bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intramolecular Tetrylene Lewis Adducts: Synthesis and Reactivity
Authors: Schneider Julia , Krebs Kilian M. , Freitag Sarah , Eichele Klaus , Schubert Hartmut , Wesemann Lars
Published: June 2016

A series of benzyl(diphenylphosphino) and o‐phenyl(diphenlyphosphino) substituted germylenes and plumbylenes were synthesized by nucleophilic substitution between the respective lithium reagent and tetrylene halide. The Lewis pairs were characterized by X‐ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. The reactivity of the tetrylenes was investigated with respect to azide addition. In the germylene case, the germaniumimide was formed as the kinetically controlled product, which rearranges upon heating to give the phosphinimide. The stannylene and plumbylene derivatives react with adamantylazide to give the azide adducts. 1‐Pentene reacts diastereoselectively with the phosphagermirane to give a cyclic addition product. Trimethysilylacetylene shows an addition with the benzylphosphino‐substituted germylene and plumbylene to give the cycloheteropentene molecules. The addition product between phenylacetylene and the four membered Ge‐P adduct shows after addition at room temperature a 1,4‐phenylmigration to give a cyclic phosphine. Alkylnitrene insertion into a Ge−C bond of the alkyne addition product of the phosphagermirane was found in reaction with adamantylazide.
Mild and Low‐Pressure fac‐Ir(ppy)3‐Mediated Radical Aminocarbonylation of Unactivated Alkyl Iodides through Visible‐Light Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Chow Shiao Y. , Stevens Marc Y. , Åkerbladh Linda , Bergman Sara , Odell Luke R.
Published: June 2016

A novel, mild and facile preparation of alkyl amides from unactivated alkyl iodides employing a fac‐Ir(ppy)3‐catalyzed radical aminocarbonylation protocol has been developed. Using a two‐chambered system, alkyl iodides, fac‐Ir(ppy)3, amines, reductants, and CO gas (released ex situ from Mo(CO)6), were combined and subjected to an initial radical reductive dehalogenation generating alkyl radicals, and a subsequent aminocarbonylation with amines affording a wide range of alkyl amides in moderate to excellent yields.
Vergleich verschiedener Messverfahren zur Partikelgrößenanalyse am Beispiel von nanodispersem ZrO2‐Pulver
Authors: Steinborn Gabriele , Gemeinert Marion , Schmidt Wolfram
Published: June 2016

Fünf verschiedene Messverfahren wurden zur Partikelgrößenanalyse von nanodispersen ZrO2‐Pulver verglichen. Mit der Laserstreulichtanalyse, der dynamischen Lichtstreuung (heterodyne DLS und homodyne DLS‐PCS), der Sedimentationsanalyse im Zentrifugalfeld und der Ultraschallspektrometrie wurden wässrige ZrO2‐Suspensionen mit verschiedenen Feststoffkonzentrationen hinsichtlich ihrer Partikelgrößenverteilung analysiert. Als Referenz diente die REM‐Analyse zur Ermittlung der Primärpartikelgröße (ca. 40 nm). Mit den hier vorgestellten Messverfahren konnten in den entsprechenden Suspensionen nur Sekundärpartikel im Bereich von 105 nm bis 224 nm detektiert werden, die somit auf das Vorhandensein von Aggregaten bzw. harten Agglomeraten hinweisen.
Anode Preparation Strategies for the Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Water Based on Strong Interactions between Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Cationic Acetylammonium Pyrene Moieties in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Koelewijn Jacobus M. , Lutz Martin , Detz Remko J. , Reek Joost N. H.
Published: June 2016

A strategy is reported for the immobilization of iridium‐based water oxidation catalyst 3 onto fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) anodes evaluated for the electrocatalytic oxidation of H2O. The strategy is based on noncovalent π–π interactions between multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and the cationic acetylammonium pyrene moiety (Pyr+) covalently attached to a NHC IrCp*Cl2 catalytically active center (NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene, Cp*=C5Me5). The dispersive properties of the Pyr+ moiety in compound 3 leads to the formation of stable MWCNT dispersions in aqueous solutions. In addition, the MWCNT/3 assembly shows activity in the Ce4+‐driven oxidation of H2O. FTO/MWCNT/3 anodes show increased current densities when used as a working electrode for the electrocatalytic oxidation of H2O. At higher anodic polarizations initially high current densities were achieved; however, these currents prove to be non‐sustained due to delamination and degradation of the catalytically active surface. The immobilization strategy is limited to applications below 1.4 V vs normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) as oxidation of the pyrene backbone is evident at higher potentials.
A Green Approach to High‐Performance Supercapacitor Electrodes: The Chemical Activation of Hydrochar with Potassium Bicarbonate
Authors: Sevilla Marta , Fuertes Antonio B.
Published: June 2016

