bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post‐mortem determination of insulin using chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay: preliminary results
Authors: Palmiere Cristian , Sabatasso Sara , Torrent Céline , Rey François , Werner Dominique , Bardy Daniel
Published: February 2015

Insulin determination in blood sampled during post‐mortem investigation has been repeatedly asserted as being of little diagnostic value due to the rapid occurrence of decompositional changes and blood haemolysis. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of insulin determination in post‐mortem serum, vitreous humour, bile, and cerebrospinal and pericardial fluids in one case of fatal insulin self‐administration and a series of 40 control cases (diabetics and non‐diabetics) using a chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay. In the case of suicide by insulin self‐administration, insulin concentrations in pericardial fluid and bile were higher than blood clinical reference values, though lower than post‐mortem serum concentration. Insulin concentrations in vitreous (11.50 mU/L) and cerebrospinal fluid (17.30 mU/L) were lower than blood clinical reference values. Vitreous insulin concentrations in non‐diabetic control cases were lower than the estimated detection limit of the method. These preliminary results tend to confirm the usefulness of insulin determination in vitreous humour in situations of suspected fatal insulin administration. Additional findings pertaining to insulin determination in bile, pericardial, and cerebrospinal fluid would suggest that analysis performed in post‐mortem serum and injection sites could be complemented, in individual cases, by investigations carried out in alternative biological fluids. Lastly, these results would indicate that analysis with chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay may provide suitable data, similar to analysis with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) and immunoradiometric assay, to support the hypothesis of insulin overdose. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid detection of t(15;17)(q24;q21) in acute promyelocytic leukaemia by microwave‐assisted fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Soriani Silvia , Mura Cinzia , Panico Anna Rita , Scarpa Anna Maria , Recchimuzzo Patrizia , Dadati Raffaella , Farioli Renata , De Canal Gabriella , Mura Maria Angela , Cesana Clara
Published: February 2015

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by the rearrangement of the PML and RARα genes, mostly due to a reciprocal chromosomal translocation t(15;17)(q24;q21). A quick APL diagnosis is essential for starting a prompt suitable therapy. We describe a new rapid diagnostic laboratory approach to detect the PML‐RARα rearrangement, which gives clear genetic results within 30 min of hybridization. It combines quick cell harvesting, fluorescence in situ hybridization performed with commercial DNA probe and microwave beams supplied by a domestic microwave oven. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tips and tricks of double‐balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (with video)
Authors: Hatanaka Hisashi , Yano Tomonori , Tamada Kiichi
Published: February 2015

Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is technically difficult in patients with altered gastrointestinal tract, double‐balloon endoscopy (DBE) allows endoscopic access to pancreato‐biliary system in such patients. Balloon dilation of biliary stricture and extraction of bile duct stones, placement of biliary stent in patients with Roux‐en‐Y or Billroth‐II reconstruction, using DBE have been reported. However, two major technical parts are required for double‐balloon ERCP (DB‐ERCP). One is insertion of DBE and the other is an ERCP‐related procedure. The important point of DBE insertion is a sure approach to the afferent limb with Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction or Braun anastomosis. Short type DBE with working length 152 cm is beneficial for DB‐ERCP because it is short enough for most biliary accessory devices. In this paper, we introduce our tips and tricks for successful DB‐ERCP.
Selective reagent ionisation‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry: a rapid technology for the novel analysis of blends of new psychoactive substances
Authors: Lanza Matteo , Acton W. Joe , Sulzer Philipp , Breiev Kostiantyn , Jürschik Simone , Jordan Alfons , Hartungen Eugen , Hanel Gernot , Märk Lukas , Märk Tilmann D. , Mayhew Chris A.
Published: February 2015

In this study we demonstrate the potential of selective reagent ionisation‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry for the rapid and selective identification of a popular new psychoactive substance blend called ‘synthacaine’, a mixture that is supposed to imitate the sensory and intoxicating effects of cocaine. Reactions with H3O+ result in protonated parent molecules which can be tentatively assigned to benzocaine and methiopropamine. However, by comparing the product ion branching ratios obtained at two reduced electric field values (90 and 170 Td) for two reagent ions (H3O+ and NO+) to those of the pure chemicals, we show that identification is possible with a much higher level of confidence then when relying solely on the m/z of protonated parent molecules. A rapid and highly selective analytical identification of the constituents of a recreational drug is particularly crucial to medical personnel for the prompt medical treatment of overdoses, toxic effects or allergic reactions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New insights into the role of the branched‐chain aminotransferase proteins in the human brain
Authors: Hull Jonathon , Patel Vinood B. , Hutson Susan M. , Conway Myra E.
Published: February 2015

The human cytosolic branched‐chain aminotransferase (hBCATc) enzyme is strategically located in glutamatergic neurons, where it is thought to provide approximately 30% of de novo nitrogen for brain glutamate synthesis. In health, glutamate plays a dominant role in facilitating learning and memory. However, in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), synaptic levels of glutamate become toxic, resulting in a direct increase in postsynaptic neuronal calcium, causing a cascade of events that contributes to the destruction of neuronal integrity and cell death, pathological features of AD. Our group is the first to map the hBCAT proteins to the human brain, where cell‐specific compartmentation indicates key roles for these proteins in regulating glutamate homeostasis. Moreover, increased expression of hBCAT was observed in the brains of patients with AD relative to matched controls. We reflect on the importance of the redox‐active CXXC motif, which confers novel roles for the hBCAT proteins, particularly with respect to substrate channeling and protein folding. This implies that, in addition to their role in glutamate metabolism, these proteins have additional functional roles that might impact redox cell signaling. This review discusses how these proteins behave as potential neuroprotectors during periods of oxidative stress. These findings are particularly important because an increase in misfolded proteins, linked to increased oxidative stress, occurs in several neurodegenerative conditions. Together, these studies give an overview of the diverse role that these proteins play in brain metabolism, in which a dysregulation of their expression may contribute to neurodegenerative conditions such as AD. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Climatological characteristics of the Ora del Garda wind in the Alps
Authors: Giovannini Lorenzo , Laiti Lavinia , Zardi Dino , de Franceschi Massimiliano
Published: February 2015

The Ora del Garda is a coupled lake and valley breeze regularly blowing from the northern shorelines of Lake Garda, in the Italian Alps, especially during warm‐season clear‐sky days. The climatological characteristics of this wind are investigated through the analysis of 10 years of observations collected at two representative surface weather stations – one on Lake Garda's shore and the other 30 km inland. Furthermore, the possible influences of the land‐water temperature contrast and of the synoptic wind on the development and the propagation of the Ora del Garda are analysed. Lake‐breeze days are identified by means of a set of objective criteria based on observations of solar radiation, wind speed and direction at the two stations. The analysis highlights that, on the lake's shoreline, the breeze develops on about 70% of the days in the warmest months, while it rarely occurs from October to February. Moreover, in the warmest months, the Ora del Garda reaches the inland weather station on about 80–90% of the days on which it blows on the lake's shore, after 3.5 h on average. It displays rather strong intensities, reaching average velocities of 5 m s−1 and gusts of 10 m s−1, respectively, in summer on the lake's shore and in spring at the inland weather station. No clear relationship is found between the land‐water temperature contrast and the lake‐breeze strength. On the other hand, synoptic winds are observed to affect significantly the development of the breeze. In particular, onshore synoptic winds are associated with stronger intensities at the lake's shore. Moreover, in these situations the Ora del Garda propagates faster and is detected earlier at the inland weather station.
Utilization of organic phosphorus sources by oilseed rape, sunflower, and soybean
Authors: Belinque Hernan , Pucheu Norma , Kerber Norma , Rubio Gerardo
Published: February 2015

We evaluated the ability of Brassica napus L. (oilseed rape), Helianthus annus L. (sunflower), and Glycine max L. (soybean) plants grown inoculated with or without bacteria to utilize organic P sources. Plants were supplied with inorganic (dibasic sodium phosphate) and organic P sources (phytate and glucose phosphate) at three concentrations and grown for 40 d under sterile conditions. Three inoculation treatments were compared: control (non‐inoculated plants), inoculation with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BNM340, and inoculation with Pseudomonas fluorescens BNM296 (two bacteria with proven phytase activity). Oilseed rape, sunflower and soybean could utilize organic P sources. For example, when phytate (0.5 mM) P was used as the external P source, the increase factors over the no‐P treatments were 4.5, 1.4, and 1.4 for oilseed rape, sunflower, and soybean P uptake, respectively. When glucose 1‐phosphate disodium salt (G1P, 0.5 mM) was the P source, the increase factors were 8.8, 1.7, and 1.9 respectively. Positive responses to the organic P sources were found for the biomass accumulation of oilseed rape and soybean but not for sunflower. The inoculation with bacteria did not exert a promoting effect on P uptake. We demonstrate that the three species can effectively use organic P sources. The existence of crop plants that are more efficient in the utilization of different soil P sources would be particularly beneficial to improve P recycling and use of P fertilizers in agriculture.
Characterization of a novel radiation‐induced sarcoma cell line
Authors: Lang Julie , Zhu Weizhu , Nokes Brandon , Sheth Grishma , Novak Petr , Fuchs Laura , Watts George , Futscher Bernard , Mineyev Neal , Ring Alexander , LeBeau Lauren , Nagle Ray , Cranmer Lee
Published: February 2015

Background

Radiation‐induced sarcoma (RIS) is a potential complication of cancer treatment. No widely available cell line models exist to facilitate studies of RIS.

Methods

We derived a spontaneously immortalized primary human cell line, UACC‐SARC1, from a RIS.

Results

Short tandem repeat (STR) profiling of UACC‐SARC1 was virtually identical to its parental tumor. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of the tumor and immunocytochemistry (ICC) analysis of UACC‐SARC1 revealed shared expression of vimentin, osteonectin, CD68, Ki67 and PTEN but tumor‐restricted expression of the histiocyte markers α1‐antitrypsin and α1‐antichymotrypsin. Karyotyping of the tumor demonstrated aneuploidy. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) provided direct genetic comparison between the tumor and UACC‐SARC1. Sequencing of 740 mutation hotspots revealed no mutations in UACC‐SARC1 nor in the tumor. NOD/SCID gamma mouse xenografts demonstrated tumor formation and metastasis. Clonogenicity assays demonstrated that 90% of single cells produced viable colonies. NOD/SCID gamma mice produced useful patient‐derived xenografts for orthotopic or metastatic models.

Conclusion

Our novel RIS strain constitutes a useful tool for pre‐clinical studies of this rare, aggressive disease. UACC‐SARC1 is an aneuploid cell line with complex genomics lacking common oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes as drivers of its biology. The UACC‐SARC1 cell line will enable further studies of the drivers of RIS. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:669–682. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Universality properties of the quaternionic power series and entire functions
Authors: Gal Sorin G. , Sabadini Irene
Published: February 2015

In this paper we establish the existence of “almost universal” quaternionic power series and entire functions. Denoting by B(0, 1) the open unit ball in , this means that there exists a quaternionic power series with radius of convergence 1 such that, denoting by the n‐th partial sum of S, for every , for every axially symmetric open subset Ω of containing K and every f slice regular on Ω, there exists a subsequence of the partial sums of S such that uniformly on K, as . The symbol denotes the set of axially symmetric compact sets in such that is connected for some . This is a slightly weaker property than the classical universal power series phenomenon obtained for analytic only on the interior of K and continuous on K. We also generalize a result originally proven by Birkhoff and finally we show that there exists an entire quaternionic function whose set of derivatives is dense in the class of entire quaternionic functions.
Disease‐Modifying Treatments for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Stamelou Maria , Boxer Adam L.
Published: February 2015

In recent years, research has focused on the development of disease‐modifying treatments for PSP, targeting mainly at tau dysfunction. However, the glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitor, tideglusib, and the microtubuli stabilizer, davunetide, both failed to show efficacy in recent double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies. Despite these results, further agents targeting tau dysfunction, tau post‐translational modifications, or aiming at mictorubuli stabilization are currently being investigated. Further approaches under development include agents to reduce tau levels extracellularly by active or passive immunization, antisense oligonucleotides to reduce tau concentrations, and small interfering RNAs to suppress human tau expression. However, the major limitation on the way to find disease‐modifying treatments for PSP still remains the lack of biomarkers. Indeed, for all of these potential therapeutic modalities, a well‐designed human trial would require validated biomarkers, without which the results of negative efficacy trials will be difficult to interpret. In this regard, PET imaging using tau‐specific ligands may be proven useful in the near future. There is great hope that the next decade will bring the first effective therapy for PSP.
Enhanced thermal conductivity of rheologically percolated carbon nanofiber reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Paleo A. J. , García X. , Arboleda‐Clemente L. , Van Hattum F. W. , Abad M. J. , Ares A.
Published: February 2015

Three different types of carbon nanofibers (CNF) were incorporated in the same polypropylene (PP) matrix by twin‐screw extrusion. The rheological and thermal properties were investigated. The rheological characterization of CNFs/PP composites as function of their volume fraction shows different microstructures: percolated and non‐percolated behaviors of their CNF's networks. In this work, the laser flash technique is employed in the experimental determination of the thermal diffusivity and conductivity of composites at room temperature. The ultimate aim is to correlate microstructure described by rheological analysis with final thermal properties. The results show that thermal diffusivity and conductivity are clearly higher for rheologically percolated composites suggesting that above certain critical content of nanofibers thermal transport is mainly controlled by percolated structures caused by interconnected CNFs' networks. Finally, thermal conductivity results are described by means of percolation theory from which an intrinsic thermal conductivity for the CNFs' network of approximately 6.5 W/m K, i.e. close to three times lower than some values reported in literature for SWCNTs' networks, was calculated. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solidarity and Social Justice: Effect of Individual Differences in Justice Sensitivity on Solidarity Behaviour
Authors: Stavrova Olga , Schlösser Thomas
Published: February 2015

We investigate the effect of individual differences in justice sensitivity (JS) on giving behaviour in a solidarity game, its potential moderators and the underlying psychological mechanisms. In a solidarity game, subjects are asked to make decisions about transferring money to other players in a case in which they win a random draw and the other players lose. The results of four studies showed the following: (1) JS explains a unique portion of variance in the solidarity behaviour, above and beyond other basic personality dimensions (e.g. HEXACO model); (2) its effect does not depend on contextual factors, such as the degree of moral entitlement not to share and the possibility to attribute the recipients’ disadvantage to their own responsibility; and (3) individual differences in the emotions anticipated in response to different outcomes of a random draw and the cognitive interpretation of the allocation situation partially mediate the effect of JS on solidarity behaviour. We also provided the first evidence that JS predicts individual differences in the propensity to take away others’ earnings (antisocial behaviour). The results are discussed with respect to the research on personality as a predictor of prosocial and antisocial behaviour. Copyright © 2015 European Association of Personality Psychology
Photonic crystal microcrystalline silicon solar cells
Authors: Tanaka Yoshinori , Ishizaki Kenji , De Zoysa Menaka , Umeda Takami , Kawamoto Yosuke , Fujita Shoya , Noda Susumu
Published: February 2015

Enhancing the absorption of thin‐film microcrystalline silicon solar cells over a broadband range in order to improve the energy conversion efficiency is a very important challenge in the development of low cost and stable solar energy harvesting. Here, we demonstrate that a broadband enhancement of the absorption can be achieved by creating a large number of resonant modes associated with two‐dimensional photonic crystal band edges. We utilize higher‐order optical modes perpendicular to the silicon layer, as well as the band‐folding effect by employing photonic crystal superlattice structures. We establish a method to incorporate photonic crystal structures into thin‐film (~500 nm) microcrystalline silicon photovoltaic layers while suppressing undesired defects formed in the microcrystalline silicon. The fabricated solar cells exhibit 1.3 times increase of a short circuit current density (from 15.0 mA/cm2 to 19.6 mA/cm2) by introducing the photonic crystal structure, and consequently the conversion efficiency increases from 5.6% to 6.8%. Moreover, we theoretically analyze the absorption characteristics in the fabricated cell structure, and reveal that the energy conversion efficiency can be increased beyond 9.5% in a structure less than 1/400 as thick as conventional crystalline silicon solar cells with an efficiency of 24%. © 2015 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Facile synthesis of linear–hyperbranched polyphosphoesters via one‐pot tandem ROMP and ADMET polymerization and their transformation to architecturally defined nanoparticles
Authors: Ding Liang , Lin Ling , Wang Chengshuang , Qiu Jun , Zhu Zhenshu
Published: February 2015

A convenient one‐pot synthesis of linear–hyperbranched polyphosphoesters (l–HBPPEs) was accomplished by a tandem ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization procedure. A linear monotelechelic poly(norbornene) with a terminal acrylate and many pendent thiol groups is first prepared through adding an internal cis‐olefin terminating agent to the reaction mixture immediately after the completion of the living ROMP, and then utilized as a macromolecular chain stopper in subsequent ADMET polymerization of a phosphoester functional AB2 monomer, yielding l–HBPPEs as the reaction time prolonged. These l–HBPPEs bearing lots of pendent thiol groups in linear poly(norbornene) and peripheral acrylate groups in HBPPE could be self‐crosslinked in ultradilute solution through thiol‐Michael addition click reaction between acrylate and thiol to give single‐molecule nanoparticles with comparatively uniform size. This facile approach can be extended toward the fabrication of novel nanomaterials with sophisticated structures and tunable multifunctionalities. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 964–972
Structured elastomeric submillimeter films displaying magneto and piezo resistivity
Authors: Ruiz Mariano M. , Claudia Marchi M. , Perez Oscar E. , Jorge Guillermo E. , Fascio Mirta , D'Accorso Norma , Martín Negri R.
Published: February 2015

Structured elastomer films (100–150 µm) presenting piezo and magneto resistance are described. The films are composites of filler particles, which are both electrically conductive and magnetic, dispersed in an elastomeric matrix. The particles consist of magnetite (6 nm) grouped in silver‐coated aggregates (Fe3O4@Ag). The matrix is styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) in which diethylene glycol (DEG) is added. The particles, SBR and DEG, are dispersed in toluene and then placed between two rare earth magnets. Formation of pseudo‐chains (needles) of inorganic material aligned in the direction of the magnetic field is obtained after solvent evaporation. The addition of DEG is substantial to obtain an electrically conductive material. The electrical conductivity is anisotropic and increases when applying normal stresses and/or magnetic fields in the direction of the needles. The elastomers, particles, and needless were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, VSM, profilometry, and stress–strain analysis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 574–586
Structural heterogeneity in microcrystalline ubiquitin studied by solid‐state NMR
Authors: Fasshuber Hannes Klaus , Lakomek Nils‐Alexander , Habenstein Birgit , Loquet Antoine , Shi Chaowei , Giller Karin , Wolff Sebastian , Becker Stefan , Lange Adam
Published: February 2015

By applying [1‐13C]‐ and [2‐13C]‐glucose labeling schemes to the folded globular protein ubiquitin, a strong reduction of spectral crowding and increase in resolution in solid‐state NMR (ssNMR) spectra could be achieved. This allowed spectral resonance assignment in a straightforward manner and the collection of a wealth of long‐range distance information. A high precision solid‐state NMR structure of microcrystalline ubiquitin was calculated with a backbone rmsd of 1.57 to the X‐ray structure and 1.32 Å to the solution NMR structure. Interestingly, we can resolve structural heterogeneity as the presence of three slightly different conformations. Structural heterogeneity is most significant for the loop region β1‐β2 but also for β‐strands β1, β2, β3, and β5 as well as for the loop connecting α1 and β3. This structural polymorphism observed in the solid‐state NMR spectra coincides with regions that showed dynamics in solution NMR experiments on different timescales.
Small caliber arterial endothelial cells calcium signals elicited by PAR2 are preserved from endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Hennessey John C. , Stuyvers Bruno D. , McGuire John J.
Published: February 2015

Endothelial cell (EC)‐dependent vasodilation by proteinase‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is preserved in small caliber arteries in disease states where vasodilation by muscarinic receptors is decreased. In this study, we identified and characterized the PAR2‐mediated intracellular calcium (Ca2+)‐release mechanisms in EC from small caliber arteries in healthy and diseased states. Mesenteric arterial EC were isolated from PAR2 wild‐type (WT) and null mice, after saline (controls) or angiotensin II (AngII) infusion, for imaging intracellular calcium and characterizing the calcium‐release system by immunofluorescence. EC Ca2+ signals comprised two forms of Ca2+‐release events that had distinct spatial‐temporal properties and occurred near either the plasmalemma (peripheral) or center of EC. In healthy EC, PAR2‐dependent increases in the densities and firing rates of both forms of Ca2+‐release were abolished by inositol 1,4,5‐ trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) inhibitor, but partially reduced by transient potential vanilloid channels inhibitor ruthenium red (RR). Acetylcholine (ACh)‐induced less overall Ca2+‐release than PAR2 activation, but enhanced selectively the incidence of central events. PAR2‐dependent Ca2+‐activity, inhibitors sensitivities, IP3R, small‐ and intermediate‐conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium channels expressions were unchanged in EC from AngII WT. However, the same cells exhibited decreases in ACh‐induced Ca2+‐release, RR sensitivity, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression, indicating AngII‐induced dysfunction was differentiated by receptor, Ca2+‐release, and downstream targets of EC activation. We conclude that PAR2 and muscarinic receptors selectively elicit two elementary Ca2+ signals in single EC. PAR2‐selective IP3R‐dependent peripheral Ca2+‐release mechanisms are identical between healthy and diseased states. Further study of PAR2‐selective Ca2+‐release for eliciting pathological and/or normal EC functions is warranted.
Improving the sensitivity of the heat‐transfer method (HTM) for cancer cell detection with optimized sensor chips
Authors: Eersels K. , van Grinsven B. , Vandenryt T. , Jiménez‐Monroy K. L. , Peeters M. , Somers V. , Püttmann C. , Stein C. , Barth S. , Bos G. M. J. , Germeraad W. T. V. , Diliën H. , Cleij T. J. , Thoelen R. , Ceuninck W. De , Wagner P.
Published: February 2015

In this article, we increased the sensitivity of the heat‐transfer method (HTM) for the detection of breast cancer cells (ZR‐75‐1 cells, see figure) in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The effect of small technological changes on the limit of detection (LoD) of the methodology was examined. To this extent, polished aluminum substrates with a mirror finish were used, replacing the unpolished chips used in previous studies. These chips were coated with a polyurethane layer and imprinted for the target cell type, creating a so‐called surface imprinted‐polymer (SIP). Binding of target cells to the SIP resulted in an increase of the thermal resistance at the solid‐liquid interface under study. Background thermal resistance measurements were performed with polished and unpolished aluminum substrates. In addition, the effect of using silver paste as thermal coupling between the aluminum chip and the copper heat provider was analyzed. The results of these experiments reveal that optimal thermal contact is achieved when directly coupling the copper heat provider to the polished side of the aluminum substrate as evidenced by a decrease in the baseline thermal resistance. In addition, noise levels on the heat‐transfer resistance (Rth) signal decreased by a factor in the optimal configuration. Dose‐response curves were obtained using the optimized methodology and were compared with results obtained with the original substrates. These quantitative experiments demonstrated an improvement of the LoD by approximately thirty percent.

ZR‐75‐1 cells applied onto a home‐made rubber stamp.
An evaluation of routing in vehicular networks using analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Katsaros Konstantinos , Dianati Mehrdad , Sun Zhili , Tafazolli Rahim
Published: February 2015

This paper presents a comprehensive study of the performance of routing protocols in distributed vehicular networks. We propose a novel and efficient routing protocol, namely cross‐layer, weighted, position‐based routing, which considers link quality, mobility and utilisation of nodes in a cross layer manner to make effective position‐based forwarding decisions. An analytic hierarchy process approach is utilised to combine multiple decision criteria into a single weighting function and to perform a comparative evaluation of the effects of aforementioned criteria on forwarding decisions. Comprehensive simulations are performed in realistic representative urban scenarios with synthetic and real traffic. Insights on the effect of different communication and mobility parameters are obtained. The results demonstrate that the proposed protocol outperforms existing routing protocols for vehicular ad hoc networks, including European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI's) proposed greedy routing protocol, greedy traffic aware routing protocol and advanced greedy forwarding in terms of combined packet delivery ratio, end‐to‐end delay and overhead. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Winter 2013/2014 storms highlight the orographic effect on rainfall around the North York Moors
Authors: Goulding John , Cinderey Mike
Published: February 2015

The unprecedented stormy regime that characterised the weather of the British Isles from mid‐December 2013 to February 2014, highlighted the effect of the North York Moors on the rainfall, even though they are relatively small range of hills.
Synthesis of medium-chain length (C6–C10) fuels and chemicals via β-oxidation reversal in Escherichia coli
Authors: Kim Seohyoung , Clomburg James M , Gonzalez Ramon
Published: February 2015

The recently engineered reversal of the β-oxidation cycle has been proposed as a potential platform for the efficient synthesis of longer chain (C ≥ 4) fuels and chemicals. Here, we demonstrate the utility of this platform for the synthesis of medium-chain length (C6–C10) products through the manipulation of key components of the pathway. Deletion of endogenous thioesterases provided a clean background in which the expression of various thiolase and termination components, along with required core enzymes, resulted in the ability to alter the chain length distribution and functionality of target products. This approach enabled the synthesis of medium-chain length carboxylic acids and primary alcohols from glycerol, a low-value feedstock. The use of BktB as the thiolase component with thioesterase TesA’ as the termination enzyme enabled the synthesis of about 1.3 g/L C6–C10 saturated carboxylic acids. Tailoring of product formation to primary alcohol synthesis was achieved with the use of various acyl-CoA reductases. The combination of AtoB and FadA as the thiolase components with the alcohol-forming acyl-CoA reductase Maqu2507 from M. aquaeolei resulted in the synthesis of nearly 0.3 g/L C6–C10 alcohols. These results further demonstrate the versatile nature of a β-oxidation reversal, and highlight several key aspects and control points that can be further manipulated to fine-tune the synthesis of various fuels and chemicals.
Manometric analysis of the influence of rectal content on anal pressures in chronically constipated patients
Authors: Bruno Rodrigo Ciotola , Bin Fang Chia , César Maria Auxiliadora Prolungatti , Klug Wilmar Artur , Cruz Sylvia Heloisa Arantes
Published: February 2015

Objective The aim of our study was to analyze whether the presence of content in the rectum influences the anorectal manometry examination results in chronically constipated patients.

Methods We evaluated 38 chronically constipated patients, 36 women and 2 men, with an average age of 53.55 years of age, all with a score above 10 on the Agachan Constipation Scoring System. All the patients underwent rectal preparation and then had the anorectal manometry examination without rectal content and after 5 min had it with a rectal balloon inflated with 200 ml of air in the rectum.

Statistical analysis The statistical parametric paired-t test was applied in order to verify the difference in response between the groups after an intervention, adopting a significant level of 5% (p < 0.05).

Results The anal pressure was analyzed from the standard anal manometry examination and we found a statistically significant influence on the manometric results for the patients’ average resting pressures, absolute average contractions, average contractions, evacuations, and sustained contractions in the functional anal canals.

Conclusion The presence of rectal content influences the manometric values of average resting pressure, average absolute contraction, average contraction, evacuation, and average sustained contractions in the functional anal canal in the group of chronically constipated patients.
EPISTEMIC INJUSTICE IN THE SPACE OF REASONS
Authors: Congdon Matthew
Published: February 2015

In this paper, I make explicit some implicit commitments to realism and conceptualism in recent work in social epistemology exemplified by Miranda Fricker and Charles Mills. I offer a survey of recent writings at the intersection of social epistemology, feminism, and critical race theory, showing that commitments to realism and conceptualism are at once implied yet undertheorized in the existing literature. I go on to offer an explicit defense of these commitments by drawing from the epistemological framework of John McDowell, demonstrating the relevance of the metaphor of the “space of reasons” for theorizing and criticizing instances of epistemic injustice. I then point out how McDowell’s own view requires expansion and revision in light of Mills' concept of “epistemologies of ignorance.” I conclude that, when their strengths are used to make up for each others' weaknesses, Mills and McDowell’s positions mutually reinforce one another, producing a powerful model for theorizing instances of systematic ignorance and false belief.
A large-scale investigation of wind reversal in a square Rayleigh–Bénard cell
Authors: Podvin Bérengère , Sergent Anne
Published: February 2015

We consider the numerical simulation of Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a 2D square cell filled with water ($\mathit{Pr}=4.3$) at a turbulent Rayleigh number of $\mathit{Ra}=5\times 10^{7}$. We focus on the structures and dynamics of the large-scale intermittent flow. Two quasi-stable flow patterns are identified: one consists of a main diagonal roll with two corner rolls; and the other of two horizontally stacked rolls. These stable flow structures are associated with two types of events, which involve corner flow growth and pattern rotation: reversals, when the main roll rapidly switches signs; and cessations, when it disappears for longer periods. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) is applied independently to the velocity field and to the temperature field. In both cases, three principal modes were identified: a single-roll, large-scale circulation; a quadrupolar flow; and a double-roll, symmetry-breaking mode. The large-scale circulation is the kinetic mode with the highest energy. The most energetic temperature mode is associated with the mean temperature and corresponds to a velocity field of quadrupolar nature. The vertical heat flux is concentrated in these two modes. The reversal process is characterized by sharp fluctuations in the amplitudes of all modes. Analysis of the interaction coefficients between the spatial modes leads us to propose a three-dimensional model, based on the interaction of the large-scale circulation, the quadrupolar flow and horizontal rolls. The main dynamics and time scales of reversals and cessations are reproduced by the model in the presence of noise.
What Is Litigation in the World Trade Organization Worth?
Authors: Bechtel Michael M. , Sattler Thomas
Published: February 2015

Conventional wisdom holds that the creation of international, court-like institutions helps countries to peacefully settle trade conflicts, thereby enhancing overall welfare. Many have argued, however, that these institutions remain ultimately ineffective because they merely reflect the distribution of power in the anarchic international system. We argue that international litigation provides economic spillovers that create opportunities for judicial free-riding and explore empirically how litigation in the World Trade Organization affects bilateral trade between countries involved in a trade dispute. We use a matching approach to compare the dynamics of trade flows between countries that experienced a panel ruling with trade relations of observably similar country pairs that did not experience a ruling. Based on this comparison we find that sectoral exports from complainant countries to the defendant increase by about $7.7 billion in the three years after a panel ruling. However, countries that have proactively filed a complaint and carried the main costs of litigation do not systematically gain more than less-active third parties that merely joined an existing trade dispute. This suggests that international judicial institutions can provide positive economic externalities and may thereby lead to a less power-based distribution of the gains from trade.
Changes in neurocognitive functioning during transition to manifest disease: comparison of individuals at risk for schizophrenic and bipolar affective psychoses
Authors: Metzler S. , Dvorsky D. , Wyss C. , Müller M. , Gerstenberg M. , Traber-Walker N. , Walitza S. , Theodoridou A. , Rössler W. , Heekeren K.
Published: February 2015

Background

Neurocognitive deficits are important aspects of schizophrenic disorder because they have a strong impact on social and vocational outcomes. Previously it was assumed that cognitive abilities progressively deteriorate with illness onset. However, recent research results have contradicted this with observations of continuous or even improved performance in individuals at risk for psychosis or manifest schizophrenia. The objective of our longitudinal study was to examine neurocognitive functioning in help-seeking individuals meeting basic symptoms or ultra-high-risk criteria for schizophrenic psychosis (HRSchiz) or risk criteria for affective psychosis (HRBip). The progression of cognitive functioning in individuals converting to psychosis was compared with that of at-risk individuals who did not convert during the follow-up period.

Method

Data were available from 86 study participants who completed neurocognitive and clinical assessments at baseline and, on average, 12.8 (s.d. = 1.5) months later. Neurocognitive measures were grouped according to their load in factor analysis to five cognitive domains: speed, attention, fluency, learning and memory, and working memory.

Results

Neurocognitive functioning in HRSchiz and HRBip individuals generally improved over time. Subjects converting to manifest psychosis displayed a stable neurocognitive profile from baseline to follow-up. Compared with non-converters, they had already demonstrated a significantly lower level of performance during their baseline examinations.

Conclusions

Our data provide no evidence for a progressive cognitive decline in individuals at risk of psychosis. In line with the neurodevelopmental model, our findings suggest that cognitive deficits are already present very early, before or during the prodromal stage of the illness.
Alternative international systems? System structure and violent conflict in nineteenth-century West Africa, Southeast Asia, and South Asia
Authors: BUTCHER CHARLES , GRIFFITHS RYAN
Published: February 2015

Were precolonial state systems different to the European model? If so, how did these state systems vary, and do variations in system structure influence the frequency of war? In this article we assess the structure off international systems in nineteenth-century West Africa, Southeast Asia, and South Asia using new data on precolonial states that corrects for some of the biases in the existing Correlates of War state system membership data. We develop a framework to capture variation in political order above and below the state, and explore the similarities and differences between these systems and the European system we know and study. We then assess how rates of inter- and intra-state war varied across these systems. Our results suggest: (1) It is the nature of hierarchy (not so much anarchy) that varies across these systems; and (2) inter-state wars are more frequent, but less intense, in systems composed of decentralised states.
Weak language norm(s) versus domestic interests: Why Ukraine behaves the way it does
Authors: FEDOTOV EGOR
Published: February 2015

Many analyses of the role of international norms in world politics study those particular norms that can be classified as relatively robust. Furthermore, such analyses critique alternative theories which foreground the role of domestic interests in affecting the behaviour of state elites, by calling into question the presumed objectivity of interests. The present article takes a different tack to the largely similar challenge. Specifically, it shows – on the example of Russian speakers in Ukraine – that even weak and contested international norms, like the norm of language rights for national minorities, can have independent effects on the behaviour and policy of state elites. The latter holds, in demonstrable terms, if state elites act in ways that militate against their most salient apparent interests. In the Ukraine case, this article argues, such ‘interests’ are the protection of the Ukrainian language as the country’s sole official language. So the cause of the (variable) behaviour of elites in Ukraine lay in a weak and contested norm, namely the norm of language rights for national minorities.
Mesencephalic Astrocyte-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Is Involved in Inflammation by Negatively Regulating the NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Chen Lijian , Feng Lijie , Wang Xia , Du Jian , Chen Ying , Yang Wen , Zhou Chengyue , Cheng Li , Shen Yujun , Fang Shengyun , Li Jun , Shen Yuxian
Published: February 2015

Inflammation can cause endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and therefore activates the unfolded protein response (UPR). ER stress and the consequent UPR have the potential to activate NF-κB. However, the factors mediating the crosstalk between ER stress and the NF-κB pathway remain unclear. Here, we determined that ER stress inducible protein Mesencephalic Astrocyte-derived Neurotrophic Factor (MANF) was up-regulated in autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disease models. Inflammation caused MANF to relocalize to the nuclei. MANF interacted with the DNA binding domain of p65 through its C-terminal SAP-like domain in the nuclei under the condition of inflammation or ER stress. MANF consequently inhibited p65-mediated transcriptional activation by interfering with the binding of p65 to its target genes promoters. Consistently, MANF suppressed the expressions of NF-κB-dependent target genes and the proliferation of inflammatory synoviocytes. These findings suggest that MANF may be a negative regulator of inflammation and mediate the crosstalk between the NF-κB pathway and ER stress.
A simple rule for quadrupedal gait generation determined by leg loading feedback: a modeling study
Authors: Fukuoka Yasuhiro , Habu Yasushi , Fukui Takahiro
Published: February 2015

We discovered a specific rule for generating typical quadrupedal gaits (the order of the movement of four legs) through a simulated quadrupedal locomotion, in which unprogrammed gaits (diagonal/lateral sequence walks, left/right-lead canters and left/right-lead transverse gallops) spontaneously emerged because of leg loading feedbacks to the CPGs hard-wired to produce a default trot. Additionally, all gaits transitioned according to speed, as seen in animals. We have therefore hypothesized that various gaits derive from a trot because of posture control through leg loading feedback. The body tilt on the two support legs of each diagonal pair during trotting was classified into three types (level, tilted up, or tilted down) according to speed. The load difference between the two legs led to the phase difference between their CPGs via the loading feedbacks, resulting in nine gaits (32: three tilts to the power of two diagonal pairs) including the aforementioned.
A ruthenium(II) complex as turn-on Cu(II) luminescent sensor based on oxidative cyclization mechanism and its application in vivo
Authors: Zhang Yunfei , Liu Zonglun , Yang Kui , Zhang Yi , Xu Yongqian , Li Hongjuan , Wang Chaoxia , Lu Aiping , Sun Shiguo
Published: February 2015

Copper ions play a vital role in a variety of fundamental physiological processes not only in human beings and plants, but also for extensive insects and microorganisms. In this paper, a novel water-soluble ruthenium(II) complex as a turn-on copper(II) ions luminescent sensor based on o-(phenylazo)aniline was designed and synthesized. The azo group would undergo a specific oxidative cyclization reaction with copper(II) ions and turn into high luminescent benzotriazole, triggering significant luminescent increasements which were linear to the concentrations of copper(II) ions. The sensor distinguished by its high sensitivity (over 80-fold luminescent switch-on response), good selectivity (the changes of the emission intensity in the presence of other metal ions or amino acids were negligible) and low detection limit (4.42 nM) in water. Moreover, the copper(II) luminescent sensor exhibited good photostability under light irradiation. Furthermore, the applicability of the proposed sensor in biological samples assay was also studied and imaged copper(II) ions in living pea aphids successfully.
Enhancement of polarizabilities of cylinders with cylinder-slab resonances
Authors: Xiao Meng , Huang Xueqin , Liu H. , Chan C. T.
Published: February 2015

If an object is very small in size compared with the wavelength of light, it does not scatter light efficiently. It is hence difficult to detect a very small object with light. We show using analytic theory as well as full wave numerical calculation that the effective polarizability of a small cylinder can be greatly enhanced by coupling it with a superlens type metamaterial slab. This kind of enhancement is not due to the individual resonance effect of the metamaterial slab, nor due to that of the object, but is caused by a collective resonant mode between the cylinder and the slab. We show that this type of particle-slab resonance which makes a small two-dimensional object much “brighter” is actually closely related to the reverse effect known in the literature as “cloaking by anomalous resonance” which can make a small cylinder undetectable. We also show that the enhancement of polarizability can lead to strongly enhanced electromagnetic forces that can be attractive or repulsive, depending on the material properties of the cylinder.
13C stable isotope labeling followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOF MS) was applied to identify the metabolites of honokiol in rat small intestines
Authors: Ye Na , Tang Minghai , Ye Haoyu , Wang Chunyan , Wang Chunyu , Yang Qiunan , Wan Li , Chen Lijuan
Published: February 2015

Honokiol, as a pharmacological active small-molecule, has received significant attention for its strong pharmacological effects without remarkable toxicity.
Effects of the electron polarization on dynamic nuclear polarization in solids
Authors: Hovav Y. , Shimon D. , Kaminker I. , Feintuch A. , Goldfarb D. , Vega S.
Published: February 2015

The effect of the electron polarization distribution on the DNP line-shapes: theory and a demonstration on a 40 mM TEMPOL sample.
Genistein induces apoptosis by the inactivation of the IGF-1R/p-Akt signaling pathway in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells
Authors: Chen Jun , Duan Yuxin , Zhang Xing , Ye Yu , Ge Bo , Chen Jian
Published: February 2015

Genistein is an estrogenic soy-derived compound belonging to the isoflavone class and shows anti-cancer effects.
Silver nanoparticles: green synthesis, self-assembled nanostructures and their application as SERS substrates
Authors: Santos Elias de Barros , Madalossi Natiara Vaughn , Sigoli Fernando Aparecido , Mazali Italo Odone
Published: February 2015

Plasmonic silver nanoparticles synthesized using citrus peel extracts exhibit SERS activity for different Raman probe molecules.