bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ToF‐SIMS study of the surface of catalysts used in biomass valorization
Authors: Ruppert A. M. , Grams J. , Matras‐Michalska J. , Chełmicka M. , Przybysz P.
Published: January 2014

Hydrolytic hydrogenation of cellulose toward fuel additive – γ‐valerolactone (GVL) – has been studied, and the catalytic performance of Pt/TiO2 and Ru/TiO2 and reaction conditions were optimized. Additionally, new information about the changes of catalyst surface after the reactions of lignocelulose toward GVL was obtained. Two procedures were investigated: one‐pot hydrolysis‐hydrogenation and hydrolysis of cellulose followed by hydrogenation in two separate reactions. Spent catalysts were tested by time‐of‐flight SIMS (ToF‐SIMS). Reaction conditions strongly influence the GVL yield, which was much lower during one‐pot procedure where much higher carbon deposit and catalyst deactivation was observed by ToF‐SIMS and temperature‐programmed reduction. Ruthenium catalysts were more active than platinum ones in liquid phase reactions toward GVL, independently of the feedstock. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brief Report: Importance of SOX8 for In Vitro Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Herlofsen Sarah R. , Høiby Torill , Cacchiarelli Davide , Zhang Xiaolan , Mikkelsen Tarjei S. , Brinchmann Jan E.
Published: January 2014

The transcription factor SOX9 is believed to be the master regulator of chondrogenesis. SOX8 is another SOX group E transcription factor with a high degree of homology to SOX9. Here, we demonstrate that SOX8 mRNA levels decrease during in vitro dedifferentiation of human articular chondrocytes and increase during chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells. Knockdown of SOX9 reduced the expression of SOX8, COL2A1, and a range of other chondrogenic molecules. SOX8 knockdown reduced the expression of a large number of overlapping chondrogenic molecules, but not SOX9. Neither siSOX9 nor siSOX8 altered expression of the hypertrophic marker gene COL10A1. siSOX9, but not siSOX8 led to upregulation of hypertrophy associated genes MMP13 and ALPL. Transfection of synthetic SOX5, 6, and 9 mRNA trio upregulated SOX8, COL2A1, and ACAN, but not COL10A1 mRNA. Replacement of synthetic SOX9 by SOX8 in the SOX trio showed similar but lower chondrogenic effect. We conclude that SOX8 expression is regulated by SOX9, and that both together with SOX5 and SOX6 are required as a SOX quartet for transcription of COL2A1 and a large number of other chondrogenic molecules. Neither SOX8 nor SOX9 affect COL10A1 expression, but SOX9 inhibits chondrocyte hypertrophy through inhibition of MMP13 and ALPL expression. Stem Cells  2014;32:1629–1635
Time lapse microscopy observation of cellular structural changes and image analysis of drug treated cancer cells to characterize the cellular heterogeneity
Authors: Vaiyapuri Periasamy S. , Ali Alshatwi A. , Mohammad Akbarsha A. , Kandhavelu Jeyalakshmi , Kandhavelu Meenakshisundaram
Published: January 2014

The effect of Calotropis gigantea latex (CGLX) on human mammary carcinoma cells is not well established. We present the results of this drug activity at total population and single cell level. CGLX inhibited the growth of MCF7 cancer cells at lower IC50 concentration (17 µL/mL). Microscopy of IC50 drug treated cells at 24 hr confirming the appearance of morphological characteristics of apoptotic and necrotic cells, associated with 70% of DNA damage. FACS analysis confirmed that, 10 and 20% of the disruption of cellular mitochondrial nature by at 24 and 48 h, respectively. Microscopic image analysis of total population level proved that MMP changes were statistically significant with P values. The cell to cell variation was confirmed by functional heterogeneity analysis which proves that CGLX was able to induce the apoptosis without the contribution of mitochondria. We conclude that CGLX inhibits cell proliferation, survival, and heterogeneity of pathways in human mammary carcinoma cells. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 724–734, 2015.
Assessment of fetal midbrain and hindbrain in mid‐sagittal cranial plane by three‐dimensional multiplanar sonography. Part 1: comparison of new and established nomograms
Authors: Leibovitz Z. , Shkolnik C. , Haratz K. Krajden , Malinger G. , Shapiro I. , Lerman‐Sagie T.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To construct nomograms for fetal midbrain (MB) and hindbrain (HB) dimensions, assessed in the mid‐sagittal cranial plane by three‐dimensional multiplanar sonographic reconstruction (3D‐MPR).

Methods

This was a prospective cross‐sectional study of 334 healthy fetuses in low‐risk singleton pregnancies between 16 and 35 gestational weeks. All sonographic volumes were obtained by sagittal acquisition. The following MB and HB parameters were evaluated in the mid‐sagittal cranial plane using 3D‐MPR: MB parameters tectal length (TL) and anteroposterior midbrain diameter (APMD), and HB parameters anteroposterior pons diameter (APPD), superoinferior vermian diameter (SIVD), anteroposterior vermian diameter (APVD) and anteroposterior diameter of the fourth ventricle (APDFV). The measurements were presented as growth charts according to gestational age.

