bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel strategy to decrease reperfusion injuries and improve function of cold‐preserved livers using normothermic ex vivo liver perfusion machine
Authors: Banan Babak , Xiao Zhenyu , Watson Rao , Xu Min , Jia Jianluo , Upadhya Gundumi A. , Mohanakumar Thalachallour , Lin Yiing , Chapman William
Published: October 2015

Normothermic extracorporeal liver perfusion (NELP) can decrease ischemia/reperfusion injury to the greatest degree when cold ischemia time is minimized. Warm perfusion of cold‐stored livers results in hepatocellular damage, sinusoidal endothelial cell (SEC) dysfunction, and Kupffer cell activation. However, the logistics of organ procurement mandates a period of cold preservation before NELP. The aim of this study was to determine the beneficial effects of gradual rewarming of cold‐stored livers by placement on NELP. Three female porcine livers were used for each group. In the immediate NELP group, procured livers were immediately placed on NELP for 8 hours. In the cold NELP group, livers were cold‐stored for 4 hours followed by NELP for 4 hours. In rewarming groups, livers were cold‐stored for 4 hours, then gradually rewarmed in different durations to 38°C and kept on NELP for an additional 4 hours. For comparison purposes, the last 4 hours of NELP runs were considered to be the evaluation phase. Immediate NELP livers had significantly lower concentrations of liver transaminases, hyaluronic acid, and β‐galactosidase and had higher bile production compared to the other groups. Rewarming livers had significantly lower concentrations of hyaluronic acid and β‐galactosidase compared to the cold NELP livers. In addition, there was a significant decline in international normalized ratio values, improved bile production, reduced biliary epithelial cell damage, and improved cholangiocyte function. Thus, if a NELP machine is not available at the procurement site and livers will need to undergo a period of cold preservation, a gradual rewarming protocol before NELP may greatly reduce damages that are associated with reperfusion. In conclusion, gradual rewarming of cold‐preserved livers upon NELP can minimize the hepatocellular damage, Kupffer cell activation, and SEC dysfunction. Liver Transpl 22:333–343, 2016. © 2015 AASLD.
Investigating the Effectiveness of Reactive Dispersants in Non‐Aqueous Dispersion Polymerization
Authors: Yang Weiwei , Hutchinson Robin A.
Published: October 2015

Non‐aqueous dispersion (NAD) radical polymerization is used to produce poly(acrylic) nanoparticles (<200 nm) at 60 wt% solids content by a starved‐feed semibatch process, with steric stabilization provided by a low molecular weight vinyl‐functionalized polymeric dispersant. The performance of a vinyl‐terminated BMA macromer is compared to that of a butyl methacrylate (BMA) based grafted dispersant with vinyl groups attached at random positions along the backbone. The macromer dispersant is incorporated more effectively than the randomly grafted dispersant, a result attributed to the uniform distribution of reactive double bonds across the entire dispersant molar mass distribution, although the effectiveness of the macromer dispersant decreases when methacrylates are components of the NAD recipe.
Correlation of single‐breath count test and neck flexor muscle strength with spirometry in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Elsheikh Bakri , Arnold W. David , Gharibshahi Shahram , Reynolds Jerold , Freimer Miriam , Kissel John T.
Published: October 2015

Introduction: Although formal spirometry is the gold standard for monitoring respiratory function in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), such testing is often delayed or unavailable. There is a need for a simple bedside test that can accurately measure respiratory function. Methods: We conducted a prospective, cross‐sectional, single‐blind study in adults with acetylcholine receptor antibody positive MG. Participants performed the single breath count test (SBCT) and underwent manual muscle strength testing, and a respiratory therapist performed spirometry blinded to SBCT and strength results. Results : Thirty‐one patients, aged 57 ± 19 years participated. SBCT showed significant correlations with forced vital capacity (FVC), negative inspiratory force, and neck flexor strength (P < 0.01). FVC showed significant correlation with neck flexor strength (P = 0.02) but no correlation with shoulder abductor strength. Conclusions: These data suggest that the SBCT and neck flexor strength testing are valuable tools for bedside assessment of respiratory function in MG patients. Muscle Nerve 53: 134–136, 2016
Crystal structure of quinone‐dependent alcohol dehydrogenase from Pseudogluconobacter saccharoketogenes. A versatile dehydrogenase oxidizing alcohols and carbohydrates
Authors: Rozeboom Henriëtte J. , Yu Shukun , Mikkelsen Rene , Nikolaev Igor , Mulder Harm J. , Dijkstra Bauke W.
Published: October 2015

The quinone‐dependent alcohol dehydrogenase (PQQ‐ADH, E.C. 1.1.5.2) from the Gram‐negative bacterium Pseudogluconobacter saccharoketogenes IFO 14464 oxidizes primary alcohols (e.g. ethanol, butanol), secondary alcohols (monosaccharides), as well as aldehydes, polysaccharides, and cyclodextrins. The recombinant protein, expressed in Pichia pastoris, was crystallized, and three‐dimensional (3D) structures of the native form, with PQQ and a Ca2+ ion, and of the enzyme in complex with a Zn2+ ion and a bound substrate mimic were determined at 1.72 Å and 1.84 Å resolution, respectively. PQQ‐ADH displays an eight‐bladed β‐propeller fold, characteristic of Type I quinone‐dependent methanol dehydrogenases. However, three of the four ligands of the Ca2+ ion differ from those of related dehydrogenases and they come from different parts of the polypeptide chain. These differences result in a more open, easily accessible active site, which explains why PQQ‐ADH can oxidize a broad range of substrates. The bound substrate mimic suggests Asp333 as the catalytic base. Remarkably, no vicinal disulfide bridge is present near the PQQ, which in other PQQ‐dependent alcohol dehydrogenases has been proposed to be necessary for electron transfer. Instead an associated cytochrome c can approach the PQQ for direct electron transfer.
Observation of π Berry phase in quantum oscillations of three‐dimensional Fermi surface in topological insulator Bi2Se3
Authors: Kumar Devendra , Lakhani Archana
Published: October 2015

We report the quantum transport studies on Bi2Se3 single crystal with bulk carrier concentration of ∼1019 cm–3. The Bi2Se3 crystal exhibits metallic character, and at low temperatures, the field dependence of resistivity shows clear Shubnikov–de Haas (SdH) oscillations above 6 T. The analysis of these oscillations through Lifshitz–Kosevich theory reveals a non‐trivial π Berry phase coming from three‐dimensional (3D) Fermi surface, which is a strong signature of Dirac fermions with three‐dimensional dispersion. The large Dingle temperature and non zero slope of Williamson–Hall plot suggest the presence of enhanced local strain field in our system which possibly transforms the regions of topological insulator to 3D Dirac fermion metal state. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Software‐aided structural elucidation in drug discovery
Authors: Ahlqvist Marie , Leandersson Carina , Hayes Martin A. , Zamora Ismael , Thompson Richard A.
Published: October 2015

Rationale

Structural information on metabolites obtained in relevant biological systems can have considerable impact on the design of new drug candidates. However, with demanding turnaround times, the amount of available structural information may become rate limiting.

Methods

The workflow for metabolite identification used in our laboratory was compared to a workflow using a software tool built for computer‐assisted metabolite identification. The present study covered the in vitro metabolism of a diverse set of 65 in‐house compounds. The compounds were profiled across three liver‐based systems, 17 compounds were tested in human liver microsomes (HLM), 12 in rat hepatocytes (RHEP), and 36 in human hepatocytes (HHEP).

Results

For 92% of the metabolites reported, the exact match or Markush representations were in agreement between the two workflows. The major specific biotransformations in hepatocytes which formed the metabolites were aromatic or aliphatic hydroxylations (33%), N‐dealkylations (15%) and glucuronidations (12%).

Conclusions

The software was shown to perform well for structural elucidation of metabolites from both phase I and phase II metabolism where the focus was on quickly understanding the rate‐limiting metabolic step(s). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐altitude Terrestrial Spectroscopy from a Pushbroom Sensor
Authors: Ramirez‐Paredes Juan‐Pablo , Lary David J. , Gans Nicholas R.
Published: October 2015

Hyperspectral cameras sample many different spectral bands at each pixel, enabling advanced detection and classification algorithms. However, their limited spatial resolution and the need to measure the camera motion to create hyperspectral images makes them unsuitable for nonsmooth moving platforms such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). We present a procedure to build hyperspectral images from line sensor data without camera motion information or extraneous sensors. Our approach relies on an accompanying conventional camera to exploit the homographies between images for mosaic construction. We provide experimental results from a low‐altitude UAV, achieving high‐resolution spectroscopy with our system.
Identification and activation of novel biosynthetic gene clusters by genome mining in the kirromycin producer Streptomyces collinus Tü 365
Authors: Iftime Dumitrita , Kulik Andreas , Härtner Thomas , Rohrer Sabrina , Niedermeyer Timo Horst Johannes , Stegmann Evi , Weber Tilmann , Wohlleben Wolfgang
Published: October 2015

Streptomycetes are prolific sources of novel biologically active secondary metabolites with pharmaceutical potential. S. collinus Tü 365 is a Streptomyces strain, isolated 1972 from Kouroussa (Guinea). It is best known as producer of the antibiotic kirromycin, an inhibitor of the protein biosynthesis interacting with elongation factor EF-Tu. Genome Mining revealed 32 gene clusters encoding the biosynthesis of diverse secondary metabolites in the genome of Streptomyces collinus Tü 365, indicating an enormous biosynthetic potential of this strain. The structural diversity of secondary metabolisms predicted for S. collinus Tü 365 includes PKS, NRPS, PKS-NRPS hybrids, a lanthipeptide, terpenes and siderophores. While some of these gene clusters were found to contain genes related to known secondary metabolites, which also could be detected in HPLC–MS analyses, most of the uncharacterized gene clusters are not expressed under standard laboratory conditions. With this study we aimed to characterize the genome information of S. collinus Tü 365 to make use of gene clusters, which previously have not been described for this strain. We were able to connect the gene clusters of a lanthipeptide, a carotenoid, five terpenoid compounds, an ectoine, a siderophore and a spore pigment-associated gene cluster to their respective biosynthesis products.
David and Goliath: chemical perturbation of eukaryotes by bacteria
Authors: Ho Louis K , Nodwell Justin R
Published: October 2015

