bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rape embryogenesis VI. Formation of protein bodies
Authors: Tykarska Teresa
Published: February 2014

The storage protein synthesis starts in Brassica napus var. Górczański embryo at the final embryogenesis stage, i.e. in green seeds. Storage protein accumulate in selected zones adjacent to big vacuoles. These vacuoles, as well as surrounding protein zones, are subject to fragmentation. Young aleuron grains originate. They grow occupying sites of declining vacuoles. In mature rape embryo two kinds of protein bodies occur: aleuron grains, well-stainable with protein-specific dyes, and myrosin grains weakly-stainable with them but PAS-positive. Myrosin grains occur earlier than aleuron grains in special cortex and cytoledon cells. Although the first aleuron grains form in outer cells of lateral cap parts and in cortex cells at the hypocotyl-root boundary, they originate most rapidly in endodermis. In the embryo axis aleuron grains form so rapidly that at the beginning of browning of the seed coat most of them are already formed. Aleuron grains developed in all embryo cells accept in those of the youngest columella layers and differentiated procambial strands. The accumulation of storage protein lasts till the end of seed maturation.
Susceptibility of European Pinus sylvestris L. populations to S02, NO 29 S02 +N02 and HF under laboratory and field conditions
Authors: Oleksy Jacek , Karolewski Piotr , Rachwał Lesław
Published: February 2014

Under controlled laboratory conditions, 1-3 year-old Pinus sylvestris seedlings were exposed to SO2 (0.75 mm3 dm-3 x 5 days, 6h daily), NO2, (0.5 mm3 dm-3 x 66 days, 6h daily), SO2 +NO2 (0.25 mm3 dm-3+0.5 mm3 dm-3 x 19 days, 6h daily) and HF (0.25 mm3 dm-3 x 4 days, 6h daily). Seedlings of the same provenances had also been outplanted near two types of emission sources which pollute the environment with SO2 and fluorides, and with SO2 and heavy metals. Nitrogen dioxide did not cause visible symptoms of injury to plants. Exposition of plants to the action of other pollutants differentiated the studied populations in respect to the size of needle necroses. In general, northern (Sweden, USSR) and southern (Turkey, Yugoslavia) populations demonstrated lower sensitivity than pines from the more central parts of the species' range in Europe. A statistically significant correlation was shown between the injuries to seedlings observed in the field and under laboratory conditions.
Mathematical modelling of light-induced electric reaction of Cucurbita pepo L. leaves
Authors: Stolarek Jan , Karcz Waldemar , Pietruszka Mariusz
Published: February 2014

The bioelectRIc reactions of 14-16 day old plants of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) and internodal cells of Nitellopsis obtusa to the action of visible and ultraviolet light (UV-C) were studied. The possibility of analyzing the bioelectric reaction of pumpkin plants induced by visible light by means of mathematical modelling using a linear differential equation of the second order was considered. The solution of this equation (positive and negative functions) can, in a sufficient way, reflect the participation of H+ and CI- ions in the generation of the photoelectric response in green plant cells.
Analysis of the karyotype of Callisia elegans Alexand. (Commelinaceae) including differential staining of chromosomes
Authors: Weryszko-Chmielewska Elżbieta
Published: February 2014

The number and morphology of Callisia elegans Alexand. chromosomes were studied employing staining with acetic carmine and differential Giemsa staining. It was found that its karyotype was 2n = 12 chromosomes, whose lengths fell in the range of 16.8 to 8.8 µm. The chomosomes, arranged in order of length, were classified respectively to types: sm, t, t, t, t, st. The distribution of C-banding is given for this karyotype. The presence of microsatellites on the long and short arms was found in the chromosomes of the second pair. Frequently there were 4 nucleoli of unequal size in interphase nuclei. In many cells, lower numbers of nucleoli (3-1) were seen which was -probably due to their fusion. The maximum number of nucleoli corresponded to the number of nucleolar organizers accompanying the satellites.
Short-term effects of Mn2+ on elongation growth and H+ -extrusion in Zea mays L. coleoptile segments
Authors: Karcz Waldemar , Stolarek Jan , Zientara Maria
Published: February 2014

The effect of 10-2-10-6 M Mn+2 on the growth and acidification of the incubation medium by Zea mays L. coleoptile segments was studied. It is shown that 10-5M manganese stimulated growth (in comparison to a control without Mn+2) while concentrations from 10-2 to 10-4M clearly inhibited it. It was also found that manganese at the studied concentration range significantly inhibited acidification of the incubation medium. Auxin, at a concentration of 10-5M, reversed the inhibitory effect of Mn+2 (with the exception of 10-2M) on the growth and acidification of the incubation medium by Zea mays L. coleoptile segments.
A method of describing the development and state of a plant community
Authors: Nienartowicz Andrzej
Published: February 2014

The Shannon-Wiener formula was modified in such a way as to include, apart from total diversity, also the total volume of the biotical resources of a plant community, i.e. the amount of accumulated biomass or total production. This was used to describe forest regeneration after clear-cutting. The state of each successional stage was evaluated by comparing its structure with the model of mature community belonging to plant association sensu Braun-Blanquet, which is a system with a structure corresponding to the equifinal state.
The effect of Cd2+ on the release of proteins from thylakoid membranes of tomato leaves
Authors: Maksymiec Waldemar , Baszyński Tadeusz
Published: February 2014

The polypeptide pattern of the thylakoid membrane was investigated to elucidate the decrease of photosystem II (PSII) activity due to Cd2+ incubation. The release of polypeptides depended on the concentration of the metal and time of incubation. The complete release of the 33 kDa polypeptide and partial release of 18, 23 kDa and I atom of Mn/400 chlorophyll indicated some disorganization of the water splitting system. Partial removal of numerous polypeptides, especially that of the PSII complex and coupling factor (CFO, CF1), was additionally observed. The Cd2+-induced release of thylakoid membrane proteins was not only limited to the PSII donor side, however the latter was particularly sensitive to Cd2+.
The role of the embryoless parts of triticale caryopses in inhibiting precocious germination and transcription in the embryo during development and maturation of caryopses
Authors: Weidner Stanisław
Published: February 2014

The experiments were conducted on developing and ripening triticale cv. Dagro caryopses. Increasing capability for precocious germination of the caryopses was seen as development and maturation progressed. A significant role of the embryoless parts of the caryopses (testa, pericarp and endosperm) in preventing germination processes was found. Isolated embryos (after 8 days of incubation) germinated by 100% from the 32nd day after flowering, while only 10% of whole caryopses from this sample germinated. Removal of the outer pericarp strongly stimulated germination of unripe caryopses. However, incising the caryopses near the embryo only slightly stimulated this process, which indicates that hypoxia of the embryo is not the cause of triticale embryo dormancy. Another very sensitive indicator of release of dormancy in the caryopses was the increased synthesis of embryo polyribosomal RNA induced by germination. The results of investigations on RNA synthesis in embryos - which undergoes extreme intensification when germination processes are initiated in the caryopses - were in agreement with those of biological studies based on observation of the elongation of the radicle. The lowest inhibition of transcription in the embryo was found when it was completely separated from the testa, pericarp and endosperm. A smaller effect was seen upon removal of the outer pericarp from developing and ripening caryopses, and decidedly the smallest effect still of incising the caryopses near the embryo.
Flatulence-causing galactooligosaccharides of Phaseolus coccineus L. and Phaseolus vulgaris L.
Authors: Kosson Ryszard
Published: February 2014

Phaseolus coccineus beans were assayed for the presence of raffinose and stachyose in whole seeds and in the morphological parts of the seed: cotyledon, hypocotyl and hull. The quantitative composition of the galactooligosaccharides of Ph. coccineus was compared with Ph. vulgaris seeds. The major galactooligosaccharide of Ph. coccineus seeds is stachyose. Another galactooligosaccharide, verbascose, was present in Ph. coccineus seeds in very low amounts (0.04%). The highest concentrations of raffinose and stachyose were found in the hypocotyl, 1.11% and 7.48%, respectively. The hull contained the lowest quantities of stachyose and only traces of raffinose.
Effect of fluorophenylalanine on indole-3-acetic acid levels in Aveaa coleoptiles
Authors: Maksymowych Andrew B. , Orkwiszewski Joseph A.
Published: February 2014

The effect of the amino acid analogue D,L-p-fluorophenylalanine on indole-3-acetic acid levels in Avena has been examined. Previous studies have established that D,L-p-fluorophenylalanine promotes elongation, lowers phenolic levels and depresses auxin oxidase activity of etiolated Avena coleoptiles. This study employs an enzyme immunoassay to measure endogenous indole-3-acetic acid concentrations in coleoptile apices. These data demonstrate that treatment of Avena coleoptiles with D,L-p-fluorophenylalanine results in altered auxin levels and help clarify the mechanism of D,L-p-fluorophenylalanine action in Avena
Monthly alterations in macromolecular contents of in situ ovules excised from Georgian Pinus taeda L.
Authors: Mariam Deneke H. , Bramlett David L. , Mayfield John E. , Dashek William V.
Published: February 2014

Pinus taeda L. (loblolly pine), a commercial timber three of the Southeastern United States, provides a major component of the region's forest resources. We cultured loblolly ovules for in vitro fertilization. This procedure was assisted by quantifying time-dependent alterations of in situ ovular RNA, DNA and total protein (Jan-Aug, 1985) contents for ovules (yr 2 of reproductive cycle). Cold-hot, TCA extracted macromolecules were quantified by colorimetry and UV spectroscopy. Total protein was about 0.4 µg per 100 ovules x 104 (Jan-Apr) and except for July increased to 3.6 µg per 100 ovules x 104 by August. In contrast, RNA "dropped" from 3 to about I µg per 100 ovules x 102 (Jan-Mar) and then rose to 7 µg per 100 ovules x 102 by July. The DNA climbed from about I to above 8 µg per 100 ovules x 102 (Jan-Mar) and then plummeted to I µg per 100 ovules x 102 (Apr-June). The observed alterations may reflect ovule morphogenesis.
Biosystematic studies on Dactylis L. 2. Original research. 2.1. Morphological differentiation and occurrence of representatives of the genus Dactylis in Poland. 2.1.1. Field studies and experimental cultures
Authors: Mizianty Marta
Published: February 2014

The author presents the results of a statistical and populational analysis of the morphological characters of the genus Dactylis. Biometric studies of natural populations were carried out simultaneously with observations of samples from experimental cultures. It has been recognized that in Poland the genus Dactylis is represented by one species, D. glomerata L., within which three subspecies have been distinguished: subsp. glomerata, subsp. aschersoniana (Graebn.) Thell. and subsp. slovenica (Dom.) Dom. The author gives a key to the determination of these subspecies.
Uso y utilidad de la publicidad móvil por las Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas
Authors: Marin Duenas Pedro Pablo
Published: February 2014

