bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Greatly increased numbers of histamine cells in human narcolepsy with cataplexy
Authors: John Joshi , Thannickal Thomas C. , McGregor Ronald , Ramanathan Lalini , Ohtsu Hiroshi , Nishino Seiji , Sakai Noriaki , Yamanaka Akhiro , Stone Carly , Cornford Marcia , Siegel Jerome M.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To determine whether histamine cells are altered in human narcolepsy with cataplexy and in animal models of this disease.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry for histidine decarboxylase (HDC) and quantitative microscopy were used to detect histamine cells in human narcoleptics, hypocretin (Hcrt) receptor‐2 mutant dogs, and 3 mouse narcolepsy models: Hcrt (orexin) knockouts, ataxin‐3‐orexin, and doxycycline‐controlled‐diphtheria‐toxin‐A‐orexin.

Results

We found an average 64% increase in the number of histamine neurons in human narcolepsy with cataplexy, with no overlap between narcoleptics and controls. However, we did not see altered numbers of HDC cells in any of the animal models of narcolepsy.

Interpretation

Changes in histamine cell numbers are not required for the major symptoms of narcolepsy, because all animal models have these symptoms. The histamine cell changes we saw in humans did not occur in the 4 animal models of Hcrt dysfunction we examined. Therefore, the loss of Hcrt receptor‐2, of the Hcrt peptide, or of Hcrt cells is not sufficient to produce these changes. We speculate that the increased histamine cell numbers we see in human narcolepsy may instead be related to the process causing the human disorder. Although research has focused on possible antigens within the Hcrt cells that might trigger their autoimmune destruction, the present findings suggest that the triggering events of human narcolepsy may involve a proliferation of histamine‐containing cells. We discuss this and other explanations of the difference between human narcoleptics and animal models of narcolepsy, including therapeutic drug use and species differences. Ann Neurol 2013;74:786–793
Graphene/poly(styrene‐b‐isoprene‐b‐styrene) nanocomposite optical actuators
Authors: Ansari Seema , Neelanchery Muralidharan Malamal , Ushus Deepthi
Published: July 2013

This article presents an optomechanical actuator, which is driven by infra red (IR) radiation. The actuator is a nanocomposite‐containing graphene platelets embedded in poly(styrene‐b‐isoprene‐b‐styrene) (SIS) matrix. 0.1 mm thick free‐standing nanocomposite films are fabricated by a simple process of solvent casting. We demonstrate that graphene/SIS nanocomposite contracts on irradiation with IR radiation under strained conditions, whereas expansion behavior was exhibited by them when no prestrain is applied. A maximum photomechanical stress of 28.34 kPa and strain upto 3.1% was obtained for these nanocomposite actuators. We have also studied the mechanical characteristics and thermal degradation of these nanocomposite actuators. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3902–3908, 2013
VENOM OF THE ECTOPARASITOID, NASONIA VITRIPENNIS, INFLUENCES GENE EXPRESSION IN Musca domestica HEMOCYTES
Authors: Qian Cen , Liu Yang , Fang Qi , Min‐Li Yan , Liu Shu‐Sheng , Ye Gong‐Yin , Li Yan‐Min
Published: July 2013

Insect hosts have evolved potent innate immunity against invasion by parasitoid wasps. Host/parasitoids live in co‐evolutionary relationships. Nasonia vitripennis females inject venom into their dipteran hosts just prior to laying eggs on the host's outer integument. The parasitoid larvae are ectoparasitoids because they feed on their hosts within the puparium, but do not enter the host body. We investigated the influence of N. vitripennis venom on the gene expression profile of hemocytes of their hosts, pupae of the housefly, Musca domestica. We prepared venom by isolating venom glands and treated experimental host pupae with venom. We used suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) to determine the influence of venom on hemocyte gene expression. At 1 h post treatment, we recorded decreases in transcript levels of 133 EST clones derived from forward a subtractive library of host hemocytes and upregulation in transcript levels of 111 EST clones from the reverse library. These genes are related to immune and stress response, cytoskeleton, cell cycle and apoptosis, metabolism, transport, and transcription/translation regulation. We verified the reliability of our data with reverse transcription quantitative real‐time PCR analysis of randomly selected genes, and with assays of enzyme activities. These analyses showed that the expression level of all selected genes were downregulated after venom treatment. Outcomes of our experiments support the hypothesis that N. vitripennis venom influences the gene expression in host hemocytes. We conclude that the actions of venom on host gene expression influence host biology in ways that benefit the development and emergence of the next generation of parasitoids.
Hydrothermal Deoxygenation of Graphene Oxide: Chemical and Structural Evolution
Authors: Choudhary Shivani , Mungse Harshal P. , Khatri Om P.
Published: July 2013

A green and facile approach for the partial deoxygenation of graphene oxide (GO) at moderate temperature (100 °C) and under atmospheric pressure, catalyzed by acidic conditions in water is reported. The chemical and structural changes in GO as a function of hydrothermal time were probed to understand the deoxygenation events. The brown GO dispersion in water was found to gradually turn black over the hydrothermal‐treatment time on account of the increasing graphitic content. FTIR, thermogravimetric (TG), Raman, and XRD analyses revealed that the labile oxygen functionalities are progressively eliminated, thereby partially restoring the π‐conjugated network. This was further corroborated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies based on quantitative analysis of each carbon component associated with the different chemical functionalities. Carbonyl, carboxyl, ether, and phenolic groups were found to be thermally stable, which hinders complete deoxygenation of GO and makes their dispersion in water stable, as monitored by the ζ potential. It is worth noting that deoxygenation events are expedited under acid‐catalyzed hydrothermal treatment relative to thermal deoxygenation in air.
Computational design of RNAs with complex energy landscapes
Authors: Höner zu Siederdissen Christian , Hammer Stefan , Abfalter Ingrid , Hofacker Ivo L. , Flamm Christoph , Stadler Peter F.
Published: July 2013

RNA has become an integral building material in synthetic biology. Dominated by their secondary structures, which can be computed efficiently, RNA molecules are amenable not only to in vitro and in vivo selection, but also to rational, computation‐based design. While the inverse folding problem of constructing an RNA sequence with a prescribed ground‐state structure has received considerable attention for nearly two decades, there have been few efforts to design RNAs that can switch between distinct prescribed conformations. We introduce a user‐friendly tool for designing RNA sequences that fold into multiple target structures. The underlying algorithm makes use of a combination of graph coloring and heuristic local optimization to find sequences whose energy landscapes are dominated by the prescribed conformations. A flexible interface allows the specification of a wide range of design goals. We demonstrate that bi‐ and tri‐stable “switches” can be designed easily with moderate computational effort for the vast majority of compatible combinations of desired target structures. RNAdesign is freely available under the GPL‐v3 license. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 1124–1136, 2013.
Revealing structural views of biology
Authors: Goodsell David S. , Burley Stephen K. , Berman Helen M.
Published: July 2013

The first protein structures were determined in the 1950s. In the decades that followed, development of new methods for sample preparation, crystallization, data collection, and structure analysis yielded tens of thousands of biomolecular structures. This short review highlights some of the major technical advances exemplified with selected structures. © 2013 The Authors. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 99: 817–824, 2013.
Favorable Contact During Volunteer Service: Reducing Prejudice Toward Mexicans in the American Southwest
Authors: Ridge Robert D. , Montoya Jared A.
Published: July 2013

We assessed religious volunteers’ intergroup contact, realistic threat perceptions, symbolic threat perceptions, intergroup anxiety, negative stereotypes and prejudice toward Mexicans before and approximately 4–6 months into their volunteer service. Whether assigned to serve Mexicans or European–Americans, all volunteers experienced reduced prejudice toward Mexicans. A multiple mediator model suggests that changes in prejudice resulted from a mediated relationship between quality contact and prejudice. Specifically, intergroup anxiety and negative stereotypes mediated the relationship. The benefits of volunteerism as a means of fostering favorable intergroup contact and reducing threat perceptions and prejudice are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
British Citizenship and the ‘Other’: An Analysis of the Earned Citizenship Discourse
Authors: Andreouli Eleni , Dashtipour Parisa
Published: July 2013

This paper presents an analysis of interviews conducted with citizenship officers in London, working within the field of British naturalisation. We draw from a rhetorical psychology perspective to study the dilemmatic tensions that exist in the participants' discourse about naturalisation applicants who are constructed as ‘good’ and ‘bad’, as both ‘deserving’ and ‘undeserving’ of British citizenship. In line with a rhetorical approach, we argue that these different constructions of the migrant are strategic and are associated with different constructions of Britain as humanitarian and tolerant, on the one hand, and as being under threat by the influx of immigration, on the other hand. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of this ambivalence for processes of inclusion and exclusion. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of Personal Networks Associated with Physical and Psychological Quality of Life Among Demobilized Individuals from the Colombian Armed Conflict
Authors: Amar‐Amar José Juan , Abello‐LLanos Raimundo , Madariaga‐Orozco Camilo , Ávila‐Toscano José
Published: July 2013

The study identifies relationships between the characteristics of personal networks of demobilized individuals and their quality of life, through the evaluation of a sample of 102 ex‐combatants from a demilitarized zone in Colombia's Caribbean coast. The data was processed using centrality values calculation and statistical analysis through the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results showed moderate levels of nodality, proximity and intermediation degrees regarding small, closed networks with an unsatisfied high demand for support resources. Quality of life showed medium performance levels, with inverse relationships between mental health (p = .009 < .05) and vitality (p = .011 < .05) and intermediation. Positive feedback related significantly to general health (p = .041 < .05), while negative interactions showed inverse relationships to physical functioning (p = .012 < .05), physical role (p = .005), mental health (p = .001 < .05), and emotional role (p = .009 < .05). In conclusion, among the highly cohesive personal networks, there were less observations of social support that fosters increased energy and psychological health, given that access to this support is limited to a small number of members of the personal network. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrodeoxygenation of Guaiacol over Carbon‐Supported Metal Catalysts
Authors: Chang Jie , Danuthai Tanate , Dewiyanti Silvia , Wang Chuan , Borgna Armando
Published: July 2013

