bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of cationic dye biosorption onto anaerobic digested sludge: Spectroscopic characterization
Authors: Martínez E.J. , Fierro J. , Rosas J.G. , Lobato A. , Otero M. , Gómez X.
Published: March 2016

The main purpose of this research was to assess sludge binding properties as a bioadsorbent towards cationic dyes. Digested sludge was used to adsorb a cationic dye (methylene blue) from aqueous solution. A complete spectroscopic analysis (FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR) was carried out on sludge before and after the adsorption of methylene blue and after two months of storage. Results showed the presence of important binding sites to cationic dyes. FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR analysis reflected the presence of carboxyl and amino groups, which play an important role in the adsorption of methylene blue due to chemical interactions. In addition, these techniques showed the accumulation of methylene blue after storage of samples for a two month period. The sludge matrix was modified by biological activity resulting in the preferential degradation of carbohydrate‐type materials. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1330–1337, 2016
Current-use pesticides in seawater and their bioaccumulation in polar bear–ringed seal food chains of the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Morris Adam D. , Muir Derek C.G. , Solomon Keith R. , Letcher Robert J. , McKinney Melissa A. , Fisk Aaron T. , McMeans Bailey C. , Tomy Gregg T. , Teixeira Camilla , Wang Xiaowa , Duric Mark
Published: March 2016

The distribution of current-use pesticides (CUPs) in seawater and their trophodynamics were investigated in 3 Canadian Arctic marine food chains. The greatest ranges of dissolved-phase concentrations in seawater for each CUP were endosulfan sulfate (less than method detection limit (MDL) to 19 pg L−1) > dacthal (0.76–15 pg L−1) > chlorpyrifos (less than MDL to 8.1 pg L−1) > pentachloronitrobenzene (less than MDL to 2.6 pg L−1) > α-endosulfan (0.20–2.3 pg L−1). Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs, water-respiring organisms) were greatest in plankton, including chlorothalonil (log BAF = 7.4 ± 7.1 L kg−1, mean ± standard error), chlorpyrifos (log BAF = 6.9 ± 6.7 L kg−1), and α-endosulfan (log BAF = 6.5 ± 6.0 L kg−1). The largest biomagnification factors (BMFs) were found for dacthal in the capelin:plankton trophic relationship (BMF = 13 ± 5.0) at Cumberland Sound (Nunvavut), and for β-endosulfan (BMF = 16 ± 4.9) and α-endosulfan (BMF = 9.3 ± 2.8) in the polar bear—ringed seal relationship at Barrow and Rae Strait (NU), respectively. Concentrations of endosulfan sulfate exhibited trophic magnification (increasing concentrations with increasing trophic level) in the poikilothermic portion of the food web (trophic magnification factor = 1.4), but all of the CUPs underwent trophic dilution in the marine mammal food web, despite some trophic level–specific biomagnification. Together, these observations are most likely indicative of metabolism of these CUPs in mammals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1695–1707. © 2016 SETAC
Expression of microRNAs miR21, miR146a, and miR155 in tuberous sclerosis complex cortical tubers and their regulation in human astrocytes and SEGA‐derived cell cultures
Authors: van Scheppingen J. , Iyer A. M. , Prabowo A. S. , Mühlebner A. , Anink J. J. , Scholl T. , Feucht M. , Jansen F. E. , Spliet W. G. , Krsek P. , Zamecnik J. , Buccoliero A. M. , Giordano F. , Genitori L. , Kotulska K. , Jozwiak S. , Jaworski J. , Liszewska E. , van Vliet E. A. , Aronica E.
Published: March 2016

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disease presenting with multiple neurological symptoms including epilepsy, mental retardation, and autism. Abnormal activation of various inflammatory pathways has been observed in astrocytes in brain lesions associated with TSC. Increasing evidence supports the involvement of microRNAs in the regulation of astrocyte‐mediated inflammatory response. To study the role of inflammation‐related microRNAs in TSC, we employed real‐time PCR and in situ hybridization to characterize the expression of miR21, miR146a, and miR155 in TSC lesions (cortical tubers and subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, SEGAs). We observed an increased expression of miR21, miR146a, and miR155 in TSC tubers compared with control and perituberal brain tissue. Expression was localized in dysmorphic neurons, giant cells, and reactive astrocytes and positively correlated with IL‐1β expression. In addition, cultured human astrocytes and SEGA‐derived cell cultures were used to study the regulation of the expression of these miRNAs in response to the proinflammatory cytokine IL‐1β and to evaluate the effects of overexpression or knockdown of miR21, miR146a, and miR155 on inflammatory signaling. IL‐1β stimulation of cultured glial cells strongly induced intracellular miR21, miR146a, and miR155 expression, as well as miR146a extracellular release. IL‐1β signaling was differentially modulated by overexpression of miR155 or miR146a, which resulted in pro‐ or anti‐inflammatory effects, respectively. This study provides supportive evidence that inflammation‐related microRNAs play a role in TSC. In particular, miR146a and miR155 appear to be key players in the regulation of astrocyte‐mediated inflammatory response, with miR146a as most interesting anti‐inflammatory therapeutic candidate. GLIA 2016;64:1066–1082
Factors affecting characterization and localization of interindividual differences in functional connectivity using MRI
Authors: Airan Raag D. , Vogelstein Joshua T. , Pillai Jay J. , Caffo Brian , Pekar James J. , Sair Haris I.
Published: March 2016

Much recent attention has been paid to quantifying anatomic and functional neuroimaging on the individual subject level. For optimal individual subject characterization, specific acquisition and analysis features need to be identified that maximize interindividual variability while concomitantly minimizing intra‐subject variability. We delineate the effect of various acquisition parameters (length of acquisition, sampling frequency) and analysis methods (time course extraction, region of interest parcellation, and thresholding of connectivity‐derived network graphs) on characterizing individual subject differentiation. We utilize a non‐parametric statistical metric that quantifies the degree to which a parameter set allows this individual subject differentiation by both maximizing interindividual variance and minimizing intra‐individual variance. We apply this metric to analysis of four publicly available test‐retest resting‐state fMRI (rs‐fMRI) data sets. We find that for the question of maximizing individual differentiation, (i) for increasing sampling, there is a relative tradeoff between increased sampling frequency and increased acquisition time; (ii) for the sizes of the interrogated data sets, only 3‐4 min of acquisition time was sufficient to maximally differentiate each subject with an algorithm that utilized no a priori information regarding subject identification; and (iii) brain regions that most contribute to this individual subject characterization lie in the default mode, attention, and executive control networks. These findings may guide optimal rs‐fMRI experiment design and may elucidate the neural bases for subject‐to‐subject differences. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1986–1997, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatitis C Disease Burden in the United States in the era of oral direct‐acting antivirals
Authors: Chhatwal Jagpreet , Wang Xiaojie , Ayer Turgay , Kabiri Mina , Chung Raymond T. , Hur Chin , Donohue Julie M. , Roberts Mark S. , Kanwal Fasiha
Published: March 2016

Oral direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) represent a major advance in hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. Along with recent updates in HCV screening policy and expansions in insurance coverage, treatment demand in the United States is changing rapidly. Our objective was to project the characteristics and number of people needing antiviral treatment and HCV‐associated disease burden in the era of oral DAAs. We used a previously developed and validated Hepatitis C Disease Burden Simulation model (HEP‐SIM). HEP‐SIM simulated the actual clinical management of HCV from 2001 onward, which included antiviral treatment with pegylated interferon (Peg‐IFN)‐based therapies as well as the recent oral DAAs, risk‐based and birth‐cohort HCV screening, and the impact of the Affordable Care Act. We also simulated two hypothetical scenarios—no treatment and treatment with Peg‐IFN‐based therapies only. We estimated that in 2010, 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9‐3.1) million noninstitutionalized people were viremic, which dropped to 1.9 (95% CI, 1.4‐2.6) million in 2015, and projected to drop below 1 million by 2020. A total of 1.8 million HCV patients will receive HCV treatment from the launch of oral DAAs in 2014 until 2030. Based on current HCV management practices, it will take 4‐6 years to treat the majority of patients aware of their disease. However, 560,000 patients would still remain unaware by 2020. Even in the oral DAA era, 320,000 patients will die, 157,000 will develop hepatocellular carcinoma, and 203,000 will develop decompensated cirrhosis in the next 35 years. Conclusions: HCV‐associated disease burden will still remain substantial in the era of oral DAAs. Increasing HCV screening and treatment capacity is essential to further decreasing HCV burden in the United States. (Hepatology 2016;64:1442‐1450)
Real‐Time GFP Intravital Imaging of the Differences in Cellular and Angiogenic Behavior of Subcutaneous and Orthotopic Nude‐Mouse Models of Human PC‐3 Prostate Cancer
Authors: Zhang Yong , Toneri Makoto , Ma Huaiyu , Yang Zhijian , Bouvet Michael , Goto Yusuke , Seki Naohiko , Hoffman Robert M.
Published: March 2016

There are two major types of mouse xenograft models of cancer: subcutaneous implantation and orthotopic implantation. Subcutaneous transplant models are widely used with both cancer cell lines and human‐tumor specimens. Recently, subcutaneous models of patient tumors, termed patient‐derived xenographs (PDX) have become highly popular and have acquired such names as “Avatar” and “Xenopatients.” However, such s.c. models rarely metastasize and are therefore not patient‐like. In contrast, orthotopic models have the capability to metastasize. If intact fragments of tumor tissue are implanted by surgical orthotopic implantation (SOI), the metastatic potential can match that of the donor patient. The present study images in real time, using green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression, the very different tumor behavior at the orthotopic and subcutaneous sites of human prostate cancer PC‐3 in athymic nude mice. By day‐2 after tumor implantation, the orthotopic tumor is already highly vascularized and the cancer cells have begun to migrate out of the tumor. In contrast, the subcutaneous tumor only begins to be vascularized by day‐3 and cells do not migrate from the tumor. Angiogenesis is much more extensive in the orthotopic tumor throughout the 2‐week observation period. The orthotopic PC‐3‐GFP tumor progresses very rapidly and distinct metastasis have appeared in lymph nodes by day‐3 which rapidly appear in many areas of the abdominal cavity including portal lymph nodes by day‐7. At day‐14, no invasion or metastasis was observed with the s.c. tumor even when the animal was extensively explored. These results explain why orthotopic tumors mimimc clinical metastatic tumors in nude mice and why subcutaneous tumors do not. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2546–2551, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptive evolution of a derived radius morphology in manakins (Aves, Pipridae) to support acrobatic display behavior
Authors: Friscia Anthony , Sanin Gloria D. , Lindsay Willow R. , Day Lainy B. , Schlinger Barney A. , Tan Josh , Fuxjager Matthew J.
Published: March 2016

