bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Combined Experimental–Computational Investigation to Uncover the Puzzling (Chiro‐)optical Response of Pyridocyclophanes: One‐ and Two‐Photon Spectra
Authors: Padula Daniele , Lahoz Inmaculada R. , Díaz Carlos , Hernández Florencio E. , Di Bari Lorenzo , Rizzo Antonio , Santoro Fabrizio , Cid M. Magdalena
Published: July 2015

A combined experimental–computational analysis of the one‐ and two‐photon absorption (OPA, TPA) and the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) of complex chiral shape‐persistent (2,6)‐pyrido[142]allenoacetylenic cyclophane, (P,P,P,P)‐MC[142] enantiomers, sheds light on the origin of their peculiar spectral signatures. The study on MC[142], which is represented in solution by three possible conformers, indicates that two of them (chair and twist) are the prevalent conformers at room temperature; the population ratio depending on the solvent. The complex shape of the red‐edge of the UV and ECD spectra is qualitatively reproduced by using vibronic calculations and assigned to progressions on the ethynyl stretchings observable only in the chair and twist conformers. The picture arising from the analysis of the linear spectra is confirmed by two‐photon spectroscopies, showing that they constitute valuable tools for the exploration of high‐energy electronic transitions in pyridoallenoacetylenic cyclophanes. Discrepancies among computed and experimental spectra point out that an accurate description of such complex systems with a large delocalized π framework and a dense manifold of electronic excited state remains a challenge for theoretical models.
Synergic Catalysis of PdCu Alloy Nanoparticles within a Macroreticular Basic Resin for Hydrogen Production from Formic Acid
Authors: Mori Kohsuke , Tanaka Hiromasa , Dojo Masahiro , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: July 2015

Highly dispersed PdCu alloy nanoparticles have been successfully prepared within a macroreticular basic resin bearing N(CH3)2 functional groups. This previously unappreciated combination of alloy is first proven to be responsible for the efficient production of high‐purity H2 from formic acid (HCOOH) dehydrogenation for chemical hydrogen storage. By the addition of Cu, the electronically promoted Pd sites show significantly higher catalytic activity as well as a better tolerance towards CO poisoning as compared to their monometallic Pd counterparts. Experimental and DFT calculation studies revealed not only the synergic alloying effect but also cooperative action by the N(CH3)2 groups within the resin play crucial roles in achieving exceptional catalytic performances. In addition to the advantages such as, facile preparation method, free of additives, recyclable without leaching of active component, and suppression of unfavorable CO formation less than 3 ppm, the present catalytic system is cost‐effective because of the superior catalytic activity compared with that of well‐established precious PdAg or PdAu catalysts. The present catalytic system is particularly desirable for an ideal hydrogen vector in terms of potential industrial application for fuel cells.
HMGA2 expression distinguishes between different types of postpubertal testicular germ cell tumour
Authors: Kloth Lars , Gottlieb Andrea , Helmke Burkhard , Wosniok Werner , Löning Thomas , Burchardt Käte , Belge Gazanfer , Günther Kathrin , Bullerdiek Jörn
Published: July 2015

The group of postpubertal testicular germ cell tumours encompasses lesions with highly diverse differentiation – seminomas, embryonal carcinomas, yolk sac tumours, teratomas and choriocarcinomas. Heterogeneous differentiation is often present within individual tumours and the correct identification of the components is of clinical relevance. HMGA2 re‐expression has been reported in many tumours, including testicular germ cell tumours. This is the first study investigating HMGA2 expression in a representative group of testicular germ cell tumours with the highly sensitive method of quantitative real‐time PCR as well as with immunohistochemistry. The expression of HMGA2 and HPRT was measured using quantitative real‐time PCR in 59 postpubertal testicular germ cell tumours. Thirty specimens contained only one type of tumour and 29 were mixed neoplasms. With the exception of choriocarcinomas, at least two pure specimens from each subgroup of testicular germ cell tumour were included. In order to validate the quantitative real‐time PCR data and gather information about the localisation of the protein, additional immunohistochemical analysis with an antibody specific for HMGA2 was performed in 23 cases. Expression of HMGA2 in testicular germ cell tumours depended on the histological differentiation. Seminomas and embryonal carcinomas showed no or very little expression, whereas yolk sac tumours strongly expressed HMGA2 at the transcriptome as well as the protein level. In teratomas, the expression varied and in choriocarcinomas the expression was moderate. In part, these results contradict data from previous studies but HMGA2 seems to represent a novel marker to assist pathological subtyping of testicular germ cell tumours. The results indicate a critical role in yolk sac tumours and some forms of teratoma.
Synthesis and Structure Characterization of 1,5‐Benzothiazepine Derivatives Bearing Quinoline Moiety
Authors: Zeng Y.‐M. , Zeng H.‐H. , Liu F.‐M.
Published: July 2015

A series of 1,5‐benzothiazepine derivatives bearing quinoline moiety were obtained by 1,5‐benzothiazepine containing 2‐phensulfanyl‐quinoline (4a, 4b, 4c) with equimolar amounts of benzohydroximinoyl chlorides 5 in CH2Cl2 at room temperature. Structures of new compounds were confirmed by elemental analysis, IR, 1H‐NMR, MS, and X‐ray diffraction analysis.
Sequence variability is correlated with weak immunogenicity in Streptococcus pyogenes M protein
Authors: Lannergård Jonas , Kristensen Bodil M. , Gustafsson Mattias C. U. , Persson Jenny J. , Norrby‐Teglund Anna , Stålhammar‐Carlemalm Margaretha , Lindahl Gunnar
Published: July 2015

The M protein of Streptococcus pyogenes, a major bacterial virulence factor, has an amino‐terminal hypervariable region (HVR) that is a target for type‐specific protective antibodies. Intriguingly, the HVR elicits a weak antibody response, indicating that it escapes host immunity by two mechanisms, sequence variability and weak immunogenicity. However, the properties influencing the immunogenicity of regions in an M protein remain poorly understood. Here, we studied the antibody response to different regions of the classical M1 and M5 proteins, in which not only the HVR but also the adjacent fibrinogen‐binding B repeat region exhibits extensive sequence divergence. Analysis of antisera from S. pyogenes‐infected patients, infected mice, and immunized mice showed that both the HVR and the B repeat region elicited weak antibody responses, while the conserved carboxy‐terminal part was immunodominant. Thus, we identified a correlation between sequence variability and weak immunogenicity for M protein regions. A potential explanation for the weak immunogenicity was provided by the demonstration that protease digestion selectively eliminated the HVR‐B part from whole M protein‐expressing bacteria. These data support a coherent model, in which the entire variable HVR‐B part evades antibody attack, not only by sequence variability but also by weak immunogenicity resulting from protease attack.
Oxidative Stress Responses to Nigella sativa Oil Concurrent with a Low‐Calorie Diet in Obese Women: A Randomized, Double‐Blind Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Namazi Nazli , Mahdavi Reza , Alizadeh Mohammad , Farajnia Safar
Published: July 2015

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of Nigella sativa (NS) oil concurrent with a low‐calorie diet on lipid peroxidation and oxidative status in obese women. In this double‐blind placebo‐controlled randomized clinical trial, 50 volunteer obese (body mass index = 30–35 kg/m2) women aged 25–50 years old were recruited. Participants were randomly divided into intervention (n = 25) and placebo (n = 25) groups. They received a low‐calorie diet with 3 g/day NS oil or low‐calorie diet with 3 g/day placebo for 8 weeks. Forty‐nine women (intervention group = 25; placebo group = 24) completed the trial. NS oil concurrent with a low‐calorie diet decreased weight in the NS group compared to the placebo group (−4.80 ± 1.50 vs. −1.40 ± 1.90 kg; p < 0.01). Comparison of red blood cell superoxidase dismutase (SOD) indicated significant changes in the NS group compared to the placebo group at the end of the study (88.98 ± 87.46 vs. −3.30 ± 109.80 U/gHb; p < 0.01). But no significant changes in lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity concentrations were observed. NS oil concurrent with a low‐calorie diet decreased weight and increased SOD levels in obese women. However, more studies are suggested to confirm the positive effects of NS in obesity and its complications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extent of genotypic variation for maize cell wall bioconversion traits across environments and among hybrid combinations
Authors: Torres Andres F. , Noordam-Boot Cornelie M. M. , Dolstra Oene , Vlaswinkel Louis , Visser Richard G. F. , Trindade Luisa M.
Published: July 2015

The utilization of maize stover as a substrate for bioenergy production demands the development of dual-purpose hybrid varieties combining both, optimal grain yield and improved biomass processing amenability. In this study, our objectives were to assess how contrasting environments influence the expression of cell wall composition and bioconversion traits relevant to cellulosic fuel production, and to study how these traits are inherited in hybrid combinations. To this end, a panel of maize double haploid (DH) lines and their corresponding test-cross (TC) offspring were tested under different locations (primarily in the Netherlands) and characterized for a variety of cell wall compositional and bioconversion features relevant to cellulosic fuel production. Overall, the DH and TC sets displayed extensive genotypic diversity in cell wall composition, polymeric ultrastructure and bioconversion characteristics. Heritability for the different traits was generally high (h2 > ~0.60); essentially implying that systematic differences between genotypes remained constant across divergent environmental conditions. Moreover, correlations between the performance of DH lines and related TC hybrids were significant and favorable for most investigated traits. Strong associations (r > ~0.50) were especially prominent for cell wall lignin content, degree of substitution of cell wall glucuronoarabinoxylans and cell wall convertibility following pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. In conclusion, complex cell wall bioconversion traits constitute accessible and reliable selection criteria for incorporation in modern breeding programs seeking to advance bio-based maize hybrid varieties. The high heritability and environmental stability of these traits guarantee high selection efficacy during the development of superior DH/inbred material; and their predominantly additive nature prescribe that preliminary selection at the inbred level will guarantee similar correlated genetic gains in hybrid breeding.
Swedish University Students’ Opinion Regarding Information About Soft Markers
Authors: Roshanai Afsaneh Hayat , Lindgren Peter , Nordin Karin , Ingvoldstad Charlotta
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the opinions of Swedish university students about information regarding soft markers, when observed at second trimester ultrasound screening. A cross‐sectional survey, where 85 Swedish university students completed a study specific questionnaire containing eleven hypothetical scenarios, involving various parameters (disease/syndromes/malformations with different characteristics), and location of the markers. Almost all participants indicated that they would wish to be informed, prior to the ultrasound examination, about the assessment and significance of soft markers. However, the number of respondents who requested information about a potential actual finding was considerably less. Several participants wanted to be informed about detected markers associated to serious conditions but not when the marker indicated an increased risk for a treatable disease. Also, the specific location of the marker was of importance to the participants. The majority of respondents wished to be informed about the soft markers if they were observed in the heart or the brain of the foetus, compared to if they were located in the intestine or the skeleton. The students’ opinion, in this study, implicate the importance of pre‐examination information to enable expectant parents to make informed choice regarding the second trimester ultrasound screening as well as on reciving information of actual findings.
Conceptus implantation and placentation: molecules related to epithelial–mesenchymal transition, lymphocyte homing, endogenous retroviruses, and exosomes
Authors: Imakawa Kazuhiko , Bai Rulan , Fujiwara Hiroshi , Kusama Kazuya
Published: July 2015

Processes of conceptus implantation and placentation, unique to mammalian reproduction, have been extensively studied. It was once thought that processes of these events varied greatly, notably between invasive and noninvasive modes of implantation and/or placentation. Regardless of the mode of implantation, however, physiological and biochemical processes in conceptus implantation to the maternal endometrium including the kinds of gene expression and their products are now considered not to differ so much. Recent progress has identified that in addition to the hormones, cytokines, proteases and cell adhesion molecules classically characterized, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, molecules related to lymphocyte homing, the expression of endogenous retroviruses and possibly exosomes are all required for the progression of conceptus implantation to placentation. In this review, therefore, new findings related to these events are integrated into the context of conceptus implantation to the maternal endometrium.
Brain Imaging in Gambling Disorder
Authors: Quester Saskia , Romanczuk-Seiferth Nina
Published: July 2015

Gambling disorder recently was reclassified under the category “substance-related and addictive disorders.” With regard to the diagnostic criteria, it overlaps a great deal with substance use disorder, i.e., loss of control, craving/withdrawal, and neglect of other areas of life. However, the gambling disorder symptom “chasing one’s losses” is the only criterion absent from substance use disorder. Therefore, special forms of reward (i.e., gain/loss) processing, such as the processing of loss avoidance and loss aversion, have just recently attracted attention among gambling disorder researchers. Because gambling disorder might be considered an addiction in its “pure” form, i.e., without the influence of a drug of abuse, investigating brain volume changes in people with this behavioral addiction is an important task for neuroimaging researchers in exploring the neural signatures of addiction. Because the brain is a complex network, investigation of alterations in functional connectivity has gained interest among gambling disorder researchers in order to get a more complete picture of functional brain changes in people with gambling disorder. However, only a few studies on brain structure and functional connectivity in gambling disorder have been performed so far. This review focuses on brain imaging studies of reward and loss processing, with an emphasis on loss avoidance and aversion as well as brain volume and functional connectivity in gambling disorder.
Family and school influences on adolescents' adjustment: The moderating role of youth hopefulness and aspirations for the future
Authors: Gerard Jean M. , Booth Margaret Zoller
Published: July 2015

Using a school‐based sample of 675 adolescents, this short‐term longitudinal investigation examined the relationships among individual, family, and school influences on adolescent adjustment problems. Adolescents' perceptions of school climate and their sense of connectedness to school were negatively associated with conduct problems. A significant interaction between parental academic support and adolescents' academic aspirations was detected for the total sample, boys, and White youth, indicating that parental support serves a protective function against conduct problems for students with low academic expectations. Adolescents' hopefulness, parental academic aspirations, and school connectedness were negatively associated with depression. Adolescents' hopefulness and their academic aspirations moderated associations between both family and school influences on adolescent adjustment with youth gender and race qualifying these interaction effects.
Shifts in the Care for Patients Presenting in Primary Care With Anxiety; Stepped Collaborative Care Parameters From More than a Decade
Authors: Gidding L.G. , Spigt M.G. , Maris J.G. , Herijgers O. , Dinant G.-J.
Published: July 2015

Background

The mental health burden on primary care is substantial and increasing. Anxiety is a major contributor. Stepped collaborative care (SCC) is implemented worldwide to improve patient outcomes, but long term real-world evaluations of SCC do not exist. Using routinely used electronic medical records from more than a decade, we investigated changes in anxiety prevalences, whether physicians made distinction between non-severe and severe anxiety, and whether these groups were referred and treated differently, both non-pharmacologically and pharmacologically.

Methods

Retrospective assessment of anxiety care parameters recorded by 54 general practitioners between 2003 and 2014, in the electronic medical records of a dynamic population of 49,841–69,413 primary care patients.

