bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavior ofIn SituHuman Native Adipose TissueCD34+ Stromal/Progenitor Cells During Different Stages of Repair. Tissue‐ResidentCD34+ Stromal Cells as a Source of Myofibroblasts
Authors: Díaz‐Flores Lucio , Gutiérrez Ricardo , Lizartza Koldo , Goméz Miriam González , García M. Del Pino , Sáez Francisco J. , Díaz‐Flores Lucio , Madrid Juan F.
Published: November 2014

CD34+ adipose stromal cells are scattered in the adipose tissue and found in the CD34+ population of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF). This fraction includes adipose‐derived stromal/stem/progenitor cells (ASCs), which have attracted considerable attention and show great promise for the future of regenerative medicine. Studies in this field have been undertaken mainlyin vitro. In this work, however, we assessed the characteristics of human adipose tissue‐resident CD34+ stromal cells in normal conditions and when activatedin vivoduring inflammatory/repair processes at different stages of evolution. In normal adipose tissue, these cells showed a characteristic location (peri/paravascular and between adipocytes), a fusiform or stellate morphology, long and moniliform processes, and scarce organelles. During inflammatory/repair stages, native CD34+ stromal cells increased in size, proliferated, developed numerous organelles of synthesis, lost CD34 expression, and differentiated into myofibroblasts (αSMA expression and typical ultrastructure). In double‐stained sections, cells expressing both CD34 and αSMA were observed. CD34 expression correlated positively with a high proliferative capacity (Ki‐67 expression). Conversely, CD34 expression was lost with successive mitoses and with increased numbers of macrophages in the granulation tissue. CD34+ stromal cell behavior varied depending on proximity to (with myofibroblast differentiation) or remoteness from (with activated plump cells conserving CD34 expression) injury. In conclusion, our observations point to human adipose tissue‐resident CD34+ stromal cells as an important source of myofibroblasts during inflammatory/repair processes. Moreover, stromal cell activation may occur with or without αSMA expression (with or without myofibroblast transformation) and with loss or persistence of CD34 expression, respectively. Anat Rec, 298:917–930, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photopatterning of hydrogel scaffolds coupled to filter materials using stereolithography for perfused 3D culture of hepatocytes
Authors: Neiman Jaclyn A. Shepard , Raman Ritu , Chan Vincent , Rhoads Mary G. , Raredon Micha Sam B. , Velazquez Jeremy J. , Dyer Rachel L. , Bashir Rashid , Hammond Paula T. , Griffith Linda G.
Published: November 2014

In vitro models that recapitulate the liver's structural and functional complexity could prolong hepatocellular viability and function to improve platforms for drug toxicity studies and understanding liver pathophysiology. Here, stereolithography (SLA) was employed to fabricate hydrogel scaffolds with open channels designed for post‐seeding and perfused culture of primary hepatocytes that form 3D structures in a bioreactor. Photopolymerizable polyethylene glycol‐based hydrogels were fabricated coupled to chemically activated, commercially available filters (polycarbonate and polyvinylidene fluoride) using a chemistry that permitted cell viability, and was robust enough to withstand perfused culture of up to 1 µL/s for at least 7 days. SLA energy dose, photoinitiator concentrations, and pretreatment conditions were screened to determine conditions that maximized cell viability and hydrogel bonding to the filter. Multiple open channel geometries were readily achieved, and included ellipses and rectangles. Rectangular open channels employed for subsequent studies had final dimensions on the order of 350 µm by 850 µm. Cell seeding densities and flow rates that promoted cell viability were determined. Perfused culture of primary hepatocytes in hydrogel scaffolds in the presence of soluble epidermal growth factor (EGF) prolonged the maintenance of albumin production throughout the 7‐day culture relative to 2D controls. This technique of bonding hydrogel scaffolds can be employed to fabricate soft scaffolds for a number of bioreactor configurations and applications. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 777–787. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Successful transcatheter occlusion of an anomalous pulmonary vein with dual drainage to the left atrium
Authors: Wilson W. , Horlick E. , Benson L.
Published: November 2014

We describe a case of a scimitar syndrome “variant” where dual drainage existed from the right upper and middle pulmonary veins to the inferior vena cava and left atrium. Device closure of the anomalous vein at the level of the connection to the IVC was successful in achieving diversion of pulmonary venous flow to the left atrium. Vigilance during work‐up of anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (whether isolated or associated with other cardiac defects that may be amenable to device closure) is important to define the presence of dual connections to the left atrium, in which case a less‐invasive transcatheter approach may be feasible. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetic Buffers
Authors: Alibrandi Giuseppe , Fabbrizzi Luigi , Licchelli Maurizio , Puglisi Antonio
Published: November 2014

This paper proposes a new type of molecular device that is able to act as an inverse proton sponge to slowly decrease the pH inside a reaction vessel. This makes the automatic monitoring of the concentration of pH‐sensitive systems possible. The device is a composite formed of an alkyl chloride, which kinetically produces acidity, and a buffer that thermodynamically modulates the variation in pH value. Profiles of pH versus time (pH–t plots) have been generated under various experimental conditions by computer simulation, and the device has been tested by carrying out automatic spectrophotometric titrations, without using an autoburette. To underline the wide variety of possible applications, this new system has been used to realize and monitor HCl uptake by a di‐copper(II) bistren complex in a single run, in a completely automatic experiment.
Cyanogel‐Derived Formation of 3 D Nanoporous SnO2–MxOy (M=Ni, Fe, Co) Hybrid Networks for High‐Performance Lithium Storage
Authors: Zhu Qingyun , Wu Ping , Zhang Jinjing , Zhang Weiyu , Zhou Yiming , Tang Yawen , Lu Tianhong
Published: November 2014

Three‐dimensional (3 D) nanoporous SnO2–MxOy (M=Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, etc.) hybrid networks possess unique compositional and structural features that are beneficial to lithium storage and are thus anticipated to meet the performance requirements of advanced lithium‐ion batteries for transportation and stationary energy storage. Herein, a facile, scalable, and versatile cyanogel‐derived method for the construction of 3 D nanoporous SnO2–MxOy hybrid networks was developed for the first time. The formation of 3 D nanoporous SnO2–NiO, SnO2–α‐Fe2O3, and SnO2–NiO–Co3O4 hybrid networks was illustrated by using Sn–M cyanogels as precursors. Moreover, the anodic performance of the 3 D nanoporous SnO2–NiO hybrid network was examined to demonstrate proof of concept. After coating with polypyrrole‐derived carbon, the SnO2–NiO@C hybrid network exhibited superior lithium‐storage capabilities in terms of specific capacity, cycling stability, and rate capability.
Mixture of inhomogeneous matrix models for species‐rich ecosystems
Authors: Mortier Frédéric , Ouédraogo Dakis‐Yaoba , Claeys Florian , Tadesse Mahlet G. , Cornu Guillaume , Baya Fidèle , Benedet Fabrice , Freycon Vincent , Gourlet‐Fleury Sylvie , Picard Nicolas
Published: November 2014

Understanding how environmental factors could impact population dynamics is of primary importance for species conservation. Matrix population models are widely used to predict population dynamics. However, in species‐rich ecosystems with many rare species, the small population sizes hinder a good fit of species‐specific models. In addition, classical matrix models do not take into account environmental variability. We propose a mixture of regression models with variable selection allowing the simultaneous clustering of species into groups according to vital rate information (recruitment, growth and mortality) and the identification of group‐specific explicative environmental variables. We develop an inference method coupling the R packagesflexmixandglmnet. We first highlight the effectiveness of the method on simulated datasets. Next, we apply it to data from a tropical rain forest in the Central African Republic. We demonstrate the accuracy of the inhomogeneous mixture matrix model in successfully reproducing stand dynamics and classifying tree species into well‐differentiated groups with clear ecological interpretations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating Lifetime Costs of Social Care: A Bayesian Approach Using Linked Administrative Datasets from Three Geographical Areas
Authors: Steventon Adam , Roberts Adam
Published: November 2014

We estimated lifetime costs of publicly funded social care, covering services such as residential and nursing care homes, domiciliary care and meals. Like previous studies, we constructed microsimulation models. However, our transition probabilities were estimated from longitudinal, linked administrative health and social care datasets, rather than from survey data. Administrative data were obtained from three geographical areas of England, and we estimated transition probabilities in each of these sites flexibly using Bayesian methods. This allowed us to quantify regional variation as well as the impact of structural and parameter uncertainty regarding the transition probabilities. Expected lifetime costs at age 65 were £20,200–27,000 for men and £38,700–49,000 for women, depending on which of the three areas was used to calibrate the model. Thus, patterns of social care spending differed markedly between areas, with mean costs varying by almost £10,000 (25%) across the lifetime for people of the same age and gender. Allowing for structural and parameter uncertainty had little impact on expected lifetime costs, but slightly increased the risk of very high costs, which will have implications for insurance products for social care through increasing requirements for capital reserves. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sounding “Different”: The Role of Sociolinguistic Cues in Evaluating Job Candidates
Authors: Cocchiara Faye K. , Bell Myrtle P. , Casper Wendy J.
Published: November 2014

An increasingly diverse labor pool has increased the likelihood that HR recruiters will encounter job seekers who speak with different dialects. Prior studies have investigated the effects of applicant dialect on employment selection outcomes. In this article, we merge this research with stereotyping, “modern racism,” and sociolinguistics literatures to formulate propositions surrounding two questions of interest: (1) Do prospective employers categorize job applicants using sociolinguistic cues? and (2) If so, what impact does this categorization have on evaluations of applicant employability? We believe this research can provide significant insights into HR practice as discriminatory behaviors change and adapt to fit social norms, particularly in employee recruitment and selection contexts. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How well do clinicians and patients agree on depression treatment outcomes? Implications for personalized medicine
Authors: Dunlop Boadie W. , McCabe Bhrett , Eudicone James M. , Sheehan John J. , Baker Ross A.
Published: November 2014

Objective

In order to inform outcomes assessments in personalized medicine research, we evaluated the level of agreement between self‐reported (SR) and clinician‐rated (CR) measures of depression severity before and after treatment with an antidepressant medication.

Methods

We pooled data from three trials (totaling 2075 patients) assessing the efficacy of antidepressant monotherapy in major depressive disorder. Differences between CR (17‐item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression [HAM‐D17]) and SR (30‐item Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology—Self‐Rated) scale scores were used to determine concordance between CR–SR ratings. The effect of anxiety (HAM‐D17 anxiety‐somatization subscale score ≥7) on SR–CR agreement was also assessed.

Results

The CR–SR scale agreement was good for response (κ = 0.64) and moderate for remission (κ = 0.57). Patients who rated their depression as less severe than the clinician were significantly more likely to respond to treatment than over‐reporters (odds ratio = 1.62; 95% confidence interval: 1.17–2.25). Although anxiety did not impact the level of agreement, among patients with SR–CR discordance, high anxiety was associated with over‐reporting of depression severity.

Conclusion

The levels of disagreement for response and remission were too high for CR and SR scales to be considered interchangeable for research on patient‐level outcomes. Anxiety does not meaningfully impact SR–CR agreement. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heterogeneous change patterns of water level for inland lakes in High Mountain Asia derived from multi‐mission satellite altimetry
Authors: Song Chunqiao , Huang Bo , Ke Linghong
Published: November 2014

High‐altitude inland lakes in High Mountain Asia (HMA) are key indicators to climate change and variability as a result of mostly closed watersheds and minimal disturbance by human activities. However, examination of the spatial and temporal pattern of lake changes, especially for water‐level variations, is usually limited by poor accessibility of most lakes. Recently, satellite altimeters have demonstrated their potential to monitor water level changes of terrestrial water bodies including lakes and rivers. By combining multiple satellite altimetry data provided by the Laboratoire d'Etudes en Géophysique et Océanographie Spatiales (LEGOS) and Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) instrument on the NASA Ice, Cloud and land Elevation satellite (ICESat), this study examined water level changes of typical lakes in HMA at a longer timescale (in the 1990s and 2000s) compared with earlier studies on Tibetan lakes. Cross‐evaluation of the radar altimetry data from LEGOS and laser altimetry data from ICESat/GLAS shows that they were in good agreement in depicting inter‐annual, seasonal and abrupt changes of lake level. The long‐term altimetry measurements reveal that water‐level changes of the 18 lakes showed remarkable spatial and temporal patterns that were characterized by different trends, onsets of rapid rises and magnitudes of inter‐annual variations for different lakes. During the study period, lakes in the central and northern HMA (15 lakes) showed a general growth tendency, while lakes in South Tibet (three lakes) showed significant shrinking tendency. Lakes in Central Tibet experienced rapid and stable water‐level rises around mid‐1990s followed by slowing growth rates after 2006. In contrast, the water‐level rises of lakes in the northern and north‐eastern Tibetan Plateau were characterized by abrupt increases in specific years rather than gradual growth. Meteorological data based on station observations indicate that the annual changes of water level showed strongly correlated with precipitation and evaporation but may not evidently related to the glacier melting induced by global warming. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2‐(2‐Nitrovinyl)furan Promotes Oxidation of Cellular Proteins, Lipids, and DNA of Male Rat Liver and Kidney
Authors: Ajiboye T. O. , Alabi K. A. , Ariyo F. A. , Adeleye A. O. , Ojewuyi O. B. , Balogun A. , Sunmonu T. O.
Published: November 2014

The effect of 2‐(2‐nitrovinyl)furan on the redox status of male rat liver and kidney was evaluated. Twenty male rats were randomized into four groups; group A received olive oil and groups B, C, and D rats received 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg bodyweight of 2‐(2‐nitrovinyl)furan intraperitoneally, daily at 24 h interval, respectively, for 14 days. 2‐(2‐Nitrovinyl)furan significantly reduced (P < 0.05) alkaline phosphatase, alanine, and aspartate aminotransferase activities in male rat liver and kidney with a corresponding increase in serum. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and levels of reduced glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio in the liver and kidney of 2‐(2‐nitrovinyl)furan‐treated rats decreased significantly (P < 0.05). In contrast, GSSG, protein carbonyl, conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde, and fragmented DNA (%) in 2‐(2‐nitrovinyl)furan‐treated rats increased significantly (P < 0.05). Overall, data from this study revealed that 2‐(2‐nitrovinyl)furan exhibited its toxic effect by suppressing or depleting the antioxidant systems.
DNA Methyltransferase 1 Drives Transcriptional Down‐Modulation of β Catenin Antagonist Chibby1 Associated With the BCR‐ABL1 Gene of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Leo Elisa , Mancini Manuela , Castagnetti Fausto , Gugliotta Gabriele , Santucci Maria Alessandra , Martinelli Giovanni
Published: November 2014

The decrease of Chibby1 (CBY1) contributes to β catenin constitutive activation associated with the presence of the BCR‐ABL1 fusion gene of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). This is mediated by transcriptional events and driven by DNA hyper‐methylation at promoter‐associated CpG islands of the CBY1‐encoding gene C22orf2. Moreover, CBY1 transcriptional induction proceeding from promoter de‐methylation is a component of BCR‐ABL1+ cell response to Imatinib (IM). Our study showed that DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) has a central role in the hyper‐methylation at the C22orf2 promoter. Further investigation in leukemic hematopoietic progenitors from IM‐responsive and IM‐resistant CML patients at diagnosis failed to demonstrate any correlation between DNMT1‐driven hyper‐methylation of the C22orf2 promoter and response to IM. Notably, the response to IM was neither predicted by DNMT1‐driven hyper‐methylation of BCL2‐like11 at diagnosis. In conclusion, the hypermethylation of C22orf2 and BCL2‐like11 promoters proceeding from DNMT1 is a crucial component of their reduced expression, but it is not directly involved in CML resistance to IM. It might rather contribute to the disease evolution towards a drug‐resistant phenotype in more advanced phases or blast crisis. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 589–597, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differences in the metabolic response to temperature acclimation in nine‐spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius) populations from contrasting thermal environments
Authors: Bruneaux Matthieu , Nikinmaa Mikko , Laine Veronika N. , Lindström Kai , Primmer Craig R. , Vasemägi Anti
Published: November 2014

Metabolic responses to temperature changes are crucial for maintaining the energy balance of an individual under seasonal temperature fluctuations. To understand how such responses differ in recently isolated populations (<11,000 years), we studied four Baltic populations of the nine‐spined stickleback (Pungitius pungitius L.) from coastal locations (seasonal temperature range, 0–29°C) and from colder, more thermally stable spring‐fed ponds (1–19°C). Salinity and predation pressure also differed between these locations. We acclimatized wild‐caught fish to 6, 11, and 19°C in common garden conditions for 4–6 months and determined their aerobic scope and hepatosomatic index (HSI). The freshwater fish from the colder (2–14°C), predator‐free pond population exhibited complete temperature compensation for their aerobic scope, whereas the coastal populations underwent metabolic rate reduction during the cold treatment. Coastal populations had higher HSI than the colder pond population at all temperatures, with cold acclimation accentuating this effect. The metabolic rates and HSI for freshwater fish from the pond with higher predation pressure were more similar to those of the coastal ones. Our results suggest that ontogenic effects and/or genetic differentiation are responsible for differential energy storage and metabolic responses between these populations. This work demonstrates the metabolic versatility of the nine‐spined stickleback and the pertinence of an energetic framework to better understand potential local adaptations. It also demonstrates that instead of using a single acclimation temperature thermal reaction norms should be compared when studying individuals originating from different thermal environments in a common garden setting. J. Exp. Zool. 321A: 550–565, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variability of surface air temperature in Tampico, northeastern Mexico
Authors: Cruz‐Rico Jorge , Rivas David , Tejeda‐Martínez Adalberto
Published: November 2014

Herein, we present an analysis of the variability of surface air temperature at Tampico in the southern coast of Tamaulipas, northeastern Mexico, during the period 1961–2009. Several indices were used for the analysis which include the yearly highest and lowest records of maximum and minimum daily temperatures, the start and duration of the annual warm period, the temperature of the yearly warmest month, and the annual thermal oscillation. Linear trends indicate that winter temperatures are increasing (roughly 1 °C decade−1), whereas summer temperatures have remained practically unchanged. The annual warm period starts on days 83–108 of every year and lasts 180–240 days, but there is also an apparent periodicity of 15–18 years in the occurrence of the shortest warm periods. After mid‐1970s, the warm periods have decreased roughly 6 days per decade, but the temperature of the annual warmest month has increased roughly 0.50 °C decade−1, this indicates that warm periods (spring–summer) are becoming shorter but warmer. Large‐scale climatic patterns also affect the low‐frequency thermal variability at Tampico: the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation modulates the summer temperature, while El Niño variability modulates a fraction of the annual thermal oscillation via mainly delayed signals passing through the Caribbean. The higher frequency variability observed as numerous anomalous years in the temperature series may be explained mostly by dynamical factors such as a decreased southerly heat flux and/or an increased northerly heat flux (like in the year 1974), or a reduction of the annual warm period and precipitation in the northeastern Mexican coast associated with the El Niño activity (like in the year 1998). However, some cold periods may be attributable to vulcanic eruptions like those of the Chichonal (in Mexico) and the Pinatubo (in Philippines).
Distinguishing co‐existing unimolecular and bimolecular structural forms using joint analysis of Raman and UV absorption data
Authors: Pečínková Pavla , Bok Jiří , Hofbauerová Kateřina , Štěpánek Josef
Published: November 2014

Standard Raman measurements of solutions require relatively high concentration of dissolved species, which supports formation of intermolecular complexes. In case of simultaneous presence of unimolecular and bimolecular structural forms, it is often difficult or even impossible to discriminate between them by using only the Raman data. We present a possible and effective way how to combine temperature dependencies of Raman scattering and UV absorption in a joint thermodynamic analysis. This approach is based on a joint fit of the results of multivariate analysis (singular value decomposition) of individual Raman and UV absorption spectral sets to a thermodynamic model. Our case study on RNA oligonucleotides, which can form imperfect intermolecular duplexes or intramolecular hairpin structures, demonstrates that this approach allows to determine thermodynamic parameters of co‐existing unimolecular and bimolecular structural forms and to isolate their Raman spectra. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental verification of SNR and parallel imaging improvements using composite arrays
Authors: Maunder Adam , Fallone B. Gino , Daneshmand Mojgan , De Zanche Nicola
Published: November 2014

Composite MRI arrays consist of triplets where two orthogonal upright loops are placed over the same imaging area as a standard surface coil. The optimal height of the upright coils is approximately half the width for the 7 cm coils used in this work. Resistive and magnetic coupling is shown to be negligible within each coil triplet. Experimental evaluation of imaging performance was carried out on a Philips 3 T Achieva scanner using an eight‐coil composite array consisting of three surface coils and five upright loops, as well as an array of eight surface coils for comparison. The composite array offers lower overall coupling than the traditional array. The sensitivities of upright coils are complementary to those of the surface coils and therefore provide SNR gains in regions where surface coil sensitivity is low, and additional spatial information for improved parallel imaging performance. Near the surface of the phantom the eight‐channel surface coil array provides higher overall SNR than the composite array, but this advantage disappears beyond a depth of approximately one coil diameter, where it is typically more challenging to improve SNR. Furthermore, parallel imaging performance is better with the composite array compared with the surface coil array, especially at high accelerations and in locations deep in the phantom. Composite arrays offer an attractive means of improving imaging performance and channel density without reducing the size, and therefore the loading regime, of surface coil elements. Additional advantages of composite arrays include minimal SNR loss using root‐sum‐of‐squares combination compared with optimal, and the ability to switch from high to low channel density by merely selecting only the surface elements, unlike surface coil arrays, which require additional hardware. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FID navigator‐based MR thermometry method to monitor small temperature changes in the brain of ventilated animals
Authors: Boulant Nicolas , Bottlaender Michel , Uhrig Lynn , Giacomini Eric , Luong Michel , Amadon Alexis , Massire Aurélien , Larrat Benoît , Vignaud Alexandre
Published: November 2014

An MR thermometry method is proposed for measuring in vivo small temperature changes engendered by external RF heat sources. The method relies on reproducible and stable respiration and therefore currently applies to ventilated animals whose breathing is carefully controlled. It first consists in characterizing the stability of the main magnetic field as well as the variations induced by breathing during a first monitoring stage. Second, RF heating is applied while the phase and thus temperature evolutions are continuously measured, the corrections due to breathing and field drift being made thanks to the data accumulated during the first period. The RF heat source is finally stopped and the temperature rise likewise is continuously monitored during a third and last stage to observe the animal cooling down and to validate the assumptions made for correcting for the main field variation and the physiological noise. Experiments were performed with a clinical 7 T scanner on an anesthetized baboon and with a dedicated RF heating setup. Analysis of the data reveals a precision around 0.1°C, which allows us to reliably measure sub‐degree temperature rises in the muscle and in the brain of the animal. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined continuum damage‐embedded discontinuity model for explicit dynamic fracture analyses of quasi‐brittle materials
Authors: Saksala Timo , Brancherie Delphine , Harari Isaac , Ibrahimbegovic Adnan
Published: November 2014

In this paper, a novel constitutive model combining continuum damage with embedded discontinuity is developed for explicit dynamic analyses of quasi‐brittle failure phenomena. The model is capable of describing the rate‐dependent behavior in dynamics and the three phases in failure of quasi‐brittle materials. The first phase is always linear elastic, followed by the second phase corresponding to fracture‐process zone creation, represented with rate‐dependent continuum damage with isotropic hardening formulated by utilizing consistency approach. The third and final phase, involving nonlinear softening, is formulated by using an embedded displacement discontinuity model with constant displacement jumps both in normal and tangential directions. The proposed model is capable of describing the rate‐dependent ductile to brittle transition typical of cohesive materials (e.g., rocks and ice). The model is implemented in the finite element setting by using the CST elements. The displacement jump vector is solved for implicitly at the local (finite element) level along with a viscoplastic return mapping algorithm, whereas the global equations of motion are solved with explicit time‐stepping scheme. The model performance is illustrated by several numerical simulations, including both material point and structural tests. The final validation example concerns the dynamic Brazilian disc test on rock material under plane stress assumption. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Tetra‐Substituted Thiophenes as Inhibitors of p38α MAPK
Authors: Vinh Natalie B. , Devine Shane M. , Munoz Lenka , Ryan Renae M. , Wang Bing H. , Krum Henry , Chalmers David K. , Simpson Jamie S. , Scammells Peter J.
Published: November 2014

p38α mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) plays a role in several cellular processes and consequently has been a therapeutic target in inflammatory diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. A number of known p38α MAPK inhibitors contain vicinal 4‐fluorophenyl/4‐pyridyl rings connected to either a 5‐ or 6‐membered heterocycle. In this study, a small library of substituted thiophene‐based compounds bearing the vicinal 4‐fluorophenyl/4‐pyridyl rings was designed using computational docking as a visualisation tool. Compounds were synthesised and evaluated in a fluorescence polarisation binding assay. The synthesised analogues had a higher binding affinity to the active phosphorylated form of p38α MAPK than the inactive nonphosphorylated form of the protein. 4‐(2‐(4‐fluorophenyl)thiophen‐3‐yl)pyridine had a Ki value of 0.6 μm to active p38α MAPK highlighting that substitution of the core ring to a thiophene retains affinity to the enzyme and can be utilised in p38α MAPK inhibitors. This compound was further elaborated using a substituted phenyl ring in order to probe the second hydrophobic pocket. Many of these analogues exhibited low micromolar affinity to active p38α MAPK. The suppression of neonatal rat fibroblast collagen synthesis was also observed suggesting that further development of these compounds may lead to potential therapeutics having cardioprotective properties.
Improving nutritional status in a pediatric cystic fibrosis center
Authors: Ramírez Ixsy , Filbrun Amy , Hasan Aws , Kidwell Kelley M. , Nasr Samya Z.
Published: November 2014

Background

The nutritional status of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is strongly associated with pulmonary function, respiratory status and survival. Malnutrition could result from a discrepancy between energy needs and food intake while malabsorption results from pancreatic insufficiency which occurs in 85% of people with CF.

Methods

A quality improvement (QI) project was designed to improve the nutritional status of patients with CF with low Body Mass Index (BMI) between 3 and 19 years of age. An algorithm was developed which included clinic‐based assessments of patients' nutritional status and periodic assessment by a dietitian, social worker and/or psychologist during the project. Gastrostomy tube placement and feeding was offered as a last resort to improve caloric intake.

Results

173 patients seen during January–June, 2010, were included in this project. They were classified into four BMI groups and data were collected quarterly through June, 2012. The project target population (BMI percentile ≤24) had a median BMI percentile at the start of the project of 11.8. At the end of the project median BMI percentile was 22 (46% improvement).

Conclusion

Improving nutrition and BMI for patients with CF is achievable. There must be a motivated, multi‐disciplinary team that includes patients and families. A patient‐specific combination of interventions must be used. These interventions could be quite basic for patients with BMI percentile ≥25, yet more elaborate for patients with BMI percentile <25. Clinic‐based algorithms such as ours can successfully improve the BMI percentile in patients with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:544–551. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pipe Network Locomotion with a Snake Robot
Authors: Rollinson David , Choset Howie
Published: November 2014

We present a method of achieving whole‐body compliant motions with a snake robot that allows the robot to automatically adapt to the shape of its environment. This feature is important to pipe navigation because it allows the robot to adapt to changes in diameter and junctions, even though the robot lacks mechanical compliance or tactile sensing. Rather than reasoning in the configuration space of robot joint angles, the compliant controller estimates the overall state of the robot in terms of the parameters of a low‐dimensional control function, i.e., a gait. The controller then commands new gait parameters relative to that estimated state. Performing closed‐loop control in this lower‐dimensional parameter space, rather than the robot's full configuration space, exploits the intuitive connection between the gait parameters and higher‐level robot behavior. Furthermore, the ability to automatically adjust gait parameters with this controller enables more sophisticated motions that would previously have been too complex to be controlled manually.
Das Prinzip Leichtbau und seine Bedeutung für das konstruktive Entwerfen
Authors: Knippers Jan , Helbig Thorsten
Published: November 2014

Jörg Schlaich setzt sich für eine ganzheitliche Qualität im Ingenieurbau ein. Das Prinzip Leichtbau ist dabei die zentrale Richtschnur seines Entwerfens. Leichtbau ist für ihn nicht Selbstzweck, sondern hat eine soziale, ökologische und kulturelle Bedeutung. Sozial, weil eine feingliedrige Konstruktion eine hohe Wertschöpfung für Planung und Herstellung generiert, ökologisch, weil ein geringer Materialeinsatz Ressourcen spart und kulturell, weil eine dem Kraftfluss folgende Form zeitlosen Gestaltungsprinzipien folgt. Zu seinem Selbstverständnis als kulturell verantwortlicher Ingenieur gehört auch die Verankerung in der Bau‐ und Konstruktionsgeschichte. Viele seiner Entwürfe knüpfen an Ansätze großer Wegbereiter des Ingenieurbaus an, interpretieren diese aber völlig neu und überführen sie in Konstruktionen höchster Eleganz.

Wie werden nun heute die Ansätze von Jörg Schlaich zum Leichtbau aufgegriffen, wie werden sie weiterentwickelt und welche Diskussionen stoßen sie an? Stellvertretend für die vielen Kolleginnen und Kollegen, die ihre prägenden beruflichen Impulse Jörg Schlaich und seinem Umfeld verdanken, möchten wir dies an eigenen Projekten diskutieren.

The Lightweight principle and its relevance for the structural design. Jörg Schlaich is fully committed to an integrated and holistic approach of construction engineering. The ‘Lightweight principle’ is the main guideline of his designs. Lightweight construction is not simply practiced for the sake of itself, but it rather possesses a social, ecological and cultural relevance in his work. It is socially representative because slender structures add value to design and construction, ecologically significant as a reduction of material usage saves non‐renewable resources, and culturally relevant because a force flow adapted form follows timeless design principles. His considering himself a cultural responsible engineer is deeply rooted in the history of engineering. Many of his design ideas reach back to concepts of great predecessors, but reinterpret them completely anew and transfer them to contemporary constructions of utmost elegance.

How are the contributions of Jörg Schlaich to lightweight construction elaborated by others today, which further developments are motivated by them and which discussions do they trigger? As representatives for the many colleagues that received their formative inspiration and stimuli from Jörg Schlaich and his environment, we would like to discuss these questions on the basis of some of our own projects.
The Sky Reflector‐Net for the Fulton Center, New York
Authors: Schober Hans , Carpenter James , Stein Michael
Published: November 2014

The collaboration of architect and engineer has been of particular importance to Jörg Schlaich during his professional life. The prevailing attitude that the architect is responsible for the design and details and the engineer for the statics has always been absurd to him. He believes the highest level of design is achieved when the engineer is involved from the beginning of the design process, in the conceptual design phase when architect and engineer are prepared to listen to each other and build upon a collaborative process. Such a relationship exists between schlaich bergermann und partner and the studio of artist/designer James Carpenter – a relationship that started in the 1980’s on the design of bridges, sculptures and building elements. The impetus for this long collaboration has always been to minimize structure and maximize light as a defining characteristic of the public realm.

The authors think that the Sky Reflector‐Net for the Fulton Center is a good example of this fruitful collaboration, in this case between James Carpenter and his studio, James Carpenter Design Associates (JCDA), architect, Grimshaw Architects, design engineer, schlaich bergermann und partner (sbp) and final design engineer, Arup working together to fully integrate this ambitious artwork within a very complex program.

Das Sky Reflektor‐Net für das Fulton Center, New York. Die Zusammenarbeit zwischen Architekt und Ingenieur beschäftigte Jörg Schlaich während seines gesamten Berufslebens. Die vorherrschende Meinung, der Architekt sei für das Design und die Details und der Ingenieur nur für die Statik verantwortlich, war für ihn schon immer absurd. Für Jörg Schlaich wird ein optimaler Entwurf nur dann erreicht, wenn der Ingenieur von Anfang an beim Entwurf mitwirkt, wenn man die Sprache des anderen versteht und wenn beide bereit sind, aufeinander zu hören. Auf dieser Basis baut die Zusammenarbeit zwischen schlaich bergermann und partner (sbp) und dem Atelier von Künstler/Designer James Carpenter (JCDA) auf eine Beziehung, die in den 1980er Jahren mit der Gestaltung von Brücken, Skulpturen und Gebäudeelementen begann und bis heute andauert. Anlass dieser langen Zusammenarbeit war stets, die Konstruktion zu minimieren und das Licht als wichtiges Entwurfselement im öffentlichen Raum zu maximieren.

Die Autoren glauben, dass das Sky Reflektor‐Net für das Fulton Center ein gutes Beispiel für eine fruchtbare Zusammenarbeit zwischen James Carpenter mit seinem Studio James Carpenter Design Associates (JCDA), dem Architekten Grimshaw Architects, dem Entwurfsingenieur schlaich bergermann und partner (sbp) und dem Ingenieur für die Ausführungsplanung Arup darstellt, ohne die so ein ehrgeiziges Kunstwerk nicht reibungslos in eine so komplexe Gesamtplanung eingebunden werden kann.
Functional Compensation Between Myc and PI3K Signaling Supports Self-Renewal of Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Hishida Tomoaki , Nakachi Yutaka , Mizuno Yosuke , Katano Miyuki , Okazaki Yasushi , Ema Masatsugu , Takahashi Satoru , Hirasaki Masataka , Suzuki Ayumu , Ueda Atsushi , Nishimoto Masazumi , Hishida-Nozaki Yuriko , Vazquez-Ferrer Eric , Sancho-Martinez Ignacio , Carlos Izpisua Belmonte Juan , Okuda Akihiko
Published: November 2014

c-Myc and phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase (PI3K) both participate in diverse cellular processes, including cell cycle control and tumorigenic transformation. They also contribute to preserving embryonic stem cell (ESC) characteristics. However, in spite of the vast knowledge, the molecular relationship between c-Myc and PI3K in ESCs is not known. Herein, we demonstrate that c-Myc and PI3K function cooperatively but independently to support ESC self-renewal when murine ESCs are cultured under conventional culture condition. Interestingly, culture of ESCs in 2i-condition including a GSK3β and MEK inhibitor renders both PI3K and Myc signaling dispensable for the maintenance of pluripotent properties. These results suggest that the requirement for an oncogenic proliferation-dependent mechanism sustained by Myc and PI3K is context dependent and that the 2i-condition liberates ESCs from the dependence of this mechanism. Stem Cells  2015;33:713–725
Off-shell structure of twisted (2,0) theory
Authors: Gran Ulf , Linander Hampus , Nilsson Bengt E. W.
Published: November 2014

Abstract

A Q-exact off-shell action is constructed for twisted abelian (2,0) theory on a Lorentzian six-manifold of the form M
1,5 = C × M
4, where C is a flat two-manifold and M
4 is a general Euclidean four-manifold. The properties of this formulation, which is obtained by introducing two auxiliary fields, can be summarised by a commutative diagram where the Lagrangian and its stress-tensor arise from the Q-variation of two fermionic quantities V and λ

μν
. This completes and extends the analysis in [1].
C/EBPα controls mast cell function
Authors: Kasakura Kazumi , Takahashi Kyoko , Itoh Tomoko , Hosono Akira , Nunomura Satoshi , Ra Chisei , Momose Yoshika , Itoh Kikuji , Nishiyama Chiharu , Kaminogawa Shuichi
Published: November 2014

CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) is a transcription factor that influences immune cell fate and differentiation. However, the effect of C/EBPα on mast cells is not fully understood. In this study, we showed that C/EBPα suppressed granule formation in mast cells and increased macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐2 production from mast cells upon bacterial stimulation. These results indicate that C/EBPα regulates the balance between the allergic response and the innate immune response of mast cells. Furthermore, we showed that stimulation of mast cells with the Lactobacillus casei JCM1134T strain during late differentiation up‐regulated C/EBPα expression in differentiated mast cells. This suggests that intestinal commensal bacteria modulate C/EBPα expression and thereby regulate mast cell function.
Calcium release‐activated calcium (CRAC) channels mediate the β2‐adrenergic regulation of Na,K‐ATPase
Authors: Keller Michael J. , Lecuona Emilia , Prakriya Murali , Cheng Yuan , Soberanes Saul , Budinger G.R. Scott , Sznajder Jacob I.
Published: November 2014

β2‐Adrenergic agonists have been shown to regulate Na,K‐ATPase in the alveolar epithelium by recruiting Na,K‐ATPase‐containing vesicles to the plasma membrane of alveolar epithelial cells (AEC). Here, we provide evidence that β2‐agonists induce store‐operated calcium entry (SOCE) in AECs. This calcium entry is necessary for β2‐agonist‐induced recruitment of Na,K‐ATPase to the plasma membrane of AECs. Specifically, we show that β2‐agonists induce SOCE via stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1)‐associated calcium release‐activated calcium (CRAC) channels. We also demonstrate that the magnitude of SOCE affects the abundance of Na,K‐ATPase at the plasma membrane of AECs.
Kinetics of the early events of GPCR signalling
Authors: Adamson Roslin J. , Watts Anthony
Published: November 2014

Neurotensin receptor type 1 (NTS1) is a G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) that affects cellular responses by initiating a cascade of interactions through G proteins. The kinetic details for these interactions are not well‐known. Here, NTS1‐nanodisc‐Gαs and Gαi1 interactions were studied. The binding affinities of Gαi1 and Gαs to NTS1 were directly measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and determined to be 15 ± 6 nM and 31 ± 18 nM, respectively. This SPR configuration permits the kinetics of early events in signalling pathways to be explored and can be used to initiate descriptions of the GPCR interactome.
α‐Synemin localizes to the M‐band of the sarcomere through interaction with the M10 region of titin
Authors: Prudner Bethany C. , Roy Pritam Sinha , Damron Derek S. , Russell Mary A.
Published: November 2014

α‐Synemin contains a unique 312 amino acid insert near the end of its C‐terminal tail. Therefore we set out to determine if the insert is a site of protein–protein interaction that regulates the sub‐cellular localization of this large isoform of synemin. Yeast‐two hybrid analysis indicated that this region is a binding site for the M10 region of titin. This was confirmed with GST pull‐down assays. Co‐immunoprecipitation of endogenous proteins indicated close association of the two proteins in vivo and immunostaining of cardiomyocytes demonstrated co‐localization of the proteins at the M‐band of the sarcomere.
Development of a screening and recruitment registry to facilitate perinatal depression research in obstetrics settings in the USA
Authors: Allbaugh Lucy J. , Marcus Sheila M. , Ford Eleanor C. , Flynn Heather A.
Published: November 2014

Objective

To create a multi‐site registry to enable future large‐scale studies of perinatal depression among women attending obstetrics clinics in the USA.

Methods

A screening and recruitment registry was developed that included women aged at least 18 years who attended seven obstetric clinics in the University of Michigan Health System (Ann Arbor, MI, USA) for prenatal care between September 8, 2008, and June 9, 2011. Participants completed depression screening and research recruitment materials.

Results

Of 4745 women who returned a screening form, 2983 had completed it, giving an overall agreement rate of 62.9%. A total of 630 participants were enrolled into ten research studies via the registry. Among the 2982 women for whom scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were available, 494 (16.6%) fell within the at‐risk range or had scores suggestive of clinical depression.

Conclusion

The present registry could improve detection of perinatal depression symptoms and potentially serve as a model for dissemination and implementation at other sites with an interest in studying factors linked to perinatal depression.
The relation of sexual dysfunction to depression and anxiety in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Özcan Tuba , Benli Erdal , Demir Esra Yancar , Özer Feriha , Kaya Yasemin , Haytan Canan Erol
Published: November 2014

Objective

In this study, we aimed to find out whether sexual dysfunction in patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) was associated to PD-related disability and whether this relationship was modulated by depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Methods

Eighty-nine consecutive patients with idiopathic PD who attended to our movement disorders outpatient clinics between January 2011 and June 2014 were included in this study. The diagnosis of PD was confirmed by a movement disorders specialists in Neurology, according to UK Parkinson’s Disease Society Brain Bank Criteria. The Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor was used to assess motor disability and Hoehn and Yahr stage (H&Y) was used to establish disease severity. Cognitive function was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination. Patients were also administered the Hamilton depression (HAMD) and anxiety (HAMA) rating scales. The sexual functions of the patients were rated by applying the Turkish version of the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX).

Results

The mean age at the time of the study visit was 67.74±9.05. Male/female ratio was 1.87. Mean UPDRS total was 29.06±13.96 and mean UPDRS motor was 17.62±9.07. Mean HAMD score was 13.92±10.86, 58.4% of the patients had minor or major depression; and mean HAMA score was 7.94±6.49, 56.2% of the patients had minor or major anxiety. The mean ASEX score was 18.54±7.27 out of a maximum of 30. ASEX total scores were correlated with age, H&Y stage and HAMA scores. Age and also age at onset were correlated with ASEX subdomains except sexual desire. There was no correlation between disease duration and ASEX subdomains. UPDRS motor score was correlated with erection/lubrication. HAMD was only correlated with orgasm satisfaction. HAMA score was correlated with stimulation and orgasm.

Conclusion

In patients with PD, there may be a common factor that modulates both depression, anxiety and sexual function. Further studies are needed to clarify the exact relationship.