bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How environment drives galaxy evolution: Lessons learnt from satellite galaxies
Authors: Pasquali A. , Nachname Vorname
Published: July 2015

It is by now well established that galaxy evolution is driven by intrinsic and environmental processes, both contributing to shape the observed properties of galaxies. A number of early studies, both observational and theoretical, have shown that the star formation activity of galaxies depends on their environmental local density and also on galaxy hierarchy, i.e. centrals vs. satellites. In fact, contrary to their central (most massive) galaxy of a group/cluster, satellite galaxies are stripped off their gas and stars and have their star formation quenched by their environment. Large galaxy surveys like SDSS now permit us to investigate in detail environment‐driven transformation processes by comparing centrals and satellites. In this paper, I summarize what we have so far learnt about environmental effects by analysing the observed properties of local central and satellite galaxies in SDSS, as a function of their stellar mass and the dark matter mass of their host group/cluster. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Reduced Efficiency and Capacity of Cognitive Control in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Mackie Melissa‐Ann , Fan Jin
Published: July 2015

Cognitive control constrains mental operations to prioritize information that reaches conscious awareness and is essential to flexible, adaptive behavior under conditions of uncertainty. Cognitive control can be compromised by neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is characterized by the presence of social and communicative deficits, and restricted interests/repetitive behaviors. Although prior investigations have attempted to elucidate the nature of cognitive control in ASD, whether there is an underlying information processing deficit associated with cognitive control remains unclear. This study challenged cognitive control in 15 high‐functioning adults with ASD and 15 typically developing (TD) controls using three novel tasks designed to systematically manipulate uncertainty. We aimed to investigate the efficiency of cognitive control in sequential information processing, cognitive control of nonsequential information processing across a range of cognitive loads and cognitive control capacity under time constraint. Results demonstrated that the ASD group performed less efficiently on sequential and nonsequential information processing, and had reduced cognitive control capacity under time constraint relative to the TD group. These findings suggest that inefficient cognitive control of information processing may be a fundamental deficit in ASD. Autism Res 2016, 9: 403–414. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preventing birth defects: The value of the NBDPS case–control approach
Authors: Dolk Helen
Published: July 2015

Birth Defect Registries provide a basis for epidemiological research into risk factors, thus facilitating a growing understanding of what causes congenital anomalies and how one might target preventive public health actions and reduce inequalities. The National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) has used 10 U.S. registries as a basis for a large case–control study. This commentary reviews its methodology and selected areas of output. The strengths of NBDPS lie in the quality of diagnostic coding and classification of birth defects and its size. The sources of bias in NBDPS data relate particularly to retrospective exposure ascertainment entailing a long period of recall, incomplete ascertainment of terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomaly, and unknown bias in case selection. NBDPS results have shown the protective effect of healthy dietary patterns, but have not been as informative as expected in relation to furthering understanding of the protective effect of folic acid. NBDPS medication studies are making important contributions to addressing the gap in existing evidence systematically across a wide range of birth defects, but are challenged by the quality of information on exposure, dose and underlying disease condition, and the interpretation of results of multiple testing.

Studies of environmental contaminants in collaboration with experts in exposure assessment have linked addresses to residential exposure measures, using the advantages of information on residential history and confounders, but are challenged by the need to consider exposure mixtures. NBDPS could increase its public health impact by placing more emphasis on socioeconomic inequalities. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:670–679, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of salvianolic acid C in rat plasma using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and its application to pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Song Junke , Zhang Wen , Sun Jialin , Zhang Xue , Xu Xiaona , Zhang Li , Feng Zhangying , Du Guanhua
Published: July 2015

A sensitive and reliable LC‐ESI‐MS method for the determination of salvianolic acid C in rat plasma has been developed and validated. Plasma samples were prepared by liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate and separated on a Zorbax SB‐C18 column (3.5 µm, 2.1 × 100 mm) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min using acetonitrile–water as mobile phase. The detection was carried out by a single quadrupole mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization source and selected ion monitoring mode. Linearity was obtained for salvianolic acid C ranging from 5 to 1000 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions (RSD, %) didn't exceed 9.96%, and the accuracy (RE, %) were all within ±3.64%. The average recoveries of the analyte and internal standard were >89.13%. Salvianolic acid C was proved to be stable during all sample storage, preparation and analytic procedures. The validated method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic study after oral and intravenous administration of salvianolic acid C to rats. The absolute oral bioavailability of salvianolic acid C was 0.29 ± 0.05%. This method was further applied to simultaneous determination of salvianolic acid A, salvianolic acid B and salvianolic acid C in rat plasma and showed good practicability. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The ventrolateral hypothalamic area and the parvafox nucleus: Role in the expression of (positive) emotions?
Authors: Alvarez‐Bolado Gonzalo , Celio Marco R.
Published: July 2015