Results

MB and HB biometry were best assessed between 19 and 29 weeks. During this period, adequate visualization was achieved for successful measurement of TL in 90.9% of cases, APMD in 86.6%, APPD in 73.7%, SIVD in 74.2%, APVD in 71% and APDFV in 71%. There was a linear growth pattern, with Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.79 for TL, 0.88 for APMD, 0.91 for APPD, 0.95 for SIVD, 0.88 for APVD and 0.88 for APDFV (P < 0.0001 for each). The mean intra‐ and interobserver variations for the MB measurements and vermian diameters ranged between 4.3% and 9%. APPD and APDFV showed highest mean variations: 9.0% and 19.4% (intraobserver) and 11.6% and 17.7% (interobserver), respectively.

Conclusion

We present new nomograms for assessment of the fetal MB and HB using 3D‐MPR in the mid‐sagittal cranial plane. To our knowledge, these are the first proposed nomograms for fetal MB dimensions. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Public engagement with climate change: the role of human values
Authors: Corner Adam , Markowitz Ezra , Pidgeon Nick
Published: January 2014

A long history of interdisciplinary research highlights the powerful role that human values play in shaping individuals' engagement with environmental issues. That certain values are supportive of proenvironmental orientation and behavior is now well established. But as the challenge of communicating the risks of climate change has grown increasingly urgent, there has been a rise in interest around how values shape public engagement with this issue. In the current paper, we review the growing body of work that explores the role of human values (and the closely related concept of cultural worldviews) in public engagement with climate change. Following a brief conceptual overview of values and their relationship to environmental engagement in general, we then provide a review of the literature linking value‐orientations and engagement with climate change. We also review both academic and ‘gray’ literature from civil society organizations that has focused on how public messages about climate change should be framed, and discuss the significance of research on human values for climate change communication strategies.

This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Perceptions of Climate Change
Advanced catalytic layer architectures for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells
Authors: Bonnefont Antoine , Ruvinskiy Pavel , Rouhet Marlene , Orfanidi Alin , Neophytides Stylianos , Savinova Elena
Published: January 2014

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have recently reached a remarkable level of performance. Their high cost, however, has a negative impact on the market penetration. Present work reviews recent developments of advanced catalytic layer architectures proposed as an alternative to the conventional ones in view of decreasing the Pt loading and increasing the Pt‐specific power density. Various promising approaches will be discussed starting from the widely known 3M's nanostructured thin films to less publicized Pt‐decorated arrays of aligned carbon nanotubes/nanofibers. The issues to be addressed span from the preparation of three‐dimensionally ordered layers, to fundamental questions related to the optimization of their spatial structure to attain the maximum efficiency of material utilization and activity. WIREs Energy Environ 2014, 3:505–521. doi: 10.1002/wene.110

This article is categorized under:

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen > Science and Materials

Energy Efficiency > Science and Materials

Energy Research & Innovation > Science and Materials
L‐type Ca2+ channels in heart and brain
Authors: Striessnig Jörg , Pinggera Alexandra , Kaur Gurjot , Bock Gabriella , Tuluc Petronel
Published: January 2014

L‐type calcium channels (Cav1) represent one of the three major classes (Cav1–3) of voltage‐gated calcium channels. They were identified as the target of clinically used calcium channel blockers (CCBs; so‐called calcium antagonists) and were the first class accessible to biochemical characterization. Four of the 10 known α1 subunits (Cav1.1–Cav1.4) form the pore of L‐type calcium channels (LTCCs) and contain the high‐affinity drug‐binding sites for dihydropyridines and other chemical classes of organic CCBs. In essentially all electrically excitable cells one or more of these LTCC isoforms is expressed, and therefore it is not surprising that many body functions including muscle, brain, endocrine, and sensory function depend on proper LTCC activity. Gene knockouts and inherited human diseases have allowed detailed insight into the physiological and pathophysiological role of these channels. Genome‐wide association studies and analysis of human genomes are currently providing even more hints that even small changes of channel expression or activity may be associated with disease, such as psychiatric disease or cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, it is important to understand the structure–function relationship of LTCC isoforms, their differential contribution to physiological function, as well as their fine‐tuning by modulatory cellular processes. WIREs Membr Transp Signal 2014,3:15–38. doi: 10.1002/wmts.102

Conflict of interest: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.

For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Understanding the Burden and Outcome of Trauma Care Drives a New Trauma Systems Model
Authors: Laing G. L. , Skinner D. L. , Bruce J. L. , Aldous C. , Oosthuizen G. V. , Clarke D. L.
Published: January 2014

Background

The Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service (PMTS) attempts to provide care for a whole city and hence is referred to as a service rather than a center. As part of a multifaceted quality improvement program, the PMTS has developed and implemented a robust electronic surgical registry (ESR). This review of the first year’s data from the ESR forms part of a situational analysis to assess the burden of trauma managed by the service and the quality of care delivered within the constraints of the available resources.

Methods

Formal ethical approval was obtained prior to design and development of this study, and appropriate commercial software was sourced. The exercise of data capture was integrated into the process of service delivery and was accomplished at the endpoint of patient care. 12 months after implementation of the registry, the data were extracted and audited.

