bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lokalisering av nye videregående skoler – argumenter for sentrumslokalisering
Authors: Lefdal Else Margrethe
Published: January 2015

Det er en økende tendens til at nye videregående skoler i Norge bygges i sentrum. Innhentede opplysninger om hvor nye skoleanlegg for videregående opplæring er lokalisert, samt hvor planlagte skoleanlegg vil bli lokalisert, bekrefter dette. I denne artikkelen spør jeg hvorfor sentrum er et foretrukket lokaliseringsvalg, og jeg undersøker hvilke argumenter som fremmes for sentrumslokalisering. Søkermønsteret til videregående opplæring viser at elevene foretrekker sentrumsskolene. Utdanningsforbundet i Oslo etterlyser pedagogiske begrunnelser for at flest mulig videregående skoleplasser legges til sentrum. Det bør kunne forventes at et læringsperspektiv eller pedagogiske perspektiver blir vektlagt i argumentasjonen for sentrumslokalisering av nye skoleanlegg, men det kan synes som at argumenter med forankring i eksterne brukergruppers behov eller i ulike aktørers ønsker om synergieffekter vektlegges i like stor eller sterkere grad. Enkelte drivkrefter argumenterer eksempelvis med at de videregående skolene må lokaliseres i sentrum for å styrke handel og kafédrift i sentrumsområdene. I artikkelen drøfter jeg utfordringer knyttet til at skolene, som først og fremst skal være gode læringsarenaer for elevene, skal være «så mye mer enn bare skole».
Quantifying Recording Quality in In Vivo Striatal Recordings
Authors: Friend Danielle M. , Kemere Caleb , Kravitz Alexxai V.
Published: January 2015

The striatum mediates a variety of functions including movement, decision‐making, motivation, and reward learning. In vivo recording is a powerful technique that allows for the interrogation of these striatal functions while an animal is awake and behaving. Here, we describe equipment needed and general setup for performing in vivo electrophysiology experiments, data processing, and quantification of recording quality. While this protocol is focused on striatal recordings, concepts should translate to other structures as well. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Using CellProfiler for Automatic Identification and Measurement of Biological Objects in Images
Authors: Bray Mark‐Anthony , Vokes Martha S. , Carpenter Anne E.
Published: January 2015

Visual analysis is required to perform many biological experiments, from counting colonies to measuring the size or fluorescence intensity of individual cells or organisms. This unit outlines the use of CellProfiler, a free, open‐source image analysis tool that extracts quantitative information from biological images. It includes a step‐by‐step protocol for automated analysis of the number, color, and size of yeast colonies growing on agar plates, but the methods can be adapted to identify and measure many other types of objects in images. The flexibility of the software allows experimenters to create pipelines of adjustable modules to fit different biological experiments and to generate accurate measurements from dozens or even hundreds of thousands of images. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Parallel Protein Detection by Solid‐Phase Proximity Ligation Assay with Real‐Time PCR or Sequencing
Authors: Ebai Tonge , Kamali‐Moghaddam Masood , Landegren Ulf
Published: January 2015

Proximity ligation assays are a group of protein detection techniques in which reagents with affinity for target proteins, typically antibodies, are coupled to short strands of DNA. DNA‐modified affinity reagents are combined in assays constructed such that the coordinated binding of individual target molecules or complexes of interacting proteins by two or more of the reagents, followed by DNA ligation and/or polymerization reactions, gives rise to amplifiable DNA reporter strands. Proximity ligation assays have been shown to exhibit excellent sensitivity in single and multiplexed protein assays for individual or interacting proteins, both in solution and in situ. This unit describes procedures for developing solid‐phase proximity ligation assays for soluble proteins using either real‐time PCR or DNA sequencing as the readout. In addition, critical steps for assay optimization are discussed. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
RNA Interference inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Conte Darryl , MacNeil Lesley T. , Walhout Albertha J.M. , Mello Craig C.
Published: January 2015

RNAi has become an essential tool inC. elegansresearch. This unit describes procedures for RNAi inC. elegansby microinjecting with dsRNA, feeding with bacteria expressing dsRNA, and soaking in dsRNA solution, as well as high‐throughput methods for RNAi‐based screens. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Retrieving the vertical distribution of chlorophyll a concentration and phytoplankton community composition from in situ fluorescence profiles: A method based on a neural network with potential for global‐scale applications
Authors: Sauzède R. , Claustre H. , Jamet C. , Uitz J. , Ras J. , Mignot A. , D'Ortenzio F.
Published: January 2015

