bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bootstrap rank tests for trend in time series
Authors: Cabilio P. , Zhang Y. , Chen X.
Published: December 2013

The Mann–Kendall (MK) test is a popular test for monotonic trend when the observations are independent, but its null distribution properties under independence do not apply to the situation where the observations are dependent. We provide block and sieve bootstrap methods for approximating the null distribution of MK in such a situation. In the case of the block bootstrap, when the observations follow a weakly dependentβ mixingprocess, such an approximation is based on the determination that MK and its block bootstrap counterpart are asymptotically normal. In addition, we note that sieve methods are applicable to a statistic that is asymptotically equivalent to MK. Simulations are conducted to compare the significance levels achieved by both block and sieve bootstrap methods for various models. An effective procedure is proposed for testing for trend when the form of the underlying process is unknown. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comprehensive metagenomic analysis of glioblastoma reveals absence of known virus despite antiviral‐like type I interferon gene response
Authors: Cosset Érika , Petty Tom J. , Dutoit Valérie , Cordey Samuel , Padioleau Ismael , Otten‐Hernandez Patricia , Farinelli Laurent , Kaiser Laurent , Bruyère‐Cerdan Pascale , Tirefort Diderik , Amar El‐Dusouqui Soraya , Nayernia Zeynab , Krause Karl‐Heinz , Zdobnov Evgeny M. , Dietrich Pierre‐Yves , Rigal Emmanuel , Preynat‐Seauve Olivier
Published: December 2013

Glioblastoma is a deadly malignant brain tumor and one of the most incurable forms of cancer in need of new therapeutic targets. As some cancers are known to be caused by a virus, the discovery of viruses could open the possibility to treat, and perhaps prevent, such a disease. Although an association with viruses such as cytomegalovirus or Simian virus 40 has been strongly suggested, involvement of these and other viruses in the initiation and/or propagation of glioblastoma remains vague, controversial and warrants elucidation. To exhaustively address the association of virus and glioblastoma, we developed and validated a robust metagenomic approach to analyze patient biopsies via high‐throughput sequencing, a sensitive tool for virus screening. In addition to traditional clinical diagnostics, glioblastoma biopsies were deep‐sequenced and analyzed with a multistage computational pipeline to identify known or potentially discover unknown viruses. In contrast to the studies reporting the presence of viral signatures in glioblastoma, no common or recurring active viruses were detected, despite finding an antiviral‐like type I interferon response in some specimens. Our findings highlight a discrete and non‐specific viral signature and uncharacterized short RNA sequences in glioblastoma. This study provides new insights into glioblastoma pathogenesis and defines a general methodology that can be used for high‐resolution virus screening and discovery in human cancers.
Anticoagulant medication at time of needle biopsy for breast cancer in relation to risk of lymph node metastasis
Authors: Ljung Rickard , Sennerstam Roland , Mattsson Fredrik , Auer Gert , Lagergren Jesper
Published: December 2013

Anticoagulant treatment might enhance the natural defense against tumor cell dissemination caused by diagnostic needle biopsy by counteracting thrombocyte coating of such cells. To clarify whether women using anticoagulant treatment at the time of biopsy have a lower occurrence of lymph node metastasis, we conducted a nationwide Swedish cohort study of 26,528 female incident breast cancer patients in 2006–2011. Point risk ratio (RR) of risk of lymph node metastasis among users of anticoagulant treatment adjusted for age, T‐stage, socioeconomic factors, and concomitant medication was RR = 0.94, (95% CI: 0.87–1.03), and lower in younger women (RR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.50–1.29). Although nonsignificant, these associations may underestimate a true negative association since women using anticoagulant treatment are likely to have more concomitant diseases, lead an unhealthier lifestyle, and have lower participation in mammography screening. These findings provide some support for the hypothesis that anticoagulant medications might counteract breast cancer spread caused by needle biopsy.
Synergistic effect of lung tumor‐associated dendritic cell‐derived HB‐EGF and CXCL5 on cancer progression
Authors: Kuo Po‐Lin , Huang Ming‐Shyan , Hung Jen‐Yu , Chou Shah‐Hwa , Chiang Shin‐Yi , Huang Ya‐Fang , Yang Chih‐Jen , Tsai Ming‐Ju , Chang Wei‐An , Hsu Ya‐Ling
Published: December 2013

The interaction between cancer cells and their microenvironment is a paradoxical cycle that exacerbates cancer progression and results in metastasis. Our study investigated the mechanism underlying the synergistic enhancement of release of soluble factors from tumor‐associated dendritic cells and its effect on cancer development. The combination of HB‐EGF (heparin‐binding EGF‐like growth factor) and CXCL5 (CXCL5/epithelial neutrophil‐activating peptide‐78) produced a strong synergistic effect on cancer proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, migration and invasion. CXCL5 not only potentiated the classical EGFR pathway and the AKT and ERK/RSK1/2 signaling pathways but also increased the phosphorylation of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), which was slightly increased in A549 cells treated with either HB‐EGF or CXCL5 only. Phosphorylated HSP27 stabilized sustained AKT activity by direct interaction, leading to enhanced tumor spheroid formation. Knockdown of HSP27 by shRNA decreased HB‐EGF plus CXCL5‐mediated tumor spheroid formation in a three‐dimensional culture system, suggesting that AKT/HSP27 was required for HB‐EGF/CXCL5‐mediated cancer progression. Inhibiting RSK also reduces the modulation of c‐Fos phosphorylation, Snail upregulation and cell migration by HB‐EGF plus CXCL5, suggesting a synergistic effect of ERK/RSK and HB‐EGF plus CXCL5 on cell migration. In mice, CXCL5 antibody synergistically enhances the efficiency of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, gefitinib, without increasing its toxicity. These results provide evidence that elucidates potential cross‐points between extracellular signals affecting lung cancer progression. Targeting CXCL5 may provide therapeutic benefits for lung cancer chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
Complex regional pain syndrome type I of the knee: A systematic literature review
Authors: van Bussel C.M. , Stronks D.L. , Huygen F.J.P.M.
Published: December 2013

