bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hoxa9 collaborates with E2A‐PBX1 in mouse B cell leukemia in association with Flt3 activation and decrease of B cell gene expression
Authors: Hassawi Mona , Shestakova Elena A. , Fournier Marilaine , Lebert‐Ghali Charles‐Étienne , Vaisson Gratianne , Frison Héloïse , Sinnett Daniel , Vidal Ramon , Thompson Alexander , Bijl Janet J.
Published: September 2013

Background: The fusion protein E2A‐PBX1 induces pediatric B cell leukemia in human. Previously, we reported oncogenic interactions between homeobox (Hox) genes and E2A‐PBX1 in murine T cell leukemia. A proviral insertional mutagenesis screen with our E2A‐PBX1 B cell leukemia mouse model identified Hoxa genes as potential collaborators to E2A‐PBX1. Here we studied whether Hoxa9 could enhance E2A‐PBX1 leukemogenesis. Results: We show that Hoxa9 confers a proliferative advantage to E2A‐PBX1 B cells. Transplantation experiments with E2A‐PBX1 transgenic B cells overexpressing Hoxa9 isolated from bone marrow chimeras showed that Hoxa9 accelerates the generation of E2A‐PBX1 B cell leukemia, but Hoxa9 is unable to transform B cells alone. Quantitative‐reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated a strong repression of B cell specific genes in these E2A‐PBX1/Hoxa9 leukemias in addition to Flt3 activation, indicating inhibition of B cell differentiation in combination with enhanced proliferation. Overexpression of Hoxa9 in established E2A‐PBX1 mouse leukemic B cells resulted in a growth advantage in vitro, which was also characterized by an enhanced expression of Flt3. Conclusions: we show for the first time that Hoxa9 collaborates with E2A‐PBX1 in the oncogenic transformation of B cells in a mouse model that involves Flt3 signaling, which is potentially relevant to human disease. Developmental Dynamics 243:145–158, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reproductive health outcomes in eating disorders
Authors: Linna Milla S. , Raevuori Anu , Haukka Jari , Suvisaari Jaana M. , Suokas Jaana T. , Gissler Mika
Published: September 2013

Objective

Eating disorders are common psychiatric disorders in women at childbearing age. Previous research suggests that eating disorders are associated with fertility problems, unplanned pregnancies, and increased risk of induced abortions and miscarriages. The purpose of this study was to assess how eating disorders are related to reproductive health outcomes in a representative patient population.

Method

Female patients (N = 2,257) treated at the eating disorder clinic of Helsinki University Central Hospital during 1995–2010 were compared with matched controls identified from the Central Population Register (N = 9,028). Patients had been diagnosed (ICD‐10) with anorexia nervosa (AN), atypical AN, bulimia nervosa (BN), atypical BN, or binge eating disorder (BED, according to DSM‐IV research criteria). Register‐based data on number of children, pregnancies, childbirths, induced abortions, miscarriages, and infertility treatments were used to measure reproductive health outcomes.

Results

Patients were more likely to be childless than controls [odds ratio (OR) 1.86; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.62–2.13, p < .001]. Pregnancy and childbirth rates were lower among patients than among controls. BN was associated with increased risk of induced abortion compared to controls (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.43–2.38, p < .001), whereas BED was associated with elevated risk of miscarriage (OR 3.18; 95% CI 1.52–6.66, p = .002).

Discussion

Reproductive health outcomes are compromised in women with a history of eating disorders across all eating disorder types. Our findings emphasize the importance of reproductive health counseling and monitoring among women with eating disorders. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2013; 46:826–833)
Gender norms, psychometric properties, and validity for the Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory
Authors: Forbush Kelsie T. , Wildes Jennifer E. , Hunt Tyler K.
Published: September 2013

Objective

The Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory [EPSI; Forbush KT, Wildes JE, Pollack LO, Dunbar D, Luo J, Patterson K, et al. Development and validation of the EPSI. Psychological Assessment, in press] is an empirically derived self‐report measure of eating disorder (ED) symptoms. The EPSI is able to capture the majority of variance associated with established ED measures, yet possesses additional content that is not currently represented in any existing multidimensional ED measure. The purpose of this study was to present normative and psychometric data for the EPSI in a large sample of college men (N = 502) and women (N = 625).

Method

Participants completed the EPSI and a battery of self‐report measures to evaluate convergent and discriminant validity. To provide context as to how normative scores compare to ED psychopathology, undergraduate student scores were compared to scores from individuals with EDs (N = 150).

Results

Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the EPSI had a robust eight‐factor structure that was replicated in both men and women. Mean scores for most scales were significantly higher in women, except for Excessive Exercise, Muscle Building, and Negative Attitudes toward Obesity, which were significantly higher in men. Most scale scores were significantly lower in college students than in patients with EDs. Results indicated excellent convergent and discriminant validity in both genders.

Discussion

These data provide the first large‐scale normative data for the EPSI in young adults, as well as additional evidence supporting the psychometric properties and construct validity of the EPSI. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:85–91)
Cognitive‐behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa and atypical bulimic nervosa: Effectiveness in clinical settings
Authors: Waller Glenn , Gray Emma , Hinrichsen Hendrik , Mountford Victoria , Lawson Rachel , Patient Eloise
Published: September 2013

Objective

The efficacy of cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) for bulimic disorders has been established in research trials. This study examined whether that efficacy can be translated into effectiveness in routine clinical practice.

Method

Seventy‐eight adult women with bulimic disorders (bulimia nervosa and atypical bulimia nervosa) undertook individual CBT, with few exclusion criteria and a treatment protocol based on evidence‐based approaches, utilizing individualized formulations. Patients completed measures of eating behaviors, eating attitudes, and depression pre‐ and post‐treatment. Eight patients dropped out. The mean number of sessions attended was 19.2.

Results

No pretreatment features predicted drop‐out. Treatment outcome was similar whether using treatment completer or intent to treat analyses. Approximately 50% of patients were in remission by the end of treatment. There were significant improvements in mood, eating attitudes, and eating behaviors. Reductions in bingeing and vomiting were comparable to efficacy trials.

Discussion

The improvements in this “real‐world” trial of CBT for adults with bulimic disorders mirrored those from large, funded research trials, though the conclusions that can be reached are inevitably limited by the nature of the trial (e.g., lack of control group and therapy validation). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:13–17)
The episodic evolution of fibritin: traces of ancient global environmental alterations may remain in the genomes of T4‐like phages
Authors: Letarov A. V. , Krisch H. M.
Published: September 2013

The evolutionary adaptation of bacteriophages to their environment is achieved by alterations of their genomes involving a combination of both point mutations and lateral gene transfer. A phylogenetic analysis of a large set of collar fiber protein (fibritin) loci from diverse T4‐like phages indicates that nearly all the modular swapping involving the C‐terminal domain of this gene occurred in the distant past and has since ceased. In phage T4, this fibritin domain encodes the sequence that mediates both the attachment of the long tail fibers to the virion and also controls, in an environmentally sensitive way, the phage's ability to infect its host bacteria. Subsequent to its distant period of modular exchange, the evolution of fibritin has proceeded primarily by the slow vertical divergence mechanism. We suggest that ancient and sudden changes in the environment forced the T4‐like phages to alter fibritin's mode of action or function. The genome's response to such episodes of rapid environmental change could presumably only be achieved quickly enough by employing the modular evolution mechanism. A phylogenetic analysis of the fibritin locus reveals the possible traces of such events within the T4 superfamily's genomes.
A natural antipredation experiment: predator control and reduced sea ice increases colony size in a long‐lived duck
Authors: Hanssen Sveinn A. , Moe Børge , Bårdsen Bård‐Jørgen , Hanssen Frank , Gabrielsen Geir W.
Published: September 2013

Anthropogenic impact on the environment and wildlife are multifaceted and far‐reaching. On a smaller scale, controlling for predators has been increasing the yield from local natural prey resources. Globally, human‐induced global warming is expected to impose severe negative effects on ecosystems, an effect that is expected to be even more pronounced in the scarcely populated northern latitudes. The clearest indication of a changing Arctic climate is an increase in both air and ocean temperatures leading to reduced sea ice distribution. Population viability is for long‐lived species dependent on adult survival and recruitment. Predation is the main mortality cause in many bird populations, and egg predation is considered the main cause of reproductive failure in many birds. To assess the effect of predation and climate, we compared population time series from a natural experiment where a trapper/down collector has been licensed to actively protect breeding common eidersSomateria mollissima(a large seaduck) by shooting/chasing egg predators, with time series from another eider colony located within a nature reserve with no manipulation of egg predators. We found that actively limiting predator activity led to an increase in the population growth rate and carrying capacity with a factor of 3–4 compared to that found in the control population. We also found that population numbers were higher in years with reduced concentration of spring sea ice. We conclude that there was a large positive impact of human limitation of egg predators, and that this lead to higher population growth rate and a large increase in size of the breeding colony. We also report a positive effect of warming climate in the high arctic as reduced sea‐ice concentrations was associated with higher numbers of breeding birds.
Modelling groundwater residence time in a sub‐irrigated buffer zone
Authors: Mastrocicco M. , Boz B. , Colombani N. , Carrer G. M. , Bonato M. , Gumiero B.
Published: September 2013

This study focuses on the short groundwater residence time induced by the development of a dense rooting system in a forested area employed as a buffer zone planned for nitrogen removal. The buffer zone consists of a rectangular area of 0·7 ha sub‐irrigated by two ditches and drained by an outflow ditch lying in the centre of the area. The pristine soil (silty clay loam) was characterized by a low hydraulic conductivity, but the agricultural practice first, and then the rooting system increased the permeability of the top soil. This was confirmed by the elevated discharge in the outflow ditch and by the elevated hydraulic conductivity values determined via slug tests. The groundwater residence time was monitored, once the rooting system was completely developed, via Rhodamine‐WT injection in the inflow ditch. The breakthrough curves were simulated using a one‐dimensional analytical model (CXTFIT) to calculate the residence time. In addition, a three‐dimensional flow and transport model (MODFLOW and MT3DMS) was calibrated using piezometric heads, groundwater fluxes and Rhodamine‐WT concentrations. The CXTFIT model overestimated the dispersivity and underestimated velocity respect to MT3DMS. This study shows that residence time can decrease respect to the value expected from the hydraulic conductivities of the pristine soils and that one‐dimensional analytical models can give a false impression compared with soil parameters respect to three‐dimensional flow and transport models. Given the importance of the residence time for biological processes in buffer zones, a greater effort is needed to improve measurement techniques on subsurface flow's heterogeneity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Magnetic Properties of a Family of Tetra‐ and Octanuclear Mixed‐Valent Manganese Clusters
Authors: Yang Pei‐Pei , Shao Cong‐Ying , Zhu Li‐Li , Xu Yun
Published: September 2013

Reactions of manganese perchlorate and a quinquedentate Schiff base ligand (H3L), derived from o‐vanillin and 3‐amino‐1,2‐propanediol, together with a solution of coligands NaN3 or NaO2CH or NaO2CPh in methanol produced three new tetranuclear manganese clusters that contain a mixed‐valent tetrahedral MnIIMnIII3 core with the corresponding general formula [NaMnIIMn3III(μ4‐O2–)(HL)3(N3)3]ClO4·1.5H2O (1), [NaMnIIMn3III(μ4‐O2–)(HL)3(HCO2)3]ClO4·4H2O (2), and [NaMnIIMn3III(μ4‐O2–)(HL)3(PhCO2)(H2O)2](ClO4)2(PhCO2)·PhCO2H·H2O·CH3OH (3). According to the feature of the tetrahedral MnIIMnIII3 core, we used a terephthalic acid disodium salt (Na2TA) instead of NaO2CPh and obtained an octanuclear manganese cluster that contained two tetrahedral MnIIMnIII3 cores bridged by a TA2– ligand with the general formula [Na2Mn2IIMn6III(μ4‐O2–)2(HL)6(HCO2)2(CH3OH)2(TA)](TA)(ClO4)2·4CH3OH·9.5H2O (4). Variable‐temperature, solid‐state direct‐current (dc) magnetization studies were carried out on compounds 1–4 in the 2.0–300 K range. The magnetic susceptibility data of these four compounds were fit to the theoretical χmT versus T expression derived by the use of an isotropic Heisenberg spin Hamiltonian and the Van Vleck equation. The fitting results revealed the presence of both antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions between the metal centers.
Towards the Design of Highly Luminescent Europium(III) Complexes
Authors: Botelho Moema B. S. , Gálvez‐López Maria D. , De Cola Luisa , Albuquerque Rodrigo Q. , de Camargo Andrea S. S.
Published: September 2013

We report on the synthesis, characterization, and photophysical investigation of a new nine‐coordinate Eu3+ complex containing three tridentate ligands and exhibiting one of the highest emission quantum yields (Φ = 85 %) so far reported in solution. Ligand field theory (LFT) and semiempirical calculations were employed to predict the energies of the 7F stark levels of the ion with the aim to find the best geometry of the complex on the basis of matching experimental data. The results from the LFT analysis corroborated the existence of a nine‐coordinate Eu3+ center and proved the transferability of the charge factors used in this theoretical model. Our findings contribute to the design and full characterization of highly luminescent Eu3+ complexes, and our approach could be extended to other trivalent lanthanide complexes.
Suppression of visceral adipose tissue by palm kernel and soy‐canola diacylglycerol in C57BL/6N mice
Authors: Tang Teck‐Kim , Beh Boon‐Kee , Alitheen Noorjahan Banu Mohamed , Lo Seong‐Koon , Lee Yee‐Ying , Lai Oi‐Ming
Published: September 2013

The present study investigated the health effect of two types of diacylglycerol (DG) produced from (i) palm kernel (PK) oil of medium‐chain saturated fatty acids and (ii) soy‐canola oil (SC) blend of long‐chain unsaturated fatty acids in C57BL/6N mice. As compared to diet containing 30% PK triacylglycerol (TG), 16 wk feeding trial on C57BL/6N mice with a diet consisting of 30% PKDG and 30% SCDG significantly (p<0.05) reduced the fat accumulation in epididymal and retroperitoneal regions. Serum glucose, cholesterol, leptin and insulin levels were significantly (p<0.05) suppressed in PKDG‐ and SCDG‐fed mice. In terms of gene expression, PKDG diet induced expression of acyl‐CoA synthase long chain (ACSL) and acyl‐CoA synthase medium chain mRNA in the small intestine of the mice while SCDG fed mice upregulated ACSL in liver and small intestine. This suggests that the difference in fatty acid composition of DG may potentially induce β‐oxidation in different organs in mice. Besides, expression of apolipoprotein B mRNA were reduced in mice fed with PKDG and SCDG, indicating the ability of PKDG and SCDG to reduce LDL levels. In conclusion, structural differences between DG and TG markedly influenced the metabolism of lipids in the body while fatty acid composition has only showed a minor effect.

Practical applications: Medium chain type of DG oil, if proven to have similar effects to long chain type DG in this study, can be incorporated into food for health purposes and can replace conventional cooking oil as healthy functional cooking oil.
Microencapsulation of α‐linolenic acid‐rich garden cress seed oil: Physical characteristics and oxidative stability
Authors: Umesha S. S. , Monahar B. , Naidu K. Akhilender
Published: September 2013

Microencapsulation of garden cress oil (GCO) using different wall materials such as sodium caseinate (SACA), whey protein concentrate (WPC), blend of maltodextrin and gum arabica (MDGA) and skimmed milk powder (SKM) was examined using spray‐drying method. Physicochemical properties of GCO microencapsules were evaluated with reference to encapsulate size, shape, surface oil, encapsulation efficiency and oxidative stability as a function of storage temperature and time. The surface oil content increased significantly and microencapsulation efficiency (ME) decreased as oil/wall material ratio increased irrespective of type of wall material used. Highest ME efficiency of 85.4% was obtained with SACA followed by WPC, MDGA, and SKM. The particle sizes of microencapsulae were in the range of 13.3–31.3 µm and no significant change was observed with respect to the type of wall material and oil/wall material ratio. The influence of microencapsulation on fatty acid profile was evaluated especially with respect to α‐linolenic acid levels in microencapsules. SACA offered good oxidative stability and the microencapsulation process did not affect fatty‐acid composition of GCO. Thus, the encapsulated GCO powder can be supplemented in food products to enhance plant‐based n‐3 fatty acid.
RCM Approach to Complex Polycyclic α‐Hydroxy γ‐Lactams: Synthesis of Indolizinones and Pyrroloazepinones
Authors: Gómez‐SanJuan Asier , Sotomayor Nuria , Lete Esther
Published: September 2013

The allylmagnesium chloride addition/RCM sequence on N‐alkenyl‐substituted imides provides a mild access to indolizinone and pyrroloazepinone derivatives with the α‐hydroxy‐γ‐lactam framework. The procedure can be applied to the asymmetric synthesis of this type of derivatives, by employing a 2‐exo‐hydroxy‐10‐bornylsulfinyl group as a chiral auxiliary. Further functionality can be introduced at the angular position through an α‐amidoalkylation reaction.
Electrostatic Repulsion and Hydrogen‐Bonding Interactions in a Simple N‐Aryl‐L‐valinamide Organocatalyst Control the Stereoselectivity in Asymmetric Aldol Reactions
Authors: Tanimura Yuya , Yasunaga Kenji , Ishimaru Kaori
Published: September 2013

A novel stereocontrol method for asymmetric aldol reactions of aldehydes with ketones is described. The stereoselectivity of the products is controlled by the electrostatic repulsion and hydrogen‐bonding interactions of an N‐aryl‐L‐valinamide catalyst. The use of this catalyst in a cross‐aldol reaction allows easy access to bioactive 3‐cyclohexanone‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐oxindole with excellent diastereo‐ (syn/anti = >99:1) and enantioselectivity (>99 % ee).
Development of a heterogeneous catalyst for lignocellulosic biomass conversion: Glucose dehydration by metal chlorides in a silica‐supported ionic liquid layer
Authors: Degirmenci Volkan , Hensen Emiel J.M.
Published: September 2013

An attempt is made to immobilize the homogeneous metal chloride/EMIMCl catalyst for glucose dehydration to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural. To this end, ionic liquid fragments were grafted to the surface of SBA‐15 to generate a heterogenized mimick of the homogeneous reaction medium. Despite a decrease in the surface area, the ordered mesoporous structure of SBA‐15 was largely retained. Metal chlorides dispersed in such ionic liquid film are able to convert glucose to HMF with much higher yields as is possible in the aqueous phase. The reactivity order CrCl2 > AlCl3 > CuCl2 > FeCl3 is similar to the order in the ionic liquid solvent, yet the selectivity are lower. The HMF yield of the most promising CrCl2‐Im‐SBA‐15 can be improved by using a H2O:DMSO mixture as the reaction medium and a 2‐butanol/MIBK extraction layer. Different attempts to decrease metal chloride leaching by using different solvents are described. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 657–662, 2014
Study on optimizing evaluation and recovery efficiency for landfill gas energy collection
Authors: Xue Qiang , Liu Lei
Published: September 2013

The distribution of the vertical wells has the significant effect on the collection capacity of methane in landfill. The gas wells spacing that contribute to the wells point should be predicted according to the field condition, such as organic fraction, density, reservoir capacity, and so on. The Multi‐wells Co‐optimizing Method (MWCOM) was developed for pre‐accessing the collection system to increase the methane recovery efficiency. This method depend on the well spacing and well number and recovery efficiency as output variables to reach the optimum of the control of the pumping system to the gas. The application of the MWCOM was presented for vertical wells distribution in C.J.C. landfill in China. And the field measurement of gas production from running wells was investigated. The results show that the recovery efficiency can be largely increased by using the MWCOM. The recovery efficiency from field measurement was up to 74.5%–85.1% in the last two years. The method is validated by the comparison between the simulation and test results in four areas. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 972–977, 2014
Process design and optimization of state‐of‐the‐art carbon capture technologies
Authors: Zhou Zhijun , You Zhuo , Wang Zhihua , Hu Xin , Zhou Junhu , Cen Kefa
Published: September 2013

This study aimed to access the possibilities of reducing energy penalty by carbon capture. Process simulation was performed for the three main carbon capture technologies, namely, oxy‐fuel combustion, postcombustion, and integrated gasification combined cycle with carbon capture, by using both current and near future parameters. The results showed that the enhanced parameters of the power generation devices slightly increased the work output. Energy penalty was significantly reduced by the pressurized oxy‐fuel combustion system with a self‐pressurized process compared with the oxy‐fuel combustion at atmospheric pressure. The co‐firing of biomass and coal and the reduction of the unit heat consumption of regeneration enhanced efficiency of carbon capture systems with chemical absorbing. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 993–999, 2014
Acute and chronic effects of diphenhydramine and sertraline mixtures in Ceriodaphnia dubia
Authors: Goolsby Eric W. , Mason Chase M. , Wojcik James T. , Jordan Alex M. , Black Marsha C.
Published: September 2013

Ceriodaphnia dubia were tested to evaluate the acute and chronic interactive effects of diphenhydramine and sertraline. Observed effects were compared with 2 reference toxicity models, the concentration addition model and the independent action model. Results indicate that the 2 drugs exhibit additive toxicity in C. dubia. In some cases, individually sublethal concentrations of the chemicals resulted in 100% mortality when combined, demonstrating the potentially severe impact of trace environmental contaminants. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2866–2869. © 2013 SETAC
The effects of salinity exposure on multiple life stages of a common freshwater mussel, Elliptio complanata
Authors: Blakeslee Carrie J. , Galbraith Heather S. , Robertson Laura S. , St. John White Barbara
Published: September 2013

There is growing concern over the effects of increased salinization on freshwater organisms, which are largely unknown for unionid mussels. Adult and larval Elliptio complanata were exposed to low-level salt concentrations to determine the effects on mussel survival, physiology, and reproduction. Adults were exposed to salt concentrations of 0 parts per thousand (ppt), 2 ppt, 4 ppt, and 6 ppt NaCl and monitored over 7 d for mortality. Treatment groups exposed to 6 ppt and 4 ppt experienced 50% mortality at day 3 and day 4, respectively, with complete mortality by day 7. No mortality was observed in the other treatments. Adults were also exposed to sublethal salinity levels of 1 ppt and 2 ppt NaCl for 4 wk to determine physiological consequences of prolonged salinity exposure. Mussels exposed to 1 ppt and 2 ppt experienced reduced metabolic rates within the first 24 h of exposure that recovered to control levels in the 1-ppt treatment within 7 d. Metabolic recovery did not occur in the 2-ppt treatment by the end of 28 d. Glochidia exposed to 3-ppt NaCl during attachment to their host fish suffered a reduction in attachment success and metamorphosis, resulting in a 10-fold reduction in the number of juveniles produced per host fish. The present study demonstrates that low levels of salt can have a dramatic effect on the reproduction, physiology, and survival of freshwater mussels. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2849–2854. © 2013 SETAC. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Validation of an extraction method for Cry1Ab protein from soil
Authors: Mueting Sara A. , Strain Katherine E. , Lydy Michael J.
Published: September 2013

Corn expressing insecticidal proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt corn) has increased in usage in the United States from 8% of total corn acreage in 1996 to 67% in 2012. Because of this increase, it is important to be able to monitor the fate and transport of the insecticidal Bt proteins to evaluate environmental exposure and effects. Accurate and validated methods are needed to quantify these proteins in environmental matrices. A method to extract Bt Cry1Ab proteins from 3 soil types using a 10× phosphate-buffered saline with Tween buffer and a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was validated through a series of 6 tests. The validation process for Cry1Ab extractions in soil has not yet been reported in the scientific literature. The extraction buffer and each soil matrix were tested and validated for the ELISA. Extraction efficiencies were 41%, 74%, and 89% for the 3 soil types and were significantly correlated with the organic matter content of the soil. Despite low recoveries, consistent results with low coefficients of variation allowed for accurate measurements. Through validating this method with 3 different soils, a sensitive, specific, precise, and accurate quantification of Bt Cry1Ab was developed. The validation process can be expanded and implemented in other environmental matrices, adding consistency to data across a wide range of samples. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:18–25. © 2013 SETAC
Novel MIR143‐NOTCH fusions in benign and malignant glomus tumors
Authors: Mosquera Juan‐Miguel , Sboner Andrea , Zhang Lei , Chen Chun‐Liang , Sung Yun‐Shao , Chen Hsiao‐Wei , Agaram Narasimhan P. , Briskin Daniel , Basha Basma M. , Singer Samuel , Rubin Mark A. , Tuschl Thomas , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: September 2013

Glomus tumors (GT) have been classified among tumors of perivascular smooth muscle differentiation, together with myopericytoma, myofibroma/tosis, and angioleiomyoma, based on their morphologic overlap. However, no molecular studies have been carried out to date to investigate their genetic phenotype and to confirm their shared pathogenesis. RNA sequencing was performed in three index cases (GT1, malignant GT; GT2, benign GT and M1, multifocal myopericytoma), followed by FusionSeq data analysis, a modular computational tool developed to discover gene fusions from paired‐end RNA‐seq data. A gene fusion involving MIR143 in band 5q32 was identified in both GTs with either NOTCH2 in 1p13 in GT1 or NOTCH1 in 9q34 in GT2, but none in M1. After being validated by FISH and RT‐PCR, these abnormalities were screened on 33 GTs, 6 myopericytomas, 9 myofibroma/toses, 18 angioleiomyomas and in a control group of 5 sino‐nasal hemangiopericytomas. Overall NOTCH2 gene rearrangements were identified in 52% of GT, including all malignant cases and one NF1‐related GT. No additional cases showed NOTCH1 rearrangement. As NOTCH3 shares similar functions with NOTCH2 in regulating vascular smooth muscle development, the study group was also investigated for abnormalities in this gene by FISH. Indeed, NOTCH3 rearrangements were identified in 9% of GTs, all present in benign soft tissue GT, one case being fused to MIR143. Only 1/18 angioleiomyomas showed NOTCH2 gene rearrangement, while all the myopericytomas and myofibroma/toses were negative. In summary, we describe novel NOTCH1–3 rearrangements in benign and malignant, visceral, and soft tissue GTs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel TRAF1‐ALK fusion identified by deep RNA sequencing of anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Authors: Feldman Andrew L. , Vasmatzis George , Asmann Yan W. , Davila Jaime , Middha Sumit , Eckloff Bruce W. , Johnson Sarah H. , Porcher Julie C. , Ansell Stephen M. , Caride Ariel
Published: September 2013

Chromosomal translocations leading to expression of abnormal fusion proteins play a major role in the pathogenesis of various hematologic malignancies. The recent development of high‐throughput, “deep” sequencing has allowed discovery of novel translocations leading to a rapid increase in understanding these diseases. Translocations involving the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene leading to ALK fusion proteins originally were discovered in anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCLs). Among ALCLs, NPM1‐ALK fusions are most common and lead to nuclear localization of the fusion protein. Here, we present a 50‐year‐old male with ALCL demonstrating cytoplasmic ALK immunoreactivity only, suggesting the presence of a non‐NPM1 fusion partner. We performed deep RNA sequencing of tumor tissue from this patient and identified a novel transcript fusing Exon 6 of TRAF1 to Exon 20 of ALK. The TRAF1‐ALK fusion transcript was confirmed at the mRNA level by Sanger sequencing and the fusion protein was visualized by Western blot. The discovery of this TRAF1‐ALK fusion expands the diversity of known ALK fusion partners and highlights the power of deep sequencing for fusion transcript discovery. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The diverse role of miR‐31 in regulating cancer associated phenotypes
Authors: Laurila Eeva M. , Kallioniemi Anne
Published: September 2013

In the past 10 years research on miRNAs has demonstrated their central role in regulating gene expression both in normal and diseased tissue. The expression of miRNAs is widely altered in cancer, leading to abnormal expression of the genes regulated by these miRNAs, and subsequently alterations in entire molecular networks and pathways. One especially interesting cancer‐related miRNA is miR‐31 which is frequently altered in a large variety of cancers. The functional role of miR‐31 is extremely complex and miR‐31 can hold both tumor suppressive and oncogenic roles in different tumor types. The phenotype caused by aberrant miR‐31 expression seems to be strongly dependent on the endogenous expression levels. For example, in breast cancer loss of miR‐31 expression is associated with high risk of metastases, whereas in colorectal cancer high miR‐31 expression correlates with advanced disease stage. This review summarizes the complex expression patterns of miR‐31 in human cancers, describes the variable phenotypes caused by altered miR‐31 expression, and highlights the current knowledge on the genes targeted by miR‐31. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Geotechnische und geohydraulische Aspekte beim Bau der Weserschleuse in Minden
Authors: Kauther Regina , Herten Markus , Montenegro Hector , Odenwald Bernhard
Published: September 2013

Die Schleusenbauwerke des Wasserstraßenkreuzes in Minden genügen mit den derzeitigen Abmessungen nicht mehr den Anforderungen der Schifffahrt und erreichen zudem in absehbarer Zeit das Ende ihrer technischen Nutzungsdauer. Die in den 1910er‐Jahren erstellte Schachtschleuse wird deshalb durch einen Neubau ersetzt, mit dessen Bau im Jahr 2010 begonnen wurde. Zur Minimierung der Verformungen der Schachtschleuse wurde auf der Westseite ein verformungsarmer Baugrubenverbau in Form einer überschnittenen Bohrpfahlwand und auf der Ostseite eine deutlich kostengünstigere Baugrubenböschung ausgeführt. Der Baugrubenverbau wurde kombiniert mit einer um die Baugrube umlaufenden Abdichtung im Quartär und einer Wasserhaltung im darunter anstehenden Fels. Beginnend mit der Projektbeschreibung, werden die wesentlichen Randbedingungen, der Baugrund, das Baugrubenkonzept und ausgewählte Aspekte der Interaktion zwischen Baugrund, Bauwerk und Grundwasser dargestellt.

The new Weser lock in Minden – geotechnical and geohydraulic aspects. The dimensions of the existing ship lock at the waterway intersection in Minden do no longer meet the requirements of modern inland waterways. With an actual usage period of more than 90 years the technical lifetime of the existing lock has almost been reached thus replacement works started in 2010. In order to minimize deformations of the existing lock resulting of the adjacent excavation pit a secant pile wall was selected while ground conditions at the opposing side permitted a more cost‐effective sloped excavation. The geological settings of a layered aquifer consisting of highly permeable quaternary sands above fractured clay bedrock demanded a cut‐off wall in the shallow sediments and a drawdown scheme in the fractured bedrock. After describing the influence of site specific conditions on the excavation design some aspects of the interaction between ground, groundwater and structure are shown.
High‐speed solar wind with southward interplanetary magnetic field causes relativistic electron flux enhancement of the outer radiation belt via enhanced condition of whistler waves
Authors: Miyoshi Y. , Kataoka R. , Kasahara Y. , Kumamoto A. , Nagai T. , Thomsen M. F.
Published: September 2013

Relativistic electron flux in the outer radiation belt tends to increase during the high‐speed solar wind stream (HSS) events. However, HSS events do not always cause large flux enhancement. To determine the HSS events that cause such enhancement and the mechanisms that are responsible for accelerating the electrons, we analyzed long‐term plasma data sets, for periods longer than one solar cycle. We demonstrate that during HSS events with the southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF)‐dominant HSS (SBz‐HSS), relativistic electrons are accelerated by whistler mode waves; however, during HSS events with the northward IMF‐dominant HSS, this acceleration mechanism is not effective. The differences in the responses of the outer radiation belt flux variations are caused by the differences in the whistler mode wave–electron interactions associated with a series of substorms. During SBz‐HSS events, hot electron injections occur and the thermal plasma density decreases due to the shrinkage of the plasmapause, causing large flux enhancement of relativistic electrons through whistler mode wave excitation. These results explain why large flux enhancement of relativistic electrons tends to occur during SBz‐HSS events.
Increasing summer river discharge in southern California, USA, linked to urbanization
Authors: Townsend‐Small Amy , Pataki Diane E. , Liu Hongxing , Li Zhaofu , Wu Qiusheng , Thomas Benjamin
Published: September 2013

Semi‐arid southern California relies heavily on imported water for domestic use. A synthesis of river discharge data in this region reveals that summer (June, July, and August) river discharge in watersheds that have at least 50% urban, suburban, and/or commercial land cover has increased by 250% or more over the past half‐century, without any substantial precipitation during these months. Total annual discharge in the Los Angeles River has also increased at levels up to several hundred percent. Three factors likely contribute to our observations: (1) increased groundwater recharge rates from leaking water pipelines, (2) inputs of treated wastewater into streams and rivers, and (3) increased runoff or recharge due to over‐irrigation of ornamental landscaping. In the southwestern United States, water importation consumes large amounts of energy and contributes to decline of river flows in source regions. Here we show that water importation also increases river flows in urban areas.
Have greenhouse gases intensified the contrast between wet and dry regions?
Authors: Polson D. , Hegerl G. C. , Allan R. P. , Sarojini B. Balan
Published: September 2013

While changes in land precipitation during the last 50 years have been attributed in part to human influences, results vary by season, are affected by data uncertainty and do not account for changes over ocean. One of the more physically robust responses of the water cycle to warming is the expected amplification of existing patterns of precipitation minus evaporation. Here, precipitation changes in wet and dry regions are analyzed from satellite data for 1988–2010, covering land and ocean. We derive fingerprints for the expected change from climate model simulations that separately track changes in wet and dry regions. The simulations used are driven with anthropogenic and natural forcings combined, and greenhouse gas forcing or natural forcing only. Results of detection and attribution analysis show that the fingerprint of combined external forcing is detectable in observations and that this intensification of the water cycle is partly attributable to greenhouse gas forcing.
Stemflow on the woody parts of plants: dependence on rainfall intensity and event profile from laboratory simulations
Authors: Dunkerley David
Published: September 2013

This paper presents the first experimental study of how rainfall intensity and event profile affects stemflow behaviour on the rigid branches and stems of leafless, woody plants. Constant intensity rainfall simulation experiments showed that stemflow fraction rises with intensity. Varying intensity experiments showed that the stemflow fraction and stemflow flux vary with the rainfall event intensity profile and peak intensity. Stemflow fraction tends to be larger when intensity peaks occur early in the rainfall event, and variable intensity events exhibited peak stemflow fluxes >3 times those seen in constant intensity events. Moreover, experiments in which incident drop energy was reduced by a mesh screen suspended above the test plant commonly showed increases of >100% (and exceeding 300% under particular intensity profiles) in stemflow fraction, depth and peak stemflow flux. The results suggest that the development of trickle pathways along woody branches is facilitated by rain of moderate intensity and that splash dislodgement of attached water progressively reduces the adhesion of drops during intense rainfall. Thus, in plants with extensive woody branches, it is not merely rainfall intensity that determines stemflow fraction but the temporal variations in rainfall intensity. This offers a new explanation for increased stemflow production when trees are leafless, than when foliage is present, in terms of the reduced intensity peaks during rain in the dormant season. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON WATER STRESS SITUATIONS IN THE YELLOW RIVER BASIN, CHINA
Authors: Mu Jianxin , Liu Qunchang , Gabriel Hamza Farooq , Xu Di , Xu Jingdong , Wu Caili , Ren Hejing
Published: September 2013

This paper used a back‐propagation (BP) neural network to conduct statistical downscaling based on the data (two factors: precipitation and temperature) downscaled by the National Climate Centre of China from over 20 global circulation models (GCMs) and input these downscaled data into the Basin‐wide Holistic Integrated Water Assessment (BHIWA) model to analyse irrigation water demand as well as water stress situations in both water quantity and quality in the Yellow River Basin, China. The results of the changes in climate in scenarios A1B, A2 and B1/B2 showed that irrigation water demand will increase and the water situation will become more stressed in 2030 and 2050, though there is still some increase in precipitation in most of the sub‐basins in these scenarios. Meanwhile, with the same variation range of precipitation and ET0, ET0 will have a bigger impact on irrigation water demand and water stress situations than precipitation, This implies that ET0 is a more dominant factor influencing water demand and water stress situations than other meteorological parameters such as precipitation. In addition to this, groundwater quality is more vulnerable to climate change than surface water quality and better water management will result in a decrease in irrigation water demand. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploration of the biomacromolecular interactions of an interpenetrating proteo‐saccharide hydrogel network at the mucosal interface
Authors: Mashingaidze Felix , Choonara Yahya E. , Kumar Pradeep , du Toit Lisa C. , Maharaj Vinesh , Buchmann Eckhart , Ndesendo Valence M. K. , Pillay Viness
Published: September 2013

The relationship between mucin (MUC) and pectin (PEC) was explored in an attempt to understand the biomacromolecular interactions that occur at mucosal surfaces when mucus membranes are exposed to PEC‐based materials. These interactions were explored through techniques, such as attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, SEM imagery of lyophilized MUC–PEC blends, thermodynamic analysis, rheology investigations, and in silico static lattice atomistic simulations using a molecular mechanics energy relationships (MMER) approach. Three types of PEC that had different degrees of esterification and degrees of amidation were investigated at different MUC–PEC mass ratios (1:0, 1:1, 1:4, 1:9, and 0:1). The effect PEG 400 and Ca2 + in the MUC–PEC interactions were also studied. ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy revealed broadening and strengthening of FTIR peaks at 3363 cm−1 and between 3000–3650 cm−1 due to stretching vibrations of the –OH, –COOH groups on MUC and PEC as well as the –N–H group on MUC. This suggested significant intra‐ and inter‐molecular H‐bonding. Morphologically, MUC‐rich scaffolds were porous, thin, and multidirectional compared with the smooth, rigid, and unidirectional PEC‐rich scaffolds. The Flory–Huggins interaction parameter (χ12) for all MUC–PEC mass ratios was negative, thus confirming MUC–PEC miscibility and interactions. UV absorbance increased with increasing relative concentration of PEC in the aqueous MUC–PEC dispersions. Furthermore, rheology investigations demonstrated synergistic enhancement in viscosity (η) and dynamic moduli upon the addition of PEG 400 and Ca2 +. MMER analysis revealed several key MUC–PEC interactions that corroborated well with the experimental data. Notably, higher esterification and larger mass ratios of PEC yielded greater MUC–PEC interactions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 3616–3629, 2013.
Site‐selective immobilization of anti‐CD34 antibodies to poly(l‐lactide) for endovascular implant surfaces
Authors: Petersen Svea , Strohbach Anne , Busch Raila , Felix Stephan B. , Schmitz Klaus‐Peter , Sternberg Katrin
Published: September 2013

Aiming at a speed up of the re‐endothelialization process of biodegradable endovascular implants, novel approaches for the functionalization of poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) with anti‐CD34 antibodies were established. We propose a three‐step process involving PLLA surface activation with functional amino groups, attachment of a protein repelling peptide spacer, and covalent random or site‐selective immobilization of the antibodies. Obtainable antibody surface densities and antigen binding capacities were thoroughly evaluated by means of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results indicate that a lower amount of anchoring sites on the antibody favors high coupling efficiency, while localization of the anchoring sites, facing the antigen binding moiety, strongly enhances the antigen capture capacity of the support. Besides minimization of physisorption and cell adhesion exemplarily shown with bovine serum albumin, avidin, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, respectively, the inclusion of the protein‐repelling spacer strengthened this effect, yielding antigen capture capacities exceeding values so far reported in literature. In contrast, the number of amino groups on the PLLA surfaces, which is indeed highly dependent on the applied activation procedure, does not seem to influence antibody coupling efficiency and antigen capture capacity considerably. This allows the choice of surface activation treatment, plasma or wet‐chemical, regarding other processing parameters as for instance sterilizability or favored modification depth. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 345–355, 2014.
Effect of a β‐TCP collagen composite bone substitute on healing of drilled bone voids in the distal femoral condyle of rabbits
Authors: Zheng Hellen , Bai Yajun , Shih Mei‐Shu , Hoffmann Christiane , Peters Fabian , Waldner Christoph , Hübner Wolf‐Dietrich
Published: September 2013

In this study, we tested the performance and biocompatibility of a composite of β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) to collagen as a bone void filler (Cerasorb® Ortho Foam) in a rabbit distal femoral condyle model. β‐TCP is a completely resorbable synthetic calcium phosphate and the addition of a collagen matrix couples the osteoconductive effects of the two components. Furthermore, the malleable properties of the implant material during surgical applications for shape control will be enhanced. A critical size defect of 6 mm in diameter and 10 mm in depth was drilled into each distal femur of the rabbits. One hole was filled with the test substance and the other was left empty for control. After 1, 3, and 6 months the animals were killed and the degree of bone healing analyzed. In total, 18 animals were investigated. When the β‐TCP composite was used, histological, histomorphometric, and biomechanical evaluations revealed significantly better bone healing in terms of quantity and quality of the newly formed bone. Moreover, no signs of inflammation were observed in the animals and no allergic or foreign body reaction was noted. This suggests high biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of the investigated material to a bone void in an immune responsive species. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 376–383, 2014.