bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current trends in the etiology and diagnosis of HPV‐related head and neck cancers
Authors: Chai Ryan C. , Lambie Duncan , Verma Mukesh , Punyadeera Chamindie
Published: February 2015

Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is a major risk factor for a distinct subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The current review summarizes the epidemiology of HNSCC and the disease burden, the infectious cycle of HPV, the roles of viral oncoproteins, E6 and E7, and the downstream cellular events that lead to malignant transformation. Current techniques for the clinical diagnosis of HPV‐associated HNSCC will also be discussed, that is, the detection of HPV DNA, RNA, and the HPV surrogate marker, p16 in tumor tissues, as well as HPV‐specific antibodies in serum. Such methods do not allow for the early detection of HPV‐associated HNSCC and most cases are at an advanced stage upon diagnosis. Novel noninvasive approaches using oral fluid, a clinically relevant biological fluid, allow for the detection of HPV and cellular alterations in infected cells, which may aid in the early detection and HPV‐typing of HNSCC tumors. Noninvasive diagnostic methods will enable early detection and intervention, leading to a significant reduction in mortality and morbidity associated with HNSCC.
Childhood‐onset schizophrenia case with 2.2 Mb deletion at chromosome 3p12.2–p12.1 and two large chromosomal abnormalities at 16q22.3–q24.3 and Xq23–q28
Authors: Rudd Danielle , Axelsen Michael , Epping Eric A. , Andreasen Nancy , Wassink Thomas
Published: February 2015

Key Clinical Message

Childhood‐onset schizophrenia is rare, comprising 1% of known schizophrenia cases. Here, we report a patient with childhood‐onset schizophrenia who has three large chromosomal abnormalities: an inherited 2.2 Mb deletion of chromosome 3p12.2–p12.1, a de novo 16.7 Mb duplication of 16q22.3–24.3, and a de novo 43 Mb deletion of Xq23–q28.
Nonspecific phenotype of Noonan syndrome diagnosed by whole exome sequencing
Authors: Coromilas Alexandra , Wynn Julia , Haverfield Eden , Chung Wendy K.
Published: February 2015

Key Clinical Message

Noonan syndrome is a genetically heterogeneous condition primarily due to missense mutations in PTPN11. Prenatal diagnosis is typically made in a fetus with increased nuchal translucency and normal karyotype. We demonstrate the ability of whole exome sequencing to make prenatal diagnoses that would not have been made from phenotype alone.
Photoactivatable Aggregation‐Induced Emission Fluorophores with Multiple‐Color Fluorescence and Wavelength‐Selective Activation
Authors: Peng Lu , Zheng Yue , Wang Xiaoyan , Tong Aijun , Xiang Yu
Published: February 2015

Photoactivatable (caged) fluorophores are widely used in chemistry, materials, and biology. However, the development of such molecules exhibiting photoactivable solid‐state fluorescence is still challenging due to the aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) effect of most fluorophores in their aggregate or solid states. In this work, we developed caged salicylaldehyde hydrazone derivatives, which are of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics upon light irradiation, as efficient photoactivatable solid‐state fluorophores. These compounds displayed multiple‐color emissions and ratiometric (photochromic) fluorescence switches upon wavelength‐selective photoactivation, and were successfully applied for photopatterning and photoactivatable cell imaging in a multiple‐color and stepwise manner.
Technologierohstoffe für erneuerbare Energien – Verfügbarkeit und ökologische Aspekte
Authors: Mocker Mario , Aigner Jonathan , Kroop Stephanie , Lohmeyer Rosina , Franke Matthias
Published: February 2015

Auf Grundlage von Materialbilanzen erneuerbarer Energieanlagen und dem prognostizierten Ausbaupotenzial regenerativer Technologien wurde der globale Rohstoffbedarf der Windenergie, der Photovoltaik und der Elektromobilität für den Zeitraum von 2012 bis 2030 abgeschätzt. Dabei zeigte sich, dass der Mengenbedarf der fünf Elemente Dysprosium, Kobalt, Lithium, Neodym und Silber mehr als 10 % ihrer kumulierten Jahresproduktion beträgt. Die Primärgewinnung dieser Rohstoffe wurde ferner untersucht, um weitere Versorgungsrisiken hinsichtlich des Ausbaus der Erneuerbaren Energien zu bestimmen.
Computational model of collagen turnover in carotid arteries during hypertension
Authors: Sáez P. , Peña E. , Tarbell J. M. , Martínez M. A.
Published: February 2015

It is well known that biological tissues adapt their properties because of different mechanical and chemical stimuli. The goal of this work is to study the collagen turnover in the arterial tissue of hypertensive patients through a coupled computational mechano‐chemical model. Although it has been widely studied experimentally, computational models dealing with the mechano‐chemical approach are not. The present approach can be extended easily to study other aspects of bone remodeling or collagen degradation in heart diseases. The model can be divided into three different stages. First, we study the smooth muscle cell synthesis of different biological substances due to over‐stretching during hypertension. Next, we study the mass‐transport of these substances along the arterial wall. The last step is to compute the turnover of collagen based on the amount of these substances in the arterial wall which interact with each other to modify the turnover rate of collagen. We simulate this process in a finite element model of a real human carotid artery. The final results show the well‐known stiffening of the arterial wall due to the increase in the collagen content. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic structure and historical demography of Schizothorax nukiangensis (Cyprinidae) in continuous habitat
Authors: Chen Weitao , Du Kang , He Shunping
Published: February 2015

