bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hamilton Jacobi equations on metric spaces and transport entropy inequalities
Authors: Gozlan Nathael , Roberto Cyril , Samson Paul-Marie
Published: March 2014

We prove a Hopf–Lax–Oleinik formula for the solutions of some Hamilton–Jacobi equations on a general metric space. As a first consequence, we show in full generality that the log-Sobolev inequality is equivalent to a hypercontractivity property of the Hamilton–Jacobi semi-group. As a second consequence, we prove that Talagrand’s transport-entropy inequalities in metric space are characterized in terms of log-Sobolev inequalities restricted to the class of

c

-convex functions.
Bouligand–Severi tangents in MV-algebras
Authors: Busaniche Manuela , Mundici Daniele
Published: March 2014

In their important recent paper published in the Annals of Pure and Applied Logic, Dubuc and Poveda call an MV-algebra

A

strongly semisimple
if all principal quotients of

A

are semisimple. All boolean algebras are strongly semisimple, and so are all finitely presented MV-algebras. We show that for any 1-generator MV-algebra, semisimplicity is equivalent to strong semisimplicity. Further, a semisimple 2-generator MV-algebra

A

is strongly semisimple if and only if its maximal spectral space

\mu(A)\subseteq [0,1]^2

does not have any rational Bouligand–Severi tangents at its rational points. In general, when

A

is finitely generated and

\mu(A)\subseteq [0,1]^n

has a Bouligand–Severi tangent then

A

is not strongly semisimple. An MV-algebra

A

is strongly semisimple if and only if so is every 2-generator subalgebra of

A

.
Global regularity for minimal sets near a $\mathbb{T}$-set and counterexamples
Authors: Liang Xiangyu
Published: March 2014

We discuss the global regularity of 2-dimensional minimal sets that are near a

\mathbb{T}

-set (i.e., the cone over the 1-skeleton of a regular tetrahedron centered at the origin), that is, whether every global minimal set in

\mathbb{R}^n

that looks like a

\mathbb{T}

-set at infinity is a

\mathbb{T}

-set or not. The main point is to use the topological properties of a minimal set at a large scale to control its topology at smaller scales. This is how one proves that all 1-dimensional Almgren-minimal sets in

\mathbb{R}^n

and all 2-dimensional Mumford–Shah-minimal sets in

\mathbb{R}^3

are cones. In this article we discuss two types of 2-dimensional minimal sets: Almgren-minimal sets in

\mathbb{R}^3

whose blow-in limits are

\mathbb{T}

-sets, and topological minimal sets in

\mathbb{R}^4

whose blow-in limits are

\mathbb{T}

-sets. For the former we eliminate a potential counterexample that was proposed by several people, and show that a genuine counterexample should have a more complicated topological structure; for the latter we construct a potential example using a Klein bottle.
A weighted Khintchine inequality
Authors: Astashkin Sergey V. , Curbera Guillermo P.
Published: March 2014

We prove a weighted version of the well-known Khintchine inequality for rearrangement invariant norms.
An optimal transportation problem with a cost given by the Euclidean distance plus import/export taxes on the boundary
Authors: Mazón José M. , Rossi Julio D. , Toledo Julián
Published: March 2014

In this paper we analyze a mass transportation problem in a bounded domain in which there is the possibility of import/export mass across the boundary paying a tax in addition to the transport cost that is assumed to be given by the Euclidean distance. We show a general duality argument and for the dual problem we find a Kantorovich potential as the limit as

p\to \infty

of solutions to

p

-Laplacian type problems with nonlinear boundary conditions. In addition, we show that this limit encodes all the relevant information for our problem. It provides the masses that are exported and imported from the boundary and also allows the construction of an optimal transport plan. Finally we show that the arguments can be adapted to deal with the case in which the mass that can be exported/imported is bounded by prescribed functions.
Flat surfaces in hyperbolic 3-space whose hyperbolic Gauss maps are bounded
Authors: Martín Francisco , Umehara Masaaki , Yamada Kotaro
Published: March 2014

We construct a weakly complete flat surface in hyperbolic 3-space

H^3

having a pair of hyperbolic Gauss maps both of whose images are contained in an arbitrarily given open disk in the ideal boundary of

H^3

. This construction is accomplished as an application of minimal surface theory. This is an interesting phenomenon when one compares it with the fact that there are no complete non-flat minimal (resp. non-horospherical constant mean curvature one) surfaces in

\mathbb{R}^3

(resp.

H^3

) having bounded Gauss maps (resp. bounded hyperbolic Gauss maps).
Finite $C^{\infty}$-actions are described by a single vector field
Authors: Turiel Francisco Javier , Viruel Antonio
Published: March 2014

In this work it is shown that given a connected

C^{\infty}

-manifold

M

of dimension

\geq 2

and a finite subgroup

G\subset \operatorname{Diff}(M)

, there exists a complete vector field

X

on

M

such that its automorphism group equals

G\times \mathbb{R}

, where the factor

\mathbb{R}

comes from the flow of

X

.
Erratum to “Riesz transforms on forms and $L^p$-Hodge decomposition on complete Riemanian manifolds”
Authors: Li Xiang-Dong
Published: March 2014

A gap in in the proof of a result in
Rev. Mat. Iberoam.
26
(2010), 481–528, is corrected.
The five stable noble gases are sensitive unambiguous tracers of glacial meltwater
Authors: Loose B. , Jenkins W. J.
Published: March 2014

