bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radical chemistry of glucosamine naphthalene acetic acid and naphthalene acetic acid: a pulse radiolysis study
Authors: Shibin Naduvilpurakkal B. , Sreekanth Radhakrishnan , Aravind Usha K. , Afsal Mohammed Kadavilpparampu M. , Chandrashekhar Narayana V. , Joseph Jayan , Sarkar Sisir K. , Naik Devidas B. , Aravindakumar Charuvila T.
Published: February 2014

Free radical‐induced oxidation reactions of glucosamine naphthalene acetic acid (GNaa) and naphthalene acetic acid (Naa) have been studied using pulse radiolysis. GNaa was synthesized by covalently attaching Naa on glucosamine. Hydroxyl adduct (from the reaction of hydroxyl radicals (●OH) at the naphthalene ring) was identified as the major transient intermediate (suggesting that the ●OH reaction is on the naphthalene ring) and is characterized by its absorption maxima of 340 and 400 nm. Both GNaa and Naa undergo similar reaction pattern. The bimolecular rate constants determined for the reactions are 4.8 × 109 and 8.9 × 109 dm3 mol−1 s−1 for GNaa and Naa respectively. The mechanism of reaction of ●OH with GNaa was further confirmed using steady‐state method. Radical cation of GNaa was detected as an intermediate during the reaction of sulfate radical (SO4●−) with GNaa (k2 = 4.52 × 109 dm3 mol−1 s−1). This radical cation transforms to a ●OH adduct at higher pH. The radical cation of GNaa is comparatively long lived, and a cyclic transition state by neighboring group participation accounts for its stability. The oxy radical anion (O●−) reacts with GNaa (k2 = 1.12 × 109 dm3 mol−1 s−1) mainly by one‐electron transfer mechanism. The reduction potential values of Naa and GNaa were determined using cyclic voltammetric technique, and these are 1.39 V versus NHE for Naa and 1.60 V versus NHE for GNaa. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design, synthesis, and characterization of a novel c‐donor‐nc‐bridge‐c‐acceptor type block copolymer for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Sun Sam‐Shajing , Brooks Jaleesa , Nguyen Thuong , Zhang Cheng
Published: February 2014

A novel conjugated block copolymer system containing a donor‐type conjugated block (c‐D) covalently connected to an acceptor type conjugated block (c‐A) via a nonconjugated and flexible bridge chain (nc‐B), also called a DBA type block copolymer, has been designed, synthesized, and characterized for potential cost‐effective and high‐efficiency optoelectronic applications such as solar cells. Specifically, D is a regio‐regular para‐2‐ethylhexyloxy‐substituted polyphenylenevinylene (or EH‐RO‐PPV), A is a regio‐regular polyphenylenevinylene with sulfone (SO2) acceptor moiety and a linear oxydecane (‐OC10H21) group substituted on every phenylene unit, and B contains an aliphatic chain with two or four methylene units. The size of each block can be controlled via synthetic feed ratio of the monomer and the terminator. The measured average molecular weights of D, A, and DBA based on gel permission chromatography are in good agreements with the molecular weights calculated using the monomer:terminator synthetic feed ratios. Preliminary optoelectronic device studies revealed an order of magnitude better improvement in photoelectric power conversion efficiency of DBA over the corresponding D/A blend under identical fabrication and testing conditions. Such improvements could be attributed to more efficient photo induced charge separation and charge transport in DBA versus in D/A blends. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem.2014,52, 1149–1160
The contribution of neurocognitive functioning to quality of life after childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Kunin‐Batson Alicia , Kadan‐Lottick Nina , Neglia Joseph P.
Published: February 2014

Background

Neurocognitive late effects after childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are well‐documented, but their impact on quality of life (QOL) is not well understood. In this multi‐site study, we examined the relative influence of neurocognitive functioning, steroid randomization (prednisone vs. dexamethasone), and demographic characteristics on QOL in first‐remission survivors of childhood ALL.

Methods

Participants included 263 ALL survivors (ages 7–17 years at the time of evaluation; mean age at diagnosis 3.9 years) who were treated on similar legacy Children's Cancer Group chemotherapy protocols and did not receive cranial radiation. Children completed detailed neuropsychological performance tests. The Pediatric QOL Inventory was completed by children and their parents. Participants were a mean of 9 years from diagnosis at the time of assessment (with a range of 4 to 13 years).

Results

Children and their parents reported lower mean child psychosocial QOL than healthy population norms (p < 0.05), but were not in the impaired range. Physical QOL was similar to population norms. Though neurocognitive difficulties were predominantly mild for the sample as a whole, neurocognitive deficits, specifically problems in verbal cognitive abilities and visual‐motor integration skills, were significantly associated with poor physical (p < 0.01) and Psychosocial QOL (p < 0.01). QOL was not associated with previous steroid randomization.

Conclusions

ALL survivors with neurocognitive deficits are at risk for poor QOL, with broad implications for their physical, social, and school functioning. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Barriers to mental health service use and preferences for addressing emotional concerns among lung cancer patients
Authors: Mosher Catherine E. , Winger Joseph G. , Hanna Nasser , Jalal Shadia I. , Fakiris Achilles J. , Einhorn Lawrence H. , Birdas Thomas J. , Kesler Kenneth A. , Champion Victoria L.
Published: February 2014

Objective

This study examined barriers to mental health service use and preferences for addressing emotional concerns among lung cancer patients (N = 165) at two medical centers in the Midwestern United States.

Methods

Lung cancer patients completed an assessment of anxiety and depressive symptoms, mental health service use, barriers to using these services, and preferences for addressing emotional concerns.

Results

Only 45% of distressed patients received mental health care since their lung cancer diagnosis. The most prevalent patient‐reported barriers to mental health service use among non‐users of these services (n = 110) included the desire to independently manage emotional concerns (58%) and inadequate knowledge of services (19%). In addition, 57% of distressed patients who did not access mental health services did not perceive the need for help. Seventy‐five percent of respondents (123/164) preferred to talk to a primary care physician if they were to have an emotional concern. Preferences for counseling, psychiatric medication, peer support, spiritual care, or independently managing emotional concerns also were endorsed by many patients (range = 40–50%). Older age was associated with a lower likelihood of preferring to see a counselor.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that many distressed lung cancer patients underuse mental health services and do not perceive the need for such services. Efforts to increase appropriate use of services should address patients' desire for autonomy and lack of awareness of services. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation of Enhanced Strength and Internal Structure for Heat‐Treated Submicron Stöber Silica Particles
Authors: Romeis Stefan , Paul Jonas , Hanisch Mathias , Marthala V. R. Reddy , Hartmann Martin , Taylor Robin N. Klupp , Schmidt Jochen , Peukert Wolfgang
Published: February 2014

The Stöber–Fink–Bohn (SFB) method allows the synthesis of spherical silica particles over a wide size range. Owing to the complex formation mechanism, the internal structure and related mechanical properties are not well understood. Within this account, the internal structure of synthesized SFB particles is changed systematically by heat treatments. Characterization by colloid titration, infrared spectroscopy, and solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the assessment of mechanical properties for single particles by in situ micromanipulation shed light on structure–property relations. Over the course of heat treatment, SFB particles become denser and owing to condensation of internal hydroxyl groups, the cross‐linking of the silica network is enhanced. The observed chemical and structural changes are reflected by the mechanical properties of the particles: starting from a low Young's modulus and hardness, clearly below the bulk properties of fused silica, both values are increasing over the course of the thermal treatment. Hardness for fused silica is approached after a treatment at 800 °C and exceeded after a treatment at 1000 °C. Young's modulus approaches the bulk value. Furthermore, a significant plasticity is found: the sustained deformations are extremely high, and thus silica spheres with enhanced strength have been obtained by the thermal treatment.
Factor VII activating protease (FSAP): A novel protective factor in liver fibrosis
Authors: Martinez‐Palacian Adoracion , Kanse Sandip M. , Weiskirchen Ralf
Published: February 2014

Factor VII activating protease (FSAP) is a multifunctional serine protease that is mainly synthesized and secreted by hepatocytes. This enzyme is highly evolutionarily conserved and contains three epidermal growth factor like domains, a kringle domain and a trypsin‐like serine protease signature at its C‐terminus. Animal experimentation and clinical findings indicate that FSAP influences a range of inflammatory fibroproliferative diseases. In particular, recent work demonstrated that FSAP is anti‐fibrotic and influences liver fibrosis progression. The relative high physiological concentration, occurrence of gene variants affecting the proteolytic activity of FSAP and eclectic substrate specificity should in principal presuppose this protease to be frequently found in studies in which quantitative proteomics is performed. However, presently there are only a few studies available that have identified FSAP in applications using 2D gels, MS or other proteomic‐associated techniques. We summarize here the actual knowledge about FSAP functions in initiation and progression of hepatic fibrosis and comment on proteome studies in which altered expression or activity of FSAP was reported.
Nigramide J is a novel potent inverse agonist of the human constitutive androstane receptor
Authors: Kanno Yuichiro , Tanuma Nobuaki , Yatsu Tomofumi , Li Wei , Koike Kazuo , Inouye Yoshio
Published: February 2014

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR, NR1I3) is very important for drug development and for understanding pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions. We screened by mammalian one hybrid assay among natural compounds to discover novel ligands of human constitutive androstane receptor (hCAR). hCAR transcriptional activity was measured by luciferase assay and mRNA levels of CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 in HepTR‐hCAR cells and human primary hepatocytes were measured by real‐time RT‐PCR. Nigramide J (NJ) whose efficacy is comparable to those of hitherto known inverse agonists such as clotrimazole, PK11195, and ethinylestradiol. NJ is a naturally occurring cyclohexane‐type amide alkaloid that was isolated from the roots of Piper nigrum. The suppressive effect of NJ on the CAR‐dependent transcriptional activity was found to be species specific, in the descending order of hCAR, rat CAR, and mouse CAR. The unliganded hCAR‐dependent transactivation of reporter and endogenous genes was suppressed by NJ at concentrations higher than 5 μmol/L. The ligand‐binding cavity of hCAR was shared by NJ and CITCO, because they were competitive in the binding to hCAR. NJ interfered with the interaction of hCAR with coactivator SRC‐1, but not with its interaction with the corepressor NCoR1. Furthermore, NJ is agonist of human pregnane X receptor (hPXR). NJ is a dual ligand of hCAR and hPXR, being an agonist of hPXR and an inverse agonist of hCAR.
Dynamic mass redistribution analysis of endogenous β‐adrenergic receptor signaling in neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts
Authors: Carter Rhonda L. , Grisanti Laurel A. , Yu Justine E. , Repas Ashley A. , Woodall Meryl , Ibetti Jessica , Koch Walter J. , Jacobson Marlene A. , Tilley Douglas G.
Published: February 2014

Label‐free systems for the agnostic assessment of cellular responses to receptor stimulation have been shown to provide a sensitive method to dissect receptor signaling. β‐adenergic receptors (βAR) are important regulators of normal and pathologic cardiac function and are expressed in cardiomyocytes as well as cardiac fibroblasts, where relatively fewer studies have explored their signaling responses. Using label‐free whole cell dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) assays we investigated the response patterns to stimulation of endogenous βAR in primary neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts (NRCF). The EPIC‐BT by Corning was used to measure DMR responses in primary isolated NRCF treated with various βAR and EGFR ligands. Additional molecular assays for cAMP generation and receptor internalization responses were used to correlate the DMR findings with established βAR signaling pathways. Catecholamine stimulation of NRCF induced a concentration‐dependent negative DMR deflection that was competitively blocked by βAR blockade and non‐competitively blocked by irreversible uncoupling of Gs proteins. Subtype‐selective βAR ligand profiling revealed a dominant role for β2AR in mediating the DMR responses, consistent with the relative expression levels of β2AR and β1AR in NRCF. βAR‐mediated cAMP generation profiles revealed similar kinetics to DMR responses, each of which were enhanced via inhibition of cAMP degradation, as well as dynamin‐mediated receptor internalization. Finally, G protein‐independent βAR signaling through epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was assessed, revealing a smaller but significant contribution of this pathway to the DMR response to βAR stimulation. Measurement of DMR responses in primary cardiac fibroblasts provides a sensitive readout for investigating endogenous βAR signaling via both G protein‐dependent and –independent pathways.
Mutations at codon position 1999 of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase confer resistance to ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides in Japanese foxtail (Alopecurus japonicus)
Authors: Xu Hongle , Li Jun , Zhang Di , Cheng Ying , Jiang Ying , Dong Liyao
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND

The intensive and global application of ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides has resulted in the evolution of resistance in a growing number of grass weeds. Among the mutations implicated in conferring resistance, limited knowledge is available regarding mutations at codon position 1999. In addition, multiple copies of genes encoding plastidic ACCase have been ignored in previous studies of resistance in Alopecurus japonicus.

RESULTS

Dose–response tests indicated that the population JLGY‐4 had evolved high‐level resistance to fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl. The carboxyltransferase domain of the ACCase gene in A. japonicus was sequenced and compared. Two loci encoding plastidic ACCase were isolated from both the resistant and sensitive populations. Simultaneously, two resistance‐endowing mutations at codon position 1999 of ACCase were determined (W1999C and W1999L). Moreover, a molecular study was conducted to determine the mechanism of resistance to some ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides. The W1999C mutation conferred resistance to fenoxaprop and moderate resistance to pinoxaden. The W1999L mutation conferred resistance to fenoxaprop.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that A. japonicus had multiple copies of genes encoding plastidic ACCase, and each gene was able to carry its own mutation. It also established the clear importance of the W1999C and W1999L mutations in conferring resistance to ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
EPSPS amplification in glyphosate‐resistant spiny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus): a case of gene transfer via interspecific hybridization from glyphosate‐resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)
Authors: Nandula Vijay K , Wright Alice A , Bond Jason A , Ray Jeffery D , Eubank Thomas W , Molin William T
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND

Amaranthus spinosus, a common weed of pastures, is a close relative of Amaranthus palmeri, a problematic agricultural weed with widespread glyphosate resistance. These two species have been known to hybridize, allowing for transfer of glyphosate resistance. Glyphosate‐resistant A. spinosus was recently suspected in a cotton field in Mississippi.

RESULTS

Glyphosate‐resistant A. spinosus biotypes exhibited a fivefold increase in resistance compared with a glyphosate‐susceptible biotype. EPSPS was amplified 33–37 times and expressed 37 times more in glyphosate‐resistant A. spinosus biotypes than in a susceptible biotype. The EPSPS sequence in resistant A. spinosus plants was identical to the EPSPS in glyphosate‐resistant A. palmeri, but differed at 29 nucleotides from the EPSPS in susceptible A. spinosus plants. PCR analysis revealed similarities between the glyphosate‐resistant A. palmeri amplicon and glyphosate‐resistant A. spinosus.

CONCLUSIONS

Glyphosate resistance in A. spinosus is caused by amplification of the EPSPS gene. Evidence suggests that part of the EPSPS amplicon from resistant A. palmeri is present in glyphosate‐resistant A. spinosus. This is likely due to a hybridization event between A. spinosus and glyphosate‐resistant A. palmeri somewhere in the lineage of the glyphosate‐resistant A. spinosus plants. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Investigation of GaN layers grown by high temperature vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Lukin G. , Röder C. , Barchuk M. , Schreiber G. , Pätzold O. , Kortus J. , Rafaja D. , Stelter M.
Published: February 2014

First experimental results on the growth of GaN films by a modified high temperature vapor phase epitaxy method (HTVPE) are presented. The method bases on a novel growth reactor, which was developed to overcome the drawbacks of conventional HTVPE. GaN films were deposited either on (0001) sapphire substrates or on MOVPE‐grown GaN templates of 15×15 mm2 with growth rates in the range of 2–7 µm/h. The influence of the substrate temperature and ammonia flow on the structural properties of the deposited films was systematically investigated in experiments on MOVPE templates. It is shown that the structural quality of the templates can be well reproduced in the overgrown layers. The layer quality and the stress relations are found to depend very sensitively on the ammonia flow in the carrier gas. Growth experiments with a direct, high‐temperature deposition of GaN films on sapphire demonstrated a strong dependence of the nucleation process on the substrate temperature and the carrier gas composition. The potential of HTVPE for the heteroepitaxial growth of GaN films on sapphire is discussed. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A toolkit for measurement error correction, with a focus on nutritional epidemiology
Authors: Keogh Ruth H. , White Ian R.
Published: February 2014

Exposure measurement error is a problem in many epidemiological studies, including those using biomarkers and measures of dietary intake. Measurement error typically results in biased estimates of exposure‐disease associations, the severity and nature of the bias depending on the form of the error. To correct for the effects of measurement error, information additional to the main study data is required. Ideally, this is a validation sample in which the true exposure is observed. However, in many situations, it is not feasible to observe the true exposure, but there may be available one or more repeated exposure measurements, for example, blood pressure or dietary intake recorded at two time points. The aim of this paper is to provide a toolkit for measurement error correction using repeated measurements. We bring together methods covering classical measurement error and several departures from classical error: systematic, heteroscedastic and differential error. The correction methods considered are regression calibration, which is already widely used in the classical error setting, and moment reconstruction and multiple imputation, which are newer approaches with the ability to handle differential error. We emphasize practical application of the methods in nutritional epidemiology and other fields. We primarily consider continuous exposures in the exposure‐outcome model, but we also outline methods for use when continuous exposures are categorized. The methods are illustrated using the data from a study of the association between fibre intake and colorectal cancer, where fibre intake is measured using a diet diary and repeated measures are available for a subset. © 2014 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new calibration test and a reappraisal of the calibration belt for the assessment of prediction models based on dichotomous outcomes
Authors: Nattino Giovanni , Finazzi Stefano , Bertolini Guido
Published: February 2014

Calibration is one of the main properties that must be accomplished by any predictive model. Overcoming the limitations of many approaches developed so far, a study has recently proposed the calibration belt as a graphical tool to identify ranges of probability where a model based on dichotomous outcomes miscalibrates. In this new approach, the relation between the logits of the probability predicted by a model and of the event rates observed in a sample is represented by a polynomial function, whose coefficients are fitted and its degree is fixed by a series of likelihood‐ratio tests. We propose here a test associated with the calibration belt and show how the algorithm to select the polynomial degree affects the distribution of the test statistic. We calculate its exact distribution and confirm its validity via a numerical simulation. Starting from this distribution, we finally reappraise the procedure to construct the calibration belt and illustrate an application in the medical context. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
More stars stay, but the brightest ones still leave: Job hopping in the shadow of patent enforcement
Authors: Ganco Martin , Ziedonis Rosemarie H. , Agarwal Rajshree
Published: February 2014

Competitive advantage often rests on the skills and expertise of individuals who may leave for rival organizations. Although institutional factors like non‐compete regimes shape intra‐industry mobility patterns, far less is known about firm‐specific reputations built through patent enforcement. This study formally models and empirically tests how a firm's prior litigiousness over patents (i.e., its reputation for IP toughness) influences employee mobility. Based on inventor data from the U.S. semiconductor industry, we find that litigiousness not only diminishes the proclivity of inventive workers to “job hop” to others in the industry, it also shifts the distribution of talent released to the market. The study contributes new insights linking firm‐level reputations as tough legal enforcers to the “stay versus exit” calculus of knowledge workers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Die Bemessung von Verbunddübelleisten nach neuer Allgemeiner bauaufsichtlicher Zulassung
Authors: Gündel Max , Kopp Maik , Feldmann Markus , Gallwoszus Joerg , Hegger Josef , Seidl Günter
Published: February 2014

Verbunddübelleisten sind leistungsfähige Verbundmittel für Stahlverbundträger, die vor allem in vorgefertigten Verbundbrücken eingesetzt werden. Vorteile gegenüber anderen Verbundmitteln liegen insbesondere in der hohen Tragfähigkeit, dem ausreichenden Verformungsvermögen auch bei höherfesten Betonen und der einfachen Herstellung bei oberflanschlosen Stahlprofilen. Das Fehlen eingeführter Technischer Regeln, insbesondere für die wirtschaftlichen Klothoiden‐ und Puzzlegeometrien, führte bei Projekten immer wieder zu Vorbehalten seitens der Bauherren und zu Verzögerungen im Genehmigungsprozess. Ziel des FOSTA‐Projektes P804 war es daher, offene Fragen vor allen Dingen bezüglich des Ermüdungsverhaltens dieser innovativen Verbundmittel zu klären, ein geschlossenes Bemessungskonzept zu schaffen sowie eine offene, firmenneutrale Allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassung (AbZ) zu erwirken. In diesem Artikel werden die Ingenieurmodelle und Bemessungsgleichungen der AbZ zur statischen Tragfähigkeit und zur Ermüdungsfestigkeit, konstruktive Grundsätze sowie Hinweise für die Ausführung und Herstellung vorgestellt und Hintergründe erläutert.

Design of composite dowels according to the new national technical approval. Composite dowels are known as powerful shear connectors in steel‐concrete‐composite girders. More and more they are used in practice especially for prefabricated composite bridges. Advantages over other shear connectors are in particular the increased strength, the sufficient deformation capacity even in high strength concrete and the simple application in steel sections without upper flange. However, missing provisions in standards for composite dowels with the economic clothoid and puzzle shape have led to retentions of clients and delays in the approval process. Hence, the aim of the recently finished research project P804 founded by FOSTA‐Research Association for Steel Application was to solve open questions concerning these innovative shear connectors and to prepare a national technical approval available (Allgemeine bauaufsichtliche Zulassung – AbZ) for any design office and construction company. In this paper design concepts for ultimate limit state and fatigue limit state, structural design principles and instructions for production and construction are presented and background information are given.
Functional Cross-Talk Between the Cellular Prion Protein and the Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule is Critical for Neuronal Differentiation of Neural Stem/Precursor Cells
Authors: Prodromidou Kanella , Papastefanaki Florentia , Sklaviadis Theodoros , Matsas Rebecca
Published: February 2014

Cellular prion protein (PrP) is prominently expressed in brain, in differentiated neurons but also in neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs). The misfolding of PrP is a central event in prion diseases, yet the physiological function of PrP is insufficiently understood. Although PrP has been reported to associate with the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), the consequences of concerted PrP-NCAM action in NPC physiology are unknown. Here, we generated NPCs from the subventricular zone (SVZ) of postnatal day 5 wild-type and PrP null (−/−) mice and observed that PrP is essential for proper NPC proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Moreover, we found that PrP is required for the NPC response to NCAM-induced neuronal differentiation. In the absence of PrP, NCAM not only fails to promote neuronal differentiation but also induces an accumulation of doublecortin-positive neuronal progenitors at the proliferation stage. In agreement, we noted an increase in cycling neuronal progenitors in the SVZ of PrP−/− mice compared with PrP+/+ mice, as evidenced by double labeling for the proliferation marker Ki67 and doublecortin as well as by 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation experiments. Additionally, fewer newly born neurons were detected in the rostral migratory stream of PrP−/− mice. Analysis of the migration of SVZ cells in microexplant cultures from wild-type and PrP−/− mice revealed no differences between genotypes or a role for NCAM in this process. Our data demonstrate that PrP plays a critical role in neuronal differentiation of NPCs and suggest that this function is, at least in part, NCAM-dependent. Stem Cells  2014;32:1674–1687
Optimal scheduling and operation of battery/wind generation system in response to real‐time market prices
Authors: Nguyen Minh Y. , Yoon Yong Tae
Published: February 2014

This paper addresses the scheduling and operation problem of a combined battery and wind generation system (BWGS) in real‐time market. The proposed operation scheme consists of two control mechanisms: (i) offline scheduling according to the estimation of the market prices and the stochastic information of wind generation, and (ii) online dispatching based on the updated system state in real time. The analysis in this paper is different from the previous studies by taking into account the expense of battery energy storage under a newly defined term: cost of lifetime losses (CLLs). Thus the optimal scheduling and operation of BWGS not only gives maximum profit to the owner but also avoids the abusive operation of the battery. The case study provides a comparison of the proposed operation scheme with other approaches. It is shown that the proposed scheme considering the CLLs can significantly change the optimal charging/discharging of battery energy storage, and the increase in profit obtained in this case is about 9%. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ameliorative stroke of selenium against toxicological effects of mercuric chloride in liver of freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Authors: Kothari Suresh , Choughule Neha
Published: February 2014

Mercury, a prevalent and unrelenting toxin, occurs in a variety of forms in freshwater as well as, in marine life. Mercury is an important inducer of oxidative stress in fish leading to formation of reactive oxygen species. Selenium is an essential micronutrient for animals and has antagonistic effect against mercuric toxicity in fishes. Present study has been made to evaluate toxic effect of HgCl2 (0.15 mg/L) on liver of freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bl.). Protective ability of selenium has been investigated by simultaneous exposure of fish with sodium selenite (0.15 mg/L) along with mercuric chloride. For present study Fishes were divided into three groups of ten fishes each the first group served as control, while the second group fish were exposed to HgCl2. Animals of third group were treated with HgCl2 and Na2SeO3. Results reveal that mercury induced lipid peroxidation and in response to this, antioxidants reduced glutathione (GSH) and Catalase (CAT) were reduced whereas, Glutathione reductase (GR) level was enhanced. These antioxidants scavenge the reactive oxygen radicals. Hg induced histopathological damage and elevation in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and transaminases and reduction in protein and glucose contents were evidently seen in catfish liver. Intriguingly, results indicate that under stress of mercury, the fish actively generate oxidative stress and antioxidant responses, which can be used as biomarkers of pollution. Simultaneous exposure to Selenium along with Hg suppressed Hg uptake and lipid peroxidation. Histological architecture and all biochemical parameters were maintained near normal in the presence of selenium in liver of the catfish. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 927–936, 2015.
Effects of sodium hydroxide treatment on the properties of low‐density polyethylene composites filled with chicken feather fiber
Authors: Ghani Supri Abdul , Jahari Mohammad Hafeez , Soo‐jin Tan
Published: February 2014

The effects of alkali treatment with sodium hydroxide on the tensile properties, morphology, thermal degradation, and mass swell of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)/(chicken feather fibers (CFF)) composites were studied. The LDPE/CFF composites were prepared by using a Z‐Blade mixer at 180oC and a rotor speed of 50 rpm. The LDPE/CFF‐Treated composites exhibited higher tensile strength, Young's modulus, and final decomposition temperature but had lower mass swell percentage and elongation at break than the LDPE/CFF composites. An SEM morphology study showed that the CFF treatment could significantly improve adhesion at the interface and lead to ingress of the fiber into the LDPE phase. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the LDPE/CFF‐Treated composites had higher thermal stability than the LDPE/CFF composites. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 20:36–41, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
RNA biology and the adaptation of Cryptococcus neoformans to host temperature and stress
Authors: Bloom Amanda L. M. , Panepinto John C.
Published: February 2014

Cryptococcus neoformans is an environmental fungus that can cause severe disease in humans. C. neoformans encounters a multitude of stresses within the human host to which it must adapt in order to survive and proliferate. Upon stressful changes in the external milieu, C. neoformans must reprogram its gene expression to properly respond to and combat stress in order to maintain homeostasis. Several studies have investigated the changes that occur in response to these stresses to begin to unravel the mechanisms of adaptation in this organism. Here, we review studies that have explored stress‐induced changes in gene expression with a focus on host temperature adaptation. We compare global messenger RNA (mRNA) expression data compiled from several studies and identify patterns that suggest that orchestrated, transient responses occur. We also utilize the available expression data to explore the possibility of a common stress response that may contribute to cellular protection against a variety of stresses in C. neoformans. In addition, we review studies that have revealed the significance of post‐transcriptional mechanisms of mRNA regulation in response to stress, and discuss how these processes may contribute to adaptation and virulence.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Activity of Iron(II) and Nickel(II) Complexes Containing the Rigid Pentadentate Ligand PY5Me2
Authors: Xiang Jing , Li Hao , Wu Jia‐Shou
Published: February 2014

The reactions of PY5Me2 with hydrated metal perchlorate salts [MII(ClO4)2] in CH3CN afforded two isostructural compounds [MII(PY5Me2)(CH3CN)](ClO4)2 in high yields [M = Fe (1), Ni (2)]. The crystal structure of 2 was determined by X‐ray crystallography. The catalytic activities of 1 and 2 towards the alcohol oxidation and C–H bond activation of organic substrates were studied. Initial experiments revealed that 1 was an active catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation and C–H bond activation of various substrates, whereas 2 was not. A FeIII species [FeIII(PY5Me2)(OH)]2+ was proposed as the active species for the catalytic reactions.
Preservation of the Pyloric Ring Confers Little Benefit in Patients Undergoing Total Pancreatectomy
Authors: Takami Hideki , Fujii Tsutomu , Kanda Mitsuro , Suenaga Masaya , Yamamura Kazuo , Kodera Yasuhiro
Published: February 2014

Background

The clinical significance of preservation of the pyloric ring in total pancreatectomy (TP) has not been elucidated.

Methods

A total of 48 consecutive patients underwent TP and were categorized into two groups based on the absence or presence of pylorus resection: the TP (N = 33) and pylorus‐preserving TP (PPTP) (N = 15) groups. Preoperative patient background, intraoperative conditions, postoperative complications, and long‐term nutritional status were retrospectively compared between the two groups.

Results

Patient background was similar between the groups, with the exception of the prevalence of preoperative diabetes mellitus (55 and 20 %, respectively; p = 0.021). There were no differences between groups with respect to operative times, blood loss, or blood transfusion. The PPTP group was more likely to have postoperative delayed gastric emptying than was the TP group (53 and 21 %, respectively; p = 0.029), and it tended to become increasingly severe. The length of the postoperative fasting period was significantly longer in the PPTP group than in the TP group (mean 15 ± standard deviation [SD] 10.8 and 9 ± 9.7 days, respectively; p = 0.023). The body weights in the TP group started to recover by 1 year postoperatively, whereas those in the PPTP group continued to decrease. Serum hemoglobin levels tended to be higher in the TP group than in the PPTP group at 1 year postoperatively.

Conclusions

Preservation of the pyloric ring provided little or no benefit to short‐term outcome or long‐term nutritional status among patients who underwent TP.
Gender Differences in the Effects of Community Violence on Mental Health Outcomes in a Sample of Low‐Income Youth Receiving Psychiatric Care
Authors: Javdani Shabnam , Abdul-Adil Jaleel , Suarez Liza , Nichols Sara R. , Farmer A. David
Published: February 2014

Previous research suggests that community violence impacts mental health outcomes, but much of this research has not (a) distinguished between different types of community violence, (b) examined gender differences, and (c) focused on youth living in urban poverty. The current study addresses these questions. Participants were 306 youth (23 % girls) and one parent/guardian receiving outpatient psychiatric services for disruptive behavior disorders in a large urban city. Youth and parents reported on youth's experience of different types of community violence (being a direct victim, hearing reports, and witnessing violence), and whether violence was directed toward a stranger or familiar. Outcomes included youth externalizing, internalizing, and posttraumatic stress symptoms assessed via parent and youth reports. Being a direct victim of violence accords risk for all mental health outcomes similarly for both boys and girls. However, gender differences emerged with respect to indirect violence, such that girls who hear reports of violence against people they know are at increased risk for all assessed mental health outcomes, and girls who witness violence against familiars are at increased risk for externalizing mental health symptoms in particular. There are gender differences in violence‐related mental health etiology, with implications for intervention assessment and design.
EPA Guidance Mental Health Care of Migrants
Authors: Bhugra D. , Gupta S. , Schouler-Ocak M. , Graeff-Calliess I. , Deakin N.A. , Qureshi A. , Dales J. , Moussaoui D. , Kastrup M. , Tarricone I. , Till A. , Bassi M. , Carta M.
Published: February 2014

Migration is an increasingly commonplace phenomenon for a number of reasons. People migrate from rural to urban areas or across borders for reasons including economic, educational or political. There is increasing recent research evidence from many countries in Europe that indicates that migrants are more prone to certain psychiatric disorders. Because of their experiences of migration and settling down in the new countries, they may also have special needs such as lack of linguistic abilities which must be taken into account using a number of strategies at individual, local and national policy levels. In this guidance document, we briefly present the evidence and propose that specific measures must be taken to improve and manage psychiatric disorders experienced by migrants and their descendants. This improvement requires involvement at the highest level in governments. This is a guidance document and not a systematic review.
miR‐625 down‐regulation promotes proliferation and invasion in esophageal cancer by targeting Sox2
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Qiao Qiao , Chen Min , Li Xianhua , Wang Zhenjun , Liu Chuanxin , Xie Zongtao
Published: February 2014

miR‐625 has been reported to exhibit abnormal expression in esophageal cancer (EC), but the mechanism and functions of miR‐625 in esophageal cancer remain unclear. miR‐625 down‐regulation and Sox2 up‐regulation were validated by qRT‐PCR in 158 EC samples. Low expression of miR‐625 promotes cell proliferation and invasion, while high expression of miR‐625 has the opposite effect. Sox2, a target gene of miR‐625, was examined by luciferase assay and western blot. Our data suggest that miR‐625 may regulate the biological processes of EC via controlling Sox2 expression.
Late Miocene–Quaternary rapid stepwise uplift of the NE Tibetan Plateau and its effects on climatic and environmental changes
Authors: Li Jijun , Fang Xiaomin , Song Chunhui , Pan Baotian , Ma Yuzhen , Yan Maodu
Published: February 2014

The way in which the NE Tibetan Plateau uplifted and its impact on climatic change are crucial to understanding the evolution of the Tibetan Plateau and the development of the present geomorphology and climate of Central and East Asia. This paper is not a comprehensive review of current thinking but instead synthesises our past decades of work together with a number of new findings. The dating of Late Cenozoic basin sediments and the tectonic geomorphology of the NE Tibetan Plateau demonstrates that the rapid persistent rise of this plateau began ~8 ± 1 Ma followed by stepwise accelerated rise at ~3.6 Ma, 2.6 Ma, 1.8–1.7 Ma, 1.2–0.6 Ma and 0.15 Ma. The Yellow River basin developed at ~1.7 Ma and evolved to its present pattern through stepwise backward-expansion toward its source area in response to the stepwise uplift of the plateau. High-resolution multi-climatic proxy records from the basins and terrace sediments indicate a persistent stepwise accelerated enhancement of the East Asian winter monsoon and drying of the Asian interior coupled with the episodic tectonic uplift since ~8 Ma and later also with the global cooling since ~3.2 Ma, suggesting a major role for tectonic forcing of the cooling.
Effect of all-trans-retinoic acid on enterovirus 71 infectionin vitro
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Yang Yi , Xu Jin , Su Liyun , Wang Weiping
Published: February 2014

Our previous studies have shown that vitamin A (VA) status is associated with antiviral immunity and pathogenic conditions in enterovirus 71 (EV71)-infected children. In the present study, we established anin vitromodel to investigate the effects and potential mechanism of the antiviral activity of VA. Human monocytic U937 cells were culturedin vitroand infected with EV71. All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), the active metabolite of VA, and Ro 41-5253, a retinoic acid receptor-α (RAR-α) antagonist, were used as the experimental treatment agents. The percentage of EV71-infected cells and apoptosis induced by EV71 were determined using flow cytometry. The level of interferon-α (IFN-α) in the supernatants of the cultures was detected using ELISA. The expression of retinoid-induced gene I (RIG-I) and its downstream genes was examined with real-time quantitative PCR. The results indicated that ATRA reduced the percentage of EV71-infected cells and protected cells against EV71-induced apoptosis. Correspondingly, ATRA increased the production of IFN-α one of the most important antiviral cytokines, at both mRNA and protein levels in EV71-infected cells. In addition, the expression ofRIG-ImRNA and its downstream genes was up-regulated by ATRA in EV71-infected cells. Ro 41-5253 abrogated the inhibitory effects of ATRA on EV71. The present findings suggest that ATRA is an interferon-inducing agent with antiviral activity against EV71in vitroand that its actions are mediated at least in part by RAR-α activity and the RIG-I signalling pathway.
Are diet and feeding behaviours associated with the onset of and recovery from slow weight gain in early infancy?
Authors: Hollén Linda I. , Din Zia ud , Jones Louise R. , Emond Alan M. , Emmett Pauline
Published: February 2014

Infants with slow weight gain cause concern in parents and professionals, but it is difficult to be certain whether such infants are genetically small or whether their energy intake is insufficient. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of diet and feeding behaviours on slow weight gain early in infancy. The sample was 11 499 term infants from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). A total of 507 cases of slow weight gain from birth to 8 weeks were identified and the remaining 10 992 infants were used as controls. It was found that infants who gained weight slowly between birth and 8 weeks were more likely to exhibit feeding problems such as weak sucking and slow feeding during this period. Feeding problems were substantially reduced during the recovery phase (8 weeks to 2 years) when these infants exhibited enhanced catch-up in weight. The proportion of mothers breast-feeding in the 4th week after birth was higher for slow weight gainers, but they were more likely to switch to formula at the start of recovery. During recovery, slow-weight gain infants had a slightly higher energy intake from formula and solids than controls. In conclusion, feeding problems seem to be the most important factors associated with the onset of early slow weight gain. Subsequently, a reduction of feeding problems and an increase in overall energy intake may contribute to their weight recovery. Health professionals should look for feeding problems in the first few weeks after birth and help mothers establish adequate feeding practices.
Effect of seaweed-derived laminarin and fucoidan and zinc oxide on gut morphology, nutrient transporters, nutrient digestibility, growth performance and selected microbial populations in weaned pigs
Authors: Heim G. , Walsh A. M. , Sweeney T. , Doyle D. N. , O'Shea C. J. , Ryan M. T. , O'Doherty J. V.
Published: February 2014

In the present study, two experiments were conducted to (1) evaluate the effect of laminarin and/or fucoidan on ileal morphology, nutrient transporter gene expression and coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients and (2) determine whether laminarin inclusion could be used as an alternative to ZnO supplementation in weaned pig diets. Expt 1 was designed as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, comprising four dietary treatments (n 7 replicates, weaning age 24 d, live weight 6·9 kg). The dietary treatments were as follows: (1) basal diet; (2) basal diet+300 ppm laminarin; (3) basal diet+240 ppm fucoidan; (4) basal diet+300 ppm laminarin and 240 ppm fucoidan. There was an interaction between laminarin and fucoidan on the CTTAD of gross energy (GE) (P< 0·05) and the expression of sodium–glucose-linked transporter 1 (SGLT1/SLC5A1) and GLUT1/SLC2A1 and GLUT2/SLC2A2 (P< 0·05) in the ileum. The laminarin diet increased the CTTAD of GE and increased the expression of SGLT1, GLUT1 and GLUT2 compared with the basal diet. However, there was no effect of laminarin supplementation on these variables when combined with fucoidan. Expt 2 was designed as a complete randomised design (n 8 replicates/treatment, weaning age 24 d, live weight 7·0 kg), and the treatments were (1) basal diet, (2) basal diet and laminarin (300 ppm), and (3) basal diet and ZnO (3100 ppm, 0–14 d, and 2600 ppm, 15–32 d post-weaning). The laminarin diet increased average daily gain and gain:feed ratio compared with the basal diet during days 0–32 post-weaning (P< 0·01) and had an effect similar to the ZnO diet. These results demonstrate that laminarin provides a dietary means to improve gut health and growth performance post-weaning.