bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells into Ventral Foregut Precursors
Authors: Rothová Michaela , Hölzenspies Jurriaan J. , Livigni Alessandra , Villegas Santiago Nahuel , Brickman Joshua M.
Published: February 2016

Anterior definitive endoderm (ADE), the ventral foregut precursor, is both an important embryonic signaling center and a unique multipotent precursor of liver, pancreas, and other organs. Here, a method is described for the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to definitive endoderm with pronounced anterior character. ADE‐containing cultures can be produced in vitro by suspension (embryoid body) culture or in a serum‐free adherent monolayer culture. ESC‐derived ADE cells are committed to endodermal fates and can undergo further differentiation in vitro towards ventral foregut derivatives. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Genetic Manipulation ofNocardiaSpecies
Authors: Dhakal Dipesh , Kumar Jha Amit , Pokhrel Anaya , Shrestha Anil , Sohng Jae Kyung
Published: February 2016

Nocardiaspp. are aerobic, Gram‐positive, catalase positive, and non‐motile actinomycetes. They are associated with human infections. However, some species produce important natural products, degrade toxic chemicals, and are involved in biotransformation of valuable products. The lack of robust genetic tools has hindered detailed studies and advanced research. This unit describes the major genetic engineering approaches usingNocardiasp. CS682 as a prototype. These methods will certainly help in understanding the basis of their pathogenicity as well as biosynthetic and biotransforming abilities. It can be expected that knowledge of the biochemistry behind their pathogenicity will be crucial in developing effective treatment strategies. These genetic tools can be utilized to develop rational metabolic engineering approaches for crafting host strains with higher production or biotransformation ability. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Laboratory rhesus macaque social housing and social changes: Implications for research
Authors: Hannibal Darcy L. , Bliss‐Moreau Eliza , Vandeleest Jessica , McCowan Brenda , Capitanio John
Published: February 2016

Macaque species, specifically rhesus (Macaca mulatta), are the most common nonhuman primates (NHPs) used in biomedical research due to their suitability as a model of high priority diseases (e.g., HIV, obesity, cognitive aging), cost effective breeding and housing compared to most other NHPs, and close evolutionary relationship to humans. With this close evolutionary relationship, however, is a shared adaptation for a socially stimulating environment, without which both their welfare and suitability as a research model are compromised. While outdoor social group housing provides the best approximation of a social environment that matches the macaque behavioral biology in the wild, this is not always possible at all facilities, where animals may be housed indoors in small groups, in pairs, or alone. Further, animals may experience many housing changes in their lifetime depending on project needs, changes in social status, management needs, or health concerns. Here, we review the evidence for the physiological and health effects of social housing changes and the potential impacts on research outcomes for studies using macaques, particularly rhesus. We situate our review in the context of increasing regulatory pressure for research facilities to both house NHPs socially and mitigate trauma from social aggression. To meet these regulatory requirements and further refine the macaque model for research, significant advances must be made in our understanding and management of rhesus macaque social housing, particularly pair‐housing since it is the most common social housing configuration for macaques while on research projects. Because most NHPs are adapted for sociality, a social context is likely important for improving repeatability, reproducibility, and external validity of primate biomedical research. Am. J. Primatol. 79:e22528, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Facile synthesis of biocompatible polyglycerol hydrogel based on epichlorohydrin
Authors: Yang Q. Z. , Fan C. J. , Yang X. G. , Liao L. Q. , Liu L. J.
Published: February 2016

A series of hydrophilic polyglycerol (PG) hydrogel was designed and synthesized via one pot with epichlorohydrin (ECH), H2O, and NaOH as the starting materials. The equilibrium swelling ratios of PG hydrogels could be tuned by simply changing the feed amount of NaOH. The gels were characterized by carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The As‐synthesized PG hydrogels showed temperature‐sensitive swelling behaviors. The results of MTT assay suggested that the PG hydrogels prepared by this novel synthesis method showed comparable cytocompatibility with the recognized poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43451.
Synthesis of composite latexes of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane and fluorine containing poly(styrene‐acrylate) by emulsion copolymerization
Authors: Liao Wenbo , Huang Xiangxuan , Ye Lingyun , Lan Shanhong , Fan Hongbo
Published: February 2016

A novel octavinyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane/fluorine containing poly (styrene‐acrylate) (OvPOSS/FPSA) composite latexes with star‐type structure was synthesized by emulsion copolymerization. The structures of OvPOSS/FPSA composite materials were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared, which indicated that OvPOSS could be grafted onto FPSA latexes by emulsion copolymerization. Transmission electron microscopy images disclosed that FPSA latexes possessed obvious core–shell structure and OvPOSS/FPSA composite latexes probably present star‐shape structure. Dynamic light scattering data indicated that the average diameter of OvPOSS/FPSA was slightly larger than that of FPSA, which was probably attributed to the encapsulation of POSS cages. Atomic force microscopy photos illustrated that the grafting reaction had increased the roughness of the composite surface. The water contact angle of composite films was found increasing as the percentage of OvPOSS increasing. Thermogravimetric analysis curves demonstrated that the OvPOSS/FPSA composite films displayed much better thermal stability than that of FPSA. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43455.
Formula G1: Cell cycle in the driver's seat of stem cell fate determination
Authors: Julian Lisa M. , Carpenedo Richard L. , Rothberg Janet L. Manias , Stanford William L.
Published: February 2016

Cell cycle dynamics has emerged as a key regulator of stem cell fate decisions. In particular, differentiation decisions are associated with the G1 phase, and recent evidence suggests that self‐renewal is actively regulated outside of G1. The mechanisms underlying these phenomena are largely unknown, but direct control of gene regulatory programs by the cell cycle machinery is heavily implicated. A recent study sheds important mechanistic insight by demonstrating that in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) the Cyclin‐dependent kinase CDK2 controls a wide‐spread epigenetic program that drives transcription at differentiation‐related gene promoters specifically in G1. Here, we discuss this finding and explore whether similar mechanisms are likely to function in multipotent stem cells. The implications of this discovery toward our understanding of stem cell‐related disease are discussed, and we postulate novel mechanisms that position the cell cycle as a regulator of cell fate gene networks at epigenetic, transcriptional and post‐transcriptional levels.
Effect of alanine, leucine, and arginine substitution on antimicrobial activity against candida albicans and action mechanism of a cationic octadecapeptide derived from α‐amylase of rice
Authors: Taniguchi Masayuki , Ochiai Akihito , Takahashi Kiyoshi , Nakamichi Shun‐ichi , Nomoto Takafumi , Saitoh Eiichi , Kato Tetsuo , Tanaka Takaaki
Published: February 2016

AmyI‐1‐18, an antimicrobial peptide, is a cationic α‐helical octadecapeptide derived from α‐amylase of rice (Oryza sativa L. japonica) that contains four cationic amino acid residues (two arginines and two lysines). To enhance the antifungal activity of AmyI‐1‐18 against Candida albicans, 11 analogs bearing substitutions with alanine, leucine, and/or arginine, which were designed on the basis of the helical wheel projection of AmyI‐1‐18, were synthesized, and their antifungal activity was investigated. The antifungal activities of four analogs obtained by replacing arginine or lysine with alanine were significantly reduced. The results suggested that the cationic arginine and lysine residues in AmyI‐1‐18 are important for its antifungal activity. The antifungal activities of two single leucine‐substituted analogs were not improved, but among three single arginine‐substituted analogs, AmyI‐1‐18(D15R) had approximately a twofold higher antifungal activity [50% growth‐inhibitory concentration (IC50): 31 μM] than AmyI‐1‐18 (IC50: 64 μM) and exhibited low hemolytic activity (4% at 100 μM). Flow cytometric analysis using propidium iodide revealed that the antifungal activity of AmyI‐1‐18(D15R) was dependent on its membrane‐disrupting activity in a manner different from that of AmyI‐1‐18. Further enhancement of the cationicity and hydrophobicity of AmyI‐1‐18(D15R) resulted in no improvement in antifungal activity and a significant increase in hemolytic activity. In this study, the results demonstrated that the antifungal activity of AmyI‐1‐18 against C. albicans was enhanced through increasing its membrane‐disrupting activity by replacing aspartic acid at position 15 with arginine without a significant increase in hemolytic activity. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 219–229, 2016.
Salt‐resistant short antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Mohanram Harini , Bhattacharjya Surajit
Published: February 2016

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising leads for the development of antibiotics against drug resistant bacterial pathogens. However, in vivo applications of AMPs remain obscure due to salt and serum mediated inactivation. The high cost of chemical synthesis of AMPs also impedes potential clinical application. Consequently, short AMPs resistant toward salt and serum inactivation are desirable for the development of peptide antibiotics. In this work, we designed a 12‐residue amphipathic helical peptide RR12 (R‐R‐L‐I‐R‐L‐I‐L‐R‐L‐L‐R‐amide) and two Trp containing analogs of RR12 namely RR12Wpolar (R‐R‐L‐I‐W‐L‐I‐L‐R‐L‐L‐R‐amide), and RR12Whydro (R‐R‐L‐I‐R‐L‐W‐L‐R‐L‐L‐R‐amide). Designed peptides demonstrated potent antibacterial activity; MIC ranging from 2 to 8 μM, in the presence of sodium chloride (150 mM and 300 mM). Antibacterial activity of these peptides was also detected in the presence of human serum. Designed peptides, in particular RR12 and RR12Whydro, were only poorly hemolytic. As a mode of action; these peptides demonstrated efficient permeabilization of bacterial cell membrane and lysis of cell structure. We further investigated interactions of the designed peptides with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the major component of the outer membrane permeability barrier of Gram‐negative bacteria. Designed peptides adopted helical conformations in complex with LPS. Binding of peptides with LPS has yielded dissociation the aggregated structures of LPS. Collectively, these designed peptides hold ability to be developed for salt‐resistant antimicrobial compounds. Most importantly, current work provides insights for designing salt‐resistant antimicrobial peptides. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 345–356, 2016.
Aryl–aryl interactions in designed peptide folds: Spectroscopic characteristics and optimal placement for structure stabilization
Authors: Anderson Jordan M. , Kier Brandon L. , Jurban Brice , Byrne Aimee , Shu Irene , Eidenschink Lisa A. , Shcherbakov Alexander A. , Hudson Mike , Fesinmeyer R. M. , Andersen Niels H.
Published: February 2016

We have extended our studies of Trp/Trp to other Aryl/Aryl through‐space interactions that stabilize hairpins and other small polypeptide folds. Herein we detail the NMR and CD spectroscopic features of these types of interactions. NMR data remains the best diagnostic for characterizing the common T‐shape orientation. Designated as an edge‐to‐face (EtF or FtE) interaction, large ring current shifts are produced at the edge aryl ring hydrogens and, in most cases, large exciton couplets appear in the far UV circular dichroic (CD) spectrum. The preference for the face aryl in FtE clusters is W ≫ Y ≥ F (there are some exceptions in the Y/F order); this sequence corresponds to the order of fold stability enhancement and always predicts the amplitude of the lower energy feature of the exciton couplet in the CD spectrum. The CD spectra for FtE W/W, W/Y, Y/W, and Y/Y pairs all include an intense feature at 225–232 nm. An additional couplet feature seen for W/Y, W/F, Y/Y, and F/Y clusters, is a negative feature at 197–200 nm. Tyr/Tyr (as well as F/Y and F/F) interactions produce much smaller exciton couplet amplitudes. The Trp‐cage fold was employed to search for the CD effects of other Trp/Trp and Trp/Tyr cluster geometries: several were identified. In this account, we provide additional examples of the application of cross‐strand aryl/aryl clusters for the design of stable β‐sheet models and a scale of fold stability increments associated with all possible FtE Ar/Ar clusters in several structural contexts. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 337–356, 2016.
St Gallen molecular subtypes in screening-detected and symptomatic breast cancer in a prospective cohort with long-term follow-up
Authors: Falck A K , Röme A , Fernö M , Olsson H , Chebil G , Bendahl P O , Rydén L
Published: February 2016

Background

Diagnosis by screening mammography is considered an independent positive prognostic factor, although the data are not fully in agreement. The aim of the study was to explore whether the mode of detection (screening-detected versus symptomatic) adds prognostic information to the St Gallen molecular subtypes of primary breast cancer, in terms of 10-year cumulative breast cancer mortality (BCM).

Methods

A prospective cohort of patients with primary breast cancer, who had regularly been invited to screening mammography, were included. Tissue microarrays were constructed from primary tumours and lymph node metastases, and evaluated by two independent pathologists. Primary tumours and lymph node metastases were classified into St Gallen molecular subtypes. Cause of death was retrieved from the Central Statistics Office.

Results

A total of 434 patients with primary breast cancer were included in the study. Some 370 primary tumours and 111 lymph node metastases were classified into St Gallen molecular subtypes. The luminal A-like subtype was more common among the screening-detected primary tumours (P = 0·035) and corresponding lymph node metastases (P = 0·114) than among symptomatic cancers. Patients with screening-detected tumours had a lower BCM (P = 0·017), and for those diagnosed with luminal A-like tumours the 10-year cumulative BCM was 3 per cent. For patients with luminal A-like lymph node metastases, there was no BCM. In a stepwise multivariable analysis, the prognostic information yielded by screening detection was hampered by stage and tumour biology.

Conclusion

The prognosis was excellent for patients within the screening programme who were diagnosed with a luminal A-like primary tumour and/or lymph node metastases. Stage, molecular pathology and mode of detection help to define patients at low risk of death from breast cancer.
Urinary metabolite profiling provides potential differentiation to explore the mechanisms of adjuvant‐induced arthritis in rats
Authors: Jiang Hui , Liu Jian , Wang Ting , Gao Jia‐rong , Sun Yue , Huang Chuan‐bing , Meng Mei , Qin Xiu‐juan
Published: February 2016

To explore the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from the perspective of metabolomics, gas chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC‐TOF/MS) technology was used to observe changes in the metabolic profiles of urine output from rats with adjuvant‐induced arthritis (AA). Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group, with eight in each. Rats in the experimental group were induced by intracutaneous innoculation of 0.1 mL Freund's complete adjuvant to right paws. On day 20 after immunization, the metabolic profiles between rat control and experimental groups were compared by combining GC‐TOF/MS technology with multivariate statistical approaches, including principal component analysis, partial least squares discriminant analysis and orthogonal projections to latent structures–discriminant analysis. Nine potential biomarkers were identified, including 2,2‐dimethylsuccinic acid, tartronic acid, dehydroshikimic acid, hippuric acid, adenine, phenaceturic acid, l‐dopa, 1,4‐dihydroxy‐2‐naphthoic acid and melibiose. The findings indicate that the rats with AA are disturbed in metabolism of purine, amino acid, fat and energy. This study also demonstrates that the dysfunction in a range of biosynthetic and catabolic pathways, which leads to increased oxygen free radicals and inflammation, could cause underlying pathogenesis of RA. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of functionally active interleukin‐18/eGFP fusion protein expression during cell cycle phases in recombinant chicken DF1 Cells
Authors: Wu Hsing Chieh , Chen Yu San , Shien Jui Hung , Shen Pin Chun , Lee Long Huw
Published: February 2016