Geographic distance, different living habitats or Pleistocene climatic oscillations have frequently been found to shape population genetic structure in many species. The genetic structure of Schizothorax nukiangensis, a high altitude, valuable fish species, which is distributed throughout the Nujiang River, was investigated by mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), cytochrome b (cytb), and the mitochondrial control region (MCR) of S. nukiangensis were concatenated for examination of population structure and demographic history. The concatenated data set (2405 bp) implied a pronounced genetic population structure (overall FST = 0.149) and defined two population units. Strong differentiation was detected between the Sanjiangkou (SJK) population and other populations due to environmental heterogeneity, dispersal ability, and/or glacial cycles. Additional DNA sequencing of the nuclear RAG2 gene also examined significant differentiation between two units and between SJK and the upstream populations (U‐unit). Recent expansion events suggest that S. nukiangensis may have undergone a rapid increase during warm interglacial periods. Surprisingly, S. nukiangensis appears to have undergone an obvious expansion during the last glaciations (LG) for cold hardiness and a sharp contraction from 1.5 ka to the present. However, two population units exhibited different reflections during the LG, which might be closely related to their living habitats and cold hardiness. A clear pattern of isolation by distance was detected in S. nukiangensis due to feeding habits, limited dispersal ability, and/or philopatry. It is vitally important that more attention be given to S. nukiangensis due to low genetic diversity, lack of gene flow, and recent population contraction.
Introduction to special issue on connectivity in water and sediment dynamics
Authors: Parsons Anthony J. , Bracken Louise , Poeppl Ronald E. , Wainwright John , Keesstra Saskia D.
Published: February 2015

Connectivity has emerged in recent years as a significant conceptual framework within which to address the spatial and temporal variability in runoff and sediment transport. This special issue draws together several of the papers that were presented in the session “Connectivity in water and sediment dynamics: how do we move forwards?” at the 2012 General Assembly of the European Geosciences Union in Vienna, Austria. The papers submitted for this special issue fall into three groups: empirical studies, modelling studies, and conceptual development. Although it may be evident that the concept of connectivity helps us to express the complexity (in terms of water and sediment yields) of landscape responses to rainfall inputs, does it improve our ability to understand or predict those responses? There would still seem to be some way to go in connectivity research before this nagging concern can be assuaged. That it can be will undoubtedly be an important task for a number of ongoing research initiatives. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Merkel cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Favorable outcomes with radiotherapy
Authors: Bishop Andrew J. , Garden Adam S. , Gunn G. Brandon , Rosenthal David I. , Beadle Beth M. , Fuller Clifton D. , Levy Lawrence B. , Gillenwater Ann M. , Kies Merrill S. , Esmaeli Bita , Frank Steven J. , Phan Jack , Morrison William H.
Published: February 2015

Background

The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the head and neck using a radiation‐based treatment approach.

Methods

We reviewed records of 106 consecutive patients with MCC of the head and neck treated with radiation therapy (RT) at our institution between 1988 and 2011. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate outcomes and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated.

Results

The 5‐year actuarial local and regional control rates were 96% and 96%, respectively. There were no regional recurrences in 22 patients treated with RT to gross nodal disease without neck dissection. The 5‐year cause‐specific survival rate was 76%. Lymphadenopathy at presentation impacted distant metastatic‐free survival outcomes (p < .001). Treatment was well tolerated with only 5 patients having grade ≥3 toxicities.

Conclusion

For MCC of the head and neck, a management strategy that includes RT offers excellent locoregional control. Gross nodal disease can be successfully treated with RT. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E452–E458, 2016
Aminocaproic acid use in hospitalized patients with hematological malignancy: a case series
Authors: Marshall Ariela , Li Ang , Drucker Adrienne , Dzik Walter
Published: February 2015

The antifibrinolytic aminocaproic acid is widely used in surgical settings to prevent blood loss and decrease transfusion requirements, and small observational studies have suggested that aminocaproic acid may be useful in the setting of malignancy‐related bleeding. At our institution, aminocaproic acid is sometimes prescribed to patients with hematological malignancy who experience refractory thrombocytopenia with or without bleeding. We performed a 5‐year retrospective review of 54 adult patients with 13 types of hematological malignancy who received aminocaproic acid at our institution. Indications for use included 31 (57.4%) for refractory thrombocytopenia with bleeding, 16 (29.6%) for refractory thrombocytopenia without bleeding, and 7 (13%) for bleeding alone. Patients received both oral and intravenous formulations. Administered doses ranged broadly and median duration of use was 6 days. Three patients (5.7%) developed deep venous thrombosis but none of the thrombotic events were clearly related to administration of aminocaproic acid. We conclude that aminocaproic acid may be a relatively safe and cost‐effective adjunct treatment in the setting of bleeding related to the diagnosis and treatment of hematological malignancy. Prospective trials as well as formalized protocols for the use of aminocaproic acid may be indicated. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mucin Glycopeptide‐Protein Conjugates – Promising Antitumor Vaccine Candidates
Authors: Palitzsch Björn , Glaffig Markus , Kunz Horst
Published: February 2015