Environmental microbes produce biologically active small molecules that have been mined extensively as antibiotics and a smaller number of drugs that act on eukaryotic cells. It is known that there are additional bioactives to be discovered from this source. While the discovery of new antibiotics is challenged by the frequent discovery of known compounds, we contend that the eukaryote-active compounds may be less saturated. Indeed, despite there being far fewer eukaryotic-active natural products these molecules interact with a far richer diversity of molecular and cellular targets.
Mixed Systems Based on Erucyl Amidopropyl Betaine and Nanoparticles: Self‐Organization and Rheology
Authors: Gaynanova Gulnara A. , Valiakhmetova Alsu R. , Kuryashov Dmitry A. , Bashkirtseva Natalia Yu. , Zakharova Lucia Ya.
Published: October 2015

The aggregation behavior and flow characteristics of systems based on zwitterionic surfactant, erucyl amidopropyl betaine, silica and alumina nanoparticles in a wide range of surfactant concentrations from molecular to micellar solutions were studied using surface tensiometry, conductometry, dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering, and rheology techniques. The adsorption of zwitterionic surfactant molecules occurs on both positively and negatively charged surfaces via an electrostatic interaction mechanism. As a result, addition of a small amount silica nanoparticles (0.5–0.8 wt%) increases the surfactant solution's viscosity by more than two times.
The Power of Prayer in Transforming Individuals and Marital Relationships: A Qualitative Examination of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Families
Authors: Hatch T. G. , Marks L. D. , Bitah E. A. , Lawrence M. , Lambert N. M. , Dollahite D. C. , Hardy B. P.
Published: October 2015

Prayer is a widely practiced religious behavior. Research has associated prayer with various physical, psychological, and relational benefits. This study used in-depth, interview-based qualitative methods to explore how prayer may foster improvement in married individuals as well as in couples’ relationships in a richly diverse sample of 184 religious couples (N = 368 individuals). Qualitative data analyses revealed the following related themes: (a) prayer is a catalyst for change; (b) prayer facilitates humility and positivity; (c) prayer facilitates communication and understanding among couples; and (d) prayer unifies couples and helps in resolving conflict. Illustrative and supportive primary data are presented in connection with each theme. Implications of the findings are discussed.
The effects of pubertal timing on externalizing behaviors in adolescence and early adulthood: A meta‐analytic review
Authors: Dimler Laura M. , Natsuaki Misaki N.
Published: October 2015

Using a meta‐analytic approach, this investigation examines the association between early pubertal timing and externalizing behaviors in adolescence and early adulthood. The findings showed that the effect size of early pubertal maturation on externalizing behaviors was r = 0.180. This small, yet significant effect size is consistent with the models of early pubertal maturation in that early maturation is associated with higher levels of externalizing behaviors. Using contrast analyses, we examined three potential moderators of this association: sex, the concurrent versus long‐term effect of early puberty, and types of puberty assessments. Neither sex nor type of pubertal timing assessment moderated the effect significantly. However, results indicated that the effect was stronger for studies that measured pubertal timing and externalizing behaviors concurrently rather than longitudinally (i.e., examining prospective effect of pubertal timing on later externalizing behaviors). The findings are discussed in terms of implications for future research.
School‐related social support and subjective well‐being in school among adolescents: The role of self‐system factors
Authors: Tian Lili , Zhao Jie , Huebner E. Scott
Published: October 2015

This 6‐week longitudinal study aimed to examine a moderated mediation model that may explain the link between school‐related social support (i.e., teacher support and classmate support) and optimal subjective well‐being in school among adolescents (n = 1316). Analyses confirmed the hypothesized model that scholastic competence partially mediated the relations between school‐related social support and subjective well‐being in school, and social acceptance moderated the mediation process in the school‐related social support‐‐> subjective well‐being in school path and in the scholastic competence‐‐> subjective well‐being in school path. The findings suggested that both social contextual factors (e.g., school‐related social support) and self‐system factors (e.g., scholastic competence and social acceptance) are crucial for adolescents' optimal subjective well‐being in school. Limitations and practical applications of the study were discussed.
International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics opinion on reproductive health impacts of exposure to toxic environmental chemicals
Authors: Di Renzo Gian Carlo , Conry Jeanne A. , Blake Jennifer , DeFrancesco Mark S. , DeNicola Nathaniel , Martin James N. , McCue Kelly A. , Richmond David , Shah Abid , Sutton Patrice , Woodruff Tracey J. , van der Poel Sheryl Ziemin , Giudice Linda C.
Published: October 2015

Exposure to toxic environmental chemicals during pregnancy and breastfeeding is ubiquitous and is a threat to healthy human reproduction. There are tens of thousands of chemicals in global commerce, and even small exposures to toxic chemicals during pregnancy can trigger adverse health consequences. Exposure to toxic environmental chemicals and related health outcomes are inequitably distributed within and between countries; universally, the consequences of exposure are disproportionately borne by people with low incomes. Discrimination, other social factors, economic factors, and occupation impact risk of exposure and harm. Documented links between prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals and adverse health outcomes span the life course and include impacts on fertility and pregnancy, neurodevelopment, and cancer. The global health and economic burden related to toxic environmental chemicals is in excess of millions of deaths and billions of dollars every year. On the basis of accumulating robust evidence of exposures and adverse health impacts related to toxic environmental chemicals, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) joins other leading reproductive health professional societies in calling for timely action to prevent harm. FIGO recommends that reproductive and other health professionals advocate for policies to prevent exposure to toxic environmental chemicals, work to ensure a healthy food system for all, make environmental health part of health care, and champion environmental justice.
5‐Hydroxytryptamine promotes hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation by influencing β‐catenin
Authors: Fatima Sarwat , Shi Xiaoke , Lin Zesi , Chen Guo-qing , Pan Xiao-hua , Wu Justin Che-Yuen , Ho John W. , Lee Nikki P. , Gao Hengjun , Zhang Ge , Lu Aiping , Bian Zhao Xiang
Published: October 2015

