bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel N-terminal extension in mitochondrial TRAP1 serves as a thermal regulator of chaperone activity
Authors: Partridge James R , Lavery Laura A , Elnatan Daniel , Naber Nariman , Cooke Roger , Agard David A
Published: December 2014

Hsp90 is a conserved chaperone that facilitates protein homeostasis. Our crystal structure of the mitochondrial Hsp90, TRAP1, revealed an extension of the N-terminal β-strand previously shown to cross between protomers in the closed state. In this study, we address the regulatory function of this extension or ‘strap’ and demonstrate its responsibility for an unusual temperature dependence in ATPase rates. This dependence is a consequence of a thermally sensitive kinetic barrier between the apo ‘open’ and ATP-bound ‘closed’ conformations. The strap stabilizes the closed state through trans-protomer interactions. Displacement of cis-protomer contacts from the apo state is rate-limiting for closure and ATP hydrolysis. Strap release is coupled to rotation of the N-terminal domain and dynamics of the nucleotide binding pocket lid. The strap is conserved in higher eukaryotes but absent from yeast and prokaryotes suggesting its role as a thermal and kinetic regulator, adapting Hsp90s to the demands of unique cellular and organismal environments.
Domain–domain interactions determine the gating, permeation, pharmacology, and subunit modulation of the IKs ion channel
Authors: Zaydman Mark A , Kasimova Marina A , McFarland Kelli , Beller Zachary , Hou Panpan , Kinser Holly E , Liang Hongwu , Zhang Guohui , Shi Jingyi , Tarek Mounir , Cui Jianmin
Published: December 2014

Voltage-gated ion channels generate electrical currents that control muscle contraction, encode neuronal information, and trigger hormonal release. Tissue-specific expression of accessory (β) subunits causes these channels to generate currents with distinct properties. In the heart, KCNQ1 voltage-gated potassium channels coassemble with KCNE1 β-subunits to generate the IKs current (Barhanin et al., 1996; Sanguinetti et al., 1996), an important current for maintenance of stable heart rhythms. KCNE1 significantly modulates the gating, permeation, and pharmacology of KCNQ1 (Wrobel et al., 2012; Sun et al., 2012; Abbott, 2014). These changes are essential for the physiological role of IKs (Silva and Rudy, 2005); however, after 18 years of study, no coherent mechanism explaining how KCNE1 affects KCNQ1 has emerged. Here we provide evidence of such a mechanism, whereby, KCNE1 alters the state-dependent interactions that functionally couple the voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) to the pore.
Competition between antagonistic complement factors for a single protein on N. meningitidis rules disease susceptibility
Authors: Caesar Joseph JE , Lavender Hayley , Ward Philip N , Exley Rachel M , Eaton Jack , Chittock Emily , Malik Talat H , Goiecoechea De Jorge Elena , Pickering Matthew C , Tang Christoph M , Lea Susan M
Published: December 2014

Genome-wide association studies have found variation within the complement factor H gene family links to host susceptibility to meningococcal disease caused by infection with Neisseria meningitidis (Davila et al., 2010). Mechanistic insights have been challenging since variation within this locus is complex and biological roles of the factor H-related proteins, unlike factor H, are incompletely understood. N. meningitidis subverts immune responses by hijacking a host-immune regulator, complement factor H (CFH), to the bacterial surface (Schneider et al., 2006; Madico et al., 2007; Schneider et al., 2009). We demonstrate that complement factor-H related 3 (CFHR3) promotes immune activation by acting as an antagonist of CFH. Conserved sequences between CFH and CFHR3 mean that the bacterium cannot sufficiently distinguish between these two serum proteins to allow it to hijack the regulator alone. The level of protection from complement attack achieved by circulating N. meningitidis therefore depends on the relative levels of CFH and CFHR3 in serum. These data may explain the association between genetic variation in both CFH and CFHR3 and susceptibility to meningococcal disease.
Spatial cue reliability drives frequency tuning in the barn Owl's midbrain
Authors: Cazettes Fanny , Fischer Brian J , Pena Jose L
Published: December 2014

The robust representation of the environment from unreliable sensory cues is vital for the efficient function of the brain. However, how the neural processing captures the most reliable cues is unknown. The interaural time difference (ITD) is the primary cue to localize sound in horizontal space. ITD is encoded in the firing rate of neurons that detect interaural phase difference (IPD). Due to the filtering effect of the head, IPD for a given location varies depending on the environmental context. We found that, in barn owls, at each location there is a frequency range where the head filtering yields the most reliable IPDs across contexts. Remarkably, the frequency tuning of space-specific neurons in the owl's midbrain varies with their preferred sound location, matching the range that carries the most reliable IPD. Thus, frequency tuning in the owl's space-specific neurons reflects a higher-order feature of the code that captures cue reliability.
Identification of PLXDC1 and PLXDC2 as the transmembrane receptors for the multifunctional factor PEDF
Authors: Cheng Guo , Zhong Ming , Kawaguchi Riki , Kassai Miki , Al-Ubaidi Muayyad , Deng Jun , Ter-Stepanian Mariam , Sun Hui
Published: December 2014

