bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Nanotube–Chitosan Composite Beads with Radially Aligned Channels and Nanotube‐Exposed Walls for Bilirubin Adsorption
Authors: Ouyang An , Gong Qianming , Liang Ji
Published: July 2014

Porous nanocomposite materials combine the advantages of a polymer matrix in forming a stable framework and the nanofillers that provide high surface area. Here, we use carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as nanofillers to fabricate chitosan beads with controlled porous structure. We synthesized spherical chitosan–CNT composite beads via freeze casting by dropping a mixed solution into liquid nitrogen, and the resulting highly porous composite beads contain radially oriented channels with hybrid chitosan–CNT channel walls. In particular, we observed localized regions of small CNT agglomerates embedded within the chitosan matrix at a lower CNT loading (40 wt%), and predominately exposed CNTs distributed throughout the channel walls at a higher loading (80 wt%). Owing to the hierarchical open‐porous structure and mesopores provided by exposed CNTs, these composite beads showed much higher adsorption capacity (43.6 mg g−1 within 2 h) to bilirubin than CNT‐free chitosan beads. Our nanocomposite beads with tunable pore wall structure have potential applications in environmental and biomedical areas such as efficient adsorption materials.
Autonomous Self‐Healing of Epoxy Thermosets with Thiol‐Isocyanate Chemistry
Authors: Hillewaere Xander K. D. , Teixeira Roberto F. A. , Nguyen Le‐Thu T. , Ramos José A. , Rahier Hubert , Du Prez Filip E.
Published: July 2014

Thiol‐isocyanate chemistry, combined with a dual capsule strategy, is used for the development of extrinsic self‐healing epoxy materials. It is shown that the amine groups present in the matrix both serve as a catalyst for the addition reaction between a thiol and an isocyanate and as a way to covalently link the healed network structure to the surrounding resin. The tapered double cantilever beam (TDCB) geometry is used for evaluating the recovery of the fracture toughness at room temperature after different healing times. Using manual injection of the healing agents into the crack, a healing efficiency up to 130% is obtained for the EPIKOTE 828/DETA epoxy material. On the other hand, when two types of microcapsules, one containing a tetrathiol reagent and the other a low toxic isocyanate reagent, are incorporated into this epoxy thermoset (20 wt%), a recovery of more than 50% is reached. The influence of parameters such as the amount and core content of the microcapsules on the healing efficiency is investigated. Furthermore, the thiol‐isocyanate chemistry is also tested for an industrial cold‐curing epoxy resin (RIM 135/RIMH 137).
Gelada feeding ecology in an intact ecosystem at Guassa, Ethiopia: Variability over time and implications for theropith and hominin dietary evolution
Authors: Fashing Peter J. , Nguyen Nga , Venkataraman Vivek V. , Kerby Jeffrey T.
Published: July 2014

Recent evidence suggests that several extinct primates, including contemporaneous Paranthropus boisei and Theropithecus oswaldi in East Africa, fed largely on grasses and sedges (i.e., graminoids). As the only living primate graminivores, gelada monkeys (Theropithecus gelada) can yield insights into the dietary strategies pursued by extinct grass‐ and sedge‐eating primates. Past studies of gelada diet were of short duration and occurred in heavily disturbed ecosystems. We conducted a long‐term study of gelada feeding ecology in an intact Afroalpine ecosystem at Guassa, Ethiopia. Geladas at Guassa consumed ≥56 plant species, ≥20 invertebrate species, one reptile species, and the eggs of one bird species over a 7‐year period. The annual diet consisted of 56.8% graminoid parts, 37.8% forb parts, 2.8% invertebrates, and 2.6% other items, although geladas exhibited wide variability in diet across months at Guassa. Edible forbs were relatively scarce at Guassa but were strongly selected for by geladas. Tall graminoid leaf and tall graminoid seed head consumption correlated positively, and underground food item consumption correlated negatively, with rainfall over time. Geladas at Guassa consumed a species‐rich diet dominated by graminoids, but unlike geladas in more disturbed habitats also ate a diversity of forbs and invertebrates along with occasional vertebrate prey. Although graminoids are staple foods for geladas, underground food items are important “fallback foods.” We discuss the implications of our study, the first intensive study of the feeding ecology of the only extant primate graminivore, for understanding the dietary evolution of the theropith and hominin putative graminivores, Theropithecus oswaldi and Paranthropus boisei. Am J Phys Anthropol 155:1–16, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A review of the physical habitat requirements and research priorities needed to underpin conservation of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera
Authors: Quinlan Emma , Gibbins Chris , Malcolm Iain , Batalla Ramon , Vericat Damia , Hastie Lee
Published: July 2014

The freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera has declined across its range but current knowledge of its physical habitat requirements falls short of that needed to confidently guide habitat management and conservation programmes. This paper critically reviews knowledge of the physical habitat requirements of M. margaritifera and sets out a research agenda to address existing knowledge gaps.

Present information on the hydraulic, sedimentary and oxygen requirements of M. margaritifera is based largely on descriptive or correlative field studies. Consequently, little is known of the processes that control the correlations observed between habitat conditions and pearl mussel abundance. Furthermore, a pressing concern is the need for standardization of field and laboratory techniques, notably in the context of sediment and hyporheic dissolved oxygen, where the variety of field and analytical techniques applied to date limits transferability.

