bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHANGES OF FASHION CONSUMERS PURCHASING BEHAVIOR BEFORE AND DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: EVIDENCE FROM SERBIA
Authors: Slijepčević Milica , Perčić Karolina , Krstić Jelena
Published: August 2024

Fashion consumers purchasing behavior before and during COVID-19 pandemic are the subject of this paper. The empirical part deals with an analysis of the frequency of purchasing fashion products in Serbia in relation to the level of monthly income, the method of ordering, the method of payment, the items of the order and the impact of influencers on the purchase of fashion products, both in the period before and during the pandemic. The behavior of generations Z, Y, X and Baby Boomers was considered as the behavior of consumers of fashion products. The aim of the research is to examine if there is a difference, and what is the extent of the difference, in the behavior of the consumers who have purchased fashion products before and during the pandemic. Online research was carried out using a random sample of 1,002 respondents (both genders, aged 18-72) in Serbia, during the pandemic. The research results show that during the pandemic the percentage of consumers who frequently purchased fashion products have decreased to a large extent compared to the period before COVID-19. During the pandemic, the purchase of fashion products (clothing, footwear and accessories) in physical stores and through domestic websites in Serbia have decreased, along with a decrease in the portion of monthly income set aside for the purchase of fashion products. On the other hand, the purchase of fashion products through foreign websites and social networks have increased, which was accompanied by an increase in online payment methods. The results also show that influencers have made no impact on the change in frequency of ordering fashion products. Generation Z have most frequently purchased clothing items and through social networks, while Generation Y have most frequently ordered fashion products through foreign websites during the pandemic.
IMPACT OF KEY ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT ORIENTATION ON COMPANY’S FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Authors: Alić Adi , Klopić Vasva , Klopić Amer
Published: August 2024

Key account management (KAM) is a strategic approach that focuses on developing and retaining long-term relationships with key customers. In today’s business world, where competition is fierce and disruption is the norm, KAM has become increasingly important for companies looking to maintain a competitive edge. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, many companies are beginning to recognize the value of KAM and are implementing KAM strategies to improve their financial performance. To better understand the impact of KAM on financial performance in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ongoing research is being conducted to identify the influence of key account management orientation on company financial performance in different industry sectors. The research has collected data from several companies in various industries, with each company being considered as a unit of analysis. To ensure the reliability and validity of the research instrumentation, a validated and reliable questionnaire was used, and item total reliability and confirmatory factor analysis were employed to test the reliability and validity of the constructs. The analysis of the data collected will be done using the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique, which will allow the researchers to identify the effects of key account management orientation on the company’s financial performance. The researchers expect to find statistically significant evidence supporting the impact of KAM orientation on the financial performance of companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The findings of this research could have important implications for companies looking to improve their financial performance through the implementation of KAM strategies. By demonstrating the impact of KAM on financial performance, the research could encourage more companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina to adopt KAM strategies and help them gain a competitive edge in their respective industries.
A scene with an invisible wall - navigational experience shapes visual scene representation
Authors: Li Shi Pui Donald , Shao Jiayu , Lu Zhengang , McCloskey Michael , Park Soojin
Published: August 2024

Human navigation heavily relies on visual information. Although many previous studies have investigated how navigational information is inferred from visual features of scenes, little is understood about the impact of navigational experience on visual scene representation. In this study, we examined how navigational experience influences both the behavioral and neural responses to a visual scene. During training, participants navigated in the virtual reality (VR) environments which we manipulated navigational experience while holding the visual properties of scenes constant. Half of the environments allowed free navigation (navigable), while the other half featured an ‘invisible wall’ preventing the participants to continue forward even though the scene was visually navigable (non-navigable). During testing, participants viewed scene images from the VR environment while completing either a behavioral perceptual identification task (Experiment1) or an fMRI scan (Experiment2). Behaviorally, we found that participants judged a scene pair to be significantly more visually different if their prior navigational experience varied, even after accounting for visual similarities between the scene pairs. Neurally, multi-voxel pattern of the parahippocampal place area (PPA) distinguished visual scenes based on prior navigational experience alone. These results suggest that the human visual scene cortex represents information about navigability obtained through prior experience, beyond those computable from the visual properties of the scene. Taken together, these results suggest that scene representation is modulated by prior navigational experience to help us construct a functionally meaningful visual environment.
Constitutively active receptor ADGRA3 signaling induces adipose thermogenesis
Authors: Zhao Zewei , Hu Longyun , Song Bigui , Jiang Tao , Wu Qian , Lin Jiejing , Li Xiaoxiao , Cai Yi , Li Jin , Qian Bingxiu , Liu Siqi , Lang Jilu , Yang Zhonghan
Published: August 2024

