bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Folate‐mediated one‐carbon metabolism genes and interactions with nutritional factors on colorectal cancer risk: Women's Health Initiative Observational Study
Authors: Cheng Ting‐Yuan David , Makar Karen W. , Neuhouser Marian L. , Miller Joshua W. , Song Xiaoling , Brown Elissa C. , Beresford Shirley A. A. , Zheng Yingye , Poole Elizabeth M. , Galbraith Rachel L. , Duggan David J. , Habermann Nina , Bailey Lynn B. , Maneval David R. , Caudill Marie A. , Toriola Adetunji T. , Green Ralph , Ulrich Cornelia M.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Investigations of folate‐mediated one‐carbon metabolism (FOCM) genes and gene‐nutrient interactions with respect to colorectal cancer (CRC) risk are limited to candidate polymorphisms and dietary folate. This study comprehensively investigated associations between genetic variants in FOCM and CRC risk and whether the FOCM nutrient status modified these associations.

METHODS

Two hundred eighty‐eight candidate and tagging single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 30 FOCM genes were genotyped for 821 incident CRC case‐control matched pairs in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study cohort. FOCM biomarkers (red blood cell [RBC] folate, plasma folate, pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate [PLP], vitamin B12, and homocysteine) and self‐reported alcohol consumption were measured at the baseline. Conditional logistic regression was implemented; effect modification was examined on the basis of known enzyme‐nutrient relations.

RESULTS

Statistically significant associations were observed between CRC risk and functionally defined candidate SNPs of methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1 (MTHFD1; K134R), 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate‐homocysteine methyltransferase reductase (MTRR; P450R), and PR domain containing 2 with ZNF domain (PRDM2; S450N) and a literature candidate SNP of thymidylate synthase (TYMS; g.676789A>T; nominal P < .05). In addition, suggestive associations were noted for tagging SNPs in cystathionine‐β‐synthase (CBS), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), DNA (cytosine‐5‐)‐methyltransferase 3β (DNMT3B), methionine adenosyltransferase I α (MAT1A), MTHFD1, and MTRR (nominal P < .05; adjusted P, not significant). Significant interactions between nutrient biomarkers and candidate polymorphisms were observed for 1) plasma/RBC folate and folate hydrolase 1 (FOLH1), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), transcobalamin II (TCN2), DNMT1, and DNMT3B; 2) plasma PLP and TYMS TS3; 3) plasma B12 and betaine‐homocysteine S‐methyltransferase 2 (BHMT2); and 4) homocysteine and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and alanyl–transfer RNA synthetase (AARS).

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic variants in FOCM genes are associated with CRC risk among postmenopausal women. FOCM nutrients continue to emerge as effect modifiers of genetic influences on CRC risk. Cancer 2015;121:3684–3691. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Synthesis of Amorphous Ni−Zn Double Hydroxide Nanocages with Excellent Electrocatalytic Activity toward Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Shuqian , Nai Jianwei , Yang Shihe , Guo Lin
Published: June 2015

In spite of potential favorable electrochemical properties, reports of amorphous materials as catalysts for water oxidation are quite few. Highly efficient amorphous Ni−Zn double hydroxide nanocages as electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) were prepared through a co‐precipitate method. We investigated the influence of composition on electrocatalytic activity experimentally. Ni2.7Zn(OH)x turned out to be the optimal composition of these samples, which exhibited an OER onset overpotential as low as 0.20 V in 1 m KOH electrolyte solution. In addition, Ni2.7Zn(OH)x could reach a current density of 10 A g1 at an overpotential of approximately 0.20 V. Such high mass activity should take advantage of the unique amorphous hollow nanostructure of our sample, which can provide substantial exposure of surface active atoms for remarkable catalytic activity. This amorphous Ni−Zn double hydroxide material was found to be a remarkable OER electrocatalyst and exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity than commercial IrO2.
Demystifying commercial content delivery networks in China
Authors: Yin Hao , Qiao Bo , Luo Yan , Tian Chen , Yang Y. Richard
Published: June 2015

Over the past decade, content delivery networks (CDNs) have attracted substantial Internet traffic and improved quality of experience for Internet users. However, the evolution of the Internet ecosystem, which is driven by underlying economic incentives and ever emerging technologies, posts great challenges to the existing commercial CDNs (CCDNs). Thoroughly understanding the CDN industry from different aspects including market choice, technology, performance, tendency and infrastructure is indispensable to future Internet. In this paper, we conduct the first comprehensive study of China's CDNs using continuous, at‐scale, content‐driven measurements. Based on the massive amount of measurement data with multidimensional properties, we demystify the CCDNs in China and answer two important questions: (1) what is the development trend of CCDNs in China and (2) what are their unique characteristics. The answers to these questions have significant implications on CDN providers and users. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dithienothiophene‐Based Triphenylamine‐Containing Branched Copolymers for Electrochromic Applications
Authors: Cho Ching Mui , Neo Wei Teng , Ye Qun , Lu Xuehong , Xu Jianwei
Published: June 2015

A series of dithienothiophene‐based electrochromic polymers are synthesized by a Stille coupling reaction of 2,6‐bis(trimethylstannyl)dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]thiophene, 2,5‐dibromo‐3,4‐bis(dodecyloxy)thiophene, and tris(4‐bromophenylamine). The resulting polymers have high molecular weights in the range of 59 200 to 81 300 g mol−1, and good solubility in common organic solvents. The polymer films are purple/red in neutral states and gradually become gray when oxidized to an intermediate state and blue when fully oxidized. Incorporation of triphenylamine into the polymer chains has resulted in a significant increase in the redox stability, which renders this a potential method to create high‐performance electrochromic polymers.
Application of Fragment‐Based Drug Discovery against DNA Gyrase B
Authors: Chen Guo‐Ying , Ng Fui Mee , Tan Yih Wan , Poulsen Anders , Seetoh Weiguang , Lin Grace , Kang CongBao , Then Siew Wen , Ahmad Nur Huda , Wong Ying Lei , Ng Hui Qi , Chia C. S. Brian , Lau Qiu Ying , Hill Jeffrey , Hung Alvin W. , Keller Thomas H.
Published: June 2015

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics remains a serious threat to global health. The gyrase B enzyme is a well‐validated target for developing antibacterial drugs. Despite being an attractive target for antibiotic development, there are currently no gyrase B inhibitory drugs on the market. A fragment screen using 1,800 compounds identified 14 fragments that bind to Escherichia coli (E. coli) gyrase B. The detailed characterization of binding is described for all 14 fragments. With the aid of X‐ray crystallography, modifications on a low‐affinity fragment (KD=253 μM, IC50=634 μM) has led to the development of a new class of potent phenyl aminopyrazole inhibitors against E. coli gyrase B (IC50=160 nM). The study presented here combines the use of a set of biophysical techniques including differential scanning fluorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance, isothermal titration calorimetry, and X‐ray crystallography to methodically identify, quantify, and optimize fragments into new chemical leads.
Novel approach to measure the size of plasma‐membrane nanodomains in single molecule localization microscopy
Authors: Ziomkiewicz Iwona , Sporring Jon , Pomorski Thomas Günther , Schulz Alexander
Published: June 2015

Many membrane proteins are not evenly distributed over the plasma membrane, but gathered in domains assumed to have a particular lipid composition. Using single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) we have immunolocalized a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchor protein that labels nanodomains in a specialized plant cell type, and compared the suitability of three methods to estimate their size. As conventional methods full width at half maximum (FWHM) and the full diameter (FWMin) of domains were used. A boundary detection method of the domain area (DA) was performed in order to take irregular shapes into account. In order to compare the influence of the chosen measurement methods, we have developed a MatLab program that allows for automated analysis of domain sizes from multiple SMLM images and provides the statistics of three key features of domains: FWHM and FWMin along their long and short axes as well as the DA, derived from the molecular density. Domains formed by the GPI‐anchor protein are approximating elliptical shapes. Direct and indirect immunolabeling resulted in a statistically significant difference in apparent domain size, reflecting the fact that the secondary antibody molecules extend the uncertainty along the nanodomain border. FWMin values along the long and short axis give good estimates of regular, geometrically centred domain shapes, while the DA value matches regular as well as irregular shapes best, as derived from computer‐generated, irregular point clusters. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Role of high‐risk variants in the development of impaired glucose metabolism was modified by birth weight in Han Chinese
Authors: Zhang Yun , Xiao Xinhua , Zhang Zhenxin , Ma Xuejun , Xu Tao , Li Wenhui , Feng Kai , Sun Qi , Zhang Qian
Published: June 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of common variants in the genes SLC30A8, KCNQ1, and TCF7L2 in the association between birth weight and increased risk of type 2 diabetes in Han Chinese.

Methods

Seven variants (SLC30A8‐rs13266634 and rs2466293; KCNQ1‐rs2237895 and rs2074196; and TCF7L2‐rs11196218, rs7903146, and rs290487) were genotyped in 1181 individuals born in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1921 to 1954 by Taqman allelic discrimination assay. All the subjects were stratified by birth weight into groups of ≥3000 g and <3000 g. Associations of genetic variants with birth weight and with risk of type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (together as impaired glucose metabolism) were analysed.

Results

After adjustment for sex, gestational weeks, parity, and maternal age, the G allele of KCNQ1‐rs2074196 was associated with higher birth weight (p = 0.032). KCNQ1‐rs2074196, rs2234895, and TCF7L2‐rs290487 were associated with increased risk of impaired glucose metabolism. However, the associations were modified by size at birth. The associations above were only found in subjects with birth weights greater than (or equal to) 3000 g. In subjects with birth weights less than 3000 g, impaired glucose metabolism was associated with variants SLC30A8‐rs2466293 and TCF7L2‐rs11196218.

Conclusions

The role of common variants in susceptible genes in the development of impaired glucose metabolism was modified by birth weight in Han Chinese. This provides evidence that genetic variants influence birth weight and are involved in development of type 2 diabetes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adherence to Mediterranean diet and 10‐year incidence (2002–2012) of diabetes: correlations with inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in the ATTICA cohort study
Authors: Koloverou E. , Panagiotakos D. B. , Pitsavos C. , Chrysohoou C. , Georgousopoulou E. N. , Grekas A. , Christou A. , Chatzigeorgiou M. , Skoumas I. , Tousoulis D. , Stefanadis C. ,   The ATTICA Study Group
Published: June 2015

Background

The purpose of this work was to investigate the links between oxidative stress, inflammation and coagulation and their effect on Mediterranean diet–diabetes relationship.

Methods

In 2001–2002, a random sample of 1514 men (18–87 years old) and 1528 women (18–89 years old) was selected to participate in the ATTICA study, where Athens is the major metropolis. A validated questionnaire was used to assess lifestyle and dietary factors. Adherence to Mediterranean diet was recorded using MedDietScore. Among others, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers were recorded. During 2011–2012, the 10‐year follow‐up was performed. Diabetes incidence was defined according to the American Diabetes Association criteria.

Results

A total of 191 incident cases of diabetes were documented, yielding an incidence of 12.9% (13.4% in men and 12.4% in women). Medium and high adherence was found to decrease diabetes risk by 49% (95% CI: 0.30, 0.88) and 62% (95% CI: 0.16, 0.88), respectively, compared with low adherence. A logarithmic trend between Mediterranean diet and diabetes incidence was also revealed (p for trend = 0.042). Individuals with abnormal waist circumference (>94 for men, >80 for women) were benefited the most. Wholegrain cereals, fruits and legumes had the greatest predictive ability. The anti‐diabetic effect of Mediterranean diet correlated with measurements of tumour necrosis factor‐α, homocysteine and total antioxidant capacity.

Conclusions

The reported results support the role of Mediterranean diet as a promising dietary tool for the primary prevention of diabetes, by attenuating inflammation and fostering total antioxidant capacity. This dietary pattern may have therapeutic potential for many cardiometabolic disorders associated with inflammation and/or oxidative stress. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Related male Drosophila melanogaster reared together as larvae fight less and sire longer lived daughters
Authors: Carazo Pau , Perry Jennifer C. , Johnson Fern , Pizzari Tommaso , Wigby Stuart
Published: June 2015

Competition over access to reproductive opportunities can lead males to harm females. However, recent work has shown that, in Drosophila melanogaster, male competition and male harm of females are both reduced under conditions simulating male‐specific population viscosity (i.e., in groups where males are related and reared with each other as larvae). Here, we seek to replicate these findings and investigate whether male population viscosity can have repercussions for the fitness of offspring in the next generation. We show that groups of unrelated‐unfamiliar (i.e., unrelated individuals raised apart) males fight more intensely than groups of related‐familiar males (i.e., full siblings raised together as larvae), supporting previous findings, and that exposure to a female is required to trigger these differential patterns of male–male competition. Importantly, we show that differences in male–male competition can be associated with transgenerational effects: the daughters of females exposed to unrelated‐unfamiliar males suffered higher mortality than the daughters of females exposed to related‐familiar males. Collectively, these results suggest that population structure (i.e., variation in the relatedness and/or larval familiarity of local male groups) can modulate male–male competition with important transgenerational consequences.
Border control: Anatomical origins of the thymus medulla
Authors: Anderson Graham , Jenkinson William E.
Published: June 2015

The thymus is an anatomically compartmentalized primary lymphoid organ that fosters the production of self‐tolerant T cells. The thymic cortex provides a specialized microenvironment in which cortical thymic epithelial cells (cTECs) support the positive selection and further differentiation of self‐MHC‐restricted thymocytes. Following their migration into the medulla, positively selected thymocytes are further screened for self‐reactivity, which involves both negative selection and Foxp3+ regulatory T cell generation via interactions with medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). Given the importance of both cortical and medullary microenvironments for T cell development, studies that address the developmental origins of cTECs and mTECs are important in understanding the processes that shape the developing T cell receptor repertoire, and reduce the frequency of self‐reactive T cells that initiate autoimmune disease. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Onder et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2015. 45: 2218‐2231] identified a subset of podoplanin+ mTECs in mice that reside at the corticomedullary junction (CMJ), show that their development is important to establish self‐tolerance, and require the presence of self‐reactive T cells. Collectively, their findings highlight the CMJ as a potential repository for precursors of the mTEC lineage, and provide a better understanding of thymus medulla formation.
Platinum Nanoparticles Stabilized by Glycerodendrimers: Synthesis and Application to the Hydrogenation of α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones under Mild Conditions
Authors: Menot Bérengère , Salmon Lionel , Bouquillon Sandrine
Published: June 2015

Air‐stable platinum nanoparticles stabilized by glycerodendrimers were prepared in water and analyzed by TEM. These platinum nanoparticles showed good catalytic activity for the reduction of α,β‐unsaturated ketones to saturated ketones at room temperature in water or in water/THF (1:1) under H2 (101.3 kPa). The catalytic species was recovered and recycled several times.
Synthesis and analysis of tocopheryl quinone and tocopherol esters with fatty acids in heated sunflower oil
Authors: Kreps František , Kyselka Jan , Burčová Zuzana , Schmidt Štefan , Filip Vladimír , Dubaj Tibor , Gajdoš Peter , Čertík Milan
Published: June 2015

This work focuses on degradation of α‐tocopherol and formation of α‐tocopherol degradation products in sunflower oil heated at frying temperature. We determined the content and measured the kinetics of α‐tocopherol, α‐tocopheryl quinone, α‐tocopheryl fatty acid formation in heated sunflower oil without aeration (So) and in aerated oil (air flow 20 L/h) (SoAir). During 10 h of So oil heating, the α‐tocopherol was depleted and the content of α‐tocopheryl quinone in So grew from 3 to 84 mg/kg, as did the content of tocopherol free fatty acid esters from the initial 5 to 185 mg/kg. In SoAir oil, the rate constants of formation and decomposition of tocopherol degradation products were determined. Accelerated oxidation in SoAir caused depletion of the degradation products of tocopherol after 2 h of heating. The reason for this was significant oxidation and polymerization of fatty acids in SoAir oil. The unique features of this work are the syntheses and spectral analysis of tocopherol oxidation products and the development of a suitable method for quantitative analysis of α‐tocopheryl fatty acids. For the first time, we confirmed formation and degradation of tocopheryl fatty acids during oil heating at frying temperature.

Practical applications: All the results presented here, consisting of organic syntheses, qualitative and quantitative analysis of α‐tocopheryl fatty acids as well as oxidation and degradation products of tocopherols and fatty acids, will aid future research focused on the degradation of tocopherols. So far the content of α‐tocopheryl fatty acids has not been determined by GC‐FID or HPLC‐UV. This is why there has been little interest in α‐tocopheryl fatty acids, although they are formed both in culinary treatment of food and in oil refining.

Free fatty acids (FFAs), fatty acids (FAs), oxidation [o], products (i) and products (ii) are unspecified products of α‐tocopheryl FAs and α‐TQ degradation. Degradation products of α‐tocopherol were formed in heated sunflower oil and further heating of oil caused decomposition of α‐tocopherol degradation products.
Synthesis of a C–N Axially Chiral N‐Arylisatin through Asymmetric Intramolecular N‐Arylation
Authors: Nakazaki Atsuo , Miyagawa Keitaro , Miyata Noriaki , Nishikawa Toshio
Published: June 2015

We describe the first synthesis of an enantiomerically pure C–N axially chiral N‐arylisatin from the corresponding N‐aryloxindole, which was synthesized by an asymmetric intramolecular Buchwald–Hartwig N‐arylation. This novel isatin would be a potentially versatile synthetic intermediate for a variety of 3,3‐disubstituted oxindoles bearing a C3 stereogenic center.
A simple and compact fluorescence detection system for capillary electrophoresis and its application to food analysis
Authors: Zhai Haiyun , Yuan Kaisong , Yu Xiao , Chen Zuanguang , Liu Zhenping , Su Zihao
Published: June 2015

A novel fluorescence detection system for CE was described and evaluated. Two miniature laser pointers were used as the excitation source. A Y‐style optical fiber was used to transmit the excitation light and a four‐branch optical fiber was used to collect the fluorescence. The optical fiber and optical filter were imported into a photomultiplier tube without any extra fixing device. A simplified PDMS detection cell was designed with guide channels through which the optical fibers were easily aligned to the detection window of separation capillary. According to different requirements, laser pointers and different filters were selected by simple switching and replacement. The fluorescence from four different directions was collected at the same detecting point. Thus, the sensitivity was enhanced without peak broadening. The fluorescence detection system was simple, compact, low‐cost, and highly sensitive, with its functionality demonstrated by the separation and determination of red dyes and fluorescent whitening agents. The detection limit of rhodamine 6G was 7.7 nM (S/N = 3). The system was further applied to determine illegal food dyes. The CE system is potentially eligible for food safety analysis.
Solid–Electrolyte Interphase Evolution of Carbon‐Coated Silicon Nanoparticles for Lithium‐Ion Batteries Monitored by Transmission Electron Microscopy and Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Van Havenbergh Kristof , Turner Stuart , Driesen Kris , Bridel Jean‐Sébastien , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf
Published: June 2015

The main drawbacks of silicon as the most promising anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (theoretical capacity=3572 mAh g−1) are lithiation‐induced volume changes and the continuous formation of a solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) upon cycling. A recent strategy is to focus on the influence of coatings and composite materials. To this end, the evolution of the SEI, as well as an applied carbon coating, on nanosilicon electrodes during the first electrochemical cycles is monitored. Two specific techniques are combined: Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) is used to study the surface evolution of the nanoparticles on a very local scale, whereas electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) provides information on the electrode level. A TEM–EELS fingerprint signal of carbonate structures from the SEI is discovered, which can be used to differentiate between the SEI and a graphitic carbon matrix. Furthermore, the shielding effect of the carbon coating and the thickness evolution of the SEI are described.
High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries using Yolk–Shell Type Sulfur–Silica Nanocomposite Particles with Raspberry‐Like Morphology
Authors: Lodi‐Marzano Fernanda , Leuthner Sven , Sommer Heino , Brezesinski Torsten , Janek Jürgen
Published: June 2015

A simple and scalable method to coat 1–2 micrometer sulfur particles with silica is presented. The fabricated shell has a unique morphology that resembles a raspberry. Lithium–sulfur batteries with reasonably high areal loading using this nanocomposite show very stable performance, with little capacity fading over hundreds of cycles.
Temperament Dispositions, Problematic Eating Behaviours and Overweight in Adolescents
Authors: Walther Mireille , Hilbert Anja
Published: June 2015

Obesity, a common health condition in adolescence leading to severe medical complications, is assumed to be influenced by temperament factors. This paper investigates associations between reactive and regulative temperament, problematic eating behaviours and excess weight. Several self‐report instruments were completed by 130 adolescents (mean age 14.13 ± 0.61 years), including 27 overweight and obese individuals (20.8%). Bootstrap analysis revealed a mediating effect of restrained eating on the relation between reactive temperament and body mass index percentile, which differed according to gender: Restrained eating, which predicted weight gain, was more present in girls having a higher sensitivity to reward and in boys showing a higher sensitivity to punishment. No effect of regulative temperament was found. These results have important implications for weight management programmes, as they suggest that reducing restrained eating by working on temperament may help to control weight. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
A preliminary study on diversity and distribution of Spirulina, Arthrospira and Glaucospira (Cyanobacteria) in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam (India)
Authors: Baruah Partha Pratim , Baruah Rosaballe , Das Purabi
Published: June 2015

Spirulina, a filamentous cyanobacterial genus, is one of the popular microorganisms for its use as food as well as medicine and in other industries. The present works deals with the diversity and distribution of the genus Spirulina, along with allied generaArthrospira and Glaucospira in Brahmaputra valley of Assam, a state located in North‐Eastern region of India. The region is sandwiched between Himalaya (eastern) and Indo‐Burma biodiversity hotspots and has been poorly explored by previous algal systematists and ecologists. During the present survey that was carried out from April 2011 to May 2012 in thirty four different geographical locations covering entire valley, a total of 6 species of Spirulina, 1 species each of Arthrospira and Glaucospira were identified. All are taxonomically characterized along with their habitat characteristics. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Disrupted functional connectivity of cerebellar default network areas in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Kucyi Aaron , Hove Michael J. , Biederman Joseph , Van Dijk Koene R.A. , Valera Eve M.
Published: June 2015

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasingly understood as a disorder of spontaneous brain‐network interactions. The default mode network (DMN), implicated in ADHD‐linked behaviors including mind‐wandering and attentional fluctuations, has been shown to exhibit abnormal spontaneous functional connectivity (FC) within‐network and with other networks (salience, dorsal attention and frontoparietal) in ADHD. Although the cerebellum has been implicated in the pathophysiology of ADHD, it remains unknown whether cerebellar areas of the DMN (CerDMN) exhibit altered FC with cortical networks in ADHD. Here, 23 adults with ADHD and 23 age‐, IQ‐, and sex‐matched controls underwent resting state fMRI. The mean time series of CerDMN areas was extracted, and FC with the whole brain was calculated. Whole‐brain between‐group differences in FC were assessed. Additionally, relationships between inattention and individual differences in FC were assessed for between‐group interactions. In ADHD, CerDMN areas showed positive FC (in contrast to average FC in the negative direction in controls) with widespread regions of salience, dorsal attention and sensorimotor networks. ADHD individuals also exhibited higher FC (more positive correlation) of CerDMN areas with frontoparietal and visual network regions. Within the control group, but not in ADHD, participants with higher inattention had higher FC between CerDMN and regions in the visual and dorsal attention networks. This work provides novel evidence of impaired CerDMN coupling with cortical networks in ADHD and highlights a role of cerebro‐cerebellar interactions in cognitive function. These data provide support for the potential targeting of CerDMN areas for therapeutic interventions in ADHD. Hum Brain Mapp 36:3373–3386, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accelerated corpus callosum development in prematurity predicts improved outcome
Authors: Thompson Deanne K. , Lee Katherine J. , van Bijnen Loeka , Leemans Alexander , Pascoe Leona , Scratch Shannon E. , Cheong Jeanie , Egan Gary F. , Inder Terrie E. , Doyle Lex W. , Anderson Peter J.
Published: June 2015

Objectives

To determine: (1) whether corpus callosum (CC) size and microstructure at 7 years of age or their change from infancy to 7 years differed between very preterm (VP) and full‐term (FT) children; (2) perinatal predictors of CC size and microstructure at 7 years; and (3) associations between CC measures at 7 years or trajectories from infancy to 7 years and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Experimental design

One hundred and thirty‐six VP (gestational age [GA] <30 weeks and/or birth weight <1,250 g) and 33 FT children had usable magnetic resonance images at 7 years of age, and of these, 76 VP and 16 FT infants had usable data at term equivalent age. The CC was traced and divided into six sub‐regions. Fractional anisotropy, mean, axial, radial diffusivity and volume were measured from tractography. Perinatal data were collected, and neurodevelopmental tests administered at 7 years' corrected age.

Principal observations

VP children had smaller posterior CC regions, higher diffusivity and lower fractional anisotropy compared with FT 7‐year‐olds. Reduction in diffusivity over time occurred faster in VP than FT children (P ≤ 0.002). Perinatal brain abnormality and earlier GA were associated with CC abnormalities. Microstructural abnormalities at 7 years or slower development of the CC were associated with motor dysfunction, poorer mathematics and visual perception.

Conclusions

This study is the first to demonstrate an accelerated trajectory of CC white matter diffusion following VP birth, associated with improved neurodevelopmental functioning. Findings suggest there is a window of opportunity for neurorestorative intervention to improve outcomes. Hum Brain Mapp 36:3733–3748, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Groundwater mixing between different aquifer types in a complex structural setting discerned by elemental and stable isotope geochemistry
Authors: Murgulet Dorina , Cook Marlon , Murgulet Valeriu
Published: June 2015

Karst aquifers are well known for their intricate stratigraphy and geologic structures, which make groundwater characterization challenging because flowpaths and recharge sources are complex and difficult to evaluate. Geochemical data, collected from ten closely spaced production wells constructed in two karst aquifers (Bangor Limestone (Mb) and Tuscumbia Limestone/Fort Payne Chert (Mftp)) in Trussville, north‐central Alabama, illustrate two distinctive groundwater end‐members: (1) higher major ion, dissolved inorganic carbon, conductivity, alkalinity concentrations, heavier δ13C ratios (max: −10.2 ± 0.2‰ Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite (PDB)) and lower residence times (mean: 19.5 ± 2 years, n = 2) of groundwater in the Mb aquifer and (2) lower constituent concentrations, lighter δ13C ratios (min: −13.4 ± 0.2‰ PDB) and longer residence times of groundwater (mean: 23.6 ± 2 years, n = 4) in the Mftp aquifer. Summer and fall data and the binary mixing model show aquifer inter‐flow mixing along solution fractures and confirms the distinctive groundwater geochemistry of the two aquifers. Lowering of static water levels over the summer (drawdown from 2 to 5.2 m) leads to more reducing groundwater conditions (lower Eh values) and slightly enriched δ18O and δD ratios during the fall [δ18O: −4.8 ± 0.1 to −5.4 ± 0.1‰ Vienna Standard Mean Oceanic Water (VSMOW), n = 9; δD: −25.4 ± 1 to −27.4 ± 1‰ VSMOW, n = 9] when compared with summer season samples (δ18O: −5.1 ± 0.1 to −5.7 ± 0.1‰ VSMOW, n = 11; δD: −25.0 ± 1 to −30.6 ± 1‰ VSMOW, n = 11). GIS analyses confirm the localized origin of recharge to the investigated aquifers. The combination of GIS, field parameters and geochemistry analyses can be successfully used to identify recharge sources, evaluate groundwater flow and transport pathways and to improve understanding of how groundwater withdrawals impact the sustainability and susceptibility to contamination of karst aquifers. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pay Attention!
Authors: Martinez‐Alba Gilda
Published: June 2015

This column features essays written by current middle school and high school teachers, media specialists, librarians, literacy coaches, curriculum specialists, administrators, preservice teachers, teacher educators, and adolescent and adult learners. They highlight diverse perspectives on teaching and/or learning with literacies to inspire reader reflection.
Visual and Digital Texts
Authors: Botzakis Stergios
Published: June 2015

This column provides reviews of adolescent and adult visual and digital texts and is a valuable resource for visual and digital text selection within and outside of the classroom.
City Literacies in Second Languages
Authors: Mora Raúl Alberto
Published: June 2015

This article documents the current research efforts of a research team at a Colombian university to explore the new forms of literacies in second languages in the city. The different research projects from this research team aim to break the social imaginaries, often perpetuated in policies, that people in cities are not using English as a literacy resource and that all policies must, therefore, bring second languages to them. The findings from our studies portray a narrative that is far more complex than what policies may show, where people in the city are using English in their daily literacy practices in different ways that show creativity in the use of the language. The article introduces some of the challenges that the research team is facing to move into a more active approach to using their findings as options for policy and advocacy related to English literacies.
Nano forsterite biocomposites for medical applications: Mechanical properties and bioactivity
Authors: Furtos Gabriel , Naghiu Marieta‐Adriana , Declercq Heidi , Gorea Maria , Prejmerean Cristina , Pana Ovidiu , Tomoaia‐Cotisel Maria
Published: June 2015

The aim of the present study was to obtain and to investigate nano forsterite and nano forsterite biocomposites for biomedical application. New self‐curing forsterite biocomposites were obtained by mixing nano forsterite powder (5, 15, 30, 50, 70 wt %) with 2,2‐bis[4‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methacryloyloxypropoxy)‐phenyl]propane (bis‐GMA) and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) monomers. The new nano forsterite biocomposites were investigated for mechanical properties: compressive strength (CS) (143–147.12 MPa), compressive modulus (CM) (1.67–2.75 GPa), diametral tensile strength (DTS) (27.33–31.55 MPa), flexural strength (FS) (59.47–83.20 MPa) and flexural modulus (FM) (2.05–8.60 GPa). Increases of CS, DTS, FS with increasing amount of forsterite were observed up to 50 wt %. The highest CM and FM values were registered for 70 wt % and a direct correlation between the forsterite volume fraction (%) was observed. SEM micrographs revealed the morphology of surface of fractured biocomposites after CS test. XPS indicated that these biocomposites promoted the hydroxyapatite formation on their surface immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF). AFM images showed that the growth of the hydroxyapatite layer occurs with a preferred orientation on the surface of forsterite biocomposites after immersion in SBF. Incorporation of nano forsterite in the polymer matrix (bis‐GMA/TEGDMA) did show osteoblast adhesion and proliferation was improved on nano forsterite biocomposites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1290–1301, 2016.
Heat Shock Protein 90 Regulates Subcellular Localization of Smads in Mv1Lu Cells
Authors: Lee Jeeyong , An You Sun , Kim Mi‐Ra , Kim Ye‐Ah , Lee Jin Kyung , Hwang Chang Sun , Chung Eunkyung , Park In‐Chul , Yi Jae Youn
Published: June 2015

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) regulates the stability of various proteins and plays an essential role in cellular homeostasis. Many client proteins of HSP90 are involved in cell growth, survival, and migration; processes that are generally accepted as participants in tumorigenesis. HSP90 is also up‐regulated in certain tumors. Indeed, the inhibition of HSP90 is known to be effective in cancer treatment. Recently, studies showed that HSP90 regulates transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1)‐induced transcription by increasing the stability of the TGF‐β receptor. TGF‐β signaling also has been implicated in cancer, suggesting the possibility that TGF‐β1 and HSP90 function cooperatively during the cancer cell progression. Here in this paper, we investigated the role of HSP90 in TGF‐β1‐stimulated Mv1Lu cells. Treatment of Mv1Lu cells with the HSP90 inhibitor, 17‐allylamino‐demethoxy‐geldanamycin (17AAG), or transfection with truncated HSP90 (ΔHSP90) significantly reduced TGF‐β1‐induced cell migration. Pretreatment with 17AAG or transfection with ΔHSP90 also reduced the levels of phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3. In addition, the HSP90 inhibition interfered the nuclear localization of Smads induced by constitutively active Smad2 (S2EE) or Smad3 (S3EE). We also found that the HSP90 inhibition decreased the protein level of importin‐β1 which is known to regulate R‐Smad nuclear translocation. These data clearly demonstrate a novel function of HSP90; HSP90 modulates TGF‐β signaling by regulating Smads localization. Overall, our data could provide a detailed mechanism linking HSP90 and TGF‐β signaling. The extension of our understanding of HSP90 would offer a better strategy for treating cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 230–238, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pathophysiology of Corneal Dystrophies: From Cellular Genetic Alteration to Clinical Findings
Authors: Sacchetti Marta , Macchi Ilaria , Tiezzi Alessandro , La Cava Maurizio , Massaro‐Giordano Giacomina , Lambiase Alessandro
Published: June 2015

Corneal dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of bilateral, inherited, rare diseases characterized by slowly progressive corneal opacities, that lead to visual impairment. Most of them have an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance with variable expressivity, but new mutations have been described. Many corneal dystrophies have been genetically characterized and the specific gene mutations identified, such as for the epithelial–stromal TGFBI dystrophies. Current classification systems identified four main groups of corneal dystrophies based on clinical, histologic, and genetic information. Diagnosis is performed during a routine ophthalmic examination that shows typical cellular abnormalities of the corneal epithelium, stroma, or endothelium. Disease progression should be carefully monitored to decide the proper clinical management. The treatment of corneal dystrophies is variable, depending on symptoms, clinical course, severity, and type of dystrophy. Management aimed to reduce symptoms and to improve vision, includes different surgical approaches. Novel cellular and genetic therapeutic approaches are under evaluation. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 261–269, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A proposal for scientific framework enabling specific population drug dosing recommendations
Authors: Jadhav Pravin R. , Cook Jack , Sinha Vikram , Zhao Ping , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin , Sahasrabudhe Vaishali , Stockbridge Norman , Powell J. Robert
Published: June 2015

Over the last 3 decades, there has been little change in the paradigm to derive dosing recommendations for specific populations (e.g., renal failure, elderly, or obese patients) despite better understanding of clearance pathways in these groups and availability of modeling and simulation tools. Dosing recommendations for specific populations are often incomplete or unavailable at the time of drug approval. Currently, there is no regulatory framework to incorporate model‐based dosing recommendations for specific populations. This paper proposes a scientific framework for using modeling and simulation to support specific population dosing recommendations. This framework creates a knowledgebase of drug and population attributes where model‐based approaches can be developed to inform dosing recommendations. The framework may benefit patients by having reliable dosing information at the time of drug approval. Patients with conditions where studies are difficult to perform would benefit from dosing based on state‐of‐the‐art knowledge. Industry and regulators would benefit from a scientific and efficient approach to improve specific population prediction. A research approach to determine specific population dose prediction is discussed along with challenges and risks. We hope to initiate a dialogue to explore the role of modeling based on data for drugs with similar clearance mechanisms to predict drug dosing.
Evaluating CCTs from a Gender Perspective: The Impact of Chile Solidario on Women's Employment Prospect
Authors: Scarlato Margherita , d'Agostino Giorgio , Capparucci Francesca
Published: June 2015

This paper examines the effects of the Chile Solidario programme on labour market outcomes from a gender perspective. Chile Solidario was implemented as the main anti‐poverty programme in Chile in 2002. The purpose of this conditional cash transfer is to provide poor families with auxiliary social services, including support for employment. We compare the gender impact of Chile Solidario using difference‐in‐differences and regression discontinuity design estimations based on data from the Chile Solidario Panel Survey. We find that the programme has a strong impact on labour market outcomes. However, the positive effects are particularly important for women subjects in the beneficiary families only after the achievement of the conditionalities imposed by the programme. This analysis suggests that cash transfers should be targeted more specifically to women's needs to contribute to their empowerment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of DCs in the immunopathogenesis of chronic HBV infection and the methods of inducing DCs maturation
Authors: Sun Hai‐hua , Zhou Dong‐fang , Zhou Jun‐ying
Published: June 2015

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the result of an inadequate immune response towards the virus. Dendritic cells (DCs), as the most efficient professional antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), possess the strongest antigen presenting the effect in the body and can stimulate the initial T cell activation and proliferation. DCs of patients with chronic HBV infection are impaired, resulting in more tolerogenic rather than immunogenic responses, which may contribute to viral persistence. Recently, numerous methods have been developed to induce DCs maturation. To date, recombinant human granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor (rhGM‐CSF) combined with interleukin‐4 (rhIL‐4) has been a classic culture combination to DCs. The recently classified type III interferon group interferon‐λ (IFN‐λ) displays antiviral, antitumor, and immunoregulatory activity. In our laboratory, we demonstrate that IFN‐λ1 combined with rhGM‐CSF and rhIL‐4 can significantly increase the expression of DC surface molecules and the secretion of interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. In this review, we emphasize on the role of DCs in the immunopathogenesis of chronic HBV infection. Importantly, we systematic review that the latest update in the current status of knowledge on the methods of inducing DCs maturation in anti‐HBV immunity. What's more, we conclude that IFN‐λ1 combined with GM‐CSF and IL‐4 can induce DCs maturation, which could become a possibility to be applied to the autologus dendritic cell vaccine to treat chronic hepatitis B. J. Med. Virol. 88:13–20, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antinociceptive roles of galanin receptor 1 in nucleus accumbens of rats in a model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Duan Hao , Zhang Ying , Zhang Xiao‐Min , Xu Huan‐Huan , Shu Jun , Xu Shi‐Lian
Published: June 2015

It has been reported that galanin and its receptors might be involved in the modulation and transmission of nociception in the central nervous system. Our previous research has also demonstrated that galanin induces antinociception in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of intact rats. However, the interaction between galanin and its receptors in the NAc and the underlying mechanism of suppressing pain transmission remain unclear. The present study seeks to determine the antinociception induced by galanin receptor (GalR)−1 stimulation in the NAc of rats with neuropathic pain. The left sciatic nerve of rats was ligated to mimic a neuropathic pain model. Western blots showed that the expression of GalR1 was significantly upregulated in the NAc of rats with neuropathic pain. Intra‐NAc injection of GalR1 agonist M617 induced a dose‐dependent increase in hindpaw withdrawal latency (HWL) to noxious thermal and mechanical stimulations in rats with neuropathic pain. Also, the effect of M617 was attenuated by M35, a GalR1/2 antagonist; at the same time, M35 reduced the galanin‐induced antinociception, suggesting that GalR1 mediates antinociception induced by galanin in the NAc of rats with neuropathic pain. Furthermore, we found that M617‐induced antinociception in rats with neuropathic pain was stronger than the antinociception in intact rats. We also found that injections of M617 and galanin each induced significant increases in HWL, but the galanin‐induced antinociception was stronger than that of M617. All these results suggest that GalR1 plays an important role in antinociception and that other GalRs also are involved in pain modulation induced by galanin in the NAc of rats with neuropathic pain. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A systematic review of the effect of piston diameter in stapes surgery for otosclerosis on hearing results
Authors: Wegner Inge , Verhagen Jessica J. , Stegeman Inge , Vincent Robert , Grolman Wilko
Published: June 2015

Objective

To evaluate the effect of piston diameter in primary stapedotomy for otosclerosis patients measured by hearing outcome.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library.

Review Methods

A systematic search was conducted. Studies reporting original data on the effect of piston diameter on pure‐tone audiometric results in patients undergoing primary stapedotomy for otosclerosis were included. Relevance and risk of bias of the selected articles were assessed. Studies with low relevance, high risk of bias, or both were excluded. Absolute risks and risk differences, means and mean differences, and 95% confidence intervals were extracted.

Results

Twelve studies with moderate to high relevance and moderate risk of bias were included for data extraction. Air‐bone gap closure to 10 dB or less was assessed in six studies, the majority of which did not show a statistically significant or clinically relevant difference between two pistons with a different diameter. More importantly, the differences that were found were not consistently in favor of smaller‐diameter pistons or larger‐diameter pistons. Mean postoperative air‐bone gap ranged from 3 dB in favor of a smaller‐diameter piston to 3 dB in favor of a larger‐diameter piston across four studies. Permanent sensorineural hearing loss was assessed in eight studies and occurred in only one study. In this study, no difference was found between a 0.4‐mm‐diameter piston and a 0.6‐mm‐diameter piston.

Conclusion

There is not sufficient evidence to support the superiority of the use of a larger‐diameter piston compared to a smaller‐diameter piston for primary stapedotomy in otosclerosis patients.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:182–190, 2016
EGFP‐Based Protein Nanoparticles with Cell‐Penetrating Peptide for Efficient siRNA Delivery
Authors: Guan Xingang , Hu Xiuli , Cui Fengchao , Li Yunqi , Jing Xiabing , Xie Zhigang
Published: June 2015

Development of an innovative nucleic acid nanocarriers still represents a challenge. In this study, we develop a protein nanoparticle (H6‐TatEGFP) and examine its siRNA condensing activity. Gel retardation assay show that protein nanoparticle can condense siRNA into stable nanoparticle/siRNA complexes. UsingCy3‐labelled siRNA, we also evaluate siRNA transport characteristic of protein nanoparticles in tumor cells, the results indicate that H6‐TatEGFP nanoparticle may be a potential nanocarrier for siRNA in tumor cells.