bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing the Origins of 3D Anisotropic Thermal Conductivities of Black Phosphorus
Authors: Zhu Jie , Park Haechan , Chen Jun‐Yang , Gu Xiaokun , Zhang Hu , Karthikeyan Sreejith , Wendel Nathaniel , Campbell Stephen A. , Dawber Matthew , Du Xu , Li Mo , Wang Jian‐Ping , Yang Ronggui , Wang Xiaojia
Published: March 2016

Black phosphorus (BP) has emerged as a direct bandgap semiconducting material with great application potentials in electronics, photonics, and energy conversion. Experimental characterization of the anisotropic thermal properties of BP at the micrometer scale is extremely challenging. This study reports measurement results of the anisotropic thermal conductivity of BP along three primary crystalline orientations, using a novel time‐resolved magneto‐optical Kerr effect. The thermal conductivity along the zigzag crystalline direction is 84–101 W m−1 K−1, nearly three times as large as that along the armchair direction (26–36 W m−1 K−1). The through‐plane thermal conductivity of BP ranges from 4.3 to 5.5 W m−1 K−1. This study performs first‐principles calculation to predict the phonon transport in BP along both in‐plane through‐plane directions, and identifies that the strong anisotropy of thermal transport in BP can be attributed to the structural‐asymmetry‐induced group velocity variations along different crystalline orientations, and the relaxation time variation induced by the direction of the applied temperature gradient. This work successfully unveils the fundamental mechanisms of anisotropic thermal transport along the three crystalline directions in BP, as demonstrated by the excellent agreement between the first‐principles‐based theoretical predictions and experimental characterizations on the anisotropic thermal conductivities of BP.
Study on the morphology, static and dynamic mechanical properties of (styrene butadiene rubber/ethylene propylene diene monomer/organoclay) nanocomposites vulcanized by the gamma radiation
Authors: Shoushtari Zadeh Naseri Aida , Jalali‐Arani Azam
Published: March 2016

Blends of styrene‐butadiene rubber/ethylene–propylene‐diene monomer (SBR/EPDM) with and without organoclay (OC) were prepared by melt mixing method. Then the samples were vulcanized by gamma radiation in comparison to conventional sulfur curing system. Characterization by X‐ray diffraction analysis, atomic force microscopy, and Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed the intercalation structure and good dispersion of the OC in prepared nanocomposites. In addition to this, by increasing the absorbed dose of radiation and using OC, reduction in solvent uptake, increase in crosslink density and improvement of mechanical and dynamic–mechanical properties were observed. Comparison of the tensile strength of irradiated nanocomposite with the sulfur cured one's displayed the synergistic effect of the OC and gamma radiation on tensile properties of SBR/EPDM blend. Mooney–Rivlin plot confirmed the increase in crosslink density and interaction between rubbers due to presence of OC and increasing absorbed dose. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43581.
Cloning and functional analysis of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) gene from Mylabris cichorii
Authors: Zha Shenfang , Yin Youping , Wang Yu , Huang Yi , Li Yan , Wang Zhongkang
Published: March 2016

Cantharidin, a defensive terpene compound synthesized by the meloid beetle (Coleoptera, Meloidae), is an important anticancer agent. However, there has been little study done on how this compound synthesized by the beetle. In this paper, a farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) gene, designated McFPPS, was isolated from Mylabris cichorii by reverse transcription PCR based on conserved domains in other organisms. Multiple alignment analysis showed that the deduced amino acids shared >70% homology with FPPSs from other species and contained typically seven conservative regions. Gene expression profile analysis revealed that McFPPS was expressed throughout the tested growth stages of M. cichorii adults, whereas the transcripts accumulated to the highest level at 20 days in male adults while the highest expression level appeared at 15 days in females. Tissue expression pattern analysis showed that McFPPS was expressed constitutively in all tested tissues and a relatively higher expression level in the alimentary canal of males, but no significant tissue difference in the females. For the first time, a RNA interference strategy was employed to induce a greater suppression of McFPPS mRNA, and thus a sharp decrease in the expression levels of downstream genes and the concentration of product. All these results indicated that McFPPS may be directly involved or play an essential role in the biosynthesis of cantharidin.
Thermoluminescent properties of some phosphor glasses based on aluminum oxide
Authors: El Mesady I. , Khaled N. , Hussein A. , El Samman H. , Alawsh S.
Published: March 2016

The transparent thermoluminescent aluminum oxide‐based glass of 15Al2O3–35P2O5–25CaO–25Na2CO3, abbreviated as APCN (all in mol%) doped with different concentrations of SiO2 from 0.0–500 ppm was prepared using a conventional melt‐quenching technique. The TL sensitivities of the prepared glasses were investigated at 3 Gy γ‐dose using a 60Co source and measured at a heating rate 10 C/sec. The highest TL intensity of the material doped with SiO2 was found at a concentration of 500 ppm (APCNSi5). Deconvolution of the glow curve from APCNSi5 resulted in four peaks at about 161, 194, 237 and 293 C with a Figure Of Merit (FOM) of 1.28%. The APCNSi5 specimen had the best dosimetric properties when compared with the other samples. Reproducibility, repeatability, dose–response curve and fading effect were checked for peak 3, which appeared at about 237 C. The results displayed that the APCNSi5 glass system was a low‐Z material (Zeff ≈ 10), and had good reproducibility and good repeatability. Peak 3 showed good linearity over a dose range up to 20 Gy (R2 = 0.999) and sublinearity behaviour was found. The signal from APCNSi5 faded by about 11% after 2 days post irradiation, therefore it showed almost no significant loss. Such properties make the newly prepared glasses suitable for and highly recommended for use in γ‐dosimeters. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carboxypeptidase D is the only enzyme responsible for antibody C‐terminal lysine cleavage in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells
Authors: Hu Zhilan , Zhang Henry , Haley Benjamin , Macchi Frank , Yang Feng , Misaghi Shahram , Elich Joseph , Yang Renee , Tang Yun , Joly John C. , Snedecor Bradley R. , Shen Amy
Published: March 2016

Heterogeneity of C‐terminal lysine levels often observed in therapeutic monoclonal antibodies is believed to result from the proteolysis by endogenous carboxypeptidase(s) during cell culture production. Identifying the responsible carboxypeptidase(s) for C‐terminal lysine cleavage in CHO cells would provide valuable insights for antibody production cell culture processes development and optimization. In this study, five carboxypeptidases, CpD, CpM, CpN, CpB, and CpE, were studied for message RNA (mRNA) expression by qRT‐PCR analysis in two most commonly used blank hosts (DUXB‐11 derived DHFR‐deficient DP12 host and DHFR‐positive CHOK1 host), used for therapeutic antibody production, as well an antibody‐expressing cell line derived from each host. Our results showed that CpD had the highest mRNA expression. When CpD mRNA levels were reduced by RNAi (RNA interference) technology, C‐terminal lysine levels increased, whereas there was no obvious change in C‐terminal lysine levels when a different carboxypeptidase mRNA level was knocked down suggesting that carboxypeptidase D is the main contributor for C‐terminal lysine processing. Most importantly, when CpD expression was knocked out by CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology, C‐terminal lysine cleavage was completely abolished in CpD knockout cells based on mass spectrometry analysis, demonstrating that CpD is the only endogenous carboxypeptidase that cleaves antibody heavy chain C‐terminal lysine in CHO cells. Hence, our work showed for the first time that the cleavage of antibody heavy chain C‐terminal lysine is solely mediated by the carboxypeptidase D in CHO cells and our finding provides one solution to eliminating C‐terminal lysine heterogeneity for therapeutic antibody production by knocking out CpD gene expression. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2100–2106. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hypoxia‐responsive miR‐124 and miR‐144 reduce hypoxia‐induced autophagy and enhance radiosensitivity of prostate cancer cells via suppressing PIM1
Authors: Gu Hao , Liu Mingzhu , Ding Changmao , Wang Xin , Wang Rui , Wu Xinyu , Fan Ruitai
Published: March 2016

Cancer cells in hypoxia usually make adaptive changes in cellular metabolism, such as altered autophagy. This might be a cause of enhanced radioresistance in some types of cancer. In this study, we investigated hypoxia‐responsive miRNAs in two prostate cancer cell lines (DU145 and PC3). This study firstly reported that hypoxia induces further downregulation of miR‐124 and miR‐144, which might be a result of impaired dicer expression. These two miRNAs can simultaneously target 3′UTR of PIM1. Functional study showed that miR‐124 or miR‐144 overexpression can inhibit hypoxia‐induced autophagy and enhance radiosensitivity at least via downregulating PIM1. Therefore, hypoxia induced miR‐124 and miR‐144 downregulation may contribute to a prosurvival mechanism of prostate cancer cells to hypoxia and irradiation at least through attenuated suppressing of PIM1. This finding presents a potential therapeutic target for prostate cancer.
Progress in Silicon Nanowire‐Based Field‐Effect Transistor Biosensors for Label‐Free Detection of DNA
Authors: Lu Na , Gao Anran , Zhou Hong , Wang Yi , Yang Xun , Wang Yuelin , Li Tie
Published: March 2016

Silicon nanowire (SiNW), as one‐dimensional semiconducting nanomaterial, has been incorporated into the filed‐effect transistor (FET) devices to increase the efficacy and signal‐to‐noise in DNA sensing applications. Due to the advantages of high sensitivity, excellent selectivity, label‐free detection, direct electrical readout, and miniaturization, SiNW FET‐based DNA sensors have been regarded as an important tool in applications of molecular diagnostics, DNA sequencing, gene expressions, and drug discovery. Here, we review the recent progress in SiNW‐FET sensors for label‐free electrical DNA detection. We first introduce the working principle of SiNW‐FET DNA sensors, SiNW fabrication technologies, bio‐functionalization on nanowire surface, and enhancement of device sensitivity. Then we sum up the applications of SiNW sensors in detection of DNA hybridization, infectious viruses, microRNA, genetic change (DNA mutation, DNA methylation, and DNA repair), and protein‐DNA interactions. We address several crucial points of sensing performance including sensitivity, selectivity, and limit of detection. Finally, the perspectives, challenges, and some solutions of the field are also discussed.
Trifluoroethylation of Alkynes: Synthesis of Allylic‐CF3 Compounds by Visible‐Light Photocatalysis
Authors: Roh Geum‐bee , Iqbal Naeem , Cho Eun Jin
Published: March 2016

Two types of allylic trifluoromethylated compounds were synthesized by reacting alkynes with CF3CH2I using visible‐light photocatalysis. Subtle differences in the catalytic system controlled the selectivity of iodotrifluoroethylation and hydrotrifluoroethylation. The iodotrifluoroethylated products were obtained in the presence of [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 and TMEDA in CH3CN under visible‐light irradiation, whereas hydrotrifluoroethylated products were synthesized using fac‐[Ir(ppy)3] and a mixture of DBU and K2CO3 in DMF. The iodotrifluoroethylation reaction worked particularly well, even at gram‐scale, and the synthetic utility of iodotrifluoroethylated products was proved by their coupling reactions, providing complex CF3‐containing products.
Recent advances in capillary electrophoretic migration techniques for pharmaceutical analysis (2013–2015)
Authors: El Deeb Sami , Wätzig Hermann , Abd El‐Hady Deia , Sänger‐van de Griend Cari , Scriba Gerhard K. E.
Published: March 2016

This review updates and follows‐up a previous review by highlighting recent advancements regarding capillary electromigration methodologies and applications in pharmaceutical analysis. General approaches such as quality by design as well as sample injection methods and detection sensitivity are discussed. The separation and analysis of drug‐related substances, chiral CE, and chiral CE‐MS in addition to the determination of physicochemical constants are addressed. The advantages of applying affinity capillary electrophoresis in studying receptor–ligand interactions are highlighted. Finally, current aspects related to the analysis of biopharmaceuticals are reviewed. The present review covers the literature between January 2013 and December 2015.
Experimental Study of the Carbon Deposition from CH4 onto the Ni/YSZ Anode of SOFCs
Authors: Fan P. , Zhang X. , Hua D. , Li G.
Published: March 2016

A challenge in the operation of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with hydrocarbon fuels is the carbon deposition on the nickel/yttria‐stabilized zirconia (Ni/YSZ) anode. The Grabke‐type kinetic model has been proposed for the carbon formation based upon the assumption of elementary steps, which consist of a rate‐limiting dissociative chemisorption step and a stepwise dehydrogenation of the chemisorbed methyl group. This work experimentally studied the carbon formation on a SOFC Ni/YSZ anode exposed to CH4+H2 gas mixtures. Experiments were conducted with various gas compositions of CH4/H2 and temperatures in the range from 873 K to 1,123 K. The experimental results were used to determine a kinetic model that was applied to the SOFC operating environments. Based on the experimental data, the formula for the carbon formation rate that is dependent on the operating temperature and the gas compositions of CH4/H2 was established.
eQuIPS: eQTL Analysis Using Informed Partitioning of SNPs – A Fully Bayesian Approach
Authors: Boggis E. M. , Milo M. , Walters K.
Published: March 2016

We develop a Bayesian multi‐SNP Markov chain Monte Carlo approach that allows published functional significance scores to objectively inform single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) prior effect sizes in expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) studies. We developed the Normal Gamma prior to allow the inclusion of functional information. We partition SNPs into predefined functional groups and select prior distributions that fit the group‐specific observed functional significance scores. We test our method on two simulated datasets and previously analysed human eQTL data containing validated causal SNPs. In our simulations the modified Normal Gamma always performs at least as well, and generally outperforms, the other methods considered. When analysing the human eQTL data, we placed all SNPs into their actual functional group. The ranks of the four validated causal SNPs analysed using the modified Normal Gamma increase dramatically compared to those of the other methods considered. Using our new method, three of the four validated SNPs are ranked in the top 1% of SNPs and the other is in the top 2%. For the standard Normal Gamma, the best of the other methods, the four validated SNPs had ranks in the top 1%, 4%, 20% and 59%. Crucially these substantive improvements in the ranks make it highly likely that most, if not all, of these validated SNPs would have been flagged for follow‐up using our new method, whereas at least two of them would certainly not have been using the current approaches.
Bone Material Properties in Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Bishop Nick
Published: March 2016

Osteogenesis imperfecta entrains changes at every level in bone tissue, from the disorganization of the collagen molecules and mineral platelets within and between collagen fibrils to the macroarchitecture of the whole skeleton. Investigations using an array of sophisticated instruments at multiple scale levels have now determined many aspects of the effect of the disease on the material properties of bone tissue. The brittle nature of bone in osteogenesis imperfecta reflects both increased bone mineralization density—the quantity of mineral in relation to the quantity of matrix within a specific bone volume—and altered matrix-matrix and matrix mineral interactions. Contributions to fracture resistance at multiple scale lengths are discussed, comparing normal and brittle bone. Integrating the available information provides both a better understanding of the effect of current approaches to treatment—largely improved architecture and possibly some macroscale toughening—and indicates potential opportunities for alternative strategies that can influence fracture resistance at longer-length scales. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Risk Factors for Hip Fracture in Older Men: The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS)
Authors: Cauley Jane A , Cawthon Peggy M , Peters Katherine E , Cummings Steven R , Ensrud Kristine E , Bauer Douglas C , Taylor Brent C , Shikany James M , Hoffman Andrew R , Lane Nancy E , Kado Deborah M , Stefanick Marcia L , Orwoll Eric S ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study Research Group
Published: March 2016

Almost 30% of hip fractures occur in men; the mortality, morbidity, and loss of independence after hip fractures are greater in men than in women. To comprehensively evaluate risk factors for hip fracture in older men, we performed a prospective study of 5994 men, primarily white, age 65+ years recruited at six US clinical centers. During a mean of 8.6 years of 97% complete follow-up, 178 men experienced incident hip fractures. Information on risk factors including femoral neck bone mineral density (FNBMD) was obtained at the baseline visit. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals; Fine and Gray models adjusted for competing mortality risk. Older age (≥75 years), low FNBMD, currently smoking, greater height and height loss since age 25 years, history of fracture, use of tricyclic antidepressants, history of myocardial infarction or angina, hyperthyroidism or Parkinson's disease, lower protein intake, and lower executive function were all associated with an increased hip fracture risk. Further adjustment for competing mortality attenuated HR for smoking, hyperthyroidism, and Parkinson's disease. The incidence rate of hip fracture per 1000 person-years (PY) was greatest in men with FNBMD T-scores <–2.5 (white women reference database) who also had 4+ risk factors, 33.4. Men age ≥80 years with 3+ major comorbidities experienced hip fracture at rates of 14.52 versus 0.88 per 1000 PY in men age <70 years with zero comorbidities. Older men with low FNBMD, multiple risk factors, and multimorbidity have a high risk of hip fracture. Many of these assessments can easily be incorporated into routine clinical practice and may lead to improved risk stratification. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Automatic classification system of Raman spectra applied to pigments analysis
Authors: González‐Vidal Juanjo , Pérez‐Pueyo Rosanna , Soneira María José
Published: March 2016

Raman spectroscopy is one of the few non‐destructive techniques capable of identifying pigments in art works. Raman spectra contain powerful information that can be used to identify unknown compounds and their chemical structures. However, the analysis of spectral data comes with some difficulties, and therefore the spectral interpretation is not straightforward. Sometimes, there are very little differences in the spectral data concerning to specific identification objectives, for instance, in polymorphic discrimination or in the discrimination of natural and synthetic forms of certain pigments. Moreover, this discrimination is often performed manually so that the process can be repetitive, subjective and particularly time‐consuming. The result is an increasing motivation to automate the identification process involved in the classification of pigments in paint. In this paper, we propose a system to automatically classify the spectral data into specific and well‐known classes, i.e. reference classes. The proposal is based on a combination of chemometric techniques, which provides a powerful way to achieve spectral separability so that it is possible to discriminate between very similar spectra in an automatic way. In this regard, a decision‐making algorithm was specifically developed to select the corresponding reference class with no user input, which was successfully validated using simulated spectra. The implemented methodology was used to classify Raman spectra of pigments commonly present in artist's paints in experimental cases, providing reliable and consistent results. Therefore, the presented system can play a good auxiliary role in the analysts' endpoint classification. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multivariate spectral analysis of pH SERS probes for improved sensing capabilities
Authors: Williams Adam , Flynn Kevin John , Xia Zhidao , Dunstan Peter Roger
Published: March 2016

Adsorption of functional groups to the surface of plasmonic nanoparticles provides a platform for localised optical sensing. Over the past decade, nanoscale sensors for intracellular pH measurement based on surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) have been developed. However, the approaches by which pH‐SERS measurements are made and analysed can greatly impact the precision and accuracy of pH calibration. To improve pH nanosensors, the sources of experimental variation must be determined and the data must be optimally analysed. Here we report the plasmon‐induced decarboxylation of para‐mercaptobenzoic acid (pMBA) pH reporters attached to gold nanoparticles and conclude a strong association with laser power. The detrimental decarboxylation of pMBA has profound implications on the sensitivity and reliability of the pH sensor. Decarboxylation spectral signatures map directly onto those that are typically used to record pH changes, and, hence, the greatest implication of decarboxylation of pH sensors is inaccurate or false pH reporting. Here a more robust spectral analysis for pH sensing based upon an optimal spectral region for pH calibration is presented together with a unique application of the multivariate statistical technique, principal component analysis (PCA). PCA interprets complex spectral dynamics, and by direct comparisons with the typically employed ratiometric analysis, a significant improvement in generating accurate pH sensing is demonstrated. An application of these methods in determining the pH of internalised nanosensors in macrophage cells further promotes these step changes in pH measurement methodology via the avoidance of disruptive spectral signatures that arise in real applications. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microcin determinants are associated with B2 phylogroup of human fecal Escherichia coli isolates
Authors: Micenková Lenka , Bosák Juraj , Štaudová Barbora , Kohoutová Darina , Čejková Darina , Woznicová Vladana , Vrba Martin , Ševčíková Alena , Bureš Jan , Šmajs David
Published: March 2016

Escherichia coli strains are classified into four main phylogenetic groups (A, B1, B2, and D) and strains of these phylogroups differ in a number of characteristics. This study tested whether human fecal E. coli isolates belonging to different phylogroups differ in prevalence of bacteriocinogenic isolates and prevalence of individual bacteriocinogenic determinants. A set of 1283 fecal E. coli isolates from patients with different diseases was tested for the presence of DNA regions allowing classification into E. coli phylogroups and for the ability to produce bacteriocins (23 colicins and 7 microcins). Of the isolates tested, the most common was phylogroup B2 (38.3%) followed by phylogroups A (28.3%), D (26.3%) and B1 (7.2%). Altogether, 695 bacteriocin producers were identified representing 54.2% of all tested isolates. The highest prevalence of bacteriocin producers was found in group B2 (60.3%) and the lowest in group B1 (44.6%). Determinants encoding colicins E1, Ia, and microcin mV were most common in phylogroup A, determinants encoding microcins mM and mH47 were most common in phylogroup B2, and determinant encoding mB17 was most common in phylogroup D. The highest prevalence of bacteriocinogeny was found in phylogroup B2, suggesting that bacteriocinogeny and especially the synthesis of microcins was associated with virulent and resident E. coli strains.
The reversed paradigm of chimerism induction: Donor conditioning with recipient‐derived bone marrow cells as a novel approach for tolerance induction in vascularized composite allotransplantation
Authors: Siemionow Maria , Rampazzo Antonio , Gharb Bahar Bassiri , Cwykiel Joanna , Klimczak Aleksandra , Madajka Maria , Nasir Serdar , Bozkurt Mehmet
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To test a new approach of donor conditioning with recipient bone marrow cells (BMC) to induce tolerance in vascularized composite allograft (VCA) transplantation.

Methods

Lewis rats' (recipients) BMC were stained with PKH‐26. The ACI rats (donors) were conditioned with 80 × 106 Lewis BMC, 24 or 72 hours before VCA (groin flap) transplantation. Forty‐eight VCA were performed between ACI donors and Lewis recipients. In groups I and II, donors were preconditioned (24 and 72 hours before transplantation, respectively), and recipients received 7‐day anti‐αβ‐TCR/cyclosporine‐A post‐transplantation. In groups III and IV, donors were preconditioned (24 and 72 hours before transplantation, respectively), and recipients received no systemic immunosuppression. In group V, recipients received 7‐day anti‐αβ‐TCR/cyclosporine‐A post‐transplantation. In group VI, recipients received no systemic immunosuppression. Assessment included evaluation of transplant viability and induction of donor‐specific chimerism via flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and PCR.

Results

Groups III, IV, and VI rejected allografts, at an average of 14 ± 5.2, 10 ± 2.7, and 8 ± 0.7 days. In groups I, II, and V, the mean survival was 80 ± 18.2 (p = 0.0002), 64 ± 27.4 (p = 0.001), and 30 ± 4.7 (p = 0.02) days. In groups I and II, donor‐specific chimerism in the blood decreased from 8.8 ± 3.4% and 8.6 ± 3.4% on day 7 to 3.7 ± 1.32% (p = 0.02) and 4.7 ± 2.7% when the flaps manifested grade 3 rejection. The presence of PKH‐26+ Lewis BMC was confirmed in the donor's blood, bone marrow, lymphoid organs, and liver (preconditioned at 24 and 72 hours).

Conclusions

Donor preconditioning is a novel approach modifying recipient's responsiveness to donor allograft and prolonging the allograft survival under short‐term immunosuppression. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:676–683, 2016.
The developmental expression of the CDK inhibitor p57kip2 (Cdkn1c) in the early mouse placenta
Authors: Saunders Ann Catherine Eugenia , McGonnigal Bethany , Uzun Alper , Padbury James
Published: March 2016

p57kip2 (encoded by the Cdkn1c gene) is a member of the cip/kip family of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors that mediates cell cycle arrest in G1, allowing cells to differentiate. In the placenta, p57kip2 is involved in endoreduplication, formation of trophoblast giant cells, trophoblast invasion, and expansion of placental cell layers. Here, we quantitatively and qualitatively define the cell‐ and region‐specific expression of mouse placental p57kip2 using laser‐capture microdissection, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. Cdkn1c RNA was quantified by real‐time quantitative PCR. Co‐expression of Pl1 was used to identify trophoblast giant cells while Tbpba was used to identify spongiotrophoblast cells. Timed sacrifices were also carried out at embryonic days E7.5, E8.5, E9.5, and E12.5 to profile the expression in embryos and their placentas. At E8.5, intense expression of Cdkn1c was seen in invasive TGCs and the ectoplacental cone. Cdkn1c expression was more diffuse and more abundant in the labyrinth that in the junctional zone at both E9.5 and E12.5. Immunohistochemistry revealed robust p57kip2 staining in trophoblast giant cells and in the ectoplacental cone at E8.5. p57kip2 protein was seen in giant cells and throughout the labyrinth, although its abundance was reduced in the junctional zone at E9.5, and became more diffuse by E12.5. The early and intense expression in trophoblast giant cells is consistent with a role for p57kip2 in the invasive phenotype of these cells. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 405–412, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
General descriptions of follower forces derived via a geometrically exact inverse contact algorithm
Authors: Konyukhov Alexander
Published: March 2016

The main feature of the geometrically exact theory of contact is that all objects, which are necessary for computation, weak form and residual, linearized weak form, and tangent matrices are given in a covariant closed form in the local coordinate system corresponding to the geometry of contact pairs. This allows easily to construct computational algorithms for the normal and tangential follower forces as an inverse contact algorithm. In this case, following the definition of the follower forces as given and not changing in the local coordinate system, we have to modify all objects for the contact taking into account the definition of follower forces instead of constitutive relationships for the contact interfaces. The main feature is that the tangent matrices for both normal and tangential part being split into the rotational and the curvature parts are symmetric for any order of approximation. The following numerical examples are selected in the current article to illustrate the effectiveness of implementation: (1) the modeling of a pure bending with a moment applied either as a pair of single forces or a distributed follower forces (pressure) in both 2D and 3D cases; (2) modeling of inflation of a plate as application of the distributed follower normal forces (pressure); and (3) modeling of twisting of a beam with the rectangular cross‐section as application of the tangential follower forces algorithm. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Public and Private Production in a Mixed Delivery System: Regulation, Competition and Costs
Authors: Bel Germà , Rosell Jordi
Published: March 2016

Academics and policymakers are increasingly shifting the debate concerning the best form of public service provision beyond the traditional dilemma between pure public and pure private delivery modes, because, among other reasons, there is a growing body of evidence that casts doubt on the existence of systematic cost savings from privatization, while any competition seems to be eroded over time. In this paper, we compare the relative merits of public and private delivery within a mixed delivery system. We study the role played by ownership, transaction costs, and competition on local public service delivery within the same jurisdiction. Using a stochastic cost frontier, we analyze the public‐private urban bus system in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area. We find that private firms have higher delivery costs than those incurred by the public firm, especially when transaction costs are taken into account. Furthermore, tenders tend to decrease delivery costs.
Short‐term effectiveness of a web‐based tailored intervention for cancer survivors on quality of life, anxiety, depression, and fatigue: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Willems Roy A. , Bolman Catherine A. W. , Mesters Ilse , Kanera Iris M. , Beaulen Audrey A. J. M. , Lechner Lilian
Published: March 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the short‐term effectiveness of the web‐based computer‐tailored intervention Kanker Nazorg Wijzer (Cancer Aftercare Guide). The intervention aims to support cancer survivors with managing psychosocial and lifestyle‐related issues. In this study, the impact on quality of life, anxiety, depression, and fatigue were evaluated.

Methods

Cancer survivors were recruited through 21 Dutch hospitals (November 2013–June 2014). Outcome measures included quality of life (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐C30), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and fatigue (Checklist Individual Strength). In a randomized controlled trial with an intervention group (n = 231) and a waiting list control group (n = 231), the short‐term effectiveness was evaluated through multilevel linear regression analyses, controlling for selective dropout, baseline differences, and several demographic and disease‐related characteristics.

Results

In total, 188 participants of the intervention group and 221 of the control group completed the 6‐month measurement (dropout = 11.5%). The intervention was effective in reducing depression (B = −0.63, p = 0.007, f2 = 0.019, d = 0.21) and fatigue (B = −4.36, p = 0.020, f2 = 0.013, d = 0.21). In addition, effects were found for emotional (B = 3.47, p = 0.022, f2 = 0.013, d = 0.15) and social functioning (B = 3.95, p = 0.011, f2 = 0.017, d = 0.15), although this evidence was less strong. There were indications that the effects of fatigue and social functioning were influenced by module use.

Conclusions

While effect sizes were small, they can be considered as clinically relevant. With the Cancer Aftercare Guide being an effective, low‐intensive, and easy accessible intervention, it could serve as a first step in stepped care for needs assessment and initial support for psychosocial problems that are present after cancer treatment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robotic surgery rapidly and successfully implemented in a high volume laparoscopic center on living kidney donation
Authors: Janki S. , Klop K. W. J. , Hagen S. M. , Terkivatan T. , Betjes M. G. H. , Tran T. C. K. , Ijzermans J. N. M.
Published: March 2016

Background

It is important to minimize risks associated with live donor nephrectomy. In this study we evaluated the results of left‐sided robot‐assisted donor nephrectomies in comparison with standard techniques.

Methods

Data on perioperative results, kidney function, and recipient and graft survival were collected. All left‐sided laparoscopic and hand‐assisted procedures were selected as control groups.

Results

Fifty‐nine robot‐assisted procedures were performed by two surgeons. Operative time was significantly longer in the robot‐assisted group compared with both control groups. However, it decreased significantly during procedures 40–59 compared with procedures 20–39 (P = 0.014) to median 172.5 (114.0–242.0) min. One conversion to the open approach occurred in the robot group due to a bleeding of the renal artery stump. No difference was found between all techniques at 3 months post‐donation.

Conclusion

Left‐sided robot‐assisted donor nephrectomy is feasible with over time a significant decrease in operative time with good outcomes for donor and recipient. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human cytomegalovirus antiviral drug resistance in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: current state of the art
Authors: Campos Ana Bela , Ribeiro Joana , Boutolleau David , Sousa Hugo
Published: March 2016

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. The significant clinical impact of HCMV infection and progression to HCMV disease among allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients has been reduced by prophylactic, preemptive, and curative treatments using ganciclovir, valganciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir. Resistance to (val)ganciclovir results from mutations localized in HCMV UL97 gene (encoding the pUL97 phosphotransferase), UL54 gene (encoding the pUL54 DNA polymerase), or both genes, whereas foscarnet and cidofovir resistance results from mutations localized within UL54 gene only. This review is focused on HCMV antiviral drug resistance, including the functions of target genes of antivirals, the mechanisms of antiviral resistance, the different mutations in pUL97 and pUL54 that have been identified in either clinical isolates or laboratory strains, and their impact on HCMV susceptibility to antiviral drugs. It emphasizes the importance of proving that observed genetic changes confer resistance so they can be distinguished from polymorphisms. Because of the emergence of HCMV resistance to currently available drugs, novel drugs are urgently needed for the therapeutic management of HCMV‐resistant infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling and optimization of the lightweight HIGHT block cipher design with FPGA implementation
Authors: Mohd Bassam Jamil , Hayajneh Thaier , Khalaf Zaid Abu , Ahmad Yousef Khalil Mustafa
Published: March 2016

The growth of low‐resource devices has increased rapidly in recent years. Communication in such devices presents two challenges: security and resource limitation. Lightweight ciphers, such as HIGHT cipher, are encryption algorithms targeted for low resource systems. Designing lightweight ciphers in reconfigurable platform (e.g., field‐programmable gate array) provides speedup as well as flexibility. The HIGHT cipher consists of simple operations and provides adequate security level. The objective of this research work is to design, optimize, and model FPGA implementation of the HIGHT cipher. Several optimized designs are presented to minimize the required hardware resources and energy including the scalar and pipeline ones. Our analysis shows that the scalar designs have smaller area and power dissipation, whereas the pipeline designs have higher throughput and lower energy. Because of the fact that obtaining the best performance out of any implemented design mainly requires balancing the design area and energy, our experimental results demonstrate that it is possible to obtain such optimal performance using the pipeline design with two and four rounds per stage as well as with the scalar design with one and eight rounds. Comparing the best implementations of pipeline and scalar designs, the scalar design requires 18% less resources and 10% less power, while the pipeline design has 18 times higher throughput and 60% less energy consumption. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imaginary geometry I: interacting SLEs
Authors: Miller Jason , Sheffield Scott
Published: March 2016

Fix constants $$\chi >0$$

χ
>
0

and $$\theta \in [0,2\pi )$$

θ
∈
[
0
,
2
π
)

, and let h be an instance of the Gaussian free field on a planar domain. We study flow lines of the vector field $$e^{i(h/\chi +\theta )}$$

e

i
(
h
/
χ
+
θ
)

starting at a fixed boundary point of the domain. Letting $$\theta $$
θ
vary, one obtains a family of curves that look locally like $$\hbox {SLE}_\kappa $$

SLE
κ

processes with $$\kappa \in (0,4)$$

κ
∈
(
0
,
4
)

(where $$\chi = \tfrac{2}{\sqrt{\kappa }} -\tfrac{ \sqrt{\kappa }}{2}$$

χ
=

2

κ

-

κ

2

), which we interpret as the rays of a random geometry with purely imaginary curvature. We extend the fundamental existence and uniqueness results about these paths to the case that the paths intersect the boundary. We also show that flow lines of different angles cross each other at most once but (in contrast to what happens when h is smooth) may bounce off of each other after crossing. Flow lines of the same angle started at different points merge into each other upon intersecting, forming a tree structure. We construct so-called counterflow lines ($$\hbox {SLE}_{16/\kappa }$$

SLE

16
/
κ

) within the same geometry using ordered “light cones” of points accessible by angle-restricted trajectories and develop a robust theory of flow and counterflow line interaction. The theory leads to new results about $$\hbox {SLE}$$
SLE
. For example, we prove that $$\hbox {SLE}_\kappa (\rho )$$

SLE
κ

(
ρ
)

processes are almost surely continuous random curves, even when they intersect the boundary, and establish Duplantier duality for general $$\hbox {SLE}_{16/\kappa }(\rho )$$

SLE

16
/
κ

(
ρ
)

processes.
Grundlegende Prozesse betreffend Hydraulik, Sedimenttransport und Flussmorphologie an der Donau
Authors: Gmeiner Philipp , Liedermann Marcel , Haimann Marlene , Tritthart Michael , Habersack Helmut
Published: March 2016

Im Rahmen des Pilotprojektes Bad Deutsch-Altenburg wurde vor, während und nach der gleichzeitigen Umsetzung mehrerer Maßnahmen (Buhnenumbau, Granulometrische Sohlverbesserung – GSV, Uferrückbau und Gewässervernetzung) ein umfassendes Monitoringprogramm durchgeführt. Ziel war es, neben der Ist-Zustandserfassung, Begleitung und Dokumentation der Bauphase und der Erfassung der Entwicklung nach Bau auch die zugrunde liegenden Prozesse hinsichtlich Hydraulik, Sedimenttransport und Flussmorphologie zu analysieren. Erstmals wurde dabei die zeitliche Schwankung der Sohlschubspannung direkt gemessen. Die auftretenden Sohlschubspannungen folgten dabei in Abhängigkeit von der Turbulenzintensität einer Log-Normal- oder einer Normalverteilung. Diese Schwankungen sind mit ein Grund, weshalb schon bei Niederwasser ein nennenswerter Geschiebetransport gemessen wurde. Der effektive Durchfluss des Geschiebetransportes liegt dabei im Bereich von 2000 und 2200 m3/s. 50 % Prozent des Geschiebes wird bei Durchflüssen bis 2300 m3/s transportiert, mit Jahresfrachten von 306.000 bis 594.000 t für die Jahre 2006 bis 2014. Bei Betrachtung des Transportverhaltens einzelner Tracersteine in 3 Größenklassen durchwanderten 74 % der Steine die 3 km lange Strecke in einem Jahr, mit Geschwindigkeiten von 6,2 bis 10,6 m/d. Kleine Steine bewegten sich häufiger und weiter als mittlere und große, welche ein ähnliches Transportverhalten aufwiesen. Die erstmalig an der Donau beschriebenen Kiesdünen erreichten im Vergleich wesentlich höhere Geschwindigkeiten mit 2,5 bis 9 m/h. Ein Abgleich mit Fangkorbmessungen zeigte, dass Kiesdünen, wenn sie auftreten, den überwiegenden Teil des Geschiebetransportprozesses bestimmen.
Surfactant and Temperature Effects in Tyrosine/Pyridoxine Hydrochloride Systems
Authors: Mote U. S. , Anbhule P. V. , Kolekar G. B.
Published: March 2016

The fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from tyrosine to pyridoxine hydrochloride in different surfactant solutions and in deionized water has been investigated by using a fluorescence spectroscopic technique. The Stern–Volmer quenching constant, the distance between donor (tyrosine) and acceptor (pyridoxine hydrochloride), and the energy transfer efficiency were obtained using the Stern–Volmer relation and Forster’s theory of nonradiative energy transfer. The data obtained from the measurement reveals that the FRET occurs more effectively in aqueous SDS micellar solution than in CTAB or linear alcohol ethoxylate micellar systems and deionized water. Moreover, the binding constant, number of binding sites, and thermodynamic parameters ∆G, ∆H, ∆S were obtained by studying the tyrosine‐pyridoxine hydrochloride interactions at three different temperatures. The decrease in binding constant with temperature reflects the existence of weak interaction between tyrosine and pyridoxine hydrochloride at high temperature. The analysis confirms that van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding are involved in the interaction.
In vivo evaluation of riboflavin receptor targeted fluorescent USPIO in mice with prostate cancer xenografts
Authors: Jayapaul Jabadurai , Arns Susanne , Bunker Matt , Weiler Marek , Rutherford Sandra , Comba Peter , Kiessling Fabian
Published: March 2016

Riboflavin (Rf) receptors bind and translocate Rf and its phosphorylated forms (e.g. flavin mononucleotide, FMN) into cells where they mediate various cellular metabolic pathways. Previously, we showed that FMN-coated ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (FLUSPIO) nanoparticles are suitable for labeling metabolically active cancer and endothelial cells in vitro. In this study, we focused on the in vivo application of FLUSPIO using prostate cancer xenografts. Size, charge, and chemical composition of FLUSPIO were evaluated. We explored the in vitro specificity of FLUSPIO for its cellular receptors using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Prussian blue staining. Competitive binding experiments were performed in vivo by injecting free FMN in excess. Bio-distribution of FLUSPIO was determined by estimating iron content in organs and tumors using a colorimetric assay. AFM analysis and zeta potential measurements revealed a particulate morphology approximately 20–40 nm in size and a negative zeta potential (–24.23 ± 0.15 mV) in water. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry data confirmed FMN present on the USPIO nanoparticle surface. FLUSPIO uptake in prostate cancer cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells was significantly higher than that of control USPIO, while addition of excess of free FMN reduced accumulation. Similarly, in vivo MRI and histology showed specific FLUSPIO uptake by prostate cancer cells, tumor endothelial cells, and tumor-associated macrophages. Besides prominent tumor accumulation, FLUSPIO accumulated in the liver, spleen, lung, and skin. Hence, our data strengthen our hypothesis that targeting riboflavin receptors is an efficient approach to accumulate nanomedicines in tumors opening perspectives for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic systems.
Neuronal circuits and physiological roles of the basal ganglia in terms of transmitters, receptors and related disorders
Authors: Yamada Katsuya , Takahashi Susumu , Karube Fuyuki , Fujiyama Fumino , Kobayashi Kazuto , Nishi Akinori , Momiyama Toshihiko
Published: March 2016

The authors have reviewed recent research advances in basal ganglia circuitry and function, as well as in related disorders from multidisciplinary perspectives derived from the results of morphological, electrophysiological, behavioral, biochemical and molecular biological studies. Based on their expertise in their respective fields, as denoted in the text, the authors discuss five distinct research topics, as follows: (1) area-specific dopamine receptor expression of astrocytes in basal ganglia, (2) the role of physiologically released dopamine in the striatum, (3) control of behavioral flexibility by striatal cholinergic interneurons, (4) regulation of phosphorylation states of DARPP-32 by protein phosphatases and (5) physiological perspective on deep brain stimulation with optogenetics and closed-loop control for ameliorating parkinsonism.
Randwanderung, Pendeln und Geschlecht in einer polyzentralen Region
Authors: Scheiner Joachim
Published: March 2016

The paper studies commute distances and commute duration in the context of suburbanisation and gender relations in the surroundings of Hagen, Westphalia. The results show that intraregional migration is often motivated by workplace-related reasons. The gender-specific changes in commuting following the moves suggest that residential location choice tends to be driven by the male partner’s workplace, while women hold a “trailing wife” position. Additionally, the moves are associated with attempts to limit or reduce commuting trip lengths on the household level. This is not only reflected in trip duration, but also in the spatial configuration of housing and work among employed couples. This is represented here by the relative location of the residence and workplaces. In a ring of 20–30 km around Hagen the residential choices are associated with considerably longer commuting distances, compared to municipalities located closer to Hagen (< 20 km). This supports typical results of suburbanisation studies. Taken overall, the findings demonstrate very complex relationships between gender, social status, residential location choice and commuting. This is discussed against the backdrop of the polycentric structure of the region. Conclusions for further research can be drawn from the novel methods used in the study. The relevance of the results for planning is briefly discussed as well.