bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cellular mechanisms of dry eye: From pathogenesis to treatment
Authors: Mantelli Flavio , Massaro‐Giordano Mina , Macchi Ilaria , Lambiase Alessandro , Bonini Stefano
Published: May 2013

Dry eye is a complex disease characterized by changes in the ocular surface epithelia related to reduced quality and/or quantity of tears, inflammatory reaction, and impairment of ocular surface sensitivity. It has recently been proposed that increased tear osmolarity represents a main trigger to the altered cellular mechanisms leading to epithelial damage in dry eye. However, dry eye pathogenesis is multifactorial, with cytotoxic inflammatory mediators, altered lacrimal gland secretion and nerve function, squamous metaplasia of the conjunctival epithelium and decrease of goblet cells density, all playing a role in a detrimental loop that perpetuates and worsens damage to the corneal and conjunctival epithelia. Current topical treatments for dry eye patients include the use of lubricants and anti‐inflammatory drugs. However, lubricants only improve symptoms temporarily, and chronic use of topical steroids is associated to severe ocular side effects such as cataract and glaucoma. The deeper understanding of the cellular mechanisms that are altered in dry eye is opening novel perspectives for patients and physicians, who are seeking treatments capable not only of improving symptoms but also of restoring the homeostasis of the ocular surface. In this review, we will focus on novel anti‐inflammatory agents and on nerve growth factor, a neurotrophin that is altered in dry eye and has been suggested as a main player in the neuroimmune cross‐talk of the ocular surface as well as in the stimulation of corneal sensitivity, epithelial proliferation and differentiation, and stimulation of mucin production by goblet cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 2253–2256, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sirtuins' modulation of autophagy
Authors: Ng Fanny , Tang Bor Luen
Published: May 2013

The sirtuin family of class III histone deacetylases has been extensively implicated in modulating a myriad of cellular processes, including energy metabolism, stress response, cell/tissue survival and malignancy. Recent studies have also identified multifaceted roles for Sirt1 and Sirt2 in the regulation of autophagy. Sirt1 could influence autophagy directly via its deacetylation of key components of the autophagy induction network, such as the products of autophagy genes (Atg) 5, 7, and 8. Nucleus‐localized Sirt1 is also known to induce the expression of autophagy pathway components through the activation of FoxO transcription factor family members. The perception of a linear Sirt1‐FoxO axis in autophagy induction is complicated by recent findings that acetylated FoxO1 could bind to Atg7 in the cytoplasm and affect autophagy directly. This occurs with prolonged stress signaling, with FoxO1's continuous dissociation from cytoplasmic Sirt2 and its consequential hyperacetylation. FoxO‐mediated nuclear transcription may induce/enhance autophagy in ways that are different compared to cytoplasmic FoxO, thereby leading to contrasting (cell survival versus cell death) outcomes. FoxO and Sirt1 are both subjected to regulation by stress signaling (e.g., through the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNK)) in the context of autophagy induction, which are also critical in determining between cell survival and death in a context‐dependent manner. We discussed here the emerging molecular intricacies of sirtuins' connections with autophagy. A good understanding of these connections would serve to consolidate a framework of mechanisms underlying Sirt1's protective effects in multiple physiological systems. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 2262–2270, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimating energy spectra of electron precipitation above auroral arcs from ground‐based observations with radar and optics
Authors: Simon Wedlund C. , Lamy H. , Gustavsson B. , Sergienko T. , Brändström U.
Published: May 2013

In 2008, coordinated radar‐optical auroral observations were organized in Northern Scandinavia using the European Incoherent Scatter Radar (EISCAT) and the Auroral Large Imaging System (ALIS). A bright auroral arc was imaged on 5 March 2008 from four ground‐based stations, remaining stable between 18:41 and 18:44 UT and coinciding with increased electron densities. This work presents a unified inversion framework deriving the electron energy spectrum from either optical ( 1NG(0,1) emission at 4278 Å) or radar (electron density) observations. An updated forward model of the ionosphere based on a 1‐D kinetic Monte Carlo model is described, characterizing the linear system to invert. The 3‐D blue volume emission rate is first estimated with an iterative reconstruction technique. Also presented is a novel way to calculate an accurate initial guess for auroral tomography taking into account the horizontal/vertical nonuniformity of the emission region. This technique supersedes the often‐used Chapman profile as initial guess when high spatial resolution is needed. The second step, performed for the first time with ALIS optical observations, uses the forward model to retrieve from the emission rates the 2‐D latitude/longitude map of the electron energy spectrum. The same model and inversion methods are finally applied to the EISCAT electron density profiles to derive the temporal energy spectrum of precipitating electrons along the magnetic zenith. Energy spectra from radar and optics are in good agreement. Results suggest that the arc is generated by a complex energy spectrum reminiscent of dispersive Alfvén waves with two main peaks (2.5, 6 keV) and a typical latitudinal width of 7.5 km.
Changes in North American snowpacks for 1979–2007 detected from the snow water equivalent data of SMMR and SSM/I passive microwave and related climatic factors
Authors: Gan Thian Yew , Barry Roger G. , Gizaw Mesgana , Gobena Adam , Balaji Rajagopalan
Published: May 2013

Changes to the North American snowpacks for 1979–2007 were detected from snow water equivalent (SWE) retrieved empirically from horizontally polarized brightness temperature (TB) of a scanning multichannel microwave radiometer (18 and 37 GHz) and special sensor microwave imager (19 and 37 GHz) passive microwave data using the nonparametric Kendall's test. The predominant SWE trends detected agree with negative anomalies in snow cover observed in Northern Hemisphere since the 1980s, and both the SWE and snow cover results should be related to the significant increase in the surface temperature of North America (NA) observed since the 1970s. About 30% of detected decreasing trends of SWE for 1979–2007 are statistically significant, which is three times more than the significant increasing trends of SWE detected in NA. Significant decreasing SWE trends are more extensive in Canada than in the United States. The mean trend magnitudes detected for December–April are −0.4 to −0.5 mm/yr, which means an overall reduction of snow depth of about 5–8 cm in 29 years (assuming a snowpack density between 200 and 250 kg/m3), which can impact regions relying on spring snowmelt for water supply. From detected increasing (decreasing) trends of gridded temperature (precipitation) based on the North American Regional Reanalysis data set and the University of Delaware data set for NA, their respective correlations with SWE data and other findings, such as global scale decline of snow cover, longer rainfall seasons, etc., it seems the extensive decreasing trends in SWE detected mainly in Canada are more caused by increasing temperatures than by decreasing precipitation. However, climate anomalies could also contribute to the detected trends, such as PC1 of NA's SWE, which is found to be correlated to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation index and marginally correlated to the Pacific North American pattern.
CO2exchange of a temperate fen during the conversion from moderately rewetting to flooding
Authors: Koebsch Franziska , Glatzel Stephan , Hofmann Joachim , Forbrich Inke , Jurasinski Gerald
Published: May 2013

Year‐round flooding provides a common land management practice to reestablish the natural carbon dioxide (CO2) sink function of drained peatlands. Here we present eddy covariance measurements of net CO2exchange from a temperate fen during three consecutive growing seasons (May–October) that span a period of conversion from moderately rewetting to flooding. When we started our measurements in 2009, the hydrological conditions were representative for the preceding 20 years with a mean growing season water level (MWGL) of 0 cm but considerably lower water levels in summer. Flooding began in 2010 with an MWGL of 36 cm above the surface. The fen was a net CO2sink throughout all growing seasons (2009: −333.3 ± 12.3, 2010: −294.1 ± 8.4, 2011: −352.4 ± 5.1 g C m−2), but magnitudes of canopy photosynthesis (CP) and ecosystem respiration (Reco) differed distinctively. Rates of CP and Reco were high before flooding, dropped by 46% and 61%, respectively, in 2010, but increased again during the beginning of growing season 2011 until the water level started to rise further due to strong rainfalls during June and July. We assume that flooding decreases not only the CO2release due to inhibited Reco under anaerobic conditions but also CO2sequestration rates are constricted due to decreased CP. We conclude that rewetting might act as a disturbance for a plant community that has adapted to drier conditions after decades of drainage. However, if the recent species are still abundant, a rise in CP and autotrophic Reco can be expected after plants have developed plastic response strategies to wetter conditions.
From the EEL to the EGO: Psychoanalysis and the Remnants of Freud's Early Scientific Practice
Authors: Wieser Martin
Published: May 2013

While numerous historiographical works have been written to shed light on Freud's early theoretical education in biology, physiology, and medicine and on the influence of that education on psychoanalysis, this paper approaches Freud's basic comprehension of science and methodology by focusing on his early research practice in physiology and neuranatomy. This practice, taking place in the specific context of Ernst Brücke's physiological laboratory in Vienna, was deeply concerned with problems of visuality and the revelation of hidden organic structures by use of proper preparation techniques and optical instruments. The paper explores the connection between such visualizing practices, shaped by a physiological context as they were, and Freud's later convictions of the scientific status of psychoanalysis and the function of its method as means to unveil the concealed structure of the “psychical apparatus”.
Prevalence of IL‐28B and ITPA genotypes in Chinese Han population infected persistently with hepatitis C virus genotype 6 or HCV‐1
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Hong , Cai Qing‐Xian , Hong Chun‐Xia , Lin Chao‐Shuang , Zhao Zhi‐Xin
Published: May 2013

The geographic distribution, demographics, epidemiology, host factors, and clinical characteristics of persistent HCV‐6 infection in China need further characterization. This multicenter study enrolled 63 patients with persistent HCV‐6 infection and 63 patients with persistent HCV‐1 infection as controls. Blood biochemistry, quantitation of HCV RNA levels, and identification of host IL‐28B genotypes (rs12979860, rs8099917, and rs12980275) and ITPA genotype (rs1127354) were performed to estimate potential variability in host factors that may affect response to treatment. The mean HCV‐6 RNA level (3.8E6 IU/ml) was significantly higher than that in patients infected with HCV‐1 (1.7E6 IU/ml; P < 0.001). Patients persistently infected with HCV‐6 had a high prevalence of IL‐28B rs12979860 CC genotype (92.1%), rs8099917 TT genotype (93.7%), and rs12980275 AA genotype (90.5%). Their prevalence in patients infected with HCV‐1 was only modestly lower (82.5%, 84.1%, and 82.5%, respectively; P > 0.05). The inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPA) SNP rs1127354 CC genotype was present in 66.7% of patients infected with HCV‐6, comparable to that of patients infected with HCV‐1 (65.1%; P > 0.05). There were no differences in the liver function, proportion of hepatic cirrhosis patients or patients with increased serum glucose between these two groups. Persistent HCV‐6 infection in Chinese Han is found mainly in the southern China. Chinese Han with chronic HCV‐1 or HCV‐6 infection have IL‐28B genotypes, suggesting responsiveness to interferon‐based pharmacotherapy. Most patients (67%) possess the ITPA genotype associated with susceptibility to ribavirin‐induced hemolysis. The routes of transmission for HCV‐6 genotype were more diversified than HCV‐1 genotype. The outbreak of HCV‐6 infection through blood transfusion progressed faster than HCV‐1. J. Med. Virol. 85:1163–1169, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of VZV‐specific cell‐mediated immunity in adults infected with HIV‐1 by using a simple IFN‐γ release assay
Authors: Watanabe Dai , Otani Naruhito , Suzuki Sachiko , Dohi Hiromi , Hirota Kazuyuki , Yonemoto Hitoshi , Koizumi Yusuke , Otera Hiroshi , Yajima Keishiro , Nishida Yasuharu , Uehira Tomoko , Shima Masayuki , Shirasaka Takuma , Okuno Toshiomi
Published: May 2013