The lateral hypothalamus has been long suspected of triggering the expression of positive emotions, because stimulations of its tuberal portion provoke bursts of laughter. Electrophysiological studies in various species have indeed confirmed that the lateral hypothalamus contributes to reward mechanisms. However, only the rudiments of the neural circuit underlying the expression of positive emotions are known. The prefrontal cortex, the lateral hypothalamus, and the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) are involved in these circuits; so, too, are the brainstem nuclei that control the laryngeal muscles and subserve mimicry, as well as the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The implicated populations of hypothalamic neurons have not been defined either anatomically or molecularly. One promising candidate is the novel parvafox nucleus, which we recently described, in the murine medial forebrain bundle (mfb), which specifically expresses parvalbumin and Foxb1. With the molecularly defined parvafox nucleus as a centerpiece, the inputs from the prefrontal cortex and the projections to the PAG and brainstem can be studied with precision. By drawing on genetic approaches, it will be possible to manipulate the circuitry selectively with spatial and temporal exactitude and to evaluate the concomitant autonomic changes. These data will serve as a basis for imaging studies in humans using various paradigms to provoke the expression of positive emotions. In conclusion, studies of the hypothalamic parvafox nucleus will reveal whether this entity represents the fulcrum for positive emotions, as is the amygdala for fear and the insula for disgust. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:1616–1623, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrochemistry of Cd3As2—A 3D Analogue of Graphene
Authors: Lim Chee Shan , Sofer Zdeněk , Pumera Martin
Published: July 2015

Graphene has been well‐known for its outstanding electrochemical properties over the years owing to its zero band gap and structural advantages. Lately, Cd3As2, a three‐dimensional (3D) Dirac semi‐metal, has been fervently explored in the field of material physics due to its high electron carrier mobility and transport properties. However, unlike graphene and its derivatives, the electrochemical behavior of Cd3As2 has been underexplored despite it being established as a bulk analogue of 3D graphene in its electronic properties. In this work, we investigate the interesting electrochemistry of Cd3As2 in terms of its heterogeneous electron transfer, as well as its electrocatalytic potential in energy applications like hydrogen evolution reaction.
Morphological divergence between three Arctic charr morphs – the significance of the deep‐water environment
Authors: Skoglund Sigrid , Siwertsson Anna , Amundsen Per‐Arne , Knudsen Rune
Published: July 2015

Morphological divergence was evident among three sympatric morphs of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus(L.)) that are ecologically diverged along the shallow‐, deep‐water resource axis in a subarctic postglacial lake (Norway). The two deep‐water (profundal) spawning morphs, a benthivore (PB‐morph) and a piscivore (PP‐morph), have evolved under identical abiotic conditions with constant low light and temperature levels in their deep‐water habitat, and were morphologically most similar. However, they differed in important head traits (e.g., eye and mouth size) related to their different diet specializations. The small‐sizedPB‐morph had a paedomorphic appearance with a blunt head shape, large eyes, and a deep body shape adapted to their profundal lifestyle feeding on submerged benthos from soft, deep‐water sediments. ThePP‐morph had a robust head, large mouth with numerous teeth, and an elongated body shape strongly related to their piscivorous behavior. The littoral spawning omnivore morph (LO‐morph) predominantly utilizes the shallow benthic–pelagic habitat and food resources. Compared to the deep‐water morphs, theLO‐morph had smaller head relative to body size. TheLO‐morph exhibited traits typical for both shallow‐water benthic feeding (e.g., large body depths and small eyes) and planktivorous feeding in the pelagic habitat (e.g., streamlined body shape and small mouth). The development of morphological differences within the same deep‐water habitat for thePB‐ andPP‐morphs highlights the potential of biotic factors and ecological interactions to promote further divergence in the evolution of polymorphism in a tentative incipient speciation process. The diversity of deep‐water charr in this study represents a novelty in the Arctic charr polymorphism as a truly deep‐water piscivore morph has to our knowledge not been described elsewhere.
Toxicity and utilization of chemical weapons: does toxicity and venom utilization contribute to the formation of species communities?
Authors: Westermann Fabian L. , McPherson Iain S. , Jones Tappey H. , Milicich Lesley , Lester Philip J.
Published: July 2015

Toxicity and the utilization of venom are essential features in the ecology of many animal species and have been hypothesized to be important factors contributing to the assembly of communities through competitive interactions. Ants of the genus Monomorium utilize a variety of venom compositions, which have been reported to give them a competitive advantage. Here, we investigate two pairs of Monomorium species, which differ in the structural compositions of their venom and their co‐occurrence patterns with the invasive Argentine ant. We looked at the effects of Monomorium venom toxicity, venom utilization, and aggressive physical interactions on Monomorium and Argentine ant survival rates during arena trials. The venom toxicity of the two species co‐occurring with the invasive Argentine ants was found to be significantly higher than the toxicity of the two species which do not. There was no correlation between venom toxicity and Monomorium survival; however, three of the four Monomorium species displayed significant variability in their venom usage which was associated with the number of Argentine ant workers encountered during trials. Average Monomorium mortality varied significantly between species, and in Monomorium smithii and Monomorium antipodum, aggressive interactions with Argentine ants had a significant negative effect on their mortality. Our study demonstrates that different factors and strategies can contribute to the ability of a species to withstand the pressure of a dominant invader at high abundance, and venom chemistry appears to be only one of several strategies utilized.
Adaptive plasticity and niche expansion in an invasive thistle
Authors: Turner Kathryn G. , Fréville Hélène , Rieseberg Loren H.
Published: July 2015

