bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study of oscillation behaviors in confined impinging jets reactor under excitation
Authors: Li Wei‐Feng , Qian Wen‐Wei , Yu Guang‐Suo , Liu Hai‐Feng , Wang Fu‐Chen
Published: September 2014

Dynamic behaviors in a three‐dimensional confined impinging jets reactor (CIJR) under excitation were experimentally studied by a flow visualization technique at 75 ≤ Re ≤ 150. The effects of inlet Reynolds numbers (Re), excitation frequencies and excitation amplitudes on the oscillation behaviors in CIJR have been investigated by a particle image velocimetry (PIV) and a high‐speed camera. Results indicate that the excitation in the inflow of the opposed jets can induce periodic oscillation of the impingement plane along the axis, whose oscillation frequency is equal to the excitation frequency. At Re ≤ 100, the induced axial oscillation can further cause a deflective oscillation with a frequency nearly equal to the excitation, and the scale of the vortex in the impingement plane is well regulated by the excitation frequency. At Re = 150, the excitation of amplitude less than 20% has insignificant effect on the deflective oscillation existing in CIJR. A semiempirical formula has been proposed to predict the oscillation amplitude of the impingement plane in CIJR under excitation. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 333–341, 2015
The role of BAF (mSWI/SNF) complexes in mammalian neural development
Authors: Son Esther Y. , Crabtree Gerald R.
Published: September 2014

The BAF (mammalian SWI/SNF) complexes are a family of multi‐subunit ATP‐dependent chromatin remodelers that use ATP hydrolysis to alter chromatin structure. Distinct BAF complex compositions are possible through combinatorial assembly of homologous subunit families and can serve non‐redundant functions. In mammalian neural development, developmental stage‐specific BAF assemblies are found in embryonic stem cells, neural progenitors and postmitotic neurons. In particular, the neural progenitor‐specific BAF complexes are essential for controlling the kinetics and mode of neural progenitor cell division, while neuronal BAF function is necessary for the maturation of postmitotic neuronal phenotypes as well as long‐term memory formation. The microRNA‐mediated mechanism for transitioning from npBAF to nBAF complexes is instructive for the neuronal fate and can even convert fibroblasts into neurons. The high frequency of BAF subunit mutations in neurological disorders underscores the rate‐determining role of BAF complexes in neural development, homeostasis, and plasticity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is vitamin D insufficiency to blame for recurrent wheezing?
Authors: Demirel Soner , Guner Sukru Nail , Celiksoy Mehmet Halil , Sancak Recep
Published: August 2014

Background

Vitamin D (VitD) and its metabolites play important roles in the regulation of the respiratory and immune systems. The aim of this study was to examine serum 25(OH) vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and VitD deficiency on the development of wheezing and clinical features.

Methods

This study was a prospective cross‐sectional survey that included a total of 70 infants being followed in the Pediatric Immunology and Allergy Unit at Ondokuz Mayis University. Forty of these infants (patient group), ranging in age from 1 to 3 years, had been diagnosed as wheezy infants; 30 were age‐and‐gender matched healthy infants (control group). Prior to the study, blood samples were taken from both groups to determine their serum VitD, blood eosinophil, and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels.

Results

The duration of breastfeeding was similar for both groups. The serum 25(OH)D levels of the patient group were significantly lower than those of the control group. Although there was a negative relationship between 25(OH)D level and IgE(log10) values for the wheezy infants with VitD deficiency, the control group had a negative relationship between VitD level and IgE(log10).

Conclusion

Serum 25(OH)D levels must be evaluated when following wheezy infants, and those with deficiency must be treated with VitD.
The Extended Stability Range of Phosphorus Allotropes
Authors: Bachhuber Frederik , von Appen Jörg , Dronskowski Richard , Schmidt Peer , Nilges Tom , Pfitzner Arno , Weihrich Richard
Published: September 2014

Phosphorus displays fascinating structural diversity and the discovery of new modifications continues to attract attention. In this work, a complete stability range of known and novel crystalline allotropes of phosphorus is described for the first time. This includes recently discovered tubular modifications and the prediction of not‐yet‐known crystal structures of [P12] nanorods and not‐yet‐isolated [P14] nanorods. Despite significant structural differences, all P allotropes consist of covalent substructures, which are held together by van der Waals interactions. Their correct reproduction by ab initio calculations is a core issue of current research. While some predictions with the established DFT functionals GGA and LDA differ significantly from experimental data in the description of the P allotropes, consistently excellent agreement with the GGA‐D2 approach is used to predict the solid structures of the P nanorods.
Synthesis of Pt–Ni Alloy Nanocrystals with High‐Index Facets and Enhanced Electrocatalytic Properties
Authors: Xu Xiling , Zhang Xin , Sun Hui , Yang Ying , Dai Xiaoping , Gao Jinsen , Li Xueyong , Zhang Pengfang , Wang Hong‐Hui , Yu Neng‐Fei , Sun Shi‐Gang
Published: September 2014

