bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Application of a Virtual Screening Protocol for the Identification of Multitarget Fragments
Authors: Bottegoni Giovanni , Veronesi Marina , Bisignano Paola , Kacker Puneet , Favia Angelo D. , Cavalli Andrea
Published: December 2015

In this study, we report on a virtual ligand screening protocol optimized to identify fragments endowed with activity at multiple targets. Thanks to this protocol, we were able to identify a fragment that displays activity in the low‐micromolar range at both β‐secretase 1 (BACE‐1) and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‐3β). These two structurally and physiologically unrelated enzymes likely contribute, through different pathways, to the onset of Alzheimer′s disease (AD). Therefore, their simultaneous inhibition holds great potential in exerting a profound effect on AD. In perspective, the strategy outlined herein can be adapted to other target combinations.
Mapping chromatic pathways in the Drosophila visual system
Authors: Lin Tzu‐Yang , Luo Jiangnan , Shinomiya Kazunori , Ting Chun‐Yuan , Lu Zhiyuan , Meinertzhagen Ian A. , Lee Chi‐Hon
Published: December 2015

In Drosophila, color vision and wavelength‐selective behaviors are mediated by the compound eye's narrow‐spectrum photoreceptors R7 and R8 and their downstream medulla projection (Tm) neurons Tm5a, Tm5b, Tm5c, and Tm20 in the second optic neuropil or medulla. These chromatic Tm neurons project axons to a deeper optic neuropil, the lobula, which in insects has been implicated in processing and relaying color information to the central brain. The synaptic targets of the chromatic Tm neurons in the lobula are not known, however. Using a modified GFP reconstitution across synaptic partners (GRASP) method to probe connections between the chromatic Tm neurons and 28 known and novel types of lobula neurons, we identify anatomically the visual projection neurons LT11 and LC14 and the lobula intrinsic neurons Li3 and Li4 as synaptic targets of the chromatic Tm neurons. Single‐cell GRASP analyses reveal that Li4 receives synaptic contacts from over 90% of all four types of chromatic Tm neurons, whereas LT11 is postsynaptic to the chromatic Tm neurons, with only modest selectivity and at a lower frequency and density. To visualize synaptic contacts at the ultrastructural level, we develop and apply a “two‐tag” double‐labeling method to label LT11's dendrites and the mitochondria in Tm5c's presynaptic terminals. Serial electron microscopic reconstruction confirms that LT11 receives direct contacts from Tm5c. This method would be generally applicable to map the connections of large complex neurons in Drosophila and other animals. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:213–227, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Study of π–π Stacking Interactions and Aromaticity in Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon/Nucleobase Complexes
Authors: Trujillo Cristina , Sánchez‐Sanz Goar
Published: December 2015

We analysed the interactions and aromaticity electron‐density delocalisation observed in π–π complexes between the phenalenyl radical and acenaphthylene, and the DNA and RNA nucleobases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine and uracil). Interaction energies are obtained at the M06‐2X/6‐311++G(2df,p) computational level for gas phase and PCM–water conditions. For both the phenalenyl radical and acenaphthylene, the complexes formed with guanine are the most stable ones. Atoms in molecules and natural bond orbital results reveal weak π–π interactions between both interacting moieties, characterized by bond critical points between C⋅⋅⋅C and C⋅⋅⋅N atoms. Nucleus independent chemical shifts (NICS) indicate the retention of the aromatic character of the monomers in the outer region of the complex. The fluctuation indexes reveal a loss of electron delocalisation upon complexation for all cases except guanine complexes. Nevertheless, the interface region shows large negative NICS values, which is not associated with an increase of the aromaticity or electron‐density delocalisation, but with magnetic couplings of both molecules, leading to an unrealistic description of the aromatic behaviour in that region.
Porous Silica‐Coated Gold Nanorods: A Highly Active Catalyst for the Reduction of 4‐Nitrophenol
Authors: Mohanta Jagdeep , Satapathy Smithsagar , Si Satyabrata
Published: December 2015

The successful coating of thin porous silica layers of various thicknesses [(10±1), (12±1), and (14±1) nm] on cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) capped gold nanorods was achieved through a modified Stöber procedure. The resulting material was applied as a novel catalyst for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol. The catalytic activities of the gold nanorods increased up to eight times after coating with a layer of porous silica and the reaction followed a zero‐order kinetics, having a rate constant as high as 2.92×10−1 mol L−1 min−1. The spectral changes during the reduction reaction of 4‐nitrophenol were observed within a very short span of time and a complete conversion to 4‐aminophenol occured within 5–6 mins, including the induction period of ≈2 mins. The reusability of the catalyst was studied by running the catalytic reaction during five consecutive cycles with good efficiency without destroying the nanostructure. The methodology can be effectively applied to the development of composite catalysts with highly enhanced catalytic activity.
Stress control by micropits density variation in strained AlGaN/GaN/SiN/AlN/Si(111) heterostructures
Authors: Szymański Tomasz , Wośko Mateusz , Paszkiewicz Bogdan , Serafińczuk Jarosław , Drzik Milan , Paszkiewicz Regina
Published: December 2015

