bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical optimal control method for shockwaves reduction at stationary bottlenecks
Authors: Strnad Irena , Kramar Fijavž Marjeta , Žura Marijan 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe paper introduces an optimal control method for traffic management with variable speed limits. It consists of traffic flow dynamics prediction with a non‐linearized Lighthill–Whitham–Richards macroscopic traffic flow model, introduction of a cost functional, which enables stable shockwaves optimization, and numerical implementation of the optimization process with differential evolution. The method overcomes the discretization issues and provides speed limits that are in general not limited to small number of successive discrete points, i.e. variable message signs locations, nor in rounded speed limits. Performance of the method is demonstrated on a case study, which shows promising reduction of the backward moving shockwave that occurs because of a stationary bottleneck. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of UGT1A subfamily in rat brain
Authors: Sakakibara Yukiko , Katoh Miki , Imai Kuniyuki , Kondo Yuya , Asai Yuki , Ikushiro Shin‐ichi , Nadai Masayuki 
Published: April 2016

AbstractUDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) is an enzyme that catalyses a major phase II reaction in drug metabolism. Glucuronidation occurs mainly in the liver, but UGTs are also expressed in extrahepatic tissues, where they play an important role in local metabolism. UGT1A isoforms catalyse the glucuronidation of several drugs, neurotransmitters and neurosteroids that exert pharmacological and physiological effects on the brain. The aim of the current study was to determine UGT1A mRNA expression levels and glucuronidation activities in different regions of the rat brain (namely the cerebellum, frontal cortex, parietal cortex, piriform cortex, hippocampus, medulla oblongata, olfactory bulb, striatum and thalamus). It was found that all UGT1A isoforms were expressed in all the nine regions, but their expression levels differed between the regions. The difference between the regions of the brain where the mRNA levels were highest and those where they were lowest ranged between 2.1‐ to 7.8‐fold. Glucuronidation activities were measured using the UGT substrates such as mycophenolic acid, p‐nitrophenol and umbelliferone. Glucuronidation activity was detected in all nine regions of the brain. Activity levels differed between the regions, and were highest in the cerebellum, medulla oblongata and olfactory bulb. Differences in glucuronidation activity between regions with the highest rates and those with the lowest rates ranged from 5.3‐ to 10.1‐fold. These results will contribute to our current understanding of the physiological and pharmacokinetic roles of drug‐metabolizing enzymes in the brain. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sirenomelia in Argentina: Prevalence, geographic clusters and temporal trends analysis
Authors: Groisman Boris , Liascovich Rosa , Gili Juan Antonio , Barbero Pablo , Bidondo María Paz ,   the RENAC Task Force
Published: April 2016

BackgroundSirenomelia is a severe malformation of the lower body characterized by a single medial lower limb and a variable combination of visceral abnormalities. Given that Sirenomelia is a very rare birth defect, epidemiological studies are scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate prevalence, geographic clusters and time trends of sirenomelia in Argentina, using data from the National Network of Congenital Anomalies of Argentina (RENAC) from November 2009 until December 2014.MethodsThis is a descriptive study using data from the RENAC, a hospital‐based surveillance system for newborns affected with major morphological congenital anomalies. We calculated sirenomelia prevalence throughout the period, searched for geographical clusters, and evaluated time trends.ResultsThe prevalence of confirmed cases of sirenomelia throughout the period was 2.35 per 100,000 births. Cluster analysis showed no statistically significant geographical aggregates. Time‐trends analysis showed that the prevalence was higher in years 2009 to 2010.ConclusionThe observed prevalence was higher than the observed in previous epidemiological studies in other geographic regions. We observed a likely real increase in the initial period of our study. We used strict diagnostic criteria, excluding cases that only had clinical diagnosis of sirenomelia. Therefore, real prevalence could be even higher. This study did not show any geographic clusters. Because etiology of sirenomelia has not yet been established, studies of epidemiological features of this defect may contribute to define its causes. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:604–611, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spectroscopic studies of bovine serum albumin adsorbed onto magnetic–thermosensitive carbon microspheres
Authors: Zhang Huan , Chen Lin , Li Longfei , Yang Yongzhen , Liu Xuguang 
Published: April 2016

