bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Density‐dependent diel activity in stream‐dwelling Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus
Authors: Fingerle Amy , Larranaga Nicolas , Steingrímsson Stefán Óli
Published: May 2016

Intraspecific competition plays a significant role in shaping how animals use and share habitats in space and time. However, the way individuals may modify their diel activity in response to increased competition has received limited attention. We used juvenile (age 1+) Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus to test the prediction that individuals at high population density are more active and distribute their foraging activity over a greater portion of the 24‐h cycle than individuals at low population density. Individually tagged fish were stocked in seminatural stream enclosures at low (2 fish/m2) and high (6 fish/m2) density. During each of two 2‐week experimental rounds, activity of all fish within each enclosure was recorded every 3 h over seven 24‐h cycles. At high density, fish were more active and distributed their activity over a greater portion of the 24‐h cycle, with increased activity particularly at crepuscular times. Fluctuations in ecological conditions (e.g., water temperature and light intensity) also affected activity. Fish at high density grew as fast as fish at low density. This study demonstrates that individuals exhibit a degree of behavioral flexibility in their response to changes in ecological conditions and suggests that intraspecific competition can cause animals to modify temporal aspects of their activity to gain access to resources and maintain growth.
Uniting paradigms of connectivity in marine ecology
Authors: Brown Christopher J. , Harborne Alastair R. , Paris Claire B. , Mumby Peter J.
Published: May 2016

The connectivity of marine organisms among habitat patches has been dominated by two independent paradigms with distinct conservation strategies. One paradigm is the dispersal of larvae on ocean currents, which suggests networks of marine reserves. The other is the demersal migration of animals from nursery to adult habitats, requiring the conservation of connected ecosystem corridors. Here, we suggest that a common driver, wave exposure, links larval and demersal connectivity across the seascape. To study the effect of linked connectivities on fish abundance at reefs, we parameterize a demographic model for The Bahamas seascape using maps of habitats, empirically forced models of wave exposure and spatially realistic three‐dimensional hydrological models of larval dispersal. The integrated empirical‐modeling approach enabled us to study linked connectivity on a scale not currently possible by purely empirical studies. We find sheltered environments not only provide greater nursery habitat for juvenile fish but larvae spawned on adjacent reefs have higher retention, thereby creating a synergistic increase in fish abundance. Uniting connectivity paradigms to consider all life stages simultaneously can help explain the evolution of nursery habitat use and simplifies conservation advice: Reserves in sheltered environments have desirable characteristics for biodiversity conservation and can support local fisheries through adult spillover.
Transgenerational effects and impact of compensatory responses to changes in breeding phenology on antipredator defenses
Authors: Orizaola Germán , Richter‐Boix Alex , Laurila Anssi
Published: May 2016

As organisms living in temperate environments often have only a short time window for growth and reproduction, their life‐history strategies are expected to be influenced by these time constraints. Parents may alter the pace of offspring life‐history as a response to changes in breeding phenology. However, the responses to changes in time constraints must be balanced with those against other stressors, such as predation, one of the strongest and more ubiquitous selective factors in nature. Here, after experimentally modifying the timing of breeding and hatching in the moor frog (Rana arvalis), we studied how compensatory responses to delayed breeding and hatching affect antipredator strategies in amphibian larvae. We examined the activity patterns, morphology and life‐history responses in tadpoles exposed to different combinations of breeding and hatching delays in the presence and absence of predators. We found clear evidence of adaptive transgenerational effects since tadpoles from delayed breeding treatments increased growth and development independently of predation risk. The presence of predators reduced tadpole activity, tadpoles from delayed breeding treatments maintaining lower activity than non‐delayed ones also in the absence of predators. Tadpoles reared with predators developed deeper tails and bodies, however, tadpoles from breeding delay treatments had reduced morphological defenses as compared to non‐delayed individuals. No significant effects of hatching delay were detected in this study. Our study reveals that amphibian larvae exposed to breeding delay develop compensatory life‐history responses even under predation risk, but these responses trade‐off with the development of morphological antipredator defenses. These results suggest that under strong time constraints organisms are selected to develop fast growth and development responses, and rely on lower activity rates as their main antipredator defense. Examining how responses to changes in phenology affect species interactions is highly relevant for better understanding ecological responses to climate change.
Reduced TCR‐dependent activation through citrullination of a T‐cell epitope enhances Th17 development by disruption of the STAT3/5 balance
Authors: Tibbitt Christopher , Falconer Jane , Stoop Jeroen , van Eden Willem , Robinson John H. , Hilkens Catharien M.U.
Published: May 2016

Citrullination is a post‐translational modification of arginine that commonly occurs in inflammatory tissues. Because T‐cell receptor (TCR) signal quantity and quality can regulate T‐cell differentiation, citrullination within a T‐cell epitope has potential implications for T‐cell effector function. Here, we investigated how citrullination of an immunedominant T‐cell epitope affected Th17 development. Murine naïve CD4+ T cells with a transgenic TCR recognising p89‐103 of the G1 domain of aggrecan (agg) were co‐cultured with syngeneic bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDC) presenting the native or citrullinated peptides. In the presence of pro‐Th17 cytokines, the peptide citrullinated on residue 93 (R93Cit) significantly enhanced Th17 development whilst impairing the Th2 response, compared to the native peptide. T cells responding to R93Cit produced less IL‐2, expressed lower levels of the IL‐2 receptor subunit CD25, and showed reduced STAT5 phosphorylation, whilst STAT3 activation was unaltered. IL‐2 blockade in native p89‐103‐primed T cells enhanced the phosphorylated STAT3/STAT5 ratio, and concomitantly enhanced Th17 development. Our data illustrate how a post‐translational modification of a TCR contact point may promote Th17 development by altering the balance between STAT5 and STAT3 activation in responding T cells, and provide new insight into how protein citrullination may influence effector Th‐cell development in inflammatory disorders.
Boron‐Centered Scorpionate‐Type NHC‐Based Ligands and Their Metal Complexes
Authors: Santini Carlo , Marinelli Marika , Pellei Maura
Published: May 2016

The success enjoyed in the last 50 years by use of poly(pyrazolyl)borates as ligands has inspired the development of a great number of scorpionates containing other donor elements. These include polytopic bis‐ and tris(NHC)borate ligands, featuring N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) moieties that generally coordinate as bidentate κ2C or tridentate κ3C, respectively. In spite of structural similarities between poly(pyrazolyl)borates and poly(NHC)borates, their methods of synthesis and their reactivity are different and reflect the variations in topology, flexibility, and donor properties. The structural and electronic properties of poly(NHC)borate ligands are compared and correlated with their coordination chemistry, particularly towards transition metals. The advances in the chemistry of scorpionate‐type bis‐ and tris(NHC)borate ligands are reviewed by highlighting and comparing their structural properties and their ability to stabilize low to high metal oxidation states in transition‐metal complexes.
Electrochemical Fabrication of Cobalt Oxides/Nanoporous Gold Composite Electrode and its Nonenzymatic Glucose Sensing Performance
Authors: Zhou Chaohui , Tang Xueyong , Xia Yue , Li Zelin
Published: May 2016

A nonenzymatic glucose sensor was successfully established by electrochemically decorating cobalt oxides (CoOx) on a nanoporous gold electrode (NPG) using cobalt hexacyanoferrate (CoHCF) as a precursor. It exhibited high sensitivity and long‐term stability as well as satisfactory quantification of glucose concentration in human serum samples. The morphology and surface analysis of the resulting CoOx/NPG were carefully characterized. Two detection methods, cyclic voltammetry and amperometry, were employed to evaluate the performance of CoOx/NPG towards glucose sensing in alkaline solution. Using cyclic voltammetry, at −0.5 V, the glucose partial oxidation peak current is linear to the glucose concentration up to 14 mM with a sensitivity of 283.7 µA mM−1 cm−2. A linear amperometric response at 0.55 V was obtained in the glucose concentration range from 2 µM to 2 mM with a sensitivity of 2025 µA mM−1 cm−2 and a response time <3 s.
3D surface analysis of hippocampal microvasculature in the irradiated brain
Authors: Craver Brianna M. , Acharya Munjal M. , Allen Barrett D. , Benke Sarah N. , Hultgren Nan W. , Baulch Janet E. , Limoli Charles L.
Published: May 2016

Cranial irradiation used to control CNS malignancies can also disrupt the vasculature and impair neurotransmission and cognition. Here we describe two distinct methodologies for quantifying early and late radiation injury in CNS microvasculature. Intravascular fluorescently labeled lectin was used to visualize microvessels in the brain of the irradiated mouse 2 days post exposure and RECA‐1 immunostaining was similarly used to visualize microvessels in the brain of the irradiated rat 1‐month post exposure. Confocal microscopy, image deconvolution and 3‐dimensional rendering methods were used to define vascular structure in a ∼4 × 107 μm3 defined region of the brain. Quantitative analysis of these 3D images revealed that irradiation caused significant short‐ and long‐term reductions in capillary density, diameter and volume. In mice, irradiation reduced mean vessel volume from 2,250 to 1,470 μm3 and mean vessel diameter from 5.0 to 4.5 μm, resulting in significant reductions of 34% and 10%, in the hippocampus respectively. The number of vessel branch points and area was also found to also drop significantly in mice 2 days after irradiation. For rats, immunostaining revealed a significant, three‐fold drop in capillary density 1 month after exposure compared to controls. Such radiation‐induced disruption of the CNS microvasculature may be contributory if not causal to any number of neurocognitive side effects that manifest in cancer patients following cranial radiotherapy. This study demonstrates the utility of two distinct methodologies for quantifying these important adverse effects of radiotherapy. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:341–349, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reactivity of CaO with CO2 in molten CaF2–NaF: formation and decomposition of carbonates
Authors: Tomkute Viktorija , Solheim Asbjørn , Sakirzanovas Simas , Olsen Espen
Published: May 2016

The characteristics of CO2 reacting with CaO in a molten eutectic mixture of CaF2 and NaF has been investigated. Calculations of the Gibbs free energy, temperature analysis of the decomposition of the formed carbonates, and XRD analyses of quenched samples taken during CO2 absorption or desorption were employed to identify the phases present in the melt. Efficient CO2 absorption from a simulated flue gas was observed, due to a combined reaction where CaO initially reacts with CO2 and forms CaCO3. Subsequently, Na2CO3 is formed by an ion exchange reaction between CaCO3 and NaF. It was found that the CaO activity is highest in the temperature range 826–834°C. Increasing the CaO concentration from 5 to 20 wt% in the molten salt resulted in reduced CO2 reactivity efficiency, probably because of precipitation and agglomeration of the sorbent. The total carbonation conversion was independent of the CO2 concentration in the inlet gas, and the sorbent carrying capacity was in the range 0.722–0.743 g CO2/g CaO corresponding to 0.037–0.144 g CO2/g total liquid. Decarbonation was conducted by raising the temperature. 40% conversion back to CaO was recorded at 1160°C. The recorded curves for the CO2 concentration in the outlet gas exhibited a rapid desorption step followed by a slow step.
Accelerated ageing of SR‐562 pyrotechnic composition and investigation of its thermo kinetic parameters
Authors: Babar Zaheer‐ud‐din , Malik Abdul Qadeer
Published: May 2016

Pyrotechnics are used to produce some special effects in various military and civilian applications. High temperatures and elevated humidity levels influence the thermal decomposition and kinetic behaviour of pyrotechnics. The present work describes the effect of ageing on SR‐562 military pyrotechnic composition. The composition contains magnesium, sodium nitrate and calcium oxalate and it is used as a flare. The composition was aged for 30 days at a temperature of 70 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 70%. The experimental results show noteworthy variations in the thermal cum kinetic behaviour as well as in the morphology of the aged composition. Activation energy of the aged composition decreased to 189 kJ mol−1 from 239 kJ mol−1 for the fresh composition. Thermal decomposition temperature was found to increase by 51 °C after the ageing. X‐ray diffraction results confirm the presence of magnesium hydroxide in the aged composition showing that some of the magnesium reacted with water vapours at high temperatures. Some micro sized cracks have been seen in the scanning electron microscopy micrographs of the aged composition. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aurovertin‐Type Polyketides from Calcarisporium arbuscula with Potent Cytotoxic Activities against Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhao Hong , Wu Rui , Ma Lie‐Feng , Wo Li‐Ke , Hu Yuan‐Yuan , Chen Chao , Zhan Zha‐Jun
Published: May 2016

Two new polyene polyketides, namely aurovertins T and U (1 and 2), were isolated from Calcarisporium arbuscula, together with aurovertins B (3), D and E (4 and 5), and M (6). The structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods (especially 2D‐NMR techniques). The cytotoxic activities of all isolates against human triple‐negative breast cancer cell line (MDA‐MB‐231) were evaluated. As a result, compounds 3, 4, and 6 exhibited more potent cytotoxic activities against MDA‐MB‐231 cell line than the positive control taxol. Also, discussion about the relationships between structure and activity of these aurovertins was presented.
Impact of statin use on cancer recurrence and mortality in breast cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Manthravadi Sashidhar , Shrestha Anuj , Madhusudhana Sheshadri
Published: May 2016

Statins have shown antineoplastic properties in preclinical studies with breast cancer cells. They inhibit the enzyme “HMG CoA reductase” and the expression of this enzyme in cancer cells has been implicated as a favorable prognostic factor in patients with breast cancer. After a search of MEDLINE and Embase from inception through November 2015, 817 abstracts were reviewed to identify studies that described an association between statin use and outcomes in breast cancer. A total of 14 studies which included 75,684 women were identified. In a meta‐analysis of 10 studies, statin use was associated with improved recurrence‐free survival (RFS; HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.53–0.79, I2 = 44%). Furthermore, this RFS benefit appeared to be confined to use of lipophilic statins (HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.59–0.89) as hydrophilic statin use was not associated with improvement in RFS (HR 0.80; 95% CI 0.44–1.46). Statin users similarly showed improved overall survival in a meta‐analysis with substantial heterogeneity (8 studies, HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.44–0.99, I2 = 89%). Statin users also had improved cancer‐specific survival, although this relationship was measured with less precision (six studies, HR 0.70; 95% CI 0.46–1.06, I2 = 86%). In conclusion, breast cancer patients who use statins, or specifically, lipophilic statins show improved recurrence‐free survival. Statin users also had improved overall survival and cancer‐specific survival. These findings should be assessed in a prospective randomized cohort and the choice of statin, dose and biomarkers that may predict the efficacy of these drugs should be identified.
High fluence light emitting diode‐generated red light modulates characteristics associated with skin fibrosis
Authors: Mamalis Andrew , Koo Eugene , Garcha Manveer , Murphy William J. , Isseroff R. Rivkah , Jagdeo Jared
Published: May 2016

Skin fibrosis, often referred to as skin scarring, is a significant international health problem with limited treatment options. The hallmarks of skin fibrosis are increased fibroblast proliferation, collagen production, and migration speed. Recently published clinical observations indicate that visible red light may improve skin fibrosis. In this study we hypothesize that high‐fluence light‐emitting diode‐generated red light (HF‐LED‐RL) modulates the key cellular features of skin fibrosis by decreasing cellular proliferation, collagen production, and migration speed of human skin fibroblasts. Herein, we demonstrate that HF‐LED‐RL increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation for up to 4 hours, inhibits fibroblast proliferation without increasing apoptosis, inhibits collagen production, and inhibits migration speed through modulation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. We demonstrate that HF‐LED‐RL is capable of inhibiting the unifying cellular processes involved in skin fibrosis including fibroblast proliferation, collagen production, and migration speed. These findings suggest that HF‐LED‐RL may represent a new approach to treat skin fibrosis. LED advantages include low cost, portability, and ease of use. Further characterizing the photobiomodulatory effects of HF‐LED‐RL on fibroblasts and investigating the anti‐fibrotic effects of HF‐LED‐RL in human subjects may provide new insight into the utility of this therapeutic approach for skin fibrosis.

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Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles regulate smooth muscle cell phenotype
Authors: Angelopoulos Ioannis , Southern Paul , Pankhurst Quentin A. , Day Richard M.
Published: May 2016

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) are used for an increasing range of biomedical applications, from imaging to mechanical actuation of cells and tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the loading of smooth muscle cells (SMC) with SPION and to explore what effect this has on the phenotype of the cells. Adherent human SMC were loaded with ∼17 pg of unconjugated, negatively charged, 50 nm SPION. Clusters of the internalized SPION particles were held in discrete cytoplasmic vesicles. Internalized SPION did not cause any change in cell morphology, proliferation, metabolic activity, or staining pattern of actin and calponin, two of the muscle contractile proteins involved in force generation. However, internalized SPION inhibited the increased gene expression of actin and calponin normally observed when cells are incubated under differentiation conditions. The observed change in the control of gene expression of muscle contractile apparatus by SPION has not previously been described. This finding could offer novel approaches for regulating the phenotype of SMC and warrants further investigation. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2412–2419, 2016.
Synthesis, Structural Aspects, Antimicrobial Activity, and Ion Transport Investigations of Four New [1 + 1] Condensed 12‐Membered Cyclophane Amides
Authors: Gürbüz Mustafa Ulvi , Aghatabay Naz Mohammed , Karabulut H. Rıza Ferhat
Published: May 2016

Two new diamines (a, b) and their four [1 + 1] condensed macrocyclic peptides (c–f) were synthesized via dilution method affording the expected dilactams in reasonably high‐yield yields. The compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, mass, FT‐IR, 1H, and 13C NMR spectral data. Mass spectra reveal their [1 + 1] cyclic condensation. The macrocycles having two peptide units in the ring would constitute three configurational isomers: cisoid–cisoid, transoid–transoid, and cisoid–transoid. Their 1H and 13C NMR show one signal for each chemically equivalent SCH2 and CONH and could be assigned symmetrical structures lacking any configurational isomerism. The ion transport activity of the compounds (c) and (d) on Na+ and K+ ions were evaluated by CH2Cl2 liquid–liquid membrane method using a U tube system. Slightly higher affinity for potassium than sodium was also observed, which is undoubtedly related to the matching size of the cavity between K+ and cyclic peptides. The antimicrobial and antifungal activities of four macrocyclic amides (c, d, e, and f) were illuminated using disk diffusion method in dimethyl sulfoxide as well as the minimal inhibitory concentration dilution method, against several bacteria and yeast cultures. Comparing all methods, in most cases, the (e) and (f) compound seems to show slightly higher biological activity than the (c) and (d) macrocycles. This may be because of the presence of extra chlorine atoms on the exterior part of the molecules.
One‐Pot Ullmann C–N Coupling Cyclization Toward Domino Synthesis of Fused Hexacyclic Quinolinotriazoloacridinones Catalyzed by CuI/L‐Proline
Authors: Jin Rong‐Zhang , Li Yu‐Ling , Wang Xiang‐Shan
Published: May 2016

A one‐pot method for consecutive Konoevenagel condensation, Michael addition, cyclization, dehydrogenation, and Ullmann coupling of 2‐halogenated aromatic aldehyde, 1H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol‐5‐amine, and cyclohexane‐1,3‐diones is presented. This procedure provided an efficient synthesis of fused hexacyclic quinolinotriazoloacridinone derivatives in good yields catalyzed by CuI/L‐proline.
[14C]‐AZD1152 drug substance manufacture: challenges of an IV‐infusion dosed human mass balance study in patients
Authors: Bushby Nick , Bergin Julie , Harding John
Published: May 2016

[14C]‐AZD1152 (barasertib) drug substance was prepared in order to support a hADME study that was to be dosed as an intravenous infusion to patients with acute myeloid leukaemia. A long patient recruitment time (1–2 years) was expected, and because of its limited stability several batches of [14C]‐AZD1152 drug substance needed to be prepared in order to maintain a supply of [14C]‐AZD1152 in the clinic over this period. A method was developed to purify the [14C]‐AZD1152 to a GMP‐like standard at high specific activity to provide material for each of these batches. This approach to the delivery of the drug substance was successful in supplying the study with radiolabelled drug for over 1 year until all patients had been recruited.
Emperor's new clothes: Is particle disease really infected particle disease?
Authors: Wasko Marcin K. , Goodman Stuart B.
Published: May 2016

Aseptic loosening remains the most significant long‐term complication of total hip replacement. The current paradigm points to an inflammatory response to wear particles as its main trigger. Recently, there have been increasing numbers of positive bacterial isolates reported among patients with clinically absent infection. This paper reviews existing evidence on possible involvement of bacteria and microbial‐associated molecular patterns in the pathology of so‐called “aseptic loosening.” © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1497–1504, 2016.
Desired Involvement in Treatment Decisions Among Adults with PTSD Symptoms
Authors: Harik Juliette M. , Hundt Natalie E. , Bernardy Nancy C. , Norman Sonya B. , Hamblen Jessica L.
Published: May 2016

Most medical patients want to be involved in decisions about their care. Whether this is true for people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—a disorder characterized by avoidance of trauma‐related discussions—is unknown. We conducted an online survey assessing preferences for involvement in PTSD treatment decisions (level of control, timing) and information about PTSD treatment (content, format). Adults who screened positive for possible PTSD (N = 301) were recruited from a large online survey panel representative of the U. S. population. Virtually all respondents (97.3%) desired involvement in treatment decisions; two thirds (67.8%) wanted primary responsibility for decisions. Most (64.2%) wanted 30–60 minutes to learn about treatments and 80.1% wanted at least 1–3 days to consider their options. Respondents expressed more interest in informational content on treatment effectiveness and side effects than any other topic. In‐person discussion with a provider was preferred more than other learning formats (e.g., websites, brochures). Results suggested that people with symptoms of PTSD want involvement in decisions about their treatment and want to discuss treatment options with their provider. Providers may wish to prioritize information about effectiveness and side effects, and should expect that many patients will need several days after their visit to make a decision.
Effects of glucose and insulin on secretion of amyloid‐β by human adipose tissue cells
Authors: Tharp William G. , Gupta Dhananjay , Smith Joshua , Jones Karen P. , Jones Amanda M. , Pratley Richard E.
Published: May 2016

Objective

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus are risk factors for developing Alzheimer disease. Overlapping patterns of metabolic dysfunction may be common molecular links between these complex diseases. Amyloid‐β (Aβ) precursor protein and associated β‐ and γ‐secretases are expressed in adipose tissue. Aβ precursor protein is up‐regulated with obesity and correlated to insulin resistance. Aβ may be secreted by adipose tissue, its production may be regulated through metabolic pathways, and Aβ may exert effects on adipose tissue insulin receptor signaling.

Methods

Human stromal‐vascular cells and differentiated adipocytes were cultured with different combinations of glucose and insulin and then assayed for Aβ in conditioned media. Aβ was measured in vivo using adipose tissue microdialysis.

Results

Aβ secretion was increased by glucose and insulin in vitro. Adipose tissue microdialysates contained Aβ. Adipocytes treated with Aβ had decreased expression of insulin receptor substrate‐2 and reduced Akt‐1 phosphorylation.

Conclusions

Aβ was made by adipose tissue cells in vitro at concentrations similar to in vivo measurements. Regulation of Aβ production by glucose and insulin and effects of Aβ on the insulin receptor pathway suggest similar cellular mechanisms may exist between neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer disease and adipose dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.
Effect of trifluoromethyl substituents on birefringence of polystyrene
Authors: Tagaya Akihiro , Koike Kotaro , Koike Yasuhiro , Okamoto Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2016

Transparent thermoplastic polymers that exhibit no birefringence are ideal for optical components such as optical films for liquid crystal displays and various lenses. Copolymerization of a positive birefringent monomer with a negative monomer is an effective technique for obtaining low birefringent polymers, especially zero‐photoelastic birefringence polymers that exhibit no photoelastic birefringence even during elastic deformation. We prepared four types of trifluoromethyl‐substituted polystyrenes. By substituting hydrogens at the ortho or meta positions of the benzene ring of polystyrene, we demonstrated that poly(2‐(trifluoromethyl)styrene), poly(3‐(trifluoromethyl)styrene), and poly(3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)styrene) had negative photoelastic coefficients. However, poly(4‐(trifluoromethyl)styrene) had a positive photoelastic coefficient similar to that of polystyrene. Based on these results, we synthesized a zero‐photoelastic birefringence polymer of poly(2‐(trifluoromethyl)styrene‐co‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)styrene) (55/45 wt.) exhibiting no photoelastic birefringence in elastic deformation, in which the positive photoelastic birefringence of the poly(4‐(trifluoromethyl)styrene) unit was compensated for by the negative photoelastic birefringence of the poly(2‐(trifluoromethyl)styrene) unit. The discovery of polymers having negative photoelastic coefficients is valuable for the design and synthesis of zero‐photoelastic birefringence polymers. The four types of trifluoromethyl‐substituted polystyrenes are promising optical materials because they have high transparency (transmittance > 89–92% for 27–34‐µm thickness films) in the visible and near‐infrared regions and a high decomposition temperature of approximately 400°C. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HgCdTe p+‐n structures grown by MBE on Si (013) substrates for high operating temperature SWIR detectors
Authors: Bazovkin V. M. , Dvoretskiy S. A. , Guzev A. A. , Kovchavtsev A. P. , Marin D. V. , Panova Z. V. , Sabinina I. V. , Sidorov Yu. G. , Sidorov G. Yu. , Tsarenko A. V. , Varavin V. S. , Vasiliev V. V. , Yakushev M. V.
Published: May 2016

Electrophysical properties of multilayered heteroepitaxial structures of Hg1‐xCdxTe with x=0.3‐0.4 grown by molecular beam epitaxy on silicon substrates are presented. The passivating effect of thin CdTe layers grown on top of the structures in single process is demonstrated. Comparison between experimental and theoretical temperature dependencies of reverse currents in n‐on‐p and p‐on‐n diodes fabricated by boron and arsenic ion implantation in vacancy‐doped p‐type and In‐doped n‐type Hg1‐xCdxTe films, respectively, are presented. The influence of p‐n junction position in double‐layer heterostructure on temperature dependencies of reverse currents is examined. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Firm growth, adaptive capability, and entrepreneurial orientation
Authors: Eshima Yoshihiro , Anderson Brian S.
Published: May 2016

Research summary: This paper posits adaptive capability as a mechanism through which a firm's prior growth influences the exhibition of future entrepreneurial action. Defined as the firm's proficiency in altering its understanding of market expectations, increased adaptive capability is a consequence of the new resource combinations that result from expanding organizational boundaries. Increased adaptive capability in turn corresponds to expansion of entrepreneurial activity, as firms increase their entrepreneurial orientation as the strategic mechanism to capitalize on their improved understanding of market conditions. We find support for our research model in a two‐study series conducted in South Korea and the United Kingdom.

Managerial summary: Most would agree that entrepreneurially oriented firms—being innovative, entering new markets, and taking risk—grow faster. But how a firm becomes entrepreneurial is a complicated question. In this study, we flipped the growth relationship around and found support for growth contributing to a firm's entrepreneurial orientation. But between growth and being more entrepreneurial is the firm's ability to recognize changes in market expectations. We argue that as a firm grows, it acquires new resources and new knowledge of how to use those resources. These new resource combinations increase its ability to recognize changes in market expectations—its adaptive capability. This capability uncovers new entrepreneurial opportunities for value creation. To capture this potential value, firms expand their entrepreneurial orientation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is metapopulation patch occupancy in nature well predicted by the Levins model?
Authors: Vergara Pablo M. , Saravia‐Zepeda Amaira , Castro‐Reyes Nicolás , Simonetti Javier A.
Published: May 2016

Although the Levins model has made important theoretical contributions to ecology, its empirical support has not been conclusively established yet. We used published colonization and extinction data from 55 metapopulations to calculate their Levins equilibrium patch occupancy. Over all species, there were not significant differences between the observed patch occupancies and the Levins model's estimates. However, invertebrates and vertebrate species with some degree of threat had patch occupancies larger than the model's expectancies. A temporal sampling effect was found for invertebrate species, with departure from the Levins model decreasing as the length of the study period increased. There was a negative relationship between patch occupancy and extinction probability, as expected under the “rescue effect”. The high rates at which invertebrates produce propagules could lead the Levins model to underestimate patch occupancy, whereas the observed patch occupancy of threatened species may be a transient phenomenon that results from extinction probabilities that increase over time. Therefore, the Levins model captures the metapopulation dynamics of a wide range of species in a simple formula whereas its equilibrium point can be used as evidence of metapopulation stability. Although mechanistic models provide more precise and accurate metapopulation predictions, they also can sacrifice the generality and simplicity of the Levins model.
Dietary Oil Source and Selenium Supplementation Modulate Fads2 and Elovl5 Transcriptional Levels in Liver and Brain of Meagre (Argyrosomus regius)
Authors: Silva‐Brito Francisca , Magnoni Leonardo J. , Fonseca Sthelio Braga , Peixoto Maria João , Castro L. Filipe C. , Cunha Isabel , de Almeida Ozório Rodrigo Otávio , Magalhães Fernando Antunes , Gonçalves José Fernando Magalhães
Published: May 2016

The meagre (Argyrosomus regius) is taking on increasing importance in the aquaculture industry. In view of the limited supply of fish oil (FO) as a feed ingredient, the study of the capacity to biosynthesize long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFA) from alternative dietary oil sources is important. We analyzed changes in fatty acid (FA) desaturase 2 (fads2) and FA elongase 5 (elovl5) mRNA levels in livers and brains in response to FO replacement with a blend of vegetable oils (VO) and selenium (Se) supplementation. Fish were fed for 60 days with either a diet containing FO or a diet including VO, each supplemented or not with organic Se. Results showed that fads2 and elovl5 transcription was higher in liver when fish were fed VO diets. The brain mRNA levels of both genes were not affected by the dietary replacement of FO by VO. FA composition in the liver and skeletal muscle was altered by FO replacement, particularly by decreasing eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid contents. The α‐linolenic, linoleic, and arachidonic acid contents increased in both liver and brain of fish fed VO diets. The effect of Se supplementation on lipid metabolism was evident only in fish fed FO, showing a decrease in the transcription of hepatic fads2. Results indicate that the total replacement of FO by VO in diets modulates the expression of genes involved in LC‐PUFA biosynthesis in meagre, affecting the FA profile of the fish flesh.
Correlation between the Gait Deviation Index and gross motor function (GMFCS level) in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Malt Merete A. , Aarli Ånen , Bogen Bård , Fevang Jonas M.
Published: May 2016

Aim

The Gait Deviation Index (GDI) is a score derived from three-dimensional gait analysis (3DGA). The GDI provides a numerical value that expresses overall gait pathology (ranging from 0 to 100, where 100 indicates the absence of gait pathology). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the GDI and different levels of gross motor function [defined as the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS)] and to explore if age, height, weight, gender and cerebral palsy (CP) subclass (bilateral and unilateral CP) exert any influence on the GDI in children with unilateral and bilateral spastic CP.

Methods

We calculated the GDI of 109 children [73 % boys, mean age 9.7 years (standard deviation, SD 3.5)] with spastic CP, classified at GMFCS levels I, II and III. Twenty-three normally developing children were used as controls [61 % boys, mean age 9.9 years (SD 2.6)]. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed.

Results

The mean GDI in the control group was 100 (SD 7.5). The mean GDI in the GMFCS level I group was 81 (SD 11), in the GMFCS level II group 71 (SD 11) and in the GMFCS level III group 60 (SD 9). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that gender, age and CP subclass had no significant correlation with the GDI, whereas height and weight had a slight impact.

Conclusion

This study showed a strong correlation between the GDI and GMFCS levels. The present data indicate that calculation of the GDI is a useful tool to characterise walking difficulties in children with spastic CP.
Multimorbidity in affective disorders: Impact on length of stay
Authors: Cealicu Toma F. , Moamaï J.
Published: May 2016

Background

Multimorbidity (MM) refers to the coexistence of two or more chronic diseases in the same individual; it encompasses medical comorbidity (MC) and psychiatric comorbidity (PC). Hypothesis: MM is prevalent amongst in-patients suffering from affective disorders (AD) and also impacted on length of stay.

Aims

To determine the prevalence of MM and its impact on duration of hospitalization in AD admissions.

Method

This cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data taken from discharge records of 1056 adults admitted for AD to a Quebec-based facility, between 2006 and 2014. Distribution of AD cases: 47% depression, 53% bipolar disorders.

Results

The prevalence rate of MM: 85%. PC was present in 70% of sample whereas MC was present in 62%. The median number of comorbid illnesses was 2.7 for each study subject. The rate of MM was not related to age or gender. Metabolic syndrome (54%), cardiovascular diseases and chronic pain syndrome (17%) were the most prevalent MC in both depressed and bipolar populations. Personality disorder (65%) was highest in the depression population, whereas substance misuse (55%) was the most prevalent PC in the bipolar subjects. A longer length of stay was correlated with MM. However, a logistic regression analysis indicated that duration of hospitalization was only correlated with MC.

Conclusions

The observation that MM is the norm, even in this relatively young population with AD. The results confirmed that MC prolongs hospital stay. These findings advocate strongly for integrated management of psychiatric and physical health problems in clinical practice.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The impact of climate on risk of mania
Authors: Medici C.R. , Vestergaard C.H. , Hadzi-Pavlovic D. , Munk-Jørgensen P. , Parker G.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Bipolar disorder varies with season: admissions for depression peak in winter and mania peak in summer. Sunlight presumably increases the risk of mania through suppression of melatonin. If so, we expect admissions for mania to vary in accordance with climate variations.

Objectives

To investigate how climate and climate changes affects admissions for mania.

Aims

To identify which climate variables – sunshine, ultraviolet radiation, rain and snow cover – affect admissions for mania.

To examine whether year-to-year weather variation as well as long-term climate changes reflects the variation in number of admissions for mania.

Methods

This register-based nationwide cohort study covers all patients admitted for mania (ICD-10 code F31 or F30.0–F30.2) between 1995 and 2012 in Denmark. Climate data, obtained from the Danish Meteorological Institute, were merged with admission data and correlated using an Unobserved Component Model regression model.

Preliminary results

In total, 8893 patients were admitted 24,313 times between 1995 and 2012: 6573 first-admissions and 17,740 readmissions. Linear regression shows significant association between admissions per day and hours of sunshine (P < 0.01) and ultraviolet radiation (UV) dose (P < 0.01). Average days with snow cover and rain were not significantly correlated with admissions. Analyses on year-to-year variation and long-term change are not yet available.

Preliminary conclusions

Admissions for mania are correlated with sunshine and UV, but not rain and snow cover. If more patients are admitted during very sunny summers compared with less sunny summers this implies a relation with light itself and not just season.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The relationship between premorbid adjustment and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia
Authors: Stefanatou P. , Karatosidi C.S. , Kattoulas E. , Stefanis N. , Smyrnis N.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Premorbid adjustment (PA) is one of the main prognostic indicators of schizophrenia. Both social and cognitive deficits observed during the premorbid period hold a predictive value for the onset of schizophrenia.

Objectives

To investigate how cognitive functions are related to aspects of PA.

Aims

To examine the relationship of each PA domain (academic and social) at each of the three developmental stages (childhood, early adolescence and late adolescence), as well as their course with the cognitive functions in schizophrenia patients.

Methods

PA, intellectual quotient (IQ), verbal learning, memory, processing speed, executive functions and verbal fluency were assessed using PAS, WAIS, RAVLT, TMT, WCST and COWAT measures respectively in a sample of 85 clinically stabilized male schizophrenia inpatients.

Results

Negative correlations emerged between academic PA during adolescence and both verbal IQ and processing speed, while positive correlations were found with working memory. Negative correlations emerged between deterioration in academic PA during adolescence and both processing speed and immediate auditory verbal recall, while correlations with verbal learning were positive. There was no relationship between cognitive functions and either social PA or its deterioration.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed significant associations between both academic PA and its course with cognitive functions in schizophrenia patients. In summary, deficits in several fields of cognitive functions seem to follow a different path long before and after the onset of the disease, but further investigation is necessary.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Epigenetic signature of glucocorticoid receptor is associated with the familial component of depression: A twin-based study
Authors: Palma-Gudiel H. , Cordova-Palomera A. , Marquès Feixa L. , Cirera Miquel F. , Fañanás L.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Despite the fact that depression has an estimated heritability around 40%, there is no definitive candidate gene contributing to its etiology. The lack of an identified genetic component for high-heritability disorders, like depression, gave rise to the concept of missing heritability. The epigenetics’ field has pushed forward new hypotheses to fill this gap since transgenerational inheritance of epigenetic patterns has been described both in animal models and, more recently, in humans. Depression is usually associated with an abnormal stress response and an altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, regulated by the glucocorticoid receptor (coded by NR3C1 gene). Therefore, NR3C1 has been widely investigated as a functional candidate gene involved in anxious-depressive spectrum disorders (ADSD) although a more comprehensive study of its methylation is further required (Palma-Gudiel et al., 2015).

Aims

To analyze NR3C1 promoter's methylation and to study its association with anxious-depressive spectrum disorders.

Methods

The sample consisted of 48 pairs of monozygotic twins, from the UB twin register, grouped as concordant, discordant and healthy pairs depending on whether both, one or none of the co-twins of each pair were affected by a lifetime ADSD, according to DSM-IV criteria (SCID). DNA methylation was assessed by bisulfite conversion and subsequent pyrosequencing.

Results

Hypermethylation at specific CpG sites, not previously reported, was detected in concordant twin pairs as compared with discordant and healthy groups (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

The epigenetic pattern newly described in NR3C1 gene may be contributing to the familial component of depression and thus could be putatively explained by transgenerational inheritance of epigenetic phenomena.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
A multi-attribute utility instrument suitable for use in individuals with psychosis – the AQoL-4D: Findings from the Second Australian National Survey of Psychosis
Authors: Neil A. , Carr V. , Mackinnon A. , Waterreus A. , Stain H. , Hanlon M.C. , Korn S. , Morgan V.
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Multi-attribute utility instruments (MAUIs) are generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures that enable valuation of health states relative to death (0.0) and full health (1.0). The usefulness of MAUIs in people with psychosis has been questioned, with the EQ-5D considered “insensitive”, the 15D “problematic” and the SF-6D “unsuitable”.

Objectives

Confirm the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL)-4D MAUI is useful and meaningful in people with psychosis.

Aims

Assess utility values across demographic, general and disease-specific health categorisations for a large nationally-representative sample with psychosis (n = 1825).

Methods

Participants underwent a comprehensive 32 module interview encompassing psychopathology to service use. Utility values were calculated by applying a standard algorithm to responses to each of 12 items of the AQoL-4D.

Results

Utility values were assessed for 1793 participants (98.2%). No ceiling effect was observed and only 6.6% of participants scored in the top decile of HRQoL [0.9–10.0]. In contrast, 10.8% scored in the lowest decile [−0.04–0.10], a floor effect observed in 0.4%. The mean utility value was 0.49 (95% CI: 0.48–0.51), significantly lower than the Australian population norm of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.81–0.82). Greatest impacts on HRQoL were for diminishing global independent functioning as measured by the MSIF (ESMSIF: 0.68–2.24), self-rated current mental health (ESMH: 0.15–1.65) and physical health status (ESPH: 0.11–1.21). Strong effects also observed for course of disorder (ESCoD: 0.08–1.13), current suicidal ideation (ESCSI1: 0.76–1.08), and labor force participation (ESLFP: 0.11–0.97).

Conclusions

The AQoL-4D had good lower end sensitivity in a large sample of people with a psychotic illness, and demonstrated responsiveness across subjective, objective and symptom measures.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.