bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unravelling the Structure of Electrocatalytically Active Fe–N Complexes in Carbon for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhu Yansong , Zhang Bingsen , Liu Xin , Wang Da‐Wei , Su Dang Sheng
Published: August 2014

Non‐precious Fe/N co‐modified carbon electrocatalysts have attracted great attention due to their high activity and stability in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Compared to iron‐free N‐doped carbon electrocatalysts, Fe/N‐modified electrocatalysts show four‐electron selectivity with better activity in acid electrolytes. This is believed relevant to the unique Fe–N complexes, however, the Fe–N structure remains unknown. We used o,m,p‐phenylenediamine as nitrogen precursors to tailor the Fe–N structures in heterogeneous electrocatalysts which contain FeS and Fe3C phases. The electrocatalysts have been operated for 5000 cycles with a small 39 mV shift in half‐wave potential. By combining advanced electron microscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy, we have identified the electrocatalytically active Fe–N6 complexes (FeN6, [FeIII(porphyrin)(pyridine)2]). We expect the understanding of the FeN6 structure will pave the way towards new advanced Fe–N based electrocatalysts.
Bottom‐up Design of Small Molecules that Stimulate Exon 10 Skipping in Mutant MAPT Pre‐mRNA
Authors: Luo Yiling , Disney Matthew D.
Published: August 2014

One challenge in chemical biology is to develop small molecules that control cellular protein content. The amount and identity of proteins are influenced by the RNAs that encode them; thus, protein content in a cell could be affected by targeting mRNA. However, RNA has been traditionally difficult to target with small molecules. In this report, we describe controlling the protein products of the mutated microtubule‐associated protein tau (MAPT) mature mRNA with a small molecule. MAPT mutations in exon 10 are associated with inherited frontotemporal dementia and Parkinsonism linked to chromosome 17 (FTDP‐17), an incurable disease that is directly caused by increased inclusion of exon 10 in MAPT mRNA. Recent studies have shown that mutations within a hairpin at the MAPT exon 10–intron junction decrease the thermodynamic stability of the RNA, increasing binding to U1 snRNP and thus exon 10 inclusion. Therefore, we designed small molecules that bind and stabilize a mutant MAPT by using Inforna, a computational approach based on information about RNA–small‐molecule interactions. The optimal compound selectively bound the mutant MAPT hairpin and thermodynamically stabilized its folding, facilitating exon 10 exclusion.
Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology, Vol. 140: Biosensors Based on Aptamers and Enzymes. Edited by Man Bock Gu and Hak‐Sung Kim.
Authors: Merkx Maarten
Published: August 2014

Springer, Berlin 2014, X+331 pp., hardcover, € 266.43.—ISBN 978‐3‐642‐54142‐1
Optimization of Effective Sol‐Gel Parameters for the Synthesis of Mesoporous γ‐Al2O3 Using Experimental Design
Authors: Masouleh Niloufar S. Ghavami , Taghizadeh Majid , Yaripour Fereydoon
Published: August 2014

Mesoporous nanocrystalline γ‐alumina was prepared by a template‐free sol‐gel method using aluminum ethoxide as precursor. Significant parameters, such as the water/aluminum ethoxide molar ratio, the pH of the solution, and the time and temperature of aging, were optimized by the Taguchi method to obtain γ‐alumina with a high surface area and pore volume. The influences of the main parameters on the catalytic performance of the prepared catalysts were investigated via dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether in a fixed‐bed reactor. The catalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, N2 adsorption‐desorption, ammonia temperature‐programmed desorption, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The results show that the aging temperature had a significant influence on the catalyst performance.
Thiocyanate‐Free versus Thiocyanate‐Containing Dyes for TiO2‐Based Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Neuthe Katja , Brandt Henning , Hinsch Andreas , Tzschucke C. Christoph , Veurman Welmoed , Ziem Benjamin , Haag Rainer
Published: August 2014

The synthesis and properties of four new ruthenium dyes for TiO2‐based dye‐sensitized solar cells are presented. Bipyridine ligands with triarylamine or indoline moieties as donors, which differ both in the size of their conjugated π systems and in their hydrophobicity, have been introduced into thiocyanate (SCN)‐free and SCN‐containing complexes. The structural changes affect the absorption and electrochemical properties. Extension of the π conjugation leads to a shift in the absorption maximum to longer wavelengths, a broadening of the absorption spectra, and a decrease in the energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital. The efficiency of TiO2‐based solar cells that have been sensitized with the new complexes is mainly affected by the adsorption behavior of the dyes. The SCN‐containing complex with the less‐substituted or extended donor outperforms the other dyes.
Bound Flavin Model Suggests Similar Electron‐Transfer Mechanisms in Shewanella and Geobacter
Authors: Okamoto Akihiro , Nakamura Ryuhei , Nealson Kenneth H. , Hashimoto Kazuhito
Published: August 2014

Certain microbes are capable of transporting electrons from the cell interior‐respiratory electron chain to insoluble electron acceptors located outside of the cell, a process referred to as extracellular electron transport (EET). Bacteria capable of EET are currently utilized as “living anode catalysts” in microbial fuel cells. Several EET mechanisms have been proposed, yet they lack molecular‐level consistency. Here, we review our recent work, presenting a “bound‐flavin cofactor” model, which we believe provides a suitable explanation for all of the published data to date for the model EET microbes of Shewanella oneidensis and Geobacter sulfurreducens. We discuss the interaction between free flavin and outer‐membrane c‐type cytochromes based on a protein–ligand binding model, the accumulation of cell‐secreted flavins in nanostructured electrodes, and EET through intermittent direct contacts or conductive extracellular appendages.
Correlation of the Electrochemical Kinetics of High‐Salinity‐Tolerant Bioanodes with the Structure and Microbial Composition of the Biofilm
Authors: Rousseau Raphael , Santaella Catherine , Achouak Wafa , Godon Jean‐Jacques , Bonnafous Anaïs , Bergel Alain , Délia Marie‐Line
Published: August 2014

Increasing the conductivity of the electrolytes used in microbial electrochemical systems is an essential prerequisite to large‐scale application of these technologies. Microbial anodes formed on carbon felt from a salt marsh inoculum under polarisation at 0.1 V (versus a saturated calomel electrode), generated up to 85 A m−2 in media that contained 30–45 g L−1 of NaCl. Analyses of microbial populations showed a stringent selection of the two microbial genera Marinobacter and Desulfuromonas. Currents decreased if NaCl concentration was increased to 60 g L−1. This highest salinity was shown to consistently impact the bioanode performance in three ways: voltammetry indicated degraded electron‐transfer kinetics, confocal laser scanning microscopy showed a modified biofilm structure and DNA pyrosequencing detected a decrease in the level of Desulfuromonas spp. relative to Marinobacter spp. A consistent correlation was, thus, found between electrochemical kinetics, biofilm structure and the composition of the microbial community.
Preparation of Highly Efficient MRI Contrast Agents through Complexation of Cationic GdIII‐Containing Metallosurfactant with Biocompatible Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Chen Yingying , Zhu Qin , Cui Xinghui , Tang Weijun , Yang Heng , Yuan Yuan , Hu Aiguo
Published: August 2014

Novel contrast agents were developed through assembling of GdIII‐containing metallosurfactant (MS) with biocompatible polyelectrolytes sodium hyaluronate (HA), heparinsodium (HS) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The formed polyelectrolyte–surfactant complexes showed different structural patterns as the charge ratio increased, including spherical aggregates, rod‐like aggregates and network patterns in monovalent HA system, while spherical structures emerged in multivalent HS and DSS systems. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis and scanning electron microscopy mapping showed the presence of GdIII in these complexes. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry was further used to quantify the contents of GdIII in the assemblies. T1 magnetic resonance imaging showed that these GdIII‐loaded complexes exhibited relaxivity of up to 63.81 mM−1 s−1, much higher than that of Ominiscan (4.64 mM−1 s−1). The cytotoxicity test in vitro demonstrated the excellent biocompatibility of these complexes, which is essential for clinical application.
Catalytic Formation of Acrylate from Carbon Dioxide and Ethene
Authors: Hendriksen Coen , Pidko Evgeny A. , Yang Gang , Schäffner Benjamin , Vogt Dieter
Published: August 2014

With regard to sustainability, carbon dioxide (CO2) is an attractive C1 building block. However, due to thermodynamic restrictions, reactions incorporating CO2 are relatively limited so far. One of the so‐called “dream reactions” in this field is the catalytic oxidative coupling of CO2 and ethene and subsequent β‐H elimination to form acrylic acid. This reaction has been studied intensely for decades. However up to this date no suitable catalytic process has been established. Here we show that the catalytic conversion of ethene and CO2 to acrylate is possible in the presence of a homogeneous nickel catalyst in combination with a “hard” Lewis acid. For the first time, catalytic conversion of CO2 and ethene to acrylate with turnover numbers (TON) of up to 21 was demonstrated.
A study on the effect of oxygen implants in CuInSe2 by photoacoustic spectroscopy
Authors: Zegadi Ameur , Rouha Mustapha , Satour Fatima Zohra
Published: August 2014

This paper presents the results of an analysis on defect states changes following the irradiation of oxygen in CuInSe2 single crystals by using photoacoustic spectroscopy. CuInSe2 samples, n‐type conducting, of high quality grown by using the vertical Bridgman technique have been implanted at ambient temperature with O+ with the energy of 40 keV with doses of 1015 and 1016 ions/cm2. A theoretical model based on two‐layer samples has been used to extract the absorption spectrum of only the implanted layer from that of the bulk. Oxygen is found to create a shallow defect at 31meV and a deep one at 256±2 meV. It has also led to the disappearance of some other defect levels originally detected in the samples prior to implantation.
Efficacy and safety of lixisenatide in elderly ( ≥65 years old) and very elderly ( ≥75 years old) patients with type 2 diabetes: an analysis from the GetGoal phase III programme
Authors: Raccah Denis , Miossec Patrick , Esposito Virginie , Niemoeller Elisabeth , Cho Meehyung , Gerich John
Published: August 2014

Background

The objective of this article is to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of lixisenatide (subcutaneous injection) in elderly (≥65 years old) and very elderly (≥75 years old) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

We conducted a phase I, single‐centre, open‐label study to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of a single lixisenatide 20 µg dose and a pooled analysis of six randomized, placebo‐controlled, phase III studies (12‐month or 24‐month duration) that evaluated glycaemic parameters and safety in patients receiving lixisenatide 20 µg once daily or placebo.

Results

The pharmacokinetics study included 36 healthy subjects, including 18 elderly healthy subjects (≥65 years old) and 18 matched young healthy subjects (18–45 years old). The pooled analysis included 3188 patients, including 2565 patients <65 years old and 623 patients ≥65 years old (including 79 patients ≥75 years old). Mean exposure with lixisenatide 20 µg was ~30% higher in elderly than in young subjects, and the terminal half‐life was prolonged by ~1.6 times. Maximum concentration (Cmax) and time to Cmax (tmax) were comparable in both groups. Equal numbers of elderly and young subjects reported treatment‐emergent adverse events, the majority of which were gastrointestinal disorders. In the pooled analysis, lixisenatide 20 µg once daily provided significant reductions in HbA1c versus placebo for all age groups. There was a similar incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events across all age groups (range: 69–73%). The incidence of symptomatic hypoglycaemia was generally comparable between lixisenatide‐treated and placebo‐treated patients.

Conclusion

These data suggest that lixisenatide is effective and well tolerated in elderly and very elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. © 2014 The Authors. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Weakening density dependence from climate change and agricultural intensification triggers pest outbreaks: a 37‐year observation of cotton bollworms
Authors: Ouyang Fang , Hui Cang , Ge Saiying , Men Xin‐Yuan , Zhao Zi‐Hua , Shi Pei‐Jian , Zhang Yong‐Sheng , Li Bai‐Lian
Published: August 2014

Understanding drivers of population fluctuation, especially for agricultural pests, is central to the provision of agro‐ecosystem services. Here, we examine the role of endogenous density dependence and exogenous factors of climate and human activity in regulating the 37‐year population dynamics of an important agricultural insect pest, the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), in North China from 1975 to 2011. Quantitative time‐series analysis provided strong evidence explaining long‐term population dynamics of the cotton bollworm and its driving factors. Rising temperature and declining rainfall exacerbated the effect of agricultural intensification on continuously weakening the negative density dependence in regulating the population dynamics of cotton bollworms. Consequently, ongoing climate change and agricultural intensification unleashed the tightly regulated pest population and triggered the regional outbreak of H. armigera in 1992. Although the negative density dependence can effectively regulate the population change rate to fluctuate around zero at stable equilibrium levels before and after outbreak in the 1992, the population equilibrium jumped to a higher density level with apparently larger amplitudes after the outbreak. The results highlight the possibility for exogenous factors to induce pest outbreaks and alter the population regulating mechanism of negative density dependence and, thus, the stable equilibrium of the pest population, often to a higher level, posing considerable risks to the provision of agro‐ecosystem services and regional food security. Efficient and timely measures of pest management in the era of Anthropocene should target the strengthening and revival of weakening density dependence caused by climate change and human activities.
Exploring social and personal relationships: The issue of measurement invariance of non‐independent observations
Authors: Tagliabue Semira , Lanz Margherita
Published: August 2014

In social psychology, some research questions address a comparison of individuals belonging to different social or relational contexts. As measurement invariance literature has indicated, before comparing two or more groups (gender, cultures, and relationship types), the question of whether a measurement of the construct used for the comparison is invariant must be verified. Measurement invariance helps to assure the validity of the measurement and the construct equivalence across groups. However, when non‐independent data are used for comparison (the same individual provides data for his or her different relationship types), the standard multigroup analyses for testing measurement invariance are not accurate. The current study presents a modified correlated uniqueness model that may be applied in these specific cases. As an example, we analyzed the invariance of the Intimate Disclosure scale and the Conflict scale in mother–child, father–child, and romantic relationships of young adults. Results indicate a partial invariance: only configural invariance, factor loading invariance, and factor covariance invariance were found. The consequences for validity of the measurement are then discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochemical Oxidation of Hazardous Tetracene to Highly Redox Active Anthraquinone and Hydroquinone Derivatives on a Carbon Nanotube‐Modified Electrode and Its Selective Hydrogen Peroxide Sensing
Authors: Barathi Palani , Kumar Annamalai Senthil
Published: August 2014

A simple method for electrochemical oxidation and degradation of carcinogenic tetracene (TC) to surface confined redox active quinone species (TCO) on a pristine‐multiwalled carbon nanotube modified (MWCNT) gold electrode surface (Au/MWCNT) by applying a static potential at 0.9 V vs. Ag/AgCl in pH 7 phosphate buffer solution has been demonstrated. Various physicochemical characterizations of MWCNT@TCO by TEM, FT‐IR, Raman spectroscopy and GC‐MS reveal the presence of two types of redox sites, hydroquinone and anthraquinone derivatives within the MWCNT@TCO. The modified electrode showed selective electrocatalytic reduction and amperometric i–t sensing of H2O2 with a detection limit (signal‐to‐noise=3) of 122 nM.
Continuous multistep versus fed‐batch production of ethanol and xylitol in a simulated medium of sugarcane bagasse hydrolyzates
Authors: Castañón‐Rodríguez Juan Francisco , Domínguez‐González José Manuel , Ortíz‐Muñiz Benigno , Torrestiana‐Sanchez Beatriz , de León José Alberto Ramírez , Aguilar‐Uscanga María Guadalupe
Published: August 2014

Co‐cultures for simultaneous production of ethanol and xylitol were studied under different operation bioreactor modes using Candida tropicalis IEC5‐ITV and Saccharomyces cerevisiae ITV01‐RD in a simulated medium of sugarcane bagasse hydrolyzates. Xylitol and ethanol tolerance by S. cerevisiae and C. tropicalis, respectively, was evaluated. The results showed that C. tropicalis was sensitive to ethanol concentrations up to 30 g/L, while xylitol had no effect on S. cerevisiae viability and metabolism. The best condition found for simultaneous culture was S. cerevisiae co‐culture and C. tropicalis sequential cultivation at 24 h. Under these conditions, productivity and yield for ethanol were QEtOH = 0.72 g L−1 h−1 and YEtOH/s = 0.37 g/g, and for xylitol, QXylOH = 0.10 g L−1 h−1 and YXylOH/S = 0.31 g/g, respectively; using fed‐batch culture, the results were QEtOH = 0.87 g L−1 h−1 and YEtOH/s = 0.44 g L−1 h−1, and QEtOH = 0.27 g L−1 h−1 and YEtOH/s = 0.57 g/g, respectively. Maximum volumetric productivity in continuous multistep cultures of ethanol and xylitol was at dilution rates of 0.131 and 0.074 h−1, respectively. Continuous multistep production, QEtOH increased up to 50% more than in fed‐batch culture, even though xylitol yield remained unchanged.
Predictions of matrix‐assisted refolding of α‐lactalbumin: Process efficiency versus batch dilution method
Authors: Ryś Sylwia , Piątkowski Wojciech , Antos Dorota
Published: August 2014

Protein refolding is an important technique to produce active recombinant proteins from inclusion bodies. Because of the complexity of the refolding process, a trial‐and‐error method is usually used for its design, which is ineffective and time consuming. Therefore, an efficient method for the process prediction is indispensable to optimize the operating conditions. In this article, we suggest a design procedure for matrix‐assisted protein refolding. Three different chromatographic techniques were considered exploiting hydrophobic interaction chromatography, ion‐exchange chromatography, and SEC media. The procedure consisted of quantification of refolding kinetics, analysis of the retention behavior of all protein forms involved in refolding, construction of a dynamic model, and the process simulation. Denatured bovine α‐lactalbumin was used as model protein. The refolding rate was measured for different protein concentration using the batch dilution method. A kinetic scheme for the protein refolding was suggested and incorporated into a dynamic model of chromatographic column and used for predicting the refolding performance. The productivity, yield, and buffer consumption were used as performance indicators for the refolding techniques considered. The matrix‐assisted protein refolding process outperformed batch dilution method with respect to all indicators provided that efficient method for the process design was used.
Improving Prediction of Binge Episodes by Modelling Chronicity of Dietary Restriction
Authors: Holmes Millicent , Fuller‐Tyszkiewicz Matthew , Skouteris Helen , Broadbent Jaclyn
Published: August 2014

This study evaluates the influences of chronicity of, and time lag between, dietary restriction and binge outcome for predicting binge episode onset. Sixty‐two women aged 18 to 40 years old completed an online survey at random intervals seven times daily for a 7‐day period. Participants self‐reported engagement in dietary restriction and/or binging, and temptation to binge. Consecutive instances of reported dietary restriction better predicted subsequent binges than single instances. As the time lag between the first report of dietary restriction and binge onset increased, a clear linear trend emerged, such that the value of restriction for predicting binges increased with the number of consecutive assessments in which they reported dietary restriction. A similar pattern was found when predicting temptation to binge. Present findings suggest that duration of restriction is a crucial determinant of binge onset. These findings have implications for clinical practice by highlighting the time course from dietary restriction to binging. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Comparative effects of biological and chemical dispersants on the bioavailability and toxicity of crude oil to early life stages of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)
Authors: Mu Jingli , Jin Fei , Ma Xindong , Lin Zhongsheng , Wang Juying
Published: August 2014

The authors assessed the bioavailability and chronic toxicity of water-accommodated fractions of crude oil (WAFs) and 2 dispersants plus dispersed crude oil (chemical dispersant + crude oil [CE-WAF] and biological dispersant + crude oil [BE-WAF]) on the early life stages of marine medaka, Oryzias melastigma. The results showed that the addition of the 2 dispersants caused a 3- and 4-fold increase in concentrations of summed priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and high-molecular-weight PAHs with 3 or more benzene rings. The chemical and biological dispersants increased the bioavailability (as measured by ethoxyresorufin-O-dethylase activity) of crude oil 6-fold and 3-fold, respectively. Based on nominal concentrations, chronic toxicity (as measured by deformity) in WAFs exhibited a 10-fold increase in CE-WAF and a 3-fold increase in BE-WAF, respectively. When total petroleum hydrocarbon was measured, the differences between WAF and CE-WAF treatments disappeared, and CE-WAF was approximately 10 times more toxic than BE-WAF. Compared with the chemical dispersant, the biological dispersant possibly modified the toxicity of oil hydrocarbons because of the increase in the proportion of 2- and 3-ringed PAHs in water. The chemical and biological dispersants enhanced short-term bioaccumulation and toxicity, through different mechanisms. These properties should be considered in addition to their efficacy in degrading oil when oil spill management strategies are selected. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2576–2583. © 2014 SETAC
Simulate to Understand Models, Not Nature
Authors: Dorans Neil J.
Published: August 2014

Simulations are widely used. Simulations produce numbers that are deductive demonstrations of what a model says will happen. They produce numerical results that are consistent with the premises of the model used to generate the numbers. These simulated numerical results are not empirical data that address aspects of the world that lies outside the model. In contrast, empirical data are central to the scientific method. When a simulation is substituted for the assessment of hypotheses with real data, a false sense of understanding can ensue and with it a biased perspective on the world. To illustrate the limitations of simulation and their proper role, examples are drawn from simulation studies about score equating.
In the eye (and ears) of the beholder: Receiver psychology and human signal design
Authors: Soler Montserrat , Batiste Frank , Cronk Lee
Published: August 2014

Although the study of signals has been part of human behavioral ecology since the field's inception,1only recently has signaling theory become important to the evolutionary study of human behavior and culture.2Signaling theory's rise to prominence has been propelled mainly by applications of costly signaling theory,3which has shed light on a wide variety of human behaviors ranging from hunting4to religion.5,6Costly signaling rests on the idea that wasteful but highly visible traits and behaviors can be explained as honest indicators of underlying qualities that are otherwise difficult to detect. For example, a laborious hunting technique may serve as a display of skill on the part of the hunter, who may then be favorably perceived by potential mates and allies.4The costs of the activity ensure that the signal is honest, since unskilled hunters will not be able to perform as well. Despite the usefulness of this perspective, many such studies begin by documenting a costly behavior that is then explained with reference to costly signaling theory. Because such behaviors are easy to detect, they may be overemphasized in the literature.7Moreover, costly signaling theory by itself can explain neither all signals nor all aspects of signal design. In this review, we argue that a focus on the role that the psychology of the intended receiver plays in signal design can expand the scope of signaling theory as a promising avenue to explain human behavior.
Blockade of 2‐arachidonoylglycerol hydrolysis produces antidepressant‐like effects and enhances adult hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Wang Wei , Zhong Peng , Liu Sarah J. , Long Jonathan Z. , Zhao Li , Gao Hai‐qing , Cravatt Benjamin F. , Liu Qing‐song
Published: August 2014

The endocannabinoid ligand 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) is inactivated primarily by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). We have shown recently that chronic treatments with MAGL inhibitor JZL184 produce antidepressant‐ and anxiolytic‐like effects in a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) model of depression in mice. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis has been implicated in animal models of anxiety and depression and behavioral effects of antidepressants. We tested whether CUS and chronic JZL184 treatments affected adult neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in the dentate gyrus (DG) of mouse hippocampus. We report that CUS induced depressive‐like behaviors and decreased the number of bromodeoxyuridine‐labeled neural progenitor cells and doublecortin‐positive immature neurons in the DG, while chronic JZL184 treatments prevented these behavioral and cellular deficits. We also investigated the effects of CUS and chronic JZL184 on a form long‐term potentiation (LTP) in the DG known to be neurogenesis‐dependent. CUS impaired LTP induction, whereas chronic JZL184 treatments restored LTP in CUS‐exposed mice. These results suggest that enhanced adult neurogenesis and long‐term synaptic plasticity in the DG of the hippocampus might contribute to antidepressant‐ and anxiolytic‐like behavioral effects of JZL184. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurocomputational account of memory and perception: Thresholded and graded signals in the hippocampus
Authors: Elfman Kane W. , Aly Mariam , Yonelinas Andrew P.
Published: August 2014

Recent evidence suggests that the hippocampus, a region critical for long‐term memory, also supports certain forms of high‐level visual perception. A seemingly paradoxical finding is that, unlike the thresholded hippocampal signals associated with memory, the hippocampus produces graded, strength‐based signals in perception. This article tests a neurocomputational model of the hippocampus, based on the complementary learning systems framework, to determine if the same model can account for both memory and perception, and whether it produces the appropriate thresholded and strength‐based signals in these two types of tasks. The simulations showed that the hippocampus, and most prominently the CA1 subfield, produced graded signals when required to discriminate between highly similar stimuli in a perception task, but generated thresholded patterns of activity in recognition memory. A threshold was observed in recognition memory because pattern completion occurred for only some trials and completely failed to occur for others; conversely, in perception, pattern completion always occurred because of the high degree of item similarity. These results offer a neurocomputational account of the distinct hippocampal signals associated with perception and memory, and are broadly consistent with proposals that CA1 functions as a comparator of expected versus perceived events. We conclude that the hippocampal computations required for high‐level perceptual discrimination are congruous with current neurocomputational models that account for recognition memory, and fit neatly into a broader description of the role of the hippocampus for the processing of complex relational information. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes in Attachment‐Related Behavioural Problems of Internationally Adopted Toddlers in Finland: Results from the FinAdo Study
Authors: Raaska Hanna , Elovainio Marko , Lapinleimu Helena , Matomäki Jaakko , Sinkkonen Jari
Published: August 2014

This study investigated attachment‐related behavioural problems and their change over time among internationally adopted toddlers (N = 171, boys 40%) in Finland. The parents filled in questionnaires posted in 2007 and again in 2009. At the baseline (on average, 1.9 years from adoption), the mean age of the adoptees was 2.8 years. The comparison group (N = 244, boys 46%) was collected through well‐baby clinics. Results from the paired t‐test and mixed models showed that the adoptees' attachment‐related behavioural problems decreased during the 2‐year follow‐up and that they did not manifest more problems than their age‐mates any more 4 years after adoption. The decrease in behavioural problems was associated with the child's female gender, country of origin and adoptive parents' positive experience about adoption. A child's stereotypic or self‐injurious behaviour was not associated with the change in attachment‐related behaviour over time, although both were associated with behavioural problems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Children's Theory of Mind, Self‐Perceptions, and Peer Relations: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Bosacki Sandra Leanne
Published: August 2014

This longitudinal study explored Theory of Mind (ToM), self‐perceptions, and teacher ratings of peer relations of 91 children (52 females, ages 6–8 years) drawn from two schools situated in a mainly Euro‐Canadian, middle socioeconomic status, semi‐rural central Canadian context. ToM, self‐perceptions, and teacher ratings of peer relations were assessed at Time 1 (T1, M = 6 y 2 m) and 2 years later at Time 2 (T2, M = 8 y 5 m). Findings showed that ToM scores and perceptions of global self‐worth and physical appearance significantly increased with time across both genders. Positive longitudinal associations were found between teacher ratings of sociable peer relations at T1 and children's T2 moral self‐perceptions. A positive longitudinal correlation was found between T1 ToM and T2 teacher ratings of anxious/fearful peer relations. Individual variation in ToM at age 6 predicted teacher ratings of anxious and fearful behaviours in 8 year olds. In contrast, teacher ratings at age 6 did not predict ToM ability in 8 year olds. Educational implications for social and emotional competencies are discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modifications to Nano- and Microstructural Quality and the Effects on Mechanical Integrity in Paget's Disease of Bone
Authors: Zimmermann Elizabeth A , Köhne Till , Bale Hrishikesh A , Panganiban Brian , Gludovatz Bernd , Zustin Joszef , Hahn Michael , Amling Michael , Ritchie Robert O , Busse Björn
Published: August 2014

Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is the second most common bone disease mostly developing after 50 years of age at one or more localized skeletal sites; it is associated with severely high bone turnover, bone enlargement, bowing/deformity, cracking, and pain. Here, to specifically address the origins of the deteriorated mechanical integrity, we use a cohort of control and PDB human biopsies to investigate multiscale architectural and compositional modifications to the bone structure (ie, bone quality) and relate these changes to mechanical property measurements to provide further insight into the clinical manifestations (ie, deformities and bowing) and fracture risk caused by PDB. Here, at the level of the collagen and mineral (ie, nanometer-length scale), we find a 19% lower mineral content and lower carbonate-to-phosphate ratio in PDB, which accounts for the 14% lower stiffness and 19% lower hardness promoting plastic deformation in pathological bone. At the microstructural scale, trabecular regions are known to become densified, whereas cortical bone loses its characteristic parallel-aligned osteonal pattern, which is replaced with a mosaic of lamellar and woven bone. Although we find this loss of anisotropic alignment produces a straighter crack path in mechanically-loaded PDB cases, cortical fracture toughness appears to be maintained due to increased plastic deformation. Clearly, the altered quality of the bone structure in PDB affects the mechanical integrity leading to complications such as bowing, deformities, and stable cracks called fissure fractures associated with this disease. Although the lower mineralization and loss of aligned Haversian structures do produce a lower modulus tissue, which is susceptible to deformities, our results indicate that the higher levels of plasticity may compensate for the lost microstructural features and maintain the resistance to crack growth. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Early plasma exchange for treating ricin toxicity in children after castor bean ingestion
Authors: Wang Cheng‐feng , Nie Xiao‐jing , Chen Guang‐ming , Yu Zi‐hua , Li Zheng , Sun Zhi‐wen , Weng Zeng‐feng , Yang Yu‐ying , Chen Shu‐lian , Zheng Si‐rui , Luo Ying‐yun , Lu Yan‐ting , Cao Hui‐qin , Zhan Hai‐xia
Published: August 2014

Plasma exchange (PE) for the treatment of ricin toxicity has not been previously reported. Here we describe the use of PE to treat children who experienced ricin toxicity after ingesting castor beans. Seven children (median age: 8.1 years) who consumed castor beans (median: 5 beans) were treated with PE. All had bradycardia and sinus arrhythmia, and most had experienced episodes of vomiting and/or diarrhea. PE settings were blood flow, 50–80 mL/min; PE rate, 600–800 mL/h; volume of exchange, 1440–1950 mL. Median time from ingestion to PE was 73 h. All clinical symptoms disappeared and vital signs rapidly returned to normal after PE; no severe organ dysfunction occurred. All children were discharged and recovered uneventfully. Concentrations of all serum biochemical parameters significantly decreased immediately after PE. Some, but not all, of these parameters were also significantly decreased at 48 and 72 h after PE compared with before PE. Our findings suggest that PE can be an effective early intervention in the treatment of ricin toxicity due to castor bean ingestion. J. Clin. Apheresis 30:141–146, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Political Economy of the United States Economic Growth Programme in Pakistan
Authors: Tabbasum Salamat Ali
Published: August 2014

This paper examines the US assistance for economic growth in Pakistan since 2002. Delving into the political economy of the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) economic growth programme, this paper appraises the effectiveness of economic growth projects and their impact on the economy of Pakistan by analysing donor's project execution mechanisms and priority areas for economic development. This study finds that despite USAID's proclamation of spurring growth through their neoliberal‐oriented interventions, the economy has shown a gloomy picture in recent years and hence questions the perception that foreign aid can spur economic growth in recipient countries. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Farmer‐led maize biochar trials: Effect on crop yield and soil nutrients under conservation farming
Authors: Martinsen Vegard , Mulder Jan , Shitumbanuma Victor , Sparrevik Magnus , Børresen Trond , Cornelissen Gerard
Published: August 2014

In extensive farmer‐led trials practicing conservation farming (CF) in three regions of Zambia (Mongu: sandy soils; Kaoma: sandy or loamy sand soils; Mkushi: sandy loam or loamy soils), we studied the effects of biochar made of maize cobs (0, 2, and 6 t ha−1corresponding to 0, 0.8, and 2.5% per basin) at different fertilizer rates of NPK and urea on crop yield of maize (Zea mays) and groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea). Conservation farming in this case combines minimum tillage (how basins), crop rotation and residue retention. For the first time, the effect of biochar onin situsoil nutrient supply rates [determined by buried Plant Root Simulator (PRS™) exchange resins] was studied, as well as the effects of biochar on elemental composition of maize. Effects of 0–10% (w:w) biochar addition on soil physical and soil chemical properties were determined in the laboratory. At all sites there was a consistent positive response in crop yield upon the addition of biochar. However, due to a great variability between farms there were no significant differences in absolute yields between the treatments. In the sandy soils at Mongu, relative yields (i.e., percentage yield with biochar relative to the same fertilizer rate without biochar) of maize grains and maize stover were significantly increased at recommended fertilizer rates (232 ± 60%) and at half the recommended rate (128 ± 6%), respectively. In addition, biochar significantly increased concentrations of K and P in maize stover.In situsoil nutrient supply rates as measured by PRS™‐probes were highly spatially variable with no consistent effects of the different treatments in the three regions. By contrast, the fraction of plant available water (Vol.‐%) significantly increased upon the addition of biochar in all three soils. The increase caused by 10% biochar addition was of factor 2.5 in Mongu (from 4.5% to 11.2%) and 1.2 in both Kaoma (from 14.7% to 18.2%) and Mkushi (from 18.2% to 22.7%). Cation exchange capacity, pH, and exchangeable K significantly increased upon the addition of 10% (w:w) biochar in all three regions with a subsequent increase in base saturation and decrease of available Al3+. Our findings suggest that the addition of biochar in combination with CF might have a positive impact on crop growth and that this positive effect is mainly caused by increases in plant‐available water and decreased available Al.
The effect of ZnCl2 on green Spanish‐style table olive packaging, a presentation style dependent behaviour
Authors: Bautista‐Gallego Joaquín , Arroyo‐López Francisco Noé , Romero‐Gil Verónica , Rodríguez‐Gómez Francisco , Garrido‐Fernández Antonio
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Zinc chloride has been used previously as a preservative in directly brined olives with promising results. However, this is the first time that the effects of ZnCl2 addition (0–1 g L−1) on green Spanish‐style table olive (cv. Manzanilla) packaging has been studied.

RESULTS

The presence of ZnCl2 affected the physico‐chemical characteristics of the products; the presence of the Zn led to lower pH values (particularly just after packaging) and titratable and combined acidity values than the control but did not produce clear trends in the colour parameters. No Enterobacteriaceae were found in any of the treatments evaluated. At the highest ZnCl2 concentrations, the lactic acid bacteria were inhibited while, unexpectedly, its presence showed a lower effect than potassium sorbate against the yeast population. Regardless of the use of potassium sorbate or ZnCl2, the packages had a reduced microbial biodiversity because only Lactobacillus pentosus and Pichia galeiformis were found at the end of the shelf life. With respect to organoleptic characteristics, the presentations containing ZnCl2 were not differentiated from the traditional product.

CONCLUSION

Zinc chloride was less efficient than potassium sorbate as a yeast inhibitor in green Spanish‐style olives, showing clear presentation style dependent behaviour for this property. Its presence produced significant changes in chemical parameters but scarcely affected colour or sensory characteristics.© 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Role of selective sentinel lymph node dissection in head and neck melanoma
Authors: Leong Stanley P.L.
Published: August 2014

Selective sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) plays an important role in the staging of the regional nodal basins for head and neck (H&N) melanoma. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy is mandatory to identify the regional nodal basin(s) accurately for a newly diagnosed H&N primary melanoma of at least 1 mm or greater. A wide local excision should be delayed if SLN mapping is indicated, to minimize watershed effect and maximize accuracy in identifying the “true” SLN because of the complex lymphatic network in the H&N region. An experienced multidisciplinary team is required for optimal identification of H&N SLNs. In general, selective SLND can replace ELND to minimize the complications of a neck dissection. Completion lymph node dissection is only indicated when the SLN is positive. A nerve stimulator should be used during selective SLND in the parotid and posterior triangle to minimize the injury to the facial and spinal accessory nerve. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:361–368. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monolithic molecularly imprinted cryogel for lysozyme recognition
Authors: Rabieizadeh Mohammadmahdi , Kashefimofrad Seyed Mohammadreza , Naeimpoor Fereshteh
Published: August 2014

The application of molecularly imprinted polymers in the selective adsorption of macromolecules such as proteins by monolithic protein‐imprinted columns requires a macroporous structure, which can be provided by cryogelation at low temperature in which the formation of ice crystals gives a porous structure to the molecularly imprinted polymer. In this study, we applied this technique to synthesize lysozyme‐imprinted polyacrylamide cryogels containing 8% w/v of total monomers and 0.3% w/v of lysozyme. The synthesized cryogel was sponge‐like and elastic with very fast swelling and reshaping properties, showing a swelling ratio of 24.5 ± 3 and gel fraction yield of about 72%. It showed an imprinting effect of 1.58 and a separation factor of 1.37 for cytochrome c as the competing protein. Adsorption studies on the cryogel revealed that it follows the Langmuir isotherm, with a maximum theoretical adsorption capacity of 36.3 mg lysozyme per gram of cryogel. Additionally, it was shown that a salt‐free rebinding solution at low flow rate and pH = 7.0 is favorable for lysozyme rebinding. This kind of monolithic column promises a wide range of application in separation of various biomolecules due to its preparation simplicity, good rebinding characteristics, and macroporosity.
Effect of hypercrosslinking conditions on pore size distribution and efficiency of monolithic stationary phases
Authors: Urban Jiří , Škeříková Veronika
Published: August 2014

Three dihalogenic solvents differing in the length of alkyl chain (1,2‐dichloroethane, 1,4‐dichlorobutane, and 1,6‐dichlorohexane) with three Friedel–Crafts alkylation catalysts varying in reactivity (AlCl3, FeCl3, and SnCl4) have been used to prepare hypercrosslinked poly(styrene‐co‐vinylbenzyl chloride‐co‐divinylbenzene) columns. Hydrodynamic characteristics as well as column efficiency and mass transfer resistance were tuned by the combination of swelling solvent and alkylation reaction catalyst in the modification mixture. The column swelled in 1,6‐dichlorohexane and hypercrosslinked in the presence of AlCl3 provided the highest column efficiency and enabled fast isocratic separations of small molecules in a RP mode. To uncover factors controlling the efficiency of hypercrosslinked monolithic columns, we have studied pore volume distribution of prepared columns. We found that column efficiency increases with the higher pore volume of pores smaller than 2 nm.
Impact of Community Conservation Management on Herbaceous Layer and Soil Nutrients in a Kenyan Semi‐Arid Savannah
Authors: Mureithi Stephen M. , Verdoodt Ann , Njoka Jesse T. , Gachene Charles KK , Warinwa Fiesta , Van Ranst Eric
Published: August 2014

The impact of community conservation management on a semi‐arid savannah herbaceous vegetation and soil nutrient status was studied in the conservation and grazing zones of two community ranches in Laikipia County, Kenya. Land zoning was carried out in 1999 using participatory approaches to demarcate conservation areas excluded from livestock grazing, buffer areas for grazing and high‐intensity use zones for both grazing and settlement. Collected data included cover, grass species composition, standing grass biomass and topsoil chemical characteristics using line transect and quadrant methods. The conservation zones had significantly higher herbaceous diversity, species richness and relative abundance of both annual and perennial grasses, basal cover and herbage and a lower percentage of bare ground compared with the continuously grazed zones. The conservation zones also had higher total organic carbon, organic nitrogen and exchangeable basic cations content, indicating improved soil nutrient status. The grazing zones exhibited loss of vegetation cover and reduction of forage production, with a decline in rangeland condition, whereas the conservation zones showed recovery and improvement of the rangeland condition. Long‐term implementation of Natural resource management programme in community wildlife conservancies seems to drive the semi‐arid savannahs to exist in two steady states and transitions under the influence of grazing. We recommend long‐term monitoring of the impact of the community conservation model on the rangeland and timely incorporation of remedial measures such as shifting bomas (cattle corrals) across the grazing zones, aggressive rangeland rehabilitation of severely degraded areas through reseeding and random grass seed broadcast along stock routes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The sharp existence of constrained minimizers for a class of nonlinear Kirchhoff equations
Authors: Ye Hongyu
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we study the existence of solutions with prescribed L2‐norm for the following Kirchhoff type equation:
urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma3247:mma3247-math-0001where N≤3,a,b > 0 are constants, p∈(2,2*),2*=6 if N = 3, and 2*=+∞ if N = 1,2. We obtain the sharp existence of global constraint minimizers for . In the case , the existence of solutions with prescribed L2‐norm is obtained for all L2‐norm. The key point is the analysis of excluding the dichotomy of the minimizing sequences for the related constrained minimization problem. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Well‐posedness for the density‐dependent incompressible flow of liquid crystals
Authors: Xu Fuyi , Hao Shengang , Yuan Jia
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we are concerned with the Cauchy problem for the density‐dependent incompressible flow of liquid crystals in thewhole space (N ≥ 2).We prove the localwell‐posedness for large initial velocity field and director field of the system in critical Besov spaces if the initial density is close to a positive constant. We show also the global well‐posedness for this system under a smallness assumption on initial data. In particular, this result allows us to work in Besov space with negative regularity indices, where the initial velocity becomes small in the presence of the strong oscillations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.