Catalytic bio‐oil upgrading to produce renewable fuels has attracted increasing attention in response to the decreasing oil reserves and the increased fuel demand worldwide. Herein, the catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of guaiacol with carbon‐supported non‐sulfided metal catalysts was investigated. Catalytic tests were performed at 4.0 MPa and temperatures ranging from 623 to 673 K. Both Ru/C and Mo/C catalysts showed promising catalytic performance in HDO. The selectivity to benzene was 69.5 and 83.5 % at 653 K over Ru/C and 10Mo/C catalysts, respectively. Phenol, with a selectivity as high as 76.5 %, was observed mainly on 1Mo/C. However, the reaction pathway over both catalysts is different. Over the Ru/C catalyst, the OCH3 bond was cleaved to form the primary intermediate catechol, whereas only traces of catechol were detected over Mo/C catalysts. In addition, two types of active sites were detected over Mo samples after reduction in H2 at 973 K. Catalytic studies showed that the demethoxylation of guaiacol is performed over residual MoOx sites with high selectivity to phenol whereas the consecutive HDO of phenol is performed over molybdenum carbide species, which is widely available only on the 10Mo/C sample. Different deactivation patterns were also observed over Ru/C and Mo/C catalysts.
Tracing the Route to Ammonia: A Theoretical Study on the Possible Pathways for Dinitrogen Reduction with Tripodal Iron Complexes
Authors: Gogoi Ujjal , Guha Ankur Kanti , Phukan Ashwini K.
Published: July 2013

The chemistry of nitrogen fixation has been the subject of considerable research with a view to gaining a proper understanding of the mechanistic details. In this article, density functional calculations are performed on all the mechanistic possibilities for dinitrogen reduction mediated by the tripodal iron complexes [(SiPMe3)FeI] ([FeSi]) and [(BPMe3)Fe0] ([FeB]). Dinitrogen addition to the neutral bare complex is found to be thermodynamically more favorable than that to the anionic one. Both symmetric and asymmetric pathways, along with the possible intermediates and transition states, are considered in this study. For both systems, the symmetric path is found to be more likely, although the prospect of the asymmetric path cannot be ignored. Moreover, interconversions between these two pathways are found to be less likely. This study corroborates most experimental observations and provides theoretical insight into the possible existence of some hitherto unknown intermediates such as multiple‐bonded FeN species in a trigonal bipyramidal geometry. Furthermore, in agreement with experimental observations, this study also highlights the possibility of hydrogen and hydrazine evolution during the complete reduction of dinitrogen.
Adsorption of Arsenite from Groundwater Using Titanium Dioxide
Authors: López Paraguay Miriam Z. , Cortes José Apolinar , Pérez‐Robles Juan F. , Alarcón‐Herrera María T.
Published: July 2013

The present research focused in the feasibility of using a common, inexpensive, and non‐toxic material as titanium dioxide (TiO2) for arsenite (As(III)) removal from aqueous solutions. Batch experiments were conducted to test the effects of adsorbent dose, contact time, and stirring speed. The As(III) removal has been carried out under natural environment conditions (temperature 23 ± 3°C and water pH 8 ± 0.2). Results show that the kinetic rate of As(III) adsorption was higher in the first 30 min and decreases thereafter. The maximum removal efficiency was 96% with 1.5 g/L in 1.5 h of contact time. The As–TiO2 system has reached equilibrium in 1 h, regardless of the titanium dioxide dosage. The adsorption process was best described by the Freundlich's isotherm model, which indicates that the multilayer adsorption should be involved in the process of As(III) removal. The contact between the As(III) and TiO2 was done mainly by convection and diffusion. The mass transfer coefficient (β) has been found between 0.8 × 10−5 and 12.3 × 10−5 cm/s. The thermodynamic analysis showed a feasible, spontaneous, and exothermic adsorption process. TiO2 is a safe substance for human health and is a feasible and efficient alternative treatment for arsenic removal from water.Chronic exposures at low‐level of arsenic will cause adverse health effects. TiO2 is a feasible low‐cost material for remove arsenic. Reaction mechanisms, the zeta potential and adsorption kinetics were analyzed. A dose of 1.5 g/L removed 92% (Co = 120 µg As/L) of arsenic in 0.9 h. This conditions allows to get a treated water quality in agreement with the international standards (<10 µg/L).
Effect of Chromium and Organic Acids on Microbial Growth and Exopolymeric Substance Production by Pseudomonas Bacteria
Authors: Mercan Dogan Nazime , Kantar Cetin , Dogan Goksel
Published: July 2013

Natural organic acids are capable of stimulating microbial chromium(VI) reduction, but little information is available about their behavior on microbial growth, exopolymeric substance (EPS) production, and subsequent microbial Cr(VI) reduction. Here, laboratory batch experiments were conducted to determine the effects of different natural organic acids (galacturonic, glucuronic, citric, and alginic acid) on microbial EPS production and the growth rates of four different naturally occurring soil bacteria (Pseudomonas putida P18, P. aeruginosa P16, P. fluorescens ATCC 55241, and P. stutzeri P40) as a function of pH and time in solutions containing toxic metal ions such as Cr(III) and Cr(VI). While the addition of Cr(VI) led to a negative impact on microbial growth in all strains studied, Cr(VI) significantly enhanced EPS release from cells due to extreme cell lysis. Organic acids diminished the toxic effects of Cr(VI) on cells, and thus significantly increased microbial cell growth and the EPS yield. The addition of Cr(III) with Cr(VI), on the other hand, led to a significant decrease in microbial cell growth rates relative to the systems containing only Cr(VI). This toxic effect decreased significantly in the presence of organic acids, and thus the EPS yield increased due to the formation of less toxic Cr(III)‐EPS species. The overall results indicate that while the accumulation of free Cr(III) ion in aqueous phase during microbial Cr(VI) reduction may have an adverse influence on microbial cell growth, the EPS released by bacteria may bind with free Cr(III) ion in solution, and thus increase the cell growth rate due to the removal of toxic products of microbial reduction.
Modified cisplatin/interferon α‐2b/doxorubicin/5‐fluorouracil (PIAF) chemotherapy in patients with no hepatitis or cirrhosis is associated with improved response rate, resectability, and survival of initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kaseb Ahmed O. , Shindoh Junichi , Patt Yehuda Z. , Roses Robert E. , Zimmitti Giuseppe , Lozano Richard D. , Hassan Manal M. , Hassabo Hesham M. , Curley Steven A. , Aloia Thomas A. , Abbruzzese James L. , Vauthey Jean‐Nicolas
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with response rate, resectability, and survival after cisplatin/interferon α‐2b/doxorubicin/5‐fluorouracil (PIAF) combination therapy in patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

The study included 2 groups of patients treated with conventional high‐dose PIAF (n = 84) between 1994 and 2003 and those without hepatitis or cirrhosis treated with modified PIAF (n = 33) between 2003 and 2012. Tolerance of chemotherapy, best radiographic response, rate of conversion to curative surgery, and overall survival were analyzed and compared between the 2 groups, and multivariate and logistic regression analyses were applied to identify predictors of response and survival.

RESULTS

The modified PIAF group had a higher median number of PIAF cycles (4 versus 2, P = .049), higher objective response rate (36% versus 15%, P = .013), higher rate of conversion to curative surgery (33% versus 10%, P = .004), and longer median overall survival (21.3 versus 10.6 months, P = .002). Multivariate analyses confirmed that positive hepatitis B serology (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08‐2.59) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥ 2 (HR = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.04‐2.93) were associated with worse survival whereas curative surgical resection after PIAF treatment (HR = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.07‐0.35) was associated with improved survival.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, the modified PIAF regimen in patients with no hepatitis or cirrhosis is associated with improved response, resectability, and survival. Cancer 2013;119:3334–42 © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Gleason pattern 5 is the strongest pathologic predictor of recurrence, metastasis, and prostate cancer–specific death in patients receiving salvage radiation therapy following radical prostatectomy
Authors: Jackson William , Hamstra Daniel A. , Johnson Skyler , Zhou Jessica , Foster Benjamin , Foster Corey , Li Darren , Song Yeohan , Palapattu Ganesh S. , Kunju Lakshmi P. , Mehra Rohit , Feng Felix Y.
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

The presence of Gleason pattern 5 (GP5) at radical prostatectomy (RP) has been associated with worse clinical outcome; however, this pathologic variable has not been assessed in patients receiving salvage radiation therapy (SRT) after a rising prostate‐specific antigen level.

METHODS

A total of 575 patients who underwent primary RP for localized prostate cancer and subsequently received SRT at a tertiary medical institution were reviewed retrospectively. Primary outcomes of interest were biochemical failure (BF), distant metastasis (DM), and prostate cancer–specific mortality (PCSM), which were assessed via univariate analysis and Fine and Grays competing risks multivariate models.

RESULTS

On pathologic evaluation, 563 (98%) patients had a documented Gleason score (GS). The median follow‐up post‐SRT was 56.7 months. A total of 60 (10.7%) patients had primary, secondary, or tertiary GP5. On univariate analysis, the presence of GP5 was prognostic for BF (hazard ratio [HR] 3.3; P < .0001), DM (HR:11.1, P < .0001), and PCSM (HR:8.8, P < .0001). Restratification of the Gleason score to include GP5 as a distinct entity resulted in improved prognostic capability. Patients with GP5 had clinically worse outcomes than patients with GS8(4+4). On multivariate analysis, the presence of GP5 was the most adverse pathologic predictor of BF (HR 2.9; P < .0001), DM (HR 14.8; P < .0001), and PCSM (HR 5.7; P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

In the setting of SRT for prostate cancer, the presence of GP5 is a critical pathologic predictor of BF, DM, and PCSM. Traditional GS risk stratification fails to fully utilize the prognostic capabilities of individual Gleason patterns among men receiving SRT post‐RP. Cancer 2013;119:3287–94. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Spontaneous Emergence of Chirality in the Limited Enantioselectivity Model: Autocatalytic Cycle Driven by an External Reagent
Authors: Blanco Celia , Crusats Joaquim , El‐Hachemi Zoubir , Moyano Albert , Hochberg David , Ribó Josep M.
Published: July 2013

