bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lifestyle Responses to Genetic Susceptibility to Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Thirlaway Katie , Davies Lindsey
Published: April 2014

Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that often leads to complications and increases the risk of a number of other diseases. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising and is associated with western lifestyles; overconsumption of high calorie foods and predominantly sedentary daily routines. However, recent advances in genomic research has established that some individuals are more ‘at risk’ from behavioural risk factors than others. Type 2 diabetes therefore reflects multifactorial inheritance in which susceptibility is determined by the complex interaction of multiple genes with environmental and lifestyle factors. There has been considerable debate in the literature about whether genetic information could undermine healthy lifestyle decisions particularly for conditions like type 2 diabetes with multifactorial aetiology. The evidence that personalised genetic risk information engenders feelings of fatalism is mixed. Optimising lifestyle responses to genetic susceptibility to diabetes requires not only an appreciation of the complexity of disease aetiology by health professionals, but also an understanding of how individuals interpret and respond to this genetic risk.

Key Concepts:

Type 2 diabetes is a complex multifactorial disease.

Although type 2 diabetes is considered a ‘lifestyle’ disease it has a strong genetic component.

Information about genetic aetiology has the potential to influence lifestyle choices.

Understanding that type 2 diabetes has a genetic aetiology may increase fatalism in individuals.

Communication of genetic risk is important to ensure that healthy lifestyles are supported.
Transgenerational Impact of Nutrition on Disease Risk
Authors: Roseboom Tessa , Painter Rebecca
Published: April 2014

Although the evidence for transgenerational epigenetic inheritance from animal experiments is strong, there is very little evidence from human studies. The few studies in human populations that have been able to investigate several generations seem to suggest that transgenerational epigenetic inheritance occurs in humans as well and that this may occur both through the maternal and through the paternal line. We are only beginning to appreciate the generation‐spanning effects of poor environmental conditions during early life, which may be particularly relevant to populations in transition between traditional and Western lifestyles. This may shed light on the epidemic of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Public health strategies that focus on improved nutrition during critical periods of growth and development may provide a means of promoting cardiovascular and metabolic health and ultimately benefit generations to come. However, the full impact of the strategies may not be apparent for decades.

Key Concepts:

A popular definition of epigenetics states that it concerns the study of mitotically and/or meiotically heritable changes in gene expression that occur without a change in DNA sequence.

Under this definition, epigenetic regulation has a role at two levels. First, it is involved in development, leading to the differentiation of cells in different tissues and organs and assuring the faithful inheritance of their differentiated state over mitotic cell divisions. Second, epigenetic states can be inherited meiotically, from one generation to the next.

Transgenerational effects refer to effects being transmitted from one generation to another. Although some biologists consider all effects that concern both parents and offspring to be transgenerational, the author would like to distinguish transgenerational effects from parental and grandparental effects.

In addition to contributing their DNA, parents can influence their offspring in many ways, for example, by contributing bioactive molecules in the egg and sperm cytoplasm, by providing nutrients and hormonal information during embryogenesis and by provisioning and taking care of offspring after birth.

Many of these parental and grandparental effects will not have an epigenetic basis. In a pregnant woman, for instance, not only are the mother and foetus exposed to the environmental stimuli but also are exposed the foetus' primordial germ cells, which will eventually produce the grandoffspring.

Transgenerational epigenetics is defined here as the study of the transfer of nongenetic information between organisms, setting it apart from the transfer of epigenetic information between cells of the same organism.
Entrepreneurship in Architectural Robotics: The Simultaneity of Craft, Economics and Design
Authors: Feringa Jelle
Published: April 2014

What do Odico Formwork Robotics, RoboFold, Machineous, ROB Technologies and GREYSHED share in common? They are all architectural robotics startups. Jelle Feringa, Chief Technology Officer at Odico, places the phenomenon of the architectural robotics entrepreneur in a historical and cultural context while highlighting the very practical role startups are poised to play in bridging the gap between academic research and industry, by providing the building industry with much needed new software tools.
Crisis! What Crisis? Retooling for Mass Markets in the 21st Century
Authors: Verebes Tom
Published: April 2014

From his base in Southeast Asia, Tom Verebes, Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), asks what the hardcore realities are for robotics in architecture in this new ‘Asian Century’. At a time when China strives to accommodate 10 million new urban citizens each year by rolling out high‐rise residential blocks with standardised serial production techniques, what hope is there that the homogeneous Chinese city will apply robotic tools of mass customisation for the construction of distinctive, rather than generic structures?
Spark Plasma Sintering of Alumina Composites with Graphene Platelets and Silicon Carbide Nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Jian , Li Zheng , Yan Haixue , Jiang Kyle
Published: April 2014

This paper reports a study on sintering and characterization of alumina (Al2O3) ceramic composites with graphene platelets (GPLs) and silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles. 1, 3, and 5 vol% SiC and 0.38 vol% GPL are mixed with Al2O3 powders and sintered in a spark plasma sintering system. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the composites are investigated. It is found that the composites reinforced with the dual fillers exhibit more uniform and finer microstructures than pure Al2O3 and average grain sizes of the composites decrease with the increasing percentage of SiC. Compared with pure Al2O3, the composites show approximately a 36% increase in hardness, a 40% increase in flexural strength and a 50% increase in fracture toughness. Toughening mechanisms induced by GPLs, such as crack bridging, pullout and crack deflection in the composites, are observed and discussed.
Doping‐Free Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with Very High Power Efficiency, Simple Device Structure, and Superior Spectral Performance
Authors: Wang Qi , Oswald Iain W. H. , Perez Michael R. , Jia Huiping , Shahub Ahmed A. , Qiao Qiquan , Gnade Bruce E. , Omary Mohammad A.
Published: April 2014

Today's state‐of‐the‐art phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PhOLEDs) must rely on the host‐guest doping technique to decrease triplet quenching and increase device efficiency. However, doping is a sophisticated device fabrication process. Here, a Pt(II)‐based complex with a near unity photoluminescence quantum yield and excellent electron transporting properties in the form of neat film is reported. Simplified doping‐free white PhOLED and yellow‐orange PhOLED based on this emitter achieve rather low operating voltages (2.2–2.4 V) and very high power efficiencies of approximately 80 lm W−1 (yellow‐orange) and 50 lm W−1 (white), respectively, without any light extraction enhancement. Furthermore, the efficient white device also exhibits high color stability. No color shift is observed during the entire operation of the device. Analysis of the device's operational mechanism has been postulated in terms of exciton and polaron formation and fate. It is found that using the efficient neat Pt(II)‐complex as a homogeneous emitting and electron transporting layer and an ambipolar blue emitter are determining factors for achieving such a high efficiency.
Viscosity Ratio and Interfacial Tension as Carbon Nanotubes Distributing Factors in Melt‐Mixed Blends of Polyamide 12 and High‐Density Polyethylene
Authors: Zonder L. , Mccarthy S. , Rios F. , Ophir A. , Kenig S.
Published: April 2014

Polyamide 12 (PA12)/high‐density polyethylene (PE)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composites were prepared by three melt mixing sequences; premixing the CNT in the PA phase, premixing the CNT in the PE phase, and simultaneous mixing of all components. The interfacial tension and viscosity ratio between the components were altered by modifying the PE minor phase with PE‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PE‐g‐MAH) and by using different melt flow rate PE minor phase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and volume resistivity (VR) measurements show that when the matrix's viscosity is greater than that of the dispersed phase, simultaneous mixing and premixing the CNT in the PE phase form a unique microstructure that yields a VR that is 4–6 decades lower than when premixing the CNT in the PA phase. When the viscosity of the dispersed PE phase is greater, kinetic restrictions limit the migration of the CNTs from the PE phase, resulting in high VR values for all mixing procedures. The wetting parameter was used to calculate the thermodynamic drive of the CNTs localization. It was found that the MAH modification reduces the interfacial tension between the CNT and the modified PE phase, which results in selective localization of CNT in there rather than in the PA phase. This observation was confirmed in SEM imaging and also expressed in high VR values of these composites.
Co‐existence of Two Different α‐Synuclein Oligomers with Different Core Structures Determined by Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Paslawski Wojciech , Mysling Simon , Thomsen Karen , Jørgensen Thomas J. D. , Otzen Daniel E.
Published: April 2014

Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by the formation of protein oligomers and amyloid fibrils, which in the case of Parkinson’s disease involves the protein α‐synuclein (αSN). Cytotoxicity is mainly associated with the oligomeric species, but we still know little about their assembly and structure. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) monitored by mass spectrometry is used to analyze oligomers formed by wild‐type (wt) αSN and also three familial αSN mutants (A30P, E46K, and A53T). All four variants show co‐existence of two different oligomers. The backbone amides of oligomer type I are protected from exchange with D2O until they dissociate into monomeric αSN by EX1 exchange kinetics. Fewer residues are protected against exchange in oligomer type II, but this type does not revert to αSN monomers. Both oligomers are protected in the core sequence Y39–A89. Based on incubation studies, oligomer type I appears to form straight fibrils, while oligomer type II forms amorphous clusters that do not directly contribute to the fibrillation process.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Photoredox Catalysis with a Tetracerium‐Containing Silicotungstate
Authors: Suzuki Kosuke , Tang Fei , Kikukawa Yuji , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: April 2014

The development of visible‐light‐induced photocatalysts for chemoselective functional group transformations has received considerable attention. Polyoxometalates (POMs) are potential materials for efficient photocatalysts because their properties can be precisely tuned by changing their constituent elements and structures and by the introduction of additional metal cations. Furthermore, they are thermally and oxidatively more stable than the frequently utilized organometallic complexes. The visible‐light‐responsive tetranuclear cerium(III)‐containing silicotungstate TBA6[{Ce(H2O)}2{Ce(CH3CN)}2(μ4‐O)(γ‐SiW10O36)2] (CePOM; TBA=tetra‐n‐butylammonium) has now been synthesized; when CePOM was irradiated with visible light (λ>400 nm), a unique intramolecular CeIII‐to‐POM(WVI) charge transfer was observed. With CePOM, the photocatalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of primary and secondary amines as well as the α‐cyanation of tertiary amines smoothly proceeded in the presence of O2 (1 atm) as the sole oxidant.
Aqueous‐Solution Route to Zinc Telluride Films for Application to CO2 Reduction
Authors: Jang Ji‐Wook , Cho Seungho , Magesh Ganesan , Jang Youn Jeong , Kim Jae Young , Kim Won Yong , Seo Jeong Kon , Kim Sungjee , Lee Kun‐Hong , Lee Jae Sung
Published: April 2014