Phenotypic differentiation in size and fecundity between native and invasive populations of a species has been suggested as a causal driver of invasion in plants. Local adaptation to novel environmental conditions through a micro‐evolutionary response to natural selection may lead to phenotypic differentiation and fitness advantages in the invaded range. Local adaptation may occur along a stress tolerance trade‐off, favoring individuals that, in benign conditions, shift resource allocation from stress tolerance to increased vigor and fecundity and, therefore, invasiveness. Alternately, the typically disturbed invaded range may select for a plastic, generalist strategy, making phenotypic plasticity the main driver of invasion success. To distinguish between these hypotheses, we performed a field common garden and tested for genetically based phenotypic differentiation, resource allocation shifts in response to water limitation, and local adaptation to the environmental gradient which describes the source locations for native and invasive populations of diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa). Plants were grown in an experimental field in France (naturalized range) under water addition and limitation conditions. After accounting for phenotypic variation arising from environmental differences among collection locations, we found evidence of genetic variation between the invasive and native populations for most morphological and life‐history traits under study. Invasive C. diffusa populations produced larger, later maturing, and therefore potentially fitter individuals than native populations. Evidence for local adaptation along a resource allocation trade‐off for water limitation tolerance is equivocal. However, native populations do show evidence of local adaptation to an environmental gradient, a relationship which is typically not observed in the invaded range. Broader analysis of the climatic niche inhabited by the species in both ranges suggests that the physiological tolerances of C. diffusa may have expanded in the invaded range. This observation could be due to selection for plastic, “general‐purpose” genotypes with broad environmental tolerances.
Unveiling differences between patients with acute coronary syndrome with and without ST elevation through fingerprinting with CE‐MS and HILIC‐MS targeted analysis
Authors: Naz Shama , Calderón Ángela Algaba , García Antonia , Gallafrio Jessica , Mestre Rodrigo Teijeiro , González Elena González , de Cabo Carlos Muñoz , Delgado Mari Cruz Martín , Balanza José Ángel Lorente , Simionato Ana Valéria Colnaghi , Vaeza Nicolás Nin , Barbas Coral , Rupérez Francisco J.
Published: July 2015

Differences in the degree and severity of Acute Coronary Syndrome, associated to differences in the electrocardiogram, together with blood tests of biomarkers classify patients for diagnosis and treatment. Cases where the electrocardiogram and/or biomarkers are not conclusive still appear, and there is a need for complementary biomarkers for routine determinations. Metabolomics approaches with blind fingerprinting could reveal differences in metabolites, which must be confirmed by means of targeted determinations. CE‐MS and HILIC‐MS are well suited for the determination of highly polar compounds, like those from to the intermediate metabolism, altered due to acute stress induced by myocardial infarction. Serum from patients with ST‐elevated and non‐ST elevated myocardial infarction was collected at intensive care and emergency units, and fingerprinted with CE‐MS. Data pretreatment and analysis showed up carnitine‐related compounds and amino acids differentially present in both groups. Acylcarnitines and amino acids were then quantitatively measured with HILIC‐MS‐QqQ. The significance of the differences and the sensitivity/specificity of each compound were individually evaluated. The ratio of free carnitine to acylcarnitines, together with the ratios of acetylcarnitine to betaine, to threonine, and to citrulline, showed high significance and area under the curve in the respective receiver operating characteristic curves. This study opens new possibilities for defining new sets of biomarkers for refining the diagnosis of the patients with difficult classification.
Assessing the performance of structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry and terrestrial LiDAR for reconstructing soil surface microtopography of naturally vegetated plots
Authors: Nouwakpo Sayjro Kossi , Weltz Mark A. , McGwire Kenneth
Published: July 2015

Soil microtopography is a property of critical importance in many earth surface processes but is often difficult to quantify. Advances in computer vision technologies have made image‐based three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction or Structure‐from‐Motion (SfM) available to many scientists as a low cost alternative to laser‐based systems such as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). While the performance of SfM at acquiring soil surface microtopography has been extensively compared to that of TLS on bare surfaces, little is known about the impact of vegetation on reconstruction performance. This article evaluates the performance of SfM and TLS technologies at reconstructing soil microtopography on 6 m × 2 m erosion plots with vegetation cover ranging from 0% to 77%. Results show that soil surface occlusion by vegetation was more pronounced with TLS compared to SfM, a consequence of the single viewpoint laser scanning strategy adopted in this study. On the bare soil surface, elevation values estimated with SfM were within 5 mm of those from TLS although long distance deformations were observed with the former technology. As vegetation cover increased, agreement between SfM and TLS slightly degraded but was significantly affected beyond 53% of ground cover. Detailed semivariogram analysis on meter‐square‐scale surface patches showed that TLS and SfM surfaces were very similar even on highly vegetated plots but with fine scale details and the dynamic elevation range smoothed out with SfM. Errors in the TLS data were mainly caused by the distance measurement function of the instrument especially at the fringe of occlusion regions where the laser beam intersected foreground and background features simultaneously. From this study, we conclude that a realistic approach to digitizing soil surface microtopography in field conditions can be implemented by combining strengths of the image‐based method (simplicity and effectiveness at reconstructing soil surface under sparse vegetation) with the high accuracy of TLS‐like technologies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic modeling approach using Myriophyllum spicatum to predict effects caused by short-term exposure to a sulfonylurea
Authors: Heine Simon , Schild Frederik , Schmitt Walter , Krebber Ralph , Görlitz Gerhard , Preuss Thomas G.
Published: July 2015

Toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic models are a promising tool to address the effects of time-variable chemical exposure. Standard toxicity tests usually rely on static concentrations, but these chemical exposure patterns are unlikely to appear in the field, where time-variable exposure of chemicals is typical. In the present study, toxicodynamic processes were integrated into an existing model that includes the toxicokinetics and growth of the aquatic plant Myriophyllum spicatum, to predict the impact on plant growth of 2 iofensulfuron short-term exposure patterns. To establish a method that can be used with standard data from risk assessments, the toxicodynamics of iofensulfuron were based on effect data from a 14-d standard toxicity test using static concentrations. Modeling showed that the toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic growth model of M. spicatum can be successfully used to predict effects of short-term iofensulfuron exposure by using effect data from a standard toxicity test. A general approach is presented, in which time-variable chemical exposures can be evaluated more realistically without conducting additional toxicity studies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:376–384. © 2015 SETAC
Macroinvertebrate responses to nickel in multisystem exposures
Authors: Custer Kevin W. , Kochersberger Jon P. , Anderson Padrick D. , Fetters Kyle J. , Hummel Steven , Burton G. Allen
Published: July 2015

Metals introduced to sediments undergo a variety of complexation and partitioning changes that affect metal bioavailability. Using simultaneously extracted metal (SEM)/acid volatile sulfide (AVS) and organic carbon (fOC) models, the authors examined nickel (Ni) toxicity and bioavailability in 2 field studies (using streamside mesocosm and in situ colonization) and 1 laboratory study. The streamside mesocosm experiments indicated that benthic communities (Ephemeroptera, abundance, and taxa richness) responded negatively to increasing SEMNi/AVS and (SEMNi–AVS)/fOC models. In the in situ colonization study, taxa richness, abundance, and Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) taxa decreased with increasing SEMNi and SEMNi/AVS values. Nickel-spiked sediments were tested in the laboratory with indigenous field-collected mayflies (Anthopotamus verticis, Isonychia spp., and Stenonema spp) and a beetle (Psephenus herricki), and with laboratory-cultured Hyalella azteca and Chironomus dilutus. The amphipod H. azteca was the most sensitive organism tested, and the mayflies Anthopotamus verticis and Stenonema spp. were the most sensitive indigenous organisms to Ni-spiked sediments. These studies help discern which factors are important in determining Ni toxicity and bioavailability at the individual, population, and community levels. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:101–114. © 2015 SETAC
Synthesis and odour evaluation of allenic derivatives
Authors: Diaf Ilhem , Joffrin Amélie , Lemière Gilles , Duñach Elisabet
Published: July 2015

A series of readily available allenic aldehydes and their alcohol, acetate and enol ether derivatives have been prepared and evaluated for their olfactory properties. The tested compounds revealed interesting fruity, floral and woody aspects as the main notes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The PCBP1 gene encoding poly(rc) binding protein i is recurrently mutated in Burkitt lymphoma
Authors: Wagener Rabea , Aukema Sietse M. , Schlesner Matthias , Haake Andrea , Burkhardt Birgit , Claviez Alexander , Drexler Hans G. , Hummel Michael , Kreuz Markus , Loeffler Markus , Rosolowski Maciej , López Cristina , Möller Peter , Richter Julia , Rohde Marius , Betts Matthew J. , Russell Robert B. , Bernhart Stephan H. , Hoffmann Steve , Rosenstiel Philip , Schilhabel Markus , Szczepanowski Monika , Trümper Lorenz , Klapper Wolfram , Siebert Reiner ,   on behalf of the ICGC MMML‐Seq‐Project and the “Molecular Mechanisms in Malignant Lymphomas” Network Project of the Deutsche Krebshilfe
Published: July 2015

The genetic hallmark of Burkitt lymphoma is the translocation t(8;14)(q24;q32), or one of its light chain variants, resulting in IG‐MYC juxtaposition. However, these translocations alone are insufficient to drive lymphomagenesis, which requires additional genetic changes for malignant transformation. Recent studies of Burkitt lymphoma using next generation sequencing approaches have identified various recurrently mutated genes including ID3, TCF3, CCND3, and TP53. Here, by using similar approaches, we show that PCBP1 is a recurrently mutated gene in Burkitt lymphoma. By whole‐genome sequencing, we identified somatic mutations in PCBP1 in 3/17 (18%) Burkitt lymphomas. We confirmed the recurrence of PCBP1 mutations by Sanger sequencing in an independent validation cohort, finding mutations in 3/28 (11%) Burkitt lymphomas and in 6/16 (38%) Burkitt lymphoma cell lines. PCBP1 is an intron‐less gene encoding the 356 amino acid poly(rC) binding protein 1, which contains three K‐Homology (KH) domains and two nuclear localization signals. The mutations predominantly (10/12, 83%) affect the KH III domain, either by complete domain loss or amino acid changes. Thus, these changes are predicted to alter the various functions of PCBP1, including nuclear trafficking and pre‐mRNA splicing. Remarkably, all six primary Burkitt lymphomas with a PCBP1 mutation expressed MUM1/IRF4, which is otherwise detected in around 20–40% of Burkitt lymphomas. We conclude that PCBP1 mutations are recurrent in Burkitt lymphomas and might contribute, in cooperation with other mutations, to its pathogenesis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resting state connectivity of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis at ultra‐high field
Authors: Torrisi Salvatore , O'Connell Katherine , Davis Andrew , Reynolds Richard , Balderston Nicholas , Fudge Julie L. , Grillon Christian , Ernst Monique
Published: July 2015

