bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Political Communication Research in Latin America
Authors: Porto Mauro P.
Published: November 2015

Political communication research in Latin America has become a vibrant and mature field of inquiry. Scholars in this field have accumulated important findings about the relationship between communication and politics in diverse historical contexts. Since independence, Latin American media and political systems have been caught in between authoritarian and democratic traditions. In the 20th century, several developments contributed to create major obstacles for the emergence of autonomous, plural, and diverse media systems, including commercialization, media concentration, clientelism, and forms of state control. After the return of democracy in the 1980s, a process of media opening took place, with the rise of more autonomous and diverse media. The recent emergence of neopopulist leaders has pointed to uneasy and ambiguous relationships between media, politics, and democracy.
Social Networks
Authors: Ikeda Ken'ichi , Yasuda Yuki
Published: November 2015

As social animals, human beings are embedded in social networks, but are not well aware of the constraints networks place on the information environment or of social influences operating within networks. Social network studies explore network structure properties and investigate how people are embedded in these structures. People are differentiated into roles such as opinion leader or follower in networks, and networks are differentiated by characteristics such as bonding/bridging, homogeneous/heterogeneous, or having weak/strong ties. They are also differentiated according to whether they are kin or non‐kin, such as spouses, relatives, friends, colleagues, or acquaintances. Depending on where a person is located in these differentiations, there are different possibilities for accessing network resources, having social influence, or being socially influenced. The well‐known “small‐world” phenomenon is related to the properties of whole social networks. In this article, empirical research methods, mathematical approaches, survey instruments, and multiagent‐based simulation for social network analysis are also discussed.
Candidate, Political
Authors: Regalia Marta
Published: November 2015

This essay gives an overview of candidates' selection and election methods and their implications. It tries to relate candidates' characteristics to the selection and the election processes that lead an individual to hold a public office and to show some consequences of different norms and procedures on candidates' campaign style. The focus is exclusively on candidates in representative democracies.
Transparency
Authors: Valbruzzi Marco
Published: November 2015

Hailed as the key to better governance and reducing corruption, the concept of transparency is a multifaceted idea that contains many, often inconsistent, definitions, dimensions and “directions”. As a fundamental concept in the era of the so‐called transparent society, whose success has been sustained and accompanied by the process of globalization and democratization, transparency is linked to the most politically charged debates of the twenty‐first century. Notwithstanding its benefits in terms of good governance and economic competitiveness, the future of transparency is not as bright and secure as some scholars thought only few years ago.
Emotion in Politics
Authors: Cepernich Cristopher
Published: November 2015

Although emotions have always been a fundamental factor for politics and political communication, they have struggled to be taken into account by the social sciences, traditionally oriented toward the paradigms of rationality. This entry defines the role of emotions in politics through the review of the main studies, researches, and experiments that have marked the development of knowledge about emotions within communication processes in the political field.
Political Communication Research inAsia
Authors: Hino Airo , Jou Willy
Published: November 2015

Although it is difficult to summarize political communication research in East and Southeast Asia, one can identify the following three underlying themes. First, many Asian countries share the legacy of authoritarian rule and the curtailment of media freedoms, which hindered the scope of political communication research. In some cases, political communication is still constrained not only by government but also by self‐censorship among media and academic circles today. Second, the media play an important role in the process of regime transition and consolidation. Some studies show that the media promote political participation and function as a watchdog, while other studies emphasize their role as propaganda machines of authoritarian governments. Third, “western” theories of media effects have been empirically tested in Asian contexts. The extent of this varies across countries but the dialogue with western theories has continued to deepen in the postwar decades as exemplified in Japan.
Recent Advancements in All‐Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Ulaganathan Mani , Aravindan Vanchiappan , Yan Qingyu , Madhavi Srinivasan , Skyllas‐Kazacos Maria , Lim Tuti Mariana
Published: November 2015

Over the past three decades, intensive research activities have focused on the development of electrochemical energy storage devices, particularly exploiting the concept of flow batteries. Amongst these, vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) are an attractive option, which have been studied extensively and are now being commercialized around the world. The performance of the VRFB system is governed by several critical components namely the electrolyte, the electrode, the ion‐exchange membrane and the flow field design. Here, the focus is mainly on recent research activities relating to the development and modification of electrode materials and new ion‐exchange membranes. The feasibility of novel flow field designs for high energy density VRFB systems and their future prospects are also discussed in detail.
Association of the manganese superoxide dismutase gene Ala–9Val polymorphism with age of smoking initiation in male schizophrenia smokers
Authors: Zhang Xiang Yang , Rao Wen‐Wang , Yu Qiong , Yu Yaqin , Kou Changgui , Tan Yun‐Long , Chen Da‐Chun , Zuo Lingjun , Luo Xiangguang , Soares Jair C.
Published: November 2015