AlGaN/GaN heterostructures were deposited on Si utilizing in‐situ SiN masking layer as a mean to decrease stress present in the final heterostructures. Structures were grown under different V/III ratio using metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE). Additional approach was applied to obtain crack‐free heterostructures which was deposition of 15 nm low temperature AlN interlayer. Each of the heterostructure contained GaN layer of 2.4 μm total thickness. In‐situ SiN masking layer were obtained via introduction of SiH4 precursor into reactor under high temperature growth conditions for 100 s. In that manner, few monolayers of SixNx masking layer were deposited, which due to the partial coverage of AlN, played role of a mask leading to initial 3D growth mode enhancing longer coalescence of GaN buffer layer. To study surface morphology AFM images were observed. Three methods were used in order to obtain basal plane stress present in multilayer structures ‐ MicroRaman spectroscopy, XRD studies and optical profilometry. It was found that varying V/III precursors ratio during GaN layer growth characteristic for structures with the SiN mask approach formation of triangular micropits can be minimized. Outcomes for three different methods turned out to be coherent. It was found that certain amount of micropits on the surface can be advantageous lowering stress introduced during cooling after process to the AlGaN/GaN/SiN/AlN/Si(111) structure.
Interspecific interactions between wild felids vary across scales and levels of urbanization
Authors: Lewis Jesse S. , Bailey Larissa L. , VandeWoude Sue , Crooks Kevin R.
Published: December 2015

Ongoing global landscape change resulting from urbanization is increasingly linked to changes in species distributions and community interactions. However, relatively little is known about how urbanization influences competitive interactions among mammalian carnivores, particularly related to wild felids. We evaluated interspecific interactions between medium‐ and large‐sized carnivores across a gradient of urbanization and multiple scales. Specifically, we investigated spatial and temporal interactions of bobcats and pumas by evaluating circadian activity patterns, broad‐scale seasonal interactions, and fine‐scale daily interactions in wildland–urban interface (WUI), exurban residential development, and wildland habitats. Across levels of urbanization, interspecific interactions were evaluated using two‐species and single‐species occupancy models with data from motion‐activated cameras. As predicted, urbanization increased the opportunity for interspecific interactions between wild felids. Although pumas did not exclude bobcats from areas at broad spatial or temporal scales, bobcats responded behaviorally to the presence of pumas at finer scales, but patterns varied across levels of urbanization. In wildland habitat, bobcats avoided using areas for short temporal periods after a puma visited an area. In contrast, bobcats did not appear to avoid areas that pumas recently visited in landscapes influenced by urbanization (exurban development and WUI habitat). In addition, overlap in circadian activity patterns between bobcats and pumas increased in exurban development compared to wildland habitat. Across study areas, bobcats used sites less frequently as the number of puma photographs increased at a site. Overall, bobcats appear to shape their behavior at fine spatial and temporal scales to reduce encounters with pumas, but residential development can potentially alter these strategies and increase interaction opportunities. We explore three hypotheses to explain our results of how urbanization affected interspecific interactions that consider activity patterns, landscape configuration, and animal scent marking. Altered competitive interactions between animals in urbanized landscapes could potentially increase aggressive encounters and the frequency of disease transmission.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) influences muscle metabolism via stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis signaling in adult‐onset inactivity induced obese mice
Authors: Kim Yoo , Kim Daeyoung , Good Deborah J. , Park Yeonhwa
Published: December 2015

Recently, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been reported to prevent body weight gain and fat accumulation in part by improving physical activity in mice. The current study was conducted to determine the role of CLA on skeletal muscle metabolism in nescient basic helix‐loop‐helix 2 knock‐out (N2KO) mice, an adult‐onset inactivity induced obese model. Five‐week‐old female N2KO and wild type mice were fed either control or CLA containing diet (0.5%) for 10 wk. Voluntary activity was determined biweekly and markers for muscle metabolisms were determined from the gastrocnemius muscle. CLA fed N2KO animals showed significant increased voluntary movement and gastrocnemius muscle mass compared to control group, whereas in wild type animals, no differences were observed. CLA treatment up‐regulated AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), mitochondria biogenic markers, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐δ (PPARδ), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) compared to control animals. These observations indicate that CLA supplementation activates AMPKα‐PPARδ and/or ‐Tfam signaling cascade for stimulating mitochondria biogenesis. Taken together, these results suggest that CLA may in part activate the underlying biomarkers involved in muscle metabolism via stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, resulting in increased voluntary activity and muscle mass, potentially contributing to regulating weight gain.

Practical applications: Lack of physical activity is a global public health problem, which induces obesity and its associated pathologies. Approximately, 3.2 million deaths per year are attributable to lack of physical activity. CLA has previously been reported to increase voluntary and endurance activities in mice. However, the exact mode of action is not completely understood. Thus, the purpose of the study was to shed light on positive effects of CLA on physical activity through modulation of molecular targets in skeletal muscle of Nhlh2 knockout mice, which are an adult‐onset inactivity induced obesity model. The current results suggest that CLA acts as a potential exercise‐mimetic, resulting in increased voluntary activity and muscle mass, potentially contributing to regulating weight gain.