Sustainable synthesis schemes for the production of porous carbons with appropriate textural properties for use as supercapacitor electrodes are in high demand. In this work a greener option to the widely used but corrosive KOH is proposed for the production of highly porous carbons. Hydrochar products are used as carbon precursors. It is demonstrated that a mild alkaline potassium salt such as potassium bicarbonate is very effective to generate porosity in hydrochar to lead to materials with large surface areas (> 2000 m2 g−1) and a tunable pore size distribution. Furthermore, the use of KHCO3 instead of KOH gives rise to a significant 10 % increase in the yield of activated carbon, and the spherical morphology of hydrochar is retained, which translates into better packing properties and reduced ion diffusion distances. These features lead to a supercapacitor performance that can compete with, and even surpass, that of KOH‐activated hydrochar in a variety of electrolytes.
The oceanic concordance of phylogeography and biogeography: a case study in Notochthamalus
Authors: Ewers‐Saucedo Christine , Pringle James M. , Sepúlveda Hector H. , Byers James E. , Navarrete Sergio A. , Wares John P.
Published: June 2016

Dispersal and adaptation are the two primary mechanisms that set the range distributions for a population or species. As such, understanding how these mechanisms interact in marine organisms in particular – with capacity for long‐range dispersal and a poor understanding of what selective environments species are responding to – can provide useful insights for the exploration of biogeographic patterns. Previously, the barnacle Notochthamalus scabrosus has revealed two evolutionarily distinct lineages with a joint distribution that suggests an association with one of the two major biogeographic boundaries (~30°S) along the coast of Chile. However, spatial and genomic sampling of this system has been limited until now. We hypothesized that given the strong oceanographic and environmental shifts associated with the other major biogeographic boundary (~42°S) for Chilean coastal invertebrates, the southern mitochondrial lineage would dominate or go to fixation in locations further to the south. We also evaluated nuclear polymorphism data from 130 single nucleotide polymorphisms to evaluate the concordance of the signal from the nuclear genome with that of the mitochondrial sample. Through the application of standard population genetic approaches along with a Lagrangian ocean connectivity model, we describe the codistribution of these lineages through a simultaneous evaluation of coastal lineage frequencies, an approximation of larval behavior, and current‐driven dispersal. Our results show that this pattern could not persist without the two lineages having distinct environmental optima. We suggest that a more thorough integration of larval dynamics, explicit dispersal models, and near‐shore environmental analysis can explain much of the coastal biogeography of Chile.
D1‐ and D2‐like dopamine receptors within the nucleus accumbens contribute to stress‐induced analgesia in formalin‐related pain behaviours in rats
Authors: Faramarzi G. , Zendehdel M. , Haghparast A.
Published: June 2016

Background

Stressful experiences can produce analgesia, termed stress‐induced analgesia (SIA). Meanwhile, it has been widely established that the mesolimbic dopamine pathway and nucleus accumbens (NAc) have a profound role in pain modulation. In this study, we examined the role of accumbal dopamine receptors in antinociception caused by forced swim stress (FSS) in order to understand more about the function of these receptors within the NAc in FSS‐induced analgesia.

Method

Stereotaxic surgery was unilaterally performed on adult male Wistar rats weighing 230–250 g (some on the left and some on the right side of the midline). Two supergroups were microinjected into the NAc with a D1‐like dopamine receptor antagonist, SCH‐23390, at doses of 0.25, 1 and 4 μg/0.5 μl saline per rat or Sulpiride as a D2‐like dopamine receptor antagonist at the same doses [0.25, 1 and 4 μg/0.5 μl dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) per rat]; while their controls just received intra‐accumbal saline or DMSO at 0.5 μl, respectively. The formalin test was performed after rats were subjected to FSS (6 min, 25 ± 1 °C) to assess pain‐related behaviours.

Results

The results demonstrated that intra‐accumbal infusions of SCH‐23390 and Sulpiride dose‐dependently reduced FSS‐induced antinociception in both phases of the formalin test. However, the percentage decrease in area under the curve (AUC) values calculated for treatment groups compared to formalin‐control group was more significant in the late phase than the early phase.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that D1‐ and D2‐like dopamine receptors in the NAc are involved in stress‐induced antinociceptive behaviours in the formalin test as an animal model of persistent inflammatory pain.

What does this study add

Forced swim stress (FSS) induces the antinociception in both phases of formalin test.

Blockade of accumbal dopamine receptors attenuate the antinociception induced by FSS.

Stress‐induced analgesia is dose‐dependently reduced by dopamine receptor antagonists in both phases, although it is more prominent during the late phase.
Pain hypersensitivity in congenital blindness is associated with faster central processing of C‐fibre input
Authors: Slimani H. , Plaghki L. , Ptito M. , Kupers R.
Published: June 2016

Background

We have recently shown that visual deprivation from birth exacerbates responses to painful thermal stimuli. However, the mechanisms underlying pain hypersensitivity in congenital blindness are unclear.

Methods

To study the contribution of Aδ‐ and C‐fibres in pain perception, we measured thresholds and response times to selective C‐ and Aδ‐fibre activation in congenitally blind, late blind and normally sighted participants. Ultrafast constant‐temperature heat pulses were delivered to the hand with a CO2 laser using an interleaved adaptive double staircase procedure. Participants were instructed to respond as quickly as possible when detecting a laser‐induced sensation. We used a 650 ms cut‐off criterion to distinguish fast Aδ‐ from slow C‐fibre–mediated sensations.

