bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3‐Nitro‐2‐pyridinesulfenates as Efficient Solution‐ and Solid‐Phase Disulfide Bond Forming Agents
Authors: Taguchi Akihiro , Kobayashi Kiyotaka , Kotani Akira , Muguruma Kyohei , Kobayashi Misaki , Fukumoto Kentarou , Takayama Kentaro , Hakamata Hideki , Hayashi Yoshio 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this paper, a new disulfide‐forming agent based on the finding that alkoxy 3‐nitro‐2‐pyridinesulfenates (Npys‐OR) can oxidize thiol groups is reported. Methyl 3‐nitro‐2‐pyridinesulfenate (Npys‐OMe), which is easily prepared from 3‐nitro‐2‐pyridinesulfenyl chloride in a one‐step reaction and has a reduction peak potential (Epc) of −0.541 V versus Ag/AgCl, produces the cyclic nonapeptide oxytocin from its linear form in good yield (92 %) with minimal oligomer formation. Npys‐OMe in the solid phase also demonstrated excellent results in oxytocin synthesis. Other disulfide‐containing peptides, such as α‐human atrial natriuretic peptide and α‐conotoxin ImI, were also successfully synthesized. During these syntheses, no side reactions of methionine (Met) and tryptophan (Trp) residues or the S‐acetamidomethyl (Acm) protecting group were detected. These results suggested that Npys‐OMe or its solid‐phase analog provides a new strategy for regioselective disulfide bond formation to assist the synthesis of complex disulfide‐rich peptides.
Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Methanol Catalyzed by Iron, Cobalt, and Manganese Cyclopentadienone Complexes: Mechanistic Insights and Computational Design
Authors: Ge Hongyu , Chen Xiangyang , Yang Xinzheng 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDensity functional theory study of the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to methanol catalyzed by iron, cobalt, and manganese cyclopentadienone complexes reveals a self‐promoted mechanism, which features a methanol‐ or water‐molecule‐assisted proton transfer for the cleavage of H2. The total free energy barrier of the formation of methanol from CO2 and H2 catalyzed by Knölker's iron cyclopentadienone complex, [2,5‐(SiMe3)2‐3,4‐(CH2)4(η5‐C4COH)]Fe(CO)2H, is 26.0 kcal mol−1 in the methanol solvent. We also evaluated the catalytic activities of 8 other experimentally reported iron cyclopentadienone complexes and 37 iron, cobalt, and manganese cyclopentadienone complexes proposed in this study. In general, iron and manganese complexes have relatively higher catalytic activities. Among all calculated complexes, [2,5‐(SiMe3)2‐3,4‐CH3CHSCH2(η5‐C4COH)]Fe(CO)2H (1Fe‐Casey‐S‐CH3) is the most active one with a total free energy barrier of 25.1 kcal mol−1 in the methanol solvent. Such a low barrier indicates that 1Fe‐Casey‐S‐CH3 is a very promising low‐cost and high efficiency catalyst for the conversion of CO2 and H2 to methanol under mild conditions.
The Elusive Palladium‐Diazo Adduct Captured: Synthesis, Isolation and Structural Characterization of [(ArNHC‐PPh2)Pd(η2‐N2C(Ph)CO2Et)]
Authors: Rull Silvia G. , Álvarez Eleuterio , Fructos Manuel R. , Belderrain Tomás R. , Pérez Pedro J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe first example of a diazo palladium adduct is reported. The complexes [(ArNHC−PPh2)M(η2‐N2C(Ph)CO2Et)] (M=Ni, 3; M=Pd, 4; ArNHC−PPh2=3‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐1‐[(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]imidazol‐2‐ylidene) were prepared by ligand exchange with styrene‐coordinated precursors [(ArNHC−PPh2)M(styrene)] (M=Ni, 1; M=Pd, 2). Complex 4 was fully characterized, including X‐ray analyses; this constitutes the first example of a diazo adduct compound with palladium, thereby closing the gap between Groups 8 and 10 regarding this type of compounds.
