bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mastocytosis and Mast Cells
Authors: Horny Hans‐Peter , Sotlar Karl , Reiter Andreas , Valent Peter
Published: September 2015

Mastocytosis is defined by abnormal accumulations of mast cells in various tissue sites. The clinical features of this multifaceted disorder originate from mast cell infiltration leading to local and systemic effects induced by numerous pharmacological mediators. As mastocytosis is an unusual disorder and presents a multiplicity of symptoms, it is an often overlooked consideration in a differential diagnosis that includes not only chronic diarrhoea, urticaria, syncope and peptic ulceration but also various haematological neoplasms. Diagnosis of mastocytosis can be confirmed only by the pathologist who should use a combined immunohistochemical and molecular approach. Recognition and subtyping of its rare, life‐threatening high‐grade disease variants including aggressive systemic mastocytosis and mast cell leukaemia is based on the thorough investigation of tissue samples (usually bone marrow) but also smear preparations of blood and bone marrow.

Key Concepts

Mastocytosis is an unusual haematopoietic disorder derived from transformed bone marrow progenitor cells.

Clinically and histologically, mastocytosis presents an extremely broad spectrum of subvariants ranging from a benign, sometimes even regressive, cutaneous disease to the progressively fatal mast cell leukaemia.

Mastocytosis is a histological diagnosis established by the pathologist and cannot be confirmed by clinical findings alone.

Most patients with systemic mastocytosis carry the activating point mutation
KIT
‐D816V.

The presence of
KIT
‐D816V enables targeting therapy using some of the recently developed tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Although stated in the recent WHO classification system on haematopoietic neoplasms, mastocytosis should not be grouped among myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Mastocytosis rather should be considered as a distinct group of disorders among haematological tumours/neoplasms.

Mastocytosis must be separated from a variety of reactive (mast cell activation syndrome) and neoplastic (basophilic and myelomastocytic leukaemias) disease states.

In more than 80% of patients with advanced systemic mastocytosis (aggressive and leukaemic SM and SM‐AHNMD) mutations other than KIT‐D816V are detected.
Molecular Genetics of the
IPEX
Syndrome
Authors: Bin Dhuban Khalid , Piccirillo Ciriaco A
Published: September 2015

IPEX syndrome is a rare X‐linked syndrome caused by mutations in the
FOXP3
gene, which encodes the FOXP3 protein. FOXP3 is an essential transcription factor for the development and function of regulatory T (Treg) cells, a subset of CD4
+
T cells responsible for the maintenance of immune tolerance. IPEX presents early in life with severe generalised autoimmunity and failure to thrive. Unless promptly diagnosed and properly treated, most affected children die within the first 2 years of life. Although several immunosuppressive regimens have been used to control IPEX, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains the only curative option. Inspired by the clinical heterogeneity observed in IPEX patients, valuable progress has been made towards a better understanding of the complex interactions of FOXP3 and its multi‐faceted role in orchestrating the different aspects of Treg functions. Such advances will aid in the development of sensitive diagnostic tools and targeted therapeutic strategies with potential applications extending beyond IPEX.

Key Concepts

IPEX is an X‐linked primary immunodeficiency syndrome in which Treg cells are unable to control auto‐reactive immune cells

IPEX may be significantly under‐diagnosed

More than 60
FOXP3
mutations reported to cause IPEX with various degrees of severity

IPEX research has contributed significantly to our knowledge of Treg biology

Efforts are focused on understanding the specific processes affected by individual mutation in order to develop mutation‐specific therapeutic strategies as well as more generalisable strategies for modulation of Treg activity
On‐the‐Spot Immobilization of Quantum Dots, Graphene Oxide, and Proteins via Hydrophobins
Authors: Gravagnuolo Alfredo M. , Morales‐Narváez Eden , Matos Charlene Regina Santos , Longobardi Sara , Giardina Paola , Merkoçi Arben
Published: September 2015

Class I hydrophobin Vmh2, a peculiar surface active and versatile fungal protein, is known to self‐assemble into chemically stable amphiphilic films, to be able to change wettability of surfaces, and to strongly adsorb other proteins. Herein, a fast, highly homogeneous and efficient glass functionalization by spontaneous self‐assembling of Vmh2 at liquid–solid interfaces is achieved (in 2 min). The Vmh2‐coated glass slides are proven to immobilize not only proteins but also nanomaterials such as graphene oxide (GO) and quantum dots (QDs). As models, bovine serum albumin labeled with Alexa 555 fluorophore, anti‐immunoglobulin G antibodies, and cadmium telluride QDs are patterned in a microarray fashion in order to demonstrate functionality, reproducibility, and versatility of the proposed substrate. Additionally, a GO layer is effectively and homogeneously self‐assembled onto the studied functionalized surface. This approach offers a quick and simple alternative to immobilize nanomaterials and proteins, which is appealing for new bioanalytical and nanobioenabled applications.
Copper‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative C(aryl)OH Bond Functionalization of Catechols with Amines Affording Benzoxazoles
Authors: Chen Xiuling , Ji Fangyan , Zhao Yalei , Liu Yanxi , Zhou Yongbo , Chen Tieqiao , Yin Shuang‐Feng
Published: September 2015

