bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1,1‐Carboboration through Activation of Silicon–Carbon and Tin–Carbon Bonds
Authors: Wrackmeyer Bernd , Khan Ezzat
Published: September 2015

In the course of 1,1‐carboborations, the activation of polar Si–C and Sn–C bonds by electrophilic triorganoboranes (BR3, R = alkyl, aryl, C6F5) is used to build new C–C bonds. As would be expected, organotin compounds were found to be much more reactive than the corresponding silanes, and Sn–C(sp) bonds were more reactive than other tin–carbon bonds. Monoalkynyl derivatives lead to organometallic‐substituted alkenes, quantitatively and stereoselectively in most cases. Dialkynylsilanes R22Si(C≡C–R1)2(R1= alkyl, aryl, silyl; R2= H, alkyl, allyl, vinyl, aryl, Cl) react with BR3by twofold 1,1‐carboboration through selective formation of siloles. In the case of dialkynylstannanes R22Sn(C≡C–R1)2, (R1= alkyl, aryl, silyl; R2= alkyl, benzyl, aryl, amino) the analogous reactions lead mainly to stannoles or alternatively to 1‐stanna‐4‐bora‐cyclohexa‐2,5‐diene derivatives, in a way that depends in a complex manner on the substituents R at boron and R1at the C≡C bond. Vinyltin compounds and triorganoboranes also react by 1,1‐carboboration. The high reactivity of the Sn–C(sp) bonds allows the reactions to be conducted under mild conditions, enabling the isolation and structural characterisation of intermediates. These are of a zwitterionic structure, in which typically an almost trigonal‐planar surrounded tin atom is coordinated "side‐on" to the C≡C bond of an alknylborate unit. On extending these reaction principles to tetraalkynylsilanes Si(C≡C–R1)4, one obtains 1,1′‐spirobisiloles through fourfold 1,1‐carboboration. Similarly, 1,1′‐spirobistannoles can be prepared by starting from tetraalkynylstannanes Sn(C≡C–R1)4(R1=iPr,tBu, SiMe3). Combination of 1,2‐hydroboration and 1,1‐carboboration opens the way to numerous silicon heterocycles, not readily available by any other method.
3‐(Pyridin‐2‐yl)imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine (Pyridylindolizine) as Ligand in Complexes of Transition and Main‐Group Metals
Authors: Álvarez Celedonio M. , Álvarez‐Miguel Lucía , García‐Rodríguez Raúl , Martín‐Álvarez Jose M. , Miguel Daniel
Published: September 2015

The coordination of the easily prepared 3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine (pyridylindolizine, Py‐indz) ligand to several metal moieties was studied, and its electronic properties, similar to those of the classical ligands 2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy) and 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen), are reported. The new complexes were prepared and fully characterized by X‐ray crystallography and other typical spectroscopic methods if possible. Paramagnetic complexes [Ni(S2X)2(Py‐indz)] X = P(OEt)2 (1), COEt (2); [Ni(acac)2(Py‐indz)] (3, acac = acetylacetonate); [Ni(Py‐indz)3](PF6)2 (4); [Mn2Cl4(Py‐indz)2] (6); and [MnCl2(Py‐indz)2] (7) have the magnetic moment expected for a metallic cation with two or five unpaired electrons. Diamagnetic complexes show NMR spectra with similar patterns with small differences depending on the complex. [M{S2P(OEt)2}2 (Py‐indz)] M = Zn (8), Cd (9) have pentacoordinate and hexacoordinate structures, respectively. Octahedral tin complexes [SnL4(Py‐indz)] L4 = I4 (10), Cl3Ph (11), and Cl2nBu2 (12) have different behaviors in solution; whereas complex 10 is practically insoluble, complex 11 displays the expected pattern in its NMR spectrum, and complex 12 shows dynamic behavior. The Py‐indz ligand is also able to stabilize copper(I) and forms [Cu(PPh3)2(Py‐indz)]BF4 (13). The synthesis of the carbonyl complexes [MBr(CO)3(Py‐indz)] M = Mn (14), Re (15) and [Mo(CO)4(Py‐indz)] (16) was followed by IR spectroscopy in solution. [RuCl·p‐cym(Py‐indz)]PF6 (17, p‐cym = p‐cymene) has the familiar half‐sandwich “three‐legged piano‐stool” geometry.
Application of capillary immunoelectrophoresis revealed an age‐ and gender‐dependent regulated expression of PrPC in liver
Authors: Arora Amandeep Singh , Zafar Saima , Kollmar Otto , Llorens Franc , Tahir Waqas , Vanselow Sven , Kumar Prateek , Schmerr Mary Jo , Schmitz Matthias , Zerr Inga
Published: September 2015

The cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a glycoprotein, anchored to the plasma membrane and abundantly expressed in the central nervous system. The expression of PrPC in the peripheral tissues is low and only little information is available on its functions in the nonneuronal tissues. The antioxidant function of PrPC during the activation of hepatic stellate cells has already been reported. Therefore, the aim of the study was to expand our knowledge on the functions of PrPC by detailed characterization of its expressional profile in the liver. In a combined strategy by using capillary immunoelectrophoresis and standard techniques, we have shown a sexually dimorphic expression of PrPC in mice and human liver tissues. Further, we showed a significant age‐dependent upregulation of PrPC expression in the liver of 14‐ and 9‐month‐old mice as compared to 3 months of age. Therefore, this study may provide new insights into the gender‐specific role of PrPC in the liver, which may further be linked to its protective role against oxidative stress during aging. In addition, the current study also shows an application of immunoelectrophoresis with a low coefficient of variation to analyze the miniscule amount of PrPC in the mouse liver tissue.
Electrophoretic behavior of DNA‐methyl‐CpG‐binding domain protein complexes revealed by capillary electrophoreses laser‐induced fluorescence
Authors: Zhong Shangwei , Zou Dandan , Zhao Bailin , Zhang Dapeng , Li Xiangjun , Wang Hailin
Published: September 2015

The free solution electrophoretic behavior of DNA‐protein complexes depends on their charge and mass in a certain experimental condition, which are two fundamental properties of DNA‐protein complexes in free solution. Here, we used CE LIF to study the free solution behavior of DNA‐methyl‐CpG‐binding domain protein (MBD2b) complexes through exploring the relationship between the mobilities, charge, and mass of DNA‐protein complexes. This method is based on the effective separation of free DNA and DNA‐protein complexes because of their different electrophoretic mobility in a certain electric field. In order to avoid protein adsorption, a polyacrylamide‐coated capillary was used. Based on the evaluation of the electrophoretic behavior of formed DNA‐MBD2b complexes, we found that the values of (μ0/μ)‐1 were directly proportional to the charge‐to‐mass ratios of formed complexes, where the μ0 and μ are the mobility of free DNA probe and DNA‐protein complex, respectively. The models were further validated by the complex mobilities of protein with various lengths of DNA probes. The deviation of experimental and calculated charge‐to‐mass ratios of formed complexes from the theoretical data was less than 10%, suggesting that our models are useful to analyze the DNA‐binding properties of the purified MBD2b protein and help to analyze other DNA‐protein complexes. Additionally, this study enhances the understanding of the influence of the charge‐to‐mass ratios of formed DNA‐protein complexes on their separation and electrophoretic behaviors.
Minimal‐disturbance seismic rehabilitation of steel moment‐resisting frames using light‐weight steel elements
Authors: Kurata Masahiro , Sato Miho , Zhang Lei , Lavan Oren , Becker Tracy , Nakashima Masayoshi
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a rehabilitation technique developed under a design and construction scheme, termed minimal‐disturbance seismic rehabilitation. This scheme pursues enhancing the seismic performance of buildings with the intention of improving the continuity of business while minimizing obstruction of the visual and physical space of building users and the use of heavy construction equipment and hot work (welding/cutting). The developed rehabilitation technique consists of light‐weight steel elements and aims to decrease demands to beam‐ends of steel moment‐resisting frames. The behavior of the baseline model was verified through numerical analysis and proof‐of‐concept testing. Furthermore, the effectiveness of rehabilitation is studied through retrofitting a four‐story steel moment‐resisting frame originally designed with Japanese design guidelines. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychological and Personality Predictors of Weight Loss and Comorbid Metabolic Changes After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Agüera Zaida , García‐Ruiz‐de‐Gordejuela Amador , Vilarrasa Nuria , Sanchez Isabel , Baño Marta , Camacho Lucía , Granero Roser , Jiménez‐Murcia Susana , Virgili Nuria , Lopez‐Urdiales Rafael , de Bernabe Mónica Montserrat‐Gil , Garrido Pilar , Monasterio Carmen , Steward Trevor , Pujol‐Gebelli Jordi , Fernández‐Aranda Fernando , Menchón Jose M.
Published: September 2015

Bariatric surgery (BS) has proven to be the most effective treatment for weight loss and for improving comorbidities in severe obesity. A comprehensive psychological assessment prior to surgery is proposed to prepare patients for a successful post‐surgical outcome. Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to assess psychological and personality predictors of BS outcome. The sample comprised 139 severely obese patients who underwent BS. Assessment measures included the Eating Disorders Inventory‐2, the Symptom Checklist‐Revised and the Temperament and Character Inventory‐Revised. Our results show that favourable BS outcome, after 2 years follow up, was associated with younger age, less depression, moderate anxiety symptoms and high cooperativeness levels. Likewise, metabolic improvements were found to be linked to younger age and certain psychopathological factors. In conclusion, our findings suggest that age, baseline body mass index, psychopathological indexes and personality traits predict successful BS outcome. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
The effect of bioturbation by Lumbriculus variegatus on transport and distribution of lead in a freshwater microcosm
Authors: Blankson Emmanuel R. , Klerks Paul L.
Published: September 2015

The present study investigated the effect of bioturbation by the oligochaete worm Lumbriculus variegatus on the transport and environmental distribution of lead (Pb). Experiments used L. variegatus at densities of 0 ind./m2, 2093 ind./m2, and 8372 ind./m2, in freshwater microcosms with Pb-spiked sediment. At the end of the 14-d experiment, Pb levels in the water column, tissues of L. variegatus, and sediment were determined, and bioturbation was quantified using luminophores. The bioturbation by L. variegatus increased Pb transport from the sediment to the water column. However, it did not significantly affect Pb bioaccumulation by L. variegatus or Pb levels in the sediment. The biodiffusion coefficient (Db) was positively related to worm density, but did not differ between Pb-spiked sediment and uncontaminated sediment. The latter finding suggests that Pb at the 100 μg/g concentration used in the present study did not affect L. variegatus bioturbation. The present study shows that bioturbation can enhance Pb transfer across the sediment–water interface and thus enhance Pb availability to organisms in the water column. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1123–1129. © 2015 SETAC
Maillard reaction products and potatoes: have the benefits been clearly assessed?
Authors: Liska DeAnn J. , Cook Chad M. , Wang Ding Ding , Szpylka John
Published: September 2015