Production of menthol‐loaded nanoparticles by solvent displacement
Authors: Ferri Ada , Kumari Naveeta , Peila Roberta , Barresi Antonello A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe production of menthol‐loaded poly‐ϵ‐caprolactone nanoparticles (NPs) for dermal application was investigated. The nanoparticles were produced in three different mixers: a confined impinging jet mixer (CIJM), a two‐inlet vortex mixer (VM), and a four‐inlet vortex mixer (MIVM), testing their performances in the same operating conditions. The effects of various process parameters such as polymer and menthol concentration, flow rate, solvent type (acetone, acetonitrile, or THF), and quench ratio, on mean nanoparticle size, menthol loading, and encapsulation efficiency were compared and discussed. The amount of menthol encapsulated inside the nanoparticles was quantified by GC analysis and the structure and shape of the NPs were analyzed by TEM. Nanoparticles of sizes between 200 nm to 800 nm were obtained using the CIJM, the VM, and the MIVM with different feeding sequences. It was observed that mixer geometry had a strong effect on particle size (at the same operating conditions the size decreased from MIVM with two inlets to VM and to CIJM) and the smallest particles were obtained using the MIVM using one solvent and three antisolvent streams. By using acetonitrile, the mean nanoparticle size was larger. Incorporation efficiency and menthol loading values up to 80 % and 60 % respectively were obtained depending on the inlet menthol and polymer concentrations.
Effect of a heat pretreatment on the structure and properties of carbon supports for carbon membranes
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Zhang Bing , Jiang Yuan , Wu Yonghong , Wang Tonghua , Qiu Jieshan 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA heat pretreatment was developed to modify the microstructure and properties of the phenolic resin‐based carbon supports for the preparation of carbon membranes. The pore size distribution, porosity, surface functional groups, microstructure, and morphology of the supports were characterized by bubble pressure method, boiling method, infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Furthermore, the optimum preparation conditions of the as‐prepared supports were validated by the fabrication of supported carbon membranes. The results show that the heat pretreatment at 280 °C is helpful for the supports to tolerate the high temperature of subsequent pyrolysis and improve the adhesion to surface carbon membrane layers. When supported carbon membranes were prepared by the heat pretreated supports, spin‐coating of 4 times, and pyrolysis at 650 °C, the ideal selectivities of H2/N2 and O2/N2 can reach 52.8 and 8.0, respectively.
Procedural success and intra‐hospital outcome related to left atrial appendage morphology in patients that receive an interventional left atrial appendage closure
Authors: Fastner Christian , Behnes Michael , Sartorius Benjamin , Wenke Annika , El‐Battrawy Ibrahim , Ansari Uzair , Gill Ishar‐Singh , Borggrefe Martin , Akin Ibrahim 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundThe interventional left atrial appendage (LAA) closure represents an emerging alternative to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in certain atrial fibrillation patients. Preliminary results have suggested high procedural success rates and fewer peri‐interventional complications; however, there persists an insufficient understanding of the role of many underlying confounding variables (e.g., anatomical characteristics).HypothesisIt was investigated whether varying LAA morphologies influence procedural success as well as in‐hospital outcome.MethodsSixty‐seven patients ineligible for long‐term oral anticoagulation were included in this single‐center, prospective, observational registry spanning from the years 2014 to 2016. Interventions were performed with the Watchman occluder (Boston Scientific, Natick, MA) or the Amplatzer Amulet (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN), at the operator's discretion. Results derived from the data describing procedural success, fluoroscopy, and peri‐interventional safety events were classified according to the presenting LAA morphology (cauliflower, cactus, windsock, and chicken wing).ResultsRates of successful implantation were high across all groups (≥98%; P = 0.326). Surrogate parameters underlining procedural complexity like median total duration (P = 0.415), median fluoroscopy time (P = 0.459), median dose area product (P = 0.698), and the median amount of contrast agent (P = 0.076) demonstrated similar results across all groups. Likewise, the periprocedural complication rate was not significantly different and was mainly restricted to minor bleeding events.ConclusionsIrrespective of the varying morphological presentation of the LAA, the procedural success rates, interventional characteristics, and safety events did not significantly differ among patients receiving an interventional LAA closure.
Tau‐based fluorescent protein fusions to visualize microtubules
Authors: Mooney Paul , Sulerud Taylor , Pelletier James F. , Dilsaver Matthew R. , Tomschik Miroslav , Geisler Christoph , Gatlin Jesse C. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe ability to visualize cytoskeletal proteins and their dynamics in living cells has been critically important in advancing our understanding of numerous cellular processes, including actin‐ and microtubule (MT)‐dependent phenomena such as cell motility, cell division, and mitosis. Here, we describe a novel set of fluorescent protein (FP) fusions designed specifically to visualize MTs in living systems using fluorescence microscopy. Each fusion contains a FP module linked in frame to a modified phospho‐deficient version of the MT‐binding domain of Tau (mTMBD). We found that expressed and purified constructs containing a single mTMBD decorated Xenopus egg extract spindles more homogenously than similar constructs containing the MT‐binding domain of Ensconsin, suggesting that the binding affinity of mTMBD is minimally affected by localized signaling gradients generated during mitosis. Furthermore, MT dynamics were not grossly perturbed by the presence of Tau‐based FP fusions. Interestingly, the addition of a second mTMBD to the opposite terminus of our construct caused dramatic changes to the spatial localization of probes within spindles. These results support the use of Tau‐based FP fusions as minimally perturbing tools to accurately visualize MTs in living systems.
