bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure–Activity Relationships of Glycogen Phosphorylase Inhibitor FR258900 and Its Analogues: A Combined Synthetic, Enzyme Kinetics, and Computational Study
Authors: Juhász László , Varga Gergely , Sztankovics Andrea , Béke Ferenc , Docsa Tibor , Kiss‐Szikszai Attila , Gergely Pál , Kóňa Juraj , Tvaroška Igor , Somsák László
Published: September 2014

A series of O‐ or N‐cinnamoylated, p‐coumaroylated, feruloylated, phenyl, and substituted phenylpropiolated derivatives of L‐malic, 3‐hydroxypentanedioic, and L‐glutamic acids were synthesized as analogues of the natural product glycogen phosphorylase (GP) inhibitor FR258900 (2,3‐bis(4‐hydroxycinnamoyloxy)glutaric acid). These compounds proved practically inactive against rabbit muscle glycogen phosphorylase b. A structure–activity study involving previously synthesized tartaric acid analogues of FR258900 revealed that two acyl moieties must be present in the compounds to make a good inhibitor. Molecular modeling methods (docking and quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) calculations) were used to understand the nature of the binding affinities of these GP inhibitors. The generated 3D models for GP–inhibitor complexes showed that both the polar allosteric site pocket and the hydrophobic pocket at the interface of the homodimeric units of GP were important for effective binding of the acyl and aromatic moieties of the inhibitors. The predictive QSAR models consist of empirical and quantum mechanics descriptors and provide good explanatory and predictive abilities (prediction coefficient Q2=0.7–0.9 when cross‐validation procedures were performed).
Gluconic Acid from Biomass Fast Pyrolysis Oils: Specialty Chemicals from the Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass
Authors: Santhanaraj Daniel , Rover Marjorie R. , Resasco Daniel E. , Brown Robert C. , Crossley Steven
Published: September 2014

Fast pyrolysis of biomass to produce a bio‐oil followed by catalytic upgrading is a widely studied approach for the potential production of fuels from biomass. Because of the complexity of the bio‐oil, most upgrading strategies focus on removing oxygen from the entire mixture to produce fuels. Here we report a novel method for the production of the specialty chemical, gluconic acid, from the pyrolysis of biomass. Through a combination of sequential condensation of pyrolysis vapors and water extraction, a solution rich in levoglucosan is obtained that accounts for over 30 % of the carbon in the bio‐oil produced from red oak. A simple filtration step yields a stream of high‐purity levoglucosan. This stream of levoglucosan is then hydrolyzed and partially oxidized to yield gluconic acid with high purity and selectivity. This combination of cost‐effective pyrolysis coupled with simple separation and upgrading could enable a variety of new product markets for chemicals from biomass.
Current Control Method of Achieving Wide‐Range Power Driving for Linear Synchronous Motor with Half‐Wave‐Rectified Self‐Excitation
Authors: Hirayama Tadashi , Higuchi Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2014

In a previous paper, we proposed a novel linear synchronous motor with half‐wave‐rectified self‐excitation. A long‐stator‐type linear synchronous motor was built and its performance was verified by experiments. This paper presents a new current control method for the linear synchronous motor in order to achieve a wide range of speeds and high‐power operations. First, we propose a current control method for high‐thrust operation in the constant‐thrust region. This operation is realized by using the reluctance thrust resulting from the saliency of the linear synchronous motor. We also propose a control method that maximizes the ratio of the thrust to the voltage; this method can be used to expand the operating range. Wide‐range‐speed operation can be achieved by applying this new control method along with field‐weakening control. The thrust and operating characteristics of the proposed control methods are estimated by performing experiments and coupled electric and magnetic analysis.
Coordination Polymers Based on Alkylboronate Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization, and Computational Modelling
Authors: Berthomieu Dorothée , Gervais Christel , Renaudin Guillaume , Reinholdt Marc , Sene Saad , Smith Mark E. , Bonhomme Christian , Laurencin Danielle
Published: September 2014

Boronate ligands [R–B(OH)3–] have recently started to attract attention for the elaboration of coordination polymer networks. Here, three new crystalline structures involving butyl‐ and octylboronate ligands are described: Sr[Bu–B(OH)3]2, Ca[Oct–B(OH)3]2 and Sr[Oct–B(OH)3]2 (Bu = C4H9, Oct = C8H17). All were obtained as microcrystalline powders, and their structures were solved by synchrotron powder X‐ray diffraction. IR and multinuclear (13C, 11B, 43Ca, 87Sr and 1H) solid‐state NMR characterizations were performed on the materials. Computational models of the new Sr[Bu–B(OH)3]2 phase and the previously reported Sr[Ph–B(OH)3]2·H2O structure were then developed. The IR O–H stretching modes and NMR parameters were calculated for these models and are discussed in view of the experimental spectra. This work confirms the importance of computational studies on boronate phases to determine the nature of the H‐bond network within the materials and to better understand their spectroscopic signatures.
Pressure‐driven, shoreline currents in a perennially ice‐covered, pro‐glacial lake in Antarctica, identified from a LiCl tracer injected into a pro‐glacial stream
Authors: Castendyk Devin , McKnight Diane , Welch Kathy , Niebuhr Spencer , Jaros Chris
Published: September 2014

The distribution of streamwater within ice‐covered lakes influences sub‐ice currents, biological activity and shoreline morphology. Perennially ice‐covered lakes in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, provide an excellent natural laboratory to study hydrologic–limnologic interactions under ice cover. For a 2 h period on 17 December 2012, we injected a lithium chloride tracer into Andersen Creek, a pro‐glacial stream flowing into Lake Hoare. Over 4 h, we collected 182 water samples from five stream sites and 15 ice boreholes. Geochemical data showed that interflow travelled West of the stream mouth along the shoreline and did not flow towards the lake interior. The chemistry of water from Andersen Creek was similar to the chemistry of water below shoreline ice. Additional evidence for Westward flow included the morphology of channels on the ice surface, the orientation of ripple marks in lake sediments at the stream mouth and equivalent temperatures between Andersen Creek and water below shoreline ice. Streamwater deflected to the right of the mouth of the stream, in the opposite direction predicted by the Coriolis force. Deflection of interflow was probably caused by the diurnal addition of glacial runoff and stream discharge to the Eastern edge of the lake, which created a strong pressure gradient sloping to the West. This flow directed stream momentum away from the lake interior, minimizing the impact of stream momentum on sub‐ice currents. It also transported dissolved nutrients and suspended sediments to the shoreline region instead of the lake interior, potentially affecting biological productivity and bedform development. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using MODFLOW code to approach transient hydraulic head with a sharp‐interface solution
Authors: Llopis‐Albert Carlos , Pulido‐Velazquez David
Published: September 2014

Saltwater intrusion problems have been usually tackled through analytical models because of its simplicity, easy implementation and low computational cost. Most of these models are based on the sharp‐interface approximation and the Ghyben–Herzberg relation, which neglects mixing of fresh water and seawater and implicitly assumes that salt water remains static. This paper provides insight into the validity of a sharp‐interface approximation defined from a steady state solution when applied to transient seawater intrusion problems. The validation tests have been performed on a 3D unconfined synthetic aquifer, which include spatial and temporal distribution of recharge and pumping wells. Using a change of variable, the governing equation of the steady state sharp‐interface problem can be written with the same structure of the steady confined groundwater flow equation as a function of a single potential variable (ϕ). We propose to approach also the transient problem solving a single potential equation (using also the ϕ variable) with the same structure of the confined groundwater flow equation. It will allow solving the problem by using the classical MODFLOW code. We have used the parameter estimation model PEST to calibrate the parameters of the transient sharp‐interface equation. We show how after the calibration process, the sharp‐interface approach may provide accurate enough results when applied to transient problems and improve the steady state results, thus avoiding the need of implementing a density‐dependent model and reducing the computational cost. This has been proved by comparing results with those obtained using the finite difference numerical code SEAWAT for solving the coupled partial differential equations of flow and density‐dependent transport. The comparison was performed in terms of piezometric heads, seawater penetration, transition zone width and critical pumping rates. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of novel candidate biomarkers of epithelial ovarian cancer by profiling the secretomes of three‐dimensional genetic models of ovarian carcinogenesis
Authors: Lawrenson Kate , Mhawech‐Fauceglia Paulette , Worthington Jenny , Spindler Tassja J. , O'Brien Darragh , Lee Janet M. , Spain Georgia , Sharifian Maryam , Wang Guisong , Darcy Kathleen M. , Pejovic Tanja , Sowter Heidi , Timms John F. , Gayther Simon A.
Published: September 2014

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is still considered the most lethal gynecological malignancy and improved early detection of ovarian cancer is crucial to improving patient prognoses. To address this need, we tested whether candidate EOC biomarkers can be identified using three‐dimensional (3D) in vitro models. We quantified changes in the abundance of secreted proteins in a 3D genetic model of early‐stage EOC, generated by expressing CMYC and KRASG12V in TERT‐immortalized normal ovarian epithelial cells. Cellular proteins were labeled in live cells using stable isotopic amino acid analogues, and secreted proteins identified and quantified using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Thirty‐seven and 55 proteins were differentially expressed by CMYC and CMYC+KRASG12V expressing cells respectively (p < 0.05; >2‐fold). We evaluated expression of the top candidate biomarkers in ∼210 primary EOCs: CHI3L1 and FKBP4 are both expressed by >96% of primary EOCs, and FASN and API5 are expressed by 86 and 75% of cases. High expression of CHI3L1 and FKBP4 was associated with worse patient survival (p = 0.042 and p = 0.002, respectively). Expression of LGALS3BP was positively associated with recurrence (p = 0.0001) and suboptimal debulking (p = 0.018) suggesting that these proteins may be novel prognostic biomarkers. Furthermore, within early stage tumours (I/II), high expression of API5, CHI3L1 and FASN was associated with high tumour grade (p = 3 × 10−4, p = 0.016, p = 0.010, respectively). We show in vitro cell biology models of early‐stage cancer development can be used to identify novel candidate biomarkers for disease, and report the identification of proteins that represent novel potential candidate diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for this highly lethal disease.
Paediatric and Perinatal Health Abstracts at SHPA National Conferences: Trends in Presentation and Subsequent Publication
Authors: Grzeskowiak Luke E , Thomas Alicia E
Published: September 2014

Background

Publication of research and practice experiences is an essential component in disseminating findings to the wider community and advancing pharmacy practice.

Aim

To assess trends in the presentation and subsequent publication of abstracts in the specialty areas of paediatrics and perinatal health (i.e. obstetrics and neonatology) at the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) National Conference from 2007 to 2012.

Method

Relevant accepted oral and poster presentations were identified from conference handbooks from 2007 to 2012. Data were extracted on the type of presentation, the type of abstract (case presentation, clinical audit, description of pharmacy practice, experimental or observational study), state of origin, number of authors and specialty area. The publication status of the abstracts was determined by searching Embase, Medline and Informit using author names and key words identified from the abstract title.

Results

From 2007 to 2012, 1617 abstracts were presented at SHPA National Conferences. Of these, 65 (4%) and 45 (3%) were in the areas of paediatrics and perinatal health, respectively. Excluding those presented in 2012, only 10 (10%) abstracts were subsequently published. Of the 30 oral presentations, five (17%) were published, whereas only five (8%) of the 66 poster abstracts were published. Over time, the types of abstracts submitted have remained consistent; however, publication rates differ according to the type of abstract (0% for case presentations, 0% for descriptions of pharmacy practice, 3% for clinical audits and 50% for experimental or observational studies).

Conclusion

Abstracts with a paediatric and perinatal health focus represent a small number of presentations at SHPA National Conferences (10%), with few going on to be published (1 in 10). Given the importance of disseminating clinical and research findings for the advancement of specialty pharmacy practice across otherwise potentially isolated settings, future research should investigate key barriers and potential facilitators to address the low publication rate identified.
miR‐34c Regulates the Permeability of Blood–Tumor Barrier via MAZ‐Mediated Expression Changes of ZO‐1, Occludin, and Claudin‐5
Authors: Zhao Lini , Wang Ping , Liu Yunhui , Ma Jun , Xue Yixue
Published: September 2014

The purposes of this study were to investigate the potential roles of miR‐34c in regulating blood‐tumor barrier (BTB) functions and its possible molecular mechanisms. The over‐expression of miR‐34c significantly impaired the integrity and increased the permeability of BTB, which were detected in an in vitro BTB model by transendothelial electric resistance and horseradish peroxidase flux assays, respectively. Meanwhile, real‐time quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR), Western blot and immunofluorescence assays successively demonstrated downregulation of ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐5 and miR‐34c silencing uncovered the opposite results. Dual‐luciferase reporter assays results revealed myc‐associated zinc‐finger protein (MAZ) is a target gene of miR‐34c. Besides, mRNA and protein expressions of MAZ were reversely regulated by miR‐34c. The down‐expression of MAZ significantly impaired the integrity and increased the permeability of BTB as well as downregulated the expressions of ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐5. And chromatin immunoprecipitation verified that MAZ interacted with “GGGCGGG,” “CCCTCCC,” and “GGGAGGG” DNA sequence of ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐5 promoter, respectively. The over‐expression or silencing of either miR‐34c or MAZ was performed simultaneously to further explore their functional relations, and results elucidated that miR‐34c and MAZ displayed reverse regulatory effects on the integrity and permeability of BTB as well as the expressions of ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐5. In conclusion, our present study indicated that miR‐34c regulated the permeability of BTB via MAZ‐mediated expression changes of ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin‐5. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 716–731, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
Vitamin D Attenuates Cytokine‐Induced Remodeling in Human Fetal Airway Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Britt Rodney D. , Faksh Arij , Vogel Elizabeth R. , Thompson Michael A. , Chu Vivian , Pandya Hitesh C. , Amrani Yassine , Martin Richard J. , Pabelick Christina M. , Prakash Y. S.
Published: September 2014

Asthma in the pediatric population remains a significant contributor to morbidity and increasing healthcare costs. Vitamin D3 insufficiency and deficiency have been associated with development of asthma. Recent studies in models of adult airway diseases suggest that the bioactive Vitamin D3 metabolite, calcitriol (1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3; 1,25(OH)2D3), modulates responses to inflammation; however, this concept has not been explored in developing airways in the context of pediatric asthma. We used human fetal airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells as a model of the early postnatal airway to explore how calcitriol modulates remodeling induced by pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Cells were pre‐treated with calcitriol and then exposed to TNFα or TGFβ for up to 72 h. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, production of extracellular matrix (ECM), and cell proliferation were assessed. Calcitriol attenuated TNFα enhancement of MMP‐9 expression and activity. Additionally, calcitriol attenuated TNFα and TGFβ‐induced collagen III expression and deposition, and separately, inhibited proliferation of fetal ASM cells induced by either inflammatory mediator. Analysis of signaling pathways suggested that calcitriol effects in fetal ASM involve ERK signaling, but not other major inflammatory pathways. Overall, our data demonstrate that calcitriol can blunt multiple effects of TNFα and TGFβ in developing airway, and point to a potentially novel approach to alleviating structural changes in inflammatory airway diseases of childhood. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1189–1198, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
Edge Proximity Conditions for Extendability in Planar Triangulations
Authors: Fujisawa Jun , Ota Katsuhiro
Published: September 2014

A graph G with at least vertices is said to be distance d m‐extendable if for any matching M of G with m edges in which the edges lie at distance at least d pairwise, there exists a perfect matching of G containing M. In this article we prove that every 5‐connected triangulation on the plane of even order is distance 3 9‐extendable and distance 4 m‐extendable for any m.
A 5‐year study of adenoviruses causing conjunctivitis in Izmir, Turkey
Authors: Erdin Begüm Nalça , Pas Suzan D. , Durak İsmet , Schutten Martin , Sayıner A. Arzu
Published: September 2014

Adenoviruses are a common cause of conjunctivitis. Genotypes are diverse and differ according to population and geographical distribution of the virus. There is limited data regarding ocular adenoviral infections and genotype distribution in Turkey. This study aimed to determine the adenovirus genotypes and their epidemiological features among patients with conjunctivitis between 2006 and 2010, in Izmir, Turkey. Adenoviral DNA was detected by PCR in 213 of 488 (44%) of the ocular samples collected from patients with viral conjunctivitis during the 5‐year study period. Of these, 101 (47%) were randomly chosen and genotyped by sequence analysis. Seven genotypes were identified, including 3, 4, 8, 11, 19, 37, and 53. Genotype 8 and 4 were the dominant types detected in 67 (66.3%) and 25 (24.7%) of the samples, respectively. Other five genotypes (3, 11, 19, 37, 53) were detected in 9 (8.9%) samples. Genotype and seasonal differences observed throughout the study. Human adenoviruse (HAdV)‐8 was the most frequent type, except 2008. The prevalence of genotype 4 increased starting from 2006, became dominant in 2008 and decreased in the following years. The peak season was mostly spring months, although it was possible to detect positive samples throughout the year. In conclusion, genotype 8 followed by genotype 4 was the most frequent adenoviral types causing conjunctivitis during the 5‐year study period. Findings suggest that there is a slow shift between genotypes throughout the years. J. Med. Virol. 87:472–477, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Potential roles of placental human beta‐defensin‐3 and apolipoprotein B mRNA‐editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide 3G in prevention of intrauterine transmission of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Bai Xiaoxia , Tian Ting , Wang Peng , Yang Xiaofu , Wang Zhengping , Dong Minyue
Published: September 2014

Approximately 5% of newborns were infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV) via intrauterine transmission and this is the main reason for high prevalence of HBV in endemic regions. However, the mechanisms by which intrauterine transmission is avoided in most cases remain elusive and placental natural anti‐microbial factors may play a role in the prevention of HBV intrauterine transmission. The expression levels of human β‐defensin‐3 (HBD‐3), apolipoprotein B mRNA‐editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide 3G (A3G) and mannose binding lectin (MBL) were determined in the placenta of 30 HBV‐seronegative pregnant women (controls), 7 HBV‐seropositive pregnant women with infants infected via intrauterine transmission (infected group) and 30 HBV‐seropositive pregnant women with non‐infected infants (non‐infected group). The expression of HBD‐3, A3G, and MBL of placental trophoblast cell line Swan71 was determined after exposed to HBV. There were significant differences in placental HBD‐3 and A3G levels among three groups, but the expression of MBL did not significantly differ. The expressions of HBD‐3 and A3G were higher in non‐infected group than controls and infected group, but not significantly different between infected group and controls. The exposure to HBV increased significantly the expression of HBD‐3, A3G, and MBL by Swan 71. It may be concluded HBV up‐regulates HBD‐3 and A3G expression in vivo and in vitro in placental trophoblast and lack of this up‐regulation is possibly associated with intrauterine transmission of HBV. J. Med. Virol. 87:375–379, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Studies on the prevalence of oncogenic HPV types among Lithuanian women with cervical pathology
Authors: Simanaviciene Vaida , Gudleviciene Zivile , Popendikyte Violeta , Dekaminaviciute Dovile , Stumbryte Ausra , Rubinaite Vilija , Zvirbliene Aurelija
Published: September 2014

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. Therefore, the detection of oncogenic HPV types is important in predicting the risk of cervical cancer. The aim of the current study was to estimate the prevalence of 16 carcinogenic and potentially carcinogenic HPV types in the study group of Lithuanian women with various grades of cervical pathology in comparison to healthy women. A total of 824 cervical specimens were investigated for HPV DNA: 547 specimens of women with abnormal cytology and 277 specimens of healthy women. Cytological diagnosis was confirmed by histology. For the detection of HPV infection, HPV DNA was amplified by PCR using three different primer systems. HPV DNA was detected in 67.6% of specimens collected from women with abnormal cytology and 24.2% of specimens collected from healthy women. The frequency of HPV‐positive specimens correlated with the severity of cervical pathology: it ranged from 50.0% in the subgroup of atypical squamous cells to 80.6% in cervical cancer. In cases confirmed by histology the frequency of HPV‐positive specimens ranged from 68.6% in the subgroup of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 to 89.2% in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or carcinoma in situ. HPV DNA‐positive samples were further investigated for the presence of 16 HPV types by multiplex PCR. The most common HPV type was HPV 16 (detected in 42.3% of HPV‐positive specimens) followed by HPV 31 (10.1%), HPV 33 (8.2%), and HPV 56 (5.7%). In contrast, the frequency of HPV 18 was lower as compared to other countries. J. Med. Virol. 87:461–471, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photoresponsive Glycopolymer Aggregates as Controlled Release Systems
Authors: Menon Sajith , Ongungal Rahul M. , Das Suresh
Published: September 2014

The use of a new block copolymer made up of poly(azobenzene methacrylate) (PMAzo) and poly(3‐O‐4‐vinylbenzoyl‐d‐glucopyranose) (PBG) is described for the solubilization of water‐insoluble dyes such as Nile Red in aqueous solutions. This polymer, which is abbreviated as PMAzo‐b‐PBG, self‐assembles into spherical aggregates in water as confirmed by atomic force microscopy. UV irradiation of the aqueous polymer solution destabilizes the aggregates brought about as a result of the trans–cis isomerization of the MAzo units. Dissociated aggregates reunite to form tubular aggregates when the solution is irradiated with 450 nm light. Nile Red, which is a hydrophobic dye, can be incorporated into these aggregates and subsequently released using UV light. The encapsulation, release, and re‐encapsulation of Nile Red are studied using fluorescence spectroscopy.

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Reinforcing Poly(ethylene) with Cellulose Nanocrystals
Authors: Sapkota Janak , Jorfi Mehdi , Weder Christoph , Foster Earl Johan
Published: September 2014

The fabrication of nanocomposites of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), one of the world's most widely used polymers, and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), which represent the world's most abundant bio‐based nanofiller, is reported. While the hydrophobic polymer and the hydrophilic filler seem to be intrinsically incompatible, this article shows that it is possible to kinetically trap homogeneous nanocomposites by a templating approach. An organogel is first prepared by exchanging the solvent of an aqueous CNC dispersion against acetone, impregnating the resulting organogel, in which the CNCs form a percolating network with a hot LDPE solution in toluene, and compression‐molding the resulting materials into thin films. At a filler content of 7.6% v/v, the resulting materials display a three‐ to four‐fold increase in strength and stiffness compared with the neat LDPE, which confirms that the CNC network could be largely maintained. It is also possible to reprocess these nanocomposites and dilute them with LDPE using conventional melt‐processing techniques.

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Optimal and approximate boundary controls of an elastic body with quasistatic evolution of damage
Authors: Kogut Peter I. , Leugering Günter
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we study an optimal control problem for the mixed boundary value problem for an elastic body with quasistatic evolution of an internal damage variable. We suppose that the evolution of microscopic cracks and cavities responsible for the damage is described by a nonlinear parabolic equation. A density of surface traction p acting on a part of boundary of an elastic body Ω is taken as a boundary control. Because the initial boundary value problem of this type can exhibit the Lavrentieff phenomenon and non‐uniqueness of weak solutions, we deal with the solvability of this problem in the class of weak variational solutions. Using the convergence concept in variable spaces and following the direct method in calculus of variations, we prove the existence of optimal and approximate solutions to the optimal control problem under rather general assumptions on the quasistatic evolution of damage. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designing hyperbolic secant excitation pulses to reduce signal dropout in gradient‐echo echo‐planar imaging
Authors: Wastling Stephen J. , Barker Gareth J.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

To design hyperbolic secant (HS) excitation pulses to reduce signal dropout in the orbitofrontal and inferior temporal regions in gradient‐echo echo‐planar imaging (GE‐EPI) for functional MRI (fMRI) applications.

Methods

An algorithm based on Bloch simulations optimizes the HS pulse parameters needed to give the desired signal response across the range of susceptibility gradients observed in the human head (approximately ±250 μT·m−1). The impact of the HS pulse on the signal, temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio, blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) sensitivity, and ability to detect resting state BOLD signal changes was assessed in six healthy male volunteers at 3T.

Results

The optimized HS pulse (μ = 4.25, β = 3040 Hz, A0 = 12.3 μT, Δf = 4598 Hz) had a near uniform signal response for through‐plane susceptibility gradients in the range ±250 μT·m−1. Signal, temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio, BOLD sensitivity, and the detectability of resting state networks were all partially recovered in the orbitofrontal and inferior temporal regions; however, there were signal losses of up to 50% in regions of homogeneous field (and signal loss from in‐plane susceptibility gradients remained).

Conclusion

The HS pulse reduced signal dropout and could be used to acquire task and resting state fMRI data without loss of spatial coverage or temporal resolution. Magn Reson Med 74:661–672, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HR‐MAS MRS of the pancreas reveals reduced lipid and elevated lactate and taurine associated with early pancreatic cancer
Authors: Wang Alan S. , Lodi Alessia , Rivera Lee B. , Izquierdo‐Garcia Jose L. , Firpo Matthew A. , Mulvihill Sean J. , Tempero Margaret A. , Bergers Gabriele , Ronen Sabrina M.
Published: September 2014

The prognosis for patients with pancreatic cancer is extremely poor, as evidenced by the disease's five‐year survival rate of ~5%. New approaches are therefore urgently needed to improve detection, treatment, and monitoring of pancreatic cancer. MRS‐detectable metabolic changes provide useful biomarkers for tumor detection and response‐monitoring in other cancers. The goal of this study was to identify MRS‐detectable biomarkers of pancreatic cancer that could enhance currently available imaging approaches. We used 1H high‐resolution magic angle spinning MRS to probe metabolite levels in pancreatic tissue samples from mouse models and patients. In mice, the levels of lipids dropped significantly in pancreata with lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation, in pancreata with pre‐cancerous metaplasia (4 week old p48‐Cre;LSL‐KrasG12D mice), and in pancreata with pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, which precedes invasive pancreatic cancer (8 week old p48‐Cre LSL‐KrasG12D mice), to 26 ± 19% (p = 0.03), 19 ± 16% (p = 0.04), and 26 ± 10% (p = 0.05) of controls, respectively. Lactate and taurine remained unchanged in inflammation and in pre‐cancerous metaplasia but increased significantly in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia to 266 ± 61% (p = 0.0001) and 999 ± 174% (p < 0.00001) of controls, respectively. Importantly, analysis of patient biopsies was consistent with the mouse findings. Lipids dropped in pancreatitis and in invasive cancer biopsies to 29 ± 15% (p = 0.01) and 26 ± 38% (p = 0.02) of normal tissue. In addition, lactate and taurine levels remained unchanged in inflammation but rose in tumor samples to 244 ± 155% (p = 0.02) and 188 ± 67% (p = 0.02), respectively, compared with normal tissue. Based on these findings, we propose that a drop in lipid levels could serve to inform on pancreatitis and cancer‐associated inflammation, whereas elevated lactate and taurine could serve to identify the presence of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive tumor. Our findings may help enhance current imaging methods to improve early pancreatic cancer detection and monitoring. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular dynamic studies on the impact of mutations on the structure, stability, and N‐terminal orientation of annexin A1: Implications for membrane aggregation
Authors: Simpkins Bradley , Donohue Matthew P. , Li Yumin
Published: September 2014

Multiple MD simulations were performed for the full‐length wild‐type A1, the full length A1 mutations S27E and S27A, as well as the N‐terminal peptide (AMVSEFLKQAWFIDNEEQEYIKTVKGS27KGGPGSAVSPYPTFN) of wild‐type A1 and mutations S27E and S27A. The MD simulation trajectories of about 350 ns were generated and analyzed to examine the changes of core domain calcium binding affinity, core domain and N‐terminal domain structures, and N‐terminal domain orientation. Our results indicated that S27A and S27E mutations caused little changes on the calcium‐binding affinity of the core domain of A1. However, the S27A mutation made the N‐terminal domain of A1 less helical, and made the N‐terminal domain migrate faster toward the core domain; these impacts on A1 are beneficial to the membrane aggregation process. On the contrary, the S27E mutation made the N‐terminal domain of A1 more stable, and hindered the migration to the core domain; these changes on A1 are antagonistic for the membrane aggregation process. Our results using MD simulations provide an atomistic explanation for experimental observations that the S27E mutant showed a higher calcium concentration requirement and lower maximal extent of aggregation, while the wild‐type and two mutants S27E and S27A required identical calcium concentrations for liposome binding. Proteins 2014; 82:3327–3334. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Current treatment options for acute and chronic gout
Authors: Jordan Kelsey , Jeffries Andrew
Published: September 2014

Gout is the only curable form of arthritis, yet only a third of patients with chronic gout are receiving appropriate urate‐lowering therapy. Our Drug review discusses the available treatment options and their properties, followed by sources of further information.
Characteristic polynomial assignment for plants with semialgebraic uncertainty: A robust diophantine equation approach
Authors: Cerone V. , Piga D. , Regruto D.
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we address the problem of robust characteristic polynomial assignment for LTI systems whose parameters are assumed to belong to a semialgebraic uncertainty region. The objective is to design a dynamic fixed‐order controller in order to constrain the coefficients of the closed‐loop characteristic polynomial within prescribed intervals. First, necessary conditions on the plant parameters for the existence of a robust controller are reviewed, and it is shown that such conditions are satisfied if and only if a suitable Sylvester matrix is nonsingular for all possible values of the uncertain plant parameters. The problem of checking such a robust nonsingularity condition is formulated in terms of a nonconvex optimization problem. Then, the set of all feasible robust controllers is sought through the solution to a suitable robust diophantine equation. Convex relaxation techniques based on sum‐of‐square decomposition of positive polynomials are used to efficiently solve the formulated optimization problems by means of semidefinite programming. The presented approach provides a generalization of the results previously proposed in the literature on the problem of assigning the characteristic polynomial in the presence of plant parametric uncertainty. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Superficial Dorsal Vein Injury/Thrombosis Presenting as False Penile Fracture Requiring Dorsal Venous Ligation
Authors: Rafiei Arash , Hakky Tariq S. , Martinez Daniel , Parker Justin , Carrion Rafael
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Conditions mimicking penile fracture are extremely rare and have been seldom described.

Aim

To describe a patient with false penile fracture who presented with superficial dorsal vein injury/thrombosis managed with ligation.

Methods

A 33-year-old male presented with penile swelling and ecchymosis after intercourse. A penile ultrasound demonstrated a thrombosed superficial dorsal vein but also questionable fracture of the tunica albuginea. As the thrombus was expanding, he was emergently taken to the operating room for exploration and required only dorsal venous ligation.

Results

Postoperatively, patient's Sexual Health Inventory for Men score was 23, and he had no issues with erections or sexual intercourse.

Conclusion

Early exploration of patients with suspected penile fracture provides excellent results with maintenance of erectile function. Also, in the setting of dorsal vein thrombosis, ligation preserves the integrity of the penile tissues and avoids unnecessary complications from conservative management.
Mental Models of Sustainability: Unearthing and Analyzing the Mental Images of Corporate Sustainability with Qualitative Empirical Research
Authors: Hielscher Stefan , Will Matthias Georg
Published: September 2014

This paper demonstrates the potential of a qualitative empirical research method [Ganzheitliche Bewältigung von Komplexität (GABEK®)] for systemic sustainability research. We interpret systemic corporate sustainability as a research programme that views the company and its environment as an ongoing process of social construction. Furthermore, we argue that the mental models of relevant actors are crucial within the process of social construction. We then present GABEK® as a unique method for qualitative empirical content analysis and highlight that GABEK® can contribute substantially to systemic sustainability research because it holds the potential to unearth and analyze the mental models of diverse actors with the scrutiny of empirical research. We illustrate this potential with a case study of a major German company's sustainability management (BASF AG), and we outline avenues for future research for an empirically oriented approach to systemic sustainability research. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Literature Circles Go Digital
Authors: Bromley Karen , Faughnan Michelle , Ham Susan , Miller Melissa , Armstrong Traci , Crandall Cassandra , Garrison Julia , Marrone Nicholas
Published: September 2014

This article describes a literature circle of seven pre‐service teacher education students who read Al Capone Shines My Shoes (G. Choldenko, 2009). Students used the Internet to complete their roles, shared what they learned as they discussed the book, and then wrote about the digital experience. Four themes emerged from an analysis of the written responses with representative excerpts from these responses included. Implications and suggestions for using this kind of assignment with elementary age children are discussed.
Assessment of vulnerability to climate change using indicators: a meta‐analysis of the literature
Authors: Tonmoy Fahim N. , El‐Zein Abbas , Hinkel Jochen
Published: September 2014

Climate change vulnerability assessment (CCVA) can inform adaptation policy and help in incorporating climate futures in planning. The literature on CCVA stems from a number of research paradigms (e.g., risk assessment, natural disaster management, and urban planning), therefore making it difficult to extract major directions and methodologies from this body of work. A large number of assessments are based, partly or totally, on indicators which bring up specific methodological problems and constraints. In this study, first, we discuss the most important methodological challenges facing indicator‐based vulnerability assessment (IBVA) based on a set of key conceptual papers in the field. Second, we conduct a meta‐analysis of a representative sample of peer‐reviewed IBVA studies, to identify how current research on IBVA is engaging with these challenges. We attempt to elicit major thematic and methodological trends in this corpus with specific focus on issues related to geographical and temporal scales, aggregation, and nonlinearity. We find that health of ecosystems and biodiversity (28%), freshwater quantity and quality (12%), and public health (10%) have attracted the highest number of studies. Less than a third of the papers in our sample give some consideration to uncertainty and nonlinearity. Assessments typically use aggregation methods that are based on the Multiple Attribute Utility Theory despite the fact that IBVA rarely satisfies the theoretical requirements of this approach. A small percentage of IBVA studies critically scrutinize prevalent assessment methodologies or attempt to develop new ones, despite the raised questions in key theoretical papers about its methodological aspects. WIREs Clim Change 2014, 5:775–792. doi: 10.1002/wcc.314

This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Values‐Based Approach to Vulnerability and Adaptation
Variation in vital‐rate sensitivity between populations of Texas horned lizards
Authors: Wolf Alexander J. , Hellgren Eric C. , Schauber Eric M. , Bogosian Victor , Kazmaier Richard T. , Ruthven Donald C. , Moody Raymond W.
Published: September 2014

Demographic studies of imperiled populations can aid managers in planning conservation actions. However, applicability of findings for a single population across a species’ range is sometimes questionable. We conducted long‐term studies (8 and 9 years, respectively) of 2 populations of the lizard Phrynosoma cornutum separated by 1000 km within the historical distribution of the species. The sites were a 15‐ha urban wildlife reserve on Tinker Air Force Base (TAFB) in central Oklahoma and a 6000‐ha wildland site in southern Texas, the Chaparral Wildlife Management Area (CWMA). We predicted a trade‐off between the effect of adult survival and fecundity on population growth rate (λ), leading to population‐specific contributions of individual vital rates to λ and individualized strategies for conservation and management of this taxon. The CWMA population had lower adult survival and higher fecundity than TAFB. As predicted, there was a trade‐off in the effects of adult survival and fecundity on λ between the two sites; fecundity affected λ more at CWMA than at TAFB. However, adult survival had the smallest effect on λ in both populations. We found that recruitment in P. cornutum most affected λ at both sites, with hatchling survival having the strongest influence on λ. Management strategies focusing on hatchling survival would strongly benefit both populations. As a consequence, within the constraint of the need to more accurately estimate hatchling survival, managers across the range of species such as P. cornutum could adopt similar management priorities with respect to stage classes, despite intra‐population differences in population vital rates.
Developmental relations between sympathy, moral emotion attributions, moral reasoning, and social justice values from childhood to early adolescence
Authors: Daniel Ella , Dys Sebastian P. , Buchmann Marlis , Malti Tina
Published: September 2014

This study examined the development of sympathy, moral emotion attributions (MEA), moral reasoning, and social justice values in a representative sample of Swiss children (N = 1273) at 6 years of age (Time 1), 9 years of age (Time 2), and 12 years of age (Time 3). Cross‐lagged panel analyses revealed that sympathy predicted subsequent increases in MEA and moral reasoning, but not vice versa. In addition, sympathy and moral reasoning at 6 and 9 years of age were associated with social justice values at 12 years of age. The results point to increased integration of affect and cognition in children's morality from middle childhood to early adolescence, as well as to the role of moral development in the emergence of social justice values.
Efficacy of Static Progressive Splinting in the Management of Metacarpophalangeal Joint Stiffness: A Pilot Clinical Trial
Authors: Wang Jun , Erlandsson Gard , Rui Yong-Jun , Li-Tsang Cecilia
Published: September 2014

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of a static progressive metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint flexion splint in managing MCP joint stiffness in patients suffering from traumatized hands.

Methods

A total of 31 patients with stiff MCP joints (n = 116) were recruited for this prospective study. A static progressive MCP flexion splint was designed to manage the MCP joint stiffness of traumatized hands, which is a common problem after surgery. The values of the initial and final passive range of motion (PROM) and active range of motion (AROM) were compared. In addition, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores before and after surgery were also compared. Spearman correlation matrix was used to determine the relationship of the DASH score with PROM and AROM separately.

Results

The PROM increased from 23.47 ± 16.26 degrees to 59.01 ± 14.75 degrees after treatment, and the difference between the initial and final PROM is 35.54 ± 16.92 degrees (t = 22.63, p < .001, df = 115). The AROM also significantly increased from 10.29 ± 10.67 degrees to 25.03 ± 18.25 degrees, with a mean difference of 14.74 ± 15.40 degrees (t = 10.31, p < .001, df = 115). The DASH score improved from 40.71 ± 13.22 to 24.26 ± 11.33 (t = 7.00, p < .001, df = 30), which indicates a significant negative correlation with the AROM of MCP joints following treatment.

Conclusion

The static progressive MCP flexion splint promotes both physical and functional outcomes. The increased AROM of the MCP joints improves the functional outcomes in patients with traumatized hands.
Socially responsible investing and stock performance: New empirical evidence for the US and European stock markets
Authors: Mollet Janick Christian , Ziegler Andreas
Published: September 2014

This paper empirically examines the theoretically ambivalent relationship between socially responsible investing (SRI) and stock performance. It contributes to the existing literature by considering both the US and the entire European stock markets and by using consistent world‐wide corporate sustainability performance data. Our portfolio analysis from 1998 to 2009 is based on the common four‐factor model according to Carhart (1997), which comprises market return, size, value, and momentum factors. We show for the US and the European stock markets that SRI is associated with large‐sized firms. The insignificant abnormal stock returns for SRI in both regions are the main result of our paper. Therefore, our study supports the view that SRI stocks are correctly priced by market participants, although we cannot rule out that a corresponding mispricing has existed before the beginning of our observation period in 1998.
Business cycle, storage, and energy prices
Authors: Kucher Oleg , Kurov Alexander
Published: September 2014

This study examines the effect of the state of the economy and inventory on interest‐adjusted bases and expected returns for five energy commodities. We find that interest‐adjusted bases and returns have a business cycle pattern. Consistent with the theory of storage, demand shocks near business cycle peaks generate negative interest‐adjusted bases and positive returns. In recessions, the bases become positive, and the average returns are negative. Our regression results also show that the interest‐adjusted bases of energy commodities are counter‐cyclical and the expected returns are pro‐cyclical. For petroleum commodities, inventory has a significant effect on interest‐adjusted bases at low levels of inventory, whereas at high inventory levels the effect of inventory on the bases is weak. Finally, we find that the bases and economic conditions predict spot returns in energy commodity markets.
Are Judges getting the Full Story through Court-ordered Reports and Investigations? A Critical Analysis of the Discourse of Disbelief in an Allegation of Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Schulz Pamela D.
Published: September 2014

The care and protection of children takes a different turn when there are allegations of child sexual abuse in a custody battle in the Family Court. In the case referred to in this discourse analysis, two 4- and 5-year-old sisters disclosed incest to a number of people. These were the police, their mother and maternal grandmother, as well as to 12 other people, including contact supervisors and a psychologist. In cases of this kind, the court may ask relevant experts to provide reports in order to decide what action will be in the ‘best interests’ of the children. The following is an analysis of the conversation between the investigating police officer, the social worker and the mother. It shows that mindsets become evident when discourse analysis is applied, and indicates that judges may not be receiving appropriate and comprehensive information or, indeed, ‘the full story’. Discourse analysis, in this instance, suggests that courts could become more aware of other issues at play within interlocutory situations, which may, in fact, determine a child's wellbeing more than is evident before the bench.