bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of tetracosactide in plasma by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Authors: Martin Laurent , Chaabo Ayman , Lasne Françoise
Published: September 2014

As a synthetic analogue of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), tetracosactide is prohibited in sport by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA). An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method is proposed for detection of this drug in plasma. Since its structure corresponds to the 24 N‐terminal of the 39 amino acids of the natural endogenous peptide ACTH, tetracosactide can be detected with a commercial ELISA kit for ACTH that uses antibodies, the epitopes of which are located in the 1‒24 part of ACTH. However, an essential condition for detection specificity is the preliminary total clearance of endogenous ACTH in the plasma samples. This is achieved by a preparative step based on cation‐exchange chromatography before ELISA. The method is specific and sensitive (LOD: 30 pg/mL) and may be used as a screening analysis in anti‐doping control. The pre‐analytical conditions are shown to be of the upmost importance and recommendations for blood collection (EDTA tubes), sample transport (4 °C) and plasma sample storage (‐20 °C) are presented. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of an unknown fusion protein in confiscated black market products
Authors: Walpurgis Katja , Krug Oliver , Thomas Andreas , Laussmann Tim , Schänzer Wilhelm , Thevis Mario
Published: September 2014

Even without clinical approval, many performance‐enhancing drugs are available on the black market and can therefore be easily obtained by cheating athletes. The misuse of these preparations can be associated with unforeseeable health risks – either due to a poor quality of the drugs or as a result of an insufficient clinical assessment. Moreover, confiscated black market products have frequently been shown to contain ingredients other than those declared on the label as well as additional by‐products or compounds with a modified molecular structure.

This communication describes the identification of an unknown fusion protein observed in several unlabelled black market products obtained from independent sources. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) analysis of the confiscated preparations indicated the presence of an 18‐kDa fusion protein consisting of the bacterial redox protein thioredoxin‐1 (Trx, 12 kDa) and a 6‐kDa peptide of unassigned composition. Trx has no relevance as performance enhancing agent but is routinely used as solubility tag for recombinant protein production. Further evaluation of the acquired MS/MS data revealed both an additional His tag and a thrombin cleavage site between the tags and the presumed bioactive peptide. However, thrombin cleavage of the fusion protein and LC‐MS/MS analysis of the resulting peptide fragment finally suggested that the unknown protein is only the product of an empty expression vector without the DNA insert of interest. These findings are a further alarming example for the high level of risk that athletes take when misusing drugs obtained from the black market. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oral fluid cannabinoids in chronic frequent cannabis smokers during ad libitum cannabis smoking
Authors: Lee Dayong , Vandrey Ryan , Mendu Damodara R. , Murray Jeannie A. , Barnes Allan J. , Huestis Marilyn A.
Published: September 2014

Oral fluid (OF) offers a simple, non‐invasive, directly observable sample collection for clinical and forensic drug testing. Given that chronic cannabis smokers often engage in drug administration multiple times daily, evaluating OF cannabinoid pharmacokinetics during ad libitum smoking is important for practical development of analytical methods and informed interpretation of test results. Eleven cannabis smokers resided in a closed research unit for 51 days, and underwent four, 5‐day oral delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) treatments. Each medication period was separated by 9 days of ad libitum cannabis smoking from 12:00 to 23:00 h daily. Ten OF samples were collected from 9:00–22:00 h on each of the last ad libitum smoking days (Study Days 4, 18, 32, and 46). As the number of cannabis cigarettes smoked increased over the study days, OF THC, cannabinol (CBN), and 11‐nor‐9‐carboxy‐THC (THCCOOH) also increased with a significant effect of time since last smoking (Δtime; range, 0.0–17.4 h) and ≥88% detection rates; concentrations on Day 4 were significantly lower than those on Days 32 and 46 but not Day 18. Within 30 min of smoking, median THC, CBN, and THCCOOH concentrations were 689 µg/L, 116 µg/L, and 147 ng/L, respectively, decreasing to 19.4 µg/L, 2.4 µg/L, and 87.6 ng/L after 10 h. Cannabidiol and 11‐hydroxy‐THC showed overall lower detection rates of 29 and 8.6%, respectively. Cannabinoid disposition in OF was highly influenced by Δtime and composition of smoked cannabis. Furthermore, cannabinoid OF concentrations increased over ad libitum smoking days, in parallel with increased cannabis self‐administration, possibly reflecting development of increased cannabis tolerance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Herbaceous peony seed oil: A rich source of unsaturated fatty acids and γ‐tocopherol
Authors: Ning Chuanlong , Jiang Yao , Meng Jiasong , Zhou Chunhua , Tao Jun
Published: September 2014

Herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) seed oil (HPSO) was extracted from seeds by ultrasonic‐assisted extraction (UAE). Changes in the oil yield, fatty acid (FA) composition, retinol and tocopherol (α‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocopherol) contents of HPSO at the different developmental stages and in tested cultivars were examined, and the microscopic structure of HPSO droplets was also observed. The results showed that the HPSO yield increased with the seed development and reached its maximum level at the mature stage with values from 29.04 to 34.98% for different cultivars. The unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) contents were between 88.36 to 94.58%. Among the UFAs, the contents of oleic acid (27.19–45.06%), linoleic acid (20.59–37.59%), and α‐linolenic acid (13.59–30.87%) were relatively high. The average γ‐tocopherol content was 337.47 ± 57.42 µg/g, accounting for approximately 92.97% of the total tocopherol content. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations of the HPSO microscopic structures indicated that the quantity and size of the oil bodies increased with the development of endosperm cells in P. lactiflora. This report was the first to study the HPSO, and the results will provide theoretical guidance for the exploitation and utilization of P. lactiflora resources.

The content of UFA (A) was more than 90% in HPSO, and the content of γ‐tocopherol was 353.67 ± 0.22 µg/g, accounting for about 93% of total tocopherols content (B).
An efficient and reusable Li/NiO heterogeneous catalyst for ethanolysis of waste cottonseed oil
Authors: Kaur Mandeep , Ali Amjad
Published: September 2014

In order to use ethanol in place of methanol for biodiesel production a series of Li+ impregnated NiO (Li/NiO) was prepared in nano particle form in aqueous medium without adding any organic solvent or templates. The structure of the catalyst was established by powder XRD, surface morphology, and particle size by field emission scanning and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy studies. Basic strengths of the catalysts were measured by Hammett indicators and found to be maximum in case of catalyst prepared with 5 wt% Li+ in NiO followed by calcination at 600°C (5‐Li/NiO‐600). Catalyst characterization supported the oxidation of Ni2+ into Ni3+ upon lithium impregnation, which impart the enhanced ethanolysis activity to the Li/NiO catalyst. Under optimized reaction condition of 5 wt% catalyst, ethanol‐to‐oil molar ratio of 12:1 and at 65°C reaction temperature, >98% fatty acid ethyl ester yield was obtained in 3 h. The catalyst was found to be effective for the ethanolysis of vegetable oils (VO) having up to 8.3 wt% free fatty acids. During reusability experiments, Li/NiO catalyst was able to catalyze seven reaction cycles without major loss in activity. The ethanolysis of VO was found to follow pseudo first order kinetics and activation energy for the same reaction was found to be 74.2 kJ/mol. Thus, the present work has demonstrated the development of a “greener” and completely renewable biofuel, fatty acid ethyl esters, using waste cottonseed oil as feedstock.

Practical applications: Due to high free fatty acid and water contents, homogenous catalysts could not be employed for the transesterification of waste cooking oils. The present study demonstrates the preparation of Li/NiO and its application as reusable solid catalyst for the ethanolysis of waste cottonseed oil to produce fatty acid ethyl esters.

The prepared catalyst 5‐Li/NiO‐600 was able to show the ethanolysis of waste cottonseed oil during seven successive catalytic runs. Thus, catalyst was found to be effective for the preparation of renewable diesel fuel substitute, fatty acid ethyl esters.
Toward Pyridine–Heterocycle Patterns through Prins and Aza‐Prins Cyclisations: Application to a Short Synthesis of (±)‐Anabasine
Authors: Colin Olivier , Greck Christine , Prim Damien , Thomassigny Christine
Published: September 2014

The formation of pyridine‐containing bisheterocycles through a Prins‐type cyclisation is described. Pyridine–tetrahydropyran and pyridine–piperidine conjugates could be efficiently obtained using various carbaldehydes including dicarbaldehydes, and either homoallylic alcohols or a homoallylic amine. Selective partial or complete hydrogenation led to new bisheterocycle combinations. A two‐step sequence involving an aza‐Prins cylisation allowed us to prepare the alkaloid anabasine.
Ionic Liquid Reference Electrodes With a Well‐Controlled Co(II)/Co(III) Redox Buffer as Solid Contact
Authors: Zou Xu U. , Chen Li D. , Lai Chun‐Ze , Bühlmann Philippe
Published: September 2014

Solid‐contact reference electrodes that comprise a polymeric reference membrane doped with an ionic liquid are an alternative to conventional reference electrodes with a salt bridge. To enhance the electrode‐to‐electrode reproducibility of solid‐contact reference electrodes, a hydrophobic redox buffer consisting of the Co(III) and Co(II) complexes of 1,10‐phenanthroline ([Co(phen)3]3+/2+) was incorporated into these reference membranes, providing redox buffer capacity at the interface of the reference membrane and the underlying solid electron conductor. As required for proper functioning, the E° of these reference electrodes is not sample dependent and exhibits a good electrode‐to‐electrode reproducibility, with a standard deviation as low as 2.1 mV.
Gold and Nanogold Electrodes Modified with Gold Nanoparticles and meso‐2,3‐Dimercaptosuccinic Acid for the Simultaneous, Sensitive and Selective Determination of Dopamine and Its Biogenic Interferents
Authors: Łuczak Teresa
Published: September 2014

Gold and nanogold electrodes modified with self‐assembled layers composed of gold nanoparticles and organic sulfur compounds were applied for quantitative determination of dopamine and its biogenic interferents like: ascorbic and uric acids. For the novel sensor a linear relationship between the current response of dopamine at the potential of peak maximum and the concentration was found over a wide analyte concentration range in solution with a very good detection sensitivity and detection limit. It was proved that current peaks of dopamine and both ascorbic and uric acids were clearly separated from each other enabling selective detection of these compounds coexisting in a mixture in solution of pH 7.
Electrochemical Detection of Steroid Hormones Using a Nickel‐Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Muna Grace W. , Partridge Michael , Sirhan Hala , VerVaet Bridget , Guerra Nigel , Garner Holly
Published: September 2014

This paper demonstrates the development of an analytical method for detecting steroid hormones by coupling HPLC to electrochemical detection, using a nickel‐modified glassy carbon electrode. The method was evaluated in terms of sensitivity, linear dynamic range, limit of detection, and response stability. The developed method exhibited good figures of merit for the steroid hormones studied with no evidence of electrode fouling. As an example, the limit of detection (S/N=3) for E3 was 0.10 µM and the response precision (n=5) was 0.6 %. The application of the method for the analysis of a real river water sample is demonstrated.
Cyclodextrin‐functionalized silica nanoparticles with dendrimer‐like spacers for enantioselective capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Guo Yujun , Qin Weidong
Published: September 2014

In this report, β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD)‐functionalized silica nanoparticles (SNPs) with dendrimer‐like spacers were synthesized by first grafting the SNPs with different generations of polyamidoamines (PAMAMs), followed by modifying the grafted SNPs with mono‐6‐deoxy‐(p‐tolylsulfonyl)‐β‐CD. The β‐cyclodextrin‐modified silica nanoparticle‐cored PAMAMs (SNP‐PAMAM‐β‐CDs) were studied as chiral pseudostationary phases for separating three racemic drugs, namely, chlorpheniramine, nefopam, and verapamil. The β‐CD‐functionalized SNPs with dendrimer‐like spacers were more enantioselective than native β‐CD, and the structures of the dendritic spacers were highly influential on the separation. In 20 mM NaH2PO4, addition of 4.00 mg/mL SNP‐G1.0‐β‐CD (corresponding to 1.12 mM β‐CD) could baseline separate the enantiomers of chlorpheniramine and nefopam, and introduction of 7.00 mg/mL SNP‐G0‐β‐CD (corresponding to 1.68 mM β‐CD) resulted in enantioseparation of the verapamil racemates. On the contrary, the enantiomers of nefopam and verapamil could not be resolved in the presence of 15 mM native β‐CD. Our results suggest that SNP‐PAMAM‐β‐CDs hold great promise for enantioselective separations.
Multichannel lens‐free CMOS sensors for real‐time monitoring of cell growth
Authors: Chang Ko‐Tung , Chang Yu‐Jen , Chen Chia‐Ling , Wang Yao‐Nan
Published: September 2014

A low‐cost platform is proposed for the growth and real‐time monitoring of biological cells. The main components of the platform include a PMMA cell culture microchip and a multichannel lens‐free CMOS (complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor) / LED imaging system. The PMMA microchip comprises a three‐layer structure and is fabricated using a low‐cost CO2 laser ablation technique. The CMOS / LED monitoring system is controlled using a self‐written LabVIEW program. The platform has overall dimensions of just 130 × 104 × 115 mm3 and can therefore be placed within a commercial incubator. The feasibility of the proposed system is demonstrated using HepG2 cancer cell samples with concentrations of 5000, 10 000, 20 000, and 40 000 cells/mL. In addition, cell cytotoxicity tests are performed using 8, 16, and 32 mM cyclophosphamide. For all of the experiments, the cell growth is observed over a period of 48 h. The cell growth rate is found to vary in the range of 44∼52% under normal conditions and from 17.4∼34.5% under cyclophosphamide‐treated conditions. In general, the results confirm the long‐term cell growth and real‐time monitoring ability of the proposed system. Moreover, the magnification provided by the lens‐free CMOS / LED observation system is around 40× that provided by a traditional microscope. Consequently, the proposed system has significant potential for long‐term cell proliferation and cytotoxicity evaluation investigations.
Dielectrophoretic trapping of multilayer DNA origami nanostructures and DNA origami‐induced local destruction of silicon dioxide
Authors: Shen Boxuan , Linko Veikko , Dietz Hendrik , Toppari J. Jussi
Published: September 2014

DNA origami is a widely used method for fabrication of custom‐shaped nanostructures. However, to utilize such structures, one needs to controllably position them on nanoscale. Here we demonstrate how different types of 3D scaffolded multilayer origamis can be accurately anchored to lithographically fabricated nanoelectrodes on a silicon dioxide substrate by DEP. Straight brick‐like origami structures, constructed both in square (SQL) and honeycomb lattices, as well as curved “C”‐shaped and angular “L”‐shaped origamis were trapped with nanoscale precision and single‐structure accuracy. We show that the positioning and immobilization of all these structures can be realized with or without thiol‐linkers. In general, structural deformations of the origami during the DEP trapping are highly dependent on the shape and the construction of the structure. The SQL brick turned out to be the most robust structure under the high DEP forces, and accordingly, its single‐structure trapping yield was also highest. In addition, the electrical conductivity of single immobilized plain brick‐like structures was characterized. The electrical measurements revealed that the conductivity is negligible (insulating behavior). However, we observed that the trapping process of the SQL brick equipped with thiol‐linkers tended to induce an etched “nanocanyon” in the silicon dioxide substrate. The nanocanyon was formed exactly between the electrodes, that is, at the location of the DEP‐trapped origami. The results show that the demonstrated DEP‐trapping technique can be readily exploited in assembling and arranging complex multilayered origami geometries. In addition, DNA origamis could be utilized in DEP‐assisted deformation of the substrates onto which they are attached.
Recent developments in chiral analysis of β‐blocker drugs by capillary electromigration techniques
Authors: Ma Yanhua , Zhang Huige , Chen Hongli , Chen Xingguo
Published: September 2014

The latest developments in chiral analysis of β‐blocker drugs by capillary electromigration techniques are reviewed in this article. Following the previous review by Aturki et al. [Electrophoresis 2011, 32, 2602–2628], this review includes the papers published during the period from January 2011 to December 2013. During this time, some novel chiral selectors were reported and applied to improve the enantioseparation of β‐blocker drugs and structurally related compounds. These chiral selectors include CDs and their derivatives, macrocyclic antibiotics, tartrate complexs, the monolithic molecularly imprinted polymer, and the polymeric surfactants. In addition, this article summarizes the methodological improvements for enhancing sensitivity in chiral analysis of β‐blockers and structurally related compounds by CE. The involved authors described the use of online sample preconcentration techniques to increase the detection sensitivity in the enantiomeric analysis of a broad range of samples.
Alternating current cloud point extraction on a microchip: The effect of electrode geometry
Authors: Sasaki Naoki , Maekawa Chisaki , Sato Kae
Published: September 2014

We report on the effect of electrode geometry on alternating current cloud point extraction (ACPE). ACPE is a technique utilized to extract membrane‐associated biomolecules in an electrode‐integrated microfluidic channel. In this study, we investigated the effect of gap size (4∼22 μm) between microband electrodes on ACPE. A decrease in gap size resulted in efficient and rapid concentration of fluorescent‐labeled phospholipids, a model of membrane‐associated biomolecules. We also investigated the effect of applied voltage amplitude on ACPE using devices with decreased electrode gap size. When the gap was small, ACPE was achieved with low applied voltages. ACPE of membrane proteins extracted from HeLa cells was also studied to demonstrate the applicability of the ACPE to real samples. The results provide a guideline to improve the performance of ACPE and facilitate application of the ACPE technique as part of an overall analytical process.
A Common Mineralocorticoid Receptor Polymorphism (I180V) Interacts with Life Events in Relation to Perfectionism in Eating Disorders: A Pilot Study
Authors: Slof‐Op't Landt Margarita C. T. , DeRijk Roel H. , van Son Gabrielle E. , Suchiman H. Eka D. , Meulenbelt Ingrid , Slagboom P. Eline , Van Furth Eric F.
Published: September 2014

The stress response is regulated by the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). When the balance between GR and MR signalling is disturbed, one's capacity to cope with a stressful event is diminished. In this pilot study, we tested the hypothesis that an interaction between common variants in the MR (rs5522) or GR gene (rs41423247) and stressful life events influences perfectionism levels in a group of patients with an eating disorder (ED; n = 113). Patients carrying the minor G allele of rs5522 had a higher perfectionism score if more stressful life events were experienced [β = 0.95, t(109) = 3.75, p < 0.01]. This effect was not found for patients carrying the AA genotype. These results suggest that rs5522 G allele carriers might be vulnerable to stressful life events. When patients with an ED are carriers and experience multiple life events, this might fuel their insecurity, which in turn may engender higher levels of perfectionism. Further studies are necessary to replicate and expand our findings. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
What Differential Weighting of Subsets of Items Does and Does Not Accomplish: Geometric Explanation
Authors: Carlson James E.
Published: September 2014

A little‐known theorem, a generalization of Pythagoras's theorem, due to Pappus, is used to present a geometric explanation of various definitions of the contribution of component tests to their composite. I show that an unambiguous definition of the unique contribution of a component to the composite score variance is present if and only if the component scores are uncorrelated. I further show the effect of differentially weighting the composites on the definitions of unique contributions and discuss some of the implications for composite score reliability and validity.
Using No‐Stakes Educational Testing to Mitigate Summer Learning Loss: A Pilot Study
Authors: Zaromb Franklin , Adler Rachel M. , Bruce Kelly , Attali Yigal , Rock JoAnn
Published: September 2014

This study investigates the benefits of no‐stakes educational testing during students' summer vacation as a strategy to mitigate summer learning loss. Fifty‐one students in Grades 3–8 from the Every Child Valued (ECV) and Lawrence Community Center (LCC) summer programs in Lawrenceville, NJ, took short, online assessments throughout the summer, covering knowledge and procedural skills in both mathematics and reading that they had previously learned. Students were randomly assigned to mathematics or reading conditions, whereby over the course of 5 weeks, students in the mathematics condition took online assessments in mathematics fluency two or three times per week and students in the reading condition took online assessments in reading components skills (word recognition and decoding, vocabulary, morphological awareness, and reading comprehension) two or three times per week. All students completed tests in both math and reading components at the beginning and end of the summer in order to compare baseline and final performance. Although students did not show significant summer learning loss in either reading components or mathematics fluency, students in the reading condition scored significantly higher, on average, on standardized tests of reading components administered at the end of the study than students in the mathematics condition. Given the small sample size and variations in grade level, academic subjects, computer programs, and testing conditions, it is premature to draw any firm conclusions from these findings.
Water Free Operated Phosphoric Acid Doped Radiation‐Grafted Proton Conducting Membranes for High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Sanlı L. I. , Tas S. , Yürüm Y. , Gürsel S. A.
Published: September 2014

The present study uses the radiation‐induced grafting method and applies it onto poly(ethylene‐alt‐tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) for the synthesis of proton‐exchange membranes by using monomers 4‐vinyl pyridine (4VP), 2‐vinyl pyridine (2VP), N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NVP) followed by phosphoric acid doping. Phosphoric acid that provides Grotthuss mechanism in proton mobilization is used to transform the graft copolymers to a high temperature membrane state. Resultant proton‐exchange membranes are verified with their proton conductivity, water uptake, mechanical and thermal properties, and phosphorous distribution as ex situ characterization. Our most important finding as a novelty in literature is that ETFE‐g‐P4VP phosphoric acid doped proton‐exchange membranes exhibit proton conductivities as 66 mS cm–1 at 130 °C, 53 mS cm–1 at 120 °C, 45 mS cm–1 at 80 °C at RH 100% and 55 mS cm–1 at 130 °C, 40 mS cm–1 at 120 °C, 35 mS cm–1 at 80 °C at dry conditions. Moreover, ETFE‐g‐P4VP membranes still conserves the mechanical properties, i.e., tensile strength up to 48 MPa. ETFE‐g‐P4VP membranes were tested in PEMFC at 80, 100, and 120 °C and RH <2% and exhibit promising performance as an alternative to commercial Nafion® membranes. The single cell testing performance of ETFE‐g‐P4VP membranes is presented for the first time in literature in our study.
A Theoretical Study of Molecular Oxygen Chemisorption on N, B, or O Doped Carbon Edge Sites
Authors: Flyagina I. S. , Hughes K. J. , Pourkashanian M. , Ingham D. B.
Published: September 2014

Molecular oxygen chemisorption on the edge sites of nitrogen, boron, or oxygen doped and non‐doped carbon has been studied by means of density functional theory in order to obtain a better insight into the first step of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells. The calculated chemisorption energies enabled us to evaluate thermodynamic favorability of the chemisorption products, and the activation energies revealed the most probable pathways of molecular oxygen chemisorption. It has been found that oxygen doped carbon edge sites can oxidize easily with disruption of the heterocyclic ring. Boron doped carbon edge sites can form stable B–O–C species and thus cause changes in the chemical structure of a boron doped carbon based catalyst. Molecular oxygen binding on carbon edge sites doped with graphitic nitrogen has been found to be improved compared to non‐doped, boron and pyridinic nitrogen doped carbon edge sites. Carbon edges doped with pyridinic nitrogen can serve as the sites for molecular oxygen chemisorption only in the presence of valence unsaturated carbon atoms. In general, the ORR both on non‐doped and heteroatom doped carbon edges initiates on the adjacent edge carbon atoms and is enhanced by the presence of graphitic nitrogen.
Mediatorless Carbohydrate/Oxygen Biofuel Cells with Improved Cellobiose Dehydrogenase Based Bioanode
Authors: Krikstolaityte V. , Lamberg P. , Toscano M. D. , Silow M. , Eicher‐Lorka O. , Ramanavicius A. , Niaura G. , Abariute L. , Ruzgas T. , Shleev S.
Published: September 2014

Direct electron transfer (DET) between cellobiose dehydrogenase from Humicola insolens ascomycete (HiCDH) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was achieved by modifying AuNPs with a novel, positively charged thiol N‐(6‐mercapto)hexylpyridinium (MHP). The DET enabled the use of the HiCDH enzyme as an anodic biocatalyst in the design of a mediatorless carbohydrate/oxygen enzymatic fuel cell (EFC). A biocathode of the EFC was based on bilirubin oxidase from Myrothecium verrucaria (MvBOx) directly immobilised on the surface of AuNPs. The following parameters of the EFC based on Au/AuNP/MHP/HiCDH bioanode and Au/AuNP/MvBOx biocathode were obtained in quiescent air saturated PBS, pH 7.4, containing: (i) 5 mM glucose‐open‐circuit voltage (OCV) of 0.65 ± 0.011 V and the maximal power density of 4.77 ± 1.34 μW cm−2 at operating voltage of 0.50 V; or (ii) 10 mM lactose‐OCV of 0.67 ± 0.006 V and the maximal power density of 8.64 ± 1.91 μW cm−2 at operating voltage of 0.50 V. The half‐life operation times of the EFC were estimated to be at least 13 and 44 h in air saturated PBS containing 5 mM glucose and 10 mM lactose, respectively. Among advantages of HiCDH/MvBOx FCs are (i) simplified construction, (ii) relatively high power output with glucose as biofuel, and (iii) the absence of the inhibition of the HiCDH based bioanode by lactose, when compared with the best previously reported CDH based bioanode.
Start‐Up Characteristics of Segmented‐In‐Series Tubular SOFC Power Modules Improved by Catalytic Combustion at Cathodes
Authors: Kobayashi Y. , Kosaka K. , Tomida K. , Matake N. , Ito K. , Sasaki K.
Published: September 2014

For large‐scale SOFC power generation systems, a shorter start‐up time of SOFC cell stacks with relatively large heat capacity is one of the most important technological issues to determine the flexibility in SOFC system operation. In this study, start‐up procedures have been examined to shorten the start‐up time period. The conventional heating procedure using pre‐heated hot air and self‐heating by SOFC operation at low temperatures had a difficulty to shorten the start‐up time period because of the limitation in power generation at lower temperatures. In this study, as an alternative start‐up procedure, catalytic combustion at the SOFC cathodes is, for the first time, demonstrated to be useful on the system level. The applicability of the catalytic combustion to shorten the start‐up time period has been verified numerically as well as experimentally by using a large‐scale cell stack cartridge. This unique start‐up procedure enables to operate SOFC‐based large‐scale power generation systems.
Microbial Power‐Generating Capabilities on Micro‐/Nano‐Structured Anodes in Micro‐Sized Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Fraiwan A. , Adusumilli S. P. , Han D. , Steckl A. J. , Call D. F. , Westgate C. R. , Choi S.
Published: September 2014

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are an alternative electricity generating technology and efficient method for removing organic material from wastewater. Their low power densities, however, hinder practical applications. A primary limitation in these systems is the anode. The chemical makeup and surface area of the anode influences bacterial respiration rates and in turn, electricity generation. Some of the highest power densities have been reported using large surface area anodes, but due to variable chemical/physical factors (e.g., solution chemistry, architecture) among these studies, meaningful comparisons are difficult to make. In this work, we compare under identical conditions six micro/nano‐structured anodes in micro‐sized MFCs (47 μL). The six materials investigated include carbon nanotube (CNT), carbon nanofiber (CNF), gold/poly (ϵ‐caprolactone) microfiber (GPM), gold/poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) nanofiber (GPN), planar gold (PG), and conventional carbon paper (CP). The MFCs using three dimensional anode structures (CNT, CNF, GPM, and GPN) exhibited lower internal resistances than the macroscopic CP and two‐dimensional PG anodes. However, those novel anode materials suffered from major issues such as high activation loss and instability for long‐term operation, causing an enduring problem in creating widespread commercial MFC applications. The reported work provides an in‐depth understanding of the interplay between micro‐/nano‐structured anodes and active microbial biofilm, suggesting future directions of those novel anode materials for MFC technologies.
Sulfonated Polyethersulfone (SPES) – Charged Surface Modifying Macromolecules (cSMMs) Blends as a Cation Selective Membrane for Fuel Cells
Authors: Muthumeenal A. , Neelakandan S. , Rana D. , Matsuura T. , Kanagaraj P. , Nagendran A.
Published: September 2014

Polyethersulfone (PES) was sulfonated by chlorosulfonic acid and concentrated sulfuric acid. The pure sulfonated PES (SPES) and modified SPES membranes were prepared by blending with different charged surface modifying macromolecules (cSMMs) namely, SPES/DEG‐HBS, SPES/PEG‐HBS, and SPES/PPG‐HBS. Membranes were characterized for their morphology, physical properties, and electrochemical properties in order to evaluate these membranes as cation exchange membranes. The blended membranes showed an increase in hydrophilicity, water uptake, and proton conductivity compared to the pure SPES membranes. The highest values of water uptake and proton conductivity were obtained for the SPES/PPG‐HBS blended membrane. Morphological studies revealed that the nodule size and surface roughness also influenced the water uptake, apart from the additional –SO3H group. Among the modified membranes, the SPES/DEG‐HBS blended membrane exhibited a lower methanol permeability value of 8.895 × 10−8 cm2 s−1 than the corresponding SPES membrane. The other two cSMM blended membranes showed higher methanol permeability values than SPES but still a smaller value than Nafion 117. The highest selectivity ratio (i.e., ratio of proton conductivity to methanol permeability) was obtained with the SPES/DEG‐HBS cSMM blended membrane. These results showed that the SPES/cSMM blended membranes have promise for possible use as a cation exchange membrane in fuel cells and electrolyzer applications.
Psychometric properties of 3 patient‐reported outcome measures for the assessment of shoulder disability after neck dissection
Authors: Stuiver Martijn M. , Tusscher Marieke R. ten , van Opzeeland Anita , Brendeke Wim , Lindeboom Robert , Dijkstra Pieter U. , Aaronson Neil K.
Published: September 2014

Background

Patient‐reported outcome measures evaluating shoulder disability after neck dissection have not been sufficiently validated. We assessed the psychometric properties of the Shoulder Disability Questionnaire (SDQ), Neck Dissection Impairment Index (NDII), and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) in patients after neck dissection.

Methods

One hundred seven patients completed the SDQ, NDII, and SPADI on 4 occasions over 6 months, and underwent physical examination. We assessed internal consistency, test–retest reliability, clinical and construct validity, and responsiveness to change. The possibility of combining the NDII and SPADI items into a single scale was explored by Rasch analysis.

Results

All questionnaires exhibited good reliability and validity. We were successful in fitting a Rasch model to the data.

Conclusion

The results support the suitability of the SDQ, NDII, and the SPADI for use in neck dissection patients. Combining the SPADI and NDII in a single Rasch scale improves item difficulty distribution but reduces variability and discriminative ability. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 102–110, 2016
Prognostic value of level IV metastases from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hoch Stephan , Katabi Nour , Daniel Hanna , Franke Nora , Wiegand Susanne , Zimmerman Annette P. , Mandapathil Magis , Ferlito Alfio , Teymoortash Afshin
Published: September 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of level IV metastases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

The clinical and histopathological data of 111 patients with HNSCC with pN+ neck who underwent a primary tumor resection with unilateral or bilateral neck dissection were analyzed.

Results

Level IV metastases were histopathologically proven in 33 patients (29.7%). Pulmonary metastases were observed in 12 of 33 patients (36.4%) with level IV metastases, and in 13 of 78 patients (16.7%) without level IV metastases (p = .04). Multivariate analyzes revealed a significant association between level IV metastases and pulmonary metastases (p = .038). However, an influence on overall (p = .65) or disease‐free survival (p = .66) was not observed.

Conclusion

Level IV metastases seem to be a predictive factor for pulmonary metastases but not for overall and disease‐free survival in patients with HNSCC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 140–146, 2016
Expression of coinhibitory receptors on T cells in the microenvironment of usual vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia is related to proinflammatory effector T cells and an increased recurrence‐free survival
Authors: van Esch Edith M.G. , van Poelgeest Mariette I.E. , Kouwenberg Simone , Osse E. Michelle , Trimbos J. Baptist M.Z. , Fleuren Gert Jan , Jordanova Ekaterina S. , van der Burg Sjoerd H.
Published: September 2014

Human papillomavirus‐induced usual‐type vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (uVIN) are infiltrated by immune cells but apparently not cleared. A potential explanation for this is an impaired T cell effector function by an immunesuppressive milieu, coinfiltrating regulatory T cells or the expression of coinhibitory molecules. Here, the role of these potential inhibitory mechanisms was evaluated by a detailed immunohistochemical analysis of T cell infiltration in the context of FoxP3, Tbet, indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase, programmed cell death 1, T cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 (TIM3), natural killer cell lectin‐like receptor A (NKG2A) and galectins‐1, −3 and −9. Paraffin‐embedded tissues of primary uVIN lesions (n = 43), recurrent uVIN lesions (n = 20), vulvar carcinoma (n = 21) and healthy vulvar tissue (n = 26) were studied. We show that the vulva constitutes an area intensely surveyed by CD8+, CD4+, Tbet+ and regulatory T cell populations, parts of which express the examined coinhibitory molecules. In uVIN especially, the number of regulatory T cells and TIM3+ T cells increased. The expression of the coinhibitory markers TIM3 and NKG2A probably reflected a higher degree of T cell activation as a dense infiltration with stromal CD8+TIM3+ T cells and CD3+NKG2A+ T cells was related to the absence of recurrences and/or a prolonged recurrence‐free survival. A dense coinfiltrate with regulatory T cells was negatively associated with the time to recurrence, most dominantly when the stromal CD8+TIM3+ infiltration was limited. This notion was sustained in vulvar carcinoma's where the numbers of regulatory T cells progressively increased to outnumber coinfiltrating CD8+TIM3+ T cells and CD3+NKG2A+ T cells.
Genome‐wide CNV analysis in 221 unrelated patients and targeted high‐throughput sequencing reveal novel causative candidate genes for colorectal adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Horpaopan Sukanya , Spier Isabel , Zink Alexander M. , Altmüller Janine , Holzapfel Stefanie , Laner Andreas , Vogt Stefanie , Uhlhaas Siegfried , Heilmann Stefanie , Stienen Dietlinde , Pasternack Sandra M. , Keppler Kathleen , Adam Ronja , Kayser Katrin , Moebus Susanne , Draaken Markus , Degenhardt Franziska , Engels Hartmut , Hofmann Andrea , Nöthen Markus M. , Steinke Verena , Perez‐Bouza Alberto , Herms Stefan , Holinski‐Feder Elke , Fröhlich Holger , Thiele Holger , Hoffmann Per , Aretz Stefan
Published: September 2014

To uncover novel causative genes in patients with unexplained adenomatous polyposis, a model disease for colorectal cancer, we performed a genome‐wide analysis of germline copy number variants (CNV) in a large, well characterized APC and MUTYH mutation negative patient cohort followed by a targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) approach. Genomic DNA from 221 unrelated German patients was genotyped on high‐resolution SNP arrays. Putative CNVs were filtered according to stringent criteria, compared with those of 531 population‐based German controls, and validated by qPCR. Candidate genes were prioritized using in silico, expression, and segregation analyses, data mining and enrichment analyses of genes and pathways. In 27% of the 221 unrelated patients, a total of 77 protein coding genes displayed rare, nonrecurrent, germline CNVs. The set included 26 candidates with molecular and cellular functions related to tumorigenesis. Targeted high‐throughput sequencing found truncating point mutations in 12% (10/77) of the prioritized genes. No clear evidence was found for autosomal recessive subtypes. Six patients had potentially causative mutations in more than one of the 26 genes. Combined with data from recent studies of early‐onset colorectal and breast cancer, recurrent potential loss‐of‐function alterations were detected in CNTN6, FOCAD (KIAA1797), HSPH1, KIF26B, MCM3AP, YBEY and in three genes from the ARHGAP family. In the canonical Wnt pathway oncogene CTNNB1 (β‐catenin), two potential gain‐of‐function mutations were found. In conclusion, the present study identified a group of rarely affected genes which are likely to predispose to colorectal adenoma formation and confirmed previously published candidates for tumor predisposition as etiologically relevant.
Adolescent meat intake and breast cancer risk
Authors: Farvid Maryam S. , Cho Eunyoung , Chen Wendy Y. , Eliassen A.Heather , Willett Walter C.
Published: September 2014

The breast is particularly vulnerable to carcinogenic influences during adolescence due to rapid proliferation of mammary cells and lack of terminal differentiation. We investigated consumption of adolescent red meat and other protein sources in relation to breast cancer risk in the Nurses' Health Study II cohort. We followed prospectively 44,231 women aged 33–52 years who, in 1998, completed a detailed questionnaire about diet during adolescence. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression. We documented 1132 breast cancer cases during 13‐year follow‐up. In multivariable Cox regression models with major breast cancer risk factors adjustment, greater consumption of total red meat in adolescence was significantly associated with higher premenopausal breast cancer risk (highest vs. lowest quintiles, RR, 1.43; 95%CI, 1.05–1.94; Ptrend = 0.007), but not postmenopausal breast cancer. Adolescent intake of poultry was associated with lower risk of breast cancer overall (RR, 0.76; 95%CI, 0.60–0.97; for each serving/day). Adolescent intakes of iron, heme iron, fish, eggs, legumes and nuts were not associated with breast cancer. Replacement of one serving/day of total red meat with one serving of combination of poultry, fish, legumes, and nuts was associated with a 15% lower risk of breast cancer overall (RR, 0.85; 95%CI, 0.74–0.96) and a 23% lower risk of premenopausal breast cancer (RR, 0.77; 95%CI, 0.64–0.92). In conclusion, higher consumption of red meat during adolescence was associated with premenopausal breast cancer. Substituting other dietary protein sources for red meat in adolescent diet may decrease premenopausal breast cancer risk.
QM/MM through the 1990s: The First Twenty Years of Method Development and Applications
Authors: Liu Meiyi , Wang Yingjie , Chen Yakun , Field Martin J. , Gao Jiali
Published: September 2014

The 2013 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to the authors of the first two publications utilizing the concept of combined quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical (QM/MM) methods. In celebrating this great event in computational chemistry, we review the early development of combined QM/MM techniques and the associated events that took place through the mid‐1990s. We also offer some prospects for the future development of quantum mechanical techniques for macromolecular systems.
Biological quality control for extracorporeal photochemotherapy: Assessing mononuclear cell apoptosis levels in ECP bags of chronic GvHD patients
Authors: Taverna Francesca , Coluccia Paola , Arienti Flavio , Birolini Annalisa , Terranova Laura , Mazzocchi Arabella , Rini Francesca , Mariani Luigi , Melani Cecilia , Ravagnani Fernando
Published: September 2014

Extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) is a treatment approved by the FDA for cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma, and it is currently used off‐label for graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) and other conditions. In agreement with good practices for the therapeutic use of human cells, quality control has to be performed to validate the ECP procedure with the off‐line technique. Since no gold‐standard biological test is available, we assessed the apoptosis generated in the ECP bag using a flow cytometric analysis. Thirty‐one ECP procedures performed on 13 patients with chronic GvHD were studied by monitoring the induction of mononuclear cell (MNC) apoptosis using annexin V/propidium iodide double staining; residual lymphocyte proliferation to standard mitogens was also measured in 17 of the procedures. The kinetics of apoptosis was analyzed at different times in MNCs untreated or treated with 8‐methoxy‐psoralen plus ultraviolet A; the variation (ΔAPOPTOSIS) after 24 h revealed the efficacy of the treatment. In 88.6% of the 31 ECP procedures, ΔAPOPTOSIS was >15% (the “alerting” threshold for ΔAPOPTOSIS was set at 15% on the basis of our data); in the remainder (19.4%), the increment in apoptosis was lower. In four procedures, the proliferation assay was useful for assessing the effect of ECP on the apheretic bag. In conclusion, both flow cytometric assays enabled a biologically significant result to be obtained. In our opinion, the apoptosis test—being faster and easier than the proliferation test—could be a reliable way to validate ECP procedures. J. Clin. Apheresis 30:162–170, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment Expectations, Alliance, Session Positivity, and Outcome: An Investigation of a Three‐Path Mediation Model
Authors: McClintock Andrew S. , Anderson Timothy , Petrarca Allison
Published: September 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to test a 3‐path mediation model, in which the effect of treatment expectations on outcome is mediated first by the alliance and then by session positivity.

Method

Archival process and outcome data were used for this investigation. These data had been collected from 116 clients (70% female, 81% White, mean age = 24.1 years), who sought psychotherapy for a variety of reasons at a university‐based clinic.

Results

Correlation analyses established that clients’ treatment expectations, the therapeutic alliance, session positivity, and outcome were significantly related to each other. A bootstrap (data resampling) procedure was employed to test the hypothesized 3‐path mediated effect. The results of this analysis were consistent with the hypothesis that high treatment expectations enhance the therapeutic alliance, which contributes to clients feeling positive at the end of sessions and in turn facilitates improvements in symptoms and functioning.

Conclusion

The current research is the first to provide evidence for this particular model, and thus helps to shed light on the intricacies and underlying dynamics of psychotherapy.
Spanning Trees with Vertices Having Large Degrees
Authors: Egawa Yoshimi , Ozeki Kenta
Published: September 2014

Let G be a connected simple graph, and let f be a mapping from to the set of integers. This paper is concerned with the existence of a spanning tree in which each vertex v has degree at least . We show that if for any nonempty subset , then a connected graph G has a spanning tree such that for all , where is the set of neighbors v of vertices in S with , , and is the degree of x in T. This is an improvement of several results, and the condition is best possible.
Branchial placenta in the viviparous teleost Ilyodon whitei (Goodeidae)
Authors: Uribe Mari Carmen , De la Rosa‐Cruz Gabino , García‐Alarcón Adriana
Published: September 2014

Intraluminal gestation, as it occurs in viviparous goodeids, allows a wide diversity of embryo‐maternal metabolic exchanges. The branchial placenta occurs in embryos developing in intraluminal gestation when ovarian folds enter through the operculum, into the branchial chamber. The maternal ovarian folds may extend to the embryonic pharyngeal cavity. A branchial placenta has been observed in few viviparous teleosts, and there are not previous histological analyses. This study analysis the histological structure in the goodeid Ilyodon whitei. The moterno ovarian folds extend through the embryonic operculum and reach near the gills, occupying part of the branchial chamber. These folds extend also into the pharyngeal cavity. In some regions, the epithelia of the ovarian folds and embryo were in apposition, developing a placental structure in which, maternal and embryonic capillaries lie in close proximity. The maternal epithelium has desquamated cells which may enter through the branchial chamber to the pharyngeal cavity and the alimentary tract. The complex processes that occur in the ovaries of viviparous teleosts, and its diverse adaptations for viviparity, as the presence of branchial placenta, are relevant in the study of the evolution of vertebrate viviparity. J. Morphol. 275:1406–1417, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.