bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A class of versatile circuits, made up of standard electrical components, are memristors
Authors: Ascoli Alon , Corinto Fernando , Tetzlaff Ronald
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we propose a whole class of memristor circuits. Each element from the class consists of the cascade connection between a static nonlinear two‐port and a dynamic one‐port. The class may be divided into two subclasses depending on the input variable (voltage or current). Within each of these subclasses, two further sets of memristor circuits may be distinguished according to which output voltage and current of the two‐port represents one of the system states. The simplest memristor circuits make only use of purely passive elementary components from circuit theory, an absolute novelty in this field of research. Thus they are suitable circuit primers for the introduction of the topic of memristors to undergraduate students. A sample circuit is built using discrete devices and its memristive nature is validated experimentally. In case the one‐port is purely passive, the proposed circuits feature volatile memristive behavior. Allowing active devices into the dynamic one‐port, non‐volatile dynamics may also emerge, as proved through concepts from the theory of nonlinear dynamics. Given the generality of the proposed class, the topology of the emulators may be adjusted so as to induce a large variety of dynamical behaviors, which may be exploited to accomplish new signal processing tasks, which conventional circuits are unable to perform. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolated high voltage‐boosting converter derived from forward converter
Authors: Hwu K. I. , Jiang W. Z. , Chien J. Y.
Published: March 2015

A novel isolated high voltage‐boosting converter, derived from the traditional forward converter, is presented in this paper. As compared with the traditional forward converter, the demagnetizing winding of the transformer in the proposed converter is used not only to demagnetize but also to improve the voltage conversion ratio. Therefore, the duty cycle is not limited, and the utilization of the transformer, also called coupled inductor, can be increased also. Furthermore, the proposed converter maintains the advantage of possessing a non‐pulsating output current, leading to a small output voltage ripple. Moreover, by applying one additional voltage‐boosting winding to the transformer, the voltage conversion ratio can be significantly improved. In addition, an active clamp circuit is employed in the proposed converter to reduce the voltage stress of the main switch, caused by the leakage inductance in the transformer, and the switches can achieve zero‐voltage switching. Finally, the analysis of operating principles, choice of the turns, turns ratio, core size, and each wire size of the coupled inductor are described in detail, and the experimental results with a prototype with 12‐V input voltage, 100‐V output voltage, and 100‐W output power are provided to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed converter. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone parameters in relation to attitudes and feelings associated with disordered eating in oligo‐amenorrheic athletes, eumenorrheic athletes, and nonathletes
Authors: Cano Sokoloff Natalia , Eguiguren Maria L. , Wargo Katherine , Ackerman Kathryn E. , Baskaran Charumathi , Singhal Vibha , Clarke Hannah , Slattery Meghan , Lee Hang , Eddy Kamryn T. , Misra Madhusmita
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Disordered eating may negatively impact bone in athletes. However, it is not known whether this effect is independent of the associated amenorrhea and relative hypercortisolemia. We aimed to compare attitudes, feelings, and cognitions associated with disordered eating using the Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and Eating Disorder Inventory‐2 (EDI‐2) in normal‐weight oligomenorrheic athletes (OA), eumenorrheic athletes (EA), and nonathletes, and determine the associations with bone independent of confounders.

Method

109 OA, 39 EA, and 36 nonathletes (14–25 years) completed the TFEQ and EDI‐2. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was used to assess spine bone mineral density (BMD), and high‐resolution pQCT to assess radius microarchitecture. We measured integrated cortisol (q 20′, 11 PM–7 AM), bone formation (procollagen Type 1 N‐terminal propeptide, P1NP), and resorption (C‐telopeptide, CTX) markers in a subset.

Results

OA had lower spine BMD Z‐scores than EA. Cognitive eating restraint (CER), drive for thinness (DT), ineffectiveness, and interoceptive awareness (IA) were higher in OA than EA (p < 0.05); CER was higher in OA versus nonathletes (p = 0.03). Pulsatile cortisol was positively associated with DT, ineffectiveness, and IA (p < 0.03). CER was inversely associated with BMD Z‐scores and P1NP, and ineffectiveness with radius cross‐sectional area even after controlling for age, BMI, amenorrhea duration, and cortisol (p < 0.03).

Discussion

Higher CER in athletes independently predicts lower BMD. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:522–526).
Effects of triiodothyronine replacement therapy in patients with chronic stable heart failure and low‐triiodothyronine syndrome: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Amin Ahmad , Chitsazan Mitra , Taghavi Sepideh , Ardeshiri Maryam
Published: March 2015

Objectives

The present study assessed the changes in functional, biochemical, and echocardiographic measures following long‐term liothyronine therapy in heart failure (HF) patients with low‐triiodothyronine (T3) syndrome (LT3S).

Methods

In the present placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study, adult patients with clinically stable New York Heart Association functional class I–III systolic HF and LT3S receiving standard HF therapy were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive oral liothyronine or placebo for 6 weeks. Low‐T3 syndrome was defined as a serum free T3 of less than the lower limit of normal (<2.4 pg/mL) with normal thyroid‐stimulating hormone (thyrotropin) and free thyroxin values.

Results

Fifty patients, including 39 (78%) men with a mean ± standard deviation age of 60 ± 15 years were included. The 6‐min walk distance increased in the liothyronine group by 93 ± 16 m and in the placebo group by 67 ± 28 m, resulting in a treatment effect of 26 m (P = 0.003). A higher decrease of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein level was seen in the liothyronine group than in the placebo group (P = 0.009). Liothyronine markedly decreased serum N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide level compared with the placebo (P = 0.01). A significant increase was also seen in the left ventricular ejection fraction by liothyronine as compared with the placebo (<0.001).

