bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geospatial Techniques for Mapping Madapur Micro-Watershed Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Channavar Vijayakumari Raveendra , B R Jagadeesh , Potdar Milind P , Patil P L , S S Chandrashekhar
Published: July 2024

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based land resource inventory (LRI) with high-resolution imagery is the most reliable tool for soil resource mapping. However, soil series-based mapping remains crucial for detailed soil studies in Madapur micro-watershed. A thorough geospatial analysis of land resources was conducted to support integrated land use planning efforts. This involves assessing various factors such as land cover, land use patterns, terrain features and soil characteristics. By adapting GIS and remote sensing data, soil maps were prepared for decision-making in land use planning initiatives, considering environmental sustainability, socio-economic factors and land resource availability. The research findings revealed the extent of soil erosion, gravel content, salinity levels, soil depth, soil pH and nutrient availability. In the moderately soil erosion category, the area covered 316 ha (65.67 %) followed by slightly erosion category covered 99 ha (20.56 %). Gravel content was prevalent, with 276 ha (57.39 %) falling into the gravelly category, while the remaining was non-gravelly. Salinity levels were low across the entire area with non saline. Soil depth in 278 ha (57.81%) area was very deep soil (>150 cm), while a significant portion 126 ha (26.16%) has moderately shallow depth (50-75 cm). The soil reaction is moderately alkaline, with 97.27 percent of the area showing this trait. Nitrogen deficiency is common, affecting 97.27 percent of the area with levels below 280 kg/ha. Phosphorus availability is moderate, ranging from 23 to 56 kg/ha. Potassium content is also moderate in 65.22% of the area, with levels between 140 and 330 kg/ha. Adequate levels of micronutrients like iron, copper and manganese were present, but zinc content was deficient. Despite soil limitations, a substantial portion (57.12%, 275 ha) is classified as good cultivable land with some soil limitations, suggesting potential for agricultural productivity with appropriate management practices.
Evaluation of Socio Demographic Characteristics of Male Dhat Syndrome Patients with Their Sexual Quality of Life: A Hospital Based Study
Authors: Deshmukh Rahul , Rastogi Madhur Kant , Gahalaut Pratik , Pardal Pavan Kumar , Singh Amar
Published: July 2024

Background: Dhat syndrome is a culture-bound syndrome characterized by various debilitating symptoms like loss of desire, low self-esteem, loss of interest in any activity, feelings of guilt, and lack of pleasure.
Aims:

To evaluate Sociodemographic profile of in patients of dhat syndrome.
To evaluate pattern of Sexual Quality of life in patients presenting with signs and symptoms of Dhat syndrome.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Department of Psychiatry, Shri Ram Murti Smarak, Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhojipura, Bareilly. It was a time-based study and we enrolled 153 individuals in our study over a period of 1 year (March 2021 – February 2022).
Methodology: The study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Department of Psychiatry, Shri Ram Murti Smarak, Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhojipura, Bareilly. SQOL-M questionnaire was used and findings were evaluated.
Results: This study yielded data for 153 patients with Dhat syndrome. Most of the patients belonged to younger age groups, belonging to rural backgrounds with lower socioeconomic classes. The mean SQOL-M score was 34.72 ± 5.38. There was significant variation amongage, marital status but no significant variation among education. Among patients between age group 16 - 35 years, 94.59% were anxious and 98.20% were worried, while 90.48% of the patients between 36 – 65 years felt like they have lost something.
Conclusion: Dhat syndrome has been prevalent in the world for a long time, especially in the Indian subcontinent. This study is an effort in evaluating the effect of Dhat syndrome on patients’ life. The sexual quality of life of most of the patients fell under good class.
Evaluation of Onion Varieties for their Susceptibility to Thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindman) in Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Seervi Sitaram , Singh Pradyumn , Sasode Rajni Singh , Bhadauria NS , Naveen  , Saxena Sakshi , Suman Shivani
Published: July 2024

An investigation was undertaken to study the screening of onion varieties against thrips Thrips tabaci Lindman in the Grid region of Madhya Pradesh, India. Twelve onion varieties were sown, and different levels of thrips incidence were observed over two successive years (2022–23 and 2023–24). The results indicated that none of the varieties were completely free from thrips incidence. Among the twelve varieties, two were categorized as highly susceptible, eight as moderately susceptible, and two as less susceptible. The variety Light Red had the lowest thrips population, followed by Bhima Shweta. The highly susceptible varieties, Nasik Red (N-53) and Gauran LR-241, recorded the highest thrips populations.
Fire Research: Linking Past, Present, and Future Data
Authors: Kehrwald Natalie M. , Whitlock Cathy , Barbante Carlo , Brovkin Victor , Daniau Anne‐Laure , Kaplan Jed O. , Marlon Jennifer R. , Power Mitchell J. , Thonicke Kirsten , van der Werf Guido R.
Published: November 2013

Increased levels of burning in the past 40 years are raising public and scientific concern about the relative importance of rising temperatures, climate variability, and human actions including management practices in initiating and supporting recent conflagrations. Enormous fires in Australia, North America, Europe, and Russia since 2000 have resulted in billions of dollars in property damage, loss of life, and threats to human and ecological health. Levels of fire activity are expected to increase in the coming decades in many regions as temperatures continue to rise and droughts intensify [Moritz et al., 2012]. Linked disturbances such as bark beetle infestations, nonnative plant invasions, and mass‐wasting events have also exacerbated the effects of fire in many ecosystems.
Reviewing Global Change Research and Recommending Future Priorities
Authors: Goswami Santonu , Xu Xiaofeng , Hayes Daniel J.
Published: November 2013

Global change is one of the most serious threats to human society and, as such, is a core research agenda around the world. Building on a long history of fundamental ecological research, a new cohort of early‐career scientists—armed with novel methodologies and cutting‐edge technology—is poised to confront the critical questions on the future of global change. Addressing these questions poses a grand challenge for scientists in ecology: the stakes are high, yet confidence in the level of knowledge in some areas remains critically low. Thus, the direction and future success of global change research depends to a significant degree on promoting and fostering the work of next generation ecologists undertaking some of the most important scientific work of our time.
The Bridge: Connecting Science and Policy Debuts in the AGU Blogosphere
Authors: Gilley Meg
Published: November 2013

A new blog, The Bridge: Connecting Science and Policy, has joined the AGU blog family to provide a platform to discuss the intersection of science and policy with the public and decision makers. The Bridge, written by AGU Public Affairs staff and guest posters, debuted as part of the 2013 Science Policy Conference and was so successful that the Public Affairs team kept posting after the conference.
Eisenman Receives 2012 Cryosphere Young Investigator Award: Response
Authors: Eisenman Ian
Published: November 2013

I am honored to receive this award from the Cryosphere Focus Group and glad for the opportunity it gives to acknowledge some of the people who have contributed to my scientific growth.
Seismic network detects landslides on broad areal scale
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: November 2013

From 1999 to 2006, Taiwan's Chenyoulan watershed experienced 48,000 landslides, rock avalanches, and other geomorphic events, the bulk of which are thought to have been triggered by the powerful tropical cyclones that batter the island each summer. Rock slides and other geomorphic events are a natural hazard, but they are also the source for some of the raw sediment that winds its way downstream, affecting watershed erosion and sedimentation dynamics. From both of these perspectives, having a handle on when and where these geomorphic events occur is important.
Measuring global sulfur dioxide emissions with satellite sensors
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: November 2013

Atmospheric sulfur dioxide affects the weather by enhancing cloud formation, and long‐term shifts in emissions can change the climate by increasing the amount of solar radiation scattered back into space. Sulfur dioxide emissions are the basis for acid rain, and the gas itself can cause respiratory problems. Despite the compound's importance to climate, the difficulties associated with accurately measuring sulfur dioxide mean that rates of emissions are generally not well understood.
Magnetic characterization of synthetic titanomagnetites: Quantifying the recording fidelity of ideal synthetic analogs
Authors: Almeida Trevor P. , Muxworthy Adrian R. , Williams Wyn , Kasama Takeshi , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal
Published: November 2013

A series of four synthetic basalts comprising titanomagnetite (Fe3‐xTixO4) grains of varied size and titanium content have been produced by a glass‐ceramic method. Complementary characterization techniques of X‐ray diffractometry, secondary electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrate the reaction product composition consisted of mainly Fe3‐xTixO4, pyroxene hedenbergite, fayalite, and SiO2. The samples exhibit bimodal distributions of larger (<2 µm) and smaller Fe3‐xTixO4 particles (<50 nm in diameter), the latter found inside pyroxene crystals, as well as the sporadic occurance of dendritic Fe3‐xTixO4 structures. Magnetic measurements show their bulk characteristics fall into two groups: Ti‐rich titanomagnetite samples with varying Ti content; and near‐stoichiometric magnetite. The TEM technique of off‐axis electron holography allowed for visualization of the magnetic behavior of the synthetic Fe3‐xTixO4 grains. Energy dispersive X‐ray analysis and off‐axis electron holography confirmed the small Fe3‐xTixO4 grains (<50 nm) confined within glassy pyroxene regions to be Fe‐rich and single domain, carrying strong magnetic signals, compared to the relatively magnetically weak larger Fe3‐xTixO4 grains (x ∼ 0.6). The large grains in the pure magnetite sample are shown to be pseudo‐single domain in nature. The quenching process involved in synthesis is considered similar to that of pillow basalts found at mid‐ocean ridges and hence the reaction products are thought ideal in terms of characterization and understanding, for the purpose of studying natural systems.
The influence of tropical cyclones on heat waves in Southeastern Australia
Authors: Parker Teresa J. , Berry Gareth J. , Reeder Michael J.
Published: November 2013

Heat waves in southeastern Australia in summer are commonly associated with slow‐moving surface high‐pressure systems, which result in warm northerly flow from the continental interior. The underlying dynamical pattern of heat waves in this region is associated with propagating Rossby waves, which grow in amplitude and eventually overturn, forming an upper level anticyclonic potential vorticity anomaly. The influence of tropical cyclones on the development of these anomalies is investigated here. Tropical cyclones may affect heat waves in this region indirectly, as the divergent outflow at upper levels perturbs the Rossby wave guide, leading to downstream development. However, the effect may also be direct, through the advection of anomalously anticyclonic potential vorticity from regions of deep convection in the vicinity of tropical cyclones into the upper level anticyclone. Our research shows that this direct reinforcement of the anticyclone is likely to be more important in the formation of severe heat waves in southeastern Australia.
Vertical tidal wind climatology from full‐diurnal‐cycle temperature and Na density lidar observations at Ft. Collins, CO (41°N, 105°W)
Authors: Yuan Tao , She C. Y. , Oberheide J. , Krueger David A.
Published: November 2013

Vertical wind and its tidal perturbations are critical for understanding energy and momentum budgets within the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere. However, direct and precise observations of this tidal wind component are highly challenging due to its low magnitude (a few cm/s), and often smaller than the measurement uncertainty even if averaged over hours. A dynamical method to determine vertical wind tides from Na density tides was proposed and its validity tested by limited amount of data two decades ago. In this paper, we utilize the linear relationship between the perturbations of Na density and atmospheric density caused by wave perturbations to extend this method, and devise two new formulations for determining vertical wind tides from the Na lidar observed Na density and temperature in the mesopause region. By taking advantage of the established climatology of mean and tidal perturbations over Fort Collins, CO (41°N, 105°W), based on the data set between 2002 and 2008, we deduce diurnal and semidiurnal vertical wind tides from all three formulations. The deduced tidal amplitudes and phases are intercompared, along with the most recent, but well studied and tested, Climatological Tidal Model of the Thermosphere (CTMT) based on the Hough Mode Extension (HME) followed by a tidal spectrum analysis to address the different tidal components contribution to the total tidal behavior at this midlatitude location. The comparisons show general agreement between the lidar tidal results and the model.
Quasi‐two‐day wave structure, interannual variability, and tidal interactions during the 2002–2011 decade
Authors: Moudden Y. , Forbes J. M.
Published: November 2013

In this paper we employ Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics Dynamics/Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry temperature measurements from 20 to 120 km and between about ±72° latitude to investigate several aspects of the quasi‐two‐day wave (QTDW) during the 2002–2011 decade, including interannual variability of its seasonal‐latitudinal structure, its penetration into the lower thermosphere, and various wave‐wave interactions. We focus on two components of the QTDW: the westward‐propagating component with zonal wave number s=3 (TDW3), and the eastward‐propagating component with s=−2 (TDE2). TDW3(TDE2) has maximum amplitudes during 2003, 2004, and 2011(2006 and 2011) and both waves have their lowest amplitudes during the deep solar minimum years of 2008–2009. TDW3 and to some degree TDE2 penetrate with significant amplitudes up to 120 km altitude, well into the region where neutral winds generate electric fields through the dynamo mechanism. A new “longitude subdivision method (LSM)” is presented that enhances temporal resolution of TDW3 and enables the determination of 9.6 h and 16 h waves that result from nonlinear interaction between TDW3 and/or TDE2 and diurnal migrating (DW1) and semidiurnal migrating (SW2) tides. Evidence is presented for westward‐propagating 9.6 h and 16 h waves with s=5 and s=4, respectively, and a zonally symmetric (s=0) 9.6 h wave. The s=5(s=0) wave only occurs as a result of nonlinear interaction between SW2 and TDW3(TDE2), whereas the s=4 wave can result from interaction of TDW3 with DW1 or of TDE2 with SW2. We payed special attention to possible aliasing between different waves.
Root and dissolved organic carbon controls on subsurface soil carbon dynamics: A model approach
Authors: Ota Masakazu , Nagai Haruyasu , Koarashi Jun
Published: November 2013

Although subsurface horizons store more than half the total soil organic carbon (SOC) globally, the sources and dynamics of subsurface SOC are still unknown. Root litter input and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) transport are possible sources. Using a vertically extended soil C model, we explore the role of root C input and DOC transport in controlling subsurface SOC dynamics. The model involves organic matter decomposition and DOC leaching in the aboveground litter layer, the belowground input of C from roots, and SOC turnover and DOC transport along water flows throughout the soil profile for three SOC pools (active, slow, and passive — characterized by a turnover time of years, decades, and millennia, respectively). Model simulations with a range of rooting profiles demonstrate that a large proportion (36% – 78% — greater in deeper rooting profiles) of SOC is apportioned to the subsurface horizons (below the top 30 cm). A significant part (39% – 73%) of subsurface SOC was found to be associated with C pools that turn over on time scales of decades or less. DOC transport appeared to be dominant in distributing the added C to the deeper soil layers, making the SOC content profile deeper than that of the root litter (C) input. The results suggest that current soil C studies focusing on the surface alone, significantly underestimate the stock of decadally cycling C, especially for deeply rooted ecosystems. Studies ignoring subsurface C dynamics therefore underpredict the responses of soil C to changes in climate, land use, and vegetation.
Incidence of unplanned admissions after sinonasal surgery: a 6‐year review
Authors: Wong Anni , Kacker Ashutosh
Published: November 2013

Background

There has been an increasing transition from hospital‐based surgeries to ambulatory surgery center (ASC)‐based surgeries. A significant portion of ASC cases are otolaryngological procedures, with sinonasal surgery as one of the most common procedures. However, admissions into the hospital from the ASC can be difficult for the patient and the provider. This study evaluates the incidence of unplanned admissions after sinonasal surgery in a 6‐year period and identifies the factors for these admissions.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted of patients who had ambulatory sinonasal surgeries from January 2007 to December 2012 at Weill Cornell Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital performed by the senior author (A.K.). Electronic medical records were reviewed for age, gender, procedure/surgery performed, and admission and/or discharge information.

Results

A total of 750 patients who underwent sinonasal surgeries from January 2007 to December 2012 were eligible for review. The study sample had a mean age of 46 years and 55.6% were male. There were a total of 24 admissions, of which 6 were unplanned (0.8%). Reasons for unplanned admissions included pain (most common, 50%), followed by epistaxis, nausea, and other.

Conclusion

The rate for unplanned admissions for sinonasal surgeries was 0.8%, which is lower than the national rate (2.65%), indicating that sinonasal surgeries are appropriate as ambulatory cases. Because the reason for unplanned admission was highest for pain, patients should be further evaluated for more effective methods of pain control postoperatively or preemptively.
Dynamic Kinetic Asymmetric Transformations of β‐Stereogenic α‐Ketoesters by Direct Aldolization
Authors: Corbett Michael T. , Johnson Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2013

Dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformations (DyKAT) of racemic β‐bromo‐α‐keto esters by direct aldolization of nitromethane and acetone provide access to fully substituted α‐glycolic acid derivatives bearing a β‐stereocenter. The aldol adducts are obtained in excellent yield with high relative and absolute stereocontrol under mild reaction conditions. Mechanistic studies determined that the reactions proceed through a facile catalyst‐mediated racemization of the β‐bromo‐α‐keto esters under a DyKAT Type I manifold.
Synthesis and Functional Characterization of Imbutamine Analogs as Histamine H3 and H4 Receptor Ligands
Authors: Geyer Roland , Kaske Melanie , Baumeister Paul , Buschauer Armin
Published: November 2013

Imbutamine (4‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)butanamine) is a potent histamine H3 (H3R) and H4 receptor (H4R) agonist (EC50 values: 3 and 66 nM, respectively). Aiming at improved selectivity for the H4R, the imidazole ring in imbutamine was methyl‐substituted or replaced by various differently substituted heterocycles (1,2,3‐triazoles, 1,2,4‐triazoles, pyridines, pyrimidines) as potential bioisosteres. Investigations in [35S]GTPγS binding assays using membranes of Sf9 insect cells expressing the respective human histamine receptor subtype revealed only very weak activity of most of the synthesized hetarylalkylamines at both receptors. By contrast, the introduction of substituents at the 4‐imidazolyl ring was most effective regarding H4R selectivity. This holds for methyl substitution in position 2 and, especially, in position 5. 5‐Methylimbutamine (H4R: EC50 = 59 nM, α = 0.8) was equipotent with imbutamine at the hH4R, but revealed about 16‐fold selectivity for the hH4R compared to the hH3R (EC50 980 nM, α = 0.36), whereas imbutamine preferred the hH3R. The functional activities were in agreement with radioligand binding data. The results support the hypothesis that, by analogy with histamine, methyl substitution in histamine homologs offers a way to shift the selectivity in favor of the H4R.
An overview of the roles and responsibilities of Chinese medical colleges in body donation programs
Authors: Zhang Luqing , Xiao Ming , Gu Mufeng , Zhang Yongjie , Jin Jianliang , Ding Jiong
Published: November 2013

The use of human tissue is critical for gross anatomy education in the health professions. Chinese medical colleges have faced a shortage of anatomical specimens over the past decade. While body donation plays an important role in overcoming this gap, this practice has only recently been introduced in China, and the donation rate is relatively low and fraught with a number of difficulties. In the past, traditional Chinese culture focused on preserving the human body intact, which often limited body donation. In recent years, the public has become more open toward body donation. At Nanjing Medical University, only 20 bodies were donated in 2001. After the university became involved in an organized body donation program, this number increased to 70 donated bodies per year (2007 to 2012). This article describes and reviews Chinese medical colleges as a special case study among body donation programs, particularly in terms of the multiple responsibilities and roles that such institutions must assume in the course of adopting these programs. Medical colleges in China must serve as advocates, coordinators, builders, managers, educators, and beneficiaries in undertaking body donation programs. It is important for medical colleges to recognize these pluripotent roles and educate the public in order to promote body donation programs. This case study may also effectively guide and encourage Chinese medical colleges in refining their own body donation programs in the future. Anat Sci Educ 7: 312–320. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
Global Robust Output Regulation for a Class of Switched Nonlinear Systems with Nonlinear Exosystems
Authors: Long Lijun , Zhao Jun
Published: November 2013

The problem of global robust output regulation for a class of switched nonlinear systems with nonlinear exosystems is investigated in this paper where not all subsystems are stabilizable. First, as an extension of the concept of non‐switched internal model, this paper defines a switched internal model, which together with the plant is called the switched augmented system. Also, we show that the problem of output regulation for the switched nonlinear system can be converted into a global robust regulation problem of the switched augmented system. Second, based on the average dwell time method, the global robust regulation problem under a class of switching signals with average dwell time is solved, which leads to the solution of the problem of global robust output regulation. Finally, an example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design approach.
Adaptive Stabilization for a Class of Stochastic Nonlinearly Parameterized Nonholonomic Systems with Unknown Control Coefficients
Authors: Gao Fangzheng , Yuan Fushun , Wu Yuqiang
Published: November 2013

This paper investigates the problem of adaptive state feedback stabilization for a class of stochastic nonlinearly parameterized nonholonomic systems in chained form with unknown control coefficients. By defining two new unknown parameters whose dynamic updating laws are properly chosen and also by skilfully using the parameter separation, input‐state‐scaling, and integrator backstepping techniques, an adaptive state feedback controller is successfully designed, which guarantees that the closed‐loop system is asymptotically stabilized in probability. A simulation example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Neuroanastomosis and the innervation territory of the mental nerve
Authors: Won Sung‐Yoon , Yang Hun‐Mu , Woo Hee‐Soon , Chang Ki‐Yeon , Youn Kwan‐Hyun , Kim Hee‐Jin , Hu Kyung‐Seok
Published: November 2013

The aim of this study was to clarify the distribution pattern and innervation territory of the mental nerve (MN) in the skin and mucosa by topographic examination by Sihler's staining, thereby providing reference anatomical information for surgical procedures and to enable prediction of regions of sensory disturbance following nerve damage. Ten human specimens were subjected to Sihler's staining, which is a highly accurate method for visualizing the distribution of nerve fibers without altering their topography. Each branch of the MN overlapped adjacent branches (five cases), or else they were distributed individually at the lower lip (five cases). The MN anastomosed with some branches of the facial nerve near the mental foramen. Moreover, some branches of the MN anastomosed with the buccal nerve of the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to the skin and mucosa over the lateral region of the lower lip (six cases). The details of the distribution pattern and innervations territory of the MN presented herein may enable the prediction of a region of sensory disturbance following MN damage. Moreover, knowledge of the pattern of synapses with adjacent branches of other nerves, such as the facial (marginal mandibular and cervical branches) and the buccal nerves, might help to improve our understanding around incomplete anesthesia during the surgical procedures in oral & maxillofacial region. Clin. Anat. 598–602, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DMPPQA, a novel angiogenesis inhibitor, induces apoptosis in human colon cancer HCT‐116 cells and HUVECs
Authors: Ren Jie , Jiang Hefei , Zhao Juan , Xin Wenqun , Xu Yuanyuan , Chen Xin , Hu Kun
Published: November 2013

Cytotoxic activity of 5,7‐dimethoxy‐2‐phenyl‐N‐propylquinolin‐4‐amine (DMPPQA) was investigated in human colon cancer cells HCT‐116 and umbilical vein endothelial cell line HUVEC. The IC50 of DMPPQA on HCT‐116 and HUVEC cells were respectively 1.26 and 7.43 µM after 72 h treatment. DMPPQA inhibited the growth of HCT‐116 and HUVEC cells in concentration‐ and time‐dependent manners. Typical morphological changes of apoptotic body formation were seen after DMPPQA with Hoechst 33258 staining. FCM analysis showed that DMPPQA induced apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential loss (ΔΨm) and increase in the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) of HCT‐116 cells. After treating with DMPPQA, apoptosis‐related protein expression of Bax, cytochrome c, caspase‐9, caspase‐3, PARP‐1 and P53 increased and Bcl‐2 protein expression decreased. DMPPQA treatment of HUVECs reduced cell migration and microcapillary tube formation in a Matrigel matrix. It also decreased VEGF protein expression. Thus DMPPQA acts as an angiogenesis inhibitor and induces cell apoptosis by a caspase‐dependent mitochondrial pathway.
Role of myosin Va in neuritogenesis of chick dorsal root ganglia nociceptive neurons
Authors: Kanno Tatiane Y. N. , Espreafico Enilza M. , Yan Chao Yun Irene
Published: November 2013

Myosin‐Va, widely distributed throughout the developing nervous system, is involved in the transport of vesicles and other intracellular components with its globular tail domain (GTD) implicated in cargo recognition/interaction. Inactivation of myosin‐Va in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons of chick embryos, in vitro, decreases the rate of filopodial extension. MYO5A mutant mice have severe neurological defects. We have found that the overexpression of GTD in DRG cultures reduces the number of neurons with long neurites (above fourfold cell body length) and increased the number of neurons with short or no neurites. However, if transfection occurred after the onset of neuritogenesis, this was not seen. In embryo, we characterized the expression pattern of myosin‐Va during neuritogenesis of TrkA‐positive cells at different stages of chick DRG development. Myosin‐Va expression was detected starting from HH25. At this stage, it was present in cells both with and without neurites. The presence of myosin‐Va in DRG neurites persisted throughout the last stage analysed (HH34). The data suggest that Myosin Va can participate in embryonic DRG neuritogenesis.
Valence‐to‐Core X‐Ray Emission Spectroscopy of Iron–Carbonyl Complexes: Implications for the Examination of Catalytic Intermediates
Authors: Delgado‐Jaime Mario Ulises , DeBeer Serena , Bauer Matthias
Published: November 2013

Valence‐to‐core X‐ray emission spectroscopy (V2C XES) has been applied to a series of compounds relevant to both homogeneous catalysts and intermediates in heterogeneous reactions, namely [Fe(CO)5], [Fe2(CO)9], [Fe3(CO)12], [Fe(CO)3(cod)] (cod=cyclo‐octadienyl), [Fe2Cp2(CO)4] (Cp=cyclo‐pentadienyl), [Fe2Cp*2(CO)4] (Cp*=tetramethylcyclopentadienyl), and [FeCp(CO)2(thf)][B(ArF)4] (ArF=pentafluorophenyl). DFT calculations of the V2C XES spectra show very good agreement with experiment, which allows for an in depth analysis of the origins of the observed spectral signatures. It is demonstrated that the observed spectral features can be broken down into specific ligand and metal fragment contributions. The relative intensities of the observed features are further explained through a quantitative investigation of the metal 3p and 4p contributions to the spectra. The ability to use V2C XES to separate carbonyl, hydrocarbon, and solvent contributions is highlighted.
Patient‐reported outcomes from EMILIA, a randomized phase 3 study of trastuzumab emtansine (T‐DM1) versus capecitabine and lapatinib in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Welslau Manfred , Diéras Veronique , Sohn Joo‐Hyuk , Hurvitz Sara A. , Lalla Deepa , Fang Liang , Althaus Betsy , Guardino Ellie , Miles David
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

This report describes the results of an analysis of patient‐reported outcomes from EMILIA (TDM4370g/BO21977), a randomized phase 3 study of the antibody–drug conjugate trastuzumab emtansine (T‐DM1) versus capecitabine and lapatinib in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–positive locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

METHODS

A secondary endpoint of the EMILIA study was time to symptom worsening (time from randomization to the first documentation of a ≥ 5‐point decrease from baseline) as measured by the Trial Outcome Index Physical/Functional/Breast (TOI‐PFB) subset of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Breast questionnaire. Predefined exploratory patient‐reported outcome endpoints included proportion of patients with a clinically significant improvement in symptoms (per TOI‐PFB) and proportion of patients with diarrhea symptoms (per Diarrhea Assessment Scale).

RESULTS

In the T‐DM1 arm, 450 of 495 patients had a baseline and ≥ 1 postbaseline TOI‐PFB score versus 445 of 496 patients in the capecitabine‐plus‐lapatinib arm. Time to symptom worsening was delayed in the T‐DM1 arm versus the capecitabine‐plus‐lapatinib arm (7.1 months versus 4.6 months, respectively; hazard ratio = 0.796; P = .0121). In the T‐DM1 arm, 55.3% of patients developed clinically significant improvement in symptoms from baseline versus 49.4% in the capecitabine‐plus‐lapatinib arm (P = .0842). Although similar at baseline, the number of patients reporting diarrhea symptoms increased 1.5‐ to 2‐fold during treatment with capecitabine and lapatinib but remained near baseline levels in the T‐DM1 arm.

CONCLUSIONS

Together with the EMILIA primary data, these results support the concept that T‐DM1 has greater efficacy and tolerability than capecitabine plus lapatinib, which may translate into improvements in health‐related quality of life. Cancer 2014;120:642–651. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Targeted next‐generation sequencing using fine‐needle aspirates from adenocarcinomas of the lung
Authors: Karnes Hope E. , Duncavage Eric J. , Bernadt Cory T.
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

Molecular testing of cancer is increasingly critical to medicine. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) provides comprehensive, unbiased, and inexpensive mutation analysis of multiple genes with a single test. However, to the authors' knowledge, the usefulness of NGS in fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) specimens, which may be the only specimens available, is unknown. Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an ideal model in which to evaluate cytopathologic applications of NGS because FNA is used for diagnosis and staging and specific molecular therapeutic targets in NSCLC are known. Herein, the performance and quality of targeted NGS in FNA specimens from a small series of lung adenocarcinomas is evaluated.

METHODS

Sequence data were generated from FNA specimens and paired formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues from 5 patients with lung adenocarcinoma. DNA was isolated from FNA aspirate smears and cores of FFPE tissue. Multiplex sequencing of 27 cancer‐related genes was performed after hybrid capture enrichment. Read‐quality metrics and single‐nucleotide variant calls were compared.

RESULTS

The overall concordance of total reads across specimens was > 99% and the average concordance of single‐nucleotide variants was 99.5%. The total reads generated, as well as the percentages of mapped, on‐target, and unique reads were statistically indistinguishable (P > 0.05) between FFPE and FNA preparations. There also was no difference in the depth of sequencing coverage, including exon‐level coverage in known lung cancer mutation hotspots.

CONCLUSIONS

DNA isolated from FNA slides yields comprehensive, accurate, and statistically indistinguishable sequence information compared with that obtained from FFPE tissue. These results support the integration of NGS technologies into the standard cytopathology workflow. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2014;122:104–13. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Specificity and efficiency of reporter expression in adult neural progenitors vary substantially among nestin‐CreERT2 lines
Authors: Sun Min‐Yu , Yetman Michael J. , Lee Tang‐Cheng , Chen Yuqing , Jankowsky Joanna L.
Published: November 2013

Transgenic lines expressing a controllable form of Cre recombinase have become valuable tools for manipulating gene expression in adult neural progenitors and their progeny. Neural progenitors express several proteins that distinguish them from mature neurons, and the promoters for these genes have been co‐opted to produce selective transgene expression within this population. To date, nine CreERT2 transgenic lines have been designed using the nestin promoter; however, only a subset are capable of eliciting expression within both neurogenic zones of the adult brain. Here we compare three such nestin‐CreERT2 lines to evaluate specificity of expression and efficiency of recombination. Each line was examined by using three different Cre reporter strains that varied in sensitivity. We found that all three nestin‐CreERT2 strains induced reporter expression within the main neurogenic areas, albeit to varying degrees depending on the reporter. Unexpectedly, we found that two of the three lines induced substantial reporter expression outside of neurogenic areas. These lines produced strong labeling in cerebellar granule neurons, with additional expression in the cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and thalamus. Reporter expression in the third nestin‐CreERT2 line was considerably more specific, but was also less efficient, labeling a smaller percentage of the target population than the other two drivers. Our findings suggest that each nestin‐CreERT2 line may best serve different experimental needs, depending on whether specificity or efficiency is of greatest concern. Our study further demonstrates that each new pair of driver and responder lines should be evaluated independently, as both components can significantly influence the resulting expression pattern. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:1191–1208, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
State estimation of memristor‐based recurrent neural networks with time‐varying delays based on passivity theory
Authors: Rakkiyappan R. , Chandrasekar A. , Laksmanan S. , Park Ju H.
Published: November 2013

This article deals with the state estimation problem of memristor‐based recurrent neural networks (MRNNs) with time‐varying delay based on passivity theory. The main purpose is to estimate the neuron states, through available output measurements such that for all admissible time delay, the dynamics of the estimation error is passive from the control input to the output error. Based on the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) involving proper triple integral terms, convex combination technique, and reciprocal convex technique, a delay‐dependent state estimation of MRNNs with time‐varying delay is established in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The information about the neuron activation functions and lower bound of the time‐varying delays is fully used in the LKF. Then, the desired estimator gain matrix is accomplished by solving LMIs. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 19: 32–43, 2014
Initial observations of dynamically heated bone
Authors: Greenwood C. , Rogers K. , Beckett S. , Clement J.
Published: November 2013

Understanding the chemical changes within bone during heat treatment has become essential within many fields including biomaterials, archaeology and forensic science. All current approaches report the systematic heating and cooling of bone specimens (a ‘static’ approach). These provide information on modifications to mineral structure and chemistry including recrystallisation and thermal decomposition from bone specimens cooled to room temperature. In order to understand these fundamental processes further, we adopted, for the first time, a dynamic heating protocol coupled to an X‐ray diffraction probe, which provides in situ analysis at temperature. This approach allows physico‐chemical processes to be observed at elevated temperatures for five different bone types: bovine, porcine, human, rostrum and red deer antler. The results, when compared to static heating studies, illustrate individually the effects of heating and cooling upon bone mineral. On heating, the onset of recrystallisation occurs rapidly over a short temperature range for all bone types. It is proposed the continued growth of the hydroxyapatite crystals is limited by the mineral to organic ratio. Investigation of the lattice parameters has also indicated significant differences between the bone types, suggesting species differentiation is possible using X‐ray diffraction analysis. Statistical analysis of the ‘a’ axis lattice parameter data revealed human bone is distinguishable from the other bone types.
Substrate‐thickness Dependence of Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Silicon Nucleation Rate on Amorphous Silicon Layer
Authors: Zuo Zewen , Cui Guanglei , Wang Yu , Wang Junzhuan , Pu Lin , Shi Yi
Published: November 2013

The nucleation rate of hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (µc‐Si:H) films deposited by plasma‐enhanced (PE)CVD on hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) substrates is investigated through structural and electrical characterization, with special attention paid to the initial growth stage of µc‐Si:H films. It is found that the nucleation rate of µc‐Si is dependent on the thickness of the a‐Si:H substrate. The µc‐Si:H film exhibits a rapid nucleation on a thin a‐Si:H layer, leaving a thin incubation layer at the µc‐Si/substrate interface. This substrate‐thickness dependence of the nucleation rate is proposed to be correlated with the stress inside the a‐Si:H layer. The high interfacial stress existing in the thin a‐Si:H layer facilitates the formation of high concentration, strained Si‐Si bonds, which are responsible for the rapid µc‐Si nucleation. The thick a‐Si:H layer relaxes the interfacial stress through the formation of islands in the Stranski‐Krastanow (S‐K) growth mode, while the intrinsic stress is still low, resulting in a long nucleation process allowing for the intrinsic compressive stress to be accumulated that is necessary for the µc‐Si deposited on it.
Comparison of three thiol probes for determination of apoptosis‐related changes in cellular redox status
Authors: Skindersoe Mette E. , Kjaerulff Soeren
Published: November 2013

An early step in apoptosis is extrusion of reduced glutathione (GSH). Current assays for measuring apoptosis involve a number of incubation and washing steps, making them time consuming and laborious. Using two novel thiol reactive agents (VitaBright‐43 and VitaBright‐48) and a GSH specific probe; monochlorobimane, we investigated whether changes in the level of free thiols can be used as an apoptotic marker. Upon addition to cells the probes permeate the cell membrane and react with intracellular thiols, causing cellular fluorescence. Cytometric quantification of the cell fluorescence (without washing) can then be used to determine the population's cellular thiol level at the single cell level. Apoptotic traits such as phosphatidylserine externalisation, caspase activity and mitochondrial potential were investigated at different time points after induction of apoptosis and correlated to changes detected using the thiol probes. We found that though all three thiol probes could be used to detect changes in the level of free thiols correlating well with apoptotic markers, other properties such as detection of early versus late apoptosis and staining kinetics differed among the three probes. However, we suggest adding evaluation of the level of free thiols to the list of phenotypes which may be measured in order to detect apoptosis, as this provides a reliable and easy way of assaying apoptosis. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Disconnection of a basal ganglia circuit in juvenile songbirds attenuates the spectral differentiation of song syllables
Authors: Elliott Kevin C. , Wu Wei , Bertram Richard , Johnson Frank
Published: November 2013

Similar to language acquisition by human infants, juvenile male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) imitate an adult (tutor) song by transitioning from repetitive production of one or two undifferentiated protosyllables to the sequential production of a larger and spectrally heterogeneous set of syllables. The primary motor region that controls learned song is driven by a confluence of input from two premotor pathways: a posterior pathway that encodes the adult song syllables and an anterior pathway that includes a basal ganglia (BG)‐thalamo‐cortical circuit. Similar to mammalian motor‐learning systems, the songbird BG circuit is thought to be necessary for shaping juvenile vocal behaviour (undifferentiated protosyllables) toward specific targets (the tutor's song syllables). Here, we tested the hypothesis that anterior pathway activity contributes to the process of protosyllable differentiation. Bilateral ablation of lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium (LMAN) was used to disconnect BG circuitry at ages before protosyllable production and differentiation. Comparison to surgical controls revealed that protosyllables fail to differentiate in birds that received juvenile LMAN ablation—the adult songs of birds with >80% bilateral LMAN ablation consisted of only one or two syllables produced with the repetitive form and spectral structure that characterizes undifferentiated protosyllables in normal juveniles. Our findings support a role for BG circuitry in shaping juvenile vocal behaviour toward the acoustic structure of the tutor song and suggest that posterior pathway function remains in an immature “default” state when developmental interaction with the anterior pathway is reduced or eliminated. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 574–590, 2014
A role for the polarity complex and PI3 kinase in branch formation within retinotectal arbors of zebrafish
Authors: Schmidt John T. , Mariconda Laura , Morillo Francelina , Apraku Elizabeth
Published: November 2013

The developing zebrafish retinotectal arbors make many trial branches with synapses but most are retracted. With NMDA blockers, branches are withdrawn at a higher rate, and a synapse on a branch not only stabilizes that branch, but biases new branches to form nearby. Here, we tested whether new branch formation requires the polarity complex, which is essential for organizing the cytoskeleton in initial axon formation. The complex (PAR3, PAR6, and atypical protein kinase C [aPKC]) is downstream of phosphatidyl‐inositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K), and its aPKC could be activated by retrograde arachidonic acid synaptic signaling. DiO‐labeled arbors in zebrafish were imaged on day 3 (before treatment) and 1–2 days after treatment to suppress or inhibit PAR3, PAR6, or PI3K. Intraocular antisense (AS) oligos to PAR3 or PAR6 both severely limited branch addition, which was most evident in arbors with few branches before treatment. As a result of the inability to branch, arbor segments grew longer than in controls. Both PI3K inhibition (LY294002) and AS suppression of PI3Kα and PI3Kδ isoforms likewise limited branch addition but also decreased growth, as the sum of segment lengths was below normal after 2 days. Both the results support the idea that the polarity complex and PI3K participate in arbor branch formation. The PKC inhibitor Go6983 also severely restricted branch addition and growth, as did bisindolyl‐maleimide and calphostin C reported previously, consistent with PKCζ, but not PKCµ, participation. These experiments suggest a mechanism whereby activity signaling could affect the branching of retinotectal arbors. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 591–601, 2014
Selective Confinement of Ruthenium Nanoparticles in Silica Nanotubes
Authors: Nguyen T. Trang , Ersen Ovidiu , Serp Philippe
Published: November 2013

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Philippe Serp at the Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination of CNRS UPR8241. The cover image shows the synthesis strategy that has been followed to confine ruthenium nanoparticles in silica nanotubes, by using carbon nanotubes as template, and illustrates the need for tomography techniques to observe these nanocatalysts.
Atropisomerism in 3,4,5‐Tri‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐2,6‐lutidine
Authors: Roszkowski Piotr , Błachut Dariusz , Maurin Jan K. , Woźnica Magdalena , Frelek Jadwiga , Pluciński Franciszek , Czarnocki Zbigniew
Published: November 2013

Suzuki reaction of tribromo‐2,6‐lutidine with (2‐methoxyphenyl)boronic acid gave 3,4,5‐tris(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐2,6‐lutidine in the form of a mixture of three atropisomers that were stable at room temperature. Each isomer was isolated and fully characterized, including by X‐ray structure determination. One of the isomers, being a racemic mixture, was separated into individual enantiomers by using semipreparative chiral HPLC. Their absolute stereochemistry was initially assigned on the basis of computational calculation of the CD spectra and finally confirmed by X‐ray analysis.