bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Osteocalcin is inversely associated with glucose levels in middle‐aged Tibetan men with different degrees of glucose tolerance
Authors: Chen Xiang , Wu Yunhong , Liu Lin , Tian Haoming , Yu Xijie 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundResearch on the characteristics and mechanisms of diabetes in Tibetans is scant. Especially, there is no study on the relationship between osteocalcin and glucose metabolism. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations of serum total osteocalcin (tOC) and undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) with glucose and lipid metabolism in Chinese indigenous Tibetans with different degrees of glucose tolerance.MethodsIn this study, 160 middle‐aged Tibetan men were involved, including 46 subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 52 subjects with impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and 62 subjects with type 2 diabetes. The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) parameters, including HOMA‐IR and HOMA‐B, were used to estimate insulin resistance and β‐cell function, respectively. Adiponectin, leptin, testosterone, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D, tOC and ucOC were measured using ELISA kits.ResultsAfter adjustment for age and body mass index, plasma tOC level was correlated negatively with fasting and 30‐min post‐OGTT glucose, HOMA‐IR, leptin and testosterone; plasma ucOC level was correlated negatively with 30‐min post‐OGTT glucose, total cholesterol and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D; ucOC : tOC was correlated positively with leptin. The negative association between HOMA‐IR and tOC remained significant after correcting for adiponectin; however, the association disappeared after correcting for leptin. HOMA‐IR was correlated negatively with age, adiponectin and tOC, and positively with total cholesterol, triglyceride and leptin. Stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that total cholesterol, leptin and adiponectin were independent predictors for HOMA‐IR in all subjects.ConclusionsOur data support a link between osteocalcin and glucose metabolism in middle‐aged Tibetan men. The improved glucose tolerance exerted by tOC may be related to improved insulin sensitivity rather than improved β‐cell function. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomarker discovery study design for type 1 diabetes in The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study
Authors: Lee Hye‐Seung , Burkhardt Brant R. , McLeod Wendy , Smith Susan , Eberhard Chris , Lynch Kristian , Hadley David , Rewers Marian , Simell Olli , She Jin‐Xiong , Hagopian Bill , Lernmark Ake , Akolkar Beena , Ziegler Anette G. , Krischer Jeffrey P. ,   The TEDDY study group
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimsThe Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young planned biomarker discovery studies on longitudinal samples for persistent confirmed islet cell autoantibodies and type 1 diabetes using dietary biomarkers, metabolomics, microbiome/viral metagenomics and gene expression.MethodsThis article describes the details of planning The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young biomarker discovery studies using a nested case–control design that was chosen as an alternative to the full cohort analysis. In the frame of a nested case–control design, it guides the choice of matching factors, selection of controls, preparation of external quality control samples and reduction of batch effects along with proper sample allocation.Results and conclusionOur design is to reduce potential bias and retain study power while reducing the costs by limiting the numbers of samples requiring laboratory analyses. It also covers two primary end points (the occurrence of diabetes‐related autoantibodies and the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes). The resulting list of case–control matched samples for each laboratory was augmented with external quality control samples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Host‐plant genotypic diversity and community genetic interactions mediate aphid spatial distribution
Authors: Zytynska Sharon E. , Frantz Laurent , Hurst Ben , Johnson Andrew , Preziosi Richard F. , Rowntree Jennifer K. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractGenetic variation in plants can influence the community structure of associated species, through both direct and indirect interactions. Herbivorous insects are known to feed on a restricted range of plants, and herbivore preference and performance can vary among host plants within a species due to genetically based traits of the plant (e.g., defensive compounds). In a natural system, we expect to find genetic variation within both plant and herbivore communities and we expect this variation to influence species interactions. Using a three‐species plant‐aphid model system, we investigated the effect of genetic diversity on genetic interactions among the community members. Our system involved a host plant (Hordeum vulgare) that was shared by an aphid (Sitobion avenae) and a hemi‐parasitic plant (Rhinanthus minor). We showed that aphids cluster more tightly in a genetically diverse host‐plant community than in a genetic monoculture, with host‐plant genetic diversity explaining up to 24% of the variation in aphid distribution. This is driven by differing preferences of the aphids to the different plant genotypes and their resulting performance on these plants. Within the two host‐plant diversity levels, aphid spatial distribution was influenced by an interaction among the aphid's own genotype, the genotype of a competing aphid, the origin of the parasitic plant population, and the host‐plant genotype. Thus, the overall outcome involves both direct (i.e., host plant to aphid) and indirect (i.e., parasitic plant to aphid) interactions across all these species. These results show that a complex genetic environment influences the distribution of herbivores among host plants. Thus, in genetically diverse systems, interspecific genetic interactions between the host plant and herbivore can influence the population dynamics of the system and could also structure local communities. We suggest that direct and indirect genotypic interactions among species can influence community structure and processes.
A Viable Route for Lithium Ion Detection
Authors: Gulino Antonino , Lupo Fabio , Cristaldi Domenico A. , Pappalardo Sebastiano , Capici Calogero , Gattuso Giuseppe , Notti Anna , Parisi Melchiorre F. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractQuartz substrates were first functionalized with 4‐ClCH2C6H4SiCl3 and then allowed to react with 5‐(4′‐pyridylazo)‐25,26,27‐tris(ethoxycarbonylmethoxy)‐28‐hydroxycalix[4]arene in a covalent fashion to yield a hybrid material with an immobilized monolayer of a chromogenic sensing agent. The structural characterization of this ionophore monolayer on silica surfaces was performed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This technique was also used together with UV/Vis spectroscopy to investigate the ionophoric properties of the monolayer, which was found to reversibly recognize and bind lithium ions at ppm levels even in the presence (in a comparable concentration) of highly competitive cations such as Na+. Overall, our procedure shows that a single‐molecule property can be successfully transferred to a solid‐state device.
Synthesis of γ,δ‐Aziridino α‐Amino Acid Derivatives and their Stereoselective Ring Transformation to 2‐(Aminomethyl)‐1‐aminocyclopropanecarboxylic Acid Derivatives
Authors: De Brabandere Stijn , Mangelinckx Sven , Kadam Santosh T. , Nural Yahya , Augustyns Koen , Van der Veken Pieter , Törnroos Karl W. , De Kimpe Norbert 
Published: December 2013

Abstract1‐Benzyl‐2‐(bromomethyl)aziridine was successfully substituted with protected glycine esters to afford alkyl 3‐(N‐benzylaziridin‐2‐yl)‐2‐aminopropanoates, as constrained heterocyclic diamino acid derivatives, in good isolated yields. These new aziridines proved to be excellent building blocks for ring transformation to the corresponding stereochemically defined 2‐(aminomethyl)‐1‐aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid derivatives, including methyl esters, piperidyl amides, and free carboxylic acids.
A Route to Cyclooct‐2‐ynol and Its Functionalization by Mitsunobu Chemistry
Authors: Hagendorn Tobias , Bräse Stefan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractA new silver‐free synthesis for cyclooctynol is introduced. The obtained alcohol was further functionalized by a Mitsunobu reaction to give an assortment of imide and phenol derivatives. It was also possible to further functionalize the cyclooctyne by treatment with a fluorescein dye. As an interesting application, we used a cyclooctyne‐maleimide conjugate as an azide‐thiol crosslinker.
Improving the Rate of Silver Nanoparticle Adhesion to ‘Sticky Electrodes’: Stick and Strip Experiments at a DMSA‐Modified Gold Electrode
Authors: Stuart Emma J. E. , Tschulik Kristina , Ellison Joanna , Compton Richard G. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe immobilisation of nanoparticles from solution at a solid surface followed by anodic stripping voltammetry is a simple technique allowing the analysis of nanoparticle concentrations and identity. We report that the modification of gold electrodes with meso‐2,3‐dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) shows a useful increase in the adsorption rate of silver nanoparticles on a gold substrate showing that the chemical modification of the electrode is analytically advantageous.
Electrochemical Detection of Glutathione Using a Poly(caffeic acid) Nanocarbon Composite Modified Electrode
Authors: Lee P. T. , Ward K. R. , Tschulik K. , Chapman G. , Compton R. G. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractA modified glassy carbon electrode was prepared through electropolymerization of caffeic acid in the presence of either carbon nanotubes or nano‐carbon drop cast onto the electrode surface. The voltammetric behaviour of the electrode was characterized using the ortho‐quinone moiety on the caffeic acid unit and the surface loading optimized for current response. The nanocomposite mediated electrode was used for the sensitive detection of glutathione at concentrations as low as 500 nM.
Detection of Oxidative Damage of Synthetic Oligonucleotides Caused by Thallium(III) Complexes
Authors: Nowicka Anna M. , Krasnodebska‐Ostrega Beata , Wrzosek Beata , Jastrzebska Magdalena , Sadowska Monika , Mackiewicz Marcin , Stojek Zbigniew 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBiologically important short sequences of DNA were treated with Tl(III) complexes. The chloride complex releases the Tl(III) cation and therefore oxidizes DNA components and at concentrations higher than 50 nM cuts the strands. The cuts are well seen in the EQCM plots. The change in the strand structure is well seen at CD and UV‐Vis spectra. The chelate complexes of Tl(III) do not damage the DNA strands. The SERS spectra were particularly useful in demonstration of the chemical changes and orientation vs. the surface changes of particular groups in the strands after interaction with TlCl4−.
Microparticle alpha‐2‐macroglobulin enhances pro‐resolving responses and promotes survival in sepsis
Authors: Dalli Jesmond , Norling Lucy V , Montero‐Melendez Trinidad , Canova Donata Federici , Lashin Hazem , Pavlov Anton M , Sukhorukov Gleb B , Hinds Charles J , Perretti Mauro 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIncorporation of locally produced signaling molecules into cell‐derived vesicles may serve as an endogenous mediator delivery system. We recently reported that levels alpha‐2‐macroglobulin (A2MG)‐containing microparticles are elevated in plasma from patients with sepsis. Herein, we investigated the immunomodulatory actions of A2MG containing microparticles during sepsis. Administration of A2MG‐enriched (A2MG‐E)‐microparticles to mice with microbial sepsis protected against hypothermia, reduced bacterial titers, elevated immunoresolvent lipid mediator levels in inflammatory exudates and reduced systemic inflammation. A2MG‐E microparticles also enhanced survival in murine sepsis, an action lost in mice transfected with siRNA for LRP1, a putative A2MG receptor. In vitro, A2MG was functionally transferred onto endothelial cell plasma membranes from microparticles, augmenting neutrophil–endothelial adhesion. A2MG also modulated human leukocyte responses: enhanced bacterial phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species production, cathelicidin release, prevented endotoxin induced CXCR2 downregulation and preserved neutrophil chemotaxis in the presence of LPS. A significant association was also found between elevated plasma levels of A2MG‐containing microparticles and survival in human sepsis patients. Taken together, these results identify A2MG enrichment in microparticles as an important host protective mechanism in sepsis.
Ultrathin Surface Modification by Atomic Layer Deposition on High Voltage Cathode LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Fang Xin , Ge Mingyuan , Rong Jiepeng , Che Yuchi , Aroonyadet Noppadol , Wang Xiaoli , Liu Yihang , Zhang Anyi , Zhou Chongwu 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAtomic layer deposition (ALD) has been used to modify the surface of the high‐voltage cathode LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 by coating ultrathin Al2O3 layers on the electrodes. The ultrathin layer can suppress the undesirable reactions during cycling while retaining the electron and ion conductivity of the electrode. The Al2O3‐coated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 showed remarkable improvement over bare LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4. After 200 cycles, the Al2O3‐coated cathode showed 91 % capacity retention whereas the bare LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 can only maintain 75 % under the same testing conditions. In addition, the Al2O3‐coated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 retained 63 % of its capacity 900 cycles. At an elevated temperature of 55 °C, the Al2O3‐coated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 still delivered 116 mAh g−1 at the 100th cycle; in comparison, the capacity for bare LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 decreased to 98 mAh g−1. According to the results from charge/discharge and AC impedance experiments, the improvement is ascribed to the reduced overpotential and Li ion surface diffusion impedance. The promising results demonstrate the potential of developing high‐energy lithium ion batteries with a long cycle life by using a highly scalable preparation method for LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 and the broadly applicable ALD process.
TrematodeHimasthla elongata marinerelement (Hemar): Structure and applications
Authors: Galaktionov Nick K. , Solovyeva Anna I. , Fedorov Anton V. , Podgornaya Olga I. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe cloned and analyzedHemar1—the full‐lengthmarinerofHimasthla elongata.Hemar1amount and distribution in the genome is typical for the transposable elements.Hemar1closest relatives found in databases are the mariner‐like element (MLE) ofGirardia tigrinawith 88% similarity in the most conserved transposase domain andCemar1ofCaenorhabditis eleganswith the most similar inverted terminal repeats.Hydra's (Cnidaria) MLE are the next in similarity to Hemar1. We checked whether sequences similar toHemar1exist in intermediate and definitive hosts of the parasitic trematode and did not find obvious similarity. This fact, together with the data ofHemar1evolutionary position, argues against recent MLE‐mediated horizontal transfer in this parasite–host model. Our results demonstrate thatH. elongatagenerates genomic variability in asexual parthenogenetic generations within the snail. Transposon insertional display based on full‐length sequence showed thatHemar1could be located in the regions involved in generating clonal diversity in rediae and cercariae, that is, trematode parthenitae.J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 322B: 142–155, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emotional Intelligence and Creativity: The Mediating Role of Generosity and Vigor
Authors: Carmeli Abraham , McKay Alexander S. , Kaufman James C. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis study examines whether and why emotional intelligence may result in enhanced creativity in the workplace. Using a time‐lagged data set collected from employees in three firms, we examined a mediation model where emotional intelligence is indirectly related to creativity serially, through generosity and vigor. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) indicate a sequential mediation model where emotionally intelligent employees display a high level of generosity; these acts of generosity nurture a sense of vigor, which in turn fosters creative behaviors. We discuss the implications for research on emotional intelligence, generosity, vigor, and creativity.
Influence of cracks on the local current–voltage parameters of silicon solar cells
Authors: Pletzer Tobias M. , van Mölken Justus I. , Rißland Sven , Breitenstein Otwin , Knoch Joachim 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe existence of cracks in silicon solar cells can drastically reduce the electrical performance of an individual cell and even of an entire photovoltaic module. An in‐depth understanding of the influence of cracks on solar cells enables therefore calculations of the crack impact and other following effects on module level. This paper shows a detailed analysis of the electrical influence of cracks with two different spatially resolved methods including global and local current–voltage characteristics. The main influence of cracks is an increased recombination current density in the depletion region, which is clearly shown by spatially resolved dark lock‐in thermography measurements with local current–voltage investigation. This increased recombination current density affects further cell parameters such as the efficiency, which is confirmed also by the global current–voltage characteristics. The additionally used ratio image technique based on electroluminescence measurements is in comparison with the local current–voltage method, the more reliable and faster method for the crack detection itself, and allows on cell‐level and module‐level a continuous inspection of cracks. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discovery and identification of serum potential biomarkers for pulmonary tuberculosis using iTRAQ‐coupled two‐dimensional LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Xu Dan‐Dan , Deng Dan‐Feng , Li Xiang , Wei Li‐Liang , Li Yan‐Yuan , Yang Xiu‐Yun , Yu Wei , Wang Chong , Jiang Ting‐Ting , Li Zhong‐Jie , Chen Zhong‐Liang , Zhang Xing , Liu Ji‐Yan , Ping Ze‐Peng , Qiu Yun‐Qing , Li Ji‐Cheng 
Published: December 2013

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a chronic disease. Currently, there are no sufficiently validated biomarkers for early diagnosis of TB infection. In this study, a panel of potential serum biomarkers was identified between patients with pulmonary TB and healthy controls by using iTRAQ‐coupled 2D LC‐MS/MS technique. Among 100 differentially expressed proteins screened, 45 proteins were upregulated (>1.25‐fold at p < 0.05) and 55 proteins were downregulated (<0.8‐fold at p < 0.05) in the TB serum. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins were related to the response to stimulus, the metabolic and immune system processes. The significantly differential expression of apolipoprotein CII (APOCII), CD5 antigen‐like (CD5L), hyaluronan‐binding protein 2 (HABP2), and retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) was further confirmed using immunoblotting and ELISA analysis. By forward stepwise multivariate regression analysis, a panel of serum biomarkers including APOCII, CD5L, and RBP4 was obtained to form the disease diagnostic model. The receiver operation characteristic curve of the diagnostic model was 0.98 (sensitivity = 93.42%, specificity = 92.86%). In conclusion, APOCII, CD5L, HABP2, and RBP4 may be potential protein biomarkers of pulmonary TB. Our research provides useful data for early diagnosis of TB.
Antitumor activity of (R,R’)‐4‐methoxy‐1‐naphthylfenoterol in a rat C6 glioma xenograft model in the mouse
Authors: Bernier Michel , Paul Rajib K. , Dossou Katina S. S. , Wnorowski Artur , Ramamoorthy Anuradha , Paris Arnaud , Moaddel Ruin , Cloix Jean‐François , Wainer Irving W. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract(R,R’)‐4‐methoxy‐1‐naphthylfenoterol (MNF) inhibits cancer cell proliferation in vitro through cell‐type specific modulation of β2‐adrenergic receptor and/or cannabinoid receptor function. Here, we report an investigation into antitumor activity of MNF in rat C6 glioma cells. The potent antiproliferative action of MNF in these cells (IC50 of ~1 nmol/L) was refractory to pharmacological inhibition of β2‐adrenergic receptor while a synthetic inverse agonist of cannabinoid receptor 1 significantly blocked MNF activity. The antitumor activity of MNF was then assessed in a C6 glioblastoma xenograft model in mice. Three days after subcutaneous implantation of C6 cells into the lower flank of nude mice, these animals were subjected to i.p. injections of saline or MNF (2 mg/kg) for 19 days and tumor volumes were measured over the course of the experiment. Gene expression analysis, quantitative RT‐PCR and immunoblot assays were performed on the tumors after treatment. Significant reduction in mean tumor volumes was observed in mice receiving MNF when compared with the saline‐treated group. We identified clusters in expression of genes involved in cellular proliferation, as well as molecular markers for glioblastoma that were significantly downregulated in tumors of MNF‐treated mice as compared to saline‐injected controls. The efficacy of MNF against C6 glioma cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro was accompanied by marked reduction in the expression of cell cycle regulator proteins. This study is the first demonstration of MNF‐dependent chemoprevention of a glioblastoma xenograft model and may offer a potential mechanism for its anticancer action in vivo.
The social brain and reward: social information processing in the human striatum
Authors: Bhanji Jamil P. , Delgado Mauricio R. 
Published: December 2013

In the highly social life of humans, rewards that are sought and experienced are intertwined with social relationships and interactions between people. Just as we value nonsocial rewards such as food or money, we also value social outcomes (e.g., praise from a superior). We use social information to evaluate and form expectations of others and to make decisions involving others. Here we review research demonstrating how the neural circuitry of reward, particularly the striatum, is also involved in processing social information and making decisions in social situations. This research provides an understanding of the neural basis for social behavior from the perspective of how we evaluate social experiences and how our social interactions and decisions are motivated. We review research addressing the common neural systems underlying evaluation of social and nonsocial rewards. The human striatum, known to play a key role in reward processing, displays signals related to a broad spectrum of social functioning, including evaluating social rewards, making decisions influenced by social factors, learning about social others, cooperating, competing, and following social norms. WIREs Cogn Sci 2014, 5:61–73. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1266This article is categorized under:

Neuroscience > Cognition
Recent advances in genome mining of secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters and the development of heterologous expression systems in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Yaegashi Junko , Oakley Berl R , Wang Clay C C 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Fungi are prolific producers of secondary metabolites (SMs) that show a variety of biological activities. Recent advances in genome sequencing have shown that fungal genomes harbor far more SM gene clusters than are expressed under conventional laboratory conditions. Activation of these “silent” gene clusters is a major challenge, and many approaches have been taken to attempt to activate them and, thus, unlock the vast treasure chest of fungal SMs. This review will cover recent advances in genome mining of SMs in Aspergillus nidulans. We will also discuss current updates in gene annotation of A. nidulans and recent developments in A. nidulans as a molecular genetic system, both of which are essential for rapid and efficient experimental verification of SM gene clusters on a genome-wide scale. Finally, we will describe advances in the use of A. nidulans as a heterologous expression system to aid in the analysis of SM gene clusters from other fungal species that do not have an established molecular genetic system.