AbstractTo investigate the influence of magnetic–thermosensitive carbon microspheres (MTCMSs) as a targeting drug carrier on serum albumins in vitro, in this study, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was chosen as a template protein to explore the interaction between serum proteins and MTCMSs. Fluorescence spectrophotometry, ultraviolet–visible absorbance (UV–vis) spectrophotometry and circular dichroism spectrometry were used to investigate the interaction between MTCMSs and BSA. Results indicate that BSA interacts with MTCMSs and the fluorescence intensity of BSA is quenched by 50% in a static quenching at 310 K when the concentration of MTCMSs reaches 30 mg/L. Thermodynamic parameters including free energy change (△Gθ), enthalpy change (△Hθ) and entropy change (△Sθ) were calculated. The results (△Gθ < 0, △Hθ < 0 and △Sθ > 0) suggest a spontaneous process and the formation of a hydrogen bond between MTCMSs and BSA. UV–vis measurements reveal that the micro‐environment of an amino acid residue is altered in the presence of MTCMSs. The α‐helix content of BSA decreases by 4% and the β‐sheet content increases by 3.2% with increasing concentrations of MTCMSs to 30 mg/L, illustrating a change in the skeletal structure of BSA. These results demonstrate that MTCMSs as a targeting drug carrier impact the structure of serum albumins. This work provides not only a theoretical basis of BSA adsorption onto MTCMSs, but also an understanding of safe drug carriers in biomedicine. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemiluminescence analysis of antioxidant capacity for serum albumin isolated from healthy or uremic volunteers
Authors: Huang Chih‐Yang , Liou Show‐Yih , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Wu Hsi‐Chin , Chang Yen‐Lin , Chen Tung‐Sheng 
Published: April 2016

AbstractRegular hemodialysis treatment induces an elevation in oxidative stress in patients with end‐stage renal failure, resulting in oxidative damage of the most abundant serum protein, albumin. Oxidation of serum albumin causes depletion of albumin reactive thiols, leading to oxidative modification of serum albumin. The aim of this study was to screen the antioxidant capacity of albumins isolated from uremic patients (HD‐ALB) or healthy volunteers (N‐ALB). From high‐performance liquid chromatography spectra, we observed that one uremic solute binds to HD‐ALB via the formation of disulfide bonds between HD‐ALB and the uremic solute. Furthermore, we found using chemiluminescent analysis that the antioxidant capacities for N‐ALB to scavenge reactive oxygen species including singlet oxygen, hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide were higher than HD‐ALB. Our results suggest that protein‐bound uremic solute binds to albumin via formation of disulfide bonds, resulting in the depletion of albumin reactive thiols. The depletion of albumin reactive thiols leads to a reduced antioxidant capacity of HD‐ALB, implying postmodification of albumin. This situation may reduce the antioxidant capacity of albumin and increase oxidative stress, resulting in increase in complications related to oxidative damage in uremic patients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review: Progresses in understanding N‐ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF) mediated disassembly of SNARE complexes
Authors: Ryu Je-Kyung , Jahn Reinhard , Yoon Tae‐Young 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTN‐ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF) is a key protein of intracellular membrane traffic. NSF is a highly conserved protein belonging to the ATPases associated with other activities (AAA+ proteins). AAA+ share common domains and all transduce ATP hydrolysis into major conformational movements that are used to carry out conformational work on client proteins. Together with its cofactor SNAP, NSF is specialized on disassembling highly stable SNARE complexes that form after each membrane fusion event. Although essential for all eukaryotic cells, however, the details of this reaction have long been enigmatic. Recently, major progress has been made in both elucidating the structure of NSF/SNARE complexes and in understanding the reaction mechanism. Advances in both cryo EM and single molecule measurements suggest that NSF, together with its cofactor SNAP, imposes a tight grip on the SNARE complex. After ATP hydrolysis and phosphate release, it then builds up mechanical tension that is ultimately used to rip apart the SNAREs in a single burst. Because the AAA domains are extremely well‐conserved, the molecular mechanism elucidated for NSF is presumably shared by many other AAA+ ATPases. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 518–531, 2016.
Invited review: Mechanisms of GTP hydrolysis and conformational transitions in the dynamin superfamily
Authors: Daumke Oliver , Praefcke Gerrit J. K. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTDynamin superfamily proteins are multidomain mechano‐chemical GTPases which are implicated in nucleotide‐dependent membrane remodeling events. A prominent feature of these proteins is their assembly‐ stimulated mechanism of GTP hydrolysis. The molecular basis for this reaction has been initially clarified for the dynamin‐related guanylate binding protein 1 (GBP1) and involves the transient dimerization of the GTPase domains in a parallel head‐to‐head fashion. A catalytic arginine finger from the phosphate binding (P‐) loop is repositioned toward the nucleotide of the same molecule to stabilize the transition state of GTP hydrolysis. Dynamin uses a related dimerization‐dependent mechanism, but instead of the catalytic arginine, a monovalent cation is involved in catalysis. Still another variation of the GTP hydrolysis mechanism has been revealed for the dynamin‐like Irga6 which bears a glycine at the corresponding position in the P‐loop. Here, we highlight conserved and divergent features of GTP hydrolysis in dynamin superfamily proteins and show how nucleotide binding and hydrolysis are converted into mechano‐chemical movements. We also describe models how the energy of GTP hydrolysis can be harnessed for diverse membrane remodeling events, such as membrane fission or fusion. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 580–593, 2016.
Urinary metabolomic study of systemic lupus erythematosus based on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Yan Bei , Huang Jia , Dong Fan , Yang Liping , Huang Cibo , Gao Ming , Shi Aixin , Zha Weibin , Shi Luyi , Hu Xin 
Published: April 2016

