bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orangutan behavior in Kutai National Park after drought and fire damage: Adjustments to short‐ and long‐term natural forest regeneration
Authors: Russon Anne E. , Kuncoro Purwo , Ferisa Agnes
Published: October 2015

This study aimed to develop a long‐term picture of orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus morio) behavioral adjustments to damaged masting forest around Mentoko, Kutai National Park, Indonesia. Mentoko is regenerating from two severe burnings and is one of few areas where orangutans were well‐studied before and early after damage. We studied orangutans’ feeding ecology, diet, and activity budgets 12–15 years after the second burning then compared our findings with earlier pre‐ and post‐damage ones to assess the changes and factors involved. By our study, we predicted (1) improved feeding ecology compared to early in regeneration, (2) behavior diverging from the normal foraging strategy and (3) behavior shifting toward pre‐damage patterns with improving feeding ecology. Data were behavioral observations on 42 orangutans (422 full day follows, 3,522 hr) and tree plot measures of feeding ecology. Findings were consistent with the first and third predictions but not the second: (1) feeding ecology had improved (plant food abundance was near per‐damage levels, but species composition had changed); (2) foraging strategies showed no divergence from normal (fallback‐preferred food switches in diet and activity budget adjustments were both normal, notably travel did not reduce), (3) diet and activity budgets had reverted to near pre‐damage values by our study. Differently than post‐damage studies on other orangutans but consistent with those on other primates, our comparisons showed behavioral adjustments were flexible, multiple vs. single, and influenced by multiple factors. Factors likely involved at Mentoko include type and spatial configuration of damage, duration of regeneration, and P. p. morio's recognized resilience. Findings have value for orangutan and nature conservation in showing that recovery to near‐normal levels from severe habitat damage is possible within ca 15 years and in adding to understanding of the factors and processes that contribute to recovery. Am. J. Primatol. 77:1276–1289, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Black phosphorus saturable absorber for ultrafast mode‐locked pulse laser via evanescent field interaction
Authors: Park Kichul , Lee Junsu , Lee Young Tack , Choi Won‐Kook , Lee Ju Han , Song Yong‐Won
Published: October 2015

Black phosphorus, or BP, has found a lot of applications in recent years including photonics. The most recent studies have shown that the material has an excellent optical nonlinearity useful in many areas, one of which is in saturable absorption for passive mode‐locking. A direct interaction scheme for mode‐locking, however, has a potential to optically cause permanent damage to the already delicate material. Evanescent field interaction scheme has already been proven to be a useful method to prevent such danger for other 2‐dimensional nanomaterials. In this report, we have utilized the evanescent field interaction to demonstrate that the optical nonlinear characteristics of BP is sufficiently strong to use in such an indirect interaction method. The successful demonstration of the passive mode‐locking operation has generated pulses with the pulse duration, repetition rate, and time bandwidth product of 2.18 ps, 15.59 MHz, and 0.336, respectively.
Preparation of a poly(vinyl chloride) ultrafiltration membrane through the combination of thermally induced phase separation and non‐solvent‐induced phase separation
Authors: Jin Tian‐Tian , Zhao Zhi‐Ping , Chen Kang‐Cheng
Published: October 2015

To regulate the polymer–diluent interaction and control the viscosity of the casting solution, diphenyl ketone (DPK) and a N,N‐dimethylacetamide/N,N‐dimethylformamide mixture were selected as a combined diluent. Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) utlrafiltration membranes, which had sufficient mechanical properties for their practical applications because of their bicontinuous spongy structure, were prepared by a combined process of thermally induced phase separation and non‐solvent‐induced phase separation. The phase‐separation mechanism was analyzed. In an air bath, the cast nascent solution immediately transformed into a transparent gel, and liquid–liquid phase separation was induced by a sudden drop in the temperature before crystallization. An ice–water bath was used to coagulate the membrane. The effects of the DPK and PVC concentrations on the membrane structures and performances were mainly investigated. The results show that an increase in the DPK content made the membrane pores change from fingerlike to spongy. Fully spongy pores formed, and the pores size decreased with increasing PVC concentration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42953.
Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose‐based sponges loaded self‐microemulsifying curcumin: Preparation, characterization, and in vivo oral absorption studies
Authors: Petchsomrit Arpa , Sermkaew Namfa , Wiwattanapatapee Ruedeekorn
Published: October 2015

Novel hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC)‐based sponges containing self‐microemulsifying curcumin (SME‐Cur) were prepared by a freeze drying method using different grades of HPMC (E5 LV, E15 LV, E50 LV, A15 LV, and A4C). The physical properties and drug release from these carriers were characterized and compared among the different formulations. The mean pore size values of the sponges from image analysis ranged from 43.36 ± 4.54 to 123.22 ± 8.19 nm. An increase in the concentration or viscosity of the HPMC, resulted in denser sponges and a slower drug release. The average microemulsion droplet size from the optimal sponge formulation was 34.80 ± 0.1 nm, and the curcumin was almost completely released within 120 min. The AUC after oral administration of the liquid and solid SME‐Cur were 7‐ and 5‐fold greater than that of the curcumin powder in the rabbit, respectively. The results demonstrated that the HPMC‐based sponges loaded with SME‐Cur could be efficiently used to enhance the oral bioavailability and might be useful as they could be administered at a lower dose compared to normal curcumin powder. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42966.
Enhancement of physical and optical performances of polycarbonate‐based diffusers for direct‐lit LED backlight unit by incorporation of nanoclay platelets
Authors: Kim Hyo Jin , Kim Seong Woo
Published: October 2015