Results

A total of 2,733 patients were admitted over the 12 month study period. The average patient age was 28.3 years. There were 2,255 (82.5 %) male patients and 478 (17.5 %) female patients. The average monthly admission rate was 228 patients, with a peak of 354 admissions over the December period. The mean injury severity score (ISS) was 12 [interquartile range (IQR) 6.7–23.2]. A quarter (24.8 %) of all new emergency admissions had an ISS > 15. The average duration of stay for patients was 5.12 days (IQR 2.3–13.2 days). Some 2,432 (92.1 %) patients survived, and 208 (7.9 %) died. A total of 333 (13 %) patients required admission to either the intensive care unit (ICU) or the high dependency unit. From the city mortuary data a further 362 deaths were identified. These included 290 deaths that occurred on scene and 72 that occurred within Pietermaritzburg hospitals other than Greys and Edendale. The total trauma‐related mortality for the entire city in 2012 was 570 (51 % on‐scene deaths and 49 % in‐hospital deaths). Blunt trauma accounted for 62 % of deaths.

Conclusions

The PMTS treats a significant volume and spectrum of trauma. Despite significant resource limitations, we have managed to implement a functional and sustainable trauma service across multiple hospitals. We believe the major resource deficits limiting our service could be ameliorated by the development of an additional trauma facility, adequately equipped with dedicated trauma operating slates and trauma ICU beds. The adoption of our current model of trauma care came out of a need to work within our resource constraints, and it differs from the traditional model. Within the aforementioned limits, our data suggest that this model of delivering care is feasible, practical, and successful. Considering the universal burden of trauma and the all‐too‐common imbalance between resource demand and supply among many health‐care institutions, it is our hope that this report will contribute to the ongoing academic debate around the topic of optimal systems of providing global trauma care.
Heterogeneity of Colon Cancer Patients Reported as Emergencies
Authors: Gunnarsson H. , Jennische K. , Forssell S. , Granström J. , Jestin P. , Ekholm A. , Olsson L. I.
Published: January 2014

Background

Up to one‐fourth of all colon cancer patients are reported as emergencies, and the aim of the present study was to scrutinize mode of presentation in this group.

Materials and Methods

All reported cases of emergency (n = 263) and randomly selected elective controls (1:2) of colon cancer in four Swedish counties 2006–2008 were eligible (n = 854). Symptoms and aspects of management were retrieved from surgery and primary care records. Outcomes were compared using Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox regression.

Results

Among patients reported as emergencies, 158/263 (60 %) underwent operation within three days (acute), and 105 (40 %) after more than 3 days (subacute). In the latter group, 20/94 (21 %) had reported two symptoms, and 31/94 (33 %) had reported three or more symptoms associated with colon cancer to primary care during the last 12 months prior to surgery. In total, 46/105 (44 %) had already had an examination of the large bowel, and 52/105 (50 %) were stage IV, as opposed to 36/158 (23 %) in the acute group and 83/577 (15 %) in the elective group (p < 0.001). Mortality at 30 and 90 days was 15.2 and 35.6 % in the subacute group, 8.2 and 14.9 % in the acute group (p = 0.001), and 1.9 and 4.3 % in the elective group (p < 0.001); 5‐year survival was 28.3, 40.1, and 57.8 %, respectively, in the three groups (p < 0.001). The hazard ratio, adjusted for age, sex, and stage, was 1.88 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.5–2.4) for the acute group and 2.29 (95 % CI 1.7–3.1) for the subacute group.

Conclusions

Colon cancer patients reported as emergencies but operated upon more than three days after admission had the worst outcome. Efforts to decrease the interval between admission and surgery is one important aspect of care, but wider attention must also be paid to this group of patients.
Minimizing Preventable Trauma Deaths in a Limited‐Resource Setting: A Test‐Case of a Multidisciplinary Panel Review Approach at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana
Authors: Yeboah Dominic , Mock Charles , Karikari Patrick , Agyei‐Baffour Peter , Donkor Peter , Ebel Beth
Published: January 2014

Objective

Our objectives were to determine the proportion of preventable trauma deaths at a large trauma hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, and to identify opportunities for the improvement of trauma care.

Methods

A multidisciplinary panel of experts evaluated pre‐hospital, hospital, and postmortem data of consecutive trauma patients who died over a 5‐month period in 2006–2007 at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. The panel judged the preventability of each death. For preventable and potentially preventable deaths, deficiencies in care that contributed to their deaths were identified.

Results

The panel reviewed 231 trauma deaths. Of these, 84 charts had sufficient information to review preventable factors. The panel determined that 23 % of trauma deaths were definitely preventable, 37 % were potentially preventable, and 40 % were not preventable. One main deficiency in care was identified for each of the 50 definitely preventable and potentially preventable deaths. The most common deficiencies were pre‐hospital delays (44 % of the 50 deficiencies), delay in treatment (32 %), and inadequate fluid resuscitation (22 %). Among the 19 definitely preventable deaths, the most common cause of death was hemorrhage (47 %), and the most common deficiencies were inadequate fluid resuscitation (37 % of deficiencies in this group) and pre‐hospital delay (37 %).