Pigment Epithelium Derived Factor (PEDF) is a secreted factor that has broad biological activities. It was first identified as a neurotrophic factor and later as the most potent natural antiangiogenic factor, a stem cell niche factor, and an inhibitor of cancer cell growth. Numerous animal models demonstrated its therapeutic value in treating blinding diseases and diverse cancer types. A long-standing challenge is to reveal how PEDF acts on its target cells and the identities of the cell-surface receptors responsible for its activities. Here we report the identification of transmembrane proteins PLXDC1 and PLXDC2 as cell-surface receptors for PEDF. Using distinct cellular models, we demonstrate their cell type-specific receptor activities through loss of function and gain of function studies. Our experiments suggest that PEDF receptors form homooligomers under basal conditions, and PEDF dissociates the homooligomer to activate the receptors. Mutations in the intracellular domain can have profound effects on receptor activities.
The Need for an Innovation Principle in Regulatory Impact Assessment: The Case of Finance and Innovation in Europe
Authors: Zilgalvis Pēteris
Published: December 2014

Many of Europe's economies are hampered by a waning number of innovations, which in part is attributable to the European financial system's aversion to funding innovative enterprises and initiatives. Specifically, Europe's innovation finance ecosystem lacks scale, plurality, and risk appetite. These problems could be addressed by new and creative approaches and technologies for financing dynamism in the economy, such as crowdfunding and general financial technology or “FinTech” innovation. However, these novel approaches may be held back by regulation that focuses on stability, avoiding forum shopping, and preventing fraud, to the exclusion of other interests, particularly ignoring innovation and renewal. This article argues that this could be addressed by adopting an “innovation principle” in regulatory impact assessment: prioritizing regulatory approaches that serve to promote innovation while also addressing other regulatory aims. Two case studies are presented to illustrate this approach.
Governments and Citizens Getting to Know Each Other? Open, Closed, and Big Data in Public Management Reform
Authors: Clarke Amanda , Margetts Helen
Published: December 2014

Citizens and governments live increasingly digital lives, leaving trails of digital data that have the potential to support unprecedented levels of mutual government–citizen understanding, and in turn, vast improvements to public policies and services. Open data and open government initiatives promise to “open up” government operations to citizens. New forms of “big data” analysis can be used by government itself to understand citizens' behavior and reveal the strengths and weaknesses of policy and service delivery. In practice, however, open data emerges as a reform development directed to a range of goals, including the stimulation of economic development, and not strictly transparency or public service improvement. Meanwhile, governments have been slow to capitalize on the potential of big data, while the largest data they do collect remain “closed” and under‐exploited within the confines of intelligence agencies. Drawing on interviews with civil servants and researchers in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States between 2011 and 2014, this article argues that a big data approach could offer the greatest potential as a vehicle for improving mutual government–citizen understanding, thus embodying the core tenets of Digital Era Governance, argued by some authors to be the most viable public management model for the digital age (Dunleavy, Margetts, Bastow, & Tinkler, 2005, 2006; Margetts & Dunleavy, 2013).
Mineralogy and fluvial history of the watersheds of Gale, Knobel, and Sharp craters: A regional context for the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity's exploration
Authors: Ehlmann Bethany L. , Buz Jennifer
Published: December 2014

A 500 km long network of valleys extends from Herschel crater to Gale, Knobel, and Sharp craters. The mineralogy and timing of fluvial activity in these watersheds provide a regional framework for deciphering the origin of sediments of Gale crater's Mount Sharp, an exploration target for the Curiosity rover. Olivine‐bearing bedrock is exposed throughout the region, and its erosion contributed to widespread olivine‐bearing sand dunes. Fe/Mg phyllosilicates are found in both bedrock and sediments, implying that materials deposited in Gale crater may have inherited clay minerals, transported from the watershed. While some topographic lows of the Sharp‐Knobel watershed host chloride salts, the only salts detected in the Gale watershed are sulfates within Mount Sharp, implying regional or temporal differences in water chemistry. Crater counts indicate progressively more spatially localized aqueous activity: large‐scale valley network activity ceased by the early Hesperian, though later Hesperian/Amazonian fluvial activity continued near Gale and Sharp craters.
Cutoff latitude variation during solar proton events: Causes and consequences
Authors: Nesse Tyssøy H. , Stadsnes J.
Published: December 2014

To accurately quantify the effect of solar proton events (SPEs) on the atmosphere requires a good estimate of the particle energy deposition in the middle atmosphere (60–100 km) and how the energy is distributed globally. Protons in the energy range 1–20 MeV, depositing their energy in the middle atmosphere, are subject to more complex dynamics with strong day‐night asymmetries compared to higher‐energy particles. Our study targets six SPEs from 2003 to 2012. By using measurements from the Medium Energy Proton and Electron Detector on all available Polar Orbit Environment Satellites (POES), we show that in the main phase of geomagnetic storms the dayside cutoff latitudes are pushed poleward, while the nightside cutoff latitudes have the opposite response, resulting in strong day‐night asymmetries in the energy deposition. These features cannot be measured by the frequently used Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES). Assuming that the protons impact the polar atmosphere homogeneously above a fixed nominal latitude boundary will therefore give a significant overestimate of the energy deposited in the middle atmosphere during SPEs. We discuss the magnetospheric mechanisms responsible for the local time response in the cutoff latitudes and provide a simple applicable parameterization which includes both dayside and nightside cutoff latitude variability using only the Dst, the northward component of the interplanetary magnetic field, and solar wind pressure. The parameterization is utilized on the GOES particle fluxes, and the resulting energy deposition successfully captures the day‐night asymmetry in good agreement with the energy deposition predicted from the POES measurement.
Neural network based terminal iterative learning control for uncertain nonlinear non‐affine systems
Authors: Liu Tianqi , Wang Danwei , Chi Ronghu
Published: December 2014

In this paper, a novel neural network based terminal iterative learning control method is proposed for a class of uncertain nonlinear non‐affine systems to track run‐varying reference point with initial state variance. In this new control scheme, the non‐affine terminal dynamics are converted affine, and the unrealisable recurrent network is simplified into realisable static network. As a result, the effect of initial state and control signal on terminal output can be estimated by neural network. With this estimation, the proposed control scheme can drive nonlinear non‐affine systems to track run‐varying reference point in the presence of initial state variance. Stability and convergence of this approach are proven, and numerical simulation results are provided to verify its effectiveness.
Polaron Transport and Thermoelectric Behavior in La‐Doped SrTiO3 Thin Films with Elemental Vacancies
Authors: Choi Woo Seok , Yoo Hyang Keun , Ohta Hiromichi
Published: December 2014

The electrodynamic properties of La‐doped SrTiO3 thin films with controlled elemental vacancies are investigated using optical spectroscopy and thermopower measurement. In particular, a correlation between the polaron formation and thermoelectric properties of the transition metal oxide (TMO) thin films is observed. With decreasing oxygen partial pressure during the film growth (P(O2)), a systematic lattice expansion is observed along with the increased elemental vacancy and carrier density, experimentally determined using optical spectroscopy. Moreover, an absorption in the mid‐infrared photon energy range is found, which is attributed to the polaron formation in the doped SrTiO3 system. Thermopower of the La‐doped SrTiO3 thin films can be largely modulated from –120 to –260 μV K−1, reflecting an enhanced polaronic mass of ≈3 < m
polron/m < ≈4. The elemental vacancies generated in the TMO films grown at various P(O2) influences the global polaronic transport, which governs the charge transport behavior, including the thermoelectric properties.
Slowing DNA Transport Using Graphene–DNA Interactions
Authors: Banerjee Shouvik , Wilson James , Shim Jiwook , Shankla Manish , Corbin Elise A. , Aksimentiev Aleksei , Bashir Rashid
Published: December 2014

Slowing down DNA translocation speed in a nanopore is essential to ensuring reliable resolution of individual bases. Thin membrane materials enhance spatial resolution but simultaneously reduce the temporal resolution as the molecules translocate far too quickly. In this study, the effect of exposed graphene layers on the transport dynamics of both single (ssDNA) and double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) through nanopores is examined. Nanopore devices with various combinations of graphene and Al2O3 dielectric layers in stacked membrane structures are fabricated. Slow translocations of ssDNA in nanopores drilled in membranes with layers of graphene are reported. The increased hydrophobic interactions between the ssDNA and the graphene layers could explain this phenomenon. Further confirmation of the hydrophobic origins of these interactions is obtained through reporting significantly faster translocations of dsDNA through these graphene layered membranes. Molecular dynamics simulations confirm the preferential interactions of DNA with the graphene layers as compared to the dielectric layer verifying the experimental findings. Based on our findings, we propose that the integration of multiple stacked graphene layers could slow down DNA enough to enable the identification of nucleobases.
Graphoepitaxy of High‐Quality GaN Layers on Graphene/6H–SiC
Authors: Kovács András , Duchamp Martial , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal E. , Yakimova Rositza , Neumann Péter L. , Behmenburg Hannes , Foltynski Bartosz , Giesen Cristoph , Heuken Michael , Pécz Béla
Published: December 2014

The implementation of graphene layers in gallium nitride (GaN) heterostructure growth can solve self‐heating problems in nitride‐based high‐power electronic and light‐emitting optoelectronic devices. In the present study, high‐quality GaN layers are grown on patterned graphene layers and 6H–SiC by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. A periodic pattern of graphene layers is fabricated on 6H–SiC by using polymethyl methacrylate deposition and electron beam lithography, followed by etching using an Ar/O2 gas atmosphere. Prior to GaN growth, an AlN buffer layer and an Al0.2Ga0.8N transition layer are deposited. The atomic structures of the interfaces between the 6H–SiC and graphene, as well as between the graphene and AlN, are studied using scanning transmission electron microscopy. Phase separation of the Al0.2Ga0.8N transition layer into an AlN and GaN superlattice is observed. Above the continuous graphene layers, polycrystalline defective GaN is rapidly overgrown by better quality single‐crystalline GaN from the etched regions. The lateral overgrowth of GaN results in the presence of a low density of dislocations (≈109 cm−2) and inversion domains and the formation of a smooth GaN surface.
Decoupling the Effects of Self‐Assembled Monolayers on Gold, Silver, and Copper Organic Transistor Contacts
Authors: Kim Chang‐Hyun , Hlaing Htay , Hong Jong‐Am , Kim Ji‐Hoon , Park Yongsup , Payne Marcia M. , Anthony John E. , Bonnassieux Yvan , Horowitz Gilles , Kymissis Ioannis
Published: December 2014