Conjugated linoleic acid partially improves muscle metabolism via stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, resulting in increased voluntary activity.
Intramolecular Addition of Triarylmethanes to Alkynes Promoted by KOtBu/DMF: A Synthetic Approach to Indene Derivatives
Authors: Chen Yan‐yan , Chen Zhen‐yu , Zhang Niu‐niu , Chen Jia‐hua , Zhang Xue‐jing , Yan Ming
Published: December 2015

A method for the intramolecular addition of triarylmethanes to alkynes has been developed. The reaction was efficiently promoted by KOtBu/DMF without any transition‐metal catalyst. A variety of indene derivatives were prepared in moderate to good yields. A cascade cyclization of 2‐alkyl‐substituted substrates at elevated reaction temperature gave bicyclic indene derivatives. The reaction is proposed to proceed through the generation of a triphenylmethyl radical.
TBHP/CoCl2‐Mediated Intramolec­ular Oxidative Cyclization of N‐(2‐Formylphenyl)amides: An Approach to the Construction of 4H‐3,1‐Benz­oxazin‐4‐ones
Authors: Yu Junchao , Zhang‐Negrerie Daisy , Du Yunfei
Published: December 2015

The intramolecular oxidative cyclization of N‐(2‐formylphenyl)amides has been realized through an oxidative C(sp2)–O(sp2) bond‐forming reaction between an aldehyde carbon and amide oxygen. This new strategy, which uses tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as an oxidant and CoCl2 as the catalyst, allows for the efficient Co‐catalyzed synthesis of useful benzoxazin‐4‐one derivatives and features readily available starting materials and mild reaction conditions.
Radical Cyclization of Arenesulfonyl Chlorides and Alkynes: A Rapid Access to π‐Conjugated Benzothio­phenes
Authors: Wan Danyang , Yang Yudong , Liu Xingyan , Li Mingliang , Zhao Siling , You Jingsong
Published: December 2015

A metal‐free radical cyclization of arenesulfonyl chlorides with alkynes has been developed, which provides a rapid and practical access to a variety of π‐conjugated benzothiophenes with a broad reactive functional group tolerance. Furthermore, dialkynyl compounds could also undergo this transformation to give extended π‐systems in good yields.
Altered nociception and morphine tolerance in neuropeptide FF receptor type 2 over‐expressing mice
Authors: Lin Y.T. , Kao S.C. , Day Y.J. , Chang C.C. , Chen J.C.
Published: December 2015

Background

The neuropeptide FF system is thought to act as an anti‐opioid modulator and plays a role in nociception, morphine antinociception and dependence. Two receptor subtypes, NPFFR1 and NPFFR2, have been identified, but their respective roles in these processes remain uncertain.

Methods

In the present study, the role of NPFFR2 was investigated using transgenic mice over‐expressing NPFFR2 in addition to a NPFFR2 agonist AC‐263093.

Results

NPFFR2 Tg mice exhibited increased sensitivity to both mechanical and thermal noxious stimuli compared to the WT mice, while the antinociceptive effects of morphine at three different doses (6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg, s.c.) were similar in both strains. The development of tolerance to morphine antinociception after chronic morphine treatment (12.5 mg/kg, s.c.; twice daily × 5 days) was attenuated in NPFFR2 Tg mice when compared to WT mice. Similarly, WT mice receiving AC‐263093 pretreatment (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) showed attenuated morphine tolerance compared to vehicle controls. Most naloxone‐precipitated morphine withdrawal symptoms were not attenuated in NPFFR2 Tg mice, with the exception of wet dog shake that was significantly reduced. Both NPFFR2 Tg and WT mice displayed similar degree of morphine rewarding.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that neuropeptide FF R2 is mainly involved in the modulation of nociception and tolerance to morphine antinociception.
Electrochemical Magnetoimmunosensor for Progesterone Receptor Determination. Application to the Simultaneous Detection of Estrogen and Progesterone Breast‐cancer Related Receptors in Raw Cell Lysates.
Authors: Eletxigerra U. , Martinez‐Perdiguero J. , Merino S. , Barderas R. , Ruiz‐Valdepeñas Montiel V. , Villalonga R. , Pingarrón J. M. , Campuzano S.
Published: December 2015

An electrochemical magnetoimmunosensor for the determination of progesterone receptor (PR) making use of functionalized magnetic microbeads (MBs), a sandwich‐type immunoassay and amperometric detection at disposable screen‐printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) was described for the first time in this work. This selective and sensitive magnetoimmunosensor, with a detection limit of 22 pg mL−1, was successfully applied to the determination of PR in raw cell lysates with just a dilution as sample treatment and exhibiting no matrix effect. The advantageous performance in terms of simplicity and assay time over commercial ELISAs makes it competitive with conventional strategies providing rapidly quantitative and reliable results on this biomarker currently used in the clinical practice for diagnosis, follow‐up and monitoring of metastatic breast cancer. In addition, a dual magnetoimmunosensor using screen‐printed dual carbon electrode (SPdCE) has been implemented for the simultaneous determination of PR and estrogen receptor α (ERα) in cell lysates. This dual receptor determination allows a more accurate diagnosis enabling a more efficient treatment. The usefulness of this dual magnetoimmunosensing platform was demonstrated by discriminating raw lysates of two types of cancer cells (MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐436) with significantly different PR/ERα expression levels.
Improved specificity of hippocampal memory trace labeling
Authors: Cazzulino Alejandro S. , Martinez Randy , Tomm Nicole K. , Denny Christine A.
Published: December 2015