The development of herpes zoster is associated with reduced varicella zoster virus (VZV)‐specific cell‐mediated immune (CMI) reactions. In this study, VZV‐specific CMI reactions in 42 anti‐VZV‐IgG antibody‐positive adults infected with HIV‐1 were evaluated by measuring the IFN‐γ production levels in whole blood in response to stimulation with ultraviolet light‐inactivated live attenuated VZV vaccine. The median VZV‐specific IFN‐γ production level in all patients was 63 pg/ml. Antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐naïve patients with an AIDS‐defining illness (HIV classification category C) had significantly lower IFN‐γ production than ART‐naïve patients in categories A and B and patients receiving ART (P = 0.0194 and P = 0.0046, respectively). IFN‐γ production increased significantly in patients within 1 month of the onset of recurrent VZV disease and at more than 1 year from onset, compared with patients who had never had recurrent VZV disease (P = 0.0396 and P = 0.0484, respectively). In multivariate analyses, category C and history of recurrent VZV disease were significant factors affecting IFN‐γ production. Levels of IFN‐γ were measured before and after ART in seven ART‐naïve patients with no history of recurrent VZV disease, and no significant changes were observed. The results indicate that VZV‐specific CMI reactions were reduced in patients with an AIDS‐defining illness and enhanced in patients with a history of recurrent VZV disease, but not enhanced by ART alone. Vaccination may be necessary to inhibit the development of herpes zoster in patients receiving ART; this IFN‐γ releasing assay is one useful method for evaluating VZV‐specific CMI reactions in clinical settings. J. Med. Virol. 85:1313–1320, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Atmospheric impacts of an Arctic sea ice minimum as seen in the Community Atmosphere Model
Authors: Cassano Elizabeth N. , Cassano John J. , Higgins Matthew E. , Serreze Mark C.
Published: May 2013

There is growing recognition that reductions in Arctic sea ice extent will influence patterns of atmospheric circulation both within and beyond the Arctic. We explore the impact of 2007 ice conditions (the second lowest Arctic sea ice extent in the satellite era) on atmospheric circulation and surface temperatures and fluxes through a series of model experiments with the NCAR Community Atmospheric Model version 3 (CAM3). Two 30‐year simulations were performed; one using climatological sea ice extent for the end of the 20th century and other using observed sea ice extent from 2007. Circulation differences over the Northern Hemisphere were most prominent during autumn and winter with lower sea level pressure (SLP) and tropospheric pressure simulated over much of the Arctic for the 2007 sea ice experiment. The atmospheric response to 2007 ice conditions was much weaker during summer, with negative SLP anomalies simulated from Alaska across the Arctic to Greenland. Higher temperatures and larger surface fluxes to the atmosphere in areas of anomalous open water were also simulated. CAM3 experiment results were compared to observed SLP anomalies from the National Center for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) Reanalysis data. The observed SLP anomalies during spring are nearly opposite to those simulated. In summer, large differences were shown between the observed and simulated SLP also, suggesting that the sea ice conditions in the months preceding and during the summer of 2007 were not responsible for creating an atmospheric circulation pattern which favoured the large observed sea ice loss. The simulated and observed atmospheric circulation anomalies during autumn and winter were more similar than spring and summer, with the exception of a strong high pressure system in the Beaufort Sea which was not simulated, suggesting that the forced atmospheric response to reduced sea ice was in part responsible for the observed atmospheric circulation anomalies during autumn and winter.
Potassium–sodium interactions in soil and plant under saline‐sodic conditions
Authors: Wakeel Abdul
Published: May 2013

About 7% of the total land around the globe is salt‐affected causing a great loss to agriculture. Salt stress refers to the excessive amount of soluble salts in the root zone which induce osmotic stress and ion toxicity in the growing plant. Among toxic ions, sodium (Na+) has the most adverse effects on plant growth by its detrimental influence on plant metabolism in inhibiting enzyme activities. An optimal potassium (K+) : Na+ ratio is vital to activate enzymatic reactions in the cytoplasm necessary for maintenance of plant growth and yield development. Although most soils have adequate amounts of K+, in many soils available K+ has become insufficient because of large amounts of K+ removal by high‐yielding crops. This problem is exacerbated under sodic or saline‐sodic soil conditions as a consequence of K+‐Na+ antagonism. Here K+ uptake by plants is severely affected by the presence of Na+ in the nutrient medium. Due to its similar physicochemical properties, Na+ competes with K+ in plant uptake specifically through high‐affinity potassium transporters (HKTs) and nonselective cation channels (NSCCs). Membrane depolarization caused by Na+ makes it difficult for K+ to be taken up by K+ inward‐rectifying channels (KIRs) and increases K+ leakage from the cell by activating potassium outward‐rectifying channels (KORs). Minimizing Na+ uptake and preventing K+ losses from the cell may help to maintain a K+ : Na+ ratio optimum for plant metabolism in the cytoplasm under salt‐stress conditions. It would seem a reasonable assumption therefore that an increase in the concentration of K+ in salt‐affected soils may support enhanced K+ uptake and reduce Na+ influx via HKTs and NCCSs. Although very useful information is available regarding K+‐Na+ homeostasis indicating their antagonistic effect in plants, current knowledge in applied research is still inadequate to recommend application of potassium fertilizers to alleviate Na+ stress in plants under sodic and saline‐sodic conditions. Nevertheless some encouraging results regarding alleviation of Na+ stress by potassium fertilization provide the motivation for conducting further studies to improve our understanding and perspectives for potassium fertilization in sodic and saline‐sodic environments.
Palaeoenvironmental implications of evaporative gaylussite crystals from Lonar Lake, central India
Authors: ANOOP A. , PRASAD S. , PLESSEN B. , BASAVAIAH N. , GAYE B. , NAUMANN R. , MENZEL P. , WEISE S. , BRAUER A.
Published: May 2013

We have undertaken petrographic, mineralogical, geochemical and isotopic investigations on carbonate minerals found within a 10‐m‐long core from Lonar Lake, central India, with the aim of evaluating their potential as palaeoenvironmental proxies. The core encompasses the entire Holocene and is the first well‐dated high‐resolution record from central India. While calcite and/or aragonite were found throughout the core, the mineral gaylussite was found only in two specific intervals (4630–3890 and 2040–560 cal a BP). Hydrochemical and isotope data from inflowing streams and lake waters indicate that evaporitic processes play a dominant role in the precipitation of carbonates within this lake. Isotopic (δ18O and δ13C) studies on the evaporative gaylussite crystals and residual bulk carbonates (calcite) from the long core show that evaporation is the major control on δ18O enrichment in both the minerals. However, in case of δ13C additional mechanisms, for example methanogenesis (gaylussite) and phytoplankton productivity (calcium carbonate), play an additional important role in some intervals. We also discuss the relevance of our investigation for palaeoclimate reconstruction and late Holocene monsoon variability. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interglacial intensity in the North Atlantic over the last 800 000 years: investigating the complexity of the mid‐Brunhes Event
Authors: CANDY IAN , MCCLYMONT ERIN L.
Published: May 2013

The mid‐Brunhes Event (MBE) represents a step‐like increase, between Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 13/11, in the intensity of interglacial warmth. A transect of palaeoclimatic records in the North Atlantic from 40°N to the Nordic Seas indicates strong differences in the expression of the MBE within this region. Between 40 and 56°N sea surface and air temperature records suggest that all interglacials of the past 800 000 years were characterized by similar levels of warmth, so there is no evidence for an MBE in these latitudes of the North Atlantic. North of 56°N there is increasing evidence for interglacials MIS 19–13 being cold relative to MIS 11–1. As most records of long‐term interglacial diversity suggest the MBE is a global event the North Atlantic is clearly anomalous. Furthermore, the strong spatial difference in temperature conditions during interglacials MIS 19–13 in the North Atlantic means that the temperature gradient across this region would have been enhanced, in fact effectively doubled in magnitude, during this interval. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Counteraction of oxidative damage by pomegranate juice: influence of the cultivar
Authors: Nunzio Mattia Di , Toselli Moreno , Verardo Vito , Caboni Maria F , Bordoni Alessandra
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has gained widespread popularity as a potential functional food due to its high phenolics content. Although in different studies pomegranate juice has been shown to exert anti‐atherogenic, anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects, the cultivar‐related differences in phenolics content and antioxidant activity must be carefully taken into account when evaluating the health effects. The first aim of this study was to rank the juices of 15 different varieties of pomegranate according to their total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Then three juices were selected, better characterised and added to HepG2 cells as a supplement to evaluate the protective effect against induced oxidative stress.

RESULTS

The cultivars Wonderful, Hicaz and G2 were chosen according to the ranking and the corresponding juices used at two different concentrations as a supplement to HepG2 cells. Overall, all juices were able to protect cells from oxidative damage, but differences that could be related to the different phenolics content and pattern were detected among the three juices.

CONCLUSION

Our results show the advantage of screening cultivars prior to efficacy studies. This approach can be useful for food companies that focus on the development of food that has added nutritional and health value. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Fast response fringe‐field switching mode liquid crystal development for shutter glass 3D
Authors: Zhan Hong‐Ming , Xu Zheng , Wang Yong‐Can , Lin Li‐Feng , Chen Ming , Kim Woong , Wang Dan , Shao Xi‐Bin , Lee Seong‐Kyu
Published: May 2013

A type of fast response time (RT) liquid crystal (LC) was developed to adopt in fringe‐field switching (FFS) mode for shutter glass 3D display device, the average gray to gray level (GTG) RT can reduce from 7.43 ms to 4.48 ms at a refreshing rate of 60 Hz, and the transmittance can increase by 15.4% compared with conventional LC based on the same cell gap. Meanwhile, the correlation among optical efficiency, correlative color temperature (CCT) of module and retardation of LC for FFS mode was studied. Transmittance is proportional to the retardation of LC; however, the CCT is inversely proportional to the retardation. The fast response LC can keep almost the original optical efficiency and CCT.
Expedited liver allocation in the United States: A critical analysis
Authors: Kinkhabwala Milan , Lindower Joel , Reinus John F. , Principe Anita L. , Gaglio Paul J.
Published: May 2013

The fate of donor livers allocated via an out-of-sequence expedited placement (EP) pathway has not been previously examined. We determined the originating and receiving United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) regions of all donor livers procured between January 1, 2010 and October 31, 2012 and placed out of sequence with UNOS bypass code 863 (EP attempt) or 898 (miscellaneous). We reviewed the early function of these liver grafts and assessed the effect of EP allocation on wait-listed patients at our center. Registrants at our center were eligible to receive 1298 liver offers during the interval studied: 218 (16.8%) of these liver offers bypassed our center and were allocated to other centers and used in patients lower on the match-run list. During the study interval, 560 livers were allocated in the United States by EP. Regions 1, 5, 7, 9, and 10 used the greatest number of EP-placed grafts. Region 1 (New England) used the greatest proportion of all EP livers (33% of all imported EP livers in the United States, P < 0.001 versus all other regions). Graft function data were available for 560 livers placed by EP: 491 (88%) of these grafts were functioning at a mean of 399.5 days after transplantation. In conclusion, the transplantation of livers allocated by means of an expedited refusal code is asymmetric across regions and, in some instances, results in the bypassing of patients with higher wait-list priority but without notification of the bypassed center. Short-term graft function after EP allocation is excellent. Policies governing EP allocation should be created in order to improve access to available organs. Liver Transpl 19:1159-1165, 2013. © 2013 AASLD.
Stereoselective Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization of 7‐tert‐Butoxy‐bicyclo[2,2,1]hepta‐2,5‐diene by NHC–Ruthenium Catalysts
Authors: Mariconda Annaluisa , Grisi Fabia , Granito Alberto , Longo Pasquale
Published: May 2013

Ru complexes having N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands, differing in the bulkiness of N‐aryl substituents and in the backbone substitution and/or configuration, are utilized in the ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of 7‐tert‐butoxybicyclo[2,2,1]hepta‐2,5‐diene (7‐TBONBD). The activity, regioselectivity, and stereoselectivity of the catalysts are investigated and rationalized considering the influence of the NHC ligand architectures of Ru complexes on the outcome of the polymerization. The reactivity order is influenced by bulky substituents at the nitrogen of the NHC ligand and by NHC‐backbone substitution. All of the catalysts give rise to living polymerizations and show high selectivity, producing highly syndiotactic polymers with 100% of anti‐units and, surprisingly, an elevated cis‐content (up to 88%).

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Prevalence of selected genomic deletions and duplications in a French–Canadian population‐based sample of newborns
Authors: Tucker Tracy , Giroux Sylvie , Clément Valérie , Langlois Sylvie , Friedman Jan M. , Rousseau François
Published: May 2013

Chromosomal microarray analysis has identified many novel microdeletions or microduplications that produce neurodevelopmental disorders with a recognizable clinical phenotype and that are not observed in normal individuals. However, imbalance of other genomic regions is associated with a variable phenotype with intellectual disability (ID) or autism in some individuals but are also observed in completely normal individuals. Several large studies have reported the prevalence of copy number (CN) variants in people with particular features (e.g., ID, autism, schizophrenia, or epilepsy); few studies have investigated the prevalence of genomic CN changes in the general population. We used a high‐throughput method to screen 6813 consecutive cord blood samples from a predominantly French–Canadian population to assess genomic CN in five genomic regions: 1p36, 15q11‐q13, 16p11.2, 16p11.2‐p12.2, and 22q11.2. We identified one deletion and one duplication within 1p36, two deletions of 15q11‐q13, eight deletions of 16p11.2‐p12.2, two deletions and five duplications of 16p11.2, and six duplications of 22q11.2. This study provides estimates of the frequency of CN variants in an unselected population. Our findings have important implications for genetic counseling.
On the dimension of global attractors for porous media equations
Authors: Niu Weisheng
Published: May 2013

We provide a short proof on the infinite dimensionality of global attractors for a class of porous media equations. The proof is mainly based on the Z2 index theory and proper use of energy functions and is completely different from the approaches in the existing literatures (M. Efendiev and S. Zelik, Finite and infinite dimensional attractors for porous media equations, Proc. London Math. Soc. 2008, 96:51–77; M. Efendiev, Infinite dimensional attractors for porous medium equations in heterogeneous medium, Math. Meth. Appl. Sci. 2012, DOI: 10.1002/mma.2619). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Proposed Biosynthetic Pathway of Picrosides Linked through the Detection of Biochemical Intermediates in the Endangered Medicinal Herb Picrorhiza kurroa
Authors: Kumar Varun , Sood Hemant , Sharma Manu , Chauhan Rajinder Singh
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth is an important medicinal herb used in the preparation of several herbal drug formulations due to the presence of picroside‐I (P‐I) and picroside‐II (P‐II) along with other iridoid‐glucosides derivatives.

Objective

The endangered status of P. kurroa coupled with lack of information on biosynthesis of P‐I and P‐II necessitate deciphering the biosynthetic pathway for picrosides.

Methods

LC with electrospray ionisation (ESI) and quadrupole time of flight combined with MS/MS was used to detect intermediates and assemble the picrosides biosynthetic pathway in P. kurroa.

Results

The presence of catalpol and aucubin, the major backbone structures of picrosides, along with intermediate metabolites boschnaloside, bartsioside and mussaenosidic acid, was confirmed in ESI negative mode with pseudomolecular ion peaks, that is, m/z 361, m/z 343, m/z 345, m/z 329 and m/z 375 ions and their fragmentation patterns.

Conclusion

The picrosides biosynthetic pathway is expected to provide a reliable platform towards understanding the molecular components (genes/enzymes) of P‐I and P‐II biosynthesis in P. kurroa for their eventual utilisation in various applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of novel protein domains required for the expression of an active dehydratase fragment from a polyunsaturated fatty acid synthase
Authors: Oyola‐Robles Delise , Gay Darren C. , Trujillo Uldaeliz , Sánchez‐Parés John M. , Bermúdez Mei‐Ling , Rivera‐Díaz Mónica , Carballeira Néstor M. , Baerga‐Ortiz Abel
Published: May 2013

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are made in some strains of deep‐sea bacteria by multidomain proteins that catalyze condensation, ketoreduction, dehydration, and enoyl‐reduction. In this work, we have used the Udwary‐Merski Algorithm sequence analysis tool to define the boundaries that enclose the dehydratase (DH) domains in a PUFA multienzyme. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of four areas of high structure in a region that was previously thought to contain only two DH domains as defined by FabA‐homology. The expression of the protein fragment containing all four protein domains resulted in an active enzyme, while shorter protein fragments were not soluble. The tetradomain fragment was capable of catalyzing the conversion of crotonyl‐CoA to β‐hydroxybutyryl‐CoA efficiently, as shown by UV absorbance change as well as by chromatographic retention of reaction products. Sequence alignments showed that the two novel domains contain as much sequence conservation as the FabA‐homology domains, suggesting that they too may play a functional role in the overall reaction. Structure predictions revealed that all domains belong to the hotdog protein family: two of them contain the active site His70 residue present in FabA‐like DHs, while the remaining two do not. Replacing the active site His residues in both FabA domains for Ala abolished the activity of the tetradomain fragment, indicating that the DH activity is contained within the FabA‐homology regions. Taken together, these results provide a first glimpse into a rare arrangement of DH domains which constitute a defining feature of the PUFA synthases.
Compound Semiconductors
Authors: Krishna Sanjay , Plis Elena , Bhattacharya Pallab , Huffaker Diana
Published: May 2013

The present issue of physica status solidi contains papers presented at the 39th International Symposium on Compound Semiconductors (ISCS 2012) held in Santa Barbara on the UCSB campus, August 27–30, 2012. ISCS 2012 was colocated with the 24th International Conference on Indium Phosphide and Related Materials (IPRM 2012) during Compound Semiconductor Week (CSW 2012).

CSW 2012 was kicked‐off with a joint plenary session. The four distinguished plenary speakers and the titles of their talks were William Deal, THz Integrated Circuits; John Geisz, III–V Semiconductors for High‐efficiency Multijunction Photovoltaics; Andrew Shields, Semiconductor Devices for Quantum Information Applications; Marc A. Taubenblatt, Optical Interconnects for Computer‐com. The opening session was followed by invited talks, contributed oral presentations, and poster presentations in both ISCS and IPRM. Also included in the technical program were two short courses and a rump session organized by IPRM.

The week also included an awards session, an excursion to downtown Santa Barbara with wine tasting and the conference barbeque on Goleta beach.

We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to members of the Program Committees for their tireless efforts in assembling a high quality technical program and to members of the International Steering Committees and the UCSB Committee on Local Arrangements for their help. We also thank the exhibitors for their participation and support and gratefully acknowledge the support provided by the Office of Naval Research. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modeling of monolayer adsorption of hydrogen on ZSM‐5 zeolite by lattice density functional theory
Authors: Du Xiaoming , Wu Erdong
Published: May 2013

The adsorption isotherms of hydrogen on microporous zeolite ZSM‐5, at supercritical conditions, have been modeled using the monolayer lattice density functional theory (LDFT) models, where the simple cubic lattice, face‐centered cubic lattice, body‐centered cubic lattice and tetragonal lattice structures are assumed for the arrangements of the adsorption sites inside pores based on the size and shape of the zeolite. The results indicate that the monolayer LDFT models appear to be effective in describing hydrogen adsorption on zeolite ZSM‐5 at supercritical conditions, and the calculated adsorption isotherms agree well with the experimental isotherms measured previously. The layer density of adsorbed phase is presented versus the bulk density and temperature. It is found that the densities of adsorbed phase on adsorbent surface are much higher than the bulk density for temperature range under study. However, in the core region, the layer densities are close to the bulk density. The monolayer adsorption is suitable for hydrogen on ZSM‐5 zeolite. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photothermally Controlled Gene Delivery by Reduced Graphene Oxide–Polyethylenimine Nanocomposite
Authors: Kim Hyunwoo , Kim Won Jong
Published: May 2013

Externally stimuli‐triggered spatially and temporally controlled gene delivery can play a pivotal role in achieving targeted gene delivery with maximized therapeutic efficacy. In this study, a photothermally controlled gene delivery carrier is developed by conjugating low molecular‐weight branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) via a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacer. This PEG–BPEI–rGO nanocomposite forms a stable nano‐sized complex with plasmid DNA (pDNA), as confirmed by physicochemical studies. For the in vitro gene transfection study, PEG–BPEI–rGO shows a higher gene transfection efficiency without observable cytotoxicity compared to unmodified controls in PC‐3 and NIH/3T3 cells. Moreover, the PEG–BPEI–rGO nanocomposite demonstrates an enhanced gene transfection efficiency upon NIR irradiation, which is attributed to accelerated endosomal escape of polyplexes augmented by locally induced heat. The endosomal escaping effect of the nanocomposite is investigated using Bafilomycin A1, a proton sponge effect inhibitor. The developed photothermally controlled gene carrier has the potential for spatial and temporal site‐specific gene delivery.
Plugging in and into code bubbles: the code bubbles architecture
Authors: Reiss Steven P. , Bott Jared N. , La Viola Joseph J.
Published: May 2013

Code Bubbles is an attempt to redefine the user interface for an integrated programming environment. As it represents a whole new user interface, implementing it as a plug‐in is inherently difficult. We get around this difficulty by combining two different plug‐in architectures, a standard one based on registrations and callbacks and a message‐based one that puts the plug‐in at arm's length and defines a narrower two‐way interface. This paper describes both how we have implemented Code Bubbles as a plug‐in to Eclipse and how Code Bubbles itself is implemented as a set of plug‐ins representing the different aspects of the environment, using both traditional and message‐based plug‐in architectures as appropriate. It also shows how the resultant architecture is flexible enough to support collaboration, different back ends, and a cloud‐based environment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reducing Rework by Applying Set‐Based Practices Early in the Systems Engineering Process
Authors: Kennedy Brian M. , Sobek Durward K. , Kennedy Michael N.
Published: May 2013

Rework that occurs late in the product life cycle is dramatically more expensive than design work performed early in the cycle. However, shifting traditional design work earlier in the design process so as to avoid rework later is difficult. A number of product development practices that have been characterized as a shift from developing a single‐point design to developing a set of possible designs have proven effective at reducing development rework. This paper refines the definitions of such “set‐based” development practices, which are aimed at early development phases, and shows how they can be applied to the systems engineering process in order to reduce or eliminate the root causes of rework. Examples from the Wright Brothers, Toyota, and several other companies are presented.
Learning Histories to YouTube: Learners' Lives as Curriculum
Authors: Murphey Tim
Published: May 2013

The article describes the agentive development of a group of first‐year Japanese university students. They first individually wrote their language learning histories to grasp what they had been through in their junior and senior high school English education. They then analyzed the histories in small groups, discussing what motivated and demotivated each person, what students and teachers might learn from their experiences, and what the Ministry of Education (Monbusho) might do to support their learning more. The small groups wrote reports and sent their findings to the Ministry of Education at the end of the year along with a 3‐min YouTube video of the major findings. Their reports concluded that Japanese students endure too much test‐focused grammar and lectures in their junior and senior high school education and would prefer to learn more from a more orally interactive curriculum with complementary teaching methods. This agency‐inviting process that the students progressed through is similar to Weinstein's () conception of “learners' lives as curriculum,” echoing Freire's () and Dewey's (1938/1963) participatory and experiential learning and community involvement, which invites and encourages more agency from students.
Thinking Like Researchers: An ESL Project That Investigates Local Communities
Authors: McPherron Paul , Randolph Patrick T.
Published: May 2013

Drawing on task‐based and intercultural teaching approaches, this article presents an ESL classroom project at two different university settings in which students investigate aspects of their local communities through the use of ethnographic and observational research techniques. For related reasons, the instructors at each university developed the observation project, and this article illustrates a comparison of the curriculum and projects used at the two universities through analyses of final student projects and surveys of students about their experiences completing the project. The multiple data sources point out the power of observation projects—such as the one detailed here—to teach basic language skills and foster intercultural dialogue and reflection. The article ends with a discussion of the pitfalls that the instructors encountered, including the reinforcement of preconceived stereotypes and beliefs, and it offers suggestions for implementing ethnographic and observational learning projects in a variety of settings.
Staff Development While You Teach: Collaborating to Serve English Learners
Authors: Walker Constance , Edstam Tina Scott
Published: May 2013

This article examines the nature of a sustained staff development program for teachers serving English learners in elementary schools. It begins by exploring the need for learners to have optimum language and content development, and indicates that many U.S. grade‐level and content area teachers have not been prepared to meet that need. Focusing on the experience of one elementary teacher, it then describes the 2‐year collaborative team effort within and between four elementary schools that provided for both individual and collective growth as professionals, as well as structure and motivation that would encourage the emergence of successful instructional practices. A key outcome of this model of staff development was the importance and value of treating educators as professionals—respecting their time, energy, need for connections with peers, and willingness to engage in professional growth. Another outcome was the unanimous positive response to staff development that was long term, focused, and sustained. Learning how best to address the needs of second‐language learners requires conversation within a school building. The challenge of bringing grade level and content area teachers together with peers to both explore and enhance their practice is substantial.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic, and Electrochemical Properties of Three Tetranuclear Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes Based on 4,5‐Diazafluorene
Authors: Cheng Feixiang , He Chixian , Yin Hongju , Tang Ning , Hou Nengbang
Published: May 2013

Three tetrapodal ligands 1,2,4,5‐tetrakis[4‐(4,5‐diazafluoren‐9‐ylimino)phenoxymethyl]benzene (L1), 1,2,4,5‐tetrakis[2‐(4,5‐diazafluoren‐9‐ylimino)phenoxymethyl]benzene (L2), and 1,2,4,5‐tetrakis[(4,5‐diazafluoren‐9‐ylimino)methyl]benzene (L3), and their corresponding RuII polypyridyl complexes [{Ru(bpy)2}4(μ4‐L1–3)](PF6)8 (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine) were synthesized and characterized. The spectroscopic behavior of the three complexes was investigated by UV/Vis absorption and emission spectroscopy. They display metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorptions at around 443 nm in CH3CN solution at room temperature, and emission at around 575 nm in EtOH/MeOH (4:1, v/v) glassy matrix at 77 K. Electrochemical studies of the three complexes show one RuII‐based oxidation at around 1.35 V and three ligand‐based reductions.
2‐Pyridylmetallocenes, Part V. Synthesis of Hydroxymethyl‐, Formyl‐, and Carboxy‐pyridylferrocene and Study of Their Cycloplatination Reactions. [Molecular Structures of [{C5H3R(2‐C5H4N)‐1, 2}FeCp] ­(R = CHO, COOH) and σ‐Pt[(C5H5)Fe{C5H2(2‐C5H4N)­(CH2OH)}]Cl (DMSO)
Authors: Sünkel Karlheinz , Budde Harald , Weigand Stefan
Published: May 2013

Lithiation of 2‐pyridylferrocene with n‐butyllithium followed by addition of paraformaldehyde, dimethylformamide, or solid CO2 gives the 1, 2‐disubstituted ferrocenes [{C5H3R(2‐C5H4N)}FeCp] [R = CH2OH (2), CHO (3), COOH (4)]. Treatment of these compounds with [PtCl2(DMSO)2] gives the cycloplatinated complexes σ‐Pt[{C5H2R(2‐C5H4N)}FeCp]Cl(DMSO) with R = CH2OH (5), CHO (6) and H, the latter one as the only isolable product of decomposition. The crystal and molecular structures of 3–5 were determined and show the importance of hydrogen‐bonds in these compounds, which leads to polymeric structures.
Synthesis and Structure of a Trinuclear Pd–Ag–Pd Carbene Acetato Complex
Authors: Micksch Maik , Herdtweck Eberhardt , Strassner Thomas
Published: May 2013

We describe the synthesis and the solid‐state structure of a trinuclear Pd–Ag–Pd carbene acetato complex. The structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray experiments [P21/n (no. 14) a = 12.0241(4), b = 25.7201(10), c = 21.3564(8) Å, β = 93.841(2)°, V = 6589.9(4) Å3, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0319, wR2 = 0.0721]. The complex consists of two palladium biscarbene units connected to a silver atom by bridging acetate ions with Pd–Ag bond lengths of 2.89 Å, which are shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii. Additionally the 13C NMR shifts of the carbene carbon atoms indicate that a palladium silver interaction is present. The repeat unit in the unit cell contains one complex and an infinite chain of two water molecules, one acetic acid and one acetate ion. We show that the hydrogen bond between the complex and a water molecule is the reason for the distorted arrangement.
Molecular Characterization of a Lysophosphatidylcholine Acyltransferase Gene Belonging to the MBOAT Family in Ricinus communis L.
Authors: Arroyo‐Caro José María , Chileh Tarik , Alonso Diego López , García‐Maroto Federico
Published: May 2013

Acyl‐CoA:lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase (LPCAT, EC 2.3.1.23) catalyzes acylation of lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPtdCho) to produce phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), the main phospholipid in cellular membranes. This reaction is a key component of the acyl‐editing process, involving recycling of the fatty acids (FA) mainly at the sn‐2 position of PtdCho. Growing evidences indicate that the LPCAT reaction controls the direct entry of newly synthesized FA into PtdCho and, at least in some plant species, it has an important impact on the synthesis and composition of triacylglycerols. Here we describe the molecular characterization of the single LPCAT gene found in the genome of Ricinus communis (RcLPCAT) that is homologous to LPCAT genes of the MBOAT family previously described in Arabidopsis and Brassica. RcLPCAT is ubiquitously expressed in all organs of the castor plant. Biochemical properties have been studied by heterologous expression of RcLPCAT in the ale1 yeast mutant, defective in lysophospholipid acyltransferase activity. RcLPCAT preferentially acylates lysoPtdCho against other lysophospholipids (lysoPL) and does not discriminates the acyl chain in the acceptor, displaying a strong activity with alkyl lysoPL. Regarding the acyl‐CoA donor, RcLPCAT uses monounsaturated fatty acid thioesters, such as oleoyl‐CoA (18:1‐CoA), as preferred donors, while it has a low activity with saturated fatty acids and shows a poor utilization of ricinoleoyl‐CoA (18:1‐OH‐CoA). These characteristics are discussed in terms of a possible role of RcLPCAT in regulating the entry of FA into PtdCho and the exclusion from the membranes of the hydroxylated FA.