bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) composite nanofibers with halloysite nanotubes for the sustained release of sodiumd‐pantothenate
Authors: Lee Il Woo , Li Jinglei , Chen Xiguang , Park Hyun Jin 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTPoly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers containing halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) loaded with sodiumd‐pantothenate (SDP) were successfully fabricated via simple blend‐electrospinning. SDP was efficiently loaded into the innate HNT lumen with an SDP/HNT mass ratio of 1.5:1 via vacuum treatment. The SDP‐loaded HNT‐inclusion complex was evaluated with drug‐loading efficiency testing, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The morphologies of the nanofibers were observed by scanning electron microscopy, which revealed uniform and smooth surfaces of the nanofibers. The addition of HNTs to the composite nanofibers increased the viscosity of the polymer solution, and this suggested shorter fiber diameters. FTIR spectroscopy verified the good compatibility of the SDP and HNTs with PVA. Moreover, the swelling properties were found to quantitatively correlate with weight loss.In vitrodrug‐release testing revealed that the HNTs and crosslinking reaction most dramatically affected the sustained release of SDP from the PVA and SDP‐loaded HNT complex. In the drug‐release kinetics model, SDP release depended on the diffusion caused by the deformation of the polymer‐based structures in the medium; it followed Fickian diffusion with acceptable coefficient of determination (r2) values between 0.88 and 0.94. Most importantly, the HNTs as natural biocontainers effectively modulated the release profile by loading the active compound in harmony with the electrospun nanofibers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 42900.
On‐chip assessment of human primary cardiac fibroblasts proliferative responses to uniaxial cyclic mechanical strain
Authors: Ugolini Giovanni Stefano , Rasponi Marco , Pavesi Andrea , Santoro Rosaria , Kamm Roger , Fiore Gianfranco Beniamino , Pesce Maurizio , Soncini Monica 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTCardiac cell function is substantially influenced by the nature and intensity of the mechanical loads the cells experience. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are primarily involved in myocardial tissue remodeling: at the onset of specific pathological conditions, CFs activate, proliferate, differentiate, and critically alter the amount of myocardial extra‐cellular matrix with important consequences for myocardial functioning. While cyclic mechanical strain has been shown to increase matrix synthesis of CFs in vitro, the role of mechanical cues in CFs proliferation is unclear. We here developed a multi‐chamber cell straining microdevice for cell cultures under uniform, uniaxial cyclic strain. After careful characterization of the strain field, we extracted human heart‐derived CFs and performed cyclic strain experiments. We subjected cells to 2% or 8% cyclic strain for 24 h or 72 h, using immunofluorescence to investigate markers of cell morphology, cell proliferation (Ki67, EdU, phospho‐Histone‐H3) and subcellular localization of the mechanotransduction‐associated transcription factor YAP. Cell morphology was affected by cyclic strain in terms of cell area, cell and nuclear shape and cellular alignment. We additionally observed a strain intensity‐dependent control of cell growth: a significant proliferation increase occurred at 2% cyclic strain, while time‐dependent effects took place upon 8% cyclic strain. The YAP‐dependent mechano‐transduction pathway was similarly activated in both strain conditions. These results demonstrate a differential effect of cyclic strain intensity on human CFs proliferation control and provide insights into the YAP‐dependent mechano‐sensing machinery of human CFs. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 859–869. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Writing throughout the biochemistry curriculum: Synergistic inquiry‐based writing projects for biochemistry students
Authors: Mertz Pamela , Streu Craig 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis article describes a synergistic two‐semester writing sequence for biochemistry courses. In the first semester, students select a putative protein and are tasked with researching their protein largely through bioinformatics resources. In the second semester, students develop original ideas and present them in the form of a research grant proposal. Both projects involve multiple drafts and peer review. The complementarity of the projects increases student exposure to bioinformatics and literature resources, fosters higher‐order thinking skills, and develops teamwork and communication skills. Student feedback and responses on perception surveys demonstrated that the students viewed both projects as favorable learning experiences. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 43:408–416, 2015.
Palladium‐Catalyzed sp2 C−H Arylation of Azoarenes with Arylhydrazines
Authors: Li Mingyang , Ye Yong 
Published: October 2015

AbstractTransition‐metal‐catalyzed direct functionalization of C−H bonds is important for new compound synthesis, but usually needs special reagents and harsh conditions. With the aid of an azo directing group, the palladium‐catalyzed ortho‐sp2 C−H bond activation of azoarenes with hydrazines has been explored. In the reaction, the Pd catalyst reacts with azobenzene to form a palladacyclic intermediate, which reacts with a phenyl radical generated from phenylhydrazine under heating and oxygen to produce a PdIV or PdIII intermediate. This finally undergoes reductive elimination to give the ortho‐arylated products with the release of the PdII catalyst. This reaction provides a novel access to ortho‐aryl azoarenes under mild conditions in high yield.
One‐Pot Aminoethylation of Indoles/Pyrroles with Alkynes and Sulfonyl Azides
Authors: Rajasekar Shanmugam , Yadagiri Dongari , Anbarasan Pazhamalai 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA general and efficient one‐pot aminoethylation of substituted indoles/pyrroles was accomplished for the synthesis of various tryptamine derivatives employing a combination of alkynes and sulfonyl azides as readily accessible aminoethylating agents. The reaction features a successful integration of copper‐catalyzed alkyne and azide cycloaddition to N‐sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐triazole, rhodium‐catalyzed selective insertion of α‐iminocarbenes onto the C3H bond of indoles, and reduction of the resultant enamides to tryptamine derivatives employing either NaCNBH3 or palladium catalyst, in one‐pot. The reaction also showed excellent functional‐group tolerance and allowed the synthesis of various substituted tryptamines in good to excellent yield. This transformation constitutes a one‐pot formal regioselective functionalization of terminal alkynes. Utility of the synthesized tryptamine was further demonstrated in the synthesis of dihydro‐β‐carboline and tryptoline.
The Diaza[5.5.6.6]fenestrane Skeleton—Synthesis of Leuconoxine Alkaloids
Authors: Pfaffenbach Magnus , Gaich Tanja 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAmong the Aspidosperma‐derived monoterpene indole alkaloids, the leuconoxine subgroup has drawn significant attention from the synthetic community during the past few years. This Minireview summarizes the hitherto six completed total syntheses of leuconoxines emphasizing the different strategies for assembling the key structural motif, an unprecedented diaza[5.5.6.6]fenestrane skeleton. In addition, the proposed biogenetic relationships within the group of these alkaloids are described.
Rational Design of a Lanthanide‐Based Complex Featuring Different Single‐Molecule Magnets
Authors: Pointillart F. , Guizouarn T. , Lefeuvre B. , Golhen S. , Cador O. , Ouahab L. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe rational synthesis of the 2‐{1‐methylpyridine‐N‐oxide‐4,5‐[4,5‐bis(propylthio)tetrathiafulvalenyl]‐1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl}pyridine ligand (L) is described. It led to the tetranuclear complex [Dy4(tta)12(L)2] (Dy‐Dy2‐Dy) after coordination reaction with the precursor Dy(tta)3⋅2 H2O (tta−=2‐thenoyltrifluoroacetonate). The X‐ray structure of Dy‐Dy2‐Dy can be described as two terminal mononuclear units bridged by a central antiferromagnetically coupled dinuclear complex. The terminal N2O6 and central O8 environments are described as distorted square antiprisms. The ac magnetism measurements revealed a strong out‐of‐phase signal of the magnetic susceptibility with two distinct sets of data. The high‐ and low‐frequency components were attributed to the two terminal mononuclear single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) and the central dinuclear SMM, respectively. A magnetic hysteresis loop was detected at very low temperature. From both structural and magnetic points of view, the tetranuclear SMM Dy‐Dy2‐Dy is a self‐assembly of two known mononuclear SMMs bridged by a known dinuclear SMM.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Quercetagetin Analogues as JNK1 Inhibitors
Authors: Hierold Judith , Baek Sohee , Rieger Rene , Lim Tae‐Gyu , Zakpur Saman , Arciniega Marcelino , Lee Ki Won , Huber Robert , Tietze Lutz F. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe recent discovery of c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase JNK1 suppression by natural quercetagetin (1) is a promising lead for the development of novel anticancer agents. Using both X‐ray structure and docking analyses we predicted that 5′‐hydroxy‐ (2) and 5′‐hydroxymethyl‐quercetagetin (3) would inhibit JNK1 more actively than the parent compound 1. Notably, our drug design was based on the active enzyme–ligand complex as opposed to the enzyme’s relatively open apo structure. In this paper we test our theoretical predictions, aided by docking‐model experiments, and report the first synthesis and biological evaluation of quercetagetin analogues 2 and 3. As calculated, both compounds strongly suppress JNK1 activity. The IC50 values were determined to be 3.4 μM and 12.2 μM, respectively, which shows that 2 surpasses the potency of the parent compound 1 (IC50=4.6 μM). Compound 2 was also shown to suppress matrix metalloproteinase‐1 expression with high specificity after UV irradiation.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Arylation of Unactivated γ‐Methylene C(sp3)H and δ‐CH Bonds with an Oxazoline‐Carboxylate Auxiliary
Authors: Ling Peng‐Xiang , Fang Sheng‐Long , Yin Xue‐Song , Chen Kai , Sun Bo‐Zheng , Shi Bing‐Feng 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA palladium‐catalyzed arylation of unactivated γ‐methylene C(sp3)H and remote δ‐CH bonds by using an oxazoline‐carboxylate directing group has been developed. Arylation occurs with a broad substrate scope and high tolerance of functional groups (i.e., halogen, nitro, cyano, ether, trifluoromethyl, amine, and ester). The oxazoline‐type auxiliary can be removed under acidic conditions.
Designing the Molybdopterin Core through Regioselective Coupling of Building Blocks
Authors: Pimkov Igor V. , Serli‐Mitasev Barbara , Peterson Antoinette A. , Ratvasky Stephen C. , Hammann Bernd , Basu Partha 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMolybdopterin is an essential cofactor for all forms of life. The cofactor is composed of a pterin moiety appended to a dithiolene‐functionalized pyran ring, and through the dithiolene moiety it binds metal ions. Different synthetic strategies for dithiolene‐functionalized pyran precursors that have been designed and synthesized are discussed. These precursors also harbor 1,2‐diketone or osone functionality that has been condensed with 1,2‐diaminobenzene or other heterocycles resulting in several quinoxaline or pterin derivatives. Use of additives improves the regioselectivity of the complexes. The molecules have been characterized by 1H and 13C NMR and IR spectroscopies, as well as by mass spectrometry. In addition, several compounds have been crystallographically characterized. The geometries of the synthesized molecules are more planar than the geometry of the cofactor found in proteins.
Hierarchical Pore Development by Plasma Etching of Zr‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: DeCoste Jared B. , Rossin Joseph A. , Peterson Gregory W. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe typically stable Zr‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) UiO‐66 and UiO‐66‐NH2 were treated with tetrafluoromethane (CF4) and hexafluoroethane (C2F6) plasmas. Through interactions between fluoride radicals from the perfluoroalkane plasma and the zirconium–oxygen bonds of the MOF, the resulting materials showed the development of mesoporosity, creating a hierarchical pore structure. It is anticipated that this strategy can be used as a post‐synthetic technique for developing hierarchical networks in a variety of MOFs.
Self‐Relay Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Pictet–Spengler/Cyclization Cascade Reaction for the Rapid Elaboration of Pentacyclic Indole Derivatives
Authors: Gobé Valérian , Retailleau Pascal , Guinchard Xavier 
Published: October 2015

AbstractGold‐catalyzed cascade reactions allow the rapid elaboration of pentacyclic indolo[2,3‐a]quinolizidines from N‐allyl tryptamines and ortho‐alkynylarylaldehydes. The tandem process combines a gold‐catalyzed Pictet‐Spengler reaction and a cyclization occurring concomitantly with an allyl transfer from the nitrogen atom to the stilbene function. Various substituted allyls were successfully transferred, furnishing the products in yields typically ranging from 60–98 % in high diastereoselectivity. Tryptamines bearing a butenol chain undergo an additional cyclization to chiral hemiaminals in high diastereoselectivities.
Asphaltene solubility in common solvents: A molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Amjad‐Iranagh Sepideh , Rahmati Mahmoud , Haghi Mahdi , Hoseinzadeh Mohsen , Modarress Hamid 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSolubility of all proposed molecular models of asphaltene in various solvents is studied through molecular dynamics simulation to find the structural parameters which have a determining effect on asphaltene solubility. It is found that higher numbers of aromatic rings and heteroatoms such as oxygen, nitrogen, and sulphur in the molecular structure of asphaltenes raises their solubility in the solvents, whereas the length of aliphatic group, which increases the chain length, lowers their solubility. In addition, a cubic correlation equation for evaluating the asphaltene solubility parameter as a ratio of number of aromatic rings in the asphaltene molecular core to the number of carbon atoms in the asphaltene side chains is proposed. The results indicate that the relative energy difference (RED) of asphaltene models and isopropyl benzene, as a solvent, is the lowest compared with other solvents. To elucidate the mechanism of asphaltene dissolution in the common solvents the solubility of two asphaltene structural models in three solvents, including isopropyl benzene, toluene, and heptane, were studied by evaluating the radial distribution functions (RDFs) of the asphaltenes, and the results confirm that asphaltene has the highest solubility in isopropyl benzene.
Topological design of all‐ceramic dental bridges for enhancing fracture resistance
Authors: Zhang Zhongpu , Chen Junning , Li Eric , Li Wei , Swain Michael , Li Qing 
Published: October 2015

SummaryLayered all‐ceramic systems have been increasingly adopted in major dental prostheses. However, ceramics are inherently brittle, and they often subject to premature failure under high occlusion forces especially in the posterior region. This study aimed to develop mechanically sound novel topological designs for all‐ceramic dental bridges by minimizing the fracture incidence under given loading conditions. A bi‐directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) technique is implemented within the extended finite element method (XFEM) framework. Extended finite element method allows modeling crack initiation and propagation inside all‐ceramic restoration systems. Following this, BESO searches the optimum distribution of two different ceramic materials, namely porcelain and zirconia, for minimizing fracture incidence. A performance index, as per a ratio of peak tensile stress to material strength, is used as a design objective. In this study, the novel XFEM based BESO topology optimization significantly improved structural strength by minimizing performance index for suppressing fracture incidence in the structures. As expected, the fracture resistance and factor of safety of fixed partial dentures structure increased upon redistributing zirconia and porcelain in the optimal topological configuration. Dental CAD/CAM systems and the emerging 3D printing technology were commercially available to facilitate implementation of such a computational design, exhibiting considerable potential for clinical application in the future. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Revocable and anonymous searchable encryption in multi‐user setting
Authors: Miao Yinbin , Ma Jianfeng , Liu Zhiquan 
Published: October 2015

SummaryWith powerful storage and computing capacities provided by cloud server provider(CSP), cloud customers can relieve from heavy storage and maintenance burden in cloud computing. Therefore, searchable encryption(SE) technology becomes a fundamental solution to search over encrypted data in outsourcing service. However, the genuine safety of SE schemes should concentrate not only on keyword privacy but also on user privacy as information tracking may leak user identity. For example, in the personal health record system, the malicious CSP may match sensitive disease information(cancer or AIDS) with certain patient. In addition, practical SE scheme should not be confined to single‐user setting because of its limitations. While SE schemes applied to multi‐user setting may result in additional secret key and ciphertext updating burden due to frequent user revocation. Along this direction, we define a revocable and anonymous SE scheme in multiple‐user setting, which is scalable and efficient in user revocation and anonymity. Security analysis shows that our scheme is Anonymous‐Revocable‐ID‐CPA secure under Decision Bilinear Diffie–Hellman assumption and is able to effectively resist decryption key exposure threat. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gaspar: a compositional aspect‐oriented approach for cluster applications
Authors: Medeiros B. , Silva R. , Sobral J. L. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThis paper presents a framework that enables the development of Java applications that execute on CPUs, graphics processing units (GPUs) and clusters of CPUs/GPUs. Applications are specified in an OpenMP‐like fashion, accessing data through a framework‐provided data API. The framework enables the efficient execution of applications in CPU and/or GPU by relying on two key features: (i) parallelism exploitation patterns are specified by additional aspect modules; and (ii) data layout can be selected according to the target platform. This paper describes how the framework abstractions are mapped and how the framework intrinsically supports the development of applications with hybrid parallelism by composing aspect modules with a given base program. Performance results show that the framework provides a performance level similar to traditional approaches and enables better performance portability for a given base program. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Schisandrae Fructus Inhibits IL‐1β‐Induced Matrix Metalloproteinases and Inflammatory Mediators Production in SW1353 Human Chondrocytes by Suppressing NF‐κB and MAPK Activation
Authors: Jeong Jin‐Woo , Lee Hye Hyeon , Choi Eun‐Ok , Lee Ki Won , Kim Ki Young , Kim Sung Goo , Hong Su Hyun , Kim Gi‐Young , Park Cheol , Kim Ho Kyoung , Choi Young Whan , Choi Yung Hyun 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Preclinical Research

Proinflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) by stimulating several mediators that contribute to cartilage degradation. Schisandrae Fructus (SF), the dried fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (Magnoliaceae), is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of a number of chronic inflammatory diseases. This study investigated the antiosteoarthritis properties of an ethanol extract of SF on IL‐1β‐stimulated SW1353 chondrocytes. SF attenuated IL‐1β‐induced expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, MMP‐3, and MMP‐13 and also reduced the elevated levels of cyclooxygenase‐2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase associated with the inhibition of prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide production in IL‐1β‐stimulated SW1353 chondrocytes. In addition, SF markedly suppressed the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) by blocking inhibitor κB‐alpha degradation and inhibited the phosphorylation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). These results indicate that the inhibitory effect of SF on IL‐1β‐stimulated expression of MMPs and inflammatory mediators production in SW1353 cells were associated with the suppression of the NF‐κB and JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathways. The results from this study indicate that SF may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of OA due to its anti‐inflammatory and chondroprotective features. Drug Dev Res 76 : 474–483, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The perilipin 2 (PLIN2) gene Ser251Pro missense mutation is associated with reduced insulin secretion and increased insulin sensitivity in Italian obese subjects
Authors: Sentinelli Federica , Capoccia Danila , Incani Michela , Bertoccini Laura , Severino Anna , Pani Maria Grazia , Manconi Ettore , Cossu Efisio , Leonetti Frida , Baroni Marco G. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundPerilipin 2 (PLIN2), a member of the family of perilipin lipid droplets coating proteins, is very widely expressed.The Ser251Pro (rs35568725) missense mutation in exon 6 of PLIN2 gene was previously associated with increased lipid accumulation, decreased lipolysis and increased number of small lipid droplets per cell. Furthermore, the Pro251 mutation was associated with decreased plasma triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein concentrations in population studies.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Ser251Pro mutation of PLIN2 gene in a cohort with a higher predisposition to obesity‐associated metabolic alterations, such as insulin resistance, decreased insulin‐secretion, hyperglycaemia, and dyslipidaemia.MethodsA large cohort (N = 1692) of Italian obese subjects (mean body mass index = 41 kg/m2) was genotyped for the Ser251Pro mutation. All participants underwent oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), with measurement of glucose and insulin levels. Indices of insulin resistance and of insulin secretion were also calculated. Clinical and biochemical parameters were collected for all participants.ResultsWe observed that insulin concentration was significantly reduced at 120 min after the administration of glucose in Pro251 allele carriers, whereas glucose levels were similar in Pro251 allele carriers and non‐carriers throughout the OGTT. Furthermore, the CIR120 index of insulin secretion was significantly lower (P < 0.035) and the ISI index of insulin‐sensitivity was significantly higher (P < 0.031) in carriers of the Pro251 allele. When we analysed men and women separately to test for gender‐specific associations, we observed that in women insulin levels were significantly lower in Pro251 allele carriers compared with wild‐type subjects throughout the whole OGTT. In men, we confirmed a significant reduction in insulin concentration only at 120 min after the OGTT. No significant differences between genotype groups regarding triglyceride levels and anyother clinical and metabolic parameters were observed.ConclusionWe observed a strong significant association between the PLIN2 Pro251 mutation and lower insulin secretion associated with an increased insulin sensitivity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.