bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is in vivo amyloid distribution asymmetric in primary progressive aphasia?
Authors: Martersteck Adam , Murphy Christopher , Rademaker Alfred , Wieneke Christina , Weintraub Sandra , Chen Kewei , Mesulam M.‐Marsel , Rogalski Emily ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2015

We aimed to determine whether 18F‐florbetapir amyloid positron emission tomography imaging shows a clinically concordant, left‐hemisphere–dominant pattern of deposition in primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Elevated cortical amyloid (Aβ+) was found in 19 of 32 PPA patients. Hemispheric laterality of amyloid burden was compared between Aβ+ PPA and an Aβ+ amnestic dementia groups (n = 22). The parietal region showed significantly greater left lateralized amyloid uptake in the PPA group than the amnestic group (p < 0.007), consistent with the left lateralized pattern of neurodegeneration in PPA. These results suggest that the cortical distribution of amyloid may have a greater clinical concordance than previously reported. ANN NEUROL 2016;79:496–501
Mitochondrial DNA Depletion in Respiratory Chain–Deficient Parkinson Disease Neurons
Authors: Grünewald Anne , Rygiel Karolina A. , Hepplewhite Philippa D. , Morris Christopher M. , Picard Martin , Turnbull Doug M.
Published: November 2015

Objective

To determine the extent of respiratory chain abnormalities and investigate the contribution of mtDNA to the loss of respiratory chain complexes (CI–IV) in the substantia nigra (SN) of idiopathic Parkinson disease (IPD) patients at the single‐neuron level.

Methods

Multiple‐label immunofluorescence was applied to postmortem sections of 10 IPD patients and 10 controls to quantify the abundance of CI–IV subunits (NDUFB8 or NDUFA13, SDHA, UQCRC2, and COXI) and mitochondrial transcription factors (TFAM and TFB2M) relative to mitochondrial mass (porin and GRP75) in dopaminergic neurons. To assess the involvement of mtDNA in respiratory chain deficiency in IPD, SN neurons, isolated with laser‐capture microdissection, were assayed for mtDNA deletions, copy number, and presence of transcription/replication‐associated 7S DNA employing a triplex real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.

Results

Whereas mitochondrial mass was unchanged in single SN neurons from IPD patients, we observed a significant reduction in the abundances of CI and II subunits. At the single‐cell level, CI and II deficiencies were correlated in patients. The CI deficiency concomitantly occurred with low abundances of the mtDNA transcription factors TFAM and TFB2M, which also initiate transcription‐primed mtDNA replication. Consistent with this, real‐time PCR analysis revealed fewer transcription/replication‐associated mtDNA molecules and an overall reduction in mtDNA copy number in patients. This effect was more pronounced in single IPD neurons with severe CI deficiency.

Interpretation

Respiratory chain dysfunction in IPD neurons not only involves CI, but also extends to CII. These deficiencies are possibly a consequence of the interplay between nDNA and mtDNA‐encoded factors mechanistically connected via TFAM. ANN NEUROL 2016;79:366–378
Effects of fiber‐surface treatment on the properties of hybrid composites prepared from oil palm empty fruit bunch fibers, glass fibers, and recycled polypropylene
Authors: Islam Muhammad Remanul , Gupta Arun , Rivai Makson , Beg Mohammad Dalour Hossen , Mina Md. Forhad
Published: November 2015

In this article, we report the effects of hybridization and fiber‐surface modification on the properties of hybrid composites prepared from recycled polypropylene (RPP), coupling agents, oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), and glass fibers through a twin‐screw extruder and an injection‐molding machine. The surface of the EFB fibers was modified with different concentrations (10–15 wt %) and temperatures (60–90°C) of alkali solutions. The structure and morphology of the fibers were observed with the help of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Different types of composites were fabricated with untreated, alkali‐treated, and heat‐alkali‐treated fibers. Comparative analysis of the mechanical, structural, morphological, and thermal properties of the composites was carried out to reveal the effects of treatment and hybridization. The analysis results reveal that composites prepared from the alkali‐treated (in the presence of heat) fibers show improved mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties with a remarkably reduced water absorption. Additionally, the crystallinity of RPP also increased with the development of biaxial crystals. The improvement of various properties in relation to the structures and morphologies of the composites is discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43049.
Genome‐Wide Association Study in an Amerindian Ancestry Population Reveals Novel Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Risk Loci and the Role of European Admixture
Authors: Alarcón‐Riquelme Marta E. , Ziegler Julie T. , Molineros Julio , Howard Timothy D. , Moreno‐Estrada Andrés , Sánchez‐Rodríguez Elena , Ainsworth Hannah C. , Ortiz‐Tello Patricia , Comeau Mary E. , Rasmussen Astrid , Kelly Jennifer A. , Adler Adam , Acevedo‐Vázquez Eduardo M. , Mariano Cucho-Venegas Jorge , García‐De la Torre Ignacio , Cardiel Mario H. , Miranda Pedro , Catoggio Luis J. , Maradiaga‐Ceceña Marco , Gaffney Patrick M. , Vyse Timothy J. , Criswell Lindsey A. , Tsao Betty P. , Sivils Kathy L. , Bae Sang‐Cheol , James Judith A. , Kimberly Robert P. , Kaufman Kenneth M. , Harley John B. , Esquivel‐Valerio Jorge A. , Moctezuma José F. , García Mercedes A. , Berbotto Guillermo A. , Babini Alejandra M. , Scherbarth Hugo , Toloza Sergio , Baca Vicente , Nath Swapan K. , Aguilar Salinas Carlos , Orozco Lorena , Tusié‐Luna Teresa , Zidovetzki Raphael , Pons‐Estel Bernardo A. , Langefeld Carl D. , Jacob Chaim O.
Published: November 2015

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a strong genetic component. We undertook the present work to perform the first genome‐wide association study on individuals from the Americas who are enriched for Native American heritage.

