bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An open‐set size‐adjustedBayesian classifier for authorship attribution
Authors: Schaalje G. Bruce , Blades Natalie J. , Funai Tomohiko
Published: June 2013

Recent studies of authorship attribution have used machine‐learning methods including regularized multinomial logistic regression, neural nets, support vector machines, and the nearest shrunken centroid classifier to identify likely authors of disputed texts. These methods are all limited by an inability to perform open‐set classification and account for text and corpus size. We propose a customizedBayesian logit‐normal‐beta‐binomial classification model for supervised authorship attribution. The model is based on the beta‐binomial distribution with an explicit inverse relationship between extra‐binomial variation and text size. The model internally estimates the relationship of extra‐binomial variation to text size, and usesMarkovChainMonteCarlo (MCMC) to produce distributions of posterior authorship probabilities instead of point estimates. We illustrate the method by training the machine‐learning methods as well as the open‐setBayesian classifier on undisputed papers ofThe Federalist, and testing the method on documents historically attributed toAlexanderHamilton,JohnJay, andJamesMadison. TheBayesian classifier was the best classifier of these texts.
On the assessment of expertise profiles
Authors: Berendsen Richard , de Rijke Maarten , Balog Krisztian , Bogers Toine , van den Bosch Antal
Published: June 2013

Expertise retrieval has attracted significant interest in the field of information retrieval. Expert finding has been studied extensively, with less attention going to the complementary task of expert profiling, that is, automatically identifying topics about which a person is knowledgeable. We describe a test collection for expert profiling in which expert users have self‐selected their knowledge areas. Motivated by the sparseness of this set of knowledge areas, we report on an assessment experiment in which academic experts judge a profile that has been automatically generated by state‐of‐the‐art expert‐profiling algorithms; optionally, experts can indicate a level of expertise for relevant areas. Experts may also give feedback on the quality of the system‐generated knowledge areas. We report on a content analysis of these comments and gain insights into what aspects of profiles matter to experts. We provide an error analysis of the system‐generated profiles, identifying factors that help explain why certain experts may be harder to profile than others. We also analyze the impact on evaluating expert‐profiling systems of using self‐selected versus judged system‐generated knowledge areas as ground truth; they rank systems somewhat differently but detect about the same amount of pairwise significant differences despite the fact that the judged system‐generated assessments are more sparse.
Membrane separations for solid–liquid clarification within lignocellulosic biorefining processes
Authors: Leberknight Jennifer , Menkhaus Todd J.
Published: June 2013

Membrane separations can be integrated into a biorefinery to reduce water and energy consumption. Unfortunately, current membrane materials suffer from severe fouling, which limits their applicability. Here, using analytical characterizations along with fouling models, we correlate membrane properties with performance metrics to provide a framework for optimal membrane selection during solid–liquid clarification of a biomass hydrolysate. Five membranes were evaluated: polyether sulfone, mixed cellulose esters, and three surface modified membranes with weak acid, strong acid, and weak base functionalities. Lignin was the primary component responsible for flux decline, due to physical entrapment and chemical adsorption. The best membrane performance (high and sustained flux, low fouling, and high separation factor) was correlated with higher surface roughness, lower hydrophobicity, neutral or positively charged zeta potential, and a larger number of smaller surface pores. These analyses provide valuable information for designing new materials for biorefining processes to reduce fouling and increase stability. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:1246–1254, 2013
Contact, Cigarette and Flame Burns in Physical Abuse: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kemp Alison M. , Maguire Sabine A. , Lumb Rebecca C. , Harris Stacey M. , Mann Mala K.
Published: June 2013

This systematic review identifies features of intentional non‐scald burns in physical abuse. Fifteen bibliographic databases of international literature (1950–2011) were searched to identify potential studies that were critically appraised using standardised methods. Primary studies with confirmed intentional non‐scald burns in children aged < 18 years were included to provide a descriptive analysis of the causation, appearance and distribution of burns.

‘This systematic review identifies features of intentional non‐scald burns in physical abuse’

Twenty studies were included: one cross‐sectional, one case control and 18 case studies/small case series representing 73 children with intentional non‐scald burns. The majority were contact burns from household items: the agents included cigarettes (18), irons (9), electric fires/heaters/radiators (10), cigarette lighters (2), hairdryers (7), curling tongs (3), chemicals (3), microwaves (2) flame burns (7), miscellaneous (7) and burns of unknown cause (5). The burns occurred throughout childhood. The majority of children were older than three years. The characteristic features were of clearly demarcated contact burns or scars in shapes that mirrored the agent. They were predominantly recorded on the limbs, trunks and the backs of hands; they were frequently multiple and co‐existed with additional signs of abuse. These features should raise concerns of suspected physical abuse. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Messages

Intentional Non‐scald Burns

The commonest reported cause of intentional non‐scald burns are contact burns: cigarettes, irons, hairdryers or domestic heaters.

Burns are often clearly demarcated in the shape of the causative agent.

Burns are found on the limbs, back or trunk, in locations other than the palms of the hands.

Burns are often multiple and may co‐exist with other injuries suspicious of abuse.

Single or multiple circular, deep‐cratered burns are consistent with cigarette burns.

