bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in Neuraminidase Inhibitor Development as Anti‐influenza Drugs
Authors: Feng Enguang , Ye Deju , Li Jian , Zhang Dengyou , Wang Jinfang , Zhao Fei , Hilgenfeld Rolf , Zheng Mingyue , Jiang Hualiang , Liu Hong
Published: July 2012

The recent emergence of the highly pathogenic H5N1 subtype of avian influenza virus (AIV) and of the new type of human influenza A (H1N1) have emphasized the need for the development of effective anti‐influenza drugs. Presently, neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors are widely used in the treatment and prophylaxis of human influenza virus infection, and tremendous efforts have been made to develop more potent NA inhibitors to combat resistance and new influenza viruses. In this review, we discuss the structural characteristics of NA catalytic domains and the recent developments of new NA inhibitors using structure‐based drug design strategies. These drugs include analogues of zanamivir, analogues of oseltamivir, analogues of peramivir, and analogues of aromatic carboxylic acid and present promising options for therapeutics or leads for further development of NA inhibitors that may be useful in the event of a future influenza pandemic.
BRCA1, TP53, and CHEK2 germline mutations in uterine serous carcinoma
Authors: Pennington Kathryn P. , Walsh Tom , Lee Ming , Pennil Christopher , Novetsky Akiva P. , Agnew Kathy J. , Thornton Anne , Garcia Rochelle , Mutch David , King Mary‐Claire , Goodfellow Paul , Swisher Elizabeth M.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND:

Uterine serous carcinoma (USC) is not recognized as part of any defined hereditary cancer syndrome, and its association with hereditary breast and ovarian carcinoma and Lynch syndrome are uncertain.

METHODS:

Using targeted capture and massively parallel genomic sequencing, 151 subjects with USC were assessed for germline mutations in 30 tumor suppressor genes, including BRCA1 (breast cancer 1, early onset), BRCA2, the DNA mismatch repair genes (MLH1 [mutL homolog 1], MSH2 [mutS homolog 2], MSH6, PMS2 [postmeiotic segregation increased 2]), TP53 (tumor protein p53), and 10 other genes in the Fanconi anemia–BRCA pathway. Ten cases with < 10% serous histology were also assessed.

RESULTS:

Seven subjects (4.6%) carried germline loss‐of‐function mutations: 3 subjects (2.0%) with mutations in BRCA1, 2 subjects (1.3%) with mutations in TP53, and 2 subjects (1.3%) with mutations in CHEK2 (checkpoint kinase 2). One subject with < 10% serous histology had an MSH6 mutation. Subjects with MSH6 and TP53 mutations had neither personal nor family histories suggestive of Lynch or Li‐Fraumeni syndromes. Of the 22 women with USC and a personal history of breast carcinoma, the frequency of BRCA1 mutations was 9%, compared to 0.9% in 119 women with no such history.

CONCLUSIONS:

Approximately 5% of women with USC have germline mutations in 3 different tumor suppressor genes: BRCA1, CHEK2, and TP53. Mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes that cause Lynch syndrome are rare in USC. The germline BRCA1 mutation rate in USC subjects of 2% is higher than expected in a nonfounder population, suggesting that USC is associated with hereditary breast and ovarian carcinoma in a small proportion of cases. Women with USC and breast cancer should be offered genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Gene expression‐based chemical genomics identifies heat‐shock protein 90 inhibitors as potential therapeutic drugs in cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Ming‐Huang , Lin Kun‐Ju , Yang Wu‐Lung R. , Kao Ya‐Wen , Chen Tsung‐Wen , Chao Shu‐Chaou , Chang Peter Mu‐Hsin , Liu Chun‐Yu , Tzeng Cheng‐Hwai , Chao Yee , Chen Ming‐Han , Yeh Chun‐Nan , Huang Chi‐Ying F.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis. There is no standard therapy for CCA, and novel drugs for treating refractory CCA need to be identified.

METHODS.

The authors hypothesized that, if a drug could reverse the gene expression signature of CCA, then it may inhibit the carcinogenesis of CCA and, hence, would be a potential therapeutic agent. Thus, the gene expression signatures from patients with CCA were queried using the bioinformatic method Connectivity Map, resulting in the enrichment of heat‐shock protein 90 (HSP90) inhibitors with therapeutic potentials.

RESULTS.

Two HSP90 inhibitors, 17‐AAG (tanespimycin) and the synthetic diarylisoxazole amide resorcinol NVP‐AUY922, demonstrated potent antiproliferative activity in in vitro studies. In a thioacetamide‐induced animal model, NVP‐AUY922 also had antitumor activity and resulted in objective tumor regression. In addition, NVP‐AUY922 reduced the expression of client oncoproteins involved in CCA oncogenesis and inhibited downstream proteins of both the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase catalytic subunit α/v‐akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 protein kinase (PIK3/AKT) pathway and the v‐Ki‐ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (KRAS/MAPK) pathway.

CONCLUSIONS.

Preclinical data from the current study suggest that NVP‐AUY922 may be an effective treatment option for patients with CCA. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Parallel computing strategies in the analysis of the inhibiting effect of price limits on futures prices
Authors: Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy , Gopinatha Jakadeesan , Goswami Dhrubajyoti , Shanker Latha
Published: July 2012

In futures markets with price limits, trading halts are triggered by limit hits. Limit hits are rarely observed, perhaps because traders avoid bid‐ask quotes that cause them. If this explanation is true, futures prices would cluster in a narrow region close to the limits. We test this empirically for currency futures contracts and find results consistent with the explanation. The tests require calculations of all combinations of a computationally intensive time series, which are extremely time consuming on a sequential machine and hence limit the practicality of the analysis. Consequently, we investigate parallel computing strategies in partitioning the datasets and solving them in parallel on a high‐end Beowulf cluster. We discuss two different partitioning strategies of the given datasets on the cluster and elaborate the results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photophysical and Electrochemical Properties, and Molecular Structures of Organic Dyes for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Ooyama Yousuke , Harima Yutaka
Published: July 2012

Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on organic dyes adsorbed on oxide semiconductor electrodes, such as TiO2, ZnO, or NiO, which have emerged as a new generation of sustainable photovoltaic devices, have attracted much attention from chemists, physicists, and engineers because of enormous scientific interest in not only their construction and operational principles, but also in their high incident‐solar‐light‐to‐electricity conversion efficiency and low cost of production. To develop high‐performance DSSCs, it is important to create efficient organic dye sensitizers, which should be optimized for the photophysical and electrochemical properties of the dyes themselves, with molecular structures that provide good light‐harvesting features, good electron communication between the dye and semiconductor electrode and between the dye and electrolyte, and to control the molecular orientation and arrangement of the dyes on a semiconductor surface. The aim of this Review is not to make a list of a number of organic dye sensitizers developed so far, but to provide a new direction in the epoch‐making molecular design of organic dyes for high photovoltaic performance and long‐term stability of DSSCs, based on the accumulated knowledge of their photophysical and electrochemical properties, and molecular structures of the organic dye sensitizers developed so far.
Adsorption Features of Flavonoids on Macroporous Adsorption Resins Functionalized with Ionic Liquids
Authors: Lou Song , Di Duolong
Published: July 2012

A series of macroporous adsorption resins (MARs) with novel structures is synthesized via Friedel–Crafts catalyzed reaction. The adsorption kinetics of the synthetic resins with respect to the purification effect is systematically investigated by means of the response surface methodology (RSM). The kinetic data cannot be fitted to the classical model because it does not take multicompartments and desorption rates into consideration. A new multicompartment louver‐tide theory is thus developed considering that adsorption is an indefinite dynamic equilibrium process, which can be divided into innumerable ingredients with different desorption rates. This theory produces much better fits to the experimental data and provides a quantitative explanation with multicompartments and adsorption/desorption rates.
Biomass‐Based Polyols through Oxypropylation Reaction
Authors: Aniceto José P. S. , Portugal Inês , Silva Carlos M.
Published: July 2012

Biomass residues are a potential renewable source for the sustainable production of chemicals, materials, fuels, and energy embodying the so‐called biorefinery concept. In this context, agro‐forestry and agro‐food industry by‐products have attracted considerable interest of researchers in academia and industry as a renewable source of polymeric materials. The research developed to date on the valorization of biomass residues by converting them into polyols through oxypropylation is the subject of this review. These bio‐based polyols exhibit properties similar to their petrochemical counterparts and, as such, can be used with economical advantage in the production of polyurethanes. The operating conditions of the oxypropylation reaction depend on the biomass and on the desired polyol properties. The discussion of their influence and the economic viability of the process are also presented.
An ID‐based mutual authentication with key agreement protocol for multiserver environment on elliptic curve cryptosystem
Authors: Han Weiwei , Zhu Zhian
Published: July 2012

Mutual authentication is used to validate the legitimacy of a remote login user and a server. Conventional user authentication protocols are suited to solve the privacy and security problems for the single client/server architecture environment. However, the use of computer networks and information technology has grown spectacularly. More and more network architectures are used in multi‐server environments. Recently, several authentication schemes for multi‐server environments have been proposed. However, the performance of these schemes is not suitable for applications. To improve the performance, we propose a new ID‐based mutual authentication protocols for multi‐server environment without bilinear pairings. We also show that the proposed scheme is provable secure in the random oracle model. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abnormally high digestive enzyme activity and gene expression explain the contemporary evolution of a Diabrotica biotype able to feed on soybeans
Authors: Curzi Matías J. , Zavala Jorge A. , Spencer Joseph L. , Seufferheld Manfredo J.
Published: July 2012

Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera) (WCR) depends on the continuous availability of corn. Broad adoption of annual crop rotation between corn (Zea mays) and nonhost soybean (Glycine max) exploited WCR biology to provide excellent WCR control, but this practice dramatically reduced landscape heterogeneity in East‐central Illinois and imposed intense selection pressure. This selection resulted in behavioral changes and “rotation‐resistant” (RR) WCR adults. Although soybeans are well defended against Coleopteran insects by cysteine protease inhibitors, RR‐WCR feed on soybean foliage and remain long enough to deposit eggs that will hatch the following spring and larvae will feed on roots of planted corn. Other than documenting changes in insect mobility and egg laying behavior, 15 years of research have failed to identify any diagnostic differences between wild‐type (WT)‐ and RR‐WCR or a mechanism that allows for prolonged RR‐WCR feeding and survival in soybean fields. We documented differences in behavior, physiology, digestive protease activity (threefold to fourfold increases), and protease gene expression in the gut of RR‐WCR adults. Our data suggest that higher constitutive activity levels of cathepsin L are part of the mechanism that enables populations of WCR to circumvent soybean defenses, and thus, crop rotation. These new insights into the mechanism of WCR tolerance of soybean herbivory transcend the issue of RR‐WCR diagnostics and management to link changes in insect gut proteolytic activity and behavior with landscape heterogeneity. The RR‐WCR illustrates how agro‐ecological factors can affect the evolution of insects in human‐altered ecosystems.
Nano‐particle vaccination combined with TLR‐7 and ‐9 ligands triggers memory and effector CD8+T‐cell responses in melanoma patients
Authors: Goldinger Simone M. , Dummer Reinhard , Baumgaertner Petra , Mihic‐Probst Daniela , Schwarz Katrin , Hammann‐Haenni Anya , Willers Joerg , Geldhof Christine , Prior John O. , Kündig Thomas M. , Michielin Olivier , Bachmann Martin F. , Speiser Daniel E.
Published: July 2012

Optimal vaccine strategies must be identified for improving T‐cell vaccination against infectious and malignant diseases. MelQbG10 is a virus‐like nano‐particle loaded with A‐type CpG‐oligonucleotides (CpG‐ODN) and coupled to peptide16–35 derived from Melan‐A/MART‐1. In this phase IIa clinical study, four groups of stage III‐IV melanoma patients were vaccinated with MelQbG10, given (i) with IFA (Montanide) s.c.; (ii) with IFA s.c. and topical Imiquimod; (iii) i.d. with topical Imiquimod; or (iv) as intralymph node injection. In total, 16/21 (76%) patients generated ex vivo detectable Melan‐A/MART‐1‐specific T‐cell responses. T‐cell frequencies were significantly higher when IFA was used as adjuvant, resulting in detectable T‐cell responses in all (11/11) patients, with predominant generation of effector‐memory‐phenotype cells. In turn, Imiquimod induced higher proportions of central‐memory‐phenotype cells and increased percentages of CD127+ (IL‐7R) T cells. Direct injection of MelQbG10 into lymph nodes resulted in lower T‐cell frequencies, associated with lower proportions of memory and effector‐phenotype T cells. Swelling of vaccine site draining lymph nodes, and increased glucose uptake at PET/CT was observed in 13/15 (87%) of evaluable patients, reflecting vaccine triggered immune reactions in lymph nodes. We conclude that the simultaneous use of both Imiquimod and CpG‐ODN induced combined memory and effector CD8+ T‐cell responses.
Human γδ T‐cell responses in infection and immunotherapy: Common mechanisms, common mediators?
Authors: Riganti Chiara , Massaia Massimo , Davey Martin S. , Eberl Matthias
Published: July 2012

Upon receiving the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1987, Susumu Tonegawa referred to the then recent discovery of the γδ T‐cell receptor and stated that “while the function of the T cells bearing this receptor is currently unknown (…) these T cells may be involved in an entirely new aspect of immunity”. [Tonegawa, S., Scand. J. Immunol. 1993. 38: 303–319]. Twenty‐five years of intense research later this ambivalent view still holds true. Immunologists now appreciate that γδ T cells indeed represent a highly intriguing “new aspect of immunity” that is unique and distinct from conventional lymphocytes, yet even scientists in the field still struggle to understand the molecular basis of γδ T‐cell responses, especially with respect to the enigmatic mode of antigen recognition. Here, we portray the peculiar responsiveness of human Vγ9/Vδ2 T cells to microorganisms, tumor cells and aminobisphosphonates, in an attempt to integrate the corresponding — and at times confusing — findings into a “theory of everything” that may help explain how such diverse stimuli result in similar γδ T‐cell responses via the recognition of soluble low molecular weight phosphoantigens.
Preparation and Properties of Octadecahedral α‐Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Enclosed by {104} and {112} Facets
Authors: Liu Zhong , Lv Baoliang , Wu Dong , Sun Yuhan , Xu Yao
Published: July 2012

Octadecahedral α‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles were hydrothermally synthesized in the presence of formamide. These octadecahedral α‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles have a threefold axis and are enclosed by twelve dominant {112} facets and six {104} facets. In comparison with the {104} facets, the sterically less hindered {112} facets induced the selective adsorption of formamide more easily, which resulted in the gradual increase in the amount of {112} facets by decreasing the amount of {104} facets with increasing formamide. The coercivity (Hc) of these octadecahedral particles increased successively as the aspect ratio (c/a) increased. The sensing capability of these particles toward H2O2 was investigated, and the response currents of the particles dominated by {112} facets showed a linear relationship with a concentration of H2O2 in the range from 40 μM to 6.66 mM in different stages.
1,3‐Diethynylbicyclo[1.1.1]pentane, a Useful Molecular Building Block
Authors: Kaleta Jiří , Nečas Marek , Mazal Ctibor
Published: July 2012

1,3‐Diethynylbicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (DEBCP) has been found to be a valuable molecular building block mostly for the synthesis of extended, rigid, rod‐like molecules. With its straightforward linear geometry, DEBCP can be used as a nonconjugated alternative to more frequently used π‐conjugated, rod‐like building blocks. Examples of reactions that introduce DEBCP into larger structures are (1) the reaction of DEBCP lithium acetylides with electrophiles such as TMSCl, CO2, and Ph2PCl, (2) Sonogashira–Hagihara cross‐coupling reactions with aryl or heteroaryl iodides or bromides, and (3) umpolung reactions that afford the corresponding dibromo and diiodo derivatives of DEBCP, which then successfully react with tert‐C‐cuprates derived from p‐ and m‐dicarbadodecaboranes or bicyclopentanes. These umpolung reactions afforded a new class of molecular rods that combine carborane or bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane cages with ethynylene linkers. Many of the DEBCP derivatives were studied by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. They form well‐organized arrays of molecular rotors, the DEBCP units, and so can be considered as examples of artificial molecular‐size machines.
Simply enhancing throughput of free‐flow electrophoresis via organic‐aqueous environment for purification of weak polarity solute of phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid in fermentation of Pseudomonas sp. M18
Authors: Yang Jing‐Hua , Shao Jing , Wang Hou‐Yu , Dong Jing‐Yu , Fan Liu‐Yin , Cao Cheng‐Xi , Xu Yu‐Quan
Published: July 2012

Herein, a simple novel free‐flow electrophoresis (FFE) method was developed via introduction of organic solvent into the electrolyte system, increasing the solute solubility and throughput of the sample. As a proof of concept, phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid (PCA) from Pseudomonas sp. M18 was selected as a model solute for the demonstration on feasibility of novel FFE method on account of its faint solubility in aqueous circumstance. In the developed method, the organic solvent was added into not only the sample buffer to improve the solubility of the solute, but also the background buffer to construct a uniform aqueous‐organic circumstance. These factors of organic solvent percentage and types as well as pH value of background buffer were investigated for the purification of PCA in the FFE device via CE. The experiments revealed that the percentage and the types of organic solvent exerted major influence on the purification of PCA. Under the optimized conditions (30 mM phosphate buffer in 60:40 (v/v) water‐methanol at an apparent pH 7.0, 3.26 mL/min background flux, 10‐min residence time of injected sample, and 400 V), PCA could be continuously purified from its impurities. The flux of sample injection was 10.05 μL/min, and the recovery was up to 93.7%. An 11.9‐fold improvement of throughput was found with a carrier buffer containing 40% (v/v) methanol, compared with the pure aqueous phase. The developed procedure is of evident significance for the purification of weak polarity solute via FFE.
Sodium desoxycholate‐assisted capillary electrochromatography with methacrylate ester‐based monolithic column on fast separation and determination of coumarin analogs in Angelica dahurica extract
Authors: Chen Zhao , Wang Jiajing , Chen Danxia , Fan Guorong , Wu Yutian
Published: July 2012

A rapid and sensitive CEC method with methacrylate ester‐based monolithic column has been developed for separation and determination of five coumarins (byakangelicin, oxypeucedanin hydrate, xanthotoxol, 5‐hydroxy‐8‐methoxypsoralen and bergapten) in Angelica dahurica extract. Surfactant sodium desoxycholate (SDC) was introduced into the mobile phase as the pseudostationary to dynamically increase the selectivity of analytes instead of increasing the hydrophobicity of stationary phase. In addition, other factors, pH of phosphate buffer, ACN content and applied voltage, for instance, have also an obvious effect on the resolution but little on the retention time. Satisfactory separation of these five coumarins was achieved within 6 min under a 30:70 v/v ACN–buffer containing 20 mM sodium dihydrogen phosphate (NaH2PO4) and 0.25 mM SDC at pH 2.51. The RSDs of intraday and interday for relative peak areas were less than 3.0% and 4.7%, respectively; and the recoveries were between 87.5% and 95.0%. The LODs were lower than 0.15 μg/mL and the LOQs were lower than 0.30 μg/mL, respectively, while calibration curves showed a good linearity (r2 > 0.9979). Finally, five target coumarins from the crude extracts of A. dahurica were separated, purified, and concentrated by D‐101 macroporous resin, and were successfully separated and quantitatively determined within 6 min.
Development of PCR internal controls for DNA profiling with the AmpFℓSTR® SGM Plus® amplification kit
Authors: Nathalie Zahra , Hadi Sibte , Goodwin William
Published: July 2012

Forensic DNA profiling uses a series of commercial kits that co‐amplify several loci in one reaction; the products of the PCR are fluorescently labelled and analysed using CE. Before CE, an aliquot of the PCR is mixed with formamide and an internal lane size standard. Using the SGM Plus amplification kit, we have developed two internal non‐amplified controls of 80 bp and 380 bp that are labelled with ROX fluorescent dye and added to the PCR. Combined with two internal amplification controls of 90 bp and 410 bp, they provide additional controls for the PCR, electrokinetic injection, and CE and also function as an internal size standard.
Application of a Tenax model to assess bioavailability of PCBs in field sediments
Authors: Mackenbach Elizabeth M. , Jing You , Mills Marc A. , Landrum Peter F. , Lydy Michael J.
Published: July 2012

