bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facile, One‐Pot, and Gram‐Scale Synthesis of 3,4,5‐Triiodoanisole through a C–H Iodination/ipso‐Iododecarboxylation Strategy: Potential Application towards 3,4,5‐Trisubstituted Anisoles
Authors: Al‐Zoubi Raed M. , Al‐Mughaid Hussein , Al‐Zoubi Mariam A. , Jaradat Khaled T. , McDonald Robert
Published: August 2015

A facile, efficient, and gram‐scale method for the conversion of para‐anisic acid into 3,4,5‐triiodoanisole through a one‐pot C–H iodination/ipso‐iododecarboxylation reaction was investigated. Commercially available benzoic acid was used, which allowed the reaction to be performed on a multigram scale in good yield. This report discloses a practical method for the one‐pot synthesis of hitherto unknown 3,4,5‐triiodoanisole that is catalytic, scalable, efficient, and easy to work up and purify. Potential application of the target compound as a precursor for novel site‐selective metal–iodine exchange and Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions were also explored. 3,4,5‐Trisubstituted anisole derivatives were provided in a highly regioselective fashion; these compounds are useful building blocks in synthesis and indeed are hard to prepare by any other means.
Triazine herbicide imprinted monolithic column for capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Aşır Süleyman , Derazshamshir Ali , Yılmaz Fatma , Denizli Adil
Published: August 2015

Trietazine was selectively separated from aqueous solution containing the competitor molecule cyanazine, which is similar in size and shape to the template molecule. Structural features of the molecularly imprinted column were figured out by SEM. The influence of the mobile‐phase composition, applied electrical field, and pH of the mobile phase on the recognition of trietazine by the imprinted monolithic polymer has been evaluated, and the imprint effect in the trietazine‐imprinted monolithic polymer was demonstrated by an imprinting factor. The optimized monolithic column resulted in separation of trietazine from a structurally related competitor molecule, cyanazine. In addition, fast separation was obtained within 6 min by applying higher electrical field, with the electrophoretic mobility of 2.97 × 10−8 m2V−1s−1 at pH 11.0.
Inter‐laboratory comparison of the in vivo comet assay including three image analysis systems
Authors: Plappert‐Helbig Ulla , Guérard Melanie
Published: August 2015

To compare the extent of potential inter‐laboratory variability and the influence of different comet image analysis systems, in vivo comet experiments were conducted using the genotoxicants ethyl methanesulfonate and methyl methanesulfonate. Tissue samples from the same animals were processed and analyzed—including independent slide evaluation by image analysis—in two laboratories with extensive experience in performing the comet assay. The analysis revealed low inter‐laboratory experimental variability. Neither the use of different image analysis systems, nor the staining procedure of DNA (propidium iodide vs. SYBR® Gold), considerably impacted the results or sensitivity of the assay. In addition, relatively high stability of the staining intensity of propidium iodide‐stained slides was found in slides that were refrigerated for over 3 months. In conclusion, following a thoroughly defined protocol and standardized routine procedures ensures that the comet assay is robust and generates comparable results between different laboratories. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:788–793, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Roll‐to‐Roll Slot–Die Coated Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) Modules with High Geometrical Fill Factors
Authors: Galagan Yulia , Fledderus Henri , Gorter Harrie , 't Mannetje Hero H. , Shanmugam Santhosh , Mandamparambil Rajesh , Bosman Johan , Rubingh Jan‐Eric J. M. , Teunissen Jean‐Pierre , Salem Ahmed , de Vries Ike G. , Andriessen Ronn , Groen Wilhelm A.
Published: August 2015

Flexible semi‐transparent organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules were manufactured by roll‐to‐roll slot–die coating of three functional layers [ZnO, photoactive layer, and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)] and either the screen printing or inkjet printing of the top electrodes. A poly(3‐hexylthiophene):[6,6] phenyl C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) layer deposited from non‐chlorinated solvents was used as the absorber layer. The modules were realized by slot–die coating of the layers onto a laser‐patterned polyethylene terephthalate/indium‐tin oxide (PET/ITO) substrate, followed by laser structuring of all coated layers. The top electrodes were realized by high‐resolution printing, which, combined with laser patterning of other layers, enables manufacturing of the modules with high geometrical fill factor (92.5 %). The modules have an active area of 156 cm2, and contain 13 serially interconnected cells. Two semitransparent electrodes (ITO from the bottom and PEDOT:PSS/Ag‐grid from the top side) allow the absorption of photons incident from both sides. The performance of the modules was evaluated and compared among the modules by considering the following factors: (i) roll‐to‐roll slot–die coated vs. spin‐coated layers, (ii) inkjet‐printed vs. screen‐printed top electrodes, (iii) top vs. bottom illumination. The demonstrated technology is one of the proven feasible ways towards industrial manufacturing of the OPV modules.
Optimal simultaneous cooperative spectrum sensing and wireless power transfer with power splitting in multichannel cognitive radio network
Authors: Liu Xin , Jia Min , Yan Junhua , Gao Ning , Zhou Jianjiang , Lu Weidang
Published: August 2015

