bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of the Formation of Stone–Wales Defects on the Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Silicon Carbide Nanoribbons: A First‐Principles Investigation
Authors: Guan Jia , Yu Guangtao , Ding Xiuling , Chen Wei , Shi Zhiming , Huang Xuri , Sun Chiachung
Published: June 2013

Detailed first‐principles density functional theory (DFT) computations were performed to investigate the geometries, the electronic, and the magnetic properties of both armchair‐edged silicon carbide nanoribbons (aSiCNRs) and zigzag‐edged silicon carbide nanoribbons (zSiCNRs) with Stone–Wales (SW) defects. SW defects in the center of aSiCNRs can remarkably reduce their band gaps, irrespective of the orientation of the defect, whereas zSiCNRs with SW defects in the center or at the edges exhibit degenerate energies of their ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) states, in which metallic and half‐metallic behavior can be observed, respectively; half‐metallic behavior can even be observed in both the FM and AFM states simultaneously. Further, it was shown that the formation energies of the SW defects in SiCNRs are orientation dependent, and the formation of edge defects is always favored over the formation of interior defects in zSiCNRs. The possible existence of SW defects in SiCNRs was further validated through exploring the kinetic process of their formation. These findings can be anticipated to provide valuable information in promoting the potential applications of SiC‐based nanomaterials in multifunctional and spintronic nanodevices.
One‐Step Synthesis and High‐Efficiency Decoloration of Multifunctional Porous‐C/Fe3O4 Nanospheres by Using a Sandwich‐Structured Precursor with Three Roles
Authors: Wang Li‐Zu , Wen Ming , Yuan Pin‐Shi , Zhou Linyi , Wu Qing‐Sheng
Published: June 2013

A new strategy for the one‐step synthesis of multifunctional porous‐C/Fe3O4 nanospheres has been successfully developed by using ferrocenyl formic acid as a precursor. Based on its special structure, this sandwich structural precursor of ferrocenyl formic acid plays three roles in the synthesis process: it simultaneously serves as the carbon and iron source, templating agent, and pore‐forming agent. The proposed synthesis is corroborated by characterization through SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, BET surface area measurements, BJH distributions, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The average diameter of as‐synthesized porous‐C/Fe3O4 nanospheres is about 400 nm. Because of the porous structure of carbon nanospheres and its surface plasmon resonance with attached Fe3O4 nanoparticles, the as‐synthesized porous‐C/Fe3O4 nanospheres exhibit high activity toward the decoloration of rhodamine B. In addition, the resultant composites present ferromagnetic behavior with a magnetization saturation of 13.76 emu g−1, can be easily separated and recycled by an external magnet field for use in a variety of applications.
A Graphene/Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) Hybrid as an Anode for High‐Performance Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhao Cui‐e , Sun Dong , Zhang Jian‐Rong , Zhu Jun‐Jie
Published: June 2013

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is an innovative power‐output device, which utilizes microorganisms to metabolize fuel and transfers electrons to the electrode surface. In this study, we decorated the surface of graphene (G) with a conducting polymer, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), through galvanostatic electropolymerization to fabricate a G/PEDOT hybrid anode for an Escherichia coli MFC. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses illustrated that the G/PEDOT hybrid anode possesses a larger active surface area and lower charge‐transfer resistance than three other kinds of anodes, namely, carbon paper (CP), graphene‐modified carbon paper (CP/G), and PEDOT‐modified carbon paper (CP/PEDOT). Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the bacteria growth on the four anodes. A compact biofilm was formed on the hybrid anode owing to the electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged bacteria and positively charged PEDOT backbone. The constant‐load (1 KΩ) discharge curves of MFCs with CP, CP/G, CP/PEDOT, and G/PEDOT anodes revealed that the G/PEDOT electrode had good stability and high voltage output. The G/PEDOT anode generated a maximum power density of 873 mW m−2, which is about 15 times higher than that of CP (55 mW m−2) in an H‐shaped dual‐chamber MFC. All the experimental results suggest that the performance of the G/PEDOT hybrid anode is superior to the CP, CP/G, or CP/PEDOT anode.
Computational Studies on the Mechanism of the Copper‐Catalyzed sp3‐CH Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling Reaction
Authors: Cheng Gui‐Juan , Song Li‐Juan , Yang Yun‐Fang , Zhang Xinhao , Wiest Olaf , Wu Yun‐Dong
Published: June 2013

A detailed computational study of a copper‐catalyzed aerobic cross‐dehydrogenative coupling reaction has been conducted. To select a reliable method to describe the thermochemistry of a single electron transfer (SET) process, benchmark calculations have been performed. M06/6‐311+g(d,p) is appropriate to evaluate the thermochemistry of the SET process for the system involving iminium species. The computational results support an SET mechanism, but also uncover an alternative mechanism in which O2 is directly involved in a hydrogen‐abstracting step. A comparative study with tert‐butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidant has also been performed. The computations reveal several competitive pathways, including a radical pathway, a CuIII pathway, and an SET mechanism for the Cu/TBHP system.
Versatile Eco‐friendly Pickering Emulsions Based on Substrate/Native Cyclodextrin Complexes: A Winning Approach for Solvent‐Free Oxidations
Authors: Leclercq Loïc , Company Roberto , Mühlbauer Andrea , Mouret Adrien , Aubry Jean‐Marie , Nardello‐Rataj Véronique
Published: June 2013

Solvent‐less Pickering emulsions were developed and applied to catalytic oxidation. These systems are stabilized by inclusion complexes between cyclodextrins and substrates, forming a 3D network among the dispersed phase. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide as a green oxidant and [Na]3[PW12O40] as a catalyst, they provide particularly efficient reaction media for the oxidation of olefins, organosulfurs, and alcohols. The reactions proceed at competitive rates (up to 400 h−1) with straightforward separation of the phases by centrifugation or heating. Moreover, these new eco‐friendly systems work at a preparative scale (up to 2.5 M) and are recycled without loss of activity.
Carbon Nanofibers Grafted on Activated Carbon as an Electrode in High‐Power Supercapacitors
Authors: Gryglewicz Grażyna , Śliwak Agata , Béguin François
Published: June 2013

A hybrid electrode material for high‐power supercapacitors was fabricated by grafting carbon nanofibers (CNFs) onto the surface of powdered activated carbon (AC) through catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD). A uniform thin layer of disentangled CNFs with a herringbone structure was deposited on the carbon surface through the decomposition of propane at 450 °C over an AC‐supported nickel catalyst. CNF coating was controlled by the reaction time and the nickel content. The superior CNF/AC composite displays excellent electrochemical performance in a 0.5 mol L−1 solution of K2SO4 due to its unique structure. At a high scan rate (100 mV s−1) and current loading (20 A g−1), the capacitance values were three‐ and fourfold higher than those for classical AC/carbon black composites. Owing to this feature, a high energy of 10 Wh kg−1 was obtained over a wide power range in neutral medium at a voltage of 0.8 V. The significant enhancement of charge propagation is attributed to the presence of herringbone CNFs, which facilitate the diffusion of ions in the electrode and play the role of electronic bridges between AC particles. An in situ coating of AC with short CNFs (below 200 nm) is a very attractive method for producing the next generation of carbon composite materials with a high power performance in supercapacitors working in neutral medium.
Amination of Heteroaryl Chlorides: Palladium Catalysis or SNAr in Green Solvents?
Authors: Walsh Katie , Sneddon Helen F. , Moody Christopher J.
Published: June 2013

The reaction of heteroaryl chlorides in the pyrimidine, pyrazine and quinazoline series with amines in water in the presence of KF results in a facile SNAr reaction and N‐arylation. The reaction is less satisfactory with pyridines unless an additional electron‐withdrawing group is present. The results showed that the transition‐metal‐free SNAr reaction not only compares favourably to palladium‐catalysed coupling reactions but also operates under environmentally acceptable (“green”) conditions in terms of the base and solvent.
Grasping the world through words: From action to linguistic production of verbs in early childhood
Authors: Levi Gabriel , Colonnello Valentina , Giacchè Roberta , Piredda Maria Letizia , Sogos Carla
Published: June 2013

We investigated whether the bodily‐mediated production of verbs emerges earlier than verb recognition and oral production during early language acquisition. Children (aged 18–22, 23–27, 28–32, and 33–37 months) viewed animated pictures representing actions related to transitive and intransitive verbs and were asked to (i) orally indicate the verb presented, (ii) recognize the target verb among other verbs, and (iii) perform the actions corresponding to the target verb enunciated by the experimenter. Children 18–22 months showed a capacity to enact the verbs, while their recognition and oral production abilities were not comparably developed. Until 27 months of age, children produced more transitive than intransitive verbs across tasks. The gap between verb recognition and verb oral production was found in all ages tested. This is the first study to directly demonstrate that the ability to produce verbs, especially transitive verbs, via overt body actions emerges ontogenetically earlier than recognition and oral production. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 510–516, 2014.
Length of activity season drives geographic variation in body size of a widely distributed lizard
Authors: Horváthová Terézia , Cooney Christopher R. , Fitze Patrick S. , Oksanen Tuula A. , Jelić Dušan , Ghira Ioan , Uller Tobias , Jandzik David
Published: June 2013

Understanding the factors that drive geographic variation in life history is an important challenge in evolutionary ecology. Here, we analyze what predicts geographic variation in life‐history traits of the common lizard,Zootoca vivipara, which has the globally largest distribution range of all terrestrial reptile species. Variation in body size was predicted by differences in the length of activity season, while we found no effects of environmental temperature per se. Females experiencing relatively short activity season mature at a larger size and remain larger on average than females in populations with relatively long activity seasons. Interpopulation variation in fecundity was largely explained by mean body size of females and reproductive mode, with viviparous populations having larger clutch size than oviparous populations. Finally, body size‐fecundity relationship differs between viviparous and oviparous populations, with relatively lower reproductive investment for a given body size in oviparous populations. While the phylogenetic signal was weak overall, the patterns of variation showed spatial effects, perhaps reflecting genetic divergence or geographic variation in additional biotic and abiotic factors. Our findings emphasize that time constraints imposed by the environment rather than ambient temperature play a major role in shaping life histories in the common lizard. This might be attributed to the fact that lizards can attain their preferred body temperature via behavioral thermoregulation across different thermal environments. Length of activity season, defining the maximum time available for lizards to maintain optimal performance, is thus the main environmental factor constraining growth rate and annual rates of mortality. Our results suggest that this factor may partly explain variation in the extent to which different taxa follow ecogeographic rules.
Systematic Modulation of Hydrogen Bond Donors in Aminoazobenzene Derivatives Provides Further Evidence for the Concerted Inversion Photoisomerization Pathway
Authors: Bandara H. M. Dhammika , Basa Prem N. , Yan Jingjing , Camire Casey E. , MacDonald John C. , Jackson Randy K. , Burdette Shawn C.
Published: June 2013

A series of aminoazobenzene derivatives structurally related to AzoAMP‐1 have been prepared and characterized by using a variety of analytical techniques. AzoAMP‐1 is based on 2,2′‐diaminoazobenzene with N‐methylpyridine groups. The new derivatives all contain a hydrogen bond between the aniline hydrogen atom and the azo group, as well as a separate pendant functional group that could contribute an additional hydrogen‐bond acceptor to an intramolecular network. A combination of photoisomerization studies and NMR spectroscopic and X‐ray crystallographic investigations suggest that AzoAMP‐1 possesses a unique structure that prevents isomerization through the concerted inversion pathway, which cannot be reproduced with other types or arrangements of substituents. Only AzoAMQ, which contains a similar quinolone heterocycle in place of the pyridine group of AzoAMP‐1, displayed somewhat similar photochemistry.
The Facile and Direct Formylation of Organoboron Aromatic Compounds with Benzodithiolylium Tetrafluoroborate
Authors: Petruzziello Diego , Gualandi Andrea , Giaffar Hamza , Lopez‐Carrillo Veronica , Cozzi Pier Giorgio
Published: June 2013

Organoboron compounds can be used to effect a direct formylation in the absence of transition metals. We report that the direct reaction between boronic derivatives and benzodithiolylium tetrafluoroborate, a commercially available carbenium ionic compound, is possible and provides access to many interesting compounds without the use of transition metals. The direct reaction of the carbenium ion with boronic derivatives results in the formation of substituted arylcarbenium ions, a number of which can be further utilized in materials chemistry or for the direct transformation into other compounds. In addition to the rich chameleonic chemical nature of the benzodithiol intermediate, such species can also undergo a metallation reaction and subsequent treatment with a wide range of electrophiles to access a variety of functional groups (aldehyde, ketone, acid, and alkyl groups).
Direct Modification of a Glassy Carbon Electrode with Toluidine Blue Diazonium Salt: Application to NADH Determination and Biosensing of Ethanol
Authors: Nasri Zahra , Shams Esmaeil , Ahmadi Mohsen
Published: June 2013

We describe here the covalent modification of a glassy carbon electrode with toluidine blue (TB) diazonium salt, which is generated in situ from the reaction between the aromatic amino phenyl group of TB and sodium nitrite. TB is attached directly to the electrode surface without any cross‐linking agent or complex matrices. The resulting TB films exhibit excellent electrocatalytic behavior toward NADH oxidation. Low potential detection of NADH is performed at 0.15 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Furthermore, an ethanol biosensor is developed using the TB modified electrode and alcohol dehydrogenase. The great stability and reusability, excellent electrochemical reversibility, technically simple preparation and short preparation time make this method suitable for low‐cost bioelectronical devices.
Out‐of‐plane behaviour of a full scale stone masonry façade. Part 2: shaking table tests
Authors: Costa Alexandre A. , Arêde António , Costa Alfredo Campos , Penna Andrea , Costa Aníbal
Published: June 2013

The present work describes a shaking table experimental campaign specifically developed for the characterisation of the out‐of‐plane response of a full scale stone masonry façade. After the description of the specimen and the selection of the input motion presented in a companion paper (Part 1), the experimental campaign is illustrated and extensively described. The out‐of‐plane behaviour of the sacco masonry façade is presented in terms of displacements, velocities, and accelerations recorded during the shaking table tests. A one‐sided rocking response of the façade was observed prior to collapse. The impacts were clearly identified in the acceleration records. The façade overturning occurred with the expected failure mode, as predicted in the design of the test.

Finally, some conclusions are drawn regarding the observed behaviour and particular features of this type of stone masonry constructions, which may influence the global behaviour of the façade. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of disodium octaborate tetrahydrate‐based and tannin‐boron‐based formulations as fire retardant for wood structures
Authors: Tondi G. , Haurie L. , Wieland S. , Petutschnigg A. , Lacasta A. , Monton J.
Published: June 2013

Boron‐based formulations are used to improve the service life of timber. On the one hand, boron‐treated wood increases resistance to biological attacks (e.g. by fungi and insects), and on the other hand, it renders wood more resistant to burning. In the present study, we analyse the fire behaviour of some water‐borne formulations containing boron. A completely inorganic formulation (disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT)) is compared with new‐generation tannin‐based wood preservatives in which the flavonoid network is used to fix the boron to wood. The study of the fire behaviour was carried out according to four specific fire tests: (i) dripping; (ii) short‐term exposure; (iii) long‐term exposure and (iv) the limiting oxygen index. The Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) specimens treated with DOT have shown a complete efficacy against fire after all tests were completed. It should also be noted that very positive results have also been achieved by the tannin‐based solutions. DOT has to be preferred when high performance is required, but exclusively for interior applications. The use of tannin‐based formulations can be suitable for outdoor fire protection and also for indoor applications when specific aesthetic requirements should be fulfilled. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical simulation of particle‐laden flows by the residual‐based variational multiscale method
Authors: Guerra Gabriel M. , Zio Souleymane , Camata Jose J. , Rochinha Fernando A. , Elias Renato N. , Paraizo Paulo L.B. , Coutinho Alvaro L.G.A.
Published: June 2013

We present a finite element residual‐based variational multiscale formulation applied to the numerical simulation of particle‐laden flows. We employ a Eulerian–Eulerian framework to describe the flows in which the mathematical model results from the incompressible Navier–Stokes equation combined with an advection–diffusion transport equation. Special boundary conditions at the bottom are introduced to take into account sediments deposition. Computational experiments are organized in two examples. The first example deals with the well‐known gravity current benchmark, the lock‐exchange configuration. The second also employs for the current initiation the lock configuration, but the sediment particles are endowed with a deposition velocity and are allowed to leave the domain in the moment they reach the bottom. This is intended to mimic, partially, as the bed morphology is not allowed to change, the deposition process, in which sediment deposits are no longer carried by the flow. The spatial pattern of the deposition and its correlation with flow structures are the main focus of this analysis. Numerical experiments have shown that the present formulation captures most of the relevant turbulent flow features with reasonable accuracy, when compared with highly resolved numerical simulations and experimental data. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low friction along the high slip patch of the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake required from the wedge structure and extensional splay faults
Authors: Cubas N. , Avouac J. P. , Leroy Y. M. , Pons A.
Published: June 2013

We analyze the mechanical properties needed to account for the large shallow slip during the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake and the activation of landward normal faulting within the forearc. We show that the morphology and internal structure of the forearc follows closely the prediction of the critical Coulomb wedge in horizontal compression, implying a high internal pore pressure ratio (λ=0.7+0.14/−0.48) and a low effective basal friction (). We then show that the activation of the normal fault requires a lower effective basal friction beneath the outer wedge than beneath the inner wedge (μouter≤0.015), possibly due to transient dynamic weakening associated to the seismic rupture. Forearc normal faults could be considered as evidence for very efficient dynamic weakening along the megathrust and typify megathrust with high tsunamigenic potential.
3‐D stimulated emission depletion microscopy with programmable aberration correction
Authors: Lenz Martin O. , Sinclair Hugo G. , Savell Alexander , Clegg James H. , Brown Alice C. N. , Davis Daniel M. , Dunsby Chris , Neil Mark A. A. , French Paul M. W.
Published: June 2013

We present a stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscope that provides 3‐D super resolution by simultaneous depletion using beams with both a helical phase profile for enhanced lateral resolution and an annular phase profile to enhance axial resolution. The 3‐D depletion point spread function is realised using a single spatial light modulator that can also be programmed to compensate for aberrations in the microscope and the sample. We apply it to demonstrate the first 3‐D super‐resolved imaging of an immunological synapse between a Natural Killer cell and its target cell. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Plasma Choline, Nicotine Exposure, and Risk of Low Bone Mineral Density and Hip Fracture: The Hordaland Health Study
Authors: Øyen Jannike , Nygård Ottar Kjell , Gjesdal Clara Gram , Ueland Per Magne , Apalset Ellen Margrete , Schartum-Hansen Hall , Vollset Stein Emil , Meyer Klaus , Tell Grethe S
Published: June 2013

Choline, obtained from diet and formed by biosynthesis, is the immediate precursor of betaine. Animal studies suggest an impact of choline on bone metabolism. We examined the associations of plasma choline and betaine with bone mineral density (BMD), the risk of hip fractures, and possible effect-modification by nicotine exposure. The Hordaland Health Study (1998 to 2000) included 7074 women and men (ages 46 to 49 or 71 to 74 years). In 5315, BMD was measured. The oldest (n = 3311) were followed for hip fractures through 2009. Risk associations were studied by logistic and Cox regression by comparing the lowest and middle tertiles with the highest, as well as trends across tertiles of plasma choline and betaine. In analyses adjusted for sex and age, participants in the lowest (odds ratio [OR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.69–2.37) and middle (OR = 1.39, CI 1.17–1.66) tertiles of plasma choline had an increased risk of low BMD (lowest quintile) (p trend < 0.001). Separate analyses for sex and age groups revealed the strongest relations in elderly women (lowest tertile: OR = 2.84, CI 1.95–4.14; middle tertile: OR = 1.80, CI 1.22–2.67, p trend < 0.001), and highest OR among those in the lowest tertile who were exposed to nicotine (OR = 4.56, CI 1.87–11.11). Low plasma choline was also associated with an increased risk of hip fracture in elderly women and men (lowest tertile: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.45, CI 1.08–1.94; middle tertile: HR = 1.13, CI 0.83–1.54, p trend = 0.012). In elderly women, the HR for hip fracture was 1.90 (CI 1.32–2.73) and 1.36 (CI 0.92–1.99) (p trend < 0.001) for lowest and middle tertiles of choline, and the highest HR was found among women in the lowest tertile exposed to nicotine (HR = 2.68, CI 1.16–6.19). Plasma betaine was not related to BMD or hip fracture. Low plasma choline was associated with low BMD in both sexes and increased the risk of hip fracture in elderly women. These results should motivate further studies on choline, nicotine exposure, and bone metabolism. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
TBK1 Mediates Critical Effects of Measles Virus Nucleocapsid Protein (MVNP) on Pagetic Osteoclast Formation
Authors: Sun Quanhong , Sammut Bénédicte , Wang Feng-Ming , Kurihara Noriyoshi , Windle Jolene J , Roodman G David , Galson Deborah L
Published: June 2013

Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is characterized by abnormal osteoclasts with unique characteristics that include increased sensitivity of osteoclast progenitors to 1,25(OH)2D3, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), and TNF-α; increased osteoclast numbers; and increased expression of IL-6 and several transcription factors. We recently reported that measles virus nucleocapsid protein (MVNP) plays a key role in the development of these abnormal osteoclasts. MVNP can induce the pagetic osteoclast phenotype in vitro and in vivo in TRAP-MVNP transgenic mice. However, the molecular mechanisms by which MVNP generates pagetic osteoclasts have not been determined. TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and IκB kinase-ϵ (IKKϵ) are IKK family members that complex with MVNP and activate both IRF3 and NF-κB pathways. MVNP increases the amount of TBK1 protein in bone marrow monocytes (BMM). Interestingly, we found that RANKL increased TBK1 and IKKϵ early in osteoclast differentiation, suggesting a possible role in normal osteoclastogenesis. However, only TBK1 is further increased in osteoclasts formed by TRAP-MVNP BMM owing to increased TBK1 protein stability. TBK1 overexpression induced IL6 promoter reporter activity, and elevated endogenous IL6 mRNA and p65 NF-κB, TAF12, and ATF7 proteins in several cell lines. Overexpression of TBK1 was insufficient to induce pagetic osteoclasts from WT BMM but synergized with MVNP to increase pagetic osteoclast formation from TRAP-MVNP BMM. BX795 inhibition of TBK1 impaired MVNP-induced IL-6 expression in both NIH3T3 cells and BMM, and shRNA knockdown of Tbk1 in NIH3T3 cells impaired IL-6 secretion induced by MVNP and decreased TAF12 and ATF7, factors involved in 1,25(OH)2D3 hypersensitivity of pagetic osteoclasts. Similarly, Tbk1 knockdown in BMM from TRAP-MVNP and WT mice specifically impaired development of the MVNP-induced osteoclast pagetic phenotype. These results demonstrate that TBK1 plays a critical role in mediating the effects of MVNP on osteoclast differentiation and on the expression of IL-6, a key contributor to the pagetic osteoclast phenotype. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Autophagy stimulates apoptosis in HER2‐overexpressing breast cancers treated by lapatinib
Authors: Zhu Xingmei , Wu Lin , Qiao Hongyu , Han Tenglong , Chen Suning , Liu Xueying , Jiang Ru , Wei Yifang , Feng Dayun , Zhang Yuan , Ma Yongzheng , Zhang Shengyong , Zhang Jian
Published: June 2013

HER2‐overexpressing breast cancers often show hyperactivation of the HER2/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Lapatinib is an oral dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that targets both EGFR and HER2 to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells. However, it is obscure whether and how lapatinib could induce autophagy in breast cancer cells, an important cell response with drug treatment. In this study, we investigated the apoptosis and the autophagy in the HER2‐overexpressing breast cancer cells BT474 and AU565 treated with lapatinib, and further examined their relationship. Lapatinib inhibited the proliferation and the rate of DNA synthesis in HER2‐positive cells, as observed by MTT, colony formation and EDU assays. Lapatinib not only induced apoptosis accompanied by an increased expression of cleaved Caspase‐3 and cleaved PARP, but it also induced autophagy in vitro, as confirmed by electron microscopy (EM), acridine orange (AO) staining and LC3‐II expression. Meanwhile, lapatinib inhibited the phosphorylation of HER2, AKT, mTOR, and p70S6K, whereas that of AMPK was activated. When the cells were pre‐incubated with 3‐Methyladenine (3‐MA), the specific autophagy inhibitor, the growth inhibitory ratio and apoptosis rate were frustrated, whereas colony formation and DNA synthesis ability were encouraged. In addition, 3‐MA application could up‐regulate Caspase‐3 and PARP expression, compared with the treatment with lapatinib alone. The addition of 3‐MA could attenuate the inhibitory role on HER2/AKT/mTOR pathway and the active role on AMPK that was raised by lapatinib. Therefore, lapatinib simultaneously induced both apoptosis and autophagy in the BT474 and AU565 cells, and in these settings, autophagy facilitates apoptosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2643–2653, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Upregulation of extrinsic apoptotic pathway in curcumin‐mediated antiproliferative effect on human pancreatic carcinogenesis
Authors: Youns Mahmoud , Fathy Gihan Mahmoud
Published: June 2013

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal human cancers, with almost identical incidence and mortality rates. Curcumin, derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, has a long history of use as coloring agent and for a wide variety of disorders. Here, the antiproliferative activity of curcumin and its modulatory effect on gene expression of pancreatic cancer cell lines were investigated. The effect of curcumin on cellular proliferation and viability was monitored by sulphurhodamine B assay. Apoptotic effect was evaluated by flow cytometry and further confirmed by measuring amount of cytoplasmic histone‐associated DNA fragments. Analysis of gene expression was performed with and without curcumin treatment using microarray expression profiling techniques. Array results were confirmed by real‐time PCR. ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) has been used to classify the list of differentially expressed genes and to indentify common biomarkergenes modulating the chemopreventive effect of curcumin. Results showed that curcumin induces growth arrest and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cell lines. Its effect was more obvious on the highly COX‐2 expressing cell line. Additionally, the expression of 366 and 356 cancer‐related genes, involved in regulation of apoptosis, cell cycle, metastasis, was significantly altered after curcumin treatment in BxPC‐3 and MiaPaCa‐2 cells, respectively. Our results suggested that up‐regulation of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway was among signaling pathways modulating the growth inhibitory effects of curcumin on pancreatic cancer cells. Curcumin effect was mediated through activation of TNFR, CASP 8, CASP3, BID, BAX, and down‐regulation of NFκB, NDRG 1, and BCL2L10 genes. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2654–2665, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MicroRNA‐212 inhibits proliferation of gastric cancer by directly repressing retinoblastoma binding protein 2
Authors: Jiping Zeng , Ming Fang , Lixiang Wang , Xiuming Liang , Yuqun Shen , Han Yu , Zhifang Liu , Yundong Sun , Shili Liu , Chunyan Chen , Jihui Jia
Published: June 2013

Retinoblastoma binding protein 2 (RBP2), a newly found histone demethylase, is overexpressed in gastric cancer. We examined the upstream regulatory mechanism of RBP2 at the microRNA (miRNA) level and the role in gastric carcinogenesis. We used bioinformatics to predict that microRNA‐212 (miR‐212) might be a direct upstream regulator of RBP2 and verified the regulation in gastric epithelial‐derived cell lines. Overexpression of miR‐212 significantly inhibited the expression levels of RBP2, whereas knockdown of miR‐212 promoted RBP2 expression. Furthermore, we identified the putative miR‐212 targeting sequence in the RBP2 3′ UTR by luciferase assay. MiR‐212 inhibited the colony formation ability of cells by repressing RBP2 expression and increasing that of P21CIP1 and P27kip1, both critical in cell cycle arrest. In addition, the expression of RBP2 and miR‐212 in tumor tissue and matched normal tissue from 18 patients further supported the results in vivo. MiR‐212 directly regulates the expression of RBP2 and inhibits cell growth in gastric cancer, which may provide new clues to treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2666–2672, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
“Love Hurts”: Romantic Attachment and Depressive Symptoms in Pregnant Adolescent and Young Adult Couples
Authors: Desrosiers Alethea , Sipsma Heather , Callands Tamora , Hansen Nathan , Divney Anna , Magriples Urania , Kershaw Trace
Published: June 2013

Objective

The current study investigates the relationship between romantic attachment style and depressive symptoms between both members of pregnant adolescent and young adult couples.

Method

Participants were 296 pregnant young females (mean age = 18.7) and their male partners (mean age = 21.3; 592 total participants) who were recruited from obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Connecticut. The dimensions of avoidant and anxious romantic attachment were assessed using the Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression Scale.

Results

Results showed that avoidant attachment and anxious attachment were significantly positively related to depressive symptoms. Multilevel modeling for partner effects revealed that anxious attachment and depressive symptoms in partners were significantly positively associated with depressive symptoms

Conclusion

Findings underscore the importance of considering couples‐based approaches to supporting the transition to parenthood and developing the necessary self and relationship skills to manage attachment needs and relationship challenges.
What is evolutionary novelty? Process versus character based definitions
Authors: Peterson Tim , Müller Gerd B.
Published: June 2013

With the rise of EvoDevo, the topic of evolutionary novelty has received renewed attention. Indeed, it has been argued that one of the major contributions of EvoDevo to evolutionary theory is the explanation of phenotypic novelty. Despite such assertions, dispute continues over what exactly a novelty is and whether the term applies to a unique type of evolutionary phenomenon or whether it merely has informal meaning. In a recent special issue of J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) dedicated to novelty, a new definition was introduced, linking novelty exclusively with adaptation and developmental constraint. In our commentary, we discuss how defining novelty in this process oriented manner leads to heightened difficulties with the application of the term and the identification of novelties. At the same time it conceals important implications for evolutionary studies. In contrast, we argue for a character based definition that is independent from adaptive necessities and promotes the integration of evolutionary factors not included in the standard theory. The implications of approaching novelty in this manner take the issue beyond definitional debates. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 320B: 345–350, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identifying the magnetotail source region leading to preonset poleward boundary intensifications
Authors: Nishimura Y. , Lyons L. R. , Xing X. , Angelopoulos V. , Donovan E. F. , Mende S. B. , Bonnell J. W. , Auster U.
Published: June 2013

Substorm auroral onset is often preceded by plasma sheet flow bursts, poleward boundary intensifications (PBIs), and subsequent auroral streamers, suggesting that enhanced transient flows in the plasma sheet propagating toward the near‐Earth plasma sheet play an important role in leading to substorm onset. This study aims at determining the magnetotail source region of preonset PBIs and plasma sheet flows by using the ARTEMIS spacecraft coordinated with the THEMIS all‐sky imager array. ARTEMIS has an advantage of measuring flows between the nominal near‐Earth neutral line (NENL) and distant neutral line (DNL) locations, and thus, the flow direction allows identifying which source region is dominant. We found three preonset conjunction events, and all cases show earthward flow bursts ~10–30 min before substorm onset when PBIs and streamers are detected in the conjugate ionosphere. This time lag is sufficiently long to bring plasma from the ARTEMIS location toward the near‐Earth plasma sheet before onset. The earthward flow direction indicates that preonset enhanced flow channels leading to precursor PBIs originate from further downtail of ARTEMIS, possibly from DNL rather than from NENL. The flow direction changes to tailward after the substorm onset, suggesting that NENL is not related to preonset flow and auroral activity but becomes active during the expansion phase.
Modeling the recovery phase of extreme geomagnetic storms
Authors: Cid C. , Palacios J. , Saiz E. , Cerrato Y. , Aguado J. , Guerrero A.
Published: June 2013

The recovery phase of the largest storms ever recorded has been studied. These events provide an extraordinary opportunity for two goals: (1) to validate the hyperbolic model by Aguado et al. () for the recovery phase after disturbances as severe as the Carrington event or that related to the Hydro‐Quebec blackout in March 1989, and (2) to check whether the linear relationship between the recovery time and the intensity of the storm still complies. Our results reveal the high accuracy of the hyperbolic decay function to reproduce the recovery phase of the magnetosphere after an extreme storm. Moreover, the characteristic time that takes the magnetosphere to recover depends in an exponential way on the intensity of the storm, as indicated by the relationship between the two parameters involved in the hyperbolic decay. This exponential function can be approached by a linear function when the severity of the storm diminishes.
Constraining spatial variability of methane ebullition seeps in thermokarst lakes using point process models
Authors: Walter Anthony Katey M. , Anthony Peter
Published: June 2013

Ebullition is an important but highly heterogeneous mode of methane emission in lakes. Variability in both spatial distribution and temporal flux creates difficulty in constraining uncertainties in whole lake emission estimates. Analysis of short‐ and long‐term flux measurements on 162 ebullition seeps in 24 panarctic lakes confirmed that seep classes, identified a priori according to bubble patterns in winter lake ice, have distinct associated fluxes irrespective of lake or region. To understand the drivers of ebullition's spatial variability and uncover ways to better quantify ebullition in field work, we combined point‐process modeling with field measurements of 2679 GPS‐marked and classified ebullition seeps in three Alaskan thermokarst (thaw) lakes that varied by region, permafrost type, and seep distribution. Spatial analysis of field data revealed that seeps cluster above thawed permafrost soil mounds in lake bottoms. Seep density and clustering, determined from field observations, were used as parameters in a Poisson cluster process model to simulate seeps across entire lake surfaces. Sampling results indicated that (1) applying seep‐class mean flux values to unmeasured seeps counted on ice‐bubble surveys does not compromise accuracy of whole lake flux estimates; (2) three distributed 50 m2 ice‐bubble survey transects more accurately estimate mean lake ebullition than 17 dispersed 0.2 m2 bubble traps; and (3) the uncertainty associated with whole lake mean ebullition estimated by lake‐ice survey transects is inversely related to seep density. Findings suggest that transect field data collected on a large number of widely distributed lakes can be combined to provide a well‐constrained, bottom‐up estimate of regional lake ebullition.
RESHAPING AN ASYMMETRICAL PARTNERSHIP: ACP‐EU RELATIONS FROM AN ACP PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Gomes Patrick I.
Published: June 2013

The African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and the European Union (EU) have engaged in what is known as a ‘special privileged’, legally binding contractual agreement on trade cooperation, development assistance and political dialogue since 1975. Currently expressed in the Cotonou Partnership Agreement for a 20‐year period from 2000, the agreement faces its final 5‐year review in 2015, which is proving conducive for an extensive debate between development practitioners on what future can be envisaged for ACP–EU relations in a world drastically different from the neocolonial era of the 1970s and offering new opportunities as well as challenges to trade, commerce and development assistance. From the perspective of a diplomatic representative of an ACP member state, a critique is offered of issues and instances in which the contested interests of the asymmetrical relationship can be interpreted in relation to the overarching objective of ‘reducing and eventually eradicating poverty’ as stated in the Cotonou Partnership Agreement. The author argues that the ACP Group, as the unique, transcontinental coalition of developing countries can be a significant partner with the EU and ‘new actors’, through south‐south and triangular cooperations to challenge traditional thinking and practice on development assistance by a thoroughly refashioned paradigm, in which equality, sustainability, inclusive growth and structural transformation of ACP economies must be pre‐eminent. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and viral findings in the nasopharynx of children attending day care
Authors: Kumpu Minna , Lehtoranta Liisa , Roivainen Merja , Rönkkö Esa , Ziegler Thedi , Söderlund‐Venermo Maria , Kautiainen Hannu , Järvenpää Salme , Kekkonen Riina , Hatakka Katja , Korpela Riitta , Pitkäranta Anne
Published: June 2013

Limited data are available on the effects of probiotics on the nasopharyngeal presence of respiratory viruses in children attending day care. In this substudy of a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled 28‐week intervention study, nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected, on visits to a physician due to symptoms of infection, from children receiving control milk (N = 97) and children receiving the same milk supplemented with probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (N = 97). The presence of 14 respiratory viruses was assessed by PCR methods, and viral findings were compared with symptom prevalences in the intervention groups. Rhinovirus was identified in 28.6% of 315 swab samples, followed by respiratory syncytial virus (12.4%), parainfluenza virus 1 (12.1%), enterovirus (8.9%), influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 (7.9%), human bocavirus 1 (3.8%), parainfluenza virus 2 (3.2%), adenovirus (2.9%), and influenza A(H3N2) (0.6%). The children in the probiotic group had less days with respiratory symptoms per month than the children in the control group (6.48 [95% CI 6.28–6.68] vs. 7.19 [95% CI 6.98–7.41], P < 0.001). Probiotic intervention did not reduce significantly the occurrence of the examined respiratory viruses, or have an effect on the number of respiratory symptoms observed at the time of a viral finding. Rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza virus 1 were the most common respiratory viruses in symptomatic children. Children receiving Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG had fewer days with respiratory symptoms than children in the control group, although probiotic intervention was not effective in reducing the amount of viral findings or the respiratory symptoms associated with viral findings. J. Med. Virol. 85:1632–1638, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Virus infections among young children—the first year of the INDIS study
Authors: Simonen‐Tikka Marja‐Leena , Klemola Päivi , Suomenrinne Sointu , Kaijalainen Svetlana , Söderström Daniela , Savolainen‐Kopra Carita , Näntö‐Salonen Kirsti , Ilonen Jorma , Simell Tuula , Simell Olli , Roivainen Merja
Published: June 2013

The frequencies of early childhood infections were studied in healthy children with increased genetic risk for type 1 diabetes participating in the ongoing prospective high intensive infection follow‐up Study, INDIS, started in 2009 in Turku, Finland. Here the results obtained from 160 stool to 160 nasal swab specimens collected in parallel at times of infectious symptoms in 2009–2010 from 45 children at the age of 24 months or younger are reported. The specimens were analyzed for enteric (human enterovirus, norovirus, rotavirus, sapovirus, astrovirus) and respiratory RNA viruses (human enterovirus and rhinovirus) common in early childhood, respectively, using highly validated virus‐specific real‐time PCR methods. According to the results 96% of the children had at least one virus infection during the study period and one or several viral agents were detected in 76% of sample sets. The most prevalent viral agents were human rhinovirus, enterovirus, parechovirus, and norovirus (genotype GII) with positive specimens 57.5%, 28.8%, 19.4%, and 6.9%, respectively. Other intestinal viruses were found in less than 2% of stool specimens. Single infections covered 40.0% of the specimens while multiple infections with two or more infectious agents were detected in 36.3% of specimens and altogether 11 combinations of viruses were included in the mixed infections. Although human enterovirus is known to be a frequent finding in stool specimens, especially during early childhood, it was found in this study more frequently in nasal swab specimens. Whether this is true, more general, in countries with the high hygiene level remains to be shown. J. Med. Virol. 85:1678–1684, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A high‐throughput screening assay to identify bacterial antagonists against Fusarium verticillioides
Authors: Figueroa‐López Alejandro Miguel , Cordero‐Ramírez Jesús Damián , Quiroz‐Figueroa Francisco Roberto , Maldonado‐Mendoza Ignacio Eduardo
Published: June 2013

A high‐throughput antagonistic assay was developed to screen for bacterial isolates capable of controlling the maize fungal phytopathogen Fusarium verticillioides. This assay combines a straightforward methodology, in which the fungus is challenged with bacterial isolates in liquid medium, with a novel approach that uses the plant lectin wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) coupled to a fluorophore (Alexa‐Fluor® 488) under the commercial name of WGA, Alexa Fluor® 488 conjugate. The assay is performed in a 96‐well plate format, which reduces the required laboratory space and streamlines quantitation and automation of the process, making it fast and accurate. The basis of our assay is that fungal biomass can be assessed by WGA, Alexa Fluor® 488 conjugate staining, which recognizes the chitin in the fungal cell wall and thus permits the identification of potential antagonistic bacteria that inhibit fungal growth. This principle was validated by chitin‐competition binding assays against WGA, Alexa Fluor® 488 conjugate; confocal laser microscopy confirmed that the fluorescent WGA, Alexa Fluor® 488 conjugate binds to the chitin of the fungal cell wall. The majority of bacterial isolates did not bind to the WGA, Alexa Fluor® 488 conjugate. Furthermore, including washing steps significantly reduced any bacterial staining to background levels, even in the rare cases where bacterial isolates were capable of binding to WGA. Confirmatory conventional agar plate antagonistic assays were also conducted to validate our technique. We are now successfully employing this large‐scale antagonistic assay as a pre‐screening step for potential fungal antagonists in extensive bacteria collections (on the order of thousands of isolates).
Isolation and identification of efficient Egyptian malathion‐degrading bacterial isolates
Authors: Hamouda S. A. , Marzouk M. A. , Abbassy M. A. , Abd‐El‐Haleem D. A. , Shamseldin Abdelaal
Published: June 2013

Bacterial isolates degrading malathion were isolated from the soil and agricultural waste water due to their ability to grow on minimal salt media amended with malathion as a sole carbon source. Efficiencies of native Egyptian bacterial malathion‐degrading isolates were investigated and the study generated nine highly effective malathion‐degrading bacterial strains among 40. Strains were identified by partial sequencing of 16S rDNA analysis. Comparative analysis of 16S rDNA sequences revealed that these bacteria are similar with the genus Acinetobacter and Bacillus spp. and RFLP based PCR of 16S rDNA gave four different RFLP patterns among strains with enzyme HinfI while with enzyme HaeI they gave two RFLP profiles. The degradation rate of malathion in liquid culture was estimated using gas chromatography. Bacterial strains could degrade more than 90% of the initial malathion concentration (1000 ppm) within 4 days.