bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The coupling of mixed Rossby‐gravity waves with diabatic heating during the TRMM‐KWAJEX field campaign
Authors: Wang Xiaocong , Zhang Minghua 
Published: October 2015

AbstractComposite dynamic and thermodynamic structures of mixed Rossby‐gravity (MRG) waves are presented with their coupling with diabatic heating and moisture sources/sinks, using Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission‐Kwajalein Experiment (TRMM‐KWAJEX) field campaign data. A significant departure of convectively coupled waves from dry waves exists in the phases of wave component: maximum low‐level wind convergence is accompanied by midtropospheric divergence and upper tropospheric convergence that is preceded by increase of moisture in the boundary layer. These phases correspond to surface turbulent transport, shallow and midlevel convections that cause moistening and heating of the lower and middle troposphere. They are followed by deep convection with maximum heating centered in the upper troposphere. The deep convective heating evolves to stratiform‐like upper tropospheric heating and lower tropospheric cooling that precedes the quick demise of convection. Such a structure on convectively coupled MRG waves is summarized by four phases, which sheds lights on how tropical waves are coupled with convective processes in all their phases.
Toward more reliable long‐term indices of geomagnetic activity: Correcting a new inhomogeneity problem in early geomagnetic data
Authors: Holappa L. , Mursula K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractFor the time before the space era, our knowledge of the centennial evolution of solar wind (SW) and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is based on proxies derived from geomagnetic indices. The reliability of these proxies is dependent on the homogeneity of magnetic field data. In this paper, we study the interhourly (IHV) and interdiurnal (IDV1d) variability indices calculated from the data of two British observatories, Eskdalemuir and Lerwick, and compare them to the corresponding indices of the German Niemegk observatory. We find an excess of about 14 ± 4% (5.8 ± 2%) and 27 ± 10% (15 ± 6%) in the IHV (IDV1d) in the indices of Eskdalemuir and Lerwick in 1935–1969. The timing of this excess accurately coincides with instrument changes made in these observatories, strongly supporting the interpretation that the excess is indeed caused by instrument related inhomogeneities in the data of Eskdalemuir and Lerwick. We show that the detected excess notably modifies the long‐term trend of geomagnetic activity and the centennial evolution of IMF strength and solar wind speed estimated using these indices. We note that the detected inhomogeneity problem may not be limited to the data of the two studied observatories but may be quite common to long series of geomagnetic measurements. These results question the reliability of the present measures of the centennial change in solar wind speed and IMF.
The rs387907171 SNP in TYRP1 is not associated with blond hair color on the Island of Bougainville
Authors: Norton Heather L. , Hanna Megan , Werren Elizabeth , Friedlaender Jonathan 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesThe aims of this study are to characterize the frequency of the derived allele at rs387907171 in populations from the islands of New Britain and Bougainville in Northern Island Melanesia, to confirm its association with lighter hair color, and to refine hypotheses regarding its evolutionary history.Methodsrs387907171 was genotyped in 93 individuals from New Britain and 101 from Bougainville for whom quantitative assessments of skin and hair pigmentation were available. Combining these with existing data from other Melanesian islands we tested for differences in allele frequencies between islands and for associations with skin and hair pigmentation using ANOVA, including sex, age, and island affiliations as covariates.ResultsThe derived allele at rs387907171 was observed in a single copy in the New Britain and Bougainville populations genotyped here. Its frequency differs significantly among islands in the region (χ2 = 206.5, df = 3, P < 0.001). rs387907171 remains significantly, although weakly, associated with lighter hair pigmentation (F = 10.28, R2 = 0.0125, P = 0.0014). This association increases when sex and age (F = 20.68, R2 = 0.074, P < 7.92 × 10−13) are included as covariates.ConclusionsThe rs387907171 SNP exhibits strong allele frequency differences among islands in Northern Island Melanesia. Its absence from Bougainville, as well as the weak association with decreased hair color, indicates that additional alleles contribute to the blondism phenotype. Its geographic distribution suggests that a Lapita‐mediated model for the dispersal of the derived allele at rs387907171 remains a viable evolutionary scenario. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:431–435, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthetic Molecular Motors: Thermal N Inversion and Directional Photoinduced CN Bond Rotation of Camphorquinone Imines
Authors: Greb Lutz , Eichhöfer Andreas , Lehn Jean‐Marie 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe thermal and photochemical E/Z isomerization of camphorquinone‐derived imines was studied by a combination of kinetic, structural, and computational methods. The thermal isomerization proceeds by linear N inversion, whereas the photoinduced process occurs through CN bond rotation with preferred directionality as a result of diastereoisomerism. Thereby, these imines are arguably the simplest example of synthetic molecular motors. The generality of the orthogonal trajectories of the thermal and photochemical pathways allows for the postulation that every suitable chiral imine qualifies, in principle, as a molecular motor driven by light or heat.