Methods

We analyzed 3,710 individuals from the US and 4 countries of Latin America who were diagnosed as having SLE, and healthy controls. Samples were genotyped with HumanOmni1 BeadChip. Data on out‐of‐study controls genotyped with HumanOmni2.5 were also included. Statistical analyses were performed using SNPtest and SNPGWA. Data were adjusted for genomic control and false discovery rate. Imputation was performed using Impute2 and, for classic HLA alleles, HiBag. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.

Results

The IRF5–TNPO3 region showed the strongest association and largest OR for SLE (rs10488631: genomic control–adjusted P [Pgcadj] = 2.61 × 10−29, OR 2.12 [95% CI 1.88–2.39]), followed by HLA class II on the DQA2–DQB1 loci (rs9275572: Pgcadj = 1.11 × 10−16, OR 1.62 [95% CI 1.46–1.80] and rs9271366: Pgcadj = 6.46 × 10−12, OR 2.06 [95% CI 1.71–2.50]). Other known SLE loci found to be associated in this population were ITGAM, STAT4, TNIP1, NCF2, and IRAK1. We identified a novel locus on 10q24.33 (rs4917385: Pgcadj = 1.39 × 10−8) with an expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) effect (Peqtl = 8.0 × 10−37 at USMG5/miR1307), and several new suggestive loci. SLE risk loci previously identified in Europeans and Asians were corroborated. Local ancestry estimation showed that the HLA allele risk contribution is of European ancestral origin. Imputation of HLA alleles suggested that autochthonous Native American haplotypes provide protection against development of SLE.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that studying admixed populations provides new insights in the delineation of the genetic architecture that underlies autoimmune and complex diseases.
Brief Report: Menopause and Primary Ovarian Insufficiency in Women Treated for Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitides
Authors: Tuin Janneke , Sanders Jan‐Stephan F. , van Beek André P. , Hoek Annemieke , Stegeman Coen A.
Published: November 2015

Objective

One of the side effects of cyclophosphamide is earlier menopause and primary ovarian insufficiency. This study was undertaken to investigate the onset of menopause and the incidence of primary ovarian insufficiency in women with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitis (AAV), especially after treatment with orally administered cyclophosphamide.

Methods

We retrospectively studied the onset of menopause and the influence of cyclophosphamide in women diagnosed as having AAV in our center between 1970 and 2012.

Results

Ninety‐four premenopausal women diagnosed as having AAV were included. Sixty‐seven patients received cyclophosphamide, and 27 received other, mostly immunosuppressive, medication. Forty‐six cyclophosphamide‐treated women developed menopause, 22 of whom were considered to have primary ovarian insufficiency. None of the patients who were not treated with cyclophosphamide developed primary ovarian insufficiency. There was a significant association between a cumulative cyclophosphamide dose of >16.6 gm, versus a cumulative dose of <16.6 gm, and menopause (χ2 = 8.72, P = 0.003; odds ratio [OR] 2.60 [95% confidence interval 1.38–4.90]). In addition, there was a significant association between a cumulative cyclophosphamide dose of <16.6 gm, versus no cyclophosphamide exposure, and menopause (χ2 = 16.37, P < 0.001; OR 7.32 [95% confidence interval 2.79–19.20]). Both women who received cyclophosphamide and those who did not experienced involuntary childlessness.

Conclusion

Earlier menopause and primary ovarian insufficiency frequently develop after oral cyclophosphamide therapy in premenopausal women with AAV. Involuntary childlessness is common after the development of primary ovarian insufficiency, but it also occurs in women not treated with cyclophosphamide. These findings emphasize the importance of the use of drugs that are not toxic to gonadal function in women of childbearing age.
Adaptive radiation of Darwin's finches revisited using whole genome sequencing
Authors: Almén Markus Sällman , Lamichhaney Sangeet , Berglund Jonas , Grant B. Rosemary , Grant Peter R. , Webster Matthew T. , Andersson Leif
Published: November 2015

We recently used genome sequencing to study the evolutionary history of the Darwin's finches. A prominent feature of our data was that different polymorphic sites in the genome tended to indicate different genetic relationships among these closely related species. Such patterns are expected in recently diverged genomes as a result of incomplete lineage sorting. However, we uncovered conclusive evidence that these patterns have also been influenced by interspecies hybridisation, a process that has likely played an important role in the radiation of Darwin's finches. A major discovery was that segregation of two haplotypes at theALX1locus underlies variation in beak shape among the Darwin's finches, and that differences between the two haplotypes in a 240 kb region in blunt and pointed beaked birds involve both coding and regulatory changes. As we review herein, the evolution of such adaptive haplotypes comprising multiple causal changes appears to be an important mechanism contributing to the evolution of biodiversity.
A Structuring Repeat for Peptide Design: Long Beta Ribbons
Authors: Kier Brandon L. , Newbloom Gregory M. , Pozzo Lilo D. , Andersen Niels H.
Published: November 2015

Beta sheets are inherently length‐limited; adding residues to the ends of model β‐sheets does not necessarily grow the β‐sheet. Here, we present a method for extending β‐sheets to any length with a stabilizing repeat unit containing cross‐strand Trp residues. Beta ribbons as long as 35 residues (approaching 100 Å in length) are reported and characterized.
Low‐Temperature Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Mesoporous Titanium Oxysulfides
Authors: Smith Luke A. C. , Trudeau Michel L. , Provencher Manon , Smith Mark E. , Antonelli David M.
Published: November 2015

This paper describes the synthesis and electrochemical properties of mesoporous titanium oxysulfides prepared through the chemical treatment of pristine mesoporous titanium oxide under various synthesis conditions. The materials were doped with sulfur by using hexamethyldisilathiane (HMDST), a strategy that was developed to improve the conductivity of the material, whilst also retaining the porosity and thermal stability. Varying amounts of HMDST and different synthesis temperatures were tested to optimize the surface area and electrochemical performance. Lower temperatures generally yielded materials with superior properties and, even though the conductivity was improved by using higher loading levels of HMDST, it also led to a drop in initial capacity at the highest synthesis temperature of 200 °C (137–41 mAh g−1). The best performing material was, thus, synthesized by using the highest level of HMDST (3.5 mL) at lower heating temperatures (100–150 °C). This set of conditions maximizes the combination of surface area, initial capacity, conductivity, and capacity retention, the latter of which was notably superior to that of the pristine material (81 vs. 35 %), emphasizing the overall success of this doping strategy in improving the electrochemical properties of these otherwise insulating materials.
The Synthesis, Characterization and Dehydrogenation of Sigma‐Complexes of BN‐Cyclohexanes
Authors: Kumar Amit , Ishibashi Jacob S. A. , Hooper Thomas N. , Mikulas Tanya C. , Dixon David A. , Liu Shih‐Yuan , Weller Andrew S.
Published: November 2015

The coordination chemistry of the 1,2‐BN‐cyclohexanes 2,2‐R2‐1,2‐B,N‐C4H10 (R2=HH, MeH, Me2) with Ir and Rh metal fragments has been studied. This led to the solution (NMR spectroscopy) and solid‐state (X‐ray diffraction) characterization of [Ir(PCy3)2(H)2(η2η2‐H2BNR2C4H8)][BArF4] (NR2=NH2, NMeH) and [Rh(iPr2PCH2CH2CH2PiPr2)(η2η2‐H2BNR2C4H8)][BArF4] (NR2=NH2, NMeH, NMe2). For NR2=NH2 subsequent metal‐promoted, dehydrocoupling shows the eventual formation of the cyclic tricyclic borazine [BNC4H8]3, via amino‐borane and, tentatively characterized using DFT/GIAO chemical shift calculations, cycloborazane intermediates. For NR2=NMeH the final product is the cyclic amino‐borane HBNMeC4H8. The mechanism of dehydrogenation of 2,2‐H,Me‐1,2‐B,N‐C4H10 using the {Rh(iPr2PCH2CH2CH2PiPr2)}+ catalyst has been probed. Catalytic experiments indicate the rapid formation of a dimeric species, [Rh2(iPr2PCH2CH2CH2PiPr2)2H5][BArF4]. Using the initial rate method starting from this dimer, a first‐order relationship to [amine‐borane], but half‐order to [Rh] is established, which is suggested to be due to a rapid dimer–monomer equilibrium operating.
Synthesis of Plasmonic Cu2‐xSe@ZnS Core@Shell Nanoparticles
Authors: Wolf Andreas , Härtling Thomas , Hinrichs Dominik , Dorfs Dirk
Published: November 2015

We report the synthesis of plasmonic Cu2‐xSe@ZnS core@shell nanoparticles (NPs). We used a shell growth approach, starting from Cu2‐xSe NPs that have been shown before to exhibit a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). By careful synthesis planning we avoided cation exchange reactions and received core@shell nanoparticles that, after oxidation under air, exhibit a strong LSPR in the NIR. Interestingly, the crystalline, closed ZnS shell that we grew with variable thickness still allowed a slow oxidation of the core under ambient conditions, while the core was effectively protected from reduction, even in the presence of reducing agents such as borane tert‐butyamine complex and diisobutylaluminum hydride, giving rise to a stable particle LSPR, also under strongly reducing conditions.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α perpetuates synovial fibroblast interactions with T cells and B cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hu Fanlei , Liu Hongjiang , Xu Liling , Li Yingni , Liu Xu , Shi Lianjie , Su Yin , Qiu Xiaoyan , Zhang Xia , Yang Yuqin , Zhang Jian , Li Zhanguo
Published: November 2015

Synovial fibroblast hyperplasia, T‐cell hyperactivity, B‐cell overactivation, and the self‐perpetuating interactions among these cell types are major characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The inflamed joints of RA patients are hypoxic, with upregulated expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) in RA synovial fibroblasts (RASFs). It remains unknown whether HIF‐1α regulates interactions between RASFs and T cells and B cells. We report here that HIF‐1α promotes the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β, and cell–cell contact mediators IL‐15, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)‐1, thrombospondin (TSP)‐1, and stromal cell‐derived factor (SDF)‐1 in RASFs. Furthermore, HIF‐1α perpetuates RASF‐mediated inflammatory Th1‐ and Th17‐cell expansion while differentially inhibiting regulatory B10 and innate‐like B cells, leading to increased IFN‐γ, IL‐17, and IgG production and decreased protective natural IgM secretion. Our findings suggest that HIF‐1α perpetuates the interactions between RASFs and T cells and B cells to induce inflammatory cytokine and autoantibody production, thus exacerbating the severity of RA. Targeting HIF‐1α may provide new therapeutic strategies for overcoming this persistent disease.
Proline Sulfonamide‐Catalyzed, ­Domino Process for Asymmetric Synthesis of Amino‐ and Hydroxy‐Substituted Bicyclo[2.2.2]octanes
Authors: El‐Mansy Mohamed F. , Kang Jun Yong , Lingampally Rajinikanth , Carter Rich G.
Published: November 2015