Using twin‐extrusion compounding followed by compression molding processes, polycarbonate/clay nanocomposite optical diffusers with highly intercalated and exfoliated nanostructure could be prepared for application in direct‐lit LED backlight unit. The incorporation of nanoclay platelets with an appropriate level of content substantially improved thermal resistance, as well as thermo‐mechanical, and mechanical flexural properties. The optical property of luminance uniformity with respect to both location and viewing angle was also enhanced by the load of nanoclay platelets along with silicone bead, probably due to efficient scattering and diffusion action of the nanoclay. However, excess loading of nanoclay had insignificant effect on the improvement of properties for the nanocomposite diffusers. In addition, the presence of nanoclay platelets in the PC matrix effectively suppressed the moisture absorption rate, suggesting the feasibility of avoiding the warpage phenomena of the optical diffuser during use. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42973.
Photocurrent generation by dye‐sensitized solar cells using natural pigments
Authors: Armendáriz‐Mireles Eddie Nahúm , Rocha‐Rangel Enrique , Caballero‐Rico Frida , Ramírez‐de‐León José Alberto , Vázquez Manuel
Published: October 2015

The development of photovoltaic panels has improved the conversion of solar radiation into electrical energy. This paper deals with the electrical and thermal characteristics (voltage, current, and temperature) of photovoltaic solar cells sensitized with natural pigments (dye‐sensitized solar cell, DSSC) based on a titanium dioxide semiconductor. Several natural pigments (blackberry, beets, eggplant skin, spinach, flame tree flower, papaya leaf, and grass extracts) were evaluated to determine their sensitizing effect on titanium dioxide. The results showed the great potential of natural pigments for use in solar cells. The best results were obtained with the blackberry pigment, reaching a value of 7.1 mA current, open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.72 V in 2 cm2, and fill factor (ff) of 0.51 in the DSSC. This performance is well above than that currently offers by actual cells.
Modeling of macromolecular proteins in prophenoloxidase cascade through experimental and computational approaches
Authors: Sivakamavalli Jeyachandran , Selvaraj Chandrabose , Singh Sanjeev Kumar , Vaseeharan Baskaralingam
Published: October 2015

Prophenoloxidase (ProPO) cascade is a principal defense system in crustaceans, which consists of a variety of pattern recognition proteins (lipopolysaccharide and β‐glucan‐binding protein [β‐GBP], β‐GBP, and β‐glucan recognition protein), proteases (serine protease), and protease inhibitors (α2‐macroglobulin and pacifastin) to regulate the protection mechanism in crustaceans. In the prophneoloxidase pathway, the protein–protein interactions (PPIs) and other immune‐related analyses still have not been reported. Moreover, the structural features of ProPO cascade proteins have not yet been reported, hence we constructed the three‐dimensional structural features for all ProPO pathway proteins. Their PPIs were studied through an in silico approach. Laminarin has been identified as a triggering activator and it showed energetic binding with homology modeled β‐GBP and activated the β‐GBP, followed by the protein–protein complex formation leading to phenoloxidase synthesis. These findings provided a novel view of the ProPO mechanism and enhanced our knowledge of the innate immune system in crustaceans via computation. In conclusion, we propose a combined experimental and computational approach to analyze the mechanism of ProPO cascade proteins.
Quantification and pharmacokinetics of crizotinib in rats by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Qiu Feng , Gu Yanan , Wang Tingting , Gao Yingying , Li Xiao , Gao Xiangyu , Cheng Shan
Published: October 2015

Crizotinib is a small molecule inhibitor of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and can be used to treat ALK‐positive nonsmall‐cell lung cancer. A rapid and simple high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of crizotinib in rat plasma using a chemical synthetic compound buspirone as the internal standard (IS). The plasma samples were pretreated by a simple protein precipitation with methanol–acetonitrile (1:1, v/v). Chromatographic separation was successfully achieved on an Agilent Zorbax XDB C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 3.5 µm). The gradient elution system was composed of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and 0.1% formic acid in methanol solution. The flow rate was set at 0.50 mL/min. The multiple reaction monitoring was based on the transitions of m/z = 450.3 → 177.1 for crizotinib and 386.2 → 122.2 for buspirone (IS). The assay was successfully validated to demonstrate the selectivity, matrix effect, linearity, lower limit of quantification, accuracy, precision, recovery and stability according to the international guidelines. The lower limit of quantification was 1.00 ng/mL in 50 μL of rat plasma. This LC‐MS/MS assay was successfully applied to the quantification and pharmacokinetic study of crizotinib in rats after intravenous and oral administration of crizotinib. The oral absolute bioavailability of crizotinib in rats was 68.6 ± 9.63%. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatio‐temporal distribution of brain activity associated with audio‐visually congruent and incongruent speech and the McGurk Effect
Authors: Pratt Hillel , Bleich Naomi , Mittelman Nomi
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Spatio‐temporal distributions of cortical activity to audio‐visual presentations of meaningless vowel‐consonant‐vowels and the effects of audio‐visual congruence/incongruence, with emphasis on the McGurk effect, were studied. The McGurk effect occurs when a clearly audible syllable with one consonant, is presented simultaneously with a visual presentation of a face articulating a syllable with a different consonant and the resulting percept is a syllable with a consonant other than the auditorily presented one.