Conclusion

Triiodothyronine replacement by chronic liothyronine therapy seems to safely benefit stable HF patients with LT3S receiving optimal HF medications.
Ischemic stroke and heart failure: facts and numbers
Authors: Scherbakov Nadja , Haeusler Karl Georg , Doehner Wolfram
Published: March 2015

Heart failure (HF) is pandemic in the modern society. Comorbidities of HF come increasingly to the fore in today's patient presentation and demand multidisciplinary treatment concepts. Ischemic stroke is a major comorbidity in HF patients and frequently contributes to the adverse outcome and functional dependency. Patients with HF are two‐fold to three‐fold more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke, have more than two times higher mortality and show worse functional outcome after stroke compared with non‐HF subjects. The risk of recurrent stroke is about two‐fold elevated in patients with HF. The risk of stroke increased with time duration of HF from 18 per 100 cases in the first year of HF to 47 per 1000 patients within the next 4‐5 years. Moreover, so called ‘silent’ strokes (clinically asymptomatic brain lesions) are two to four times more likely in HF patients. In turn, 10–24% of stroke patients have HF. Specific characteristics of the interaction between ischemic stroke and HF have been uncovered in recent years. However, gaps in present knowledge need to be addressed in future studies. What are the detailed pathophysiologic links beyond atrial fibrillation, stroke patterns, and time courses in the interaction? What implication has HF with preserved versus reduced ejection fraction? Does treatment of HF prevents ischemic stroke or reduces stroke‐related sequelae? This editorial provides a condensed overview on current insights and presents facts and numbers on the interaction between heart failure and ischemic stroke.
Inhibition of NKp30‐ and 2B4‐mediated NK cell activation by evolutionary different human and bovine CEACAM1 receptors
Authors: Merkt Wolfgang , Urlaub Doris , Meinke Stephan , Kammerer Robert , Watzl Carsten
Published: March 2015

Carcinoembryonicantigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is a receptor involved in the regulation of NK‐cell function. In most species, the CEACAM1 cytoplasmic tail possesses a membrane‐proximal ITIM paired with a membrane‐distal immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based switch motif (ITSM) signaling motif. Human CEACAM1 has phylogenetically relatively recently acquired a second ITIM instead of the ITSM and was shown to inhibit NKG2D‐mediated NK‐cell activation. Here, we compare the function of bovine and human CEACAM1. We show that in addition to NKG2D, human CEACAM1 can inhibit NK‐cell activation via NKp30 or 2B4. Bovine CEACAM1, possessing an ITIM and an ITSM signaling motif, is also inhibitory. However, bovine CEACAM1 inhibition of NKp30‐mediated lysis is less pronounced compared with its human counterpart. Bovine CEACAM1 inhibition is dependent on the membrane‐proximal ITIM and our data suggest that also the membrane distal ITSM motif contributes to inhibitory signaling. Biochemically, human and bovine CEACAM1 can recruit the phosphatases SHP‐1 and SHP‐2 after receptor phosphorylation to a similar extend. Bovine CEACAM1 can additionally recruit the adapter molecule Ewing's sarcoma virus‐activated transcript‐2 (EAT‐2), but not SLAM‐associated protein (SAP). Taken together, we show that although human and bovine CEACAM1 are differentially equipped with ITIM and ITSM motifs, both receptors can inhibit NKp30 and 2B4 activation of NK cells.
IL‐3 synergises with basophil‐derived IL‐4 and IL‐13 to promote the alternative activation of human monocytes
Authors: Borriello Francesco , Longo Michele , Spinelli Rosa , Pecoraro Antonio , Granata Francescopaolo , Staiano Rosaria Ilaria , Loffredo Stefania , Spadaro Giuseppe , Beguinot Francesco , Schroeder John , Marone Gianni
Published: March 2015

Basophil‐derived IL‐4 is involved in the alternative activation of mouse monocytes, as recently shown in vivo. Whether this applies to human basophils and monocytes has not been established yet. Here, we sought to characterise the interaction between basophils and monocytes and identify the molecular determinants. A basophil‐monocyte co‐culture model revealed that IL‐3 and basophil‐derived IL‐4 and IL‐13 induced monocyte production of CCL17, a marker of alternative activation. Critically, IL‐3 and IL‐4 acted directly on monocytes to induce CCL17 production through histone H3 acetylation, but did not increase the recruitment of STAT5 or STAT6. Although freshly isolated monocytes did not express the IL‐3 receptor α chain (CD123), and did not respond to IL‐3 (as assessed by STAT5 phosphorylation), the overnight incubation with IL‐4 (especially if associated with IL‐3) upregulated CD123 expression. IL‐3‐activated JAK2‐STAT5 pathway inhibitors reduced the CCL17 production in response to IL‐3 and IL‐4, but not to IL‐4 alone. Interestingly, monocytes isolated from allergen‐sensitised asthmatic patients exhibited a higher expression of CD123. Taken together, our data show that the JAK2‐STAT5 pathway modulates both basophil and monocyte effector responses. The coordinated activation of STAT5 and STAT6 may have a major impact on monocyte alternative activation in vitro and in vivo.
Deciphering allogeneic antibody response against native and denatured HLA epitopes in organ transplantation
Authors: Visentin Jonathan , Guidicelli Gwendaline , Moreau Jean‐François , Lee Jar‐How , Taupin Jean‐Luc
Published: March 2015

Anti‐HLA donor‐specific antibodies are deleterious for organ transplant survival. Class I HLA donor‐specific antibodies are identified by using the Luminex single antigen beads (LSAB) assay, which also detects anti‐denatured HLA antibodies (anti‐dHLAs). Anti‐dHLAs are thought to be unable to recognize native HLA (nHLA) on the cell surface and therefore to be clinically irrelevant. Acid denaturation of nHLA on LSAB allows anti‐dHLAs to be discriminated from anti‐nHLAs. We previously defined a threshold for the ratio between mean fluorescence intensity against acid‐treated (D for denaturation) and nontreated (N) LSAB, D ≥ 1.2 N identifying the anti‐dHLAs. However, some anti‐dHLAs remained able to bind nHLA on lymphocytes in flow cytometry crossmatches, and some anti‐nHLAs conserved significant reactivity toward acid‐treated LSAB. After depleting serum anti‐nHLA reactivity with HLA‐typed cells, we analyzed the residual LSAB reactivity toward nontreated and acid‐treated LSABs, and then evaluated the ability of antibodies to recognize nHLA alleles individually. We observed that sera can contain mixtures of anti‐nHLAs and anti‐dHLAs, or anti‐nHLAs recognizing acid‐resistant epitopes, all possibly targeting the same allele(s). Therefore, the anti‐HLA antibody response can be highly complex and subtle, as is the accurate identification of pathogenic anti‐HLA antibodies in human serum.
HuR keeps interferon‐β mRNA stable
Authors: Takeuchi Osamu
Published: March 2015

The expression of interferon (IFN) β is highly induced in immune and nonimmune cells in response to virus infection. This upregulation is mediated at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Whereas the signaling pathways triggered by innate virus receptors leading to transcription factor activation have been extensively studied, the mechanisms by which IFN‐β mRNA stability is posttranscriptionally controlled are not fully understood. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Herdy et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2015 45:1500–1511] show that a human RNA‐binding protein, embryonic lethal, abnormal vision, drosophila‐like 1 (ELAVL1)/Hu antigen R (HuR), strongly associates with IFN‐β mRNA via AU‐rich sequences present in its 3′ untranslated region in various human cell lines. The authors show that ELAVL1/HuR is required for the stabilization of IFN‐β mRNA, and suppression of ELAVL1/HuR by its inhibitor MS‐444 leads to impaired expression of IFN‐β in response to viral dsRNA treatment. Thus, this study uncovers a novel mechanism of posttranscriptional IFN‐β mRNA regulation in response to virus infection, through IFN‐β stabilization by ELAVL1/HuR. Future studies are expected to identify further regulatory mechanisms of IFN‐β stabilization and destabilization in the course of antiviral responses.
Fe,Pd Co‐Incorporated LaCoO3 Perovskites: Modification of Thermal Stability and Catalytic Activity for Gasoline Vehicle Exhaust Purification
Authors: Hu Lingjun , Zhou Chen , Wu Chunzheng , Zhou Shenghu , Wang Wei Guo , Yin Hongfeng
Published: March 2015

A series of LaCo0.95–xFexPd0.05O3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) perovskite‐type catalysts have been prepared by a modified sol–gel method. Their structures and physicochemical properties have been studied by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) isotherm technique, and temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR). Structural characterization showed that Fe had been successfully doped into the perovskite lattice and that Fe doping improves the stability of LaCo0.95Pd0.05O3. A study of the catalysts showed that aged samples maintain the perovskite structure. They all exhibited similar catalytic performance, which has been ascribed to the similar state of palladium at the surface of the catalysts. Of these as‐prepared catalysts, the Fe‐doped perovskites achieved better catalytic activities than LaCo0.95Pd0.05O3, and LaCo0.65Fe0.3Pd0.05O3 showed the optimal catalytic performance for vehicle emission purification.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Magnetic Properties of a Family of Undecanuclear [CuII9LnIII2] Nanoclusters
Authors: Kuang Wei‐Wei , Zhu Li‐Li , Li Li‐Cun , Yang Pei‐Pei
Published: March 2015

The syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of a novel family of heterometallic aggregates [CuII9LnIII2(μ3‐OH)8(mea)4(C3H7COO)4(NO3)2Cl6(MeOH)4(H2O)2]·3MeOH·2H2O [Ln = Eu (1), Gd (2), Tb (3), Dy (4)] are reported. The compounds were obtained by the direct reaction of monoethanolamine (Hmea) with CuCl2·2H2O and Ln(NO3)3·6H2O in the presence of sodium butyrate (C3H7COONa) in MeOH/MeCN solution. Compounds 1–4 are isomorphous and have an intriguing heterometallic undecanuclear [Cu9Ln2] core that contains a [3 × 3] [Cu9] grid and two [LnCu4] tetragonal pyramids that share a common [Cu4] vertex. Compounds 1–4 are the first high‐nuclearity 3d‐4f aggregates bearing a monoethanolamine (Hmea) ligand to be reported. The magnetic properties of 1–4 have been investigated by dc and ac susceptibility measurements. A detailed magnetic analysis revealed that antiferromagnetic Cu···Cu interactions and ferromagnetic Cu···Gd couplings exist in [Cu9Gd2] (2), which exhibits a significant magnetocaloric effect. Furthermore, [Cu9Tb2] (3) and [Cu9Dy2] (4) display slow relaxation of the magnetization.
Second‐Sphere Complexation of Thorium(IV) by Cucurbit[6]uril with Included Perrhenate Counterions – Crystal Structure and Hirshfeld Surface Analysis
Authors: Thuéry Pierre
Published: March 2015