The first copper‐catalyzed aerobic oxidative C(aryl)OH bond functionalization of catechols is reported. Under air, at room temperature, in the presence of a copper catalyst, catechols react with amines to produce the corresponding benzoxazoles in high yields. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction proceeds via an intriguing competitive oxidation and a synergetic catalysis between catechol and amine.

magnified image
Multifunctional Phosphorescent Conjugated Polymer Dots for Hypoxia Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhou Xiaobo , Liang Hua , Jiang Pengfei , Zhang Kenneth Yin , Liu Shujuan , Yang Tianshe , Zhao Qiang , Yang Lijuan , Lv Wen , Yu Qi , Huang Wei
Published: September 2015

Molecular oxygen (O2) plays a key role in many physiological processes, and becomes a toxicant to kill cells when excited to 1O2. Intracellular O2 levels, or the degree of hypoxia, are always viewed as an indicator of cancers. Due to the highly efficient cancer therapy ability and low side effect, photodynamic therapy (PDT) becomes one of the most promising treatments for cancers. Herein, an early‐stage diagnosis and therapy system is reported based on the phosphorescent conjugated polymer dots (Pdots) containing Pt(II) porphyrin as an oxygen‐responsive phosphorescent group and 1O2 photosensitizer. Intracellular hypoxia detection has been investigated. Results show that cells treated with Pdots display longer lifetimes under hypoxic conditions, and time‐resolved luminescence images exhibit a higher signal‐to‐noise ratio after gating off the short‐lived background fluorescence. Quantification of O2 is realized by the ratiometric emission intensity of phosphorescence/fluorescence and the lifetime of phosphorescence. Additionally, the PDT efficiency of Pdots is estimated by flow cytometry, MTT cell viability assay, and in situ imaging of PDT induced cell death. Interestingly, Pdots exhibit a high PDT efficiency and would be promising in clinical applications.
Wheezing in tobacco farm workers in Southern Brazil
Authors: Fiori Nadia Spada , Fassa Anaclaudia Gastal , Faria Neice Muller Xavier , Meucci Rodrigo Dalke , Miranda Vanessa Iribarrem , Christiani David C.
Published: September 2015

Background

Tobacco workers are exposed to several respiratory occupational sensitizers.

Methods

A representative cross‐sectional study was carried out on 2469 tobacco family farming growers. Gender‐stratified multivariate analyses evaluated the association between wheezing and socio‐demographic, behavioral, and occupational variables.

Results

Wheezing prevalence was 11.0% with no difference between genders. Among men, age, smoking, strenuous work, pesticide use, contact with vegetable dust and dried tobacco dust, lifting sticks with tobacco leaves to the curing barns, and green tobacco sickness (GTS) were risk factors for wheezing. Among women, family history of asthma, tying hands of tobacco, strenuous work, contact with chemical disinfectants, and GTS were positively associated with wheezing. Harvesting lower tobacco leaves was a protective factor for the outcome in both genders.

Conclusions

Pesticides, dusts exposure, and GTS were risk factors for wheezing. The synergic effect of these factors needs to be better evaluated to improve prevention. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:1217–1228, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Undocumented status as a social determinant of occupational safety and health: The workers’ perspective
Authors: Flynn Michael A. , Eggerth Donald E. , Jacobson C. Jeffrey
Published: September 2015

Background

Undocumented immigration to the United States has grown dramatically over the past 25 years. This study explores undocumented status as a social determinant of occupational health by examining its perceived consequences on workplace safety of Latino immigrants.

Methods

Guided by the Theory of Work Adjustment, qualitative analysis was conducted on transcripts from focus groups and individual interviews conducted with a convenience sample of Latino immigrant workers.

Results

Participants reported that unauthorized status negatively impacted their safety at work and resulted in a degree of alienation that exceeded the specific proscriptions of the law. Participants overwhelming used a strategy of disengagement to cope with the challenges they face as undocumented immigrants.

Conclusion

This study describes the complex web of consequences resulting from undocumented status and its impact on occupational health. This study presents a framework connecting the daily work experiences of immigrants, the coping strategy of disengagement, and efforts to minimize the impact of structural violence. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:1127–1137, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of the hybridization between rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and long‐tailed macaques (M. fascicularis) based on morphological characters
Authors: Hamada Yuzuru , San Aye Mi , Malaivijitnond Suchinda
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Hybridization between rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and long‐tailed (M. fascicularis) macaques has become a focal point of interest. The majority of such studies have evaluated their genetics, but not their morphological characters.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed morphological characters of eight free‐ranging populations of Indochinese rhesus and long‐tailed macaques distributed at the proposed hybrid zone (15.75–21.58° N) in comparison with one population each of Chinese and Indian‐derived rhesus macaques and three populations of Sundaic long‐tailed macaques.

Results

Chinese and Indian rhesus macaques had a heavier body mass, longer crown‐rump length, shorter relative facial length and relative tail length, and a greater contrast of reddish and yellowish dorsal pelage color than the Sundaic long‐tailed macaques for which the latter three parameters could be used to visually discriminate between the two species. Although the morphological characters of Indochinese rhesus and long‐tailed macaques were intermediate between the Chinese/Indian rhesus and Sundaic long‐tailed macaques, they were more similar to their respective conspecifics. The species‐specific characters of a shorter tail (<70%) and a bipartite pelage color pattern were retained in the Indochinese rhesus macaques while the longer tail (>90%) and no bipartite pattern was found in the Indochinese long‐tailed macaques. No morphological cline was observed across the species and the variations were abrupt to some extent.

