bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Antiphospholipid Antibody–Mediated Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Meng He , Yalavarthi Srilakshmi , Kanthi Yogendra , Mazza Levi F. , Elfline Megan A. , Luke Catherine E. , Pinsky David J. , Henke Peter K. , Knight Jason S.
Published: October 2016

Objective

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a leading acquired cause of thrombotic events. Although antiphospholipid antibodies have been shown to promote thrombosis in mice, the role of neutrophils has not been explicitly studied. The aim of this study was to characterize neutrophils in the context of a new model of antiphospholipid antibody–mediated venous thrombosis.

Methods

Mice were administered fractions of IgG obtained from patients with APS. At the same time, blood flow through the inferior vena cava was reduced by induction of stenosis. Resulting thrombi were characterized for size and neutrophil content. Circulating factors and the vessel wall were also assessed.

Results

As measured by both thrombus weight and thrombosis frequency, mice treated with IgG from patients with APS (APS IgG) demonstrated exaggerated thrombosis as compared with control IgG–treated mice. Thrombi in mice treated with APS IgG were enriched for citrullinated histone H3 (a marker of neutrophil extracellular traps [NETs]). APS IgG–treated mice also demonstrated elevated levels of circulating cell‐free DNA and human IgG bound to the neutrophil surface. In contrast, circulating neutrophil numbers and markers of vessel wall activation were not appreciably different between APS IgG–treated mice and control mice. Treatment with either DNase (which dissolves NETs) or a neutrophil‐depleting antibody reduced thrombosis in APS IgG–treated mice to the level in control mice.

Conclusion

These data support a mechanism whereby circulating neutrophils are primed by antiphospholipid antibodies to accelerate thrombosis. This line of investigation suggests new, immunomodulatory approaches for the treatment of APS.
L2‐gain analysis and anti‐windup design of switched linear systems subject to input saturation
Authors: Zhang Xinquan
Published: October 2016

The problem of L2‐gain analysis and anti‐windup compensation gains design is studied for a class of switched linear systems with actuator saturation via the multiple Lyapunov functions approach. When a set of anti‐windup compensation gains are given, a sufficient condition on tolerable disturbances is obtained, under which the state trajectory starting from the origin will remain inside a bounded set. Then over this set of tolerable disturbances, we obtain the upper bound of the restricted L2‐gain. Furthermore, the anti‐windup compensation gains and the switched law, which aim to determine the maximum disturbance tolerance capability and the minimum upper bound of the restricted L2‐gain, are presented by solving a convex optimization problem with linear matrix inequality (LMI) constraints. Finally we give a numerical example to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Esterase EstK from Pseudomonas putida mt‐2: An enantioselective acetylesterase with activity for deacetylation of xylan and poly(vinylacetate)
Authors: Millar Robert , Rahmanpour Rahman , Yuan Eugenie Wei Jia , White Catharine , Bugg Timothy D. H.
Published: October 2016

An extracellular esterase gene estK was identified in Pseudomonas putida mt‐2 and overexpressed at high levels in Escherichia coli. The recombinant EstK enzyme was purified and characterized kinetically against p‐nitrophenyl ester and other aryl–alkyl ester substrates and found to be selective for hydrolysis of acetyl ester substrates with high activity for p‐nitrophenyl acetate (kcat 5.5 Sec−1, KM 285 µM). Recombinant EstK was found to catalyze deacetylation of acetylated beech xylan, indicating a possible in vivo function for this enzyme, and partial deacetylation of a synthetic polymer (poly(vinylacetate)). EstK was found to catalyze enantioselective hydrolysis of racemic 1‐phenylethyl acetate, generating 1R‐phenylethanol with an enantiomeric excess of 80.4%.
The social and emotional dimensions of schooling: A case study in challenging the ‘barriers to learning’
Authors: Wyness Michael , Lang Peter
Published: October 2016

The educational landscape in England and Wales is shaped by demands made on head teachers, teachers and pupils to perform within a ‘field of judgement’ dominated by clearly defined outcomes of academic success. This puts schools from socio‐economically excluded areas where there are potentially ‘barriers to learning’ at a considerable disadvantage. This article draws on case‐study data from an English secondary school in an area of considerable deprivation. The empirical focus revolves around school‐participants’ perceptions and understandings of the social and emotional dimensions of schooling. The emphasis on the relational and emotional work undertaken by teaching staff underpins the case‐study school's approach to challenging the barriers to learning. A number of themes and concerns are reported in this article including relational work in school that extends into the community, the school as a sprawling network of communication and the heighted role of the emotions at a number of levels in school. In drawing on interview data from teachers, school managers, pupils and parents we are developing a model of schooling that approximates to Fielding's conception of a people‐oriented learning community.
A Mixed‐methods Study of Paternal Involvement in Hong Kong
Authors: Lau Eva Y. H.
Published: October 2016

The research reported here examined Chinese fathers’ direct interaction or engagement in children's education both at home and in preschool during the early childhood years using a Hong Kong sample in two studies. In Study 1, comparisons between father and mother involvement practices and examination of the associations between family background variables and father involvement as well as between father involvement and school readiness were conducted. In Study 2, father and teacher focus‐group interviews were conducted to explore fathers’ and teachers’ beliefs and practices concerning father involvement. Consistent with previous studies, the findings showed that teachers and fathers acknowledged the importance of fathering for children's positive development as well as supportive marital relationships. While fathers were found to be involved in various educational activities both at home and in preschool, the findings showed that the influence of family background may depend on the context of fathers’ involvement. In particular, family income, parental education background, parental work status, and fathers’ perception of child and teacher invitations were found to affect fathers’ preschool‐based involvement, but not fathers’ home‐based involvement. Finally, father involvement, however, was not found to associate with children's school readiness. These findings are likely to contribute to the literature on father involvement regarding its determinants and influence on child outcomes during the early years in Chinese culture, drawing important implications for father education, teacher education and family policy.
Nano‐mechanical characterization of disassembling amyloid fibrils using the Peak Force QNM method
Authors: Wang Wenpin , Guo Zongxia , Sun Jing , Li Zhibo
Published: October 2016

The comprehensive understanding of disassembly mechanism of amyloid fibrils requires nano‐scale characterization of the mechanical properties of amyloid fibrils during the disassembly process. In this work, gemini surfactant C12C6C12Br2 micelles were used as a probe to disassemble Aβ(1‐40) fibrils. The microstructure evolution and nano‐mechanical properties of Aβ(1‐40) fibrils during the disassembly process were systematically investigated by the Peak Force Quantitative Nano‐mechanical (PF‐QNM) technique. The results show an obvious decrease in Young's modulus of mature fibrils with high β‐sheet contents (2.4 ± 1.0 GPa) in comparison to the resulting peptide/surfactant complexes (1.1 ± 0.8 GPa) with loose surface structures. Interestingly, the Young's modulus of spherical peptide/surfactant complexes on the core was more than 3 GPa. This strategy can be used as a standard protocol to investigate the interaction mechanism between amyloid fibrils and small molecules, which may open up new possibilities to explore the mechanism of relevant human diseases.
Integrating Behavioural and Branding Perspectives to Maximize Green Brand Equity: A Holistic Approach
Authors: Butt Muhammad Mohsin , Mushtaq Saadia , Afzal Alia , Khong Kok Wei , Ong Fon Sim , Ng Pui Fong
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study is to expand the existing understanding of green consumers' behaviour by proposing and testing an integrated conceptual model that explores the influence of consumers' personal concerns for the environment and general attitudes towards green products on brand‐related knowledge structures (image and associations) and relationship preferences (trust and brand equity) for green brands. A questionnaire‐based survey method was used to collect data using convenience sampling. One hundred and ninety‐nine usable responses were obtained. A structural equation modelling procedure was used to test the proposed hypotheses. The results confirmed that a positive relationship exists between consumer concern for environmental values and general attitudes towards green products. Both these constructs influence consumers' knowledge structure of a green brand (image and associations). Furthermore, a strong relationship exists between consumers' knowledge structure (image and associations) and their relational preference (trust and brand equity) with green brands. These findings are important for business strategy formulation by providing empirical support for the idea that a firm should invest its resources not only to project its environmentally friendly brands but also to build consumers' concern for environmental values and their attitude towards green products. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Recombinant exochitinase of the thermophilic mould Myceliopthora thermophila BJA: Characteristics and utility in generating N‐acetyl glucosamine and in biocontrol of phytopathogenic fungi
Authors: Dua Ashima , Joshi Swati , Satyanarayana T.
Published: October 2016

Chitinase from the thermophilic mould Myceliopthora thermophila BJA (MtChit) is an acid tolerant, thermostable and organic solvent stable biocatalyst which does not require any metal ions for its activity. To produce high enzyme titres, reduce fermentation time and overcome the need for induction, this enzyme has been heterologously expressed under GAP promoter in the GRAS yeast, Pichia pastoris. The production medium supplemented with the permeabilizing agent Tween‐20 supported two‐fold higher rMtChit production (5.5 × 103 U L−1). The consensus sequences S(132)xG(133)G(134) and D(168)xxD(171)xD(173)xE(175) in the enzyme have been found to represent the substrate binding and catalytic sites, respectively. The rMtChit, purified to homogeneity by a two‐step purification strategy, is a monomeric glycoprotein of ∼48 kDa, which is optimally active at 55°C and pH 5.0. The enzyme is thermostable with t1/2 values of 113 and 48 min at 65 and 75°C, respectively. Kinetic parameters Km, Vmax, kcat, and kcat/Km of the enzyme are 4.655 mg mL−1, 34.246 nmol mg−1 s−1, 3.425 × 106 min−1, and 1.36 × 10−6 mg mL−1 min−1, respectively. rMtChit is an unique exochitinase, since its action on chitin liberates N‐acetylglucosamine NAG. The enzyme inhibits the growth of phytopathogenic fungi like Fusarium oxysporum and Curvularia lunata, therefore, this finds application as biofungicide at high temperatures during summer in tropics. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:70–80, 2017
Methionine sulfoximine supplementation enhances productivity in GS–CHOK1SV cell lines through glutathione biosynthesis
Authors: Feary Marc , Racher Andrew J. , Young Robert J. , Smales C. Mark
Published: October 2016

In Lonza Biologics' GS Gene Expression System™, recombinant protein‐producing GS–CHOK1SV cell lines are generated by transfection with an expression vector encoding both GS and the protein product genes followed by selection in MSX and glutamine‐free medium. MSX is required to inhibit endogenous CHOK1SV GS, and in effect create a glutamine auxotrophy in the host that can be complemented by the expression vector encoded GS in selected cell lines. However, MSX is not a specific inhibitor of GS as it also inhibits the activity of GCL (a key enzyme in the glutathione biosynthesis pathway) to a similar extent. Glutathione species (GSH and GSSG) have been shown to provide both oxidizing and reducing equivalents to ER‐resident oxidoreductases, raising the possibility that selection for transfectants with increased GCL expression could result in the isolation of GS–CHOKISV cell lines with improved capacity for recombinant protein production. In this study we have begun to address the relationship between MSX supplementation, the amount of intracellular GCL subunit and mAb production from a panel of GS–CHOK1SV cell lines. We then evaluated the influence of reduced GCL activity on batch culture of an industrially relevant mAb‐producing GS–CHOK1SV cell line. To the best of our knowledge, this paper describes for the first time the change in expression of GCL subunits and recombinant mAb production in these cell lines with the degree of MSX supplementation in routine subculture. Our data also shows that partial inhibition of GCL activity in medium containing 75 µM MSX increases mAb productivity, and its more specific inhibitor BSO used at a concentration of 80 µM in medium increases the specific rate of mAb production eight‐fold and the concentration in harvest medium by two‐fold. These findings support a link between the inhibition of glutathione biosynthesis and recombinant protein production in industrially relevant systems and provide a process‐driven method for increasing mAb productivity from GS–CHOK1SV cell lines. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:17–25, 2017
Studies on fluid dynamics of the flow field and gas transfer in orbitally shaken tubes
Authors: Zhu Li‐kuan , Song Bo‐yan , Wang Zhen‐long , Monteil Dominique T. , Shen Xiao , Hacker David L. , De Jesus Maria , Wurm Florian M.
Published: October 2016

Orbitally shaken cylindrical bioreactors [OrbShake bioreactors (OSRs)] without an impeller or sparger are increasingly being used for the suspension cultivation of mammalian cells. Among small volume OSRs, 50‐mL tubes with a ventilated cap (OSR50), originally derived from standard laboratory centrifuge tubes with a conical bottom, have found many applications including high‐throughput screening for the optimization of cell cultivation conditions. To better understand the fluid dynamics and gas transfer rates at the liquid surface in OSR50, we established a three‐dimensional simulation model of the unsteady liquid forms (waves) in this vessel. The studies verified that the operating conditions have a large effect on the interfacial surface. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) was determined experimentally and from simulations under various working conditions. We also determined the liquid‐phase mass transfer coefficient (kL) and the specific interfacial area (a) under different conditions to demonstrate that the value ofaaffected the gas transfer rate more than did the value ofkL. High oxygen transfer rates, sufficient for supporting the high‐density culture of mammalian cells, were found. Finally, the average axial velocity of the liquid was identified to be an important parameter for maintaining cells in suspension. Overall these studies provide valuable insights into the preferable operating conditions for the OSR50, such as those needed for cell cultures requiring high oxygen levels. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:192–200, 2017
Two‐dimensional fluorescence as soft sensor in the monitoring of biotransformation performed by yeast
Authors: Zabadaj Marcin , Chreptowicz Karolina , Mierzejewska Jolanta , Ciosek Patrycja
Published: October 2016

Soft sensors are powerful tools for bioprocess monitoring due to their ability to perform online, noninvasive measurement, and possibility of detection of multiple components in cultivation media, which in turn can provide tools for the quantification of more than one metabolite/substrate/product in real time. In this work, soft sensor based on excitation‐emission fluorescence is for the first time applied for the monitoring of biotransformation production of 2‐phenylethanol (2‐PE) by yeast strains. Main process parameters—such as optical density, glucose, and 2‐PE concentrations—were determined with high accuracy and precision by fluorescence fingerprinting coupled with partial least squares regression. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:299–307, 2017
Gastrointestinal follicular lymphoma: using primary site as a predictor of survival
Authors: Chouhan Jay , Batra Sachin , Gupta Rohan , Guha Sushovan
Published: October 2016

Gastrointestinal follicular lymphoma (GI‐FL) is a rare extranodal variant of follicular lymphoma (FL) that has been increasingly reported in the literature. An especially indolent course is linked to the disease after a lack of observed patient death in past studies. However, overall survival (OS) and associated prognostic factors remain unclear. A large population‐based database was utilized to identify demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics of GI‐FL, along with survival differences among primary sites. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Registry was used to identify GI‐FL cases between the years of 1973 and 2012. Kaplan–Meier curves compared OS differences and Cox proportional hazard models analyzed prognostic factors. Final analysis included 1109 cases. Small intestinal cases, which included those with single‐site and multi‐segment involvement, were most common (63.6%) followed by gastric (18.2%) and colorectal cases (18.2%). Small intestinal GI‐FL presented more frequently with grade I histology, and less often with grade III histology (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Small intestinal cases had better outcomes (5‐year OS = 80.9%, P < 0.001) compared to cases involving the stomach (5‐year OS = 52.7%) and colorectum (5‐year OS = 71.5%). On multivariate analysis for predictors of mortality, small intestinal involvement predicted for better survival; hazard ratio (HR) 0.66 (95% CI: 0.51–0.85). Advanced age (≥66), grade (grade III), and stage (Ann Arbor Stage III/IV) predicted for mortality with HR 5.46 (95% CI: 3.80–7.84), 1.42 (95% CI: 1.10–1.83), 1.57 (95% CI: 1.15–2.16), respectively. GI‐FL has poorer outcomes than previously suggested. Small intestinal involvement has a better prognosis. A possible biological basis for this will require further investigations in the future.
Dipole Moment Effect on the Electrochemical Desorption of Self‐Assembled Monolayers of 310‐Helicogenic Peptides on Gold
Authors: Gobbo Pierangelo , Antonello Sabrina , Guryanov Ivan , Polo Federico , Soldà Alice , Zen Federico , Maran Flavio
Published: October 2016

A series of 12 thiolated oligopeptides of α‐aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) were used to make self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) on carefully annealed gold plates. These peptides, which form 310‐helices and have a strong dipole moment along the main peptide axis, were devised to give rise from zero to seven C=O⋅⋅⋅H−N intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The orientation of the natural dipole moment of the peptide was controlled by linking the thiolated moiety to either the nitrogen or carbon terminus. To assess the interactions between the chains forming the monolayer and determine the effect of the peptide orientation, the SAMs were characterized by polarization‐modulation infrared‐reflection absorption spectroscopy, in comparison with the FTIR behavior of the free peptides in solution. The stability of the peptide SAMs toward electroreduction was studied by cyclic voltammetry in 0.1 m NaOH. We show that electrodesorption is significantly affected by both peptide length and orientation in a way consistent with a strong effect exerted by the dipole moment of the peptide.
PRDM1/BLIMP1 is widely distributed to the nascent fetal–placental interface in the mouse gastrula
Authors: Mikedis Maria M. , Downs Karen M.
Published: October 2016

Background: PRDM1 is a transcriptional repressor that contributes to primordial germ cell (PGC) development. During early gastrulation, epiblast‐derived PRDM1 is thought to be restricted to a lineage‐segregated germ line in the allantois. However, given recent findings that PGCs overlap an allantoic progenitor pool that contributes widely to the fetal–umbilical interface, posterior PRDM1 may also contribute to soma. Results: Within the posterior mouse gastrula (early streak, 12‐s stages, embryonic days ∼6.75–9.0), PRDM1 localized to all tissues containing putative PGCs; however, PRDM1 was also found in all three primary germ layers, their derivatives, and two presumptive growth centers, the allantoic core domain and ventral ectodermal ridge. While PRDM1 and STELLA colocalized predominantly within the hindgut, where putative PGCs reside, other colocalizing cells were found in non‐PGC sites. Additional PRDM1 and STELLA cells were found independent of each other throughout the posterior region, including the hindgut. The Prdm1‐Cre‐driven reporter supported PRDM1 localization in the majority of sites; however, some Prdm1 descendants were found in sites independent of PRDM1 protein, including allantoic mesothelium and hindgut endoderm. Conclusions: Posterior PRDM1 contributes more broadly to the developing fetal‐maternal connection than previously recognized, and PRDM1 and STELLA, while overlapping in putative PGCs, also co‐localize in several other tissues. Developmental Dynamics 246:50–71, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autoregulation of retinal homeobox (rax) gene promoter activity through a highly conserved genomic element
Authors: Kelly Lisa E. , Martinez‐De Luna Reyna I. , El‐Hodiri Heithem M.
Published: October 2016

The Retinal homeobox (rax) gene is expressed in vertebrate retinal progenitor and stem cells and is essential for retinal development. In frogs, rax is expressed in the ciliary marginal zone (CMZ), a region containing retinal progenitor and stem cells at the anterior of the eye. Little is known regarding regulation of rax transcription and regulation of transcription of rax targets. We found that three ultra‐conserved genomic elements (UCEs) flanking the rax coding region regulate expression of a rax promoter‐GFP transgene in Xenopus tadpoles. One of these elements, UCE1, regulates expression of the transgene in the dorsal CMZ. UCE1 contains a Rax binding site, PCE‐1. We demonstrate that rax regulates expression of the transgene through the PCE‐1 site found in UCE1. Therefore, rax transcription in the CMZ is controlled, in part, by autoregulatory mechanisms.
Species interactions and the effects of climate variability on a wetland amphibian metacommunity
Authors: Davis Courtney L. , Miller David A. W. , Walls Susan C. , Barichivich William J. , Riley Jeffrey W. , Brown Mary E.
Published: October 2016

Disentangling the role that multiple interacting factors have on species responses to shifting climate poses a significant challenge. However, our ability to do so is of utmost importance to predict the effects of climate change on species distributions. We examined how populations of three species of wetland‐breeding amphibians, which varied in life history requirements, responded to a six‐year period of extremely variable precipitation. This interval was punctuated by both extensive drought and heavy precipitation and flooding, providing a natural experiment to measure community responses to environmental perturbations. We estimated occurrence dynamics using a discrete hidden Markov modeling approach that incorporated information regarding habitat state and predator–prey interactions. This approach allowed us to measure how metapopulation dynamics of each amphibian species was affected by interactions among weather, wetland hydroperiod, and co‐occurrence with fish predators. The pig frog, a generalist, proved most resistant to perturbations, with both colonization and persistence being unaffected by seasonal variation in precipitation or co‐occurrence with fishes. The ornate chorus frog, an ephemeral wetland specialist, responded positively to periods of drought owing to increased persistence and colonization rates during periods of low‐rainfall. Low probabilities of occurrence of the ornate chorus frog in long‐duration wetlands were driven by interactions with predators due to low colonization rates when fishes were present. The mole salamander was most sensitive to shifts in water availability. In our study area, this species never occurred in short‐duration wetlands and persistence probabilities decreased during periods of drought. At the same time, negative effects occurred with extreme precipitation because flooding facilitated colonization of fishes to isolated wetlands and mole salamanders did not colonize wetlands once fishes were present. We demonstrate that the effects of changes in water availability depend on interactions with predators and wetland type and are influenced by the life history of each of our species. The dynamic species occurrence modeling approach we used offers promise for other systems when the goal is to disentangle the complex interactions that determine species responses to environmental variability.
Disassembly of a tadpole community by a multi‐host fungal pathogen with limited evidence of recovery
Authors: DiRenzo Graziella V. , Che‐Castaldo Christian , Rugenski Amanda , Brenes Roberto , Whiles Matt R. , Pringle Catherine M. , Kilham Susan S. , Lips Karen R.
Published: October 2016

Emerging infectious diseases can cause host community disassembly, but the mechanisms driving the order of species declines and extirpations following a disease outbreak are unclear. We documented the community disassembly of a Neotropical tadpole community during a chytridiomycosis outbreak, triggered by the generalist fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Within the first 11 months of Bd arrival, tadpole density and occupancy rapidly declined. Species rarity, in terms of tadpole occupancy and adult relative abundance, did not predict the odds of tadpole occupancy declines. But species losses were taxonomically selective, with glassfrogs (Family: Centrolenidae) disappearing the fastest and tree frogs (Family: Hylidae) and dart‐poison frogs (Family: Dendrobatidae) remaining the longest. We detected biotic homogenization of tadpole communities, with post‐decline communities resembling one another more strongly than pre‐decline communities. The entire tadpole community was extirpated within 22 months following Bd arrival, and we found limited signs of recovery within 10 years post‐outbreak. Because of imperfect species detection inherent to sampling species‐rich tropical communities and the difficulty of devising a single study design protocol to sample physically complex tropical habitats, we used simulations to provide recommendations for future surveys to adequately sample diverse Neotropical communities. Our unique data set on tadpole community composition before and after Bd arrival is a valuable baseline for assessing amphibian recovery. Our results are of direct relevance to conservation managers and community ecologists interested in understanding the timing, magnitude, and consequences of disease outbreaks as emerging infectious diseases spread globally.
Late Transition Metal Compounds with 1,1′‐Bis(phosphino)ferrocene Ligands
Authors: Hartlaub Sage F. , Lauricella Nicole K. , Ryczek Catherine N. , Furneaux Aliza G. , Melton Jon D. , Piro Nicholas A. , Kassel W. S. , Nataro Chip
Published: October 2016

The syntheses of several new zinc compounds with 1,1′‐bis(phosphino)ferrocene ligands and their phosphine chalcogenide derivatives are reported. The X‐ray crystal structures of [Zn(dppdtbpf)Cl2] [dppdtbpf = 1‐diphenylphosphino‐1′‐(di‐tert‐butylphosphino)ferrocene], [Zn(dippfO2)Cl2] [dippf = 1,1′‐bis(diisopropylphosphino)ferrocene], [Zn(dtbpfO2)Cl2] [dtbpf = 1,1′‐bis(di‐tert‐butylphosphino)ferrocene], and [Zn(4S)Cl2] (4 = dppdtbpf) were determined. The oxidative electrochemistry of the zinc compounds was examined and typically produced irreversible oxidations. The reactions of [(AuCl)2(PP)] [PP = 1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (dppf), dtbpf, or dppdtbpf] with [N(p‐C6H4Br)3][B(C6F5)4] result in the loss of a chlorido ligand to form [Au2(µ‐Cl)(PP)][B(C6F5)4]. The structures of [(AuCl)2(dtbpf)] and [Au2(µ‐Cl)(dtbpf)][B(C6F5)4] were determined, and [Au2(µ‐Cl)(dtbpf)]+ displays a weak Au–Au interaction that is not present in [(AuCl)2(dtbpf)]. The oxidative electrochemistry of [Au2(µ‐Cl)(PP)]+ displays two reversible waves, the first of which occurs at a potential similar to those of the corresponding [(AuCl)2(PP)] species.
The First Domino Reduction/Imine Formation/Intramolecular Aza‐Diels–Alder Reaction for the Diastereoselective Preparation of Tetrahydrochromano[4,3‐b]quinolines
Authors: Imrich Hans‐Georg , Conrad Jürgen , Beifuss Uwe
Published: October 2016

The first domino reduction/imine formation/intramolecular aza‐Diels–Alder reaction is reported. Tetrahydrochromano[4,3‐b]quinolines are formed with high exo‐E‐anti selectivity and yields up to 87 % when a nitrobenzene and a 2‐(cinnamyloxy)benzaldehyde are reacted in aqueous citric acid by using iron as a reductant and montmorillonite K10 as a catalyst. The domino process starts with the in situ reduction of the nitrobenzene to the corresponding aniline, which is followed by imine formation and terminated by an intramolecular aza‐Diels–Alder reaction.
Comparative analysis of prostate‐specific antigen by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Barrabés Sílvia , Farina‐Gomez Noemi , Llop Esther , Puerta Angel , Diez‐Masa Jose Carlos , Perry Antoinette , de Llorens Rafael , de Frutos Mercedes , Peracaula Rosa
Published: October 2016

Serum levels of Prostate‐Specific Antigen (PSA) are not fully specific for prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and several efforts are focused on searching to improve PCa markers through the study of PSA subforms that could be cancer associated. We have previously reported by 2DE a decrease in the sialic acid content of PSA from PCa compared to benign prostatic hyperplasia patients based on the different proportion of the PSA spots. However, faster and more quantitative techniques, easier to automate than 2DE, are desirable. In this study, we examined the potential of CE for resolving PSA subforms in different samples and compared the results with those obtained by 2DE. We first fractionated by OFFGEL the subforms of PSA from seminal plasma according to their pIs and analyzed each separated fraction by 2DE and CE. We also analyzed PSA and high pI PSA, both from seminal plasma, and PSA from urine of a PCa patient. These samples with different PSA spots proportions by 2DE, due to different posttranslational modifications, also presented different CE profiles. This study shows that CE is a useful and complementary technique to 2DE for analyzing samples with different PSA subforms, which is of high clinical interest.
Differential Kv1.3, KCa3.1, and Kir2.1 expression in “classically” and “alternatively” activated microglia
Authors: Nguyen Hai M. , Grössinger Eva M. , Horiuchi Makoto , Davis Kyle W. , Jin Lee‐Way , Maezawa Izumi , Wulff Heike
Published: October 2016

Microglia are highly plastic cells that can assume different phenotypes in response to microenvironmental signals. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) promote differentiation into classically activated M1‐like microglia, which produce high levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide and are thought to contribute to neurological damage in ischemic stroke and Alzheimer's disease. IL‐4 in contrast induces a phenotype associated with anti‐inflammatory effects and tissue repair. We here investigated whether these microglia subsets vary in their K+ channel expression by differentiating neonatal mouse microglia into M(LPS) and M(IL‐4) microglia and studying their K+ channel expression by whole‐cell patch‐clamp, quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. We identified three major types of K+ channels based on their biophysical and pharmacological fingerprints: a use‐dependent, outwardly rectifying current sensitive to the KV1.3 blockers PAP‐1 and ShK‐186, an inwardly rectifying Ba2+‐sensitive Kir2.1 current, and a Ca2+‐activated, TRAM‐34‐sensitive KCa3.1 current. Both KV1.3 and KCa3.1 blockers inhibited pro‐inflammatory cytokine production and iNOS and COX2 expression demonstrating that KV1.3 and KCa3.1 play important roles in microglia activation. Following differentiation with LPS or a combination of LPS and IFN‐γ microglia exhibited high KV1.3 current densities (∼50 pA/pF at 40 mV) and virtually no KCa3.1 and Kir currents, while microglia differentiated with IL‐4 exhibited large Kir2.1 currents (∼ 10 pA/pF at −120 mV). KCa3.1 currents were generally low but moderately increased following stimulation with IFN‐γ or ATP (∼10 pS/pF). This differential K+ channel expression pattern suggests that KV1.3 and KCa3.1 inhibitors could be used to inhibit detrimental neuroinflammatory microglia functions. GLIA 2016;65:106–121
Synthesis of new functionalized aryl‐substituted methylphosphonic and methylenediphosphonic acids and their derivatives
Authors: Prishchenko Andrey A. , Livantsov Mikhail V. , Novikova Olga P. , Livantsova Ludmila I. , Petrosyan Valery S.
Published: October 2016

The convenient syntheses of new aryl‐substituted hydroxymethylphosphonic and methylenediphosphonic acids from the aromatic aldehydes, their derivatives, and phosphorous acid esters in the presence of the effective catalysts (trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, zinc chloride, and cadmium iodide) were developed.
Public Healthcare Entitlements and Healthcare Utilisation among the Older Population in Ireland
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Nolan Anne
Published: October 2016

The use of direct out‐of‐pocket payments to finance general practitioner (GP) care by the majority of the population in Ireland is unusual in a European context. Currently, approximately 40% of the population have means‐tested access to free GP care, while the remainder must pay the full out‐of‐pocket cost. In this paper, we use data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) to examine the impact of the current system of public healthcare entitlements on GP utilisation among the older population. Using difference‐in‐difference propensity score matching methods, we find significant effects of changes in public healthcare entitlements on GP utilisation (i.e. introducing user fees reduces utilisation, while removing them increases utilisation). There is limited evidence of offset effects on other types of healthcare utilisation. The results have direct implications for current Irish health policy, and add to the international literature on the effects of insurance on healthcare utilisation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seasonal dynamics in shallow freshwater pond‐peatland hydrochemical interactions in a subarctic permafrost environment
Authors: Morison Matthew Q. , Macrae Merrin L. , Petrone Richard M. , Fishback LeeAnn
Published: October 2016

Terrestrial and aquatic ecological productivity are often nutrient limited in subarctic permafrost environments. High latitude regions are experiencing significant climatic change, including rapid warming and changing precipitation patterns, which may result in changes in nutrient dynamics within terrestrial and aquatic systems and hydrochemical transport between them. The objective of this research was to characterize changes in runoff quantity and quality within, and between peatlands and ponds throughout the snow‐free summer season. Two ponds and their catchments were monitored over the snow‐free season to measure changes in hydrologic storage, and to determine how water chemistry changed with the evolution of the frost table depth. Thresholds in hydrologic storage combined with frost table position (which inhibited infiltration and storage) produced nonlinear responses for runoff generation through highly conductive shallow peat layers while deeper, less conductive layers retarded flow. Greater inputs were required to exceed hydrologic storage (fill and spill) as a deepening frost table increased the hydrologically active portion of the soil, leading to seasonal variability in runoff pathways between peatlands and ponds. Runoff contributions to ponds were an integral component of the snow‐free water balance during the study period, contributing up to 60% of all snow‐free inputs. Groundwater chemistry (and pond chemistry following runoff events when ponds were connected with peatlands) reflected the different depths of peat and mineral soil accessed throughout the season. This work has improved scientific understanding of the combined controls of hydrologic inputs and ground frost on runoff and nutrient transport between peatlands and ponds, and sheds insight into how nutrient dynamics in cold regions may evolve under a changing climate.
Optimizing Tomato Water and Fertilizer Uses in Smallholder Farms in South Africa Using the Piloten Model
Authors: Albasha R. , Jovanovic N. , Cheviron B. , De Clercq W. , Mailhol J.‐C.
Published: October 2016

The objectives of this paper are twofold: (i) to calibrate and validate the PILOTEN crop model for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), and (ii) to use the model to examine the response of tomato yield to different irrigation and fertilization scheduling scenarios under varying climatic conditions in order to draw up management recommendations for smallholder farms. The calibration and validation were performed by using data collected from field experiments carried out in the north‐east of South Africa, on shallow Ferrosol and Luvisol soils. The scenarios dealt with: (i) the initial soil‐water availability (fulfilling or not the soil‐water reserve at planting); (ii) the irrigation dose frequency (high versus low irrigation doses ranging from 10 to 40 mm per application); (iii) the fertilization dose frequency (full versus split fertilization application). The results indicated that only the fertilization scheduling may significantly affect tomato yields, while irrigation scheduling has a minor role. However, compared to the local official irrigation guidelines, it is recommended to slightly increase the irrigation doses during the first 4 weeks of growth for tomato grown between early September and mid‐December, and to slightly decrease the doses in the second part of the growing cycles starting in February and May. It is also suggested to avoid applying the entire fertilizer dose after seedling planting for tomato grown between mid‐February and late June. Copyright © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of Motivational Enhancement Therapy for Reducing Substance Use
Authors: Lenz A. Stephen , Rosenbaum Lorena , Sheperis Donna
Published: October 2016

The authors report the findings of a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing motivational enhancement therapy with no treatment and alternative treatments. Mean effect‐size data are reported. Implications and suggestions for counseling practice and future research are provided.
Validation and application of a nondestructive and contactless method for rheological evaluation of biomaterials
Authors: Ceccaldi Caroline , Strandman Satu , Hui Eve , Montagnon Emmanuel , Schmitt Cédric , Hadj Henni Anis , Lerouge Sophie
Published: October 2016

Hydrogels are extensively used for tissue engineering, cell therapy or controlled release of bioactive factors. Nondestructive techniques that can follow their viscoelastic properties during polymerization, remodeling, and degradation are needed, since these properties are determinant for their in vivo efficiency. In this work, we proposed the viscoelastic testing of bilayered materials (VeTBiM) as a new method for nondestructive and contact‐less mechanical characterization of soft materials. The VeTBiM method measures the dynamic displacement response of a material, to a low amplitude vibration in order to characterize its viscoelastic properties. We validated VeTBiM by comparing data obtained on various agar and chitosan hydrogels with data from rotational rheometry, and compression tests. We then investigated its potential to follow the mechanical properties of chitosan hydrogels during gelation and in the presence of papain and lysozyme that induce fast or slow enzymatic degradation. Due to this nondestructive and contactless approach, samples can be removed from the instrument and stored in different conditions between measurements. VeTBiM is well adapted to follow biomaterials alone or with cells, over long periods of time. This new method will help in the fine tuning of the mechanical properties of biomaterials used for cell therapy and tissue engineering. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2565–2573, 2017.
Asymptotic Functional Form Preservation Method for the Perturbation Theory: Application to Anharmonic Oscillators
Authors: Chou Chia‐Chun , Li Ching‐Teh
Published: October 2016

The asymptotic functional form preservation method is developed for the perturbation theory to obtain the energy eigenvalues of anharmonic oscillators. The conventional energy perturbative series expansion for the anharmonic oscillator is strongly divergent even if the anharmonicity is small. Employing a transformation containing an unphysical parameter, we analytically continue this series expansion into a new series expansion applicable to all the range of the perturbation parameter. The unphysical parameter is determined by the principle of minimal sensitivity. This new series expansion is reduced to the conventional energy perturbative series expansion for small anharmonicity, and it preserves the correct asymptotic functional form when the perturbation parameter tends to infinity. Then, we use the full‐range energy series expansion to calculate the energy eigenvalues of the anharmonic oscillator. In addition to excellent energy eigenvalues obtained for the oscillator with small and strong anharmonicity, accurate energy eigenvalues can be obtained using the full‐range energy series expansion when the perturbation parameter tends to infinity.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Microalbuminuria and Urine Ischemia‐Modified Albumin Levels in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Bilgi Mustafa , Keser Ahmet , Katlandur Huseyin , Sahin Emel , Kalkan Ali Osman , Yildiz Murat , Kiyici Aysel , Keles Mustafa
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Ischemia‐modified albumin (IMA) is a marker which can be associated with oxidative stress in various ischemic and non‐ischemic processes. Oxidative stress plays roles in diabetes mellitus, its complications and pathogenesis. Serum IMA levels are examined in various clinical events. However, urine IMA levels have not yet been evaluated in diabetic patients. In this study, we aim to examine the relationship between metabolic features and urine microalbuminuria levels of diabetic patients and their urine IMA levels.

Materials and Methods

There were totally 50 type 2 diabetic patients in the study at the Mevlana University Hospital. Patients with cerebrovascular disease, acute myocardial infarction, hemodialysis patients with end stage chronic renal failure, pulmonary embolism, and malignant disease were excluded from the study. Metabolic features, urine IMA levels and cardiological parameters of patients were evaluated.

Results

Mean age of patients was 59 ± 9 years, 20 of them (40%) were male and 30 of them (60%) were female. There were six patients with albuminuria value of <0.03 mg/g (normal), there were 39 patients with microalbuminuria value of 0.03–0.3 mg/g and there were five patients with macroalbuminuria of >0.3 mg/g. According to the analysis of patients with microalbuminuria (n = 39), there was no correlation between IMA levels and numerical demographic data, albuminuria, glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, creatinine, uric acid, hematological parameters.

Discussion

Conclusively, there was no relationship between urine IMA levels and microalbuminuria related to the diabetic nephropathy. These findings can be associated with urinary excretion mechanisms of IMA.
Antennal and mouthpart sensilla of Acanthoscelides obtectus say (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)
Authors: Urbanek Aleksandra , Łuszczek Dorota , Kapusta Małgorzata
Published: October 2016

Acanthoscelides obtectus, a serious pest with a worldwide distribution, damages stored seeds of Phaseolus sp. To acquire a better understanding of the sensory orientation of bean weevils, their antennal and palpal sensilla were investigated. The antennae and palps possess several types of sensory hairs: blunt‐tipped sensilla chaetica and trichoidea and also sharp‐tipped sensilla trichoidea, these last being the most numerous. Sensilla basiconica are present only on the flagellomeres, but Böhm bristles occur on the basal sclerite and scape of the antennae. The terminal segments of the maxillary and labial palps bear a group of sensilla styloconica with single apical pores. Sensilla coeloconica are located only on the terminal palpal segments. They were unable to detect any distinct morphological differences between males and females. The possible chemosensory, mechanosensory, and thermo‐/hygroreceptive functions of the sensilla are discussed.
Trends in frequency and persistence of atmospheric circulation types over Europe derived from a multitude of classifications
Authors: Kučerová Monika , Beck Christoph , Philipp Andreas , Huth Radan
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study is to quantify changes of atmospheric circulation over Europe using a large number of classifications of circulation types that were collected and developed within the COST733 Action ‘Harmonisation and Applications of Weather Types Classifications for European Regions’. Circulation changes over Europe are studied in terms of changing seasonal frequency and persistence of daily circulation types in the period September 1957–August 2002. The extensive collection of both subjective and objective (computer‐assisted) catalogues of circulation types in 12 European domains serves as a platform for comparison of different classification methods, varying numbers of circulation types, sequencing of input sea‐level pressure data, and spatial scale of circulation processes. The overall picture of frequency and persistence trends is consistent with two large‐scale tendencies: strengthening and eastward shift of the North Atlantic Oscillation, and a northwestward shift of storm tracks. There is, however, a limited consistency in the trends between individual classifications. This inconsistency leads us to the recommendation that results of climatological analyses based on a single classification should not be generalized and overinterpreted; it is highly advisable to simultaneously use multiple, and as many as possible, classifications in climatological studies.
Trauma‐Informed Response in the Age of Title IX: Considerations for College Counselors Working With Survivors of Power‐Based Personal Violence
Authors: Conley Abigail H. , Griffith Catherine
Published: October 2016

Intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and stalking are pervasive in the United States, and college women are disproportionately affected by this power‐based personal violence (PBPV). Title IX mandates that colleges and universities offer support services to trauma survivors, and college counselors should be prepared to meet this need. Therefore, this article serves to explore a diverse assortment of trauma‐informed counseling techniques, based in feminist theory, for college counselors working with PBPV survivors.