bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intermolecular [3+2] Annulation of Cyclopropylanilines with Alkynes, Enynes, and Diynes via Visible Light Photocatalysis
Authors: Nguyen Theresa H. , Morris Scott A. , Zheng Nan
Published: September 2014

One‐step syntheses of carbocycles substituted with amines from simple starting materials remain rare. We recently developed an intermolecular [3+2] annulation of cyclopropylanilines with alkenes and alkynes that enables this one‐step synthesis. Herein, we report our findings for a full‐scale study of the annulation. Significant expansion of the substrate scope for both cyclopropylanilines and alkynes has been achieved. A range of structurally diverse carbocycles substituted with amines is prepared.

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Impairment of paravascular clearance pathways in the aging brain
Authors: Kress Benjamin T. , Iliff Jeffrey J. , Xia Maosheng , Wang Minghuan , Wei Helen S. , Zeppenfeld Douglas , Xie Lulu , Kang Hongyi , Xu Qiwu , Liew Jason A. , Plog Benjamin A. , Ding Fengfei , Deane Rashid , Nedergaard Maiken
Published: September 2014

Objective

In the brain, protein waste removal is partly performed by paravascular pathways that facilitate convective exchange of water and soluble contents between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF). Several lines of evidence suggest that bulk flow drainage via the glymphatic system is driven by cerebrovascular pulsation, and is dependent on astroglial water channels that line paravascular CSF pathways. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the efficiency of CSF–ISF exchange and interstitial solute clearance is impaired in the aging brain.

Methods

CSF–ISF exchange was evaluated by in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence microscopy and interstitial solute clearance was evaluated by radiotracer clearance assays in young (2–3 months), middle‐aged (10–12 months), and old (18–20 months) wild‐type mice. The relationship between age‐related changes in the expression of the astrocytic water channel aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) and changes in glymphatic pathway function was evaluated by immunofluorescence.

Results

Advancing age was associated with a dramatic decline in the efficiency of exchange between the subarachnoid CSF and the brain parenchyma. Relative to the young, clearance of intraparenchymally injected amyloid‐β was impaired by 40% in the old mice. A 27% reduction in the vessel wall pulsatility of intracortical arterioles and widespread loss of perivascular AQP4 polarization along the penetrating arteries accompanied the decline in CSF–ISF exchange.

Interpretation

We propose that impaired glymphatic clearance contributes to cognitive decline among the elderly and may represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases associated with accumulation of misfolded protein aggregates. Ann Neurol 2014;76:845–861
Anionenbindungskatalyse durch elektronenarme Pyridiniumionen
Authors: Berkessel Albrecht , Das Somnath , Pekel Daniel , Neudörfl Jörg‐M.
Published: September 2014

Wir stellen ein neues Aktivierungskonzept in der Organokatalyse vor: Halogenidbindung durch Coulomb‐Wechselwirkung. Dieser Katalysemodus wurde mithilfe von 3,5‐Dicarbomethoxypyridiniumionen erreicht, die einen zusätzlichen elektronenziehenden Substituenten am Stickstoffatom tragen, z. B. Pentafluorbenzyl oder Cyanmethyl. Für das N‐Pentafluorbenzylderivat wird die Coulomb‐Wechselwirkung – im Festkörper – durch eine Anion‐π‐Wechselwirkung mit dem Perfluorphenylring ergänzt. Bromid und Chlorid werden in einer 1:1‐Stöchiometrie durch die Kationen gebunden. Die katalytische C‐C‐Verknüpfung zwischen 1‐Chlorisochroman (und verwandten Elektrophilen) mit Silylketenacetalen läuft bei −78 °C und mit geringen Katalysatormengen (2 Mol‐%) ab.
Catalytic Enantioselective Alkylation of Sulfenate Anions to Chiral Heterocyclic Sulfoxides Using Halogenated Pentanidium Salts
Authors: Zong Lili , Ban Xu , Kee Choon Wee , Tan Choon‐Hong
Published: September 2014

We report halogenated pentanidiums as phase‐transfer catalysts for the asymmetric alkylation of sulfenate anions to various sulfoxides with high enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee) and yields (up to 99 %). This approach gives access to enantioenriched heterocyclic sulfoxides that might not be compatible with strong oxidants or organometallic reagents. Computational studies have revealed that the multiple noncovalent interactions such as halogen bonds and nonclassical hydrogen bonds are involved.
Bio‐based diblock copolymers prepared from poly(lactic acid) and natural rubber
Authors: Chumeka Wannapa , Pasetto Pamela , Pilard Jean‐François , Tanrattanakul Varaporn
Published: September 2014

