bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ternary Ag/MgO‐SiO2 Catalysts for the Conversion of Ethanol into Butadiene
Authors: Janssens Wout , Makshina Ekaterina V. , Vanelderen Pieter , De Clippel Filip , Houthoofd Kristof , Kerkhofs Stef , Martens Johan A. , Jacobs Pierre A. , Sels Bert F.
Published: November 2014

Ternary Ag/Magnesia‐silica catalysts were tested in the direct synthesis of 1,3‐butadiene from ethanol. The influence of the silver content and the type of silica source on catalytic performance has been studied. Prepared catalysts were characterized by 29Si NMR, N2 sorption, small‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements, XRD, environmental scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (ESEM/EDX), FTIR spectroscopy of adsorbed pyridine and CO2, temperature‐programmed desorption of CO2 and UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Based on these characterization results, the catalytic performance of the catalysts in the 1,3‐butadiene formation process was interpreted and a tentative model explaining the role of the different catalytically active sites was elaborated. The balance of the active sites is crucial to obtain an active and selective catalyst to form 1,3‐butadiene from ethanol. The optimal silver loading is 1–2 wt % on a MgO‐silica support with a molar Mg/Si ratio of 2. The silver species and basic sites (MgO pairs and basic OH groups) are of prime importance in the 1,3‐butadiene production, catalyzing mainly the ethanol dehydrogenation and the aldol condensation, respectively.
Highly Photocatalytically Active Iron(III) Titanium Oxide Thin films via Aerosol‐Assisted CVD
Authors: Sathasivam Sanjayan , Bhachu Davinder S. , Lu Yao , Bawaked Salem M. , Obaid Abdullah Y. , Al‐Thabaiti Shaeel , Basahel Sulaiman N. , Carmalt Claire J. , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: November 2014

This paper presents, for the first time, the synthesis, via aerosol‐assisted (AA)CVD followed by annealing at 620 °C for 5 h, of pure Fe2TiO5 thin films on glass. The thin film is deposited from a one pot solution containing titanium isopropoxide and tris(acetylacetonato)iron in an ethyl acetate solvent. The film is characterized using a range of techniques including powder X‐ray diffraction(XRD), wavelength dispersive X‐ray (WDX) spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV‐vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the film under UVA and visible light irradiation is also tested. The results show that Fe2TiO5 is able to degrade resazurin redox dye under UVA illumination at a rate much higher than Pilkington NSG ActivTM, with a formal quantum efficiency (FQE) an order of magnitude superior.
Cryptanalysis and improvement of an efficient authenticated key exchange protocol with tight security reduction
Authors: Lu Siqi , Zhao Jinhua , Cheng Qingfeng
Published: November 2014

The SMEN protocol, proposed by Wu and Ustaoglu in 2009, has been considered to be secure as the authors claimed, and numerous theories are proposed based on this protocol. This paper analyzes the SMEN protocol and finds that this protocol is not resistant to the session corruption attack and the key compromise impersonation attack. Then, we propose an improved protocol with tight security reduction. Our improved protocol not only avoids the above attacks but also embraces the same efficiency as the SMEN protocol in terms of exponentiation. Besides, formal analysis of the improved protocol is presented by using the formal automatic security analysis tool Scyther. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Runx/Cbfb signaling regulates postnatal development of granular convoluted tubule in the mouse submandibular gland
Authors: Islam Md. Nurul , Itoh Shinsuke , Yanagita Takeshi , Sumiyoshi Kumi , Hayano Satoru , Kuremoto Koh‐Ichi , Kurosaka Hiroshi , Honjo Tadashi , Kawanabe Noriaki , Kamioka Hiroshi , Sakai Takayoshi , Ishimaru Naozumi , Taniuchi Ichiro , Yamashiro Takashi
Published: November 2014

Background: The rodent salivary gland is not fully developed at birth and the cellular definitive differentiation takes place postnatally. However, little is known about its molecular mechanism. Results: Here we provide the loss‐of‐function genetic evidence that Runx signaling affects postnatal development of the submandibular gland (SMG). Core binding factor β (Cbfb) is a cotranscription factor which forms a heterodimer with Runx proteins. Cbfb was specifically expressed in the duct epithelium, specifically in the SMG. Epithelial Cbfb deficiency resulted in decrease in the size of the SMG and in the saliva secretion on postnatal day 35. The Cbfb mutant SMG specifically exhibited involution of the granular convoluted tubules (GCT), with a down‐regulated expression of its marker genes, such as Klk1, Ngf, and Egf. The induction of GCT is under the control of androgens, and the Cbfb mutant SMG demonstrated down‐regulated expression of Crisp3, an androgen‐dependent transcript. Because the circulating testosterone or tissue dihydrotestosterone levels were not affected in the Cbfb mutants, it appears that Runx/Cbfb signaling regulate androgen receptor pathway, but does not affect the circulating testosterone levels or the enzymatic conversion to DHT. Conclusions: Runx signaling is important in the postnatal development of androgen‐dependent GCT in the SMG. Developmental Dynamics 244:488–496, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Can you rely on Treg cells on the rebound?
Authors: Teh Charis E. , Gray Daniel H. D.
Published: November 2014

FoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells comprise a highly dynamic population that restrains autoreactivity. Although complete or long‐term depletion of Foxp3+CD4+ Treg cells in adult mice has been shown to result in chronic inflammation and autoimmune disease, the impact of transient Treg‐cell depletion on self‐reactive responses is poorly defined. A new study published in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology [Eur. J. Immunol. 2014. 44: 3621–3631] shows that, although transient depletion of Treg cells in mice is swiftly followed by recovery of Treg‐cell numbers, the “rebounded” population fails to maintain tolerance, culminating in severe autoimmune gastritis. This commentary explores new questions about the quantitative and qualitative aspects of Treg‐cell function in immunological tolerance raised by this study and others.
Hyperbaric oxygenation treatment alleviates CCI‐induced neuropathic pain and decreases spinal apoptosis
Authors: Hu Q. , Fang L. , Li F. , Thomas S. , Yang Z.
Published: November 2014

Background

Increased apoptotic changes in the spinal cord may be responsible for the development of chronic constriction injury (CCI)‐induced neuropathic pain. We previously reported the beneficial effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) in the treatment of CCI‐induced neuropathic pain. In this study, we tested our hypotheses that HBO may achieve its beneficial effect by inhibiting CCI‐induced proapoptosis gene expression and apoptosis in the spinal cord.

Methods

Male rats were randomized into: SHAM, CCI and CCI + HBO groups. Mechanical hyperalgesia was tested daily following surgery. CCI + HBO rats were treated with HBO for 1 h daily. At 3 days post‐CCI, the expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and caspase‐3 genes was detected. At 7 days post‐CCI, apoptotic cells in the spinal cord were detected.

Results

Three days post‐CCI, mechanical allodynia had developed in the ipsilateral paw compared with SHAM animals. HBO significantly alleviated CCI‐induced mechanical allodynia. In comparison with SHAM, CCI‐induced neuropathic pain was associated with higher mRNA levels of TNF‐α and caspase‐3. HBO significantly decreased CCI‐induced mRNA levels of TNF‐α and caspase‐3. CCI‐induced neuropathic pain was also associated with more apoptotic cells in the spinal cord 7 days post‐CCI. HBO significantly reduced CCI‐induced apoptosis to the level of SHAM animals.

Conclusions

Overly expressed proapoptosis genes, and subsequent increase in spinal apoptotic cells, seem to contribute to the development of CCI‐induced neuropathic pain. The inhibitory role of HBO on spinal proapoptosis genes and apoptotic changes may contribute to its beneficial effect on CCI‐induced neuropathic pain.
Use of prescribed opioids by children and adolescents: Differences between Denmark, Norway and Sweden
Authors: Mahic M. , Fredheim O.M. , Borchgrevink P.C. , Skurtveit S.
Published: November 2014

Background

There are few studies on the use of opioids among children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to determine the 1‐year prevalence of prescribed opioid dispensing in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, and to compare gender and age differences in the use of weak and strong opioids between the three countries.

Methods

Data on the dispensing of opioids were collected from the websites of the complete national prescription databases in the three countries. All individuals aged 0–19 with at least one prescription of opioids during the study period were included.

Results

The 1‐year prevalence of opioid use among young individuals aged 0–19 years increased during the study period (2006–2012) in Denmark from 2.5 to 3.4 per thousand, in Norway from 10.7 to 13.4 per thousand and in Sweden from 5.9 to 7.1 per thousand. In all three countries, more boys than girls used opioids between the ages of 0 and 10, whereas girls were the major users in the age range 11–19. Use of opioids in all three countries was dominated by weak opioids, codeine being the most dominant in Norway and Sweden and tramadol in Denmark.

Conclusions

The 1‐year prevalence of prescribed opioid use among children and adolescents in Norway was far higher than in Denmark and Sweden. During the study period, an increasing use of opioids among children and adolescents was observed in all three countries.
Electroanalytical Sensor Based on Unmodified Screen‐Printed Carbon Electrode for the Determination of Levo‐Thyroxine
Authors: Das Ashis , Sangaranarayanan M. V.
Published: November 2014

The electrochemical behaviour of thyroxine (T4) is analysed using the disposable screen‐printed carbon electrode (SPCE) in the neutral phosphate buffer solution with cyclic voltammetric technique. The Differential Pulse Voltammetry and Chronoamperometry were employed for sensing of T4. The lowest detection limit of 3 nM was obtained from the differential pulse voltammetric method without preconditioning. The Density Functional Theoretical study of T4 was performed to elucidate the mechanism of oxidation. The analysis of the commercial pharmaceutical samples indicates the validity of the proposed method.
A Comparison of Achievement Gaps and Test‐Taker Characteristics on Computer‐Delivered and Paper‐Delivered Praxis I® Tests
Authors: Steinberg Jonathan , Brenneman Meghan , Castellano Karen , Lin Peng , Miller Susanne
Published: November 2014

Test providers are increasingly moving toward exclusively administering assessments by computer. Computerized testing is becoming more desirable for test takers because of increased opportunities to test, faster turnaround of individual scores, or perhaps other factors, offering potential benefits for those who may be struggling to pass licensure examinations. This report extends previous research examining 4 years of paper‐based Praxis I® test data to its corresponding computerized environment with these goals: (a) determine the extent to which achievement gaps exist on computer‐based (CB) Praxis I tests, (b) examine which test‐taker characteristics are most associated with mode, and (c) elicit opinions from previous Praxis I test takers to understand reasons why a particular testing mode was chosen. The results contribute to the literature about Praxis® examinations and reinforce the need to understand their dynamics in the context of evaluating performance and participation gaps by demographic characteristics.
Frame size selection in CSMA‐based cognitive radio wireless local area networks
Authors: Hasan Najam ul , Ejaz Waleed , Kim Hyung Seok
Published: November 2014

The performance of cognitive radio‐based wireless local area networks (WLANs) is affected by channel conditions, the contention processes of unlicensed/secondary users (SUs) and collisions between SUs and licensed/primary users (PUs). Given these effects, it is feasible to adjust the frame size to maximise goodput. Existing frame size adjustment mechanisms for WLANs are based on the assumption that optimal frame size depends on either the channel conditions or the contention among nodes. These approaches do not consider the collisions between SUs and PUs. Thus, they lead to suboptimal solutions and cannot be directly applied to cognitive radio‐based WLANs. In this paper, an analytical model to determine the optimal frame size for carrier sense multiple access/collision avoidance‐based cognitive radio networks based on the probability of frame error, the probability of collisions among SUs and the probability of collision between SUs and PUs is proposed. Numerical and simulation results indicate that selecting the optimal frame size significantly improves goodput. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neural substrates of levodopa‐responsive gait disorders and freezing in advanced Parkinson's disease: A kinesthetic imagery approach
Authors: Maillet Audrey , Thobois Stéphane , Fraix Valérie , Redouté Jérôme , Le Bars Didier , Lavenne Franck , Derost Philippe , Durif Franck , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Krack Paul , Pollak Pierre , Debû Bettina
Published: November 2014

Gait disturbances, including freezing of gait, are frequent and disabling symptoms of Parkinson's disease. They often respond poorly to dopaminergic treatments. Although recent studies have shed some light on their neural correlates, their modulation by dopaminergic treatment remains quite unknown. Specifically, the influence of levodopa on the networks involved in motor imagery (MI) of parkinsonian gait has not been directly studied, comparing the off and on medication states in the same patients. We therefore conducted an [H2150] Positron emission tomography study in eight advanced parkinsonian patients (mean disease duration: 12.3 ± 3.8 years) presenting with levodopa‐responsive gait disorders and FoG, and eight age‐matched healthy subjects. All participants performed three tasks (MI of gait, visual imagery and a control task). Patients were tested off, after an overnight withdrawal of all antiparkinsonian treatment, and on medication, during consecutive mornings. The order of conditions was counterbalanced between subjects and sessions. Results showed that imagined gait elicited activations within motor and frontal associative areas, thalamus, basal ganglia and cerebellum in controls. Off medication, patients mainly activated premotor‐parietal and pontomesencephalic regions. Levodopa increased activation in motor regions, putamen, thalamus, and cerebellum, and reduced premotor‐parietal and brainstem involvement. Areas activated when patients are off medication may represent compensatory mechanisms. The recruitment of these accessory circuits has also been reported for upper‐limb movements in Parkinson's disease, suggesting a partly overlapping pathophysiology between imagined levodopa‐responsive gait disorders and appendicular signs. Our results also highlight a possible cerebellar contribution in the pathophysiology of parkinsonian gait disorders through kinesthetic imagery. Hum Brain Mapp 36:959–980, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Abnormalities in orbitofrontal cortex gyrification and mental health outcomes in adolescents born extremely preterm and/or at an extremely low birth weight
Authors: Ganella Eleni P , Burnett Alice , Cheong Jeanie , Thompson Deanne , Roberts Gehan , Wood Stephen , Lee Katherine , Duff Julianne , Anderson Peter J , Pantelis Christos , Doyle Lex W , Bartholomeusz Cali ,   on behalf of the Victorian Infant Collaborative Study Group
Published: November 2014

Extremely preterm (EP, <28 weeks) and/or extremely low birth weight (ELBW, <1000 g) infants are at high risk of aberrant neurodevelopment. Sulcogyral folding patterns of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) are determined during the third trimester, however little is known about OFC patterning in EP/ELBW cohorts, for whom this gestational period is disturbed. This study investigated whether the distribution of OFC pattern types and frequency of intermediate and/or posterior orbital sulci (IOS/POS) differed between EP/ELBW and control adolescents. This study also investigated whether OFC pattern type was associated with mental illness or executive function outcome in adolescence. Magnetic resonance images of 194 EP/ELBW and 147 full term (>37 completed weeks) and/or normal birth weight (>2500 g) adolescents were acquired, from which the OFC pattern of each hemisphere was classified as Type I, II, or III. Compared with controls, more EP/ELBW adolescents possessed a Type II in the left hemisphere (P = 0.019). The EP/ELBW group had fewer IOS (P = 0.024) and more POS (P = 0.021) in the left hemisphere compared with controls. OFC pattern type was not associated with mental illness, however in terms of executive functioning, Type III in the left hemisphere was associated with better parent‐reported metacognition scores overall (P = 0.008) and better self‐reported behavioral regulation scores in the control group (P = 0.001) compared with Type I. We show, for the first time that EP/ELBW birth is associated with changes in orbitofrontal development, and that specific patterns of OFC folding are associated with executive function at age 18 years in both EP/ELBW and control subjects. Hum Brain Mapp 36:1138–1150, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Strong rightward lateralization of the dorsal attentional network in left‐handers with right sighting‐eye: An evolutionary advantage
Authors: Petit Laurent , Zago Laure , Mellet Emmanuel , Jobard Gaël , Crivello Fabrice , Joliot Marc , Mazoyer Bernard , Tzourio‐Mazoyer Nathalie
Published: November 2014

Hemispheric lateralization for spatial attention and its relationships with manual preference strength and eye preference were studied in a sample of 293 healthy individuals balanced for manual preference. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to map this large sample while performing visually guided saccadic eye movements. This activated a bilateral distributed cortico‐subcortical network in which dorsal and ventral attentional/saccadic pathways elicited rightward asymmetrical activation depending on manual preference strength and sighting eye. While the ventral pathway showed a strong rightward asymmetry irrespective of both manual preference strength and eye preference, the dorsal frontoparietal network showed a robust rightward asymmetry in strongly left‐handers, even more pronounced in left‐handed subjects with a right sighting‐eye. Our findings brings support to the hypothesis that the origin of the rightward hemispheric dominance for spatial attention may have a manipulo‐spatial origin neither perceptual nor motor per se but rather reflecting a mechanism by which a spatial context is mapped onto the perceptual and motor activities, including the exploration of the spatial environment with eyes and hands. Within this context, strongly left‐handers with a right sighting‐eye may benefit from the advantage of having the same right hemispheric control of their dominant hand and visuospatial attention processing. We suggest that this phenomenon explains why left‐handed right sighting‐eye athletes can outperform their competitors in sporting duels and that the prehistoric and historical constancy of the left‐handers ratio over the general population may relate in part on the hemispheric specialization of spatial attention. Hum Brain Mapp 36:1151–1164, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combining isotopic tracers (222Rn and δ13C) for improved modelling of groundwater discharge to small rivers
Authors: Lefebvre K. , Barbecot F. , Larocque M. , Gillon M.
Published: November 2014

In regions where aquifers sustain rivers, the location and quantification of groundwater discharge to surface water are important to prevent pollution hazards, to quantify and predict low flows and to manage water supplies. 222Rn is commonly used to determine groundwater discharge to rivers. However, using this isotopic tracer is challenging because of the high diffusion capacity of 222Rn in open water. This study illustrates how a combination of isotopic tracers can contribute to an enhanced understanding of groundwater discharge patterns in small rivers. The aim of this paper is to combine 222Rn and δ13CDIC to better constrain the physical parameters related to the degassing process of these tracers in rivers. The Hallue River (northern France) was targeted for this study because it is sustained almost exclusively by a fractured chalk aquifer. The isotopes 222Rn, δ13CDIC, δ2H and δ18O were analysed along with other natural geochemical tracers. A mass balance model was used to simulate 222Rn and δ13CDIC. The results of δ2H and δ18O analyses prove that evaporation did not occur in the river. The calibration of a numerical model to reproduce 222Rn and δ13CDIC provides a best‐fit diffusive layer thickness of 3.21 × 10−5 m. This approach is particularly useful for small rivers flowing over carbonate aquifers with high groundwater DIC where the evolution of river DIC reflects the competing processes of groundwater inflow and CO2 degassing. This approach provides a means to evaluate groundwater discharge in small ungauged rivers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐level laser irradiation promotes the proliferation and maturation of keratinocytes during epithelial wound repair
Authors: Sperandio Felipe F. , Simões Alyne , Corrêa Luciana , Aranha Ana Cecília C. , Giudice Fernanda S. , Hamblin Michael R. , Sousa Suzana C.O.M.
Published: November 2014

Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) has been extensively employed to improve epithelial wound healing, though the exact response of epithelium maturation and stratification after LLLT is unknown. Thus, this study aimed to assess the in vitro growth and differentiation of keratinocytes (KCs) and in vivo wound healing response when treated with LLLT. Human KCs (HaCaT cells) showed an enhanced proliferation with all the employed laser energy densities (3, 6 and 12 J/cm2, 660 nm, 100 mW), together with an increased expression of Cyclin D1. Moreover, the immunoexpression of proteins related to epithelial proliferation and maturation (p63, CK10, CK14) all indicated a faster maturation of the migrating KCs in the LLLT‐treated wounds. In that way, an improved epithelial healing was promoted by LLLT with the employed parameters; this improvement was confirmed by changes in the expression of several proteins related to epithelial proliferation and maturation.

Immunofluorescent expression of cytokeratin 10 (red) and Cyclin D1 (green) in (A) Control keratinocytes and (B) Low‐level laser irradiated cells. Blue color illustrates the nuclei of the cells (DAPI staining).

magnified image

Immunofluorescent expression of cytokeratin 10 (red) and Cyclin D1 (green) in (A) Control keratinocytes and (B) Low‐level laser irradiated cells. Blue color illustrates the nuclei of the cells (DAPI staining).
Nutritional values and bioactive components of under‐utilised vegetables consumed by indigenous people in Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Wahab Norsuhaila , Ahdan Rohaina , Ahmad Aufa Zabidah , Kong Kin Weng , Johar Mohd Hafizan , Shariff Mohd Zalilah , Ismail Amin
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

Diverse plants species in the forest remain under‐utilised and they are mainly consumed only by local people. However, increasing issues in food security prompted the present study, which explores the nutritional and antioxidant aspects of Malaysian under‐utilised vegetables. The studied vegetables were Paku Nyai (Stenochlaena palustris), Cemperai (Champereia manillana), Maman Pasir (Cleome viscose), Dudung (Erechtites valerianifolia) and Semambuk (Ardisia pendula).

RESULTS

Overall, these vegetables exhibited a low proximal content but they were high in vitamin C [7.07–1263 mg kg−1 edible fresh sample (EFS)] and β‐carotene content (18.4–43.9 mg kg−1 kg−1 EFS). Cemperai had the highest calcium content (565 mg kg−1 EFS), whereas Semambuk had the highest total phenolic content [28.21 g gallic acid equivalents kg−1 edible dried sample (EDS)] and antioxidant activity (86.1%) measured using β‐carotene bleaching assay. Maman Pasir contained the highest total flavonoid content (39.99 g CE kg−1 EDS) and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging activity (82.2%). The extracts of these vegetables had significantly prevented the oxidation of haemoglobin and low‐density lipoprotein, which yielded a reduced production of malondialdehyde.

CONCLUSION

Semambuk and Maman Pasir are potent to be used as new food and functional food sources as they are rich in nutrients and antioxidants. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Plasma Stimulation of Migration of Macrophages
Authors: Miller Vandana , Lin Abraham , Fridman Gregory , Dobrynin Danil , Fridman Alexander
Published: November 2014

Plasma has been shown to be effective against cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Several studies have documented the selectivity of plasma against cancer cells with minimal or reduced damage to normal cells. However, complete remission of cancer following plasma treatment has not been achieved yet. In the body, the immune system plays a vital role in the prevention and control of cancer. Presence of cells of the adaptive immune system in the tumor microenvironment is usually an indicator of good prognosis. Since immune cell migration is a key initial step towards defense against diseases, it is important to evaluate the influence of plasma treatment on such cellular functions. Here we show that treatment with nanosecond‐pulsed non‐thermal dielectric barrier discharge enhances migration of macrophages in vitro.
Common functionally important motions of the nucleotide‐binding domain of Hsp70
Authors: Gołaś Ewa I. , Czaplewski Cezary , Scheraga Harold A. , Liwo Adam
Published: November 2014

The 70 kDa heat shock proteins (Hsp70) are a family of molecular chaperones involved in protein folding, aggregate prevention, and protein disaggregation. They consist of the substrate‐binding domain (SBD) that binds client substrates, and the nucleotide‐binding domain (NBD), whose cycles of nucleotide hydrolysis and exchange underpin the activity of the chaperone. To characterize the structure–function relationships that link the binding state of the NBD to its conformational behavior, we analyzed the dynamics of the NBD of the Hsp70 chaperone from Bos taurus (PDB 3C7N:B) by all‐atom canonical molecular dynamics simulations. It was found that essential motions within the NBD fall into three major classes: the mutual class, reflecting tendencies common to all binding states, and the ADP‐ and ATP‐unique classes, which reflect conformational trends that are unique to either the ADP‐ or ATP‐bound states, respectively. “Mutual” class motions generally describe “in‐plane” and/or “out‐of‐plane” (scissor‐like) rotation of the subdomains within the NBD. This result is consistent with experimental nuclear magnetic resonance data on the NBD. The “unique” class motions target specific regions on the NBD, usually surface loops or sites involved in nucleotide binding and are, therefore, expected to be involved in allostery and signal transmission. For all classes, and especially for those of the “unique” type, regions of enhanced mobility can be identified; these are termed “hot spots,” and their locations generally parallel those found by NMR spectroscopy. The presence of magnesium and potassium cations in the nucleotide‐binding pocket was also found to influence the dynamics of the NBD significantly. Proteins 2015; 83:282–299. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiple proton relay routes in the reaction mechanism of RNAP II: Assessing the effect of structural model
Authors: Zhang Rui , Bhattacharjee Anirban , Field Martin J. , Salahub Dennis R.
Published: November 2014

RNA polymerase II catalyzes the nucleotidyl transfer reaction for messenger RNA synthesis in eukaryotes. Two crystal structures of this system have been resolved, each with its own defects in the coordination sphere of Mg2+(A) resulting from chemical modifications. We have used both structures and also a novel hybrid of the two that allows a better exploration of the parts of configuration space that reflect substrate–enzyme interactions. MD and QM/MM calculations have been performed, the latter with the semiempirical AM1/d‐PhoT method, calibrated against density functional theory. Reaction path scans in 1‐D provided insights about the role of Mg2+ (A) which turns out to be more structural than catalytic. In contrast, 1‐D scans of the incorporation of the nucleotidyl group yielded barriers that were much too high, necessitating the use of 2‐D reaction coordinates. Three different proton acceptors for the initial reaction step were examined. For those models based on the two PDB structures the 2‐D scans continued to yield very high barriers, indicating that the reaction is unlikely to proceed from these configurations. On the other hand, two hybrid models, chosen from the early and late parts of a 12ns molecular dynamics simulation yielded greatly reduced barriers in the range of ∼17 to ∼27 kcal/mol for the three proton acceptors, as compared to the experimental estimate of 18 kcal/mol. The final step, release of pyrophosphate, was found to be facile. Our overall mechanism involves only active site residues or water without the need for external reactive agents such as the hydroxide ion previously proposed. Proteins 2015; 83:268–281. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Memristive sorting networks
Authors: Frátrik Milan , Klimo Martin , Šuch Ondrej , Škvarek Ondrej
Published: November 2014

Resistive switching in thin‐film solid state devices is a rapidly progressing research area. Several new devices and applications, based on resistive switching, were proposed. The devices fall into realm of unconventional computing. In this paper we present memristor implementation of fuzzy logic. We describe fuzzy logic operations, simulation method used in our experiments and finally we compare two sorting algorithms implemented in memristive network. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Formation of nanodimensional structures on surfaces of GaAs and Si by means of ion implantation
Authors: Donaev S. B. , Djurabekova F. , Tashmukhamedova D. A. , Umirzakov B. E.
Published: November 2014

We obtained the two‐ and three‐component nanostructures by means of ion implantation of low‐energy Co and Ba ions in the surface layers of Si and GaAs in combination with the post‐implantation annealing. We show that flat shaped nanocrystals (nanoislands) of two‐ and three‐component composition, Co‐Si and Ga‐Ba‐As, start forming at ion fluences of Φ = (6¸8)×1014 cm‐2. After the laser annealing and short time electron heating we observed the formation of CoSi2 and Ga0.4Ba0.6As nanocrystals. Our results show that the size effects are clearly seen in electronic properties (opening of the band gap) when the lateral size of nanocrystals is less than 15‐30 nm, or in case of solid nanofilms, similar effect is observed at the thickness less than 3‐4 nm. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Charged defects and defect‐induced processes in nitrogen films
Authors: Savchenko Elena , Khyzhniy Ivan , Uyutnov Sergey , Barabashov Andrey , Gumenchuk Galina , Ponomaryov Alexey , Bondybey Vladimir
Published: November 2014

Radiation effects in solid nitrogen irradiated with an electron beam were studied with emphasis on the role of charged centers in radiation‐induced phenomena. The experiments were performed employing luminescence method and activation spectroscopy techniques – spectrally resolved thermally stimulated luminescence TSL and thermally stimulated exoelectron emission. Samples were probed in depth by varying electron energy, thus discriminating radiation‐induced processes in the bulk and at the surface. Spectroscopic evidence of the excited N2* (C3Πu) molecule desorption was obtained for the first time and mechanism of the phenomenon based on recombination of electron with intrinsic charged center N4+ was proposed. The key role of N3+ center dissociative recombination in generation of N radicals is suggested. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Defect‐enhanced F– ion conductivity in layer‐structured nanocrystalline BaSnF4 prepared by high‐energy ball milling combined with soft annealing
Authors: Preishuber‐Pflügl Florian , Epp Viktor , Nakhal Suliman , Lerch Martin , Wilkening Martin
Published: November 2014

Fast ion conductors play one of the most important roles in solid state ionics as there is a great demand for their application in safe and powerful electrochemical energy storage systems. For such materials, it is known that the synthesis conditions may have significant impact on the final properties of the materials prepared. In this contribution, we made use of mechanosynthesis, carried out via high‐energy ball milling, to influence the ionic transport parameters of tetragonal, i.e., layer‐structured, BaSnF4. X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) revealed that mechanical treatment of the binary fluorides BaF2 and SnF2 leads to a powder pointing to a nanocrystalline fluoride with (distorted) cubic symmetry. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as well as preliminary in situ XRD measurements were used to follow the transformation towards the tetragonal modification with the composition BaSnF4. Broadband impedance spectroscopy was used to measure the overall electrical conductivity of the ternary fluoride. Remarkably, the layered form shows a room temperature conductivity of 7 × 10–4 S cm–1. Further emphasis was put on the characterization of the dielectric properties of the material, which was investigated by using different electrode materials to distinguish artefacts from intrinsic properties. Since we found a strong dependence of the real part of the permittivity on the electrode materials applied (carbon paste or sputtered Pt), we tend to assign the huge increase in permittivity, which was recently interpreted as giant dielectric constant, to interfacial polarization effects rather than to intrinsic properties. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hepatoprotective effects of sesamol loaded solid lipid nanoparticles in carbon tetrachloride induced sub‐chronic hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Singh Neha , Khullar Neeraj , Kakkar Vandita , Kaur Indu Pal
Published: November 2014

Sesamol is a phenolic component of sesame seed oil, which has been established as an antioxidant and also possesses potential for hepatoprotection. However, its protective role in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced sub‐chronic hepatotoxicity has not been studied. Limited oral bioavailability (BA) and rapid elimination (as conjugates) in rats is reported for sesamol. Considering its significant antioxidant potential and compromised BA, we packaged sesamol into solid lipid nanoparticles (S‐SLNs) to enhance its hepatoprotective bioactivity. S‐SLNs prepared by microemulsification method were nearly spherical in shape with an average particle size of 120.30 nm and their oral administration at 8 mg/kg body weight (BW) showed significantly (p < 0.001) better hepatoprotection than free sesamol (FS) and a well established hepatoprotective antioxidant silymarin [SILY (25 mg/kg BW); p < 0.05) in CCl4 induced sub‐chronic liver injury in rats. Evaluations were done in terms of histological changes in the liver tissue, liver injury markers (serum alanine aminotransferase, serum aspartate aminotransferase, and serum lactate dehydrogenase); oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione) and proinflammatory response marker (tumor necrosis factor‐alpha). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 520–532, 2016.
Effects of environmental exposure to diazepam on the reproductive behavior of fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas
Authors: Lorenzi Varenka , Choe Ree , Schlenk Daniel
Published: November 2014

Pharmaceutical drugs are continuously discharged into the aquatic environment primarily through wastewater discharge; therefore, their possible effects on wildlife is a reason of concern. Diazepam is a widely prescribed benzodiazepine drug used to treat insomnia and anxiety disorders, and it has been found in wastewater effluents worldwide. The present study tested the effects of diazepam on fecundity and the reproductive behavior of the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas, a fish that exhibits male parental care. Sexually mature fathead minnows were housed at a ratio of one male and two females per tank and exposed to nominal (measured) concentrations of 0, 0.1 (0.14 ± 0.06), 1.0 (1.04 ± 0.15), 10 (13.4 ± 1.5) µg L−1 for 21 days. Fish receiving the low diazepam treatment had significantly larger clutches than fish receiving the highest concentration but neither were different from controls. Diazepam exposure was not associated with a significant change in fertilization rate, hatchability or time to hatch, but a trend toward a higher number of eggs/day was observed in fish exposed to the low diazepam concentration relative to those exposed to the medium concentration. There were no significant differences in any of the behaviors analyzed when responses were averaged over time. The results showed that exposure to diazepam at concentrations as high as 13 µg L−1 did not significantly impact the reproductive behavior of fathead minnow. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 561–568, 2016.
Immediate and long‐term effects of psychological stress during adolescence in cardiovascular function: Comparison of homotypic vs heterotypic stress regimens
Authors: Duarte Josiane O. , Planeta Cleopatra S. , Crestani Carlos C.
Published: November 2014

Adolescence has been proposed as an ontogenic period of vulnerability to stress. Nevertheless, the impact of stressful events during adolescence in cardiovascular activity is poorly understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate and long‐lasting effects of exposure to stressful events during adolescence in cardiovascular function of rats. To this end, we compared the impact of 10‐days exposure to two chronic stress protocols: the repeated restraint stress (RRS, homotypic) and chronic variable stress (CVS, heterotypic). Independent groups of animals were tested 24 h (immediate) or three weeks (long‐lasting) following completion of stress period. Exposure to CVS, but not RRS, during adolescence increased basal HR values without affecting arterial pressure, which was followed by augmented power of oscillatory component at low frequency (sympathetic‐related) of the pulse interval (PI). RRS enhanced variance of the PI with an increase in the power of both low and high (parasympathetic‐related) frequency components. RRS also increased the baroreflex gain. Neither RRS nor CVS affected systolic arterial pressure variability. The RRS‐evoked changes in PI variability were long‐lasting and persisted into adulthood while all alterations evoked by the CVS were reversed in adulthood. These findings indicate a stress type‐specific influence in immediate and long‐term effects of stress during adolescence in cardiovascular function. While immediate changes in cardiovascular function were mainly observed following CVS, long‐lasting autonomic consequences in adulthood were observed only in animals exposed to RRS during adolescence.
Increased expression of Hes5 protein in Notch signaling pathway in the hippocampus of mice offspring of dams fed a high‐fat diet during pregnancy and suckling
Authors: Mendes‐da‐Silva Cristiano , Lemes Simone Ferreira , Baliani Tanyara da Silva , Versutti Milena Diorio , Torsoni Marcio Alberto
Published: November 2014

Maternal high‐fat diet (HFD) impairs hippocampal development of offspring promoting decreased proliferation of neural progenitors, in neuronal differentiation, in dendritic spine density and synaptic plasticity reducing neurogenic capacity. Notch signaling pathway participates in molecular mechanisms of the neurogenesis. The activation of Notch signaling leads to the upregulation of Hes5, which inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitors. This study aimed to investigate the Notch/Hes pathway activation in the hippocampus of the offspring of dams fed an HFD. Female Swiss mice were fed a control diet (CD) and an HFD from pre‐mating until suckling. The bodyweight and mass of adipose tissue in the mothers and pups were also measured. The mRNA and protein expression of Notch1, Hes5, Mash1, and Delta1 in the hippocampus was assessed by RT‐PCR and western blotting, respectively. Dams fed the HFD and their pups had an increased bodyweight and amount of adipose tissue. Furthermore, the offspring of mothers fed the HFD exhibited an increased Hes5 expression in the hippocampus compared with CD offspring. In addition, HFD offspring also expressed increased amounts of Notch1 and Hes5 mRNA, whereas Mash1 expression was decreased. However, the expression of Delta1 did not change significantly. We propose that the overexpression of Hes5, a Notch effector, downregulates the expression of the proneural gene Mash1 in the offspring of obese mothers, delaying cellular differentiation. These results provide further evidence that an offspring's hippocampus is molecularly susceptible to maternal HFD and suggest that Notch1 signaling in this brain region is important for neuronal differentiation.
Comparative Effects of Multilevel Muscle Tendon Surgery, Osteotomies, and Dorsal Rhizotomy on Functional and Gait Outcome Measures for Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Feger Mark A. , Lunsford Christopher D. , Sauer Lindsay D. , Novicoff Wendy , Abel Mark F.
Published: November 2014

Objective

To compare the impact of common surgical interventions (selective dorsal rhizotomy, muscle‐tendon surgery, and osteotomies) for patients with cerebral palsy (CP) on Gross Motor Function Measure and temporal, kinematic, and kinetic gait variables as assessed via 3‐dimensional motion analysis.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Motion analyses laboratory.

Participants

Ninety‐four patients with CP, 56 of whom underwent surgery (37, muscle‐tendon surgery; 11, osteotomy; and 8, selective dorsal rhizotomy) and 38 of whom did not have surgery; the patients were ages 4‐18 years, with a Gross Motor Function Classification System classification of I, II, or III.

Interventions

Single‐event, multilevel muscle tendon surgery, selective dorsal rhizotomy, and osteotomy.

Main Outcome Measures

Change scores (postintervention – preintervention) in Gross Motor Function Measure and temporal, kinematic, and kinetic gait variables.

Results

No statistically significant differences in change scores were found between groups in the Gross Motor Function Measure, velocity, or stride length measures after the observation period. The selective dorsal rhizotomy group had greater improvements in knee extension when compared with the nonsurgical group and greater hip and knee total range of motion during the gait cycle when compared with nonsurgical group and the muscle‐tendon surgery and osteotomy cohorts. Lastly, the muscle‐tendon surgery group had greater improvements in total knee range of motion compared with the nonsurgical group.

Conclusions

Patients who undergo selective dorsal rhizotomy and, to a lesser extent, muscle tendon procedures demonstrate greater improvements in kinematic gait variables compared with nonsurgical interventions in patients with spasticity resulting from CP.
The Barriers to Seeking Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in an Australian Population
Authors: Gentle Melissa , Harris Lynne M. , Jones Mairwen K.
Published: November 2014

Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) experience a significant deterioration in quality of life (Fontenelle et al., 2010; Kugler et al., 2013) and marked functional impairment (Markarian et al., 2010). Despite this, a large proportion of these individuals do not seek any type of help (Goodwin, Koenen, Hellman, Guardino, & Struening, 2002; Mayerovitch et al., 2003). The current study investigated the barriers to seeking OCD treatment using an online survey that was completed by 86 participants living in Australia who identified as having OCD. Results showed that the three main barriers to seeking OCD treatment were: (a) preference for handling problems alone; (b) cost of treatment; and (c) lack of knowledge about available mental health treatment. Individuals who reported receiving an OCD diagnosis (n = 57) demonstrated more severe symptoms, poorer quality of life and higher symptom intrusiveness than those who had not received a diagnosis (n = 29). Furthermore, significant associations were found between religious affiliation and barriers to treatment where greater religious attendance was correlated with a higher likelihood of identifying cultural factors as a barrier to OCD treatment. Additionally, higher levels of religious attendance were associated with a greater understanding of where to go for OCD treatment, not wanting to handle problems alone, and recognising that symptoms are a problem. This article considers approaches to overcoming barriers to accessing effective evidence-based treatment for people with OCD symptoms, and highlights future directions for research.
Worry and Depression in the Old and Young: Differences and Mediating Factors
Authors: Armstrong Lucy , Wuthrich Viviana M. , Knight Ashleigh , Joiner Richard
Published: November 2014

Objective: This study examined whether differences in habitual negative self-thinking and coping strategies might contribute to the age differences in worry and depression. Method: 60 undergraduate students (age range: 18–24 years, M = 19.10, SD = 1.3) and 45 community-dwelling older adults (age range: 60–89 years, M = 73.5, SD = 7.5) participated. Participants completed self-report measures of worry, depression, negative self-thinking, and coping styles. Results: We replicated previous findings that older adults were less worried and less depressed than younger adults. Older adults also reported engaging in less habitual negative thinking and using more problem solving as a coping strategy than younger adults. Furthermore, negative self-thinking and problem-solving skills were found to partially mediate age differences in worry and fully mediate depression scores. Conclusions: These results suggest that habitual negative thinking and problem-solving skills play a role in explaining the lower rates of worry and depression in older populations.
OVID,FASTI3.330
Authors: Morgan Llewelyn
Published: November 2014

eliciunt caelo te, Iuppiter; unde minoresnunc quoque te celebrant Eliciumque uocant.constat Auentinae tremuisse cacumina siluae,terraque subsedit pondere pressa Iouis.   (Ov.Fasti3.327–30)

They draw you down from the sky, Jupiter, and that is why more recent generations still worship you today, and call you Elicius. It is certain that the summit of the Aventine wood trembled, and the earth sank beneath the weight of Jupiter.

Dismayed by an unprecedented flurry of thunderbolts, the pious King Numa sets out to expiate the omen. His divine consort Egeria advises him to learn theritus piandi(291) from Picus and Faunus, who will, however, only reveal the necessary information under compulsion. Numa makes plans to ambush the gods, taking up position in a cave within a grove ‘under the Aventine, black with the shade of the holm oak, at sight of which you would say, “A spirit is here”’ (lucus Auentino suberat niger ilicis umbra, | quo posses uiso dicere ‘numen inest’, 295–6). The description of this numinous location continues (297–9):in medio gramen, muscoque adoperta uirentimanabat saxo uena perennis aquae;inde fere soli Faunus Picusque bibebant.

In the middle was a meadow, and an unceasing stream of water, covered with green moss, flowed from the rock. From it Faunus and Picus, unaccompanied, were in the habit of drinking.

Once captured by the king, Faunus and Picus tell Numa that only Jupiter himself can be consulted about Jupiter's own domain (if we readtectaat 316; Jupiter's weapons, if we readtela, and there's little to choose between those readings), but that with their help Numa may be able to draw Jupiter down from the sky to answer his enquiry.