A generalized method for accessing highly functionalized amino‐substituted bicyclo[2.2.2]octanes via p‐dodecylphenylsulfonamide catalyst in a good enantio‐ and diastereoselective fashion has been developed. A discussion of the mechanistic underpinnings of this transformation is presented. Finally, an unexpected discovery enabling the extension of this protocol to the synthesis of OH‐substituted bicyclo[2.2.2]octanes with encouraging levels of stereoselectivity is discussed.
Total Synthesis of (–)‐C/D‐cis‐De­hydro‐3‐O‐methyl‐estradiols
Authors: Kaluza Nora M. , Schollmeyer Dieter , Nubbemeyer Udo
Published: November 2015

A convergent synthesis of (–)‐dehydro‐3‐O‐methyl‐C/D‐cis‐estradiol started from stereochemically defined substituted optically active 3‐(2‐arylethyl)‐γ‐butyrolactones. Regioselective bromination of the anisyl moiety, reductive ring opening of the iodolactone, and protecting‐group changes led to a Weinreb amide. This then underwent an intramolecular Grignard reaction closing the B‐ring to give a tetralone with defined configuration. Introduction of C‐11 through an allyl Grignard addition and subsequent ring‐closing metathesis gave a tetrahydro phenanthrene derivative. Oxidation of the side‐chain alcohol resulted in the key aldehyde group, and a final samarium‐diiodide‐mediated reductive D‐ring annulation resulted in the generation of the target dehydro‐C/D‐cis‐estradiol derivatives with high stereoselectivity. Structure elucidation was carried out using NOEDS (nuclear Overhauser enhanced differential spectroscopy) analysis on the one hand, and conversion into known 3‐O‐methyl‐13β‐estradiols by double‐bond hydrogenation on the other. Further efforts to use this estradiol synthetic strategy to generate more complex steroidal natural products and pharmaceutically interesting compounds are in progress.
Bisphenol S alters embryonic viability, development, gallbladder size, and messenger RNA expression in chicken embryos exposed via egg injection
Authors: Crump Doug , Chiu Suzanne , Williams Kim L.
Published: November 2015

Amid concerns about the toxicological effects and environmental prevalence of bisphenol A (BPA), efforts to find suitable, safer replacement alternatives are essential. Bisphenol S (BPS) is a potential chemical substitute for BPA; however, few studies are available confirming that it has a more desirable ecotoxicological profile. In the present study, BPS was injected into the air cell of unincubated, fertilized chicken embryos at 6 concentrations ranging from 0 μg/g to 207 μg/g egg to determine effects on pipping success, development, hepatic messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression, thyroid hormone levels, and circulating bile acid concentrations. Concentrations of BPS increased in a dose-dependent manner in whole-embryo homogenates, and exposure to the highest dose, 207 μg/g, resulted in decreased pipping success (estimated median lethal dose = 279 μg/g; 95% confidence interval = 161–486 μg/g). Exposure to BPS also reduced growth metrics including embryo mass and tarsus length, whereas the most pronounced phenotypic effect was the concentration-dependent, significant increase in gallbladder size at concentrations ≥52.8 μg/g. These adverse phenotypic outcomes were associated with the modulation of gene targets from a chicken ToxChip polymerase chain reaction array, which are involved with xenobiotic metabolism, lipid homeostasis, bile acid synthesis, and the thyroid hormone pathway. Expression levels of 2 estrogen-responsive genes, apolipoprotein II and vitellogenin, were too low at the sampling time point assessed (i.e., pipping embryos) to quantify changes, and no effects were observed on circulating free thyroxine or bile acid concentrations. The present study provides novel, whole-animal toxicological data for a BPA replacement alternative that is not well characterized. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1541–1549. © 2015 SETAC
Exposure to the lampricide 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol results in increased expression of carbohydrate transporters in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Hinkle Karen L. , Anderson Chad C. , Forkey Blake , Griffin Jacob , Cone Kelsey , Vitzthum Carl , Olsen Darlene
Published: November 2015

The lampricide 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) is used to control sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) populations in freshwater lakes. Although TFM can have sublethal and lethal effects, little is known about gene expression changes with TFM exposure. Microarray analysis was used to determine differential gene expression over 4 h of exposure in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Among the most significantly up-regulated genes were regulators of carbohydrate transport, including HXT1, HXT3, HXT4, IMA5, MIG2, and YKR075C. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1727–1732. © 2015 SETAC
The Oxidation of Coated SOFC Interconnects in Fuel Side Environments
Authors: Sachitanand R. , Sattari M. , Svensson J.‐E. , Froitzheim J.
Published: November 2015

This study focuses on examining the effect of PVD coatings on the oxidation performance of interconnects in fuel (anode) side environments. A Fe‐22Cr ferritic steel was coated with (i) Ce 10 nm (ii) La 10 nm and (iii) Co 600 nm. The samples were exposed at 850 °C in Ar‐5% H2‐3% H2O in a tubular furnace over 500 h. Additionally, the effect of a pre‐oxidation step was investigated by exposure in air prior to the simulated fuel gas environment. Chemical analysis on the samples was subsequently performed with SEM/EDX and XRD. It was established that the Ce and La coatings brought about a factor 2–3 reduction (kp values of 2.16 × 10−14 ± 3.6 × 10−15 g2 cm−4 s−1 for the La 10 nm coated steel compared to 7.72 × 10−14 ± 5.86 × 10−15 g2 cm−4 s−1 for the uncoated steel) in the oxidation rate while the Co coating disintegrated into metallic islands in and on the thermally grown oxide after exposure. Additionally, the La coating resulted in the formation of a continuous perovskite layer by reaction with the thermally grown oxide.
How Bedrock‐Controlled Channel Migration Can Structure Selective Preservation of Archaeological Sites: Implications for Modeling Paleoindian Settlement
Authors: Herrmann Edward W.
Published: November 2015

Although Paleoindian sites in Indiana, USA, are commonly located on late Wisconsin (Last Glacial Maximum) outwash terraces, drainage basin development since deglaciation often obscures the visibility of such sites on flood plains by either burying them under alluvium or destroying them through erosion. Significant clusters of Paleoindian and Early Archaic sites, however, have been identified proximal to the modern White River channel in central Indiana on what is mapped as “floodplain.” These site cluster locations are patterned. They typically occur within bedrock‐controlled river reaches but are rare along unconfined meandering reaches. Subsurface reconnaissance and chronology indicate that despite the fact that they often flood, portions of the so‐called flood plains within bedrock‐confined reaches are actually terraces constructed of late Wisconsin outwash with minimal overbank sedimentation. Terrace preservation in these settings is a result of bedrock structure that protects older sediments from lateral erosion and differentially preserves archaeological sites near the modern channel in bedrock‐controlled reaches. Comparisons of archaeological sites within bedrock‐controlled segments of the White River to those in unconfined meandering segments suggests that significant numbers of Paleoindian and Early Archaic sites may be missing from river settings across the midcontinent. These findings demonstrate that bedrock channel controls are important to recognize when assessing prehistoric settlement distributions.
Cholinergic neuronal lesions in the medial septum and vertical limb of the diagonal bands of Broca induce contextual fear memory generalization and impair acquisition of fear extinction
Authors: Knox Dayan , Keller Samantha M.
Published: November 2015

Previous research has shown that the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and hippocampus (Hipp) are critical for extinction memory. Basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic input to the vmPFC and Hipp is critical for neural function in these substrates, which suggests BF cholinergic neurons may be critical for extinction memory. In order to test this hypothesis, we applied cholinergic lesions to different regions of the BF and observed the effects these lesions had on extinction memory. Complete BF cholinergic lesions induced contextual fear memory generalization, and this generalized fear was resistant to extinction. Animals with complete BF cholinergic lesions could not acquire cued fear extinction. Restricted cholinergic lesions in the medial septum and vertical diagonal bands of Broca (MS/vDBB) mimicked the effects that BF cholinergic lesions had on contextual fear memory generalization and acquisition of fear extinction. Cholinergic lesions in the horizontal diagonal band of Broca and nucleus basalis (hDBB/NBM) induced a small deficit in extinction of generalized contextual fear memory with no accompanying deficits in cued fear extinction. The results of this study reveal that MS/vDBB cholinergic neurons are critical for inhibition and extinction of generalized contextual fear memory, and via this process, may be critical for acquisition of cued fear extinction. Further studies delineating neural circuits and mechanisms through which MS/vDBB cholinergic neurons facilitate these emotional memory processes are needed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monitoring the Microscopic Molecular Mechanisms of Proton Transfer in Acid‐base Reactions in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Pines Dina , Nibbering Erik T. J. , Pines Ehud
Published: November 2015

This article provides a review of the authors’ collaborative work on acid‐base reactions under conditions allowing direct observation of mechanistic details of the proton transfer within reactive complexes of OH groups and the bases RCOO− (R=organic residues) in diffusion‐assisted neutralization reactions by using time‐resolved UV/Vis emission and IR absorption spectroscopy. We discuss the considerable insight gained by these experiments and outline the current status of the field.
Welfare and Stochastic Dominance for the Measurement of Banks' Domestic Systemic Importance: Analytical Framework and Application
Authors: Giordana Gaston Andrés
Published: November 2015

This paper proposes an analytical framework to rank alternative measures of banks' systemic importance in terms of their welfare impact. The advantage of our approach is that it does not require knowing the exact mathematical form of the underlying welfare function in the absence of a widely accepted model of systemic risk. The framework consists of two pillars. First, economic welfare is linked to the measured degree of systemic importance of banks. Second, the association between the concepts of stochastic and welfare dominance of distributions of the measured degree of systemic importance is defined. Then, the alternative measures can be welfare‐ranked by just establishing stochastic dominance relationships. An illustration is presented using Luxembourg data. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Motivations for Business Start‐up: Are There any Differences Between Disabled and Non‐disabled Microfinance Clients?
Authors: Beisland Leif Atle , Mersland Roy , Zamore Stephen
Published: November 2015

