bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward GPGPU accelerated human electromechanical cardiac simulations
Authors: Vigueras Guillermo , Roy Ishani , Cookson Andrew , Lee Jack , Smith Nicolas , Nordsletten David
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we look at the acceleration of weakly coupled electromechanics using the graphics processing unit (GPU). Specifically, we port to the GPU a number of components of Heart—a CPU‐based finite element code developed for simulating multi‐physics problems. On the basis of a criterion of computational cost, we implemented on the GPU the ODE and PDE solution steps for the electrophysiology problem and the Jacobian and residual evaluation for the mechanics problem. Performance of the GPU implementation is then compared with single core CPU (SC) execution as well as multi‐core CPU (MC) computations with equivalent theoretical performance. Results show that for a human scale left ventricle mesh, GPU acceleration of the electrophysiology problem provided speedups of 164 × compared with SC and 5.5 times compared with MC for the solution of the ODE model. Speedup of up to 72 × compared with SC and 2.6 × compared with MC was also observed for the PDE solve. Using the same human geometry, the GPU implementation of mechanics residual/Jacobian computation provided speedups of up to 44 × compared with SC and 2.0 × compared with MC. © 2013 The Authors. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Biomedical Engineering published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety study of intravenous cyclophosphamide with an oral casopitant antiemetic regimen in cancer patients
Authors: Adams Laurel M. , Johnson Brendan , Murray Sharon
Published: October 2013

Casopitant is a potent and selective neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist formerly under development for a number of indications, including the treatment of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting. This study was an open‐label, randomized, multi‐center, two‐period crossover casopitant–cyclophosphamide interaction study. Subjects were cancer patients receiving cyclophosphamide based chemotherapy. The objectives of the study were to assess the effect of 3‐day, repeat‐dose, 150 mg oral casopitant on the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, tolerability, and pharmacodynamics (white blood cell count) of single‐dose IV cyclophosphamide. PK data from 14 evaluable subjects showed the geometric least‐squares mean ratios (90% CI) for cyclophosphamide and the metabolite 4‐hydroxycyclophosphamide AUC (with:without casopitant) were 1.03 (0.975, 1.09) and 0.948 (0.835, 1.08), respectively. Administration of casopitant was well tolerated and did not impact the safety profile of the treatment regimen. Casopitant did not affect the expected bone marrow toxicity of cyclophosphamide. Co‐administration of 150 mg oral casopitant with single‐dose IV cyclophosphamide did not appear to result in a clinically relevant change in cyclophosphamide or 4‐hydroxycyclophosphamide exposure or safety.
A randomized, double‐blind, multiple‐dose, placebo‐controlled, dose escalation study with a 3‐cohort parallel group design to investigate the tolerability and pharmacokinetics of albaconazole in healthy subjects
Authors: Dietz Albert J. , Barnard Joanna C. , van Rossem Koen
Published: October 2013

Albaconazole is a triazole antifungal agent discovered at Palau Pharma SA (Barcelona, Spain) and currently being developed for the treatment of fungal infections of the nails. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 1 study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and effects on electrocardiogram parameters of albaconazole administered orally at escalating supratherapeutic doses. Healthy subjects received 400 mg albaconazole every 24, 12, or 8 hours for 5 days. Albaconazole was absorbed rapidly (2.5–22.5 hours) after oral administration, reaching a maximal mean peak plasma concentration of 11,993.3 ng/mL (standard deviation [SD], 2,413.85 ng/mL) after 5 days of dosing every 8 hours. Systemic exposure of albaconazole increased proportionally with dose frequency. Albaconazole was safe and well tolerated at all doses administered. No significant changes in ECG intervals or morphology were observed. In none of the three dosing groups was the slope of a study‐specific correction for QT interval (QTcSS) on log plasma concentration statistically different from 0. The results of this study were to be used to inform the design of a thorough QT study using supratherapeutic doses. A dose regimen of 400 mg, every 8 hours for 5 days appears suitable for this purpose.
Adaptive sparse system identification using normalized least mean fourth algorithm
Authors: Gui Guan , Adachi Fumiyiuki
Published: October 2013

Normalized least mean square (NLMS) was considered as one of the classical adaptive system identification algorithms. Because most of systems are often modeled as sparse, sparse NLMS algorithm was also applied to improve identification performance by taking the advantage of system sparsity. However, identification performances of NLMS type algorithms cannot achieve high‐identification performance, especially in low signal‐to‐noise ratio regime. It was well known that least mean fourth (LMF) can achieve high‐identification performance by utilizing fourth‐order identification error updating rather than second‐order. However, the main drawback of LMF is its instability and it cannot be applied to adaptive sparse system identifications. In this paper, we propose a stable sparse normalized LMF algorithm to exploit the sparse structure information to improve identification performance. Its stability is shown to be equivalent to sparse NLMS type algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed normalized LMF algorithm can achieve better identification performance than sparse NLMS one. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combination of very low energy diets and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of obesity: meta‐analysis of published data
Authors: Koutroumanidou Eleni , Pagonopoulou Olga
Published: October 2013

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, with more than 1 billion adults overweight – at least 300 million of them clinically obese – and is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic disease (heart disease and diabetes) and disability. The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published data on the combination of very low energy diets also known as very low calorie diets and pharmacotherapy for its effectiveness in the treatment of obesity. A MEDLINE (Pubmed) search from 1970 to 2009 using multiple combinations of the relevant terms was carried out; the matching articles were also searched for additional references. Meta‐analysis tools were used to summarize results. Only randomized controlled trials that compared pharmacotherapy with placebo after a very low energy diet period were selected, and six articles were finally considered to be appropriate for evaluation. The combination of very low energy diet and pharmacotherapy was found to be effective for people with obesity in clinical trials. The net effect of 6.1 kg placebo subtracted weight loss after 1 year represents a clinically meaningful result that is comparable with the effect of drugs given at the start of a weight loss programme. The present meta‐analysis contributes to the understanding that combination therapies are expected to achieve greater weight loss than monotherapy; grasping this understanding, researcher has introduced newer anti‐obesity pharmacological approaches have embraced combination therapies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Manipulating reproductive effort leads to changes in female reproductive scheduling but not oxidative stress
Authors: Aloise King Edith D. , Garratt Michael , Brooks Robert
Published: October 2013

The trade‐off between reproductive investment and lifespan is the single most important concept in life‐history theory. A variety of sources of evidence support the existence of this trade‐off, but the physiological costs of reproduction that underlie this relationship remain poorly understood. The Free Radical Theory of Ageing suggests that oxidative stress, which occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of damaging Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and protective antioxidants, may be an important mediator of this trade‐off. We sought to test this theory by manipulating the reproductive investment of female mice (Mus musculus domesticus) and measuring the effects on a number of life history and oxidative stress variables. Females with a greater reproductive load showed no consistent increase in oxidative damage above females who had a smaller reproductive load. The groups differed, however, in their food consumption, reproductive scheduling and mean offspring mass. Of particular note, females with a very high reproductive load delayed blastocyst implantation of their second litter, potentially mitigating the costs of energetically costly reproductive periods. Our results highlight that females use strategies to offset particularly costly periods of reproduction and illustrate the absence of a simple relationship between oxidative stress and reproduction.
Activated CD4+ T cells enter the splenic T‐cell zone and induce autoantibody‐producing germinal centers through bystander activation
Authors: Banczyk David , Kalies Kathrin , Nachbar Lars , Bergmann Lars , Schmidt Philipp , Bode Ulrike , Teegen Bianca , Steven Philipp , Lange Tanja , Textor Johannes , Ludwig Ralf J. , Stöcker Winfried , König Peter , Bell Eric , Westermann Jürgen
Published: October 2013

CD4+ T (helper) cells migrate in huge numbers through lymphoid organs. However, little is known about traffic routes and kinetics of CD4+ T‐cell subsets within different organ compartments. Such information is important because there are indications that CD4+ T cells may influence the function of microenvironments depending on their developmental stage. Therefore, we investigated the migration of resting (naïve), activated, and recently activated (memory) CD4+ T cells through the different compartments of the spleen. Resting and recently activated CD4+ T cells were separated from thoracic duct lymph and activated CD4+ T cells were generated in vitro by cross‐linking the T‐cell receptor and CD28. The present study shows that all three CD4+ T‐cell subsets selectively accumulate in the T‐cell zone of the spleen. However, only activated T cells induce the formation of germinal centers (GCs) and autoantibodies in rats and mice. Our results suggest that in a two‐step process they first activate B cells independent of the T‐cell receptor repertoire and CD40 ligand (CD154) expression. The activated B cells then form GCs whereby CD154‐dependend T‐cell help is needed. Thus, activated T cells may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases by activating autoreactive B cells in an Ag‐independent manner.
Coherency analysis of accelerograms recorded by the UPSAR array during the 2004 Parkfield earthquake
Authors: Konakli Katerina , Der Kiureghian Armen , Dreger Douglas
Published: October 2013

Spatial variability of near‐fault strong motions recorded by the US Geological Survey Parkfield Seismograph Array (UPSAR) during the 2004 Parkfield (California) earthquake is investigated. Behavior of the lagged coherency for two horizontal and the vertical components is analyzed by separately examining the decay of coherency with frequency and distance. Assumptions, approximations, and challenges that are involved in estimation of the coherency from recorded data are presented in detail. Comparison of the UPSAR coherency estimates with coherency models that are commonly used in engineering practice sheds light on the advantages and limitations of different approaches to modeling the coherency, as well as on similarities and differences in the spatial variability exhibited by seismic ground motion arrays at different sites. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marking time in Geomorphology: should we try to formalise an Anthropocene definition?
Authors: Lewin John , Macklin Mark G.
Published: October 2013

The value of a formally defined Anthropocene for geomorphologists is discussed. Human impacts have been diachronistic, multifaceted and episodic, as demonstrated by the record of alluvial deposition in the UK. Rather than boxing time into discrete eras or periods, modern research uses calendar dates and multiple dating techniques to explore co‐trajectories for a range of human impacts. Despite the value of ‘The Anthropocene’ as an informal concept and as a prompt to useful debate, arriving at a single, generally acceptable formal definition is impractical, and has some disadvantages. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oil and oil dispersant do not cause synergistic toxicity to fish embryos
Authors: Adams Julie , Sweezey Michael , Hodson Peter V.
Published: October 2013

Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) embryos were exposed to water accommodated fractions (WAFs; oil dissolved in water) and chemically enhanced water accommodated fractions (CEWAFs; oil dispersed in water with Corexit 9500A) of Medium South American (MESA) crude oil. The CEWAF was approximately 100-fold more toxic than WAF based on nominal loadings of test solutions (% v/v). In contrast, the ratio of WAF and CEWAF toxicity expressed as measured oil concentrations approximated 1.0, indicating that the higher toxicity of CEWAFs was caused by an increase in exposure to hydrocarbons with chemical dispersion. In a second experiment, the chronic toxicity of Corexit 9500A and chemically dispersed heavy fuel oil 7102 (HFO 7102) to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) embryos was compared to chemically dispersed Nujol, a nontoxic mineral oil. Dispersant alone was toxic, but caused different signs of toxicity than HFO 7102. Nujol at a dispersant-to-oil ratio of 1:20 was nontoxic, suggesting that dispersant was sequestered by oil and not present at toxic concentrations. In contrast, the same nominal loadings of dispersed HFO 7102 caused concentration-dependent increases in toxicity. Both experiments suggest that chemically dispersed oil was more toxic to fish embryos than solutions created by mechanical mixing due to the increased exposure of fish to petroleum hydrocarbons and not to changes in hydrocarbon toxicity. The Nujol control discriminated between the toxicity of oil and chemical dispersant and would be a practical addition to programs of dispersant testing. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:107–114. © 2013 SETAC
Link between land‐ocean warming contrast and surface relative humidities in simulations with coupled climate models
Authors: Byrne Michael P. , O'Gorman Paul A.
Published: October 2013

Simulations of warming climates with coupled climate models exhibit strong land‐ocean contrasts in changes in surface temperature and relative humidity, but little land‐ocean contrast in changes in equivalent potential temperature. A theory that assumes equal changes in equivalent potential temperature over land and ocean captures the simulated land‐ocean warming contrast in the tropics if changes in relative humidity and ocean temperature are taken as given. According to the theory, land relative humidity changes and the land‐ocean contrast in the control climate contribute equally to the tropical warming contrast, while ocean relative humidity changes make a smaller (but also positive) contribution. Intermodel scatter in the tropical warming contrast is primarily linked to land relative humidity changes. These results emphasize the need to better constrain land relative humidity changes in model simulations, and they are also relevant for changes in heat stress over land.
In situ observations of supercooled liquid clouds over the Southern Ocean during the HIAPER Pole‐to‐Pole Observation campaigns
Authors: Chubb Thomas H. , Jensen Jorgen B. , Siems Steven T. , Manton Michael J.
Published: October 2013

Clouds over the Southern Ocean exist in a pristine environment that results in unique microphysical properties. However, in situ observations of these clouds are rare, and the dominant precipitation processes are unknown. Uncertainties in their life cycles and radiative properties make them interesting from a weather and climate perspective. Data from the standard cloud physics payload during the High‐performance Instrumented Airborne Platform for Environmental Research (HIAPER) Pole‐to‐Pole Observations global transects provide a unique snapshot the nature of low‐level clouds in the Southern Ocean. High quantities of supercooled liquid water (up to 0.47gm−3) were observed in clouds as cold as −22°C during two flights in different seasons and different meteorological conditions, supporting climatologies inferred from satellite observations. Cloud droplet concentrations were calculated from mean droplet size and liquid water concentrations, and were in the range of 30–120cm−3, which is fairly typical for the pristine Southern Ocean environment. Ice in nonprecipitating or lightly precipitating clouds was found to be rare, while drizzle drops with diameter greater than 100μm formed through warm rain processes were widespread. Large, pristine crystals were commonly seen in very low concentrations below cloud base.
Cerebral small vessel disease affects white matter microstructure in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Papma Janne M. , de Groot Marius , de Koning Inge , Mattace‐Raso Francesco U. , van der Lugt Aad , Vernooij Meike W. , Niessen Wiro J. , van Swieten John C. , Koudstaal Peter J. , Prins Niels D. , Smits Marion
Published: October 2013

Microstructural white matter deterioration is a frequent finding in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), potentially underlying default mode network (DMN) dysfunctioning. Thus far, microstructural damage in MCI has been attributed to Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology. A cerebrovascular role, in particular the role of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), received less interest. Here, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to examine the role of CSVD in microstructural deterioration within the normal appearing white matter (NAWM) in MCI. MCI patients were subdivided into those with (n = 20) and without (n = 31) macrostructural CSVD evidence on MRI. Using TBSS we performed microstructural integrity comparisons within the whole brain NAWM. Secondly, we segmented white matter tracts interconnecting DMN brain regions by means of automated tractography segmentation. We used NAWM DTI measures from these tracts as dependent variables in a stepwise‐linear regression analysis, with structural and demographical predictors. Our results indicated microstructural deterioration within the anterior corpus callosum, internal and external capsule and periventricular white matter in MCI patients with CSVD, while in MCI patients without CSVD, deterioration was restricted to the right perforant path, a tract along the hippocampus. Within the full cohort of MCI patients, microstructure within the NAWM of the DMN fiber tracts was affected by the presence of CSVD. Within the cingulum along the hippocampal cortex we found a relationship between microstructural integrity and ipsilateral hippocampal volume and the extent of white matter hyperintensity. In conclusion, we found evidence of CSVD‐related microstructural damage in fiber tracts subserving the DMN in MCI. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2836–2851, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanical and biological properties of chitosan/carbon nanotube nanocomposite films
Authors: Aryaei Ashkan , Jayatissa Ahalapitiya H. , Jayasuriya Ambalangodage C.
Published: October 2013

In this article, different concentrations of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were homogeneously dispersed throughout the chitosan (CS) matrix. A simple solvent‐cast method was used to fabricate chitosan films with 0.1, 0.5, and 1% of MWCNT with the average diameter around 30 nm. The CS/MWCNT films were characterized for structural, viscous and mechanical properties with optical microscopy, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, tensile test machine, and microindentation testing machine. Murine osteoblasts were used to examine the cell viability and attachment of the nanocomposite films at two time points. In comparison to the pure chitosan film, the mechanical properties, including the tensile modulus and strength of the films, were greatly improved by increasing the percentage of MWCNT. Furthermore, adding MWCNT up to 1% increased the viscosity of the chitosan solution by 15%. However, adding MWCNT decreased the samples ductility and transparency. In biological point of view, no toxic effect on osteoblasts was observed in the presence of different percentages of MWCNT at day 3 and day 7. This investigation suggested MWCNT could be a promising candidate for improving chitosan mechanical properties without inducing remarkable cytotoxicity on bone cells. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2704–2712, 2014.
Surface modification of polymers for biocompatibility via exposure to extreme ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Ul Ahad Inam , Bartnik Andrzej , Fiedorowicz Henryk , Kostecki Jerzy , Korczyc Barbara , Ciach Tomasz , Brabazon Dermot
Published: October 2013

Polymeric biomaterials are being widely used for the treatment of various traumata, diseases and defects in human beings due to ease in their synthesis. As biomaterials have direct interaction with the extracellular environment in the biological world, biocompatibility is a topic of great significance. The introduction or enhancement of biocompatibility in certain polymers is still a challenge to overcome. Polymer biocompatibility can be controlled by surface modification. Various physical and chemical methods (e.g., chemical and plasma treatment, ion implantation, and ultraviolet irradiation etc.) are in use or being developed for the modification of polymer surfaces. However an important limitation in their employment is the alteration of bulk material. Different surface and bulk properties of biomaterials are often desirable for biomedical applications. Because extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation penetration is quite limited even in low density mediums, it could be possible to use it for surface modification without influencing the bulk material. This article reviews the degree of biocompatibility of different polymeric biomaterials being currently employed in various biomedical applications, the surface properties required to be modified for biocompatibility control, plasma and laser ablation based surface modification techniques, and research studies indicating possible use of EUV for enhancing biocompatibility. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3298–3310, 2014.
The Revolting Self: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Experience of Self‐Disgust in Females With Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Powell Philip A. , Overton Paul G. , Simpson Jane
Published: October 2013

Objective

Self‐focused disgust has been implicated in depression and other mental health problems. However, “self‐disgust” as a psychological concept has never been properly defined and remains particularly enigmatic. A qualitative methodology was used to obtain an informed understanding of self‐disgust.

Method

Nine female participants with clinically relevant depressive symptoms completed semistructured interviews about their understanding and experiences of self‐disgust. These were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

Results

Four superordinate themes emerged: (a) “The subjective experience of self‐disgust” revealed how self‐disgust was perceived as a consuming, visceral experience with trait and state components; (b) “Origins of the revolting self” covered antecedent factors and the role of others in the genesis of self‐disgust; (c) “Consequences of self‐disgust” included the psychological and behavioral results of a disgusting self; and (d) “Associated emotional states” described associations between self‐disgust and other feeling states.

Conclusions

The current findings suggest self‐disgust is a consuming negative psychological phenomenon, associated with depression, problems with eating, physical appearance, interpersonal relationships, and self‐persecution. Implications for clinical practice and future research on the topic are discussed.
Sonographic findings in a case of scrotal lymphangioma
Authors: Park So Hyun , Moon Sung Kyoung , Sung Ji‐Youn
Published: October 2013

The scrotum is an extremely rare site for lymphangioma. We report the case of a scrotal lymphangioma in a 20‐year‐old male patient who developed painless scrotal swelling. Typical sonography and MRI findings are shown. Surgical excision and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:234–236, 2014
Analysis of teleseismic P waves with a 5200‐station array in Long Beach, California: Evidence for an abrupt boundary to Inner Borderland rifting
Authors: Schmandt Brandon , Clayton Robert W.
Published: October 2013

We analyze teleseismic P waves from four Mw ≥ 6.5 earthquakes recorded by a petroleum industry survey in Long Beach, California. The survey used a 2‐D array with up to 5200 seismometers, 120 m mean spacing, and 7 – 10 km aperture. At frequencies near 1 Hz, P wave travel times and amplitudes exhibit coherent lateral variations over scales as short as ~400 m, including locally delayed travel times and increased amplitudes at the crest of the Long Beach anticline. Deeper heterogeneity is indicated by P wave phase velocities that deviate from reference model predictions for events from southwestern azimuths. We postulate that a sharp northeastward increase in Moho depth from the Inner Borderland (IB) to mainland southern California causes the anomalous phase velocities. Elastic forward modeling finds the travel times are fit well by a Moho that dips 65° to the northeast and flattens ~10 km southwest of the Newport‐Inglewood fault zone. Constraining the felsic thickness of mainland crust to 28 km requires an 8 km thick layer with a P‐velocity of 7 km/s beneath it, which could result from basal accretion of former Farallon ocean crust or magmatic underplating during Miocene volcanism. Forward models with a 65° Moho dip predict a P‐to‐s conversion with a phase velocity of ~5 km/s. Deconvolution of the array's mean P wave signal isolates a similar later arriving phase. The steep crust thickness transition supports a locally abrupt boundary to IB rifting. Our results highlight the utility of dense short‐period arrays for passive imaging at near surface to uppermost mantle depths.
Direct shock compression experiments on premolten forsterite and progress toward a consistent high‐pressure equation of state for CaO‐MgO‐Al2O3‐SiO2‐FeO liquids
Authors: Thomas Claire W. , Asimow Paul D.
Published: October 2013

We performed shock compression experiments on preheated forsterite liquid (Mg2SiO4) at an initial temperature of 2273 K and have revised the equation of state (EOS) that was previously determined by shock melting of initially solid Mg2SiO4 (300 K). The linear Hugoniot, US = 2.674 ± 0.188 + 1.64 ± 0.06 up km/s, constrains the bulk sound speed within a temperature and composition space as yet unexplored by 1 bar ultrasonic experiments. We have also revised the EOS for enstatite liquid (MgSiO3) to exclude experiments that may have been only partially melted upon shock compression and also the EOS for anorthite (CaAl2SiO6) liquid, which now excludes potentially unrelaxed experiments at low pressure. The revised fits and the previously determined EOS of fayalite and diopside (CaMg2SiO6) were used to produce isentropes in the multicomponent CaO‐MgO‐Al2O3‐SiO2‐FeO system at elevated temperatures and pressures. Our results are similar to those previously presented for peridotite and simplified “chondrite” liquids such that regardless of where crystallization first occurs, the liquidus solid sinks upon formation. This process is not conducive to the formation of a basal magma ocean. We also examined the chemical and physical plausibility of the partial melt hypothesis to explain the occurrence and characteristics of ultra‐low velocity zones (ULVZ). We determined that the ambient mantle cannot produce an equilibrium partial melt and residue that is sufficiently dense to be an ultra‐low velocity zone mush. The partial melt would need to be segregated from its equilibrium residue and combined with a denser solid component to achieve a sufficiently large aggregate density.
Past and future spatiotemporal changes in evapotranspiration and effective moisture on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yin Yunhe , Wu Shaohong , Zhao Dongsheng
Published: October 2013

Observed evaporative demand has decreased worldwide during the past several decades. This trend is also noted on the Tibetan Plateau, a region that is particularly sensitive to climate change. However, patterns and trends of evapotranspiration and their relationship to drought stress on the Tibetan Plateau are complex and poorly understood. Here, we analyze spatiotemporal changes in evapotranspiration and effective moisture (defined as the ratio of actual evapotranspiration (ETa) to reference crop evapotranspiration (ETo)) based on the modified Lund‐Potsdam‐Jena Dynamic Global Vegetation Model (LPJ). Climate data from 80 meteorological stations on the Tibetan Plateau were compiled for the period 1981–2010 and future climate projections were generated by a regional climate model through the 21st century. The results show regional trends towards decreasing ETo and statistically significant increases in ETa (p < 0.05) and effective moisture during the period 1981–2010 (p < 0.001). A transition from significant negative to positive ETo occurred in 1997. Additionally, a pronounced increase in effective moisture occurred during the period 1981–1997 because of significant decreased ETo before 1997. In the future, regional ETo and ETa are projected to increase, thus reducing drought stress, because of generally increased effective moisture. Future regional differences are most pronounced in terms of effective moisture, which shows notable increases in the northwestern plateau and decreases in the southeastern plateau. Moreover, the reduced magnitude of effective moisture is likely to intensify in the long term, due mainly to increased evaporative demand.
Development of intestinal organoids as tissue surrogates: Cell composition and the Epigenetic control of differentiation
Authors: Cao Li , Kuratnik Anton , Xu Wanli , Gibson Jason D. , Kolling Frederick , Falcone Eric R. , Ammar Mohammed , Van Heyst Michael D. , Wright Dennis L. , Nelson Craig E. , Giardina Charles
Published: October 2013

Intestinal organoids are multicellular crypt‐like structures that can be derived from adult intestinal stem cells (ISCs), embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs). Here we show that intestinal organoids generated from mouse ESCs were enriched in ISCs and early progenitors. Treatment of these organoids with a γ‐secretase inhibitor increased Math1 and decreased Hes1 expression, indicating Notch signaling regulates ISC differentiation in these organoids. Lgr5 and Tert positive ISCs constituted approximately 10% and 20% of the organoids. As found in native tissue, Lgr5 and Tert expressing cells resolved into two discreet populations, which were stable over time. Intestinal organoids derived from cancer‐prone ApcMin/+ mice showed similar numbers of ISCs, but had reduced Math1 expression, indicating a suppressed secretory cell differentiation potential (as found in intestinal tissue). ApcMin/+ organoids were used to screen epigenetically active compounds for those that increased Math1 expression and organoid differentiation (including HDAC inhibitors, Sirtuin (SIRT) modulators and methyltransferase inhibitors). Broad‐spectrum HDAC inhibitors increased both Math1 and Muc2 expression, indicating an ability to promote the suppressed secretory cell differentiation pathway. Other epigenetic compounds had a diverse impact on cell differentiation, with a strong negative correlation between those that activated the secretory marker Muc2 and those that activated the absorptive cell marker Fabp2. These data show that ESC‐derived intestinal organoids can be derived in large numbers, contain distinct ISC types and can be used to screen for agents that promote cell differentiation through different lineage pathways. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
UPLC–QTOF/MS for a Rapid Characterisation of Phenolic Compounds from Leaves of Myrtus communis L.
Authors: Taamalli Amani , Iswaldi Ihsan , Arráez‐Román David , Segura‐Carretero Antonio , Fernández‐Gutiérrez Alberto , Zarrouk Mokhtar
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Although continuous research has been conducted on the biological activities of myrtle and the characterisation of its essential oil, few studies have focused on its phenolic composition despite major beneficial properties.

Objective

To carry out a comprehensive characterisation of infusion and methanolic extract from myrtle leaves by UPLC–QTOF/MS.

Methods

Myrtle‐leaf infusions, prepared using deionised water, and the methanolic extracts were analysed by reversed‐phase ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to electrospray ionisation quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (ESI/QTOF/MS). The MS and MS/MS experiments were conducted using the negative‐ionisation mode, in order to provide molecular‐mass information and production spectra of the compounds for structural elucidation.

Results

The analytical method applied enabled the characterisation of several compounds such as gallic acid and galloyl derivatives, ellagic acid and derivatives, hexahydroxydiphenolyl and derivatives, flavonoids, lignans and gallomyrtucommulones. Flavonoids, ellagic acid and its derivatives and gallic acid and its derivatives formed the major fractions.

Conclusion

UPLC combined with QTOF/MS is a powerful analytical method for characterising infusions and alcoholic extracts from myrtle leaves. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does use of tetracyclic antidepressant—mirtazapine reduce cancer risk in depression patients?
Authors: Sun Li‐Min , Lin Ming‐Chia , Liang Ji‐An , Chang Yen‐Jung , Chang Shih‐Ni , Sung Fung‐Chang , Muo Chih‐Hsin , Kao Chia‐Hung
Published: October 2013

Purpose

We conducted a nested case‐control study to evaluate the association between risk of cancer and mirtazapine use in depression patients in Taiwan.

Methods

We obtained data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to conduct a population‐based nested case‐control study. The study cohort included 16 897 patients diagnosed with depression between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2008. We identified 530 cancer patients as the study group and matched 4 non‐cancer subjects with each cancer patient by incident density, age, and sex. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis.

Results

Use of mirtazapine for depression did not have significant effect on overall cancer incidence (odds ratio: 1.03, 95% confidence interval: 0.72–1.48). Further analysis of annual mirtazapine dosages and the duration of mirtazapine use revealed no significant effect on cancer risk.

Conclusion

The findings of this population‐based nested case‐control study suggest that mirtazapine use may not provide a tumor suppression effect in humans such as that seen in the animal model. Future large‐scale and in‐depth investigations in this area are warranted. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal birefringence in freely quenched multilayered slabs of amorphous polymers: Experiment and simulation
Authors: Kim Nam Hyung , Isayev Avraam I.
Published: October 2013

The simulation of the gapwise distribution of the thermally‐induced residual birefringence and stresses in freely‐quenched PS‐PC‐PS and PC‐PS‐PC multi‐layered slabs in water was carried out to calculate the gapwise distribution of the transient and residual birefringence. The modeling was based on the linear viscoelastic and photoviscoelastic constitutive equations combined with the first‐order rate equation for volume relaxation. The master curves for the Young's relaxation modulus and strain‐optical coefficient functions obtained earlier for PS and PC were used in the simulations. The obtained numerical results provided the evolution of the thermally‐induced stress and birefringence with time during and after quenching. The predicted gapwise residual birefringence distribution in these slabs was found to be in a fair agreement with the measured results. In addition, the gapwise distribution of the thermally‐induced residual birefringence in the multi‐layered PS‐PMMA‐PS, PMMA‐PS‐PMMA, PMMA‐PC‐PMMA, and PC‐PMMA‐PC slabs quenched from different initial temperatures was measured. Explanations were provided for the observed gapwise distribution of the thermal residual birefringence in each layer of these slabs including the effect of the initial temperature. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2097–2111, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Conducting polymers obtained from quiescent and stirred solutions: Effects on the properties
Authors: Sanchez‐Jiménez Margarita , Alemán Carlos , Estrany Francesc
Published: October 2013

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene), poly(N‐methylpyrrole), and three‐layered systems made of alternated layers of such two conducting polymers have been prepared by agitating the generation solution through a magnetic bar at a stirring speed of 400 rpm. The influence of these controlled dynamic conditions on both the electrochemical behavior and the superficial morphology has been examined. Results indicate that the increase in transport rate of reactants slightly favors the generation of more polymer weight at equal charge consumed. Consequently, the thickness of the materials prepared under stirring increases considerably with respect to those obtained from quiescent solutions, systems prepared using short (100 s) and large (300 s) polymerization times changing from nanometric to submicrometric and from submicrometric to micrometric length‐scales, respectively. Moreover, the porosity of PNMPy and PEDOT films also increases upon agitation. Thus, quiescent solutions produce compact and cavernous morphologies, respectively, for these materials, whereas the PNMPy and PEDOT obtained from agitated solutions are globular and spongy, respectively. Finally, the electroactivity, electrochemical stability, and electrical conductivity of the materials obtained from stirred solutions have been found to be significantly higher than those of the polymers prepared using quiescent solutions. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2121–2131, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Study of the controlled chain‐growth polymerization of poly(3,6‐phenanthrene)
Authors: Verswyvel Michiel , Hoebers Charly , De Winter Julien , Gerbaux Pascal , Koeckelberghs Guy
Published: October 2013

This manuscript investigates the possibilities to obtain helical conjugated polymers following a controlled chain‐growth polymerization mechanism with external initiation. Attempts to prepare poly(3,6‐(9,10‐di(octyloxy))phenanthrene)s with the existing chain‐growth mechanisms using existing Kumada or Negishi couplings were unsuccessful because of the difficulty to quantitatively prepare the Grignard metathesis reagent starting from the envisaged precursor, namely 3,6‐dibromo‐(9,10‐di(octyloxy))phenanthrene. On the other hand, a Suzuki–Miyaura coupling polymerization using Pd(PtBu3) as the catalyst clearly allows the polymerization to proceed. The reaction conditions were optimized and an in‐depth study with gel permeation chromatography and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐ToF) of the underlying mechanisms was performed. Nevertheless, a prolonged chain‐growth mechanism was not achieved for the targeted polymers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 5067–5074
Elevated fatty acid synthase expression in prostate needle biopsy cores predicts upgraded Gleason score in radical prostatectomy specimens
Authors: Hamada Shinsuke , Horiguchi Akio , Kuroda Kenji , Ito Keiichi , Asano Tomohiko , Miyai Kosuke , Iwaya Keiichi
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

We examined whether fatty acid synthase (FAS) expression in prostate biopsy cores had valuable information and could predict a Gleason score (GS) upgraded from biopsy to radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens.

METHODS

Immunostaining with a FAS antibody was performed on paraffin‐embedded prostate biopsy cores with GS 5–6 obtained from 80 patients who subsequently underwent RP. The correlations between FAS expression and clinicopathological parameters, upgrading group, and clinicopathological parameters including FAS expression were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify a significant set of independent predictors for upgrading GS.

RESULTS

A total of 46 patients (57.5%) with biopsy GS 5–6 were upgraded to GS ≥7 at RP. FAS expression was significantly associated with clinical T stage (P = 0.0232) and positive core rate (P = 0.0245). Upgrading from biopsy GS 5–6 to GS ≥7 at RP was significantly associated with clinical T stage (P = 0.0337), positive core rate (P = 0.0262), and FAS expression (P < 0.0001). FAS expression was a significant predictor for upgrading from biopsy GS 5–6 to GS ≥7 at RP in multivariate analysis (P < 0.0001; odds ratio, 12.35). FAS scores showed the largest area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC) in preoperative parameters (AUC = 0.753).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased FAS expression in prostate biopsy cores could be a novel parameter for upgrading from biopsy GS 5–6 to GS ≥7 at RP. If a biopsy GS is low, the treatment strategy for patients with high FAS expression in prostate biopsy cores should be carefully determined. Prostate 74:90–96, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tropical convection: the effects of ambient vertical and horizontal vorticity
Authors: Kilroy Gerard , Smith Roger K. , Wissmeier Ulrike
Published: October 2013

We present a series of idealized numerical model experiments to investigate aspects of deep convection in tropical depressions, including the effects of boundary‐layer wind structure on storm structure, especially on vertical vorticity production and updraught splitting, and the combined effects of horizontal and vertical shear on vertical vorticity production, with and without background rotation.

In warm‐cored disturbances such as tropical depressions, the vertical shear and horizontal vorticity change sign at some level near the top of the boundary layer so that, unlike in the typical middle‐latitude ‘supercell’ storm, the tilting of horizontal vorticity by a convective updraught leads not only to dipole patterns of vertical vorticity, but to a reversal also in sign of the updraught rotation with height. This finding has implications for understanding the merger of convectively induced vorticity anomalies during vortex evolution. Ambient cyclonic horizontal shear and/or cyclonic vertical vorticity favour amplification of the cyclonically rotating gyre of the dipole.

Consistent with an earlier study, storm splitting occurs in environments with pure horizontal shear as well as pure vertical shear, but the morphology of splitting is different. In both situations, splitting is found to require a relatively unstable sounding and relatively strong wind shear.
Influence of zirconium doping on the growth of apatite and corrosion behavior of DLC‐coated titanium alloy Ti–13Nb–13Zr
Authors: Mohan L. , Dilli Babu P. , Kumar Prateek , Anandan C.
Published: October 2013

Ti–13Nb–13Zr was coated with diamond‐like carbon (DLC) and zirconium‐doped DLC by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition and sputtering. The corrosion current of the substrate is not affected after coating, and corrosion potential shifts towards nobler values in Hanks' solution. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies show that Zr‐DLC samples behave like an ideal capacitor. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images after 7 days of immersion show absence of apatite on DLC‐coated sample and its presence on Zr‐doped DLC, but to a lesser extent as compared with that on the uncoated substrate. XPS and Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) of samples immersed in Hanks' solution show presence of calcium, phosphorous and oxygen in hydroxide/phosphate form on the substrate and Zr‐DLC. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recognition of speed limit signs in night scene images in Japan
Authors: Kageyama Yoichi , Kameya Hiromichi , Nishida Makoto , Ishizawa Chikako
Published: October 2013

A method to recognize speed limit signs in night scene images is proposed in this paper. The proposed method involves two main stages. First, sign candidates are detected by using the outline of white domain on the signs. This region has little influence on the change of color information or size. Next, the feature and common parts in speed limit signs are distinguished on the basis of their layout. We extract a suitable label from sign candidates and recognize it as a sign through a matching experiment. Experimental results for 596 images show that the proposed method is able to recognize speed limit signs with an accuracy of 94.3%. It is also shown that 423 images without speed limit signs are perfectly distinguished as images having no speed limit signs. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
GH52 xylosidase from Geobacillus stearothermophilus: characterization and introduction of xylanase activity by site-directed mutagenesis of Tyr509
Authors: Huang Zongqing , Liu Xiaoshuang , Zhang Shaowei , Liu Ziduo
Published: October 2013

A xylosidase gene, gsxyn, was cloned from the deep-sea thermophilic Geobacillus stearothermophilus, which consisted of 2,118 bp and encoded a protein of 705 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 79.8 kDa. The GSxyn of glycoside hydrolase family 52 (GH52) displayed its maximum activity at 70 °C and pH 5.5. The K  m and k  cat values of GSxyn for ρNPX were 0.48 mM and 36.64 s−1, respectively. Interestingly, a new exo-xylanase activity was introduced into GSxyn by mutating the tyrosine509 into glutamic acid, whereas the resultant enzyme variant, Y509E, retained the xylosidase activity. The optimum xylanase activity of theY509E mutant displayed at pH 6.5 and 50 °C, and retained approximately 45 % of its maximal activity at 55 °C, pH 6.5 for 60 min. The K  m and k  cat values of the xylanase activity of Y509E mutant for beechwood xylan were 5.10 mg/ml and 22.53 s−1, respectively. The optimum xylosidase activity of theY509E mutant displayed at pH 5.5 and 60 °C. The K  m and k  cat values of the xylosidase activity of Y509E mutant for ρNPX were 0.51 mM and 22.53 s−1, respectively. This report demonstrated that GH52 xylosidase has provided a platform for generating bifunctional enzymes for industrially significant and complex substrates, such as plant cell wall.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Genetic Counseling: A Global Perspective
Authors: Yashar Beverly M. , Peterson Madelyn
Published: October 2013

This special issue of the Journal of Genetic Counseling is focused on the global genetic counselling community and includes commentaries, original research and multiple brief reports describing both established formal genetic counselling services and training programs as well as services and programs that are currently in development.