As a photocathode for CO2 reduction, zinc‐blende zinc telluride (ZnTe) was directly formed on a Zn/ZnO nanowire substrate by a simple dissolution–recrystallization mechanism without any surfactant. With the most negative conduction‐band edge among p‐type semiconductors, this new photocatalyst showed efficient and stable CO formation in photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction at −0.2–−0.7 V versus RHE without a sacrificial reagent.
Temperature‐Modulated Water Filtration Using Microgel‐Functionalized Hollow‐Fiber Membranes
Authors: Menne Daniel , Pitsch Fee , Wong John E. , Pich Andrij , Wessling Matthias
Published: April 2014

In the present work, we investigate the potential of aqueous polymer microgels in membrane technology, especially for filtration applications. The poly(N‐vinylcaprolactam)‐based microgels exhibit thermoresponsive behavior and were employed to coat hollow‐fiber membranes used for micro‐ and ultrafiltration. We discuss the preparation of microgel‐modified membranes (by “inside‐out” as well as “outside‐in” filtration in dead‐end mode). The clean‐water permeability and stability of these membranes was studied not only as a function of time, but also of temperature. The microgel‐modified membranes exhibit a reversible thermoresponsive behavior whereby both the resistance and the retention increased with decreasing temperature.
CO/C‐H as an Acylating Reagent: A Palladium‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Carbonylative Esterification of Alcohols
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Yanxia , Liu Chao , Lei Aiwen
Published: April 2014

A palladium‐catalyzed oxidative carbonylative esterification of a variety of functionalized alcohols under base‐ and ligand‐free conditions has been demonstrated. A CO/olefin combination was utilized as the acylating reagent with O2 as a benign oxidant. Notably, the scope of the substrate alcohols has been greatly broadened.
cDNA CLONING AND TRANSCRIPTIONAL EXPRESSION PROFILES OF A HEXAMERIN IN THE ORIENTAL FRUIT FLY, Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Tsai Meng‐Chen , Tsai Cheng‐Lung , Chen Mei‐Er
Published: April 2014

A Bactrocera dorsalis hexamerin (BdAr) cDNA was cloned (GenBank accession no. KF815528), and its transcriptional expression profiles were determined. The complete 2,530‐bp cDNA encodes a 780‐amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass of 94.01 kDa. The proportions of phenylalanine (7.8%), tyrosine (11.2%), and methionine (2.6%) in BdAr as well as all other amino acids are reported. BdAr transcripts were detected in the brain, flight muscle, foregut, Malpighian tubules, and fat body. In the larval stage, BdAr transcripts were expressed in the early third instar and increased in the late third instar. In pupae, the highest expression of BdAr mRNA was present on day 1, then declined and persisted through day 2 to day 8. In adult females, the relative expression of BdAr was significantly higher on day 0 and day 1 compared to day 6 to day 10 while it was highest in newly eclosed adult males. The comparison of the BdAr expression between 8–10‐day‐old males and females showed a higher level in females. Our phylogenetic analysis results suggest to us that BdAr is similar to Drosophila larval serum protein 1γ.
An approach toward the development of core syllabuses for the anatomical sciences
Authors: Moxham Bernard John , Plaisant Odile , Smith Claire F. , Pawlina Wojciech , McHanwell Stephen
Published: April 2014

There is increasingly a call for clinical relevance in the teaching of the biomedical sciences within all health care programs. This presupposes that there is an understanding of what is “core” material within the curriculum. To date, the anatomical sciences have been poorly served by the development of core syllabuses, although there have been commendable attempts to define a core syllabus for gross anatomy in medicine and for some medical specialties. The International Federation of Associations of Anatomists and the European Federation for Experimental Morphology aim to formulate, on an international basis, core syllabuses for all branches of the anatomical sciences. This is being undertaken at the initial stage using Delphi Panels consisting of a team of anatomists, scientists, and clinicians who evaluate syllabus content and accord each element/topic “essential,” “important,” “acceptable,” or “not required” status. Their initial conjectures, published on the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists' website, provide merely a framework to enable anatomical (and other cognate learned) societies and individual anatomists, clinicians, and students to comment upon the syllabuses. This article presents the concepts and methodological approaches underlying the hybrid Delphi process employed. Preliminary findings relating to the development of a neuroanatomy core syllabus are provided to illustrate the methods initially employed by a Delphi Panel. The approach is novel in that it is international in scope, is conceptually democratic, and is developmentally fluid in terms of availability for amendment. The aim is to set internationally recognized standards and thus to provide guidelines concerning anatomical knowledge when engaged in course development. Anat Sci Educ 7: 302–311. © 2014 American Association of Anatomists.
Jumping between context and users: A difficulty in tracing information practices
Authors: Tabak Edin
Published: April 2014

A constant shifting between two main tenets of the information behavior (IB) field—centrality of the user and the essential role of context—has become a differentiation point for contemporary approaches in the field, but it also poses a major difficulty in tracing information practices. On one side, the user‐centered paradigm asks researchers to focus on the individual; on the other, emerging context‐centered approaches move the position of context into the foreground of information studies. Although there have been attempts to create “in between” approaches to achieve a compromise between these two positions, they have merely generated more positions between the two poles in a continuum between approaches focusing on the individual and those focusing on context. Such positioning not only creates an endless debate about the research focus of information studies but also limits such studies to a set of factors, a priori defined by the researcher. This article argues thatIBresearch could benefit from actor‐network theory, which could give the actors a space to perform their own positioning.
Information use and illness representations: Understanding their connection in illness coping
Authors: Chen Annie T.
Published: April 2014

According to Leventhal's Common Sense Model of illness regulation, people approach and deal with their illnesses differently depending on their cognitive representations of them. Thus, understanding people's illness representations can be invaluable when assisting them to develop lifestyle modifications that improve their health. What role does information use play in this equation? This is the crucial question addressed by this two‐part study. Part 1 hypothesizes a model of how information use at different timepoints may affect illness representations, and then tests this model. The study found that a number of information use type and time pairings (e.g., information used to consult healthcare practitioners at symptom onset) were significantly associated with present‐day level of personal control. The results suggest that it is not merely type or timing of information use alone that is helpful in illness coping, but the coupling of the two; this has several implications for the design of patient education programs. Part 2 examines how information use and illness representations differ based on the way an individual participates in online health forums and social media sites. The following four different participation styles were investigated: nonuser, only reading (“lurker”), posting occasionally but largely reading (“infrequent poster”), and reading and posting (“poster”). Differences in both information use and illness perceptions were found, and the implications of these are discussed.
Bridge-to-surgery stent placement versus emergency surgery for acute malignant colonic obstruction
Authors: van den Berg M W , Sloothaak D A M , Dijkgraaf M G W , van der Zaag E S , Bemelman W A , Tanis P J , Bosker R J I , Fockens P , ter Borg F , van Hooft J E
Published: April 2014

Background

Endoscopic self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) placement as a bridge to surgery is an option for acute malignant colonic obstruction. There is ongoing debate regarding the superiority and oncological safety of SEMS placement compared with emergency surgery. This retrospective study aimed to compare outcomes of these treatment approaches.

Methods

Patients were identified from cohorts treated between 2005 and 2012 in two teaching hospitals, of which one used emergency surgery only in patients with large bowel obstruction, whereas the other attempted SEMS placement. Only patients treated with curative intent were included.

Results

The study included 59 patients in whom SEMS placement was attempted and 51 who underwent surgery alone. The successful primary anastomosis rate was higher in the SEMS group than in the surgery-alone group among patients with left-sided obstruction (30 of 43 versus 10 of 34 respectively; P = 0·001), whereas stoma formation was less common (11 of 43 versus 23 of 34; P < 0·001). Such differences were not apparent in patients with right-sided obstruction. Secondary stoma rates were comparable between treatment approaches (left-sided: 11 of 43 versus 13 of 34, P = 0·322; right-sided: 1 of 16 versus 1 of 17, P = 1·000). There were no significant differences in morbidity, mortality, recurrence or survival.

Conclusion

Endoscopic SEMS placement increased the primary anastomosis rate in patients with left-sided large bowel obstruction.
Decision‐making deficits in patients diagnosed with disordered gambling using the Cambridge Gambling task: the effects of substance use disorder comorbidity
Authors: Zois Evangelos , Kortlang Noreen , Vollstädt‐Klein Sabine , Lemenager Tagrid , Beutel Martin , Mann Karl , Fauth‐Bühler Mira
Published: April 2014

Background

Disordered gambling (DG) has often been associated with impaired decision‐making abilities, suggesting a dysfunction in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC).

Aims

To our knowledge, no previous study has accurately considered the effect of substance use disorder (SUD) comorbidity (including nicotine dependence) on decision‐making impairments in DG.

Methods and Materials

We employed the Cambridge Gambling Task (CGT) to assess a big cohort of patients diagnosed with DG (N = 80) against matched healthy controls (HCs) (N = 108). The cohort included DG patients with nicotine and alcohol dependence, alcohol dependence only and 12 “pure” nonsmokers with only DG diagnosis.

Results

Pure nonsmoking, nicotine dependent as well as alcoholic DGs with current nicotine dependence, demonstrated a decision making profile, characterized by poor decision‐making abilities and failure to make right choices (rational), closely resembling that of patients with vmPFC damage.

Discussion

This suggests that DGs with and without SUD comorbidity are equally affected in that domain of decision making abilities. Additionally, gambling diagnosis combined with alcohol and nicotine dependence involves a group of gambling patients with a relatively riskier decision making profile, showing that these patients apart from making irrational decisions take also more risks. Our findings highlight the importance of accounting for SUD comorbidities with useful implications for future research and therapy. Limitations of the current investigation are discussed.
Investigation of cyanine dyes for in vivo optical imaging of altered mitochondrial membrane potential in tumors
Authors: Onoe Satoru , Temma Takashi , Shimizu Yoichi , Ono Masahiro , Saji Hideo
Published: April 2014

Mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) alteration is an important target for cancer diagnosis. In this study, we designed a series of near‐infrared fluorescent cationic cyanine dyes with varying alkyl chain lengths (IC7‐1 derivatives) to provide diverse lipophilicities and serum albumin‐binding rates, and we evaluated the usefulness of these derivatives for in vivo Δψm imaging. IC7‐1 derivatives with side chains from methyl to hexyl (IC7‐1‐Me to IC7‐1‐He) were synthesized, and their optical properties were measured. Cellular uptake and intracellular distribution were investigated with depolarized HeLa cells from carbonyl cyanine m‐chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) treatment using a spectrofluorometer and a fluorescence microscope. Serum albumin‐binding rates were evaluated using albumin‐binding inhibitors. In vivo optical imaging was performed with HeLa cell xenograft mice following intravenous administration of IC7‐1 derivatives with or without warfarin and CCCP as in vivo blocking agents. IC7‐1 derivatives showing maximum excitation and emission wavelengths at 823 nm and ~845 nm, respectively, were synthesized. IC7‐1‐Me to ‐Bu showed fluorescence in mitochondria that decreased with CCCP treatment in a concentration‐dependent manner, which showed that IC7‐1‐Me to ‐Bu successfully indicated Δψm. Tumors were clearly visualized after IC7‐1‐Bu administration. Treatment with warfarin or CCCP significantly decreased IC7‐1‐Bu fluorescence in the tumor region. In summary, IC7‐1‐Bu exhibited fluorescence localized to mitochondria dependent on Δψm, which enabled clear in vivo tumor imaging via serum albumin as a drug carrier for effective tumor targeting. Our data suggest that IC7‐1‐Bu is a promising NIR probe for in vivo imaging of the altered Δψm of tumor cells.
The Relevance of Long‐Term Antecedents in Assessing the Risk of Familicide‐Suicide Following Separation
Authors: Sachmann Mark , Harris Johnson Carolyn Mary
Published: April 2014

Familicide‐suicide following separation is under‐researched and remains a poorly understood phenomenon. Findings from previous research are inconclusive in relation to both risk factors and perpetrator motivation. This article explores the relevance of long‐term biopsychosocial antecedents in cases of familicide‐suicide that occurred in Western Australia between 1986 and 2005. A conceptualisation of the hypothesised risk factors in familicide‐suicide is proposed based on attachment theory, personality dysfunction, the neurobiology of trauma and the possible unconscious motivation of perpetrators, which may prove helpful in assessing the risk of familicide‐suicide in family court cases. The research identified and articulated a number of warning signs to familicide‐suicide that are often not identified, or appreciated, by decision makers. Suggestions are offered for changes to practice that may be helpful in identifying and responding to high‐risk cases in a way that enhances safety. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘A conceptualisation of the hypothesised risk factors in familicide‐suicide is proposed’

Key Practitioner Messages

Clinicians need to be aware of the dynamic psychosocial risk factors associated with violent acting out such as:

The combination of Cluster B personality diagnoses.

A history of domestic violence.

Early childhood trauma requires good interagency communication and cooperation.
Overexpression of Banna mini‐pig inbred line fatty acid binding protein 3 promotes adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes
Authors: Yi Bao , Wang Jigui , Wang Shuang , Yuan Daoli , Sun Jiazeng , Li Zhili , Mao Yaping , Hou Qiang , Liu Weiquan
Published: April 2014

Fatty acid binding protein 3 (H‐FABP, FABP3) has been significantly associated with intramuscular fat (IMF) content in pigs, which is positively correlated with palatability of pork. However, its underlying function is not fully elucidated. We have investigated the effects of overexpression of the FABP3 gene on differentiation and adipogenesis of 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes in the fat Banna mini‐pig inbred line (fBMIL). Eukaryotic vectors that expressed the FABP3 protein were constructed, and stably established in the 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes cell line. Cells were induced in a standard differentiation cocktail. Morphological changes and the degree of adipogenesis were measured by Oil Red O staining assay and triacylglycerol content measurement, respectively. mRNA expression levels of triacylglycerol metabolism‐related genes were measured by qPCR. FABP3 significantly promoted differentiation of 3T3‐L1 cells and enhanced triacylglycerol levels (P < 0.05). mRNA of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ), adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (422/aP2) and glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) gene increased markedly (P < 0.05). In conclusion, expression of the FABP3 gene enhances adipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes primarily by upregulating lipogenic PPARγ, 422/aP2 and GPDH genes.
Outcomes of preoperative bridging therapy for patients undergoing surgery after coronary stent implantation: A weighted meta‐analysis of 280 patients from eight studies
Authors: Warshauer Jeremy , Patel Vishal G , Christopoulos Georgios , Kotsia Anna P. , Banerjee Subhash , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: April 2014

Background

Preoperative bridging with a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor is often performed in patients with prior coronary stents undergoing surgery who require antiplatelet therapy discontinuation, but its safety and efficacy have received limited study. We performed a weighted meta‐analysis of the outcomes in patients with coronary stents undergoing bridging with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors prior to surgery.

Methods

We conducted a weighted meta‐analysis of preoperative bridging studies published between 2002 and 2013 in patients with coronary stents undergoing surgery. Data on in‐hospital mortality, stent thrombosis, bleeding, hemoglobin decrease, blood transfusion, time to hospital discharge and myocardial infarction were collected.

Results

A total of eight studies with 280 patients were included. Pooled estimates of outcomes were as follows: in‐hospital mortality 3.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7–5.9%); stent thrombosis 1.3% (95% CI 0.3–3.0%); major bleeding 7.4% (95% CI 2.8–14.1%); any bleeding 20.6% (95% CI 4.8–43.2%); mean decrease in hemoglobin 2.8 g/dL (95% CI 2.5–3.0 g/dL); mean blood loss 271 mL (95% CI 211–311 mL); blood transfusion 13.9% (95% CI 1.0–38.2%); time to hospital discharge 5.9 days (95% CI 4.4–7.3 days); and myocardial infarction 1.6% (95% CI 0.3–3.6%).

Conclusions

Preoperative bridging with a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor in patients undergoing surgery after coronary stenting does not abolish the risk of perioperative stent thrombosis and may carry increased risk for bleeding. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Elective versus deferred stenting following subintimal recanalization of coronary chronic total occlusions
Authors: Visconti Gabriella , Focaccio Amelia , Donahue Michael , Briguori Carlo
Published: April 2014

Subintimal tracking and re‐entry (STAR) technique has been described as a bailout strategy for coronary total occlusion (CTO) recanalization. However, the length of the dissected segment represents a major concern. The aim of this study is, to evaluate whether “deferred” stent implantation may limit the total stent length following STAR recanalization of CTO. All consecutive patients with CTO in a native coronary artery treated by successful STAR technique in our institution were included. In the first period (March 2004–December 2009) all procedures were completed with stent implantation (Elective Stent Group; n = 60). Thereafter (January 2010–June 2012) stent implantation was postponed until a scheduled (within 3 months) angiographic follow‐up (Deferred Stent Group; n = 69). The dissection length was 75 ± 37 mm in the Elective Stent Group and 83 ± 31 mm in the Deferred Stent Group (P = 0.22). In the Deferred Stent Group, at the angiographic follow‐up, the dissection length was significantly shorter than at the index procedure (40 ± 35 mm versus 83 ± 31 mm, P <0.001). The total stent length was significantly shorter in the Deferred Stent Group versus the Elective Stent Group (22 ± 33 mm versus 56 ± 28 mm; P < 0.001). At six‐month follow‐up, rate of cardiac death and myocardial infarction (6.7% vs 0; P = 0.049) and of stent thrombosis (5% vs 0%; P = 0.10) were higher in the Elective Stent Group. The present study suggests that deferring stenting implantation following STAR recanalization (1) limits the stent length and (2) is associated with a lower rate of objective endpoints. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aortic root rupture after TAVR in two renal transplant patients on chronic immunosuppressant therapy
Authors: Holper Elizabeth M. , Kim Rebeca J. , Brooks Aaron , Mack Michael
Published: April 2014

Patients on chronic immunosuppressant therapy after renal transplantation have a high rate of in‐hospital mortality and approximately 20% mortality rate per year after conventional valve surgery. While transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an appealing option to consider for such patients, there are not significant outcome data for the procedure in this patient population. We report two cases of aortic root rupture after TAVR in renal transplant patients on chronic immunosuppressant therapy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Severe catheter kinking and entrapment during transradial coronary angiography: Percutaneous retrieval using a sheathless guide catheter
Authors: Aminian Adel , Fraser Douglas G. , Dolatabadi Dariouch
Published: April 2014

The transradial (TR) approach for coronary angiography and intervention is increasingly used worldwide because of several advantages such as reduced bleeding and vascular complications. During TR procedures, aggressive catheter manipulation in the setting of complex and tortuous arterial anatomy can lead to catheter kinking and entrapment. Several percutaneous retrieval techniques using either homolateral radial access or femoral access have been described previously. We demonstrate, for the first time, the use of a sheathless guide catheter as a rescue technique to successfully retrieve a severely kinked and entrapped diagnostic catheter during TR access. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multifunctionality in Bimetallic LnIII[WV(CN)8]3− (Ln=Gd, Nd) Coordination Helices: Optical Activity, Luminescence, and Magnetic Coupling
Authors: Chorazy Szymon , Nakabayashi Koji , Arczynski Mirosław , Pełka Robert , Ohkoshi Shin‐ichi , Sieklucka Barbara
Published: April 2014

Two chiral luminescent derivatives of pyridine bis(oxazoline) (Pybox), (SS/RR)‐iPr‐Pybox (2,6‐bis[4‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazolin‐2‐yl]pyridine) and (SRSR/RSRS)‐Ind‐Pybox (2,6‐bis[8H‐indeno[1,2‐d]oxazolin‐2‐yl]pyridine), have been combined with lanthanide ions (Gd3+, Nd3+) and octacyanotungstate(V) metalloligand to afford a remarkable series of eight bimetallic CN−‐bridged coordination chains: {[LnIII(SS/RR‐iPr‐Pybox)(dmf)4]3[WV(CN)8]3}n⋅dmf⋅4 H2O (Ln=Gd, 1‐SS and 1‐RR; Ln=Nd, 2‐SS and 2‐RR) and {[LnIII(SRSR/RSRS‐Ind‐Pybox)(dmf)4][WV(CN)8]}n⋅5 MeCN⋅4 MeOH (Ln=Gd, 3‐SRSR and 3‐RSRS; Ln=Nd, 4‐SRSR and 4‐RSRS). These materials display enantiopure structural helicity, which results in strong optical activity in the range 200–450 nm, as confirmed by natural circular dichroism (NCD) spectra and the corresponding UV/Vis absorption spectra. Under irradiation with UV light, the GdIII‐WV chains show dominant ligand‐based red phosphorescence, with λmax≈660 nm for 1‐(SS/RR) and 680 nm for 3‐(SRSR/RSRS). The NdIII‐WV chains, 2‐(SS/RR) and 4‐(SRSR/RSRS), exhibit near‐infrared luminescence with sharp lines at 986, 1066, and 1340 nm derived from intra‐f 4F3/2→4I9/2,11/2,13/2 transitions of the NdIII centers. This emission is realized through efficient ligand‐to‐metal energy transfer from the Pybox derivative to the lanthanide ion. Due to the presence of paramagnetic lanthanide(III) and [WV(CN)8]3− moieties connected by cyanide bridges, 1‐(SS/RR) and 3‐(SRSR/RSRS) are ferrimagnetic spin chains originating from antiferromagnetic coupling between GdIII (SGd=7/2) and WV (SW=1/2) centers with J1‐(SS)=−0.96(1) cm−1, J1‐(RR)=−0.95(1) cm−1, J3‐(SRSR)=−0.91(1) cm−1, and J3‐(RSRS)=−0.94(1) cm−1. 2‐(SS/RR) and 4‐(SRSR/RSRS) display ferromagnetic coupling within their NdIII‐NC‐WV linkages.
Mixed‐Valence Ruthenium Complexes Rotating through a Conformational Robin–Day Continuum
Authors: Parthey Matthias , Gluyas Josef B. G. , Fox Mark A. , Low Paul J. , Kaupp Martin
Published: April 2014

The conformational energy landscape and the associated electronic structure and spectroscopic properties (UV/Vis/near‐infrared (NIR) and IR) of three formally d5/d6 mixed‐valence diruthenium complex cations, [{Ru(dppe)Cp*}2(μ‐C≡CC6H4C≡C)]+, [1]+, [trans‐{RuCl(dppe)2}2(μ‐C≡CC6H4C≡C)]+, [2]+, and the Creutz–Taube ion, [{Ru(NH3)5}2(μ‐pz)]5+, [3]5+ (Cp=cyclopentadienyl; dppe=1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane; pz=pyrazine), have been studied using a nonstandard hybrid density functional BLYP35 with 35 % exact exchange and continuum solvent models. For the closely related monocations [1]+ and [2]+, the calculations indicated that the lowest‐energy conformers exhibited delocalized electronic structures (or class III mixed‐valence character). However, these minima alone explained neither the presence of shoulder(s) in the NIR absorption envelope nor the presence of features in the observed vibrational spectra characteristic of both delocalized and valence‐trapped electronic structures. A series of computational models have been used to demonstrate that the mutual conformation of the metal fragments—and even more importantly the orientation of the bridging ligand relative to those metal centers—influences the electronic coupling sufficiently to afford valence‐trapped conformations, which are of sufficiently low energy to be thermally populated. Areas in the conformational phase space with variable degrees of symmetry breaking of structures and spin‐density distributions are shown to be responsible for the characteristic spectroscopic features of these two complexes. The Creutz–Taube ion [3]5+ also exhibits low‐lying valence‐trapped conformational areas, but the electronic transitions that characterize these conformations with valence‐localized electronic structures have low intensities and do not influence the observed spectroscopic characteristics to any notable extent.
Long‐Range Effects in Anion–π Interactions: Their Crucial Role in the Inhibition Mechanism of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Malate Synthase
Authors: Bauzá Antonio , Quiñonero David , Deyà Pere M. , Frontera Antonio
Published: April 2014

The glyoxylate shunt is an anaplerotic bypass of the traditional Krebs cycle. It plays a prominent role in Mycobacterium tuberculosis virulence, so it can be exploited for the development of antitubercular therapeutics. The shunt involves two enzymes: isocitrate lyase (ICL) and malate synthase (GlcB). The shunt bypasses two steps of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, allowing the incorporation of carbon, and thus, refilling oxaloacetate under carbon‐limiting conditions. The targeting of ICL is complicated; however, GlcB, which accommodates the pantothenate tail of acetyl‐CoA in the active site, is easier to target. A catalytic Mg2+ unit is located at the bottom of the cavity, and plays a very important role. Recently, the development of effective antituberculosis drugs based on phenyldiketo acids (PDKAs) has been reported. Interestingly, all the crystal structures of GlcB–inhibitor complexes exhibit close contact between the carboxylate of Asp633 and the face of the aromatic ring of the inhibitor. Remarkably, the replacement of the phenyl ring in PDKA by aliphatic moieties yields inactive inhibitors, suggesting that the aromatic moiety is crucial for inhibition. However, the aromatic ring of PDKA is not electron‐deficient, and consequently, the anion–π interaction is expected to be very weak (dominated only by polarization effects). Herein, through a combination analysis of the recent X‐ray structures of GlcB–PDKA complexes retrieved from the protein data bank (PDB) and computational ab initio studies (RI‐MP2/def2‐TZVP level of theory), we demonstrate the prominent role of the Mg2+ ion in the active site, which promotes long‐range enhancement of the anion–π interaction.
A general principle governs vision‐dependent dendritic patterning of retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Xu Hong‐Ping , Sun Jin Hao , Tian Ning
Published: April 2014

Dendritic arbors of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) collect information over a certain area of the visual scene. The coverage territory and the arbor density of dendrites determine what fraction of the visual field is sampled by a single cell and at what resolution. However, it is not clear whether visual stimulation is required for the establishment of branching patterns of RGCs, and whether a general principle directs the dendritic patterning of diverse RGCs. By analyzing the geometric structures of RGC dendrites, we found that dendritic arbors of RGCs underwent a substantial spatial rearrangement after eye‐opening. Light deprivation blocked both the dendritic growth and the branch patterning, suggesting that visual stimulation is required for the acquisition of specific branching patterns of RGCs. We further showed that vision‐dependent dendritic growth and arbor refinement occurred mainly in the middle portion of the dendritic tree. This nonproportional growth and selective refinement suggest that the late‐stage dendritic development of RGCs is not a passive stretching with the growth of eyes, but rather an active process of selective growth/elimination of dendritic arbors of RGCs driven by visual activity. Finally, our data showed that there was a power law relationship between the coverage territory and dendritic arbor density of RGCs on a cell‐by‐cell basis. RGCs were systematically less dense when they cover larger territories regardless of their cell type, retinal location, or developmental stage. These results suggest that a general structural design principle directs the vision‐dependent patterning of RGC dendrites. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:3403–3422, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Memory aware load balance strategy on a parallel branch‐and‐bound application
Authors: Silva Juliana M.N. , Boeres Cristina , Drummond Lúcia M.A. , Pessoa Artur A.
Published: April 2014

The latest trends in high performance computing systems show an increasing demand on the use of a large scale multicore system in an efficient way so that high compute‐intensive applications can be executed reasonably well. However, the exploitation of the degree of parallelism available at each multicore component can be limited by the poor utilization of the memory hierarchy. Actually, the multicore architecture introduces some distinct features that are already observed in shared memory and distributed environments. One example is that subsets of cores can share different subsets of memory. In order to achieve high performance, it is imperative that a careful allocation scheme of an application is carried out on the available cores, based on a scheduling specification that considers not only processors characteristics but also memory contention. This paper proposes a multicore cluster representation that captures relevant performance characteristics in multicores systems such as the influence of memory hierarchy and contention on application performance. Improved performance was achieved by a branch‐and‐bound application applied to the partitioning sets problem that incorporated a memory aware load balancing strategy based on the proposed multicore cluster representation. An in‐depth analysis on this application execution showed its applicability to modern systems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐Propelled Janus Mesoporous Silica Nanomotors with Sub‐100 nm Diameters for Drug Encapsulation and Delivery
Authors: Xuan Mingjun , Shao Jingxin , Lin Xiankun , Dai Luru , He Qiang
Published: April 2014

The synthesis of an innovative self‐propelled Janus nanomotor with a diameter of about 75 nm that can be used as a drug carrier is described. The Janus nanomotor is based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with chromium/platinum metallic caps and propelled by decomposing hydrogen peroxide to generate oxygen as a driving force with speeds up to 20.2 μm s−1 (about 267 body lengths per second). The diffusion coefficient (D) of nanomotors with different H2O2 concentrations is calculated by tracking the movement of individual particles recorded by means of a self‐assembled fluorescence microscope and is significantly larger than free Brownian motion. The traction of a single Janus MSN nanomotor is estimated to be about 13.47×10−15 N. Finally, intracellular localization and drug release in vitro shows that the amount of Janus MSN nanomotors entering the cells is more than MSNs with same culture time and particle concentrations, meanwhile anticancer drug doxorubicin hydrochloride loaded in Janus MSNs can be slowly released by biodegradation of lipid bilayers in cells.
Bottom‐up performance analysis of focal‐plane mixed‐signal hardware for Viola–Jones early vision tasks
Authors: Fernández‐Berni Jorge , Carmona‐Galán Ricardo , del Río Rocío , Rodríguez‐Vázquez Angel
Published: April 2014

Focal‐plane mixed‐signal arrays have traditionally been designed according to the general claim that moderate accuracy in processing is affordable. The performance of their circuitry has been analyzed in these terms without a comprehensive study of the ultimate consequences of such moderate accuracy. In this paper, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, we do carry out this study. We move expectable performance of mixed‐signal image processing hardware directly into the vision algorithm making use of it. This permits to close a wider design loop, enabling a more aggressive design of this kind of hardware provided that the algorithm, at the highest level—semantic interpretation of the scene—, can afford it. Thus, we present a thorough analysis of the non‐idealities associated with the implementation of a QVGA array tailored for the distinctive characteristics of the Viola–Jones processing framework. The resulting deviation models are then introduced in the processing flow of this framework provided by the OpenCV library. We have found, contrary to what could be expected, that these deviations do not necessarily degrade the performance of the Viola–Jones algorithm. They could be even beneficial for certain high‐level specifications. Additionally, we demonstrate the architectural advantages of our approach: exploitation of focal‐plane distributed memory and ultra‐low‐power operation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.