bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequence‐based proline incorporation improves the thermostability of Candida albicans lipase Lip5
Authors: Yuan Dongjuan , Zhao Zexin , Wang Xiumei , Guo Shaohua , Yang Bo , Wang Yonghua
Published: August 2015

Increasing kinetic stability of industrial enzymes is a key objective of protein engineering. In this study, a cold‐active Candida albicans lipase Lip5 was selected as a model to improve its stability. With no 3D structure available, multiple‐sequence alignment of homologous lipases with different kinetic stabilities in the same superfamily was used to identify the mostly likely positions relevant to protein stability; these positions (V39, I52, and I290) were selected for proline incorporation in Lip5 as a strategy to increase the protein stability. Of the mutants generated, two of them (V39P and I290P) displayed a twofold increase in kinetic stability and improved thermodynamic stability as well. None of the mutants exhibited secondary or tertiary structure changes as shown by circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy analyses. These results demonstrate that in the absence of 3D structure, multiple‐sequence alignment could be a useful tool to direct proline incorporation for lipase stability engineering.

Practical applications: In the absence of a 3D structure, multiple‐sequence alignment‐based proline incorporation is a useful tool to engineer lipase towards improved stability.

The kinetic stability of Lip5 and mutants showed that t1/2 values of mutants V39P and I290P were approximately twice as high as that of the wild type. The ΔΔGs of these two mutants increased by 2.35 and 2.03 KJ/mol, respectively, compared with wild type, suggesting higher energy barriers against thermal inactivation for V39P and I290P. Proline incorporation at position 39 or 290 increases the kinetic stability of Lip5.
Preparation of 1,2,5‐Trisubstituted 1H‐Imidazoles from Ketenimines and Prop­arg­ylic Amines by Silver‐Catalyzed or Iodine‐Promoted Electrophilic Cyclization Reaction of Alkynes
Authors: Zhou Xiaorong , Jiang Zheng , Xue Lexing , Lu Ping , Wang Yanguang
Published: August 2015

From readily available propargylic amines, 1,2,5‐trisubstituted imidazoles are efficiently obtained through a cascade reaction catalyzed by AgOTf or promoted by molecular iodine. The AgOTf‐catalyzed reaction involves nucleophilic addition of propargylic amine to ketenimine, a silver‐catalyzed electrophilic cyclization reaction of alkyne, and a tautomerism/isomerism/metal‐H exchange cascade. The iodine‐mediated counterpart yields 5‐formyl‐1,2‐disubtituted imidazoles, which presumably includes a cascade hydrolysis/oxidation reaction. Furthermore, the presented protocol can be scaled up and the resultant 1,2,5‐trisubstituted imidazole can be converted into fused indeno[1,2‐d]imidazole.
A Novel Method of High Sensitive Determination of Prednisolone on Renewable Mercury Film Silver Based Electrode
Authors: Smajdor Joanna , Piech Robert , Paczosa‐Bator Beata
Published: August 2015

Fast and sensitive method of prednisolone determination at renewable mercury film electrode using differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry (DPAdSV) was successfully developed. The effects of various factors such as: preconcentration potential and time, pulse height, step potential and supporting electrolyte composition were optimized. A linear voltammetric response for analyte was obtained in the concentration range from 0.05 µmol L−1(18 µg L−1) to 2.25 µmol L−1(0.81 mg L−1), with a detection limit of 0.01 µmol L−1for preconcentration time of 20 s. Repeatability of method was determined as RSD % for prednisolone concentration of 0.04 µmol L−1as 1.6 % (n=9). The proposed method was successfully applied and validated by recovery parameter of prednisolone in simulated sample and pharmaceutical product.
Contrasting mechanisms of de novo copy number mutagenesis suggest the existence of different classes of environmental copy number mutagens
Authors: Conover Hailey N. , Argueso Juan Lucas
Published: August 2015

While gene copy number variations (CNVs) are abundant in the human genome, and often are associated with disease consequences, the mutagenic pathways and environmental exposures that cause these large structural mutations are understudied relative to conventional nucleotide substitutions in DNA. The members of the environmental mutagenesis community are currently seeking to remedy this deficiency, and there is a renewed interest in the development of mutagenicity assays to identify and characterize compounds that may induce de novo CNVs in humans. To achieve this goal, it is critically important to acknowledge that CNVs exist in two very distinct classes: nonrecurrent and recurrent CNVs. The goal of this commentary is to emphasize the deep contrasts that exist between the proposed pathways that lead to these two mutation classes. Nonrecurrent de novo CNVs originate primarily in mitotic cells through replication‐dependent DNA repair pathways that involve microhomologies (<10 bp), and are detected at higher frequency in children of older fathers. In contrast, recurrent de novo CNVs are most often formed in meiotic cells through homologous recombination between nonallelic large low‐copy repeats (>10,000 bp), without an associated paternal age effect. Given the biological differences between the two CNV classes, it is our belief that nonrecurrent and recurrent CN mutagens will probably differ substantially in their modes of action. Therefore, each CNV class may require their own uniquely designed assays, so that we as a field may succeed in uncovering the broadest possible spectrum of environmental CN mutagens. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:3–9, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tailoring Commercially Available Raw Materials for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with Superior Performance and Enhanced Shelf Life
Authors: Thieme Sören , Oschatz Martin , Nickel Winfried , Brückner Jan , Kaspar Jörg , Althues Holger , Kaskel Stefan
Published: August 2015

