bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐Wide Fitness and Genetic Interactions Determined by Tn‐seq, a High‐Throughput Massively Parallel Sequencing Method for Microorganisms
Authors: van Opijnen Tim , Lazinski David W. , Camilli Andrew
Published: April 2014

The lagging annotation of bacterial genomes and the inherent genetic complexity of many phenotypes is hindering the discovery of new drug targets and the development of new antimicrobial agents and vaccines. This unit presents Tn‐seq, a method that has made it possible to quantitatively determine fitness for most genes in a microorganism and to screen for quantitative genetic interactions on a genome‐wide scale and in a high‐throughput fashion. Tn‐seq can thus direct studies on the annotation of genes and untangle complex phenotypes. The method is based on the construction of a saturated transposon insertion library. After library selection, changes in the frequency of each insertion mutant are determined by sequencing flanking regions en masse. These changes are used to calculate each mutant's fitness. The method was originally developed for the Gram‐positive bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, a causative agent of pneumonia and meningitis, but has now been applied to several different microbial species. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 106:7.16.1‐7.16.24 . © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Detection of Mycoplasma Contamination in Cell Cultures
Authors: Uphoff Cord C. , Drexler Hans G.
Published: April 2014

Mycoplasma contamination of cell lines is a major problem in cell culture technology. This unit presents protocols involving either the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to provide independent, fast, and sensitive techniques to monitor mycoplasma contamination in laboratory cultures. Special emphasis is placed on the integration of control reactions to prevent false‐negative as well as false‐positive results due to reaction inhibition or contamination and background staining, respectively. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 106:28.4.1‐28.4.14. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Thermospheric dissipation of upward propagating gravity wave packets
Authors: Heale C. J. , Snively J. B. , Hickey M. P. , Ali C. J.
Published: April 2014

We use a nonlinear, fully compressible, two‐dimensional numerical model to study the effects of dissipation on gravity wave packet spectra in the thermosphere. Numerical simulations are performed to excite gravity wave packets using either a time‐dependent vertical body forcing at the bottom boundary or a specified initial wave perturbation. Three simulation case studies are performed to excite (1) a steady state monochromatic wave, (2) a spectrally broad wave packet, and (3) a quasi‐monochromatic wave packet. In addition, we analyze (4) an initial condition simulation with an isothermal background. We find that, in cases where the wave is not continually forced, the dominant vertical wavelength decreases in time, predominantly due to a combination of refraction from the thermosphere and dissipation of the packets' high frequency components as they quickly reach high altitude. In the continually forced steady state case, the dominant vertical wavelength remains constant once initial transients have passed. The vertical wavelength in all simulations increases with altitude above the dissipation altitude (the point at which dissipation effects are greater than the wave amplitude growth caused by decreasing background density) at any fixed time. However, a shift to smaller vertical wavelength values in time is clearly exhibited as high‐frequency, long vertical wavelength components reach high altitudes and dissipate first, to be replaced by slower waves of shorter vertical wavelength. Results suggest that the dispersion of a packet significantly determines its spectral evolution in the dissipative thermosphere.
Spectrum characteristics of electromagnetic ion cyclotron triggered emissions and associated energetic proton dynamics
Authors: Shoji Masafumi , Omura Yoshiharu
Published: April 2014

We perform parametric analyses of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) triggered emissions with a gradient of the nonuniform ambient magnetic field using a hybrid simulation. According to nonlinear wave growth theory, as the gradient of the ambient magnetic field becomes larger, the theoretical threshold of the wave amplitude becomes larger, although the optimum wave amplitude for nonlinear wave growth does not change. With a larger magnetic field gradient, we obtain coherent rising‐tone spectra because the triggering process of the EMIC triggered emission takes place only under a limited condition on the wave amplitude. On the other hand, with a smaller magnetic field gradient, triggering of the emissions can be caused with various wave amplitudes, and then the subpackets are generated at various locations at the same time. The concurrent triggering of emissions results in incoherent waves, observed as “broadband” EMIC bursts. Broadband emissions induce rapid precipitation of energetic protons into the loss cone since the scattering by the concurrent triggering takes place faster than that of the coherent emissions. The coherent triggered emission causes efficient proton acceleration around the equator because of the stable particle trapping by the coherent rising‐tone emission.
Vertical ExB drifts from radar and C/NOFS observations in the Indian and Indonesian sectors: Consistency of observations and model
Authors: Patra A. K. , Chaitanya P. Pavan , Otsuka Y. , Yokoyama T. , Yamamoto M. , Stoneback R. A. , Heelis R. A.
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we analyze vertical ExB drifts obtained from the Doppler shifts of the daytime 150 km radar echoes from two radar stations located off the magnetic equator, namely, Gadanki in India and Kototabang in Indonesia, and compare those with corresponding Coupled Ion Neutral Dynamics Investigation (CINDI) observations onboard the C/NOFS satellite and the Scherliess‐Fejer model in an effort to understand to what extent the low‐latitude vertical ExB drifts of the 150 km region represent the F region vertical ExB drifts. The radar observations were made during 9–16 LT in January, June, July, and December 2009. A detailed comparison reveals that vertical ExB drifts observed by the radars at both locations agree well with those of CINDI and differ remarkably from those of the model. Importantly, the model and observed drifts show large disagreement when the observed drifts are either large or downward. Further, while the CINDI as well as the radar observations from the two longitudes are found to agree with each other on the average, they differ remarkably on several occasions when compared on a one‐to‐one basis. The observed difference in detail is due to measurements made in different volumes linked with latitudinal and/or longitudinal differences and underlines the role of neutral dynamics linked with tides and gravity waves in the two longitude sectors on the respective vertical ExB drifts. The results presented here are the first of their kind and are expected to have wider applications in furthering our understanding on fine‐scale longitudinal variabilities in the ionosphere in general and ionospheric electrodynamics in the Indian and Indonesian sectors in particular.
Three‐dimensional compressional wave attenuation tomography for the crust and uppermost mantle of Northern and central California
Authors: Lin Guoqing
Published: April 2014

I present a frequency‐independent three‐dimensional (3‐D) compressional wave attenuation model (indicated by quality factor Qp) for the crust and uppermost mantle of Northern and central California. The tomographic inversion used t∗ values measured from amplitude spectra of 80,988 P wave arrivals of 3247 events recorded by 463 network stations through a 3‐D seismic velocity model. The model has a uniform horizontal grid spacing of 15 km, and the vertical node intervals range between 2 and 10 km down to 45 km depth. In general, the resulting Qp values increase with depth and agree with the surface geology at shallow depth layers. The most significant features observed in the Qp model are the high Qp values in the Sierra Nevada mountains and low Qp anomalies in the western fault zones. Low Qp values are also imaged in Owens Valley and Long Valley at shallow depths and the Cape Mendocino region in the lower crust (∼25 km depth). An overall contrast of Qp values across the fault is observed in the creeping, Parkfield and Cholame‐Carrizo sections of the San Andreas Fault. The new 3‐D Qp model provides an important complement to the existing regional‐scale velocity models for interpreting structural heterogeneity and fluid saturation of rocks in the study area.
Preventable infections in children with leukodystrophy
Authors: Anderson Holly M. , Wilkes Jacob , Korgenski Ernest Kent , Pulsipher Michael A. , Blaschke Anne J. , Hersh Adam L. , Srivastava Rajendu , Bonkowsky Joshua L.
Published: April 2014

Children with inherited leukodystrophies have high hospitalization rates, often associated with infection. We studied whether potentially modifiable risk factors (preexisting indwelling central intravenous access, urinary catheter, hardware, or mechanical ventilation; and influenza vaccine) were associated with infection‐related hospitalization in children with leukodystrophy. Central intravenous access was associated with sepsis (odds ratio [OR] 9.8); urinary catheter was associated with urinary tract infections (OR 9.0); lack of seasonal vaccination was associated with influenza (OR 6.4); and mechanical ventilation was associated with pneumonia (OR 2.7). We conclude that potentially modifiable risk factors are significantly associated with infection and hospitalization in children with leukodystrophies.
Hybrid Monoliths for Magnetically‐Driven Protein Separations
Authors: Barroso Telma , Casimiro Teresa , Ferraria Ana M. , Mattioli Fábio , Aguiar‐Ricardo Ana , Roque Ana C. A.
Published: April 2014

Monoliths represent powerful platforms for isolation of large molecules with high added value. This work presents a hybrid approach for antibody (Ab) capture and release. Using mostly natural polymers and clean processes, it is possible to create macroporous monoliths with well‐defined porous networks, tuneable mechanical properties, and easy functionalization with a biomimetic ligand specific for Ab. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are embedded on the monolith network to confer a controlled magnetic response that facilitates and accelerates Ab recovery in the elution step. The hybrid monolithic systems prepared with agarose or chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blends exhibit promising binding capacities of Abs directly from cell‐culture extracts (120 ± 10 mg Ab g−1 support) and controlled Ab magnetically‐assisted elution yielding 95 ± 2% recovery. Moreover, a selective capture of mAbs directly from cell culture extracts is achieved yielding a final mAb preparation with 96% of purity.
Fabrication of Polyurethane‐Based Composites Used in Water‐Lubricated Bearings
Authors: Wang Shiwei , Yang Xiaoniu , Su Wanli , Li Yunhui
Published: April 2014

The preparation of a new antiwear composites based on polyurethane (PU) elastomer blended and modified with ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been described. The performance of PU‐based composites (PUC) with different proportions of UHMWPE micropowder was demonstrated with mechanical testing, thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and friction and wear testing. Compared with the single PU elastomeric material, the composites showed excellent mechanical properties (including tensile strength, break elongation, and flexible modulus), thermal stability, extremely good wear resistance, and low coefficient of friction, especially in water. PUC fabricated in this study is a kind of typical wear‐resistant material, which is especially suitable for water‐lubricated bearings widely used in metallurgy, mining, hydraulic engineering, and other harsh working conditions.
Comparison of Reinforcing Efficiency of Carbon Black, Conductive Carbon Black, and Carbon Nanotube in Natural Rubber
Authors: Sae‐Oui Pongdhorn , Thepsuwan Uthai , Thaptong Puchong , Sirisinha Chakrit
Published: April 2014

Properties of natural rubber (NR) filled with various fillers, i.e., furnace black (N330), conductive carbon black (XE2‐B), and carbon nanotube (CNT) were investigated. Both untreated and sonicated carbon nanotubes were used and designated as U‐CNT and S‐CNT, respectively. The filler content was varied from 0 to 8 phr. Regardless of the filler type, the increase in the filler content not only results in increased compound viscosity, reduced cure time, and enhanced cross‐link density but also leads to the increase in the modulus and hardness of the vulcanizates. For N330 and XE2‐B, the tensile strength increases continuously with increasing filler content. However, for both U‐CNT and S‐CNT, the tensile strength tends to increase with increasing filler content up to 2 phr and decreases noticeably afterward. At any given filler content, the CNTs give the vulcanizates with the highest values of electrical and thermal conductivities, storage modulus, and tan δ, followed by XE2‐B and N330, respectively. Results also elucidate that the sonication of CNT without the presence of surfactant prior to mixing could not improve the degree of CNT dispersion, leading to insignificant difference in properties of the U‐CNT‐filled and S‐CNT‐filled vulcanizates.
Manufacturing of PAN or PU Nanofiber Layers/PET Nonwoven Composite as Highly Effective Sound Absorbers
Authors: Rabbi Amir , Bahrambeygi Hossein , Nasouri Komeil , Shoushtari Ahmad Mousavi , Babaei Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2014

The main aim of this study was to investigate the usability of polyurethane (PU) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers for improving the sound absorption of conventional polyester nonwovens in wide band of frequencies along with weight and thickness reduction. The effect of nanofiber and nonwoven layers number, nanofiber layers surface density, and the type of nanofiber polymer on the sound absorption was studied. To find the optimum conditions for achieving high sound absorption, response surface methodology was used. The results showed that the sound absorption of composite samples is improved when the nanofiber layer number or its surface density increased. The results also showed that the sound absorption of composites is enhanced by using PAN instead of PU. At a constant surface density, the higher resonant peak, without shifting, was achieved with increasing the nanofiber layers number. Optimization process showed that samples containing PAN nanofiber layers with surface density of 4.72 g/m2 and six nonwoven layers have highest average sound absorption coefficient.
On the Thermodynamics, the Role of the Carbon Cathode, and the Cycle Life of the Sodium Superoxide (NaO2) Battery
Authors: Bender Conrad L. , Hartmann Pascal , Vračar Miloš , Adelhelm Philipp , Janek Jürgen
Published: April 2014

Batteries based on the cell reaction between alkali metals and oxygen are highly attractive for energy storage due to their superior theoretical energy density. However, despite continuous progress, fundamental challenges in the further development of these cell systems remain. Understanding the oxygen electrode reaction and improving cycle life, while at the same time maximizing the practical energy density, are some of the most important issues that need to be addressed. Here, the product formation in aprotic sodium‐oxygen cells is studied and it is shown how cycle life and practical capacities can be improved. Different cell reactions (leading to either NaO2 or Na2O2 as discharge products) have recently been reported. To understand whether the carbon structure or the local current density has any influence on the product stoichiometry or the cell performance, several carbon materials with a broad range in properties are tested. Phase‐pure NaO2 is always found as a discharge product, but capacities range from 300 to values as high as 4000 mAh g(C)−1 depending on the type of carbon. More importantly, the cycle life of Na/O2 cells can be largely improved by shallow cycling, steadily yielding capacities of 1666 mAh g(C)−1 for at least 60 cycles using a Ketjen black carbon electrode.
Definition of minimal duplicated region encompassing the XIAP and STAG2 genes in the Xq25 microduplication syndrome
Authors: Di Benedetto Daniela , Musumeci Sebastiano Antonino , Avola Emanuela , Alberti Antonino , Buono Serafino , Scuderi Carmela , Grillo Lucia , Galesi Ornella , Spalletta Angela , Giudice Mariangela Lo , Luciano Daniela , Vinci Mirella , Bianca Sebastiano , Romano Corrado , Fichera Marco
Published: April 2014

Typical Xq25 duplications are large and associated with heterogeneous phenotypes. Recently, small duplications involving this genomic region and encompassing the GRIA3 and STAG2 genes have been reported. These Xq25 microduplications are associated with a recognizable syndrome including intellectual disability and distinctive facial appearance. We report on Xq25 microduplications in two unrelated families identified by array comparative genomic hybridization. In both families, the genomic imbalances segregated with the disease in male individuals, while the phenotypes of the heterozygous females appeared to be modulated by their X‐inactivation pattern. These rearrangements of about 600 kb involved only three genes: THOC2, XIAP, and STAG2. Further characterization by FISH analyses showed tandem duplication in the Xq25 locus of these genes. These data refine the Xq25 candidate region, identifying a minimal duplicated region of about 270 kb encompassing the XIAP and STAG2 genes. We discuss the function of the genes in the rearrangements and their involvement in the pathogenesis of this disorder. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Porcine nasal epithelial cultures for studies of cystic fibrosis sinusitis
Authors: Dean Nichole , Ranganath Neel K. , Jones Brandon , Zhang Shaoyan , Skinner Daniel , Rowe Steven M. , Sorscher Eric J. , Woodworth Bradford A.
Published: April 2014

Background

Transgenic cystic fibrosis (CF) murine models do not develop spontaneous lung or sinus disease, 2 major causes of morbidity in human CF patients. Because of these limitations, transgenic cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)−/− pigs have been developed and are currently being characterized. These CF animal models have phenotypes closely resembling that of human CF subjects. The objectives of the current study were to develop primary porcine nasal epithelial (PNE) cultures and evaluate their usefulness as a means to investigate sinonasal transepithelial transport and CFTR function.

Methods

PNE derived from the septum or turbinates of CFTR+/+ and CFTR−/− pigs were cultured at an air‐liquid interface to confluence and full differentiation. Epithelial monolayers were mounted in Ussing chambers to investigate pharmacologic manipulation of ion transport. Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and scanning electron microscopy of monolayers were used to indicate degree of ciliation and cell differentiation.

Results

Stimulation of CFTR‐mediated anion transport (ΔIsc in μA/cm2) was significantly greater in epithelia derived from the septum when compared to turbinates (33.04 ± 1.17 vs 18.9 ± 0.73; p < 0.05). Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)‐activated Cl− secretion was absent in CFTR−/− and present in CFTR+/+ epithelia. Calcium‐activated Cl− (CaCC) secretion was increased in CF; however, overall Cl− transport through CaCCs was very low. Degree of ciliation (90%) and CBF were similar between groups.

Conclusion

Septal PNE exhibit a robust ion transport phenotype and indicate CFTR−/− sinus disease could be attributable to diminished alternative pathways for Cl− transport. Overall, PNE have similarities to human respiratory epithelia not demonstrated in murine cells and represent useful in vitro models for studying CF sinus disease.
Kinetic study of catechin extracted from Areca catechu seeds using green extraction method
Authors: Ruslan Muhammad Syafiq Hazwan , Ganeson Theivanan , Hasan Manzurudin , Idham Zuhaili , Mohd Setapar Siti Hamidah , Zaini Muhammad Abbas Ahmad , Morad Noor Azian , Che Yunus Mohd Azizi
Published: April 2014

Catechin that is known for its antioxidant, antihypertension and anticancer properties can be obtained from Areca catechu. In this study, accelerated water extraction (AWE) method was used to extract catechin from A. catechu seeds. The extraction parameters tested were temperature (120, 140 and 160 °C), static time (5, 10 and 15 min) and static cycle (1, 2 and 3 cycles). A. catechu extracts were analysed using liquid chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry to quantify the amount of catechin. Highest oil yield of 390.00‐mg oil/g sample was obtained at temperature of 140 °C, 15 min of extraction time and 3 cycles. On the other hand, the highest catechin amount of 0.0716‐mg catechin/g sample was obtained at 140 °C, 10 min and 2 cycles. The effect of extraction temperature was studied using the second‐order kinetic model, and it showed good regression coefficient of more than 0.99. It suggests that the model could be applied to describe the extraction of catechin from A. catechu seeds. Based on the model, the initial extraction rate, the equilibrium extraction capacity and the extraction rate coefficient were evaluated to explain the AWE process at temperatures ranging from 120 to 160 °C. © 2014 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and study of intumescent flame retardant poly(butylene succinate) using MgAlZnFe‐CO3 layered double hydroxide as a synergistic agent
Authors: Liu Yue‐Jun , Mao Long , Fan Shu‐hong
Published: April 2014

Intumescent flame retardant consisting of ammonium polyphosphate and melamine, and MgAlZnFe‐CO3 layered double hydroxides (LDHs) prepared by the constant pH coprecipitation method, were added to poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) via melt blending to obtain novel intumescent flame retardant poly(butylene succinate) (IFR‐PBS) composites. A study on the effect of MgAlZnFe‐CO3 LDHs on the mechanical, thermal, and flame retardancy properties of IFR‐PBS composites was investigated. It was revealed that IFR‐PBS composites exhibited both excellent flame retardancy and antidripping properties when the content of MgAlZnFe‐CO3 LDHs was 1% (the total loading of flame retardant was 20%), for a goal of vertical flammability (UL‐94) V‐0 rate and a limiting oxygen index value of 35. The results showed that a suitable amount of MgAlZnFe‐CO3 LDHs had a noticeable synergistic effect on IFR‐PBS composites. Importantly, tensile strength and flexural strength were improved by the presence of MgAlZnFe‐CO3 LDHs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40736.
Ultrasound‐induced nucleation in microcellular polymers
Authors: Gandhi Abhishek , Asija Neelanchali , Chauhan Hemant , Bhatnagar Naresh
Published: April 2014

In this study, microcellular Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene foams with high cell density and expansion ratio has been manufactured using ultrasound‐induced nucleation technique in solid‐state batch foaming process. Influence of sonication time, sonication frequency, and ultrasound power were found very crucial in designing of cellular morphology. The initial 10 s of ultrasound exposure was found to influence the foam morphology critically. Longer periods of ultrasound exposure developed foams with lower average cell size as compared to foams developed with lesser ultrasound exposure time. Higher sonication power resulted in foams with uniform morphology and higher cell densities as compared to foams developed with lower sonication intensities. Finally, the ultrasonic frequency was also found to influence the morphology intensely. Low frequency sonication resulted in foams with uniform cell distribution, whereas high frequency sonication developed bimodal microcellular type of microstructure. The results coherently demonstrate that with the advent of ultrasonic waves, the energy barrier for cell nucleation swiftly decreases which enhances the cell density in the final foamed product. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40742.
Transparency of rubber‐toughened polymer blend containing plasticizer
Authors: Takahashi Shuji , Nobukawa Shogo , Yamaguchi Masayuki
Published: April 2014

Transparency and its temperature dependence were studied for rubber‐toughened polymer blends composed of poly(methyl methacrylate), core–shell latex–rubber particles, and plasticizers such as tricresyl phosphate and di(2‐ethylhexyl)adipate. The transparency of the blends was found to be improved by the addition of the plasticizers. This phenomenon is attributed to the uneven distribution of the plasticizer in the blends. Furthermore, it was found that the plasticizers improve the transparency in a wide temperature range, because the plasticizer addition reduces the difference in the thermal expansion, and thus the temperature dependence of the refractive index, between poly(methyl methacrylate) and the rubber phases. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40775.
Poly(methyl vinyl ether‐alt‐maleic anhydride) functionalized with 3‐aminophenylboronic acid: A new boronic acid polymer for sensing diols in neutral water
Authors: Cegłowski Michał , Gierczyk Błażej , Schroeder Grzegorz
Published: April 2014

Amidation of poly(methyl vinyl ether‐alt‐maleic anhydride) with 3‐aminophenylboronic acid was used to prepare a new boronic acid polymer. The binding of catechol dye, Alizarin Red S to the polymer obtained resulted in getting a stable, colored sensor which was used to establish association constants with different diols in competitive assay. The binding of different diols was readily detected by color change and absorbance values measured at 450 nm were used to calculate the association constants. The polymer obtained formed high‐affinity complexes with ribonucleosides, particularly cytidine and uridine. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40778.
Stimulation of luminescence of mycelium of luminous fungusNeonothopanus nambiby ionizing radiation
Authors: Kobzeva Tatiana V. , Melnikov Anatoly R. , Karogodina Tatiana Y. , Zikirin Samat B. , Stass Dmitri V. , Molin Yuri N. , Rodicheva Emma K. , Medvedeva Svetlana E. , Puzyr Alexey P. , Burov Andrey A. , Bondar Vladimir S. , Gitelson Joseph I.
Published: April 2014

The luminescent system of higher luminous fungi is not fully understood and the enzyme/substrate pair of the light emission reaction has not been isolated. It was suggested that luminescence of fungi involves oxidase‐type enzymes, and reactive oxygen species are important for fungal light production. Generation of reactive oxygen species can be stimulated by ionizing irradiation, which has not been studied for luminous fungi. We report the effect of X‐irradiation on the luminescence of fungusNeonothopanus nambi. Experiments were performed with mycelium on a home‐built setup based on an X‐ray tube and monochromator/photomultiplier tube. Application of X‐rays does not change the emission spectrum, but after approximately 20 min of continuous irradiation, light production from unsupported mycelium starts growing and increases up to approximately five times. After peaking, its level decreases irrespective of the presence of X‐irradiation. After staying at a certain level, light production collapses to zero, which is not related to the drying of the mycelium or thermal impact of radiation. The observed shape of kinetics is characteristic of a multistage and/or chain reaction. The time profile of light production must reflect the current levels of radicals present in the system and/or the activity of enzyme complexes involved in light production. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chronic treatment with prazosin or duloxetine lessens concurrent anxiety‐like behavior and alcohol intake: evidence of disrupted noradrenergic signaling in anxiety‐related alcohol use
Authors: Skelly Mary J. , Weiner Jeff L.
Published: April 2014

Background

Alcohol use disorders have been linked to increased anxiety, and enhanced central noradrenergic signaling may partly explain this relationship. Pharmacological interventions believed to reduce the excitatory effects of norepinephrine have proven effective in attenuating ethanol intake in alcoholics as well as in rodent models of ethanol dependence. However, most preclinical investigations into the effectiveness of these drugs in decreasing ethanol intake have been limited to acute observations, and none have concurrently assessed their anxiolytic effects. The purpose of these studies was to examine the long‐term effectiveness of pharmacological interventions presumed to decrease norepinephrine signaling on concomitant ethanol self‐administration and anxiety‐like behavior in adult rats with relatively high levels of antecedent anxiety‐like behavior.

Methods

Adult male Long‐Evans rats self‐administered ethanol on an intermittent access schedule for eight to ten weeks prior to being implanted with osmotic minipumps containing either an a1‐adrenoreceptor antagonist (prazosin, 1.5 mg/kg/day), a β1/2‐adrenoreceptor antagonist (propranolol, 2.5 mg/kg/day), a serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (duloxetine, 1.5 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (10% dimethyl sulfoxide). These drugs were continuously delivered across four weeks, during which animals continued to have intermittent access to ethanol. Anxiety‐like behavior was assessed on the elevated plus maze before treatment and again near the end of the drug delivery period.

Results

Our results indicate that chronic treatment with a low dose of prazosin or duloxetine significantly decreases ethanol self‐administration (P < 0.05). Furthermore, this decrease in drinking is accompanied by significant reductions in the expression of anxiety‐like behavior (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that chronic treatment with putative inhibitors of central noradrenergic signaling may attenuate ethanol intake via a reduction in anxiety‐like behavior.
Photolysis of Naproxen under UV Light: Effect of Natural Organic Matter and Nitrate to Transformation Product Formation
Authors: Aydin Egemen
Published: April 2014

Naproxen is one of the most commonly used pharmaceuticals in the world. It was measured at different concentration levels in environmental water. Since naproxen can be exposed to UV light during water and wastewater treatment, an investigation was conducted to identify photolysis rate and transformation product formation during photolysis in the presence of photosensitizers. Different experiments were carried out to identify the effect of dissolved organic matter and NO3− to photolysis reactions of naproxen. Naproxen was measured and transformation products were detected using liquid chromatograph coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer. MassBank libraries were used to propose transformation product molecular structures. During direct photolysis experiments pseudo first order degradation kinetic constant kobs was found as 0.121 min−1. kobs decreased to 0.068 min−1 during indirect photolysis experiments. While presence of dissolved organic matter decreases photolysis rate, NO3− accelerates the degradation of naproxen. Benzyl succinic acid and caffeic acid were proposed as potential transformation products of naproxen along with an unidentified transformation product having 177 m/z. All potential transformation products of naproxen proposed in this study were identified for the first time in the literature.
PET imaging of prostate tumors with 18F‐Al‐NOTA‐MATBBN
Authors: Pan Donghui , Yan Yongjun , Yang Ronghua , Xu Yu Ping , Chen Fei , Wang Lizhen , Luo Shineng , Yang Min
Published: April 2014

Overexpression of the gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) in prostate cancer provides a promising target for detection the disease. MATBBN is a new bombesin analog originating from the GRPR antagonists with a hydrophilic linker. In this study NOTA‐conjugated MATBBN was labeled by the Al18F method and the potential of 18F‐Al‐NOTA‐MATBBN for prostate tumor PET imaging was also evaluated. NOTA‐MATBBN was radiolabeled with 18F using Al18F complexes. Partition coefficient, in vitro stability and GRPR binding affinity were also determined. PET studies were performed with 18F‐Al‐NOTA‐MATBBN in PC‐3 tumor‐bearing mice. 18F‐Al‐NOTA‐MATBBN can be produced within 30 min with a decay‐corrected yield of 62.5 ± 2.1% and a radiochemical purity of >98%. The logP octanol–water value for the Al18F‐labeled BBN analog was −2.40 ± 0.07 and the radiotracer was stable in phosphate‐buffered saline and human serum for 2 h. The IC50 values of displacement for the 18F‐Al‐NOTA‐MATBBN with MATBBN was 126.9 ± 2.75 nm. The PC‐3 tumors were clearly visible with high contrast after injection of the labeled peptide. At 60 min post‐injection, the tumor uptakes for 18F‐Al‐NOTA‐MATBBN and 18F‐FDG were 4.59 ± 0.43 and 1.98 ± 0.35% injected dose/g, and tumor to muscle uptake radios for two tracers were 6.77 ± 1.10 and 1.78 ± 0.32, respectively. Dynamic PET revealed that 18F‐Al‐NOTA‐MATBBN was excreted mainly through the kidneys. GRPR‐binding specificity was also demonstrated by reduced tumor uptake of 18F‐Al‐NOTA‐MATBBN after coinjection with excess unlabeled MATBBN peptide at 1 h post‐injection. NOTA‐ MATBBN could be labeled rapidly with 18F using one step method. 18F‐Al‐NOTA‐MATBBN may be a promising PET imaging agent for prostate cancer. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo Overhauser‐enhanced MRI of proteolytic activity
Authors: Koonjoo Neha , Parzy Elodie , Massot Philippe , Lepetit‐Coiffé Matthieu , Marque Sylvain R. A. , Franconi Jean‐Michel , Thiaudiere Eric , Mellet Philippe
Published: April 2014

There is an increasing interest in developing novel imaging strategies for sensing proteolytic activities in intact organisms in vivo. Overhauser‐enhanced MRI (OMRI) offers the possibility to reveal the proteolysis of nitroxide‐labeled macromolecules thanks to a sharp decrease of the rotational correlation time of the nitroxide moiety upon cleavage. In this paper, this concept is illustrated in vivo at 0.2 T using nitroxide‐labeled elastin orally administered in mice. In vitro, this elastin derivative was OMRI‐visible and gave rise to high Overhauser enhancements (19‐fold at 18 mm nitroxide) upon proteolysis by pancreatic porcine elastase. In vivo three‐dimensional OMRI detection of proteolysis was carried out. A keyhole fully balanced steady‐state free precession sequence was used, which allowed 3D OMRI acquisition within 20 s at 0.125 mm3 resolution. About 30 min after mouse gavage, proteolysis was detected in the duodenum, where Overhauser enhancements were 7.2 ± 2.4 (n = 7) and was not observed in the stomach. Conversely, orally administered free nitroxides or pre‐digested nitroxide‐labeled elastin were detected in the mouse's stomach by OMRI. Combined with specific molecular probes, this Overhauser‐enhanced MRI technique can be used to evaluate unregulated proteolytic activities in various models of experimental diseases and for drug testing. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and quantification of basophils in the airways of asthmatics following segmental allergen challenge
Authors: Dijkstra Dorothea , Hennig Christian , Hansen Gesine , Biller Heike , Krug Norbert , Hohlfeld Jens M.
Published: April 2014

During asthma attacks, allergens activate sensitized basophils in the lung, thereby aggravating symptoms. Due to the paucity of basophils in bronchial lavage fluid and the lack of specific basophil detection and quantification methods, basophil‐directed research in these samples was hampered in the past. This study aimed to establish and validate a flow cytometry‐based basophil detection and quantification method for human basophils from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and blood as a prerequisite for a better understanding of their pathogenic contribution and subtyping of asthma phenotypes. BAL and blood leukocytes from seasonal asthmatics were analyzed by flow cytometry. Chipcytometry, a highly sensitive single‐cell analysis method, was used to validate the staining panel for basophils. Cell differentials of May–Grünwald–Giemsa‐stained cytospins were used to compare basophil percentages. BAL basophils are identifiable as CD123+HLA‐DR−CD3−CD14−CD19−CD20−CD56− cells in flow cytometrical analysis. Their identity was validated by Chipcytometry. CD203c was highly expressed by BAL basophils, whereas it was expressed at variable levels on blood basophils. The two quantification methods correlated, although more basophils were detected by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the increase in basophil percentages in the lung correlated with the decrease in the basophil percentages in the blood after allergen challenge. We here validated a reliable basophil quantification method, which is independent of the cell's activation and degranulation state. The results obtained with this method indicate that basophils are directly recruited from the blood circulation to the airway lumen. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Suppression of Weather Clutter by Means of Log‐Normal/CFAR Circuit Modified from CA LOG/CFAR Circuit
Authors: Sayama Shuji , Ishii Seishiro
Published: April 2014

We have observed weather clutter including targets (ships) using an S‐band radar with a frequency of 3.05 GHz, a beamwidth of 1.8°, and a pulse width of 0.5 μs. To investigate weather clutter amplitude statistics, we introduce the Akaike information criterion (AIC). We have found that the weather clutter amplitudes obey log‐normal, Weibull, and log‐Weibull distributions with shape parameters of 0.329 to 0.477, 4.40 to 4.55, and 11.93 to 16.44, respectively, for data within the beamwidth of an antenna. We propose the log‐normal/CFAR circuit, modified from a cell‐averaging (CA) LOG/CFAR circuit. It is found that weather clutter is suppressed with improvement of 51.58 dB by log‐normal/CFAR.
Long‐Term Generation Scheduling Method with Constrained Numbers of Unit Commitment and Fuel Constraints on Thermal Units
Authors: Hashimoto Hiroyuki , Hirano Hideaki , Hirose Koichi , Isaji Keisuke , Takahashi Junichi
Published: April 2014

The long‐term generation scheduling in power utilities is aimed at maintaining power supply sufficiency and estimating fuel consumption. Multiperiod constraints, such as the allowable number of unit commitments of thermal units and fuel consumption with a given total amount of fuel, must be taken into appropriate consideration for practical economic scheduling in the long‐term scheduling horizon. Due to the large size and complexity of such scheduling problems, it is difficult to obtain solutions collectively in terms of stability and processing time in operational situations. We propose a new scheduling method which consists of “preparative processing” and “detailed optimization processing.” The former acts to divide the long‐term problem with multiperiod constraints into time units of a week according to quick and simplified scheduling results, and the latter acts to minimize the total operation cost on the basis of those weekly partitioned problems. The processing starts with an optimal scheduling result excluding the aforementioned two multi‐period constraints and proceeds to sequentially resolve the violation of each constraint with quantitative consideration of interrelationships between them. This paper describes the validation and effectiveness of the proposed method through the real world example of Chubu Electric Power Company.
Development of Motor Stator with Rectangular‐Wire Lap Winding and an Automatic Process for Its Production
Authors: Ishigami Takashi , Tanaka Yuichiro , Homma Hiroshi
Published: April 2014

Aimed at providing small high‐power motors with excellent efficiency, a motor stator with rectangular‐wire lap windings and an automatic process for its production were developed. The structure of the windings, namely, two continuous “α‐shaped” coils, and the coil‐production method (involving simultaneous coil forming and coil insertion) enable mass production of this stator. The slot‐fill rate for a prototype stator was 80.5%, and the total height of the coil ends was 60 mm to 72 mm. On the basis of the ratio of the sectional areas of two types of the motors, its efficiency was estimated to be 3.7% higher than the efficiencies of motor stators with round‐wire concentric windings (at a rotation speed of 1000/min). In addition, the number of coil parts and the number of welding points were greatly reduced compared to those of a stator with segmented‐coil wave windings.
Ligand‐Free Ullmann‐Type C–Heteroatom Couplings Under Practical Conditions
Authors: Güell Imma , Ribas Xavi
Published: April 2014

A new practical ligand‐free protocol for copper‐catalyzed C–heteroatom cross‐coupling reactions (Ullmann‐type) is described. The use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the solvent overcomes the need to use organic auxiliary ligands; thus, DMSO is revealed as a nontoxic and superior solvent for Ullmann‐type coupling reactions. This method allows the arylation of a wide range of amides, alcohols, and amines under practical conditions with bromobenzene and iodobenzene derivatives and will likely find direct application in current organic synthesis. The competitive reactivity among different functional groups is reported and rationalized, and the possibility to achieve selective arylation reactions is demonstrated.
Stereoselective Access to β‐C‐Glycosamines by Nitro‐Michael Addition of Organolithium Reagents
Authors: Delaunay Thierry , Poisson Thomas , Jubault Philippe , Pannecoucke Xavier
Published: April 2014

The nitro‐Michael addition of organolithium species to 2‐nitroglycal derivatives was investigated. This methodology affords straightforward and stereoselective access to C‐nitroglycosides, which are excellent precursors to C–N‐acetylglycosamines. The corresponding products bearing an aromatic, heteroaromatic, alkynyl, alkenyl, or alkyl moiety were isolated in good yields with excellent selectivities. The β isomer was isolated as a single stereoisomer in most cases, and the structure was clearly elucidated by NMR spectroscopy experiments.
HIF factors cooperate with PML‐RARα to promote acute promyelocytic leukemia progression and relapse
Authors: Coltella Nadia , Percio Stefano , Valsecchi Roberta , Cuttano Roberto , Guarnerio Jlenia , Ponzoni Maurilio , Pandolfi Pier Paolo , Melillo Giovanni , Pattini Linda , Bernardi Rosa
Published: April 2014

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is epitomized by the chromosomal translocation t(15;17) and the resulting oncogenic fusion protein PML‐RARα. Although acting primarily as a transcriptional repressor, PML‐RARα can also exert functions of transcriptional co‐activation. Here, we find that PML‐RARα stimulates transcription driven by HIF factors, which are critical regulators of adaptive responses to hypoxia and stem cell maintenance. Consistently, HIF‐related gene signatures are upregulated in leukemic promyelocytes from APL patients compared to normal promyelocytes. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, we find that PML‐RARα exploits a number of HIF‐1α‐regulated pro‐leukemogenic functions that include cell migration, bone marrow (BM) neo‐angiogenesis and self‐renewal of APL blasts. Furthermore, HIF‐1α levels increase upon treatment of APL cells with all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA). As a consequence, inhibiting HIF‐1α in APL mouse models delays leukemia progression and exquisitely synergizes with ATRA to eliminate leukemia‐initiating cells (LICs).
Application of hybrid‐simulation to fragility assessment of the telescoping self‐centering energy dissipative bracing system
Authors: Kammula Viswanath , Erochko Jeffrey , Kwon Oh‐Sung , Christopoulos Constantin
Published: April 2014

Substructure hybrid simulation has been the subject of numerous investigations in recent years. The simulation method allows for the assessment of the seismic performance of structures by representing critical components with physical specimens and the rest of the structure with numerical models. In this study the system level performance of a six‐storey structure with telescoping self‐centering energy dissipative (T‐SCED) braces is validated through pseudo‐dynamic (PsD) hybrid simulation. Fragility curves are derived for the T‐SCED system. This paper presents the configuration of the hybrid simulation, the newly developed control software for PsD hybrid simulation, which can integrate generic hydraulic actuators into PsD hybrid simulation, and the seismic performance of a structure equipped with T‐SCED braces. The experimental results show that the six‐storey structure with T‐SCED braces satisfies performance limits specified in ASCE 41. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computational study of self‐centering buckling‐restrained braced frame seismic performance
Authors: Eatherton Matthew R. , Fahnestock Larry A. , Miller David J.
Published: April 2014

Recent research developed and experimentally validated a self‐centering buckling‐restrained brace (SC‐BRB) that employs a restoring mechanism created using concentric tubes held flush with pretensioned shape memory alloy rods, in conjunction with a buckling‐restrained brace (BRB) that dissipates seismic energy. The present computational study investigated how the SC‐BRB can be implemented in real buildings to improve seismic performance. First, a computational brace model was developed and calibrated against experimental data, including the definition of a new cyclic material model for superelastic NiTi shape memory alloy. A parametric study were then conducted to explore the design space for SC‐BRBs. Finally, a set of prototype buildings was designed and computationally subjected to a suite of ground motions. The effect of the lateral resistance of gravity framing on self‐centering was also examined.

From the component study, the SC‐BRB was found to dissipate sufficient energy even with large self‐centering ratios (as large as 4) based on criteria found in the literature for limiting peak drifts. From the prototype building study, a SC‐BRB self‐centering ratio of 0.5 was capable of reliably limiting residual drifts to negligible values, which is consistent with a dynamic form of self‐centering discussed in the literature. Because large self‐centering ratios can create significant overstrength, the most efficient SC‐BRB frame designs had a self‐centering ratio in the range of 0.5–1.5. Ambient building resistance (e.g., gravity framing) was found to reduce peak drifts, but had a negligible effect on residual drifts. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Binge Eating in Interview Versus Self‐Report: Different Diagnoses Show Different Divergences
Authors: Birgegård Andreas , Norring Claes , Clinton David
Published: April 2014

Objective

Binge eating (BE) is diagnostically important for eating disorders (EDs) but difficult to measure validly and reliably. The study compared interview and questionnaire formats regarding the proportion of patients in each diagnostic group who reported BE.

Method

Data came from the clinical Stepwise ED database (N = 3508 adults and 1354 children/adolescents), representing the full range of ED diagnoses. Methods used were the Structured ED Interview and the ED Examination Questionnaire.

Results

Opposite discrepancies were observed between methods depending on ED diagnosis, such that a higher number of restrictive patients reported BE on the questionnaire than the interview, whereas the opposite was true for bulimic patients.

Discussion

The findings have important clinical and theoretical implications and suggest that BE assessment is more complex than previously believed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.