Bringing research into a first semester organic chemistry laboratory with the multistep synthesis of carbohydrate‐based HIV inhibitor mimics
Authors: Pontrello Jason K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBenefits of incorporating research experiences into laboratory courses have been well documented, yet examples of research projects designed for the first semester introductory organic chemistry lab course are extremely rare. To address this deficiency, a Carbohydrate‐Based human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Inhibitor project consisting of a synthetic scheme of four reactions was developed for and implemented in the first semester organic lab. Students carried out the synthetic reactions during the last 6 of 10 total labs in the course, generating carbohydrate‐based dimeric target molecules modeled after published dimers with application in HIV therapy. The project was designed to provide a research experience through use of literature procedures for reactions performed, exploration of variation in linker length in the target structure, and synthesis of compounds not previously reported in the scientific literature. Project assessment revealed strong student support, indicating enhanced engagement and interest in the course as a direct result of the use of scientific literature and the applications of the synthesized carbohydrate‐based molecules. Regardless of discussed challenges in designing a research project for the first semester lab course, the finding from data analysis that a project implemented in the first semester lab had significantly greater student impact than a second semester project should provide motivation for development of additional research projects for a first semester organic course. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 43:417–427, 2015.
Comparative evaluation of new Cookson‐type reagents for LC/ESI‐MS/MS assay of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 in neonatal blood samples
Authors: Ogawa Shoujiro , Kittaka Hiroki , Shinoda Kenta , Ooki Satoshi , Nakata Akiho , Higashi Tatsuya 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe screening of vitamin D deficiency in neonatal infants, which is based on the blood 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] quantification, is important for the early detection, diagnosis and health risk assessment of several diseases. In this study, two new Cookson‐type reagents, 4‐(4‐diethylaminophenyl)‐1,2,4‐triazoline‐3,5‐dione (DEAPTAD) and 4‐(6‐quinolyl)‐1,2,4‐triazoline‐3,5‐dione, were designed and synthesized, then compared with the previous reagents, 4‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazoline‐3,5‐dione (PTAD) and 4‐(4‐dimethylaminophenyl)‐1,2,4‐triazoline‐3,5‐dione (DAPTAD), in terms of sensitivity and specificity in the assay of 25(OH)D3 in neonatal blood samples by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry. Among the reagents, DEAPTAD was found to be the most promising. The limit of detection (0.38 fmol on the column) of the DEAPTAD‐derivatized 25(OH)D3 was 60 and 2 times lower than those of the intact 25(OH)D3 and the PTAD derivative, respectively. 25(OH)D3 was more clearly detected in the plasma sample as the DEAPTAD derivative than the DAPTAD derivative owing to the lower background noise. DEAPTAD derivatization was also useful for the separation of 25(OH)D3 from a potent interfering metabolite, 3‐epi‐25‐hydroxyvitamin D3. By using DEAPTAD, a trace amount of 25(OH)D3 in dried blood spots was reproducibly determined without interference from coexisting compounds. Thus, DEAPTAD was proved useful in the measurement of 25(OH)D3 in neonatal blood samples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mycophenolic acid reverses TGF beta‐induced cell motility, collagen matrix contraction and cell morphology in vitro