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with heterogeneous organ and system manifestations. In this study, urinary metabolic alterations related to SLE were investigated by performing gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) based metabolomics and multivariate statistical analysis. Patients with SLE and healthy controls could be clearly differentiated in view of the metabolic abnormity in urine. Among 70 identified endogenous metabolites, 23 metabolites were dramatically increased in SLE patients, which involved in several key metabolic pathways including energy metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, oxidative stress and gut‐microbiome‐derived metabolism. This noninvasive and GC/MS‐based metabolomic technique is a promising and potent strategy for identifying novel biomarkers and understanding pathogenesis of SLE. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of aloe‐emodin following intravenous and oral administrations in rats
Authors: Yu Chung‐Ping , Shia Chi‐Sheng , Lin Hui‐Ju , Hsieh Yow‐Wen , Lin Shiuan‐Pey , Hou Yu‐Chi 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAloe‐emodin, a natural polyphenolic anthraquinone, has shown various beneficial bioactivities in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of aloe‐emodin. Aloe‐emodin was intravenously and orally administered to rats. The concentrations of aloe‐emodin and rhein, a metabolite of aloe‐emodin, were determined by HPLC method prior to and after hydrolysis with β‐glucuronidase and sulfatase/β‐glucuronidase. The results showed that the systemic exposures of aloe‐emodin and its metabolites were ranked as aloe‐emodin glucuronides (G) > rhein sulfates (S) > aloe‐emodin > rhein and rhein G when aloe‐emodin was given intravenously. In contrast, when aloe‐emodin was administered orally, the parent form of aloe‐emodin was not absorbed per se, and the systemic exposures of its metabolites were ranked as aloe‐emodin G > rhein G > rhein. In conclusion, the metabolites of aloe‐emodin are more important than the parent form for the bioactivities in vivo. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Macromolecular Crowding Agents‐Assisted Imprinted Polymers For Analysis Of Glycocholic Acid In Human Plasma And Urine
Authors: Li Quan‐Fu , Zhan Yan‐Mei , Zhong Yong‐Gang , Zhang Bo , Ge Chang‐Qing 
Published: April 2016