Cancer incidence profile in sub‐Saharan African‐born blacks in the United States: Similarities and differences with US‐born non‐Hispanic blacks
Authors: Medhanie Genet A. , Fedewa Stacey A. , Adissu Hibret , DeSantis Carol E. , Siegel Rebecca L. , Jemal Ahmedin 
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUNDSub‐Saharan African‐born blacks (ABs) are one of the fastest‐growing populations in the United States. However, to the authors' knowledge, data regarding the cancer burden in this group are lacking, which would inform targeted cancer prevention and control.METHODSThe authors calculated age‐standardized proportional incidence ratios (PIRs) comparing the frequency of the top 15 cancers in ABs with that of US‐born non‐Hispanic blacks (USBs) by sex and region of birth using incidence data for 2000 through 2012 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER 17) program.RESULTSCompared with USBs, ABs had significantly higher PIRs of infection‐related cancers (liver, stomach, and Kaposi sarcoma), blood cancers (leukemia and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma), prostate cancer, and thyroid cancers (females only). For example, the PIR for Kaposi sarcoma in AB versus USB women was 12.06 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 5.23‐18.90). In contrast, ABs had lower PIRs for smoking‐related and colorectal cancers (eg, for lung cancer among men, the PIR was 0.30 [95% CI, 0.27‐0.34]). Furthermore, cancer occurrence in ABs versus USBs varied by region of birth. For example, the higher PIRs for liver cancer noted among male ABs (PIR, 3.57; 95% CI, 1.79‐5.35) and for thyroid cancer in female ABs (PIR, 3.03; 95% CI, 2.03‐4.02) were confined to Eastern African‐born blacks, whereas the higher PIR for prostate cancer (PIR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.78, 2.02) was confined to Western African‐born blacks.CONCLUSIONSThe cancer incidence profile of ABs is different from that of USBs and varies by region of birth, suggesting differences in environmental, cultural, social, and genetic factors. The findings of the current study could stimulate etiologic research and help to inform targeted interventions. Cancer 2017;123:3116–24. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Mass Spectrometric and Vibrational Characterization of Reaction Intermediates in [Ru(bpy)(tpy)(H2O)]2+ Catalyzed Water Oxidation
Authors: Voss Jonathan M. , Duffy Erin M. , Marsh Brett M. , Garand Etienne 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMass spectrometry coupled with an in‐line electrochemical electrospray ionization source is used to capture some of the reaction intermediates formed in the [Ru(bpy)(tpy)(H2O)]2+ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, tpy=2,2′:6′,2“‐terpyridine) catalyzed water oxidation reaction. By controlling the applied electrochemical potential, we identified the parent complex, as well as the first two oxidation complexes, identified as [Ru(bpy)(tpy)(OH)]2+ and [Ru(bpy)(tpy)(O)]2+. The structures of the parent and first oxidation complexes are probed directly in the mass spectrometer by using infrared predissociation spectroscopy of D2‐tagged ions. Comparisons between experimental vibrational spectra and density functional theory calculations confirmed the identity and structure of these two complexes. Moreover, the frequency of the O−H stretching mode in [Ru(bpy)(tpy)(OH)]2+ shows that this complex features a Ru–OH interaction that is more covalent than ionic.
Process Intensification for Cellulosic Biorefineries
Authors: Sadula Sunitha , Athaley Abhay , Zheng Weiqing , Ierapetritou Marianthi , Saha Basudeb 
Published: April 2017

AbstractUtilization of renewable carbon source, especially non‐food biomass is critical to address the climate change and future energy challenge. Current chemical and enzymatic processes for producing cellulosic sugars are multistep, and energy‐ and water‐intensive. Techno‐economic analysis (TEA) suggests that upstream lignocellulose processing is a major hurdle to the economic viability of the cellulosic biorefineries. Process intensification, which integrates processes and uses less water and energy, has the potential to overcome the aforementioned challenges. Here, we demonstrate a one‐pot depolymerization and saccharification process of woody biomass, energy crops, and agricultural residues to produce soluble sugars with high yields. Lignin is separated as a solid for selective upgrading. Further integration of our upstream process with a reactive extraction step makes energy‐efficient separation of sugars in the form of furans. TEA reveals that the process efficiency and integration enable, for the first time, economic production of feed streams that could profoundly improve process economics for downstream cellulosic bioproducts.
New Ether‐functionalized Morpholinium‐ and Piperidinium‐based Ionic Liquids as Electrolyte Components in Lithium and Lithium–Ion Batteries
Authors: Navarra Maria Assunta , Fujimura Kanae , Sgambetterra Mirko , Tsurumaki Akiko , Panero Stefania , Nakamura Nobuhumi , Ohno Hiroyuki , Scrosati Bruno 
Published: April 2017

AbstractHere, two ionic liquids, N‐ethoxyethyl‐N‐methylmorpholinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (M1,2O2TFSI) and N‐ethoxyethyl‐N‐methylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (P1,2O2TFSI) were synthesized and compared. Fundamental relevant properties, such as thermal and electrochemical stability, density, and ionic conductivity were analyzed to evaluate the effects caused by the presence of the ether bond in the side chain and/or in the organic cation ring. Upon lithium salt addition, two electrolytes suitable for lithium batteries applications were found. Higher conducting properties of the piperidinium‐based electrolyte resulted in enhanced cycling performances when tested with LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode in lithium cells. When mixing the P1,2O2TFSI/LiTFSI electrolyte with a tailored alkyl carbonate mixture, the cycling performance of both Li and Li–ion cells greatly improved, with prolonged cyclability delivering very stable capacity values, as high as the theoretical one in the case of Li/LFP cell configurations.
Doping control study of AICAR in post‐race urine and plasma samples from horses
Authors: Wong Jenny K. Y. , Kwok Wai Him , Chan George H. M. , Choi Timmy L. S. , Ho Emmie N. M. , Jaubert Murielle , Bailly‐Chouriberry Ludovic , Bonnaire Yves , Cawley Adam , Ming Williams H. , Keledjian John , Brooks Lydia , Chambers Adam , Lin Yuanyuan , Wan Terence S. M. 
Published: April 2017

Acadesine, 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide‐1‐β‐D‐ribofuranoside, commonly known as AICAR, is a naturally occurring adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator in many mammals, including humans and horses. AICAR has attracted considerable attention recently in the field of doping control because of a study showing the enhancement of endurance performance in unexercised or untrained mice, resulting in the term ‘exercise pill’. Its use has been classified as gene doping by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA), and since it is endogenous, it may only be possible to control deliberate administration of AICAR to racehorses after establishment of an appropriate threshold. Herein we report our studies of AICAR in post‐race equine urine and plasma samples including statistical studies of AICAR concentrations determined from 1,470 urine samples collected from thoroughbreds and standardbreds and analyzed in Australia, France, and Hong Kong. Quantification methods in equine urine and plasma using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry were developed by the laboratories in each country. An exchange of spiked urine and plasma samples between the three countries was conducted, confirming no significant differences in the methods. However, the concentration of AICAR in plasma was found to increase upon haemolysis of whole blood samples, impeding the establishment of a suitable threshold in equine plasma. A possible urine screening cut‐off at 600 ng/mL for the control of AICAR in racehorses could be considered for adoption. Application of the proposed screening cut‐off to urine samples collected after intravenous administration of a small dose (2 g) of AICAR to a mare yielded a short detection time of approximately 4.5 h. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cadmium Exposure and Osteoporosis: A Population-Based Study and Benchmark Dose Estimation in Southern China
Authors: Lv Yingjian , Wang Ping , Huang Rui , Liang Xuxia , Wang Peng , Tan Jianbin , Chen Zihui , Dun Zhongjun , Wang Jing , Jiang Qi , Wu Shixuan , Ling Haituan , Li Zhixue , Yang Xingfen 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to assess the association between osteoporosis and long-term environmental Cd exposure through diet in southern China. A total of 1116 subjects from a Cd-polluted area and a non-Cd-polluted area were investigated. All subjects met the criteria of having been living in the investigated area for more than 15 years and lived on a subsistence diet of rice and vegetables grown in that area. Besides bone mineral density, the levels of urinary markers of early renal impairment, such as urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), α1-microglobulin, β2-microglobulin, and urinary albumin, were also determined. Urinary Cd concentrations of all studied subjects ranged from 0.21 to 87.31 µg/g creatinine, with a median of 3.97 µg/g creatinine. Multivariate linear regression models indicated a significant negative association of urinary Cd concentrations with bone mineral density. In logistic regression models, both categorical and continuous urinary Cd concentrations were positively associated with osteoporosis. Subjects in the second, third, and fourth