bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics and Incident Hyperuricemia
Authors: Li Zheng , Meng Lingmin , Huang Zhe , Cui Liufu , Li Weijuan , Gao Jingsheng , Wang Zhanqi , Zhang Rui , Zhou Jing , Zhang Ge , Chen Shuohua , Zheng Xiaoming , Cong Hongliang , Gao Xiang , Wu Shouling
Published: December 2015

Objective

Hyperuricemia has been shown to be associated with increased risks of gout and cardiovascular diseases. We prospectively investigated the association between the American Heart Association (AHA) ideal cardiovascular health metrics, including smoking, body mass index, dietary intake, physical activity, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose, and the risk of developing hyperuricemia.

Methods

We included 77,787 Chinese adults, ages ≥18 years (60,951 men and 16,836 women), without hyperuricemia at the baseline (2006) in this study. Information on the cardiovascular health metrics at baseline was collected. Incident hyperuricemia cases were identified by elevated serum uric acid concentrations, which were repeatedly assessed in 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012, respectively. Cox regression was used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for incident hyperuricemia according to the baseline ideal cardiovascular health metrics.

Results

We observed an inverse relation between the greater numbers of ideal cardiovascular health metrics at baseline and lower risks of developing hyperuricemia during 6 years of followup. After adjusting for age, sex, alcohol consumption, and other potential confounders, the HRs for incident hyperuricemia were 0.95, 0.84, 0.72, and 0.64 (95% CIs 0.58–0.70, P for trend < 0.0001) for participants who met 2, 3, 4, and 5–7 metrics, respectively, compared with those who met 0–1 cardiovascular health metrics.

Conclusion

Greater cardiovascular health metrics were associated with lower risk of hyperuricemia in this Chinese population, suggesting that the modifiable construct defined by the AHA could be of significance in reducing the risk of developing hyperuricemia‐related diseases, such as gout.
Magnetically Driven Silver‐Coated Nanocoils for Efficient Bacterial Contact Killing
Authors: Hoop Marcus , Shen Yang , Chen Xiang‐Zhong , Mushtaq Fajer , Iuliano Loredana M. , Sakar Mahmut S. , Petruska Andrew , Loessner Martin J. , Nelson Bradley J. , Pané Salvador
Published: December 2015

The increasing threat of multidrug‐resistant bacterial strains against conventional antibiotic therapies represents a significant worldwide health risk and intensifies the need for novel antibacterial treatments. In this work, an effective strategy to target and kill bacteria using silver‐coated magnetic nanocoils is reported. The coil palladium (Pd) nanostructures are obtained by electrodeposition and selective dealloying, and subsequently coated with nickel (Ni) and silver (Ag) for magnetic manipulation and antibacterial properties, respectively. The efficiency of the nanocoils is tested in the treatment of Gram‐negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram‐positive methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), both of which represent the leading multidrug‐resistant bacterial pathogens. The nanocoils show highly effective bacterial killing activity at low concentrations and in relatively short durations of treatment time. Three different investigation techniques, LIVE/DEAD assay, colony‐forming unit counting, and scanning electron microscope, reveal that the antibacterial activity is a result of bacterial membrane damage caused by direct contact with the nanocoil. The low cytotoxicity toward fibroblast cells along with the capability of precise magnetic locomotion makes the proposed nanocoil an ideal candidate to combat multidrug‐resistant bacteria in the field of biomedical and environmental applications.
pH‐Responsive Wormlike Micelles with Sequential Metastasis Targeting Inhibit Lung Metastasis of Breast Cancer
Authors: He Xinyu , Yu Haijun , Bao Xiaoyue , Cao Haiqiang , Yin Qi , Zhang Zhiwen , Li Yaping
Published: December 2015

Cancer metastasis is the main cause for the high mortality in breast cancer patients. Herein, we first report succinobucol‐loaded pH‐responsive wormlike micelles (PWMs) with sequential targeting capability to inhibit lung metastasis of breast cancer. PWMs can in a first step be delivered specifically to the sites of metastases in the lungs and then enable the intracellular pH‐stimulus responsive drug release in cancer cells to improve the anti‐metastatic effect. PWMs are identified as nanofibrillar assemblies with a diameter of 19.9 ± 1.9 nm and a length within the 50–200 nm range, and exhibited pH‐sensitive drug release behavior in response to acidic intracellular environments. Moreover, PWMs can obviously inhibit the migration and invasion abilities of metastatic 4T1 breast cancer cells, and reduce the expression of the metastasis‐associated vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) at 400 ng mL−1 of succinobucol. In particular, PWMs can induce a higher specific accumulation in lung and be specifically delivered to the sites of metastases in lung, thereby leading to an 86.6% inhibition on lung metastasis of breast cancer. Therefore, the use of sequentially targeting PWMs can become an encouraging strategy for specific targeting and effective treatment of cancer metastasis.
Fast‐Rate Capable Electrode Material with Higher Energy Density than LiFePO4: 4.2V LiVPO4F Synthesized by Scalable Single‐Step Solid‐State Reaction
Authors: Kim Minkyung , Lee Seongsu , Kang Byoungwoo
Published: December 2015

Use of compounds that contain fluorine (F) as electrode materials in lithium ion batteries has been considered, but synthesizing single‐phase samples of these compounds is a difficult task. Here, it is demonstrated that a simple scalable single‐step solid‐state process with additional fluorine source can obtain highly pure LiVPO4F. The resulting material with submicron particles achieves very high rate capability ≈100 mAh g−1 at 60 C‐rate (1‐min discharge) and even at 200 C‐rate (18 s discharge). It retains superior capacity, ≈120 mAh g−1 at 10 C charge/10 C discharge rate (6‐min) for 500 cycles with >95% retention efficiency. Furthermore, LiVPO4F shows low polarization even at high rates leading to higher operating potential >3.45 V (≈3.6 V at 60 C‐rate), so it achieves high energy density. It is demonstrated for the first time that highly pure LiVPO4F can achieve high power capability comparable to LiFePO4 and much higher energy density (≈521 Wh g−1 at 20 C‐rate) than LiFePO4 even without nanostructured particles. LiVPO4F can be a real substitute of LiFePO4.
Unraveling Self‐Doping Effects in Thermoelectric TiNiSn Half‐Heusler Compounds by Combined Theory and High‐Throughput Experiments
Authors: Wambach Matthias , Stern Robin , Bhattacharya Sandip , Ziolkowski Pawel , Müller Eckhard , Madsen Georg K.H. , Ludwig Alfred
Published: December 2015

The control of the carrier concentration is a key topic in the optimization of the thermoelectric power factor. It depends intricately on the defect chemistry of a host phase (here: TiNiSn) and the boundary conditions set by competing phases. The large impact of a slight off‐stoichiometry in the intermetallic half‐Heusler phase TiNiSn makes combinatorial techniques ideally suited for systematic optimization of its thermoelectric performance. In this work, computational thermochemistry, combinatorial synthesis, and high‐throughput characterization are combined to obtain a complete map of the thermoelectric power factor for the Ti–Ni–Sn system. The role of the chemical potential of the constituents in determining the detailed nonstoichiometric composition of the intermetallic half‐Heusler phase TiNiSn is elucidated. This work not only confirms the assumption of a large phase‐width in terms of Ni surplus but also demonstrates that TiNiSn phases with a relatively large Ti surplus can be produced. This can serve as a new route for achieving high carrier concentrations by self‐doping in the ternary system Ti–Ni–Sn. The defect thermochemistry calculations for the carrier concentration are in excellent agreement with the experimental results. The findings of this work suggest new ways of improving the thermoelectric performance of half‐Heusler phases such as TiNiSn.
Synergistic Effect of Regioregular and Regiorandom Poly(3‐hexylthiophene) Blends for High Performance Flexible Organic Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Chu Ping‐Hsun , Wang Gang , Fu Boyi , Choi Dalsu , Park Jung Ok , Srinivasarao Mohan , Reichmanis Elsa
Published: December 2015

Decreased conjugated polymer regioregularity can provide for mechanical flexibility, which is favorable for the fabrication of flexible electronics; however, concomitant decreased thin‐film crystallinity severely deteriorates charge transport performance. Here, the advantage of this inverse relationship has been taken to fabricate flexible organic field effect transistors using ultraviolet irradiated regioregular (RR) and regiorandom (RRa) poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) blend thin‐films as the device active layer. The blend films exhibit prominent charge carrier mobility up to 0.22 cm2 V‐1 s‐1. Even when the RR‐P3HT component comprises only a small proportion of the blend, vertical phase separation of the components ensures formation of effective charge transport pathways. The underlying mechanism is correlated to molecular self‐assembly of RR‐P3HT and its unfavorable intermolecular interactions with RRa‐P3HT. Transistor performance is retained upon application of high external strain and bending 1000 times. The top‐gate architecture enables the dielectric to serve as a self‐encapsulation layer to protect the underlying semiconductor from atmospheric oxygen and moisture, resulting in over 700 h ambient device stability. This facile blend approach is expected to be an alternative strategy for the fabrication of high performance flexible electronics.
Genetic and environmental influences on the relationship between ADHD symptoms and internalizing problems: A Chinese twin study
Authors: Chen Tian‐Jiao , Ji Cheng‐Ye , Wang Shang‐Shang , Lichtenstein Paul , Larsson Henrik , Chang Zheng
Published: December 2015

Several twin studies have investigated the overlap between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and externalizing problems; however, limited information is known regarding the genetic and environmental contribution to the overlap between ADHD and internalizing problems. This study examined the genetic and environmental influences on the variation in and covariation between ADHD symptoms and internalizing problems by using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). We investigated 1,316 child and adolescent twins, including 780 monozygotic twins and 536 dizygotic twins, aged 6 years to 18 years from the Chinese Child and Adolescent Twin Registry. ADHD symptoms and internalizing problems were quantified through parent rating by using the Attention Problems Scale and other three scales, which include Anxious/Depressed, Withdrawn, and Somatic Complaints of CBCL. Genetic and environmental susceptibilities common to ADHD symptoms and internalizing problems were examined through bivariate twin modeling. Results showed that genetic factors substantially influenced the ADHD symptoms with a heritability of 72%. Modest genetic influences and substantial shared environmental influences (20–77%) were observed in the three internalizing problem scales. Common genetic and shared environmental influences were essential for the overlap between ADHD and the three internalizing problems respectively. Approximately one‐fifth of the genetic variance of ADHD symptoms was shared with anxiety/depression. In conclusion, substantial genetic and shared environmental influences on ADHD symptoms and internalizing problems were observed in Chinese children and adolescents. Our finding supports a common etiology between ADHD and internalizing problems. This finding can also help explain the co‐existence of these behavior problems. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
One‐pot, four‐component synthesis of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives containing a ferrocene unit and their antimicrobial activity
Authors: Kazemizadeh Ali Reza , Shajari Nahid , Shapouri Reza , Adibpour Neda , Teimuri‐Mofrad Reza , Dinmohammadi Parisa
Published: December 2015