New bio‐based diblock copolymers were synthesized from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and natural rubber (NR). NR polymer chains were modified to obtain hydroxyl telechelic natural rubber oligomers (HTNR). Condensation polymerization between PLA and HTNR was performed at 110°C during 24 or 48 h. The molecular weight of PLA and HTNR and the molar ratio PLA : HTNR were varied. The new ester linkage in the diblock copolymers was determined by 1H‐NMR. The molecular weight of the diblock copolymers determined from SEC agreed with that expected from calculation. The thermal behavior and degradation temperature were determined by DSC and TGA, respectively. The diblock copolymers were used as a toughening agent of PLA and as a compatibilizer of the PLA/NR blend. PLA blended with the diblock copolymer showed higher impact strength, which was comparable to the one of a PLA/NR blend. The former blend showed smaller dispersed particles as showed by SEM images, indicating the increase in miscibility in the blend due to the PLA block. The compatibilization was effective in the blends containing ∼10 wt % of rubber. At a higher rubber content (>10 wt %), coalescence of the NR and diblock copolymer was responsible of the larger rubber diameter in the blends, which causes a decrease of the impact strength. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41426.
Continuous supercritical decrosslinking extrusion process for recycling of crosslinked polyethylene waste
Authors: Baek Bum Ki , Shin Ji Wook , Jung Jun Yong , Hong Soon Man , Nam Gi Joon , Han Haksoo , Koo Chong Min
Published: September 2014

This work demonstrates that extrusion process can be used as a continuous reactor for the recycling of crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) via supercritical methanol decrosslinking reaction. The multistage single screw extruder (L/D = 36, D = 40 mm) with methanol injection pump was customized for the continuous supercritical decrosslinking reaction. Reaction temperature was ranged from 360°C to 390°C. The amount of methanol was varied from 0 to 7 mL/min. The extruder provided the crosslinked polymers with the supercritical conditions of methanol during continuous process. The gel content of XLPE decreased with the increase in the reaction temperature and methanol content. Although XLPE experienced supercritical methanol for less than 2 min retention time in the continuous supercritical extruder, it was completely decrosslinked above 390°C at the methanol feeding rate of 7 mL/min. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41442.
Performance of an Adaptive Controller for the Neuromuscular Blockade Based on Inversion of a Wiener Model
Authors: Silva M. M. , Paz L. , Wigren T. , Mendonça T.
Published: September 2014

An adaptive controller based on a minimally parameterized parsimonious Wiener model for the effect of the muscle relaxant rocuronium in the neuromuscular blockade is presented. The controller structure combines inversion of the recursively identified static nonlinearity of the Wiener model with a positive compartmental control law for the linearized system. The overall strategy exploits the fact that the model has only two parameters, which are estimated by an extended Kalman filter. Due to the fact that the positive control law for total mass conservation of compartmental systems is only proven to be convergent for time‐invariant systems, the identification of the parameter in the linear block of the minimally parameterized parsimonious Wiener model is stopped when the controller is turned on. The controller was implemented in the platform Galeno and tested in simulation and in thirteen real cases of patients under general anesthesia. The good reference tracking results and robustness to noise show the reliability of the proposed strategy.
Tracking Performance Achievement for Continuous‐Time Delayed Linear Systems Subject to Actuator Saturation and output Disturbances
Authors: Mahjoub Adel , Van Assche Vincent , Giri Fouad , Chaoui Fatima Z.
Published: September 2014

Controlling continuous‐time input‐delayed nonminimum‐phase linear systems is addressed in the presence of actuator saturation and output‐disturbances. Focusing on output‐reference tracking, the control design is dealt with in the pseudo‐polynomials ring. A quite appealing L2 ‐tracking performance is shown to be achievable in the presence of arbitrary inputs i.e. the output reference and the output disturbance. The performance is formulated in terms of a well defined output‐reference mismatch error (ORME), depending on the inputs’ rate and their compatibility with the actuator saturation constraint.
Weighted and Constrained Consensus for Distributed Power Dispatch of Scalable Microgrids
Authors: Wang Le Yi , Wang Caisheng , Yin George , Wang Yang
Published: September 2014

Microgrids with distributed energy generators, controllable appliances, electric vehicle charging infrastructures, and energy storage systems introduce new technical challenges in the management of distribution networks. This paper introduces a new framework for power flow control based on the emerging consensus control for networked systems. Due to unique features of power systems, the consensus control problem becomes weighted and constrained, beyond the typical consensus formulation. Using only neighborhood communication for each bus on the microgrid, the consensus control achieves global weighted load balancing. Algorithms are introduced and their convergence properties are established. It is shown that the algorithms have the fastest convergence rates in terms of consensus error variances, by achieving asymptotically the Cramér‐Rao lower bound, and hence is optimal among all algorithms. Examples and case studies demonstrate convergence, robustness, and scalability of the methodology and feasibility in distribution networks. Practical issues are further discussed.
Guaranteed Cost Synchronization of Complex Network Systems with Delay
Authors: Yi‐ping Luo , Bi‐feng Zhou
Published: September 2014

The guaranteed cost synchronization control problem of some general complex dynamical networks with time delay is investigated. A dynamic feedback controller is designed for the system guaranteed cost synchronization. Meanwhile, due to many nodes in the complex networks and the complex of the direct control, use of the the pinning control to make the system achieve guaranteed cost synchronization is also investigated. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory and the matrix inequality, the sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of the guaranteed cost controller with time delay in complex network. The dynamic feedback controller is designed to ensure the asymptotic stability conditions of the system and make the performance index of the system meet certain requirements. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated by numerical examples.
Carbon dots as a luminescence sensor for ultrasensitive detection of phosphate and their bioimaging properties
Authors: Xu Jingyi , Zhou Ying , Cheng Guifang , Dong Meiting , Liu Shuxian , Huang Chaobiao
Published: September 2014