The reaction of thorium(IV) nitrate with cucurbit[6]uril (CB6) in the presence of perrhenic acid in water gives the complex [Th(NO3)(H2O)8][(ReO4)(CB6)](ReO4)2·3H2O (1). Aquated cations are held at both CB6 portals by ion–dipole and hydrogen‐bonding interactions, and one of the ReO4– anions is included in the CB6 cavity. The packing displays columns of alternate cations and encapsulated anions. Hirshfeld surfaces are used to visualize short contacts between the species present.
Simplified sample preparation and rapid detection by RP‐HPLC/FLD of tocopherols and tocotrienols in margarines: Preliminary screening of plant fats—potential quality markers
Authors: Górnaś Paweł , Siger Aleksander
Published: March 2015

A simplified, rapid, and accurate method for sample preparation and determination of tocopherols and tocotrienols (vitamin E) in margarine was developed. For this purpose, 28 margarines with different amounts of fat (20, 39, 60, 70, 75, and 80%) and of two types (spreads and cooking fats) were used. Sample preparation was reduced to a limited number of rapid steps: weighting, melting, diluting, vortexing, and centrifugation, following which the samples were directly injected to the HPLC system. The developed method prevented analyte losses and was characterized by good repeatability and reproducibility (1.4–5.5% and 2.9–9.9%, respectively) and accuracy range (97.9–101.2%) as well as recovery of tocopherols and tocotrienols when compared to the saponification method (89.4–104.4%), without any interference of other compounds from the margarine matrix and thus reduced the risk of potential measurement errors. Fat content in margarine samples did not have any negative impact on precision, accuracy or recovery of tocopherols and tocotrienols. Concentrations of tocopherol (T) and tocotrienol (T3) homologues in margarine samples depended on the fat content and ranged from 2.65–26.27 (α‐T), 0.02–0.70 (β‐T), 4.23–23.60 (γ‐T), 0.08–2.34 (δ‐T), 0.39–15.05 (α‐T3), 0.00–1.36 (β‐T3), 0.49–20.08 (γ‐T3), and 0.00–5.28 mg/100 g (δ‐T3).

Practical applications: The necessity to ensure high quality and nutritional value of food products results in the need to develop new high quality analytical methods. This paper describes a simple, rapid and accurate method of sample preparation, preventing analyte losses, and facilitating fast determination of all tocopherol and tocotrienol homologues by RP‐HPLC/FLD in margarines containing different amounts of fat (20, 39, 60, 70, 75, and 80%). Margarines are a significant source of vitamin E in our daily diet; therefore, the developed method could be implemented in industry both in routine control and to improve nutrition information about the product provided on the label and also as the first screening test to assess the possible origin of the fat used for margarine production (with tocopherols and tocotrienols as quality markers).

Tocopherol and tocotrienol homologues (α, β, γ, and δ) in margarine samples with different amounts of fat (20–80%) were successfully separated by using RP‐HPLC/FLD. The developed method is characterized by ease of implementation, speed, reliability, prevents analyte losses (quantification errors), saves solvents, and does not affect quality of analysis. As the developed method has been simplified and accelerated (reducing time and costs), it may be applied as the preliminary screening test to assess the possible origin of the fat used for margarine production (tocopherols and tocotrienols as quality markers).
A Photocleavable Auxiliary for Extended Native Chemical Ligation
Authors: Nadler Christina , Nadler André , Hansen Christine , Diederichsen Ulf
Published: March 2015

To extend the scope of native chemical ligations beyond X‐Cys connections, auxiliaries that contain thiol moieties were developed to mimic the function of the Cys residue in the ligation reaction/capture step. Auxiliaries known so far feature complicated attachment protocols and generally need harsh conditions for their cleavage. Herein, we present the development of a new photoremovable ligation auxiliary, which is easily synthesized and attached to peptides that contain a variety of N‐terminal amino acids by a reductive amination reaction. Ligations at Gly‐Gly and Ala‐Gly junctions were carried out with high conversion, and the auxiliary can be cleaved from the final product by using a mild photolysis protocol. This methodological advancement is an important step forward in peptide ligation chemistry.
Organocatalyzed Enantioselective Allylation of Isatins by Using a Chiral Amino Alcohol Derived Squaramide as Catalyst
Authors: Ghosh Debashis , Gupta Naveen , Abdi Sayed H. R. , Nandi Sekhar , Khan Noor‐ul H. , Kureshy Rukhsana I. , Bajaj Hari C.
Published: March 2015

A series of new squaramide‐based organocatalysts were synthesized from commercially available 3,4‐dimethoxycyclobut‐3‐ene‐1,2‐dione in two steps. A 2.5 mol‐% loading of the organocatalyst successfully catalyzed the asymmetric allylation of isatins with allyltributyltin to give the corresponding 3‐allyl‐3‐hydroxyoxindoles in high yields and enantioselectivities (up to 98 % ee).
RhI‐Catalyzed Site‐Selective Decarbonylative Alkenylation and Arylation of Quinolones under Chelation Assistance
Authors: Kwon Soonhyung , Kang Dahye , Hong Sungwoo
Published: March 2015

An efficient catalytic system for the C‐2 selective C–H functionalization of 4‐quinolones was developed by using a decarbonylative coupling strategy. The installation of an N‐pyrimidyl group on the quinolone nitrogen atom redirected the coordination between the catalyst and the carbonyl group to promote direct C–H functionalization at the 2‐position of 4‐quinolones. In addition, the present protocol was successfully applied to the C‐3 selective installation of a variety of aryl and vinyl groups on an isoquinolone scaffold.
Cooperative Catalysis of Cyclic Carbonate Ring Opening: Application Towards Non‐Isocyanate Polyurethane Materials
Authors: Lombardo Vince M. , Dhulst Elizabeth A. , Leitsch Emily K. , Wilmot Nathan , Heath William H. , Gies Anthony P. , Miller Matthew D. , Torkelson John M. , Scheidt Karl A.
Published: March 2015

The reaction between cyclic carbonates and amines to produce hydroxyurethanes is an important alternative to current urethane chemistry. In order to address the issue of slow reaction rates, an efficient ring opening of cyclic carbonates with amines has been achieved utilizing cooperative catalysis. A new Lewis acid/Lewis base combination substantially decreases the reaction times for small molecule systems to reach complete conversion. Although triazabicyclodecene (TBD) has a substantial impact on the reaction rate, the addition of lithium triflate (LiOTf) as a co‐catalyst allows for the fastest ring opening reported in the current literature. Cooperative catalysis is also applied to the synthesis of polymers containing hydroxyurethane linkages and is able to achieve rapid conversion of the bis‐cyclic carbonate and diamine precursors when compared with the uncatalyzed reaction.
A novel method for assessing bladder‐related pain reveals the involvement of nerve growth factor in pain associated with cyclophosphamide‐induced chronic cystitis in mice
Authors: Fujita M. , Kasai E. , Omachi S. , Sakaguchi G. , Shinohara S.
Published: March 2015

Background

Pain is a prominent feature of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS), but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. There is a lack of well‐characterized research tools, such as pain evaluation methods and experimental animal models, for investigating non‐ulcerative cystitis. We developed a novel method for evaluating bladder pain in mice with cyclophosphamide (CYP)‐induced cystitis.

Methods

Cystitis was produced by a single intraperitoneal injection of CYP (300 mg/kg) or repeated injections of CYP (150 mg/kg once daily for 4 days). Blunt stimulation with a cotton probe was applied to the abdominal region, and the thresholds for withdrawal responses were measured quantitatively using an anaesthesiometer.

Results

The single injection of CYP provoked acute cystitis with severe bladder inflammation in mice. In these mice, we could detect an increased sensitivity to blunt stimulation, which was abolished by intravesical lidocaine. The stimulation induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases in bladder‐projecting sensory neurons. Chronic treatment with CYP produced persistent pain responses to the blunt stimulus. Although there were few signs of bladder inflammation in these mice, the concentration of nerve growth factor (NGF) was elevated in bladder tissue, and NGF antiserum inhibited the hypersensitivity.

Conclusions

The blunt probe method is useful for evaluating bladder pain signalling in mice, and revealed the involvement of an NGF‐sensitive pain pathway in chronic cystitis pain. This assessment method may be useful for studying the pathophysiology of bladder pain and for developing therapeutic strategies for non‐ulcerative IC/PBS in patients.
Spinal cord compression injury in lysophosphatidic acid 1 receptor‐null mice promotes maladaptive pronociceptive descending control
Authors: Suardíaz M. , Galan‐Arriero I. , Avila‐Martin G. , Estivill‐Torrús G. , de Fonseca F.R. , Chun J. , Gómez‐Soriano J. , Bravo‐Esteban E. , Taylor J.
Published: March 2015

Background

Although activation of the lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPA1) is known to mediate pronociceptive effects in peripheral pain models, the role of this receptor in the modulation of spinal nociception following spinal cord injury (SCI) is unknown.

Aim

In this study, LPA1 regulation of spinal excitability mediated by supraspinal descending antinociceptive control systems was assessed following SCI in both wild‐type (WT) and maLPA1‐null receptor mice.

Methods

The effect of a T8 spinal compression in WT and maLPA1‐null mice was assessed up to 1 month after SCI using histological, immunohistochemical and behavioural techniques analysis including electrophysiological recording of noxious toes‐Tibialis Anterior (TA) stimulus‐response reflex activity. The effect of a T3 paraspinal transcutaneous electrical conditioning stimulus on TA noxious reflex temporal summation was also assessed.

Results

Histological analysis demonstrated greater dorsolateral funiculus damage after SCI in maLPA1‐null mice, without a change in the stimulus‐response function of the TA noxious reflex when compared to WT mice. While T3 conditioning stimulation in the WT group inhibited noxious TA reflex temporal summation after SCI, this stimulus strongly excited TA reflex temporal summation in maLPA1‐null mice. The functional switch from descending inhibition to maladaptive facilitation of central excitability of spinal nociception demonstrated in maLPA1‐null mice after SCI was unrelated to a general change in reflex activity.

Conclusions

These data suggest that the LPA1 receptor is necessary for inhibition of temporal summation of noxious reflex activity, partly mediated via long‐tract descending modulatory systems acting at the spinal level.
Electroanalysis of Benazepril Hydrochloride Antihypertensive Drug Using an Ionic Liquid Crystal Modified Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Galal Ahmed , Atta Nada F. , Azab Shereen M. , Ibrahim Asmaa H.
Published: March 2015

Electroanalysis of benazepril HCl was successful using a carbon paste electrode modified with an ionic liquid crystal (1‐butyl‐1‐methylpiperidinium hexafluorophosphate) in presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The electrode performance was compared to ionic liquids (1‐n‐hexyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate and 1‐butyl‐4‐methyl pyridinium tetrafluoroborate). Electrochemical determination of benazepril HCl was in the linear dynamic range of 8.89×10−7 to 1.77×10−5 mol L−1 (correlation coefficient 0.999) and LOD 7.17×10−9 mol L−1. benazepril HCl was determined using this sensor in presence of urine metabolites such as uric acid, ascorbic acid. Binary mixtures of dopamine/benazepril and amlodipine/benazepril were also determined successfully.
S‐layer proteins as an immobilization matrix for aptamers on different sensor surfaces
Authors: Weinert Ulrike , Vogel Manja , Reinemann Christine , Strehlitz Beate , Pollmann Katrin , Raff Johannes
Published: March 2015

S‐layer proteins provide a biocompatible environment with different kinds of functional groups, perfect for the sequential coupling of any kind of biofunctional molecule. In addition, their nanostructure and their ability to crystallize on surfaces in a nanometer‐thick monolayer ensure a regular arrangement of these molecules on solid supports. In this work, a thrombin‐binding aptamer and an ofloxacin‐binding aptamer were coupled with different chemical crosslinkers to S‐layer proteins using them for defined immobilization. S‐layer protein monomers and paracrystalline S‐layers were successfully modified with the thrombin‐binding aptamer. However, S‐layer protein monomers were not able to crystallize after aptamer modification and showed no thrombin binding during random surface attachment. In contrast, aptamers linked to an intact S‐layer in suspension or an S‐layer coating were still functional. The modification rate of S‐layers with the thrombin‐binding aptamer was estimated with one aptamer to two unit cells (unit cell = four monomers). Verification of the functionality of both aptamers through target binding after S‐layer‐immobilization on solid supports was proven by laser‐induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIFS), resonant mirror sensor (IAsys), and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM‐D), respectively. Hence, this study presents S‐layer proteins as an interesting alternative to existing immobilization matrices for recognition biomolecules.
Average spectral acceleration as an intensity measure for collapse risk assessment
Authors: Eads Laura , Miranda Eduardo , Lignos Dimitrios G.
Published: March 2015

This paper investigates the performance of spectral acceleration averaged over a period range (Saavg) as an intensity measure (IM) for estimating the collapse risk of structures subjected to earthquake loading. The performance of Saavg is evaluated using the following criteria: efficiency, sufficiency, the availability or ease of developing probabilistic seismic hazard information in terms of the IM and the variability of collapse risk estimates produced by the IM. Comparisons are also made between Saavg and the more traditional IM: spectral acceleration at the first‐mode period of the structure (Sa(T1)). Though most previous studies have evaluated IMs using a relatively limited set of structures, this paper considers nearly 700 moment‐resisting frame and shear wall structures of various heights to compare the efficiency and sufficiency of the IMs. The collapse risk estimates produced by Saavg and Sa(T1) are also compared, and the variability of the risk estimates is evaluated when different ground motion sets are used to assess the structural response. The results of this paper suggest that Saavg, when computed using an appropriate period range, is generally more efficient, more likely to be sufficient and provides more stable collapse risk estimates than Sa(T1). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selection of a hepatitis C virus with altered entry factor requirements reveals a genetic interaction between the E1 glycoprotein and claudins
Authors: Hopcraft Sharon E. , Evans Matthew J.
Published: March 2015

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) cell entry is a complex, multistep process requiring numerous host cell factors, including the tight junction protein claudin‐1 (CLDN1). It is not known whether CLDN1 and the HCV glycoproteins physically interact. Therefore, the focus of this work was to study genetic interactions between CLDN1 and HCV. We used CRISPR technology to generate CLDN1 knockout (KO) Huh‐7.5 cells, which could not be infected by genotype 2a Jc1 HCV unless CLDN1 expression was restored. Passage of Jc1‐transfected CLDN1 KO cells resulted in the selection of a virus that could infect these cells. This virus encoded a single mutation, H316N (numbered relative to the HCV polyprotein), in the E1 glycoprotein. Whereas Jc1 H316N efficiently infected cells lacking CLDN1, such infection was blocked by an antibody targeting CLDN6, another member of the claudin family that is expressed in these cells. Furthermore, HuH6 cells, which express CLDN6, but not CLDN1, were infectable only with the mutant virus. Thus, this mutant virus adapted to the loss of CLDN1 by developing the capacity to utilize other CLDNs. Indeed, CLDN1/CLDN6 double‐KO Huh‐7.5 cells supported infection by the mutant virus only when CLDN1, CLDN6, or CLDN9 was expressed. Finally, this phenotype was not genotype dependent, given that the H316N mutation rendered a Japanese fulminant hepatitis 1 chimeric HCV genome encoding the genotype 5a glycoproteins able to utilize CLDN6 for host cell entry. Conclusion: These data demonstrate plasticity of HCV virus‐host interactions, where a previously CLDN1‐dependent virus was capable of evolving to use CLDN6. They also reveal a role for E1 in determining entry factor usage and imply a direct, physical interaction between E1 and CLDNs. (Hepatology 2015;62:1059‐1069)
MicroRNA‐494 is a master epigenetic regulator of multiple invasion‐suppressor microRNAs by targeting ten eleven translocation 1 in invasive human hepatocellular carcinoma tumors
Authors: Chuang Kuang‐Hsiang , Whitney‐Miller Christa L. , Chu Chin‐Yi , Zhou Zhongren , Dokus M. Katherine , Schmit Shannon , Barry Christopher T.
Published: March 2015

Vascular invasion provides a direct route for tumor metastasis. The degree to which microRNA (miRNA) expression plays a role in tumor vascular invasion is unclear. Here, we report that miR‐494 is up‐regulated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors with vascular invasion and can promote HCC cell invasiveness by gene inactivation of multiple invasion‐suppressor miRNAs. Our results show that ten eleven translocation (TET) methylcytosine dioxygenase, predominantly TET1 in HCC cells, is a direct target of miR‐494. The reduced 5′‐hydroxymethylcytosine levels observed in the proximal cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine (CpG) regions of multiple invasion‐suppressor miRNA genes are strongly associated with their transcriptional repression upon miR‐494 overexpression, whereas enforced DNA demethylation can abolish the repression. Furthermore, TET1 knockdown shows a similar effect as miR‐494 overexpression. Conversely, miR‐494 inhibition or enforced TET1 expression is able to restore invasion‐suppressor miRNAs and inhibit miR‐494‐mediated HCC cell invasion. Conclusions: miR‐494 can trigger gene silencing of multiple invasion‐suppressor miRNAs by inhibiting genomic DNA demethylation by direct targeting of TET1, thereby leading to tumor vascular invasion. (Hepatology 2015;62:466–480
Osteopontin is a useful predictor of bone metastasis and survival in patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Hou Xue , Wu Xuan , Huang Peiyu , Zhan Jianhua , Zhou Ting , Ma Yuxiang , Qin Tao , Luo Rongzhen , Feng Yanfen , Xu Ying , Chen Likun , Zhang Li
Published: March 2015

Bone is the most common metastatic site in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Osteopontin (OPN) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) are demonstrated to be involved in multiple steps of distant metastasis and correlate with bone metastasis (BM) in cancers. We aim to explore the impacts of OPN and BSP on the prognosis of the patients with locally advanced NPC. A tissue microarray including 162 locally advanced NPC specimens was generated for immunohistochemical evaluation. All of the patients received curative treatment. Twenty‐two patients developed BM during follow‐up. The OPN expression level was higher in patients with BM than in those without BM (p = 0.005), whereas no significant difference of the BSP expression level was noted (p = 0.634). Univariate analysis demonstrated that a higher level of OPN expression associated with a poorer 8‐year metastasis‐free survival (MFS) rate (p < 0.001), 8‐year bone metastasis‐free survival (BMFS) rate (93.6 vs. 87.5 vs. 64.5% for immunoreactivity score 1, 2 and 3, respectively; p = 0.001) and median overall survival (OS) time (p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox analysis confirmed that high level of OPN expression was independent factor associated with decreased BMFS (p = 0.02), MFS (p < 0.001) and OS (p < 0.001). Our findings indicate that OPN is a prognostic biomarker for BM and survival in patients with locally advanced NPC, and therefore it is useful in identifying the patients with an increased risk of cancer progression and BM to guide tailored therapy.
Evaluating the Productivity Potential of Chickpea, Lentil and Faba Bean Under Saline Water Irrigation Systems
Authors: Arslan A. , Majid G. A. , Abdallah K. , Rameshwaran P. , Ragab R. , Singh M. , Qadir M.
Published: March 2015

The information on salinity threshold levels for food legumes when irrigating with saline water is limited and old. In a multi‐year study at two sites in the Euphrates Basin, we aimed at (i) evaluating the potential of saline water irrigation for chickpea, faba bean and lentil production; and (ii) using the SALTMED model to determine threshold crop yields based on irrigation water salinity in equilibrium with ambient soil solution salinity. To evaluate 15 accessions each of lentil and chickpea, and 11 accessions of faba bean, three irrigation treatments were used with salinity levels of 0.87, 2.50 and 3.78 dS m‐1 at Hassake and 0.70, 3.0 and 5.0 dS m‐1 at Raqqa. Aggregated grain yields showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among crop accessions. Calibration and validation of the SALTMED model revealed a close relationship between actual grain yields from the field sites and those predicted by the model. The 50% yield reduction (π50 value) in chickpea, lentil, and faba bean occurred at salinity levels of 4.2, 4.4 and 5.2 dS m‐1, respectively. These results suggest that of the three food legume crops, faba bean can withstand relatively high levels of irrigation water salinity, followed by lentil and chickpea. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GROUP TRAINING OF CONSERVATION SKILLS WITH CHILDREN FROM A NON‐TECHNOLOGICAL CULTURE*
Authors: Polhemus Sue , Dambe Mbakiso , Moorad Fazlur , Dambe Martha
Published: March 2015

Group training of conservation of length was undertaken with primary school children in Botswana. Each group contained 10 subjects of mixed academic ability. Three methods of training were used: (1) teacher demonstration accompanied by responsive group recitation, (2) limited manipulation of training materials by students, (3) full manipulation of training materials by students. The three training methods were effective in producing learning, retention, and generalization of conservation. The results are discussed in terms of Piaget's views on the role of environmental influences and the function of action in the development of cognitive structures. The value of Piagetian concepts for non‐technological societies also is discussed.
SIMULTANEOUS‐SUCCESSIVE SYNTHESES AND PLANNING IN CHINESE READERS*
Authors: Leong Che Kan , Cheng Shiu Ching , Das J.P.
Published: March 2015