A neural network‐based method is developed to assess the vertical distribution of (1) chlorophyllaconcentration ([Chl]) and (2) phytoplankton community size indices (i.e., microphytoplankton, nanophytoplankton, and picophytoplankton) from in situ vertical profiles of chlorophyll fluorescence. This method (FLAVOR for Fluorescence to Algal communities Vertical distribution in the Oceanic Realm) uses as input only the shape of the fluorescence profile associated with its acquisition date and geo‐location. The neural network is trained and validated using a large database including 896 concomitant in situ vertical profiles of High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) pigments and fluorescence. These profiles were collected during 22 oceanographic cruises representative of the global ocean in terms of trophic and oceanographic conditions, making our method applicable to most oceanic waters. FLAVOR is validated with respect to the retrieval of both [Chl] and phytoplankton size indices using an independent in situ data set and appears to be relatively robust spatially and temporally. To illustrate the potential of the method, we applied it to in situ measurements of the BATS (Bermuda Atlantic Time Series Study) site and produce monthly climatologies of [Chl] and associated phytoplankton size indices. The resulting climatologies appear very promising compared to climatologies based on available in situ HPLC data. With the increasing availability of spatially and temporally well‐resolved data sets of chlorophyll fluorescence, one possible global‐scale application of FLAVOR could be to develop 3‐D and even 4‐D climatologies of [Chl] and associated composition of phytoplankton communities. The Matlab and R codes of the proposed algorithm are provided as supporting information.
Experimental investigation of electrostatic effect on bubble behaviors in gas‐solid fluidized bed
Authors: Dong Kezeng , Zhang Qing , Huang Zhengliang , Liao Zuwei , Wang Jingdai , Yang Yongrong
Published: January 2015

Electrostatics and hydrodynamics in the fluidized bed are mutually affected, and excess accumulation of electrostatic charges has a severe impact on hydrodynamics. However, there is a serious lack of experimental investigation of electrostatic effect on hydrodynamics. This work provides a first insight into the electrostatic effects on bubble behaviors experimentally by injecting a trace of liquid antistatic agents (LAA) into a fluidized bed. Different amounts of LAA (0–50 ppm) were injected to make the electrostatic charges vary in a wide range and the bubble behaviors were investigated simultaneously. Results showed that the charges on particles decreased with increasing amount of LAA, which resulted in larger bubble sizes, stronger fluctuations of dynamic bed height, and less wall sheeting, respectively. The maximum reduction ratio of bubble sizes due to electrostatic effect was 21%. When particles were charged, the bubble sizes were significantly smaller than those estimated from the classical correlation. This discrepancy was attributed to the neglect of electrostatic effect in classical correlation. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 1160–1171, 2015
On the use of the generalized autocatalytic models: The thermal decomposition of 3,5‐dinitro‐4‐methylbenzoic acid
Authors: Sanchirico Roberto
Published: January 2015

The thermal decomposition of 3,5‐dinitro‐4‐methylbenzoic acid is studied by means of differential calorimetric techniques (DSC). Its autocatalytic behaviour has been highlighted and the decomposition process has been described considering the generalized expression of the Šesták–Berggren model. A new procedure for the optimization of the initiation parameter along with the other Arrhenius constants and kinetic exponents starting from the knowledge of the classic Šesták–Berggren model is illustrated. Encouraging results point out the validity of the approach which has been verified considering both a series of numerical and real experiments. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 1300–1308, 2015
Vitamin D3 as a novel regulator of basic fibroblast growth factor in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis
Authors: Sansoni E. Ritter , Sautter Nathan B. , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L. , Yawn James R. , Lawrence Lauren A. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Soler Zachary M. , Mulligan Jennifer K.
Published: January 2015

Background

The immunopathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is largely unknown, but it is thought that different inflammatory profiles are responsible for the different CRS subtypes. 25‐Hydroxyvitamin‐D (25‐VD3) has been shown to alter inflammatory mediators in other disease processes and 25‐VD3 deficiency is associated with CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), but it is unknown if 25‐VD3 levels impact local inflammation in CRS. This study investigated the correlation between plasma 25‐VD3 and sinonasal mucus monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) levels in patients with CRS.

Methods

Study subjects undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for CRS were prospectively enrolled from January 2012 to August 2014. Control subjects included patients undergoing ESS for noninflammatory pathology. Blood and sinonasal mucus were collected at the time of ESS. Plasma 25‐VD3 was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and mucus levels of MCP‐1, RANTES, and bFGF by cytometric bead array (CBA).

Results

A total of 57 patients were enrolled and categorized as CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) (n = 31), CRSwNP (n = 14), and controls (n = 12). No significant correlation was found between MCP‐1 and 25‐VD3. There was a significant negative correlation between 25‐VD3 and RANTES (r = −0.612; p = 0.026) and bFGF (r = −0.578; p = 0.039) in CRSwNP patients; however, there was no significant correlation in CRSsNP patients.

Conclusion

This data suggests that 25‐VD3 may play a role in regulation of RANTES and bFGF expression in CRSwNP. This may occur through regulation of NP fibroblasts or other immune cells. Further investigation is warranted to better elucidate the role of RANTES, bFGF, and 25‐VD3 in CRSwNP.
Pin1 promotes neuronal death in stroke by stabilizing Notch intracellular domain
Authors: Baik Sang‐Ha , Fane Mitchell , Park Joon Hyung , Cheng Yi‐Lin , Yang‐Wei Fann David , Yun Ui Jeong , Choi Yuri , Park Jong‐Sung , Chai Bing Han , Park Jin Su , Back Seung Hyun , Jeong Jae In , Jang Ye Jin , Bahn Gahee , Lee Joo‐Yong , Li Yu‐I , Sobey Christopher G. , Uchida Takafumi , Park Jae Hyung , Kim Hong Tae , Tang Sung‐Chun , Arumugam Thiruma V. , Jo Dong‐Gyu
Published: January 2015

Objective

Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability. The peptidyl‐prolyl cis/trans isomerase Pin1 regulates factors involved in cell growth. Recent evidence has shown that Pin1 plays a major role in apoptosis. However, the role of Pin1 in ischemic stroke remains to be investigated.