Results

Substantial shifts in anxiety care parameters have occurred. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms doubled to 0.9% and of anxiety disorders almost tripled to 1.1%. Use of ICPC codes seemed comprehensive and use of instruments to support in anxiety level differentiation increased to 13% of anxiety symptom and 7% of anxiety disorder patients in 2014. Minimal interventions were used more frequently, especially for anxiety symptoms (OR 21 [95% CI 5.1–85]). The antidepressant prescription rates decreased significantly for anxiety symptoms (OR 0.5 [95% CI 0.4–0.8]) and anxiety disorders (OR 0.6 [95% CI 0.4–0.8]). More patients were referred to psychologists and psychiatrists.

Conclusions

We found shifts in anxiety care parameters that follow the principles of SCC. Future primary care research should comprehensively assess the use of the SCC range of therapeutic options, tailored to patients with all different anxiety severity levels.
Functional Disability and Quality of Life Decrements in Mental Disorders: Results From the Mental Health Module of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (Degs1-Mh)
Authors: Mack Simon , Jacobi Frank , Beesdo-Baum Katja , Gerschler Anja , Strehle Jens , Höfler Michael , Busch Markus A. , Maske Ulrike , Hapke Ulfert , Gaebel Wolfgang , Zielasek Jürgen , Maier Wolfgang , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich
Published: July 2015

Background

This paper provides nationally representative data on how current and past mental disorders are related to functional disability and health-related quality of life (QoL).

Methods

Results are based on a nationally representative sample (DEGS1-MH; n = 4483 aged 18–79). Respondents were examined by clinical interviewers with the DSM-IV Composite International Diagnostic Interview (DIA-X/M-CIDI). Functional disability, i.e. number of disability days in the past 4 weeks, and QoL, i.e. mental (MCS) and physical (PCS) component scale of the SF-36V2, were examined in subjects with 12-month mental disorders (= active cases [AC]) and compared to (a) subjects who never met diagnostic criteria (= unaffected individuals [UAI]), and (b) those with a history of mental disorders but not meeting the diagnostic criteria in the past 12 months (= non-active cases [NAC]; partially or fully remitted).

Results

In comparison to UAI (mean: 1.9), AC reveals a 2–3 fold disability days/month (5.4, P < .001) and a substantially reduced MCS (UAI: 52.1; AC: 43.3, P < .001). NAC had a similar number of disability days as UAI, but significantly reduced MCS scores (49.9; P < .001). Disability days and QoL decrements were highest in internalizing disorders including somatoform disorders and most pronounced in comorbid cases.

Conclusions

By and large, findings of a previous study were confirmed and extended for this nationally representative German sample. 12-month mental disorders, particularly internalizing, including somatoform disorders, are associated with high levels of disability and increased health-related QoL decrements. Partial or complete remission of the mental disorders is associated with a normalization of the numbers of disability days.
Calpain mediates processing of the translation termination factor eRF3 into the IAP‐binding isoform p‐eRF3
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshifumi , Inagaki Hiroto , Hoshino Shin-ichi
Published: July 2015

The involvement of polypeptide chain‐releasing factor eRF3 in translation termination and mRNA decay is well established. Moreover, the finding that the proteolytically processed isoform of eRF3 (p‐eRF3) interacts with inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) to activate caspase, implies that eRF3 is a cell death regulator. However, the protease(s) responsible for p‐eRF3 production and how p‐eRF3 regulates apoptosis remain unknown. Here, we show that calpain mediates p‐eRF3 production in vitro and in living cells. p‐eRF3 is produced in cells treated with ER stressors in a calpain‐dependent manner. These findings suggest that p‐eRF3 is a novel regulator of calpain‐dependent cell death.
From structure to function of bacterial chromosomes: Evolutionary perspectives and ideas for new experiments
Authors: Lagomarsino Marco Cosentino , Espéli Olivier , Junier Ivan
Published: July 2015

The link between chromosome structure and function is a challenging open question because chromosomes in vivo are highly dynamic and arduous to manipulate. Here, we examine several promising approaches to tackle this question specifically in bacteria, by integrating knowledge from different sources. Toward this end, we first provide a brief overview of experimental tools that have provided insights into the description of the bacterial chromosome, including genetic, biochemical and fluorescence microscopy techniques. We then explore the possibility of using comparative genomics to isolate functionally important features of chromosome organization, exploiting the fact that features shared between phylogenetically distant bacterial species reflect functional significance. Finally, we discuss possible future perspectives from the field of experimental evolution. Specifically, we propose novel experiments in which bacteria could be screened and selected on the basis of the structural properties of their chromosomes.
Ubiquitin is a versatile scaffold protein for the generation of molecules withde novo binding and advantageous drug‐like properties
Authors: Job Florian , Settele Florian , Lorey Susan , Rundfeldt Chris , Baumann Lars , Beck-Sickinger Annette G. , Haupts Ulrich , Lilie Hauke , Bosse-Doenecke Eva
Published: July 2015

In the search for effective therapeutic strategies, protein‐based biologicals are under intense development. While monoclonal antibodies represent the majority of these drugs, other innovative approaches are exploring the use of scaffold proteins for the creation of binding molecules with tailor‐made properties. Ubiquitin is especially suited for this strategy due to several key characteristics. Ubiquitin is a natural serum protein, 100% conserved across the mammalian class and possesses high thermal, structural and proteolytic stability. Because of its small size and lack of posttranslational modifications, it can be easily produced inEscherichia coli. In this work we provide evidence that ubiquitin is safe as tested experimentallyin vivo. In contrast to previously published results, we show that, in our hands, ubiquitin does not act as a functional ligand of the chemokine receptor CXCR4. Cellular assays based on different signaling pathways of the receptor were conducted with the natural agonist SDF‐1 as a benchmark. In none of the assays could a response to ubiquitin treatment be elicited. Furthermore, intravenous application to mice at high concentrations did not induce any detectable effect on cytokine levels or hematological parameters.
Regulatory MicroRNA Networks: Complex Patterns of Target Pathways for Disease-Related and Housekeeping MicroRNAs
Authors: Zafari Sachli , Backes Christina , Leidinger Petra , Meese Eckart , Keller Andreas
Published: July 2015

Blood-based microRNA (miRNA) signatures as biomarkers have been reported for various pathologies, including cancer, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and also infections. The regulatory mechanism behind respective miRNA patterns is only partially understood. Moreover, “preserved” miRNAs, i.e., miRNAs that are not dysregulated in any disease, and their biological impact have been explored to a very limited extent. We set out to systematically determine their role in regulatory networks by defining groups of highly-dysregulated miRNAs that contribute to a disease signature as opposed to preserved housekeeping miRNAs. We further determined preferential targets and pathways of both dysregulated and preserved miRNAs by computing multi-layer networks, which were compared between housekeeping and dysregulated miRNAs. Of 848 miRNAs examined across 1049 blood samples, 8 potential housekeepers showed very limited expression variations, while 20 miRNAs showed highly-dysregulated expression throughout the investigated blood samples. Our approach provides important insights into miRNAs and their role in regulatory networks. The methodology can be applied to systematically investigate the differences in target genes and pathways of arbitrary miRNA sets.
Correlating Bladder Cancer Risk Genes with their Targeting MicroRNAs using MMiRNA-Tar
Authors: Liu Yang , Baker Steve , Jiang Hui , Stuart Gary , Bai Yongsheng
Published: July 2015

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) (http://cancergenome.nih.gov) is a valuable data resource focused on an increasing number of well-characterized cancer genomes. In part, TCGA provides detailed information about cancer-dependent gene expression changes, including changes in the expression of transcription-regulating microRNAs. We developed a web interface tool MMiRNA-Tar (http://bioinf1.indstate.edu/MMiRNA-Tar) that can calculate and plot the correlation of expression for mRNA−microRNA pairs across samples or over a time course for a list of pairs under different prediction confidence cutoff criteria. Prediction confidence was established by requiring that the proposed mRNA−microRNA pair appears in at least one of three target prediction databases: TargetProfiler, TargetScan, or miRanda. We have tested our MMiRNA-Tar tool through analyzing 53 tumor and 11 normal samples of bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) datasets obtained from TCGA and identified 204 microRNAs. These microRNAs were correlated with the mRNAs of five previously-reported bladder cancer risk genes and these selected pairs exhibited correlations in opposite direction between the tumor and normal samples based on the customized cutoff criterion of prediction. Furthermore, we have identified additional 496 genes (830 pairs) potentially targeted by 79 significant microRNAs out of 204 using three cutoff criteria, i.e., false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.1, opposite correlation coefficient between the tumor and normal samples, and predicted by at least one of three target prediction databases. Therefore, MMiRNA-Tar provides researchers a convenient tool to visualize the co-relationship between microRNAs and mRNAs and to predict their targeting relationship. We believe that correlating expression profiles for microRNAs and mRNAs offers a complementary approach for elucidating their interactions.
A Two-Dimensional Problem for a Rotating Magneto-Thermoelastic Half-Space with Voids and Gravity in a Two-Temperature Generalized Thermoelasticity Theory
Authors: Deswal S. , Hooda N.
Published: July 2015

The present paper is concerned with an in-depth study of the effects of rotation, two-temperature parameter and voids on the magneto-thermoelastic interactions in a homogeneous, isotropic, generalized half-space with gravity field. The formulation is applied within the frame-work of two-temperature generalized thermoelasticity based on the hyperbolic heat conduction model with one relaxation time. Using normal mode analysis technique for the physical variables appearing in the governing equations, we get the analytical expressions for displacement components, stress, thermodynamic temperature, conductive temperature and change in volume fraction field. The general solution obtained is then applied to a specific problem of an infinite half-space having isothermal boundary subjected to mechanical load. Variations of the considered variables through the vertical distance are illustrated graphically.
Loci of complex polynomials, part II: polar derivatives
Authors: SENDOV BLAGOVEST , SENDOV HRISTO
Published: July 2015

For every complex polynomialp(z), closed point sets are defined, calledlociofp(z). A closed set Ω ⊆${\mathbb C}$* is a locus ofp(z) if it contains a zero of any of its apolar polynomials and is the smallest such set with respect to inclusion. Using the notion locus, some classical theorems in the geometry of polynomials can be refined. We show that each locus is a Lebesgue measurable set and investigate its intriguing connections with the higher-order polar derivatives ofp.
Computing with relational machines
Authors: HUET GÉRARD , RAZET BENOÎT
Published: July 2015

We propose a relational computing paradigm based on Eilenberg machines, an effective version of Eilenberg's X-machines suitable for general non-deterministic computation. An Eilenberg machine generalizes a finite-state automaton, seen as its control component, with a computation component over a data domain specified as a relational algebra, its actions being interpreted as binary relations over the data domain. We show various strategies for the sequential simulation of our relational machines, using variants of thereactive engine. In a particular case offinite machines, we show that bottom-up search yields an efficient complete simulator.

Relational machines may be composed in a modular fashion, since atomic actions of one machine can be mapped to the characteristic relation of other relational machines acting as its parameters.

The control components of machines can be compiled from regular expressions. Several such translations have been proposed in the literature, which we briefly survey.
The Future of Antarctic Subglacial Lake Exploration
Authors: Siegert Martin , Priscu John , Alekhina Irina
Published: July 2015

Antarctic Subglacial Lake Exploration: First Results and Future Plans; Chicheley Hall, U. K.; 30–31 March 2015
Pharmacologically-Induced Neurovascular Uncoupling is Associated with Cognitive Impairment in Mice
Authors: Tarantini Stefano , Hertelendy Peter , Tucsek Zsuzsanna , Valcarcel-Ares M Noa , Smith Nataliya , Menyhart Akos , Farkas Eszter , Hodges Erik L , Towner Rheal , Deak Ferenc , Sonntag William E , Csiszar Anna , Ungvari Zoltan , Toth Peter
Published: July 2015

There is increasing evidence that vascular risk factors, including aging, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity, promote cognitive impairment; however, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is adjusted to neuronal activity via neurovascular coupling (NVC) and this mechanism is known to be impaired in the aforementioned pathophysiologic conditions. To establish a direct relationship between impaired NVC and cognitive decline, we induced neurovascular uncoupling pharmacologically in mice by inhibiting the synthesis of vasodilator mediators involved in NVC. Treatment of mice with the epoxygenase inhibitor N-(methylsulfonyl)-2-(2-propynyloxy)-benzenehexanamide (MSPPOH), the NO synthase inhibitor l-NG-Nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME), and the COX inhibitor indomethacin decreased NVC by over 60% mimicking the aging phenotype, which was associated with significantly impaired spatial working memory (Y-maze), recognition memory (Novel object recognition), and impairment in motor coordination (Rotarod). Blood pressure (tail cuff) and basal cerebral perfusion (arterial spin labeling perfusion MRI) were unaffected. Thus, selective experimental disruption of NVC is associated with significant impairment of cognitive and sensorimotor function, recapitulating neurologic symptoms and signs observed in brain aging and pathophysiologic conditions associated with accelerated cerebromicrovascular aging.
SUMOylation of synapsin Ia maintains synaptic vesicle availability and is reduced in an autism mutation
Authors: Tang Leo T. -H. , Craig Tim J. , Henley Jeremy M.
Published: July 2015

Synapsins are key components of the presynaptic neurotransmitter release machinery. Their main role is to cluster synaptic vesicles (SVs) to each other and anchor them to the actin cytoskeleton to establish the reserve vesicle pool, and then release them in response to appropriate membrane depolarization. Here we demonstrate that SUMOylation of synapsin Ia (SynIa) at K687 is necessary for SynIa function. Replacement of endogenous SynIa with a non-SUMOylatable mutant decreases the size of the releasable vesicle pool and impairs stimulated SV exocytosis. SUMOylation enhances SynIa association with SVs to promote the efficient reclustering of SynIa following neuronal stimulation and maintain its presynaptic localization. The A548T mutation in SynIa is strongly associated with autism and epilepsy and we show that it leads to defective SynIa SUMOylation. These results identify SUMOylation as a fundamental regulator of SynIa function and reveal a novel link between reduced SUMOylation of SynIa and neurological disorders.
Sodium and Lithium Storage Properties of Spray-Dried Molybdenum Disulfide-Graphene Hierarchical Microspheres
Authors: Kalluri Sujith , Seng Kuok Hau , Guo Zaiping , Du Aijun , Konstantinov Konstantin , Liu Hua Kun , Dou Shi Xue
Published: July 2015

Developing nano/micro-structures which can effectively upgrade the intriguing properties of electrode materials for energy storage devices is always a key research topic. Ultrathin nanosheets were proved to be one of the potential nanostructures due to their high specific surface area, good active contact areas and porous channels. Herein, we report a unique hierarchical micro-spherical morphology of well-stacked and completely miscible molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets and graphene sheets, were successfully synthesized via a simple and industrial scale spray-drying technique to take the advantages of both MoS2 and graphene in terms of their high practical capacity values and high electronic conductivity, respectively. Computational studies were performed to understand the interfacial behaviour of MoS2 and graphene, which proves high stability of the composite with high interfacial binding energy (−2.02 eV) among them. Further, the lithium and sodium storage properties have been tested and reveal excellent cyclic stability over 250 and 500 cycles, respectively, with the highest initial capacity values of 1300 mAh g−1 and 640 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1.
Circulating levels of sphingosine-1-phosphate are elevated in severe, but not mild psoriasis and are unresponsive to anti-TNF-α treatment
Authors: Checa Antonio , Xu Ning , Sar Daniel G. , Haeggström Jesper Z. , Ståhle Mona , Wheelock Craig E.
Published: July 2015

Sphingolipids are bioactive molecules with a putative role in inflammation. Alterations in sphingolipids, in particular ceramides, have been consistently observed in psoriatic skin. Herein, we quantified the circulating sphingolipid profile in individuals with mild or severe psoriasis as well as healthy controls. In addition, the effects of anti-TNF-α treatment were determined. Levels of sphingoid bases, including sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), increased in severe (P < 0.001; n = 32), but not in mild (n = 32), psoriasis relative to healthy controls (n = 32). These alterations were not reversed in severe patients (n = 16) after anti-TNF-α treatment despite significant improvement in psoriasis lesions. Circulating levels of sphingomyelins and ceramides shifted in a fatty acid chain length-dependent manner. These alterations were also observed in psoriasis skin lesions and were associated with changes in mRNA levels of ceramide synthases. The lack of S1P response to treatment may have pathobiological implications due to its close relation to the vascular and immune systems. In particular, increased levels of sphingolipids and especially S1P in severe psoriasis patients requiring biological treatment may potentially be associated with cardiovascular comorbidities. The fact that shifts in S1P levels were not ameliorated by anti-TNF-α treatment, despite improvements in the skin lesions, further supports targeting S1P receptors as therapy for severe psoriasis.
Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl fluorides with N-tosylhydrazones via C–F bond activation
Authors: Luo Haiqing , Wu Guojiao , Xu Shuai , Wang Kang , Wu Chaoqiang , Zhang Yan , Wang Jianbo
Published: July 2015

A palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of electron-deficient aryl fluorides with aryl N-tosylhydrazones, which involves C–F bond activation and migratory insertion of palladium carbene, has been developed.
Probing the coordination environment of Ti3+ions coordinated to nitrogen-containing Lewis bases
Authors: Morra E. , Maurelli S. , Chiesa M. , Van Doorslaer S.
Published: July 2015

A combined EPR and DFT study on model systems reveals fingerprint14N hyperfine and quadrupole data to identify binding of nitrogen-containing Lewis bases to Ti(iii).
Hierarchical electroless Pt deposition at Au decorated reduced graphene oxide via a galvanic exchanged process: an electrocatalytic nanocomposite with enhanced mass activity for methanol and ethanol oxidation
Authors: Gnanaprakasam P. , Jeena S. E. , Selvaraju T.
Published: July 2015

The electronic and synergistic effects of Au core and thin layer of Pt shell are the promising properties for the enhanced catalytic activity in alcohol oxidation compared to commercial catalysts.
The nucleoid-associated protein HU enhances 8-oxoguanine base excision by the formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase
Authors: Le Meur Rémy , Culard Françoise , Nadan Virginie , Goffinont Stéphane , Coste Franck , Guerin Martine , Loth Karine , Landon Céline , Castaing Bertrand
Published: July 2015

The nucleoid-associated protein HU is involved in numerous DNA transactions and thus is essential in DNA maintenance and bacterial survival. The high affinity of HU for SSBs (single-strand breaks) has suggested its involvement in DNA protection, repair and recombination. SSB-containing DNA are major intermediates transiently generated by bifunctional DNA N-glycosylases that initiate the BER (base excision repair) pathway. Enzyme kinetics and DNA-binding experiments demonstrate that HU enhances the 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase activity of Fpg (formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase) by facilitating the release of the enzyme from its final DNA product (one nucleoside gap). We propose that the displacement of Fpg from its end-DNA product by HU is an active mechanism in which HU recognizes the product when it is still bound by Fpg. Through DNA binding, the two proteins interplay to form a transient ternary complex Fpg/DNA/HU which results in the release of Fpg and the molecular entrapment of SSBs by HU. These results support the involvement of HU in BER in vivo.
Klotho expression is reduced in COPD airway epithelial cells: effects on inflammation and oxidant injury
Authors: Gao Wei , Yuan Cheng , Zhang Jingying , Li Lingling , Yu Like , Wiegman Coen H. , Barnes Peter J. , Adcock Ian M. , Huang Mao , Yao Xin
Published: July 2015

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is associated with sustained inflammation, excessive injury, and accelerated lung aging. Human Klotho (KL) is an anti-aging protein that protects cells against inflammation and damage. In the present study, we quantified KL expression in the lungs of COPD patients and in an ozone-induced mouse model of COPD, and investigated the mechanisms that control KL expression and function in the airways. KL distribution and levels in human and mouse airways were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The effect of CSE (cigarette smoke extract) on KL expression was detected in human bronchial epithelial cells. Moreover, the effect of KL on CSE-mediated inflammation and hydrogen peroxide-induced cellular injury/apoptosis was determined using siRNAs. KL expression was decreased in the lungs of smokers and further reduced in patients with COPD. Similarly, 6 weeks of exposure to ozone decreased KL levels in airway epithelial cells. CSE and TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α) decreased KL expression and release from airway epithelial cells, which was associated with enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Moreover, KL depletion increased cell sensitivity to cigarette smoke-induced inflammation and oxidative stress-induced cell damage. These effects involved the NF-κB (nuclear factor κB), MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) pathways. Reduced KL expression in COPD airway epithelial cells was associated with increased oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. These data provide new insights into the mechanisms associated with the accelerated lung aging in COPD development.
Hearing Aid–Induced Plasticity in the Auditory System of Older Adults: Evidence From Speech Perception
Authors: Lavie Limor , Banai Karen , Karni Avi , Attias Joseph
Published: July 2015

Purpose

We tested whether using hearing aids can improve unaided performance in speech perception tasks in older adults with hearing impairment.

Method

Unaided performance was evaluated in dichotic listening and speech-in-noise tests in 47 older adults with hearing impairment; 36 participants in 3 study groups were tested before hearing aid fitting and after 4, 8, and 14 weeks of hearing-aid use. The remaining 11 participants served as a control group and were similarly evaluated but were not fitted with hearing aids. Three protocols were compared in the study groups: amplification for the nondominant ear, amplification for the dominant ear, and bilateral amplification. Subsequently, after 4 weeks, all participants were afforded bilateral amplification.

Results

In the study groups, unaided dichotic listening scores improved significantly in the nondominant ear by 8 weeks and onward. Significant improvements were also observed for unaided speech identification in noise, with some gains apparent after 4 weeks of hearing-aid use. No gains were observed in the control group.

Conclusions

Using hearing aids for a relatively short period can induce changes in the way older adults process auditory inputs in perceptual tasks such as speech identification in noise and dichotic listening. These changes suggest that the central auditory system of older adults retains the potential for behaviorally relevant plasticity.
Rapid Naming and Phonemic Awareness in Children With Reading Disabilities and/or Specific Language Impairment: Differentiating Processes?
Authors: De Groot Bartholomeus J. A. , Van den Bos Kees P. , Van der Meulen Bieuwe F. , Minnaert Alexander E. M. G.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

The objective of this study was to assess and compare the predictive values of group membership for rapid automatized naming (RAN) and phonemic awareness (PA) in Dutch school children with and without reading disabilities (RD) or specific language impairment (SLI).

Method

A composite word reading index and a formal SLI diagnosis were used to classify a total of 1,267 children aged 8 to 13 years old either as RD-only (n= 126), SLI-only (n= 21), comorbid (RD+SLI;n= 30), or typically developing (n= 1,090). RAN and PA were assessed with 4 standardized subtests. The clinical subgroups were compared to each other and contrasted with the control group.

Results

For each subgroup, results indicate substantial effect sizes of RAN and PA. However, the RD-only group seems to be more affected by poor RAN than the SLI-only group, whereas the 2 groups perform equally poorly on PA. The comorbid group was revealed as most severely impaired on all measurements.

Conclusions

In studying RD and SLI, this research indicates that it is important to distinguish between RD-only, SLI-only, and comorbid groups. The comorbid group shows additive effects of both disorders.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14963622
A Novel Pupillometric Method for Indexing Word Difficulty in Individuals With and Without Aphasia
Authors: Chapman Laura R. , Hallowell Brooke
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Cognitive effort is a clinically important facet of linguistic processing that is often overlooked in the assessment and treatment of people with aphasia (PWA). Furthermore, there is a paucity of valid ways to index cognitive effort in PWA. The construct of cognitive effort has been indexed for decades via pupillometry (measurement of pupil dilation and constriction during a cognitive task), yet pupillometry has not been implemented in studies including PWA. In the present study, we tested a novel method for indexing cognitive effort during linguistic processing in people with and without aphasia.

Method

Forty control participants and 39 PWA listened to semantically easy and difficult single nouns and looked at images while their pupillary responses were monitored. Mean pupil dilation in response to easy versus difficult nouns was calculated to index cognitive effort.

Results

Larger mean pupil dilation values were obtained for difficult compared with easy nouns for both groups.

Conclusion

Results provide preliminary evidence that pupillometry can be used to index cognitive effort during linguistic processing of single nouns in people with and without aphasia. Methods for indexing cognitive effort will be a valuable addition to existing assessment methods. Suggestions for further research are offered.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14963616
Perovskite Solar Cells Based on Nanocrystalline SnO2 Material with Extremely Small Particle Sizes
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Abu Sayeed Md , Wang Teng
Published: July 2015

In this work, we report the synthesis of SnO2 nanocrystalline material and its application in perovskite solar cells. The material has been characterised comprehensively by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, selected area diffraction, and N2 adsorption analysis. The results have revealed that the average particle size of the SnO2 material was less than 3 nm, resulting in a large specific surface area of 173.9 m2 g–1. The investigation of the material in perovskite solar cells as electron-transport layer showed that pure SnO2 material did not favour the photovoltaic performance of the device. The best solar cell obtained with one layer of SnO2 film (22 nm) showed an energy conversion efficiency of 2.19 % under an illumination intensity of 100 mW cm–2. Beyond this thickness, the performance of the solar cells decreased significantly with increasing thickness of the SnO2 film due to a dramatic decrease in the photocurrent density. Nevertheless, it has been found that SnO2 material containing a small amount of metal tin (1.3 %) significantly improved the performance of the solar cell to 8.7 %. The possible reason for this phenomenon has been discussed based on the consideration of the energy band alignment of materials in the perovskite solar cells.