The dependence of foreign gene expression on cell cycle phases in mammalian cells has been described. In this study, a DF1/chIL‐18a cell line that stably expresses the fusion protein chIL‐18 was constructed and the enhanced green fluorescence protein connected through a (G4S)3 linker sequence investigated the relationship between cell cycle phases and fusion protein production. DF1/chIL‐18a cells (1 × 105) were inoculated in 60‐mm culture dishes containing 5 mL of media to achieve 50%–60% confluence and were cultured in the presence of the cycle‐specific inhibitors 10058‐F4, aphidicolin, and colchicine for 24 and 48 h. The percentage of cell density and mean fluorescence intensity in each cell cycle phase were assessed using flow cytometry. The inhibitors effectively arrested cell growth. The fusion protein production rate was higher in the S phase than in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases. When cell cycle progression was blocked in the G0/G1, S, and G2/M phases by the addition of 10058‐F4, aphidicolin, and colchicine, respectively, the aphidicolin‐induced single cells showed higher fusion protein levels than did the 10058‐F4‐ or colchicine‐induced phase cells and the uninduced control cells. Although the cells did not proliferate after the drug additions, the amount of total fusion protein accumulated in aphidicolin‐treated cells was similar to that in the untreated cultures. Fusion protein is biologically active because it induces IFN‐γ production in splenocyte cultures of chicken. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:581–591, 2016
Multi‐group motion planning in virtual environments
Authors: Plaku Erion , Rashidian Sara , Edelkamp Stefan
Published: February 2016

Toward enhancing automation, this paper proposes an efficient approach for multi‐group motion planning, where the set of goals is divided into k groups and the objective is to compute a collision‐free and dynamically feasible trajectory that enables a virtual vehicle to reach at least one goal from each group. The approach works with ground and aerial vehicles operating in complex environments containing numerous obstacles. In addition to modeling the vehicle dynamics by differential equations, the approach can use physics‐based game engines, which provide an increased level of realism. The approach is based on a hybrid search that uses generalized traveling salesman tours over a probabilistic roadmap to effectively guide the sampling‐based expansion of a motion tree. As the motion tree is expanded with collision‐free and dynamically feasible trajectories, tours are adjusted based on a partition of the motion tree into equivalence classes. This gives the approach the flexibility to discover new tours that avoid collisions and are compatible with the vehicle dynamics. Comparisons to related work show significant improvements both in terms of runtime and solution length. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social well‐being among adolescents and young adults with cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Warner Echo L. , Kent Erin E. , Trevino Kelly M. , Parsons Helen M. , Zebrack Bradley J. , Kirchhoff Anne C.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

A cancer diagnosis during adolescence or young adulthood may negatively influence social well‐being. The existing literature concerning the social well‐being of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer was reviewed to identify gaps in current research and highlight priority areas for future research.

METHODS

A systematic review of the scientific literature published in English from 2000 through 2014 was performed. Eligible studies included patients and survivors diagnosed between the ages of 15 to 39 years that reported on social well‐being domains in the City of Hope Cancer Survivor Quality of Life Model. Each article was reviewed for relevance using a standardized template. A total of 253 potential articles were identified. After exclusions, a final sample of 26 articles identified domains of social well‐being that are believed to be understudied among AYAs with cancer: 1) educational attainment, employment, and financial burden; 2) social relationships; and 3) supportive care. Articles were read in their entirety, single coded, and summarized according to domain.

RESULTS

AYAs with cancer report difficulties related to employment, educational attainment, and financial stability. They also report problems with the maintenance and development of peer and family relationships, intimate and marital relationships, and peer support. Supportive services are desired among AYAs. Few studies have reported results in reference to comparison samples or by cancer subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research studies on AYAs with cancer should prioritize the inclusion of underserved AYA populations, more heterogeneous cancer samples, and comparison groups to inform the development of supportive services. Priority areas for potential intervention include education and employment reintegration, and social support networks. Cancer 2016;122:1029–1037. © 2016 American Cancer Society
Next steps for adolescent and young adult oncology workshop: An update on progress and recommendations for the future
Authors: Smith Ashley Wilder , Seibel Nita L. , Lewis Denise R. , Albritton Karen H. , Blair Donald F. , Blanke Charles D. , Bleyer W. Archie , Freyer David R. , Geiger Ann M. , Hayes‐Lattin Brandon , Tricoli James V. , Wagner Lynne I. , Zebrack Bradley J.
Published: February 2016

Each year, 70,000 adolescents and young adults (AYAs) between ages 15 and 39 years in the United States are diagnosed with cancer. In 2006, a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Progress Review Group (PRG) examined the state of science associated with cancer among AYAs. To assess the impact of the PRG and examine the current state of AYA oncology research, the NCI, with support from the LIVESTRONG Foundation, sponsored a workshop entitled “Next Steps in Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology” on September 16 and 17, 2013, in Bethesda, Maryland. This report summarizes the findings from the workshop, opportunities to leverage existing data, and suggestions for future research priorities. Multidisciplinary teams that include basic scientists, epidemiologists, trialists, biostatisticians, clinicians, behavioral scientists, and health services researchers will be essential for future advances for AYAs with cancer. Cancer 2016;122:988–999. © 2016 American Cancer Society
Olfactory pathway of the hornet Vespa velutina: New insights into the evolution of the hymenopteran antennal lobe
Authors: Couto Antoine , Lapeyre Benoit , Thiéry Denis , Sandoz Jean‐Christophe
Published: February 2016

In the course of evolution, eusociality has appeared several times independently in Hymenoptera, within different families such as Apidae (bees), Formicidae (ants), and Vespidae (wasps and hornets), among others. The complex social organization of eusocial Hymenoptera relies on sophisticated olfactory communication systems. Whereas the olfactory systems of several bee and ant species have been well characterized, very little information is as yet available in Vespidae, although this family represents a highly successful insect group, displaying a wide range of life styles from solitary to eusocial. Using fluorescent labeling, confocal microscopy, and 3D reconstructions, we investigated the organization of the olfactory pathway in queens, workers, and males of the eusocial hornet Vespa velutina. First, we found that caste and sex dimorphism is weakly pronounced in hornets, with regard to both whole‐brain morphology and antennal lobe organization, although several male‐specific macroglomeruli are present. The V. velutina antennal lobe contains approximately 265 glomeruli (in females), grouped in nine conspicuous clusters formed by afferent tract subdivisions. As in bees and ants, hornets display a dual olfactory pathway, with two major efferent tracts, the medial and the lateral antennal lobe tracts (m‐ and l‐ALT), separately arborizing two antennal lobe hemilobes and projecting to partially different regions of higher order olfactory centers. Finally, we found remarkable anatomical similarities in the glomerular cluster organizations among hornets, ants, and bees, suggesting the possible existence of homologies in the olfactory pathways of these eusocial Hymenoptera. We propose a common framework for describing AL compartmentalization across Hymenoptera and discuss possible evolutionary scenarios. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2335–2359, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Delayed astrocytic contact with cerebral blood vessels in FGF‐2 deficient mice does not compromise permeability properties at the developing blood‐brain barrier
Authors: Saunders Norman R. , Dziegielewska Katarzyna M. , Unsicker Klaus , Ek C. Joakim
Published: February 2016

The brain functions within a specialized environment tightly controlled by brain barrier mechanisms. Understanding the regulation of barrier formation is important for understanding brain development and may also lead to finding new ways to deliver pharmacotherapies to the brain; access of many potentially promising drugs is severely hindered by these barrier mechanisms. The cellular composition of the neurovascular unit of the blood‐brain barrier proper and their effects on regulation of its function are beginning to be understood. One hallmark of the neurovascular unit in the adult is the astroglial foot processes that tightly surround cerebral blood vessels. However their role in barrier formation is still unclear. In this study we examined barrier function in newborn, juvenile and adult mice lacking fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2), which has been shown to result in altered astroglial differentiation during development. We show that during development of FGF‐2 deficient mice the astroglial contacts with cerebral blood vessels are delayed compared with wild‐type animals. However, this delay did not result in changes to the permeability properties of the blood brain barrier as assessed by exclusion of either small or larger sized molecules at this interface. In addition cerebral vessels were positive for tight‐junction proteins and we observed no difference in the ultrastructure of the tight‐junctions. The results indicate that the direct contact of astroglia processes to cerebral blood vessels is not necessary for either the formation of the tight‐junctions or for basic permeability properties and function of the blood‐brain barrier. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 1201–1212, 2016
Impact of mutations in DNA gyrase genes on quinolone resistance in Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Changkwanyeun Ruchirada , Yamaguchi Tomoyuki , Kongsoi Siriporn , Changkaew Kanjana , Yokoyama Kazumasa , Kim Hyun , Suthienkul Orasa , Usui Masaru , Tamura Yutaka , Nakajima Chie , Suzuki Yasuhiko
Published: February 2016

Amino acid substitutions providing quinolone resistance to Campyloabcter jejuni have been found in the quinolone resistance‐determining region of protein DNA gyrase subunit A (GyrA), with the highest frequency at position 86 followed by position 90. In this study, wild‐type and mutant recombinant DNA gyrase subunits were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using Ni‐NTA agarose column chromatography. Soluble 97 kDa GyrA and 87 kDa DNA gyrase subunit B were shown to reconstitute ATP‐dependent DNA supercoiling activity. A quinolone‐inhibited supercoiling assay demonstrated the roles of Thr86Ile, Thr86Ala, Thr86Lys, Asp90Asn, and Asp90Tyr amino acid substitutions in reducing sensitivity to quinolones. The marked effect of Thr86Ile on all examined quinolones suggested the advantage of this substitution in concordance with recurring isolation of quinolone‐resistant C. jejuni. An analysis of the structure‐activity relationship showed the importance of the substituent at position 8 in quinolones to overcome the effect of Thr86Ile. Sitafloxacin (SIT), which has a fluorinate cyclopropyl ring at R‐1 and a chloride substituent at R‐8, a characteristic not found in other quinolones, showed the highest inhibitory activity against all mutant C. jejuni gyrases including ciprofloxacin‐resistant mutants. The results suggest SIT as a promising drug for the treatment of campylobacteriosis caused by CIP‐resistant C. jejuni. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of five substituted phenethylamine derivatives 5‐MAPDB, 5‐AEDB, MDMA methylene homolog, 6‐Br‐MDMA, and 5‐APB‐NBOMe
Authors: Liu Cuimei , Jia Wei , Qian Zhenhua , Li Tao , Hua Zhendong
Published: February 2016

This paper reports analytical properties of five substituted phenethylamine derivatives seized from a clandestine laboratory. These five derivatives include 5‐(2‐methylaminopropyl)‐2,3‐dihydrobenzofuran (5‐MAPDB, 1), 5‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐2,3‐dihydrobenzofuran (5‐AEDB, 2), N,2‐dimethyl‐3‐(3,4‐methylenedioxyphenyl)propan‐1‐amine (MDMA methylene homolog, 3), 6‐bromo‐3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (6‐Br‐MDMA, 4), and 1‐(benzofuran‐5‐yl)‐N‐(2‐methoxybenzyl)propan‐2‐amine (5‐APB‐NBOMe, 5). These compounds were identified by liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF‐MS), gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). No analytical properties about compounds 1‐4 have appeared until now, making this the first report on these compounds. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constrained body shape among highly genetically divergent allopatric lineages of the supralittoral isopod Ligia occidentalis (Oniscidea)
Authors: Santamaria Carlos A. , Mateos Mariana , DeWitt Thomas J. , Hurtado Luis A.
Published: February 2016

Multiple highly divergent lineages have been identified within Ligia occidentalis sensu lato, a rocky supralittoral isopod distributed along a ~3000 km latitudinal gradient that encompasses several proposed marine biogeographic provinces and ecoregions in the eastern Pacific. Highly divergent lineages have nonoverlapping geographic distributions, with distributional limits that generally correspond with sharp environmental changes. Crossbreeding experiments suggest postmating reproductive barriers exist among some of them, and surveys of mitochondrial and nuclear gene markers do not show evidence of hybridization. Populations are highly isolated, some of which appear to be very small; thus, the effects of drift are expected to reduce the efficiency of selection. Large genetic divergences among lineages, marked environmental differences in their ranges, reproductive isolation, and/or high isolation of populations may have resulted in morphological differences in L. occidentalis, not detected yet by traditional taxonomy. We used landmark‐based geometric morphometric analyses to test for differences in body shape among highly divergent lineages of L. occidentalis, and among populations within these lineages. We analyzed a total of 492 individuals from 53 coastal localities from the southern California Bight to Central Mexico, including the Gulf of California. We conducted discriminant function analyses (DFAs) on body shape morphometrics to assess morphological variation among genetically differentiated lineages and their populations. We also tested for associations between phylogeny and morphological variation, and whether genetic divergence is correlated to multivariate morphological divergence. We detected significant differences in body shape among highly divergent lineages, and among populations within these lineages. Nonetheless, neither lineages nor populations can be discriminated on the basis of body shape, because correct classification rates of cross‐validated DFAs were low. Genetic distance and phylogeny had weak to no effect on body shape variation. The supralittoral environment appears to exert strong stabilizing selection and/or strong functional constraints on body shape in L. occidentalis, thereby leading to morphological stasis in this isopod.
Production of concentrates of CLA obtained from sunflower and safflower and their application to the lipase‐catalyzed acidolysis of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine
Authors: Niezgoda Natalia , Gliszczyńska Anna , Gładkowski Witold , Chojnacka Anna , Kiełbowicz Grzegorz , Wawrzeńczyk Czesław
Published: February 2016

The process of acidolysis of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (PC) with concentrates of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was performed. CLA was obtained by the alkali isomerization of sunflower and safflower oils. Analysis of the influence of different reaction conditions on the process of isomerization was investigated. Reactions were carried out in preparative scale at 150°C in the ethylene glycol and afforded the mixture of isomers: cis‐9,trans‐11 and trans‐10,cis‐12. Their content was 30.8 and 32.3% for product obtained from sunflower oil and 30.4 and 36.4% for the product obtained from safflower oil. Crude concentrates were purified by urea complexation with 1:3 fatty acids to urea weight ratio. Enzymatic modification of phosphatidylcholine from egg yolk with CLA concentrates was carried out using lipase from Rhizomucor miehei. The process was performed at 45°C with controlled water activity. The highest effective incorporation (42%) of CLA into PC and lysophosphatidylcholine molecules was obtained using concentrate from the sunflower and safflower oils after 36 h of reaction.

Practical applications: Results of this research are useful for the development of scaled up acidolysis reaction to produce phosphatidylcholine enriched in biologically active isomers of CLA using the sunflower or safflower oil as a rich source of linolenic acid.

Application of the concentrates of CLA obtained from sunflower and safflower oils to the enzymatic acidolysis of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine.
In situ immobilization of β‐galactosidase from Bacillus circulans in silica by sol‐gel process: Application in prebiotic synthesis
Authors: Escobar Sindy , Illanes Andres , Wilson Lorena , Bernal Claudia , Mesa Monica
Published: February 2016

