bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stimuli‐responsive molecularly imprinted hybrid polymer gel as a potential system for controlled release
Authors: Güney Orhan , Serin Erdal 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study is to develop a stimuli‐responsive hybrid polymer gel system with an improved mechanical stability as a controlled drug delivery carrier that can undergo phase transition by the stimulation of ethanol–water mixture. For this aim, trimethoxysilane terminated poly(propylene glycol) by coupling of 3‐isocyanatopropyl‐triethoxysilane with the hydroxyl end groups of poly(propylene glycol) through urethane bonds was synthesized. Hybrid polymer gels prepared in the presence of tryptophan (Trp), as a model of drug, were characterized and gelation time of polymer network was obtained by monitoring the fluorescence emission of Trp in pre‐gel solution. Swelling, solvent uptake and release kinetic of polymer gels were evaluated depending on time. The diffusional exponents (n) and diffusion constants (k) of each gel were calculated by using the swelling kinetic data. The effect of precursors as a monomer on Trp release profile was analyzed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42913.
Fabrication of alumina based electrically conductive polymer composites
Authors: Nadeem QuratulAin , Rizwan Muhammad , Gill Rohama , Rafique Muhammad , Shahid Muhammad 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTNovel electrically conductive composites were synthesized by incorporating Cu coated alumina (Cu‐Al2O3) powder prepared via electroless plating technique as filler (0–21wt %) into polystyrene‐b‐methylmethacrylate (PS‐b‐PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) matrices. XRD analysis depicted maximum Cu crystallite growth (26.116 nm∼ plating time 30 min) onto Al2O3 along with a significant change in XRD patterns of composites with Cu‐Al2O3 inclusion. SEM–EDX analyses exhibited uniform Cu growth onto Al2O3 and confirmed presence of Cu, Al, Pd in Cu‐Al2O3, and C, O, Al, Cu, and Pd in PS‐b‐PMMA and PS composites. Increasing filler loadings exhibited increased electrical conductivity (5.55 × 10−5S/cm for PS‐b‐PMMA; 5.0 × 10−6S/cm for PS) with increased Young's modulus (1122MPa for PS‐b‐PMMA; 1053.9MPa for PS) and tensile strength (27.998MPa for PS‐b‐PMMA; 30.585MPa for PS) and decreased % elongation. TGA demonstrated increased thermal stability and DTG revealed two‐step degradation in composites while DSC depicted pronounced increment in Tg of Cu‐Al2O3/PS‐b‐PMMA with increased filler loading. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42939.
Chlorotoxin: Structure, activity, and potential uses in cancer therapy
Authors: Ojeda Paola G. , Wang Conan K. , Craik David J. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTChlorotoxin is a disulfide‐rich stable peptide from the venom of the Israeli scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus, which has potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of cancer. Its ability to preferentially bind to tumor cells has been harnessed to develop an imaging agent to help visualize tumors during surgical resection. In addition, chlorotoxin has attracted interest as a vehicle to deliver anti‐cancer drugs specifically to cancer cells. Given its interesting structural and biological properties, chlorotoxin also has the potential to be used in a variety of other biotechnology and biomedical applications. Here, we review the structure, activity and potential applications of chlorotoxin as a drug design scaffold. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 25–36, 2016.
Direct production of functional matrix metalloproteinase—14 without refolding or activation and its application for in vitro inhibition assays
Authors: Nam Dong Hyun , Ge Xin 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTHuman matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐14, a membrane‐bound zinc endopeptidase, is one of the most important cancer targets because it plays central roles in tumor growth and invasion. Large amounts of active MMP‐14 are required for cancer research and the development of chemical or biological MMP‐14 inhibitors. Current methods of MMP‐14 production through refolding and activation are labor‐intensive, time‐consuming, and often associated with low recovery rates, lot‐to‐lot variation and heterogeneous products. Here, we report direct production of the catalytic domain of MMP‐14 in the periplasmic space ofEscherichia coli. 0.5 mg/L of functional MMP‐14 was produced without tedious refolding or problematic activation process. MMP‐14 prepared by simple periplasmic treatment can be readily utilized to evaluate the potencies of chemical and antibody‐based inhibitors. Furthermore, co‐expression of both MMP‐14 and antibody Fab fragments in the periplasm facilitated inhibitory antibody screening by avoiding purification of MMP‐14 or Fabs. We expect this MMP‐14 expression strategy can expedite the development of therapeutic drugs targeting MMPs with biological significance. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 717–723. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Engineering of high yield production of L‐serine in Escherichia coli
Authors: Mundhada Hemanshu , Schneider Konstantin , Christensen Hanne Bjerre , Nielsen Alex Toftgaard 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTL‐serine is a widely used amino acid that has been proposed as a potential building block biochemical. The high theoretical yield from glucose makes a fermentation based production attractive. In order to achieve this goal, serine degradation to pyruvate and glycine in E. coli MG1655 was prevented by deletion of three L‐serine deaminases sdaA, sdaB, and tdcG, as well as serine hydroxyl methyl transferase (SHMT) encoded by glyA. Upon overexpression of the serine production pathway, consisting of a feedback resistant version of serA along with serB and serC, this quadruple deletion strain showed a very high serine production yield (0.45 g/g glucose) during small‐scale batch fermentation in minimal medium. Serine, however, was found to be highly toxic even at low concentrations to this strain, which lead to slow growth and production during fed batch fermentation, resulting in a serine production of 8.3 g/L. The production strain was therefore evolved by random mutagenesis to achieve increased tolerance towards serine. Additionally, overexpression of eamA, a cysteine/homoserine transporter was demonstrated to increase serine tolerance from 1.6 g/L to 25 g/L. During fed batch fermentation, the resulting strain lead to the serine production titer of 11.7 g/L with yield of 0.43 g/g glucose, which is the highest yield reported so far for any organism. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 807–816. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Site‐Specific Antibody Labeling by Covalent Photoconjugation of Z Domains Functionalized for Alkyne–Azide Cycloaddition Reactions
Authors: Perols Anna , Arcos Famme Melina , Eriksson Karlström Amelie 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAntibodies are extensively used in research, diagnostics, and therapy, and for many applications the antibodies need to be labeled. Labeling is typically performed by using amine‐reactive probes that target surface‐exposed lysine residues, resulting in heterogeneously labeled antibodies. An alternative labeling strategy is based on the immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐binding protein domain Z, which binds to the Fc region of IgG. Introducing the photoactivable amino acid benzoylphenylalanine (BPA) into the Z domain makes it possible for a covalent bond to be be formed between the Z domain and the antibody on UV irradiation, to produce a site‐specifically labeled product. Z32BPA was synthesized by solid‐phase peptide synthesis and further functionalized to give alkyne‐Z32BPA and azide‐Z32BPA for CuI‐catalyzed cycloaddition, as well as DBCO‐Z32BPA for Cu‐free strain‐promoted cycloaddition. The Z32BPA variants were conjugated to the human IgG1 antibody trastuzumab and site‐specifically labeled with biotin or fluorescein. The fluorescently labeled trastuzumab showed specific staining of the membranes of HER2‐expressing cells in immunofluorescence microscopy.
How To Form a Phosphate Anhydride Linkage in Nucleotide Derivatives
Authors: Sherstyuk Yuliya V. , Abramova Tatyana V. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe fundamental roles of nucleoside triphosphates and nucleotide cofactors such as NAD+ in biochemistry are well known. In recent decades, continuing research has revealed the key role of 5′‐capped RNA and 5′,5′‐dinucleoside polyphosphates in the regulation of vitally important physiological processes. Last but not least, the commercial potential of nucleoside triphosphate synthesis can hardly be overestimated. Nevertheless, despite decades of investigation and the obvious topicality of the research on the chemical synthesis of the nucleotide compounds containing phosphate anhydride linkages, none of the existing procedures can be considered an up‐to‐date “gold standard”. However, there are a number of fruitful synthetic approaches to forming phosphate anhydride linkages in satisfactory yield. These are summarized in this concise review, organized by the type of active phosphorous intermediate and reagents used.