In bottom‐contact organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs), the functionalization of source/drain electrodes leads to a tailored surface chemistry for film growth and controlled interface energetics for charge injection. This report describes a comprehensive investigation into separating and correlating the energetic and morphological effects of a self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) treatment on Au, Ag, and Cu electrodes. Fluorinated 5,11‐bis(triethylsilylethynyl) anthradithiophene (diF‐TES‐ADT) and pentafluorobenzenethiol (PFBT) are employed as a soluble small‐molecule semiconductor and a SAM material, respectively. Upon SAM modification, the Cu electrode devices benefit from a particularly dramatic performance improvement, closely approaching the performance of OFETs with PFBT‐Au and PFBT‐Ag. Ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy, polarized optical microscopy, grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering elucidate the metal work function change and templated crystal growth with high crystallinity resulting from SAMs. The transmission‐line method separates the channel and contact properties from the measured OFET current–voltage data, which conclusively describes the impact of the SAMs on charge injection and transport behavior.
Nonequilibrium Pathways during Electrochemical Phase Transformations in Single Crystals Revealed by Dynamic Chemical Imaging at Nanoscale Resolution
Authors: Yu Young‐Sang , Kim Chunjoong , Liu Yijin , van der Ven Anton , Meng Ying Shirley , Kostecki Robert , Cabana Jordi
Published: December 2014

The energy density of current batteries is limited by the practical capacity of the positive electrode, which is determined by the properties of the active material and its concentration in the composite electrode architecture. The observation in dynamic conditions of electrochemical transformations creates the opportunity of identifying design rules toward reaching the theoretical limits of battery electrodes. But these observations must occur during operation and at multiple scales. They are particularly critical at the single‐particle level, where incomplete reactions and failure are prone to occur. Here, operando full‐field transmission X‐ray microscopy is coupled with X‐ray spectroscopy to follow the chemical and microstructural evolution at the nanoscale of single crystals of Li1+xMn2–xO4, a technologically relevant Li‐ion battery electrode material. The onset and crystallographic directionality of a series of complex phase transitions are followed and correlated with particle fracture. The dynamic character of this study reveals the existence of nonequilibrium pathways where phases at substantially different potentials can coexist at short length scales. The results can be used to inform the engineering of particle morphologies and electrode architectures that bypass the issues observed here and lead to optimized battery electrode properties.
Shorter halving time of BCR‐ABL1 transcripts is a novel predictor for achievement of molecular responses in newly diagnosed chronic‐phase chronic myeloid leukemia treated with dasatinib: Results of the D‐first study of Kanto CML study group
Authors: Iriyama Noriyoshi , Fujisawa Shin , Yoshida Chikashi , Wakita Hisashi , Chiba Shigeru , Okamoto Shinichiro , Kawakami Kimihiro , Takezako Naoki , Kumagai Takashi , Inokuchi Koiti , Ohyashiki Kazuma , Taguchi Jun , Yano Shingo , Igarashi Tadahiko , Kouzai Yasuji , Morita Satoshi , Sakamoto Junichi , Sakamaki Hisashi
Published: December 2014

To investigate the factors that affect molecular responses on dasatinib treatment in patients with chronic‐phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML‐CP), we performed a clinical trial named the “D‐First study.” Fifty‐two patients with newly diagnosed CML‐CP were enrolled in this study and received 100 mg dasatinib once daily. A deep molecular response (DMR) was defined as <50 copies/μg RNA of BCR‐ABL1 transcript value corrected by GAPDH, which ensures <0.01% of BCR‐ABL1 transcript value according to International Scale (BCR‐ABL1IS). The halving time for BCR‐ABL1 transcripts was calculated using transcript levels before dasatinib treatment, transcript levels after 3 months of treatment, and the treatment time between these two points. In terms of molecular response, 38 of 51 (75%) patients reached major molecular response (MMR) by 12 months, and the rate of DMR by 18 months was 59% (30/51). While both BCR‐ABL1 transcript levels before treatment and a shorter halving time of BCR‐ABL1 transcripts (≤14 days) were significant factors affecting achievement of MMR by 12 months, the Sokal score at diagnosis was not associated with MMR. Importantly, the halving time was the only factor that predicted achievement of DMR by 18 months. We showed that patients with CML‐CP treated with dasatinib can be stratified according to the early treatment response as determined by the halving time of BCR‐ABL1 transcripts. These data emphasize the significance of the early response from dasatinib treatment in achieving a DMR. (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT01464411) Am. J. Hematol. 90:282–287, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioinformatic analyses and conceptual synthesis of evidence linking ZNF804A to risk for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Authors: Hess Jonathan L. , Quinn Thomas P. , Akbarian Schahram , Glatt Stephen J.
Published: December 2014

Advances in molecular genetics, fueled by the results of large‐scale genome‐wide association studies, meta‐analyses, and mega‐analyses, have provided the means of identifying genetic risk factors for human disease, thereby enriching our understanding of the functionality of the genome in the post‐genomic era. In the past half‐decade, research on neuropsychiatric disorders has reached an important milestone: the identification of susceptibility genes reliably associated with complex psychiatric disorders at genome‐wide levels of significance. This age of discovery provides the groundwork for follow‐up studies designed to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which genetic variants confer susceptibility to these disorders. The gene encoding zinc‐finger protein 804 A (ZNF804A) is among these candidate genes, recently being found to be strongly associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder via one of its non‐coding mutations, rs1344706. Neurobiological, molecular, and bioinformatic analyses have improved our understanding of ZNF804A in general and this variant in particular; however, more work is needed to establish the mechanism(s) by which ZNF804A variants impinge on the biological substrates of the two disorders. Here, we review literature recently published on ZNF804A, and analyze critical concepts related to the biology of ZNF804A and the role of rs1344706 in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. We synthesize the results of new bioinformatic analyses of ZNF804A with key elements of the existing literature and knowledge base. Furthermore, we suggest some potentially fruitful short‐ and long‐term research goals in the assessment of ZNF804A. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autophagy is deficient in nasal polyps: implications for the pathogenesis of the disease
Authors: Chen Jeff Yi‐Fu , Hour Tzyh‐Chyuan , Yang Sheau‐Fang , Chien Chen‐Yu , Chen Hau‐Ren , Tsai Ke‐Li , Ko Jenq‐Yuh , Wang Ling‐Feng
Published: December 2014

Background

Nasal polyposis is characterized by persistent inflammation but the pathogenesis is complex and still debatable. Autophagy has been associated with many human health problems including chronic inflammatory airway diseases. Whether autophagy plays a role in nasal polyps and could be a therapeutic target is completely unknown.

Methods

We studied light chain 3 (LC3) protein expression, a common indication of autophagy, in fresh tissue specimens of 5 nasal polyps and 6 normal nasal mucosa by Western blot analysis. The results were also confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using additional 25 paraffin‐embedded nasal tissue sections. Finally the autophagic activity was validated in nasal polyp–derived fibroblasts by evaluating the number of green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐labeled LC3 puncta.

Results

The expression of LC3 was dramatically decreased in all 5 nasal polyp tissues. In contrast, protein kinase B–mechanistic target of rapamycin (Akt‐mTOR) signaling, an established negative regulator of autophagy, was significantly activated in these tissues. Immunohistochemical results further demonstrated a negative correlation between autophagy and nasal polyps (p < 0.05). GFP‐LC3 puncta formation, an alternative indicator of autophagy, was also diminished in nasal polyp–derived fibroblasts (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Autophagy is deficient presumably due to suppression by high Akt‐mTOR activity in nasal polyps, which may provide a molecular basis for future mechanistic study of the disease.
Regioselective Catalytic Asymmetric C‐Alkylation of Isoxazolinones by a Base‐Free Palladacycle‐Catalyzed Direct 1,4‐Addition
Authors: Hellmuth Tina , Frey Wolfgang , Peters René
Published: December 2014

Isoxazolinones constitute a class of heterocycles utilized for the development of novel drug candidates. The cyclic oxime ester motif is also synthetically useful as it contains functional handles which have previously been used to provide access to an assortment of valuable compound classes not easily accessible by alternative approaches. However, asymmetric methods towards isoxazolinones are notoriously scarce. Herein we report the first catalytic asymmetric alkylations of isoxazolinones forming all‐C‐substituted quaternary stereocenters. The present studies were driven by the question of how to control the regioselectivity in the competition of different nucleophilic positions. The investigation of a direct 1,4‐addition uncovered that a sterically demanding palladacycle catalyst directs the reactivity in the absence of a base nearly exclusively to the nucleophilic C atom, while at the same time it allows for high enantioselectivity and TONs up to 1900.
Preparation and characterization of printable solder resist inks based on hyperbranched polyester
Authors: Yang Chao , Chang Yu , Yang Zhen‐Guo
Published: December 2014

Two novel solder resist inks containing hyperbranched epoxy resin (HBPE) for thermal curing and hyperbranched epoxy acrylate resin (HBPEA) for UV‐curing were introduced in this work. Different generations of HBPE and HBPEA were synthesized and their chemical structures were determined by FT‐IR. Both curing reactions were monitored under differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and photo‐DSC. For HBPE, the curing temperature of 7th generation was only 91°C and for HBPEA, the curing duration of 7th generation was under 10 s. The thermal stabilities of cured resins were much more stable than linear resin, as the decomposition temperatures of HBPE and HBPEA were both over 400°C. The ink containing HBPE or HBPEA jetted by piezoelectric printer showed excellent accuracy and consistency of linewidth and the morphologies of cured pattern were observed through a stereo microscope. Other performances of solder masks were tested under China Printed Circuit Association (CPCA) standard (CPCA/JPCA 4306‐2011), which satisfy all requirements of printed circuit board soldering procedure. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41805.
Effect of emulsifier content on the rheological properties of asphalt emulsion residues
Authors: Pang Jinyu , Du Sujun , Chang Runtian , Pei Qiang , Cui Dongxia
Published: December 2014

Rheological measurement was employed to study the effect of emulsifier content on the properties of asphalt emulsion. Three kinds of emulsifiers are employed, and both temperature and frequency sweep were carried out in this study. Through the analysis of the viscoelastic parameters, the emulsifier content has an obvious influence in the properties of asphalt emulsions. As the content is higher, both the viscosity and modulus increase at a given temperature and/or frequency. The rut factor also increases with the emulsifier content, which indicates an enhanced resistance of emulsified asphalt mixtures to deformation. Rheological results can guide the selection of optimal emulsifier concentration for a given method of preparation. Results of softening point, penetration, ductility and storage stability also show good agreement with the rheological measurements. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 41806.
Optical and electrochemical properties of oligo(1,5‐dialkoxynaphthalene‐2,6‐diyl)s with self‐assembled ordered structures in solid state
Authors: Yamaguchi Isao , Yamauchi Kanako
Published: December 2014

Oligo(1,5‐dialkoxynaphthalene‐2,6‐diyl)s were synthesized by Ni(cod)2 (cod = 1,5‐cyclooctadiene)‐promoted condensation reactions of 1,5‐dialkoxy‐2,6‐dibromonaphthalenes. The UV–Vis, photoluminescence (PL), and powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements suggested that the oligomers have a self‐assembling ordered structure in the solid state. The oligomers underwent electrochemical oxidation (p‐doping), which occurred at lower potentials for films than for acetonitrile solutions containing [Et4N]BF4. This effect is caused by the longer π‐conjugation lengths of the oligomers in films, which was attributed to molecular self‐assembly leading to ordered structures in the solid state. The electrochemical reaction of the oligomers was accompanied by electrochromism. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41840.
An index of human alteration of lake shore morphology
Authors: Miler Oliver , Porst Gwendolin , Mcgoff Elaine , Pilotto Francesca , Donohue Louise , Jurca Tamara , Solimini Angelo , Sandin Leonard , Irvine Kenneth , Aroviita Jukka , Clarke Ralph , Pusch Martin T.
Published: December 2014

Morphological degradation constitutes one of the most severe threats to the ecological integrity of lakes. The development of biotic assessment methods for human lake shore alterations using littoral macroinvertebrates requires quantification of the degree of degradation by a stressor index and is complicated through simultaneous physical pressures that alter natural habitat structure.

The Lake Habitat Survey (LHS) method and macroinvertebrate sampling were used to produce a pan‐European dataset of morphological lake shore degradation and macroinvertebrate densities covering 51 lakes in seven countries and across four geographical regions – northern, western, southern and central Europe.

Lake Habitat Survey parameters that differed significantly among three categories of morphological pressure were combined to develop the stressor index components ‘Number of habitats', ‘Habitat diversity', ‘Total percentage volume inhabited by macrophytes', ‘Sum of macrophyte types', ‘Sum of vegetation cover types', ‘Sum of coarse woody debris/roots/overhanging vegetation', ‘Pressure index' (number of human disturbance sources) and ‘Natural/artificial dominant land cover type'.

Stressor index components were tested for cross‐correlations and for differences among pressure levels. The final composition of the stressor index was optimized for the four studied geographical regions in Europe. The resulting stressor index correlated more strongly with macroinvertebrate metrics than simpler site‐specific LHS parameters or the HabQA index developed previously in one lake in north‐western Europe.

The stressor index developed provides deeper insight into the morphological pressures that affect littoral invertebrate communities. The results also support the use of LHS to quantify morphological stressors at sampling site level, which can ease developing other multimetric bioassessment methods.

The stressor index offers the possibility for wide and regional specific application to assess hydromorphological pressures on lakes to assist conservation planning and management and further global efforts to develop and test biotic assessment methods for lakes.

Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eff icacy of angler catch data as a population and conservation monitoring tool for the f lagship Mahseer f ishes (Tor spp.) of Southern India
Authors: Pinder Adrian C. , Raghavan Rajeev , Britton J. Robert
Published: December 2014

Mahseer (Tor spp.) are flagship fishes in South Asian rivers. Their populations are threatened through poaching and habitat disturbance, yet they are highly prized game fishes due to their large size, appearance and sporting qualities. The international recreational angling community has frequently been cited as playing a vital role in conserving these fishes while also providing economic benefit to poor rural communities.

Owing to a lack of scientific data and the considerable challenges associated with monitoring fish populations in large monsoonal rivers, efforts to determine the long‐term trends in their populations has focused on sport‐fishing catch records. Here, catch data collected between 1998 and 2012 from Galibore, a former fishing camp on the River Cauvery, Karnataka, India, were analysed to determine the catch per unit effort (CPUE – by number and weight) as an indicator of relative fish abundance, along with the size structure of catches. This fishery operated a mandatory catch‐and‐release (C&R) policy, and provided the fish community with protection from illegal fishing.

Between 1998 and 2012, 23 620 hours fishing effort were applied to catch and release 6161 mahseer, ranging in size from 1 to 104 lbs (0.45–46.8 kg) in weight. Across the period, CPUE in number increased significantly over time with a concomitant decrease in CPUE by weight, revealing strong recruitment in the population and a shift in population size structure. This suggests a strong response to the C&R policy and the reduction in illegal fishing, indicating that conservation strategies focusing on the beneficial and negative aspects of exploitation can be successful in achieving positive outcomes.