Methods

Twenty subjects listened to pairs of audio‐visually congruent or incongruent utterances and indicated whether pair members were the same or not. Source current densities of event‐related potentials to the first utterance in the pair were estimated and effects of stimulus–response combinations, brain area, hemisphere, and clarity of visual articulation were assessed.

Results

Auditory cortex, superior parietal cortex, and middle temporal cortex were the most consistently involved areas across experimental conditions. Early (<200 msec) processing of the consonant was overall prominent in the left hemisphere, except right hemisphere prominence in superior parietal cortex and secondary visual cortex. Clarity of visual articulation impacted activity in secondary visual cortex and Wernicke's area. McGurk perception was associated with decreased activity in primary and secondary auditory cortices and Wernicke's area before 100 msec, increased activity around 100 msec which decreased again around 180 msec. Activity in Broca's area was unaffected by McGurk perception and was only increased to congruent audio‐visual stimuli 30–70 msec following consonant onset.

Conclusions

The results suggest left hemisphere prominence in the effects of stimulus and response conditions on eight brain areas involved in dynamically distributed parallel processing of audio‐visual integration. Initially (30–70 msec) subcortical contributions to auditory cortex, superior parietal cortex, and middle temporal cortex occur. During 100–140 msec, peristriate visual influences and Wernicke's area join in the processing. Resolution of incongruent audio‐visual inputs is then attempted, and if successful, McGurk perception occurs and cortical activity in left hemisphere further increases between 170 and 260 msec.
ChemInform Abstract: Aldehyde as a Traceless Directing Group for Rh(III)‐Catalyzed C—H Activation: A Facile Access to Diverse Indolo[1,2‐a]quinolines.
Authors: Liu Xingyan , Li Xiaoyu , Liu Hu , Guo Qiang , Lan Jingbo , Wang Ruilin , You Jingsong
Published: October 2015

The transformation of N‐aryl indolyl aldehydes with symmetric 1,2‐diaryl or 1,2‐dialkylalkynes proceeds regioselectively and tolerates multiple functional groups including chloro, cyano, and methoxy carbonyl groups.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances and Prospects of Cathode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xiang Xingde , Zhang Kai , Chen Jun
Published: October 2015

Review: 218 refs.
Do career satisfaction and support mediate the effects of justice on organizational citizenship behaviour and counterproductive work behaviour?
Authors: Jawahar I. M. , Stone Thomas H.
Published: October 2015

Following Lavelle, Rupp, and Brockner's () target similarity framework, we propose that perceptions of support and career satisfaction mediate the influence of justice perceptions on citizenship and counterproductive performance. Structural equation modelling results from 356 employees supporting partial mediation. Collectively, the model explained 19% of the variance in perceptions of organizational support, 44% in perceived supervisor support, 33% in career satisfaction, 35% in citizenship performance directed toward the supervisor, 42% in citizenship performance directed toward the organization, 49% in job/task conscientiousness citizenship performance, 9% in counterproductive performance toward the supervisor, and 20% of the variance in counterproductive performance directed toward the organization. We argue that distributive, procedural, informational, and interpersonal dimensions of organizational justice follow different pathways and variously influence organizational outcomes. We discuss the implications of the results for the target similarity framework and more generally for human resources management. Copyright © 2015 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental study of an inert isothermal air carbon dioxide jet with and without a second phase
Authors: Payne Graham , Matovic Miodrag
Published: October 2015

The jet flow fields reported on in this paper were created by an unconventional gun head intended for polymer powder flame deposition. These flow fields are discussed in earlier papers by Payne et al. This paper reports on how the air or CO2 used in place of propane with this gun head mixed inertly with an isothermal coax­ial air jet. Flow visualization with a sheet of laser light described by Payne et al. showed that the jets, air or CO2, emanating from the propane nozzles were rapidly entrained in the coaxial air jet regardless of the presence or absence of a particle stream from the central nozzle. A gas analyzer measured the gas composition in the flow field downstream of the entrainment volume. The time‐averaged CO2 concentration on the nominal centreline of the jet was constant or nearly so. In contrast, the variation in CO2 concentration increased dramatically with the radius at which the gas was sampled, up to a radius of ∼1.5 cm at a distance of 10 cm from the nozzle, after which this fluctuation decreased to 0 at the edges of the flow field. The magnitude of these fluctuations also decreased with the axial distance changing from 10 to 30 cm. Again, the presence or absence of a particle stream from the central jet nozzle had very little effect on the amount of CO2 measured. The irregular entrainment of CO2 caused the variations in the CO2 measured in the flow field.
Convergence in Law of the Maximum of the Two‐Dimensional Discrete Gaussian Free Field
Authors: Bramson Maury , Ding Jian , Zeitouni Ofer
Published: October 2015

We consider the discrete two‐dimensional Gaussian free field on a box of side length $N$, with Dirichlet boundary data, and prove the convergence of the law of the centered maximum of the field.© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Afirma GEC and thyroid lesions: An institutional experience
Authors: Celik Betul , Whetsell Chantel R. , Nassar Aziza
Published: October 2015

Background

Thyroid fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is used to assess appropriate management of nodular thyroid lesions safely, but Bethesda category III (atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance) and category IV (follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm) lesions are problematic. This study aimed to evaluate the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) results for lesions in those categories.