We use an Ecuadorian sample to investigate if there are differences in motivations for business start‐up between persons with and without disabilities. Generally, we do not document significant differences. The reason might be that we use a sample selected among customers of the microfinance bank Banco D‐MIRO. Without targeted incentives, disabled microfinance customers must resemble non‐disabled customers. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The design‐by‐treatment interaction model: a unifying framework for modelling loop inconsistency in network meta‐analysis
Authors: Jackson Dan , Boddington Paul , White Ian R.
Published: November 2015

In this note, we clarify and prove the claim made Higgins et al. () that the design‐by‐treatment interaction model contains all possible loop inconsistency models. This claim provides a strong argument for using the design‐by‐treatment interaction model to describe loop inconsistencies in network meta‐analysis. © 2015 The Authors. Research Synthesis Methods published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of Bacterial Cell Colonization on Plasma Induced Bio‐Adoptable Polymer Nanocomposites Membranes
Authors: Agrawal Narendra Kumar , Agarwal Ravi , Kumar Gautam Aashish , Jain Jeevanshu , Vijay Yogesh Kumar , Swami Kanti Chand
Published: November 2015

Polymers are receiving great interest for synthesis of biomedical devices but to use them for any biomedical application they must show biocompatibility. In this work we have enhanced bio‐compatibility of Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) using TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and plasma irradiation. Spherical shape, 15–20 nm TiO2 NPs were synthesized using wet chemical method and used to prepare polymer nano‐composite (PNC) membranes of 20 micron via solution casting method. Further these membranes were irradiated by low temperature glow discharge Oxygen (O2) ion plasma. Surface modifications produced by nanoparticle mixing and plasma irradiation were characterized by Optical Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). Results show increase in surface roughness and porosity thus changes surface energy and surface reactivity that helps to enhance selective bacterial growth on surface of the polymer nanocomposite membranes. The results are described in the paper.
A Comparative Study of the Effects of Oxygen Ions Upon the Free Volume and Physico‐Chemical Properties of Makrofol (KG & N) Polycarbonate
Authors: Gupta Sanjeev Kumar , Singh Paramjit , Awasthi K. , Roychowdhury A. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: November 2015

Makrofol (KG & N) polymers are the important class of polycarbonates which are used as solid state nuclear track detectors. The effect of 100 MeV oxygen ions (O7+) on the free volume and physico‐chemical properties of Makrofol (KG & N) polymers were studied. The pristine and irradiated samples were characterized by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, UV‐visible and FTIR. A comparative study of free volume was carried out from the obtained values of the pristine and irradiated samples of both the polymers. The absorption edges of UV‐visible were found to be shifted towards longer wavelength region. The intensities of the various absorption bands of the infrared spectra were found to be modified; which indicated the changes in the chemical properties of the exposed samples.
Electronic Transducing Chip Platforms for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Qureshi Anjum , Pandey Ashish , Gurbuz Yasar , Niazi Javed H.
Published: November 2015

Growing demand for a range of portable, rapid and low cost biosensing devices for the detection of disease biomarkers, toxic chemicals/drugs and engineered nanomaterials are ever demanding. Biosensors can play a critical role especially in the early diagnosis of disease such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) without having to rely on hospital visits where expensive and time‐consuming laboratory tests are recommended. Other major areas where biosensors are essential include chemical and biomedical industries. In order to address these applications, our research mainly focused on developing suitable electronic transducing platforms that enable label‐free, sensitive and single/multianalyte detection. One such example successfully applied was detection of a panel of disease biomarkers such as CRP, TNFα, and IL6 to potentially determine the CVD risks. This approach can be potentially extended to developing hand‐held devices for point‐of‐care applications. Another area we employed biosensors are for detecting toxic effects of engineered nanomaterials (NMs) that induce cellular toxicity using living whole‐cells‐on‐chip as biorecognition elements. Here, we summarized our research work carried out in our laboratory on capacitive transducing chip platforms for biosensing applications.
Polymer Concentration Dependent Morphological and Electro‐Optic Properties of Polymer Dispersed Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Composites
Authors: Jayoti Divya , Malik Praveen
Published: November 2015

Polymer Dispersed Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal (PDFLC) composites comprising of ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) and Ultra‐Violet (UV) curable polymer in different compositions have been synthesized by polymerization induced phase separation (PIPS) method and studied in thin sample cells of thickness 10 μm. Changes in liquid crystal (LC) droplet morphology and droplet size are investigated as a function of polymer concentration. The effect of polymer concentration on electro‐optical parameters (polarization, response time and rotational viscosity) has been studied. Faster response time (∼200–400 μsec) was seen in low concentration based PDFLC than higher polymer content PDFLC.
Oral administration of oleuropein attenuates cisplatin‐induced acute renal injury in mice through inhibition of ERK signaling
Authors: Potočnjak Iva , Škoda Marko , Pernjak‐Pugel Ester , Peršić Martina Pavletić , Domitrović Robert
Published: November 2015

Scope

Oleuropein possesses numerous health beneficial effects. We investigated the renoprotective effects of oleuropein against cisplatin (CP) induced kidney injury.

Methods and results

Male BALB/cN mice were orally gavaged with 5, 10 and 20 mg oleuropein/kg body weight for 2 days, 48 h after intraperitoneal injection of CP (13 mg/kg). Four days after CP administration, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were significantly elevated, with histopathological changes in renal tissue. In addition, renal oxidative stress was evidenced by increased expression of 3‐nitrotyrosine (3‐NT), 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE), cytochrome P450 E1 (CYP2E1) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1). The expression of nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) p65, phospho‐p65, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in the kidneys increased upon CP treatment, suggesting renal inflammation. CP intoxication increased the expression of p53, Bax and caspase‐3 and induced apoptosis in the kidneys. CP administration also resulted in enhanced phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). All these effects were dose dependently diminished by oleuropein. Oral administration of PD0325901, an MEK inhibitor, coincided with the oleuropein‐mediated suppression of apoptotic, inflammatory and antioxidant markers.

Conclusion

The results of the current study suggest that oleuropein attenuated CP‐induced acute renal injury, which was mediated through the inhibition of ERK signaling.
Proton observed phosphorus editing (POPE) for in vivo detection of phospholipid metabolites
Authors: Wijnen Jannie P. , Klomp Dennis W. J. , Nabuurs Christine I. H. C. , de Graaf Robin A. , van Kalleveen Irene M. L. , van der Kemp Wybe J. M. , Luijten Peter R. , Kruit Mark C. , Webb Andrew , Kan Hermien E. , Boer Vincent O.
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this article was to compare the sensitivity of proton observed phosphorus editing (POPE) with direct 31P MRS with Ernst angle excitation for 1H–31P coupled metabolites at 7 T.

POPE sequences were developed for detecting phosphocholine (PC), phosphoethanolamine (PE), glycerophosphocholine (GPC), and glycerophosphoethanolamine (GPE) on the 1H channel, thereby using the enhanced sensitivity of the 1H nuclei over 31P detection. Five healthy volunteers were examined with POPE and 31P‐MRS.

POPE editing showed a more than doubled sensitivity in an ideal phantom experiment as compared with direct 31P MRS with Ernst angle excitation. In vivo, despite increased relaxation losses, significant gains in signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of 30–40% were shown for PE and GPE + PC levels in the human brain. The SNR of GPC was lower in the POPE measurement compared with the 31P‐MRS measurement. Furthermore, selective narrowband editing on the 31P channel showed the ability to separate the overlapping GPE and PE signals in the 1H spectrum.

POPE can be used for enhanced detection of 1H–31P coupled metabolites in vivo. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between diffusion parameters derived from intravoxel incoherent motion MRI and perfusion measured by dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI of soft tissue tumors
Authors: Marzi Simona , Stefanetti Linda , Sperati Francesca , Anelli Vincenzo
Published: November 2015

Our aim was to evaluate the link between diffusion parameters measured by intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and the perfusion metrics obtained with dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI in soft tissue tumors (STTs). Twenty‐eight patients affected by histopathologically confirmed STT were included in a prospective study. All patients underwent both DCE MRI and IVIM DWI. The perfusion fraction f, diffusion coefficient D and perfusion‐related diffusion coefficient D* were estimated using a bi‐exponential function to fit the DWI data. DCE MRI was acquired with a temporal resolution of 3–5 s. Maps of the initial area under the gadolinium concentration curve (IAUGC), time to peak (TTP) and maximum slope of increase (MSI) were derived using commercial software. The relationships between the DCE MRI and IVIM DWI measurements were assessed by Spearman's test. To exclude false positive results under multiple testing, the false discovery rate (FDR) procedure was applied. The Mann–Whitney test was used to evaluate the differences between all variables in patients with non‐myxoid and myxoid STT. No significant relationship was found between IVIM parameters and any DCE MRI parameters. Higher f and D*f values were found in non‐myxoid tumors compared with myxoid tumors (p = 0.004 and p = 0.003, respectively). MSI was significantly higher in non‐myxoid tumors than in myxoid tumors (p = 0.029). From the visual assessments of single clinical cases, both f and D*f maps were in satisfactory agreement with DCE maps in the extreme cases of an avascular mass and a highly vascularized mass, whereas, for tumors with slight vascularity or with a highly heterogeneous perfusion pattern, this association was not straightforward. Although IVIM DWI was demonstrated to be feasible in STT, our data did not support evident relationships between perfusion‐related IVIM parameters and perfusion measured by DCE MRI. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Place Attachment and the Decision to Stay in the Neighbourhood
Authors: Clark William A. V. , Duque‐Calvache Ricardo , Palomares‐Linares Isabel
Published: November 2015

Research on residential mobility has focused on moving rather than staying, and as a consequence, we have a much poorer understanding of why people stay in contrast to why people move. But in fact staying is the usual practice and moving is a relatively rare event. We draw on previous work on staying and the notions of place attachment, that is being invested in a place, owning a house and having connections in the neighbourhood, to investigate the underlying dimensions of the decision to stay. We utilise a retrospective survey data set from Granada (Spain) to model, first, the decision to stay in the house versus moving and, second, the decision to move but stay in the neighbourhood versus moving outside the neighbourhood. The logit models show that family in the neighbourhood, interaction with the neighbours – local connection (using the facilities of the neighbourhood) and a measure of satisfaction with the neighbourhood provide a contextual understanding of why people stay, and who is likely to stay. The models provide data on the different meanings and ways of staying. Neighbourhood variables are crucial to explain the moves inside the same area, well beyond the personal and household characteristics included in most residential mobility models. As we would expect in the Spanish context, family plays an important role in attachment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Practical guide to sample size calculations: superiority trials
Authors: Flight Laura , Julious Steven A.
Published: November 2015