Visible Light Excitable SCN− Selective Fluorescence Probe Derived from Thiophene
Authors: Das Sudipta , Lohar Sisir , Matalobos Jesús Sanmartín , Das Debasis 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAn efficient fluorescence probe, 4‐methyl‐2,6‐bis((thiophen‐2‐ylmethylimino)methyl)phenol (DFPTMA) and its SCN− adduct has been synthesized and characterized by different spectroscopic techniques like 1H NMR,13C NMR, QTOF‐MS ES+, UV‐Vis and FTIR spectroscopy. Single crystal X‐ray structure of DFPTMA is reported. In presence of SCN−, DFPTMA exhibits significant fluorescence enhancement (λEx, 455 nm, λEm, 504 nm) in aqueous methanol (water‐methanol, 1:4, V/V, 0.1 mol/L HEPES buffer, pH 7.4). Common bio‐relevant anions viz. CH3COO−, NO2−, NO3−, Cl−, Br−, I−, SO42−, HSO4−, N3−, HAsO42−, Cr2O72−, H2PO4−, ClO4−, NCO−, CN−, CO32−, F−, PO43−, S2−, HS− do not interfere in the recognition of SCN−. Lowest detection limit for SCN− is 0.88 µmol/L with response time <5 min. The SCN− assisted enhancement in emission intensity may be attributed to the formation of H‐bond which enhances the rigidity of the molecular assembly.
Influence of the Inner Diameters of Capillary on the Z‐Pinch Plasma of the Capillary Discharge Soft x‐ray Laser
Authors: Jiang Shan , Zhao Yong‐peng , Cui Huai‐yu , Li Lian‐bo , Ding Yu‐jie , Zhang Wen‐hong , Li Wei 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn this paper, the effects of inner diameters on the Z‐pinch plasma of capillary discharge soft x‐ray laser were investigated with the 3.2 mm and 4.0 mm inner diameter alumina capillaries. The intensities of the laser emitted from the 3.2 mm and 4.0 mm inner diameter alumina capillaries were measured under different initial pressures. To understand the underlying physics of the experimental measurements, the Z‐pinch plasma simulations had been conducted with a one‐dimensional cylindrical symmetry Lagrangian magneto‐hydrodynamics (MHD) code. The parametric studies of Z‐pinch plasma, such as the electron temperature, the electron density and the Ne‐like Ar ion density, were performed with the MHD code. With the experimental and the simulated results, the discussions had been conducted on the Z‐pinch plasma of Ne‐like Ar 46.9 nm laser with the 3.2 mm and 4.0 mm inner diameter alumina capillaries. The analysis had been made on the difference of the gain coefficients under the optimum pressures with both capillaries. Then, the effects of inner diameters on the optimum pressure and the pressure domain were analyzed. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electron Temperatures and Electron Densities in Microwave Helium Discharges with Pressures Higher than 0.1 MPa
Authors: Sasaki K. , Soma S. , Akashi H. , ElSabbagh M. , Ikeda Y. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWe adopted laser Thomson scattering for measuring the electron density and the electron temperature of microwave plasmas produced in helium at the pressures higher than the atmospheric pressure. The electron density decreased while we observed the increase in the electron temperature with the pressure. These are reasonable results by considering the decrease in the reduced electric field, the dominant loss of electrons via three‐body recombination with helium as the third body, and the production of electrons with medium energy via heavy particle collisions at the high gas pressure. The temporal variation of the electron temperature had the rise and the fall time constants of approximately 10 ns. The rapid heating and cooling of the electron temperature are due to the fast energy transfer from electrons to helium because of the high collision frequency in the high‐pressure discharge. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Collisionless Damping of Geodesic Acoustic Mode in a Multi‐Ion Plasma with Superthermal Ions
Authors: Ni G. S. , Liu Y. , Liu S. Q. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe dispersion relation of geodesic acoustic mode is investigated in a multi‐ion toroidal plasma on the basis of linear gyrokinetic equations where ions are assumed to take a nonextensive distribution. It is found that the frequency of GAM becomes larger with the decrease of q. Consequently, GAM will damp more rapidly. The effective charge corresponding to the maximum damping rate is found to move towards unity as q decreases. As indicates that in a plasma with superthermal bulk ions, the influence of the impurity ion on the damping rate is weakened. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Energy‐aware cooperative and distributed channel estimation schemes for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Ning Zhaolong , Song Qingyang , Yu Yao , Lv Yujuan , Wang Xing , Kong Xiangjie 
Published: September 2015