Conclusions

A high proportion of trauma fatalities might have been preventable by decreasing pre‐hospital delays, adequate resuscitation in hospital, and earlier initiation of care, including definitive surgical management. The study also showed that preventable death panel reviews are a feasible and useful quality improvement method in the study setting.
Effect of Storage Conditions and Antioxidants on the Oxidative Stability of Sunflower–Chia Oil Blends
Authors: Guiotto Estefania N. , Ixtaina Vanesa Y. , Nolasco Susana M. , Tomás Mabel C.
Published: January 2014

The mixture of different proportions of sunflower with chia oil provides a simple method to prepare edible oils with a wide range of desired fatty acid compositions. Sunflower–chia (90:10 and 80:20 wt/wt) oil blends with the addition of rosemary (ROS), ascorbyl palmitate (AP) and their blends (AP:ROS) were formulated to evaluate the oxidative stability during storage at two temperature levels normally used, cool (4 ± 1 °C) and room temperature (20 ± 2 °C) for a period of 360 days. Peroxide values (PV) of the oil blends with antioxidants stored at 4 ± 1 °C showed levels ≤10.0 mequiv O2/kg oil; the lowest levels of PV were found for blends with AP:ROS. Values higher than 10.0 mequiv O2/kg were observed between 120–240 days for oil blends stored at 20 ± 2 °C. Similar trends were observed with p‐anisidine and Totox values. The oxidative stability determined by the Rancimat method and differential scanning calorimetry showed a greater susceptibility of the oils to oxidative deterioration with increasing unsaturated fatty acids content. The addition of antioxidants increased the induction time and decreased the Arrhenius rate constant, indicating an improvement in the oxidative stability for all the oil blends. Temperature had a strong influence on the stability of these blends during storage.
Long-term results of a nationwide general ultrasound screening system for developmental disorders of the hip: The Austrian hip screening program
Authors: Thallinger Christoph , Pospischill Renata , Ganger Rudolf , Radler Christof , Krall Christoph , Grill Franz
Published: January 2014

Background

Diagnosis and early treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) continue to be issues of discussion. In 1992, a nationwide general ultrasound screening program using Graf technique was introduced to detect DDH in Austria. We investigated the effects of this program on the rates of operative and conservative interventions and the influence of the program on the number of hospital admissions for the treatment of DDH.

Methods

All cases of DDH documented in Austrian hospitals from 1992 to 2008 were included in this retrospective study. The database of the Austrian Ministry of Health was used to extract documented diagnoses and treatments.

Results

Since the introduction of the screening program, the number of patients who require pelvic surgery to treat DDH has decreased by 46 % and the number of open reductions is as low as 0.16 per 1,000 live births. Hospital admissions for the treatment of DDH decreased from 9.5 to 3.6 per 1,000 live births. All noted results gained statistical significance.

Conclusion

Compared with routine clinically based screening programs, our results confirm low numbers of open reductions and pelvic surgeries. We, therefore, advocate a standardized nationwide general ultrasound screening program to reduce the rates of operative interventions and hospital admissions associated with the treatment of DDH.

Level of evidence

Level III, diagnostic
Focus on the patentability of computer programs
Authors: Perbal Bernard
Published: January 2014

The Nuts and Bolts section of our Journal (mirrored on the ICCNS society web site), is meant to provide a very practical way to share useful information, that goes beyond the scope of cell signaling and basic CCN protein biology. Considering the number of requests we have had for information related to protection of Intellectual Property (IP), I am pleased to initiate what will be a series of articles that will focus on various IP topics. The inaugural topic is the protection of computer programs. Some colleagues may wonder how and why the patentability of computer programs is a topic of interest for scientists working on CCN proteins… As a matter of fact, to assist us in analyzing the potential involvement of CCN3 in human genetic diseases, we considered developing a computer program designed to analyze large amounts of data. Sharing the concepts and the computer program raised concerns regarding IP and protection of the software that we would handle. We believe that many colleagues have encountered similar problems. This article provides a short focus on computer program patentability. It is aimed to provide basic legal information, and to help our readers in understanding the process. It is not intended to replace IP counselors or technology transfer departments. Future articles will address other practical aspects of IP protection.
Hepatitis C virus core protein regulates NANOG expression via the stat3 pathway
Authors: Zhou Jia-Jia , Chen Ru-Fu , Deng Xiao-Geng , Zhou Yu , Ye Xiao , Yu Min , Tang Jing , He Xiao-Yu , Cheng Di , Zeng Bing , Zhou Quan-bo , Li Zhi-hua
Published: January 2014

HCV Core plays a role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Aberrant expression of NANOG has been observed in many types of human malignancies. However, relationship between Core and NANOG has not been clarified. In this study, we found that Core is capable of up‐regulating NANOG expression. Core‐induced NANOG expression was accompanied by enforced expression of phosphorylated stat3 protein and was attenuated by inhibition of stat3 phosphorylation. ChIP showed that phosphorylated stat3 directly binds to the NANOG promoter. Core‐induced NANOG expression resulted in enhanced cell growth and cell cycle progression. Knockdown of NANOG blocked the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phases and inhibited the cyclin D1 expression. Our findings provide a new insight into the mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis by HCV infection.
Reducing stigma in reproductive health
Authors: Cook Rebecca J. , Dickens Bernard M.
Published: January 2014

Stigmatization marks individuals for disgrace, shame, and even disgust—spoiling or tarnishing their social identities. It can be imposed accidentally by thoughtlessness or insensitivity; incidentally to another purpose; or deliberately to deter or punish conduct considered harmful to actors themselves, others, society, or moral values. Stigma has permeated attitudes toward recipients of sexual and reproductive health services, and at times to service providers. Resort to contraceptive products, to voluntary sterilization and abortion, and now to medically assisted reproductive care to overcome infertility has attracted stigma. Unmarried motherhood has a long history of shame, projected onto the “illegitimate” (bastard) child. The stigma of contracting sexually transmitted infections has been reinvigorated with HIV infection. Gynecologists and their professional associations, ethically committed to uphold human dignity and equality, especially for vulnerable women for whom they care, should be active to guard against, counteract, and relieve stigmatization of their patients and of related service providers.
Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Acute Pain in Remote Environments
Authors: Russell Katie W. , Scaife Courtney L. , Weber David C. , Windsor Jeremy S. , Wheeler Albert R. , Smith William , Wedmore Ian , McIntosh Scott E. , Lieberman James R.
Published: January 2014