Results

Congenitally blind participants showed significantly faster reaction times to C‐ but not to Aδ‐fibre–mediated sensations. In contrast, thresholds for Aδ‐ and C‐fibre stimulation did not differ between groups. Late blind individuals did not differ from sighted controls in any aspect. A follow‐up experiment using only suprathreshold stimuli for Aδ‐ and C‐fibre activation confirmed these findings and further showed that congenitally blind individuals detected significantly more C‐fibre–mediated stimuli than sighted controls. A decomposition analysis of the reaction times indicated that the faster response times in the congenitally blind are due to more efficient central processing of C‐fibre–mediated sensations.

Conclusion

The increased sensitivity to painful thermal stimulation in congenital blindness may be due to more efficient central processing of C‐fibre–mediated input, which may help to avoid impending dangerous encounters with stimuli that threaten the bodily integrity.

What does this study add?

Hypersensitivity to heat pain in congenital blindness is associated with faster responses to C‐fibre activation, likely caused by more efficient central processing of C‐fibre–mediated input.
Multiplex Immunosensor Arrays for Electrochemical Detection of Cancer Biomarker Proteins
Authors: Munge Bernard S. , Stracensky Thomas , Gamez Kathleen , DiBiase Dimitri , Rusling James F.
Published: June 2016

Measuring panels of protein biomarkers offer a new personalized approach to early cancer detection, disease monitoring and patients’ response to therapy. Multiplex electrochemical methods are uniquely positioned to provide faster, more sensitive, point of care (POC) devices to detect protein biomarkers for clinical diagnosis. Nanomaterials‐based electrochemical methods offer sensitivity needed for early cancer detection. This review discusses recent advances in multiplex electrochemical immunosensors for cancer diagnostics and disease monitoring. Different electrochemical strategies including enzyme‐based immunoarrays, nanoparticle‐based immunoarrays and electrochemiluminescence methods are discussed. Many of these methods have been integrated into microfluidic systems, but measurement of more than 2–4 protein markers in a small single serum sample is still a challenge. For POC applications, a simple, low cost method is required. Major challenges in multiplexed microfluidic immunoassays are reagent additions and washing steps that require creative engineering solutions. 3‐D printed microfluidics and paper‐based microfluidic devices are also explored.
Functionalization of paper using photobleaching: A fast and convenient method for creating paper‐based assays with colorimetric and fluorescent readout
Authors: Nargang Tobias M. , Runck Matthias , Helmer Dorothea , Rapp Bastian E.
Published: June 2016

Lateral flow immunoassays (LFIA), where a protein–protein interaction can be monitored on a test strip by a color reaction, are of high interest in the field of point‐of‐care diagnostics due to their cost‐efficient production, portability, and ease of use. Despite their simple appearance, state‐of‐the‐art manufacturing of such test strips is not trivial since the strips comprise of several reaction zones: cellulose serves as hydrophilic support with excellent flow properties; and nitrocellulose is the membrane of choice for zones with immobilized biomolecules due to its hydrophobicity and thus preferable adhesion properties. These individual reaction zone membranes need to be joined together after fabrication. Variations in general membrane properties and production‐related lot‐to‐lot variations make it difficult to produce reliable tests with high reproducibility. In this paper, we present a facile and rapid method to immobilize antibodies directly onto cellulose by using maskless projection lithography. With this method it is possible to manufacture LFIA strips with individual reaction zones in a single material, i.e. cellulose.
Gene‐environment interaction between the MMP9 C–1562T promoter variant and cigarette smoke in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Stankovic Marija , Kojic Snezana , Djordjevic Valentina , Tomovic Andrija , Nagorni‐Obradovic Ljudmila , Petrovic‐Stanojevic Natasa , Mitic‐Milikic Marija , Radojkovic Dragica
Published: June 2016

The aetiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is complex. While cigarette smoking is a well‐established cause of COPD, a myriad of assessed genetic factors has given conflicting data. Since gene‐environment interactions are thought to be implicated in aetiopathogenesis of COPD, we aimed to examine the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 C–1562T (rs3918242) functional variant and cigarette smoke in the pathogenesis of this disease. The distribution of the MMP9 C–1562T variant was analyzed in COPD patients and controls with normal pulmonary function from Serbia. Interaction between the C–1562T genetic variant and cigarette smoking was assessed using a case‐control model. The response of the C–1562T promoter variant to cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) exposure was examined using a dual luciferase reporter assay. The frequency of T allele carriers was higher in the COPD group than in smoker controls (38.4% vs. 20%; OR = 2.7, P = 0.027). Interaction between the T allele and cigarette smoking was identified in COPD occurrence (OR = 4.38, P = 0.005) and severity (P = 0.001). A functional analysis of the C–1562T variant demonstrated a dose‐dependent and allele‐specific response (P < 0.01) to CSC. Significantly higher MMP9 promoter activity following CSC exposure was found for the promoter harboring the T allele compared to the promoter harboring the C allele (P < 0.05). Our study is the first to reveal an interaction between the MMP9–1562T allele and cigarette smoke in COPD, emphasising gene‐environment interactions as a possible cause of lung damage in the pathogenesis of COPD. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:447–454, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Formation, tectonic evolution and dynamics of the East China Sea Shelf Basin
Authors: Zhang Jianpei , Li Sanzhong , Suo Yanhui
Published: June 2016