Methods

We used Pin1 overexpression and knockdown to manipulate Pin1 expression and explore the effects of Pin1 in cell death on ischemic stress in vitro and in a mouse stroke model. We also used Pin 1 inhibitor, γ‐secretase inhibitor, Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD1)‐deleted mutant cells, and Pin1 mutant cells to investigate the underlying mechanisms of Pin1‐NICD1–mediated cell death.

Results

Our findings indicate that Pin1 facilitates NICD1 stability and its proapoptotic function following ischemic stroke. Thus, overexpression of Pin1 increased NICD1 levels and enhanced its potentiation of neuronal death in simulated ischemia. By contrast, depletion or knockout of Pin1 reduced the NICD1 level, which in turn desensitized neurons to ischemic conditions. Pin1 interacted with NICD1 and increased its stability by inhibiting FBW7‐induced polyubiquitination. We also demonstrate that Pin1 and NICD1 levels increase following stroke. Pin1 heterozygous (+/−) and knockout (−/−) mice, and also wild‐type mice treated with an inhibitor of Pin1, each showed reduced brain damage and improved functional outcomes in a model of focal ischemic stroke.

Interpretation

These results suggest that Pin1 contributes to the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke by promoting Notch signaling, and that inhibition of Pin1 is a novel approach for treating ischemic stroke. Ann Neurol 2015;77:504–516
Protective variant for hippocampal atrophy identified by whole exome sequencing
Authors: Nho Kwangsik , Kim Sungeun , Risacher Shannon L. , Shen Li , Corneveaux Jason J. , Swaminathan Shanker , Lin Hai , Ramanan Vijay K. , Liu Yunlong , Foroud Tatiana M. , Inlow Mark H. , Siniard Ashley L. , Reiman Rebecca A. , Aisen Paul S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Green Robert C. , Jack Clifford R. , Weiner Michael W. , Baldwin Clinton T. , Lunetta Kathryn L. , Farrer Lindsay A. ,   for the MIRAGE (Multi‐Institutional Research on Alzheimer Genetic Epidemiology) Study, Furney Simon J. , Lovestone Simon , Simmons Andrew , Mecocci Patrizia , Vellas Bruno , Tsolaki Magda , Kloszewska Iwona , Soininen Hilkka ,   for the AddNeuroMed Consortium, McDonald Brenna C. , Farlow Martin R. , Ghetti Bernardino ,   for the Indiana Memory and Aging Study, Huentelman Matthew J. , Saykin Andrew J. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2015

We used whole‐exome sequencing to identify variants other than APOE associated with the rate of hippocampal atrophy in amnestic mild cognitive impairment. An in‐silico predicted missense variant in REST (rs3796529) was found exclusively in subjects with slow hippocampal volume loss and validated using unbiased whole‐brain analysis and meta‐analysis across 5 independent cohorts. REST is a master regulator of neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation that has not been previously implicated in Alzheimer's disease. These findings nominate REST and its functional pathways as protective and illustrate the potential of combining next‐generation sequencing with neuroimaging to discover novel disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Ann Neurol 2015;77:547–552
Synergistic effect of carbon nanotubes and clay platelets in reinforcing properties of silicone rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Pradhan Bratati , Roy Saheli , Srivastava Suneel Kumar , Saxena Anubhav
Published: January 2015

Fine powders of montmorillonite (MMT)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) hybrids have been prepared by simple grinding of MWCNT with MMT in different weight ratios of MMT to MWCNT (10 : 1, 6 : 1, 3 : 1, 1 : 1, and 1 : 3) and characterized by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. These studies have established the formation of the exfoliated structures of MMT/MWCNT (1 : 1) hybrid, in which MWCNTs exist in the state of single nanotubes that are adsorbed and intercalated on the surface and in between the MMT nanoplatelets. The hybrid has subsequently been used as reinforcing nanofiller in the development of high‐performance silicone rubber (SR) nanocomposites, and a remarkably synergistic effect of MMT and MWCNT on SR properties has been observed. The tensile strength of SR containing 1% w/w of the MMT/MWCNT (1 : 1) hybrid is improved by 215%, whereas the SR filled with MMT or MWCNT alone showed an improvement of 46 and 25%, respectively, over that of unfilled SR. In addition, SR/1 wt % MMT/MWCNT (1 : 1) nanocomposites also exhibit the maximum improvement in thermal stability corresponding to 10% weight loss by 70°C, crystallization and melting temperatures increased by 8 and 6°C as inferred from thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. This approach is promising for the preparation of high‐performance SR nanocomposites by using different dimension nanofillers together. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41818.
Migration and Law in Japan
Authors: Kondo Atsushi
Published: January 2015

It has been claimed that Japan is not a country of immigration. Where is Japan's distinctiveness evident, and what features does it share with other countries? This article examines the unique points of Japan and investigates problems of residence and citizenship. This article argues that Japan's historical legacy and international human rights have had an impact on Japan's migration and law, takes into consideration the need for new policies and examines some thorny issues. Globalisation and an ageing population are generating a debate on implementing a more liberal admission policy for highly skilled workers, students and nurses/care workers. Thorny issues comprise ethnic discrimination underscored by a colonial legacy and the still existing cold war in East Asia. Drawing a comparison with selected developed countries, this article indicates several challenges for Japan's migration and law. Markedly, Japan is the only developed industrialised democracy that does not have an anti‐discrimination law.
Open pipelines for integrated tumor genome profiles reveal differences between pancreatic cancer tumors and cell lines
Authors: Goecks Jeremy , El‐Rayes Bassel F. , Maithel Shishir K. , Khoury H. Jean , Taylor James , Rossi Michael R.
Published: January 2015

