bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The function of loud calls in black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra): Food, mate, or infant defense?
Authors: Van Belle Sarie , Estrada Alejandro , Garber Paul A.
Published: May 2014

Loud calling (i.e., howling) is the single most distinctive behavioral attribute of the social system of howler monkeys (Alouatta spp.), yet no general consensus exists regarding its main function. During a 28‐month study of five groups of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) at Palenque National Park, Mexico, we examined whether howling mainly functioned in the defense of food resources, mates, or infants vulnerable to infanticide. We recorded 602 howling bouts. Howling occurred more frequently when monkeys were feeding, particularly on fruits, and less frequently when they were resting than would be expected by chance. Furthermore, howling was concentrated in areas of the home range in which major feeding sites were located. Howling did not occur more frequently when vulnerable infants or potentially fertile females were present versus absent, nor did the howling rate increase with an increasing number of vulnerable infants or potentially fertile females in the group. Howling bouts lasted on average 14.4 ± SE 0.5 min, and call duration was not influenced by the presence of vulnerable infants or potentially fertile females. The duration of spontaneous calls, however, was positively correlated to the percentage of feeding time in the vicinity of howling locations. In addition, vocal displays lasted longer when neighboring groups and extragroup males were within visual contact compared with spontaneous calls and calls in response to nearby calls in which there was no visual contact between callers. Our findings suggest that loud calls in black howler monkeys are multifunctional, but most frequently occur in the defense of major feeding sites. These calls also may function in the defense of infants and mates during encounters with extragroup males. Am. J. Primatol. 76:1196–1206, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Cascade Annulation To Construct Functionalized β‐ and γ‐Lactones in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Li Jianxiao , Yang Wanfei , Yang Shaorong , Huang Liangbin , Wu Wanqing , Sun Yadong , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: May 2014

A highly efficient and mild palladium‐catalyzed, one‐pot, four‐step cascade annulation has been developed to afford functionalized β‐ and γ‐lactones in moderate to good yields with high regio‐ and diastereoselectivities in ionic liquids. The employment of ionic liquids under mild reaction conditions makes this transformation green and practical. Especially, this reaction provided a novel and convenient methodology for the construction of naturally occurring biologically active β‐ and γ‐lactones.
Evaluating effects of biobased 2,5‐furandicarboxylate esters as plasticizers on the thermal and mechanical properties of poly (vinyl chloride)
Authors: Yu Zuolong , Zhou Jiadong , Zhang Jun , Huang Kaixuan , Cao Fei , Wei Ping
Published: May 2014

We synthesized 2,5‐furandicarboxylate esters [i.e., dibutylfuran‐2,5‐dicarboxylate, diisoamylfuran‐2,5‐dicarboxylate, and di(2‐ethylhexyl)furan‐2,5‐dicarboxylate] and investigated their potential application as plasticizers of commercial poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) products. Fourier transform infrared analysis, mechanical tests, scanning electron microscopy investigation, differential scanning calorimetry analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), melt flow rate (MFR) measurement, and plasticizer migration measurements were used to the evaluate the comprehensive properties of the blended products. The results of the tensile tests demonstrate that the blends exhibited antiplasticization and flexible plastic characteristics at 10 and 50 phr in PVC, respectively. Moreover, flexural and impact test data indicate that the three types of blends exhibited a similar tendency: the hardness decreased continuously as the amount of plasticizer increased. Their morphology indicated that all of the plasticizers had good compatibility with PVC. The resulting glass‐transition temperature of the investigated plasticizers was lower than that of pure PVC, and reduction was largest for the plasticizer with the highest molecular weight. TGA revealed that the thermal degradation of blended polymers occurred in three stages and that all of the blends were stable up to 180°C. Finally, the MFRs of all of the specimens indicated that the addition of a higher concentration of lower molecular weight biobased esters resulted in improved fluidity, but these compounds migrated more easily from the blends. Hence, 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid derived from biomass has potential as a plasticizer. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40938.
Synthesis and characterization of crosslinking waterborne fluorinated polyurethane‐acrylate with core‐shell structure
Authors: Luo Qiaoli , Shen Yiding , Li Peizhi , Wang Chen , Zhao Zhifang
Published: May 2014

Crosslinking core‐shell emulsions of waterborne fluorinated polyurethane‐acrylate (WFPUA) were successfully synthesized using a solvent‐free method. The crosslinkers of diacetone acrylamide and adipic dihydrazide were introduced into the WFPUA emulsions. The physical properties of hybrid emulsions such as the average particle size, stability, and viscosity were characterized. The core‐shell of crosslinking WFPUA emulsion synthesized in this study was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Then, the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the fluorinated monomer (FA) had been polymerized into the crosslinking waterborne polyurethane‐acrylate polymer, and the fluorinated groups have evident enrichment on the film‐air surface with the increase of FA content. At the same time, the thermal properties, water repellent/antifouling properties, and mechanical properties were measured. Moreover, the thermal properties and the elongation are raised but tensile stress and shore hardness are decreased with the increase of FA content. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40970.
Design and Synthesis of Quinazolinone Tagged Acridones as Cytotoxic Agents and Their Effects on EGFR Tyrosine Kinase
Authors: Babu Yarlagadda Rajesh , Bhagavanraju Mantripragada , Reddy Gade Deepak , Peters Godefridus J. , Prasad Velivela V. S. Rajendra
Published: May 2014

In a quest for finding potent cytotoxic molecules, we have designed and synthesized a new scaffold by tagging quinazolinones with an acridone moiety. The new acridone‐4‐carboximide derivatives were evaluated for their cytotoxic potentials against the MCF7 breast cancer cell line and three colon cancer cell lines (LS174T, SW1398, and WiDr). Compound 26 showed relatively potent cytotoxic activity among the derivatives, against all the cell lines tested. Mechanistic studies for the selected derivatives 7, 8, 16, 17, 25, and 26 were conducted through in vitro EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibition studies. The results indicate that compound 26 has a better EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitory profile. The in vitro EGFR inhibition data was correlated with the cytotoxic properties, and molecular docking studies were performed with regard to the receptor autophosphorylation sites of the protein kinase domain of the EGFR.
Recent Progress in Biointerfaces with Controlled Bacterial Adhesion by Using Chemical and Physical Methods
Authors: Meng Jingxin , Zhang Pengchao , Wang Shutao
Published: May 2014

Biointerfaces with the controlled adhesion of bacteria are highly important, owing to their wide applications, which range from decreasing the probability of infection to promoting higher efficiency and sensitivity in biocatalysts and biosensors. In this Focus Review, we summarize the recent progress in chemically and physically designed biointerfaces with controlled bacterial adhesion. On one hand, several smart‐responsive biointerfaces that can be switched between bacteria‐adhesive states and bacteria‐resistant states by applying an external stimulus have been rationally designed and developed for adhering and detaching bacteria, whilst, on the other hand, the adhesive behavior of bacteria can be controlled by regulating the topography of the biointerface. In addition, new technologies (i.e., biosensors) and materials (i.e., graphene) provide promising approaches for efficiently controlling the adhesion of bacteria for practical applications.
Aqueous and Air‐Compatible Fabrication of High‐Performance Conductive Textiles
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Yan Casey , Hu Hong , Zhou Xuechang , Guo Ruisheng , Liu Xuqing , Xie Zhuang , Huang Zhifeng , Zheng Zijian
Published: May 2014

This paper describes a fully aqueous‐ and air‐compatible chemical approach to preparing high‐performance conductive textiles. In this method, the surfaces of textile materials are first modified with an aqueous solution of double‐bond‐containing silane molecules to form a surface‐anchoring layer for subsequent in situ free‐radical polymerization of [2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (METAC) in the air. Thin layers of poly‐METAC (PMETAC) are therefore covalently grafted on top of the silane‐modified textile surface. Cu‐ or Ni‐coated textiles are finally fabricated by electroless deposition (ELD) onto the PMETAC‐modified textiles. Parameters including polymerization time, temperature, and ELD conditions are studied to optimize the whole fabrication process. The as‐made conductive textiles exhibit sheet resistance as low as 0.2 Ω sq−1, which makes them highly suitable for use as conductive wires and interconnects in flexible and wearable electronic devices. More importantly, the chemical method is fully compatible with the conventional “pad‐dry‐cure” fabrication process in the textile manufacturing industry, thus indicating that it is very promising for high‐throughput and roll‐to‐roll fabrication of high‐performance metal‐coated conductive textiles in the future.
Yeast cell surface display of linoleic acid isomerase from Propionibacterium acnes and its application for the production of trans‐10, cis‐12 conjugated linoleic acid
Authors: He Xihong , Shang Jiling , Li Fan , Liu Hao
Published: May 2014

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a family of geometric and positional isomers of linoleic acid, has many health‐promoting properties. Different isomers of CLA may have very different physiological effects. In the current work, we explore the possibility to produce single isomer of CLA by using biocatalysis based on displayed biocatalysts on the yeast cell surfaces. A reporter system used to assess gene expression and protein distribution was established by combining the egfp gene to the N‐terminus of Propionibacterium acnes pai gene encoding the linoleic isomerase onto vector pYD1. After induction of the yeast strains containing pYD1::egfp::pai with galactose, strong green fluorescence was observed on the surface of cells, demonstrating that the fusion protein was successfully displayed. Using the engineered strains as whole‐cell biocatalyst, trans‐10, cis‐12 CLA was detected in the reaction mixture. To improve the biocatalytic potential of this system, the first 20 amino codons of pai were modified, and the catalytic reaction conditions were optimized. Optimization of the codon usage resulted in 35% increase of CLA production, and the maximum yield of CLA was observed within 20 H in the optimal conditions: pH 7.0, 4 mg/mL linoleic acid, 37 °C. The system established in the present work can guide the development of biocatalytic strategies to produce trans‐10, cis‐12 CLA single isomer.
Lignocellulosic feedstock supply systems with intermodal and overseas transportation
Authors: Hoefnagels Ric , Searcy Erin , Cafferty Kara , Cornelissen Thijs , Junginger Martin , Jacobson Jacob , Faaij André
Published: May 2014

With growing demand for internationally traded biomass, the logistic operations required to economically move biomass from the field or forest to end‐ users have become increasingly complex. To design cost effective and sustainable feedstock supply chains, it is important to understand the economics, energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, their interdependencies, and the related uncertainties of the logistic process operations of international supply chains. This paper presents an approach to assessing lignocellulosic feedstock supply systems at the operational level. For this purpose, the Biomass Logistic Model (BLM) has been linked with the Geographic Information Systems‐based Biomass Intermodal Transportation Model (BIT‐UU) and extended with inter‐continental transport routes. Case studies of herbaceous and woody biomass, produced in the US Midwest and US Southeast, respectively, and shipped to Europe for conversion to Fischer‐Tropsch (FT) diesel are included to demonstrate how intermodal transportation and, in particular, overseas shipping integrates with the bioenergy supply chains. For the cases demonstrated, biomass can be supplied at 99 € Mg−1 to 117 € Mg−1 (dry) and converted to FT diesel at 19 € GJ−1 to 24 € GJ−1 depending on the feedstock type and location, intermediate (chips or pellets) and size of the FT diesel production plant. With the flexibility to change the design of supply chains as well as input variables, many alternative supply chain cases can be assessed. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Fibroblastic growth factor receptor 1 amplification in osteosarcoma is associated with poor response to neo‐adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Fernanda Amary M. , Ye Hongtao , Berisha Fitim , Khatri Bhavisha , Forbes Georgina , Lehovsky Katie , Frezza Anna M. , Behjati Sam , Tarpey Patrick , Pillay Nischalan , Campbell Peter J. , Tirabosco Roberto , Presneau Nadège , Strauss Sandra J. , Flanagan Adrienne M.
Published: May 2014

Osteosarcoma, the most common primary bone sarcoma, is a genetically complex disease with no widely accepted biomarker to allow stratification of patients for treatment. After a recent report of one osteosarcoma cell line and one tumor exhibiting fibroblastic growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) gene amplification, the aim of this work was to assess the frequency of FGFR1 amplification in a larger cohort of osteosarcoma and to determine if this biomarker could be used for stratification of patients for treatment. About 352 osteosarcoma samples from 288 patients were analyzed for FGFR1 amplification by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization. FGFR1 amplification was detected in 18.5% of patients whose tumors revealed a poor response to chemotherapy, and no patients whose tumors responded well to therapy harbored this genetic alteration. FGFR1 amplification is present disproportionately in the rarer histological variants of osteosarcoma. This study provides a rationale for inclusion of patients with osteosarcoma in clinical trials using FGFR kinase inhibitors.
Mediterranean marketing and postmodern marketing: An oxymoron?
Authors: Badot Olivier
Published: May 2014

This article raises the question of the compatibility of ‘Postmodern marketing’ and ‘Mediterranean marketing’, challenging the literature on Mediterranean marketing, which qualifies it as postmodern. Do Mediterranean and Postmodern marketing not, in fact, constitute an oxymoron? Or, at the very least, do they not exhibit characteristics that differentiate them much more than the literature contends? The comparative and critical analysis of the convergence of these two types of marketing is based on a literature review and empirical cases. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors influencing green purchasing behaviour: Empirical evidence from the Lebanese consumers
Authors: Dagher Grace K. , Itani Omar
Published: May 2014

Our current environmental situation requires serious attention. We can see the problems that our environment is facing everywhere, including air pollution, ozone depletion, global warming, hazardous waste disposal and water pollution. Today, consumers are aware that their individual consumption behaviour affects the environment and these consumers are more conscious of the seriousness of environmental degradation. Thus, consumers are increasingly engaging in environmentally friendly behaviour and are interested in supporting businesses that are engaging in green strategies. Green purchasing behaviour can help achieve a sustainable environment. Four factors that may influence green purchasing behaviour were examined in this study: perceived seriousness of environmental problems, perceived environmental responsibility, perceived effectiveness of environmental behaviour and concern for self‐image in environmental protection. Data were collected from Lebanon, and three factors were found to have positive effects on green purchasing behaviour. The results also indicated that the perceived seriousness of environmental problems was the main contributor to green purchasing behaviour. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthetic Polyamine BPA‐C8 Inhibits TGF‐β1‐Mediated Conversion of Human Dermal Fibroblast to Myofibroblasts and Establishment of Galectin‐1‐Rich Extracellular Matrix in Vitro
Authors: Mifková Alžběta , Kodet Ondřej , Szabo Pavol , Kučera Jan , Dvořánková Barbora , André Sabine , Koripelly Girish , Gabius Hans‐Joachim , Lehn Jean‐Marie , Smetana Karel
Published: May 2014

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a role in the progression of malignant tumors. They are formed by conversion of fibroblasts to smooth muscle α‐actin‐positive (SMA‐positive) myofibroblasts. Polyamines are known to change the arrangement of the actin cytoskeleton by binding to the anionic actin. We tested the effect of the synthetic polyamine BPA‐C8 on the transition of human dermal fibroblasts to myofibroblasts induced either by TGF‐β1 alone or by TGF‐β1 together with adhesion/growth‐regulatory galectin‐1. Pre‐existing CAFs, myofibroblasts from pancreatitis, and rat smooth muscle cells were also exposed to BPA‐C8. BPA‐C8 impaired myofibroblast formation from activated fibroblasts, but it had no effect on cells already expressing SMA. BPA‐C8 also reduced the occurrence of an extracellular matrix around the activated fibroblasts. The reported data thus extend current insights into polyamine activity, adding interference with tumor progression to the tumor‐promoting processes warranting study.
Direct Catalytic Access to N‐Silylated Enamines from Enolizable Imines and Hydrosilanes by Base‐Free Dehydrogenative SiN Coupling
Authors: Hermeke Julia , Klare Hendrik F. T. , Oestreich Martin
Published: May 2014

A procedure for the synthesis of otherwise difficult‐to‐make N‐silylated enamines, that is masked enamines derived from primary amines, is reported. The approach is based on formation of a silyliminium ion and subsequent abstraction of the acidified α‐proton rather than α‐deprotonation of the enolizable imine followed by reaction with an electrophilic silicon reagent. The silicon electrophile, stabilized by a sulfur atom, is generated by cooperative activation of an SiH bond at the RuS bond of a tethered ruthenium(II) thiolate complex. After transfer of the silicon cation onto the imine nitrogen atom, the remaining ruthenium(II) hydride fulfills the role of the base. Deprotonation and release of dihydrogen close the catalytic cycle. The net reaction is a dehydrogenative SiN coupling of enolizable imines and hydrosilanes.
Biomimetic Synthesis of (+)‐Ledene, (+)‐Viridiflorol, (−)‐Palustrol, (+)‐Spathulenol, and Psiguadial A, C, and D via the Platform Terpene (+)‐Bicyclogermacrene
Authors: Tran Duc N. , Cramer Nicolai
Published: May 2014

(+)‐Bicyclogermacrene is a strained bicyclic and common sesquiterpene found in several essential oils. A short and good yielding synthesis of bicyclogermacrene proceeding in seven steps is reported. This terpene is used as key platform intermediate for a biomimetic access to several aromadendrene sesquiterpenoids, such as ledene, viridiflorol, palestrol, and spathulenol. Furthermore, bicyclogermacrene is shown to be the terpene component in the synthesis of the meroterpenoids psiguadial A, C, and D.
The relationship between area poverty rate and site‐specific cancer incidence in the United States
Authors: Boscoe Francis P. , Johnson Christopher J. , Sherman Recinda L. , Stinchcomb David G. , Lin Ge , Henry Kevin A.
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

The relationship between socioeconomic status and cancer incidence in the United States has not traditionally been a focus of population‐based cancer surveillance systems.

METHODS

Nearly 3 million tumors diagnosed between 2005 and 2009 from 16 states plus Los Angeles were assigned into 1 of 4 groupings based on the poverty rate of the residential census tract at time of diagnosis. The sex‐specific risk ratio of the highest‐to‐lowest poverty category was measured using Poisson regression, adjusting for age and race, for 39 cancer sites.

RESULTS

For all sites combined, there was a negligible association between cancer incidence and poverty; however, 32 of 39 cancer sites showed a significant association with poverty (14 positively associated and 18 negatively associated). Nineteen of these sites had monotonic increases or decreases in risk across all 4 poverty categories. The sites most strongly associated with higher poverty were Kaposi sarcoma, larynx, cervix, penis, and liver; those most strongly associated with lower poverty were melanoma, thyroid, other nonepithelial skin, and testis. Sites associated with higher poverty had lower incidence and higher mortality than those associated with lower poverty.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate the importance and relevance of including a measure of socioeconomic status in national cancer surveillance. Cancer 2014;120:2191–2198. © 2014 The Authors. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society.
Global Well‐Posedness of the Spatially Homogeneous Hubbard‐Boltzmann Equation
Authors: Lukkarinen Jani , Mei Peng , Spohn Herbert
Published: May 2014

The Hubbard model is a simplified description for the evolution of interacting spin fermions on a d‐dimensional lattice. In a kinetic scaling limit, the Hubbard model can be associated with a matrix‐valued Boltzmann equation, the Hubbard‐Boltzmann equation. Its collision operator is a sum of two qualitatively different terms: The first term is similar to the collision operator of the fermionic Boltzmann‐Nordheim equation. The second term leads to a momentum‐dependent rotation of the spin basis. The rotation is determined by a principal value integral that depends quadratically on the state of the system and might become singular for nonsmooth states. In this paper, we prove that the spatially homogeneous equation nevertheless has global solutions in for any initial data W0 that satisfies the “Fermi constraint” in the sense that 0 ≤ W0 ≤ 1 almost everywhere. We also prove that there is a unique “physical” solution for which the Fermi constraint holds at all times. For the proof, we need to make a number of assumptions about the lattice dispersion relation which, however, are satisfied by the nearest‐neighbor Hubbard model provided that d ≥ 3. These assumptions suffice to guarantee that, although possibly singular, the local rotation term is generated by a function in .© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel pilot job approach for improving the execution of distributed codes: application to the study of ordering in collisional transport in fusion plasmas
Authors: Rubio‐Montero A.J. , Castejón F. , Huedo E. , Mayo‐García R.
Published: May 2014

There are many applications in every scientific and engineering fields that have high computational requirements. They have to be adapted to either high‐performance computing or high‐throughput computing platforms, depending on their characteristics. For the latter case, the high volume of resources available in grid infrastructures should allow for a reduction of their calculation times and an increase of the accuracy of the results. Nevertheless, the low performance achieved by early‐binding methods is noticeable, and the current systems based on pilot jobs are not suitable for running legacy applications. Therefore, running a wide range of codes quickly and easily can be infeasible for many users and developers. For this reason, it would be of great advantage to count on pilot job techniques that truly exploit grid resources in an efficient way while maintaining compatibility with legacy applications. In this work, GWpilot is presented as a complete pilot job framework that overcomes the adaptability limitations of other pilot job systems to tackle the challenge of efficiently accomplishing high‐throughput calculations. To test the GWpilot system, two applications widely used for studying the properties of collisional transport in fusion plasmas (drift kinetic equation solver code and integrator of stochastic differential equations in plasmas) have been chosen as a proof of concept. Real calculations were performed with them to illustrate the adaptation process to the new framework and its performance. Additionally, the physics results obtained were analysed for completeness and further reading. Both applications also represent two different approaches further extended in the scientific community, that is, parameter sweep and Monte Carlo codes. Therefore, the general suitability of GWpilot for scientific and industrial applications belonging to other fields is demonstrated in this work. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polar Surface Energies of Iono‐Covalent Materials: Implications of a Charge‐Transfer Model Tested on Li2FeSiO4 Surfaces
Authors: Hörmann Nicolas G. , Groß Axel
Published: May 2014

The ionic compounds that are used as electrode materials in Li‐based rechargeable batteries can exhibit polar surfaces that in general have high surface energies. We derive an analytical estimate for the surface energy of such polar surfaces assuming charge redistribution as a polarity compensating mechanism. The polar contribution to the converged surface energy is found to be proportional to the bandgap multiplied by the surface charge necessary to compensate for the depolarization field, and some higher order correction terms that depend on the specific surface. Other features, such as convergence behavior, coincide with published results. General conclusions are drawn on how to perform polar surface energy calculations in a slab configuration and upper boundaries of “purely” polar surface energies are estimated. Furthermore, we compare these findings with results obtained in a density functional theory study of Li2FeSiO4 surfaces. We show that typical polar features are observed and provide a decomposition of surface energies into polar and local bond‐cutting contributions for 29 different surfaces. We show that the model is able to explain subtle differences of GGA and GGA+U surface energy calculations.
Resting frontal EEG asymmetry in children: Meta‐analyses of the effects of psychosocial risk factors and associations with internalizing and externalizing behavior
Authors: Peltola Mikko J. , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , Alink Lenneke R. A. , Huffmeijer Renske , Biro Szilvia , van IJzendoorn Marinus H.
Published: May 2014

Asymmetry of frontal cortical electroencephalogram (EEG) activity in children is influenced by the social environment and considered a marker of vulnerability to emotional and behavioral problems. To determine the reliability of these associations, we used meta‐analysis to test whether variation in resting frontal EEG asymmetry is consistently associated with (a) having experienced psychosocial risk (e.g., parental depression or maltreatment) and (b) internalizing and externalizing behavior outcomes in children ranging from newborns to adolescents. Three meta‐analyses including 38 studies (N = 2,523) and 50 pertinent effect sizes were carried out. The studies included in the analyses reported associations between frontal EEG asymmetry and psychosocial risk (k = 20; predominantly studies with maternal depression as the risk factor) as well as internalizing (k = 20) and externalizing (k = 10) behavior outcomes. Psychosocial risk was significantly associated with greater relative right frontal asymmetry, with an effect size of d = .36 (p < .01), the effects being stronger in girls. A non‐significant relation was observed between right frontal asymmetry and internalizing symptoms (d = .19, p = .08), whereas no association between left frontal asymmetry and externalizing symptoms was observed (d = .04, p = .79). Greater relative right frontal asymmetry appears to be a fairly consistent marker of the presence of familial stressors in children but the power of frontal asymmetry to directly predict emotional and behavioral problems is modest. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1377–1389, 2014.
Hard rock aquifers and free‐living nematodes – an interdisciplinary approach based on two widely neglected components in groundwater research
Authors: Eisendle‐Flöckner Ursula , Hilberg Sylke
Published: May 2014

The subterranean part of the water cycle takes place in three different types of groundwater bodies: (1) unconsolidated sediments, (2) karstic aquifers and (3) fractured hard rock aquifers. Basically, different aquifer types require different investigation methods. However, the physico‐chemical properties of groundwater can aid in the understanding of flow history and aquifer dynamics of each aquifer type. Although groundwater biology is sensitive to hydrochemistry, water temperature and flow velocity, the possible benefits of groundwater animals as ‘hydrogeological agents’ is still rarely considered by hydrogeologists. The main research focus of hydrogeologists and groundwater biologists is shallow groundwater bodies in unconsolidated sediments and karst aquifers. Fractured hard rock aquifers are still poorly considered by both disciplines. This commentary has three purposes: (1) to show the special characteristics of fractured hard rock aquifers in comparison to porous and karst groundwater bodies, and to describe the resulting methological gap hydrogeologists face when investigating such aquifer types; (2) to give an overview of current groundwater biological research with its focuses and shortcomings, including an introduction of rarely known but common groundwater inhabitants, namely free‐living nematodes; and (3) to suggest a combination of methods, supported by a hypothetical example, and the possible benefits this combined knowledge from hydrogeologists and groundwater biologists can bring to both disciplines. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ABC‐Type meso‐Triaryl‐Substituted Subporphyrins
Authors: Yoshida Kota , Mori Hirotaka , Tanaka Takayuki , Mori Tadashi , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: May 2014

