bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral Therapies for Management of Premature Ejaculation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cooper Katy , Martyn-St James Marrissa , Kaltenthaler Eva , Dickinson Kath , Cantrell Anna , Wylie Kevan , Frodsham Leila , Hood Catherine
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Premature ejaculation (PE) is defined by short ejaculatory latency and inability to delay ejaculation causing distress. Management may involve behavioral and/or pharmacological approaches.

Aim

To systematically review the randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence for behavioral therapies in the management of PE.

Methods

Nine databases including MEDLINE were searched up to August 2014. Included RCTs compared behavioral therapy against waitlist control or another therapy, or behavioral plus drug therapy against drug treatment alone. [Correction added on 10 September 2015, after first online publication: Search period has been amended from August 2013 to August 2014.]

Main Outcome Measure

Intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), sexual satisfaction, ejaculatory control, and anxiety and adverse effects.

Results

Ten RCTs (521 participants) were included. Overall risk of bias was unclear. All studies assessed physical techniques, including squeeze and stop-start, sensate focus, stimulation device, and pelvic floor rehabilitation. Only one RCT included a psychotherapeutic approach (combined with stop-start and drug treatment). Four trials compared behavioral therapies against waitlist control, of which two (involving squeeze, stop-start, and sensate focus) reported IELT differences of 7–9 minutes, whereas two (web-based sensate focus, stimulation device) reported no difference in ejaculatory latency posttreatment. For other outcomes (sexual satisfaction, desire, and self-confidence), some waitlist comparisons significantly favored behavioral therapy, whereas others were not significant. Three trials favored combined behavioral and drug treatment over drug treatment alone, with small but significant differences in IELT (0.5–1 minute) and significantly better results on other outcomes (sexual satisfaction, ejaculatory control, and anxiety). Direct comparisons of behavioral therapy vs. drug treatment gave mixed results, mostly either favoring drug treatment or showing no significant difference. No adverse effects were reported, though safety data were limited.

Conclusions

There is limited evidence that physical behavioral techniques for PE improve IELT and other outcomes over waitlist and that behavioral therapies combined with drug treatments give better outcomes than drug treatments alone. Further RCTs are required to assess psychotherapeutic approaches to PE.
Dispersibility‐Dependent Biodegradation of Graphene Oxide by Myeloperoxidase
Authors: Kurapati Rajendra , Russier Julie , Squillaci Marco A. , Treossi Emanuele , Ménard‐Moyon Cécilia , Del Rio‐Castillo Antonio Esaú , Vazquez Ester , Samorì Paolo , Palermo Vincenzo , Bianco Alberto
Published: May 2015

Understanding human health risk associated with the rapidly emerging graphene‐based nanomaterials represents a great challenge because of the diversity of applications and the wide range of possible ways of exposure to this type of materials. Herein, the biodegradation of graphene oxide (GO) sheets is reported by using myeloperoxidase (hMPO) derived from human neutrophils in the presence of a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The degradation capability of the enzyme on three different GO samples containing different degree of oxidation on their graphenic lattice, leading to a variable dispersibility in aqueous media is compared. hMPO fails in degrading the most aggregated GO, but succeeds to completely metabolize highly dispersed GO samples. The spectroscopy and microscopy analyses provide unambiguous evidence for the key roles played by hydrophilicity, negative surface charge, and colloidal stability of the aqueous GO in their biodegradation by hMPO catalysis.
Rethinking Democracy: A Systems Perspective on the Global Unrest
Authors: Shkliarevsky Gennady
Published: May 2015

The paper seeks to make a contribution towards a better understanding of the current global political unrest. It argues that this unrest reflects ongoing tensions between hierarchical and non‐hierarchical interactions. It also argues that the opposition between hierarchical and non‐hierarchical interactions is not ontological but rather is rooted in the way we approach reality and is, therefore, subject to our control. The tendency to exclude the process of construction from our frame of vision is characteristic for the view of reality that is dominant in our civilization. Contemporary theoretical perspectives that include, but are not limited to, systems theory, complexity theory, theory of self‐organization, emergence theory and autopoiesis have much to offer in addressing and resolving this problem. The paper outlines some general organizing principles that should be part of this solution. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GENESIS: a hybrid‐parallel and multi‐scale molecular dynamics simulator with enhanced sampling algorithms for biomolecular and cellular simulations
Authors: Jung Jaewoon , Mori Takaharu , Kobayashi Chigusa , Matsunaga Yasuhiro , Yoda Takao , Feig Michael , Sugita Yuji
Published: May 2015

GENESIS(Generalized‐Ensemble Simulation System) is a new software package for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of macromolecules. It has twoMDsimulators, calledATDYNandSPDYN.ATDYNis parallelized based on an atomic decomposition algorithm for the simulations of all‐atom force‐field models as well as coarse‐grained Go‐like models.SPDYNis highly parallelized based on a domain decomposition scheme, allowing large‐scaleMDsimulations on supercomputers. Hybrid schemes combiningOpenMPandMPIare used in both simulators to target modern multicore computer architectures. Key advantages ofGENESISare (1) the highly parallel performance ofSPDYNfor very large biological systems consisting of more than one million atoms and (2) the availability of variousREMDalgorithms (T‐REMD,REUS, multi‐dimensionalREMDfor both all‐atom and Go‐like models under theNVT,NPT,NPAT, andNPγTensembles). The former is achieved by a combination of the midpoint cell method and the efficient three‐dimensional Fast Fourier Transform algorithm, where the domain decomposition space is shared in real‐space and reciprocal‐space calculations. Other features inSPDYN, such as avoiding concurrent memory access, reducing communication times, and usage of parallel input/output files, also contribute to the performance. We show theREMDsimulation results of a mixed (POPC/DMPC) lipid bilayer as a real application usingGENESIS.GENESISis released as free software under theGPLv2licence and can be easily modified for the development of new algorithms and molecular models.WIREs Comput Mol Sci2015, 5:310–323. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1220

