bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curriculum and course materials for a forensic DNA biology course
Authors: Elkins Kelly M.
Published: January 2014

The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) requires accredited programs offer a “coherent curriculum” to ensure each student gains a “thorough grounding of the natural…sciences.” Part of this curriculum includes completion of a minimum of 15 semester‐hours forensic science coursework, nine of which can involve a class in forensic DNA biology. Departments that have obtained or are pursuing FEPAC accreditation can meet this requirement by offering a stand‐alone forensic DNA biology course; however, materials necessary to instruct students are often homegrown and not standardized; in addition, until recently, the community lacked commercially available books, lab manuals, and teaching materials, and many of the best pedagogical resources were scattered across various peer‐reviewed journals. The curriculum discussed below is an attempt to synthesize this disparate information, and although certainly not the only acceptable methodology, the below discussion represents “a way” for synthesizing and aggregating this information into a cohesive, comprehensive whole. © 2013 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 42(1):15–28, 2014
FunctionalMRImapping of visual function and selective attention for performance assessment and presurgical planning using conjunctive visual search
Authors: Parker Jason G. , Zalusky Eric J. , Kirbas Cemil
Published: January 2014

Background

Accurate mapping of visual function and selective attention usingfMRIis important in the study of human performance as well as in presurgical treatment planning of lesions in or near visual centers of the brain. Conjunctive visual search (CVS) is a useful tool for mapping visual function duringfMRIbecause of its greater activation extent compared with high‐capacity parallel search processes.

Aims

The purpose of this work was to develop and evaluate aCVSthat was capable of generating consistent activation in the basic and higher level visual areas of the brain by using a high number of distractors as well as an optimized contrast condition.

Materials and methods

Images from 10 healthy volunteers were analyzed and brain regions of greatest activation and deactivation were determined using a nonbiased decomposition of the results at the hemisphere, lobe, and gyrus levels. The results were quantified in terms of activation and deactivation extent and meanz‐statistic.

Results

The proposedCVSwas found to generate robust activation of the occipital lobe, as well as regions in the middle frontal gyrus associated with coordinating eye movements and in regions of the insula associated with task‐level control and focal attention. As expected, the task demonstrated deactivation patterns commonly implicated in the default‐mode network. Further deactivation was noted in the posterior region of the cerebellum, most likely associated with the formation of optimal search strategy.

Conclusion

We believe the task will be useful in studies of visual and selective attention in the neuroscience community as well as in mapping visual function in clinicalfMRI.
The anatomic basis for ventricular arrhythmia in the normal heart: What the student of anatomy needs to know
Authors: Hai Jo Jo , Lachman Nirusha , Syed Faisal F. , Desimone Christopher V. , Asirvatham Samuel J.
Published: January 2014

The traditional route for teaching cardiac anatomy involves didactic instruction, cadaver dissections, and familiarization with the main structure and relationships of the cardiac chambers, valves, and vasculature. In contemporary cardiac electrophysiology, however, a very different view of anatomy is required including details rarely appreciated with a general overview. In this review, we discuss the critical advances in cardiac electrophysiology that were possible only because of understanding detailed anatomic relationships. While we briefly discuss the clinical relevance, we explain in depth the necessary structural information for the student of clinical anatomy. Interspersed through the text are boxes that highlight and summarize the critical pieces of knowledge to be borne in mind while studying the fascinating structural anatomy of the human heart. Clin. Anat. 27:885–893, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Silibinin inhibits accumulation of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and tumor growth of murine breast cancer
Authors: Forghani Parvin , Khorramizadeh Mohammad R. , Waller Edmund K.
Published: January 2014

Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC)s increase in blood and accumulate in the tumor microenvironment of tumor‐bearing animals, contributing to immune suppression in cancer. Silibinin, a natural flavonoid from the seeds of milk thistle, has been developed as an anti‐inflammatory agent and supportive care agent to reduce the toxicity of cancer chemotherapy. The goals of this study were to evaluate the effect of silibinin on MDSCs in tumor‐bearing mice and antitumor activity of silibinin in a mouse model of breast cancer. 4T1 luciferase‐transfected mammary carcinoma cells were injected into in the mammary fat pad female BALB/c mice, and female CB17‐Prkdc Scid/J mice. Silibinin treatment started on day 4 or day 14 after tumor inoculation continued every other day. Tumor growth was monitored by bioluminescent imaging (BLI) measuring total photon flux. Flow cytometry measured total leukocytes, CD11b+ Gr‐1+ MDSC, and T cells in the blood and tumors of tumor‐bearing mice. The effects of silibinin on 4T1 cell viability in vitro were measured by BLI. Treatment with silibinin increased overall survival in mice harboring tumors derived from the 4T1‐luciferase breast cancer cell line, and reduced tumor volumes and numbers of CD11b+Gr‐1+ MDSCs in the blood and tumor, and increased the content of T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Silibinin failed to inhibit tumor growth in immunocompromised severe combined immunodeficiency mice, supporting the hypothesis that anticancer effect of silibinin is immune‐mediated. The antitumor activity of silibinin requires an intact host immune system and is associated with decreased accumulation of blood and tumor‐associated MDSCs.
Father Identity, Involvement and Work–Family Balance: An In‐depth Interview Study
Authors: McLaughlin Katrina , Muldoon Orla
Published: January 2014