‘The commonest reported cause of intentional non‐scald burns are contact burns’
Disentangling the influence of attachment anxiety and attachment security in consumer formation of attachments to brands
Authors: Proksch Michael , Orth Ulrich R. , Bethge Franziska
Published: June 2013

This research investigates the formation of consumer attachments to brands contingent upon their attachment anxiety and security. An experiment utilizes a consumer sample and real brands across four product categories (apparel, body care, consumer electronics, and soft drinks) to test the relations between consumer–brand identification and brand attachment dependent on attachment anxiety and attachment security. Consistent with previous research, the findings initially confirm that consumer–brand identification relates positively to brand attachment. Prior work is extended, however, by demonstrating that attachment anxiety has a strong influence on this relationship by moderating the effect of consumer–brand identification on brand attachment but only under low attachment security and with women. Implications relate to attachment research and brand management. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acid–Base‐Controlled Stereoselective Metalation of Overhanging Carboxylic Acid Porphyrins: Consequences for the Formation of Heterobimetallic Complexes
Authors: Le Gac Stéphane , Najjari Btissam , Dorcet Vincent , Roisnel Thierry , Fusaro Luca , Luhmer Michel , Furet Eric , Halet Jean‐François , Boitrel Bernard
Published: June 2013

Overhanging carboxylic acid porphyrins have revealed promising ditopic ligands offering a new entry in the field of supramolecular coordination chemistry of porphyrinoids. Notably, the adjunction of a so‐called hanging‐atop (HAT) PbII cation to regular PbII porphyrin complexes allowed a stereoselective incorporation of the N‐core bound cation, and an allosterically controlled Newton’s cradle‐like motion of the two PbII ions also emerged from such bimetallic complexes. In this contribution, we have extended this work to other ligands and metal ions, aiming at understanding the parameters that control the HAT PbII coordination. The nature of the N‐core bound metal ion (ZnII, CdII), the influence of the deprotonation state of the overhanging COOH group and the presence of a neutral ligand on the opposite side (exogenous or intramolecular), have been examined through 1H NMR spectroscopic experiments with the help of radiocrystallographic structures and DFT calculations. Single and bis‐strap ligands have been considered. They all incorporate a COOH group hung over the N‐core on one side. For the bis‐strap ligands, either an ester or an amide group has been introduced on the other side. In the presence of a base, the mononuclear ZnII or CdII complexes incorporate the carbonyl of the overhanging carboxylate as apical ligand, decreasing its availability for the binding of a HAT PbII. An allosteric effector (e.g., 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), in the case of a single‐strap ligand) or an intramolecular ligand (e.g., an amide group), strong enough to compete with the carbonyl of the hung COO−, is required to switch the N‐core bound cation to the opposite side with concomitant release of the COO−, thereby allowing HAT PbII complexation. In the absence of a base, ZnII or CdII binds preferentially the carbonyl of the intramolecular ester or amide groups in apical position rather than that of the COOH. This better preorganization, with the overhanging COOH fully available, is responsible for a stronger binding of the HAT PbII. Thus, either allosteric or acid–base control is achieved through stereoselective metalation of ZnII or CdII. In the latter case, according to the deprotonation state of the COOH group, the best electron‐donating ligand is located on one or the other side of the porphyrin (COO−>CONHR>COOR>COOH): the lower affinity of COOH for ZnII and CdII, the higher for a HAT PbII. These insights provide new opportunities for the elaboration of innovative bimetallic molecular switches.
Structure‐Based Design of Small‐Molecule Ligands of Phosphofructokinase‐2 Activating or Inhibiting Glycolysis
Authors: Pyrkov Timothy V. , Sevostyanova Irina A. , Schmalhausen Elena V. , Shkoporov Andrei N. , Vinnik Andrei A. , Muronetz Vladimir I. , Severin Fedor F. , Fedichev Peter O.
Published: June 2013

Glycolysis lies at the basis of metabolism and cell energy supply. The disregulation of glycolysis is involved in such pathological processes as cancer proliferation, neurodegenerative diseases, and amplification of ischemic damage. Phosphofructokinase‐2 (PFK‐2), a bifunctional enzyme and regulator of glycolytic flux, has recently emerged as a promising anticancer target. Herein, the computer‐aided design of a new class of aminofurazan‐triazole regulators of PFK‐2 is described along with the results of their in vitro evaluation. The aminofurazan‐triazoles differ from other recently described inhibitors of PFK‐2 and demonstrate the ability to modulate glycolytic flux in rat muscle lysate, producing a twofold decrease by inhibitors and fourfold increase by activators. The most potent compounds in the series were shown to inhibit the kinase activity of the hypoxia‐inducible form of PFK‐2, PFKFB3, as well as proliferation of HeLa, lung adenocarcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, and breast cancer cells at concentrations in the low micromolar range.
Role of contextual properties in enterprise service migration to cloud computing
Authors: Khan Khaled M. , Malluhi Qutaibah
Published: June 2013