quartiles of urinary Cd concentration had greater odds of osteoporosis compared with subjects in the first quartile (odds ratio [OR] = 3.07, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.77 to 5.33; OR = 4.63, 95% CI, 2.68 to 7.98; OR = 9.15, 95% CI, 5.26 to 15.94, respectively). Additional adjustment for levels of urinary markers did not attenuate the associations. No evidence existed of an interaction between urinary Cd concentration and renal function using levels of urinary markers, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In all subjects, the benchmark dose and benchmark dose lower bound were 1.14 (0.61) and 2.73 (1.83) µg/g creatinine, with benchmark response set at 5% and 10%, respectively. The benchmark dose of urinary Cd was lower in women than in men. This study demonstrated an inverse association between the body burden of Cd and osteoporosis. The toxic effect of Cd on bone may occur in parallel to nephrotoxicity. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Serbian Patients With Bronchial Asthma: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Despotovic Milena , Jevtovic Stoimenov Tatjana , Stankovic Ivana , Basic Jelena , Pavlovic Dusica 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTVitamin D and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene are potentially involved in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma (BA); however, precise mechanisms by which vitamin D reduces the inflammation and the role of VDR SNPs in BA are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to examine the possible associations of FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI SNPs with BA. A total of 168 subjects were screened for VDR SNPs using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method. The obtained results showed statistically significant differences in the distribution of FokI genotypes (df = 2; P = 0.008) and alleles (P = 0.002; OR = 0.446; 95%CI = 0.264–0.752) between patients and controls. Distributions of BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI genotypes and alleles did not show statistical differences. BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI SNPs are in linkage disequilibrium (LD) in the whole studied group, as well as in BA patients and controls. The strongest LD was observed between BsmI and TaqI (r2 = 0.69 for all subjects in the study; r2 = 0.75 in BA; r2 = 0.64 in controls), while lower values of LD were observed for BsmI and ApaI, and ApaI and TaqI SNPs. This is the first study that examined the association of VDR SNPs (FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI) in Serbian patients with BA indicating protective effect of FF genotype and F allele of FokI SNP on BA development. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3986–3992, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thrombin Induces CCL2 Expression in Human Lung Fibroblasts via p300 Mediated Histone Acetylation and NF‐KappaB Activation
Authors: Deng Xiaoling , Zhou Xiaoqiong , Deng Yan , Liu Fan , Feng Xiaofan , Yin Qi , Gu Yinzhen , Shi Songlin , Xu Mingyan 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTThrombin has been shown to play a key role in lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis via the induction of fibrotic cytokine‐ chemokine (CC motif) ligand‐2 (CCL2) expression. We previously reported that transcription factor nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) is responsible for thrombin‐induced CCL2 expression in human lung fibroblasts (HLFs). Here, we extended our study to investigate the epigenetic regulation mechanism for thrombin‐induced CCL2 expression in HLFs. HLFs were cultured in F‐12 medium. CCL2 protein and mRNA levels were detected by ELISA and quantitative real‐time PCR, respectively. Histone, histone acetyltransferases, and NF‐κB binding to CCL2 promoter were detected by ChIP assay. NF‐κB activation was detected by Western blotting. We revealed that increased binding of histone acetyltransferase p300 and acetylated histone H3 and H4 to CCL2 promoter are responsible for thrombin induced CCL2 expression in HLF cells. In addition, p300 inhibition attenuates both thrombin induced‐CCL2 expression and histone H3 and H4 acetylation in HLFs, suggesting that p300 is involved in thrombin‐induced CCL2 expression via hyperacetylating histone H3 and H4. Our data further showed that p300 also regulates CCL2 expression via interaction with NF‐κB p65, as depletion of p300 inhibits both NF‐κB p65 activation and its binding to CCL2 promoter. The findings strongly suggest that epigenetic dysregulation and the interaction between histone acetyltransferase and transcription factor may be responsible for thrombin induced‐CCL2 expression in HLFs. Increased understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms of CCL2 regulation may provide opportunities for identifying novel molecular targets for therapeutic purposes. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4012–4019, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.