bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composites of malonic acid diamides and phospholipids – Structural parameters for optimal transfection efficiency in A549 cells
Authors: Janich Christopher , Wölk Christian , Taßler Stephanie , Drescher Simon , Meister Annette , Brezesinski Gerald , Dobner Bodo , Langner Andreas
Published: May 2014

The aggregation behavior of various zwitterionic helper phospholipids, such as DOPE, DOPC, and DPPC, in combination with two new cationic lipids, namely TH4 and OH4 (second generation of malonic acid diamides) in different molar ratios was studied with regard to their physical–chemical properties. Additionally, lipoplexes prepared from these lipid mixtures were characterized with respect to the transfection efficacy using an EGFP‐assay. The lipid mixtures with the fluid cationic lipid OH4 and DOPE have shown comparable transfection efficiency with Lipofectamine 2000®. Furthermore, this report demonstrates the huge influence of the helper lipid on the transfection efficiency. Thereby, alkyl chain fluidity, lipid miscibility and charge density have an important influence on an efficient gene transfer.

Practical applications: Although lipofection is a topic of gene therapy since 1989, finding an effective lipid system with new cationic lipids is still a process of trial and error. There is much unknown about the process of lipoplex formation as well as the release of the genetic cargo. Aim of the presented work is to find physical–chemical parameters which are connected with an effective gene transfer.

This report demonstrates the influence of the cationic and helper lipid on the transfection efficiency. Thereby, alkyl chain fluidity, lipid miscibility and charge density have an important influence on an efficient gene transfer.
Liquid and gas chromatographic analyses of triacylglycerols for Asian sesame oil traceability
Authors: Bang Hyo‐Jeong , Kim Cheong‐Tae , Kim Byung Hee
Published: May 2014

This study aimed to investigate the triacylglycerol (TAG) composition of Asian sesame oils and to differentiate the geographic origins of the oils using the analytical data in combination with canonical discriminant analysis (CDA). The TAG compositions of 51 Korean, 19 Chinese, and 14 Indian sesame oil samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography‐evaporative light scattering detector (LC‐ELSD) and GC‐FID, separately. The TAG content values determined by LC‐ELSD showed strong positive linear correlation to those measured by GC‐FID. The CDA results showed that good discrimination (hit ratio, ∼92%) between the oil samples was achieved by applying the respective canonical variables generated from the LC‐ELSD and GC‐FID data. The CDA using GC‐FID data accurately characterized the origins of all the four additional commercial oil samples (two Korean and two Chinese products), whereas the CDA using LC‐ELSD data correctly characterized the origins of only two samples. This study demonstrated that both LC‐ELSD and GC‐FID analyses of TAG compositions were useful tools for characterizing the geographic origin of the oils and the separation of the Korean sesame oils from the other two groups of oils using the GC‐FID data was more efficient than that using the LC‐ELSD data.

Practical applications: The simplicity and universality of GC‐FID and LC‐ELSD make the analysis of TAG composition using these chromatographic systems a practical and feasible procedure for tracing the geographic origin of the sesame oils. The combination of TAG analysis with methods to analyze different constituents in sesame oils would enhance the accuracy of the oil traceability.

Score plots of two canonical variables derived from CDA using liquid chromatography‐evaporative light scattering detector (LC‐ELSD) data and GC‐FID data for the Korean, Chinese, and Indian roasted sesame oils.
Mechanism of GABA involvement in post‐traumatic trigeminal neuropathic pain: Activation of neuronal circuitry composed of PKCγ interneurons and pERK1/2 expressing neurons
Authors: Dieb W. , Hafidi A.
Published: May 2014

Background

GABA disinhibition within the spinal dorsal horn has been implicated in pain hypersensitivity on injury in different neuropathic models. However, GABA alteration has been explored in only one study on trigeminal neuropathic pain.

Methods

The present study investigated the implication of GABA in trigeminal dynamic mechanical allodynia (DMA) obtained after chronic constriction of the infraorbital nerve (CCI‐IoN), and explored the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which GABA dysfunction induced DMA.

Results

Our data demonstrated a significant decrease in labelling in two GABA cell markers, glutamate acid decarboxylase (GAD67), and parvalbumin, in the medullary dorsal horn (MDH) of allodynic rats in comparison to sham rats. Increasing GABA by intracisternal injections of vigabatrin (VGB), a blocker of the catabolic enzyme GABA transaminase, alleviated pain behaviour and restored normal GABA cell marker expression in allodynic MDH. Interestingly, intracisternal VGB administration also significantly decreased PKCγ staining, i.e., of its phosphorylated active form and the number of pERK1/2 positive cells within the MDH. These two markers were highly expressed in allodynic MDH.

Conclusion

The circuitry composed of PKCγ and pERK1/2 cells is silent under physiological conditions but is activated after CCI‐IoN, therefore, switching touch stimuli to pain sensation. The decrease of GABA transmission constituted a key factor in the activation of this neuronal circuitry, which opens the gate for non‐noxious stimuli to reach nociceptive projection neurons in lamina I.
Self‐reported pain severity is associated with a history of coronary heart disease
Authors: Parsons S. , McBeth J. , Macfarlane G.J. , Hannaford P.C , Symmons D.P.M
Published: May 2014

Background

Previous studies have found an association between chronic pain and cardiovascular (CV) mortality.

Objective

To explore the relationship between the severity of pain and non‐fatal CV disease.

Methods

A total of 45,994 adults randomly selected from general practice registers in Manchester and Aberdeen were posted a survey, which included a Chronic Pain Grade questionnaire, pain manikin and questions about lifestyle and medical history. A single component measuring pain severity was extracted using factor analysis. Logistic regression was used to test for an association between quintiles of pain severity and a history of CV disease, adjusting for confounders.

Results

Of the 15,288 responders, 61% (n = 9357) reported pain for ≥1 day in the past month. Compared with the first (lowest) pain severity quintile, the fully adjusted odds ratio for heart attack in the second severity quintile was 1.25 (95% confidence interval 0.68, 2.30); third quintile: 1.65 (0.93, 2.94); fourth quintile: 1.76 (1.00, 3.11) and fifth (highest) quintile 2.47 (1.43, 4.28). Corresponding figures for angina (excluding heart attack) were: 1.79 (0.93, 3.45), 1.91 (1.00, 3.62), 1.03 (0.50, 2.11) and 3.17 (1.71, 5.85).

Conclusion

A history of CV disease is reported more often in those with severe pain than would be expected by chance, even when adjusting for shared risk factors.
Paths to First Treatment and Duration of Untreated Illness in Anorexia Nervosa: Are There Differences According to Age of Onset?
Authors: Neubauer Karolin , Weigel Angelika , Daubmann Anne , Wendt Hanna , Rossi Maddalena , Löwe Bernd , Gumz Antje
Published: May 2014

This study examined paths to first treatment and the duration of untreated illness in 140 anorexia nervosa patients using validated questionnaires and a clinical interview. The differences between individuals with an early (≤14 years,n = 40), intermediate (15–18 years,n = 53) and late onset (≥19 years,n = 47) were investigated. Participants were most commonly informed about their diagnosis and first treatment facility through general practitioners and paediatricians. The duration of untreated illness exceeded 2 years in the complete sample (25.14 months) and was longest for individuals with an early onset. The early onset group was more often externally vs. internally motivated and more frequently informed about treatment options by their social network, e.g. parents, than patients with a late onset. The results emphasize the relevance of training general practitioners and paediatricians about anorexia, the need to include parents and teachers in eating disorder prevention and to improve targeting young individuals in early interventions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
The Effect of Dental Insurance on the Use of Dental Care for Older Adults: A Partial Identification Analysis
Authors: Kreider Brent , Manski Richard J. , Moeller John , Pepper John
Published: May 2014

We evaluate the impact of dental insurance on the use of dental services using a potential outcomes identification framework designed to handle uncertainty created by unknown counterfactuals—that is, the endogenous selection problem—and uncertainty about the reliability of self‐reported insurance status. Using data from the health and retirement study, we estimate that utilization rates of adults older than 50 years would increase from 75% to around 80% under universal dental coverage. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical Study of Natural Convection in an Enclosure with an Internal Heat Source at Higher Rayleigh Numbers
Authors: Gowrishankar Abhishek , Vignesh S. , Shyam Sunder P. B. , Abhinav R. , Vivek M. , Ratna Kishore V.
Published: May 2014

Natural convection is extensively used in cooling of large scale electrical and electronic equipments. This work involves study of flow and heat transfer characteristics in enclosures with partial openings having an internal heat source at higher Rayleigh number (Rah > 106). It involves the numerical simulation of 2D steady state natural convection in enclosures of different aspect ratios (H/W = 2 and 3) for five Rayleigh numbers (Rah = 107, 108, 109, 1010, and 1011). Two different configurations have been considered based on the number and position of vents—diagonal side (DS) and two inlets one outlet (2I1O). The time dependent nature of the flow is characterized by performing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis of temperature and velocity at a characteristic location in the enclosure. The global parameters considered are the mass flow rate driven through the cavity by the heater and the average Nu defined over the heater surface. It is seen that with increase in Rah, flow becomes more fluctuating and moves towards chaotic regime and this transition is quicker at lower H/W. For the given configuration both the global parameters increases with increase in Rah and decrease in H/W.
Time‐dependent bioaccumulation of distinct rod‐type TiO2 nanoparticles: Comparison by crystalline phase
Authors: Park Eun‐Jung , Lee Gwang‐Hee , Yoon Cheolho , Kang Min‐Sung , Kim Soo Nam , Cho Myung‐Haing , Kim Jae‐Ho , Kim Dong‐Wan
Published: May 2014

A complete understanding of the interaction between nanoparticles and biological systems, including nanoparticle uptake and distribution and the biological responses, could guide the design of safer and more effective nanoparticles than those currently available. In this study, we compared the distribution in mice over time of two rod‐type titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiNPs) that feature distinct phases, anatase (ATO) and brookite (BTO). Surface areas of BTO and ATO were estimated to be 102 and 268 m2 g–1, respectively, and negative charge on the surface of ATO was higher than that of BTO in deionized water. Both TiNPs were rapidly distributed into tissues after injection. At 4 weeks after injection, both TiNPs were maximally accumulated in the spleen, followed by the liver, but the total accumulation of ATO in tissues measured in this study was more than that of BTO. Moreover, the cellular antioxidant function was similar although the levels of Ti measured in tissues were distinct between the two TiNPs. Based on these results, we suggest that the fate of TiNPs in the body may differ according to the size and surface charge of the TiNPs even when their shape is the same. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grafting MAP peptide to dental polymer inhibits MMP‐8 activity
Authors: Dixit Namrata , Settle Jenifer K. , Ye Qiang , Berrie Cindy L. , Spencer Paulette , Laurence Jennifer S.
Published: May 2014

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a class of zinc and calcium‐dependent endopeptidases responsible for degrading extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Their activity is critical for both normal biological function and pathological processes (Dejonckheere et al., Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2011;22:73–81). In dental restorations, the release and subsequent acid activation of MMPs contributes to premature failure. In particular, MMP‐8 accelerates degradation by cleaving the collagen matrix within the dentin substrate in incompletely infiltrated aged bonded dentin (Buzalaf et al., Adv Dent Res 2012;24:72–76), hastening the need for replacement of restorations. Therefore, development of a dental adhesive that better resists MMP‐8 activity is of significant interest. We hypothesize that modification of the polymer surface with an inhibitor would disable MMP‐8 activity. Here, we identify the metal abstraction peptide (MAP) as an inhibitor of MMP‐8 and demonstrate that tethering MAP to methacrylate polymers effectively inhibits catalysis. Our findings indicate complete inhibition of MMP‐8 is achievable using a grafting approach. This strategy has potential to improve longevity of dental adhesives and other polymers and enable rational design of a new generation of biocompatible materials. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 324–331, 2015.
In vitro biocompatibility and cellular interactions of a chitosan/dextran‐based hydrogel for postsurgical adhesion prevention
Authors: Aziz Manal A. , Cabral Jaydee D. , Brooks Heather J. L. , McConnell Michelle A. , Fitzpatrick Clare , Hanton Lyall R. , Moratti Stephen C.
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we report the in vitro biocompatibility and cellular interactions of a chitosan/dextran‐based (CD) hydrogel and its components as determined by mutagenicity, cytotoxicity, cytokine/chemokine response, and wound healing assays. The CD hydrogel, developed for postsurgical adhesion prevention in ear, nose, and throat surgeries, was shown by previously published experiments in animal and human trials to be effective. The hydrogel was synthesized from the reaction between succinyl chitosan (SC) and oxidized dextran (DA). Cytotoxicity was assessed in an xCELLigence system and cytokine/chemokine responses were measured by ELISA in human macrophage, nasopharyngeal epithelial, and dermal fibroblast cells. A wound healing model utilized nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. CD hydrogel and DA were nonmutagenic in the Ames test. CD hydrogel showed moderate cytotoxicity for the cell lines, DA being the cytotoxic component. Some inhibition of wound healing occurred due to the cytotoxic nature of DA. Cells cultured with CD hydrogel showed no increase in TNF‐α, IL‐10, and IL‐8 levels. It is hypothesized that the cytotoxicity of DA is moderated when reacted with SC and that CD hydrogel inhibits unwanted fibroblastic invasion preventing scarring and adhesions. Together with the previously published human and animal trial data, the results indicate CD hydrogel is biocompatible in the setting of endoscopic sinus surgery. This work represents the first study of CD hydrogel with human cell lines and provides essential information for its future application in biomedicine. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 332–341, 2015.
Tooth replacement without a dental lamina: The search for epithelial stem cells in Polypterus senegalus
Authors: Vandenplas Sam , De Clercq Adelbert , Huysseune Ann
Published: May 2014

Most actinopterygians replace their teeth continuously throughout life. To address the question of where and how replacement teeth form in actinopterygians, it is advisable to investigate well‐chosen representatives within the lineage. The African bichir, Polypterus senegalus, belongs to the earliest diverged group of the actinopterygian lineage with currently living representatives. Its well characterized dentition, together with its phylogenetic position, make this species an attractive model to answer following questions: (1) when and where does the replacement tooth form and how is it connected with the dental organ of the predecessor, and (2) is there any evidence for the presence of epithelial stem cells, hypothesized to play a role in replacement? Serial sections show that one tooth family can contain up to three members, which are all interconnected by dental epithelium. Replacement teeth develop without the presence of a successional dental lamina. We propose that this is the plesiomorphic condition for tooth replacement in actinopterygians. BrdU pulse‐chase experiments reveal cells in the outer and middle dental epithelium, proliferating at the time of initiation of a new replacement tooth. It is tempting to assume that these cell layers provide a stem cell niche. The observed absence of label‐retaining cells after long chase times (up to 8 weeks) is held against the light of divergent views on cell cycling properties of stem cells. At present, our data do not support, neither reject, the hypothesis on involvement of epithelial stem cells within the process of continuous tooth replacement. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 322B: 281–293, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Facile One‐pot Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Isoxazolyl Imidazo[1,2‐a] Pyridines Through CuI‐Promoted Cyclization
Authors: Rajanarendar E. , Reddy K. G. , Krishna S. R. , Srinivas M.
Published: May 2014

A copper iodide‐promoted cyclization for the synthesis of isoxazolyl imidazo[1,2‐a] pyridines 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j in a one‐pot procedure has been investigated by interaction of 2‐aminopyridines 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e with nitrostyrylisoxazoles 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f under aerial oxidation condition. Similarly, the one‐pot reaction of 2‐amino pyridines 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e with 4‐bromonitrostyrylisoxazole 2d in the presence of copper iodide under aerial oxidation condition, followed by reaction with phenyl acetylenes in situ afforded highly functionalized imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i, 10j by the Sonogashira coupling.
Synthesis of Quinolines Linked to Triazoles Through Sulfur
Authors: Krishnaraj Thulasiraman , Muthusubramanian Shanmugam
Published: May 2014

The article summarizes the synthesis of two heterocycles linked by sulfur atom. The Friedlander reactions of 2‐aminoarylketones with ketones 1, 4, and 7 have been explored, and three series of quinolines (3, 5, and 8) have been synthesized.
Disperse Dyes Based on 5‐Arylazo‐thiazol‐2‐ylcarbamoyl‐thiophenes: Synthesis, Antimicrobial Activity and Their Application on Polyester
Authors: Khalifa M. E. , Abdel‐Latif E. , Gobouri A. A.
Published: May 2014

A series of novel 5‐arylazo‐thiazol‐2‐ylcarbamoyl‐thiophene derivatives was synthesized, and their chemical structures were secured by elemental and spectroscopic analyses. Their versatility for pharmaceutical purposes and textile dyeing as disperse dyes were reported. The synthesized dyes were applied to polyester fabrics by using high temperature dyeing method at 130°C. The dyed polyester fabrics displayed very good washing and perspiration fastness and moderate light fastness. Finally, the synthesized compounds showed biological activities against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive bacteria), Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram‐negative bacteria), while no effect had been reported against fungi. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the most active compound was evaluated.
Topical delivery of fluorescence (6‐Cf) labeled and radiolabeled (99m‐Tc) cisplatin and imiquimod by a dual drug delivery system
Authors: Gupta Vandana , Chuttani Krishna , Mishra Anil K. , Trivedi Piyush
Published: May 2014

The present investigation deals with the development of topical (top.) formulation for co‐delivery of cisplatin and imiquimod to enhance the antitumor efficacy of the drug for skin‐cited malignancies even in immune compromised patient. Cisplatin (CDDP) and imiquimod‐loaded protransfersome gel (CDDP‐Imi‐Pts gel) formulation was characterized for entrapment efficiency, pH, and viscosity. Further, fluorescence‐labeled (6‐carboxyfluorescin) and radiolabeled (99mtechnetium) drug‐loaded formulations were compared with respect to biodistribution and pharmacokinetic studies. Gamma scintigraphy of mice following radiolabeled formulation administrations was performed to accomplish the localization of drugs in various organs. The percentage entrapment efficiency of cisplatin and imiquimod in the protransfersome gel formulations were found to be 36.22 ± 6.41 and 63.11 ± 3.73. The skin/blood localization ratio of 1.096, 120.13, 0.174, and 349.88 was found for intraperitoneal radiolabeled drug solution (99m‐Tc‐CDDP‐Imi‐Sol), top. radiolabeled drug‐loaded protransfersome gel formulation (99m‐Tc‐CDDP‐Imi‐Pts gel), intraperitoneal 6‐carboxyfluorescin labeled drug solution (6‐Cf‐CDDP‐Imi‐Sol), top. 6‐carboxyfluorescin labeled drug‐loaded protransfersome gel formulation (6‐Cf‐CDDP‐Imi‐Pts gel), respectively after 0.5h of administration. CDDP‐Imi‐Pts gel has a potential for site specific delivery and reduces the systemic toxicity of anti cancer drugs. These findings suggest that the cisplatin–imiquimod co‐delivery offers an attractive, novel approach for treatment of skin‐cited malignancies.
Carinal resection and reconstruction in thoracic malignancies
Authors: Shin Sumin , Park Joon Suk , Shim Young Mog , Kim Ho Joong , Kim Jhingook
Published: May 2014

Background and Objectives

The purpose of this study was to present clinical outcomes of malignant tumors involving the carina after surgery in order to establish the management guidelines.

Methods

Between 1996 and 2011, 30 patients underwent carinal resection and reconstruction for malignancy involving carina. We retrospectively analyzed their medical records. There were 22 cases of common type of NSCLC (squamous cell carcinoma/adenocarcinoma/large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma) and eight cases of carcinomas of salivary gland type (adenoid cystic carcinoma/mucoepidermoid carcinoma).

Results

Seventeen right sleeve pneumonectomies, two left sleeve pneumonectomies, nine carinal sleeve right upper lobectomies, and two airway resections and reconstructions without lung resection were performed. There were no in‐hospital mortalities. Eleven postoperative morbidities occurred including three cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome following pneumonectomy. Late complications occurred in eight patients including three cases of anastomotic stenosis. During follow‐up, 12 mortalities occurred, including 6 cancer‐related mortalities. The 5‐year overall survival rate (OS) and disease‐free survival rate (DFS) were 66.3% and 52.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Malignant tumors involving the carina can be controlled with carinal surgery with acceptable mortality and morbidity. Patients with thoracic malignancy involving the carina should be considered as surgical candidate based on disease extent and functional status. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:239–244. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Greater sage‐grouse juvenile survival in Utah
Authors: Caudill Danny , Messmer Terry A. , Bibles Brent , Guttery Michael R.
Published: May 2014

Greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage‐grouse) adult hen and juvenile survival have been shown to have significant influence on population growth rates. However, assessing the sensitivity of population growth rates to variability in juvenile survival has proven difficult because of limited information concerning the potentially important demographic rate. Sage‐grouse survival rates are commonly assessed using necklace‐type radio transmitters. Recent technological advances have lead to increased interest in the deployment of dorsally mounted global positioning system (GPS) transmitters for studying sage‐grouse ecology. However, the use of dorsally mounted transmitters has not been thoroughly evaluated for sage‐grouse, leading to concern that birds fitted with these transmitters may experience differential mortality rates. We evaluated the effect of transmitter positioning (dorsal vs. necklace) on juvenile sage‐grouse survival using a controlled experimental design with necklace‐style and suture‐backpack very high frequency (VHF) transmitters. To evaluate the effects of temporal variation, sex, and transmitter type on juvenile sage‐grouse survival, we monitored 91 juveniles captured in south‐central Utah from 2008 to 2010. We instrumented 19 females with backpacks, 14 males with backpacks, 39 females with necklaces, and 19 males with necklaces. We used Program MARK to analyze juvenile survival data. Although effects were only marginally significant from a statistical perspective, sex (P = 0.103) and transmitter type (P = 0.09) were deemed to have biologically meaningful impacts on survival. Dorsally mounted transmitters appeared to negatively affected daily survival (βtransmitter type = −0.55, SE = 0.32). Temporal variation in juvenile sage‐grouse daily survival was best described by a quadratic trend in time, where daily survival was lowest in late September and was high overwinter. An interaction between the quadratic trend in time and year resulted in the low point of daily survival shifting within the season between years (27 vs. 17 Sep for 2008 and 2009, respectively). Overall (15 Aug–31 Mar) derived survival ranged 0.42–0.62 for females and 0.23–0.44 for males. For all years pooled, the probability death was due to predation was 0.73, reported harvest was 0.16, unreported harvest was 0.09, and other undetermined factors was 0.02. We observed 0% and 6.8% crippling loss (from hunting) in 2008 and 2009, respectively. We recommend the adoption of harvest management strategies that attempt to shift harvest away from juveniles and incorporate crippling rates. In addition, future survival studies on juvenile sage‐grouse should use caution if implementing dorsally mounted transmitters because of the potential for experimental bias. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Evidence of Strong Land Degradation by Wind Erosion as a Result of Rainfed Cropping in the Algerian Steppe: A Case Study at Laghouat
Authors: Houyou Zohra , Bielders Charles L. , Benhorma Hadj Aissa , Dellal Abdelkader , Boutemdjet Ahmed
Published: May 2014

In Algeria, overgrazing has long threatened the sustainable use of the nearly 20 million hectares of steppe lands. More recently, governmental policies favouring extensive rainfed cereal cropping in the steppe region have increased anthropic pressure on this fragile environment. Low rainfall, weak crop development and sandy soils lead to a high risk of wind erosion, yet no studies have been carried out in this region to this date to quantify the effect of steppe conversion on wind erosion. A 1·3‐ha field in the central steppe of Algeria (Laghouat) was converted to cropland (Hordeum Vulgare L.) and equipped with a weather station and Big Spring Number Eight sand straps to monitor climate‐related parameters and sediment fluxes over a 25‐month period. Threshold wind velocities (3·6 m height) varied between 6 and 7 m s−1 with a weak seasonal variation. More than 70% of the saltation‐producing winds originated from the NW. For these winds, a soil loss of 155 Mg ha−1 was measured. Half of the sediment loss occurred during a single, 12‐day period. Deposition of 26·5 Mg ha−1 was observed for SW winds. The measured erosion rates by far exceeded all norms of tolerable soil loss, indicating that rainfed cereal cropping is a highly unsustainable form of land use in the steppe region around Laghouat. National agricultural policies should be revised to take this into account. © 2014 The Authors. Land Degradation and Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved bounds for batch scheduling with nonidentical job sizes
Authors: Dosa Gyorgy , Tan Zhiyi , Tuza Zsolt , Yan Yujie , Lányi Cecília Sik
Published: May 2014

Here, we revisit the bounded batch scheduling problem with nonidentical job sizes on single and parallel identical machines, with the objective of minimizing the makespan. For the single machine case, we present an algorithm which calls an online algorithm (chosen arbitrarily) for the one‐dimensional bin‐packing problem as a sub‐procedure, and prove that its worst‐case ratio is the same as the absolute performance ratio of . Hence, there exists an algorithm with worst‐case ratio , which is better than any known upper bound on this problem. For the parallel machines case, we prove that there does not exist any polynomial‐time algorithm with worst‐case ratio smaller than 2 unless P = NP, even if all jobs have unit processing time. Then we present an algorithm with worst‐case ratio arbitrarily close to 2. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 61: 351–358, 2014
High‐field (11.75T) multimodal MR imaging of exercising hindlimb mouse muscles using a non‐invasive combined stimulation and force measurement device
Authors: Gondin Julien , Vilmen Christophe , Cozzone Patrick J. , Bendahan David , Duhamel Guillaume
Published: May 2014