Discussion

The hybridization between rhesus and long‐tailed macaques may be results of multiple contacts and isolations over a long period of time, thus their evolutionary history should not be drawn solely by genetic or morphological analysis. Am J Phys Anthropol 159:189–198, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling approach to predict drug–drug interactions between domperidone and inhibitors of CYP3A4
Authors: Templeton Ian , Ravenstijn Paulien , Sensenhauser Carlo , Snoeys Jan
Published: September 2015

Domperidone is a dopamine receptor antagonist and a substrate of CYP3A4, hence there is a potential for CYP3A inhibition‐based drug–drug interactions (DDI). A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model was developed to describe DDIs between domperidone and three different inhibitors of CYP3A4. Simcyp V13.1 was used to simulate human domperidone pharmacokinetics and DDIs. Inputs included domperidone chemical and physical properties (LogP, pKa, etc.), in vitro human liver microsomal data and pharmacokinetic parameters from single‐dose intravenous clinical studies in healthy participants. The simulated mean maximum domperidone plasma concentration and AUC after single‐ and multiple‐oral doses under diverse conditions were within 1.1–1.4 fold of the observed values. The simulated intestinal availability, hepatic availability and the fraction absorbed were 0.45 ± 0.14, 0.31 ± 0.10 and 0.89 ± 0.11, respectively, and comparable to observed in vivo values. The simulated ratios of AUC and Cmax in the presence of ketoconazole, erythromycin or itraconazole to baseline were consistent with the observed ratios. Simulated ketoconazole, erythromycin, itraconazole and Cmax,ss and AUCss were within 1.5‐fold of the observed values. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SUMO‐regulated transcription: Challenging the dogma
Authors: Chymkowitch Pierre , Nguéa P Aurélie , Enserink Jorrit M.
Published: September 2015

The small ubiquitin‐like modifier SUMO regulates many aspects of cellular physiology to maintain cell homeostasis, both under normal conditions and during cell stress. Components of the transcriptional apparatus and chromatin are among the most prominent SUMO substrates. The prevailing view is that SUMO serves to repress transcription. However, as we will discuss in this review, this model needs to be refined, because recent studies have revealed that SUMO can also have profound positive effects on transcription.
For Your Bookshelf…
Authors: Raso Catherine M. , Perrone Ercole D.
Published: September 2015

Catherine M. Raso, a highly experienced Policy Governance consultant who has worked with more than a dozen student association boards, and Ercole D. Perrone, executive director of the Humber Students' Federation with eight years' experience in student government, review A Blueprint for Student Driven Professionally Supported Student Association by Michael Hughes.
Synaptic input changes to spinal cord motoneurons correlate with motor control impairments in a type 1 diabetes mellitus model
Authors: Benitez Suzana Ulian , Carneiro Everardo Magalhães , de Oliveira Alexandre Leite Rodrigues
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Hyperglycemia is the main cause of diabetic complications, contributing to a widespread degeneration of the nervous system. Nevertheless, the main focus has been the sensory neurons because of neuropathic pain, while the impairments associated with the spinal cord and motor deficits, mostly of those initiated at early stages of the disease, have been poorly investigated. In this way, the present study used the nonobese diabetic mouse model to evaluate the microenvironment around motoneurons at ventral horn of the spinal cord, following prolonged hyperglycemia.

Methods

Adult female mice were divided into two groups: spontaneously diabetic (n = 33) and nondiabetic (n = 26). Mice were considered hyperglycemic when blood glucose surpassed 400 mg/dL. Following 2 weeks from that stage, part of the animals was euthanized and the lumbar intumescences were obtained and processed for immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. For immunohistochemistry, the antibodies used for integrated density of pixels quantification were anti‐synaptophysin, anti‐GFAP, and anti‐Iba1. The functional analysis was monitored with the walking track test (CatWalk system) during 4 weeks.

Results

The results revealed significant motor impairment in diabetic animals in comparison to the control group. Such loss of motor control correlated with a significant reduction in presynaptic terminals apposed to the motoneurons. Nevertheless, there were no significant changes in glial reaction in the spinal cord.

Conclusion

Overall, the results herein revealed central nervous system changes at early stages of the disease that may in turn contribute to the motor deficit. Such changes open a new window of investigation in early stages of diabetes to better comprehend motor impairment as a long‐term complication of the disease.
Gain insight into cost‐of‐attendance calculation, methods
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2015

ORLANDO, FLA. — You're not alone in your struggles to get a handle on the multiple challenges involved with cost‐of‐attendance calculations and methods.
Potent and Selective Modulation of the RhlR Quorum Sensing Receptor by Using Non‐native Ligands: An Emerging Target for Virulence Control in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Eibergen Nora R. , Moore Joseph D. , Mattmann Margrith E. , Blackwell Helen E.
Published: September 2015

Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses N‐acylated l‐homoserine lactone signals and a triumvirate of LuxR‐type receptor proteins—LasR, RhlR, and QscR—for quorum sensing (QS). Each of these receptors can contribute to QS activation or repression and, thereby, the control of myriad virulence phenotypes in this pathogen. LasR has traditionally been considered to be at the top of the QS receptor hierarchy in P. aeruginosa; however, recent reports suggest that RhlR plays a more prominent role in infection than originally predicted, in some circumstances superseding that of LasR. Herein, we report the characterization of a set of synthetic, small‐molecule agonists and antagonists of RhlR. Using E. coli reporter strains, we demonstrated that many of these compounds can selectively activate or inhibit RhlR instead of LasR and QscR. Moreover, several molecules maintain their activities in P. aeruginosa at concentrations analogous to native RhlR signal levels. These compounds represent useful chemical probes to study the role of RhlR in the complex QS circuitry of P. aeruginosa, its direct (and indirect) effects on virulence, and its overall merit as a target for anti‐infective therapy.
Highly Efficient Asymmetric Aziridination of Unsaturated Aldehydes Promoted by Chiral Hetero‐organic Catalysts
Authors: Rachwalski Michał , Wujkowska Zuzanna , Leśniak Stanisław , Kiełbasiński Piotr
Published: September 2015

Optically pure hetero‐organic catalysts that bear a hydroxyl moiety, a stereogenic sulfinyl group, and a chiral amine moiety, are highly efficient in the asymmetric aziridination of unsaturated aldehydes and lead to the desired chiral products in high yields (up to 93 %) with enantiomeric excess values up to 92 %. The influence of the stereogenic centers at the sulfinyl sulfur atom and in the amine moiety on the stereochemical outcome of the title reaction is discussed.
Efficiency Factors in Photocatalytic Reactors: Quantum Yield and Photochemical Thermodynamic Efficiency Factor
Authors: Lasa Hugo de , Rosales Benito Serrano , Moreira Jesus , Valades‐Pelayo Patricio
Published: September 2015

Photocatalytic efficiency is evaluated using quantum yields (QYs) and the photochemical thermodynamic efficiency factor (PTEF). The PTEF allows establishing reactor efficiency as the ratio of utilized enthalpy for the formation of consumed OH• free radicals over the absorbed photon energy. A key consideration for the evaluation of efficiency factors is the establishment of macroscopic energy balances together with an accurate assessment of evolved and absorbed photons. Of considerable help are the experimental devices developed at the Chemical Reactor Engineering Centre (CREC)/University of Western Ontario (UWO) laboratories. Photoconversion kinetics is required for calculation of the OH• consumption rates and establishment of the related kinetic parameters. PTEFs and QYs have been applied by CREC‐UWO researchers for efficiency calculations in photocatalytic reactors for the decontamination of air, water, and hydrogen production.
High‐Power Supercapacitive Properties of Graphene Oxide Hybrid Films with Highly Conductive Molybdenum Disulfide Nanosheets
Authors: Byun Segi , Sim Dong Min , Yu Jin , Yoo Jung Joon
Published: September 2015

By introducing a graphene oxide (GO) sheet as a phase stabilizer and a mechanical supporter, MoS2/GO hybrid films consisting of a high concentration of distorted 1T‐MoS2 are successfully fabricated through a post‐annealing process in air with the form of a restacked film. After the annealing process, the MoS2 nanosheets undergo direct binding with the oxygen functional groups of GO, maintaining their highly conducting 1T phase and leading to distorted 1T‐MoS2 or 1T′‐MoS2. A hybrid film‐based supercapacitor reveals significantly enhanced electrochemical properties, such as an ultrahigh volumetric power density (≈207 W cm−3), high volumetric capacitance (≈380 F cm−3 at 10 mV s−1), superior rate capability, and a semi‐permanent cycle life (95 % retention after 10 000 cycles) in an aqueous electrolyte.
Selective Sensing of Fe3+ and Al3+ Ions and Detection of 2,4,6‐Trinitrophenol by a Water‐Stable Terbium‐Based Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Cao Li‐Hui , Shi Fang , Zhang Wen‐Min , Zang Shuang‐Quan , Mak Thomas C. W.
Published: September 2015

A water‐stable luminescent terbium‐based metal–organic framework (MOF), {[Tb(L1)1.5(H2O)]⋅3 H2O}n (Tb‐MOF), with rod‐shaped secondary building units (SBUs) and honeycomb‐type tubular channels has been synthesized and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The high green emission intensity and the microporous nature of the Tb‐MOF indicate that it can potentially be used as a luminescent sensor. In this work, we show that Tb‐MOF can selectively sense Fe3+ and Al3+ ions from mixed metal ions in water through different detection mechanisms. In addition, it also exhibits high sensitivity for 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (TNP) in the presence of other nitro aromatic compounds in aqueous solution by luminescence quenching experiments.
ChemInform Abstract: Shape‐Controlled Synthesis of Colloidal Metal Nanocrystals: Thermodynamic versus Kinetic Products.
Authors: Xia Younan , Xia Xiaohu , Peng Hsin‐Chieh
Published: September 2015

Review: [74 refs.
A meta‐analytic review of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology: Has the rate of malignancy in indeterminate lesions been underestimated?
Authors: Straccia Patrizia , Rossi Esther Diana , Bizzarro Tommaso , Brunelli Chiara , Cianfrini Federica , Damiani Domenico , Fadda Guido
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) provides a 6‐tier diagnostic framework using uniform criteria in reports of thyroid aspirates. One of the major advantages of this framework is its association with defined risks of malignancy, allowing standardized management algorithms for each diagnosis. The objective of the current meta‐analysis was to demonstrate the feasibility of using TBSRTC among specimens in the atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) and follicular neoplasm or suspicious for neoplasm (FN/SFN) categories. The authors also evaluated both the morphologic features and the risk of malignancy in the presence of Hurthle cells.

