bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cutting Edge: CD99 Is a Novel Therapeutic Target for Control of T Cell–Mediated Central Nervous System Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Winger Ryan C. , Harp Christopher T. , Chiang Ming-Yi , Sullivan David P. , Watson Richard L. , Weber Evan W. , Podojil Joseph R. , Miller Stephen D. , Muller William A.
Published: January 2016

Leukocyte trafficking into the CNS is a prominent feature driving the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Blocking the recruitment of inflammatory leukocytes into the CNS represents an exploitable therapeutic target; however, the adhesion molecules that specifically regulate the step of leukocyte diapedesis into the CNS remain poorly understood. We report that CD99 is critical for lymphocyte transmigration without affecting adhesion in a human blood–brain barrier model. CD99 blockade in vivo ameliorated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and decreased the accumulation of CNS inflammatory infiltrates, including dendritic cells, B cells, and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Anti-CD99 therapy was effective when administered after the onset of disease symptoms and blocked relapse when administered therapeutically after disease symptoms had recurred. These findings underscore an important role for CD99 in the pathogenesis of CNS autoimmunity and suggest that it may serve as a novel therapeutic target for controlling neuroinflammation.
CD28 Deficiency Enhances Type I IFN Production by Murine Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells
Authors: Macal Monica , Tam Miguel A. , Hesser Charles , Di Domizio Jeremy , Leger Psylvia , Gilliet Michel , Zuniga Elina I.
Published: January 2016

Type I IFNs (IFN-I) are key innate mediators that create a profound antiviral state and orchestrate the activation of almost all immune cells. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are the most powerful IFN-I–producing cells and play important roles during viral infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. By comparing gene expression profiles of murine pDCs and conventional DCs, we found that CD28, a prototypic T cell stimulatory receptor, was highly expressed in pDCs. Strikingly, CD28 acted as a negative regulator of pDC IFN-I production upon TLR stimulation but did not affect pDC survival or maturation. Importantly, cell-intrinsic CD28 expression restrained pDC (and systemic) IFN-I production during in vivo RNA and DNA viral infections, limiting antiviral responses and enhancing viral growth early after exposure. Finally, CD28 also downregulated IFN-I response upon skin injury. Our study identified a new pDC regulatory mechanism by which the same CD28 molecule that promotes stimulation in most cells that express it is co-opted to negatively regulate pDC IFN-I production and limit innate responses.
Fluvastatin Suppresses Mast Cell and Basophil IgE Responses: Genotype-Dependent Effects
Authors: Kolawole Elizabeth Motunrayo , McLeod Jamie Josephine Avila , Ndaw Victor , Abebayehu Daniel , Barnstein Brian O. , Faber Travis , Spence Andrew J. , Taruselli Marcela , Paranjape Anuya , Haque Tamara T. , Qayum Amina A. , Kazmi Qasim A. , Wijesinghe Dayanjan S. , Sturgill Jamie L. , Chalfant Charles E. , Straus David B. , Oskeritzian Carole A. , Ryan John J.
Published: January 2016

Mast cell (MC)– and basophil-associated inflammatory diseases are a considerable burden to society. A significant portion of patients have symptoms despite standard-of-care therapy. Statins, used to lower serum cholesterol, have immune-modulating activities. We tested the in vitro and in vivo effects of statins on IgE-mediated MC and basophil activation. Fluvastatin showed the most significant inhibitory effects of the six statins tested, suppressing IgE-induced cytokine secretion among mouse MCs and basophils. The effects of fluvastatin were reversed by mevalonic acid or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphatase, and mimicked by geranylgeranyl transferase inhibition. Fluvastatin selectively suppressed key FcεRI signaling pathways, including Akt and ERK. Although MCs and basophils from the C57BL/6J mouse strain were responsive to fluvastatin, those from 129/SvImJ mice were completely resistant. Resistance correlated with fluvastatin-induced upregulation of the statin target HMG-CoA reductase. Human MC cultures from eight donors showed a wide range of fluvastatin responsiveness. These data demonstrate that fluvastatin is a potent suppressor of IgE-mediated MC activation, acting at least partly via blockade of geranyl lipid production downstream of HMG-CoA reductase. Importantly, consideration of statin use for treating MC–associated disease needs to incorporate genetic background effects, which can yield drug resistance.
Corruption Leading To Poorly Maintained Equipment and Infrastructure
Authors: Campbell Neil
Published: January 2016

This paper presents a simple model which explores the idea that corruption can result in inefficiently low levels of expenditure on maintaining infrastructure and equipment. In this model an official bargains with the supplier of a fleet of motor vehicles as to the size of the bribe (or kickback) that the supplier pays. The bribe is in return for the official using public funds to purchase the vehicles at an over inflated price. When the cost for the official of being caught is very low, the amount the official spends on vehicle maintenance is close to the non-corrupt level. When the cost of getting caught increases (for a given corrupt mark-up of the vehicle price) the level of expenditure on maintenance falls as the official mitigates the cost of being caught. If the cost of being caught is sufficiently high, the official will choose not to act corruptly. 
1MDB: The Financial Accounting’s Question of Going Concern
Authors: Md. Ali Azham
Published: January 2016

It was only in the second quarter of 2015 that the authorities had admitted that the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) was a company experiencing financial distress.  But it appeared that the company had began to suffer from insolvency as early as the last quarter of 2014 when it began to fail to make timely payments on both assets purchased and debts overdue. It also seemed that the company had succeeded in hiding its going concern question with the repeated acts of revaluation of some of its assets over the years. Without such revaluations, the company would have shown significant losses in its income statements for many years leading to the picture that it was in fact a company in financial distress.
Main features of Poaceae pollen season in Madeira region (Portugal)
Authors: Camacho Irene Câmara , Câmara Rita , Camacho Roberto
Published: January 2016

The pollinic spectrum of the Madeira region is dominated by grass pollen, which also represents an important aeroallergen in Europe. The present work aims to analyze the main features of the Poaceae pollen season in the Madeira region to determine the allergic risk. The study took place in Funchal city, the capital of Madeira Island, over a period of 10 years (2003–2012). The airborne pollen monitoring was carried out with a Hirst type volumetric trap, following well-established guidelines.

In the atmosphere of Funchal, the mean annual Poaceae pollen index was 229. The mean Poaceae pollen season lasts 275 days, with an onset date in January/March and an end date in November/December. Poaceae counts showed a seasonal variation with 2 distinct peaks: a higher peak between March and June, and the second one in autumn. The peak values occurred mainly between April and June, and the highest peak was 93 grains/m3, detected on the 27th May of 2010. The Poaceae pollen remaining at low levels during the whole growing season, presenting a nil to low allergenic risk during most of the study period. Higher critical levels of allergens have been revealed after 2006. In general, the pollen risk from Poaceae lasted only a few days per year, despite the very long pollen season and the abundance of grasses in the landscape of Madeira Island.
Current glimpse of airborne allergenic pollen in Indian subcontinent
Authors: Ghosal Kavita , Gupta-Bhattacharya Swati
Published: January 2016

Respiratory allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma, rhinitis, urticaria, atopic dermatitis have been steadily increasing all over the world, including India. Owing to its alarming trend, several aerobiological surveys have been undertaken in different parts of India to delineate the variety of pollen and spore load. In this review, we have reported the current state of aerobiological knowladge in India with particular reference to allergenic airborn pollen occurence in 2001–2015. Pollen have been found to contribute a significant proportion in the air and caused allergy symptoms in the local inhabitants. Aerobiological records, a questionnaire survey and hospitalization records have been employed for the analysis. Holoptelea integrifolia, Amaranthus spinosus in northern region, Sorghum vulgare, Pennisetum, Gynandropsis gynandra, Parthenium hysterophorus, Dolichandrone platycalyx in southern regions, and Parthenium hysterophorus from the western region; Cynodon dactylon, Cenchrus ciliaris in the central area; Acacia auriculiformis, Cleome gynandra, Catharanthus roseus, Phoenix sylvestris, Areca catechu, and Lantana camara in the eastern regions as potential aeroallergens in India. The statistical approach confirmed the correlation between hospitalization rate associated with allergy-related health troubles and the prevalent allergenic pollen in the air. The Poaceae group has been found to be dominant throughout India. Immuno-biochemical studies identified various protein with allergenic potential found in the pollen recorded. Epitope identification and homology of the major allergenic protein Cat r1 of Catharanthus sp and Par j 1 of Parietaria judaica have been found. Identification of allergenic pollen grains and the modern approach concerning cross-reactivity and epitope revelation of dominant airborne pollen have important clinical implications for the prevention, diagnosis and treatments of allergic diseases in India.
Spatial differentiation of airborne arboreal pollen in Lublin (Poland)
Authors: Piotrowska-Weryszko Krystyna , Weryszko-Chmielewska Elżbieta
Published: January 2016

The study compared the occurrence of airborne pollen of 7 arboreal taxa (Corylus, Alnus, Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Populus, Fraxinus, Betula and Carpinus) during the period 2007–2009 from two sites in Lublin city, SE Poland. The sites differed in the character of building development and surrounding vegetation. Pollen monitoring was conducted by the volumetric method using two Hirst-type samplers. Daily and intradiurnal pollen counts were determined. For all the taxa, Spearman’s test revealed statistically significant positive correlations between daily pollen fluctuations at two sites. Nevertheless, the Mann–Whitney U-test showed differences for Cupressaceae/Taxaceae, Fraxinus, Populus and Corylus between sites. The intradiurnal pattern of pollen concentration was characterized by high variation. Cupressaceae/Taxaceae and Populus, clearly differed in hourly pollen concentrations at both sites. Moreover, in the case of Betula and Alnus it was shown that a part of pollen recorded in Lublin can originate from long-distance transport. High pollen concentrations can be expected at different hours of the day. The lowest average pollen concentrations at both sites were found during morning hours at 5 and 6 a.m. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that data from a single pollen-sampling device are not representative of some taxa in the particular districts of the city. Average data obtained from at least two pollen samplers could provide optimum results.
The threat of allergenic airborne trees pollen to pollinosis sufferers in a rural area (Western Pomerania, Poland)
Authors: Kruczek Aleksandra , Puc Małgorzata , Stacewicz Alina , Wolski Tomasz
Published: January 2016

The aim of the study was to investigate the concentration of Alnus L., Corylus L. and Betula L. pollen in the village of Gudowo (Western Pomerania, Poland) in the years 2012–2014 in order to estimate the threat of allergenic tree pollen in this rural region. Measurements were performed using the volumetric method (VPPS Lanzoni 2000 pollen sampler). The duration of the pollen season was determined by the 98% method, taking days on which, respectively, 1% and 99% of the annual total pollen grains appeared as the beginning and end of the season. Pollen grains from hazel occurred in the air as the first ones, before pollen grains from alder and birch. The earliest beginning of the hazel pollen season was recorded in 2012, whereas alder and birch pollen seasons started the earliest in 2014. Daily maximum pollen concentrations of the investigated taxa were recorded in 2014. Birch pollen allergens posed the largest threat to pollinosis sufferers. In the years 2012–2014, pollen concentrations equal or higher than threshold values, at which people with pollinosis show allergic symptoms, were recorded most frequently for birch, hazel, and alder (25, 19, and 14 days, respectively). The highest hourly alder pollen concentration was recorded at 16:00 and in the case of hazel at 15:00. The diurnal distribution of birch pollen concentrations does not show any distinct peaks.
Fluctuation of birch (Betula L.) pollen seasons in Poland
Authors: Puc Małgorzata , Wolski Tomasz , Camacho Irene Câmara , Myszkowska Dorota , Kasprzyk Idalia , Grewling Łukasz , Nowak Małgorzata , Weryszko-Chmielewska Elżbieta , Piotrowska-Weryszko Krystyna , Chłopek Kazimiera , Dąbrowska-Zapart Katarzyna , Majkowska-Wojciechowska Barbara , Balwierz Zofia , Malkiewicz Małgorzata , Grinn-Gofroń Agnieszka , Stacewicz Alina , Kruczek Aleksandra , Borycka Katarzyna
Published: January 2016

Birch pollen grains are one of the most important groups of atmospheric biological particles that induce allergic processes. The fluctuation pattern of birch pollen seasons in selected cities of Poland is presented. Measurements were performed by the volumetric method (Burkard and Lanzoni 2000 pollen samplers). The distributions of the data were not normal (Shapiro–Wilk test) and statistical error risk was estimated at a significance level of α = 0.05. Pollen season was defined as the period in which 95% of the annual total catch occurred. The linear trend for the selected features of the pollen season, skewness, kurtosis and coefficient of variation (V%) were also analyzed. During the 12–14 years of study, the beginnings of birch pollen seasons were observed 7–14 days earlier, the ends were noted 5–10 days earlier, and the days with maximum values occurred 7–14 days earlier compared to the long-term data. The left-skewed distribution of the pollen season starts in most sampling sites confirms the short-lasting occurrence of pollen in the air. The threat of birch pollen allergens was high during the pollen seasons. If vegetation is highly diverse, flowering and pollen release are extended in time, spread over different weeks and occur at different times of the day. Flowering time and pollen release are affected by insolation, convection currents, wind, and turbulence. Therefore, pollen seasons are characterized by great inter-annual variability.
Changes in flowering of birch in the Czech Republic in recent 25 years (1991–2015) in connection with meteorological variables
Authors: Hajkova Lenka , Kožnarová Věra , Možný Martin , Bartošová Lenka
Published: January 2016

The paper presents the results of long-term phenological observations of silver birch (Betula pendula) during the years 1991–2015 across the phenological network of the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI – Český hydrometeorologický ústav). The data assembled over this period were used for identification of timing of generative phenophases associated with pollen release into the air: inflorescence emergence 10%, beginning of flowering 10%, beginning of flowering 50%, beginning of flowering 100%, and end of flowering. The stations are situated at altitudes from 155 m (Doksany) to 1102 m (Modrava). The average timing of beginning of flowering 10% was 8th April (Lednice = lowland station) and 14th May (Modrava = mountain station); the average timing of beginning of flowering 50% was 12th April (Lednice) and 20th May (Modrava); the average timing of beginning of flowering 100% was 18th April (Lednice) and 22nd May (Modrava), and the average timing of end of flowering was 26th April (Lednice) and 28th May (Modrava).

The totals of effective temperatures above 5°C (TS5) and sums of daily precipitation were used as a bio-climatological criterion for assessment of the dependence of phenological phases on meteorological variables. The average sums of TS5 and the average sums of daily precipitation total were as follows: 61.0–80.8°C, 82.8–327.4 mm (inflorescence emergence); 105.2–106.4°C, 85.9–365.2 mm (beginning of flowering 10%); 124.8–130.8°C, 89.8–385.9 mm (beginning of flowering 50%); 144.7–158.6°C, 95.2–390.7 mm (beginning of flowering 100%); and 181.6–223.8°C, 104.7–427.4 mm (end of flowering).

Synoptic situations occurring during interphase intervals were obtained – the most often found synoptic situations were B (stationary trough over Central Europe), Bp (east travelling trough), NEa (northeast anticyclonic situation), Sa (south anticyclonic situation) and SWc2 (southwest cyclonic situation moving northeast to eastwards).

The period of occurrence of birch pollen in the air lasts 52 days on average and the highest concentration was recorded on 23rd April, 2003 – 2606 pollen grains/m3.
Nighttime ionospheric saturation effect estimation in the African equatorial anomaly trough: A comparison of two approaches
Authors: Ikubanni Stephen O. , Adeniyi Jacob O.
Published: January 2016

Using the two‐segmented and the quadratic regression analyses methods, the existence of saturation effect in the ionospheric electron content has been established in published literatures. With data set that spans an 11 year period (one solar cycle) from an African low‐latitude station—Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (Geographical coordinates 12oN, 1.8oW, dip ~3oN)—and adopting the quadratic and the two‐segmented regression methods, we have studied nighttime saturation effect on the critical frequency of ionospheric F2 layer (foF2) around the magnetic dip. Both methods revealed that saturation effect in foF2 cuts across all seasons during nighttime. This phenomenon was least at the peak of the prereversal enhancement (PRE) period and increases significantly beyond midnight. Either of the two approaches can be adopted for saturation effect studies. The advantage of the two‐segmented over the quadratic is that the change point (breakpoint), which is the solar flux level where saturation effects first become observable, can be determined. The effect seen around the PRE period may be attributed to the E × B drift while the effect beyond the PRE period is masked by other mechanisms.
Identification of columnar aerosol types under high aerosol optical depth conditions for a single AERONET site in Korea
Authors: Choi Yongjoo , Ghim Young Sung , Holben B. N.
Published: January 2016

Dominant aerosol types were classified using level 2 inversion products for the Anmyon Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) site in Korea for the period 1999–2007. The aerosol types were mineral dust (MD), MD mixed with carbon, and black carbon mixed coarse particles (BCCP) for coarse mode aerosols, black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC), and secondary inorganic ions (SII) for fine mode aerosols, and mixed particles between. The classification was carried out using a clustering method based on parameters, including single scattering albedo (SSA), absorption Angstrom exponent (AAE), and fine mode volume fraction (FMVF). Among the seven aerosol types, MD was distinct, with the highest AAE and a very low FMVF and SII with the highest SSA and FMVF. BCCP was introduced to designate coarse particles mixed with BC, of which the AAE was lower than 1, despite a low FMVF. In addition to a large difference in AAE between BC and OC, the SSA of OC was larger than that of BC, indicating the effects of the white smoke produced from the smoldering phase of biomass burning. Monthly variations of the aerosol types were well interpreted by meteorology and emissions and coincided with those in the previous studies. Applying our results to well‐characterized global AERONET sites, we confirmed that the aerosol types at Anmyon were valid at other sites. However, the results also showed that the mean properties for aerosol types were influenced by the specific aerosols prevalent at the study sites.
Sequential approach to joint flow‐seismic inversion for improved characterization of fractured media
Authors: Kang Peter K. , Zheng Yingcai , Fang Xinding , Wojcik Rafal , McLaughlin Dennis , Brown Stephen , Fehler Michael C. , Burns Daniel R. , Juanes Ruben
Published: January 2016

Seismic interpretation of subsurface structures is traditionally performed without any account of flow behavior. Here we present a methodology for characterizing fractured geologic reservoirs by integrating flow and seismic data. The key element of the proposed approach is the identification—within the inversion—of the intimate relation between fracture compliance and fracture transmissivity, which determine the acoustic and flow responses of a fractured reservoir, respectively. Owing to the strong (but highly uncertain) dependence of fracture transmissivity on fracture compliance, the modeled flow response in a fractured reservoir is highly sensitive to the geophysical interpretation. By means of synthetic models, we show that by incorporating flow data (well pressures and tracer breakthrough curves) into the inversion workflow, we can simultaneously reduce the error in the seismic interpretation and improve predictions of the reservoir flow dynamics. While the inversion results are robust with respect to noise in the data for this synthetic example, the applicability of the methodology remains to be tested for more complex synthetic models and field cases.
The fan of influence of streams and channel feedbacks to simulated land surface water and carbon dynamics
Authors: Shen Chaopeng , Riley William J. , Smithgall Kurt R. , Melack John M. , Fang Kuai
Published: January 2016

Large‐scale land models assume unidirectional land‐to‐river hydrological interactions, without considering feedbacks between channels and land. Using a tested, physically based model with explicit multiway interactions between overland, channel, wetland, and groundwater flows, we assessed how the representation and properties of channels influence simulated land surface hydrologic, biogeochemical, and ecosystem dynamics. A zone near the channels where various fluxes and states are significantly influenced by the channels, referred to as the fan of influence (FoI) of channels, has been identified. We elucidated two mechanisms inducing the model‐derived FoI: the base flow mechanism, in which incised, gaining streams lower the water table and induce more base flow, and the relatively more efficient conveyance of the channel network compared to overland flow. We systematically varied drainage density and grid resolution to quantify the size of the FoI, which is found to span a large fraction of the watershed (25–50%) for hydrologic variables including depth to water table and recharge, etc. The FoI is more pronounced with low‐resolution simulations but remains noticeable in hyperresolution (25 m) subbasin simulations. The FoI and the channel influence on basin‐average fluxes are also similar in simulations with alternative parameter sets. We found that high‐order, entrenched streams cause larger FoI. In addition, removing the simulated channels has disproportionally large influence on modeled wetland areas and inundation duration, which has implications for coupled biogeochemical or ecological modeling. Our results suggest that explicit channel representation provides important feedbacks to land surface dynamics which should be considered in meso or large‐scale simulations. Since grid refinement incurs prohibitive computational cost, subgrid channel parameterization has advantages in efficiency over grid‐based representations that do not distinguish between overland flow and channel flow.
Altered paired associative stimulation‐induced plasticity in NMDAR encephalitis
Authors: Volz Magdalena Sarah , Finke Carsten , Harms Lutz , Jurek Betty , Paul Friedemann , Flöel Agnes , Prüss Harald
Published: January 2016

Objective

To determine whether neurophysiological mechanisms indicating cortical excitability, long‐term potentiation (LTP)‐like plasticity, GABAergic and glutamatergic function are altered in patients with anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis and whether they can be helpful as markers of diagnostic assessment, disease progression, and potentially therapy response.

Methods

Neurophysiological characterizations of patients with NMDAR encephalitis (n = 34, mean age: 28 ± 11 years; 30 females) and age/gender‐matched healthy controls (n = 27, 28.5 ± 10 years; 25 females) were performed using transcranial magnetic stimulation‐derived protocols including resting motor threshold, recruitment curve, intracortical facilitation, short intracortical inhibition, and cortical silent period. Paired associative stimulation (PAS) was applied to assess LTP‐like mechanisms which are mediated through NMDAR. Moreover, resting state functional connectivity was determined using functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

PAS‐induced plasticity differed significantly between groups (P = 0.0056). Cortical excitability, as assessed via motor‐evoked potentials after PAS, decreased in patients, whereas it increased in controls indicating malfunctioning of NMDAR in encephalitis patients. Lower PAS‐induced plasticity significantly correlated with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) (r = −0.41; P = 0.0031) and was correlated with lower functional connectivity within the motor network in NMDAR encephalitis patients (P < 0.001, uncorrected). Other neurophysiological parameters were not significantly different between groups. Follow‐up assessments were available in six patients and demonstrated parallel improvement of PAS‐induced plasticity and mRS.

Interpretation

Assessment of PAS‐induced plasticity may help to determine NMDAR dysfunction and disease severity in NMDAR encephalitis, and might even aid as a sensitive, noninvasive, and well‐tolerated “electrophysiological biomarker” to monitor therapy response in the future.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: Identifier: NCT01865578
Multi‐input adaptive notch filter and observer for circadian phase estimation
Authors: Julius Agung , Zhang Jiaxiang , Qiao Wei , Wen John T.
Published: January 2016

Accurate estimation of circadian phase is critical to the assessment and treatment of circadian disruption. Direct measurements of circadian rhythm markers such as dim light melatonin onset and core body temperature are inconvenient and acquired at best at low rate. On the other hand, measurements of other circadian rhythm‐modulated signals such as actigraphy, heart rate, and body temperature are convenient but are typically masked by many other factors.

In this paper, we present a new multi‐input adaptive notch filter algorithm that can be used to extract the periodic components from multiple circadian signals simultaneously. We also prove some stability properties of the proposed filter. Once the periodic components are extracted, the next step is to relate their phases with the circadian phase. For this, we propose a nonlinear observer, which is based on a model of the circadian phase dynamics. The model takes the form of a first‐order ODE, incorporating the concept of phase response curve, which is widely used in the study of biological oscillators. We also prove the stability of the observer. We evaluate our algorithms using simulation data generated from a circadian rhythm model for fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organohalogenite‐Catalyzed Spiroketalization: Enantioselective Synthesis of Bisbenzannulated Spiroketal Cores
Authors: Xue Jijun , Zhang Hongrui , Tian Tian , Yin Keshu , Liu Dongxue , Jiang Xianxing , Li Ying , Jin Xiaojie , Yao Xiaojun
Published: January 2016

A new core structure‐motivated strategy for the intramolecular aromatic spiroketalization process was found and used for the enantioselective synthesis of bisbenzannulated spiroketals, the bioactive core of rubromycins, with high levels of enantioselectivity (up to 98% ee) via an organohalogenite‐mediated asymmetric intramolecular aromatic spiroketalization. This is the first organocatalytic method for the construction of optically pure bisbenzannulated spiroketals.

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Graphitic Nanoshell/Mesoporous Carbon Nanohybrids as Highly Efficient and Stable Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysts for Rechargeable Aqueous Na–Air Batteries
Authors: Cheon Jae Yeong , Kim Kyoungho , Sa Young Jin , Sahgong Sun Hye , Hong Yugyeong , Woo Jinwoo , Yim Sung‐Dae , Jeong Hu Young , Kim Youngsik , Joo Sang Hoon
Published: January 2016

Efficient and cost‐effective bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are of vital importance in energy conversion and storage devices. Despite the recent progress in bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts, their unbalanced and insufficient OER and ORR activities has continued to pose challenges for the practical application of such energy devices. The design of highly integrated, high‐performance, bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts composed of highly graphitic nanoshells embedded in mesoporous carbon (GNS/MC) is reported. The GNS/MC exhibits very high oxygen electrode activity, which is one of the best performances among nonprecious metal bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts, and substantially outperforms Ir‐ and Pt‐based catalysts. Moreover, the GNS/MC shows excellent durability for both OER and ORR. In situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and square wave voltammetry reveal the roles of residual Ni and Fe entities in enhancing OER and ORR activities. Raman spectra indicate highly graphitic, defect‐rich nature of the GNS/MC, which can contribute to the enhanced OER activity and to high stability for the OER and ORR. In aqueous Na–air battery tests, the GNS/MC air cathode‐based cell exhibits superior performance to Ir/C‐ and Pt/C‐based batteries. Significantly, the GNS/MC‐based cell demonstrates the first example of rechargeable aqueous Na–air battery.
Visual Attention's Influence on Consumers’ Willingness‐to‐Pay for Processed Food Products
Authors: Rihn Alicia L. , Yue Chengyan
Published: January 2016

The primary objective of our study was to investigate the impact of extrinsic cues (specifically production method, origin, and nutrient content claim labels) on consumers’ willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for processed foods (apple juice and salad mix). Data were collected using an experimental auction in combination with eye‐tracking analysis. Tobit models were used to analyze the data. We found that participants were willing to pay a premium for local or domestically produced apple juice. Organic production methods positively impacted participants’ WTP for both products. Additionally, results suggest that consumer visual attention increases for important product attributes that positively or negatively impact their WTP bids. Supply chain members (producers, processors, and retailers) can promote important product attributes using labels and in‐store promotions to give consumers additional information and influence their food selection preferences. In turn, these promotions may help supply chain members acquire additional customers and encourage healthy consumption patterns. [EconLit citations: D120, M310]
Expanding the ocular phenotype of 14q terminal deletions: A novel presentation of microphthalmia and coloboma in ring 14 syndrome with associated 14q32.31 deletion and review of the literature
Authors: Salter Claire G. , Baralle Diana , Collinson Morag N. , Self James E.
Published: January 2016

A variety of ocular anomalies have been described in the rare ring 14 and 14q terminal deletion syndromes, yet the character, prevalence, and extent of these anomalies are not well defined. Identification of these ocular anomalies can be central to providing diagnoses and facilitating optimal individual patient management. We report a child with a 14q32.31 terminal deletion and ring chromosome formation, presenting with severe visual impairment secondary to significant bilateral coloboma and microphthalmia. This patient is compared to previously reported patients with similar ocular findings and deletion sizes to further refine a locus for coloboma in the 14q terminal region. Those with ring formation and linear deletions are compared and the possibility of ring formation affecting the proximal 14q region is discussed. This report highlights the severity of ocular anomalies that can be associated with ring 14 and 14q terminal deletion syndromes and reveals the limited documentation of ocular examination in these two related syndromes. This suggests that many children with these genetic changes do not undergo an ophthalmology examination as part of their clinical assessment, yet it is only when this evaluation becomes routine that the true prevalence and extent of ocular involvement can be defined. This report therefore advocates for a thorough ophthalmological exam in children with ring 14 or 14q terminal deletion syndrome. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aggressive behavior in humans: Genes and pathways identified through association studies
Authors: Fernàndez‐Castillo Noèlia , Cormand Bru
Published: January 2016

Aggressive behavior has both genetic and environmental components. Many association studies have been performed to identify genetic factors underlying aggressive behaviors in humans. In this review we summarize the previous work performed in this field, considering both candidate gene (CGAS) and genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), excluding those performed in samples where the primary diagnosis is a psychiatric or neurological disorder other than an aggression‐related phenotype. Subsequently, we have studied the enrichment of pathways and functions in GWAS data. The results of our searches show that most CGAS have identified associations with genes involved in dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission and in hormone regulation. On the other hand, GWAS have not yet identified genome‐wide significant associations, but top nominal findings are related to several signaling pathways, such as axon guidance or estrogen receptor signaling, and also to neurodevelopmental processes and synaptic plasticity. Future studies should use larger samples, homogeneous phenotypes and standardized measurements to identify genes that underlie aggressive behaviors in humans. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular‐Curvature‐Induced Spontaneous Formation of Curved and Concentric Lamellae through Nucleation
Authors: Dong Xue‐Hui , Ni Bo , Huang Mingjun , Hsu Chih‐Hao , Bai Ruobing , Zhang Wen‐Bin , Shi An‐Chang , Cheng Stephen Z. D.
Published: January 2016

Spontaneous formation of concentric lamellae was observed in self‐assembling giant surfactants consisting of a fluorinated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (FPOSS) head and flexible polymer tail(s). Owing to the asymmetrical sizes of the head and tail blocks and the rectangular molecular interface, the giant surfactants assumed a truncated‐wedge‐like molecular shape, which induced morphological curvature during self‐assembly, thus resulting in the formation of curved and concentric lamellae. These curved/concentric lamellae were observed in FPOSS‐based giant surfactants with different architectures and compositions. The spontaneous curvature formation not only promotes our fundamental understanding of assembly principles, but also provides a promising and efficient approach to the fabrication of a wide range of high‐performance devices.
Tyrosinase versus Catechol Oxidase: One Asparagine Makes the Difference
Authors: Solem Even , Tuczek Felix , Decker Heinz
Published: January 2016

Tyrosinases mediate the ortho‐hydroxylation and two‐electron oxidation of monophenols to ortho‐quinones. Catechol oxidases only catalyze the oxidation of diphenols. Although it is of significant interest, the origin of the functional discrimination between tyrosinases and catechol oxidases has been unclear. Recently, it has been postulated that a glutamate and an asparagine bind and activate a conserved water molecule towards deprotonation of monophenols. Here we demonstrate for the first time that a polyphenoloxidase, which exhibits only diphenolase activity, can be transformed to a tyrosinase by mutation to introduce an asparagine. The asparagine and a conserved glutamate are necessary to properly orient the conserved water in order to abstract a proton from the monophenol. These results provide direct evidence for the crucial importance of a proton shuttle for tyrosinase activity of type 3 copper proteins, allowing a consistent understanding of their different chemical reactivities.
Plasma treatment of wood–polymer composites: A comparison of three different discharge types and their effect on surface properties
Authors: Hünnekens Benedikt , Peters Frauke , Avramidis Georg , Krause Andreas , Militz Holger , Viöl Wolfgang
Published: January 2016

Three different discharge types, based on the principle of a dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure, were investigated with regard to their influence on the adhesion properties of a series of wood–polymer composites. Wood flour (Picea abies L.) filled polypropylene and various proportions of polyethylene were manufactured either through extrusion or injection molding. The composites’ surfaces were activated by coplanar surface barrier discharge, remote plasma, and direct dielectric barrier discharge. The changes in wettability due to the pretreatment were investigated by contact angle measurement using the sessile drop method and calculation of surface free energy (SFE). It could be shown that wettability was improved by all three types of discharge, the contact angle decreased and the SFE correspondingly increased. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed an increase in the O/C ratio at the material's surface. An improvement in coating adhesion was demonstrated by crosscut and pulloff tests. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43376.
Synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxicity of star‐shaped polyester‐based elastomers as controlled release systems for proteins
Authors: Guo Fangyuan , Zhang Wei , Pei Xiaohong , Shen Xia , Yan Qinying , Hong Weiyong , Yang Gensheng
Published: January 2016

With the growing number of therapeutic proteins on the market, effective delivery systems are receiving particular attention. In this study, biodegradable elastomers, intended for protein drug delivery and based on methacrylic tripoly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐d,l‐lactide) cyclic ester with different ratios of ɛ‐caprolactone tod,l‐lactide and methacrylic bipoly[ɛ‐caprolactone‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐ɛ‐caprolactone], were synthesized and characterized. The degradation behavior, bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐releasing kinetics, and cytotoxicity of the elastomersin vitrowere investigated. The elastomers were degraded by the hydrolysis of the ester bond; this resulted in pH changes, which further affected the degradation rate. The BSA‐releasing behavior was strongly dependent on the diffusion mechanism. In the diffusion‐controlled period, nearly sustained and stable BSA release was achieved. Furthermore, the elastomers displayed good biocompatibility, as demonstrated by a 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl thiazol‐2‐yl)−2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and inflammation–induction experiments, and are considered promising candidates for the controllable delivery of protein drugs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 43393.
Anticipating the Struggle against Everyday Impunity in Myanmar through Accounts from Bangladesh and Thailand
Authors: Cheesman Nick , D'Costa Bina , Haberkorn Tyrell
Published: January 2016

Work done internationally to address impunity concentrates on removing blanket amnesties and establishing commissions of inquiry into past atrocities. Everyday impunity—the impossibility of bringing state officers to account for routinized violent crimes against other individuals—gets less attention, even though its effects on public life are insidious. Studying the 2014 killing of a journalist, we identify modes for the production of everyday impunity in Myanmar that emerge from earlier periods of unmediated military rule but that today are coming to resemble practices in neighbouring countries. Accounts from Bangladesh and Thailand reveal how impunity can persist in new political conditions, producing insecurity and hampering efforts for more inclusive forms of government. We close by urging scholars to remain attentive to their responsibilities in the face of impunity, calling on them not to participate in projects that have the effect of concealing violent crime by state officers, and denying victims justice.
Inside Myanmar's Turbulent Transformation
Authors: Farrelly Nicholas , Win Chit
Published: January 2016

Since constitutional government began in 2011, Myanmar's shift from an entrenched military regime has drawn wide interest from policy analysts. This article explores the context of Myanmar's fragile democratisation from the ground up. It explains two interlocking characteristics: the fundamentally novel character of reform and the endurance of age‐old conundrums. For longer term success, ensuring that Myanmar has adequate capacity—at institutional and human levels—to manage its turbulent transformation will not be easy or cheap. This will also require a move away from stale rhetoric about non‐disintegration, national solidarity and the perpetuation of sovereignty. The next step is to develop a culture of adherence to free and fair elections, followed by a wide‐ranging democratisation of how post‐dictatorship politics is conceived.
Establishing and maintaining cell polarity with mRNA localization in Drosophila
Authors: Barr Justinn , Yakovlev Konstantin V. , Shidlovskii Yulii , Schedl Paul
Published: January 2016

How cell polarity is established and maintained is an important question in diverse biological contexts. Molecular mechanisms used to localize polarity proteins to distinct domains are likely context‐dependent and provide a feedback loop in order to maintain polarity. One such mechanism is the localized translation of mRNAs encoding polarity proteins, which will be the focus of this review and may play a more important role in the establishment and maintenance of polarity than is currently known. Localized translation of mRNAs encoding polarity proteins can be used to establish polarity in response to an external signal, and to maintain polarity by local production of polarity determinants. The importance of this mechanism is illustrated by recent findings, including orb2‐dependent localized translation of aPKC mRNA at the apical end of elongating spermatid tails in the Drosophila testis, and the apical localization of stardust A mRNA in Drosophila follicle and embryonic epithelia.
Introducing Dunaliella LIP promoter containing light‐inducible motifs improves transgenic expression in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Baek Kwangryul , Lee Yew , Nam Onyou , Park Seunghye , Sim Sang Jun , Jin EonSeon
Published: January 2016

Promoter of the light‐inducible protein gene (LIP) of Dunaliella was recently isolated in our laboratory. The aim of this work is to find the light‐inducible motif in the Dunaliella LIP promoter and verify its regulatory motif with a Gaussia luciferase reporter gene transformed in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. 400 bp upstream to the translational start site of the Dunaliella LIP gene was gradually truncated and analyzed for the luciferase expression. Furthermore, this promoter comprising duplicated or triplicated light‐responsive motifs was tested for its augmentation of light response. Two putative light‐responsive motifs, GT‐1 binding motif and sequences over‐represented in light‐repressed promoters (SORLIP) located in the 200 bp LIP promoter fragment were analyzed for their light responsibility. It is turned out that SORLIP was responsible for the light‐inducible activity. With the copy number of SORLIP up to three showed stronger high light response compared with the native LIP promoter fragment. Therefore, we found a light‐responsive DNA motif operating in Chlamydomonas and confirm a synthetic promoter including this motif displayed light inducibility in heterologously transformed green algae for the first time. This light‐inducible expression system will be applied to various area of algal research including algal biotechnology.
Graphene oxide surface blocking agents can increase the DNA biosensor sensitivity
Authors: Liu Biwu , Huang Po‐Jung Jimmy , Kelly Erin Y. , Liu Juewen
Published: January 2016

Graphene oxide adsorbs single‐strand fluorescent probe DNA, and the adsorbed probe can be desorbed by adding the complementary target DNA. Using this method, many biosensor studies have been carried out. We recently proposed a two‐step mechanism for this sensing reaction: non‐specific probe displacement followed by hybridization in the solution. Only about one out of six added target DNA is hybridized with the adsorbed probe to generate signal, leading to relatively low sensitivity. In this work, we aim to test whether surface blocking agents can minimize non‐specific target adsorption and increase hybridization efficiency. Over ten blocking agents (polymers, surfactants, and DNA) were screened based on their effect on probe DNA adsorption and target DNA induced probe desorption. DNA oligonucleotides show significant and controllable enhancement in sensor sensitivity. The effect of DNA length and sequence was systematically investigated. Under optimized conditions, the sensor sensitivity was enhanced by nearly 10‐fold. Using the same blocking method, sensitivity enhancement of other targets was also achieved, including adenosine and Hg2+ with DNA aptamer probes. This reported surface blocking strategy can generally improve graphene oxide and potentially other surface adsorption based biosensors for metal ions, small molecules, and DNA.
Engineering of bacterial exotoxins for highly efficient and receptor‐specific intracellular delivery of diverse cargos
Authors: Ryou Jeong‐Hyun , Sohn Yoo‐Kyoung , Hwang Da‐Eun , Park Woo‐Yong , Kim Nury , Heo Won‐Do , Kim Mi‐Young , Kim Hak‐Sung
Published: January 2016

The intracellular delivery of proteins with high efficiency in a receptor‐specific manner is of great significance in molecular medicine and biotechnology, but remains a challenge. Herein, we present the development of a highly efficient and receptor‐specific delivery platform for protein cargos by combining the receptor binding domain of Escherichia coli Shiga‐like toxin and the translocation domain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A. We demonstrated the utility and efficiency of the delivery platform by showing a cytosolic delivery of diverse proteins both in vitro and in vivo in a receptor‐specific manner. In particular, the delivery system was shown to be effective for targeting an intracellular protein and consequently suppressing the tumor growth in xenograft mice. The present platform can be widely used for intracellular delivery of diverse functional macromolecules with high efficiency in a receptor‐specific manner. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1639–1646. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.