This paper attempts to identify the role of contextual properties of enterprise systems architecture in relation to service migration to cloud computing. In a cloud‐based service architecture, the shift of ownership, scope, and control over architectural elements from consumers to cloud providers has a profound impact on ways cloud consumers design and manage their systems architecture. In this perspective, we introduce the concepts of architectural scope, ownership, and control as the contextual properties of systems architecture. The paper explores ways in which these properties can be mapped into a quantifiable framework that could be used to measure the degree of changes of contextual properties due to service migration to cloud computing. We seek here to address the service migration problems from a different perspective, namely, focusing on the contextual properties of architectural elements. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring Diffusion and Dynamics of Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Danilovic Mike , Hensbergen Marleen , Hoveskog Maya , Zadayannaya Liudmila
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this paper is to explore the evolution of the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in academia. The process of evolution is conceptualised to consist of diffusion and dynamics. Bibliometrics were applied for data collection and visualisation of the evolution of CSR. The findings show increasing complexity and progression in the research on the concept of CSR fuelled not only by the efforts for intellectual refinement in the field but also reflecting the changing priorities of society and businesses. The growth of this field of research both in number of publications (i.e. diffusion) and in terms of different fields in academic usage (i.e. dynamics), is an indicator for growing complexity and widening acceptance of the CSR concept across various academic disciplines in the future. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Multichannel cooperative sensing for cognitive radio with users owning heterogeneous sensing ability
Authors: Ge Wendong , Ji Hong , Li Xi
Published: June 2013

Multichannel cooperative sensing (MCS) is an effective method for dynamic spectrum access in cognitive radio networks. In contrast to most existing work on MCS that considered secondary users with homogeneous sensing ability, this paper studies the MCS problem for secondary users with heterogeneous sensing ability in terms of sensing accuracy. We further take into account different parameters of primary channels such as bandwidth, probability of being idle in each sensing period, and frequency selective fading at the sensing receiver. The MCS problem is formulated as a weapon target assignment problem, where more sensing resources are assigned to channels that are more valuable. This weapon target assignment problem is transformed to an integer generalized network flow problem with convex flow costs to obtain the lower bound solution, and then solved by the branch and bound algorithm with this bound to yield the exact scheme. To reduce computational complexity, a heuristic scheme is also proposed, which has approximate performance compared with the exact scheme. Finally, extensive simulation results for different scenarios illustrate the performance improvements of the proposed schemes over the existing scheme. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining molecular evolution and environmental genomics to unravel adaptive processes of MHC class IIB diversity in European minnows (Phoxinus phoxinus)
Authors: Collin Helene , Burri Reto , Comtesse Fabien , Fumagalli Luca
Published: June 2013

Host–pathogen interactions are a major evolutionary force promoting local adaptation. Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) represent unique candidates to investigate evolutionary processes driving local adaptation to parasite communities. The present study aimed at identifying the relative roles of neutral and adaptive processes driving the evolution of MHC class IIB (MHCIIB) genes in natural populations of European minnows (Phoxinus phoxinus). To this end, we isolated and genotyped exon 2 of two MHCIIB gene duplicates (DAB1 and DAB3) and 1′665 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers in nine populations, and characterized local bacterial communities by 16S rDNA barcoding using 454 amplicon sequencing. Both MHCIIB loci exhibited signs of historical balancing selection. Whereas genetic differentiation exceeded that of neutral markers at both loci, the populations' genetic diversities were positively correlated with local pathogen diversities only at DAB3. Overall, our results suggest pathogen‐mediated local adaptation in European minnows at both MHCIIB loci. While at DAB1 selection appears to favor different alleles among populations, this is only partially the case in DAB3, which appears to be locally adapted to pathogen communities in terms of genetic diversity. These results provide new insights into the importance of host–pathogen interactions in driving local adaptation in the European minnow, and highlight that the importance of adaptive processes driving MHCIIB gene evolution may differ among duplicates within species, presumably as a consequence of alternative selective regimes or different genomic context.
Preserved antibody levels and loss of memory B cells against pneumococcus and tetanus after splenectomy: Tailoring better vaccination strategies
Authors: Rosado M. Manuela , Gesualdo Francesco , Marcellini Valentina , Di Sabatino Antonio , Corazza Gino Roberto , Smacchia Maria Paola , Nobili Bruno , Baronci Carlo , Russo Lidia , Rossi Francesca , Vito Rita De , Nicolosi Luciana , Inserra Alessandro , Locatelli Franco , Tozzi Alberto E. , Carsetti Rita
Published: June 2013

Splenectomized patients are exposed to an increased risk of septicemia caused by encapsulated bacteria. Defense against infection is ensured by preformed serum antibodies produced by long‐lived plasma cells and by memory B cells that secrete immunoglobulin in response to specific antigenic stimuli. Studying a group of asplenic individuals (57 adults and 21 children) without additional immunologic defects, we found that spleen removal does not alter serum anti‐pneumococcal polysaccharide (PnPS) IgG concentration, but reduces the number of PnPS‐specific memory B cells, of both IgM and IgG isotypes. The number of specific memory B cells was low in splenectomized adults and children that had received the PnPS vaccine either before or after splenectomy. Seven children were given the 13‐valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine after splenectomy. In this group, the number of PnPS‐specific IgG memory B cells was similar to that of eusplenic children, suggesting that pneumococcal conjugated vaccine administered after splenectomy is able to restore the pool of anti‐PnPS IgG memory B cells. Our data further elucidate the crucial role of the spleen in the immunological response to infections caused by encapsulated bacteria and suggest that glycoconjugated vaccines may be the most suitable choice to generate IgG‐mediated protection in these patients.
G‐Quadruplex‐Linked Supersandwich DNA Structure for Electrochemical Amplified Detection of Thrombin
Authors: Wang Guangfeng , He Xiuping , Zhu Yanhong , Chen Ling , Wang Lun , Zhang Xiaojun
Published: June 2013

In this paper, a novel strategy of electrochemical amplified detection of thrombin based on G‐quadruplex‐linked supersandwich structure was described. In the presence of K+ and hemin, the original hairpin DNA sequence activated an autonomous cross‐opening process to build up hemin/G‐quadruplex structure and can hybridize to form supersandwich structure containing multiple signal labels. With the addition of thrombin, it conjugated with its aptamer, leading to a remarkably descended signal. The supersandwich‐amplified electrochemical sensor system was highly sensitive in the concentration range from 10−6 to 10−10 M with a detection limit of 10 pM and also demonstrated excellent selectivity. The amplifying supersandwich structure with multiple labels can be implemented as a versatile sensing platform for analyzing other DNA in the presence of the appropriate probe.
EFMP – a new congestion control mechanism for flow‐aware networks
Authors: Domżał Jerzy , Wójcik Robert , López Victor , Aracil Javier , Jajszczyk Andrzej
Published: June 2013

In this paper, a new congestion control mechanism for flow‐aware networks, that is, enhanced flushing mechanism with priority (EFMP) is introduced. Proposed by J. Roberts and S. Oueslati in 2004, flow‐aware networking is a concept that ensures quality of service in networks based on flows. EFMP improves the efficiency of transmission in FAN by introducing new policies in the admission control block of a cross‐protect router. The mechanism is thoroughly described, analysed, and validated through simulations. The proposed mechanism inherits the advantages of previously known admission control schemes while ensuring fast acceptance times of new streaming flows and proper transmission of the remaining traffic. Moreover, the comparison with the multilayer flow‐aware networks architecture shows that EFMP ensures better performance and lower cost of transmission in a network with limited resources. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Joint optimisation algorithm of cooperative spectrum sensing with cooperative overhead and sub‐band transmission power for wideband cognitive radio network
Authors: Liu Xin , Bi Guoan , Guan Yong Liang , Lu Weidang , Yan Junhua , Zhong Weizhi
Published: June 2013

Cognitive radio (CR) allows a secondary user (SU) to utilise the spectrum allocated to the primary user (PU) on the premise of detecting the absence of PU by spectrum sensing. The SU often adopts cooperative spectrum sensing to cope with the hidden terminal problem if the PU is shadowed or in serious multi‐path fading; however, the cooperative overhead may decrease the throughput of the SU. In this paper, we consider a wideband CR network that can reuse multiple idle sub‐bands after cooperative spectrum sensing and then analyse the total throughput of the SU over all the sub‐bands. A multi‐variable nonconvex optimisation problem of cooperative spectrum sensing with cooperative overhead and sub‐band transmission power is proposed, which maximises the total throughput of the SU subject to the constraints of the false‐alarm probability, the detection probability, the cooperative overhead and the maximal total power of the SU. For obtaining the optimal solution, we divide the optimisation problem into two sub‐optimisation problems: one for optimising the cooperative spectrum sensing including the sensing time and the number of SUs and the other one for optimising the sub‐band transmission power. We have proven the convex optimisation of the two sub‐optimisation problems and proposed a joint optimisation algorithm of the sensing time, the number of SUs and the sub‐band transmission power. The simulation results show that the proposed joint optimisation algorithm can achieve the largest throughput with the false‐alarm probability and the detection probability within their limits. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic semantic‐based adaptation of multimedia documents
Authors: Alti Adel , Laborie Sébastien , Phillipe Roose
Published: June 2013

One of the key aspects of any mobile multimedia application is the management of multimedia documents. Currently, multimedia documents can be displayed on multiple platforms (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) that result in a birth of new information system called pervasive. The various execution contexts of a multimedia presentation introduce different constraints for the presentation itself. This includes device constraints and user preferences, resulting to the overall system heterogeneity increase. In this paper, we propose a specific ontology for on‐the‐fly (at runtime) adaptation of multimedia documents. Thus, we propose rules allowing automatic generation of dynamic and quality assembly of heterogeneous components. The proposed ontology has the great advantage to offer a flexible infrastructure to users to easily govern the response time and the quality assembly of their own applications at runtime. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expiration‐Day Effects and the Impact of Short Trading Breaks on Intraday Volatility: Evidence from the Indian Market
Authors: Agarwalla Sobhesh Kumar , Pandey Ajay
Published: June 2013

One distinct feature of the Indian stock market is the large trading volume of single stock futures, which are cash settled on the basis of the volume‐weighted average spot prices of the underlying stocks during the last half‐an‐hour of trading on the expiration day. We investigate the expiration day effect on intraday volatility and find that the volatility of the stocks increases in the last half‐an‐hour trade on the expiry day but not during the other time intervals. We also investigate the volatility surrounding the intraday trading breaks induced by satellite communication outages, a peculiar feature of the Indian stock market till 2008, and find that the volatility rises when the market reopens after the breaks but not before the breaks. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark
The influence of net community production and phytoplankton community structure on CO2 uptake in the Gulf of Alaska
Authors: Palevsky Hilary I. , Ribalet Francois , Swalwell Jarred E. , Cosca Catherine E. , Cokelet Edward D. , Feely Richard A. , Armbrust E. Virginia , Quay Paul D.
Published: June 2013

Biological productivity is a key factor controlling the ocean's ability to take up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, the ecological dynamics that drive regions of intense productivity and carbon export are poorly understood. In this study, we present high‐spatial‐resolution estimates of air‐sea CO2 flux, net community production (NCP) rates calculated from O2/Ar ratios, and phytoplankton population abundances determined by continuous underway measurements on a cruise across the Gulf of Alaska in May 2010. The highest rates of NCP (79.2 ± 13 mmol C m‐2 d‐1) and oceanic CO2 uptake (air‐sea flux of −14.7 ± 2.4 mmol C m‐2 d‐1) were observed across a transition zone between the high‐nitrate low‐chlorophyll (HNLC) waters of the Alaskan Gyre and the coastal waters off the Aleutian Islands. While the transition zone comprises 20% of the total area covered in crossing the Gulf of Alaska, it contributed 49% of the total NCP and 48% of the total CO2 uptake observed along the cruise track. A corresponding transition zone phytoplankton bloom was dominated by two small‐celled (<20 µm) phytoplankton communities, which were distinct from the phytoplankton communities in the surrounding Alaskan Gyre and coastal waters. We hypothesize that mixing between iron‐rich coastal waters and iron‐limited Alaskan Gyre waters stimulated this bloom and fueled the high NCP and CO2 export observed in the region.
HEALTH INSURANCE TAX CREDITS, THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT, AND HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE OF SINGLE MOTHERS
Authors: Cebi Merve , Woodbury Stephen A.
Published: June 2013

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 enacted a refundable tax credit for low‐income working families who purchased health insurance coverage for their children. This health insurance tax credit (HITC) existed during tax years 1991, 1992, and 1993, and was then rescinded. A difference‐in‐differences estimator applied to Current Population Survey data suggests that adoption of the HITC, along with accompanying increases in the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), was associated with a relative increase of about 4.7 percentage points in the private health insurance coverage of working single mothers with high school or less education. Also, a difference‐in‐difference‐in‐differences estimator, which attempts to net out the possible influence of the EITC increases but which requires strong assumptions, suggests that the HITC was responsible for about three‐quarters (3.6 percentage points) of the total increase. The latter estimate implies a price elasticity of health insurance take‐up of −0.42. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL HOUSING ON THE LABOUR MARKET STATUS OF THE DISABLED
Authors: Gregoir Stéphane , Maury Tristan‐Pierre
Published: June 2013

Disability may impact on employment through entitlement to social housing. Estimates of an original dynamic panel data model of disability, labour market and housing tenure transitions in England indicate that up to one‐quarter of the lower employment probability of the disabled can be attributed to the effect of qualifying for social housing. Short‐lived disabilities can result in long spells in social housing that reduce incentives to participate in the labour market. This suggests that authorities should reform the welfare system and the allocation of social housing to limit the persistent and unfavourable consequences of allocating social housing to the disabled. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cannabinoid receptor 2 counteracts interleukin-17-induced immune and fibrogenic responses in mouse liver
Authors: Guillot Adrien , Hamdaoui Nabila , Bizy Alexandra , Zoltani Keve , Souktani Rachid , Zafrani Elie-Serge , Mallat Ariane , Lotersztajn Sophie , Lafdil Fouad
Published: June 2013

Interleukin (IL)-17 is a proinflammatory and fibrogenic cytokine mainly produced by T-helper (Th)17 lymphocytes, together with the hepatoprotective and antifibrogenic cytokine, IL-22. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is predominantly expressed in immune cells and displays anti-inflammatory and antifibrogenic effects. In the present study, we further investigated the mechanism underlying antifibrogenic properties of CB2 receptor and explored its effect on the profibrogenic properties of IL-17. After bile duct ligation (BDL), the hepatic expression of Th17 markers and IL-17 production were enhanced in CB2−/− mice, as compared to wild-type (WT) counterparts, and correlated with increased fibrosis in these animals. In contrast, IL-22-induced expression was similar in both animal groups. Inhibition of Th17 differentiation by digoxin lowered Th17 marker gene expression and IL-17 production and strongly reduced liver fibrosis in CB2−/− BDL mice.

In vitro

, differentiation of CD4+ naïve T cells into Th17 lymphocytes was decreased by the CB2 agonist, JWH-133, and was associated with reduced Th17 marker messenger RNA expression and IL-17 production, without modification of IL-22 release. The inhibitory effect of JWH-133 on IL-17 production relied on signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)5 phosphorylation. Indeed, STAT5 phosphorylation and translocation into the nucleus was enhanced in JWH133-treated Th17 lymphocytes, and the addition of a STAT5 inhibitor reversed the inhibitory effect of the CB2 agonist on IL-17 production, without affecting IL-22 levels. Finally,

in vitro

studies also demonstrated that CB2 receptor activation in macrophages and hepatic myofibroblasts blunts IL-17-induced proinflammatory gene expression.

Conclusion :

These data demonstrate that CB2 receptor activation decreases liver fibrosis by selectively reducing IL-17 production by Th17 lymphocytes via a STAT5-dependent pathway, and by blunting the proinflammatory effects of IL-17 on its target cells, while preserving IL-22 production.
DESIGN OF DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM USING MICROTUBES FOR FULL EMISSION UNIFORMITY
Authors: Keshtgar Amir , Bhuiyan Muhammed A. , Jayasuriya Nira
Published: June 2013

Clogging and emission non‐uniformity have been the major obstacles in the development of drip irrigation. To obtain best emission uniformity, pressure regulators and pressure‐ compensating emitters have been in use for a long time. However, pressure‐compensating emitters tend to be more complex and costly than non‐compensating emitters. Microtubes as small‐bore polyethylene tubes can be pierced along laterals to provide simpler passages and thus less susceptibility to clogging. This paper suggests the possibility of utilizing microtubes with varying lengths to deliver equal discharges throughout a network by adjusting its pressure heads. A model based on a stepwise technique is developed considering the head losses and flow regime changes through the system. The model was run for 12 possible scenarios, under two terrains of 0 and +0.25% slopes (upward), with three (2, 3 and 4 mm) and two (12 and 16 mm) microtube and lateral diameters, respectively. Mathematical relationships and design tables and graphs are developed to design a drip network manually. To simplify the design, the concept of non‐dimensional length ratios is introduced to compute the variation of microtube length difference ratios along the laterals. The microtube length difference ratios follow the same trend for all the microtube and lateral sizes chosen; hence manual computation of variable microtube lengths could be carried out by using this new methodology. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climate and carbon cycle changes from 1850 to 2100 in MPI‐ESM simulations for the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5
Authors: Giorgetta Marco A. , Jungclaus Johann , Reick Christian H. , Legutke Stephanie , Bader Jürgen , Böttinger Michael , Brovkin Victor , Crueger Traute , Esch Monika , Fieg Kerstin , Glushak Ksenia , Gayler Veronika , Haak Helmuth , Hollweg Heinz‐Dieter , Ilyina Tatiana , Kinne Stefan , Kornblueh Luis , Matei Daniela , Mauritsen Thorsten , Mikolajewicz Uwe , Mueller Wolfgang , Notz Dirk , Pithan Felix , Raddatz Thomas , Rast Sebastian , Redler Rene , Roeckner Erich , Schmidt Hauke , Schnur Reiner , Segschneider Joachim , Six Katharina D. , Stockhause Martina , Timmreck Claudia , Wegner Jörg , Widmann Heinrich , Wieners Karl‐H. , Claussen Martin , Marotzke Jochem , Stevens Bjorn
Published: June 2013

The new Max‐Planck‐Institute Earth System Model (MPI‐ESM) is used in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) in a series of climate change experiments for either idealized CO2‐only forcing or forcings based on observations and the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios. The paper gives an overview of the model configurations, experiments related forcings, and initialization procedures and presents results for the simulated changes in climate and carbon cycle. It is found that the climate feedback depends on the global warming and possibly the forcing history. The global warming from climatological 1850 conditions to 2080–2100 ranges from 1.5°C under the RCP2.6 scenario to 4.4°C under the RCP8.5 scenario. Over this range, the patterns of temperature and precipitation change are nearly independent of the global warming. The model shows a tendency to reduce the ocean heat uptake efficiency toward a warmer climate, and hence acceleration in warming in the later years. The precipitation sensitivity can be as high as 2.5% K−1 if the CO2 concentration is constant, or as small as 1.6% K−1, if the CO2 concentration is increasing. The oceanic uptake of anthropogenic carbon increases over time in all scenarios, being smallest in the experiment forced by RCP2.6 and largest in that for RCP8.5. The land also serves as a net carbon sink in all scenarios, predominantly in boreal regions. The strong tropical carbon sources found in the RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 experiments are almost absent in the RCP4.5 experiment, which can be explained by reforestation in the RCP4.5 scenario.
Small Embeddings of Partial Steiner Triple Systems
Authors: Horsley Daniel
Published: June 2013

It was proved in 2009 that any partial Steiner triple system of orderuhas an embedding of ordervfor each admissible. This result is best possible in the sense that, for each, there exists a partial Steiner triple system of orderuthat does not have an embedding of ordervfor any. Many partial Steiner triple systems do have embeddings of orders smaller than, but much less is known about when these embeddings exist. In this paper, we detail a method for constructing such embeddings. We use this method to show that each member of a wide class of partial Steiner triple systems has an embedding of ordervfor at least half (or nearly half) of the ordersfor which an embedding could exist. For some members of this class we are able to completely determine the set of all orders for which the member has an embedding.
Efficacy and mechanism of poloxamine‐assisted polyplex transfection
Authors: Zhang Jeremy , Bae Sooneon , Lee Jeoung Soo , Webb Ken
Published: June 2013

Background

Amphiphilic block copolymers acting as biological response modifiers provide an attractive approach for improving the transfection efficiency of polycationic polymer/DNA complexes (polyplexes) by altering cellular processes crucial for efficient transgene expression.

Methods

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the poloxamine Tetronic T904, a four‐arm polyethylene oxide/polypropylene oxide block copolymer, on polyplex transfection and to determine its mechanism of action by analyzing the cellular uptake of polyplex, the nuclear localization of plasmid and RNA transcript production.

Results

T904 significantly increased the transfection efficiency of polyplexes based on 25‐kDa branched polyethylenimine in a dose‐dependent manner in the presence of serum in C6 glioma cells, as well as human fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. The activity of T904 was not promoter‐dependent, increasing the expression of reporter genes under both cytomegalovirus and SV40 promoters. Although T904 did not affect the internalization or nuclear uptake of plasmid, mRNA expression levels from both promoters showed dose‐dependent increases that closely paralleled increases in gene expression.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that T904 significantly increases polyplex transfection efficiency and suggests a mechanism of increased transcriptional activity. As a four‐arm, hydroxyl‐terminated polymer, T904 is amenable to a variety of end group functionalization and covalent cross‐linking strategies that have been developed for preparing hydrogels from multi‐arm polyethylene glycol, making it particularly attractive for scaffold‐mediated gene delivery. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hot flow anomaly formation and evolution: Cluster observations
Authors: Wang Shan , Zong Qiugang , Zhang Hui
Published: June 2013

In this study, we have examined the formation and evolution of 513 hot flow anomalies (HFAs) from 2003 to 2009 observed by the Cluster spacecraft. Our results show that an original upstream discontinuity in the vicinity of an HFAs and/or at least one side of the HFA with the convective electric field pointing toward the discontinuity may help an HFA growing, but it is not a necessary condition to generate an HFA. It is shown that a significant part of the thermal energy inside HFAs is converted from the kinetic energy of the solar wind, although additional heating process(es) is required to heat the plasma inside an HFA. In order to learn the evolution of an HFA, we have examined the electron spectrum and ion velocity distribution function (VDF) inside young and mature HFAs. It is found that the particle spectra are good indicators of a young or mature HFA. Inside young HFAs, electron spectra can be fitted by a single drift‐κ distribution, while inside mature HFAs it can be fitted by the combination of a drift‐Maxwellian distribution with the peak energy below ∼10 eV and a heated electron distribution. On the other hand, ion VDF inside mature HFAs shows a single distribution, whereas the VDF inside young HFAs shows two clear ion populations—one original solar wind and a reflected ion population. It is found that the reflected ion population inside young HFAs can be scattered to more than 180° in the Vpara‐Vperp1 plane, where Vperp1 is in the V‐B plane but perpendicular to B, which is similar to the foreshock distribution. This indicates that the reflected ion population could be diffusive from all directions rather than the unidirectional beam when an HFA is forming.
Preheated shock experiments in the molten CaAl2Si2O8‐CaFeSi2O6‐CaMgSi2O6 ternary: A test for linear mixing of liquid volumes at high pressure and temperature
Authors: Thomas Claire W. , Asimow Paul D.
Published: June 2013

We performed 17 new shock wave experiments on preheated (1673 K) hedenbergite liquid (CaFeSi2O6) and two model basalt liquids (an equimolar binary mix of CaAl2Si2O8 + CaFeSi2O6 and an equimolar ternary mix of CaAl2Si2O8 + CaFeSi2O6 +CaMgSi2O6) in order to determine their equations of state (EOS). Ambient pressure density measurements on these and other Fe‐bearing silicate liquids indicate that FeO has a partial molar volume that is highly dependent on composition, which leads to large errors in estimates of the densities of Fe‐bearing liquids at ambient pressure based on an ideal mixing of any fixed set of end‐member liquids. We formulated a series of mixing tests using the EOS determined in this study to examine whether ideal mixing of volumes might nevertheless suffice to describe the ternary system CaAl2Si2O8‐CaFeSi2O6‐CaMgSi2O6 at high temperature and pressure. The ideal mixing null hypothesis is rejected; compositional variations in partial molar volume of FeO appear to extend to high pressure. Only densities of Fe‐bearing liquid mixtures with oxide mole fraction of FeO less than 0.06 can be adequately approximated using an ideal solution.
Optimization of the radiosynthesis of [18F]MEFWAY for imaging brain serotonin 1A receptors by using the GE TracerLab FXFN‐Pro module
Authors: Choi Jae Yong , Kim Chul Hoon , Ryu Young Hoon , Seo Young Beom , Truong Phong , Kim Eun Jung , Choi Tae Hyun , Kang JeeHae , Lee Minkyung , Kim Dong Goo , Lee Jong Doo , Jeon Tae Joo
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study was to develop a highly reliable radiofluorination method for the preparation of N‐{2‐[4‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)piperazinyl]ethyl}‐N‐(2‐pyridyl)‐N‐(4‐18F‐fluoromethylcyclohexane)carboxamide ([18F]Mefway) by using a fully automated system. The optimal condition is composed of two parts. The extraction system of the trapped F‐18 in the anion exchange resin (i.e., quaternary methylamine cartridge) is a complex of Kryptofix 2.2.2. (K222, 4 mg/0.9 mL methanol) and K2CO3 (1 mg/0.1 mL H2O). After removing the solvents, the trans‐tosylated Mefway precursor (1 mg/0.5 mL acetonitrile) was reacted with dried K222‐K[18F] at 100°C for 5 min. After purification and formulation, [18F]Mefway was obtained with 38 ± 2.4% (decay corrected, n = 34) radiochemical yield, a total synthesis time of 52 ± 3.4 min, specific activity was 120.6 ± 8.7 GBq/µmol at the end of synthesis and a radiochemical purity of 99%. According to the quality control tests, formulated [18F]Mefway is suitable to apply parenteral clinical application.
An efficient laboratory‐scale preparative method for [1‐13C]glycocholic acid
Authors: Mitome Hidemichi , Tokumasu Naoko , Tando Yusuke , Nakamura Teruo , Akira Kazuki
Published: June 2013

A breath test using [1‐13C]glycocholic acid as a substrate is a potential diagnostic method for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome. [1‐13C]Glycocholic acid has been thus synthesized in an excellent yield from ethyl [1‐13C]glycinate hydrochloride in a one‐pot reaction. This method is suitable for the preparation of the labeled compound on a laboratory scale, which helps to perform extensive clinical studies of the breath test.
Molecular changes in the phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway are common in gastric cancer
Authors: Tran Thang N. , Brettingham‐Moore Kate , Duong Cuong P. , Mitchell Catherine , Clemons Nicholas J. , Phillips Wayne A.
Published: June 2013

Background and Objectives

The phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway is an important signalling pathway that is frequently activated in cancer cells. This has led to the emergence of PI3K inhibitors as potential new treatment modalities for many cancers. We have investigated the frequency of molecular changes in the PI3K pathway in gastric cancer.

Methods

A series of sixty one human gastric cancer specimens and nine human gastric cancer cell lines were screened for PIK3CA mutations and copy number gain by direct sequencing and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA), respectively. PTEN protein levels were assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Alterations in the PI3K pathway were found in 33 of 61 (54%) gastric tumours. PIK3CA mutation and copy number gain were detected in 3 (4.9%) and 8 (13.1%), respectively, of 61 gastric cancer samples while PTEN loss was detected in 24 (39%) of the tumours. Two tumours had both PTEN loss and PIK3CA copy number gain. There were no significant associations between these PI3K pathway changes and the clinical features of the tumours.

Conclusions

Alterations in the PI3K pathway are frequent in gastric tumours implicating this pathway as a legitimate therapeutic target in gastric cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013; 108:113–120. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of the staging systems for gastric cancer
Authors: Peng Chun‐Wei , Wang Lin‐Wei , Zeng Wei‐Juan , Yang Xiao‐Jun , Li Yan
Published: June 2013

Background

Some staging systems for gastric cancer (GC) have been developed as alternatives to the 6th and 7th TNM staging systems, including the Hybrid, tumor‐ratio‐metastasis (TRM), and Kiel staging systems. This study evaluated the overall performance of these systems for GC.

Methods

A total of 540 GC patients undergoing surgical resection were staged using these five systems. Homogeneity, discrimination power, predictive accuracy, and complexity of these systems were compared.

Results

Multivariate analyses showed that all of 7th pT, pN, and pM classifications were independent factors for GC prognosis (P < 0.001 for all). Compared with the other four systems, 7th TNM system had improved stage groups homogeneity (7 of 8 stage groups homogeneous), enhanced discrimination power (4 of 5, 5 of 7, 4 of 7, 3 of 7, and 1 of 4 adjacent stage groups were differentiated by the 6th, 7th TNM, Hybrid, TRM, and Kiel systems, respectively), and better prediction value for GC patients' outcome (AUC = 0.801, P < 0.001). In addition, the 7th TNM system did not increase the staging complexity (9 groups and 21 subgroups).

Conclusions

The 7th TNM staging system represents advancement in GC staging system for better prediction of clinical outcomes. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013; 108:93–105. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Separation optimization of long porous‐layer open‐tubular columns for nano‐LC–MS of limited proteomic samples
Authors: Rogeberg Magnus , Vehus Tore , Grutle Lene , Greibrokk Tyge , Wilson Steven Ray , Lundanes Elsa
Published: June 2013

The single‐run resolving power of current 10 μm id porous‐layer open‐tubular (PLOT) columns has been optimized. The columns studied had a poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) porous layer (∼0.75 μm thickness). In contrast to many previous studies that have employed complex plumbing or compromising set‐ups, SPE–PLOT‐LC‐MS was assembled without the use of additional hardware/noncommercial parts, additional valves or sample splitting. A comprehensive study of various flow rates, gradient times, and column length combinations was undertaken. Maximum resolution for <400 bar was achieved using a 40 nL/min flow rate, a 400 min gradient and an 8 m long column. We obtained a 2.3‐fold increase in peak capacity compared to previous PLOT studies (950 versus previously obtained 400, when using peak width = 2σ definition). Our system also meets or surpasses peak capacities obtained in recent reports using nano‐ultra‐performance LC conditions or long silica monolith nanocolumns. Nearly 500 proteins (1958 peptides) could be identified in just one single injection of an extract corresponding to 1000 BxPC3 beta catenin (−/−) cells, and ∼1200 and 2500 proteins in extracts of 10 000 and 100 000 cells, respectively, allowing detection of central members and regulators of the Wnt signaling pathway.