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), a portion of the “extended amygdala,” is implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety and addiction disorders. Its small size and connection to other small regions prevents standard imaging techniques from easily capturing it and its connectivity with confidence. Seed‐based resting state functional connectivity is an established method for mapping functional connections across the brain from a region of interest. We, therefore, mapped the BNST resting state network with high spatial resolution using 7 Tesla fMRI, demonstrating the in vivo reproduction of many human BNST connections previously described only in animal research. We identify strong BNST functional connectivity in amygdala, hippocampus and thalamic subregions, caudate, periaqueductal gray, hypothalamus, and cortical areas such as the medial PFC and precuneus. This work, which demonstrates the power of ultra‐high field for mapping functional connections in the human, is an important step toward elucidating cortical and subcortical regions and subregions of the BNST network. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4076–4088, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein is predominantly derived from Kupffer cells
Authors: Wang Yanan , van der Tuin Sam , Tjeerdema Nathanja , van Dam Andrea D. , Rensen Sander S. , Hendrikx Tim , Berbée Jimmy F.P. , Atanasovska Biljana , Fu Jingyuan , Hoekstra Menno , Bekkering Siroon , Riksen Niels P. , Buurman Wim A. , Greve Jan Willem , Hofker Marten H. , Shiri‐Sverdlov Ronit , Meijer Onno C. , Smit Johannes W.A. , Havekes Louis M. , van Dijk Ko Willems , Rensen Patrick C.N.
Published: July 2015

The role of Kupffer cells (KCs) in the pathophysiology of the liver has been firmly established. Nevertheless, KCs have been underexplored as a target for diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases owing to the lack of noninvasive diagnostic tests. We addressed the hypothesis that cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is mainly derived from KCs and may predict KC content. Microarray analysis of liver and adipose tissue biopsies, obtained from 93 obese subjects who underwent elective bariatric surgery, showed that expression of CETP is markedly higher in liver than adipose tissue. Hepatic expression of CETP correlated strongly with that of KC markers, and CETP messenger RNA and protein colocalized specifically with KCs in human liver sections. Hepatic KC content as well as hepatic CETP expression correlated strongly with plasma CETP concentration. Mechanistic and intervention studies on the role of KCs in determining the plasma CETP concentration were performed in a transgenic (Tg) mouse model expressing human CETP. Selective elimination of KCs from the liver in CETP Tg mice virtually abolished hepatic CETP expression and largely reduced plasma CETP concentration, consequently improving the lipoprotein profile. Conversely, augmentation of KCs after Bacille‐Calemette‐Guérin vaccination largely increased hepatic CETP expression and plasma CETP. Also, lipid‐lowering drugs fenofibrate and niacin reduced liver KC content, accompanied by reduced plasma CETP concentration. Conclusions: Plasma CETP is predominantly derived from KCs, and plasma CETP level predicts hepatic KC content in humans.(Hepatology 2015;62:1710–1722)
A New Tricyclic Alkaloid from Portulaca oleracea L.
Authors: Yue Su , Jiao Ze‐Zhao , Sun Hong‐Xiang , Jin Tian‐Yun , Xiang Lan
Published: July 2015

A new tricyclic alkaloid named portulacatone (1), i.e., 5,6‐dihydro‐8,9‐dihydroxy‐11H‐pyrrolo[2,1‐b] [3]benzazepin‐11‐one, together with eight known compounds, methyl 4‐hydroxyphenylacetate (2), p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde (3), vanillin (4), protocatechualdehyde (5), p‐hydroxybenzoic acid (6), iseluxine (7), oleracein E (8), and (+)‐(R)‐feruloyl malate (9) were isolated from aerial parts of Portulaca oleracea L. Their structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic analyses. Among them, compounds 1–7 and 9 were isolated from this medicinal plant for the first time. Compounds 1 and 7 showed dose‐dependent scavenging activities against DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl) free radical, with EC50 values of 14.36 μM and 9.98 μM, respectively, more potent than the natural antioxidant vitamin C (EC50 20.72 μM).
Dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane regulates stem cell activity in vitro
Authors: Massee Michelle , Chinn Kathryn , Lei Jennifer , Lim Jeremy J. , Young Conan S. , Koob Thomas J.
Published: July 2015