Physical activation with CO2 is used to modify the micro‐, meso‐, and macropore system of commercial, highly branched carbon black (CB) particles. Due to the increased total porosity and high surface area of 1747 m2 g−1 the completeness of sulfur infiltration in intra‐particle pores of CB is promoted. This is found to not only minimize sulfur agglomeration on the particle surface but also reduce self‐discharge, that is, polysulfide leakage. Wrapping the CB/sulfur composite with a poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) film further triggers a synergy allowing for faster sulfur conversion with increased reversibility. Thus, an initial capacity of 1238 mAh g−1S at C/10 and a stable capacity of 1015 mAh g−1S after 50 cycles were obtained, combined with a superior rate capability up to 2 C (≈7.5 mA cm−2) and extremely slow self‐discharge over 100 days (open‐circuit voltage>2.30 V).
Comparative response and performance of base‐isolated and fixed‐base structures
Authors: Chimamphant Sarun , Kasai Kazuhiko
Published: August 2015

A building with a seismic isolation system, in an earthquake, is recognized as producing substantially smaller accelerations and deformations compared with a building that use other systems. This type of system is therefore expected to better protect the building's nonstructural components, equipment, and other contents that are essential for the activities conducted in the building. Unlike many available studies on building responses, only a small number of studies on a buildings' nonstructural component responses are available, and no study has directly addressed building performance with regard to nonstructural component protection. This paper therefore measures the performance of various seismically isolated buildings. Specifically, the effects of important structural parameters, namely, isolation stiffness, isolation damping ratio, and number of stories on the response of base‐isolated structures are investigated parametrically. Ground motions with 2% exceedence in 50years Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) are used. Performance is compared with that of fixed‐base structures in order to present data that will be useful in justifying the more costly technology. The buildings are 3, 9, and 20 stories, represented by MDOF shear‐beam models. As examples of displacement‐sensitive and acceleration‐sensitive components, partition walls and ceilings are considered, respectively. The Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center performance‐based earthquake engineering methodology is adopted to evaluate the failure return periods of the examples based on their available fragility curves. In addition, the curves are varied hypothetically to understand the sensitivity of the return period to the curve features. Then, the median and dispersion of fragility curves required to satisfy the components' desired failure return period are obtained. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive remediation for older community‐dwelling individuals with schizophrenia: a pilot and feasibility study
Authors: Golas Angela C. , Kalache Sawsan M. , Tsoutsoulas Christopher , Mulsant Benoit H. , Bowie Christopher R. , Rajji Tarek K.
Published: August 2015

Objective

Cognitive deficits are among the strongest predictors of function in individuals with schizophrenia. This relationship continues to be strong as these individuals grow older into their eight decade. Cognitive remediation (CR) improves cognition in individuals with schizophrenia. This study aims at assessing the feasibility and potential effect of CR in patients with schizophrenia 60 years of age or older.

Methods

We adapted a CR protocol involving restorative and strategy‐based methods over four cohorts of older outpatients with schizophrenia to target cognitive deficits associated with aging and schizophrenia. CR was provided in eight, 2‐h weekly didactic sessions and online at‐home exercises. Computerized drill and practice exercises were used with bridging to activities of daily life. Computer exercise selection and difficulty level parameters optimized adherence. Progression individually determined difficulty levels. We modified computer laboratory ergonomics to accommodate mobility needs. Participants were assessed at baseline and end‐of‐study using clinical and cognitive assessments.

Results

Twenty‐two participants enrolled: 18 (mean [SD] age: 69.8 [5.3]) completed CR. Mean (SD) global cognition T score from the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia Consensus Cognitive Battery was 27.7 (10) at baseline and 28.8 (9.7) at the completion of the study. These means are over 2 SD below the norms. The change in global cognition was not statistically significant (paired t(17) = −1.18, p = 0.25).

Conclusions

Our pilot study suggests that CR is well tolerated by most older outpatients with schizophrenia. Future studies need to assess whether increasing the frequency or the number of CR sessions leads to significant improvement in cognition. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Expedient Access to γ‐Ketophosphine Chalcogenides via the Chemo‐ and Regioselective Addition of Secondary Phosphine Chalcogenides to β,γ‐Ethylenic Ketones
Authors: Artem'ev Alexander V. , Malysheva Svetlana F. , Belogorlova Nataliya A. , Protzuk Nadezhda I. , Albanov Alexander I. , Bagryanskaya Irina Yu. , Schmidt Elena Yu. , Gusarova Nina K. , Trofimov Boris A.
Published: August 2015

γ‐Ketophosphine chalcogenides, precursors for plethora of novel functionalized phosphine chalcogenides and phosphines, are synthesized by chemo‐ and regioselective addition of secondary phosphine chalcogenides to β,γ‐ethylenic ketones under catalyst‐ and solvent‐free conditions (80–100°C, 8–70 h) in excellent yields. The straightforward superbase‐catalyzed synthesis of starting β,γ‐ethylenic ketones from ketones and acetylenes insures the expedient access to the target γ‐ketophosphine chalcogenides.
Antibodies to an interfering epitope in hepatitis C virus E2 can mask vaccine‐induced neutralizing activity
Authors: Kachko Alla , Frey Sharon E. , Sirota Lev , Ray Ranjit , Wells Frances , Zubkova Iryna , Zhang Pei , Major Marian E.
Published: August 2015

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) neutralization occurring at the E2 region 412‐426 (EP‐I) could be enhanced when antibodies directed specifically to the E2 region 434‐446 (EP‐II) were removed from serum samples of persistently infected patients and vaccinated chimpanzees, a phenomenon of so‐called antibody interference. Here, we show that this type of interference can be observed in individuals after immunization with recombinant E1E2 proteins. One hundred twelve blinded serum samples from a phase I, placebo‐controlled, dose escalation trial using recombinant HCV E1E2 with MF59C.1 adjuvant in healthy HCV‐negative adults were tested in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for binding reactivity to peptides representing the E2 regions 412‐426 (EP‐I) and 434‐446 (EP‐II). All samples were subsequently tested for neutralizing activity using cell‐culture HCV 1a(H77)/2a chimera, HCV pseudotype particles (HCVpp) H77, and HCVpp HCV‐1 after treatment to remove EP‐II‐specific antibodies or mock treatment with a control peptide. Among the 112 serum samples, we found 22 double positive (EP‐I and EP‐II), 6 EP‐II positive only, 14 EP‐I positive only, and 70 double negative. Depleting EP‐II antibodies from double‐positive serum samples increased 50% inhibitory dose (ID50) neutralizing antibody titers (up to 4.9‐fold) in up to 72% of samples (P ≤ 0.0005), contrasting with ID50 neutralization titer increases in 2 of 70 double‐negative samples (2.9%; P > 0.5). In addition, EP‐I‐specific antibody levels in serum samples showed a significant correlation with ID50 neutralization titers when EP‐II antibodies were removed (P < 0.0003). Conclusion: These data show that antibodies to the region 434‐446 are induced during immunization of individuals with recombinant E1E2 proteins, and that these antibodies can mask effective neutralizing activity from EP‐I‐specific antibodies. Elicitation of EP‐II‐specific antibodies with interfering capacity should be avoided in producing an effective cross‐neutralizing vaccine aimed at the HCV envelope proteins.(Hepatology 2015;62:1670–1682)
Prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in U.S. households: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1988‐2012
Authors: Roberts Henry , Kruszon‐Moran Deanna , Ly Kathleen N. , Hughes Elizabeth , Iqbal Kashif , Jiles Ruth B. , Holmberg Scott D.
Published: August 2015

The number of persons with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the United States is affected by diminishing numbers of young persons who are susceptible because of universal infant vaccination since 1991, offset by numbers of HBV‐infected persons migrating to the United States from endemic countries. The prevalence of HBV infection was determined by serological testing and analysis among noninstitutionalized persons age 6 years and older for: antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc), indicative of previous HBV infection; hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), indicative of chronic (current) infection; and antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBs), indicative of immunity from vaccination. These prevalence estimates were analyzed in three periods of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES): 1988‐1994 (21,260 persons); 1999‐2008 (29,828); and 2007‐2012 (22,358). In 2011‐2012, for the first time, non‐Hispanic Asians were oversampled in NHANES. For the most recent period (2007‐2012), 3.9% had anti‐HBc, indicating approximately 10.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.4‐12.2) million noninstitutionalized U.S. residents having ever been infected with HBV. The overall prevalence of chronic HBV infection has remained constant since 1999: 0.3% (95% CI: 0.2‐0.4), and since 1999, prevalence of chronic HBV infection among non‐Hispanic blacks has been 2‐ to 3‐fold greater than the general population. An estimated 3.1% (1.8%‐5.2%) of non‐Hispanic Asians were chronically infected with HBV during 2011‐2012, which reflects a 10‐fold greater prevalence than the general population. Adjusted prevalence of vaccine‐induced immunity increased 16% since 1999, and the number of persons (mainly young) with serological evidence of vaccine protection from HBV infection rose from 57.8 (95% CI: 55.4‐60.1) million to 68.5 (95% CI: 65.4‐71.2) million. Conclusion: Despite increasing immune protection in young persons vaccinated in infancy, an analysis of chronic hepatitis B prevalence in racial and ethnic populations indicates that during 2011‐2012, there were 847,000 HBV infections (which included ∼400,000 non‐Hispanic Asians) in the noninstitutionalized U.S. population. (Hepatology 2016;63:388–397)
Flunarizine prevents hepatitis C virus membrane fusion in a genotype‐dependent manner by targeting the potential fusion peptide within E1
Authors: Perin Paula M. , Haid Sibylle , Brown Richard J.P. , Doerrbecker Juliane , Schulze Kai , Zeilinger Carsten , von Schaewen Markus , Heller Brigitte , Vercauteren Koen , Luxenburger Eva , Baktash Yasmine M. , Vondran Florian W.R. , Speerstra Sietkse , Awadh Abdullah , Mukhtarov Furkat , Schang Luis M. , Kirschning Andreas , Müller Rolf , Guzman Carlos A. , Kaderali Lars , Randall Glenn , Meuleman Philip , Ploss Alexander , Pietschmann Thomas
Published: August 2015

To explore mechanisms of hepatitis C viral (HCV) replication we screened a compound library including licensed drugs. Flunarizine, a diphenylmethylpiperazine used to treat migraine, inhibited HCV cell entry in vitro and in vivo in a genotype‐dependent fashion. Analysis of mosaic viruses between susceptible and resistant strains revealed that E1 and E2 glycoproteins confer susceptibility to flunarizine. Time of addition experiments and single particle tracking of HCV demonstrated that flunarizine specifically prevents membrane fusion. Related phenothiazines and pimozide also inhibited HCV infection and preferentially targeted HCV genotype 2 viruses. However, phenothiazines and pimozide exhibited improved genotype coverage including the difficult to treat genotype 3. Flunarizine‐resistant HCV carried mutations within the alleged fusion peptide and displayed cross‐resistance to these compounds, indicating that these drugs have a common mode of action. Conclusion: These observations reveal novel details about HCV membrane fusion; moreover, flunarizine and related compounds represent first‐in‐class HCV fusion inhibitors that merit consideration for repurposing as a cost‐effective component of HCV combination therapies. (Hepatology 2016;63:49–62)
Coupled folding and binding with 2D Window‐Exchange Umbrella Sampling
Authors: Dickson Alex , Ahlstrom Logan S. , Brooks Charles L.
Published: August 2015

Intrinsically disordered regions of proteins can gain structure by binding to a partner. This process, of coupled folding and binding (CFaB), is a fundamental part of many important biological processes. Structure‐based models have proven themselves capable of revealing fundamental aspects of how CFaB occurs, however, typical methods to enhance the sampling of these transitions, such as replica exchange, do not adequately sample the transition state region of this extremely rare process. Here, we use a variant of Umbrella Sampling to enforce sampling of the transition states of CFaB of HdeA monomers at neutral pH, an extremely rare process that occurs over timescales ranging from seconds to hours. Using high resolution sampling in the transition state region, we cluster states along the principal transition path to obtain a detailed description of coupled binding and folding for the HdeA dimer, revealing new insight into the ensemble of states that are accessible to client recognition. We then demonstrate that exchanges between umbrella sampling windows, as done in previous work, significantly improve relaxation in variables orthogonal to the restraints used. Altogether, these results show that Window‐Exchange Umbrella Sampling is a promising approach for systems that exhibit flexible binding, and can reveal transition state ensembles of these systems in high detail. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CD44 Influences Fibroblast Behaviors Via Modulation of Cell–Cell and Cell–Matrix Interactions, Affecting Survivin and Hippo Pathways
Authors: Tsuneki Masayuki , Madri Joseph A.
Published: August 2015

CD44 has been studied in a wide variety of cell types, in a diverse array of cell behaviors and in a diverse range of signaling pathways. We now document a role for CD44 in mediating fibroblast behaviors via regulation of N‐cadherin, extracellular matrix expression, Survivin and the Hippo pathway. Here, we report our findings on the roles of CD44 in modulating proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of murine wild‐type (WT‐FB) and CD44 knockout dermal fibroblasts (CD44KO‐FB). As we have documented in microvascular endothelial cells lacking CD44, we found persistent increased proliferation, reduced activation of cleaved caspase 3, increased initial attachment, but decreased strength of cell attachment in high cell density, post confluent CD44KO‐FB cultures. Additionally, we found that siRNA knock‐down of CD44 mimicked the behaviors of CD44KO‐FB, restoring the decreases in N‐cadherin, collagen type I, fibronectin, Survivin, nuclear fractions of YAP and phospho‐YAP and decreased levels of cleaved caspase 3 to the levels observed in CD44KO‐FB. Interestingly, plating CD44KO‐FB on collagen type I or fibronectin resulted in significant decreases in secondary proliferation rates compared to plating cells on non‐coated dishes, consistent with increased cell adhesion compared to their effects on WT‐FB. Lastly, siRNA knockdown of CD44 in WT‐FB resulted in increased fibroblast migration compared to WT‐FB, albeit at reduced rates compared to CD44KO‐FB. These results are consistent with CD44's pivotal role in modulating several diverse behaviors important for adhesion, proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion during development, growth, repair, maintenance and regression of a wide variety of mesenchymal tissues. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 731–743, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MicroRNAs in Control of Plant Development
Authors: Li Chao , Zhang Baohong
Published: August 2015

In the long evolutionary history, plant has evolved elaborate regulatory network to control functional gene expression for surviving and thriving, such as transcription factor‐regulated transcriptional programming. However, plenty of evidences from the past decade studies demonstrate that the 21–24 nucleotides small RNA molecules, majorly microRNAs (miRNAs) play dominant roles in post‐transcriptional gene regulation through base pairing with their complementary mRNA targets, especially prefer to target transcription factors in plants. Here, we review current progresses on miRNA‐controlled plant development, from miRNA biogenesis dysregulation‐caused pleiotropic developmental defects to specific developmental processes, such as SAM regulation, leaf and root system regulation, and plant floral transition. We also summarize some miRNAs that are experimentally proved to greatly affect crop plant productivity and quality. In addition, recent reports show that a single miRNA usually displays multiple regulatory roles, such as organ development, phase transition, and stresses responses. Thus, we infer that miRNA may act as a node molecule to coordinate the balance between plant development and environmental clues, which may shed the light on finding key regulator or regulatory pathway for uncovering the mysterious molecular network. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 303–313, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of boron adsorption on new radiation grafted fibrous adsorbent containing N‐methyl‐D‐glucamine
Authors: Ting Teo Ming , Nasef Mohamed M , Hashim Kamaruddin
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

The performance of newly prepared fibrous boron selective adsorbent was investigated via equilibrium isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamics of boron adsorption from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent was obtained by radiation induced graft copolymerization (RIGC) of vinyl benzyl chloride (VBC) onto nylon‐6 fibers followed by chemical treatment with N‐methyl‐D‐glucamine (NMDG).

RESULTS

The effect of solution pH on the boron adsorption capacity was investigated. The equilibrium adsorption data was fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich–Peterson isotherms, with the experimental data best fitting the Redlich–Peterson model. The kinetic data analyzed using the intra‐particle diffusion model indicated that adsorption onto the fibrous chelating adsorbent is governed by a film diffusion mechanism. The thermodynamic adsorption parameters including the Gibb's free energy change (ΔGo), enthalpy change (ΔHo) and entropy change (ΔSo) were determined and the results indicated that adsorption onto the fibrous adsorbent occurs spontaneously.

CONCLUSION

The high adsorption capacity and rapid kinetics suggest that the newly prepared fibrous adsorbent could have strong potential for boron removal from aqueous solutions. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemoselectivity in reactions of hydrazonoyl halides with ethyl 2(3H)‐permidinylideneacetate
Authors: Shawali Ahmed Sami , Farghaly Thoraya A. , Nawar Tarek M. S.
Published: August 2015

Ethyl 2(3H)‐permidinylideneacetate 1 reacted with C‐aryl‐N‐arylmethanehydrazonoyl and C‐ethoxycarbonyl‐N‐arylmethanehydrazonoyl chlorides 2 and 7 in different ways yielding 2‐(pyrazoliden‐4‐yl) perimidines 5 and substituted pyrrolo[1,2‐a] perimidines 9, respectively. The mechanisms of the reactions studied are discussed, and the structures of the products were confirmed by spectral and elemental analyses and by alternate synthesis.
SiO2 Nanoparticle‐catalyzed Facile and Efficient One‐pot Synthesis of N‐alkyl‐2,5‐bis[(E)‐2‐phenylvinyl]‐1,3‐dioxol‐4‐amine Under Solvent‐free Conditions
Authors: Bayat Mohammad , Nasehfard Hamideh
Published: August 2015

1,3‐Dioxole‐4‐amine derivatives have been prepared efficiently in one‐pot reaction using nanosized SiO2 as a heterogeneous catalyst. The present method does not involve any hazardous organic solvents or catalysts. The high surface‐to‐volume ratio of SiO2 nanoparticle has promising features for the reaction response such as the short reaction time, good to excellent yields, easy of operation and work‐up procedure, and purification of products by non‐chromatographic methods.
Global Prosperity and Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Moore Henrietta L.
Published: August 2015

Negotiations around Sustainable Development Goals and the post‐2015 development agenda should go beyond just re‐writing goals and targets that adhere to ‘sustaining’ the same old economic and social models. Instead, societies and governments should take this as an opportunity to advance more radical conceptual and practical approaches that challenge this reductive understanding of ‘sustainability’. The paper argues that we should turn our attention to prosperity rather than to development per se, recognising the critical role political and social innovation should have in unleashing individuals' potential to flourishing in a context of finite resources. The interwoven, interdependent and ever‐evolving nature of socio‐ecological systems, together with the uncertainties and ‘unknowns’ that characterise contemporary reality, questions the relevance of one‐size‐fits‐all goals. There is no single route to prosperity; diversity of objectives is essential and fundamental. Learning from initiatives in the Global South, such as the case of agroecology, might pave the way towards this paradigm shift. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does Training Really Matter to the Rural Poor Borrowers in Bangladesh? A Case Study on BRAC
Authors: Hilton David , Mahmud Kazi Tanvir , Shamsul Kabir Golam Mohammad , Parvez Asif
Published: August 2015

The goal of this study was to assess the effect of training programme on the healthcare expenses of the households under BRAC's microcredit programme. This study showed that training played a significant role in improving the healthcare expenditure of the household. Other socioeconomic variables such as household income, family size, age of the borrower, non‐institutional loan received by borrowers, amount of microcredit received from BRAC by borrowers, amount of loan instalment and distance of rural market from the borrowers' house were also appeared as the key determinants of households' healthcare expenditure. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new approach for signal and noise FET modeling including wave propagation effects
Authors: Asadi Shahrooz , Yaghoub Mustapha C. E. , Biabanifard Sadegh
Published: August 2015

In the millimeter‐wave frequency range, electromagnetic effects can significantly influence a device behavior. As the core of modern communication systems, active devices such as field‐effect transistors require up‐to‐date models to accurately integrate such effects, especially in terms of noise performance because most of communication systems operate in noisy environments. Based on the active coupled line concept, a novel approach for efficient noise performance modeling of millimeter‐wave field‐effect transistors is proposed. This distributed model considers the effect of wave propagation along the device electrodes, which can significantly affect the noise performance, especially in the millimeter‐wave range. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in the expression of collapsin response mediator protein‐2 during synaptic plasticity in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Kadoyama Keiichi , Matsuura Kenji , Nakamura‐Hirota Tooru , Takano Masaoki , Otani Mieko , Matsuyama Shogo
Published: August 2015

We have previously reported that nicotine application to the adult mouse causing long‐term potentiation‐like facilitation in vivo in the hippocampus can serve as a model of synaptic plasticity. The present study clarifies the involvement of collapsin response mediator protein‐2 (CRMP2) in synaptic plasticity. CRMP2 was detected in hippocampal neurons of adult mice. The levels of CRMP2 mRNA and protein were increased 2–24 hr and 4–24 hr, respectively, after application of nicotine (3 mg/kg, i.p.), finally returning to the basal level by 48 hr. Furthermore, the ratio of phosphorylated CRMP2 (pCRMP2) at Thr514 residue, an inactive form, to total CRMP2 levels was not changed during synaptic plasticity expressed by nicotine, indicating an enhanced level of non‐pCRMP2. This increase of CRMP2 was inhibited by blockade of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and required activation of both α4β2 and α7 nAChRs. Although the level of ubiquitinated CRMP2 was increased 8 hr after nicotine treatment, the ratio of ubiquitinated CRMP2 to total CRMP2 protein was similar for nicotine‐treated and nontreated mice. This study demonstrates that the expression of CRMP2 increases in hippocampal neurons during synaptic plasticity and that the increment is due mainly to mRNA expression. We propose that CRMP2, particularly non‐pCRMP2, could contribute to long‐lasting synaptic plasticity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of oceans' influence on spring time rainfall variability over Southeastern South America during the 20th century
Authors: Martín‐Gómez Verónica , Barreiro Marcelo
Published: August 2015

Southeastern South America (SESA) rainfall is influenced by the tropical Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. At the same time, these tropical oceans interact with each other inducing sea surface temperature anomalies in remote basins through atmospheric and oceanic teleconnections.

In this study, we employ a tool from complex networks to analyse the collective influence of the three tropical oceans on austral spring rainfall variability over SESA during the 20th century. To do so we construct a climate network considering as nodes the observed Niño3.4, Tropical North Atlantic (TNA), and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) indices, together with an observed and simulated precipitation (PCP) index over SESA. The mean network distance is considered as a measure of synchronization among all these phenomena during the 20th century.

The approach allowed to uncover two main synchronization periods characterized by different interactions among the oceanic and precipitation nodes. Whereas in the 1930s El Niño and the TNA were the main tropical oceanic phenomena that influenced SESA precipitation variability, during the 1970s they were El Niño and the IOD. The influence of El Niño on SESA precipitation variability might be understood through an increase of the northerly transport of moisture in lower‐levels and advection of cyclonic vorticity in upper‐levels. On the other hand, the interaction between the IOD and PCP can be interpreted in two possible ways. One possibility is that both nodes (IOD and PCP) are forced by El Niño. Another possibility is that the Indian Ocean warming influences rainfall over SESA through the eastward propagation of Rossby waves as suggested previously. Finally, the influence of TNA on SESA precipitation persists even when the El Niño signal is removed, suggesting that SST anomalies in the TNA can directly influence SESA precipitation and further studies are needed to elucidate this connection.
Changing characteristics of precipitation in China during 1960–2012
Authors: Wu Yanjuan , Wu Shuang‐Ye , Wen Jiahong , Xu Ming , Tan Jianguo
Published: August 2015

In this study, we investigated changes in the precipitation characteristics for China from 1960 to 2012 based on a recent daily precipitation dataset of 666 climate stations and robust non‐parametric trend detection techniques. We divided all precipitation events into four non‐overlapping categories: light, moderate, heavy and very heavy based on percentile thresholds. We then established the trends for annual total and precipitation of different intensity categories, and examined their regional and seasonal variations. The results show that there was little change in annual total precipitation for entire China, but distinctive regional patterns existed. In general, precipitation increased in the west and decreased in east. Precipitation of different intensities, in general, changed in the same direction as the mean, but heavy and very heavy precipitation events had higher rates of change than mean precipitation. The exception was the southeast region, where despite the slight decrease in mean precipitation, heavy and very heavy precipitation still increased significantly. In addition, we used multiple regression models to explore the contribution of changes of frequency and intensity to total precipitation change, and the contributions of changes of precipitation at different intensities to total precipitation change. For western China, total precipitation change was associated more with frequency change, whereas in eastern China intensity contributed more. For precipitation amount, moderate, heavy and very heavy precipitations contributed to the total change, with little contribution from light precipitation change. For frequency, changes in light and moderate precipitation frequencies dominated the total change, with very little contributions from heavy and very heavy precipitation frequency changes. In addition, we examined the linkage between summer precipitation in eastern China and the East‐Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM), found that the northern decrease and southern increase in summer precipitation was likely caused by the weakening of EASM over the study period.
OARSI osteoarthritis cartilage histopathology assessment system: A biomechanical evaluation in the human knee
Authors: Waldstein Wenzel , Perino Giorgio , Gilbert Susannah L. , Maher Suzanne A. , Windhager Reinhard , Boettner Friedrich
Published: August 2015

The study compared the OARSI osteoarthritis cartilage histopathology assessment system with the biomechanical quality of human in vivo cartilage samples. In a prospective cohort study, 84 patients (100 knees) with varus deformity of the knee were included between May, 2010 and January, 2012. Osteochondral samples underwent biomechanical and histologic analysis. The dynamic modulus significantly (p < 0.001) decreased with each advancing grade of degeneration from OARSI Grade 0 (surface intact) to OARSI Grade 4 (erosion). For the aggregate modulus, there were significant (p < 0.001) differences between OARSI Grade 0 and OARSI Grade 1 as well as between OARSI Grade 1 and OARSI Grade 2. From OARSI Grade 2 to OARSI Grade 5, no differences in aggregate modulus occurred. The new OARSI grading system provides useful information about the functional properties of cartilage. There is a significant difference in cartilage stiffness between samples with intact surface and no signs of degeneration (OARSI Grade 0) and samples with intact surface and early signs of arthritis (OARSI Grade 1). Surgeons performing joint preserving procedures have to be aware that in knees with an intact cartilage surface (OARSI Grade 0/1), significant differences in the biomechanical properties may exist. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:135–140, 2016.
Comparison of bioactivities and phenolic composition of Choerospondias axillaris peels and fleshes
Authors: Li Qian , Chen Jun , Li Ti , Liu Chengmei , Liu Wei , Liu Jiyan
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Choerospondias axillaris is both an edible and medicinal fruit. It has a growing popularity and economic importance due to its nutritive value and medicinal effects, but comprehensive information on the chemical composition and bioactivity of its fruits is still lacking. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative effects and chemical composition of peel polyphenolic (PP) and flesh polyphenolic (FP) extracts from C. axillaris.

RESULTS

The phenolics and flavonoids of peel were significantly higher than those of flesh. Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight‐mass spectrometry (UPLC/ESI‐QTOF‐MS2) analysis revealed that (+)‐catechin and oligomeric procyanidins were the most abundant compounds in PP and FP. Both extracts exhibited strong ferric‐reducing antioxidant power, total antioxidant activity and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•)‐scavenging ability. PP showed a significantly higher antimicrobial effect against tested strains than that of FP, in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, both extracts inhibited the growth of HepG2 and Caco‐2 cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, with IC50 values of 39.31 and 47.49 µg mL−1 to HepG2 cells and 101.90 and 102.61 µg mL−1 to Caco‐2 cells respectively.

CONCLUSION

This is the first detailed report on the chemical composition and bioactivities of C. axillaris fruits. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of traditional processing methods on the β‐carotene, ascorbic acid and trypsin inhibitor content of orange‐fleshed sweet potato for production of amala in Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Abbas Bazata , Fuchs Richard , Nicolaides Linda
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

The aim of the work was to study the effect of traditional processing methods on the β‐carotene, ascorbic acid and trypsin inhibitor contents of orange‐fleshed sweet potato amala. The most common sweet potato in Nigeria is white or yellow fleshed, which is very low in provitamin A. However, efforts are underway to promote orange‐fleshed sweet potato to improve provitamin A intake. This paper describes how orange‐fleshed sweet potato slices were traditionally processed into amala, which is increasingly consumed in Nigeria.

RESULTS

The study revealed that both the cold and hot fermentation methods resulted in increased vitamin A levels and lower vitamin C levels in orange‐fleshed sweet potato. Further processing to make amala resulted in a fall in both vitamin A and C content. The study found an increase in trypsin inhibitor activity following the cold‐water fermentation and a decrease following the hot‐water fermentation compared to raw orange‐fleshed sweet potato. Trypsin inhibitor activity in amala produced using both the cold and hot methods was below detectable levels.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that amala produced from traditionally fermented orange‐fleshed sweet potato could be a good source of vitamins A and C for the rural poor and that the processing removes any potential negative effects of trypsin inhibitors. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Films based on protein isolated from croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) and palm oil
Authors: Halal Shanise Lisie Mello El , Zavareze Elessandra da Rosa , Rocha Meritaine da , Pinto Vânia Zanella , Nunes Michael Ramos , Luvielmo Márcia de Mello , Prentice Carlos
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

The microstructure and the physical, mechanical, barrier and thermal properties of films based on different concentrations of protein isolated from croaker waste (CPI) and palm oil (PO) were analyzed. Films were elaborated by a casting technique using 2, 3 and 4 g CPI 100 g−1 of a filmogenic solution and 0, 10 and 20 g of PO 100 g−1 CPI.

RESULT

Microstructure of the film surfaces of CPI with PO showed no presence of lipid droplets dispersed in the filmogenic matrix, although a rough surface was present. Films with 3% and 4% CPI and 20% PO had the lowest rates of water vapor permeability. When there was an addition of PO to the reduced tensile strength of the films, regardless of the concentration of CPI, this addition reduced the elongation of films with 3% and 4% CPI; however, it did not influence films with 2% CPI, which did not differ from the control film (0% OP). Thermal analysis revealed that films with the highest PO percentage had a lower initial weight loss when compared with other films, due to higher hydrophobicity.

CONCLUSION

The use of protein isolate obtained from fish residues of low commercial value and palm oil is viable for the production of biodegradable films because the latter constitute good barrier properties and thermal stability. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Emulsion stability and properties of fish gelatin‐based films as affected by palm oil and surfactants
Authors: Nilsuwan Krisana , Benjakul Soottawat , Prodpran Thummanoon
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Gelatin films exhibit the poor water vapour barrier properties. The use of palm oil, which is abundant and available in Thailand, can be a means to lower water vapour migration. To disperse oil in film‐forming dispersion (FFD), a surfactant along with appropriate homogenization is required. The study aimed to investigate the influence of palm oil level and surfactants in the absence or presence of glycerol on characteristics of FFD and resulting gelatin films.

RESULTS

Similar oil droplet sizes, both d32 and d43 values, of FFD containing soy lecithin were observed, regardless of palm oil level used (P > 0.05). FFD with Tween‐20 had larger droplet size as the levels of oil increased (P < 0.05). After 12 h storage, slight increases in d32 and d43 were noticeable in all FFD samples. When the films were determined, lower water vapour permeability (WVP) and tensile strength (TS) but higher elongation at break (EAB) were obtained as palm oil level increased (P < 0.05), regardless of glycerol and surfactant used. Films without glycerol had lower WVP and EAB with higher TS than those containing 300 g kg−1 glycerol (P < 0.05). No differences in WVP and mechanical properties were found between films containing both surfactants (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

FFD containing 500 or 750 g kg−1 palm oil using soy lecithin as a surfactant in the presence of 300 g kg−1 glycerol had the enhanced homogeneity and stability of oil droplets. The resulting gelatin film had the improved water vapour barrier properties. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Lymph node identification following neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer: A stage‐stratified analysis using the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER)‐medicare database
Authors: Ecker Brett L. , Paulson Emily C. , Datta Jashodeep , Jeganathan Arjun N. , Aarons Cary , Kelz Rachel R. , Mahmoud Najjia N.
Published: August 2015

Background and Objectives

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) for rectal adenocarcinoma reduces lymph node (LN) identification following surgical resection. We sought to evaluate the relationship between LN identification following nCRT and disease‐specific survival (DSS), stratified by pathologic stage.

Methods

The SEER‐Medicare database (2000–2009) was queried for 1,216 pathologic stage I‐III rectal cancer patients who underwent nCRT followed by curative‐intent resection. Cox regressions evaluated the association between pathologic stage and DSS for LN cut‐points from ≥2 up to ≥12 LNs.

Results

Extent of LN identification did not influence DSS in ypStage I or ypStage III disease; in particular, the 12 LN cut‐point was not associated with DSS for ypStage I (HR 1.29, P = 0.51) or ypStage III (HR 1.08, P = 0.42) patients. In ypStage II patients, actuarial survival improved continually with increasing lymph node identification up to ≥12 LNs. The 5 LN cut‐point was associated with the greatest reduction of risk of cancer death (HR 0.56, P = 0.006), with decreasing magnitudes of survival benefit associated with nodal counts beyond 5 LN. The 12 LN cut‐point was not associated with DSS in ypStage II patients (HR 0.67, P = 0.07).

Conclusion

The association between DSS and LN identification is a dynamic outcome that varies by pathologic stage, with unique prognostic significance for ypStage II patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:415–420. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimization of affinity capillary electrophoresis for routine investigations of protein–metal ion interactions
Authors: Alhazmi Hassan A. , Deeb Sami El , Nachbar Markus , Redweik Sabine , Albishri Hassan M. , El‐Hady Deia Abd , Wätzig Hermann
Published: August 2015

To facilitate the implementation of affinity capillary electrophoresis into routine binding screening studies of proteins with metal ions, method acceleration, transfer and precision improvement were investigated. Affinity capillary electrophoresis was accelerated by using shorter capillaries, employing lower sample concentrations and smaller injection volumes. Intra‐ and inter‐instrument method transfers were investigated considering the temperature setting of the capillary cooling system. For intra‐instrument method transfer, similar results were obtained when transferring a method from a long (62 cm) to a short (31 cm) capillary. The analysis time was reduced from 9 to 4 min. In case of inter‐instrument method transfer, interaction results showed small variation on the capillary electrophoresis instrument with inefficient capillary cooling system. Binding measurement precision was enhanced by slightly pushing the sample above the beginning of the capillary. Changing the buffer vials after each 30 runs and employing extra flushing after each 60 subsequent runs further enhanced the precision. The use of 0.1 molar ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in the rinsing solution successfully desorbs the remaining metal ions from the capillary wall. Excellent precision for apparent mobility ratio measurements was achieved for different protein–metal ion interactions (relative standard deviation of 0.16–0.89%, 15 series, 12 runs for each).