bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of ANK3 bipolar‐risk polymorphisms on the working memory circuitry differs between loci and according to risk‐status for bipolar disorder
Authors: Delvecchio Giuseppe , Dima Danai , Frangou Sophia
Published: February 2015

Polymorphisms at the rs10994336 and rs9804190 loci of the Ankyrin 3 (ANK3) gene have been strongly associated with increased risk for bipolar disorder (BD). However, their potential pathogenetic effect on BD‐relevant neural circuits remains unknown. We examined the effect of BD‐risk polymorphisms at rs10994336 and rs9804190 on the working memory (WM) circuit using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data obtained from euthymic patients with BD (n = 41), their psychiatrically healthy first‐degree relatives (n = 25) and unrelated individuals without personal or family history of psychiatric disorders (n = 46) while performing the N‐back task. In unrelated healthy individuals, the rs10994336‐risk‐allele was associated with reduced activation of the ventral visual cortical components of the WM circuit while the rs9804190‐risk‐allele was associated with inefficient hyperactivation of the prefrontal cortical components of the WM. In patients and their healthy relatives, risk alleles at either loci were associated with hyperactivation in the ventral anterior cingulate cortex. Additionally, Rs9804190‐risk‐allele carriers with BD evidenced abnormal hyperactivation within the posterior cingulate cortex. This study provides new insights on the neurogenetic correlates of allelic variation at different genome‐wide supported BD‐risk associated ANK3 loci that support their involvement in BD and highlight the modulatory influence of increased background genetic risk for BD. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic and environmental contributions to the association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and alcohol dependence in adulthood: A large population‐based twin study
Authors: Capusan Andrea J. , Bendtsen Preben , Marteinsdottir Ina , Kuja‐Halkola Ralf , Larsson Henrik
Published: February 2015

Previous research indicates that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently co‐occurs with alcohol dependence; however, the extent to which shared genetic risk factors underpin this association remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the relative importance of genetic, shared, and nonshared environmental factors for the overlap between ADHD and alcohol dependence in adults. Almost 18,000 adult twins aged 20–45 years, from more than 12,000 twin pairs (5,420 complete pairs), from the population‐representative Swedish Twin Registry, were included. Self‐ratings were used to assess symptoms of ADHD and alcohol dependence. Twin analysis was used to determine the role of additive genetic (A), shared (C), and nonshared environmental (E) factors. As a result, we found a significant association between ADHD and alcohol dependence (odds ratio 3.58; 95% confidence interval, 2.85–4.49). Twin analysis suggested that shared genetic risk factors explained 64% of the overlap between ADHD and alcohol dependence. Nonshared environmental factors accounted for the remaining 36%, whereas the contribution of shared environmental factors was minimal. We found no support for statistically significant sex differences in the overlap between ADHD and alcohol dependence. In conclusion the overlap between ADHD and alcohol dependence in adulthood was largely explained by shared genetic risk factors. This is an important step toward understanding the underlying nature of the risk of alcohol dependence in patients with ADHD and suggests that individuals with ADHD and their family members are important targets for alcohol prevention and treatment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Growth velocity and weaning δ15N “Dips” during ontogeny in Macaca mulatta
Authors: Reitsema Laurie J. , Muir Andrew B.
Published: February 2015

Objectives:

A “dip” in the stable nitrogen isotope ratios (δ15N) of subadults in the late weaning/early post‐weaning phase of growth and development has been observed. Speculatively, this is the mechanism of positive nitrogen balance operating among rapidly growing subadults. An alternate hypothesis for δ15N dips is that during weaning, subadults eat lower‐15N foods than adults.

Methods:

This study explores the role of positive nitrogen balance in affecting δ15N variation of growing subadults by comparing growth velocity with stable carbon isotope (δ13C) and δ15N ratios of blood serum from captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) (n = 14) with controlled diets during the first 10 months of life.

Results:

During the first six months, δ15N values are inversely correlated with growth in some of the anthropometrics (weight and sagittal circumference). Dips in some infants' δ15N values below their mothers' values are observed at the end of the weaning period. However, during this time frame, δ15N values of the infants are not correlated with anthropometric indices. Serum stable isotope ratios of lactating and non‐lactating adult females differ significantly.

Conclusions:

Growth in body mass and size explains some of the variation in infant δ15N values, but are not responsible for dips in the late weaning/early post‐weaning phase. It is advised that future research evaluate the extent to which growth in other body systems affects nitrogen balance and δ15N dips during ontogeny, and expand on isotopic differences between lactating and non‐lactating females. Am J Phys Anthropol 157:347–357, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
You are not what you eat during physiological stress: Isotopic evaluation of human hair
Authors: D'Ortenzio Lori , Brickley Megan , Schwarcz Henry , Prowse Tracy
Published: February 2015

Variation in δ13C and δ15N values can be assessed to understand not only diet, but also the influence of physiological factors on an individual. The metabolic balance of an individual can impact isotopic signals in tissues that are forming during the periods of metabolic stress. Fluctuating δ15N values are associated with physiological stressors that alter an individual's metabolism such as infection, injury, or pregnancy. This study examines variation in δ13C and δ15N values along sequentially segmented hair in both modern and archaeological individuals. Subjects with an observable skeletal pathology, known chronic illness, or evidence of pregnancy were compared with controls exhibiting no evidence of physiological stress. The results on hair samples from individuals from 19th century Belleville, Ontario, four modern cadavers (two with cancer and two sudden deaths), and two living pregnant women indicate that δ15N values are approximately 1‰ higher in individuals with a pathological condition (e.g., infection, fracture, or cancer) and are 1‰ lower during pregnancy, whereas δ13C values show less variability. Higher nitrogen values may represent the recycling of nitrogen derived from the breakdown of existing proteins in the body (catabolism), whereas lower δ15N values are related to increased utilization of dietary and urea nitrogen for tissue synthesis during pregnancy. These findings suggest that short‐term fluctuations of δ15N values may be the result of changes in an individual's metabolic balance, and that metabolic imbalance poses a confounding factor to ancient dietary studies when using rapidly growing tissues such as hair. Am J Phys Anthropol 157:374–388, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Silver‐Mediated Oxidative Aliphatic CH Trifluoromethylthiolation
Authors: Guo Shuo , Zhang Xiaofei , Tang Pingping
Published: February 2015

The first example of a practical and direct trifluoromethylthiolation reaction of unactivated aliphatic CH bonds employs a silver‐based reagent. The reaction is operationally simple, scalable, and proceeds under aqueous conditions in air. Furthermore, its broad scope and good functional‐group compatibility were demonstrated by applying this method to the selective trifluoromethylthiolation of natural products and natural‐product derivatives.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Amination of Aryl Chlorides with Ammonia or Ammonium Salts
Authors: Green Rebecca A. , Hartwig John F.
Published: February 2015

The nickel‐catalyzed amination of aryl chlorides to form primary arylamines occurs with ammonia or ammonium sulfate and a well‐defined single‐component nickel(0) precatalyst containing a Josiphos ligand and an η2‐bound benzonitrile ligand. This system also catalyzes the coupling of aryl chlorides with gaseous amines in the form of their hydrochloride salts.
Integrating responsible conduct of research education into undergraduate biochemistry and molecular biology laboratory curricula
Authors: Hendrickson Tamara L.
Published: February 2015

Recently, a requirement for directed responsible conduct in research (RCR) education has become a priority in the United States and elsewhere. In the US, both the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation require RCR education for all students who are financially supported by federal awards. The guidelines produced by these agencies offer useful templates for the introduction of RCR materials into courses worldwide. Many academic programs already offer courses or workshops in RCR for their graduate students and for undergraduate science majors and/or researchers. Introducing RCR into undergraduate biochemistry and molecular biology laboratory curricula is another, highly practical way that students can be exposed to these important topics. In fact, a strong argument can be made for integrating RCR into laboratory courses because these classes often introduce students to a scientific environment like that they might encounter in their careers after graduation. This article focuses on general strategies for incorporating explicit RCR education into biochemistry and molecular biology laboratory coursework using the topics suggested by NIH as a starting point. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 43(2):68–75, 2015.
Impact of Environmental Performance on Firm Value for Sustainable Investment: Evidence from Large US Firms
Authors: Yadav Prayag Lal , Han Seung Hun , Rho Jae Jeung
Published: February 2015

This research examines the impact of environmental performance on firm value, applying the event study methodology to Newsweek’s ‘Green Rankings’ announcement of 2012 for large US firms. Specifically, it analyzes the impact of the absolute green score and green rank of firms on their performance in the stock market. We found that investors perceive the announcement as positive news, leading to significant positive standardized cumulative abnormal returns (SCARs). After controlling for industry‐ and firm‐specific effects, we observed that firms with repeated green rankings for enhancing environmental performance showed significantly higher SCARs than those with either reduced or unchanged environmental performance. In addition, the environmental impact score measuring environmental damage from a firm's operational activities was found to be the most influential factor in improving the firm's value. Our findings are beneficial to managers in allocating resources to different types of environmental initiative, and provide valuable insight for sustainable environmental investment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Sustainable Entrepreneurship: A Convergent Process Model
Authors: Belz Frank Martin , Binder Julia Katharina
Published: February 2015

Sustainable entrepreneurship pursues a triple bottom line approach of economic, social and ecological goals. The main aim of this paper is to add to our understanding of the process of sustainable entrepreneurship. Since the field of sustainable entrepreneurship is in a nascent stage, we conduct a qualitative study. We employ a multiple case study design to build theory. Based on four case studies we develop a model, which describes the process of sustainable entrepreneurship, including six phases: 1) recognizing a social or ecological problem; 2) recognizing a social or ecological opportunity; 3) developing a double bottom line solution; 4) developing a triple bottom line solution; 5) funding and forming of a sustainable enterprise; 6) creating or entering a sustainable market. By developing a convergent process model with two pathways, we make theoretical contributions to the emerging fields of sustainable entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship. A key finding is that the triple bottom line of ecological, social and economic goals is integrated sequentially, not simultaneously. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
BRAF mutation is not predictive of long‐term outcome in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Henke Lauren E. , Pfeifer John D. , Ma Changquing , Perkins Stephanie M. , DeWees Todd , El‐Mofty Samir , Moley Jeffrey F. , Nussenbaum Brian , Haughey Bruce H. , Baranski Thomas J. , Schwarz Julie K. , Grigsby Perry W.
Published: February 2015

The BRAF mutation occurs commonly in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Previous investigations of its utility to predict recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) have reported conflicting results and its role remains unclear. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence of the BRAF mutation and analyze its relationship to clinicopathologic risk factors and long‐term outcomes in the largest, single‐institution American cohort to date. BRAF mutational status was determined in 508 PTC patients using RFLP analysis. The relationships between BRAF mutation status, patient and tumor characteristics, RFS, and DSS were analyzed. The BRAF mutation was present in 67% of patients. On multivariate analysis, presence of the mutation predicted only for capsular invasion (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.6), cervical lymph node involvement (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.7), and classic papillary histology (HR, 1.8; 95% CI 1.1–2.9). There was no significant relationship between the BRAF mutation and RFS or DSS, an observation that was consistent across univariate, multivariate, and Kaplan–Meier analyses. This is the most extensive study to date in the United States to demonstrate that BRAF mutation is of no predictive value for recurrence or survival in PTC. We found correlations of BRAF status and several clinicopathologic characteristics of high‐risk disease, but limited evidence that the mutation correlates with more extensive or aggressive disease. This analysis suggests that BRAF is minimally prognostic in PTC. However, prevalence of the BRAF mutation is 70% in the general population, providing the opportunity for targeted therapy.
Biotechnological Production of Astaxanthin through Metabolic Engineering of Yeasts
Authors: Ye Lidan , Xie Wenping , Zhou Pingping , Yu Hongwei
Published: February 2015

Astaxanthin is a highly valued carotenoid with growing market in aquaculture, food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The market demand for bio‐derived astaxanthin and the insufficient efficiency of astaxanthin biosynthesis drive the advances in metabolic engineering of native astaxanthin producers and heterologous hosts. The recent research progress in engineering of astaxanthin biosynthesis in the red‐pigmented heterobasidiomycetous yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous, the food‐grade noncarotenogenic yeast Candida utilis, the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica and the chassis organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae is reviewed, the advances in the development of pathway engineering tools are discussed, and future strategies for further improving biotechnological production of astaxanthin in yeasts are proposed.
A Photorhabdus Natural Product Inhibits Insect Juvenile Hormone Epoxide Hydrolase
Authors: Nollmann Friederike I. , Heinrich Antje K. , Brachmann Alexander O. , Morisseau Christophe , Mukherjee Krishnendu , Casanova‐Torres Ángel M. , Strobl Frederic , Kleinhans David , Kinski Sebastian , Schultz Katharina , Beeton Michael L. , Kaiser Marcel , Chu Ya‐Yun , Phan Ke Long , Thanwisai Aunchalee , Bozhüyük Kenan A. J. , Chantratita Narisara , Götz Friedrich , Waterfield Nick R. , Vilcinskas Andreas , Stelzer Ernst H. K. , Goodrich‐Blair Heidi , Hammock Bruce D. , Bode Helge B.
Published: February 2015

Simple urea compounds (“phurealipids”) have been identified from the entomopathogenic bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens, and their biosynthesis was elucidated. Very similar analogues of these compounds have been previously developed as inhibitors of juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH), a key enzyme in insect development and growth. Phurealipids also inhibit JHEH, and therefore phurealipids might contribute to bacterial virulence.
Understanding the Reactivity of Endohedral Metallofullerenes: C78versus Sc3N@C78
Authors: Bickelhaupt F. Matthias , Solà Miquel , Fernández Israel
Published: February 2015

The physical factors behind the reduced Diels–Alder reactivity of the Sc3N@C78metallofullerene as compared with free C78have been investigated in detail by means of computational tools. To this end, the reactions between 1,3‐butadiene and free C78and endohedral Sc3N@C78have been analysed in terms of regioselectivity and reactivity by using the activation strain model of reactivity in combination with the energy decomposition analysis method. Additional factors such as the molecular orbital overlap or the aromaticity of the corresponding transition states have been also explored. Our results indicate that the lower reactivity of the metallofullerene finds its origin mainly in the less stabilizing interaction between the deformed reactants along the reaction coordinate induced by the triscandium nitride moiety.
Solvent‐free Liquid Crystals and Liquids from DNA
Authors: Liu Kai , Shuai Min , Chen Dong , Tuchband Michael , Gerasimov Jennifer Y. , Su Juanjuan , Liu Qing , Zajaczkowski Wojciech , Pisula Wojciech , Müllen Klaus , Clark Noel A. , Herrmann Andreas
Published: February 2015

As DNA exhibits persistent structures with dimensions that exceed the range of their intermolecular forces, solid‐state DNA undergoes thermal degradation at elevated temperatures. Therefore, the realization of solvent‐free DNA fluids, including liquid crystals and liquids, still remains a significant challenge. To address this intriguing issue, we demonstrate that combining DNA with suitable cationic surfactants, followed by dehydration, can be a simple generic scheme for producing these solvent‐free DNA fluid systems. In the anhydrous smectic liquid crystalline phase, DNA sublayers are intercalated between aliphatic hydrocarbon sublayers. The lengths of the DNA and surfactant are found to be extremely important in tuning the physical properties of the fluids. Stable liquid‐crystalline and liquid phases are obtained in the −20 °C to 200 °C temperature range without thermal degradation of the DNA. Thus, a new type of DNA‐based soft biomaterial has been achieved, which will promote the study and application of DNA in a much broader context.
Intrinsic and extrinsic innervation of the heart in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Stoyek Matthew R. , Croll Roger P. , Smith Frank M.
Published: February 2015

In the vertebrate heart the intracardiac nervous system is the final common pathway for autonomic control of cardiac output, but the neuroanatomy of this system is not well understood. In this study we investigated the innervation of the heart in a model vertebrate, the zebrafish. We used antibodies against acetylated tubulin, human neuronal protein C/D, choline acetyltransferase, tyrosine hydroxylase, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide to visualize neural elements and their neurotransmitter content. Most neurons were located at the venous pole in a plexus around the sinoatrial valve; mean total number of cells was 197 ± 23, and 92% were choline acetyltransferase positive, implying a cholinergic role. The plexus contained cholinergic, adrenergic, and nitrergic axons and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide‐positive terminals, some innervating somata. Putative pacemaker cells near the plexus showed immunoreactivity for hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated channel 4 (HCN4) and the transcription factor Islet‐1 (Isl1). The neurotracer neurobiotin showed that extrinsic axons from the left and right vagosympathetic trunks innervated the sinoatrial plexus proximal to their entry into the heart; some extrinsic axons from each trunk also projected into the medial dorsal plexus region. Extrinsic axons also innervated the atrial and ventricular walls. An extracardiac nerve trunk innervated the bulbus arteriosus and entered the arterial pole of the heart to innervate the proximal ventricle. We have shown that the intracardiac nervous system in the zebrafish is anatomically and neurochemically complex, providing a substrate for autonomic control of cardiac effectors in all chambers. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:1683–1700, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Testing the accuracy of methods for the computation of CIE tristimulus values using weighting tables
Authors: Li Changjun , Ronnier Luo Ming , Melgosa Manuel , Pointer Michael R.
Published: February 2015

The least squares method for computing colorimetric weighting tables is presented and its connection with the optimum weights method is investigated. Each requires solving three linear systems of equations with the same coefficient matrix but three different right hand side vectors. It is shown that the two methods have nearly the same performance when the wavelength interval of the data is large. The two methods however, will perform differently when Δλ is small. Comparisons are also made between the least squares method, the optimum weights method, the zero‐ and second‐order weighting tables, and the ASTM weighting tables, both the original 1985 tables and the new 2013 Tables V and VI. The results show that the least squares method is the best for measurement intervals equal to or lower than 10 nm, and is competitive with the optimum weights method for 20 nm steps. The results presented in this article will contribute to the work of CIE Technical Committee TC1‐71 Tristimulus Integration as it seeks to make recommendations for the calculation of tristimulus values. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 125–142, 2016
Structure–Property Relationships: Asymmetric Alkylphenyl‐Substituted Anthracene Molecules for Use in Small‐Molecule Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Yu Jin , Ahn Eun Soo , Jang Sang Hun , An Tae Kyu , Kwon Soon‐Ki , Chung Dae Sung , Kim Yun‐Hi , Park Chan Eon
Published: February 2015

Two asymmetric anthracene‐based organic molecules, NDHPEA and TNDHPEA, were prepared without or with a thiophene spacer between the anthracene and naphthalene units. These asymmetric oligomers displayed different degrees of coplanarity, as evidenced by differences in the dihedral angles calculated by using DFT. Differential scanning calorimetry and XRD studies were used to probe the crystallization characteristics and molecular packing structures in the active layers. The coplanarity of the molecules in the asymmetric structure significantly affected the crystallization behavior and the formation of crystalline domains in the solid state. The small‐molecule crystalline properties were correlated with the device physics by determining the J–V characteristics and hole mobilities of the devices.
Catalytic Total Hydrodeoxygenation of Biomass‐Derived Polyfunctionalized Substrates to Alkanes
Authors: Nakagawa Yoshinao , Liu Sibao , Tamura Masazumi , Tomishige Keiichi
Published: February 2015

The total hydrodeoxygenation of carbohydrate‐derived molecules to alkanes, a key reaction in the production of biofuel, was reviewed from the aspect of catalysis. Noble metals (or Ni) and acid are the main components of the catalysts, and group 6 or 7 metals such as Re are sometimes added as modifiers of the noble metal. The main reaction route is acid‐catalyzed dehydration plus metal‐catalyzed hydrogenation, and in some systems metal‐catalyzed direct CO dissociation is involved. The appropriate active metal, acid strength, and reaction conditions depend strongly on the reactivity of the substrate. Reactions that use Pt or Pd catalysts supported on Nb‐based acids or relatively weak acids are suitable for furanic substrates. Carbohydrates themselves and sugar alcohols undergo CC dissociation easily. The systems that use metal‐catalyzed direct CO dissociations can give a higher yield of the corresponding alkane from carbohydrates and sugar alcohols.
Remote Amide‐Controlled Gold‐Catalyzed Stereoselective Hydro‐heteroarylation of Acrylamides: Access to Pyrido[3,4‐b]indoles
Authors: Butani Himanshu H. , Vachhani Dipak D. , Bhoya Umed C. , Shah Anamik K. , Van der Eycken Erik V.
Published: February 2015

The amide functionality was used as a remote control for the stereoselective hydro‐heteroarylation of acrylamides. This gold‐catalyzed carbocyclization provides a diversity‐oriented and concise route to biologically important pyrido[3,4‐b]indoles. Moreover, the adverse effect of silver salts on this hydro‐heteroarylation was also studied.
Differences in cisplatin‐induced mechanical allodynia in male and female mice
Authors: Woller S.A. , Corr M. , Yaksh T.L.
Published: February 2015

Background

Chemotherapeutic agents, such as cisplatin, are known to induce a persistent polyneuropathy. The mechanisms underlying the development of this pain are complex, and have only been investigated rodent models using male animals, despite an equivalent presentation of neuropathy between the sexes, clinically.

Methods

Male and female C57Bl/6, Tlr3−/− Tlr4−/−, Myd88−/−, Triflps2 and Myd88−/−/Triflps2 mice received 6 i.p. injections of cisplatin (2.3 mg/kg/day) every other day over the course of 2 weeks. Changes in tactile threshold were monitored during this time, continuing through day 23, using von Frey filaments.

Results

Male WT mice develop a persistent tactile allodynia resulting from cisplatin administration. Female mice develop an initial allodynia, but thresholds return to baseline by day 23. Deletion of TLR3, TLR4, MyD88 and Trif/MyD88 protects animals from the development of cisplatin‐induced polyneuropathy, and there are no sex differences. Triflps2 male mice show a persistent tactile allodynia following cisplatin administration, while female mice show a reduced allodynia, and remain higher in threshold than their male counterparts. On day 18, animals were given the analgesic gabapentin, and thresholds were tested 45 min after. Gabapentin was effective in transiently reversing mechanical allodynia in those mice with lowered thresholds.

Conclusions

It is important to continue examining both sexes in various pain models, as a mononeuropathy and polyneuropathy show sex differences in pain development and the role of TLR signalling.
Single high‐concentration capsaicin application prevents c‐Fos expression in spinothalamic and postsynaptic dorsal column neurons after surgical incision
Authors: Uchytilova E. , Spicarova D. , Palecek J.
Published: February 2015

Background

Allodynia and hyperalgesia present after surgical interventions are often a major complain of surgical patients. It is thought that both peripheral and central mechanisms contribute to these symptoms. In this study, the role of peripheral nerve fibres that express transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptors in the activation of spinothalamic tract (STT) and postsynaptic dorsal column (PSDC) neurons was assessed in a model of surgical pain.

Methods

Spinothalamic tract and PSDC neurons retrogradely labelled from the thalamus and nucleus gracilis were used. Activation of these projection neurons was evaluated after plantar incision as expression of the early gene product, c‐Fos protein, in the nuclei of these neurons.

Results

There was a robust increase in c‐Fos immunopositivity in the STT and PSDC neurons, in the control animals after a plantar incision. This increase in c‐Fos expression was significantly attenuated in animals in which a single high‐concentration capsaicin injection was made intradermally at the incision site 24 h before the surgery.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that activation of both STT and PSDC neurons is involved in development of pain states present after surgical incision and that TRPV1‐containing peripheral nerve fibres are needed for c‐Fos expression in these dorsal horn neurons after plantar incision.
Liver fibrosis occurs through dysregulation of MyD88‐dependent innate B‐cell activity
Authors: Thapa Manoj , Chinnadurai Raghavan , Velazquez Victoria M. , Tedesco Dana , Elrod Elizabeth , Han Jin‐Hwan , Sharma Prachi , Ibegbu Chris , Gewirtz Andrew , Anania Frank , Pulendran Bali , Suthar Mehul S. , Grakoui Arash
Published: February 2015

Chronic liver disease mediated by activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) leads to liver fibrosis. Here, we postulated that the immune regulatory properties of HSCs might promote the profibrogenic activity of B cells. Fibrosis is completely attenuated in carbon tetrachloride–treated, B cell–deficient µMT mice, showing that B cells are required. The retinoic acid produced by HSCs augmented B‐cell survival, plasma cell marker CD138 expression, and immunoglobulin G production. These activities were reversed following addition of the retinoic acid inhibitor LE540. Transcriptional profiling of fibrotic liver B cells revealed increased expression of genes related to activation of nuclear factor κ light chain enhancer of activated B cells, proinflammatory cytokine production, and CD40 signaling, suggesting that these B cells are activated and may be acting as inflammatory cells. Biological validation experiments also revealed increased activation (CD44 and CD86 expression), constitutive immunoglobulin G production, and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α. Likewise, targeted deletion of B‐cell‐intrinsic myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 signaling, an innate adaptor with involvement in retinoic acid signaling, resulted in reduced infiltration of migratory CD11c+ dendritic cells and Ly6C++ monocytes and, hence, reduced liver pathology. Conclusion: Liver fibrosis occurs through a mechanism of HSC‐mediated augmentation of innate B‐cell activity. These findings highlight B cells as important “first responders” of the intrahepatic immune environment. (Hepatology 2015;61:2067‐2079)
Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors: Are they real tumor killers?
Authors: Gaumann Andreas K.A. , Kiefer Friedemann , Alfer Joachim , Lang Sven A. , Geissler Edward K. , Breier Georg
Published: February 2015

Inhibiting tumor growth by targeting the tumor vasculature was first proposed by Judah Folkman almost 40 years ago. Since then, different approaches and numerous drugs and agents have been developed to achieve this goal, either with the aim of inhibiting tumor neoangiogenesis or normalizing the tumor vasculature. Among the most promising therapeutic targets are receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), some of which are predominantly expressed on tumor endothelial cells, although they are sometimes also present on tumor cells. The majority of RTK inhibitors investigated over the past two decades competes with ATP at the active site of the kinase and therefore block the phosphorylation of intracellular targets. Some of these drugs have been approved for therapy, whereas others are still in clinical trials. Here, we discuss the scientific basis, current status, problems and future prospects of RTK inhibition in anti‐tumor therapy.
A fermented sorghum/millet‐based beverage, Obiolor, extenuates high‐fat diet‐induced dyslipidaemia and redox imbalance in the livers of rats
Authors: Ajiboye Taofeek O , Iliasu Ganiyat A , Adeleye Abdulwasiu O , Ojewuyi Oluwayemisi B , Kolawole Fausat L , Bello Sharafa A , Mohammed Aisha O
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

Obiolor, a non‐alcoholic beverage produced from fermented sorghum and millet malts, is widely consumed on a daily basis by the Igala tribe in Nigeria and is closely associated with good health. The effect of Obiolor on dyslipidaemia, protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation in the liver of rats fed a high‐fat diet was investigated.

RESULTS

High‐fat diet‐mediated alterations in liver and serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density cholesterol and very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly (P < 0.05) reversed by Obiolor. The beverage increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase in the liver of rats. These increases significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated the high‐fat diet‐mediated decrease in antioxidant enzymes. High‐fat diet‐mediated elevations in the levels of conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and DNA fragmentation in the livers of rats were lowered by the beverage.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that Obiolor extenuated high‐fat diet‐mediated dyslipidaemia, protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation in rats. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterizing variability in marine protist communities via ARISA fingerprints—a method evaluation
Authors: Kilias E.S. , Wolf C. , Metfies K.
Published: February 2015

It is important to characterize and understand the diversity of marine protists because of their relevance for ecosystem functioning. In the era of molecular science, diversity studies have received renewed attention. High‐throughput, cost‐intensive next generation sequencing provides deep insight in protist diversity but limits the volume of studied samples. Protist observations with high spatiotemporal resolution, therefore, require a quick and cost‐effective tool to channelize the large sample volume and help select representatives for diversity studies. In this study, we evaluated the validity of “Automated Ribosomal Intergenic Spacer Analysis” (ARISA) as a means of estimating variability in marine protist communities. The evaluation was based on statistical correlation of ARISA data and 454‐pyrosequencing data from samples collected in the Southern Ocean and Arctic Ocean. Here, we provide evidence that differences in ARISA profiles reflect taxon‐specific differences observed in 454‐pyrosequencing data sets. Calculated similarity indices for the ARISA profiles and 454‐pyrosequencing data of 27 marine protist samples revealed strong agreements between the results of both methods regarding the extent of variability among protist communities. We suggest that ARISA might become an important tool for surveillance of differences in marine protist communities with high spatiotemporal resolution. Furthermore, it might serve as a preselection tool to identify representative samples in large data sets.
Reinforcement of silicone rubber with raspberry‐like SiO2@Polymer composite particles
Authors: Zhang Xinping , Guan Yinyan , Zhao Yunfeng , Zhang Zhijie , Qiu Dong
Published: February 2015

Raspberry‐like SiO2@Polymer composite particles, prepared by one‐pot Pickering emulsion polymerization in aqueous medium, were used to reinforce silicone rubber. Bearing both polymer moieties and Si−OH groups on the surface, these raspberry‐like particles were better dispersed in the silicone rubber matrix; therefore the mechanical performance of the resultant particle − silicone rubber composites was significantly enhanced. With 25 phr SiO2@Polymer composite particles, the tensile strength, elongation at break and hardness were 2.02 MPa, 129% and 38, respectively. Further increasing the filler amount resulted in decrease of the tensile strength and modulus. In the meantime, although there was a large fraction of polymeric phase in the composite particles, the thermal stability of the resultant particle − silicone rubber composites was not significantly reduced, especially for particle loading exceeding 10 phr. These raspberry‐like SiO2@Polymer composite particles are easily produced on a large scale in an environmentally friendly and cost‐effective way; thus these are promising novel fillers to reinforce silicone rubber. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Experimental Study on the Freezing Temperatures of Saline Silty Soils
Authors: Wan Xusheng , Lai Yuanming , Wang Chong
Published: February 2015

The freezing temperature of soil is an important index to judge whether it is in a frozen state or not, and plays a key role in distinguishing salt expansion from frost heave. Freezing experiments on sulfate saline soil and its ion solution indicate that the initial freezing temperature of the soil is mainly determined by the properties of the ion solution. The effects of saline soil types and saline solution concentrations on the freezing temperature are also investigated. An equation to calculate the freezing temperature of the sulfate salt solution is deduced from the Pitzer ion model and its validity is verified by the experimental results. Under the assumption that the soil freezing temperature is determined by the freezing temperature of the corresponding ion solution and the energy of the ice‐liquid interface, a precise relation between the soil freezing temperature and the radius of the ice‐liquid interface is obtained and a general equation to determine the freezing temperature of the silty clay of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau is proposed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Near ambient pressure photoemission spectroscopy of metal and semiconductor surfaces
Authors: Baikie Iain D. , Grain Angela , Sutherland James , Law Jamie
Published: February 2015

We describe a novel photoemission technique utilizing a traditional Kelvin probe as a detector of electrons/atmospheric ions ejected from metal and semiconductor surfaces (Al, Ag, Au, Si) illuminated by a Deep Ultra‐Violet (DUV) source at ambient pressure. In Constant Final State Yield Spectroscopy (CFSYS) the incident photon energy is rastered rather than applying a variable retarding electric field as in conventional UPS. For both ambient‐ and near ambient pressure‐photoemission spectroscopy (NAP‐PES) the CFSYS configuration overcomes the limitation of inelastic electron scattering in air. This arrangement can be applied in several operational modes: using the DUV source to determine the absolute work function (ϕ) of the metal with 50‐100 meV resolution and also the Kelvin probe, under dark conditions, to measure Contact Potential Difference (CPD) with an accuracy of 1‐3 meV. We show that the metal photoresponse agrees with Fowler theory. We have used CPD and linear extrapolated photoemission measurements to produce an energy level diagram for the native‐oxide covered Si. We propose a model of photoemission in air involving atmospheric ions. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cytotoxicity of Ultrasmall Gold Nanoparticles on Planktonic and Biofilm Encapsulated Gram‐Positive Staphylococci
Authors: Boda Sunil Kumar , Broda Janine , Schiefer Frank , Weber‐Heynemann Josefine , Hoss Mareike , Simon Ulrich , Basu Bikramjit , Jahnen‐Dechent Willi
Published: February 2015

The emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria, especially biofilm‐associated Staphylococci, urgently requires novel antimicrobial agents. The antibacterial activity of ultrasmall gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is tested against two gram positive: S. aureus and S. epidermidis and two gram negative: Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Ultrasmall AuNPs with core diameters of 0.8 and 1.4 nm and a triphenylphosphine‐monosulfonate shell (Au0.8MS and Au1.4MS) both have minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration of 25 × 10−6m [Au]. Disc agar diffusion test demonstrates greater bactericidal activity of the Au0.8MS nanoparticles over Au1.4MS. In contrast, thiol‐stabilized AuNPs with a diameter of 1.9 nm (AuroVist) cause no significant toxicity in any of the bacterial strains. Ultrasmall AuNPs cause a near 5 log bacterial growth reduction in the first 5 h of exposure, and incomplete recovery after 21 h. Bacteria show marked membrane blebbing and lysis in biofilm‐associated bacteria treated with ultrasmall AuNP. Importantly, a twofold MIC dosage of Au0.8MS and Au1.4MS each cause around 80%–90% reduction in the viability of Staphylococci enveloped in biofilms. Altogether, this study demonstrates potential therapeutic activity of ultrasmall AuNPs as an effective treatment option against staphylococcal infections.
Lighten the Olympia of the Flatland: Probing and Manipulating the Photonic Properties of 2D Transition‐Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Zhou Kai‐Ge , Zhang Hao‐Li
Published: February 2015

Following the adventures of graphene, 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have recently seized part of the territory in the flatland. Branched by different components of metals and chalcogenides, the families of 2D TMDs have grown rapidly, in which the semiconductive ones have shown colorful photonic properties. By tuning the atomic components and reducing the thickness or planar size of the layers, one can manipulate the optical performance of 2D TMDs, e.g., the intensity, angular momentum, and frequency of the emitted light, or toward ultrafast nonlinear absorption. As a powerful optical method, the Raman characteristics of 2D TMDs have been successfully used to explore their lattices and electronic structures. Along with the maturing of 2D TMDs, their hybrids play an important role. The unique photonic properties of 2D van der Waals heterostructures and 2D alloys are introduced here. Apart from the group VI TMDs, future prospects are identified to harness the optical properties of other 2D TMDs and the related investigations of their hybrids are underway.
Syntheses and Structures of New Trinuclear MIILnMII (M = Ni, Co; Ln = Gd, Ce) Complexes with 2, 6‐Bis(acetobenzoyl)pyridine
Authors: Trieu Thi Nguyet , Nguyen Minh Hai , Abram Ulrich , Nguyen Hung Huy
Published: February 2015

One‐pot reactions of 2, 6‐bis(acetobenzoyl)pyridine (H2L) with a mixture of LnCl3 (Ln = Ce, Gd) and Ni(CH3COO)2 (ratio 2:1:2) in CH2Cl2/MeOH in the presence of a supporting base like Et3N give trinuclear complexes with the general composition [Ni2Ln(L)2(CH3COO)3(MeOH)2/3] (1) in high yields. Trinuclear [Ni2Ln(L)2(PhCOO)3(MeOH)2] (2) complexes are formed when similar reactions are performed starting from NiCl2, and benzoic acid (PhCOOH) is added subsequently. Under the same conditions, reactions with the corresponding cobalt(II) salts result in the formation of a neutral [Co8(μ3‐O)2(L)6] complex, which has a bis(triple‐helical) structure. The cobalt(II) analogues to compounds 1 and 2, however, can be synthesized by a pre‐treatment of the lanthanide salts with H2L and subsequent addition of the cobalt salts, and benzoic acid (in the case of 2).
Crystal Structure and Chemical Bonding Analysis of BaPtCd2
Authors: Gulo Fakhili , Köhler Jürgen
Published: February 2015

The new ternary intermetallic phase, BaPtCd2, was synthesized by solid‐state reaction from direct combination of the elements in a stoichiometric mixture. The reaction was done at 850 °C for 15 h, followed by an equilibration at 600 °C for 4 d. The crystal structure was determined by X‐ray diffraction method on a single crystal. BaPtCd2 is isotypic to MgCuAl2 and crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm [a = 4.467(2), b = 11.143(4), c = 8.240(3) Å, V = 410.2(3) Å3, and Z = 4]. Barium atoms are linked together forming zigzag chains. Cadmium atoms are bonded to each other forming six‐membered rings of platinum centered boat and anti‐boat conformations. BaPtCd2 contains 16 electrons per formula unit and belongs to the electron poorest compounds with MgCuAl2 type structure. Calculations based on the linear muﬃn‐tin orbitals method in the atomic spheres approximation show that significant bonding states in BaPtCd2 are unoccupied.
Disease Incidence and Mortality Among Older Americans and Europeans
Authors: Solé-Auró Aïda , Michaud Pierre-Carl , Hurd Michael , Crimmins Eileen
Published: February 2015

Recent research has shown a widening gap in life expectancy at age 50 between the United States and Europe as well as large differences in the prevalence of diseases at older ages. Little is known about the processes determining international differences in the prevalence of chronic diseases. Higher prevalence of disease could result from either higher incidence or longer disease-specific survival. This article uses comparable longitudinal data from 2004 and 2006 for populations aged 50 to 79 from the United States and from a selected group of European countries to examine age-specific differences in prevalence and incidence of heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer as well as mortality associated with each disease. Not surprisingly, we find that Americans have higher disease prevalence. For heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, incidence is lower in Europe when we control for sociodemographic and health behavior differences in risk, and these differences explain much of the prevalence gap at older ages. On the other hand, incidence is higher in Europe for lung disease and not different between Europe and the United States for hypertension and stroke. Our findings do not suggest a survival advantage conditional on disease in Europe compared with the United States. Therefore, the origin of the higher disease prevalence at older ages in the United States is to be found in higher prevalence earlier in the life course and, for some conditions, higher incidence between ages 50 and 79.
Triadic scale interactions in a turbulent boundary layer
Authors: Duvvuri Subrahmanyam , McKeon Beverley J.
Published: February 2015

A formal relationship between the skewness and the correlation coefficient of large and small scales, termed the amplitude modulation coefficient, is established for a general statistically stationary signal and is analysed in the context of a turbulent velocity signal. Both the quantities are seen to be measures of phase in triadically consistent interactions between scales of turbulence. The naturally existing phase relationships between large and small scales in a turbulent boundary layer are then manipulated by exciting a synthetic large-scale motion in the flow using a spatially impulsive dynamic wall roughness perturbation. The synthetic scale is seen to alter the phase relationships, or the degree of modulation, in a quasi-deterministic manner by exhibiting a phase-organizing influence on the small scales. The results presented provide encouragement for the development of a practical framework for favourable manipulation of energetic small-scale turbulence through large-scale inputs in a wall-bounded turbulent flow.
Pharyngeal pouch: which technique?
Authors: Veivers D
Published: February 2015

Background:

Pharyngeal pouches have been recognised as a cause of dysphagia for centuries and have been treated in a variety of ways over that time.

Objective:

This article aimed to analyse the results of surgery by a variety of techniques, as performed by one surgeon.

Method:

A retrospective analysis of a case series was conducted, analysing the variables of patient age, sex, type of surgery, length of hospital stay, leak, recurrence and other complications.

Results:

A total of 121 patients were treated by 135 operations. There were no leaks in the group treated by endoscopic stapling and this group also had a significantly shorter hospital stay. As for recurrence, the lowest rate appeared to be in the group treated by excision of the pouch.

Conclusion:

The techniques used by the author all still seem to have a role in the management of pharyngeal pouch, with the endoscopic stapling approach associated with a low rate of complications and short hospital stay.