5‐Hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT), a neurotransmitter and vasoactive factor, has been reported to promote proliferation of serum‐deprived hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells but the detailed intracellular mechanism is unknown. As Wnt/β‐catenin signalling is highly dysregulated in a majority of HCC, this study explored the regulation of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling by 5‐HT. The expression of various 5‐HT receptors was studied by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in HCC cell lines as well as in 33 pairs of HCC tumours and corresponding adjacent non‐tumour tissues. Receptors 5‐HT1D (21/33, 63.6%), 5‐HT2B (12/33, 36.4%) and 5‐HT7 (15/33, 45.4%) were overexpressed whereas receptors 5‐HT2A (17/33, 51.5%) and 5‐HT5 (30/33, 90.1%) were reduced in HCC tumour tissues. In vitro data suggests 5‐HT increased total β‐catenin, active β‐catenin and decreased phosphorylated β‐catenin protein levels in serum deprived HuH‐7 and HepG2 cells compared to control cells under serum free medium without 5‐HT. Activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling was evidenced by increased expression of β‐catenin downstream target genes, Axin2, cyclin D1, dickoppf‐1 (DKK1) and glutamine synthetase (GS) by qPCR in serum‐deprived HCC cell lines treated with 5‐HT. Additionally, biochemical analysis revealed 5‐HT disrupted Axin1/β‐catenin interaction, a critical step in β‐catenin phosphorylation. Increased Wnt/β‐catenin activity was attenuated by antagonist of receptor 5‐HT7 (SB‐258719) in HCC cell lines and patient‐derived primary tumour tissues in the presence of 5‐HT. SB‐258719 also reduced tumour growth in vivo. This study provides evidence of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling activation by 5‐HT and may represent a potential therapeutic target for hepatocarcinogenesis.
Ultrasound‐Based Detection of Low Muscle Mass for Diagnosis of Sarcopenia in Older Adults
Authors: Minetto Marco A. , Caresio Cristina , Menapace Tommaso , Hajdarevic Arnel , Marchini Andrea , Molinari Filippo , Maffiuletti Nicola A.
Published: October 2015

Objective

To establish muscle‐specific cut‐off values for ultrasound‐based detection of low muscle mass, and to assess its prevalence in a population of frail older subjects when applying the cut‐points of different muscles and those of different sarcopenic indices.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Geriatric outpatient clinic and clinical research laboratory.

Methods

A total of 44 older adults (30 women and 14 men, mean age 82 years, range 67‐93 years) and 60 younger individuals (30 women and 30 men, mean age 26 years, range 20‐36 years) participated. Body composition and thickness of 4 lower limb muscles (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius) were respectively assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and ultrasonography.

Main Outcome Measurements

Site‐specific cut‐points for ultrasound‐based assessment of low muscle mass (muscle thickness values 2 standard deviations below the gender‐specific means of our sample of younger subjects) and comparative prevalence rates of low muscle mass.

Results

The following site‐specific cut‐points for muscle thickness were identified: rectus femoris: 20 mm in men and 16 mm in women; vastus lateralis: 17 mm in men and 15 mm in women; tibialis anterior: 23 mm in men and 22 mm in women; and medial gastrocnemius: 13 mm in both men and women. The prevalence of low muscle mass in older adults was highly dependent on the muscle being investigated; it varied from 86% for thigh muscles to 30% for leg muscles. Moreover, the prevalence of low muscle mass was highly dependent on the applied diagnostic criterion and on the adopted cut‐off value; it ranged from 2% to 75% for different BIA‐derived criteria.

Conclusions

We suggest that muscle ultrasonography provides physiatrists with a practical and accurate tool for identifying individuals with low muscle mass. However, the usability of cut‐off values established in our group of healthy younger subjects of white ethnicity to identify low muscle mass in older individuals of different ethnic groups remains to be demonstrated in future studies.
Reliability of Ultrasound Imaging Measures of Transverse Abdominis and Lumbar Multifidus in Various Positions
Authors: Mangum L. Colby , Sutherlin Mark A. , Saliba Susan A. , Hart Joseph M.
Published: October 2015

Objective

To determine the reliability of measurement of muscle activation via ultrasound imaging measures of the transverse abdominis (TrA) and lumbar multifidus (LM) in tabletop, seated, standing, and walking conditions.

Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Setting

University research laboratory.

Participants

Sixteen healthy participants (age, 20.4 ± 1.8 years; height, 167.7 ± 9.0 cm; mass, 65.1 ± 10.8 kg).

Interventions

None.

Main Outcome Measurements

The activation ratio (AR) of TrA and LM and preferential activation ratio of TrA in tabletop, seated, standing, and walking positions were assessed by the same examiner during 2 ultrasound imaging sessions 24‐72 hours apart. Statistical analysis included determination of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) using analysis of variance for each muscle and position between sessions.

Results

Excellent reliability was found in TrA AR between sessions for healthy participants in the tabletop position (ICC3,k = 0.903), and acceptable to excellent reliability was found in seated (ICC3,k = 0.613), standing (ICC3,k = 0.553), and walking (ICC3,k = 0.737) positions. LM AR was fair in the tabletop position for these participants (ICC3,k = 0.264). The preferential activation ratio for healthy participants was substantially reliable in tabletop and seated positions (ICC3,k = 0.668, 0.684) and showed fair reliability for walking (ICC3,k = 0.455).

Conclusions

Ultrasound imaging is a reliable method of measuring muscle thickness across multiple positions in healthy persons. This measure may be used to compare abdominal muscle thickness across populations or after interventions. LM AR was only found to be reliable in the tabletop position.
Ergodic theorem involving additive and multiplicative groups of a field and patterns
Authors: BERGELSON VITALY , MOREIRA JOEL
Published: October 2015

We establish a ‘diagonal’ ergodic theorem involving the additive and multiplicative groups of a countable field $K$ and, with the help of a new variant of Furstenberg’s correspondence principle, prove that any ‘large’ set in $K$ contains many configurations of the form $\{x+y,xy\}$. We also show that for any finite coloring of $K$ there are many $x,y\in K$ such that $x,x+y$ and $xy$ have the same color. Finally, by utilizing a finitistic version of our main ergodic theorem, we obtain combinatorial results pertaining to finite fields. In particular, we obtain an alternative proof for a result obtained by Cilleruelo [Combinatorial problems in finite fields and Sidon sets. Combinatorica32(5) (2012), 497–511], showing that for any finite field $F$ and any subsets $E_{1},E_{2}\subset F$ with $|E_{1}|\,|E_{2}|>6|F|$, there exist $u,v\in F$ such that $u+v\in E_{1}$ and $uv\in E_{2}$.
Effects of dietary quercetin on performance and cytochrome P450 expression of the cotton bollworm,Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Liu D. , Yuan Y. , Li M. , Qiu X.
Published: October 2015

Quercetin is ubiquitous in terrestrial plants. The cotton bollwormHelicoverpa armigeraas a highly polyphagous insect has caused severe crop losses. Until now, interactions between this pest and quercetin are poorly understood at the biochemical and molecular levels. In this study, we investigated thein vivoeffects of quercetin on performance of cotton bollworm and on cytochrome P450 (P450) expression. Deleterious effects of quercetin on the performance of the cotton bollworm, including growth, survival, pupation and adult emergence were observed after oral administration of 3 and 10 mg g−1quercetin to larvae since the third instar, whereas no significant toxic effect was found at 0.1 mg g−1quercetin treatment. Piperonyl butoxide treatment enhanced the toxicity of quercetin.In vitrometabolism studies showed that quercetin was rapidly transformed by gut enzymes of fifth instar larvae of the cotton bollworm. qRT–PCR results revealed that the effect of quercetin on P450 expression was tissue- and dose-specific. Quercetin regulated P450 expression in a mild manner, and it could serve as P450 inducer (CYP337B1, CYP6B6) or repressor (CYP337B1, CYP6B7, CYP6B27, CYP9A14, CYP6AE11, and CYP4M7). These findings are important for advancing our understanding of the biochemical and molecular response of insects to plant toxins and have implications for a smart pest control.
Ade novomicrodeletion inNRXN1in a Dutch patient with mild intellectual disability, microcephaly and gonadal dysgenesis
Authors: AGHA ZEHRA , IQBAL ZAFAR , KLEEFSTRA TJITSKE , ZWEIER CHRISTIANE , PFUNDT ROLPH , QAMAR RAHEEL , VAN BOKHOVEN HANS , WILLEMSEN MARJOLEIN H.
Published: October 2015

This report is regarding a Dutch female with microcephaly, mild intellectual disability (ID), gonadal dysgenesis and dysmorphic facial features with synophrys. Upon genotyping, an ~455 kbde novodeletion encompassing the first exon ofNRXN1was found. Bidirectional sequencing of the coding exons of theNRXN1alpha isoform was subsequently performed to investigate the possibility of a pathogenic mutation on the other allele, but we could not find any other mutation. Previously, many heterozygous mutations as well as microdeletions inNRXN1were shown to be associated with ID, autism, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric and psychotic disorders. Our results are in agreement with other reports that show thatNRXN1deletions can lead to ID, microcephaly and mild dysmorphic features. However, this is the first report of gonadal dysgenesis being associated with such deletions. It is not clear whether there is a causal relationship between theNRXN1deletion and gonadal dysgenesis, but it is of interest that theFSHRgene, which encodes the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor causative correlation that is mutated in ovarian dysgenesis, is located proximal to theNRXN1gene. Given that most of the females carryingNRXN1deletions have been diagnosed at a prepubertal age, gynecologic screening of female carriers of aNRXN1deletion is warranted.
Source investigation of two outbreaks of skin and soft tissue infection byMycobacterium abscessussubsp.abscessusin Venezuela
Authors: TORRES-COY J. A. , RODRÍGUEZ-CASTILLO B. A , PÉREZ-ALFONZO R. , DE WAARD J. H.
Published: October 2015

Outbreaks of soft tissue or skin infection due to non-tuberculous mycobacteria are reported frequently in scientific journals but in general the infection source in these outbreaks remains unknown. In Venezuela, in two distinct outbreaks, one after breast augmentation surgery and another after hydrolipoclasy therapy, 16 patients contracted a soft tissue infection due toMycobacterium abscessussubsp.abscessus.Searching for the possible environmental infection sources in these outbreaks, initially the tap water (in the hydrolipoclasy therapy outbreak) and a surgical skin marker (in the breast implant surgery outbreak), were identified as the infection sources. Molecular typing of the strains with a variable number tandem repeat typing assay confirmed the tap water as the infection source but the molecular typing technique excluded the skin marker. We discuss the results and make a call for the implementation of stringent hygiene and disinfection guidelines for cosmetic procedures in Venezuela.
Externalizing symptoms, effortful control, and intrusive parenting: A test of bidirectional longitudinal relations during early childhood
Authors: Eisenberg Nancy , Taylor Zoe E. , Widaman Keith F. , Spinrad Tracy L.
Published: October 2015

At approximately 30, 42, and 54 months of age (N= 231), the relations among children's externalizing symptoms, intrusive maternal parenting, and children's effortful control (EC) were examined. Both intrusive parenting and low EC have been related to psychopathology, but children's externalizing problems and low EC might affect the quality of parenting and one another. Mothers’ intrusive behavior with their children was assessed with observations, children's EC was measured with mothers’ and caregivers’ reports, and children's externalizing symptoms were assessed with mothers’, fathers’, and caregivers’ reports. In a structural equation panel model, bidirectional relations between intrusive parenting and EC were found: EC at 30 and 42 months predicted low levels of intrusive parenting a year later, controlling for prior levels of parenting and vice versa. Moreover, high levels of children's externalizing problems at both 30 and 42 months negatively predicted EC a year later, controlling for prior levels of EC. Although externalizing problems positively predicted high EC over time, this appeared to be a suppression effect because these variables had a strong negative pattern in the zero-order correlations. Moreover, when controlling for the stability of intrusive parenting, EC, and externalizing (all exhibited significant stability across time) and the aforementioned cross-lagged predictive paths, EC and externalizing problems were still negatively related within the 54-month assessment. The findings are consistent with the view that children's externalizing behavior undermines their EC and contributes to intrusive mothering and that relations between intrusive parenting and EC are bidirectional across time. Thus, interventions that focus on modifying children's externalizing problems (as well as the quality of parenting) might affect the quality of parenting they receive and, hence, subsequent problems with adjustment.
Huber Receives 2015 Hisashi Kuno Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: October 2015

Christian Huber will receive the Hisashi Kuno Award at the 2015 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 14–18 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes "accomplishments of junior scientists who make outstanding contributions to the fields of volcanology, geochemistry, and petrology."
Looking Back to 2010: Birth of a New Vision for AGU
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: October 2015

AGU past and present leadership reflects on the strategic plan adopted 5 years ago that continues to guide transformation of the organization today.
The hand of Homo naledi
Authors: Kivell Tracy L. , Deane Andrew S. , Tocheri Matthew W. , Orr Caley M. , Schmid Peter , Hawks John , Berger Lee R. , Churchill Steven E.
Published: October 2015

A nearly complete right hand of an adult hominin was recovered from the Rising Star cave system, South Africa. Based on associated hominin material, the bones of this hand are attributed toHomo naledi. This hand reveals a long, robust thumb and derived wrist morphology that is shared with Neandertals and modern humans, and considered adaptive for intensified manual manipulation. However, the finger bones are longer and more curved than in most australopiths, indicating frequent use of the hand during life for strong grasping during locomotor climbing and suspension. These markedly curved digits in combination with an otherwise human-like wrist and palm indicate a significant degree of climbing, despite the derived nature of many aspects of the hand and other regions of the postcranial skeleton inH. naledi.
Feasibility of long-distance heart rate monitoring using transmittance photoplethysmographic imaging (PPGI)
Authors: Amelard Robert , Scharfenberger Christian , Kazemzadeh Farnoud , Pfisterer Kaylen J. , Lin Bill S. , Clausi David A. , Wong Alexander
Published: October 2015

Photoplethysmography (PPG) devices are widely used for monitoring cardiovascular function. However, these devices require skin contact, which restricts their use to at-rest short-term monitoring. Photoplethysmographic imaging (PPGI) has been recently proposed as a non-contact monitoring alternative by measuring blood pulse signals across a spatial region of interest. Existing systems operate in reflectance mode, many of which are limited to short-distance monitoring and are prone to temporal changes in ambient illumination. This paper is the first study to investigate the feasibility of long-distance non-contact cardiovascular monitoring at the supermeter level using transmittance PPGI. For this purpose, a novel PPGI system was designed at the hardware and software level. Temporally coded illumination (TCI) is proposed for ambient correction and a signal processing pipeline is proposed for PPGI signal extraction. Experimental results show that the processing steps yielded a substantially more pulsatile PPGI signal than the raw acquired signal, resulting in statistically significant increases in correlation to ground-truth PPG in both short- "Equation missing" and long-distance "Equation missing" monitoring. The results support the hypothesis that long-distance heart rate monitoring is feasible using transmittance PPGI, allowing for new possibilities of monitoring cardiovascular function in a non-contact manner.
Pulsed Near-IR Photoresponse in a Bi-metal Contacted Graphene Photodetector
Authors: Cai Xinghan , Suess Ryan J. , Drew H. Dennis , Murphy Thomas E. , Yan Jun , Fuhrer Michael S.
Published: October 2015

We use an ultra-fast near-infrared pulse coincidence technique to study the time, temperature and power dependence of the photoresponse of a bi-metal contacted graphene photodetector. We observe two components of the photovoltage signal. One component is gate-voltage dependent, linear in power at room temperature and sub-linear at low temperature-consistent with the hot-electron photothermoelectric effect due to absorption in the graphene. The power dependence is consistent with supercollision-dominated cooling in graphene. The other component is gate-voltage independent and linear in temperature and power, which we interpret as due to thermoelectricity of the metal electrodes due to differential light absorption.
Femtosecond X-ray absorption study of electron localization in photoexcited anatase TiO2
Authors: Santomauro F. G. , Lübcke A. , Rittmann J. , Baldini E. , Ferrer A. , Silatani M. , Zimmermann P. , Grübel S. , Johnson J. A. , Mariager S. O. , Beaud P. , Grolimund D. , Borca C. , Ingold G. , Johnson S.L. , Chergui M.
Published: October 2015

Transition metal oxides are among the most promising solar materials, whose properties rely on the generation, transport and trapping of charge carriers (electrons and holes). Identifying the latter’s dynamics at room temperature requires tools that combine elemental and structural sensitivity, with the atomic scale resolution of time (femtoseconds, fs). Here, we use fs Ti K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) upon 3.49 eV (355 nm) excitation of aqueous colloidal anatase titanium dioxide nanoparticles to probe the trapping dynamics of photogenerated electrons. We find that their localization at Titanium atoms occurs in <300 fs, forming Ti3+ centres, in or near the unit cell where the electron is created. We conclude that electron localization is due to its trapping at pentacoordinated sites, mostly present in the surface shell region. The present demonstration of fs hard X-ray absorption capabilities opens the way to a detailed description of the charge carrier dynamics in transition metal oxides.
Reduced cortical expression of a newly identified splicing variant of the DLG1 gene in patients with early-onset schizophrenia
Authors: Uezato A , Yamamoto N , Iwayama Y , Hiraoka S , Hiraaki E , Umino A , Haramo E , Umino M , Yoshikawa T , Nishikawa T
Published: October 2015

The human discs, large homolog 1 gene (DLG1) is mapped to the schizophrenia-susceptibility locus 3q29, and it encodes a scaffold protein that interacts with the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor presumably dysregulated in schizophrenia. In the current study, we have newly identified a splicing variant of DLG1, which is transcribed from an unreported 95-base-pair exon (exon 3b) and is labeled 3b(+). We investigated the mRNA expression of 3b(+) in the post-mortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortices of patients with psychiatric disorders, obtained from The Stanley Medical Research Institute, and examined the potential association of the expression with the genotype of the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3915512 located within exon 3b. A real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction revealed that the mRNA levels of 3b(+) were significantly reduced in patients with early-onset schizophrenia (onset at <18 years old, P=0.0003) but not in those with non-early-onset schizophrenia, early-onset or non-early-onset bipolar disorder or in the controls. Furthermore, the genotype at the rs3915512 SNP was closely associated with the levels of 3b(+) mRNA expression. It is inferred that the T allele fails to meet the exonic splicing enhancer consensus, thus resulting in skipping of exon 3b, leading to the expression of 3b(−) (the previously known DLG1 variant) but not 3b(+). Because all the subjects with early-onset schizophrenia in the current study possess the T/T genotype, the reduced level of the DLG1 3b(+) transcript may be involved in the susceptibility and/or pathophysiology of early-onset schizophrenia.
Synthesis of poly(1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-diyl)s having a π-stacked, helical conformation
Authors: Yang Weixi , Nakano Tamaki
Published: October 2015

5,6-Dibromo-1,10-phenanthroline and 2,9-di-n-butyl-5,6-dibromo-1,10-phenanthroline were polymerized using a Ni catalyst to afford helical polymers in which the phenanthroline moieties are densely stacked on top of each other.
Butelase-mediated synthesis of protein thioesters and its application for tandem chemoenzymatic ligation
Authors: Cao Yuan , Nguyen Giang K. T. , Tam James P. , Liu Chuan-Fa
Published: October 2015

Recombinant proteins with a C-terminal thioester are readily prepared through the catalysis of butelase 1 – a powerful peptide ligase.
A high-performance “sweeper” for toxic cationic herbicides: an anionic metal–organic framework with a tetrapodal cage
Authors: Jia Yan-Yuan , Zhang Ying-Hui , Xu Jian , Feng Rui , Zhang Ming-Shi , Bu Xian-He
Published: October 2015

High efficiency adsorption and removal of toxic herbicides in an anionic metal–organic framework.
Fast fabrication of copper nanowire transparent electrodes by a high intensity pulsed light sintering technique in air
Authors: Ding Su , Jiu Jinting , Tian Yanhong , Sugahara Tohru , Nagao Shijo , Suganuma Katsuaki
Published: October 2015

A high intensity pulsed light technique was introduced to sinter and simultaneously deoxygenate copper nanowires into a highly conductive network.
Quantum interference control of an isolated resonance lifetime in the weak-field limit
Authors: García-Vela A.
Published: October 2015

Resonance states play an important role in a large variety of physical and chemical processes.
Stabilization of Al(iii) solutions by complexation with cacodylic acid: speciation and binding features
Authors: Lari Matteo , Lozano Héctor J. , Busto Natalia , Biver Tarita , Leal José M. , Ibeas Saturnino , Platts James A. , Secco Fernando , Garcia Begoña
Published: October 2015

Representative structures of the aluminium/cacodylate system.
Enzyme kinetics and transport in a system crowded by mobile macromolecules
Authors: Echeverria Carlos , Kapral Raymond
Published: October 2015

The dynamics of an elastic network model for the enzyme 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase is studied in a system crowded by mobile macromolecules, also modeled by elastic networks.
Correction: Temperature-dependent energy levels and size-independent thermodynamics
Authors: de Miguel Rodrigo
Published: October 2015

Correction for ‘Temperature-dependent energy levels and size-independent thermodynamics’ by Rodrigo de Miguel, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 15691–15693.
Water splitting reaction on Ce0.15Zr0.85O2 driven by surface heterogeneity
Authors: Pappacena Alfonsina , Boaro Marta , Armelao Lidia , Llorca Jordi , Trovarelli Alessandro
Published: October 2015

Surface structural heterogeneity of Ce0.15Zr0.85O2 contributes to a six fold increase of H2 production in the two step water splitting reaction.
Base-free conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid over a Ru/C catalyst
Authors: Yi Guangshun , Teong Siew Ping , Zhang Yugen
Published: October 2015

The catalytic conversion of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) over a commercial Ru/C catalyst in a base-free aqueous solution was studied with up to 88% FDCA yield.
A local redox cycling-based electrochemical chip device with nanocavities for multi-electrochemical evaluation of embryoid bodies
Authors: Kanno Yusuke , Ino Kosuke , Shiku Hitoshi , Matsue Tomokazu
Published: October 2015

We developed a local redox cycling-based electrochemical (LRC-EC) device with nanocavities for multi-electrochemical detection of cell activity.
Acceptorless dehydrogenative condensation of o-aminobenzamides with aldehydes to quinazolinones in water catalyzed by a water-soluble iridium complex [Cp*Ir(H2O)3][OTf]2
Authors: Li Feng , Lu Lei , Ma Juan
Published: October 2015

A general, efficient and environmentally benign method for the synthesis of quinazolinones via acceptorless dehydrogenative condensation of o-aminobenzamides with aldehydes in water has been accomplished.
A molecular cobalt catalyst supported by an amine-bis(phenolate) ligand for both electrolytic and photolytic water reduction
Authors: Fu Ling-Zhi , Zhou Ling-Ling , Zhan Shu-Zhong
Published: October 2015

One new catalyst, [L2Co2Cl2] 1 is prepared by reaction of ligand (H2L) with CoCl2·6H2O for both electrolytic and photolytic water reduction.
Comparative analysis of the electronic structures of mono- and bi-atomic chains of IV, III–V and II–VI group elements calculated using the DFT LCAO and LACW methods
Authors: D’yachkov P. N. , Zaluev V. A. , Piskunov S. N. , Zhukovskii Y. F.
Published: October 2015

Ab initio non-relativistic LCAO and relativistic LACW methods are used to calculate the electronic properties of the covalent and partially ionic ANB8−N atomic chains. Their band structures are found to be markedly different when using both methods.
Structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of hexagonal multiferroic Yb1−xScxMnO3 (x = 0.1 and 0.2)
Authors: Sattibabu Bhumireddi , Bhatnagar A. K. , Vinod K. , Mani Awadhesh , Das D.
Published: October 2015

We have studied the effect of Sc doping on the structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of multiferroic Yb1−xScxMnO3 (x = 0.1 and 0.2).
Origin of the highly anisotropic thermal expansion of the semiconducting ZnSb and relations with its thermoelectric applications
Authors: Hermet P. , Koza M. M. , Ritter C. , Reibel C. , Viennois R.
Published: October 2015

This article is devoted to the thermal expansion of ZnSb combining experiments (neutron and X-ray) and calculations based on density functional theory.
Study to explore assorted interfaces of an ionic liquid prevailing in solvent systems by physicochemical approach
Authors: Ray Tanusree , Roy Mahendra Nath
Published: October 2015

Trends in solvation of the ionic liquid [bupy]Br in various solvents have been investigated: 1,4 DO (pink), THF (blue) and ACN (yellow).
Polyimide (PI) high-quality polymer dielectric films with the features of anti-solvents and large-area consistency for field-effect transistors
Authors: Li Yunze , Ji Deyang , Dong Huanli , Li Jingze , Hu Wenping
Published: October 2015

Solvent treated and untreated polyimide dielectric films show the same smooth surface, and the electrical performances of organic field-effect transistors over a large area are identical.
Drop impact on a flexible fiber
Authors: Dressaire Emilie , Sauret Alban , Boulogne François , Stone Howard A.
Published: October 2015

The capture or release of a droplet impacting a flexible fiber depends on elastic and capillary effects.
Multi-stable fluorescent silica nanoparticles obtained from in situ doping with aggregation-induced emission molecules
Authors: Wang Yi-Feng , Che Jing , Zheng Yong-Chao , Zhao Yuan-Yuan , Chen Fei , Jin Shu-Bin , Gong Ning-Qiang , Xu Jing , Hu Zhong-Bo , Liang Xing-Jie
Published: October 2015

Rigid structures provided by silica matrix restrict the intramolecular rotations of AIE molecules, and fluorescence of CWQ-11@SiO2 nanoparticles maintains excellent pH-, viscosity- and photo-stability, especially stable in simulated gastric fluid.