bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) of aviation biofuel from microalgae, Pongamia pinnata, and sugarcane molasses
Authors: Cox Kelly , Renouf Marguerite , Dargan Aidan , Turner Christopher , Klein‐Marcuschamer Daniel
Published: April 2014

The environmental benefits and trade‐offs of automotive biofuels are well known, but less is known about aviation biofuels. We modeled the environmental impacts of three pathways for aviation biofuel in Australia (from microalgae, pongamia, and sugarcane molasses) using attributional life cycle assessments (LCAs), applying both economic allocation and system expansion. Based on economic allocation, sugarcane molasses has the better fossil energy ratio FER (1.7 MJ out/MJ in) and GHG abatement (73% less than aviation kerosene) of the three, but with trade‐offs of higher water use and eutrophication potential. Microalgae and pongamia have lower FER and GHG abatement (1.0 and 1.1; 53% and 43%), but mostly avoid eutrophication and reduce water use trade‐offs. All have similar and relatively low land use intensities. If produced on land where existing carbon stocks are not compromised, the sugarcane and microalgae pathways would currently meet a 50% GHG abatement requirement. Based on system expansion, microalgae and pongamia had lower impacts than sugarcane for all categories except energy input, highlighting the positive aspects of these next‐generation feedstocks. The low fossil energy conservation potential of these pathways was found to be a drawback, and significant energy efficiencies will be needed before they can affect fossil energy conservation. Energy recovery from processing residues (base case) was preferable over use as animal feed (variant case), and crucial for favorable energy and GHG conservation. However this finding is at odds with the economic preferences identified in a companion technoeconomic study.
Simple simultaneous determination of butylated hydroquinone (TBHQ) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) antioxidants in oil using high‐performance liquid chromatography with chemiluminescence detection
Authors: Xu Shuangjiao , Chen Funan , Deng Mao , Sui Yanyan
Published: April 2014

A highly sensitive and convenient high‐performance liquid chromatography technique coupled with chemiluminescence detection for the simultaneous determination butylated hydroquinone (TBHQ) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) in oil is established. The detection is based on the inhibitory effect on the CL reaction between luminol and potassium ferricyanide in an alkaline medium. Samples were separated through a reverse‐phase C18 column using a mobile phase of methanol and water (80: 20, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. The effects of various parameters including mobile phase, flow rate and chemiluminescence regent were studied. Under optimum conditions, both TBHQ and BHA showed good linear relationships in the range 1 × 10‐7–1 × 10‐5 g/mL with detection limits of 24 and 33 ng/mL, respectively. The proposed method is simple and sensitive, with low costs. The method was successfully applied for the quantification of TBHQ and BHA in sesame oil. The possible inhibition mechanism is also discussed briefly. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Refolding and purification of recombinant human (Pro)renin receptor from Escherichia coli by ion exchange chromatography
Authors: Wang Fei , Guo Jinjin , Bai Quan , Wang Lili
Published: April 2014

Purification of the recombinant human renin receptor (rhRnR) is a major aspect of its biological or biophysical analysis, as well as structural research. A simple and efficient method for the refolding and purification of rhRnR expressed in Escherichia coli with weak anion‐exchange chromatography (WAX) was presented in this work. The solution containing denatured rhRnR in 8.0 mol/L urea extracted from the inclusion bodies was directly injected into the WAX column. The aggregation was prevented and the soluble form of renatured rhRnR in aqueous solution was obtained after desorption from the column. Effects of the extracting solutions, the pH values and urea concentrations in the mobile phase, as well as the sample size on the refolding and purification of rhRnR were investigated, indicating that the above mentioned factors had remarkable influences on the efficiency of refolding, purification and mass recovery of rhRnR. Under the optimal conditions, rhRnR was successfully refolded and purified simultaneously by WAX in one step within only 30 min. The result was satisfactory with mass recovery of 71.8% and purity of 94.8%, which was further tested by western blotting. The specific binding of the purified rhRnR to recombinant human renin was also determined using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The association constant of rhRnR to recombinant human renin was calculated to be 3.25 × 108 L/mol, which demonstrated that rhRnR was already renatured and simultaneously purified in one step using WAX. All of the above demonstrate that protein folding liquid chromatography (PFLC) should be a powerful tool for the purification and renaturation of rhRnR. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:864–871, 2014
AFAP1L1, a novel associating partner with vinculin, modulates cellular morphology and motility, and promotes the progression of colorectal cancers
Authors: Takahashi Ryo , Nagayama Satoshi , Furu Moritoshi , Kajita Yoichiro , Jin YongHui , Kato Tomohisa , Imoto Seiya , Sakai Yoshiharu , Toguchida Junya
Published: April 2014

We have previously identified actin filament‐associated protein 1‐like 1 (AFAP1L1) as a metastasis‐predicting marker for spindle cell sarcomas by gene expression profiling, and demonstrated that AFAP1L1 is involved in the cell invasion process by in vitro analyses. However, its precise molecular function has not been fully elucidated, and it remains unknown whether AFAP1L1 could be a prognostic marker and/or therapeutic target of other malignancies. In this study, we found a marked elevation of AFAP1L1 gene expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues as compared to the adjacent normal mucosa. Multivariate analysis revealed that AFAP1L1 was an independent and significant factor for the recurrence of rectal cancers. Moreover, the addition of the AFAP1L1 expression level to the lymph node metastasis status provided more predictive information regarding postoperative recurrence in rectal cancers. AFAP1L1‐transduced CRC cells exhibited a rounded shape, increased cell motility on planar substrates, and resistance to anoikis in vitro. AFAP1L1 localized to the ringed structure of the invadopodia, together with vinculin, and AFAP1L1 was identified as a novel associating partner of vinculin by immunoprecipitation assay. AFAP1L1‐transduced cells showed accelerated tumor growth in vivo, presumably reflecting the anoikis resistance of these AFAP1L1‐expressing cells. Furthermore, the local administration of a siRNA against AFAP1L1 significantly suppressed the in vivo tumor growth of xenografts, suggesting that AFAP1L1 might be a candidate therapeutic target for CRCs. These results suggest that AFAP1L1 plays a role in the progression of CRCs by modulating cell shape and motility and by inhibiting anoikis, presumably through interactions with vinculin‐including protein complexes.
Molecular testing in lung cancer: Fine‐needle aspiration specimen adequacy and test prioritization prior to the CAP/IASLC/AMP Molecular Testing Guideline publication
Authors: Rafael Oana C. , Aziz Mohamed , Raftopoulos Harry , Vele Oana E. , Xu Weisheng , Sugrue Chiara
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

Subtyping of lung carcinoma with immunohistochemistry is essential for diagnosis, whereas molecular testing (MT) is required for therapy guidance. In the current study, the authors report on MT performed on fine‐needle aspiration specimens at the study institution over a 2‐year period preceding the April 2013 College of American Pathologists (CAP)/International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)/Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) Molecular Testing Guideline (MTG) publication.

METHODS

The database of the study institution was retrospectively queried for cases of lung and thoracic/lower cervical lymph node fine‐needle aspiration specimens for 2011 through 2012.

RESULTS

Of 246 selected cases, 26 featured a limited amount of material in cell blocks. MT increased significantly between 2011 and 2012 and was requested in 39.4% of cases (97 of 246 cases): 86 of those cases had at least 1 MT result and 11 had insufficient material for any MT. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) testing was performed in 9 cases in which DNA was insufficient for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) testing. In addition, 13 cases of adenocarcinoma/non‐small cell lung carcinoma had at least 1 MT canceled because of insufficient DNA, but at the same time had an average of 3.46 immunohistochemical stains performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Of all the cytology specimens, 10.6% featured limited material; however, no universally accepted testing sequence priority was available at the time the study was performed. As per the MTG, MT should take precedence over immunohistochemistry in cases of adenocarcinoma/non‐small cell lung carcinoma. Approximately 5.3% of the specimens in the current study had insufficient material for MT while having multiple stains performed instead. The MTG also recommend performing EGFR before ALK testing; the authors found 9 cases with insufficient material for EGFR testing that had ALK testing performed. The results of the current study underscore the need for a testing prioritization algorithm in view of the MTG publication to serve as reference for both clinicians and pathologists. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2014;122:454–458. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Strategy for analysis of flow diverting devices based on multi‐modality image‐based modeling
Authors: Cebral Juan R. , Mut Fernando , Raschi Marcelo , Ding Yong‐Hong , Kadirvel Ramanathan , Kallmes David
Published: April 2014

Quantification and characterization of the hemodynamic environment created after flow diversion treatment of cerebral aneurysms is important to understand the effects of flow diverters and their interactions with the biology of the aneurysm wall and the thrombosis process that takes place subsequently. This paper describes the construction of multi‐modality image‐based subject‐specific CFD models of experimentally created aneurysms in rabbits and subsequently treated with flow diverters. Briefly, anatomical models were constructed from 3D rotational angiography images, flow conditions were derived from Doppler ultrasound measurements, stent models were created and virtually deployed, and the results were compared with in vivo digital subtraction angiography and Doppler ultrasound images. The models were capable of reproducing in vivoobservations, including velocity waveforms measured in the parent artery, peak velocity values measured in the aneurysm, and flow structures observed with digital subtraction angiography before and after deployment of flow diverters. The results indicate that regions of aneurysm occlusion after flow diversion coincide with slow and smooth flow patterns, whereas regions still permeable at the time of animal sacrifice were observed in parts of the aneurysm exposed to larger flow activity, that is, higher velocities, more swirling, and more complex flow structures. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Challenges of “Going Nano”: Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles by Carbothermal Reduction and In Situ Carbon Coating
Authors: Bresser Dominic , Paillard Elie , Niehoff Philip , Krueger Steffen , Mueller Franziska , Winter Martin , Passerini Stefano
Published: April 2014

The electrochemical performance of nano‐ and micron‐sized Co3O4 is investigated, highlighting the substantial influence of the specific surface area on the obtainable specific capacities as well as the cycling stability. In fact, Co3O4 materials with a high surface area (i.e. a small particle size) show superior specific features, which are, however, accompanied by a rapid capacity fading, owing to the increased formation of an insulating polymeric surface film that results from transition‐metal‐catalyzed electrolyte decomposition. The simultaneous coating with carbon of Co3O4 nanoparticles and in situ reduction of the Co3O4 by a carbothermal route yields a CoOCoC nanocomposite. The formation of this material substantially enhances the long‐term cycling stability and coulombic efficiency of the lithium‐ion active material used. Although the metallic cobalt enhances the electronic conductivity within the electrode and remains electrochemically inactive (as revealed by in situ powder X‐ray diffraction analysis), it might have a detrimental effect on the long‐term cycling stability by catalytically inducing continuous electrolyte decomposition.
A novel T‐cell receptor mimic defines dendritic cells that present an immunodominant West Nile virus epitope in mice
Authors: Kim Sojung , Pinto Amelia K. , Myers Nancy B. , Hawkins Oriana , Doll Krysten , Kaabinejadian Saghar , Netland Jason , Bevan Michael J. , Weidanz Jon A. , Hildebrand William H. , Diamond Michael S. , Hansen Ted H.
Published: April 2014

We used a newly generated T‐cell receptor mimic monoclonal antibody (TCRm MAb) that recognizes a known nonself immunodominant peptide epitope from West Nile virus (WNV) NS4B protein to investigate epitope presentation after virus infection in C57BL/6 mice. Previous studies suggested that peptides of different length, either SSVWNATTAI (10‐mer) or SSVWNATTA (9‐mer) in complex with class I MHC antigen H‐2Db, were immunodominant after WNV infection. Our data establish that both peptides are presented on the cell surface after WNV infection and that CD8+ T cells can detect 10‐ and 9‐mer length variants similarly. This result varies from the idea that a given T‐cell receptor (TCR) prefers a single peptide length bound to its cognate class I MHC. In separate WNV infection studies with the TCRm MAb, we show that in vivo the 10‐mer was presented on the surface of uninfected and infected CD8α+CD11c+ dendritic cells, which suggests the use of direct and cross‐presentation pathways. In contrast, CD11b+CD11c− cells bound the TCRm MAb only when they were infected. Our study demonstrates that TCR recognition of peptides is not limited to certain peptide lengths and that TCRm MAbs can be used to dissect the cell‐type specific mechanisms of antigen presentation in vivo.
Molecular Conductors with Effectively Half‐Filled Electronic States Based on Tetrathiafulvalene Derivatives Condensed with a 2‐Isopropylidene‐1,3‐dithiole Ring
Authors: Furuta Keisuke , Kohno Shuhei , Shirahata Takashi , Misaki Yohji
Published: April 2014

The electron donor 2‐isopropylidene‐1,3‐dithiolo[4,5‐d]‐4,5‐ethylenediselenotetrathiafulvalene (3) provides two new molecular conductors, (3)2[M(CN)2] (M = Ag and Au). These salts crystallize in the triclinic P$\bar {1}$ space group. The donor sheet structure of these salts is the so‐called β‐type molecular array, in which the donor molecules form a head‐to‐tail dimer. The formation of considerable dimerization and the 2:1 donor–anion ratio result in an effectively half‐filled electronic nature. These salts show metallic conducting behavior from room temperature. The metallic conducting behavior of (3)2[Ag(CN)2] was retained down to 8 K; however, the resistivity of (3)2[Au(CN)2] increased at around 50 K. The magnetic susceptibility of (3)2[Au(CN)2] suggests that the strength of the electron correlation for this salt is enhanced below 50 K.
Charge Disproportionation and Magnetoresistivity in a Double Perovskite with Alternate Fe4+(d4) and Mn4+(d3) Layers
Authors: Ganesanpotti Subodh , Tassel Cédric , Hayashi Naoaki , Goto Yoshihiro , Bouilly Guillaume , Yajima Takeshi , Kobayashi Yoji , Kageyama Hiroshi
Published: April 2014

An oxygen‐stoichiometric, B‐site‐ordered perovskite Ca2Fe1.1Mn0.9O6 (CFMO) with alternate stacking of Fe and Mn layers was obtained through topochemical oxidation of the corresponding brownmillerite phase under high pressure in the presence of KClO4. The structure crystallizes in the P21/m space group with a doubling of the cell along all three crystallographic axes. Mössbauer spectroscopy, susceptibility, and resistivity measurements suggest ferromagnetic interactions between Fe4+(d4) and Mn4+(d3) along [001] through a double‐exchange mechanism, a situation similar to half‐doped manganese perovskite oxides. Upon cooling, CFMO exhibits a ferrimagnetic transition below Tc = 90 K, likely accompanied by a charge disproportionation of the iron site, 2Fe4+ → Fe3+ + Fe5+. A reasonably good magnetoresistivity of 27 % was observed below Tc.
Synthesis and Absolute Configurations of Six Natural Phenylpropanoids
Authors: Liu Xue‐Lian , Chen Hui‐Jun , Yang Yang‐Yang , Wu Yikang , You Jun
Published: April 2014

In an effort to find answers to the tantalizing questions about the absolute configurations of a group of long‐known natural phenylpropanoids with very similar structures but different signs for the optical rotations, the compounds in question were synthesized in enantiomerically pure form using Evans asymmetric alkylation to generate the stereogenic centres with predefined absolute configurations. The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the synthetic products were very consistent with those reported for their natural counterparts. In most cases, the optical rotations were also consistent with the corresponding data for the natural samples. The new findings not only allowed unequivocal assignments of the absolute configurations for the natural products, but also revealed that the configurations of closely related compounds from the same plant may be different.
How normative and social identification processes predict self‐determination to engage in derogatory behaviours against outgroup hockey fans
Authors: Amiot Catherine E. , Sansfaçon Sophie , Louis Winnifred R.
Published: April 2014

Bringing together self‐determination theory, intergroup theories based on the social identity approach, and normative approaches, three studies conducted among hockey fans tested if social norms and social identity predict greater self‐determined motivation to engage in derogatory behaviours against an outgroup team and higher frequency of these behaviours. Higher self‐determination was conceptualised as an indicator of internalisation. In Study 1, hockey fans who identified more strongly as fans of the Montreal Canadiens (N = 181) displayed a stronger positive association between the perceived norm in favour of outgroup derogation and self‐determined motivation to engage in derogatory behaviours against fans of an outgroup team. This interaction also emerged on the frequency with which the derogatory behaviours were enacted. In Studies 2 and 3 (Ns = 105 and 116), this norm by social identity interaction was replicated on both the self‐determination and the frequency outcomes for fans of a diversity of teams in the National Hockey League. In Study 3, these findings were observed over and above a manipulation that framed derogatory behaviours as being either harmful or beneficial. Results are discussed in light of motivational theories, normative approaches, and intergroup theories based on the social identity approach. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biotoxin sensing in food and environment via microchip
Authors: Zhang Zhaowei , Yu Li , Xu Lin , Hu Xiaofeng , Li Peiwu , Zhang Qi , Ding Xiaoxia , Feng Xiaojun
Published: April 2014

Biotoxin contamination in food and environmental samples has threatened health or life of human and animals. Thus, a rapid lab‐independent sensing method for biotoxin determination is urgently required. Microchip sensing system allows a promising rapid and low‐cost detection strategy. Herein, the recent development of various microchips, including microfluidic chip and microarray, has been discussed to sense various biotoxins in food and environmental samples (i.e. phytotoxin, animal toxin, marine toxin, and mycotoxin). Microchip can be served as both analyte transportation and sensing platform, via either labeling or labeling‐free sensing strategy. Because of its fast sensing time, low sample consumption, ready portability, and high compatibility, it has been extensively employed in biotoxin determination in both academic and industrial circle. With the advances of fabrication strategies and sensing modes, the microchip performance has been dramatically improved, including sensitivity, efficiency, reliability, stability, cost saving, portability. The potential applications can be found wide spread in biotoxin sensing in the near future, while their practical application in real sample need to be addressed.
Optimization of the enantioseparation of a diaryl‐pyrazole sulfonamide derivative by capillary electrophoresis in a dual CD mode using experimental design
Authors: Rogez‐Florent Tiphaine , Foulon Catherine , Six Perrine , Goossens Laurence , Danel Cécile , Goossens Jean‐François
Published: April 2014

A CE method using dual cationic and neutral cyclodextrins (CD) was optimized for the enantiomeric separation of a compound presenting a diaryl sulfonamide group. Preliminary studies were made to select the optimal CDs and pH of the BGE. Two CDs (amino‐β‐CD and β‐CD) were selected to separate the enantiomers in a 67 mM phosphate buffer at pH 7.4. However, the repeatability of the analyses obtained on bare‐fused silica capillary was not acceptable owing to the adsorption of the amino‐β‐CD to the capillary. To prevent this, a dynamic coating of the capillary was used employing five layers of ionic‐polymer (poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride (PDADMAC) and poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate). The efficiency of the coating was assessed by measuring the EOF stability. Repeatability of the injections was obtained when intermediate coating with PDADMAC was performed between each run. Secondly, this enantioseparation method was optimized using a central composite circumscribed design including three factors: amino‐β‐CD and β‐CD concentrations and the percentage of methanol. Under the optimal conditions (i.e. 16.6 mM of amino‐β‐CD, 2.6 mM of β‐CD, 0% MeOH in 67 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) as BGE, cathodic injection 0.5 psi, 5 s, separation voltage 15 kV and a temperature of 15°C), complete enantioresolution of the analyte was obtained. It is worth mentioning that the design of experiments (DOE) protocol employed showed a significant interaction between CDs, highlighting the utility of DOE in method development. Finally, small variations in the ionic‐polymer concentrations did not significantly influence the EOF, confirming the robustness of the coating method.
Dielectrophoretic isolation and detection of cancer‐related circulating cell‐free DNA biomarkers from blood and plasma
Authors: Sonnenberg Avery , Marciniak Jennifer Y. , Skowronski Elaine A. , Manouchehri Sareh , Rassenti Laura , Ghia Emanuela M. , Widhopf George F. , Kipps Thomas J. , Heller Michael J.
Published: April 2014

Conventional methods for the isolation of cancer‐related circulating cell‐free (ccf) DNA from patient blood (plasma) are time consuming and laborious. A DEP approach utilizing a microarray device now allows rapid isolation of ccf‐DNA directly from a small volume of unprocessed blood. In this study, the DEP device is used to compare the ccf‐DNA isolated directly from whole blood and plasma from 11 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients and one normal individual. Ccf‐DNA from both blood and plasma samples was separated into DEP high‐field regions, after which cells (blood), proteins, and other biomolecules were removed by a fluidic wash. The concentrated ccf‐DNA was detected on‐chip by fluorescence, and then eluted for PCR and DNA sequencing. The complete process from blood to PCR required less than 10 min; an additional 15 min was required to obtain plasma from whole blood. Ccf‐DNA from the equivalent of 5 μL of CLL blood and 5 μL of plasma was amplified by PCR using Ig heavy‐chain variable (IGHV) specific primers to identify the unique IGHV gene expressed by the leukemic B‐cell clone. The PCR and DNA sequencing results obtained by DEP from all 11 CLL blood samples and from 8 of the 11 CLL plasma samples were exactly comparable to the DNA sequencing results obtained from genomic DNA isolated from CLL patient leukemic B cells (gold standard).
An Empirical Comparison of Meta‐analysis and Mega‐analysis of Individual Participant Data for Identifying Gene‐Environment Interactions
Authors: Sung Yun Ju , Schwander Karen , Arnett Donna K. , Kardia Sharon L.R. , Rankinen Tuomo , Bouchard Claude , Boerwinkle Eric , Hunt Steven C. , Rao Dabeeru C.
Published: April 2014

For analysis of the main effects of SNPs, meta‐analysis of summary results from individual studies has been shown to provide comparable results as “mega‐analysis” that jointly analyzes the pooled participant data from the available studies. This fact revolutionized the genetic analysis of complex traits through large GWAS consortia. Investigations of gene‐environment (G×E) interactions are on the rise since they can potentially explain a part of the missing heritability and identify individuals at high risk for disease. However, for analysis of gene‐environment interactions, it is not known whether these methods yield comparable results. In this empirical study, we report that the results from both methods were largely consistent for all four tests; the standard 1 degree of freedom (df) test of main effect only, the 1 df test of the main effect (in the presence of interaction effect), the 1 df test of the interaction effect, and the joint 2 df test of main and interaction effects. They provided similar effect size and standard error estimates, leading to comparableP‐values. The genomic inflation factors and the number of SNPs with various thresholds were also comparable between the two approaches. Mega‐analysis is not always feasible especially in very large and diverse consortia since pooling of raw data may be limited by the terms of the informed consent. Our study illustrates that meta‐analysis can be an effective approach also for identifying interactions. To our knowledge, this is the first report investigating meta‐versus mega‐analyses for interactions.
Discoidin domain receptors: A promoter of the aggressive behavior of ameloblastomas
Authors: Yang Jing , Liu Jie , Zhong Ming , Chen Yu , Song Ming , Du Yaming
Published: April 2014

Discoidin domain receptors 1 and 2 (DDR1 and DDR2) are members of the receptor tyrosine kinases, which regulate fundamental cellular processes concerning proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and apoptosis. The dysregulation of these receptors is linked to a number of human diseases, including fibrotic disorders, atherosclerosis, and cancer. However, there have been no studies that analyzed the expression of these DDRs in ameloblastomas (ABs). In this study, we investigated the expression level and distribution of both DDRs in ABs and determined whether these receptors could predict the prognosis of the disease. Real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to detect the DDR mRNA and protein expression levels in normal oral mucosa (NOM) and ABs. The relationship of the DDRs with the clinicopathology and prognosis of ABs was analyzed statistically. The mRNA expression levels of DDR1 and DDR2 were found to be increased by 3.42‐ and 3.66‐fold in ABs versus NOM, respectively. Recurrent ABs displayed higher DDR mRNA expression than did primary ABs (P < 0.05). Using western blot analysis, the DDR proteins were found to be lower in NOM than in ABs (P < 0.05), and primary ABs showed lower expression levels than did recurrent ones (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemically, the DDR protein expressions were markedly higher in ABs than in NOM (P < 0.05), and AB patients with higher DDR protein expression showed higher recurrence (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazards model indicated the expression of both DDRs to be an independent prognostic factor of ABs. It was suggested that the up‐regulation of DDR expression might play an important role in the tumorigenesis and aggressiveness of ABs. Thus, DDR protein expression may be considered as a good biomarker for indicating the prognosis of ABs. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(4):292–299, 2014
Evaluation of femoral perfusion in a rabbit model of steroid‐induced osteonecrosis by dynamic contrast‐enhanced mri with a high magnetic field MRI system
Authors: Hayashi Shigeki , Fujioka Mikihiro , Ikoma Kazuya , Saito Masazumi , Ueshima Keiichiro , Ishida Masashi , Kuribayashi Masaaki , Ikegami Akira , Mazda Osam , Kubo Toshikazu
Published: April 2014

Purpose

To evaluate perfusion during the early phase after steroid administration in vivo using dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) with a high magnetic field MRI system. The main pathogenesis of steroid‐induced osteonecrosis is considered to be ischemia.

Materials and Methods

A single dose of methylprednisolone (MPSL) was injected into nine rabbits. DCE‐MRI was performed for these rabbits before MPSL administration and 1, 5, 10, and 14 days after administration. Time–signal intensity curves were created for each femur based on the signal intensity to evaluate perfusion. Enhancement ratio (ER), initial slope (IS), and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated and the value before MPSL administration and the minimal value after administration were compared statistically.

Results

ER, IS, and AUC values after MPSL administration significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, and P < 0.01, respectively). All of them decreased by the 5th day in 56% of the femora and by the 14th day in 83%, and some femora even showed a decrease from the 1st day.

Conclusion

In this study, decreased perfusion in the femora after steroid administration was proven. Additionally, we could show that it occurred from the early days after steroid administration. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:935–940. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of SERRS and RRS excitation profiles of [Fe(tpy)2]2+(tpy = 2,2':6',2''‐terpyridine) supported by DFT calculations: effect of the electrostatic bonding to chloride‐modified Ag nanoparticles on its vibrational and electronic structure
Authors: Šloufová Ivana , Vlčková Blanka , Procházka Marek , Svoboda Jan , Vohlídal Jiří
Published: April 2014

Nonresonance (or normal) Raman scattering (NRS), resonance Raman scattering (RRS), surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and surface‐enhanced RRS (SERRS) spectra of [Fe(tpy)2]2+complex dication (tpy = 2,2':6',2''‐terpyridine) are reported. The comparison of RRS/NRS and SERRS/SERS excitation profiles of [Fe(tpy)2]2+spectral bands in the range of 445–780 nm is supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, Raman depolarization measurements, comparison of the solid [Fe(tpy)2](SO4)2and solution RRS spectra, and characterization of the Ag nanoparticle (NP) hydrosol/[Fe(tpy)2]2+SERS/SERRS active system by surface plasmon extinction spectrum and transmission electron microscopy image of the fractal aggregates (D = 1.82). By DFT calculations, both the Raman active modes and the electronic states of the complex have been assigned to the symmetry species of the D2dpoint group. It has been demonstrated that upon the electrostatic bonding of the complex dication to the chloride‐modified Ag NPs, the geometric and ground state electronic structure of the complex and the identity of the three different metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (1MLCT) electronic transitions remain preserved. On the other hand, the effect of ion pairing manifests itself by a slight change in localization of one of the electronic transitions (with max. at 552 nm) as well as by promotion of the Herzberg–Teller activation of E modes resulting from coupling of E and B2excited electronic states. Finally, the very low, 1 × 10−11 M SERRS spectral detection limit of [Fe(tpy)2]2+at 532‐nm excitation is attributed to a concerted action of the electromagnetic and molecular resonance mechanism, in conjunction to the electrostatic bonding of the complex dication to the chloride‐modified Ag NP surface. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Status Quo and Perspectives of Laser Micromachining
Authors: Mayerhofer Roland , Geiger Stephan
Published: April 2014

The global laser system market increased six‐fold over the past two decades as laser material processing successfully took over domains formerly occupied by conventional techniques. Today, global key markets like mobile communication, healthcare or transportation are pushing laser micromachining and waiting for it to push the limits of what is technically feasible. Global players will look for laser makers with global reach to secure immediate support wherever they manufacture. A diversified product portfolio and a network of specialized partners will help laser manufacturers to offer and evaluate whatever laser technology is needed. Finally, customer demands will push laser makers like Rofin to offer process design, laser source, beam guidance, parts handling, machine building and even certification and validation support from one source.
High Power VCSEL Systems
Authors: Moench Holger , Derra Günther
Published: April 2014

New high power infrared sources in the kilowatt range are based on modular building blocks of LED‐like microlaser arrays. Modules in a very compact form factor enable easy integration in industrial heating processes. Fully flexible and dynamic control of the heating profile is paving the path to digitization of manufacturing processes, here particularly to “Digital Thermal Processing”.
Material Processing with Ultrashort‐pulsed Lasers
Authors: Holtkamp Jens , Eifel Stephan , Ryll Joachim
Published: April 2014

The outstanding properties of ultrashort‐pulsed laser have led to a huge amount of potential applications as a precise and flexible tool for materials processing. On the other hand, complex process parameter correlations paired with high investment costs require efficient process chains to ensure an economical use in production. Pulsar Photonics presents a tool system that stands out by its integrated inspection routines and workflow management. Embedded sensors and networked actuators offer the Industry 4.0 capability of machine data acquisition together with the benefits of an improved reliability. For competitive series applications Pulsar Photonics focuses on an increased efficiency by multiple beam processing. Hereby the laser beam is divided into up to 100 parallelized beams, thus enabling the efficient production of periodic structures, large‐scaled ablation or the parallel processing of multiple components.
Conformational Dynamics of DNA G‐Quadruplex in Solution Studied by Kinetic Capillary Electrophoresis Coupled On‐line with Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Mironov Gleb G. , Okhonin Victor , Khan Nasrin , Clouthier Christopher M. , Berezovski Maxim V.
Published: April 2014

Invited for this months cover is the group of Prof. Maxim V. Berezovski. The cover picture shows the two‐dimensional separation of unfolded (green) and folded (red) forms of G‐quadruplex (GQ) DNA. The first dimension is kinetic capillary electrophoresis (KCE) separation of unfolded and folded DNA with different K+ concentrations in solution; the second dimension is ion mobility mass spectrometry separation of DNA conformers in the gas phase. DNA folding into a compact GQ structure is mediated by K+ ions. For more details, see the Full Paper on p. 58 ff.
The Effects of Contraception on Female Poverty
Authors: Browne Stephanie P. , LaLumia Sara
Published: April 2014

Poverty rates are particularly high among households headed by single women, and childbirth is often the event preceding these households’ poverty spells. This paper examines the relationship between legal access to the birth control pill and female poverty. We rely on exogenous cross‐state variation in the year in which oral contraception became legally available to young, single women. Using census data from 1960 to 1990, we find that having legal access to the birth control pill by age 20 significantly reduces the probability that a woman is subsequently in poverty. We estimate that early legal access to oral contraception reduces female poverty by 0.5 percentage points, even when controlling for completed education, employment status, and household composition.
Mechanisms of kidney repair by human mesenchymal stromal cells after ischemia: A comprehensive view using label‐free MSE
Authors: da Costa Milene R. , Pizzatti Luciana , Lindoso Rafael S. , Sant’Anna Julliana Ferreira , DuRocher Barbara , Abdelhay Eliana , Vieyra Adalberto
Published: April 2014

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the more frequent and lethal pathological conditions seen in intensive care units. Currently available treatments are not totally effective but stem cell‐based therapies are emerging as promising alternatives, especially the use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), although the signaling pathways involved in their beneficial actions are not fully understood. The objective of this study was to identify signaling networks and key proteins involved in the repair of ischemia by MSC. Using an in vitro model of AKI to investigate paracrine interactions and label‐free high definition 2D‐NanoESI‐MSE, differentially expressed proteins were identified in a human renal proximal tubule cell lineage (HK‐2) exposed to human MSC (hMSC) after an ischemic insult. In silico analysis showed that hMSC stimulated antiapoptotic activity, normal ROS handling, energy production, cytoskeleton organization, protein synthesis, and cell proliferation. The proteomic data were validated by parallel experiments demonstrating reduced apoptosis in HK‐2 cells and recovery of intracellular ATP levels. qRT‐PCR for proteins implicated in the above processes revealed that hMSC exerted their effects by stimulating translation, not transcription. Western blotting of proteins associated with ROS and energy metabolism confirmed their higher abundance in HK‐2 cells exposed to hMSC.
GOAT – A simple LC‐MS/MS gradient optimization tool
Authors: Trudgian David C. , Fischer Roman , Guo Xiaofeng , Kessler Benedikt M. , Mirzaei Hamid
Published: April 2014

Modern nano‐HPLC systems are capable of extremely precise control of solvent gradients, allowing high‐resolution separation of peptides. Most proteomics laboratories use a simple linear analytical gradient for nano‐LC‐MS/MS experiments, though recent evidence indicates that optimized non‐linear gradients result in increased peptide and protein identifications from cell lysates. In concurrent work, we examined non‐linear gradients for the analysis of samples fractionated at the peptide level, where the distribution of peptide retention times often varies by fraction. We hypothesized that greater coverage of these samples could be achieved using per‐fraction optimized gradients. We demonstrate that the optimized gradients improve the distribution of peptides throughout the analysis. Using previous generation MS instrumentation, a considerable gain in peptide and protein identifications can be realized. With current MS platforms that have faster electronics and achieve shorter duty cycle, the improvement in identifications is smaller. Our gradient optimization method has been implemented in a simple graphical tool (GOAT) that is MS‐vendor independent, does not require peptide ID input, and is freely available for non‐commercial use at http://proteomics.swmed.edu/goat/
Manipulation of magnetic and magneto‐transport properties of amorphous glass‐coated microwires through various annealing processes
Authors: Talaat A. , Ipatov M. , Zhukova V. , Blanco J. M. , Zhukov A.
Published: April 2014

We studied the influence of two different kind of annealing, conventional annealing and current annealing, on the magnetic and magneto‐transport properties of amorphous Co‐Fe rich glass‐coated microwires with the nominal composition Co69.2Fe4.1B11.8Si13.8C1.1 fabricated by Taylor‐Ulitvosky technique. At a certain annealing conditions we have been able to obtain high domain wall velocity with perfectly rectangular hysteresis loop, high giant magneto‐impedance response (GMI) and almost linear with low hysteretic off‐diagonal GMI response simultaneously in the same sample. Such results could be essential from application's point of view. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
GHz magnetic field influence on magnetization reversal in amorphous microwires
Authors: Chizhik A. , Ipatov M. , Stupakiewicz A. , Zhukov A. , Maziewski A. , Gonzalez J.
Published: April 2014

This work is devoted to the study of the magnetization reversal in the Co‐rich glass covered microwire with nearly‐zero magnetostriction in the presence of super high frequency (SHF) (about 1 GHz) circular magnetic field that is important for the elucidation of GMI mechanism. Magnetic domain imaging has been performed by means of magneto‐optical Kerr effect (MOKE) polarizing microscopy. Local hysteresis loops were obtained from the magneto‐optic intensity as a result of images processing. The increase of the SHF field amplitude causes the change of the magnetization reversal mechanism – the rotation of the magnetization dominates. Also the hysteresis loop has an asymmetric shape that confirms the competition between stable and meta‐stable helical magnetic states. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Unmanned Aircraft Capture and Control Via GPS Spoofing
Authors: Kerns Andrew J. , Shepard Daniel P. , Bhatti Jahshan A. , Humphreys Todd E.
Published: April 2014

The theory and practice of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capture and control via Global Positioning System (GPS) signal spoofing are analyzed and demonstrated. The goal of this work is to explore UAV vulnerability to deceptive GPS signals. Specifically, this paper (1) establishes the necessary conditions for UAV capture via GPS spoofing, and (2) explores the spoofer's range of possible post‐capture control over the UAV. A UAV is considered captured when a spoofer gains the ability to eventually specify the UAV's position and velocity estimates. During post‐capture control, the spoofer manipulates the true state of the UAV, potentially resulting in the UAV flying far from its flight plan without raising alarms. Both overt and covert spoofing strategies are considered, as distinguished by the spoofer's attempts to evade detection by the target GPS receiver and by the target navigation system's state estimator, which is presumed to have access to non‐GPS navigation sensor data. GPS receiver tracking loops are analyzed and tested to assess the spoofer's capability for covert capture of a mobile target. The coupled dynamics of a UAV and spoofer are analyzed and simulated to explore practical post‐capture control scenarios. A field test demonstrates capture and rudimentary control of a rotorcraft UAV, which results in unrecoverable navigation errors that cause the UAV to crash.
Project Risk Screening Matrix for River Management and Restoration
Authors: Thorne C. , Castro J. , Cluer B. , Skidmore P. , Shea C.
Published: April 2014

The ‘project risk screening matrix’ derives from a broader effort to assist US government agency staff in reviewing proposed stream management and restoration projects more efficiently and effectively. The River Restoration Analysis Tool (RiverRAT) developed through this effort provides a thorough, comprehensive and auditable approach to review and evaluate proposed stream actions and projects (www.restorationreview.com). The matrix was initially developed as the first step in applying the RiverRAT, its purpose being to assist reviewers in assessing the risk to natural resources associated with a particular proposal and matching the intensity of their review to the severity of that risk. Hence, the primary application of the matrix to date has been to identify and screen out low risk projects that may be dealt with expeditiously, so freeing the time and technical resources needed to allow deep reviews of higher risk projects. A second form of screening emerged from this primary function because the matrix proved adept at identifying the minimum level of site and project characterization required to support initial risk assessment. On this basis, proposals lacking adequate information can also be screened out, being referred back to the proponent with a request for additional information. More recently, new and novel versions of the matrix, featuring modification and refinement of one or both of the original axes, have emerged to widen and refine its application to linear infrastructure (e.g. pipelines, roads, and electrical transmission lines), in‐stream structures (e.g. large wood placement and culvert removal), and pre‐application, regulatory, decision‐support tools. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Multi‐technique characterization of low‐temperature plasma nitrided austenitic AISI 304L and AISI 904L stainless steel
Authors: Cao Y. , Maistro G. , Norell M. , Pérez‐Garcia S. A. , Nyborg L.
Published: April 2014

The current study focuses on the characterization of the nitrided layer, formed in American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 304L and AISI 904L austenitic stainless steels by industrial low‐temperature plasma nitriding, using combined analysis techniques. The study highlighted that the evolution of the microstructure of the nitrided layers is influenced by surface finishing prior to nitriding, alloying elements and nitriding conditions, all factors affecting S‐phase formation and nitrogen (N) diffusion mechanisms. The chemical bonding characteristics of Cr 2p3/2 and N 1s as revealed by XPS show a shift in binding energy between expanded austenite (S‐phase) and CrN‐like compounds. S‐phase has proven to be more stable in 904L, whereas residual and/or induced ferrite/martensite in 304L acts as a barrier for its development. © 2014 The Authors. Surface and Interface Analysis published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ToF‐SIMS analysis of diadenosine triphosphate and didadenosine tetraphosphate using bismuth and argon cluster ion beams
Authors: Shon Hyun Kyong , Cho Young‐Lai , Lim Choung Su , Choi Joon Sig , Chung Sang J. , Lee Tae Geol
Published: April 2014

In the past few decades, research has shown diadenosine polyphosphates (ApnA) to be a family of intercellular and intracellular signaling molecules that play a key role in biological and pharmacological activities. ToF‐SIMS, recently shown to be a promising technique to analyze metabolites in biological samples due to its high sensitivity and specificity, was employed to analyze mixed diadenosine triphosphate (Ap3A) and diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) spiked in HeLa cell lysates by using bismuth and argon cluster ion beams. The molecular ion signals of Ap3A and Ap4A in the cell lysates were stronger when using an argon cluster ion beam than when using a bismuth cluster ion beam, although the detection limits of both molecules were the same. Using a correlation curve to indicate the molecular signal intensities and concentrations, the amount of Ap3A and Ap4A molecules in HeLa cell lysates could be quantified in the concentration range of 0.1 mM to 10 mM for Ap3A, and 5 mM and 20 mM for Ap4A. We believe that ToF‐SIMS analysis could be a powerful technique to detect important metabolite molecules such as ApnA for biomedical applications, without the need for a separation process. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.