The induction of adipose thermogenesis plays a critical role in maintaining body temperature and improving metabolic homeostasis to combat obesity. β3-adrenoceptor (β3-AR) is widely recognized as a canonical β-adrenergic G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays a crucial role in mediating adipose thermogenesis in mice. Nonetheless, the limited expression of β3-AR in human adipocytes restricts its clinical application. The objective of this study was to identify a GPCR that is highly expressed in human adipocytes and to explore its potential involvement in adipose thermogenesis. Our research findings have demonstrated that the adhesion G-protein-coupled receptor A3 (ADGRA3), an orphan GPCR, plays a significant role in adipose thermogenesis through its constitutively active effects. ADGRA3 exhibited high expression levels in human adipocytes and mouse brown fat. Furthermore, the knockdown of Adgra3 resulted in an exacerbated obese phenotype and a reduction in the expression of thermogenic markers in mice. Conversely, Adgra3 overexpression activated the adipose thermogenic program and improved metabolic homeostasis in mice without exogenous ligand. We found that ADGRA3 facilitates the biogenesis of beige human or mouse adipocytes in vitro. Moreover, hesperetin was identified as a potential agonist of ADGRA3, capable of inducing adipocyte browning and ameliorating insulin resistance in mice. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the overexpression of constitutively active ADGRA3 or the activation of ADGRA3 by hesperetin can induce adipocyte browning by Gs-PKA-CREB axis. These findings indicate that the utilization of hesperetin and the selective overexpression of ADGRA3 in adipose tissue could serve as promising therapeutic strategies in the fight against obesity.
Direct and indirect salt effects on homotypic phase separation
Authors: MacAinsh Matt , Dey Souvik , Zhou Huan-Xiang
Published: August 2024

The low-complexity domain of hnRNPA1 (A1-LCD) phase separates in a salt-dependent manner. Unlike many intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) whose phase separation is suppressed by increasing salt concentrations, the phase separation of A1-LCD is promoted by >100 mM NaCl. To investigate the atypical salt effect on A1-LCD phase separation, we carried out all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of systems comprising multiple A1-LCD chains at NaCl concentrations from 50 to 1000 mM NaCl. The ions occupy first shell as well as more distant sites around the IDP chains, with Arg sidechains and backbone carbonyls the favored partners of Cl– and Na+, respectively. They play two direct roles in driving A1-LCD condensation. The first is to neutralize the high net charge of the protein (+9) by an excess of bound Cl– over Na+; the second is to bridge between A1-LCD chains, thereby fortifying the intermolecular interaction networks in the dense phase. At high concentrations, NaCl also indirectly strengthens π–π, cation–π, and amino–π interactions, by drawing water away from the interaction partners. Therefore, at low salt, A1-LCD is prevented from phase separation by net charge repulsion; at intermediate concentrations, NaCl neutralizes enough of the net charge while also bridging IDP chains to drive phase separation. This drive becomes even stronger at high salt due to strengthened π-type interactions. Based on this understanding, four classes of salt dependence of IDP phase separation can be predicted from amino-acid composition.
UNC-6/Netrin promotes both adhesion and directed growth within a single axon
Authors: Nichols Ev L , Lee Joo , Shen Kang
Published: August 2024

During development axons undergo long-distance migrations as instructed by guidance molecules and their receptors, such as UNC-6/Netrin and UNC-40/DCC. Guidance cues act through long-range diffusive gradients (chemotaxis) or local adhesion (haptotaxis). However, how these discrete modes of action guide axons
in vivo
is poorly understood. Using time-lapse imaging of axon guidance in
C. elegans
, we demonstrate that UNC-6 and UNC-40 are required for local adhesion to an intermediate target and subsequent directional growth. Exogenous membrane-tethered UNC-6 is sufficient to mediate adhesion but not directional growth, demonstrating the separability of haptotaxis and chemotaxis. This conclusion is further supported by the endogenous UNC-6 distribution along the axon’s route. The intermediate and final targets are enriched in UNC-6 and separated by a ventrodorsal UNC-6 gradient. Continuous growth through the gradient requires UNC-40, which recruits UNC-6 to the growth cone tip. Overall, these data suggest that UNC-6 stimulates stepwise haptotaxis and chemotaxis
in vivo
.
UNC-6/Netrin promotes both adhesion and directed growth within a single axon
Authors: Nichols Ev L , Lee Joo , Shen Kang
Published: August 2024

During development axons undergo long-distance migrations as instructed by guidance molecules and their receptors, such as UNC-6/Netrin and UNC-40/DCC. Guidance cues act through long-range diffusive gradients (chemotaxis) or local adhesion (haptotaxis). However, how these discrete modes of action guide axons
in vivo
is poorly understood. Using time-lapse imaging of axon guidance in
C. elegans
, we demonstrate that UNC-6 and UNC-40 are required for local adhesion to an intermediate target and subsequent directional growth. Exogenous membrane-tethered UNC-6 is sufficient to mediate adhesion but not directional growth, demonstrating the separability of haptotaxis and chemotaxis. This conclusion is further supported by the endogenous UNC-6 distribution along the axon’s route. The intermediate and final targets are enriched in UNC-6 and separated by a ventrodorsal UNC-6 gradient. Continuous growth through the gradient requires UNC-40, which recruitsUNC-6 to the growth cone tip. Overall, these data suggest that UNC-6 stimulates stepwise haptotaxis and chemotaxis
in vivo
.
Prdm1 positively regulates liver Group 1 ILCs cancer immune surveillance and preserves functional heterogeneity
Authors: He Jitian , Gao Le , Wang Peiying , Chan Wing Keung , Zheng Yiran , Zhang Yumo , Sun Jiaman , Li Xue , Wang Jiming , Li Xiao-Hong , Chen Huaiyong , Yang Zhouxin , Wang Youwei
Published: August 2024