The enzyme encapsulation is a very well‐known stabilization pathway. However, there are some challenges in order to avoid the enzyme denaturation under encapsulation conditions. The β‐galactosidase from Bacillus circulans was immobilized through sol‐gel encapsulation route assisted by Triton X‐100 surfactant and sugars. The effects of sugar presence in the immobilization process and the gelation time on the biocatalyst activity/stability were explained taking into account the characteristics of the formed silica matrix and the changes of the enzyme environment. The enzyme was effectively immobilized by this strategy, with high immobilization yield in terms of activity (29%) and expressed activity (47 IU/g). The immobilization through silica sol‐gel in the presence of 1×10−3 M Triton X‐100 and fructose conferred 28.4‐fold higher stability to the enzyme compared with the soluble form. This is an advantage for its use in the synthesis of the galacto‐oligosaccharides at 50ºC. The total lactose conversion to galacto‐oligosaccharides was 26%wt, which is comparable with that reported in the literature. The obtained biocatalyst is useful for the synthesis of galacto‐oligosaccharides and its catalytic behavior is rationalized in this work.
Microbial challenges for domestic heating oil storage tanks
Authors: Leuchtle Bernd , Xie Wei , Zambanini Thiemo , Eiden Simon , Koch Winfried , Lucka Klaus , Zimmermann Martin , Blank Lars M.
Published: February 2016

Microbial growth on hydrocarbons is common in nature and used in bioremediation of contaminated sites, whereas in fuel storage tanks this phenomenon can affect the stability of the fuel and the tank. The impact of microbial growth and produced metabolites on materials, which are used in the construction of storage tanks, were analyzed. In contrast to metal tank components, polymeric materials did not affect or were influenced by microorganisms. Zinc was highly corroded by microbial growth, most likely due to the formation of organic acids that were produced during microbial growth on hydrocarbons. A contaminated water phase in a storage tank of a heating system was simulated with a self‐constructed pump test bench. Microbial growth began in the water phase of the storage tank and microbes were distributed throughout the tank system, through water‐in‐oil microemulsions. No microbial growth was observed in oil that was previously contaminated, indicating that essential nutrients had been depleted. The identification and removal of these essential nutrients from fuels could minimize or prevent microbial contamination. The results are discussed with regard to developing recommendations for the design and operation of domestic heating oil storage tanks to lower the risk of technical failure due to microbial contamination.
Plug flow versus stirred tank reactor flow characteristics in two‐compartment scale‐down bioreactor: Setup‐specific influence on the metabolic phenotype and bioprocess performance of Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Limberg Michael H. , Pooth Viola , Wiechert Wolfgang , Oldiges Marco
Published: February 2016

In the last two decades, scale‐down studies based on compartmented reactor setups became the standard procedure to mimic inhomogeneous cultivation conditions. In the academic field and with application to industrial‐scale, two basic scale‐down bioreactor configurations both showing a stirred tank reactor (STR) as main compartment predominate this research field. The connection to a plug flow reactor (PFR) generates oscillatory gradients with a distinct residence time of the culture, while the STR provides a broad residence time distribution leading to more heterogeneous oscillations. The influence of these opposed hydrodynamic profiles for their applicability for scale‐down bioreactor setups as well as their specific influence on the metabolic phenotype of l‐lysine producing Corynebacterium glutamicum DM1800 strain was investigated. Batch cultivations under oscillatory oxygen deprivation and substrate excess were carried out in STR–PFR and STR–STR scale‐down devices. In both setups, the induced inhomogeneity resulted in a reduction of growth rate and increased the l‐lactate and l‐glutamate by‐product formation, while biomass and product yields stayed nearly constant. Apart from differing side‐product levels, very similar results were observed when comparing the metabolic phenotype and bioprocess performance of STR–PFR and STR–STR configuration, although opposed back mixing profiles were present.
Attention Disengagement Difficulties among Average Weight Women Who Binge Eat
Authors: Lyu Zhenyong , Zheng Panpan , Jackson Todd
Published: February 2016

In this study, we assessed biases in attention disengagement among average‐weight women with binge‐eating (n = 33) and non‐eating disordered controls (n = 31). Participants engaged in a spatial cueing paradigm task wherein they first observed high‐calorie food, low‐calorie food, or neutral images and then had to quickly locate targets in either the same or a different location. Within both groups, reaction times (RTs) were longer to valid‐cued trials (i.e. target appearing in location of preceding cue) than to invalid‐cued trials (i.e. targets appearing in location different from initial location), reflecting a general inhibition of return (IOR) effect. However, RT findings also indicated that women with BE had significantly more difficulty disengaging from high‐calorie food images than did controls, even though neither group had disengagement problems related to other image types. Selective attention disengagement difficulties related to high‐calorie food images suggested that increased reward sensitivity to such cues is related to binge eating risk. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Genomic alterations of the JAK2 and PDL loci occur in a broad spectrum of lymphoid malignancies
Authors: Van Roosbroeck Katrien , Ferreiro Julio Finalet , Tousseyn Thomas , van der Krogt Jo‐Anne , Michaux Lucienne , Pienkowska‐Grela Barbara , Theate Ivan , De Paepe Pascale , Dierickx Daan , Doyen Chantal , Put Natalie , Cools Jan , Vandenberghe Peter , Wlodarska Iwona
Published: February 2016

