bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eye, Nose, Hair, and Throat: External Anatomy of the Head of a Neonate Gray Whale (Cetacea, Mysticeti, Eschrichtiidae)
Authors: Berta Annalisa , Ekdale Eric G. , Zellmer Nicholas T. , Deméré Thomas A. , Kienle Sarah S. , Smallcomb Meghan
Published: March 2015

Information is scarce on gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) anatomy and that of mysticetes in general. Dissection of the head of a neonatal gray whale revealed novel anatomical details of the eye, blowhole, incisive papilla with associated nasopalatine ducts, sensory hairs, and throat grooves. Compared to a similar sized right whale calf, the gray whale eyeball is nearly twice as long. The nasal cartilages of the gray whale, located between the blowholes, differ from the bowhead in having accessory cartilages. A small, fleshy incisive papilla bordered by two blind nasopalatine pits near the palate's rostral tip, previously undescribed in gray whales, may be associated with the vomeronasal organ, although histological evidence is needed for definitive identification. Less well known among mysticetes are the numerous elongated, stiff sensory hairs (vibrissae) observed on the gray whale rostrum from the ventral tip to the blowhole and on the mandible. These hairs are concentrated on the chin, and those on the lower jaw are arranged in a V‐shaped pattern. We confirm the presence of two primary, anteriorly converging throat grooves, confined to the throat region similar to those of ziphiid and physeteroid odontocetes. A third, shorter groove occurs lateral to the left primary groove. The throat grooves in the gray whale have been implicated in gular expansion during suction feeding. Anat Rec, 298:648–659, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Orienting Effect of the Cage Addends: The Case of Nucleophilic Cyclopropanation of C2‐C70(CF3)8
Authors: Apenova Marina G. , Semivrazhskaya Olesya O. , Borkovskaya Eugenia V. , Belov Nikita M. , Ioffe Ilya N. , Markov Vitaliy Yu. , Troyanov Sergey I. , Lukonina Natalia S. , Sidorov Lev N. , Goryunkov Alexey A.
Published: March 2015

C2‐C70(CF3)8 was found to be a very promising substrate in the Bingel and the Bingel–Hirsch reactions combining perfect regioselectivity with much higher reactivity compared to its analogs. The reactions with diethyl malonate yield a single isomer of the monoadduct C70(CF3)8[C(CO2Et)2] and a single C2‐symmetrical bisadduct C70(CF3)8[C(CO2Et)2]2. The Bingel–Hirsch variation is particularly interesting in that it additionally affords, in a similar regioselective manner, the unexpected alkylated derivatives C70(CF3)8[CH(CO2Et)2]H and C70(CF3)8[C(CO2Et)2][CH(CO2Et)2]H. The novel compounds have been isolated and structurally characterized by means of 1H and 19F NMR spectroscopy as well as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The mechanistic and regiochemical aspects of the reaction are explained with the aid of DFT calculations.
Empathic Embarrassment Accuracy in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Adler Noga , Dvash Jonathan , Shamay‐Tsoory Simone G.
Published: March 2015

Empathic accuracy refers to the ability of perceivers to accurately share the emotions of protagonists. Using a novel task assessing embarrassment, the current study sought to compare levels of empathic embarrassment accuracy among individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with those of matched controls. To assess empathic embarrassment accuracy, we compared the level of embarrassment experienced by protagonists to the embarrassment felt by participants while watching the protagonists. The results show that while the embarrassment ratings of participants and protagonists were highly matched among controls, individuals with ASD failed to exhibit this matching effect. Furthermore, individuals with ASD rated their embarrassment higher than controls when viewing themselves and protagonists on film, but not while performing the task itself. These findings suggest that individuals with ASD tend to have higher ratings of empathic embarrassment, perhaps due to difficulties in emotion regulation that may account for their impaired empathic accuracy and aberrant social behavior. Autism Res 2015, 8: 241–249. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship Between Surface‐Based Brain Morphometric Measures and Intelligence in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Influence of History of Language Delay
Authors: Balardin Joana Bisol , Sato João Ricardo , Vieira Gilson , Feng Yeu , Daly Eileen , Murphy Clodagh ,   MRC AIMS Consortium, Murphy Declan , Ecker Christine
Published: March 2015

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of conditions that show abnormalities in the neuroanatomy of multiple brain regions. The variability in the development of intelligence and language among individuals on the autism spectrum has long been acknowledged, but it remains unknown whether these differences impact on the neuropathology of ASD. In this study, we aimed to compare associations between surface‐based regional brain measures and general intelligence (IQ) scores in ASD individuals with and without a history of language delay. We included 64 ASD adults of normal intelligence (37 without a history of language delay and 27 with a history of language delay and 80 neurotypicals). Regions with a significant association between verbal and nonverbal IQ and measures of cortical thickness (CT), surface area, and cortical volume were first identified in the combined sample of individuals with ASD and controls. Thicker dorsal frontal and temporal cortices, and thinner lateral orbital frontal and parieto‐occipital cortices were associated with greater and lower verbal IQ scores, respectively. Correlations between cortical volume and verbal IQ were observed in similar regions as revealed by the CT analysis. A significant difference between ASD individuals with and without a history of language delay in the association between CT and verbal IQ was evident in the parieto‐occipital region. These results indicate that ASD subgroups defined on the basis of differential language trajectories in childhood can have different associations between verbal IQ and brain measures in adulthood despite achieving similar levels of cognitive performance. Autism Res 2015, 8: 556–566. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Greenhouse gas performance of heat and electricity from wood pellet value chains – based on pellets for the Swedish market
Authors: Hansson Julia , Martinsson Fredrik , Gustavsson Mathias
Published: March 2015

Increased bioenergy demand has triggered a discussion on the sustainability of solid biomass‐based fuels and a system for sustainability criteria has been discussed within the EU. This paper assesses the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for heat and electricity from selected wood pellet value chains for the Swedish market and the associated potential emissions reduction in relation to fossil fuels using a life cycle assessment (LCA) perspective, and in relation to the approach described in recent EU policy developments. Nine different wood pellet value chains for heat and/or power production in Sweden are assessed (including pellets from Sweden, Latvia, Russia, and Canada). Selected assumptions are varied in a sensitivity analysis. The total factory‐gate GHG emissions at the conversion facility for the wood pellet value chains studied, range between 2 and 25 g CO2‐eq/MJ pellets with Swedish pellets at the lower end, and Russian pellets using natural gas for drying the raw material at the higher end. Imported pellets from Latvia, Russia, and Canada that use biomass for drying may also reach relatively low levels of GHG emissions. The potential GHG reduction as compared to a certain fossil fuel default energy comparator is 64–98% for the electricity produced in the pellet value chains studied and 77–99% for the heat produced. Thus, many wood pellet value chains on the Swedish market will most likely be able to meet strict demands for sustainability from a GHG perspective. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Impact of supramolecular interactions of dextran‐β‐cyclodextrin polymers on invertase activity in freeze‐dried systems
Authors: Santagapita Patricio R. , Mazzobre M. Florencia , Buera M. Pilar , Ramirez Héctor L. , Brizuela Leissy Gómez , Corti Horacio R. , Villalonga Reynaldo
Published: March 2015

β‐Cyclodextrin (β‐CD)‐grafted dextrans with spacer arms of different length were employed to evaluate the impact of supramolecular interactions on invertase activity. The modified dextrans were used as single additives or combined with trehalose in freeze‐dried formulations containing invertase. Enzyme activity conservation was analyzed after freeze‐drying and thermal treatment. The change of glass transition temperature (Tg) was also evaluated and related to effective interactions. Outstanding differences on enzyme stability were mainly related to the effect of the spacer arm length on polymer–enzyme interactions, since both the degree of substitution and the molecular weight were similar for the two polymers. This change of effective interactions was also manifested in the pronounced reduction of Tg values, and were related to the chemical modification of the backbone during oxidation, and to the attachment of the β‐CD units with spacer arms of different length on dextran. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:791–798, 2015
Turning It Around: What Do Young Women Say Helps them to Move On from Child Sexual Exploitation?
Authors: Gilligan Philip
Published: March 2015

Twenty‐four young women and one young man, aged between 13 and 23 years, who are current or former service users of two voluntary‐sector projects specialising in services for young people and who have been or are at risk of child sexual exploitation (CSE), shared their views about what had helped and what will help them to move on from CSE. They were accessed via the projects and invited to choose how they gave their views, which ultimately they did through combinations of semi‐structured interviews, focus group discussions, questionnaires, artwork and poetry. Their views are summarised in the context of other relevant literature. The findings emphasise that: these young people have important things to say about what will help them; they need workers who are friendly, flexible, persevering, reliable and non‐judgemental; they need information, advice, safe places, enrichment experiences and services which are available during evenings and at weekends; and they are unlikely to engage positively with statutory services (police and children's social care) unless those services convince them more effectively that they will listen to, protect and respect them. Their pain, resilience and anger are illustrated. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘These young people have important things to say about what will help them’

Key Practitioner Messages

Young women affected by CSE:

Have important things to say about what will help them;

Need workers who are friendly, flexible, persevering, reliable and non‐ judgemental;

Need information, advice, safe places, enrichment experiences and services which are available during evenings and at weekends;

Are unlikely to engage effectively with statutory services (police and children's social care) unless those services demonstrate that they will listen to, protect and respect them.

‘[They] need workers who are friendly, flexible, persevering, reliable and non‐judgemental’
Intervening with Severely and Chronically Neglected Children and their Families: The Contribution of Trauma‐Informed Approaches
Authors: Milot Tristan , St‐Laurent Diane , Éthier Louise S.
Published: March 2015

Many clinicians and researchers have proposed considering child abuse and neglect from a traumatic stress perspective to better understand how they so profoundly impact child development. According to this perspective, child maltreatment (both child abuse and neglect) is viewed as a chronic interpersonal trauma which may severely interfere with normal developmental processes, often resulting in long‐lasting behavioural, emotional and psychophysiological dysregulations. In this paper, we summarise theoretical and empirical literature addressing the traumatic nature of child neglect, with a specific focus on short‐term consequences of neglect in childhood. We then give an overview of some key intervention elements stemming from trauma‐informed approaches with traumatised children and their families.Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘We summarise theoretical and empirical literature addressing the traumatic nature of child neglect’

Key Practitioner Messages

Child neglect is viewed as a chronic interpersonal trauma which may severely interfere with normal developmental processes, often resulting in long‐lasting behavioural, emotional and psychophysiological dysregulations.

Key intervention guidelines stemming from trauma‐informed approaches include:

A detailed assessment of the child's trauma history and characteristics

Providing a safe environment for the child

Helping the child build feelings of emotional security

Improving parental sensitivity

Developing child emotional self‐regulation

Offering emotional therapeutic support to the parent.
A Life Less Ordinary: Foster Carers' Views and Experiences of Negative Peer Interactions in Fostering Households
Authors: Barter Christine , Lutman Eleanor
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this paper is to explore negative peer interactions in foster care. Looked after children and young people have highlighted the impact of negative peer interactions, and especially peer violence and intimidation, on their care experiences. However, to date, no specific fostering research has addressed this important issue. In response to this gap, we undertook focus groups with 32 foster carers in the South West of England. Group discussions were semi‐structured based around the issue of negative peer interactions in foster care. The analysis revealed five main associated themes: the impact on the carers' birth children; a lack of placement planning; inadequate referral information; a negative view of social work support; and insufficient external interventions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘We undertook focus groups with 32 foster carers in the South West of England’

Key Practitioner Messages

Negative peer interactions, particularly violence, were a major concern for foster carers, especially if they negatively impacted on the welfare of carers' birth children.

An absence of pre‐placement referral information on negative peer interactions was commonly reported and placed all children in the fostering household at risk.

Associated social work support and external interventions were often perceived as lacking and inadequate.

Fostering procedures, review and decisions need to recognise the impact of peer violence on all members of the fostering household.
In Vitro Reconstitution of a PKS Pathway for the Biosynthesis of Galbonolides in Streptomyces sp. LZ35
Authors: Liu Chao , Zhu Jing , Li Yaoyao , Zhang Juanli , Lu Chunhua , Wang Haoxin , Shen Yuemao
Published: March 2015

The galbonolides are 14‐membered macrolide antibiotics with a macrocyclic backbone similar to that of erythromycins. Galbonolides exhibit broad‐spectrum antifungal activities. Retro‐biosynthetic analysis suggests that the backbone of galbonolides is assembled by a type I modular polyketide synthase (PKS). Unexpectedly, the galbonolide biosynthetic gene cluster, gbn, in Streptomyces sp. LZ35 encodes a hybrid fatty acid synthase (FAS)‐PKS pathway. In vitro reconstitution revealed the functions of GbnA (an AT‐ACP didomain protein), GbnC (a FabH‐like enzyme), and GbnB (a novel multidomain PKS module without AT and ACP domains) responsible for assembling the backbone of galbonolides, respectively. To our knowledge, this study is the first biochemical characterization of a hybrid FAS‐PKS pathway for the biosynthesis of 14‐membered macrolides. The identification of this pathway provides insights into the evolution of PKSs and could facilitate the design of modular pools for synthetic biology.
Chemical versus Electrochemical Synthesis of Carbon Nano‐onion/Polypyrrole Composites for Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Mykhailiv Olena , Imierska Monika , Petelczyc Martyna , Echegoyen Luis , Plonska‐Brzezinska Marta E.
Published: March 2015

The development of high‐surface‐area carbon electrodes with a defined pore size distribution and the incorporation of pseudo‐active materials to optimize the overall capacitance and conductivity without destroying the stability are at present important research areas. Composite electrodes of carbon nano‐onions (CNOs) and polypyrrole (Ppy) were fabricated to improve the specific capacitance of a supercapacitor. The carbon nanostructures were uniformly coated with Ppy by chemical polymerization or by electrochemical potentiostatic deposition to form homogenous composites or bilayers. The materials were characterized by transmission‐ and scanning electron microscopy, differential thermogravimetric analyses, FTIR spectroscopy, piezoelectric microgravimetry, and cyclic voltammetry. The composites show higher mechanical and electrochemical stabilities, with high specific capacitances of up to about 800 F g−1 for the CNOs/SDS/Ppy composites (chemical synthesis) and about 1300 F g−1 for the CNOs/Ppy bilayer (electrochemical deposition).
Recent Developments in the Trifluoromethylation of Alkynes
Authors: Gao Pin , Song Xian‐Rong , Liu Xue‐Yuan , Liang Yong‐Min
Published: March 2015

In the last few years, the development of versatile methodologies to incorporate trifluoromethyl groups into organic molecules has attracted significant attention in synthetic chemistry. This review gives an overview over the development on the trifluoromethylation of alkynes, which have not been solely discussed before. Formation of diverse C(sp, sp2, sp3)CF3 bonds are all covered in this review.
Potential of Sustainable Hierarchical Zeolites in the Valorization of α‐Pinene
Authors: Nuttens Nicolas , Verboekend Danny , Deneyer Aron , Van Aelst Joost , Sels Bert F.
Published: March 2015

In the valorization of α‐pinene, which is an important biomass intermediate derived from turpentine oil, hierarchical (mesoporous) zeolites represent a superior class of catalysts. Hierarchical USY, ZSM‐5, and beta zeolites have been prepared, characterized, and catalytically evaluated, with the aim of combining the highest catalytic performance with the most sustainable synthetic protocol. These zeolites are prepared by alkaline treatment in aqueous solutions of NH4OH, NaOH, diethylamine, and NaOH complemented with tetrapropylammonium bromide. The hierarchical USY zeolite is the most attractive catalyst of the tested series, and is able to combine an overall organic‐free synthesis with an up to sixfold activity enhancement and comparable selectivity over the conventional USY zeolite. This superior performance relates to a threefold greater activity than that of the commercial standard, namely, H2SO4/TiO2. Correlation of the obtained benefits to the amount of solid lost during the postsynthetic modifications highlights that the highest activity gains are obtained with minor leaching. Furthermore, a highly zeolitic character, as determined by bulk XRD, is beneficial, but not crucial, in the conversion of α‐pinene. The alkaline treatments not only result in a higher overall activity, but also a more functional external surface area, attaining up to four times the pinene conversions per square nanometer. The efficiency of the hierarchical USY zeolite is concomitantly demonstrated in the conversion of limonene and turpentine oil, which emphasizes its industrial potential.
Differential microfluidic sensor on printed circuit board for biological cells analysis
Authors: Shi Dongyuan , Guo Jinhong , Chen Liang , Xia Chuncheng , Yu Zhefeng , Ai Ye , Li Chang Ming , Kang Yuejun , Wang Zhiming
Published: March 2015

Coulter principal based resistive pulse sensor has been demonstrated as an important platform in biological cell detection and enumeration since several decades ago. Recently, the miniaturized micro‐Coulter counter has attracted much attention due to its advantages in point of care diagnostics for on chip detection and enumeration of rare cells, such as circulating tumor cells. In this paper, we present a microfluidic cytometer with differential amplifier based on Coulter principle on a SU‐8 coated printed circuit board substrate. The electrical current changes induced by the blockage of the microparticles in the sensing aperture are calibrated by polystyrene particles of standard size. Finally, HeLa cells are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed device for enumeration of biological samples. The proposed cytometer is built upon the cheap and widely available printed circuit board substrate and shows its great potential as personalized healthcare monitor.
Up‐Scaled Microspherical Aggregates of LiFe0.4V0.4PO4/C Nanocomposites as Cathode Materials for High‐Rate Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yu Feng , Qi Peirong , An Yongxin , Wang Gang , Xia Lili , Zhu Mingyuan , Dai Bin
Published: March 2015

A series of microspherical LiFexV2/3−2x/3PO4/C (0<x<1) composites are successfully prepared using spray drying and the carbothermal reduction method. Compared with Li3V2(PO4)3/C and LiFePO4/C, LiFe0.4V0.4PO4/C is a solid solution and has a microspherical morphology. The LiFe0.4V0.4PO4/C microspheres with an essentially log‐normal distribution around 18.2 μm consist of nanosized LiFe0.4V0.4PO4/C particles as building blocks, which have an average size of around 50 nm, a specific surface area of 11.3 m2 g−1, and a Barrett–Joyner–Halenda pore diameter of 21.9 nm. Moreover, LiFe0.4V0.4PO4/C delivers a discharge capacity of 144.8 mAh g−1 at C/10, which is close to the theoretical discharge capacity of 148.2 mAh g−1 in the insertion/extraction process at 2.5–4.3 V. Even at 10C and 20C, LiFe0.4V0.4PO4/C shows excellent specific capacities of 125.2 and 119.6 mAh g−1, respectively, corresponding to excellent rate capacity retentions of close to 86.5 % and 82.6 %, respectively.
The neural correlates of volitional attention: A combined fMRI and ERP study
Authors: Bengson Jesse J. , A. Kelley Todd , Mangun George R.
Published: March 2015

Studies of visual‐spatial attention typically use instructional cues to direct attention to a relevant location, but in everyday vision, attention is often focused volitionally, in the absence of external signals. Although investigations of cued attention comprise hundreds of behavioral and physiological studies, remarkably few studies of voluntary attention have addressed the challenging question of how spatial attention is initiated and controlled in the absence of external instructions, which we refer to as willed attention. To explore this question, we employed a trial‐by‐trial spatial attention task using electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The fMRI results reveal a unique network of brain regions for willed attention that includes the anterior cingulate cortex, left middle frontal gyrus (MFG), and the left and right anterior insula (AI). We also observed two event‐related potentials (ERPs) associated with willed attention; one with a frontal distribution occurring 250–350 ms postdecision cue onset (EWAC: Early Willed Attention Component), and another occurring between 400 and 800 ms postdecision‐cue onset (WAC: Willed Attention Component). In addition, each ERP component uniquely correlated across subjects with different willed attention‐specific sites of BOLD activation. The EWAC was correlated with the willed attention‐specific left AI and left MFG activations and the later WAC was correlated only with left AI. These results offer a comprehensive and novel view of the electrophysiological and anatomical profile of willed attention and further illustrate the relationship between scalp‐recorded ERPs and the BOLD response. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2443–2454, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blog Post Progression
Authors: Kalfas Lana
Published: March 2015

This column features essays written by current middle school and high school teachers, media specialists, librarians, literacy coaches, curriculum specialists, administrators, preservice teachers, teacher educators, and adolescent and adult learners. They highlight diverse perspectives on teaching and/or learning with literacies to inspire reader reflection.
Reproductive Hormones and Longitudinal Change in Bone Mineral Density and Incident Fracture Risk in Older Men: The Concord Health and Aging in Men Project
Authors: Hsu Benjumin , Cumming Robert G , Seibel Markus J , Naganathan Vasi , Blyth Fiona M , Bleicher Kerrin , Dave Aneesh , Le Couteur David G , Waite Louise M , Handelsman David J
Published: March 2015

The objectives of this study were to examine relationships between baseline levels of reproductive hormones in older men and (1) change in bone mineral density (BMD) over 5 years and (2) incident fractures over an average of 6 years' follow-up. A total of 1705 men aged 70 years and older from the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP) study were assessed at baseline (2005–2007), 2 years follow-up (2007–2009), and 5 years follow-up (2010–2013). At baseline, testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E2), and estrone (E1) were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) by immunoassay. Hip BMD was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at all three time-points. Fracture data were collected at 4-monthly phone calls and verified radiographically. Statistical modeling was by general estimating equations and Cox model regression. Univariate analyses revealed inverse associations for serum SHBG, FSH, and LH and positive association for E1 but not DHT or E2 with BMD loss at the hip across the three time points. Serum levels of SHBG (β = –0.071), FSH (β = –0.085), LH (β = –0.070), and E1 (β = 0.107) remained significantly associated with BMD loss in multivariate-adjusted models; however, we were unable to identify any thresholds for accelerated BMD loss according to reproductive steroids. Incident fractures (all, n = 171; hip, n = 44; and nonvertebral, n = 139) were all significantly associated with serum SHBG, FSH, and LH levels in univariate models but none remained significantly associated in multivariate-adjusted model. Serum T, DHT, E2, and E1 levels were not associated with incident fractures in univariate or multivariate-adjusted analyses. In older men, lower serum SHBG, FSH, and LH and higher E1 levels protected against loss of BMD without increasing fracture rate. This means these reproductive variables may be considered as novel biomarkers of bone health during male aging. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Investigation of Paclitaxel Resistant R306C Mutation in β‐Tubulin—A Computational Approach
Authors: Verma Kanika , Ramanathan K.
Published: March 2015

Paclitaxel is the most effective chemotherapeutic agent used for the treatment of a broad spectrum of solid tumors. However, observed paclitaxel resistance in clinical trials presents one of the major obstacles for cancer chemotherapy. Most importantly, resistance due to β‐tubulin mutations (R306C) has been intensely debated in recent years. Despite all efforts, mechanism of resistance is still not well understood. In this study, computational techniques were employed to uncover the effect of R306C mutation in the β‐tubulin structure and its function. The tools such as I‐Mutant, CUPSAT and Fold‐X were employed to address the consequence of R306C mutation in the structural stability of β‐tubulin. Further, molecular docking and molecular dynamics study was employed to understand the functional impact of β‐tubulin mutation. Our results suggest that the R306C mutation causes a significant reduction in the binding affinity between β‐tubulin and paclitaxel. Further, docked complex analysis indicates that destruction of conservative hydrogen bond maintained by the residues Arg282 and Gly360 should be responsible for the large conformation changes of the binding pocket in R306C mutant. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations study confirms the stable binding of paclitaxel with native type β‐tubulin structure rather than mutant (R306C) type. We certainly believe that this study will provide useful guidance for the development of novel inhibitors that are less susceptible to drug resistance. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1318–1324, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mammary Branching Morphogenesis Requires Reciprocal Signaling by Heparanase and MMP‐14
Authors: Gomes Angélica Maciel , Bhat Ramray , Correia Ana Luísa , Mott Joni D. , Ilan Neta , Vlodavsky Israel , Pavão Mauro S.G. , Bissell Mina
Published: March 2015

The development of the mammary gland involves formation of a branched arboreal structure resulting from the penetration and proliferation of epithelial cells into the fat pad. The mammary cells invade by remodeling their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), which are rich in proteins, and glycans such as heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). There is increasing literature on how the interaction between signaling by ECM and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is relevant to morphogenetic and physiological contexts. Here we sought to understand how heparanase, the sole mammalian heparan sulfate‐degrading endoglycosidase may regulate mammary gland development. We found a robust localization of heparanase within growing end buds during branching in vivo. Using three‐dimensional (3D) organotypic cultures, we showed that heparanase expression and activity are required for mammary epithelial invasion/branching within dense collagen I gels. Morphometric analysis of glands from both heparanase‐overexpressing and knockout mice showed a direct correlation between degree of branching and the heparanase levels, confirming our 3D organotypic culture observations. Finally, we uncovered a reciprocal association between levels of heparanase and MMP14, a membrane‐bound MMP, shedding further light on how branching occurs within developing mammary glands. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1668–1679, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PTEN Inhibits High Glucose‐Induced Phenotypic Transition in Podocytes
Authors: Xing Lingling , Liu Qingjuan , Fu Shuxia , Li Shaomei , Yang Lin , Liu Shuxia , Hao Jun , Yu Lianying , Duan Huijun
Published: March 2015

Accumulating evidence has suggested that podocytes undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the underlying mechanisms of EMT in podocyte are not well understood. PI3K/Akt pathway is involved in the progression of DN. In the present study, we demonstrated that PI3K/Akt pathway was activated in podocytes exposed to high glucose conditions, accompanied by down‐regulation of the podocalyxin (PCX) and nephrin expression and up‐regulation of the desmin and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) expression. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway by chemical LY294002 or Phosphase and tensin homology deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) prevented the phenotypic transition. These findings indicate that PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway mediates high glucose‐induced phenotypic transition in podocytes. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1776–1784, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sirt1 Regulates Microtubule Dynamics Through Negative Regulation of Plk1 in Mitosis
Authors: Kim Jin‐Ju , Gil Na‐Yeon , Zhang Xiang Hua , Chun Kwang‐Hoon , Fang Guowei , Kim Joon , Cho Hyeseong , Jang Chang‐Young , Cha Hyuk‐Jin
Published: March 2015

Although loss of Sirt1 leads to chromosome aneuploidy, which accounts for higher tumor susceptibility, the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that Sirt1 directly regulates Plk1, of which activity is critical for mitotic progression and spindle dynamics. Depletion or inhibition of Sirt1 significantly perturbs the formation of the mitotic spindle, leading to defective chromosome segregation. Elevated depolymerization of the mitotic spindle following loss of Sirt1 was associated with the deregulation of Plk1 activity. Thus, we conclude that Sirt1 may contribute to a mitotic regulator that controls spindle dynamics through Plk1 activity, resulting in fine‐tuning of Plk1 dependent microtubule dynamics. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1888–1897, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A microextraction procedure based on a task‐specific ionic liquid for the separation and preconcentration of lead ions from red lipstick and pine leaves
Authors: Saljooqi Asma , Shamspur Tayebeh , Mohamadi Maryam , Afzali Daryoush , Mostafavi Ali
Published: March 2015

First, the extraction and preconcentration of ultratrace amounts of lead(II) ions was performed using microliter volumes of a task‐specific ionic liquid. The remarkable properties of ionic liquids were added to the advantages of microextraction procedure. The ionic liquid used was trioctylmethylammonium thiosalicylate, which formed a lead thiolate complex due to the chelating effect of the ortho‐positioned carboxylate relative to thiol functionality. So, trioctylmethylammonium thiosalicylate played the roles of both chelating agent and extraction solvent simultaneously. Hence, there is no need to use a ligand. The main parameters affecting the efficiency of the method were investigated and optimized. Under optimized conditions, this approach showed a linear range of 2.0–24.0 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.0010 ng/mL. The proposed method was applied to the extraction and preconcentration of lead from red lipstick and pine leaves samples prior to electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopic determination.
Synthesis of a Platinum Diketonate‐Containing Polymer Showing Oxygen‐Resistant Phosphorescence
Authors: Tanaka Kazuo , Hirose Amane , Tamashima Kenji , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: March 2015

The synthesis of a platinum diketonate‐based alternating copolymer containing a fluorene unit and its oxygen‐resistant phosphorescence are reported. The polymerization is executed via palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki−Miyaura coupling reaction. The synthesized polymer shows good solubility in common organic solvents and processability to form homogeneous films. By optical measurements it is found that the synthesized polymer shows phosphorescence from a triplet π–π* ligand‐centered transition, and interestingly, the emission is hardly influenced by oxygen. Phosphorescence is observed from both solution and film samples under aerobic conditions. The new idea of obtaining emissive materials based on conjugated polymers showing oxygen‐resistant phosphorescence is presented here.

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Maternal high‐salt diets affected pressor responses and microvasoconstriction via PKC/BK channel signaling pathways in rat offspring
Authors: Bo Le , Jiang Lin , Zhou Anwen , Wu Chonglong , Li Jiayue , Gao Qinqin , Zhang Pengjie , Lv Juanxiu , Li Na , Gu Xiuxia , Zhu Zhoufeng , Mao Caiping , Xu Zhice
Published: March 2015

Scope

High‐salt (HS) intake is linked to hypertension, and prenatal exposure to maternal HS diets may have long‐term impact on cardiovascular systems. The relationship between HS diets and cardiovascular disease has received extensive attention. This study determined pressor responses and microvessel functions in the adult offspring rats exposed to prenatal HS.

Methods and results

The offspring of 5‐month old as young adults in rats were used. Blood pressure, vascular tone, intracellular Ca2+, and BK channels in mesenteric arteries were measured in the offspring. Phenylephrine (Phe)‐induced pressor responses were significantly higher in the prenatal HS offspring. Vessel tension and intracellular Ca2+ concentrations associated with Phe‐induced pressor responses were increased in the mesenteric arteries of the HS offspring. PKC α‐ and δ‐isoforms were upregulated in mesenteric arteries of the HS offspring. The enhanced Phe‐mediated vascular activity was linked to the altered PKC‐modulated BK channel functions.