SummaryIt is a fact that energy consumption is a key issue in wireless sensor networks. In order to improve the energy efficiency of network utilization, distributed power control methods are advocated. However, the sensors are deployed randomly, which results in the channel gains that are difficult to be obtained; thus, how to estimate channel gains accurately to increase node communication efficiency and reduce energy consumption is the motivation of our work. In this paper, a cooperative and distributed algorithm based on diffusion least mean square (LMS) is firstly proposed to estimate channel gain by utilizing the equality and collaboration of sensor nodes. Its objective is to enhance the accuracy and convergence of the estimation process. Because the presented globe‐based scheme is unrealistic for practical utilization, two distributed estimation algorithms are investigated for different network scenarios, namely, exchange diffusion combine LMS and exchange combine diffusion LMS. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of our methods. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of hypertriglyceridemic waist and association with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Ren Yongcheng , Luo Xinping , Wang Chongjian , Yin Lei , Pang Chao , Feng Tianping , Wang Bingyuan , Zhang Lu , Li Linlin , Yang Xiangyu , Zhang Hongyan , Zhao Jingzhi , Hu Dongsheng 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroductionA meta‐analysis of studies assessing the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemic waist and an association with risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Materials and methodsPubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, CQVIP and Wanfang databases were searched for studies of the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemic waist or association with risk of T2DM. Reference lists of each original article were also searched. A random‐effects model was used to synthesize the combined prevalence and odds ratios. Publication bias and substantial heterogeneity were examined.ResultsTwenty‐five eligible studies involving 93 194 participants (93 194 for prevalence and 34 199 for odds ratios): 17 articles of prevalence, and 8 of both prevalence and risk of T2DM. Prevalence of hypertriglyceridemic waist ranged from 4% to 47%, with pooled prevalence of 18% (95% CI 13–23%), overall: 18% (95% CI 13–23%) for men and 19% (95% CI 13–24%) for women. Odds ratios ranged from 2.8 to 9.6 for T2MD in overall, with pooled odds ratios of 4.18 (95% CI 3.55–4.92), overall: 3.55 (95% CI 2.93–4.31) for men and 4.18 (95% CI 3.43–5.09) for women.Discussion/conclusionThe prevalence of hypertriglyceridemic waist has reached an alarming level and is closely associated with increased risk of T2DM in the general population, particularly among women and among brown‐skinned men and women. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An evidence‐based review of systemic treatments for itch
Authors: Pongcharoen P. , Fleischer A.B. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveMany treatment modalities are used for itch treatment in daily medical practices without adequate evidence of their efficacy. The purpose of this study was to provide an evidence‐based review of the literature as to the clinical benefits of systemic anti‐itch treatments.Databases and data treatmentWe performed a systematic review and, when appropriate, meta‐analysis from available placebo‐controlled randomized controlled trails (RCTs). A systematic search of the literature was performed using Pub Med, Cochrane Library and EMBASE. The primary outcome was the change in the itch score comparing the intervention group and placebo group. The meta‐analysis method was used to calculate the pooled outcome of each treatment modality.ResultsTwenty‐six eligible RCTs were included. We found evidence for the effectiveness of: naltrexone (in cholestatic itch and atopic eczema), nalfurafine (in uraemic itch), gabapentin (in uraemic itch) and ursodeoxycholic acid (in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy). The results of two RCTs with naltrexone in uremic itch are conflicting. On the other hand, we did not find any benefit from ondansetron (in cholestatic and uraemic itch), ergocalciferol (in uraemic itch), colesevelam (in cholestatic itch) or gabapentin (in cholestatic itch). The possible effectiveness of sertraline, paroxetine, cromolyn sodium, zinc sulphate, omega‐3 fatty acid, montelukast, doxepin and rifampin need to be confirmed from future large studies, because the available evidence is insufficient.ConclusionsThe findings from this study suggest the effective therapeutic approaches for itch. The major limitations are that there are small numbers of available RCTs and methodological differences across studies.
Evolving understanding on the aetiology of thermally provoked itch
Authors: Murota H. , Katayama I. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackground and objectivesItch is one of the major symptoms in dermatology clinics, and severely impairs the quality of life. Itch is frequently produced by environmental stimuli, especially heat or warmth. Changes of temperature on the skin surface and noxious heat stimuli augment and develop itch, respectively. Thermally provoked itch is sometimes intractable with existing treatments.Data bases and data treatmentRecent researches, linking heat sensation and itch, were searched in MEDLINE literature database through PubMed.ResultsRecent studies of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), the calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2), which link noxious heat and itch, contribute to a much better understanding of the thermally evoked itch process. From a clinical perspective, a warm sensation is a major provocative factor for subjects with atopic dermatitis. The accumulation of artemin (also known as enovin or neublastin) in the dermis of lesional skin can possibly provide a pathological mechanism for warmth‐provoked itch.ConclusionsThis mini‐review describes recent results of both basic and clinical research related to thermally provoked itch.
Screening of microorganisms from Antarctic surface water and cytotoxicity metabolites from Antarctic microorganisms
Authors: Zheng Lanhong , Yang Kangli , Liu Jia , Sun Mi , Zhu Jiancheng , Lv Mei , Kang Daole , Wang Wei , Xing Mengxin , Li Zhao 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe Antarctic is a potentially important library of microbial resources and new bioactive substances. In this study, microorganisms were isolated from surface water samples collected from different sites of the Antarctic. 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay‐based cytotoxicity‐tracking method was used to identify Antarctic marine microorganism resources for antitumor lead compounds. The results showed that a total of 129 Antarctic microorganism strains were isolated. Twelve strains showed potent cytotoxic activities, among which a Gram‐negative, rod‐shaped bacterium, designated as N11‐8 was further studied. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that N11‐8 belongs to the genus Bacillus. Fermented active products of N11‐8 with molecular weights of 1–30 kDa had higher inhibitory effects on different cancaer cells, such as BEL‐7402 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, U251 human glioma cells, RKO human colon carcinoma cells, A549 human lung carcinoma cells, and MCF‐7 human breast carcinoma cells. However, they displayed lower cytotoxicity against HFL1 human normal fibroblast lung cells. However, they displayed lower cytotoxicity against HFL1 human normal fibroblast lung cells. Microscopic observations showed that the fermented active products have inhibitory activity on BEL‐7402 cells similar to that of mitomycin C. Further studies indicated that the fermented active products have high pH and high thermal stability. In conclusion, most strains isolated in this study may be developed as promising sources for the discovery of antitumor bioactive substances. The fermented active products of Antarctic marine Bacillus sp. N11‐ 8 are expected to be applied in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Phasic stabilization of motor output after auditory and visual distractors
Authors: Piitulainen Harri , Bourguignon Mathieu , Smeds Eero , De Tiège Xavier , Jousmäki Veikko , Hari Riitta 
Published: September 2015

AbstractTo maintain steady motor output, distracting sensory stimuli need to be blocked. To study the effects of brief auditory and visual distractors on the human primary motor (M1) cortex, we monitored magnetoencephalographic (MEG) cortical rhythms, electromyogram (EMG) of finger flexors, and corticomuscular coherence (CMC) during right‐hand pinch (force 5–7% of maximum) while 1‐kHz tones and checkerboard patterns were presented for 100 ms once every 3.5–5 s. Twenty‐one subjects (out of twenty‐two) showed statistically significant ∼20‐Hz CMC. Both distractors elicited a covert startle‐like response evident in changes of force and EMG (∼50% of the background variation) but without any visible movement, followed by ∼1‐s enhancement of CMC (auditory on average by 75%, P < 0.001; visual by 33%, P < 0.05) and rolandic ∼20‐Hz rhythm (auditory by 14%, P < 0.05; visual by 11%, P < 0.01). Directional coupling of coherence from muscle to the M1 cortex (EMG→MEG) increased for ∼0.5 s at the onset of the CMC enhancement, but only after auditory distractor (by 105%; P < 0.05), likely reflecting startle‐related proprioceptive afference. The 20‐Hz enhancements occurred in the left M1 cortex and were for the auditory stimuli preceded by an early suppression (by 7%, P < 0.05). Task‐unrelated distractors modulated corticospinal coupling at ∼20 Hz. We propose that the distractors triggered covert startle‐like responses, resulting in proprioceptive afference to the cortex, and that they also transiently disengaged the subject's attention from the fine‐motor task. As a result, the corticospinal output was readjusted to keep the contraction force stable. Hum Brain Mapp 36:5168–5182, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.