Work and family roles have changed considerably in the past number of decades. Fathers are now expected to fulfil the role of ‘new father’ that involves actively caring and sharing in child rearing and, at the same time, maintain commitment to their occupational role. As a consequence, men are subject to the same pressure that women were when they initially entered the workplace decades ago and indeed still are today. This study aims to explore the meanings fathers attach to their life roles, how these meanings influence behaviour within these roles and how they negotiate the demands of these roles. In‐depth interviews were carried out with 15 fathers, and the results were analysed adhering to the principles of grounded theory. The findings show the variability among fathers in both their commitment to fathering and the meanings they attach to that role. A significant tension between new fatherhood ideals and actual fathering practices is also apparent. These findings are discussed drawing upon traditional definitions of masculinity and wider occupational and cultural influences. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation and Characterization of Antimicrobial Cyclic Dipeptides from Pseudomonas fluorescens and Their Efficacy on Sorghum Grain Mold Fungi
Authors: Sajeli Begum Ahil , Basha Shaik Ameer , Raghavendra Govardhanam , Kumar Mallela Venkata Nagesh , Singh Yukthi , Patil Jagannath V. , Tanemura Yuhei , Fujimoto Yoshinori
Published: January 2014

This study was aimed at isolation and characterization of natural antifungal compounds for grain mold, a key parasitic fungal disease of sorghum. Pseudomonas fluorescens strain isolated from rhizosphere of groundnut crop was selected as a source. Its biocontrolling ability was assessed by testing some biochemical attributes such as phosphate‐solubilization, and HCN, NH3, indole‐3‐acetic acid, and siderophore production. The strain showed positive result for all except indole‐3‐acetic acid, revealing its suitability for a further study. The antibiotic‐sensitivity pattern of the strain against 43 antibiotics was also established, which showed resistance to 15 antibiotics. The efficacy of P. fluorescens strain against grain mold was identified by dual culture technique. Hundred percent inhibition was found against Fusarium moniliforme, an important causative agent of this disease. The strain was fermented for secondary metabolites and extracted with AcOEt. Chromatographic separation of the extract yielded four known compounds, cyclo(L‐Pro‐L‐Phe) (1), cyclo(trans‐4‐hydroxy‐L‐Pro‐L‐Leu) (2), cyclo(trans‐4‐hydroxy‐L‐Pro‐L‐Phe) (3), and cyclo(Gly‐L‐Pro) (4), which were characterized by spectral analysis and optical rotation. The crude extract, a mixture of 2 and 3, and isolated 1 were proved to be significantly effective against grain mold fungi. This is the first report on production of these cyclic dipeptides by P. fluorescens and their antagonistic properties.
Novel Oxaliplatin Derivatives with 1‐(Substituted Benzyl)azetidine‐3,3‐dicarboxylate Anions. Synthesis, Cytotoxicity, and Interaction with DNA
Authors: Sun Yanyan , Cao Zhe , Gou Shaohua , Hu Tingting
Published: January 2014

A series of oxaliplatin derivatives with (1R,2R)‐N1‐alkyl‐1,2‐cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine (alkyl=Bu or iPr) as carrier ligands and 1‐(methoxy‐ or methyl‐substituted benzyl)azetidine‐3,3‐dicarboxylate anions as leaving groups were synthesized and spectrally characterized. Generally, Complexes 10–15 with an iPr substituent at N(1) showed higher activities in vitro than carboplatin against MCF‐7 human breast carcinoma and A549 human non‐small‐cell lung cell lines, although they were less potent than oxaliplatin. The typical complex 14 exhibited cytotoxicity superior to that of carboplatin and comparable to that of oxaliplatin against two selected tumor cell lines. Additionally, agarose gel electrophoresis was applied to investigate the DNA‐cleavage ability of complex 14, which demonstrated that it has a different mode of DNA distortion from that of oxaliplatin.
Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Tunisian Cupressus arizonicaGreene Essential Oils
Authors: Ismail Amri , Mancini Emilia , De Martino Laura , Hamrouni Lamia , Hanana Mohsen , Jamoussi Bassem , Gargouri Samia , Scognamiglio Mariarosa , De Feo Vincenzo
Published: January 2014

The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation of leaves, stems, and female cones of Cupressus arizonica Greene, grown in Tunisia, was studied by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses. Altogether, 62 compounds were identified, 62 in the leaf oil, 19 in the cone oil, and 24 in the stem oil. The cone and stem oils were mainly composed by monoterpene hydrocarbons (96.6 and 85.2%, resp.). In the leaf oil, the total sesquiterpene fraction constituted 36.1% and that of the monoterpene hydrocarbons 33.8% of the total oil composition. The three oils were evaluated for their in vitro herbicidal activity by determining their influence on the germination and the shoot and root growth of the four weed species Sinapis arvensis L., Lolium rigidum Gaudin, Trifolium campestre Schreb., and Phalaris canariensis L. At the highest doses tested (0.8 and 1.0 mg/ml), the leaf essential oil inhibited either totally or almost completely the seed germination and the shoot and root growth of S. arvensis and T. campestre. The oils were also tested for their antifungal activity; however, their effects on the fungal growth were statistically not significant.
Chemotype Diversity of Indigenous Dalmatian Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) Populations in Montenegro
Authors: Stešević Danijela , Ristić Mihailo , Nikolić Vuko , Nedović Marijana , Caković Danka , Šatović Zlatko
Published: January 2014