The Wilderness Medical Society convened an expert panel to develop evidence-based guidelines for the management of pain in austere environments. Recommendations are graded based on the quality of supporting evidence as defined by criteria put forth by the American College of Chest Physicians.
How To Teach Emergency Procedural Skills in an Outdoor Environment Using Low-Fidelity Simulation
Authors: Saxon Kathleen D. , Kapadia Alison P.R. , Juneja Nadia S. , Bassin Benjamin S.
Published: January 2014

Teaching emergency procedural skills in a wilderness setting can be logistically challenging. To teach these skills as part of a wilderness medicine elective for medical students, we designed an outdoor simulation session with low-fidelity models. The session involved 6 stations in which procedural skills were taught using homemade low-fidelity simulators. At each station, the students encountered a “victim,” who required an emergency procedure that was performed using the low-fidelity model. The models are easy and inexpensive to construct, and their design and implementation in the session is described here. Using low-fidelity simulation models in an outdoor setting is an effective teaching tool for emergency wilderness medicine procedures and can easily be reproduced in future wilderness medicine courses.
A longitudinal study of several potential mediators of the relationship between child maltreatment and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms
Authors: Shenk Chad E. , Putnam Frank W. , Rausch Joseph R. , Peugh James L. , Noll Jennie G.
Published: January 2014

Child maltreatment is a reliable predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, not all maltreated children develop PTSD symptoms, suggesting that additional mediating variables explain how certain maltreated children develop PTSD symptoms and others do not. The current study tested three potential mediators of the relationship between child maltreatment and subsequent PTSD symptoms: (a) respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity, (b) cortisol reactivity, and (c) experiential avoidance, or the unwillingness to experience painful private events, such as thoughts and memories. Maltreated (n= 51) and nonmaltreated groups (n= 59) completed a stressor paradigm, a measure of experiential avoidance, and a semistructured interview of PTSD symptoms. One year later, participants were readministered the PTSD symptoms interview. Results of a multiple mediator model showed the set of potential mediators mediated the relationship between child maltreatment and subsequent PTSD symptoms. However, experiential avoidance was the only significant, specific indirect effect, demonstrating that maltreated children avoiding painful private events after the abuse were more likely to develop a range of PTSD symptoms 1 year later. These results highlight the importance of experiential avoidance in the development of PTSD symptoms for maltreated children, and implications for secondary prevention and clinical intervention models are discussed.
Divergent outcomes following transcytosis of IgG targeting intracellular and extracellular chlamydial antigens
Authors: Armitage Charles W , O'Meara Connor P , Harvie Marina C G , Timms Peter , Blumberg Richard S , Beagley Kenneth W
Published: January 2014

Antibodies can have a protective but non‐essential role in natural chlamydial infections dependent on antigen specificity and antibody isotype. IgG is the dominant antibody in both male and female reproductive tract mucosal secretions, and is bi‐directionally trafficked across epithelia by the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). Using pH‐polarized epididymal epithelia grown on Transwells, IgG specifically targeted at an extracellular chlamydial antigen; the major outer membrane protein (MOMP), enhanced uptake and translocation of infection at pH 6–6.5 but not at neutral pH. This was dependent on FcRn expression. Conversely, FcRn‐mediated transport of IgG targeting the intracellular chlamydial inclusion membrane protein A (IncA), induced aberrant inclusion morphology, recruited autophagic proteins independent of lysosomes and significantly reduced infection. Challenge of female mice with MOMP‐specific IgG‐opsonized Chlamydia muridarum delayed infection clearance but exacerbated oviduct occlusion. In male mice, MOMP‐IgG elicited by immunization afforded no protection against testicular chlamydial infection, whereas the transcytosis of IncA‐IgG significantly reduced testicular chlamydial burden. Together these data show that the protective and pathological effects of IgG are dependent on FcRn‐mediated transport as well as the specificity of IgG for intracellular or extracellular antigens.
Erratum: Microbial individuality in the natural environment
Authors: Ackermann M
Published: January 2014

Correction to: The ISME Journal (2013) 7, 465–467; doi:10.1038/ismej.2012.131 Since the publication of this article, the author has identified an error contained within the following sentence (located on page 1): However, there is a third possibility that transcends the traditional concept of natureand nurture as determinants of the phenotype: that phenotypic diversity is produced independently of genetic for example, see environmental variation.
Contrasting trends in light pollution across Europe based on satellite observed night time lights
Authors: Bennie Jonathan , Davies Thomas W. , Duffy James P. , Inger Richard , Gaston Kevin J.
Published: January 2014