Authors: Petrova Darinka Todorova , Brandhorst Gunnar , Koch Christian , Schultze Frank Christian , Eberle Christoph , Walson Philip D. , Oellerich Michael 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to elucidate functional and molecular effects of mycophenolic acid (MPA) on non‐lymphatic, kidney epithelial cells treated with transforming growth factor (TGF).MPA effects were studied using HK2 cells incubated with EGF and TGF. The reversibility of these effects was verified using guanosine and 8‐aminoguanosine. The following assays were applied: cell proliferation, viability, collagen matrix contraction, scratch wound closure, spindle index, FACS with anti‐CD29 and anti‐CD326, promoter demethylation of RAS protein activator like 1 (RASAL1), as well as gene expression of RASAL1, integrin 1ß (ITGB1) (CD29) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCam) (CD326).Cell proliferation was inhibited by increasing concentrations of MPA, whereas neither apoptosis nor cytotoxicity was detected. Stimulation with EGF and/or TGF led to a significant collagen matrix contraction that was successfully inhibited by MPA. In addition, scratch wound closure was inhibited by incubation with TGF alone or with EGF. Under the same conditions, cell morphology (spindle shape) and molecular phenotype (ITGB1HighEpCamLow/ITGB1LowEpCamHigh) were both significantly changed, suggesting an epithelial to mesenchymal transformation.Cell morphology and motility, as well as molecular phenotype, were reversible after MPA treatment with TGF transformation in both presence/absence of EGF, thereby suggesting a correlation with the previously described antifibrotic effects of MPA.Dysregulation of TGF signal transduction appears to be related to progression of fibrosis. A TGF‐transformed kidney epithelial cell line derived from human proximal tubules was used to study whether the immunosuppressive drug: MPA possesses any functional or molecular antifibrotic effects. Functional and morphological in vitro changes induced by both the TGF and epithelial‐growth‐factor were reversible by treatment with MPA. An inhibitory effect of MPA on the TGF pathway appears to be responsible for the previously described antifibrotic effects of the MPA in the COL4A3‐deficient mouse model of renal fibrosis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Involvement of a Hydrophobic Pocket and Helix 11 in Determining the Modes of Action of Prenylated Flavonoids and Isoflavonoids in the Human Estrogen Receptor
Authors: van de Schans Milou G. M. , Ritschel Tina , Bovee Toine F. H. , Sanders Mark G. , de Waard Pieter , Gruppen Harry , Vincken Jean‐Paul 
Published: October 2015

AbstractSix prenylated (iso)flavonoids were purified from a licorice root extract and subjected to competition experiments with six commercially available (iso)flavonoids. The agonistic and antagonistic activities of these compounds towards both hERα (human estrogen receptor alpha) and hERβ were determined. Differences in the modes of action (agonist or antagonist) were observed for the various compounds tested. In general, each compound had the same mode of action towards both ERs. In silico modeling was performed in order to study the differences in estrogenicity observed between the compounds. It is suggested that prenyl chains fit into a hydrophobic pocket present in the hER, resulting in an increased agonistic activity. In addition, it was shown that an increase in length (≈1.7 Å) of pyran prenylated isoflavonoids resulted in an antagonistic mode of action. This might be caused by collision of the pyran ring with helix 11 in the ligand binding cavity of the hER.
A Microplate Format Assay for Real‐Time Screening for New Aldolases that Accept Aryl‐Substituted Acceptor Substrates
Authors: Ma Huan , Enugala Thilak Reddy , Widersten Mikael 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAldolases are potentially important biocatalysts for asymmetric synthesis of polyhydroxylated compounds. Fructose 6‐phosphate aldolase (FSA) is of particular interest by virtue of its unusually relaxed dependency on phosphorylated substrates. FSA has been reported to be a promising catalyst of aldol addition involving aryl‐substituted acceptors such as phenylacetaldehyde that can react with donor ketones such as hydroxyacetone. Improvement of the low intrinsic activity with bulky acceptor substrates of this type is of great interest but has been hampered by the lack of powerful screening protocols applicable in directed evolution strategies. Here we present a new screen allowing for direct spectrophotometric recording of retro‐aldol cleavage. The assay utilizes an aldehyde reductase produced in vitro by directed evolution; it reduces the aldehyde product formed after cleavage of the aldol by FSA. The assay is suitable both for steady‐state enzyme kinetics and for real‐time activity screening in a 96‐well format.
The Stability Challenge on the Pathway to Low and Ultra‐Low Platinum Loading for Oxygen Reduction in Fuel Cells
Authors: Keeley Gareth P. , Cherevko Serhiy , Mayrhofer Karl J. J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe report the influence of catalyst loading on rates of platinum degradation in acidic electrolyte at room temperature. A piezoelectric printer is used to deposit spotted arrays of a commercially available catalyst comprised of Pt nanoparticles on a porous carbon support. The kinetically controlled oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity at different loadings is measured using an electrochemical scanning flow cell (SFC), and found to be quite stable over the range of loadings studied. This behaviour, however, contrasts sharply with rates of both transient and quasi‐steady‐state platinum dissolution. These are shown using downstream inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) analytics, to increase as loading becomes lower. This dichotomy between activity and stability has direct implications for the development of improved catalyst materials, as well as for the achievement of current targets for reduced loadings of noble metals for fuel cells and other energy storage devices.
The opioid rotation ratio of strong opioids to transdermal fentanyl in cancer patients
Authors: Reddy Akhila , Tayjasanant Supakarn , Haider Ali , Heung Yvonne , Wu Jimin , Liu Diane , Yennurajalingam Sriram , Reddy Suresh , de la Cruz Maxine , Rodriguez Eden Mae , Waletich Jessica , Vidal Marieberta , Arthur Joseph , Holmes Carolyn , Tallie Kimmie , Wong Angelique , Dev Rony , Williams Janet , Bruera Eduardo 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUNDTransdermal fentanyl (TDF) is 1 of the most common opioids prescribed to patients with cancer. However, the accurate opioid rotation ratio (ORR) from other opioids to TDF is unknown, and various currently used methods result in wide variation of the ORR. The objective of this study was to determine the ORR of the oral morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD) to the TDF dose when correcting for the MEDD of breakthrough opioids (the net MEDD) in cancer outpatients.METHODSThe records of 6790 consecutive patients were reviewed at the authors' supportive care center from 2010 to 2013 to identify those who underwent rotation from other opioids to TDF. Data regarding Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale scores and MEDDs were collected for patients who returned for a follow‐up visit within 5 weeks. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the ORR between the TDF dose and the net MEDD (the MEDD before opioid rotation [OR] minus the MEDD of the breakthrough opioid used along with TDF after OR).RESULTSIn total, 129 patients underwent OR from other opioids to TDF. The mean patient age was 56 years, 59% were men, and 88% had advanced cancer. Uncontrolled pain (80%) was the most frequent reason for OR. In 101 patients who underwent OR and had no worsening of pain at follow‐up, the median ORR from net MEDD to TDF (in mg per day) was 0.01 (range, −0.02 to 0.04), and the correlation coefficient of the TDF dose to the net MEDD was 0.77 (P < .0001). The ORR was not significantly impacted by body mass index or serum albumin. The ORR of 0.01 suggests that an MEDD of 100 mg is equivalent to 1 mg TDF daily or approximately 40 micrograms per hour of TDF (1000 micrograms/24 hours).CONCLUSIONSThe median ORR from MEDD to TDF in mg per day was 0.01. These results warrant further studies Cancer 2016;122:149–156. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Hierarchical Assembly of Polydiacetylene Microtube Biosensors Mediated by Divalent Metal Ions
Authors: Jiang Hao , Jelinek Raz 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPolydiacetylenes (PDAs) constitute a family of conjugated amphiphilic polymers that display unique color and fluorescence properties. Described is the hierarchical assembly of micrometer‐sized tubes that comprise a melamine‐substituted PDA derivative. The nano‐ to microscale transformations of the amphiphilic building blocks were induced by addition of divalent metal ions. The PDA microtubes facilitated the high‐sensitivity fluorescence detection of bacteria.
Small‐Molecule Regulators of MicroRNAs in Biomedicine
Authors: Xia Tingting , Li Jinbo , Cheng Hao , Zhang Chenyu , Zhang Yan 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Preclinical Research

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level and have been implicated in the development of various human diseases, including cancer. The regulatory networks of miRNAs play a vital role not only in normal physiology but also in pathology and may represent novel targets for drug discovery. Regulation of miRNAs and the elucidation of miRNA networks will advance miRNA‐targeted research but are challenging due to a shortage of appropriate tools. Using different assay systems, diverse small molecules with unique miRNA regulatory activity have been identified. These bioactive small molecules not only showed regulation on different miRNAs but revealed previously unknown miRNA networks. Treatment of cancer both in vitro and in vivo with small‐molecule regulators of miRNAs has demonstrated their therapeutic potential. In this review, we discuss assay systems for the identification of small‐molecule regulators of miRNAs and reported small molecules, and discuss their applications as probes and candidate drug leads. Drug Dev Res 76 : 375–381, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Asymmetrical nature of the Trollius–Chiastocheta interaction: insights into the evolution of nursery pollination systems
Authors: Suchan Tomasz , Beauverd Mélanie , Trim Naïké , Alvarez Nadir 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe mutualistic versus antagonistic nature of an interaction is defined by costs and benefits of each partner, which may vary depending on the environment. Contrasting with this dynamic view, several pollination interactions are considered as strictly obligate and mutualistic. Here, we focus on the interaction between Trollius europaeus and Chiastocheta flies, considered as a specialized and obligate nursery pollination system – the flies are thought to be exclusive pollinators of the plant and their larvae develop only in T. europaeus fruits. In this system, features such as the globelike flower shape are claimed to have evolved in a coevolutionary context. We examine the specificity of this pollination system and measure traits related to offspring fitness in isolated T. europaeus populations, in some of which Chiastocheta flies have gone extinct. We hypothesize that if this interaction is specific and obligate, the plant should experience dramatic drop in its relative fitness in the absence of Chiastocheta. Contrasting with this hypothesis, T. europaeus populations without flies demonstrate a similar relative fitness to those with the flies present, contradicting the putative obligatory nature of this pollination system. It also agrees with our observation that many other insects also visit and carry pollen among T. europaeus flowers. We propose that the interaction could have evolved through maximization of by‐product benefits of the Chiastocheta visits, through the male flower function, and selection on floral traits by the most effective pollinator. We argue this mechanism is also central in the evolution of other nursery pollination systems.
Mechanism of CO2 Fixation by IrI–X Bonds (X = OH, OR, N, C)
Authors: Vummaleti Sai Vikrama Chaitanya , Talarico Giovanni , Nolan Steven P. , Cavallo Luigi , Poater Albert 
Published: October 2015

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is the group of Luigi Cavallo at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the group of Albert Poater at the University of Girona. The cover image shows CO2 fixation taking place easily through dimerization of Ir‐based complexes, even though the former CO2 insertion into an Ir–O bond is the rate‐limiting step.
Effects of industrial sorbitan monolaurate on the crystallization and consistency of zero trans‐fat from soybeans
Authors: Ming Chiu Chih , Gonçalves Lireny Ap. G. 
Published: October 2015

Soybean‐based zero trans‐fats have been widely used in the production of fat products as an alternative to hydrogenated fats. Recent studies have shown the use of emulsifiers to modify fat crystallization and texture. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of industrial sorbitan monolaurate (SMLa; from different suppliers) to soybean‐based interesterified fat (SIF). The samples were classified as follows: SIF without the addition of SMLa (control) and SIF with 0.5% SMLa A, 0.5% SMLa B, and 0.5% SMLa C. All samples were evaluated based on the following parameters: solid‐fat content, isothermal crystallization, thermal behavior, and consistency. The results showed that the addition of SMLa influenced the fat crystallization mechanism and texture. In addition, the effects of emulsifiers from different suppliers varied in their intensity. The SMLa B fat was consistent at 15°C. The differences in the results for the analyzed parameters depending on the source may be related to a deviation in the sorbitan ester composition, which may be caused by differences in the chain lengths of the esterified fatty acids and the relative amounts of sorbitan mono‐, di‐, and tri‐esters in the sorbitan molecule.Practical applicationsAdditives can have a significant effect on the crystallization of fat. It is shown that the effects of industrial emulsifiers from different suppliers vary.The figure shows the peak force of hardness of soybean‐based interesterified fat with added 0.5% sorbitan monolaurate from supplier A (SMLa A), 0.5% sorbitan monolaurate from supplier B (SMLa B), and 0.5% sorbitan monolaurate from supplier C (SMLa C) at 15°C. The parameter showed results of different intensities upon utilization of the same emulsifier from different suppliers.