The recurrent 9p24.1 aberrations in lymphoid malignancies potentially involving four cancer‐related and druggable genes (JAK2, CD274/PDL1, PDCD1LG2/PDL2, and KDM4C/JMJD2Cl) are incompletely characterized. To gain more insight into the anatomy of these abnormalities, at first we studied 9p24.1 alterations in 18 leukemia/lymphoma cases using cytogenetic and molecular techniques. The aberrations comprised structural (nine cases) and numerical (nine cases) alterations. The former lesions were heterogeneous but shared a common breakpoint region of 200 kb downstream of JAK2. The rearrangements predominantly targeted the PDL locus. We have identified five potential partner genes of PDL1/2: PHACTR4 (1p34), N4BP2 (4p14), EEF1A1 (6q13), JAK2 (9p24.1), and IGL (22q11). Interestingly, the cryptic JAK2‐PDL1 rearrangement was generated by a microdeletion spanning the 3′JAK2−5′PDL1 region. JAK2 was additionally involved in a cytogenetically cryptic IGH‐mediated t(9;14)(p24.1;q32) found in two patients. This rare but likely underestimated rearrangement highlights the essential role of JAK2 in B‐cell neoplasms. Cases with amplification of 9p24.1 were diagnosed as primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma (five cases) and T‐cell lymphoma (four cases). The smallest amplified 9p24.1 region was restricted to the JAK2‐PDL1/2‐RANBP6 interval. In the next step, we screened 200 cases of classical Hodgkin lymphoma by interphase FISH and identified PDL1/2 rearrangement (CIITA‐ and IGH‐negative) in four cases (2%), what is a novel finding. Forty (25%) cases revealed high level amplification of 9p24.1, including four cases with a selective amplification of PDL1/2. Altogether, the majority of 9p24.1 rearrangements occurring in lymphoid malignancies seem to target the programmed death‐1 ligands, what potentiates the therapeutic activity of PD‐1 blockade in these tumors. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
3D Laser scanner and thermography for tunnel discontinuity mapping
Authors: Barla Giovanni , Antolini Francesco , Gigli Giovanni
Published: February 2016

Discontinuity mapping of tunnels during excavation is a key component of the interactive observational design approach. One requirement is to verify the geological and geomechanical predictions made at the design stage. In recent years, fully automated, remote‐based techniques such as Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Infrared Thermography (IRT) have become available, and their applications have increased, reducing the time needed to obtain complete geomechanical mapping of the rock mass. The effective use of these techniques is of great interest in tunnelling where the need arises for the operators to work close to the tunnel face. This paper presents a discussion of the main technical features of TLS and IRT, as well as data processing methods, followed by a case study of a tunnel excavated in the NW Italian Alps.
Snow hydrology of a constructed watershed in the Athabasca oil sands region, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Ketcheson Scott J. , Price Jonathan S.
Published: February 2016

Wetlands are now being integrated into oil sands mining landscape closure design plans. These wetland ecosystems will be constructed within a regional sub‐humid climate where snowfall represents ~25% of annual precipitation. However, few studies focus on the distribution of snow and, hence, the storage of winter precipitation in reclaimed oil sands landscapes. In this study, the distribution, ablation and fate of snowmelt waters are quantified within a constructed watershed in a post‐mining oil sands environment. Basin‐averaged peak SWE was 106 mm, with no significant difference between reclaimed slopes with vegetation and those that were sparsely vegetated or bare. Snow depth was greatest and more variable near the toe of slopes and became progressively shallower towards the crest. Snow ablation started first on the vegetated slope, which also exhibited the maximum observed ablation rates. This enhanced melt was attributed to increased absorption of short‐wave radiation by vegetation stems and branches. Recharge to reclaimed slopes and a constructed aquifer during the snowmelt period was minimal, as the presence of ground frost minimized infiltration. Accordingly, substantial surface run‐off was observed from all reclaimed slopes, despite being designed to reduce run‐off and increase water storage. This could result in increased flashiness of downstream watercourses during the spring freshet that receive run‐off from post‐mining landscapes where large reclaimed slopes are prolific. Run‐off ratios for the reclaimed slopes were between 0.7 and 0.9. Thus, it is essential to consider snow dynamics when designing landscape‐scale constructed ecosystems. This research demonstrates that the snowmelt period hydrology within reclaimed landscapes is fundamentally different from that reported for natural settings and represents one of the first studies on snow dynamics in constructed watershed systems in the post‐mined oil sands landscape. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pregnancy Plans of First‐time Mothers and Their Children's Outcomes: An Examination of Mechanisms
Authors: Claridge Amy M.
Published: February 2016

Unintended pregnancy is prevalent in the United States and has been linked to challenges for both mothers and their children over time. However, studies have not yet identified mechanisms through which pregnancy intention is associated with children's outcomes. Identification of mechanisms among families at risk for negative outcomes will inform early clinical intervention. This current study examined the association between mothers' pregnancy plans reported during pregnancy and children's externalizing, internalizing, dysregulation, and social–emotional competence outcomes at 3 years old among an at‐risk sample of 682 first‐time mothers from the Predicting and Preventing Neglect in Teen Mothers Study. Further, this study identified mechanisms in the association that can be targeted in clinical intervention. Mediation analyses revealed that mothers' parenting stress when children were 24 months old served as a mechanism in the association between unplanned pregnancy and children's low social–emotional competence at 36 months. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed. Specifically, early intervention with mothers experiencing unplanned pregnancies may help to promote healthy outcomes among their children over time. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.