We have designed and constructed an experimental set‐up allowing electrical stimulation of hindlimb mouse muscles and the corresponding force measurements at high‐field (11.75T). We performed high‐resolution multimodal MRI (including T2‐weighted imaging, angiography and diffusion) and analysed the corresponding MRI changes in response to a stimulation protocol. Mice were tested twice over a 1‐week period to investigate the reliability of mechanical measurements and T2 changes associated with the stimulation protocol. Additionally, angiographic images were obtained before and immediately after the stimulation protocol. Finally, multislice diffusion imaging was performed before, during and immediately after the stimulation session. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were calculated on the basis of diffusion weighted images (DWI). Both force production and T2 values were highly reproducible as illustrated by the low coefficient of variation (<8%) and high intraclass correlation coefficient (≥0.75) values. Maximum intensity projection angiographic images clearly showed a strong vascular effect resulting from the stimulation protocol. Although a motion sensitive imaging sequence was used (echo planar imaging) and in spite of the strong muscle contractions, motion artifacts were minimal for DWI recorded under exercising conditions, thereby underlining the robustness of the measurements. Mean ADC values increased under exercising conditions and were higher during the recovery period as compared with the corresponding control values. The proposed experimental approach demonstrates accurate high‐field multimodal MRI muscle investigations at a preclinical level which is of interest for monitoring the severity and/or the progression of neuromuscular diseases but also for assessing the efficacy of potential therapeutic interventions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A system for automated noise parameter measurements on MR preamplifiers and application to high B0 fields
Authors: Lagore Russell L. , Roberts Brodi Roduta , Possanzini Cecilia , Saylor Charles , Fallone B. Gino , De Zanche Nicola
Published: May 2014

A noise figure and noise parameter measurement system was developed that consists of a combination spectrum and network analyzer, preamplifier, programmable power supply, noise source, tuning board, and desktop computer.

The system uses the Y‐factor method for noise figure calculation and allows calibrations to correct for a decrease in excess noise ratio between the noise source and device under test, second stage (system) noise, ambient temperature variations, and available gain of the device under test. Noise parameters are extracted by performing noise figure measurements at several source impedance values obtained by adjusting an electronically controlled tuner. Results for several amplifiers at 128 MHz and 200 MHz agree with independent measurements and with the corresponding datasheets.

With some modifications, the system was also used to characterize the noise figure of MRI preamplifiers in strong static magnetic fields up to 9.4 T. In most amplifiers tested the gain was found to be reduced by the magnetic field, while the noise figure increased. These changes are detrimental to signal quality (SNR) and are dependent on the electron mobility and design of the amplifier's semiconductor devices. Consequently, gallium arsenide (GaAs) field‐effect transistors are most sensitive to magnetic fields due to their high electron mobility and long, narrow channel, while silicon–germanium (SiGe) bipolar transistor amplifiers are largely immune due to their very thin base. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Below‐bandgap absorption in InAs/GaAs self‐assembled quantum dot solar cells
Authors: Li Tian , Dagenais Mario
Published: May 2014

A new approach to derive the below‐bandgap absorption in InAs/GaAs self‐assembled quantum dot (QD) devices using room temperature external quantum efficiency measurement results is presented. The significance of incorporating an extended Urbach tail absorption in analyzing QD devices is demonstrated. This tail is used to evaluate the improvement in the photo‐generated current. The wetting layer and QD absorption contributions are separated from the tail absorption. Several absorption peaks due to QD excited states and potentially different size QDs are observed. An inhomogeneous broadening of 25 meV arising from the variance in the size of QDs is derived. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal gelation or gel melting: (ethylene glycol)113‐(l‐alanine)12 and (ethylene glycol)113‐(l‐lactic acid)12
Authors: Jung Seon Jung , Park Min Hee , Moon Hyo Jung , Ko Du Young , Jeong Byeongmoon
Published: May 2014

When PEG (M.W.∼5000 Daltons) is conjugated to poly(l‐alanine), the polymer aqueous solutions (<10.0 wt.%) undergo sol‐to‐gel (thermal gelation), whereas it is conjugated to poly(l‐lactic acid), the polymer aqueous solutions (>30.0 wt.%) undergo gel‐to‐sol (gel melting) as the temperature increases. In the search for molecular origins of such a quite different phase behavior, poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(l‐alanine) (PEG‐PA; EG113‐A12) and poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(l‐lactic acid) (PEG‐PLA; EG113‐LA12) are synthesized and their aqueous solution behavior is investigated. PEG‐PAs with an α‐helical core assemble into micelles with a broad size distribution, and the dehydration of PEG drives the aggregation of the micelles, leading to thermal gelation, whereas increased molecular motion of the PLA core overwhelms the partial dehydration of PEG, thus gel melting of the PEG‐PLA aqueous solutions occurs. The core‐rigidity of micelles must be one of the key factors in determining whether a polymer aqueous solution undergoes sol‐to‐gel or gel‐to‐sol transition, as the temperature increases. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, , 52, 2434–2441
Molecular characterization of novel pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate‐dependent enzymes from the human microbiome
Authors: Fleischman Nicholas M. , Das Debanu , Kumar Abhinav , Xu Qingping , Chiu Hsiu‐Ju , Jaroszewski Lukasz , Knuth Mark W. , Klock Heath E. , Miller Mitchell D. , Elsliger Marc‐André , Godzik Adam , Lesley Scott A. , Deacon Ashley M. , Wilson Ian A. , Toney Michael D.
Published: May 2014

Pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate or PLP, the active form of vitamin B6, is a highly versatile cofactor that participates in a large number of mechanistically diverse enzymatic reactions in basic metabolism. PLP‐dependent enzymes account for ∼1.5% of most prokaryotic genomes and are estimated to be involved in ∼4% of all catalytic reactions, making this an important class of enzymes. Here, we structurally and functionally characterize three novel PLP‐dependent enzymes from bacteria in the human microbiome: two are from Eubacterium rectale, a dominant, nonpathogenic, fecal, Gram‐positive bacteria, and the third is from Porphyromonas gingivalis, which plays a major role in human periodontal disease. All adopt the Type I PLP‐dependent enzyme fold and structure‐guided biochemical analysis enabled functional assignments as tryptophan, aromatic, and probable phosphoserine aminotransferases.
Assessment of soybean injury from glyphosate using airborne multispectral remote sensing
Authors: Huang Yanbo , Reddy Krishna N , Thomson Steven J , Yao Haibo
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

Glyphosate drift onto off‐target sensitive crops can reduce growth and yield and is of great concern to growers and pesticide applicators. Detection of herbicide injury using biological responses is tedious, so more convenient and rapid detection methods are needed. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of glyphosate on biological responses of non‐glyphosate‐resistant (non‐GR) soybean and to correlate vegetation indices (VIs) derived from aerial multispectral imagery.

RESULTS

Plant height, shoot dry weight and chlorophyll (CHL) content decreased gradually with increasing glyphosate rate, regardless of weeks after application (WAA). Accordingly, soybean yield decreased by 25% with increased rate from 0 to 0.866 kg AI ha−1. Similarly to biological responses, the VIs derived from aerial imagery – normalized difference vegetation index, soil adjusted vegetation index, ratio vegetation index and green NDVI – also decreased gradually with increasing glyphosate rate, regardless of WAA.

CONCLUSION

The VIs were highly correlated with plant height and yield but poorly correlated with CHL, regardless of WAA. This indicated that indices could be used to determine soybean injury from glyphosate, as indicated by the difference in plant height, and to predict the yield reduction due to crop injury from glyphosate. Published2014.Thisarticle is a U.S.Government work and is in the public domainin the USA.
When is a seamless study desirable? Case studies from different pharmaceutical sponsors
Authors: Cuffe Robert L. , Lawrence David , Stone Andrew , Vandemeulebroecke Marc
Published: May 2014

Background: Inferentially seamless studies are one of the best‐known adaptive trial designs. Statistical inference for these studies is a well‐studied problem. Regulatory guidance suggests that statistical issues associated with study conduct are not as well understood. Some of these issues are caused by the need for early pre‐specification of the phase III design and the absence of sponsor access to unblinded data. Before statisticians decide to choose a seamless IIb/III design for their programme, they should consider whether these pitfalls will be an issue for their programme.

Methods: We consider four case studies. Each design met with varying degrees of success. We explore the reasons for this variation to identify characteristics of drug development programmes that lend themselves well to inferentially seamless trials and other characteristics that warn of difficulties.

Results: Seamless studies require increased upfront investment and planning to enable the phase III design to be specified at the outset of phase II. Pivotal, inferentially seamless studies are unlikely to allow meaningful sponsor access to unblinded data before study completion. This limits a sponsor's ability to reflect new information in the phase III portion.

Conclusions: When few clinical data have been gathered about a drug, phase II data will answer many unresolved questions. Committing to phase III plans and study designs before phase II begins introduces extra risk to drug development. However, seamless pivotal studies may be an attractive option when the clinical setting and development programme allow, for example, when revisiting dose selection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantum molecular biological investigation of the onset of cancer
Authors: Ladik János J. , Bende Attila
Published: May 2014

Accurate stereostructure of DNA in the nucleosomes has been established recently with the aid of more precise crystal structure investigations. Using this structure, Hartree–Fock crystal orbital calculations have been performed on the DNA parts of the nucleosomes. The obtained band structure was used to calculate the hole mobilities of the corresponding DNA parts. These results were used further to investigate the effect of Cl− ions which enter in the cell nucleus through channels in the nuclear membrane. Our results show how Cl− ions can weaken the DNA–protein interactions which can lead to the onset of cancer. Other molecules can also bind to DNA or photon can excite a nucleotide base in the stack. In both cases, a soliton can appear which causes long‐range effect (disturbance of protein synthesis, double strand breaking). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Viruses exploit the function of epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Zheng Kai , Kitazato Kaio , Wang Yifei
Published: May 2014

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that regulates cellular homeostatic processes. Following ligand binding, EGFR activates different downstream signalling cascades that promote cell survival, proliferation, motility, and angiogenesis and induces F‐actin‐dependent EGFR endocytosis, which relocalises the activated receptors for degradation or recycling. The responses that are induced by ligand binding to EGFR, including cell signalling activation, protein kinase phosphorylation and cytoskeletal network rearrangement, resemble those induced by virus infection. Increasing evidence demonstrates that many viruses usurp EGFR endocytosis or EGFR‐mediated signalling for entry, replication, inflammation, and viral antagonism to the host antiviral system. In addition, viruses have acquired sophisticated mechanisms to regulate EGFR functions by interrupting the EGFR‐recycling process and modulating EGFR expression. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanisms by which viruses alter EGFR signalling in favour of their continued survival. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
OUT OF POOLS: MOVEMENT PATTERNS OF MEDITERRANEAN STREAM FISH IN RELATION TO DRY SEASON REFUGIA
Authors: Pires D. F. , Beja P. , Magalhães M. F.
Published: May 2014

Movement may critically influence population persistence in the face of disturbance. However, data on individual movements into and out of refugia in response to disturbance remain limited, leading to an incomplete understanding of the ecological significance of mobility. Using individually marked chubs Squalius torgalensis in a seasonally drying Mediterranean stream, we quantified the rate, direction and magnitude of movements out of dry season pools, and of movements displayed across the stream over the period of hydrological connection. Recapture rate was lower in individuals marked in dry season pools (3.3%; n = 894) than in individuals marked during hydrological connection (13.0%; n = 522). Nearly half the recaptures (46.7%; n = 30) of chubs marked in dry season pools corresponded to movements that were generally longer than 100 m, overpassing the average distance among isolated pools. The frequency and distances travelled out of dry season pools were similar in upstream and downstream directions. Only 20.6% of recaptures of individuals marked during hydrological connection corresponded to movements, with more frequent and larger movements in the upstream direction. Body size was related to movement probability only for chubs marked during hydrological connection. Our results highlight considerable individual variability in movement and underscore the importance of understanding the consequences of this variation and how it may be maintained in fish populations facing increasing fragmentation and intermittency of riverscapes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cooperative monitoring BGP among autonomous systems
Authors: Hu Ning , Wang BaoSheng , Liu Xin
Published: May 2014

As the de facto Internet inter‐domain routing protocol, BGP protocol has a number of vulnerabilities and weakness. Monitoring BGP is an effective way to improve the security of inter‐domain routing. This paper presents a cooperative BGP monitoring method, which is called cooperative information sharing model (CoISM). CoISM is based on self‐organization and can be used to solve some problems during BGP monitoring, such as route validation and bogus route notification delivery. CoISM provides autonomous systems with a more comprehensive information view by introducing information diffuse reflection based on initiative inquiry and making use of the relativity of monitoring information. CoISM optimizes the information transmission by leveraging the data locality caused by BGP policy and implements ISP coordination with low communication and deployment cost. More specifically, CoISM provides a self‐organizing and incentive mechanism, which drives autonomous systems to coordinate independently and shares information on‐demand. CoISM supports incremental deployment and can also be applied to a wide range of inter‐domain cooperative management applications such as inter‐domain routing failure analysis and intrusion detection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AutoMal: automatic clustering and signature generation for malwares based on the network flow
Authors: Hao Sun , Wang Wen , Lu Huabiao , Ren Peige
Published: May 2014

The volume of malwares is growing at an exponential speed nowadays. This huge growth makes it extremely hard to analyse malware manually. Most existing signatures extracting methods are based on string signatures, and string matching is not accurate and time consuming. Therefore, this paper presents AutoMal, a system for automatically extracting signatures from large‐scale malwares. Firstly, the system proposes to represent the network flows by using feature hashing, which can dramatically reduce the high‐dimensional feature spaces that are general in malware analysis. Then, we design a clustering and median filtering method to classify the malware vectors into different types. Finally, it introduces the signature generation algorithm based on Bayesian method. The system can extract both the byte signature and the hash signature of malwares from its network flow with low false positive and zero false negative. Our evaluation shows that AutoMal can generate strongly noise‐resisted signatures that exactly depict the characteristics of malware. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Big data for smart cities with KNIME a real experience in the SmartSantander testbed
Authors: Jara Antonio J. , Genoud Dominique , Bocchi Yann
Published: May 2014

Big data techniques are conceived as the powerful tool to exploit all the potential of the Internet of Things and the smart cities. A new dimension of understanding about the human behaviours is expected to be reached through all the gathered data in the emerging smart environment. The described potential, so‐called Human Dynamics, pursues to describe in real‐time the human behaviours and activities. This work presents our experiences for big data analytics in smart cities, in terms of sensors data management, data fusion and knowledge discovery from the data. The data used is from the European Project SmartSantander, where the traffic behaviour has been correlated with respect to the temperature in the Santander City. The evolution of both flows present a similar behaviour, in detail, a fine grain correlation is discovered. On the one hand, the traffic distribution, aggregated by temperature bins, follows up a Poisson distribution model. The Poisson modelling allows to interpolate and predict complex behaviours based on simple measures such as the temperature. At the same time, on the other hand, the isolated traffic density distribution, without taking into account the temperature‐based aggregation has been analysed. The traffic distribution has presented a burst behaviour, which presents a closer model to the human dynamics. Therefore, this work presents as the smart cities data can be modelled as Poisson or Human Dynamics (burst models). Finally, reference data analytics process, data sets and models are offered for the Open Source Data analytics platform Konstanz Information Miner (KNIME). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.