The morphology of the avian skeleton is often studied in the context of adaptations for powered flight. The effects of other evolutionary forces, such as sexual selection, on avian skeletal design are unclear, even though birds produce diverse behaviors that undoubtedly require a variety of osteological modifications. Here, we investigate this issue in a family of passerine birds called manakins (Pipridae), which have evolved physically unusual and elaborate courtship displays. We report that, in species within the genus Manacus, the shaft of the radius is heavily flattened and shows substantial solidification. Past work anecdotally notes this morphology and attributes it to the species' ability to hit their wings together above their heads to produce loud mechanical sonations. Our results show that this feature is unique to Manacus compared to the other species in our study, including a variety of taxa that produce other sonations through alternate wing mechanisms. At the same time, our data reveal striking similarities across species in total radius volume and solidification. Together, this suggests that supposedly adaptive alterations in radial morphology occur within a conserved framework of a set radius volume and solidness, which in turn is likely determined by natural selection. Further allometric analyses imply that the radius is less constrained by body size and the structural demands that underlie powered flight, compared to other forelimb bones that are mostly unmodified across taxa. These results are consistent with the idea that the radius is more susceptible to selective modification by sexual selection. Overall, this study provides some of the first insight into the osteological evolution of passerine birds, as well as the way in which opposing selective forces can shape skeletal design in these species. J. Morphol. 277:766–775, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphological analysis of the hagfish heart. II. The venous pole and the pericardium
Authors: Icardo José M. , Colvee Elvira , Schorno Sarah , Lauriano Eugenia R. , Fudge Douglas S. , Glover Chris N. , Zaccone Giacomo
Published: March 2016

The morphological characteristics of the venous pole and pericardium of the heart were examined in three hagfish species, Myxine glutinosa, Eptatretus stoutii, and Eptatretus cirrhatus. In these species, the atrioventricular (AV) canal is long, funnel‐shaped and contains small amounts of myocardium. The AV valve is formed by two pocket‐like leaflets that lack a papillary system. The atrial wall is formed by interconnected muscle trabeculae and a well‐defined collagenous system. The sinus venosus (SV) shows a collagenous wall and is connected to the left side of the atrium. An abrupt collagen‐muscle boundary marks the SV‐atrium transition. It is hypothesized that the SV is not homologous to that of other vertebrates which could have important implications for understanding heart evolution. In M. glutinosa and E. stoutii, the pericardium is a closed bag that hangs from the tissues dorsal to the heart and encloses both the heart and the ventral aorta. In contrast, the pericardium is continuous with the loose periaortic tissue in E. cirrhatus. In all three species, the pericardium ends at the level of the SV excluding most of the atrium from the pericardial cavity. In M. glutinosa and E. stoutii, connective bridges extend between the base of the aorta and the ventricular wall. In E. cirrhatus, the connections between the periaortic tissue and the ventricle may carry blood vessels that reach the ventricular base. A further difference specific to E. cirrhatus is that the adipose tissue associated with the pericardium contains thyroid follicles. J. Morphol. 277:853–865, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biological and therapeutic properties of bee pollen: a review
Authors: Denisow Bożena , Denisow‐Pietrzyk Marta
Published: March 2016

Natural products, including bee products, are particularly appreciated by consumers and are used for therapeutic purposes as alternative drugs. However, it is not known whether treatments with bee products are safe and how to minimise the health risks of such products. Among others, bee pollen is a natural honeybee product promoted as a valuable source of nourishing substances and energy. The health‐enhancing value of bee pollen is expected due to the wide range of secondary plant metabolites (tocopherol, niacin, thiamine, biotin and folic acid, polyphenols, carotenoid pigments, phytosterols), besides enzymes and co‐enzymes, contained in bee pollen. The promising reports on the antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anticariogenic antibacterial, antifungicidal, hepatoprotective, anti‐atherosclerotic, immune enhancing potential require long‐term and large cohort clinical studies. The main difficulty in the application of bee pollen in modern phytomedicine is related to the wide species‐specific variation in its composition. Therefore, the variations may differently contribute to bee‐pollen properties and biological activity and thus in therapeutic effects. In principle, we can unequivocally recommend bee pollen as a valuable dietary supplement. Although the bee‐pollen components have potential bioactive and therapeutic properties, extensive research is required before bee pollen can be used in therapy. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Shelf‐life extension of Pacific white shrimp using algae extracts during refrigerated storage
Authors: Li Yingchang , Yang Zhongyan , Li Jianrong
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Shrimp is a low‐fat, high‐protein aquatic product, and is susceptible to spoilage during storage. To establish an effective method for the quality control of Pacific white shrimp, the effects of polyphenols (PP) and polysaccharides (PS) from Porphyra yezoensis on the quality of Pacific white shrimp were assessed during refrigerated storage. Pacific white shrimp samples were treated with 5 g L−1 polyphenols, and 8 g L−1 polysaccharides, then stored at 4 ± 1 °C for 8 days. All samples were subjected to measurement of total viable count (TVC), pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), K‐value, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, and were also assessed by sensory evaluation.