We describe open, reproducible pipelines that create an integrated genomic profile of a cancer and use the profile to find mutations associated with disease and potentially useful drugs. These pipelines analyze high‐throughput cancer exome and transcriptome sequence data together with public databases to find relevant mutations and drugs. The three pipelines that we have developed are: (1) an exome analysis pipeline, which uses whole or targeted tumor exome sequence data to produce a list of putative variants (no matched normal data are needed); (2) a transcriptome analysis pipeline that processes whole tumor transcriptome sequence (RNA‐seq) data to compute gene expression and find potential gene fusions; and (3) an integrated variant analysis pipeline that uses the tumor variants from the exome pipeline and tumor gene expression from the transcriptome pipeline to identify deleterious and druggable mutations in all genes and in highly expressed genes. These pipelines are integrated into the popular Web platform Galaxy at http://usegalaxy.org/cancer to make them accessible and reproducible, thereby providing an approach for doing standardized, distributed analyses in clinical studies. We have used our pipeline to identify similarities and differences between pancreatic adenocarcinoma cancer cell lines and primary tumors.
c‐Abl induces stabilization of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) in a kinase activity‐dependent manner
Authors: Aoyama Kazumasa , Yamaguchi Noritaka , Yuki Ryuzaburo , Morii Mariko , Kubota Sho , Hirata Kensuke , Abe Kohei , Honda Takuya , Kuga Takahisa , Hashimoto Yuuki , Tomonaga Takeshi , Yamaguchi Naoto
Published: January 2015

c‐Abl is a non‐receptor‐type tyrosine kinase that regulates various cellular events, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, through phosphorylation of cytoplasmic and nuclear targets. Although we showed that c‐Abl induces histone deacetylation, the molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon are largely unknown. Here, we analyzed the effect of c‐Abl on the expression of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), because c‐Abl was shown to be involved in maintenance of nuclear protein levels of HDAC1. Co‐transfection of HDAC1 with c‐Abl increased the levels of HDAC1 protein in a kinase activity‐dependent manner without affecting its mRNA levels. Treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 increased protein levels of HDAC1 in cells transfected with HDAC1 but not in cells co‐transfected with HDAC1 and c‐Abl. Among class I HDACs, knockdown of endogenous c‐Abl preferentially suppressed endogenous protein levels of HDAC1, suggesting that c‐Abl stabilizes HDAC1 protein by inhibiting its proteasomal degradation. Subcellular fractionation showed that the stabilization of HDAC1 by c‐Abl occurred in the nucleus. Despite the fact that HDAC1 was phosphorylated by co‐expression with c‐Abl, stabilization of HDAC1 by c‐Abl was not affected by mutations in its sites phosphorylated by c‐Abl. Co‐expression with HDAC1 and nuclear‐targeted c‐Abl did not affect HDAC1 stabilization. Therefore, these results suggest that c‐Abl induces HDAC1 stabilization possibly through phosphorylation of a cytoplasmic target that is involved in proteasomal degradation of HDAC1.
4‐Methylcatechol‐induced cell damage in TM4 Sertoli cells
Authors: Li Chunjin , Li Wanhong , Chen Shuxiong , Kang Zhichen , Sun Lina , Li Hongjiao , Chen Lu , Rao Jiahui , Zhao Yun , Yu Jiaxin , Zhou Xu
Published: January 2015

4‐Methylcatechol (4‐MC) is one of the metabolites of quercetin, which is a potential drug for neuroprotection and tumorigenesis inhibition. This study was performed to investigate the cytotoxic effect of 4‐MC in mouse TM4 Sertoli cells. TM4 Sertoli cell viability was significantly inhibited by 4‐MC in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. The number of apoptotic and dead cells was significantly increased after 4‐MC treatment. Caspase 3 activity increased by prolonged exposure of TM4 Sertoli cells to 200 μM 4‐MC. The 4‐MC significantly upregulated the mRNA level of Bax gene and considerably downregulated the Bcl‐2 gene expression in a concentration‐dependent manner. Results showed that 4‐MC could induce TM4 Sertoli cell apoptosis, and the cytotoxic effect of 4‐MC on TM4 Sertoli cells may be associated with upregulated Bax gene expression, which induced caspase cascade activation.
Multi‐MitraClip therapy for severe degenerative mitral regurgitation: “Anchor” technique for extremely flail segments
Authors: Singh Gagan D. , Smith Thomas W. , Rogers Jason H.
Published: January 2015

In high‐risk or inoperable patients, implantation of MitraClip for treatment of severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR) from central (A2/P2 pathology, EVEREST patient) is effective in reducing symptoms and improving functional class. Extending the use of MitraClip to the non‐EVEREST patient is of considerable interest. MitraClip implantation for wide flail segments and non‐central MR is technically more challenging but represents an important and highly prevalent subset of patients. We present a case of an 82‐year‐old male referred to our institution for medically refractory primary MR. Trans‐esophageal echocardiogram demonstrated severe (4+) MR, annular dilatation, P3 > P2 mitral valve prolapse, malcoaptation, and wide flail gaps and widths. The patient's age, frailty, chronic kidney disease, and mild cognitive impairment rendered him a candidate for MitraClip therapy. Our target area, the areas of maximum flail (A3/P3), proved too wide for grasping. Hence, the first clip was deployed medial to the target area. Subsequent deployment, in a sequential fashion (“zipper technique”), was not technically feasible due to persistent instability of the target area. Consideration was given to an alternative approach by “anchoring” our target area where the 2nd and 3rd clips were deployed lateral to the A3/P3 segment in efforts to “anchor” the maximum flail segment. This maneuver allowed final clip deployment into a more stable target area. Subsequent imaging demonstrated reduction in MR from 4+ to 1+ with preservation of a normal transmitral gradient. We report the first successful US case of four MitraClip implantation for the treatment of severe primary MR by “anchoring” flail segments. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Social effects on foraging behavior and success depend on local environmental conditions
Authors: Marshall Harry H. , Carter Alecia J. , Ashford Alexandra , Rowcliffe J. Marcus , Cowlishaw Guy
Published: January 2015

In social groups, individuals' dominance rank, social bonds, and kinship with other group members have been shown to influence their foraging behavior. However, there is growing evidence that the particular effects of these social traits may also depend on local environmental conditions. We investigated this by comparing the foraging behavior of wild chacma baboons, Papio ursinus, under natural conditions and in a field experiment where food was spatially clumped. Data were collected from 55 animals across two troops over a 5‐month period, including over 900 agonistic foraging interactions and over 600 food patch visits in each condition. In both conditions, low‐ranked individuals received more agonism, but this only translated into reduced foraging performances for low‐ranked individuals in the high‐competition experimental conditions. Our results suggest one possible reason for this pattern may be low‐ranked individuals strategically investing social effort to negotiate foraging tolerance, but the rank‐offsetting effect of this investment being overwhelmed in the higher‐competition experimental environment. Our results also suggest that individuals may use imbalances in their social bonds to negotiate tolerance from others under a wider range of environmental conditions, but utilize the overall strength of their social bonds in more extreme environments where feeding competition is more intense. These findings highlight that behavioral tactics such as the strategic investment of social effort may allow foragers to mitigate the costs of low rank, but that the effectiveness of these tactics is likely to be limited in certain environments.
Control of Magnetic Moment in Uniaxial Anisotropy Magnetic Thin Film Taking Leakage Flux in RF Planar Spiral Inductors with Closed‐Magnetic Core into Account
Authors: Sonehara Makoto , Ikeda Kenji , Sato Toshiro
Published: January 2015

The relation between high‐frequency properties and the angle θ of the anisotropy magnetic field in a CoFeSiO/SiO2 multilayer nanogranular magnetic film for an RF planar spiral inductor was derived in order to suppress leakage flux. The ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) frequency fr and the FMR half‐width showed very little dependence on θ. The FMR frequency fr and the FMR half‐width were estimated to be about 2.5 GHz and 0.3 GHz. The static permeability μs was dependent on approximately . The static permeability on the hard axis μh was estimated as about 250. Thus the CoFeSiO/SiO2 multilayer nanogranular magnetic film has superior high frequency characteristics for inductors.
A Parallelization Method for Neural Network Learning
Authors: Tsuchida Yuta , Yoshioka Michifumi
Published: January 2015

Recently, the technology called General‐Purpose computing on Graphics Processing Unit (GPGPU), which treats not only graphic processing but also general purpose calculation by using GPU, has been investigated because the GPU has higher performance than the CPU for the development of 3DCG or movie processing. GPU has dedicated circuits to draw graphics, so that it has the characteristic that the many simple arithmetic circuits are implemented. This characteristic has promise for applications not only to graphic processing but also to massive parallelism. In this research, we apply the technology to neural network learning, a form of intelligent signal processing. As conventional research, we proposed three methods of speeding up neural network learning. One of the methods, parallelization of pattern processing, has points that should be improved. In this paper, we report that the updating of the weight coefficients in the neurons is processed simultaneously by changing the order of the pattern calculations. The proposed calculation method is evaluated against test data sets. The results confirm that the proposed method converges similarly to the conventional method. We also propose an optimal implementation method for the GPU. This proposed method is found to be three to six times faster than the conventional method.
Probabilistic Approach for Evaluating the Capacity Value of Intermittent Generation
Authors: Chida Takuji , Saitoh Hiroumi , Toyoda Junichi
Published: January 2015

Several approaches have been proposed for evaluating the capacity value of intermittent generation. In this paper, we assume that the uncertainty included in demand, existing generation, and intermittent generation, can be treated by means of a normal distribution model. Using a newly developed approximation method similar to the Garver approximation, and the Z‐stochastic approach, the effective load carrying capability method is comprehensively surveyed. The percentile method adopted in the higher demand level is also discussed in connection with the probabilistic properties of intermittent generation. Numerical examples and a simulation illustrating the probabilistic approach are included.
Solid‐Phase Synthesis of Peptide Conjugates Derived from the Antimicrobial Cyclic Decapeptide BPC194
Authors: Vilà Sílvia , Badosa Esther , Montesinos Emilio , Feliu Lidia , Planas Marta
Published: January 2015

The solid‐phase conjugation of the antimicrobial peptide c(KKLKKFKKLQ) (BPC194) to a linear or cyclic sequence through a 1,2,3‐triazole ring is described. Cyclic alkynyl‐peptidyl resins derived from BPC194 were treated with azidopeptides derived from the antimicrobial peptide BP100 or from the bacteriocin iturin A. The cyclic alkynyl‐peptidyl resins incorporated at the 3‐position a propargylglycine, a glutamic acid residue derivatized with propargylamine or a lysine bearing a propioloyl group. The reactions of the cyclic alkynyl resins with the BP100‐derived azidopeptides depended on the length and the sequence of the azidopeptides. The reactions were performed by treatment of the alkynyl resin with CuI and ascorbic acid, and required the presence of piperidine/DMF or DIEA in 2,6‐lutidine/DMF. The latter conditions also allowed the conjugation of the alkynyl‐peptidyl resin bearing a propioloyl lysine to a linear or cyclic azidopeptide derived from the cyclic moiety of iturin A.
Naphthyridine Derivatives as a Model System for Potential Lithium–Sulfur Energy‐Storage Applications
Authors: Resch Sebastian , Schneider Anna‐Rebekka , Beichler Ronja , Spera Marcelle B. M. , Fanous Jean , Schollmeyer Dieter , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: January 2015

Naphthyridines have been identified as structural elements in sulfurized polyacrylonitrile, which is a common electrode material in lithium–sulfur batteries. Some dibenzonaphthyridine derivatives with a fused dithiolo moiety were prepared as model compounds for battery studies. These heterocyclic systems were prepared via the corresponding diphenyldicarbamide intermediate. Followed by naphthyridione formation, stepwise installation of the dithiolane subunit occurred in a straightforward manner. In the solid state, the heteroaromatic system is completely planar and was thoroughly characterized. Initial battery cycling tests indicated a potential use of such structural motifs in sulfur–lithium systems.
Fascaplysin Induces Caspase Mediated Crosstalk Between Apoptosis and Autophagy Through the Inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Cascade in Human Leukemia HL‐60 Cells
Authors: Kumar Suresh , Guru Santosh Kumar , Pathania Anup Singh , Manda Sudhakar , Kumar Ajay , Bharate Sandip B. , Vishwakarma Ram A. , Malik Fayaz , Bhushan Shashi
Published: January 2015

In this study, we for the first time explored the cellular and molecular mechanism of anticancer properties of fascaplysin, a marine sponge‐derived alkaloid. Our study demonstrated that fascaplysin induced a cooperative interaction between apoptotic and autophagic pathways to induce cytotoxicity in HL‐60 cells. Fascaplysin treatment not only activated pro‐apoptotic events like PARP‐1 cleavage and caspase activation but also triggered autophagy signaling as shown by the increased expression of LC3‐II, ATG7and beclin. Interestingly, it was found that use of pan‐caspase inhibitor completely reversed the fascaplysin mediated cell death as analyzed by MTT and cell cycle assays. It was observed that cell death as well as the expression of pro‐death proteins was partially reversed, when key autophagy mediators ATG7 was silenced by siRNA in fascaplysin treated cells. Cooperative involvement of autophagy and apoptotic signaling in cytotoxicity was confirmed when combined silencing of pro‐apototic (PARP‐1) and autophagic (ATG‐7) signaling by respective siRNA's lead to substantial rescue of cell death induced by fascaplysin. Although, apoptosis and autophagy are two independent cell death pathways, our findings provide detailed insight by which both the pathways acted cooperatively to elicit fascaplysin induced cell death in HL‐60 cells. Our findings provide molecular insight into the anti‐cancer potential of fascaplysin by showing that both autophagic and apoptotic signaling can work together in the induction of cell death. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 985–997, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
γ Secretase Inhibitor BMS‐708163 Reverses Resistance to EGFR Inhibitor via the PI3K/Akt Pathway in Lung Cancer
Authors: Xie Mian , He Jianxing , He Chaosheng , Wei Shenhai
Published: January 2015

Lung adenocarcinoma cells harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are sensitive to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Acquired resistance to EGFR TKI develops after prolonged treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the novel γ secretase inhibitor BMS‐708163 on acquired resistance to the EGFR TKI gefitinib. We did not observe known mechanisms of acquired resistance to EGFR TKI, including the EGFR T790M mutation and MET gene amplification in the gefitinib‐resistant PC9/AB2 cells. BMS‐708163 inhibited PI3K/Akt expression and sensitized PC9/AB2 cells to gefitinib‐induced cytotoxicity. In contrast, BMS‐708163 had no significant effect on gefitinib sensitivity in PC9 parental cells. Combined treatment with BMS‐708163 and gefitinib induced high levels of apoptosis. Our in vivo studies showed that combined treatment of gefitinib and BMS‐708163 inhibited the growth of PC9/AB2 xenografts. In conclusion, our data show that combined treatment of gefitinib and γ secretase inhibitors may be useful for treating lung adenocarcinomas harboring EGFR mutations with acquired gefitinib resistance. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1019–1027, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Helicobacter pylori treatment in children: Defining a dose for rabeprazole as a part of a triple therapy regimen
Authors: Kimko Holly , Thyssen An , Mould Diane R. , Mannaert Erik , Treem William R.
Published: January 2015

The proton pump inhibitor, rabeprazole, has been studied in children for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In adults, rabeprazole is indicated for Helicobacter pylori eradication in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin. Nonlinear mixed effects modeling was conducted to estimate pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters for rabeprazole and its thioether metabolite from 336 subjects, 35% of whom were children 1–11 years with GERD from phase I and III studies. A 2‐compartment disposition model with a transit absorption model provided the best fit for rabeprazole PK. The steady‐state area under the concentration‐time curves given several candidate doses were simulated to identify a dose per each body weight group that is comparable to a 20 mg twice‐daily dose in adults, which is the recommended dose for treatment of H. pylori in adults. Simulations provided the following recommended twice‐daily weight‐based doses for children ≥1 year and <16 years: 10 mg for 6–10 kg, 15 mg for 10–30 kg, and 20 mg for ≥30 kg.
Crowdsourcing for climate and atmospheric sciences: current status and future potential
Authors: Muller C.L. , Chapman L. , Johnston S. , Kidd C. , Illingworth S. , Foody G. , Overeem A. , Leigh R.R.
Published: January 2015

Crowdsourcing is traditionally defined as obtaining data or information by enlisting the services of a (potentially large) number of people. However, due to recent innovations, this definition can now be expanded to include ‘and/or from a range of public sensors, typically connected via the Internet.’ A large and increasing amount of data is now being obtained from a huge variety of non‐traditional sources – from smart phone sensors to amateur weather stations to canvassing members of the public. Some disciplines (e.g. astrophysics, ecology) are already utilizing crowdsourcing techniques (e.g. citizen science initiatives, web 2.0 technology, low‐cost sensors), and while its value within the climate and atmospheric science disciplines is still relatively unexplored, it is beginning to show promise. However, important questions remain; this paper introduces and explores the wide‐range of current and prospective methods to crowdsource atmospheric data, investigates the quality of such data and examines its potential applications in the context of weather, climate and society. It is clear that crowdsourcing is already a valuable tool for engaging the public, and if appropriate validation and quality control procedures are adopted and implemented, it has much potential to provide a valuable source of high temporal and spatial resolution, real‐time data, especially in regions where few observations currently exist, thereby adding value to science, technology and society.
Precipitation in the Madeira Island over a 10‐year period and the meridional water vapour transport during the winter seasons
Authors: Couto Flavio Tiago , Salgado Rui , Costa Maria João , Prior Victor
Published: January 2015

In this paper, a 10‐year daily accumulated precipitation analysis of Madeira highland is presented, as well as the relationship between meridional water vapour transport during 10 winter seasons and the precipitation recorded in the island during the same period. Here, the meridional water vapour transport is considered as occurring in narrow corridors known as atmospheric rivers – ARs – which were visually identified in the total precipitable water vapour field extracted from Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) data within a domain covering the North Atlantic Ocean. European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) analysis was also used when necessary. Daily precipitation during the period covered by the study evidenced generally dry summers, whereas the highest values for daily accumulated precipitation were recorded mainly during the winter and also during the autumn and spring. Image analysis shows that moist air originating mainly in the Caribbean Sea flows northward or eastward, intersecting, on some occasions, the island during the winter season, often during a stage of dissipation. The orientation of the flow and the amount of water vapour transported to the island are important features, contributing to the occurrence of significant precipitation events. In fact, the moist environment created by ARs may favour the occurrence of precipitation, but this is not the sole factor favouring high rainfall over Madeira.
Preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers based on magnetic nanoparticles for the selective extraction of protocatechuic acid from plant extracts
Authors: Xie Xiaoyu , Wei Fen , Chen Liang , Wang Sicen
Published: January 2015

In this study, highly selective core–shell molecularly imprinted polymers on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles were prepared using protocatechuic acid as the template molecule. The resulting magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The binding performances of the prepared materials were evaluated by static and selective adsorption. The binding isotherms were obtained for protocatechuic acid and fitted by the Langmuir isotherm model and Freundlich isotherm model. Furthermore, the resulting materials were used as the solid‐phase extraction materials coupled to high‐performance liquid chromatography for the selective extraction and detection of protocatechuic acid from the extracts of Homalomena occulta and Cynomorium songaricum with the recoveries in the range 86.3–102.2%.
Direct chiral resolution of underivatized amino acids on a stationary phase dynamically modified with the ion‐exchanger Nτ‐decyl‐l‐spinacine
Authors: Remelli Maurizio , Pozzati Giovanni , Conato Chiara
Published: January 2015

Increasing attention has been devoted in the last decades to chiral chromatography, principally to high‐performance liquid chromatography techniques using a chiral stationary phase. Many chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography columns are commercially available, but, unfortunately, they are most often rather expensive. A cheap alternative to the commercial chiral columns is the dynamic‐coating procedure of a standard achiral stationary phase with a chiral selector containing both a chiral domain and a chain or a group able to tightly (but noncovalently) bind the achiral support. This is the case of Nτ‐decyl‐l‐spinacine, already successfully employed to dynamically cover a reversed‐phase column to separate racemic mixtures of amino acids through the ligand‐exchange mechanism. In the present work, the same chiral selector is employed to separate racemic mixtures of amino acids and oligopeptides, in the absence of metal ions: no coordination complex is formed, but only electrostatic and weak nonbonding interactions between the chiral phase and the analytes are responsible for the observed enantioselectivity. The new method is simpler than the previous one, very effective in the case of aromatic amino acids and oligopeptides and also suitable for preparative purposes.
Dual‐effect liposomes encapsulated with doxorubicin and chlorin e6 augment the therapeutic effect of tumor treatment
Authors: Peng Po‐Chun , Hong Ruey‐Long , Tsai Yi‐Jane , Li Pei‐Tzu , Tsai Tsuimin , Chen Chin‐Tin
Published: January 2015

Background and Objective

Long circulating doxorubicin (Dox)‐loaded PEGylated liposomes are clinically safer than the free form due to the significant reduction of cardiac toxicity. However, the therapeutic efficacy of the PEGylated liposome could further be improved if poor diffusivity and slow drug release of the liposome in tumor interstitium can be overcome. In this study, a dual‐effect liposome triggered by photodynamic effect was developed to improve the therapeutic efficacy of Dox‐loaded PEGylated liposomes.

Materials and Methods

Dox and chlorin e6 (Ce6) were co‐encapsulated in PEGylated liposomes (named as PL‐Dox‐Ce6). To induce the drug release, photodynamic effect was triggered by the light irradiation of a 662 nm diode laser. The cellular distribution of Dox and Ce6 was examined under confocal microscope. The in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity of PL‐Dox‐Ce6 was determined via the colony formation assay and the synergistic C26 tumor model, respectively.

Results

The cellular distribution of PL‐Dox‐Ce6 was in the cytoplasmic area; while under light irradiation, Dox was co‐localized with nuclear staining positive signals. The cellular cytotoxicity of PL‐Dox‐Ce6 was significantly higher than the controls including liposomes encapsulating either Dox (PL‐Dox) or Ce6 (PL‐Ce6). The in vivo treatment efficacy of PL‐Dox‐Ce6 determined in the C26 tumor model reveals a significant therapeutic effect compared to that of PL‐Ce6 and PL‐Dox alone or in combination.

Conclusion

This study indicates that this dual‐effect PEGylated liposome could provide clinical advantages in the combination regimen of photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:77–87, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early postoperative single treatment ablative fractional lasing of Mohs micrographic surgery facial scars: A split‐scar, evaluator‐blinded study
Authors: Sobanko Joseph F. , Vachiramon Vasanop , Rattanaumpawan Pinyo , Miller Christopher J.
Published: January 2015

Background/Objectives

Despite precise surgical technique, some postoperative facial scars will depress and widen over time, likely due to weakened or inadequately replaced collagen fibers in the underlying dermis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a 10,600 nm ablative carbon dioxide (CO2) fractional laser used early in the post‐surgical setting results in improved postoperative facial scars after a single treatment session.

Study Design

A prospective randomized, comparative split‐scar study was conducted on 20 subjects between the ages of 20–90. Subjects underwent Mohs surgery for nonmelanoma skin cancer of the face. Subsequent to tumor removal, subjects with a linear scar of 4 cm or greater were enrolled. On the day of suture removal, all subjects had one‐half of their scar randomly selected and treated with a 10,600 nm CO2 fractional laser (energy = 10 mJ; density = 10%; spot size = 7 mm; pulse = 1). The untreated scar half served as a control. Scars were re‐evaluated 12 weeks later. An independent blinded observer graded the scar halves with the Vancouver scar scale (VSS) immediately prior to treatment and 12 weeks after treatment. Subjects completed a visual analog scale (VAS) at the same time points.

Results

Three months after laser treatment, a significant decrease in VSS and 3 of the 4 of its individual parameters were detected in both control and treated halves of the scar. When comparing the laser group versus the control group, a statistically significant difference was not noted in VSS (P = 0.31) but a statistically significant difference in patient VAS was detected (P = 0.002). No side effects of the laser treatment were noted.

Conclusion

Facial wounds sutured in a layered manner heal well. Patients prefer early fractional CO2 lasing of surgical scars, though use of the VSS failed to detect an objective difference between laser and control halves of scars. Conservative laser settings, a single session treatment, and VSS insensitivity for surgical scars may influence these findings. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:1–5, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Macroporous Crosslinked Polymers with Controlled Structure Fabricated via Low Temperature Phase‐Separation Photopolymerization
Authors: Yin Ruixue , Wang Kemin , Lu Yuhui , Nie Jun
Published: January 2015

Macroporous polymers are of great interest and are used in diverse fields including filtration, catalysts, tissue engineering, and bioseparation. Great efforts have been invested in the manipulation of macroporous polymers. However, the straightforward fabrication of porous polymers with controlled structures from the corresponding monomers remains challenging. This study proposes a general, simple route for the synthesis of macroporous crosslinked polymers with 2D or 3D shape from the corresponding monomers by low temperature phase‐separation photopolymerization with no template and no surfactant or other additives. The generality of this approach makes synthesis possible from any type of monomer that can be photopolymerized, thus offering wide tunability of polymer properties for various applications. We believe that this strategy has great potential to be used widely for the fabrication of macroporous polymer membranes or monoliths in the future.