Highly blue fluorescence carbon dots were synthesized by one‐step hydrothermal treatment of potatoes. The as‐obtained C‐dots have been applied to bioimaging of HeLa cells, which shows their excellent biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity. The results reveal that C‐dots are promising for real cell imaging applications. In addition, the carbon dots can be utilized as a probe for sensing phosphate. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Host–guest inclusion complex of mesalazine and β‐cyclodextrin and spectrofluorometric determination of mesalazine
Authors: Elbashir Abdalla A. , Altayib Alasha Abdalla Fatima , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y.
Published: September 2014

The supramolecular interaction of mesalazine (MSZ) and β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) has been examined by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) light, infra‐red (IR) light and fluorescence spectroscopy. The formation of an inclusion complex has been confirmed based on the changes of the spectral properties. MSZ–β‐CD host–guest complex was formed in (1:1) stoichiometry and the inclusion constant (K = 1.359 × 102 L mol–1) was ascertained by typical double reciprocal plots. Furthermore, the thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS°) of (MSZ–β‐CD) were obtained. Based on the remarkable enhancement of the fluorescence intensity of MSZ produced through complex formation, a simple, accurate, rapid and highly sensitive spectrofluorometric method for the determination of MSZ in aqueous solution in the presence of β‐CD was developed. The measurement of relative fluorescence intensity was carried with excitation at 330 nm and emission 493 nm. All variables affecting the reactions were studied and optimized. Beer's law was obeyed in the concentration range 0.1–0.45 µg/mL. Absorbance was found to increase linearly with increasing concentration of MSZ, which is corroborated by the calculated correlation coefficient values of 0.99989. The molar absorptivity, Sandell's sensitivity, detection and quantification limits were calculated. The validity of the described methods was assessed, and the method was successfully applied to the determination of MSZ in its pharmaceutical formulation. In addition, a solid inclusion complex was synthesized by co‐precipitation method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aquatic proteins with repetitive motifs provide insights to bioengineering of novel biomaterials
Authors: Yang Yun Jung , Jung Dooyup , Yang Byeongseon , Hwang Byeong Hee , Cha Hyung Joon
Published: September 2014

Proteins with repetitive motifs play vital structural and adhesive functions in nature. Some repeat proteins in particular have adapted to harsh aquatic surroundings to support the survival and reproduction of organisms. Significant effort has been made to identify aquatic repeat proteins with attractive properties and functions to be used as novel biomaterials. Examples of such proteins include matrix proteins from pearl oysters, minicollagens from sea anemones, cement proteins from sandcastle worms, and byssal proteins from marine mussels. Here, several repetitive motifs from aquatic proteins are reviewed, and their characteristic properties are linked to practical uses in three aspects of aquatic life: defense, shelter, and attachment. Some repetitive motifs interact with minerals and consequently generate strong outer cover of shells, and some motifs relate with sticky nature, which contribute to organisms' habitation by adhering themselves in harsh aquatic environments. Other motifs, such as silk‐ or collagen‐like motifs, are also involved in structural rigidity as shown in mussel's byssus and egg membrane. Thus, understanding aquatic repetitive motifs will provide clues about biomedical and biotechnological applications of engineered biomaterials in wet environments.
Preoperative pregnancy testing
Authors: Wingfield M , McMenamin M
Published: September 2014

A negative pregnancy test is not always reliable
Recombinase‐Based Isothermal Amplification of Nucleic Acids with Self‐Avoiding Molecular Recognition Systems (SAMRS)
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , Hoshika Shuichi , Hutter Daniel , Bradley Kevin M. , Benner Steven A.
Published: September 2014

Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is an isothermal method to amplify nucleic acid sequences without the temperature cycling that classical PCR uses. Instead of using heat to denature the DNA duplex, RPA uses recombination enzymes to swap single‐stranded primers into the duplex DNA product; these are then extended using a strand‐displacing polymerase to complete the cycle. Because RPA runs at low temperatures, it never forces the system to recreate base‐pairs following Watson–Crick rules, and therefore it produces undesired products that impede the amplification of the desired product, complicating downstream analysis. Herein, we show that most of these undesired side products can be avoided if the primers contain components of a self‐avoiding molecular recognition system (SAMRS). Given the precision that is necessary in the recombination systems for them to function biologically, it is surprising that they accept SAMRS. SAMRS‐RPA is expected to be a powerful tool within the range of amplification techniques available to scientists.
Alpha‐Synuclein Binds to the Inner Membrane of Mitochondria in an α‐Helical Conformation
Authors: Robotta Marta , Gerding Hanne R. , Vogel Antonia , Hauser Karin , Schildknecht Stefan , Karreman Christiaan , Leist Marcel , Subramaniam Vinod , Drescher Malte
Published: September 2014