Recent efforts towards the development of synthetic glycopeptide vaccines, which aim at the active immunization of patients against their own tumor tissues, are outlined. To achieve sufficient tumor selectivity, glycopeptides of the tandem repeat region of tumor‐associated mucin, MUC1, have been synthesized. Since the endogenous structures usually exert low immunogenicity, these glycopeptide antigens, as B‐cell epitopes, were conjugated with immunostimulating components. In the present short review, work is outlined in which the MUC1 B‐cell epitope peptides are conjugated with bovine serum albumin (BSA), keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), or tetanus toxoid (TTox). In particular, the synthetic vaccines based on tetanus toxoid induce very strong tolerance‐breaking immune responses in mice. The induced antibodies of the IgG type indicate the installation of an immunological memory. In addition, these antibodies strongly bind to human breast tumor cells in culture, demonstrated by flow cytometry experiments, and also to the tumor cells in mammary carcinoma tissues.
Comparison of image‐based and reconstruction‐based respiratory motion correction for golden radial phase encoding coronary MR angiography
Authors: Paschke Nadia K. , Dössel Olaf , Schaeffter Tobias , Prieto Claudia , Kolbitsch Christoph
Published: February 2015

Purpose

To evaluate two commonly used respiratory motion correction techniques for coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) regarding their dependency on motion estimation accuracy and final image quality and to compare both methods to the respiratory gating approach used in clinical practice.

Materials and Methods

Ten healthy volunteers were scanned using a non‐Cartesian radial phase encoding acquisition. Respiratory motion was corrected for coronary MRA according to two motion correction techniques, image‐based (IMC) and reconstruction‐based (RMC) respiratory motion correction. Both motion correction approaches were compared quantitatively and qualitatively against a reference standard navigator‐based respiratory gating (RG) approach. Quantitative comparisons were performed regarding visible vessel length, vessel sharpness, and total acquisition time. Two experts carried out a visual scoring of image quality. Additionally, numerical simulations were performed to evaluate the effect of motion estimation inaccuracy on RMC and IMC.

Results

RMC led to significantly better image quality than IMC (P's paired Student's t‐test were smaller than 0.001 for vessel sharpness and visual scoring). RMC did not show a statistically significant difference compared to reference standard RG (vessel length [99% confidence interval]: 86.913 [83.097–95.015], P = 0.107; vessel sharpness: 0.640 [0.605–0.802], P = 0.012; visual scoring: 2.583 [2.410–3.424], P = 0.018) in terms of vessel visualization and image quality while reducing scan times by 56%. Simulations showed higher dependencies for RMC than for IMC on motion estimation inaccuracies.

Conclusion

RMC provides a similar image quality as the clinically used RG approach but almost halves the scan time and is independent of subjects' breathing patterns. Clinical validation of RMC is now desirable. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:964–971.
Inverse Chirality Probe in Poly(3‐alkylthiophene) Derivative
Authors: Destri Silvia , Barba Luisa , Gelmetti Ilario , Di Bari Lorenzo , Porzio William
Published: February 2015

The preparation and study of a new poly(3‐alkyloxythiophene)—bearing a chiral center—is presented, with particular reference to the evolution of optical activity in passing from solution to solid state. The combination of optical analysis, electronic circular dichroism, and X‐ray diffraction of powders or films supplies strong indications of a possible use of this material as an inverse chiral probe.

image
On massive sets for subordinated random walks
Authors: Bendikov Alexander , Cygan Wojciech
Published: February 2015

We study massive (reccurent) sets with respect to a certain random walk defined on the integer lattice , . Our random walk is obtained from the simple random walk S on by the procedure of discrete subordination. can be regarded as a discrete space and time counterpart of the symmetric α‐stable Lévy process in . In the case we show that some remarkable proper subsets of , e.g. the set of primes, are massive whereas some proper subsets of such as the Leitmann primes are massive/non‐massive depending on the function h. Our results can be regarded as an extension of the results of McKean (1961) about massiveness of the set of primes for the simple random walk in . In the case we study massiveness of thorns and their proper subsets. The case is presented in the recent paper Bendikov and Cygan .
On order of strongly starlikeness in the class of uniformly convex functions
Authors: Nunokawa Mamoru , Sokół Janusz
Published: February 2015

In this paper we consider the order of strongly starlikeness in the classes uniformly convex functions.
Microbial diversity and abundance in the Xinjiang Luliang long‐term water‐flooding petroleum reservoir
Authors: Gao Peike , Tian Huimei , Li Guoqiang , Sun Hongwen , Ma Ting
Published: February 2015

Microbial populations associated with microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) and their abundance in the Xinjiang Luliang water‐flooding petroleum reservoir were investigated using 16S rRNA, nitrate reductases, dissimilatory sulfate reductase, and methyl coenzyme‐M reductase‐encoded genes to provide ecological information for the potential application of MEOR. 16S rRNA gene miseq sequencing revealed that this reservoir harbored large amounts of taxa, including 155 bacterial and 7 archeal genera. Among them, Arcobacter, Halomonas, Marinobacterium, Marinobacter, Sphingomonas, Rhodococcus, Pseudomonas, Dietzia, Ochrobactrum, Hyphomonas, Acinetobacter, and Shewanella were dominant, and have the potential to grow using hydrocarbons as carbon sources. Metabolic gene clone libraries indicated that the nitrate‐reducing bacteria (NRB) mainly belonged to Pseudomonas, Azospirillum, Bradyrhizobium, Thauera, Magnetospirillum, Sinorhizobium, Azoarcus, and Rhodobacter; the sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) were Desulfarculus, Desulfomonile, Desulfosarcina, Desulfotignum, Desulfacinum, Desulfatibacillum, Desulfatibacillum, Desulfomicrobium, and Desulfovibrio; while the methanogens were archaea and belonged to Methanomethylovorans, Methanosaeta, Methanococcus, Methanolobus, and Methanobacterium. Real‐time quantitative PCR analysis indicated that the number of bacterial 16S rRNA reached 106 copies/mL, while the metabolic genes of NRB, SRB, and methanogens reached 104 copies/mL. These results show that the Luliang reservoir has abundant microbial populations associated with oil recovery, suggesting that the reservoir has potential for MEOR.
Waste collection routing—limited multiple landfills and heterogeneous fleet
Authors: Rodrigues Ana Maria , Soeiro Ferreira José
Published: February 2015

