bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological analysis of near-tetraploidy/tetraploidy acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Pang Changlee S , Pettenati Mark J , Pardee Timothy S
Published: January 2015

Aims

Near-tetraploidy/tetraploidy (NT/T) is a rare cytogenetic alteration in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). NT/T-AML is categorised as complex cytogenetics and therefore, presumed to have an unfavourable prognosis. Our aim is to further characterise the clinical, morphological, cytogenetic and prognostic features of NT/T-AML.

Methods

We searched our cytogenetic laboratory database from 1991 to 2012 to reveal 13 cases of NT/T-AML. Each case was evaluated with regard to its demographics, morphology, immunophenotype and prognosis. Specific morphological features included blast size, irregularity of nuclear contours, cytoplasmic vacuoles, and presence and lineage of dysplasia.

Results

Eleven men and two women had a median age of 68 years. Blasts were predominately large (11/13). Eight of 13 patients had AML with myelodysplasia-related changes. Sixty-nine per cent of patients achieved complete remission (CR). Median overall survival (OS) was 8.6 months. CR rate and median OS in cases with ≥5 cytogenetic abnormalities were 71% and 6 months, compared with 67% and 18.1 months in cases with <5 abnormalities.

Conclusions

NT/T-AML occurs in older males, exhibits large blast size and is associated with myelodysplasia. Unlike previously reported data, our study reveals an overall better prognosis in this older population with NT/T-AML than was expected for a complex karyotype AML. Cytogenetic complexity independent of ploidy status did not greatly affect the high CR rates, but did appear to be a better estimation of prognostic risk in terms of median OS.
A novel ecological methodology for constructing ethnic-majority life tables in the absence of individual ethnicity information
Authors: Morris Melanie , Woods Laura M , Rachet Bernard
Published: January 2015

Background

Deprivation-specific life tables have been in use for some time, but health outcomes are also known to vary by ethnicity over and above deprivation. The mortality experiences of ethnic groups are little studied in the UK, however, because ethnicity is not captured on death certificates.

Methods

Population data for all Output Areas (OAs) in England and Wales were stratified by age-group, sex and ethnic proportion, and matched to the deaths counts in that OA from 2000 to 2002. We modelled the relationship between mortality, age, deprivation and ethnic proportion. We predicted mortality rates for an area that contained the maximum proportion of each ethnic group reported in any area in England and Wales, using a generalised linear model with a Poisson distribution adjusted for deprivation.

Results

After adjustment, Asian and White life expectancies between 1 and 80 years were very similar. Black men and women had lower life expectancies: men by 4 years and women by around 1.5 years. The Asian population had the lowest mortality of all groups over age 45 in women and over 50 in men, whereas the Black population had the highest rates throughout, except in girls under 15.

Conclusions

We adopted a novel ecological method of constructing ethnic-majority life tables, adjusted for deprivation. There is still diversity within these three broad ethnic groups, but our data show important residual differences in mortality for Black men and women. These ethnic life tables can be used to inform public health planning and correctly account for background mortality in ethnic subgroups of the population.
Dynamics of health behaviours and socioeconomic differences in mortality in the USA
Authors: Mehta Neil K , House James S , Elliott Michael R
Published: January 2015

Background

To measure the explanatory role of behavioural factors to educational and income disparities in mortality among US adults (ages 25+).

Methods

Data were from four waves of the American Changing Lives Study (N=3617). There were 1832 deaths between 1986 and 2011. Smoking, physical activity, alcohol and body mass index were examined.

Results

Those with 0–11 years of schooling had an 88% (95% CI 48% to 139%) increased risk of dying compared to those with 16+years of schooling. Behavioural factors explained 41% (95% CI 26% to 55%) and 50% (95% CI 30% to 70%) of this excess in models that treated behavioural factors as fixed (single point in time) and time varying (repeated), respectively. The lowest income group (bottom 20th centile) had a 209% (95% CI 172% to 256%) increased risk of dying relative to the highest income group (top 40th centile). Behavioural factors explained 24% (fixed, 95% CI 13% to 35%) and 39% (repeated, 95% CI 22% to 56%) of this difference. Analyses of deaths by causes indicated that behavioural factors were more consequential to disparities in cardiovascular mortality, explaining up to 83% of educational differences, compared to cancer and other death causes.