The human alpha‐Synuclein (αS) protein is of significant interest because of its association with Parkinson's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. The intrinsically disordered protein (140 amino acids) is characterized by the absence of a well‐defined structure in solution. It displays remarkable conformational flexibility upon macromolecular interactions, and can associate with mitochondrial membranes. Site‐directed spin‐labeling in combination with electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy enabled us to study the local binding properties of αS on artificial membranes (mimicking the inner and outer mitochondrial membranes), and to evaluate the importance of cardiolipin in this interaction. With pulsed, twofrequency, double‐electron electron paramagnetic resonance (DEER) approaches, we examined, to the best of our knowledge for the first time, the conformation of αS bound to isolated mitochondria.
Cardiac CT and echocardiographic evaluation of peri‐device flow after percutaneous left atrial appendage closure using the AMPLATZER cardiac plug device
Authors: Jaguszewski Milosz , Manes Costantina , Puippe Gilbert , Salzberg Sacha , Müller Maja , Falk Volkmar , Lüscher Thomas , Luft Andreas , Alkadhi Hatem , Landmesser Ulf
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The aim of the study was to examine frequency, size, and localization of peri‐device leaks after percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA)‐closure with the AMPLATZER‐Cardiac‐Plug (ACP) by using a multimodal imaging approach, i.e. combined cardiac‐CT and TEE follow‐up.

Background

Catheter‐based LAA‐occlusion using ACP aims to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Detection of peri‐device leaks after ACP implantation by TEE is challenging, the few available data are inconsistent and the frequency of LAA leaks after ACP implantation remains therefore unclear.

Methods

Cardiac‐CT using a multi‐phase protocol and a second‐generation dual‐source‐CT‐system was performed in 24 patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation starting 3 months after LAA‐closure by ACP. Color Doppler multiplane TEE was used to evaluate peri‐device flow.

Results

Cardiac‐CT follow‐up detected any persistent LAA contrast filling in 62% of patients (n = 15), but leak‐sizes were small (1.5 ± 1.4 mm). Peri‐device leaks were almost exclusively localized at the posterior portion of the LAA‐orifice (>90%). TEE follow‐up revealed peri‐device flow in 36% of patients (jet‐sizes: ≤ 4 mm). ACP‐lobe compression (>10%) and perpendicular ACP‐lobe orientation to the LAA‐neck axis, that was also dependent on LAA anatomy, were substantially more frequent in patients with complete LAA closure.

Conclusion

The present study evaluates for the first time peri‐device flow after LAA closure by ACP using a combined cardiac‐CT and TEE follow‐up. Persistent LAA‐perfusion was frequently detected, leak‐sizes were small and were less frequent when lobe compression was >10% and lobe orientation was perpendicular to the LAA‐neck axis, that was also related to the LAA anatomy. The clinical significance of these small leaks after LAA‐closure using ACP needs to be further evaluated in future studies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toward operative in vivo fluorescence imaging of the c‐Met proto‐oncogene for personalization of therapy in ovarian cancer
Authors: Liu Shujuan , Zheng Yong , Volpi Davide , El‐Kasti Muna , Klotz Daniel , Tullis Iain , Henricks Andrea , Campo Leticia , Myers Kevin , Laios Alex , Thomas Peter , Ng Tony , Dhar Sunanda , Becker Christian , Vojnovic Borivoj , Ahmed Ahmed Ashour
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

Standard biomarker testing of a single macroscopic disease site is unlikely to be sufficient because of tumor heterogeneity. A focus on examining global biomarker expression or activity, particularly in microscopic residual chemotherapy‐resistant disease, is needed for the appropriate selection of targeted therapies. This study was aimed at establishing a technique for the assessment of biomarkers of ovarian cancer peritoneal spread.

METHODS

An in‐house developed fluorescent imaging device was used to detect the expression of the c‐Met oncogene in ovarian cancer. A modified cyanine 5–tagged peptide, GE137, with a high in vitro affinity for the human c‐Met protein, was tested in a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines. Finally, the feasibility of detecting submillimeter ovarian cancer cell peritoneal metastases in vivo was tested through the intravenous injection of GE137 into mice with tumor xenografts.

RESULTS

Using optical imaging it was possible to detect c‐Met expression in submillimeter peritoneal metastases that were freshly excised from a human high‐grade serous ovarian cancer. GE137 selectively bound to the c‐Met tyrosine kinase without activating survival signaling pathways (AKT or extracellular signal‐regulated kinase phosphorylation) downstream of c‐Met. GE137 specifically accumulated in SKOv3 ovarian cancer cells expressing c‐Met via clathrin‐mediated endocytosis and emitted a fluorescent signal that lasted for at least 8 hours in tumor xenografts in vivo with a sustained high signal‐to‐noise ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that intraoperative optical imaging could provide a new paradigm for selecting cancer patients for appropriate targeted therapies, particularly after initial chemotherapy. Cancer 2015;121:202–13. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Pleuropulmonary blastoma: A report on 350 central pathology–confirmed pleuropulmonary blastoma cases by the International Pleuropulmonary Blastoma Registry
Authors: Messinger Yoav H. , Stewart Douglas R. , Priest John R. , Williams Gretchen M. , Harris Anne K. , Schultz Kris Ann P. , Yang Jiandong , Doros Leslie , Rosenberg Philip S. , Hill D. Ashley , Dehner Louis P.
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) has 3 subtypes on a tumor progression pathway ranging from type I (cystic) to type II (cystic/solid) and type III (completely solid). A germline mutation in DICER1 is the genetic cause in the majority of PPB cases.

METHODS

Patients confirmed to have PPB by central pathology review were included, and their clinical characteristics and outcomes were reported. Germline DICER1 mutations were sought with Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

There were 435 cases, and a central review confirmed 350 cases to be PPB; 85 cases (20%) were another entity. Thirty‐three percent of the 350 PPB cases were type I or type I regressed (type Ir), 35% were type II, and 32% were type III or type II/III. The median ages at diagnosis for type I, type II, and type III patients were 8, 35, and 41 months, respectively. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate for type I/Ir patients was 91%; all deaths in this group were due to progression to type II or III. OS was significantly better for type II versus type III (P = .0061); the 5‐year OS rates were 71% and 53%, respectively. Disease‐free survival (DFS) was also significantly better for type II versus type III (P = .0002); the 5‐year DFS rates were 59% and 37%, respectively. The PPB type was the strongest predictor of outcome. Metastatic disease at the diagnosis of types II and III was also an independent unfavorable prognostic factor. Sixty‐six percent of the 97 patients tested had a heterozygous germline DICER1 mutation. In this subset, the DICER1 germline mutation status was not related to the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Cystic type I/Ir PPB has a better prognosis than type II, and type II has a better outcome than type III. Surveillance of DICER1 carriers may allow the earlier detection of cystic PPB before its progression to type II or III PPB and thereby improve outcomes. Cancer 2015;121:276–85. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Synthesis of 1,4:3,6‐Dianhydrohexitols Diesters from the Palladium‐Catalyzed Hydroesterification Reaction
Authors: Pruvost Romain , Boulanger Jérôme , Léger Bastien , Ponchel Anne , Monflier Eric , Ibert Mathias , Mortreux André , Chenal Thomas , Sauthier Mathieu
Published: September 2014

The hydroesterification of alpha olefins has been used to synthesize diesters from bio‐based secondary diols: isosorbide, isomannide, and isoidide. The reaction was promoted by 0.2 % palladium catalyst generated in situ from palladium acetate/triphenylphosphine/para‐toluene sulfonic acid. Optimized reaction conditions allowed the selective synthesis of the diesters with high yields and the reaction conditions could be scaled up to the synthesis of hundred grams of diesters from isosorbide and 1‐octene with solvent‐free conditions.
Upgrading Carbon Dioxide by Incorporation into Heterocycles
Authors: Yu Bing , He Liang‐Nian
Published: September 2014

Carbon dioxide is commonly regarded as the primary greenhouse gas, but from a synthetic standpoint can be utilized as an alternative and sustainable C1 synthon in organic synthesis rather than a waste. This results in the production of organic carbonates, carboxylic acids, and derivatives. Recently, CO2 has emerged as an appealing tool for heterocycle synthesis under mild conditions without using stoichiometric amounts of organometallic reducing reagents. This Minireview summarizes recent advances on methodologies for CO2 incorporation into N‐, O‐, and C‐nucleophiles to provide various heterocycles, including cyclic carbamates, benzoxazine‐2‐one, 4‐hydroxyquinolin‐2‐one, quinazoline‐2,4(1 H,3 H)‐diones, benzimidazolones, α‐alkylidene cyclic carbonate.
Different neural crest populations exhibit diverse proliferative behaviors
Authors: Gonsalvez David G. , Li‐Yuen‐Fong Mathew , Cane Kylie N. , Stamp Lincon A. , Young Heather M. , Anderson Colin R.
Published: September 2014

The rate of proliferation of cells depends on the proportion of cycling cells and the frequency of cell division. Here, we describe in detail methods for quantifying the proliferative behavior of specific cell types in situ, and use the method to examine cell cycle dynamics in two neural crest derivatives—dorsal root ganglia (DRG) using frozen sections, and the enteric nervous system (ENS) using wholemount preparations. In DRG, our data reveal a significant increase in cell cycle length and a decrease in the number of cycling Sox10+ progenitor cells at E12.5–E13.5, which coincides with the commencement of glial cell generation. In the ENS, the vast majority of Sox10+ cells remain proliferative during embryonic development, with only relatively minor changes in cell cycle parameters. Previous studies have identified proliferating cells expressing neuronal markers in the developing ENS; our data suggest that most cells undergoing neuronal differentiation in the developing gut commence expression of neuronal markers during G2 phase of their last division. Combined with previous studies, our findings show that different populations of neural crest‐derived cells show tissue‐specific patterns of proliferation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 287–301, 2015
In situ tagging technique for fishes provides insight into growth and movement of invasive lionfish
Authors: Akins John L. , Morris James A. , Green Stephanie J.
Published: September 2014

Information on fish movement and growth is primarily obtained through the marking and tracking of individuals with external tags, which are usually affixed to anesthetized individuals at the surface. However, the quantity and quality of data obtained by this method is often limited by small sample sizes owing to the time associated with the tagging process, high rates of tagging‐related mortality, and displacement of tagged individuals from the initial capture location. To address these issues, we describe a technique for applying external streamer and dart tags in situ, which uses SCUBA divers to capture and tag individual fish on the sea floor without the use of anesthetic. We demonstrate this method for Indo‐Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans/P. miles), species which are particularly vulnerable to barotrauma when transported to and handled at the surface. To test our method, we tagged 161 individuals inhabiting 26 coral reef locations in the Bahamas over a period of 3 years. Our method resulted in no instances of barotrauma, reduced handling and recovery time, and minimal post‐tagging release displacement compared with conventional ex situ tag application. Opportunistic resighting and recapture of tagged individuals reveals that lionfish exhibit highly variable site fidelity, movement patterns, and growth rates on invaded coral reef habitats. In total, 24% of lionfish were resighted between 29 and 188 days after tagging. Of these, 90% were located at the site of capture, while the remaining individuals were resighted between 200 m and 1.1 km from initial site of capture over 29 days later. In situ growth rates ranged between 0.1 and 0.6 mm/day. While individuals tagged with streamer tags posted slower growth rates with increasing size, as expected, there was no relationship between growth rate and fish size for individuals marked with dart tags, potentially because of large effects of tag presence on the activities of small bodied lionfish (i.e., <150 mm), where the tag was up to 7.6% of the lionfish's mass. Our study offers a novel in situ tagging technique that can be used to provide critical information on fish site fidelity, movement patterns, and growth in cases where ex situ tagging is not feasible.
Frequency of Upward Lightning Hits to Wind Turbines in Winter
Authors: Saito Mikihisa , Ishii Masaru , Ohnishi Atsushi , Fujii Fumiyuki , Matsui Michihiro , Natsuno Daisuke
Published: September 2014

In recent years, frequent damage to wind turbines by winter lightning has been reported in the region along the Sea of Japan. It is a serious finding that lightning hits concentrate on wind turbines in this region. The authors investigated the increase rate of the frequency of lightning hits on wind turbines due to wind turbine construction by using LLS (lightning location system) data. As a result, an experimental formula to estimate the increase rate of the frequency of lightning hits on wind turbines as a function of parameters related to the construction conditions, namely the height of wind turbines, the height above sea level, and the latitude, is proposed.
Using Naturally Cold Air and Snow for Data Center Air‐Conditioning and Humidity Control
Authors: Tsuda Kunikazu , Tano Shunichi , Ichino Junko
Published: September 2014

Reducing power consumption has become a worldwide concern. It is also becoming a more significant issue for computer systems, as reflected by the growing use of software‐as‐a‐service and cloud computing, whose markets have increased since 2000. At the same time, the number of data centers that accumulate and manage computers has increased rapidly. Power consumption at data centers accounts for a big share of the entirety of IT power usage, and is still increasing rapidly. The present research focuses on air conditioning, which accounts for the largest portion of electric power consumption in data centers, and proposes the development of a technique to lower the power consumption by using natural cool air and snow for temperature and humidity control. We verify the effectiveness of this approach through experiments. We also examine the extent to which energy reduction is possible when a data center is located in Hokkaido.
Electrochemical Aptasensor Based on Polycarboxylic Macrocycle Modified with Neutral Red for Aflatoxin B1 Detection
Authors: Evtugyn Gennady , Porfireva Anna , Stepanova Veronika , Sitdikov Rusal , Stoikov Ivan , Nikolelis Dimitrios , Hianik Tibor
Published: September 2014

Novel electrochemical aptasensors based on glassy carbon electrodes modified with electropolymerized Neutral red and polycarboxylated macrocyclic ligands onto which the DNA aptamers were covalently attached have been developed for detection of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The interaction with an analyte resulted in the decrease of the cathodic peak current of the probe measured by CV and in the increase of the electron transfer resistance determined by EIS. The limit of detection was found to be 0.1 nM for CV and 0.05 nM for EIS methods, respectively. The aptasensor makes it possible to detect AFB1 in peanuts, cashew nuts, white wine and soy sauce with a recovery of 85–100 %.
Dietary exposure of BDE-47 and BDE-99 and effects on behavior, bioenergetics, and thyroid function in juvenile red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) and common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina)
Authors: Eisenreich Karen M. , Rowe Christopher L.
Published: September 2014

Juvenile red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) and snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) were fed food dosed with brominated diphenyl ether-47 (BDE-47) or BDE-99 for 6 mo beginning approximately 9 mo posthatch. During the exposure period, measurements of growth, bioenergetics, and behavior were made; thyroid function and accumulation were quantified postexposure. Whole-body concentrations of both congeners were lower in red-eared sliders compared with snapping turtles after 6 mo of exposure. Snapping turtles receiving BDE-47 had significantly elevated standard metabolic rates after 3 mo and 4 mo of exposure (p = 0.014 and p = 0.019, respectively). When exposed to BDE-99, red-eared sliders were slower to right themselves after having been inverted (p < 0.0001). Total glandular thyroxine concentrations were significantly reduced in red-eared sliders exposed to BDE-47 (mean control, 8080 ng/g; mean BDE-47, 5126 ng/g; p = 0.034). These results demonstrate that dietary exposure to BDE-47 and BDE-99 can elicit a suite of responses in 2 species of turtles, but that the red-eared slider appears to be a more sensitive species to the measured end points. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2810–2817. © 2014 SETAC
Well‐differentiated thyroid cancer with aerodigestive tract invasion: Long‐term control and functional outcomes
Authors: Su Shirley Y. , Milas Zvonimir L. , Bhatt Neel , Roberts Dianna , Clayman Gary L.
Published: September 2014

Background

Well‐differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC) invading the aerodigestive tract is an uncommon entity associated with significant morbidity and reduced survival.

Methods

We reviewed the surgical treatment, oncologic control, and functional outcomes of 69 consecutive patients with WDTC invading the upper aerodigestive tract.

Results

Complete tumor excision with negative margins was achieved in 62% of patients. Tracheostomy dependence (27%) and permanent hypoparathyroidism (49%) were present or the result of surgery. Seventy‐one percent of patients ate a regular diet, 59% had normal speech, and the majority (62%) reported normal activities of daily living. The local, regional, and distant recurrence was 1%, 14%, and 23%, respectively. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) was 71% and 45%, respectively.

Conclusion

Surgical resection and appropriate adjuvant treatment can achieve excellent locoregional control while preserving function and quality of life. Long‐term survival is limited by the high incidence of distant metastasis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 72–78, 2016
Dynamic range of GSK3α not GSK3β is essential for bidirectional synaptic plasticity at hippocampal CA3‐CA1 synapses
Authors: Shahab Lion , Plattner Florian , Irvine Elaine E. , Cummings Damian M. , Edwards Frances A.
Published: September 2014

Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK3), particularly the isoform GSK3β, has been implicated in a wide range of physiological systems and neurological disorders including Alzheimer's Disease. However, the functional importance of GSK3α has been largely untested. The multifunctionality of GSK3 limits its potential as a drug target because of inevitable side effects. Due to its greater expression in the CNS, GSK3β rather than GSK3α has also been assumed to be of primary importance in synaptic plasticity. Here, we investigate bidirectional long‐term synaptic plasticity in knockin mice with a point mutation in GSK3α or GSK3β that prevents their inhibitory regulation. We report that only the mutation in GSK3α affects long‐term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD). This stresses the importance of investigating isoform specificity for GSK3 in all systems and suggests that GSK3α should be investigated as a drug target in cognitive disorders including Alzheimer's Disease. © 2014 The Authors. Hippocampus Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Salt tea consumption and esophageal cancer: A possible role of alkaline beverages in esophageal carcinogenesis
Authors: Dar Nazir Ahmad , Bhat Gulzar Ahmad , Shah Idrees Ayoub , Iqbal Beenish , Rafiq Rumaisa , Nabi Sumaiya , Lone Mohd Maqbool , Islami Farhad , Boffetta Paolo
Published: September 2014

Salt tea is the most commonly used beverage in Kashmir, India, where esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most common cancer. Salt tea is brewed in a unique way in Kashmir, usually with addition of sodium bicarbonate, which makes salt tea alkaline. As little information about the association between salt tea drinking and ESCC was available, we conducted a large‐scale case‐control study to investigate this association in Kashmir. We recruited 703 histologically confirmed cases of ESCC and 1664 controls individually matched to cases for age, sex, and district of residence. Conditional logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Participants who consumed >1,250 ml day−1 showed an increased risk of ESCC (OR = 2.60, 95% CIs = 1.68–4.02). Samovar (a special vessel for the beverage preparation) users (OR = 1.77, 95% CIs 1.25–2.50) and those who ate cereal paste with salt tea (OR = 2.14, 95% CIs = 1.55–2.94) or added bicarbonate sodium to salt tea (OR = 2.12, 95% CIs = 1.33–3.39) were at higher risk of ESCC than others. When analysis was limited to alkaline tea drinkers only, those who both consumed cereal paste with salt tea and used samovar vessel were at the highest risk (OR = 4.58, 95% CIs = 2.04–10.28). This study shows significant associations of salt tea drinking and some related habits with ESCC risk.
Hybrid Nanoreactors: Coupling Enzymes and Small‐Molecule Catalysts within Virus‐Like Particles
Authors: Patterson Dustin , Edwards Ethan , Douglas Trevor
Published: September 2014

Virus‐like particles (VLPs) provide unique scaffolds for the construction of coupled catalytic systems by attachment and encapsulation of catalysts within their hollow interiors. The interior of VLPs provides an environment where catalysts of biological or synthetic origins can be confined, protected, and colocalized in close proximity with catalysts of different types. Herein, we utilize the P22VLP as a scaffold to construct a synthetic hybrid catalyst by attachment of a small organometallic catalyst to the interior colocalized with an encapsulated enzyme. This produces a complex and active coupled biomimetic catalyst system. By combining both enzymatic and synthetic catalysts together, new biologicalsynthetic hybrid materials can be produced that incorporate the best of both catalytic systems.
Commodity Price Volatility and the Sources of Growth
Authors: De V. Cavalcanti Tiago V. , Mohaddes Kamiar , Raissi Mehdi
Published: September 2014

This paper studies the impact of the growth and volatility of commodity terms of trade (CToT) on economic growth, total factor productivity, physical capital accumulation and human capital acquisition. We use the standard system generalized methods of moments (GMM) approach as well as the dynamic common correlated effects pooled mean group (CCEPMG) methodology for estimation to account for cross‐country heterogeneity, cross‐sectional dependence and feedback effects. Using both annual data for 1970–2007 and 5‐year non‐overlapping observations, we find that while CToT growth enhances real output per capita, CToT volatility exerts a negative impact on economic growth operating mainly through lower accumulation of physical and human capital. Productivity, however, is not affected by either the growth or the volatility of CToT. Our results also indicate that the negative growth effects of CToT volatility offset the positive impact of commodity booms. Therefore, we argue that volatility, rather than abundance per se, drives the ‘resource curse’ paradox. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physiological osmolarities do not enhance long‐term tissue synthesis in chondrocyte‐laden degradable poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels
Authors: Skaalure Stacey C. , Radhakrishnan Saikripa M. , Bryant Stephanie J.
Published: September 2014