Conclusion

The results suggested that prenatal exposure to HS altered microvascular activity probably via changes in PKC/BK signaling pathways, which may lead to increased risks of hypertension in the offspring.
Glabridin, an isoflavan from licorice root, downregulates iNOS expression and activity under high‐glucose stress and inflammation
Authors: Yehuda Itamar , Madar Zecharia , Leikin‐Frenkel Alicia , Tamir Snait
Published: March 2015

Scope

In females, hyperglycemia abolishes estrogen‐vascular protection, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress that are related to diabetes‐associated cardiovascular complications. Such knowledge led us to examine the potential of glabridin, as a replacement of estrogen anti‐inflammatory activity under high‐glucose conditions.

Methods and results

In macrophage‐like cells, chronic glucose stress (28 and 44 mM) upregulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression by 42 and 189%, respectively. Pretreatment with glabridin, under chronic glucose stress, downregulated the LPS‐induced nitric oxide secretion and nitrotyrosine formation, by 39 and 21%, respectively. Pretreatment with estradiol did not prevent the LPS‐induced nitrotyrosine formation. Furthermore, glabridin, brought about a decrease in the LPS‐induced iNOS mRNA expression by 48%, as compared to cells pretreated with estradiol. Glabridin decreased protein levels of liver iNOS by 69% in adult mouse offspring which developed hyperglycemia after early fetal exposure to a saturated fatty acid‐enriched maternal diet. Glabridin also decreased liver nitrotyrosine levels in offspring of regular diet‐fed mothers after further receiving high‐fat diet.

Conclusion

Such results indicate that glabridin retains anti‐inflammatory abilities to regulate the synthesis and activity of iNOS under high‐glucose levels, implying that a glabridin supplement may serve as an anti‐inflammatory agent in diabetes‐related vascular dysfunction.
Correlating Cobalt Net Charges with Catalytic Activities of the 2‐(Benzimidazolyl)‐6‐(1‐aryliminoethyl)pyridylcobalt Complexes toward Ethylene Polymerization
Authors: Yang Wenhong , Chen Yan , Sun Wen‐Hua
Published: March 2015

The series of 2‐(benzimidazolyl)‐6‐(1‐aryliminoethyl)pyridylcobalt complexes was investigated by the DFT–QEq method to study the catalytic activity. The net charges on cobalt were evaluated at doublet and quartet states for the geometries, and correlated with the activities of these complex pre‐catalysts experimentally observed toward ethylene polymerization. Their activities are consistent with the trend of the effective net charges of cobalt. Based on the presence of methyl‐substituent on benzimidazolyl group or not, two families of cobalt complex pre‐catalysts show similar tendency according to the substituents on phenyl‐imino group. In other words, the substituents of methyl or proton on benzimidazolyl group made significant influence on the net charges of cobalt and their catalytic activities. However, the variation tendency between net charge and activity was similar within each class. Consistent with their iron analogous pre‐catalysts, the charge variation of cobalt is in line with the charge values on N3 atom within the complexes.
Resolving relaxometry and diffusion properties within the same voxel in the presence of crossing fibres by combining inversion recovery and diffusion‐weighted acquisitions
Authors: De Santis Silvia , Barazany Daniel , Jones Derek K. , Assaf Yaniv
Published: March 2015

Purpose

A comprehensive image‐based characterization of white matter should include the ability to quantify myelin and axonal attributes irrespective of the complexity of fibre organization within the voxel. While progress has been made with diffusion MRI‐based approaches to measure axonal morphology, to date available myelin metrics simply assign a single scalar value to the voxel, reflecting some form of average of its constituent fibres. Here, a new experimental framework that combines diffusion MRI and relaxometry is introduced. It provides, for the first time, the ability to assign to each unique fibre system within a voxel, a unique value of the longitudinal relaxation time, T1, which is largely influenced by the myelin content.

Methods

We demonstrate the method through simulations, in a crossing fibres phantom, in fixed brains and in vivo.

Results

The method is capable of recovering unique values of T1 for each fibre population.

Conclusion

The ability to extract fibre‐specific relaxometry properties will provide enhanced specificity and, therefore, sensitivity to differences in white matter architecture, which will be invaluable in many neuroimaging studies. Further the enhanced specificity should ultimately lead to earlier diagnosis and access to treatment in a range of white matter diseases where axons are affected. Magn Reson Med 75:372–380, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society of Medicine in Resonance.
Flexor carpi radialis surface electromyography electrode placement for evoked and voluntary measures
Authors: Green Lara A. , McGuire Jessica , Gabriel David A.
Published: March 2015

Introduction: In this study we evaluated the reliability of bipolar electrode recordings, which allow for undistorted compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) while minimizing cross‐talk during voluntary contractions. Methods: Twenty‐four men completed maximal voluntary wrist flexion contractions in 4 test sessions. Compound muscle action potentials were also evoked during each session. Surface electromyography was recorded from the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) with the recording electrode (G1) placed on the motor point and a second recording electrode (G2) adjacent to G1. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlational analysis of variance and standard error of measurement. Results: Root‐mean‐square (RMS) amplitude and mean power frequency (MPF) were highly reliable (R = 0.89 and 0.84, respectively). The CMAPs also exhibited good reliability (R = 0.75). Normalization of RMS amplitude reduced the intraclass reliability coefficient (R = 0.85). Conclusion: The electrode placement resulted in reliable measures from voluntary contractions and CMAPs. Normalization can decrease reliability. Muscle Nerve 52: 818–825, 2015
Phosphoproteomics of the goat milk fat globule membrane: New insights into lipid droplet secretion from the mammary epithelial cell
Authors: Henry Céline , Saadaoui Besma , Bouvier Frédéric , Cebo Christelle
Published: March 2015

Mechanisms of milk lipid secretion are highly controversial. Analyzing the fine protein composition of the “milk fat globule membrane” (MFGM), the triple‐layered membrane surrounding milk lipid droplets (LDs) can provide mechanistic clues to better understand LD biosynthesis and secretion pathways in mammary epithelial cells (MECs). We therefore combined a high‐sensitive Q‐Exactive LC‐MS/MS analysis of MFGM‐derived peptides to the use of an in‐house database intended to improve protein identification in the goat species. Using this approach, we performed the identification of 442 functional groups of proteins in the MFGM from goat milk. To get a more dynamic view of intracellular mechanisms driving LD dynamics in the MECs, we decided to investigate for the first time whether MFGM proteins were phosphorylated. MFGM proteins were sequentially digested by lysine‐C and trypsin proteases and the resulting peptides were fractionated by a strong cation exchange chromatography. Titanium beads were used to enrich phosphopeptides from strong cation exchange chromatography eluted fractions. This approach lets us pinpoint 271 sites of phosphorylation on 124 unique goat MFGM proteins. Enriched GO terms associated with phosphorylated MFGM proteins were protein transport and actin cytoskeleton organization. Gained data are discussed with regard to lipid secretory mechanisms in the MECs. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001039 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD001039).
Control of chain ends of polyesters in polycondensation of AA and BB monomers by use of solid‐phase reagent
Authors: Sugiura Toshihiko , Yajima Daisuke , Shoji Kento , Ohta Yoshihiro , Yokozawa Tsutomu
Published: March 2015

For selective synthesis of linear polyester having a functional group at one end, polycondensation between 1,4‐butanediol (1a) and sebacoyl chloride (2a) and between 1,12‐dodecanediol (1b) and isophthaloyl chloride (2b) was conducted in the presence of oxime resin or oxime silica gel, followed by cleavage of the formed polyester from the solid‐phase support with aniline. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectra and 1H NMR spectra of the cleaved polyester showed that the products contained not only polyester with anilide at one end (poly 1), but also polyester with anilides at both ends (poly 2). The product ratio of poly 1 to poly 2 (poly 1/poly 2) was dependent on monomers, monomer concentration, feed ratio of monomer to oxime moiety in the support, oxime content in the support, reaction solvent, and the nature of the support. Polyester with a high poly 1/poly 2 ratio of 81/21 and moderate molecular weight (Mn = 1430 g/mol) was obtained by polycondensation of 1b and 2b in the presence of oxime silica gel in dichloromethane. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1379–1386
Caregiving in Polish–German Transnational Social Space: Circulating Narratives and Intersecting Heterogeneities
Authors: Barglowski Karolina , Krzyżowski Łukasz , Świątek Paulina
Published: March 2015

Transnational caregiving has recently provoked a number of studies on the impact of migration on the reorganisation of care arrangements, family dynamics, and gender roles. Yet, the literature on transnational caregiving rarely discusses the ambivalences which migrants encounter in the provision of care. Twenty interviews with migrants from Poland in Germany and ten interviews with their relatives in Poland reveal that transnational childcare is mitigated between a wish for the integration of their children into the German education system and the need to maintain ties to relatives and friends in Poland. These mediations synchronise socialisation within and outside the (transnational) family, yet also connect families with each other (across borders) through reciprocity such as intergenerational contracts. The implications of caregiving are the differences in life chances – shaped by transnationality, class, gender, and age – through participation in relevant social fields such as the labour market and the education system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SQLPIL: SQL injection prevention by input labeling
Authors: Masri Wes , Sleiman Sam
Published: March 2015

SQL injection attacks (SQLIAs) aim at exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications in order to execute malicious SQL commands. It is established that prepared statements are resilient to SQLIAs, and thus, developers are advised to use them when constructing SQL queries as opposed to applying string concatenation operations. Unfortunately, this recommended programming practice is not as pervasive as it should be. This paper addresses this shortcoming by presenting SQL injection Prevention by Input Labeling (SQLPIL), an effective, light, and fully automated tool that leverages prepared statements to prevent SQLIAs at runtime. Given a Java program in which SQL queries are built as strings, SQLPIL dynamically transforms the strings into secure prepared statements right before their execution, thus guaranteeing that malicious input will always be treated as data and never as SQL commands. We empirically evaluated our Java implementation of SQLPIL using a benchmark that includes five JSP commercial applications, a number of legitimate queries, and a number of attacks of representative types. The results were promising as all attacks were prevented, and all legitimate runs executed successfully; in other words, the technique exhibited no false alarms when applied on typical applications. Also, the runtime cost was acceptable, assuming typical settings. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.