Methods

Medical records of patients with thyroid FNA and GEC results were obtained from archived material. Results were compared to thyroidectomy histologic diagnoses.

Results

Among 66 patients with FNA results (47 women and 19 men aged 26–89 years [mean, 59.4 years]), surgical reports were available for 38. Afirma GEC results were “nondiagnostic” for 10 of 66 (15.2%), “benign” for 22 (33.3%), and “suspicious” for 34 (51.5%). Surgical diagnosis was available for 38 of 66 patients (57.6%); GEC results for 6 (15.8%) of these were “nondiagnostic,” 27 (71.0%) were “suspicious,” and 5 (13.2%) were “benign.” One of 6 (16.7%) samples with “nondiagnostic” results, 1 of 5 (20%) with “benign” results, and 15 of 27 (55.6%) with “suspicious” results were malignant on histology. Papillary carcinoma was the most common tumor type (15 of 38; 39.5%).

Conclusions

Afirma GEC results minimize the number of unnecessary operations. Afirma GEC testing may be reserved for FNAs with a category III diagnosis on follow‐up cytologic examination. We recommend a conservative approach for “suspicious” Afirma GEC results if Hürthle cells are seen with FNA. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:966–970. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metformin affects the features of a human hepatocellular cell line (HepG2) by regulating macrophage polarization in a co‐culture microenviroment
Authors: Chen Miaojiao , Zhang Jingjing , Hu Fang , Liu Shiping , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: October 2015

Objective

Accumulating evidence suggests an association between diabetes and cancer. Inflammation is a key event that underlies the pathological processes of the two diseases. Metformin displays anti‐cancer effects, but the mechanism is not completely clear. This study investigated whether metformin regulated the microenvironment of macrophage polarization to affect the characteristics of HepG2 cells and the possible role of the Notch‐signalling pathway.

Methods

RAW264.7 macrophages were cultured alone or co‐cultured with HepG2 cells and treated with metformin. We analysed classical (M1) and alternative (M2) gene expression in RAW264.7 cells using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Changes in mRNA and protein expressions of Notch signalling in both cell types were also detected using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western‐blotting analyses. The proliferation, apoptosis and migration of HepG2 cells were detected using Cell Titer 96 AQueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay (MTS) (Promega Corporation, Fitchburg, WI, USA), Annexin V‐FITC/PI (7SeaPharmTech, Shanghai, China) and the cell scratch assay, respectively.

Results

Metformin induced single‐cultured RAW264.7 macrophages with an M2 phenotype but attenuated the M2 macrophage differentiation and inhibited monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) secretion in a co‐culture system. The co‐cultured group of metformin pretreatment activated Notch signalling in macrophages but repressed it inHepG2 cells. Co‐culture also promoted the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells. However, along with the enhanced apoptosis, the proliferation and the migration of HepG2 cells were remarkably inhibited in another co‐culture system with metformin pretreatment.

Conclusions

Metformin can skew RAW264.7 macrophages toward different phenotypes according to changes in the microenvironment, which may affect the inflammatory conditions mediated by macrophages, induce apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells. Notch signalling pathway is a potentially important mechanism in the regulation of metformin on macrophage polarization and the subsequent change of hepatoma cells. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early life sensory ability—ventilatory responses of thornback ray embryos (Raja clavata) to predator‐type electric fields
Authors: Ball Rachel Emma , Oliver Matthew Kenneth , Gill Andrew Bruce
Published: October 2015

Predator avoidance is fundamental for survival and it can be particularly challenging for prey animals if physical movement away from a predatory threat is restricted. Many sharks and rays begin life within an egg capsule that is attached to the sea bed. The vulnerability of this sedentary life stage is exacerbated in skates (Rajidae) as the compulsory ventilatory activity of embryos makes them conspicuous to potential predators. Embryos can reduce this risk by mediating ventilatory activity if they detect the presence of a predator using an acute electrosense. To determine how early in embryonic life predator elicited behavioral responses can occur, the reactions of three different age groups (1/3 developed, 2/3 developed, and near hatching) of embryonic thornback rays Raja clavata were tested using predator‐type electric field stimuli. Egg capsules were exposed to continuous or intermittent stimuli in order to assess varying predator‐type encounter scenarios on the ventilatory behavior of different developmental stages. All embryos reacted with a “freeze response” following initial electric field (E‐field) exposure, ceasing ventilatory behavior in response to predator presence, demonstrating electroreceptive functionality for the first time at the earliest possible stage in ontogeny. This ability coincided with the onset of egg ventilatory behavior and may represent an effective means to enhance survival. A continuous application of stimuli over time revealed that embryos can adapt their behavior and resume normal activity, whereas when presented intermittently, the E‐field resulted in a significant reduction in overall ventilatory activity across all ages. Recovery from stimuli was significantly quicker in older embryos, potentially indicative of the trade‐off between avoiding predation and adequate respiration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 721–729, 2016
The plant homeodomain finger protein MESR4 is essential for embryonic development in Drosophila
Authors: Seong Ki‐Hyeon , Tsuda Manabu , Tsuda‐Sakurai Kayoko , Aigaki Toshiro
Published: October 2015

Misexpression Suppressor of Ras 4 (MESR4), a plant homeodomain (PHD) finger protein with nine zinc‐finger motifs has been implicated in various biological processes including the regulation of fat storage and innate immunity in Drosophila. However, the role of MESR4 in the context of development remains unclear. Here it is shown that MESR4 is a nuclear protein essential for embryonic development. Immunostaining of polytene chromosomes using anti‐MESR4 antibody revealed that MESR4 binds to numerous bands along the chromosome arms. The most intense signal was detected at the 39E‐F region, which is known to contain the histone gene cluster. P‐element insertions in the MESR4 locus, which were homozygous lethal during embryogenesis with defects in ventral ectoderm formation and head encapsulation was identified. In the mutant embryos, expression of Fasciclin 3 (Fas3), an EGFR signal target gene was greatly reduced, and the level of EGFR signal‐dependent double phosphorylated ERK (dp‐ERK) remained low. However, in the context of wing vein formation, genetic interaction experiments suggested that MESR4 is involved in the EGFR signaling as a negative regulator. These results suggested that MESR4 is a novel chromatin‐binding protein required for proper expression of genes including those regulated by the EGFR signaling pathway during development. genesis 53:701–708, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spatial pattern of adaptive and neutral genetic diversity across different biomes in the lesser anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla)
Authors: Clozato Camila L. , Mazzoni Camila J. , Moraes‐Barros Nadia , Morgante João S. , Sommer Simone
Published: October 2015

The genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) code for proteins involved in antigen recognition and activation of the adaptive immune response and are thought to be regulated by natural selection, especially due to pathogen‐driven selective pressure. In this study, we investigated the spatial distribution ofMHCclassIIDRBexon 2 gene diversity of the lesser anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) across five Brazilian biomes using next‐generation sequencing and compared theMHCpattern with that of neutral markers (microsatellites). We found a noticeable high level of diversity inDRB(60 amino acid alleles in 65 individuals) and clear signatures of historical positive selection acting on this gene. Higher allelic richness and proportion of private alleles were found in rain forest biomes, especially Amazon forest, a megadiverse biome, possibly harboring greater pathogen richness as well. Neutral markers, however, showed a similar pattern toDRB, demonstrating the strength of demography as an additional force to pathogen‐driven selection in shapingMHCdiversity and structure. This is the first characterization and description of diversity of aMHCgene for any member of the magna‐order Xenarthra, one of the basal lineages of placental mammals.
Differential impact of body position on the severity of disordered breathing in heart failure patients with obstructive vs. central sleep apnoea
Authors: Pinna Gian Domenico , Robbi Elena , La Rovere Maria Teresa , Taurino Anna Eugenia , Bruschi Claudio , Guazzotti Giampaolo , Maestri Roberto
Published: October 2015

Aims

Obstructive (OSA) and central sleep apnoea (CSA) are a common comorbidity in patients with heart failure. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the impact of body position on the severity of sleep apnoea in these two groups of patients.

Methods and results

Standard polysomnography was performed in consecutive, clinically stable, optimally treated patients with moderate‐to‐severe heart failure and systolic dysfunction. Patients with an apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥15/h (n = 120) were included in the study. The severity of sleep‐disordered breathing was quantified by the AHI, the mean value of oxygen desaturations (O2desat) and the apnoea ratio. Data from the right and left positions were combined into a single lateral position. Positional sleep apnoea was defined as a >50% reduction in the AHI between the supine and the lateral position. Twenty‐nine and 91 subjects had dominant OSA and CSA, respectively. The AHI markedly decreased from the supine to the lateral position in both groups [OSA: (median [q1,q3]) 50.3 [36.9, 67.6]/h vs. 10.4 [7.0, 18.5]/h, P < 0.0001; CSA: 47.4 [37.6, 56.0]/h vs. 19.3 [11.9, 33.3]/h]. The reduction was greater in OSA patients (p = 0.027). Similarly, O2desat and the apnoea ratio decreased in the lateral position (P < 0.0001). Positional sleep apnoea was observed in 76% of OSA and 53% of CSA patients (P = 0.028).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the lateral sleeping position has a major beneficial effect on the severity of sleep‐disordered breathing in heart failure patients, and that this improvement is greater in subjects with OSA than in those with CSA.
Simulated tempering based on global balance or detailed balance conditions: Suwa–Todo, heat bath, and Metropolis algorithms
Authors: Mori Yoshiharu , Okumura Hisashi
Published: October 2015

