bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Donor copolymer with benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene and quinoxaline derivative segments for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Gao Zhi , Qu Bo , Wu Haimei , Gao Chao , Yang Hongsheng , Zhang Lipei , Xiao Lixin , Chen Zhijian , Gong Qihuang
Published: December 2013

A donor copolymer Poly{2,6‐4,8‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1,2‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene‐5,8‐2,3‐bis(5‐octylthiophen‐2‐yl)quinoxaline} (PBDTThQx) with benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene and quinoxaline derivatives was synthesized and characterized with NMR, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses, and cyclic voltammetry. Photovoltaic devices with the configuration indium tin oxide–poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)–poly(styrene sulfonate)–PBDTThQx–[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM)–LiF–Al were fabricated, in which PBDTThQx performed as the electron donor and PC61BM was the electron acceptor in the active layer. The device presented reasonable photovoltaic properties when the weight ratio of PBDTThQx:PC61BM reached 1:3. The open‐circuit voltage, fill factor, and power conversion efficiency were gauged to be 0.75 V, 0.59, and 0.74%, respectively. The experimental data implied that PBDTThQx would be a promising donor candidate in the application of polymer solar cells. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40279.
Highly sensitive electrochemiluminescence determination of etamsylate using a low‐cost electrochemical flow‐through cell based on a tris(2, 2'‐bipyridyl)ruthenium(II)–Nafion‐modified carbon paste electrode
Authors: Rao Haiying , Zhang Jing , Li Jianguo
Published: December 2013

A simple and sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) method for the determination of etamsylate has been developed by coupling an electrochemical flow‐through cell with a tris(2,2'‐bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+)–Nafion‐modified carbon electrode. It is based on the oxidized Ru(bpy)32+ on the electrode surface reacting with etamsylate and producing an excellent ECL signal. Under optimized experimental conditions, the proposed method allows the measurement of etamsylate over the range of 8–1000 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.9997 (n = 7) and a limit of detection of 1.57 ng/mL (3σ), the relative standard deviation (RSD) for 1000 ng/mL etamsylate (n = 7) is 0.96%. The immobilized Ru(bpy)32+ carbon paste electrode shows good electrochemical and photochemical stability. This method is rapid, simple, sensitive and has good reproducibility. It has been successfully applied to the determination of the studied etamsylate in pharmaceutical preparations with satisfactory results. The possible ECL reaction mechanism has also been discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
S‐Fms signalobody enhances myeloid cell growth and migration
Authors: Kawahara Masahiro , Hitomi Azusa , Nagamune Teruyuki
Published: December 2013

Since receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) control various cell fates in many types of cells, mimicry of RTK functions is promising for artificial control of cell fates. We have previously developed single‐chain Fv (scFv)/receptor chimeras named signalobodies that can mimic receptor signaling in response to a specific antigen. While the RTK‐based signalobodies enabled us to control cell growth and migration, further extension of applicability in another cell type would underlie the impact of the RTK‐based signalobodies. In this study, we applied the scFv‐c‐Fms (S‐Fms) signalobody in a murine myeloid progenitor cell line, FDC‐P1. S‐Fms transduced a fluorescein‐conjugated BSA (BSA‐FL)‐dependent growth signal and activated downstream signaling molecules including MEK, ERK, Akt, and STAT3, which are major constituents of Ras/MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. In addition, S‐Fms transduced a migration signal as demonstrated by the transwell‐based migration assay. Direct real‐time observation of the cells further confirmed that FDC/S‐Fms cells underwent directional cell migration toward a positive gradient of BSA‐FL. These results demonstrated the utility of the S‐Fms signalobody for controlling growth and migration of myeloid cells. Further extension of our approach includes economical large‐scale production of practically relevant blood cells as well as artificial control of cell migration for tissue regeneration and immune response.
Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Cypress: Effect of Water Amount on Structural Characteristics of the Solid Residue
Authors: Liu Hua‐Min , Li Ming‐Fei
Published: December 2013

Hydrothermal liquefaction of cypress was performed in an autoclave with various amounts of water. The obtained acid‐soluble and acid‐insoluble solid residues were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, sugar analysis, elemental analysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance to help understand the reaction mechanisms of this process. The characteristics of solid residues were significantly affected by the water amount. Cellulose was more stable at high water amount and hemicelluloses were much more reactive than cellulose. Comparison of nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of milled wood lignin and milled solid residues indicated a significant cleavage of the side chains. The components of milled solid residues were mainly derived from decomposition and repolymerization of lignin. The decomposition of the side chains was substantial for lignin depolymerization during hydrothermal liquefaction.
Are Firms that Contribute to Sustainable Development Better Financially?
Authors: Marti Carmen Pilar , Rovira‐Val M. Rosa , Drescher Lisa G. J.
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study is to analyze the effect exerted by corporate social strategies on (short‐term and long‐term) corporate financial performance (CFP). To this end, we use data on firms listed in the Stoxx Europe 600 index and Stoxx Europe Sustainability index from 2007 to 2010. On the sample data, we implement random and fixed effects panel data methodology corrected by heteroskedasticity, serial correlation, and/or cross‐sectional dependence. The results obtained show that the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, the level of economic development of the country and firm size determine CFP. In addition, the investment in research and development influences the return on assets while the company's financial slack affects the Tobin's Q. So, companies that contribute to sustainable development incur higher CFP. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The Relationship between Women Directors and Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Setó‐Pamies Dolors
Published: December 2013