AbstractGlycocholic acid (GCA) is a newly identified biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. In this study, a method based on macromolecular crowding strategy has been applied for preparation of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), which possesses high adsorption capacity for GCA. Polymethyl methacrylate was used as a macromolecular crowding agent, N‐(3‐aminopropyl)‐methacrylamide hydrochloride as a functional monomer and ethylene dimethacrylate as a cross‐linker. The morphology and binding characteristics of MIP were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and absorption experiments. The MIP was used as an adsorbent material to separate GCA, and the molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction (MISPE) was carefully optimized. The MISPE combined with high‐performance liquid chromatographic analysis was successfully used to determine the GCA in plasma and urine samples. When spiked levels ranged from 0.2 to 20 μmol L−1, the recoveries were between 94.3 and 100.5%. As a proof of principle, this proposed method has been validated on a small subset of HCC patients (n = 10) and healthy volunteers (n = 10). The average GCA concentrations of HCC patients in plasma and urine were about 25 and 2.8 times than that of healthy volunteers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spondias tuberosa (Anacardiaceae) leaves: profiling phenolic compounds by HPLC‐DAD and LC–MS/MS and in vivo anti‐inflammatory activity
Authors: da Silva Siqueira Emerson Michell , Félix‐Silva Juliana , de Araújo Lorena Maria Lima , Fernandes Julia Morais , Cabral Bárbara , Gomes Jacyra Antunes dos Santos , de Araújo Roque Alan , Tomaz José Carlos , Lopes Norberto Peporine , de Freitas Fernandes‐Pedrosa Matheus , Giordani Raquel Brandt , Zucolotto Silvana Maria 
Published: April 2016

AbstractSpondias tuberosa is a medicinal plant used by several local communities in northeast Brazil to treat infections, digestive disorders and inflammatory conditions. The study aimed to identify and quantify the major phenolic in hydroethanolic extract of leaves from S. tuberosa and to evaluate its anti‐inflammatory potential. The chemical profile of extract was analyzed by HPLC‐DAD and HPLC–MS. The in vivo anti‐inflammatory activity was investigated in carrageenan‐induced hind paw edema and peritonitis models in mice. Identified and quantified through HPLC‐DAD or HPLC‐MS analyses of S. tuberosa extract were the following compounds: chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin and isoquercitrin. The inflammatory response to carrageenan was significantly reduced in both models by S. tuberosa extract. In hind paw edema, the edematogenic response was reduced by up to 63.6% and the myeloperoxidase activity was completely inhibited. In the peritonitis model, the total cell migration into the peritoneal cavity was reduced by up to 65%. The results obtained give evidence of the anti‐inflammatory action of S. tuberosa and suggest the potential therapeutic benefit of this plant on inflammatory conditions. The chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin and isoquercitrin identified and quantified in S. tuberosa leaves enable us to suggest that these compounds could be used as chemical markers for quality control of derivative products from this species. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GABABR/GSK‐3β/NF‐κB signaling pathway regulates the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Shu Qing , Liu Jun , Liu Xiupeng , Zhao Sufang , Li Hualin , Tan Yonggang , Xu Jianming 
Published: April 2016

AbstractColorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of highly fatal cancer‐related deaths in the whole world. Fast growth is critical characteristic of colorectal cancer, the underlying regulatory mechanism of colorectal cell fast proliferation remains largely unknown. Here, we reported that activation of metabotropic γ‐Aminobutyric acid receptor (GABABR) signaling significantly inhibited the colorectal cell HT29 proliferation by arresting the cell at G1 phase. Inhibition of GABABR activated GSK‐3β by reducing the phosphorylation level of GSK‐3β. Activation of GSK‐3β blocked the function of GABABR signaling on repressing cell proliferation. We further found that GABABR activation inhibited NF‐κB activity. The promotion of cell proliferation caused by downregulation of GABRBR could be blocked by inhibition of NF‐κB activation. Overall, activation of GABABR leaded to inhibition of GSK‐3β activation to repress the NF‐κB function during colorectal cancer cell proliferation. This study revealed critical function of GABABR/GSK‐3β/NF‐κB signaling pathway on regulating proliferation of colorectal cancer cell, which might provide a potential therapeutic target for clinical colorectal cancer treatment.
Measurement of some Benzylisoquinoline Alkaloids in Different Organs of Persian Poppy during Ontogenetical Stages
Authors: Rezaei Mahdi , Naghavi Mohammad Reza , Hosseinzadeh Abdol Hadi , Abbasi Alireza 
Published: April 2016

Papaver bracteatum, a perennial species, has been known as a rich source of thebaine and a potential alternative to Papaver somniferum for the production of codeine and some semisynthetic antagonist drugs. In this study, ion mobility spectrum (IMS) of the root, leaf, bottom part of stem, upper part of stem, capsule wall, petal, and capsule content during developmental stages of P. bracteatum including annual rosette, perennial rosette, bud initiation, pendulous bud, preflowering, and lancing were investigated. The IMS revealed thebaine, papaverine, and noscapine as the major components of the extracted alkaloids. Based on the results of the study it appears that, at least in part, there is a competition among the biosynthesis pathways of papaverine, noscapine, and morphinan alkaloids from a common source. Root and capsule wall were the most potent organs for extraction of thebaine, while lancing stage was the best developmental stage for thebaine exploitation. However, it seems that total biomass of root and capsule wall plays a key role in the final selection of favorite organ. Although papaverine and noscapine in the stem at preflowering stage had the most quantity, significant amounts were found in the capsule wall. In general, total alkaloid content of leaf was lower than the other plant parts.
Lignin Degradation in the Production of Bioethanol – A Review
Authors: Mukherjee Anuradha , Mandal Tamal , Ganguly Amit , Chatterjee Pradip K. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractLignin is the principal impediment in the production of biofuel from different lignocellulosic sources through hydrolysis, saccharification and fermentation route. The two main types of treatment for lignin separation from the other main constituent plant materials, hemicellulose and cellulose, are biodegradation and the chemical degradation including base‐catalyzed, acid‐catalyzed, ionic liquids‐assisted lignin depolymerization. Severe reaction conditions, such as high pressure, high temperature and extreme pH, are being in practice for chemical degradation and result in the requirement of specially designed reactors. This leads to high costs of facility and handling along with the inadvertent generation of toxins. Biological degradation seems to be widespread and cost effective if enzymes degrading lignin could be produced by isolation of fungi. Bacterial strains could also be prepared that produce the lignin‐splitting enzyme laccase. The present article reviews the available processes for lignin degradation during lignocellulosic conversion of ethanol and discusses the research gaps in these fields.
Asenapine augmentation in bipolar disorders: a case series
Authors: Marazziti Donatella , Mucci Federico , Baroni Stefano , Piccinni Armando 
Published: April 2016

Key Clinical MessageAsenapine, a novel second‐generation antipsychotic is effective in acute treatment of bipolar I disorder patients in combination with mood stabilizers even in resistant cases. Although there is no evidence for asenapine's efficacy to be superior to currently available agents, asenapine's favorable weight and metabolic profile are of clinical interest.
Teratodermoid mimicking cholecystitis
Authors: Iftikhar Hina , Idu Shareen , Omer Abdel 
Published: April 2016

Key Clinical MessageAn acute abdomen assessment in pregnancy is complicated. Pain can have obstetric and nonobstetric causes. Cholecystitis is a common cause of pain in pregnancy with significant morbidity if not managed promptly. We report a case of a ruptured, torted, right ovarian teratodermoid erroneously diagnosed as cholecystitis in pregnancy.
Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Metal Phosphonates as Recyclable Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Bhanja Piyali , Bhaumik Asim 
Published: April 2016

AbstractSuccessful incorporation of a suitable organic moiety in a porous inorganic metal phosphate network can not only make the corresponding organic–inorganic framework more flexible and robust, but it introduces more hydrophobicity at the surface of the resulting nanostructured material, which is highly desirable for their catalytic application in liquid‐phase chemical transformations. Following the success of organic–inorganic hybrid mesoporous silicas, a wide range of analogous hybrid metal phosphonates have been designed. This has opened up a wide diversity of open framework porous nanomaterials, which show excellent catalytic activities in many organic transformations that are not possible with their corresponding inorganic counterparts. Here, we have summarized the recent developments in designing organic–inorganic hybrid porous metal phosphonates in this brief review with a special emphasis on their catalytic potential in liquid‐phase organic transformations.