bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Concise and Scalable Formal Synthesis of the Enantiopure Side-Chain Diester of Homoharringtonine
Authors: Sun Moran , Jia Xin , Lai Yaowen , Yang Hua
Published: January 2015

The enantiopure side-chain diester of homoharringtonine (HHT) has been prepared in 38% overall yield, from cheap L-aspartic acid by a linear sequence of 10 chemical operations (mean yield per step: 91%). The experimental operation in each step is convenient, economic and prone to scale up. About 7–10 g of the side-chain diester of HHT is easily prepared within one week from 5 g of L-aspartic acid.
Synthesis of Novel 2-Methyl and 2-Cyanomethyl-12-Aryl-8,12-Dihydro-9H-cHromeno[3,2-e][1,2,4]Triazolo[1,5-c]Pyrimidin-11(10H)-One Derivatives
Authors: Li Bei , Wang Zhong-Xia , Xing Zheng , Chen Li-Zhuang , Han Guang-Fan
Published: January 2015

2-Methyl and 2-cyanomethyl-12-aryl-8,12-dihydro-9H-chromeno[3,2-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-11(10H)-one derivatives were synthesised by the cyclisations of acetic anhydride or ethyl cyanoacetate with chromeno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives, which were obtained by the reactions of hydrazine monohydrate and formimidate derivatives. In addition, 2,9,9-trimethyl-12-(p-tolyl)-8,12-dihydro-9H-chromeno[3,2-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-11(10H)-one and 2-cyanomethyl-12-phenyl-8,12-dihydro-9H-chromeno[3,2-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-11(10H)-one were further determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Biological Activity of Diethyl-2-[5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-7-(Trifluoromethyl)Pyrazolo[1,5-a] Pyrimidine-3-Carboxamido]Pentanedioate
Authors: Ju Liu , Hong-Guang Ge , Jiu-Fu Lu
Published: January 2015

The title compound, diethyl-2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-7-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-3-carboxamido]pentanedioate (C23H22F4N4O5, Mr = 510.45) was synthesised and structurally characterised by element analysis, IR, 1H NMR and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal belongs to the monoclinic system, space group C121 with a=27001(3) Å, b=7.161(1) Å, c = 12.0900 Å, α=90.00 °, β=92.379 (7) °, λ=90.00 °. In the crystal structure, the dihedral angles between the benzene ring and pyrazolopyrimidine are 53.618(162)°. Through C-H…F and C-H…O weak hydrogen bonds among molecules, the whole molecule is stacked into a three-dimensional structure. In addition, the compound possesses a moderate antituberculosis activity.
Palladium Catalysts for Cross-Coupling Reaction
Authors: Manabe Kei
Published: January 2015

Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions constitute one of the most important and useful transformations in transition metal-catalyzed reactions [1–3]. Although this research field emerged in the 1970s, it is still attracting considerable attention in synthetic and organometallic chemistry. New catalysts and catalytic systems are being developed to further expand the utility of the reactions. This Special Issue on “Palladium Catalysts for Cross-Coupling Reaction” covers the diverse aspects of the ever-evolving field of palladium catalysts in cross coupling chemistry.[...]
Environmental Pollution from Illegal Waste Disposal and Health Effects: A Review on the “Triangle of Death”
Authors: Triassi Maria , Alfano Rossella , Illario Maddalena , Nardone Antonio , Caporale Oreste , Montuori Paolo
Published: January 2015

The term “triangle of death” was used for the first time by Senior and Mazza in the journal The Lancet Oncology referring to the eastern area of the Campania Region (Southern Italy) which has one of the worst records of illegal waste dumping practices. In the past decades, many studies have focused on the potential of illegal waste disposal to cause adverse effects on human health in this area. The great heterogeneity in the findings, and the bias in media communication has generated great healthcare doubts, anxieties and alarm. This paper addresses a review of the up-to-date literature on the “triangle of death”, bringing together the available information on the occurrence and severity of health effects related to illegal waste disposal. The Scopus database was searched using the search terms “waste”, “Campania”, “Naples”, “triangle of death” and “human biomonitoring”. Despite the methodological and sampling heterogeneity between the studies, this review examines the evidence from published data concerning cancer incidence, childhood mortality and birth defects, so that the current situation, knowledge gaps and research priorities can be established. The review aims to provide a contribution to the scientific community, and to respond to the concerns of the general population.
Ameliorative Effects of 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (5-HMF) from Schisandra chinensis on Alcoholic Liver Oxidative Injury in Mice
Authors: Li Wei , Qu Xin-Nan , Han Ye , Zheng Si-Wen , Wang Jia , Wang Ying-Ping
Published: January 2015

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the protective effect of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (5-HMF) on acute alcohol-induced liver oxidative injury in mice. 5-HMF, a maillard reaction product, was isolated from the fruits of Schisandra chinensis for animal experiments. Experimental ICR mice were pretreated with different doses of 5-HMF (7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg) for seven days by gavage feeding. Biochemical markers and enzymatic antioxidants from serum and liver tissue were examined. Our results showed that the activities of ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate transaminase), TC (total cholesterol), TG (triglyceride), L-DLC (low density lipoprotein) in serum and the levels of MDA (malondialdehyde) in liver tissue, decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the 5-HMF-treated group compared with the alcohol group. On the contrary, enzymatic antioxidants CAT (catalase), GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase), and GSH SOD (superoxide dismutase) were markedly elevated in liver tissue treated with 5-HMF (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the hepatic levels of pro-inflammatory response marker tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were significantly suppressed (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed that 5-HMF (30 mg/kg) pretreatment noticeably prevented alcohol-induced hepatocyte apoptosis and fatty degeneration. It is suggested that the hepatoprotective effects exhibited by 5-HMF on alcohol-induced liver oxidative injury may be due to its potent antioxidant properties.
Expression of the SIRT2 Gene and Its Relationship with Body Size Traits in Qinchuan Cattle (Bos taurus)
Authors: Gui Lin-Sheng , Zhang Ya-Ran , Liu Gui-Yao , Zan Lin-Sen
Published: January 2015

Silent information regulator 2 (SIRT2) is a member of the sirtuin family of class III NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)-dependent protein deacetylases and may regulate senescence, metabolism and apoptosis. The aims of this study were to investigate whether the SIRT2 gene could be used as a candidate gene in the breeding of Qinchuan cattle. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results showed that among all types of tissue that were analyzed, the highest mRNA expression levels of the gene were found in subcutaneous fat. DNA sequencing of 468 individual Qinchuan cattle identified two novel, single nucleotide polymorphisms (g.19501 C > T and g.19518 C > T) in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of the SIRT2 gene. The frequencies of SNP g.19501 C > T and g.19518 C > T were in Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium in all the samples (chi-square test, χ2 < χ0.052). An association analysis showed that the two loci were significantly correlated with some body size traits and the H2H2 (-CT-CT-) diplotypes performed better than other combinations. These results indicated that the variations in the SIRT2 gene and their corresponding genotypes may be considered as molecular markers for economic traits in cattle breeding.
The Influence of AHI1 Variants on the Diagnosis and Treatment Outcome in Schizophrenia
Authors: Porcelli Stefano , Pae Chi-Un , Han Changsu , Lee Soo-Jung , Patkar Ashwin , Masand Prakash , Balzarro Beatrice , Alberti Siegfried , De Ronchi Diana , Serretti Alessandro
Published: January 2015

The present study aimed to explore whether four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the AHI1 gene could be associated with schizophrenia (SCZ) and whether they could predict the clinical outcomes in SCZ patients treated with antipsychotics. Four hundred twenty-six (426) in-patients with SCZ and 345 controls were genotyped for four AHI1 SNPs (rs11154801, rs7750586, rs9647635 and rs9321501). Baseline and clinical measures for SCZ patients were assessed through the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Allelic and genotypic frequencies in SCZ subjects were compared with those of controls using the χ2 statistics. The repeated-measure ANOVA was used for the assessment of treatment outcomes measured by PANSS changes. The case-control analysis did not show any difference in the genotypic distribution of the SNPs, while in the allelic analysis, a weak association was found between the rs9647635 A allele and SCZ. Furthermore, in the haplotype analysis, three haplotypes resulted in being associated with SCZ. On the other hand, two SNPs (rs7750586 and rs9647635) were associated with clinical improvement of negative symptoms in the allelic analysis, although in the genotypic analysis, only trends of association were found for the same SNPs. Our findings suggest a possible influence of AHI1 variants on SCZ susceptibility and antipsychotic response, particularly concerning negative symptomatology. Subsequent well-designed studies would be mandatory to confirm our results due to the methodological shortcomings of the present study.
Modeling of Experimental Adsorption Isotherm Data
Authors: Chen Xunjun
Published: January 2015

Adsorption is considered to be one of the most effective technologies widely used in global environmental protection areas. Modeling of experimental adsorption isotherm data is an essential way for predicting the mechanisms of adsorption, which will lead to an improvement in the area of adsorption science. In this paper, we employed three isotherm models, namely: Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich to correlate four sets of experimental adsorption isotherm data, which were obtained by batch tests in lab. The linearized and non-linearized isotherm models were compared and discussed. In order to determine the best fit isotherm model, the correlation coefficient (r2) and standard errors (S.E.) for each parameter were used to evaluate the data. The modeling results showed that non-linear Langmuir model could fit the data better than others, with relatively higher r2 values and smaller S.E. The linear Langmuir model had the highest value of r2, however, the maximum adsorption capacities estimated from linear Langmuir model were deviated from the experimental data.
Classification of Cells with Membrane Staining and/or Fixation Based on Cellular Specific Membrane Capacitance and Cytoplasm Conductivity
Authors: Huang Song-Bin , Zhao Yang , Chen Deyong , Liu Shing-Lun , Luo Yana , Chiu Tzu-Keng , Wang Junbo , Chen Jian , Wu Min-Hsien
Published: January 2015

Single-cell electrical properties (e.g., specific membrane capacitance (Cspecific membrane) and cytoplasm conductivity (σcytoplasm)) have been regarded as potential label-free biophysical markers for the evaluation of cellular status. However, whether there exist correlations between these biophysical markers and cellular status (e.g., membrane-associate protein expression) is still unknown. To further validate the utility of single-cell electrical properties in cell type classification, Cspecific membrane and σcytoplasm of single PC-3 cells with membrane staining and/or fixation were analyzed and compared in this study. Four subtypes of PC-3 cells were prepared: untreated PC-3 cells, PC-3 cells with anti-EpCAM staining, PC-3 cells with fixation, and fixed PC-3 cells with anti-EpCAM staining. In experiments, suspended single cells were aspirated through microfluidic constriction channels with raw impedance data quantified and translated to Cspecific membrane and σcytoplasm. As to experimental results, significant differences in Cspecific membrane were observed for both live and fixed PC-3 cells with and without membrane staining, indicating that membrane staining proteins can contribute to electrical properties of cellular membranes. In addition, a significant decrease in σcytoplasm was located for PC-3 cells with and without fixation, suggesting that cytoplasm protein crosslinking during the fixation process can alter the cytoplasm conductivity. Overall, we have demonstrated how to classify single cells based on cellular electrical properties.
Lectins: Getting Familiar with Translators of the Sugar Code
Authors: André Sabine , Kaltner Herbert , Manning Joachim , Murphy Paul , Gabius Hans-Joachim
Published: January 2015

The view on the significance of the presence of glycans in glycoconjugates is undergoing a paradigmatic change. Initially mostly considered to be rather inert and passive, the concept of the sugar code identifies glycans as highly versatile platform to store information. Their chemical properties endow carbohydrates to form oligomers with unsurpassed structural variability. Owing to their capacity to engage in hydrogen (and coordination) bonding and C-H/π-interactions these “code words” can be “read” (in Latin, legere) by specific receptors. A distinct class of carbohydrate-binding proteins are the lectins. More than a dozen protein folds have developed carbohydrate-binding capacity in vertebrates. Taking galectins as an example, distinct expression patterns are traced. The availability of labeled endogenous lectins facilitates monitoring of tissue reactivity, extending the scope of lectin histochemistry beyond that which traditionally involved plant lectins. Presentation of glycan and its cognate lectin can be orchestrated, making a glycan-based effector pathway in growth control of tumor and activated T cells possible. In order to unravel the structural basis of lectin specificity for particular glycoconjugates mimetics of branched glycans and programmable models of cell surfaces are being developed by strategic combination of lectin research with synthetic and supramolecular chemistry.
Intestinal Microbial Dysbiosis and Colonic Epithelial Cell Hyperproliferation by Dietary α-Mangostin is Independent of Mouse Strain
Authors: Gutierrez-Orozco Fabiola , Thomas-Ahner Jennifer , Galley Jeffrey , Bailey Michael , Clinton Steven , Lesinski Gregory , Failla Mark
Published: January 2015

Beverages and supplements prepared from mangosteen fruit are claimed to support gut health and immunity, despite the absence of supporting evidence from clinical trials. We recently reported that α-mangostin (α-MG), the most abundant xanthone in mangosteen fruit, altered the intestinal microbiome, promoted dysbiosis, and exacerbated colitis in C57BL/6J mice. The objective of this study was to determine whether induction of dysbiosis by dietary α-MG is limited to the C57BL/6J strain or represents a more generic response to chronic intake of the xanthone on the gut microbiota of mice. C3H, Balb/c, Nude FoxN1nu, and C57BL/6J mice, each demonstrating unique microbiomes, were fed standard diet or diet containing 0.1% α-MG for four weeks. Dietary α-MG significantly altered the cecal and colonic microbiota in all four strains of mice, promoting a reduction in generally assumed beneficial bacterial groups while increasing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria. Consumption of α-MG was associated with reduced abundance of Firmicutes and increased abundance of Proteobacteria. The abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Lactobacillaceae was reduced in α-MG-fed mice, while that of Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcaceae was increased. Dietary α-MG also was associated with increased proliferation of colonic epithelial cells, infiltration of immune cells, infiltration of immune cells and increased fluid content in stool. These results suggest that ingestion of pharmacologic doses of xanthones in mangosteen-containing supplements may adversely alter the gut microbiota and should be used with caution.
Drop the Likelihood Ratio
Authors: Herich L. , Lehmacher W. , Hellmich M.
Published: January 2015

Objective: To present a geometric ruler to determine predictive values of binary diagnostic test results from prevalence, sensitivity and specificity without calculation.

Methods: On logarithmic scale the relationships between pre-/post-test odds and the likelihood ratio as well as sensitivity, specificity and the likelihood ratio appear as simple linear (additive) equations.

Results: Each of these additive equations can be solved geometrically in form of a ruler with three scales. By amalgamation we devise a novel non-electronic tool which omits the intermediate step of likelihood ratio determination.

Conclusions: We propose a simple geometric method to aid in interpretation of diagnostic test results for both practical and educational purposes.
Release behaviour and toxicity evaluation of levodopa from carboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Tan Julia M , Foo Jhi Biau , Fakurazi Sharida , Hussein Mohd Zobir
Published: January 2015

This work explores the potential use of commercially obtained, carboxylated, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT–COOH) as nanocarriers for the antiparkinson drug, levodopa (LD). The resulting nanohybrid was characterized using materials characterization methods including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, elemental analysis, UV–vis spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that SWCNT–COOH were able to form supramolecular complexes with LD via a π–π stacking interaction and exhibited favourable, slow, sustained-release characteristics as a drug carrier with a release period over more than 20 h. The results obtained from the drug release studies of LD at different pH values showed that the LD-loaded nanohybrid is pH activated. The release kinetics of LD from SWCNT–COOH were well-described by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. A cytotoxicity assay of the synthesized nanohybrid was also carried out in PC12 cell lines (a widely used, in vitro Parkinson’s model for neurotoxicity studies) using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in order to investigate their possible effects on normal neuronal cells in vitro. It was found that the synthesized nanohybrid did not compromise the cell viability and the PC12 cells remained stable throughout the experiments up to 72 h after treatment.
THE RESEARCH OF SIMPLIFICATION OF 1.9 TDI DIESEL ENGINE HEAT RELEASE PARAMETERS DETERMINATION / 1,9 TDI DYZELINIO VARIKLIO ŠILUMOS IŠSISKYRIMO PARAMETRŲ NUSTATYMO SUPAPRASTINIMO TYRIMAS
Authors: Žaglinskis Justas , Lukács Kristóf , Bereczky Ákos , Rapalis Paulius
Published: January 2015

The investigation of modified methodology of Audi 1.9 TDI 1Z diesel engine heat release parameters’ determination is represented in the article. In this research the AVL BOOST BURN and IMPULS software was used to treat data and to simulate engine work process. The reverse task of indicated pressure determination from heat release data was solved here. T. Bulaty and W. Glanzman methodology was modified for purpose to simplify the determination of heat release parameters. The maximal cylinder pressure, which requires additional expensive equipment, was changed into the objective indicator – exhaust gas temperature. This modification allowed to simplify the experimental engine tests and also gave simulation results in an error range up to 2% of main engine operating parameters. The study results are assessed as an important point for the simplification of engine test under field conditions.
Straipsnyje pateikta dyzelinio Audi variklio 1,9 TDI 1Z šilumos išsiskyrimo parametrų nustatymo metodikos ir jos modifikavimo tyrimas. Šio tyrimo procese atilikto eksperimento duomenims apdoroti ir darbo procesui modeliuoti panaudoti AVL BOOST BURN ir IMPULS programiniai paketai. Tyrime buvo sprendžiamas atvirkščias indikatorinio slėgio nustatymo iš šilumos charakteristikos duomenų uždavinys. Siekiant supaprastinti šilumos išsiskyrimo parametrų nustatymą, panaudota modifikuota T. Bulaty ir W. Glanzman metodika. Maksimalaus slėgio cilindre parametras, kurio nustatymas reikalauja papildomos brangios įrangos, buvo pakeistas objektyviu išmetamųjų dujų temperatūros parametru. Šis modifikavimas leidžia supaprastinti eksperimentinius tyrimus bei leido atlikti pagrindinių variklio darbo parametrų modeliavimą neviršijant 2 % paklaidų ribos. Tyrimo rezultatas vertinamas itin svarbiu variklių bandymų lauko sąlygomis supaprastinimo atžvilgiu.
Does Intraoperative Fluoroscopy Improve Component Positioning in Total Hip Arthroplasty?
Authors: Tischler Eric H. , Orozco Fabio , Aggarwal Vinay K. , Pacheco Haroldo , Post Zachary , Ong Alvin
Published: January 2015

Accurate placement of components is imperative for successful outcomes after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although technology-assisted techniques offer the potential for greater accuracy in prosthesis positioning, the need for additional resources prevents their widespread use. The goal of this study was to compare primary THA procedures performed with and without intraoperative fluoroscopic guidance with regard to accuracy of prosthesis placement, operative time, and postoperative complications. The authors reviewed 341 consecutive cases (330 patients) undergoing primary THA at the authors’ institution from September 2007 to January 2010. Postoperative anteroposterior radiographs were used to measure acetabular inclination angle, leg length discrepancy, and femoral offset discrepancy. Operative time and postoperative complications related to implant positioning were recorded. Mean acetabular inclination angle, leg length discrepancy, and offset discrepancy for control vs study groups were 43.0° (range, 32.2°–61.4°) vs 43.8° (range, 29.0°–55.1°), 4.75 mm (range, 0–25) vs 4.24 mm (range, 0–27), and 8.47 mm (range, 0–9.7) vs 7.70 mm (range, 0–31), respectively. Complication rates were not significantly different between the control (8.1%) and study (5.3%) groups. Mean operative time was significantly higher in the study group compared with the control group (59.8 vs 52.8 minutes) (
P
<.0001). The findings showed that intraoperative fluoroscopy may not improve prosthesis accuracy or decrease postoperative complication rates compared with a freehand technique. Because of significantly increased operative time and cost associated with fluoroscopic guidance, the authors discourage the use of this technique in uncomplicated primary THA performed at high-volume arthroplasty institutions. [
Orthopedics
. 2015; 38(1):e1–e6.]
Role of low dose cytarabine in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia: An experience
Authors: Bashir Yasir , Geelani Sajjad , Bashir Nusrat , Mir Shabeer A. , Mushtaq Mosin , Jan M. Aleem , Rasool Javid
Published: January 2015

Purpose: To highlight the acceptable results seen after use of low dose cytarabine in elderly patients of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with comorbidities. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study carried on 30 newly diagnosed patients of AML over 60 years of age who were unfit for standard treatment regimens. We did not use azacytidine and decitabine in our patients because these therapeutic modalities being extremely costly and our patient affordability being poor. After taking patient consent and institutional ethical clearance these patients were treated with 20 mg/m2 cytarabine subcutaneously in two divided doses 12 h apart for 4 days every week for 4 weeks which constituted a cycle before disease, re-assessment was done. A repeat cycle was administered where ever needed and after attainment of remission, we continued low dose cytarabine for 2 days/week as maintenance after complete or partial response was documented. Results: In our study, we found that around 20% of patients achieved complete remission and 30% partial remission. The remission rates were definitely influenced by counts at presentation, performance at presentation, comorbidities, underlying myelodysplastic syndrome and baseline cytogenetics. Conclusion: Low dose cytarabine is effective treatment option for elderly patients with AML when standard treatment options are not warranted.
Addition of magnetic resonance imaging to computed tomography-based three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy planning for postoperative treatment of astrocytomas: Changes in tumor volume and isocenter shift
Authors: Bagri Puneet Kumar , Kapoor Akhil , Singh Daleep , Singhal Mukesh Kumar , Narayan Satya , Kumar Harvindra Singh
Published: January 2015

Introduction: Postoperative radiotherapy is the current gold standard treatment in astrocytomas. Computed tomography (CT)-based radiotherapy planning leads to either missing of the tumor volume or underdosing. The aim of this prospective study was to study the changes in tumor volume on addition of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to CT-based three-dimensional radiotherapy treatment planning of astrocytomas. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients of astrocytoma (WHO grades I-IV) for postoperative three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy were included in this prospective study. Postoperative tumor volumes were contoured on CT-based images and recontoured on CT-MRI images after automated MRI co-registration on treatment planning system Eclipse 8.9.15 as per ICRU-50 report. Tumor volumes were compared with each other. Result: The MRI-based mean and median tumor volume was 24.24 cc ± 13.489 and 18.72 cc (range 5.6-46.48 cc), respectively, while for CT it was 19.4 cc ± 11.218 and 16.24 cc (range: 5.1-38.72 cc), respectively. The mean and median isocenter shift between CT and MRI was 4.05 mm and 4.39 mm (range 0.92-6.32 mm), respectively. There is a linear relationship between MRI and CT volume with a good correlation coefficient of R
2 = 0.989, and MRI-based tumor volume was 1.208 times as compared to CT volume. Statistical analysis using paired sample t-test for the difference in CT and MRI tumor volume was highly significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Addition of MRI to the CT-based three-dimensional radiation treatment planning reduces the chances of geographical miss or tumor under dosing. Thus, MRI should be an integral part of three-dimensional planning of astrocytomas.
Immunohistochemical detection of axillary lymph node micrometastases in node negative breast cancer patients using cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen
Authors: Choudhury Monisha , Agrawal Sapna , Pujani Mukta , Thomas Shaji , Pujani Meenu
Published: January 2015

Background and Objective: The study was conducted to detect occult metastases in lymph node negative breast cancer patients using cytokeratin (CK) and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) immunohistochemistry (IHC) and correlate this with primary tumor size and grade. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 cases including 12 prospective and 20 retrospective cases of axillary lymph node negative breast cancer were studied. CK and EMA IHC were performed to detect micrometastases. Results: Axillary lymph node metastases were detected in 18.75% of previously node negative cases using CK and EMA IHC. CK was found to be more sensitive for detection of metastases compared to EMA. A highly significant correlation was observed between tumor grade and axillary lymph node metastases detected by CK and EMA. However, no significant correlation was found between tumor size and axillary lymph node metastases detected by IHC. Conclusion: In the present study, there was an increase of 18.75% in the occult metastases detection rate using CK and EMA. To conclude, IHC detection of occult metastases should be done using CK in all axillary node negative cases, especially in T1 and T2 stage tumors.
Observation of ozone enhancement in the lower troposphere over East Asia from a space-borne ultraviolet spectrometer
Authors: Hayashida S. , Liu X. , Ono A. , Yang K. , Chance K.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. We report observations from space using ultraviolet (UV) radiance for significant enhancement of ozone in the lower troposphere over Central and Eastern China (CEC). The recent retrieval products of the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) onboard the Earth Observing System (EOS)/Aura satellite revealed the spatial and temporal variation of ozone distributions in multiple layers in the troposphere. We compared the OMI-derived ozone over Beijing with airborne measurements by the Measurement of Ozone and Water Vapor by Airbus In-Service Aircraft (MOZAIC) program. The correlation between OMI and MOZAIC ozone in the lower troposphere was reasonable, which assured the reliability of OMI ozone retrievals in the lower troposphere under enhanced ozone conditions. The ozone enhancement was clearly observed over CEC, with Shandong Province as its center, and most notable in June in any given year. Similar seasonal variations were observed throughout the nine-year OMI measurement period of 2005 to 2013. The ozone enhancement in June was associated with the enhancement of carbon monoxide (CO) and hotspots, which is consistent with previous studies of in-situ measurements such those made by the MTX2006 campaign. A considerable part of this ozone enhancement could be attributed to the emissions of ozone precursors from open crop residue burning (OCRB) after the winter wheat harvest, in addition to emissions from industrial activities and automobiles. The ozone distribution presented in this study is also consistent with some model studies that apply emissions from OCRB. The lower tropospheric ozone distribution is first shown from OMI retrieval in this study, and the results will be useful in clarifying any unknown factors that influence ozone distribution by comparison with model simulations.
Recasting catchment water balance for water allocation between human and environmental purposes
Authors: Zhou S. , Huang Y. , Wei Y. , Wang G.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Rebalancing water allocation between human consumptive uses and the environment in water catchments is a global challenge. The conventional water balance approach which partitions precipitation into evapotranspiration (ET) and surface runoff supports the optimization of water allocations among different human water use sectors under the cap of water supply. However, this approach is unable to support the emerging water management priority issue of allocating water between societal and ecological systems. This paper recast the catchment water balance by partitioning catchment total ET into ET for the society and ET for the natural ecological systems, and estimated the impacts of water allocation on the two systems in terms of gross primary productivity (GPP), in the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB) of Australia over the period 1900–2010. With the recast water balance, the more than 100 year water management in the MDB was divided into four periods corresponding to major changes in basin management: period 1 (1900–1956) expansion of water and land use by the societal system, period 2 (1956–1985) maximization of water and land use by the societal system, period 3 (1985–2002) maximization of water diversion for the societal system, and period 4 (2002–present) rebalancing of water and land use between the societal and ecological systems. The recast water balance provided new understandings of the water and land dynamics between societal and ecological systems in the MDB, and it highlighted the experiences and lessons of catchment water management in the MDB over the last more than 100 years. The recast water balance could serve as the theoretical foundation for water allocation to keep a dynamic balance between the societal and ecological systems within a basin for sustainable catchment development. It provides a new approach to advance the discipline of socio-hydrology.
Effects of snow ratio on annual runoff within Budyko framework
Authors: Zhang D. , Cong Z. , Ni G. , Yang D. , Hu S.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Warmer climate may lead to less winter precipitation falling as snow. Such a switch in the state of precipitation not only alters temporal distribution of intra-annual runoff, but tends to yield less total annual runoff. Long-term water balance for 282 catchments across China is investigated, showing that decreasing snow ratio reduces annual runoff for a given total precipitation. Within the Budyko framework, we develop an equation to quantify the relationship between snow ratio and annual runoff from a water–energy balance viewpoint. Based on the proposed equation, attribution of runoff change during past several decades and possible runoff change induced by projected snow ratio change using climate experiment outputs archived in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 are analyzed. Results indicate that annual runoff in northwest mountainous and north high-latitude areas are sensitive to snow ratio change. The proposed model is applicable to other catchments easily and quantitatively for analyzing the effects of possible change in snow ratio on available water resources and evaluating the vulnerability of catchments to climate change.
Undifferentiated Embryonal Sarcoma of the Liver: A Concise Review
Authors: Putra Juan , Ornvold Kim
Published: January 2015

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver is an aggressive mesenchymal tumor that occurs predominantly in children. Although this entity has been described for decades, its pathogenesis is still obscure. Its association with mesenchymal hamartoma has been well described on the basis of identical chromosomal abnormalities. The clinical and radiological diagnoses are often difficult, and the diagnosis of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver is based on its histology and immunophenotype. It is essential to recognize the characteristic histologic findings and the pattern of the immunohistochemistry staining to rule out other hepatic lesions. Multimodal therapy with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy has drastically improved the prognosis of patients with undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver. This successful management requires timely diagnosis for superior outcome.
Magnetic Helical Microswimmers Functionalized with Lipoplexes for Targeted Gene Delivery
Authors: Qiu Famin , Fujita Satoshi , Mhanna Rami , Zhang Li , Simona Benjamin R. , Nelson Bradley J.
Published: January 2015

Artificial micro‐/nanoswimmers have various potential applications including minimally invasive diagnosis and targeted therapies, environmental sensing and monitoring, cell manipulation and analysis, and lab‐on‐a‐chip devices. Inspired by natural motile bacteria such as E. Coli, artificial bacterial flagella (ABFs) are one kind of magnetic helical microswimmers. ABFs can perform 3D navigation in a controllable fashion with micrometer precision under low‐strength rotating magnetic fields (<10 mT) and are promising tools for targeted drug delivery in vitro and in vivo. In this work, the successful wirelessly targeted and single‐cell gene delivery to human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells using ABFs loaded with plasmid DNA (pDNA) in vitro is demonstrated for the first time. The ABFs are functionalized with lipoplexes containing pDNA to generate functionalized ABFs (f‐ABFs). The f‐ABFs are steered wirelessly by low‐strength rotating magnetic fields and deliver the loaded pDNA into targeted cells. The cells targeted by f‐ABFs are successfully transfected by the transported pDNA and expressed the encoding protein. These f‐ABFs may also be useful for in vivo gene delivery and other applications such as sensors, actuators, cell biology, and lab‐on‐a‐chip environments.
The Continuous Exudation of Micro‐Meniscus Capsules by Polymer Perspiration
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , He Yonglin , Wang Yapei
Published: January 2015

Perspiration is a common phenomenon in many natural creatures in order to maintain their steady state. Here, through the facile use of a linear polymer of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and an incompatible polymer of cross‐linked polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) under an organic‐solvent atmosphere, the polymer system undergoes an analogous perspiration phenomenon as a result of the macroscopic phase separation between the two polymers. The resulting “sweat,” consisting of PMMA and solvent, are solidified into extraordinary micro‐meniscus capsules on the PDMS surface, which does not rely on the shape and topography of the PDMS substrates. Perspiration continues until the sweat of PMMA is exhausted, enabling the production of recoverable microstructures without complicated manufacturing processes. A thorough assessment of the influencing factors for the perspiration reveals that the formation of micro‐meniscus capsules follows a process of protrusion, ripening, and solidification. The micro‐meniscus capsules are primarily evaluated for applications in light scattering, in organic‐vapor sensing, and in bio‐macromolecular immobilization.
Nonlinear Optical Properties and Temperature‐Dependent UV–Vis Absorption and Photoluminescence Emission in 2D Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanosheets
Authors: Kumbhakar Pathik , Kole Arup Kanti , Tiwary Chandra Sekhar , Biswas Subrata , Vinod Soumya , Taha‐Tijerina Jaime , Chatterjee Udit , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: January 2015

Recently, a lot of interest has been centred on the optical properties of hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN), which has a similar lattice structure to graphene. Interestingly, h‐BN has a wide bandgap and is biocompatible, so it has potential applications in multiphoton bioimaging, if it can exhibit large nonlinear optical (NLO) properties. However, extensive investigation into the NLO properties of h‐BN have not been done so far. Here, NLO properties of 2D h‐BN nanosheets (BNNS) are reported for the first time, using 1064‐nm NIR laser radiation with a pulse duration of 10 ns using the Z‐scan technique. The reverse saturable absorption occurs in aqueous colloidal solutions of BNNS with a very large two‐photon absorption cross section (σ
2PA) of ≈57 × 10−46 cm4 s−1 photon−1. Also, by using UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, the temperature coefficient of the bandgap (dE
g/dT) of BNNS is determined to be 5.9 meV K−1. Further defect‐induced photoluminescence emission in the UV region is obtained in the 283–303 K temperature range, under excitations of different wavelengths. The present report of large σ
2PA combined with stability and biocompatibility could open up new possibilities for the application of BNNS as a potential optical material for multiphoton bioimaging and advanced photonic devices.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Desulfination of Sodium Arenesulfinates and Oxidative Annulation with Alkynes
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Yuyuan , Yang Haijun , Tan Chunyan , Jiang Yuyang , Zhao Yufen , Fu Hua
Published: January 2015

Polycyclic aromatic compounds are widely used in materials science, so it is highly desirable to develop an efficient and practical approach to them. In this paper, a novel, efficient and practical method for the rhodium(III)‐catalyzed desulfination of sodium arenesulfinates and oxidative annulation with alkynes has been developed, and the corresponding polycyclic aromatic compounds with multiple substituents were prepared in moderate to good yields. The reactions proceeded through sequential rhodium(III)‐catalyzed desulfination, intermolecular addition of aryl‐Rh(III) complexes to dialkyl but‐2‐ynedioates and diarylalkynes, and intramolecular oxidative annulation via CH activation. The present method is the first example of the oxidative annulation of arene derivatives with two different alkynes. Therefore, it should afford a useful strategy for the synthesis of polycyclic aromatic compounds.

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Evidence of inbreeding depression on height, weight, and body mass index: A population‐based child cohort study
Authors: Fareed Mohd , Afzal Mohammad
Published: January 2015

Objective

The study was aimed to estimate the effect of inbreeding on height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) in comparison with non‐inbred children.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted during April 2013 through July 2013 in Jammu (North India) and a total of 1,270 children (5–15 years of age) were selected in a random way both from inbred and non‐inbred families of five Muslim populations. The height and weight was measured using standard methods and the BMI categories were employed as adapted by World Health Organization (WHO). Family pedigrees were drawn to access the family history and children's inbred status in terms of coefficient of inbreeding (F).

Results

Children of inbred families showed decline in mean value for height, weight, and BMI (P < 0.0001). The mean difference (95% confidence interval) in height −7.318 (5.827–8.809), weight −6.590 (5.100–8.081) and BMI −2.133 (0.6419–3.624) for inbred as compared with non‐inbred children were found to be significant (P < 0.001). We observed an increase in the difference in mean values for height, weight and BMI with the increase of inbreeding coefficient and these were statistically significant (P < 0.05, using post hoc tests). The frequency of underweight children was found to be higher among individuals in the inbred category (<18.5 kg/m2 = 47.31%) as compared with the non‐inbred category (<18.5 kg/m2 = 13.41%) and subsequent depression was found among the inbred children due to an increase of inbreeding coefficient.

Conclusions

Our results provide the evidence of inbreeding depression on height, weight, and BMI being important in context of child health. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:784–795, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthetische Membranen für die Wasseraufbereitung: aktueller Stand und Perspektiven
Authors: Fane Anthony G. , Wang Rong , Hu Matthew X.
Published: January 2015

Membrantechnologien für die Aufbereitung von Meer‐ oder Abwasser bieten beste Möglichkeiten, den steigenden Wasserbedarf der Menschheit zu decken. Obwohl die Entsalzung mittels Umkehrosmose (RO, reverse osmosis) und die Abwasserreinigung in Membranbioreaktoren fest etablierte Verfahren sind, gibt es bei verschiedenen Membrantechnologien reichlich Spielraum für Verbesserungen, vor allem hinsichtlich Trenneigenschaften, Energiebedarf und Kosten. Wir sind jetzt in der Lage, ideale Membraneigenschaften anzugeben, und Fortschritte in der Materialwissenschaft und Chemie führen zu immer wirksameren Membranen. Wichtig ist, dass Entwicklungen im Bereich der Membranmaterialien auch von apparativen Verbesserungen der Membrantechnik begleitet werden. Es ist wahrscheinlich, dass Limitierungen in der Fluidmechanik und beim Stoffübergang eine Obergrenze der Membranleistung festlegen werden. Dennoch kann in den nächsten 20 Jahren mit großen Fortschritten gerechnet werden. Dabei dürfte die Umkehrosmose die zentrale Technologie für die Wasserentsalzung und ‐aufbereitung bleiben.
Biologisch inspirierte Superbenetzbarkeit – von der Grundlagenforschung zur praktischen Anwendung
Authors: Wen Liping , Tian Ye , Jiang Lei
Published: January 2015

Das Maßschneidern von Benetzbarkeit ist in den Oberflächenwissenschaften zwar wohlbekannt, aber dennoch ein hochinteressantes Thema, das bei der Lösung von größeren praktischen Problemen von enormem Interesse ist. In letzter Zeit wurden sowohl in der Natur als auch in Experimenten verschiedene superbenetzbare Systeme entdeckt. In diesem Aufsatz stellen wir drei Arten von Superbenetzbarkeit vor: dreidimensionale, zweidimensionale und eindimensionale Materialoberflächen. Durch das Kombinieren verschiedener Superbenetzbarkeiten lassen sich neue funktionale Grenzflächensysteme generieren und in Bauteile integrieren, die anschließend zur Lösung von aktuellen und zukünftigen Problemen im Zusammenhang mit Ressourcen, Energie, Umwelt und Gesundheit verwendet werden können.
A Convenient Route to Tetraalkylammonium Perfluoroalkoxides from Hydrofluoroethers
Authors: Jelier Benson J. , Howell Jon L. , Montgomery Craig D. , Leznoff Daniel B. , Friesen Chadron M.
Published: January 2015

Hydrofluoroethers are shown to alkylate tertiary amines readily under solvent‐free conditions, affording valuable tetraalkylammonium perfluoroalkoxides bearing α‐fluorines. The reaction of RFCF2OCH3 (RF=CF2CF3, CF2CF2CF3, and CF(CF3)2) with NR1R2R3 produces twenty new α‐perfluoroalkoxides, [(CH3)NR1R2R3][RFCF2O] under mild conditions. These α‐perfluoroalkoxides are easy to handle, thermally stable, and can be used for the perfluoroalkoxylation of benzyl bromides.
Gold‐Nanoparticle‐Mediated Jigsaw‐Puzzle‐like Assembly of Supersized Plasmonic DNA Origami
Authors: Yao Guangbao , Li Jiang , Chao Jie , Pei Hao , Liu Huajie , Zhao Yun , Shi Jiye , Huang Qing , Wang Lianhui , Huang Wei , Fan Chunhai
Published: January 2015

DNA origami has rapidly emerged as a powerful and programmable method to construct functional nanostructures. However, the size limitation of approximately 100 nm in classic DNA origami hampers its plasmonic applications. Herein, we report a jigsaw‐puzzle‐like assembly strategy mediated by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to break the size limitation of DNA origami. We demonstrated that oligonucleotide‐functionalized AuNPs function as universal joint units for the one‐pot assembly of parent DNA origami of triangular shape to form sub‐microscale super‐origami nanostructures. AuNPs anchored at predefined positions of the super‐origami exhibited strong interparticle plasmonic coupling. This AuNP‐mediated strategy offers new opportunities to drive macroscopic self‐assembly and to fabricate well‐defined nanophotonic materials and devices.
Photoreversible Gelation of a Triblock Copolymer in an Ionic Liquid
Authors: Ueki Takeshi , Nakamura Yutaro , Usui Ryoji , Kitazawa Yuzo , So Soonyong , Lodge Timothy P. , Watanabe Masayoshi
Published: January 2015

The reversible micellization and sol–gel transition of block copolymer solutions in an ionic liquid (IL) triggered by a photostimulus is described. The ABA triblock copolymer employed, denoted P(AzoMA‐r‐NIPAm)‐b‐PEO‐b‐P(AzoMA‐r‐NIPAm)), has a B block composed of an IL‐soluble poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). The A block consists of a random copolymer including thermosensitive N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) units and a methacrylate with an azobenzene chromophore in the side chain (AzoMA). A phototriggered reversible unimer‐to‐micelle transition of a dilute ABA triblock copolymer (1 wt %) was observed in an IL, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C4mim]PF6), at an intermediate “bistable” temperature (50 °C). The system underwent a reversible sol–gel transition cycle at the bistable temperature (53 °C), with reversible association/fragmentation of the polymer network resulting from the phototriggered self‐assembly of the ABA triblock copolymer (20 wt %) in [C4mim]PF6.
Palladium versus Platinum: The Metal in the Catalytic Center of a Molecular Photocatalyst Determines the Mechanism of the Hydrogen Production with Visible Light
Authors: Pfeffer Michael G. , Schäfer Bernhard , Smolentsev Grigory , Uhlig Jens , Nazarenko Elena , Guthmuller Julien , Kuhnt Christian , Wächtler Maria , Dietzek Benjamin , Sundström Villy , Rau Sven
Published: January 2015

To develop highly efficient molecular photocatalysts for visible light‐driven hydrogen production, a thorough understanding of the photophysical and chemical processes in the photocatalyst is of vital importance. In this context, in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopic (XAS) investigations show that the nature of the catalytically active metal center in a (N^N)MCl2 (M=Pd or Pt) coordination sphere has a significant impact on the mechanism of the hydrogen formation. Pd as the catalytic center showed a substantially altered chemical environment and a formation of metal colloids during catalysis, whereas no changes of the coordination sphere were observed for Pt as catalytic center. The high stability of the Pt center was confirmed by chloride addition and mercury poisoning experiments. Thus, for Pt a fundamentally different catalytic mechanism without the involvement of colloids is confirmed.