The present study investigated simultaneous‐successive syntheses and planning as cognitive processing constructs in 66 grade 4 and 63 grade 6 Chinese children. Principal factor and promax analyses provided evidence of the realities of these independent factors. Simultaneous and successive components contributed to composite reading with varying degrees of variance for each grade. The Luria paradigm provides a useful framework for research into patterns of readers.
CHILDREN'S EXPERIENCE OF THREE TYPES OF CARTOON AT TWO AGE LEVELS*
Authors: Björkqvist Kaj , Lagerspetz Kirsti
Published: March 2015

Three cartoons were shown to 87 children at two age levels: 5–6 years, and 9 years. The children's experience was assessed in interviews. The younger children experienced the cartoons in a fragmentary manner and not as a continuous story, understood less of the cartoons, and tended to base their moral judgements of a character's behaviour on whether or not they identified with that character. Six months later, the younger children remembered best those scenes that had made them the most anxious earlier. A subgroup of children with abundant aggressive fantasies had a lower level of moral reasoning than the other children, preferred violent scenes, became less anxious while watching them and tended to give illogical explanations for the behaviour of the cartoon characters. The degree of anxiety provoked by a cartoon depended not on the amount of explicit violence shown but on the way the violence was presented. One cartoon, which contained no explicit violence, was considered the most frightening one due to its sound effects.
POSITIVE PREJUDICE IN ETHNIC ATTITUDES: AUSTRALIAN DATA
Authors: O'driscoll Michael P. , Feather Norman T.
Published: March 2015

An experiment was conducted to determine whether members of a majority ethnic group would exhibit positive prejudice in their attitudes toward an ethnic minority. Subjects were given written communications which evaluated Aborigines and white Australians either favourably or unfavourably. The occurrence of positive prejudice was assessed by examining subjects' overall agreement with each communication as a whole and their level of agreement with specific descriptions which comprised the communications. Results confirmed the existence of positive prejudice in these responses, but also indicated that subjects' reactions to the communications were influenced by the predispositional variable of ethnocentrism. The study further investigated whether positive prejudice is limited to responses illustrating minimal commitment or whether it forms a central component of inter‐ethnic attitudes. Analysis of delayed recall of the specific descriptions from the written communications and of agreement with an independent ethnic attitudes questionnaire suggested that positive prejudice does not generalize beyond short‐term, inconsequential reactions. The implications of these findings and the relevance of the positive prejudice concept are discussed.
PSYCHOLOGY IN THE AUSTRALIAN CONTEXT*
Authors: Turtle Alison M.
Published: March 2015

Psychology formally entered the Australian arena via university departments of Philosophy, commencing last century and taking its initial direction largely from Britain. The previous pattern of development of Australian psychology was more distinctive than is its present state. Although the influences of Germany and the United States have supplemented that of the parent country, it is difficult to discern any locally blended colouration in the discipline or the profession as they now appear. Somewhat distanced from the universities, applied psychology has flourished especially in the public sector beginning with the initial close liaison formed between psychology and education in a developing colonial society. The public impact of research and practice is by no means as apparent as in the United States or Britain. After a burgeoning in the ‘sixties and early ‘seventies, the present state is one of limited growth concurrent with the general recession.
Test battery with the human cell line activation test, direct peptide reactivity assay and DEREK based on a 139 chemical data set for predicting skin sensitizing potential and potency of chemicals
Authors: Takenouchi Osamu , Fukui Shiho , Okamoto Kenji , Kurotani Satoru , Imai Noriyasu , Fujishiro Miyuki , Kyotani Daiki , Kato Yoshinao , Kasahara Toshihiko , Fujita Masaharu , Toyoda Akemi , Sekiya Daisuke , Watanabe Shinichi , Seto Hirokazu , Hirota Morihiko , Ashikaga Takao , Miyazawa Masaaki
Published: March 2015

To develop a testing strategy incorporating the human cell line activation test (h‐CLAT), direct peptide reactivity assay (DPRA) and DEREK, we created an expanded data set of 139 chemicals (102 sensitizers and 37 non‐sensitizers) by combining the existing data set of 101 chemicals through the collaborative projects of Japan Cosmetic Industry Association. Of the additional 38 chemicals, 15 chemicals with relatively low water solubility (log Kow > 3.5) were selected to clarify the limitation of testing strategies regarding the lipophilic chemicals. Predictivities of the h‐CLAT, DPRA and DEREK, and the combinations thereof were evaluated by comparison to results of the local lymph node assay. When evaluating 139 chemicals using combinations of three methods based on integrated testing strategy (ITS) concept (ITS‐based test battery) and a sequential testing strategy (STS) weighing the predictive performance of the h‐CLAT and DPRA, overall similar predictivities were found as before on the 101 chemical data set. An analysis of false negative chemicals suggested a major limitation of our strategies was the testing of low water‐soluble chemicals. When excluded the negative results for chemicals with log Kow > 3.5, the sensitivity and accuracy of ITS improved to 97% (91 of 94 chemicals) and 89% (114 of 128). Likewise, the sensitivity and accuracy of STS to 98% (92 of 94) and 85% (111 of 129). Moreover, the ITS and STS also showed good correlation with local lymph node assay on three potency classifications, yielding accuracies of 74% (ITS) and 73% (STS). Thus, the inclusion of log Kow in analysis could give both strategies a higher predictive performance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.