Schizophrenia patients exhibit higher smoking rates than the general population. A growing body of evidence suggests that cigarette smoke impairs the antioxidant defense mechanisms, leading to oxidative damage. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is the major antioxidant in the mitochondria, catalyzing the metabolism of superoxide radicals to form hydrogen peroxide. Since the identification of a well‐characterized functional polymorphism, Ala–9Val of MnSOD, a number of studies have evaluated the association between Val–9Ala and schizophrenia or cancer. In this study, we hypothesized that the functional polymorphism of MnSOD Ala–9Val was associated with smoking in patients with schizophrenia. This polymorphism was genotyped in 666 chronic male schizophrenia patients (smoker/never‐smoker = 507/159) and 660 male controls (smoker/never‐smoker = 360/300) using a case–control design. The cigarettes smoked per day (CPD) and smoking behaviors were evaluated by clinician‐administered questionnaires and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). The results showed no significant differences in MnSOD Ala–9Val genotype and allele distributions between the patients and healthy controls or between smokers and never‐smokers in either patients or healthy controls alone. The smokers with the Ala allele started smoking significantly earlier (19.9 ± 5.8 vs. 21.7 ± 6.5 years, P = 0.005) only in patients. These results suggest that the MnSOD Ala–9Val polymorphism may not influence smoking status in a Chinese male schizophrenia population, but may influence the age at which smoking is started among schizophrenia smokers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recent research progress in the synthesis, properties and applications of ferrocene‐based derivatives and polymers with azobenzene
Authors: Zhai Xiaoting , Yu Haojie , Wang Li , Deng Zheng , Abdin Zain‐ul , Tong Rongbai , Yang Xianpeng , Chen Yongsheng , Saleem Muhammad
Published: November 2015

Aromatic azobenzene derivatives are outstanding organic photochromic compounds that possess unique photochemical properties. These compounds are widely used in research and development for various applications, especially in information storage, owing to their ability to isomerize between cis (Z) and trans (E) forms under the influence of light of different wavelengths. On account of these advantages, many efforts have been made to generalize the use of azobenzene derivatives. Furthermore, ferrocene‐based polymers and derivatives are promising candidates for functional materials due to their unique redox properties. By interlinking ferrocene with azobenzene, novel functional materials can be obtained that will integrate the excellent properties of both and will provide new applications in various fields including information storage, ion recognition, molecular devices, etc. This article provides an overview of the synthesis, properties and applications of novel ferrocene‐based polymers and derivatives containing azobenzene units. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diamine bis(phenolate) and pendant amine bis(phenolate) ligands: catalytic activity for the room temperature palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyauracoupling reaction
Authors: Bowser Andrew K. , Anderson‐Wile Amelia M. , Johnston Dean H. , Wile Bradley M.
Published: November 2015

A series of amine bis(phenolate) ligands bearing aryl substituents of varying steric bulk are reported and characterized using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy and high‐resolution mass spectrometry experiments. Palladium complexes derived in situ from these ligands are evaluated as catalysts for the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of phenylboronic acid and aryl bromides. High conversions are observed for these reactions in methanol solvent at low catalyst loadings (0.01 mol%), short reaction times (30 min) and mild temperatures (30°C). Conversion is observed for a range of substrates, and is found to depend on the nature of the external base and solvent employed. These findings demonstrate the utility of catalysts derived from late transition metal complexes of amine bis(phenolate) ligands, particularly those bearing bulky cumyl substituents. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Preliminary Examination of a Vocal Generalized Conditioned Reinforcer
Authors: Helton Maria R. , Ivy Jonathan W.
Published: November 2015

Generalized conditioned reinforcers (GCRs) in the form of tokens are commonly used in behavioral treatment. However, it is possible for non‐tangible consequences to also function as GCRs. For example, a vocal stimulus (e.g., good job) associated with completion of a work task, access to preferred actives, and peer interaction could function as a GCR. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of pairing a vocal stimulus with multiple edible reinforcers on the Frequency math problem completion. The results suggest that a vocal statement paired with an array of four back‐up reinforcer functioned as a GCR for completing math problems for two typically developing children identified as having minor deficits in math skills. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CdTe/ZnS quantum dots as fluorescent probes for ammonium determination
Authors: Yi Kui‐Yu
Published: November 2015

Novel CdTe/ZnS quantum dot (QD) probes based on the quenching effect were proposed for the simple, rapid, and specific determination of ammonium in aqueous solutions. The QDs were modified using 3‐mercaptopropionic acid, and the fluorescence responses of the CdTe/ZnS QD probes to ammonium were detected through regularity quenching. The quenching levels of the CdTe/ZnS QDs and ammonium concentration showed a good linear relationship between 4.0 × 10−6 and 5.0 × 10−4 mol/L; the detection limit was 3.0 × 10−7 mol/L. Ammonium contents in synthetic explosion soil samples were measured to determine the practical applications of the QD probes and a probable quenching mechanism was described. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple and sensitive label‐free fluorescence sensing of heparin based on Cdte quantum dots
Authors: Rezaei B. , Shahshahanipour M. , Ensafi Ali A.
Published: November 2015

A rapid, simple and sensitive label‐free fluorescence method was developed for the determination of trace amounts of an important drug, heparin. This new method was based on water‐soluble glutathione‐capped CdTe quantum dots (CdTe QDs) as the luminescent probe. CdTe QDs were prepared according to the published protocol and the sizes of these nanoparticles were verified through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) with an average particle size of about 7 nm. The fluorescence intensity of glutathione‐capped CdTe QDs increased with increasing heparin concentration. These changes were followed as the analytical signal. Effective variables such as pH, QD concentration and incubation time were optimized. At the optimum conditions, with this optical method, heparin could be measured within the range 10.0–200.0 ng mL−1 with a low limit of detection, 2.0 ng mL−1. The constructed fluorescence sensor was also applied successfully for the determination of heparin in human serum. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When a stent gets shorty
Authors: Belardi Jorge A. , Albertal Mariano
Published: November 2015

Key Points

Stent with reduced axial force have an increased risk of longitudinal stent deformation (LSD).