Since the 1970s nighttime satellite images of the Earth from space have provided a striking illustration of the extent of artificial light. Meanwhile, growing awareness of adverse impacts of artificial light at night on scientific astronomy, human health, ecological processes and aesthetic enjoyment of the night sky has led to recognition of light pollution as a significant global environmental issue. Links between economic activity, population growth and artificial light are well documented in rapidly developing regions. Applying a novel method to analysis of satellite images of European nighttime lights over 15 years, we show that while the continental trend is towards increasing brightness, some economically developed regions show more complex patterns with large areas decreasing in observed brightness over this period. This highlights that opportunities exist to constrain and even reduce the environmental impact of artificial light pollution while delivering cost and energy-saving benefits.
Kinetically controlled phenomena in dynamic combinatorial libraries
Authors: Ji Qing , Lirag Rio Carlo , Miljanić Ognjen Š.
Published: January 2014

We review exciting recent examples of kinetically controlled phenomena occurring within dynamic combinatorial libraries.
Relevant and unprecedented C–H/σ supramolecular interactions involving σ-aromatic M2X2cores
Authors: Sasmal Ashok , Bauzá Antonio , Frontera Antonio , Rizzoli Corrado , Desplanches Cédric , Charbonnière Loïc J. , Mitra Samiran
Published: January 2014

This interaction has been confirmed by Bader's “atoms-in-molecules” AIM analysis.
Edge-carboxylated graphene nanoplatelets as oxygen-rich metal-free cathodes for organic dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Ju Myung Jong , Jeon In-Yup , Lim Kimin , Kim Jae Cheon , Choi Hyun-Jung , Choi In Taek , Eom Yu Kyung , Kwon Young Jin , Ko Jaejung , Lee Jae-Joon , Baek Jong-Beom , Kim Hwan Kyu
Published: January 2014

Edge-carboxylated graphene nanoplatelets (ECGnPs) prepared by the dry ball-milling of graphite showed lower charge-transfer resistance (RCT) and better electrochemical stability for the JK-303-based solar cell with Co(bpy)32+/3+ redox couple.
Quantitative passive soil vapor sampling for VOCs- part 3: field experiments
Authors: McAlary Todd , Groenevelt Hester , Nicholson Paul , Seethapathy Suresh , Sacco Paolo , Crump Derrick , Tuday Michael , Hayes Heidi , Schumacher Brian , Johnson Paul , Górecki Tadeusz , Rivera-Duarte Ignacio
Published: January 2014

Passive soil vapor sampling can now be used to quantify concentrations of VOC vapors, no longer just the relative mass.
Photometric hydroxyl radical scavenging analysis of standard natural organic matter isolates
Authors: Donham J. E. , Rosenfeldt E. J. , Wigginton K. R.
Published: January 2014

Hydroxyl radical (˙OH) scavenging reaction rate constants of standard natural organic matter (NOM) isolates (k˙OH,NOM) were measured with a rapid background scavenging method.
Single and double addition of oxygen atoms to propyne on surfaces at low temperatures
Authors: Kimber Helen J. , Ennis Courtney P. , Price Stephen D.
Published: January 2014

Experiments designed to simulate the low temperature surface chemistry occurring in interstellar clouds provide clear evidence of a reaction between oxygen atoms and propyne ice. The reactants are dosed onto a surface held at a fixed temperature between 14 and 100 K. After the dosing period, temperature programmed desorption (TPD), coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry, are used to identify two reaction products with molecular formulae C3H4O and C3H4O2. These products result from the addition of a single oxygen atom, or two oxygen atoms, to a propyne reactant. A simple model has been used to extract kinetic data from the measured yield of the single-addition (C3H4O) product at surface temperatures from 30–100 K. This modelling reveals that the barrier of the solid-state reaction between propyne and a single oxygen atom (160 ± 10 K) is an order of magnitude less than that reported for the gas-phase reaction. In addition, estimates for the desorption energy of propyne and reaction rate coefficient, as a function of temperature, are determined for the single addition process from the modelling. The yield of the single addition product falls as the surface temperature decreases from 50 K to 30K, but rises again as the surface temperature falls below 30 K. This increase in the rate of reaction at low surface temperatures is indicative of an alternative, perhaps barrierless, pathway to the single addition product which is only important at low surface temperatures. The kinetic model has been further developed to characterize the double addition reaction, which appears to involve the addition of a second oxygen atom to C3H4O. This modelling indicates that this second addition is a barrierless process. The kinetic parameters we extract from our experiments indicate that the reaction between atomic oxygen and propyne could occur under on interstellar dust grains on an astrophysical time scale.
Scale-up of organic reactions in ball mills: process intensification with regard to energy efficiency and economy of scale
Authors: Stolle Achim , Schmidt Robert , Jacob Katharina
Published: January 2014