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is increasingly becoming a strategic issue that has to be dealt with by top management. The aim of the present study is to analyse the role that women directors can play as driving forces behind the development of CSR in organisations, and contribute to sustainable development. Despite the fact that gender diversity is acquiring considerable importance, most research has focused on analysing how it affects financial performance. In this study, we analyse the implications that gender diversity has on CSR. To do so, we have carried out an empirical study of a sample of firms from a variety of countries and sectors to determine whether those firms with a higher percentage of women on the board of directors are more socially responsible. The results support the hypothesis that gender diversity has a positive influence on CSR. Female talent can play a strategic role in enabling firms to manage their social responsibility and sustainable practices appropriately. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Fast turbo codes with space‐time block codes in fast fading channels
Authors: Deep K. Ujwal , Bhaskar Vidhyacharan
Published: December 2013

In this paper, space‐time block coding has been used in conjunction with Turbo codes to provide good diversity and coding gains. A new method of dividing turbo encoder and decoder into several parallel encoding and decoding blocks is considered. These blocks work simultaneously and yield a faster coding scheme in comparison to classical Turbo codes. The system concatenates fast Turbo coding as an outer code with Alamouti's G2 space‐time block coding scheme as an inner code, achieving benefits associated with both techniques including acceptable diversity and coding gain as well as short coding delay. In this paper, fast fading Rayleigh and Rician channels are considered for discussion. For Rayleigh fading channels, a fixed frame size and channel memory length of 5000 and 10, respectively, the coding gain is 7.5 dB and bit error rate (BER) of 10−4 is achieved at 7 dB. For the same frame size and channel memory length, Rician fading channel yields the same BER at about 4.5 dB. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ma‐Pi 2 macrobiotic diet and type 2 diabetes mellitus: pooled analysis of short‐term intervention studies
Authors: Porrata‐Maury C. , Hernández‐Triana M. , Ruiz‐Álvarez V. , Díaz‐Sánchez M. E. , Fallucca F. , Bin W. , Baba‐Abubakari B. , Pianesi M.
Published: December 2013

The macrobiotic, Ma‐Pi 2 diet (12% protein, 18% fat and 70% carbohydrate), has shown benefit in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This pooled analysis aims to confirm results from four, 21‐day intervention studies with the Ma‐Pi 2 diet, carried out in Cuba, China, Ghana and Italy. Baseline and end of study biochemical, body composition and blood pressure data, were compared using multivariate statistical methods and assessment of the Cohen effect size (d). Results showed that all measured indicators demonstrated significant changes (p < 0.001); most of them with a very high (d ≥ 1.30), or high (d = 0.80–1.29) effect size. The global effect size of the diet was Italy (1.96), China (1.79), Cuba (1.38) and Ghana (0.98). The magnitude of the individual effect on each variable by country, and the global effect by country, was independent of the sample size (p > 0.05). Similarly, glycemia and glycemic profiles in all four studies were independent of the sample size (p = 0.237). The Ma‐Pi diet 2 significantly reduced glycemia, serum lipids, uremia and cardiovascular risk in adults with T2DM. These results suggest that the Ma‐Pi 2 diet could be a valid alternative treatment for patients with T2DM and point to the need for further clinical studies. Mechanisms related to its benefits as a functional diet are discussed. © 2013 The Authors. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Co‐morbidities in patients with heart failure: an analysis of the European Heart Failure Pilot Survey
Authors: van Deursen Vincent M. , Urso Renato , Laroche Cecile , Damman Kevin , Dahlström Ulf , Tavazzi Luigi , Maggioni Aldo P. , Voors Adriaan A.
Published: December 2013

Aims

Co‐morbidities frequently accompany heart failure (HF), contributing to increased morbidity and mortality, and an impairment of quality of life. We assessed the prevalence, determinants, regional variation, and prognostic implications of co‐morbidities in patients with chronic HF in Europe.

Methods and results

A total of 3226 European outpatients with chronic HF were included in this analysis of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Heart Failure Pilot Survey. The following co‐morbidities were considered: diabetes, hyper‐ and hypothyroidism, stroke, COPD, sleep apnoea, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and anaemia. Prognostic implications of co‐morbidities were evaluated using population attributable risks (PARs), and patients were divided into geographic regions. Clinical endpoints were all‐cause mortality and HF hospitalization. The majority of patients (74%) had a least one co‐morbidity, the most prevalent being CKD (41%), anaemia (29%), and diabetes (29%). Co‐morbidities were independently associated with higher age (P < 0.001), higher NYHA functional class (P < 0.001), ischaemic aetiology of HF (P < 0.001), higher heart rate (P = 0.011), history of hypertension (P < 0.001), and AF (P < 0.001). Only diabetes, CKD, and anaemia were independently associated with a higher risk of mortality and/or HF hospitalization. There were marked regional differences in prevalence and prognostic implications of co‐morbidities. Prognostic implications of co‐morbidities (PARs) were: CKD = 41%, anaemia = 37%, diabetes = 14%, COPD = 10%, and <10% for all other co‐morbidities.

Conclusion

In this pilot survey, co‐morbidities are prevalent in patients with chronic HF and are related to the severity of the disease. The presence of diabetes, CKD, and anaemia was independently related to increased mortality and HF hospitalization, with the highest PAR for CKD and anaemia.
Particle velocity and concentration profiles in bedload experiments on a steep slope
Authors: Frey Philippe
Published: December 2013

Depth profiles of particle streamwise velocity, concentration and bedload sediment transport rate were measured in a turbulent and supercritical water flow. One‐size 6 mm diameter spherical glass beads were transported at equilibrium in a two‐dimensional 10% steep channel with a mobile bed. Flows were filmed from the side by a high‐speed camera. Particle tracking algorithms made it possible to determine the position, velocity and trajectory of a very large number of particles. Approximately half of the sediment transport rate was composed by rolling grains, and the other half by saltation. This revealed a complex structure, with several concentration and flux peaks due to rolling, and one peak due to saltation. With an increase of the sediment transport rate, the depth structure remained the same at the water/granular interface, with peak value increases but with no shift in elevations. The saltation region expanded towards higher elevations with an increase of the particle velocity commensurate to the water velocity. The proportion of the sediment transport rate in saltation did not vary significantly. The particle streamwise velocity profiles exhibited three segments: an exponential decay in the bed, a linear increase where rolling and saltation co‐existed, and above this, a logarithmic‐like shape due to saltating particles. These results are comparable to profiles measured and modelled in dry granular free surface flows and in more intense bedload such as sheet flows. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hierarchical Shrinkage in Time‐Varying Parameter Models
Authors: Belmonte Miguel A.G. , Koop Gary , Korobilis Dimitris
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we forecast EU area inflation with many predictors using time‐varying parameter models. The facts that time‐varying parameter models are parameter rich and the time span of our data is relatively short motivate a desire for shrinkage. In constant coefficient regression models, the Bayesian Lasso is gaining increasing popularity as an effective tool for achieving such shrinkage. In this paper, we develop econometric methods for using the Bayesian Lasso with time‐varying parameter models. Our approach allows for the coefficient on each predictor to be: (i) time varying; (ii) constant over time; or (iii) shrunk to zero. The econometric methodology decides automatically to which category each coefficient belongs. Our empirical results indicate the benefits of such an approach. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
US Inflation Expectations and Heterogeneous Loss Functions, 1968–2010
Authors: Clements Michael P.
Published: December 2013

Recent literature has suggested that macroeconomic forecasters may have asymmetric loss functions, and that there may be heterogeneity across forecasters in the degree to which they weigh under‐ and over‐predictions. Using an individual‐level analysis that exploits the Survey of Professional Forecasters respondents’ histogram forecasts, we find little evidence of asymmetric loss for the inflation forecasters. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2014 Another Critical Year for Air‐Quality Regulations
Authors: McGuffey Carroll “Mack” W.
Published: December 2013

In the world of air‐quality regulations, each year seems more eventful than the last, and 2013 was no exception. From the many proposed and finalized regulations (and reconsiderations of new regulations) to several critical court decisions, 2013 was yet another transformative and controversial year. The year 2014 promises to be equally remarkable. In 2014, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will continue to be in active rulemaking mode, and the US Supreme Court will hear two high‐profile Clear Air Act cases.
Environmental Outlook—Cap and Trade: Price Floors and Ceilings Crucial in Environmental Commodity Markets
Authors: Templeman Andre , Ogra Rohit , Struk Mark , Crosby Bryan , Solesbee Cora
Published: December 2013

Free markets are widely acknowledged to be the most efficient systems for allocation of scarce resources in an economy.
Regulatory Economics: Cybersecurity—Who Cares? Threat and Apathy Worldwide, Outlook Uncertain
Authors: Barclay Richard A.
Published: December 2013

American Blackout debuted in October on the National Geographic Channel. It is a pseudo‐documentary that chronicles the 10‐day aftermath of a cyber attack that brings down the nation's entire electricity grid. Experts contend that no cyber attack could bring down the entire national grid, but the program is a gentle reminder that electricity is essential to our basic way of life. The 2003 blackout reminds us multistate disruptions of the grid are not very hard to imagine. Thus, it is critical that our electricity generation and supply system is protected from crippling attacks—attacks of a magnitude beyond the ones in Arkansas that knocked out power to a mere 10,000 people over several days.
Interferons in the central nervous system: A few instruments play many tunes
Authors: Owens Trevor , Khorooshi Reza , Wlodarczyk Agnieszka , Asgari Nasrin
Published: December 2013

Interferons (IFNs) are implicated as an important component of the innate immune system influencing viral infections, inflammation, and immune surveillance. We review here the complex biological activity of IFNs in the central nervous system (CNS) and associated glial–immune interactions, with focus specifically on the Type I IFNs in physiological and pathological conditions. IFN‐α and IFN‐β are the predominant Type I IFNs in the CNS. They are produced in the CNS by glial cells, mostly microglia and astrocytes, as well as by neurons. A variety of mechanisms stimulate IFN production in glial cells, including innate stimuli from Toll‐like and other receptors, which can recognize endogenous entities, as well as pathogens. We will review evidence that differential signaling by IFN‐α versus IFN‐β through the common heterodimeric receptor IFNAR is the basis for CNS‐selective Type I IFN response, and the capacity of CNS glial cells to produce and respond to Type I IFN. Differential signaling outcomes of IFN‐α and IFN‐β, which have been ascribed to differential affinity for IFNAR1 and IFNAR2, determine whether Type I IFN exert pathogenic or protective roles in the CNS. These points will be discussed with reference to selected neurological diseases, and effects of Type I IFN on the integrity of the blood–brain barrier. GLIA 2014;62:339–355
Standardizing Analysis of Circulating MicroRNA: Clinical and Biological Relevance
Authors: Farina Nicholas H. , Wood Marie E. , Perrapato Scott D. , Francklyn Christopher S. , Stein Gary S. , Stein Janet L. , Lian Jane B.
Published: December 2013

Circulating microRNAs (c‐miRNAs) provide a new dimension as clinical biomarkers for disease diagnosis, progression, and response to treatment. However, the discovery of individual miRNAs from biofluids that reliably reflect disease states is in its infancy. The highly variable nature of published studies exemplifies a need to standardize the analysis of miRNA in circulation. Here, we show that differential sample handling of serum leads to inconsistent and incomparable results. We present a standardized method of RNA isolation from serum that eliminates multiple freeze/thaw cycles, provides at least three normalization mechanisms, and can be utilized in studies that compare both archived and prospectively collected samples. It is anticipated that serum processed as described here can be profiled, either globally or on a gene by gene basis, for c‐miRNAs and other non‐coding RNA in the circulation to reveal novel, clinically relevant epigenetic signatures for a wide range of diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 805–811, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Radiolabelled porphyrins in nuclear medicine
Authors: Waghorn Philip A.
Published: December 2013

Amongst tumour‐specific substances, hematoporphyrin and synthetic porphyrin derivatives have been widely investigated to identify and delineate neoplastic and malignant tissue. Whilst the tumour localization exhibited by selected porphyrin species has been exploited through photodynamic therapy, several examples of porphyrin derivatives with varied peripheral functionality have been radiolabelled with the aim of developing porphyrin‐based nuclear imaging and therapeutic agents. In this review, we look at the approaches and advances in the preparation and uses of such radiolabelled agents for imaging and therapy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile Synthesis of β‐Diketone Alcohols for Combined Functionality: Initiation, Catalysis, and Luminescence
Authors: Zhang Xuepeng , Cui Minxin , Zhou Rui , Chen Changle , Zhang Guoqing
Published: December 2013

Primary alcohol‐functionalized β‐diketones (bdks) are successfully synthesized via facile one‐step Claisen condensation between aromatic monoketones and ε‐caprolactone (ε‐CL). To demonstrate application potentials, these bdk alcohols are used to chelate with various Lewis acids, including Tb (III), Eu (III), and B (III). It is discovered that the resulting Tb (III) and Eu (III) diketonate complexes can serve as both catalysts and initiators for ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) under solvent‐free conditions, using lactide monomer as an example. The polylactides (PLAs) thus obtained exhibit luminescence properties characteristic of Tb (III) and Eu (III), respectively. On the other hand, boron‐chelated diketone can initiate ROP of lactide in the presence of Sn(oct)2, and affords a PLA material with dual‐emission, i.e., fluorescence and room temperature phosphorescence. The synthesis described here represents a shortcut for the preparation of bdk‐based macroligands and subsequent functional materials.

image
Modeling of Functional Group Distribution in Copolymerization: A Comparison of Deterministic and Stochastic Approaches
Authors: Ali Parsa M. , Kozhan Iurii , Wulkow Michael , Hutchinson Robin A.
Published: December 2013

The distribution of functional groups in polymer chains produced in radical copolymerization by starved‐feed semibatch operation is simulated using three different methodologies. Even under perfect control of the overall copolymer composition, a significant fraction of the polymer chains produced contain no functionality. A deterministic model is formulated to separately track the homopolymer chains that are produced without the desired functionality, a Monte Carlo (MC) model is written to represent the system, and a hybrid deterministic/MC approach is taken using new capabilities within the software package PREDICI. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed.
Improvement of electrical characteristics in the solution‐processed nanocrystalline indium oxide thin‐film transistors depending on yttrium doping concentration
Authors: Ting Chu‐Chi , Fan Hsin‐Yun , Tsai Meng‐Kun , Li Wei‐Yang , Yong Hua‐En , Lin Yen‐Feng
Published: December 2013

Y3+ (0, 6, 12, or 20 mol%)‐doped In2O3 (YInO; YIO) thin films were fabricated by the sol–gel spin‐coating technique, and they were used as the active layer of thin‐film transistor (TFT) devices. The YIO‐TFTs operate in the n‐channel enhancement mode and exhibit a well‐defined pinch‐off and saturation region. The Y3+ (12 mol%)‐doped In2O3 TFT possesses the optimal performance, and its field‐effect mobility in the saturated regime, threshold voltage, on–off ratio, and S factor are 0.95 cm2 V−1 s−1, 6.74 V, 1.55 × 105, and 2.37 V decade−1, respectively. The yttrium ion can act as the carrier suppressor to reduce the carrier concentration of In2O3 thin film because of its lower electronegativity (1.22) and standard electrode potential (−2.372 V). The carrier concentrations and conductivities of In2O3 thin films decrease from 2.5 × 1014 to 3.8 × 1011 cm−3, and 14.3 to 1.5 × 10−4 S m−1, respectively, with the increase of Y3+ doping concentrations from 0 to 12 mol%. In addition, the Y3+ (12 mol%)‐doped In2O3 thin film also possesses the minimal surface roughness (4.19 nm) and lowest trap states (1.07 × 1013). Therefore, by Y3+ doping the electrical properties of In2O3 thin films can be improved to match the basic requirement of the TFT devices.
A “Sense of Place” in Public Participation in Scientific Research
Authors: HAYWOOD BENJAMIN K.
Published: December 2013

Public participation in scientific research (PPSR) within the natural sciences has been demonstrated as an effective strategy to expand cognitive knowledge and understanding of ecology, with implications regarding individual perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors about the environment and feelings about the personal relevance of science. Yet the development of PPSR outcomes, the processes through which they form, and the settings where they are shaped are still not fully understood. Because most PPSR takes place and is grounded in specific sites and socioecological contexts, the relationships among PPSR participants and the places in which they explore, collect, and gather information are central to the PPSR experience. Nonetheless, a dearth of empirical research on the interactions between people and places in PPSR highlights a promising area of future scholarship. Drawing from theoretical traditions within geography and environmental psychology, this article contends that PPSR experiences and outcomes both influence and are influenced by a “sense of place.” Highlighting the significance of people–place relationships in PPSR via a place‐based window, this article calls for efforts that bridge multiple academic communities to open innovative avenues for understanding natural science PPSR experiences, the cognitive, conative, and affective outcomes of such encounters, and the dynamics of human–environment interactions.
RNAi‐Microsponges Form through Self‐Assembly of the Organic and Inorganic Products of Transcription
Authors: Shopsowitz Kevin E. , Roh Young Hoon , Deng Zhou J. , Morton Stephen W. , Hammond Paula T.
Published: December 2013

Inorganic nanostructures have been used extensively to package nucleic acids into forms useful for therapeutic applications. Here we report that the two products of transcription, RNA and inorganic pyrophosphate, can self‐assemble to form composite microsponge structures composed of nanocrystalline magnesium pyrophosphate sheets (Mg2P2O7•3.5H2O) with RNA adsorbed to their surfaces. The microsponge particles contain high loadings of RNA (15–21 wt.%) that are protected from degradation and can be obtained through a rolling circle mechanism as large concatemers capable of mediating RNAi. The morphology of the RNAi microsponges is influenced by the time‐course of the transcription reaction and interactions between RNA and the inorganic phase. Previous work demonstrated that polycations can be used to condense RNAi microsponges into nanoparticles capable of efficient transfection with low toxicity. Our new findings suggest that the formation of these nanoparticles is mediated by the gradual dissolution of magnesium pyrophosphate that occurs in the presence of polycations. The simple one‐pot approach for assembling RNAi microsponges along with their unique properties could make them useful for RNA‐based therapeutics.
Who I Am Is the Text. Who I Become Is the Purpose
Authors: Arbisi‐Kelm Heidi , Clay Jasmine P. , Lin Mariko M. , Horikawa Rodney , Clifton William H. , Kapani Seema
Published: December 2013

Student SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) is a grassroots, social justice course in which participants actively engage in dialogue about diversity and social identity. This chapter examines Student SEED as a multicultural initiative.
Courage in Multicultural Initiatives
Authors: Watt Sherry K. , Golden Margaret , Schumacher Lisa A. P. , Moreno Luis S.
Published: December 2013

This chapter briefly overviews the Principles and Practices of the Circle of Trust® approach and shares an example of how those ideals informed how an instructor team facilitated a multiculturalism in higher education and student affairs course.
Megakaryocytes Contribute to the Bone Marrow-Matrix Environment by Expressing Fibronectin, Type IV Collagen, and Laminin
Authors: Malara Alessandro , Currao Manuela , Gruppi Cristian , Celesti Giuseppe , Viarengo Gianluca , Buracchi Chiara , Laghi Luigi , Kaplan David L. , Balduini Alessandra
Published: December 2013

Megakaryocytes associate with the bone marrow vasculature where they convert their cytoplasm into proplatelets that protrude through the vascular endothelium into the lumen and release platelets. The extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment plays a critical role in regulating these processes. In this work we demonstrate that, among bone marrow ECM components, fibronectin, type IV collagen, and laminin are the most abundant around bone marrow sinusoids and constitute a pericellular matrix surrounding megakaryocytes. Most importantly, we report, for the first time, that megakaryocytes express components of the basement membrane and that these molecules contribute to the regulation of megakaryocyte development and bone marrow ECM homeostasis both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, fibronectin induced a threefold increase in the proliferation rate of mouse hematopoietic stem cells leading to higher megakaryocyte output with respect to cells treated only with thrombopoietin or other matrices. However, megakaryocyte ploidy level in fibronectin-treated cultures was significantly reduced. Stimulation with type IV collagen resulted in a 1.4-fold increase in megakaryocyte output, while all tested matrices supported proplatelet formation to a similar extent in megakaryocytes derived from fetal liver progenitor cells. In vivo, megakaryocyte expression of fibronectin and basement membrane components was upregulated during bone marrow reconstitution upon 5-fluorouracil induced myelosuppression, while only type IV collagen resulted upregulated upon induced thrombocytopenia. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that ECM components impact megakaryocyte behavior differently during their differentiation and highlights a new role for megakaryocyte as ECM-producing cells for the establishment of cell niches during bone marrow regeneration. Stem Cells  2014;32:926–937
Advancing Scholarly Research on Teaching and Learning
Authors: Gurung Regan A. R. , Wilson Janie H.
Published: December 2013

This chapter provides a brief history of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), delineates the main audience for this volume, and presents a framework of the volume with a preview of each chapter.
Cell wall structure suitable for surface display of proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Matsuoka Hiroyuki , Hashimoto Kazuya , Saijo Aki , Takada Yuki , Kondo Akihiko , Ueda Mitsuyoshi , Ooshima Hiroshi , Tachibana Taro , Azuma Masayuki
Published: December 2013

A display system for adding new protein functions to the cell surfaces of microorganisms has been developed, and applications of the system to various fields have been proposed. With the aim of constructing a cell surface environment suitable for protein display in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the cell surface structures of cell wall mutants were investigated. Four cell wall mutant strains were selected by analyses using a GFP display system via a GPI anchor. β‐Glucosidase and endoglucanase II were displayed on the cell surface in the four mutants, and their activities were evaluated. mnn2 deletion strain exhibited the highest activity for both the enzymes. In particular, endoglucanase II activity using carboxymethylcellulose as a substrate in the mutant strain was 1.9‐fold higher than that of the wild‐type strain. In addition, the activity of endoglucanase II released from the mnn2 deletion strain by Zymolyase 20T treatment was higher than that from the wild‐type strain. The results of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and endoglucanase displays suggest that the amounts of enzyme displayed on the cell surface were increased by the mnn2 deletion. The enzyme activity of the mnn2 deletion strain was compared with that of the wild‐type strain. The relative value (mnn2 deletion mutant/wild‐type strain) of endoglucanase II activity using carboxymethylcellulose as a substrate was higher than that of β‐glucosidase activity using p‐nitrophenyl‐β‐glucopyranoside as a substrate, suggesting that the cell surface environment of the mnn2 deletion strain facilitates the binding of high‐molecular‐weight substrates to the active sites of the displayed enzymes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Establishment, Characterization and Comparison of Seven Authentic Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Cell Lines Retaining Clinical Features of the Original Tumors
Authors: Onoda Naoyoshi , Nakamura Masanori , Aomatsu Naoki , Noda Satoru , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Hirakawa Kosei
Published: December 2013

Background

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is thought to often be transformed from pre‐existing differentiated thyroid cancer. It is one of the most aggressive malignancies and has a dismal prognosis due to its resistance to multimodal therapies. Basic exploratory studies using authentic ATC cell lines that retain its clinical features are necessary. We investigated the characteristics of seven ATC cell lines newly established at our institute to confirm their possible utility for basic studies.

Methods

Seven distinct cell lines from six patients were established. Their molecular characteristics and sensitivities to cytotoxic anti‐cancer drugs were investigated and compared with each other, and with the clinical features of the original tumors.

Results

All cells showed extensive chromosomal abnormality and Pax8 expression, indicating human thyroid follicular cell origin. Vascular endothelial growth factor was secreted from all cells, suggesting possible candidacy for targeted therapy. Vimentin was expressed, but E‐cadherin expression was lost in all cells but OCUT‐1C, which showed different features from those of OCUT‐1F derived from the same tumor, suggesting a mixture of cancer cell clones with various degrees of differentiation within a single ATC tumor. Cells were likely to show sensitivity for taxanes, indicating the usefulness of taxanes as the first‐line chemotherapy. OCUT‐2, a cell line with both B‐Raf and PI3 KCA mutation, demonstrated the importance of molecular target‐oriented therapy.

Conclusions

Basic studies using authentic ATC cell lines retaining the clinical features of the original tumor are useful models for investigating the mechanism of anaplastic transformation and exploring novel therapeutic strategies.
Monogene kardiale Ionenkanalerkrankungen
Authors: Zumhagen S. , Friedrich C. , Stallmeyer B. , Ising J. , Seebohm G. , Schulze-Bahr E.
Published: December 2013

Genetisch bedingte (monogene) Herzerkrankungen bedürfen einer sorgsamen klinischen, genetischen und familiären Diagnostik, da die Erkrankungen mit einem hohen kardiovaskulären Risiko in jungen Jahren assoziiert sein können.

Es handelt sich zumeist um Erkrankungen durch Ionenkanalgenmutationen, die genetisch heterogen und von einer unterschiedlichen Sensitivität in der Mutationsdetektion (pro Erkrankung oder Ionenkanalgen) gekennzeichnet sind. In Analogie zu anderen Ionenkanalerkrankungen besteht oft ein episodisches Auftreten von Symptomen, das durch Trigger (meist erhöhte Herzfrequenz bei körperlicher und/oder physischer Belastung) gefördert werden kann.

Bei diesen relativ seltenen Erkrankungen ist eine frühzeitige Diagnostik und interdisziplinäre Betreuung durch Kardiologen, Kinderkardiologen und Humangenetikern (und ggf. Psychologen) sinnvoll. Mittlerweile existieren erste internationale Empfehlungen, wann eine Genotypisierung aus diagnostischer, therapeutischer oder prognostischer Sicht durchzuführen ist.
Factors associated with symptom-specific psychological and functional impact among acoustic neuroma patients
Authors: Brooker J E , Fletcher J M , Dally M J , Briggs R J S , Cousins V C , Malham G M , Kennedy R J , Smee R I , Burney S
Published: December 2013

Introduction:

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the psychological and functional impact attributed to acoustic neuroma symptoms.

Materials and methods:

A sample of 207 acoustic neuroma patients completed a study-specific questionnaire about the severity, frequency, and psychological and functional impact of 9 acoustic neuroma symptoms.

Results:

The survey response rate was 56.4 per cent. All symptoms had some degree of psychological impact for the majority of participants; hearing loss was the symptom most often reported to have a severe psychological impact. The majority of respondents reported functional impact attributed to hearing loss, balance disturbance, dizziness, eye problems, headache and fatigue; balance disturbance was the symptom most often reported to have a severe functional impact. For most symptoms, psychological and functional impact were related to severity and frequency.

Conclusion:

Of the acoustic neuroma symptoms investigated, hearing loss and balance disturbance were the most likely to have a severe psychological and functional impact, respectively.
Green Votes not Green Virtues: Effective Utilitarian Responses to Climate Change
Authors: WÜNDISCH JOACHIM
Published: December 2013

Implementing strategies to address climate change confronts us with an enormous collective action problem. Dale Jamieson argues that in order to avoid large-scale defection and, therefore, the collapse of any cooperative effort to curb climate change, utilitarians should become virtue theorists. As a tool to combat climate change, virtue change faces severe obstacles. First, the non-contingent green virtues envisioned by Jamieson are highly implausible. Second, even if such virtues could function, their inculcation would take too long to make the approach viable. Third, given its inherent inflexibility, virtue change is ill equipped to deal with the great scientific uncertainty created by climate change. To combat climate change utilitarians are well advised to look elsewhere: green votes and state sanctions.
Clinical features, developmental course, and psychiatric comorbidity of adult autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Vannucchi Giulia , Masi Gabriele , Toni Cristina , Dell'Osso Liliana , Marazziti Donatella , Perugi Giulio
Published: December 2013

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) include a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders with early onset in childhood. ASDs should be considered lifelong clinical entities, although there is a certain variability in developmental trajectories, and therefore should be considered of great interest also for adulthood psychiatrists. A few studies have been carried out to explore the clinical picture and course development of these disorders during adulthood, or their relationship with other mental disorders. Indeed, ASDs often share overlapping features with other disorders, such as schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive, mood, and personality disorders, and as a result misdiagnoses often occur. The aim of this review is to summarize the available literature on ASDs in adulthood with a specific focus on the clinical picture, course, and psychiatric comorbidity. It is proposed that a careful diagnostic screening for ASDs in adults would contribute to clarifying the relationship with comorbid psychiatric disorders, while improving the possibility of treatment and outcome of such conditions.
“Forgetting to Remember” in Huntington's Disease: A Study of Laboratory, Semi-Naturalistic, and Self-Perceptions of Prospective Memory
Authors: Nicoll Diane R. , Pirogovsky Eva , Woods Steven Paul , Holden Heather M. , Filoteo J. Vincent , Gluhm Shea , Corey-Bloom Jody , Gilbert Paul E.
Published: December 2013

Prospective memory (PM) is dependent on executive processes known to be impaired in Huntington's disease (HD); however, no study to the authors’ knowledge has investigated PM in this group. We examined performance-based, semi-naturalistic, and self-reported PM in 20 individuals diagnosed with mild–moderate HD and 20 demographically similar controls. Relative to controls, HD participants demonstrated significantly lower scores in time-based PM, event-based PM (at a trend level), and the semi-naturalistic PM trial, all of which were marked by omission errors. HD participants demonstrated comparable recognition memory for the PM intentions relative to controls. HD and control participants also showed comparable scores in self-reported PM complaints. The results suggest that HD is associated with deficits in the strategic aspects of PM. HD-associated PM deficits also are evident in real-world situations, which may relate to an apparent meta-memory deficit for PM functioning as indicated by HD participants’ overestimation of their PM performance on self-report. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–8)
Kunst, Beziehung und Transzendenz
Authors: Sell Matthias
Published: December 2013

Kunst als ästhetische Erfahrung wird als eine Schwellenerfahrung dargestellt und mit anderen Schwellenerfahrungen konstrastiert: psychotherapeutische Prozesse und der Transzendenzerfahrung. Es wird die ästhetische Erfahrung als eine gemeinsam ko-kreativ hergestellte, ko-präsente Erfahrung von Künstler, Kunstwerk und Betrachter oder Rezipient beschrieben. Anhand von verschiedenen Kunstwerken wird die Schwellensituation der ästhetischen Erfahrung erfasst und historischen Werken ebenso wie postmodernen zugeordnet. Die Schwellenerfahrung in der ästhetischen Erfahrung nun wird dann auch als eine Erfahrung von Transzendenz vorgestellt. Ebenso wird gezeigt, dass im psychotherapeutischen Prozess stets eine Schwellenerfahrung auch als Brückenerfahrung vorhanden ist, in der sich ebenfalls eine Transzendenz eröffnet.
Goethes Märchen von der „Grünen Schlange und der schönen Lilie”
Authors: Bertolaso Yolanda
Published: December 2013

Goethes „Märchen” ist eines der tiefsinnigsten, aber auch rätselhaftesten Stücke deutscher Literatur. Den Gehalt durch Tanz, durch künstlerische Bewegung deutlich zu machen, zu internalisieren und so den Menschen zu zentrieren, ihm einen Ausblick auf sich selbst zu gewähren, das geschieht in der Deutung und Übersetzung durch die Künstlerische Tanztherapie. Metamorphose und Transformation durch Tanz.
Lower Pitch Is Larger, Yet Falling Pitches Shrink
Authors: Eitan Zohar , Schupak Asi , Gotler Alex , Marks Lawrence E.
Published: December 2013

Experiments using diverse paradigms, including speeded discrimination, indicate that pitch and visually-perceived size interact perceptually, and that higher pitch is congruent with smaller size. While nearly all of these studies used static stimuli, here we examine the interaction of dynamic pitch and dynamic size, using Garner’s speeded discrimination paradigm. Experiment 1 examined the interaction of continuous rise/fall in pitch and increase/decrease in object size. Experiment 2 examined the interaction of static pitch and size (steady high/low pitches and large/small visual objects), using an identical procedure. Results indicate that static and dynamic auditory and visual stimuli interact in opposite ways. While for static stimuli (Experiment 2), higher pitch is congruent with smaller size (as suggested by earlier work), for dynamic stimuli (Experiment 1), ascending pitch is congruent with growing size, and descending pitch with shrinking size. In addition, while static stimuli (Experiment 2) exhibit both congruence and Garner effects, dynamic stimuli (Experiment 1) present congruence effects without Garner interference, a pattern that is not consistent with prevalent interpretations of Garner’s paradigm. Our interpretation of these results focuses on effects of within-trial changes on processing in dynamic tasks and on the association of changes in apparent size with implied changes in distance. Results suggest that static and dynamic stimuli can differ substantially in their cross-modal mappings, and may rely on different processing mechanisms.
Cystatin SN neutralizes the inhibitory effect of cystatin C on cathepsin B activity
Authors: Kim J-T , Lee S-J , Kang M A , Park J E , Kim B-Y , Yoon D-Y , Yang Y , Lee C-H , Yeom Y I , Choe Y-K , Lee H G
Published: December 2013

Cystatin SN (CST1) is one of the several salivary cystatins that form tight equimolar complexes with cysteine proteases, such as the cathepsins. High expression of CST1 is correlated with advanced pTNM stage in gastric cancer. However, the functional role of CST1 in tumorigenesis has not been elucidated. In this study, we showed that CST1 was highly expressed in colon tumor tissues, compared with nontumor regions. Increased cell proliferation and invasiveness were observed in HCT116 cell lines stably transfected with CST1 cDNA (HCT116-CST1) but not in CST3-transfected cells. We also demonstrated that CST1-overexpressing cell lines exhibited increased tumor growth as well as metastasis in a xenograft nude mouse model. Interestingly, CST1 interacted with cystatin C (CST3), a potent cathepsin B (CTSB) inhibitor, with a higher affinity than the interaction between CST3 and CTSB in the extracellular space of HCT116 cells. CTSB-mediated cellular invasiveness and proteolytic activities were strongly inhibited by CST3, but in the presence of CST1 CTSB activities recovered significantly. Furthermore, domain mapping of CST1 showed that the disulfide-bonded conformation, or conserved folding, of CST1 is important for its secretion and for the neutralization of CST3 activity. These results suggest that CST1 upregulation might be involved in colorectal tumorigenesis and acts by neutralizing the inhibition of CTSB proteolytic activity by CST3.
Structure of a photosynthetic reaction centre determined by serial femtosecond crystallography
Authors: Johansson Linda C. , Arnlund David , Katona Gergely , White Thomas A. , Barty Anton , DePonte Daniel P. , Shoeman Robert L. , Wickstrand Cecilia , Sharma Amit , Williams Garth J. , Aquila Andrew , Bogan Michael J. , Caleman Carl , Davidsson Jan , Doak R Bruce , Frank Matthias , Fromme Raimund , Galli Lorenzo , Grotjohann Ingo , Hunter Mark S. , Kassemeyer Stephan , Kirian Richard A. , Kupitz Christopher , Liang Mengning , Lomb Lukas , Malmerberg Erik , Martin Andrew V. , Messerschmidt Marc , Nass Karol , Redecke Lars , Seibert M Marvin , Sjöhamn Jennie , Steinbrener Jan , Stellato Francesco , Wang Dingjie , Wahlgren Weixaio Y. , Weierstall Uwe , Westenhoff Sebastian , Zatsepin Nadia A. , Boutet Sébastien , Spence John C.H. , Schlichting Ilme , Chapman Henry N. , Fromme Petra , Neutze Richard
Published: December 2013

Serial femtosecond crystallography is an X-ray free-electron-laser-based method with considerable potential to have an impact on challenging problems in structural biology. Here we present X-ray diffraction data recorded from microcrystals of the Blastochloris viridis photosynthetic reaction centre to 2.8 Å resolution and determine its serial femtosecond crystallography structure to 3.5 Å resolution. Although every microcrystal is exposed to a dose of 33 MGy, no signs of X-ray-induced radiation damage are visible in this integral membrane protein structure.