ABC‐Type subporphyrins 5a–5h, which bear three different meso‐aryl substituents, were rationally synthesized by condensation of AB‐type tripyrranes and aroyl chlorides. ABC‐Type subporphyrins 5i and 5j were synthesized by Pd‐catalyzed amination reaction of 4‐bromophenyl subporphyrins 5e and 5h, respectively. Comparative studies on these ABC‐type subporphyrins with A3‐type subporphyrins and A2B‐type subporphyrins revealed that substituent effects are mostly simple superpositions of individual substituents but cooperative effects are recognized for subporphyrins which bear both electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing substituents. Despite extensive attempts, enantiomeric separation of B‐methoxy ABC‐type subporphyrins was unsuccessful, whereas B‐phenylated ABC‐type subporphyrins were separated to pure enantiomers. Separated enantiomers showed weak but distinct CD signals reflecting the chiral clockwise/anticlockwise arrangements of the meso‐aryl substituents. These results suggest facile racemization through SN1‐type heterolysis of the B–OMe bond in solution.
Genetic variants in apoptosis‐related genes associated with colorectal hyperplasia
Authors: Gerola Stefano , Nittka Stefanie , Kähler Georg , Tao Sha , Brenner Hermann , Binelli Giorgio , Eils Roland , Brors Benedikt , Neumaier Michael
Published: May 2014

Deregulation of apoptosis is a frequent alteration in early benign lesions of the colon mucosa and is thought to be a major contributor to tumor progression and cancer. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within apoptosis‐related genes could affect apoptotic responses and their identification might provide a basis to assess individual risk for development of early lesions. To investigate a possible association between genetic polymorphisms and the occurrence of hyperplastic polyps (HP), we developed a custom DNA chip assay for 1,536 SNPs in the coding and flanking regions of 826 genes with known functional roles in apoptosis or apoptosis‐associated (e.g., stress‐related) pathways. During a first round of screening, genotypes were determined for 272 endoscopy patients harboring hyperplastic colorectal polyps and for 512 sex and aged‐matched controls. A set of 14 candidate SNPs associated with HP (P < 0.01) was then evaluated in an independent cohort of patients (n = 38) and controls (n = 38). Following meta‐analysis of Stages I and II, a false discovery rate approach was applied. Among the 14 candidate SNPs, eight showed significant association (combined P < 0.01) with the occurrence of HP. The SNPs rs4709583 (PARK2) and rs10476823 (HDAC3) were analyzed for potential functional effects on RNA splicing and RNA half‐life. Despite its location near a splice site, alternative splicing was not detected for rs4709583 (PARK3). By contrast, cDNA analysis revealed use of a cryptic polyadenylation signal in the 3′UTR of HDAC3 mRNA and a longer mRNA half‐life in a cell line heterozygous for rs10476823. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Possible Antineoplastic Potential of Selective, Irreversible Proteasome Inhibitor, Carfilzomib on Chemically Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats
Authors: Mansour Mahmoud A. , Aljoufi Mohammed A. , Al‐Hosaini Khaled , Al‐Rikabi Ammar C. , Nagi Mahmoud N.
Published: May 2014

The antineoplastic effect of carfilzomib (CFZ) against chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis was studied. A total of 60 male Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups with 10 animals in each group. Rats in group 1 (control group) were given dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) (0.4 mL/kg i.p) twice a week for 3 weeks from week 8 to week 10. Animals in groups 2 and 3 were given CFZ (2 and 4 mg/kg i.p) twice a week from week 8 to week 10, respectively. Rats in group 4 were given diethylnitrosamine (DENA) at a dose of 0.01% in drinking water for 10 weeks and received a DMSO (0.4 mL/kg i.p) twice a week from week 8 to week 10. Animals in groups 5 and 6 were given DENA at a dose of 0.01% in drinking water for 10 weeks and treated with CFZ (2 and 4 mg/kg i.p) twice a week from week 8 to week 10, respectively. CFZ succeeded in suppressing the elevated serum tumor marker α‐fetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen. The antineoplastic effect of CFZ was also accompanied by normalization of elevated hepatic tissue growth factors, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1, and augmentation of hepatic endostatin and metallothionein. A histopathological examination of liver samples treated with CFZ after DENA intoxication correlated with the biochemical observation. Treatment with CFZ confers an antineoplastic activity against chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis. These findings suggest that CFZ plays a pivotal role in the treatment of hepatocarcinogenesis.
Synthesis of 1R‐1H‐Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridin‐4‐ium‐8‐olate Derivatives
Authors: Shelepyuk Andriy V. , Potikha Lyudmyla M. , Kovtunenko Volodymyr O. , Zubatyuk Roman I. , Shishkin Oleg V.
Published: May 2014

A new method based on reaction of 4‐bromobut‐2‐enoates with N‐alkylimidazoles was proposed for obtaining 1R‐1H‐imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridin‐4‐ium‐8‐olate and 1‐R‐8‐methoxy‐1H‐imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridin‐4‐ium derivatives. The structures of synthesized compounds were confirmed by 1H, 13C NMR, elemental analysis, and X‐ray data.
A Convenient Synthesis and Biological Activity of Novel Pyrido[4,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐ones
Authors: Ren Qingyun , Xia ShiYan , Gu Yucheng , Li Baoju , He Hongwu
Published: May 2014

Fifteen novel 2‐alkylamino‐3‐aryl‐8‐cyano‐5‐methyl‐7‐(methylthio)‐pyrido[4,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐ones 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, 6i, 6j, 6k, 6l, 6m, 6n, 6o were designed and have been successfully synthesized via tandem aza‐Wittig and annulation reactions with the corresponding iminophosphoranes 4, aryl isocyanate, and amines in good yields. Their structures were clearly verified by IR spectroscopy, 1H‐NMR spectroscopy, EI‐MS, and elemental analysis, and in the case of compound 6i, further analyzed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The preliminary results of an in vivo bioassay showed that some compounds display moderate antifungal activity.
Hyperpolarized choline as an MR imaging molecular probe: Feasibility of in vivo imaging in a rat model
Authors: Friesen‐Waldner Lanette J. , Wade Trevor P. , Thind Kundan , Chen Albert P. , Gomori J. Moshe , Sosna Jacob , McKenzie Charles A. , Katz‐Brull Rachel
Published: May 2014

Purpose

To assess the feasibility of choline MRI using a new choline molecular probe for dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) hyperpolarized MRI.

Materials and Methods

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats with an average weight of 400 ± 20 g (n = 5), were anesthetized and injection tubing was placed in the tail vein. [1,1,2,2‐D4, 1‐13C]choline chloride (CMP1) was hyperpolarized by DNP and injected into rats at doses ranging from 12.6 to 50.0 mg/kg. Coronal projection 13C imaging was performed on a 3 Tesla clinical MRI scanner (bore size 60 cm) using a variable flip angle gradient echo sequence. Images were acquired 15 to 45 s after the start of bolus injection. Signal intensities in regions of interest were determined at each time point and compared.

Results

13C MRI images of hyperpolarized CMP1 at a 50 mg/kg dose showed time‐dependent organ distribution patterns. At 15 s, high intensities were observed in the inferior vena cava, heart, aorta, and kidneys. At 30 s, most of the signal intensity was localized to the kidneys. These distribution patterns were reproduced using 12.6 and 25 mg/kg doses. At 45 s, only signal in the kidneys was detected.

Conclusion

Hyperpolarized choline imaging with MRI is feasible using a stable‐isotope labeled choline analog (CMP1). Nonradioactive imaging of choline accumulation may provide a new investigatory dimension for kidney physiology. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:917–923. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pilot research on the evaluation and detection of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Valdés Roberto , Stefanov Stefan , Chiussi Stefano , López‐Alvarez Miriam , González Pío
Published: May 2014

Head and neck cancer is a broad term that covers the heterogeneous group of cancers that arise in the upper aero and digestive tract, including oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. Over 90% of this type of cancers are developed in the squamous cell epithelium of the mucosal linings and are, therefore, known as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Related with this carcinoma, current methods used for discriminating between these tumor cells and the healthy ones are slow and not specific enough or interfere with the tissue modifying it. The development of more efficient and in situ optical methodologies for HNSCC detection is required to diagnose in shorter periods. Raman spectroscopy is an emerging biophotonic tool that has greatly advanced because of steady improvements in instrumentation for excitation, data collection and in the availability of fiber optic probes. The evaluation of the viability of Raman spectroscopy for discriminating between normal and HNSCC cells by the interpretation of quantitative molecular changes was the main objective of this work. Thus, an ex vivo study with mucosa samples of healthy or carcinoma tissue of oral and pharynx cavity was analyzed to assess and quantitate the biochemical variations at the characteristic Raman peaks correspondent to DNA, amide I, amide III, phenylalanine and other proteins and lipids. With those data, three indexes were established as indicators of HNSCC. The potentiality of Raman spectroscopy for an efficient diagnosis of HNSCC was demonstrated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interaction of N‐benzylamino(boronphenyl)methylphosphonic acid analogs with the gold colloidal surface under different concentration and pH conditions
Authors: Piergies Natalia , Proniewicz Edyta , Kim Younkyoo , Proniewicz Leonard M.
Published: May 2014

In this study, we present surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) investigations of five analogs of a novel group of N‐benzylamino(boronphenyl)methylphosphonic acids: N‐benzylamino‐(3‐boronphenyl)‐S‐methylphosphonic acid (m‐PhS), N‐benzylamino‐(4‐boronphenyl)‐S‐methylphosphonic acid (p‐PhS), N‐benzylamino‐(2‐boronphenyl)‐R‐methylphosphonic acid (o‐PhR), N‐benzylamino‐(3‐boronphenyl)‐R‐methylphosphonic acid (m‐PhR), and N‐benzylamino‐(4‐boronphenyl)‐R‐methylphosphonic acid (p‐PhR) deposited onto 10‐nm gold nanoparticles in an aqueous solution at physiological pH (pH = 7). In addition, for the p‐PhR molecule, the SERS spectra in the various conditions of pH levels of the solutions (from pH = 3 to 11) and phosphonic acid concentration (10−3–10−5 M) were measured. In general, the SERS spectral profiles indicate that at pH = 7, all of the aforementioned molecules interact with the colloidal gold surface via a boronphenyl ring. However, the orientation of the boronphenyl ring onto the substrate surface is different for each of the studied molecules. The boronic acid group of p‐PhS and p‐PhR binds to the gold nanoparticles, whereas the phosphonic acid group assists in the interaction with the substrate for p‐PhR only. For all the molecules, the –CLCα(P)N– fragment distinctly influences the molecule/gold interactions, especially in the case of o‐PhR. The previous differences in the compound behavior at the gold/liquid interface underline the role of an absolute configuration (–R and –S) and a type of isomer (orto‐, meta‐, and para‐) on the SERS signals, which means their influence on the adsorbate geometry. Additionally, based on the SERS results for p‐PhR in various environmental conditions, we draw conclusions about spectral changes (adsorbate geometry changes) as a result of the pH of solution and molecule concentration alternations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical aerosol detection and identification using Raman scattering
Authors: Aggarwal R. L. , Di Cecca S. , Farrar L. W. , Jeys T. H.
Published: May 2014

Early warning of the presence of chemical agent aerosols is an important component in the defense against such agents. A Raman spectrometer has been constructed for the purpose of detecting and identifying chemical aerosols. We report the detection and identification of a low‐concentration chemical aerosol in atmospheric air using 532‐nm continuous wave laser Raman scattering. We have demonstrated the Raman scattering detection and identification of an aerosol of isovanillin of mass concentration of 1.8 ng/cm3 with a signal‐to‐noise ratio of about 19 in 30 s for the 1116‐cm−1 mode with a Raman cross section of 3.3 × 10−28 cm2 using 8‐W double‐pass laser power. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence and Correlates of Posttrauma Distorted Beliefs: Evaluating DSM‐5 PTSD Expanded Cognitive Symptoms in a National Sample
Authors: Cox Keith S. , Resnick Heidi S. , Kilpatrick Dean G.
Published: May 2014

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013) modified the diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including expanding the scope of dysfunctional, posttrauma changes in belief (symptoms D2—persistent negative beliefs and expectations about oneself or the world, and D3—persistent distorted blame of self or others for the cause or consequences of the traumatic event). D2 and D3 were investigated using a national sample of U.S. adults (N = 2,498) recruited from an online panel. The prevalence of D2 and D3 was substantially higher among those with lifetime PTSD than among trauma‐exposed individuals without lifetime PTSD (D2: 74.6% vs 23.9%; D3: 80.6% vs 35.7%). In multivariate analyses, the strongest associates of D2 were interpersonal assault (OR = 2.39), witnessing interpersonal assault (OR = 1.63), gender (female, OR = 2.11), and number of reported traumatic events (OR = 1.88). The strongest correlates of D3 were interpersonal assault (OR = 3.08), witnessing interpersonal assault (OR = 1.57), gender (female, OR = 2.30), and number of reported traumatic events (OR = 1.91). The findings suggested the expanded cognitive symptoms in the DSM‐5 diagnostic criteria better capture the cognitive complexity of PTSD than those of the DSM‐IV.
Effect of nano‐silica on the corrosion behavior of silicate conversion coatings on hot‐dip galvanized steel
Authors: Jamali F. , Danaee I. , Zaarei D.
Published: May 2014

Nano‐silica potassium silicate conversion coating was deposited in different silica ratio on the surface of hot‐dip galvanized (HDG) steel as an anti‐corrosion coating. The ratio of nano‐silica/potassium silicate has been optimized in order to obtain higher corrosion protection. The corrosion behavior of coatings was examined by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization, and surface techniques. The corrosion resistance was increased with increasing silica ratio of silicate coatings. This can be related to the size of nano‐silica particles and the ability to fill the pores in potassium silicate coating. SEM images in agreement with the electrochemical results indicated that the coating obtained from silica ratio 3 was more homogeneous and without pores. Electrochemical impedance data shows that with increasing immersion time up to 60 s, the charge transfer resistance increased. Energy dispersive X‐ray analysis shows silica ratio increasing in silicate coatings.
Study of medication‐free children with Tourette syndrome do not show imaging abnormalities
Authors: Jeppesen Signe Søndergaard , Debes Nanette Mol , Simonsen Helle Juhl , Rostrup Egill , Larsson H.B.W. , Skov Liselotte
Published: May 2014

Background

Imaging studies of patients with Tourette's syndrome (TS) across different cohorts have shown alterations in gray and white matter in areas associated with the cortico‐striato‐thalamic‐cortical (CSTC) pathways; however, no consistent findings have subsequently established a clear indication of the pathophysiology of TS.

Methods

This study was designed to investigate changes in gray and white matter in medication‐free children with TS in the CSTC areas. With MRI, 24 children with TS and 18 healthy controls were analyzed using three complementary methods.

Results and Conclusion

Analyses revealed no differences between controls and patients with TS in gray or white matter. Possible discrepancies between cohorts and methods may play a role in the different findings in other studies. Further studies investigating well‐defined cohorts with TS analyzing both gray and white matter in the same cohort may add additional information to the pathophysiology of TS. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society