In our Center for Pain Medicine, a group of patients reported to have symptoms possibly attributable to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) of only the knee(s). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether the literature reports on patients with CRPS type I in the knee(s) alone and, if so, to summarize the reported diagnostics, aetiology and treatment strategies of CRPS of the knee(s). Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed and Web of Science were searched for articles focusing on a painful disorder of the knee, most likely CRPS type I. Screening on title and abstract was followed by full‐text reading and searching of reference lists to determine the final set of relevant articles. Of the 513 articles identified, 31 met the inclusion criteria. These articles reported on a total of 368 patients diagnosed with CRPS of the knee(s) based on the diagnostic criteria used at the time of publication. Knee surgery, especially arthroscopic surgery, was the most common inciting event in developing CRPS of the knee(s). Various treatment strategies were applied with variable outcomes. In conclusion, the scientific literature does report cases of CRPS type I of only the knee(s). This applies when using the diagnostic criteria prevailing at the time of publication and, obviously for a smaller number of cases, also when using the current Budapest criteria set. Arthroscopic knee surgery is described multiple times as the inciting event. We recommend to include CRPS of the knee in future research on the aetiological mechanisms of and optimal treatment for CRPS.
Use of the mouse ear vesicant model to evaluate the effectiveness of ebselen as a countermeasure to the nitrogen mustard mechlorethamine
Authors: Lulla Anju , Reznik Sandra , Trombetta Louis , Billack Blase
Published: December 2013

Previous studies in this and other laboratories have demonstrated that ebselen (EB‐1), an organoselenium compound, spares cells from mechlorethamine (HN2) toxicity in vitro. In the present study, the hypothesis that EB‐1 will reduce dermal toxicity of HN2 in vivo is put forward and found to have merit. Using the mouse ear vesicant model (MEVM), HN2, applied topically, showed a dose‐dependent effect upon ear swelling and thickness 24 h after treatment; whereas tissue injury consistent with vesication was observed at the higher test doses of HN2 (≥ 0.250 µmol per ear). To examine HN2 countermeasure activity using the MEVM, either hydrocortisone (HC), as a positive control, or EB‐1, the test countermeasure, was administered as three topical treatments 15 min, 4 and 8 h after HN2 exposure. Using this approach, both HC and EB‐1 were found to reduce tissue swelling associated with HN2 toxicity 24 h after exposure to the vesicant. Taken together, these data demonstrate for the first time the effectiveness of EB‐1 as a vesicant countermeasure in a relevant in vivo model. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CARS based label‐free assay for assessment of drugs by monitoring lipid droplets in tumour cells
Authors: Steuwe Christian , Patel Imran I. , Ul‐Hasan Mahmud , Schreiner Alexander , Boren Joan , Brindle Kevin M. , Reichelt Stefanie , Mahajan Sumeet
Published: December 2013

Coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) is becoming an established tool for label‐free multi‐photon imaging based on molecule specific vibrations in the sample. The technique has proven to be particularly useful for imaging lipids, which are abundant in cells and tissues, including cytoplasmic lipid droplets (LD), which are recognized as dynamic organelles involved in many cellular functions. The increase in the number of lipid droplets in cells undergoing cell proliferation is a common feature in many neoplastic processes [1] and an increase in LD number also appears to be an early marker of drug‐induced cell stress and subsequent apoptosis [3]. In this paper, a CARS‐based label‐free method is presented to monitor the increase in LD content in HCT116 colon tumour cells treated with the chemotherapeutic drugs Etoposide, Camptothecin and the protein kinase inhibitor Staurosporine. Using CARS, LDs can easily be distinguished from other cell components without the application of fluorescent dyes and provides a label‐free non‐invasive drug screening assay that could be used not only with cells and tissues ex vivo but potentially also in vivo. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
U.S. M&A Market Lags Corporate Performance
Authors: Gaughan Patrick A.
Published: December 2013

During 2013, the U.S. M&A market was somewhat weak‐it lagged overall corporate performance. The author explains why this has happened, takes a close look at the factors that caused it, and projects what we may expect for the future. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Urge to Merge
Authors: Edwards James B.
Published: December 2013

The weather should warm up in a few months. If the economy does the same, will companies again feel the urge to merge? © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cyclization of 4‐Phenylthiosemicarbazide with Phenacylbromide Revisited. Formation of 1,3,4‐Thiadiazines and of Isomeric 1,3‐Thiazoles
Authors: Pfeiffer Wolf‐Diethard , Junghans Dieter , Saghyan Ashot S. , Langer Peter
Published: December 2013

The cyclization of 4‐phenylthiosemicarbazide with phenacylbromide, carried out in refluxing ethanol, afforded 1,3,4‐thiadiazine 1 as the major product. In contrast to a previous report, 2‐phenylimino‐4‐phenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1,3‐thiazol‐3‐amine (2) and not 2‐hydrazono‐3,4‐diphenyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1,3‐thiazole (8) was formed as a side‐product. This product is the main product when the reaction is carried out in concentrated hydrochloric acid. Our findings were independently confirmed by independent syntheses of the isomeric products and by a thorough study of their reactivity. It is important to note that the product distribution of the cyclization of thiosemicarbazides with haloketones strongly depends on the substitution pattern and on the reaction conditions.
High‐responsivity AlGaN–GaN multi‐quantum well UV photodetector
Authors: Rostami Ali , Ravanbaksh Neda , Golmohammadi Saeed , Abedi Kambiz
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we propose a set of AlGaN–GaN multi‐quantum well (MQW) photodetectors based on p‐i‐n heterostructures with 14 AlGaN–GaN MQW structures in i‐region, where GaN quantum well has 6 nm thickness and AlxGa1−xN barrier thickness is 3 nm. In this structure, the peak responsivity of 0.19 A/W at 246 nm is reported. In addition, we investigate effects of various parameters on responsivity, and we show that responsivity of MQW‐based photodetectors strongly depends on proper device design, that is, number of quantum wells, well thickness, barrier thickness, and mole fraction. We also show that increasing number of quantum wells, thickness of wells, and mole fraction as well as decreasing thickness of barriers, increase the responsivity. Using obtained results, we proposed optimal structure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic behavior of a grid‐connected microgrid with power conditioning system
Authors: Chen Meng‐Jen , Wu Yu‐Chi , Huang Yu‐Xiu
Published: December 2013

The principle concept of microgrid (MG) is to integrate loads and microsources into a controllable system to supply electric power and heat to the user. This study discussed the dynamic characteristics of a grid‐connected MG associated with power conditioning system (PCS) to regulate its power. The investigated system primarily consists of the grid, microsources, lumped static loads, and other components. Detailed models based on matlab/Simulink (MathWorks, headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, U.S.A.) were developed to cater for the dynamic behavior of the system. Two operational modes were investigated: four‐quadrant operation of PCS and use of PCS to control the power of MG. Simulation results suggest this MG can operate satisfactorily in these operational modes. This study can serve as an important reference for planning and operation of MGs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of the virtual work principle to compute magnetic forces with a volume integral method
Authors: Carpentier Anthony , Galopin Nicolas , Chadebec Olivier , Meunier Gérard , Guérin Christophe
Published: December 2013

Magnetic forces are computed in the scope of magnetostatic problems solved by a volume integral method. This method uses the range interactions between magnetizable elements and is particularly well suited to compute the fields without meshing the air domain. This paper proposes an adaptation of the virtual work principle to the framework of the volume integral method in order to compute the magnetic forces. First, its application for electromagnetic devices in the nonlinear case allows to compute the global magnetic force. Second, its local application in the linear case provides a magnetic force density. 3D numerical examples are given, and the results are compared with the analytical solution and the finite element method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A surface‐potential‐based MOSFET compact model accounting for random doping fluctuations
Authors: Donati Guerrieri S. , Cappelluti Federica , Bonani Fabrizio , Ghione Giovanni
Published: December 2013

We present a compact, surface‐potential‐based modeling approach for deeply scaled digital or radio‐frequency metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor able to account for random doping fluctuations in the device channel. Random dopant fluctuations are one of the primary causes for device variability in nanometer‐scale components. The present approach is based on the Green's function formulation of the device external electrical parameters (such as the output current) small‐change sensitivity to distributed, space‐dependent doping variations in the channel; furthermore, the methodology is used also to assess the small‐signal device parameter variations within the limits of a quasi‐static description. The present approach allows for an efficient circuit‐level sensitivity analysis and has been applied to the PSP compact model through a Verilog‐A code implemented within the ADVANCED DESIGN SYSTEM (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, U.S.A.) simulator. Examples are provided to show that the model predictions are in good agreement with far more time‐consuming simulations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transplant versus resection for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma meeting Milan Criteria in the MELD exception era at a single institution in a UNOS region with short wait times
Authors: Squires Malcolm H. , Hanish Steven I. , Fisher Sarah B. , Garrett Cristen , Kooby David A. , Sarmiento Juan M. , Cardona Kenneth , Adams Andrew B. , Russell Maria C. , Magliocca Joseph F. , Knechtle Stuart J. , Staley Charles A. , Maithel Shishir K.
Published: December 2013

Background

Management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) exception era remains regionally variable. Outcomes were compared for patients undergoing transplant versus resection at a single institution in a UNOS region with short wait times for organ availability.

Methods

All patients who underwent resection of HCC from January 2000 to August 2012 and patients who underwent transplant post‐January 2006, during the Milan Criteria (MC)‐based MELD exception policy for HCC, were identified. Primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS).

Results

Two hundred fifty‐seven patients were analyzed, of whom 131 underwent transplant and 126 underwent resection. All transplant patients met MC; 45 (36%) resection patients met MC. Median follow‐up time was 30 months. Median wait time to transplant was 55 days; no patients dropped off the waitlist while awaiting an organ.

Among patients meeting MC, transplant demonstrated significantly greater 5‐year OS (65.7% vs. 43.8%; P = 0.005) and RFS (85.3% vs. 22.7%; P < 0.001) versus resection. For patients with hepatitis C, transplant (n = 87) demonstrated significantly improved 5‐year outcomes compared to patients meeting MC who underwent resection (n = 21; OS: 63.5% vs. 23.3%; P = 0.001; RFS: 83.5% vs. 23.7%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In a region with short waitlist times for organ availability, liver transplant is associated with improved survival compared to resection for HCC within MC and should be considered for all patients meeting MC, particularly those with hepatitis C. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:533–541. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Otolaryngologist‐assisted fluoroscopic‐guided nasogastric tube placement in the postoperative laryngectomy patient
Authors: Kozin Elliott D. , Remenschneider Aaron K. , Cunnane Mary Elizabeth , Deschler Daniel G.
Published: December 2013

Laryngoscope, 124:916–920, 2014
Olfactory neuroblastoma: A 35‐year experience and suggested follow‐up protocol
Authors: Rimmer Joanne , Lund Valerie J. , Beale Timothy , Wei William I. , Howard David
Published: December 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To validate a follow‐up protocol based on the long‐term outcomes and recurrence rates in patients who have undergone surgical treatment for olfactory neuroblastoma.

Methods

A prospective review of all patients treated for olfactory neuroblastoma at our institution over a 35‐year period.

Results

Ninety‐five patients were treated from 1978 to 2013, with craniofacial (65 patients) or endoscopic resection (30 patients). Duration of follow‐up ranged from 1 to 309 months (mean, 88.66 months). Fifty‐six patients were alive and well, and 13 were alive with recurrent disease. Twenty‐one patients had died of disease, and three had died of intercurrent disease. Overall survival was 83.4% at 5 years and 76.1% at 10 years. Disease‐free survival at 5 years was 80% and at 10 years was 62.8%. A Cox regression analysis showed orbital extension and intracranial involvement to be significant independent factors affecting outcome. Local and regional recurrence occurred after an average of 49 months but with a range of 3 to 233 months.

Conclusions

In our series, olfactory neuroblastoma most commonly recurred within the first 4 years but can recur very late, after 19.4 years in one case. There is currently no universally accepted follow‐up regime, but even late recurrence is eminently treatable. We therefore propose a protocol for lifelong follow‐up with both clinical examination and serial imaging, including the neck and entire intracranial compartment.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 124:1542–1549, 2014
Direct observation by in situ transmission electron microscopy of the behaviour of IF‐MoS2 nanoparticles during sliding tests: influence of the crystal structure
Authors: Lahouij Imène , Vacher Béatrice , Dassenoy Fabrice
Published: December 2013

Direct observation of the behaviour of individual inorganic fullerenes (IF)‐MoS2 nanoparticles in a sliding interface is essential for the understanding of the influence of the intrinsic characteristics of the nanoparticles on their lubrication mechanisms, when they are used as additives in lubricant oil. In this work, in situ transmission electron microscopy sliding tests were performed on two different types of MoS2 nanoparticles synthesised by two different methods. It is shown that the IF‐MoS2 nanoparticles having perfect structure with a high crystalline order and without defects are able to roll and to slide under the combined effect of pressure and shear stress, whereas the IF‐MoS2 nanoparticles containing many defects exfoliate immediately in the same conditions to deliver MoS2 layers covering the mating surfaces. A link between these results, the lubrication mechanisms of the nanoparticles and their tribological properties at the macro‐scale was established, proving that the lubrication mechanisms of fullerenes depend on their intrinsic characteristics. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating lifetime performance of limited slip differentials
Authors: Berglund Kim , Marklund Pär , Larsson Roland , Olsson Richard
Published: December 2013

Extensive research has been performed regarding wet clutch function and performance. Although wet clutches are used in both automatic transmissions and limited slip differentials in cars, most research has been performed for wet clutches incorporated in automatic transmissions. The operating conditions of wet clutches in automatic transmissions differ from the operating conditions of the wet clutches used in limited slip differentials.

Therefore, a method and a test bench to use in the investigation of the degradation of limited slip differentials were developed in this work. The typical operating conditions of the limited slip differential and the differences compared with wet clutches incorporated in automatic transmissions were also addressed. Tests performed showed that the developed test bench and method can be used to address differences in frictional response over time for different types of operating conditions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corrosion of CO2 transport and injection pipeline steels due to the condensation effects caused by SO2 and NO2 impurities
Authors: Yevtushenko O. , Bettge D. , Bäßler R. , Bohraus S.
Published: December 2013

Condensates from the gas stream in simulated CO2 transport pipelines have been identified during the experiments in the laboratory. Because of their acidic origin the corrosion resistance of pipeline steels used for CCS (carbon capture and storage) technology might be limited. Over the last years it has become clear that the amount of water and acid building constituents in the CO2 stream has to be controlled very well. In this work, condensates formed in experiments using gaseous CO2 containing high amounts of water, NO2 and SO2 were analyzed, replicated, and used for extensive electrochemical experiments. These highly acidic condensates were enriched with CO2 and then applied to characteristic steels planned to use in the CCS transport chain. Even high alloy steels are susceptible to localized corrosion under these conditions. The results implicate that condensation of aggressive acid droplets has to be avoided or the locations where condensation takes place have to be controlled extensively.
Swelling Behaviors of Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Nanosized Hydrogel Particles/Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Water Systems: Effect of the Degree of Hydrolysis of PVA
Authors: Kim Sung Min , Choi Ji Su , Bae Young Chan
Published: December 2013

Using poly(vinyl alcohol) as a drug model, the swelling behaviors of thermosensitive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) gel with various concentrations of PVA are investigated. The swelling ratio in PVA9000 is larger than that of PVA89000 at the same composition because the fully hydrolyzed PVA acts as a steric hindrance. A lattice‐based molecular thermodynamic model is used to obtain interaction parameters and then directly applied to describe the swelling behaviors of the gel. Using only one adjustable parameter, the PVA selectivity can be theoretically predicted and the ternary phase diagrams of PNIPA/water/PVA system can be generated. Lastly, the calculated results are compared with the swelling data for PNIPA/PVA copolymer gel, and are found to be in good agreement with the proposed model.

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Meso‐ and Microscopic Motions in Photoresponsive Liquid Crystalline Polymer Films
Authors: Seki Takahiro
Published: December 2013

Photoresponsive azobenzene‐containing systems ranging from molecular to macroscopic material levels have greatly been increasing their significance in materials chemistry. This review focuses on the studies on light induced or triggered motions in azobenzene liquid crystalline (LC) polymer films at mesoscopic and microscopic levels. Due to the cooperative nature of liquid crystalline materials, highly efficient photoalignment and photo‐triggered migrating motions are realized in mostly repeated manners. Here, recent advances in surface‐grafted LC polymer brushes, LC block copolymer films, and LC polymer films that exhibit mass migrations are overviewed. Such newly emerged photoresponsive systems are expected to provide new possibilities and applications in polymer thin film technologies.

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Taurine‐Induced Fabrication of Nano‐Architectured Conducting Polypyrrole on Biomedical Titanium
Authors: Liao Jingwen , Pan Haobo , Ning Chengyun , Tan Guoxin , Zhou Zhengnan , Chen Junqi , Huang Shishu
Published: December 2013

In this article, taurine, one of the small biomolecules associated with bone metabolism, is firstly utilized to induce the fabrication of nano‐architectured conducting polypyrrole (NCPPy) on biomedical titanium in diverse pH values of phosphate buffer solution (PBS). Accordingly, the possible mechanism for the fabrication of NCPPy is proposed, which is dependent on the states of polytaurine from the polymerization of taurine, i.e., the inability of forming polytaurine and unordered restricted space results in taurine‐incorporated and polytaurine‐incorporated tightly packed nanoparticles (pH 6.2 and 8.0), respectively, and however, ordered restricted space constructed by polytaurine chains induces the fabrication of polytaurine‐incorporated nanopillars (pH 6.8) and polytaurine‐incorporated nanowire networks (pH 7.4).

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Expression of far upstream element (FUSE) binding protein 1 in human glioma is correlated with c‐Myc and cell proliferation
Authors: Ding Zongmei , Liu Xiancheng , Liu Yonghua , Zhang Jianguo , Huang Xianting , Yang Xiaojing , Yao Li , Cui Gang , Wang Donglin
Published: December 2013

Glioma is one of the most common type of primary intracranial tumor. Although great advances have been achieved in treatment of glioma, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Previous studies demonstrated that FBP1 is a transcriptional regulator of c‐Myc and acts as an important prognostic indicator in many cancers. Our study aimed to assess the expression and function of FBP1 in human glioma. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis were performed in human glioma and normal brain tissues. High FBP1 expression (located in cell nuclei) was observed in 70 samples and its level was correlated with the grade of malignancy. A strongly positive correlation was observed between FBP1 and c‐Myc (P = 0.005) and Ki‐67 expression (P = 0.009). In a multivariate analysis, high FBP1 and c‐Myc expressions were showed to be associated with poor prognosis in glioma. While in vitro, following serum stimulation of starved U87MG cells, the expression of FBP1 was upregulated, as well as c‐Myc and PCNA. Moreover, knockdown of FBP1 by siRNA transfection diminished the expression of c‐Myc and arrested cell growth at G1 phase. Collectively, our results shows that the expression of FBP1 is in close correlation with c‐Myc level and cell proliferation in glioma and provides a potential strategy to develop FBP1 inhibitors as novel anti‐tumor agents. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Daidzein regulates proinflammatory adipokines thereby improving obesity‐related inflammation through PPARγ
Authors: Sakamoto Yuri , Naka Ayano , Ohara Nozomi , Kondo Kazuo , Iida Kaoruko
Published: December 2013

Scope

Daidzein was recently reported to act like an activator of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) thereby enhancing differentiation of adipocytes. Although PPARγ plays a role in adipokine expression, it has not been well researched whether daidzein affects expression of adipokines. This study aimed to clarify the effects of daidzein on proinflammatory adipokines and adipose inflammation causing insulin resistance in obesity.

Methods and results

3T3‐L1 adipocytes were treated with daidzein or genistein. Diet‐induced obese C57BL/6J mice were fed high‐fat high‐sucrose diets with daidzein (1.0 g/kg chow) for 12 wk. The results showed that both isoflavones, especially daidzein, stimulated adipogenic differentiation in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes with the activation of PPARγ. Daidzein also increased adiponectin expression and decreased MCP‐1 expression with the consistent regulation of their secretion. In obese mice, daidzein inhibited hypertrophy in fat cell size and improved insulin sensitivity, concomitant with upregulation of PPARγ in fat tissue. Decreased expression of MCP‐1 and TNF‐α, and increased expression of adiponectin were also observed in adipose tissue of daidzein‐fed mice. Additionally, daidzein administration significantly inhibited macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue.

Conclusion

Daidzein regulates adipokine expression through the PPARγ, thereby improving the adverse effects of adipose inflammation, such as insulin resistance, in obesity.
Quercetin differently regulates insulin‐mediated glucose transporter 4 translocation under basal and inflammatory conditions in adipocytes
Authors: Xu Manli , Hu Juanjuan , Zhao Wenwen , Gao Xuejiao , Jiang Cuihua , Liu Kang , Liu Baolin , Huang Fang
Published: December 2013

Scope

Quercetin is the most abundant dietary flavonol with beneficial regulation of glucose homeostasis, but its regulation of insulin action remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the effects of quercetin on insulin‐mediated glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation under basal and inflammatory conditions as well as the molecular mechanisms in adipocytes.

Methods and results

The effects of quercetin on insulin‐mediated GLUT4 translocation in 3T3‐L1 cells under basal and insulin resistant conditions were investigated. Meanwhile, we investigated the effect of quercetin on AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation implicated in regulation of insulin action. Quercetin inhibited insulin‐mediated GLUT4 translocation by inhibiting AS160 phosphorylation. Differently, when inflammatory challenge impaired insulin action in 3T3‐L1 cells, quercetin inhibited IκB kinase β (IKKβ) phosphorylation and facilitated insulin signaling, leading to the restoration of insulin‐mediated AS160 phosphorylation and downstream GLUT4 translocation. AMPK inhibitor Compound C or knockdown of AMPKα by small interfering RNA (siRNA) abolished both actions of quercetin. Results from mice adipose tissue (AT) further confirmed its positive regulation of AMPK phosphorylation and opposite effects on AS160 phosphorylation in vivo.

Conclusion

Quercetin demonstrated divergent effects on insulin‐mediated GLUT4 translocation in adipocytes under basal and insulin resistant conditions, which were related to its regulation of AMPK activity.
Complementary histological and genomic analyses reveal marked differences in the developmental trajectories of ovaries in Siberian hamsters raised in long‐ and short‐day lengths
Authors: Park Sung‐Un , Bernstein Adrien N. , Place Ned J.
Published: December 2013

Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) delay sexual development when raised in short‐day (SD; 10 hr light: 14 hr dark) conditions, which leads to delayed onset of estrous cycles and ovulations as compared to females raised in long‐day (LD; 16 hr light: 8 hr dark) conditions. In addition to the absence of pre‐ovulatory follicles and corpora lutea, the ovaries of SD‐reared Siberian hamsters are characterized by an abundance of hypertrophied granulosa cells (HGCs) that surround atretic oocytes. To determine the age at which the histology of LD and SD ovaries first diverge, including the initial appearance of HGCs in SD conditions, we examined hamster ovaries histologically at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age. After identifying subtle differences in LD and SD ovarian histology at 4 weeks of age, we searched for differences in ovarian gene expression at 3 and 8 weeks of age, which correspond to the ages when ovarian histology do not differ (3 weeks) versus the earliest age when HGCs were observed (8 weeks). At 3 weeks, only 14 genes were differentially expressed in LD and SD ovaries, whereas 183 genes were differentially expressed at 8 weeks. Overall, our findings demonstrate that ovarian development under SD conditions is not simply arrested at an early stage of LD development, but rather utilizes a developmental path that is distinct from that used in LD ovaries. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo waveguide elastography: Effects of neurodegeneration in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Romano Anthony , Guo Jing , Prokscha Torben , Meyer Thomas , Hirsch Sebastian , Braun Jürgen , Sack Ingolf , Scheel Michael
Published: December 2013

Purpose

Waveguide elastography (WGE) combines magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and anisotropic inversions for a determination of the elastic properties of white matter. Previously, the method evaluated the anisotropic elastic properties of the corticospinal tracts (CSTs) of healthy volunteers. Here, the sensitivity of WGE is tested for the detection of pathologic changes in a cohort of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

MRE and DTI were performed in 14 patients with ALS and 14 healthy, age‐matched controls. A comparison was made between three components from WGE and the DTI metrics FA, MD, PD, and RD, for the detection of differences between patients and controls. It was hypothesized that the stiffness values in the CSTs of the patients would be significantly lower due to the known neurodegeneration associated with ALS.

Results

Two anisotropic shear moduli polarized parallel and perpendicular to the CSTs were significantly reduced in ALS patients (P < 0.0001), whereas the anisotropic longitudinal modulus polarized parallel to the CSTs showed no significant differences.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest a relatively high sensitivity of two anisotropic shear moduli as noninvasive metrics for the assessment of neuronal degeneration within the CSTs. Magn Reson Med 72:1755–1761, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigating the quantitative fidelity of prospectively undersampled chemical shift imaging in muscular dystrophy with compressed sensing and parallel imaging reconstruction
Authors: Hollingsworth Kieren G. , Higgins David M. , McCallum Michelle , Ward Louise , Coombs Anna , Straub Volker
Published: December 2013

Purpose

Fat fraction measurement in muscular dystrophy has an important role to play in future therapy trials. Undersampled data acquisition reconstructed by combined compressed sensing and parallel imaging (CS‐PI) can potentially reduce trial cost and improve compliance. These benefits are only gained from prospectively undersampled acquisitions.

Methods

Eight patients with Becker muscular dystrophy were recruited and prospectively undersampled data at ratios of 3.65×, 4.94×, and 6.42× were acquired in addition to fully sampled data: equivalent coherent undersamplings were acquired for reconstruction with parallel imaging alone (PI). Fat fraction maps and maps of total signal were created using a combined compressed sensing/parallel imaging (CS‐PI) reconstruction.

Results

The CS‐PI reconstructions are of sufficient quality to allow muscle delineation at 3.65× and 4.94× undersampling but some muscles were obscured at 6.42×. When plotted against the fat fractions derived from fully sampled data, non‐significant bias and 95% limits of agreement of 1.58%, 2.17% and 2.41% were found for the three CS‐PI reconstructions, while a 3.36× PI reconstruction yields 2.78%, 1.8 times worse than the equivalent CS‐PI reconstruction.

Conclusion

Prospective undersampling and CS‐PI reconstruction of muscle fat fraction mapping can be used to accelerate muscle fat fraction measurement in muscular dystrophy. Magn Reson Med 72:1610–1619, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A ranking of diffusion MRI compartment models with in vivo human brain data
Authors: Ferizi Uran , Schneider Torben , Panagiotaki Eleftheria , Nedjati‐Gilani Gemma , Zhang Hui , Wheeler‐Kingshott Claudia A. M. , Alexander Daniel C.
Published: December 2013

Purpose

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) microstructure imaging provides a unique noninvasive probe into tissue microstructure. The technique relies on biophysically motivated mathematical models, relating microscopic tissue features to the magnetic resonance (MR) signal. This work aims to determine which compartment models of diffusion MRI are best at describing measurements from in vivo human brain white matter.

Methods

Recent work shows that three compartment models, designed to capture intra‐axonal, extracellular, and isotropically restricted diffusion, best explain multi‐b‐value data sets from fixed rat corpus callosum. We extend this investigation to in vivo by using a live human subject on a clinical scanner. The analysis compares models of one, two, and three compartments and ranks their ability to explain the measured data. We enhance the original methodology to further evaluate the stability of the ranking.

Results

As with fixed tissue, three compartment models explain the data best. However, a clearer hierarchical structure and simpler models emerge. We also find that splitting the scanning into shorter sessions has little effect on the ranking of models, and that the results are broadly reproducible across sessions.

Conclusion

Three compartments are required to explain diffusion MR measurements from in vivo corpus callosum, which informs the choice of model for microstructure imaging applications in the brain. Magn Reson Med 72:1785–1792, 2014. © 2013 The authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society of Medicine in Resonance.
High‐resolution, large dynamic range field map estimation
Authors: Dagher Joseph , Reese Timothy , Bilgin Ali
Published: December 2013

Purpose

We present a theory and a corresponding method to compute high‐resolution field maps over a large dynamic range.

Theory and Methods

We derive a closed‐form expression for the error in the field map value when computed from two echoes. We formulate an optimization problem to choose three echo times which result in a pair of maximally distinct error distributions. We use standard field mapping sequences at the prescribed echo times. We then design a corresponding estimation algorithm which takes advantage of the optimized echo times to disambiguate the field offset value.

Results

We validate our method using high‐resolution images of a phantom at 7T. The resulting field maps demonstrate robust mapping over both a large dynamic range, and in low SNR regions. We also present high‐resolution offset maps in vivo using both, GRE and multiecho gradient echo sequences. Even though the proposed echo time spacings are larger than the well known phase aliasing cutoff, the resulting field maps exhibit a large dynamic range without the use of phase unwrapping or spatial regularization techniques.

Conclusion

We demonstrate a novel three‐echo field map estimation method which overcomes the traditional noise‐dynamic range trade‐off. Magn Reson Med 71:105–117, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noninvasive prenatal testing of trisomies 21 and 18 by massively parallel sequencing of maternal plasma DNA in twin pregnancies
Authors: Huang Xuan , Zheng Jing , Chen Min , Zhao Yangyu , Zhang Chunlei , Liu Lifu , Xie Weiwei , Shi Shuqiong , Wei Yuan , Lei Dongzhu , Xu Chenming , Wu Qichang , Guo Xiaoling , Shi Xiaomei , Zhou Yi , Liu Qiufang , Gao Ya , Jiang Fuman , Zhang Hongyun , Su Fengxia , Ge Huijuan , Li Xuchao , Pan Xiaoyu , Chen Shengpei , Chen Fang , Fang Qun , Jiang Hui , Lau Tze Kin , Wang Wei
Published: December 2013

Objective

The objective of this study is to assess the performance of noninvasive prenatal testing for trisomies 21 and 18 on the basis of massively parallel sequencing of cell‐free DNA from maternal plasma in twin pregnancies.

Method

A double‐blind study was performed over 12 months. A total of 189 pregnant women carrying twins were recruited from seven hospitals. Maternal plasma DNA sequencing was performed to detect trisomies 21 and 18. The fetal karyotype was used as gold standard to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of sequencing‐based noninvasive prenatal test.

Results

There were nine cases of trisomy 21 and two cases of trisomy 18 confirmed by karyotyping. Plasma DNA sequencing correctly identified nine cases of trisomy 21 and one case of trisomy 18. The discordant case of trisomy 18 was an unusual case of monozygotic twin with discordant fetal karyotype (one normal and the other trisomy 18). The sensitivity and specificity of maternal plasma DNA sequencing for fetal trisomy 21 were both 100% and for fetal trisomy 18 were 50% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study further supported that sequencing‐based noninvasive prenatal testing of trisomy 21 in twin pregnancies could be achieved with a high accuracy, which could effectively avoid almost 95% of invasive prenatal diagnosis procedures. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of a polymer optical fiber luminescent solar concentrator
Authors: Banaei Esmaeil‐Hooman , Abouraddy Ayman F.
Published: December 2013

We present the design and optimization of a polymeric optical fiber luminescent solar concentrator (FLSC) and systematically investigate the impact of the geometrical and physical parameters of the fiber and active luminescent dopants on the FLSC performance. A multiplicity of individual FLSCs may be arranged on a surface to form a low‐weight and mechanically flexible solar concentrating fabric. In addition to these unique structural properties, we find that the overall optical‐to‐electrical conversion efficiency of the FLSC rivals that of reported flat slab LSCs while increasing the geometric gain, thereby potentially reducing the cost. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Framework for the analysis of the potential of the rooftop photovoltaic system to achieve the net‐zero energy solar buildings
Authors: Koo Choongwan , Hong Taehoon , Park Hyo Seon , Yun Gangcheol
Published: December 2013

New renewable energy is attracting considerable attention as a future energy source. The photovoltaic (PV) market, in particular, has grown significantly during the past decade. The use of the rooftop PV system in buildings in urban environments is being actively promoted. This research was conducted to develop a framework for the analysis of the potential of the rooftop PV system to achieve the net‐zero energy solar buildings in terms of energy supply. To verify the feasibility of the proposed framework, a total of 5418 elementary school facilities located in 16 administrative divisions in South Korea were selected as case studies. This research (i) collected information on the elementary school facilities, the rooftop PV system, and the meteorological and geographical characteristics by region; (ii) conducted an energy supply analysis by applying the rooftop PV system; (iii) conducted an energy demand analysis; (iv) analyzed the energy substitution effect; (v) presented the current status of the energy supply and demand in each region using the geographical information system; (vi) analyzed the causal relationship between the energy supply and demand by region; and (vii) proposed an energy supply and demand strategy by region. This research can help elementary school facility managers or policymakers conduct an energy supply and demand analysis as well as propose an energy supply and demand strategy. It can be used as part of an educational facility improvement program. The framework proposed in this research can also be applied to any other country or sector in the global environment. © 2013 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley Ltd.
A multi‐addressable molecular switch based on a novel diarylethene with an imidazo [4,5‐f] [1,10] phenanthroline unit
Authors: Ren Panpan , Wang Renjie , Pu Shouzhi , Liu Gang , Fan Congbin
Published: December 2013

A novel unsymmetrical diarylethene with an imidazo [4,5‐f] [1,10] phenanthroline unit has been synthesized, and its properties including photochromism and fluorescence have been investigated. It showed favorable photochromism and functioned as notable fluorescence switches by photoirradiation in both solution and a poly (methylmethacrylate) film. Moreover, the interaction between the phenanthroline unit of its closed‐ring isomer with trifluoroacetic acid caused a notable change in its absorption, accompanied by an evident color change from magenta to slateblue. Its fluorescence could be modulated by trifluoroacetic acid and triethylamine. By adding enough amount of trifluoroacetic acid in chloroform, its emission peak hypochromatic shifted from 501 nm to 456 nm, and the intensity increased significantly with a concomitant change of color from bright cyan to bright blue. However, its emission intensity decreased notably by 95% with a fluorescence color change from bright cyan to dark gray by the addition of triethylamine. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas‐phase studies of copper catalyzed aerobic cross coupling of thiol esters and arylboronic acids
Authors: Tsybizova Alexandra , Schröder Detlef , Roithová Jana , Henke Adam , Šrogl Jiři
Published: December 2013

Electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) is used to monitor a Cu‐catalyzed aerobic cross‐coupling reaction between thiol esters and arylboronic acids. The ESI spectra show the formation of Cu‐complexes with the starting thiol ester 1 and the coupling product. The formation of an ionic complex at m/z 305 is observed, most likely occurring upon the elimination of a mixed anhydride from [(1)CuOAc]+. An online monitoring of the reaction using ESI‐MS was carried out allowing calculation of rate constants and thermodynamic parameters (ΔH‡, ΔS‡, and ∆G‡) for the title reaction.