Group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) comprise conventional natural killer (cNK) cells and type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s). The main functions of liver cNK cells and ILC1s not only include directly killing target cells but also regulating local immune microenvironment of the liver through the secretion of cytokines. Uncovering the intricate mechanisms by which transcriptional factors regulate and influence the functions of liver cNK cells and ILC1s, particularly within the context of liver tumors, presents a significant opportunity to amplify the effectiveness of immunotherapies against liver malignancies. Using Ncr1-drived conditional knockout mouse model, our study reveals the regulatory role of Prdm1 in shaping the composition and maturation of cNK cells. Although Prdm1 did not affect the killing function of cNK cells in an in vivo cytotoxicity model, a significant increase in cancer metastasis was observed in Prdm1 knockout mice. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), granzyme B, and perforin secretion decreased significantly in Prdm1-deficient cNK cells and liver ILC1s. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data also provided evidences that Prdm1 maintains functional subsets of cNK cells and liver ILC1s and facilitates communications between cNK cells, liver ILC1s, and macrophages. The present study unveiled a novel regulatory mechanism of Prdm1 in cNK cells and liver ILC1s, showing promising potential for developing innovative immune therapy strategies against liver cancer.
Beyond BioID: Streptavidin outcompetes antibody fluorescence signals in protein localization and readily visualises targets evading immunofluorescence detection
Authors: Odenwald Johanna , Gabiatti Bernardo , Braune Silke , Shen Siqi , Zoltner Martin , Kramer Susanne
Published: August 2024

Immunofluorescence is a common method to localise proteins within their cellular context via fluorophore labelled antibodies and for some applications without alternative. However, some protein targets evade detection due to low protein abundance or accessibility issues. In addition, some imaging methods require a massive reduction in antigen density thus impeding detection of even medium-abundant proteins.Here, we show that the fusion of the target protein to TurboID, a biotin ligase labelling lysine residues in close proximity, and subsequent detection of biotinylation by fluorescent streptavidin offers an “all in one” solution to the above-mentioned restrictions. For a wide range of target proteins tested, the streptavidin signal was significantly stronger than an antibody signal, markedly improving the imaging sensitivity in expansion microscopy and correlative light and electron microscopy, with no loss in resolution. Importantly, proteins within phase-separated regions, such as the central channel of the nuclear pores, the nucleolus or RNA granules, were readily detected with streptavidin, while most antibodies fail to label proteins in these environments. When TurboID is used in tandem with an HA epitope tag, co-probing with streptavidin and anti-HA can be used to map antibody- accessibility to certain cellular regions. As a proof of principle, we mapped antibody access to all trypanosome nuclear pore proteins (NUPs) and found restricted antibody labelling of all FG NUPs of the central channel that are known to be phase-separated, while most non-FG Nups could be labelled. Lastly, we show that streptavidin imaging can resolve dynamic, temporally and spatially distinct sub-complexes and, in specific cases, reveal a history of dynamic protein interaction.In conclusion, streptavidin imaging has major advantages for the detection of lowly abundant or inaccessible proteins and in addition, can provide information on protein interactions and biophysical environment.
Tumor-infiltrating nerves functionally alter brain circuits and modulate behavior in a mouse model of head-and-neck cancer
Authors: Barr Jeffrey , Walz Austin , Restaino Anthony C , Amit Moran , Barclay Sarah M , Vichaya Elisabeth G , Spanos William C , Dantzer Robert , Talbot Sebastien , Vermeer Paola D
Published: August 2024

Cancer patients often experience changes in mental health, prompting an exploration into whether nerves infiltrating tumors contribute to these alterations by impacting brain functions. Using a mouse model for head and neck cancer and neuronal tracing we show that tumor-infiltrating nerves connect to distinct brain areas. The activation of this neuronal circuitry altered behaviors (decreased nest-building, increased latency to eat a cookie, and reduced wheel running). Tumor-infiltrating nociceptor neurons exhibited heightened calcium activity and brain regions receiving these neural projections showed elevated Fos as well as increased calcium responses compared to non-tumor-bearing counterparts.The genetic elimination of nociceptor neurons decreased brain Fos expression and mitigated the behavioral alterations induced by the presence of the tumor. While analgesic treatment restored nesting and cookie test behaviors, it did not fully restore voluntary wheel running indicating that pain is not the exclusive driver of such behavioral shifts. Unraveling the interaction between the tumor, infiltrating nerves, and the brain is pivotal to developing targeted interventions to alleviate the mental health burdens associated with cancer.
Human myogenic progenitor cells display tenogenic differentiation potential and facilitate tendon regeneration
Authors: Shao Xiexiang , Lin Xingzuan , Zhou Hao , Han Lili , Fu Xin , Li Sheng , Zhu Siyuan , Zhou Shenao , Wang Jianhua , Hu Ping
Published: August 2024

Tendon injury occurs at high frequency and is difficult to repair. Identification of human stem cells being able to regenerate tendon will greatly facilitate the development of regenerative medicine for tendon injury. We identified CD29+/CD56+ human muscle stem/progenitor cells having tendon differentiation potential both in vitro and in vivo. Transplantation of human myogenic progenitor cells contributes to injured tendon repair and thus improves locomotor function. Interestingly, the tendon differentiation potential in mouse muscle stem cells is minimal and the higher TGFβ signaling level in human myogenic progenitor cells may be the key for the distinct feature of human myogenic progenitor cells. These findings reveal that CD29+/CD56+ human muscle stem/progenitor cells are bi-potential adult stem cells and can serve as a new source for tendon regeneration.
Modeling and Simulation of Neocortical Micro- and Mesocircuitry. Part I: Anatomy
Authors: Reimann Michael W , Bolaños-Puchet Sirio , Courcol Jean-Denis , Egas Santander Daniela , Arnaudon Alexis , Coste Benoît , Delalondre Fabien , Delemontex Thomas , Devresse Adrien , Dictus Hugo , Dietz Alexander , Ecker András , Favreau Cyrille , Ficarelli Gianluca , Gevaert Mike , Herttuainen Joni , Isbister James B , Kanari Lida , Keller Daniel , King James , Kumbhar Pramod , Lapere Samuel , Lazovskis Jᾱnis , Lu Huanxiang , Ninin Nicolas , Pereira Fernando , Planas Judit , Pokorny Christoph , Riquelme Juan Luis , Romani Armando , Shi Ying , Smith Jason P , Sood Vishal , Srivastava Mohit , Van Geit Werner , Vanherpe Liesbeth , Wolf Matthias , Levi Ran , Hess Kathryn , Schürmann Felix , Muller Eilif B , Markram Henry , Ramaswamy Srikanth
Published: August 2024

The function of the neocortex is fundamentally determined by its repeating microcircuit motif, but also by its rich, interregional connectivity. We present a data-driven computational model of the anatomy of non-barrel primary somatosensory cortex of juvenile rat, integrating whole-brain scale data while providing cellular and subcellular specificity. The model consists of 4.2 million morphologically detailed neurons, placed in a digital brain atlas. They are connected by 14.2 billion synapses, comprising local, mid-range and extrinsic connectivity. We delineated the limits of determining connectivity from neuron morphology and placement, finding that it reproduces targeting by Sst+ neurons, but requires additional specificity to reproduce targeting by PV+ and VIP+ interneurons. Globally, connectivity was characterized by local clusters tied together through hub neurons in layer 5, demonstrating how local and interegional connectivity are complicit, inseparable networks. The model is suitable for simulation-based studies, and a 211,712 neuron subvolume is made openly available to the community.
Evaluation of Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization on Vegetative Parameters of Acroclinium (Helipterum roseum)
Authors: Singh Davinderpreet , Singh Jujhar , Negi Anmol
Published: August 2024

The present investigation entitled “Effect of N and K fertilization on vegetative growth of Acroclinium (Helipterum roseum)” was carried out at the laboratory of floriculture and experimental farm of Mata Gujri college, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with twelve treatments and three replications. The treatments were T1 i.e., 125 kg/acre urea + 60 kg/acre MOP, T2 i.e., 175 kg/acre urea + 60 kg/acre MOP, T3 i.e.,  225 kg/acre urea + 60 kg/acre MOP, T4 i.e.,  125 kg/acre urea + 80 kg/acre MOP,  T5 i.e., 175 kg/acre urea + 80 kg/acre MOP, T6 i.e.,  225 kg/acre urea + 80 kg/acre MOP, T7 i.e.,  125 kg/acre urea + 0 kg/acre MOP, T8 i.e.,  175 kg/acre urea + 0 kg/acre MOP, T9 i.e.,  225 kg/acre urea + 0 kg/acre MOP, T10 i.e.,  0 kg/acre urea + 80 kg/acre MOP, T11 i.e., 0 kg/acre urea + 60 kg/acre MOP and T12 i.e., control. Observations were recorded for vegetative, flowering and seed yield parameters. Among all treatments maximum plant height (44.86 cm and 59.91 cm ), leaf length (5.01 cm and 5.33 cm), plant spread (17.68 cm2 and 32.37 cm2) and diameter of main stem (6.13 mm and 10.77 mm) were found maximum in T3 i.e., 225 kg/acre urea + 60 kg/acre MOP and maximum number of leaves per stem (37.28 and 54.98) and number of leaves per plant (645.67 and 1055.13) was observed in  T9 i.e.,  225 kg/acre urea + 0 kg/acre MOP at 45 and 90 days respectively. Best vegetative parameters were recorded in 225 kg/acre urea + 60 kg/acre MOP and 225 kg/acre urea + 0 kg/acre MOP are best dosage for Acroclinium flower.
Species Composition and Diversity of Stored Grain Pests in Fortified Rice Collected from Different Districts of Telangana State, India
Authors: E Manasa , K Vijaya lakshmi , A Padmasri , G Kiran Reddy
Published: August 2024

A study was conducted to measure the species composition and diversity of various stored grain insect pests in fortified rice collected from different districts of Telangana,India during 2023-2024. Theresults indicated that a total of six species of stored grain insects belonging to three orders viz., Coleoptera (3), Lepidoptera (2) and Psocoptera (1) were recorded in fortified rice. The six insect species were rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, Saw toothed beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, redflour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella, rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica and pscocids. Among all these insects highest population of O. surinamensis was recorded in four districts of Telangana except in Ranga reddy and Nalgonda. The diversity indices indicated that Shannon-weiner diversity index (H) was high in Warangal district samples(H=1.426) while the Jagtial population recorded highest Margalef’s species richness index (R=1.27). The highest Pielou’s evenness index was reported from Nalgonda district (e=75), and Simpson diversity index of stored grain pests was found to be maximum (0.718) in Warangal district rice samples. The knowledge on species composition and diversity helps in planning timely management strategies for stored grain pests.
Challenges in the Development of Dengue Vaccine
Authors: Mannan Abdul , Khanam Arfa , Farooqui Khansa
Published: August 2024

The development of a dengue vaccine presents numerous challenges, largely due to the complexity of the virus and the human immune response. One of the primary hurdles is Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE), where antibodies from a previous dengue infection can facilitate a more severe secondary infection with a different serotype, exacerbating the disease. Cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses, such as Zika, complicates the immune response further. Additionally, the vaccine must elicit a balanced immune response against all four dengue serotypes, which is difficult to achieve. The role of T follicular helper (TFH) cells in enhancing vaccine efficacy has emerged as a critical area of focus. Efficiently targeting and inducing TFH cells through specific adjuvants could enhance neutralizing antibody production and long-lasting immunity, addressing some of the current vaccine limitations. Despite these challenges, ongoing research and trials continue to advance the field towards a more effective dengue vaccine.
Optimal Suppression of Photocatalytic Activity of Hybrid TiO2 Particles in Epoxy Thin Film by Using Taguchi Method
Authors: Muniandy Sunderishwary S. , Soon Tan Sek , Pung Swee Yong , Ramakrishnan Sivakumar
Published: August 2024

In this study, two different Al2O3-TiO2 and SiO2-TiO2 hybrid TiO2 particles were synthesised by using silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) to suppress the photocatalysis of TiO2. Key variables such as the concentration of the hybridization material (C), heating temperature (Th), and calcinating temperature (Tc) were selected with performance measured by photodegradation rate. The Taguchi L9 orthogonal array, a systematic approach used in the design of experiments (DOE), confirmed A333 (Al2O3-TiO2) achieved 99% photodegradation suppression with photodegradation rate reduced significantly from 0.01305 min−1 to 0.00009 min−1 and improved yellowing resistance by 63%, while S323 (SiO2-TiO2) achieved 75% suppression with photocatalysis activity decreased from 0.01305 min−1 to 0.0033 min−1 and 42% improved resistance. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis showed A333 had a higher rutile phase (40.1% vs. 10.2% for S323), and Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analyses revealed A333's rougher surface and lower surface area compared to S323 and pure TiO2. Overall, A333 effectively suppressed photocatalysis and improved yellowing resistance of epoxy thin film. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Direct and ozone‐mediated forcing of the Southern Annular Mode by greenhouse gases
Authors: Morgenstern Olaf , Zeng Guang , Dean Sam M. , Joshi Manoj , Abraham N. Luke , Osprey Annette
Published: November 2014

We assess the roles of long‐lived greenhouse gases and ozone depletion in driving meridional surface pressure gradients in the southern extratropics; these gradients are a defining feature of the Southern Annular Mode. Stratospheric ozone depletion is thought to have caused a strengthening of this mode during summer, with increasing long‐lived greenhouse gases playing a secondary role. Using a coupled atmosphere‐ocean chemistry‐climate model, we show that there is cancelation between the direct, radiative effect of increasing greenhouse gases by the also substantial indirect—chemical and dynamical—feedbacks that greenhouse gases have via their impact on ozone. This sensitivity of the mode to greenhouse gas‐induced ozone changes suggests that a consistent implementation of ozone changes due to long‐lived greenhouse gases in climate models benefits the simulation of this important aspect of Southern Hemisphere climate.
The Ronda peridotite (Spain): A natural template for seismic anisotropy in subduction wedges
Authors: Précigout Jacques , Almqvist Bjarne S. G.
Published: November 2014

The origin of seismic anisotropy in mantle wedges remains elusive. Here we provide documentation of shear wave anisotropy (AVs) inferred from mineral fabric across a lithosphere‐scale vestige of deformed mantle wedge in the Ronda peridotite. As predicted for most subduction wedges, this natural case exposes a transition from A‐type to B‐type olivine fabric that occurs with decreasing temperature and enhanced grain boundary sliding at the expense of dislocation creep. We show that B‐type fabric AVs (maximum of 6%) does not support geophysical observations and modeling, which requires 8% AVs. However, an observed transitional olivine fabric (A/B) develops at intermediate temperatures (800–1000°C) and can generate AVs ≥ 8%. We predict that the A/B‐type fabric can account for shear wave splitting in contrasting subduction settings, exemplified by the Ryukyu and Honshu subduction wedges. The Ronda peridotite therefore serves as a natural template to decipher the mantle wedge deformation from seismic anisotropy.
What do triple‐frequency radar signatures reveal about aggregate snowflakes?
Authors: Leinonen J. , Moisseev D.
Published: November 2014