To identify how many chemotypes of Salvia officinalis exist in Montenegro, the chemical composition of the essential oils of 12 wild‐growing populations was determined by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses. Among the 40 identified constituents, the most abundant were cis‐thujone (16.98–40.35%), camphor (12.75–35.37%), 1,8‐cineol (6.40–12.06%), trans‐thujone (1.5–10.35%), camphene (2.26–9.97%), borneol (0.97–8.81%), viridiflorol (3.46–7.8%), limonene (1.8–6.47%), α‐pinene (1.59–5.46%), and α‐humulene (1.77–5.02%). The composition of the essential oils under study did not meet the ISO 9909 requirements, while the oils of populations P02–P04, P09, and P10 complied with the German Drug Codex. A few of the main essential‐oil constituents appeared to be highly intercorrelated. Strong positive correlations were observed between α‐pinene and camphene, camphene and camphor, as well as between cis‐thujone and trans‐thujone. Strong negative correlations were evidenced between cis‐thujone and α‐pinene, cis‐thujone and champhene, cis‐thujone and camphor, as well as between trans‐thujone and camphene. Multivariate analyses allowed the grouping of the populations into three distinct chemotypes, i.e., Chemotype A, rich in total thujones, Chemotype B, with intermediate contents of thujones, α‐pinene, camphene, and camphor and high borneol contents, and Chemotype C, rich in camphor, camphene, and α‐pinene. The chemotypes did not significantly differ in the total essential‐oil content and the cis/trans‐thujone ratio.
Photoelectrochemical Communication between Thylakoid Membranes and Gold Electrodes through Different Quinone Derivatives
Authors: Hasan Kamrul , Dilgin Yusuf , Emek Sinan Cem , Tavahodi Mojtaba , Åkerlund Hans‐Erik , Albertsson Per‐Åke , Gorton Lo
Published: January 2014

Photosynthesis is a sustainable process for the conversion of light energy into chemical energy. Thylakoids in energy‐transducing photosynthetic membranes are unique in biological membranes because of their distinguished structure and composition. The quantum trapping efficiency of thylakoid membranes is appealing in photobioelectrochemical research. In this study, thylakoid membranes extracted from spinach are shown to communicate with a gold‐nanoparticle‐modified solid gold electrode (AuNP–Au) through a series of quinone derivatives. Among these, para‐benzoquinone (PBQ) is found to be the best soluble electron‐transfer mediator, generating the highest photocurrent of approximately 130 μA cm−2 from water oxidation under illumination. In addition, the photocurrent density is investigated as a function of applied potential, the effect of light intensity, quinone concentration, and amount of thylakoid membrane. Finally, the source of photocurrent is confirmed by using 3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea (known by its trade name, Diuron), an inhibitor of photosystem II, which decreases the total photocurrent by 50 %.
Role of the Lithium Salt in the Performance of Lithium–Oxygen Batteries: A Comparative Study
Authors: Elia Giuseppe Antonio , Park Jin‐Bum , Sun Yang‐Kook , Scrosati Bruno , Hassoun Jusef
Published: January 2014

In this paper we report a comparative study of the electrochemical properties of a lithium–oxygen cell using a tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TEGDME)‐based electrolyte solution with four different lithium salts, namely, lithium‐bis‐(trifluormethanesulfonyl)‐imide, LiN(SO2CF3)2, lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate, LiCF3SO3, lithium perchlorate, LiClO4, and lithium hexafluorophosphate, LiPF6. This study evidences the role of the electrolyte salt in affecting the cell polarization as a reflection of its specific properties in terms of lithium transference number and interface resistance. LiCF3SO3 is finally identified as the best choice for assuring low cell polarization.
Highly Active Aluminium Catalysts for the Formation of Organic Carbonates from CO2 and Oxiranes
Authors: Whiteoak Christopher J. , Kielland Nicola , Laserna Victor , Castro‐Gómez Fernando , Martin Eddy , Escudero‐Adán Eduardo C. , Bo Carles , Kleij Arjan W.
Published: January 2014

AlIII complexes of amino‐tris(phenolate) ligand scaffolds have been prepared to attain highly Lewis acidic catalysts. Combination of the aforementioned systems with ammonium halides provides highly active catalysts for the synthesis of organic carbonates through addition of carbon dioxide to oxiranes with initial turnover frequencies among the highest reported to date within the context of cyclic carbonate formation. Density functional theory (DFT) studies combined with kinetic data provides a rational for the relative high activity found for these AlIII complexes, and the data are consistent with a monometallic mechanism. The activity and versatility of these AlIII complexes has also been evaluated against some state‐of‐the‐art catalysts and the combined results compare favorably in terms of catalyst construction, stability, activity, and applicability.
Inline Particle Measurement System for Falling Bulk Solids
Authors: Schäfer Thomas , Ulbrich Roman , Rädle Matthias
Published: January 2014

Es wird ein neues Messsystem vorgestellt, das speziell für die Inline‐Bestimmung von Partikelgrößenverteilungen in senkrechten Rohren konzipiert ist. Im Gegensatz zu bisherigen Messmethoden wurde das Gerät ausschließlich für die Prozesskontrolle entwickelt. Primärziel ist die schnelle Anzeige von Prozessabweichungen in der Industrie. Die Untersuchungen wurden an Produkten nach Klassierung durch eine Freischwinger‐Siebmaschine durchgeführt. In den hier dargestellten Experimenten werden ein Siebriss und die damit einhergehende Störung der Partikelgrößenverteilung realitätsnah simuliert.
Lehrpläne, Kerncurricula, Bildungspläne usw.
Authors: Ropohl Mathias , Sumfleth Elke , Walpuski Maik
Published: January 2014

