bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tethered ribozyme ligation enables detection of molecular proximity in homogeneous solutions
Authors: Katzman Bella , Vyazmensky Maria , Press Olga , Volokita Micha , Engel Stanislav 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn contemporary drug discovery, bulk selection represents an important alternative to time consuming and expensive high‐throughput screening. The selection methods, however, generally rely on affinity separation, a step that limits overall selection process efficiency. To overcome common drawbacks of conventional methods, we exploited the unique catalytic properties of an artificial enzyme, ribozyme ligase, to develop a selection methodology in which the entire detection process takes place in a homogeneous solution, thus eliminating the need for affinity separation. A molecular target is associated with the ribozyme, and library compounds are attached to a barcoded oligonucleotide that is a substrate for the ribozyme ligase. Spatial proximity resulting from specific target‐compound interactions increases the probability of ribozyme ligation to the oligo‐substrate, thus differentiating the interacting species from the bulk mixture. The covalent link formed between the ribozyme and target‐interacting compounds diminishes the mass‐action effect on the efficiency with which low‐affinity and rare active species are detected. In addition, the magnitude of the detection signal associated with the interaction event renders the methodology an efficient platform for identifying inhibitors of intermolecular interactions. The proposed solution‐based tethered ribozyme‐ligation proximity detection method may facilitate the discovery of target‐interacting compounds using both library selection and high‐throughput screening approaches.
Engineering connectivity by multiscale micropatterning of individual populations of neurons
Authors: Albers Jonas , Toma Koji , Offenhäusser Andreas 
Published: December 2014

AbstractFunctional networks are the basis of information processing in the central nervous system. Essential for their formation are guided neuronal growth as well as controlled connectivity and information flow. The basis of neuronal development is generated by guiding cues and geometric constraints. To investigate the neuronal growth and connectivity of adjacent neuronal networks, two‐dimensional protein patterns were created. A mixture of poly‐L‐lysine and laminin was transferred onto a silanized glass surface by microcontact printing. The structures were populated with dissociated primary cortical embryonic rat neurons. Triangular structures with diverse opening angles, height, and design were chosen as two‐dimensional structures to allow network formation with constricted gateways. Neuronal development was observed by immunohistochemistry to pursue the influence of the chosen structures on the neuronal outgrowth. Neurons were stained for MAP2, while poly‐L‐lysine was FITC labeled. With this study we present an easy‐to‐use technique to engineer two‐dimensional networks in vitro with defined gateways. The presented micropatterning method is used to generate daisy‐chained neuronal networks with predefined connectivity. Signal propagation among geometrically constrained networks can easily be monitored by calcium‐sensitive dyes, providing insights into network communication in vitro.
Optomagnetic read‐out enables easy, rapid, and cost‐efficient qualitative biplex detection of bacterial DNA sequences
Authors: Bejhed Rebecca S. , Zardán Gómez de la Torre Teresa , Svedlindh Peter , Strömberg Mattias 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThere is an increasing need to develop novel bioassay methods for low‐cost, rapid, and easy‐to‐use multiplex detection of pathogens in various fields ranging from human infectious disease diagnosis, drinking water quality control, to food safety applications. Due to their unique advantages, magnetic and optomagnetic bioassay principles are particularly promising for biodetection platforms that will be used in developing countries. In this paper, an optomagnetic method for rapid and cost‐efficient qualitative biplex detection of bacterial DNA sequences is demonstrated. Within less than two hours, the assay gives an answer to whether none, both, or only one of the bacterial DNA sequences is present in the sample. The assay relies on hybridization of oligonucleotide‐functionalized magnetic nanobeads of two different sizes to rolling circle amplification (RCA) products originating from two different bacterial targets. The different bead sizes are equipped with different oligonucleotide probes, complementary to only one of the RCA products, and the read‐out is carried out in the same sample volume. In an optomagnetic setup, the frequency modulation of transmitted laser light in response to an applied AC magnetic field is measured. The presented methodology is potentially interesting for low‐cost screening of pathogens relating to both human and veterinary medicine in resource‐poor regions of the world.
Mobility impaired users respond differently than healthy users in virtual environments
Authors: Guo Rongkai , Samaraweera Gayani , Quarles John 
Published: December 2014

AbstractVirtual environments (VEs) have been shown to be beneficial in physical rehabilitation, increasing motivation and the range of exercises that can be safely performed. However, little is known about how disabilities may impact a user's responses to a VE, which could affect rehabilitation motivation. Thus, the primary objective of this research is to understand how VEs affect users with mobility impairments (MI). Specifically, we investigate the influence of full body avatars that have canes. To begin investigating this, we designed a VE that included a range of multimodal feedback to induce a strong sense of presence and was novel to the participants. Using this VE, we conducted a study with two different populations: eight persons with MI and eight healthy persons as a control. The healthy participants were of similar demographics (e.g., age, weight, height, and previous VE experience) to the participants with MI who walked with a cane (i.e., on the basis of strict selection criteria to maintain homogeneity). This is one of the first studies to investigate how a VE can affect the gait of the users with MI, physiological response, presence, behavior, and the influence of avatars. Results of the study suggest generalizable guidelines for the design of VEs for users with MI. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genome Mining‐Directed Activation of a Silent Angucycline Biosynthetic Gene Cluster in Streptomyces chattanoogensis
Authors: Zhou Zhenxing , Xu Qingqing , Bu Qingting , Guo Yuanyang , Liu Shuiping , Liu Yu , Du Yiling , Li Yongquan 
Published: December 2014

AbstractGenomic sequencing of actinomycetes has revealed the presence of numerous gene clusters seemingly capable of natural product biosynthesis, yet most clusters are cryptic under laboratory conditions. Bioinformatics analysis of the completely sequenced genome of Streptomyces chattanoogensis L10 (CGMCC 2644) revealed a silent angucycline biosynthetic gene cluster. The overexpression of a pathway‐specific activator gene under the constitutive ermE* promoter successfully triggered the expression of the angucycline biosynthetic genes. Two novel members of the angucycline antibiotic family, chattamycins A and B, were further isolated and elucidated. Biological activity assays demonstrated that chattamycin B possesses good antitumor activities against human cancer cell lines and moderate antibacterial activities. The results presented here provide a feasible method to activate silent angucycline biosynthetic gene clusters to discover potential new drug leads.
Interoperator and intraoperator (in)accuracy of stent selection based on visual estimation
Authors: Campbell Paul T. , Mahmud Ehtisham , Marshall J. Jeffrey 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to evaluate the ability of interventional cardiologists to accurately measure lesion length and select appropriate stents.BackgroundInaccurate measurement of lesion length during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) increases the risk of restenosis.MethodsInterventional cardiologists (n = 40) evaluated 25 matched orthogonal angiographic images that were prescored using quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) by a core laboratory. Visual estimates of lesion length and stent length selection were compared to the maximum QCA value. A 2–4 mm stent overlap of both the proximal and distal lesion edges was considered to be optimal. Based on optimal stent overlap, accurate lesion lengths were those measured from −1 to +4 mm from the QCA. Likewise, appropriate stent lengths were those that measured between +4 mm to +8 mm from the QCA value. Five images were repeated to assess intrarater variability.ResultsLesion length measurements were short and long for 51.1% (95% CI 47.6–54.6%) and 19.0% (95% CI 16.3–21.9%) of the images, respectively. Stent length selections that were short and long were recorded for 55.0% (95% CI 51.5–58.5%) and 22.8% (95% CI 19.9–25.8%) of the images, respectively. Intrarater variability evaluation indicated that 38.5% (95% CI 31.7–45.6%) of lesion length measurements and 37.5% (95% CI 30.8–44.6%) of stent length selections were >3 mm different between the first and second evaluation of repeated images.ConclusionsVisual estimation of coronary lesion length has a high degree of variability, which may lead to inappropriate stent selection. Improving the accuracy of lesion length measurement may improve patient outcomes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Single center experience: Implantation failures, early, and late complications after implantation of a partially biodegradable ASD/PFO‐device (BioStar®)
Authors: Happel Christoph M. , Laser Kai Thorsten , Sigler Matthias , Kececioglu Deniz , Sandica Eugen , Haas Nikolaus A. 
Published: December 2014

IntroductionIn the search for a biodegradable device that leaves nothing but the tissue of the patient after complete endotheliazation and absorption, the BioSTAR® device was introduced in 2007 (CE Mark in European community and HPB in Canada) for ASD and PFO closure. It consists of a metal framework covered by a biodegradable membrane generated from a layer of porcine collagen that is broken down and absorbed over time. In a sheep model, the results were promising, showing complete closure of the defect with degradation of approximately 90% of the implanted membrane material after two years.MethodsWe report a retrospective analysis of implantation failures, early and late complications in a series of 34 patients with 30 implanted BioStar® devices in a single center with a total follow‐up of more than 75 patient years.ResultsWe report 12% of implantation failures, 9% of early and 12% of late complications. Implantation failures include one embolized device, which was interventionally retrieved. Early complications were exclusively rhythm disturbances, one patient needed electrical and pharmacological therapy. Four relevant late complications occurred. One device required explantation after 61 days because of recurrent severe fever episodes, severe headache, and malaise that subsequently subsided after device removal. One patient presented with Dressler's syndrome with pericardial effusion 5 month after implantation requiring pericardiocentesis and steroid treatment. One device showed a central residual shunt that was not clearly seen initially. Finally, one device was explanted after hemorrhagic pericardial effusion due to perforation of an arm of the frame through the right atrial roof into the pericardial fold after 19 months.ConclusionWe conclude that implantation of the Biostar® device is difficult in patients with deficient aortic rims and early complications are similar to those seen in other devices. Of importance, the late complications seen with the Biostar® device might be attributable to specific material and immunological properties of the partially biodegradable device. Although a biodegradable device might theoretically be more favorable more efforts for optimization of these devices have to be taken. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stimuli‐Responsive Lipidic Cubic Phase: Triggered Release and Sequestration of Guest Molecules
Authors: Rahanyan‐Kägi Nelli , Aleandri Simone , Speziale Chiara , Mezzenga Raffaele , Landau Ehud M. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractNew stimuli‐responsive nanomaterials, made up of host–guest lipidic cubic phases (LCPs) are presented. These biocompatible, stable, transparent and water‐insoluble LCPs are composed of monoolein (MO) as a neutral host, and small amounts of one of three judiciously designed and synthesized designer lipids as guest that preserve the structure and stability of LCPs, but render them specific functionalities. Efficient pH‐ and light‐induced binding, release and sequestration of hydrophilic dyes are demonstrated. Significantly, these processes can be performed sequentially, thereby achieving both temporal and dosage control, opening up the possibility of using such LCPs as effective carriers to be used in drug delivery applications. Specifically, because of the inherent optical transparency and molecular isotropy of LCPs they can be envisaged as light‐induced drug carriers in ophthalmology. The results presented here demonstrate the potential of molecular design in creating new functional materials with predicted operating mode.
Sequence‐Dependent dsDNA‐Templated Formation of Fluorescent Copper Nanoparticles
Authors: Song Quanwei , Shi Yu , He Dacheng , Xu Shenghao , Ouyang Jin 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThere are only a few systematic rules about how to selectively control the formation of DNA‐templated metal nanoparticles (NPs) by varying sequence combinations of double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA), although many attempts have been made. Herein, we develop a facile method for sequence‐dependent formation of fluorescent CuNPs by using dsDNA as templates. Compared with random sequences, AT sequences are better templates for highly fluorescent CuNPs. Other specific sequences, for example, GC sequences, do not induce the formation of CuNPs. These results shed light on directed DNA metallization in a sequence‐specific manner. Significantly, both the fluorescence intensity and the fluorescence lifetime of CuNPs can be tuned by the length or the sequence of dsDNA. In order to demonstrate the promising practicality of our findings, a sensitive and label‐free fluorescence nuclease assay is proposed.
Electrochemical and mARC‐Catalyzed Enzymatic Reduction of para‐Substituted Benzamidoximes: Consequences for the Prodrug Concept “Amidoximes instead of Amidines”
Authors: Bauch Eva , Reichmann Debora , Mendel Ralf‐Rainer , Bittner Florian , Manke Anne‐Marie , Kurz Philipp , Girreser Ulrich , Havemeyer Antje , Clement Bernd 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component (mARC) activates amidoxime prodrugs by reduction to the corresponding amidine drugs. This study analyzes relationships between the chemical structure of the prodrug and its metabolic activation and compares its enzyme‐mediated vs. electrochemical reduction. The enzyme kinetic parameters KM and Vmax for the N‐reduction of ten para‐substituted derivatives of the model compound benzamidoxime were determined by incubation with recombinant proteins and subcellular fractions from pig liver followed by quantification of the metabolites by HPLC. A clear influence of the substituents at position 4 on the chemical properties of the amidoxime function was confirmed by correlation analyses of 1H NMR chemical shifts and the redox potentials of the 4‐substituted benzamidoximes with Hammett’s σ. However, no clear relationship between the kinetic parameters for the enzymatic reduction and Hammett’s σ or the lipophilicity could be found. It is thus concluded that these properties as well as the redox potential of the amidoxime can be largely ignored during the development of new amidoxime prodrugs, at least regarding prodrug activation.
Rational Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Lactam‐Bridged Gramicidin A Analogues: Discovery of a Low‐Hemolytic Antibacterial Peptide
Authors: Mao Ji , Kuranaga Takefumi , Hamamoto Hiroshi , Sekimizu Kazuhisa , Inoue Masayuki 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA linear peptide, gramicidin A (GA), folds into a β6.3‐helix, functions as an ion channel in the cell membrane, and exerts antibacterial activity. Herein we describe the rational design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of lactam‐bridged GA analogues. The GA analogue with a 27‐membered macrolactam was found to adopt a stable β6.3‐helical conformation and exhibits higher ion‐exchange activity than GA. Furthermore, this GA analogue retains the potent antibiotic activity of GA, but its hemolytic activity and toxicity toward mammalian cells are significantly lower than those of GA. This study thus dissociates the antibacterial and hemolytic/cytotoxic activities of GA, and charts a rational path forward for the development of new ion‐channel‐based antibiotics.
Transforming the natural colors of an image into product design: A computer‐aided color planning system based on fuzzy pattern recognition
Authors: Hsiao Shih‐Wen , Tsai Cheng‐Ju 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA computer‐aided color planning system transforming an image with natural colors into product design is addressed in this study. By using analogies to natural color patterns for the solutions in product color planning, a natural color planning system is developed. The system assists the designer to obtain optimized natural colors easily for product color planning or takes the color planning of similar products by means of designers‐preferred natural colors. In terms of the product color planning design, this system converts the descriptive design processes into systematic design model by three modules: (1) natural coloring module, (2) fuzzy recognition module, and (3) image evaluation module. A case study based on applying the colors of Taiwanese butterflies to the color planning of volleyball shoes was presented to verify the feasibility of this system. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 40, 612–625, 2015
Dichromatism causes color variations in leaves and spices
Authors: Kasajima Ichiro , Sasaki Katsutomo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAlthough the color phase (hue) of plants plays fundamental roles in quality of foods and horticultural species, principles of variations in hues of plant materials are neither fully understood nor extensively examined by researchers. This may be partly because plant colors are determined by complex physicochemical factors non‐understandable to most biologists. For example, hue of soluble pigment has been demonstrated to change at different thickness of a layer or pigment concentrations in exceptional substances such as pumpkin seed oil. Such strange effect (dichromatism) of layer thickness on pigment hue was previously explained by application of Beer–Lambert law on absorbance spectra (Naturwissenschaften 2007;94:935–939). In this report, we demonstrate dichromatism in plant leaves and red spices. Dichromatism of these materials can be quite simply observed by extraction and dilution of pigments with dimethylformamide, a scarcely evaporating organic solvent. Hue of pigment solutions gradually changed with dilution from green to yellow‐green for leaves, and from red to yellow for spices. These changes were also explained by changes in absorbance spectra with dilution, nevertheless spectra of absorption coefficient were stable. Dichromatism in leaves caused uniform negative correlation between lightness and hue in any plant species examined. Such correlation was successfully explained by calculation with a normalized RGB color matching function. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 40, 605–611, 2015
Cyclic Stability Testing of Aminated‐Silica Solid Sorbent for Post‐Combustion CO2 Capture
Authors: Fisher James C. , Gray McMahan 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is examining the use of solid sorbents for CO2 removal from coal‐fired power plant flue gas streams. An aminated sorbent (previously reported by the NETL) is tested for stability by cyclic exposure to simulated flue gas and subsequent regeneration for 100 cycles. Each cycle was quantified using a traced gas in the simulated flue gas monitored by a mass spectrometer, which allowed for rapid determination of the capacity.
Bifunctional Silver(I) Complex‐Catalyzed CO2 Conversion at Ambient Conditions: Synthesis of α‐Methylene Cyclic Carbonates and Derivatives
Authors: Song Qing‐Wen , Chen Wei‐Qiang , Ma Ran , Yu Ao , Li Qiu‐Yue , Chang Yao , He Liang‐Nian 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe chemical conversion of CO2 at atmospheric pressure and room temperature remains a great challenge. The triphenylphosphine complex of silver(I) carbonate was proved to be a robust bifunctional catalyst for the carboxylative cyclization of propargylic alcohols and CO2 at ambient conditions leading to the formation of α‐methylene cyclic carbonates in excellent yields. The unprecedented performance of [(PPh3)2Ag]2CO3 is presumably attributed to the simultaneous activation of CO2 and propargylic alcohol. Moreover, the highly compatible basicity of the catalytic species allows propargylic alcohol to react with CO2 leading to key silver alkylcarbonate intermediates: the bulkier [(Ph3P)2AgI]+ effectively activates the carbon–carbon triple bond and enhances O‐nucleophilicity of the alkylcarbonic anion, thereby greatly promoting the intramolecular nucleophilic cyclization. Notably, this catalytic protocol also worked well for the reaction of propargylic alcohols, secondary amines, and CO2 (at atmospheric pressure) to afford β‐oxopropylcarbamates.
Formoterol or salmeterol for asthma—should they be used as monotherapy?
Authors: Steiner Mike 
Published: December 2014

AbstractEco‐paediatrics is an occasional feature in Evidence‐Based Child Health: A Cochrane Review Journal. Our goal is to contribute to the worldwide discussion on reducing waste in health care. In each instalment, we will select a recent Cochrane review highlighting a practice, still in use, which the available evidence tells us should be discontinued.
Cochrane in context: Interventions for treating femoral shaft fractures in children and adolescents
Authors: Madhuri Vrisha , Gahukamble Abhay 
Published: December 2014

AbstractCochrane Review: Interventions for treating femoral shaft fractures in children and adolescents Madhuri V, Dutt V, Gahukamble AD, Tharyan P. Interventions for treating femoral shaft fractures in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD009076. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009076.pub2.This companion piece to the review, “Interventions for treating femoral shaft fractures in children and adolescents,” contains the following pieces:

The abstract of the review
A commentary from one or more of the review authors, explaining why the review team felt the review was an important one to produce
Some other recently published references on this topic
A Novel Strategy for Simultaneous Determination of Dopamine and Uric Acid Using a Carbon Paste Electrode Modified with CdTe Quantum Dots
Authors: Beitollahi Hadi , Hamzavi Mozhdeh , Torkzadeh‐Mahani Masoud , Shanesaz Maryam , Maleh Hassan Karimi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA novel CdTe quantum dots‐modified carbon paste electrode (QDMCPE) was fabricated and used to study the electrooxidation of dopamine and uric acid and their mixtures by electrochemical methods. Using square wave voltammetry (SWV), a highly sensitive and simultaneous determination of dopamine and uric acid was explored at the modified electrode. SWV peak currents of dopamine and uric acid increased linearly with their concentrations in the ranges of 7.5×10−8–6.0×10−4 M, and 7.5×10−6–1.4×10−3 M, respectively. Finally this new sensor was used for determination of dopamine and uric acid in some real samples.