RESULTS

The results showed that PP, PS, and the mixture of polyphenols and polysaccharides (PP+PS) could inhibit the increase of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and K‐value, and reduce total viable count (TVC) compared with the control group. PP could also inhibit polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity. Sensory evaluation proved the efficacy of PP and PS by maintaining the overall quality of Pacific white shrimp during refrigerated storage. Moreover, PP+PS could extend the shelf‐life of shrimp by 3–4 days compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

PP+PS could more effectively maintain quality and extend shelf‐life during refrigerated storage. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of chloride and moisture content on steel rebar corrosion in concrete
Authors: Ahlström J. , Tidblad J. , Sederholm B. , Wadsö L.
Published: March 2016

Reinforced mortar samples were exposed in humidity chambers with different relative humidity or exposed in cyclic moisture conditions. The rebars were in an “as received” condition meaning that the preexisting oxide scale were intact. The lowest chloride concentration that initiated corrosion was 1% Cl− by mass of cement, corrosion was then observed for samples exposed at 97% relative humidity. It is suggested that the corrosion rate decreases when samples are exposed to a relative humidity lower than 97%. The results indicate that threshold levels should be evaluated at rather humid conditions (97%) despite the fact that the maximum corrosion rate at higher chloride levels is observed in the interval 91–94%. For samples exposed to cyclic moisture conditions, a lower chloride concentration was needed to initiate corrosion compared to samples exposed in static moisture conditions.
Influence of the surface condition on corrosion behavior of stainless steel
Authors: Gümpel P. , Hörtnagl A.
Published: March 2016

The corrosion resistance of stainless steels is massively influenced by the condition of their surface. The surface quality includes the topography of the surface, the structure and composition of the passive layer, and the surface near structure of the base material. These factors are influenced by final physical/chemical surface treatments. The presented work shows significantly lower corrosion resistance for mechanical machined specimens than for etched specimens. It also turns out that the rougher the surface, the lower the corrosion resistance gets. However, there is no general finding which shows if blasted or grinded surfaces are more appropriate, but a dependency on process parameters and the characteristics on corrosive exposure in terms of corrosion behavior. The results show that not only the surface roughness Ra has an influence on corrosion behavior but also the shape of peaks and valleys which are evolved by surface treatments. Imperfections in the base material, like sulfidic inclusions lead to a weaker passive layer, respectively, to a decrease of the corrosion resistance. By using special passivating techniques the corrosion resistance of stainless steels can be increased to a higher level in comparison to common passivation.
Multiple SLE and the complex Burgers equation
Authors: del Monaco Andrea , Schleißinger Sebastian
Published: March 2016

In this note we ask whether one can take the limit of multiple SLE as the number of slits goes to infinity. In the special case of n slits that connect n points of the boundary to one fixed point, one can take the limit of the Loewner equation that describes the growth of those slits in a simultaneous way. In this case, the limit is a deterministic Loewner equation whose vector field is determined by a complex Burgers equation.
The Thermal Properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites with and without Fillers
Authors: Suchitra M. , Renukappa N. M.
Published: March 2016

An experimental study has been carried out in order to investigate the thermal properties of glass fiber reinforced epoxy (G‐E) composite with inorganic nano and micro fillers namely silica, alumina and aluminatrihydrate. The hybrid composites were fabricated by ultrasonication and pultrusion techniques. Morphological characterization was carried out by Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the micro‐graphs revealed an improved dispersion quality of fillers in the G‐E composite. The thermal conductivity, glass transition temperature, thermal stability and coefficient of thermal expansion were investigated as per ASTM standards. The results reveal that the best performance was found to be in Al2O3 + SiO2 + ATH + G‐E hybrid composite.
Palm oil deodorizer distillate as toughening agent in polylactide packaging films
Authors: Ruellan Alexandre , Ducruet Violette , Gratia Audrey , Saelices Jimenez Lidia , Guinault Alain , Sollogoub Cyrille , Chollet Guillaume , Domenek Sandra
Published: March 2016

Polylactide (PLA) is the most used biodegradable and biobased food packaging polymer for rigid containers and films. However, its low ductility is a hurdle for increasing its applications in flexible food packaging. A solution is the use of additives. Palm oil deodorizer distillate (PODC) is revealed to be an excellent additive promoting PLA ductility. PODC is a by‐product of vegetable oil refining, which is available in stable quality and in sufficient amounts. Amorphous PLA/PODC blends had an elongation at break of around 130% and that of semi‐crystalline blends was still around 55% compared to the initial 5% of neat PLA. At the same time the PLA rigidity and high glass transition temperatures were kept. PODC was also a very efficient processing aid, allowing for film blow extrusion. The blends were stable in properties during six months without exudation. They complied with legal norms of Food Contact Materials (EU 10/2011) and induced no sensorial alteration of packed food. Therefore PODC is a very interesting alternative to common plasticizers for the production of flexible PLA packaging films. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteomics in thyroid cytopathology: Relevance of MALDI‐imaging in distinguishing malignant from benign lesions
Authors: Pagni Fabio , De Sio Gabriele , Garancini Mattia , Scardilli Marcella , Chinello Clizia , Smith Andrew James , Bono Francesca , Leni Davide , Magni Fulvio
Published: March 2016

Several proteomic strategies are used extensively for the purpose of biomarker discovery and in order to obtain insights into the molecular aspects of cancers, using either body fluids or tissue as samples. Among them, MALDI‐imaging can be applied to cytological thyroid specimens to investigate the molecular signatures of different pathological conditions and highlight differences in the proteome that are of relevance for diagnostic and pathogenetic research. In this study, 26 ex‐vivo fine needle aspirations from benign thyroid nodules (n = 13) and papillary thyroid carcinomas (n = 13) were analyzed by MALDI‐imaging. Based on the specific protein signatures capable of distinguishing the aforementioned patients, MALDI‐imaging was able to correctly assign, in blind, the specimens from ten additional FNABs to a malignant or benign class, as later confirmed by the morphological classification. Moreover, some proteins presented a progressive overexpression in malignant phenotypes when compared with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hyperplastic/follicular adenoma. This data not only suggests that a MALDI‐imaging based approach can be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of thyroid lesions but also in the detection of proteins that have a possible role in the promotion of tumorigenic activity.
Cold, warm, and hot programming of shape memory polymers
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Wang Anqi
Published: March 2016

In this article, programming is classified as hot, warm, and cold, based on the temperature zone within which the programming is conducted. The strain and stress locking and releasing mechanisms are discussed within the thermodynamics framework. A new formula is developed for quantifying the strain recovery ratio of cold‐programmed SMPs. Stress fixity ratio and stress recovery ratio are also defined based on the understanding of stress locking and recovery mechanisms. State‐of‐the‐art literature on warm and cold programming is reviewed. Well‐controlled programming as well as free strain recovery test and constrained stress recovery test are conducted, in order to validate the memory mechanisms discussed in this study. It is found that, while programming temperature has an insignificant effect on the final free shape recovery, it has a significant effect on the stress recovery. The recovery stress programmed by cold programming may be lower, equal to, or higher than that by hot programming, due to the different stress locking mechanisms and other factors such as damage during the thermomechanical cycle.Cold, Warm, and Hot Programming of Shape Memory Polymers© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys.2016,54, 1319–1339
Structural determinants in bacterial 2‐keto‐3‐deoxy‐D‐gluconate dehydrogenase KduD for dual‐coenzyme specificity
Authors: Takase Ryuichi , Maruyama Yukie , Oiki Sayoko , Mikami Bunzo , Murata Kousaku , Hashimoto Wataru
Published: March 2016

Short‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) is distributed in many organisms, from bacteria to humans, and has significant roles in metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and other biomolecules. An important intermediate in acidic polysaccharide metabolism is 2‐keto‐3‐deoxy‐d‐gluconate (KDG). Recently, two short and long loops in Sphingomonas KDG‐producing SDR enzymes (NADPH‐dependent A1‐R and NADH‐dependent A1‐R′) involved in alginate metabolism were shown to be crucial for NADPH or NADH coenzyme specificity. Two SDR family enzymes—KduD from Pectobacterium carotovorum (PcaKduD) and DhuD from Streptococcus pyogenes (SpyDhuD)—prefer NADH as coenzyme, although only PcaKduD can utilize both NADPH and NADH. Both enzymes reduce 2,5‐diketo‐3‐deoxy‐d‐gluconate to produce KDG. Tertiary and quaternary structures of SpyDhuD and PcaKduD and its complex with NADH were determined at high resolution (approximately 1.6 Å) by X‐ray crystallography. Both PcaKduD and SpyDhuD consist of a three‐layered structure, α/β/α, with a coenzyme‐binding site in the Rossmann fold; similar to enzymes A1‐R and A1‐R′, both arrange the two short and long loops close to the coenzyme‐binding site. The primary structures of the two loops in PcaKduD and SpyDhuD were similar to those in A1‐R′ but not A1‐R. Charge neutrality and moderate space at the binding site of the nucleoside ribose 2′ coenzyme region were determined to be structurally crucial for dual‐coenzyme specificity in PcaKduD by structural comparison of the NADH‐ and NADPH‐specific SDR enzymes. The corresponding site in SpyDhuD was negatively charged and spatially shallow. This is the first reported study on structural determinants in SDR family KduD related to dual‐coenzyme specificity. Proteins 2016; 84:934–947. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comprehensive analysis of motions in molecular dynamics trajectories of the actin capping protein and its inhibitor complexes
Authors: Koike Ryotaro , Takeda Shuichi , Maéda Yuichiro , Ota Motonori
Published: March 2016

The actin capping protein (CP) binds to actin filaments to block further elongation. The capping activity is inhibited by proteins V‐1 and CARMIL interacting with CP via steric and allosteric mechanisms, respectively. The crystal structures of free CP, CP/V‐1, and CP/CARMIL complexes suggest that the binding of CARMIL alters the flexibility of CP rather than the overall structure of CP, and this is an allosteric inhibition mechanism. Here, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of CP in the free form, and in complex with CARMIL or V‐1. The resulting trajectories were analyzed exhaustively using Motion Tree, which identifies various rigid‐body motions ranging from small local motions to large domain motions. After enumerating all the motions, CP flexibilities with different ligands were characterized by a list of frequencies for 20 dominant rigid‐body motions, some of which were not identified in previous studies. The comparative analysis highlights the influence of the binding of the CARMIL peptide to CP flexibility. In free CP and the CP/V‐1 complex, domain motions around a large crevice between the N‐stalk and the CP‐S domain occur frequently. The CARMIL peptide binds the crevice and suppresses the motions effectively. In addition, the binding of the CARMIL peptide enhances and alters local motions around the pocket that participates in V‐1 binding. These newly identified motions are likely to suppress the binding of V‐1 to CP. The observed changes in CP motion provide insights that describe the mechanism of allosteric regulation by CARMIL through modulating CP flexibility. Proteins 2016; 84:948–956. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Framing the concept of satellite remote sensing essential biodiversity variables: challenges and future directions
Authors: Pettorelli Nathalie , Wegmann Martin , Skidmore Andrew , Mücher Sander , Dawson Terence P. , Fernandez Miguel , Lucas Richard , Schaepman Michael E. , Wang Tiejun , O'Connor Brian , Jongman Robert H.G. , Kempeneers Pieter , Sonnenschein Ruth , Leidner Allison K. , Böhm Monika , He Kate S. , Nagendra Harini , Dubois Grégoire , Fatoyinbo Temilola , Hansen Matthew C. , Paganini Marc , de Klerk Helen M. , Asner Gregory P. , Kerr Jeremy T. , Estes Anna B. , Schmeller Dirk S. , Heiden Uta , Rocchini Duccio , Pereira Henrique M. , Turak Eren , Fernandez Nestor , Lausch Angela , Cho Moses A. , Alcaraz‐Segura Domingo , McGeoch Mélodie A. , Turner Woody , Mueller Andreas , St‐Louis Véronique , Penner Johannes , Vihervaara Petteri , Belward Alan , Reyers Belinda , Geller Gary N.
Published: March 2016

Although satellite‐based variables have for long been expected to be key components to a unified and global biodiversity monitoring strategy, a definitive and agreed list of these variables still remains elusive. The growth of interest in biodiversity variables observable from space has been partly underpinned by the development of the essential biodiversity variable (EBV) framework by the Group on Earth Observations – Biodiversity Observation Network, which itself was guided by the process of identifying essential climate variables. This contribution aims to advance the development of a global biodiversity monitoring strategy by updating the previously published definition of EBV, providing a definition of satellite remote sensing (SRS) EBVs and introducing a set of principles that are believed to be necessary if ecologists and space agencies are to agree on a list of EBVs that can be routinely monitored from space. Progress toward the identification of SRS‐EBVs will require a clear understanding of what makes a biodiversity variable essential, as well as agreement on who the users of the SRS‐EBVs are. Technological and algorithmic developments are rapidly expanding the set of opportunities for SRS in monitoring biodiversity, and so the list of SRS‐EBVs is likely to evolve over time. This means that a clear and common platform for data providers, ecologists, environmental managers, policy makers and remote sensing experts to interact and share ideas needs to be identified to support long‐term coordinated actions.
Lyricism, Identity, and the Power of Lyricism as the Third Space
Authors: BROWN BRYAN A. , COOKS JAMAL , CROSS KEITH
Published: March 2016

This study used the construct of “lyricism” as an instructional practice to explore the identity connections and cognitive learning potential embedded in instruction in a culturally relevant context. Through a 5‐week mixed methods study of students using the principles of lyricism (e.g., metaphor, double entendre, personification, polysemy, simile, and analogy), we used content analysis and interviews to analyze five students’ experiences learning science through lyricism. Our resulting analysis highlighted the generative potential of lyricism as a teaching tool, as students were required to develop a detailed understanding of the concept being taught to complete the lyrical tasks associated with the activity. We discovered that students developed a detailed understanding of the concepts while concurrently developing a rich appreciation of the scientific language they learned in the process. In this way, using lyricism as a teaching tool was paramount to the construction of a “third space” for science teaching and learning.
A Sustainable Development Approach to Assessing the Engagement of Tourism Enterprises in Poverty Alleviation
Authors: Medina‐Muñoz Diego R. , Medina‐Muñoz Rita D. , Gutiérrez‐Pérez Francisco J.
Published: March 2016

Tourism is a significant or growing economic sector in most countries with high levels of poverty on a global scale. Consequently, previous studies have suggested that tourism enterprises could and should play an active role in reducing poverty. This paper analyses the engagement of tourism enterprises in poverty alleviation. First, different sustainable development approaches are considered as regards increasing the contribution of this stakeholder to poverty alleviation, including corporate social responsibility. Second, empirical studies on the impacts of tourism organizations on poverty published since the year 1999 are critically analysed in order to generate an empirical research framework embracing the following issues: geographical scope, tourism scope and study methods. Third, there is an integrative discussion of empirical evidence from the literature regarding the contribution of private tourism enterprises and other tourism organizations to poverty reduction. Findings suggest that their contribution to poverty alleviation is linked to voluntary social responsibility initiatives and the organization size. Additional findings are shown regarding economic, socio‐culturaland environmental impacts. Recommendations for future research and public policy implications are also provided, which could be of interest to other industries. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Intracellular Delivery of a Planar DNA Origami Structure by the Transferrin‐Receptor Internalization Pathway
Authors: Schaffert David H. , Okholm Anders H. , Sørensen Rasmus S. , Nielsen Jesper S. , Tørring Thomas , Rosen Christian B. , Kodal Anne Louise B. , Mortensen Michael R. , Gothelf Kurt V. , Kjems Jørgen
Published: March 2016

DNA origami provides rapid access to easily functionalized, nanometer‐sized structures making it an intriguing platform for the development of defined drug delivery and sensor systems. Low cellular uptake of DNA nanostructures is a major obstacle in the development of DNA‐based delivery platforms. Herein, significant strong increase in cellular uptake in an established cancer cell line by modifying a planar DNA origami structure with the iron transport protein transferrin (Tf) is demonstrated. A variable number of Tf molecules are coupled to the origami structure using a DNA‐directed, site‐selective labeling technique to retain ligand functionality. A combination of confocal fluorescence microscopy and quantitative (qPCR) techniques shows up to 22‐fold increased cytoplasmic uptake compared to unmodified structures and with an efficiency that correlates to the number of transferrin molecules on the origami surface.
Surface Activities of Three Anionic Gemini Surfactants Derived from Cyanuric Chloride: Effect of a Branched Hydrophobic Chain
Authors: Hu Zhi‐yong , Zhu Hai‐lin , Wang Jian‐long , Cao Duan‐lin
Published: March 2016

Sodium 4,6‐(2‐(N,N‐bis‐ethylhexylamino)‐1,3,5‐triazine‐4,6‐yl‐amino) ethane sulfonate (IXC8), Sodium 4,6‐(2‐(N,N‐bis‐octylamino)‐1,3,5‐Triazine‐4,6‐yl‐amino) ethane sulfonate (XC8) and 2,2′‐(6,6′‐(ethane‐1,2‐diylbis(azanediyl) bis(4‐(octylamino)‐1,3,5‐triazine‐6,2‐diyl)) bis(azanediyl))diethane sulfonate (C8‐2‐C8) were synthesized from cyanuric chloride. The surface activity and application properties of these surfactants (XC8, IXC8 and C8‐2‐C8) were discussed. The values of CMC, γCMC, pC20, Γmax, and Amin calculated from surface tension measurement at 30 °C indicate that the surface activity of IXC8, which has two branched hydrophobic carbon chains, has lower γCMC (26.8 mN m−1) than the other investigated surfactants and excellent wetting ability.
The Role of Systemic Risk Factors in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Atchison Elizabeth , Barkmeier Andrew
Published: March 2016

Diabetic retinopathy is an increasingly common medical issue in the United States. The risk of developing the disease or having the disease progress is caused by many systemic health factors. This article examines the existing literature on the links between glycemic control, arterial hypertension, high cholesterol and hyperlipidemia, obesity, inflammatory markers, sleep-disordered breathing, and exercise with risk of diabetic retinopathy development and prevention. The literature shows benefit for good glycemic and blood pressure control. The effects of cholesterol, and lipid control, inflammatory markers, sleep-disordered breathing, obesity, and exercise are less well established.
Pharmacotherapy for Erectile Dysfunction: Recommendations From the Fourth International Consultation for Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2015)
Authors: Hatzimouratidis Konstantinos , Salonia Andrea , Adaikan Ganesan , Buvat Jacques , Carrier Serge , El-Meliegy Amr , McCullough Andrew , Torres Luiz Otavio , Khera Mohit
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Treatment of erectile dysfunction is based on pharmacotherapy for most patients.

Aim

To review the current data on pharmacotherapy for erectile dysfunction based on efficacy, psychosocial outcomes, and safety outcomes.

Methods

A review of the literature was undertaken by the committee members. All related articles were critically analyzed and discussed.

Main Outcome Measures

Levels of evidence (LEs) and grades of recommendations (GRs) are provided based on a thorough analysis of the literature and committee consensus.

Results

Ten recommendations are provided. (i) Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are effective, safe, and well-tolerated therapies for the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction (LE = 1, GR = A). (ii) There are no significant differences in efficacy, safety, and tolerability among PDE5 inhibitors (LE = 1, GR = A). (iii) PDE5 inhibitors are first-line therapy for most men with erectile dysfunction who do not have a specific contraindication to their use (LE = 3, GR = C). (iv) Intracavernosal injection therapy with alprostadil is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for men with erectile dysfunction (LE = 1, GR = A). (v) Intracavernosal injection therapy with alprostadil should be offered to patients as second-line therapy for erectile dysfunction (LE = 3, GR = C). (vi) Intraurethral and topical alprostadil are effective and well-tolerated treatments for men with erectile dysfunction (LE = 1, GR = A). (vii) Intraurethral and topical alprostadil should be considered second-line therapy for erectile dysfunction if available (LE = 3, GR = C). (viii) Dose titration of PDE5 inhibitors to the maximum tolerated dose is strongly recommended because it increases efficacy and satisfaction from treatment (LE = 2, GR = A). (ix) Treatment selection and follow-up should address the psychosocial profile and the needs and expectations of a patient for his sexual life. Shared decision making with the patient (and his partner) is strongly recommended (LE = 2, GR = A). (x) Counterfeit medicines are potentially dangerous. It is strongly recommended that physicians educate their patients to avoid taking any medication from unauthorized sources (LE = 2, GR = A). The first seven recommendations are the same as those from the Third International Consultation for Sexual Medicine and the last three are new recommendations.

Conclusion

PDE5 inhibitors remain a first-line treatment option because of their excellent efficacy and safety profile. This class of drugs is continually developed with new molecules and new formulations. Intracavernosal injections continue to be an established treatment modality, and intraurethral and topical alprostadil provide an alternative, less invasive treatment option.
Novel sesquiterpene lactone analogues as potent anti‐breast cancer agents
Authors: Nakagawa-Goto Kyoko , Chen Jo-Yu , Cheng Yu-Ting , Lee Wai-Leng , Takeya Munehisa , Saito Yohei , Lee Kuo-Hsiung , Shyur Lie-Fen
Published: March 2016

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with high grade, metastatic phenotype, younger patient age, and poor prognosis. The discovery of an effective anti‐TNBC agent has been a challenge in oncology. In this study, fifty‐eight ester derivatives (DETDs) with a novel sesquiterpene dilactone skeleton were organically synthesized from a bioactive natural product deoxyelephantopin (DET). Among them, DETD‐35 showed potent antiproliferative activities against a panel of breast cancer cell lines including TNBC cell line MDA‐MB‐231, without inhibiting normal mammary cells M10. DETD‐35 exhibited a better effect than parental DET on inhibiting migration, invasion, and motility of MDA‐MB‐231 cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. Comparative study of DETD‐35, DET and chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel (PTX) showed that PTX mainly caused a typical time‐dependent G2/M cell‐cycle arrest, while DETD‐35 or DET treatment induced cell apoptosis. In vivo efficacy of DETD‐35 was evaluated using a lung metastatic MDA‐MB‐231 xenograft mouse model. DETD‐35 significantly suppressed metastatic pulmonary foci information along with the expression level of VEGF and COX‐2 in SCID mice. DETD‐35 also showed a synergistic antitumor effect with PTX in vitro and in vivo. This study suggests that the novel compound DETD‐35 may have a potential to be further developed into a therapeutic or adjuvant agent for chemotherapy against metastatic TNBC.
PUTTING TORTURE (AND VALERIUS MAXIMUS) TO THE TEST
Authors: Lawrence S.J.
Published: March 2016

There has been a tendency, even among authors who have regarded Valerius Maximus as worthy of independent study, to use theFacta et Dictaas a neutral conduit of information about other wider areas. Valerius has thus sometimes become a sourcebook mined for nuggets of information but effectively invisible to those who work it. The past thirty years have seen valuable contributions that raise awareness of the importance of the genre of theFacta et Dictaand (to a lesser extent) the personal input of Valerius, but traces of the ‘conduit’ approach are still preserved in some authors’ attempts to justify their study of the work. For instance, Valerius provides an insight into the historical image of Marius, and is valuable precisely because he has no opinion or personal ideas to offer, because he preserves the language of school rhetoric, because his collection gives us strictly conventional material about religion, because he presents an unadulterated mirror-image of imperial policy and propaganda and because he is ‘middle-brow’ and thus depicts common attitudes. The text has also sometimes been studied for what it reveals about Early Imperial Latin, non-Republican culture and the organisation of Roman knowledge. Most recently, Tara Welch has argued that Valerius deliberately stripsexemplaof all authorial input, including his own, in an attempt to make himself a conduit fortraditio.Alternatively, study of the text is justified by interest in the time period in which it was written.
Vitamin D status among indigenous Mayan (Kekchi) and Afro-Caribe (Garifuna) adolescents from Guatemala: a comparative description between two ethnic groups residing on the Rio Dulce at the Caribbean coast in Izabal Province, Guatemala
Authors: Naqvi Ali , Solomons Noel W , Campos Raquel , Soto-Méndez María José , Caplan Emily , Armas Laura , Bermudez Odilia I
Published: March 2016

Objective

To assess vitamin D status and the influence of risk factors such as skin pigmentation and time spent outdoors on hypovitaminosis D among GuatemalanKekchiandGarifunaadolescents.

Design

Cross-sectional study, with convenient sampling design. Blood samples, anthropometric and behavioural data were all collected during the dry season. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were measured by RIA.

Setting

Communities of Rio Dulce and Livingston, Izabal Province, Caribbean coast of Guatemala, with latitude and longitude of 15°49′N and 88°45′W for Livingston and 15°46′N and 88°49′W for Rio Dulce, respectively.

Subjects

Eighty-six adolescents, divided evenly by sex and ethnicity, with mean age of 14 years.

Results

Mean (sd) 25(OH)D value was 27·8 (7·2) ng/ml for the total group, with 25·8 (5·9) and 29·8 (7·9) ng/ml, respectively, inKekchisandGarifunas(P=0·01). Use of vitamin D supplementation, clothing practices and sun protection were not statistically different between groups. Skin area exposed on the day of data collection ranged from 20·0 % minimum to 49·4 % maximum, with mean (sd) exposure of 32·0 (8.5) %. With univariate regression analysis, age (P=0·034), sex (P=0·044), ethnicity (P=0·010), time spent outdoors (P=0·006) and percentage skin area exposed (P=0·001) were predictive. However, multivariate analysis indicated that only sex (P=0·034) and percentage skin area exposed (P=0·044) remained as predictors of 25(OH)D.

Conclusions

Despite residing in an optimal geographic location for sunlight exposure, nearly 65 % of study adolescents were either insufficient or deficient in vitamin D. Correction and long-term prevention of this nutritional problem may be instrumental in avoiding adverse effects in adulthood attributed to low 25(OH)D during adolescence.