bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrospun tecophilic/gelatin nanofibers with potential for small diameter blood vessel tissue engineering
Authors: Vatankhah Elham , Prabhakaran Molamma P. , Semnani Dariush , Razavi Shahnaz , Morshed Mohammad , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: July 2014

Tissue engineering techniques particularly using electrospun scaffolds have been intensively used in recent years for the development of small diameter vascular grafts. However, the development of a completely successful scaffold that fulfills multiple requirements to guarantee complete vascular regeneration remains challenging. In this study, a hydrophilic and compliant polyurethane namely Tecophilic (TP) blended with gelatin (gel) at a weight ratio of 70:30 (TP(70)/gel(30)) was electrospun to fabricate a tubular composite scaffold with biomechanical properties closely simulating those of native blood vessels. Hydrophilic properties of the composite scaffold induced non‐thrombogenicity while the incorporation of gelatin molecules within the scaffold greatly improved the capacity of the scaffold to serve as an adhesive substrate for vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), in comparison to pure TP. Preservation of the contractile phenotype of SMCs seeded on electrospun TP(70)/gel(30) was yet another promising feature of this scaffold. The nanostructured TP(70)/gel(30) demonstrated potential feasibility toward functioning as a vascular graft. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 1165–1180, 2014.
Pharmacokinetic comparisons by UPLC‐MS/MS of isomer paeoniflorin and albiflorin after oral administration decoctions of single‐herb Radix Paeoniae Alba and Zengmian Yiliu prescription to rats
Authors: Gong Can , Yang Hong , Wei Hai , Qi Cong , Wang Chang‐hong
Published: July 2014

Zengmian Yiliu (ZMYL), a traditional Chinese formula, is designed to improve clinical efficacy and reduce adverse effects in combination with cisplatin in ovarian cancer chemotherapy. In ZMYL, Radix Paeoniae Alba (RPA, made from root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) acts as an adjunctive drug in cancer treatment by ameliorating side effects induced by radio‐ and chemotherapy. The pharmacokinetics differences between isomer albiflorin and paeoniflorin, the main components of RPA, after oral administration decoction of single‐herb RPA and ZMYL were compared using a sensitive and accurate UPLC‐MS/MS. The results indicate that there are statistically significant differences between the pharmacokinetic parameters: decreasing area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC), maximum concentration (Cmax), elimination rate constant (Ke) and increasing apparent volume of distribution (Vd) and clearance (CL) for albiflorin, increasing distribution half‐life (T1/2d) and decreasing elimination half‐life (T1/2e), distribution rate constant (Kd) and absorption rate constant (Ka) for paeoniflorin in the ZMYL group compared with the single‐herb RPA group. In comparison with albiflorin, the pharmacokinetic parameters of paeoniflorin included significantly increasing mean residence time (MRT) and Vd, decreasing CL and Ke in the single‐herb RPA group and increasing MRT and T1/2d and decreasing CL, Ke and Kd in the ZMYL group. Both paeoniflorin and albiflorin are more likely, as the main active ingredients in RPA and ZMYL, to play a variety of pharmacological effects, and herb–herb interactions occur, resulting in different pharmacokinetics of albiflorin and paeoniflorin in RPA and ZMYL. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacokinetic study of five ginsenosides using a sensitive and rapid liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method following single and multiple oral administration of Shexiang Baoxin pills to rats
Authors: Peng Chengcheng , Yang Yongge , Lv Chao , Jin Huizi , Tao Jianfei , Yuan Xing , Huang Huimei , Han Lin , Chang Wanlin , Liu Runhui , Zhang Weidong
Published: July 2014

Shexiang Baoxin pills (SBP) are a traditional Chinese medicine that are used for treating coronary heart disease. Ginsenosides are the main effective components of SBP, but a comprehensive and deep pharmacokinetic study of ginsenosides in SBP, including multiple dosing and linear or nonlinear properties, is lacking. This study was designed to investigate and compare the pharmacokinetic characteristics of ginsenosides in SBP at a single dose and in multiple doses. A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous determination of the ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rb3, Rc and Rb1 in rat plasma. Rats were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of 4, 8 or 12 g/kg and multiple doses (4 g/kg) of SBP for 8, 15 or 22 consecutive days. The results revealed that ginsenosides, following a single oral dose of 4 or 8 g/kg, were absorbed rapidly, with a Tmax ranging from 0.250 to 1.08 h. The AUC0–t and Cmax of the ppd‐type ginsenosides Rb3, Rc and Rb1 were greater than those of the ppt‐type ginsenosides Rg1 and Re. Nondose‐dependent exposure was observed at doses of 4–12 g/kg for all of the ginsenosides. After multiple dosing, the plasma levels of the ppt‐type ginsenosides decreased, whereas those of the ppd‐type ginsenosides did not change significantly. In conclusion, the LC‐MS/MS method was successfully applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of ginsenosides after single and multiple oral administrations of SBP. The ginsenosides did not accumulate after multiple dosing. The ppd‐type ginsenosides displayed more favorable pharmacokinetic properties compared with the ppt‐type ginsenosides. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preventive effects of ZPDC glycoprotein (24 kDa) on hepatotoxicity induced by mercury chloride in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Lee Jin , Lee Sei‐Jung , Lim Kye‐Taek
Published: July 2014

Mercury is a potent environmental contaminant that exerts toxic effect on various vital organs in the human body. Recently, we isolated glycoprotein from Zanthoxylum piperitum DC (ZPDC), which has antioxidant and anticancer effects. In the present study, we determined the preventive effects of ZPDC glycoprotein on hepatic damage induced by mercury chloride (HgCl2). We evaluated the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), cyclo‐oxygenase (COX‐2), inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS), and activator protein (AP‐1) and the quantitative expressions of nuclear factor E2‐related factor (Nrf2), heme oxygenase (HO‐1), metallothionein (MT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in mercury‐chloride‐exposed (50 μM and 10 mg/kg body weight) primary cultured hepatocytes and ICR mice, using biochemical assays, radioactivity and immunoblot analysis. The results demonstrated that ZPDC glycoprotein decreased the levels of LDH, ALT, HO‐1 and MT, whereas it increased the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPx) and reduced GSH in mercury‐chloride‐exposed primary cultured hepatocytes. Also, it suppressed arachidonic acid release and expression of ERK, p38 MAPK, COX‐2, iNOS, AP‐1 and Nrf‐2 in primary cultured hepatocytes and ICR mice exposed to mercury chloride. Collectively, ZPDC glycoprotein may have potential applications to prevent hepatotoxicity induced by mercury chloride. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicted Incorporation of Non‐native Substrates by a Polyketide Synthase Yields Bioactive Natural Product Derivatives
Authors: Bravo‐Rodriguez Kenny , Ismail‐Ali Ahmed F. , Klopries Stephan , Kushnir Susanna , Ismail Shehab , Fansa Eyad K. , Wittinghofer Alfred , Schulz Frank , Sanchez‐Garcia Elsa
Published: July 2014

The polyether ionophore monensin is biosynthesized by a polyketide synthase that delivers a mixture of monensins A and B by the incorporation of ethyl‐ or methyl‐malonyl‐CoA at its fifth module. Here we present the first computational model of the fifth acyltransferase domain (AT5mon) of this polyketide synthase, thus affording an investigation of the basis of the relaxed specificity in AT5mon, insights into the activation for the nucleophilic attack on the substrate, and prediction of the incorporation of synthetic malonic acid building blocks by this enzyme. Our predictions are supported by experimental studies, including the isolation of a predicted derivative of the monensin precursor premonensin. The incorporation of non‐native building blocks was found to alter the ratio of premonensins A and B. The bioactivity of the natural product derivatives was investigated and revealed binding to prenyl‐binding protein. We thus show the potential of engineered biosynthetic polyketides as a source of ligands for biological macromolecules.
Support vector machine classification of volatile organic compounds based on narrow‐band spectroscopic data
Authors: Argyris Apostolos , Filippi Jean‐Jacques , Syvridis Dimitris
Published: July 2014

In this work, a list of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are associated with targets susceptible to versatile security issues – such as drug trafficking, explosives carrying, or human presence in forbidden areas – are monitored and discriminated through algorithmic processing of their midinfrared (MIR) spectroscopic properties. Usually, such tasks are relatively straightforward by identifying the absorption peaks of the investigated compounds in extended spectral recordings, from a few hundred up to many thousands of wavenumbers (cm−1). Nevertheless, the physical mechanisms and instrumentation for obtaining so broad spectral profiles may prove to be complex, especially in field measurements, while data acquisition and processing may also prove to be time‐consuming. In the proposed approach, support vector machine algorithmic training is applied in order to evaluate the potential of exploiting very narrow spectral MIR absorption bands that are optimal for reliable prediction analysis and training. The probabilistic classification performance of these bands is evaluated and compared with the prediction performance when using wider MIR absorption spectra. Depending on the data set and the list of the associated VOCs, spectral data recording within a span up to several tens of wavenumbers – at regions where absorption is detectable – prove to be enough for efficient VOC classification. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
H‐Aggregates of Oligophenyleneethynylene (OPE)‐BODIPY Systems in Water: Guest Size‐Dependent Encapsulation Mechanism and Co‐aggregate Morphology
Authors: Allampally Naveen Kumar , Florian Alexander , Mayoral María José , Rest Christina , Stepanenko Vladimir , Fernández Gustavo
Published: July 2014

The synthesis of a new oligophenyleneethynylene (OPE)‐4,4‐difluoro‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene (BODIPY) bolaamphiphile 1 and its aqueous self‐assembly are reported. Compound 1 forms H‐type aggregates in aqueous and polar media, as demonstrated by UV/Vis and fluorescence experiments. Concentration‐dependent 1H NMR studies in CD3CN reveal that the BODIPY units are arranged on top of each other into π‐stacks with H‐type excitonic coupling, as supported by ROESY NMR and theoretical calculations and visualized by Cryo‐SEM studies. A detailed analysis of the spectral changes observed in temperature‐dependent UV/Vis studies reveals that 1 self‐assembles in a non‐cooperative (isodesmic) fashion in water. The hydrophobic interior of these self‐assembled structures can be exploited to encapsulate hydrophobic dyes, such as tetracene and anthracene. Both dyes absorb in a complementary region of the UV/Vis spectrum and are small enough to interact with the hydrophobic segments of 1. Temperature‐dependent UV/Vis studies reveal that the spectral changes associated to the encapsulation mechanism of tetracene can be fitted to a Boltzmann function, and the initially flexible fibres of 1 rigidify upon guest addition. In contrast, the co‐assembly of 1 and anthracene is a highly cooperative process, which suggests that a different class of (more‐ordered) aggregates is formed. TEM and Cryo SEM imaging show the formation of uniform spherical nanoparticles, indicating that a subtle change in the guest molecular structure induces a significant change in the encapsulation mechanism and, consequently, the aggregate morphology.
Mechanism of Crystalline Self‐Assembly in Aqueous Medium: A Combined Cryo‐TEM/Kinetic Study
Authors: Tidhar Yaron , Weissman Haim , Tworowski Dmitry , Rybtchinski Boris
Published: July 2014

Understanding the crystallization of organic molecules is a long‐standing challenge. Herein, a mechanistic study on the self‐assembly of crystalline arrays in aqueous solution is presented. The crystalline arrays are assembled from perylene diimide (PDI) amphiphiles bearing a chiral N‐acetyltyrosine side group connected to the PDI aromatic core. A kinetic study of the crystallization process was performed using circular dichroism spectroscopy combined with time‐resolved cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM) imaging of key points along the reaction coordinate, and molecular dynamics simulation of the initial stages of the assembly. The study reveals a complex self‐assembly process starting from the formation of amorphous aggregates that are transformed into crystalline material through a nucleation–growth process. Activation parameters indicate the key role of desolvation along the assembly pathway. The insights from the kinetic study correlate well with the structural data from cryo‐TEM imaging. Overall, the study reveals four stages of crystalline self‐assembly: 1) collapse into amorphous aggregates; 2) nucleation as partial ordering; 3) crystal growth; and 4) fusion of smaller crystalline aggregates into large crystals. These studies indicate that the assembly process proceeds according to a two‐step crystallization model, whereby initially formed amorphous material is reorganized into an ordered system. This process follows Ostwald’s rule of stages, evolving through a series of intermediate phases prior to forming the final structure, thus providing an insight into the crystalline self‐assembly process in aqueous medium.
Mono‐ and Bis(pyrrolo)tetrathiafulvalene Derivatives Tethered to C60: Synthesis, Photophysical Studies, and Self‐Assembled Monolayers
Authors: Solano Marta Vico , Della Pia Eduardo Antonio , Jevric Martyn , Schubert Christina , Wang Xintai , van der Pol Cornelia , Kadziola Anders , Nørgaard Kasper , Guldi Dirk M. , Nielsen Mogens Brøndsted , Jeppesen Jan O.
Published: July 2014

A series of mono‐ (MPTTF) and bis(pyrrolo)tetrathiafulvalene (BPTTF) derivatives tethered to one or two C60 moieties was synthesized and characterized. The synthetic strategy for these dumbbell‐shaped compounds was based on a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction between aldehyde‐functionalized MPTTF/BPTTF derivatives, two different tailor‐made amino acids, and C60. Electronic communication between the MPTTF/BPTTF units and the C60 moieties was studied by a variety of techniques including cyclic voltammetry and absorption spectroscopy. These solution‐based studies indicated no observable electronic communication between the MPTTF/BPTTF units and the C60 moieties. In addition, femtosecond and nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy revealed, rather surprisingly, that no charge transfer from the MPTTF/BPTTF units to the C60 moieties takes place on excitation of the fullerene moiety. Finally, it was shown that the MPTTF–C60 and C60–BPTTF‐C60 dyad and triad molecules formed self‐assembled monolayers on a Au(111) surface by anchoring to C60.
Synthesis, Characterization, Self‐Assembly, Gelation, Morphology and Computational Studies of Alkynylgold(III) Complexes of 2,6‐Bis(benzimidazol‐2′‐yl)pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Yim King‐Chin , Lam Elizabeth Suk‐Hang , Wong Keith Man‐Chung , Au Vonika Ka‐Man , Ko Chi‐Chiu , Lam Wai Han , Yam Vivian Wing‐Wah
Published: July 2014

A novel class of alkynylgold(III) complexes of the dianionic ligands derived from 2,6‐bis(benzimidazol‐2′‐yl)pyridine (H2bzimpy) derivatives has been synthesized and characterized. The structure of one of the complexes has also been determined by X‐ray crystallography. Electronic absorption studies showed low‐energy absorption bands at 378–466 nm, which are tentatively assigned as metal‐perturbed π–π* intraligand transitions of the bzimpy2− ligands. A computational study has been performed to provide further insights into the nature of the electronic transitions for this class of complexes. One of the complexes has been found to show gelation properties, driven by π–π and hydrophobic–hydrophobic interactions. This complex exhibited concentration‐ and temperature‐dependent 1H NMR spectra. The morphology of the gel has been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Chiral Dirhodium(II) Carboxylates and Carboxamidates as Effective Chemzymes in Asymmetric Synthesis of Three‐Membered Carbocycles
Authors: Adly Frady G. , Ghanem Ashraf
Published: July 2014

In this review the recent advances in the utilization of two of the most important classes of dirhodium(II) paddlewheel complexes, dirhodium(II) carboxylates and carboxamidates, as chemzymes in inter‐ and intramolecular asymmetric cyclopropanation, as well as cyclopropenation reactions are discussed. Chirality 26:692–711, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Aminwäsche – Demonstration eines industriell bedeutsamen Verfahrens zur CO2‐Reduktion
Authors: Schuldt Manuel , Habekost Achim
Published: July 2014

Die weltweite Verringerung von Kohlenstoffdioxid ist ein notwendiger Schritt zur Reduktion des Treibhauseffekts. Die dabei angewendete Aminwäsche stellt eine Möglichkeit dar, die auch mit schulischen Mitteln experimentell erschlossen werden kann. Die Untersuchung von primären, sekundären und tertiären Aminen und von Ammoniak hinsichtlich der Reaktion mit CO2 wird diskutiert.
Small Alterations in Cobinamide Structure Considerably Influence sGC Activation
Authors: Giedyk Maciej , Proinsias Keith ó , Kurcoń Sylwester , Sharina Iraida , Martin Emil , Gryko Dorota
Published: July 2014

Specially designed B‐ring‐modified cobalamin derivatives were synthesized and tested as potential activators of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC). Herein, we disclose the influence of substituents at the c‐ and d‐positions in hydrophilic and hydrophobic cobyrinic acid derivatives on their capacities to activate sGC. The presence of the amide group at c‐/d‐position in cobyrinic acid derivatives strongly influence the level of sGC activation. Removal of the d‐position altogether has a profound effect for hydrophobic compounds. In contrast, little differences were observed in hydrophilic ones.
Pain experiences among a population‐based cohort of current, former, and never regular smokers with lung and colorectal cancer
Authors: Gonzalez Adam , Japuntich Sandra , Keating Nancy L. , Wallace Robert , He Yulei , Streck Joanna M. , Park Elyse R.
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Smoking and pain are prevalent and comorbid among patients with cancer. Limited work has compared pain experiences among current, former, and never (regular) smokers with lung and colorectal cancer.

METHODS

We studied pain experiences of patients with lung (n = 2390) and colorectal (n = 2993) cancer participating in the multi‐regional Cancer Care Outcomes Research and Surveillance study. We examined reports of pain, pain treatment, pain severity, and pain‐related interference within each cancer group by smoking status, adjusting for demographic, psychosocial, and cancer characteristics.

RESULTS

Among lung cancer patients, current smokers reported pain and receiving pain treatment more often than former smokers. Never smokers did not differ from current and former smokers on endorsement of pain; however, they reported pain treatment less often than their counterparts. Current smokers reported greater pain severity than former smokers after adjusting for other contributing factors; however, no differences were detected between current and never smokers. There were no differences in pain‐related interference. Among colorectal cancer patients, current smokers reported pain and pain treatment more often than former and never smokers; however, the latter 2 groups did not differ. Current smokers also reported greater pain severity than never smokers after adjustments; however, no differences were detected between current and former smokers. An identical pattern of findings was observed for pain‐related interference.

CONCLUSIONS

Many smokers with lung and colorectal cancer experience pain following a cancer diagnosis. Future work should assess if comprehensive smoking cessation treatments that address pain can reduce pain and facilitate smoking cessation among patients with cancer. Cancer 2014;120:3554–3561. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
FCR and bevacizumab treatment in patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Jain Preetesh , Lee Hun Ju , Qiao Wei , Wierda William , Benjamini Ohad , Burger Jan , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Estrov Zeev , Kantarjian Hagop , Keating Michael , O'Brien Susan
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) often achieve response with chemoimmunotherapy but have short remission durations. Studies have shown that patients with CLL have increased angiogenesis in the microenvironment; levels of proangiogenic growth factors such as VEGF and/or angiopoietin‐2 are also elevated. Increased angiogenesis correlates with poor outcome in CLL. Bevacizumab (B) is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting VEGF‐A.

METHODS

In this study, we analyzed whether a combination of bevacizumab with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab chemoimmunotherapy (FCR‐B) could improve outcomes in patients with relapsed CLL. Sixty‐two patients were enrolled. The median age of the patients was 60 years (range, 31‐84 years) and 40% had received >1 prior therapy for CLL. Sixty‐one patients were evaluable for toxicity, and 57 were evaluable for response. Six cycles were planned; 36 patients (59%) completed ≥4‐6 cycles of the regimen.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 79%, with 13 (23%) complete remissions (CRs), 8 nodular partial remissions (14%), and 24 partial remissions (43%). The median progression‐free survival and overall survival rates were 13.5 and 45 months, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 toxicities included febrile neutropenia (n = 40), infections (n = 21), thrombocytopenia (n = 18) and anemia (n = 9).

CONCLUSIONS

Results with FCR‐B were similar to those observed with an historical cohort of relapsed patients treated with FCR. Cancer 2014;120:3494–3501. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
The biomechanical effects of stapes replacement by prostheses on the tympano‐ossicular chain
Authors: Gentil Fernanda , Garbe Carolina , Parente Marco , Martins Pedro , Santos Carla , Almeida Eurico , Jorge Renato Natal
Published: July 2014

Hearing is a sequence of processes in which the ear translates sound waves into electrical signals, which are then sent to the brain where they are interpreted as sound. The ossicular chain of the middle ear is formed by three ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes), of which the last and smallest, the stapes, vibrates, thus communicating with the inner ear through the stapes footplate. When abnormal bone formation immobilizes the stapes (otosclerosis), the passage of sound does not correctly occur and hearing can be compromised. In most cases, surgery is an option for its treatment. The stapes is totally or partially replaced by a prosthesis (stapedectomy or stapedotomy, respectively) allowing the passage of sound to the inner ear.

This work presents a study on the behavior of different stapes prostheses, considering their biomechanical characteristics. The stapes was replaced by different prostheses, made of dissimilar materials: stainless steel, teflon, and titanium. The umbo and stapes footplate displacements for the models with these prostheses were obtained and compared with the displacements obtained with the model representative of the normal ear.

In the models with prostheses, the displacements are found in the hole where the prosthesis is attached. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of Perovskites as Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Rincón Rosalba A. , Ventosa Edgar , Tietz Frank , Masa Justus , Seisel Sabine , Kuznetsov Volodymyr , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: July 2014

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is an enabling process for technologies in the area of energy conversion and storage, but its slow kinetics limits its efficiency. We performed an electrochemical evaluation of 14 different perovskites of variable composition and stoichiometry as OER electrocatalysts in alkaline media. We particularly focused on improved methods for a reliable comparison of catalyst activity. From initial electrochemical results we selected the most active samples for further optimization of electrode preparation and testing. An inverted cell configuration facilitated gas bubble detachment and thus minimized blockage of the active surface area. We describe parameters, such as the presence of specific cations, stoichiometry, and conductivity, that are important for obtaining electroactive perovskites for OER. Conductive additives enhanced the current and decreased the apparent overpotential of OER for one of the most active samples (La0.58Sr0.4Fe0.8Co0.2O3).
Chemocatalytic Upgrading of Tailored Fermentation Products Toward Biodiesel
Authors: Sreekumar Sanil , Baer Zachary C. , Gross Elad , Padmanaban Sasisanker , Goulas Konstantinos , Gunbas Gorkem , Alayoglu Selim , Blanch Harvey W. , Clark Douglas S. , Toste F. Dean
Published: July 2014

Biological and chemocatalytic processes are tailored in order to maximize the production of sustainable biodiesel from lignocellulosic sugar. Thus, the combination of hydrotalcite‐supported copper(II) and palladium(0) catalysts with a modification of the fermentation from acetone–butanol–ethanol to isopropanol–butanol–ethanol predictably produces higher concentrations of diesel‐range components in the alkylation reaction.
Parameters affecting efficiency of in ovo electroporation of the avian neural tube and crest
Authors: Simkin Johanna E. , Zhang Dongcheng , Ighaniyan Samiramis , Newgreen Donald F.
Published: July 2014

Background: Many variations in avian in ovo transfection of the neural tube/crest have been reported, but never compared quantitatively. Results: Genome integrating pT2K‐CAGGS‐GFP and pCAGGS‐T2TP transposase plasmids were co‐electroporated into quail E2 embryo trunk neural tube and the proportion of GFP‐expressing neural cells was counted 1 and 7 days later. Electroporation efficiency increased with plasmid concentration and pulse number but plateaued at, respectively, above 1.25 µg/µL and 3 pulses. Bilateral electroporation transfected more cells than unilateral but less than that anticipated by doubling the unilateral treatment. Holding the concentration of GFP plasmid constant and varying the transposase plasmid concentration revealed an optimum ratio of, in this case, 4:1 (1.2 µg/µL:0.3 µg/µL). Leaving transfected embryos to E9 confirmed that expression was maintained in vivo with the transposase system, but declined with non‐integrated plasmid. Transfection of neural crest cells was low if electroporated less than 6–8 hr before emigration. We propose this indicates loss of epithelial integrity well prior to exit. We suggest this event be termed epithelio‐mesenchymal transition sensu stricto, whereas the term delamination be reserved for the later emigration from the neural epithelium. Conclusions: Co‐electroporation in ovo must take into account plasmid(s) concentration and ratio, pulse number, pulse directionality, and timing. Developmental Dynamics 243:1440–1447, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Smoc2 modulates embryonic myelopoiesis during zebrafish development
Authors: Mommaerts Hendrik , Esguerra Camila V. , Hartmann Ursula , Luyten Frank P. , Tylzanowski Przemko
Published: July 2014

Background: SMOC2 is a member of the BM‐40 (SPARC) family of matricellular proteins, reported to influence signaling in the extracellular compartment. In mice, Smoc2 is expressed in many different tissues and was shown to enhance the response to angiogenic growth factors, mediate cell adhesion, keratinocyte migration, and metastasis. Additionally, SMOC2 is associated with vitiligo and craniofacial and dental defects. The function of Smoc2 during early zebrafish development has not been determined to date. Results: In pregastrula zebrafish embryos, smoc2 is expressed ubiquitously. As development progresses, the expression pattern becomes more anteriorly restricted. At the onset of blood cell circulation, smoc2 morphants presented a mild ventralization of posterior structures. Molecular analysis of the smoc2 morphants indicated myelopoietic defects in the rostral blood islands during segmentation stages. Hemangioblast development and further specification of the myeloid progenitor cells were shown to be impaired. Additional experiments indicated that Bmp target genes were down‐regulated in smoc2 morphants. Conclusions: Our findings reveal that Smoc2 is an essential player in the development of myeloid cells of the anterior lateral plate mesoderm during embryonic zebrafish development. Furthermore, our data show that Smoc2 affects the transcription of Bmp target genes without affecting initial dorsoventral patterning or mesoderm development. Developmental Dynamics 243:1375–1390, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oikopleura dioicaculturing made easy: A Low‐Cost facility for an emerging animal model inEvoDevo
Authors: Martí‐Solans Josep , Ferrández‐Roldán Alfonso , Godoy‐Marín Hector , Badia‐Ramentol Jordi , Torres‐Aguila Nuria P. , Rodríguez‐Marí Adriana , Bouquet Jean Marie , Chourrout Daniel , Thompson Eric M. , Albalat Ricard , Cañestro Cristian
Published: July 2014

The genome sequencing and the development of RNAi knockdown technologies in the urochordateOikopleura dioicaare making this organism an attractive emergent model in the field of EvoDevo. To succeed as a new animal model, however, an organism needs to be easily and affordably cultured in the laboratory. Nowadays, there are only two facilities in the world capable to indefinitely maintainOikopleura dioica, one in the SARS institute (Bergen, Norway) and the other in the Osaka University (Japan). Here, we describe the setup of a new facility in the University of Barcelona (Spain) in which we have modified previously published husbandry protocols to optimize the weekly production of thousands of embryos and hundreds of mature animals using the minimum amount of space, human resources, and technical equipment. This optimization includes novel protocols of cryopreservation and solid cultures for long‐term maintenance of microalgal stocks—Chaetoceros calcitrans,Isochrysis sp.,Rhinomonas reticulate, andSynechococcus sp.—needed forOikopleura dioicafeeding. Our culture system maintains partially inbred lines healthy with similar characteristics to wild animals, and it is easily expandable to satisfy on demand the needs of any laboratory that may wish to useOikopleura dioicaas a model organism. genesis 53:183–193, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diet quality determines interspecific parasite interactions in host populations
Authors: Lange Benjamin , Reuter Max , Ebert Dieter , Muylaert Koenraad , Decaestecker Ellen
Published: July 2014

The widespread occurrence of multiple infections and the often vast range of nutritional resources for their hosts allow that interspecific parasite interactions in natural host populations might be determined by host diet quality. Nevertheless, the role of diet quality with respect to multispecies parasite interactions on host population level is not clear. We here tested the effect of host population diet quality on the parasite community in an experimental study using Daphnia populations. We studied the effect of diet quality on Daphnia population demography and the interactions in multispecies parasite infections of this freshwater crustacean host. The results of our experiment show that the fitness of a low‐virulent microsporidian parasite decreased in low, but not in high‐host‐diet quality conditions. Interestingly, infections with the microsporidium protected Daphnia populations against a more virulent bacterial parasite. The observed interspecific parasite interactions are discussed with respect to the role of diet quality‐dependent changes in host fecundity. This study reflects that exploitation competition in multispecies parasite infections is environmentally dependent, more in particular it shows that diet quality affects interspecific parasite competition within a single host and that this can be mediated by host population‐level effects.
Japanese Energy Management in Smart Grid after the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Hayashi Yasuhiro
Published: July 2014

The Great East Japan Earthquake drastically changed the energy management scheme in the electric power grid in Japan. Nuclear power plants ceasing operation caused an increase in electricity costs. Demand side energy management schemes such as demand response are now needed to reduce the peaks in electric power demand by using the Home Energy Management System (HEMS) and Building Energy Management System (BEMS). This paper describes the trends in Japan for energy management based on demand response and international standardization of communications protocols, and points out future issues and possibilities.
Operation Optimization of Factory Power Generation Plant Considering an Uncertainty
Authors: Kitamura Shoichi , Mori Kazuyuki , Izui Yoshio , Miyamoto Toshiyuki , Takai Shigemasa
Published: July 2014

Factory power generation plants supply electric power and heat to manufacturing lines. Because demand changes are uncertain, the power plant must adjust its output to match the demand and to avoid violation of constraints such as inverse load flow. Conventionally, these violations have been avoided by purchasing surplus electric power. However, surplus power raises the energy cost. There exists an optimization method that considers uncertainty in demands for cogeneration systems, and uses a triangle function to approximate the probability distribution. However, this method does not consider the tail of the probability distribution. In this paper we propose an operation optimization method considering an uncertainty in the demands for factory power plants. The proposed method aims to avoid violation of constraints and to reduce energy cost. Through simulation experiments, we confirm the validity of the proposed method.
The xanthine oxidase–NFAT5 pathway regulates macrophage activation and TLR‐induced inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Kim Nam‐Hoon , Choi Susanna , Han Eun‐Jin , Hong Bong‐Ki , Choi Soo Youn , Kwon H. Moo , Hwang Sue‐Yun , Cho Chul‐Soo , Kim Wan‐Uk
Published: July 2014

NFAT5 (nuclear factor of activated T cells), a well‐known osmoprotective factor, can be activated by isotonic stimuli such as Toll‐like receptor (TLR) triggering. However, it is unclear how NFAT5 discriminates between isotonic and hypertonic stimuli to produce different functional and molecular outcomes. Here, we identified a novel XO–ROS–p38 MAPK–NFAT5 pathway (XO is xanthine oxidase, ROS is reactive oxygen species) that is activated in RAW 264.7 macrophages upon isotonic TLR stimulation. Unlike what is seen under hypertonic conditions, XO‐derived ROS were selectively required for the TLR‐induced NFAT5 activation and NFAT5 binding to the IL‐6 promoter in RAW 264.7 macrophages under isotonic conditions. In mouse peritoneal macrophages and human macrophages, TLR ligation also induced NFAT5 activation, which was dependent on XO and p38 kinase. The involvement of XO in NFAT5 activation by TLR was confirmed in RAW 264.7 macrophages implanted in BALB/c mice. Moreover, allopurinol, an XO inhibitor, suppressed arthritis severity and decreased the expression of NFAT5 and IL‐6 in splenic macrophages in C57BL/6 mice. Collectively, these data support a novel function of the XO–NFAT5 axis in macrophage activation and TLR‐induced arthritis, and suggest that XO inhibitor(s) could serve as a therapeutic agent for chronic inflammatory arthritis.
Few Foxp3+ regulatory T cells are sufficient to protect adult mice from lethal autoimmunity
Authors: Mayer Christian T. , Ghorbani Peyman , Kühl Anja A. , Stüve Philipp , Hegemann Maike , Berod Luciana , Gershwin M. Eric , Sparwasser Tim
Published: July 2014

