bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The DNA hypomethylating agent, 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine, enhances tumor cell invasion through a transcription‐dependent modulation of MMP‐1 expression in human fibrosarcoma cells
Authors: Poplineau Mathilde , Schnekenburger Michael , Dufer Jean , Kosciarz Aleksandra , Brassart‐Pasco Sylvie , Antonicelli Frank , Diederich Marc , Trussardi‐Régnier Aurélie
Published: September 2013

In diseases such as cancer, cells need to degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) and therefore require high protease levels. Thus, aberrant tissue degradation is associated to matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) overexpression resulting from different mechanisms including epigenetic events. One of the most characterized epigenetic mechanisms is DNA methylation causing changes in chromatin conformation, thereby decreasing the accessibility to the transcriptional machinery and resulting in a robust gene silencing. Modulation of DNA methylation by DNA hypomethylating agents such as 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐azadC) is widely used in epigenetic anticancer treatments. Here, we focus on the effects of this drug on the expression level of MMP‐1, ‐2, and ‐9 in human HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells. We demonstrate that 5‐azadC increases MMP expression at both mRNA and protein levels, and promotes invasion potential of HT1080 cells. Using broad‐spectrum and specific MMP inhibitors, we establish that MMP‐1, but not MMP‐2 and ‐9, plays a key role in 5‐azadC‐enhanced cell invasion. We show that 5‐azadC induces MMP‐1 expression through a transcriptional mechanism without affecting MMP‐1 promoter methylation status. Finally, we demonstrate that 5‐azadC treatment increases the nuclear levels of Sp1 and Sp3 transcription factors, and modulates their recruitment to the MMP‐1 promoter, resulting in chromatin remodeling associated to 5‐azadC‐induced MMP‐1 expression. All together, our data indicate that the hypomethylating agent 5‐azadC modulates, mainly via Sp1 recruitment, MMP‐1 expression resulting in an increased invasive potential of HT1080 cells. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dietary fat without body weight gain increases in vivo MCF‐7 human breast cancer cell growth and decreases natural killer cell cytotoxicity
Authors: Lamas Bruno , Nachat‐Kappes Rachida , Goncalves‐Mendes Nicolas , Mishellany Florence , Rossary Adrien , Vasson Marie‐Paule , Farges Marie‐Chantal
Published: September 2013

High‐calorie (HC) diet contributes to the increased incidence of obesity, which is a risk factor for breast cancer in postmenopausal women, and in particular for estrogen receptor (ER) positive tumors. This study investigated whether an HC diet increases human ER‐positive breast cancer progression and modulates natural killer (NK) cell functions. Four‐week‐old female BALB/c athymic nude mice were fed a HC diet (5320 kcal/kg) or standard calorie diet (SC, 2820 kcal/kg) for 6 mo. After 5 mo, the mice were randomly implanted with MCF‐7 breast cancer cells (SCT and HCT) or received an isovolumic injection (SC and HC) in both inguinal fat pads. Tumor growth was greater in the HCT group than in the SC group without change in body weight. The HC diet decreased the tumor expression of genes involved in the citrate cycle and in adiponectin and lipid metabolism but increased that of genes controlling glycolysis and angiogenesis. The tumor expression level of Ki67 was increased while that of the cleaved caspase 3 and the ER‐β and progesterone receptors was reduced. Tumor development in response to the HC diet was associated with smaller numbers and lower cytotoxicity of splenic NK cells. These results indicate that an HC diet without body weight gain increases ER‐positive breast cancer cell proliferation and reduces tumor apoptosis. The underlying mechanisms might involve a downexpression of tumor hormonal receptor and reduced NK cell functions, and might also result in the regulation of genes involved in several cellular functions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of two novel, alternatively spliced mRNA transcripts of the human follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor
Authors: Zhou Jun , Huang Yiting , Li Lili , Zhu Liang , Zhang Dan , Zhang Suzhan , Chen Yiding
Published: September 2013

Glycoprotein hormone receptors contain large extracellular domains encoded by multiple exons that can be alternatively spliced. Using human ovarian surface epithelium, we cloned two new splice variants of the human follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor (FSH‐R) gene, hFSH‐R2 and hFSH‐R3. The hFSH‐R2 splice variant differed from the full‐length FSH‐R mRNA by the deletion of exon 10 and inclusion of two small exons after exon 9 whereas the hFSH‐R3 splice variant retained only exons 1–6 of the full‐length transcript. Both variants were expressed at low levels, but were detected in cells from follicular fluid derived from 30 different subjects. Transfection of these two variants individually into KGN cells, an ovarian cancer cell line that expresses wild‐type FSH‐R, reduced FSH‐mediated phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Akt, and p38/MAPK. Furthermore, in vitro co‐expression of either hFSH‐R2 or hFSH‐R3 and full‐length FSH‐R in HEK293T cells reduced signal transduction through full‐length FSH‐R. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the functions of these receptor isoforms. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 916–923, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
k‐t GRAPPA accelerated four‐dimensional flow MRI in the aorta: Effect on scan time, image quality, and quantification of flow and wall shear stress
Authors: Schnell Susanne , Markl Michael , Entezari Pegah , Mahadewia Riti J. , Semaan Edouard , Stankovic Zoran , Collins Jeremy , Carr James , Jung Bernd
Published: September 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of k‐t parallel imaging for accelerating aortic four‐dimensional (4D)‐flow MRI. The aim was to systematically investigate the impact of different acceleration factors and number of coil elements on acquisition time, image quality and quantification of hemodynamic parameters.

Methods

k‐t accelerated 4D‐flow MRI (spatial/temporal resolution = 2.1 × 2.5 × 2.5 mm/40.0 ms) was acquired in 10 healthy volunteers with acceleration factors R = 3, 5, and 8 using 12‐ and 32‐channel receiver coils. Results were compared with conventional parallel imaging (GRAPPA [generalized autocalibrating partial parallel acquisition], R = 2). Data analysis included radiological grading of three‐dimensional blood flow visualization quality as well as quantification of blood flow, velocities and wall shear stress (WSS).

Results

k‐t GRAPPA significantly reduced scan time by 28%, 54%, and 68%, for R = 3, 5, and 8, respectively, while maintaining image quality as demonstrated by overall similar image quality grading. Significant differences in peak WSS (diff12ch = −5.9%, diff32ch = 18.5%) and mean WSS (diff32ch = 13.9%) were found at the descending aorta for both receiver coils for R = 5 (PWSS < 0.04). Peak velocity differed for R=8 at the aortic root (−7.4%) and descending aorta (−12%) with PpeakVelo < 0.03.

Conclusion

k‐t GRAPPA acceleration with a 12‐ or 32‐channel receiver coil and an acceleration of 3 or 5 can compete with a standard GRAPPA R = 2 acceleration. Magn Reson Med 72:522–533, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chloride channels in myotonia congenita assessed by velocity recovery cycles
Authors: Tan S. Veronica , Z'Graggen Werner J , Boërio DELPHINE , Rayan Dipa Raja , Norwood Fiona , Ruddy Deborah , Howard R. , Hanna Michael G. , Bostock Hugh
Published: September 2013

Introduction: Myotonia congenita (MC) is caused by congenital defects in the muscle chloride channel CLC‐1. This study used muscle velocity recovery cycles (MVRCs) to investigate how membrane function is affected. Methods: MVRCs and responses to repetitive stimulation were compared between 18 patients with genetically confirmed MC (13 recessive, 7 dominant) and 30 age‐matched, normal controls. Results: MC patients exhibited increased early supernormality, but this was prevented by treatment with sodium channel blockers. After multiple conditioning stimuli, late supernormality was enhanced in all MC patients, indicating delayed repolarization. These abnormalities were similar between the MC subtypes, but recessive patients showed a greater drop in amplitude during repetitive stimulation. Conclusions: MVRCs indicate that chloride conductance only becomes important when muscle fibers are depolarized. The differential responses to repetitive stimulation suggest that, in dominant MC, the affected chloride channels are activated by strong depolarization, consistent with a positive shift of the CLC‐1 activation curve. Muscle Nerve 49: 845–857, 2014
Simulation of earthquake‐induced slope deformation using SPH method
Authors: Chen Wei , Qiu Tong
Published: September 2013

This paper presents the development, calibration, and validation of a smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) model for the simulation of seismically induced slope deformation under undrained condition. A constitutive model that combines the isotropic strain softening viscoplasticity and the modified Kondner and Zelasko rule is developed and implemented into SPH formulations. The developed SPH model accounts for the effects of wave propagation in the sliding mass, cyclic nonlinear behavior of soil, and progressive reduction in shear strength during sliding, which are not explicitly considered in various Newmark‐type analyses widely used in the current research and practice in geotechnical earthquake engineering. Soil parameters needed for the developed model can be calibrated using typical laboratory shear strength tests, and experimental or empirical shear modulus reduction curve and damping curve. The strain‐rate effects on soil strength are considered. The developed SPH model is validated against a readily available and well‐documented model slope test on a shaking table. The model simulated slope failure mode, acceleration response spectra, and slope deformations are in excellent agreement with the experimental data. It is thus suggested that the developed SPH model may be utilized to reliably simulate earthquake‐induced slope deformations. This paper also indicates that if implemented with appropriate constitutive models, SPH method can be used to model large‐deformation problems with high fidelity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Massively‐parallel sequencing assists the diagnosis and guided treatment of cancers of unknown primary
Authors: Tothill Richard W , Li Jason , Mileshkin Linda , Doig Ken , Siganakis Terence , Cowin Prue , Fellowes Andrew , Semple Timothy , Fox Stephen , Byron Keith , Kowalczyk Adam , Thomas David , Schofield Penelope , Bowtell David D
Published: September 2013

The clinical management of patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is hampered by the absence of a definitive site of origin. We explored the utility of massively‐parallel (next‐generation) sequencing for the diagnosis of a primary site of origin and for the identification of novel treatment options. DNA enrichment by hybridization capture of 701 genes of clinical and/or biological importance, followed by massively‐parallel sequencing, was performed on 16 CUP patients who had defied attempts to identify a likely site of origin. We obtained high quality data from both fresh‐frozen and formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded samples, demonstrating accessibility to routine diagnostic material. DNA copy‐number obtained by massively‐parallel sequencing was comparable to that obtained using oligonucleotide microarrays or quantitatively hybridized fluorescently tagged oligonucleotides. Sequencing to an average depth of 458‐fold enabled detection of somatically acquired single nucleotide mutations, insertions, deletions and copy‐number changes, and measurement of allelic frequency. Common cancer‐causing mutations were found in all cancers. Mutation profiling revealed therapeutic gene targets and pathways in 12/16 cases, providing novel treatment options. The presence of driver mutations that are enriched in certain known tumour types, together with mutational signatures indicative of exposure to sunlight or smoking, added to clinical, pathological, and molecular indicators of likely tissue of origin. Massively‐parallel DNA sequencing can therefore provide comprehensive mutation, DNA copy‐number, and mutational signature data that are of significant clinical value for a majority of CUP patients, providing both cumulative evidence for the diagnosis of primary site and options for future treatment. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anisotropic low‐field electron diffusion coefficient and mobility in wurtzite indium nitride
Authors: Wang Shulong , Liu Hongxia , Yang Zhaonian
Published: September 2013

This paper presents the theoretical analysis of anisotropic low‐field electron diffusion coefficient and mobility in wurtzite (WZ) indium nitride (InN). The electron diffusion coefficient and mobility as functions of temperature and doping concentration are investigated in detail. For low concentration, the diffusion coefficient and mobility is higher at low temperature. However, the results are opposite for high concentration. The anisotropy of the band structure is also taken into consideration by a Herring–Volt transform. The diffusion coefficient and mobility in the Γ–A direction (c‐direction) is higher than that in the Γ–M direction (basal plane) for a smaller effective mass.
Measuring agreement in method comparison studies with heteroscedastic measurements
Authors: Nawarathna Lakshika S. , Choudhary Pankaj K.
Published: September 2013

We propose a methodology for evaluation of agreement between two methods of measuring a continuous variable whose variability changes with magnitude. This problem routinely arises in method comparison studies that are common in health‐related disciplines. Assuming replicated measurements, we first model the data using a heteroscedastic mixed‐effects model, wherein a suitably defined true measurement serves as the variance covariate. Fitting this model poses some computational difficulties as the likelihood function is not available in a closed form. We deal with this issue by suggesting four estimation methods to obtain approximate maximum likelihood estimates. Two of these methods are based on numerical approximation of the likelihood, and the other two are based on approximation of the model. Next, we extend the existing agreement evaluation methodology designed for homoscedastic data to work under the proposed heteroscedastic model. This methodology can be used with any scalar measure of agreement. Simulations show that the suggested inference procedures generally work well for moderately large samples. They are illustrated by analyzing a data set of cholesterol measurements. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the Effects of a New Intravaginal Gel, Containing Purified Bovine Colostrum, on Vaginal Blood Flow and Vaginal Atrophy in Ovariectomized Rat
Authors: Vailati Silvia , Melloni Elsa , Riscassi Ermanno , Behr Roussel Delphine , Sardina Marco
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Vaginal dryness due to vaginal atrophy is a common complaint of postmenopausal women, interfering with sexual function and quality of life. Hormone replacement therapy is the only effective therapy but with known risks that leave unmet medical needs. A new product, ZP-025 vaginal gel, containing purified (dialyzed lyophilized) bovine colostrum, has been developed for the treatment of vaginal dryness secondary to vaginal atrophy.

Aim

The study aims to investigate the effects of intravaginal application of ZP-025 on vaginal atrophy using an animal model.

Methods

Ovariectomized female Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Three weeks after surgery, rats were divided into four groups and treated for 4 weeks (twice a day) with placebo or ZP-025 at low (0.5%) or high (2.3%) concentrations of colostrum; in the control group, rats did not receive any treatment. Changes in vaginal blood flow due to pelvic nerve stimulation were assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry and vaginal tissue was collected for histological assay.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures were vaginal blood flow before and after pelvic nerve stimulation and histology of vaginal epithelium.

Results

Treatment with ZP-025 to ovariectomized rats induced an increase of vaginal blood flow parameters (vascular capacitance, amplitude and area under the curve of the response) in response to pelvic nerve stimulation compared with control group, statistically significant at 2.3%. Vaginal epithelium showed a physiological estrous cycle aspect in treated animals, with at least five cell layers vs. one or two cell layers in control rats. As expected from a topical formulation, systemic effects on body weights and uterine wet weights were not observed with application of ZP-025.

Conclusions

In this study, the new product ZP-025, containing purified colostrum, was shown to have beneficial effects on vaginal atrophy in ovariectomized rats, improving vaginal hemodynamics and thickness of vaginal epithelium.
Agreement between two‐ and three‐dimensional transperineal ultrasound methods for assessment of fetal head–symphysis distance in active labor
Authors: Youssef A. , Bellussi F. , Montaguti E. , Maroni E. , Salsi G. , Morselli‐Labate A. M. , Paccapelo A. , Rizzo N. , Pilu G. , Ghi T.
Published: September 2013

Objectives

To assess the intermethod agreement between two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) transperineal ultrasound methods in measuring a new index of fetal head station (the fetal head–symphysis distance (HSD)) in active labor, and to assess potential factors that may affect their agreement.

Methods

HSD was measured by transperineal ultrasound in 86 women in active labor, once using a 2D and once using a 3D technique. 2D images were acquired first in 43 cases and 3D images were acquired first in the other 43 women. Intermethod agreement between 2D and 3D methods was analyzed by means of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman analysis. In addition, potential factors affecting the intermethod reproducibility were investigated including fetal occiput position, order of acquisition, fetal head station, stage of labor, maternal body mass index and use of epidural analgesia, using the ANOVA test to check for systematic bias and Levene's test for homoscedasticity.

Results

Good agreement was demonstrated between 2D and 3D measurements of HSD (ICC, 0.949 (95% CI, 0.914–0.984)). No evidence of systematic difference was shown between the two methods (average difference ± SD = 0.03 ± 2.29 mm; P = 0.888). The only factor that had a significant effect on systematic difference between 2D and 3D methods was order of acquisition (P = 0.042); the first observation was higher regardless of the method used. Fetal head station had a significant effect on the homogeneity between the two methods (P = 0.004) with a better 2D–3D agreement obtained at lower head stations (SD of differences: 1.63 vs 2.59 mm).

Conclusions

There is very good agreement between 2D and 3D methods of assessing HSD. Agreement is better in lower fetal head stations. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Syntheses, Structures, and Electronic Properties of a New Series of Tellurides of the Type [Sequestered Cation]2(Tex) (x = 1–4)
Authors: Thiele Günther , Lichtenberger Niels , Tonner Ralf , Dehnen Stefanie
Published: September 2013

The list of “classical” tellurides with organic cations was expanded by the synthesis of single‐crystalline salts [Li2(en)n](Tex) (en = ethylenediamine) with n = 4, x = 1 (1), n = 4, x = 2 (2), and n = 5, x = 3 (3), [K(18c6)]2(Tex) (18c6 = 1, 4,7, 10, 13, 16‐hexaoxacycloocta‐decane) with x = 2 (4), 4 (5), [K(18c6)]2[K(en)]2(Te2)2 (6), and [K([2.2.2]crypt)]2(Te2) (7) ([2.2.2]crypt = 4, 7,13, 16, 21, 24‐hexaoxa‐1, 10‐diazabicyclo[8.8.8]‐hexacosane). Electronic structure calculations on free molecules and periodic approaches are discussed and compared with experimental UV/Vis spectra, providing a correlation of the bandgaps with the telluride chain length, and a possibility for affecting the gap by according choice of the counterions. Additionally, 125Te NMR chemical shifts of the presented series of en solvated lithium tellurides are presented.
Synthesis and Inhibition Effect of a Novel Tri‐cationic Surfactant on Carbon Steel Corrosion in 0.5 M H2SO4 Solution
Authors: El‐Tabei A. S. , Hegazy M. A. , Bedair A. H. , Sadeq M. A.
Published: September 2013

A novel Tri‐cationic surfactant was synthesized, purified and characterized. The critical micelle concentration value of the prepared surfactant was determined by surface tension and conductivity measurements. The surface parameters were calculated by surface tension measurements. The relationship between the surface properties and the corrosion inhibition efficiency of the prepared surfactant was discussed. The inhibition effect of the novel Tri‐cationic surfactant on carbon steel corrosion in 0.5 M H2SO4 was studied by potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and weight loss techniques. Potentiodynamic polarization studies revealed that the inhibitor acted as a mixed‐type inhibitor. The high inhibition efficiency was attributed to the blocking of active sites on the steel surface through the adsorption of inhibitor molecules. Inhibitor adsorption on the carbon steel surface was in accordance with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Thermodynamic adsorption and kinetic parameters were obtained from weight losses at different temperatures (20–60 °C).
Labor induction outcomes in third‐trimester stillbirths
Authors: Gawron Lori M. , Kiley Jessica W.
Published: September 2013

Objective

To describe the management of third‐trimester stillbirth at a single institution, stratifying induction intervals and adverse outcomes by method.

Methods

Women diagnosed with fetal demise at 28 weeks or later and admitted to an academic hospital between January 2007 and September 2010 were identified. A chart review extracted demographics, history, induction method, delivery interval, and adverse outcomes.

Results

Seventy‐four women were included, with a median gestational age of 35.5 weeks (range, 28–40 weeks). Ten women had undergone at least 1 prior cesarean. Induction methods included misoprostol alone or for cervical ripening; oxytocin and amniotomy; transcervical Foley catheter; and mifepristone. Overall, 88% of patients delivered within 24 hours; median time to fetal delivery was 11 hours 20 minutes (range, 7 minutes to 57 hours 12 minutes). Adverse outcomes included intrapartum fever and postpartum hemorrhage. In total, 98% of patients, including those with prior cesarean, had a successful vaginal delivery.

Conclusion

Regardless of third‐trimester induction method for management of stillbirth, the majority of women experience safe delivery within 24 hours. The descriptive data imply that misoprostol‐only inductions might confer the shortest induction intervals; however, further prospective trials are needed to identify the optimal misoprostol regimen for women with third‐trimester stillbirth.
Genetic parameters and non-genetic influences related to birth weight in farmed white-tailed deer
Authors: PARRA-BRACAMONTE G. M. , DE LA ROSA-REYNA X. F. , TREVIÑO-MARTÍNEZ N. , ARELLANO-VERA W. , MORENO-MEDINA V.
Published: September 2013

Studying and understanding the sources of variation in early life traits in farmed deer are fundamental for management and/or breeding purposes. Data from a captive white-tailed deer population were analysed to identify non-genetic and genetic factors affecting the birth weight (BW) of fawns. The year, type of birth and sex were included in a fixed linear model to examine their significance. All of the examined non-genetic factors had a highly significant effect on BW (P<0·001). The examined years showed variation attributed to food availability affecting the gestational conditions of does. Male fawns were 193 g heavier than female fawns at birth (P<0·001), and singleton births were associated with a higher BW (2·97±0·043 kg) compared with twin (−0·261 g) and triplet (−0·642 g) fawning (P<0·001). The best-fitting animal model was selected by comparing reduced and complete models. Based on the selected animal model, which included direct genetic and common maternal effects, genetic components and parameters were estimated. The direct heritability was found to be 0·28±0·126, and a small but important contribution of common maternal environmental effects was identified (c2=0·15±0·062). The results support the importance of certain environmental factors affecting BW and indicate the relevance of direct genetic and maternal environmental influences to sustained genetic changes in BW and positively correlated traits in farmed white-tailed deer populations.
Physalins B and F,seco-steroids isolated fromPhysalis angulataL., strongly inhibit proliferation, ultrastructure and infectivity ofTrypanosoma cruzi
Authors: MEIRA CÁSSIO S. , GUIMARÃES ELISALVA T. , BASTOS TANIRA M. , MOREIRA DIOGO R. M. , TOMASSINI THEREZINHA C. B. , RIBEIRO IVONE M. , DOS SANTOS RICARDO R. , SOARES MILENA B. P.
Published: September 2013

We previously observed that physalins have immunomodulatory properties, as well as antileishmanial and antiplasmodial activities. Here, we investigated the anti-Trypanosoma cruziactivity of physalins B, D, F and G. We found that physalins B and F were the most potent compounds against trypomastigote and epimastigote forms ofT. cruzi. Electron microscopy of trypomastigotes incubated with physalin B showed disruption of kinetoplast, alterations in Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum, followed by the formation of myelin-like figures, which were stained with MDC to confirm their autophagic vacuole identity. Physalin B-mediated alteration in Golgi apparatus was likely due toT. cruziprotease perturbation; however physalins did not inhibit activity of the trypanosomal protease cruzain. Flow cytometry examination showed that cell death is mainly caused by necrosis. Treatment with physalins reduced the invasion process, as well as intracellular parasite development in macrophage cell culture, with a potency similar to benznidazole. We observed that a combination of physalins and benznidazole has a greater anti-T. cruziactivity than when compounds were used alone. These results indicate that physalins, specifically B and F, are potent and selective trypanocidal agents. They cause structural alterations and induce autophagy, which ultimately lead to parasite cell death by a necrotic process.
Phylogenetic structure of host spectra in Palaearctic fleas: stability versus spatial variation in widespread, generalist species
Authors: KRASNOV BORIS R. , PILOSOF SHAI , SHENBROT GEORGY I. , KHOKHLOVA IRINA S. , DEGEN A. ALLAN
Published: September 2013

We investigated spatial variation in the phylogenetic structure of host spectra in fleas parasitic on small mammals. Measures of phylogenetic host specificity ((phylogenetic species clustering (PSC) and phylogenetic species variability (PSV)) varied significantly more between than within flea species, but the proportion of variation which accounted for among-species differences was low. In 13 of 18 common flea species, at least one of the indices of the phylogenetic structure of regional host spectra revealed a significantly positive association with the phylogenetic structure of regional host assemblage, while relationships between PSC or PSV of the regional host spectrum and the distance from either the region of a flea's maximal abundance or latitude were not supported. Overall, results of this study demonstrated that although the degree of phylogenetic host specificity in fleas can be considered as a true attribute of a flea species, it is highly spatially variable, with phylogenetic structure of the surrounding host pool being the main reason behind this variation.
Simultaneous measurement of self-generated magnetic fields and electron heat transport in dense plasma
Authors: Lancia L. , Fourment C. , Fuchs J. , Feugeas J.-L. , Nicolai Ph. , Bastiani-Ceccotti S. , Gauthier M. , Hulin S. , Nakatsutsumi M. , Rabec-Le-Gloahec M. , Santos J.J. , Schurtz G.
Published: September 2013

The role of self generated magnetic fields in the transport of a heat wave following a nanosecond laser irradiation of a solid target is investigated. Magnetic fields are expected to localize the electron carrying the heat flux but at the same time are affected in their evolution by the heat flux itself. We performed simultaneous measurements of heat wave propagation velocity within the target and magnetic fields developing on the target surface. These were compared to results obtained by numerical magneto-hydrodynamic modeling, including self-generated B fields. The comparison shows that longitudinal heat flow is overestimated in the simulations. Similarly, but most notably, the radial expansion of the magnetic fields is underestimated by the modeling. The two are likely linked, the more pronounced radial drift of B-fields induces a rotation of heat flux in the radial direction, and corresponding longitudinal heat flux inhibition. This suggests the need for improving present modeling of self-generated magnetic fields evolution in high power laser-matter interaction.
Application of high speed frame camera on the intense electron beam accelerator: An overview
Authors: Cheng Xin-Bing , Liu Jin-Liang , Qian Bao-Liang
Published: September 2013

High speed framing camera (HSFC) could be used to capture the image of the electron beams generated by the intense electron-beam accelerator (IEBA), and it is useful to visualize the evolution of discharging and plasma generation phenomenon. So an overview of the application of HSFC on the IEBA is presented. First, we introduce the synchronization problem of HSFC and IEBA, and a synchronization trigger system which could provide a trigger signal with rise time of 17 ns and amplitude of about 5 V is presented. Second, an imaging system based on IEBA, HSFC, and the synchronization trigger system is developed, and it can be used to image the developmental process of plasma in the output vacuum chamber of IEBA and to measure the electrical parameter of IEBA and electrical trigger signal in real time. Furthermore, the imaging system is used to investigate the developmental process of the electron beam of the A-K gap in vacuum under 180 nanosecond quasi-square pulses. It is obtained that the short A-K gap is closed prematurely under long pulse operation with plasma expansion velocity of about 6.25 cm/µs and the light emission in the A-K gap region has the characteristics of “re-ignition” with light duration time about 3800 ns. At last, the discharging process of surface flashover channel of poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA) insulator with gap spacing of 170 mm in vacuum under nanosecond quasi-square pulses is studied by the imaging system, and the change of luminosity is analyzed during the surface flashover process.
Planning in BDI agents: a survey of the integration of planning algorithms and agent reasoning
Authors: Meneguzzi Felipe , De Silva Lavindra
Published: September 2013

Agent programming languages have often avoided the use of automated (first principles or hierarchical) planners in favour of predefined plan/recipe libraries for computational efficiency reasons. This allows for very efficient agent reasoning cycles, but limits the autonomy and flexibility of the resulting agents, oftentimes with deleterious effects on the agent's performance. Planning agents can, for instance, synthesise a new plan to achieve a goal for which no predefined recipe worked, or plan to make viable the precondition of a recipe belonging to a goal being pursued. Recent work on integrating automated planning with belief-desire-intention (BDI)-style agent architectures has yielded a number of systems and programming languages that exploit the efficiency of standard BDI reasoning, as well as the flexibility of generating new recipes at runtime. In this paper, we survey these efforts and point out directions for future work.
Relative Tutte Polynomials of Tensor Products of Coloured Graphs
Authors: DIAO Y. , HETYEI G.
Published: September 2013

The tensor product (G1,G2) of a graph G1 and a pointed graph G2 (containing one distinguished edge) is obtained by identifying each edge of G1 with the distinguished edge of a separate copy of G2, and then removing the identified edges. A formula to compute the Tutte polynomial of a tensor product of graphs was originally given by Brylawski. This formula was recently generalized to coloured graphs and the generalized Tutte polynomial introduced by Bollobás and Riordan. In this paper we generalize the coloured tensor product formula to relative Tutte polynomials of relative graphs, containing zero edges to which the usual deletion/contraction rules do not apply. As we have shown in a recent paper, relative Tutte polynomials may be used to compute the Jones polynomial of a virtual knot.
Multicomponent Cognitive-Behavioural Intervention to Improve Sleep in Adolescents: A Multiple Baseline Design
Authors: Hendricks Melissa C. , Ward Cynthia M. , Grodin Lauren K. , Slifer Keith J.
Published: September 2013

Background: Adolescents are prone to sleep problems that have unique developmental aspects and contribute to physical, emotional, and behavioural problems. Aims: This study evaluated an individualized, multicomponent intervention that considered developmental factors, and promoted age-appropriate autonomy in three adolescent females with disrupted sleep. Method: Adolescents recorded sleep data on daily logs. A nonconcurrent multiple baseline design was used to evaluate a cognitive-behavioural intervention including sleep hygiene training, bedtime routine development, cognitive restructuring, relaxation training, stimulus control, sleep restriction, bedtime fading, and problem-solving, along with clinically indicated individualization. Results: Outcomes demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements and decreased variability in sleep parameters following intervention. Each participant's sleep log data indicated improvement in, or maintenance of, adequate total sleep time (TST), decreased sleep onset latency (SOL), improved sleep efficiency (SE), improvement in time of sleep onset, and decreased or continued low frequency of night awakenings (NA). Anecdotally, adolescents and parents reported improvement in daytime functioning, coping, and sense of wellbeing. Conclusions: These cases highlight the potential for cognitive-behavioural interventions to facilitate healthy sleep in adolescents with challenging sleep problems.
The Use of Texture Analysis in the Morpho-Functional Characterization of Mast Cell Degranulation in Rainbow Trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Manera Maurizio
Published: September 2013

Degranulation of intestinal mast cells in rainbow trout was studied ex vivo by means of texture analysis and related to the maximal intestinal contraction elicited by degranulation itself. Two strips from the same intestinal segment from ten trout were sampled, processed for light microscopy and stained with Giemsa solution. One of the two strips was exposed to an incremental dose of compound 48/80 in an isolated organ bath before processing. Gray-level RGB channel equivalent and 8-bit gray-level images of five granular cytoplasm areas of mast cells for each section were analyzed for texture features and to evaluate discrimination possibility between treatment groups by means of linear discriminant analysis according to feature selection methods and RGB stacks. Differential mean values (after–before compound 48/80) of the green (r2 = 0.84, p < 0.01) and blue (r2 = 0.83, p < 0.01) RGB channels and 8-bit grayscale (r2 = 0.76, p < 0.05) image correlated significantly with the respective value of maximal intestinal contraction. A possible acidic (anionic) nature for the putative pro-contractile basophil agonist can be inferred.
DETERMINATION OF JOIN REGIONS BETWEEN CARBON NANOSTRUCTURES USING VARIATIONAL CALCULUS
Authors: BAOWAN D. , COX B. J. , HILL J. M.
Published: September 2013

We review the work of the present authors to employ variational calculus to formulate continuous models for the connections between various carbon nanostructures. In formulating such a variational principle, there is some evidence that carbon nanotubes deform as in perfect elasticity, and rather like the elastica, and therefore we seek to minimize the elastic energy. The calculus of variations is utilized to minimize the curvature subject to a length constraint, to obtain an Euler–Lagrange equation, which determines the connection between two carbon nanostructures. Moreover, a numerical solution is proposed to determine the geometric parameters for the connected structures. Throughout this review, we assume that the defects on the nanostructures are axially symmetric and that the into-the-plane curvature is small in comparison to that in the two-dimensional plane, so that the problems can be considered in the two-dimensional plane. Since the curvature can be both positive and negative, depending on the gap between the two nanostructures, two distinct cases are examined, which are subsequently shown to smoothly connect to each other.
Microsatellite high-resolution melting (SSR-HRM) analysis for identification of sweet cherry rootstocks in Greece
Authors: Ioannis Ganopoulos , Aliki Xanthopoulou , Filippos Aravanopoulos , Konstantinos Kazantzis , Athanasios Tsaftaris , Panagiotis Madesis
Published: September 2013

Sweet cherries can be grafted onto a wide range of rootstocks belonging to the genus Prunus. The identification of sweet cherry rootstocks using morphological traits is almost impossible particularly during the dormant season, yet it is very important for the grower to know exactly the rootstock as this has a major influence on cultivar performance and agricultural practices. However, DNA-based molecular analysis carried out on actively growing shoot tips, leaves or dormant buds provides a good opportunity to reliably distinguish the rootstocks. Herein, we have integrated high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis, coupled with five simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, in order to facilitate the identification of the most popular sweet cherry rootstocks in Greece. The five SSR loci used were highly informative and generated a unique melting curve profile of microsatellites for each of the six sweet cherry rootstocks tested. In particular, one marker, BPPCT002, with six HRM profiles was sufficient to discriminate all the sweet cherry rootstocks studied, highlighting its potential use for rootstock identification. Hence, this assay provided a flexible, cost-effective and closed-tube microsatellite genotyping method well suited to sweet cherry rootstock identification.
Inhibition of microRNA-181 Reduces Forebrain Ischemia-Induced Neuronal Loss
Authors: Moon Jeong-mi , Xu Lijun , Giffard Rona G
Published: September 2013

MicroRNA (miRNA), miR-181a, is enriched in the brain, and inhibition of miR-181a reduced astrocyte death in vitro and infarct volume after stroke in vivo. This study investigated the role of miR-181a in neuronal injury in vitro and hippocampal neuronal loss in vivo after forebrain ischemia. miR-181a levels were altered by transfection with mimic or antagomir. N2a cells subjected to serum deprivation and oxidative stress showed less cell death when miR-181a was reduced and increased death when miR-181a increased; protection was associated with increased Bcl-2 protein. In contrast, transfected primary neurons did not show altered levels of cell death when miR-181a levels changed. Naive male rats and rats stereotactically infused with miR-181a antagomir or control were subjected to forebrain ischemia and cornus ammonis (CA)1 neuronal survival and protein levels were assessed. Forebrain ischemia increased miR-181a expression and decreased Bcl-2 protein in the hippocampal CA1 region. miR-181a antagomir reduced miR-181a levels, reduced CA1 neuronal loss, increased Bcl-2 protein, and significantly prevented the decrease of glutamate transporter 1. Thus, miR-181a antagomir reduced evidence of astrocyte dysfunction and increased CA1 neuronal survival. miR-181a inhibition is thus a potential target in the setting of forebrain or global cerebral ischemia as well as focal ischemia.
Suspended gate field effect transistor type microelectromechanical systems resonators modelling with micro‐Raman spectroscopy measured residual stress
Authors: Zhao Chenxu , Li Mengwei , Guo Xin , Liu Zewen
Published: September 2013

Presented is an improved model of doubly‐clamped microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) resonators implemented in very high‐speed integrated circuit hardware description language for analogue and mixed‐signal (VHDL‐AMS). The model includes the effect of residual stress, which may severely shift the resonant frequency of the MEMS resonator from the analytical pre‐designed value if the magnitude of intrinsic residual stress is imprecisely predicted. As the stress is not only determined by the fabrication process but also related to the structural dimensions of the resonators, in this work micro‐Raman spectroscopy was utilised to measure and characterise the residual stress of a series of fabricated doubly‐clamped polysilicon suspended gate field effect transistor type resonators with varying sizes. Combined with the experimentally determined residual stress, the proposed VHDL‐AMS analytical model provides an error of < 3.5% resonant frequency shift with respect to the experimental result.
Blockade of the purinergic P2Y
12
receptor greatly increases the platelet inhibitory actions of nitric oxide
Authors: Kirkby Nicholas S. , Lundberg Martina H. , Chan Melissa V. , Vojnovic Ivana , Solomon Antonia B. , Emerson Michael , Mitchell Jane A. , Warner Timothy D.
Published: September 2013

Circulating platelets are constantly exposed to nitric oxide (NO) released from the vascular endothelium. This NO acts to reduce platelet reactivity, and in so doing blunts platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. For successful hemostasis, platelet activation and aggregation must occur at sites of vascular injury despite the constant presence of NO. As platelets aggregate, they release secondary mediators that drive further aggregation. Particularly significant among these secondary mediators is ADP, which, acting through platelet P2Y
12
receptors, strongly amplifies aggregation. Platelet P2Y
12
receptors are the targets of very widely used antithrombotic drugs such as clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor. Here we show that blockade of platelet P2Y
12
receptors dramatically enhances the antiplatelet potency of NO, causing a 1,000- to 100,000-fold increase in inhibitory activity against platelet aggregation and release reactions in response to activation of receptors for either thrombin or collagen. This powerful synergism is explained by blockade of a P2Y
12
receptor-dependent, NO/cGMP-insensitive phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway of platelet activation. These studies demonstrate that activation of the platelet ADP receptor, P2Y
12
, severely blunts the inhibitory effects of NO. The powerful antithrombotic effects of P2Y
12
receptor blockers may, in part, be mediated by profound potentiation of the effects of endogenous NO.
The material footprint of nations
Authors: Wiedmann Thomas O. , Schandl Heinz , Lenzen Manfred , Moran Daniel , Suh Sangwon , West James , Kanemoto Keiichiro
Published: September 2013

Metrics on resource productivity currently used by governments suggest that some developed countries have increased the use of natural resources at a slower rate than economic growth (relative decoupling) or have even managed to use fewer resources over time (absolute decoupling). Using the material footprint (MF), a consumption-based indicator of resource use, we find the contrary: Achievements in decoupling in advanced economies are smaller than reported or even nonexistent. We present a time series analysis of the MF of 186 countries and identify material flows associated with global production and consumption networks in unprecedented specificity. By calculating raw material equivalents of international trade, we demonstrate that countries’ use of nondomestic resources is, on average, about threefold larger than the physical quantity of traded goods. As wealth grows, countries tend to reduce their domestic portion of materials extraction through international trade, whereas the overall mass of material consumption generally increases. With every 10% increase in gross domestic product, the average national MF increases by 6%. Our findings call into question the sole use of current resource productivity indicators in policy making and suggest the necessity of an additional focus on consumption-based accounting for natural resource use.
Agricultural landscape simplification does not consistently drive insecticide use
Authors: Larsen Ashley E.
Published: September 2013

Significance

Increases in agricultural production have greatly altered land-use patterns, often resulting in simplified landscapes composed of large monocultures separated by fragments of natural lands. It is thought that these simplified landscapes enable agricultural insect pests to thrive due to an absence of predators and abundant food, necessitating greater insecticide use. Despite the logic of this theory, empirical support is lacking. Using a multiyear analysis it becomes clear that the presence and direction of the relationship between landscape simplification and insecticide use varies greatly between years. In some years more simplified landscapes have increased pest pressure, whereas in other years there is no relationship or it is reversed. Understanding the nature of this variability is critical for land use policy.
End of the Little Ice Age in the Alps forced by industrial black carbon
Authors: Painter Thomas H. , Flanner Mark G. , Kaser Georg , Marzeion Ben , VanCuren Richard A. , Abdalati Waleed
Published: September 2013

Significance

The end of the Little Ice Age in the European Alps has long been a paradox to glaciology and climatology. Glaciers in the Alps began to retreat abruptly in the mid-19th century, but reconstructions of temperature and precipitation indicate that glaciers should have instead advanced into the 20th century. We observe that industrial black carbon in snow began to increase markedly in the mid-19th century and show with simulations that the associated increases in absorbed sunlight by black carbon in snow and snowmelt were of sufficient magnitude to cause this scale of glacier retreat. This hypothesis offers a physically based explanation for the glacier retreat that maintains consistency with the temperature and precipitation reconstructions.
Nonspecific bridging-induced attraction drives clustering of DNA-binding proteins and genome organization
Authors: Brackley Chris A. , Taylor Stephen , Papantonis Argyris , Cook Peter R. , Marenduzzo Davide
Published: September 2013

Significance

We use molecular dynamics to simulate reversible binding of proteins to DNA and uncover an unexpected force driving DNA compaction and protein aggregation. In the absence of any explicit interactions between proteins, or between templates, we find proteins aggregate spontaneously to locally organize the genome. The simulations reproduce the structures seen experimentally when small bivalent proteins assemble into rows (like bacterial H-NS protein), larger proteins with eight binding sites into irregular strings (like octameric nucleosomal cores in chromatin fibers), and still-larger complexes representing RNA polymerase II and a transcription factor (NFκB) into clusters surrounded by loops (like transcription factories). We suggest clustering is driven by an entropic bridging-induced attraction that minimizes bending and looping penalties in the template.