bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The biological value of pollen of some blackcurrantcultivars (Ribes nigrum L.)
Authors: Denisow Bożena
Published: June 2013

The studies were carried out in 1994-1997. The experimental bushes were grown in Puławy. Eight cultivars were examined ('Ben Alder', 'Ben Lomond', 'Ben Nevis', 'Ben Tirran', 'Ceres', 'Ojebyn', 'Titania', 'Triton'). Pollen grains viability was estimated in acetocarmine slides, while germination ability was estimated on agar medium. All cultivars showed high viability (80-100%). Weather conditions (especially temperatures at the time of blooming) had significant influence on germination ability. In colder years, only 10-40% of pollen produced pollen tubes, while in warmer years 50-80%. The biological value of blackcurrant pollen grains can be more effectively estimated on the basis of their ability to form pollen tubes than their viability.
Nutritive for insects attractantsin Asphodelus albus Miller flowers
Authors: Weryszko-Chmielewska Elżbieta , Chwil Mirosława
Published: June 2013

The studies on Asphodelus albus Miller flowers were conducted in the Botanical Garden of the UMCS in Lublin in the years 2004-2005. The flower nectaries location was determined in a stereoscopic microscope. The nectaring abundance was studied with a pipette method described by Jabłoński and Szklanowska (1979), while pollen efficiency determined after Warakomska`s ether method (1972). Pollen viability was computed in a sample of 400 grains after acetocarmine staining. The following measurements of pollen grains were made: the length of polar axis (P), equatorial longitudinal axis (EL) and equatorial transverse axis (ET). In Asphodelus albus flowers, there are three nectary glands located in the ovary septa whose outlets are situated in the upper part of the ovary. The nectar secretion starts in a dehiscing bud and persists until the withering stage of perianth leaves. Considering the size of monocolpate pollen grains of Asphodelus albus, they are ranked among great, whereas their shape assumed flattened and circular at the polar view. In the Poland climatic conditions, a pollen showed high vitality (98%). The Asphodelus albus plants constitute a valuable source of nutrition for the pollinators as a single flower generated on average 4,22 mg sugars and 0,2 mg of pollen grains.
Flowering and nectar and pollen flow in Geranium sanguineum L., Geraniaceae
Authors: Masierowska Marzena
Published: June 2013

This 3-year study examined the seasonal and daily dynamics of blooming, as well as the nectar and pollen production in Geranium sanguineum L. Moreover, the type and localization of floral nectaries were observed using LM and SEM, and measurements of pollen grains were performed. The visitation of insects on flowers was monitored, too. Geranium sanguineum bloomed from the beginning of May until the middle of July with the peak occurring between the second and the fifth week of flowering period. Most of the flower buds opened on plants in the afternoon hours. Flowers are protandrous. In a flower, nectar is secreted by five phanarothetic-discoid nectaries and it flows through modified stomata. It was found that one gland is bigger than the others. Ten flowers produced 30.58 mg of highly concentrated nectar, on average. The mean mass of total sugars secreted in nectar per 10 flowers was 7.94 mg. Pollen mass per 10 flowers was 23.14 mg, on average. Tricolpate, spherical pollen grains can be classified as very big size (sporae permagne). Flowers of G. sanguineum were visited mainly by honey bees, bumble bees and flies. Insects collected mainly nectar.
Antifungal activity of saponins originated from Medicago hybrida against some ornamental plant pathogens
Authors: Saniewska Alicja , Jarecka Anna , Biały Zbigniew , Jurzysta Marian
Published: June 2013

Antifungal activity of total saponins originated from roots of Medicago hybrida (Pourret) Trautv. were evaluated in vitro against six pathogenic fungi and eight individual major saponin glycosides were tested against one of the most susceptible fungi. The total saponins showed fungitoxic effect at all investigated concentrations (0.01%, 0.05% and 0.1%) but their potency was different for individual fungi. The highest saponin concentration (0.1%) was the most effective and the inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. callistephi, Botrytis cinerea, Botrytis tulipae, Phoma narcissi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. narcissi was 84.4%, 69.9%, 68.6%, 57.2%, 55.0%, respectively. While Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht., a pathogen of Muscari armeniacum, was inhibited by 9.5% only. Eight major saponin glycosides isolated from the total saponins of M. hybrida roots were tested against the mycelium growth of Botrytis tulipae. The mycelium growth of the pathogen was greatly inhibited by hederagenin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and medicagenic acid 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. Medicagenic acid 3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and oleanolic acid 3-O-[β-D-glucuronopyranosyl(1→2)-α-L-galactopyranosyl]-28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside showed low fungitoxic activity. Medicagenic acid 3-O-a-D-glucopyranosyl- 28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, hederagenin 3-O-[α-L- hamnopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]- 28-O-α-D-glucopyranoside and hederagenin 3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-28-O-β-D- lucopyranoside did not limit or only slightly inhibited growth of the tested pathogen. While 2β, 3β-dihydroxyolean-12 ene-23-al-28-oic acid 3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl-28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside slightly stimulated mycelium growth of B. tulipae.
Mugwort (Artemisia L.) pollen in aeroplankton of Lublin, 2001-2005
Authors: Weryszko-Chmielewska Elżbieta , Kaszewski Bogusław M. , Piotrowska Krystyna
Published: June 2013

The course of the Artemisia pollen season was recorded in Lublin over a period of five years: 2001-2005. The volumetric method was applied in the studies, using a VPPS 2000 Lanzoni trap. The length of the season was determined by the 98% method. The impact of several meteorological factors on the start and course of the pollen season was analysed. It was found that in the five-year period studied the mugwort pollen season started in the second or third decade of July and lasted 59-90 days. Maximum concentrations in the range of 103-221 pollen grains in 1 m3 of air were noted between 2 and 9 August. Annual totals of mugwort pollen grains ranged from 1496 to 2532. A significant positive correlation was demonstrated between the Artemisia pollen concentration and air temperature, and a negative correlation between the pollen concentration and air relative humidity and cloudiness. A significant impact of temperature on the start of the Artemisia pollen season was also found.
Observation of the effects of depth of planting on growth, flowering and productivity of apple trees cv. 'Elstar' on M.9
Authors: Wociór Stanisław , Wójcik Irena , Palonka Salwina
Published: June 2013

The results obtain during five years of study shown that depth of planting significantly affected growth, flowering and cropping efficiency. Trees planted of the place of budding 7 cm under the ground (the deeplyest) had significantly bigger trunk cross section area, volume of crown and the lowest cropping efficiency than planting the place of budding 15 cm upper the ground (the shallowest). The trees planted the deeplyest gave about twice lower flowers per tree and 1ha of orchard than others planted upper.
“An Extensive Collection of Useful and Entertaining Books”: The Quebec Library and the
Transatlantic Enlightenment in Canada
Authors: Eamon Michael
Published: June 2013

At the height of the American Revolution in 1779, the Quebec Library was created by
Governor Sir Frederick Haldimand. For Haldimand, the library had a well-defined purpose: to
educate the public, diffuse useful knowledge, and bring together the French and English
peoples of the colony. Over the years, the memory of this institution has faded and the
library has tended to be framed as an historical curiosity, seemingly divorced from the era
in which it was created. This paper revisits the founding and first decades of this
overlooked institution. It argues that its founder, trustees, and supporters were not immune
to the spirit of Enlightenment that was exhibited elsewhere in the British Atlantic World.
When seen as part of the larger social and intellectual currents of the eighteenth century,
the institution becomes less of an historical enigma and new light is shed on the
intellectual culture of eighteenth-century Canada.
Developing a remote region
Authors: Fugmann Gerlis
Published: June 2013

In the academic literature, tourism has long been discussed as a tool for the economic development of peripheral regions. This article examines the success of this tool using Nunatsiavut (Northern Labrador) as a case study. Although the region’s private sector strongly relies on resource industries as its main economic pillar, the Nunatsiavut Government has since 2006 increasingly promoted other sectors, like tourism, to diversify its economy and create a more sustainable future. The article is based on a research project on bottom-up economic development in Nunatsiavut and will explore the early stages of the tourism industry, its challenges, and the employment and income opportunities it creates. Although currently only playing a minor role in the local economy, the efforts made by Tourism Nunatsiavut in this early phase have laid promising foundations that the region can build on in the future.
Evolutionary principles of modular gene regulation in yeasts
Authors: Thompson Dawn A , Roy Sushmita , Chan Michelle , Styczynsky Mark P , Pfiffner Jenna , French Courtney , Socha Amanda , Thielke Anne , Napolitano Sara , Muller Paul , Kellis Manolis , Konieczka Jay H , Wapinski Ilan , Regev Aviv
Published: June 2013

Divergence in gene regulation can play a major role in evolution. Here, we used a phylogenetic framework to measure mRNA profiles in 15 yeast species from the phylum Ascomycota and reconstruct the evolution of their modular regulatory programs along a time course of growth on glucose over 300 million years. We found that modules have diverged proportionally to phylogenetic distance, with prominent changes in gene regulation accompanying changes in lifestyle and ploidy, especially in carbon metabolism. Paralogs have significantly contributed to regulatory divergence, typically within a very short window from their duplication. Paralogs from a whole genome duplication (WGD) event have a uniquely substantial contribution that extends over a longer span. Similar patterns occur when considering the evolution of the heat shock regulatory program measured in eight of the species, suggesting that these are general evolutionary principles.
The early days of late blight
Authors: Birch Paul RJ , Cooke David EL
Published: June 2013

Large-scale DNA sequencing of samples of foliage collected in the 19th century from plants infected with late blight has shown that the potato famines of the 1840s were triggered by a single clonal lineage of Phytophthora infestans, called HERB-1, which persisted for at least 50 years.
Preparation and Characterization of Zeolite Membrane for Bioethanol Purification
Authors: Purbasari Aprilina , Istirokhatun Titik , Devi Ariestya Meta , Mahsunnah Lulluil , Susanto Heru
Published: June 2013

The use of bioethanol as an alternative fuel with a purity of more than 99.5% wt has prompted research on bioethanol purification. One of the promising methods used for bioethanol purification is pervaporation membrane. This research is aimed to prepare and characterize zeolite membranes for pervaporation membrane. The membrane preparation consisted of two stages, namely support preparation and zeolite deposition on the support. In support preparation, α- alumina and kaolin with specific composition (50:30; 40:40; 50:30) was mixed with additives and water. After pugging and aging process, the mixture became paste and extruded into tubular shape. The tube was then calcined at temperature of 1250 °C for 3 hours. After that, zeolite 4A was deposited on the tubes using clear solution made of 10 %wt zeolite and 90 %wt water and heated at temperature of 80 °C for 3 hours. Furthermore, the resulting zeolite membranes was washed with deionized water for 5 minutes and dried in oven at temperature of 100 °C for 24 hours. Characterization of zeolite membranes included mechanical strength test, XRD, and SEM. In the mechanical strength test, the membrane sample with α- alumina:kaolin = 50:30 (membrane A) has the highest mechanical strength of 46.65 N/mm2. Result of XRD analysis for the membrane A indicated that mullite and corundum phases were formed, which mullite phase was more dominant. Meanwhile the result of SEM analysis shows that zeolite crystals have been formed and covered the pores support, but the deposition of zeolite has not been optimal yet. The performance examination for bioethanol purification showed that the membrane could increase the purity of bioethanol from 95% to 98.5% wt. © 2013 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Vertically Aligned Hybrid Core/Shell Semiconductor Nanowires for Photonics Applications
Authors: Macias‐Montero Manuel , Filippin A. Nicolas , Saghi Zineb , Aparicio Francisco J. , Barranco Angel , Espinos Juan P. , Frutos Fabian , Gonzalez‐Elipe Agustin R. , Borras Ana
Published: June 2013

A family of 1D organic/inorganic core/shell materials formed by an inner organic nanowire (ONW) conformally covered with an inorganic wide band gap semiconductor (ZnO or TiO2) layer is presented. The developed procedure is a two‐steps vacuum methodology involving the formation of supported single crystal small‐molecule nanowires by physical vapor deposition and plasma enhance chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of the inorganic shell. Critical characteristics of the last technique are the possibilities of low temperature and remote configuration deposition. Additionally, an initial step has to be included in order to create nucleation centers for the growth of the ONWs. The procedure and its general character in terms of the variability in organic core and inorganic shells composition and the applicability of the technique to different substrates are presented. The formation of the inorganic shell with no damage of the organic core single‐crystalline structure is demonstrated by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The vertical alignment of the hybrid nanostructure is achieved thanks to the interaction of the 1D organic nanostructured surfaces and the glow discharge during the deposition of the inorganic shell by PECVD. The optical properties of these core/shell NWs are studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy, and their application as nanoscale waveguides in the 550–750 nm range addressed.
Financial crisis and collapsed banks: Psychological distress and work related factors among surviving employees—A nation‐wide study
Authors: Snorradóttir Ásta , Vilhjálmsson Rúnar , Rafnsdóttir Guðbjörg Linda , Tómasson Kristinn
Published: June 2013

Aim

The study considered psychological distress among surviving bank employees differently entangled in downsizing and restructuring following the financial crisis of 2008.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, nationwide study was conducted among surviving employees (N = 1880, response rate 68%). Multivariate analysis was conducted to assess factors associated with psychological distress.

Results

In the banks, where all employees experienced rapid and unpredictable organizational changes, psychological distress was higher among employees most entangled in the downsizing and restructuring process. Being subjected to downsizing within own department, salary cut, and transfer to another department, was directly related to increased psychological distress, controlling for background factors. The associations between downsizing, restructuring, and distress were reduced somewhat by adding job demands, job control, and empowering leadership to the model, however, adding social support had little effect on these associations.

Conclusion

Employees most entangled in organizational changes are the most vulnerable and should be prioritized in workplace interventions during organizational changes. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:1095–1106, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevention of human papillomavirus‐related malignancy: Access is the answer
Authors: Duska Linda R. , Stoler Mark H.
Published: June 2013

The majority of HPV‐related cancers are caused by HPV 16 and HPV 18, but the distribution of these two viral types vary depending on race and socioeconomic status as well as the particular cancer type (cervix versus other). Ultimately, access to preventative care, including widespread pap smear screening for cervical cancer precursors and HPV vaccination, is the answer to eradicating HPV‐related disease.
Sleep disturbance, distress, and quality of life in ovarian cancer patients during the first year after diagnosis
Authors: Clevenger Lauren , Schrepf Andrew , DeGeest Koenraad , Bender David , Goodheart Michael , Ahmed Amina , Dahmoush Laila , Penedo Frank , Lucci Joseph , Thaker Premal H. , Mendez Luis , Sood Anil K. , Slavich George M. , Lutgendorf Susan K.
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Sleep disturbance is a common clinical complaint of oncology patients and contributes to substantial morbidity. However, because most sleep studies have been cross‐sectional, associations between sleep quality and distress in patients with ovarian cancer over time remain unclear. This prospective longitudinal study examined rates of sleep disturbance; contributions of depression, anxiety, and medication use in sleep disturbance; and associations between sleep quality and quality of life (QOL) during the first year after diagnosis among women with ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Women with a pelvic mass completed measures of sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and QOL before surgery. Those diagnosed with primary epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer repeated surveys at 6 months and 1 year after diagnosis. Mixed modeling was used to examine trajectories of psychosocial measures over time, as well as associations between changes in distress and sleep quality. Relationships between changes in sleep and QOL were also examined.

RESULTS

The majority of patients reported disturbed global sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index > 5) at all 3 time points. Medications for sleep and pain were associated with worse sleep at all time points. Greater increases in depression were associated with increased disturbances in sleep quality over time (P < .04). Worsening sleep was also associated with declines in QOL over time (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep disturbance is common and persistent in women with ovarian cancer, and is linked to depressive symptoms and QOL. Pharmacologic treatment does not appear to adequately address this problem. Results highlight the need for ongoing screening and intervention for sleep disturbance in this population. Cancer 2013;119:3234–3241. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Long‐term outcomes for men with high‐risk prostate cancer treated definitively with external‐beam radiotherapy with or without androgen deprivation
Authors: Elliott Sean P.
Published: June 2013

The author reports on outcomes of high‐dose radiation and hormonal therapy for high‐risk prostate cancer. The article would be improved by systematically collecting and reporting the adverse effects of treatment.
The demarcation between younger and older acute myeloid leukemia patients: A pooled analysis of 3 prospective studies
Authors: Yanada Masamitsu , Ohtake Shigeki , Miyawaki Shuichi , Sakamaki Hisashi , Sakura Toru , Maeda Tomoya , Miyamura Koichi , Asou Norio , Oh Iekuni , Miyatake Junichi , Kanbayashi Hiroyuki , Takeuchi Jin , Takahashi Masatomo , Dobashi Nobuaki , Kiyoi Hitoshi , Miyazaki Yasushi , Emi Nobuhiko , Kobayashi Yukio , Ohno Ryuzo , Naoe Tomoki ,   for the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Contemporary treatment protocols for adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are age‐specific, and older patients are generally treated less intensively than younger patients. However, it remains uncertain whether older but fit patients with AML really need to have their treatment attenuated.

METHODS

To evaluate the contribution of age to outcome for patients with AML receiving intensive chemotherapy, data were analyzed for 2276 patients aged less than 65 years who were treated uniformly, regardless of age, in 3 consecutive prospective studies conducted by the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group.

RESULTS

A substantial drop in overall survival (OS) between patients aged 40 to 49 years and 50 to 64 years led to a focus on 2 comparisons: 1) age < 50 versus ≥ 50 years; and 2) age 50 to 54 versus 55 to 59 versus 60 to 64 years. OS was significantly better for patients aged < 50 years than that for those aged ≥ 50 years (49.6% and 37.0% at 5 years; P < .001); older patients were more susceptible to relapse, but not to early death or nonrelapse mortality. The significant differences in OS between these 2 age groups were equally seen for patients with favorable, intermediate, and adverse cytogenetics (P < .001 each). Outcomes for those aged 50 to 54, 55 to 59, and 60 to 64 years were similar, with 5‐year OS rates of 38.2%, 35.1%, and 38.0%, respectively (P = .934), and no differences in early death or nonrelapse mortality were observed among these age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings justify the use of intensive chemotherapy without dose attenuation toward older but fit patients with AML, at least up to the age of 64 years. Cancer 2013;119:3326–33. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy: A potentially curable approach to early stage multiple primary lung cancer
Authors: Chang Joe Y. , Liu Yung‐Hsien , Zhu Zhengfei , Welsh James W. , Gomez Daniel R. , Komaki Ritsuko , Roth Jack A. , Swisher Stephen G.
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection has been the standard treatment for early stage multiple primary lung cancer (MPLC). However, a significant proportion of patients with MPLC cannot undergo surgery. For this report, the authors explored the role of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) for patients with MPLC.

METHODS

Patients with MPLC who received SABR (50 grays [Gy] in 4 fractions or 70 Gy in 10 fractions) for the second tumor were reviewed. Four‐dimensional, computed tomography‐based, planning/volumetric image‐guided treatment was used for all patients. Treatment outcomes/toxicities were analyzed.

RESULTS

For the 101 patients who received SABR, at a median follow‐up of 36 months and with a median overall survival (OS) of 46 months, the 2‐year and 4‐year in‐field local control rates were 97.4% and 95.7%, respectively. The 2‐year and 4‐year OS rates were 73.2% and 47.5%, respectively; and the progression‐free survival (PFS) rates were 67% and 58%, respectively. Patients who had metachronous tumors had better OS and PFS than patients who had synchronous tumors (2‐year OS: 80.6% metachronous vs 61.5% synchronous; 4‐year OS: 52.7% vs 39.7%, respectively; P = .047; 2‐year PFS: 84.7% vs 49.4%, respectively; 4‐year PFS: 75.6% vs 30.4%, respectively; P = .0001). For patients who either underwent surgery or received SABR for an index tumor, the incidence of grade ≥3 radiation pneumonitis was 3% (2 of 71 patients); however, this increased to 17% (5 of 30 patients) for those who received conventional radiotherapy for an index tumor. Other grade ≥3 toxicities included grade 3 chest wall pain (3 of 101 patients; 3%) and grade 3 skin toxicity (1 of 101 patients; 1%).

CONCLUSIONS

SABR achieves promising long‐term tumor control and survival and may be a potential curative treatment for early stage MPLC. Cancer 2013;119:3402–10. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Effects of deformation on transmural dispersion of repolarization using in silico models of human left ventricular wedge
Authors: de Oliveira B. L. , Rocha B. M. , Barra L. P. S. , Toledo E. M. , Sundnes J. , Weber dos Santos R.
Published: June 2013

Mechanical deformation affects the electrical activity of the heart through multiple feedback loops. The purpose of this work is to study the effect of deformation on transmural dispersion of repolarization and on surface electrograms using an in silico human ventricular wedge. To achieve this purpose, we developed a strongly coupled electromechanical cell model by coupling a human left ventricle electrophysiology model and an active contraction model reparameterized for human cells. This model was then embedded in tissue simulations on the basis of bidomain equations and nonlinear solid mechanics. The coupled model was used to evaluate effects of mechanical deformation on important features of repolarization and electrograms. Our results indicate an increase in the T‐wave amplitude of the surface electrograms in simulations that account for the effects of cardiac deformation. This increased T‐wave amplitude can be explained by changes to the coupling between neighboring myocytes, also known as electrotonic effect. The thickening of the ventricular wall during repolarization contributes to the decoupling of cells in the transmural direction, enhancing action potential heterogeneity and increasing both transmural repolarization dispersion and T‐wave amplitude of surface electrograms. The simulations suggest that a considerable percentage of the T‐wave amplitude (15%) may be related to cardiac deformation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequency of hybridization between Ostrinia nubilalis E‐and Z‐pheromone races in regions of sympatry within the United States
Authors: Coates Brad S. , Johnson Holly , Kim Kyung‐Seok , Hellmich Richard L. , Abel Craig A. , Mason Charles , Sappington Thomas W.
Published: June 2013

Female European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, produce and males respond to sex pheromone blends with either E‐ or Z‐Δ11‐tetradecenyl acetate as the major component. E‐ and Z‐race populations are sympatric in the Eastern United States, Southeastern Canada, and the Mediterranean region of Europe. The E‐ and Z‐pheromone races of O. nubilalis are models for incipient species formation, but hybridization frequencies within natural populations remain obscure due to lack of a high‐throughput phenotyping method. Lassance et al. previously identified a pheromone gland‐expressed fatty‐acyl reductase gene (pgfar) that controls the ratio of Δ11‐tetradecenyl acetate stereoisomers. We identified three single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers within pgfar that are differentially fixed between E‐ and Z‐race females, and that are ≥98.2% correlated with female pheromone ratios measured by gas chromatography. Genotypic data from locations in the United States demonstrated that pgfar‐z alleles were fixed within historically allopatric Z‐pheromone race populations in the Midwest, and that hybrid frequency ranged from 0.00 to 0.42 within 11 sympatric sites where the two races co‐occur in the Eastern United States (mean hybridization frequency or heterozygosity (HO) = 0.226 ± 0.279). Estimates of hybridization between the E‐ and Z‐races are important for understanding the dynamics involved in maintaining race integrity, and are consistent with previous estimates of low levels of genetic divergence between E‐ and Z‐races and the presence of weak prezygotic mating barriers.
A comparative study of truly incompressible and weakly compressible SPH methods for free surface incompressible flows
Authors: Chen Z. , Zong Z. , Liu M. B. , Li H. T.
Published: June 2013

In this paper, the performance of the incompressible SPH (ISPH) method and an improved weakly compressible SPH (IWCSPH) method for free surface incompressible flows are compared and analyzed. In both methods, the Navier–Stokes equations are solved, and no artificial viscosity is used. The ISPH algorithm in this paper is based on the classical SPH projection method with common treatments on solid boundaries and free surfaces. The IWCSPH model includes some advanced corrective algorithms in density approximation and solid boundary treatment (SBT). In density approximation, the moving least squares (MLS) approach is applied to re‐initialize density every several steps to obtain smoother and more stable pressure fields. An improved coupled dynamic SBT algorithm is implemented to obtain stable pressure values near solid wall areas and, thus, to minimize possible numerical oscillations brought in by the solid boundaries. Three representative numerical examples, including a benchmark test for hydrostatic pressure, a dam breaking problem and a liquid sloshing problem, are comparatively analyzed with ISPH and IWCSPH. It is demonstrated that the present IWCSPH is more attractive than ISPH in modeling free surface incompressible flows as it is more accurate and more stable with comparable or even less computational efforts. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Film drainage and the lifetime of bubbles
Authors: Nguyen C. T. , Gonnermann H. M. , Chen Y. , Huber C. , Maiorano A. A. , Gouldstone A. , Dufek J.
Published: June 2013

We present the results of new laboratory experiments that provide constraints on inter bubble film thinning and bubble coalescence as a consequence of liquid expulsion by gravitational and capillary forces. To ensure dynamic similarity to magmatic systems, the experiments are at small Reynolds numbers
and cover a wide range of Bond numbers (10−3 ≤ Bo ≤ 102). Results indicate that at Bo < 0.25 film drainage is due to capillary forces, whereas at Bo > 0.25 gravitational forces result in film thinning. The film drainage time scale is given by t ∼ C ln (α) τ and is orders of magnitude faster than often assumed for magmatic systems. Here, C ∼ 10 is an empirical constant and α is the ratio of initial film thickness to film thickness at the time of rupture and τ is the characteristic capillary or buoyancy time scale at values of Bo < 0.25 and Bo > 0.25, respectively.
Are plasma bubbles a prerequisite for the formation of broad plasma depletions in the equatorial F region?
Authors: Kil Hyosub , Lee Woo Kyoung
Published: June 2013

Formation of broad plasma depletions (BPDs) at night in the equatorial F region is understood in association with plasma bubbles. However, we report BPDs that do not show a connection with bubbles. The characteristics of BPDs are investigated using the observations of the Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) satellite on 31 December 2008, 28 July 2010, and 1 February 2011. On those days, BPDs are detected in the longitude regions where C/NOFS did not detect bubbles prior to the detection of BPDs. The coincident C/NOFS and radar observations over Jicamarca in Peru show the occurrence of BPDs at the time when backscatter echoes are absent and at the height below backscatter echoes. These observations indicate that bubbles are not a prerequisite for those BPDs. The detections of those BPDs can be explained by the uplift of the equatorial F region peak height above the satellite orbit.
IL‐33/IL‐31 axis: A new pathological mechanisms for EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors‐associated skin toxicity
Authors: Gangemi Sebastiano , Franchina Tindara , Minciullo Paola Lucia , Profita Mirella , Zanghì Mariangela , David Antonio , Kennez Ivanna , Adamo Vincenzo
Published: June 2013

The dermatologic side effects are the most common adverse effects associated with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Although the mechanisms underlying the development of the skin toxicity remain unclear, immunological mechanisms are considered to be involved. A possible correlation between plasma levels of certain cytokines and development of skin toxicity has been reported. The aim of this work was to investigate the possible contribution of IL‐31 and IL‐33, cytokines involved in disorders associated with itching, in the pathogenesis of pruritus in patients undergoing EGFR‐TK inhibitors. We report a significant increase of IL‐31 and IL‐33 serum levels in a patient with a bronchioalveolar carcinoma, who had showed previous skin rash, xerosis, and pruritus during treatment with different EGFR‐TK inhibitors. She developed intense iching during gefitinib therapy. Therefore, we had collected patient blood sample to evaluate IL‐31 and IL‐33 serum levels compared to controls, reporting a significant increase in serum of patient. In the light of these findings, EGFR‐TK inhibitors‐related symptoms of dermatologic toxicities might be related to the release of IL‐31 and IL‐33. In particular, it is supposable that EGFR‐TK inhibitors could cause keratinocytes injury, the release of IL‐33 and the consequent interaction with its receptor on mast cells, that induces the secretion of several factors capable to cause skin manifestations, included IL‐31, a known pruritus‐inducing cytokine. This report, to the best of our knowledge, is the first work describing a possible involvement of IL‐31/IL‐33 axis in the pathogenesis of skin side effects related to EGFR‐TK inhibitors treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2673–2676, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of miR‐210 in 3T3‐L1 adipogenesis
Authors: Liang Wei‐Cheng , Wang Yan , Wan David Chi‐Cheong , Yeung Venus Sai‐Ying , Waye Mary Miu‐Yee
Published: June 2013

Although accumulating evidences indicate that miRNA emerge as a vital player in cell growth, development, and differentiation, how they contribute to the process of adipocyte differentiation remains elusive. In the present study, we revealed that the expression level of miR‐210 was dramatically upregulated during 3T3‐L1 adipogenesis. Ectopic introduction of miR‐210 into 3T3‐L1 cells promoted terminal differentiation as well as the expression of adipogenic markers. MTT assay showed that miR‐210 significantly inhibited cell proliferation whereas the BrdU incorporation assay and flow cytometry analysis showed that miR‐210 did not impair G1/S phase transition. Further experiments demonstrated that enhanced expression of miR‐210 in 3T3‐L1 cells provoked adipocyte differentiation via activation of PI3K/Akt pathway by targeting SHIP1, a negative regulator of PI3K/Akt pathway. Moreover, blockade of endogenous miR‐210 during adipogenesis significantly repressed adipocyte differentiation. In summary, we have identified miR‐210 as an important positive regulator in adipocyte differentiation through the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2699–2707, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exogenous polyamines promote osteogenic differentiation by reciprocally regulating osteogenic and adipogenic gene expression
Authors: Lee Mon‐Juan , Chen Yuhsin , Huang Yuan‐Pin , Hsu Yi‐Chiang , Chiang Lan‐Hsin , Chen Tzu‐Yu , Wang Gwo‐Jaw
Published: June 2013

Polyamines are naturally occurring organic polycations that are ubiquitous in all organisms, and are essential for cell proliferation and differentiation. Although polyamines are involved in various cellular processes, their roles in stem cell differentiation are relatively unexplored. In this study, we found that exogenous polyamines, putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, promoted osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) without inducing cell death or apoptosis. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the mRNA level of osteogenic genes, including Runx2, ALP, osteopontin, and osteocalcin, were up‐regulated by exogenous polyamines. When hBMSCs were cultured at high cell density favoring adipocyte formation, exogenous polyamines resulted in down‐regulation of adipogenic genes such as PPARγ, aP2, and adipsin. Extracellular matrix mineralization, a marker for osteoblast maturation, was enhanced in the presence of exogenous polyamines, while lipid accumulation, an indication of adipogenic differentiation, was attenuated. Exogenous polyamines increased the mRNA expression of polyamine‐modulated factor 1 (PMF‐1) and its downstream effector, spermidine/spermine N1‐acetyltransferase (SSAT), while that of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate‐limiting enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis, was suppressed. These results lead to possible connections between polyamine metabolism and osteogenic differentiation pathways. To summarize, this study provides evidence for the involvement of polyamines in osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, and is the first to demonstrate that osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation are reciprocally regulated by exogenous polyamines. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2718–2728, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Testing Three Different Sequential Mediational Interpretations of Beck's Cognitive Model of the Development of Depression
Authors: Pössel Patrick , Black Stephanie Winkeljohn
Published: June 2013

Objectives

This study tested and compared three sequential interpretations of Beck's cognitive model of the development of depression (1996). The causal mediational interpretation identifies dysfunctional attitudes as most distal to depressive symptoms, followed by cognitive distortions, the cognitive triad, and negative automatic thoughts, with each construct successively more proximal to depressive symptoms. By contrast, the symptom model reverses the causal chain with negative automatic thoughts as the most proximal consequence and dysfunctional attitudes as the most distal consequence of depression. The bidirectional model merges both interpretations into one model. Previous studies on sequential interpretations of Beck's model have not included cognitive distortions or the cognitive triad and did not test the bidirectional model finding contradictory empirical evidence for the sequential order.

Method

In the 3‐wave longitudinal study, 308 German university students without clinically significant depressive symptoms (245 female, average age: 23.69 years) completed self‐report questionnaires measuring their dysfunctional attitudes, cognitive distortions, cognitive triad, negative automatic thoughts, and depressive symptoms.

Results

The bidirectional model with partial mediation fit the data best and cognitive distortions mediated the relationship between dysfunctional attitudes and negative automatic thoughts and vice versa.

Conclusions

The findings have important consequences for the prevention of depression. Prevention programs may want to focus on cognitive distortions, the only construct in Beck's model that influences every other construct in the model.
Premenstrual Disorders and Rumination
Authors: Craner Julia R. , Sigmon Sandra T. , Martinson Amber A. , McGillicuddy Morgan L.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) involve emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms; however, there is little understanding of psychological factors that contribute to these disorders. It was hypothesized that rumination, a form of depressive self‐focused attention, is related to premenstrual distress.

Method

Study 1 involved women (N = 735) meeting criteria for No/Mild PMS, Moderate/Severe PMS, and PMDD using retrospective self‐report. Study 2 involved women (N = 85) meeting diagnostic criteria for PMS or PMDD (i.e., PMD group) and healthy controls (i.e., No PMD group) following 60‐day symptom monitoring. Participants in both studies completed questionnaires of rumination, anxiety sensitivity, and coping styles.

Results

Rumination was strongly related to premenstrual disorders using both retrospective and prospective reports, as well as both categorical and continuous approaches to classification of premenstrual distress.

Conclusions

Rumination, a transdiagnostic factor in psychopathology, may contribute to the onset and maintenance of premenstrual distress.
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B infection prevalence and associated risk factors in men who have sex with men, Bangkok, 2006–2008
Authors: Linkins Robert W. , Chonwattana Wannee , Holtz Timothy H. , Wasinrapee Punneeporn , Chaikummao Supaporn , Varangrat Anchalee , Tongtoyai Jaray , Mock Philip A. , Curlin Marcel E. , Sirivongrangson Pachara , van Griensven Frits , McNicholl Janet M.
Published: June 2013

Despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines, little is known about prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among Thai men who have sex with men. The prevalence of HAV and HBV infection among men who have sex with men cohort in Bangkok was assessed. Baseline blood specimens were drawn and demographic and behavioral data were collected. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze risk factors for prevalent HAV and HBV infection. One thousand two hundred ninety‐nine Thai men who have sex with men 18 years and older were enrolled. Among those with results, 349/1,291 (27.0%) had evidence of past or current hepatitis A infection. Of the 1,117 (86.5%) men with unambiguous HBV test results, 442 (39.6%) had serologic evidence of past/current infection, 103 (9.2%) were immune due to hepatitis B vaccination, 572 (51.2%) had no evidence of immunological exposure to HBV or vaccine. Of those with past/current HBV infection, 130 (29.4%) were HIV positive. Age >35 years was independently associated with both HAV and HBV infection. University education was protective against both HAV and HBV infection. Increased alcohol consumption, number of lifetime male sexual partners ≥10, and prevalent HIV infection were also independently associated with HBV infection. The prevalence of past/current HAV and HBV infection was high in Bangkok men who have sex with men. Age‐cohorts with a higher prevalence of hepatitis B vaccine induced immunity may be expected in the future. Hepatitis A and B vaccination is recommended. J. Med. Virol. 85:1499–1505, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.†
Mechanism of Iron Oxide Formation from Iron Pentacarbonyl‐Doped Low‐Pressure Hydrogen/Oxygen Flames
Authors: Wlokas I. , Faccinetto A. , Tribalet B. , Schulz C. , Kempf A.
Published: June 2013

A chemical reaction mechanism was developed for the formation of iron oxide (Fe2O3) from iron pentacarbonyl (Fe(CO)5) in a low‐pressure hydrogen–oxygen flame reactor. In this paper, we describe an extensive approach for the flame‐precursor chemistry and the development of a novel model for the formation of Fe2O3 from the gas phase. The detailed reaction mechanism is reduced for the implementation in two‐dimensional, reacting flow simulations. The comprehensive simulation approach is completed by a model for the formation and growth of the iron oxide nanoparticles. The exhaustive and compact reaction mechanism is validated using experimental data from iron‐atom laser‐induced fluorescence imaging. The particle formation and growth model are verified with new measurements from particle mass spectrometry.
Rate Constants for the Gas‐Phase Reactions of Ozone and Nitrate Radicals with the Sesquiterpenes: Valencene and Farnesol
Authors: Ham Jason E.
Published: June 2013

Sesquiterpenes are constituents of a variety of essential oils that are used in flavorings, perfumes, personal care, and cleaning products. Two sesquiterpenes that are commonly used as indoor fragrances are valencene and farnesol. Knowing the reaction rate constants of these chemicals with ozone (O3) and nitrate radical () is an important factor in determining their fate indoors. In this study, the bimolecular rate constants of , , , and were measured using the relative rate technique at 297 ± 3 K and 1 atm total pressure. Using the rate constants reported here and measured/modeled indoor concentrations of O3 and (20 ppb and 1 ppt, respectively), pseudo–first‐order‐rate lifetimes , , , and were determined.
Kinetic Investigation of Oxidation of Aromatic Anils by Potassium Peroxymonosulfate in Aqueous Acidic Medium
Authors: Venkatesh R. , Karunakaran K.
Published: June 2013

The kinetics of oxidation of aromatic anils to benzaldehyde and azobenzene by potassium peroxymonosulfate has been studied in aqueous acetic acid medium. The low dielectric constant of the medium facilitates the reactivity. It has been found that the variation in the ionic strength of the reaction has a negligible effect on the rate. Similarly, polymerization was not observed when acrylonitrile was added to the reaction mixture. This observation rules out the formation of any free radical in the reaction. The added Mn(II) increases the rate of the reaction, which indicates the involvement of two‐electron transfer. Highly negative ∆S# values indicate a structured transition state. The deviation of the Hammett plot was noted, and a concave downward curve was obtained for the anils with substituents in the aniline moiety. The observed break in the log kobs versus σ is attributed to the transition state whereas the concave upward curve was observed for the substituents in the benzaldehyde moiety and in the combination of aniline and benzaldehyde moieties, and a suitable mechanism was proposed.
On the Borel property for solutions to systems of complex vector fields
Authors: Barostichi Rafael F. , Cordaro Paulo D. , Petronilho Gerson
Published: June 2013

In this work we study the Borel property for smooth solutions to systems of complex vector fields associated to locally integrable structures. Inspired by the recent article [6], in which the Borel property was studied for generic submanifolds of the complex space, we prove similar results in this more general set up. In particular we obtain, for the case of corank one structures, a necessary and sufficient condition for the validity of the Borel property.
High accuracy analysis of the characteristic‐nonconforming FEM for a convection‐dominated transport problem
Authors: Shi Dongyang , Guan Hongbo , Gong Wei
Published: June 2013

A low order characteristic‐nonconforming finite element method is proposed for solving a two‐dimensional convection‐dominated transport problem. On the basis of the distinguish property of element, that is, the consistency error can be estimated as order O(h2), one order higher than that of its interpolation error, the superclose result in broken energy norm is derived for the fully discrete scheme. In the process, we use the interpolation operator instead of the so‐called elliptic projection, which is an indispensable tool in the traditional finite element analysis. Furthermore, the global superconvergence is obtained by using the interpolated postprocessing technique. Lastly, some numerical experiments are provided to verify our theoretical analysis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor perfusion‐related parameter of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging: Correlation with histological microvessel density
Authors: Lee Hye‐Jeong , Rha Sun Young , Chung Yong Eun , Shim Hyo Sub , Kim Young Jin , Hur Jin , Hong Yoo Jin , Choi Byoung Wook
Published: June 2013

Purpose

We obtained intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters through biexponential analysis on diffusion‐weighted MR imaging (DWI) using multiple b values. Correlation was evaluated between these parameters and histological microvessel density (MVD) for the possibility of noninvasive evaluation of MVD with DWI.

Methods

Twenty‐five nude mice with the HT29 colorectal cancer cells implanted were analyzed after undergoing DWI with multiple b values (0, 50, 100, 300, 500, 700, and 1000 s/mm2). Tissue diffusivity (Dt), pseudo‐diffusion coefficient (Dp), and perfusion fraction (fp) were calculated using a biexponential analysis, and these parameters were correlated with MVD. The MVD was determined with the CD31 stain. For statistical analysis, Spearman's rank correlation was applied.

Results

The mean value and correlation coefficient with MVD for each IVIM parameter were as follows: Dt = 0.98 ± 0.06 × 10−3 mm2/s with r = 0.139 (P = 0.508); Dp = 23.70 ± 7.94 × 10−3 mm2/s with r = 0.782 (P < 0.001); and fp = 15.58 ± 5.7% with r = 0.749 (P < 0.001). Dp and fp showed significant correlation with MVD, but Dt did not.

Conclusion

The IVIM parameters, Dp and fp, on DWI might be used in the noninvasive evaluation of MVD. Magn Reson Med 71:1554–1558, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.