Conclusions

Behavioural factors are one of a number of factors which explain socioeconomic mortality disparities, but their estimated explanatory role depends on a number of parameters including the socioeconomic status measure examined, the cause of death and age. In this nationally representative sample, findings based on repeated measures did not warrant a re-evaluation of earlier estimates.
Does falling testosterone with age among men underlie the increase in ischaemic heart disease
Authors: Zhao J , Schooling C M
Published: January 2015

Background

Observationally, testosterone falls with age among men and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) increases with age, so testosterone is commonly assumed to protect against IHD. Here we examined whether IHD mortality rates among men increased faster with age in the USA than China, where testosterone in men remains stable throughout adulthood, and also whether the increase with age in mortality rates for IHD is faster than for other causes of death.

Methods

Age-specific mortality rates from all causes, IHD, pneumonia and prostate cancer for men in the USA and China from 1991 to 1995 were obtained from the WHO, and considered in age groups because of non-linearity.

Results

The risk of death from IHD in US men increased with age at the same rate as the risk of death from any cause. In China, the risk of death from IHD increased with age faster than the risk of death from any cause.

Conclusion

The data are not consistent with the assumption that a fall in testosterone with age causes IHD.
Choreographing lived experience: dance, feelings and the storytelling body
Authors: Eli Karin , Kay Rosie
Published: January 2015

Although narrative-based research has been central to studies of illness experience, the inarticulate, sensory experiences of illness often remain obscured by exclusively verbal or textual inquiry. To foreground the body in our investigation of subjective and intersubjective aspects of eating disorders, we—a medical anthropologist and a contemporary dance choreographer—designed a collaborative project, in which we studied the experiences of women who had eating disorders, through eight weeks of integrating dance practice-based, discussion-based and interview-based research. Grounded in the participants’ own reflections on choreographing, dancing and watching others perform solos about their eating disordered experiences, our analysis examines the types of knowledge the participants used in choreographing their dance works, and the knowledge that they felt the dance enabled them to convey. We find that the participants consistently spoke of feeling as guiding their choreographic processes; they also said the experiences they conveyed through their dance works were centred in feelings, rather than in practices or events. Through dance, the participants said they could communicate experiences that would have remained unspoken otherwise. Yet, notably, dance practice also enabled participants to begin defining and describing their experiences verbally. We suggest, therefore, that through engaging participants in contemporary dance practice, we can begin to identify and address embodied experiences of illness and recovery that may be silenced in speech or writing alone.
Periprocedural complications associated with endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms in 1764 cases
Authors: Zheng Yongtao , Liu Yingjun , Leng Bing , Xu Feng , Tian Yanlong
Published: January 2015

Background

Intracranial aneurysms are increasingly treated with endovascular treatment. Based on our observation that cerebral complications are associated with this treatment, we predict that the number of intraprocedural complications will rise as a result of this trend.

Methods

Between January 2007 and December 2013, 1739 patients underwent 1764 detachable coil embolizations to treat intracranial aneurysms (637 ruptured and 1127 unruptured). We reviewed their records and images to evaluate the periprocedural complications and related morbidity and mortality.

Results

61 complications occurred during coil embolization and 33 periprocedural complications occurred within 1 week. These complications were observed in 8.6% of ruptured aneurysm embolization procedures (55/637) and in 3.5% of unruptured aneurysm embolization procedures (39/1127). There were 17 (0.96%) cerebral thromboembolisms, 34 (1.93%) intraprocedural aneurysm ruptures, 8 (0.45%) coil migrations, 13 (0.74%) postprocedural aneurysmal ruptures, and 22 (1.24%) neurologic deficits or transient neurologic deficits related to embolization. 63 complications had no neurologic consequences, 3 were associated with transient neurologic morbidity, 15 resulted in persistent neurologic morbidity on discharge, and 12 resulted in death. The procedure-related neurologic morbidity and mortality rates for all 1764 procedures were 0.85% in ruptured aneurysms and 0.68% in unruptured aneurysms.

Conclusions

The periprocedural complication rate was higher in ruptured aneurysms than in unruptured aneurysms. The main causes of morbidity and mortality were thromboembolisms, intraprocedural aneurysm perforations, and postprocedural aneurysmal ruptures. While some periprocedural complications are inevitable, we can minimize the occurrence of such complications by advancing our skill and experience, thereby improving patient prognosis.
Investigating common clinical presentations in first opinion small animal consultations using direct observation
Authors: Robinson N. J. , Dean R. S. , Cobb M. , Brennan M. L.
Published: January 2015

Understanding more about the clinical presentations encountered in veterinary practice is vital in directing research towards areas relevant to practitioners. The aim of this study was to describe all problems discussed during a convenience sample of consultations using a direct observation method. A data collection tool was used to gather data by direct observation during small animal consultations at eight sentinel practices. Data were recorded for all presenting and non‐presenting specific health problems discussed. A total of 1901 patients were presented with 3206 specific health problems discussed. Clinical presentation varied widely between species and between presenting and non‐presenting problems. Skin lump, vomiting and inappetence were the most common clinical signs reported by the owner while overweight/obese, dental tartar and skin lump were the most common clinical examination findings. Skin was the most frequently affected body system overall followed by non‐specific problems then the gastrointestinal system. Consultations are complex, with a diverse range of different clinical presentations seen. Considering the presenting problem only may give an inaccurate view of the veterinary caseload, as some common problems are rarely the reason for presentation. Understanding the common diagnoses made is the next step and will help to further focus questions for future research.
A thermomechanical model for saturated soil at small and large strains
Authors: Zhou C. , Ng C.W.W.
Published: January 2015

Many elastoplastic models have been developed for simulating thermomechanical behaviour of saturated soil. Although the yield surface of these models shrinks with temperature, its shape is always assumed to be independent of temperature. This simplification may induce errors in predicting thermal effects on shear behaviour. Furthermore, existing models tend to focus on thermomechanical behaviour at large strains. Behaviour such as the degradation of the shear modulus with strain at small strains (<1%) is often ignored. To address these issues, a new thermomechanical model is developed using the bounding surface plasticity theory. Both the size and shape of the bounding surface are allowed to change with temperature. The new model is able to predict elastoplastic response of saturated soil at small strains, even when stress path is within the bounding surface. Using this new model, thermomechanical behaviour of four different soils having different overconsolidation ratios is simulated. Comparisons between measured and computed results reveal that the new model is able to capture many vital aspects of thermomechanical behaviour, including volume changes during heating and cooling, and thermal effects on drained and undrained shear behaviour. In particular, it predicts a gradual degradation of the shear modulus at small strains. By incorporating thermal effects on the shape of the bounding surface, the modelling of thermomechanical behaviour, especially the effective stress path during undrained shearing, is improved.
Effect of roughness on shear behavior of red clay – concrete interface in large-scale direct shear tests
Authors: Chen Xiaobin , Zhang Jiasheng , Xiao Yuanjie , Li Jian
Published: January 2015

Few studies have focused on evaluating regular surface roughness and its effect on interfacial shear behavior of the red clay – concrete interface. This paper presents the results of a series of laboratory large-scale direct shear tests conducted using different types of red clay – concrete interfaces. The objective is to examine the effect of surface roughness on these types of soil–concrete interfaces. In the smooth-interface tests, the measured peak and residual shear strength values are very close to each other, with no observed shear dilation. The surface roughness is found to have a remarkable effect on the interfacial shear strength and shear behavior, with the shear strength increasing with increased surface roughness level. The shear dilation is likely to occur on rougher interfaces under lower confining pressure due to the behavior of compressed clay matrices. Owing to the clay matrix’s cohesion and friction, the interfacial shear strength on rough interfaces consists of cohesive and frictional forces between the clay and concrete surfaces. The friction angle value is observed to fluctuate between the clay’s friction angle and the smooth interface’s friction angle. This can be related to the position change of the shear failure slip plane. The confining pressure and surface roughness could change the shear failure plane’s position on the interface. Furthermore, the red clay – structure interface is usually known as the weakest part in the mechanical safety assessment.
Towards uncovering evolution of lineage-specific calcium oxalate crystal patterns in Piperales
Authors: Horner Harry T. , Samain Marie-Stéphanie , Wagner Sarah T. , Wanke Stefan
Published: January 2015

Piperales is among the largest and most diverse angiosperm orders (>4000 species), occurring broadly in tropical and temperate habitats. Twenty-four of the species from 12 genera, representing all lineages of Piperales, except the holoparasitic Hydnoraceae, display a mixture of leaf calcium oxalate crystal types found in previous studies of the two genera of Piperaceae subfamily Piperoideae (Peperomia Ruiz & Pav. and Piper L.). Crystal macropatterns, a result of varying leaf anatomies and diverse habitats, are investigated in a comparative way by using clearings and recent molecular phylogenetic hypotheses to trace crystal types and macropattern evolution. Ancestral character reconstruction reveals that the most recent common ancestor of Piperales had either crystal sand or druses or both and that prisms, raphides, and styloids are derived from the ancestral crystal type(s). These results are also recovered for both the ancestors of the perianth-less and the perianth-bearing Piperales. Raphides or druses are found in the two other subfamilies of Piperaceae (Verhuellioideae and Zippelioideae). Asaraceae and Lactoridaceae display crystal sand, whereas Aristolochia L. (Aristolochiaceae) species display mainly druses. Our crystal investigation, combined with ancestral character reconstruction, suggests that styloids, raphides, and prisms are derived within Piperales from crystal sand or druses.
Linking phytoplankton phenology to salmon productivity along a north–south gradient in the Northeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: Malick Michael J. , Cox Sean P. , Mueter Franz J. , Peterman Randall M.
Published: January 2015

We investigated spatial and temporal components of phytoplankton dynamics in the Northeast Pacific Ocean to better understand the mechanisms linking biological oceanographic conditions to productivity of 27 pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) stocks. Specifically, we used spatial covariance functions in combination with multistock spawner–recruit analyses to model relationships among satellite-derived chlorophyll a concentrations, initiation date of the spring phytoplankton bloom, and salmon productivity. For all variables, positive spatial covariation was strongest at the regional scale (0–800 km) with no covariation beyond 1500 km. Spring bloom timing was significantly correlated with salmon productivity for both northern (Alaska) and southern (British Columbia) populations, although the correlations were opposite in sign. An early spring bloom was associated with higher productivity for northern populations and lower productivity for southern populations. Furthermore, the spring bloom initiation date was always a better predictor of salmon productivity than mean chlorophyll a concentration. Our results suggest that changes in spring bloom timing resulting from natural climate variability or anthropogenic climate change could potentially cause latitudinal shifts in salmon productivity.
Lattice Boltzmann method for axisymmetric turbulent flows
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhou Jian Guo
Published: January 2015

A lattice Boltzmann model for axisymmetric turbulent flows is developed. It is a further development of the enhanced axisymmetric lattice Boltzmann method (AxLAB®). The turbulent flow is efficiently and naturally simulated through incorporation of the standard subgrid-scale (SGS) stress model into the axisymmetric lattice Boltzmann equation in a consistent manner with the lattice gas dynamics. The model is verified by applying it to three typical cases in engineering: (i) pipe flow through an abrupt axisymmetric constriction, (ii) axisymmetric separated and reattached flow and (iii) pulsatile flows in a stenotic vessel. The numerical results obtained using the present method are compared with experimental data and other available numerical solutions, indicating good agreements. The model is simple and is able to predict axisymmetric turbulent flows at good accuracy.
Dynamical system analysis for DBI dark energy interacting with dark matter
Authors: Mahata Nilanjana , Chakraborty Subenoy
Published: January 2015

A dynamical system analysis related to Dirac–Born–Infeld (DBI) cosmological model has been investigated in this present work. For spatially flat FRW spacetime, the Einstein field equation for DBI scenario has been used to study the dynamics of DBI dark energy interacting with dark matter. The DBI dark energy model is considered as a scalar field with a nonstandard kinetic energy term. An interaction between the DBI dark energy and dark matter is considered through a phenomenological interaction between DBI scalar field and the dark matter fluid. The field equations are reduced to an autonomous dynamical system by a suitable redefinition of the basic variables. The potential of the DBI scalar field is assumed to be exponential. Finally, critical points are determined, their nature have been analyzed and corresponding cosmological scenario has been discussed.
Metastability in a class of hyperbolic dynamical systems perturbed by heavy-tailed Lévy type noise
Authors: Högele Michael , Pavlyukevich Ilya
Published: January 2015

We consider a finite dimensional deterministic dynamical system with finitely many local attractors Kι, each of which supports a unique ergodic probability measure Pι, perturbed by a multiplicative non-Gaussian heavy-tailed Lévy noise of small intensity ε > 0. We show that the random system exhibits a metastable behavior: there exists a unique ε-dependent time scale on which the system reminds of a continuous time Markov chain on the set of the invariant measures Pι. In particular our approach covers the case of dynamical systems of Morse–Smale type, whose attractors consist of points and limit cycles, perturbed by multiplicative α-stable Lévy noise in the Itô, Stratonovich and Marcus sense. As examples we consider α-stable Lévy perturbations of the Duffing equation and Pareto perturbations of a biochemical birhythmic system with two nested limit cycles.
Van den Essen's conjecture on the kernel of a derivation having a slice
Authors: Kuroda Shigeru
Published: January 2015

The problem of finite generation of the kernel of a derivation of a polynomial ring is a special case of Hilbert's Fourteenth Problem. It is well known that the answer is affirmative if the derivation is locally nilpotent and having a slice. Van den Essen (1995) conjectured that there exists a counterexample for non-locally nilpotent derivations with a slice. In this paper, we solve this conjecture in the affirmative.
Multiplicative relations between coefficients of logarithmic derivatives of 𝔽q-linear functions and applications
Authors: Lara Rodríguez José Alejandro , Thakur Dinesh S.
Published: January 2015

We prove some interesting multiplicative relations which hold between the coefficients of the logarithmic derivatives obtained in a few simple ways from 𝔽q-linear formal power series. Since the logarithmic derivatives connect power sums to elementary symmetric functions via the Newton identities, we establish, as applications, new identities between important quantities of function field arithmetic, such as the Bernoulli–Carlitz fractions and power sums as well as their multivariable generalizations. Resulting understanding of their factorizations has arithmetic significance, as well as applications to function field zeta and multizeta values evaluations and relations between them. Using specialization/generalization arguments, we provide much more general identities on linear forms providing a switch between power sums for positive and negative powers.
A note on the cancellation property of k[X, Y]
Authors: Bhatwadekar S. M. , Gupta Neena
Published: January 2015

In [On affine-ruled rational surfaces, Math. Ann.255(3) (1981) 287–302], Russell had proved that when k is a perfect field of positive characteristic, the polynomial ring k[X, Y] is cancellative. In this note, we shall show that this cancellation property holds even without the hypothesis that k is perfect.
High-school algebra of the theory of dicritical divisors: Atypical fibers for special pencils and polynomials
Authors: Artal Bartolo E. , Luengo I. , Melle-Hernández A.
Published: January 2015

In this work we deal with dicritical divisors, curvettes and polynomials. These objects have been one of the main research interests of Abhyankar during his last years. In this work we provide some elementary proofs of some Abhyankar and Luengo results for dicriticals in the framework of formal power series. Based on these ideas we give a constructive way to find the atypical fibers of a special pencil and give bounds for its number, which are sharper than the existing ones. Finally, we answer a question of Gwoździewicz finding polynomials that reach his bound.
A new proof of the theorems of Lin–Zaidenberg and Abhyankar–Moh–Suzuki
Authors: Palka Karol
Published: January 2015

Using the theory of minimal models of quasi-projective surfaces we give a new proof of the theorem of Lin–Zaidenberg which says that every topologically contractible algebraic curve in the complex affine plane has equation Xn = Ym in some algebraic coordinates on the plane. This gives also a proof of the theorem of Abhyankar–Moh–Suzuki concerning embeddings of the complex line into the plane. Independently, we show how to deduce the latter theorem from basic properties of ℚ-acyclic surfaces.
On a class of generalized Kac–Moody algebras arising from 2-fold affinizations
Authors: Gan Huiling , Tan Youjun
Published: January 2015

We study a class of generalized Kac–Moody algebras which are fixed point subalgebras of the covering Kac–Moody algebras of some generalized intersection matrix (GIM) algebras of Slodowy.
Note on algebras which are sums of two PI subalgebras
Authors: Kȩpczyk Marek
Published: January 2015

We study an associative algebra A over an arbitrary field that is a sum of two subalgebras A1and A2(i.e. A = A1+ A2). Additionally we assume that Aihas an ideal of finite codimension in Aiwhich satisfies a polynomial identity fi= 0 for i = 1, 2. Suppose that all rings R = R1+ R2, which are sums of subrings R1and R2, are PI rings when Risatisfies the polynomial identity fi= 0 for i = 1, 2. We prove that A is a PI algebra.
On the second spectrum and the second classical Zariski topology of a module
Authors: Çeken Seçil , Alkan Mustafa
Published: January 2015

Let R be an associative ring with identity and Specs(M) denote the set of all second submodules of a right R-module M. In this paper, we investigate some interrelations between algebraic properties of a module M and topological properties of the second classical Zariski topology on Specs(M). We prove that a right R-module M has only a finite number of maximal second submodules if and only if Specs(M) is a finite union of irreducible closed subsets. We obtain some interrelations between compactness of the second classical Zariski topology of a module M and finiteness of the set of minimal submodules of M. We give a connection between connectedness of Specs(M) and decomposition of M for a right R-module M. We give several characterizations of a noetherian module M over a ring R such that every right primitive factor of R is artinian for which Specs(M) is connected.
Possible use of BN-modified fullerene as a nano-biosensor to detect adenine–thymine Watson–Crick base pair in mutagenic tautomeric form: Theoretical approach
Authors: Siddiqui Shamoon Ahmad , Rasheed Tabish , Bouarissa Nadir , Al-Hajry A.
Published: January 2015

The present work deals with the theoretical investigation of electronic structure features and stability of adenine–thymine (AT) and rare tautomer of adenine–thymine (rAT) base pairs along with their complexes with Cu2+cation and their interactions with BN doped fullerene ( C58BN ). All the calculations have been performed with density functional theory using B3LYP functional. Electronic structures of the two base pairs are almost identical. Hence, it is rather difficult to distinguish between the two base pairs on the basis of their electronic properties. As per our theoretical calculations, we have observed that, BN modified fullerene could act as a nano-biosensor for detection of mispairing between these two complementary bases as well as their Cu2+complexes.
Advantages of Prefabricated Tunnel Junction-Based Molecular Spintronics Devices
Authors: Tyagi Pawan , Friebe Edward , Baker Collin
Published: January 2015

Molecule-based devices may govern the advancement of the next generation's logic and memory devices. Molecules have the potential to be unmatched device elements as chemists can mass produce an endless variety of molecules with novel optical, magnetic and charge transport characteristics. However, the biggest challenge is to connect two metal leads to a target molecule(s) and develop a robust and versatile device fabrication technology that can be adopted for commercial scale mass production. This paper discusses distinct advantages of utilizing commercially successful tunnel junctions as a vehicle for developing molecular spintronics devices. We describe the use of a prefabricated tunnel junction with the exposed sides as a testbed for molecular device fabrication. On the exposed sides of a tunnel junction molecules are bridged across an insulator by chemically bonding with the two metal electrodes; sequential growth of metal–insulator–metal layers ensures that separation between two metal electrodes is controlled by the insulator thickness to the molecular device length scale. This paper highlights various attributes of tunnel junction-based molecular devices with ferromagnetic electrodes for making molecular spintronics devices. We strongly emphasize a need for close collaboration between chemists and magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) researchers. Such partnerships will have a strong potential to develop tunnel junction-based molecular devices for futuristic areas such as memory devices, magnetic metamaterials, high sensitivity multi-chemical biosensors, etc.
One-Step Solvothermal Synthesis of Tetranitro-Cobalt Phthalocyanine/Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Li Hejun , Fu Qiangang , Xu Zhanwei , Li Kezhi , Wei Jianfeng
Published: January 2015