Deep guidewire catheter intubation after ostial stent deployment or attempting to push a device through an already deployed stent are frequently encountered in patients with LSD.

Optimization of longitudinal strength along with increasing knowledge of LSD will likely reduce the frequency of this complication.
Topochemical Transformations of CaX2 (X=C, Si, Ge) to Form Free‐Standing Two‐Dimensional Materials
Authors: Pratik Saied Md. , Nijamudheen A. , Datta Ayan
Published: November 2015

Topochemical transformations of layered materials CaX2 (X=Si, Ge) are the method of choice for the high‐yield synthesis of pristine, defect‐free two‐dimensional systems silicane and germanane, which have advanced electronic properties. Based on solid‐state dispersion‐corrected calculations, mechanisms for such transformations are elucidated that provide an in‐depth understanding of phase transition in these layered materials. While formation of such layered materials is highly favorable for silicane and germanane, a barrier of 1.2 eV in the case of graphane precludes its synthesis from CaC2 topochemically. The energy penalty required for distorting linear acetylene into a trans‐bent geometry accounts for this barrier. In contrast it is highly favorable in the heavier analogues, resulting in barrierless topochemical generation of silicane and germanane. Photochemical generation of the trans‐bent structure of acetylene in its first excited state (S1) can directly generate graphane through a barrierless condensation. Unlike the buckled structure of silicene, the phase‐h of CaSi2 with perfectly planar silicene layers exhibits the Dirac cones at the high symmetry points K and H. Interestingly, topochemical acidification of the cubic phase of calcium carbide is predicted to generate the previously elusive platonic hydrocarbon, tetrahedrane.
Intramolecular CH Activation and Metallacycle Aromaticity in the Photochemistry of [FeFe]‐Hydrogenase Model Compounds in Low‐Temperature Frozen Matrices
Authors: Thornley Wyatt A. , Bitterwolf Thomas E.
Published: November 2015

The [FeFe]‐hydrogenase model complexes [(μ‐pdt){Fe(CO)3}2], [(μ‐edt){Fe(CO)3}2], and [(μ‐mdt){Fe(CO)3}2], where pdt=1,3‐propanedithiolate, edt=1,2‐ethanedithiolate, and mdt=methanedithiolate, undergo wavelength dependent photodecarbonylation in hydrocarbon matrices at 85 K resulting in multiple decarbonylation isomers. As previously reported in time‐resolved solution photolysis experiments, the major photoproduct is attributed to a basal carbonyl‐loss species. Apical carbonyl‐loss isomers are also generated and may undergo secondary photolysis, resulting in β‐hydride activation of the alkyldithiolate bridge, as well as formation of bridging carbonyl isomers. For [(μ‐bdt){Fe(CO)3}2], (bdt=1,2‐benzenedithiolate), apical photodecarbonylation results in generation of a 10 π‐electron aromatic FeS2C6H4 metallacycle that coordinates the remaining iron through an η5 mode.
Cytoskeletal signaling in TGFβ‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Nalluri Sandeep M. , O'Connor Joseph W. , Gomez Esther W.
Published: November 2015

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiological process that plays an important role in embryonic development and wound healing and is appropriated during pathological conditions including fibrosis and cancer metastasis. EMT can be initiated by a variety of factors, including transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, and is characterized by loss of epithelial features including cell–cell contacts and apicobasal polarity and acquisition of a motile, mesenchymal phenotype. A key feature of EMT is reorganization of the cytoskeleton and recent studies have elucidated regulation mechanisms governing this process. This review describes changes in gene expression patterns of cytoskeletal associated proteins during TGFβ‐induced EMT. It further reports TGFβ‐induced intracellular signaling cascades that regulate cytoskeletal reorganization during EMT. Finally, it highlights how changes in cytoskeletal architecture during EMT can regulate gene expression, thus further promoting EMT progression. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interactions of Molecules with cis and trans Double Bonds: A Theoretical Study of cis‐ and trans‐2‐Butene
Authors: Zarić Milana M. , Bugarski Branko , Kijevčanin Mirjana Lj.
Published: November 2015

Noncovalent interactions of cis‐ and trans‐2‐butene, as the smallest model systems of molecules with cis and trans double bonds, were studied to find potential differences in interactions of these molecules. The study was performed using quantum chemical methods including very accurate CCSD(T)/CBS method. We studied parallel and displaced parallel interactions in 2‐butene dimers, in butane dimers, and between 2‐butene and saturated butane. The results show the trend that interactions of 2‐butene with butane are the strongest, followed by interactions in butane dimers, whereas the interaction in 2‐butene dimers are the weakest. The strongest calculated interaction energy is between trans‐2‐butene and butane, with a CCSD(T)/CBS energy of −2.80 kcal mol−1. Interactions in cis‐2‐butene dimers are stronger than interactions in trans‐2‐butene dimers. Interestingly, some of the interactions involving 2‐butene are as strong as interactions in a benzene dimer. These insights into interactions of cis‐ and trans‐2‐butene can improve understanding of the properties and processes that involve molecules with cis and trans double bonds, such as fatty acids and polymers.
Copper Sulfide Nanocrystal Level Structure and Electrochemical Functionality towards Sensing Applications
Authors: Vinokurov Kathy , Elimelech Orian , Millo Oded , Banin Uri
Published: November 2015

The level structure of copper sulfide nanocrystals of different sizes was investigated by correlating scanning tunneling spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry data in relation to sensing applications. Upon oxidation of Cu2S nanocrystals in the low‐chalcocite phase, correlated changes are detected by both methods. The cyclic voltammetry oxidation peak of Cu(1+) down shifts, while in‐gap states, adjacent to the valence‐band edge, appeared in the tunneling spectra. These changes are attributed to Cu vacancy formation leading to a Cu depleted phase of the nanocrystals. The relevance of the oxidation to the use of copper sulfide nanocrystals in hydrogen peroxide sensing was also addressed, showing that upon oxidation the sensitivity vanishes. These findings bare significance to the use of copper sulfide nanocrystals in glucose sensing applications.
Modified soybean lecithins as inducers of the acceleration of cocoa butter crystallization
Authors: Miyasaki Eriksen Koji , Luccas Valdecir , Kieckbusch Theo Guenter
Published: November 2015

Modified soy lecithins are introduced in chocolate processing as an alternative to standard lecithin to improve rheological characteristics and the fat crystallization process. The influence of the type of these additives (hydroxylated, enzymatically hydrolyzed, acetylated, and defatted lecithins) as well as the amount added (0.2, 0.5, 0.8% [w/w]) to cocoa butter was evaluated. The results were compared to samples containing standard lecithin and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR). The influence of emulsifier addition was investigated measuring the melting and crystallization properties by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the crystallization kinetics using a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer. The addition of modified lecithins to cocoa butter increased fat crystallization rates, mainly at the lowest concentration evaluated. The isothermal crystallization of the emulsifiers suggests that lecithins may act as co‐crystallizers in cocoa butter crystallization. Thus, the acceleration of the crystallization events can be attributed to presence of the high melting point phospholipids and also to solids present in lecithins. Pure PGPR did not crystallize and did not influence the cocoa butter crystallization. The use of modified lecithins in cocoa butter decreased the maximum temperature of melting (Tmax) and increased the crystallization (ΔHc) and melting (ΔHm) enthalpies.

Practical application: The modified soy lecithins may be used as alternatives to expand the range of applications of phospholipids containing emulsifiers like standard soybean lecithin. These new commercial emulsifiers may act as crystallization agent, anti‐bloom agent, to control polymorphism and as improver of rheological properties of chocolate or the like. Our results showed that the effects of modified lecithins were more prominent than standard lecithin on crystallization process, mainly in low concentration, so that their use can significantly reduce costs in industrial chocolate processing and produce more appealing products.

Crystallization isotherm of pure cocoa butter sample and cocoa butter added with different lecithins (concentration of 0.2%) and PGPR, at 15°C, obtained by nuclear magnetic resonance.
Debittering olive oil by liquid–liquid extraction: Kinetics and the effect on the quality of Arbequina olive oil
Authors: Abenoza María , Raso Javier , Oria Rosa , Sánchez‐Gimeno Ana Cristina
Published: November 2015

Bitter taste is a positive sensory attribute in olive oil. However, if the bitter taste is too strong, it may be perceived as a negative attribute for the consumers. The aim of this work was to design a liquid–liquid extraction using water as a solvent to decrease the total phenol content of Arbequina olive oil and as consequence its bitter taste. Different olive oil‐to‐water ratios were assayed and mixing was conducted by flowing nitrogen to avoid oxidation. After 15 min, a constant total phenols concentration was reached in the olive oil independently of the olive oil‐to‐water ratios assayed. Lower percentage of olive oil in the mix was more efficient for phenol extraction. A mathematical equation was proposed to calculate the Arbequina olive oil‐to‐water ratio in the mix to remove a desired phenol percentage. After removing phenols, the obtained olive oil had a similar physico‐chemical quality as untreated olive oil with a similar content of phenols.

Practical applications: By using obtained mathematical equations the phenolic content in Arbequina olive oil can be modulated by liquid–liquid extraction. It is a fast and easy method to achieve the desired bitterness in olive oil. When in a mill oils with high intensity of bitterness are obtained, this method could be a solution to open new markets by offering more equilibrated products for consumers not used to olive oil.

Liquid–liquid extraction using water as a solvent is useful to partial removal of the total phenol content and bitterness index in Arbequina olive oil.
Cu/Pd‐Catalyzed C‐2–H Arylation of ­Quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones with (Hetero)aryl Halides
Authors: Godeau Julien , Harari Marine , Laclef Sylvain , Deau Emmanuel , Fruit Corinne , Besson Thierry
Published: November 2015

The regiospecific C‐2–H arylation of N‐3‐substituted quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones with a wide range of aryl or (hetero)aryl halides under microwave irradiation was studied. A ligand‐dependent palladium/copper bicatalytic system was developed and allowed direct cross‐coupling with a variety of (hetero)aryl halides. This useful and scalable procedure promotes the construction of C(sp2)–C(sp2) bonds from arenes or (hetero)arenes and aryl or (hetero)aryl bromides and chlorides in a time‐efficient strategy. The extension of the reaction to various N‐3‐substituted quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones with iodobenzene as well as the scope and limitations of the method were also investigated.
Visible‐Light, Metal‐Free α‐Amino C(sp3)–H Activation through 1,5‐Hydrogen Migration: A Concise Method for the Preparation of Bis(indolyl)alkanes
Authors: Shaaban Saad , Roller Alexander , Maulide Nuno
Published: November 2015

A photoredox catalytic, metal‐free method for C–H functionalization α to amines directly leads to the formation of bis(indolyl)alkane products in good to excellent yields. This transformation hinges on a smooth 1,5‐hydrogen migration to an aryl radical intermediate.
DABCO‐Promoted One‐Pot Facile Synthesis of Angularly Fused Furoquinol­inones and Furocoumarins
Authors: Ghosh Monoranjan , Hajra Alakananda
Published: November 2015

A DABCO‐promoted intermolecular cyclization between enols and nitrostyrenes has been developed for the regioselective synthesis of angularly fused furan derivatives in high yields. This protocol is applicable to various enol derivatives, including 4‐hydroxyquinolinones, 4‐hydroxycoumarin, and 4‐hydroxypyranone.
Covalent bonding of homochiral metal‐organic framework in capillaries for stereoisomer separation by capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Ma Jichao , Ye Nengsheng , Li Jian
Published: November 2015

In this work, a [Cu(mal)(bpy)]⋅H2O (mal, l‐(−)‐malic acid; bpy, 4,4′‐bipyridyl) homochiral metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) was synthesized and used for modifying the inner walls of capillary columns by utilizing amido bonds to form covalent links between the MOFs particles and capillary inner wall. The synthesized [Cu(mal)(bpy)]⋅H2O and MOFs‐modified capillary column were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, particle size distribution analysis, nitrogen absorption characterization, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). The MOFs‐modified capillary column was used for the stereoisomer separation of some drugs. The LODs and LOQs of six analytes were 0.1 and 0.25 μg/mL, respectively. The linear range was 0.25–250 μg/mL for ephedrine, 0.25–250 μg/mL for pseudoephedrine, 0.25–180 μg/mL for d‐penicillamine, 0.25–120 μg/mL for l‐penicillamine, 0.25–180 μg/mL for d‐phenylalanine, and 0.25–160 μg/mL for l‐phenylalanine, all with R2 > 0.999. Finally, the MOFs‐modified capillary column was applied for the analysis of active ingredients in a real sample of the traditional Chinese medicine ephedra.
Quantification, 2DE analysis and identification of enriched glycosylated proteins from mouse muscles: Difficulties and alternatives
Authors: de Fátima Menegoci Eugênio Patrícia , Assunção Nilson Antonio , Sciandra Francesca , Aquino Adriano , Brancaccio Andrea , Carrilho Emanuel
Published: November 2015

One of the problems with 2DE is that proteins present in low amounts in a sample are usually not detected, since their signals are masked by the predominant proteins. The elimination of these abundant proteins is not a guaranteed solution to achieve the desired results. The main objective of this study was the comparison of common and simple methodologies employed for 2DE analysis followed by MS identification, focusing on a pre‐purified sample using a wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) column. Adult male C57Black/Crj6 (C57BL/6) mice were chosen as the model animal in this study; the gastrocnemius muscles were collected and processed for the experiments. The initial fractionation with succinylated WGA was successful for the elimination of the most abundant proteins. Two quantification methods were employed for the purified samples, and bicinchoninic acid (BCA) was proven to be most reliable for the quantification of glycoproteins. The gel staining method, however, was found to be decisive for the detection of specific proteins, since their structures affect the interaction of the dye with the peptide backbone. The Coomassie Blue R‐250 dye very weakly stained the gel with the WGA purified sample. When the same gel was stained with silver nitrate, however, MS could positively assign 12 new spots. The structure of the referred proteins was not found to be prone to interaction with Coomassie blue.
An infant with MLH3 variants, FOXG1‐duplication and multiple, benign cranial and spinal tumors: A clinical exome sequencing study
Authors: Kansal Rina , Li Xinmin , Shen Joseph , Samuel David , Laningham Fred , Lee Hane , Panigrahi Gagan B. , Shuen Andrew , Kantarci Sibel , Dorrani Naghmeh , Reiss Jean , Shintaku Peter , Deignan Joshua L. , Strom Samuel P. , Pearson Christopher E. , Vilain Eric , Grody Wayne W.
Published: November 2015

