bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Le bétail des Somali d'Éthiopie : la mondialisation sur les marges
Authors: Pinauldt Géraldine
Published: April 2015

Le commerce de bétail en Éthiopie est marqué par une frontière intérieure que dessine la vallée de l'Awash/vallée du Rift et qui matérialise une frontière cognitive entre les basses-terres Somali et les hautes-terres de l'Éthiopie. À l'ouest de cette ligne, le bétail nourrit principalement la consommation éthiopienne et à l'est, largement informel et dominé par les grands commerçants somali, il est exporté vers la péninsule arabique via le Somaliland. Profitant d'une conjonction de facteurs accélérant la "mise en mondialisation" du commerce de bétail, l'État éthiopien conjugue la captation des aides internationales pour des programmes d'accès aux marchés et de mise aux normes commerciales et vétérinaires avec une ouverture nouvelle à des investisseurs saoudiens. Mais ces projets se heurtent à la résistance d'un système géoéconomique pluri-centenaire dans une région Somali d'Éthiopie pas encore tout à fait acquise à la cause éthiopienne, pour lequel le bétail demeure une richesse non aliénable par l'État. Ici, la mise en mondialisation de l’Éthiopie, sous la forme d'une normalisation des échanges internationaux, donne à une occasion l'État éthiopien de mieux maîtriser un territoire périphérique et sa ressource. Cette utilisation des outils normatifs permet-elle d'intégrer l'économie de la région Somali d’Éthiopie et ainsi de rééquilibrer le territoire national, ou ce processus renforce-t-il cette frontière culturelle intérieure ?
Perspectives locales et globales pour la gestion des terres des régions montagneuses du Nord de l'Éthiopie
Authors: Nyssen Jan , Frankl Amaury , Poesen Jean , Zenebe Amanuel , Deckers Jozef
Published: April 2015

Cet article de synthèse s'intéresse au passé et au futur de la gestion des terres en Éthiopie, mettant l'accent sur la partie Nord du pays. Comment l'état des sols et des forêts s'est-il modifié au cours du siècle dernier ? Comment ces modifications affectent-elles les moyens de subsistance de la population ? A la fin du XIXe siècle, il existait déjà des ravines de ruissellement au Nord de l'Éthiopie, bien que celles-ci se soient stabilisées vers 1935. Dans les années 1960, une recrudescence de ravinements s’est manifestée. Depuis environ 2000, les vitesses d'érosion décroissent de nouveau, en liaison avec une augmentation des activités de conservation et une couverture végétale améliorée. Par conséquent, la production totale de céréales en Éthiopie est désormais plus élevée que jamais, et la production par habitant entre 2005 et 2010 s'est élevée de 60 % par rapport à celle observée entre 1985 et 1990. On assiste actuellement à l’augmentation des exportations de fleurs et de légumes, ainsi qu'à l’essor de l’exportation d'un narcotique doux, le khat, qui nécessite de grandes quantités d'eau. Les transactions foncières internationales, qui par ailleurs stagnent bien en deçà des objectifs initiaux, n'ont pas apporté d'amélioration aux moyens de subsistance des populations locales.
Schadevergoedingsregelingen voor slachtofferschap van seksueel misbruik: kwetsbaar voor fraude?
Authors: Kunst Maarten
Published: April 2015

Compensation schemes for victims of sexual abuse: Vulnerable for fraud?

Lately, several private and public compensation schemes have been established in the Netherlands for people who have been sexually abused as a minor by representatives of the Catholic Church, childcare workers or foster parents. Eligible for compensation are those who can make a reasonable case of the likelihood that they have been sexually abused. They do not have to provide indisputable proof of the abuse. The author of this article argues that this low burden of proof makes these compensation schemes vulnerable to fraud. He supports his argumentation with several examples of dishonest victims who have been unmasked as fraudsters. Furthermore, he explains that undetected fraud can have several adverse by-effects, such as the condemnation of falsely accused persons and impairment of the credibility of compensation schemes and agencies that run such schemes. The author concludes with emphasizing the need for more explicit policies on fraud prevention, detection, and control.
Inhibitory activities of short linear motifs underlie Hox interactome specificity in vivo
Authors: Baëza Manon , Viala Séverine , Heim Marjorie , Dard Amélie , Hudry Bruno , Duffraisse Marilyne , Rogulja-Ortmann Ana , Brun Christine , Merabet Samir
Published: April 2015

Hox proteins are well-established developmental regulators that coordinate cell fate and morphogenesis throughout embryogenesis. In contrast, our knowledge of their specific molecular modes of action is limited to the interaction with few cofactors. Here, we show that Hox proteins are able to interact with a wide range of transcription factors in the live Drosophila embryo. In this context, specificity relies on a versatile usage of conserved short linear motifs (SLiMs), which, surprisingly, often restrains the interaction potential of Hox proteins. This novel buffering activity of SLiMs was observed in different tissues and found in Hox proteins from cnidarian to mouse species. Although these interactions remain to be analysed in the context of endogenous Hox regulatory activities, our observations challenge the traditional role assigned to SLiMs and provide an alternative concept to explain how Hox interactome specificity could be achieved during the embryonic development.
A spatial hybrid approach for downscaling of extreme precipitation fields
Authors: Bechler Aurélien , Vrac Mathieu , Bel Liliane
Published: April 2015

For a few decades, climate models are used to provide future scenarios of precipitation with increasingly higher spatial resolution. However, this resolution is not yet sufficient to describe efficiently what happens at local scale. Dynamical and statistical methods of downscaling have been developed and allow us to make the link between two levels of resolution and enable us to get values at a local scale based on large‐scale information from global or regional climate models. Nevertheless, both the extreme behavior and the spatial structures are not well described by these downscaling methods. We propose a two‐step methodology, called spatial hybrid downscaling (SHD), to solve this problem. The first step consists in applying a univariate (i.e., one‐dimensional) statistical downscaling to link the high‐ and low‐resolution variables at some given locations. Once this 1d‐link is performed, a conditional simulation algorithm of max‐stable processes adapted to the extremal t process enables us to get conditional distributions of extreme precipitation at any point of the region. An application is performed on precipitation data in the south of France where extreme (Cevenol) events have major impacts (e.g., floods). Different versions of the SHD approach are tested. Most of them show particularly good results regarding univariate and multivariate criteria and overcome classical downscaling techniques tested in comparison. Furthermore, these conclusions are robust to the choice of the 1d‐link functions tested and to the choice of the conditioning points to drive the conditional local‐scale simulations performed by the SHD approach.
Development and application of a logistic model to estimate the past and future hail potential in Germany
Authors: Mohr S. , Kunz M. , Keuler K.
Published: April 2015

This study investigates to what extent the frequency of hail events in the summer months has changed during the past decades and which changes are expected to occur in the future. To improve the diagnostics of hail events by considering various factors relevant for the formation of hail, a logistic hail model has been developed by means of a multivariate analysis method. This statistical model is based on a combination of appropriate meteorological parameters (convective parameter, moisture content, etc.) and synoptic weather types. The output of the model is a new index that estimates the potential of the atmosphere for hailstorm development, referred to as potential hail index. Validations with independent data sets confirm the reliability of the model results. For Germany, the logistic hail model applied to reanalysis data over the past decades shows a markedly north‐to‐south gradient with most of the potential hail days occurring in the south. Applied to an ensemble of seven regional climate model simulations, it is found that the potential for hail events will increase in the future (2021–2050) compared to the past (1971–2000), but only statistically significant in the northwest and south of Germany.
Determination of warm, sensitive permafrost areas in near‐vertical rockwalls and evaluation of distributed models by electrical resistivity tomography
Authors: Magnin Florence , Krautblatter Michael , Deline Philip , Ravanel Ludovic , Malet Emmanuel , Bevington Alexandre
Published: April 2015

Alpine rockwalls with warm permafrost (near 0°C) are the most active rockfall detachment zones in the Mont Blanc massif (MBM, French Alps) with more than 380 recent events. Near‐vertical rockwall permafrost is spatially controlled by variations in rock fractures, snow cover, and microtopography. A reliable method to validate the distribution of permafrost in critical and unstable areas does not yet exist. We present seven electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys measured on five near‐vertical rockwalls in the MBM from 2012 and 2013 that have been calibrated with measurements on a granite sample in the laboratory. ERT shows consistent measurements of remaining sensitive permafrost relating to inferred temperatures from 0 to −1.5°C. ERT results demonstrate evidence of topographic controls on permafrost distribution and resistivity gradients that appear to reflect crest width. ERT results are compared to two permafrost index maps that use topoclimatic factors and combine effects of thin snow and fractures, where index model spatial resolution is crucial for the validation with ERT. In cryospheric environments, index maps seem to overestimate permafrost conditions in glacial environments. As a consequence, the sensitive areas of permafrost may slightly deviate from the results from distributed models that are only constrained by topoclimatic factors and interpreted with consideration of local fracture and snow conditions. This study demonstrates (i) that the sensitive and hazardous areas of permafrost in near‐vertical rock faces can be assessed and monitored by the means of temperature‐calibrated ERT and (ii) that ERT can be used for distributed model validation.
Rapid injection of near‐inertial shear into the stratified upper ocean at an Antarctic Circumpolar Current front
Authors: Forryan Alexander , Naveira Garabato Alberto C. , Polzin Kurt L. , Waterman Stephanie
Published: April 2015

The impact on the upper ocean of the passage of a short, intense storm over a Southern Ocean site, in proximity to an Antarctic Circumpolar Current front, is characterized. The storm causes a wind‐induced deepening of the mixed layer and generates an inertial current. Immediate poststorm observations indicate a mixed layer extending to approximately 50 m depth. Subsequent measurements show the upper ocean to have restratified, injecting near‐inertial shear in stratified waters within 1 day of the storm's passage. This time scale for the development of near‐inertial shear is 1 order of magnitude shorter than that predicted by the β dispersion paradigm. The observed rapid changes in upper ocean stratification point to the existence of an as yet undocumented, efficient mechanism for injection of near‐inertial shear into the stratified ocean that is in turn associated with enhanced turbulence and mixing.
In the Pursuit of Pleasure: The Not so Fleeting Life of the Pavilion and its Ilk
Authors: Bevan Robert
Published: April 2015

Author and architecture critic for the London Evening Standard, Robert Bevan reflects on the enduring appeal of the temporary structure, speaking ‘to a latent desire for freedom and movement’ as a hangover of our nomadic past in a sedentary ‘civilised’ society. He highlights the type's historical apex in Henry VIII's palatial pop‐up on the Field of the Cloth of Gold, questioning the purpose and purposelessness of more recent examples.
Barcelona Reset: Circuit of Ephemeral Architecture
Authors: Tagliabue Benedetta
Published: April 2015

During the summer of 2014, new life was injected into the auspicious squares and parks of the city centre of historic Barcelona by the Enric Miralles Foundation. This came in the form of celebrative temporary installations commissioned from teams, including among them Odile Decq, Yael Reisner and Peter Cook, Grafton Architects and Urban‐Think Tank. Commemorating the 300th anniversary of the end of the siege of Barcelona, each group of collaborators was asked by the curators, architect Benedetta Tagliabue and theatre director Àlex Ollé, to create a structure that embodied a universal principle, such as diversity, democracy and identity. Benedetta Tagliabue describes the project.
The Affirmative Qualities of a Temporal Architecture
Authors: Hook Martyn
Published: April 2015

Working affirmatively with a social agenda often requires creating structures for those who need them most in a crisis situation, whether triggered by an environmental disaster, human conflict or long‐term poverty and deprivation. A crisis, though, tends to require an immediate, provisionary response rather than a permanent solution. Martyn Hook, Professor of Architecture at RMIT University in Melbourne, explores the ‘pop‐up’ tenure of affirmative architecture internationally, as exemplified by the work of TYIN tegnestue Architects, Shigeru Ban Architects, Tezuka Architects and Monash Architecture.
Entrepreneur Makers: Digitally Crafted, Crowdfunded Pavilions
Authors: Mamou‐Mani Arthur , Burgess Toby
Published: April 2015

As part of a generation of architects graduating after the 2008 global financial crisis, Arthur Mamou‐Mani and Toby Burgess developed an ethos of digital self‐sufficiency. This is one that they have passed on to their students in Diploma Studio 10 at the University of Westminster, teaching them to self‐build using digital fabrication techniques, but also to fund their work through crowdfunding, while promoting it on social media.
From the Subversive to the Serious: Temporary Urbanism as a Positive Force
Authors: Bishop Peter
Published: April 2015

Pavilions and pop‐ups are most often perceived as standalone objects, but what do transient structures have to offer at the city scale? Peter Bishop, Professor of Urban Design at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London (UCL), and a director at Allies and Morrison, explores what temporary urbanism can contribute to the wider metropolis. He describes how when they grow out of the best of intentions and are well executed, pavilions and pop‐ups can potentially inject joy and delight, enriching an over‐planned and over‐regulated city.
Controllable Generation of Nitric Oxide by Near‐Infrared‐Sensitized Upconversion Nanoparticles for Tumor Therapy
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Tian Gan , Yin Wenyan , Wang Liming , Zheng Xiaopeng , Yan Liang , Li Jinxia , Su Haoran , Chen Chunying , Gu Zhanjun , Zhao Yuliang
Published: April 2015

NaYbF4:Tm@NaYF4:Yb/Er upconversion nanoparticles are synthesized and then integrated with light‐sensitive nitric oxide (NO) donors (Roussin's black salt) to construct a novel near‐infrared (NIR)‐triggered on‐demand NO delivery platform. This nanocompound can absorb 980 nm NIR photons, convert them into higher energy photons and then transfer the energy to the NO donors, resulting in an efficient release of NO. By manipulating the output power of the 980‐nm NIR light, NO‐concentration‐dependent biological effects for cancer therapy can be fine‐tuned, which is investigated and confirmed in vitro. High concentrations of NO can directly kill cancer cells and low concentrations of NO can act as a potent P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) modulator to overcome multi‐drug resistance (MDR) if combined with chemotherapy.
Anodes for Rechargeable Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Cao Ruiguo , Xu Wu , Lv Dongping , Xiao Jie , Zhang Ji‐Guang
Published: April 2015

With the significant progress that has been made toward the development of cathode materials and electrolytes in lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries in recent years, the stability of the anode in Li‐S batteries has become one of the more urgent challenges in order to reach long‐term stability of Li‐S batteries. In Li‐S batteries, a passivation layer is easily formed on the metallic Li anode surface because of the presence of polysulfides and electrolyte additives. Although the passivation layer on the Li metal anode can significantly suppress Li dendrite growth and improve the safety of Li‐S batteries, continuous corrosion of the Li metal anode eventually leads to battery failure due to the increased cell impedance and the depletion of electrolyte. Here, the recent developments on the protection of the Li metal anode in Li‐S batteries are reviewed. Various strategies used to minimize the corrosion of Li anodes and to reduce its impedance increase are analyzed. Other alternative anodes used in sulfur‐based rechargeable batteries are also discussed.
Functional Graded Germanium–Lead Chalcogenide‐Based Thermoelectric Module for Renewable Energy Applications
Authors: Hazan Eden , Ben‐Yehuda Ohad , Madar Naor , Gelbstein Yaniv
Published: April 2015

High thermoelectric conversion efficiencies can be achieved by making use of materials with, as high as possible, figure of merit, ZT, values. Moreover, even higher performance is possible with appropriate geometrical optimization including the use of functionally graded materials (FGM) technology. Here, an advanced n‐type functionally graded thermoelectric material based on a phase‐separated (PbSn0.05Te)0.92(PbS)0.08 matrix is reported. For assessment of the thermoelectric potential of this material, combined with the previously reported p‐type Ge0.87Pb0.13Te showing a remarkable dimensionless figure of merit of 2.2, a finite‐element thermoelectric model is developed. The results predict, for the investigated thermoelectric couple, a very impressive thermoelectric efficiency of 14%, which is more than 20% higher than previously reported values for operating under cold and hot junction temperatures of 50 °C and 500 °C, respectively. Validation of the model prediction is done by a thermoelectric couple fabricated according to the model's geometrical optimization conditions, showing a good agreement to the theoretically calculated results, hence approaching a higher technology readiness level.
Why “monogamy” isn't good enough
Authors: Tecot Stacey R. , Singletary Britt , Eadie Elizabeth
Published: April 2015

Rare in mammals but more common in primates, there remains a considerable controversy concerning whether primate species traditionally described as monogamous actually express this highly specialized breeding pattern. Unfortunately the definition of “monogamy” varies greatly, inhibiting our understanding of this trait and two related traits with which monogamy is often conflated: pair‐living and pair‐bonding. Strepsirrhine primates are useful models to study factors that select for pair‐living, pair‐bonding, and monogamy because this taxon exhibits high incidences of each trait, in addition to species that exhibit behaviors that reflect combinations of these traits. Several hypotheses have been articulated to help explain the evolution of “monogamy,” but again, these hypotheses often conflate pair‐living, pair‐bonding, and/or monogamy. In this review, we (1) propose clear, discrete, and logical definitions for each trait; (2) review variation in strepsirrhines with respect to these three traits; (3) clarify which of these traits can be explained by existing hypotheses; and (4) provide an example of the applicability of the Resource Defense Hypothesis (RDH) to understand two of these traits, pair‐living and pair‐bonding, in the red‐bellied lemur (Eulemur rubriventer). Available data support the RDH for pair‐living in red‐bellied lemurs. They live in stable family groups with one adult pair. Both sexes actively codefend territories that overlap little with other pairs’ territories. Agonism is extremely rare within groups and intergroup and interspecific agonism varies with food availability. Available data also support the RDH for pair‐bonding. Pair‐bonds are cohesive year‐round. Pairs coordinate behaviors to defend territories with auditory and olfactory signals. Cohesion increases with food abundance and both sexes reinforce bonds. We indicate where additional data will help to more rigorously test the RDH for each trait and encourage others to test alternative hypotheses. Am. J. Primatol. 78:340–354, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dates and demography: are radiometric dates a robust proxy for long‐term prehistoric demographic change?
Authors: Attenbrow Val , Hiscock Peter
Published: April 2015

Can archaeologists describe human population size and population growth in prehistoric Australia? This question is at the heart of some of the most intense debates about Australian prehistory: investigations into the spread of people into Australia, the rate of dispersal of people across the continent and the impact of colonisers on the environment. Australian researchers have proposed explicit models of population change based on measurements of quantities of “things” as proxies for regional and continental‐wide demographic change, the most common being numbers of habitation sites and/or numbers of artefacts per millennium. Recent researchers have focused on the number of radiometric dates as the proxy for numbers of people. This paper offers an overview of existing models, concluding with a brief critique of the proposition that number of dates per unit time must be reflecting demographic patterns. We suggest that alternative and novel interpretations of large compiled radiometric databases be considered, as these data can contribute to research questions beyond those of demography. Expanding the range of research agendas that employ radiometric datasets may repay the labour invested in their compilation while allowing exploration of the diverse questions about the Australian past that remain unanswered.
Vitamin D Analogue: Potent Antiproliferative Effects on Cancer Cell Lines and Lack of Hypercalcemic Activity
Authors: Ferronato María Julia , Salomón Débora Gisele , Fermento María Eugenia , Gandini Norberto Ariel , López Romero Alejandro , Rivadulla Marcos Lois , Pérez‐García Xenxo , Gómez Generosa , Pérez Manuel , Fall Yagamare , Facchinetti María Marta , Curino Alejandro Carlos
Published: April 2015

The active form of vitamin D3, 1α,25(OH)2D3, plays a major role in maintaining calcium/phosphate homeostasis. In addition, it is a potent antiproliferative and pro‐differentiating agent. Unfortunately, it usually causes hypercalcemia in vivo when effective antitumour doses are used. It has therefore been found necessary to synthesise new analogues that retain or even increase the antitumour effects but preclude hypercalcemia. This report presents the synthesis of a novel Gemini vitamin D analogue (UVB1) and its biological evaluation. We demonstrate that this compound has potent antitumoural effects over a wide panel of tumour cell lines while showing lack of hypercalcemic activity and toxicity effects in in vivo assays.
Bisulfite pretreatment changes the structure and properties of oil palm empty fruit bunch to improve enzymatic hydrolysis and bioethanol production
Authors: Tan Liping , Sun Wan , Li Xuezhi , Zhao Jian , Qu Yinbo , Choo Yuen May , Loh Soh Kheang
Published: April 2015

Bisulfite pretreatment is a proven effective method for improving the enzymatic hydrolysis of empty fruit bunch (EFB) from oil palm for bioethanol production. In this study, we set out to determine the changes that occur in the structure and properties of EFB materials and fractions of hemicellulose and lignin during the bisulfite pretreatment process. The results showed that the crystallinity of cellulose in EFB increased after bisulfite pretreatment, whereas the EFB surface was damaged to various degrees. The orderly structure of EFB, which was maintained by hydrogen bonds, was destroyed by bisulfite pretreatment. Bisulfite pretreatment also hydrolyzed the glycosidic bonds of the xylan backbone of hemicellulose, thereby decreasing the molecular weight and shortening the xylan chains. The lignin fractions obtained from EFB and pretreated EFB were typically G‐S lignin, and with low content of H units. Meanwhile, de‐etherification occurred at the β‐O‐4 linkage, which was accompanied by polymerization and demethoxylation as a result of bisulfite pretreatment. The adsorption ability of cellulase differed for the various lignin fractions, and the water‐soluble lignin fractions had higher adsorption capacity on cellulase than the milled wood lignin. In general, the changes in the structure and properties of EFB provided insight into the benefits of bisulfite pretreatment.
Enhanced extraction of proteins using cholinium‐based ionic liquids as phase‐forming components of aqueous biphasic systems
Authors: Quental Maria V. , Caban Magda , Pereira Matheus M. , Stepnowski Piotr , Coutinho João A. P. , Freire Mara G.
Published: April 2015

Aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) composed of ionic liquids (ILs) are promising platforms for the extraction and purification of proteins. In this work, a series of alternative and biocompatible ABS composed of cholinium‐based ILs and polypropylene glycol were investigated. The respective ternary phase diagrams, tie‐lines, tie‐line lengths and critical points were determined at 25°C. The extraction performance of these systems for commercial bovine serum albumin (BSA) was then evaluated. The stability of BSA at the IL‐rich phase was ascertained by size exclusion high‐performance liquid chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Appropriate ILs lead to the complete extraction of BSA for the IL‐rich phase, in a single step, while maintaining the protein's native conformation. Furthermore, to evaluate the performance of these systems when applied to real matrices, the extraction of BSA from bovine serum was additionally carried out, revealing that the complete extraction of BSA was maintained and achieved in a single step. The remarkable extraction efficiencies obtained are far superior to those observed with typical polymer‐based ABS. Therefore, the proposed ABS may be envisaged as a more effective and biocompatible approach for the separation and purification of other value‐added proteins.
Chemical feasibility of the general acid/base mechanism of glmS ribozyme self‐cleavage
Authors: Dubecký Matúš , Walter Nils G. , Šponer Jiří , Otyepka Michal , Banáš Pavel
Published: April 2015

In numerous Gram‐positive bacteria, the glmS ribozyme or catalytic riboswitch regulates the expression of glucosamine‐6‐phosphate (GlcN6P) synthase via site‐specific cleavage of its sugar‐phosphate backbone in response to GlcN6P ligand binding. Biochemical data have suggested a crucial catalytic role for an active site guanine (G40 in Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis, G33 in Bacillus anthracis). We used hybrid quantum chemical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations to probe the mechanism where G40 is deprotonated and acts as a general base. The calculations suggest that the deprotonated guanine G40− is sufficiently reactive to overcome the thermodynamic penalty arising from its rare protonation state, and thus is able to activate the A‐1(2′‐OH) group toward nucleophilic attack on the adjacent backbone. Furthermore, deprotonation of A‐1(2′‐OH) and nucleophilic attack are predicted to occur as separate steps, where activation of A‐1(2′‐OH) precedes nucleophilic attack. Conversely, the transition state associated with the rate‐determining step corresponds to concurrent nucleophilic attack and protonation of the G1(O5′) leaving group by the ammonium moiety of the GlcN6P cofactor. Overall, our calculations help to explain the crucial roles of G40 (as a general base) and GlcN6P (as a general acid) during glmS ribozyme self‐cleavage. In addition, we show that the QM/MM description of the glmS ribozyme self‐cleavage reaction is significantly more sensitive to the size of the QM region and the quality of the QM‐MM coupling than that of other small ribozymes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 103: 550–562, 2015.
Evaluation of the enantioselective binding of imazalil to human serum albumin by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Asensi‐Bernardi Lucía , Martín‐Biosca Yolanda , Escuder‐Gilabert Laura , Sagrado Salvador , Medina‐Hernández María José
Published: April 2015

In this work, a methodology for the evaluation of enantioselective binding of imazalil (IMA) enantiomers to human serum albumin (HSA) that does not require the separation of free and bound to HSA fractions is developed. This methodology comprises the incubation of IMA–HSA designed mixtures for 30 min directly in the capillary electrophoresis system and the subsequent direct injection and chiral separation of IMA employing highly sulfated β‐cyclodextrin as chiral selector and the complete filling technique. Two mathematical approaches were used to estimate apparent affinity constants (K1), protein binding and enantioselectivity (ES) for both enantiomers of IMA. Moderate enantioselective binding of IMA enantiomers to HSA (ES = 2.0) was shown by the 1:1 stoichiometry and log K1 values of 3.4 ± 0.4 and 3.1 ± 0.3 for the first and second eluted enantiomers, respectively. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A pH‐induced, intein‐mediated expression and purification of recombinant human epidermal growth factor in Escherichia coli
Authors: Zhang Yuejuan , Zhang Kun , Wan Yi , Zi Jing , Wang Yan , Wang Jun , Wang Lili , Xue Xiaochang
Published: April 2015

Human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) is a cellular factor that promotes cell proliferation and has been widely used for the treatment of wounds, corneal injuries, and gastric ulcers. Recombinant hEGF (rhEGF) has previously been expressed using the pTWIN1 system with pH‐induced intein and a chitin‐binding domain. The rhEGF protein can be purified by chitin affinity chromatography because of the high affinity between the chitin‐binding domain fusion‐tag and the column. However, uncontrolled cleavage presents a major problem with this method. To overcome this problem, a novel purification method has been developed for a pH‐induced intein tag rhEGF that is expressed in Escherichia coli. Following purification by denaturation of inclusion bodies, the fusion protein is renatured and simultaneously induced to self‐cleave by dialysis. Further purification of rhEGF is achieved by heat treatment and ion‐exchange chromatography. Our results show that the purity of rhEGF obtained through this method is over 98% and the quantity of purified rhEGF is 248 mg from a 1 L culture or 2,967 mg from a 12 L culture. Therefore, we conclude that we have developed an efficient purification method of rhEGF, which may be used for the purification of other heat‐resistant and acid‐resistant recombinant proteins. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:758–764, 2015
Lesions targeted to the anterior forebrain disrupt vocal variability associated with testosterone‐induced sensorimotor song development in adult female canaries, Serinus canaria
Authors: Rouse Melvin L. , Ball Gregory F.
Published: April 2015

Learned communication was a trait observed in a limited number of vertebrates such as humans but also songbirds (i.e., species in the suborder passeri sometimes called oscines). Robust male‐biased sex‐differences in song development and production have been observed in several songbird species. However, in some of these species treating adult females with testosterone (T) induced neuro‐behavioral changes such that females become more male‐like in brain and behavior. T‐treatment in these adult females seemed to stimulate sensorimotor song development to facilitate song masculinization. In male songbirds it was known that the lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium (LMAN) played a modulatory role during song development. LMAN was androgen sensitive and may be a key target of a T‐induced recapitulation of a developmental process in adult females. This hypothesis was tested. Adult female canaries were given either a chemical lesion of LMAN or a control sham‐surgery. Prior to surgery birds were individually housed for 2‐weeks in sound‐attenuated chambers to record baseline vocal behavior. Post‐surgery birds were given 1‐week to recover before subcutaneous implantation with silastic capsules filled with crystalline‐T. Birds remained on treatment for 3‐weeks (behavioral recordings continued throughout). Birds with a lesion to LMAN had less variability in their song compared with controls. The diversity of syllable and phrase type(s) was greater in sham controls as compared with birds with LMAN lesions. Birds did not differ in song rate. These data suggested that the sustention and conclusion of T‐induced sensorimotor song development in adult female canaries required an intact LMAN. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 3–18, 2016
Structural hippocampal alterations, perceived stress, and coping deficiencies in patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Burkert Nathalie T. , Koschutnig Karl , Ebner Franz , Freidl Wolfgang
Published: April 2015

Objective

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe mental illness that mainly affects young females. Studies have found a reduction of the hippocampus‐amygdala formation in people with AN, a brain region that is especially vulnerable to stress. In addition, patients with AN were found to perceive higher stress levels and to have more coping deficiencies than healthy controls. No prior study has considered a connection between stress, coping, and the hippocampal volume in AN. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to analyze the volume of hippocampal substructures, and its relation to stress and coping.

Method

We tested 21 females currently affected by AN and 21 age‐matched normal controls (NC). Demographic and behavioral data were assessed. A magnetic resonance (MR) scanner was used to collect data reflecting volume of cortical structures. We performed comparisons between groups and calculated correlations between the hippocampal volume and coping strategies or stress.

Results

The results showed a significant reduction of the hippocampal fimbria and a significant enlargement of the hippocampal fissure in patients with AN compared to the NC. In addition, patients with AN were found to report higher stress levels and to have more coping deficiencies than healthy controls. The hippocampal volume showed a trend‐level association with stress in patients with AN.

Discussion

In sum, our study provides the first‐available evidence that perceived stress in patients with AN could be related to hippocampal volume. Our results may contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of AN and, therefore, help to improve the treatment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:670–676))
Polycation‐mediated gene delivery: Challenges and considerations for the process of plasmid DNA transfection
Authors: Modra Karl , Dai Sheng , Zhang Hu , Shi Bingyang , Bi Jingxiu
Published: April 2015

The process of gene delivery has increasingly become a focus in biomedical research due to the growing demand by an ageing global population for targeted therapies of genetic related diseases, such as cancer, immunodeficiencies, and cystic fibrosis. In light of the safety issues that viral vectors still face in progressing through clinical trials, polycations have alternatively attracted keen attention, due to their lower safety risks and ability to interact with cells more effectively and with more stability, compared with other chemically designed nonviral vectors. In this review, a reflection of the literature pertaining to various types of polycations designed and optimized is presented, including the obstacles they face in facilitating plasmid DNA transfection. In order to design new polycations or optimize current ones that will be successful—both economically and for use in future clinical therapies—further in vivo research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of each stage in the delivery process.
Protective Role of Smad6 in Inflammation‐Induced Valvular Cell Calcification
Authors: Li Xin , Lim Jina , Lu Jinxiu , Pedego Taylor M , Demer Linda , Tintut Yin
Published: April 2015

Calcific aortic vascular and valvular disease (CAVD) is associated with hyperlipidemia, the effects of which occur through chronic inflammation. Evidence suggests that inhibitory small mothers against decapentaplegic (I‐Smads; Smad6 and 7) regulate valve embryogenesis and may serve as a mitigating factor in CAVD. However, whether I‐Smads regulate inflammation‐induced calcific vasculopathy is not clear. Therefore, we investigated the role of I‐Smads in atherosclerotic calcification. Results showed that expression of Smad6, but not Smad7, was reduced in aortic and valve tissues of hyperlipidemic compared with normolipemic mice, while expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) was upregulated. To test whether the effects are in response to inflammatory cytokines, we isolated murine aortic valve leaflets and cultured valvular interstitial cells (mVIC) from the normolipemic mice. By immunochemistry, mVICs were strongly positive for vimentin, weakly positive for smooth muscle α actin, and negative for an endothelial cell marker. TNF‐α upregulated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and matrix mineralization in mVICs. By gene expression analysis, TNF‐α significantly upregulated bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2) expression while downregulating Smad6 expression. Smad7 expression was not significantly affected. To further test the role of Smad6 on TNF‐α‐induced valvular cell calcification, we knocked down Smad6 expression using lentiviral transfection. In cells transfected with Smad6 shRNA, TNF‐α further augmented ALP activity, expression of BMP‐2, Wnt‐ and redox‐regulated genes, and matrix mineralization compared with the control cells. These findings suggest that TNF‐α induces valvular and vascular cell calcification, in part, by specifically reducing the expression of a BMP‐2 signaling inhibitor, Smad6. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2354–2364, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of mitochondrial functions inDaphnia pulexclones using high‐resolution respirometry
Authors: Kake‐Guena Sandrine A. , Touisse Kamal , Vergilino Roland , Dufresne France , Blier Pierre U. , Lemieux Hélène
Published: April 2015

The objectives of our study were to adapt a method to measure mitochondrial function in intact mitochondria from the small crustaceanDaphnia pulexand to validate if this method was sensitive enough to characterize mitochondrial metabolism in clones of thepulexcomplex differing in ploidy levels, mitochondrial DNA haplotypes, and geographic origins.Daphniaclones belonging to theDaphnia pulexcomplex represent a powerful model to delineate the link between mitochondrial DNA evolution and mitochondrial phenotypes, as single genotypes with divergent mtDNA can be grown under various experimental conditions. Our study included two diploid clones from temperate environments and two triploid clones from subarctic environments. The whole animal permeabilization and measurement of respiration with high‐resolution respirometry enabled the measurement of the functional capacity of specific mitochondrial complexes in four clones. When expressing the activity as ratios, our method detected significant interclonal variations. In the triploid subarctic clone from Kuujjurapik, a higher proportion of the maximal physiological oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity of mitochondria was supported by complex II, and a lower proportion by complex I. The triploid subarctic clone from Churchill (Manitoba) showed the lowest proportion of the maximal OXPHOS supported by complex II. Additional studies are required to determine if these differences in mitochondrial functions are related to differences in mitochondrial haplotypes or ploidy level and if they might be associated with fitness divergences and therefore selective value.J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 292–300, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brain gray and white matter differences in healthy normal weight and obese children
Authors: Ou Xiawei , Andres Aline , Pivik R.T. , Cleves Mario A. , Badger Thomas M.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To compare brain gray and white matter development in healthy normal weight and obese children.

Methods

Twenty‐four healthy 8‐ to 10‐year‐old children whose body mass index was either <75th percentile (normal weight) or >95th percentile (obese) completed an MRI examination which included T1‐weighted three‐dimensional structural imaging and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Voxel‐based morphometry was used to compare the regional gray and white matter between the normal weight and obese children, and tract‐based spatial statistics was used to compare the water diffusion parameters in the white matter between groups.

Results

Compared with normal weight children, obese children had significant (P < 0.05, family wise error corrected) regional gray matter reduction in the right middle temporal gyrus, left and right thalami, left superior parietal gyrus, left pre/postcentral gyri, and left cerebellum. Obese children also had higher white matter (P < 0.05, corrected) in multiple regions in the brain and higher DTI measured fractional anisotropy (FA) values (P < 0.05, corrected) in part of the left brain association and projection fibers. There was no difference in mean diffusivity at P < 0.05, corrected. DTI eigenvalues suggested that the FA differences were likely from decreased radial diffusivity (P < 0.1, corrected) and there was no change in axial diffusivity (corrected P > 0.35 for all voxels).

Conclusion

Our results indicated that obese but otherwise healthy children have different regional gray and white matter development in the brain and differences in white matter microstructures compared with healthy normal weight children. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1205–1213.
Expression of angiopoietin‐like protein 4 at the fracture site: Regulation by hypoxia and osteoblastic differentiation
Authors: Wilson Sabrina S. , Wong Alice , Toupadakis Chrisoula A. , Yellowley Clare E.
Published: April 2015

Vascular disruption that occurs as a consequence of bone fracture, leads to hypoxia at the site of damage. Hypoxia regulates the expression of a number of genes that can modulate energy conservation, cell survival, tissue regeneration and angiogenesis. In this study we investigated the expression of Angiopoietin‐like 4, an adipocytokine that has additional roles in angiogenesis, at the fracture site. We demonstrate that Angptl4 mRNA expression increased early during fracture healing (day 3) returning close to baseline at day14. In the callus, Angptl4 mRNA was visualized in areas of condensing mesenchymal cells, callus cartilage and was especially high in mineralizing osteoblasts located in areas of new bone formation. In vitro, Angptl4 mRNA expression in osteoblasts increased under hypoxic conditions and in cells treated with the hypoxia mimetic desferrioxamine. Angptl4 levels were strongly induced at day 14 in differentiating MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells. Exogenous ANGPTL4 increased expression of Runx2, Spp1, vegfa, and Alp mRNA in differentiating osteoblasts. We suggest that the distribution of Angptl4 in the callus may be driven by hypoxia and that Angptl4 may play a role in osteoblastic differentiation, and possibly angiogenesis via regulation of VEGF. Further studies could reveal a dual role for Angptl4 in angiogenesis and osteogenesis. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1364–1373, 2015.
Multidimensional ultrasound imaging of the wrist: Changes of shape and displacement of the median nerve and tendons in carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Filius Anika , Scheltens Marjan , Bosch Hans G. , van Doorn Pieter A. , Stam Henk J. , Hovius Steven E. R. , Amadio Peter C. , Selles Ruud W.
Published: April 2015

Dynamics of structures within the carpal tunnel may alter in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) due to fibrotic changes and increased carpal tunnel pressure. Ultrasound can visualize these potential changes, making ultrasound potentially an accurate diagnostic tool. To study this, we imaged the carpal tunnel of 113 patients and 42 controls. CTS severity was classified according to validated clinical and nerve conduction study (NCS) classifications. Transversal and longitudinal displacement and shape (changes) were calculated for the median nerve, tendons and surrounding tissue. To predict diagnostic value binary logistic regression modeling was applied. Reduced longitudinal nerve displacement (p≤ 0.019), increased nerve cross‐sectional area (p≤ 0.006) and perimeter (p≤ 0.007), and a trend of relatively changed tendon displacements were seen in patients. Changes were more convincing when CTS was classified as more severe. Binary logistic modeling to diagnose CTS using ultrasound showed a sensitivity of 70–71% and specificity of 80–84%. In conclusion, CTS patients have altered dynamics of structures within the carpal tunnel. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1332–1340, 2015.
Enhancing hair follicle regeneration by nonablative fractional laser: Assessment of irradiation parameters and tissue response
Authors: Wu Yueh‐Feng , Wang Shiou‐Han , Wu Pei‐Shan , Fan Sabrina Mai‐Yi , Chiu Hsien‐Yi , Tsai Tsung‐Hua , Lin Sung‐Jan
Published: April 2015

Background and Objective

Identification of methods to enhance anagen entry can be helpful for alopecia. Recently, nonablative laser has been proposed as a potential treatment for alopecia. However, how the laser parameters affect stem cell activity, hair cycles and the associated side effects have not been well characterized. Here we examine the effects of irradiation parameters of 1,550‐nm fractional laser on hair cycles.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The dorsal skin of eight‐week‐old female C57BL/6 mice with hair follicles in synchronized telogen was shaved and irradiated with a 1,550‐nm fractional erbium‐glass laser (Fraxel RE:STORE (SR1500) Laser System, Solta Medical, U.S.A.) with varied beam energies (5–35 mJ) and beam densities (500–3500 microthermal zones/cm2). The cutaneous changes were evaluated both grossly and histologically. Hair follicle stem cell activity was detected by BrdU incorporation and changes in gene expression were quantified by real‐time PCR.

Results

Direct thermal injury to hair follicles could be observed early after irradiation, especially at higher beam energy. Anagen induction in the irradiated skin showed an all‐or‐non change. Anagen induction and ulcer formation were affected by the combination of beam energy and density. The lowest beam energy of 5 mJ failed to promote anagen entry at all beam densities tested. As beam energy increased from 10 mJ to 35 mJ, we found a decreasing trend of beam density that could induce anagen entry within 7–9 days with activation of hair follicle stem cells. Beam density above the pro‐regeneration density could lead to ulcers and scarring followed by anagen entry in adjacent skin. Analysis of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6, revealed that transient moderate inflammation was associated with anagen induction and intense prolonged inflammation preceded ulcer formation.

Conclusion

To avoid side effects of hair follicle injury and scarring, appropriate combination of beam energy and density is required. Parameters outside the therapeutic window can result in either no anagen promotion or ulcer formation. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:331–341, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.