Cooking foods affords numerous food safety benefits. During heating, Maillard reaction products (MRPs) are formed.MRPs contribute sensory aspects to food, including color, taste, and texture. OneMRP, acrylamide, has been implicated in negative health outcomes; however, emerging data suggestsMRPs may also deliver certain health benefits. The food industry has taken steps to decrease acrylamide formation, but the perception that high levels of acrylamide compromise the nutritional benefit of certain foods has continued. Potatoes are susceptible toMRPformation during cooking but also are considered an affordable, high nutrient content food. In particular, potatoes contribute significantly to fiber and potassium intakes in the U.S. population, two nutrients of need. How, then, should potatoes be judged for effects on health? A structured evidence assessment was conducted to identify literature, specifically clinical trials, onMRPs from potatoes and health, as well as nutritional contribution of potatoes. The results indicate limited human clinical data are available on negative health outcomes of potato‐basedMRPs, whereas potatoes are important contributors of key nutrients, such as fiber and potassium. Therefore, a balanced benefit‐risk approach is warranted in order to assure that decreasing consumption of certain foods, like potatoes, does not lead to unintended consequences of nutrition inadequacies.
Soil moisture dynamics at high temporal resolution in a semiarid Mediterranean watershed with scattered tree cover
Authors: Lozano‐Parra Javier , van Schaik N. L. M. B. , Schnabel Susanne , Gómez‐Gutiérrez Álvaro
Published: September 2015

Subsurface water flows play a key role in the distribution of water and solutes and thereby in the water availability for plants. However, the characterization of different flow processes (i.e. matrix and preferential flow), the frequency and factors that cause them, is relatively rare. This characterization enables a better understanding of spatio‐temporal variability of water resources and allows for the design of models to be improved. Using a method based on the time derivative of soil moisture variation known as maximum wetting slope, types of soil wetting processes were classified and quantified. For this, capacitance sensors, which registered the volumetric water content at high temporal resolution (30 min) for more than two hydrological years, were installed at different depths and placed in soil moisture stations with different vegetation covers, lithology and topographic position. Results indicated that there is a general behaviour or pattern of soil moisture dynamics in the catchment with a dominant occurrence of slower soil wetting processes (>50%), caused by matrix flows, and a low occurrence of those faster processes (<30%), originated by preferential flows. Nevertheless, when the total volume of water is considered, preferential flow becomes the dominant process, so that the ecological role of both flow types becomes prominent in water‐limited environments. Statistical multivariate analyses based on data‐mining techniques proved that although both flow types depend on variables associated with precipitation and antecedent soil moisture conditions, faster soil wetting processes are mainly related to variables such as rainfall intensity and topography, while slower soil wetting processes are related to flow velocity, soils or vegetation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organ‐specific efficacy of HSP90 inhibitor in multiple‐organ metastasis model of chemorefractory small cell lung cancer
Authors: Takeuchi Shinji , Fukuda Koji , Arai Sachiko , Nanjo Shigeki , Kita Kenji , Yamada Tadaaki , Hara Eiji , Nishihara Hiroshi , Uehara Hisanori , Yano Seiji
Published: September 2015

Small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for nearly 15% of lung cancer cases and exhibits aggressive clinical behavior characterized by rapid growth and metastatic spread to multiple organs. About 70% of patients with SCLC present with extensive disease and distant metastases at diagnosis. HSP90 is a 90‐kDa molecular chaperone whose association is required for the stability and function of its numerous “client proteins.” Here, we assessed the therapeutic potential of the HSP90 inhibitor 17‐DMAG in SCLC. Notably, 17‐DMAG hindered the viability of human SCLC cell lines—regardless of their chemosensitivity—via the decreased expression of client proteins, including the proto‐oncogene c‐Raf (also known as RAF1). In an in vivo imaging model of SCLC multiple‐organ metastasis with the human SCLC cell line SBC‐5, treatment with 17‐DMAG remarkably inhibited the formation of metastatic sites in the liver, but was ineffective in hindering the progression of bone lesions. The latter was likely the result of activation of osteoclasts. IGF‐1, which is supposed to be rich in bone environment, preserved c‐Raf expression and maintained viability of SBC‐5 cells treated with 17‐DMAG. Furthermore, the combined use of a bisphosphonate with 17‐DMAG significantly attenuated the progression of metastases in both the liver and the bone. These findings suggest that therapeutic effects of HSP90 inhibitors may be organ‐specific and should be carefully monitored in SCLC clinical trials.
Tris(2‐chloroethyl)phosphate‐induced cell growth arrest via attenuation of SIRT1‐independent PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Zhang Youjian , Wang Zhiyuan , Xu Tian , Huang Cheng , Yin Wenjun , Wang Jing , Xiong Wei , Lu Wenhong , Zheng Hongyan , Yuan Jing
Published: September 2015

Tris(2‐chloroethyl)phosphate (TCEP) as an organophosphorus flame retardant and plasticizer has been widely used in industrial and household products. It not only was detected in residential indoor air and dust, surface and drinking water, but also in human plasma and breast milk, and tissue samples of liver, kidneys and brain from rodents. TCEP is classified as carcinogenic category 2 and toxic for reproduction category 1B. Sufficient evidence from experimental animals indicated carcinogenicity of TCEP in the liver, and kidneys as well as cell loss in the brain. However, the underlying mechanisms of TCEP‐induced hepatotoxicity are mostly unknown. We investigated the in vitro effects of TCEP as well as TCEP‐induced cell growth in the L02 and HepG2 cells through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. We found that TCEP reduced cell viability of these cell lines, induced the cell growth arrest, upregulated mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1, and attenuated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. However, growth arrest of the L02 and HepG2 cells were aggravated after inhibiting the SIRT1 expression with EX‐527. The findings above suggested that TCEP induced the cell growth arrest of L02 and HepG2 cells via attenuation of the SIRT1‐independent PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Orthopedic implant infections: Incompetence of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, and Enterococcus faecalis to invade osteoblasts
Authors: Campoccia Davide , Testoni Francesca , Ravaioli Stefano , Cangini Ilaria , Maso Alessandra , Speziale Pietro , Montanaro Lucio , Visai Livia , Arciola Carla Renata
Published: September 2015

Septic failure is still the major complication of prosthetic implants. Entering host cells, bacteria hide from host immune defenses, shelter from extracellular antibiotics, and cause chronic infection. Staphylococcus aureus, the leading etiologic agent of orthopedic implant infections, is able to enter bone cells and induce osteoblast apoptosis, osteoclast recruitment, and highly destructive osteomyelitis. Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, and Enterococcus faecalis are opportunistic pathogens causative of implant‐related infections. This study investigated the ability to internalize into osteoblastic MG63 cells of 22 S. epidermidis, 9 S. lugdunensis, and 21 E. faecalis clinical isolates from orthopedic implant infections. Isolates were categorized in clusters by ribotyping. Internalization assay was carried out by means of a microtiter plate‐based method. S. epidermidis, S. lugdunensis, and E. faecalis strains turned out incompetent to enter osteoblasts, exhibiting negligible internalization into MG63 cells, nearly three orders of magnitude lower than that of S. aureus. Osteoblast invasion does not appear as a pathogenetic mechanism utilized by S. epidermidis, S. lugdunensis, or E. faecalis for infecting orthopedic implants. Moreover, it can be inferred that intracellularly active antimicrobials should not be necessary against implant infections caused by the three bacterial species. Finally, implications with the uptake of biomaterial microparticles by nonphagocytic cells are enlightened. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 788–801, 2016.
High‐Throughput Tag‐Sequencing Analysis of Early Events Induced by Ochratoxin A in HepG‐2 Cells
Authors: Zhang Yu , Qi Xiaozhe , Zheng Juanjuan , Luo YunBo , Huang Kunlun , Xu Wentao
Published: September 2015

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is produced by fungi of the species Aspergillus and Penicillium. OTA has displayed hepatotoxicity in mammals. Although recent studies have indicated that OTA influences liver function, little is known regarding its impact on differential early liver toxicity. In this study, we report high‐throughput tag‐sequencing (Tag‐seq) analysis of the transcriptome using Solexa Analyzer platform after 4 h of OTA treatment on HepG‐2 cells. The analyses of differentially expressed genes revealed the substantial changes. A total of 21,449 genes were identified and quantified, with 2726 displaying significantly altered expression levels. Expression level data were then integrated with a network of gene–gene interactions, and biological pathways to obtain a systems‐level view of changes in the transcriptome that occur with OTA resistance. Our data suggest that OTA exposure leads to an imbalance in zinc finger expression and shed light on splicing factor and mitochondrial‐based mechanisms.
Chemopreventive Properties of Genipin on AGS Cell Line via Induction of JNK/Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway
Authors: Kim Jee Min , Ko Hyeonseok , Kim Sun‐Joong , Shim So Hee , Ha Chang Hoon , Chang Hyo Ihl
Published: September 2015

Roles of dietary phytochemicals in cancer chemoprevention via induction of nuclear factor‐erythroid‐2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)‐mediated antioxidant enzymes have been well established in a number of studies. In this study, FACS analysis was used to reveal that the intracellular reactive oxygen species level decreased at 0–25 μM of genipin treatment. Furthermore, immunofluorescence analysis and Western blotting were used to demonstrate that genipin treatment resulted in the upregulation and nuclear translocation of Nrf2, as well as upregulation of gastrointestinal glutathione peroxidase. Finally, we found that C‐Jun‐NH2‐kinase (JNK) was also dose‐dependently activated, where depleting JNK by using a biochemical inhibitor indicated that JNK was upstream of Nrf2. Interestingly, the antioxidant effects were limited to the treatment in the lower dosage of genipin, where higher dosage of genipin treatment resulted in the increased reactive oxygen species level and cytotoxicity. Thus, this study demonstrates for the first time that lower dosage of genipin results in the induction of JNK/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway and protection from cell death.
Introduction: Reflections of Senior Therapists
Authors: Geller Jesse D. , Farber Barry A.
Published: September 2015