A 4‐month‐old male infant presented with severe developmental delay, cerebellar, brainstem, and cutaneous hemangiomas, bilateral tumors (vestibular, hypoglossal, cervical, and lumbar spinal), and few café‐au‐lait macules. Cerebellar and lumbar tumor biopsies revealed venous telangiectasia and intraneural perineuroma, respectively. Sequencing NF1, NF2, and RASA1 (blood), and NF2 and SMARCB1 (lumbar biopsy) was negative for pathogenic mutations. Clinical exome sequencing (CES), requested for tumor syndrome diagnosis, revealed two heterozygous missense variants, c.359T>C;p.Phe120Ser and c.3344G>A;p.Arg1115Gln, in MLH3 (NM_001040108.1), a DNA mismatch repair (MMR) gene, Polyphen‐predicted as probably damaging, and benign, respectively. Sanger sequencing confirmed both variants in the proband, and their absence in the mother; biological father unavailable. Both biopsied tissues were negative for microsatellite instability, and expressed MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, MSH6, and MLH3 immunohistochemically. Chromosomal microarray showed a 133 kb segment copy number duplication of 14q12 region encompassing FOXG1, possibly explaining the developmental delay, but not the tumors. The presence of MLH3 variants with multiple benign neural and vascular tumors was intriguing for their possible role in the pathogenesis of these neoplasms, which were suspicious for, but not diagnostic of, constitutional MMR deficiency. However, functional assays of non‐neoplastic patient‐derived cells showed intact base‐base MMR function. Also, no previous FOXG1‐aberrant patient was reported with tumors. We now report a 3‐year‐old FOXG1‐duplicated patient with a yet undescribed tumor syndrome with clinical features of neurofibromatosis types I and II, where several validation studies could not ascertain the significance of CES findings; further studies may elucidate precise mechanisms and diagnosis for clinical management, including tumor surveillance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integrated analysis identified genes associated with a favorable prognosis in oligodendrogliomas
Authors: Liu Yanwei , Hu Huimin , Zhang Chuanbao , Wang Zheng , Li Mingyang , Jiang Tao
Published: November 2015

Oligodendrogliomas (ODs) are the second most common malignant brain tumor and exhibit characteristic co‐deletion of chromosomal arms 1p and 19q (co‐deletion 1p/19q), which is associated with down‐regulation of tumor suppressors. However, co‐deletion 1p/19q indicates a favorable prognosis that cannot be explained by the down‐regulation of tumor suppressors. In the present study, we determined that co‐deletion 1p/19q was associated with reduced Ki‐67 protein level based on analysis of 354 ODs. To identify genes associated with reduced Ki‐67 and a favorable prognosis of codeletion 1p/19q, we analyzed 96 ODs with RNA‐sequencing and 136 ODs and 4 normal brain tissue samples with RNA microarrays. We thus identified seven genes within chromosomal arms 1p/19q with significantly reduced expression in samples with co‐deletion of 1p/19q compared to samples with intact 1p/19q. A significant positive correlation was observed between these candidate genes and Ki‐67 expression based on analysis of mRNA expression in 305 gliomas and 5 normal brain tissue samples. Survival analysis confirmed the prognostic value of these candidate genes. This finding suggests that these genes within chromosomal arms 1p/19q are associated with low Ki‐67 and a favorable prognosis in ODs with co‐deletion 1p/19q and provides novel therapeutic targets. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ETV6‐LPXN fusion transcript generated by t(11;12)(q12.1;p13) in a patient with relapsing acute myeloid leukemia with NUP98‐HOXA9
Authors: Abe Akihiro , Yamamoto Yukiya , Iba Sachiko , Kanie Tadaharu , Okamoto Akinao , Tokuda Masutaka , Inaguma Yoko , Yanada Masamitsu , Morishima Satoko , Mizuta Shuichi , Akatsuka Yoshiki , Okamoto Masataka , Kameyama Toshiki , Mayeda Akila , Emi Nobuhiko
Published: November 2015

ETV6, which encodes an ETS family transcription factor, is frequently rearranged in human leukemias. We show here that a patient with acute myeloid leukemia with t(7;11)(p15;p15) gained, at the time of relapse, t(11;12)(q12.1;p13) with a split ETV6 FISH signal. Using 3′‐RACE PCR analysis, we found that ETV6 was fused to LPXN at 11q12.1, which encodes leupaxin. ETV6‐LPXN, an in‐frame fusion between exon 4 of ETV6 and exon 2 of LPXN, did not transform the interleukin‐3‐dependent 32D myeloid cell line to cytokine independence; however, an enhanced proliferative response was observed when these cells were treated with G‐CSF without inhibition of granulocytic differentiation. The 32D and human leukemia cell lines each transduced with ETV6‐LPXN showed enhanced migration towards the chemokine CXCL12. We show here for the first time that LPXN is a fusion partner of ETV6 and present evidence indicating that ETV6‐LPXN plays a crucial role in leukemia progression through enhancing the response to G‐CSF and CXCL12. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dopamine transporter availability in clinically normal aging is associated with individual differences in white matter integrity
Authors: Rieckmann Anna , Hedden Trey , Younger Alayna P. , Sperling Reisa A. , Johnson Keith A. , Buckner Randy L.
Published: November 2015