Recent studies have focused on the identification and manipulation of memory traces in rodent models. The two main mouse models utilized are either a CreERT2/loxP tamoxifen (TAM)‐ or a tetracycline transactivator/tetracycline‐response element doxycycline‐inducible system. These systems, however, could be improved to label a more specific population of activated neurons corresponding to behavior. Here, we sought to identify an improved selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator (SERM) in which we could label an individual memory trace in ArcCreERT2 mice. We found that 4‐hydroxytamoxifen (4‐OHT) is a selective SERM in the ArcCreERT2 × Rosa26‐CAG‐stopflox‐channelrhodospin (ChR2)‐enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP) mice. The half‐life of 4‐OHT is shorter than TAM, allowing for more specificity of memory trace labeling. Furthermore, 4‐OHT allowed for context‐specific labeling in the dentate gyrus and CA3. In summary, we believe that 4‐OHT improves the specificity of memory trace labeling and will allow for refined memory trace studies in the future. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulated water budget of a small forested watershed in the continental/maritime hydroclimatic region of the United States
Authors: Wei Liang , Link Timothy E. , Hudak Andrew T. , Marshall John D. , Kavanagh Kathleen L. , Abatzoglou John T. , Zhou Hang , Pangle Robert E. , Flerchinger Gerald N.
Published: December 2015

Annual streamflows have decreased across mountain watersheds in the Pacific Northwest of the United States over the last ~70 years; however, in some watersheds, observed annual flows have increased. Physically based models are useful tools to reveal the combined effects of climate and vegetation on long‐term water balances by explicitly simulating the internal watershed hydrological fluxes that affect discharge. We used the physically based Simultaneous Heat and Water (SHAW) model to simulate the inter‐annual hydrological dynamics of a 4 km2 watershed in northern Idaho. The model simulates seasonal and annual water balance components including evaporation, transpiration, storage changes, deep drainage, and trends in streamflow. Independent measurements were used to parameterize the model, including forest transpiration, stomatal feedback to vapour pressure, forest properties (height, leaf area index, and biomass), soil properties, soil moisture, snow depth, and snow water equivalent. No calibrations were applied to fit the simulated streamflow to observations. The model reasonably simulated the annual runoff variations during the evaluation period from water year 2004 to 2009, which verified the ability of SHAW to simulate the water budget in this small watershed. The simulations indicated that inter‐annual variations in streamflow were driven by variations in precipitation and soil water storage. One key parameterization issue was leaf area index, which strongly influenced interception across the catchment. This approach appears promising to help elucidate the mechanisms responsible for hydrological trends and variations resulting from climate and vegetation changes on small watersheds in the region. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospun gelatin biopapers as substrate forin vitrobilayer models of blood−brain barrier tissue
Authors: Bischel Lauren L. , Coneski Peter N. , Lundin Jeffrey G. , Wu Peter K. , Giller Carl B. , Wynne James , Ringeisen Brad R. , Pirlo Russell K.
Published: December 2015

Gaining a greater understanding of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) is critical for improvement in drug delivery, understanding pathologies that compromise the BBB, and developing therapies to protect the BBB.In vitrohuman tissue models are valuable tools for studying these issues. The standardin vitroBBB models use commercially available cell culture inserts to generate bilayer co‐cultures of astrocytes and endothelial cells (EC). Electrospinning can be used to produce customized cell culture substrates with optimized material composition and mechanical properties with advantages over off‐the‐shelf materials. Electrospun gelatin is an ideal cell culture substrate because it is a natural polymer that can aid cell attachment and be modified and degraded by cells. Here, we have developed a method to produce cell culture inserts with electrospun gelatin “biopaper” membranes. The electrospun fiber diameter and cross‐linking method were optimized for the growth of primary human endothelial cell and primary human astrocyte bilayer co‐cultures to model human BBB tissue. BBB co‐cultures on biopaper were characterized via cell morphology, trans‐endothelial electrical resistance (TEER), and permeability to FITC‐labeled dextran and compared to BBB co‐cultures on standard cell culture inserts. Over longer culture periods (up to 21 days), cultures on the optimized electrospun gelatin biopapers were found to have improved TEER, decreased permeability, and permitted a smaller separation between co‐cultured cells when compared to standard PET inserts. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 901–909, 2016.
Study of the influence of the microstructure on the corrosion properties of pure copper
Authors: Martinez‐Lombardia E. , Lapeire L. , De Graeve I. , Verbeken K. , Kestens L. A. I. , Terryn H.
Published: December 2015

Different thermomechanical processes have been used to modify the microstructure of elelctrolytic tough pitch copper (ETP‐Cu) in terms of texture, mean grain and grain boundary length fraction. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and linear sweep voltammetry measurements were performed to study the relation between the macroscopic electrochemical behaviour and the microstructure. FE‐SEM was used to visualise the surface after the potentiodynamic scans. The results indicate that there is only a small influence of the microstructure on the global electrochemical response of pure copper. The previously reported influence of the crystallographic orientation and grain boundary characteristics on the local corrosion behaviour of pure copper are not clearly reflected in the macroscopic electrochemical response.
1H‐NMR relaxometric studies of interaction between apoptosis specific MRI paramagnetic contrast agents and micellar models of apoptotic cells
Authors: Van Koninckxloo Aurore , Henoumont Céline , Laurent Sophie , Muller Robert N. , Vander Elst Luce
Published: December 2015