A four‐component reaction between aromatic carboxylic acids, (N‐isocyanimino)triphenylphosphorane, ferrocenecarbaldehyde and dibenzylamine is reported. This approach is an efficient, simple and high‐yield procedure for the synthesis of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives containing a ferrocene unit. The antimicrobial activities of the products were investigated against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in in vitro and in vivo assays. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of polybutylene‐succinate/poly(ethylene‐glycol)/cellulose nanocrystals ternary composites
Authors: Ludueña Leandro N. , Fortunati Elena , Morán Juan I. , Alvarez Vera A. , Cyras Viviana P. , Puglia Debora , Manfredi Liliana B. , Pracella Mariano
Published: December 2015

Ternary composites were prepared by twin screw extrusion from polybutylene‐succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene‐glycol) (PEG), and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). The aim of the work is to improve the physical–mechanical properties of PBS by the addition of CNC. A PEG/CNC masterbatch was prepared in order to achieve a good dispersion of hydrophilic CNC in the hydrophobic PBS. The influence of the nanoparticle content on the polymer properties was studied. Regarding the thermal properties fractioned crystallization phenomena of PEG was observed during cooling from the melt. No significant nucleating effect of the nanocellulose was observed. The material containing 4 wt % of CNC showed the best mechanical performance among the nanocomposites studied due to the combination of high modulus and elongation at break with a low detrimental in strength compared with the PBS/PEG blend. Moreover, no nanocellulose agglomerations were observed in its FESEM micrograph. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43302.
A Novel HLA–DRB1*10:01–Restricted T Cell Epitope From Citrullinated Type II Collagen Relevant to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Chemin Karine , Pollastro Sabrina , James Eddie , Ge Changrong , Albrecht Inka , Herrath Jessica , Gerstner Christina , Tandre Karolina , Sampaio Rizzi Thais , Rönnblom Lars , Catrina Anca , Holmdahl Rikard , Klareskog Lars , de Vries Niek , Malmström Vivianne
Published: December 2015

Objective

Antibodies against citrullinated type II collagen (Cit‐CII) are common in the sera and synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, the known T cell epitope of CII is not dependent on citrullination. The aim of this study was to identify and functionally characterize the Cit‐CII–restricted T cell epitopes that are relevant to RA.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HLA–DRB1*10:01–positive patients with RA and healthy donors were stimulated in vitro with candidate CII peptides. CD154 up‐regulation was measured as a marker of antigen‐specific activation, and anti–HLA–DR–blocking experiments confirmed HLA restriction. Cytokine production was measured using a Luminex technique. Direct peptide‐binding assays using HLA–DRB1*10:01 and HLA–DRB1*04:01 monomeric proteins were performed. The T cell receptor (TCR) β‐chain of CD154‐enriched antigen‐specific T cells was analyzed using high‐throughput sequencing.

Results

A novel Cit‐CII peptide was identified based on its ability to activate CD4+ T cells from HLA–DRB1*10:01–positive individuals. When stimulated in vitro, Cit‐CII autoreactive T cells produced proinflammatory cytokines. Cit‐CII311–325 bound (with low affinity) to HLA–DRB1*10:01 but not to HLA–DRB1*04:01, while the native form was unable to bind either protein. In addition, highly expanded clones were identified in the TCRβ repertoire of Cit‐CII311–325–stimulated PBMCs.

Conclusion

These results illustrate the ability of the citrullination process to create T cell epitopes from CII, a cartilage‐restricted protein that is relevant to RA pathogenesis. The exclusive binding of Cit‐CII311–325 to HLA–DRB1*10:01 suggests that recognition of citrullinated epitopes might vary between individuals carrying different RA‐associated HLA–DR molecules.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein and Activin Membrane–Bound Inhibitor, a Transforming Growth Factor β Rheostat That Controls Murine Treg Cell/Th17 Cell Differentiation and the Development of Autoimmune Arthritis by Reducing Interleukin‐2 Signaling
Authors: Postigo Jorge , Iglesias Marcos , Álvarez Pilar , Jesús Augustin Juan , Buelta Luis , Merino Jesús , Merino Ramón
Published: December 2015

Objective

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) plays a prominent role in the establishment of immunologic tolerance, and mice lacking TGFβ1 die of multiorgan inflammation early in life. TGFβ controls the differentiation of CD4+ lymphocytes into Treg cells or proinflammatory Th17 cells. Although this dual capacity is modulated by the presence of additional cytokines around the activated cells, TGFβ also dissociates Th17/Treg cell differentiation in a dose‐dependent manner by mechanisms still unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the contribution of bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane–bound inhibitor (BAMBI) to the modulation of TGFβ activity during the differentiation of CD4+ cells and in the control of immunologic tolerance in mice with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA).

Methods

The in vitro and in vivo Treg cell and Th17 cell differentiation and the development of CIA were compared in wild‐type mice and BAMBI‐deficient mice.

Results

BAMBI was induced after activation by TGFβ and fixed the appropriate intensity level of TGFβ signaling in CD4+ cells. Its deficiency protected mice against the development of CIA by a Treg cell– and TGFβ‐dependent mechanism. Mechanistically, BAMBI was found to regulate CD25 expression and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) signaling in Treg cells and in IL‐2– and/or TGFβ‐activated CD4+ cells and modulated Treg cell and Th17 cell differentiation both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

Taken together, the results indicate that BAMBI is a component of a rheostat‐like mechanism that, through the control of TGFβ and IL‐2 signaling strength, regulates the differentiation of CD4+ lymphocytes and the development of autoimmune arthritis.
Enhanced Tyrosine Phosphatase Activity Underlies Dysregulated B Cell Receptor Signaling and Promotes Survival of Human Lupus B Cells
Authors: Fleischer Sarah J. , Daridon Capucine , Fleischer Vanessa , Lipsky Peter E. , Dörner Thomas
Published: December 2015

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with hyperactivity of B cells and abnormalities of B cell receptor (BCR) signaling. To address the linkage between dysregulated BCR signaling and increased B cell function, we assessed immediate phosphorylation events in lupus B cells.

Methods

B cells from SLE patients and healthy donors were analyzed by flow cytometry to assess phosphorylated CD22, Syk, and Akt as well as the basal expression of the BCR coreceptors CD22 and CD19. Confocal microscopy studies determined the recruitment of CD22 and the tyrosine phosphatase SH2 domain–containing phosphatase 1 to the activated BCR complex. Additionally, phosphatase activity in SLE versus healthy donor B cells was measured.

Results

B cells from SLE patients showed diminished Syk phosphorylation and reduced intracellular calcium release after BCR activation as compared to B cells from healthy donors. This was related to an enhanced activity of tyrosine, but not serine/threonine, phosphatases and was corrected by inhibition of tyrosine phosphatase activity. In contrast to reduced Syk phosphorylation after BCR activation, phosphorylation of Akt was significantly increased in SLE B cells. The disturbed balance between Syk and Akt phosphorylation was significantly correlated with B cell survival following BCR engagement. Furthermore, CD27−, but not CD27+, B cells from SLE patients displayed increased expression and phosphorylation of the inhibitory BCR coreceptor CD22.

Conclusion

These results indicate that an imbalance between serine and tyrosine phosphatases in SLE contributes to an intrinsically disturbed balance of BCR‐initiated signaling pathways, resulting in enhanced survival of lupus B cells and differentiation into plasma cells.
Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Secondary to Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis: Predictors of Respiratory Failure and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Cartin‐Ceba Rodrigo , Diaz‐Caballero Luis , Al‐Qadi Mazen O. , Tryfon Stavros , Fervenza Fernando C. , Ytterberg Steven R. , Specks Ulrich
Published: December 2015

Objective

To identify predictors of respiratory failure and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of plasma exchange (PE) and of rituximab versus cyclophosphamide in a cohort of patients with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) secondary to antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitis (AAV) with or without respiratory failure.

Methods

We performed a single‐center historical cohort study of all consecutive patients with AAV‐associated DAH who were evaluated over a 16‐year period. Logistic regression models were developed to examine the predictive role of the baseline clinical characteristics for the development of respiratory failure, and for the effect of PE and remission induction therapy on the main outcome (complete remission at 6 months).

Results

Seventy‐three patients with DAH were identified, and 34 of them experienced respiratory failure. The degree of hypoxemia upon initial presentation, a higher percentage of neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cell count, and higher C‐reactive protein levels were independently associated with the development of respiratory failure. PE was not associated with achieving complete remission at 6 months, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.49 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.12–1.95) (P = 0.32). Rituximab treatment was independently associated with achieving complete remission at 6 months (OR 6.45 [95% CI 1.78–29], P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the most important predictor of respiratory failure in patients with DAH secondary to AAV is the degree of hypoxemia upon presentation. No clear benefit of the addition of PE to standard remission induction therapy was demonstrated. Complete remission by 6 months was achieved at a higher rate with rituximab than with cyclophosphamide in patients with DAH secondary to AAV, including those needing mechanical ventilation.
Association of Pre‐Pregnancy Body Mass Index, Pregnancy‐Related Weight Changes, and Parity With the Risk of Developing Degenerative Musculoskeletal Conditions
Authors: Bliddal Mette , Pottegård Anton , Kirkegaard Helene , Olsen Jørn , Jørgensen Jan S. , Sørensen Thorkild I. A. , Dreyer Lene , Nohr Ellen A.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To examine how pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI), parity, and pregnancy‐related weight changes are associated with long‐term risk of degenerative musculoskeletal conditions.

Methods

A total of 79,687 mothers with singleton births from the Danish National Birth Cohort were included. Information on height and weight prior to pregnancy and 6 months postpartum as well as gestational weight gain (GWG) was obtained from telephone interviews, while parity was derived from the Danish Medical Birth Registry. Diagnoses of musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis, disc disorders, low back pain, and soft tissue disorders, were obtained from the Danish National Patient Registry. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

The cumulative incidence of musculoskeletal conditions during a median follow‐up of 12.4 years was 19.7%. The risk of musculoskeletal conditions increased with both increasing pre‐pregnancy BMI and increasing parity. Compared to normal‐weight first‐time mothers, the highest risk was seen in obese women with >2 births (HR 1.61 [95% confidence interval 1.41–1.83]). GWG of 10–15 kg was associated with the lowest risk of musculoskeletal conditions. Compared to women with no change in weight from preconception to 6 months after childbirth (±1 BMI unit), increasing postpartum weight increased the risk of musculoskeletal conditions in normal‐weight and overweight women.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that high pre‐pregnancy BMI increases the risk of degenerative musculoskeletal conditions. Low and high GWG, higher postpartum weight retention, and especially higher parity are associated with an increased risk. Prevention of being overweight before, during, and after pregnancy may reduce the risk of development of degenerative musculoskeletal conditions among mothers.
Tracing the source of ENSO simulation differences to the atmospheric component of two CGCMs
Authors: Tang Yanli , Li Lijuan , Dong Wenjie , Wang Bin
Published: December 2015

To explore why the Community Earth System Model (CESM) exhibits too strong El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), its atmospheric component is replaced by another Atmospheric General Circulation Model (AGCM). Differences among the two simulations and another ‘parent’ model are then analyzed with reference to their underlying mechanisms. The results indicate that too large ENSO amplitude in the CESM is reduced to half by the new AGCM, mainly due to shortwave radiation feedback. Weaker shortwave radiation feedback in the CESM is found to be closely related to the too negative feedbacks of the cloud fraction and cloud liquid amount in the lower layers.
Improvement of land surface temperature simulation over the Tibetan Plateau and the associated impact on circulation in East Asia
Authors: Zhuo Haifeng , Liu Yimin , Jin Jiming
Published: December 2015

A new sensible‐heat (SH) parameterization was used in the Weather Research and Forecasting model to improve the vertical heat transfer simulation in arid regions. With this new scheme, the simulated SH decreased, resulting in a 2 °C reduction of the cold bias in the land surface temperature over the Tibetan Plateau. The weakened SH led to anticyclonic circulation and cyclonical flow changes in the northern East China due to Rossby wave propagation. The summer‐rainfall in East Asian is marginally improved. It is suggested that the SH simulation over the Plateau is a land–atmosphere coupling issue that is important to the dynamical downscaling in East Asian.
The Phantom Decoy Effect in Perceptual Decision Making
Authors: Trueblood Jennifer S. , Pettibone Jonathan C.
Published: December 2015

A phantom decoy is an alternative that is superior to another “target” option but is unavailable at the time of choice. In value‐based decisions involving phantom decoys (e.g., consumer choices), individuals often show increased preference for the similar, inferior target option over a non‐dominated competitor alternative. Unlike value‐based decisions that are driven by subjective goals, perceptual decisions typically have an outside criterion that defines the goal of the task (e.g., target is present or absent). Despite their obvious differences, past research has documented a number of commonalities between both types of decisions. In a set of three experiments, we examine the influence of phantom options on simple perceptual decisions and point out a critical difference between perceptual and value‐based decisions. Our results show that in perceptual choice, participants prefer competitor options to target options, the opposite of the pattern typically found in consumer choice. We use the results of the experiments to examine the predictions of four different models of context effects including loss aversion and dynamic, preference accumulation models. We find that accumulation models provide the best explanation for our results as well as being able to generalize to other context effects. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reproducible research in statistics: A review and guidelines for the Biometrical Journal
Authors: Hofner Benjamin , Schmid Matthias , Edler Lutz
Published: December 2015

Reproducible research (RR) constitutes the idea that a publication should be accompanied by all relevant material to reproduce the results and findings of a scientific work. Hence, results can be verified and researchers are able to build upon these. Efforts of the Biometrical Journal over the last five years have increased the number of manuscripts which are reproducible by a factor of 4 to almost 50%. Yet, more than half of the code submission could not be executed in the initial review due to missing code, missing data or errors in the code. Careful checks of the submitted code as part of the reviewing process are essential to eliminate these issues and to foster RR. In this article, we reviewed recent submissions of code and data to identify common reproducibility issues. Based on these findings, guidelines for structuring code submission to the Biometrical Journal have been established to help authors. These guidelines should help researchers to implement RR in general. Together with the code reviews, this supports the mission of the Biometrical Journal
in publishing highest quality, novel and relevant papers on statistical methods and their applications in life sciences. Source code and data to reproduce the presented data analyses are available as Supplementary Material on the journal's web page.
Scrambling of disulfide bond scaffolds in neurotoxin AuIB: A molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Roy Durba , Lakshminarayanan Madhavkrishnan
Published: December 2015

AuIB, a neurotoxic conopeptide, is a “selective antagonist” of the α3‐β4 subtype of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in human brain and is investigated extensively for its immense potency in the treatment of pain. It contains two disulfide linkages, which are decisive in maintaining its structure and functional selectivity. Here we report, a molecular dynamics simulation study of the role of disulfide bonds on the secondary structure of AuIB in water. The native form of AuIB (N) is found to be significantly stable in water with very robust 310 and α‐helical domains, featuring ∼47% of the total structure. The partially reduced AuIB (P2‐8), with the disulfide bond between cysteine 2, 8 broken, shows significantly perturbed secondary structural features with almost total loss in helicity. Breaking of the disulfide bond between cysteine 3, 15 (P3‐15), on the other hand, has almost no effect on the helical region of the peptide, although the weightage of β‐turn increased at the cost of random coil. Intriguingly, when both the disulfide bonds are broken (D), the helical region is affected, but the loss in helicity is less than that observed in the P2‐8 case. To understand the disulfide scrambling process, the relative probabilities of forming three disulfide‐bond isoforms of AuIB in water are estimated from the sulfur‐sulfur (SS) distance distributions of the four cysteine residues present in AuIB (D). Simulations show that the native globular form dominates ∼73% of the isoform population, with the beads form being the second most populated one. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 106: 196–209, 2016.
Synthesis, Photoelectronic, and Electrochemical Properties of Poly[(1,1‐dihexyl‐3,4‐diphenyl‐2,5‐silolene)‐co‐(disubstitutedsilylene)]s
Authors: Park Young Tae
Published: December 2015

Copolymerization of 2,5‐dibromo‐1,1‐dihexyl‐3,4‐diphenyl‐2,5‐silole with dichlorodisubstitutedsilanes using n‐butyllithium was performed to synthesize conjugated polycarbosilanes of poly[(1,1‐dihexyl‐3,4‐diphenyl‐2,5‐silolene)‐co‐(disubstitutedsilylene)]s such as poly[(1,1‐dihexyl‐3,4‐diphenyl‐2,5‐silolene)‐co‐(dimethylsilylene)], poly[(1,1‐dihexyl‐3,4‐diphenyl‐2,5‐silolene)‐co‐(diethylsilylene)], poly[(1,1‐dihexyl‐3,4‐diphenyl‐2,5‐silolene)‐co‐(methylphenylsilylene)], poly[(1,1‐dihexyl‐3,4‐diphenyl‐2,5‐silolene)‐co‐(diphenylsilylene)], and poly[(1,1‐dihexyl‐3,4‐diphenyl‐2,5‐silolene)‐co‐(tetramethyldisilylene)]. The characteristic diene stretching frequencies appeared at 1593–1601 cm−1 in the Fourier–transform infrared spectra of all the polymers. The obtained materials were highly soluble in organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran (THF) and chloroform. The molecular weights of the polymers were determined by gel permeation chromatography. The prepared materials in THF solvent showed strong absorption maximum peaks at 249–336 nm with molar absorptivities of 9.84 × 102 to 3.67 × 104 L/(cm·mol) in the UV–Vis absorption spectra, indicating red‐shifts of 6–19 nm as compared with those of 2,5‐dibromo‐1,1‐dihexyl‐3,4‐diphenyl‐2,5‐silole, strong excitation maximum peaks at 320–336 nm, and strong emission maximum peaks at 393–398 nm in the fluorescence emission spectra. All of the absorption and emission spectra strongly indicate that the obtained polycarbosilanes were conjugated along the polymer main chain. Cyclic voltammogram profiles showed that the oxidation and reduction potentials of the prepared polymers were very similar to each other, 0.91 to 1.06 and −0.97 to −1.18 V vs. Ag/Ag+, respectively. Thermogravimetric analyses showed that most of the polymers were thermally stable up to 200 °C in general, with a weight loss of 3–6% in nitrogen.
Building mental models by dissecting physical models
Authors: Srivastava Anveshna
Published: December 2015

When students build physical models from prefabricated components to learn about model systems, there is an implicit trade‐off between the physical degrees of freedom in building the model and the intensity of instructor supervision needed. Models that are too flexible, permitting multiple possible constructions require greater supervision to ensure focused learning; models that are too constrained require less supervision, but can be constructed mechanically, with little to no conceptual engagement. We propose “model‐dissection” as an alternative to “model‐building,” whereby instructors could make efficient use of supervisory resources, while simultaneously promoting focused learning. We report empirical results from a study conducted with biology undergraduate students, where we demonstrate that asking them to “dissect” out specific conceptual structures from an already built 3D physical model leads to a significant improvement in performance than asking them to build the 3D model from simpler components. Using questionnaires to measure understanding both before and after model‐based interventions for two cohorts of students, we find that both the “builders” and the “dissectors” improve in the post‐test, but it is the latter group who show statistically significant improvement. These results, in addition to the intrinsic time‐efficiency of “model dissection,” suggest that it could be a valuable pedagogical tool. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44:7–11, 2016.
Expression, purification, and characterization of a carbohydrate‐active enzyme: A research‐inspired methods optimization experiment for the biochemistry laboratory
Authors: Willbur Jaime F. , Vail Justin D. , Mitchell Lindsey N. , Jakeman David L. , Timmons Shannon C.
Published: December 2015

The development and implementation of research‐inspired, discovery‐based experiences into science laboratory curricula is a proven strategy for increasing student engagement and ownership of experiments. In the novel laboratory module described herein, students learn to express, purify, and characterize a carbohydrate‐active enzyme using modern techniques and instrumentation commonly found in a research laboratory. Unlike in a traditional cookbook‐style experiment, students generate their own hypotheses regarding expression conditions and quantify the amount of protein isolated using their selected variables. Over the course of three 3‐hour laboratory periods, students learn to use sterile technique to express a protein using recombinant DNA in E. coli, purify the resulting enzyme via affinity chromatography and dialysis, analyze the success of their purification scheme via SDS‐PAGE, assess the activity of the enzyme via an HPLC‐based assay, and quantify the amount of protein isolated via a Bradford assay. Following the completion of this experiment, students were asked to evaluate their experience via an optional survey. All students strongly agreed that this laboratory module was more interesting to them than traditional experiments because of its lack of a pre‐determined outcome and desired additional opportunities to participate in the experimental design process. This experiment serves as an example of how research‐inspired, discovery‐based experiences can benefit both the students and instructor; students learned important skills necessary for real‐world biochemistry research and a more concrete understanding of the research process, while generating new knowledge to enhance the scholarly endeavors of the instructor. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44:75–85, 2016.
Patent foramen ovale with right atrial septal pouch
Authors: Kijima Yasufumi , Bokhoor Pooya , Tobis Jonathan M.
Published: December 2015

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a communication across the inter‐atrial septum and a right atrial septal pouch (RASP) is an indentation of the atrial septum caused by an incomplete fusion of the septum primum and septum secundum with its base opening into the right atrium. A 63‐year‐old male who had a history of two strokes and episodes of transient neurological deficit was diagnosed to have a small right‐to‐left shunt. At the time of PFO closure, an angiogram of the atrial septum revealed a small PFO associated with a RASP. The small PFO was crossed with a straight‐tipped guide wire and was closed using a 25‐mm GORE CARDIOFORM Septal Occluder (W.L. Gore and Associates, AZ). It is hypothesized that stagnant blood in the RASP may generate a clot that can cross the PFO and cause an infarct. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Defects in Porous Networks of WO3 Particle Aggregates
Authors: Márquez Augusto , Rodríguez‐Pérez Manuel J. , Anta Juan A. , Rodríguez‐Gattorno Geonel , Bourret Gilles R. , Oskam Gerko , Berger Thomas
Published: December 2015

The most frequently studied functionalities of porous WO3 particle systems—namely their electrochromic and photocatalytic properties—are intimately related to the wanted or unwanted action of defects in the material. Here, we report on the generation and action of three types of defects in WO3 electrodes: solid/solid interfaces between adjacent particle aggregates, defects generated in situ upon photoinduced electron accumulation, and defects resulting from tungsten bronze formation. Depending on the degree of aggregate interconnection, we observe a beneficial, albeit transient, effect of charge accumulation on the photoelectrocatalytic activity of the thin films, giving rise to an almost threefold increase in photocurrent. The dynamic change of thin film properties associated with this doping process is tracked by a combined spectroscopic and electrochemical approach, which allows the beneficial and detrimental effects of defects to be resolved on the electrochemical potential scale.
AIE Luminogen‐Functionalized Hollow Mesoporous Silica Nanospheres for Drug Delivery and Cell Imaging
Authors: Fan Zhiying , Li Dongdong , Yu Xue , Zhang Yuping , Cai Yong , Jin Jingji , Yu Jihong
Published: December 2015

Hollow mesoporous silica nanospheres functionalized with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) luminogen tetraphenylethene were prepared by postgrafting method. The as‐prepared inorganic–organic hybrid nanospheres show bright blue emission and good biocompatibility as shown by MTT assays. The large cavities of the materials enable high loading of the anticancer drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), and the mesoporous silica shells allow pH‐dependent drug release. The materials can be effectively taken up by cells and function as luminescent bioprobes, demonstrating their potential application in imaging‐guided therapy.
NH3 Synthesis in the N2/H2 Reaction System using Cooperative Molecular Tungsten/Rhodium Catalysis in Ionic Hydrogenation: A DFT Study
Authors: Moha Verena , Leitner Walter , Hölscher Markus
Published: December 2015

The ionic hydrogenation of N2 with H2 to give NH3 is investigated by means of density functional theory (DFT) computations using a cooperatively acting catalyst system. In this system, N2 binds to a neutral tungsten pincer complex of the type [(PNP)W(N2)3] (PNP=pincer ligand) and is reduced to NH3. The protons and hydride centers necessary for the reduction are delivered by heterolytic cleavage of H2 between the N2–tungsten complex and the cationic rhodium complex [Cp*Rh{2‐(2‐pyridyl)phenyl}(CH3CN)]+. Successive transfer of protons and hydrides to the bound N2, as well as all NxHy units that occur during the reaction, enable the computation of closed catalytic cycles in the gas and in the solvent phase. By optimizing the pincer ligands of the tungsten complex, energy spans as low as 39.3 kcal mol−1 could be obtained, which is unprecedented in molecular catalysis for the N2/H2 reaction system.
Carboxylate‐Assisted Iridium‐Catalyzed C−H Amination of Arenes with Biologically Relevant Alkyl Azides
Authors: Zhang Tao , Hu Xuejiao , Wang Zhen , Yang Tiantian , Sun Hao , Li Guigen , Lu Hongjian
Published: December 2015

An iridium‐catalyzed C−H amination of arenes with a wide substrate scope is reported. Benzamides with electron‐donating and ‐withdrawing groups and linear, branched, and cyclic alkyl azides are all applicable. Cesium carboxylate is crucial for both reactivity and regioselectivity of the reactions. Many biologically relevant molecules, such as amino acid, peptide, steroid, sugar, and thymidine derivatives can be introduced to arenes with high yields and 100 % chiral retention.
Pyrolysis of Animal Bones with Vitamin B12: A Facile Route to Efficient Transition Metal–Nitrogen–Carbon (TM‐N‐C) Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Dou Meiling , He Duanpeng , Shao Wenhao , Liu Haijing , Wang Feng , Dai Liming
Published: December 2015

By pyrolyzing cattle bones, hierarchical porous carbon (HPC) networks with a high surface area (2520 m2 g−1) and connected pores were prepared at a low cost and large scale. Subsequent co‐pyrolysis of HPC with vitamin B12 resulted in the formation of three‐dimensional (3D) hierarchically structured porous cobalt–nitrogen–carbon (Co‐N‐HPC) electrocatalysts with a surface area as high as 859 m2 g−1 as well as a higher oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalytic activity, better operation stability, and higher tolerance to methanol than the commercial Pt/C catalyst in alkaline electrolyte.
Frozen Dissymmetric Cavities in Resorcinarene‐Based Coordination Capsules
Authors: Imamura Taisuke , Maehara Takeshi , Sekiya Ryo , Haino Takeharu
Published: December 2015

By introducing slight structural modifications to a D4‐symmetric coordination capsule, we succeeded in isolating the nearly enantiopure capsules (P)‐ and (M)‐2 a(BF4)4. Chiral guest, dibenzyl 4,4′‐diacetoxy‐6,6′‐dimethyl‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐2,2′‐dicarboxylate (3) was encapsulated within the dissymmetric cavity of 2 a(BF4)4, resulting in a high diastereoselectivity of >99 % de. The encapsulated guest was successfully removed from the complex without racemization through precipitation of the empty capsule. CD spectra confirmed that the chirality of the capsule was maintained in THF and 1,4‐dioxane for long periods, whereas a small amount of acetonitrile accelerated racemization of the empty capsule. The activation parameters of the racemization reaction were determined in dichloromethane and 1,2‐dichloroethane, resulting in positive enthalpic contributions and large negative entropic contributions, respectively. Accordingly, the racemization fits a first‐order kinetic model. Mechanically coupled Cu+‐2,2′‐bipyridine coordination centers were responsible for the high‐energy barrier of racemization and led to the unique chiral memory of the dissymmetric cavity, which was turned off by the addition of acetonitrile.
Molecular features distinguish ten neuronal types in the mouse superficial superior colliculus
Authors: Byun Haewon , Kwon Soohyun , Ahn Hee‐Jeong , Liu Hong , Forrest Douglas , Demb Jonathan B. , Kim In‐Jung
Published: December 2015

The superior colliculus (SC) is a midbrain center involved in controlling head and eye movements in response to inputs from multiple sensory modalities. Visual inputs arise from both the retina and visual cortex and converge onto the superficial layer of the SC (sSC). Neurons in the sSC send information to deeper layers of the SC and to thalamic nuclei that modulate visually guided behaviors. Presently, our understanding of sSC neurons is impeded by a lack of molecular markers that define specific cell types. To better understand the identity and organization of sSC neurons, we took a systematic approach to investigate gene expression within four molecular families: transcription factors, cell adhesion molecules, neuropeptides, and calcium binding proteins. Our analysis revealed 12 molecules with distinct expression patterns in mouse sSC: cadherin 7, contactin 3, netrin G2, cadherin 6, protocadherin 20, retinoid‐related orphan receptor β, brain‐specific homeobox/POU domain protein 3b, Ets variant gene 1, substance P, somatostatin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, and parvalbumin. Double labeling experiments, by either in situ hybridization or immunostaining, demonstrated that the 12 molecular markers collectively define 10 different sSC neuronal types. The characteristic positions of these cell types divide the sSC into four distinct layers. The 12 markers identified here will serve as valuable tools to examine molecular mechanisms that regulate development of sSC neuronal types. These markers could also be used to examine the connections between specific cell types that form retinocollicular, corticocollicular, or colliculothalamic pathways. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2300–2321, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Color‐based automatic detection of worn out varnishes on Stradivari's “Scotland University” violin back plate
Authors: Dondi Piercarlo , Lombardi Luca , Malagodi Marco , Licchelli Maurizio , Cacciatori Fausto
Published: December 2015

UV‐induced fluorescence (UVIFL) photography is widely used in the study of artworks, in particular for the analysis of historical musical instruments (e.g., violins). This technique allows seeing important details, which cannot be observed with visible light, such as retouching, different paints coats, or worn areas of the superficial varnishes. However, the interpretation of UVIFL images may be very complex, in relation to preservation state of the analyzed artifact. The aim of this work is the development of a new tool able to automatically detect the presence of colors related to worn areas on the back plates of historical violins. The proposed solution is a program able to identify some peculiar color hues related to wear, find their position on the surface and compute their percentage respect to the total area. The study was performed on UVIFL imagery of Stradivari's “Scotland University” violin (1734) held in the “Museo del Violino” in Cremona (Italy). © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 313–316, 2016
Cytological features of choricarcinoma in a Pap smear: A case report and literature review
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Wright Jason D. , Abellar Rosanna G. , Koehne de Gonzalez Anne , Collins Nikosa , Wright Thomas C. , Hamele‐Bena Diane
Published: December 2015

Choriocarcinoma is an aggressive malignant trophoblastic tumor that mostly occurs during reproductive years. Cytological features of choriocarcinoma in gynecologic Pap smears have not been described. Herein, we report a case of choriocarcinoma in a Pap smear of a patient who had a history of choriocarcinoma with metastatic disease. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:324–328. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.