bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Infrapatellar Fat Pad as a Source of Perivascular Stem Cells with Increased Chondrogenic Potential for Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Hindle Paul , Khan Nusrat , Biant Leela , Péault Bruno
Published: August 2016

Perivascular stem cells (PSCs) are the natural ancestors of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and are the stem cells responsible for homeostasis and repair in vivo. Prospectively identified and isolated PSCs have demonstrated increased plasticity and osteogenic potential. Cells from the infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) have demonstrated increased chondrogenic potential compared with those from subcutaneous fat. This research assessed the chondrogenic potential of IFP PSCs compared with MSCs from the IFP and bone marrow. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated the location of perivascular markers (CD146, CD34, neural/glial antigen 2 [NG2], platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β [PDGFRβ], and α-smooth muscle actin [α-SMA]) in relation to endothelial markers (CD31, CD144, von Willebrand factor [vWF]). Pericytes and adventitial cells were isolated from the stromal vascular fraction (3.8% and 21.2%, respectively) using flow cytometry with a viability of 88%. The mean numbers of pericytes and adventitial cells isolated were 4.6 ± 2.2 × 104 and 16.2 ± 3.2 × 104, respectively, equating to 7.9 ± 4.4 × 103 and 20.8 ± 4.3 × 103 cells per gram of harvested tissue. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting demonstrated that cultured PSCs were CD44+CD90+CD105+; polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry demonstrated that pericytes retained their CD146+ phenotype and expressed the pericyte markers PDGFRβ and NG2. Differentiation was confirmed using histochemical stains and genetic expression. Using a pellet model, the IFP PSCs and the MSCs generated significantly more extracellular matrix than bone marrow MSCs (p < .001 and p = .011, respectively). The IFP PSCs generated significantly more extracellular matrix than IFP MSCs (p = .002). Micromass culture demonstrated that differentiated PSCs were upregulated compared with MSCs for COL2A1, ACAN, and SOX9 expression by factors of 4.8 ± 1.3, 4.3 ± 0.9, and 7.0 ± 1.7, respectively. The IFP was a significantly better source of chondrogenic stem cells compared with bone marrow. PSCs generated significantly more extracellular matrix than culture-derived MSCs.
Analysis of biophysical and functional consequences of tropomyosin–fluorescent protein fusions
Authors: Brooker Holly R. , Geeves Michael A. , Mulvihill Daniel P.
Published: August 2016

The dynamic nature of actin polymers is modulated to facilitate a diverse range of cellular processes. These dynamic properties are determined by different isoforms of tropomyosin which are recruited to distinct subpopulations of actin polymers to differentially regulate their functional properties. This makes tropomyosin an attractive target for labelling discrete actin populations. We have assessed the effect of different fluorescent labelling strategies for this protein. Although tropomyosin–fluorescent fusions decorate actin in vivo, they are either nonfunctional or perturb regulation of actin nucleation and cell cycle timings. Thus, conclusions and physiological relevance should be carefully evaluated when using tropomyosin fusions.
Geographical, seasonal, and depth variation in sinking particle speeds in the North Atlantic
Authors: Villa‐Alfageme M. , de Soto F. C. , Ceballos E. , Giering S. L. C. , Le Moigne F. A. C. , Henson S. , Mas J. L. , Sanders R. J.
Published: August 2016

Particle sinking velocity is considered to be a controlling factor for carbon transport to the deep sea and thus carbon sequestration in the oceans. The velocities of the material exported to depth are considered to be high in high‐latitude productive systems and low in oligotrophic distributions. We use a recently developed method based on the measurement of the radioactive pair 210Po‐210Pb to calculate particle sinking velocities in the temperate and oligotrophic North Atlantic during different bloom stages. Our estimates of average sinking velocities (ASVs) show that slowly sinking particles (<100 m d−1) contribute significantly to carbon flux at all the locations except in the temperate regions during the bloom. ASVs appear to vary strongly with season, which we propose is caused by changes in the epipelagic community structure. Our results are the first field data to confirm the long‐standing theory that particle sinking velocities increase with depth, with increases of up to 90% between 50 and 150 m depth.
Seasonal evolution of supraglacial lakes on an East Antarctic outlet glacier
Authors: Langley Emily S. , Leeson Amber A. , Stokes Chris R. , Jamieson Stewart S. R.
Published: August 2016

Supraglacial lakes are known to influence ice melt and ice flow on the Greenland ice sheet and potentially cause ice shelf disintegration on the Antarctic Peninsula. In East Antarctica, however, our understanding of their behavior and impact is more limited. Using >150 optical satellite images and meteorological records from 2000 to 2013, we provide the first multiyear analysis of lake evolution on Langhovde Glacier, Dronning Maud Land (69°11′S, 39°32′E). We mapped 7990 lakes and 855 surface channels up to 18.1 km inland (~670 m above sea level) from the grounding line and document three pathways of lake demise: (i) refreezing, (ii) drainage to the englacial/subglacial environment (on the floating ice), and (iii) overflow into surface channels (on both the floating and grounded ice). The parallels between these mechanisms, and those observed on Greenland and the Antarctic Peninsula, suggest that lakes may similarly affect rates and patterns of ice melt, ice flow, and ice shelf disintegration in East Antarctica.
Elasticity of single‐crystal superhydrous phase B at simultaneous high pressure‐temperature conditions
Authors: Li Xinyang , Mao Zhu , Sun Ningyu , Liao Yifan , Zhai Shuangmeng , Wang Yi , Ni Huaiwei , Wang Jingyun , Tkachev Sergey N. , Lin Jung‐Fu
Published: August 2016

We investigated the combined effect of pressure and temperature on the elasticity of single‐crystal superhydrous phase B (Shy‐B) using Brillouin scattering and X‐ray diffraction up to 12 GPa and 700 K. Using the obtained elasticity, we modeled the anisotropy of Shy‐B along slab geotherms, showing that Shy‐B has a low anisotropy and cannot be the major cause of the observed anisotropy in the region. Modeled velocities of Shy‐B show that Shy‐B will be shown as positive velocity anomalies at the bottom transition zone. Once Shy‐B is transported to the topmost lower mantle, it will exhibit a seismic signature of lower velocities than topmost lower mantle. We speculate that an accumulation of hydrous phases, such as Shy‐B, at the topmost lower mantle with a weight percentage of ~17–26% in the peridotite layer as subduction progresses could help explain the observed 2–3% low shear velocity anomalies in the region.
ENSO regulation of far‐ and mid‐infrared contributions to clear‐sky OLR
Authors: Kahn Brian H. , Huang Xianglei , Stephens Graeme L. , Collins William D. , Feldman Daniel R. , Su Hui , Wong Sun , Yue Qing
Published: August 2016

NASA Aqua‐derived thermodynamic profiles, calculated spectral clear‐sky outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), and vertical velocity fields from meteorological reanalyses are combined to determine the relative proportion of the far‐infrared (FIR) and mid‐infrared (MIR) spectral contributions to the total clear‐sky OLR during different phases of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). In the ascending branch of the tropical circulation, the spatial variance of upper tropospheric water vapor is shown to be larger during La Niña than El Niño and is consistent with zonal symmetry changes in the tropical waveguide and associated tropical‐extratropical mixing. In the descending branch, upper tropospheric water vapor shows weaker coupling to lower layers that is evidenced by changes in the ratio of FIR to MIR in the clear‐sky OLR. Diagnostics from the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory AM3 model simulation are generally similar to satellite data, but the ratio of FIR to MIR is 5–10% larger with respect to dynamic regime.
Distinct weekly cycles of thunderstorms and a potential connection with aerosol type in China
Authors: Yang Xin , Li Zhanqing , Liu Lin , Zhou Lijing , Cribb Maureen , Zhang Fang
Published: August 2016

This study identified distinct weekly cycles in thunderstorm activities and convection‐associated variables in two regions of China dominated by different types of aerosol during the summers of 1983–2005. In both regions, visibility has similar weekly cycle: lower on weekdays than on weekends. Barring any possible “natural” weekly cycles, the findings of the poorest and best visibility on Friday and Monday, respectively, point to the weekly variations in anthropogenic emissions. However, the phases of the thunderstorm cycles between the two regions were different. In central China, thunderstorms occurred more frequently from Saturday to Monday than on other days. The cycles were out of phase in southeast China. It is hypothesized that the phase difference is associated with aerosol type. In central China aerosol absorption is strong, which suppresses convection more on weekdays. In southeast China aerosols are less absorbing but more hygroscopic, which helps invigorate thunderstorms more on weekdays.
Aerophilic Electrode with Cone Shape for Continuous Generation and Efficient Collection of H2 Bubbles
Authors: Yu Cunming , Cao Moyuan , Dong Zhichao , Li Kan , Yu Cunlong , Wang Jingming , Jiang Lei
Published: August 2016

Hydrogen as a sustainable and clean energy source has attracted great attention with the increasing global energy crisis. However, sufficient production of hydrogen is seriously impeded by the adhesion of hydrogen bubble to electrodes. Efficient removal of hydrogen bubbles attached to the electrode can improve the efficiency of the hydrogen evolution reaction. Following this concept, numerous approaches to shorten the adhesion time of hydrogen bubbles on electrodes have been presented, such as ultrasonic treatment and electrode surface micro/nano‐modification. Almost all of the existing solutions are based on the instant and direct release of generated hydrogen bubbles into the electrolyte, which can be identified as “Releasing strategy” accordingly. In this contribution, an aerophilic electrode with cone shape is fabricated, from which the generated hydrogen bubbles can be timely removed through efficient and directional transportation (from tip to the base). Correspondingly, this approach is defined as “Transporting strategy”. Furthermore, integrating the base of electrode with a superaerophilic sponge, which possesses excellent properties of efficiently absorbing and releasing gas bubbles, can realize the collection of generated hydrogen. It is believed that the present approach can contribute to promising applications in water electrolysis and will offer inspiration for fabricating novel hydrogen collector.
High‐Rate Charging Induced Intermediate Phases and Structural Changes of Layer‐Structured Cathode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Yong‐Ning , Yue Ji‐Li , Hu Enyuan , Li Hong , Gu Lin , Nam Kyung‐Wan , Bak Seong‐Min , Yu Xiqian , Liu Jue , Bai Jianming , Dooryhee Eric , Fu Zheng‐Wen , Yang Xiao‐Qing
Published: August 2016

Using fast time‐resolved in situ X‐ray diffraction, charge‐rate dependent phase transition processes of layer structured cathode material LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 for lithium‐ion batteries are studied. During first charge, intermediate phases emerge at high rates of 10C, 30C, and 60C, but not at low rates of 0.1C and 1C. These intermediate phases can be continuously observed during relaxation after the charging current is switched off. After half‐way charging at high rate, sample studied by scanning transmission electron microscopy shows Li‐rich and Li‐poor phases' coexistence with tetrahedral occupation of Li in Li‐poor phase. The high rate induced overpotential is thought to be the driving force for the formation of this intermediate Li‐poor phase. The in situ quick X‐ray absorption results show that the oxidation of Ni accelerates with increasing charging rate and the Ni4+ state can be reached at the end of charge with 30C rate. These results give new insights in the understanding of the layered cathodes during high‐rate charging.
Value‐Adding Practices in Food Supply Chain: Evidence from Indian Food Industry
Authors: Shashi  , Singh Rajwinder , Shabani Amir
Published: August 2016

The study aims an attempt to realize the importance of value addition at different stages of food supply chain to see what the value addition practices mean across the food chain. To do so, this paper investigates the value addition relationships of different supply chain players from farm to retail level. Based on extensive literature review and deep discussions with supply chain practitioners as well as academicians, a conceptual framework is developed to assist those players in identifying the importance of adding value, defining a common definition of value addition practices, and getting motivation for superior value addition improvement. Value addition practices of five stages at the food supply chain, namely, farmer, supplier, processor, distributor and retailer, are conceptualized and formulated to tests the relationship among these stages. The study mainly focuses on the value addition of farm products in Indian scenario. The findings affirmed that the farmer's value addition is positively related to supplier's value addition, processor's value addition, and distributor's value addition. Moreover, supplier's value addition is positively related to processor's value addition, and processor's value addition is positively related to distributor's value addition. Besides, distributor's value addition is positively related to retailer's value addition. [JEL Classification: M210].
Biofuel energy consumption‐economic growth relationship: an empirical investigation of Brazil
Authors: Al‐Mulali Usama , Solarin Sakiru Adebola , Ozturk Ilhan
Published: August 2016

This study investigates the influence of biofuel energy consumption on Brazil's economic growth during the period 1980–2012 by employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach and the vector error correction model (VECM) Granger causality. The results revealed two structural breaks during the early 1980s due to the Latin American debt crisis as well as the early 2000s due to the worries related to the increasing global spreads. Moreover, it was found that economic growth, biofuel energy consumption, capital, urbanization, and globalization are co‐integrated. Additionally, it was found that biofuel energy consumption, capital, urbanization, and globalization increase Brazil's economic growth in the short run and in the long run. However, the two structural breaks have a significant negative influence on economic growth. The vector error correction model Granger causality revealed a feedback causal relationship between all the variables (with the exception of capital). However, a unidirectional causality was concluded from capital to economic growth, biofuel energy consumption, urbanization, and globalization. From the results of this study, a number of policy implications were provided. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Towards reflexive ethnicity: Museums as sites of intercultural encounter
Authors: Walton Jessica , Paradies Yin , Mansouri Fethi
Published: August 2016

In a highly globalised world with increasing ethno‐nationalistic tensions and conflicts, the importance of intercultural education has never been greater. The challenge remains, however, as to whether educating for mutual respect and social cohesion can be achieved through traditional modes of schooling or whether additional approaches that are not necessarily school‐centric are required. Drawing on in‐depth qualitative data including video diaries, narrative interviews and focus groups with Australian secondary school students and semi‐structured interviews with teachers, this paper discusses such an endeavour in which a museum exhibition on identity and belonging is employed as an interactive space for meaningful encounter among students and as a form of professional learning that enlivened teaching practice. Using the concept of reflexive ethnicity, this paper examines whether cognitive and affective encounters outside the ‘school gate’ create opportunities for critical learning about ethnicity that can complement and enhance school curricula and classroom learning. More importantly, the paper explores how the possibility of building on such activities to create and sustain teaching practice can challenge entrenched static notions of ethnicity. The paper concludes that reflexive encounters with ‘difference’ within an interactive museum space can unsettle prejudice and provide a deeper and more meaningful understanding of ethnic identity that goes beyond rote classroom learning.
Preoperative navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with motor eloquent lesions with emphasis on metastasis
Authors: Hendrix Philipp , Senger Sebastian , Griessenauer Christoph J. , Simgen Andreas , Schwerdtfeger Karsten , Oertel Joachim
Published: August 2016

Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) is a frequently used, non‐invasive method to map the motor cortex. It is of great value in the preoperative workup of patients that suffer from motor eloquent brain lesions. Here, we present a single‐center experience using preoperative nTMS in cortical motor eloquent lesions with emphasis on metastasis. All patients that underwent preoperative nTMS between June 2013 and January 2016 were evaluated. A total of 61 patients underwent nTMS before undergoing surgery for a motor eloquent brain lesion. Patients suffered from cerebral metastasis (23), glioblastoma (16), high grade glioma WHO III (4), low grade glioma WHO II (4), lymphoma (2), meningioma (8), cavernous hemangioma (3), or arteriovenous malformation (1). Thirty patients (49.2%) presented with a preoperative motor deficit. One week after surgery, paresis had resolved or improved in 56.7% of the patients. Out of the patients with postoperative paresis, 89.5% experienced an improvement of motor status at follow‐up. All metastatic lesions were completely resected compared to 78.9% of non‐metastatic lesions (P = 0.02). Only 4.3% of patients with a metastatic lesion, but 26.3% of patients with a non‐metastatic lesion experienced deterioration of motor function after surgery (P = 0.04). Preoperative nTMS is suitable for mapping of a variety of motor eloquent brain lesions resulting in favorable neurological outcome. Particularly in metastatic motor eloquent lesion, motor function appears to be preserved after surgery. Clin. Anat. 29:925–931, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nickel‐Catalyzed C−H Chalcogenation of Anilines
Authors: Müller Thomas , Ackermann Lutz
Published: August 2016

The C−H thiolation of aniline derivatives was accomplished with a versatile nickel(II) catalyst under ligand‐free conditions. The robust nature of the nickel catalysis system was reflected by the C−H thiolation with a good functional group tolerance and an ample scope, employing anilines possessing removable directing groups. The widely applicable nickel catalyst also allowed for aniline C−H selenylations, while mechanistic studies provided strong support that the rate‐determining step is the C−H activation.
Influence of insurance status on survival of adults with glioblastoma multiforme: A population‐based study
Authors: Rong Xiaoming , Yang Wuyang , Garzon‐Muvdi Tomas , Caplan Justin M. , Hui Xuan , Lim Michael , Huang Judy
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

To the authors' knowledge, the impact of insurance status on the survival time of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has not been fully understood. The objective of the current study was to clarify the association between insurance status and survival of patients with GBM by analyzing population‐based data.

METHODS

The authors performed a cohort study using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. They included adult patients (aged ≥18 years) with GBM as their primary diagnosis from the years 2007 to 2012. Patients without information regarding insurance status were excluded. A survival analysis between insurance status and GBM‐related death was performed using an accelerated failure time model. Demographic and clinical variables were included to adjust for confounding effects.

RESULTS

Among the 13,665 adult patients in the study cohort, 558 (4.1%) were uninsured, 1516 (11.1%) had Medicaid coverage, and 11,591 (84.8%) had non‐Medicaid insurance. Compared with patients who were uninsured, insured patients were more likely to be older, female, white, married, and with a smaller tumor size at diagnosis. Accelerated failure time analysis demonstrated that older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; P<.001), male sex (HR, 1.08; P<.001), large tumor size at the time of diagnosis (HR, 1.26; P<.001), uninsured status (HR, 1.14; P =.018), and Medicaid insurance (HR, 1.10; P =.006) were independent risk factors for shorter survival among patients with GBM, whereas radiotherapy (HR, 0.40; P<.001) and married status (HR, 0.86; P<.001) indicated a better outcome. The authors discovered an overall yearly progressive improvement in survival in patients with non‐Medicaid insurance who were diagnosed from 2007 through 2011 (P =.015), but not in uninsured or Medicaid‐insured patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Variations existed in insurance status within the GBM population. Uninsured status and Medicaid insurance suggested shorter survival compared with non‐Medicaid insurance among a population of patients with GBM. Cancer 2016;122:3157–65. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Facile Synthesis of WS2 Nanosheets–Carbon Composites Anodes for Sodium and Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Junming , Shi Xiaodong , Fang Jing , Li Jie , Zhang Zhian
Published: August 2016

WS2 nanosheets–carbon composites (WS2/C) were synthesized through a simple two‐step process including ball‐milling and sulfidation. When applied as anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries and lithium‐ion batteries, WS2/C composites deliver a high reversible sodium storage capacity of 270 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and a high reversible lithium storage capacity of 322 mA h g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after 100 cycles. The improved electrochemical performance of WS2/C compared with the bare WS2 can be attributed to the synergic effects between WS2 and Super P carbon black matrix, which can offer a beneficial conductivity environment for electron transfer and accommodate stress from the volume change during cycling.
Variance Risk Premiums of Commodity ETFs
Authors: Tee Chyng Wen , Ting Christopher
Published: August 2016

We propose a model‐independent method to account for the early exercise premiums in American options on non‐dividend paying stocks. We find that our estimates of early exercise premium are generally larger than the estimates by existing methods. Given the American options on the Exchange‐Traded Funds (ETFs) of gold, silver, natural gas, and crude oil, we find strong empirical evidence of variance risk premiums for these commodities, over a volatility term structure up to 18 months. Furthermore, we show that volatility indexes constructed by using existing methods tend to overestimate the risk‐neutral variance, and consequently the magnitude of variance risk premium. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 37:452–472, 2017
Increasing discharge from the Mackenzie River system to the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Rood Stewart B. , Kaluthota Sobadini , Philipsen Laurens J. , Rood Neil J. , Zanewich Karen P.
Published: August 2016

The Mackenzie River, Canada's longest and largest river system, provides the greatest Western Hemisphere discharge to the Arctic Ocean. Recent reports of declining flows have prompted concern because (1) this influences Arctic Ocean salinity, stratification and polar ice; (2) a major tributary, the Peace River, has large hydroelectric projects, and further dams are proposed; and (3) the system includes the extensive and biodiverse Peace–Athabasca, Slave and Mackenzie deltas. To assess hydrological trends over the past century that could reflect climate change, we analysed historic patterns of river discharges. We expanded the data series by infilling for short gaps, calculating annual discharges from early summer‐only records (typical r2 > 0.9), coordinating data from sequential hydrometric gauges (requiring r2 > 0.8) and advancing the data to 2013. For trend detection, Pearson correlation provided similar outcomes to non‐parametric Kendall's τ and Spearman's ρ tests. There was no overall pattern for annual flows of the most southerly Athabasca River (1913–2013), while the adjacent, regulated Peace River displayed increasing flows (1916–2013, p < 0.05). These rivers combine to form the Slave River, which did not display an overall trend (1917–2013). The more northerly, free‐flowing Liard River is the largest tributary and displayed increasing annual flows (1944–2013, p < 0.01, ~3.5% per decade) because of increasing winter, spring, and summer flows, and annual maximum and minimum flows also increased. Following from the tributary contributions, the Mackenzie River flows gradually increased (Fort Simpson 1939–2013, p < 0.05, ~1.5% per decade), but the interannual patterns for the Liard and other rivers were correlated with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, complicating the pattern. This conclusion of increasing river flows to the Arctic Ocean contrasts with some prior reports, based on shorter time series. The observed flow increase is consistent with increasing discharges of the large Eurasian Arctic drainages, suggesting a common northern response to climate change. Analyses of historic trends are strengthened with lengthening records, and with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation influence, we recommend century‐long records for northern rivers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling evaporation processes in soils from the Huasco salt flat basin, Chile
Authors: Hernández‐López María Fernanda , Braud Isabelle , Gironás Jorge , Suárez Francisco , Muñoz José Francisco
Published: August 2016

The need to understand and simulate hydrological phenomena and their interactions, and the impact of anthropogenic and climate changes on natural environments have promoted the study of evaporation from bare soils in arid climates. In closed Altiplano basins, such as those encountered in arid and hyper arid basins in northern Chile, evaporation from shallow groundwater is the main source of aquifer depletion, and thus, its study is crucial for water resources management. The objective of this work is to understand the mechanisms of evaporation in saline soils with shallow water tables, in order to better quantify evaporation fluxes and improve our understanding of the water balance in these regions. To achieve this objective, a model that couples fluid flow with heat transfer was developed and calibrated using column experiments with saline soils from the Huasco salt flat basin, Chile. The model enables determination of both liquid and water vapour fluxes, as well as the location of the evaporation front. Experimental results showed that salt transport inside the soil profile modified the water retention curve, highlighting the importance of including salt transport when modelling the evaporation processes in these soils. Indeed, model simulations only agreed with the experimental data when the effect of salt transport on water retention curves was taken into account. Model results also showed that the evaporation front is closer to the soil surface as the water table depth reduces. Therefore, the model allows determining the groundwater level depth that results in disconnection of liquid fluxes in the vadose zone. A sensitivity analysis allowed understanding the effect of water‐flux enhancements mechanisms on soil evaporation. The results presented in this study are important as they allow quantifying the evaporation that occurs in bare soils from Altiplano basins, which is typically the main water discharge in these closed basins. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Going with the Electron Flow: Heme Electronic Structure and Electron Transfer in Cytochrome c
Authors: Bren Kara L.
Published: August 2016

Heme is an essential and functionally versatile cofactor. Our understanding of how the environment of a heme in a protein tunes its function has benefited from spectroscopic and functional investigations of heme proteins and their variants with altered heme environments. Two properties of current interest are the conformation of the heme and hydrogen bonding to heme propionates. By combining nuclear magnetic resonance experiments and density functional theory calculations, both of these characteristics have been shown to influence the distribution of the singly occupied molecular orbital on the heme of ferricytochrome c, which affects coupling to redox partners and electron‐transfer rates. In addition, heme conformation has been shown to tune reduction potential. These results reveal that subtle variations in heme conformation and in interactions with its propionates can have significant impacts on electron‐transfer activity.
EPR Spectroscopic Characterization of a Jahn‐Teller Distorted (C3v→Cs) Four‐Coordinate Chromium(V) Oxo Species
Authors: Stich Troy A. , Gagnon Derek M. , Anderson Bryce L. , Nocera Daniel G. , Britt R. David
Published: August 2016

Metal‐oxo coordination compounds have garnered significant interest over the years. The reactivity of the metal‐oxo bond is governed by the geometry, charge, spin state, and identity of the other ligands. In this report, we characterize a distorted C3v‐symmetric CrV‐oxo complex that has unique magnetic properties, compared with all other known chromyl species. Continuous wave and pulse electron paramagnetic resonance were used to measure the molecular g‐values and 53Cr and 17O hyperfine interactions. Analysis of density functional theory results and the g and hyperfine tensors, in the context of a crystallographically observed Jahn‐Teller distortion, suggests an electronic structure that results from the mixing of two sets of doubly degenerate orbital states. This mixing is only made possible by the approximate three‐fold symmetry of the ligand set.
Multi‐model CMIP5 and CORDEX simulations of historical summer temperature and precipitation variabilities over West Africa
Authors: Nikiema Pinghouinde Michel , Sylla Mouhamadou Bamba , Ogunjobi Kehinde , Kebe Ibourahima , Gibba Peter , Giorgi Filippo
Published: August 2016

The mean climatology, inter‐model variability and spatio‐temporal patterns of temperature and precipitation over West Africa from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5), CMIP5_SUBSET [ensemble of global climate models driving COordinated Regional climate Downscaling EXperiment (CORDEX)] and CORDEX multi‐model ensembles are evaluated and intercompared for the monsoon season (June–September). We find that, while CORDEX fails to outperform the simulated mean climatology of temperature by the CMIP5 ensembles, it substantially improves precipitation and provides more realistic fine‐scale features tied to local topography and landuse. This improved performance over the region is found to depend more on the internal models physics than the driving boundary conditions and results from a more consistent and realistic simulation of monsoon precipitation across the various regional climate models (RCMs). Rotated empirical orthogonal function (REOF) analysis indicates that the CORDEX ensemble captures better the spatio‐temporal variability of both temperature and precipitation (first REOF mode), in particular depicting the warming and Sahel precipitation recovery in recent decades over West Africa. On the other hand, the spatial patterns and associated time series of the last two REOF modes in CORDEX mostly follow the CMIP5_SUBSET pointing towards a strong role of the boundary forcing in the RCM simulation of precipitation variability.
Loss of MiR‐424‐3p, not miR‐424‐5p, confers chemoresistance through targeting YAP1 in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Meichun , Zeng Jun , Zhao Ziwen , Liu Zhaohui
Published: August 2016

MiR‐424 has been discovered to be involved in the chemoresistance of lung cancer. However, the underlying mechanism by which miR‐424 played role in chemoresistance has been unknown. Here, in our study, to investigate the role of miR‐424 in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we have detected the expression of miR‐424‐3p and ‐5p in NSCLC tissues and paired normal control. Moreover, to explore the role of miR‐424‐3p in NSCLC cells, miR‐424‐3p and ‐5p were both re‐expressed and knocked down using transient transfection with their respective mimics and inhibitors. Cell viability, migration, and invasion were evaluated using MTT, wound‐healing and Transwell assays, respectively. It was found that down‐regulation of miR‐424‐3p was pronouncedly associated with NSCLC progression and overall prognosis; and that both miR‐424‐3p and ‐5p were markedly capable of preventing the proliferation, migration, and invasion in NSCLC cells. Additionally, it is miR‐424‐3p but not miR‐424‐5p that enhances the chemo‐sensitivity of NSCLC cells through targeting YAP1. Mechanistically, YAP1 was identified as down‐stream target of miR‐424‐3p. Together, it was for the first time in our study found that it is loss of miR‐424‐3p not miR‐424‐5p that enables chemoresistance through targeting YAP1 in NSCLC, supporting that miR‐424‐3p could be used as therapeutic target in the curing of NSCLC with chemoresistance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the new solutions of the generalized Burgers–Huxley equation
Authors: Wang Qinlong , Guo Xiufeng , Lu Liang
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we investigate a class of generalized Burgers–Huxley equation by employing the bifurcation method of planar dynamical systems. Firstly, we reduce the equation to a planar system via the traveling wave solution ansatz; then by computing the singular point quantities, we obtain the conditions of integrability and determine the existence of one stable limit cycle from Hopf bifurcation in the corresponding planar system. From this, some new exact solutions and a special periodic traveling wave solution, which is isolated as a limit, are obtained. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probiotics, gut microbiota, and their influence on host health and disease
Authors: Sánchez Borja , Delgado Susana , Blanco‐Míguez Aitor , Lourenço Anália , Gueimonde Miguel , Margolles Abelardo
Published: August 2016

The gastrointestinal tract of mammals hosts a high and diverse number of different microorganisms, known as intestinal microbiota. Many probiotics were originally isolated from the gastrointestinal tract, and they were defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/WHO as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.” Probiotics exert their beneficial effects on the host through four main mechanisms: interference with potential pathogens, improvement of barrier function, immunomodulation and production of neurotransmitters, and their host targets vary from the resident microbiota to cellular components of the gut–brain axis. However, in spite of the wide array of beneficial mechanisms deployed by probiotic bacteria, relatively few effects have been supported by clinical data. In this regard, different probiotic strains have been effective in antibiotic‐associated diarrhea or inflammatory bowel disease for instance. The aim of this review was to compile the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of probiotics, mainly through their interaction with the intestinal microbiota and with the intestinal mucosa. The specific benefits discussed in this paper include among others those elicited directly through dietary modulation of the human gut microbiota.
Cardiopulmonary dysfunction in patients with limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy 2A
Authors: Mori‐Yoshimura Madoka , Segawa Kazuhiko , Minami Narihiro , Oya Yasushi , Komaki Hirohumi , Nonaka Ikuya , Nishino Ichizo , Murata Miho
Published: August 2016

Introduction: Little is known about the frequency of cardiopulmonary failure in limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A (calpainopathy) patients, although some studies have reported severe cardiomyopathy or respiratory failure. Methods: To clarify the frequency of cardiopulmonary dysfunction in this patient population, we retrospectively reviewed the respiratory and cardiac function of 43 patients with calpainopathy. Results: Nine of the 43 patients had forced vital capacity (FVC) < 80%, and 3 used noninvasive positive pressure ventilation. Mean FVC was significantly lower in patients who were nonambulant and had normal creatine kinase levels. Only 1 patient had a prolonged QRS complex duration. Echocardiography revealed that 1 patient had very mild left ventricular dysfunction. Conclusions: These findings suggest that patients with calpainopathy may develop severe respiratory failure, but cardiac dysfunction is infrequent. Muscle Nerve 55: 465–469, 2017
Comparative Review of Approved Melatonin Agonists for the Treatment of Circadian Rhythm Sleep‐Wake Disorders
Authors: Williams Wilbur P. (Trey) , McLin Dewey E. , Dressman Marlene A. , Neubauer David N.
Published: August 2016

Circadian rhythm sleep‐wake disorders (CRSWDs) are characterized by persistent or recurrent patterns of sleep disturbance related primarily to alterations of the circadian rhythm system or the misalignment between the endogenous circadian rhythm and exogenous factors that affect the timing or duration of sleep. These disorders collectively represent a significant unmet medical need, with a total prevalence in the millions, a substantial negative impact on quality of life, and a lack of studied treatments for most of these disorders. Activation of the endogenous melatonin receptors appears to play an important role in setting the circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. Therefore, melatonin agonists, which may be able to shift and/or stabilize the circadian phase, have been identified as potential therapeutic candidates for the treatment of CRSWDs. Currently, only one melatonin receptor agonist, tasimelteon, is approved for the treatment of a CRSWD: non–24‐hour sleep‐wake disorder (or non‐24). However, three additional commercially available melatonin receptor agonists—agomelatine, prolonged‐release melatonin, and ramelteon—have been investigated for potential use for treatment of CRSWDs. Data indicate that these melatonin receptor agonists have distinct pharmacologic profiles that may help clarify their clinical use in CRSWDs. We review the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of these melatonin agonists and summarize their efficacy profiles when used for the treatment of CRSWDs. Further studies are needed to determine the therapeutic potential of these melatonin agonists for most CRSWDs.
Recent Advances (2008–2015) in the Study of Ground Ice and Cryostratigraphy
Authors: Gilbert Graham L. , Kanevskiy Mikhail , Murton Julian B.
Published: August 2016

Cryostratigraphy involves the description, interpretation and correlation of ground‐ice structures (cryostructures) and their relationship to the host deposits. Recent advances in the study of ground ice and cryostratigraphy concern permafrost aggradation and degradation, massive‐ice formation and evaluation of ground‐ice content. Field studies have increased our knowledge of cryostructures and massive ground ice in epigenetic and syngenetic permafrost. Epigenetic permafrost deposits are relatively ice‐poor and composed primarily of pore‐filled cryostructures, apart from an ice‐enriched upper section and intermediate layer. Syngenetic permafrost deposits are commonly identified from cryostructures indicative of an aggrading permafrost table and are characterised by a high ice content, ice‐rich cryofacies and nested wedge ice. Degradation of ice‐rich permafrost can be marked by thaw unconformities, truncated buried ice wedges, ice‐wedge pseudomorphs and organic‐rich ‘forest beds’. Studies of massive ground ice have focused on wedge ice, thermokarst‐cave ice, intrusive ice and buried ice. Significant advances have been made in methods for differentiating between tabular massive‐ice bodies of glacier and intrasedimental origin. Recent studies have utilised palynology, isotope geochemistry and hydrochemistry, in addition to sedimentary and cryostratigraphic analyses. The application of remote sensing techniques and laboratory methods such as computed tomography scanning has improved estimations of the ice content of frozen sediments. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating Workplace Mandates with Flows Versus Stocks: An Application to California Paid Family Leave
Authors: Mark Curtis E. , Hirsch Barry T. , Schroeder Mary C.
Published: August 2016

Employer mandates typically have small effects on wages and employment. Such effects should be most evident using data on employment transitions and wages among new hires. Quarterly Workforce Indicators (QWI) provides county by quarter by demographic group data on the number and earnings of new hires, separations, and recalls (extended leaves). The QWI is used to examine the effects of California's 2004 paid family leave (CPFL) program, comparing outcomes for young women in California to those for other workers within and outside of California. CPFL had little effect on earnings for young women, but increased separations, hiring, and worker mobility.
Pancreatic Duct Holder and Mucosa Squeeze‐out Technique for Duct‐to‐Mucosa Pancreatojejunostomy After Pancreatoduodenectomy: Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Sugiyama Masanori , Suzuki Yutaka , Nakazato Tetsuya , Yokoyama Masaaki , Kogure Masaharu , Abe Nobutsugu
Published: August 2016

Background

Duct‐to‐mucosa pancreatojejunostomy after pancreatoduodenectomy can be technically difficult, particularly in cases with a non‐dilated pancreatic duct. We devised a novel procedure employing a pancreatic duct holder and mucosa squeeze‐out technique facilitating duct‐to‐mucosa anastomosis. We compared the perioperative outcomes of pancreatoduodenectomy with duct‐to‐mucosa pancreatojejunostomy between the novel and conventional procedures.

Methods

Our pancreatic holder has a cone‐shaped tip with a slit. The holder can expand the pancreatic duct and provides a good surgical field for anastomosis. A small incision for anastomosis is made on the jejunum, while the jejunum is grasped around the incision. Then, the jejunal mucosa becomes squeezed‐out and everted. This mucosa squeeze‐out technique facilitates suturing the full thickness of the jejunum. Propensity score matching yielded 113 cases each undergoing the novel and the conventional procedure, among 308 cases receiving pancreatoduodenectomy with duct‐to‐mucosa pancreatojejunostomy.

Results

The overall morbidity rate was significantly lower in the novel procedure group. The pancreatic fistula (ISGPF grade B/C) rate was significantly lower in the novel (5 %) than in the conventional (13 %) procedure group. For cases with a non‐dilated pancreatic duct (≤3 mm), the rate was significantly lower in the novel (10 %) than in the conventional procedure group (24 %). Multivariate analysis identified a non‐dilated pancreatic duct, soft pancreas, and the conventional procedure as factors independently predicting the complication of pancreatic fistula formation.

Conclusions

Our novel procedure facilitates duct‐to‐mucosa pancreatojejunostomy and decreases the pancreatic fistula rate. This procedure is simple, rational, and useful for achieving anastomosis, particularly in cases with a non‐dilated pancreatic duct.
Nipple Preservation in Breast Cancer Associated with Nipple Discharge
Authors: Chang Rita Y. K. , Cheung Polly S. Y.
Published: August 2016

Background

Breast carcinoma presented with nipple discharge is a rare condition. There is theoretical concern about preserving nipple in these patients since the risk of nipple–areolar complex involvement may be greater, but not many studies in the literature have addressed on this issue. The aim of the current study was to determine the incidence and outcome of nipple preservation in breast cancer associated with nipple discharge.

Methods

Medical records of patients who were diagnosed to have breast carcinoma and presented with nipple discharge from May 2009 to October 2014 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Sixty patients presented with nipple discharge were diagnosed with breast cancer, which represent 3.8 % of all patients who underwent breast cancer surgery in our unit during the study period. Forty‐six patients (76.7 %) had nipple discharge as their only symptom, while the rest also presented with breast mass clinically or radiologically. All patients had mammogram and ultrasound performed, and 53.3 and 63.3 % respectively showed suspicious findings. Forty‐one out of 46 (89.1 %) nipple discharge cytology were inadequate or benign. Thirty‐two microdochectomy were performed. Routine frozen section was utilized intra‐operatively to ensure clear margins. The most common histology was ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) (n = 29, 48.3 %), followed by DCIS with invasive ductal carcinoma (n = 23, 38.3 %). Regarding treatment, 26 patients (43.3 %) had nipple preserved, including 21 breast conservative surgery and five nipple‐sparing mastectomies. Overall, no local or systemic recurrence was observed at a median follow‐up of 27 months. Ten out of 34 (29.4 %) mastectomy specimens showed NAC involvement on pathology. By comparing patients with NAC preserved to patients with NAC removed, no significant preoperative predictors were identified.

Conclusion

Breast carcinoma patients who present with nipple discharge usually have early‐stage cancer. Presence of nipple discharge is not equivalent to NAC involvement. Nipple preservation can be oncologically safe if negative margins are ascertained.
ISLAMIC LAW AND ELDER CARE IN THE CENTRAL ASIAN EDGEN SYSTEM
Authors: Abdugafurov Rahimjon , Moran Beverly
Published: August 2016

There is no uniform Islamic law of elder care. Instead, the Qur’ān and Hadith, the fundamental building blocks of Islamic law, create general obligations to support aged parents that each Islamic society must specifically produce in practice. Before Islam swept Central Asia, nomads developed an elder-care tradition that thrives to this day in the former Soviet States of Kazakhstan (population 17 million), Kyrgyzstan (5.7 million), Tajikistan (8 million), Turkmenistan (5.2 million), and Uzbekistan (30 million). In many instances, Islamic law inclines toward adopting local customs and traditions so long as these practices do not conflict with fundamental Islamic law principles. Islamic law's openness to local influence is stymied in the Central Asian example because the edgen system that undergirds Central Asian elder care directly conflicts with the Islamic law of inheritance allotments. This article explains the edgen system and how it conflicts with Islamic law. A prominent contemporary Central Asian Islamic scholar's legal opinions illustrate a device in Islamic law called ḥiylah, or a legal ruse. Through this ruse, Central Asian families are able to maintain traditional elder care practices while also complying with Islamic law. Nevertheless, as the article concludes, the Central Asian elder-care system is based on unpaid female labor and female disinheritance. Female inheritance is a central feature of Islamic law. Yet, the edgen tradition puts women at a disadvantage in terms of labor and inheritance that Islamic law seeks to avoid.