bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Phosphorescent Supramolecular Hydrogels Based on Platinum Emitters
Authors: Allampally Naveen Kumar , Bredol Michael , Strassert Cristian A. , De Cola Luisa
Published: October 2014

We have synthesised a neutral, water‐soluble, PtII complex able to aggregate more efficiently in aqueous solutions than in organic solvents. The aggregates are luminescent and are not quenched by molecular oxygen. Further, we have prepared phosphorescent hydrogels utilising host–guest interactions between cyclodextrins and the tetraethylene glycol tails of the PtII complex. The soft assemblies feature host‐dependent emission properties.
Cooperative Hydrogen Bonding in Glyco–Oligoamides: DNA Minor Groove Binders in Aqueous Media
Authors: Blázquez‐Sánchez M. Teresa , Marcelo Filipa , Fernández‐Alonso M. Carmen , Poveda Ana , Jiménez‐Barbero Jesús , Vicent Cristina
Published: October 2014

A strategy to create cooperative hydrogen‐bonding centers by using strong and directional intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding motifs that can survive in aqueous media is presented. In particular, glyco–oligoamides, a family of DNA minor groove binders, with cooperative and non‐cooperative hydrogen‐bonding donor centers in the carbohydrate residues have been designed, synthesized, and studied by means of NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling methods. Indeed, two different sugar moieties, namely, β‐D‐Man‐Py‐γ‐Py‐Ind (1; Ind=indole, Man=mannose, Py=pyrrole) and β‐D‐Tal‐Py‐γ‐Py‐Ind (2; Tal=talose), were chosen according to our design. These sugar molecules should present one‐ or two‐directional intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The challenge has been to study the conformation of the glyco–oligoamides at low temperature in physiological media by detecting the exchangeable protons (amide NH and OH resonances) by means of NMR spectroscopic analysis. In addition, two more glyco–oligoamides with non‐cooperative hydrogen‐bonding centers, that is, β‐D‐Glc‐Py‐γ‐Py‐Ind (3; Glc=glucose), β‐D‐Gal‐Py‐γ‐Py‐Ind (4; Gal=galactose), and the model compounds β‐D‐Man‐Py‐NHAc (5) and β‐D‐Tal‐Py‐NHAc (6) were synthesized and studied for comparison. We have demonstrated the existence of directional intramolecular hydrogen bonds in 1 and 2 in aqueous media. The unexpected differences in terms of stabilization of the intramolecular hydrogen bonds in 1 and 2 relative to 5 and 6 promoted us to evaluate the influence of CH—π interactions on the establishment of intramolecular hydrogen bonds by using computational methods. Initial binding studies of 1 and 2 with calf‐thymus DNA and poly(dA‐dT)2 by NMR spectroscopic analysis and molecular dynamics simulations were also carried out. Both new sugar–oligoamides are bound in the minor groove of DNA, thus keeping a stable hairpin structure, as in the free state, in which both intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding and CH—π interactions are present.
Square‐Planar Ruthenium(II) Complexes: Control of Spin State by Pincer Ligand Functionalization
Authors: Askevold Bjorn , Khusniyarov Marat M. , Kroener Wolfgang , Gieb Klaus , Müller Paul , Herdtweck Eberhardt , Heinemann Frank W. , Diefenbach Martin , Holthausen Max C. , Vieru Veacheslav , Chibotaru Liviu F. , Schneider Sven
Published: October 2014

Functionalization of the PNP pincer ligand backbone allows for a comparison of the dialkyl amido, vinyl alkyl amido, and divinyl amido ruthenium(II) pincer complex series [RuCl{N(CH2CH2PtBu2)2}], [RuCl{N(CHCHPtBu2)(CH2CH2PtBu2)}], and [RuCl{N(CHCHPtBu2)2}], in which the ruthenium(II) ions are in the extremely rare square‐planar coordination geometry. Whereas the dialkylamido complex adopts an electronic singlet (S=0) ground state and energetically low‐lying triplet (S=1) state, the vinyl alkyl amido and the divinyl amido complexes exhibit unusual triplet (S=1) ground states as confirmed by experimental and computational examination. However, essentially non‐magnetic ground states arise for the two intermediate‐spin complexes owing to unusually large zero‐field splitting (D>+200 cm−1). The change in ground state electronic configuration is attributed to tailored pincer ligand‐to‐metal π‐donation within the PNP ligand series.
Enantioselective Divergent Synthesis of (−)‐cis‐α‐ and (−)‐cis‐γ‐Irone by Using Wilkinson’s Catalyst
Authors: Bugoni Serena , Boccato Debora , Porta Alessio , Zanoni Giuseppe , Vidari Giovanni
Published: October 2014

A simple, efficient synthesis is reported for (−)‐cis‐α‐ and (−)‐cis‐γ‐irone, two precious constituents of iris oils, in ≥99 % diastereomeric and enantioselective ratios. The two routes diverge from a common intermediate prepared from (−)‐epoxygeraniol. Of general interest in this approach is the installation of the enone moiety of irones through a NHCAuI‐catalyzed Meyer–Schuster‐like rearrangement of a propargylic benzoate and the use of Wilkinson’s catalyst for the stereoselective hydrogenation of a prostereogenic exocyclic double bond to secure the critical cis stereochemistry of the alkyl groups at C2 and C6 of the irones. The stereochemical aspects of this reaction are rationally supported by DFT calculation of the conformers of the substrates undergoing the hydrogenation and by a modeling study of the geometry of the rhodium η2 complexes involved in the diastereodifferentiation of the double bond faces. Thus, computational investigation of the η2 intermediates formed in the catalytic cycle of prostereogenic alkene hydrogenation by using Wilkinson’s catalyst could be highly predictive of the stereochemistry of the products.
ChemInform Abstract: Superbase/Cellulose: An Environmentally Benign Catalyst for Chemical Fixation of Carbon Dioxide into Cyclic Carbonates.
Authors: Sun Jian , Cheng Weiguo , Yang Zifeng , Wang Jinquan , Xu Tingting , Xin Jiayu , Zhang Suojiang
Published: October 2014