The model of limited enantioselectivity (LES) in closed systems, and under experimental conditions able to achieve chemical equilibrium, can give rise to neither spontaneous mirror symmetry breaking (SMSB) nor kinetic chiral amplifications. However, it has been recently shown that it is able to lead to SMSB, as a stationary final state, in thermodynamic scenarios involving nonuniform temperature distributions and for compartmentalized separation between the two autocatalytic reactions. Herein, it is demonstrated how SMSB may occur in LES in a cyclic network with uniform temperature distribution if the reverse reaction of the nonenantioselective autocatalysis, which gives limited inhibition on the racemic mixture, is driven by an external reagent, that is, in conditions that keep the system out of chemical equilibrium. The exact stability analysis of the racemic and chiral final outcomes and the study of the reaction parameters leading to SMSB are resolved analytically. Numerical simulations, using chemical kinetics equations, show that SMSB may occur for chemically reasonable parameters. Numerical simulations on SMSB are also presented for speculative, but reasonable, scenarios implying reactions common in amino acid chemistry.
Notes on Valence Bond Structures for S2N2 and Related Systems
Authors: Harcourt Richard D.
Published: July 2013

For the D2h E2N2 and D4h E42+ (E=S, Se and Te) systems with one valence‐shell π‐electron atomic orbital per atomic centre, the ground‐state resonance between two increased‐valence structures with one‐electron and fractional electron‐pair π bonds is equivalent to resonance between the six Lewis‐type valence‐bond structures considered in this journal (B. Braïda, A. Lo, P. C. Hiberty, ChemPhysChem 2012, 13, 811–819). Approximate values are deduced for the one‐electron bond polarity parameters. Three types of electron transfer processes are used to convert one increased‐valence structure into the other. Theory is developed to show that one component of the associated electron transfer matrix element is not dependent on atomic orbital overlap. Brief consideration is also given to other types of VB descriptions for the S2N2 ground state.
Reduction of Acetonitrile by Hydrated Magnesium Cations Mg+(H2O)n (n≈20–60) in the Gas Phase
Authors: Lam Tim‐Wai , van der Linde Christian , Akhgarnusch Amou , Hao Qiang , Beyer Martin K. , Siu Chi‐Kit
Published: July 2013

Ion–molecule reactions of Mg+(H2O)n (n≈20–60) with CH3CN are studied by Fourier‐transform ion‐cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Collision with CH3CN initiates the formation of MgOH+(H2O)n−1 together with CH3CHN. or CH3CNH., which is similar to the reaction of hydrated electrons (H2O)n− with CH3CN. In subsequent reaction steps, three more CH3CN molecules are taken up by the clusters, to form MgOH+(CH3CN)3 after a reaction delay of 60 seconds. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the M06/6‐31++G(d,p) level of theory suggest that the bending motion of CH3CN allows the unpaired electron that is solvated out from the Mg center to localize in a π*(CN)‐like orbital of the bent CH3CN.−, which undergoes spontaneous proton transfer to form CH3CNH. or CH3CHN., with the former being kinetically more favorable. The reaction energy for a cluster with the hexacoordinated Mg center is more exothermic than that with the pentacoordinated Mg. The CH3CNH. or CH3CHN. is preferentially solvated on the cluster surface rather than at the first solvation shell of the Mg center. By contrast, the three additional CH3CN molecules taken up by the resulting MgOH+(H2O)n clusters coordinate directly to the first solvation shell of the MgOH+ core, as revealed by DFT calculations.
BETA Zeolite Thin Films Supported on Honeycomb Monoliths with Tunable Properties as Hydrocarbon Traps under Cold‐Start Conditions
Authors: Navlani‐García Miriam , Varela‐Gandía Francisco J. , Bueno‐López Agustín , Cazorla‐Amorós Diego , Puértolas Begoña , López José M. , García Tomás , Lozano‐Castelló Dolores
Published: July 2013

A high percentage of hydrocarbon (HC) emissions from gasoline vehicles occur during the cold‐start period. Among the alternatives proposed to reduce these HC emissions, the use of zeolites before the three‐way catalyst (TWC) is thought to be very effective. Zeolites are the preferred adsorbents for this application; however, to avoid high pressure drops, supported zeolites are needed. In this work, two coating methods (dip‐coating and in situ crystallization) are optimized to prepare BETA zeolite thin films supported on honeycomb monoliths with tunable properties. The important effect of the density of the thin film in the final performance as a HC trap is demonstrated. A highly effective HC trap is prepared showing 100 % toluene retention, accomplishing the desired performance as a HC trap, desorbing propene at temperatures close to 300 °C, and remaining stable after cycling. The use of this material before the TWC is very promising, and works towards achieving the sustainability and environmental protection goals.
Fetuses respond to father's voice but prefer mother's voice after birth
Authors: Lee Grace Y. , Kisilevsky Barbara S.
Published: July 2013

Fetal and newborn responding to audio‐recordings of their father's versus mother's reading a story were examined. At home, fathers read a different story to the fetus each day for 7 days. Subsequently, in the laboratory, continuous fetal heart rate was recorded during a 9 min protocol, including three, 3 min periods: baseline no‐sound, voice (mother or father), postvoice no‐sound. Following a 20 min delay, the opposite voice was delivered. Newborn head‐turning was observed on 20 s trials: three no‐sound, three voice (mother or father), three opposite voice, three no‐sound trials with the same segment of each parent's recording. Fetuses showed a heart rate increase to both voices which was sustained over the voice period. Consistent with prior reports, newborns showed a preference for their mother's but not their father's voice. The characteristics of voice stimuli that capture fetal attention and elicit a response are yet to be identified. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1–11, 2014.
Heparan sulfate in skeletal development, growth, and pathology: The case of hereditary multiple exostoses
Authors: Huegel Julianne , Sgariglia Federica , Enomoto‐Iwamoto Motomi , Koyama Eiki , Dormans John P. , Pacifici Maurizio
Published: July 2013

Heparan sulfate (HS) is an essential component of cell surface and matrix‐associated proteoglycans. Due to their sulfation patterns, the HS chains interact with numerous signaling proteins and regulate their distribution and activity on target cells. Many of these proteins, including bone morphogenetic protein family members, are expressed in the growth plate of developing skeletal elements, and several skeletal phenotypes are caused by mutations in those proteins as well as in HS‐synthesizing and modifying enzymes. The disease we discuss here is hereditary multiple exostoses (HME), a disorder caused by mutations in HS synthesizing enzymes EXT1 and EXT2, leading to HS deficiency. The exostoses are benign cartilaginous‐bony outgrowths, form next to growth plates, can cause growth retardation and deformities, chronic pain and impaired motion, and progress to malignancy in 2–5% of patients. We describe recent advancements on HME pathogenesis and exostosis formation deriving from studies that have determined distribution, activities and roles of signaling proteins in wild‐type and HS‐deficient cells and tissues. Aberrant distribution of signaling factors combined with aberrant responsiveness of target cells to those same factors appear to be a major culprit in exostosis formation. Insights from these studies suggest plausible and cogent ideas about how HME could be treated in the future. Developmental Dynamics 242:1021–1032, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noncrop flowering plants restore top‐down herbivore control in agricultural fields
Authors: Balmer Oliver , Pfiffner Lukas , Schied Johannes , Willareth Martin , Leimgruber Andrea , Luka Henryk , Traugott Michael
Published: July 2013

Herbivore populations are regulated by bottom‐up control through food availability and quality and by top‐down control through natural enemies. Intensive agricultural monocultures provide abundant food to specialized herbivores and at the same time negatively impact natural enemies because monocultures are depauperate in carbohydrate food sources required by many natural enemies. As a consequence, herbivores are released from both types of control. Diversifying intensive cropping systems with flowering plants that provide nutritional resources to natural enemies may enhance top‐down control and contribute to natural herbivore regulation. We analyzed how noncrop flowering plants planted as “companion plants” inside cabbage (Brassica oleracea) fields and as margins along the fields affect the plant–herbivore–parasitoid–predator food web. We combined molecular analyses quantifying parasitism of herbivore eggs and larvae with molecular predator gut content analysis and a comprehensive predator community assessment. Planting cornflowers (Centaurea cynanus), which have been shown to attract and selectively benefit Microplitis mediator, a larval parasitoid of the cabbage moth Mamestra brassicae, between the cabbage heads shifted the balance between trophic levels. Companion plants significantly increased parasitism of herbivores by larval parasitoids and predation on herbivore eggs. They furthermore significantly affected predator species richness. These effects were present despite the different treatments being close relative to the parasitoids’ mobility. These findings demonstrate that habitat manipulation can restore top‐down herbivore control in intensive crops if the right resources are added. This is important because increased natural control reduces the need for pesticide input in intensive agricultural settings, with cascading positive effects on general biodiversity and the environment. Companion plants thus increase biodiversity both directly, by introducing new habitats and resources for other species, and indirectly by reducing mortality of nontarget species due to pesticides.
Male–male aggression peaks at intermediate relatedness in a social spider mite
Authors: Sato Yukie , Egas Martijn , Sabelis Maurice W. , Mochizuki Atsushi
Published: July 2013

Theory predicts that when individuals live in groups or colonies, male–male aggression peaks at intermediate levels of local average relatedness. Assuming that aggression is costly and directed toward nonrelatives and that competition for reproduction acts within the colony, benefits of aggressive behavior are maximized in colonies with a mix of related and unrelated competitors because aggression hurts nonkin often, thereby favoring reproduction of kin. This leads to a dome‐shaped relation between male–male aggression and average relatedness. This prediction has been tested with bacteria in the laboratory, but not with organisms in the field. We study how male–male aggression varies with relatedness in the social spider mite Stigmaeopsis miscanthi. We sampled 25 populations across a wide geographic range between Taiwan and Japan, representing a gradient of high to low within‐population relatedness. For each population the weaponry of males was measured as the length of the first pair of legs, and male–male aggression was tested by placing pairs of nonsibling males together and scoring the frequency of male death over a given period. As these two morphological and behavioral variables correlate strongly, they both reflect the intensity of male–male conflict. Our data on the social spider mite show that male–male aggression as well as weapon size strongly peak at intermediate, average relatedness, thereby confirming theoretical predictions.
An Efficient Organocatalysis: A One‐Pot Highly Enantioselective Synthesis of α‐Aminophosphonates
Authors: Thorat Prashant B. , Goswami Santosh V. , Magar Rupali L. , Patil Bhagwan R. , Bhusare Sudhakar R.
Published: July 2013

This present method deals with an exceedingly rare aspect of α‐aminophosphonate synthesis. We studied an enantioseletive one‐pot synthetic method for the syntheses of optically active α‐aminophosphonates by employing an organocatalyst. Some new organocatalysts were synthesized and studied for their reactivity and enantioselectivity. The organocatalyst effectively catalyzed the reaction and provided the corresponding α‐aminophosphonates in high yields (71–90 %) with excellent enantiomeric excess values (73–92 %).
Biphasic Glycerol/2‐MeTHF, Ruthenium‐Catalysed Enantioselective Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones Using Sodium Hypophosphite as Hydrogen Donor
Authors: Guyon Carole , Métay Estelle , Duguet Nicolas , Lemaire Marc
Published: July 2013

Sodium hypophosphite has been used as an efficient hydrogen donor in the transfer hydrogenation of aliphatic and aromatic ketones in the presence of [RuCl2(p‐cymene)]2 and 2,2′‐bipyridine in water. The corresponding alcohols were isolated in moderate to excellent yields (39–95 %). Good chemoselectivity was observed with ester, nitrile and halide functionalities in the ketones not being reduced. An enantioselective version of the reaction using [RuCl(p‐cymene){(R,R)‐TsDPEN}] as catalyst in a glycerol/2‐MeTHF biphasic solvent mixture has been developed and allowed the reduction of (hetero)aromatic ketones with excellent chemo‐ and enantioselectivities (up to 97 % ee).
Lewis Acid Mediated Fragmentation of Tetrazoles towards Triazoles
Authors: El Kaïm Laurent , Grimaud Laurence , Pravin Patil
Published: July 2013

If Ugi–azide adducts generated from tert‐butyl isocyanide, primary amines, and aromatic aldehydes are oxidized by copper(II) salts, the resulting imino tetrazoles may be easily converted into triazoles through Lewis acid catalyzed fragmentation of the tetrazole under microwave conditions.
Social resources at a time of crisis: How gender stereotypes inform gendered leader evaluations
Authors: Rink Floor , Ryan Michelle K. , Stoker Janka I.
Published: July 2013

Research suggests that women are more likely than men to be selected for leadership positions when organizations are in a performance crisis, a phenomenon labeled the glass cliff. Two scenario studies demonstrate that the glass‐cliff effect is attenuated when organizational stakeholders support the decision to appoint a new leader (i.e., indicating that the new leader can rely on social resources). The glass‐cliff effect remains when this decision is not fully supported (i.e., indicating that the new leader is unable to rely on social resources). This moderation seems driven by beliefs that men are more likely to possess agentic leadership traits and women more communal leadership traits. When there is no performance crisis, these gendered beliefs are less influential, and thus, social resources do not inform people's leader evaluations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances on waste valorization: new horizons for a more sustainable society
Authors: Arancon Rick Arneil D. , Lin Carol Sze Ki , Chan King Ming , Kwan Tsz Him , Luque Rafael
Published: July 2013

Increasingly tighter regulations regarding organic waste, and the demand for renewable chemicals and fuels, are pushing the manufacturing industry toward higher sustainability to improve cost‐effectiveness and meet customers’ demand. Food waste valorization is one of the current research areas that has attracted a great deal of attention over the past few years as a potential alternative to the disposal of a wide range of residues in landfill sites. In particular, the development of environmentally sound and innovative strategies to process such waste is an area of increasing importance in our current society. Landfill, incineration and composting are common, mature technologies for waste disposal. However, they are not satisfactory to treating organic waste due to the generation of toxic methane gas and bad odor, high energy consumption and slow reaction kinetics. In fact, research efforts have also been oriented on novel technologies to decompose organic waste. However, no valuable product is generated from the decomposition process. Instead of disposing and decomposing food waste, recent research has focused on its utilization as energy source (e.g., for bioethanol and biodiesel production). Organic waste is also useful to generate useful organic chemicals via biorefinery or white biotechnology (e.g., succinic acid and/or bio‐plastics). This article is aimed to summarize recent development of waste valorization strategies for the sustainable production of chemicals, materials, and fuels through the development of green production strategies. It will also provide key insights into recent legislation on management of waste worldwide as well as two relevant case studies (the transformation of corncob residues into functionalized biomass‐derived carbonaceous solid acids and their utilization in the production of biodiesel‐like biofuels from waste oils in Philippines, as well as the development of a bakery waste based biorefinery for succinic acid and bioplastic production in Hong Kong) to illustrate the enormous potential of biowaste valorization for a more sustainable society. Future research directions and possible sustainable approaches will also be discussed with their respective proofs of concept.
Das Prinzip des response mode
Authors: Strohschneider Peter
Published: July 2013

Selbstvergewisserung aus gegebenem Anlass: Die DFG fördert die Forschung direkt auf Anträge hin — aber auch durch eigene strategische Beiträge zur Entwicklung bestimmter Forschungsfelder. Entscheidend ist, dass in beiden Formen stets die Wissenschaft selbst den inhaltlichen Impuls gibt.
Value of open horizontal glottectomy in the treatment for T1b glottic cancer with anterior commissure involvement
Authors: Szyfter Witold , Leszczyńska Małgorzata , Wierzbicka Małgorzata , Kopeć Tomasz , Bartochowska Anna
Published: July 2013

Background

The aim of the study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes in the group of 108 T1b glottic cancer patients with the anterior commissure involvement treated with open horizontal glottectomy and to compare them with transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) or primary radiotherapy (XRT) results from the literature review.

Methods

Status of surgical margins, local and nodal recurrence, organ preservation and survival rates, functional outcomes were major end points of interest.

Results

Recurrence rate was 16.7% and was correlated with histologically confirmed prelaryngeal node metastases. Salvage laryngectomy was performed in 10 patients, organ preservation rate was 90.7%. Mean survival was 41.9 months, while 5‐year overall survival 97.2%.

Conclusions

Local control and survival rates presented by the authors are comparable or even better than in TLM procedures or XRT outcomes from the literature. Positive prelaryngeal lymph nodes constituted a significant prognostic factor for nodal and local recurrence in the analyzed group. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 35: 1738–1744, 2013
Public hospital autonomy in China in an international context
Authors: Allen Pauline , Cao Qi , Wang Hufeng
Published: July 2013

Following decades of change in health care structures and modes of funding, China has recently been making pilot reforms to the governance of its public hospitals, primarily by increasing the autonomy of public hospitals and redefining the roles of the health authorities. In this paper, we analyse the historical evolution and current situation of public hospital governance in China, focussing the range of governance models being tried out in pilot cities across China. We then draw on the experiences of public hospital governance reform in a wide range of other countries to consider the nature of the Chinese pilots. We find that the key difference in China is that the public hospitals in the pilot schemes do not receive sufficient funding from government and are able to distribute profits to staff. This creates incentives to charge patients for excessive treatment. This situation has undermined public service orientation in Chinese public hospitals. We conclude that the pilot reforms of governance will not be sufficient to remedy all the problems facing these hospitals, although they are a step in the right direction. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sorafenib relieves cell‐intrinsic and cell‐extrinsic inhibitions of effector T cells in tumor microenvironment to augment antitumor immunity
Authors: Chen Mei‐Ling , Yan Bo‐Shiun , Lu Wan‐Chih , Chen Mei‐Huei , Yu Sung‐Liang , Yang Pan‐Chyr , Cheng Ann‐Lii
Published: July 2013

Sorafenib, a multitargeted antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is the standard of care for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cumulating evidence suggests that sorafenib differentially affects immune cells; however, whether this immunomodulatory effect has any impact on antitumor immune responses is unknown. Using an orthotopic mouse model of HCC and tumor‐free mice, we investigated the effects of sorafenib on antitumor immunity and characterized the underlying mechanisms. Sorafenib treatment inhibited tumor growth and augmented antitumor immune responses in mice bearing established orthotopic HCC. The tumor‐specific effector T cell functions were upregulated, while the proportion of PD‐1‐expressing CD8+ T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) was reduced in tumor microenvironment of sorafenib‐treated mice. Mechanistically, the sorafenib‐mediated effects on Tregs could be independent of its direct tumor‐suppressing activities. Sorafenib treatment reduced Treg numbers by inhibiting their proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Moreover, sorafenib inhibited the function of Tregs, characterized by diminished expression of Treg‐associated molecules important for their function and by their impaired suppressive capacity. These data reveal that sorafenib treatment enhanced functions of tumor‐specific effector T cells as well as relieved PD‐1‐mediated intrinsic and Treg‐mediated non‐cell‐autonomous inhibitions in tumor microenvironment leading to effective antitumor immune responses. In addition to the well‐known tumor‐inhibiting activity of sorafenib, its enhancement of antitumor immunity may also contribute to the clinical efficacy. Our findings uncover a previously unrecognized mechanism of action of sorafenib and indicate that sorafenib represents a potential targeted agent suitable to be combined with immunotherapeutic approaches to treat cancer patients.
Small‐Molecule Probes to Target the Human Mediator Complex
Authors: Phillips Andrew J. , Taatjes Dylan J.
Published: July 2013

The human Mediator complex is a central integrator for transcription that allows DNA‐binding transcription factors to communicate their regulatory signals to the RNA polymerase II enzyme. Because Mediator is dynamic both in terms of subunit composition and structure, it presents challenges as a target for small‐molecule probes. Moreover, little high‐resolution structural information exists for Mediator. Its global requirement for transcription, as well as its distinct, transcription factorspecific interaction surfaces, however, suggest that development of probes that bind specific Mediator subunits might enable gene‐ and pathway‐specific modulation of transcription. Here we provide a brief overview of the Mediator complex, highlighting biological and structural features that make it an attractive target for molecular probes. We then outline several chemical strategies that might be effective for targeting the complex.
Role of Peer Support on Intragroup Marginalization for Latino Undergraduates
Authors: Llamas Jasmin , Ramos‐Sánchez Lucila
Published: July 2013

The authors examined 83 Latino undergraduates to determine whether perceived social support of friends mediates the role of intragroup marginalization on acculturative stress and college adjustment. A mediation effect was found for college adjustment but not for acculturative stress. Results highlight the importance of friends for college adjustment.

Los autores examinaron 83 estudiantes universitarios Latinos para determinar si el apoyo social percibido de amigos media el papel de la marginalización de intragrupo sobre el estrés de aculturación y el ajuste a la universidad. Se encontró un efecto de mediación para el ajuste a la universidad pero no para el estrés de aculturación. Los resultados subrayan la importancia de los amigos para el ajuste a la universidad.