In diesem Beitrag werden die Ergebnisse einer im Schuljahr 2007/08 durchgeführten Lehrplananalyse präsentiert. Das Ziel dieser Analyse war die Identifizierung von Unterrichtsinhalten der Sekundarstufe I im Fach Chemie zum Basiskonzept ‚Chemische Reaktion‘, die in allen Bundesländern verbindlich unterrichtet werden. Die daraus resultierende Schnittmenge an Inhalten war Ausgangspunkt einer standardbasierten Testaufgabenentwicklung. Mit Hilfe der Testaufgaben sollen die Kompetenzen von Schülerinnen und Schülern zum Basiskonzept beim Erreichen des mittleren Schulabschlusses erhoben werden. Die Ergebnisse geben einen Einblick in die Fülle und Unterschiedlichkeit curricularer Vorgaben durch die Bundesländer. Daher stellt sich die Frage: Gibt es zwischen den Lehrplänen der Bundesländer grundsätzlich inhaltliche Schnittmengen?
Rational Design of Substrate‐Based Multivalent Inhibitors of the Histone Acetyltransferase Tip60
Authors: Yang Chao , Ngo Liza , Zheng Y. George
Published: January 2014

Tip60, the 60 kDa HIV‐1 Tat‐interactive protein, is a key member of the MYST family of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and plays critical roles in apoptosis and DNA repair. Potent and selective inhibitors of Tip60 are valuable tools for studying the functions of this potential drug target. In this work, we designed, synthesized and evaluated a new set of substrate‐based inhibitors containing multiple binding modalities. In addition to the coenzyme A (CoA) moiety and the histone H3 peptide backbone, mono‐ and tri‐methyl marks were incorporated at Lys 4 and/or Lys 9 sites in the H3 peptide substrate. The biochemical assay results showed that the presence of methyl group(s) on the substrate resulted in more potent inhibitors of Tip60, relative to the parent H3‐CoA bisubstrate inhibitor. Importantly, by comparing the inhibitory properties of the ligands against full‐length Tip60 and the HAT domain, we determined that the K4me1 and K9me3 marks contributed to the potency augmentation by interacting with the catalytic region of the enzyme.
Exchanged Cations and Water during Reactions in Polypyrrole Macroions from Artificial Muscles
Authors: Valero Laura , Otero Toribio F. , Martínez José G.
Published: January 2014

The movement of the bilayer (polypyrrole–dodecylbenzenesulfonate/tape) during artificial muscle bending under flow of current square waves was studied in aqueous solutions of chloride salts. During current flow, polypyrrole redox reactions result in variations in the volumes of the films and macroscopic bending: swelling by reduction with expulsion of cations and shrinking by oxidation with the insertion of cations. The described angles follow a linear function, different in each of the studied salts, of the consumed charge: they are faradaic polymeric muscles. The linearity indicates that cations are the only exchanged ions in the studied potential range. By flow of the same specific charge in every electrolyte, different angles were described by the muscle. The charge and the angle allow the number and volume of both the exchanged cations and the water molecules (related to a reference) between the film to be determined, in addition to the electrolyte per unit of charge during the driving reaction. The attained apparent solvation numbers for the exchanged cations were: 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.5, 0.4, 0.25, and 0.0 for Na+, Mg2+, La3+, Li+, Ca2+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+, respectively.
Interface Stability of a TiO2/3‐Methoxypropionitrile‐Based Electrolyte: First Evidence for Solid Electrolyte Interphase Formation and Implications
Authors: Flasque Miguel , Van Nhien Albert Nguyen , Swiatowska Jolanta , Seyeux Antoine , Davoisne Carine , Sauvage Frédéric
Published: January 2014

We report an in‐depth study focusing on the stability of a benchmark electrolyte composition based on a low‐volatile 3‐methoxypropionitrile (MPN) solvent employed in dye‐sensitized solar cells. In the presence of TiO2, the semi‐conductor surface plays a catalytic role in the thermal degradation of the electrolyte, which induces, among other effects, the nucleation and growth of a uniform solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer that wraps TiO2. On the basis of our actual understanding, we argue that SEI formation is responsible for triiodide depletion in the electrolyte during ageing and also has a simultaneous impact on TiO2 optoelectronic properties through the onset of a visible‐light absorption tail, energy modification of intraband trap states, and the induction of an increase in both electron lifetime and transport time in TiO2. In‐depth characterization of this layer by using XPS and ToF‐SIMS indicates that the chemical composition of this SEI results from solvent and additive degradation, that is, iodide, sulfur, cyano, nitrogen, carbon, and imidazolium rings. The SEI thickness, its content, and the concentration profile strongly vary depending on the ageing conditions. The outcome of this new finding is discussed in comparison with literature observations and stresses the difficulties in reaching long‐term stability at 85 °C by using MPN‐based electrolytes unless new interfacial engineering is accomplished to impede pinholes between dye molecules on TiO2.
Parameters estimation, mixed synchronization, and antisynchronization in chaotic systems
Authors: Wang Chunni , He Yujun , Ma Jun , Huang Long
Published: January 2014

Mixed synchronization between two Hindmarsh–Rose neuron models is realized by optimizing the scheme of Lyapunov function with two selectable gain coefficients. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, the distribution of synchronization region and the nonsynchronization region in the two‐parameter phase space is calculated, respectively. And then the optimized parameter observers and controllers are approached analytically. All unknown parameters with different orders of magnitude are identified accurately, and the error function for corresponding variables decreases to stable value when the two gain coefficients are given values in the synchronization region. Otherwise, only the four larger unknown parameters are estimated exactly and the error function of corresponding variables decreases stably to certain minimal value with an order about 1 × 10−6, whereas the smallest unknown parameter is approached greatly although the error of corresponding variables are stabilized within certain transient period. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 20: 64–73, 2014
Implementation of a quality improvement initiative in Belgian diabetic foot clinics: feasibility and initial results
Authors: Doggen Kris , Van Acker Kristien , Beele Hilde , Dumont Isabelle , Félix Patricia , Lauwers Patrick , Lavens Astrid , Matricali Giovanni A. , Randon Caren , Weber Eric , Van Casteren Viviane , Nobels Frank ,   On behalf of the Initiative for Quality Improvement and Epidemiology in Diabetic Foot Clinics (IQED‐Foot) Study Group
Published: January 2014

Background

This article aims to describe the implementation and initial results of an audit–feedback quality improvement initiative in Belgian diabetic foot clinics.

Methods

Using self‐developed software and questionnaires, diabetic foot clinics collected data in 2005, 2008 and 2011, covering characteristics, history and ulcer severity, management and outcome of the first 52 patients presenting with a Wagner grade ≥2 diabetic foot ulcer or acute neuropathic osteoarthropathy that year. Quality improvement was encouraged by meetings and by anonymous benchmarking of diabetic foot clinics.

Results

The first audit–feedback cycle was a pilot study. Subsequent audits, with a modified methodology, had increasing rates of participation and data completeness.

Over 85% of diabetic foot clinics participated and 3372 unique patients were sampled between 2005 and 2011 (3312 with a diabetic foot ulcer and 111 with acute neuropathic osteoarthropathy). Median age was 70 years, median diabetes duration was 14 years and 64% were men. Of all diabetic foot ulcers, 51% were plantar and 29% were both ischaemic and deeply infected. Ulcer healing rate at 6 months significantly increased from 49% to 54% between 2008 and 2011. Management of diabetic foot ulcers varied between diabetic foot clinics: 88% of plantar mid‐foot ulcers were off‐loaded (P10–P90: 64–100%), and 42% of ischaemic limbs were revascularized (P10–P90: 22–69%) in 2011.

Conclusions

A unique, nationwide quality improvement initiative was established among diabetic foot clinics, covering ulcer healing, lower limb amputation and many other aspects of diabetic foot care. Data completeness increased, thanks in part to questionnaire revision. Benchmarking remains challenging, given the many possible indicators and limited sample size. The optimized questionnaire allows future quality of care monitoring in diabetic foot clinics. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Establishing a multidisciplinary diabetic foot team in a large tertiary hospital: a workshop
Authors: Cahn Avivit , Elishuv Ofer , Olshtain‐Pops Keren
Published: January 2014

Every year, over 1 million people with diabetes lose a leg due to diabetic foot disease. Most amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer. Causes for the development of foot ulcers are generally multifactorial and may include neuropathy, peripheral vasculopathy, abnormal foot mechanics and infection. Multidisciplinary approach to the patient with acute diabetic foot is mandatory and has been shown to reduce amputation rate. In our article we describe the establishment of a multidisciplinary diabetic foot team in a large tertiary hospital and its outcomes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The New insights from DPP‐4 inhibitors: their potential immune modulatory function in autoimmune diabetes
Authors: Zhao Yunjuan , Yang Lin , Wang Xiangbing , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: January 2014

Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors are a new class of anti‐diabetic agents that are widely used in clinical practice to improve glycemic control and protect β‐cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes. DPP‐4 is also known as lymphocyte cell surface protein CD26 and plays an important role in T‐cell immunity. Autoimmune diabetes, a T‐cell mediated organ‐specific disease, is initiated by the imbalance between pathogenic and regulatory T‐lymphocytes. DPP‐4 inhibitors can suppress pathogenic effects of Th1 and Th17 cells and up‐regulate Th2 cells and regulatory T cells, which play a critical role in ameliorating autoimmune diabetes. This provides a basis for the potential use of DPP‐4 inhibitors in the treatment of autoimmune diabetes. Recent studies suggest that DPP‐4 inhibitors improve β‐cell function and attenuate autoimmunity in type 1 diabetic mouse models. However, there are few clinical studies on the treatment of autoimmune diabetes with DPP‐4 inhibitors. Further studies are warranted to confirm the therapeutic effects of DPP‐4 inhibitors on autoimmune diabetes in humans. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distribution and function of TrkB receptors in the developing brain of the opossumMonodelphis domestica
Authors: Bartkowska Katarzyna , Aniszewska Agata , Turlejski Kris , Djavadian Ruzanna L.
Published: January 2014

The expression, development pattern, spatiotemporal distribution, and function of TrkB receptors were investigated during the postnatal brain development of the opossum. Full‐length TrkB receptor expression was detectable in the newborn opossum, whereas three different short forms that are expressed in the adult brain were almost undetectable in the newborn opossum brain. The highest level of full‐length TrkB receptor expression was observed at P35, which corresponds to the time of eye opening. We found that in different brain structures, TrkB receptors were localized in various compartments of cells. The hypothalamus was distinguished by the presence of TrkB receptors not only in cell bodies but also in the neuropil. Double immunofluroscent staining for TrkB and a marker for the identification of the cell phenotype in several brain regions such as the olfactory bulb, hippocampus, thalamus, and cerebellum showed that unlike in eutherians, in the opossum, TrkB receptors were predominantly expressed in neurons. A lack of TrkB receptors in glial cells, particularly astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, provides evidence that TrkB receptors can play a functionally different role in marsupials than in eutherians. The effects of TrkB signaling on the development of cortical progenitor cells were examined in vitro using shRNAs. Blockade of the endogenous TrkB receptor expression induced a decrease in the number of progenitor cells proliferation, whereas the number of apoptotic progenitor cells increased. These changes were statistically significant but relatively small. In contrast, TrkB signaling was strongly involved in regulation of the cortical progenitor cell differentiation process. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 707–722, 2014
Transposon‐dependent induction of Vincent van Gogh's sunflowers: Exceptions revealed
Authors: Fambrini Marco , Salvini Mariangela , Basile Alice , Pugliesi Claudio
Published: January 2014

The radiate sunflower inflorescence is composed by zygomorphic ray flowers and actinomorphic disk flowers. Studies performed on mutants identify HaCYC2c, a CYCLOIDEA (CYC)‐like gene, as one of the key players controlling flower symmetry in sunflower. turf and tub mutants are characterized by a shift from zygomorphic to actinomorphic ray flowers, caused by insertion of transposable elements (TEs) in HaCYC2c gene. In dbl or Chry mutants, an insertion upstream the coding region of HaCYC2c causes the ectopic expression of the gene and the shift from actinomorphic to zygomorphic disk flowers. We focused on Chry2 mutant: a 1034 bp insertion placed 558 bp before the start codon of HaCYC2c was identified. The insertion is a truncated version of a CACTA TE. Unexpectedly, phenotypic and genetic co‐segregation analysis in F2 and F3 progenies derived from the crosses Chry2 × turf and turf × Chry2 demonstrated that CACTA insertion is not always sufficient to alter the expression of HaCYC2c gene and generate Chry2 phenotype. F3 plants homozygous for the CACTA insertion displayed either HaCYC2c transcription pattern identical to wild‐type plants or a normal heterogamous inflorescence. Stated these results, we conclude that a much more complex regulatory system stays behind the Chry2 phenotype. genesis 52:315–327, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Disentangling community functional components in a litter‐macrodetritivore model system reveals the predominance of the mass ratio hypothesis
Authors: Bílá Karolína , Moretti Marco , de Bello Francesco , Dias André T.C. , Pezzatti Gianni B. , Van Oosten Arend Raoul , Berg Matty P.
Published: January 2014

Recent investigations have shown that two components of community trait composition are important for key ecosystem processes: (i) the community‐weighted mean trait value (CWM), related to the mass ratio hypothesis and dominant trait values in the community, and (ii) functional diversity (FD), related to the complementarity hypothesis and the divergence of trait values. However, no experiments controlling for the inherent dependence betweenCWMandFDhave been conducted so far. We used a novel experimental framework to disentangle the unique and shared effects ofCWMandFDin a leaf litter‐macrodetritivore model system. We manipulated isopod assemblages varying in species number,CWMandFDof litter consumption rate to test the relative contribution of these community parameters in the decomposition process. We showed thatCWM, but also the combination ofCWMandFD, is a main factor controlling litter decomposition. When we tested individual biodiversity components separately,CWMof litter consumption rate showed a significant effect on decomposition, whileFDand species richness alone did not. Our study demonstrated that (i) trait composition rather than species diversity drives litter decomposition, (ii) dominant trait values in the community (CWM) play a chief role in driving ecosystem processes, corroborating the mass ratio hypothesis, and (iii) trait dissimilarity can contribute in modulating the overall biodiversity effects. Future challenge is to assess whether the generality of our finding, that is, that dominant trait values (CWM) predominate over trait dissimilarity (FD), holds for other ecosystem processes, environmental conditions and different spatial and temporal scales.
Evolutionary quantitative genetics of behavioral responses to handling in a wild passerine
Authors: Class Barbara , Kluen Edward , Brommer Jon E.
Published: January 2014

Behavioral differences between individuals that are consistent over time characterize animal personality. The existence of such consistency contrasts to the expectation based on classical behavioral theory that facultative behavior maximizes individual fitness. Here, we study two personality traits (aggression and breath rate during handling) in a wild population of blue tits during 2007–2012. Handling aggression and breath rate were moderately heritable (h2 = 0.35 and 0.20, respectively) and not genetically correlated (rA = 0.06) in adult blue tits, which permits them to evolve independently. Reciprocal cross‐fostering (2007–2010) showed that offspring reared by more aggressive males have a higher probability to recruit. In addition, offspring reared by pairs mated assortatively for handling aggression had a higher recruitment probability, which is the first evidence that both parents' personalities influence their reproductive success in the wild in a manner independent of their genetic effects. Handling aggression was not subjected to survival selection in either sex, but slow‐breathing females had a higher annual probability of survival as revealed by capture–mark–recapture analysis. We find no evidence for temporal fluctuations in selection, and thus conclude that directional selection (via different fitness components) acts on these two heritable personality traits. Our findings show that blue tit personality has predictable fitness consequences, but that facultative adjustment of an individual's personality to match the fitness maximum is likely constrained by the genetic architecture of personality. In the face of directional selection, the presence of heritable variation in personality suggests the existence of a trade‐off that we have not identified yet.
Estimated urinary sodium excretion and risk of heart failure in men and women in the EPIC‐Norfolk study
Authors: Pfister Roman , Michels Guido , Sharp Stephen J. , Luben Robert , Wareham Nick J. , Khaw Kay‐Tee
Published: January 2014

Aims

Interventional trials provide evidence for a beneficial effect of reduced dietary sodium intake on blood pressure. The association of sodium intake with heart failure which is a long‐term complication of hypertension has not been examined.

Methods and results

Hazard ratios [HRs, 95% confidence interval (CI)] of heart failure comparing quintiles of estimated 24 h urinary sodium excretion (USE) were calculated in apparently healthy men (9017) and women (10 840) aged 39–79 participating in the EPIC study in Norfolk. During a mean follow‐up of 12.9 years, 1210 incident cases of heart failure occurred. Compared with the reference category (128 mmol/day ≤USE ≤148 mmol/day), the top quintile (USE ≥191 mmol/day) was associated with a significantly increased hazard of heart failure (1.32, 1.07–1.62) in multivariable analysis adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, cholesterol, social class, educational level, smoking, physical activity, and alcohol consumption, with a marked attenuation (1.21, 0.98–1.49) when further adjusting for blood pressure. The bottom quintile (USE ≤127 mmol/day) was also associated with an increased hazard of heart failure (1.29, 1.04–1.60) in multivariable analysis without relevant attenuation by blood pressure adjustment (1.26, 1.02–1.56), but with substantial attenuation when adjusting for interim ischaemic heart disease and baseline C‐reactive protein levels and exclusion of events during the first 2 years (1.18, 0.96–1.47).

Conclusion

We demonstrate a U‐shaped association between USE and heart failure risk in an apparently healthy middle‐aged population. The risk associated with the high range of USE was attenuated after adjustment for blood pressure, whereas the risk associated with the low range of USE was attenuated after adjustment for pre‐existing disease processes.
Recurrent mutation of JAK3 in T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Bergmann Anke K. , Schneppenheim Sina , Seifert Marc , Betts Matthew J. , Haake Andrea , Lopez Cristina , Maria Murga Penas Eva , Vater Inga , Jayne Sandrine , Dyer Martin J.S. , Schrappe Martin , Dührsen Ulrich , Ammerpohl Ole , Russell Robert B. , Küppers Ralf , Dürig Jan , Siebert Reiner
Published: January 2014

T‐cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T‐PLL) is an aggressive post‐thymic T‐cell malignancy characterized by the recurrent inv(14)(q11q32)/t(14;14)(q11;q32) or t(X;14)(q28;q11) leading to activation of either the TCL1 or MTCP1 gene, respectively. However, these primary genetic events are insufficient to drive leukemogenesis. Recently, activating mutations in JAK3 have been identified in other T‐cell malignancies. Since JAK3 is essential for T‐cell maturation, we analyzed a cohort of 32 T‐PLL patients for mutational hot spots in the JAK3 gene using a step‐wise screening approach. We identified 14 mutations in 11 of 32 patients (34%). The most frequently detected mutation in our cohort was M511I (seen in 57% of cases) previously described as an activating change in other T‐cell malignancies. Three patients carried two mutations in JAK3. In two patients M511I and R657Q were simultaneously detected and in another patient V674F and V678L. In the latter case we could demonstrate that the mutations were on the same allele in cis. Protein modeling and homology analyses of mutations present in other members of the JAK family suggested that these mutations likely activate JAK3, possibly by disrupting the activation loop and the interface between N and C lobes, increasing the accessibility of the catalytic loop. In addition, four of the 21 patients lacking a JAK3 point mutation presented an aberrant karyotype involving the chromosomal band 19p13 harboring the JAK3 locus. The finding of recurrent activating JAK3 mutations in patients with T‐PLL could enable the use of JAK3 inhibitors to treat patients with this unfavorable malignancy who otherwise have a very poor prognosis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nature's Little Cleaners
Authors: Marx Conrad , Krebs Peter
Published: January 2014

Studies carried out by researchers in Dresden have shown that self‐cleaning processes in natural water bodies can be significantly improved by adding just the right amount of microorganisms to the water discharged from wastewater treatment plants. But whether this insight will produce a new ecotechnology strategy remains to be seen.
Boost for “Research in Germany”
Authors: Streier Eva‐Maria
Published: January 2014

GAIN conference in San Francisco appeals for highly qualified researchers to return home / Germany now more attractive as a research location
Introducing … Obelix
Authors: Burgard Wolfram , Stachniss Cyrill
Published: January 2014

160 centimetres tall, weighing 100 kilograms and packed with cutting‐edge sensor technology, this autonomous robot can navigate through a busy pedestrian zone. But computer scientists in Freiburg have even more ambitious plans.
Alterations of oxidative phosphorylation complexes in astrocytomas
Authors: Feichtinger René Günther , Weis Serge , Mayr Johannes Adalbert , Zimmermann Franz , Geilberger Reinhard , Sperl Wolfgang , Kofler Barbara
Published: January 2014

The shift in cellular energy production from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis, even under aerobic conditions, called the Warburg effect, is a feature of most solid tumors. The activity levels of OXPHOS complexes and citrate synthase were determined in astrocytomas. A gradual decrease of citrate synthase and OXPHOS complexes was observed depending on tumor grade. In low‐grade astrocytomas (WHO grade II), enzyme activities of citrate synthase, complex I, and complex V were comparable to those of normal brain tissue. A trend to reduced activities was observed for complexes II–IV. In glioblastoma (WHO grade IV), activities of citrate synthase and complexes I–IV were decreased by 56–92% as compared with normal brain. Immunohistochemical staining for porin revealed that the tumorpil of low‐grade astrocytomas displays characteristics of the mitochondria‐rich neuropil of normal brain tissue. In high‐grade tumors (WHO grades III and IV), the tumorpil was characterized by severe morphologic alterations as well as loss of “pilem” structures. Specific alterations of OXPHOS complexes were observed in all astrocytic tumors by immunohistochemical analysis: 80% of astrocytomas exhibited severe deficiency of complex IV; complex I showed a gradual reduction in amount with increasing tumor grade, whereas complex II showed reduced levels only in high‐grade (WHO grade IV) tumors (9/12); complexes III and V did not show significant alterations compared with normal brain tissue. OXPHOS defects were present not only in the cell bodies of tumor cells but also in the pilem structures, indicating that the ramifications/protuberances (tumorpil) in general originate from tumor cells. GLIA 2014;62:514–525
Sentinel lymph node status in Merkel cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Not a predictor of survival
Authors: Fritsch Valerie A. , Camp E. Ramsay , Lentsch Eric J.
Published: January 2014

Background

The effect of sentinel lymph node status on survival in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the head and neck is uncertain.

Methods

We used the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database to identify patients with MCC who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Clinicopathologic data and disease‐specific survival (DSS) were compared among patients with positive and negative sentinel lymph nodes.

Results

We identified 721 patients with cutaneous MCC who underwent SLNB, of which 173 (24%) had head and neck MCC. The rate of sentinel lymph node positivity in patients with head and neck MCC was 23.1%. Sentinel lymph node metastasis did not significantly affect survival in head and neck MCC (p = .139).

Conclusion

Using the SEER database, we report what we believe to be the largest head and neck MCC study to date. Our results suggest that sentinel lymph node status does not predict survival in head and neck MCC. Independent predictors of MCC‐related mortality seem to be unique in the head and neck region. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 571–579, 2014
Intestinal lymphangiectasia and reversible high liver stiffness
Authors: Milazzo Laura , Peri Anna Maria , Lodi Lucia , Gubertini Guido , Ridolfo Anna Lisa , Antinori Spinello
Published: January 2014

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL) is a protein-losing enteropathy characterized by tortuous and dilated lymph channels of the small bowel. The main symptoms are bilateral lower limb edema, serosal effusions, and vitamin D malabsorption resulting in osteoporosis. We report here a case of long-lasting misdiagnosed PIL with a peculiar liver picture, characterized by a very high stiffness value at transient elastography, which decreased with clinical improvement. The complex interplay between lymphatic and hepatic circulatory system is discussed. (Hepatology 2014;60:759–761)
Why are people with insecure attachments unhappy? The mediation of meaning in life
Authors: Yen Chih‐Long
Published: January 2014

This study explores the mediating role of meaning in life with respect to the relationship between adult attachment and psychological well‐being. This study proposed that because people with insecure attachments have difficulty in connecting with the external world, this may decrease their ability to attain meaning in life, which may in turn diminish their well‐being. Two studies (N = 155 and 234, respectively, with age range from 18 to 31) were conducted. Participants completed self‐report measures of attachment, well‐being and meaning in life. The results consistently revealed a full mediation effect of meaning in life on the relationship between attachment and well‐being. The findings suggested that a deeper sense of meaning in life comes from one's connection with the external world, especially with other people.
Insomnia in paediatric chronic pain and its impact on depression and functional disability
Authors: Kanstrup M. , Holmström L. , Ringström R. , Wicksell R.K.
Published: January 2014

Background

Children and adolescents attending health care due to chronic pain commonly presents with insomnia. Previous research suggests that problems with sleep are associated with depression and functional disability. However, more research is needed to clarify the relationship between pain, insomnia and disability.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the frequency, severity and importance of insomnia in paediatric patients with chronic pain and to evaluate the mediating role of insomnia in explaining the relationship between pain and depression as well as between pain and functioning. In addition, to ascertain the adequacy of using a Swedish translation of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) with youths, analyses included a statistical evaluation of the instrument.

Method

Correlational analyses of cross‐sectional data from 154 consecutive paediatric patients with chronic pain referred to a tertiary pain clinic.

Results

Insomnia explained a significant amount of variance in depression and functional disability when controlling for demographic characteristics and pain. Indirect effects of insomnia were found for both the relationship between pain and depression, and between pain and functional disability. ISI showed satisfactory psychometric properties in this sample, including internal consistency and concurrent criteria validity.

Conclusions

Insomnia is highly important in explaining depression and functional disability in paediatric chronic pain and can be adequately assessed using the ISI.