El presente trabajo supone la incursión en el terreno donde confluyen la comunicación telefónica móvil y la comunicación publicitaria. Este trabajo presenta los resultados de una investigación sobre la influencia que la publicidad móvil tiene en la comunicación de las Pymes y, más concretamente, el estudio se centra en medir el conocimiento, uso y utilidad de la publicidad móvil por parte de las Pymes.
Reseña: Fundamentos de la eficacia publicitaria y retorno de la inversión
Authors: Cabezuelo Lorenzo Francisco
Published: February 2014

Sin duda alguna, la aparición de un nuevo libro en el ámbito de la Ciencias de la Comunicación es siempre una muy buena noticia. En este caso, la noticia es tres veces buena, como sus tres autores. El pasado 2012 apareció en el mercado editorial el libro de Fernando Rodríguez Varona, Carmen Llorente Barroso y María Luisa García Guardia, titulado “Fundamentos de la eficacia publicitaria y el retorno de la inversión”, un volumen de 218 páginas editado por Delta Publicaciones. Se trata de un trabajo muy completo, interesante, ameno, didáctico y riguroso en el que los tres coautores profundizan en la medición de la eficacia de las campañas publicitarias.
Intimate partner violence and HIV infection among women: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Ying , Marshall Caitlin M , Rees Hilary C , Nunez Annabelle , Ezeanolue Echezona E , Ehiri John E
Published: February 2014

Introduction

To assess evidence of an association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and HIV infection among women.

Methods

Medline/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, Ovid, Cochrane HIV/AIDS Group's Specialized Register and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to 20 May 2013 to identify studies that examined the association between IPV and HIV infection in women. We included studies on women aged ≥15 years, in any form of sexually intimate relationship with a male partner.

Results

Twenty‐eight studies [(19 cross‐sectional, 5 cohorts and 4 case‐control studies) involving 331,468 individuals in 16 countries – the US (eight studies), South Africa (four studies), East Africa (10 studies), India (three studies), Brazil (one study) and multiple low‐income countries (two studies)] were included. Results were pooled using RevMan 5.0. To moderate effect estimates, we analyzed all data using the random effects model, irrespective of heterogeneity level. Pooled results of cohort studies indicated that physical IPV [pooled RR (95% CI): 1.22 (1.01, 1.46)] and any type of IPV [pooled RR (95% CI): 1.28 (1.00, 1.64)] were significantly associated with HIV infection among women. Results of cross‐sectional studies demonstrated significant associations of physical IPV with HIV infection among women [pooled OR (95% CI): 1.44 (1.10, 1.87)]. Similarly, results of cross‐sectional studies indicated that combination of physical and sexual IPV [pooled OR (95% CI): 2.00 (1.24, 3.22) and any type of IPV [pooled OR (95% CI): 1.41 (1.16, 1.73)] were significantly associated with HIV infection among women.

Conclusions

Available evidence suggests a moderate statistically significant association between IPV and HIV infection among women. To further elucidate the strength of the association between IPV and HIV infection among women, there is a need for high‐quality follow‐up studies conducted in different geographical regions of the world, and among individuals of diverse racial/cultural backgrounds and varying levels of HIV risks.
A 300 mV sub-threshold region 2.4 GHz voltage-controlled oscillator and frequency divider with transformer technique for ultralow power RF applications
Authors: Miyahara Yasunori , Ishikawa Keisuke , Kuroda Tadahiro
Published: February 2014

A new ultralow voltage 2.4 GHz voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and a divide-by-2 frequency divider circuits operating in a CMOS sub-threshold region using a transformer technique have been developed. In the sub-threshold region, the CMOS transistor high frequency performances are decreased to the point where oscillation and frequency division are challenging to achieve. The new proposed VCO uses the transformer feedback complementary VCO technique to improves VCO negative feedback gain. The circuits have been fabricated in a 65 nm standard CMOS process. The oscillation frequency is designed at 2.4 GHz under a 300 mV supply voltage. The total power consumption is 202 µW with noise performance of −96 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset. The new proposed frequency divider circuit consists of two stages master-slave D-type flip-flop (DFF). The DFF differential input is coupled to a transformer circuit instead of transistors to reduce the number of stacks. The minimum operating supply voltage is 300 mV with power consumption of 34 µW with a free-run frequency of 1.085 GHz.
Performance improvement of the resistive memory properties of InGaZnO thin films by using microwave irradiation
Authors: Hwang Yeong-Hyeon , An Ho-Myoung , Cho Won-Ju
Published: February 2014

Microwave irradiation (MWI) at low temperature was employed in resistive random access memory (ReRAM) fabrication with InGaZnO (IGZO) thin-films as a switching medium, and the resistive switching behaviors were compared with conventional thermal annealing (CTA) process. A surface roughness of the MWI-treated IGZO layer is smoother than that of the CTA-treated layer. An electrical conduction mechanism of the MWI-treated device is similar to that of the pristine device, whereas the CTA device exhibits a different mechanism. After MWI treatment, the current ON/OFF ratio of IGZO ReRAMs significantly increased from 0.49 × 101 to 1.16 × 102, which was ascribed to the reduction in the OFF current. Further, the enlarged ON/OFF resistance window allowed sufficient data retention of >10 years at 85 °C. Owing to its smoother surface for stable resistive switching, low thermal budget, and process simplicity, MWI has great potential for metal-oxide ReRAMs in transparent and flexible system-on-panel applications.
Simulations of gravity wave‐induced variations of the OH(8,3), O2(0,1), and O(1S) airglow emissions in the MLT region
Authors: Huang Tai‐Yin , George Richard
Published: February 2014

We investigate gravity wave‐induced airglow intensity variations of the OH(8,3), O2(0,1) atmospheric band, and O(1S) greenline emissions in the mesosphere/lower thermosphere (MLT) region with two two‐dimensional, time‐dependent, nonlinear models—an OH Chemistry‐Dynamics model and a Multiple Airglow Chemistry‐Dynamics model. Our simulation results of the wave effects by a small‐scale 30 km wave packet show that it induces an ~22% secular increase in the OH(8,3) airglow intensity, a 30% increase in the O2(0,1) atmospheric band, and a 33% increase in the O(1S) greenline. The largest wave‐induced airglow intensity fluctuation amplitude is seen in the OH(8,3) emission (~2.4%), followed by the O2(0,1) atmospheric band and O(1S) greenline with comparable maximum wave‐induced airglow intensity fluctuation amplitudes of 1%. Our study also shows that the production of atmospheric bands and O(1S) strongly depends on the rate coefficients in the three‐body recombination reactions.
Mechanisms and timescales of fluvial activity at Mojave and other young Martian craters
Authors: Goddard Kate , Warner Nicholas H. , Gupta Sanjeev , Kim Jung‐Rack
Published: February 2014

Mojave Crater, and five other relatively young Late Hesperian to Amazonian‐age Martian craters exhibit channelized alluvial fans that are sourced from bedrock‐eroded catchments. These catchments emerge from the crests of sloping surfaces, suggesting a formation mechanism that involved precipitation. The evidence for fluvial activity at all six craters is restricted to their interiors and the immediate surrounding regions. Detailed mapping at Mojave reveals the highest density of channels, catchments and fans interior to the crater. Similar landforms are identified outside of the crater, but not beyond ~200 km from the rim. Irregular pits on the floor of Mojave, interpreted as degassing structures from hot impact melt, directly superpose several fan surfaces, and partly destroy the fan toes. This suggests that sediment was mobilized immediately after crater formation, while the crater was still hot. Based on the patterns and timing of channel‐fan development at all six craters we favor several hypotheses for the precipitation mechanism: (1) snowfall and melt on young, hot impact craters, (2) impact plume precipitation, and (3) degassing of volatiles from impact melt terrain. Scenario (1) suggests a different global or regional climate relative to modern conditions, requiring equatorial and midlatitude snowfall accumulation. Scenarios (2) and (3) do not necessarily require unique climate conditions, as water may have been mobilized from the target or the impactor.
Optimal maintenance scheduling of a gas engine power plant using generalized disjunctive programming
Authors: Castro Pedro M. , Grossmann Ignacio E. , Veldhuizen Patrick , Esplin Douglas
Published: February 2014

A new continuous‐time model for long‐term scheduling of a gas engine power plant with parallel units is presented. Gas engines are shut down according to a regular maintenance plan that limits the number of hours spent online. To minimize salary expenditure with skilled labor, a single maintenance team is considered which is unavailable during certain periods of time. Other challenging constraints involve constant minimum and variable maximum power demands. The objective is to maximize the revenue from electricity sales assuming seasonal variations in electricity pricing by reducing idle times and shutdowns in high‐tariff periods. By first developing a generalized disjunctive programming model and then applying both big‐M and hull reformulation techniques, we reduce the burden of finding the appropriate set of mixed‐integer linear constraints. Through the solution of a real‐life problem, we show that the proposed formulations are very efficient computationally, while gaining valuable insights about the system. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2083–2097, 2014
Mortality, fertility, and the OY ratio in a model hunter–gatherer system
Authors: White Andrew A.
Published: February 2014

An agent‐based model (ABM) is used to explore how the ratio of old to young adults (the OY ratio) in a sample of dead individuals is related to aspects of mortality, fertility, and longevity experienced by the living population from which the sample was drawn. The ABM features representations of rules, behaviors, and constraints that affect person‐ and household‐level decisions about marriage, reproduction, and infant mortality in hunter–gatherer systems. The demographic characteristics of the larger model system emerge through human‐level interactions playing out in the context of “global” parameters that can be adjusted to produce a range of mortality and fertility conditions. Model data show a relationship between the OY ratios of living populations (the living OY ratio) and assemblages of dead individuals drawn from those populations (the dead OY ratio) that is consistent with that from empirically known ethnographic hunter–gatherer cases. The dead OY ratio is clearly related to the mean ages, mean adult mortality rates, and mean total fertility rates experienced by living populations in the model. Sample size exerts a strong effect on the accuracy with which the calculated dead OY ratio reflects the actual dead OY ratio of the complete assemblage. These results demonstrate that the dead OY ratio is a potentially useful metric for paleodemographic analysis of changes in mortality and mean age, and suggest that, in general, hunter–gatherer populations with higher mortality, higher fertility, and lower mean ages are characterized by lower dead OY ratios. Am J Phys Anthropol 154:222–231, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Impact of a Food for Education Program on Schooling in Cambodia
Authors: Cheung Maria , Berlin Maria Perrotta
Published: February 2014

This study is an evaluation of the impact of a food for education program implemented in primary schools (grades 1–6) in six Cambodian provinces between 1999 and 2003. We find that school enrolment increased to varying degrees in relation to different designs of the intervention. We also investigate the effect of the program in terms of completed education and probability of having ever been in school, following up the affected cohorts in a 2009 survey. With an estimated cost of US$85 per additional child in school per year, the program can be considered very cost‐effective within a comparable class of interventions.
Preparation and up‐conversion luminescence properties of LaOBr:Yb3+/Er3+ nanofibers via electrospinning
Authors: Ma Wenwen , Yu Wensheng , Dong Xiangting , Wang Jinxian , Liu Guixia
Published: February 2014

LaOBr:Yb3+/Er3+ nanofibers were synthesized for the first time by calcinating electrospun PVP/[La(NO3)3 + Er(NO3)3 + Yb(NO3)3 + NH4Br] composites. The morphology and properties of the final products were investigated in detail using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results indicate that LaOBr:Yb3+/Er3+ nanofibers are tetragonal in structure with a space group of P4/nmm. The diameter of LaOBr:Yb3+/Er3+ nanofibers is ~ 147 nm. Under the excitation of a 980‐nm diode laser, LaOBr:Yb3+/Er3+ nanofibers emit strong green and red up‐conversion emission centering at 519, 541 and 667 nm, ascribed to the 2H11/2, 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 and 4 F9/2 → 4I15/2 energy‐level transitions of Er3+ ions, respectively. The up‐conversion luminescent mechanism of LaOBr:Yb3+/Er3+ nanofibers is advanced. Moreover, near‐infrared emission of LaOBr:Yb3+/Er3+ nanofibers is obtained under the excitation of a 532‐nm laser. The formation mechanism of LaOBr:Yb3+/Er3+ nanofibers is proposed. LaOBr:Yb3+/Er3+ nanofibers could be important up‐conversion luminescent materials. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Charge engineering of cellulases improves ionic liquid tolerance and reduces lignin inhibition
Authors: Nordwald Erik M. , Brunecky Roman , Himmel Michael E. , Beckham Gregg T. , Kaar Joel L.
Published: February 2014

We report a novel approach to concurrently improve the tolerance to ionic liquids (ILs) as well as reduce lignin inhibition of Trichoderma reesei cellulase via engineering enzyme charge. Succinylation of the cellulase enzymes led to a nearly twofold enhancement in cellulose conversion in 15% (v/v) 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM][Cl]). The improvement in activity upon succinylation correlated with the apparent preferential exclusion of the [Cl] anion in fluorescence quenching assays. Additionally, modeling analysis of progress curves of Avicel hydrolysis in buffer indicated that succinylation had a negligible impact on the apparent KM of cellulase. As evidence of reducing lignin inhibition of T. reesei cellulase, succinylation resulted in a greater than twofold increase in Avicel conversion after 170 h in buffer with 1 wt% lignin. The impact of succinylation on lignin inhibition of cellulase further led to the reduction in apparent KM of the enzyme cocktail for Avicel by 2.7‐fold. These results provide evidence that naturally evolved cellulases with highly negative surface charge densities may similarly repel lignin, resulting in improved cellulase activity. Ultimately, these results underscore the potential of rational charge engineering as a means of enhancing cellulase function and thus conversion of whole biomass in ILs. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1541–1549. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐performance liquid chromatography assay using ultraviolet detection for urinary quantification of milrinone concentrations in cardiac surgery patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Gavra Paul , Nguyen Anne Q. N. , Beauregard Natasha , Denault André Y. , Varin France
Published: February 2014

An analytical assay using liquid–liquid extraction and high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection was developed for the quantification of total (conjugated and unconjugated) urinary concentrations of milrinone after the inhalation of a 5 mg dose in 15 cardiac patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Urine samples (700 μL) were extracted with ethyl‐acetate and subsequently underwent acid back‐extraction before and after deconjugation by mild acid hydrolysis. Milrinone was separated on a strong cation exchange analytical column. The mobile phase consisted of a constant mixture of acetonitrile:tetrahydrofurane–NaH2PO4 buffer (40:60 v/v, pH 3.0). Thirteen calibration curves were linear in the concentration range of 31.25–4000 ng/mL, using olprinone as the internal standard (r2 range 0.9911–0.9999, n = 13). Mean milrinone recovery and accuracy were respectively 85.2 ± 3.1% and ≥93%. Intra‐ and inter‐day precisions (coefficients of variation) were ≤5% and ≤8%, respectively. Over a 24 h collection period, the cumulative urinary milrinone recovered from 15 patients was 26.1 ± 7.7% of the nominal 5 mg dose administered. The relative amount of milrinone glucuronic acid conjugate was negligible in the urine of patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass This method proved to be reliable, specific and accurate to determine the cumulative amount of total milrinone recovered in urine after inhalation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stereoselective analysis of flecainide enantiomers using reversed‐phase liquid chromatography for assessing CYP2D6 activity
Authors: Doki Kosuke , Sekiguchi Yukio , Kuga Keisuke , Aonuma Kazutaka , Kohda Yukinao , Homma Masato
Published: February 2014

Stereoselective analyses of flecainide enantiomers were performed using reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with a polysaccharide‐based chiral column (Chiralpak AS‐RH) and fluorescence detector. Excitation and emission wavelengths were set at 300 and 370 nm, respectively. Flecainide enantiomers in serum and urine were extracted using diethyl ether. The mobile phase solution, comprising 0.1 m potassium hexafluorophosphate and acetonitrile (65:35, v/v), was pumped at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. The recoveries of flecainide enantiomers were greater than 94%, with the coefficients of variation (CVs) <6%. The calibration curves of flecainide enantiomers in serum and urine were linear in the concentration range 5–500 ng/mL and 0.75–15 µg/mL (r > 0.999), respectively. CVs in intra‐day and inter‐day assays were 1.8–5.8 and 3.4–7.5%, respectively. In a pharmacokinetic study, the ratios of (S)‐ to (R)‐flecainide (S/R ratio) in the area under the curve and the amount of flecainide enantiomers excreted in urine were lower in a subject carrying CYP2D6*10/*10 than in subjects carrying CYP2D6*1/*2. The S/R ratio of trough serum flecainide concentration ranged from 0.79 to 1.16 in patients receiving oral flecainide. The present HPLC method can be used to assess hepatic flecainide metabolism in a pharmacokinetic study and therapeutic drug monitoring. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genome‐wide polygenic scoring for a 14‐year long‐term average depression phenotype
Authors: Chang Shun‐Chiao , Glymour M. Maria , Walter Stefan , Liang Liming , Koenen Karestan C. , Tchetgen Eric J. , Cornelis Marilyn C. , Kawachi Ichiro , Rimm Eric , Kubzansky Laura D.
Published: February 2014

Background

Despite moderate heritability estimates for depression‐related phenotypes, few robust genetic predictors have been identified. Potential explanations for this discrepancy include the use of phenotypic measures taken from a single time point, rather than integrating information over longer time periods via multiple assessments, and the possibility that genetic risk is shaped by multiple loci with small effects.

Methods

We developed a 14‐year long‐term average depression measure based on 14 years of follow‐up in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS; N = 6989 women). We estimated polygenic scores (PS) with internal whole‐genome scoring (NHS‐GWAS‐PS). We also constructed PS by applying two external PS weighting algorithms from independent samples, one previously shown to predict depression (GAIN‐MDD‐PS) and another from the largest genome‐wide analysis currently available (PGC‐MDD‐PS). We assessed the association of all three PS with our long‐term average depression phenotype using linear, logistic, and quantile regressions.

Results

In this study, the three PS approaches explained at most 0.2% of variance in the long‐term average phenotype. Quantile regressions indicated PS had larger impacts at higher quantiles of depressive symptoms. Quantile regression coefficients at the 75th percentile were at least 40% larger than at the 25th percentile in all three polygenic scoring algorithms. The interquartile range comparison suggested the effects of PS significantly differed at the 25th and 75th percentiles of the long‐term depressive phenotype for the PGC‐MDD‐PS (P = 0.03), and this difference also reached borderline statistical significance for the GAIN‐MDD‐PS (P = 0.05).

Conclusions

Integrating multiple phenotype assessments spanning 14 years and applying different polygenic scoring approaches did not substantially improve genetic prediction of depression. Quantile regressions suggested the effects of PS may be largest at high quantiles of depressive symptom scores, presumably among people with additional, unobserved sources of vulnerability to depression.
Phase II trial of sorafenib and erlotinib in advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: Cardin Dana B. , Goff Laura , Li Chung‐I , Shyr Yu , Winkler Charles , DeVore Russell , Schlabach Larry , Holloway Melanie , McClanahan Pam , Meyer Krista , Grigorieva Julia , Berlin Jordan , Chan Emily
Published: February 2014

This trial was designed to assess efficacy and safety of erlotinib with sorafenib in the treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. An exploratory correlative study analyzing pretreatment serum samples using a multivariate protein mass spectrometry‐based test (VeriStrat®), previously shown to correlate with outcomes in lung cancer patients treated with erlotinib, was performed. Patients received sorafenib 400 mg daily along with erlotinib 150 mg daily with a primary endpoint of 8‐week progression free survival (PFS) rate. Pretreatment serum sample analysis by VeriStrat was done blinded to clinical and outcome data; the endpoints were PFS and overall survival (OS). Difference between groups (by VeriStrat classification) was assessed using log‐rank P values; hazard ratios (HR) were obtained from Cox proportional hazards model. Thirty‐six patients received study drug and were included in the survival analysis. Eight‐week PFS rate of 46% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.32–0.67) did not meet the primary endpoint of a rate ≥70%. Thirty‐two patients were included in the correlative analysis, and VeriStrat “Good” patients had superior PFS (HR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.06–0.57; P = 0.001) and OS (HR = 0.31 95% CI: 0.13–0.77, P = 0.008) compared to VeriStrat “Poor” patients. Grade 3 toxicities of this regimen included fever, anemia, diarrhea, dehydration, rash, and altered liver function. This study did not meet the primary endpoint, and this combination will not be further pursued. In this small retrospective analysis, the proteomic classification was significantly associated with clinical outcomes and is being further evaluated in ongoing studies.
Nucleolipids of the Cancerostatic 5‐Fluorouridine: Synthesis, Adherence to Oligonucleotides, and Incorporation in Artificial Lipid Bilayers
Authors: Malecki Edith , Ottenhaus Vanessa , Werz Emma , Knies Christine , Montilla Martinez Malayko , Rosemeyer Helmut
Published: February 2014

5‐Fluorouridine (1a) was converted to its N(3)‐farnesylated nucleoterpene derivative 8 by direct alkylation with farnesyl bromide (4). Reaction of the cancerostatic 1a with either acetone, heptan‐4‐one, nonadecan‐10‐one, or hentriacontan‐16‐one afforded the 2′,3′‐O‐ketals 2a–2d. Compound 2b was then first farnesylated (→5) and subsequently phosphitylated to give the phosphoramidite 6. The ketal 2c was directly 5′‐phosphitylated without farnesylation of the base to give the phosphoramidite 7. Moreover, the recently prepared cyclic 2′,3′‐O‐ketal 11 was 5′‐phosphitylated to yield the phosphoramidite 12. The 2′,3′‐O‐isopropylidene derivative 2a proved to be too labile to be converted to a phosphoramidite. All novel derivatives of 1a were unequivocally characterized by NMR and UV spectroscopy and ESI mass spectrometry, as well as by elemental analyses. The lipophilicity of the phosphoramidite precursors were characterized by both their retention times in RP‐18 HPLC and by calculated log P values. The phosphoramidites 6, 7, and 12 were exemplarily used for the preparation of four terminally lipophilized oligodeoxynucleotides carrying a cyanine‐3 or a cyanine‐5 residue at the 5′‐(n–1) position (i.e., 14–17). Their incorporation in an artificial lipid bilayer was studied by single‐molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy.
On Dioxygen Permeation through a Dehydrogenase‐Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Complex. A Molecular‐Dynamics Investigation
Authors: Pietra Francesco
Published: February 2014

In this work, an all atom model of the quinoprotein dehydrogenase PqqC in complex with the PQQ (=4,5‐dihydro‐4,5‐dioxo‐1H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐f]quinoline‐2,7,9‐tricarboxylic acid) cofactor and dioxygen (O2), solvated with TIP3 water in periodic boxes, was subjected to random‐acceleration molecular dynamics (RAMD). It was found that O2 leaves the active binding pocket, in front of PQQ, to get to the solvent, as easily as with a variety of other O2‐activating enzymes, O2 carriers, and gas‐sensing proteins. The shortest pathway, orthogonal to the center of the mean plane of PQQ, was largely preferred by O2 over pathways slightly deviating from this line. These observations challenge the interpretation of an impermeable active binding pocket of PqqC‐PQQ, as drawn from both X‐ray diffraction data of the crystal at low temperature and physiological experimentation.
The perivascular niche governs an autoregulatory network to support breast cancer metastasis
Authors: Fazilaty Hassan , Behnam Babak
Published: February 2014

Unravelling the autoregulatory network that induces and maintains cancer stem cell state may provide novel effective therapies against breast cancer metastasis. The perivascular niche develops elements that initiate the autoregulatory machine to induce and maintain cancer stem cells, but not EMT, among newly arrived tumour cells. Inhibition of one or more primary key elements that trigger this circuit may result in the prevention or cure of breast cancer metastasis.
Nitric oxide donor NOC‐5 increases XIAP and Aven level in Jurkat cells
Authors: Starikova Elena G. , Tashireva L. A. , Novitsky V. V. , Ryazantseva N. V.
Published: February 2014

Mitochondrial permeabilisation after NO donor application did not activate caspase‐9. We have studied the X‐linked apoptosis inhibitor (XIAP) and Aven protein content in NO‐treated Jurkat cells. The level of both proteins increased in NO‐treated cells. Thus the increase in XIAP and Aven content could be the cause of the lack of caspase‐9 activity after mitochondrial permeabilisation in NO‐treated Jurkat cells.
LIMD1 antagonizes E2F1 activity and cell cycle progression by enhancing Rb function in cancer cells
Authors: Mayank Adarsh K. , Sharma Shipra , Deshwal Ravi K , Lal Sunil K.
Published: February 2014

Tumour suppressor genes restrain inappropriate cell growth and division, as well as stimulate cell death to maintain tissue homeostasis. Loss of function leads to abnormal cellular behaviour, including hyperproliferation of cell and perturbation of cell cycle regulation. LIMD1 is a tumour suppressor gene located at chromosome 3p21.3, a region commonly deleted in many solid malignancies. LIMD1 interacts with retinoblastoma (Rb) and is involved in Rb‐mediated downregulation of E2F1‐target genes. However, the role of LIMD1 in cell cycle regulation remains unclear. We propose that LIMD1 induces cell cycle arrest, utilising Rb‐E2F1 axis, and show that ectopic expression of LIMD1 in A549 cells results in hypo‐phosphorylation that potentiates Rb function, which correlates with downregulation of E2F1. In agreement with these observations, LIMD1 overexpression retards cell cycle progression and blocks S‐phase entry, as cells accumulate in G0/G1 phase and have reduced incorporation of BrdU. Most significantly, LIMD1‐dependent effects on Rb function and cell cycle are reversed on depletion of endogenous LIMD1, underscoring its centrality in Rb‐mediated cell cycle regulation. Hence, our findings provide new insight into cell cycle control by Rb‐LIMD1 nexus.
Executive function and mothering: Challenges faced by teenage mothers
Authors: Chico Elsie , Gonzalez Andrea , Ali Nida , Steiner Meir , Fleming Alison S.
Published: February 2014

Previous research has established that in comparison to adult mothers teen mothers respond less sensitively to their infants. In adults, components of executive functions relate directly to maternal sensitivity. Since teenagers are known to have a less developed prefrontal cortex and greater difficulties in parenting, this study sought to determine whether the association between executive processes and mothering exists among teenagers. Two groups of mothers, teens (n = 30) and adults (n = 27), who were approximately 4–6 months postpartum, completed tasks assessing spatial working memory and attentional set shifting (cognitive flexibility) using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Mothers were videotaped interacting with their infants and were later coded for various maternal behaviors. As predicted, teenagers performed more poorly than adults on tasks of cognitive flexibility and were less sensitive in their infant interactions. Among both groups there was a negative association between executive function and mothering; however, depending on the age of the mother different executive function tasks were relevant. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1027–1035, 2014.
Long‐term influences of a preterm birth on movement organization and side specialization in children at 4–8 years of age
Authors: Johansson Anna‐Maria , Domellöf Erik , Rönnqvist Louise
Published: February 2014

This study explored upper‐limb and head kinematics during unimanual goal‐directed movements in children born preterm (PT) and full‐term (FT) aged 4–8 years. Further, functional lateralization was investigated through side‐specific kinematics and hand preference observations. Altogether, 141 children were included, divided into three sub‐groups based on gestation week at birth (GW). Children born FT (38–41 GW) and moderately PT (33–35 GW) showed faster, smoother, and shorter movement trajectories than children born very PT (V‐PT < 33 GW). Only children born FT expressed evident side differences that were characterized by smoother movements with the preferred side. Regarding hand preference, the children born V‐PT showed increased rates of non‐right‐handedness compared with the other groups. Regardless of hand preference, the children born V‐PT showed less well organized movements compared with the other groups. These findings suggest that spatio‐temporal movement organization and side specialization at pre‐/early school‐age are affected by a PT birth, and more frequently so for children born before 33 GWs, indicating long‐lasting influences on neuromotor development and specialization. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 1263–1277, 2014.
Life history mediates mate limitation and population viability in self‐incompatible plant species
Authors: Thrall Peter H. , Encinas‐Viso Francisco , Hoebee Susan E. , Young Andrew G.
Published: February 2014

Genetically controlled self‐incompatibility systems represent links between genetic diversity and plant demography with the potential to directly impact on population dynamics. We use an individual‐based spatial simulation to investigate the demographic and genetic consequences of different self‐incompatibility systems for plants that vary in reproductive capacity and lifespan. The results support the idea that, in the absence of inbreeding effects, populations of self‐incompatible species will often be smaller and less viable than self‐compatible species, particularly for shorter‐lived organisms or where potential fecundity is low. At high ovule production and low mortality, self‐incompatible and self‐compatible species are demographically similar, thus self‐incompatibility does not automatically lead to reduced mate availability or population viability. Overall, sporophytic codominant self‐incompatibility was more limiting than gametophytic or sporophytic dominant systems, which generally behaved in a similar fashion. Under a narrow range of conditions, the sporophytic dominant system maintained marginally greater mate availability owing to the production ofSlocus homozygotes. While self‐incompatibility reduces population size and persistence for a broad range of conditions, the actual number ofSalleles, beyond that required for reproduction, is important for only a subset of life histories. For these situations, results suggest that addition of newSalleles may result in significant demographic rescue.
Extraordinary MHC class II B diversity in a non‐passerine, wild bird: the Eurasian Coot Fulica atra (Aves: Rallidae)
Authors: Alcaide Miguel , Muñoz Joaquin , Martínez‐de la Puente Josué , Soriguer Ramón , Figuerola Jordi
Published: February 2014

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) hosts the most polymorphic genes ever described in vertebrates. The MHC triggers the adaptive branch of the immune response, and its extraordinary variability is considered an evolutionary consequence of pathogen pressure. The last few years have witnessed the characterization of the MHC multigene family in a large diversity of bird species, unraveling important differences in its polymorphism, complexity, and evolution. Here, we characterize the first MHC class II B sequences isolated from a Rallidae species, the Eurasian Coot Fulica atra. A next‐generation sequencing approach revealed up to 265 alleles that translated into 251 different amino acid sequences (β chain, exon 2) in 902 individuals. Bayesian inference identified up to 19 codons within the presumptive peptide‐binding region showing pervasive evidence of positive, diversifying selection. Our analyses also detected a significant excess of high‐frequency segregating sites (average Tajima's D = 2.36, P < 0.05), indicative of balancing selection. We found one to six different alleles per individual, consistent with the occurrence of at least three MHC class II B gene duplicates. However, the genotypes comprised of three alleles were by far the most abundant in the population investigated (49.4%), followed by those with two (29.6%) and four (17.5%) alleles. We suggest that these proportions are in agreement with the segregation of MHC haplotypes differing in gene copy number. The most widespread segregating haplotypes, according to our findings, would contain one single gene or two genes. The MHC class II of the Eurasian Coot is a valuable system to investigate the evolutionary implications of gene copy variation and extensive variability, the greatest ever found, to the best of our knowledge, in a wild population of a non‐passerine bird.
Synthesis of Ionic‐Liquid‐Supported Diaryliodonium Salts
Authors: Kumar Muthyala Manoj , Choudhary Sunita , Pandey Khima , Shelke Ganesh M. , Jha Mukund , Kumar Anil
Published: February 2014

The synthesis of ionic‐liquid‐supported diaryliodonium salts is described. The synthesis is simple and practical, and the ionic liquid products require no chromatographic purification. The ionic‐liquid‐supported diaryliodonium salts are quite stable, and they did not show any sign of decomposition or loss of reactivity, even after being stored for one month at 5 °C. The reactivity of these salts was explored in the phenylation of substituted phenols and carboxylic acids, and the corresponding diaryl ethers and aryl esters, respectively, were synthesized in good to excellent yields and with high purities.