Encapsulating chondrocytes in synthetic and degradable hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering enables tuning of scaffold degradation, but provides no biological cues. Culture medium that recapitulates the physiological osmolarity of the interstitial fluid in cartilage can enhance matrix synthesis in the short term, but long‐term benefits remain to be determined. This study investigates the long‐term effect of culture medium osmolarity on tissue synthesis using chondrocytes isolated from three skeletally mature bovine donors encapsulated in degradable poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels. The cell‐laden hydrogels were cultured up to 4 weeks in standard chondrocyte‐specific medium (330 mOsm) or medium adjusted by sucrose or salts (NaCl and KCl) to reach a physiological osmolarity (400 mOsm). Neocartilaginous matrix synthesis and matrix catabolism were evaluated by quantitative and immunofluorescence methods. Hydrogel degradation kinetics of acellular constructs were not affected by medium osmolarity or osmolyte. Matrix composition was predominantly aggrecan and collagen type II for all conditions. One day after encapsulation, total collagen accumulated in the constructs was increased by 80–90% in 400 mOsm medium, regardless of osmolyte. However, this effect did not persist, and at 4 weeks, total collagen synthesized and released to the medium was more than three times higher in 330 mOsm medium. Medium osmolarity had minimal effects on sulfated glycosaminoglycan content and did not affect catabolic activity. These findings suggest that culture medium at physiological osmolarities may not be beneficial for long‐term chondrocyte culture in degradable hydrogels, but that initially culturing chondrocytes at a higher osmolarity may enhance early tissue deposition. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2186–2192, 2015.
A Novel Splice Mutation in PLS3 Causes X-linked Early Onset Low-Turnover Osteoporosis
Authors: Laine Christine M , Wessman Maija , Toiviainen-Salo Sanna , Kaunisto Mari A , Mäyränpää Mervi K , Laine Tero , Pekkinen Minna , Kröger Heikki , Välimäki Ville-Valtteri , Välimäki Matti J , Lehesjoki Anna-Elina , Mäkitie Outi
Published: September 2014

Genetic factors play an important role in the development of osteoporosis. Several monogenic forms of osteoporosis have been recognized, most recently an X-chromosomal form resulting from mutations in the gene encoding plastin 3 (PLS3). PLS3 is a protein involved in actin bundle formation in the cytoskeleton. We present a large family with early onset osteoporosis and X-linked inheritance. Phenotyping was performed on 19 family members and whole-exome sequencing on 7 family members (5 with a diagnosis of early onset osteoporosis and 2 with normal bone parameters). Osteoporosis had its onset in childhood and was characterized by recurrent peripheral fractures, low bone mineral density (BMD), vertebral compression fractures, and significant height loss in adulthood. Males were in general more severely affected than females. Bone histomorphometry findings in 4 males and 1 female showed severe trabecular osteoporosis, low amount of osteoid, and decreased mineral apposition rate, indicating impaired bone formation; resorption parameters were increased in some. All affected subjects shared a single base substitution (c.73-24T > A) in intron 2 of PLS3 on Xq23. The mutation, confirmed by Sanger sequencing, segregated according to the skeletal phenotype. The mutation introduces a new acceptor splice site with a predicted splice score of 0.99 and, thereby, as confirmed by cDNA sequencing, induces the insertion of 22 bases between exons 2 and 3, causing a frameshift and premature termination of mRNA translation (p.Asp25Alafs*17). The mutation affects the first N-terminal calcium-binding EF-hand domain and abolishes all calcium- and actin-binding domains of the protein. Our results confirm the role of PLS3 mutations in early onset osteoporosis. The mechanism whereby PLS3 affects bone health is unclear, but it may be linked to osteocyte dendrite function and skeletal mechanosensing. Future studies are needed to elucidate the role of PLS3 in osteoporosis and to define optimal treatment. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Novel Insights Into TRPM7 Function in Fibrotic Diseases: A Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: Xu Tao , Wu Bao‐Ming , Yao Hong‐Wei , Meng Xiao‐Ming , Huang Cheng , Ni Ming‐Ming , Li Jun
Published: September 2014

“Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are cellular sensors for a wide spectrum of physical and chemical stimuli. Activation of TRP channels changes the membrane potential, translocates important signaling ions crossing the cell membrane, alters enzymatic activity, and initiates endocytosis/exocytosis (Zheng, 2013).” Fibrosis is the leading cause of organ dysfunction in diseases, which is characterized by an imbalance in the turnover of extracellular matrix components. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that TRPM7, a member of TRP channels superfamily, participates in the development and pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases, such as hepatic, pulmonary and cardiac fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the comprehensive role of TRPM7 in modulating profibrotic response and its potential as therapeutic target for fibrotic diseases. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1163–1169, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company