bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NhaA: A Unique Structural Fold of Secondary Active Transporters
Authors: Padan Etana , Michel Hartmut
Published: November 2015

The Na+/H+ antiporters transport sodium (or several other monovalent cations) in exchange for H+ across lipid bilayers in all kingdoms of life. They are critical in the pH homeostasis of cytoplasm and/or organelles. In humans, these proteins are associated with the pathophysiology of various diseases. Yet, the most extensively studied Na+/H+ antiporter is Ec‐NhaA, the main Na+/H+ antiporter of Escherichia coli. The crystal structure of an inactive, down‐regulated Ec‐NhaA, determined at acidic pH, has provided the first structural insights into the antiport mechanism and pH regulation of an Na+/H+ antiporter. It reveals a unique structural fold (called the NhaA fold) in which helical transmembrane segments (TMs) are organized in inverted‐topology repeats, including two antiparallel non‐helical extended chain regions that cross each other, forming a delicate electrostatic balance in the middle of the membrane. The NhaA fold contributes to the cation binding site and facilitates rapid conformational changes of Ec‐NhaA. The NhaA fold has now been recognized to be shared by four Na+/H+ antiporters (bacterial and archaeal) and two Na+ symporters. Thus far, no crystal structure of any of the human Na+/H+ antiporters has been determined. Nevertheless, the Ec‐NhaA crystal structure has enabled the structural modeling of NHE1, NHE9, and NHA2, which are involved in human pathophysiology. Future elucidation of structure‐function relationships of eukaryotic and prokaryotic Na+/H+ antiporters are likely to provide insights into the human pathophysiology. Here, we will focus on the NhaA structural fold which underpins the antiporter functionality of Ec‐NhaA and the secondary active transporters.
Surface Modification of TiO2 Nanoparticles with Vitamin B12: Relationships between Vitamin B12 Content and Its Optical Properties
Authors: Gharagozlou Mehrnaz , Naghibi Sanaz
Published: November 2015

Anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) with particle size of 10–20 nm were prepared via sol gel technique. The as‐synthesized NPs were immerged in vitamin B12 (VB12) solutions with different concentrations. The in‐ fluences of the solution concentration on photoluminescence and photocatalytic activity of the modified NPs were studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results demonstrated that TiO2 NPs adsorb VB12 molecules and that a new band is formed at ∼2300 cm−1. The VB12 loading process led to dimin‐ ishing of the aggregation of NPs and formation of a fibre shape structure. The best photoactivity and PL effect among the modified samples was related to sample ‘d’. The optimum processing conditions to achieve this sample was found to be VB12 concentration of 5 g/L.
Dielectric Relaxation Studies of Binary Mixture of α‐Picoline and Methanol Using Time Domain Reflectometry at Different Temperatures
Authors: Trivedi C. M. , Rana V. A. , Hudge P. G. , Kumbharkhane A. C.
Published: November 2015

Complex permittivity spectra of binary mixtures of varying concentrations of α‐picoline and methanol (MeOH) were obtained using time domain reflectometry (TDR) technique over frequency range 10 MHz to 25 GHz at 283.15 K, 288.15 K, 293.15 K and 298.15 K temperatures. The dielectric relaxation parame‐ ters namely static permittivity (σ0), high frequency limit permittivity (σoo1) and the relaxation time (ρ) were determined by fitting complex permittivity data to the single Debye/Cole‐Davidson model. Complex non linear least square (CNLS) fitting procedure was carried out using LEVMW software. The excess static permittivity (σ0E) and the excess inverse relaxation time (1/ρ)E which contains information regarding mo‐ lecular structure and interaction between polar — polar liquids, were also determined. From the experimental data, effective Kirkwood correlation factor (geff) and Bruggeman factor (fB) were calculated. Excess parameters were fitted to the Redlich‐Kister polynomial equation. The values of static permittivity and relaxation time increase non‐linearly with increase in the mol fraction of MeOH at all temperatures. The values of excess static permittivity (σ0E) and the excess inverse relaxation time (1/ρ)E are negative for the studied α‐picoline — MeOH system at all temperatures.
UBE2B is implicated in myofibrillar protein loss in catabolic C2C12 myotubes
Authors: Polge Cécile , Leulmi Roza , Jarzaguet Marianne , Claustre Agnes , Combaret Lydie , Béchet Daniel , Heng Anne‐Elisabeth , Attaix Didier , Taillandier Daniel
Published: November 2015

Background

Skeletal muscle protein loss is an adaptive response to various patho‐physiological situations, and the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is responsible for the degradation of the bulk of muscle proteins. The role of E2 ubiquitin‐conjugating enzymes is still poorly understood in skeletal muscle.

Methods

We screened for E2s expression levels in C2C12 myotubes submitted to the catabolic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex).

Results

One micromolar Dex induced an accumulation of proteasome substrates (polyUb conjugates) and an overexpression of the muscle‐specific E3 ligase MuRF1 and of six E2 enzymes, UBE2A, UBE2B, UBE2D1, UBE2D2, UBE2G1, and UBE2J1. However, only MuRF1 and UBE2B were sensitive to mild catabolic conditions (0.16 μM Dex). UBE2B knockdown induced a sharp decrease of total (−18%) and K48 (−28%) Ub conjugates, that is, proteasome substrates, indicating an important role of UBE2B in the overall protein breakdown in catabolic myotubes.

Conclusions

Interestingly, these results indicate an important role of UBE2B on muscle protein homeostasis during catabolic conditions.
Cancer cachexia causes skeletal muscle damage via transient receptor potential vanilloid 2‐independent mechanisms, unlike muscular dystrophy
Authors: Iwata Yuko , Suzuki Nobuyuki , Ohtake Hitomi , Kamauchi Shinya , Hashimoto Naohiro , Kiyono Tohru , Wakabayashi Shigeo
Published: November 2015

Background

Muscle wasting during cancer cachexia contributes to patient morbidity. Cachexia‐induced muscle damage may be understood by comparing its symptoms with those of other skeletal muscle diseases, but currently available data are limited.

Methods

We modelled cancer cachexia in mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma/colon adenocarcinoma and compared the associated muscle damage with that in a murine muscular dystrophy model (mdx mice). We measured biochemical and immunochemical parameters: amounts/localization of cytoskeletal proteins and/or Ca2+ signalling proteins related to muscle function and abnormality. We analysed intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and compared results between the two models. Involvement of Ca2+‐permeable channel transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) was examined by inoculating Lewis lung carcinoma cells into transgenic mice expressing dominant‐negative TRPV2.

Results

Tumourigenesis caused loss of body and skeletal muscle weight and reduced muscle force and locomotor activity. Similar to mdx mice, cachexia muscles exhibited myolysis, reduced sarcolemmal sialic acid content, and enhanced lysosomal exocytosis and sarcolemmal localization of phosphorylated Ca2+/CaMKII. Abnormal autophagy and degradation of dystrophin also occurred. Unlike mdx muscles, cachexia muscles did not exhibit regeneration markers (centrally nucleated fibres), and levels of autophagic proteolytic pathway markers increased. While a slight accumulation of TRPV2 was observed in cachexia muscles, Ca2+ influx via TRPV2 was not elevated in cachexia‐associated myotubes, and the course of cachexia pathology was not ameliorated by dominant‐negative inhibition of TRPV2.

Conclusions

Thus, cancer cachexia may induce muscle damage through TRPV2‐independent mechanisms distinct from those in muscular dystrophy; this may help treat patients with tumour‐induced muscle wasting.
Expression of the invertebrate sea urchin P16 protein into mammalian MC3T3 osteoblasts transforms and reprograms them into “osteocyte‐like” cells
Authors: Alvares Keith , Ren Yinshi , Feng Jian Q. , Veis Arthur
Published: November 2015

P16 is an acidic phosphoprotein important in both sea urchin embryonic spicule development and transient mineralization during embryogenesis, syncytium formation, and mineralization in mature urchin tooth. Anti‐P16 has been used to localize P16 to the syncytial membranes and the calcite mineral. Specific amino acid sequence motifs in P16 are similar to sequences in DSPP, a protein common to all vertebrate teeth, and crucial for their mineralization. Here, we examine the effect of P16 on vertebrate fibroblastic NIH3T3 cells and osteoblastic MC3T3 cells. Transfection of NIH3T3 cells with P16 cDNA resulted in profound changes in the morphology of the cells. In culture, the transfected cells sent out long processes that contacted processes from neighboring cells forming networks or syncytia. There was a similar change in morphology in cultured osteoblastic MC3T3 cells. In addition, the MC3T3 developed numerous dendrites as found in osteocytes. Importantly, there was also a change in the expression of the osteoblast and osteocyte specific genes. MC3T3 cells transfected with P16 showed an 18‐fold increase in expression of the osteocyte specific Dentin matrix protein (DMP1) gene, accompanied by decreased expression of osteoblast specific genes: Bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (OCN), and β‐catenin decreased by 70%, 64%, and 68 %, respectively. Thus, invertebrate urchin P16 with no previously known analog in vertebrates was able to induce changes in both cell morphology and gene expression, converting vertebrate‐derived osteoblast‐like precursor cells to an “osteocyte‐like” phenotype, an important process in bone biology. The mechanisms involved are presently under study. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 326B:38–46, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development and evaluation of a multichannel endorectal RF coil for prostate MRI at 7T in combination with an external surface array
Authors: Ertürk M. Arcan , Tian Jinfeng , Van de Moortele Pierre‐François , Adriany Gregor , Metzger Gregory J.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a sterilizable multichannel endorectal coil (ERC) for use in combination with an external surface array (ESA) for high‐resolution anatomical and functional studies of the prostate at 7T.

Materials and Methods

A two‐loop ERC (ERC‐2L) and a microstrip‐loop ERC (ERC‐ML) were compared at 7T in terms of transmit and receive performance. The best‐performing ERC was evaluated alone and in combination with the ESA through 1) simulations on both phantom and an anatomically correct numerical human model to assess
transmit and specific absorption rate (SAR) efficiencies, and 2) phantom experiments to calculate
transmit efficiency and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). Phantom studies were also performed to look at heating when using the ERC as a transmitter and for comparing the new coil against a single‐channel balloon‐type ERC (ERC‐b). High‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisitions were performed on a single healthy subject using the two‐channel ERC combined with the ESA.