1H‐NMR was previously used to analyze the interaction between peptides (E3 and R826) selected by phage display to target apoptotic cells and phospholipidic models of these cells. In order to avoid the use of apoptotic cells and to obtain a fast evaluation of the efficiency of the potential MRI contrast agents obtained by grafting these peptides and their scramble analogs on a paramagnetic gadolinium complex, their proton relaxometric behavior was investigated in the presence of micelles mimicking healthy and apoptotic cells. Their preferential interaction with 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phospho‐l‐serine micelles mimicking apoptotic cells as compared with 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine micelles modeling healthy cells was shown by nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion profiles and the enhancement of the transverse proton relaxation rates at 60 MHz. The association constant values confirm the stronger interaction of the selected conjugated peptides (Ka Gd‐PMN‐E3(gadolinium 2,2′,2′′,2′′′‐[((4‐carboxy)pyridine‐2,6‐diyl)bis(methylenenitrilo)]‐tetrakis acetate) grafted with E3 peptide): 2.43 104 m−1; Ka Gd‐DTPA‐R826(gadolinium ((1‐p‐isothiocyanatobenzyl)‐diethylenetriaminepentaacetate) grafted with R826 peptide): 2.91 104 m−1) as compared with their conjugated scrambles (Ka Gd‐PMN‐E3sc(gadolinium 2,2′,2′′,2′′′‐[((4‐carboxy)pyridine‐2,6‐diyl)bis(methylenenitrilo)]‐tetrakis acetate) grafted with E3 scramble peptide): 0.18 104 m−1; Ka Gd‐DTPA‐R826sc(gadolinium ((1‐p‐isothiocyanatobenzyl)‐diethylenetriaminepentaacetate) grafted with R826 scramble peptide): 0.32 104 m−1) even if the conjugation of E3 and R826 seems to decrease their interaction. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of the 15‐item myasthenia gravis quality of life questionnaire (MG‐QOL15) Persian version
Authors: Ostovan Vahid Reza , Fatehi Farzad , Davoudi Farnoush , Nafissi Shahriar
Published: December 2015

Introduction

The 15‐item Myasthenia Gravis Quality Of Life (MG‐QOL15) questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluation of myasthenia gravis (MG) associated disability. Our study aim was to assess its validity and reliability in the Iranian population.

Methods

We enrolled 75 consecutive patients with established MG at 2 neuromuscular clinics in Tehran, Iran. All 75 patients completed the Persian MG‐QOL15 and SF‐36 questionnaire initially, and 30 filled out the MG‐QOL15 questionnaire from 2 to 4 weeks after the initial visit. Concurrent and construct validity, internal consistency, and test–retest repeatability of the questionnaire were evaluated.

Results

The Persian MG‐QOL15 showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.94) and test–retest reliability(r = 0.98; P < 0.001). It also demonstrated adequate concurrent and construct validity; moreover, the MG‐QOL15 scores were higher in patients with more severe conditions.

Conclusions

The Persian MG‐QOL15 is a valid and reliable questionnaire for determination of quality of life in Iranian MG patients. Muscle Nerve 54: 65–70, 2016
Prognosis of severe carpal tunnel syndrome with absent compound muscle action potential
Authors: Kamiya Hisao , Kimura Michio , Hoshino Satoshi , Kobayashi Masahito , Sonoo Masahiro
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Opponensplasty is a surgical option for patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We investigated prognostic factors of patients who lack a preoperative compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle to determine the necessity for single‐stage opponensplasty.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 22 hands of 22 CTS patients. Prognostic factors considered were age, diabetes mellitus, the median sensory nerve action potential, distal motor latency of the second lumbrical (2L) CMAP (2L‐DML), and its amplitude (2L‐Amp). Postoperative APB‐CMAP amplitude (post APB‐Amp) at 12 months was used as the outcome measure.

Results

Only 2L‐DML showed a significant correlation with post APB‐Amp (r = ‐0.56). The contribution of 2L‐Amp was not significant, although 3 hands with absent 2L‐CMAP had a poor electrophysiological recovery.

Conclusions

Prolonged 2L‐DML and absent 2L‐CMAP seem to be poor prognostic factors. Concurrent opponensplasty may not be necessary in patients with 2L‐DML of 8 ms or less. Muscle Nerve 54: 427–431, 2016
Neuralgic amyotrophy: An update on diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment
Authors: Van Eijk Jeroen J.J. , Groothuis Jan T. , Van Alfen Nens
Published: December 2015

In this review we provide a current overview of the clinical features, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in neuralgic amyotrophy (NA). The disorder has several phenotypic variations, with a classic form in 70% of the patients. It is not rare, with an incidence of 1 per 1,000 individuals, but it is still often missed. Recurrences are common, yet the proposed multifactorial etiology, which includes genetic, biomechanical, and immunologic factors, limits our capacity to predict or prevent them. NA is a clinical diagnosis, and ancillary studies serve to exclude infectious or malignant causes or to assess a differential diagnosis. If patients are seen early and are still in pain, a short trial of high‐dose oral corticosteroids is advised, and adequate analgesia may require opioids and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Persistent complaints are common, and a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach focusing on scapular coordination, energy distribution strategies, and self‐management is indicated. Muscle Nerve 53: 337–350, 2016
A micro‐mechanical study of peak strength and critical state
Authors: Jerves Alex X. , Andrade José E.
Published: December 2015

We present a micro‐mechanical analysis of macroscopic peak strength, critical state, and residual strength in two‐dimensional non‐cohesive granular media. Typical continuum constitutive quantities such as frictional strength and dilation angle are explicitly related to their corresponding grain‐scale counterparts (e.g., inter‐particle contact forces, fabric, particle displacements, and velocities), providing an across‐the‐scale basis for a better understanding and modeling of granular materials. These multi‐scale relations are derived in three steps. First, explicit relations between macroscopic stress and strain rate with the corresponding grain‐scale mechanics are established. Second, these relations are used in conjunction with the non‐associative Mohr–Coulomb criterion to explicitly connect internal friction and dilation angles to the micro‐mechanics. Third, the mentioned explicit connections are applied to investigate, understand, and derive micro‐mechanical conditions for peak strength, critical state, and residual strength. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling the 2D behavior of dry‐stone retaining walls by a fully discrete element method
Authors: Oetomo James J. , Vincens Eric , Dedecker Fabian , Morel Jean‐Claude
Published: December 2015

The dry‐stone retaining walls (DSRW) have been tipped as a promising solution for sustainable development. However, before recently, their behavior is relatively obscure. In this study, discrete element method (DEM) approach was applied to simulate the plane strain failure of these walls. A commercial DEM package (PFC2D™) was used throughout this study. The authors used a fully discrete approach; thus, both the wall and the backfill were modeled as discrete elements. The methodology for obtaining the micromechanical parameters was discussed in detail; this includes the three mechanical sub‐systems of DSRWs: wall, backfill and interface. The models were loaded progressively until failure, and then the results were compared with the full‐scale experimental results where the walls were loaded, respectively, with hydrostatic load and backfill. Despite its complexity and its intensive calculation time, DEM model can then be used to validate a more simplified approach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new technique for numerical simulation of dendritic solidification using a meshfree interface finite element method
Authors: Ghoneim Adam
Published: December 2015

A new technique for sharp‐interface modeling of dendritic solidification is proposed using a meshfree interface finite element method such that the liquid–solid interface is represented implicitly and allowed to arbitrarily intersect the finite elements. At the interface‐embedded elements, meshfree interface points without connectivity are imposed directly at the zero level set while meshfree interpolants are constructed using radial basis functions. This ensures both the partition of unity and the Kronecker delta properties are satisfied allowing for precise and easy imposition of Dirichlet boundary conditions at the interface. The constructed meshfree interpolants are also used for solving a variational level set equation based on the Ginzburg–Landau energy functional minimization such that reinitialization is completely eliminated and fast marching algorithms for interfacial velocity extension are not necessary resulting in an efficient algorithm with excellent volume conservation. The meshfree interface finite element method is used for modeling dendritic solidification in a pure melt where it is found suitable in handling the complex interfacial dynamics often encountered in dendritic growth. Mathematical formulation and implementation followed by numerical results and analysis will be presented and discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fat depot‐specific expression of HOXC9 and HOXC10 may contribute to adverse fat distribution and related metabolic traits
Authors: Brune Jakob E. , Kern Matthias , Kunath Anne , Flehmig Gesine , Schön Michael R. , Lohmann Tobias , Dressler Miriam , Dietrich Arne , Fasshauer Mathias , Kovacs Peter , Stumvoll Michael , Blüher Matthias , Klöting Nora
Published: December 2015

Objective

Independent previous studies in both rodents and humans suggest a role of developmental genes in the origin of obesity and body fat distribution. Here, the hypothesis that human adipose tissue (AT) expression of the developmental genes homeobox transcription factors C9 (HOXC9) and C10 (HOXC10) is fat depot‐specific and related to obesity‐related traits was tested.

Methods

In 636 individuals, HOXC9 and HOXC10 mRNA expression was investigated in paired abdominal subcutaneous (SC) and omental AT samples in relation to a wide range of age, BMI, fat distribution, and metabolic parameters and in subfractions of isolated adipocytes and cells of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF).

Results

HOXC9 and HOXC10 mRNA expression is significantly higher in SC compared to omental AT. HOXC9 and HOXC10 mRNA expression significantly correlates with body fat mass, even after adjustment for age and gender. In smaller subgroups (depending on the availability of data), fat depot‐related significant gender‐ and BMI‐independent associations between HOXC9 and HOXC10 gene expression and parameters of glucose metabolism and AT biology were found (e.g., adipocyte size).

Conclusions

Taken together, these data suggest that HOXC9 and HOXC10 may play an important role in the development of obesity, adverse fat distribution, and subsequent alterations in whole‐body metabolism and AT function.
Studies on the mechanical properties of composites reinforced with nanoparticles
Authors: Pol Mohammad Hossein , Liaghat G.H.
Published: December 2015

In this article, the influence of nanoclay Closite 30B on the tensile, the flexural and the punch properties of 2D woven Glass/Epoxy laminate composite have been investigated experimentally. The glass/epoxy/nanoclay laminate have 12 layers and 50% fiber volume fraction is manufactured by VRTM method. Fibers have a plain‐weave configuration with density of 200 g/m2, while the nano‐epoxy resin system is made of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (Epon828) resin with jeffamine D400 as the curing agent and an organically modified modified montmorillonite in a platelet form, namely Closite 30B. The nanoclay is dispersed into the epoxy system in a 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7% ratio in weight with respect to the nano‐matrix. The results have shown that the maximum improvement in the tensile strength, the failure strain, and toughness are 13, 7, and 27%, respectively, by 7% nanoclay and in the modulus is 9% by 3% nanoclay. The results of three bending flexural test indicate that the maximum improvement in the flexural strength and flexural modulus are 11 by 3% nanoclay and 48 by 5% nanoclay, respectively. Moreover, the result of punch tests have shown that the maximum improvement in energy absorbed is close to 46 by 5% nanoclay for crosshead speed of 1mm/min and close to 23 by 3% nanoclay for crosshead speed of 100 mm/min. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:205–212, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Light Harvesting and Enhanced Performance of Si Quantum Dot/Si Nanowire Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Cao Yunqing , Ge Zhaoyun , Jiang Xiaofan , Xu Jun , Xu Ling , Li Wei , Yu Linwei , Chen Kunji
Published: December 2015