Simulated tempering (ST) is a useful method to enhance sampling of molecular simulations. When ST is used, the Metropolis algorithm, which satisfies the detailed balance condition, is usually applied to calculate the transition probability. Recently, an alternative method that satisfies the global balance condition instead of the detailed balance condition has been proposed by Suwa and Todo. In this study, ST method with the Suwa–Todo algorithm is proposed. Molecular dynamics simulations with ST are performed with three algorithms (the Metropolis, heat bath, and Suwa–Todo algorithms) to calculate the transition probability. Among the three algorithms, the Suwa–Todo algorithm yields the highest acceptance ratio and the shortest autocorrelation time. These suggest that sampling by a ST simulation with the Suwa–Todo algorithm is most efficient. In addition, because the acceptance ratio of the Suwa–Todo algorithm is higher than that of the Metropolis algorithm, the number of temperature states can be reduced by 25% for the Suwa–Todo algorithm when compared with the Metropolis algorithm. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sarcopenia and mortality among a population‐based sample of community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Brown Justin C. , Harhay Michael O. , Harhay Meera N.
Published: October 2015

Background

Sarcopenia is a risk‐factor for all‐cause mortality among older adults, but it is unknown if sarcopenia predisposes older adults to specific causes of death. Further, it is unknown if the prognostic role of sarcopenia differs between males and females, and obese and non‐obese individuals.

Methods

A population‐based cohort study among 4425 older adults from the Third National Health and Nutrition Survey (1988–1994). Muscle mass was quantified using bioimpedance analysis, and muscle function was quantified using gait speed. Multivariable‐adjusted Cox regression analysis examined the relationship between sarcopenia and mortality outcomes.

Results

The mean age of study participants was 70.1 years. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 36.5%. Sarcopenia associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 1.29 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.13–1.47); P < 0.001] among males and females. Sarcopenia associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular‐specific mortality among females [HR: 1.61 (95% CI: 1.22–2.12); P = 0.001], but not among males [HR: 1.07 (95% CI: 0.81–1.40; P = .643); Pinteraction = 0.079]. Sarcopenia was not associated with cancer‐specific mortality among males and females [HR: 1.07 (95% CI: 0.78–1.89); P = 0.672]. Sarcopenia associated with an increased risk of mortality from other causes (i.e. non‐cardiovascular and non‐cancer) among males and females [HR: 1.32 (95% CI: 1.07–1.62); P = 0.008]. Obesity, defined using body mass index (Pinteraction = 0.817) or waist circumference (Pinteraction = 0.219) did not modify the relationship between sarcopenia and all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia is a prevalent syndrome that is associated with premature mortality among community‐dwelling older adults. The prognostic value of sarcopenia may vary by cause‐specific mortality and differ between males and females.
High prevalence of G12P[8] rotavirus strains in Rio Branco, Acre, Western Amazon, in the post‐rotavirus vaccine introduction period
Authors: Neves Mayara A.O. , Pinheiro Helder H.C. , Silva Rita S.U. , Linhares Alexandre C. , Silva Luciana D. , Gabbay Yvone B. , Silva Mônica C.M. , Loureiro Edvaldo C.B. , Soares Luana S. , Mascarenhas Joana D'Arc P.
Published: October 2015

The present study aimed to provide a molecular characterization of circulating rotavirus (RVA) strains in Rio Branco, Acre, in the post‐rotavirus vaccination period, particularly with regard to the emerging, increasingly prevalent G12P[8] genotype. A total of 488 fecal specimens from diarrheic and non‐diarrheic children were obtained between January and December 2012. RVA detection was initially performed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, followed by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) using specific primers. RVA was detected in 18.3% (44/241) of the children with acute diarrhea and in 1.2% (3/247) of the non‐diarrheic children (P < 0.001), with overall RVA‐positivity of 9.6% (47/488). The most common genotype was G2P[4] with 43.2% (19/44) of the diarrheic cases, followed by G12P[8] (27.3%, 12/44), G3P[6] (18.2%, 8/44), G3P[8] (4.5%, 2/44), and G12P[6] (2.3%, 1/44). G12 samples belonged to lineage III and were from children aged 4–52 months. All of these children had acute diarrhea associated with fever (83.3%, 10/12) and vomiting (66.7%, 8/12). Most of the cases occurred in August (58.3%, 7/12), 75% (9/12) of which having received the full vaccination scheme with Rotarix™. For the first time G12 was reported at relative high prevalence in Brazil. Our findings warrant further monitoring studies on the molecular characterization of circulating RVA strains after rotavirus vaccine introduction in Brazil and elsewhere, since the occurrence of either unusual our emerging genotypes may pose a challenge to vaccination strategies. J. Med. Virol. 88:782–789, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neuroactive molecules and growth factors modulate cytoskeletal protein expression during astroglial cell proliferation and differentiation in culture
Authors: Bramanti Vincenzo , Grasso Sonia , Tibullo Daniele , Giallongo Cesarina , Pappa Rita , Brundo Maria Violetta , Tomassoni Daniele , Viola Maria , Amenta Francesco , Avola Roberto
Published: October 2015

Steroid hormones and neurotrophic factors regulate astroglial cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation in culture. The present study examines the interaction between glucocorticoids and growth factors (GFs) on cytoskeletal proteins and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) expression in stressed astroglial cultures at 25 days in vitro, according to the following experimental condition. Pretreatment with basic fibroblast growth factor alone or in combination with dexamethasone 10–9 M for 48 hr induced an enhancement of glial fibrillary acidic protein, vimetin, and ERK2 expression. Treatment with “progression” GFs alone and in the last 12 hr significantly increased the above‐mentioned markers' expression. The present study shows that glucocorticoids may cooperate with GFs or may abrogate their effects, depending on the experimental culture conditions used as well as the exposure time and the types of GFs added. Our findings provide evidence of interactive dialogue between GFs and neurosteroids in cultured astrocytes. This may have implications in the therapeutic approach to neurologic disorders associated with astrogliosis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐level iron mitigates fusaricidin‐induced membrane damage and reduces membrane fluidity leading to enhanced drug resistance in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Yu Wen‐Bang , Ye Bang‐Ce
Published: October 2015

Fusaricidins are a class of cyclic lipopeptide antibiotics that have strong antifungal activities against plant pathogenic fungi and excellent bactericidal activities against Gram‐positive bacteria. The mechanism through which fusaricidin exerts its action is not yet entirely clear. To investigate the mode of action of fusaricidin, we determined the physiological and transcriptional responses of Bacillus subtilis to fusaricidin treatment by using a systems‐level approach. Our data show that fusaricidin rapidly induced the expression of σW regulon and caused membrane damage in B. subtilis. We further demonstrated that ferric ions play multiple roles in the action of fusaricidin on B. subtilis. Iron deprivation blocked the formation of hydroxyl radical in the cells and significantly inhibited the bactericidal activity of fusaricidin. Conversely, high levels of iron (>2 mM) repressed the expression of BkdR regulon, resulting in a smaller cellular pool of branched‐chain precursors for iso‐ and anteiso‐branched fatty acids, which in turn led to a decrease in the proportion of branched‐chain fatty acids in the membrane of B. subtilis. This change in membrane composition reduced its bilayer fluidity and increased its resistance to antimicrobial agents. In conclusion, our experiments uncovered some novel interactions and a synergism between cellular iron levels and drug resistance in Gram‐positive bacteria.
Sulfasalazine attenuates ACL transection and medial menisectomy‐induced cartilage destruction by inhibition of cystine/glutamate antiporter
Authors: Tsai Wei‐Yuan , Tsai Ru‐Yin , Liu Chih‐Chung , Wu Jia‐lin , Wong Chih‐Shung
Published: October 2015

We had previously demonstrated that excitatory amino acid glutamate plays a role in the progression and severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA), and early hyaluronic acid injection attenuates the OA progression by attenuation of knee joint glutamate level, which was also related to the cystine/glutamate antiporter system X (system ) expression. System uptakes cystine into chondrocytes for glutathione (GSH) synthesis, but the role of system in OA is rarely addressed. Sulfasalazine (SSZ) is a system inhibitor; SSZ was applied intra‐articularly to study the function of system in the development of OA in rats subjected to anterior cruciate ligament transection and medial meniscectomy (ACLT + MMx). Moerover, the system activator N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) was also applied to verify the role of system . The intra‐articular injection of SSZ significantly attenuated knee swelling and cartilage destruction in the knees of ACLT + MMx rats and this effect was blocked by NAC. The results showed that inhibition of system function can attenuate ACLT + MMx‐induced cartilage destruction. In the present study, system inhibitor SSZ was shown to reduce glutamate content in synovial fluid and GSH in chondrocytes. It was also showed SSZ could attenuate ACLT + MMx‐induced cartilage destruction, and treatment of NAC reversed the protective effect of SSZ. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:650–657, 2016.
WIDECARS spectra fitting in a premixed ethylene–air flame
Authors: Cutler Andrew D. , Gallo Emanuela C. A. , Cantu Luca M. L.
Published: October 2015

WIDECARS measures temperature and mole fractions of most of the major species in ethylene–air flames. One of the issues in implementing this technique is fitting the experimental spectra to theory to obtain flame conditions (temperature, species mole fractions). Individual spectra contain many species resonances, and theory is slow to compute. Libraries of precalculated spectra can be used, but a library of sufficient density for accurate interpolation is large given the many variables. A new fitting algorithm is presented which utilizes a less‐dense library, and additional spectra are calculated during fitting to maintain accuracy. The iterative convergence method converts the problem of minimizing fit error, which converges slowly, to a zero finding problem, which converges reliably, rapidly, and accurately to best fit. Various practical fitting issues, such as the effects of dye laser mode noise and variability, phase‐matching efficiency, and shifts of the spectrum on the spectrometer are addressed. The technique is demonstrated in the analysis of experimental measurements in an equivalence ratio 2.1 ethylene–air flame above the surface of a McKenna burner. Precision errors because of experimental and fitting effects are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Clusters and Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence: Findings From a U.S. Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Smith Kathryn Z. , Smith Philip H. , Violanti John M. , Bartone Paul T. , Homish Gregory G.
Published: October 2015

Associations between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) have not been extensively studied in nonveteran samples. Secondary analysis was conducted using a nationally representative U.S. sample and limited to those who reported being in a relationship in the past year (N = 25,652). This sample was mostly White (72.0%), the majority had completed high school/ general educational development (GED; 87.8%), about half were female (49.2%), and the mean age was 46.44 years (SD = 15.92). We hypothesized that a diagnosis of PTSD in the past year would be associated with greater perpetration of IPV and that the arousal/reactivity and intrusion symptom clusters would evidence the strongest associations with IPV. Consistent with expectations, a PTSD diagnosis in the past year was associated with greater perpetration of IPV, OR = 2.07, 95% CI [1.89, 2.26]. Among those with a PTSD diagnosis in the past year (n = 1,742), arousal/reactivity symptom cluster scores were associated with greater perpetration of IPV for both men and women, AOR = 1.27, 95% CI [1.11, 1.44]; intrusion symptom cluster scores were associated with perpetration of IPV for men only, AOR = 1.56, 95% CI [1.20, 2.04]; whereas negative cognitions/mood symptom cluster scores were only significant among women, AOR = 1.12, 95% CI [1.01, 1.24]. Results suggested that theoretical and empirical work linking PTSD and perpetration of IPV in military samples extends to the general population.
Porous Membranes Built Up from Hydrophilic Poly(ionic liquid)s
Authors: Täuber Karoline , Zimathies Annett , Yuan Jiayin
Published: October 2015

Porous polymer membranes made via electrostatic complexation are fabricated from a water‐soluble poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) for the first time. The porous structure is formed as a consequence of simultaneous phase separation of the PIL and ionic complexation with an acid, which occurred in a basic solution of a nonsolvent for the PIL. These membranes have a stimuli‐responsive porosity, with open and closed pores in isopropanol and in water, respectively. This property is quantitatively demonstrated in filtration experiments, where water is passing much slower through the membranes than isopropanol.

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Heterophasic Polypropylene Copolymer Grafted with Itaconic Acid: Molecular Structure Analysis Through Fractionation Techniques
Authors: da Silva Marco Antônio , Galland Griselda B.
Published: October 2015

The functionalization of polypropylene (PP) through the grafting of unsaturated polar monomers such as maleic anhydride (MAH), acrylic acid and its derivatives, in the presence of organic peroxide as initiator, has received much attention over the past decades. However, up to now, only few studies have been reported on the effect of these polar monomers on crystallization and how they are distributed in the polymeric chain. In the present work heterophasic polypropylene copolymer was grafted with itaconic acid (AIt) using reactive extrusion. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of itaconic acid in the rubber and crystalline phases in samples of PP. The separation of the different phases by xylene solubles analysis showed that the acid has preference to incorporate in the rubber fraction. The amount of itaconic acid was determinate by FTIR. It was concluded that the addition of peroxide and itaconic acid to the polymer causes changes of chemical and structural order in the generated material. The results showed a narrowing in the profile of crystallization of the samples analyzed by CRYSTAF resulting of a higher interaction between crystalline and amorphous phases, due to the presence of hydrogen bridges arising from the grafted acid.
Cloud Point Temperature Measurements on Polyolefins: Identification of Potential New Mobile Phases for Interactive Liquid Chromatography of Polyolefins
Authors: Arndt Jan‐Hendrik , Macko Tibor , Brüll Robert
Published: October 2015

Cloud point temperature measurements for linear polyethylene and isotactic polypropylene in 63 different solvents were used to identify solvents for polyolefins and determine the relative thermodynamic quality of these solvents. A comparison with other indicators of the solvents' thermodynamic quality shows that the approach is generally valid and offers a fast and easily applicable tool for characterizing solvents according to their thermodynamic quality. The results offer a multitude of new possibilities for the development of systems for chromatographic characterizations of polyolefins.
High‐Temperature Solvent Gradient Liquid Chromatography of Model Long Chain Branched Polyethylenes
Authors: Macko Tibor , Brüll Robert , Santonja‐Blasco Laura , Alamo Rufina G.
Published: October 2015

The high‐temperature solvent gradient liquid chromatography system 1‐decanol/1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene/porous graphite HypercarbTM has been applied to the separation of well‐defined model long chain branched (LCB) polyethylenes with different architectures (star, H‐type, super H‐type, pompom, comb). The model LCB polyethylenes have been prepared by anionic polymerization of butadiene followed by click chemistry. After hydrogenation of the polybutadienes, the LCB samples contain ∼ 2 mol % ethyl branches randomly distributed along the backbone and the LCB, as is typical for linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). The results indicate that the LCB does not influence the chromatographic separation substantially. The adsorption characteristics of the LCB copolymers are dominated by the SCB content. The presence of LCB increases the molar mass of the samples; however, the increase in molar mass from 100 kg/mol to 200 kg/mol does not influence chromatographic separations in the applied system of porous carbon and 1‐decanol/1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene.