bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathology diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Kasajima Atsuko , Yazdani Samaneh , Sasano Hironobu
Published: February 2015

Histopathology of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) typically displays characteristic features. However, pathologists may encounter histological variants that may resemble other pancreatic tumors. Immunohistochemistry is a powerful tool in confirming neuroendocrine differentiation and differentiating PNETs with other pancreatic neoplasms. Histopathological features could be associated with inherited syndromes. Once the pathology diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor was made, an accurate grading based on World Health Organization (WHO) classification is required. This review will focus on histology variants, immunohistochemistry and WHO classification of PNET.
Rapid, Eco‐friendly, and One‐pot Synthesis of New Lariat Ethers Based on Anthraquinone by Using ZnO Nanoparticles via “Mannich” Reaction under Solvent‐free Condition
Authors: Sharghi H. , Khoshnood A. , Doroodmand M. M. , Khalifeh R.
Published: February 2015

High yielding preparation of structurally different anthraquinone lariat ethers from the reaction of a novel anthraquinone aza crown ether 3 with a variety of substituted phenols and paraformaldehyde in the presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles at 100°C in a solvent‐free condition has been described. The procedure of these reactions is very simple, the yields are generally high to excellent, and the method is applicable to large scale operation without any problem. Furthermore, the zinc oxide nanoparticles could be recovered and recycled up to five times by simple filtration of the reaction mixture.
Beyond the alpha angle: Alternative measurements for quantifying cam‐type deformities in femoroacetabular impingement
Authors: Ehrmann Christine , Rosskopf Andrea B. , Pfirrmann Christian W.A. , Sutter Reto
Published: February 2015

Purpose

To assess alternative measurements to the alpha angle as a tool for distinguishing between symptomatic and asymptomatic cam‐type deformities of the femoral head.

Materials and Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of 106 individuals (age 20–50 years) from a previous study on the alpha angle were analyzed, including 53 femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) patients with cam‐type deformities and 53 age‐/sex‐matched asymptomatic volunteers. On radially reformatted MR images two independent radiologists assessed femoral offset and femoral distance (FD) around the femoral head circumference. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were obtained.

Results

The mean offset was smallest in the anterosuperior position for both readers: reader 1 measured 6.2 ± 2.9 mm (standard deviation) in patients and 7.3 ± 1.8 mm in volunteers (P = 0.002, patients vs. volunteers); reader 2 measured 6.1 ± 3.3 mm in patients and 7.1 ± 2.9 mm in volunteers (P = 0.111). The mean FD was highest in the anterosuperior position for reader 1 (patients 3.3 ± 1.4 mm; volunteers 1.7 ± 2.2 mm; P < 0.001) and in the anterior position for reader 2 (patients 3.1 ± 1.7 mm; volunteers 2.0 ± 1.5 mm; P = 0.001). Overall interobserver agreement (ICC) was good (offset 0.657/FD 0.632). ROC analysis for offset measurements showed the largest area under the curve in anterosuperior position for reader 1 (0.666) and in posterosuperior position for reader 2 (0.612). For FD measurements, the area under the curve was largest in anterosuperior position for both readers (0.793/0.798).

Conclusion

While FD measurements were superior to offset measurements and showed similar results to the alpha angle, neither FD nor offset measurements are a reliable tool for discrimination between FAI patients with cam‐type deformities and asymptomatic volunteers. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1024–1031.
Effects of activated charcoal and tannin added to compost and to soil on carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and ammonia volatilization
Authors: Jordan Greta , Predotova Martina , Ingold Mariko , Goenster Sven , Dietz Herbert , Joergensen Rainer Georg , Buerkert Andreas
Published: February 2015

Given high mineralization rates of soil organic matter addition of organic fertilizers such as compost and manure is a particularly important component of soil fertility management under irrigated subtropical conditions as in Oman. However, such applications are often accompanied by high leaching and volatilization losses of N. Two experiments were therefore conducted to quantify the effects of additions of activated charcoal and tannin either to compost in the field or directly to the soil. In the compost experiment, activated charcoal and tannins were added to compost made from goat manure and plant material at a rate of either 0.5 t activated charcoal ha−1, 0.8 t tannin extract ha−1, or 0.6 t activated charcoal and tannin ha−1 in a mixed application. Subsequently, emissions of CO2, N2O, and NH3 volatilization were determined for 69 d of composting. The results were verified in a 20‐d soil incubation experiment in which C and N emissions from a soil amended with goat manure (equivalent to 135 kg N ha−1) and additional amendments of either 3 t activated charcoal ha−1, or 2 t tannin extract ha−1, or the sum of both additives were determined. While activated charcoal failed to affect the measured parameters, both experiments showed that peaks of gaseous CO2 and N emission were reduced and/or occurred at different times when tannin was applied to compost and soil. Application of tannins to compost reduced cumulative gaseous C emissions by 40% and of N by 36% compared with the non‐amended compost. Tannins applied directly to the soil reduced emission of N2O by 17% and volatilization of NH3 by 51% compared to the control. However, emissions of all gases increased in compost amended with activated charcoal, and the organic C concentration of the activated charcoal amended soil increased significantly compared to the control. Based on these results, tannins appear to be a promising amendment to reduce gaseous emissions from composts, particularly under subtropical conditions.
Exogenous nitric oxide‐induced postharvest disease resistance in citrus fruit to Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Zhou Yahan , Li Shunmin , Zeng Kaifang
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule involved in numerous plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. To investigate the effects of NO on the control of postharvest anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in citrus fruit and its possible mechanisms, citrus fruit were treated with an NO donor.

RESULTS

The results showed that exogenous NO released from 50 µmol L−1 sodium nitroprusside aqueous solution could effectively reduce the disease incidence and lesion diameter of citrus fruit inoculated with C. gloeosporioides during storage at 20 °C. Exogenous NO could regulate hydrogen peroxide levels, stimulate the synthesis of phenolic compounds, and induce phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase activities, and the ascorbate–glutathione cycle. Furthermore, exogenous NO could inhibit weight loss, improve the ascorbic acid and titratable acidity content, and delay the increase in total soluble solids content in citrus fruit during storage at 20 °C.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the use of exogenous NO is a potential method for inducing the disease resistance of fruit to fungal pathogens and for extending the postharvest life of citrus fruit. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) reirradiation for pelvic recurrence from colorectal cancer
Authors: Dagoglu Nergiz , Mahadevan Anand , Nedea Elena , Poylin Vitaly , Nagle Deborah
Published: February 2015

Background and Objectives

When surgery is not adequate or feasible, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) reirradiation has been used for recurrent cancers. We report the outcomes of a series of patients with pelvic recurrences from colorectal cancer reirradiated with SBRT.

Methods

The CyberknifeTM Robotic Stereotactic Radiosurgery system with fiducial based real time tracking was used. Patients were followed with imaging of the pelvis.

Results

Four women and 14 men with 22 lesions were included. The mean dose was 25 Gy in median of five fractions. The mean prescription isodose was 77%, with a median maximum dose of 32.87 Gy. There were two local failures, with a crude local control rate of 89%. The median overall survival was 43 months. One patient had small bowel perforation and required surgery (Grade IV), two patients had symptomatic neuropathy (1 Grade III) and one patient developed hydronephrosis from ureteric fibrosis requiring a stent (Grade III).

Conclusions

Local recurrence in the pelvis after modern combined modality treatment for colorectal cancer is rare. However it presents a therapeutic dilemma when it occurs; often symptomatic and eventually life threatening. SBRT can be a useful non‐surgical modality to control pelvic recurrences after prior radiation for colorectal cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:478–482. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the solutions of a max‐type difference equation system
Authors: Yazlik Y. , Tollu D. T. , Taskara N.
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we study behavior of the solution of the following max‐type difference equation system:

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma3377:mma3377-math-0001
where
, the parameter A is positive real number, and the initial values x0,y0 are positive real numbers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preclinical MR fingerprinting (MRF) at 7 T: effective quantitative imaging for rodent disease models
Authors: Gao Ying , Chen Yong , Ma Dan , Jiang Yun , Herrmann Kelsey A. , Vincent Jason A. , Dell Katherine M. , Drumm Mitchell L. , Brady‐Kalnay Susann M. , Griswold Mark A. , Flask Chris A. , Lu Lan
Published: February 2015

High‐field preclinical MRI scanners are now commonly used to quantitatively assess disease status and the efficacy of novel therapies in a wide variety of rodent models. Unfortunately, conventional MRI methods are highly susceptible to respiratory and cardiac motion artifacts resulting in potentially inaccurate and misleading data. We have developed an initial preclinical 7.0‐T MRI implementation of the highly novel MR fingerprinting (MRF) methodology which has been described previously for clinical imaging applications. The MRF technology combines a priori variation in the MRI acquisition parameters with dictionary‐based matching of acquired signal evolution profiles to simultaneously generate quantitative maps of T1 and T2 relaxation times and proton density. This preclinical MRF acquisition was constructed from a fast imaging with steady‐state free precession (FISP) MRI pulse sequence to acquire 600 MRF images with both evolving T1 and T2 weighting in approximately 30 min. This initial high‐field preclinical MRF investigation demonstrated reproducible and differentiated estimates of in vitro phantoms with different relaxation times. In vivo preclinical MRF results in mouse kidneys and brain tumor models demonstrated an inherent resistance to respiratory motion artifacts as well as sensitivity to known pathology. These results suggest that MRF methodology may offer the opportunity for the quantification of numerous MRI parameters for a wide variety of preclinical imaging applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Timing problems and algorithms: Time decisions for sequences of activities
Authors: Vidal Thibaut , Crainic Teodor Gabriel , Gendreau Michel , Prins Christian
Published: February 2015

Timing problems involve the choice of task execution dates within a predetermined processing sequence, and under various additional constraints or objectives such as time windows, time‐dependent costs, or flexible processing times, among others. Their efficient resolution is critical in branch and bound and neighborhood search methods for vehicle routing, project and machine scheduling, as well as in various applications in network optimization, resource allocation, and statistical inference. Timing‐related problems have been studied for years, yet research on this subject suffers from a lack of consensus, and most knowledge is scattered among operations research and applied mathematics domains. This article introduces a classification of timing problems and features, as well as a unifying multidisciplinary analysis of timing algorithms. In relation to frequent application cases within branching schemes or neighborhood searches, the efficient resolution of series of similar timing subproblems is also analyzed. A dedicated formalism of reoptimization “by concatenation” is introduced to that extent. The knowledge developed through this analysis is valuable for modeling and algorithmic design, for a wide range of combinatorial optimization problems with time characteristics, including rich vehicle routing settings and emerging nonregular scheduling applications, among others. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 65(2), 102–128 2015
Optimal vehicle routing with lower and upper bounds on route durations
Authors: Bektaş Tolga , Lysgaard Jens
Published: February 2015

This article is concerned with the problem of finding optimal vehicle routes to minimize the overall travel time, with constraints on the minimum and maximum amount of time spent on each route. The problem extends previous work on the distance‐constrained vehicle routing problem by introducing lower bounds on route durations to ensure that the resulting routes are balanced. The article also explicitly addresses the situation where a solution is artificially balanced as a result of inoptimal orders of visits. The article describes alternative ways in which the restrictions on route connectivity, duration, and artificial balancing can be formulated, and introduces an exact algorithm based on cutting planes and mixed‐integer linear programming. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first exact algorithm proposed for such a problem that explicitly addresses artificially balanced routes. Computational results are presented for three versions of the exact algorithm using TSPLIB instances. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 65(2), 166–179 2015
High‐accuracy bulk metallic glass mold insert for hot embossing of complex polymer optical devices
Authors: Liu Xue , Shao Yang , Lu Si‐Yuan , Yao Ke‐Fu
Published: February 2015

Metallic glasses (MGs) have been reported to be excellent mold insert materials for hot embossing of polymers, but limited by the simple shape of the embossed polymer devices and the high cost resulted by the application of Pt‐ and Pd‐based MGs. The development of inexpensive MG mold inserts with complex shape as well as high accuracy is of great importance. In present work, polymethylmethacrylate optic devices with complex micro structures and excellent grating performance have been hot embossed precisely by using newly developed centimeter‐sized Ni62Pd19Si2P17 MG molds. The Ni62Pd19Si2P17 MG exhibits high fracture strength of 1840 MPa, distinctive plastic strain of 4% and high thermal‐stability. The die imprinted MG microstructures exhibit very low linear shrinkage (0.002 μm) and relative linear shrinkage rate (0.033%). It indicates that the Ni62Pd19Si2P17 MG could serve as inexpensive and durable mold inserts for precise embossing of polymer micro devices in large scale. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 463–467
Structural basis for the inhibition of M1 family aminopeptidases by the natural product actinonin: Crystal structure in complex with E. coli aminopeptidase N
Authors: Ganji Roopa Jones , Reddi Ravikumar , Gumpena Rajesh , Marapaka Anil Kumar , Arya Tarun , Sankoju Priyanka , Bhukya Supriya , Addlagatta Anthony
Published: February 2015

Actinonin is a pseudotripeptide that displays a high affinity towards metalloproteases including peptide deformylases (PDFs) and M1 family aminopeptidases. PDF and M1 family aminopeptidases belong to thermolysin‐metzincin superfamily. One of the major differences in terms of substrate binding pockets between these families is presence (in M1 aminopeptidases) or absence (in PDFs) of an S1 substrate pocket. The binding mode of actinonin to PDFs has been established previously; however, it is not clear how the actinonin, without a P1 residue, would bind to the M1 aminopeptidases. Here we describe the crystal structure of Escherichia coli aminopeptidase N (ePepN), a model protein of the M1 family aminopeptidases in complex with actinonin. For comparison we have also determined the structure of ePepN in complex with a well‐known tetrapeptide inhibitor, amastatin. From the comparison of the actinonin and amastatin ePepN complexes, it is clear that the P1 residue is not critical as long as strong metal chelating head groups, like hydroxamic acid or α‐hydroxy ketone, are present. Results from this study will be useful for the design of selective and efficient hydroxamate inhibitors against M1 family aminopeptidases.
Revision of instructions to authors for pharmacology research and perspectives: enhancing the quality and transparency of published work
Authors: Curtis Michael J. , Abernethy Darrell R.
Published: February 2015

e00106
Systems biology of polycystic kidney disease: a critical review
Authors: Menezes Luis Fernando , Germino Gregory G.
Published: February 2015

The proliferation and diminishing costs of ‘omics’ approaches have finally opened the doors for small and medium laboratories to enter the ‘systems biology era’. This is a welcome evolution that requires a new framework to design, interpret, and validate studies. Here, we highlight some of the challenges, contributions, and prospects of the ‘cyst‐ems biology’ of polycystic kidney disease. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2015, 7:39–52. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1289

This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods

Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Genetic/Genomic Methods

Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Translational Medicine
Do Attachment Style and Emotion Regulation Strategies Indicate Distress in Predictive Testing?
Authors: van der Meer Lucienne B. , van Duijn Erik , Giltay Erik J. , Tibben Aad
Published: February 2015

Predictive genetic testing for a neurogenetic disorder evokes strong emotions, and may lead to distress. The aim of this study is to investigate whether attachment style and emotion regulation strategies are associated with distress in persons who present for predictive testing for a neurogenetic disorder, and whether these psychological traits predict distress after receiving test results. Self‐report scales were used to assess attachment insecurity (anxiety and avoidance) and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (self‐blame, rumination, catastrophizing) in adults at 50 % risk for Huntington's Disease (HD), Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), and Hereditary Cerebral Hemorrhage With Amyloidosis ‐ Dutch type (HCHWA‐D), when they presented for predictive testing. Distress was measured before testing and twice (within 2 months and between 6 and 8 months) after receiving test results. Pearson correlations and linear regression were used to analyze whether attachment style and emotion regulation strategies indicated distress. In 98 persons at risk for HD, CADASIL, or HCHWA‐D, attachment anxiety and catastrophizing were associated with distress before predictive testing. Attachment anxiety predicted distress up to 2 months after testing. Clinicians may consider looking for signs of attachment anxiety and catastrophizing in persons who present for predictive testing, to see who may be vulnerable for distress during and after testing.
Paediatric trainees and end-of-life care: a needs assessment for a formal educational intervention
Authors: Arzuaga Bonnie H , Caldarelli Leslie
Published: February 2015

Background Literature suggests a paucity of formal training in end-of-life care in contemporary American medical education. Similar to trainees in adult medicine, paediatric trainees are frequently involved in end-of-life cases.

Objective To determine current experience and comfort levels among paediatric trainees when caring for dying patients with the hypothesis that more clinical experience alone would not improve comfort.

Methods Paediatric residents, subspeciality fellows and programme directors at the University of Chicago completed a voluntary electronic needs assessment in June and July 2013. Ten question pairs determined frequency of experiencing various aspects of end-of-life care in clinical practice and comfort levels during these encounters.

Results 118 respondents participated (63.8 % response rate): 66.4 % were female; 53 % had previous education in end-of-life care. The proportion of those with experience in end-of-life care increased through the third year of training, and remained at 1.0 thereafter. Conversely, positive comfort scores increased gradually throughout all six years of training to a maximum proportion of 0.45. Comfort in many specific aspects of care lagged behind experience. Previous education had a significant positive effect on comfort levels of most, but not all, aspects of care. 58 % or more of trainees desired further education on specific end-of-life topics.

Conclusions Paediatric trainees are often involved in end-of-life care but may not be comfortable in this role. More experience alone does not improve comfort levels; however, there is a positive correlation with comfort and previous education.
Ventricular bigeminy in acute organophorous poisoning – A rare ECG finding
Authors: Taksande Bharati , Dhirawani Bhawik
Published: February 2015

India being a land of farmer, the pesticides are freely and easily available and therefore organophosphorous poisoning is one of the major health issues. Suicidal poisoning is more common than accidental poisoning. Cardiac manifestations of organophosphorous poisoning are well known. It results in various electrocardiographic changes from sinus tachycardia to ST elevation. We hereby present a rare ECG finding of ventricular bigeminy in a case of acute organophosphorous poisoning.
How far is too far? Circassian ethnic mobilization and the redrawing of internal borders in the North Caucasus
Authors: Grebennikov Marat
Published: February 2015

The idea of redrawing the borders between the republics of the region remains a topic of discussion beyond its borders. While the Kremlin de facto makes the subject of territorial changes in the North Caucasus taboo, the processes related to the rise of ethnic selfconsciousness in ethnic republics hardly stopped. The Syrian crisis, which gave Russia a much-celebrated diplomatic victory, threatens its territorial integrity because Moscow’s mishandling of the Circassian issue is radicalizing the Circassian communities of the North Caucasus. Drawing on the dynamics of ethnic mobilization among Circassians, the paper argues that this process may result in the most dangerous consequences of the Kremlin’s policies based on the ancient imperial principle of “divide and rule” — redrawing the administrative map of the entire region. The paper concludes that even though Moscow pretends that the situation is under control, a shift which consequences are hard to predict is already happening. One of them is that the demand for an increased congruency between Russia’s ethnic and administrative borders becomes politically salient; and a protrusion in the battle line becomes more prominent with each passing day.
Numerical investigation of the possibility of macroscopic turbulence in porous media: a direct numerical simulation study
Authors: Jin Y. , Uth M.-F. , Kuznetsov A. V. , Herwig H.
Published: February 2015

When a turbulent flow in a porous medium is determined numerically, the crucial question is whether turbulence models should account only for turbulent structures restricted in size to the pore scale or whether the size of turbulent structures could exceed the pore scale. The latter would mean the existence of macroscopic turbulence in porous media, when turbulent eddies exceed the pore size. In order to determine the real size of turbulent structures in a porous medium, we simulated the turbulent flow by direct numerical simulation (DNS) calculations, thus avoiding turbulence modelling of any kind. With this study, which for the first time uses DNS calculations, we provide benchmark data for turbulent flow in porous media. Since perfect DNS calculations require the resolution of scales down to the Kolmogorov scale, often only approximate DNS solutions can be obtained, especially for high Reynolds numbers. This is accounted for by using and comparing two different DNS approaches, a finite volume method (FVM) with grid refinement towards the wall and a lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with equal grid distribution. The solid matrix was simulated by a large number of rectangular bars arranged periodically. The number of bars in the solution domain with periodic boundary conditions was reduced systematically until a minimum size was found that does not suppress any large-scale turbulent structures. Two-point correlations, integral length scales and energy spectra were determined in order to answer the question of whether or not macroscopic turbulence can be found in porous media.
Associations between dietary inflammatory index and inflammatory markers in the Asklepios Study
Authors: Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James R. , Rietzschel Ernst R. , De Buyzere Marc L. , Langlois Michel , Debruyne Evi , Marcos Ascensión , Huybrechts Inge
Published: February 2015

Previous research has shown that nutrients and certain food items influence inflammation. However, little is known about the associations between diet, as a whole, and inflammatory markers. In the present study, we examined the ability of a FFQ-derived dietary inflammatory index (DII) to predict inflammation. Data from a Belgian cross-sectional study of 2524 generally healthy subjects (age 35–55 years) were used. The DII is a population-based, literature-derived dietary index that was developed to predict inflammation and inflammation-related chronic diseases. The DII was calculated from FFQ-derived dietary information and tested against inflammatory markers, namely C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, homocysteine and fibrinogen. Analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for energy, age, sex, BMI, smoking status, education level, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, blood pressure, use of oral contraceptives, anti-hypertensive therapy, lipid-lowering drugs and physical activity. Multivariable analyses showed significant positive associations between the DII and the inflammatory markers IL-6 (>1·6 pg/ml) (OR 1·19, 95 % CI 1·04, 1·36) and homocysteine (>15 μmol/l) (OR 1·56, 95 % CI 1·25, 1·94). No significant associations were observed between the DII and the inflammatory markers CRP and fibrinogen. These results reinforce the fact that diet, as a whole, plays an important role in modifying inflammation.
IRRIGATION OF CHICKPEA (CICER ARIETINUML.) INCREASES YIELD BUT NOT WATER PRODUCTIVITY
Authors: SINGH GURIQBAL , RAM HARI , AGGARWAL NAVNEET , TURNER NEIL C.
Published: February 2015

The depth to ground water is increasing in several regions of the world due to use of high-yielding, but also high water-requiring crops such as rice (Oryza sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum), in order to maintain food security for an ever increasing world population. There is a need not only to increase the water productivity of food crops, but also to find less water-requiring crops. Irrigated chickpea (Cicer arietinumL.), traditionally grown without irrigation, may provide an alternative crop to irrigated wheat in some regions. Two field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of irrigation on chickpea yields, yield components and grain and biomass water productivity (based on irrigation (WPI) and irrigation + rainfall (WPI+R)) grown in a loamy sand soil. In the first year, 75 mm of irrigation at the vegetative stage and at the vegetative plus podding stages resulted in a 59% and a 73% increase in grain yield, respectively, compared to no irrigation, but with little change in WPI+R. Overall yields in the second year were significantly higher due to warmer temperatures and fewer frosts during flowering and podding. Compared to no irrigation, 75 mm of irrigation at flowering or at podding resulted in a 7% and a 27% increase in grain yield, but a decrease in grain and biomass water productivity (WPI+R). Irrigation had a significant effect on the number of pods plant−1in both the years and on 100-seed weight in the first year. We conclude that application of a single irrigation during podding to chickpea grown in a loamy sand soil will reliably increase yields and may provide a water-saving alternative to wheat in water-scarce environments.
Numerical simulation of near-Alfven MHD flows relaxation with a longitudinal magnetic field
Authors: Styopin Evgeniy V.
Published: February 2015

Stationary magnetohydrodynamics flows in nozzle-type channels in the presence of a longitudinal magnetic field are divided into three significantly different classes: super-Alfven flows in which the longitudinal plasma velocity is higher than the Alfven velocity calculated by a longitudinal magnetic field, sub-Alfven flows – with the opposite inequality, and Alfven flows in which the longitudinal plasma velocity coincides with the Alfven velocity over the entire length of the channel and the plasma density has a constant value. In the present work, stationary Alfven and close to Alfven magnetohydrodynamic flows obtained by using a numerical modeling of their relaxation processes in coaxial channels in the presence of a longitudinal magnetic field are considered.
Being-in-the-world of the international
Authors: VAN DER REE GERARD
Published: February 2015

Even though the international permeates our daily lives in many ways, it rarely discloses itself as part of our everyday engagements. Drawing from Martin Heidegger’s phenomenology, this article seeks to explore the ways in which the international remains hidden to, as well as the ways in which the international can become part of, our being-in-the-world. Additionally, it will show the terms in which International Relations (IR) scholars can disclose the world of the international, and what the implications of that ‘knowing’ are for the discipline. Finally, it will explore the possibilities and limitations of a Heidegerrian phenomenology for a social science such as IR.
The conditioning of intervention effects on early adolescent alcohol use by maternal involvement and dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) and serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) genetic variants
Authors: Cleveland H. Harrington , Schlomer Gabriel L. , Vandenbergh David J. , Feinberg Mark , Greenberg Mark , Spoth Richard , Redmond Cleve , Shriver Mark D. , Zaidi Arslan A. , Hair Kerry L.
Published: February 2015

Data drawn from the in-home subsample of the PROSPER intervention dissemination trial were used to investigate the moderation of intervention effects on underage alcohol use by maternal involvement and candidate genes. The primary gene examined was dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4). Variation in this gene and maternal involvement were hypothesized to moderate the influence of intervention status on alcohol use. The PROSPER data used were drawn from 28 communities randomly assigned to intervention or comparison conditions. Participating youth were assessed in five in-home interviews from sixth to ninth grades. A main effect of sixth-grade pretest maternal involvement on ninth-grade alcohol use was found. Neither intervention status norDRD4variation was unconditionally linked to ninth-grade drinking. However, moderation analyses revealed a significant three-way interaction amongDRD4status, maternal involvement, and intervention condition. Follow-up analyses revealed that prevention reduced drinking risk, but only for youth with at least oneDRD4seven-repeat allele who reported average or greater pretest levels of maternal involvement. To determine if this conditional pattern was limited to theDRD4gene, we repeated analyses using the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region site near the serotonin transporter gene. The results for this supplemental analysis revealed a significant three-way interaction similar but not identical to that found forDRD4.
Managing local breeds: a dynamic connected to livestock farming systems that concerns different levels of organization
Authors: Lauvie A. , Paoli J.C. , Moulin C.H.
Published: February 2015

Management of local breeds is closely linked to the global challenges involved in genetic resources management. However, it cannot be reduced to this genetic dimension alone and is an integral part of the entire farming system of which it is a part. The aim of this paper is to show why it is essential to have an approach to local breed management that takes the dynamics of livestock farming systems (LFS) into account. After a presentation of the LFS approach, we show how genetic management is strongly linked to other dimensions of farming systems, at the farm scale as well as at more comprehensive scales. We illustrate our claim with different examples of the management of local breeds of different species.
Scalar model for frictional precursors dynamics
Authors: Taloni Alessandro , Benassi Andrea , Sandfeld Stefan , Zapperi Stefano
Published: February 2015

Recent experiments indicate that frictional sliding occurs by nucleation of detachment fronts at the contact interface that may appear well before the onset of global sliding. This intriguing precursory activity is not accounted for by traditional friction theories but is extremely important for friction dominated geophysical phenomena as earthquakes, landslides or avalanches. Here we simulate the onset of slip of a three dimensional elastic body resting on a surface and show that experimentally observed frictional precursors depend in a complex non-universal way on the sample geometry and loading conditions. Our model satisfies Archard's law and Amontons' first and second laws, reproducing with remarkable precision the real contact area dynamics, the precursors' envelope dynamics prior to sliding and the normal and shear internal stress distributions close to the interfacial surface. Moreover, it allows to assess which features can be attributed to the elastic equilibrium and which are attributed to the out-of-equilibrium dynamics, suggesting that precursory activity is an intrinsically quasi-static physical process. A direct calculation of the evolution of the Coulomb stress before and during precursors nucleation shows large variations across the sample, explaining why earthquake forecasting methods based only on accumulated slip and Coulomb stress monitoring are often ineffective.
Cigarette smoke alters primary human bronchial epithelial cell differentiation at the air-liquid interface
Authors: Schamberger Andrea C. , Staab-Weijnitz Claudia A. , Mise-Racek Nikica , Eickelberg Oliver
Published: February 2015

The differentiated human airway epithelium consists of different cell types forming a polarized and pseudostratified epithelium. This is dramatically altered in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by basal and goblet cell hyperplasia and squamous cell metaplasia. The effect of cigarette smoke on human bronchial epithelial cell (HBEC) differentiation remains to be elucidated. We analysed whether cigarette smoke extract (CSE) affected primary (p)HBEC differentiation and function. pHBEC were differentiated at the air-liquid interface (ALI) and differentiation was quantified after 7, 14, 21, or 28 days by assessing acetylated tubulin, CC10, or MUC5AC for ciliated, Clara, or goblet cells, respectively. Exposure of differentiating pHBEC to CSE impaired epithelial barrier formation, as assessed by resistance measurements (TEER). Importantly, CSE exposure significantly reduced the number of ciliated cells, while it increased the number of Clara and goblet cells. CSE-dependent cell number changes were reflected by a reduction of acetylated tubulin levels, an increased expression of the basal cell marker KRT14 and increased secretion of CC10, but not by changes in transcript levels of CC10, MUC5AC, or FOXJ1. Our data demonstrate that cigarette smoke specifically alters the cellular composition of the airway epithelium by affecting basal cell differentiation in a post-transcriptional manner.
Elabela-Apelin Receptor Signaling Pathway is Functional in Mammalian Systems
Authors: Wang Zhi , Yu Daozhan , Wang Mengqiao , Wang Qilong , Kouznetsova Jennifer , Yang Rongze , Qian Kun , Wu Wenjun , Shuldiner Alan , Sztalryd Carole , Zou Minghui , Zheng Wei , Gong Da-Wei
Published: February 2015

Elabela (ELA) or Toddler is a recently discovered hormone which is required for normal development of heart and vasculature through activation of apelin receptor (APJ), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), in zebrafish. The present study explores whether the ELA-APJ signaling pathway is functional in the mammalian system. Using reverse-transcription PCR, we found that ELA is restrictedly expressed in human pluripotent stem cells and adult kidney whereas APJ is more widely expressed. We next studied ELA-APJ signaling pathway in reconstituted mammalian cell systems. Addition of ELA to HEK293 cells over-expressing GFP-AJP fusion protein resulted in rapid internalization of the fusion receptor. In Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells over-expressing human APJ, ELA suppresses cAMP production with EC50 of 11.1 nM, stimulates ERK1/2 phosphorylation with EC50 of 14.3 nM and weakly induces intracellular calcium mobilization. Finally, we tested ELA biological function in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells and showed that ELA induces angiogenesis and relaxes mouse aortic blood vessel in a dose-dependent manner through a mechanism different from apelin. Collectively, we demonstrate that the ELA-AJP signaling pathways are functional in mammalian systems, indicating that ELA likely serves as a hormone regulating the circulation system in adulthood as well as in embryonic development.
Truncation and activation of GSK-3β by calpain I: a molecular mechanism links to tau hyperphosphorylation in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jin Nana , Yin Xiaomin , Yu Dian , Cao Maohong , Gong Cheng-Xin , Iqbal Khalid , Ding Fei , Gu Xiaosong , Liu Fei
Published: February 2015

Abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau is pivotally involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is a primary tau kinase that is most implicated in tau pathology in AD. However, the exact molecular nature of GSK-3β involved in AD is unclear. In the present study, we found that GSK-3β was truncated at C-terminus and correlated with over-activation of calpain I in AD brain. Truncation of GSK-3β was positively correlated with tau hyperphosphorylation, tangles score and Braak stage in human brain. Calpain I proteolyzed GSK-3βin vitroat C-terminus, leading to an increase of its kinase activity, but keeping its characteristic to preferentially phosphorylate the protein kinase A-primed tau. Excitotoxicity induced by kainic acid (KA) caused GSK-3β truncation at C-terminus and hyperphosphorylation of tau in mouse brain. Inhibition of calpain prevented the KA-induced changes. These findings suggest that truncation of GSK-3β by Ca2+/calpain I markedly increases its activity and involvement of this mechanism probably is responsible for up-regulation of GSK-3β and consequent abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau and neurofibrillary degeneration in AD.
Presence of electrolyte promotes wetting and hydrophobic gating in nanopores with residual surface charges
Authors: Innes Laura , Gutierrez Diego , Mann William , Buchsbaum Steven F. , Siwy Zuzanna S.
Published: February 2015

Single nanopores containing hydrophobic and hydrophilic islands on the pore walls exhibit salt concentration modulated hydrophobic gating, with more concentrated solutions promoting wetting.
Polar organic solvents accelerate the rate of DNA strand replacement reaction
Authors: Zhang Tianchi , Shang Chunli , Duan Ruixue , Hakeem Abdul , Zhang Zhenyu , Lou Xiaoding , Xia Fan
Published: February 2015

Acceleration of the reaction rate by polar organic solvents during both simple and complicated DNA strand replacement reactions is reported.
A nitrogen-doped graphene/gold nanoparticle/formate dehydrogenase bioanode for high power output membrane-less formic acid/O2 biofuel cells
Authors: Gai Panpan , Ji Yusheng , Chen Yun , Zhu Cheng , Zhang Jianrong , Zhu Jun-Jie
Published: February 2015

A nitrogen-doped graphene/gold nanoparticle/formate dehydrogenase bioanode was proven to be effective in the catalytic oxidation of formic acid in biofuel cells.
Enhanced measurement of CsI cluster ions for mass calibration in MALDI-MS using sugar alcohols
Authors: Mochizuki Shunsuke
Published: February 2015

A simple method for measuring CsI cluster ions ((CsI)nCs+ and (CsI)nI−) from CsI3 for mass calibration was developed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS).
The voltammetric behaviour of lead at a hand drawn pencil electrode and its trace determination in water by stripping voltammetry
Authors: Honeychurch Kevin C.
Published: February 2015

This paper describes the development and characterisation of an unmodified hand drawn pencil electrode for the differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetric determination of lead in an environmental water sample.
Asymmetric organocatalytic synthesis of quaternary α-hydroxy phosphonates: en route to α-aryl phosphaisoserines
Authors: Serrano Inmaculada , Monge David , Álvarez Eleuterio , Fernández Rosario , Lassaletta José M.
Published: February 2015

The dual activation of acyl phosphonates and formaldehyde tert-butyl hydrazone by a BINAM-derived bis-urea catalyst is the key to achieve high reactivities and enantioselectivities in the synthesis of densely functionalized quaternary α-hydroxy phosphonates.
A series of nano/micro-sized metal–organic frameworks with tunable photoluminescence properties
Authors: Zheng Yuhua , Liu Kai , Sun Xun , Guan Rengui , Su Huijuan , You Hongpeng , Qi Caixia
Published: February 2015

Hierarchically assembled nanostructures of lanthanide-based MOFs with tunable emission have been successfully fabricated via a simple method at room temperature.
Hafnium silicate: a new microwave dielectric ceramic with low thermal expansivity
Authors: Varghese Jobin , Joseph Tony , Surendran K. P. , Rajan T. P. D. , Sebastian M. T.
Published: February 2015

Hafnium silicate: a low thermal expansion microwave ceramic.
Thermoelectric properties of the Zintl phases Yb5M2Sb6(M = Al, Ga, In)
Authors: Aydemir Umut , Zevalkink Alex , Ormeci Alim , Wang Heng , Ohno Saneyuki , Bux Sabah , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: February 2015

Zintl compounds of Yb5M2Sb6(M = Al, Ga, and In) exhibit semimetallic properties with high p-type carrier concentrations, low resistivities and low Seebeck coefficients in agreement with our band structure calculations.
Redox characteristics variations in the cation-ordered perovskite oxides BaLnMn2O5+δ(Ln = Y, Gd, Nd, and La) and Ca2Al1−xGaxMnO5+δ(0 ≤ x ≤ 1)
Authors: Motohashi Teruki , Kimura Makoto , Inayoshi Takeru , Ueda Taku , Masubuchi Yuji , Kikkawa Shinichi
Published: February 2015

The redox characteristics of the two manganese-based oxygen storage materials were studied to clarify the effects of isovalent substitution neighboring the “active” sites for oxygen intake/release.
UV-light microscope: improvements in optical imaging for a secondary ion mass spectrometer
Authors: Kita Noriko T. , Sobol Peter E. , Kern James R. , Lord Neal E. , Valley John W.
Published: February 2015

In situ analysis by secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS) and other in situ techniques requires accurate aiming of the sample surface at μm scale. Modification of the reflected-light microscope system of an IMS 1280 SIMS to use ultraviolet light illumination improved the optical resolution from 3.5 μm to 1.3 μm.
Biological activity of natural flavonoids as impacted by protein flexibility: an example of flavanones
Authors: Ding Fei , Peng Wei
Published: February 2015

The biomolecular recognition of typical flavanones, namely hesperidin and its aglycone hesperetin, by critical proteins has significant disparities, and these recognition distinctions may largely originate from the flexibility of protein structure and the structural characteristics of bioactive flavanones.
Distribution and speciation of bromine in mammalian tissue and fluids by X-ray fluorescence imaging and X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Ceko Melanie J. , Hummitzsch Katja , Hatzirodos Nicholas , Bonner Wendy , James Simon A. , Kirby Jason K. , Rodgers Raymond J. , Harris Hugh H.
Published: February 2015

The first study of bromine speciation and distribution in mammalian tissues using X-rays shows bromine present predominantly as bromide.
Nanocrystalline Pr6O11: synthesis, characterization, optical and photocatalytic properties
Authors: Zinatloo-Ajabshir Sahar , Salavati-Niasari Masoud
Published: February 2015

Triethylenetetramine with high hindrance in the presence of PEG plays a role of a co-capping agent for the Pr(OH)3 nanoparticles.
Assembly, structures, photophysical properties and photocatalytic activities of a series of coordination polymers constructed from semi-rigid bis-pyridyl-bis-amide and benzenetricarboxylic acid
Authors: Wang Xiuli , Le Mao , Lin Hong-Yan , Luan Jian , Liu Guo-Cheng , Sui Fang-Fang , Chang Zhi-Han
Published: February 2015

Ten metal–organic coordination polymers 1–10 based on semi-rigid bis-pyridyl-bis-amide ligands have been synthesized. The fluorescence sensing and photocatalytic properties of 1–10 have been investigated.
Thermochemical conversion of low-lipid microalgae for the production of liquid fuels: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Chen Yu , Wu Yulong , Hua Derun , Li Chun , Harold Michael P. , Wang Jianlong , Yang Mingde
Published: February 2015

Thiscritical reviewprovides an investigation elaborated by recent references on conversion of low-lipid microalgae into bio-oilviapyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction, and the catalytic upgrading of algal-derived bio-oil was examined.
Environmentally benign syntheses of hexahydro-cyclopenta(b)furan and 2-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives
Authors: Gupta Vijaykumar , Kabiraj Shilpi , Rane Monica , Bhat Sujata V.
Published: February 2015

Amberlyst-15® catalyzes efficient synthesis of hexahydro-cyclopenta(b)furan and 2-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives from campholenic alcohols.
Catalytic performance of CuO/Ce0.8Zr0.2O2 loaded onto SiC-DPF in NOx-assisted combustion of diesel soot
Authors: Quiles-Díaz Susana , Giménez-Mañogil Javier , García-García Avelina
Published: February 2015

A copper/ceria-zirconia catalyst was incorporated onto a DPF following an environmentally-friendly impregnation procedure. Its catalytic activity was studied for diesel exhaust NO oxidation and soot combustion reactions.
Redox-active polyimide–polyether block copolymers as electrode materials for lithium batteries
Authors: Hernández Guiomar , Casado Nerea , Coste Raphaël , Shanmukaraj Devaraj , Rubatat Laurent , Armand Michel , Mecerreyes David
Published: February 2015

Excellent cyclability of polyimide–polyether block copolymers used as cathode materials in lithium batteries was demonstrated.
Thermal and mechanical properties of azomethine functionalized cyanate ester/epoxy blends
Authors: Sakthidharan C. P. , Sundararajan P. R. , Sarojadevi M.
Published: February 2015

A series of azomethine fictionalized cyanate ester and its epoxy blends were prepared and characterized.
A flexible, transparent and ultrathin single-layer graphene earphone
Authors: Tian He , Yang Yi , Li Cheng , Mi Wen-Tian , Mohammad Mohammad Ali , Ren Tian-Ling
Published: February 2015

A flexible and transparent single-layer graphene earphone is demonstrated to operate in the frequency range of 20 Hz to 200 kHz with high performance.
Polymerization kinetics of a fluorinated monomer under confinement in AAO nanocavities
Authors: Salsamendi Maitane , Ballard Nicholas , Sanz Belén , Asua José M. , Mijangos Carmen
Published: February 2015

The study of the polymerization kinetics of a fluorinated acrylic monomer under confinement into AAO nanocavities.