bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cnidaria and Ctenophora–2
Authors: Kornprobst Jean‐Michel
Published: August 2014

The article contains sections titled:

Membrane Constituents and Secondary Metabolites of Hexacorallia (Anthozoa)

Fatty Acids, Oxylipins, and Acetylenic Derivatives

Sterols and Ecdysteroids

Terpenes

Carotenoids of Sea Anemones

Aromatic Derivatives

Ceramides and Lipidic α‐Amino Acids

Examples of Nitrogenous Pigments: Zoanthoxanthins and Calliactine

Palytoxins (PTXs)

Mycosporines

Betaines, Phosphobetaines, Purines, and Other Nitrogen‐Containing Derivatives

Zoanthamine Alkaloids

Cytolysins, Neuropeptides, and Other Venoms of Sea Anemones

Venoms and Other Metabolites of Medusozoa

Some Data on the Cubozoa and Other Jellyfish

Bioluminescence of Jellyfish and Other Cnidaria

Some Results on the Secondary Metabolites of Other Hydrozoa

Ctenophora
Nutrient intakes associated with elevated serum C‐reactive protein concentrations in normal to underweight breastfeeding women in Northern Kenya
Authors: Fujita Masako , Brindle Eleanor , Lo Yun‐jia , Castro Pamela , Cameroamortegui Felipe
Published: August 2014

Objectives

Low‐grade elevation of C‐reactive protein (CRP) is a non‐specific inflammatory marker, used as a predictor for cardiovascular disease development and chronic inflammatory risks. Research investigating dietary influences on inflammation has focused primarily on the relationship between dietary characteristics, CRP elevation and BMI in the populations at greatest risk for cardiovascular disease, namely those in the overweight and obese ranges, often in clinical settings and/or among those middle aged or older, leaving little information about normal to underweight populations of reproductive age in ecological settings. This study evaluates impacts of dietary nutrients on serum CRP levels in a population of predominantly underweight to normal weight adult women experiencing the additional nutritional demands of lactation.

Methods

Data from non‐overweight breastfeeding Ariaal women of Kenya collected in 2006 were used (n = 194). Logistic regression models were applied using low‐grade CRP elevation (hsCRP > 3 mg/L) as the outcome variable and dietary nutrients, age, BMI, and serum retinol as predictors.

Results

Models showed that energy intake (Kcal) and age were positive predictors of CRP elevation while folate intake, total vitamin A intake, and serum retinol concentration were protective against CRP elevation. Unlike previous studies among higher BMI populations, this study found no significant effect of dietary lipids/fatty acids or BMI on CRP elevation.

Conclusions

The effects of specific dietary nutrients on inflammatory status may vary with BMI or, in women, reproductive status. Further research should investigate the role of dietary fats, fatty acids, and antioxidant vitamins across populations with a wide range of BMI, including postpartum women. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:796–802, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence of Radiographic and Symptomatic Hip Osteoarthritis in an Urban United States Community: The Framingham Osteoarthritis Study
Authors: Kim Chan , Linsenmeyer Katherine D. , Vlad Steven C. , Guermazi Ali , Clancy Mary M. , Niu Jingbo , Felson David T.
Published: August 2014

Objective

The last prevalence survey encompassing urban populations was part of the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted in the 1970s. The aim of the present study was to perform a prevalence survey of hip osteoarthritis (OA) among individuals in the Framingham Study Community cohort.

Methods

Individuals ages 50 years and older living in Framingham, Massachusetts in 2002–2005 were recruited by random digit dialing, with selection made regardless of whether joint pain or arthritis were reported. Anteroposterior radiographs of the long limbs of the lower extremities, including the pelvis, were obtained with individuals placed in a standing position. The radiographs were read by two trained physicians for the presence of radiographic hip OA, with all possible cases of radiographic hip OA confirmed by an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist. Radiographic hip OA was defined as a Kellgren/Lawrence radiographic severity grade of ≥2. Using a homunculus in which the hip joint was depicted, participants were asked whether they had hip pain on most days. Those who responded “yes” were defined as having hip pain. Symptomatic hip OA was defined as radiographic OA with ipsilateral hip pain. We defined a person as having hip OA if at least one of the hip joints was affected.

Results

Of 978 subjects studied (mean age 63.5 years; 56% women), the age‐standardized prevalence of radiographic hip OA was 19.6% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 16.7–23.0%) and the age‐standardized prevalence of symptomatic hip OA was 4.2% (95% CI 2.9–6.1%). Overall, men were observed to have a higher prevalence of radiographic hip OA (P < 0.0001) compared to women, but men did not have a higher prevalence of symptomatic hip OA compared to women (5.2% versus 3%; P = 0.08).

Conclusion

Hip OA is a common condition in middle‐aged and older individuals in urban and suburban areas of the US.
Super‐Underweighting of Rare Events with Repeated Descriptive Summaries
Authors: Yechiam Eldad , Rakow Tim , Newell Ben R.
Published: August 2014

Field studies suggest that providing summarized information concerning the prevalence of risks can increase risk taking when the hazard is rare. We study a simple experimental model of this phenomenon based on repeated descriptive summaries of past outcomes. Under cumulative prospect theory and experience‐sampling models, descriptions of rare events should increase the weighting of rare events. On the other hand, if individuals are sensitive to the frequency of events, then event summaries are expected to accentuate the underweighting of rare events despite adding descriptive information. These contrasting predictions were examined in three experiments using a multi‐alternative decision task with two sets of options: safe and risky. In all three experiments, repeated descriptive summaries of past outcomes from all alternatives or from a randomly drawn alternative were found to accentuate the underweighting of rare events by a similar amount. The results shed light on the role of frequency‐based judgments in the extreme underweighting of rare events and highlight that providing information about the incidence of rare hazards can have the unintended effect of increasing, rather than decreasing, people's propensity to take risks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Galacto‐oligosaccharides and lactulose as protectants against desiccation of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulcaricus
Authors: Santos Mauricio I. , Araujo‐Andrade Cuauhtémoc , Esparza‐Ibarra Edgar , Tymczyszyn Elizabeth , Gómez‐Zavaglia Andrea
Published: August 2014

Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus CIDCA 333 was dehydrated on desiccators containing silica gel in the presence of 20% w/w of two types of galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS Biotempo and GOS Cup Oligo H‐70®) and lactulose, until no changes in water desorption were detected. After rehydration, bacterial growth was monitored at 37°C by determining: (a) the absorbance at 600 nm and (b) the near infrared spectra (NIR). Principal component analysis (PCA) was then performed on the NIR spectra of samples dehydrated in all conditions. A multiparametric flow cytometry assay was carried out using carboxyfluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide probes to determine the relative composition of damaged, viable, and dead bacteria throughout the growth kinetics. The absorbance at 600 nm and the position of the second derivative band at ∼1370 nm were plotted against the time of incubation. The efficiency of the protectants was GOS Biotempo > GOS Cup Oligo H‐70® > lactulose. The better protectant capacity of GOS Biotempo was explained on the basis of the lower contribution of damaged cells immediately after rehydration (t = 0). PCA showed three groups along PC1, corresponding to the lag, exponential and stationary phases of growth, which explained 99% of the total variance. Along PC2, two groups were observed, corresponding to damaged or viable cells. The results obtained support the use of NIR to monitor the recovery of desiccated microorganisms in real time and without the need of chemical reagents. The use of GOS and lactulose as protectants in dehydration/rehydration processes was also supported. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:1231–1238, 2014
Monitoring cancer through the blood
Authors: Paweletz Cloud P. , Jänne Pasi A.
Published: August 2014

Tumor biopsies remain the gold standard for the evaluation of genetic changes in tumors either at diagnosis or after treatment with targeted therapies. However, this is not always feasible and can seldom be performed more than once. Noninvasive techniques that measure the allelic burden in blood have the potential to realize genotype‐directed cancer therapy. These technologies can potentially be used for noninvasive tumor genotyping and also provide an opportunity for disease monitoring. Several non‐invasive genotyping technologies are currently under development and being evaluated in patients treated with targeted therapies.
The Role of Intravenous Vasodilators in Acute Heart Failure Management
Authors: Piper Susan , McDonagh Theresa
Published: August 2014

Acute heart failure is a major cause of emergency hospital admission, with significant impact on health resources and patient outcomes. With no new treatments for over 20 years, the advent of new innovative therapies may facilitate a radical change in our approach to such patients. In this article, we examine the current evidence for the use of current intravenous vasodilators in AHF management, and review the potential of novel therapies currently in development.
Modular Synthesis of Helicene‐Like Compounds Based on the Imidazolium Motif
Authors: Čížková Martina , Šaman David , Koval Dušan , Kašička Václav , Klepetářová Blanka , Císařová Ivana , Teplý Filip
Published: August 2014

Straightforward synthesis of novel mono‐ and tricationic helical compounds based on the imidazolium core has been developed. The synthetic route based on double [2+2+2] cycloaddition reactions of precursors with the imidazolium core motif is notably modular and reaches beyond established protocols used for the synthesis of imidazolium systems as well as beyond the reported protocols used to assemble compounds with helical frameworks. This approach opens rapid four‐step access to a cationic species featuring nine ortho‐annulated rings that represents the highest order helical nitrogen‐based cationic system reported to date.
Transformation/dissolution characteristics of a nickel matte and nickel concentrates for acute and chronic hazard classification
Authors: Skeaff James M , Beaudoin Robert
Published: August 2014

For the purposes of aquatic hazard classification under the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification (UNGHS), we have examined the transformation/dissolution (T/D) characteristics of a Ni matte and 4 Ni concentrates at pH 6 using the United Nations (UN) Transformation/Dissolution Protocol (T/DP) for metals and sparingly soluble metal compounds. Among the analytes Ni, Co, and Cu, Ni was released into the T/D solutions in the highest concentrations and was thus the main driver in establishing the hazard classification. We applied an extrapolation-scaling approach to obtain concentrations of total dissolved Ni at low loadings of 0.1 and 0.01 mg/L for derivation of chronic classification outcomes in the European Union (EU) classification, labeling, and packaging (CLP) scheme. The T/D data would classify the Ni matte as Acute 2-Chronic 2 under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) scheme, and Chronic 1 under the EU CLP. Three of the 4 Ni concentrates would classify as GHS Acute 2-Chronic 2 and EU CLP Chronic 2, whereas the 4th would classify as GHS Acute 3-Chronic 3 and EU CLP Chronic 3. In applying the critical surface area (CSA) approach to the Ni concentrates, acute and chronic hazard classification outcomes were the same as those derived from direct application of the T/D data to the GHS and EU schemes. Such agreement provided confidence that the CSA approach could yield scientifically defensible acute and chronic hazard classification outcomes. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:130–142. © 2014 SETAC

Key Points

Using T/D (Transformation/Dissolution) research, we have shown how an extrapolation-scaling approach can be used to derive chronic hazard classification outcomes under the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling (GHS) and the EU Classification, Packaging and Labelling Regulation (CLP) for a Ni matte and Ni concentrates. These outcomes are mandatory for producers users and importers of chemical substances to protect the environment and to secure and expand on their markets within the European Union and other jurisdictions. The approach was needed because of the requirement to estimate metal concentrations at T/D loadings of 0.1 and 0.01 mg/L, which are unattainable under normal laboratory conditions. Based on extrapolation-scaling, the Ni matte would classify as EU CLP Chronic 1, while the chronic classification outcomes for three of the Ni concentrates would be CLP chronic 2 and one would be Chronic 3. These classification outcomes inform producers and users of the measures they neeed to take to protect the environment.
Adipose‐derived stem cell adhesion on laminin‐coated microcarriers improves commitment toward the cardiomyogenic lineage
Authors: Karam Jean‐Pierre , Bonafè Francesca , Sindji Laurence , Muscari Claudio , Montero‐Menei Claudia N.
Published: August 2014

For tissue‐engineering studies of the infarcted heart it is essential to identify a source of cells that may provide cardiomyocyte progenitors, which is easy to amplify, accessible in adults, and allowing autologous grafts. Preclinical studies have shown that human adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) can differentiate into cardiomyocyte‐like cells and improve heart function in myocardial infarction. We have developed pharmacologically active microcarriers (PAMs) which are biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric microspheres conveying cells on their biomimetic surface, therefore providing an adequate three‐dimensional (3D) microenvironment. Moreover, they can release a growth factor in a prolonged manner. In order to implement ADSCs and PAMs for cardiac tissue engineering we first defined the biomimetic surface by studying the influence of matrix molecules laminin (LM) and fibronectin (FN), in combination with growth factors present in the cardiogenic niche, to further enhance the in vitro cardiac differentiation of ADSCs. We demonstrated that LM increased the expression of cardiac markers (Nkx2.5, GATA4, MEF2C) by ADSCs after 2 weeks in vitro. Interestingly, our results suggest that the 3D support provided by PAMs with a LM biomimetic surface (LM‐PAMs) further enhanced the expression of cardiac markers and induced the expression of a more mature contractile protein, cardiac troponin I, compared with the 2D differentiating conditions after only 1 week in culture. The enrichment of the growth‐factor cocktail with TGF‐β1 potentiated the cardiomyogenic differentiation. These results suggest that PAMs offering a LM biomimetic surface may be efficiently used for applications combining adult stem cells in tissue‐engineering strategies of the ischemic heart. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1828–1839, 2015.
Progeny From Irradiated Colorectal Cancer Cells Acquire an EMT‐Like Phenotype and Activate Wnt/β‐Catenin Pathway
Authors: Bastos Lilian Gonçalves dos Reis , de Marcondes Priscila Guimarães , de‐Freitas‐Junior Julio Cesar Madureira , Leve Fernanda , Mencalha André Luiz , de Souza Waldemir Fernandes , de Araujo Wallace Martins , Tanaka Marcelo Neves , Abdelhay Eliana Saul Furquim Werneck , Morgado‐Díaz José Andrés
Published: August 2014

Radiotherapy remains a major approach to adjuvant therapy for patients with advanced colorectal cancer, however, the fractionation schedules frequently allow for the repopulation of surviving tumors cells, neoplastic progression, and subsequent metastasis. The aim of the present study was to analyze the transgenerational effects induced by radiation and evaluate whether it could increase the malignant features on the progeny derived from irradiated parental colorectal cancer cells, Caco‐2, HT‐29, and HCT‐116. The progeny of these cells displayed a differential radioresistance as seen by clonogenic and caspase activation assay and had a direct correlation with survivin expression as observed by immunoblotting. Immunofluorescence showed that the most radioresistant progenies had an aberrant morphology, disturbance of the cell–cell adhesion contacts, disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, and vimentin filaments. Only the progeny derived from intermediary radioresistant cells, HT‐29, reduced the E‐cadherin expression and overexpressed β‐catenin and vimentin with increased cell migration, invasion, and metalloprotease activation as seen by immunoblotting, wound healing, invasion, and metalloprotease activity assay. We also observed that this most aggressive progeny increased the Wnt/β‐catenin‐dependent TCF/LEF activity and underwent an upregulation of mesenchymal markers and downregulation of E‐cadherin, as determined by qRT‐PCR. Our results showed that the intermediate radioresistant cells can generate more aggressive cellular progeny with the EMT‐like phenotype. The Wnt/β‐catenin pathway may constitute an important target for new adjuvant treatment schedules with radiotherapy, with the goal of reducing the migratory and invasive potential of the remaining cells after treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 2175–2187, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
VEGF Receptor 2 (VEGFR2) Activation Is Essential for Osteocyte Survival Induced by Mechanotransduction
Authors: de Castro Luis F. , Maycas Marta , Bravo Beatriz , Esbrit Pedro , Gortazar Arancha
Published: August 2014

Mechanical loading plays a key role in bone formation and maintenance. While unloading induces osteocyte apoptosis and bone loss in vivo, mechanical stimuli prevents osteocyte death through a mechanism involving β‐catenin accumulation and ERK nuclear translocation. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has a crucial role in bone formation, but its interaction with osteocytes is not completely understood. Of interest, VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) has recently been shown to mediate the mechanical response of endothelial cells. The present study aimed to evaluate the putative role of the VEGF system in osteocyte mechanosensing. We show that either short (10 min) mechanical stimulus by pulsatile fluid flow (FF) (10 dyn/cm2, 8 Hz) or exogenous VEGF165 (6 ng/ml) similarly stimulated cell viability, ERK phosphorylation, and β‐catenin membrane translocation. A VEGFR2 antagonist (SU5416) or transfection with specific VEGFR2 siRNAs (siVEGFR2) decreased these events. FF for 10 min increased VEGFR2 phosphorylation at both Tyr‐1059 and Tyr‐1175; an effect that was mimicked by VEGF165 but was unaffected by a VEGF neutralizing antibody. Subsequently (at 6 h), this mechanical stimulus induced VEGF gene overexpression, which was prevented by siVEGFR2 transfection. Depletion of the structural protein caveolin‐1 by using siRNA technology impaired FF‐induced VEGFR2 phosphorylation. In conclusion, these in vitro findings point to caveolin‐1‐dependent VEGFR2 activation as an important mechanism whereby mechanical stimuli promote osteocyte viability. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 278–285, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hybrid Class Phenylthiazole and 1,2,3,4‐Tetrahydronaphthalene Target Sertraline Transporter for Antidepressant Action Revealed by Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Uppal Archana , Kothiyal Preeti , Singh Anita
Published: August 2014

Phenylthiazolyl‐substituted 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydronaphthalene derivatives were synthesized, and their chemical structures were elucidated by Fourier transform infrared, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR spectral data and elemental analyses. Antidepressant‐like activities of these compounds were screened using both Porsolt's behavioural despair on albino mice and tail suspension tests. Open field test was also performed for the examination of probable neurological deficits, which may interfere with the test results. The test compounds exhibited different levels of antidepressant activities. Additionally, the key ligand was further substantiated by docking experiment to explore plausible mode of binding in molecular dynamics overflow. The studies elucidates role of a hydrophilic H‐bonding region and pi‐cation binding as a major driving force for biological activity.
Impact of a single nucleotide polymorphism upstream of the IL28B gene in patients positive for anti‐HCV antibody in an HCV hyperendemic area in Japan
Authors: Oda Kohei , Uto Hirofumi , Kumagai Kotaro , Ido Akio , Kusumoto Kazunori , Shimoda Kazuya , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Stuver Sherri O. , Tanaka Yasuhito , Nishida Nao , Tokunaga Katsushi , Tsubouchi Hirohito
Published: August 2014

The influence of genetic variation at the interleukin‐28B (IL28B) locus on the natural course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has not been fully investigated. The goal of this study was to examine whether an IL28B polymorphism (rs8099917) is associated with natural clearance of HCV and with disease parameters of HCV infection in an HCV hyperendemic area of Japan. The patients were 502 anti‐HCV antibody‐positive residents who participated in liver disease screening program from 2002 to 2004. Patients who underwent interferon‐based therapy or had hepatocellular carcinoma were excluded. Of these patients, 149 were negative for HCV RNA (prior infection) and 353 were positive for HCV RNA or HCV core antigen (HCV carriers). In multivariate analysis, the IL28B TT genotype was a predictor for prior HCV infection. In addition, nine of the patients with prior HCV infection were positive for anti‐HCV antibody with positive for HCV core antigen or HCV RNA before 2001, and these nine patients all had the IL28B TT genotype. Furthermore, the IL28B TT genotype was associated independently with higher HCV core antigen levels in HCV carriers. In contrast, the IL28B genotype did not affect the biochemical markers, such as alanine aminotransferase, hepatic fibrosis markers, and α‐fetoprotein, and the degree of hepatic fibrosis assessed by transient elastography in HCV carriers. We concluded that IL28B polymorphism (TT genotype) is associated with spontaneous clearance of HCV and conversely with high viral loads in HCV carriers. In contrast, the IL28B genotype does not affect disease progression such as hepatic fibrosis. J. Med. Virol. 86:1877–1885, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Improved quantitative myocardial T2 mapping: Impact of the fitting model
Authors: Akçakaya Mehmet , Basha Tamer A. , Weingärtner Sebastian , Roujol Sébastien , Berg Sophie , Nezafat Reza
Published: August 2014

Purpose

To develop an improved T2 prepared (T2prep) balanced steady‐state free‐precession (bSSFP) sequence and signal relaxation curve fitting method for myocardial T2 mapping.

Methods

Myocardial T2 mapping is commonly performed by acquisition of multiple T2prep bSSFP images and estimating the voxel‐wise T2 values using a two‐parameter fit for relaxation. However, a two‐parameter fit model does not take into account the effect of imaging pulses in a bSSFP sequence or other imperfections in T2prep RF pulses, which may decrease the robustness of T2 mapping. Therefore, we propose a novel T2 mapping sequence that incorporates an additional image acquired with saturation preparation, simulating a very long T2prep echo time. This enables the robust estimation of T2 maps using a 3‐parameter fit model, which captures the effect of imaging pulses and other imperfections. Phantom imaging is performed to compare the T2 maps generated using the proposed 3‐parameter model with the conventional two‐parameter model, as well as a spin echo reference. In vivo imaging is performed on eight healthy subjects to compare the different fitting models.

Results

Phantom and in vivo data show that the T2 values generated by the proposed 3‐parameter model fitting do not change with different choices of the T2prep echo times, and are not statistically different than the reference values for the phantom (P = 0.10 with three T2prep echoes). The two‐parameter model exhibits dependence on the choice of T2prep echo times and are significantly different than the reference values (P = 0.01 with three T2prep echoes).

Conclusion

The proposed imaging sequence in combination with a three‐parameter model allows accurate measurement of myocardial T2 values, which is independent of number and duration of T2prep echo times. Magn Reson Med 74:93–105, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiparametric MRI assessment of human articular cartilage degeneration: Correlation with quantitative histology and mechanical properties
Authors: Rautiainen Jari , Nissi Mikko J. , Salo Elli‐Noora , Tiitu Virpi , Finnilä Mikko A.J. , Aho Olli‐Matti , Saarakkala Simo , Lehenkari Petri , Ellermann Jutta , Nieminen Miika T.
Published: August 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the sensitivity of quantitative MRI techniques (T1, T1,Gd, T2, continous wave (CW) T1ρ dispersion, adiabatic T1ρ, adiabatic T2ρ, RAFF and inversion‐prepared magnetization transfer (MT)) for assessment of human articular cartilage with varying degrees of natural degeneration.

Methods

Osteochondral samples (n = 14) were obtained from the tibial plateaus of patients undergoing total knee replacement. MRI of the specimens was performed at 9.4T and the relaxation time maps were evaluated in the cartilage zones. For reference, quantitative histology, OARSI grading and biomechanical measurements were performed and correlated with MRI findings.

Results

All MRI parameters, except T1,Gd, showed statistically significant differences in tangential and full‐thickness regions of interest (ROIs) between early and advanced osteoarthritis (OA) groups, as classified by OARSI grading. CW‐T1ρ showed significant dispersion in all ROIs and featured classical laminar structure of cartilage with spin‐lock powers below 1000 Hz. Adiabatic T1ρ, T2ρ, CW‐T1ρ, MT, and RAFF correlated strongly with OARSI grade and biomechanical parameters.

Conclusion

MRI parameters were able to differentiate between early and advanced OA. Furthermore, rotating frame methods, namely adiabatic T1ρ, adiabatic T2ρ, CW‐T1ρ, and RAFF, as well as MT experiment correlated strongly with biomechanical parameters and OARSI grade, suggesting high sensitivity of the parameters for cartilage degeneration. Magn Reson Med 74:249–259, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Response of Fish Communities to Hydrological and Morphological Alterations in Hydropeaking Rivers of Austria
Authors: Schmutz S. , Bakken T. H. , Friedrich T. , Greimel F. , Harby A. , Jungwirth M. , Melcher A. , Unfer G. , Zeiringer B.
Published: August 2014

Climate change asks for the reduction in the consumption of fossil‐based fuels and an increased share of non‐regulated renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. In order to back up a larger share of these intermittent sources, ‘battery services’ are needed, currently provided only in large scale by hydropower, leading to more rapid and frequent changes in flows (hydropeaking) in the downstream rivers. Increased knowledge about the ecosystem response to such operations and design of cost‐effective measures is needed.

We analysed the response of fish communities to hydropeaking (frequency, magnitude, ramping rate and timing) and the interaction with the habitat conditions in Austrian rivers. An index of biotic integrity (Fish Index Austria) was used to compare river sections with varying degrees of flow fluctuations under near‐natural and channelized habitat conditions. The results showed that habitat conditions, peak frequency (number of peaks per year), ramping rate (water level variation) and interaction between habitat and ramping rate explained most of the variation of the Fish Index Austria. In addition, peaking during the night seems to harm fish more than peaking during the day. Fish communities in hyporhithral and epipotamal types of rivers are more affected by hydropeaking than those in metarhithral type of rivers. The results support the findings of other studies that fish stranding caused by ramping rates >15 cm h−1 are likely to be the main cause of fish community degradation when occurring more often than 20 times a year. While the ecological status degrades with increasing ramping rate in nature‐like rivers, fish communities are heavily degraded in channelized rivers regardless of the ramping rate. The mitigation of hydropeaking, therefore, requires an integrative approach considering the combined effects of hydrological and morphological alterations on fish. © 2014 The Authors. River Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Google Earth, A Virtual‐Globe Imaging Platform, for Ecosystem Services‐Based River Assessment
Authors: Large A. R. G. , Gilvear D. J.
Published: August 2014

A methodology for reach‐based river ecosystem service assessment of eight ecosystem functions using remote sensing via Google Earth is presented. The number of publications addressing Google Earth and ecosystem services has grown significantly since 2005, yet this powerful remote sensing platform remains under‐used in river science. Theoretical linkages between 18 riverscape fluvial features, attributes and land cover types, observable and measurable on Google Earth, and resultant river ecosystem service delivery are central to the methodology. Using this framework, we build on earlier ecosystem service conceptual models to develop a rules‐based scoring approach and apply it to three rivers of differing size and character from source to mouth. The aim was to devise a robust ecosystem service assessment tool applicable to any ecoregion and to rivers of any size, degree of human modification and character. Reach or sector scales are river length dependent. The minimum reach scale recommended is 500 m, and a 10 km sector length was used on the longest of our three rivers. Two key metrics, the individual ecosystem service score and the total ecosystems service score, are derived at the river reach scale from source to mouth. Scoring is on a 0–3 scale with 0 representing an absent or virtually no ecosystem service value and 3 an optimal or maximum value. Output is best expressed in score per kilometre of river length. The exercise showed the tool to be applicable across two ecoregions and to rivers of varying size, level of human modification and character. While requiring further refinement, the approach shows that ecosystem service assessments based on virtual globes can be universally applied providing valuable information on riverscape ecosystem service delivery. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interface characterization of nitrogen plasma‐treated gate oxide film formed by RTP technology
Authors: Choi Jae‐Sung , Park Jae‐Gun
Published: August 2014

We described thin nitrogen plasma‐treated gate oxide film formed by rapid thermal process technology. This thin nitrogen plasma‐treated gate oxide film has been formed using remote plasma nitridation process onto in situ steam generated oxide layer. We investigated the nitrogen profile within the gate dielectric film formed by this technique using SIMS analysis. The result shows that nitrogen concentration profile is composed of high at top surface and low at SiO2/Si interface. The peak concentration of nitrogen is placed at near top place and goes rapidly down to SiO2/Si interface. This nitrogen profile results in excellent boron diffusion barrier characteristics and superior interface properties for p+PMOSFET. We also performed the electrical analysis such as capacitance–voltage (C–V), gate leakage current, dielectric breakdown voltage and time‐to‐breakdown (TBD) measurement. It has been found that this thin nitrogen plasma‐treated gate oxide film results in superior electrical reliability having significant lower leakage current, superior dielectric strength and outstanding TBD. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature dependent relocation of the cesium primary ion beam during SIMS analysis
Authors: Giordani Andrew , Tuggle Jay , Winkler Christopher , Hunter Jerry
Published: August 2014

The ability to control and accurately measure the cesium concentration, [Cs], is a critical step toward understanding the role of Cs in the SIMS MCs+ technique. We have developed a method to alter the instantaneous [Cs] by using electron gun heating (in situ) during Cs bombardment and found that heating (ex situ) during the X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis provides a qualitative depth distribution of the implanted Cs. The effectiveness of in situ and ex situ heating is explored on (100) silicon and (100) indium arsenide. Cs build‐up curves are studied to determine if in situ heating produces secondary ion yields that are favorable for the MCs+ technique. In addition to XPS, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and scanning transmission electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (STEM/EDS) are utilized to measure [Cs]. The goal of this work is to improve the quantification of the MCs+ technique used in SIMS by understanding the material dependent behavior (incorporation and retention) of Cs and how it affects the MCs+ analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Maintain Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity by Inhibiting Aquaporin-4 Upregulation After Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Tang Guanghui , Liu Yanqun , Zhang Zhijun , Lu Yifan , Wang Yang , Huang Jun , Li Yaning , Chen Xiaoyan , Gu Xiang , Wang Yongting , Yang Guo-Yuan
Published: August 2014

Rationale: Cerebral ischemia upregulates aquaporin-4 expression, increases blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and induces brain edema. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can repress inflammatory cytokines and show great potential for ischemic stroke therapy. However, the effect of MSCs regarding the protection of ischemia-induced BBB break down is unknown. Objective: We test whether MSCs therapy protects BBB integrity and explore the molecular mechanisms of aquaporin-4 on BBB integrity. Methods and Results: Two hundred and twenty-eight adult CD1 male mice underwent 90 minutes transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and received 2 × 105 MSCs intracranial transplantation. The neurological severity score was improved and both ischemia-induced brain edema and BBB leakage were reduced in MSC-treated mice. MSCs therapy reduced astrocyte apoptosis and inhibited ischemia-induced aquaporin-4 upregulation. In addition, small-interfering RNA knockdown of aquaporin-4 after cerebral ischemia effectively reduced aquaporin-4 expression, brain edema, BBB leakage, and astrocyte apoptosis. Conditional medium from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated microglia enhanced aquaporin-4 expression, p38 and JNK phosphorylation, and apoptosis of cultured astrocytes. MSC treatment reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines in LPS-activated microglia, and subsequently reduced aquaporin-4 expression and apoptosis of astrocytes. Knockdown of aquaporin-4 in cultured astrocytes also reduced apoptosis. Treatment with p38 and JNK inhibitors showed that p38, but not the JNK signaling pathway, was responsible for the aquaporin-4 upregulation. Conclusion: MSCs protected BBB integrity by reducing the apoptosis of astrocytes after ischemic attack, which was due to the attenuation of inflammatory response and downregulation of aquaporin-4 expression via p38 signaling pathway. Stem Cells  2014;32:3150–3162
The birth of an infant decreases group spacing in a zoo‐housed lowland gorilla group (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)
Authors: Kurtycz Laura M. , Shender Marisa A. , Ross Stephen R.
Published: August 2014

Changes in group composition can alter the behavior of social animals such as gorillas. Although gorilla births are presumed to affect group spacing patterns, there is relatively little data about how these events affect gorilla group cohesion. We investigated how members of a western lowland gorilla group (n = 6) at Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago, IL, USA) spaced themselves prior to and after the birth of an infant, to investigate changes in group cohesion. Gorillas were housed in an indoor‐outdoor enclosure in which access to the outdoors was permitted when temperatures exceeded 5°C. We recorded spatial locations of each group member using 30‐min group scans on tablet computers with an electronic map interface, as well as noting their access to outdoor areas. Data from the 4 months following the birth was compared to a control period corresponding to early pregnancy. We measured distances between all possible group dyads for each scan and subsequently calculated a mean distance between all group members. An ANOVA revealed that access to the outdoors had no effect on group spacing (F(1,56) = 0.066, P = 0.799). However, the presence of an infant resulted in a significant reduction in inter‐individual distance (F(1,56) = 23.988, P = 0.000), decreasing inter‐individual spacing by 12.5%. This information helps characterize the behavioral impact of a new birth on captive gorilla social structure and could potentially inform future management of breeding gorilla groups. Zoo Biol. 33:471–474, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Standard as Interface
Authors: Suematsu Chihiro
Published: August 2014

The concept of fixing interfaces strongly relates to the one of a standard. In order to gain higher ROI of an interface, fixing alone is not sufficient enough. The recognition and full use by every related person (effectively the standardization) is indispensable. If the number of users is small, the ROI decreases, which prevents compensating the cost for fixing the interface. Such valueless developments frequently occur in companies, amounting to huge losses.
Cloud Point‐Dispersive Liquid‐Liquid Microextraction for Extraction of Organic Acids from Biological Samples
Authors: Daneshfar Ali , Khezeli Tahere
Published: August 2014

A new method combining cloud point extraction (CPE) with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) named “cloud point‐dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (CP‐DLLME)” was presented in this work for the first time for the determination of organic acids as model compounds in biological samples using high performance liquid chromatography and UV detection (HPLC–UV). Water (disperser solvent) containing tert‐octylphenol ethoxylate (7.5EO) as extraction solvent, was rapidly injected into a warmed sample solution and cloudy state formed immediately. After that, phase separation was performed by centrifugation. The surfactant‐rich phase was diluted with acetonitrile and injected into a HPLC–UV apparatus. The influence of several important parameters on the extraction efficiencies was evaluated. Under optimized experimental conditions, the calibration graphs were linear in the range of 0.06–1,500 µg L−1 for target analytes. Coefficient of determination (r2) ranged from 0.9985 to 0.9994. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.05–17.1 µg L−1. The new method was successfully applied with satisfactory results for analysis of target analytes in spiked samples. The relative mean recoveries of the spiked samples ranged from 91.8 to 107.1 % with relative standard deviations in the range of 2.1 to 4.3 %.
Ultrahigh-resolution Cerenkov-light imaging system for positron radionuclides: potential applications and limitations
Authors: Yamamoto Seiichi , Watabe Tadashi , Ikeda Hayato , Kanai Yasukazu , Watabe Hiroshi , Ogata Yoshimune , Kato Katsuhiko , Hatazawa Jun
Published: August 2014

Objective

Cerenkov-light imaging provides inherently high resolution because the light is emitted near the positron radionuclide. However, the magnitude for the high spatial resolution of Cerenkov-light imaging is unclear. Its potential molecular imaging applications also remain unclear. We developed an ultrahigh-resolution Cerenkov-light imaging system, measured its spatial resolution, and explored its applications to molecular imaging research.

Methods

Our Cerenkov-light imaging system consists of a high-sensitivity charged-coupled device camera (Hamamatsu Photonics ORCA2-ER) and a bright lens (Xenon 0.95/25). An extension ring was inserted between them to magnify the subject. A ~100-μm-diameter 22Na point source was made and imaged by the system. For applications of Cerenkov-light imaging, we conducted 18F-FDG administered in vivo, ex vivo whole brain, and sliced brain imaging of rats.

Results

We obtained spatial resolution of ~220 μm for a 22Na point source with our developed imaging system. The 18F-FDG rat head images showed high light intensity in the eyes for the Cerenkov-light images, although there was no accumulation in these parts in the PET images. The sliced rat brain showed much higher spatial resolution for the Cerenkov-light images compared with CdWO4 scintillator-based autoradiography, although some contrast decrease was observed for them.

Conclusion

Even though the Cerenkov-light images showed ultrahigh resolution of ~220 μm, their distribution and contrast were sometimes different from the actual positron accumulation in the subjects. Care must be taken when evaluating positron distribution from Cerenkov-light images. However, the ultrahigh resolution of Cerenkov-light imaging will be useful for transparent subjects including phantom studies.
MicroRNA‐302a inhibits adipogenesis by suppressing peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ expression
Authors: Jeong Byung-Chul , Kang In-Hong , Koh Jeong-Tae
Published: August 2014

The present study explored the involvement of miR‐302a in adipocyte differentiation via interaction with 3′‐untranslated region of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) mRNA. In differentiating 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, expression of miR‐302a was negatively correlated with that of the adipogenic gene aP2 and PPARγ. Overexpression of miR‐302a inhibited adipogenic differentiation with lipid accumulation, and inversely anti‐miR‐302a increased the differentiation. In silico analysis revealed a complementary region of miR‐302a seed sequence in 3′‐UTR of PPARγ mRNA. Luciferase assay showed the direct interaction of miR‐302a with PPARγ at the cellular level. The miR‐302a inhibition of adipocyte differentiation was reversed by PPARγ overexpression. These findings suggest that miR‐302a might be a negative regulator of adipocyte differentiation and that the dysregulation of miR‐302a should lead to metabolic disorders.
Visualizing radiofrequency lesions using delayed‐enhancement magnetic resonance imaging in patients with atrial fibrillation: A modification of the method used by the University of Utah group
Authors: Kiuchi Kunihiko , Okajima Katsunori , Shimane Akira , Yokoi Kiminobu , Teranishi Jin , Aoki Kousuke , Chimura Misato , Tsubata Hideo , Miyata Taishi , Matsuoka Yuuki , Toba Takayoshi , Ohishi Shogo , Sawada Takahiro , Tsukishiro Yasue , Onishi Tetsuari , Kobayashi Seiichi , Yamada Shinichiro , Taniguchi Yasuyo , Yasaka Yoshinori , Kawai Hiroya , Ikeuchi Kazushi , Shigenaga Yutaka , Ikeda Takayuki
Published: August 2014

Background

Atrial tissue fibrosis has previously been identified using delayed‐enhancement MRI (DE‐MRI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Although the clinical importance of DE‐MRI is well recognized, the visualization of atrial fibrosis and radiofrequency (RF) lesions has still not been achieved in Japan, primarily because of the differences in contrast agents, volume‐rendering tools, and technical experience. The objective of this study was to visualize RF lesions by using commercially available tools.

Methods

DE‐MRI was performed in 15 patients who had undergone AF ablation (age, 59±4 years, left atrium diameter, 40±2 mm). Specific parameters for MR scanning obtained from previous reports were modified.

Results

Of the 15 images, the images of three patients were uninterpretable owing to low image quality. RF lesions could be visualized in 8 (67%) of the 12 patients.

Conclusions

In the current study, we successfully demonstrated that RF lesions could be visualized in Japanese patients using DE‐MRI, although only commercially available tools were used.
Dying tumor cells stimulate proliferation of living tumor cells via caspase‐dependent protein kinase Cδ activation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cheng Jin , Tian Ling , Ma Jingjing , Gong Yanping , Zhang Zhengxiang , Chen Zhiwei , Xu Bing , Xiong Hui , Li Chuanyuan , Huang Qian
Published: August 2014

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal human cancers, and radiotherapy is often implemented for locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Tumor cell repopulation is a major challenge in treating cancers after radiotherapy. In order to address the problem of tumor repopulation, our previous studies have demonstrated that dying cells stimulate the proliferation of living tumor cells after radiotherapy. In particular, dying cells undergoing apoptosis also activate survival or proliferation signals and release growth factors to surrounding living cells. In the present study, we used an in vitro model to examine the possible mechanisms for dying cell stimulated tumor repopulation in pancreatic cancer. In this model, a small number of living, luciferase‐labeled pancreatic cancer cells (reporter) were seeded onto a layer of a much larger number of irradiated, unlabeled pancreatic cancer cells and the growth of the living cells was measured over time as a gage of tumor repopulation. Our results indicate that irradiated, dying Panc1 feeder cells significantly stimulated the proliferation of living Panc1 reporter cells. Importantly, we identified that the percentage of apoptotic cells and the cleavage of caspases 3 and 7 and protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) were increased in irradiated Panc1 cells. We presumed that caspases 3 and 7 and PKCδ as integral mediators in the process of dying pancreatic cancer cell stimulation of living tumor cell growth. In order to demonstrate the importance of caspases 3, 7 and PKCδ, we introduced dominant‐negative mutants of caspase 3 (DN_C3), caspase 7 (DN_C7), or PKCδ (DN_PKCδ) into Panc1 cells using lentiviral vectors. The stably transduced Panc1 cells were irradiated and used as feeders and we found a significant decrease in the growth of living Panc1 reporter cells when compared with irradiated wild‐type Panc1 cells as feeders. Moreover, the role of PKCδ in the growth stimulation of living tumor cells was further confirmed using a pan PKC inhibitor GF109203x and a specific PKCδ inhibitor, rottlerin. Additionally, we found significantly increased phosphorylation of Akt, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase/stress‐activated protein kinase (JNK1/2) in the irradiated Panc1 cells. Mechanistically, PKCδ cleavage was attenuated in both DN_C3 and DN_C7 transduced Panc1 cells, and both Akt and p38 MAPK phosphorylation were attenuated in DN_PKCδ transduced Panc1 cells following radiation. Thus, this report suggests a novel finding that cellular signaling caspase 3/7‐PKCδ‐Akt/p38 MAPK is crucial to the repopulation in Panc1 cells after radiotherapy.
Participation in Written Government Consultations in Denmark and the UK: System and Actor-level Effects
Authors: Rasmussen Anne
Published: August 2014

Despite the proliferation of instruments of public consultation in liberal democracies, little is known of how the design and use of these instruments affect stakeholder participation in practice. The article examines participation in written government consultations in an analysis of approximately 5,000 responses to consultations in Denmark and the UK in the first half of 2008. It shows that participation is highly conditional upon system- and actor-level characteristics in practice. Our findings indicate that, even if liberal democracies have adopted similar procedures for actor consultation in the last decades, the design and application of crucial rules vary considerably between systems. They emphasize how the conduct of consultation is heavily conditioned by the design of these processes, which is in turn constrained by the historical legacy of state–society structures of the system in question.