Human‐derived placental tissues have been shown in randomized clinical trials to be effective for healing chronic wounds, and have also demonstrated the ability to recruit stem cells to the wound site in vitro and in vivo. In this study, PURION® Processed dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane allografts (dHACM, EpiFix®, MiMedx Group, Marietta, GA) were evaluated for their ability to alter stem cell activity in vitro. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs), adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs), and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were treated with soluble extracts of dHACM tissue, and were evaluated for cellular proliferation, migration, and cytokine secretion. Stem cells were analyzed for cell number by DNA assay after 24 h, closure of an acellular zone using microscopy over 3 days, and soluble cytokine production in the medium of treated stem cells was analyzed after 3 days using a multiplex ELISA array. Treatment with soluble extracts of dHACM tissue stimulated BM‐MSCs, ADSCs, and HSCs to proliferate with a significant increase in cell number after 24 h. dHACM treatment accelerated closure of an acellular zone by ADSCs and BM‐MSCs after 3 days, compared to basal medium. BM‐MSCs, ADSCs, and HSCs also modulated endogenous production of a number of various soluble signals, including regulators of inflammation, mitogenesis, and wound healing. dHACM treatment promoted increased proliferation and migration of ADSCs, BM‐MSCs, and HSCs, along with modulation of secreted proteins from those cells. Therefore, dHACM may impact wound healing by amplifying host stem cell populations and modulating their responses in treated wound tissues. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1495–1503, 2016.
Oil, chitosan, and ethanol production by dimorphic fungus Mucor indicus from different lignocelluloses
Authors: Satari Behzad , Karimi Keikhosro , Zamani Akram
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Mucor indicus is a dimorphic fungus capable of producing ethanol, with numerous advantages compared with Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

RESULTS

Cellulose solvent‐ and organic solvent‐based lignocellulosic fractionation (COSLIF) enhanced the enzymatic hydrolysis yield and especially the initial hydrolysis rate. Effects of the fungal morphology on the major metabolites, i.e., ethanol and biomass ingredients (fatty acids and chitosan) were investigated. Purely yeast‐like form yielded 78–92% of the maximum theoretical ethanol yield with 0.43–0.64 g L−1 h−1 productivity, whereas fermentation by purely filamentous form resulted in the yield and productivity of 48–66% and 0.3–0.4 g L−1 h−1, respectively. Beside ethanol, the fungus produced a large amount of chitin‐chitosan (62–67% of the fungal alkali insoluble materials) in filamentous form, while the value was 41–45% for yeast‐like form. Furthermore, yeast‐like cells produced nutritionally valuable fatty acids at a rate higher than that by filamentous form (3.7 and 2.7%, respectively). Linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated omega‐6, was the dominant fatty acid available in the biomass with both morphologies.

CONCLUSIONS

The fermentation products were significantly dependent on the fungus morphology but not on the lignocellulose type. Yeast‐like cells exhibited better performance in ethanol and oil production, whereas the filamentous cells produced higher amounts of chitosan. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of enzymatic high temperature prehydrolysis on the subsequent cellulose hydrolysis of steam‐pretreated spruce in high solids concentration
Authors: Hämäläinen Joonas , Granström Tom , Mollerup Filip , Wang Yawei , Xiong Hairong , Turunen Ossi
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

High‐temperature enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose has been studied recently with promising results. High temperatures can improve reaction rates and mass transfer, and lower viscosity. Tests were made to determine how short high‐temperature prehydrolysis steps affect the final hydrolysis with commercial cellulase mixture.

RESULTS

Continuous mixing improved the hydrolysis of 3% Avicel by Pyrococcus horikoshii endoglucanase (PhEG) at 70°C but not at 100°C. Differences in the temperature effect between 90°C and ∼103°C were much higher than between 70°C and 90°C. It was essential that the dosed enzyme activity was the same at each temperature, meaning lower volumetric amount of enzyme at higher temperature. PhEG prehydrolysis (2 h) of steam pretreated spruce before final hydrolysis by commercial cellulase mixture was more efficient at 100°C than at 80°C, improving the total enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose by 15–30%. Xylanase and mannase prehydrolysis at 80°C (2 h) improved the cellulase hydrolysis by 20–33%, while all three enzymes together improved the final enzymatic yield by 50–70%.

CONCLUSION

A temperature of 100–105°C provides clear process advantages for enzymatic treatments when compared with 70–90°C. Enzymatic high‐temperature prehydrolysis could be applicable to circumvent the problems of high viscosity and to reduce the required amount of cellulases in the subsequent hydrolysis. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Changes in Faculty Members’ Instructional Beliefs while Implementing Model‐Eliciting Activities
Authors: Moore Tamara J. , Guzey S. Selcen , Roehrig Gillian H. , Stohlmann Micah , Park Mi Sun , Kim Young Rae , Callender Hannah L. , Teo Hon Jie
Published: July 2015

Background Engineering

Faculty members should adopt effective pedagogical approaches in order to maximize student learning. The beliefs of faculty members about instructional practice are an important construct in determining what and how they teach.

Purpose

This study investigates the effect of faculty members’ involvement in model‐eliciting activities on their beliefs about classroom instruction. This study is guided by the following research question: How do faculty members’ beliefs about teaching, learning, and assessment change through the use of model‐eliciting activities (MEAs)?

Design/Method

Using a multicase study design, four engineering faculty members from across the United States were studied while they developed, implemented, and assessed MEAs. Data were collected from sources including semistructured interviews about teaching beliefs and practices, a demographics and academic background survey, and biweekly surveys on MEA implementation and beliefs. Yearly interviews were coded using a rubric that classifies beliefs on a scale from instructor‐centered to student‐centered.

Results

Over the course of the three‐year study, the beliefs of all four faculty members shifted towards a more student‐centered view of teaching. The faculty members indicated that they were able to emphasize teamwork, real‐world practice, problem‐solving skills, timely feedback, constructed knowledge, communication, active learning, formative assessment, and the discipline of engineering through the use of MEAs.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that developing and implementing MEAs can help both experienced and beginning faculty members change their beliefs toward a student‐centered view of instruction.
Effects of corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid on torn rotator cuff tendons in vitro and in rats
Authors: Nakamura Hidehiro , Gotoh Masafumi , Kanazawa Tomonoshin , Ohta Keisuke , Nakamura Keiichirou , Honda Hirokazu , Ohzono Hiroki , Shimokobe Hisao , Mitsui Yasuhiro , Shirachi Isao , Okawa Takahiro , Higuchi Fujio , Shirahama Masahiro , Shiba Naoto , Matsueda Satoko
Published: July 2015

Corticosteroids (CS) or hyaluronic acid (HA) is used in subacromial injection for the conservative treatment of rotator cuff tears (RCT); this study addresses the question of how CS and HA affect the tendon tissue and fibroblasts in vitro and in rats. Cell proliferation assays were performed in human tendon fibroblasts from RCT. Rats underwent surgery to create RCT, and the surgical sites were injected with CS or HA. The rotator cuff tendons were subjected to biomechanical testing, microscopic and immunohistochemical analysis of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and ultrastructural analysis. Cell proliferation was significantly decreased with CS in vitro (p < 0.05). Maximal load of CS‐treated tendons was significantly decreased compared with that of HA‐treated tendons (p < 0.05), as well as PCNA+ cells at 2 weeks (p < 0.05). Ultrastructural observations of the CS‐treated rats detected apoptosis of tendon fibroblasts 24 h after surgery. Histological and biomechanical data 4 weeks after surgery were not significant among the three groups. Unlike HA, CS caused cell death, and inhibition of the proliferation of tendon fibroblasts, leading to a delay of tendon healing involved and a subsequent decrease of biomechanical strength at the surgical site. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1523–1530, 2015.
Is there willingness to buy and pay a surcharge for agro‐ecological products? Case study of the production of vegetables in Xochimilco, Mexico
Authors: Revollo‐Fernández Daniel
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Around the world there are approximately 2.5 trillion small‐scale farmers, most of them subsistence farmers. In the 1970s the green revolution unfolded, which brought benefits to some producers, but it also brought costs, especially for small producers. Agro‐ecology is presented as an alternative, but it is necessary to examine whether it is accepted in the markets, especially in developing countries.

RESULTS

This study proves that there is a potential market, in this case in Mexico, but that it will depend on some socio‐economic variables such as age, income, gender, product information, among others. Similarly, it is evident that buyers are willing to make an additional payment as compensation.

CONCLUSION

Agro‐ecology should not be considered as subsistence farming incompatible with the markets. It offers good prospects for increasing production and improving the sustainability of agriculture in marginal areas with few economic resources. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
An integrated molecular docking and rescoring method for predicting the sensitivity spectrum of various serine hydrolases to organophosphorus pesticides
Authors: Yang Ling‐Ling , Yang Xiao , Li Guo‐Bo , Fan Kai‐Ge , Yin Peng‐Fei , Chen Xiang‐Gui
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

The enzymatic chemistry method is currently the most widely used method for the rapid detection of organophosphorus (OP) pesticides, but the enzymes used, such as cholinesterases, lack sufficient sensitivity to detect low concentrations of OP pesticides present in given samples. Serine hydrolase is considered an ideal enzyme source in seeking high‐sensitivity enzymes used for OP pesticide detection. However, it is difficult to systematically evaluate sensitivities of various serine hydrolases to OP pesticides by in vitro experiments. This study aimed to establish an in silico method to predict the sensitivity spectrum of various serine hydrolases to OP pesticides.

RESULTS

A serine hydrolase database containing 219 representative serine hydrolases was constructed. Based on this database, an integrated molecular docking and rescoring method was established, in which the AutoDock Vina program was used to produce the binding poses of OP pesticides to various serine hydrolases and the ID‐Score method developed recently by us was adopted as a rescoring method to predict their binding affinities. In retrospective case studies, this method showed good performance in predicting the sensitivities of known serine hydrolases to two OP pesticides: paraoxon and diisopropyl fluorophosphate. The sensitivity spectrum of the 219 collected serine hydrolases to 37 commonly used OP pesticides was finally obtained using this method.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this study presented a promising in silico tool to predict the sensitivity spectrum of various serine hydrolases to OP pesticides, which will help in finding high‐sensitivity serine hydrolases for OP pesticide detection. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Normal‐dispersion microcombs enabled by controllable mode interactions
Authors: Xue Xiaoxiao , Xuan Yi , Wang Pei‐Hsun , Liu Yang , Leaird Dan E. , Qi Minghao , Weiner Andrew M.
Published: July 2015

We demonstrate a scheme incorporating dual‐coupled microresonators through which mode interactions are intentionally introduced and controlled for Kerr frequency comb (microcomb) generation in the normal‐dispersion region. Microcomb generation, repetition rate selection, and mode locking are achieved with coupled silicon nitride microrings controlled via an on‐chip microheater. The proposed scheme shows for the first time a reliable design strategy for normal‐dispersion microcombs and may make it possible to generate microcombs in an extended wavelength range (e.g. in the visible) where normal material dispersion is likely to dominate.

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Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of Double‐Crystalline Poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane)‐block‐poly(2‐iso‐propyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PFDMS‐b‐PiPrOx) Block Copolymers
Authors: Rudolph Tobias , Nunns Adam , Stumpf Steffi , Pietsch Christian , Schacher Felix H.
Published: July 2015

The step‐wise solution self‐assembly of double crystalline organometallic poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane)‐block‐poly(2‐iso‐propyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PFDMS‐b‐PiPrOx) diblock copolymers is demonstrated. Two block copolymers are obtained by copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), featuring PFDMS/PiPrOx weight fractions of 46/54 (PFDMS30‐b‐PiPrOx75) and 30/70 (PFDMS30‐b‐PiPrOx155). Nonsolvent induced crystallization of PFDMS in acetone leads in both cases to cylindrical micelles with a PFDMS core. Afterward, the structures are transferred into water for sequential temperature‐induced crystallization of the PiPrOx corona, leading to hierarchical double crystalline superstructures, which are investigated using scanning electron microscopy, wide angle X‐ray scattering, and differential scanning calorimetry.

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Potential trade‐offs in treatment of premanifest Huntington's disease
Authors: Albin Roger L. , Burke James F.
Published: July 2015

The potential long‐term consequences of treatments delaying manifestations of neurodegenerative diseases have not been explored. Using Huntington disease (HD) data and Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, we simulated the effects of therapies with equivalent effects on time to onset of HD and survival with HD. Our results suggest substantial potential trade‐offs in effects of these therapies; significant delays in time to onset of HD were accompanied by significant prolongations of survival after onset of HD. Under a variety of assumptions, treatments delaying onset of HD result in some patients likely to have a greater increase in survival with manifest HD compared to delays in time to onset of HD. Our results suggest that future work in HD should be sensitive to the potential existence of such trade‐offs and that understanding the preferences of HD patients and the broader HD community will be increasingly important. Future research, trial design, and treatment strategies in HD and other mid‐life‐onset neurodegenerative disorders should consider the possibility of trade‐offs in long‐term consequences of disease‐modifying treatments. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Thrombocytosis distinguishes POEMS syndrome from chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Naddaf Elie , Dispenzieri Angela , Mandrekar Jay , Mauermann Michelle L.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cell disorder, and skin changes) syndrome may be mistaken for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Differentiating the 2 entities is crucial, as there are major treatment implications.

Methods

We compared platelet counts in 136 POEMS patients and 67 CIDP controls.

Results

Of the patients with POEMS, 53.7% had thrombocytosis, compared with 1.5% of those with CIDP (P < 0.0001). The median platelet count in patients with POEMS was 467,000/μl compared with 275,000/μl in those with CIDP (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Thrombocytosis is a helpful indicator to prompt clinicians to consider the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome in patients who are thought to have CIDP, and is an important reminder of the increased risk of thrombotic events in POEMS syndrome. Muscle Nerve 52: 658–659, 2015
The long‐term effect of energy restricted diets for treating obesity
Authors: Langeveld Mirjam , DeVries J. Hans
Published: July 2015

Objective

To quantify the effectiveness of diet interventions by systematic review of the long‐term effects of energy restricted diets in individuals with overweight and obesity.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted for all clinical trials studying the effect of energy restricted diets on body weight in individuals with a BMI>25 kg/m2 with a follow‐up of at least 3 years and a minimum of 50 participants. Weight change from baseline and rates of loss to follow‐up at the longest follow‐up were extracted and analyzed using random‐effects models.

Results

Weighted mean weight loss after 3 years follow‐up was 3.5% (95% CI 0.2‐6.8%) (n = 6,163) and after 4 years follow‐up 4.5% (95% CI 4.3‐4.8%) (n = 5,696). Energy restricted diets (n = 1,433) resulted in an average 2.9% (95% CI −3.8 to −2.1%) greater weight loss compared to untreated control groups (n = 1,361). Weight regain was observed in the majority of individuals in all studies. Interpretation of the data is limited by high rates of loss to follow‐up and lack of truly untreated control groups.

Conclusions

On average, the long‐term effect of diets on body weight in individuals with obesity is modest, and the response is highly heterogeneous.