Si nanowires (Si NWs) structures with good antireflection and enhanced optical‐absorption properties are used to fabricate Si quantum dots/Si NWs heterojunction solar cells. The Si NWs prepared by the metal‐assisted chemical‐etching technique exhibit a very low reflection in a wide spectral range (300–1200 nm). Correspondingly, the optical absorption reaches as high as 88.9% by weighting AM1.5G solar spectrum. Both the short current density and open current voltage are improved compared to the reference flat cell. However, the photovoltaic properties are degraded by varying the Si NWs with long etching time, possibly due to the increased etching‐induced surface states. The optimal Si NWs lead to the best cell with the power conversion efficiency of 11.3%.
Universal entanglement of singular surfaces
Authors: Bueno Pablo , Myers Robert C. , Witczak‐Krempa William
Published: December 2015

In general three‐dimensional conformal field theories (CFTs), the entanglement entropy receives a logarithmic contribution whenever the entangling surface contains a sharp corner of opening angle θ. Such contribution is controlled by a regulator‐independent function which vanishes as in the smooth‐surface limit (). We review our recent conjecture that for general three‐dimensional CFTs, this corner coefficient σ is determined by CT, the coefficient appearing in the two‐point function of the stress tensor through the relation . We also comment on the extension of this conjecture to general Rényi entropies and higher‐dimensional CFTs.
Structure and functional characterization of a bile acid 7α dehydratase BaiE in secondary bile acid synthesis
Authors: Bhowmik Shiva , Chiu Hsien‐Po , Jones David H. , Chiu Hsiu‐Ju , Miller Mitchell D. , Xu Qingping , Farr Carol L. , Ridlon Jason M. , Wells James E. , Elsliger Marc‐André , Wilson Ian A. , Hylemon Phillip B. , Lesley Scott A.
Published: December 2015

Conversion of the primary bile acids cholic acid (CA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) to the secondary bile acids deoxycholic acid (DCA) and lithocholic acid (LCA) is performed by a few species of intestinal bacteria in the genus Clostridium through a multistep biochemical pathway that removes a 7α‐hydroxyl group. The rate‐determining enzyme in this pathway is bile acid 7α‐dehydratase (baiE). In this study, crystal structures of apo‐BaiE and its putative product‐bound [3‐oxo‐Δ4,6‐lithocholyl‐Coenzyme A (CoA)] complex are reported. BaiE is a trimer with a twisted α + β barrel fold with similarity to the Nuclear Transport Factor 2 (NTF2) superfamily. Tyr30, Asp35, and His83 form a catalytic triad that is conserved across this family. Site‐directed mutagenesis of BaiE from Clostridium scindens VPI 12708 confirm that these residues are essential for catalysis and also the importance of other conserved residues, Tyr54 and Arg146, which are involved in substrate binding and affect catalytic turnover. Steady‐state kinetic studies reveal that the BaiE homologs are able to turn over 3‐oxo‐Δ4‐bile acid and CoA‐conjugated 3‐oxo‐Δ4‐bile acid substrates with comparable efficiency questioning the role of CoA‐conjugation in the bile acid metabolism pathway. Proteins 2016; 84:316–331. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of synthetic pesticides and sulfur used in conventional and organically grown strawberry and soybean on Neozygites floridana, a natural enemy of spider mites
Authors: Castro Thiago , Roggia Samuel , Wekesa Vitalis W , de Andrade Moral Rafael , GB Demétrio Clarice , Delalibera Italo , Klingen Ingeborg
Published: December 2015

Background

The beneficial fungus Neozygites floridana kills the two‐spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae, which is a serious polyphagous plant pest worldwide. Outbreaks of spider mites in strawberry and soybean have been associated with pesticide applications. Pesticides may affect N. floridana and consequently the natural control of T. urticae. N. floridana is a fungus difficult to grow in artificial media, and for this reason, very few studies have been conducted with this fungus, especially regarding the impact of pesticides. The aim of this study was to conduct a laboratory experiment to evaluate the effect of pesticides used in strawberry and soybean crops on N. floridana.

Results

Among the pesticides used in strawberry, the fungicides sulfur and cyprodinil + fludioxonil completely inhibited both the sporulation and conidial germination of N. floridana. The fungicide fluazinam affected N. floridana drastically. The application of the fungicide tebuconazole and the insecticides fenpropathrin and abamectin resulted in a less pronounced negative effect on N. floridana. Except for epoxiconazole and cyproconazole, all tested fungicides used in soybean resulted in a complete inhibition of N. floridana. Among the three insecticides used in soybean, lambda‐cyhalothrin and deltamethrin resulted in a significant inhibition of N. floridana.

Conclusion

The insecticides/ acaricides abamectin and lambda‐cyhalothrin at half concentrations and fenpropathrin and permethrin and the fungicide tebuconazole at the recommended concentrations resulted in the lowest impact on N. floridana. The fungicides with the active ingredients sulfur, cyprodinil + fludioxonil, azoxystrobin, azoxystrobin + cyproconazole, trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole and pyraclostrobin + epoxiconazole negatively affected N. floridana. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Confirmation and mechanism of glyphosate resistance in tall windmill grass (Chloris elata) from Brazil
Authors: Brunharo Caio ACG , Patterson Eric L , Carrijo Daniela R , de Melo Marcel SC , Nicolai Marcelo , Gaines Todd A , Nissen Scott J , Christoffoleti Pedro J
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Overreliance on glyphosate as a single tool for weed management in agricultural systems in Brazil has selected glyphosate‐resistant populations of tall windmill grass (Chloris elata Desv.).

RESULTS

Two C. elata populations, one glyphosate resistant (GR) and one glyphosate susceptible (GS), were studied in detail for a dose–response experiment and for resistance mechanism. The dose causing 50% reduction in dry weight was 620 g a.e. ha−1 for GR and 114 g ha−1 for GS, resulting in an R/S ratio of 5.4. GS had significantly higher maximum 14C‐glyphosate absorption into the treated leaf (51.3%) than GR (39.5%), a difference of 11.8% in maximum absorption. GR also retained more 14C‐glyphosate in the treated leaf (74%) than GS (51%), and GR translocated less glyphosate (27%) to other plant parts (stems, roots and root exudation) than GS (36%). There were no mutations at the Pro106 codon in the gene encoding 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS). There was no difference in EPSPS genomic copy number or EPSPS transcription between GS and GR populations.

CONCLUSION

Based on these data, reduced glyphosate absorption and increased glyphosate retention in the treated leaf contribute to glyphosate resistance in this C. elata population from Brazil. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Dung‐inhabiting fungi: a potential reservoir of novel secondary metabolites for the control of plant pathogens
Authors: Sarrocco Sabrina
Published: December 2015

Coprophilous fungi are a large group of saprotrophic fungi mostly found in herbivore dung. The number of these fungi undergoing investigation is continually increasing, and new species and genera continue to be described. Dung‐inhabiting fungi play an important ecological role in decomposing and recycling nutrients from animal dung. They produce a large array of bioactive secondary metabolites and have a potent enzymatic arsenal able to utilise even complex molecules. Bioactive secondary metabolites are actively involved in interaction with and defence against other organisms whose growth can be inhibited, resulting in an enhanced ecological fitness of producer strains. Currently, these antibiotics and bioactive secondary metabolites are of interest in medicine in particular, while very little information is available concerning their potential use in agriculture. This review introduces the ecology of dung‐inhabiting fungi, with particular emphasis on the production of antibiotic compounds as a means to compete with other microorganisms. Owing to the fast pace of technological progress, new approaches to predicting the biosynthesis of bioactive metabolites are proposed. Coprophilous fungi should be considered as elite candidate organisms for the discovery of novel antifungal compounds, above all in view of their exploitation for crop protection. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermal control and generation of charge currents in coupled quantum dots
Authors: Thierschmann Holger , Arnold Fabian , Mittermüller Marcel , Maier Luis , Heyn Christian , Hansen Wolfang , Buhmann Hartmut , Molenkamp Laurens W.
Published: December 2015

This article reviews recent thermoelectric experiments on quantum dot (QD) systems. The experiments focus on two types of inter‐dot coupling: tunnel coupling and Coulomb coupling. Tunnel‐coupled QDs allow particles to be exchanged between the attached reservoirs via the QD system. Hence, an applied temperature bias results in a thermovoltage. When being investigated as a function of QD energies, this leads to the thermopower stability diagram. Here, largest thermovoltage is observed in the regions of the triple points. In a QD system which exhibits only capacitive inter‐dot coupling, electron transfer is suppressed. Such a device is studied in a three‐terminal geometry: while one QD connects to the heat reservoir, the other one can exchange electrons with two reservoirs at a lower temperature. When the symmetry of the tunneling coefficients in the cold system is broken, the device becomes an energy harvester: thermal energy is extracted from the heat reservoir and is converted into a directed charge current between the two cold reservoirs. This review illustrates the large potential of multi‐QD devices for thermoelectrics and thermal management at the nanometer‐scale.
Toxic effects of indoxacarb enantiomers on the embryonic development and induction of apoptosis in zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio)
Authors: Fan Yongmei , Feng Qing , Lai Kehua , Huang Weikang , Zhang Chenghui , Li Qing X.
Published: December 2015

Indoxacarb is a highly potent insecticide widely used to control Lepidoptera insects in vegetable, tea, cotton, and rice fields. It can run off into aquatic environments. It is consisted of two enantiomers. Environmental risks and aquatic toxicity of indoxacarb enantiomers have not been fully investigated. In this study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed to varying concentrations of (−)‐R‐indoxacarb and (+)‐S‐indoxacarb until 96‐h post‐fertilization (hpf) to assess the embryonic toxicity. (−)‐R‐indoxacarb was 1.3‐fold more toxic than (+)‐S‐isomer to zebrafish embryos at 96 hpf. (−)‐R‐indoxacarb exhibited reduction in body length and pericardial edema compared with (+)‐S‐indoxacarb. (−)‐R‐indoxacarb decreased the hatching rate sixfold greater than (+)‐S‐indoxacarb. The rate of pericardial edema induced by (−)‐R‐indoxacarb was 2.5 times greater than that by (+)‐S‐indoxacarb. The heart rate of the larvae exposed to (−)‐R‐indoxacarb was 30% lower than that to (+)‐S‐indoxacarb. In addition, exposure to the chiral isomers resulted in significant increases in apoptosis; interestingly (−)‐R‐indoxacarb induced apoptosis in the heart area, whereas (+)‐S‐indoxacarb induced apoptosis in the head area. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 7–16, 2017.