The scale-up of the Knoevenagel-condensation between vanillin and barbituric acid carried out in planetary ball mills is investigated from an engineering perspective. Generally, the reaction proceeded in the solid state without intermediate melting and afforded selectively only one product. The reaction has been used as a model to analyze the influence and relationship of different parameters related to operation in planetary ball mills. From the viewpoint of technological parameters the milling ball diameter, dMB, the filling degree with respect to the milling balls' packing, ΦMB,packing, and the filling degree of the substrates with respect to the void volume of the milling balls' packing, ΦGS, have been investigated at different reaction scales. It was found that milling balls with small dMB lead to higher yields within shorter reaction time, treaction, or lower rotation frequency, rpm. Thus, the lower limit is set considering the technology which is available for the separation of the milling balls from the product after the reaction. Regarding ΦMB,packing, results indicate that the optimal value is roughly 50% of the total milling beakers' volume, VB,total, independent of the reaction scale or reaction conditions. Thus, 30% of VB,total are taken by the milling balls. Increase of the initial batch sizes changes ΦGS significantly. However, within the investigated parameter range no negative influence on the yield was observed. Up to 50% of VB,total can be taken over by the substrates in addition to 30% for the total milling ball volume. Scale-up factors of 15 and 11 were realized considering the amount of substrates and the reactor volume, respectively. Beside technological parameters, variables which influence the process itself, treaction and rpm, were investigated also. Variation of those allowed to fine-tune the reaction conditions in order to maximize the yield and minimize the energy intensity.
Improving the accuracy of single particle ICPMS for measurement of size distributions and number concentrations of nanoparticles by determining analyte partitioning during nebulisation
Authors: Tuoriniemi Jani , Cornelis Geert , Hassellöv Martin
Published: January 2014

The analyte is redistributed between the waste and plasma flows. These analyte partitioning effects need to be corrected to obtain the most accurate size calibration of spICPMS.
Annealing-free and strongly adhesive silver nanowire networks with long-term reliability by introduction of a nonconductive and biocompatible polymer binder
Authors: Jin Yunxia , Deng Dunying , Cheng Yuanrong , Kong Lingqiang , Xiao Fei
Published: January 2014

A high-performance AgNW composite film was fabricated using a complex of alginic acid and poly(dopamine) as a binder via a simple and fast one-step spray coating technique at room temperature.
Vacancy diffusion and coalescence in graphene directed by defect strain fields
Authors: Trevethan Thomas , Latham Christopher D. , Heggie Malcolm I. , Briddon Patrick R. , Rayson Mark J.
Published: January 2014

Bond strain caused by multi-vacancy reconstruction increases energy barriers for mono- vacancy diffusion in areas of tension and lowers them in areas of compression.
Monitoring the shape evolution of Pd nanocubes to octahedra by PdS frame markers
Authors: Zhang Zhaorui , Wang Zhenni , Zhang Hui , Wang Chaoqi , Yin Yadong , Jin Mingshang
Published: January 2014

PdS cubic frames were introduced as markers to monitor the shape evolution of Pd nanocubes to octahedra.
Confined growth of carbon nanoforms in one-dimension by fusion of anthracene rings inside the pores of MCM-41
Authors: Bosch-Navarro Concha , Coronado Eugenio , Martí-Gastaldo Carlos , Amorós Pedro
Published: January 2014

One-dimensional carbon nanoforms are preferentially obtained by fusion of anthracene molecules in the pores of a mesoporous MCM-41 host.
Adsorption performance and catalytic activity of porous conjugated polyporphyrins via carbazole-based oxidative coupling polymerization
Authors: Feng Li-Juan , Chen Qi , Zhu Jian-Hua , Liu De-Peng , Zhao Yan-Chao , Han Bao-Hang
Published: January 2014

Preparation, adsorption performance and catalytic activity of conjugated polyporphyrins with high porosities are reported.
A bidentate boryl ligand: syntheses of platinum and iridium complexes
Authors: Schubert H. , Leis W. , Mayer H. A. , Wesemann L.
Published: January 2014

A bidentate diphenylphosphino substituted diazaborole ligand was obtained and coordinated at platinum and iridium.
Efficient polymer solar cells based on terpolymers with a broad absorption range of 300–900 nm
Authors: Huang Yuanshuai , Zhang Min , Chen Huajie , Wu Fen , Cao Zhencai , Zhang Lingjun , Tan Songting
Published: January 2014

Novel terpolymers with a broad absorption range of 300–900 nm were synthesized and applied in polymer solar cells.
Stability of the human pregnane X receptor is regulated by E3 ligase UBR5 and serine/threonine kinase DYRK2
Authors: Ong Su Sien , Goktug Asli N. , Elias Ayesha , Wu Jing , Saunders Darren , Chen Taosheng
Published: January 2014

The hPXR (human pregnane X receptor), a major chemical toxin sensor, is a ligand-induced transcription factor activated by various xenobiotics and toxins, resulting in the transcriptional up-regulation of detoxifying enzymes. To date, little is known about the upstream regulation of hPXR. Using MS analysis and a kinome-wide siRNA screen, we report that the E3 ligase UBR5 (ubiquitin protein ligase E3 component n-recognin 5) and DYRK2 (dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 2) regulate hPXR stability. UBR5 knockdown resulted in accumulation of cellular hPXR and a concomitant increase in hPXR activity, whereas the rescue of UBR5 knockdown decreased the cellular hPXR level and activity. Importantly, UBR5 exerted its effect in concert with the serine/threonine kinase DYRK2, as the knockdown of DYRK2 phenocopied UBR5 knockdown. hPXR was shown to be a substrate for DYRK2, and DYRK2-dependent phosphorylation of hPXR facilitated its subsequent ubiquitination by UBR5. This is the first report of the post-translational regulation of hPXR via phosphorylation-facilitated ubiquitination by DYRK2 and UBR5. The results of the present study reveal the role of the ubiquitin–proteasomal pathway in modulating hPXR activity and indicate that pharmacological inhibitors of the ubiquitin–proteasomal pathway that regulate hPXR stability may negatively affect treatment outcome from unintended hPXR-mediated drug–drug interactions.
Niemann–Pick disease type C2 protein induces triglyceride accumulation in silkworm and mammalian cell lines
Authors: Adachi Tatsuo , Ishii Kenichi , Matsumoto Yasuhiko , Hayashi Yohei , Hamamoto Hiroshi , Sekimizu Kazuhisa
Published: January 2014

