bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Size, shape and spatial arrangement of mega‐scale glacial lineations from a large and diverse dataset
Authors: Spagnolo Matteo , Clark Chris D. , Ely Jeremy C. , Stokes Chris R. , Anderson John B. , Andreassen Karin , Graham Alastair G. C. , King Edward C.
Published: January 2014

Mega‐scale glacial lineations (MSGLs) are a characteristic landform on ice stream beds. Solving the puzzle of their formation is key to understanding how ice interacts with its bed and how this, in turn, influences the dynamics of ice streams. However, a comprehensive and detailed characterization of this landform's size, shape and spatial arrangement, which might serve to test and refine formational theories, is largely lacking. This paper presents a detailed morphometric analysis and comparison of 4043 MSGLs from eight palaeo‐ice stream settings: three offshore (Norway and Antarctica), four onshore (Canada), and one from under a modern ice stream in West Antarctica. The length of MSGLs is lower than previously suggested (mode 1000–2000 m; median 2892 m), and they initiate and terminate at various locations on an ice stream bed. Their spatial arrangement reveals a pattern that is characterized by an exceptional parallel conformity (80% of all mapped MSGLs have an azimuth within 5° from the mean values), and a fairly constant lateral spacing (mode 200–300 m; median 330 m), which we interpret as an indication that MSGLs are a spatially self‐organized phenomenon. Results show that size, shape and spatial arrangement of MSGLs are consistent both within and also generally between different ice stream beds. We suggest this results from a common mechanism of formation, which is largely insensitive to local factors. Although the elongation of MSGLs (mode 6–8; median 12.2) is typically higher than features described as drumlins, these values and those of their width (mode 100–200 m; median 268 m) overlap, which suggests the two landforms are part of a morphological continuum and may share a similar origin. We compare their morphometry with explicit predictions made by the groove‐ploughing and rilling instability theories of MSGL formation. Although the latter was most compatible, neither is fully supported by observations. © 2014 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Temporary streams in a peatland catchment: pattern, timing, and controls on stream network expansion and contraction
Authors: Goulsbra Claire , Evans Martin , Lindsay John
Published: January 2014

In peatlands, poorly maintained baseflows mean that network expansion during storm events can be rapid and pronounced, resulting in large changes in catchment connectivity. This has implications for the timing and magnitude of material fluxes from these environments, understanding of which is becoming increasingly important due to peatlands' significance as global carbon stores. In this study, electrical resistance (ER) technology has been used to create sensors capable of detecting the presence and absence of flow in ephemeral portions of the channel network. These sensors provide data on the patterns of network variation in the Upper North Grain research catchment, a small peatland headwater in the South Pennines, UK. Networks of around 40 sensors were deployed in autumn 2007 and summer 2008, giving a total of almost four months of high‐resolution monitoring data. Drainage density in the catchment was found to vary between 1.4 and 30.0 km/km2, suggesting significant differences in connectivity between the expanded and contracted networks. Water table depth was identified as the key factor determining the temporal pattern of streamflow at both the site‐ and catchment‐wide scales. Spatially, network expansion and contraction occurred in a disjointed manner, following a similar pattern between events, suggesting that localized controls are important for flow generation. Spatial controls on flow generation relate to local water table levels, and include drainage area, local dissection, channel slope and gully morphology. The importance of water table as the key control on catchment connectivity suggests that potential future change in catchment water tables, associated with projected climate change or with peatland restoration by rewetting, will modify the frequency of full catchment connectivity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of live vegetation in geomorphological experiments: how to create optimal growing conditions
Authors: Clarke Lucy E.
Published: January 2014

There has been increasing use of live vegetation in laboratory experiments, in particular in fluvial geomorphology. The results from these studies have provided useful insight into the role that vegetation plays in impacting and modifying geomorphic systems. However there has been little published on the seed preparation techniques and vegetation growing conditions required for use in these experiments. This commentary presents results from a series of experiments investigating these factors using Medicago sativa and Avena Sativa, with the aim of highlighting the optimal growing conditions found to provide a starting point for researchers interested in implementing these techniques. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physical and mechanical properties of heat‐damaged structural concrete containing expanded polystyrene syntherized particles
Authors: Lo Monte Francesco , Bamonte Patrick , Gambarova Pietro G.
Published: January 2014

Materials recycling for sustainable concrete constructions are favoring the replacement of ordinary aggregate with waste materials, in the form of either solid particles or small void‐formers. This is the case of expanded polystyrene syntherized (EPS) concrete containing EPS particles—or beads—whose high‐temperature residual behavior is investigated in this project. Two EPS mixes and one reference mix (fc = 25–30 MPa) are tested in compression and tension after a thermal cycle at the reference temperature of 20°C, 150°C, 300°C, 500°C, and 700°C. The thermal diffusivity and the mass loss up to 700°C are investigated as well. The normalized mechanical decay of the two EPS concretes turns out to be slightly higher than that of ordinary concrete, but on the whole, the behaviors are rather close, while the thermal diffusivity of EPS concrete is definitely lower, to the advantage of its insulating capability. Damage indexes are also worked out on the basis of the elastic modulus and of the ultrasonic velocity, in order to have information on the possible void‐induced nonlinear effects. The still open problem, however, is whether the game (polystyrene recycling and mass reduction) is worth the candle (more cement and additives). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gute Absicht allein reicht nicht
Authors: Krogull Susanne , Scheunpflug Annette
Published: January 2014

Der Jugendaustausch zwischen Industrie‐ und Entwicklungsländern floriert. Doch wie lernen die Heranwachsenden dabei mehr über die Weltgesellschaft? Eine empirische Studie zeigt: Entscheidend sind pädagogisches Setting und organisatorischer Rahmen.
Carbon‐Polymer Composite Bipolar Plate for HT‐PEMFC
Authors: Ghosh A. , Verma A.
Published: January 2014

Graphene reinforced carbon‐polymer composite bipolar plate is developed using resole phenol formaldehyde resin, and conductive reinforcements (natural graphite, carbon black, and carbon fiber) using compression molding technique. Graphene is reinforced into the composite to alter various properties of the composite bipolar plate. The developed composite bipolar plate is characterized and the effect of temperature on mechanical and electrical properties is investigated with an overall aim to achieve benchmark given by US‐DOE and Plug Power Inc. The flexural strength and electrical conductivity of the composites was almost stable with the increase in temperature upto 175 °C. The composite bipolar plate maintained high in‐plane and through‐plane electrical conductivities, which is about 409.23 and 98 S cm–1, respectively, at 175 °C. The flexural strength and shore hardness of the developed composite was around 56.42 MPa and 60, respectively, at 175 °C, and on further increase in the temperature the mechanical strengths deceases sharply. The electrical and mechanical properties of the composite bipolar plates are within the US‐DoE target. However, the various properties of the composite bipolar plate could not be sustained above 175 °C.
Shape abnormalities of subcortical and ventricular structures in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: Detecting, quantifying, and predicting
Authors: Tang Xiaoying , Holland Dominic , Dale Anders M. , Younes Laurent , Miller Michael I. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2014

This article assesses the feasibility of using shape information to detect and quantify the subcortical and ventricular structural changes in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. We first demonstrate structural shape abnormalities in MCI and AD as compared with healthy controls (HC). Exploring the development to AD, we then divide the MCI participants into two subgroups based on longitudinal clinical information: (1) MCI patients who remained stable; (2) MCI patients who converted to AD over time. We focus on seven structures (amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus, caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, and lateral ventricles) in 754 MR scans (210 HC, 369 MCI of which 151 converted to AD over time, and 175 AD). The hippocampus and amygdala were further subsegmented based on high field 0.8 mm isotropic 7.0T scans for finer exploration. For MCI and AD, prominent ventricular expansions were detected and we found that these patients had strongest hippocampal atrophy occurring at CA1 and strongest amygdala atrophy at the basolateral complex. Mild atrophy in basal ganglia structures was also detected in MCI and AD. Stronger atrophy in the amygdala and hippocampus, and greater expansion in ventricles was observed in MCI converters, relative to those MCI who remained stable. Furthermore, we performed principal component analysis on a linear shape space of each structure. A subsequent linear discriminant analysis on the principal component values of hippocampus, amygdala, and ventricle leads to correct classification of 88% HC subjects and 86% AD subjects.Hum Brain Mapp 35:3701–3725, 2014. ©2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced phase regression with savitzky‐golay filtering for high‐resolution BOLD fMRI
Authors: Barry Robert L. , Gore John C.
Published: January 2014

Phase regression exploits the temporal evolution of phase in individual voxels to suppress blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal fluctuations caused by larger vessels and draining veins while preserving signal changes from microvascular effects. However, this process does not perform well when phase time series have low signal‐to‐noise ratios because of high levels of physiological noise. We demonstrate that Savitzky‐Golay filters may be used to recover the underlying change in phase and completely restore the efficacy of phase regression. We do not make a priori assumptions regarding phase evolution and perform a data‐driven exploration of parameter space to select the Savitzky‐Golay filter parameters that minimize temporal variance in each voxel after phase regression. This approach is shown to work well on data acquired with single‐shot and multi‐shot pulse sequences, and should therefore be useful for both human and animal gradient‐echo fMRI at high spatial resolutions at high fields. The ability to improve the spatial specificity of BOLD activation may be especially advantageous for clinical applications of fMRI that rely upon the accuracy of individual subject's activation maps to assist with presurgical planning and clinical decision‐making. Enhanced phase regression with Savitzky‐Golay filtering may also find other uses in analyses of resting state functional connectivity. Hum Brain Mapp 35:3832–3840, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Attenuated serotonin transporter association between dorsal raphe and ventral striatum in major depression
Authors: Hahn Andreas , Haeusler Daniela , Kraus Christoph , Höflich Anna S. , Kranz Georg S. , Baldinger Pia , Savli Markus , Mitterhauser Markus , Wadsak Wolfgang , Karanikas Georgios , Kasper Siegfried , Lanzenberger Rupert
Published: January 2014

Suffering from anhedonia, patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) exhibit alterations in several parts of the serotonergic neurotransmitter system, which are in turn involved in reward processing. However, previous investigations of the serotonin transporter (SERT) focused on regional differences with varying results depending on the clinical syndrome. Here, we aimed to describe the serotonergic system of MDD patients on a network level by evaluating SERT associations across brain regions. Twenty medication free patients with major depression and 20 healthy controls underwent positron emission tomography using the radioligand [11C]DASB. SERT binding potentials (BPND) were quantified voxel‐wise with the multilinear reference tissue model 2. In addition, SERT BPND was extracted from the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) as an indicator of midbrain serotonergic neurotransmission. Whole‐brain linear regression analysis was applied to evaluate the association of DRN SERT bindings to those in projection areas, which was followed by ANCOVA to assess differences in interregional relationships between patients and controls. Although both groups showed widespread positive correlations, group differences were restricted to decreased SERT associations between the DRN and the ventral striatum (right and left respectively: t = 5.85, P < 0.05 corrected and t = 5.07, P < 0.1 corrected) when comparing MDD patients (R2 = 0.11 and 0.24) to healthy subjects (R2 = 0.72 and 0.66, P < 0.01 and 0.05 corrected). Adjusting for age and sex did not change these findings. This study indicates a disturbed regulation between key regions involved in reward processing via the SERT. Our interregional approach highlights the importance of evaluating pathophysiological alterations on a network level to gain complementary information in addition to regional investigations. Hum Brain Mapp 35:3857–3866, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intensity and sulci landmark combined brain atlas construction for Chinese pediatric population
Authors: Luo Yishan , Shi Lin , Weng Jian , He Hongjian , Chu Winnie C.W. , Chen Feiyan , Wang Defeng
Published: January 2014

Constructing an atlas from a population of brain images is of vital importance to medical image analysis. Especially in neuroscience study, creating a brain atlas is useful for intra‐ and inter‐population comparison. Research on brain atlas construction has attracted great attention in recent years, but the research on pediatric population is still limited, mainly due to the limited availability and the relatively low quality of pediatric magnetic resonance brain images. This article is targeted at creating a high quality representative brain atlas for Chinese pediatric population. To achieve this goal, we have designed a set of preprocessing procedures to improve the image quality and developed an intensity and sulci landmark combined groupwise registration method to align the population of images for atlas construction. As demonstrated in experiments, the newly constructed atlas can better represent the size and shape of brains of Chinese pediatric population, and show better performance in Chinese pediatric brain image analysis compared with other standard atlases. Hum Brain Mapp 35:3880–3892, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How to Improve E‐Satisfaction and E‐Loyalty and Strengthen the Links Between Them: Value From Regulatory Fit
Authors: Wu Cou‐Chen , Hsu Chia‐Lin
Published: January 2014

This article aims to investigate how regulatory fit can improve e‐satisfaction and e‐loyalty and strengthen the links between e‐satisfaction and both its antecedents (two technology acceptance model factors and the perceived quality of e‐shopping) and consequence (e‐loyalty). The research model and hypotheses are constructed through a literature review. An empirical study is performed to test the proposed research model, using survey research. The data are gathered via a questionnaire, which is developed on the basis of prior empirical studies. Results from this study point to the following: first, the two technology acceptance model factors and the perceived quality of e‐shopping significantly affect e‐satisfaction, which in turn e‐loyalty. Second, regulatory fit not only improves e‐satisfaction and e‐loyalty but also strengthens the links between e‐satisfaction and both its antecedents and consequence. On the basis of these findings, the implications are discussed and directions for future research are highlighted.
Palladium‐ and Solvent‐Free Synthesis of Ynones by Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Acylation of Terminal Alkynes with Acyl Chlorides under Aerobic Conditions
Authors: Mohammadi Elmira , Movassagh Barahman , Navidi Mozhgan
Published: January 2014

Air‐stable CuI/cryptand‐22 complex was found to be a highly active catalyst for the solvent‐free cross‐coupling reaction of terminal alkynes with different acyl chlorides in the presence of Et3N as base to give the corresponding ynones in quantitative yields.
Insights into the Synthesis of Steroidal A‐Ring Olefins
Authors: Varela Carla L. , Roleira Fernanda M. F. , Costa Saul C. P. , Pinto Alexandra S. C. T. , Martins Ana I. O. S. , Carvalho Rui A. , Teixeira Natércia A. , Correia‐da‐Silva Georgina , Tavares‐da‐Silva Elisiário
Published: January 2014

The classical synthesis, followed by purification of the steroidal A‐ring Δ1‐olefin, 5α‐androst‐1‐en‐17‐one (5), from the Δ1‐3‐keto enone, (5α,17β)‐3‐oxo‐5‐androst‐1‐en‐17‐yl acetate (1), through a strategy involving the reaction of Δ1‐3‐hydroxy allylic alcohol, 3β‐hydroxy‐5α‐androst‐1‐en‐17β‐yl acetate (2), with SOCl2, was revisited in order to prepare and biologically evaluate 5 as aromatase inhibitor for breast cancer treatment. Surprisingly, the followed strategy also afforded the isomeric Δ2‐olefin 6 as a by‐product, which could only be detected on the basis of NMR analysis. Optimization of the purification and detection procedures allowed us to reach 96% purity required for biological assays of compound 5. The same synthetic strategy was applied, using the Δ4‐3‐keto enone, 3‐oxoandrost‐4‐en‐17β‐yl acetate (8), as starting material, to prepare the potent aromatase inhibitor Δ4‐olefin, androst‐4‐en‐17‐one (15). Unexpectedly, a different aromatase inhibitor, the Δ3,5‐diene, androst‐3,5‐dien‐17‐one (12), was formed. To overcome this drawback, another strategy was developed for the preparation of 15 from 8. The data now presented show the unequal reactivity of the two steroidal A‐ring Δ1‐ and Δ4‐3‐hydroxy allylic alcohol intermediates, 3β‐hydroxy‐5α‐androst‐1‐en‐17β‐yl acetate (2) and 3β‐hydroxyandrost‐4‐en‐17β‐yl acetate (9), towards SOCl2, and provides a new strategy for the preparation of the aromatase inhibitor 12. Additionally, a new pathway to prepare compound 15 was achieved, which avoids the formation of undesirable by‐products.
Three New Chromanones from Calea clausseniana
Authors: do Nascimento Andréa M. , de Oliveira Dionéia C. R.
Published: January 2014

Three new chromanones, uniflorol A acetate (1), uniflorol B acetate (2), and 2,2‐dimethyl‐6‐{1‐[(4′‐acetoxy)angeloyloxy]ethyl}chroman‐4‐one (3), together with the known chromanone 4, and two known p‐hydroxyacetophenone derivatives, 5 and 6, were isolated from the CH2Cl2 crude extract of the underground parts of Calea clausseniana Baker. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, including 2D‐NMR techniques.
Irigermanone, a Noriridal with Unprecedented Methylketone Function, from Iris germanica
Authors: Potterat Olivier , Herzog Carmela , Raith Melanie , Ebrahimi Samad Nejad , Hamburger Matthias
Published: January 2014

A new iridal, irigermanone (1) and nine known congeners, 2–10, respectively, have been isolated from the dried rhizomes of German iris (Iris germanica). The structure of 1 was established by spectroscopic methods including HR‐ESI‐MS, 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy. Compound 1 is a structurally unique noriridal, and it possesses an unprecedented methylcarbonyl group instead of the α,β‐unsaturated aldehyde function typical for this group of triterpenes.
Global nonlinear and nonstationary climate change effects on regional precipitation and forest phenology in Panama, Central America
Authors: Chang Ni‐Bin , Vasquez Miguel Valdez , Chen Chi‐Farn , Imen Sanaz , Mullon Lee
Published: January 2014

The inherent effects of global sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies on hydrological cycle and vegetation cover complicate the structure of tropical climate at the regional scale. Assessing hydrological processes related to climate forcing is important in Central America because it is surrounded by both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and two continental landmasses. In this study, the use of high‐resolution remote sensing imagery in wavelet analysis helps identify nonstationary characteristics of hydrological and ecological responses. The wavelet‐based empirical orthogonal function (WEOF) further reflects the nonlinear relationship between the Atlantic and Pacific SST and the greenness of a pristine forested site in Panama, La Amistad International Park. Integrated WEOF and descriptive statistics for data analysis reveal a higher temporal variability in terrestrial precipitation relative to in situ land surface temperature and its probable effects on the presence of dry periods. Such teleconnection signals of SST were identified as a driving force of decline in tropical forest greenness during dry periods. The results of our remote sensing‐based wavelet analysis showed intra‐annual high‐frequency and biennial to triennial low‐frequency signals between enhanced vegetation index/precipitation datasets and SST indices in both Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A spatiotemporal priority search further confirmed the importance of the effects of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) over terrestrial responses in the selected study site. Coincidence of the effect of ENSO teleconnection patterns on precipitation and vegetation suggests possible impacts of El Niño‐associated droughts in Central America, accompanied by reduced rainfall, especially during the first months of rainy season (June, July, and August), and decline in vegetation cover during the dry season (March and April). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human bone reactions around implants with adverse interfacial bone strain over 20 years
Authors: Traini Tonino , Mangano Carlo , Perrotti Vittoria , Caputi Sergio , Coelho Paulo , Piattelli Adriano , Iezzi Giovanna
Published: January 2014

Aims

It has been accepted that bone damage and subsequent resorption occurs in cases of adverse interfacial bone strain. Fractured implants represents an important opportunity for evaluating the bone response to overstrain. The objective of the study was to analyze the bone morphology and morphometry around retrieved fractured implants in humans. Five fractured implants retrieved after 22.4 (± 2.8) years were used in the present study. The investigation was conducted in a transmitted brightfield and circularly polarized light Microscope. The parameters considered were the total bone area, total bone remodeling area, bone‐remodeling rate (BRR), and bone transverse collagen fibers orientation (CFO).

Findings

For grouped samples, the BRR was 51.9% (± 10) while the transverse CFO was 13.0% (± 9.7). The interthread BRR was 58.1% (± 4.0) for level 1 and 40.4% (± 12.8) for level 2 with a significant decrease in BRR (p = 0.019) as a function of depth along the implant length.

Conclusions

Both bone level and bone quality attains stability to a certain level with respect to implant neck fracture following physiologic interaction between mechanical and biological inputs. The BRR significantly decrease as function of threads depth. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1342–1352, 2014.
Biodegradable polymeric coatings on cochlear implant surfaces and their influence on spiral ganglion cell survival
Authors: Ceschi P. , Bohl A. , Sternberg K. , Neumeister A. , Senz V. , Schmitz K.P. , Kietzmann M. , Scheper V. , Lenarz T. , Stöver T. , Paasche G.
Published: January 2014

To improve the electrode–nerve interface of cochlear implants (CI), the role of poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) and poly(4‐hydroxybutyrate) (P(4HB)) as potential coating matrices for CI was assessed both in vitro and in vivo in terms of degradation behavior and effects on spiral ganglion neurons, the main target of the electrical stimulation with a CI. Growth rates of fibroblasts on the polymers were investigated and a direct‐contact test with freshly isolated spiral ganglion cells (SGC) was performed. In addition, the effects of the polymer degradation inside the inner ear were evaluated in vivo. The polymer degradation was assessed by use of scanning electron microscopy in combination with an energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis. In vitro, no influence of the polymers was detected on fibroblasts' viability and on SGC survival rate. In vivo, SGC density was decreased only 6 months after implantation in the basal and middle turns of the cochlea in comparison to normal‐hearing animals but not between implanted groups (coated or uncoated). The analysis of the electrode models showed that in vivo P(4HB) is characterized by a gradual degradation completed after 6 months; whereas, the PLLA coatings burst along their longitudinal axis but showed only little degradation within the same time frame. In conclusion, both polymers seem to justify further evaluation as possible coating for CI electrodes. Of the two options, due to its excellent coating adhesion/stability and optimal degradation behavior, P(4HB) may prove to be the more promising biodegradable polymer for designing a drug delivery system from the surface of CI electrodes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1255–1267, 2014.
Efficacy of Salmonella typhimurium A1‐R Versus Chemotherapy on a Pancreatic Cancer Patient‐Derived Orthotopic Xenograft (PDOX)
Authors: Hiroshima Yukihiko , Zhao Ming , Maawy Ali , Zhang Yong , Katz Matthew H.G. , Fleming Jason B. , Uehara Fuminari , Miwa Shinji , Yano Shuya , Momiyama Masashi , Suetsugu Atsushi , Chishima Takashi , Tanaka Kuniya , Bouvet Michael , Endo Itaru , Hoffman Robert M.
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of tumor‐targeting Salmonella typhimurium A1‐R (A1‐R) on pancreatic cancer patient‐derived orthotopic xenografts (PDOX). The PDOX model was originally established from a pancreatic cancer patient in SCID‐NOD mice. The pancreatic cancer PDOX was subsequently transplanted by surgical orthotopic implantation (SOI) in transgenic nude red fluorescent protein (RFP) mice in order that the PDOX stably acquired red fluorescent protein (RFP)‐expressing stroma for the purpose of imaging the tumor after passage to non‐transgenic nude mice in order to visualize tumor growth and drug efficacy. The nude mice with human pancreatic PDOX were treated with A1‐R or standard chemotherapy, including gemcitabine (GEM), which is first‐line therapy for pancreatic cancer, for comparison of efficacy. A1‐R treatment significantly reduced tumor weight, as well as tumor fluorescence area, compared to untreated control (P = 0.011), with comparable efficacy of GEM, CDDP, and 5‐FU. Histopathological response to treatment was defined according to Evans's criteria and A1‐R had increased efficacy compared to standard chemotherapy. The present report is the first to show that A1‐R is effective against a very low‐passage patient tumor, in this case, pancreatic cancer. The data of the present report suggest A1‐1 will have clinical activity in pancreatic cancer, a highly lethal and treatment‐resistant disease and may be most effectively used in combination with other agents. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 1254–1261, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electron localizability indicators from spinor wavefunctions
Authors: Baranov Alexey I.
Published: January 2014

For the fully relativistic 4‐component many‐electron wavefunction six flavors of electron localizability indicators (ELI) have been proposed. Their counterparts, suitable for the application to the 2‐component wavefunctions, have been also derived. Six proposed indicators have been tested on Ar and Rn atoms and one of them, the ELI‐D for spatially antisymmetrized electron pairs, has been found to reveal atomic shell structures at quantitative level. Shell structures of all the atoms of periods 4–7 of the periodic table have been obtained using this indicator and compared with these obtained from the nonrelativistic limit calculations as well as from scalar‐relativistic (zero‐order regular approximation) calculations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SIRT1 Knockdown Promotes Neural Differentiation and Attenuates the Heat Shock Response
Authors: Liu Diana J. , Hammer David , Komlos Daniel , Chen Kuang Yu , Firestein Bonnie L. , Liu Alice Y.‐C.
Published: January 2014

Neurons have a limited capacity for heat shock protein (HSP) induction and are vulnerable to the pathogenic consequence of protein misfolding and aggregation as seen in age‐related neurodegenerative diseases. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an NAD+‐dependent lysine deacetylase with important biological functions, has been shown to sustain the DNA‐binding state of HSF1 for HSP induction. Here we show that differentiation and maturation of embryonic cortical neurons and N2a neuroprogenitor cells is associated with decreases in SIRT1 expression and heat shock‐dependent induction of HSP70 protein. Tests of a pharmacological activator and an inhibitor of SIRT1 affirm the regulatory role of SIRT1 in HSP70 induction. Protein cross‐linking studies show that nuclear SIRT1 and HSF1 form a co‐migrating high molecular weight complex upon stress. The use of retroviral vectors to manipulate SIRT1 expression in N2a cells show that shRNA‐mediated knock down of SIRT1 causes spontaneous neurite outgrowth coincident with reduced growth rate and decreased induction of hsp70‐reporter gene, whereas SIRT1 over‐expression blocks the induced neural differentiation of N2a cells. Our results suggest that decreased SIRT1 expression is conducive to neuronal differentiation and this decrease contributes to the attenuated induction of HSPs in neurons. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1224–1235, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accelerating phase‐encoded proton MR spectroscopic imaging by compressed sensing
Authors: Cao Peng , Wu Ed X.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To develop a phase encoding reduction scheme based on compressed sensing (CS) for phase‐encoded 1H MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI).

Materials and Methods

Phantom and in vivo rat brain MRSI experiments were performed at 7 Tesla to examine the performance of CS approach and compare it with the full k‐space acquisition. The CS undersampling was performed by acquiring a pseudorandom and density‐varying subset of phase encodings. Residual water resonance was first removed from the undersampled k‐space dataset before CS reconstruction. The CS reconstruction was performed by a linearized Bregman iteration procedure for efficiency in computing large scale L1 minimization. The spectral and spatial fidelity was evaluated by comparing spectral linewidths and metabolite maps and voxel‐wise Bland‐Altman analysis.

Results

CS preserved the spectral resolution and metabolite content levels. No spectral broadening was observed, and the estimation biases of the metabolite content levels were no more than 4%. CS clearly preserved the boundaries of metabolite maps but led to slight loss of details in metabolite maps.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed CS approach to accelerate phase‐encoded 1H MRSI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:487–495.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A rapid DNA extraction method suitable for human papillomavirus detection
Authors: Brestovac Brian , Wong Michelle E. , Costantino Paul S. , Groth David
Published: January 2014

Infection with oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes is necessary for the development of cervical cancer. Testing for HPV DNA from liquid based cervical samples can be used as an adjunct to traditional cytological screening. In addition there are ongoing viral load, genotyping, and prevalence studies. Therefore, a sensitive DNA extraction method is needed to maximize the efficiency of HPV DNA detection. The XytXtract Tissue kit is a DNA extraction kit that is rapid and so could be useful for HPV testing, particularly in screening protocols. This study was undertaken to determine the suitability of this method for HPV detection. DNA extraction from HeLa and Caski cell lines containing HPV 18 and 16 respectively together with DNA from five liquid based cervical samples were used in a HPV PCR assay. DNA was also extracted using the QIAamp DNA mini kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) as a comparison. DNA extracts were serially diluted and assayed. HPV DNA was successfully detected in cell lines and cervical samples using the XytXtract Tissue kit. In addition, the XytXtract method was found to be more sensitive than the QIAmp method as determined by a dilution series of the extracted DNA. While the XytXtract method is a closed, the QIAamp method uses a spin column with possible loss of DNA through DNA binding competition of the matrix, which could impact on the final extraction efficiency. The XytXtract is a cheap, rapid and efficient method for extracting HPV DNA from both cell lines and liquid based cervical samples. J. Med. Virol. 86:653–657, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Sky and Sustainable Tourism Development: A Case Study of a Dark Sky Reserve Implementation in Alqueva
Authors: Rodrigues Aurea L. O. , Rodrigues Apolónia , Peroff Deidre M.
Published: January 2014

This paper shows the development of a tourism product in a destination that uses the night sky as its main source of attraction. Using this innovative product has helped to create a distinctive image, which is likely to attract a more diverse range of visitors and has assisted in improving economic, social and environmental sustainability. First, we present an overview about sustainable tourism and the sky as a tourism resource followed by a case study, in Portugal, that illustrates the potential of Dark Sky activities for tourism development in rural regions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving Stability and Biocompatibility of Alginate/Chitosan Microcapsule by Fabricating Bi‐Functional Membrane
Authors: Zheng Guoshuang , Liu Xiudong , Wang Xiuli , Chen Li , Xie Hongguo , Wang Feng , Zheng Huizhen , Yu Weiting , Ma Xiaojun
Published: January 2014

Cell encapsulation technology holds promise for the cell‐based therapy. But poor mechanical strength and biocompatibility of microcapsule membrane are still obstacles for the clinical applications. A novel strategy is presented to prepare AC1C2A microcapsules with bi‐functional membrane (that is, both desirable biocompatibility and membrane stability) by sequentially complexing chitosans with higher deacetylation degree (C1) and lower deacetylation degree (C2) on alginate (A) gel beads. Both in vitro and in vivo evaluation of AC1C2A microcapsules demonstrate higher membrane stability and less cell adhesion, because the introduction of C2 increases membrane strength and decreases surface roughness. Moreover, diffusion test of AC1C2A microcapsules displays no inward permeation of IgG protein suggesting good immunoisolation function. The results demonstrate that AC1C2A microcapsules with bi‐functional membrane could be a promising candidate for microencapsulated cell implantation with cost effective usage of naturally biocompatible polysaccharides.
The Riemann extensions with cyclic parallel Ricci tensor
Authors: Kowalski Oldřich , Sekizawa Masami
Published: January 2014

The property of being a D'Atri space (i.e., a Riemannian manifold with volume‐preserving geodesic symmetries) is equivalent, in the real analytic case, to the infinite number of curvature identities called the odd Ledger conditions. In particular, a Riemannian manifold satisfying the first odd Ledger condition L3 is said to be an L3‐space. This definition extends easily to the affine case. Here we investigate the torsion‐free affine manifolds and their Riemann extensions as concerns heredity of the condition L3. We also incorporate a short survey of the previous results in this direction, including also the topic of D'Atri spaces.
Combining Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization and Thiol‐Ene Coupling Chemistries: Facile Access to Novel Functional Linear and Nonlinear Macromolecules
Authors: Lowe Andrew B. , Liu Meina , van Hensbergen Johannes Arend , Burford Robert P.
Published: January 2014

The aim of this article is to highlight recent examples in which two powerful synthetic tools, namely ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and thiol‐ene (including the thiol‐Michael variant) click chemistry have been combined to facilitate the preparation of novel functional materials of varying topology.

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Three‐dimensional brain MRI for DBS patients within ultra‐low radiofrequency power limits
Authors: Sarkar Subhendra N. , Papavassiliou Efstathios , Hackney David B. , Alsop David C. , Shih Ludy C. , Madhuranthakam Ananth J. , Busse Reed F. , La Ruche Susan , Bhadelia Rafeeque A.
Published: January 2014

Background

For patients with deep brain stimulators (DBS), local absorbed radiofrequency (RF) power is unknown and is much higher than what the system estimates. We developed a comprehensive, high‐quality brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for DBS patients utilizing three‐dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance sequences at very low RF power.

Methods

Six patients with DBS were imaged (10 sessions) using a transmit/receive head coil at 1.5 Tesla with modified 3D sequences within ultra‐low specific absorption rate (SAR) limits (0.1 W/kg) using T2, fast fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and T1‐weighted image contrast. Tissue signal and tissue contrast from the low‐SAR images were subjectively and objectively compared with routine clinical images of six age‐matched controls.

Results

Low‐SAR images of DBS patients demonstrated tissue contrast comparable to high‐SAR images and were of diagnostic quality except for slightly reduced signal.

Conclusions

Although preliminary, we demonstrated diagnostic quality brain MRI with optimized, volumetric sequences in DBS patients within very conservative RF safety guidelines offering a greater safety margin. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Evaluation of high resolution rainfall forecasts over Karnataka for the 2011 southwest and northeast monsoon seasons
Authors: Rakesh V. , Goswami P. , Prakash V. S.
Published: January 2014

Evaluation of real‐time rainfall forecast at the hobli (village cluster ∼10 km2) level from an atmospheric mesoscale model over Karnataka (located at southwest India, with nearly 56% of the workforce engaged in agricultural activities) for the southwest (June–September) and northeast (October–December) monsoon seasons of 2011 is presented in this study. The forecast system has been operationally implemented through data assimilation from a number of local observatories for effective applications as well as for proof of concept. A highlight of the study is the validation of the rainfall forecasts against observations at comparable resolution established by Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre, Government of Karnataka (KSNDMC). An evaluation of the forecast skill against daily observed rainfall is presented. A number of statistical evaluations show that the forecasts have enough skill to be useful for end users. A few areas of systematic bias and relatively higher forecast error were identified for further improvement in forecast skill.
Gaps in the spectrum of the Neumann Laplacian generated by a system of periodically distributed traps
Authors: Khrabustovskyi Andrii , Khruslov Evgeni
Published: January 2014

The article deals with a convergence of the spectrum of the Neumann Laplacian in a periodic unbounded domain Ωϵ depending on a small parameter ϵ > 0. The domain has the form , where Sϵ is an ‐periodic family of trap‐like screens. We prove that, for an arbitrarily large L, the spectrum has precisely one gap in [0,L] when ϵ is small enough; moreover, when ϵ → 0, this gap converges to some interval whose edges can be controlled by a suitable choice of geometry of the screens. An application to the theory of 2D photonic crystals is discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential methylation status of IGF2‐H19 locus does not affect the fertility of crossbred bulls but some of the CTCF binding sites could be potentially important
Authors: Jena Subas C. , Kumar Sandeep , Rajput Sandeep , Roy Bhaskar , Verma Arpana , Kumaresan Arumugam , Mohanty Tushar K. , De Sachinandan , Kumar Rakesh , Datta Tirtha K.
Published: January 2014

Associations between abnormal methylation of spermatozoan DNA with male infertility have been sought in recent years to identify a molecular explanation of differential spermatozoan function. The present work was undertaken to investigate the methylation profile of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in the IGF2‐H19 locus of Bos taurus X Bos indicus crossbred bull spermatozoa. Bulls having more than at least 100 insemination records over a period of 12 years were classified into two groups of five bulls each belonging to low‐ and high‐fertility groups. The IGF2 and H19 DMR sequences in B. indicus cattle were observed to be in absolute homology with B. taurus cattle. The DNA of crossbred bull spermatozoa was isolated, bisulfite treated, and amplified for specific DMR regions using methylation‐change‐specific primers. The overall degree of methylation at IGF2‐H19 DMRs was not found to be significantly different among two groups of bulls. The sixth CTCF binding site (CCCTC) identified in H19 DMR, however, had a significant methylation difference between the high‐ and low‐fertility bulls. It was concluded that alteration of the methylation levels at IGF2‐H19 DMRs might not be responsible for the fertility difference of crossbred bulls, although the role played by the specific CTCF binding sites at this locus, which could influence IGF2 expression during spermatogenesis and early embryonic development, deserves further attention. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 350–362, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Non–ECG‐gated myocardial perfusion MRI using continuous magnetization‐driven radial sampling
Authors: Sharif Behzad , Dharmakumar Rohan , Arsanjani Reza , Thomson Louise , Bairey Merz C. Noel , Berman Daniel S. , Li Debiao
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Establishing a high‐resolution non–ECG‐gated first‐pass perfusion (FPP) cardiac MRI technique may improve accessibility and diagnostic capability of FPP imaging. We propose a non–ECG‐gated FPP imaging technique using continuous magnetization‐driven golden‐angle radial acquisition. The main purpose of this preliminary study is to evaluate whether, in the simple case of single‐slice two‐dimensional imaging, adequate myocardial contrast can be obtained for accurate visualization of hypoperfused territories in the setting of myocardial ischemia.

Methods

A T1‐weighted pulse sequence with continuous golden‐angle radial sampling was developed for non–ECG‐gated FPP imaging. A sliding‐window scheme with no temporal acceleration was used to reconstruct 8 frames/s. Canines were imaged at 3T with and without coronary stenosis using the proposed scheme and a conventional magnetization‐prepared ECG‐gated FPP method.

Results

Our studies showed that the proposed non–ECG‐gated method is capable of generating high‐resolution (1.7 × 1.7 × 6 mm3) artifact‐free FPP images of a single slice at high heart rates (92 ± 21 beats/min), while matching the performance of conventional FPP imaging in terms of hypoperfused‐to‐normal myocardial contrast‐to‐noise ratio (proposed: 5.18 ± 0.70, conventional: 4.88 ± 0.43). Furthermore, the detected perfusion defect areas were consistent with the conventional FPP images.

Conclusion

Non–ECG‐gated FPP imaging using optimized continuous golden‐angle radial acquisition achieves desirable image quality (i.e., adequate myocardial contrast, high spatial resolution, and minimal artifacts) in the setting of ischemia. Magn Reson Med 72:1620–1628, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Public affairs in the Czech Republic: an exploratory study of the current situation
Authors: Kollmannová Denisa Kasl , Matušková Anna
Published: January 2014

The main goal of our research study was to describe and analyse the state of the field of public affairs (PA) in the Czech Republic. So far, PA has been outside the scope of academic interest, and no study has yet analysed the issues or development of PA in the Czech Republic. Therefore, this study not only brings a unique insight into the practice of PA professionals but is also the first of its kind.

Our main focus was to describe the current situation and build a solid background of the profession and emerging field for further research: firstly, we characterise professionals working in the field (what is their professional background, education, income and goals); secondly, we want to define what are the main issues they deal with professionally (such as politics, lobbying and the energy sector); thirdly, we will describe the market itself and the level of professionalisation and institutionalisation; and finally, we wanted to analyse how PA as a field is understood and perceived by professionals. In our conclusion, we also state openly a few challenges we met during our research, and we set the next goals. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological effect of fillers on graphite reinforced polydicyclopentadiene based composites
Authors: Hu Fangyuan , Du Jie , Zheng Yubin
Published: January 2014

Graphite reinforced polydicyclopentadiene (polyDCPD) composites were synthesized via the in situ ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of DCPD with vapor‐grown carbon fiber (VGCF), acidified multiwall carbon nanotube (a‐MWCNT), and mildly oxidized graphene oxide (MOGO) as distinctive reinforcing fillers, respectively. We studied the morphological effect of the fillers on the mechanical and thermal properties of graphite/polyDCPD composites. Mechanical property tests showed that the addition of VGCF greatly strengthened the tensile strength, the introduction of a‐MWCNT dramatically extended the elongation at break, whereas the incorporation of MOGO enhanced both performances of the resulting composites. Impact tests showed that the maximum mechanical performances of a‐MWCNT/polyDCPD and MOGO/polyDCPD composites both were got with 0.4 wt% of fillers (a‐MWCNT and MOGO) loading. Meanwhile, all of the reinforced composites exhibited increased thermal stabilities compared with the unfilled polyDCPD, confirmed by increased Tgs and thermal decomposition temperatures at 5 wt% weight loss. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1918–1925, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers