bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elastins from patients with Williams–Beuren syndrome and healthy individuals differ on the molecular level
Authors: Heinz Andrea , Huertas Angela C. Mora , Schräder Christoph U. , Pankau Rainer , Gosch Angela , Schmelzer Christian E. H.
Published: June 2016

Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a congenital disorder, which involves the heterozygous deletion of the elastin gene and other genes on chromosome 7. Clinical symptoms that are associated with hemizygosity of the essential extracellular matrix protein elastin include premature aging of the skin and supravalvular aortic stenosis. However, only little is known about the molecular basis of structural abnormalities in the connective tissue of WBS patients. Therefore, for the first time this study aimed to systematically characterize and compare the structure and amount of elastin present in skin and aortic tissue from WBS patients and healthy individuals. Elastin fibers were isolated from tissue biopsies, and it was found that skin of WBS patients contains significantly less elastin compared to skin of healthy individuals. Scanning electron microscopy and mass spectrometric measurements combined with bioinformatics data analysis were used to investigate the molecular‐level structure of elastin. Scanning electron microscopy revealed clear differences between WBS and healthy elastin. With respect to the molecular‐level structure, it was found that the proline hydroxylation degree differed between WBS and healthy elastin, while the tropoelastin isoform appeared to be the same. In terms of cross‐linking, no differences in the content of the tetrafunctional cross‐links desmosine and isodesmosine were found between WBS and healthy elastin. However, principal component analysis revealed differences between enzymatic digests of elastin from healthy probands and WBS patients, which indicates differing susceptibility toward enzymatic cleavage. Overall, the study contributes to a better understanding of the correlation between genotypic and elastin‐related phenotypic features of WBS patients. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CREBBP mutations in individuals without Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome phenotype
Authors: Menke Leonie A. , van Belzen Martine J. , Alders Marielle , Cristofoli Francesca ,   The DDD Study, Ehmke Nadja , Fergelot Patricia , Foster Alison , Gerkes Erica H. , Hoffer Mariëtte J. V. , Horn Denise , Kant Sarina G. , Lacombe Didier , Leon Eyby , Maas Saskia M. , Melis Daniela , Muto Valentina , Park Soo‐Mi , Peeters Hilde , Peters Dorien J. M. , Pfundt Rolph , van Ravenswaaij‐Arts Conny M. A. , Tartaglia Marco , Hennekam Raoul C. M.
Published: June 2016

Mutations in CREBBP cause Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome. By using exome sequencing, and by using Sanger in one patient, CREBBP mutations were detected in 11 patients who did not, or only in a very limited manner, resemble Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome. The combined facial signs typical for Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome were absent, none had broad thumbs, and three had only somewhat broad halluces. All had apparent developmental delay (being the reason for molecular analysis); five had short stature and seven had microcephaly. The facial characteristics were variable; main characteristics were short palpebral fissures, telecanthi, depressed nasal ridge, short nose, anteverted nares, short columella, and long philtrum. Six patients had autistic behavior, and two had self‐injurious behavior. Other symptoms were recurrent upper airway infections (n = 5), feeding problems (n = 7) and impaired hearing (n = 7). Major malformations occurred infrequently. All patients had a de novo missense mutation in the last part of exon 30 or beginning of exon 31 of CREBBP, between base pairs 5,128 and 5,614 (codons 1,710 and 1,872). No missense or truncating mutations in this region have been described to be associated with the classical Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome phenotype. No functional studies have (yet) been performed, but we hypothesize that the mutations disturb protein–protein interactions by altering zinc finger function. We conclude that patients with missense mutations in this specific CREBBP region show a phenotype that differs substantially from that in patients with Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome, and may prove to constitute one (or more) separate entities. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Behavioral and functional strategies during tool use tasks in bonobos
Authors: Bardo Ameline , Borel Antony , Meunier Hélène , Guéry Jean‐Pascal , Pouydebat Emmanuelle
Published: June 2016

Different primate species have developed extensive capacities for grasping and manipulating objects. However, the manual abilities of primates remain poorly known from a dynamic point of view. The aim of the present study was to quantify the functional and behavioral strategies used by captive bonobos (Pan paniscus) during tool use tasks. The study was conducted on eight captive bonobos which we observed during two tool use tasks: food extraction from a large piece of wood and food recovery from a maze. We focused on grasping postures, in‐hand movements, the sequences of grasp postures used that have not been studied in bonobos, and the kind of tools selected. Bonobos used a great variety of grasping postures during both tool use tasks. They were capable of in‐hand movement, demonstrated complex sequences of contacts, and showed more dynamic manipulation during the maze task than during the extraction task. They arrived on the location of the task with the tool already modified and used different kinds of tools according to the task. We also observed individual manual strategies. Bonobos were thus able to develop in‐hand movements similar to humans and chimpanzees, demonstrated dynamic manipulation, and they responded to task constraints by selecting and modifying tools appropriately, usually before they started the tasks. These results show the necessity to quantify object manipulation in different species to better understand their real manual specificities, which is essential to reconstruct the evolution of primate manual abilities.
Better together: Thinking anthropologically about genetics
Authors: Algee‐Hewitt Bridget F. B. , Goldberg Amy
Published: June 2016

What are the effects that genetics has had on Anthropological research and how can we think anthropologically about Genetics? Just as genetic data have encouraged new hypotheses about human phenotypic variation, evolutionary history, population interaction, and environmental effects, so too has Anthropology offered to genetic studies a new interpretive locus in its history and perspective. This introduction examines how the fields of Anthropology and Genetics have arrived at a crucial moment at which their interaction requires careful examination and critical reflection. The papers discussed here exemplify how we may engage in such a trans‐disciplinary conversation. They speak to the future of thoughtful interaction between genetic and anthropological literature and seek a new integration that embodies the holism of the human biological sciences.
Efficient Reduction of CO2 into Formic Acid on a Lead or Tin Electrode using an Ionic Liquid Catholyte Mixture
Authors: Zhu Qinggong , Ma Jun , Kang Xinchen , Sun Xiaofu , Liu Huizhen , Hu Jiayin , Liu Zhimin , Han Buxing
Published: June 2016

Highly efficient electrochemical reduction of CO2 into value‐added chemicals using cheap and easily prepared electrodes is environmentally and economically compelling. The first work on the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 in ternary electrolytes containing ionic liquid, organic solvent, and H2O is described. Addition of a small amount of H2O to an ionic liquid/acetonitrile electrolyte mixture significantly enhanced the efficiency of the electrochemical reduction of CO2 into formic acid (HCOOH) on a Pb or Sn electrode, and the efficiency was extremely high using an ionic liquid/acetonitrile/H2O ternary mixture. The partial current density for HCOOH reached 37.6 mA cm−2 at a Faradaic efficiency of 91.6 %, which is much higher than all values reported to date for this reaction, including those using homogeneous and noble metal electrocatalysts. The reasons for such high efficiency were investigated using controlled experiments.
Polypropylene/polystyrene blends prepared by diffusion and subsequent polymerization in polypropylene pellets after injection molding
Authors: Chen Fang , Guo Zhao‐Xia , Yu Jian
Published: June 2016

PP/PS quasi‐nanoblend pellets were synthesized by diffusion and subsequent polymerization of styrene in iPP pellets via a two‐step procedure and then processed by injection molding. The PS distributions along the thickness direction of the molded bars were investigated by Micro‐FTIR, showing almost homogeneous distribution no matter whether the PS distribution in the blend pellets is homogeneous. The morphology of the molded bars was investigated by FESEM, revealing two types of particles (small spherical and bigger irregular‐shaped complex aggregates) and good interfacial adhesion between particles and matrix. The particles are mainly in nano and submicron sizes, and only few particles approach 1 μm. The mechanical properties of the molded bars were evaluated by uniaxial tensile testing, showing a significant reinforcing effect without significantly loosing ductility. The yield strength of all the blends increase 20–27% compared to neat PP and the elongations at break are all over 300%. The remarkable mechanical properties of the molded bars were correlated with their morphology. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43983.
Mixed Event/Time‐Triggered Static Output Feedback L2‐Gain Control for Networked Control Systems
Authors: Yang Sheng‐Hsiung , Wu Jenq‐Lang
Published: June 2016

This paper considers the design of mixed event/time‐triggered controllers for networked control systems (NCSs) under transmission delay and possible packet dropout. Assuming that a conventional delayed static output feedback L2‐gain controller exists, we propose an output‐based mixed event/time‐triggered communication scheme for reducing the network traffic in a NCS. Moreover, we show that a conventional delayed static output feedback L2‐gain controller can be obtained by solving a linear matrix inequality with a matrix equality constraint. A numerical example is proposed for demonstrating the theoretical results.
Soma to germline inheritance of extrachromosomal genetic information via a LINE‐1 reverse transcriptase‐based mechanism
Authors: Spadafora Corrado
Published: June 2016

Mature spermatozoa are permeable to foreign DNA and RNA molecules. Here I propose a model, whereby extrachromosomal genetic information, mostly encoded in the form of RNA in somatic cells, can cross the Weismann barrier and reach epididymal spermatozoa. LINE‐1 retrotransposon‐derived reverse transcriptase (RT) can play key roles in the process by expanding the RNA‐encoded information. Retrotransposon‐encoded RT is stored in mature gametes, is highly expressed in early embryos and undifferentiated cells, and becomes downregulated in differentiated cells. In turn, RT plays a role in developmental control, as its inhibition arrests developmental progression of early embryos with globally altered transcriptomic profiles. Thus, sperm cells act as recipients, and transgenerational vectors of somatically derived genetic information which they pass to the next generation with the potential to modify the fate of the developing embryos.
Evolution of sex: Using experimental genomics to select among competing theories
Authors: Sharp Nathaniel P. , Otto Sarah P.
Published: June 2016

Few topics have intrigued biologists as much as the evolution of sex. Understanding why sex persists despite its costs requires not just rigorous theoretical study, but also empirical data on related fundamental issues, including the nature of genetic variance for fitness, patterns of genetic interactions, and the dynamics of adaptation. The increasing feasibility of examining genomes in an experimental context is now shedding new light on these problems. Using this approach, McDonald et al. recently demonstrated that sex uncouples beneficial and deleterious mutations, allowing selection to proceed more effectively with sex than without. Here we discuss the insights provided by this study, along with other recent empirical work, in the context of the major theoretical models for the evolution of sex.
Cell‐to‐cell heterogeneity emerges as consequence of metabolic cooperation in a synthetic yeast community
Authors: Campbell Kate , Vowinckel Jakob , Ralser Markus
Published: June 2016