A large data set of volume element models of aggregate snowflakes was created, building the snowflakes from various models of ice crystals found in the atmosphere: dendrites, needles, plates, and bullet rosettes, as well as spheroidal crystals for comparison. Several different sizes for the constituent crystals were also used. The radar backscattering cross sections of the snowflakes were computed from the models using the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) at 13.6 GHz (Ku band), 35.6 GHz (Ka band) and 94.0 GHz (W band), and the effects of the choice of crystal model and size on the Ku/Ka band and Ka/W band dual‐wavelength ratios (DWR) was investigated. It was found that the aggregate DWRs were very similar for all naturally occurring ice crystal types investigated in this study. This implies that the choice of crystal type is at most of secondary importance in the forward model of scattering used for snowfall retrievals but also, conversely, that the identification of the crystal type from triple‐frequency observations is likely to be difficult. In contrast, the size of the constituent ice crystals does have a nonnegligible impact on the triple‐frequency signatures. Additionally, it was found that the triple‐frequency signatures found in some experimental data, resembling those resulting from spheroidal model snowflakes, cannot be reproduced using the aggregates with any of the crystal types that were investigated. This suggests that besides aggregation, other mechanisms of snowflake formation from ice crystals must be considered in snowfall retrieval algorithms.
Tomographic and spectral views on the lifecycle of polar mesospheric clouds from Odin/OSIRIS
Authors: Hultgren Kristoffer , Gumbel Jörg
Published: November 2014

Vertical and horizontal structures of Polar Mesospheric Clouds (PMC) have been recovered by tomographic retrieval from the OSIRIS instrument aboard the Odin satellite. The tomographic algorithm has been used to return local scattering coefficients at seven wavelengths in the ultraviolet. This spectral information is used to retrieve PMC particle sizes, number density, and ice mass density. While substantial horizontal variations are found, local vertical structures are overall consistent with the idea of a growth‐sedimentation process leading to a visible cloud. Large numbers of small particles are present near the top of the observed cloud layer. Toward lower altitudes, particle sizes increase while particle number densities decrease. A close relationship is found between the distribution of local PMC scattering coefficient and ice mass density. The bottom of the cloud often features large particles with mode radii exceeding 70 nm that rain out of the cloud before sublimating. The number density of these large particles is small, and they do not contribute significantly to the overall cloud brightness. As a consequence, the presence of these large particles can be difficult to identify for remote sensing techniques that integrate over the entire cloud column. When it comes to deriving absolute values of particle mode radius and number density, there is a strong sensitivity to assumptions on the mathematical form of the particle size distribution. We see a continued strong need to resolve this issue by co‐analysis of various remote sensing techniques and observation geometries.
From Flab to Fab: Transforming Surgical Waste into an Effective Bioactive Coating Material
Authors: Luo Baiwen , Yuan Shaojun , Foo Selin Ee Min , Wong Marcus Thien Chong , Lim Thiam Chye , Tan Nguan Soon , Choong Cleo
Published: November 2014

Cellular events are regulated by the interaction between integrin receptors in the cell membrane and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Hence, ECM, as a material, can potentially play an instructive role in cell–material interactions. Currently, adipose tissue in the form of lipoaspirate is often discarded. Here, it is demonstrated how our chemical‐free decellularization method could be used to obtain ECM from human lipoaspirate waste material. These investigations show that the main biological components are retained in the lipoaspirate‐derived ECM (LpECM) material and that this LpECM material could subsequently be used as a coating material to confer bioactivity to an otherwise inert biodegradable material (i.e., polycaprolactone). Overall, lipoaspirate material, a complex blend of endogenous proteins, is effectively used a bioactive coating material. This work is an important stepping‐stone towards the development of biohybrid scaffolds that contain cellular benefits without requiring the use of additional biologics based on commonly discarded lipoaspirate material.
Molecular Design of Antifouling Polymer Brushes Using Sequence‐Specific Peptoids
Authors: Lau King Hang Aaron , Sileika Tadas S. , Park Sung Hyun , Sousa Ana M.L. , Burch Patrick , Szleifer Igal , Messersmith Phillip B.
Published: November 2014

Material systems that can be used to flexibly and precisely define the chemical nature and molecular arrangement of a surface would be invaluable for the control of complex biointerfacial interactions. For example, progress in antifouling polymer biointerfaces that prevents nonspecific protein adsorption and cell attachment, which can significantly improve the performance of an array of biomedical and industrial applications, is hampered by a lack of chemical models to identify the molecular features conferring their properties. Poly(N‐substituted glycine) “peptoids” are peptidomimetic polymers that can be conveniently synthesized with specific monomer sequences and chain lengths, and are presented as a versatile platform for investigating the molecular design of antifouling polymer brushes. Zwitterionic antifouling polymer brushes have captured significant recent attention, and a targeted library of zwitterionic peptoid brushes with different charge densities, hydration, separations between charged groups, chain lengths, and grafted chain densities, is quantitatively evaluated for their antifouling properties through a range of protein adsorption and cell attachment assays. Specific zwitterionic brush designs are found to give rise to distinct but subtle differences in properties. The results also point to the dominant roles of the grafted chain density and chain length in determining the performance of antifouling polymer brushes.
Microdeletion of 12q24.31: Report of a girl with intellectual disability, stereotypies, seizures and facial dysmorphisms
Authors: Palumbo Orazio , Palumbo Pietro , Delvecchio Maurizio , Palladino Teresa , Stallone Raffaella , Crisetti Matteo , Zelante Leopoldo , Carella Massimo
Published: November 2014

We provide a detailed clinical and molecular characterization of an 11‐year‐old female patient presenting with neurodevelopmental delay (NDD), intellectual disability (ID), seizures, stereotypies and dysmorphic features. Chromosomal microarrays analysis (CMA) detected a small, rare de novo deletion on chromosome 12q24.31 encompassing 31 protein‐coding RefSeq genes and a microRNA. Phenotypic comparison with molecularly well‐defined cases previously reported in the literature harboring an overlapping 12q24.31 microdeletion indicate that these patients shared common clinical features including neurodevelopmental delay, intellectual disability and behavioral problems. Also, seizures and dysmorphic features are frequent and a consistent pattern was recognized. Since there are remarkable resemblance between the patient described here and at least another one previously reported, our report is provides supportive evidence for the existence of an emerging syndrome caused by a microdeletion in 12q24.31. We propose a minimal region shared among patients contributing to the etiology of the common clinical features observed suggesting as candidate, for the first time, the gene SETD1B which is a component of a histone methyltransferase complex. In addition, we speculate on the possible contributive role of the MIR4304 to some clinical features observed in our patient. Evaluation of more patients with well‐characterized deletions within 12q24.31, as well as careful clinical assessment of them, is needed to corroborate our hypothesis, to perform a more detailed genotype‐phenotype correlation and, finally, to fully delineate this emerging microdeletion syndrome. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Magnetic resonance imaging and histology correlation in the neocortex in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Goubran Maged , Hammond Robert R. , de Ribaupierre Sandrine , Burneo Jorge G. , Mirsattari Seyed , Steven David A. , Parrent Andrew G. , Peters Terry M. , Khan Ali R.
Published: November 2014

Objective

To investigate the histopathological correlates of quantitative relaxometry and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and to determine their efficacy in epileptogenic lesion detection for preoperative evaluation of focal epilepsy.

Methods

We correlated quantitative relaxometry and DTI with histological features of neuronal density and morphology in 55 regions of the temporal lobe neocortex, selected from 13 patients who underwent epilepsy surgery. We made use of a validated nonrigid image registration protocol to obtain accurate correspondences between in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and histology images.

Results

We found T1 to be a predictor of neuronal density in the neocortical gray matter (GM) using linear mixed effects models with random effects for subjects. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was a predictor of neuronal density of large‐caliber neurons only (pyramidal cells, layers 3 and 5). Comparing multivariate to univariate mixed effects models with nested variables demonstrated that employing T1 and FA together provided a significantly better fit than T1 or FA alone in predicting density of large‐caliber neurons. Correlations with clinical variables revealed significant positive correlations between neuronal density and age (rs = 0.726, pfwe = 0.021). This study is the first to relate in vivo T1 and FA values to the proportion of neurons in GM.

Interpretation

Our results suggest that quantitative T1 mapping and DTI may have a role in preoperative evaluation of focal epilepsy and can be extended to identify GM pathology in a variety of neurological disorders. Ann Neurol 2015;77:237–250
Strain‐Accelerated Formation of Chiral, Optically Active Buta‐1,3‐dienes
Authors: Chiu Melanie , Tchitchanov Boris H. , Zimmerli Daniel , Sanhueza Italo A. , Schoenebeck Franziska , Trapp Nils , Schweizer W. Bernd , Diederich François
Published: November 2014

The formal [2+2] cycloaddition–retroelectrocyclization (CA–RE) reactions between tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and strained, electron‐rich dibenzo‐fused cyclooctynes were studied. The effect of ring strain on the reaction kinetics was quantified, revealing that the rates of cycloaddition using strained, cyclic alkynes are up to 5500 times greater at 298 K than those of reactions using unstrained alkynes. Cyclobutene reaction intermediates, as well as buta‐1,3‐diene products, were isolated and their structures were studied crystallographically. Isolation of a rare example of a chiral buta‐1,3‐diene that is optically active and configurationally stable at room temperature is reported. Computational studies on the enantiomerization pathway of the buta‐1,3‐diene products showed that the eight‐membered ring inverts via a boat conformer in a ring‐flip mechanism. In agreement with computed values, experimentally measured activation barriers of racemization in these compounds were found to be up to 26 kcal mol−1.
Antiadhesion elastomer seal coatings for UV and atomic oxygen protection
Authors: de Groh Henry C. , Puleo Bernadette J. , Waters Deborah L. , Miller Sharon K.
Published: November 2014

Radiation blocking sunscreen coatings have been developed for the protection of elastomer seals used in low‐Earth‐orbit (LEO). The coatings protect the seals from ultraviolet (UV) radiation and atomic oxygen (AO) damage. The coatings were developed for use on NASA docking seals. Docking seal damage from the UV and AO present in LEO can constrain mission time‐line, flight mode options, and increases risk. A low level of adhesion is also required for docking seals so undocking push‐off forces can be low. The coatings presented also mitigate this unwanted adhesion. Greases with low collected volatile condensable materials (CVCM) and low total mass loss (TML) were mixed with slippery and/or UV blocking powders to create the protective coatings. Coatings were applied at rates up to 2 mg/cm2. Coated seals were exposed to AO and UV in the NUV (near‐UV) and UV‐C wavelength ranges (300 to 400 nm and 254 nm, respectively). Ground based ashers were used to simulate the AO of space. The Sun's UV energy was mimicked assuming a nose forward flight mode, resulting in an exposure rate of 2.5 MJ/m2 day. Exposures between 0 and 147 MJ/m2 (UV‐C) and 245 MJ/m2 (NUV) were accomplished. The protective coatings were durable, providing protection from UV after a simulated docking and undocking cycle. The level of protection begins to decline at coverage rates less than 0.9 mg/cm2. The leakage of seals coated with Braycote + 20%Z‐cote ZnO sunscreen increased by a factor of 40 after moderate AO exposure; indicating that this coating might not be suitable due to AO intolerance. Seals coated with DC‐7–16.4%Z‐cote ZnO sunscreen were not significantly affected by combined doses of 2 × 1021 atoms/cm2 AO with 73 MJ/m2 UV‐C. Unprotected seals were significantly damaged at UV‐C exposures of 0.3 MJ/m2 and DC‐7–16.4%Z‐cote coated seals were undamaged at all exposures up to the limits tested thus far which were 147 MJ/m2 UV‐C and 245 MJ/m2 NUV. The coatings decreased adhesion sufficiently for docking seals at temperatures equal to or greater than −8°C thus offer a simple and inexpensive way to mitigate adhesion. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41662.
Output Feedback Stabilization of a Class of Uncertain Nonaffine Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Chen Zhen‐Feng , Zhang Yun
Published: November 2014

In this paper, output feedback control is presented for a general class of uncertain nonaffine nonlinear systems, that does not rely on state estimation. Under the condition that only the system output is available for feedback, a dynamic linear filter is built to estimate unknown nonlinearities, and an output feedback controller is developed to stabilize the systems by utilizing the estimation to compensate for the unknown nonlinearities. One important feature of the proposed control is that the controller is developed under mild conditions with simple control algorithms, which is of great significance in engineering practice. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the control approach.
Rapid and sensitive ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography method for quantification of antichagasic benznidazole in plasma: application in a preclinical pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Davanço Marcelo Gomes , de Campos Michel Leandro , Peccinini Rosângela Gonçalves
Published: November 2014

Benznidazole (BNZ) and nifurtimox are the only drugs available for treating Chagas disease. In this work, we validated a bioanalytical method for the quantification of BNZ in plasma aimed at improving sensitivity and time of analysis compared with the assays already published. Furthermore, we demonstrated the application of the method in a preclinical pharmacokinetic study after administration of a single oral dose of BNZ in Wistar rats. A Waters® Acquity UHPLC system equipped with a UV–vis detector was employed. The method was established using an Acquity® UHPLC HSS SB C18 protected by an Acquity® UHPLC HSS SB C18 VanGuard guard column and detection at 324 nm. The mobile phase consisted of ultrapure water–acetonitrile (65:35), and elution was isocratic. The mobile phase flow rate was 0.55 mL/min, the volume of injection was 1 μL, and the run time was just 2 min. The samples were kept at 25°C until injection and the column at 45°C for the chromatographic separation. The sample preparation was performed by a rapid protein precipitation with acetonitrile. The linear concentration range was 0.15–20 µg/mL. The pharmacokinetic parameters of BNZ in rats were determined and the method was considered sensitive, fast and suitable for application in pharmacokinetic studies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of a sensitive and specific LC‐MS/MS method for determination of wilforine from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. in rat plasma for a bioavailability study
Authors: Su Meng‐Xiang , Song Min , Di Bin , Hang Tai‐jun
Published: November 2014

A highly selective and specific LC‐MS/MS method was developed and validated for the determination of wilforine in rat plasma. The analyte was separated from plasma matrix by using methyl tertiary butyl ether liquid–liquid extraction with bulleyacinitine A as internal standard (IS). The analysis was carried out on a Sepax GP‐Phenyl column using a mixture of methanol and 10 mmol/L ammonium formate buffer solution containing 0.1% formic acid (75:25, v/v) as the mobile phase pumped at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection was operated using a triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometer in multiple selected reaction monitoring with the parent‐to‐product quantifier transitions [M + H]+ m/z 867.6 →206.0 for wilforine and 664.1 →584.1 for IS. The main advantage of this method was the high sensitivity (a lower limit of quantification of 0.02 ng/mL) and the small amount of sample (0.1 mL plasma per sample). The method was fully validated to be accurate and precise with a linear range of 0.02–100 ng/mL, and successfully applied to a bioavailability study of wilforine in rats after intravenous and oral administration. The oral absolute bioavailability of wilforine in rats was estimated to be 84%. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐throughput data dimension reduction via seeded canonical correlation analysis
Authors: Im Yunju , Gang HeyIn , Yoo Jae Keun
Published: November 2014

Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) is one of popular statistical methodologies in multivariate analysis, especially, in studying relation of two sets of variables. However, if sample sizes are smaller than the maximum of the dimensions of two sets of variables, it is not plausible to construct canonical coefficient matrices due to failure of inverting sample covariance matrices. In this article, we develop a two step procedure of CCA implemented in such situation. For this, seeded dimension reduction is adapted into CCA. Numerical studies confirm the approach, and two real data analyses are presented. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.