A sample size justification is a vital part of any investigation. However, estimating the number of participants required to give meaningful results is not always straightforward. A number of components are required to facilitate a suitable sample size calculation. In this paper, the steps for conducting sample size calculations for superiority trials are summarised. Practical advice and examples are provided illustrating how to carry out the calculations by hand and using the app SampSize. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The propagation of localized corrosion in Al‐Cu‐Li alloy
Authors: Zhang X. , Zhou X. , Ma Y. , Thompson G.E. , Luo C. , Sun Z. , Zhang X. , Tang Z.
Published: November 2015

The mechanism of localized corrosion in 2A97 aluminium alloy has been investigated. Electron backscatter diffraction analysis was performed at the localized corrosion site to determine the grain‐stored energy. The relationship between the grain‐stored energy, namely the population density of crystallographic defects, and the corrosion susceptibility of the alloy has been established. It was revealed that the grain boundaries that surrounded grains of relatively high stored energy were preferentially attacked. Intergranular corrosion could occur at grain boundaries where second phase precipitate was absent. Non‐uniform attack of the adjacent grain interior was also observed along the attacked grain boundary, with preferential dissolution of the grains with high stored energy. Copyright © 2015 The Authors Surface and Interface Analysis Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Multivariate test power approximations for balanced linear mixed models in studies with missing data
Authors: Ringham Brandy M. , Kreidler Sarah M. , Muller Keith E. , Glueck Deborah H.
Published: November 2015

Multilevel and longitudinal studies are frequently subject to missing data. For example, biomarker studies for oral cancer may involve multiple assays for each participant. Assays may fail, resulting in missing data values that can be assumed to be missing completely at random. Catellier and Muller proposed a data analytic technique to account for data missing at random in multilevel and longitudinal studies. They suggested modifying the degrees of freedom for both the Hotelling–Lawley trace F statistic and its null case reference distribution. We propose parallel adjustments to approximate power for this multivariate test in studies with missing data. The power approximations use a modified non‐central F statistic, which is a function of (i) the expected number of complete cases, (ii) the expected number of non‐missing pairs of responses, or (iii) the trimmed sample size, which is the planned sample size reduced by the anticipated proportion of missing data. The accuracy of the method is assessed by comparing the theoretical results to the Monte Carlo simulated power for the Catellier and Muller multivariate test. Over all experimental conditions, the closest approximation to the empirical power of the Catellier and Muller multivariate test is obtained by adjusting power calculations with the expected number of complete cases. The utility of the method is demonstrated with a multivariate power analysis for a hypothetical oral cancer biomarkers study. We describe how to implement the method using standard, commercially available software products and give example code. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testing of uniformity of seven Lathyrus species using Bennett’s and Miller’s methods
Authors: Zawieja Bogna , Rybiński Wojciech , Nowosad Kamila , Piesik Dariusz , Bocianowski Jan
Published: November 2015

In this paper we focused on uniformity of seven Lathyrus species: Lathyrus aphaca, L. cicero, L. clymenum, L. hirsutus, L. ochrus, L. sativus and L. tingitanus. Two statistical methods, the Bennett’s and the Miller’s were compared. In both methods, coefficient of variation for evaluation of the uniformity of crop varieties was used. Four quantitative traits were analyzed: length of the pod, width of the pod, weight of seeds from the pod and 100 seed weight. The results of the study demonstrated that, the Bennett’s method is less restrictive (lesser species were found to be uniform in analyzed traits) compared to the Miller’s one.
ATM Fees at Black and Hispanic Owned Single Market Banks: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Kashian Russ , McGregory Richard , Drago Robert
Published: November 2015

This paper presents evidence regarding three types of ATM fees: foreign fees charged for use of a non-bank ATM by the bank's customers, surcharges for use of bank ATMs by non-customers, and balance inquiry charges for the bank's own customers. It is hypothesized that, among single market banks, fees will be positively correlated with bank size, a lack of market competition, market penetration by multimarket banks, banks serving low income communities, and Black owned banks (BOBs) and Hispanic owned banks (HOBs), although banks may try to confuse depositors with fees that exhibit a low correlation, or may set low surcharges as part of a loss leader strategy. A 2013 sample of approximately 1500 single market banks, including 21 Black owned banks (BOBs) and 19 Hispanic owned banks (HOBs) is used for correlation and regression analyses. It is found that BOBs charge an average of $0.50 higher foreign fees, and are more likely to charge balance inquiry fees. We also find that larger banks tend to charge higher fees, and that banks may set higher fees where they serve disadvantaged communities of color. Surprisingly, market competition is never significantly associated with ATM fees, and there is minimal correlation across fees, and both results are consistent with banks setting fees strategically to confuse customers.
Targeting cholesterol with β‐cyclodextrin sensitizes cancer cells for apoptosis
Authors: Yamaguchi Ryuji , Perkins Guy , Hirota Kiichi
Published: November 2015

We found that targeting cholesterol with beta‐cyclodextrin (bCD) and its derivatives disrupted signal transduction between PI3K and AKT, attenuating AKT pro‐survival signals. In their absence, 2‐deoxyglucose (2DG) caused anti‐apoptotic protein Mcll to dissociate from pro‐apoptotic Bak at mitochondria. Normally Bak is sequestered by its inhibitory associations with Mcll and Bcl‐xL, and only when Bak is released from both, is it free to form oligomers through which cytochrome c can escape into the cytosol. Thus an addition of a bcl‐2 antagonist dissociates Bak from Bcl‐xL, triggering cytochrome c release and inducing apoptosis. 2DG–bCD can also sensitize type II cancer cells for TRAIL‐mediated apoptosis.