Results

Compared to the ERC‐ML, the ERC‐2L demonstrated 20% higher SAR efficiency and higher SNR 3 cm from the coil. The presence of a tuned and detuned ERC‐2L did not alter the peak local SAR of the ESA alone; however, the detuned ERC‐2L had 45% less peak local SAR around the rectum compared to the tuned ERC‐2L. The receive‐only version of the ERC‐2L improved the SNR 4.7‐fold and 1.3‐fold compared to the ESA and ERC‐b, respectively. In combination with the ESA, the ERC‐2L supported in‐plane voxel‐size of 0.36 × 0.36 mm2 in T2‐weighted anatomic imaging.

Conclusion

The reusable ERC‐2L combined with an ESA offers a high SNR imaging platform for translational studies of the prostate at 7T. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:1279–1287.
Analysis of the floating‐gate transistor using the charge sheet model
Authors: Medina‐Vazquez A. S. , Meda‐Campana M. E. , Gurrola‐Navarro M. A. , Becerra‐Alvarez E. C. , Lopez‐Delgadillo E.
Published: November 2015

The multiple‐input floating‐gate transistor is a semiconductor device that has found wide application in digital and analog electronic integrated circuits. Simulating an electronic circuit is an essential step in the design flow, prior to manufacturing. Therefore, an advanced model for the multiple‐input floating‐gate transistor is needed for analog design. This paper shows a method for adapting the charge sheet model for advanced models of the device. In addition, the problem of obtaining the drain to source current numerically as a function of external voltages is addressed. Furthermore, important plots are presented in order to clarify the behavior of the concerned device. The small signal analysis of the device is included. This summary may be interesting to those seeking to model the multiple‐input floating‐gate transistor, looking for alternatives to analog electronic design, needing low operating voltage, generating new design strategies, or wishing to understand of the operation of the device or the use of alternatives to implement analog circuits. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Verification of transmission line de‐embedding method for on‐chip spiral inductor based on electromagnetic simulation
Authors: Han Bo , Song Youcai , Wang Zhongxin , Li Jun , Shi Xiaofeng
Published: November 2015

Accurate measurement data are a prerequisite for the equivalent circuit modeling of on‐chip devices. In this paper, the open and transmission line de‐embedding methods for on‐chip spiral inductors have been compared and analyzed by electromagnetic simulation with 130‐nm 1P6M BiCMOS process. Compared with the open de‐embedding technique, the characteristic impedances and propagation constants of left and right side ground‐signal‐ground probe pads can be directly determined by one through structure. Thus, these probe pads parasitic can be removed from the on‐wafer passives based on transmission line theory. These proposed de‐embedding techniques are validated by on‐chip spiral inductor with occupying areas of 280 × 280 µm2 up to 40 GHz. Experiment results have excellent physical and theoretical trends. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Knowledge‐Based Approach for Mapping Land Degradation in the Arid Rangelands of North Africa
Authors: Mahyou Hamid , Tychon Bernard , Balaghi Riad , Louhaichi Mounir , Mimouni Jamal
Published: November 2015

Rangelands cover about 82% of the arid area of Morocco. It is generally acknowledged that these areas are threatened by desertification. Monitoring desertification requires accurate knowledge about the current status of rangeland degradation. Remote sensing is widely used to assess changes in land cover, but its use in arid rangelands has limitations because of spectral confusion among various types of land cover. The objective of this study was to assess the severity and spatial extent of rangeland degradation in the high plateaus of eastern Morocco, using a knowledge‐based approach combining remote sensing and ancillary data. This approach relies on analyzing datasets derived from Landsat TM satellite imagery, lithology, bioclimatic data and field measurements. The level of rangeland degradation was assessed using indicators such as vegetation parameters, grazing levels and cultivation intensity, which provided a high level of accuracy for mapping and monitoring the degradation of the arid rangelands. The results showed that the total area of degraded rangeland in the high plateaus of eastern Morocco is about 17,417 km2, accounting for 48% in the studied area. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospinning of Crystallizable Polypeptoid Fibers
Authors: Thielke Michael W. , Secker Christian , Schlaad Helmut , Theato Patrick
Published: November 2015

A unique fabrication process of low molar mass, crystalline polypeptoid fibers is described. Thermoresponsive fiber mats are prepared by electrospinning a homogeneous blend of semicrystalline poly(N‐(n‐propyl) glycine) (PPGly; 4.1 kDa) with high molar mass poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). Annealing of these fibers at ≈100 °C selectively removes the PEO and produces stable crystalline fiber mats of pure PPGly, which are insoluble in aqueous solution but can be redissolved in methanol or ethanol. The formation of water‐stable polypeptoid fiber mats is an important step toward their utilization in biomedical applications such as tissue engineering or wound dressing.

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Submillimetre thermistors for balloon‐borne applications up to lower stratosphere: preliminary characterization with 0.02 K uncertainty
Authors: Sparasci F. , Jouin D. , Deuzé T. , Bordereau J. , Coeur‐Joly G. , Sourgen D. , Hertzog A.
Published: November 2015

The French metrological laboratory LNE‐CNAM, in the framework of a study commissioned by the Laboratory of Dynamic Meteorology LMD, has carried out a preliminary metrological characterization of a device based on submillimetre thermistors, to be used for atmospheric temperature and humidity measurements from the ground up to the lower stratosphere.

The device is a measuring system intended to perform temperature measurements between 173 K (around ‐100 °C) and 233 K (around −40 °C). It is composed of a self‐manufactured electronic device, in which submillimetre thermistors measure both air temperature and the temperature of a hygrometer sensor, in order to determine accurately water vapour concentration. Since the needed final measurement uncertainty is below 0.05 K, a comprehensive metrological characterization must be performed.

One instrument prototype was supplied to the LNE‐CNAM, to be characterized between 173 K and 273 K (around 0 °C). Measurements were carried out in the quasi‐adiabatic calorimeter used by the LNE‐CNAM to realize the national temperature standard below 84 K. The calorimeter was adapted to work at temperatures up to 273 K. At any setpoint between 173 K and 273 K, the stability of the temperature was within 5 mK for several hours. The thermistors were calibrated by comparison to a calibrated reference thermometer.

Preliminary results showed that calibrations with an uncertainty of around 0.02 K are possible. Tests are going to be performed in situ by the LMD, and further characterizations will be carried out to assess the obtained uncertainties and check long‐term reproducibility.
Hyperpolarized 13C urea relaxation mechanism reveals renal changes in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Laustsen Christoffer , Stokholm Nørlinger Thomas , Christoffer Hansen David , Qi Haiyun , Mose Nielsen Per , Bonde Bertelsen Lotte , Henrik Ardenkjaer‐Larsen Jan , Stødkilde Jørgensen Hans
Published: November 2015

Purpose

Our aim was to assess a novel 13C radial fast spin echo golden ratio single shot method for interrogating early renal changes in the diabetic kidney, using hyperpolarized (HP) [13C,15N2]urea as a T2 relaxation based contrast bio‐probe.

Methods

A novel HP 13C MR contrast experiment was conducted in a group of streptozotocin type‐1 diabetic rat model and age matched controls.

Results

A significantly different relaxation time (P = 0.004) was found in the diabetic kidney (0.49 ± 0.03 s) compared with the controls (0.64 ± 0.02 s) and secondly, a strong correlation between the blood oxygen saturation level and the relaxation times were observed in the healthy controls.

Conclusion

HP [13C,15N2]urea apparent T2 mapping may be a useful for interrogating local renal pO2 status and renal tissue alterations. Magn Reson Med, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial‐NoDerivs License, which permits use and distribution in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, the use is non‐commercial and no modifications or adaptations are made. Magn Reson Med 75:515–518, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Determination of spectral variations by means of component cells useful for CPV rating and design
Authors: Núñez Rubén , Domínguez César , Askins Stephen , Victoria Marta , Herrero Rebeca , Antón Ignacio , Sala Gabriel
Published: November 2015

A methodology is presented to determine both the short‐term and the long‐term influence of the spectral variations on the performance of multi‐junction (MJ) solar cells and concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules. Component cells with the same optical behavior as MJ solar cells are used to characterize the spectrum. A set of parameters, namely spectral matching ratios (SMRs), is used to characterize spectrally a particular direct normal irradiance (DNI) by comparison to the reference spectrum (AM1.5D‐ASTM‐G173‐03). Furthermore, the spectrally corrected DNI for a given MJ solar cell technology is defined providing a way to estimate the losses associated to the spectral variations. The last section analyzes how the spectrum evolves throughout a year in a given place and the set of SMRs representative for that location are calculated. This information can be used to maximize the energy harvested by the MJ solar cell throughout the year. As an example, three years of data recorded in Madrid shows that losses lower than 5% are expected because of current mismatch for state‐of‐the‐art MJ solar cells. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spirometric reference values for Hopi Native American children ages 4–13 years
Authors: Arnall David A. , Nelson Arnold G. , Hearon Christopher M. , Interpreter Christina , Kanuho Verdell
Published: November 2015

Spirometry is the most important tool in diagnosing pulmonary disease and is the most frequently performed pulmonary function test. Respiratory disease is also one of the greatest causes for morbidity and mortality on the Hopi Nation, but no specific reference equations exist for this unique population. The purpose of this study was to determine if population reference equations were necessary for these children and, if needed, to create new age and race‐specific pulmonary nomograms for Hopi children. Two hundred and ninety‐two healthy children, ages 4–13 years, attending Hopi Nation elementary schools in Arizona, were asked to perform spirometry for a full battery of pulmonary volumes and capacities of which the following were analyzed: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), FEV1 % (FEV1/FVC), FEF25–75% and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Spirometric data from Navajo children living in the same geographical region as the Hopi children were compared as well as spirometric data from common reference values used for other ethnic groups in the USA. Spirometry tests from 165 girls and 127 boys met American Thoracic Society quality control standards. We found that the natural log of height, body mass and age were significant predictors of FEV1, FVC, and FEF25–75% in the gender‐specific models and that lung function values all increased with height and age as expected. The predictions using the equations derived for Navajo, Caucasian, Mexican–American, African–American youth were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) from the predictions derived from the Hopi equations for all of the variables across both genders, with the exceptions of Hopi versus Navajo FEV1/FVC in the males and Hopi versus Caucasians FEF25–75% in the females. Thus it would appear for this population important to have specific formulae to provide more accurate reference values. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:386–393. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanism of oxygen sensing on β‐Ga2O3 single‐crystal sensors for high temperatures
Authors: Bartic M.
Published: November 2015

The oxygen‐sensing mechanism on gallium oxide sensors has been analyzed in the presence of an oxygen gas flow at elevated temperatures: 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, and 1000 °C. For the present study, the sensors were prepared based on a β‐Ga2O3 single crystal in a sandwich structure using three different shapes of the electrodes: quadratic‐spot, plate, and mesh type. The results revealed that the oxygen‐sensor performances (sensitivity and response/recovery time) of the β‐Ga2O3 single crystal depended on the operating temperature. A maximum sensitivity of ∼2.0 was obtained at temperature around 800 °C, while the shortest response time of about 5 s was found at 700 °C. Moreover, analyzing the oxygen gas‐sensing mechanism at various temperatures it can be concluded that at lower temperatures (<800 °C) the oxygen sensitivity and the response time are drastically influenced by the surface reactions, while above this temperature a main influence of bulk processes combined with the formation of the more complex vacancy‐related defects can be seen.
Record critical current densities in IG processed bulk YBa2Cu3Oy fabricated using ball‐milled Y2Ba1Cu1O5 phase
Authors: Muralidhar Miryala , Kenta Nakazato , Zeng XianLin , Koblischka Michael R. , Diko Pavel , Murakami Masato
Published: November 2015

The infiltration‐growth (IG) technique enables the uniform and controllable Y2BaCuO5 (Y211) secondary phase particles formation within the YBa2Cu3Oy (Y123) matrix. Recent results clarified that the flux pinning performance of the Y123 material was dramatically improved by optimizing the processing conditions during the IG process. In this paper, we adapted the IG technique and produced several samples with addition of nanometer‐sized Y211 secondary phase particles, which were produced by a ball milling technique. We found that the performance of the IG processed Y123 material dramatically improved in the low field region for a ball milling time of 12 h as compared to the samples without a ball milling step. Magnetization measurements showed a sharp superconducting transition with an onset Tc at around 92 K. The critical current density (Jc) at 77 K and zero field was determined to be 224 022 Acm−2, which is higher than the not ball‐milled sample. Furthermore, microstructural observations exhibited a uniform microstructure with homogenous distribution of nanosized Y‐211 inclusions within the Y‐123 matrix. The improved performance of the Y‐123 material can be understood in terms of fine distribution of the secondary phases.
Bi‐YIG system: The effect of cation relocation on structural, hyperfine, and magnetic properties
Authors: Niyaifar Mohammad , Mohammadpour Hory , Aezami Azadeh , Amighian Jamshid
Published: November 2015

BixY3–xFe5O12 (x = 0.0, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3) were synthesized by the sol–gel method to investigate the effect of Bi substitution on the structural and magnetic properties of YIG. The XRD results indicate that all the diffraction peaks belong to the pure phase. The Mössbauer analysis shows an increase in the ratio and also a line broadening at tetrahedral sites, which suggests a relocation of yttrium ions at dodecahedral sites with iron ions at octahedral sites. The saturation magnetization fluctuates with increasing bismuth content, which has been explained based on Mössbauer results. The change in vibrational band broadening and the observation of a new band in the far‐FTIR spectra confirm the proposed cation relocation.
Tuning the Energy Gap by Supramolecular Approaches: Towards Near‐Infrared Organic Assemblies and Materials
Authors: Song Qiao , Jiao Yang , Wang Zhiqiang , Zhang Xi
Published: November 2015

Near‐infrared (NIR) organic materials are of great importance for both fundamental research and practical applications. While much effort has been taken to covalently design and synthesize NIR organic materials with a low energy gap, there are supramolecular approaches for tuning the energy gap to noncovalently fabricate NIR organic assemblies and materials. In this concept article, we summarize and discuss several supramolecular approaches, including the fabrication of charge transfer supramolecular complexes, the fabrication of supramolecular J‐aggregates, and the fabrication of supramolecularly stabilized organic radicals. The nature of noncovalent interactions in supramolecular approaches can provide NIR organic assemblies and materials with unique properties such as reversibility, stimuli‐responsiveness, recyclability, and adaptive abilities.
Unleashing Cancer Cells on Surfaces Exposing Motogenic IGDQ Peptides
Authors: Corvaglia Valentina , Marega Riccardo , De Leo Federica , Michiels Carine , Bonifazi Davide
Published: November 2015

Thiolated peptides bearing the Ile‐Gly‐Asp (IGD) motif, a highly conserved sequence of fibronectin, are used for the preparation of anisotropic self‐assembled monolayers (SAM gradients) to study the whole‐population migratory behavior of metastatic breast cancer cells (MDA‐MB‐231 cells). Ile‐Gly‐Asp‐Gln‐(IGDQ)‐exposing SAMs sustain the adhesion of MDA‐MB‐231 cells by triggering focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation, similarly to the analogous Gly‐Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐(GRGD)‐terminating surfaces. However, the biological responses of different cell lines interfaced with the SAM gradients show that only those exposing the IGDQ sequence induce significant migration of MDA‐MB‐231 cells. In particular, the observed migratory behavior suggests the presence of cell subpopulations associated with a “stationary” or a “migratory” phenotype, the latter determining a considerable cell migration at the sub‐cm length scale. These findings are of great importance as they suggest for the first time an active role of biological surfaces exposing the IGD motif in the multicomponent orchestration of cellular signaling involved in the metastatic progression.
Daunorubicin‐Loaded DNA Origami Nanostructures Circumvent Drug‐Resistance Mechanisms in a Leukemia Model
Authors: Halley Patrick D. , Lucas Christopher R. , McWilliams Emily M. , Webber Matthew J. , Patton Randy A. , Kural Comert. , Lucas David M. , Byrd John C. , Castro Carlos E.
Published: November 2015

Many cancers show primary or acquired drug resistance due to the overexpression of efflux pumps. A novel mechanism to circumvent this is to integrate drugs, such as anthracycline antibiotics, with nanoparticle delivery vehicles that can bypass intrinsic tumor drug‐resistance mechanisms. DNA nanoparticles serve as an efficient binding platform for intercalating drugs (e.g., anthracyclines doxorubicin and daunorubicin, which are widely used to treat acute leukemias) and enable precise structure design and chemical modifications, for example, for incorporating targeting capabilities. Here, DNA nanostructures are utilized to circumvent daunorubicin drug resistance at clinically relevant doses in a leukemia cell line model. The fabrication of a rod‐like DNA origami drug carrier is reported that can be controllably loaded with daunorubicin. It is further directly verified that nanostructure‐mediated daunorubicin delivery leads to increased drug entry and retention in cells relative to free daunorubicin at equal concentrations, which yields significantly enhanced drug efficacy. Our results indicate that DNA origami nanostructures can circumvent efflux‐pump‐mediated drug resistance in leukemia cells at clinically relevant drug concentrations and provide a robust DNA nanostructure design that could be implemented in a wide range of cellular applications due to its remarkably fast self‐assembly (≈5 min) and excellent stability in cell culture conditions.
Systems dynamics model for decision support in risk assessment in software projects
Authors: Lopes Jhoney da. Silva , Braga José Luis , Resende Filho Moisés A.
Published: November 2015

Project management is widely studied and has several tools that aid in the efficiency and effectiveness of software production. However, in project management, numerous risk factors are involved in the development of software. These risk factors interact in a dynamic and non‐linear way, hindering decision‐making. The objective of this paper is to present a model of systems dynamics, which is a descriptive technique used for modeling and simulating systems, involving risk factors that strongly influence the development of software. The model generated is a tool that aims to assist project managers in their decision‐making. The relationships between variables were extracted from actual or empirical experiments available in the literature, thus bringing the model results closer to the real world. The model enables reproducing scenarios in which real‐world tests would be costly or dangerous to be carried out, allowing the impacts of risks in software development process to be analyzed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fatigue Strength, Crack Initiation, and Localized Plastic Fatigue Damage in VHCF of Duplex Stainless Steels
Authors: Tofique Muhammad Waqas , Bergström Jens , Burman Christer , Hallbäck Nils , Gåård Anders
Published: November 2015

The fatigue strength of two‐duplex stainless steel grades, 2304 SRG and LDX 2101, with austenitic–ferritic microstructure is tested using ultrasonic fatigue testing equipment operating at 20 kHz. The testing is conducted in tension‐compression mode with the load ratio R = −1. The fatigue strength is evaluated at 107, 108, and 109 load cycles and the estimates of fatigue strength are higher for the LDX 2101 grade. The fatigue crack initiation mechanisms are analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. The fatigue cracks, in all cases, appear to initiate due to accumulation of plastic fatigue damage at the surface. In the 2304 SRG grade, accumulation of fatigue damage occurs at the external surface of fatigued specimens in the form of extrusions at the grain/phase boundaries and in the form of individual slip lines in the austenite phase. Meanwhile, in the LDX 2101 grade accumulation of plastic fatigue damage in the form of extrusions and intrusions occurs mainly within the ferrite grain. When the crack is microstructurally short, the crack growth appears to be crystallographic in nature and the crack appears to change its direction propagating from one grain into another.
Comparison Between Segregation of High‐Manganese Steels from 2‐D Phase‐Field Simulations, 1‐D Analytical Theories, and Solidification Experiments
Authors: Alves Celso , Rezende Joao , Senk Dieter
Published: November 2015

This paper presents a study comparing the microsegregation from 2‐D phase‐field simulations with those predicted by 1‐D analytical theories and with the ones obtained from experiments. It focuses mainly on the solidification of an Fe–Mn binary alloy with high manganese content (23 wt%), which is comparable to the manganese content of high‐manganese steel (HMnS) grades. The main motivation for this study comes from the strong influence of microsegregation on the local mechanical properties of these steels at room temperature. After performing simulations with the model for different realistic cooling rates, the secondary dendrite arm spacings, which are strongly related to the microsegregation phenomenon, are determined and compared with an analytical model and also with experimental results from the literature for similar alloys. Analyses of concentration of the simulated samples, which are related with real microsegregation phenomenon, are also presented in this investigation using an area‐based frequency distribution. The distribution results from simulations are also compared to the 1‐D analytical Brody–Flemings model, to a DICTRA simulation, and to experimental results for a similar alloy. From this investigation, it is concluded that the concentration distribution for binary alloy simulations in 2‐D agrees semi‐quantitatively with the experimental results for ternary alloys.
Maternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein at 12, 22 and 32 weeks' gestation in screening for pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Bredaki F. E. , Mataliotakis M. , Wright A. , Wright D. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: November 2015

Objective

To examine the distribution of maternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) at 12, 22 and 32 weeks' gestation in singleton pregnancies which develop pre‐eclampsia (PE) and examine the performance of this biomarker in screening for PE.

Methods

Serum AFP was measured in 17 071 cases at 11–13 weeks, in 8583 cases at 19–24 weeks and 8609 cases at 30–34 weeks' gestation. Bayes' theorem was used to combine the a‐priori risk from maternal characteristics and medical history with AFP. The performance of screening for PE requiring delivery < 32, at 32 + 0 to 36 + 6, < 37 and ≥ 37 weeks' gestation was estimated.

Results

In pregnancies that developed PE, serum AFP multiples of the median (MoM) was increased at 11–13 and 19–24 weeks' gestation, but not at 30–34 weeks, and the values were inversely related to gestational age at delivery. Combined screening with maternal factors and serum AFP improved the prediction provided by maternal factors alone for PE delivering < 37 weeks, but not for PE delivering ≥ 37 weeks. The performance of screening for preterm PE was better at 19–24 weeks than at 11–13 weeks and the detection rate (DR) for a given false‐positive rate (FPR) was higher for PE delivering < 32 weeks than for PE delivering at 32 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks. The DRs, at 10% FPR, of combined screening at 11–13 weeks for PE delivering < 32 and at 32 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks were 54% and 45%, respectively, and these improved to 72% and 53% with screening at 19–24 weeks.

Conclusions

Measurement of serum AFP at 11–13 and 19–24 weeks' gestation improves the prediction of preterm PE provided by maternal factors alone. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Risk of fetal loss associated with invasive testing following combined first‐trimester screening for Down syndrome: a national cohort of 147 987 singleton pregnancies
Authors: Wulff C. B. , Gerds T. A. , Rode L. , Ekelund C. K. , Petersen O. B. , Tabor A. ,   the Danish Fetal Medicine Study Group
Published: November 2015

Objective

To assess prospectively the risk of fetal loss associated with chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis (AC) following combined first‐trimester screening (cFTS) for Down syndrome.

Methods

This was a nationwide population‐based study (Danish Fetal Medicine Database, 2008–2010) including 147 987 women with singleton pregnancy who underwent cFTS. Propensity score stratification was used to assess the risk of fetal loss with and without invasive testing. Analyses were performed between 3 and 21 days after cFTS for CVS and between 28 and 42 days after cFTS for AC. Results are reported as average risk differences with 95% CIs.

Results

The risks of miscarriage and stillbirth were not higher in women exposed to CVS or AC compared with unexposed women, independent of the analysis time‐point. The average effect of CVS on risk of miscarriage was –0.08% (95% CI, −0.64; 0.47) at 3 days and –0.21% (95% CI, –0.58; 0.15) at 21 days after cFTS, while the effect on risk of stillbirth was –0.18% (95% CI, –0.50; 0.13) at 3 days and –0.27% (95% CI, –0.58; 0.04) at 21 days after cFTS. Regarding the effect of AC on risk of miscarriage, the analysis at 28 days after cFTS showed an average effect of 0.56% (95% CI, –0.21; 1.33), while the effect on risk of stillbirth was 0.09% (95% CI, –0.39; 0.58) at 42 days after cFTS.

Conclusion

Neither CVS nor AC was associated with increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. These findings indicate that the procedure‐related risk of CVS and AC is very low. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Sex Education and Intellectual Disability: Practices and Insight from Pediatric Genetic Counselors
Authors: Murphy Carly , Lincoln Sharyn , Meredith Stephanie , Cross Elizabeth M. , Rintell David
Published: November 2015

Intellectual disability (ID) with or without other anomalies is a common referral for genetic counseling. Sessions may include discussions of reproductive implications and other issues related to sex education. Patients with ID regularly meet barriers when trying to obtain sex education due to the misperceptions of others as being either asexual or that such education would promote inappropriate sexual behavior. In this pilot study, we surveyed genetic counselors to explore their experiences with being asked to provide sex education counseling and their comfort in doing so for patients with ID ages 9–17. Results were analyzed from 38 respondents. Caregivers and patients most frequently requested information on puberty, sex abuse prevention, and reproductive health. Genetic counselors were most comfortable when they could provide sex education counseling within the context of a particular condition or constellation of features. They were least comfortable when they lacked familiarity with the patient, caregiver, or the family's culture. The most frequently cited barriers that prevented genetic counselors from providing sex education counseling were lack of time, lack of training, the patient's ID being too profound, and a belief that genetic counselors should not be responsible for providing sex education counseling. While many respondents reported that providing sex education counseling is not considered within the scope of a genetic counselor's practice, they also noted that patients’ families initiate discussions for which counselors should be prepared. Respondents indicated that resource guides specifically designed for use by genetic counselors would be beneficial to their practice. Genetic counselors have the opportunity to embrace the role of advocate and broach the issue of sexual health with caregivers and patients by directing them toward educational resources, if not providing sex education directly to effectively serve the needs of patients and caregivers.
Ecological segregation of bark beetle (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae) infested Scots pine
Authors: Borkowski Andrzej , Skrzecz Iwona
Published: November 2015

Bark beetles infest several pine tree species, often creating major economic losses. Biotic interactions between Scolytinae populations inhabiting Pinus sylvestris were analyzed using a new sampling method involving a two dimensional division of tree space resources into units and sections. The goal was to evaluate the effects of the type of available reproduction material on insect infestation. The P. sylvestris stands in this study included an analysis of bark beetles colonizing dead trees and uninfested living trees (trap trees). Analyzed trees were harvested and their stems divided into ten equal units; each unit was halved into two sections (half of the stem circumference). The colonization of dead trees by insects was evaluated immediately after cutting for infested trees and 2 months after cutting for trap trees. The type of breeding material significantly affected the species composition of bark beetles infesting P. sylvestris. The dead trees were colonized mostly by Trypodendron lineatum and Tomicus minor, and to a lesser extent by Tomicus piniperda, which dominated in trap trees. Tomicus piniperda and T. lineatum preferred thicker stems; however, T. minor, Hylurgops palliatus and Pityogenes bidentatus preferred thinner ones. The application of the new sampling method helped to increase the accuracy of niche segregation among insect species. The results of niche segregation indicate bark beetles exhibited spatial specialization in the use of resources, mainly related to the moisture content of breeding material and the availability of food resources which is the main factor determining the coexistence of bark beetles in the same environment.
Measuring Religion in Different Spatial Contexts: How Surveys Involving Religion Inconsistently Determine Locations
Authors: Miller Brian J.
Published: November 2015

As American spatial contexts change, particularly the suburbs with increasing racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity and shifting political patterns within a range of unique suburban types and communities, an analysis of 89 surveys involving religion in the Association of Religion Data Archives shows a lack of consensus in how to measure locations. The 529 questions addressing suburban locations differ in three major ways: a majority allows respondents to self-report their location, leading to more respondents selecting small towns; there are a variety of response categories, often with options that are not mutually exclusive; and one result of the first two issues is that surveys provide different percentages regarding how many individuals and congregations reside in the suburbs. These issues are also present in large-scale studies of American religiosity including the National Congregations Study and the National Study of Youth and Religion. Improving the measurement of spatial context could include reaching consensus over standard questions and categories to use, assigning respondents to specific geographic locations which allows matching to other data (such as the Census), and including both self-reported and assigned locations in survey results.
Peer punishment across payoff equivalent public good and common pool resource experiments
Authors: Kingsley David C.
Published: November 2015

This paper investigates the effectiveness of peer punishment in non-linear social dilemmas and replicates Cason and Gangadharan (Exp Econ 18:66–88, 2015). The contribution of this replication is that cooperation is quantified across payoff equivalent, strategically symmetric public good and common pool resource experiments. Results suggest that the cooperation-inducing effect of peer punishment is statistically equivalent across conditions. Despite this increase in cooperation, earnings are significantly lower than in the absence of punishment. Institutional features which improve the effectiveness of peer punishment in linear public good experiments may, similarly, make self-governance possible in more complex social dilemmas.
Binding and entry of Clostridium difficile toxin B is mediated by multiple domains
Authors: Manse Jared S. , Baldwin Michael R.
Published: November 2015

Clostridium difficile is responsible for a number of serious gastrointestinal diseases caused primarily by two exotoxins, TcdA and TcdB. These toxins enter host cells by binding unique receptors, at least partially via their combined repetitive oligopeptides (CROPs) domains. Our study investigated structural determinants necessary for binding and entry of TcdB. Deletion analyses identified TcdB residues 1372–1493 as essential for cytotoxicity in three cell lines. Consistent with this observation, overlapping TcdB fragments (residues 1372–1848, 1372–1493 and 1493–1848) were able to independently bind cells. Our data provide new evidence supporting a more complex model of clostridial glucosylating toxin uptake than previously suggested.
Inter‐rater Reliability of Real‐Time Ultrasound to Measure Acromiohumeral Distance
Authors: Mackenzie Tanya Anne , Bdaiwi Alya H. , Herrington Lee , Cools Ann
Published: November 2015

Background

Real‐time ultrasound (RTUS) has been suggested as a reliable measure of acromiohumeral distance. However, to date, no vigorous assessment and reporting of inter‐rater reliability of this method has been performed with the shoulder in a neutral position or with active and passive arm abduction.

Objective

To assess intrasession inter‐rater reliability of using RTUS to measure acromiohumeral distance with the shoulder in a neutral position and with 60° active and passive abduction.

Study Design

Inter‐rater intrasession reliability of repeated measures.

Setting

Human performance laboratory.

Participants

Twenty persons (12 male and 8 female) with an average age of 29.86 years (standard deviation, 7.8).

Method

In an inter‐rater, intrasession study, RTUS was used to measure the acromiohumeral distance with the shoulder in a neutral position and with 60° of both active and passive abduction.

Main Outcome Measure

Acromiohumeral distance.

Results

Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)2.1 scores ranged between 0.65‐0.88 (standard error of the mean = 0.81‐1.2 mm and minimal detectable differences with 95% confidence = 2.2‐2.3 mm) for inter‐rater intrasession reliability.

Conclusion

RTUS was found to have fair to good inter‐rater reliability as a tool to measure acromiohumeral distance with the shoulder in a neutral position and with 60° of both active and passive arm abduction.