METHODS

A literature search was performed of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for English‐language studies published from January 2008 to December2014. Studies were considered eligible only if they evaluated the risk of malignancy for specimens in the AUS/FLUS and/or FN/SFN categories and included surgical follow‐up.

RESULTS

In total, 51 articles were identified that used TBSRTC criteria and provided data for a total of 145,928 fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) specimens. Of these, FNAs that had surgical follow‐up were selected among the AUS/FLUS (N = 4475) and FN/SFN (N = 3202) specimens. The overall rate of malignancy was 27% for the AUS/FLUS category and 31% for the FN/SFN category.

CONCLUSIONS

The AUS category was characterized by limited reported follow‐up and surgical outcome. The data demonstrated that FNAs with an AUS diagnosis had a higher risk of malignancy than the risk according to published TBSRTC criteria, whereas the percentage of malignancy in FNAs with an FN/SFN diagnosis did not differ from that according to TBSRTC. Hurthle cell lesions represent a challenging category, underlying the importance of further studies to define whether they can be diagnosed in the AUS/FLUS category rather than the FN/SFN category. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015;123:713–722. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Vagal Intramuscular Arrays: The Specialized Mechanoreceptor Arbors That Innervate the Smooth Muscle Layers of the Stomach Examined in the Rat
Authors: Powley Terry L. , Hudson Cherie N. , McAdams Jennifer L. , Baronowsky Elizabeth A. , Phillips Robert J.
Published: September 2015

The fundamental roles that the stomach plays in ingestion and digestion notwithstanding, little morphological information is available on vagal intramuscular arrays (IMAs), the afferents that innervate gastric smooth muscle. To characterize IMAs better, rats were given injections of dextran biotin in the nodose ganglia, and, after tracer transport, stomach whole mounts were collected. Specimens were processed for avidin–biotin permanent labeling, and subsets of the whole mounts were immunohistochemically processed for c‐Kit or stained with cuprolinic blue. IMAs (n = 184) were digitized for morphometry and mapping. Throughout the gastric muscle wall, IMAs possessed common phenotypic features. Each IMA was generated by a parent neurite arborizing extensively, forming an array of multiple (mean = 212) branches averaging 193 µm in length. These branches paralleled, and coursed in apposition with, bundles of muscle fibers and interstitial cells of Cajal. Individual arrays averaged 4.3 mm in length and innervated volumes of muscle sheet, presumptive receptive fields, averaging 0.1 mm3. Evaluated by region and by muscle sheet, IMAs displayed architectural adaptations to the different loci. A subset (32%) of circular muscle IMAs issued specialized polymorphic collaterals to myenteric ganglia, and a subset (41%) of antral longitudinal muscle IMAs formed specialized net endings associated with the serosal boundary. IMAs were concentrated in regional patterns that correlated with the unique biomechanical adaptations of the stomach, specifically proximal stomach reservoir functions and antral emptying operations. Overall, the structural adaptations and distributions of the IMAs were consonant with the hypothesized stretch receptor roles of the afferents. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:713–737, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unique hue data and CIECAM02: A comment on Xiao et al
Authors: Hunt R. W. G.
Published: September 2015

This letter to the editor notes the offsets from the origin of unique hue loci in the recent article, Unique Hue Data for Colour Appearance Models. Part III: Comparison with NCS Unique Hues by Xiao et al. [Color Res Appl 2015;40:256–263] and suggests that modifications to the cone response function in CIECAM02 be explored. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2015
Chromatic contrast dependence of reaction time to random‐dot stereograms at isoluminance
Authors: Lin Kai , Liao Ningfang , Zhao Dazun , Dong Shuwen , Li Yasheng
Published: September 2015

The relationship between reaction time and perceived contrast of random‐dot‐stereograms has been investigated in this article. First, reaction times of random‐dot stereograms with luminance contrast variations and chromatic contrast variations at isoluminance were examined. Further experiments of reaction times were measured for random‐dot stereograms filtered by a two‐dimensional Gaussian filter. The results clearly indicate that reaction time gradually decreases as contrast increases and level outs when contrast approaches to some value. Furthermore, reaction times for same contrast were shorter for luminance changes than the chromatic variations along the red–green axis, which in turn were shorter than those along blue–yellow axis. Therefore, it could be concluded that luminance contrast cues are more effective than chromatic contrast cues at isoluminance in facilitating stereo perception. On the other hand, it has been found that there was no apparent difference of reaction times for filtered random‐dot stereograms, compared with the unfiltered cases. Finally, there are large inter‐subject variations in stereo perception. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 564–570, 2016
Alternative ways to measure impacts of dam closure to the structure of fish communities of a neotropical river
Authors: Lima Ana Carolina , Agostinho Carlos Sérgio , Soares Amadeu M.V.M. , Monaghan Kieran A.
Published: September 2015

Neotropical freshwaters host some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world and are among the most threatened by habitat alterations. The high number of species and lack of basic ecological knowledge provide a major obstacle to understanding the effects of environmental change. We assessed the impact of dam closure on the fish communities of a neotropical river by applying simple descriptions of community organizations: species abundance distribution and abundance biomass comparison curves. Fish data were collected using gillnets during three distinct time periods (1 year before, 1 year after and 5 years after dam closure), at eight sites located downstream of the dam, in the reservoir, transition zone and upstream. A total of 69 343 individuals representing 260 species were recorded. Dam closure was associated with changes in the organization of fish communities at all sites. Species richness tended to increase immediately after dam closure while evenness decreased. Changes in taxonomic structure (richness and evenness) were accompanied by a change in the distribution of biomass with the proportionate contribution by smaller individuals significantly increased relative to larger individuals. Five years on, richness had fallen to below pre‐closure levels at all sites, while the comparative stability of assemblages in the transformed habitats was reflected by biomass‐abundance distribution patterns that approximated pre‐disturbance ratios. This simplistic analysis provided a sensitive and informative assessment of ecological conditions, which highlights the impact to ecosystem process and ecological networks and has particular value in regions where a lack of detailed ecological knowledge precludes the application of traditional bioassessment methods. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decoupling the retention time of easily degradable and persistent substances using ultrafiltration membranes increases biogas production yield
Authors: Schreiber Anja , Vollmer Gerd‐Rainer , Breuer Uta , Nelles Michael
Published: September 2015

The decoupling of the retention time of easily degradable and persistent substances relieves the degradation process from inhibitors and increases the biogas yield. Anaerobic digestion of maize silage was investigated in a pilot‐scale plant with a coupled ultrafiltration membrane. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the influence of the membrane‐based relief of the degradation process and the increase of the retention time of persistent substances. For that purpose, the fermenter content was separated into solid and liquid fractions. The solid fraction was recirculated to the fermenter for longer retention time and higher substrate degradation rates. The fermentation process was improved by the removal of the liquid fraction and adding volatile fatty acids. The results showed an increase of the biogas yield by 7.2% in comparison to the anaerobic digestion without membrane filtration.
Use of nonimmobilized enzymes and mediators achieved high power densities in closed biobatteries
Authors: Zhu Zhiguang , Zhang Y.‐H. Percival
Published: September 2015

The immobilization of redox enzymes on the surface of electrodes is a typical practice for enzymatic fuel cells (EFCs) but enzyme immobilization usually results in low retaining enzymatic activities and low power densities. Here, we investigated an alternative solution – the use of nonimmobilized thermostable enzymes (e.g., NAD‐based glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase and flavin‐containing diaphorase) and a nonimmobilized mediator (i.e., benzyl viologen or 9,10‐anthraquinone‐2,7‐disulphonic acid, AQDS) for achieving high power densities from glucose 6‐phosphate in closed EFCs (called biobatteries). At the same enzyme loading, power densities of biobatteries increased in an order from the case of immobilized enzymes and immobilized vitamin K3 to the case of nonimmobilized enzymes and immobilized vitamin K3 to the case of nonimmobilized enzymes and nonimmobilized AQDS. The maximum power density of the biobattery based on nonimmobilized enzymes and AQDS was 1.1 mW cm−2 of anode at room temperature, 34‐times of the biobattery based on immobilized enzymes and immobilized vitamin K3. When enzyme loading was increased by another 10‐fold, the highest power density of biobattery was increased to 2.4 mW cm−2 at 37°C. The biobattery based on nonimmobilized enzymes and AQDS retained 60% of its initial current density after running for 2 h. When repeatedly being used for 6 rounds, the biobattery had 35% of its initial current density after 12 days. Our results suggest that closed biobatteries equipped with nonimmobilized thermostable enzymes and mediators feature simple system configuration and have high power densities.
Geomorphic knowledge for mangrove restoration: a pan‐tropical categorization
Authors: Balke Thorsten , Friess Daniel A.
Published: September 2015

Extreme events such as storm surges and tsunamis in combination with subsidence of densely populated coastal areas pose an increasing threat to millions of people in the tropics. Intertidal mangrove forests may form a natural protection against some extreme events, but have also widely been destroyed by coastal development. The establishment of mangroves and the maintenance of their stability over the short‐ to long‐term requires an understanding of sedimentary processes and landforms in the coastal zone, making geomorphology a crucial, but sometimes neglected discipline when attempting restoration for disaster risk reduction. Mangrove geomorphic setting varies markedly across the tropics, depending on abiotic parameters such as suspended sediment supply and tidal range, with different restoration strategies suitable for each. In this study we provide a global categorization of mangrove geomorphic settings, based on the literature and global remote sensing data. The world's mangroves can be broadly defined as: (1) minerogenic and high tidal range; (2) minerogenic and low tidal range; and (3) organogenic and low tidal range. We further discuss restoration and management approaches most suitable for each geomorphic setting. Overall, this study can be used to inform managers about the relevance of geomorphic knowledge for successful mangrove restoration, how an understanding of geomorphology can influence site selection and restoration success, and how to match specific restoration methods to the prevailing geomorphic context. The stronger incorporation of geomorphic knowledge into site planning and design will improve the success rates of restoration for this important and globally threatened ecosystem. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature and food concentration have limited influence on the mixture toxicity of copper and Microcystis aeruginosa to Daphnia magna
Authors: Hochmuth Jennifer D. , Janssen Colin R. , De Schamphelaere Karel A.C.
Published: September 2015

Standard ecotoxicity tests are conducted under constant and favorable experimental conditions. In natural communities, however, the toxicity of chemicals may be influenced by abiotic and biotic environmental factors. Firstly, the authors examined the influence of temperature and total food concentration on the nature of the combined effects of copper (Cu) and the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa to Daphnia magna (i.e., whether the combined effects deviated from noninteraction). Secondly, the authors investigated the relative influence of the percentage of M. aeruginosa in the diet, temperature, and total food concentration on chronic Cu toxicity to D. magna. The nature of the combined effects between Cu and M. aeruginosa (i.e., synergism according to the independent action reference model and noninteraction according to concentration addition reference model) was not affected by temperature and total food concentration. In line with other studies, the concentration addition reference model gave rise to more protective predictions of mixture toxicity than the independent action reference model, thus confirming the former model's suitability as a conservative scenario for evaluating mixture toxicity of Cu and M. aeruginosa under the temperature and food concentrations tested. Further, the 21-d median effective concentration for Cu based on reproduction varied between 20 μg/L and 100 μg/L, and the results indicate that the percentage of M. aeruginosa explained 76% of the variance in the Cu median effective concentration for reproduction, whereas the effects of temperature and total food were limited (together explaining 11% of the variance). The present study suggests that environmental risk assessment of Cu should consider specific situations where harmful M. aeruginosa blooms can co-occur with elevated Cu exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:742–749. © 2015 SETAC
Predicted and observed therapeutic dose exceedances of ionizable pharmaceuticals in fish plasma from urban coastal systems
Authors: Scott W. Casan , Du Bowen , Haddad Samuel P. , Breed Christopher S. , Saari Gavin N. , Kelly Martin , Broach Linda , Chambliss C. Kevin , Brooks Bryan W.
Published: September 2015

Instream flows of the rapidly urbanizing watersheds and estuaries of the Gulf of Mexico in Texas (USA) are increasingly dominated by reclaimed waters. Though ionizable pharmaceuticals have received increasing attention in freshwaters, many research questions remain unanswered, particularly in tidally influenced urban coastal systems, which experience significant spatiotemporal variability in pH that influences bioavailability and bioaccumulation. The authors coupled fish plasma modeling of therapeutic hazard values with field monitoring of water chemistry variability and pharmaceutical occurrence to examine whether therapeutic hazards to fish existed within these urban coastal ecosystems and whether therapeutic hazards differed within and among coastal locations and seasons. Spatial and temporal fluctuations in pH within study sites altered the probability of encountering pharmaceutical hazards to fish. Significant water quality differences were consistently observed among traditional parameters and pharmaceuticals collected from surface and bottom waters, which are rarely sampled during routine surface water quality assessments. The authors then compared modeling predictions of fish plasma concentrations of pharmaceuticals to measured plasma levels from various field-collected fish species. Diphenhydramine and diltiazem were observed in plasma of multiple species, and diltiazem exceeded human therapeutic doses in largemouth bass, catfish, and mullet inhabiting these urban estuaries. Though the present study only examined a small number of target analytes, which represent a microcosm of the exposome of these fish, coastal systems are anticipated to be more strongly influenced by continued urbanization, altered instream flows, and population growth in the future. Unfortunately, aquatic toxicology information for diltiazem and many other pharmaceuticals is not available for marine and estuarine organisms, but such field observations suggest that potential adverse outcomes should be examined. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:983–995. © 2015 SETAC
Stage-dependent and sex-dependent sensitivity to water-soluble fractions of fresh and weathered oil in the marine copepod Calanus finmarchicus
Authors: Jager Tjalling , Altin Dag , Miljeteig Cecilie , Hansen Bjørn Henrik
Published: September 2015

Acute toxicity differs between species but also varies within a species. Important intraspecific factors are the exposure duration and properties of the animal such as life stage, sex, and physiological status. In the present study, the acute toxicity of water-soluble fractions (WSFs) from fresh and artificially weathered oil was followed over time in different life stages of the calanoid copepod Calanus finmarchicus, including adult males and females. The life stages differ in size but also in lipid content and physiology. To meaningfully compare the sensitivity of the different stages, the authors fitted a toxicokinetic–toxicodynamic (TKTD) model from the framework of the General Unified Threshold Model of Survival (GUTS) to the mortality patterns over time. The oil WSFs could not be treated as single compounds: the rapid effect at high doses could not be reconciled with the slow effect at low doses. Treating the oil as a mixture of 2 component blocks could, however, capture these patterns satisfactorily. Even though the early life stages of animals are generally considered to be the most vulnerable, the adult males of C. finmarchicus turned out to be most sensitive, followed by the early copepodites. Naupliar larvae were equally susceptible to oil toxicity as late copepodites and adult females. The relationship between the GUTS model parameters and the physiological traits for the different life stages remains, however, unclear. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:728–735. © 2015 SETAC
Characterization of glucose‐related metabolic pathways in differentiated rat oligodendrocyte lineage cells
Authors: Amaral Ana I. , Hadera Mussie G. , Tavares Joana M. , Kotter Mark R. N. , Sonnewald Ursula
Published: September 2015

Although oligodendrocytes constitute a significant proportion of cells in the central nervous system (CNS), little is known about their intermediary metabolism. We have, therefore, characterized metabolic functions of primary oligodendrocyte precursor cell cultures at late stages of differentiation using isotope‐labelled metabolites. We report that differentiated oligodendrocyte lineage cells avidly metabolize glucose in the cytosol and pyruvate derived from glucose in the mitochondria. The labelling patterns of metabolites obtained after incubation with [1,2‐13C]glucose demonstrated that the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is highly active in oligodendrocytes (approximately 10% of glucose is metabolized via the PPP as indicated by labelling patterns in phosphoenolpyruvate). Mass spectrometry and magnetic resonance spectroscopy analyses of metabolites after incubation of cells with [1‐13C]lactate or [1,2‐13C]glucose, respectively, demonstrated that anaplerotic pyruvate carboxylation, which was thought to be exclusive to astrocytes, is also active in oligodendrocytes. Using [1,2‐13C]acetate, we show that oligodendrocytes convert acetate into acetyl CoA which is metabolized in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Analysis of labelling patterns of alanine after incubation of cells with [1,2‐13C]acetate and [1,2‐13C]glucose showed catabolic oxidation of malate or oxaloacetate. In conclusion, we report that oligodendrocyte lineage cells at late differentiation stages are metabolically highly active cells that are likely to contribute considerably to the metabolic activity of the CNS. GLIA 2016;64:21–34
Sense of Competence and Beliefs About Parental Roles in Mothers and Fathers as Predictors of Coparenting and Child Engagement in Mother–Father–Infant Triadic Interactions
Authors: Favez Nicolas , Tissot Hervé , Frascarolo France , Stiefel Friedrich , Despland Jean‐Nicolas
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which a sense of competence and beliefs about parental roles in mothers and fathers influence coparenting and child engagement in triadic interactions during the first 2 years of the child's life, after other influential variables such as marital satisfaction and postpartum depression have been controlled for. The sample constituted 69 mother–father–infant families, whose sense of competence, beliefs in parental roles, postpartum depression, and marital satisfaction were assessed in our laboratory at 3, 9, and 18 months with self‐reported questionnaires. Coparenting support and conflict and child engagement were assessed with the Lausanne Trilogue Play. Results show that (i) predictors of coparenting and child engagement are not the same at each time point; (ii) a sense of competence in mothers is positively linked with coparenting support, particularly at 3 months, whereas in fathers, it is negatively linked with support, particularly at 18 months; (iii) discrepancies between mothers and fathers in beliefs about the importance of the mother's role is the main predictor of coparenting conflict at 18 months; and (iv) paternal beliefs about the importance of the father's and mother's roles are the main predictor of child engagement at 18 months. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IKKϵ negatively regulates RIG‐I via direct phosphorylation
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqing , Yu Haiyang , Zhao Jun , Li Xiuqing , Li Jiada , He Jiantai , Xia Zanxian , Zhao Jinfeng
Published: September 2015

Inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa‐B kinase Epsilon (IKKϵ) is an IKK‐related kinase. Despite it was originally discovered as a kinase functionally related to TBK‐1, studies entailing gene knockout mouse demonstrated that IKKϵ is dispensable for interferon induction by viral infection. In this study, we report that IKKϵ directly phosphorylates a key serine residue within the RNA‐binding domain of RIG‐I (retinoic acid‐inducible gene 1) to inhibit RIG‐I‐mediate innate immune signaling. Using IKKϵ‐deficient MEFs, we found that loss of IKKϵ resulted in increased cytokine production in response to the activation of cytosolic sensors. Biochemical analyses indicated that IKKϵ physically associated with and phosphorylated RIG‐I. Mass spectrometry analysis identified that IKKϵ phosphorylated the serine 855 of the RNA‐binding pocket of RIG‐I carboxyl terminal domain, a residues known to impinge on RNA‐binding via phosphorylation. Our findings collectively support the conclusion that IKKϵ modulates innate immune signaling cascades via phosphorylating the RIG‐I cytosolic sensor, providing a feedback regulatory mechanism. J. Med. Virol. 88:712–718, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐intensity resistance training attenuates dexamethasone‐induced muscle atrophy
Authors: Krug AndrÉ L.O. , Macedo Anderson G. , Zago Anderson S. , Rush James W.E. , Santos Carlos F. , Amaral Sandra L.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

In this study we investigated the effects of high‐intensity resistance training (RT) on dexamethasone (DEX)‐induced muscle atrophy in flexor hallucis longus (FHL), tibialis anterior (TA), and soleus (SOL) muscles. Methods: Rats underwent either high‐intensity RT or were kept sedentary. In the last 10 days they received either DEX (0.5 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) or saline. Results: DEX reduced body weight (−21%), food intake (−28%), FHL and TA muscle mass (−20% and −18%, respectively), and increased muscle‐specific ring finger 1 (MuRF‐1) protein level (+37% and +45.5%). RT attenuated FHL muscle atrophy through a combination of low increase in MuRF‐1 protein level (−3.5%) and significant increases in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) (+63%) and p70S6K (+46% and +49% for control and DEX, respectively) protein levels. Conclusion: RT attenuated DEX‐induced muscle atrophy through a combination of increases in mTOR and p70S6K protein levels and a low increase in MuRF‐1 protein level. Muscle Nerve 53: 779–788, 2016