In cognitive radio network, the secondary users (SUs) perform cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) to improve the sensing performance when the primary user (PU) is shadowed or in severe fading. However, the CSS may deplete some electric power including sensing power and cooperative power, thus yielding to decrease the transmission power. In this paper, a simultaneous CSS and wireless power transfer (WPT) is proposed by using a power splitter to split the received PU signal into a harvesting signal stream and a sensing signal stream. The sensing signal stream is used to perform CSS, while the radio frequency energy of the harvesting signal stream is converted into the electric power to supply the CSS simultaneously. A joint optimisation problem of sensing time, cooperative SUs and power splitting is formulated, which seeks to maximise the total spectrum access probability of the SU over all the subchannels, subject to the constraints of the detection probability, the harvested energy and the number of cooperative SUs. The simulation results have shown that the proposed simultaneous CSS and WPT can improve the transmission energy compared with the traditional CSS, and there is a trade‐off between spectrum access and energy harvesting. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of nutritional properties of Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) flour with wheat and barley flours
Authors: Adhikari Bhaskar Mani , Bajracharya Alina , Shrestha Ashok K.
Published: August 2015

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica. L) is a wild, unique herbaceous perennial flowering plant with Stinging hairs. It has a long history of use as a food sources as a soup or curries, and also used as a fiber as well as a medicinal herb. The current aim was to analyze the composition and bioactive compounds in Nepalese Stinging nettle. Chemical analysis showed the relatively higher level of crude protein (33.8%), crude fiber (9.1%), crude fat (3.6%), total ash (16.2%), carbohydrate (37.4%), and relatively lower energy value (307 kcal/100 g) as compared to wheat and barley flours. Analysis of nettle powder showed significantly higher level of bioactive compounds: phenolic compounds as 129 mg Gallic acid equivalent/g; carotenoid level 3497 μg/g; tannin 0.93 mg/100 g; anti‐oxidant activity 66.3 DPPH inhibition (%), as compared to wheat and barley. This study further established that nettle plants as very good source of energy, proteins, high fiber, and a range of health benefitting bioactive compounds.
New SOFC‐Stack Design with Parallel‐Connected Cells – Basic Concept and Joining Aspects
Authors: Lindermeir A. , Immisch C. , Szepanski C. , Hamje J. , Bentaleb A. , Dörrer L.
Published: August 2015

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) technology still suffers from problems like high costs and insufficient lifetime, partly caused by the traditional serial‐connected stack design. To overcome some of these issues a new design with parallel‐connected cells is proposed. The concept is based on a cartridge designed repeating unit consisting of two cells, electrically connected in parallel. Stack modules with 50 to 60 W can be built up by stacking and interconnect these basic units, likewise in a parallel mode. Finally, several stack modules can be connected in serial configuration to supply reasonable terminal voltage and power. Different design options for the twin cell unit were evaluated by flow field simulations and with respect to their producibility. Both, metallic and ceramic concepts for the cell frames are considered. Glass seals are completely avoided to improve durability. Reactive air brazing (RAB) is used for mounting the cells in the frames. The concept with metallic cell frames additionally uses pulsed laser welding to seal the gas compartments. Preliminary tests on welding and brazing show the general feasibility of these joining technologies and disclose a way to mass production of twin cells as basic repeating units. Flow field simulations assist the dimensioning to assure homogeneous distribution of reactants.
Insights into mechanisms of central nervous system myelination using zebrafish
Authors: Czopka Tim
Published: August 2015

Myelin is the multi‐layered membrane that surrounds most axons and is produced by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). In addition to its important role in enabling rapid nerve conduction, it has become clear in recent years that myelin plays additional vital roles in CNS function. Myelinating oligodendrocytes provide metabolic support to axons and active myelination is even involved in regulating forms of learning and memory formation. However, there are still large gaps in our understanding of how myelination by oligodendrocytes is regulated. The small tropical zebrafish has become an increasingly popular model organism to investigate many aspects of nervous system formation, function, and regeneration. This is mainly due to two approaches for which the zebrafish is an ideally suited vertebrate model—(1) in vivo live cell imaging using vital dyes and genetically encoded reporters, and (2) gene and target discovery using unbiased screens. This review summarizes how the use of zebrafish has helped understand mechanisms of oligodendrocyte behavior and myelination in vivo and discusses the potential use of zebrafish to shed light on important future questions relating to myelination in the context of CNS development, function and repair. GLIA 2016;64:333–349
Amyloid‐associated depression and ApoE4 allele: longitudinal follow‐up for the development of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Qiu Wei Qiao , Zhu Haihao , Dean Michael , Liu Zhiheng , Vu Linh , Fan Guanguang , Li Huajie , Mwamburi Mkaya , Steffens David C. , Au Rhoda
Published: August 2015

Background

Amyloid‐associated depression is associated with cognitive impairment cross sectionally. This follow‐up study was to determine the relationship between amyloid‐associated depression and the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Two hundred and twenty three subjects who did not have dementia at baseline were given a repeat cognitive evaluation for incident AD. Depression was defined by having a Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES‐D) score ≥ 16, and non‐amyloid vs. amyloid‐associated depression by having a low vs. high plasma amyloid‐β peptide 40 (Aβ40)/Aβ42 ratio. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype was determined, and antidepressant usage was documented.