Cells that grow together respond heterogeneously to stress even when they are genetically similar. Metabolism, a key determinant of cellular stress tolerance, may be one source of this phenotypic heterogeneity, however, this relationship is largely unclear. We used self‐establishing metabolically cooperating (SeMeCo) yeast communities, in which metabolic cooperation can be followed on the basis of genotype, as a model to dissect the role of metabolic cooperation in single‐cell heterogeneity. Cells within SeMeCo communities showed to be highly heterogeneous in their stress tolerance, while the survival of each cell under heat or oxidative stress, was strongly determined by its metabolic specialization. This heterogeneity emerged for all metabolite exchange interactions studied (histidine, leucine, uracil, and methionine) as well as oxidant (H2O2, diamide) and heat stress treatments. In contrast, the SeMeCo community collectively showed to be similarly tolerant to stress as wild‐type populations. Moreover, stress heterogeneity did not establish as sole consequence of metabolic genotype (auxotrophic background) of the single cell, but was observed only for cells that cooperated according to their metabolic capacity. We therefore conclude that phenotypic heterogeneity and cell to cell differences in stress tolerance are emergent properties when cells cooperate in metabolism.
Recent advances in exploiting ionic liquids for biomolecules: Solubility, stability and applications
Authors: Sivapragasam Magaret , Moniruzzaman Muhammad , Goto Masahiro
Published: June 2016

The technological utility of biomolecules (e.g. proteins, enzymes and DNA) can be significantly enhanced by combining them with ionic liquids (ILs) – potentially attractive ”green“ and ”designer“ solvents – rather than using in conventional organic solvents or water. In recent years, ILs have been used as solvents, cosolvents, and reagents for biocatalysis, biotransformation, protein preservation and stabilization, DNA solubilization and stabilization, and other biomolecule‐based applications. Using ILs can dramatically enhance the structural and chemical stability of proteins, DNA, and enzymes. This article reviews the recent technological developments of ILs in protein‐, enzyme‐, and DNA‐based applications. We discuss the different routes to increase biomolecule stability and activity in ILs, and the design of biomolecule‐friendly ILs that can dissolve biomolecules with minimum alteration to their structure. This information will be helpful to design IL‐based processes in biotechnology and the biological sciences that can serve as novel and selective processes for enzymatic reactions, protein and DNA stability, and other biomolecule‐based applications.
Collateral state and the effect of endovascular reperfusion therapy on clinical outcome in ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Gerber Johannes C. , Petrova Marketa , Krukowski Pawel , Kuhn Matthias , Abramyuk Andrij , Bodechtel Ulf , Dzialowski Imanuel , Engellandt Kay , Kitzler Hagen , Pallesen Lars‐Peder , Schneider Hauke , von Kummer Ruediger , Puetz Volker , Linn Jennifer
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Clinically successful endovascular therapy (EVT) in ischemic stroke requires reliable noninvasive pretherapeutic selection criteria. We investigated the association of imaging parameters including CT angiographic collaterals and degree of reperfusion with clinical outcome after EVT.

Methods

In our database, we identified 93 patients with large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation treated with EVT. Besides clinical data, we assessed the baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) on noncontrast CT (NCCT) and CT angiography (CTA) source images, collaterals (CT‐CS) and clot burden score (CBS) on CTA and the degree of reperfusion after EVT on angiography. Three readers, blinded to clinical information, evaluated the images in consensus. Data‐driven multivariable ordinal regression analysis identified predictors of good outcome after 90 days as measured with the modified Rankin Scale.

Results

Successful angiographic reperfusion (OR 26.50; 95%‐CI 9.33–83.61) and good collaterals (OR 9.69; 95%‐CI 2.28–59.27) were independent predictors of favorable outcome along with female sex (OR 0.35; 95%‐CI 0.14–0.85), younger age (OR 0.88; 95%‐CI 0.83–0.92) and higher NCCT ASPECTS (OR 2.54; 95%‐CI 1.01–6.63). Outcome was best in patients with good collaterals and successful reperfusion, but there was no statistical interaction between collaterals and reperfusion.

Conclusions

CTA‐collateral status was the strongest pretherapeutic predictor of favorable outcome in ischemic stroke patients treated with EVT. CTA‐collaterals are thus well suited for patient selection in EVT. However, the independent effect of reperfusion on outcome tended to be stronger than that of CTA‐collaterals.
Diabetic ketoacidosis in vanishing white matter
Authors: Alamri Hannadi , Al Mutairi Fuad , Alothman Johara , Alothaim Ali , Alfadhel Majid , Alfares Ahmed
Published: June 2016

Key Clinical Message

Clinicians should consider the EIF2B1 gene defect in any patient with diffuse white matter disease on an MRI of the brain and DKA.
Cesarean scar caseating granuloma: a case of vesicouterine fistula 30 years after cesarean section
Authors: Sato Toshiharu , Sato Naoki , Takahashi Kazue , Kito Masahiko , Sugawara Tae , Kato Aya , Makino Kenichi , Shimizu Dai , Terada Yukihiro
Published: June 2016

Key Clinical Message

A mass developing in operating scar part with fistula should raise concern for caseating granuloma even if many years after operation.
Mechanochemical Synthesis of Active Magnetite Nanoparticles Supported on Charcoal for Facile Synthesis of Alkynyl Selenides by C−H Activation
Authors: Mohan Balaji , Park Ji Chan , Park Kang Hyun
Published: June 2016

Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles supported on charcoal, graphene, or SBA‐15 were prepared by a simple solid‐state grinding technique and subsequent thermal treatment. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles supported on activated charcoal exhibited high catalytic activity and furnished good yields of the alkynyl selenide product in the cross‐coupling reaction of diphenyl diselenide and alkynes through activation of C−H and Se−Se bonds under ecofriendly conditions, surpassing traditional copper‐based catalysts to effect the same organic transformation.
Ethanol to 1,3‐Butadiene Conversion by using ZrZn‐Containing MgO/SiO2 Systems Prepared by Co‐precipitation and Effect of Catalyst Acidity Modification
Authors: Da Ros Simoní , Jones Matthew D. , Mattia Davide , Pinto Jose C. , Schwaab Marcio , Noronha Fabio B. , Kondrat Simon A. , Clarke Tomos C. , Taylor Stuart H.
Published: June 2016

The conversion of ethanol to 1,3‐butadiene (1,3‐BD) has been investigated over ZrO2‐ and ZnO‐containing magnesia silica oxides prepared by a co‐precipitation method at different Mg‐to‐Si molar ratios. The effect of reaction temperature and ethanol flow rate was investigated. The catalyst acidity was modified through the addition of alkali metals (Na, K and Li) to the final materials. Catalysts were characterised by nitrogen physisorption analysis, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray, temperature‐programmed desorption of ammonia, infrared spectroscopy and 29Si/(7Li) NMR spectroscopy. The catalytic results showed that the controlled reduction of catalyst acidity allows ethanol dehydration to be suppressed, whilst increasing 1,3‐BD selectivity. The best catalytic performance achieved 72 mol % for the combined 1,3‐BD and acetaldehyde selectivity.
Hydrogenation and Transfer Hydrogenation Promoted by Tethered Ru−S Complexes: From Cooperative Dihydrogen Activation to Hydride Abstraction/Proton Release from Dihydrogen Surrogates
Authors: Lefranc Alice , Qu Zheng‐Wang , Grimme Stefan , Oestreich Martin
Published: June 2016

Hydrogenation and transfer hydrogenation of imines with cyclohexa‐1,4‐dienes, as well as with a representative Hantzsch ester dihydrogen surrogate, are reported. Both processes are catalyzed by tethered Ru−S complexes but differ in the activation mode of the dihydrogen source: cooperative activation of the H−H bond at the Ru−S bond leads to the corresponding Ru−H complex and protonation of the sulfur atom, whereas the same cationic Ru−S catalyst abstracts a hydride from a donor‐substituted cyclohexa‐1,4‐diene to form the neutral Ru−H complex and a low‐energy Wheland intermediate. A sequence of proton and hydride transfers on the imine substrate then yields an amine. The reaction pathways are analyzed computationally, and the established mechanistic pictures are in agreement with the experimental observations.
Exploring the Strength of the H‐Bond in Synthetic Models for Heme Proteins: The Importance of the N−H Acidity of the Distal Base
Authors: Alberti Mariza N. , Polyhach Yevhen , Tzirakis Manolis D. , Tödtli Laura , Jeschke Gunnar , Diederich François
Published: June 2016

The distal hydrogen bond (H‐bond) in dioxygen‐binding proteins is crucial for the discrimination of O2with respect to CO or NO. We report the preparation and characterization of a series of ZnIIporphyrins, with one of threemeso‐phenyl rings bearing both an alkyl‐tethered proximal imidazole ligand and a heterocyclic distal H‐bond donor connected by a rigid acetylene spacer. Previously, we had validated the corresponding CoIIcomplexes as synthetic model systems for dioxygen‐binding heme proteins and demonstrated the structural requirements for proper distal H‐bonding to CoII‐bound dioxygen. Here, we systematically vary the H‐bond donor ability of the distal heterocycles, as predicted based on pKavalues. The H‐bond in the dioxygen adducts of the CoIIporphyrins was directly measured by Q‐band Davies‐ENDOR spectroscopy. It was shown that the strength of the hyperfine coupling between the dioxygen radical and the distal H‐atom increases with enhanced acidity of the H‐bond donor.
Highly Selective and Stable Reduction of CO2 to CO by a Graphitic Carbon Nitride/Carbon Nanotube Composite Electrocatalyst
Authors: Lu Xunyu , Tan Tze Hao , Ng Yun Hau , Amal Rose
Published: June 2016

A stable and selective electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction was fabricated by covalently attaching graphitic carbon nitride onto multiwall carbon nanotubes (g‐C3N4/MWCNTs). The as‐prepared composite is able to reduce CO2 exclusively to CO with a maximum Faraday efficiency of 60 %, and no decay in the catalytic activity was observed even after 50 h of reaction. The enhanced catalytic activity towards CO2 reduction is attributed to the formation of active carbon–nitrogen bonds, high specific surface area, and improved material conductivity of the g‐C3N4/MWCNT composite.
Evaluation of the use of adsorbent materials in the removal of nitrogen compounds from gas oil as a pre‐treatment for feeds for fluid catalytic cracking units
Authors: Silva Carlos F. P. M. , Davila Luiz A. , Junior Amaro G. B. , Figueiredo Marcos A. G. , Souza Wallace C. , Albuquerque Flavio C.
Published: June 2016

This study was designed to investigate the use of commercial adsorbent materials for the removal of nitrogen compounds from a vacuum gas oil obtained from an industrial atmospheric distillation unit. Two types of adsorbents were tested: a clay developed specifically for the removal of nitrogen compounds from middle distillates (jet fuel and diesel); and a silica used in a variety of industries. Kinetic and thermodynamic equilibrium experiments were conducted at three temperatures: 80, 100, and 120 °C. The variation in the concentration of nitrogen and aromatic compounds was monitored throughout the kinetic adsorption and thermodynamic equilibrium experiments. When an adsorbent/gas oil mass ratio of 0.75 was used, the clay removed around 70 % of the basic nitrogen compounds from the gas oil, while the silica removed 80 % of the same compounds, which are the ones that effectively hamper catalytic cracking. The silica also removed 14.2 % of the aromatic compounds, while the clay only removed 4.1 %. This study shows that it is possible to treat a viscous hydrocarbon feed using an adsorption process to remove nitrogen compounds without the need to dilute the feed. Using a fluidized bed advanced cracking evaluation (ACE) unit, which simulates a fluid catalytic cracking unit on a bench scale, the gas oil treated with silica produced 3 % more liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and 4 % more gasoline, while the gas oil treated with clay produced 2 % more LPG and 3 % more gasoline than the untreated gas oil.
NiFe2O4 production from α‐Fe2O3 via improved solid state reaction: Application as catalyst in CH4 dry reforming
Authors: Chamoumi Mostafa , Abatzoglou Nicolas
Published: June 2016

A new, less‐material‐intensive, and fast protocol was developed to synthesize NiFe2O4 spinel from hematite α‐Fe2O3. This is a solid state reaction at relatively low severity and short milling time (2–10 min). The product was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, temperature‐programmed reduction, thermogravimetric analysis, and BET specific surface area.

The produced NiFe2O4 was tested as a methane dry reforming catalyst (CH4 + CO2) to compare its activity with similar Ni‐Fe spinels reported in the literature.

XRD revealed that under stoichiometric conditions, the resulting formulation contains only pure NiFe2O4, in a crystalline spinel structure. The catalytic performance of NiFe2O4 during CH4 dry reforming, at 800 °C for 4 h and a stoichiometric molar ratio of CO2/CH4 = 1, is described by the following results: CH4 conversion rose to about 40 % after 30 min over time‐on‐stream (TOS), then decreased more slowly to 25 % after 4 h of TOS. Over the same period, hydrogen (H2) yield increased to 50 % during the first 1 h of TOS, then following the same pattern as CH4 conversion, it dropped to 30 % over the next 4 h of TOS. These results show that the tested NiFe2O4 is better than those reported in the literature for similar catalytic use of nanometric NiFe2O4.
Missing the mark in FGFR1‐amplified squamous cell cancer of the lung
Authors: Paik Paul K. , Rudin Charles M.
Published: June 2016

In contrast to targeted therapy development in lung adenocarcinoma, trials targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) in squamous cell lung cancers generally have been disappointing. Gene amplification or overexpression of this target may not be a sufficiently robust predictor of efficacy for FGFR1 inhibitors.

See also pages 3024‐31.
Digital printing of acrylic fabric with cationic dyes using conventional inkjet printer
Authors: Fashandi Sajjad
Published: June 2016

A special printing ink formulation based on cationic dyes is developed for digital printing of acrylic fabrics using a conventional inkjet printer. In order to investigate the contribution of color gamut boundary of printer colorants to printing efficiency, customized color targets containing 3164 color patches in 25 different hues were generated. The printed color patches were then fixed through steaming for 30 minutes followed by washing with hot soap and water and finally drying. To show the influence of dye fixation on colorimetric changes as well as color gamut boundary of samples, the L*a*b* values of color patches before and after fixation process were compared. Results demonstrate that color saturation of samples is enhanced dramatically after the dye fixation process. In fact, 3D color gamut of color patches has been drastically expanded as a direct consequence of adsorption to absorption transition. Additionally, dye fixation changes the structure of printed image from halftone superimposed dots to contone superimposed dyes. Strictly speaking, during fixation process, colors inside the halftone dots diffuse through the interfacial area to make the individual printed dots integrated. This is in analogy to the chromogenic photography films and dye‐sublimation thermal transfer processes by which contone images are produced. Moreover, dye fixation improves the washing fastness of digitally printed acrylic fabrics to the level comparable with the traditional screen printing method. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 42, 244–249, 2017
A computational model simulating the mental function of multicolor aesthetic evaluation
Authors: Fang Siyuan , Muramatsu Keiichi , Matsui Tatsunori
Published: June 2016

In this research, a computational model that simulates the mental function of multicolor aesthetic evaluation through backpropagation neural networks was constructed. Helmut Leder's psychological model served as the theoretical framework. We determined the macro‐architecture of the computational model through two psychological experiments using the semantic differential (SD) method. The aesthetic score of a multicolor stimulus is defined as the inverse of its factor score on the factor “Pleasure” extracted in the first experiment, and each of the three factors extracted in the second experiment—i.e., “Stability,” “Heaviness,” and “Presence”—is regarded as a simple perceptual feature. The genetic algorithm was then employed to optimize the hidden layer node number, the learning rate, and the momentum constant of each neural network. In two simulation tests, this computational model exhibited some predictive power, implying that the model can be regarded as a relatively successful approximation of the psychological mechanism of multicolor aesthetic evaluation. In addition, the results of the second simulation also show that the perceptual feature “Heaviness” possesses the principal impact on the aesthetic evaluation of multicolor objects, whereas the other two perceptual features “Stability” and “Presence” have a minor influence. The heavier and/or more stable a multicolor object is perceived to be, the less aesthetically pleasing it is. Conversely, the stronger the sense of matter presence a multicolor object elicits, the more aesthetically appealing it is. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 42, 216–235, 2017
Nonviolent Conflict Escalation
Authors: Sørensen Majken Jul , Johansen Jørgen
Published: June 2016

Escalation of conflict is frequently deemed undesirable and problematic, as it is often assumed to refer to the escalation of violence. However, there exists a different form of escalation that we call “nonviolent conflict escalation.” This occurs when previously unrecognized conflicts are intensified using nonviolent means to a point where the conflict can no longer be ignored. Five aspects of nonviolent escalations of methods are examined through case studies, showing how different forms of intensification can work together to escalate the conflict. Nonviolent escalations of unrecognized conflicts can serve as potent tools in struggles against tyranny, injustice, and human rights violations.
Graphitic Mesoporous Carbon Loaded with Iron–Nickel Hydroxide for Superior Oxygen Evolution Reactivity
Authors: Wang Ling , Huang Xiaolei , Xue Junmin
Published: June 2016

Earth‐abundant transition metal oxides and hydroxides have been intensively investigated as promising catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, the overall OER performance of the transition metal oxides/hydroxides is largely jeopardized by their inherent low electrical conductivity. Mesoporous carbon has been a commonly used as a carrier material for these oxides/hydroxides to promote the electrical conductivity and provide a large specific surface area. However, most of the available mesoporous carbon carriers are amorphous. It has been very challenging to synthesize graphitic mesoporous carbon owing to the extremely high graphitization temperature. In this work, we report a new strategy used to prepare graphitic mesoporous carbon (GMC) by employing Fe metal as the graphitization catalyst. The graphitic carbon was obtained at 1000 °C, at which it retained its mesoporous structure. The conductivity of the obtained GMC was approximately 550 S m−1, which was almost ten times higher than that of amorphous carbon. The GMC was further loaded with Fe–Ni hydroxide to fabricate the OER catalyst. The obtained catalyst showed good OER activity with an overpotential of 320 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a low Tafel slope of 57 mV dec−1. The synthesized catalyst also possessed excellent stability, with almost no current drop even after 2000 cycles and at a constant voltage for 2 h.
High glucocorticoid levels during gestation activate the inflammasome in hippocampal oligodendrocytes of the offspring
Authors: Maturana Carola J. , Aguirre Adam , Sáez Juan C.
Published: June 2016

Exposure to high levels of glucocorticoids (GCs) during early life induces long‐lasting neuroinflammation. GCs induce rapid degranulation of mast cells, which release proinflammatory molecules promoting activation of microglia and astrocytes. The possible involvement of oligodendrocytes, however, remains poorly understood. It was studied whether high GC levels during gestation activates the inflammasome in hippocampal oligodendrocytes of mouse offspring. Oligodendrocytes of control pups showed expression of inflammasome components (NLRP3, ACS, and caspase‐1) and their levels were increased by prenatal administration of dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic GC. These cells also showed high levels of IL‐1β and TNF‐α, revealing activation of the inflammasome. Moreover, they showed increased levels of the P2X7 receptor and pannexin1, which are associated to inflammasome activation. However, levels of connexins either were not affected (Cx29) or reduced (Cx32 and Cx47). Nonetheless, the functional states of pannexin1 and connexin hemichannels were elevated and directly associated to functional P2X7 receptors. As observed in DEX‐treated brain slices, hemichannel activity first increased in hippocampal mast cells and later in microglia and macroglia. DEX‐induced oligodendrocyte hemichannel activity was mimicked by urocortin‐II, which is a corticotropin‐releasing hormone receptor (CRHR) agonist. Response to DEX and urocortin‐II was inhibited by antalarmin (a CRHR blocker) or by mast cells or microglia inhibitors. The increase in hemichannel activity persisted for several weeks after birth and cross‐fostering with a control mother did not reverse this condition. It is proposed that activation of the oligodendrocyte inflammasome might be relevant in demyelinating diseases associated with early life exposure to high GC levels. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 625–642, 2017
Complicating connectomes: Electrical coupling creates parallel pathways and degenerate circuit mechanisms
Authors: Marder Eve , Gutierrez Gabrielle J. , Nusbaum Michael P.
Published: June 2016

Electrical coupling in circuits can produce non‐intuitive circuit dynamics, as seen in both experimental work from the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion and in computational models inspired by the connectivity in this preparation. Ambiguities in interpreting the results of electrophysiological recordings can arise if sets of pre‐ or postsynaptic neurons are electrically coupled, or if the electrical coupling exhibits some specificity (e.g. rectifying, or voltage‐dependent). Even in small circuits, electrical coupling can produce parallel pathways that can allow information to travel by monosynaptic and/or polysynaptic pathways. Consequently, similar changes in circuit dynamics can arise from entirely different underlying mechanisms. When neurons are coupled both chemically and electrically, modifying the relative strengths of the two interactions provides a mechanism for flexibility in circuit outputs. This, together with neuromodulation of gap junctions and coupled neurons is important both in developing and adult circuits. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 597–609, 2017
Relationship between maternal environment and DNA methylation patterns of estrogen receptor alpha in wild Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) nestlings: a pilot study
Authors: Bentz Alexandra B. , Sirman Aubrey E. , Wada Haruka , Navara Kristen J. , Hood Wendy R.
Published: June 2016

There is mounting evidence that, across taxa, females breeding in competitive environments tend to allocate more testosterone to their offspring prenatally and these offspring typically have more aggressive and faster‐growing phenotypes. To date, no study has determined the mechanisms mediating this maternal effect's influence on offspring phenotype. However, levels of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) gene expression are linked to differences in early growth and aggression; thus, maternal hormones may alter gene regulation, perhaps via DNA methylation, of ERα in offspring during prenatal development. We performed a pilot study to examine natural variation in testosterone allocation to offspring through egg yolks in wild Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) in varying breeding densities and percent DNA methylation of CG dinucleotides in the ERα promoter in offspring brain regions associated with growth and behavior. We hypothesized that breeding density would be positively correlated with yolk testosterone, and prenatal exposure to maternal‐derived yolk testosterone would be associated with greater offspring growth and decreased ERα promoter methylation. Yolk testosterone concentration was positively correlated with breeding density, nestling growth rate, and percent DNA methylation of one out of five investigated CpG sites (site 3) in the diencephalon ERα promoter, but none in the telencephalon (n = 10). Percent DNA methylation of diencephalon CpG site 3 was positively correlated with growth rate. These data suggest a possible role for epigenetics in mediating the effects of the maternal environment on offspring phenotype. Experimentally examining this mechanism with a larger sample size in future studies may help elucidate a prominent way in which animals respond to their environment. Further, by determining the mechanisms that mediate maternal effects, we can begin to understand the potential for the heritability of these mechanisms and the impact that maternal effects are capable of producing at an evolutionary scale.
Low Carbon Governance: Mobilizing Community Energy through Top‐Down Support?
Authors: Markantoni Marianna
Published: June 2016

Community energy makes an important contribution to sustainable energy generation, reduction and management, and is a desirable feature of a low carbon future. Renewable community energy is increasingly gaining momentum even in the centralized UK energy market. The challenge of low carbon transitions is faced by multiple territorial governments, and requires inclusive governance arrangements in which a combination of actors work together to implement community strategies towards a climate‐resilient future. Low carbon governance is a multi‐level and (co‐)evolving process, especially in the complex interactions between actors of the core, inner periphery and civil periphery. The devolution of power within the UK has enabled Scotland to establish an ambitious policy agenda for renewable energy. By exploring an established national community energy programme, this study examines the interplay among different actors and looks into how multi‐level governance can be strengthened. This paper combines multi‐level and evolutionary governance theory to understand the extent to which top‐down initiatives facilitate community renewable energy projects and help drive wider system transformations. It concludes that in an evolving policy environment, top‐down support for community energy is a necessary motivator. This requires the state to play a dominant role in directing low carbon transitions, while acting in concert with non‐state, local and regional actors. If communities are to benefit from energy transitions, wider policies must be aligned with community needs, otherwise community energy will be pushed to the margins of the next energy revolution. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
No benefit from the obesity paradox for diabetic patients with heart failure
Authors: Zamora Elisabet , Lupón Josep , Enjuanes Cristina , Pascual‐Figal Domingo , de Antonio Marta , Domingo Mar , Comín‐Colet Josep , Vila Joan , Peñafiel Judith , Farré Núria , Alonso Núria , Santesmases Javier , Troya Maribel , Bayés‐Genís Antoni
Published: June 2016

Aims

Paradoxically, obesity is associated with survival in heart failure (HF). Whether this is true for HF patients with comorbid type‐2 diabetes (T2D) remains uncertain. Our aim was to address this issue in diabetic patients by collecting correlates for body mass index (BMI) and long‐term mortality.

Method and results

Both BMI and survival after a mean follow‐up of 4.3 ± 3.0 years (up to 10 years) were assessed for 2527 ambulatory patients (66.3% men; mean age 69 ± 12.3 years). A total of 1102 (43.6%) patients had T2D and ischaemic aetiology of HF was present in 47.8%; mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 38 ± 16%. Based on BMI scores, patients were categorized as either underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. A significant survival interaction was observed between BMI and T2D. Smooth spline curves for the estimation of risk of all‐cause and cardiovascular death showed the classic obesity paradox, with reduced mortality as BMI increased in non‐diabetics; for T2D patients this pattern was lost. After adjustment for age and sex, hazard ratios for low‐weight and obesity were: 2.04 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.50–2.78, P < 0.001] and 0.76 (95% CI 0.58–0.99, P = 0.04), respectively, for non‐T2D patients; and 1.30 (95% CI 0.77–2.19, P = 0.32) and 0.99 (95% CI 0.78–1.26, P = 0.95), respectively, for T2D patients. Multivariate analyses for mortality (including BMI as a continuous variable) were significant for non‐diabetic patients only.

Conclusions

In patients with HF, but without T2D, the obesity paradox was present; however, T2D removed this phenomenon. Advice about weight loss for obese diabetic patients with HF requires further research.
Direct Highly Regioselective Functionalization of Carbohydrates: A Three‐Component Reaction Combining the Dissolving and Catalytic Efficiency of Ionic Liquids
Authors: Axelsson Anton , Ta Linda , Sundén Henrik
Published: June 2016

An unprecedented regioselective functionalization of unprotected polyols has been realized with the use of an ionic liquid NHC precatalyst. The protocol is robust, scalable, and the products can be isolated in good to excellent yields without chromatography. Moreover, the methodology enables successful recycling of the catalyst.
Family‐Based Rare Variant Association Analysis: A Fast and Efficient Method of Multivariate Phenotype Association Analysis
Authors: Wang Longfei , Lee Sungyoung , Gim Jungsoo , Qiao Dandi , Cho Michael , Elston Robert C , Silverman Edwin K , Won Sungho
Published: June 2016

Family‐based designs have been repeatedly shown to be powerful in detecting the significant rare variants associated with human diseases. Furthermore, human diseases are often defined by the outcomes of multiple phenotypes, and thus we expect multivariate family‐based analyses may be very efficient in detecting associations with rare variants. However, few statistical methods implementing this strategy have been developed for family‐based designs. In this report, we describe one such implementation: the multivariate family‐based rare variant association tool (mFARVAT). mFARVAT is a quasi‐likelihood‐based score test for rare variant association analysis with multiple phenotypes, and tests both homogeneous and heterogeneous effects of each variant on multiple phenotypes. Simulation results show that the proposed method is generally robust and efficient for various disease models, and we identify some promising candidate genes associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The software of mFARVAT is freely available at http://healthstat.snu.ac.kr/software/mfarvat/, implemented in C++ and supported on Linux and MS Windows.
Exposure Enriched Case‐Control (EECC) Design for the Assessment of Gene–Environment Interaction
Authors: Huque Md Hamidul , Carroll Raymond J. , Diao Nancy , Christiani David C. , Ryan Louise M.
Published: June 2016

Genetic susceptibility and environmental exposure both play an important role in the aetiology of many diseases. Case‐control studies are often the first choice to explore the joint influence of genetic and environmental factors on the risk of developing a rare disease. In practice, however, such studies may have limited power, especially when susceptibility genes are rare and exposure distributions are highly skewed. We propose a variant of the classical case‐control study, the exposure enriched case‐control (EECC) design, where not only cases, but also high (or low) exposed individuals are oversampled, depending on the skewness of the exposure distribution. Of course, a traditional logistic regression model is no longer valid and results in biased parameter estimation. We show that addition of a simple covariate to the regression model removes this bias and yields reliable estimates of main and interaction effects of interest. We also discuss optimal design, showing that judicious oversampling of high/low exposed individuals can boost study power considerably. We illustrate our results using data from a study involving arsenic exposure and detoxification genes in Bangladesh.
Sequential patterns in Cenozoic marginal basins of the Northwest Pacific
Authors: Xu Shumei , Ye Qing , Li Sanzhong , Somerville Ian , Feng Huaiwei , Tang Ziwen , Shu Dongge , Bi Haiming
Published: June 2016

By using magnetic anomaly identifications, onshore and offshore exploratory wells, ODP drillings, isotopic dating and orthochronology results, this paper summarizes the tectonic event sequence (including extension, back‐arc spreading, subsidence, convergence/compressive deformation and thrusting) of the marginal basins of the NW Pacific and extracted sequence patterns of the marginal basins according to the tectonic event sequence from an array of oil company regional seismic lines and other geological data. Three important evolutionary stages of the Northwestern Pacific (NW Pacific) marginal sea basins are distinguished: from the Palaeocene to Eocene, from Oligocene to Middle Miocene and from the later Middle Miocene to the present day. Each stage corresponds to a rifting sequence (Palaeocene to Eocene), a drifting sequence (Oligocene to Middle Miocene) and a subsidence/convergence sequence (later Middle Miocene to the present day). The rifting sequence and drifting sequence developed sequentially in the South China Sea Basin, from Palaeocene to Eocene and from Oligocene to Middle Miocene, while in the Japan and Okhotsk Sea basins, an early stage rifting sequence was not developed in the Palaeocene to Eocene interval. However, the drifting and rifting sequence developed synchronously from the Oligocene to Middle Miocene. From the Later Miocene time, all the marginal basins of the Northwest Pacific basically stopped drifting and began to enter the subsidence (post‐drifting) stage. An arc‐continent collision from the south caused the formation of a convergence sequence in the southern margin of each marginal basin. The NW Pacific Plate collision with the Kuril–Kamchatka Arc led to the deformation of the subsidence sequence in the southern margin of the Kuril Sea Basin. The NW Pacific Plate convergence with the Japan Arc led to the formation of a convergence sequence in the southern margin of the Japan Sea Basin. The Borneo–Palawan Arc convergence with the Dangerous Grounds–Reed Bank Block in the South China Sea Basin from 15 Ma led to the formation of the convergence sequence in the southern margin of the South China Sea Basin. The degree of thrusting deformation of the convergent sequence increased gradually from north to south in the marginal basins of the Northwest Pacific. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.