bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heme oxygenase‐1 promoter polymorphisms and risk of spina bifida
Authors: Fujioka Kazumichi , Yang Wei , Wallenstein Matthew B. , Zhao Hui , Wong Ronald J. , Stevenson David K. , Shaw Gary M. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundSpina bifida is the most common form of neural tube defects (NTDs). Etiologies of NTDs are multifactorial, and oxidative stress is believed to play a key role in NTD development. Heme oxygenase (HO), the rate‐limiting enzyme in heme degradation, has multiple protective properties including mediating antioxidant processes, making it an ideal candidate for study. The inducible HO isoform (HO‐1) has two functional genetic polymorphisms: (GT)n dinucleotide repeats and A(‐413)T SNP (rs2071746), both of which can affect its promoter activity. However, no study has investigated a possible association between HO‐1 genetic polymorphisms and risk of NTDs. Methods: This case‐control study included 152 spina bifida cases (all myelomeningoceles) and 148 nonmalformed controls obtained from the California Birth Defects Monitoring Program reflecting births during 1990 to 1999. Genetic polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction and amplified fragment length polymorphisms/restriction fragment length polymorphisms using genomic DNA extracted from archived newborn blood spots. Genotype and haplotype frequencies of two HO‐1 promoter polymorphisms between cases and controls were compared. Results: For (GT)n dinucleotide repeat lengths and the A(‐413)T SNP, no significant differences in allele frequencies or genotypes were found. Linkage disequilibrium was observed between the HO‐1 polymorphisms (D′: 0.833); however, haplotype analyses did not show increased risk of spina bifida overall or by race/ethnicity. Conclusion: Although, an association was not found between HO‐1 polymorphisms and risk of spina bifida, we speculate that the combined effect of low HO‐1 expression and exposures to known environmental oxidative stressors (low folate status or diabetes), may overwhelm antioxidant defenses and increase risk of NTDs and warrants further study. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:741–746, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rapid metabolic analysis of Rhodococcus opacus PD630 via parallel 13C‐metabolite fingerprinting
Authors: Hollinshead Whitney D. , Henson William R. , Abernathy Mary , Moon Tae Seok , Tang Yinjie J. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTFor rapid analysis of microbial metabolisms,13C‐fingerprinting employs a set of tracers to generate unique labeling patterns in key amino acids that can highlight active pathways. In contrast to rigorous 13C‐metabolic flux analysis (13C‐MFA), this method aims to provide metabolic insights without expensive flux measurements. Using13C‐fingerprinting, we investigated the metabolic pathways in Rhodococcus opacus PD630, a promising biocatalyst for the conversion of lignocellulosic feedstocks into value‐added chemicals. Specifically, seven metabolic insights were gathered as follows: (1) glucose metabolism mainly via the Entner–Doudoroff (ED) pathway; (2) lack of glucose catabolite repression during phenol co‐utilization; (3) simultaneous operation of gluconeogenesis and the ED pathway for the co‐metabolism of glucose and phenol; (4) an active glyoxylate shunt in acetate‐fed culture; (5) high flux through anaplerotic pathways (e.g., malic enzyme and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase); (6) presence of alternative glycine synthesis pathway via glycine dehydrogenase; and (7) utilization of preferred exogenous amino acids (e.g., phenylalanine). Additionally, a13C‐fingerprinting kit was developed for studying the central metabolism of non‐model microbial species. This low‐cost kit can be used to characterize microbial metabolisms and facilitate the design‐build‐test‐learn cycle during the development of microbial cell factories. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 91–100. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Engineering the iron‐oxidizing chemolithoautotroph Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans for biochemical production
Authors: Kernan Timothy , Majumdar Sudipta , Li Xiaozheng , Guan Jingyang , West Alan C. , Banta Scott 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTThere is growing interest in developing non‐photosynthetic routes for the conversion of CO2 to fuels and chemicals. One underexplored approach is the transfer of energy to the metabolism of genetically modified chemolithoautotrophic bacteria. Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is an obligate chemolithoautotroph that derives its metabolic energy from the oxidation of iron or sulfur at low pH. Two heterologous biosynthetic pathways have been expressed in A. ferrooxidans to produce either isobutyric acid or heptadecane from CO2 and the oxidation of Fe2+. A sevenfold improvement in productivity of isobutyric acid was obtained through improved media formulations in batch cultures. Steady‐state efficiencies were lower in continuous cultures, likely due to ferric inhibition. If coupled to solar panels, the photon‐to‐fuel efficiency of this proof‐of‐principle process approaches estimates for agriculture‐derived biofuels. These efforts lay the foundation for the utilization of this organism in the exploitation of electrical energy for biochemical synthesis. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 189–197. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nature of foulants and fouling mechanism in the Protein A MabSelect resin cycled in a monoclonal antibody purification process
Authors: Zhang Shaojie , Daniels William , Salm Jeffrey , Glynn Judy , Martin Joseph , Gallo Christopher , Godavarti Ranga , Carta Giorgio 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTThe composition and origin of foulants and their spatial distribution within the particles of the Protein A MabSelect resin cycled in a mAb purification process are determined using electron and confocal microscopy techniques with gold and fluorescently labeled protein probes that associate with the foulants. The results show that the foulants are primarily related to the mAb product, are heterogeneously dispersed both on the outer surface and in the interior of the resin beads, and accumulate only when loading the conditioned CHO cell culture supernatant. Insignificant accumulation is seen if the process is run with purified mAb or with the null cell culture supernatant. When bound to the Protein A ligand, the mAb responsible for the observed fouling behavior is shown to associate with BSA and α‐lactalbumin. This property is exploited using labeled versions of these lipophilic proteins to assess the effectiveness of improved resin cleaning processes and to elucidate the fouling mechanism. Resin fouling for this mAb appears to be consistent with the occurrence of conformational changes that occur upon binding, which, in turn, facilitate association of lipophilic proteins with the mAb. Upon desorption at low pH, these destabilized mAb complexes are deposited on and within the resin growing with each cycle and eventually leading to significant degradation of process performance. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 141–149. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preventive brain radio‐chemotherapy alters plasticity associated metabolite profile in the hippocampus but seems to not affect spatial memory in young leukemia patients
Authors: Brandt Moritz D. , Brandt Kalina , Werner Annett , Schönfeld Robby , Loewenbrück Kai , Donix Markus , Schaich Markus , Bornhäuser Martin , von Kummer Rüdiger , Leplow Bernd , Storch Alexander 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundNeuronal plasticity leading to evolving reorganization of the neuronal network during entire lifespan plays an important role for brain function especially memory performance. Adult neurogenesis occurring in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus represents the maximal way of network reorganization. Brain radio‐chemotherapy strongly inhibits adult hippocampal neurogenesis in mice leading to impaired spatial memory.MethodsTo elucidate the effects of CNS radio‐chemotherapy on hippocampal plasticity and function in humans, we performed a longitudinal pilot study using 3T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) and virtual water‐maze‐tests in 10 de‐novo patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing preventive whole brain radio‐chemotherapy. Patients were examined before, during and after treatment.ResultsCNS radio‐chemotherapy did neither affect recall performance in probe trails nor flexible (reversal) relearning of a new target position over a time frame of 10 weeks measured by longitudinal virtual water‐maze‐testing, but provoked hippocampus‐specific decrease in choline as a metabolite associated with cellular plasticity in 1H‐MRS.ConclusionAlbeit this pilot study needs to be followed up to definitely resolve the question about the functional role of adult human neurogenesis, the presented data suggest that 1H‐MRS allows the detection of neurogenesis‐associated plasticity in the human brain.
Inhibition of bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis by bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells might be mediated by decreasing MMP9, TIMP‐1, INF‐γ and TGF‐β
Authors: Yu Shi‐huan , Liu Li‐jie , Lv Bin , Che Chun‐li , Fan Da‐ping , Wang Li‐feng , Zhang Yi‐mei 
Published: July 2015

The study was aimed to investigate the mechanism and administration timing of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in bleomycin (BLM)‐induced pulmonary fibrosis mice. Thirty‐six mice were divided into six groups: control group (saline), model group (intratracheal administration of BLM), day 1, day 3 and day 6 BMSCs treatment groups and hormone group (hydrocortisone after BLM treatment). BMSCs treatment groups received BMSCs at day 1, 3 or 6 following BLM treatment, respectively. Haematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining were conducted to measure lung injury and fibrosis, respectively. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1), γ‐interferon (INF‐γ) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β) were detected in both lung tissue and serum. Histologically, the model group had pronounced lung injury, increased inflammatory cells and collagenous fibres and up‐regulated MMP9, TIMP‐1, INF‐γ and TGF‐β compared with control group. The histological appearance of lung inflammation and fibrosis and elevation of these parameters were inhibited in BMSCs treatment groups, among which, day 3 and day 6 treatment groups had less inflammatory cells and collagenous fibres than day 1 treatment group. BMSCs might suppress lung fibrosis and inflammation through down‐regulating MMP9, TIMP‐1, INF‐γ and TGF‐β. Delayed BMSCs treatment might exhibit a better therapeutic effect. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Highlights are as follows:

BMSCs repair lung injury induced by BLM.
BMSCs attenuate pulmonary fibrosis induced by BLM.
BMSCs transplantation down‐regulates MMP9 and TIMP‐1.
BMSCs transplantation down‐regulates INF‐γ and TGF‐β.
Delayed transplantation timing of BMSCs might exhibit a better effect against BLM.
Proinflammatory interleukins' production by adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells: the impact of cell culture conditions and cell‐to‐cell interaction
Authors: Andreeva Elena , Andrianova Irina , Rylova Julia , Gornostaeva Aleksandra , Bobyleva Polina , Buravkova Ludmila 
Published: July 2015

The impact of culture conditions and interaction with activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells on the interleukin (IL) gene expression profile and proinflammatory IL‐6 and IL‐8 production by adipose‐derived stromal cells (ASCs) was investigated. A microarray analysis revealed a wide range of IL genes either under standard (20%) or hypoxic (5%) O2 concentrations, some highly up‐regulated at hypoxia. IL‐6 and IL‐8 production was inversely dependent on cell culture density. In early (first–third) passages, IL‐6 and IL‐8 concentration was higher at 20% O2 and in late (8th‐12th) passages under 5% O2. Interaction between ASCs and mononuclear cells in indirect setting was accompanied with a significant decrease of IL‐6 and did not result in the elevation of IL‐8 concentration.Thereby, the production of proinflammatory interleukins (IL‐6 and IL‐8) may be affected by the ASC intrinsic features (density in culture, and duration of expansion), as well as by microenvironmental factors, such as hypoxia and the presence of blood‐borne cells. These data are important for elucidating ASC paracrine activity regulation in vitro. They would also be on demand for optimisation of the cell therapy protocols, based on the application of ASC biologically active substances. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.SIGNIFICANCE PARAGRAPHEx vivo expansion is widely used for increasing the number of adipose‐derived stromal cells (ASCs) and improving of their quality. The present study was designed to elucidate the particular factors influencing the interleukin production in ASCs. The presented data specified the parameters (i.e. cell density, duration of cultivation, hypoxia, etc.) that should be taken in mind when ASCs are intended to be used in protocols implying their paracrine activity. These data would be of considerable interest for researchers and clinicians working in the biomedical science.
Operando Tracking of Electrochemical Activity in Solid Oxide Electrochemical Cells by using Near‐Infrared Imaging
Authors: Geller Aaron , Pomfret Michael , Steinhurst Daniel A. , Yu Yi , Liu Zhi , Owrutsky Jeffrey C. , Eichhorn Bryan W. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractNear‐infrared (NIR) imaging is used in conjunction with near ambient pressure X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) to study chemical and electrochemical redox processes on a ceria‐based solid oxide electrochemical cell (SOC). Electrochemical water electrolysis tests conducted in ambient operating conditions on standard SOCs show that NIR imaging can be used to spatially resolve the electrochemically active regions associated with an accumulation of Ce3+. These effective emissivity changes are attributed to changes in optical properties (e.g. the index of refraction) of ceria that occur upon reduction. These data correlate strongly with APXPS measurements, simultaneously supporting the model (near ambient conditions and single‐sided cell setup required by APXPS experiments) and the ability to elucidate mechanistic details on an operating SOC using an inexpensive, convenient NIR imaging technique.
Selective Single‐Step Separation of a Mixture of Three Metal Ions by a Triphasic Ionic‐Liquid–Water–Ionic‐Liquid Solvent Extraction System
Authors: Vander Hoogerstraete Tom , Blockx Jonas , De Coster Hendrik , Binnemans Koen 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn a conventional solvent extraction system, metal ions are distributed between two immiscible phases, typically an aqueous and an organic phase. In this paper, the proof‐of‐principle is given for the distribution of metal ions between three immiscible phases, two ionic liquid phases with an aqueous phase in between them. Three‐liquid‐phase solvent extraction allows separation of a mixture of three metal ions in a single step, whereas at least two steps are required to separate three metals in the case of two‐liquid‐phase solvent extraction. In the triphasic system, the lower organic phase is comprised of the ionic liquid betainium‐ or choline bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, whereas the upper organic phase is comprised of the ionic liquid trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. The triphasic system was used for the separation of a mixture of tin(II), yttrium(III), and scandium(III) ions.
Supramolecular Ionic‐Liquid Gels with High Ionic Conductivity
Authors: Maršavelski Aleksandra , Smrečki Vilko , Vianello Robert , Žinić Mladen , Moguš‐Milanković Andrea , Šantić Ana 
Published: July 2015

AbstractSupramolecular ionogels were prepared by the gelation of room‐temperature ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIm][BF4]) with (S,S)‐bis(leucinol)oxalamide. Remarkably, the ionic conductivity of solutions and ionogels with low gelator concentrations is higher than that of neat [BMIm][BF4]. On the basis of molecular dynamics simulations and quantum mechanical calculations, the origin of this phenomenon is attributed to the higher affinity of gelator molecules towards [BF4]− ions, which reduces the electrostatic attraction between [BMIm]+ and [BF4]− and thus increases their mobility. With increasing gelator concentration, the ionic conductivity decreases due to the formation of a denser gelator matrix, which hinders the pathways for ionic transport. However, even for very dense ionogels, this decrease is less than one order of magnitude relative to neat [BMIm][BF4], and thus they can be classified as highly conductive materials with strong potential for application as functional electrolytes.
A Unified Strategy to 6–5–6–5–6‐Membered Epipolythiodiketopiperazines: Studies towards the Total Synthesis of Scabrosin Diacetate and Haematocin
Authors: Zipfel Hannes F. , Carreira Erick M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe family of epipolythiodiketopiperazine (ETP) natural products consists of over 200 members possessing a wide diversity of structures and biological activity. Recently, the subgroup of 6–5–6–5–6‐membered ETPs has gained substantial attention, which has resulted in several total syntheses. Despite all the efforts that have been invested into accessing these complex structures, no synthesis of scabrosin diacetate (1 a) and its related esters has been reported. Herein, our attempts towards scabrosin diacetate (1 a) and haematocin (3) starting from diketopiperazine 12 a as a late‐stage intermediate are presented. Diketopiperazine 12 a can be conveniently accessed in multigram quantities from aldehyde 18 and diketopiperazine 21 and was envisioned to serve as a general platform for the synthesis of 6–5–6–5–6‐membered ETPs.
Hydrogels Triggered by Metal Ions as Precursors of Network CuS for DNA Detection
Authors: Wang Haiqiao , Song Shasha , Hao Jingcheng , Song Aixin 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe gelation behavior of lithocholate (LC−) with different metal ions in water was investigated. The microstructures of hydrogels were determined to be three‐dimensional (3D) networks of fibrous aggregates. The formation of fibrils was speculated to be mainly driven by the coordination between carboxylate of LC− and metal ions, accompanied by the assistance of noncovalent interactions such as electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. The hydrogels, which can maintain the mechanical strength at higher temperature, exhibit thermal stability. Their gelation capability was enhanced with the increase in acidity. The hydrogels of LC− and Cu2+ mixtures served as the precursors for producing network nanostructures of CuS nanoparticles. These new CuS networks exhibit high fluorescence quenching ability and can act as an effective fluorescent sensing platform for ssDNA detection.
Design of a Heterogeneous Catalyst Based on Cellulose Nanocrystals for Cyclopropanation: Synthesis and Solid‐State NMR Characterization
Authors: Liu Jiquan , Plog Andreas , Groszewicz Pedro , Zhao Li , Xu Yeping , Breitzke Hergen , Stark Annegret , Hoffmann Rudolf , Gutmann Torsten , Zhang Kai , Buntkowsky Gerd 
Published: July 2015

AbstractHeterogeneous dirhodium(II) catalysts based on environmentally benign and biocompatible cellulose nanocrystals (CNC‐Rh2) as support material were obtained by ligand exchange between carboxyl groups on the CNC surface and Rh2(OOCCF3)4, as was confirmed by solid‐state 19F and 13C NMR spectroscopy. On average, two CF3COO− groups are replaced during ligand exchange, which is consistent with quantitative analysis by a combination of 19F NMR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. CNC‐Rh2 catalysts performed well in a model cyclopropanation reaction, in spite of the low dirhodium(II) content on the CNC surface (0.23 mmol g−1). The immobilization through covalent bonding combined with the separate locations of binding positions and active sites of CNC‐Rh2 guarantees a high stability against leaching and allows the recovery and reuse of the catalyst during the cyclopropanation reaction.
Phenylboronic Acid Appended Pyrene‐Based Low‐Molecular‐Weight Injectable Hydrogel: Glucose‐Stimulated Insulin Release
Authors: Mandal Deep , Mandal Subhra Kanti , Ghosh Moumita , Das Prasanta Kumar 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA pyrene‐containing phenylboronic acid (PBA) functionalized low‐molecular‐weight hydrogelator was synthesized with the aim to develop glucose‐sensitive insulin release. The gelator showed the solvent imbibing ability in aqueous buffer solutions of pH values, ranging from 8–12, whereas the sodium salt of the gelator formed a hydrogel at physiological pH 7.4 with a minimum gelation concentration (MGC) of 5 mg mL−1. The aggregation behavior of this thermoreversible hydrogel was studied by using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, including transmission electron microscopy, FTIR, UV/Vis, luminescence, and CD spectroscopy. These investigations revealed that hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and van der Waals interactions are the key factors for the self‐assembled gelation. The diol‐sensitive PBA part and the pyrene unit in the gelator were judiciously used in fluorimetric sensing of minute amounts of glucose at physiological pH. The morphological change of the gel due to addition of glucose was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, which denoted the glucose‐responsive swelling of the hydrogel. A rheological study indicated the loss of the rigidity of the native gel in the presence of glucose. Hence, the glucose‐induced swelling of the hydrogel was exploited in the controlled release of insulin from the hydrogel. The insulin‐loaded hydrogel showed thixotropic self‐recovery property, which hoisted it as an injectable soft composite. Encouragingly, the gelator was found to be compatible with HeLa cells.
Color‐Controlled Ag Nanoparticles and Nanorods within Confined Mesopores: Microwave‐Assisted Rapid Synthesis and Application in Plasmonic Catalysis under Visible‐Light Irradiation
Authors: Mori Kohsuke , Verma Priyanka , Hayashi Ryunosuke , Fuku Kojirou , Yamashita Hiromi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractColor‐controlled spherical Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and nanorods, with features that originate from their particle sizes and morphologies, can be synthesized within the mesoporous structure of SBA‐15 by the rapid and uniform microwave (MW)‐assisted alcohol reduction method in the absence or presence of surface‐modifying organic ligands. The obtained several Ag catalysts exhibit different catalytic activities in the H2 production from ammonia borane (NH3BH3, AB) under dark conditions, and higher catalytic activity is observed by smaller yellow Ag NPs in spherical form. The catalytic activities are specifically enhanced under the light irradiation for all Ag catalysts. In particular, under light irradiation, the blue Ag nanorod shows a maximum enhancement of more than twice that observed in the dark. It should be noted that the order of increasing catalytic performance is in close agreement with the order of absorption intensity owing to the Ag localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) at irradiation light wavelength. Upon consideration of infrared thermal effect, wavelength dependence on catalytic activity, and effect of radical scavengers, it can be concluded that the dehydrogenation of AB is promoted by change of charge density of the Ag NP surface derived from LSPR. The LSPR‐enhanced catalytic activity can be further realized in the tandem reaction consisting of dehydrogenation of AB and hydrogenation of 4‐nitrophenol, in which a similar tendency in the enhancement of catalytic activity is observed.