Silkworm haemolymph induced both the cessation of growth and an increase in triglyceride (triacylglycerol) storage in BmN4 cells. We purified the growth inhibitory factor from the silkworm haemolymph and identified this protein as the Bombyx mori PP (promoting protein), an orthologue of NPC2 (Niemann–Pick disease type C2) protein. Recombinant silkworm NPC2 inhibited cellular proliferation and increased triglyceride accumulation in BmN4 cells. Injection of either the recombinant protein or antiserum of NPC2 into living silkworms increased or decreased respectively triglyceride levels in the fat body. A mutation that depletes the cholesterol-binding capacity did not abolish the activity of NPC2. We further revealed that NPC2 induced the phosphorylation of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and that an AMPK inhibitor suppressed NPC2-dependent triglyceride accumulation. These findings suggest that NPC2 induces triglyceride accumulation via the activation of AMPK independently of its cholesterol-binding capacity in the silkworm.
Broadband coplanar‐waveguide and microstrip low‐noise amplifier hybrid integrations for K‐band substrate integrated waveguide applications on low‐permittivity substrate
Authors: Taringou Farzaneh , Bornemann Jens , Wu Ke
Published: January 2014

K‐band low‐noise amplifier (LNA) chips are integrated in low‐permittivity coplanar waveguide (CPW) and microstrip (MS) structures and are interconnected with substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) ports for direct applications in hybrid SIW technology. A commercial Hittite LNA chip is employed, and special transitions provide the interface between CPW or MS and SIW. The LNA with SIW‐to‐CPW transitions achieves more than 20 dB gain between 18 and 26.5 GHz, and input/output return losses remain below 10 dB between 21.5 and 26.5 GHz. Related design values for the LNA integration within SIW‐to‐MS transitions are: the gain is greater than 21 dB; the input/output return loss is better than 12 dB over the entire frequency range. Measurements of a back‐to‐back SIW‐to‐CPW transition are provided to put these values in perspective. The maximum noise figures are measured to be better than 4.6 and 4.2 dB, respectively, between 18 and 26.5 GHz. A comparison with measurements performed with an evaluation board supplied by the LNA manufacturer demonstrates successful K‐band LNA chip integrations within CPW/MS and SIW.
Shunt series LC circuit for compact coplanar waveguide notch filter design
Authors: Ruiz Juan de Dios , Hinojosa Juan
Published: January 2014

A shunt series LC resonant circuit based on an open version of an interconnected split ring resonator (OISRR) is proposed. This OISRR exhibits half the resonant frequency of the split ring resonator, allows a parallel connection with a coplanar waveguide (CPW) section and according to its frequency response is an attractive cell for compact CPW notch filter design. 3 dB stop‐band bandwidth lower than 4.5% with more than 11 dB insertion loss in the stop‐band can be achieved with a CPW loaded with a single OISRR. The experimental results have confirmed the possibilities of this OISRR, which can be easily connected to CPW antennas to reject undesirable signals.
Development of an Impairment-Based Individualized Treatment Workflow Using an iPad-Based Software Platform
Authors: Kiran Swathi , Roches Carrie Des , Balachandran Isabel , Ascenso Elsa
Published: January 2014

Individuals with language and cognitive deficits following brain damage likely require long-term rehabilitation. Consequently, it is a huge practical problem to provide the continued communication therapy that these individuals require. The present project describes the development of an impairment-based individualized treatment workflow using a software platform called Constant Therapy. This article is organized into two sections. We will first describe the general methods of the treatment workflow for patients involved in this study. There are four steps in this process: (1) the patient's impairment is assessed using standardized tests, (2) the patient is assigned a specific and individualized treatment plan, (3) the patient practices the therapy at home and at the clinic, and (4) the clinician and the patient can analyze the results of the patient's performance remotely and monitor and alter the treatment plan accordingly. The second section provides four case studies that provide a representative sample of participants progressing through their individualized treatment plan. The preliminary results of the patient treatment provide encouraging evidence for the feasibility of a rehabilitation program for individuals with brain damage based on the iPad (Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA).
Change in lexical retrieval skills in adulthood
Authors: Goral Mira , Spiro III Avron , Albert Martin L. , Obler Loraine K. , Connor Lisa Tabor
Published: January 2014

We conducted multivariate random-effect analyses on longitudinal data from 238 adults, ranging in age from 30 to 94, who were tested on five lexical tests over a period of 20 years to examine (a) the relations between lemma and lexeme retrieval as manifested in different tests of lexical retrieval and (b) changes in lexical processing during older adulthood. This study documents differing profiles of age-related decline in lexical retrieval determined by task demand, gender, education, and underlying cognitive skills. The tasks that required retrieval of unique lexical items (Boston Naming Test and Action Naming Test) yielded significant age-related decline that became more rapid in older age, distinguishing them from tasks that allowed for the retrieval of various lexical items. Findings support a cascaded progression of lemma and lexeme retrieval during word production.