An environmentally benign catalytic system consisting of DBU and cellulose is developed for chemical fixation of CO2 with epoxides under metal‐free and halide‐free conditions.
Resampling calibrated adjusted empirical likelihood
Authors: WANG Lei , CHEN Jiahua , PU Xiaolong
Published: October 2014

Empirical‐likelihood‐based inference for parameters defined by the general estimating equations of Qin & Lawless (1994) remains an active research topic. When the sample size is small and/or the dimension of the accompanying estimating equations is high, the resulting confidence regions often have a lower than nominal coverage probability. In addition, the empirical likelihood can be hindered by an empty set problem. The adjusted empirical likelihood (AEL) tackles both problems simultaneously. However, the AEL confidence region with high‐order precision relies on accurate estimation of the required level of adjustment. This has proved difficult, particularly in over‐identified cases. In this article, we show that the general AEL is Bartlett‐correctable and propose a two‐stage procedure for constructing accurate confidence regions. A naive AEL is first employed to address the empty set problem, and it is then Bartlett‐corrected through a resampling procedure. The finite‐sample performance of the proposed method is illustrated by simulations and an example. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 43: 42–59; 2015 © 2014 Statistical Society of Canada
Analyzing molecular response in chronic myeloid leukemia clinical trials: Pitfalls and golden rules
Authors: Guilhot Joëlle , Preudhomme Claude , Mahon Francois Xavier , Guilhot François
Published: October 2014

Clinical trials of chronic myeloid leukemia frequently rely on molecular markers as surrogates for clinical endpoints. Studies suggest that early molecular response (EMR) is a good indicator of a favorable prognosis and yet, to the authors' knowledge, the use of EMR as a robust surrogate marker for clinical response has yet to be fully explored. EMR to therapy appears to be affected by a variety of factors, including disease characteristics, risk score, adherence to treatment, and off‐target effects of the treatment. Therefore, although molecular markers improve important research, they also bring with them important questions regarding their reliability. To be useful, markers must be must be easily measureable, capable of generating meaningful data, and clinically relevant. BCR‐ABL1 is the hallmark marker in chronic myeloid leukemia. Nevertheless, investigators still struggle with how best to measure and interpret both high and very low BCR‐ABL1 levels. Statistical models of BCR‐ABL1 kinetics must address these concerns and account for the BCR‐ABL1 variability between and within patients. Response models should also incorporate disease characteristics and other important parameters. Cancer 2015;121:490–497. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Immunohistochemical localization of DPP10 in rat brain supports the existence of a Kv4/KChIP/DPPL ternary complex in neurons
Authors: Wang Wan‐Chen , Cheng Chau‐Fu , Tsaur Meei‐Ling
Published: October 2014

Subthreshold A‐type K+ currents (ISAs) have been recorded from the cell bodies of hippocampal and neocortical interneurons as well as neocortical pyramidal neurons. Kv4 channels are responsible for the somatodendritic ISAs. It has been proposed that neuronal Kv4 channels are ternary complexes including pore‐forming Kv4 subunits, K+ channel‐interacting proteins (KChIPs), and dipeptidyl peptidase‐like proteins (DPPLs). However, colocalization evidence was still lacking. The distribution of DPP10 mRNA in rodent brain has been reported but its protein localization remains unknown. In this study, we generated a DPP10 antibody to label DPP10 protein in adult rat brain by immunohistochemistry. Absent from glia, DPP10 proteins appear mainly in the cell bodies of DPP10(+) neurons, not only at the plasma membrane but also in the cytoplasm. At least 6.4% of inhibitory interneurons in the hippocampus coexpressed Kv4.3, KChIP1, and DPP10, with the highest density in the CA1 strata alveus/oriens/pyramidale and the dentate hilus. Colocalization of Kv4.3/KChIP1/DPP10 was also detected in at least 6.9% of inhibitory interneurons scattered throughout the neocortex. Both hippocampal and neocortical Kv4.3/KChIP1/DPP10(+) inhibitory interneurons expressed parvalbumin or somatostatin, but not calbindin or calretinin. Furthermore, we found colocalization of Kv4.2/Kv4.3/KChIP3/DPP10 in neocortical layer 5 pyramidal neurons and olfactory bulb mitral cells. Together, although DPP10 is also expressed in some brain neurons lacking Kv4 (such as parvalbumin‐ and somatostatin‐positive Golgi cells in the cerebellum), colocalization of DPP10 with Kv4 and KChIP at the plasma membrane of ISA‐expressing neuron somata supports the existence of Kv4/KChIP/DPPL ternary complex in vivo. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:608–628, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two Different Models to Predict Ionic‐Liquid Diffraction Patterns: Fixed‐Charge versus Polarizable Potentials
Authors: Campetella Marco , Gontrani Lorenzo , Leonelli Francesca , Bencivenni Luigi , Caminiti Ruggero
Published: October 2014

This study reports the performance of classical molecular dynamics (MD) in predicting the X‐ray diffraction patterns of butylammonium nitrate (BAN) and two derivatives, 4‐hydroxybutan‐1‐ammonium nitrate (4‐HOBAN) and 4‐methoxybutan‐1‐ammonium nitrate (4‐MeOBAN). The structure functions and radial distribution functions obtained from energy‐dispersive X‐ray diffraction spectra, recorded newly for BAN and for the first time for 4‐MeOBAN and 4‐HOBAN, are compared with the corresponding quantities calculated from MD trajectories, to access information on the morphology of these liquids. The different behavior of two force fields, a polarizable multipole force field and a fixed‐charge one supplemented by an explicit three‐body term, is shown. The three‐body force field proves to be superior in reproducing the intermediate q range, for which the polarizable force field gives the wrong peak position and intensities. In addition, both models can correctly account for the presence or absence of a low q peak in the scattering patterns.
Enhanced oxidative stability and water miscibility of conjugated linoleic acid complexed with lysine and arginine
Authors: Koohikamali Sara , Kamal Siti Mazlina Mustapa
Published: October 2014

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are regarded as functional lipids. However, the water insolubility and oxidative instability of commercial CLA are barriers that limit the applications of CLA for fortification of aqueous‐based foods. In this study, production of a derivative of CLA with improved water solubility and extended shelf life through attachment of lysine (Lys) and arginine (Arg) into CLA structure was investigated. The evidence of the formation of Lys–CLA and Arg–CLA complexes was supported and verified by FT‐IR and 13C NMR analysis. The results indicated that the solubility of the Arg–CLA solution in pure water (pH 7) was greater than that of Lys–CLA at concentrations higher than 0.2% w/v. The peroxide values (PV) of the Lys–CLA and Arg–CLA increased by 1.4‐fold and 1.5‐fold, respectively; however, the PV of CLA increased by 15‐fold (after 12 h of heat treatment at 60°C). The PV mean of Lys–CLA was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of Arg–CLA, revealing that the oxidative stability of Lys–CLA is higher than that of Arg–CLA. This study showed that the incorporation of both Lys and Arg into the CLA can improve the water miscibility and oxidative stability of CLA, and expand the applications of CLA into food emulsions fortification.

Practical applications: The water insolubility and oxidative instability of CLA are limiting barriers in application of CLA as a food fortifier. In order to improve the water solubility and oxidative stability of CLA, Lys and arginine, which are polar amino acids, have been incorporated into the CLA structure in forms of Lys–CLA and Arg–CLA complexes. This study showed that Lys can be an appropriate substitute for Arg in the Arg–CLA complex, which was already suggested in earlier works. In fact, the complexation of CLA with Lys improves the oxidative stability, water solubility, and the antioxidative capacity of CLA. Accordingly, the Lys–CLA complex provided and further described here may be used to fortify the liquid foods and drinks and thus, this product may expand the scope of CLA applications.

The incorporation of both Lys and Arg into conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) can improve its water miscibility and oxidative stability and expand the applications of CLA in food emulsions fortification.
Bleaching with blends of bleaching earth and activated carbon reduces color and oxidation products of carp oil
Authors: Monte Mauricio L. , Monte Micheli L. , Pohndorf Ricardo S. , Crexi Valéria T. , Pinto Luiz A. A.
Published: October 2014

Fish oil is characterized as a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Bleaching is one of the most important steps in oil refinement. This study evaluated the effect of the bleaching step of carp oil refinement on the total carotenoid content, the TBA value, and the color. The crude oil was obtained by acid silage of carp viscera, and it was refined by the following steps: degumming, neutralization, washing, drying and bleaching. Various percentages of adsorbent to the oil mass (1.4–5.6%, w/w) and of activated carbon to the total adsorbent mass (4–11%, w/w) were used to remove the color and oxidation products. The optimum condition was found with 2% of adsorbent (to the oil mass) and 10% of activated carbon in relation to the total adsorbent mass, showing the lowest losses of carotenoid content (44.4%), and highest decreases of dark oil color (87.5%) and of TBA value (79.7%). In the bleached carp oil, the sum of unsaturated fatty acids was approximately of 67% and the ω‐3/ω‐6 ratio of 1.22. A kinetic study of the bleaching step to the carotenoid content and TBA values was performed by the models of Brimberg and Langmuir‐Hinshelwood, which suitably fit the experimental data.

Practical applications: A great number of studies are found in the literature on the pigment adsorption, oxidation products and free fatty acids in the bleaching step of vegetable oils by different adsorbents, however, there is little research that studies this step for fish oil. In this work, the best conditions for the bleaching of carp oil showed greater preservation of carotenoids, reductions in the value of TBA and in the darkening of the oil, resulting in a bleached oil with better quality and oxidative aspect. The neutralized and bleached oils extracted from carp viscera by the acid silage showed ω‐3/ω‐6 ratios from 1:1.21 to 1:1.22 and these values are in agreement with the literature for oil freshwater fish.

Bleaching is one of the most important steps in the refinement process of oil leading to products of acceptable quality. The optimum conditions for bleaching carp oil were found with 2% of adsorbent to the oil mass and 10% of activated carbon in relation to total adsorbent mass. Under these conditions, the lowest losses of carotenoid content and highest decreases of the dark oil color and TBA value were shown.
Iron(III)‐Catalyzed C–H Functionalization: ortho‐Benzoyloxylation of N,N‐Dialkylanilines and Its Application to 1,4‐Benzoxazepines
Authors: Chiranjeevi Barreddi , Vinayak Botla , Parsharamulu Thupakula , PhaniBabu Vemulapalli S. , Jagadeesh Bharatam , Sridhar Balasubramanian , Chandrasekharam Malapaka
Published: October 2014

A C–O bond‐formation reaction that proceeds through C–H functionalization of N,N‐dialkylanilines at the ortho‐position is presented. The iron‐catalyzed selective ortho‐benzoyloxylation follows a polar Friedel–Crafts‐like mechanism and is sensitive to the nucleophilicity of the anilines. The benzoyloxylation of a variety of N,N‐disubstituted anilines and N‐phenyl heterocycles is carried out under extremely mild conditions. Furthermore, the methodology has been successfully employed for the generation of 1,4‐benzoxazepines and o‐aminophenols.
Construction and Multiple Exterior Surface Functionalization of Giant Molecular Cages
Authors: Naseer Muhammad Moazzam , Wang De‐Xian , Zhao Liang , Wang Mei‐Xiang
Published: October 2014

By a one‐pot reaction strategy and a stepwise fragment‐coupling approach, three types of giant cage molecules with a triangular prism shape and an approximate cavity volume of 930 Å3 were synthesized. Through efficient aromatic nucleophilic substitution reactions of chlorotriazine with functionalized amines or aliphatic substitution reactions of the linking imino moieties with allyl bromide, the giant cages were successfully functionalized on the surface with multiple hydroxy, 2‐pyridyl, or allyl groups. As evidenced by variable‐temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy, the D3h‐ and C3v‐symmetric cage molecules underwent very slow conformational changes or deformation in solution because of their giant size and their flexible building units. Their giant cavities, different electronic interiors, and facile multiple exterior surface functionalization could render the molecular cages powerful three‐dimensional macrocyclic hosts that might find wide applications in supramolecular science.
Syntheses of Chiral Ferrocenophanes and Their Application to Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Qiying , Cui Xiuling , Chen Lianmei , Liu Haitao , Wu Yangjie
Published: October 2014

N‐Substituted 2‐aza‐[3]‐ferrocenophanes were easily synthesized from 1,1′‐ferrocenedicarbaldehyde and aliphatic amines in high yields. One of the ferrocenophanes served as a ligand for the copper‐catalyzed oxidative coupling of 2‐naphthol derivatives to give the products in good yields with up to 92 % ee, and it also efficiently catalyzed the asymmetric Michael addition reaction as an organocatalyst.
Synthesis and NMR Analysis of 1,4‐Disubstituted 1,2,3‐Triazoles Tethered to Pyridine, Pyrimidine, and Pyrazine Rings
Authors: Bolje Aljoša , Urankar Damijana , Košmrlj Janez
Published: October 2014

A combinatorial modular approach based on the “click” copper(I)‐catalysed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction was used to prepare a library of selected 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles differently functionalized with heteroaryl groups including pyridine, pyrimidine, and pyrazine. Three different copper(I) sources, i.e., CuSO4/sodium ascorbate, CuBr(PPh3)3, and (CuOTf)2·C6H6 were used to promote the coupling reactions of a range of aryl, heteroaryl, and heteroarylmethyl azides with alkyne “click” partners. As the target heteroaryl triazoles were designed to serve as advanced ligands or ligand precursors for metal coordination, they were fully characterized by 1H, 13C, and 15N NMR spectroscopy. The resonances were assigned on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR experiments. 1H–15N gs‐HMBC was used as a practical tool to determine 15N NMR chemical shifts at the natural abundance level of the 15N isotope.
Evaluation of bone length and number of osteotomies utilizing the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap for mandible reconstruction: An 8‐year review of complications and flap survival
Authors: Silverman Dustin A. , Przylecki Wojciech H. , Arganbright Jill M. , Shnayder Yelizaveta , Kakarala Kiran , Nazir Niaman , Tsue Terance T. , Girod Douglas A. , Andrews Brian T.
Published: October 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of bone harvest length and multiple osteotomies on osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (RFFF) complication rates.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients undergoing osteocutaneous RFFF reconstruction during an 8‐year period.

Results

One hundred fifty‐five osteocutaneous RFFF procedures were performed. Recipient‐site flap complications were 18 of 55 (32.7%) when bone harvest length was less than 7 cm and 40 of 100 (40.0%) when it was ≥7 cm. No osteotomies were performed in 69 of 155 cases with a corresponding complication rate of 30.4% (21 of 69). One osteotomy was utilized in 69 of 155 flaps, whereas 17 of 155 required more than 1 osteotomy; complications were experienced in 42% (29 of 69) and 47% (8 of 17) of these cases, respectively.

Conclusion

Osteocutaneous RFFF complication rates were only slightly higher when the bone length was ≥7 cm or when multiple osteotomies were required. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 434–438, 2016
The potential benefits of the use of regional anesthesia in cancer patients
Authors: Xuan Wei , Hankin James , Zhao Hailin , Yao Shanglong , Ma Daqing
Published: October 2014

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In light of demographic changes among other factors, it is anticipated this trend will continue. Surgical resection is the primary method of treating solid tumours. Unfortunately, even with the use of adjunct therapies, metastatic disease is a leading cause of death in people with cancer. Recent evidence suggests choice of anesthetic technique may influence cancer outcome. This review considers the latest evidence regarding local and regional anesthesia in the context of cancer biology. There is a focus on the indirect and direct mechanisms involved. An integrated approach is used such that diverse areas of research are explored; ranging from epigenetics to cell death pathways. With a better understanding of how regional anesthesia and/or local anesthetics interact with cancer cells, these techniques can be trialed and evaluated to ascertain potential clinical benefits in cancer patients. Thus far, there is insufficient evidence to warrant a change in clinical practice.
Ready or Not
Authors: Springer Sheree E. , Wilson Tonia J. , Dole Janice A.
Published: October 2014

Research shows that many students entering postsecondary education are unprepared for college reading demands. This article highlights college reading readiness according to four essential reading skills. We illustrate these skills by featuring vignettes of high school seniors who are college‐ready and not college‐ready. Then we contextualize the skills based on current research. Finally, we provide specific instructional strategies and approaches to these essential skills so high school teachers can help their students successfully transition to college literacy demands.
Optimization of blend parameters for the fabrication of polycaprolactone‐silicon based ormoglass nanofibers by electrospinning
Authors: Sachot Nadège , Castano Oscar , Planell Josep A. , Engel Elisabeth
Published: October 2014

Electrospinning is a method that can be used to efficiently produce scaffolds that mimic the fibrous structure of natural tissue, such as muscle structures or the extracellular matrix of bone. The technique is often used as a way of depositing composites (organic/inorganic materials) to obtain bioactive nanofibers which have the requisite mechanical properties for use in tissue engineering. However, many factors can influence the formation and collection of fibers, including experimental variables such as the parameters of the solution of the electrospun slurry. In this study, we assessed the influence of the polymer concentration, glass content and glass hydrolysis level on the morphology and thickness of fibers produced by electrospinning for a PCL‐(Si‐Ca‐P2) bioactive ormoglass—organically modified glass—blend. Based on previous assays, this combination of materials shows good angiogenic and osteogenic properties, which gives it great potential for use in tissue engineering. The results of our study showed that blend preparation directly affected the features of the resulting fibers, and when the parameters of the blend are precisely controlled, fibers with a regular diameter could be produced fairly easily when 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol was used as a solvent instead of tetrahydrofuran. The diameter of the homogeneous fibers ranged from 360 to 620 nm depending on the experimental conditions used. This demonstrates that experimental optimization of the electrospinning process is crucial in order to obtain a deposit of hybrid nanofibers with a regular shape. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1287–1293, 2015.
MicroRNA Profile of Tumorigenic Cells During Carcinogenesis of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhao Zhen‐guo , Jin Jun‐yu , Zhang An‐mei , Zhang Lu‐ping , Wang Xin‐xin , Sun Jian‐guo , Chen Zheng‐tang
Published: October 2014

To obtain microRNA (miRNA) profile and clarify their biological function in tumorigenic Sca‐1+CD34+ cells during carcinogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma. After intranasal infection with recombinant Adeno‐Cre viruses (AdV‐Cre), lung adenocarcinoma was identified pathologically in Lox‐stop‐lox Kras (LSL‐Kras) G12D mice. Sca‐1+CD34+ cells were sorted by flow cytometry and tested for tumor‐initiating ability, self‐renewal and tumorigenicity. MiRNA profiles were obtained using microarray and further confirmed by real‐time RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR). MiRNA functions were predicted bioinformatically, and miR‐294 function was verified to explore its role in tumor migration and invasion. Lung adenocarcinoma was induced in LSL‐Kras G12D mice within 30 days. In vivo, the tumorigenicity of Sca‐1+CD34+ cells was 25 times stronger than Sca‐1−CD34− cells. During tumorigenesis of lung adenocarcinoma, the expression of 145 miRNAs in Sca‐1+CD34+ cells increased and 72 miRNAs decreased (P < 0.01). Four successively up‐regulated miRNAs (miR‐15a*, miR‐203, miR‐294 and miR‐295*) and three successively down‐regulated ones (miR‐19b, miR‐483 and miR‐615–5p) were identified. Among them, miR‐294 could constitutively bind to 3'‐UTR of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), and down‐regulate MMP3 protein expression. MiR‐294 also significantly inhibited migration and invasion of Lewis lung cancer cells. MiRNAs are characteristically expressed in tumor‐initiating Sca‐1+CD34+ cells of lung adenocarcinoma, and may play important roles during the carcinogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 458–466, 2015. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatio‐temporal variability of droughts in Bolivia: 1955–2012
Authors: Vicente‐Serrano S. M. , Chura O. , López‐Moreno J. I. , Azorin‐Molina C. , Sanchez‐Lorenzo A. , Aguilar E. , Moran‐Tejeda E. , Trujillo F. , Martínez R. , Nieto J. J.
Published: October 2014

In this study, the spatio‐temporal variability and trends of droughts across Bolivia between 1955 and 2012 were investigated using two climate drought indices: the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), which is based on precipitation data, and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), which is based on the difference between the precipitation and the reference evapotranspiration (ETo). We found that the average drought conditions across the country showed a temporal behaviour mainly characterized by decadal variations. The spatial pattern of drought evolution showed marked differences between the Amazonian region and the Bolivian Altiplano. Both regions showed different drought periods, a lower frequency of drought variability in the Amazon region and trends towards drier conditions in the Altiplano, mainly due to a higher atmospheric water demand as a consequence of increased ETo. We also showed that inclusion of ETo, obtained from maximum and minimum temperature records, increased the spatial heterogeneity of the drought evolution in relation to the evolution observed when only precipitation droughts were considered. The SPEI, the calculation of which includes precipitation and ETo, indicated intensification in drought severity in the last years analysed relative to the pattern found when precipitation droughts alone were considered, and also indicated an increase in the magnitude and duration of drought events. The potential for increasing drought conditions under various climate change scenarios is discussed.
Anti‐inflammatory activity of mushroom‐derived hispidin through blocking of NF‐κB activation
Authors: Shao Hong Jun , Jeong Jin Boo , Kim Kui‐Jin , Lee Seong‐Ho
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Hispidin, a polyphenol compound mainly derived from the valuable medicinal mushroom Phellinus species, has been found to possess distinct biological effects. However, the anti‐inflammatory potential of hispidin still remains uncharacterized.

RESULTS

In this study, the effects of hispidin on activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and the subsequent production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were determined in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Our data indicated that hispidin inhibits transcriptional activity of NF‐κB in a dose‐dependent manner. Hispidin also attenuated LPS‐induced NF‐κB nuclear translocation and associated inhibitor of kappa B (IκB‐α) degradation. Furthermore, hispidin deceased iNOS protein expression and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the LPS‐induced cells, but did not affect phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that hispidin exhibits anti‐inflammatory activity through suppressing ROS mediated NF‐κB pathway in mouse macrophage cells. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Degradable Glycine‐Based Photo‐Polymerizable Polyphosphazenes for Use as Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Rothemund Sandra , Aigner Tamara B. , Iturmendi Aitziber , Rigau Maria , Husár Branislav , Hildner Florian , Oberbauer Eleni , Prambauer Martina , Olawale Gbenga , Forstner Reinhard , Liska Robert , Schröder Klaus R. , Brüggemann Oliver , Teasdale Ian
Published: October 2014

Photo‐polymerizable scaffolds are designed and prepared via short chain poly(organo)phosphazene building blocks bearing glycine allylester moieties. The polyphosphazene was combined with a trifunctional thiol and divinylester in various ratios, followed by thiol‐ene photo‐polymerization to obtain porous matrices. Degradation studies under aqueous conditions showed increasing rates in correlation with the polyphosphazene content. Preliminary cell studies show the non‐cytotoxic nature of the polymers and their degradation products, as well as the cell adhesion and proliferation of adipose‐derived stem cells.
Low fucose containing bacterial polysaccharide facilitate mitochondria‐dependent ROS‐induced apoptosis of human lung epithelial carcinoma via controlled regulation of MAPKs‐mediated Nrf2/Keap1 homeostasis signaling
Authors: Chowdhury Sougata Roy , Sengupta Suman , Biswas Subir , Sen Ramkrishna , Sinha Tridib Kumar , Basak Ratan Kumar , Adhikari Basudam , Bhattacharyya Arindam
Published: October 2014

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), the key mediators of cellular oxidative stress and redox dysregulation involved in cancer initiation and progression, have recently emerged as promising targets for anticancer drug discovery. Continuous free radical assault upsets homeostasis in cellular redox system and regulates the associated signaling pathways to mediate stress‐induced cell death. This study investigates the dose‐specific pro‐oxidative behavior of a bacterial fucose polysaccharide, which attenuated proliferation of different cancer cells. In the fermentation process, Bacillus megaterium RB‐05 [GenBank Accession Number HM371417] was found to biosynthesize a polysaccharide with low‐fucose content (4.9%), which conferred the maximum anti‐proliferative activity (750 µg/mL) against human lung cancer epithelial cells (A549) during preliminary screening. Structural elucidation and morphological characterization of the duly purified polysaccharide was done using HPLC, GC‐MS, 1H/13C NMR, and microscopy. The polysaccharide exhibited concentration‐ and time‐dependent anti‐proliferative effects against A549 cells by inducing intracellular ROS level and regulating the mitochondrial membrane‐permeability following the apoptotic pathway. This process encompasses activation of caspase‐8/9/3/7, increase in the ratio of Bax/Bcl2 ratio, translocation of Bcl2‐associated X protein (Bax) and cytochrome c, decrease in expression of anti‐apoptotic members of Bcl2 family, and phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Apoptosis was attenuated upon pretreatment with specific caspase‐inhibitors. Simultaneously, during apoptosis, the ROS‐mediated stress as well as activated MAPKs triggered nuclear translocation of transcription factors like nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived)‐like 2 (Nrf2) and promoted further transcription of downstream cytoprotective genes, which somehow perturbed the chemotherapeutic efficacy of the polysaccharide, although using CuPP, a chemical inhibitor of HO‐1, apoptosis increased significantly (P < 0.05). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
IL‐6, IL‐8, MMP‐2, MMP‐9 are overexpressed in Fanconi anemia cells through a NF‐κB/TNF‐α dependent mechanism
Authors: Epanchintsev Alexey , Shyamsunder Pavithra , Verma Rama S. , Lyakhovich Alex
Published: October 2014

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder associated with a bone‐marrow failure, genome instability, hypersensitivity to DNA crosslinking agents and a predisposition to cancer. Mutations have been documented in 16 FA genes that participate in the FA‐BRCA DNA repair pathway, a fundamental pathway in the development of the disease and the presentation of its symptoms. FA cells have been characterized by an overproduction of cytokines, MAPKs, and Interleukins. Through this study we have identified the overexpression of additional secretory factors such as IL‐6, IL‐8, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9 in FA cells and in cells depleted of FANCA or FANCC and proved that their expression is under the control of NF‐κB/TNF‐α signaling pathways. We also demonstrated that these overexpressed secretory factors were effective in promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of surrounding tumor cells a fundamental event in the process of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and that they also modulated the expression of EMT markers such as E‐cadherin and SNAIL. Overall our data suggest that the upregulation of EMT promoting factors in FA may contribute to predisposing FA patients to cancer, thereby providing new insights into possible therapeutic interventions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Principal‐agent and Peer Relationships in Tournaments
Authors: Eisenkopf Gerald , Teyssier Sabrina
Published: October 2014

Effort provision in tournaments may depend on both social preferences towards the competitor and social preferences towards the principal who designed the tournament. In a laboratory experiment, we analyze agents' behavior in different tournament settings that vary the distribution of the prize between agents. The principal chooses between a low and a high guaranteed payment. Standard economic theory predicts the same effort provision in all situations. Instead, our results show that both the generosity of the principal and the strict separation between winner and loser increase the effort level in tournaments. Moreover, agents focus their preferences either on the principal or on the agent. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doppler ultrasound compared with electrocardiogram and pulse oximetry cardiac triggering: A pilot study
Authors: Kording Fabian , Schoennagel Bjoern , Lund Gunnar , Ueberle Friedrich , Jung Caroline , Adam Gerhard , Yamamura Jin
Published: October 2014

Purpose

Accurate triggering of the cardiac cycle is mandatory for optimal image acquisition and thus diagnostic quality in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The purpose of this work was to evaluate Doppler ultrasound as an alternative trigger method in cardiac MRI.

Methods

Steady‐state free precession (SSFP) 2D cine CMR was performed in 11 healthy subjects at 1.5T. Doppler ultrasound (DUS), electrocardiogram (ECG) and pulse oximetry (POX) were used for cardiac triggering. DUS peak detection was verified in comparison to ECG. Quantitative analysis of image quality of each gating method was determined by calculating endocardial border sharpness (EBS) and left ventricular (LV) function parameters and compared with ECG.

Results

Mean difference between DUS and ECG in detected RR intervals was 0.04 ± 63 ms (r = 0.96). Trigger jitter was not different between ECG and DUS (P = 0.15) but significant different between ECG and POX (P = 0.01). EBS was similar between each method (3.1 ± 0.2 / 2.6 ± 0.2 / 2.9 ± 0.2 pixel). Mean differences in stroke volume were not significantly different with −1 ± 7 mL (ECG/DUS, P = 0.9) and 2 ± 10 mL (ECG/POX, P = 0.8).

Conclusion

Cine cardiac MRI using DUS was successfully demonstrated. DUS triggering is an alternative method for cardiac MRI and may be applied in a clinical setting. Magn Reson Med 74:1257–1265, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Competency‐Based Education: Changing the Traditional College Degree Power, Policy, and Practice
Authors: Ordonez Bonnie
Published: October 2014

Higher education is going through a time of change. The United States federal government and its Department of Education are calling for reform as student debt has increased and the cost of college tuition has risen steadily to unattainable levels. In the next decade, the number of jobs requiring a college degree will increase to 70% of all new jobs. Competency‐based education is currently being explored as an alternative to a traditional college degree. Under this umbrella, students will be assessed on what they know rather than how much time they will spend seated in a classroom. Competency, rather than credit, is now being given serious consideration by federal and state agencies. This literature review examines the research and provides an overview of competency‐based education. New and existing programs demonstrate a variety of formats and approaches to competency‐based education. The literature also addresses various types direct assessments including prior learning assessments, formative and summative assessments. It is increasingly evident that there is a need for an alternative to the traditional, expensive college degree.
Computational modeling of membrane proteins
Authors: Koehler Leman Julia , Ulmschneider Martin B. , Gray Jeffrey J.
Published: October 2014

The determination of membrane protein (MP) structures has always trailed that of soluble proteins due to difficulties in their overexpression, reconstitution into membrane mimetics, and subsequent structure determination. The percentage of MP structures in the protein databank (PDB) has been at a constant 1–2% for the last decade. In contrast, over half of all drugs target MPs, only highlighting how little we understand about drug‐specific effects in the human body. To reduce this gap, researchers have attempted to predict structural features of MPs even before the first structure was experimentally elucidated. In this review, we present current computational methods to predict MP structure, starting with secondary structure prediction, prediction of trans‐membrane spans, and topology. Even though these methods generate reliable predictions, challenges such as predicting kinks or precise beginnings and ends of secondary structure elements are still waiting to be addressed. We describe recent developments in the prediction of 3D structures of both α‐helical MPs as well as β‐barrels using comparative modeling techniques, de novo methods, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The increase of MP structures has (1) facilitated comparative modeling due to availability of more and better templates, and (2) improved the statistics for knowledge‐based scoring functions. Moreover, de novo methods have benefited from the use of correlated mutations as restraints. Finally, we outline current advances that will likely shape the field in the forthcoming decade. Proteins 2015; 83:1–24. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Context and Implications Document for: Sustaining school partnerships: the context of cross‐sectoral collaboration between schools in a separate education system in Northern Ireland
Authors: Duffy Gavin , Gallagher Tony
Published: October 2014

This guide accompanies the following article: Gavin Duffy and Tony Gallagher, Sustaining school partnerships: the context of cross‐sectoral collaboration between schools in a separate education system in Northern Ireland, Review of Education, 10.1002/rev3.3034
A survey of erasable itemset mining algorithms
Authors: Le Tuong , Vo Bay , Nguyen Giang
Published: October 2014

Pattern mining, one of the most important problems in data mining, involves finding existing patterns in data. This article provides a survey of the available literature on a variant of pattern mining, namely erasable itemset (EI) mining. EI mining was first presented in 2009 and META is the first algorithm to solve this problem. Since then, a number of algorithms, such as VME, MERIT, and dMERIT+, have been proposed for mining EI. MEI, proposed in 2014, is currently the best algorithm for mining EIs. In this study, the META, VME, MERIT, dMERIT+, and MEI algorithms are described and compared in terms of mining time and memory usage. WIREs Data Mining Knowl Discov 2014, 4:356–379. doi: 10.1002/widm.1137

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Association Rules
Why Do Older People Change Their Ratings of Childhood Health?
Authors: Vuolo Mike , Ferraro Kenneth F. , Morton Patricia M. , Yang Ting-Ying
Published: October 2014

A growing number of studies in life course epidemiology and biodemography make use of a retrospective question tapping self-rated childhood health to assess overall physical health status. Analyzing repeated measures of self-rated childhood health from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), this study examines several possible explanations for why respondents might change their ratings of childhood health. Results reveal that nearly one-half of the sample revised their rating of childhood health during the 10-year observation period. Whites and relatively advantaged older adults—those with more socioeconomic resources and better memory—were less likely to revise their rating of childhood health, while those who experienced multiple childhood health problems were more likely to revise their childhood health rating, either positively or negatively. Changes in current self-rated health and several incident physical health problems were also related to the revision of one’s rating of childhood health, while the development of psychological disorders was associated with more negative revised ratings. We then illustrate the impact that these changes may have on an adult outcomes: namely, depressive symptoms. Whereas adult ratings of childhood health are likely to change over time, we recommend their use only if adjusting for factors associated with these changes, such as memory, psychological disorder, adult self-rated health, and socioeconomic resources.
Locking Plate for AO Type C Intra-articular Distal Radius Fracture: Volar or Dorsal Approach?
Authors: Ka-Ho Tsang , Kai-Yiu Choi , Yat-Fai Chan , Shun-Chung Lau , Yuk-Yin Chow
Published: October 2014

Purpose

There is controversy over the outcomes and complications of volar and dorsal plating for the treatment of intra-articular fracture distal radius.

Methods

From 2008 to 2010, 81 patients with intra-articular fracture distal radius of AO type C1–C3 treated with distal radius locking plates via volar or dorsal approaches were reviewed in our institute. The clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes were evaluated at 6 months after operation.

Results

The volar approach group showed a significantly better flexion range, flexion-extension arc as well as Green and O'Brien functional score than dorsal approach group. Volar tilting of the distal radius was significantly better in the dorsal group, but that did not contribute to better palmar—flexion range or grip strength. Overall complication rate was similar in both groups.

Conclusion

The volar approach group demonstrated better range of motion and functional score. The complication rates were similar between the two groups. The volar surgical approach should be adopted in most operative cases of AO type C intra-articular fracture distal radius while the dorsal approach should be reserved for intra-articular fracture with dorsal comminuted fragments.
Flow past a transversely rotating sphere at Reynolds numbers above the laminar regime
Authors: Poon Eric K. W. , Ooi Andrew S. H. , Giacobello Matteo , Iaccarino Gianluca , Chung Daniel
Published: October 2014

The flow past a transversely rotating sphere at Reynolds numbers of $\mathit{Re}=500{-}1000$ is directly simulated using an unstructured finite volume collocated code. The effect of rotation rate on the flow is studied by increasing the dimensionless rotation rate, ${\it\Omega}^{\ast }$, from 0 to 1.20, where ${\it\Omega}^{\ast }$ is the maximum sphere surface velocity normalised by the free stream velocity. This study investigates the marked unsteadiness of the flow structures at $\mathit{Re}=500{-}1000$. Comparison with previous numerical data (Giacobello et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 621, 2009, pp. 103–130; Kim, J. Mech. Sci. Technol., vol. 23, 2009, pp. 578–589) reveals a new flow regime, namely a ‘shear layer–stable foci’ regime, besides the widely reported ‘vortex shedding’ and ‘shear layer instability’ regimes. The ‘shear layer–stable foci’ regime is observed at $\mathit{Re}=500$ and ${\it\Omega}^{\ast }=1.00$; $\mathit{Re}=640{-}1000$ and ${\it\Omega}^{\ast }\geqslant 0.80$. In this flow regime, the shear layer on the advancing side of the sphere (where the sphere surface velocity vector opposes the free stream velocity) shortens significantly while fluid from the retreating side (opposite to the advancing side) is drawn towards the mid-plane normal to the peripheral velocity. This results in the formation of a stable focus near the onset of the shear layer instability. This stable focus becomes more pronounced with increasing $\mathit{Re}$ and ${\it\Omega}^{\ast }$. It increases the oscillation magnitude and decreases the oscillation frequency of the hydrodynamic forces.