Aging‐related differences in white matter integrity, the presence of amyloid plaques, and density of biomarkers indicative of dopamine functions can be detected and quantified with in vivo human imaging. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate whether these imaging‐based measures constitute independent imaging biomarkers in older adults, which would speak to the hypothesis that the aging brain is characterized by multiple independent neurobiological cascades. We assessed MRI‐based markers of white matter integrity and PET‐based marker of dopamine transporter density and amyloid deposition in the same set of 53 clinically normal individuals (age 65–87). A multiple regression analysis demonstrated that dopamine transporter availability is predicted by white matter integrity, which was detectable even after controlling for chronological age. Further post‐hoc exploration revealed that dopamine transporter availability was further associated with systolic blood pressure, mirroring the established association between cardiovascular health and white matter integrity. Dopamine transporter availability was not associated with the presence of amyloid burden. Neurobiological correlates of dopamine transporter measures in aging are therefore likely unrelated to Alzheimer's disease but are aligned with white matter integrity and cardiovascular risk. More generally, these results suggest that two common imaging markers of the aging brain that are typically investigated separately do not reflect independent neurobiological processes. Hum Brain Mapp 37:621–631, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Obtainment and partial characterization of biodegradable gelatin films with tannic acid, bentonite and glycerol
Authors: Ortiz‐Zarama Maria A , Jiménez‐Aparicio Antonio R , Solorza‐Feria Javier
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Research studies concerning the overall effect of the addition of plasticizers, cross‐linking and strengthening agents in gelatin film‐forming mixtures are very scarce. Also, there are no studies focused on the interactions among their individual components, or showing what sort of effects they might cause all together. A gelatin film obtained from a composite consisting of tannic acid, bentonite and glycerol was evaluated. Nine gelatin films were manufactured by the casting method, using these materials, following a 23 factorial design with five replicates on the central point.

RESULTS

The interactions among gelatin, tannic acid and bentonite caused a decrease in hydrogen bonds, while the polar groups of the gelatin chains were less exposed to interactions with water molecules. There was an increase in temperature and enthalpy of gelatin denaturation, due to increasing tannic acid and bentonite concentration. Tactoids were found in the gelatin films, caused mainly by bentonite polydispersion.

CONCLUSIONS

A synergistic effect among tannic acid, bentonite and glycerol, which overall improved the measured gelatin film properties, was found. The best film formulation was that with 40, 150 and 250 g kg−1 gelatin of tannic acid, bentonite and glycerol respectively, displaying a tensile strength of 38 MPa, an elongation at break of 136%, water vapor permeability of 1.28 × 10−12 g (Pa s m)−1 and solubility of 23.4%. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Quality assessment of gasoline using comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography combined with unfolded partial least squares: A reliable approach for the detection of gasoline adulteration
Authors: Parastar Hadi , Mostafapour Sara , Azimi Gholamhasan
Published: November 2015

Comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography and flame ionization detection combined with unfolded‐partial least squares is proposed as a simple, fast and reliable method to assess the quality of gasoline and to detect its potential adulterants. The data for the calibration set are first baseline corrected using a two‐dimensional asymmetric least squares algorithm. The number of significant partial least squares components to build the model is determined using the minimum value of root‐mean square error of leave‐one out cross validation, which was 4. In this regard, blends of gasoline with kerosene, white spirit and paint thinner as frequently used adulterants are used to make calibration samples. Appropriate statistical parameters of regression coefficient of 0.996–0.998, root‐mean square error of prediction of 0.005–0.010 and relative error of prediction of 1.54–3.82% for the calibration set show the reliability of the developed method. In addition, the developed method is externally validated with three samples in validation set (with a relative error of prediction below 10.0%). Finally, to test the applicability of the proposed strategy for the analysis of real samples, five real gasoline samples collected from gas stations are used for this purpose and the gasoline proportions were in range of 70–85%. Also, the relative standard deviations were below 8.5% for different samples in the prediction set.
Detection of human papillomavirus in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gama Ricardo Ribeiro , Carvalho André Lopes , Filho Adhemar Longatto , Scorsato Anderson Paulo , López Rossana V. Mendoza , Rautava Jaana , Syrjänen Stina , Syrjänen Kari
Published: November 2015

Background

Recent studies have reported a human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence of 20% to 30% in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), although clinical data on HPV involvement remain largely inconsistent, ascribed by some to differences in HPV detection methods or in geographic origin of the studies.

Objective

To perform a systematic review and formal meta‐analysis of the literature reporting on HPV detection in LSCC.

Methods

Literature was searched from January 1964 until March 2015. The effect size was calculated as event rates (95% confidence interval [CI]), with homogeneity testing using Cochran's Q andI2statistics. Meta‐regression was used to test the impact of study‐level covariates (HPV detection method, geographic origin) on effect size. Potential publication bias was estimated using funnel plot symmetry.

