bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MEIS2 involvement in cardiac development, cleft palate, and intellectual disability
Authors: Louw Jacoba J. , Corveleyn Anniek , Jia Yaojuan , Hens Greet , Gewillig Marc , Devriendt Koenraad
Published: February 2015

MEIS2 has been associated with cleft palate and cardiac septal defects as well as varying degrees of intellectual disability. We present a female patient with a more severe phenotype compared to previous reported patients. She has multiple congenital malformations; cleft palate and congenital heart defect characterized by septal defects and aortic coarctation. She has severe feeding problems, facial dysmorphism, severely delayed gross motor and verbal development, and autism spectrum disorder. Facial dysmorphism consisting of bitemporal narrowing, arched and laterally extended eyebrows, mild upslanting palpebral fissures, deep‐set eyes, a tented upper lip, thin upper vermilion, full lower vermilion, broad first ray of hands and feet, a gap between the first and second toes, and syndactyly of toe II–III. Exome sequencing revealed a non‐frameshift deletion (c.998_1000del:p.Arg333del) of three base pairs in the MEIS2 homeodomain. The more severe phenotype is most probably due to dominant‐negative mechanisms. This is the first report showing a de novo small intragenic mutation in MEIS2 and further confirms the important role of this gene in normal development. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Psychiatric disorders in children with Prader–Willi syndrome—Results of a 2‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Lo S.T. , Collin P.J.L. , Hokken‐Koelega A.C.S.
Published: February 2015

Psychiatric disorders such as psychosis are highly prevalent in adults with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). However, knowledge about the presence and progression of psychiatric disorders in children with PWS is very limited. Sixty‐one children with PWS aged 7–17 years were tested using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (DISC) and Compulsive Behaviour Checklist (CBC), and 38/61 were retested after 2 years. Prevalence of psychiatric disorders and the association with age, gender, genetic subtype, and total IQ were assessed. In addition, occurrence and characteristics of compulsions were determined.

Prior to the study, two boys were known with psychotic symptoms and treated with antipsychotics. At baseline, none scored positive for psychotic disorder. During the follow‐up, only one boy with known psychotic symptoms required a dose adjustment of his antipsychotic medication. After 2 years, none of the children had a psychotic disorder according to the DISC. Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) was the most common diagnosis and present in 20% of children with PWS, and this was not associated with age (β = −0.081, P = 0.546), gender (β = 0.013, P = 0.923), genetic subtype (β = −0.073, P = 0.584), or total IQ (β = −0.150, P = 0.267). The most common compulsions were hoarding and fixed hygiene sequences.

In our large group of 61 children with PWS, the majority had no psychotic disorder and no progression was found during 2‐year follow‐up. ODD was present in 20% of children. No changes in the prevalence of psychiatric disorders were found during the 2‐year follow‐up study and genetic subtype was not related to psychosis, depression, or ODD. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Alexithymia, emotion perception, and social assertiveness in adult women with Noonan and Turner syndromes
Authors: Roelofs Renée L. , Wingbermühle Ellen , Freriks Kim , Verhaak Chris M. , Kessels Roy P. C. , Egger Jos I. M.
Published: February 2015

Noonan syndrome (NS) and Turner syndrome (TS) are associated with cognitive problems and difficulties in affective information processing. While both phenotypes include short stature, facial dysmorphisms, and a webbed neck, genetic etiology and neuropsychological phenotype differ significantly. The present study examines putative differences in affective information processing and social assertiveness between adult women with NS and TS. Twenty‐six women with NS, 40 women with TS, and 40 female controls were matched on age and intelligence, and subsequently compared on (1) alexithymia, measured by the Bermond‐Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire, (2) emotion perception, evaluated by the Emotion Recognition Task, and (3) social assertiveness and social discomfort, assessed by the Scale for Interpersonal Behavior. Women with TS showed higher levels of alexithymia than women with NS and controls (P‐values < 0.001), whereas women with NS had more trouble recognizing angry facial expressions in comparison with controls (P = 0.01). No significant group differences were found for the frequency of social assertiveness and the level of social discomfort. Women with NS and TS demonstrated different patterns of impairment in affective information processing, in terms of alexithymia and emotion perception. The present findings suggest neuropsychological phenotyping to be helpful for the diagnosis of specific cognitive‐affective deficits in genetic syndromes, for the enhancement of genetic counseling, and for the development of personalized treatment plans. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Highly Biocompatible Nanofibrous Microspheres Self‐Assembled from Chitin in NaOH/Urea Aqueous Solution as Cell Carriers
Authors: Duan Bo , Zheng Xing , Xia Zhixiong , Fan Xiaoli , Guo Lin , Liu Jianfeng , Wang Yanfeng , Ye Qifa , Zhang Lina
Published: February 2015

In this work, chitin microspheres (NCM) having a nanofibrous architecture were constructed using a “bottom‐up” fabrication pathway. The chitin chains rapidly self‐assembled into nanofibers in NaOH/urea aqueous solution by a thermally induced method and subsequently formed weaved microspheres. The diameter of the chitin nanofibers and the size of the NCM were tunable by controlling the temperature and the processing parameters to be in the range from 26 to 55 nm and 3 to 130 μm, respectively. As a result of the nanofibrous surface and the inherent biocompatibility of chitin, cells could adhere to the chitin microspheres and showed a high attachment efficiency, indicating the great potential of the NCM for 3D cell microcarriers.
Cyclophanes Containing Bowl‐Shaped Aromatic Chromophores: Three Isomers of anti‐[2.2](1,4)Subphthalocyaninophane
Authors: Liu Quan , Shimizu Soji , Kobayashi Nagao
Published: February 2015

The connection of bowl‐shaped aromatic boron subphthalocyanines with anti‐[2.2]paracyclophane resulted in the first observation of electronic communication between convex and concave surfaces. Three isomers of anti‐[2.2](1,4)subphthalocyaninophane, described as concave–concave (CC), convex–concave (CV), and convex–convex (VV) according to the orientation of the subphthalocyanine units, were synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques, including 1H NMR, electronic absorption, fluorescence, and magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography, together with molecular‐orbital calculations. On going from the CC system to CV and further to VV, the Q band broadened and finally split as a result of through‐space expansion of the conjugated systems, which were also reproduced theoretically.
Permeability of ethanol solution through poly(lactic acid) film
Authors: Shinkawa Yasuaki , Hayashi Yuki , Sato Shuichi , Nagai Kazukiyo
Published: February 2015

The permeation properties of ethanol solution through poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films were investigated. The total flux of ethanol solution through PLA films was strongly depended on the flux of water. In addition, the diffusion coefficient of water was 1000 times higher than that of ethanol, and decreased with increasing feed concentration. After the permeation measurement, crystallization (XC‐DSC = 1–2%) was observed. However, the crystallinity was not dependent on the feed concentration. On the other hand, the mole ratio of ethanol and water molecules in the PLA film strongly depended on the feed concentration. Based on the results, we concluded that the interaction with ethanol molecules caused the decrease in diffusion coefficient of water in PLA film. Thus, the permeation mechanism of the ethanol solution to the PLA film was investigated in detail. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42031.
A novel polyacrylamide‐based superabsorbent with temperature switch for steam breakthrough blockage
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyun , Wang Xiangpeng , Li Liang , Wu Ruonan , Zhang Sisi , Wu Jihui , Wu Wei
Published: February 2015

A novel high‐temperature resistant superabsorbent polymer (SAP) with a temperature switch to control its water absorbency was prepared through solution polymerization of acrylamide (AM), usingN,N‐methylenebisacrylamide (NMBA) and tetraallylammonium chloride (TAAC) as crosslinking agents. The SAPs were structurally characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). The factors that influence the water absorbency such as total crosslinker concentration, molar ratio of NMBA to TAAC and temperature were investigated. The SAP with optimized crosslinker concentration showed a swelling ratio less than 10 g/g at 25°C, and drastically enhanced water absorption capacity (190 g/g) at 300°C. The water absorption characteristics can be tuned by varying the temperature. Swelling experimental results combined with crosslinking density study and morphology observation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) clearly demonstrated that the hydrolysis of amide bonds on NMBA played a critical role in creating these previously unreported SAPs, and that the use of TAAC with an appropriate amount rendered the SAPs high‐temperature resistance. This kind of SAPs has high application potentials as plugging material for steam breakthrough and channeling in heavy oil reservoirs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 42067.
Seasonal and Ontogenetic Variation in Subcutaneous Adipose Of the Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus)
Authors: Ball Hope C. , Stavarz Madeline , Oldaker Jonathan , Usip Sharon , Londraville Richard L. , George John C. , Thewissen Johnannes G.M. , Duff Robert Joel
Published: February 2015

Cetacean evolution was shaped by an extraordinary land‐to‐sea transition in which the ancestors of whales became fully aquatic. As part of this transition, these mammals evolved unusually thick blubber which acts as a metabolic reservoir as well as an insulator and provides buoyancy and streamlining. This study describes blubber stratification and correlates it to seasonal variation, feeding patterns, and ontogeny in an arctic‐adapted mysticete, the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus). Bowheads are unique among mammals for possessing the largest known blubber stores. We found that adipocyte numbers in bowheads, like other mammals, do not vary with season or feeding pattern but that adipocyte size and structural fiber densities do vary with blubber depth. Anat Rec, 298:1416–1423, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Joints Position Estimation of a Redundant Scara Robot by Means of the Unscented Kalman Filter and Inertial Sensors
Authors: Urrea Claudio , Muñoz Rodrigo
Published: February 2015

A method is presented for estimating the position of rotational and prismatic joints of a novel SCARA‐type fault‐tolerant redundant manipulator using inertial sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes). The estimation is based on the integration of the different sensors by means of the modified AUKF algorithm. The results of the evaluation of this integration scheme are compared with the CMRGD and DCMR methods, which are used for the estimation of the positions of rotational joints based on inertial sensors, showing a clear advantage of the proposed integration method over existing methods for estimating the joint angles, in addition to allowing the calculation of the position of prismatic joints.
Effectiveness of magnetically aligned collagen for neural regeneration in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Eguchi Yawara , Ohtori Seiji , Sekino Masaki , Ueno Shoogo
Published: February 2015

We investigated the effectiveness of using magnetically aligned collagen (after exposure to a maximum 8‐T magnetic field) for nerve regeneration in both an in vitro and in vivo model. Neurite outgrowth from embryonic chick dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons was significantly greater on magnetically aligned collagen gel than on control gel, and was dependent on magnetic field strength. Silicone tubes (15 mm length) filled with collagen gel formed bridges between severed rat sciatic nerves. We prepared tubes for four groups: collagen gel only (COL), magnetically aligned collagen gel (M‐COL), collagen gel mixed with Schwann cells (S‐COL), and magnetically aligned collagen gel mixed with Schwann cells (M‐S‐COL). The ratio of infiltrating regenerated nerves was higher in the M‐COL group compared to the COL group at 8 weeks post‐operation. There were no significant differences between the two groups with and without Schwann cells. Compound action potentials showed higher amplitude and shorter latency in the M‐COL than COL group at 12 weeks post‐operation. The number and diameter of regenerated axons increased significantly in the M‐COL compared with the COL group at 12 weeks post‐operation. Here we demonstrated that magnetically orientated collagen promoted nerve regeneration using both an in vitro and in vivo model. Bioelectromagnetics. Bioelectromagnetics. 36:233–243, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐level expression and purification of soluble bioactive recombinant human heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor in Escherichia coli
Authors: Khalili Mostafa , Soleyman Mohammad Reza , Baazm Maryam , Beyer Cordian
Published: February 2015

Heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor (HB‐EGF) is a member of highly conserved superfamily of proteins that has potential mitogenic activity and stimulates differentiation and migration of various cell types. Since HB‐EGF has three intra‐molecular disulfide bonds, a high expression pattern of active HB‐EGF in an E. coli expression system was not successfully established. The aim of this study was to increase production of soluble bioactive recombinant human HB‐EGF in E. coli by modifying growth conditions and codon optimization. The open reading frame codons of human HB‐EGF were optimized to achieve high level expression in E. coli. The optimized codon was amplified, cloned into plasmid pET‐32a, and transformed into E. coli BL21 for further expression. The cultivation parameters (temperature and inducer) were optimized to produce a high yield of soluble HB‐EGF. The fusion protein was purified by Nickel‐nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni‐NTA) affinity chromatography. Amethylthiazole tetrazolium assay was used to evaluate the bioactivity of the produced recombinant protein. After codon optimization, the codon adaptation index (CAI) was increased from 0.255 in native gene to 0.829 using the optimized sequence. By lowering the temperature to 22°C and the inducer to 0.4 μM, we obtained 35% soluble expression of recombinant and biologically active human HB‐EGF. Our data demonstrate that codon optimization increases the yield of HB‐EGF in an E. coli expression system. Furthermore, the chosen modifications in cell culturing increase the solubility of recombinant human HB‐EGF.
Iatrogenic subclavian artery and aortic dissection with mesenteric ischemia following subclavian artery angioplasty: Endovascular management
Authors: Millán Xavier , Azzalini Lorenzo , Dorval Jean‐François
Published: February 2015

Subclavian stenosis affects up to 5% of patients referred for coronary artery bypass grafting. Albeit usually asymptomatic, this condition can cause myocardial ischemia due to a steal phenomenon from the distal subclavian artery when the left internal mammary artery is used as a coronary bypass. We describe a case of proximal subclavian artery angioplasty complicated with aortic dissection and subsequent life‐threatening mesenteric ischemia. For the first time, we illustrate an endovascular approach to both complications consisting in urgent stenting of the celiac trunk and the superior mesenteric artery followed by staged thoracic endovascular aortic repair due to progressive aortic dilatation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exceptional Activity of a Pt–Rh–Ni Ternary Nanostructured Catalyst for the Electrochemical Oxidation of Ethanol
Authors: Erini Nina , Rudi Stefan , Beermann Vera , Krause Paul , Yang Ruizhi , Huang Yunhui , Strasser Peter
Published: February 2015

Alloying Pt with highly oxophilic transition metals such as Rh, Ni, or Sn has been a promising strategy to modify the electrocatalytic surface properties of Pt in order to supply active oxygen‐containing species for ethanol electrooxidation. A new, highly active, ternary single‐phased fcc PtRhNi/C nanoparticle electrocatalyst for the electrocatalytic oxidation of ethanol (EOR) is reported and its morphology (XRD and TEM), composition (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy), and electrochemical activity are discussed in comparison with the state‐of‐art PtRhSn/C electrocatalyst. The EOR activity of the PtRhNi/C material outperformed the benchmark PtRhSn/C material in acidic and alkaline media, showing high stability, especially in alkaline media. The higher intrinsic EOR activity of the Ni‐containing electrocatalyst lends support to the notion that surface NiOx is an excellent oxygenate‐supplying catalyst component for the oxidation of ethanol.
Pure and Palladium‐Loaded Co3O4 Hollow Hierarchical Nanostructures with Giant and Ultraselective Chemiresistivity to Xylene and Toluene
Authors: Hwang Su‐Jin , Choi Kwon‐Il , Yoon Ji‐Wook , Kang Yun Chan , Lee Jong‐Heun
Published: February 2015

Pure and palladium‐loaded Co3O4 hollow hierarchical nanostructures consisting of nanosheets have been prepared by solvothermal self‐assembly. The nanostructures exhibited an ultrahigh response and selectivity towards p‐xylene and toluene. The responses (resistance ratio) of the palladium‐loaded Co3O4 hollow hierarchical nanostructures to 5 ppm of p‐xylene and toluene were as high as 361 and 305, respectively, whereas the selectivity values (response ratios) towards p‐xylene and toluene over interference from ethanol were 18.1 and 16.1, respectively. We attributed the giant response and unprecedented high selectivity towards methylbenzenes to the abundant adsorption of oxygen by Co3O4, the high chemiresistive variation in the Co3O4 nanosheets (thickness≈11 nm), and the catalytic promotion of the specific gas‐sensing reaction. The morphological design of the p‐type Co3O4 nanostructures and loading of the palladium catalyst have paved a new way to monitoring the most representative indoor air pollutants in a highly selective, sensitive, and reliable manner.
Afadin regulates RhoA/Rho‐associated protein kinase signaling to control formation of actin stress fibers in kidney podocytes
Authors: Saito Koji , Shiino Tatsuhiro , Kurihara Hidetake , Harita Yutaka , Hattori Seisuke , Ohta Yasutaka
Published: February 2015

The function of kidney podocytes is closely associated with actin cytoskeleton. Rho family small GTPase RhoA promotes stress fiber assembly through Rho‐associated protein kinase (ROCK)‐dependent myosin II phosphorylation and plays an important role in maintenance of actin stress fibers of podocytes. However, little is known how stress fiber assembly is regulated in podocytes. Here, we found that afadin, an actin filament‐binding protein, is required for RhoA/ROCK‐dependent formation of actin stress fibers in rat podocyte C7 cells. We show that depletion of afadin in C7 cells induced loss of actin stress fibers. Conversely, forced expression of afadin increased the formation of actin stress fibers. Depletion of afadin inactivated RhoA and reduced the phosphorylation of myosin II. Moreover, the DIL domain of afadin appears to be responsible for actin stress fiber formation. Thus, afadin mediates RhoA/ROCK signaling and contributes to the formation of actin stress fibers in podocyte cells. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Myosin motor isoforms direct specification of actomyosin function by tropomyosins
Authors: Clayton Joseph E. , Pollard Luther W. , Murray George G. , Lord Matthew
Published: February 2015

Myosins and tropomyosins represent two cytoskeletal proteins that often work together with actin filaments in contractile and motile cellular processes. While the specialized role of tropomyosin in striated muscle myosin‐II regulation is well characterized, its role in nonmuscle myosin regulation is poorly understood. We previously showed that fission yeast tropomyosin (Cdc8p) positively regulates myosin‐II (Myo2p) and myosin‐V (Myo52p) motors. To understand the broader implications of this regulation we examined the role of two mammalian tropomyosins (Tpm3.1cy/Tm5NM1 and Tpm4.2cy/Tm4) recently implicated in cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Like Cdc8p, the Tpm3.1cy and Tpm4.2cy isoforms significantly enhance Myo2p and Myo52p motor activity, converting nonprocessive Myo52p molecules into processive motors that can walk along actin tracks as single molecules. In contrast to the positive regulation of Myo2p and Myo52p, Cdc8p and the mammalian tropomyosins potently inhibited skeletal muscle myosin‐II, while having negligible effects on the highly processive mammalian myosin‐Va. In support of a conserved role for certain tropomyosins in regulating nonmuscle actomyosin structures, Tpm3.1cy supported normal contractile ring function in fission yeast. Our work reveals that actomyosin regulation by tropomyosin is dependent on the myosin isoform, highlighting a general role for specific isoforms of tropomyosin in sorting myosin motor outputs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Color naming in Italian language
Authors: Paggetti Giulia , Menegaz Gloria , Paramei Galina V.
Published: February 2015

The present study investigated Italian basic color terms (BCTs). It is an extension of our previous work that explored Italian basic color categories (BCCs) using a constrained color‐naming method, with 11 Italian BCTs allowed, including blu for naming the BLUE area. Since a latter outcome indicated a categorization bias, here monolexemic color‐naming method was employed, enabling also use of azzurro, deeply entrenched Italian term that designates light blue. In Experiment 1, colors (N = 367), sampling the Munsell Mercator projection, were presented on a CRT; color names and reaction times of vocalization onset were recorded. Naming consistency and consensus were estimated. Consistency was obtained for 12 CTs, including the two blue terms; consensus was found for 11 CTs, excluding rosso “red.” For each consensus category, color with the shortest response time was considered focal. In Experiment 2, consensus stimuli (N = 72) were presented; on each trial, observers indicated the focal color (“best example”) in an array of colors comprising a consensus category. For each of the 12 Italian CCs, centroid was calculated and focal color (two measures) estimated. Compared to English color terms, two outcomes are specific to Italian color naming: (i) naming of the RED‐PURPLE area is highly refined, with consistent use of emergent non‐BCTs; (ii) azzurro and blu both perform as BCTs dividing the BLUE area along the lightness dimension. The findings are considered in the framework of the weak relativity hypothesis. Historico‐linguistic, environmental, and pragmatic communication factors are discussed that conceivably have driven the extension of the BCT inventory in Italian. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 402–415, 2016
Effect of Chain Topology of Polyethylenimine on Physisorption and Chemisorption of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Zhao Qiangli , Wang Quanyong , Zhang Chen , Du Zhongjie , Tian Ming , Mi Jianguo
Published: February 2015

Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a promising candidate for CO2 capture. In this work, the physisorption and chemisorption of CO2 on various low‐molecular‐weight PEIs are investigated to identify the effect of chain architecture on sorption. The reliability of theoretical calculations are partially supported by our experimental measurements. Physisorption is calculated independently by the reference interaction‐site model integral equation theory; chemisorption is distinguished from the total sorption given by the quantum density functional theory. It is shown that, as the chain length increases, both chemisorption and physisorption drop off nonlinearly, but the decay amplitude of chemisorption is more apparent. Conversely, as the amine group approaches the central triamine unit of each oligomer, the sorption capacity decreases, affecting the sorption equilibrium in a complex way. This arises from the cooperative contribution of an increased steric effect and renormalized electronic distribution.
π‐Hole Bonds: Boron and Aluminum Lewis Acid Centers
Authors: Grabowski Sławomir J.
Published: February 2015

MP2/aug‐cc‐pVTZ calculations were performed on complexes of boron and aluminum trihydrides and trihalides with hydrogen cyanide (ZH3‐NCH and ZX3‐NCH; Z=B, Al; X=F, Cl). The complexes are linked through the B⋅⋅⋅N and Al⋅⋅⋅N interactions, which are named as triel bonds and which are classified as π‐hole bonds. It was found that they possess numerous characteristics of typical covalent bonds, since they are ruled mainly by processes of the electron charge shift from the Lewis base to the Lewis acid unit. Other configurations of the ZH3‐NCH and ZX3‐NCH complexes linked by the dihydrogen, hydrogen, and halogen bonds were found. However, these interactions are much weaker than the corresponding π‐hole bonds. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules and the natural bond orbital approaches were applied to characterize the complexes and interactions analyzed. The crystal structures of triel trihydrides and triel trihalides were also analyzed for comparison with the results of calculations.
Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation Efficiency of a Core/Shell Array Photoanode Enhanced by a Dual Suppression Strategy
Authors: He Wanhong , Yang Ye , Wang Liren , Yang Junjiao , Xiang Xu , Yan Dongpeng , Li Feng
Published: February 2015

The development of earth‐abundant semiconductor photoelectrodes is of great importance to high‐efficiency and sustainable photoelectrochemical water splitting. Herein, a one‐dimensional TiO2 array photoanode was sheathed with an ultrathin overlayer of phosphated nickel–chromium double‐metal hydroxide by a photoassisted modification and deposition strategy. The core/shell array photoanode resulted in a large cathodic shift of photocurrent onset potential (≈200 mV). Nearly 100 % oxidative efficiency for PEC water oxidation was achieved over a wide range of potential. Mechanism studies show that the modification of phosphate leads to significantly improved charge separation. The amorphous hydroxide sheath could efficiently inhibit oxygen reduction reactions. Therefore, this strategy enables the simultaneous suppression of surface carrier recombination and back reactions, which is promising to improve the water oxidation efficiency of currently prevailing photoanodes.
Drought‐induced changes in flow regimes lead to long‐term losses in mussel‐provided ecosystem services
Authors: Vaughn Caryn C. , Atkinson Carla L. , Julian Jason P.
Published: February 2015

Extreme hydro‐meteorological events such as droughts are becoming more frequent, intense, and persistent. This is particularly true in the south central USA, where rapidly growing urban areas are running out of water and human‐engineered water storage and management are leading to broad‐scale changes in flow regimes. The Kiamichi River in southeastern Oklahoma, USA, has high fish and freshwater mussel biodiversity. However, water from this rural river is desired by multiple urban areas and other entities. Freshwater mussels are large, long‐lived filter feeders that provide important ecosystem services. We ask how observed changes in mussel biomass and community composition resulting from drought‐induced changes in flow regimes might lead to changes in river ecosystem services. We sampled mussel communities in this river over a 20‐year period that included two severe droughts. We then used laboratory‐derived physiological rates and river‐wide estimates of species‐specific mussel biomass to estimate three aggregate ecosystem services provided by mussels over this time period: biofiltration, nutrient recycling (nitrogen and phosphorus), and nutrient storage (nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon). Mussel populations declined over 60%, and declines were directly linked to drought‐induced changes in flow regimes. All ecosystem services declined over time and mirrored biomass losses. Mussel declines were exacerbated by human water management, which has increased the magnitude and frequency of hydrologic drought in downstream reaches of the river. Freshwater mussels are globally imperiled and declining around the world. Summed across multiple streams and rivers, mussel losses similar to those we document here could have considerable consequences for downstream water quality although lost biofiltration and nutrient retention. While we cannot control the frequency and severity of climatological droughts, water releases from reservoirs could be used to augment stream flows and prevent compounded anthropogenic stressors.
The Forecasting Efficacy of Risk‐Neutral Moments for Crude Oil Volatility
Authors: Chatrath Arjun , Miao Hong , Ramchander Sanjay , Wang Tianyang
Published: February 2015

This paper examines the information content of implied volatility for crude oil options as it relates to future realized volatility. Using data for the period 1996 to 2011 we find that implied volatility is an effective predictor of the month‐ahead realized volatility. We show that implied volatility subsumes the information content of contemporaneous volatility, and it contains incremental information on future volatility after controlling for contemporaneous volatility. Furthermore, incorporating risk‐neutral skewness, and especially kurtosis, improves the forecasting of realized volatility. Overall, the association between implied volatility and month‐ahead realized volatility is consistent with evidence documented for other asset classes, leading us to conclude that implied volatility serves as a reasonable proxy for expected volatility. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel vascular pattern promotes metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma in an epithelial–mesenchymal transition–independent manner
Authors: Fang Jian‐Hong , Zhou Hui‐Chao , Zhang Chong , Shang Li‐Ru , Zhang Lei , Xu Jing , Zheng Limin , Yuan Yunfei , Guo Rong‐Ping , Jia Wei‐Hua , Yun Jing‐Ping , Chen Min‐Shan , Zhang Yaojun , Zhuang Shi‐Mei
Published: February 2015

Early metastasis is responsible for frequent relapse and high mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been considered a key event in metastasis. Based on histological examination of serial HCC sections and three‐dimensional reconstruction, we found a novel and prevalent vascular pattern, vessels that encapsulated tumor clusters (VETC) and formed cobweb‐like networks. The presence of VETC (VETC+) predicted higher metastasis and recurrence rates of HCC. Using clinical samples and mouse xenograft models, we further showed that VETC was composed of functional vessels with blood perfusion and induced by tumor cells at the early stage of HCC. Subsequent investigations revealed that HCC cell–derived angiopoietin‐2 was a prerequisite for VETC formation and that the VETC pattern was a critical factor promoting HCC metastasis as knockdown of angiopoietin‐2 abolished this vascular pattern and consequently attenuated in vivo tumor metastasis. Interestingly, abrogation of EMT by knockdown of Snail or Slug significantly diminished in vivo metastasis of VETC– xenografts but did not affect that of VETC+ ones, although silencing of Snail or Slug substantially reduced the in vitro migration of both VETC+ and VETC– HCC cells. In contrast to human VETC– cases, EMT signatures were rarely observed in VETC+ cases with metastatic potential. Further analysis revealed that VETC provided an efficient metastasis mode by facilitating the release of whole tumor clusters into the bloodstream. Conclusion: Our findings identify a novel metastasis mechanism that relies on vascular pattern but is independent of EMT, which may provide new targets for antimetastasis therapy and offer a basis for selecting patients who may benefit from certain molecularly targeted drugs. (Hepatology 2015;62:452–465
The Purpose of Expatriation: Why Women Undertake International Assignments
Authors: Shortland Susan
Published: February 2015

Women international assignees have historically been successful, but they make up a relatively low proportion of organizationally assigned expatriates. By appreciating the factors that encourage women to undertake internationally mobile careers, organizations can widen their talent pool. Using a triangulated, qualitative research approach set within two case study firms in the oil and gas exploration and production industry, this article identifies contrasting views between female assignees and their organizations with respect to the purpose of expatriation and the factors women take into consideration in their decision to undertake it. This research is based on analysis of organizational policy; a survey of 71 women expatriates and in‐depth, semistructured interviews with 26 female assignees (selected from the survey returns using stratified sampling); and interviews with 14 human resource professionals responsible for international mobility policy design and implementation. Career, family, and financial precondition effects are identified. From these, a model is proposed to link stated organizational assignment purpose with women's participation rationales, and recommendations for practice to increase expatriate gender diversity are set out. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performance Evaluation of CLIA for Treponema Pallidum Specific Antibodies Detection in Comparison with ELISA
Authors: Li Lixin , Cai Bei , Tao Chuanmin , Wang Lanlan
Published: February 2015

Objectives

In this study we aimed to evaluate the performance effects of chemiluminescence assay (CLIA) for Treponema pallidum specific antibodies detection, and to compare T. pallidum specific antibodies detection accuracy between CLIA and ELISA with TPPA (T. pallidum particle agglutination assay) as a confirmatory test.

Methods

A total of 865 samples from suspected syphilis patients and preoperative patients were included, in which T. pallidum specific antibodies were simultaneously detected by CLIA and ELISA. Among them, 457 samples were determined by TPPA.

Results

All coefficients of variation (CVs) of ELISA in high‐, median‐, and low‐level samples were more than 5% and the maximum CV was 54.39% in the low‐level sample. CVs of CLIA in different‐level samples were all below 5%. Among the three assays the Spearman correlation and Kappa coefficients were 0.771 (P ≤ 0.001) and 0.854 (P ≤ 0.001, CLIA vs. ELISA), 0.806 (P ≤ 0.001) and 0.897 (P ≤ 0.001, ELISA vs. TPPA), 0.937 (P ≤ 0.001) and 0.967 (P ≤ 0.001, CLIA vs. TPPA), respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of CLIA was higher than that of ELISA (0.994 vs. 0.989) with TPPA as the confirmatory test. In 18 discrepant samples the consistency rate between CLIA and TPPA was elevated compared with that between ELISA and TPPA (72.22% vs. 27.78%, P = 0.008). In gray zone, the consistency rate of CLIA with TPPA was higher than that of ELISA with TPPA (90.91% vs. 41.67%, P = 0.027).

Conclusions

Compared with ELISA, CLIA is more reliable, sensitive and accurate to detect serum T. pallidum specific antibodies. In the future it may be an alternative test with higher sensitivity to ELISA.
Immunolocalization of the telomerase‐1 component in cells of the regenerating tail, testis, and intestine of lizards
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: February 2015

Using an antibody against a lizard telomerase‐1 component the presence of telomerase has been detected in regenerating lizard tails where numerous cells are proliferating. Immunoblots showed telomerase positive bands at 75–80 kDa in normal tissues and at 50, 75, and 90 kDa in those regenerating. Immunofluorescence and ultrastructural immunolocalization showed telomerase‐immunoreactivity in sparCe (few/diluted) mesenchymal cells of the blastema, early regenerating muscles, perichondrium of the cartilaginous tube, ependyma of the spinal cord, and in the regenerating epidermis. Clusters of gold particles were detected in condensing chromosomes of few mesenchymal and epithelial cells in the regenerating tail, but a low to undetectable labeling in interphase cells. Telomerase‐immunoreactivity was intense in the nucleus and sparCe (few/diluted) in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia and spermatocytes and drastically decreased in early spermatids where some nuclear labeling remains. Some intense immunoreactivity was seen in few cells near the basal membrane of intestinal enterocytes or in leukocytes (likely lymphocytes) of the intestine mucosa. In spermatogonia, spermatids and in enterocytes part of the nuclear labeling formed cluster of gold particles in dense areas identified as Cajal Bodies, suggesting that telomerase is a marker for these stem cells. This therefore suggests that also the sparCe (few/diluted) telomerase positive cells detected in the regenerating tail may represent sparCe (few/diluted) stem cells localized in regenerating tissues where transit amplifying cells are instead preponderant to allow for tail growth. This observation supports previous studies indicating that few stem cells are present in the stump after tail amputation and give rise to transit amplifying cells for tail regeneration. J. Morphol. 276:748–758, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A laboratory realization of the Burgers' vortex cartoon of turbulence‐plankton interactions
Authors: Webster D. R. , Young D. L.
Published: February 2015

A laboratory apparatus was constructed to physically realize the Burgers' vortex cartoon of turbulence‐plankton interactions. Fluid motion is induced by corotating two disks while simultaneously withdrawing fluid axially through hollow drive shafts. The technique creates a flow pattern that mimics a Burgers' vortex with size and strength consistent with turbulence vortices in the coastal and near‐surface zones. Specifically, the radius, circulation, and axial strain rate of the Burgers' vortex were specified to match typical dissipative vortices corresponding to two turbulence intensity levels (described by a mean turbulent dissipation rate of 0.009 cm2 s−3 and 0.096 cm2 s−3, respectively). Tomographic particle image velocimetry was used to quantify the flow field, calibrate the apparatus, verify that it produces the desired vortex characteristics, and provide a three‐dimensional velocity vector field to compare with zooplankton behavioral assays. The apparatus facilitates direct examination of the mechanistic aspects of plankton interaction with a turbulent‐like vortex, which is demonstrated via quantifying the swimming behavior of Acartia tonsa in and around the vortex flow structure.
Unraveling the pathogenesis of ARX polyalanine tract variants using a clinical and molecular interfacing approach
Authors: Marques Isabel , Sá Maria João , Soares Gabriela , Mota Maria do Céu , Pinheiro Carla , Aguiar Lisa , Amado Marta , Soares Christina , Calado Angelina , Dias Patrícia , Sousa Ana Berta , Fortuna Ana Maria , Santos Rosário , Howell Katherine B. , Ryan Monique M. , Leventer Richard J , Sachdev Rani , Catford Rachael , Friend Kathryn , Mattiske Tessa R. , Shoubridge Cheryl , Jorge Paula
Published: February 2015

The Aristaless‐related homeobox (ARX) gene is implicated in intellectual disability with the most frequent pathogenic mutations leading to expansions of the first two polyalanine tracts. Here, we describe analysis of the ARX gene outlining the approaches in the Australian and Portuguese setting, using an integrated clinical and molecular strategy. We report variants in the ARX gene detected in 19 patients belonging to 17 families. Seven pathogenic variants, being expansion mutations in both polyalanine tract 1 and tract 2, were identifyed, including a novel mutation in polyalanine tract 1 that expands the first tract to 20 alanines. This precise number of alanines is sufficient to cause pathogenicity when expanded in polyalanine tract 2. Five cases presented a probably non‐pathogenic variant, including the novel HGVS: c.441_455del, classified as unlikely disease causing, consistent with reports that suggest that in frame deletions in polyalanine stretches of ARX rarely cause intellectual disability. In addition, we identified five cases with a variant of unclear pathogenic significance. Owing to the inconsistent ARX variants description, publications were reviewed and ARX variant classifications were standardized and detailed unambiguously according to recommendations of the Human Genome Variation Society. In the absence of a pathognomonic clinical feature, we propose that molecular analysis of the ARX gene should be included in routine diagnostic practice in individuals with either nonsyndromic or syndromic intellectual disability. A definitive diagnosis of ARX‐related disorders is crucial for an adequate clinical follow‐up and accurate genetic counseling of at‐risk family members.
Sixteen years GaN on Si
Authors: Dadgar Armin
Published: February 2015

GaN, the basis of high brightness LEDs and high power, high frequency FET's has developed to the second important semiconductor after Si. Although epitaxial growth of thin layers on sapphire has been developed already in the late 1980s the growth on Si, which offers lower cost and new application fields, was hampered mostly by thermal mismatch and chemical incompatibility leading to destructive melt‐back etching. In the last 16 years, GaN on Si has developed from a niche academic work to part of GaN mainstream technology. This article gives an overview on the breakthrough developments and different methods to solve the problems associated with GaN growth on Si as well as an overview on the different application fields.
Towards a standardised metrology for multi‐scale characterisation of nanostructured durable hydrophobic coatings
Authors: De Bono Damaso M. , Taylor Alan , Durand Geraldine
Published: February 2015

Nanostructured coatings are gaining an increasing importance in critical applications such as anti‐fouling, low friction and boundary layer control applications, due to their ability to tailor roughness levels and to modify the energy of the underlying surface. The sustainability of a coating is linked to its lifetime and limited durability is one of the main drawbacks for nanostructured coatings. To improve performance and durability of nanostructured coatings a greater understanding of the structure at the nano‐scale and the influence of this on the macro‐scale behaviour is needed. As confirmation of this need, international bodies dealing with metrology standardisation have recognised that one of the main barrier limiting a larger scale exploitation of nanostructured coatings is the lack of understanding and testing methodologies able to link the nanostructure features of the coating with the final macro‐scale performance of the coating itself. This paper will offer an overview on the potential of nanostructured coatings to provide engineering surfaces with durable hydrophobic/super‐hydrophobic properties. The advancements achieved and the work carried out by TWI in this field will be illustrated. The project activities proposing the development and establishment of metrology methodologies for nanostructured coatings will be also mentioned. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electron‐transfer transparency of graphene: Fast reduction of metal ions on graphene‐covered donor surfaces
Authors: Jeong Du Won , Park Serin , Choi Won Jin , Bae Giyeol , Chung Yun Jang , Yang Cheol‐Soo , Lee Young Kuk , Kim Ju‐Jin , Park Noejung , Lee Jeong‐O.
Published: February 2015

The mechanism of charge transfer through nanomaterials such as graphene remains unclear, and the amount of charge that can be transferred from/to graphene without damaging its structural integrity is unknown. In this communication, we show that metallic nanoparticles can be decorated onto graphene surfaces as a result of charge transfer from the supporting substrate to an adjoining solution containing metal ions. Au or Pt nanoparticles were formed with relatively high yield on graphene‐coated substrates that can reduce these metal ions, such as Ge, Si, GaAs, Al, and Cu. However, metal ions were not reduced on graphene surfaces coated onto non‐reducing substrates such as SiO2 or ZnO. These results confirm that graphene can be doped by exploiting charge transfer from the underlying substrate; thus graphene is not only transparent with respect to visible light, but also with respect to the charge transfer. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Endobronchial deposits of chronic lymphocytic leukemia – an unusual cause of central airway obstruction
Authors: Maw Miranda , Harvey Michael , Harrington Zinta , Baraket Melissa , Montgomery Renn , Williamson Jonathan
Published: February 2015

A 66‐year‐old woman with a background of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was admitted to the hospital on several occasions with recurrent episodes of community‐acquired pneumonia. Computed tomography and bronchoscopy revealed multiple obstructing endobronchial polyps. Post‐obstructive pneumonia together with immunoglobulin G deficiency was considered the most likely cause of these recurrent infections. Bronchoscopy was performed for removal of the critically obstructing lesions. Histopathology revealed replacement of bronchial mucosa with CLL deposits. Despite a brief window of infection‐free survival following therapy, she remained susceptible to pneumonia with further hospital admissions and eventually died from her disease.
Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)‐Based Donor–Acceptor Polymers for Selective Dispersion of Large‐Diameter Semiconducting Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Lei Ting , Lai Ying‐Chih , Hong Guosong , Wang Huiliang , Hayoz Pascal , Weitz R. Thomas , Chen Changxin , Dai Hongjie , Bao Zhenan
Published: February 2015

Low‐bandgap diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)‐based polymers are used for the selective dispersion of semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes (s‐SWCNTs). Through rational molecular design to tune the polymer–SWCNT interactions, highly selective dispersions of s‐SWCNTs with diameters mainly around 1.5 nm are achieved. The influences of the polymer alkyl side‐chain substitution (i.e., branched vs linear side chains) on the dispersing yield and selectivity of s‐SWCNTs are investigated. Introducing linear alkyl side chains allows increased polymer–SWCNT interactions through close π–π stacking and improved C–H–π interactions. This work demonstrates that polymer side‐chain engineering is an effective method to modulate the polymer–SWCNT interactions and thereby affecting both critical parameters in dispersing yield and selectivity. Using these sorted s‐SWCNTs, high‐performance SWCNT network thin‐film transistors are fabricated. The solution‐deposited s‐SWCNT transistors yield simultaneously high mobilities of 41.2 cm2 V−1 s−1 and high on/off ratios of greater than 104. In summary, low‐bandgap DPP donor–acceptor polymers are a promising class of polymers for selective dispersion of large‐diameter s‐SWCNTs.