Foxp3 specifies the Treg cell lineage and is indispensable for immune tolerance. Accordingly, rare Foxp3 mutations cause lethal autoimmunity. The mechanisms precipitating more prevalent human autoimmune diseases are poorly understood, but involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Many autoimmune diseases associate with a partial Treg‐cell dysfunction, yet mouse models reflecting such complex pathophysiological processes are rare. Around 95% of Foxp3+ Treg cells can be specifically depleted in bacterial artifical chromosome (BAC)‐transgenic Depletion of REGulatory T cells (DEREG) mice through diphtheria toxin (DT) treatment. However, Treg‐cell depletion fails to cause autoimmunity in adult DEREG mice for unclear reasons. By crossing Foxp3GFP knock‐in mice to DEREG mice, we introduced additional genetic susceptibility that does not affect untreated mice. Strikingly, DT treatment of DEREG × Foxp3GFP mice rapidly causes autoimmunity characterized by blepharitis, tissue damage, and autoantibody production. This inflammatory disease is associated with augmented T‐cell activation, increased Th2 cytokine production and myeloproliferation, and is caused by defective Treg‐cell homeostasis, preventing few DT‐insensitive Treg cells from repopulating the niche after Treg‐cell depletion. Our study provides important insights into self‐tolerance. We further highlight DEREG × Foxp3GFP mice as a model to investigate the role of environmental factors in precipitating autoimmunity. This may help to better understand and treat human autoimmunity.
Midline 1 directs lytic granule exocytosis and cytotoxicity of mouse killer T cells
Authors: Boding Lasse , Hansen Ann K. , Meroni Germana , Johansen Bo B. , Braunstein Thomas H. , Bonefeld Charlotte M. , Kongsbak Martin , Jensen Benjamin A. H. , Woetmann Anders , Thomsen Allan R. , Ødum Niels , von Essen Marina R. , Geisler Carsten
Published: July 2014

Midline 1 (MID1) is a microtubule‐associated ubiquitin ligase that regulates protein phosphatase 2A activity. Loss‐of‐function mutations in MID1 lead to the X‐linked Opitz G/BBB syndrome characterized by defective midline development during embryogenesis. Here, we show that MID1 is strongly upregulated in murine cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs), and that it controls TCR signaling, centrosome trafficking, and exocytosis of lytic granules. In accordance, we find that the killing capacity of MID1−/− CTLs is impaired. Transfection of MID1 into MID1−/− CTLs completely rescued lytic granule exocytosis, and vice versa, knockdown of MID1 inhibited exocytosis of lytic granules in WT CTLs, cementing a central role for MID1 in the regulation of granule exocytosis. Thus, MID1 orchestrates multiple events in CTL responses, adding a novel level of regulation to CTL activation and cytotoxicity.
The development of autoimmune features in aging mice is closely associated with alterations of the peripheral CD4+ T‐cell compartment
Authors: Nusser Anja , Nuber Natko , Wirz Oliver F. , Rolink Hannie , Andersson Jan , Rolink Antonius
Published: July 2014

Some signs of potential autoimmunity, such as the appearance of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) become prevalent with age. In most cases, elderly people with ANAs remain healthy. Here, we investigated whether the same holds true for inbred strains of mice. Indeed, we show that most mice of the C57BL/6 (B6) strain spontaneously produced IgG ANA at 8–12 months of age, showed IgM deposition in kidneys and lymphocyte infiltrates in submandibular salivary glands. Despite all of this, the mice remained healthy. ANA production is likely CD4+ T‐cell dependent, since old (40–50 weeks of age) B6 mice deficient for MHC class II do not produce IgG ANAs. BM chimeras showed that ANA production was not determined by age‐related changes in radiosensitive, hematopoietic progenitor cells, and that the CD4+ T cells that promote ANA production were radioresistant. Thymectomy of B6 mice at 5 weeks of age led to premature alterations in T‐cell homeostasis and ANA production, by 15 weeks of age, similar to that in old mice. Our findings suggest that a disturbed T‐cell homeostasis may drive the onset of some autoimmune features.
A novel upstream enhancer of FOXP3, sensitive to methylation‐induced silencing, exhibits dysregulated methylation in rheumatoid arthritis Treg cells
Authors: Kennedy Alan , Schmidt Emily M. , Cribbs Adam P. , Penn Henry , Amjadi Parisa , Syed Khaja , Read Jordan E. , Green Patricia , Gregory Bernard , Brennan Fionula M.
Published: July 2014

Treg‐cell function is compromised in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As the master regulator of Treg cells, FOXP3 controls development and suppressive function. Stable Treg‐cell FOXP3 expression is epigenetically regulated; constitutive expression requires a demethylated Treg‐specific demethylated region. Here, we hypothesised that methylation of the FOXP3 locus is altered in Treg cells of established RA patients. Methylation analysis of key regulatory regions in the FOXP3 locus was performed on Treg cells from RA patients and healthy controls. The FOXP3 Treg‐specific demethylated region and proximal promoter displayed comparable methylation profiles in RA and healthy‐donor Treg cells. We identified a novel differentially methylated region (DMR) upstream of the FOXP3 promoter, with enhancer activity sensitive to methylation‐induced silencing. In RA Treg cells we observed significantly reduced DMR methylation and lower DNA methyltransferase (DNMT1/3A) expression compared with healthy Treg cells. Furthermore, DMR methylation negatively correlated with FOXP3 mRNA expression, and Treg cells isolated from rheumatoid factor negative RA patients were found to express significantly higher levels of FOXP3 than Treg cells from RhF‐positive patients, with an associated decrease in DMR methylation. In conclusion, the novel DMR is involved in the regulation of Treg‐cell FOXP3 expression, but this regulation is lost post‐transcriptionally in RA Treg cells.
Hypoxia in the intestine or solid tumors: A beneficial or deleterious alarm signal?
Authors: Shehade Hussein , Oldenhove Guillaume , Moser Muriel
Published: July 2014

The transcription factor hypoxia inducible factors (HIF)‐1 functions as a master regulator of oxygen homeostasis. There is increasing evidence that HIF has an essential role to prevent tissue damage in physiological and pathological situations in which cells are deprived of O2. Here, we review the effects of decreased oxygen supply on the innate and adaptive immune responses in the gut and in solid tumors in which the oxygenation profile correlates with the grade of inflammation. Data in the literature indicate that some tumors may co‐opt immune mechanisms induced by HIF‐1 to promote their survival and proliferation. By contrast, HIF‐1 stabilization would have a beneficial effect in the intestinal tract as it would dampen inflammation and promote its resolution. Therefore, stabilization of HIF‐1 in hypoxia may have opposite effects on the integrity of the host, depending on the tissue microenvironment.
Aggregation‐Induced Emission Activity in Iridium(III) Diimine Complexes: Investigations of Their Vapochromic Properties
Authors: Alam Parvej , Karanam Maheswararao , Bandyopadhyay Debashree , Choudhury Angshuman Roy , Laskar Inamur Rahaman
Published: July 2014

Two iridium(III) diimine complexes [mono(1,10‐phenanthroline)bis(triphenylphosphine)(dihydrido)iridium(III) hexafluorophosphate (1) and mono(1,10‐phenanthroline)bis(triphenylphosphine)(hydrido)(chloro)iridium(III) hexafluorophosphate (2)] have been synthesized from a single two‐step reaction. The structures of 1 and 2 both adopt distorted octahedral geometries, as established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The complexes, upon irradiation with UV light at 365 nm, emit faint light in solution and bright light in the solid state. The ground‐ and excited‐state properties of these complexes were investigated through density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT calculations. The calculated energies for the transitions from the ground state to the singlet and triplet excited states were close to those determined from the experimental absorption and emission. Their molecular orbitals were also exploited to compute the ground‐state dipole moments and redox potentials. Several experiments were performed to demonstrate the “aggregation‐induced emission” (AIE) activity of these complexes. AIE was triggered by the restricted intramolecular rotation of the rotating units (phenyls in triphenyphosphines) in these molecules in the solid state. The solid thin films of 1 and 2 exhibit solvent‐polarity‐dependent vapour‐responsive emission properties (vapoluminescent). The rationale for the different emission behavior in the solid state has been thoroughly investigated. The packing diagrams of 1 and 2 show that there is enough space available to accommodate small organic solvent molecules inside the crystal lattices.
A Heterometallo‐Supramolecular Polymer with CuI and FeII Ions Introduced Alternately
Authors: Hossain Md. Delwar , Zhang Jian , Pandey Rakesh K. , Sato Takashi , Higuchi Masayoshi
Published: July 2014

A new heterometallo‐supramolecular polymer with alternating CuI and FeII ions (polyCuFe) was synthesized by simple 0.5:0.5:1 complexation of CuI and FeII salts with an unsymmetrical ditopic ligand (L1) bearing phenanthroline and terpyridine moieties as the metal coordination sites. Selective complexation was confirmed by UV/Vis spectroscopic titration experiments, and the alternate alignment of the two metal ions in polyCuFe was supported by ESI‐MS data. Cyclic voltammetry of a polyCuFe film showed two reversible redox waves at 0.29 and 0.78 V vs. Ag/Ag+ based on the redox of CuI/CuII and FeII/FeIII, respectively. Each oxidation state was successfully observed by acquisition of XPS spectra. A solid‐state display device was fabricated using the polymer film and a gel electrolyte. The device showed multi‐colour electrochromic behaviour by changing an applied potential, based on the different redox potentials of the two metal ions.
Triarylbismuthanes as Threefold Aryl‐Transfer Reagents in Regioselective Cross‐Coupling Reactions with Bromopyridines and Quinolines
Authors: Rao Maddali L. N. , Dhanorkar Ritesh J.
Published: July 2014

Cross‐coupling studies using bromopyridines and bromoquinolines with triarylbismuths as threefold coupling reagents in substoichiometric amounts under Pd‐catalysed conditions are disclosed. The reactivity was high with both mono‐ and dibromopyridyl substrates, and mono‐ and bis‐couplings were carried out regioselectively. A library of monoaryl and diaryl pyridines was formed in high yields. A one‐pot strategy provided a simple and straightforward synthesis of both symmetrical and unsymmetrical diarylpyridines. Arylations of 2‐bromo‐ and 3‐bromoquinolines were achieved with triarylbismuth reagents. This study demonstrates that triarylbismuths may be used as threefold arylating reagents for the synthesis of aryl pyridines and quinolines through couplings with bromopyridines and bromoquinolines under Pd‐catalysed conditions.