Results

Fifteen subjects developed AD (7%) after an average follow‐up time of 6.2 years. While none of those with non‐amyloid depression developed AD, 9% of those with amyloid‐associated depression developed AD. Further, among those with amyloid‐associated depression, ApoE4 carriers tended to have a higher risk of AD than ApoE4 non‐carriers (40% vs. 4%, p = 0.06). In contrast, 8% of those who did not have depression at baseline developed AD, but ApoE4 carriers and non‐carriers did not show a difference in the AD risk. After adjusting for age, the interaction between ApoE4 and amyloid‐associated depression (β = +0.113, SE = 0.047, P = 0.02) and the interaction between ApoE4 and antidepressant use (β = +0.174, SE = 0.064, P = 0.007) were associated with the AD risk.

Conclusions

Amyloid‐associated depression may be prodromal depression of AD especially in the presence of ApoE4. Future studies with a larger cohort and a longer follow‐up are warranted to further confirm this conclusion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual‐tasking gait variability and cognition in late‐life depression
Authors: Gabel Nicolette M. , Crane Natania A. , Avery Erich T. , Kay Rachel E. , Laurent Amanda , Giordani Bruno , Alexander Neil B. , Weisenbach Sara L.
Published: August 2015

Objectives

Studies have demonstrated an association between major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms and fall risk in older adults, which may be at least partially mediated by executive functioning skills. There have also been observations of increased gait variability associated with fall risk and disease. This preliminary study first sought to understand whether gait variability in the context of dual task cost differs among older adults with MDD, relative to those with no history of psychiatric illness, and second, to identify relationships between gait variability measures and cognitive functioning in the context of MDD.

Methods

We recruited 15 older adults with MDD and 17 non‐depressed (ND) community‐dwelling older adults. All participants had impaired balance based on unipedal stance time. Assessments included neuropsychological measures and measures of gait variability using an instrumented gait mat (GAITRite©) in the context of dual task relative to single task performance (i.e., dual task cost).

Results

The groups did not differ on any gait variability parameters. The MDD group demonstrated poorer performance in the psychomotor speed domain, relative to the ND group, but cognitive functioning between the groups in other domains was equivalent. In MDD, increased variability in stride time, stride velocity, and swing time during dual‐tasking were associated with poorer executive functioning and visual memory. In ND, no significant relationships between gait variables and cognitive performance were observed.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that unique cognitive mechanisms underlie mobility problems associated with fall risk in late‐life depression. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A frequent hypofunctional IRAK2 variant is associated with reduced spontaneous hepatitis C virus clearance
Authors: Wang Hui , El Maadidi Souhayla , Fischer Janett , Grabski Elena , Dickhöfer Sabine , Klimosch Sascha , Flannery Sinead M. , Filomena Angela , Wolz Olaf‐Oliver , Schneiderhan‐Marra Nicole , Löffler Markus W. , Wiese Manfred , Pichulik Tica , Müllhaupt Beat , Semela David , Dufour Jean‐François , Bochud Pierre‐Yves , Bowie Andrew G. , Kalinke Ulrich , Berg Thomas , Weber Alexander N.R. ,   the East‐German and Swiss Hepatitis C Virus Study Groups
Published: August 2015

Patients carrying very rare loss‐of‐function mutations in interleukin‐1 receptor–associated kinase 4 (IRAK4), a critical signaling mediator in Toll‐like receptor signaling, are severely immunodeficient, highlighting the paramount role of IRAK kinases in innate immunity. We discovered a comparatively frequent coding variant of the enigmatic human IRAK2, L392V (rs3844283), which is found homozygously in ∼15% of Caucasians, to be associated with a reduced ability to induce interferon‐alpha in primary human plasmacytoid dendritic cells in response to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Cytokine production in response to purified Toll‐like receptor agonists was also impaired. Additionally, rs3844283 was epidemiologically associated with a chronic course of HCV infection in two independent HCV cohorts and emerged as an independent predictor of chronic HCV disease. Mechanistically, IRAK2 L392V showed intact binding to, but impaired ubiquitination of, tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor 6, a vital step in signal transduction. Conclusion: Our study highlights IRAK2 and its genetic variants as critical factors and potentially novel biomarkers for human antiviral innate immunity. (Hepatology 2015;62:1375–1387)
Validation of hepatitis B virus–related hepatocellular carcinoma prediction models in the era of antiviral therapy
Authors: Jung Kyu Sik , Kim Seung Up , Song Kijun , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kim Beom Kyung , Han Kwang‐Hyub
Published: August 2015

Several risk prediction models have been created to predict hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence, with promising results. However, their prognostic performances need to be validated in the era of antiviral therapy. From 2006 to 2011, patients with chronic HBV infection were recruited and those with a history of HCC or hepatic decompensation were excluded. At enrollment, liver stiffness (LS) was measured using transient elastography. We assessed the performances of conventional HCC prediction models (CU‐HCC, GAG‐HCC, REACH‐B, and LSM‐HCC scores) and the modified REACH‐B (mREACH‐B) score where LS values were incorporated into REACH‐B score instead of serum HBV‐DNA levels. Of 1,308 subjects analyzed, the median age was 50.0 years (883 men). During the follow‐up (median, 75.3 months), HCC developed in 125 (9.6%) patients. mREACH‐B score had the highest areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) for the prediction of HCC development at 3/5 years (0.828/0.806), compared with LSM‐HCC (0.777/0.759), GAG‐HCC (0.751/0.757), REACH‐B (0.717/0.699), and CU‐HCC (0.698/0.700) scores, respectively, with statistical significances (all P values <0.05 vs. mREACH‐B). When serum HBV‐DNA levels were excluded from the formula for REACH‐B score, AUROCs for HCC development at 3/5 years improved paradoxically (from 0.717/0.699 to 0.757/0.732, respectively). In patients with antiviral therapy (n = 848), mREACH‐B score had the better prognostic performances for HCC development at 3/5 years, compared to other prediction models. However, in patients without antiviral therapy (n = 460), it had the prognostic performances comparable to those of other prediction models. Conclusions: Prognostic performances of mREACH‐B score seemed better compared to conventional models. In the era of antiviral therapy, incorporation of serum HBV‐DNA level should be applied cautiously and individual risks should be assessed effectively based on the fibrotic burden.(Hepatology 2015;62:1757–1766)
Political consumer behaviour among university students in Brazil and Germany: The role of contextual features and core political values
Authors: Kotzur Patrick F. , Torres Cláudio V. , Kedzior Karina K. , Boehnke Klaus
Published: August 2015

This study investigates the relationship between political consumerism and core political values (CPVs) among university students in Brazil (N = 414) and Germany (N = 222). Despite the prerequisite to endorse values that are compatible with political consumerism, contextual features of one's immediate environment might affect overall levels of political consumerism. Our results show that political consumerism is significantly associated with higher income in Brazil (but not in Germany). After controlling for income, political consumerism was practised more frequently in Germany than in Brazil, in urban compared with rural areas, and was not dependent on gender. The urban–rural split was stronger in Brazil than in Germany. These results confirm our hypothesis that contextual features are associated with political consumerism. Furthermore, the political value Equality positively predicted political consumerism in both countries. In contrast, Traditional Morality and support of Free Enterprise negatively predicted political consumerism, although the effect sizes of these relationships were only small. These results suggest that political consumerism among university students is widespread in Germany but not in Brazil. Interestingly, regardless of its low prevalence in Brazil, political consumerism is positively associated with the CPV of Equality among university students in both countries.
Single molecule localization deep within thick cells; a novel super‐resolution microscope
Authors: Tafteh Reza , Scriven David R. L. , Moore Edwin D. W. , Chou Keng C.
Published: August 2015

A novel 3D imaging system based on single‐molecule localization microscopy is presented to allow high‐accuracy drift‐free (<0.7 nm lateral; 2.5 nm axial) imaging many microns deep into a cell. When imaging deep within the cell, distortions of the point‐spread function result in an inaccurate and very compressed Z distribution. For the system to accurately represent the position of each blink, a series of depth‐dependent calibrations are required. The system and its allied methodology are applied to image the ryanodine receptor in the cardiac myocyte. Using the depth‐dependent calibration, the receptors deep within the cell are spread over a Z range that is many hundreds of nanometers greater than implied by conventional analysis. We implemented a time domain filter to detect overlapping blinks that were not filtered by a stringent goodness of fit criterion. This filter enabled us to resolve the structure of the individual (30 nm square) receptors giving a result similar to that obtained with electron tomography.

High‐accuracy deep imaging of the ryanodine receptor in the cardiac myocyte, using single‐molecule localization microscopy. Depth‐dependent calibrations are performed for accurate depth localization. The optical design featuring two independent and variable focal planes allows real‐time feedback for drift‐free deep imaging.

magnified image

High‐accuracy deep imaging of the ryanodine receptor in the cardiac myocyte, using single‐molecule localization microscopy. Depth‐dependent calibrations are performed for accurate depth localization. The optical design featuring two independent and variable focal planes allows real‐time feedback for drift‐free deep imaging.
Cellobiose dehydrogenase functionalized urinary catheter as novel antibiofilm system
Authors: Thallinger Barbara , Brandauer Martin , Burger Peter , Sygmund Christoph , Ludwig Roland , Ivanova Kristina , Kun Jutta , Scaini Denis , Burnet Michael , Tzanov Tzanko , Nyanhongo Gibson S. , Guebitz Georg M.
Published: August 2015

Urinary catheters expose patients to a high risk of acquiring nosocomial infections. To prevent this risk of infection, cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH), an antimicrobial enzyme able to use various oligosaccharides as electron donors to produce hydrogen peroxide using oxygen as an electron acceptor, was covalently grafted onto plasma‐activated urinary polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) catheter surfaces. Successful immobilization of CDH on PDMS was confirmed by Fourier transformed‐infrared spectrometry and production of H2O2. The CDH functionalized PDMS surfaces reduced the amount of viable Staphylococcus aureus by 60%, total biomass deposited on the surface by 30% and 70% of biofilm formation. The immobilized CDH was relatively stable in artificial urine over 16 days, retaining 20% of its initial activity. The CDH coated PDMS surface did not affect the growth and physiology of HEK 239 and RAW 264,7 mammalian cells. Therefore this new CDH functionalized catheter system shows great potential for solving the current problems associated with urinary catheters. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1448–1456, 2016.
Sulfobutyl ether β‐cyclodextrin (Captisol®) and methyl β‐cyclodextrin enhance and stabilize fluorescence of aqueous indocyanine green
Authors: DeDora Daniel J. , Suhrland Cassandra , Goenka Shilpi , Mullick Chowdhury Sayan , Lalwani Gaurav , Mujica‐Parodi Lilianne R. , Sitharaman Balaji
Published: August 2015

As the only FDA‐approved near‐infrared fluorophore, indocyanine green (ICG) is commonly used to image vasculature in vivo. ICG degrades rapidly in solution, which limits its usefulness in certain applications, including time‐sensitive surgical procedures. We propose formulations that address this shortcoming via complexation with β‐cyclodextrin derivatives (β‐CyD), which are known to create stabilizing inclusion complexes with hydrophobic molecules. Here, we complexed ICG with highly soluble methyl β‐CyD and FDA‐approved sulfobutyl ether β‐CyD (Captisol®) in aqueous solution. We measured the fluorescence of the complexes over 24 h. We found that both CyD+ICG complexes exhibit sustained fluorescence increases of >2.0× versus ICG in water and >20.0× in PBS. Using transmission electron microscopy, we found evidence of reduced aggregation in complexes versus ICG alone. We thus conclude that this reduction in aggregation helps mitigate fluorescence autoquenching of CyD+ICG complexes compared in ICG alone. We also found that while ICG complexed with methyl β‐CyD severely reduced the viability of MRC‐5 fibroblasts, ICG complexed with sulfobutyl ether β‐CyD had no effect on viability. These results represent an important first step toward enhancing the utility of aqueous ICG by reducing aggregation‐dependent fluorescence degradation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1457–1464, 2016.
Interpersonal Functioning Among Treatment‐Seeking Trans Individuals
Authors: Davey Amanda , Bouman Walter Pierre , Meyer Caroline , Arcelus Jon
Published: August 2015

Objectives

Trans people have been found to have high levels of depression. In view of the association between interpersonal problems and depression and the importance of interpersonal skills to navigate the transition of trans people, this study aims to investigate the levels of interpersonal problems among treatment‐seeking trans men and women and the role of depression in this association.

Method

A total of 104 patients from a UK gender identity clinic and 104 age‐ and gender‐matched control participants completed self‐report measures of interpersonal problems and general psychopathology, including depression.

Results

Trans people reported significantly higher scores on global interpersonal problems and on the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems‐32 (IIP‐32) Hard to be Sociable, Hard to be Supportive, and Hard to be Involved subscales and lower scores on the Too Open subscale. Depression accounted for significant differences on IIP‐32 global and the Too Open subscale but not on Hard to be Sociable, Hard to be Supportive, and Hard to be Involved subscales.

Conclusions

Trans individuals present with interpersonal problems, which could potentially increase their vulnerability to mental health problems. Therefore, addressing interpersonal problems may help to prevent the development of depressive symptomatology and facilitate transition.
Nuclear Translocation of p65 is Controlled by Sec6 via the Degradation of IκBα
Authors: Tanaka Toshiaki , Iino Mitsuyoshi
Published: August 2015

Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) is an inducible transcription factor that mediates immune and inflammatory responses. NF‐κB pathways are also involved in cell adhesion, differentiation, proliferation, autophagy, senescence, and protection against apoptosis. The deregulation of NF‐κB activity is found in a number of disease states, including cancer, arthritis, chronic inflammation, asthma, neurodegenerative diseases, and heart disease. The 90 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK) family, which is serine/threonine kinases, is phosphorylated by extracellular signal‐regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and is related to NF‐κB pathways. Our previous studies revealed that Sec6, a component of the exocyst complex, plays specific roles in cell–cell adhesion and cell cycle arrest. However, the mechanism by which Sec6 regulates the NF‐κB signaling pathway is unknown. We demonstrated that Sec6 knockdown inhibited the degradation of IκBα and delayed the nucleus‐cytoplasm translocation of p65 in HeLa cells transfected with Sec6 siRNAs after treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). Furthermore, the binding of p65 and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) binding protein (CBP) or p300 decreased and NF‐κB related genes which were inhibitors of NF‐κB alpha (IκBα), A20, B cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl‐2), and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) were low in cells transfected with Sec6 siRNAs in response to TNF‐α stimulation. Sec6 knockdown decreased the expression of p90RSKs and the phosphorylation of ERK or p90RSK1 at Ser380 or IκBα at Ser32. The present study suggests that Sec6 regulates NF‐κB transcriptional activity via the control of the phosphorylation of IκBα, p90RSK1, and ERK. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 719–730, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biochemical and morphological alterations of the extracellular matrix of chicken calcaneal tendon during maturation
Authors: Ballestero Fêo Haline , Biancalana Adriano , Romero Nakagaki Wilson , Aparecida De Aro Andrea , Gomes Laurecir
Published: August 2015

The region in tendons that surrounds bone extremities adapts to compression forces, developing a fibrocartilaginous structure. During maturation, changes occur in the amount and organization of macromolecules of the extracellular matrix of tendons, changing the tissue morphology. To study the effect of maturation on tendons, Pedrês chickens were sacrificed at 1, 5, and 8 months old and had the calcaneal tendon (CT) divided into proximal region, submitted to tension/compression forces (p), and distal region submitted to tension force (d). Morphological analysis of the p region showed the presence of fibrocartilage in all ages. In the central part of the fibrocartilage, near a diminishment of the metachromasy, there was also a development of a probable fat pad that increased with the maturation. The activity of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 was higher at 5 and 8 months old, in both regions, compared with 1‐month‐old animals. In SDS‐PAGE analysis, components with electrophoretic migration similar to decorin and fibromodulin increased with maturation, particularly in the d region. The Western blotting confirmed the increased amount of fibromodulin with maturation. In conclusion, our results show that process of maturation leads to the appearance of a probable fat pad in the center of the fibrocartilage of CT, with a reduced amount of glycosaminoglycans and an increased activity of MMPs. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:949–957, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Post‐2015 Moment: Towards Sustainable Development Goals and a New Global Development Paradigm
Authors: Gore Charles
Published: August 2015

The post‐2015 moment is a moment in time in which multiple efforts are being made to envision a better long‐term future for humanity and to forge, post‐2015, a new and different global development trajectory. There is a need for not only new global goals but also a new global development paradigm. The papers in this special issue assess the Sustainable Development Goals in the making and offer constructive suggestions to further a paradigm shift that would bring the post‐2015 development agenda to life in a transformative way rather than sustain business as usual. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Ebola Crisis and Post‐2015 Development
Authors: Leach Melissa
Published: August 2015

This article argues that the recent Ebola crisis is the result of structural violence, as interlocking institutions have produced interlaced inequalities, unsustainabilities and insecurities. These have underlain the vulnerabilities in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea through which a disease outbreak became a major health, social and economic crisis and the local fears, distrust, rumours and resistance that magnified it further. Articulating this analysis of Ebola with broader perspectives, the case is made for a reframing of post‐2015 development as transformational politics towards equality, sustainability and security, enabling people to realise well‐being and justice in terms that make sense to them. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants and Trends of Socioeconomic Inequality in Child Malnutrition: The Case of Mozambique, 1996–2011
Authors: Salvucci Vincenzo
Published: August 2015

We study the extent of socioeconomic inequality in child malnutrition in Mozambique using data from the Household Budget Survey 1996–1997 and 2008–2009, and from the Development and Health Statistics 2003 and 2011. Pro‐rich inequalities in the distribution of malnutrition are found for all years, and further decompositions of the concentration index into its components reveal that most of the inequality in malnutrition is due to inequality in consumption. We claim that while absolute levels of chronic child malnutrition tended to decrease over time, socioeconomic inequality in malnutrition did not decrease meanwhile. It actually seems to have slightly increased. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Origin and evolution of Nipah virus
Authors: Lo Presti Alessandra , Cella Eleonora , Giovanetti Marta , Lai Alessia , Angeletti Silvia , Zehender Gianguglielmo , Ciccozzi Massimo
Published: August 2015

Nipah virus, member of the Paramyxoviridae family, is classified as a Biosafety Level‐4 agent and category C priority pathogen. Nipah virus disease is endemic in south Asia and outbreaks have been reported in Malaysia, Singapore, India, and Bangladesh. Bats of the genus Pteropus appear to be the natural reservoir of this virus. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of Nipah virus, to estimate the date of origin and the spread of the infection. The mean value of Nipah virus N gene evolutionary rate, was 6.5 × 10−4 substitution/site/year (95% HPD: 2.3 × 10−4–1.18 × 10−3). The time‐scaled phylogenetic analysis showed that the root of the tree originated in 1947 (95% HPD: 1888–1988) as the virus entered in south eastern Asiatic regions. The segregation of sequences in two main clades (I and II) indicating that Nipah virus had two different introductions: one in 1995 (95% HPD: 1985–2002) which correspond to clade I, and the other in 1985 (95% HPD: 1971–1996) which correspond to clade II. The phylogeographic reconstruction indicated that the epidemic followed two different routes spreading to the other locations. The trade of infected pigs may have played a role in the spread of the virus. Bats of the Pteropus genus, that are able to travel to long distances, may have contributed to the spread of the infection. Negatively selected sites, statistically supported, could reflect the stability of the viral N protein. J. Med. Virol. 88:380–388, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Basal brain oxidative and nitrative stress levels are finely regulated by the interplay between superoxide dismutase 2 and p53
Authors: Barone Eugenio , Cenini Giovanna , Di Domenico Fabio , Noel Teresa , Wang Chi , Perluigi Marzia , St. Clair Daret K. , Butterfield D. Allan
Published: August 2015

Superoxide dismutases (SODs) are the primary reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐scavenging enzymes of the cell and catalyze the dismutation of superoxide radicals O2– to H2O2 and molecular oxygen (O2). Among the three forms of SOD identified, manganese‐containing SOD (MnSOD, SOD2) is a homotetramer located wholly in the mitochondrial matrix. Because of the SOD2 strategic location, it represents the first mechanism of defense against the augmentation of ROS/reactive nitrogen species levels in the mitochondria for preventing further damage. This study seeks to understand the effects that the partial lack (SOD2−/+) or the overexpression (TgSOD2) of MnSOD produces on oxidative/nitrative stress basal levels in different brain isolated cellular fractions (i.e., mitochondrial, nuclear, cytosolic) as well as in the whole‐brain homogenate. Furthermore, because of the known interaction between SOD2 and p53 protein, this study seeks to clarify the impact that the double mutation has on oxidative/nitrative stress levels in the brain of mice carrying the double mutation (p53−/− × SOD2−/+ and p53−/− × TgSOD2). We show that each mutation affects mitochondrial, nuclear, and cytosolic oxidative/nitrative stress basal levels differently, but, overall, no change or reduction of oxidative/nitrative stress levels was found in the whole‐brain homogenate. The analysis of well‐known antioxidant systems such as thioredoxin‐1 and Nrf2/HO‐1/BVR‐A suggests their potential role in the maintenance of the cellular redox homeostasis in the presence of changes of SOD2 and/or p53 protein levels. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation on rainfall extremes in southern China
Authors: Hsu Pang‐Chi , Lee June‐Yi , Ha Kyung‐Ja
Published: August 2015

How boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO) modulates the probability and spatial distributions of extreme rainfall occurrence over populous southern China was examined, using the newly proposed BSISO indices and two high‐resolution rain‐gauge‐based rainfall datasets in China. The probability density function of May–August rainfall in southern China is skewed towards large values in phases 2–4 of the first component and in phases 5–7 of the second component of BSISO life cycle, during which the probability of extreme rainfall events at the 75th (90th) percentile increases by 30–50% (over 60%) relative to the non‐BSISO period. The devastating floods with prolonged extreme rainfall in southern China over the three past decades occurred coincidently with these BSISO phases. The first component of BSISO, associated with 30–60‐day eastward/northeastward‐propagating ISO, is more favourable for the rainfall extreme over in‐land China. In contrast, the second component of BSISO, related to the 10–30‐day northwestward propagating ISO, tends to link with the rainfall extreme along the southeast coast of South China. Moisture budget indicates that the favourable environment for rainfall extreme is associated with southwesterly moisture convergence over southern China, while the moisture advection contributes insignificantly. This study suggests a potential for monitoring and probabilistic prediction of extreme rainfall events in southern China based on the real‐time BSISO indices.
Climatology and changes in cloud cover in the area of the Black, Caspian, and Aral seas (1991–2010): a comparison of surface observations with satellite and reanalysis products
Authors: Calbó Josep , Badosa Jordi , González Josep‐Abel , Dmitrieva Lidya , Khan Valentina , Enríquez‐Alonso Aaron , Sanchez‐Lorenzo Arturo
Published: August 2015

This article presents a climatology of total cloud cover (TCC) in the area of the three inland Eurasian seas (Black, Caspian, and Aral Sea). Analyses are performed on the basis of 20 years of data (1991–2010), collected from almost 200 ground stations. Average TCC is 49%, with broad spatial and seasonal variability: minimum TCC values are found in summer and to the southeast, whereas maximum values correspond to winter and to the northwest. For the whole area, linear trend analyses show that TCC did not vary during the study period. We only detected a statistically significant positive trend (+1.2% decade−1) in autumn. We obtained different results for the regions delimited by means of a principal component analysis: a clear decrease, both for the annual, spring, and summer series, was detected for the south of Black Sea, while increasing TCC was found for the annual, autumn, and winter series in the north Caucasus and the west and north of Black Sea. We also analysed the TCC data from global gridded products, including satellite projects [International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP), Pathfinder Atmospheres Extended (PATMOS‐x), cLoud, Albedo & Radiation (CLARA)], reanalyses [ERA‐interim, National Centers for Environmental Prediction/Department of Energy (NCEP/DOE), Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA)], and surface observations [Climatic Research Unit (CRU)]. Although all these products capture the seasonal evolution over the study area, they differ substantially both among them and in relation to the ground observations: reanalyses produce much lower values of TCC, while ISCCP and CLARA provide a summer minimum that is too high. Trend analyses applied to these data generally showed a decrease in TCC; only CRU and NCEP/DOE tally with the ground data as regards the absence of overall trends. These results are discussed in relation to previous studies presenting trends of other variables such as sunshine duration, diurnal temperature range, or precipitation; we also discuss the connections with changes in synoptic patterns and environmental changes, in particular in the Aral Sea region.
Spatial downscaling of European climate data
Authors: Moreno Adam , Hasenauer Hubert
Published: August 2015

E‐OBS(European Observations) is a gridded climate data set which contains maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and precipitation on a daily time step. The data can be as fine as 0.25° in resolution and extends over the entire European continent and parts of Africa and Asia. However, for studying regional or local climatic effects, a finer resolution would be more appropriate. A continental data set with resolution would allow research that is large in scale and still locally relevant. Until now, a climate data set with high spatial and temporal resolution has not existed for Europe. To fulfil this need, we produced a downscaled version of E‐OBS, applying the delta method, which uses WorldClim climate surfaces to obtain a 0.008° (about 1 × 1 km) resolution climate data set on a daily time step covering the European Union. The new downscaled data set includes minimum and maximum temperature and precipitation for the years 1951–2012. It is analysed against weather station data from six countries: Norway, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and Spain. Our analysis of the downscaled data set shows a reduction in the mean bias error of 3 °C for mean daily minimum temperature and of 4 °C for mean daily maximum temperature. Daily precipitation improved by 0.15 mm on average for all weather stations in the validation. The entire data set is freely and publically available at
ftp://palantir.boku.ac.at/Public/ClimateData.
TLR4 stimulation and corticosteroid interactively induce osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rat
Authors: Okazaki Shunichiro , Nagoya Satoshi , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Mizuo Keisuke , Shimizu Junya , Watanabe Satoshi , Inoue Hiromasa , Yamashita Toshihiko
Published: August 2015

We previously reported that a toll‐like receptor 4 signaling contributes to the development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Also, oxidative stress is suggested to be one of the possible pathogenesis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. A recent study showed that toll‐like receptor 4 signaling leads to oxidative stress. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether toll‐like receptor 4 stimulation and subsequent corticosteroid treatment lead to the development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rat, and oxidative stress is associated with it. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four treatment groups: Saline + Saline, Saline + Methylprednisolone, Lipopolysaccharide + Saline, Lipopolysaccharide + Methylprednisolone. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head at 14 days after the treatment was observed in 1 of 10 Lipopolysaccharide + Saline, and 5 of 10 Lipopolysaccharide + Methylprednisolone treated rats. However, it was not observed at all in the Saline + Saline and Saline + Methylprednisolone treated groups. Glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver at 1 day after the treatment was significantly increased when treated with lipopolysaccharide. However, methylprednisolone treatment reduced the activity. On the other hand, glutathione peroxidase activity in the femur did not change in any intergroup. In conclusion, the present study showed that toll‐like receptor 4 stimulation by lipopolysaccharide administration strengthen incidence of corticosteroid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head, however, concomitant oxidative stress via toll‐like receptor 4 signaling may not contribute to the development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rats. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:342–345, 2016.
Anthocyanin‐rich extracts from blackberry, wild blueberry, strawberry, and chokeberry: antioxidant activity and inhibitory effect on oleic acid‐induced hepatic steatosis in vitro
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhao Liang , Wang Dan , Huo Yazhen , Ji Baoping
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Limited information is available regarding the relationship between the chemical structures and inhibitory effects of anthocyanin (ACN) on triglyceride (TG) overaccumulation. Thus this study investigated the antioxidant activity and inhibitory effect of blackberry, wild blueberry, strawberry, and chokeberry ACN‐rich extracts, with different structural characteristics, on oleic acid‐induced hepatic steatosis in vitro. Four major ACNs from these berries, with different aglycones, namely cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (Cy‐3‐glu), delphinidin‐3‐glucoside, pelargonidin‐3‐glucoside, and malvidin‐3‐glucoside, were also investigated.

RESULTS

Blackberry ACN‐rich extract exhibited the most significant inhibitory effect on TG clearance (30.5% ± 3.4%) and reactive oxygen species generation. TG clearance was significantly correlated with total phenolic content (r = 0.991, P < 0.05) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity value (r = 0.961, P < 0.05). Furthermore, Cy‐3‐glu showed the highest inhibitory effect on intracellular TG overaccumulation, with a maximum TG clearance of 61.3% at 40 µg mL−1.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the inhibitory effects of different ACNs on oleic acid‐induced hepatic steatosis significantly vary. Cy‐3‐glu, which contains the ortho hydroxyl group in its B ring, possibly confers the protective effects of antioxidants and inhibits TG accumulation in HepG2 cells. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Simultaneous determination of four trace estrogens in feces, leachate, tap and groundwater using solid–liquid extraction/auto solid‐phase extraction and high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection
Authors: Liu Na , Shi Yue‐e , Li Mengyan , Zhang Ting‐di , Gao Song
Published: August 2015

A simple and selective high‐performance liquid chromatography method coupled with fluorescence detection was developed for the simultaneous measurement of trace levels of four estrogens (estrone, estradiol, estriol and 17α‐ethynyl estradiol) in environmental matrices. For feces samples, solid–liquid extraction was applied with a 1:1 v/v mixture of acetonitrile and ethyl acetate as the extraction solvent. For liquid samples (e.g., leachate and groundwater), hydrophobic/lipophilic balanced automated solid‐phase extraction disks were selected due to their high recoveries compared to conventional C18 disks. Chromatographic separations were performed on a reversed‐phase C18 column gradient‐eluted with a 45:55 v/v mixture of acetonitrile and water. The detection limits were down to 1.1 × 10−2 (estrone), 4.11 × 10−4 (estradiol), 5.2 × 10−3 (estriol) and 7.18 × 10−3 μg/L (17α‐ethynyl estradiol) at excitation/emission wavelengths of 288/310 nm, with recoveries in the range of 96.9 ± 3.2–105.4 ± 3.2% (n = 3). The method was successfully applied to determine estrogens in feces and water samples collected at livestock farms and a major river in Northeast China. We observed relatively high abundance and widespread distribution of all four estrogens in our sample collections, implying the urgency for a comprehensive and intricate investigation of estrogenic fate and contamination in our researched area.