of polyunsaturated/monounsaturated fats to saturated fats was not significantly associated with HCC risk (per 0.2 point, HR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.73–1.01). Restriction of analyses to HBV/HCV free participants or adjustment for liver function did not substantially alter the findings. In this large prospective European cohort, higher consumption of monounsaturated fats is associated with lower HCC risk.
Bisphosphonate Induces Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Diabetic Mice via NLRP3/Caspase-1-Dependent IL-1β Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Qunzhou , Yu Weihua , Lee Sumin , Xu Qilin , Naji Ali , Le Anh D
Published: June 2015

Diabetes mellitus is an established risk factor associated with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). Sustained activation of Nod-like receptor (NLR) family, pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome contributes to the persistent inflammation and impaired cutaneous wound healing in diabetic mice and human. We have recently demonstrated a compelling linkage between M1 macrophages and BRONJ conditions in both murine and human diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether NLRP3 inflammasome activation is involved in BRONJ development in diabetic mice. We showed an increased incidence of delayed oral wound healing and bone necrosis of extraction sockets in db/db mice compared with those in nondiabetic db/+ controls, which correlated with an elevated expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β in macrophages residing at local wounds. Constitutively, bone marrow-derived macrophages from db/db mice (db/db BMDMs) secrete a relatively higher level of IL-1β than those from db/+ mice (db/+ BMDMs). Upon stimulation by NLRP3 activators, the secretion of IL-1β by db/db BMDMs was 1.77-fold higher than that by db/+ BMDMs (p < 0.001). Systemic treatment of mice with zoledronate (Zol), a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, resulted in a 1.86- and 1.63-fold increase in NLRP3/caspase-1-dependent IL-1β secretion by db/+ and db/db BMDMs, respectively, compared with BMDMs derived from nontreated mice (p < 0.001). Importantly, systemic administration of pharmacological inhibitors of NLRP3 activation improved oral wound healing and suppressed BRONJ formation in db/db mice. Mechanistically, we showed that supplementation with intermediate metabolites of the mevalonate pathway, inhibitors of caspase-1 and NLRP3 activation, an antagonist for P2X7R, or a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), robustly abolished Zol-enhanced IL-1β release from macrophages in response to NLRP3 activation (p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that diabetes-associated chronic inflammatory response may have contributed to impaired socket wound healing and rendered oral wound susceptible to the development of BRONJ via NLRP3 activation in macrophages. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Acrylamide Influence on Activity of Acetylcholinesterase, Thiol Groups, and Malondialdehyde Content in the Brain of Swiss Mice
Authors: Kopańska Marta , Lukáč Norbert , Kapusta Edyta , Formicki Grzegorz
Published: June 2015

Acrylamide is a neurotoxin inhibiting neurotransmission in peripheral nerves. Less is known about acrylamide influence on the central nervous system. Here we measured acrylamide influence on the acetylcholinesterase activity in brain stem, hemispheres, and cerebellum of mice (males, Swiss strain) in relation to the thiol groups and malondialdehyde concentration. Acrylamide was injected intraperitoneally (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.e. 0.52 and 1.04 mg per animal). The brain structures were taken 24, 48, and 192 h after the injection. Acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly lower (p < 0.001 to p < 0.05) in all the structures. It was accompanied by the statistically significant (p < 0.001 to p < 0.05) increase in malondialdehyde concentrations in most of the studied structures time periods and ACR doses. –SH groups concentrations were significantly depleted in the right hemisphere (p < 0.01) after 24 h and in brain stem (p < 0.05) after 48 h. We suggest that neurotoxicity of acrylamide in brain is related to acetylcholinesterase inhibition and redox imbalance.
A within‐subject between‐apparatus comparison of impulsive choice: T‐maze and two‐lever chamber
Authors: Cunningham Paul J. , Kuhn Robin , Reilly Mark P.
Published: June 2015

Whereas intertemporal choice procedures are a common method for examining impulsive choice in nonhuman subjects, the apparatus used to implement this procedure varies across studies. The purpose of the present study was to compare impulsive choice between a two‐lever chamber and a T‐maze. In Experiment 1, rats chose between a smaller, immediate reinforcer and a larger, delayed reinforcer, first in a two‐lever chamber and then in a T‐maze. Delay to the larger reinforcer changed in an ascending and descending order (0‐32 s) across sessions. Experiment 2 examined the same between‐apparatus comparison but under steady‐state conditions with the delay fixed at 32 s. In Experiment 1, choice for the larger, delayed reinforcer was generally higher in the T‐maze than in the two‐lever chamber. Similarly in Experiment 2, steady‐state choice for the larger, delayed reinforcer was higher in the T‐maze. Choice for the 32‐s delayed reinforcer was also greater in Experiment 2 than in Experiment 1, suggesting that extended exposure to the delay is required for the T‐maze to yield reliable impulsive choice data. While the reasons for the between‐apparatus discrepancies are at present unknown, results from both experiments clearly demonstrate that the apparatus matters when assessing overall level and reliability of impulsive choice data.
RE1 silencing transcription factor/neuron‐restrictive silencing factor regulates expansion of adult mouse subventricular zone‐derived neural stem/progenitor cells in vitro
Authors: Soldati Chiara , Caramanica Pasquale , Burney Matthew J. , Toselli Camilla , Bithell Angela , Augusti‐Tocco Gabriella , Stanton Lawrence W. , Biagioni Stefano , Buckley Noel J. , Cacci Emanuele
Published: June 2015

Adult neural stem cell (aNSC) activity is tuned by external stimuli through the recruitment of transcription factors. This study examines the RE1 silencing transcription factor (REST) in neural stem/progenitor cells isolated from the subventricular zone of adult mouse brain and provides the first extensive characterization of REST‐mediated control of the cellular and molecular properties. This study shows that REST knockdown affects the capacity of progenitor cells to generate neurospheres, reduces cell proliferation, and triggers cell differentiation despite the presence of growth factors. Genome‐ and transcriptome‐wide analyses show that REST binding sites are significantly enriched in genes associated with synaptic transmission and nervous system development and function. Seeking candidate regulators of aNSC function, this study identifies a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family, BMP6, the mRNA and protein of which increased after REST knockdown. The results of this study extend previous findings, demonstrating a reciprocal control of REST expression by BMPs. Administration of exogenous BMP6 inhibits aNSC proliferation and induces the expression of the astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic protein, highlighting its antimitogenic and prodifferentiative effects. This study suggests that BMP6 produced in a REST‐regulated manner together with other signals can contribute to regulation of NSC maintenance and fate. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hierarchical Microstructures Self‐Assembled from Linear Multiblock Copolymers in Thin Films
Authors: Lin Jingyuan , Gong Shuting , Zhang Xu , Wang Liquan
Published: June 2015

Hierarchical lamellae self‐assembled from linear multiblock copolymers in thin films are investigated by self‐consistent field theory. The thin films are confined between two parallel substrates. The confinement strategy allows generating hierarchical microstructures with various numbers and different orientations of small‐length‐scale lamellae. Effects of film thickness and surface affinity on the structures are studied. It is found that not only the period of the large‐ and small‐length‐scale lamellae but also the orientation of small‐length‐scale lamellae relative to large‐length‐scale lamellae can be tuned by varying the film thickness. Moreover, the structures of the hierarchical lamellae can be tailored by changing the surface affinity. Through analyzing free energies of various lamellae, phase diagrams are mapped out. The present work could provide guidance for fabricating hierarchical microstructures in a controllable way.
Establishing a methodology to examine the effects of war‐zone PTSD on the family: the family foundations study
Authors: Vasterling Jennifer J. , Taft Casey T. , Proctor Susan P. , Macdonald Helen Z. , Lawrence Amy , Kalill Kathleen , Kaiser Anica P. , Lee Lewina O. , King Daniel W. , King Lynda A. , Fairbank John A.
Published: June 2015

Military deployment may adversely affect not only returning veterans, but their families, as well. As a result, researchers have increasingly focused on identifying risk and protective factors for successful family adaptation to war‐zone deployment, re‐integration of the returning veteran, and the longer‐term psychosocial consequences of deployment experienced by some veterans and families. Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among returning veterans may pose particular challenges to military and military veteran families; however, questions remain regarding the impact of the course of veteran PTSD and other potential moderating factors on family adaptation to military deployment. The Family Foundations Study builds upon an established longitudinal cohort of Army soldiers (i.e. the Neurocognition Deployment Health Study) to help address remaining knowledge gaps. This report describes the conceptual framework and key gaps in knowledge that guided the study design, methodological challenges and special considerations in conducting military family research, and how these gaps, challenges, and special considerations are addressed by the study. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.