The East China Sea Shelf Basin (ECSSB) is located on the southeastern continental margin of the Eurasian Plate. The basement of the ECSSB is an extension of the Cathaysian Block as well as an important part of the West Pacific or East Asian Continental Margin tectonic domain. By the analysis of global plate tectonic evolution, the ECSSB is situated in the eastern part of the West Pacific triangle region, as a huge convergence zone between the Indian‐Australian, Pacific and Eurasian plates, as well as a global convergence centre. The ECSSB is closely related to the evolution of the Tethyan and West Pacific tectonic domains. Overall, the ECSSB is a pull‐apart basin under the transtensional tectonic setting of a continental margin, which is contributed to by the combination of subduction retreat and back‐arc spreading between the Eurasian Plate and the Pacific Plate, and the far‐field effect of the collision and extrusion between the Indian‐Australian and Eurasian plates, and deep mantle dynamics. The formation mechanism of the ECSSB is under passive extension. The eastward mantle flow and the asthenospheric upwelling in the deep Earth are the main driving forces of the basin jumping and eastward tectonic migration. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hiding effort to gain a competitive advantage: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhao Li , Heyman Gail D.
Published: June 2016

Previous studies with Western populations have shown that adolescents' tendency to downplay their academic effort is affected by two kinds of motives: ability‐related motives (e.g., to appear competent) and social approval motives (e.g., to be popular). In this research, we test for the presence of additional competition‐related motives in China, a culture placing strong emphasis on academic competition. Study 1 (N = 150) showed that, in response to a scenario in which a hard‐working high‐school junior hid effort from classmates, the most highly endorsed explanation was “to influence others to work less hard to maintain a competitive advantage.” Study 2 (N = 174) revealed that competition‐related explanations were endorsed relatively more often when the speaker and audience had similar academic rankings. This tendency was most evident when both speaker and audience were top performers, and when this was the case, participants' desire to demonstrate superiority over others was a positive predictor of endorsement of competition‐related motives. Study 3 (N = 137) verified that competition‐related motives were more strongly endorsed among Chinese participants than U.S. participants. These results suggest that at least in cultures that emphasize academic competition and in contexts where competition is salient, hiding effort is often about attempting to gain strategic advantage.
A multi‐wavelength, laser‐based optical spectroscopy device for breast density and breast cancer risk pre‐screening
Authors: Walter E. Jane , Knight Julia A. , Lilge Lothar
Published: June 2016

Optical Breast Spectroscopy (OBS) has been shown to predict mammographic breast density, a strong breast cancer risk factor. OBS is a low‐cost technique applicable at any age. OBS information may be useful for personalizing breast cancer screening programs based on risk to improve consensus on and adherence to screening guidelines. To facilitate the use of OBS in population‐wide studies, a research prototype OBS device was modified to make it portable and cheaper and to require less operator interaction. Two major changes were made: (1) the broadband light source was replaced with a laser module with 13 individual wavelengths turned on sequentially, enabling the use of photodiode detectors instead of a spectrometer, and (2) the light sources and detectors were placed in fixed positions within 4 sizes of cup, eliminating the need for placement by the operator. Wavelengths were selected using data from two previous studies. The reduction in spectral content did not significantly reduce the ability to distinguish between different risk groups. Positions for the light sources and detectors were chosen based on Monte Carlo simulations to match the optically interrogated volumes of the original device. Two light sources and six detectors per cup were used in the final design.

magnified image
Determination of Butylated Hydroxyanisole by Briggs‐Rauscher Oscillating Reaction Catalyzed by a Macrocyclic Nickel (II) Complex
Authors: Hu Juanjuan , Hu Gang , Song Jimei , Fang Zhaohui , Shen Xiaofeng , Hu Lin
Published: June 2016

A novel analytical approach for quantitative measurement of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is dis‐ cussed in this paper. Such a method depends on the inhibitory effect of BHA on a Briggs‐Rauscher (B‐R) oscillating reaction. Unlike the classical B‐R system which involves Mn2+ as the catalyst, such a B‐R sys‐ tem is catalyzed by a macrocyclic nickel (II) complex [NiL](ClO4)2, where L in the complex is an unsatu‐ rated ligand 5,7,7,12,14,14‐hexemethyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradeca‐4,11‐diene. By perturbation of BHA on the system, the oscillation was inhibited in the presence trace amounts of BHA and the inhibition time was found to be proportional to the concentration of BHA over the range 1.00×10−7–1.20×10−4 mol/L. Two calibration curves were obtained: the first linear regression is over the range of 1.00×10−7–2.00×10−6 mol/L, and the second linear regression is over the range between 2.00×10−6 and 1.20×10−4 mol/L, with a lowest limit of detection of 4.00×10−8 mol/L. UV spectra measurements were employed to clarify the possible perturbation mechanism caused by BHA on the B‐R oscillating reaction.
Inflammation‐induced transgene expression in genetically engineered equine mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Gabner Simone , Hlavaty Juraj , Velde Karsten , Renner Matthias , Jenner Florien , Egerbacher Monika
Published: June 2016

Background

Osteoarthritis, a chronic and progressive degenerative joint disorder, ranks amongst the top five causes of disability. Given the high incidence, associated socioeconomic costs and the absence of effective disease‐modifying therapies of osteoarthritis, cell‐based treatments offer a promising new approach. Owing to their paracrine, differentiation and self‐renewal abilities, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential for regenerative medicine, which might be further enhanced by targeted gene therapy. Hence, the development of systems allowing transgene expression, particularly when regulated by natural disease‐dependent occuring substances, is of high interest.

Methods

Bone marrow‐isolated equine MSCs were stably transduced with an HIV‐1 based lentiviral vector expressing the luciferase gene under control of an inducible nuclear factor κB (NFκB)‐responsive promoter. Marker gene expression was analysed by determining luciferase activity in transduced cells stimulated with different concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐1β or tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α.

Results

A dose‐dependent increase in luciferase expression was observed in transduced MSCs upon cytokine stimulation. The induction effect was more potent in cells treated with TNFα compared to those treated with IL‐1β. Maximum transgene expression was obtained after 48 h of stimulation and the same time was necessary to return to baseline luciferase expression levels after withdrawal of the stimulus. Repeated cycles of induction allowed on–off modulation of transgene expression without becoming refractory to induction. The NFκB‐responsive promoter retained its inducibility also in chondrogenically differentiated MSC/Luc cells.

Conclusions

The results of the present study demonstrate that on demand transgene expression from the NFκB‐responsive promoter using naturally occurring inflammatory cytokines can be induced in undifferentiated and chondrogenically differentiated equine MSCs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The investigation of the bitumen from ancient Greek amphora using FT ICR MS, H/D exchange and novel spectrum reduction approach.
Authors: Kostyukevich Yury , Solovyov Sergey , Kononikhin Alexey , Popov Igor , Nikolaev Eugene
Published: June 2016

Recently Russian archeologists have discovered on Taman peninsula an ancient (V B.C.) Greek amphora full of dense bitumen. This is the oldest amphora in the world that contains bitumen. We report the investigation of this bitumen using ultrahigh resolution Fourier transform mass spectrometry. Also we used recently developed in‐ESI source Hydrogen/Deuterium exchange approach for the structural characterization of the individual molecules and estimation of the biodegradation of the bitumen. The increase of number of the labile hydrogens compared to the non‐degraded oil can serve as an additional evidence of the degradation of bitumen via oxidation. For the facilitation of the spectrum processing we have developed the special iterative spectrum reduction approach. It was observed that molecules that have only oxygen heteroatoms possess two –OH groups what is unusual for the petroleum. Based on this we suggested that the bitumen degraded during its being in amphora for 2500 years. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plant growth promoting potential and phylogenetic characteristics of a lichenized nitrogen fixing bacterium, Enterobacter cloacae
Authors: Swamy Chidanandamurthy Thippeswamy , Gayathri Devaraja , Devaraja Thimmalapura Neelakantaiah , Bandekar Mandar , D'Souza Stecy Elvira , Meena Ram Murti , Ramaiah Nagappa
Published: June 2016

Lichens are complex symbiotic association of mycobionts, photobionts, and bacteriobionts, including chemolithotropic bacteria. In the present study, 46 lichenized bacteria were isolated by conventional and enrichment culture methods on nitrogen‐free bromothymol blue (NFb) medium. Only 11 of the 46 isolates fixed nitrogen on NFb and had reduced acetylene. All these 11 isolates had also produced siderophore and 10 of them the IAA. Further, ammonia production was recorded from nine of these nitrogen fixers (NF). On molecular characterization, 16 S rRNA sequencing recorded that, nine NF belonged to Proteobacteria, within Gammaproteobacteria, and were closely related to Enterobacter sp. with a maximum similarity to Enterobacter cloacae. Each one of our NF isolates was aligned closely to Enterobacter pulveris strain E443, Cronobacter sakazakii strain PNP8 and Providencia rettgeri strain ALK058. Notably, a few strains we examined found to possess plant growth promoting properties. This is the first report of Enterobacter sp. from lichens which may be inhabit lichen thalli extrinsically or intrinsically.
Anatomic variations of brachial and lumbosacral plexus models in different rat strains
Authors: Bobkiewicz Adam , Cwykiel Joanna , Siemionow Maria
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Selection of an appropriate model for preclinical assessment of new methods of peripheral nerve injury management is crucial. This report presents anatomic variations within brachial and lumbosacral plexuses in three selected rat strains Sprague Dawley (Hsd:Sprague Dawley SD), Lewis (LEW/SsNHsd), and Athymic Nude (Hsd:RH‐Foxn1rnu) rats.

Methods

Based on their strain eighteen rats were divided into three groups. A total of 90 brachial plexus nerves (axillary, musculocutaneous, median, ulnar, and radial nerves) and 72 lumbosacral plexus nerves (sciatic, tibial, common peroneal, and sural nerves) were analyzed for the length, diameter and correlation with the body weight. A detailed anatomic course of each nerve within the brachial and lumbosacral plexuses was outlined.

Results

The sural nerve was the longest nerve in all studied rat strains, whereas the sciatic nerve had the largest diameter. Comparison of all the nerves' length demonstrated that the Lewis rat sciatic and sural nerves were significantly shorter (P < 0.05). No significant differences in nerve diameters were found among the analyzed rat strain groups. Significant correlation was revealed between the length of sciatic nerve and the rats' weight, which is irrelevant to the rats' genetic background.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that nerves' length within rat's brachial and lumbosacral plexus depends on the inter‐individual variations within the rat strains rather than on the differences in the peripheral nerve development, which is inherent to the specific rat strain. Correlation between the nerve length and body weight, suggests that bigger rats should be considered for studies requiring access to the long nerves. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:327–333, 2017.
Internal mammary artery perforator propeller flap for contralateral mastectomy defect: A case report
Authors: Dölen Utku C. , Sachanandani Neil S. , Tung Thomas H.
Published: June 2016

The internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap can be used as either loco‐regional or free flap, and provides thin flexible coverage for defects of the chest wall and cervical regions. In this report, we present a bilateral mastectomy case in which the left mastectomy defect was closed with an IMAP propeller flap harvested from the right breast. Our patient with a history of left breast conservation therapy was diagnosed invasive ductal carcinoma in her left breast 14 years later. On physical examination, the patient's left breast displayed the stigmata of radiotherapy including dark discoloration and firmness to palpation, compared to contralateral pendulous breast. After bilateral mastectomy, an IMAP flap with a size of 26 cm × 11 cm was harvested from right chest and was transposed 180 degrees clockwise in a propeller fashion to the left mastectomy defect without any tension. The flap survived without any complication and the patient was free of recurrence or metastases during the follow‐up of 18 months. The patient was satisfied with the outcome. IMAP propeller flap could be harvested safely to the anterior axillary fold in the subcutaneous fat plane. It may provide a large skin paddle especially in large breasted women. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:507–510, 2016.
Effects Of treadmill training on hindlimb muscles of spinal cord–injured mice
Authors: Battistuzzo Camila R. , Rank Michelle M. , Flynn Jamie R. , Morgan David L. , Callister Robin , Callister Robert J. , Galea Mary P.
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Treadmill training is known to prevent muscle atrophy after spinal cord injury (SCI), but the training duration required to optimize recovery has not been investigated. Methods: Hemisected mice were randomized to 3, 6, or 9 weeks of training or no training. Muscle fiber type composition and fiber cross‐sectional area (CSA) of medial gastrocnemius (MG), soleus (SOL), and tibialis anterior (TA) were assessed using ATPase histochemistry. Results: Muscle fiber type composition of SCI animals did not change with training. However, 9 weeks of training increased the CSA of type IIB and IIX fibers in TA and MG muscles. Conclusions: Nine weeks of training after incomplete SCI was effective in preventing atrophy of fast‐twitch muscles, but there were limited effects on slow‐twitch muscles and muscle fiber type composition. These data provide important evidence of the benefits of exercising paralyzed limbs after SCI. Muscle Nerve, 2016 Muscle Nerve 55: 232–242, 2017
Biocomposites based on polylactic acid and olive solid waste fillers: Effect of two compatibilization approaches on the physicochemical, rheological, and mechanical properties
Authors: Khemakhem Marwa , Lamnawar Khalid , Maazouz Abderrahim , Jaziri Mohamed
Published: June 2016

A new valorization strategy for Olive Solid Waste (OSW) has been carried out consisting in incorporating this biomass as filler in a biopolymer matrix. In this study, biocomposites based on poly(d,l‐lactide) (PLA) and OSW fillers were prepared with various filler contents. It was highlighted that the inclusion of OSW under high temperatures resulted in the degradation of the matrix leading to a reduction of the viscoelastic properties and molar masses. Nevertheless, it was shown that this degradation of PLA matrix could be attenuated through two approaches. The first was chemical and consisted in using a chain extender agent named Joncryl, containing glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) functions. The second route was physical and involved coating the OSW with the hydrophobic biopolymer poly(ε‐caprolactone) followed by mixing with PLA. Meanwhile, the effect of the OSW with and without Joncryl on the thermal stability, the melt and crystallization properties was assessed. Furthermore, the rheological properties of the controlled systems PLA/OSW/Joncryl and/or PLA/(OSW) coated with PCL were investigated in the molten state. The improvement of the shear viscoelastic properties corroborated the measured molar masses. The physicochemical matrix/filler interactions had to be taken into account to explain the improved rheological, morphological and tensile mechanical properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E152–E163, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of methane concentration on MPCVD overgrowth of 100‐oriented etched diamond substrates
Authors: Lloret Fernando , Araujo Daniel , Eon David , del Pilar Villar María , Gonzalez‐Leal Juan‐María , Bustarret Etienne
Published: June 2016

Selective diamond growth on etched diamond substrates allows the development of 3D‐type device geometries, which can make possible higher capacity, higher surface for contacts and benefits from better properties versus growth orientation. Such structures need the control of lateral growth or lateral etching that guarantee the best epitaxial growth, with a well‐faceted surface, with a minimum density of emerging defects in order to limit the current leakage and to improve the breakdown voltage. Previous works used 111‐oriented selective growth on etched diamond for lateral p–n junctions or bipolar junction transistors. The behavior of homoepitaxial overgrowth on etched diamond substrates depends directly on growth parameters such as temperature, gas concentration or microwave power that can favor the growth in one specific direction. The present contribution considers the effect of methane concentration during the overgrowth of the mesa pattern. The presence of highly doped intermediate layers allowed following the growth plane orientation in a stratigraphic approach. Faceting and growth velocities were analyzed using scanning and transmission electron microscopes (SEM and TEM).
Zonal‐mean circulation response to reduced air–sea momentum roughness
Authors: Polichtchouk I. , Shepherd T. G.
Published: June 2016

The impact of uncertainties in surface‐layer physics on the atmospheric general circulation is comparatively unexplored. Here, the sensitivity of the zonal‐mean circulation to reduced air–sea momentum roughness (Z0m) at low flow speed is investigated with the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM3). In an aquaplanet framework with prescribed sea‐surface temperatures, the response to reduced Z0m resembles the La Niña minus El Niño response to El Niño Southern Oscillation variability, with (i) a poleward shift of the midlatitude westerlies extending all the way to the surface, (ii) a weak poleward shift of the subtropical descent region and (iii) a weakening of the Hadley circulation, which is generally also accompanied by a poleward shift of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and tropical surface easterlies. Mechanism‐denial experiments show this response to be initiated by the reduction of tropical latent and sensible heat fluxes, effected by reducing Z0m. The circulation response is elucidated by considering the effect of the tropical energy fluxes on the Hadley circulation strength, the upper tropospheric critical‐layer latitudes and the lower tropospheric baroclinic eddy forcing. The ITCZ shift is understood via moist static energy budget analysis in the Tropics. The circulation response to reduced Z0m carries over to more complex set‐ups with seasonal cycle, full complexity of atmosphere–ice–land–ocean interaction and a slab ocean lower boundary condition. Hence, relatively small changes in the surface parametrization parameters can lead to a significant circulation response.
Transformations, economics, and bitter outcomes: Archaeological investigations at Betty's Hope Plantation—a case study reflecting 300 years of Caribbean sugar production
Authors: Fox Georgia L.
Published: June 2016

Betty's Hope Plantation, on the island of Antigua, provides a case study to explore the changes and transformations occurring during the rise of the British Caribbean sugar plantation system. Since 2007, archaeological investigations at the site and related archival research have revealed that new technologies in the production of sugar can be identified over three centuries. In this investigation, questions arise as to the efficiencies of sugar production technology and innovation in an industry that relied mainly on enslaved labor. The desire for sugar also converged with the technological innovations of the industrial revolution, which can be seen in the artifacts recovered from the site. Applying the theoretical framework of world systems theory allows for micro‐ and macro‐scale approaches to understanding life on this Caribbean sugar plantation. From an ecological perspective, world systems theory, when linked to the model of the dynamics of coupled natural and human systems, provides a potential bridge to considering the relationship between humans and their environment at Betty's Hope, its ecology, and the peoples who inhabited this landscape. The legacy of “King Sugar” has left more than bitter memories; the seeds of ecological destruction were sown long ago, as the system eventually collapsed under its own weight.
Re‐creating economic and cultural values in Bulgaria's wine industry: From an economy of quantity to an economy of quality?
Authors: Jung Yuson
Published: June 2016

The transformation of the Bulgarian wine industry from a state‐owned and heavily industrialized enterprise into many privatized wineries and vineyards following the collapse of state socialism involved the question of how to transform an economy of quantity to one of quality. At the heart of this question are contestations around the meanings and values of technology in wine production. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in Bulgaria among wine producers and stakeholders of the wine industry since 2008, this article discusses the debates and practices in Bulgarian wine production to understand how different attitudes regarding technology and its uses affect the social construction of “quality.” As a marginal wine‐producing country with a compelling Cold War history, the Bulgarian case offers an interesting vantage point from which to think about the cultural economy of the globalized food system. I show how Bulgarian wine producers in the postsocialist era grapple with different systems of value and how technology plays a role in their construction. The resulting contestations and tension over technology in constructing meanings of quality show how technologies and systems of value intersect in interesting ways.
Alternative economic strategies and the technology treadmill: Beginning vegetable farmers in Iowa
Authors: Rissing Andrea
Published: June 2016

This article describes the specialized technologies and nonmonetary economic strategies used by beginning vegetable farmers in Iowa alternative agriculture. Cochrane's model of the technology treadmill suggests that the newest wave of precision agriculture technology will soon become compulsory on large‐scale grain farms in Iowa, but these are not the only technologies driving Midwestern agriculture forward. Beginning farmers in Iowa alternative agriculture seek to establish profitable, small‐scale, direct‐market farms. In pursuit of these goals, many look to technological solutions, such as specialized cold‐storage systems, harvesters, and root washers. However, these technologies are often unaffordable for debt‐averse new farmers. To access these solutions, beginning farmers integrate their use of agricultural technologies into a range of alternative economic strategies, including bartering, equipment sharing, and reciprocal labor exchange. This article argues that these nonmonetary strategies effectively allow beginning farmers access to the efficiency benefits of technology while simultaneously providing a buffer to the classic treadmill effect of “get big or get out.”
Unearthing human progress? Ecomodernism and contrasting definitions of technological progress in the Anthropocene
Authors: Isenhour Cindy
Published: June 2016

With increased awareness of the current and projected consequences of climate change, many have argued that rapid technological progress presents the sole means by which to avoid dangerous climate change and ensure human welfare. Proponents of this “ecomodernist” perspective argue that, with technological innovation, climate mitigation doesn't have to come at the expense of the economy. Instead, economic growth can be decoupled from ecological harm through efficiency gains and the technological intensification of human activities. Marshalling very different theoretical and empirical perspectives, critics argue that contemporary reliance on technology has proven insufficient and has often had deleterious systemic consequences, including delayed mitigation and the displacement of environmental costs in an unequal global economy. This article is inspired by an ethnographic moment that drew these two contemporary perspectives into sharp relief and is grounded in a survey of the highly contradictory evidence in support of and contrary to the ecomodernist perspective. It traces these perspectives to fundamentally different views on the nature of technology and progress, both with deep theoretical roots familiar to economic and environmental anthropologists. In the end, the article argues that the dominant emphasis on technological progress, though hopeful, is linked to affluent urban perspectives that delegitimize more aggressive and just proposals for climate mitigation and human progress.
Introduction: Technologies and the transformation of economies
Authors: Ilahiane Hsain , Venter Marcie L.
Published: June 2016

In April 2015, the Society of Economic Anthropology held its annual conference, hosted at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, to discuss the theme “Technologies and the Transformation of Economies.” The articles in this volume examine the multifaceted relationship between people and technology across different societies and at different periods in the history of social and economic transformations. This introduction to the volume (1) contextualizes the conference and frames the discussion of social transformations and technology within the larger debates on people and technology, (2) introduces the different articles from archaeology and ethnography that may potentially contribute to the scholarly debates on people and technology within anthropology and related social sciences, and (3) suggests new areas for future research on people and technology.
Copper(II)‐Catalyzed Nitroaldol (Henry) Reactions: Recent Developments
Authors: Murugavel Govindarasu , Sadhu Pradeep , Punniyamurthy Tharmalingam
Published: June 2016

Self‐assembled copper(II) complexes are described as effective catalysts for nitroaldol (Henry) reactions on water. The protocol involves a heterogeneous process and the catalysts can be recovered and recycled without loss of activity. Further, C2‐symmetric N,N′‐substituted chiral copper(II) salan complexes are found to be more effective catalysts than chiral copper(II) salen complexes for reactions in homogeneous catalysis, with high enantioselectivities. The reactions involve bifunctional catalysis, bearing the properties of a Brønsted base, as well as a Lewis acid, to effect the reaction in the absence of external additives.
Early prediction of twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Stagnati V. , Zanardini C. , Fichera A. , Pagani G. , Quintero R. A. , Bellocco R. , Prefumo F.
Published: June 2016

Objective

To assess the role of first‐ and early second‐trimester markers in the prediction of twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in monochorionic twin pregnancies.

Methods

Electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to April 2014, using the MeSH term ‘fetofetal transfusion’ in combination with phrases ‘predictive value’, ‘sensitivity’, ‘specificity’, ‘false positive’, ‘false negative’, ‘screening’, ‘accuracy’ and ‘ROC’. Study quality was assessed using the PRISMA guidelines and QUADAS‐2 tool. A meta‐analysis was planned for the following predictive factors: intertwin nuchal translucency (NT) discrepancy; NT > 95th percentile in at least one twin; intertwin crown–rump length (CRL) discrepancy as a percentage of the larger CRL; abnormal ductus venosus (DV) flow in at least one twin. The outcome assessed was TTTS, defined according to the presence of a twin oligohydramnios–polyhydramnios sequence. The diagnostic performance of the predictive factors was evaluated for each included study.

Results

The electronic search identified 152 records, of which 23 were assessed in full for eligibility. We identified 13 eligible studies that reported the predictive accuracy of ultrasound parameters, measured before 16 weeks, for the development of TTTS, including a total of 1991 pregnancies, of which 323 developed TTTS. An increased risk of TTTS was associated with: intertwin NT discrepancy (positive likelihood ratio (LR+), 1.92 (95% CI, 1.25–2.96); negative likelihood ratio (LR–), 0.65 (95% CI, 0.50–0.84)); NT > 95th percentile (LR+, 2.63 (95% CI, 1.51–4.58); LR–, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.75–0.96)); CRL discrepancy > 10% (LR+, 1.80 (95% CI, 1.05–3.07); LR–, 0.92 (95% CI, 0.81–1.05)); abnormal DV flow (LR+, 4.77 (95% CI, 1.33–17.04; LR–, 0.49 (95% CI, 0.17–1.41)). The highest sensitivities were observed for intertwin NT discrepancy (52.8% (95% CI, 43.8–61.7%)) and abnormal DV flow (50.0% (95% CI, 33.4–66.6%)).

Conclusion

Monochorionic twin pregnancies with intertwin NT discrepancy, NT > 95th percentile, intertwin CRL discrepancy > 10% or abnormal DV flow on first‐trimester ultrasound examination are at significantly increased risk of developing TTTS. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.