bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PPARα activation in portal hypertension
Authors: Liu Hongqun , Lee Samuel S. , Groszmann Roberto J. , Iwakiri Yasuko , Taddei Tamar H.
Published: November 2012

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) is a transcription factor activated by ligands that regulates genes related to vascular tone, oxidative stress, and fibrogenesis, pathways implicated in the development of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. This study aims at evaluating the effects of PPARα activation with fenofibrate on hepatic and systemic hemodynamics, hepatic endothelial dysfunction, and hepatic fibrosis in CCl(4)-cirrhotic rats. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), portal pressure (PP), and portal blood flow (PBF) were measured in cirrhotic rats treated with oral fenofibrate (25mg/kg/day, n=10) or its vehicle (n=12) for 7 days. The liver was then perfused and dose-relaxation curves to acetylcholine (Ach) were performed. We also evaluated Sirius Red staining of liver sections, collagen-I mRNA expression, and smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein expression, cyclo-oxygenase-1 (COX-1) protein expression, and cGMP levels in liver homogenates, and TXB(2) production in perfusates. Nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and eNOS activation were measured in hepatic endothelial cells (HEC) isolated from cirrhotic rat livers. CCl(4) cirrhotic rats treated with fenofibrate had a significantly lower PP (-29%) and higher MAP than those treated with vehicle. These effects were associated with a significant reduction in hepatic fibrosis and improved vasodilatory response to acetylcholine. Moreover, a reduction in COX-1 expression and TXB(2) production in rats receiving fenofibrate and a significant increase in NO bioavailability in HEC with fenofibrate were observed. PPARα activation markedly reduced PP and liver fibrosis and improved hepatic endothelial dysfunction in cirrhotic rats, suggesting it may represent a new therapeutic strategy for portal hypertension in cirrhosis.
Will catchment characteristics moderate the projected effects of climate change on flow regimes in the Scottish Highlands?
Authors: Capell R. , Tetzlaff D. , Soulsby C.
Published: November 2012

Regional climate models were used with the UKCP09 weather generator to downscale outputs from the HadCM3 General Circulation Model, to project climate change by 2050 in the Scottish Highlands. The resulting hydroclimatic data were used to drive a tracer‐aided hydrological model to assess likely changes in flow regimes in three experimental catchments. These are located along a hydroclimatic transect from the wet, mild western Highlands (Strontian), through the colder, more continental central Highlands (Allt a' Mharcaidh), to the drier eastern Highlands (Girnock). At all sites, temperatures are projected to increase by around 2 °C, with associated increases in potential evapotranspiration. Precipitation is expected to increase by around 10–15% at Strontian but remains slightly changed at the Allt a' Mharcaidh and Girnock. However, the seasonal distribution of precipitation is projected to change, increasing in winter and decreasing in summer. Cautious interpretation of model outputs indicates that flows are likely to change accordingly at all sites, though the characteristics of each catchment result in some subtle differences. At Strontian, marked increases in winter high flows are expected, at the Allt a' Mharcaidh, reduction in winter snowfall and reduced snowpack will increase winter high flows and moderate the influence of spring melts. In the Girnock, decreasing summer low flows are the most notable element of change. These subtle differences in response to climatic drivers are consistent with the distinct storage characteristics of the catchments which in turn reflect their landscape evolution histories. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the testing of fully integrated surface–subsurface hydrological models
Authors: Sebben Megan L. , Werner Adrian D. , Liggett Jessica E. , Partington Daniel , Simmons Craig T.
Published: November 2012

Studies employing integrated surface–subsurface hydrological models (ISSHMs) have utilized a variety of test cases to demonstrate model accuracy and consistency between codes. Here, we review the current state of ISSHM testing and evaluate the most popular ISSHM test cases by comparing the hydrodynamic processes simulated in each case to the processes found in well‐characterized, real‐world catchments and by comparing their general attributes to those of successful benchmark problems from other fields of hydrogeology. The review reveals that (1) ISSHM testing and intercode comparison have not adopted specific test cases consistently; (2) despite the wide range of ISSHM metrics available for model testing, only two model performance diagnostics are typically adopted: the catchment outflow hydrograph and the catchment water balance; (3) in intercode comparisons, model performance is usually judged by evaluating only one performance diagnostic: the catchment outflow hydrograph; and (4) ISSHM test cases evaluate a small number of hydrodynamic processes that are largely uniform across the model domain, representing a limited selection of the processes of interest in well‐characterized, real‐world catchments. ISSHM testing would benefit from more intercode comparisons using a consistent set of test cases, aimed at evaluating more catchment processes (e.g. flooding) and using a wider range of simulation diagnostics (e.g. pressure head distributions). To achieve this, a suite of test case variations is required to capture the relevant catchment processes. Finally, there is a need for additional ISSHM test problems that compare model predictions with hydrological observations from intensively monitored field sites and controlled laboratory experiments. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recombinant anti‐podoplanin (NZ‐1) immunotoxin for the treatment of malignant brain tumors
Authors: Chandramohan Vidyalakshmi , Bao Xuhui , Kato Kaneko Mika , Kato Yukinari , Keir Stephen T. , Szafranski Scott E. , Kuan Chien‐Tsun , Pastan Ira H. , Bigner Darell D.
Published: November 2012

Our study demonstrates the glioma tumor antigen podoplanin to be present at very high levels (>90%) in both glioblastoma (D2159MG, D08‐0308MG and D08‐0493MG) and medulloblastoma (D283MED, D425MED and DAOY) xenografts and cell line. We constructed a novel recombinant single‐chain antibody variable region fragment (scFv), NZ‐1, specific for podoplanin from the NZ‐1 hybridoma. NZ‐1‐scFv was then fused to Pseudomonas exotoxin A, carrying a C‐terminal KDEL peptide (NZ‐1‐PE38KDEL). The immunotoxin (IT) was further stabilized by a disulfide (ds) bond between the heavy‐chain and light‐chain variable regions as the construct NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL. NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL exhibited significant reactivity to glioblastoma and medulloblastoma cells. The affinity of NZ‐1‐(scdsFv), NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL and NZ‐1 antibody for podoplanin peptide was 2.1 × 10−8 M, 8.0 × 10−8 M and 3.9 × 10−10 M, respectively. In a protein stability assay, NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL retained 33–98% of its activity, whereas that of NZ‐1‐PE38KDEL declined to 13% of its initial levels after incubation at 37°C for 3 days. In vitro cytotoxicity of the NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL was measured in cells isolated from glioblastoma xenografts, D2159MG, D08‐0308MG and D08‐0493MG, and in the medulloblastoma D283MED, D425MED and DOAY xenografts and cell line. The NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL IT was highly cytotoxic, with an 50% inhibitory concentration in the range of 1.6–29 ng/ml. Significantly, NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL demonstrated tumor growth delay, averaging 24 days (p < 0.001) and 21 days (p < 0.001) in D2159MG and D283MED in vivo tumor models, respectively. Crucially, in the D425MED intracranial tumor model, NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL caused a 41% increase in survival (p ≤ 0.001). In preclinical studies, NZ‐1‐(scdsFv)‐PE38KDEL exhibited significant potential as a targeting agent for malignant brain tumors.
Known glioma risk loci are associated with glioma with a family history of brain tumours—A case–control gene association study
Authors: Melin Beatrice , Dahlin Anna M. , Andersson Ulrika , Wang Zhaoming , Henriksson Roger , Hallmans Göran , Bondy Melissa L. , Johansen Christoffer , Feychting Maria , Ahlbom Anders , Kitahara Cari M. , Wang Sophia S. , Ruder Avima M. , Carreón Tania , Butler Mary Ann , Inskip Peter D. , Purdue Mark , Hsing Ann W. , Mechanic Leah , Gillanders Elizabeth , Yeager Meredith , Linet Martha , Chanock Stephen J. , Hartge Patricia , Rajaraman Preetha
Published: November 2012

Familial cancer can be used to leverage genetic association studies. Recent genome‐wide association studies have reported independent associations between seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and risk of glioma. The aim of this study was to investigate whether glioma cases with a positive family history of brain tumours, defined as having at least one first‐ or second‐degree relative with a history of brain tumour, are associated with known glioma risk loci. One thousand four hundred and thirty‐one glioma cases and 2,868 cancer‐free controls were identified from four case–control studies and two prospective cohorts from USA, Sweden and Denmark and genotyped for seven SNPs previously reported to be associated with glioma risk in case–control designed studies. Odds ratios were calculated by unconditional logistic regression. In analyses including glioma cases with a family history of brain tumours (n = 104) and control subjects free of glioma at baseline, three of seven SNPs were associated with glioma risk: rs2736100 (5p15.33, TERT), rs4977756 (9p21.3, CDKN2A‐CDKN2B) and rs6010620 (20q13.33, RTEL1). After Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, only one marker was statistically significantly associated with glioma risk, rs6010620 (ORtrend for the minor (A) allele, 0.39; 95% CI: 0.25–0.61; Bonferroni adjusted ptrend, 1.7 × 10−4). In conclusion, as previously shown for glioma regardless of family history of brain tumours, rs6010620 (RTEL1) was associated with an increased risk of glioma when restricting to cases with family history of brain tumours. These findings require confirmation in further studies with a larger number of glioma cases with a family history of brain tumours.
A Novel Noniterative Metal Artifact Reduction Method Using Coherence Transport with Fast Marching in Computed Tomography
Authors: Zhang Yi , Pu Yi‐Fei , Zhang Wei‐Hua , Hu Jin‐Rong , Wang Han , Lei Yin‐Jie , Zhou Ji‐Liu
Published: November 2012

Metal artifact reduction (MAR) is still a challenging problem in current computed tomography reconstruction. Traditional methods usually use the unaffected projection data in the same degree to interpolate contaminated positions in the bins. The continuality and smoothness features become hard to fulfill. In this article, we propose a novel noniterative MAR method that uses coherence transport with fast marching. Two‐dimensional information, including the neighboring bins, is used to inpaint the uncorrected sinogram with a special form of weighted average according to a sequence calculated by the fast marching method. The results of the experiments and the quantitative analysis demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively suppress the artifacts caused by metal with a high‐attenuation coefficient. Compared with linear interpolation, the proposed method can introduce less streak artifacts and obtain more accurate structure information of organs.
Three‐Dimensional Shape Reconstruction System Based on Fiber‐Optic Interference Fringe Imaging
Authors: Duan Xiaojie , Duan Fajie , Lv Changrong
Published: November 2012

In this article, we describe a three‐dimensional shape reconstruction system based on the Mach–Zehnder interferometer structure and Young's double pinhole interference principle, while utilizing Fresnel reflection on fiber end face and interference at the fourth port of 3‐dB coupler to achieve closed‐loop precise control of fringe phase. A root‐mean‐square phase stability of 4 mrad is measured with the system. The shape of the object is determined by analyzing the fringe pattern. A new algorithm called rotating rectangular window autoselection is used as the band‐pass filter. The measuring time of the whole system is less than 200 ms, and the error of system is 0.27 mm. Meanwhile, the overall complexity of the measuring algorithm is O(n log n).
An Automatic Evaluation System for Contrast‐Detail Phantom Images in Digital Radiography
Authors: Lin Chuen‐Horng , Lin Chih‐Yang , Cheng Yu‐Jung , Chan Yung‐Kuan
Published: November 2012

Currently, contrast‐detail phantom (CD phantom) images are widely used to assist medical experts for diagnosis, because these images can be used to study imaging quality and assess the radiation dose amount for digital X‐ray imaging systems. However, the quality of the CD phantom image varies from person to person, increasing the possibility of false diagnosis. In this article, we propose an automatic evaluation system to measure the quality of a phantom image an alternative to assessment by radiologists. The proposed method is based on bilinear pixel interpolation, geometric transformation, and region shifting to efficiently and objectively evaluate the quality of a phantom image. Moreover, misjudgment modification is also proposed to further improve the recognition accuracy. The experimental results show that the accuracy of the proposed method is very close to that of the radiologists observations. The results have also proven that the proposed method is a feasible way to evaluate the quality of a phantom image in an objective and automatic manner.
Image deconvolution using incomplete Fourier measurements
Authors: Yang Hang , Zhang Zhongbo , Wu Danyang
Published: November 2012

In this article, we propose a new deconvolution algorithm, which is based on image reconstruction from incomplete measurements in Fourier domain. Our algorithm has two steps. First, an initial estimator is obtained using Fourier regularized inverse operator. Second, parts of the estimator's Fourier coefficients are saved, and the others are removed to suppress noise energy, then the remaining coefficients are used to recover image based on the sparse constraints. This image reconstruction problem is an optimization problem that is solved by a fast algorithm named split Bregman iteration. Different from other deconvolution algorithms, our algorithm only uses parts of Fourier components to restore the blurred image and combines two different regularization strategies efficiently by applying a selection matrix. The experiment shows that our method gives better performance than many other competitive deconvolution methods. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 22, 233–240, 2012
Water PMF for predicting the properties of water molecules in protein binding site
Authors: Zheng Mingyue , Li Yanlian , Xiong Bing , Jiang Hualiang , Shen Jingkang
Published: November 2012

Water is an important component in living systems and deserves better understanding in chemistry and biology. However, due to the difficulty of investigating the water functions in protein structures, it is usually ignored in computational modeling, especially in the field of computer‐aided drug design. Here, using the potential of mean forces (PMFs) approach, we constructed a water PMF (wPMF) based on 3946 non‐redundant high resolution crystal structures. The extracted wPMF potential was first used to investigate the structure pattern of water and analyze the residue hydrophilicity. Then, the relationship between wPMF score and the B factor value of crystal waters was studied. It was found that wPMF agrees well with some previously reported experimental observations. In addition, the wPMF score was also tested in parallel with 3D‐RISM to measure the ability of retrieving experimentally observed waters, and showed comparable performance but with much less computational cost. In the end, we proposed a grid‐based clustering scheme together with a distance weighted wPMF score to further extend wPMF to predict the potential hydration sites of protein structure. From the test, this approach can predict the hydration site at the accuracy about 80% when the calculated score lower than −4.0. It also allows the assessment of whether or not a given water molecule should be targeted for displacement in ligand design. Overall, the wPMF presented here provides an optional solution to many water related computational modeling problems, some of which can be highly valuable as part of a rational drug design strategy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PaDEL‐DDPredictor: Open‐source software for PD‐PK‐T prediction
Authors: He Yuye , Liew Chin Yee , Sharma Nitin , Woo Sze Kwang , Chau Yi Ting , Yap Chun Wei
Published: November 2012

ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity)‐related failure of drug candidates is a major issue for the pharmaceutical industry today. Prediction of PD‐PK‐T properties using in silico tools has become very important in pharmaceutical research to reduce cost and enhance efficiency. PaDEL‐DDPredictor is an in silico tool for rapid prediction of PD‐PK‐T properties of compounds from their chemical structures. It is free and open‐source software that, has both graphical user interface and command line interface, can work on all major platforms (Windows, Linux, and MacOS) and supports more than 90 different molecular file formats. The software can be downloaded from http://padel.nus.edu.sg/software/padelddpredictor. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Relation Between Mindfulness and Fear of Negative Evaluation Over the Course of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Burton Mark , Schmertz Stefan K. , Price Matthew , Masuda Akihiko , Anderson Page L.
Published: November 2012

Objectives

This study examined the relation between mindfulness and fear of negative evaluation over the course of nonmindfulness based cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) for social anxiety disorder (SAD). We expected that higher levels of mindfulness would be associated with a more positive response to treatment.

Method

This study is a secondary report from a randomized controlled trial in which participants (N = 65) diagnosed with SAD were randomly assigned to receive 8 weeks of 1 of 2 manualized treatments (exposure group therapy, n = 33; or virtual reality exposure therapy, n = 32) either immediately or following an 8 week waiting period.

Results

Fear of negative evaluation decreased following treatment and was negatively related to mindfulness throughout treatment and follow‐up. Mindfulness did not moderate treatment outcome.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that while mindfulness is related to fear, it is not a moderator of symptom reduction in nonmindfulness‐based treatment. Implications for treatment and future research are discussed.
Membrane‐dispersion reactor in homogeneous liquid process
Authors: Jia Zhiqian , Liu Zhongzhou
Published: November 2012

For homogeneous liquid processes, mixing at molecular scale may influence selectivity, yield and quality of final products. In a membrane‐dispersion reactor, microporous membranes are employed as dispersion media for controlled feeding of one solution into another one to intensify micromixing. The reactor has been widely used in the preparation of nanoparticles, preparation of nanocapsules and liposomes, synthesis of polymers, parallel and consecutive reactions to improve nanoparticles quality, molecular weight distribution of polymer, or selectivity of complex reactions. This paper reviewed the progress of the membrane‐dispersion reactor in homogeneous liquid processing including features, applications, advantages and limits. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.
Production and hydrolytic efficiency of enzymes from Trichoderma reeseiRUTC30 using steam pretreated wheat straw as carbon source
Authors: Alvira Pablo , Gyalai‐Korpos Miklós , Barta Zsolt , Oliva José Miguel , Réczey Kati , Ballesteros Mercedes
Published: November 2012

Background

Advances on enzyme technology have improved the economics of cellulosic ethanol. Nevertheless, there is still great interest to improve the production and the characteristics of the enzymatic preparations. One possibility to reduce the cost of the enzymes is on‐site enzyme production in a biorefinery plant, in which part of the lignocellulosic material already available can be used as a cheap carbon source in the enzyme production.

Results

Steam exploded wheat straw at two different severity conditions was evaluated as carbon source for enzyme production by Trichoderma reesei. The results showed that volumetric production of cellulases and β‐glucosidase increased when using a carbon source with high cellulose content. When a carbon source with a higher content of hemicellulose was used the enzymatic mixture showed significantly higher proportions of hemicellulase activities (xylanase, β‐xylosidase and α‐L‐arabinofuranosidase), which had a positive effect on subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis.

Conclusions

The proportion of cellulose and hemicellulose in the carbon source has an influence on the composition of the enzymatic cocktail. The higher the cellulose and hemicellulose content, the higher the titer of cellulase and hemicellulase produced by the fungus, respectively. The enzyme preparations with higher hemicellulase activities were more efficient in hydrolyzing xylan‐containing substrates. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.
Mechanical properties, morphology and crystallization kinetic studies of bio‐based thermoplastic composites of poly(butylene succinate) with recycled carbon fiber
Authors: Han Hongyan , Wang Xiaodong , Wu Dezhen
Published: November 2012

Background

Bio‐based thermoplastic composites with high‐performance and low cost have attracted much interest due to their sustainability and their potential applications. The reinforcement of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with recycled carbon fiber (RCF) not only gives this biodegradable material excellent physical properties to compete with conventional composites, but also provides a new route to the use of RCF with well controlled cost.

Results

Bio‐based PBS/RCF composites were prepared by simple melt extrusion through a twin‐screw extruder. The evaluation of mechanical properties confirms a significant enhancement effect of RCF on PBS as a result of surface treatment of RCF with silane coupling agent. Morphological study indicates a homogeneous dispersion of RCF in the matrix due to the good interfacial interaction between fibers and PBS. The investigation of crystallinity verifies that RCF plays the role of nucleation agent in the crystallization process of PBS matrix and remarkably accelerates its crystallization rate.

Conclusion

The incorporation of RCF is advantageous for the enhancement of mechanical properties, heat resistance, and processability of PBS‐based materials. PBS/RCF composites can be used to many fields as a low‐cost biodegradable material having high performance. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.
Monoethanolamine and ionic liquid aqueous solutions as effective systems for CO2 capture
Authors: Baj Stefan , Siewniak Agnieszka , Chrobok Anna , Krawczyk Tomasz , Sobolewski Aleksander
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

Ionic liquids are regarded as future effective absorbents of CO2, however high viscosity of this medium limits its use in industry. To resolve the problem a mixture of alkanolamine, ionic liquids and water was proposed as a CO2 absorbent and the influence of solution composition on the volume of CO2 absorbed was determined.

RESULTS

In most binary mixtures of ionic liquids and water tasted the presence of water does not affect the overall capacity of absorption mixture except for the 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate where each mol of water added to the mixture reduces the volume of CO2 that could be absorbed by more than one mole. The capture of CO2 using three‐component systems of water/ionic liquid/monoethanolamine (MEA) was systematically investigated with two selected ionic liquids: 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium octylsulfate. It was shown that the volume of CO2 absorbed is linearly dependent on the mass fraction of components for 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium octylsulfate over the entire experimental domain whereas in 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate the interaction between ionic liquid and water substantially decreases the volume of CO2 absorbed.

CONCLUSIONS

The best results for CO2 absorption were obtained using the three component system 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate/monoethanolamine/water. Optimization of the composition of an IL‐MEA‐water mixture allows tuning of the properties of the medium. The CO2 absorption capacity of the mixture is mainly a function of MEA concentration and, to a lesser degree, of the concentration of IL possessing chemisorption abilities. The presence of water decreases the viscosity of the mixture and therefore facilitates the application of IL‐based media in industrial applications. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Modeling and optimization of bioethanol production via a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process using starch
Authors: Jang Ming‐Feng , Chou Yi‐Shyong
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

Bioethanol is an attractive alternative fuel because it is less carbon‐intensive than oil and is also a renewable bio‐based energy source. The aim of this study is to present a mathematical modeling approach in order to describe the simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae YPB‐G for the production of bioethanol using starch.

RESULTS

An unstructured model was proposed for model parameters that are independent of initial operating conditions, but have a highly predictive capability that can be used in process optimization and control. The predictions of the proposed models were compared with experimental data and against the results of other models presented in the literature.

CONCLUSION

A technique of gradually expanding the search domain combined with a genetic algorithm was proposed to successfully speed up the optimization computation of parameter estimation. Compared with an earlier model presented in the literature, the proposed model shows more versatility with fewer numbers of parameters and fixed values of parameters, and provides a satisfactory prediction capability. The proposed model was used to investigate the process optimization of batch culture. Numerical results may provide various process alternatives for planning the productivity of bioethanol. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Mapping Planar Graphs into Projective Cubes
Authors: Naserasr Reza
Published: November 2012

Projective cubes are obtained by identifying antipodal vertices of hypercubes. We introduce a general problem of mapping planar graphs into projective cubes. This question, surprisingly, captures several well‐known theorems and conjectures in the theory of planar graphs. As a special case , we prove that the Clebsch graph, a triangle‐free graph on 16 vertices, is the smallest triangle‐free graph to which every triangle‐free planar graph admits a homomorphism.
REMITTANCES AS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY: STEPPING STONES OR SLIPPERY SLOPE?
Authors: Mughal Mazhar Y.
Published: November 2012

Pakistan is one of the world's top 10 remittance receiving countries. This paper examines the potential for the use of remittances as a development strategy. Remittances to Pakistan do seem to promote growth and reduce economic inequality and poverty. However, they also cause the Dutch disease, are inflationary, and tend to be pro‐cyclical. The paper describes the challenges in employing remittances as the cornerstone of the country's development model, particularly the loss in competitiveness, volatility and the development of a dependency mindset that high remittance inflows can foster. In the end, some steps are suggested that are needed to be taken in this regard. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential effects of low‐ and high‐dose GW2974, a dual epidermal growth factor receptor and HER2 kinase inhibitor, on glioblastoma multiforme invasion
Authors: Wang Lulu , Liu Qian , Zhao Hong , Cui Kemi , Yao Linli , Nie Fang , Jin Guangxu , Hao Aijun , Wong Stephen T.C.
Published: November 2012

Aberrant expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR; ErbB1) and HER2 (ErbB2) tyrosine kinases frequently occurs in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients and is considered to be associated with tumor malignancy and poor patient prognosis. In the present study, a dual EGFR and HER2 inhibitor (GW2974) was evaluated for its effects in GBM in vitro and in vivo. Results showed that low‐concentration GW2974 inhibited GBM cell invasion, whereas a high concentration of the same compound counteracted this effect. Similar results were observed in an intracranial GBM xenograft model, in which, although both doses of GW2974 slowed tumor growth, no improvement in survival was observed in mice treated with high‐dose GW2974, presumably because of the augmentation of tumor invasion. By protein microarray and Western blot analyses, the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was found to be activated in GBM cells under high‐concentration GW2974. Additionally, blockage of the p38 MAPK pathway reproduced the inhibitory effect of low‐concentration GW2974 on cell invasion. These data suggest that the p38 MAPK pathway might contribute to the differential regulation of cell invasion by GW2974. Taken together, our results indicate that GW2974 exerts different effects in GBM depending on drug dosage. This offers a new perspective on the role of GW2974 in tumor progression, providing a potential strategy for GBM treatment based on precise prescription. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Construction of a daily precipitation grid for southeastern South America for the period 1961–2000
Authors: Jones P. D. , Lister D. H. , Harpham C. , Rusticucci M. , Penalba O.
Published: November 2012

Daily station precipitation totals are used to develop a gridded dataset for the region (14°–40°S, 45°–70°W) on a 0.5° × 0.5° latitude/longitude grid, primarily for comparison with regional climate model (RCM) simulations. The gridded dataset covers the period 1961–2000. Much of the paper discusses the quality control of the basic station precipitation series. Although the primary aim of the development has been RCM validation, we have assessed trends in seasonal precipitation totals as well as trends in two measures of precipitation extremes (R95p, the daily precipitation amount exceeded only 5% of the time and Rx5day, the maximum 5‐d precipitation total during each season). Relatively few regions across the large domain have statistically significant trends, but those that do tend to be located in the eastern two thirds of the grid, particularly over southeastern Brazil and Uruguay. Significant trends are also more evident in the DJF and MAM seasons. There is good spatial agreement between the trends in seasonal totals and trends in the extreme indices.
Spatial and temporal variations in air temperature and precipitation in the Chinese Himalayas during the 1971–2007
Authors: Yang Jianping , Tan Chunping , Zhang Tingjun
Published: November 2012

The Chinese Himalayas (CH) is highly sensitive to global climate change. The analyses of monthly mean air temperature and monthly precipitation data during the 1971–2007 from 24 meteorological stations show a significant increase of 0.31 °C per decade or about 1.15 °C for annual mean air temperature over the entire region. The temperature rise occurs primarily during the period of 1991–2007, up to 0.73 °C per decade. Climate warming is characterized by all‐year temperature increase in particular during winters with the maximum value of 0.38 °C per decade during the 1971–2007, up to 1.24 °C per decade during 1991–2007. Distributions of annual temperature trends show significant south‐to‐north, low‐to‐high and east‐to‐west warming trends to increase with the latitude and elevation while to decrease with the longitude in the CH, respectively. Annual precipitation increases, but not significantly during the 1971–2007. Seasonal precipitation has no significant trend during the same period, either. Spatial discrepancy of the variations in precipitation is particularly great. It is evident that the climate was significantly warming and drying in the western CH over the past 37 years.
A synoptic characterization of the dust transport and associated thermal anomalies in the Mediterranean basin
Authors: Gaetani M. , Pasqui M. , Crisci A. , Guarnieri F.
Published: November 2012

In this work the possibility to characterize the daily dust transport and associated thermal anomalies in the Mediterranean through circulation type classification (CTC) methods is explored. The dust loads are estimated through two different sources: the aerosol optical depth (AOD) simulated by the Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) model in the period 2000–2007 and AOD remote sensed by the NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) in the period 2001–2010. The dust transport from the Sahara is identified linking the AOD anomalies to the thermal anomalies into the Mediterranean, studying the covariance modes of AOD and air temperature at 850 hPa from the NASA Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) dataset. The time series of the expansion coefficients associated to the first two modes, explaining around 90% of the total covariance, allow to describe the dust transport and thermal anomalies in the eastern, western and central Mediterranean sub‐basins. The circulation types are classified using the MERRA geopotential height at 700 hPa in the period 1979–2010. Two classification methods are tested, based on T‐mode and S‐mode principal component analysis (PCA), with 6, 10 and 14 classes. The performance of the CTC methods in the characterization of the dust and thermal anomalies is evaluated and the best method is selected. Results show that a T‐mode PCA method with 14 classes allows the characterization of dust transport and thermal anomalies in the eastern and western Mediterranean, while the variability in the central Mediterranean is well characterized by a S‐mode PCA method with 10 classes.
WRFhigh resolution simulation of Iberian mean and extreme precipitation climate
Authors: Cardoso R. M. , Soares P. M. M. , Miranda P. M. A. , Belo‐Pereira M.
Published: November 2012

In this study precipitation from a high resolutionWRFclimate simulation is presented and evaluated against daily gridded observations in the Iberian Peninsula. The simulation corresponds to a dynamical downscaling ofERA‐Interim, in the period 1989–2009, performed with two nested grids, at 27 and 9 km horizontal resolution. The higher resolution simulation indicates a significantly improved representation of Iberian precipitation fields, at all timescales, with emphasis on the representation of variability and of extreme weather statistics. Results compare well with recent studies with other models and/or for other regions, further supporting the use ofWRFas a regional climate model.
Cold surge episodes over southeastern Brazil – a potential vorticity perspective
Authors: Sprenger Michael , Martius Olivia , Arnold Julian
Published: November 2012

Most intense cold surges and associated frost events in southern and southeastern Brazil are characterized by a large amplitude trough over South America extending toward tropical latitudes and a ridge to the west of it over the Pacific Ocean. In this study, potential vorticity (PV) streamers serve to examine the flow condition leading to cold surges. Case studies suggest that several PV anomalies are related to cold surge episodes: (1) the potential vorticity unit (2‐PVU) isoline upstream of South America becomes progressively more distorted prior and during the cold surge episode, indicating a flow situation which is conducive for Rossby wave breaking and hence a flow which strongly deviates from zonality; (2) the initial stage of a cold surge episode is characterized by a northward bulging of high‐PV air to the east of the Andes, resulting in a PV streamer whose northern end reaches Uruguay and southeastern Brazil; the strong PV gradient on its western flank constitutes a flow configuration that induces and maintains the transport of sub‐Antarctic air toward the subtropics; (3) a distinct negative PV anomaly, a blocking, originates over the eastern South Pacific, upstream of the South America sector. A composite analysis of 27 cold surges is performed for stratospheric PV streamer frequency on several isentropic surfaces. It reveals that equatorward wave breaking over South America and the western South Atlantic represents an important potential component of the dynamics of intense cold surges. The indications are most pronounced around the isentropic levels of 320 K and immediately before the day with largest temperature drops over subtropical Brazil.
Verification of daily precipitation amount forecasts in Armenia by ERA‐Interim model
Authors: Gevorgyan Artur
Published: November 2012

Verification of 12‐h daily precipitation amount forecasts is considered in Armenia making use of ERA‐Interim model output data. The performance of ERA‐Interim model is evaluated against observations of 30 meteorological stations of Armenia over the period 1996–2010. Daily precipitation amounts possess high spatio‐temporal variability in Armenia associated with complex orography. The verification results have shown that the mentioned variability of precipitation amounts is not reproduced appropriately by forecasted data of ERA‐Interim model.
Nicotine reduced MMP‐9 expression in the primary porcine tenocytes exposed to cyclic stretch
Authors: Hatta Taku , Sano Hirotaka , Sakamoto Naoya , Kishimoto Koshi N. , Sato Masaaki , Itoi Eiji
Published: November 2012

Nicotine is one of the major chemical components of the cigarette smoke, which has been known as a risk factor for tendon ruptures including rotator cuff tears. This study investigated the effect of nicotine on tenocytes under cyclic‐stretched condition. Particularly, we focused on the morphologic changes of tenocytes and their expression of MMPs. Primary porcine tenocytes were obtained from the infraspinatus tendon. The cells were cultured on elastic chambers under static or cyclic‐stretched condition for 24 h in the existence of nicotine (0, 1, 10, and 100 µM). Cell shape, gene expression of collagen type I and III, MMPs (‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐9, and ‐13) and TIMPs (‐1, ‐2, and ‐3) and enzyme activity of MMP‐9 were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, RT‐PCR, and zymography. Tenocytes exposed to nicotine represented significantly decreased gene expressions in MMP‐9 (p < 0.001) and TIMP‐3 (p < 0.05) under the cyclic stretch. Enzymatic activity of MMP‐9 was also reduced by nicotine exposure in a dose‐dependent manner (p < 0.001). The down‐regulation of MMP and TIMP expression by nicotine shown in our in vitro experiment might deteriorate normal metabolism of the tendon. These mechanisms might affect the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix of the rotator cuff tendon. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 645–650, 2013
Evaluation ofClausena pentaphylla(Roxb.)DCoil as a fungitoxicant against storage mycoflora of pigeon pea seeds
Authors: Pandey Abhay K , Palni Uma T , Tripathi Nijendra N
Published: November 2012

Background

The present study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of 30 essential oils against four dominant fungiAspergillus flavusLink.,A. nigervan Tieghem,A. ochraceusWilhelm andA. terreusThom of stored pigeon pea seeds at a concentration of 0.36 µLmL−1. Various fungitoxic properties, such as minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum fungicidal concentration and fungitoxic spectrum, of the most potent oil were determined. The efficacy of the most potent oil in preservation of pigeon pea seeds for 6 months was also carried out by storing 1 kg of seeds in the oil vapour.

Results

Clausena pentaphyllaandCitrus limonoils were more effective against all the fungi tested, which exhibited 100% per cent mycelial inhibition. The minimum inhibitory concentration ofC. pentaphyllaoil was determined as 0.07µL mL−1against all the test fungi and was found to be more toxic thanCitrus limonoil.C. pentaphyllaoil exhibited a broad range of fungitoxicity against 16 other storage fungi of pigeon pea seeds.C. pentaphyllaoil significantly protected 1 kg seeds of pigeon pea from fungal deterioration and was superior to synthetic fumigants. The oil did not show any phytotoxicity and the protein content of the seeds was significantly retained for up to 6 months of storage.

Conclusion

Thus,C. pentaphyllaoil may be used as an effective fumigant in the ecofriendly management of storage fungi of pigeon pea seeds. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Protein extraction and two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis of proteins in the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis: an important tool for protein expression studies, food quality and safety assessment
Authors: Campos Alexandre , Puerto Maria , Prieto Ana , Cameán Ana , Almeida André M , Coelho Ana V , Vasconcelos Vitor
Published: November 2012

Background

Shellfish farming is an important economic activity that provides society with a valuable source of food. Analyses of the protein content and metabolism of shellfish are therefore of utmost importance to monitor the presence and effects of environmental contaminants in these organisms and also to assess food quality and authenticity. The aim of the present study was to compare different protein extraction protocols commonly used in two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) research and select the most suitable for the analysis of gill and digestive gland proteomes from the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Results

High‐resolution protein separation was achieved by direct solubilisation of proteins from M. galloprovincialis tissues with urea (7 mol L−1), thiourea (2 mol L−1), CHAPS (40 g L−1), DTT (65 mmol L−1) and ampholytes (pH 4–7, 8 mL L−1). Subsequent protein identification from 2DE gels by MALDI‐TOF/TOF mass spectrometry revealed a high number of proteins with functions in cytoskeleton structure, dynamics and maintenance. Other proteins identified in the 2DE gels are involved in energy production and carbohydrate metabolism, metal transport, chaperones and stress response, cell signalling and regulation, proteolysis and protein transduction.

Conclusion

Important protein markers for contaminant and quality assessment of shellfish food products can be analysed using 2DE.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of Yersinia enterocolitica isolated from pigs and humans in Lithuania
Authors: Novoslavskij Aleksandr , Kudirkienė Eglė , Marcinkutė Audronė , Bajoriūnienė Almina , Korkeala Hannu , Malakauskas Mindaugas
Published: November 2012

Background

Yersiniosis is one of the three leading foodborne zoonoses in Lithuania, and the incidence of 12.86 per 100 000 population was the highest among EU member states in 2010. Contaminated pig carcasses and subsequently undercooked pig meat are considered to be the primary transmission vehicle of enteropathogenic Y. enterocolitica to consumers. With the aim of evaluating pigs as a possible source of human yersiniosis in Lithuania, this study investigated the genetic diversity of Y. enterocolitica isolated from pigs and human cases of yersiniosis. In addition, the antimicrobial resistance of selected isolates from both sources was compared.

Results

In total, 83 Y. enterocolitica strains were characterised using pulsed field gel electrophoresis. Overall, 68% of Y. enterocolitica 4/O:3 pulsotypes found in human clinical samples were identical to 81% of pulsotypes found in the pig production chain. Yersinia enterocolitica pulsotype II was confirmed as the dominant pulsotype in the pig production chain and was identical to nine of 19 Y. enterocolitica strains found in humans. All tested Y. enterocolitica 4/O:3 strains were resistant to ampicillin and erythromycin and sensitive to ciprofloxacin. Of the strains studied, 5% were resistant to tetracycline and streptomycin.

Conclusion

This study showed that pigs may be the main source of human yersiniosis in Lithuania. In addition, Y. enterocolitica 4/O:3 strains isolated from the pig production chain and from yersiniosis patients shared similar resistance to different antimicrobials.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Nano‐ and Microfibrillar Single‐Polymer Composites: A Review
Authors: Fakirov Stoyko
Published: November 2012

A new class of polymer materials is reviewed, the SPCs, in which the matrix and the reinforcement share the same chemical composition. In addition to their milder environmental impact as compared to traditional polymer composites, they show superior mechanical performance mainly due to the improved adhesion between matrix and reinforcement. Another advantage of SPCs is the missing dispersion step in their production, thus contrasting the common polymer nanocomposites. Definition, manufacturing, classification, and the application opportunities of SPCs are described. Special attention is paid on the very new members of the SPC family, the micro‐ and nanofibrillar SPCs, including the techniques for preparation of their starting neat micro‐ and nanofibrils using bulk polymers.

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Shape‐Memory Hydrogels with Switching Segments Based on Oligo(ω‐pentadecalactone)
Authors: Balk Maria , Behl Marc , Nöchel Ulrich , Lendlein Andreas
Published: November 2012

We investigated whether dual‐shape hydrogels based on crosslinked N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone can be created, in which oligo(ω‐pentadecalactone) ($\overline {M} _{{\rm n}} $ = 2900 g · mol−1, Tm = 89 °C) chain segments contribute to the switching domains. In the obtained hydrogels, the volumetric degree of swelling decreased from 480 to 190% while the E‐moduli increased from 0.10 to 0.34 MPa with increasing OPDL content. Furthermore, the equilibrium swollen hydrogels displayed good shape‐memory properties with strain fixity ratios above 95% and strain recovery rates above 92%. These shape‐memory hydrogels, whose degree of swelling was almost independent of the temperature, might be interesting candidates for various applications such as stimuli‐sensitive switches or valves.

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White matter abnormalities in gene‐positive myoclonus‐dystonia
Authors: van der Meer Johan N. , Beukers Richard J. , van der Salm S.M.A. , Caan Matthan W.A. , Tijssen Marina A.J. , Nederveen Aart J.
Published: November 2012

Myoclonus‐dystonia is an autosomal dominantly inherited movement disorder clinically characterized by myoclonic jerks and dystonic movements of the upper body. Functional imaging and structural gray matter imaging studies in M‐D suggest defective sensorimotor integration and an association between putaminal volume and severity of dystonia, possibly because of neuronal plasticity. As we expect changes in the connections between the cortical and subcortical regions, we performed a combination of white matter voxel‐based morphometry (wVBM) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to detect macro‐ and microstructural white matter changes, respectively, in DYT‐11 mutations carriers (M‐D). Sixteen clinically affected DYT‐11 mutation carriers and 18 control subjects were scanned with 3‐Tesla MRI to compare white matter volume, fractional anisotropy, and mean diffusivity between groups. In DYT11 mutation carriers, increased white matter volume and FA and decreased mean diffusivity werefound in the subthalamic area of the brain stem, including the red nucleus. Furthermore, decreased mean diffusivity was found in the subgyral cortical sensorimotor areas. The white matter changes found in the subthalamic area of the brain stem, connecting the cerebellum with the thalamus, are compatible with the hypothesis that abnormal function in M‐D involves a network that includes the cerebellum, brain stem, and basal ganglia. Whether these changes are causative or an effect of M‐D requires further study. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society