This introduction to this issue ofJCLP: In Session(“Reflections of Senior Therapists”) focuses on the multifaceted ways in which adult development influences what it means to be a psychotherapist and to do the work of psychotherapy. This issue brings together first person narratives written by a group of eminent psychotherapists as well as an empirical report, based on a major international survey, on the challenges, demands, and rewards experienced by senior therapists. Taken together, these essays provide a compelling case that not only can practicing psychotherapy during the later years of one's life continue to be fulfilling and meaningful, but also the lessons learned along the journey can make one an even wiser and more effective therapist than previously. Learning to do psychotherapy, like adult development itself, is not a process that at some point comes to an end, but one that is resumed again and again in every decade. These essays provide a rich array of information, insight, and guidance regarding the personal and professional experience of practicing therapy during every era of adulthood, including one's senior years.
The effect of reinforcer magnitude on probability and delay discounting of experienced outcomes in a computer game task in humans
Authors: Greenhow Anna K. , Hunt Maree J. , Macaskill Anne C. , Harper David N.
Published: September 2015

Delay and uncertainty of receipt both reduce the subjective value of reinforcers. Delay has a greater impact on the subjective value of smaller reinforcers than of larger ones while the reverse is true for uncertainty. We investigated the effect of reinforcer magnitude on discounting of delayed and uncertain reinforcers using a novel approach: embedding relevant choices within a computer game. Participants made repeated choices between smaller, certain, immediate outcomes and larger, but delayed or uncertain outcomes while experiencing the result of each choice. Participants' choices were generally well described by the hyperbolic discounting function. Smaller numbers of points were discounted more steeply than larger numbers as a function of delay but not probability. The novel experiential choice task described is a promising approach to investigating both delay and probability discounting in humans.
Emergent identity but not symmetry following successive olfactory discrimination training in rats
Authors: Prichard Ashley , Panoz‐Brown Danielle , Bruce Katherine , Galizio Mark
Published: September 2015

The search for symmetry in nonhuman subjects has been successful in recent studies in pigeons (e.g., Urcuioli, 2008). The key to these successes has been the use of successive discrimination procedures and combined training on identity, as well as arbitrary, baseline relations. The present study was an effort to extend the findings and theoretical analysis developed by Urcuioli and his colleagues to rats using olfactory rather than visual stimuli. Experiment 1 was a systematic replication of Urcuioli's (2008) demonstration of symmetry in pigeons. Rats were exposed to unreinforced symmetry probes following training with two arbitrary and four identity conditional discriminations. Response rates on symmetry probe trials were low and provided little evidence for emergent symmetry in any of the seven rats tested. In Experiment 2, a separate group of six rats was trained on four identity relations and was then exposed to probe trials with four novel odor stimuli. Response rates were high on identity probe trials, and low on nonmatching probe trials. The similar patterns of responding on baseline and probe trials that were shown by most rats provided a demonstration of generalized identity matching. These findings suggest that the development of stimulus control topographies in rats with olfactory stimuli may differ from those that emerge in pigeons with visual stimuli. Urcuioli's (2008) theory has been highly successful in predicting conditions necessary for stimulus class formation in pigeons, but may not be sufficient to fully understand determinants of emergent behaviors in other nonhuman species.
Selection of alkalotolerant and symbiotically efficient chickpea nodulating rhizobia from North‐West Indo Gangetic Plains
Authors: Singh Raghvendra Pratap , Manchanda Geetanjali , Singh Ram Nageena , Srivastava Alok Kumar , Dubey R. C.
Published: September 2015

In an effort to obtain reliable, alkali‐tolerant, and symbiotically efficient rhizobial strains, 54 indigenous rhizobial isolates were obtained from root nodules of chickpea grown in alkaline soil of 5 different agricultural locations in North‐West Indo Gangetic Plains (NW‐IGP). Of these, 16 most symbiotically effective isolates were selected for polyphasic analysis (pH stress, salt tolerance, and genetic characterization). All the selected isolates were able to tolerate the high alkaline pH. Among them, CPN1, CPN8, and CPN32 grew well at pH 11.0. High pH‐induced proteins were explored by SDS‐PAGE assay. Identification and genetic characterization of isolates was done by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, RNA polymerase subunit‐B (rpoB) and symbiotic genes (nodC and nifH). The study revealed diverse symbiotically efficient alkalotolerant chickpea nodulating rhizobial strains from NW‐IGP. This study has thus contributed a valuable genetic pool of isolates that can potentially be used to increase chickpea production in these soil types.
Validation of the four‐dimensional symptom questionnaire (4DSQ) and prevalence of psychological symptoms in orthopedic shoulder patients
Authors: Koorevaar Rinco C.T. , Terluin Berend , van ‘t Riet Esther , Madden Kim , Bulstra Sjoerd K.
Published: September 2015

Psychological problems are common in shoulder patients. A validated psychological questionnaire measuring clinically relevant psychological symptoms (including distress, depression, anxiety, and somatization) in shoulder patients is lacking. The Four‐Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ) is a self‐report questionnaire to identify distress, depression, anxiety, and somatization which has been validated in primary care populations. The aim of this study was to validate the 4DSQ in orthopedic shoulder patients. We assessed whether the 4DSQ measures these four constructs the same way in an orthopedic population with shoulder problems compared to a general practice population. We also investigated the prevalence of psychological symptoms in shoulder patients. The shoulder group consisted of 200 consecutive patients and the general practice group comprised 368 patients, matched for gender and age. Differential item functioning analysis showed that the 4DSQ measures the different psychological symptoms in orthopedic shoulder patients the same way as in general practice patients. The shoulder patients tended to score higher on the somatization scale, resulting in a new cut‐off point for somatization. The prevalence of distress, somatization, anxiety, and depression in the shoulder group was 23%, 14%, 10%, and 8%, respectively. It can be concluded from this study that the 4DSQ in orthopedic shoulder patients measures the same constructs as in general practice patients and can therefore be used in orthopedic practice to measure psychological symptoms in patients with shoulder complaints. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:683–691, 2016.
Exploring crosstalk perception for stereoscopic 3D head‐up displays in a crosstalk simulator
Authors: Höckh Simone , Frederiksen Annette , Renault Sylvain , Hopf Klaus , Gilowski Michael , Schell Martin
Published: September 2015

In today's upper class vehicles, head‐up displays (HUDs) are state of the art human–machine interfaces used to increase driving security and comfort. Working with a stereoscopically perceived viewing impression, a novel automotive 3D HUD would allow the simultaneous visualization of multiple contents in various depth planes. However, stereoscopic crosstalk is one of the most important parameters influencing the image quality of stereoscopic systems. We present a setup to simulate crosstalk including a specific software solution. It constitutes a platform to explore the effects of stereoscopic crosstalk in the augmented reality viewing conditions of a 3D HUD. As the setup allows the variation of numerous parameters, it provides a versatile research platform. By means of it, we investigate the variation of the visibility and acceptability thresholds of crosstalk over various parameters. Our results include the finding that they decrease with rising contrast affirming this behavior known for conventional stereoscopic displays for stereoscopic see‐through displays.
Numbers Are In: Ambush Election Rules Put Increased Pressure on Union‐Free Employers
Authors: DeMaria Alfred T.
Published: September 2015

For several years before the National Labor Relations Board issued its “ambush election” rules, your editor, along with most knowledgeable sources, predicted that the Board's new amended election rules would very much alter the playing field for unions and employers: advantage, unions. A look at statistics from the NLRB provides incontrovertible evidence that the changed rules have made it more challenging for employers to combat a union.
Different induction of LPA receptors by chemical liver carcinogens regulates cellular functions of liver epithelial WB‐F344 cells
Authors: Hirane Miku , Ishii Shuhei , Tomimatsu Ayaka , Fukushima Kaori , Takahashi Kaede , Fukushima Nobuyuki , Honoki Kanya , Tsujiuchi Toshifumi
Published: September 2015

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling via LPA receptors (LPA1 to LPA6) mediates a variety of cellular functions, including cell motility. In the present study, we investigated the effects of LPA receptors on cell motile activity during multi‐stage hepatocarcinogenesis in rat liver epithelial WB‐F344 cells treated with chemical liver carcinogens. Cells were treated with a initiator (N‐nitrosodiethylamine (DEN)) and three promoters (phenobarbital (PB), okadaic acid (OA) and clofibrate) every 24 h for 2 days. Cell motile activity was elevated by DEN, correlating with Lpar3 expression. PB, OA, and clofibrate elevated Lpar1 expression and inhibited cell motile activity. To evaluate the effects of long‐term treatment on cell motility, cells were treated with DEN and/or PB for at least 6 months. Lpar3 expression and cell motile activity were significantly elevated by the long‐term DEN treatment with or without further PB treatment. In contrast, long‐term PB treatment with or without further DEN elevated Lpar1 expression and inhibited cell motility. When the synthesis of extracellular LPA was blocked by a potent ATX inhibitor S32826 before cell motility assay, the cell motility induced by DEN and PB was markedly suppressed. These results suggest that activation of the different LPA receptors may regulate the biological functions of cells treated with chemical carcinogens. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of prolonged static stretching on motor unit firing properties
Authors: Ye Xin , Beck Travis W. , Wages Nathan P.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a stretching intervention on motor control strategy of the biceps brachii muscle.

Methods

Ten men performed twelve 100‐s passive static stretches of the biceps brachii. Before and after the intervention, isometric strength was tested during maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of the elbow flexors. Subjects also performed trapezoid isometric contractions at 30% and 70% of MVC. Surface electromyographic signals from the submaximal contractions were decomposed into individual motor unit action potential trains. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between motor unit mean firing rate and recruitment threshold.

Results

The stretching intervention caused significant decreases in y‐intercepts of the linear regression lines. In addition, linear slopes at both intensities remained unchanged.

Conclusions

Despite reduced motor unit firing rates following the stretches, the motor control scheme remained unchanged. Muscle Nerve 53: 808–817, 2016
Timoshenko beam solution for the response of existing tunnels because of tunneling underneath
Authors: Li Peng , Du Shou‐Ji , Wang Yan‐Han , Zhao Hong‐Hua
Published: September 2015

An analytical solution for the deflection and internal forces of an existing tunnel because of tunneling underneath is presented. The existing tunnel is modeled as a Timoshenko beam resting on a Winkler foundation, which takes into account the contribution of shear deformation to the total deflection of the existing tunnel. The validity of the analytical solution is verified by a centrifuge test, and the merit of this analytical method is confirmed by comparison with the conventional Euler–Bernoulli beam model. Influential factors on the behavior of the existing tunnel are investigated by consideration of the variations of subgrade modulus, ground loss induced by the new tunnel construction, vertical clearance between the new tunnel and the existing tunnel, and relative existing tunnel–soil stiffness. Results show that the proposed analytical method is a valid and effective method to evaluate shearing‐induced deformation in existing tunnels with large diameters. Results also show that the pattern and the amplitude of the response of the existing tunnel are affected largely by ground loss induced by the new tunnel construction, vertical clearance between the new tunnel and the existing tunnel, and relative existing tunnel–soil stiffness. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Joint modeling of repeated multivariate cognitive measures and competing risks of dementia and death: a latent process and latent class approach
Authors: Proust‐Lima Cécile , Dartigues Jean‐François , Jacqmin‐Gadda Hélène
Published: September 2015

Joint models initially dedicated to a single longitudinal marker and a single time‐to‐event need to be extended to account for the rich longitudinal data of cohort studies. Multiple causes of clinical progression are indeed usually observed, and multiple longitudinal markers are collected when the true latent trait of interest is hard to capture (e.g., quality of life, functional dependency, and cognitive level). These multivariate and longitudinal data also usually have nonstandard distributions (discrete, asymmetric, bounded, etc.). We propose a joint model based on a latent process and latent classes to analyze simultaneously such multiple longitudinal markers of different natures, and multiple causes of progression. A latent process model describes the latent trait of interest and links it to the observed longitudinal outcomes using flexible measurement models adapted to different types of data, and a latent class structure links the longitudinal and cause‐specific survival models. The joint model is estimated in the maximum likelihood framework. A score test is developed to evaluate the assumption of conditional independence of the longitudinal markers and each cause of progression given the latent classes. In addition, individual dynamic cumulative incidences of each cause of progression based on the repeated marker data are derived. The methodology is validated in a simulation study and applied on real data about cognitive aging obtained from a large population‐based study. The aim is to predict the risk of dementia by accounting for the competing death according to the profiles of semantic memory measured by two asymmetric psychometric tests. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of prevalence‐based incidence estimation techniques with application to dementia data in Germany
Authors: Landwehr Sandra , Brinks Ralph
Published: September 2015

Dementia is becoming a major health burden, which is mainly due to the increasing life expectancy in many developed countries. To describe the disease progression of individuals, multistate models are generally appropriate tools. These models allow the individuals to move along a path consisting of a finite number of disease states. We consider a simplifying illness–death model in which the subjects progress through the states healthy, diseased and dead. We use this model to study analytic relationships between the prevalence, incidence and mortality rates of irreversible diseases that have been applied in the past. One of these approaches is a rather recently proposed technique based on an ordinary differential equation (ODE). We conduct a simulation study to compare the performance of two suggested numerical approximations of this ODE with three alternative techniques, the common goal of which is to estimate age‐specific incidence from cross‐sectional information. The quality of the estimation methods is further explored using data on dementia in Germany. In the simulation scenarios as well as in the dementia data setting, the ODE method turns out to be the predominant technique with regard to the quality of the estimation of the known incidence regimes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical composition and thermal properties of Chilean Araucaria araucana starch
Authors: Castaño Johanna , Rodríguez‐Llamazares Saddys , Bouza Rebeca , Franco Celia Maria Landi
Published: September 2015

Starch isolated from Chilean Araucaria araucana seed was characterized as a follow‐up on a previous study. The apparent amylose (AMM) content determined by potentiometric titration was 28%. The chain length distribution profile of amylopectin (AP) showed two peaks at polymerization degrees (DP) of 12 and 43–44. Around 51% of unit chains had DP in the range 13–24. The average DP of AP branch chains was 19.6%. The molecular weight distribution of A. araucana starch analyzed by Sepharose CL 2B is also reported. The ratio of blue value to total carbohydrates was 0.30 for the AP peak, which is characteristic of a low proportion of long lateral chains. The gelatinization temperature and enthalpy determined by DSC were 65.6°C and 14.5 J/g, respectively.
Effects of amylose content on the physicochemical properties of Chinese chestnut starch
Authors: Yu Shifeng , Liu Jinling , Yang Yang , Ren Jian , Zheng Xiqun , Kopparapu Narasimha Kumar
Published: September 2015

In the present study, four varieties of Chinese chestnut starch with amylose content from 28.92 to 35.10%, were compared in composition, morphology, turbidity, swelling power, thermal properties, texture and retrogradation properties. The relationship between amylose content and physicochemical properties of Chinese chestnut starch was evaluated by using Pearson correlation. Protein, ash and moisture contents of Chinese chestnut starch ranged from 0.10 to 0.14%, 0.04 to 0.06% and 6.79 to 7.28 %, respectively. Chinese chestnut starch granules exhibited a shape of round or oval, croissant‐like, irregular to triangular, and smooth surfaces with no pores. Turbidity, gel hardness and chewiness, retrogradation degree of Chinese chestnut starch showed a positive relation to amylose content, while swelling power, thermal enthalpy and cohesiveness shown a negative relation to it. In addition, textural properties of springiness, onset temperature, peak temperature of retrograded Chinese chestnut starch were not obviously related to amylose content. These findings are very helpful for producing high quality chestnut starch‐based products by controlling its amylose content.
Rheological behavior of kuzu starch pastes
Authors: Jóźwiak Bertrand , Orczykowska Magdalena , Dziubiński Marek
Published: September 2015

In the paper, a comprehensive study of rheological properties of 3% (w/v) Japanese kuzu starch pastes was conducted. To describe the experimental data obtained from oscillatory and creep tests, the new rheological model—which was a modification of the fractional Kelvin‐Voigt model—was proposed. The model provided an accurate description of the dynamic data in a range of nearly seven logarithmic decades of oscillation frequency ω, with an average error equal to 4.7%. It allowed for a precise determination of 17 rheological parameters of the biopolymer in a function of temperature and time of pasting. These parameters have provided a lot of additional information about structure and viscoelastic properties of the test medium in comparison to the classical analysis of dynamic curves G′ and G″ and shear creep compliance J(t). The study indicated that kuzu starch pastes were viscoelastic polydisperse solids. Rising temperature and time of pasting caused an increase in elastic properties and average molecular weight of the biopolymer. The analysis also showed that the specific pasting conditions, 80°C, 15 min; 95°C, 75 min; and 80°C, 30 min, are particularly important from the point of view of structure and rheological properties of products in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industry, respectively.
Deliver FERPA training using methods that help students remember content, Part 3
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: September 2015

In planning your FERPA Basics training sessions (whether an online tutorial or classroom session, or preferably both), multiple teaching techniques can increase the effectiveness of your presentation. That effectiveness is measured by how much the participants retain from what they have learned.
Different Types of Nickel, Cobalt, and Manganese Complexes originating from 2‐Imidazolecarboxaldiimine of Triethylenetetraamine
Authors: Shankar Krapa , Baruah Jubaraj B.
Published: September 2015

The reactivity of the 2‐imidazolecarboxaldiimine of triethylenetetraamine (H2imida) towards divalent manganese, cobalt, and nickel ions differs. It forms a cationic nickel(II) complex by acting as a hexa‐dentate ligand, whereas the cobalt(II) complex formation took place by deprotonation of the H2imida forming a neutral complex with imida. Deprotonation of the ligand by H2imida by cobalt(II) ions caused quenching of the fluorescence emission at 312 nm, such a quenching effect was not observed with the nickel ions. On the other hand, a mononuclear manganese(II) complex of a new tetradentate ligand was formed by manganese(II) assisted intramolecular cyclization reactions of H2imida.
The current landscape of television and movies in medical education
Authors: Law Marcus , Kwong Wilson , Friesen Farah , Veinot Paula , Ng Stella L.
Published: September 2015

Background Using commercially available television and movies is a potentially effective tool to foster humanistic, compassionate and person-centred orientations in medical students.

Aim We reviewed pedagogical applications of television and movies in medical education to explore whether and why this innovation holds promise.

Methods We performed a literature review to provide a narrative summary on this topic.

Results Further studies are needed with richer descriptions of innovations and more rigorous research designs.

Conclusion As we move toward evidence-informed education, we need an evidence- based examination of this topic that will move it beyond a ‘show and tell’ discussion toward meaningful implementation and evaluation. Further exploration regarding the theoretical basis for using television and movies in medical education will help substantiate continued efforts to use these media as teaching tools.
CORD Awards Panel Award for Outstanding Scholarly Research 2014: “Celebrating the Scholarship of Deidre Sklar”
Authors: Miller Ray
Published: September 2015

This panel honors the work of Deidre Sklar, the 2014 recipient of Congress on Research in Dance's award for Outstanding Scholarly Research. Panelists Ketu Katrak, Ann Cooper Albright and Miriam Phillips, along with panel moderator, Ray Miller, discuss the impact of Sklar's work on their own research and teaching as well as its impact on the contemporary scholarship in the field of Dance Studies.

Invited Panelists: Ray Miller (Moderator), Ann Cooper Albright, Ketu Katrak, and Miriam Phillips
Labanotation and the Study of Human Movement in Anthropology
Authors: Grim-Feinberg Kate , Santos Monica F. A. W.
Published: September 2015

This paper discusses the ways in which Labanotation contributes to the analysis of human movement in anthropology. It is based on the experience of the authors, who, as graduate students in anthropology, were involved in research projects where they used Labanotation for the collection and analysis of data. We argue that the ability of Labanotation to accurately represent body movements and gestures, as well as the spatial relationships between moving agents, makes it useful for analyzing different dimensions of social life as enacted by moving bodies. It also records action from the moving person's point of view, which conforms to the ethnographic practice of taking into account local meanings attached to particular kinds of social action. As such, it can be used at different stages of ethnographic research and for different analytical purposes. To illustrate, we present topically diverse ethnographic projects where Labanotation was used: (1) documentation of the New Year ritual of the Lahu Na Shehleh from Northern Thailand for the purpose of preserving the dance and teaching it to younger members of the community, (2) understanding local meanings of ballet dancing in the Philippines, and (3) identifying tacit learning of social norms among children in Ayacucho, Peru.