Results

One hundred seventy nine studies were eligible, comprising a sample size of 7,347 LSCCs from different geographic regions. Altogether, 1,830 (25%) cases tested HPV‐positive considering all methods, with effect size of 0.269 (95% CI: 0.242 to 0.297; random‐effects model). In meta‐analysis stratified by the 1) HPV detection technique and 2) geographic study origin, the between‐study heterogeneity was significant only for geographic origin (P= .0001). In meta‐regression, the HPV detection method (P= .876) or geographic origin (P= .234) were not significant study‐level covariates. Some evidence for publication bias was found only for studies from North America and those using non–polymerase chain reaction methods, with a marginal effect on adjusted point estimates for both.

Conclusions

Variability in HPV detection rates in LSCC is explained by geographic origin of study but not by HPV detection method. However, they were not significant study‐level covariates in formal meta‐regression.

Level of Evidence

NALaryngoscope, 126:885–893, 2016
Breathing air to save energy – new insights into the ecophysiological role of high‐affinity [NiFe]‐hydrogenase in Streptomyces avermitilis
Authors: Liot Quentin , Constant Philippe
Published: November 2015

The Streptomyces avermitilis genome encodes a putative high‐affinity [NiFe]‐hydrogenase conferring the ability to oxidize tropospheric H2 in mature spores. Here, we used a combination of transcriptomic and mutagenesis approaches to shed light on the potential ecophysiological role of the enzyme. First, S. avermitilis was either exposed to low or hydrogenase‐saturating levels of H2 to investigate the impact of H2 on spore transcriptome. In total, 1293 genes were differentially expressed, with 1127 and 166 showing lower and higher expression under elevated H2 concentration, respectively. High H2 exposure lowered the expression of the Sec protein secretion pathway and ATP‐binding cassette‐transporters, with increased expression of genes encoding proteins directing carbon metabolism toward sugar anabolism and lower expression of NADH dehydrogenase in the respiratory chain. Overall, the expression of relA responsible for the synthesis of the pleiotropic alarmone ppGpp decreased upon elevated H2 exposure, which likely explained the reduced expression of antibiotic synthesis and stress response genes. Finally, deletion of hhySL genes resulted in a loss of H2 uptake activity and a dramatic loss of viability in spores. We propose that H2 is restricted to support the seed bank of Streptomyces under a unique survival–mixotrophic energy mode and discuss important ecological implications of this finding.
Dependent personality, separation anxiety disorder and other anxiety disorders in OCD
Authors: Mroczkowski M. M. , Goes F. S. , Riddle M. A. , Grados M. A. , Bienvenu O. J. , Greenberg B. D. , Fyer A. J. , McCracken J. T. , Rauch S. L. , Murphy D. L. , Knowles J. A. , Piacentini J. , Cullen B. , Rasmussen S. A. , Pauls D. L. , Nestadt G. , Samuels J.
Published: November 2015

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether dependent personality and/or general personality dimensions might explain the strong relationships between separation anxiety disorder (Sep‐AD) and three other anxiety disorders (agoraphobia, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder) in individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

Methods

Using data from 509 adult participants collected during the OCD Collaborative Genetic Study, we used logistic regression models to evaluate the relationships between Sep‐AD, dependent personality score, general personality dimensions and three additional anxiety disorders.

Results

The dependent personality score was strongly associated with Sep‐AD and the other anxiety disorders in models adjusted for age at interview, age at onset of OC symptoms and worst ever OCD severity score. Several general personality dimensions, especially neuroticism, extraversion and conscientiousness, were also related to Sep‐AD and the other anxiety disorders. Sep‐AD was not independently related to these anxiety disorders, in multivariate models including general personality and dependent personality disorder scores.

Conclusions

The results suggest that Sep‐AD in childhood and these other anxiety disorders in adulthood are consequences of dependent personality disorder (for agoraphobia and panic disorder) or introversion (for social phobia). It is unknown whether these results would be similar in a non‐OCD sample. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sample selection bias and Heckman models in strategic management research
Authors: Certo S. Trevis , Busenbark John R. , Woo Hyun‐soo , Semadeni Matthew
Published: November 2015

Research summary: The use of Heckman models by strategy scholars to resolve sample selection bias has increased by more than 700 percent over the last decade, yet significant inconsistencies exist in how they have applied and interpreted these models. In view of these differences, we explore the drivers of sample selection bias and review how Heckman models alleviate it. We demonstrate three important findings for scholars seeking to use Heckman models: First, the independent variable of interest must be a significant predictor in the first stage of a model for sample selection bias to exist. Second, the significance of lambda alone does not indicate sample selection bias. Finally, Heckman models account for sample‐induced endogeneity, but are not effective when other sources of endogeneity are present.

Managerial summary: When nonrandom samples are used to test statistical relationships, sample selection bias can lead researchers to flawed conclusions that can, in turn, negatively impact managerial decision‐making. We examine the use of Heckman models, which were designed to resolve sample selection bias, in strategic management research and highlight conditions when sample selection bias is present as well as when it is not. We also distinguish sample selection bias, a form of omitted variable (OV) bias, from more traditional OV bias, emphasizing that it is possible for models to have sample selection bias, traditional OV bias, or both. Accurately identifying the type(s) of OV bias present is essential to effectively correcting it. We close with several recommendations to improve practice surrounding the use of Heckman models. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.