bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiR‐130b suppresses prostate cancer metastasis through down‐regulation of MMP2
Authors: Chen Qin , Zhao Xian , Zhang Hailong , Yuan Haihua , Zhu Miaojun , Sun Qian , Lai Xueping , Wang Yanli , Huang Jian , Yan Jianshe , Yu Jianxiu
Published: August 2014

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent malignant carcinoma among males in western countries. Currently no treatments can cure advanced prostate cancers, so new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are in urgent need. At present limited knowledge is available concerning the roles of dysregulated microRNAs in prostate cancer metastasis. In this study, we found that the expression of miR‐130b was significantly down‐regulated in prostate cancer cell lines and clinical prostate cancer tissues. Enforced over‐expression of miR‐130b in prostate cancer cells suppressed whereas knock‐down of miR‐130b increased cell migration and invasion. Using mouse model, we revealed that miR‐130b‐expressed prostate cancer cells displayed significant reduction in tumor metastasis. Furthermore, we identified and validated matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP2) as a direct target of miR‐130b. Ectopic expression of MMP2 rescued miR‐130b‐suppressed cell migration and invasion, and knock‐down of MMP2 antagonized the effect of silencing miR‐130b.Taken together, our data reveal for the first time that miR‐130b exerts a suppressive effect in prostate cancer metastasis through down‐regulation of MMP2. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Akt confers cisplatin chemoresistance in human gynecological carcinoma cells by modulating PPM1D stability
Authors: Ali Ahmed Y. , Kim Ji‐Young , Pelletier Jean‐François , Vanderhyden Barbara C. , Bachvarov Dimcho R. , Tsang Benjamin K.
Published: August 2014

Ovarian cancer (OVCA) and cervical cancer (CECA) are lethal gynecological malignancies. Cisplatin (CDDP) and platinum derivatives are first line chemotherapeutics and their resistance impedes successful treatment. Understanding the molecular dysregulation underlying chemoresistance is important in developing rational therapeutic strategies. We have established that Protein Phosphatase Magnesium‐dependent 1 D (PPM1D) confers CDDP resistance in gynecological cancer cells by deactivating p53. However, whether CDDP regulates intra‐cellular PPM1D localization and whether this regulation is different between chemosensitive and chemoresistant cancer cells is unknown. Moreover, whether Akt regulates PPM1D in the context of CDDP resistance has not been studied. To illustrate the role of PPM1D in gynecological cancer cell chemoresistance and its regulation by Akt we have demonstrated that: (a) CDDP induced PPM1D down‐regulation through proteasomal degradation in sensitive CECA cells; (b) CDDP induced PPM1D nuclear localization in resistant CECA cells, and nuclear exclusion in sensitive CECA cells and OVCA xenografts; (c) Over‐expression of active Akt in sensitive CECA cells stabilized PPM1D content through inhibition of CDDP‐induced PPM1D down‐regulation; (d) Inhibition of Akt activity in resistant OVCA cells leads to decreased PPM1D stability and CDDP‐induced down‐regulation in resistant CECA cells; and (e) PPM1D is highly expressed in human ovarian tumor subtypes and in a tissue microarray panel of human ovarian tumors. In conclusion, we have established that PPM1D plays an important role in promoting CDDP resistance and as a novel downstream target of Akt, PPM1D mediates its action in conferring CDDP resistance in gynecological cancer cells. © 2014 The Authors. Molecular Carcinogenesis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dietary Fiber Supplementation for Fecal Incontinence: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Bliss Donna Z. , Savik Kay , Jung Hans‐Joachim G. , Whitebird Robin , Lowry Ann , Sheng Xiaoyan
Published: August 2014

Dietary fiber supplements are used to manage fecal incontinence (FI), but little is known about the fiber type to recommend or the level of effectiveness of such supplements, which appears related to the fermentability of the fiber. The aim of this single‐blind, randomized controlled trial was to compare the effects of three dietary fiber supplements (carboxymethylcellulose [CMC], gum arabic [GA], or psyllium) with differing levels of fermentability to a placebo in community‐living individuals incontinent of loose/liquid feces. The primary outcome was FI frequency; secondary outcomes included FI amount and consistency, supplement intolerance, and quality of life (QoL). Possible mechanisms underlying supplement effects were also examined. After a 14‐day baseline, 189 subjects consumed a placebo or 16 g total fiber/day of one of the fiber supplements for 32 days. FI frequency significantly decreased after psyllium supplementation versus placebo, in both intent‐to‐treat and per‐protocol mixed model analyses. CMC increased FI frequency. In intent‐to‐treat analysis, the number of FI episodes/week after supplementation was estimated to be 5.5 for Placebo, 2.5 for Psyllium, 4.3 for GA, and 6.2 for CMC. Only psyllium consumption resulted in a gel in feces. Supplement intolerance was low. QoL scores did not differ among groups. Patients with FI may experience a reduction in FI frequency after psyllium supplementation, and decreased FI frequency has been shown to be an important personal goal of treatment for patients with FI. Formation of a gel in feces appears to be a mechanism by which residual psyllium improved FI. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Living Will Status and Desire for Living Will Help Among Rural Alabama Veterans
Authors: Mahaney‐Price Ann F. , Hilgeman Michelle M. , Davis Lori L. , McNeal Sandre F. , Conner Charles M. , Allen Rebecca S.
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this secondary analysis of data from an earlier intervention study to increase Veterans Administration health care enrollment in rural Alabama veterans was to determine the veterans' living will status, desire for help completing a living will, and relationships between these and demographic, health insurance, health self‐report, cumulative illness, disability, and trust characteristics. Baseline data for 201 rural Alabama veterans were extracted from the larger study. Chi‐square and t tests were used to analyze group differences in categorical and continuous variables. Logistic regression models were used to determine multivariate associations of variables with living will status and desire for help. Only 13% of participants had living wills. Of those without living wills, 40% expressed a desire for help completing a living will. African Americans were less likely to have living wills than were Caucasians. Participants with more than high school education were more likely to desire help completing living wills than were those with less education. With the exception of moderate–severe respiratory illness, moderate–severe illness was not associated with having a living will. With the exception of moderate–severe vascular illness, moderate–severe illness was not associated with desire for help completing a living will. The racial and educational disparities in living will status and desire for help and the number of participants who desired help completing a living will suggests a need for action to increase advance care planning among rural veterans. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low expression of HLA‐DRA, HLA‐DPA1, and HLA‐DPB1 is associated with poor prognosis in pediatric adrenocortical tumors (ACT)
Authors: Leite Fabíola A. , Lira Regia C. P. , Fedatto Paola F. , Antonini Sonir R. R. , Martinelli Carlos E. , de Castro Margaret , Neder Luciano , Ramalho Leandra N. Z. , Tucci Silvio , Mastelaro Maria J. , Seidinger Ana L. , Cardinalli Izilda A. , Yunes José A. , Brandalise Silvia R. , Tone Luiz G. , Scrideli Carlos A.
Published: August 2014

Background

Low expression of HLA class II antigens has been associated with more aggressive disease in several human malignancies including adult adrenocortical tumors (ACT), but their clinical relevance in pediatric ACT needs to be investigated.

Procedure

This study analyzed the expression profile of three class II histocompatibility genes (HLA‐DRA, HLA‐DPA1, and HLA‐DPB1) in 58 consecutive pediatric ACT (13 adenomas and 45 carcinomas) by quantitative real time PCR and their association with clinical and biological features. HLA‐DPA1 protein level was determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

A significant association (P < 0.01) was observed between lower expression levels of the three genes analyzed and poor prognostic factors such as age ≥4 years, tumor size ≥200 cm3, tumor weight ≥100 g, and metastatic disease; the presence of an unfavorable event and death. Underexpression of the HLA‐DRA, HLA‐DPA1, and HLA‐DPB1 genes were associated with lower 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) (P = 0.017, P < 0.001, and P = 0.017, respectively). Cox multivariate analysis showed that HLA‐DPA1 was an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.029) when analyzed in association with stage IV, age and tumor size. Significantly lower EFS was also observed in patients with negative/weak immunostaining for HLA‐DPA1 (P = 0.002). Similar results were observed when only patients classified as having carcinomas were analyzed.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that lower expression of HLA‐DRA, HLA‐DPA1, and HLA‐DPB1 genes may contribute to more aggressive disease in pediatric ACT. HLA‐DPA1 immunostaining may represent potential aggressiveness marker in this tumor. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:1940–1948. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The graft‐versus‐neuroblastoma effect of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, a review of clinical and experimental evidence and a perspective on mechanisms
Authors: Willems Leen , Waer Mark , Billiau An D.
Published: August 2014

Despite aggressive treatment, patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma face high relapse rates and bleak prognoses. Increasing evidence that neuroblastoma cells are or can become immunogenic has stimulated research into novel therapies based on triggering or enhancing tumor immunity. Here we review clinical and experimental studies on this subject, the underlying immune mechanisms and perspectives for clinical application. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has proven to be of substantial benefit in the treatment of certain leukemias through the generation of a graft‐versus‐leukemia‐effect and has become of interest as a possible treatment for patients with solid tumors, including neuroblastoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:2151–2157. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Advanced stage anaplastic large cell lymphoma in children and adolescents: Results of ANHL0131, a randomized phase III trial of APO versus a modified regimen with vinblastine: A report from the children's oncology group
Authors: Alexander Sarah , Kraveka Jacqueline M. , Weitzman Sheila , Lowe Eric , Smith Lynette , Lynch James C. , Chang Myron , Kinney Marsha C. , Perkins Sherrie L. , Laver Joseph , Gross Thomas G. , Weinstein Howard
Published: August 2014

Background

Optimal therapy for children and adolescents with advanced stage anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is unknown. ANHL0131 examined whether a maintenance regimen including vinblastine compared to the standard APO (doxorubicin, prednisone, vincristine, methotrexate, 6‐mercaptopurine) regimen would result in superior event‐free survival.

Procedure

One hundred and twenty five eligible patients were enrolled. Induction was identical for both arms. Post induction patients were randomized to receive APO with vincristine every 3 weeks or a regimen that substituted vincristine with weekly vinblastine (APV).

Results

There was no difference between the patients randomized to the APO versus APV arms in either event free survival (EFS) or overall survival (OS) (three year EFS 74% vs. 79%, P = 0.68 and three years OS of 84% vs. 86%, P = 0.87, respectively). Patients in the APV arm required dose reduction secondary to myelosuppression and had a higher incidence of neutropenia as well as infection with neutropenia compared to those in the APO arm (P < 0.001, P = 0.019, respectively).

Conclusions

Treatment with weekly vinblastine instead of every three week vincristine as part of multi‐agent maintenance therapy did not result in improvement in EFS or OS. Weekly vinblastine was associated with increased toxicity. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00059839) Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:2236–2242. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transfusion related iron overload in pediatric oncology patients treated at a tertiary care centre and treatment with chelation therapy
Authors: Sait Sameer , Zaghloul Nibal , Patel Ashish , Shah Tishi , Iacobas Ionela , Calderwood Stanley
Published: August 2014

We conducted a retrospective chart review to determine prevalence of, risk factors for, and liver toxicity associated with Transfusion Related Iron Overload (TRIO) in pediatric cancer patients, and report our experience with Iron Chelation Therapy (ICT). Total number of transfusions was identified as the major risk factor, with a prevalence of 37% in patients receiving ≥10 transfusions. Four patients with TRIO and abnormal liver function tests (LFT) received ICT. Significant decrease in serum ferritin and improvement in LFT were observed, with no serious adverse effects from ICT noted. Guidelines for screening and treatment of TRIO in pediatric oncology are needed. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:2319–2320. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New targets for antibody therapy of pediatric B cell lymphomas
Authors: van Vuren Annelies , Meyer‐Wentrup Friederike
Published: August 2014

Antibody therapy has become standard of care for adult B cell lymphoma patients. It is a potentially less toxic and more targeted approach for lymphoma therapy and should therefore be applied to treat pediatric B cell lymphoma patients as well. In pediatric lymphoma patients, however, clinical experience with monoclonal antibodies is very limited. This is in part due to smaller patient numbers and very good outcome with conventional chemotherapy. In addition, pediatric patient and lymphoma biology differ significantly from that found in adults often precluding extrapolation of the adult experience to children. This review focuses on targeting pediatric B cell lymphoma with monoclonal antibody therapy. The special characteristics of B cell lymphomas found in children are reviewed and six potential new lymphoma target antigens are discussed. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:2158–2163. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An improved pull‐out model for the carbon nanotube/nanofiber‐reinforced polymer composites with interfacial defects
Authors: Lu Zixing , Chen Mingyang , Yang Zhenyu
Published: August 2014

The procedure of pulling a carbon nanotube/nanofiber (CNT/CNF) with interfacial defect out from a polymer matrix is studied in this article. By ignoring the fiber–matrix interaction and the stress concentration in the zone of interfacial defect, an analytical model is proposed to describe the pull‐out behavior of the CNT/CNF. The accuracy and rationality of the model is validated by comparing to the pull‐out experiment and the finite element simulation. The results from the parametric study indicate that the geometric parameters of the interfacial defect have pronounced influences on the pull‐out behavior of the CNT/CNF. The influence of the defect on the strength and toughness of the composites is discussed in detail. POLYM. COMPOS., 229–240, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dielectric relaxation of conductive carbon black reinforced ethylene‐octene copolymer vulcanizates
Authors: Das Suchilipsa , Achary P. Ganga Raju , Nayak Nimai C. , Choudhary R.N.P.
Published: August 2014

The dielectric relaxation behavior of different conducting carbon black‐filled ethylene‐octene copolymer (EOC) vulcanizates prepared by melt‐mixing method has been studied as a function of frequency (100 Hz–5 MHz) over a wide range of temperatures (25–100°C). The effect of filler loading and frequency on AC conductivity, dielectric permittivity, impedance, and dielectric loss tangent (tanδ) has been studied. The nature of variation of the dielectric permittivity with the filler loadings was explained on the basis of interfacial polarization of the filler in the polymer matrix. The effect of filler loading on the real and complex part of the impedance was explained by the relaxation dynamics of the polymer chains in the vicinity of the fillers. The effect of filler and temperature on dielectric loss tangent, dielectric permittivity, AC conductivity, and Nyquist plot was also reported. The bound rubber (BR) value increases with increase in filler loading suggesting the formation of strong interphase, which is correlated with dielectric loss. Thermal activation energy (Ea) was found to be decreasing with the temperature, which follows the Arrhenius relation: τb = τ0 exp(−Ea/KBT) where τb is the relaxation time for the bulk material. From the plot of lnτb versus inverse of absolute temperature (1/T), the activation energies (Ea) were found to be 0.37 and 0.44eV, respectively. The percolation threshold was observed with 40 phr carbon black loading. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:342–352, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of extrusion screw type on properties of recycled glass fiber reinforced liquid crystalline polymer
Authors: Zhang Shuidong , Tan Lingcao , Peng Huaqiao , Liang Jizhao , Jiang Guo
Published: August 2014

In this work, when glass fiber reinforced liquid crystalline polymer (GFLCP) was subjected to injection molding once, the recycled GFLCP (RGFLCP) including the scraps and unqualified injection products was granulated by different extruders with varying screw configurations. The glass fibers were observed by SEM and their lengths were calculated by mathematical statistics. In the case of the samples prepared by a single‐screw extruder, the average glass fiber length (
) and the percentage of glass fibers whose length was higher than critical length (Vj) gradually decreased with the increase of the screw diameter and the ratio of its length to diameter (L/D). However, a drastic reduction of
and Vj was observed for the RGFLCP extruded by a twin‐screw extruder. The mechanical, thermal properties, and the shear viscosity of the extruded RGFLCP decreased with the reduction of
and Vj. The extruded RGFLCP prepared with a single screw extruder that was featured with 30 mm screw diameter and 30 L/D obtained the excellent properties with a notched impact strength of 103.4 J/m, tensile strength of 110.2 MPa, and flexural strength of 159.3 MPa. Its initial decomposition temperature (T−1%) and heat distortion temperature were 483.1°C and 256.4°C, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:370–378, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
One‐step green treatment of hemp fiber used in polypropylene composites
Authors: Han H.C. , Gong X.L.
Published: August 2014

In this article, an eco‐friendly and cost effective surface treatment method is proposed for hemp fiber, enabling fabrication of hemp fiber/polypropylene (PP) composites, which show better mechanical properties than the PP composites containing untreated or alkali treated hemp fiber. Various techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), moisture analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), are employed for the characterization of hemp fiber and polymer composites interface. Based on these results, the conventional alkali treatment of hemp fiber results in the damage of elementary fiber by eliminating parts of lignin and hemicellulose, which could be the reason for the decline of mechanical properties for the resulted polymer composites. On the contrary, water treatment cleans the fiber surface by effectively removing the water‐soluble polysaccharides while ensures minimum degradation on elementary fiber structure, which contributes to the improved mechanical properties of final polymer composites: the Young's modulus, fracture stress and fracture strain were enhanced by 3.66, 7.86, and 14.6%, respectively, when compared with untreated fiber reinforced composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:385–390, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Drape behavior of 3D woven glass‐epoxy composites
Authors: Mishra Rajesh
Published: August 2014

This article deals with the drapability of 3D woven glass fabrics for composite applications. The study focuses on forming a 3D fabric over the mold, the result is a preform, which generally is then injected with a polymer matrix by so called Liquid Composite Molding (LCM) technique. When draping pre–impregnated composites, the fabric is embedded in the epoxy resin as matrix material. Various drape models for dry and pre‐impregnated fabrics have been proposed in the work. Solidworks and ANSYS are the software used for modeling and simulation of 3D woven fabric composites. Given the linear density (tex) and density of E‐glass fiber, the radius of the yarn was calculated. So far the cross section of yarn is assumed to be perfectly circular in shape, keeping the perimeter of yarn constant the circular cross section was deformed into a race track shape which is a much more practical and realistic shape of a yarn cross section. After calculating all the required dimensions, all the three 3D woven structures namely angle interlock, warp interlock and orthogonal were developed in solidworks. All the parameters like total number of warp and weft yarn per unit distance and thickness of the fabric were kept constant in all three structures. The analysis is based on first principles and the parameters of yarn and fabric construction. Results obtained through simulation are reported. These are validated with experimental composite samples. The model used to predict drapability of 3D woven glass‐epoxy composite gives good results. Orthogonal structure proves to be the best as far as resistance to deformation is concerned. However, if a relatively more flexible and formable prepreg is desired, it is advisable to use angle interlock or warp interlock structures. Warp interlock 3D structure proves most beneficial for draping on a mold. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:472–480, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
A proteogenomics approach integrating proteomics and ribosome profiling increases the efficiency of protein identification and enables the discovery of alternative translation start sites
Authors: Koch Alexander , Gawron Daria , Steyaert Sandra , Ndah Elvis , Crappé Jeroen , De Keulenaer Sarah , De Meester Ellen , Ma Ming , Shen Ben , Gevaert Kris , Van Criekinge Wim , Van Damme Petra , Menschaert Gerben
Published: August 2014

Next‐generation transcriptome sequencing is increasingly integrated with MS to enhance MS‐based protein and peptide identification. Recently, a breakthrough in transcriptome analysis was achieved with the development of ribosome profiling (ribo‐seq). This technology is based on the deep sequencing of ribosome‐protected mRNA fragments, thereby enabling the direct observation of in vivo protein synthesis at the transcript level. In order to explore the impact of a ribo‐seq‐derived protein sequence search space on MS/MS spectrum identification, we performed a comprehensive proteome study on a human cancer cell line, using both shotgun and N‐terminal proteomics, next to ribosome profiling, which was used to delineate (alternative) translational reading frames. By including protein‐level evidence of sample‐specific genetic variation and alternative translation, this strategy improved the identification score of 69 proteins and identified 22 new proteins in the shotgun experiment. Furthermore, we discovered 18 new alternative translation start sites in the N‐terminal proteomics data and observed a correlation between the quantitative measures of ribo‐seq and shotgun proteomics with a Pearson correlation coefficient ranging from 0.483 to 0.664. Overall, this study demonstrated the benefits of ribosome profiling for MS‐based protein and peptide identification and we believe this approach could develop into a common practice for next‐generation proteomics.
Recombinant expression, purification, and biophysical characterization of the transmembrane and membrane proximal domains of HIV‐1 gp41
Authors: Gong Zhen , Kessans Sarah A. , Song Lusheng , Dörner Katerina , Lee Ho‐Hsien , Meador Lydia R , LaBaer Joshua , Hogue Brenda G. , Mor Tsafrir S. , Fromme Petra
Published: August 2014

The transmembrane subunit (gp41) of the envelope glycoprotein of HIV‐1 associates noncovalently with the surface subunit (gp120) and together they play essential roles in viral mucosal transmission and infection of target cells. The membrane proximal region (MPR) of gp41 is highly conserved and contains epitopes of broadly neutralizing antibodies. The transmembrane (TM) domain of gp41 not only anchors the envelope glycoprotein complex in the viral membrane but also dynamically affects the interactions of the MPR with the membrane. While high‐resolution X‐ray structures of some segments of the MPR were solved in the past, they represent the post‐fusion forms. Structural information on the TM domain of gp41 is scant and at low resolution. Here we describe the design, expression and purification of a protein construct that includes MPR and the transmembrane domain of gp41 (MPR‐TMTEV‐6His), which reacts with the broadly neutralizing antibodies 2F5 and 4E10 and thereby may represent an immunologically relevant conformation mimicking a prehairpin intermediate of gp41. The expression level of MPR‐TMTEV‐6His was improved by fusion to the C‐terminus of Mistic protein, yielding ∼1 mg of pure protein per liter. The isolated MPR‐TMTEV‐6His protein was biophysically characterized and is a monodisperse candidate for crystallization. This work will enable further investigation into the structure of MPR‐TMTEV‐6His, which will be important for the structure‐based design of a mucosal vaccine against HIV‐1.
Engaging Migrants in Translocal Partnerships: the Case of Dutch–Moroccan and Dutch–Turkish Municipal Partnerships
Authors: van Ewijk Edith
Published: August 2014

From 2000 onwards, Dutch local governments have established transnational partnerships with local governments in Morocco and Turkey, two main migrant source countries to the Netherlands. These municipal partnerships aim at strengthening and transforming local governance on both sides of the partnerships. This is particularly relevant as roles of local governments in Morocco and Turkey are changing because of decentralisation and democratisation processes, whereas Dutch municipalities face challenges related to ethnic and cultural diversity. This paper seeks to answer two questions: first, what roles migrants play within these partnerships, and second, how the involvement of migrants influences the process of knowledge exchange and mutual learning leading to changes in local governance. The paper is based on a case study approach including five municipal partnerships and contributes both to the scarce body of knowledge about the roles of migrants in transnational cooperation at the local level and to the limited research on mutual learning in municipal partnerships. The research shows migrants fulfil several roles; they act as initiators, key actors, facilitators, and contributors of specialised and cultural knowledge. Their role as facilitators in the exchanges focusing at the interfaces between local governments and citizens is particularly relevant as introducing youth participation is new in the involved municipalities in Morocco and dealing with cultural diversity is a continuing challenge in the Dutch municipalities. There still is a large untapped potential as limited use is made of involving larger groups of migrants and on drawing on their networks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climate‐Induced Flow Regime Alterations and their Implications for the Lancang River, China
Authors: Tang J. , Yin X. A. , Yang P. , Yang Z. F.
Published: August 2014

Most studies of the Lancang River have focussed on the influence of hydropower generation on the riverine ecosystem. Few studies have explored climate‐induced flow regime alterations and their implications for the riverine ecosystem. There is a pressing need for improved understanding of the implications of such climate‐induced flow regime alterations in the Lancang River Basin. Future streamflow under the A2 and B2 scenarios of Hadley Centre coupled model version 3 (HadCM3) are predicted using a back propagation artificial neural network. Potential effects of flow regime alterations are tested by amended annual proportional flow deviation (AAPFD). Projected streamflow will decrease in wet season months and will increase in dry season months. Monthly streamflow at Jiuzhou station was projected to range from a 27.9% decrease to a 158.4% increase. For Gajiu station, the percent increase was projected to range from 1.4% to 70.4%, while the decrease ranged from 0.2% to 16.9%. Changes in streamflow at Yunjinghong station ranged from a 46.5% decrease to a 135.3% increase. Projected streamflow changes during high and low flow periods will have important implications for the ecological processes of the Lancang River Basin. AAPFD indicates that these changes will have serious effects on the Lancang River Basin ecosystem. Projected climate‐induced flow regime alterations during the period of 2071–2095 will have particularly serious effects on riverine ecosystem, especially in the upstream and downstream sections of the Lancang River. The A2 scenario will pose a more serious threat to riverine ecosystem health. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ploidy changes and genome stability in yeast
Authors: Storchova Zuzana
Published: August 2014

Eukaryotic organisms maintain karyotypes with constant chromosome number, but polyploid cells that contain more than two sets of chromosomes can frequently be found. On the one hand, polyploidization is likely to provide some beneficial effects, as naturally occurring polyploid cells can be readily found. On the other hand, polyploidization profoundly affects cell physiology, which may be detrimental to cells. Additionally, polyploidy leads often to aneuploidy and diversification of genetic information; therefore, it has always been considered a prominent driving force in evolution. Recently tetraploid‐derived aneuploidy was suggested as a possible mechanism for resistance to fungicides. Another prominent example of the effects of tetraploid‐derived aneuploidy is cancer, in which up to one‐third of tumours likely originate through tetraploid intermediates. Studying the cellular consequences of polyploidization in human cells is challenging. In contrast, polyploid and aneuploid cells can be easily generated and analysed in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as in other yeast species. This, together with the naturally occurring yeast polyploids and aneuploids, provides a valuable model to study the effects of abnormal chromosome numbers on cellular physiology. Thus, the yeast model may provide novel insights into the general mechanisms of genomic instability in eukaryotes and improve our understanding of the consequences of ploidy changes and their relevance for disease. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization and selection of passion fruit (yellow and purple) accessions based on molecular markers and disease reactions for use in breeding programs
Authors: Cerqueira-Silva C. B. M. , Jesus O. N. , Oliveira E. J. , Santos E. S. L. , Souza A. P.
Published: August 2014

Passiflora edulis Sims, which is native to South America, stands out as a passion fruit species with major potential for fruit production and marketing. This species is popularly known as yellow or purple passion fruit, depending on the color of the fruits produced. Brazil is the major worldwide producer of passion fruit; however, the average productivity of the country is low compared with its potential for culture. Fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens are among the factors limiting the productivity of passion fruit. Furthermore, no existing cultivars exhibit both productivity and resistance to disease. To select genetic material that will be useful for core collections and for increasing the genetic resistance of passion fruit cultivars to pathogens, we characterized 36 accessions based on 23 microsatellite loci and six variables related to the reactions to three diseases (woodiness virus, scab and anthracnose). We identified 127 alleles (an average of 5.52 alleles per locus), 30 % of which were private for yellow or purple passion fruit accessions. Analysis of variance and mean comparison tests indicated differences in five of the six variables (p < 0.05, Scott-Knott test). Differences between the average reactions of the yellow and purple passion fruit accessions were also observed for the symptoms of woodiness virus and anthracnose (p < 0.05, Mann–Whitney test).Together with these results, molecular and phenotypic estimates allowed the identification of groups of preferential accessions for use in breeding programs, for example, accessions BGP029, 071, 168, 205 and 277.
Genetic and chemical characterization of white and red peony root derived from Paeonia lactiflora
Authors: Zhu Shu , Yu Xiaoli , Wu Yuqiu , Shiraishi Fumio , Kawahara Nobuo , Komatsu Katsuko
Published: August 2014

Two kinds of peony roots—white peony root (WPR) and red peony root (RPR)—are used for different remedies in traditional Chinese medicine; however, most of them are derived from the same botanical origin, Paeonia lactiflora. The difference between WPR and RPR has been debated for a long time. This study attempted to clarify the genetic and chemical characteristics of WPR and RPR in order to provide a scientific dataset for their identification and effective use. The nucleotide sequence of nrDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the contents of 8 main bioactive constituents were analyzed from specimens of P. lactiflora, P. veitchii and two related species as well as crude drug samples of WPR, RPR and peony root produced in Japan. Of the samples derived from P. lactiflora, the WPR produced in the southern parts of China and the RPR produced in the northern parts of China were clearly divided into two subgroups within the P. lactiflora group based on similarity of the ITS sequences. The nucleotides at positions 69, 458 and 523 upstream of the ITS sequence served as molecular markers to discriminate between WPR and RPR. Quantitative analysis indicated that the RPR samples obviously contained a higher content of paeoniflorin and paeonol, but a lower content of albiflorin than the WPR produced in the southern parts of China and peony root produced in Japan. The WPR available from Chinese markets was usually processed by sulfur fumigation, which resulted in an extremely low content of paeoniflorin. This study indicated that WPR and RPR were not only geographically isolated, but also genetically and chemically separated. The ITS sequence provided a genetic index for their identification.
Antibacterial Activities of Five Cationic Gemini Surfactants with Ethylene Glycol Bisacetyl Spacers
Authors: Guo Shengnan , Sun Xiaowen , Zou Qichao , Zhang Jinzhi , Ni Hong
Published: August 2014

A series of cationic gemini surfactants containing two dimethylalkylammonium chains linked by ethylene glycol bisacetyl spacers were synthesized [Gm‐AnA‐m, G = gemini surfactant, m = 12 (–C12H25), 14 (–C14H29), or 16 (–C16H33), A = acetyl, and n = 2, 3, or 4 is the number of ethylene glycol units in the spacers]. Because of the inductive effect of the oxygen atom in the spacer, acylation can take place using chloroacetyl chloride instead of bromoacetyl bromide which helps to limit the use of environmentally harmful reagents. Critical micelle concentrations were determined using conductivity measurements. The antibacterial activities of the surfactants against Gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli were evaluated from the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bacterial concentration, a time–kill study, and the inhibitory zone. Increasing the length of the spacer did not result in an obvious change of antibacterial activity. However, increasing the length of the alkyl chain apparently increased the antibacterial activity against S. aureus but decreased the antibacterial activity against E. coli. The G12‐A2A‐12 surfactant had the lowest CMC of 1.26 mmol L−1 and exhibited the best antibacterial activity with a MIC of 32 μg mL−1 toward S. aureus and 64 μg mL−1 toward E. coli in the presence of 105 CFU of bacteria. This work indicated that these cationic gemini surfactants have potential applications as antibacterial agents and emulsifiers.
Lipase‐Catalyzed Esterification of Triterpene Alcohols and Phytosterols with Oleic Acid
Authors: Kobayashi Takashi , Ogino Akane , Miyake Yasuhito , Mori Hajime , Hosoda Asao , Fujita Muneki , Tsuno Takuo , Adachi Shuji
Published: August 2014

Oleic acid esters of phytosterols (PSs) and triterpene alcohols (TAs), derived from rice bran, were synthesized using lipases under mild conditions. Some lipases, especially from Candida rugosa, type VII, showed very high substrate specificity towards both PSs and TAs, when a mixture of PS and TA (PS/TA mixture) was used as the substrate source. The maximum yield of PS esters was ca. 80 % in each case; however, the maximum yield of TA esters was much lower when the reaction was continued for 7 days. Due to the difficulty in purifying the esters obtained when the PS/TA mixture was used as source of substrate, free PSs and TAs were separated from the PS/TA mixture by silica‐gel and reverse‐phase chromatography prior to esterification. The pure PSs or TAs were esterified with oleic acid to obtain the corresponding esters with high purity. Differential scanning calorimetric analysis of the resulting esters revealed that their melting points ranged from 7.0 to 42 °C. These values were at least 100 °C lower than those of the free PSs and TAs.
Family environment, coping, and mental health in adolescents attending therapeutic day schools
Authors: Rodriguez Erin M. , Donenberg Geri R. , Emerson Erin , Wilson Helen W. , Brown Larry K. , Houck Christopher
Published: August 2014

Objective

This study examined associations among family environment, coping, and emotional and conduct problems in adolescents attending therapeutic day schools due to mental health problems.

Methods

Adolescents (N = 417; 30.2% female) ages 13–20 (M = 15.25) reported on their family environment (affective involvement and functioning), coping (emotion‐focused support‐seeking, cognitive restructuring, avoidant actions), and emotional and conduct problems.

Results

Poorer family environment was associated with less emotion‐focused support‐seeking and cognitive restructuring, and more emotional and conduct problems. Emotional problems were negatively associated with cognitive restructuring, and conduct problems were negatively associated with all coping strategies. Cognitive restructuring accounted for the relationship between family environment and emotional problems. Cognitive restructuring and emotion‐focused support‐seeking each partially accounted for the relationship between family functioning and conduct problems, but not the relationship between family affective involvement and conduct problems.

Conclusions

Findings implicate the role of coping in the relationship between family environment and adolescent mental health.
Beliefs in the legitimacy of decision authority among Chinese adolescents and parents: A person‐centered approach
Authors: Wang Yudan Chen , Faldowski Richard A.
Published: August 2014

The present study examined Chinese parents' and adolescents' beliefs in the legitimacy of decision authority with reference to specific issues from the prudential, conventional, multifaceted, and personal domains. The sample included 698 adolescents aged 12–15 and their parents from southern China. Parents and adolescents reported on their own beliefs respectively. Subgroups of parent and adolescent participants characterized by distinct patterns of beliefs across issues were identified with latent class analyses (LCA). Further, configural frequency analyses (CFA) were conducted to examine the match between parent subgroups and adolescent subgroups. In addition, the LCA‐derived subgroups varied across residency status, sibling status, and child gender, and were linked to adolescent depressive symptoms and school misconduct. These associations with external variables provided evidence for the distinctiveness of the latent classes. Results were discussed in light of social domain theory and the socio‐historical context where the participants were situated.
Early parenting: The roles of maltreatment, trauma symptoms, and future expectations
Authors: Thompson Richard , Neilson Elizabeth C.
Published: August 2014

The psychosocial determinants of early parenting are still not well understood. The current study used data on 115 girls in the Capella Project, who were followed longitudinally for the first 18 years of life. Potential predictors of early parenting assessed were child maltreatment, trauma symptoms, and girls' expectations for their socioeconomic outcomes. Cox regression survival analyses were conducted to predict time to the birth of first child. Significant unique predictors of early parenting included neglect, anxiety, low depression, and low expectations of going to college. Practice and research implications of these findings include the importance of neglect for risk of early parenting, the importance of ongoing trauma symptoms in youth, and the potentially protective influence of expectations of going to college.
Body‐esteem of pupils who attended single‐sex versus mixed‐sex schools: A cross‐sectional study of intrasexual competition and peer victimization
Authors: Lereya Suzet Tanya , Eryigit‐Madzwamuse Suna , Patra Chanchala , Smith Joshua H. , Wolke Dieter
Published: August 2014

In intrasexual competition (competition for reproductive resources), bullying can be viewed as a tool to devalue competitors, gain a high status and a powerful, dominant position in the peer group which may lead to beneficial gains such as access to potential romantic partners. This study investigated the relationship between intrasexual competition, bullying victimization and body‐esteem, in single‐sex versus mixed‐sex schools. 420 participants completed a body‐esteem scale, a retrospective bullying questionnaire, and intrasexual competition scales. Our results showed that relational victimization was associated with low body‐esteem for both females and males. Females in single‐sex schools experienced higher intrasexual competition which in turn was associated with their body‐esteem directly and indirectly via relational victimization. In males, intrasexual competition was indirectly associated with body‐esteem via relational victimization. Interventions to improve body esteem may focus on reducing intrasexual competition and peer victimization.
Propuesta de indicadores de calidad para la autoevaluación y acreditación de programas universitarios en administración
Authors: Sánchez Quintero Jairo
Published: August 2014

Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar los 183 indicadores establecidos en 2006 por el Consejo Nacio- nal de Acreditación de Colombia y proponer los indicadores más relevantes, esenciales o cruciales para la autoevaluación y acreditación de programas universitarios de Administración. El análisis de los 183 indicadores del Consejo Nacional de Acreditación se realizó utilizando el software Atlas Ti5. Después de la utilización de 3 unidades hermenéuticas se llegó a 11 indicadores considerados con mayor potencia indi- cativa para evaluar programas de Administración de Empresas. El análisis de los indicadores se logró gra- cias a los informes generados con las herramientas Word Cruncher, Filter, Object Crawler, Query Tool, Coding Analyzer y Networks. Como una conclusión relevante se considera que los 11 indicadores de calidad tienen mayor potencia indicativa y son más útiles que los 183 propuestos por el Consejo Nacional de Acreditación para elaborar informes de autoevaluación y contribuir al mejoramiento de programas de pregrado.
miR‐204 functions as a tumor suppressor by regulating SIX1 in NSCLC
Authors: Xia Yang , Zhu Yi , Ma Teng , Pan Chunfeng , Wang Jun , He Zhicheng , Li Zhi , Qi Xiaotong , Chen Yijiang
Published: August 2014

The involvement of miR‐204 in lung cancer development is unclear. In our study, we analyzed the expression of miR‐204 in tumor‐ and adjacent‐tissue samples from 141 patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MiR‐204 expression was decreased in tumor samples compared with non‐cancerous tissue‐derived controls. Moreover, miR‐204 expression negatively correlated with homeobox protein SIX1 expression, tumor size and metastasis. MiR‐204 silencing in miR‐204‐positive NSCLC cell lines promoted cell invasion and proliferation. Concomitantly, MiR‐204 overexpression resulted in reduced cell proliferation and invasion, upregulated E‐cadherin and downregulated N‐cadherin and Vimentin expression. SIX1 was identified as a potential target of miR‐204, and SIX1 silencing partially compromised the invasive and proliferative capacity of miR‐204‐deficient cells. Thus, miR‐204 may be involved in the NSCLC development.
The central domain of yeast transcription factor Rpn4 facilitates degradation of reporter protein in human cells
Authors: Morozov A.V. , Spasskaya D.S. , Karpov D.S. , Karpov V.L.
Published: August 2014

Despite high interest in the cellular degradation machinery and protein degradation signals (degrons), few degrons with universal activity along species have been identified. It has been shown that fusion of a target protein with a degradation signal from mammalian ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) induces fast proteasomal degradation of the chimera in both mammalian and yeast cells. However, no degrons from yeast‐encoded proteins capable to function in mammalian cells were identified so far. Here, we demonstrate that the yeast transcription factor Rpn4 undergoes fast proteasomal degradation and its central domain can destabilize green fluorescent protein and Alpha‐fetoprotein in human HEK 293T cells. Furthermore, we confirm the activity of this degron in yeast. Thus, the Rpn4 central domain is an effective interspecies degradation signal.
Functional response of the small multidrug resistance protein EmrE to mutations in transmembrane helix 2
Authors: Wang Jun , Rath Arianna , Deber Charles M.
Published: August 2014

Escherichia coli EmrE is a small multidrug resistance protein encompassing four transmembrane (TM) sequences that oligomerizes to confer resistance to antimicrobials. Here we examined the effects on in vivo protein accumulation and ethidium resistance activity of single residue substitutions at conserved and variable positions in EmrE transmembrane segment 2 (TM2). We found that activity was reduced when conserved residues localized to one TM2 surface were replaced. Our findings suggest that conserved TM2 positions tolerate greater residue diversity than conserved sites in other EmrE TM sequences, potentially reflecting a source of substrate polyspecificity.