The five inert noble gases—He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe—exhibit a unique dissolved gas saturation pattern resulting from the formation and addition of glacial meltwater to seawater. He and Ne become oversaturated, and Ar, Kr, and Xe become undersaturated to varying percentages. For example, addition of 10‰ glacial meltwater to seawater results in a saturation anomaly of ΔHe = 12.8%, ΔNe = 8.9%, ΔAr = −0.5%, ΔKr = −2.2%, and ΔXe = −3.3%. This pattern in noble gas saturation reflects a unique meltwater signature that is distinct from the other major physical processes that modify the gas concentration and saturation, namely, seasonal changes in temperature at the ocean surface and bubble mediated gas exchange. We use Optimum Multiparameter analysis to illustrate how all five noble gases can help distinguish glacial meltwater from wind‐driven bubble injection, making them a potentially valuable suite of tracers for glacial melt and its concentration in the deep waters of the world ocean.
Large‐scale impact of the island mass effect through nitrogen fixation in the western South Pacific Ocean
Authors: Shiozaki Takuhei , Kodama Taketoshi , Furuya Ken
Published: March 2014

We describe a new mechanism for the island mass effect fueled by nitrogen fixation. The nitrogen fixation activities and δ15N of suspended particles in the surface water in the South Pacific were examined. Active nitrogen fixation and abundant Trichodesmium spp. were observed near islands in the western subtropical region, which was attributable to the material supplied by land runoff. High primary production was extensively centered around the islands and was characterized by low δ15N of suspended particles and a reduction in phosphate concentrations at the surface compared with the subtropical gyre and eastern equatorial upwelling. This suggested that Trichodesmium spp. were advected to areas remote from these islands, and consequently, the elevated primary production fueled by nitrogen fixation extended over a large area around them. Because the proposed island mass effect is triggered by a terrigenous nutrient supply, this ecosystem is potentially vulnerable to human activity on small islands.
A case report on the significance of clinical pharmacy services in India
Authors: Dhingra Sameer , Kumria Rachna
Published: March 2014

Key Clinical Message

A clinical pharmacist offers invaluable support in the development of a final prescription with better patient management and enhanced safety. Increasingly, medical practice is becoming a team effort with a specialized skill matrix, concentrating on multifaceted support for patient management. A physician undoubtedly leads the team, comprised of a specialist and skilled clinical pharmacist, among others, with skill sets to detect drug interactions, adverse effects, and therapeutic incompatibilities to enable the health‐care team to achieve therapeutic outcomes on a case‐by‐case basis.
Theoretical and experimental examination of particle–particle interaction effects on induced dipole moments and dielectrophoretic responses of multiple particle chains
Authors: Moncada‐Hernandez Hector , Nagler Eliot , Minerick Adrienne R.
Published: March 2014

Dielectrophoresis (DEP), an electrokinetic phenomenon based on particle polarizations in nonuniform electric fields, is increasingly employed for particle and cell characterizations and manipulations in microdevices. However, particle number densities are rarely varied and particle–particle interactions are largely overlooked, but both affect particle's effective polarizations by changing the local electric field, which directly impacts particle assembly into chains. This work examines theoretical and experimental particle–particle interactions and dielectrophoretic responses in nonuniform electric fields, then presents individual and chain velocities of spherical polystyrene microparticles and red blood cells (RBCs) under DEP forces in a modified quadruple electrode microdevice. Velocities are independently compared between 1, 2, 3, and 4 polystyrene beads and RBCs assembled into chains aligned with the electric field. Simulations compared induced dipole moments for particles experiencing the same (single point) and changing (multiple points) electric fields. Experiments and simulations are compared by plotting DEP velocities versus applied signal frequency from 1 kHz to 80 MHz. Simulations indicate differences in the DEP force exerted on each particle according to chain position. Simulations and experiments show excellent qualitative agreement; chains with more particles experienced a decrease in the DEP response for both polystyrene beads and RBCs. These results advance understanding of the extent that induced dipole polarizations with multiple particle chains affect observed behaviors in electrokinetic cellular diagnostic systems.
UHPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS‐based metabolic profiling of Vicia faba L. (Fabaceae) seeds as a key strategy for characterization in foodomics
Authors: Abu‐Reidah Ibrahim M. , del Mar Contreras María , Arráez‐Román David , Fernández‐Gutiérrez Alberto , Segura‐Carretero Antonio
Published: March 2014

Vicia faba (Fabaceae) is a popular food in many countries and a good source of nutrients. However, little is known about its phytochemical composition, specially referring to phenolic compounds. In the present work, the dietary metabolites from a hydro‐methanolic extract of V. faba seeds were thoroughly characterized by a nontargeted analytical approach based on reversed‐phase ultra‐HPLC (UHPLC) coupled to QTOF‐MS. A total of 155 primary and secondary metabolites of various structural types were characterized: carbohydrates, amino acids, organic acids, alkaloids, terpenoids, jasmonates, and, mainly, polyphenols. Among the latter group, 73 compounds were characterized for the first time in this legume. In addition, 24 new structures, belonging to jasmonates and glycosylated N‐containing compounds, were also proposed. Thus, this methodology could be implemented in foodomics as a characterization strategy to complement the knowledge of the phytochemical composition of vegetables.
Investigation on the enantioseparation of duloxetine by capillary electrophoresis, NMR, and mass spectrometry
Authors: Sánchez‐López Elena , Salgado Antonio , Crego Antonio L. , Marina María Luisa
Published: March 2014

The enantiomeric separation of the antidepressant drug duloxetine was investigated by CE using 15 neutral CDs as chiral selectors. Among them, (2‐hydroxypropyl)‐β‐CD and methyl‐γ‐CD gave rise to the highest enantioresolution. The enantiomer migration order for duloxetine was found to be reversed depending on the CD employed: R‐duloxetine was the first‐migrating enantiomer for (2‐hydroxypropyl)‐β‐CD while it was the second‐migrating enantiomer for methyl‐γ‐CD. NMR and MS experiments were performed in order to justify this behavior. Although the elucidation of the structure of the enantiomer–CD complexes was not possible, their averaged stoichiometry was studied and their apparent and averaged equilibrium constants were calculated. The results obtained showed that the chiral separation of duloxetine by CE depends not only on the thermodynamic stability of the enantiomer–chiral selector complexes but also on their electrophoretic mobility.
Applications of homochiral metal‐organic frameworks in enantioselective adsorption and chromatography separation
Authors: Li Xianjiang , Chang Cuilan , Wang Xin , Bai Yu , Liu Huwei
Published: March 2014

Chiral separation is of great importance for drug development, pharmacology, and biology. Chiral metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) is a new class of porous solid materials with high surface area, large pore size, high chemical stability, uniformly structured cavities, and the availability of modification. The excellent properties of MOFs have attracted intense interest to explore their performance and mechanism in chiral separation. This review summarizes three synthetic strategies of chiral MOFs and their applications in enantioselective adsorption and chromatographic separation. All the experimental and molecular simulation results demonstrated that high enantioselectivity was strongly correlated with a close match between the size of the pore and chiral molecules.
High‐Resolution Melt as a Screening Method in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD)
Authors: Virzì Grazia Maria , Bruson Alice , Corradi Valentina , Gastaldon Fiorella , de Cal Massimo , Donà Marta , Cruz Dinna N. , Clementi Maurizio , Ronco Claudio
Published: March 2014

Background

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inherited condition caused by PKD1 and PKD2 mutations. Complete analysis of both genes is typically required in each patient. In this study, we explored the utility of High‐Resolution Melt (HRM) as a tool for mutation analysis of the PKD2 gene in ADPKD families.

Methods

HRM is a mismatch‐detection method based on the difference of fluorescence absorbance behavior during the melting of the DNA double strand to denatured single strands in a mutant sample as compared to a reference control. Our families were previously screened by linkage analysis. Subsequently, HRM was used to characterize PKD2‐linked families. Amplicons that produced an overlapping profile sample versus wild‐type control were not further evaluated, while those amplicons with profile deviated from the control were consequently sequenced.

Results

We analyzed 16 PKD2‐linked families by HRM analysis. We observed ten different variations: six single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and four mutations. The mutations detected by HRM and confirmed by sequencing were as follows: 1158T>A, 2159delA, 2224C>T, and 2533C>T. In particular, the same haplotype block and nonsense mutation 2533C>T was found in 8 of 16 families, so we suggested the presence of a founder effect in our province.

Conclusions

We have developed a strategy for rapid mutation analysis of the PKD2 gene in ADPKD families, which utilizes an HRM‐based prescreening followed by direct sequencing of amplicons with abnormal profiles. This is a simple and good technique for PKD2 genotyping and may significantly reduce the time and cost for diagnosis in ADPKD.
Association of Promoter Genetic Variants in Interleukin‐10 and Kawasaki Disease With Coronary Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Lin Ying‐Ju , Lan Yu‐Ching , Lai Chih‐Ho , Lin Ting‐Hsu , Huang Shao‐Mei , Liao Chiu‐Chu , Lin Cheng‐Wen , Hung Chien‐Hui , Tien Ni , Liu Xiang , Chien Wen‐Kuei , Chen Jin‐Hua , Tsai Fuu‐Jen
Published: March 2014

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self‐limited vasculitis in infants and young children. Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) is a potent cytokine that exerts pleiotropic effects on immunoregulation and inflammation. Elevated IL‐10 serum levels have been reported in the KD patients.

Methods

In this study, we investigated whether IL‐10 genetic polymorphisms contribute to coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) development among KD patients in Taiwan. A total of 58 KD patients with CAA and 277 unrelated healthy children matched for sex and age were enrolled for this study.

Results

Higher G allele frequencies of IL‐10 at ‐1082 position were observed in KD patients with CAA compared to the controls (P = 0.016, OR: 2.86, 95% CI, 1.17–6.98). In addition, higher IL‐10 GCC haplotype frequencies were also observed in KD patients with CAA (P = 0.016, OR: 2.85, 95% CI, 1.17–6.98).

Conclusion

Our data support the possibility that IL‐10 gene polymorphisms may be related with CAA development of KD in Taiwanese population.
Serum Sialic Acids Levels According to the Severity of Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Chrostek Lech , Supronowicz Lukasz , Panasiuk Anatol , Cylwik Bogdan , Gruszewska Ewa , Szmitkowski Maciej
Published: March 2014

Background

The sialylation of serum proteins and lipids changes in liver diseases of different etiologies and could change the total sialic acid (TSA), lipid‐bound SA (LSA), and free SA (FSA) levels in the sera. However, little is known of the relationship of serum SAs concentrations and the severity of liver disease. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the SAs concentrations (TSA, LSA, and FSA) in liver cirrhosis in relation with the severity of liver disease.

Methods

Tested group consisted of 91 consecutive patients suffering from liver cirrhosis. For each patient, the Child‐Pugh score was calculated. TSA and LSA were determined by the enzymatic method on microplate reader, and FSA using the thiobarbituric method.

Results

Among the SA forms, only the serum FSA level in liver cirrhosis appears to be different according to the severity of liver damage evaluated by the Child‐Pugh score. It was the highest in score C, and was higher than that in scores B and A. The elevated levels of FSA significantly positively correlated with the Child‐Pugh score.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the sialylation of serum proteins and lipids changes in liver cirrhosis, but only the serum concentrations of FSA are stage‐related and reflect the severity of liver disease.
Improvement and Validation of d‐Xylose Determination in Urine and Serum as a New Tool for the Noninvasive Evaluation of Lactase Activity in Humans
Authors: Hermida Carmen , Martínez‐Costa Oscar H. , Corrales Guillermo , Teruel Cristina , Sánchez Valentina , Sánchez José J. , Sarrión Dolores , Ariza María J. , Codoceo Rosa , Calvo Idoya , Fernández‐Mayoralas Alfonso , Aragón Juan J.
Published: March 2014

Background

The phloroglucinol assay is the current method for d‐xylose determination in urine/plasma/serum. However, its sensitivity is limited when low amounts of d‐xylose are to be measured, such as in the noninvasive evaluation of intestinal lactase with 4‐galactosylxylose (gaxilose). An improved assay was therefore needed.

Methods

We developed and validated a modified version of the phloroglucinol‐based assay for quantification of d‐xylose in urine/serum samples. A method for gaxilose determination by gas chromatography (GC) was also optimized.

Results

Linearity ranged from 0.125 to 5.0 mg/l (5–200 mg/l in original sample). Accuracy at LOQ (0.125 mg/l) was 0.97/2.49% in spiked urine/serum; for other quality controls (QC), it was <1.27%. Intra‐ and interassay precision at LOQ were 6.02% and 6.45% for urine, and 8.86% and 10.00%, respectively, for serum; for other QC, precision was <2.15%. Linearity of gaxilose determination by GC was 3.90–195.17 for urine and 9.75–195.17 mg/l for serum with acceptable sensitivity and reproducibility. The method proved adequate for the d‐xylose determination in healthy and hypolactasic subjects after oral administration of gaxilose.

Conclusions

The modified method provides high sensitivity and robustness for d‐xylose quantification in urine/serum for routine clinical use especially in the noninvasive diagnosis of intestinal lactase deficiency with the gaxilose test.
Immunoassay‐Based Serum Hepcidin Reference Range Measurements in Healthy Children: Differences Among Age Groups
Authors: Sdogou Triantafyllia , Tsentidis Charalampos , Gourgiotis Dimitrios , Marmarinos Antonios , Gkourogianni Alexandra , Papassotiriou Ioannis , Anastasiou Theodora , Kossiva Lydia
Published: March 2014

Background

Hepcidin is a peptide hormone that plays a key role in regulating iron absorption from the small intestine and body iron distribution. Alterations in hepcidin concentrations have been associated with chronic inflammatory conditions or inherited diseases of iron metabolism. The aim of our study was to evaluate healthy children in order to define normal reference range of serum hepcidin concentrations. The universal use of a reliable commercial ELISA kit gives the ability to compare our results with those from previous studies.

Methods

We evaluated 180 healthy children (88 boys, mean age: 67.55 ± 39.26 months, median: 60, range: 24–156 months) aged 2–12 years, using an immunoassay kit.

Results

Hepcidin median values were 46.94 ng/ml for boys and 46.79 ng/ml for girls. No significant differences were observed between boys and girls. There seem to be significantly higher values of hepcidin in older children (10–12 years old). This trend was constant and statistically significant in boys after gender and age group stratification. Although this trend was more prominent in girls, it was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

This study aims at setting up reference values for serum hepcidin concentrations in healthy pediatric population by using a well‐established laboratory kit. The difference in hepcidin concentrations in older children could be attributed to different growth rates. Additionally, differences between values in adults and children could reflect alterations in iron metabolism between those two age groups.
Quantitative muscle ultrasound versus quantitative magnetic resonance imaging in facioscapulohumeral dystrophy
Authors: Janssen Barbara H. , Pillen Sigrid , Voet Nicoline B.M. , Heerschap Arend , van Engelen Baziel G.M. , van Alfen Nens
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are non‐invasive methods that can be performed repeatedly and without discomfort. In the assessment of neuromuscular disorders it is unknown if they provide complementary information. In this study we tested this for patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Methods: We performed quantitative muscle ultrasound (QMUS) and quantitative MRI (QMRI) of the legs in 5 men with FSHD. Results: The correlation between QMUS‐determined z‐scores and QMRI‐determined muscle fraction and T1 signal intensity (SI) was very high. QMUS had a wider dynamic range than QMRI, whereas QMRI could detect inhomogeneous distribution of pathology over the length of the muscles. Conclusions: Both QMUS and QMRI are well suited for imaging muscular dystrophy. The wider dynamic range of QMUS can be advantageous in the follow‐up of advanced disease stages, whereas QMRI seems preferable in pathologies such as FSHD that affect deep muscle layers and show inhomogeneous abnormality distributions. Muscle Nerve 50: 968–975, 2014
Control of polythiophene film microstructure and charge carrier dynamics through crystallization temperature
Authors: Marsh Hilary S. , Reid Obadiah G. , Barnes George , Heeney Martin , Stingelin Natalie , Rumbles Garry
Published: March 2014

The microstructure of neat conjugated polymers is crucial in determining the ultimate morphology and photovoltaic performance of polymer/fullerene blends, yet until recently, little work has focused on controlling the former. Here, we demonstrate that both the long‐range order along the (100)‐direction and the lamellar crystal thickness along the (001)‐direction in neat poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly[(3,3″‐didecyl[2,2′:5′,2″‐terthiophene]‐5,5″‐diyl)] (PTTT‐10) thin films can be manipulated by varying crystallization temperature. Changes in crystalline domain size impact the yield and dynamics of photogenerated charge carriers. Time‐resolved microwave conductivity measurements show that neat polymer films composed of larger crystalline domains have longer photoconductance lifetimes and charge carrier yield decreases with increasing crystallite size for P3HT. Our results suggest that the classical polymer science description of temperature‐dependent crystallization of polymers from solution can be used to understand thin‐film formation in neat conjugated polymers, and hence, should be considered when discussing the structural evolution of organic bulk heterojunctions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 700–707
Stretching temperature and direction dependency of uniaxial deformation mechanism in overstretched polyethylene
Authors: Fu Lianlian , Jiang Zhiyong , Enderle Hans‐Friedrich , Lilge Dieter , Wu Zhonghua , Funari Sérgio S. , Men Yongfeng
Published: March 2014

In order to elucidate microscopic deformation behavior at different locations in isotropic semicrystalline polymers, the structural evolution of a preoriented high‐density polyethylene sample during tensile deformation at different temperatures and along different directions with respect to the preorientation was investigated by means of combined in situ synchrotron small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) techniques. For samples stretched along preorientation, two situations were found: (1) at 30 °C, the sample broke after a moderate deformation, which is accomplished by the slippage of the microfibrils; (2) at 80 and 100 °C, fragmentation of original lamellae followed by recrystallization process was observed resulting in new lamellar crystals of different thickness depending on stretching temperature. For samples stretched perpendicular or 45° with respect to the preorientation, the samples always end up with a new oriented lamellar structure with the normal along the stretching direction via a stress‐induced fragmentation and recrystallization route. The thickness of the final achieved lamellae depends only on stretching temperature in this case. Compared to samples stretched along the preorientation direction, samples stretched perpendicular and 45° with respect to the preorientation direction showed at least several times of maxima achievable stress before macroscopic failure possibly due to the favorable occurrence and development of microdefects in those lamellar stacks with their normal parallel to the stretching direction. This result might have significant consequence in designing optimal procedure to produce high performance polyethylene products from solid state. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 716–726
A liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry‐based targeted proteomics approach for the assessment of transferrin receptor levels in breast cancer
Authors: Yang Ting , Xu Feifei , Zhao Yi , Wang Shui , Yang Mi , Chen Yun
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Overexpression of human transferrin receptor (TfR) has been described qualitatively in various cancers, including breast cancer. Since TfR is also expressed to some extent under normal physiological conditions, increase of specificity and reproducibility in TfR quantification could improve the early detection and prognostic evaluation of cancers.

Experimental design

A LC‐MS/MS‐based targeted proteomics assay was developed for the determination of TfR in human breast cells and tissue samples.

Results

We selected the tryptic peptide 681VEYHFLSPYVSPK693 as the surrogate peptide for quantification and used a stable isotope‐labeled synthetic peptide with this sequence as an internal standard. Quality control data indicated acceptable accuracy and precision. Finally, this assay was successfully applied to the quantitative analysis of TfR in three breast cell lines and 36 matched pairs of breast tissue samples. The experimental values were compared with those obtained from conventional analytical methods, including immunofluorescence microscopy, Western blotting, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Not only is the LC‐MS/MS‐based targeted proteomics assay a more accurate method for the determination of TfR levels, but may afford more reliable quantification of TfR at low concentrations in clinical practice.
Progress in the 21st century: a Roadmap for the Ecological Society of Japan
Authors: Enoki Tsutomu , Nakashizuka Tohru , Nakano Shin‐ichi , Miki Takeshi , Lin Yu‐Pin , Nakaoka Masahiro , Mizumachi Eri , Shibata Hideaki
Published: March 2014

The primary goal of the 60th anniversary symposium of the Ecological Society of Japan (ESJ) was to re‐examine the role of the Society. The first of five lectures, “Development of Long‐term Ecological Research in Japan,” discussed the increasingly important role of long‐term and networked research studies. Ecological research in Asia faces many challenges, because Asia features natural and anthropogenic landscapes with highly diverse ecosystems. “Developing Strategies of the Ecological Society of Japan for Worldwide Societies of Ecology with Special Reference to Strategies for Asia” emphasized the role of ESJ in promoting ecological research and outreach in Asia. Ecosystem sustainability is a key issue in both the theory and practice of ecosystem management. A framework concept of an environmental and biodiversity cycle was proposed in the session “Linking Community and Ecosystem Dynamics” for understanding the mechanisms driving the sustainability of ecosystems. Ecosystem services are essential aspects of land use and conservation planning and management. “Integrating Models of Ecosystem Services and Land Use Changes” reviewed recently‐developed models that simulate patterns of land‐use change and analyze its effects on ecosystem services and also recommended future directions for collaboration among researchers. “Disaster Resilience and Coastal Ecology” highlighted the contributions of ecologists to evaluating the resilience of damaged coastal ecosystems and provided sound proposals to local communities and governments for rehabilitation plans. The past achievements and future directions of ESJ were discussed by the panelists and the audience in “Past and Future of the Ecological Society of Japan.”
Familiaridad con los destinos turísticos. Rol de la percepción de beneficios
Authors: Marinao Artigas Enrique , Torres Moraga Eduardo , Chasco Coro
Published: March 2014

El objetivo de este estudio es probar si el beneficio simbólico obtenido por el turista es consecuencia delbeneficio hedónico y funcional otorgado por el lugar; y probar si el destino turístico le es más familiar alturista a medida que mejora la percepción del beneficio simbólico obtenido en él. A través de un análisisfactorial confirmatorio, se identificaron diferentes escalas que permitieran medir dichas relaciones. Seutilizó un muestreo no probabilístico por cuotas, en proporción a destinos turísticos visitados en Chile,seleccionándose una muestra de 750 turistas. Los resultados arrojaron evidencia que la familiaridad deun lugar está determinada por el beneficio simbólico, siendo este beneficio resultado de los beneficioshedónicos y funcionales obtenidos por el turista.
Diverse diseases from a ubiquitous process: The ribosomopathy paradox
Authors: Armistead Joy , Triggs-Raine Barbara
Published: March 2014

Collectively, the ribosomopathies are caused by defects in ribosome biogenesis. Although these disorders encompass deficiencies in a ubiquitous and fundamental process, the clinical manifestations are extremely variable and typically display tissue specificity. Research into this paradox has offered fascinating new insights into the role of the ribosome in the regulation of mRNA translation, cell cycle control, and signaling pathways involving TP53, MYC and mTOR. Several common features of ribosomopathies such as small stature, cancer predisposition, and hematological defects, point to how these diverse diseases may be related at a molecular level.
Mutation G805R in the transmembrane domain of the LDL receptor gene causes familial hypercholesterolemia by inducing ectodomain cleavage of the LDL receptor in the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Strøm Thea Bismo , Tveten Kristian , Laerdahl Jon K. , Leren Trond P.
Published: March 2014

More than 1700 mutations in the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene have been found to cause familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). These are commonly divided into five classes based upon their effects on the structure and function of the LDLR. However, little is known about the mechanism by which mutations in the transmembrane domain of the LDLR gene cause FH. We have studied how the transmembrane mutation G805R affects the function of the LDLR. Based upon Western blot analyses of transfected HepG2 cells, mutation G805R reduced the amounts of the 120 kDa precursor LDLR in the endoplasmic reticulum. This led to reduced amounts of the mature 160 kDa LDLR at the cell surface. However, significant amounts of a secreted 140 kDa G805R‐LDLR ectodomain fragment was observed in the culture media. Treatment of the cells with the metalloproteinase inhibitor batimastat largely restored the amounts of the 120 and 160 kDa forms in cell lysates, and prevented secretion of the 140 kDa ectodomain fragment. Together, these data indicate that a metalloproteinase cleaved the ectodomain of the 120 kDa precursor G805R‐LDLR in the endoplasmic reticulum. It was the presence of the polar Arg805 and not the lack of Gly805 which led to ectodomain cleavage. Arg805 also prevented γ‐secretase cleavage within the transmembrane domain. It is conceivable that introducing a charged residue within the hydrophobic membrane lipid bilayer, results in less efficient incorporation of the 120 kDa G805R‐LDLR in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and makes it a substrate for metalloproteinase cleavage.
Dysregulation of the IGF‐I/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Chen Jianling , Alberts Ian , Li Xiaohong
Published: March 2014

The IGF‐I/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, motility, survival, metabolism and protein synthesis. Insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) is synthesized in the liver and fibroblasts, and its biological actions are mediated by the IGF‐I receptor (IGF‐IR). The binding of IGF‐I to IGF‐IR leads to the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K). Activated PI3K stimulates the production of phosphatidylinositol (4,5)‐bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] and phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)‐trisphosphate [PI(3,4,5)P3]. The PH domain of AKT (protein kinase B, PKB) (v‐AKT murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog) binds to PI(4,5)P2 and PI(3,4,5)P3, followed by phosphorylation of the Thr308 and Ser473 regulatory sites. Tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC1) and TSC2 are upstream regulators of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and downstream effectors of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The activation of AKT suppresses the TSC1/TSC2 heterodimer, which is an upstream regulator of mTOR. Dysregulated IGF‐I/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling has been shown to be associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). In this review, we discuss the emerging evidence for a functional relationship between the IGF‐I/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and ASDs, as well as a possible role of this signaling pathway in the diagnosis and treatment of ASDs.
Estimating long‐term multivariate progression from short‐term data
Authors: Donohue Michael C. , Jacqmin‐Gadda Hélène , Le Goff Mélanie , Thomas Ronald G. , Raman Rema , Gamst Anthony C. , Beckett Laurel A. , Jack Clifford R. , Weiner Michael W. , Dartigues Jean‐François , Aisen Paul S.
Published: March 2014

Motivation

Diseases that progress slowly are often studied by observing cohorts at different stages of disease for short periods of time. The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) follows elders with various degrees of cognitive impairment, from normal to impaired. The study includes a rich panel of novel cognitive tests, biomarkers, and brain images collected every 6 months for as long as 6 years. The relative timing of the observations with respect to disease pathology is unknown. We propose a general semiparametric model and iterative estimation procedure to estimate simultaneously the pathological timing and long‐term growth curves. The resulting estimates of long‐term progression are fine‐tuned using cognitive trajectories derived from the long‐term “Personnes Agées Quid” study.

Results

We demonstrate with simulations that the method can recover long‐term disease trends from short‐term observations. The method also estimates temporal ordering of individuals with respect to disease pathology, providing subject‐specific prognostic estimates of the time until onset of symptoms. When the method is applied to ADNI data, the estimated growth curves are in general agreement with prevailing theories of the Alzheimer's disease cascade. Other data sets with common outcome measures can be combined using the proposed algorithm.

Availability

Software to fit the model and reproduce results with the statistical software R is available as the grace package. ADNI data can be downloaded from the Laboratory of NeuroImaging.
Genetic modification of the relationship between phosphorylated tau and neurodegeneration
Authors: Hohman Timothy J. , Koran Mary Ellen I. , Thornton‐Wells Tricia A. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2014

Background

A subset of individuals present at autopsy with the pathologic features of Alzheimer's disease having never manifest the clinical symptoms. We sought to identify genetic factors that modify the relationship between phosphorylated tau (PTau) and dilation of the lateral inferior ventricles.

Methods

We used data from 700 subjects enrolled in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). A genome‐wide association study approach was used to identify PTau × single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) interactions. Variance explained by these interactions was quantified using hierarchical linear regression.

Results

Five SNP × PTau interactions passed a Bonferroni correction, one of which (rs4728029, POT1, 2.6% of variance) was consistent across ADNI‐1 and ADNI‐2/GO subjects. This interaction also showed a trend‐level association with memory performance and levels of interleukin‐6 receptor.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that rs4728029 modifies the relationship between PTau and both ventricular dilation and cognition, perhaps through an altered neuroinflammatory response.
Identification of novel non‐coding RNA‐based negative feedback regulating the expression of the oncogenic transcription factor GLI1
Authors: Villegas Victoria E. , Rahman Mohammed Ferdous-Ur , Fernandez-Barrena Maite G. , Diao Yumei , Liapi Eleni , Sonkoly Enikö , Ståhle Mona , Pivarcsi Andor , Annaratone Laura , Sapino Anna , Ramírez Clavijo Sandra , Bürglin Thomas R. , Shimokawa Takashi , Ramachandran Saraswathi , Kapranov Philipp , Fernandez-Zapico Martin E. , Zaphiropoulos Peter G.
Published: March 2014

Non‐coding RNAs are a complex class of nucleic acids, with growing evidence supporting regulatory roles in gene expression. Here we identify a non‐coding RNA located head‐to‐head with the gene encoding the Glioma‐associated oncogene 1 (GLI1), a transcriptional effector of multiple cancer‐associated signaling pathways. The expression of this three‐exon GLI1 antisense (GLI1AS) RNA in cancer cells was concordant with GLI1 levels. siRNAs knockdown of GLI1AS up‐regulated GLI1 and increased cellular proliferation and tumor growth in a xenograft model system. Conversely, GLI1AS overexpression decreased the levels of GLI1, its target genes PTCH1 and PTCH2, and cellular proliferation. Additionally, we demonstrate that GLI1 knockdown reduced GLI1AS, while GLI1 overexpression increased GLI1AS, supporting the role of GLI1AS as a target gene of the GLI1 transcription factor. Activation of TGFβ and Hedgehog signaling, two known regulators of GLI1 expression, conferred a concordant up‐regulation of GLI1 and GLI1AS in cancer cells. Finally, analysis of the mechanism underlying the interplay between GLI1 and GLI1AS indicates that the non‐coding RNA elicits a local alteration of chromatin structure by increasing the silencing mark H3K27me3 and decreasing the recruitment of RNA polymerase II to this locus. Taken together, the data demonstrate the existence of a novel non‐coding RNA‐based negative feedback loop controlling GLI1 levels, thus expanding the repertoire of mechanisms regulating the expression of this oncogenic transcription factor.
14‐3‐3 and β‐catenin are secreted on extracellular vesicles to activate the oncogenic Wnt pathway
Authors: Dovrat Shiri , Caspi Michal , Zilberberg Alona , Lahav Lital , Firsow Anastasia , Gur Hila , Rosin-Arbesfeld Rina
Published: March 2014

Aberrant activation of the canonical Wnt signal transduction pathway is involved in a large number of human diseases. β‐catenin, the key effector protein of the canonical Wnt pathway, functions in the nucleus with T‐cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) to activate expression of Wnt target genes. Here we show that members of the 14‐3‐3 protein family bind disheveled‐2 (Dvl‐2) and glycogen synthase‐3β (GSK‐3β) to attenuate the interaction between GSK‐3β and β‐catenin. Importantly, 14‐3‐3 and β‐catenin form “bleb‐like” structures and are secreted via extracellular vesicles to induce Wnt signaling activity in target cells. Our data suggest a novel way of transducing the oncogenic Wnt signal in which β‐catenin is regulated by 14‐3‐3ζ through the formation of “oncosomes” that contain both the 14‐3‐3 and β‐catenin proteins.
Concussion Management in the Wilderness
Authors: Wright Justin M. , Islas Arthur A.
Published: March 2014

Head trauma accounts for a significant number of injuries in the wilderness setting. Concussions are possible sequelae of falls or encounters with unforeseen obstacles. Although not immediately life-threatening, concussions can be a source of significant short- and long-term morbidity. Diagnosis of a concussion in the wilderness may be challenging as symptoms can often be confused with other conditions, such as altitude illness and hyponatremia. Successful management depends on accurate diagnosis and determination of the severity of symptoms so that appropriate decisions regarding treatment and need for evacuation can be made.
A tree-ring based precipitation reconstruction for the Mohe region in the northern Greater Higgnan Mountains, China, since AD 1724
Authors: Zhang Tongwen , Yuan Yujiang , Wei Wenshou , Yu Shulong , Zhang Ruibo , Chen Feng , Shang Huaming , Qin Li
Published: March 2014

August–July precipitation has been reconstructed back to AD 1724 for the Mohe region in the northern Greater Higgnan Mountains, China, usingPinus sylvestrisvar. mongolica tree-ring width. The reconstruction explains 39% of the variance in the precipitation observed from AD 1960–2008. Some droughts noted in historical documents are precisely captured in our reconstruction. Wet periods occurred during the periods of AD 1734–1785, AD 1805–1830, AD 1863–1880, AD 1922–1961, and AD 1983–1998; while the periods of AD 1786–1804, AD 1831–1862, AD 1881–1921, and AD 1962–1982 were relatively dry. Power spectral and wavelet analyses demonstrated the existence of significant 24-yr, 12-yr, and 2-yr cycles of variability. The results of the spatial correlations suggest that our reconstruction contains climatic signals for the southern Stanovoy Range and the northern Greater Higgnan Mountains. The positive correlations between the new reconstructed precipitation series and two precipitation reconstructions indicate that our precipitation reconstruction captures broad-scale regional climatic variations. A comparison between the weakening tendency of summer monsoon and the dry period of our reconstruction reveals that the annual precipitation in the Mohe region is partly influenced by the East Asian Summer Monsoon.
Mallampati classification without tongue protrusion can predict difficult tracheal intubation more accurately than the traditional Mallampati classification
Authors: Manabe Yozo , Iwamoto Shigeru , Miyawaki Hiroshi , Seo Katsuhiro , Sugiyama Kazuna
Published: March 2014

Introduction: The modified Mallampati classification (m‐MMT) is the most popular technique for predicting difficult tracheal intubation. However, tongue protrusion may sometimes hide the oropharynx when the distance of the mouth opening is short, and this may lead to false‐positive (FP) estimations of difficulty. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the Mallampati classification with no tongue protrusion (NT‐MMT) can predict difficult tracheal intubation more accurately than the traditional m‐MMT method.

Methods: A total of 748 patients requiring endotracheal intubation were enrolled in this study. They were evaluated by m‐MMT and by NT‐MMT prior to surgery. After induction of general anesthesia with muscle relaxation, all patients underwent direct laryngoscopy, and the best glottic view was recorded as defined by the grading system of Cormack and Lehane. The preoperative assessment data and the intubation findings were used to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the aforementioned tests in predicting difficult intubation.

Results: NT‐MMT classification scored higher in all parameters than m‐MMT. Similarly, the coefficient of reliability of Spearman’s ρ test was higher with NT‐MMT than with m‐MMT.

Conclusion: NT‐MMT is easy to perform and was more accurate in predicting difficult tracheal intubation than m‐MMT.
Qualitätskriterien für den Unterricht
Authors: Astleitner Hermann , Katstaller Michaela
Published: March 2014

Kriterien guten Unterrichts sind mittlerweile auch in der Schulpraxis angekommen. Schwierigkeiten bereitet aber der Umstand, diese auch wirksam und nachhaltig in den Unterricht integrieren zu können. Die vorliegende Arbeit versucht, einige praktisch einsetzbare Methoden aufzuzeigen, wie Lehrer und Lehrerinnen selbstgesteuert genau das leisten können.
Vergütung für Praxisanleitung
Authors: Quernheim German , Keller Christian
Published: March 2014

Im ersten Teil der Artikelserie „Praxisanleitung“ ging es um die grundsätzliche Bedeutung und Notwendigkeit von Praxisanleitung. Der zweite Teil beschäftigte sich mit der gesteigerten Verantwortung von Praxisanleitenden bezüglich der Ausbildungsqualität. Im vorliegenden dritten Teil geht es um die aus den veränderten Tätigkeiten abzuleitende finanzielle Vergütung.
Das Poster – Eine innovative Strategie in der Pflegeausbildung?
Authors: Rathwallner Birgit
Published: March 2014

„Bisher führt das Poster in der deutschen Pflegelandschaft leider eher ein Schattendasein“ (Ruppert, 2011, S. 349), in anderen Staaten oder Fachrichtungen hingegen erfreut es sich großer Beliebtheit und kommt auf Tagungen sowie in der Lehre zum Einsatz (Ruppert, 2011). Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich, wie das Poster im Pflege- und Bildungsalltag ein- und umgesetzt werden kann sowie über Vor- und Nachteile der Methode. Der Text basiert auf nationaler und internationaler Literatur.
Güte von Broschüren für Patienten und deren Angehörige
Authors: Blotenberg Britta , Rust Lisa
Published: March 2014

Die Arbeit mit Broschüren ist eine häufige Intervention der pflegebezogenen Patientenedukation. Broschüren sind sehr vielfältig, sie sind aus verschiedenen Quellen beziehbar und von unterschiedlicher Qualität. Broschüren für Praktiker können beispielsweise auch von Pflegenden selbst entwickelt werden. Als Hilfsinstrument für die Entwicklung und zur Bewertung von Broschüren kann die sogenannte „Wittener Liste“ dienen.
An electrochemiluminescent microRNA biosensor based on hybridization chain reaction coupled with hemin as the signal enhancer
Authors: Zhang Pu , Wu Xiaoyan , Chai Yaqin , Yuan Ruo
Published: March 2014

An electrochemiluminescent biosensor for microRNA detection was fabricated using hybridization chain reaction coupled with hemin as the signal enhancer.