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics

Computer and Information Science > Computer Algorithms and Programming

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte-Carlo Methods
Structure and mechanism of the T‐box riboswitches
Authors: Zhang Jinwei , Ferré‐D'Amaré Adrian R.
Published: May 2015

In most Gram‐positive bacteria, including many clinically devastating pathogens from genera such as Bacillus, Clostridium, Listeria, and Staphylococcus, T‐box riboswitches sense and regulate intracellular availability of amino acids through a multipartite messenger RNA (mRNA)–transfer RNA (tRNA) interaction. The T‐box mRNA leaders respond to nutrient starvation by specifically binding cognate tRNAs and sensing whether the bound tRNA is aminoacylated, as a proxy for amino acid availability. Based on this readout, T‐boxes direct a transcriptional or translational switch to control the expression of downstream genes involved in various aspects of amino acid metabolism: biosynthesis, transport, aminoacylation, transamidation, and so forth. Two decades after its discovery, the structural and mechanistic underpinnings of the T‐box riboswitch were recently elucidated, producing a wealth of insights into how two structured RNAs can recognize each other with robust affinity and exquisite selectivity. The T‐box paradigm exemplifies how natural noncoding RNAs can interact not just through sequence complementarity but can add molecular specificity by precisely juxtaposing RNA structural motifs, exploiting inherently flexible elements and the biophysical properties of post‐transcriptional modifications, ultimately achieving a high degree of shape complementarity through mutually induced fit. The T‐box also provides a proof‐of‐principle that compact RNA domains can recognize minute chemical changes (such as tRNA aminoacylation) on another RNA. The unveiling of the structure and mechanism of the T‐box system thus expands our appreciation of the range of capabilities and modes of action of structured noncoding RNAs, and hints at the existence of networks of noncoding RNAs that communicate through both, structural and sequence specificity. WIREs RNA 2015, 6:419–433. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1285

This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Riboswitches
Form Follows Function: A Model for Clinical Supervision of Genetic Counseling Students
Authors: Wherley Colleen , Veach Patricia McCarthy , Martyr Meredith A. , LeRoy Bonnie S.
Published: May 2015

Supervision plays a vital role in genetic counselor training, yet models describing genetic counseling supervision processes and outcomes are lacking. This paper describes a proposed supervision model intended to provide a framework to promote comprehensive and consistent clinical supervision training for genetic counseling students. Based on the principle “form follows function,” the model reflects and reinforces McCarthy Veach et al.'s empirically derived model of genetic counseling practice – the “Reciprocal Engagement Model” (REM). The REM consists of mutually interactive educational, relational, and psychosocial components. The Reciprocal Engagement Model of Supervision (REM‐S) has similar components and corresponding tenets, goals, and outcomes. The 5 REM‐S tenets are: Learning and applying genetic information are key; Relationship is integral to genetic counseling supervision; Student autonomy must be supported; Students are capable; and Student emotions matter. The REM‐S outcomes are: Student understands and applies information to independently provide effective services, develop professionally, and engage in self‐reflective practice. The 16 REM‐S goals are informed by the REM of genetic counseling practice and supported by prior literature. A review of models in medicine and psychology confirms the REM‐S contains supervision elements common in healthcare fields, while remaining unique to genetic counseling. The REM‐S shows promise for enhancing genetic counselor supervision training and practice and for promoting research on clinical supervision. The REM‐S is presented in detail along with specific examples and training and research suggestions.
Religious Seekers’ Attraction to the Plain Mennonites and Amish
Authors: Anderson Cory
Published: May 2015

For all the liberties granted Westerners, a small stream of seekers is looking into the seemingly austere plain Anabaptist sects (Amish, Mennonites, etc.). What are they seeking? Using theories of modernity, secularization, and gender as guides, this study analyzes survey data from a web-based convenience sample of 1074 seekers. Females, young adults, and evangelicals are overrepresented. Chief attractions include religious seriousness, strong community, and modesty. A factor analysis of all 21 attractions produced six latent attraction variables. Seekers characteristic of: (1) the “family” factor seek to consolidate social domains around the family, granting parents greater control in offspring socialization, (2) the “femininity” factor reject an increasingly change-minded, sexualized mainstream youth culture, (3) the “personal conviction” factor tend towards evangelical fundamentalism, mistakenly viewing plain people as a sweeping statement against secularization, (4) the “primitivism” factor are seeking to demodernize in tangible ways, (5) the “stability” factor desire a stabilizing social system to address psychological stresses, and (6) the “returnees” factor are looking to rejoin, either after having left earlier in life or having discovered plain ancestry. Depending on changes in broader society, characteristics of religions may incidentally correspond with era-specific stresses, triggering a generation of seekers, as is the case here with plain Anabaptists.
Tumor suppressor Menin acts as a corepressor of LXRα to inhibit hepatic lipogenesis
Authors: Cheng Peng , Li Gang , Yang Sheng Sheng , Liu Rui , Jin Gang , Zhou Xu Yu , Hu Xian Gui
Published: May 2015

Menin, encoded by the MEN1 gene, was initially identified as a tumor suppressor for endocrine neoplasia. Our previous report showed that Menin enhances PPARα transactivity preventing triglyceride accumulation in the liver. Here, we further explore the role of Menin in liver steatosis. Transient transfection assays demonstrate that Menin inhibits the transcriptional activity of nuclear receptor liver X receptor α (LXRα). Accordingly, Menin overexpression results in reduced expression of LXRα target genes, such as lipogenic enzymes including SREBP‐1c, FASN and SCD‐1. Co‐immunoprecipitation assays revealed physical interaction between Menin and LXRα. Collectively, our data suggest that Menin acts as a novel corepressor of LXRα and functions as a negative regulator of hepatic lipogenesis.
The price does not include additional taxes, fees, and surcharges: A review of research on partitioned pricing
Authors: Greenleaf Eric A. , Johnson Eric J. , Morwitz Vicki G. , Shalev Edith
Published: May 2015

In the past two decades, pricing research has paid increasing attention to instances where a product's price is divided into a base price and one or more mandatory surcharges, a practice termed partitioned pricing. Recently, partitioned pricing strategies in the marketplace have become more pervasive and complex, raising concerns that consumers do not always fully attend to or process all price information, and underestimate total prices, which in turn influences their purchasing behavior. Thus, understanding how partitioned prices affect consumers is of increasing interest to consumer researchers, public policy makers, and marketing managers. This paper reviews and organizes the academic literature on partitioned pricing and proposes an agenda for future research. We focus on the psychological processes underlying partitioned pricing, to help these three constituencies understand how partitioned pricing works, the mechanisms by which it exerts its impact, and the appropriate areas where the practice may need regulation to protect consumers.
“Try Not to Giggle if you can Help It”: The implementation of experiential instructional techniques in social studies classrooms
Authors: Dack Hilary , van Hover Stephanie , Hicks David
Published: May 2015

This qualitative study examined how social studies teachers implemented experiential instructional techniques by closely analyzing videotaped lessons taught over four years in third through 12th grade classrooms across 16 school districts. Data analysis indicated that of the 438 lessons, only 14 involved experiential instructional techniques, and their implementation generally failed to reflect the potential benefits of this instructional approach. Twelve of the experiential exercises (a) lacked a clear instructional purpose related to the content; (b) did reflect an instructional purpose, but it was ultimately thwarted by the activity's unanticipated dynamism; or (c) encouraged the development of significant misconceptions about the content, while one of the two lessons without these problems demonstrated the strategy's use for reinforcement of factual recall rather than critical thinking. Implications for social studies education research and practice are considered.
Genome methylation patterns in male breast cancer – Identification of an epitype with hypermethylation of polycomb target genes
Authors: Johansson Ida , Lauss Martin , Holm Karolina , Staaf Johan , Nilsson Cecilia , Fjällskog Marie-Louise , Ringnér Markus , Hedenfalk Ingrid
Published: May 2015

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare disease that shares both similarities and differences with female breast cancer (FBC). The aim of this study was to assess genome‐wide DNA methylation profiles in MBC and compare them with the previously identified transcriptional subgroups of MBC, luminal M1 and M2, as well as the intrinsic subtypes of FBC. Illumina's 450K Infinium arrays were applied to 47 MBC and 188 FBC tumors. Unsupervised clustering of the most variable CpGs among MBC tumors revealed two stable epitypes, designated ME1 and ME2. The methylation patterns differed significantly between the groups and were closely associated with the transcriptional subgroups luminal M1 and M2. Tumors in the ME1 group were more proliferative and aggressive than ME2 tumors, and showed a tendency toward inferior survival. ME1 tumors also displayed hypermethylation of PRC2 target genes and high expression of EZH2, one of the core components of PRC2. Upon combined analysis of MBC and FBC tumors, ME1 MBCs clustered among luminal B FBC tumors and ME2 MBCs clustered within the predominantly luminal A FBC cluster. The majority of the MBC tumors remained grouped together within the clusters rather than being interspersed among the FBC tumors. Differences in the genomic location of methylated CpGs, as well as in the regulation of central canonical pathways may explain the separation between MBC and FBC tumors in the respective clusters. These findings further suggest that MBC is not readily defined using conventional criteria applied to FBC.
THE MODERN FUNCTIONS OF THE ECONOMIC TORTS: REVIEWING THE ENGLISH, CANADIAN, AUSTRALIAN, AND NEW ZEALAND POSITIONS
Authors: Carty Hazel
Published: May 2015

The economic torts were developed to regulate excessive competitive practice. They had the limited function of stretching existing civil liability where a defendant deliberately inflicted economic harm on a claimant, through the use of an intermediary. However, claimants seek to expand the function of the unlawful means and conspiracy torts so that they can fill “gaps” in existing tort liability, to regulate commercial misbehaviour more generally. In light of this phenomenon, the aim of this article is to analyse the modern approach to these torts in the English, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand courts.
WHEN SEXUAL INFIDELITY TRIGGERS MURDER: EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF HOMICIDE LAW REFORM ON JUDICIAL ATTITUDES IN SENTENCING
Authors: Horder Jeremy , Fitz-Gibbon Kate
Published: May 2015

In October 2010, the UK Parliament brought into effect law that replaced the partial defence to murder of provocation with a new partial defence of “loss of control”, applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Although it retained some key features of its controversial predecessor, the new partial defence was in part designed better to address the gendered contexts within which a large number of homicides are committed. In examining the impact of the reforms, we will focus on long-held concerns about the treatment of sexual infidelity as a trigger for loss of control in murder cases. The article undertakes an analysis of English case law to evaluate the way in which sexual infidelity-related evidence has influenced perceptions of a homicide defendant's culpability, for the purposes of sentencing, both before and after the implementation of reform. The analysis reveals that, in sentencing offenders post reform, the higher courts have failed to follow the spirit of the reforms respecting the substantive law by effecting a corresponding change in sentencing practice.
THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN PRIVATE NUISANCE: COLLECTIVES AND COMMUNITIES IN TORT
Authors: Lee Maria
Published: May 2015

The relevance of public interests in private law is at the heart of some central divides in tort scholarship. This paper argues that public interests pervade private nuisance cases. The uncertain and contested nature of public interests, and the absence in both the case law and the scholarly literature of an abstract definition of what is to count as a public interest, do not prevent these matters from playing a significant role in tort. In these circumstances, it is important to reflect on how we might set about articulating the public interest. This paper argues that administrative decisions that are intended to serve the public interest can in some cases provide a defensible vision of public interest for the purposes of private law. An examination of the process by which regulatory decisions were reached can provide indicators to assist in identifying and evaluating the strength of claimed public interests.
A 10-YEAR HOSPITAL-BASED HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM IN A PUBLIC HOSPITAL IN ARGENTINA
Authors: Demirdjian Graciela
Published: May 2015

Objectives: To describe the first hospital-based health technology assessment (HTA) program in a public hospital in Argentina, and report some clinical, educational, economic and organizational results after 10 years of its implementation.

Methods: A hospital-based HTA program was created in March 2001 at Hospital Garrahan (Buenos Aires, Argentina), a national pediatric facility with a self-managed budget. Its main goal is to promote a rational and evidence-based technologic development. The program consists of HTA reports for technology acquisition, clinical practice guidelines (CPG), capacity building in research and management, and technical support for health services research (HSR). The evaluation cycle comprises: prioritization, evidence synthesis, dissemination and monitoring. We report program performance, comment educational and organizational effects, and discuss unresolved issues and future challenges.

Results: During the first 10 years the program produced 18 HTA reports on drugs (6 = 33 percent), therapeutic (6 = 33 percent), preventive (2 = 11 percent) or diagnostic (2 = 11 percent) procedures and institutional programs (3 = 17 percent). The scope covered effectiveness (12 = 67 percent), safety (10 = 56 percent), budget impact (6 = 33 percent), cost-effectiveness (2 = 11 percent) and organizational impact (3 = 17 percent). Mean time from request to report was 10 months. Eleven pediatric CPGs were submitted to expert consensus and disseminated for full-text Web access. A 1-year course on research and management was completed by 225 professionals in 6 years, and twenty-two projects for HSR were coached.

Conclusions: Our experience shows that an HTA program is both feasible and useful in a public hospital of a developing country. Promotion of hospital-based HTA, professional integration in HTA activities and network collaboration to discuss unresolved issues with colleagues can multiply the benefits and optimize the use of hospital budgets.
Centralisers of Dehn twist automorphisms of free groups
Authors: RODENHAUSEN MORITZ , WADE RICHARD D.
Published: May 2015

We refine Cohen and Lustig's description of centralisers of Dehn twists of free groups. We show that the centraliser of a Dehn twist of a free group has a subgroup of finite index that has a finite classifying space. We describe an algorithm to find a presentation of the centraliser. We use this algorithm to give an explicit presentation for the centraliser of a Nielsen automorphism in Aut(Fn). This gives restrictions to actions of Aut(Fn) on CAT(0) spaces.
Stress determination through diffraction: establishing the link between Kröner and Voigt/Reuss limits
Authors: Murray Conal E. , Jordan-Sweet Jean L. , Bedell Stephen W. , Ryan E. Todd
Published: May 2015

The quantification of stress in polycrystalline materials by diffraction-based methods relies on the proper choice of grain interaction model that links the observed strain to the elastic stress state in the aggregate. X-ray elastic constants (XEC) relate the strain as measured using X-rays to the state of stress in a quasi-isotropic ensemble of grains. However, the corresponding interaction models (e.g., Voigt and Reuss limits) often possess unlikely assumptions as to mechanical response of the individual grains. The Kröner limit, which employs a self-consistent scheme based on the Eshelby inclusion method, is based on a more physical representation of isotropic grain interaction. For polycrystalline aggregates composed of crystals with cubic symmetry, Kröner limit XEC are equal to those calculated from a linear combination of Reuss and Voigt XEC, where the weighting fraction, xKr, is solely a function of the single-crystal elastic constants and scales with the material's elastic anisotropy. This weighting fraction can also be experimentally determined using a linear, least-squares regression of diffraction data from multiple reflections. Data on metallic thin films reveals that this optimal experimental weighting fraction, x*, can vary significantly from xKr, as well as that of the Neerfeld limit (x = 0.5).
Travelling waves for diffusive and strongly competitive systems: Relative motility and invasion speed
Authors: GIRARDIN LÉO , NADIN GRÉGOIRE
Published: May 2015

Our interest here is to find the invader in a two species, diffusive and competitive Lotka–Volterra system in the particular case of travelling wave solutions. We investigate the role of diffusion in homogeneous domains. We might expect a priori two different cases: strong interspecific competition and weak interspecific competition. In this paper, we study the first one and obtain a clear conclusion: the invading species is, up to a fixed multiplicative constant, the more diffusive one.
The legitimacy of the global order
Authors: Hazenberg Haye
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a framework within which to understand the legitimacy of the global order called ‘cosmopolitan sovereign equality’. It is Kant inspired and consists of three formal and three political duties. The formal duties are those of structural coherence, innate right and publicity, and the political duties those of legitimate enforcement within states, non-intervention between states, and free communication between entities within different states. These duties are constructed from a reading of Kant’s Doctrine of Right and are defended in current International political theory debates on human rights, the role of the state and international law. The framework enables conceptualization of legitimate international relations between a world state and a system of autarkic states, and places a premium on states as legitimators of force, while working from the premises of moral cosmopolitanism.
Modulating APOBEC expression enhances DNA vaccine immunogenicity
Authors: Almeida Rafael Ribeiro , Raposo Rui André Saraiva , Coirada Fernanda Caroline , da Silva Jamile Ramos , de Souza Ferreira Luís Carlos , Kalil Jorge , Nixon Douglas F , Cunha‐Neto Edecio
Published: May 2015

DNA vaccines have failed to induce satisfactory immune responses in humans. Several mechanisms of double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) sensing have been described, and modulate DNA vaccine immunogenicity at many levels. We hypothesized that the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines in humans is suppressed by APOBEC (apolipoprotein B (APOB) mRNA‐editing, catalytic polypeptide)‐mediated plasmid degradation. We showed that plasmid sensing via STING (stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes) and TBK‐1 (TANK‐binding kinase 1) leads to IFN‐β induction, which results in APOBEC3A mRNA upregulation through a mechanism involving protein kinase C signaling. We also showed that murine APOBEC2 expression in HEK293T cells led to a 10‐fold reduction in intracellular plasmid levels and plasmid‐encoded mRNA, and a 2.6‐fold reduction in GFP‐expressing cells. A bicistronic DNA vaccine expressing an immunogen and an APOBEC2‐specific shRNA efficiently silenced APOBEC2 both in vitro and in vivo, increasing the frequency of induced IFN‐γ‐secreting T cells. Our study brings new insights into the intracellular machinery involved in dsDNA sensing and how to modulate it to improve DNA vaccine immunogenicity in humans.
Ventral hippocampal afferents to the nucleus accumbens regulate susceptibility to depression
Authors: Bagot Rosemary C. , Parise Eric M. , Peña Catherine J. , Zhang Hong-Xing , Maze Ian , Chaudhury Dipesh , Persaud Brianna , Cachope Roger , Bolaños-Guzmán Carlos A. , Cheer Joseph F. , Deisseroth Karl , Han Ming-Hu , Nestler Eric J.
Published: May 2015

Enhanced glutamatergic transmission in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a region critical for reward and motivation, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression; however, the afferent source of this increased glutamate tone is not known. The NAc receives glutamatergic inputs from the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), ventral hippocampus (vHIP) and basolateral amygdala (AMY). Here, we demonstrate that glutamatergic vHIP afferents to NAc regulate susceptibility to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). We observe reduced activity in vHIP in mice resilient to CSDS. Furthermore, attenuation of vHIP-NAc transmission by optogenetic induction of long-term depression is pro-resilient, whereas acute enhancement of this input is pro-susceptible. This effect is specific to vHIP afferents to the NAc, as optogenetic stimulation of either mPFC or AMY afferents to the NAc is pro-resilient. These data indicate that vHIP afferents to NAc uniquely regulate susceptibility to CSDS, highlighting an important, novel circuit-specific mechanism in depression.
Synthesis and structural characterisation of amides from picolinic acid and pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid
Authors: Devi Prarthana , Barry Sarah M. , Houlihan Kate M. , Murphy Michael J. , Turner Peter , Jensen Paul , Rutledge Peter J.
Published: May 2015

Coupling picolinic acid (pyridine-2-carboxylic acid) and pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid withN-alkylanilines affords a range of mono- and bis-amides in good to moderate yields. These amides are of interest for potential applications in catalysis, coordination chemistry and molecular devices. The reaction of picolinic acid with thionyl chloride to generate the acid chloridein situleads not only to theN-alkyl-N-phenylpicolinamides as expected but also the corresponding 4-chloro-N-alkyl-N-phenylpicolinamides in the one pot. The two products are readily separated by column chromatography. Chlorinated products are not observed from the corresponding reactions of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid. X-Ray crystal structures for six of these compounds are described. These structures reveal a general preference forcisamide geometry in which the aromatic groups (N-phenyl and pyridyl) arecisto each other and the pyridine nitrogenantito the carbonyl oxygen. Variable temperature1H NMR experiments provide a window on amide bond isomerisation in solution.
The Relationship Between Altered Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number And Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mi Jia , Tian Geng , Liu Shuang , Li Xianglin , Ni Tianhui , Zhang Liwei , Wang Bin
Published: May 2015

Currently, a comprehensive assessment between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and cancer risk is lacking. We designed this meta-analysis to test the hypothesis that altered mtDNA copy number might influence genetic susceptibility to some specific types of cancer. The processes of literature search, eligibility appraisal and data retrieval were independently completed in duplicate. The mtDNA copy number which was dichotomized or classified into tertiles was compared between cancer cases and controls. Twenty-six articles with 38 study groups were analyzed among 6682 cases and 9923 controls. When dichotomizing mtDNA copy number at the median value, there was an 11% increased cancer risk for carriers of high mtDNA content (P = 0.320). By cancer type, high mtDNA content was associated with an increased risk for lymphoma (OR = 1.76; P = 0.023) but a reduced risk for skeleton cancer (OR = 0.39; P = 0.001). Carriers of the 2nd and 3rd tertiles of mtDNA copy number had an 1.74-fold (P = 0.010) and 2.07-fold (P = 0.021) increased risk of lymphoma, respectively. By contrast, there was correspondingly a 56% (P < 0.001) and 80% (P < 0.001) reduced risk of skeleton cancer. Our findings suggested that elevated mtDNA content was associated with a higher risk for lymphoma, but a lower risk for skeleton cancer.
Deletion of the Neurotrophic Factor neudesin Prevents Diet-induced Obesity by Increased Sympathetic Activity
Authors: Ohta Hiroya , Konishi Morichika , Kobayashi Yusuke , Kashio Atsuki , Mochiyama Takayuki , Matsumura Shigenobu , Inoue Kazuo , Fushiki Tohru , Nakao Kazuwa , Kimura Ikuo , Itoh Nobuyuki
Published: May 2015

Some neurotrophic factors, which are potent regulators of neuronal development and function, have recently been implicated in the control of energy balance by increasing energy expenditure. We previously identified neudesin as a novel neurotrophic factor with potential roles in the central nervous system. Although neudesin is also expressed in various peripheral tissues including adipose tissue, its physiological roles have not yet been elucidated. We found that neudesin knockout (KO) mice were resistant to high-fat diet-induced obesity and obesity-related metabolic dysfunctions. neudesin KO mice exhibited increased energy expenditure due to increased sympathetic activity, which resulted in increased heat production and fatty acid oxidation in brown adipose tissue and enhanced lipolysis in white adipose tissue. Thus, neudesin, which may be a negative regulator of sympathetic activity, could represent a novel regulator of the development of obesity and obesity-related metabolic dysfunctions.
Transcriptional control of fungal cell cycle and cellular events by Fkh2, a forkhead transcription factor in an insect pathogen
Authors: Wang Juan-Juan , Qiu Lei , Cai Qing , Ying Sheng-Hua , Feng Ming-Guang
Published: May 2015

Transcriptional control of the cell cycle by forkhead (Fkh) transcription factors is likely associated with fungal adaptation to host and environment. Here we show that Fkh2, an ortholog of yeast Fkh1/2, orchestrates cell cycle and many cellular events of Beauveria bassiana, a filamentous fungal insect pathogen. Deletion of Fkh2 in B. bassiana resulted in dramatic down-regulation of the cyclin-B gene cluster and hence altered cell cycle (longer G2/M and S, but shorter G0/G1, phases) in unicellular blastospores. Consequently, ΔFkh2 produced twice as many, but smaller, blastospores than wild-type under submerged conditions and formed denser septa and shorter/broader cells in aberrantly branched hyphae. In these hyphae, clustered genes required for septation and conidiation were remarkedly up-regulated, followed by higher yield and slower germination of aerial conidia. Moreover, ΔFkh2 displayed attenuated virulence and decreased tolerance to chemical and environmental stresses, accompanied with altered transcripts and activities of phenotype-influencing proteins or enzymes. All the changes in ΔFkh2 were restored by Fkh2 complementation. All together, Fkh2-dependent transcriptional control is vital for the adaptation of B. bassiana to diverse habitats of host insects and hence contributes to its biological control potential against arthropod pests.
Characterization and Modeling of Nonfilamentary Ta/TaOx/TiO2/Ti Analog Synaptic Device
Authors: Wang Yu-Fen , Lin Yen-Chuan , Wang I-Ting , Lin Tzu-Ping , Hou Tuo-Hung
Published: May 2015

A two-terminal analog synaptic device that precisely emulates biological synaptic features is expected to be a critical component for future hardware-based neuromorphic computing. Typical synaptic devices based on filamentary resistive switching face severe limitations on the implementation of concurrent inhibitory and excitatory synapses with low conductance and state fluctuation. For overcoming these limitations, we propose a Ta/TaOx/TiO2/Ti device with superior analog synaptic features. A physical simulation based on the homogeneous (nonfilamentary) barrier modulation induced by oxygen ion migration accurately reproduces various DC and AC evolutions of synaptic states, including the spike-timing-dependent plasticity and paired-pulse facilitation. Furthermore, a physics-based compact model for facilitating circuit-level design is proposed on the basis of the general definition of memristor devices. This comprehensive experimental and theoretical study of the promising electronic synapse can facilitate realizing large-scale neuromorphic systems.
Designing nanomaterials to maximize performance and minimize undesirable implications guided by the Principles of Green Chemistry
Authors: Gilbertson Leanne M. , Zimmerman Julie B. , Plata Desiree L. , Hutchison James E. , Anastas Paul T.
Published: May 2015

A sustainable material design framework is proposed that emphasizes the importance of establishing structure–property–function (SPF) and structure–property–hazard (SPH) relationships to guide the rational design of ENMs.
Multi-elemental analysis of sulfuric acid by oaTOF-ICP-MS after matrix modification with barium bromide
Authors: Husáková Lenka , Urbanová Iva , Šídová Tereza , Mikysek Tomáš
Published: May 2015

In this work a novel method for the simultaneous multi-elemental analysis of sulfuric acid by inductively coupled plasma orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometry (oaTOF-ICP-MS) after matrix modification with barium bromide was introduced.
Reversible pH-controlled switching of an artificial antioxidant selenoenzyme based on pseudorotaxane formation and dissociation
Authors: Li Jiaxi , Si Chengye , Sun Hongcheng , Zhu Junyan , Pan Tiezheng , Liu Shengda , Dong Zeyuan , Xu Jiayun , Luo Quan , Liu Junqiu
Published: May 2015

A conceptual smart GPx model that showed a response to pH stimuli was developed by using a simple selenium-containing compound and a cucurbit[6]uril-pseudorotaxane-based molecular switch.
A bimetallic iridium(ii) catalyst: [{Ir(IDipp)(H)}2][BF4]2 (IDipp = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenylimidazol-2-ylidene))
Authors: Rubio-Pérez Laura , Iglesias Manuel , Munárriz Julen , Polo Victor , Sanz Miguel Pablo J. , Pérez-Torrente Jesús J. , Oro Luis A.
Published: May 2015

A new Ir(ii) complex [{Ir(μ-κCNHC,η6Dipp-IDipp)(H)}2][BF4]2 acts as a catalyst for the hydroalkynylation of imines according to an unprecedented mechanism.
Phase stability and Raman vibration of the molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) monolayer
Authors: Kan Min , Nam Hong Gi , Lee Young Hee , Sun Qiang
Published: May 2015

A DFT study on the phase stability of the different phases of the MoTe2 monolayer in their free standing state.
Peptide self-assembly triggered by metal ions
Authors: Zou Rongfeng , Wang Qi , Wu Junchen , Wu Jingxian , Schmuck Carsten , Tian He
Published: May 2015

This review summarizes the recent development of structures, functions, as well as strategies of a peptide self-assembly induced by metal ions.
Gold nanoparticles supported on Ce–Zr oxides for the oxidative esterification of aldehydes to esters
Authors: Li Yuchao , Wang Lei , Yan Ruiyi , Han Junxing , Zhang Suojiang
Published: May 2015

Au nanoparticles supported on Ce0.6Zr0.4O2solid solution with high reducibility and basicity is an efficient catalyst for oxidative esterification.
Metallacrowns as products of the aqueous medium self-assembly of histidinehydroxamic acid-containing polypeptides
Authors: Cal Marta , Kotynia Aleksandra , Jaremko Łukasz , Jaremko Mariusz , Lisowski Marek , Cebo Małgorzata , Brasuń Justyna , Stefanowicz Piotr
Published: May 2015

The interactions of peptide hydroxamic acids with Cu2+ ions were characterised revealing the formation of L4Cu5 type complexes. The influence of the peptide length on the metallacrown stability has been determined.
Lignosulfonate-based acidic resin for the synthesis of renewable diesel and jet fuel range alkanes with 2-methylfuran and furfural
Authors: Li Shanshan , Li Ning , Li Guangyi , Li Lin , Wang Aiqin , Cong Yu , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2015

Lignosulfonate-based acidic resins were reported as promising catalysts for the hydroxyalkylation/alkylation (HAA) of 2-methylfuran and furfural from lignocellulose.
Artery-on-a-chip platform for automated, multimodal assessment of cerebral blood vessel structure and function
Authors: Yasotharan Sanjesh , Pinto Sascha , Sled John G. , Bolz Steffen-Sebastian , Günther Axel
Published: May 2015

We present a compact microfluidic platform for the automated, multimodal assessment of intact small blood vesselsin vitro.
Hot punching of high-aspect-ratio 3D polymeric microstructures for drug delivery
Authors: Petersen Ritika S. , Keller Stephan S. , Boisen Anja
Published: May 2015

Hot punching: a highly versatile method of fabricating high-aspect-ratio 3D microstructures for drug delivery with good replication fidelity and yield.
Fabrication of acrylic acid grafted guar gum-multiwalled carbon nanotube hydrophobic membranes for transdermal drug delivery
Authors: Giri Arindam , Bhunia Tridib , Goswami Luna , Panda Asit Baran , Bandyopadhyay Abhijit
Published: May 2015

Environmentally stable acrylic acid grafted guar gum-carboxy functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube in situ composite membranes have been developed and characterized for sustained release of a hydrophobic drug, diclofenac sodium.
One-pot green synthesis of Ag/AgCl nanocube/reduced graphene oxide and its application to the simultaneous determination of hydroquinone and catechol
Authors: Chen Ruixue , Wang Qingqing , Li Yaru , Gu Yue , Tang Liu , Li Cong , Zhang Zhiquan
Published: May 2015

Uniformly dispersed Ag/AgCl nanocubes (AgNC) were successfully obtained on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) through the simultaneous reduction of Ag+and graphene oxide (GO) by chitosan in the presence of a little HCl.
A quest for stable 2,5-bis(halobora)cyclopentenylidene and its Si, Ge, Sn and Pb analogs at theoretical levels
Authors: Akbari Alireza , Golzadeh Babak , Arshadi Sattar , Kassaee Mohammad Zaman
Published: May 2015

Interesting π- and σ-bond hyperconjugations cause the unusual stability of the puckered Arduengo type divalents with electron deficient boron atoms.
Bromate reduction in water by catalytic hydrogenation using metal–organic frameworks and sodium borohydride
Authors: Andrew Lin Kun-Yi , Chen Shen-Yi
Published: May 2015

Catalytic hydrogenation of bromate is a promising approach to remove bromate from water considering that this approach not only removes bromate but also converts it to bromide.
A shape memory copolymer based on 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and methyl allyl polyethenoxy ether for potential biological applications
Authors: Chen Yangyang , Mo Funian , Chen Shaojun , Yang Yan , Chen Shiguo , Zhuo Haitao , Liu Jianhong
Published: May 2015

This study reports a novel shape memory copolymer synthesized with 2-(dimethylamino)-ethyl-methacrylate (DMAEMA) and methyl-allyl-polyethenoxy-ether (TPEG) for potential biological applications.
Influence of lamellar structure on the stress–strain behavior of β nucleated polypropylene under tensile loading at elevated temperatures
Authors: Wu Tong , Xiang Ming , Cao Ya , Kang Jian , Yang Feng
Published: May 2015

Schematic diagram of the deformation mechanism of β-iPP with different lamellae distributions when stretched at elevated temperatures.
Biophysical, biopharmaceutical and toxicological significance of biomedical nanoparticles
Authors: Aula Sangeetha , Lakkireddy Samyuktha , Jamil Kaiser , Kapley Atya , Swamy A. V. N. , Lakkireddy Harivardhan Reddy
Published: May 2015

Understanding of interplay between nanoparticles physicochemical and biophysical properties, and their impact on pharmacokinetic biodistribution and toxicological properties help designing of appropriate nanoparticle products for biomedical applications.
Efficient Au0/C catalyst synthesized by a new method for acetylene hydrochlorination
Authors: Tian Xiaohui , Hong Guotai , Jiang BinBo , Lu Feipeng , Liao Zuwei , Wang Jingdai , Yang Yongrong
Published: May 2015

A Au0/C catalyst for acetylene hydrochlorination was prepared via a novel method and an excellent Au dispersion and catalytic activity was obtained.
Liquid phase collagen modified graphene that induces apoptosis
Authors: Bhattacharya Soumya , Mishra Swati , Gupta Pallawi , Pranav Pranav , Ghosh Mainak , Pramanick Ashit Kumar , Mishra Durga Prasad , Nayar Suprabha
Published: May 2015

The differential interference contrast (DIC) and fluorescence confocal micrographs show collagen microfibrils attacking graphite from all sides to form a stable dispersion of collagen modified graphene, but only collagen picks up a stain.
An unusual spherulite morphology induced by nano-fillers from a concentrated cellulose/ionic liquid solution
Authors: Ding Meichun , Yu Jian , He Jiasong , Zhang Jun
Published: May 2015

Unusual spherulites containing an eye-like region were induced by nano-fillers from concentrated cellulose solutions in a 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid.
Calculated optical absorption of different perovskite phases
Authors: Castelli Ivano E. , Thygesen Kristian S. , Jacobsen Karsten W.
Published: May 2015

We present calculations of the optical properties of a set of around 80 oxides, oxynitrides, and organometal halide cubic and layered perovskites (Ruddlesden–Popper and Dion–Jacobson phases) with a bandgap in the visible part of the solar spectrum.
Gold nanoclusters decorated with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for potential multimodal optical/magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Wang Chan , Yao Yagang , Song Qijun
Published: May 2015

The dual optical and magnetic properties of the synthesized Fe3O4@AuNCs were applicable to cancer diagnosis by fluorescence and MR-based imaging.
Ultrasensitive solution-processed perovskite hybrid photodetectors
Authors: Liu Chang , Wang Kai , Yi Chao , Shi Xiaojun , Du Pengcheng , Smith Adam W. , Karim Alamgir , Gong Xiong
Published: May 2015

An ultrasensitive solution-processed “conventional” perovskite photodetector is fabricated to circumvent fabrication and stability issues in the “inverted” perovskite photodetectors.
Absolute and convective instabilities of heated coaxial jet flow
Authors: Balestra Gioele , Gloor Michael , Kleiser Leonhard
Published: May 2015

This study investigates the inviscid, linear spatio-temporal stability of heated, compressible, and incompressible coaxial jet flows. The influence of the temperature ratio and the velocity ratio between the core jet and the bypass stream on the transition from convectively to absolutely unstable flows is studied numerically. The investigation shows that for coaxial jets, absolute instability can occur for considerably lower core-stream temperatures than for single jets. The reason for this modified stability character is the appearance of an additional unstable mode as a result of the outer velocity shear layer between the bypass stream and the ambient flow. The presence of two shear layers enables the interaction between otherwise free waves to give rise to new instabilities. When the bypass-stream velocity is increased, the classical absolute mode known from single jets (inner mode) is first stabilized and then destabilized for high bypass-stream velocities, whereas the outer mode reaches maximum spatio-temporal growth rates when the core-stream velocity is approximately equal to twice the bypass-stream velocity. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the spatio-temporal character of the modes is very sensitive to the shear-layer thickness and to the distance separating the two layers. Increasing the Mach number strongly dampens the onset of an absolute instability for both modes.