Bioavailability has been estimated in the past using equilibrium partitioning-based biota-sediment accumulation factors. These values are not always reliable using field-collected sediments, however, likely due to varying amounts of different organic carbons, particularly black carbon, in sediments. Therefore, improving approaches to better evaluate contaminant bioavailability in sediment are needed. In the present study, a literature-based model was constructed that relied on both laboratory-exposed and field-collected oligochaete bioaccumulation data. The model system used 24-h Tenax extraction data paired with bioaccumulation tests using oligochaetes to establish the ability and utility of the biomimetic extraction. The model was then tested to confirm its utility and reliability to estimate bioavailability of oligochaetes exposed to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminated sediments from the Ottawa River in Ohio, USA. The model correctly identified the bioaccumulation of PCBs for 94.9% of the data and 97% of the dioxin-like congeners. The mono- and di-substituted chlorinated biphenyls were the least well described, but the estimates were conservative, for example, the model overpredicted bioaccumulation. Thus, the Tenax model was robust and reliable across a wide range of sediment characteristics for estimating PCB bioaccumulation in oligochaetes. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2210–2216. © 2012 SETAC
Projection Regression Models for Multivariate Imaging Phenotype
Authors: Lin Ja-an , Zhu Hongtu , Knickmeyer Rebecca , Styner Martin , Gilmore John , Ibrahim Joseph G.
Published: July 2012

This paper presents a projection regression model (PRM) to assess the relationship between a multivariate phenotype and a set of covariates, such as a genetic marker, age, and gender. In the existing literature, a standard statistical approach to this problem is to fit a multivariate linear model to the multivariate phenotype and then use Hotelling's T2 to test hypotheses of interest. An alternative approach is to fit a simple linear model and test hypotheses for each individual phenotype and then correct for multiplicity. However, even when the dimension of the multivariate phenotype is relatively small, say 5, such standard approaches can suffer from the issue of low statistical power in detecting the association between the multivariate phenotype and the covariates. The PRM generalizes a statistical method based on the principal component of heritability for association analysis in genetic studies of complex multivariate phenotypes. The key components of the PRM include an estimation procedure for extracting several principal directions of multivariate phenotypes relating to covariates and a test procedure based on wild‐bootstrap method for testing the association between the weighted multivariate phenotype and explanatory variables. Simulation studies and an imaging genetic dataset are used to examine the finite sample performance of the PRM.
Their pain is not our pain: Brain and autonomic correlates of empathic resonance with the pain of same and different race individuals
Authors: Azevedo Ruben T. , Macaluso Emiliano , Avenanti Alessio , Santangelo Valerio , Cazzato Valentina , Aglioti Salvatore Maria
Published: July 2012

Recent advances in social neuroscience research have unveiled the neurophysiological correlates of race and intergroup processing. However, little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying intergroup empathy. Combining event‐related fMRI with measurements of pupil dilation as an index of autonomic reactivity, we explored how race and group membership affect empathy‐related responses. White and Black subjects were presented with video clips depicting white, black, and unfamiliar violet‐skinned hands being either painfully penetrated by a syringe or being touched by a Q‐tip. Both hemodynamic activity within areas known to be involved in the processing of first and third‐person emotional experiences of pain, i.e., bilateral anterior insula, and autonomic reactivity were greater for the pain experienced by own‐race compared to that of other‐race and violet models. Interestingly, greater implicit racial bias predicted increased activity within the left anterior insula during the observation of own‐race pain relative to other‐race pain. Our findings highlight the close link between group‐based segregation and empathic processing. Moreover, they demonstrate the relative influence of culturally acquired implicit attitudes and perceived similarity/familiarity with the target in shaping emotional responses to others' physical pain. Hum Brain Mapp 34:3168–3181, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bupropion versus methylphenidate in the treatment of children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: randomized double‐blind study
Authors: Jafarinia Morteza , Mohammadi Mohammad‐Reza , Modabbernia Amirhossein , Ashrafi Mandana , Khajavi Danial , Tabrizi Mina , Yadegari Noorollah , Akhondzadeh Shahin
Published: July 2012

Objective

To compare the safety and efficacy of bupropion with methylphenidate in children and adolescents with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods

In a 6‐week randomized double‐blind study, 44 patients with a DSM‐IV‐TR diagnosis of ADHD were randomly assigned to receive bupropion 100–150 mg/day (100 mg/day for <30 kg and 150 mg/day for >30 kg) or methylphenidate 20–30 mg/day. Symptoms were assessed using Teacher and Parent Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale‐IV (ADHD‐RS‐IV) at baseline and weeks 3 and 6.

Results

Forty patients had at least one post‐baseline measurement, and 38 patients completed the trial. No significant difference was found between the two groups on the Parent and Teacher ADHD‐RS‐IV scores ([F(1, 38) = 0.266, p = 0.609] and [F(1, 38) = 0.001, p = 0.972], respectively). By week 6, 18 patients (90%) in each group achieved response on the Parent scale (Fisher's exact test p‐value = 1.0). With the Teacher ADHD‐RS‐IV used, eight (40%) patients in the bupropion group and 12 (60%) patients in the methylphenidate group achieved response by week 6 (χ2(1) = 1.600, p = 0.206). Headache was observed more frequently in the methylphenidate group. Frequency of other side effects was not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Bupropion has a comparable safety and efficacy profile with methylphenidate in children and adolescents with ADHD. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The naringenin‐induced proapoptotic effect in breast cancer cell lines holds out against a high bisphenol a background
Authors: Bulzomi Pamela , Bolli Alessandro , Galluzzo Paola , Acconcia Filippo , Ascenzi Paolo , Marino Maria
Published: July 2012

Fruit and vegetable consumption has generally been associated with the prevention or suppression of cancer. However, food could contain a multitude of chemicals (e.g., bisphenol A; BPA) that could synergize or antagonize the effects of diet‐derived compounds. Remarkably, food containers (e.g., water and infant bottles) are the largest source of exposure to BPA for human beings. Here, the effects of the coexposure of naringenin (Nar, 1.0 × 10−9 M to 1.0 × 10−4 M) and BPA (1.0 × 10−5 M) in estrogen‐dependent breast cancer cell lines expressing (i.e., MCF‐7 and T47D) or not expressing (i.e., MDA‐MB‐231) estrogen receptor α (ERα) are reported. Although both Nar and BPA bind to ERα, they induce opposite effects on breast cancer cell growth. BPA induces cell proliferation, whereas Nar only decreases the number of ERα‐positive cells (i.e., MCF‐7 and T47D). Notably, even in the presence of BPA, Nar impairs breast cancer cell proliferation by activating caspase‐3. The molecular pathways involved require p38 activation, whereas, the BPA‐induced AKT activation is completely prevented by the Nar treatment. As a whole, Nar maintains its proapoptotic effects even in the presence of the food contaminant BPA, thus, enlarging the chemopreventive potential of this flavanone. © 2012 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 64(8): 690–696, 2012
Towards automated segmentation of cells and cell nuclei in nonlinear optical microscopy
Authors: Medyukhina Anna , Meyer Tobias , Schmitt Michael , Romeike Bernd F. M. , Dietzek Benjamin , Popp Jürgen
Published: July 2012

Nonlinear optical (NLO) imaging techniques based e.g. on coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) or two photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) show great potential for biomedical imaging. In order to facilitate the diagnostic process based on NLO imaging, there is need for an automated calculation of quantitative values such as cell density, nucleus‐to‐cytoplasm ratio, average nuclear size. Extraction of these parameters is helpful for the histological assessment in general and specifically e.g. for the determination of tumor grades. This requires an accurate image segmentation and detection of locations and boundaries of cells and nuclei. Here we present an image processing approach for the detection of nuclei and cells in co‐registered TPEF and CARS images. The algorithm developed utilizes the gray‐scale information for the detection of the nuclei locations and the gradient information for the delineation of the nuclear and cellular boundaries. The approach reported is capable for an automated segmentation of cells and nuclei in multimodal TPEF‐CARS images of human brain tumor samples. The results are important for the development of NLO microscopy into a clinically relevant diagnostic tool. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Potential bioactivity of coatings formed on AZ91D magnesium alloy by plasma electrolytic anodizing
Authors: Vu Thanh‐Nam , Veys‐Renaux Delphine , Rocca Emmanuel
Published: July 2012

Magnesium is a potential candidate as biodegradable orthopedic implant thanks to its remarkable mechanical properties closed to those of natural bone. But its low corrosion resistance in the body fluid is a limiting factor. By using electrolytic plasma (or microarc) anodizing process, 10–20 μm protective coatings were formed on AZ91D magnesium alloys at a constant current density of 20 mA cm−2. The effect of a small addition of CaO (1–3 g L−1) to a classical electrolytic bath (made of KOH 3 mol L−1, KF 0.5 mol L−1, and K2HPO4 1 mol L−1) was studied. The anodic films, investigated by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive spectroscopy, show a porous structure containing crystallized Mg(OH)2, MgO, MgAl2O4, as well as Ca and P elements. The 1 g L−1 CaO‐containing electrolyte leads to morphology and composition permitting optimum corrosion behavior evaluated by stationary electrochemical measurements and impedance spectroscopy. This improvement is associated with both the appearing of a “sealing” layer and the precipitation of an outermost Ca/P‐containing layer (hydroxyapatite like) in simulated body fluid. The control of the corrosion behavior of coated magnesium alloys is therefore required to enhance their potential bioactivity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Co‐Occurring Anger in Young People With Asperger's Syndrome
Authors: Quek Lake‐Hui , Sofronoff Kate , Sheffield Jeanie , White Angela , Kelly Adrian
Published: July 2012

Objectives

The co‐occurrence of anger in young people with Asperger's syndrome (AS) has received little attention despite aggression, agitation, and tantrums frequently being identified as issues of concern in this population. The present study investigated the occurrence of anger in young people with AS and explores its relationship with anxiety and depression.

Method

Sixty‐two young people (12–23 years old) diagnosed with AS were assessed using the Beck Anger Inventory for Youth, Spence Children's Anxiety Scale, and Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale.

Results

Among young people with AS who participated in this study, 41% of participants reported clinically significant levels of anger (17%), anxiety (25.8%) and/or depression (11.5%). Anger, anxiety, and depression were positively correlated with each other. Depression, however, was the only significant predictor of anger.

Conclusion

Anger is commonly experienced by young people with AS and is correlated with anxiety and depression. These findings suggest that the emotional and behavioral presentation of anger could serve as a cue for further assessment, and facilitate earlier identification and intervention for anger, as well as other mental health problems.
Study of iron sources and hydrogen peroxide supply in the photo‐Fenton process using acetaminophen as model contaminant
Authors: Carra Irene , Malato Sixto , Santos‐Juanes Lucas , Casas López José Luis , Sánchez Pérez José Antonio
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was the evaluation of iron (II) D‐gluconate and iron (II) sulfate as iron sources for the photo‐Fenton process at initial neutral pH. Acetaminophen was used as the contaminant for this purpose. The evaluation was carried out at laboratory and pilot‐plant scales. In addition, hydrogen peroxide dosage was analyzed in order to decrease reactant consumption.

RESULTS: 20 mg Fe L−1 was added as iron salt or iron D‐gluconate; hydrogen peroxide dosage proved to be efficient when using iron sulfate, obtaining similar mineralization levels for one large H2O2 addition, two smaller additions and continuous dosage (78%, 74% and 78% mineralization, respectively). However, when D‐gluconate was used, H2O2 dosage resulted in a slower process rate: 74% mineralization for one large H2O2 addition versus 49% mineralization for two smaller additions.

CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that iron complexes could form between iron and degradation by‐products increasing reaction efficiency. The ratio between the dissolved organic carbon concentrations of the contaminant and the iron complex proved to be important as well. H2O2 dosage confirmed that two reactant additions led to the best results, which was then corroborated with real wastewater. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Expression and localization of translationally controlled tumor protein in rat urinary organs
Authors: Sheverdin Vadim , Bae Seong‐Yeon , Shin Dong Hae , Lee Kyunglim
Published: July 2012

This study describes the very first assessment of the expression and localization of translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) in adult rat urinary organs. TCTP expression levels in kidneys, urinary bladder, and urethra were evaluated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) and Western blotting, and its cellular localization was examined immunohistochemically in paraffin sections of various urinary organs. TCTP was found in all urinary organs. Its expression was high in the urethra and low in the bladder. TCTP was localized in glomerular podocytes, epithelium of proximal and distal renal tubules, in the loop of Henle, and in the transitional epithelium of the bladder and urethra, mostly in basal cell layers). The subcellular localization of TCTP in these urinary organs was cytoplasmic. These findings suggest that TCTP may be involved in urine formation and excretion. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Purification and characterization of a mannose/N‐acetyl‐ d‐glucosamine‐specific lectin from the seeds of Platymiscium floribundum Vogel
Authors: Pereira‐Junior Francisco Nascimento , Silva Helton Colares , Freitas Beatriz Tupinambá , Rocha Bruno Anderson Matias , Nascimento Kyria Santiago , Nagano Celso Shinitti , Leal Rodrigo Bainy , Sampaio Alexandre Holanda , Cavada Benildo Sousa
Published: July 2012

Platymiscium floribundum lectin (PFL), a mannose/N‐acetyl‐ d‐glucosamine‐specific lectin, was isolated from P. floribundum seeds using Sepharose–mannose affinity media chromatography. PFL is a glycoprotein that is a potent agglutinin for rabbit erythrocytes. In addition, PFL is highly stable because it is able to maintain its hemagglutinating activity after exposure to temperatures of up to 60 °C for 1 h and exposure to a wide pH range. The PFL purification process was monitored using sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the results showed that the purified lectin consists of a single band with a molecular mass of approximately 29 kDa in either the presence or the absence of a reducing agent. The analysis of purified PFL by electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry showed that most ions had a molecular weight of 27,053 ± 2 Da, and other less abundant ions had similar molecular weights. Gel filtration shows that the lectin exists as a dimer in solution with mass at approximately 65 kDa. Sixteen peptides were sequenced, and as a result, a total of 130 amino acids were identified and resulted in a coverage of approximately 65% of the PFL sequence. The partial sequence of PFL was aligned with sequences of other lectins from evolutionarily related species, and PFL showed considerable similarity to the other lectins. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐contrast enhanced MR angiography: Physical principles
Authors: Wheaton Andrew J. , Miyazaki Mitsue
Published: July 2012

Noncontrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (NCE‐MRA) methods have been demonstrated in anatomies throughout the body. Previously established NCE‐MRA techniques suffered from long scan times or low sensitivity. Advances in hardware and software have made NCE‐MRA scan times clinically feasible. Recent concerns over the safety of gadolinium‐based contrast material combined with the expense of the material and its administration have generated a demand for NCE‐MRA. In response, several new NCE‐MRA methods have been developed. The physical mechanisms underlying five general classes of NCE‐MRA methods (inflow effect, flow‐dependency on cardiac phase, flow‐encoding, spin labeling, and relaxation) are explained. The original techniques of time‐of‐flight (TOF) and phase contrast MRA (PC‐MRA) are briefly introduced. New developments in NCE‐MRA, including hybrid of opposite‐contrast (HOP‐MRA), four dimensional PC‐MRA (4D Flow), cardiac‐gated 3D fast‐spin‐echo, flow‐sensitive dephasing (FSD), arterial spin labeling (ASL), and balanced steady‐state free‐precession (bSSFP) are highlighted. The primary applications, advantages, and limitations of established and emerging NCE‐MRA techniques are discussed. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:286–304. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ERK activation and expression of neuronal cell cycle markers in the hippocampus after entorhinal cortex lesion
Authors: Hernández‐Ortega Karina , Arias Clorinda
Published: July 2012

Current findings suggest that neuronal cell death is frequently associated with the aberrant expression of cell cycle‐regulatory proteins in postmitotic neurons. Aberrant cell cycle reentry has been implicated in diverse neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previously we reported that the appearance of cell cycle markers in postmitotic neurons of the entorhinal cortex (EC) after excitotoxic hippocampal damage is associated with the expression of phospho‐tau and amyloid precursor protein (APP). However, the question of the signaling pathway involved in this cell cycle reentry remains unresolved. Differentiated neurons use the molecular mechanisms initially acquired to direct cell proliferation, such as the Ras–extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2) pathway, to regulate synaptic plasticity. In this work we explored whether ERK1/2‐related signaling might contribute to the cell cycle reentry in hippocampal neurons after a unilateral EC lesion. We showed that, within the first 24 hr after hippocampal deafferentation, numerous neurons expressed phospho‐ERK1/2, concomitantly with the gradual increases in cyclin D1 and cyclin B immunoreactivity in the dentate gyrus and hilus. Several of these immunopositive cells to phospho‐ERK1/2 and cyclin B in hippocampus are postmitotic neurons, insofar as they are positive to NeuN. The intracisternal administration of U0126 (an MEK inhibitor), previous to the excitotoxic lesion, decreased the activation of ERK1/2 and the expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin B in the hippocampus. The present findings support the notion that ERK1/2 plays a role in cell cycle reactivation in mature neurons efferently connected to the lesion site. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mass transfer characteristics during convective, microwave and combined microwave–convective drying of lemon slices
Authors: Sadeghi Morteza , Mirzabeigi Kesbi Omid , Mireei Seyed Ahmad
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: The investigation of drying kinetics and mass transfer phenomena is important for selecting optimum operating conditions, and obtaining a high quality dried product. Two analytical models, conventional solution of the diffusion equation and the Dincer and Dost model, were used to investigate mass transfer characteristics during combined microwave‐convective drying of lemon slices. Air temperatures of 50, 55 and 60 °C, and specific microwave powers of 0.97 and 2.04 W g−1 were the process variables.

RESULTS: Kinetics curves for drying indicated one constant rate period followed by one falling rate period in convective and microwave drying methods, and only one falling rate period with the exception of a very short accelerating period at the beginning of microwave‐convective treatments. Applying the conventional method, the effective moisture diffusivity varied from 2.4 × 10−11 to 1.2 × 10−9 m2 s−1. The Biot number, the moisture transfer coefficient, and the moisture diffusivity, respectively in the ranges of 0.2 to 3.0 (indicating simultaneous internal and external mass transfer control), 3.7 × 10−8 to 4.3 × 10−6 m s−1, and 2.2 × 10−10 to 4.2 × 10−9 m2 s−1 were also determined using the Dincer and Dost model.

CONCLUSIONS: The higher degree of prediction accuracy was achieved by using the Dincer and Dost model for all treatments. Therefore, this model could be applied as an effective tool for predicting mass transfer characteristics during the drying of lemon slices. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus BFE5264 and Lactobacillus plantarum NR74 promote cholesterol efflux and suppress inflammation in THP‐1 cells
Authors: Yoon Hong‐sup , Ju Jae‐hyun , Lee Ji‐eun , Park Hyun‐joon , Lee Jung‐min , Shin Hyeun‐kil , Holzapfel Wilhelm , Park Kun‐young , Do Myoung‐Sool
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: The balance between the rate of cholesterol uptake/accumulation and the rate of cholesterol efflux is reflected in the amount of lipid accumulation in macrophages. Based upon the fact that liver X receptors (LXRs) play a role in cholesterol efflux, we studied the effects of probiotics on cholesterol efflux and anti‐inflammatory action in macrophages. We confirmed changes in LXR expression by treatment of LXR‐transfected CHO‐K1 cells with lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and co‐cultured THP‐1 cells with LAB to investigate changes in cholesterol efflux and inflammation.

RESULTS: The experiment with CHO‐K1 cells showed upregulation of LXR‐β by LAB. Treatment of THP‐1 cells with LAB promoted LXR expression in THP‐1, which eventually led to significant upregulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression. The treatment with live LAB also significantly promoted cholesterol efflux. LAB suppressed expression of interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, which resulted from activation of LXR.

CONCLUSION: Our study shows that Lactobacillus rhamnosus BFE5264 and Lactobacillus plantarum NR74 activated LXR and induced cholesterol efflux by promoting expression of ABCA1 and ABCG1. Both strains also suppressed proinflammatory cytokines including IL‐1β and TNF‐α. This study could account for the observation that LAB may block foam cell formation by cholesterol efflux and immune modulation. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Neuropeptide analysis with liquid chromatography‐capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometric imaging
Authors: Zhang Zichuan , Jia Chenxi , Li Lingjun
Published: July 2012

Herein we report the first attempt of coupling multidimensional separations to matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometric imaging detection. Complex neuropeptide mixtures extracted from crustaceans were first fractionated by reversed‐phase liquid chromatography (RPLC), and then subjected to a capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometric imaging platform. With a specific focus on orcokinin family neuropeptides, we demonstrated that these trace‐level analytes from complex neural tissue samples can be fully separated from chemical noise and interfering components and visualized as mass spectrometric imaging signals. A total of 19 putative orcokinins were detected, with highly efficient separations within the family being achieved for the first time. The results indicate that two‐dimensional separation coupling to mass spectrometric imaging can serve as a novel and powerful tool in proteomics and peptidomics studies.