This article deals with a real‐life waste collection routing problem. To efficiently plan waste collection, large municipalities may be partitioned into convenient sectors and only then can routing problems be solved in each sector. Three diverse situations are described, resulting in three different new models. In the first situation, there is a single point of waste disposal from where the vehicles depart and to where they return. The vehicle fleet comprises three types of collection vehicles. In the second, the garage does not match any of the points of disposal. The vehicle is unique and the points of disposal (landfills or transfer stations) may have limitations in terms of the number of visits per day. In the third situation, disposal points are multiple (they do not coincide with the garage), they are limited in the number of visits, and the fleet is composed of two types of vehicles. Computational results based not only on instances adapted from the literature but also on real cases are presented and analyzed. In particular, the results also show the effectiveness of combining sectorization and routing to solve waste collection problems. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 65(2), 155–165 2015
Highly fluorescent polycaprolactones decorated with di(thiophene‐2‐yl)‐diketopyrrolopyrrole: A covalent strategy of tuning fluorescence properties in solid states
Authors: Wang Kai , Luo Yimin , Huang Shuo , Yang Hongbin , Liu Bin , Wang Mingfeng
Published: February 2015

Well‐defined 1,4‐diketo‐3,6‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)pyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole (DTDPP) labeled polycaprolactones (PCL) with different chain lengths were synthesized and characterized. The effect of polymer chain lengths on the optical properties of DTDPP in solid states was studied by UV‐Vis absorption spectroscopy as well as steady‐state and dynamic fluorescence spectroscopies. Our results indicate that when the PCL side chain is extended to a certain length, the intermolecular aggregation of DTDPP units can be reduced significantly due to segregation effect of PCL. This approach offers a new facile strategy to address the common problem of aggregation‐caused quenching existing in organic fluorophores. These highly fluorescent biodegradable PCL polymers may find broad biomedical applications such as fluorescence‐based bioimaging and tissue engineering. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1032–1042
Quantitative delineation of how breathing motions open ligand migration channels in myoglobin and its mutants
Authors: Na Hyuntae , Song Guang
Published: February 2015

Ligand migration and binding are central to the biological functions of many proteins such as myoglobin (Mb) and it is widely thought that protein breathing motions open up ligand channels dynamically. However, how a protein exerts its control over the opening and closing of these channels through its intrinsic dynamics is not fully understood. Specifically, a quantitative delineation of the breathing motions that are needed to open ligand channels is lacking. In this work, we present and apply a novel normal mode‐based method to quantitatively delineate what and how breathing motions open ligand migration channels in Mb and its mutants. The motivation behind this work springs from the observation that normal mode motions are closely linked to the breathing motions that are thought to open ligand migration channels. In addition, the method provides a direct and detailed depiction of the motions of each and every residue that lines a channel and can identify key residues that play a dominating role in regulating the channel. The all‐atom model and the full force‐field employed in the method provide a realistic energetics on the work cost required to open a channel, and as a result, the method can be used to efficiently study the effects of mutations on ligand migration channels and on ligand entry rates. Our results on Mb and its mutants are in excellent agreement with MD simulation results and experimentally determined ligand entry rates. Proteins 2015; 83:757–770. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Jadomycin breast cancer cytotoxicity is mediated by a copper‐dependent, reactive oxygen species–inducing mechanism
Authors: Hall Steven R. , Blundon Heather L. , Ladda Matthew A. , Robertson Andrew W. , Martinez‐Farina Camilo F. , Jakeman David L. , Goralski Kerry B.
Published: February 2015

Jadomycins are natural products biosynthesized by the bacteria Streptomyces venezuelae which kill drug‐sensitive and multidrug‐resistant breast cancer cells in culture. Currently, the mechanisms of jadomycin cytotoxicity are poorly understood; however, reactive oxygen species (ROS)–induced DNA cleavage is suggested based on bacterial plasmid DNA cleavage studies. The objective of this study was to determine if and how ROS contribute to jadomycin cytotoxicity in drug‐sensitive MCF7 (MCF7‐CON) and taxol‐resistant MCF7 (MCF7‐TXL) breast cancer cells. As determined using an intracellular, fluorescent, ROS‐detecting probe, jadomycins B, S, SPhG, and F dose dependently increased intracellular ROS activity 2.5‐ to 5.9‐fold. Cotreatment with the antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine lowered ROS concentrations to below baseline levels and decreased the corresponding cytotoxic potency of the four jadomycins 1.9‐ to 3.3‐fold, confirming a ROS‐mediated mechanism. Addition of CuSO4 enhanced, whereas addition of the Cu(II)‐chelator d‐penicillamine reduced, the ROS generation and cytotoxicity of each jadomycin. Specific inhibitors of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase 1, glutathione S‐transferase, and thioredoxin reductase, but not catalase, enhanced jadomycin‐mediated ROS generation and anticancer activity. In conclusion, the results indicate that jadomycin cytotoxicity involves the generation of cytosolic superoxide via a Cu(II)‐jadomycin reaction, a mechanism common to all jadomycins tested and observed in MCF7‐CON and drug‐resistant MCF7‐TXL cells. The superoxide dismutase 1, glutathione, and peroxiredoxin/thioredoxin cellular antioxidant enzyme pathways scavenged intracellular ROS generated by jadomycin treatment. Blocking these antioxidant pathways could serve as a strategy to enhance jadomycin cytotoxic potency in drug‐sensitive and multidrug‐resistant breast cancers.
Preparation of porous Si and TiO2 nanofibres using a sulphur‐templating method for lithium storage
Authors: McCormac Kathleen , Byrd Ian , Brannen Rodney , Seymour Bryan , Li Jianlin , Wu Ji
Published: February 2015

Highly porous Si/TiO2 composite nanofibres were prepared using a unique sulphur‐templating method combined with electrospinning. The structure, morphology, surface area, phase and composition of these nanofibres were characterized using Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, surface area analyser and thermogravimetric analyser. The specific surface area of Si/TiO2 porous NFs is as large as 387 m2 g−1, whose silicon capacity can be maintained above 1580 mAh g−1 in 180 cycles.
Collaborative Professional Development
Authors: Steeg Susanna M. , Lambson Dawn
Published: February 2015

This article describes how one elementary school's professional development model helped both new and veteran teachers grow in their knowledge and practice of balanced literacy. Created in partnership between university faculty, school administration, and elementary teachers, this multifaceted whole‐school PD effort enabled teachers to learn in whole‐group, small‐group, and individual settings. Significant elements of the PD included learning conversations, demonstration lessons, book studies, and case studies of readers. In describing elements of the professional development and particular learning outcomes for several teachers, the article casts a vision for what is possible in supporting school‐wide professional learning for both teachers and administrators.
Differences in plasma metabolomics between sows feddl-methionine and its hydroxy analogue reveal a strong association of milk composition and neonatal growth with maternal methionine nutrition
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Li Hao , Liu Guangmang , Wan Haifeng , Mercier Yves , Wu Caimei , Wu Xiuqun , Che Lianqiang , Lin Yan , Xu Shengyu , Tian Gang , Chen Daiwen , Wu De , Fang Zhengfeng
Published: February 2015

The aim of the present study was to determine whether increased consumption of methionine asdl-methionine (DLM) or its hydroxy analoguedl-2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid (HMTBA) could benefit milk synthesis and neonatal growth. For this purpose, eighteen cross-bred (Landrace × Yorkshire) primiparous sows were fed a control (CON), DLM or HMTBA diet (n6 per diet) from 0 to 14 d post-partum. At postnatal day 14, piglets in the HMTBA group had higher body weight (P= 0·02) than those in the CON group, tended (P= 0·07) to be higher than those in the DLM group, and had higher (P< 0·05) mRNA abundance of jejunal fatty acid-binding protein 2, intestinal than those in the CON and DLM groups. Compared with the CON diet-fed sows, milk protein, non-fat solid, and lysine, histidine and ornithine concentrations decreased in the DLM diet-fed sows (P< 0·05), and milk fat, lactose, and cysteine and taurine concentrations increased in the HMTBA diet-fed sows (P< 0·05). Plasma homocysteine and urea N concentrations that averaged across time were increased (P< 0·05) in sows fed the DLM diet compared with those fed the CON diet. Metabolomic results based on1H NMR spectroscopy revealed that consumption of the HMTBA and DLM diets increased (P< 0·05) both sow plasma methionine and valine levels; however, consumption of the DLM diet led to lower (P< 0·05) plasma levels of lysine, tyrosine, glucose and acetate and higher (P< 0·05) plasma levels of citrate, lactate, formate, glycerol,myo-inositol andN-acetyl glycoprotein in sows. Collectively, neonatal growth and milk synthesis were regulated by dietary methionine levels and sources, which resulted in marked alterations in amino acid, lipid and glycogen metabolism.
Serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) genotype moderates the longitudinal impact of early caregiving on externalizing behavior
Authors: Brett Zoë H. , Humphreys Kathryn L. , Smyke Anna T. , Gleason Mary Margaret , Nelson Charles A. , Zeanah Charles H. , Fox Nathan A. , Drury Stacy S.
Published: February 2015

We examined caregiver report of externalizing behavior from 12 to 54 months of age in 102 children randomized to care as usual in institutions or to newly created high-quality foster care. At baseline no differences by group or genotype in externalizing were found. However, changes in externalizing from baseline to 42 months of age were moderated by the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region genotype and intervention group, where the slope for short–short (S/S) individuals differed as a function of intervention group. The slope for individuals carrying the long allele did not significantly differ between groups. At 54 months of age, S/S children in the foster care group had the lowest levels of externalizing behavior, while children with the S/S genotype in the care as usual group demonstrated the highest rates of externalizing behavior. No intervention group differences were found in externalizing behavior among children who carried the long allele. These findings, within a randomized controlled trial of foster care compared to continued care as usual, indicate that the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region genotype moderates the relation between early caregiving environments to predict externalizing behavior in children exposed to early institutional care in a manner most consistent with differential susceptibility.
Religion priming and an oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphism interact to affect self-control in a social context
Authors: Sasaki Joni Y. , Mojaverian Taraneh , Kim Heejung S.
Published: February 2015

Using a genetic moderation approach, this study examines how an experimental prime of religion impacts self-control in a social context, and whether this effect differs depending on the genotype of an oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphism (rs53576). People with different genotypes ofOXTRseem to have different genetic orientations toward sociality, which may have consequences for the way they respond to religious cues in the environment. In order to determine whether the influence of religion priming on self-control is socially motivated, we examine whether this effect is stronger for people who haveOXTRgenotypes that should be linked to greater rather than less social sensitivity (i.e., GG vs. AA/AG genotypes). The results showed that experimentally priming religion increased self-control behaviors for people with GG genotypes more so than people with AA/AG genotypes. Furthermore, this Gene × Religion interaction emerged in a social context, when people were interacting face to face with another person. This research integrates genetic moderation and social psychological approaches to address a novel question about religion's influence on self-control behavior, which has implications for coping with distress and psychopathology. These findings also highlight the importance of the social context for understanding genetic moderation of psychological effects.
Early life adversity and serotonin transporter gene variation interact to affect DNA methylation of the corticotropin-releasing factor gene promoter region in the adult rat brain
Authors: van der Doelen Rick H. A. , Arnoldussen Ilse A. , Ghareh Hussein , van Och Liselot , Homberg Judith R. , Kozicz Tamás
Published: February 2015

The interaction between childhood maltreatment and the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene linked polymorphic region has been associated with increased risk to develop major depression. This Gene × Environment interaction has furthermore been linked with increased levels of anxiety and glucocorticoid release upon exposure to stress. Both endophenotypes are regulated by the neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) or hormone, which is expressed by the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and the central amygdala (CeA). Therefore, we hypothesized that altered regulation of the expression of CRF in these areas represents a major neurobiological mechanism underlying the interaction of early life stress and5-HTTgene variation. The programming of gene transcription by Gene × Environment interactions has been proposed to involve epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation. In this study, we report that early life stress and5-HTTgenotype interact to affect DNA methylation of theCrfgene promoter in the CeA of adult male rats. Furthermore, we found that DNA methylation of a specific site in theCrfpromoter significantly correlated with CRF mRNA levels in the CeA. Moreover, CeA CRF mRNA levels correlated with stress coping behavior in a learned helplessness paradigm. Together, our findings warrant further investigation of the link ofCrfpromoter methylation and CRF expression in the CeA with behavioral changes that are relevant for psychopathology.
Endemic birds of the Fynbos biome: a conservation assessment and impacts of climate change
Authors: LEE ALAN T. K. , BARNARD PHOEBE
Published: February 2015

The South African Fynbos biome, a global biodiversity hotspot with high endemism and species richness, has six endemic bird species. These are important not only intrinsically, but also for ecological functioning and as flagships for South Africa’s economically valuable avitourism sector. Little is known about population sizes or realised distribution ranges of these six species, but projected range modelling based on occurrence from the South African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP) has suggested these species are vulnerable to climate change. We estimate global population sizes for these six endemics based on densities calculated from two intensive biome-wide point count surveys in 2012. We modelled regions of suitable climatic space, from which we established that mean annual temperature and the temperature of the warmest quarter of the year appear to limit Cape Rock-jumperChaetops frenatusand Protea CanarySerinus leucopterusranges. Both species have seen an apparent > 30% decrease in range and reporting rates (a proxy for abundance) in the twenty years between SABAP atlas periods (1987–1991 and 2007–ongoing). The Cape Rock-jumper result is unexpected: encounter rates are higher in shorter vegetation, dry slopes and habitats with more recent occurrence of fire – all proxies for proximate causes of climate change on the Fynbos. Although coastal plains are highly transformed, mountain Fynbos is the best protected of all the world’s Mediterranean-climate habitats, with relatively little anthropogenic land transformation. Long term weather datasets from the Fynbos demonstrate significant warming since 1960. We conclude from these lines of evidence that these decreases are consistent with the loss of suitable climate space and inability of these species to adjust physiologically to increasing temperatures.
Molecular typing of the major histocompatibility complex B microsatellite haplotypes in Cameroon chicken
Authors: Hako Touko B.A. , Keambou C.T. , Han J.-M. , Bembidé C. , Skilton Robert A. , Ogugo M. , Manjeli Y. , Osama S. , Cho C.-Y. , Djikeng A.
Published: February 2015