The review identifies nine important research questions and outlines approaches from environmental hydraulics, fluvial geomorphology and fisheries ecology that can be used to address them. Research specifically focused on the role of high and low discharges may help elucidate the hydrological, fluvial and bio‐energetic processes that influence M. margaritifera distribution and recruitment. Research is also needed to assess the role of mussels as engineers.

The review outlines opportunities to apply new approaches to improve characterization of physical habitat conditions and assess how these conditions influence mussels. Improved characterization will provide a firm evidence base for habitat management and mussel conservation.

Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THERMOLYSIN DAMAGES ANIMAL LIFE THROUGH DEGRADATION OF PLASMA PROTEINS ENHANCED BY RAPID CLEAVAGE OF SERPINS AND ACTIVATION OF PROTEASES
Authors: Kong Lulu , Lu Anrui , Guan Jingmin , Yang Bing , Li Muwang , Hillyer Julián F. , Ramarao Nalini , Söderhäll Kenneth , Liu Chaoliang , Ling Erjun
Published: July 2014

Thermolysin, a metallopeptidase secreted by pathogenic microbes, is concluded as an important virulence factor due to cleaving purified host proteins in vitro. Using the silkworm Bombyx mori as a model system, we found that thermolysin injection into larvae induces the destruction of the coagulation response and the activation of hemolymph melanization, which results in larval death. Thermolysin triggers the rapid degradation of insect and mammalian plasma proteins at a level that is considerably greater than expected in vitro and/or in vivo. To more specifically explore the mechanism, thermolysin‐induced changes to key proteins belonging to the insect melanization pathway were assessed as a window for observing plasma protein cleavage. The application of thermolysin induced the rapid cleavage of the melanization negative regulator serpin‐3, but did not directly activate the melanization rate‐limiting enzyme prophenoloxidase (PPO) or the terminal serine proteases responsible for PPO activation. Terminal serine proteases of melanization are activated indirectly after thermolysin exposure. We hypothesize that thermolysin induces the rapid degradation of serpins and the activation of proteases directly or indirectly, boosting uncontrolled plasma protein degradation in insects and mammalians.
The Microbiome in Early Life: Self‐Completion and Microbiota Protection as Health Priorities
Authors: Dietert Rodney R.
Published: July 2014

This minireview considers the benefits of refocusing attention away from treating the patient as a mammalian human to managing the complete patient: a majority microbial superorganism. Under the “completed self” model for formation of the human‐microbial superorganism, the single, most pivotal sign in distinguishing a life course of health versus that filled with disease is self‐completion (i.e., seeding of the minority mammalian human by the majority microbial portion of the symbiont). From a disease prevention perspective, microbial seeding at birth and subsequent nurturing of the microbiota are significant steps to reduce the risk of both noncommunicable diseases (e.g., type 1 diabetes) and certain infectious diseases. Management of the microbiome during pregnancy, birth, and shortly thereafter appears to be the most significant critical window for healthy superorganism formation. However, the bolus for microbiota seeding at birth and the nurturing process are subject to environmental influences and disruption, such as exposure to toxic chemicals and drugs, infections, and other physical and psychological stressors. Additionally, childhood and adult corrective measures, such as fecal transplantation and administration of prebiotics and probiotics, while potentially useful, may have limitations that are yet to be fully defined. This minireview considers (1) basic features of management of the microbiome to facilitate self‐completion, (2) protection of the microbiota from environmental hazards, and (3) the benefits of using a superorganism focus for health management beginning with pregnancy and extending throughout childhood and adult life
A conceptual framework of stress vulnerability, depression, and health outcomes in women: potential uses in research on complementary therapies for depression
Authors: Kinser Patricia A. , Lyon Debra E.
Published: July 2014

Background

Depression is a chronic mental health condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is well‐established that psychological stress plays an integral role in depression and that depression has numerous negative health outcomes. However, a closer look at components of stress vulnerabilities and depression is required to allow for the development and testing of appropriate interventions.

Aims and Discussion

This article describes a conceptual framework about the complex and bidirectional relationship between stress vulnerability, depression, and health outcomes in women. The authors elucidate how the framework can be applied in clinical research about cellular aging and on the mechanisms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for depression, using yoga as an example of a CAM modality.

Conclusion

The proposed conceptual framework may be helpful for adding depth to the body of knowledge about the use of mind‐body therapies for individuals at high risk of stress vulnerability and/or depression.
Volumetric PET/CT parameters predict local response of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Hanamoto Atsushi , Tatsumi Mitsuaki , Takenaka Yukinori , Hamasaki Toshimitsu , Yasui Toshimichi , Nakahara Susumu , Yamamoto Yoshifumi , Seo Yuji , Isohashi Fumiaki , Ogawa Kazuhiko , Hatazawa Jun , Inohara Hidenori
Published: July 2014

It is not well established whether pretreatment 18F‐FDG PET/CT can predict local response of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) to chemoradiotherapy (CRT). We examined 118 patients: 11 with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), 30 with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), and 77 with laryngohypopharyngeal cancer (LHC) who had completed CRT. PET/CT parameters of primary tumor, including metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and maximum and mean standardized uptake value (SUVmax and SUVmean), were correlated with local response, according to primary site and human papillomavirus (HPV) status. Receiver‐operating characteristic analyses were made to access predictive values of the PET/CT parameters, while logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors. Area under the curve (AUC) of the PET/CT parameters ranged from 0.53 to 0.63 in NPC and from 0.50 to 0.54 in OPC. HPV‐negative OPC showed AUC ranging from 0.51 to 0.58, while all of HPV‐positive OPCs showed complete response. In contrast, AUC ranged from 0.71 to 0.90 in LHC. Moreover, AUCs of MTV and TLG were significantly higher than those of SUVmax and SUVmean (P < 0.01). After multivariate analysis, high MTV >25.0 mL and high TLG >144.8 g remained as independent, significant predictors of incomplete response compared with low MTV (odds ratio [OR], 13.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5–72.9; P = 0.003) and low TLG (OR, 12.8; 95% CI, 2.4–67.9; P = 0.003), respectively. In conclusion, predictive efficacy of pretreatment 18F‐FDG PET/CT varies with different primary sites and chosen parameters. Local response of LHC is highly predictable by volume‐based PET/CT parameters.
‘I'm Working Towards Getting Back Together’: Client Accounts of Motivation Related to Relationship Status in Men's Behaviour Change Programmes in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Gray Rebecca , Broady Timothy , Gaffney Irene , Lewis Pamela , Mokany Tibor , O'Neill Brian
Published: July 2014

Research in Australia has examined factors associated with filicide in order to more accurately instigate points of intervention. Factors include parental separation/divorce, depression in the perpetrator and domestic violence. Therefore, services that facilitate men's behaviour change programmes provide one such point of intervention. Relationships Australia NSW offers ‘Taking Responsibility’: an 18‐week programme that addresses men's use of violence and abuse in their intimate relationships, through group work and individual support. Fundamental to this programme is the whole family's safety, which is managed through initial screening, ongoing contact and access to additional therapeutic services. Programme evaluation has revealed that men's change factors are influenced by varying levels of motivation, at intake and throughout. These accounts have indicated that the relationship status with their partner affects their motivation, which in turn has the potential to affect their investment in the programme. This relates to both increased and diminished motivation. Partners and former partners, however, expressed ambivalence towards their continuing relationships. Given the risk factors for filicide associated with domestic violence and separation, these interviews contribute to what is known about men's motivation to change violent and abusive behaviours, and in turn the clinical objectives for professionals working on these programmes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Fundamental to this programme is the whole family's safety’

Key Practitioner Messages:

The client's relationship status often changes throughout the course of a men's behaviour change programme.

A separation can negatively affect motivation and behaviour change processes.

Professionals working with men who use violence are advised to raise the topic of the client's relationship status, to prevent attrition, and work with them to broaden their motivations.

‘A separation can negatively affect motivation and behaviour change processes’
Temporal patterns of drug‐eluting stent failure and its relationship with clinical outcomes
Authors: Lee Cheol Whan , Ahn Jung‐Min , Yoon Sung‐Han , Lee Jong‐Young , Park Duk‐Woo , Kang Soo‐Jin , Lee Seung‐Whan , Kim Young‐Hak , Park Seong‐Wook , Park Seung‐Jung
Published: July 2014

Objectives

We investigated the temporal patterns of drug‐eluting stents (DES) failure and its relationship with clinical outcomes in patients with DES failure.

Background

Time to DES failure is widely variable, but little information is available on the temporal patterns of DES failure and its impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods

The angiographic patterns of DES failure and clinical outcomes in 633 patients with 676 lesions who presented with their first instance of DES failure were analyzed. The primary outcome was all‐cause death following treatment for DES failure.

Results

DES failure occurred in a median of 10.1 months after the index procedure. We identified 548 and 85 instances of DES restenosis (86.6%) and stent thrombosis (13.4%), respectively. Patients were divided into three groups according to the interval from the index procedure to DES failure: group 1 (early DES failure: <12 months), group 2 (late: 12–36 months), and group 3 (very late: ≥36 months). Acute myocardial infarction was more common in patients who developed failure after ≥12 months than patients with earlier presentations. Focal DES failure was more common in group 1, whereas nonfocal DES failure in groups 2 and 3. During follow‐up after retreatment (median, 52.8 months), all‐cause death was significantly higher in group 3 compared with group 1 (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.97; 95%CI, 1.31–6.74; P = 0.009). Similar findings were observed in terms of the rates of death or myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

Late DES failure is more likely to progress to acute myocardial infarction, aggressive angiographic patterns, and worse outcomes following retreatment. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Management of anomalous circumflex coronary artery from the neo‐pulmonary artery in an adolescent following neonatal arterial switch operation
Authors: Haddad Lauren M. , Magill H. Lynn , Sathanandam Shyam K.
Published: July 2014

A 15‐year‐old male with transposition of the great arteries presented with exertional chest pain. He was found to have a circumflex coronary artery from the neo‐pulmonary artery that had not been transferred during his arterial switch operation. The circumflex coronary artery, fed through collaterals from a re‐implanted single coronary artery, resulted in coronary steal. This report describes a management pathway to treat this rare anomaly. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Size Matters! On the Way to Ionic Liquid Systems without Ion Pairing
Authors: Rupp Alexander , Roznyatovskaya Nataliya , Scherer Harald , Beichel Witali , Klose Petra , Sturm Carola , Hoffmann Anke , Tübke Jens , Koslowski Thorsten , Krossing Ingo
Published: July 2014

Several, partly new, ionic liquids (ILs) containing imidazolium and ammonium cations as well as the medium‐sized [NTf2]− (0.230 nm3; Tf=CF3SO3−) and the large [Al(hfip)4]− (0.581 nm3; hfip=OC(H)(CF3)2) anions were synthesized and characterized. Their temperature‐dependent viscosities and conductivities between 25 and 80 °C showed typical Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann (VFT) behavior. Ion‐specific self‐diffusion constants were measured at room temperature by pulsed‐gradient stimulated‐echo (PGSTE) NMR experiments. In general, self‐diffusion constants of both cations and anions in [Al(hfip)4]−‐based ILs were higher than in [NTf2]−‐based ILs. Ionicities were calculated from self‐diffusion constants and measured bulk conductivities, and showed that [Al(hfip)4]−‐based ILs yield higher ionicities than their [NTf2]− analogues, the former of which reach values of virtually 100 % in some cases.From these observations it was concluded that [Al(hfip)4]−‐based ILs come close to systems without any interactions, and this hypothesis is underlined with a Hirshfeld analysis. Additionally, a robust, modified Marcus theory quantitatively accounted for the differences between the two anions and yielded a minimum of the activation energy for ion movement at an anion diameter of slightly greater than 1 nm, which fits almost perfectly the size of [Al(hfip)4]−. Shallow Coulomb potential wells are responsible for the high mobility of ILs with such anions.
A Substrate‐Based Approach to Skeletal Diversity from Dicobalt Hexacarbonyl (C1)‐Alkynyl Glycals by Exploiting Its Combined Ferrier–Nicholas Reactivity
Authors: Lobo Fernando , Gómez Ana M. , Miranda Silvia , López J. Cristóbal
Published: July 2014

Novel substrates that combine dicobalt hexacarbonyl propargyl (Nicholas) and pyranose‐derived allylic (Ferrier) cations have been generated by treatment of hexacarbonyldicobalt (C‐1)‐alkynyl glycals with BF3.Et2O. The study of these cations has resulted in the discovery of novel reaction pathways that have shown to be associated to the nature of O‐6 substituent in the starting alkynyl glycals. Accordingly, compounds resulting from ring expansion (oxepanes), ring contraction (tetrahydrofurans), or branched pyranoses, by incorporation of nucleophiles, can be obtained from 6‐O‐benzyl, 6‐hydroxy, or 6‐O‐silyl derivatives, respectively. The use of a 6‐O‐allyl alkynyl glycal led to a suitable funtionalized oxepane able to experience an intramolecular Pauson–Khand cyclization leading to a single tricyclic derivative.
Impact of Metal Ions in Porphyrin‐Based Applied Materials for Visible‐Light Photocatalysis: Key Information from Ultrafast Electronic Spectroscopy
Authors: Kar Prasenjit , Sardar Samim , Alarousu Erkki , Sun Jingya , Seddigi Zaki S. , Ahmed Saleh A. , Danish Ekram Y. , Mohammed Omar F. , Pal Samir Kumar
Published: July 2014

Protoporphyrin IX‐zinc oxide (PP‐ZnO) nanohybrids have been synthesized for applications in photocatalytic devices. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and steady‐state infrared, absorption, and emission spectroscopies have been used to analyze the structural details and optical properties of these nanohybrids. Time‐resolved fluorescence and transient absorption techniques have been applied to study the ultrafast dynamic events that are key to photocatalytic activities. The photocatalytic efficiency under visible‐light irradiation in the presence of naturally abundant iron(III) and copper(II) ions has been found to be significantly retarded in the former case, but enhanced in the latter case. More importantly, femtosecond (fs) transient absorption data have clearly demonstrated that the residence of photoexcited electrons from the sensitizer PP in the centrally located iron moiety hinders ground‐state bleach recovery of the sensitizer, affecting the overall photocatalytic rate of the nanohybrid. The presence of copper(II) ions, on the other hand, offers additional stability against photobleaching and eventually enhances the efficiency of photocatalysis. In addition, we have also explored the role of UV light in the efficiency of photocatalysis and have rationalized our observations from femtosecond‐ to picosecond‐resolved studies.
Carboxylate Switch between Hydro‐ and Carbopalladation Pathways in Regiodivergent Dimerization of Alkynes
Authors: Zatolochnaya Olga V. , Gordeev Evgeniy G. , Jahier Claire , Ananikov Valentine P. , Gevorgyan Vladimir
Published: July 2014

Experimental and theoretical investigation of the regiodivergent palladium‐catalyzed dimerization of terminal alkynes is presented. Employment of N‐heterocyclic carbene‐based palladium catalyst in the presence of phosphine ligand allows for highly regio‐ and stereoselective head‐to‐head dimerization reaction. Alternatively, addition of carboxylate anion to the reaction mixture triggers selective head‐to‐tail coupling. Computational studies suggest that reaction proceeds via the hydropalladation pathway favoring head‐to‐head dimerization under neutral reaction conditions. The origin of the regioselectivity switch can be explained by the dual role of carboxylate anion. Thus, the removal of hydrogen atom by the carboxylate directs reaction from the hydropalladation to the carbopalladation pathway. Additionally, in the presence of the carboxylate anion intermediate, palladium complexes involved in the head‐to‐tail dimerization display higher stability compared to their analogues for the head‐to‐head reaction.
Silylative Coupling versus Metathesis—Efficient Methods for the Synthesis of Difunctionalized Double‐Decker Silsesquioxane Derivatives
Authors: Żak Patrycja , Dudziec Beata , Kubicki Maciej , Marciniec Bogdan
Published: July 2014

A series of functionalized dialkenylsilsesquioxanes were obtained by efficient and highly stereoselective silylative coupling and cross‐metathesis of divinylsubstituted double‐decker silsesquioxanes (DDSQ‐2SiVi) with substituted styrenes and other olefins. Both reactions proceed highly stereoselectively and lead to nearly quantitative formation of E isomers. The optimized reaction conditions for styrene were adopted for successful silylative coupling polycondensation of DDSQ‐2SiVi with 1,4‐divinylbenzene yielding stereoregular cooligomer containing double‐decker (silsesquioxyl‐silylene)‐vinylene‐phenylene units.
ChemInform Abstract: On‐Water Synthesis of Dipyrromethanes via Bis‐Hetero‐Diels—Alder Reaction of Azo‐ and Nitrosoalkenes with Pyrrole.
Authors: Pereira Nelson A. M. , Lopes Susana M. M. , Lemos Americo , Pinho e Melo Teresa M. V. D.
Published: July 2014

The reaction can be run in different solvents or even without a solvent.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor but not vesicular zinc promotes TrkB activation within mossy fibers of mouse hippocampus in vivo
Authors: Helgager Jeffrey , Huang Yang Zhong , Mcnamara James O.
Published: July 2014

The neurotrophin receptor, TrkB receptor tyrosine kinase, is critical to central nervous system (CNS) function in health and disease. Elucidating the ligands mediating TrkB activation in vivo will provide insights into its diverse roles in the CNS. The canonical ligand for TrkB is brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). A diversity of stimuli also can activate TrkB in the absence of BDNF, a mechanism termed transactivation. Zinc, a divalent cation packaged in synaptic vesicles along with glutamate in axons of mammalian cortical neurons, can transactivate TrkB in neurons and heterologous cells in vitro. Yet the contributions of BDNF and zinc to TrkB activation in vivo are unknown. To address these questions, we conducted immunohistochemical (IHC) studies of the hippocampal mossy fiber axons and boutons using an antibody selective for pY816 of TrkB, a surrogate measure of TrkB activation. We found that conditional deletion of BDNF resulted in a reduction of pY816 in axons and synaptic boutons of hippocampal mossy fibers, thereby implicating BDNF in activation of TrkB in vivo. Unexpectedly, pY816 immunoreactivity was increased in axons but not synaptic boutons of mossy fibers in ZnT3 knockout mice that lack vesicular zinc. Marked increases of BDNF content were evident within the hippocampus of ZnT3 knockout mice and genetic elimination of BDNF reduced pY816 immunoreactivity in these mice, implicating BDNF in enhanced TrkB activation mediated by vesicular zinc depletion. These findings support the conclusion that BDNF but not vesicular zinc activates TrkB in hippocampal mossy fiber axons under physiological conditions. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:3885–3899, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of axons expressing the artemin receptor in the female rat urinary bladder: A comparison with other major neuronal populations
Authors: Forrest Shelley L. , Osborne Peregrine B. , Keast Janet R.
Published: July 2014

Artemin is a member of the glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family that has been strongly implicated in development and regeneration of autonomic nerves and modulation of nociception. Whereas other members of this family (GDNF and neurturin) primarily target parasympathetic and nonpeptidergic sensory neurons, the artemin receptor (GFRα3) is expressed by sympathetic and peptidergic sensory neurons that are also the primary sites of action of nerve growth factor, a powerful modulator of bladder nerves. Many bladder sensory neurons express GFRα3 but it is not known if they represent a specific functional subclass. Therefore, our initial aim was to map the distribution of GFRα3‐immunoreactive (‐IR) axons in the female rat bladder, using cryostat sections and whole wall thickness preparations. We found that GFRα3‐IR axons innervated the detrusor, vasculature, and urothelium, but only part of this innervation was sensory. Many noradrenergic sympathetic axons innervating the vasculature were GFRα3‐IR, but the noradrenergic innervation of the detrusor was GFRα3‐negative. We also identified a prominent source of nonneuronal GFRα3‐IR that is likely to be glial. Further characterization of bladder nerves revealed specific structural features of chemically distinct classes of axon terminals, and a major autonomic source of axons labeled with neurofilament‐200, which is commonly used to identify myelinated sensory axons within organs. Intramural neurons were also characterized and quantified. Together, these studies reveal a diverse range of potential targets by which artemin could influence bladder function, nerve regeneration, and pain, and provide a strong microanatomical framework for understanding bladder physiology and pathophysiology. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:3900–3927, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retinal projection to the pretectal nucleus lentiformis mesencephali in pigeons (Columba livia)
Authors: Wylie Douglas R. , Kolominsky Jeffrey , Graham David J. , Lisney Thomas J. , Gutierrez‐Ibanez Cristian
Published: July 2014

In birds, the nucleus of the basal optic root (nBOR) and the nucleus lentiformis mesencephali (LM) are retinal‐recipient nuclei involved in the analysis of optic flow and the generation of the optokinetic response. The nBOR receives retinal input from displaced ganglion cells (DGCs), which are found at the margin of the inner nuclear and inner plexiform layers, rather than the ganglion cell layer. The LM receives afferents from retinal ganglion cells, but whether DGCs also project to LM remains unclear. To resolve this issue, we made small injections of retrograde tracer into LM and examined horizontal sections through the retina. For comparison, we also had cases with injections in nBOR, the optic tectum, and the anterior dorsolateral thalamus (the equivalent to the mammalian lateral geniculate nucleus). From all LM injections both retinal ganglion cells and DGCs were labeled. The percentage of DGCs, as a proportion of all labeled cells, varied from 2–28%, and these were not different in morphology or size compared to those labeled from nBOR, in which the proportion of DGCs was much higher (84–93%). DGCs were also labeled after injections into the anterior dorsolateral thalamus. The proportion was small (2–3%), and these DGCs were smaller in size than those projecting to the nBOR and LM. No DGCs were labeled from an injection in the optic tectum. Based on an analysis of size, we suggest that different populations of retinal ganglion cells are involved in the projections to LM, nBOR, the optic tectum, and the anterior dorsolateral thalamus. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:3928–3942, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Do Ni/Cu and Cu/Ni Alloys have Different Catalytic Performances towards Water‐Gas Shift? A Density Functional Theory Investigation
Authors: Huang Yu Cheng , Zhou Tao , Liu Hai , Ling ChongYi , Wang SuFan , Du Jin Yan
Published: July 2014

Density functional calculations were preformed to investigate whether adding Ni into a Cu surface (denoted as Cu/Ni) or adding Cu into a Ni surface (Ni/Cu) is more efficient for catalyzing the water‐gas shift (WGS)? The reactions of water dissociation and monoxide dissociation were selected to assess the activity and selectivity towards WGS, respectively. Our results show that Ni‐atom modification of surfaces is thermodynamically favorable for both reactions. Kinetically, compared with pure Cu, water dissociation is greatly facilitated on Ni‐modified surfaces, and the activity is insensitive to the Ni concentration; however, monoxide dissociation is not well‐promoted on one Ni‐atom‐modified surfaces, but two Ni‐atom modification can notably decrease the dissociation barriers. Overall, on the basis of these results, we conclude that 1) the catalytic performance of bimetallic metals is superior to monometallic ones; 2) at the same Ni concentration on the surface, Cu/Ni and Ni/Cu alloys have almost the same performance towards WGS; and 3) to acquire high WGS performance, the surface Ni atoms should either be low in concentration or highly dispersed.
Life‐history traits predict perennial species response to fire in a desert ecosystem
Authors: Shryock Daniel F. , DeFalco Lesley A. , Esque Todd C.
Published: July 2014

The Mojave Desert of North America has become fire‐prone in recent decades due to invasive annual grasses that fuel wildfires following years of high rainfall. Perennial species are poorly adapted to fire in this system, and post‐fire shifts in species composition have been substantial but variable across community types. To generalize across a range of conditions, we investigated whether simple life‐history traits could predict how species responded to fire. Further, we classified species into plant functional types (PFTs) based on combinations of life‐history traits and evaluated whether these groups exhibited a consistent fire‐response. Six life‐history traits varied significantly between burned and unburned areas in short (up to 4 years) or long‐term (up to 52 years) post‐fire datasets, including growth form, lifespan, seed size, seed dispersal, height, and leaf longevity. Forbs and grasses consistently increased in abundance after fire, while cacti were reduced and woody species exhibited a variable response. Woody species were classified into three PFTs based on combinations of life‐history traits. Species in Group 1 increased in abundance after fire and were characterized by short lifespans, small, wind‐dispersed seeds, low height, and deciduous leaves. Species in Group 2 were reduced by fire and distinguished from Group 1 by longer lifespans and evergreen leaves. Group 3 species, which also decreased after fire, were characterized by long lifespans, large non‐wind dispersed seeds, and taller heights. Our results show that PFTs based on life‐history traits can reliably predict the responses of most species to fire in the Mojave Desert. Dominant, long‐lived species of this region possess a combination of traits limiting their ability to recover, presenting a clear example of how a novel disturbance regime may shift selective environmental pressures to favor alternative life‐history strategies.
Heterobinuclear Zn–Ln and Ni–Ln Complexes with Schiff‐Base and Carbacylamidophosphate Ligands: Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Catalytic Activity
Authors: Amirkhanov Oleksiy V. , Moroz Olesia V. , Znovjyak Kateryna O. , Sliva Tetiana Yu. , Penkova Larysa V. , Yushchenko Tetyana , Szyrwiel Lukasz , Konovalova Irina S. , Dyakonenko Viktoriya V. , Shishkin Oleg V. , Amirkhanov Vladimir M.
Published: July 2014

The reaction of Salen‐like ZnII and NiII precursors with carbacylamidophosphate lanthanide moieties yields six new types of 3d–4f compounds. The complexes were characterized by means of 1H, 31P NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, ESI mass spectrometry, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Depending on the Schiff base ligands, the NiII ion adopts either a square‐planar or an octahedral geometry, whereas the ZnII ion has a tetragonal‐pyramidal geometry. The coordination number of lanthanides is nine or ten. Hydrolytic activities of some heterobimetallic Zn–Ln and Ni–Ln coordination compounds in the reaction of intramolecular hydrolytic degradation of the 2‐(hydroxypropyl)‐p‐nitrophenyl phosphate were investigated.
Synthesis of Allylic and Propargylic Trifluoromethyl Thioethers by Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Trifluoromethylthiolation of Allylic Bromides and Propargylic Chlorides
Authors: Rong Mingguang , Li Dongzhe , Huang Ronglu , Huang Yangjie , Han Xiaoyan , Weng Zhiqiang
Published: July 2014

An efficient method is reported for the copper(I)‐catalyzed trifluoromethylthiolation of allylic bromides by using elemental sulfur and CF3SiMe3. This rate of this transformation was significantly accelerated in the presence of 18‐crown‐6, and the reaction afforded the desired products in moderate to excellent yields with high stereo‐ and regioselectivity. This method can tolerate a number of functional groups and provides facile access to a variety of allylic trifluoromethyl thioethers. The copper(I)‐catalyzed trifluoromethylthiolation of propargylic chlorides was also investigated. A plausible mechanism that involves an allylcopper(III) intermediate is proposed.
Toward enantioselective nano ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography with Whelk‐O1 chiral stationary phase
Authors: Ciogli Alessia , Pierri Giuseppe , Kotoni Dorina , Cavazzini Alberto , Botta Lorenzo , Villani Claudio , Kocergin Jelena , Gasparrini Francesco
Published: July 2014

In this study, a Whelk‐O1 chiral stationary phase immobilized on 2.5 μm silica particles was employed in nanoLC. Two nanocolumns (180 and 250 mm long, 75 μm id) with a single polymeric organic monolithic outlet frit were packed under high‐pressure ultrasonic‐assisted packing procedure. The monolithic outlet frit was prepared by thermal polymerization of methacrylate‐based monomers affording high‐mechanical stability and high‐pressure resistance. Very efficient enantioseparations with more than 70 000 plates/m were achieved in normal phase mode by eluting (+/−) acenaphthenol. Nanocolumns were also tested in RP mode by using on‐line MS detection with nano‐spray ESI ion source. Kinetic performances of columns in RP mode were comparable to those in normal phase‐conditions.
Micronucleus formation in human keratinocytes is dependent on radiation quality and tissue architecture
Authors: Snijders Antoine M. , Mannion Brandon J. , Leung Stanley G. , Moon Sol C. , Kronenberg Amy , Wiese Claudia
Published: July 2014

The cytokinesis‐block micronucleus (MN) assay was used to assess the genotoxicity of low doses of different types of space radiation. Normal human primary keratinocytes and immortalized keratinocytes grown in 2D monolayers each were exposed to graded doses of 0.3 or 1.0 GeV/n silicon ions or similar energies of iron ions. The frequencies of induced MN were determined and compared to γ‐ray data. RBEmax values ranged from 1.6 to 3.9 for primary keratinocytes and from 2.4 to 6.3 for immortalized keratinocytes. At low radiation doses ≤0.4 Gy, 0.3 GeV/n iron ions were the most effective at inducing MN in normal keratinocytes. An “over‐kill effect” was observed for 0.3 GeV/n iron ions at higher doses, wherein 1.0 GeV/n iron ions were most efficient in inducing MN. In immortalized keratinocytes, 0.3 GeV/n iron ions produced MN with greater frequency than 1.0 GeV/n iron ions, except at the highest dose tested. MN formation was higher in immortalized keratinocytes than in normal keratinocytes for all doses and radiation qualities investigated. MN induction was also assessed in human keratinocytes cultured in 3D to simulate the complex architecture of human skin. RBE values for MN formation in 3D were reduced for normal keratinocytes exposed to iron ions, but were elevated for immortalized keratinocytes. Overall, MN induction was significantly lower in keratinocytes cultured in 3D than in 2D. Together, the results suggest that tissue architecture and immortalization status modulate the genotoxic response to space radiation, perhaps via alterations in DNA repair fidelity. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:22–31, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative risk assessment in the early stages of a CO2 geological storage project: implementation of a practical approach in an uncertain context
Authors: de Lary Louis , Manceau Jean‐Charles , Loschetter Annick , Rohmer Jeremy , Bouc Olivier , Gravaud Isaline , Chiaberge Christophe , Willaume Pierre , Yalamas Thierry
Published: July 2014

Methodologies for quantitative risk assessment regarding CO2 storage operations are currently scarce, mostly because of the lack of experience in this field and the relatively significant degree of uncertainty regarding the subsurface intrinsic properties and the processes occurring after the injection starts. This paper presents a practical approach designed to perform a quantitative risk assessment in an uncertain context. Our approach is illustrated by a realistic case study (Paris Basin, France), conceived to be representative of the level of information available in the early stages of a project. It follows the risk assessment principles from the international standards (ISO 31000:2009), which are adapted to account for the specificities and challenges of subsurface operations. After the establishment of the context of the specific case study, the main risks are identified and we analyze two different risk scenarios: risk of brine leakage from an abandoned well and risk of subsurface use conflict.These scenarios were selected to give a comprehensive overview of different types of analysis in terms of available data, modeling tools and uncertainty management methodologies. The main benefit of this paper is to propose an approach, based on existing risk assessment standards, best practices, and analysis tools, which allows an objective quantitative risk analysis taking into account the uncertainties, and therefore enabling fully informed decision‐making while evaluating risk acceptability.
Maintaining high activity levels in sedentary adults with a reinforcement‐thinning schedule
Authors: Andrade Leonardo F. , Barry Danielle , Litt Mark D. , Petry Nancy M.
Published: July 2014

Physical inactivity is a leading cause of mortality. Reinforcement interventions appear to be useful for increasing activity and preventing adverse consequences of sedentary lifestyles. This study evaluated a reinforcement‐thinning schedule for maintaining high activity levels. Sedentary adults (N = 77) were given pedometers and encouraged to walk ≥10,000 steps per day. Initially, all participants earned rewards for each day they walked ≥10,000 steps. Subsequently, 61 participants were randomized to a monitoring‐only condition or a monitoring‐plus‐reinforcement‐thinning condition, in which frequencies of monitoring and reinforcing walking decreased over 12 weeks. The mean (± SD) percentage of participants in the monitoring‐plus‐reinforcement‐thinning condition who met walking goals was 83% ± 24% and was 55% ± 31% for participants in the monitoring‐only condition, p < .001. Thus, monitoring plus reinforcement thinning maintained high rates of walking when it was in effect; however, groups did not differ at a 24‐week follow‐up. Monitoring plus reinforcement thinning, nevertheless, hold potential to extend benefits of reinforcement interventions at low costs.
Bone Geometry, Volumetric Density, Microarchitecture, and Estimated Bone Strength Assessed by HR-pQCT in Adult Patients With Hypophosphatemic Rickets
Authors: Shanbhogue Vikram V , Hansen Stinus , Folkestad Lars , Brixen Kim , Beck-Nielsen Signe Sparre
Published: July 2014

Hypophosphatemic rickets (HR) is characterized by a generalized mineralization defect. Although densitometric studies have found the patients to have an elevated bone mineral density (BMD), data on bone geometry and microstructure are scarce. The aim of this cross-sectional in vivo study was to assess bone geometry, volumetric BMD (vBMD), microarchitecture, and estimated bone strength in adult patients with HR using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). Twenty-nine patients (aged 19 to 79 years; 21 female, 8 male patients), 26 of whom had genetically proven X-linked HR, were matched with respect to age and sex with 29 healthy subjects. Eleven patients were currently receiving therapy with calcitriol and phosphate for a median duration of 29.1 years (12.0 to 43.0 years). Because of the disproportionate short stature in HR, the region of interest in HR-pQCT images at the distal radius and tibia were placed in a constant proportion to the entire length of the bone in both patients and healthy volunteers. In age- and weight-adjusted models, HR patients had significantly higher total bone cross-sectional areas (radius 36%, tibia 20%; both p < 0.001) with significantly higher trabecular bone areas (radius 49%, tibia 14%; both p < 0.001) compared with controls. In addition, HR patients had lower total vBMD (radius −20%, tibia −14%; both p < 0.01), cortical vBMD (radius −5%, p < 0.001), trabecular number (radius −13%, tibia −14%; both p < 0.01), and cortical thickness (radius −19%; p < 0.01) compared with controls, whereas trabecular spacing (radius 18%, tibia 23%; p < 0.01) and trabecular network inhomogeneity (radius 29%, tibia 40%; both p < 0.01) were higher. Estimated bone strength was similar between the groups. In conclusion, in patients with HR, the negative impact of lower vBMD and trabecular number on bone strength seems to be compensated by an increase in bone diameter, resulting in HR patients having normal estimates of bone strength. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Using Novel Method to Detect Different Cancer‐Cell Stages of Model Human Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Hao‐Yuan , Ko Fu‐Hsiang , Lai Lee‐Jene
Published: July 2014

Background

Synchrotron radiation infrared (SR‐IR) microspectroscopy and SR‐IR spectroscopic imaging are extremely valuable techniques for determining the molecular composition of biological and biomedical samples. In this work, SR‐IR is applied in the study of the lung cancer cells in different cell cycles.

Methods

We use a novel synchrotron based radiation infrared system combined synchronized model human lung carcinoma to reveal its unique character pattern.

Results

After using SR‐IR microspectroscopy, we discovered that the ratio of protein to lipid in G1 and G2 states is around 4.0 and 6.1, respectively. Moreover, for the DNA at the wavenumber position of 1225 cm−1, the intensity ratio of G2 state to G1 state is approximately 1.6. These data indicate that the cell in G1 state has more lipid composition to prepare for the DNA synthesis, but the cell in G2 state has more protein composition to prepare for the mitosis. The cell has larger DNA concentration in G2 state, which can be explained for the DNA synthesis.

Conclusion

Through our research, we demonstrate that different growth state of cancer cell presenting unique functional groups concentration profiles and distribution via using SR‐IR microspectrometry. These applications will provide another ways to improve modern cancer screening in the future.
A mass transport/kinetic model for the description of inulin hydrolysis by immobilized inulinase
Authors: Curcio Stefano , Ricca Emanuele , Saraceno Alessandra , Iorio Gabriele , Calabrò Vincenza
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Inulin is a polydisperse carbohydrate consisting of β(2 → 1) fructosyl–fructose links; at one end of the molecule, a glucose residue may be present. The enzymatic hydrolysis of inulin by inulinase represents a promising alternative for the production of fructose and fructo‐oligosaccharides (FOS) However, the studies reported in the literature do not take into account the variability of molecular weight of the inulin, which significantly affects the kinetics of bioconversion.

RESULTS

In this paper a mass transport/kinetic model is proposed with the aim of describing inulin enzymatic hydrolysis catalyzed by immobilized inulinase. The proposed model takes into account both kinetic and mass transfer phenomena and quantified their respective significance through the evaluation of the effectiveness factor. The model was able to predict the effect of molecular weight and poly‐dispersity of inulin on both enzyme intrinsic kinetics and mass transfer. This was confirmed by a favourable comparison between a set of experimental results and model predictions, which offered a realistic representation of system behavior over a wide range of operating conditions.

CONCLUSION

Although developed with reference to inulin hydrolysis, the proposed approach, due to its versatility and generality, can also be applied to model the enzymatic hydrolysis of different types of polysaccharides. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry