bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of transitions from single to multiple job holding: Results of a longitudinal study among employees aged 45‐64 in the Netherlands
Authors: Bouwhuis Stef , Geuskens Goedele A. , Boot Cécile R. L. , Bongers Paulien M. , van der Beek Allard J.
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To construct prediction models for transitions to combination multiple job holding (MJH) (multiple jobs as an employee) and hybrid MJH (being an employee and self‐employed), among employees aged 45‐64.

Methods

A total of 5187 employees in the Netherlands completed online questionnaires annually between 2010 and 2013. We applied logistic regression analyses with a backward elimination strategy to construct prediction models.

Results

Transitions to combination MJH and hybrid MJH were best predicted by a combination of factors including: demographics, health and mastery, work characteristics, work history, skills and knowledge, social factors, and financial factors. Not having a permanent contract and a poor household financial situation predicted both transitions. Some predictors only predicted combination MJH, e.g., working part‐time, or hybrid MJH, e.g., work‐home interference.

Conclusions

A wide variety of factors predict combination MJH and/or hybrid MJH. The prediction model approach allowed for the identification of predictors that have not been previously studied.
Capture and coding of industry and occupation measures: Findings from eight National Program of Cancer Registries states
Authors: Freeman MaryBeth B. , Pollack Lori A. , Rees Judy R. , Johnson Christopher J. , Rycroft Randi K. , Rousseau David L. , Hsieh Mei‐Chin ,   On behalf of the enhancement of NPCR for comparative effectiveness research team
Published: July 2017

Background

Although data on industry and occupation (I&O) are important for understanding cancer risks, obtaining standardized data is challenging. This study describes the capture of specific I&O text and the ability of a web‐based tool to translate text into standardized codes.

Methods

Data on 62 525 cancers cases received from eight National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) states were submitted to a web‐based coding tool developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for translation into standardized I&O codes. We determined the percentage of sufficiently analyzable codes generated by the tool.

Results

Using the web‐based coding tool on data obtained from chart abstraction, the NPCR cancer registries achieved between 48% and 75% autocoding, but only 12‐57% sufficiently analyzable codes.

Conclusions

The ability to explore associations between work‐related exposures and cancer is limited by current capture and coding of I&O data. Increased training of providers and registrars, as well as software enhancements, will improve the utility of I&O data.
Trends in exposure to respirable crystalline silica (1986‐2014) in Australian mining
Authors: Peters Susan , Vermeulen Roel , Fritschi Lin , Musk AW (Bill) , Reid Alison , de Klerk Nicholas
Published: July 2017

Background

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) has been associated with severe health risks. Exposures in Western Australia (WA) have been typically high in hard‐rock mining and have reduced substantially since the mid‐1900s. We described trends in RCS exposure in WA miners over the past 30 years.

Methods

A total of 79 445 reported personal RCS exposure measurements, covering the years 1986‐2014, were examined. Mixed‐effects models were applied to estimate RCS exposure levels, including spline terms to estimate a time trend.

Results

An overall downward trend of about −8% per year was observed for RCS exposures in WA mining. Highest RCS exposure levels were modeled for base metal mining and exploration settings. Drilling occupations were among the highest exposed jobs.

Conclusion

RCS exposure levels have fallen considerably in the last three decades. However, there are still mining occupations that may need further attention to avoid adverse health effects in these workers.
Automatic recognition of the XLHED phenotype from facial images
Authors: Hadj‐Rabia Smail , Schneider Holm , Navarro Elena , Klein Ophir , Kirby Neil , Huttner Kenneth , Wolf Lior , Orin Melanie , Wohlfart Sigrun , Bodemer Christine , Grange Dorothy K.
Published: July 2017

X‐linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XLHED) is a genetic disorder that affects ectodermal structures and presents with a characteristic facial appearance. The ability of automated facial recognition technology to detect the phenotype from images was assessed . In Phase 1 of this study we examined if the age of male patients affected the technology's recognition. In Phase 2 we investigated how well the technology discriminated affected males cases from female carriers and from individuals with other ectodermal dysplasia syndromes. The system detected XLHED to be the most likely diagnosis in all genetically confirmed affected male patients of all ages, and in 55% of heterozygous females. Interestingly, patients with other ED syndromes were also detected by the XLHED‐targeted analysis, consistent with shared developmental features. Thus the automated facial recognition system represents a promising non‐invasive technology to screen patients at all ages for a possible diagnosis of ectodermal dysplasia, with greatest sensitivity and specificity for males affected with XLHED.
Microbiome, inflammation, epigenetic alterations, and mental diseases
Authors: Alam Reza , Abdolmaleky Hamid M. , Zhou Jin‐Rong
Published: July 2017

Major mental diseases such as autism, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder are debilitating illnesses with complex etiologies. Recent findings show that the onset and development of these illnesses cannot be well described by the one‐gene; one‐disease approach. Instead, their clinical presentation is thought to result from the regulative interplay of a large number of genes. Even though the involvement of many genes are likely, up regulating and activation or down regulation and silencing of these genes by the environmental factors play a crucial role in contributing to their pathogenesis. Much of this interplay may be moderated by epigenetic changes. Similar to genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA interference can influence gene expression and therefore may cause behavioral and neuronal changes observed in mental disorders. Environmental factors such as diet, gut microbiota, and infections have significant role in these epigenetic modifications. Studies show that bioactive nutrients and gut microbiota can alter either DNA methylation and histone signatures through a variety of mechanisms. Indeed, microbes within the human gut may play a significant role in the regulation of various elements of “gut–brain axis,” via their influence on inflammatory cytokines and production of antimicrobial peptides that affect the epigenome through their involvement in generating short chain fatty acids, vitamin synthesis, and nutrient absorption. In addition, they may participate in‐gut production of many common neurotransmitters. In this review we will consider the potential interactions of diet, gastrointestinal microbiome, inflammation, and epigenetic alterations in psychiatric disorders.
Epigenome‐wide association of PTSD from heterogeneous cohorts with a common multi‐site analysis pipeline
Authors: Ratanatharathorn Andrew , Boks Marco P. , Maihofer Adam X. , Aiello Allison E. , Amstadter Ananda B. , Ashley‐Koch Allison E. , Baker Dewleen G. , Beckham Jean C. , Bromet Evelyn , Dennis Michelle , Garrett Melanie E. , Geuze Elbert , Guffanti Guia , Hauser Michael A. , Kilaru Varun , Kimbrel Nathan A. , Koenen Karestan C. , Kuan Pei‐Fen , Logue Mark W. , Luft Benjamin J. , Miller Mark W. , Mitchell Colter , Nugent Nicole R. , Ressler Kerry J. , Rutten Bart P. F. , Stein Murray B. , Vermetten Eric , Vinkers Christiaan H. , Youssef Nagy A. ,   VA Mid‐Atlantic MIRECC Workgroup,   PGC PTSD Epigenetics Workgroup, Uddin Monica , Nievergelt Caroline M. , Smith Alicia K.
Published: July 2017

Compelling evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation play a role in stress regulation and in the etiologic basis of stress related disorders such as Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Here we describe the purpose and methods of an international consortium that was developed to study the role of epigenetics in PTSD. Inspired by the approach used in the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, we brought together investigators representing seven cohorts with a collective sample size of N = 1147 that included detailed information on trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms, and genome‐wide DNA methylation data. The objective of this consortium is to increase the analytical sample size by pooling data and combining expertise so that DNA methylation patterns associated with PTSD can be identified. Several quality control and analytical pipelines were evaluated for their control of genomic inflation and technical artifacts with a joint analysis procedure established to derive comparable data over the cohorts for meta‐analysis. We propose methods to deal with ancestry population stratification and type I error inflation and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of applying robust error estimates. To evaluate our pipeline, we report results from an epigenome‐wide association study (EWAS) of age, which is a well‐characterized phenotype with known epigenetic associations. Overall, while EWAS are highly complex and subject to similar challenges as genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), we demonstrate that an epigenetic meta‐analysis with a relatively modest sample size can be well‐powered to identify epigenetic associations. Our pipeline can be used as a framework for consortium efforts for EWAS.
Ray Modes in Random Gap Systems
Authors: Ziegler K.
Published: July 2017

A disordered photonic crystal with spectral degeneracies in the form of Dirac nodes is considered. Disorder can create a random gap at the Dirac nodes, which leads to the formation of random edge modes. We study the distribution of these edge modes and find from symmetry considerations that the discrete anisotropy of the photonic crystal is spontaneously broken for the propagation of photons from a local photon source. This effect can be understood as the spontaneous creation of a ray mode or as the creation of a one‐dimensional waveguide in a two‐dimensional photonic crystal through strong random scattering. The phenomenon must be distinguished from Anderson localization of photons in a single band crystal and can be considered as angular localization, since it creates geometric states rather than confining the photons to an area of the size of the localization length. The propagation of the photon intensity is described by a Fokker‐Planck equation, whose drift term is determined by the spectrum of the photonic crystal near the Dirac node.
Three‐Dimensional, Time‐Resolved Profiling of Ferroelectric Domain Wall Dynamics by Spectral‐Domain Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Haußmann Alexander , Kirsten Lars , Schmidt Sebastian , Cimalla Peter , Wehmeier Lukas , Koch Edmund , Eng Lukas M.
Published: July 2017

We apply here spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) for the precise detection and temporal tracking of ferroelectric domain walls (DWs) in magnesium‐doped periodically poled lithium niobate (Mg:PPLN). We reproducibly map static DWs at an axial (depth) resolution down to ∼ 0.6 μm, being located up to 0.5 mm well inside the single crystalline Mg:PPLN sample. We show that a full 3‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the DW geometry is possible from the collected data, when applying a special algorithm that accounts for the nonlinear optical dispersion of the material. Our OCT investigation provides valuable reference information on the DWs’ polarization charge distribution, which is known to be the key to the electrical conductivity of ferroelectric DWs in such systems. Hence, we carefully analyze the SD‐OCT signal dependence both when varying the direction of incident polarization, and when applying electrical fields along the polar axis. Surprisingly, the large backreflection intensities recorded under extraordinary polarization are not affected by any electrical field, at least for field strengths below the switching threshold, while no significant signals above noise floor are detected under ordinary polarization. Finally, we employed the high‐speed SD‐OCT setup for the real‐time DW tracking upon ferroelectric domain switching under high external fields.
Kaskaden in Kompartimenten: auf dem Weg zu maschinengestützter Biotechnologie
Authors: Rabe Kersten S. , Müller Joachim , Skoupi Marc , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: July 2017

Biologische Kompartimentierung ist ein fundamentales Prinzip des Lebens, das Zellen den Stoffwechsel, die Vermehrung und die Kommunikation mit ihrer Umgebung ermöglicht. Es wird viel am Verständnis dieses grundsätzlichen Prinzips geforscht, um biomimetische Kompartimente und katalytische Kaskaden als Hilfsmittel für den technologischen Fortschritt zu nutzen. Dieser Aufsatz fasst den aktuellen Stand der Entwicklung zusammen und legt besondere Schwerpunkte auf die Größenordnung der Systeme, den Stofftransport und die Anordnung katalytischer Einheiten mithilfe von molekularen Gerüsten. Dabei reicht das Spektrum von kleinen Vernetzern über Proteine und Nucleinsäuren bis zu Kolloiden und strukturierten Oberflächen. Die Schlussfolgerung lautet, dass die zukünftige Erforschung und Anwendung dieser komplexen Systeme stark von technischen Lösungen profitieren wird, die eine integrierte, maschinengestützte Entwicklung und Durchführung einer nächsten Generation biotechnologischer Prozesse ermöglichen. Dieses Ziel sollte durch Implementierung von Mikrofluidik, Robotik und ergänzenden Fertigungsverfahren erreichbar sein und maßgeblich durch Simulationen und computergestützte Prozessmodellierung auf Basis von “Big Data” aus multiskalaren experimentellen Analysen ergänzt werden.
Two‐Step Synthesis of Complex Artificial Macrocyclic Compounds
Authors: Madhavachary Rudrakshula , Abdelraheem Eman M. M. , Rossetti Arianna , Twarda‐Clapa Aleksandra , Musielak Bogdan , Kurpiewska Katarzyna , Kalinowska‐Tłuścik Justyna , Holak Tad A. , Dömling Alexander
Published: July 2017

The design and synthesis of head‐to‐tail linked artificial macrocycles using the Ugi‐reaction has been developed. This synthetic approach of just two steps is unprecedented, short, efficient and works over a wide range of medium (8–11) and macrocyclic (≥12) loop sizes. The substrate scope and functional group tolerance is exceptional. Using this approach, we have synthesized 39 novel macrocycles by two or even one single synthetic operation. The properties of our macrocycles are discussed with respect to their potential to bind to biological targets that are not druggable by conventional, drug‐like compounds. As an application of these artificial macrocycles we highlight potent p53–MDM2 antagonism.
Metal‐Free Nitrogen‐Doped Mesoporous Carbon for Electroreduction of CO2 to Ethanol
Authors: Song Yanfang , Chen Wei , Zhao Chengcheng , Li Shenggang , Wei Wei , Sun Yuhan
Published: July 2017

CO2 electroreduction is a promising technique for satisfying both renewable energy storage and a negative carbon cycle. However, it remains a challenge to convert CO2 into C2 products with high efficiency and selectivity. Herein, we report a nitrogen‐doped ordered cylindrical mesoporous carbon as a robust metal‐free catalyst for CO2 electroreduction, enabling the efficient production of ethanol with nearly 100 % selectivity and high faradaic efficiency of 77 % at −0.56 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode. Experiments and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the synergetic effect of the nitrogen heteroatoms and the cylindrical channel configurations facilitate the dimerization of key CO* intermediates and the subsequent proton–electron transfers, resulting in superior electrocatalytic performance for synthesizing ethanol from CO2.
Photo‐induced grafting of poly(ethylene glycol) onto polyamide thin film composite membranes
Authors: Hong Anh Ngo Thu , Mori Shinsuke , Thi Tran Dung
Published: July 2017

In this study, the surface grafting of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) onto commercial polyamide thin film composite (TFC‐PA) membranes was carried out, using ultraviolet photo‐induced graft polymerization method. The attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectra verify a successful grafting of PEG onto the TFC‐PA membrane surface. The scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope analyses demonstrate the changes of the membrane surface morphology due to the formation of the PEG‐grafted layer on the top. The contact angle measurements illustrate the increased hydrophilicity of the TFC‐PA‐g‐PEG membrane surfaces, with a significantly reduced water contact angles compared to the unmodified one. Consequently, the separation performance of the PEG‐grafted membranes is highly improved, with a significant enhancement of flux at a great retention for removal of the different objects in aqueous feed solutions. In addition, the antifouling property of the modified membranes is also clearly improved, with the higher maintained flux ratios and the lower irreversible fouling factors compared to the unmodified membrane. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45454.
Polyaniline salt containing dual dopants, pyrelenediimide tetracarboxylic acid, and sulfuric acid: Fluorescence and supercapacitor
Authors: Gottam Ramesh , Bhosale Rajesh S. , Srinivasan Palaniappan
Published: July 2017

Storage of energy is considered as the most germane technologies to address the future sustainability. In this study, aniline was chemically oxidized with a controlled concentration of pyrelenediimide tetracarboxylic acid (PDITCA) by ammonium persulfate to polyaniline salt (PANI‐H2SO4‐PDITCA), with nanorods morphologies, having a sensibly decent conductivity of 0.8 S cm−1, wherein H2SO4 was generated from ammonium persulfate during polymerization. PANI‐H2SO4‐PDITCA salt showed bathochromic fluorescence shift (595 nm) compared to PDITCA (546 nm). The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of the PANI‐H2SO4‐PDITCA‐25 and PANI‐H2SO4‐PDITCA‐50 were 18.3 and 21.4 m2 g−1, respectively. Furthermore, its energy storage efficiency was evaluated by supercapacitor cell configuration. The composite PANI‐H2SO4‐PDITCA‐50 showed capacitance 460 F g−1 at 0.3 A g−1 and large cycle life 85,000 cycles with less retention of 77% to its original capacitance (200 F g−1) even at a better discharge rate of 3.3 A g−1. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45456.
Socio‐sexual functioning in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analyses of existing literature
Authors: Hancock Grace I. P. , Stokes Mark A. , Mesibov Gary B.
Published: July 2017

Socio‐sexual functioning encompasses an individual's interests, behaviors, and knowledge with respect to sexual, romantic, and social aspects of life. An individual's understanding of these domains is developed through a range of informal and formal avenues of sexual health education. The current model demonstrated this and proposed that, compared to typically developing individuals, those with ASD develop socio‐sexual functioning differently due to having less peer engagement, less relationship experience, more parental guidance, greater use of online materials, receive less school‐based sexual health education, and more support from wellbeing services. Systematic review and meta‐analysis of existing literature revealed that individuals with ASD have greater difficultly adhering to privacy norms, engage in less social behavior, are described as engaging in less appropriate sexual behavior, have greater concerns about themselves, and receive less sexual health education. Having fewer opportunities for appropriate informal and formal sexual health education leaves them at a double disadvantage from others who are receiving this information from both of these avenues. Some of the current meta‐analytic results are cautioned by large l‐square statistics which suggest that a degree of variance is being caused by extraneous factors. Further empirical research in this area is needed to overcome current design and sample limitations. Finally, the Sexual Behavior Scale was the most commonly utilized tool in the meta‐analyzed studies, thus comprehensive evaluation of its functioning is warranted. The importance of work in this area is highlighted by the central role of social and sexual wellbeing on one's quality of life. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1823–1833. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Review of existing literature revealed that individuals with ASD have greater difficultly adhering to privacy norms, engage in less social behavior, are described as engaging in less appropriate sexual behavior, have greater concerns about themselves, and receive less sexual health education. Having fewer opportunities for appropriate informal and formal sexual health education leaves them at a double disadvantage from others who are receiving this information from both of these avenues.
Hematuria as the first sign of multiple myeloma
Authors: Alves Mariana , Moreno Raul , Rodrigues Fátima , Rodrigues Anabela , Fonseca Teresa
Published: July 2017

Key Clinical Message

Patients with multiple myeloma may present with several signs and symptoms, inclusive of hemorrhagic diathesis. This case emphasizes the need to suspect uncommon etiologies for common signs and to be aware of the atypical effects of paraproteinemia.
Double‐Arm Lanthanide Tags Deliver Narrow Gd3+–Gd3+ Distance Distributions in Double Electron–Electron Resonance (DEER) Measurements
Authors: Welegedara Adarshi P. , Yang Yin , Lee Michael D. , Swarbrick James D. , Huber Thomas , Graham Bim , Goldfarb Daniella , Otting Gottfried
Published: July 2017

Double‐arm cyclen‐based Gd3+ tags are shown to produce accurate nanometer scale Gd3+–Gd3+ distance measurements in double electron–electron resonance (DEER) experiments by confining the space accessible to the metal ion. The results show excellent agreement with predictions both for the maximum and width of the measured distance distributions. For distance measurements in proteins, the tags can be attached to two cysteine residues located in positions i and i+4, or i and i+8, of an α‐helix. In the latter case, an additional mutation introducing an aspartic acid at position i+4 achieves particularly narrow distribution widths. The concept is demonstrated with cysteine mutants of T4 lysozyme and maltose binding protein. We report the narrowest Gd3+–Gd3+ distance distributions observed to date for a protein. By limiting the contribution of tag mobility to the distances measured, double‐arm Gd3+ tags open new opportunities to study the conformational landscape of proteins in solution with high sensitivity.
Self‐Assembly of Nucleobase, Nucleoside and Nucleotide Coordination Polymers: From Synthesis to Applications
Authors: Lopez Anand , Liu Juewen
Published: July 2017

With multiple metal binding sites, nucleobases, nucleosides, and nucleotides form various coordination polymers (CPs) with metal ions. These self‐assembled materials are very interesting for their simplicity to prepare, highly tunable structure and properties, and excellent biocompatibility. Polymerization is achieved under ambient conditions without the need of free radical initiators or UV light. Different nucleobases have different metal‐binding preferences, but in general most of their coordination sites prefer borderline or soft metals, while the phosphate groups in the nucleotides prefer hard Lewis acids. In this Focus Review, recent developments in this field are summarized starting from the synthesis and characterization of these CPs. Various metal ions including gold, silver, lanthanides, zinc, copper, and iron are individually reviewed, and each metal brings its own property into the CP materials. While most of these materials are non‐crystalline nanoparticles, under certain conditions crystalline metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and hydrogels can also be prepared. The applications of such CPs are then described including enzyme entrapment, drug loading and delivery, biosensor development, catalysis, coating of nanoparticles, and luminescence. Finally, future research opportunities of this field are discussed.
Relativistic Effect on 1J(M,C) in Me4M, Me3M−, Ph4M, and Ph3M− (M=Pb, Sn, Ge, Si, and/or C): Role of s‐Type Lone Pair Orbitals in the Distinct Effect for the Anionic Species
Authors: Hayashi Satoko , Nishide Taro , Nakanishi Waro , Saito Masaichi
Published: July 2017

Indirect one‐bond nuclear spin–spin couplings between M and C [1J(M,C)] in Me4M, Me3M−, Ph4M, and Ph3M− (M=Pb, Sn, Ge, Si, C) are analyzed with consideration of the relativistic effect and by employing Slater‐type basis sets. The evaluated total values 1JTL(M,C) reproduced the observed values with some systematic calculation errors. Fermi contact terms 1JFC(M,C) contribute predominantly to 1JTL(M,C) (≈99 %). A distinct relativistic effect on 1J(Pb,C) is predicted for Me3Pb− and Ph3Pb−. The mechanisms for the distinct effect are elucidated by using the comparison between Me3Pb− and Me4Pb as an example. The contributions to 1JFC(M,C) [or 1JSD+FC(M,C), where SD denotes the spin–dipolar term] are decomposed into those of occupied orbitals and occupied‐to‐unoccupied transitions. The s‐type lone‐pair orbitals are demonstrated to contribute to the distinct relativistic effect on 1J(Pb,C) of Me3Pb− (and Ph3Pb−). The results are in sharp contrast to the cases of 1J(M,C) for M atoms lighter than Pb, such as Si, and are explained by the s character of the M−C bonds. This treatment enables visualization and clear recognition the origin of the nuclear couplings for the species exhibiting a relativistic effect.
Prominent Electron Penetration through Ultrathin Graphene Layer from FeNi Alloy for Efficient Reduction of CO2 to CO
Authors: Bi Qingyuan , Wang Xin , Gu Feng , Du Xianlong , Bao Hongliang , Yin Guoheng , Liu Jianjun , Huang Fuqiang
Published: July 2017

The chemical transformation of CO2 is an efficient approach in low‐carbon energy system. The development of nonprecious metal catalysts with sufficient activity, selectivity, and stability for the generation of CO by CO2 reduction under mild conditions remains a major challenge. A hierarchical architecture catalyst composed of ultrathin graphene shells (2–4 layers) encapsulating homogeneous FeNi alloy nanoparticles shows enhance catalytic performance. Electron transfer from the encapsulated alloy can extend from the inner to the outer shell, resulting in an increased charge density on graphene. Nitrogen atom dopants can synergistically increase the electron density on the catalyst surface and modulate the adsorption capability for acidic CO2 molecules. The optimized FeNi3@NG (NG=N‐doped graphene) catalyst, with significant electron penetration through the graphene layer, effects exceptional CO2 conversion of 20.2 % with a CO selectivity of nearly 100 %, as well as excellent thermal stability at 523 K.
Prenatal maternal cortisol measures predict learning and short‐term memory performance in 3‐ but not 5‐month‐old infants
Authors: Thompson Laura A. , Morgan Gin , Unger Cynthia A. , Covey LeeAnna A.
Published: July 2017

Little is known about relations between maternal prenatal stress and specific cognitive processes—learning and memory—in infants. A modified crib‐mobile task was employed in a longitudinal design to test relations between maternal prenatal cortisol, prenatal subjective stress and anxiety, psychosocial variables, and learning and memory in 3‐ and 5‐month‐old infants. Results revealed that maternal prenatal cortisol was affected by particular psychosocial variables (e.g., maternal age, whether or not the infant's grandmother provided childcare, financial status), but was unrelated to measures of maternal depression, anxiety, and stress. Although maternal prenatal cortisol was not predictive of learning or memory performance in 5‐month‐old infants, higher levels of basal maternal cortisol and reduced prenatal cortisol response was predictive of some learning and short‐term memory measures in 3‐month‐old infants. These results suggest an influence of maternal neuroendocrine functioning on fetal neurological development, and the importance of separate examination of subjective and biological measures of stress.
Association between early life adversity and inflammation during infancy
Authors: David Jason , Measelle Jeffrey , Ostlund Brendan , Ablow Jennifer
Published: July 2017

Early life adversity is associated with adult elevations of inflammatory markers such as circulating levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP). Few studies have measured inflammation or its association with psychosocial stress during infancy. Existing evidence suggests that early adversity can embed itself into young children's biology with implications for lifelong development. This study examined the association between psychosocial stress and salivary CRP in infants. Early adversity in the form of socioeconomic disadvantage and maternal psychosocial stress were measured when infants were 17 months old. Resting state saliva samples were collected to assess CRP (pg/ml) levels via enzyme immunoassay. Results revealed that both socioeconomic disadvantage and maternal psychosocial stress were independently associated with higher infant CRP levels. These results raise questions about timing of exposure to adversity, and about the potentially lasting effects on inflammatory processes when such exposure occurs early in development.
Tumor microenvironment and noncoding RNAs as co‐drivers of epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cancer metastasis
Authors: Drak Alsibai Kinan , Meseure Didier
Published: July 2017

Reciprocal interactions between cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) are crucial events in tumor progression and metastasis. Pervasive stromal reprogramming of TME modifies numerous cellular functions, including extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness, inflammation, and immunity. These environmental factors allow selection of more aggressive cells that develop adaptive strategies associating plasticity and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), stem‐like phenotype, invasion, immunosuppression, and resistance to therapies. EMT is a morphomolecular process that endows epithelial tumor cells with mesenchymal properties, including reduced adhesion and increased motility. Numerous studies have demonstrated involvement of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as miRNAs and lncRNAs, in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. NcRNAs regulate every hallmark of cancer and have now emerged as new players in induction and regulation of EMT. The reciprocal regulatory interactions between ncRNAs, TME components, and cancer cells increase the complexity of gene expression and protein translation in cancer. Thus, deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms controlling EMT will not only shed light on metastatic processes of cancer cells, but enhance development of new therapies targeting metastasis. In this review, we will provide recent findings on the role of known ncRNAs relevant to EMT and cancer metastasis and discuss the role of the interaction between ncRNAs and TME as co‐drivers of EMT. Developmental Dynamics 247:405–431, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Herbivore grazing—or trampling? Trampling effects by a large ungulate in cold high‐latitude ecosystems
Authors: Heggenes Jan , Odland Arvid , Chevalier Tomas , Ahlberg Jörgen , Berg Amanda , Larsson Håkan , Bjerketvedt Dag K.
Published: July 2017

Mammalian herbivores have important top‐down effects on ecological processes and landscapes by generating vegetation changes through grazing and trampling. For free‐ranging herbivores on large landscapes, trampling is an important ecological factor. However, whereas grazing is widely studied, low‐intensity trampling is rarely studied and quantified. The cold‐adapted northern tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) is a wide‐ranging keystone herbivore in large open alpine and Arctic ecosystems. Reindeer may largely subsist on different species of slow‐growing ground lichens, particularly in winter. Lichen grows in dry, snow‐poor habitats with frost. Their varying elasticity makes them suitable for studying trampling. In replicated factorial experiments, high‐resolution 3D laser scanning was used to quantify lichen volume loss from trampling by a reindeer hoof. Losses were substantial, that is, about 0.3 dm3 per imprint in dry thick lichen, but depended on type of lichen mat and humidity. Immediate trampling volume loss was about twice as high in dry, compared to humid thin (2–3 cm), lichen mats and about three times as high in dry vs. humid thick (6–8 cm) lichen mats, There was no significant difference in volume loss between 100% and 50% wetted lichen. Regained volume with time was insignificant for dry lichen, whereas 50% humid lichen regained substantial volumes, and 100% humid lichen regained almost all lost volume, and mostly within 10–20 min. Reindeer trampling may have from near none to devastating effects on exposed lichen forage. During a normal week of foraging, daily moving 5 km across dry 6‐ to 8‐cm‐thick continuous lichen mats, one adult reindeer may trample a lichen volume corresponding to about a year's supply of lichen. However, the lichen humidity appears to be an important factor for trampling loss, in addition to the extent of reindeer movement.
Influence of density‐dependent competition on foraging and migratory behavior of a subtropical colonial seabird
Authors: Lamb Juliet S. , Satgé Yvan G. , Jodice Patrick G. R.
Published: July 2017

Density‐dependent competition for food resources influences both foraging ecology and reproduction in a variety of animals. The relationship between colony size, local prey depletion, and reproductive output in colonial central‐place foragers has been extensively studied in seabirds; however, most studies have focused on effects of intraspecific competition during the breeding season, while little is known about whether density‐dependent resource depletion influences individual migratory behavior outside the breeding season. Using breeding colony size as a surrogate for intraspecific resource competition, we tested for effects of colony size on breeding home range, nestling health, and migratory patterns of a nearshore colonial seabird, the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), originating from seven breeding colonies of varying sizes in the subtropical northern Gulf of Mexico. We found evidence for density‐dependent effects on foraging behavior during the breeding season, as individual foraging areas increased linearly with the number of breeding pairs per colony. Contrary to our predictions, however, nestlings from more numerous colonies with larger foraging ranges did not experience either decreased condition or increased stress. During nonbreeding, individuals from larger colonies were more likely to migrate, and traveled longer distances, than individuals from smaller colonies, indicating that the influence of density‐dependent effects on distribution persists into the nonbreeding period. We also found significant effects of individual physical condition, particularly body size, on migratory behavior, which in combination with colony size suggesting that dominant individuals remain closer to breeding sites during winter. We conclude that density‐dependent competition may be an important driver of both the extent of foraging ranges and the degree of migration exhibited by brown pelicans. However, the effects of density‐dependent competition on breeding success and population regulation remain uncertain in this system.
Lower than expected burden of premature ventricular contractions impairs myocardial function
Authors: Lie Øyvind H. , Saberniak Jørg , Dejgaard Lars A. , Stokke Mathis K. , Hegbom Finn , Anfinsen Ole‐Gunnar , Edvardsen Thor , Haugaa Kristina H.
Published: July 2017

Aims

We aimed to explore the burden of frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) associated with myocardial dysfunction in patients with outflow tract arrhythmia (OTA). We hypothesized that this threshold is lower than the previously suggested threshold of 24 000 PVCs/24 h (24%PVC) when systolic function is assessed by strain echocardiography. Furthermore, we aimed to characterize OTA patients with malignant arrhythmic events.

Methods and results

We included 52 patients referred for OTA ablation (46 ± 12 years, 58% female). Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) and mechanical dispersion were assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography. A subset underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. PVC burden (%PVC) was assessed by Holter recording. Sinus rhythm QRS duration and PVC QRS duration were recorded from electrocardiogram, and the ratio was calculated (PVC QRS duration / sinus rhythm QRS duration). Median %PVC was 7.2 (0.2–60.0%). %PVC correlated with GLS (R = 0.44, P = 0.002) and with mechanical dispersion (R = 0.48, P < 0.001), but not with ejection fraction (R = 0.22, P = 0.12). %PVC was higher in patients with impaired systolic function by GLS (worse than −18%) compared with patients with normal function (22% vs. 5%, P = 0.001). Greater than 8%PVC optimally identified patients with abnormal GLS (area under the curve 0.79). Serious arrhythmic events occurred in 11/52 (21%) patients characterized by high QRS ratios (1.56 vs. 1.91, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

More than 8%PVC was associated with impaired systolic function by GLS, which is a lower threshold than previously reported. Patients with serious arrhythmic events had higher QRS ratios, which may represent a more malignant phenotype of OTA.
Human neonatal thymectomy induces altered B‐cell responses and autoreactivity
Authors: van den Broek Theo , Madi Asaf , Delemarre Eveline M. , Schadenberg Alvin W. L. , Tesselaar Kiki , Borghans José A. M. , Nierkens Stefan , Redegeld Frank A. , Otten Henny G. , Rossetti Maura , Albani Salvatore , Sorek Rachel , Cohen Irun R. , Jansen Nicolaas J. G. , van Wijk Femke
Published: July 2017

An association between T‐cell lymphopenia and autoimmunity has long been proposed, but it remains to be elucidated whether T‐cell lymphopenia affects B‐cell responses to autoantigens. Human neonatal thymectomy (Tx) results in a decrease in T‐cell numbers and we used this model to study the development of autoreactivity. Two cohorts of neonatally thymectomized individuals were examined, a cohort of young (1–5 years post‐Tx, n = 10–27) and older children (>10 years, n = 26), and compared to healthy age‐matched controls. T‐cell and B‐cell subsets were assessed and autoantibody profiling performed. Early post‐Tx, a decrease in T‐cell numbers (2.75 × 109/L vs. 0.71 × 109/L) and an increased proportion of memory T cells (19.72 vs. 57.43%) were observed. The presence of autoantibodies was correlated with an increased proportion of memory T cells in thymectomized children. No differences were seen in percentages of different B‐cell subsets between the groups. The autoantigen microarray showed a skewed autoantibody response after Tx. In the cohort of older individuals, autoantibodies were present in 62% of the thymectomized children, while they were found in only 33% of the healthy controls. Overall, our data suggest that neonatal Tx skews the autoantibody profile. Preferential expansion and preservation of Treg (regulatory T) cell stability and function, may contribute to preventing autoimmune disease development after Tx.
Of self‐lipids, CD1‐restricted T cells, and contact sensitization
Authors: Casorati Giulia , Dellabona Paolo
Published: July 2017

Contact hypersensitivity (CHS) in rodents and contact dermatitis in humans are long‐known pathological conditions caused by MHC‐restricted T‐cell responses. These responses are triggered upon T‐cell recognition of neo‐antigenic determinants, which are generated by a variety of environmental contact sensitizer (CS) chemicals associating with self‐proteins to comprise these neo‐antigens. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Betts et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2017. 47: 1171–1180] provide intriguing data implying that common small molecule CSs such as dinitrochlorobenzene can also recruit and activate autoreactive CD1‐restricted T cells specific for cell‐endogenous lipids, which are enriched in human skin. The effects of dinitrochlorobenzene on CD1 T‐cell recruitment and function were dependent on newly synthesized CD1 molecules and the presence of endogenous lipids. These findings shed new light on unanticipated mechanisms that have potential clinical relevance on a common and highly distressing disease state.
Bis(selone) Complexes of Palladium(II), Platinum(II), and Gold(III): Synthesis and Structural Studies
Authors: Rani Varsha , Singh Harkesh B. , Butcher Ray J.
Published: July 2017

New bis(selone)‐based metal complexes, [MnLxCly] {M = Pd, L = 3,3′‐[(2‐bromo‐1,3‐phenylene)bis(methylene)]bis(1‐mesityl‐1,3‐dihydro‐2H‐imidazole‐2‐selone) (15), n = 2, x = 2, y = 4, C64H66N8Cl4Br2Se4Pd2) (17); M = Pt, L = 15, n = 2, x = 2, y = 4, C64H66N8Cl4Br2Se4Pt2 (18); M = Au, L = 15, n = 1, x = 1, y = 1, C32H33N4Se2BrAuCl (19)} were synthesized by the reaction of bis(selone) (15) with Pd(COD)Cl2 (yield 31 %), Pt(COD)Cl2 (yield 34 %), and [AuCl(SMe2)] (yield 57 %), respectively. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that 17 and 18 exist as [2+2] dinuclear self‐assembled 24‐membered metallamacrocycles, while the spectroscopic data for the gold(III) complex 19 indicate that it exists as a new organogold(III) bromide, where a facile oxidative addition occurs across the C–Br bond. Natural bond orbital analysis showed the variation of the natural population analysis (NPA) charge on the Se atoms, from negative to positive, after complexation (15: –0.25; 17: 0.08; 18: 0.09–0.13). Moreover, the NPA charge on the metal atom is found to be negative for complexes 17 and 18 (Pd: –0.133 for 17; Pt: –0.23 and –0.251 for 18). However, for complex 19, the gold atom carries a positive charge (0.15).
Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane‐Catalyzed Reactions of Siloxanes: A Combined Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Mathew Jomon , Eguchi Katsuya , Nakajima Yumiko , Sato Kazuhiko , Shimada Shigeru , Choe Yoong‐Kee
Published: July 2017

The reaction of 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane with 1‐octene as a model reaction of silicone curing catalyzed by B(C6F5)3 resulted in the redistribution of the disiloxane into dimethylsilane and cyclic oligosiloxanes, and the subsequent hydrosilylation reaction of dimethylsilane afforded dimethyldioctylsilane. To obtain insights into the reaction mechanism and possibility alter the reaction pathway to favor the hydrosilylation over the redistribution, mechanistic analysis of the reaction between a hydrosiloxane (1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane, silox‐H) and a vinylsiloxane (1,1,3,3‐tetramethyl‐1,3‐divinyldisiloxane, silox‐vin) in the presence of B(C6F5)3 was performed through density functional theory calculations. The results of the calculations indicate that the activation of a Si–H bond in silox‐H by B(C6F5)3 initiates the reaction to form the B(C6F5)3–silox‐H complex with a Lewis acidic silicon atom and a hydridic hydrogen atom. The B(C6F5)3–silox‐H complex can undergo two different reaction pathways, that is, trisiloxane formation and the hydrosilylation of silox‐vin by silox‐H. The trisiloxane formation involves trisilyloxonium ions as intermediates and can lead to either the homotrisiloxane of silox‐H or a mixed trisiloxane of silox‐H and silox‐vin. The energetics of the reaction pathways predict the preference of trisiloxane formation over hydrosilylation, and the fine tuning of the steric and electronic natures of the substrates could alter the thermodynamic and kinetic favorability.
Effects of exposure to alcohol‐related cues on racial discrimination
Authors: Stepanova Elena V. , Bartholow Bruce D. , Saults J. Scott , Friedman Ronald S.
Published: July 2017

Prior research has shown that exposure to alcohol‐related images exacerbates expression of implicit racial biases, and that brief exposure to alcohol‐related words increases aggressive responses. However, the potential for alcohol cue exposure to elicit differential aggression against a Black (outgroup) relative to a White (ingroup) target—that is, racial discrimination—has never been investigated. Here, we found that White participants (N = 92) exposed to alcohol‐related words made harsher judgments of a Black experimenter who had frustrated them than participants who were exposed to nonalcohol words. These findings suggest that exposure to alcohol cues increases discriminatory behaviors toward Blacks.
Real‐time Selective Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide Based on a Tantalum Deposited Pencil Lead Electrode for Evaluation of Enzyme Activities
Authors: Jo Ara , Lee Youngmi , Lee Chongmok
Published: July 2017

In this study, we have carried out electrodeposition of tantalum (Ta) nanostructures on pencil lead electrode in non‐aqueous media at room temperature by applying a constant potential. The deposited Ta on pencil lead was examined for the catalytic effect regarding hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) reduction with voltammetry and amperometry. Ta/pencil lead electrode exhibited amperometric sensitivity of 0.317 μA mM−1 cm−2 and fast response time of 0.75 s, where selective detection of H2O2 was fulfilled without interruption from common electroactive biomaterials such as O2, uric acid, ascorbic acid, dopamine, acetamidophenol, and glucose. For practical applications, the dynamic concentration changes of H2O2 during catalase and glucose oxidase‐involved reactions, either eliminating or producing H2O2, were successfully traced in real time with as‐prepared electrode. From the kinetics study for catalase and glucose oxidase, we evaluated Michaelis constants (Kmapp) as 7.8 mM for catalase and 37 mM for glucose oxidase, respectively.
Comparison of fully wettable RPLC stationary phases for LC‐MS‐based cellular metabolomics
Authors: Si‐Hung Le , Causon Tim J. , Hann Stephan
Published: July 2017

Reversed‐phase LC combined with high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) is one of the most popular methods for cellular metabolomics studies. Due to the difficulties in analyzing a wide range of polarities encountered in the metabolome, 100%‐wettable reversed‐phase materials are frequently used to maximize metabolome coverage within a single analysis. Packed with silica‐based sub‐3 μm diameter particles, these columns allow high separation efficiency and offer a reasonable compromise for metabolome coverage within a single analysis. While direct performance comparison can be made using classical chromatographic characterization approaches, a comprehensive assessment of the column's performance for cellular metabolomics requires use of a full LC‐HRMS workflow in order to reflect realistic study conditions used for cellular metabolomics. In this study, a comparison of several reversed‐phase LC columns for metabolome analysis using such a dedicated workflow is presented. All columns were tested under the same analytical conditions on an LC‐TOF‐MS platform using a variety of authentic metabolite standards and biotechnologically relevant yeast cell extracts. Data on total workflow performance including retention behavior, peak capacity, coverage, and molecular feature extraction repeatability from these columns are presented with consideration for both nontargeted screening and differential metabolomics workflows using authentic standards and Pichia pastoris cell extract samples.
Serie: Migration und Flucht ‐ Perspektiven der Forschung / Teil 2
Authors: Unterstell Rembert
Published: July 2017

Der Mensch ist einer, der wandert – und die Geschichte der Menschheit ist (auch) eine Geschichte der Migration. Der zweite Teil unserer Serie mit Perspektiven der Forschung auf Migration und Flucht rückt die historische Dimension in den Blick – und das Unterwegs–Sein als Teil der conditio humana. Wir besuchen eine neu eröffnete Ausstellung, die mit Ergebnissen eines Kölner Sonderforschungsbereichs der Frage nachgeht, wie der Mensch von Afrika nach Europa kam. Und wir werfen einen kurzen Blick auf weitere ausgewählte DFG‐Projekte zum Themenfeld.