The chicken major histocompatibility complex B (MHC-B) – a cluster of genes associated with natural disease resistance or susceptibility – has been investigated in experimental and inbred lines by serological typing. However, that method showed some weaknesses for its use on out breeds. This study aims to explore the genetic diversity of the MHC-B of Cameroon indigenous chicken through molecular typing with LEI0258 and MCW0371 microsatellite markers. MHC-B haplotypes of 290 chickens from four agro-ecological zones were identified and compared with published haplotypes. Alleles were analysed for genetic diversity and relationship among Cameroon chicken populations. Hypothetically new LEI0258 alleles and haplotypes were detected. Overall, polymorphism parameters were relatively high in the Cameroon western highlands. The analysis of molecular variance revealed great variability (80.00 percent) between individuals than among and within ecotypes. The inbreeding coefficients of overall populations (FIT), among population (FST) and within population (FIS) were 0.26, 0.04 and 0.22, respectively, and all were highly significant (P< 0.001). A UPGMA tree based on Nei'sDAgenetic distances showed a clear distinction between Cameroon and out-groups and a structuring of within-country populations into three clusters. There is a great genetic diversity of the MHC-B in Cameroon native chicken and also a need of sequencing of the identified alleles for an accurate identification prior to their assessment for natural disease resistance and responsiveness to vaccination.
Patterns of indigenous female cattle morphometric traits variations in Uganda: Evidence for farmers’ selection to enhance agro-ecological fitness
Authors: Kabi F. , Masembe C. , Negrini R. , Muwanika V.
Published: February 2015

Globally, rural cattle keeping communities actively select and breed indigenous cattle to satisfy their interests and enhance adaptation to local landscapes. This study investigated how traditional systems in Uganda have shaped the morphometric population structure of indigenous cattle breeds. Ten linear morphometric traits were interrogated amongst 801 female cattle, comprising 46 Nganda (Bos indicus), 368 Ankole (B. taurus indicus) and 387 East African shorthorn zebu (EASZ,B. indicus). The study cattle were obtained evenly at random from 209 herds in their agro-ecological zones (AEZs) where they have been nurtured by traditional cattle keeping communities throughout Uganda. Age, AEZs and breed significantly influenced the variation of linear morphometric traits exhibiting a gradient of low, intermediate and high dimensions among the EASZ, Nganda and Ankole cattle, respectively. Likewise, the linear morphometric trait (Mahalanobis squared distance) diversity was significantly different exhibiting a gradient of low, intermediate and high variation between Nganda and EASZ, Ankole and Nganda, and Ankole and EASZ cattle, respectively. These findings demonstrate the role of agro-ecological fitness in the evolution of indigenous cattle morphometric population structure in Uganda. The study outcomes further provide a motivation to search for genes associated with the diverse morphometric features.
A high-throughput optomechanical retrieval method for sequence-verified clonal DNA from the NGS platform
Authors: Lee Howon , Kim Hyoki , Kim Sungsik , Ryu Taehoon , Kim Hwangbeom , Bang Duhee , Kwon Sunghoon
Published: February 2015

Writing DNA plays a significant role in the fields of synthetic biology, functional genomics and bioengineering. DNA clones on next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms have the potential to be a rich and cost-effective source of sequence-verified DNAs as a precursor for DNA writing. However, it is still very challenging to retrieve target clonal DNA from high-density NGS platforms. Here we propose an enabling technology called ‘Sniper Cloning’ that enables the precise mapping of target clone features on NGS platforms and non-contact rapid retrieval of targets for the full utilization of DNA clones. By merging the three cutting-edge technologies of NGS, DNA microarray and our pulse laser retrieval system, Sniper Cloning is a week-long process that produces 5,188 error-free synthetic DNAs in a single run of NGS with a single microarray DNA pool. We believe that this technology has potential as a universal tool for DNA writing in biological sciences.
The use of ion mobility mass spectrometry to assist protein design: a case study on zinc finger fold versus coiled coil interactions
Authors: Berezovskaya Yana , Porrini Massimiliano , Nortcliffe Chris , Barran Perdita E.
Published: February 2015

A combination of affinity mass spectrometry, collisional activation and ion mobility analysis coupled with molecular dynamics measurements, are used to probe a zinc finger-coiled coil switching peptide system.
An ultrasensitive detection of 17β-estradiol using a gold nanoparticle-based fluorescence immunoassay
Authors: Du Lingyun , Ji Wei , Zhang Yuanfu , Zhang Chunyan , Liu Guofu , Wang Shuhao
Published: February 2015

A fluorescence immunoassay based on functionalized gold nanoparticle amplification and immunomagnetic separation was constructed for E2detection.
A two-photon fluorescent probe for selective methylglyoxal detection and application in living cells
Authors: Tang Tun , Zhou Yimin , Chen Yuqi , Li Mengjun , Feng Yan , Wang Changcheng , Wang Shaoru , Zhou Xiang
Published: February 2015

A novel two-photon fluorescent “turn-on” probe could detect methylglyoxal levels in living cells conveniently.
Monte-Carlo simulations of spin-crossover phenomena based on a vibronic Ising-like model with realistic parameters
Authors: Ye Hong-Zhou , Sun Chong , Jiang Hong
Published: February 2015

A new vibronic Ising-like model considering harmonic stretching-and-bending intermolecular interactions with realistic parameters describes thermal hysteresis in spin-crossover phenomena well.
Observed hydrolysis of fluorine substituted bis(β-diketonato)-dichlorotitanium(iv) complexes
Authors: Kuhn A. , Conradie J.
Published: February 2015

Hydrolysis reaction of fluorine substituted Ti(β-diketonato)2Cl2 complexes.
Influence of prebiotics, probiotics and protein ingredients on mycotoxin bioaccessibility
Authors: Ferrer M. , Manyes L. , Mañes J. , Meca G.
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of prebiotic compounds (cellulose and inulin), food ingredients (milk whey, β-lactoglobulin and calcium caseinate) and several probiotic microorganisms on the bioaccessibility of beauvericin (BEA), enniatins (ENs A, A1, B, B1), deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) present in wheat crispy bread produced with wheat flour previously fermented with F. tricinctum, F. culmorum and G. zeae.
Perovskite chromate doped with titanium for direct carbon dioxide electrolysis
Authors: Yao Weitang , Duan Tao , Li Yuanxin , Yang Liming , Xie Kui
Published: February 2015

The electrode based on perovskite chromate doped with Ti shows largely enhanced polarization resistance and electrolysis efficiency.
Thermoresponsive polymeric temperature sensors with broad sensing regimes
Authors: Zhang Qilu , Vancoillie Gertjan , Mees Maarten A. , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: February 2015

Polymeric temperature sensors with a broad sensing regime in aqueous solution have been developed.
Microfluidic spinning of fibrous alginate carrier having highly enhanced drug loading capability and delayed release profile
Authors: Ahn S. Y. , Mun C. H. , Lee S. H.
Published: February 2015

Natural polymer-based drug carriers have been developed for antimicrobial applications but several problems remain with their poor controllability of drug loading and degradation.
Microwave-ultrasound simultaneous irradiation: a hybrid technology applied to ring closing metathesis
Authors: Sacco M. , Charnay C. , De Angelis F. , Radoiu M. , Lamaty F. , Martinez J. , Colacino E.
Published: February 2015

Glycerol micelles were suitable nanoreactors for ring-closing metathesis reaction activated by a hybrid microwave-ultrasound reactor. Nine different Ru-catalysts were investigated.
Aerobic biodegradation of polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride-acrylic-acrylamide-hydroxyethyl acrylate/ZnO nanocomposite in an activated sludge system
Authors: Zhao Xia , Ma Hongrui , Ma Jianzhong , Gao Dangge , Xu Jing , Hua Li
Published: February 2015

Biodegradation studies of polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride-acrylic-acrylamide-hydroxyethyl acrylate/ZnO (P(DMDAAC-AA-AM-HEA)/ZnO) nanocomposite were performed in a simulated aerobic activated sludge system.
Synthesis of Ag@SiO2 yolk–shell nanoparticles for hydrogen peroxide detection
Authors: Liu Chao , Li Jiansheng , Wang Jing , Qi Junwen , Fan Wenhong , Shen Jinyou , Sun Xiuyun , Han Weiqing , Wang Lianjun
Published: February 2015

A novel nonenzymatic H2O2 sensor is fabricated based on Ag@SiO2 yolk–shell nanoparticles (YSNs) via a sequential impregnation–reduction approach. These exhibit outstanding H2O2 reduction, with a fast amperometric response, a low detection limit and a wide linear range.
The effect of plastic rearrangements on the flow of two-dimensional wet foam
Authors: Jing Zefeng , Wang Shuzhong , Lv Mingming , Wang Zhiguo , Luo Xiangrong
Published: February 2015

This study can reveal the response of flowing wet foam to the plastic events in the meso-level.
Phase separation in ternary fluid mixtures: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Singh Awaneesh , Puri Sanjay
Published: February 2015

Our molecular dynamics simulation results strongly support the contention that the hydrodynamic flow should control the phase-separation process in ternary fluid (ABC) mixtures at late stages.
Oxygen nonstoichiometry, defect structure and related properties of LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3−δ
Authors: Sereda V. V. , Tsvetkov D. S. , Ivanov I. L. , Zuev A. Yu.
Published: February 2015

This paper presents original results on the oxygen nonstoichiometry and defect structure modeling of LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3−δ in relation to its physico-chemical properties.
Morphology development of PP/POE blends with high loading of magnesium hydroxide
Authors: Zhao Ze-Yong , Dong Liang-Ping , Chen Li , Wang Yu-Zhong
Published: February 2015

A co-continuous structure of PP/POE was maintained even after a large amount of Mg(OH)2 was added, which was the key factor for tolerating high loading of additives and retaining acceptable tensile properties.
Synthesis of 4-hydroxyindole fused isocoumarin derivatives and their fluorescence “Turn-off” sensing of Cu(ii) and Fe(iii) ions
Authors: Pathak Sudipta , Das Doyel , Kundu Ashis , Maity Subhendu , Guchhait Nikhil , Pramanik Animesh
Published: February 2015

A simple and efficient protocol has been developed for the synthesis of 4-hydroxyindole fused isocoumarins from easily available starting materials.
Determination of the dissipation in superconducting Josephson junctions
Authors: Mugnai D. , Ranfagni A. , Cacciari I.
Published: February 2015

The results relative to macroscopic quantum tunneling rate, out of the metastable state of Josephson junctions, are examined in view of determining the effect of dissipation. We adopt a simple criterion in accordance to which the effect of dissipation can be evaluated by analyzing the shortening of the semiclassical traversal time of the barrier. In almost all the considered cases, especially those with relatively large capacitance values, the relative time shortening turns out to be about 20% and with a corresponding quality factor Q ≃ 5.5. However, beyond the specific cases here considered, still in the regime of moderate dissipation, the method is applicable also to different situations with different values of the quality factor. The method allows, within the error limits, for a reliable determination of the load resistance RL, the less accessible quantity in the framework of the resistively and capacitively shunted junction model, provided that the characteristics of the junction (intrinsic capacitance, critical current, and the ratio of the bias current to the critical one) are known with sufficient accuracy.