bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cortical surface complexity in frontal and temporal areas varies across subgroups of schizophrenia
Authors: Nenadic Igor , Yotter Rachel A. , Sauer Heinrich , Gaser Christian
Published: June 2013

Schizophrenia is assumed to be a neurodevelopmental disorder, which might involve disturbed development of the cerebral cortex, especially in frontal and medial temporal areas. Based on a novel spherical harmonics approach to measuring complexity of cortical folding, we applied a measure based on fractal dimension (FD) to investigate the heterogeneity of regional cortical surface abnormalities across subgroups of schizophrenia defined by symptom profiles. A sample of 87 patients with DSM‐IV schizophrenia was divided into three subgroups (based on symptom profiles) with predominantly negative (n = 31), disorganized (n = 23), and paranoid (n = 33) symptoms and each compared to 108 matched healthy controls. While global FD measures were reduced in the right hemisphere of the negative and paranoid subgroups, regional analysis revealed marked heterogeneity of regional FD alterations. The negative subgroup showed most prominent reductions in left anterior cingulate, superior frontal, frontopolar, as well as right superior frontal and superior parietal cortices. The disorganized subgroup showed reductions in bilateral ventrolateral/orbitofrontal cortices, and several increases in the left hemisphere, including inferior parietal, middle temporal, and midcingulate areas. The paranoid subgroup showed only few changes, including decreases in the right superior parietal and left fusiform region, and increase in the left posterior cingulate cortex. Our findings suggest regional heterogeneity of cortical folding complexity, which might be related to biological subgroups of schizophrenia with differing degrees of altered cortical developmental pathology. Hum Brain Mapp 35:1691–1699, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo Raman spectroscopy for detection of oral neoplasia: A pilot clinical study
Authors: Krishna Hemant , Majumder Shovan Kumar , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Sidramesh Muttagi , Gupta Pradeep Kumar
Published: July 2013

We report a pilot study carried out to evaluate the applicability of in vivo Raman spectroscopy for differential diagnosis of malignant and potentially malignant lesions of human oral cavity in a clinical setting. The study involved 28 healthy volunteers and 171 patients having various lesions of oral cavity. The Raman spectra, measured from multiple sites of normal oral mucosa and of lesions belonging to three histopathological categories, viz. oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and leukoplakia (OLK), were subjected to a probability based multivariate statistical algorithm capable of direct multi‐class classification. With respect to histology as the gold standard, the diagnostic algorithm was found to provide an accuracy of 85%, 89%, 85% and 82% in classifying the oral tissue spectra into the four tissue categories based on leave‐one‐subject‐out cross validation. When employed for binary classification, the algorithm resulted in a sensitivity and specificity of 94% in discriminating normal from the rest of the abnormal spectra of OSCC, OSMF and OLK tissue sites pooled together. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Multiscale geometric modeling of macromolecules II: Lagrangian representation
Authors: Feng Xin , Xia Kelin , Chen Zhan , Tong Yiying , Wei Guo‐Wei
Published: June 2013

Geometric modeling of biomolecules plays an essential role in the conceptualization of biolmolecular structure, function, dynamics, and transport. Qualitatively, geometric modeling offers a basis for molecular visualization, which is crucial for the understanding of molecular structure and interactions. Quantitatively, geometric modeling bridges the gap between molecular information, such as that from X‐ray, NMR, and cryo‐electron microscopy, and theoretical/mathematical models, such as molecular dynamics, the Poisson–Boltzmann equation, and the Nernst–Planck equation. In this work, we present a family of variational multiscale geometric models for macromolecular systems. Our models are able to combine multiresolution geometric modeling with multiscale electrostatic modeling in a unified variational framework. We discuss a suite of techniques for molecular surface generation, molecular surface meshing, molecular volumetric meshing, and the estimation of Hadwiger's functionals. Emphasis is given to the multiresolution representations of biomolecules and the associated multiscale electrostatic analyses as well as multiresolution curvature characterizations. The resulting fine resolution representations of a biomolecular system enable the detailed analysis of solvent–solute interaction, and ion channel dynamics, whereas our coarse resolution representations highlight the compatibility of protein‐ligand bindings and possibility of protein–protein interactions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
First Clinical Experience with TRV027: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Soergel David G. , Subach Ruth Ann , Cowan Conrad L. , Violin Jonathan D. , Lark Michael W.
Published: June 2013

TRV027 is a novel β‐arrestin biased peptide ligand of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R). The compound antagonizes G protein coupling while simultaneously stimulating β‐arrestin‐mediated signaling. In preclinical studies, TRV027 reversibly reduced blood pressure while preserving renal function in a dog tachypaced heart failure model and stimulating cardiomyocyte contractility in vitro. This profile suggests that TRV027 may have unique benefits in acute heart failure, a condition associated with renin‐angiotensin system activation. A first‐time‐in‐human study was conducted with ascending doses of TRV027 to explore its tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in healthy volunteers. Subjects' salt intake was restricted to stimulate RAS activation. In this study TRV027 was safe and well tolerated with a short‐half‐life (ranging between 2.4 and 13.2 minutes) and dose‐proportional increases in systemic exposure. Consistent with the pre‐clinical findings, TRV027 reduced blood pressure to a greater degree in subjects with RAS activation, measured as elevated plasma renin activity, than in those with normal PRA levels. This study in sodium‐restricted healthy subjects suggests that TRV027 will successfully target a core mechanism of acute heart failure pathophysiology. Further clinical studies with TRV027 in patients with heart failure are underway.
Contribution of Renal and Non‐Renal Clearance on Increased Total Clearance of Adalimumab in Glomerular Disease
Authors: Roberts Brittney V. , Susano Isidro , Gipson Debbie S. , Trachtman Howard , Joy Melanie S.
Published: June 2013

The contribution of renal and non‐renal clearance toward targeted concentrations and/or effects of therapeutic proteins in nephrotic patients are unknown. This study dissected the contribution of clearance pathways to adalimumab elimination in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Urine was collected from seven patients treated with adalimumab. Renal clearance (ClR) was measured and non‐renal clearance (ClNR) was calculated as the difference between total clearance and ClR. Differences in cumulative amount in urine, ClR, and ClNR between study weeks 1 and 16 and relationships between proteinuria (protein:creatinine ratio (Up/c)), and ClR and ClNR were evaluated. Up to 13% of the adalimumab dose was lost in urine. ClNR contributed more than ClR to enhanced total clearance. There was a nonlinear relationship between Up/c and ClR (R2 0.7059); an increase in ClR beginning at Up/c of 12 mg/mg [slope 1.755, (C.I. −7.825 to 11.34)]. There was a linear relationship between Up/c and ClNR (R2 0.5039); for every one unit increase in Up/c, ClNR would increase by 3.5 mL/hr (P = 0.01). Both ClR and ClNR contribute to enhanced total clearance of adalimumab in glomerular disease secondary to FSGS. Additional research is needed to identify mechanisms for the increased ClNR pathways.
Correlative light‐electron fractography for fatigue striations characterization in metallic alloys
Authors: Hein Luis Rogerio de Oliveira , de Oliveira José Alberto , de Campos Kamila Amato
Published: June 2013

The correlative light‐electron fractography technique combines correlative microscopy concepts to the extended depth‐from‐focus reconstruction method, associating the reliable topographic information of 3‐D maps from light microscopy ordered Z‐stacks to the finest lateral resolution and large focus depth from scanning electron microscopy. Fatigue striations spacing analysis can be precisely measured, by correcting the mean surface tilting with the knowledge of local elevation data from elevation maps. This new technique aims to improve the accuracy of quantitative fractography in fatigue fracture investigations. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:909–913, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigations on vertical coupling of atmospheric regions using combined multiwavelength optical dayglow, magnetic, and radio measurements
Authors: Laskar Fazlul I. , Pallamraju Duggirala , Lakshmi T. Vijaya , Reddy M. Anji , Pathan B. M. , Chakrabarti Supriya
Published: June 2013

Systematic investigations of optical dayglow emissions at OI 557.7, OI 630.0, and OI 777.4 nm have been carried out simultaneously over a large field of view (~140°). These emission intensities are obtained during January–March in the years 2011 and 2012 from Hyderabad (17.5°N, 78.5°E), India, using a high spectral resolution multiwavelength imaging echelle spectrograph. Spectral analyses of planetary wave type periodicities in all the dayglow emission intensities are performed, and their association with lower atmospheric and direct solar forcings is presented. This analysis revealed that periods near the atmospheric free normal modes of 5, 10, 16, and 25 days (which are produced mainly in the troposphere) are found to register their presence in the upper atmospheric emission intensities. In an earlier study during high solar activity period (2001), sunspot numbers (SSNs) and the daily averaged OI 630.0 nm dayglow intensities were seen to be covarying. In contrast, the variability in the dayglow emission intensities during relatively low solar activity epoch (2011) shows no or weaker correlation with that of the SSN but a greater similarity with that of the equatorial electrojet strength. Periodicities of both lower atmospheric normal modes and those related to sunspots are found during moderate solar activity (2012). Based on this analysis, it appears that the upper atmospheric dayglow emissions respond mainly to lower atmospheric forcing during low solar activity, solar forcing in high solar activity, and both during moderate solar activity level.
Electrical conductivity of partially saturated porous media containing clay: An improved formulation
Authors: Greve A. K. , Roshan H. , Kelly B. F. J. , Acworth R. I.
Published: June 2013

Prediction of the bulk DC electrical conductivity of partially saturated porous media containing clay has remained a significant challenge. A variety of models have been proposed; however, no single model has yet been shown to be entirely satisfactory. In this paper, we propose an improved formulation to account for partial saturation by extending an earlier proposed effective medium formulation. In order to test the performance of the proposed formulation, 28 data sets are extracted from the literature and analysed by our model. The results are then compared with the results from the original effective medium formulation, the Waxman and Smits model as well as the original and recently extended Volume Average (VA) model. The new formulation shows a strong improvement compared to the original formulation with an average R‐square of 0.996 for 28 data sets compared to 0.506 for the original formulation. Detailed comparison of the five fitted models shows that the new formulation and the extended VA model both perform very well and in a similar fashion. Simplifying assumptions made during the fitting process of the models allow the application of these two models with data commonly measured in the field.
Impact of U.S. west coastline inhomogeneity and synoptic forcing on winds, wind stress, and wind stress curl during upwelling season
Authors: Dorman Clive E. , Mejia John F. , Koračin Darko
Published: June 2013

Although buoy and aircraft measurements, as well as numerical simulations, have shown intense over‐shelf and slope dynamics of the west coast of the United States in the summer upwelling season, satellite footprint limitations of approximately 25 km resolution have thus far precluded long term, spatially extended monitoring of the near‐coastline dynamics. However, recent advancements in satellite data processing have allowed a finer footprint, of approximately 12 km resolution, to investigate further the properties of coastal winds and consequent upwelling. This improved satellite data analysis has confirmed the intense coastal winds over the shelf and slope and revealed their spatial extensions and inhomogeneities on event and multiday scales. The inhomogeneities are dominated by the along‐coast pressure gradient modulated by the synoptic effects and topographical forcing of the five major capes, which also generate upwelling wind stress and curl pattern inhomogeneities. Synoptic forcing of the coastal flow was evidenced by high correlation coefficients, in excess of 0.8, between the buoy‐measured pressure differences and wind speeds; wind speeds greater than 11 m s−1 occurred only when the along‐coast pressure gradient was greater than 0.8 hPa/100 km. Based on Bernoulli flow principles, the observed upper limit of the wind speed on the downwind sides of the major capes is explained by using characteristic values of atmospheric marine layer parameters. Numerical simulations at a similar resolution (12 km) as the new satellite data footprint for June 2001, completed as part of multiyear regional climate modeling efforts, were able to reproduce the main characteristics of the flow.
El Niño Southern Oscillation in an ensemble ocean reanalysis and coupled climate models
Authors: Yang Chunxue , Giese Benjamin S.
Published: June 2013

Long‐term changes of El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are studied using an ensemble ocean reanalysis that includes eight ensemble members from 1871 to 2008 and coupled model intercomparison project phase 5 (CMIP5). The presence of greater “weather noise” in the ensemble member forcing relative to the ensemble average has a conflicting impact on ENSO. In the western Pacific, higher wind speed cools sea surface temperature, which leads to a weaker zonal temperature gradient and hence weaker ENSO. In contrast, stronger episodes of westerly wind, which get averaged out in the ensemble mean, can lead to a stronger than average ENSO in some ensemble members. The ensemble reanalysis has weak El Niño throughout the record, whereas strong El Niño occurs at the beginning and end of the record. The strength of La Niña is weaker than for El Niño and has less variability, a prominent asymmetry in the reanalysis. ENSO variability is also analyzed in the CMIP5 historical experiments. Results show that most of the models have a realistic representation of the strength of ENSO; however, the location generally extends too far to the west. None of the CMIP5 models investigated show a significant change in the strength or location of ENSO from the mid‐nineteenth through the twentieth centuries. One distinguishing difference between the CMIP5 models and the ensemble reanalysis is that ENSO in the reanalysis has prominent asymmetry between El Niño and La Niña, whereas ENSO in the CMIP5 models tends to have fairly symmetric El Niño and La Niña.
Distribution and sources of organic matter in surface marine sediments across the North American Arctic margin
Authors: Goñi Miguel A. , O'Connor Alison E. , Kuzyk Zou Zou , Yunker Mark B. , Gobeil Charles , Macdonald Robie W.
Published: June 2013

As part of the International Polar Year research program, we conducted a survey of surface marine sediments from box cores along a section extending from the Bering Sea to Davis Strait via the Canadian Archipelago. We used bulk elemental and isotopic compositions, together with biomarkers and principal components analysis, to elucidate the distribution of marine and terrestrial organic matter in different regions of the North American Arctic margin. Marked regional contrasts were observed in organic carbon loadings, with the highest values (≥1 mg C m−2 sediment) found in sites along Barrow Canyon and the Chukchi and Bering shelves, all of which were characterized by sediments with low oxygen exposure, as inferred from thin layers (<2 cm) of Mn oxihydroxides. We found strong regional differences in inorganic carbon concentrations, with sites from the Canadian Archipelago and Lancaster Sound displaying elevated values (2–7 wt %) and highly depleted 14C compositions consistent with inputs from bedrock carbonates. Organic carbon:nitrogen ratios, stable carbon isotopes, and terrigenous organic biomarkers (lignin phenols and cutin acids) all indicate marked regional differences in the proportions of marine and terrigenous organic matter present in surface sediments. Regions such as Barrow Canyon and the Mackenzie River shelf were characterized by the highest contributions of land‐derived organic matter, with compositional characteristics that suggested distinct sources and provenance. In contrast, sediments from the Canadian Archipelago and Davis Strait had the smallest contributions of terrigenous organic matter and the lowest organic carbon loadings indicative of a high degree of post‐depositional oxidation.
Modulation of the sea‐surface temperature in the Southeast Pacific by the atmospheric low‐level coastal jet
Authors: Hong Xiaodong , Wang Shouping , Holt Teddy R. , Martin Paul J. , O'Neill Larry
Published: June 2013

The atmospheric low‐level coastal jet (LLCJ) in the Southeast Pacific (SEP) region is characterized as either a strong‐forcing jet (colder and drier air) or weak‐forcing jet (warm and moist) based on the location of the Southeast Pacific high‐pressure system (SEPH). The sea‐surface temperature (SST) changes corresponding to a particularly strong‐forcing jet (29–30 October) and weak‐forcing jet (22–23 November) are investigated in this study using the two‐way air‐ocean coupled model COAMPS® and satellite observation data. Results indicate that the coupled simulation reduces the overall absolute bias 50% for the surface wind speed, 70% for the cloud liquid water path, and 15% for SST as compared to the uncoupled simulation. The coupled simulation reduces excessive SST cooling, especially during the strong‐forcing jet period along the coastal area where offshore transport of upwelled cold water is too strong from the uncoupled simulation. The coupled simulation also reduces the excessive warming from the uncoupled simulation by providing better cloud coverage. The prominent mechanisms in cooling SST along the coast are the same for both the strong‐forcing and weak‐forcing jets, namely vigorous upwelling and horizontal advection. However, the mechanisms along the jet path differ from along the coast, with air‐sea heat exchange the most important process, resulting in cooling SST during the strong‐forcing jet period but warming SST during the weak‐forcing jet period. The advances and differences of the present study as compared with previous studies are discussed in detail in the paper.
Impact of preindustrial to present‐day changes in short‐lived pollutant emissions on atmospheric composition and climate forcing
Authors: Naik Vaishali , Horowitz Larry W. , Fiore Arlene M. , Ginoux Paul , Mao Jingqiu , Aghedo Adetutu M. , Levy Hiram
Published: June 2013

We describe and evaluate atmospheric chemistry in the newly developed Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory chemistry‐climate model (GFDL AM3) and apply it to investigate the net impact of preindustrial (PI) to present (PD) changes in short‐lived pollutant emissions (ozone precursors, sulfur dioxide, and carbonaceous aerosols) and methane concentration on atmospheric composition and climate forcing. The inclusion of online troposphere‐stratosphere interactions, gas‐aerosol chemistry, and aerosol‐cloud interactions (including direct and indirect aerosol radiative effects) in AM3 enables a more complete representation of interactions among short‐lived species, and thus their net climate impact, than was considered in previous climate assessments. The base AM3 simulation, driven with observed sea surface temperature (SST) and sea ice cover (SIC) over the period 1981–2007, generally reproduces the observed mean magnitude, spatial distribution, and seasonal cycle of tropospheric ozone and carbon monoxide. The global mean aerosol optical depth in our base simulation is within 5% of satellite measurements over the 1982–2006 time period. We conduct a pair of simulations in which only the short‐lived pollutant emissions and methane concentrations are changed from PI (1860) to PD (2000) levels (i.e., SST, SIC, greenhouse gases, and ozone‐depleting substances are held at PD levels). From the PI to PD, we find that changes in short‐lived pollutant emissions and methane have caused the tropospheric ozone burden to increase by 39% and the global burdens of sulfate, black carbon, and organic carbon to increase by factors of 3, 2.4, and 1.4, respectively. Tropospheric hydroxyl concentration decreases by 7%, showing that increases in OH sinks (methane, carbon monoxide, nonmethane volatile organic compounds, and sulfur dioxide) dominate over sources (ozone and nitrogen oxides) in the model. Combined changes in tropospheric ozone and aerosols cause a net negative top‐of‐the‐atmosphere radiative forcing perturbation (−1.05 W m−2) indicating that the negative forcing (direct plus indirect) from aerosol changes dominates over the positive forcing due to ozone increases, thus masking nearly half of the PI to PD positive forcing from long‐lived greenhouse gases globally, consistent with other current generation chemistry‐climate models.
Historical and future black carbon deposition on the three ice caps: Ice core measurements and model simulations from 1850 to 2100
Authors: Bauer Susanne E. , Bausch Alexandra , Nazarenko Larissa , Tsigaridis Kostas , Xu Baiqing , Edwards Ross , Bisiaux Marion , McConnell Joe
Published: June 2013

Ice core measurements in conjunction with climate model simulations are of tremendous value when examining anthropogenic and natural aerosol loads and their role in past and future climates. Refractory black carbon (BC) records from the Arctic, the Antarctic, and the Himalayas are analyzed using three transient climate simulations performed with the Goddard Institute for Space Studies ModelE. Simulations differ in aerosol schemes (bulk aerosols vs. aerosol microphysics) and ocean couplings (fully coupled vs. prescribed ocean). Regional analyses for past (1850–2005) and future (2005–2100) carbonaceous aerosol simulations focus on the Antarctic, Greenland, and the Himalayas. Measurements from locations in the Antarctic show clean conditions with no detectable trend over the past 150 years. Historical atmospheric deposition of BC and sulfur in Greenland shows strong trends and is primarily influenced by emissions from early twentieth century agricultural and domestic practices. Models fail to reproduce observations of a sharp eightfold BC increase in Greenland at the beginning of the twentieth century that could be due to the only threefold increase in the North American emission inventory. BC deposition in Greenland is about 10 times greater than in Antarctica and 10 times less than in Tibet. The Himalayas show the most complicated transport patterns, due to the complex terrain and dynamical regimes of this region. Projections of future climate based on the four CMIP5 Representative Concentration Pathways indicate further dramatic advances of pollution to the Tibetan Plateau along with decreasing BC deposition fluxes in Greenland and the Antarctic.
Moisture drives surface decomposition in thawing tundra
Authors: Hicks Pries Caitlin E. , Schuur E. A. G. , Vogel Jason G. , Natali Susan M.
Published: June 2013

Permafrost thaw can affect decomposition rates by changing environmental conditions and litter quality. As permafrost thaws, soils warm and thermokarst (ground subsidence) features form, causing some areas to become wetter while other areas become drier. We used a common substrate to measure how permafrost thaw affects decomposition rates in the surface soil in a natural permafrost thaw gradient and a warming experiment in Healy, Alaska. Permafrost thaw also changes plant community composition. We decomposed 12 plant litters in a common garden to test how changing plant litter inputs would affect decomposition. We combined species' tissue‐specific decomposition rates with species and tissue‐level estimates of aboveground net primary productivity to calculate community‐weighted decomposition constants at both the thaw gradient and warming experiment. Moisture, specifically growing season precipitation and water table depth, was the most significant driver of decomposition. At the gradient, an increase in growing season precipitation from 200 to 300 mm increased mass loss of the common substrate by 100%. At the warming experiment, a decrease in the depth to the water table from 30 to 15 cm increased mass loss by 100%. At the gradient, community‐weighted decomposition was 21% faster in extensive than in minimal thaw, but was similar when moss production was included. Overall, the effect of climate change and permafrost thaw on surface soil decomposition are driven more by precipitation and soil environment than by changes to plant communities. Increasing soil moisture is thereby another mechanism by which permafrost thaw can become a positive feedback to climate change.
Accurate and early diagnosis of orthopedic device‐related infection by microbial heat production and sonication
Authors: Borens Olivier , Yusuf Erlangga , Steinrücken Julia , Trampuz Andrej
Published: June 2013

Proper and rapid diagnosis of orthopedic device‐related infection is important for successful treatment. Sonication has been shown to improve the diagnostic performance. We hypothesized that the combination of sonication with a novel method called microcalorimetry will further improve and accelerate the diagnosis of implant infection. We prospectively included 39 consecutive patients (mean age 59 years, 62% males) at our institution from whom 29 orthopedic prostheses and 10 osteosynthesis material were explanted. The explanted device was sonicated. The resulting sonication fluid was analyzed using microcalorimetry. Using standardized criteria to define orthopedic device‐related infection, 12 cases (31%) were defined as infected. In all, positive periprosthetic tissue cultures were found. The sensitivity and specificity of microcalorimetry of sonication fluid were 100% and 97%, respectively. Mean time to detection, defined as time to reach a rising heat flow signal of 20 µW measured after equilibiration needed to get accurate measurement, was 10.9 h. In summary, microcalorimetry of sonication fluid is a reliable and a fast method in detecting the presence of microorganisms in orthopedic device‐related infection. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1700–1703, 2013
Preliminary sensory evaluation of edible flowers from wild Allium species
Authors: D'Antuono L Filippo , Manco Manuela Agata
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

The use of edible flowers as an aesthetic and flavour component of specific dishes is gaining popularity, and their production is becoming an interesting niche market activity for growers. Allium is an important genus of flowering plants, also including traditional wild food species. The combination of tradition with the new uses of flowers is appealing, requiring, however, explorative acceptance assays for its exploitation.

RESULTS

The flowers of the native Mediterranean species Allium neapolitanum, A. roseum and A. triquetrum were subject to hedonic visual, smell and flavour evaluation. Panellists also indicated specific flavour notes and their opinion about the more suitable uses. All the species were positively rated. A. roseum was preferred for all respects; A. triquetrum obtained the lowest visual rating, whereas A. neapolitanum had the lowest flavour rating. A spicy note was the main determinant of high flavour ratings. Dishes retaining the visual appearance of flowers were indicated as more suitable to combine with Allium flowers.

CONCLUSION

This is the first attempt at sensory evaluation of Allium flowers. Nutritional and health promotion properties and toxicity risks do not represent major issues for these products, because of potentially low consumption levels. The main constraint for a wider use of Allium flowers is represented by the absence of a consolidated consumption habit and regular supply. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
MicroRNA‐203 down‐regulation is associated with unfavorable prognosis in human glioma
Authors: He Jianguo , Deng Yangjia , Yang Gang , Xie Wenyi
Published: June 2013

Background and Objectives

MicroRNA‐203 (miR‐203) serves as a tumor suppressor or a tumor promoter in different human malignancies. However, its involvement in human gliomas is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of miR‐203 expression in gliomas.

Methods

Real‐time quantitative PCR was employed to measure the expression level of miR‐203 in clinical glioma tissues.

Results

The expression of miR‐203 was reduced in high WHO grade glioma tissues compared with that in low WHO grade and normal brain tissues, and decreased with ascending tumor WHO grades (P < 0.001). The reduced miR‐203 expression in gliomas was significantly associated with higher WHO grade (P < 0.001), lower KPS score (P = 0.008) and poorer disease‐specific survival of patients (P = 0.001). More importantly, subgroup analyses according to tumor WHO grade revealed that the disease‐specific survival of patients with low miR‐203 expression in high WHO grades (III–IV) subgroup was significantly shorter than those with high miR‐203 expression (P < 0.001), but no significant difference was found for patients in WHO grades I–II subgroup (P = 0.08).

Conclusion

Our data validate an important clinical significance of miR‐203 in gliomas, and reveal that it might be an intrinsic regulator of tumor progression and a potential prognostic factor for this dismal disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013; 108:121–125. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DIXDC1 increases the invasion and migration ability of non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells via the PI3K‐AKT/AP‐1 pathway
Authors: Xu Zhonghai , Liu Di , Fan Chuifeng , Luan Lan , Zhang Xiupeng , Wang Enhua
Published: June 2013

DIX domain containing 1 (DIXDC1), is a human homolog of Ccd1, a recently identified DIX domain containing protein in zebrafish. DIXDC1 protein was detected in human colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues and was found to be correlated with a high cell proliferation index. We demonstrated DIXDC1 overexpression in 55% (92/167) of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases, compared to adjacent noncancerous lung tissues (P < 0.01). Overexpression of DIXDC1 was associated with lymph node metastasis and more advanced TNM stage (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Kaplan–Meier survival curves and log‐rank testing indicated that overexpression of DIXDC1 correlated with worse overall survival in NSCLC (P = 0.031). DIXDC1 was more abundant in seven NSCLC lines than the bronchial cell line HBE, and modulation of its expression regulated AP‐1 activity; MMP2, MMP7, and MMP9 protein and mRNA; and invasion ability. Metalloproteinase induction was reversed by PI3K/AKT and AP‐1 inhibition. These results suggest DIXDC1 is associated with stage and prognosis in NSCLC, and may promote invasion and migration through PI3K‐AKT/AP‐1‐dependent activation of metalloproteinases. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EGFR‐mediated Akt and MAPKs signal pathways play a crucial role in patulin‐induced cell proliferation in primary murine keratinocytes via modulation of Cyclin D1 and COX‐2 expression
Authors: Alam Shamshad , Pal Anu , Kumar Rahul , Dwivedi Premendra D. , Das Mukul , Ansari Kausar M.
Published: June 2013

Patulin (PAT), a present day major contaminant of commercial apple and apple products is reported to be carcinogenic, embryotoxic, and immunotoxic. While oral and inhalation are considered to be the most prevalent routes of exposure to this toxin, exposure through skin is now being extensively investigated. Our previous study showed that short‐term dermal exposure to PAT resulted in toxicological injury to the skin, while long‐term exposure induced skin tumorigenesis. In this study, we explore the mechanism involve in proliferation of mouse keratinocytes by PAT. Our study revealed that PAT rapidly induces phosphorylation of EGFR, activation of the Ras/MAPKs, and Akt pathways. This in‐turn leads to the activation of NF‐κB/AP‐1 transcription factors which then binds to the promoter region of the cell growth regulatory genes Cyclin D1 and COX‐2 inducing their expression leading ultimately to PMKs proliferation. Inhibition of EGFR or the Ras/MAPKs, PI3/Akt pathways with different pharmacological inhibitors or knockdown of NF‐κB, c‐jun, c‐fos, Cyclin D1, and COX‐2 with siRNA inhibited PAT‐induced PMKs proliferation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metallorganische Reaktionen in wässriger Phase
Authors: Hoffmann Ina , Schatz Jürgen
Published: July 2013

Übergangsmetallkatalysierte Reaktionen gehören zu den wichtigsten Methoden, um C‐C‐ und C‐Heteroatom‐Bindungen zu knüpfen. Solche Transformationen in Wasser als Lösungsmittel stellen Anforderungen an die Grundlagenforschung: Können makrocyclische Systeme wie Cyclodextrine, Calix[n]arene und Co. die Hürden der Synthese im wässrigen Milieu überwinden?
Models for production planning under power interruptions
Authors: Latifoğlu Çağrı , Belotti Pietro , Snyder Lawrence V.
Published: June 2013

We present a robust optimization model for production planning under the assumption that electricity supply is subject to uncertain interruptions caused by participation in interruptible load contracts (ILCs). The objective is to minimize the cost of electricity used for production while providing a robust production plan which ensures demand satisfaction under all possible interruption scenarios. The combinatorial size of the set of interruption scenarios makes this a challenging problem. Furthermore, we assume that no probabilistic information is known about the supply uncertainty: we only use the information given in the ILC to identify an uncertainty set that captures the possible scenarios. We construct a general robust framework to handle this uncertainty and present a heuristic to compute a good feasible solution of the robust model. We provide computational experiments on a real‐world example and compare the performance of an exact solver applied to the robust model with that of the heuristic procedure. Finally, we include the operational impact of interruptions such as “recovery modes” in the definition of the uncertainty set. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2013
New public management and the reform of French public hospitals
Authors: Simonet Daniel
Published: July 2013

New public management (NPM) is not only an Anglo‐Saxon debate but also a French one, with some of its elements constituting structural components of the French state apparatus. How did it make its way into French hospitals? What core mechanism was at the center of NPM implementation in hospitals? We discuss the redisorganization of the health system under NPM, as it attempted to reassert the central government's power over regions and how it alienated the medical profession. The paper highlights inherent contradictions and other false promises within NPM. It was unable to contained cost, could no enhance accountability or increase civil participation. We then investigate post‐NPM reforms in French healthcare. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of organoclay and silver‐substituted zeolite on the mechanical and antibacterial properties of a silicone rubber filled with 2‐hydroxypropyl‐3‐piperazinyl‐quinoline carboxylic acid methacrylate
Authors: Taptim Kulnida , Ansarifar Ali , Sombatsompop Narongrit
Published: July 2013

Silicone rubber compounds filled with different loadings of organoclay (OC) and silver substituted zeolite (SSZ) solid fillers were prepared and cured with 2,5‐dimethyl‐2,5‐di(tert‐butylperoxy) hexane. The rubber vulcanizates contained an antimicrobial agent to protect them against Escherichia coli (E. coli ATCC 25922) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus ATCC 25923) bacteria. The tensile strength, elongation at break, stored energy density at break, Young's modulus, modulus at 100% elongation, cyclic fatigue life, and glass transition temperature of the rubber vulcanizates were subsequently measured. The antimicrobial performance of the rubber surfaces were determined by disk diffusion testing and plate count agar method. The antimicrobial agent had an adverse effect on the mechanical properties, but the cyclic fatigue life of the rubber vulcanizate improved. The addition of OC and SSZ could improve the tensile strength, elongation at break and stored energy density at break, but deteriorated the tear energy, Young's modulus and modulus at 100% elongation. The inclusion of the fillers was not beneficial to the antimicrobial activity of the rubber against bacteria. The HPQM in the rubber was effective more against E. coli. than against S. aureus. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity increased when the contact time in the test solution was increased. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:932–941, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Static and dynamic compressive properties of polypropylene/zinc oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Omar Mohd Firdaus , Akil Hazizan Md , Ahmad Zainal Arifin , Mahmud Shahrom
Published: July 2013

The effect of strain rate is widely recognized as an essential factor that influences the mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites. Despite its importance, no previous work has been reported on the high‐strain rate behavior of polypropylene/zinc oxide nanocomposites. Based on this, static and dynamic compression properties of polypropylene/zinc oxide nanocomposites, with particle contents of 1%, 3%, and 5% by weight, were successfully studied at different strain rates (i.e., 0.01 s−1, 0.1 s−1, 650 s−1, 900 s−1, and 1100 s−1) using a universal testing machine and a split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus. For standardization, approximately 24 nm of zinc oxide nanoparticles were embedded into polypropylene matrix for each of the tested polypropylene/zinc oxide nanocomposites. Results show that the yield strength, the ultimate strength, and the stiffness properties, of polypropylene/zinc oxide nanocomposites, were greatly affected by both particle loading and applied strain rate. Furthermore, the rate sensitivity and the absorbed energy of all tested specimens showed a positive increment with increasing strain rate, whereas the thermal activation volume showed a contrary trend. In addition, the fractographic analysis and particle dispersion of all composite specimens were successfully obtained using a field emisission scanning electron microscopy. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:949–960, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Stability of sub‐micron‐thick CdTe solar cells
Authors: Paudel Naba R. , Wieland Kristopher A. , Young Matthew , Asher Sally , Compaan Alvin D.
Published: June 2013

Sputtered CdS/CdTe cells with only 0.75 µm of CdTe have reached AM1.5 efficiencies over 12.5%. But the use of very thin absorber layers of CdTe raises questions about the possible impact on long‐term stability when the back contact is very close to the main junction. In this study, we have performed accelerated life testing (ALT) on unencapsulated CdTe dot cells with absorber thickness ranging from 0.7 to 2.1 µm. After 900 h of ALT at 85°C under continuous one‐sun illumination, with open circuit biasing and no encapsulation, we find that any decrease in stability as CdTe thickness decreases is within the ~10% statistical uncertainty shown by the sample sets of more than 20 cells each. Cells of all thicknesses exhibited some decrease in performance under these stress conditions, and open‐circuit voltage appears to be the key factor in decreased efficiency. These changes in performance under ALT at 85°C are found to be consistent with a projected field lifetime of about 40 years in typical conditions. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy depth profiles of several elements including Cu showed no evidence of ALT‐driven diffusion in these sputtered CdTe cells. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nocturnal dipping is preserved in children with sleep disordered breathing regardless of its severity
Authors: Horne Rosemary S.C. , Yang Joel S.C. , Walter Lisa M. , Richardson Heidi L. , O'Driscoll Denise M. , Foster Alison M. , Wong Shi , Ng Michelle L. , Bashir Farhat , Patterson Ruth , Jolley Damien , Walker Adrian M. , Anderson Vicki , Davey Margot J. , Nixon Gillian M.
Published: June 2013

Objective

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in adults has been associated with a loss of nocturnal dipping in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate, however, there have been limited studies in children. We measured BP non‐invasively and continuously overnight in 105 children aged 7–12 with a range of severities of SDB and 36 non‐snoring controls to examine nocturnal dipping profiles.

Study Design

Children with SDB were divided into three severity groups according to their obstructive apnea hypopnea index. Nocturnal dipping profiles across sleep stages were described both as a proportion of children exhibiting a ≥10% fall in systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and heart rate (HR) from wake to sleep and according to SAP sleep/SAP wake ratio as extreme dippers (ratio ≤ 0.8), dippers (ratio < 0.8 and ≤0.9), non‐dippers (ratio < 0.9 and ≤1.0), and reverse dippers (ratio > 1.0).

Results

The mean fall in BP between wake and NREM 1/2, SWS, and REM sleep was not different between the groups and there were no differences between the dipping profiles of children in each group.

Conclusions

SDB did not alter nocturnal dipping patterns of BP and HR compared to controls, a finding which may suggest that these young children have not been exposed to the effects of SDB long enough or that SDB severity was not great enough to affect nocturnal dipping profiles. However, further studies are required to determine if the elevated BP previously reported in this group of children will have long‐term effects on the cardiovascular system. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:1127–1134. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between Child Cortisol Levels in Saliva and Neuropsychological Development during the Second Year of Life
Authors: Forns Joan , Vegas Oscar , Julvez Jordi , Garcia‐Esteban Raquel , Rivera Marcela , Lertxundi Nerea , Guxens Mònica , Fano Eduardo , Ferrer Muriel , Grellier James , Ibarluzea Jesús , Sunyer Jordi
Published: July 2013

Exposure to highly elevated levels of cortisol has been linked with impairments in cognitive capacities in both children and adults. By contrast, moderate levels of cortisol may engender beneficial effects. The main aim of this study was to assess the association between child cortisol levels and neuropsychological development during the second year of life. A population‐based birth cohort was established in the city of Sabadell (Catalonia, Spain) as part of the INMA (Environment and Childhood) Project. We assessed the cognitive and psychomotor development at the age of 14 months using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID). We included 302 children assessed during their second year of life for whom we had information on neuropsychological assessment and measurements of cortisol in saliva. Higher levels of cortisol were associated with better scores in BSID's mental scale. There was no association between cortisol levels and psychomotor test scores. We found a small positive association between duration of breastfeeding and child cortisol levels. This association was only found in boys. The results of this study suggest that moderate levels of cortisol in children could have small beneficial effects on their early neuropsychological development. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The giant Shakhdara migmatitic gneiss dome, Pamir, India‐Asia collision zone: 2. Timing of dome formation
Authors: Stübner Konstanze , Ratschbacher Lothar , Weise Carsten , Chow Judy , Hofmann Jakob , Khan Jahanzeb , Rutte Daniel , Sperner Blanka , Pfänder Jörg A. , Hacker Bradley R. , Dunkl István , Tichomirowa Marion , Stearns M. A. ,   Project TIPAGE members
Published: June 2013

Cenozoic gneiss domes—exposing middle‐lower crustal rocks—cover ~30% of the surface exposure of the Pamir, western India‐Asia collision zone; they allow an unparalleled view into the deep crust of the Asian plate. We use titanite, monazite, and zircon U/Th‐Pb, mica Rb‐Sr and 40Ar/39Ar, zircon and apatite fission track, and zircon (U‐Th)/He ages to constrain the exhumation history of the ~350 × 90 km Shakhdara‐Alichur dome, southwestern Pamir. Doming started at 21–20 Ma along the Gunt top‐to‐N normal‐shear zone of the northern Shakhdara dome. The bulk of the exhumation occurred by ~NNW‐ward extrusion of the footwall of the crustal‐scale South Pamir normal‐shear zone along the southern Shakhdara dome boundary. Footwall extrusion was active from ~18–15 Ma to ~2 Ma at ~10 mm/yr slip and with vertical exhumation rates of 1–3 mm/yr; it resulted in up to 90 km ~N‐S extension, coeval with ~N‐S convergence between India and Asia. Erosion rates were 0.3–0.5 mm/yr within the domes and 0.1–0.3 mm/yr in the horst separating the Shakhdara and Alichur domes and in the southeastern Pamir plateau; rates were highest along the dome axis in the southern part of the Shakhdara dome. Incision along the major drainages was up to 1.0 mm/yr. Thermal modeling suggests geothermal gradients as high as 60°C/km along the trace of the South Pamir shear zone and their strong N‐S variation across the dome; the gradients relaxed to ≤40–45°C/km since the end of doming.
Preservation of contrasting geothermal gradients across the Caribbean‐North America plate boundary (Motagua Fault, Guatemala)
Authors: Simon‐Labric Thibaud , Brocard Gilles Y. , Teyssier Christian , van der Beek Peter A. , Fellin Maria Giuditta , Reiners Peter W. , Authemayou Christine
Published: June 2013

Strike‐slip plate boundaries juxtapose crustal blocks that may have different geodynamic origins and therefore different thermal structures. Thermo‐kinematic modeling of this type of strike‐slip plate boundary predicts an asymmetric signature in the low‐temperature thermochronologic record across the fault. Age‐elevation profiles of zircon (U‐Th)/He ages across the Motagua Fault, a 500 km long segment of the transform boundary between the North American and Caribbean plates, document a sharp cooling age discontinuity across the fault. This discontinuity could be interpreted as a difference in denudation history on each side of the fault. However, a low‐relief Miocene erosional surface extends across the fault; this surface has been uplifted and incised and provides a geomorphic argument against differential denudation across the fault. By integrating magmatic, volcanic, and heat flow data, age‐elevation profiles, and thermo‐kinematic modeling, we propose that large horizontal displacement along the Motagua Fault has offset a persistent geothermal asymmetry across the fault and explains both the age discontinuities and the age‐elevation patterns. This study illustrates how thermochronology can be used to detect large strike‐slip displacements and more generally opens new perspectives in understanding the impact of nonuniform thermal structures on thermochronologic results.