The shape‐controlled synthesis of multicomponent metal nanocrystals (NCs) bounded by high‐index facets (HIFs) is of significant importance in the design and synthesis of high‐activity catalysts. We report herein the preparation of Pt–Ni alloy NCs by tuning their shape from concave‐nanocubic (CNC) to nanocubic and hexoctahedral (HOH). Owing to the synergy of the HIFs and the electronic effect of the Pt–Ni alloy, the as‐prepared CNC and HOH Pt–Ni alloy NCs exhibited excellent catalytic properties for the electrooxidation of methanol and formic acid, as well as for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Water‐Splitting Electrocatalysis in Acid Conditions Using Ruthenate‐Iridate Pyrochlores
Authors: Sardar Kripasindhu , Petrucco Enrico , Hiley Craig I. , Sharman Jonathan D. B. , Wells Peter P. , Russell Andrea E. , Kashtiban Reza J. , Sloan Jeremy , Walton Richard I.
Published: September 2014

The pyrochlore solid solution (Na0.33Ce0.67)2(Ir1−xRux)2O7 (0≤x≤1), containing B‐site RuIV and IrIV is prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and used as a catalyst layer for electrochemical oxygen evolution from water at pH<7. The materials have atomically mixed Ru and Ir and their nanocrystalline form allows effective fabrication of electrode coatings with improved charge densities over a typical (Ru,Ir)O2 catalyst. An in situ study of the catalyst layers using XANES spectroscopy at the Ir LIII and Ru K edges shows that both Ru and Ir participate in redox chemistry at oxygen evolution conditions and that Ru is more active than Ir, being oxidized by almost one oxidation state at maximum applied potential, with no evidence for ruthenate or iridate in +6 or higher oxidation states.
Self‐Oscillating Vesicles: Spontaneous Cyclic Structural Changes of Synthetic Diblock Copolymers
Authors: Tamate Ryota , Ueki Takeshi , Shibayama Mitsuhiro , Yoshida Ryo
Published: September 2014

A large variety of synthetic vesicles has been created for potential engineering applications and as model systems which mimic living organisms. In most cases, the structure is designed to be thermodynamically stable. However, mimicking dynamic behaviors of living vesicles still remains undeveloped. Herein, we present a synthetic vesicle which shows autonomous disintegration–reconstruction cycles without any external stimuli and which is similar to those in living organisms, such as in the nuclear envelope and synaptic vesicles. The vesicle is composed of a diblock copolymer which has a hydrophilic and a thermosensitive segment. The thermosensitive segment includes a redox moiety that acts as a catalyst for an oscillatory chemical reaction and also controls the aggregation temperature of vesicles. Furthermore, autonomous fusion of vesicles is also observed during the cycles.
Shifting Chemical Equilibria in Flow—Efficient Decarbonylation Driven by Annular Flow Regimes
Authors: Gutmann Bernhard , Elsner Petteri , Glasnov Toma , Roberge Dominique M. , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: September 2014

To efficiently drive chemical reactions, it is often necessary to influence an equilibrium by removing one or more components from the reaction space. Such manipulation is straightforward in open systems, for example, by distillation of a volatile product from the reaction mixture. Herein we describe a unique high‐temperature/high‐pressure gas/liquid continuous‐flow process for the rhodium‐catalyzed decarbonylation of aldehydes. The carbon monoxide released during the reaction is carried with a stream of an inert gas through the center of the tubing, whereas the liquid feed travels as an annular film along the wall of the channel. As a consequence, carbon monoxide is effectively vaporized from the liquid phase into the gas phase and stripped from the reaction mixture, thus driving the equilibrium to the product and preventing poisoning of the catalyst. This approach enables the catalytic decarbonylation of a variety of aldehydes with unprecedented efficiency with a standard coil‐based flow device.
Preparation and characterization of PAM/SA tough hydrogels reinforced by IPN technique based on covalent/ionic crosslinking
Authors: Li Yali , Wang Chaoxia , Zhang Wan , Yin Yunjie , Rao Qingqing
Published: September 2014

In order to fabricate tough hydrogels with superior formability, polyacrylamide/sodium alginate (PAM/SA) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels were produced with ionically crosslinked SA interpenetrated in covalently crosslinked PAM. TGA results show that the heat resistance of PAM/SA IPN hydrogel is improved as compared to that of the individual component. Swelling studies indicate that increasing either chemical crosslinker content or ionic crosslinking via adding more N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) or SA results in lower ESR. It is concluded by tensile test that loosely crosslinked PAM coupled with tightly crosslinked SA improve mechanical strength for hydrogels based on covalent/ionic crosslinking. PAM/SA hydrogels via “one‐pot” method can form different complex shapes with mechanical properties comparable to conventional double network (DN) gels. The fracture strength of PAM0.05/SA20 reaches level of MPa, approaching 2.0 MPa. The work strives to provide method to tune mechanical and physical properties for hydrogels, which is hopefully to guide the design of hydrogel material with desirable properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41342.
The influence of process parameters on the properties of electrospun PLLA yarns studied by the response surface methodology
Authors: Maleki Homa , Gharehaghaji Ali Akbar , Criscenti Giuseppe , Moroni Lorenzo , Dijkstra Pieter J.
Published: September 2014

Poly (l‐lactide) (PLLA) fibrous yarns were prepared by electrospinning of polymer solutions in 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol. Applying spinning from two oppositely charged needles the spontaneous formed triangle of fibers at a grounded substrate could be assembled into fibrous yarns using a device consisting of a take‐up roller and twister. The effect of processing parameters on the morphology, diameter and mechanical properties of PLLA yarns was investigated by the response surface methodology (RSM). This method allowed evaluating a quantitative relationship between polymer concentration, voltage, take‐up rate and distance between the needles' center and the take‐up unit on the properties of the electrospun fibers and yarns. It was found that at increasing concentrations up to 9 wt % uniform fibers were obtained with increasing mean diameters. Conversely, the fiber diameter decreased slightly when the applied voltage was increased. The take‐up rate had a significant influence on the yarn diameter, which increased as the take‐up rate decreased. The tensile strength and modulus of the yarns were correlated with these variables and it was found that the polymer concentration had the largest influence on the mechanical properties of the yarns. By applying the RSM, it was possible to obtain a relationship between processing parameters which are important in the fabrication of electrospun yarns. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41388.
Dimerization of Conjugated Radical Cations: An Emerging Non‐Covalent Interaction for Self‐Assembly
Authors: Zhang Dan‐Wei , Tian Jia , Chen Lan , Zhang Liang , Li Zhan‐Ting
Published: September 2014

Aromatic stacking has played a significant role in the design of discrete supramolecular systems. However, for many years, the stacking of conjugated radical cations has been considered only as a novelty due to its weakness. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that the stacking of conjugated radical cations, particularly those formed by bipyridinium or tetrathiafulvalene, can be enhanced remarkably when they are incorporated into rationally designed, preorganized frameworks or entrapped into a confined space. This Focus Review highlights the recent advance in its application as an emerging non‐covalent force for the construction of various supramolecular structures.
Markov Chain Approach to Probabilistic Guidance for Swarms of Autonomous Agents
Authors: Açıkmeşe Behçet , Bayard David S.
Published: September 2014

Motivated by biological swarms occurring in nature, there is recent interest in developing swarms comprised completely of engineered agents. The main challenge for developing swarm guidance laws compared to earlier formation flying and multi‐vehicle coordination approaches is the sheer number of agents involved. While formation flying applications might involve up to 10 to 20 agents, swarms are desired to contain hundreds to many thousands of agents. In order to deal with the sheer size, the present paper makes a break with past deterministic methods, and considers the swarm as a statistical ensemble for which guidance can be performed from a probabilistic point of view. The probability‐based approach takes advantage of the law of large numbers, and leads to computationally tractable and implementable swarm guidance laws. Agents following a probabilistic guidance algorithm make statistically independent probabilistic decisions based solely on their own state, which ultimately guides the swarm to the desired density distribution in the configuration space. Two different synthesis methods are introduced for designing probabilistic guidance laws. The first is based on the Metropolis‐Hastings (M‐H) algorithm, and the second is based on using linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The M‐H approach ensures convergent swarm behavior subject to enforced desired motion constraints, while the LMI approach additionally ensures exponential convergence with a prescribed decay rate, and allows minimization of a cost function that reflects fuel expenditure. In addition, both algorithms endow the swarm with the property of self‐repair, and the capability to strictly enforce zero‐probability keep‐out regions. This last property requires a slight generalization of the Perron‐Frobenius theory, and can be very useful in swarm applications that contain regions where no agents are allowed to go. Simulation examples are given to illustrate the methods and demonstrate desired properties of the guided swarm.
Heterozygous DLX5 nonsense mutation associated with isolated split‐hand/foot malformation with reduced penetrance and variable expressivity in two unrelated families
Authors: Sowińska‐Seidler Anna , Badura‐Stronka Magdalena , Latos‐Bieleńska Anna , Stronka Michał , Jamsheer Aleksander
Published: September 2014

Background

Split‐hand/foot malformation (SHFM) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous limb abnormality characterized by the absence or hypoplasia of the central rays of the autopod. SHFM1, which is one out of seven known SHFM loci, maps to 7q21.2‐q21.3. SHFM1 is usually inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with reduced penetrance, although recessive inheritance has been described for a single family carrying a homozygous DLX5 missense variant. In most cases, SHFM1 results from heterozygous deletions encompassing DLX5/DLX6 genes or from inversions and translocations separating the genes from their limb specific enhancers. Recently, a single Chinese family with dominant SHFM1 was shown to result from a heterozygous DLX5 missense mutation.

Methods

In this study, we report on four male individuals from two unrelated Polish families (one sporadic and one familial case) presenting with isolated SHFM. We tested both probands for known molecular causes of SHFM, including TP63, WNT10B, DLX5 mutations and copy number changes using 1.4 M array CGH.

Results

Sanger sequencing of DLX5 revealed a novel heterozygous nonsense mutation c.G115T(p.E39X) in both index patients. Segregation studies demonstrated that the variant was present in all affected family members but also in three apparently healthy relatives (two females and one male).

Conclusion

This is the first report of a heterozygous DLX5 nonsense mutation resulting in incompletely penetrant autosomal dominant isolated SHFM1. Data shown here provides further evidence for the contribution of DLX5 point mutations to the development of ectrodactyly and suggest the possibility of sex‐related segregation distortion with an excess of affected males. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:764–771, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Systemic Approach to Improving the Engagement of Fathers in Child Safeguarding
Authors: Scourfield Jonathan , Smail Pat , Butler Dan
Published: September 2014

Increasing the involvement of fathers in child safeguarding is an issue which has seen relatively little practice innovation in mainstream services. This article concerns a bold attempt to improve practice in this domain through a systemic approach. Key findings are presented from an evaluation of a Fatherhood Institute project in six English local authorities. The intervention was positively received and the self‐efficacy of children's services staff improved on most measures as a result of training. However, not all planned aspects of the project could be implemented. The article reflects on the challenge of achieving practice change in these areas – both child safeguarding and engaging fathers – where established practices are deep‐rooted. There is also reflection on the challenge of public service innovation in a context of austerity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘A bold attempt to improve practice in this domain through a systemic approach’

Key Practitioner Messages

Improving father engagement requires cultural change in organisations.

Achieving change in child safeguarding is challenging in the face of austerity and competing demands.

A systemic approach involves work with managers, as well as practitioners, and improvement of bureaucratic systems, as well as face‐to‐face interaction.

Training needs to focus on skills, as well as knowledge.

‘Training needs to focus on skills as well as knowledge’
Investigation of the Impact of Water on the Enantioselectivity Displayed by CALB in the Kinetic Resolution of δ‐Functionalized Alkan‐2‐ol Derivatives
Authors: Yang Bin , Lihammar Richard , Bäckvall Jan‐E.
Published: September 2014

It is shown that the low enantioselectivity of Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB)‐catalyzed transesterification of a δ‐functionalized alkan‐2‐ol to its acetate does not correlate at all with the high enantioselectivity of the CALB‐catalyzed hydrolysis of the corresponding acetate in water. This lack of correlation is unusual and for unfunctionalized alkan‐2‐ol derivatives there is a very good correlation between the enantioselectivity of transesterification of the alcohol and hydrolysis of the corresponding acetate (E>200 in both cases). The results confirm previous predictions from molecular modeling. The water effect was mimicked by CALB variant Ala281Ser, which showed an enhanced enantioselectivity in transesterification of δ‐functionalized alkan‐2‐ols compared to wild‐type CALB.
Synthesis of Unsymmetric Bipyridine–PtII–Alkynyl Complexes through Post‐Click Reaction with Emission Enhancement Characteristics and Their Applications as Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Li Yongguang , Tsang Daniel Ping‐Kuen , Chan Carmen Ka‐Man , Wong Keith Man‐Chung , Chan Mei‐Yee , Yam Vivian Wing‐Wah
Published: September 2014

Two unsymmetric bipyridine–platinum(II)–alkynyl complexes have been synthesised by a post‐click reaction. These metal complexes are found to exhibit emission enhancement properties. The photoluminescence quantum yield can be significantly increased from 0.03 in solution to 0.72 in solid‐state thin films. Efficient solution‐processable organic light‐emitting diodes have been fabricated by utilizing these complexes as phosphorescent dopants. A high external quantum efficiency of up to 5.8 % has been achieved.
An experimental study of dynamic jet behaviour in a scaled cold flow spray dryer model using PIV
Authors: Pawar Sandip K. , Abrahams Ruud H. M. , Deen Niels G. , Padding Johan T. , van der Gulik Gert‐Jan , Jongsma Alfred , Innings Fredrik , Kuipers J. A. M. (Hans)
Published: September 2014

Research on the dynamic flow behaviour in spray dryers has a long history. Interest in describing these flows originates from problems like roof and wall fouling. The aim of the present study is to experimentally investigate the dynamic jet behaviour and turbulent flow in a scaled‐down cold flow model of a spray dryer in order to better understand and optimize spray drying units. Dynamic jet behaviour and turbulent flow features (i.e., RMS velocities) were studied by particle image velocimetry (PIV) using water as the continuous phase. To obtain more insight in the jet dynamics, we analyzed the turning point, the width and shape, and the velocity profiles of the turbulent jet at different heights and the turbulence characteristics. We found that at higher Reynolds numbers, the jet penetrates further along the downward direction with a time‐averaged profile which is symmetric at the centre. In addition, we investigated the effect of the expansion ratio via proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). Outcomes of different characteristics of the dynamic jet, like steady, transient, regular, and complex precession, can be collapsed by proper scaling. These results can be used for validation of computational fluid dynamics simulations and facilitate the design (identification of jet operation boundaries) of new spray dryer configurations.
Physician‐reported barriers to referring cancer patients to specialists: Prevalence, factors, and association with career satisfaction
Authors: Kwon Daniel H. , Tisnado Diana M. , Keating Nancy L. , Klabunde Carrie N. , Adams John L. , Rastegar Afshin , Hornbrook Mark C. , Kahn Katherine L.
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

Quality care for patients with cancer often requires access to specialty providers, but little is known about barriers to referring cancer patients for specialized care. Referral barriers may also lessen physician career satisfaction. The study was aimed at determining what factors are associated with these barriers and whether greater barriers are associated with low career satisfaction.

METHODS

This cross‐sectional study examined 1562 primary care physicians (PCPs) and 2144 specialists responding to the multiregional Cancer Care Outcomes Research and Surveillance Consortium physician survey. The prevalence of physician‐reported barriers to referring cancer patients for more specialized care (restricted provider networks, preauthorization requirements, patient inability to pay, lack of surgical subspecialists, and excessive patient travel time) was assessed. The 5 items were averaged to calculate a barrier score. A multivariate linear regression was used to determine physician and practice setting characteristics associated with the barrier score, and a multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association of the barrier score with physician career satisfaction.

RESULTS

Three in 5 physicians reported always, usually, or sometimes encountering any barrier to cancer patient specialty referrals. In adjusted analyses of PCPs and specialists, international medical graduates, physicians practicing in solo or government‐owned practices, and physicians with <90% of their patients in managed care plans had higher barrier scores than others (P < .05). High barrier scores were associated with lower physician career satisfaction among PCPs and specialists (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Many physicians experience barriers to specialty referral for cancer patients. Uniform systems for providing and tracking timely referrals may enhance care and promote physician career satisfaction. Cancer 2015;121:113–122. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Understanding Quantum Confinement of Charge Carriers in Layered 2D Hybrid Perovskites
Authors: Even Jacky , Pedesseau Laurent , Katan Claudine
Published: September 2014

Layered hybrid organic perovskites (HOPs) structures are a class of low‐cost two‐dimensional materials that exhibit outstanding optical properties, related to dielectric and quantum confinement effects. Whereas modeling and understanding of quantum confinement are well developed for conventional semiconductors, such knowledge is still lacking for 2D HOPs. In this work, concepts of effective mass and quantum well are carefully investigated and their applicability to 2D HOPs is discussed. For ultrathin layers, the effective‐mass model fails. Absence of superlattice coupling and importance of non‐parabolicity effects prevents the use of simple empirical models based on effective masses and envelope function approximations. An alternative method is suggested in which 2D HOPs are treated as composite materials, and a first‐principles approach to the calculation of band offsets is introduced. These findings might also be relevant for other classes of layered 2D functional materials.
Continuous‐Flow Solid‐Phase Peptide Synthesis: A Revolutionary Reduction of the Amino Acid Excess
Authors: Mándity István M. , Olasz Balázs , Ötvös Sándor B. , Fülöp Ferenc
Published: September 2014

A highly efficient continuous‐flow technique for the synthesis of peptides was developed. The method allows the application of only 1.5 equivalents of amino acids during coupling, while yielding virtually quantitative conversions. A mesoscale reactor was constructed which permits the use of high temperature and pressure during the synthesis. A complete reaction parameter optimization was carried out. Under the optimum conditions, the couplings of all 20 proteinogenic amino acids were achieved with 1.5 amino acid equivalents with quantitative conversions. As a demonstration of the efficiency of the methodology, difficult sequences and β‐peptide foldamers with alicyclic side‐chains were synthetized in excellent yields and with lower costs thanks to the lower amounts of amino acid and solvent used. By this the synthesis is highly economic and sustainable. Importantly, exotic and expensive artificial amino acids were incorporated into peptidic sequences by the utilization of a reasonable number of amino acid equivalents. The synthesis can be performed in quantities of microgram to gram in an automated way.
Examining convergence of retrospective and ecological momentary assessment measures of negative affect and eating disorder behaviors
Authors: Wonderlich Joseph A. , Lavender Jason M. , Wonderlich Stephen A. , Peterson Carol B. , Crow Scott J. , Engel Scott G. , Le Grange Daniel , Mitchell James E. , Crosby Ross D.
Published: September 2014

Objective

Data gathered via retrospective forms of assessment are subject to various recall biases. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is an alternative approach involving repeated momentary assessments within a participant's natural environment, thus reducing recall biases and improving ecological validity. EMA has been used in numerous prior studies examining various constructs of theoretical relevance to eating disorders.

Method

This investigation includes data from three previously published studies with distinct clinical samples: (a) women with anorexia nervosa (N = 118), (b) women with bulimia nervosa (N = 133), and (c) obese men and women (N = 50; 9 with current binge eating disorder). Each study assessed negative affective states and eating disorder behaviors using traditional retrospective assessments and EMA. Spearman rho correlations were used to evaluate the concordance of retrospective versus EMA measures of affective and/or behavioral constructs in each sample. Bland–Altman plots were also used to further evaluate concordance in the assessment of eating disorder behaviors.

Results

There was moderate to strong concordance for the measures of negative affective states across all three studies. Moderate to strong concordance was also found for the measures of binge eating and exercise frequency. The strongest evidence of concordance across measurement approaches was found for purging behaviors.

Discussion

Overall, these preliminary findings support the convergence of retrospective and EMA assessments of both negative affective states and various eating disorder behaviors. Given the advantages and disadvantages associated with each of these assessment approaches, the specific questions being studied in future empirical studies should inform decisions regarding selection of the most appropriate method. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:305–311)
Physical activity and the drive to exercise in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Keyes Alexandra , Woerwag‐Mehta Sabine , Bartholdy Savani , Koskina Antonia , Middleton Benita , Connan Frances , Webster Peter , Schmidt Ulrike , Campbell Iain C.
Published: September 2014

Objectives

To investigate physical activity (PA) and drive for exercise in anorexia nervosa (AN) in relation to eating disorder (ED) pathology and anxiety.

Method

Female participants were recruited into four groups: AN outpatients (n = 37), AN inpatients (n = 18), an anxiety group (n = 34), and healthy controls (HCs; n = 30). PA was measured by actigraphy and self‐report together with drive/reasons for exercise, ED pathology, anxiety, depression, stress, BMI, and body composition.

Results

ED psychopathology, general psychopathology, and physiological measures were consistent with diagnosis. All groups showed a wide range in activity, especially on self‐report. No significant group differences were observed in objective PA levels, yet AN groups reported 57–92% higher total activity than HCs. Outpatients reported more walking and moderate exercise than HCs, and inpatients reported more walking but less moderate and vigorous activity than all other groups. AN groups had significantly higher drive to exercise and valued “improving tone” as important and health and enjoyment as less important reasons to exercise.

Discussion

Self‐perceived activity rather than objective data may partly explain the increased activity reported in AN. Drive to exercise in AN appears to be more related to ED pathology than to anxiety. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:46–54)
Spatial patterns, ecological niches, and interspecific competition of avian brood parasites: inferring from a case study of Korea
Authors: Lee Jin‐Won , Noh Hee‐Jin , Lee Yunkyoung , Kwon Young‐Soo , Kim Chang‐Hoe , Yoo Jeong‐Chil
Published: September 2014

Since obligate avian brood parasites depend completely on the effort of other host species for rearing their progeny, the availability of hosts will be a critical resource for their life history. Circumstantial evidence suggests that intense competition for host species may exist not only within but also between species. So far, however, few studies have demonstrated whether the interspecific competition really occurs in the system of avian brood parasitism and how the nature of brood parasitism is related to their niche evolution. Using the occurrence data of five avian brood parasites from two sources of nationwide bird surveys in South Korea and publically available environmental/climatic data, we identified their distribution patterns and ecological niches, and applied species distribution modeling to infer the effect of interspecific competition on their spatial distribution. We found that the distribution patterns of five avian brood parasites could be characterized by altitude and climatic conditions, but overall their spatial ranges and ecological niches extensively overlapped with each other. We also found that the predicted distribution areas of each species were generally comparable to the realized distribution areas, and the numbers of individuals in areas where multiple species were predicted to coexist showed positive relationships among species. In conclusion, despite following different coevolutionary trajectories to adapt to their respect host species, five species of avian brood parasites breeding in South Korea occupied broadly similar ecological niches, implying that they tend to conserve ancestral preferences for ecological conditions. Furthermore, our results indicated that contrary to expectation interspecific competition for host availability between avian brood parasites seemed to be trivial, and thus, play little role in shaping their spatial distributions and ecological niches. Future studies, including the complete ranges of avian brood parasites and ecological niches of host species, will be worthwhile to further elucidate these issues.
Maritime climate influence on chaparral composition and diversity in the coast range of central California
Authors: Vasey Michael C. , Parker V. Thomas , Holl Karen D. , Loik Michael E. , Hiatt Seth
Published: September 2014

We investigated the hypothesis that maritime climatic factors associated with summer fog and low cloud stratus (summer marine layer) help explain the compositional diversity of chaparral in the coast range of central California. We randomly sampled chaparral species composition in 0.1‐hectare plots along a coast‐to‐interior gradient. For each plot, climatic variables were estimated and soil samples were analyzed. We used Cluster Analysis and Principle Components Analysis to objectively categorize plots into climate zone groups. Climate variables, vegetation composition and various diversity measures were compared across climate zone groups using ANOVA and nonmetric multidimensional scaling. Differences in climatic variables that relate to summer moisture availability and winter freeze events explained the majority of variance in measured conditions and coincided with three chaparral assemblages: maritime (lowland coast where the summer marine layer was strongest), transition (upland coast with mild summer marine layer influence and greater winter precipitation), and interior sites that generally lacked late summer water availability from either source. Species turnover (β‐diversity) was higher among maritime and transition sites than interior sites. Coastal chaparral differs from interior chaparral in having a higher obligate seeder to facultative seeder (resprouter) ratio and by being dominated by various Arctostaphylos species as opposed to the interior dominant, Adenostoma fasciculatum. The maritime climate influence along the California central coast is associated with patterns of woody plant composition and β‐diversity among sites. Summer fog in coastal lowlands and higher winter precipitation in coastal uplands combine to lower late dry season water deficit in coastal chaparral and contribute to longer fire return intervals that are associated with obligate seeders and more local endemism. Soil nutrients are comparatively less important in explaining plant community composition, but heterogeneous azonal soils contribute to local endemism and promote isolated chaparral patches within the dominant forest vegetation along the coast.
Time scale matters: genetic analysis does not support adaptation‐by‐time as the mechanism for adaptive seasonal declines in kokanee reproductive life span
Authors: Morbey Yolanda E. , Jensen Evelyn L. , Russello Michael A.
Published: September 2014

Seasonal declines of fitness‐related traits are often attributed to environmental effects or individual‐level decisions about reproductive timing and effort, but genetic variation may also play a role. In populations of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), seasonal declines in reproductive life span have been attributed to adaptation‐by‐time, in which divergent selection for different traits occurs among reproductively isolated temporal components of a population. We evaluated this hypothesis in kokanee (freshwater obligate Oncorhynchus nerka) by testing for temporal genetic structure in neutral and circadian‐linked loci. We detected no genetic differences in presumably neutral loci among kokanee with different arrival and maturation dates within a spawning season. Similarly, we detected no temporal genetic structure in OtsClock1b, Omy1009uw, or OmyFbxw11, candidate loci associated with circadian function. The genetic evidence from this study and others indicates a lack of support for adaptation‐by‐time as an important evolutionary mechanism underlying seasonal declines in reproductive life span and a need for greater consideration of other mechanisms such as time‐dependent, adaptive adjustment of reproductive effort.
Regio‐ and Stereoselective Lipase‐Catalysed Acylation of Methyl α‐D‐Glycopyranosides with Fluorinated β‐Lactams
Authors: Sundell Riku , Siirola Elina , Kanerva Liisa T.
Published: September 2014

Burkholderia cepacia lipase (lipase PS‐D) catalysed acylation with 3,3‐difluoro‐4‐phenyl‐, ‐thiophen‐3‐yl‐ and ‐4‐pyridylazetidin‐2‐ones was examined for the formation of N‐Boc‐protected 6‐O‐acylated sugar–β‐amino acid conjugates from methyl α‐D‐galacto‐, ‐gluco‐ and mannopyranosides and Boc2O. The 6‐O‐acylated glycopyranoside–β‐amino acid conjugates were isolated and characterized. The low solubility of the gluco‐ and mannopyranosides and the high reactivity of the pyridylazetidinone restricted product formation. Activation of the β‐lactam ring by the presence of fluorine substituents was shown to be necessary for the enzymatic acylation reaction. The (S)‐enantiomers of the racemic β‐lactam substrates reacted with the sugars.
Development and pharmacological characterization of a model of sleep disruption‐induced hypersensitivity in the rat
Authors: Wodarski R. , Schuh‐Hofer S. , Yurek D.A. , Wafford K.A. , Gilmour G. , Treede R.‐D. , Kennedy J.D.
Published: September 2014

Background

Sleep disturbance is a commonly reported co‐morbidity in chronic pain patients, and conversely, disruption of sleep can cause acute and long‐lasting hypersensitivity to painful stimuli. The underlying mechanisms of sleep disruption‐induced pain hypersensitivity are poorly understood. Confounding factors of previous studies have been the sleep disruption protocols, such as the ‘pedestal over water’ or ‘inverted flower pot’ methods, that can cause large stress responses and therefore may significantly affect pain outcome measures.

Methods

Sleep disruption was induced by placing rats for 8 h in a slowly rotating cylindrical cage causing arousal via the righting reflex. Mechanical (Von Frey filaments) and thermal (Hargreaves) nociceptive thresholds were assessed, and plasma corticosterone levels were measured (mass spectroscopy). Sleep disruption‐induced hypersensitivity was pharmacologically characterized with drugs relevant for pain treatment, including gabapentin (30 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg), Ica‐6p (Kv7.2/7.3 potassium channel opener; 10 mg/kg), ibuprofen (30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) and amitriptyline (10 mg/kg).

Results

Eight hours of sleep disruption caused robust mechanical and heat hypersensitivity in the absence of a measurable change in plasma corticosterone levels. Gabapentin had no effect on reduced nociceptive thresholds. Ibuprofen attenuated mechanical thresholds, while Ica‐6p and amitriptyline attenuated only reduced thermal nociceptive thresholds.

Conclusions

These results show that acute and low‐stress sleep disruption causes mechanical and heat hypersensitivity in rats. Mechanical and heat hypersensitivity exhibited differential sensitivity to pharmacological agents, thus suggesting dissociable mechanisms for those two modalities. Ultimately, this model could help identify underlying mechanisms linking sleep disruption and hypersensitivity.
A review of starch‐branching enzymes and their role in amylopectin biosynthesis
Authors: Tetlow Ian J. , Emes Michael J.
Published: September 2014

Starch‐branching enzymes (SBEs) are one of the four major enzyme classes involved in starch biosynthesis in plants and algae, and their activities play a crucial role in determining the structure and physical properties of starch granules. SBEs generate α‐1,6‐branch linkages in α‐glucans through cleavage of internal α‐1,4 bonds and transfer of the released reducing ends to C‐6 hydroxyls. Starch biosynthesis in plants and algae requires multiple isoforms of SBEs and is distinct from glycogen biosynthesis in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes which uses a single branching enzyme (BE) isoform. One of the unique characteristics of starch structure is the grouping of α‐1,6‐branch points in clusters within amylopectin. This is a feature of SBEs and their interplay with other starch biosynthetic enzymes, thus facilitating formation of the compact water‐insoluble semicrystalline starch granule. In this respect, the activity of SBE isoforms is pivotal in starch granule assembly. SBEs are structurally related to the α‐amylase superfamily of enzymes, sharing three domains of secondary structure with prokaryotic Bes: the central (β/α)8‐barrel catalytic domain, an NH2‐terminal domain involved in determining the size of α‐glucan chain transferred, and the C‐terminal domain responsible for catalytic capacity and substrate preference. In addition, SBEs have conserved plant‐specific domains, including phosphorylation sites which are thought to be involved in regulating starch metabolism. SBEs form heteromeric protein complexes with other SBE isoforms as well as other enzymes involved in starch synthesis, and assembly of these protein complexes is regulated by protein phosphorylation. Phosphorylated SBEIIb is found in multienzyme complexes with isoforms of glucan‐elongating starch synthases, and these protein complexes are implicated in amylopectin cluster formation. This review presents a comparative overview of plant SBEs and includes a review of their properties, structural and functional characteristics, and recent developments on their post‐translational regulation. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(8):546–558, 2014
A Randomized, Double-Blind Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Blosozumab, a Sclerostin Antibody, in Postmenopausal Women with Low Bone Mineral Density
Authors: Recker Robert R. , Benson Charles T. , Matsumoto Toshio , Bolognese Michael A. , Robins Deborah A. , Alam Jahangir , Chiang Alan Y , Hu Leijun , Krege John H , Sowa Hideaki , Mitlak Bruce H. , Myers Stephen L.
Published: September 2014

Sclerostin, a SOST protein secreted by osteocytes, negatively regulates formation of mineralized bone matrix and bone mass. We report the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter phase 2 clinical trial of blosozumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeted against sclerostin, in postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density (BMD). Postmenopausal women with a lumbar spine T-score –2.0 to –3.5, inclusive, were randomized to subcutaneous blosozumab 180 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W), 180 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W), 270 mg Q2W, or matching placebo for 1 year, with calcium and vitamin D. Serial measurements of spine and hip BMD and biochemical markers of bone turnover were performed. Overall, 120 women were enrolled in the study (mean age 65.8 years, mean lumbar spine T-score –2.8). Blosozumab treatment resulted in statistically significant dose-related increases in spine, femoral neck, and total hip BMD as compared with placebo. In the highest dose group, BMD increases from baseline reached 17.7% at the spine, and 6.2% at the total hip. Biochemical markers of bone formation increased rapidly during blosozumab treatment, and trended toward pretreatment levels by study end. However, bone specific alkaline phosphatase remained higher than placebo at study end in the highest-dose group. CTx, a biochemical marker of bone resorption, decreased early in blosozumab treatment to a concentration less than that of the placebo group by 2 weeks, and remained reduced throughout blosozumab treatment. Mild injection site reactions were reported more frequently with blosozumab than placebo. In conclusion, treatment of postmenopausal women with an antibody targeted against sclerostin resulted in substantial increases in spine and hip BMD. These results support further study of blosozumab as a potential anabolic therapy for osteoporosis. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)
Extension and validation of the GROMOS 53A6glyc parameter set for glycoproteins
Authors: Pol‐Fachin Laercio , Verli Hugo , Lins Roberto D.
Published: September 2014

An extension of the GROMOS 53A6GLYC force field for carbohydrates to encompass glycoprotein linkages is presented. The set includes new atomic charges and incorporates adequate torsional potential parameters for N‐, S‐, C‐, P‐, and O‐glycosydic linkages, offering compatibility with the GROMOS force field family for proteins. Validation included the description of glycosydic linkage geometries between amino acid and monosaccharide residues, comparison of NMR‐derived protein‐carbohydrate and carbohydrate–carbohydrate nuclear overhauser effect (NOE) signals for glycoproteins and the effects of glycosylation on protein flexibility and dynamics. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of metallothionein gene polymorphisms on the risk of lung cancer in a Japanese population
Authors: Nakane Hideo , Hirano Minoru , Ito Hidemi , Hosono Satoyo , Oze Isao , Matsuda Fumihiko , Tanaka Hideo , Matsuo Keitaro
Published: August 2014

Metallothioneins (MTs) are cysteine‐rich proteins that act as antioxidants. A case‐control study was conducted to assess the effects of gene polymorphisms in the MT region on the risk of lung cancer in Japanese subjects: 769 lung cancer cases and 939 non‐cancer controls. Associations were evaluated using logistic regression models with adjustment for potential confounders (age, sex, and lifestyle factors including smoking, drinking, and green‐yellow vegetable intake). We found five polymorphisms in the MT‐1 gene region that showed statistically significant associations with lung cancer. Of these polymorphisms, rs7196890 showed the strongest association (odds ratio: 1.30, P = 0.004, 95% confidence interval: 1.09–1.55). The impact of the polymorphism decreased with the increase of smoking, and virtually no association with lung cancer was observed among heavy smokers whose pack‐year values were 30 or more (odds ratio: 1.02, P = 0.93, 95% confidence interval: 0.67–1.55). These results suggest that polymorphisms in the MT gene are moderately associated with the risk of lung cancer and that the associations are modified by lifestyle factors. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.