These outputs from angler catch data provide insights into the mahseer population that were impossible to collect by any alternative method. They provide the most comprehensive analysis of a long‐term dataset specific to any of the mahseer species across their entire geographical range and demonstrate the value of organised angling as a conservation monitoring tool to enhance biological data, and inform conservation and fishery management actions.

Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Feeding Biomechanics and Dietary Ecology ofParanthropus boisei
Authors: Smith Amanda L. , Benazzi Stefano , Ledogar Justin A. , Tamvada Kelli , Pryor Smith Leslie C. , Weber Gerhard W. , Spencer Mark A. , Lucas Peter W. , Michael Shaji , Shekeban Ali , Al‐Fadhalah Khaled , Almusallam Abdulwahab S. , Dechow Paul C. , Grosse IAN R. , Ross Callum F. , Madden Richard H. , Richmond Brian G. , Wright Barth W. , Wang Qian , Byron Craig , Slice Dennis E. , Wood Sarah , Dzialo Christine , Berthaume Michael A. , van Casteren Adam , Strait David S.
Published: December 2014

The African Plio‐Pleistocene hominins known as australopiths evolved derived craniodental features frequently interpreted as adaptations for feeding on either hard, or compliant/tough foods. Among australopiths,Paranthropus boiseiis the most robust form, exhibiting traits traditionally hypothesized to produce high bite forces efficiently and strengthen the face against feeding stresses. However, recent mechanical analyses imply thatP. boiseimay not have been an efficient producer of bite force and that robust morphology in primates is not necessarily strong. Here we use an engineering method, finite element analysis, to show that the facial skeleton ofP. boiseiis structurally strong, exhibits a strain pattern different from that in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) andAustralopithecus africanus, and efficiently produces high bite force. It has been suggested thatP. boiseiconsumed a diet of compliant/tough foods like grass blades and sedge pith. However, the blunt occlusal topography of this and other species suggests that australopiths are adapted to consume hard foods, perhaps including grass and sedge seeds. A consideration of evolutionary trends in morphology relating to feeding mechanics suggests that food processing behaviors in gracile australopiths evidently were disrupted by environmental change, perhaps contributing to the eventual evolution ofHomoandParanthropus. Anat Rec, 298:145–167, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EFFECTS OF OXYGEN CONCENTRATION AND PRESSURE ONDrosophila melanogaster: OXIDATIVE STRESS, MITOCHONDRIAL ACTIVITY, AND SURVIVORSHIP
Authors: Bosco Gerardo , Clamer Martina , Messulam Elisa , Dare Cristina , Yang Zhongjin , Zordan Mauro , Reggiani Carlo , Hu Qinggang , Megighian Aram
Published: December 2014

Organisms are known to be equipped with an adaptive plasticity as the phenotype of traits in response to the imposed environmental challenges as they grow and develop. In this study, the effects of extreme changes in oxygen availability and atmospheric pressure on physiological phenotypes ofDrosophila melanogasterwere investigated to explore adaptation mechanisms. The changes in citrate synthase activity (CSA), lifespan, and behavioral function in different atmospheric conditions were evaluated. In the CAS test, hyperoxia significantly increased CSA; both hypoxia and hyperbaric conditions caused a significant decrease in CSA. In the survivorship test, all changed atmospheric conditions caused a significant reduction in lifespan. The lifespan reduced more after hypoxia exposure than after hyperbaria exposure. In behavioral function test, when mechanical agitation was conducted, bang‐sensitive flies showed a stereotypical sequence of initial muscle spasm, paralysis, and recovery. The percentage of individuals that displayed paralysis or seizure was measured on the following day and after 2 weeks from each exposure. The majority of flies showed seizure behavior 15 days after exposure, especially after 3 h of exposure. The percentage of individuals that did not undergo paralysis or seizure and was able to move in the vial, was also tested. The number of flies that moved and raised the higher level of the vial decreased after exposure. Animal's speed decreased significantly 15 days after exposure to extreme environmental conditions. In summary, the alteration of oxygen availability and atmospheric pressure may lead to significant changes in mitochondria mass, lifespan, and behavioral function inD. melanogaster.
Pharmacologic Modulation of Hand Pain in Osteoarthritis: A Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study Using Naproxen
Authors: Sanders Duncan , Krause Kristina , O'Muircheartaigh Jonathan , Thacker Michael A. , Huggins John P. , Vennart William , Massat Nathalie J. , Choy Ernest , Williams Steven C. R. , Howard Matthew A.
Published: December 2014

Objective

In an attempt to shed light on management of chronic pain conditions, there has long been a desire to complement behavioral measures of pain perception with measures of underlying brain mechanisms. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we undertook this study to investigate changes in brain activity following the administration of naproxen or placebo in patients with pain related to osteoarthritis (OA) of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint.

Methods

A placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, 2‐period crossover study was performed in 19 individuals with painful OA of the CMC joint of the right hand. Following placebo or naproxen treatment periods, a functionally relevant task was performed, and behavioral measures of the pain experience were collected in identical fMRI examinations. Voxelwise and a priori region of interest analyses were performed to detect between‐period differences in brain activity.

Results

Significant reductions in brain activity following treatment with naproxen, compared to placebo, were observed in brain regions commonly associated with pain perception, including the bilateral primary somatosensory cortex, thalamus, and amygdala. Significant relationships between changes in perceived pain intensity and changes in brain activity were also observed in brain regions previously associated with pain intensity.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the sensitivity of fMRI to detect the mechanisms underlying treatments of known efficacy. The data illustrate the enticing potential of fMRI as an adjunct to self‐report for detecting early signals of efficacy of novel therapies, both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic, in small numbers of individuals with persistent pain.
Classifying Twitter favorites: Like, bookmark, or Thanks?
Authors: Gorrell Genevieve , Bontcheva Kalina
Published: December 2014

Since its foundation in 2006, Twitter has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity, currently boasting over 500 million users. Its short text nature means that the service is open to a variety of different usage patterns, which have evolved rapidly in terms of user base and utilization. Prior work has categorized Twitter users, as well as studied the use of lists and re‐tweets and how these can be used to infer user profiles and interests. The focus of this article is on studying why and how Twitter users mark tweets as “favorites”—a functionality with currently poorly understood usage, but strong relevance for personalization and information access applications. Firstly, manual analysis and classification are carried out on a randomly chosen set of favorited tweets, which reveal different approaches to using this functionality (i.e., bookmarks, thanks, like, conversational, and self‐promotion). Secondly, an automatic favorites classification approach is proposed, based on the categories established in the previous step. Our machine learning experiments demonstrate a high degree of success in matching human judgments in classifying favorites according to usage type. In conclusion, we discuss the purposes to which these data could be put, in the context of identifying users' patterns of interests.
Effect of annealing on down‐conversion properties of monoclinic Gd2O3:Er3+ nanophosphors
Authors: Tamrakar Raunak Kumar , Bisen D. P. , Upadhyay Kanchan
Published: December 2014

Erbium‐doped nano‐sized Gd2O3 phosphor was prepared by a solution combustion method in the presence of urea as a fuel. The phosphor was characterized by X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results of the XRD shows that the phosphor has a monoclinic phase, which was further confirmed by the TEM results. Particle size was calculated by the Debye–Scherrer formula. The erbium‐doped Gd2O3 nanophosphor was revealed to have good down‐conversion (DC) properties and the intensity of phosphor could be modified by annealing. The effects of annealing at 900°C on the particle size and luminescence properties were studied and compared with freshly prepared Gd2O3:Er3+ nanoparticles. The average particle sizes were calculated as 8 and 20 nm for the freshly prepared samples and samples annealed at 900°C for 1 h, respectively. The results show that both freshly prepared and annealed Gd2O3:Er3+ have monoclinic structure. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Colloid versus crystalloid fluid therapy in surgical patients
Authors: Arunachalam L , MacFie J
Published: December 2014

An appraisal of illogical guidance
Emergent use of Impella CP™ during transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Transaortic access
Authors: Singh Vikas , Yarkoni Alon , O'Neill William W.
Published: December 2014

Sudden onset of hypotension is a rare but emergent event in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This primarily occurs due to coronary artery obstruction, valve misplacement/migration, ventricular perforation, cardiac tamponade, severe paravalvular regurgitation, stunned myocardium, ventricular arrhythmia, and annulus rupture. While the operator makes an attempt to identify and correct the underlying problem, an emergent placement of mechanical hemodynamic assist device may be necessary and crucial for a successful outcome. We describe a unique and challenging case of complete circulatory collapse in a patient undergoing transaortic TAVR with Edwards SAPIEN prosthesis (Edwards Lifesciences, CA) who required rescue Impella CP™ (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) placement directly through the ascending aorta due to unfavorable femoral access. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A case of CLL that was successfully treated resulted in the immediate development of AML from a coexistent myeloid line that had been suppressed
Authors: Ansari Mohammad , Auerbach Michael , Bahrain Huzefa
Published: December 2014

Key Clinical Message

An 83 year‐old Caucasian male presented to the emergency room with confusion and lethargy. A complete blood count revealed lymphocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. A bone marrow examination revealed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), along with a small population of abnormal immature myeloid cells. Chemotherapy for CLL was started. After one cycle, repeat bone marrow examination revealed normalization of the lymphocyte count and a proliferation of the previously noted myeloid population, consistent with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This report presents the microscopic, immunophenotypic, and cytogenetic evidence to document the development of AML after one cycle of chemotherapy for CLL.
Multiple Regression Analysis of Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Isopropanol in a Chemical Heat Pump System
Authors: Mert Mehmet Selçuk , Salt İnci , Karaca Fatma , Mert Hatice Hande , Bolat Esen
Published: December 2014

Chemical heat pump is a clean technology developed to upgrade the low‐level thermal energy to upper levels and to store energy without losses caused by temperature differences. Multiple regression analysis of catalytic dehydrogenation of isopropanol was performed. The endothermic dehydrogenation of isopropanol was carried out under continuous boiling and refluxing conditions in order to study the enhancement effects of the presence of an alkaline compound and different types of catalysts at various concentrations in the reaction medium on the evolution rate of hydrogen. The factorial experimental design method was applied to understand better the coupled influences of both catalyst and alkaline additive concentrations to discuss and evaluate statistically the results for different catalysts and to develop the related models.