Tetranitro-cobalt phthalocyanine/reduced graphene oxide (TNCoPc/RGO) composite was prepared using ethylene glycol as reducing agent and precursor. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to characterize the composite. The electrochemical performance of the composite was examined by cyclic voltammetry and rotating disk electrode. The SEM observation and UV-Vis absorption spectrophotometer reveal that TNCoPc nanoparticles are closely contacted with RGO. The results show that the composite has a larger peak current and a higher current density than TNCoPc for oxygen reduction in an alkaline medium. This work offers a simple and environmental route for the synthesis of metal phthalocyanine (MPc)/RGO, which is adaptable to a wide range of applications in fuel cells.
Influence of Electric Field on the Mechanical Properties of Hexagonal Boron-Nitride Sheets Using ab-initio Calculations
Authors: Ansari R. , Malakpour S. , Faghihnasiri M. , Ajori S.
Published: January 2015

In some cases such as assembling nanodevices and nanobiosensing, the effect of electric filed on the mechanical properties of nanomaterials is important and should be taken into account. The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of electric field on the mechanical properties of hexagonal boron-nitride (h-BN) using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results show the high sensitivity of mechanical properties to the magnitude and direction of electric field. It is observed that imposing the electric field on the armchair direction, unlike the zigzag direction, increases the magnitude of elastic properties of h-BN especially in the case of Poisson's ratio. It is further observed that the electric field perpendicular to h-BN has a negligible effect on its mechanical properties.
Influence of Post-Implantation Annealing Parameters on the Focused Ion Beam Directed Nucleation of InAs Quantum Dots
Authors: Mehta M. , Reuter D. , Kamruddin M. , Tyagi A. K. , Wieck A. D.
Published: January 2015

We present the effect of post-implantation annealing conditions on the structural and optical quality of InAs quantum dots (QDs) grown by combination of focused ion beam (FIB) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) approach. A FIB of Ga + ion was employed to pattern a homogeneously GaAs buffer layers and then, an in situ annealing step followed by InAs deposition was performed. Three different post-implantation annealing conditions were tested and under well-optimized conditions, a dislocation and defect-free InAs QDs growth on FIB patterned surface was successfully achieved. Furthermore, using photoluminescence (PL) study, we demonstrate that our best sample shows almost similar optical quality as MBE grown QDs on unimplanted GaAs surface. The patterning technique described here can presumably be applied to systems other than InAs / GaAs and highly interesting for site-controlled nucleation of QDs that finds its potential applications in nanooptoelectronic devices.
Extrafloral Nectar at the Plant-Insect Interface: A Spotlight on Chemical Ecology, Phenotypic Plasticity, and Food Webs
Authors: Heil Martin
Published: January 2015

Plants secrete extrafloral nectar (EFN) as an induced defense against herbivores. EFN contains not only carbohydrates and amino acids but also pathogenesis-related proteins and other protective enzymes, making EFN an exclusive reward. EFN secretion is commonly induced after wounding, likely owing to a jasmonic acid–induced cell wall invertase, and is limited by phloem sucrose availability: Both factors control EFN secretion according to the optimal defense hypothesis. Non-ant EFN consumers include parasitoids, wasps, spiders, mites, bugs, and predatory beetles. Little is known about the relevance of EFN to the nutrition of its consumers and, hence, to the structuring of arthropod communities. The mutualism can be established quickly among noncoevolved (e.g., invasive) species, indicating its easy assembly is due to ecological fitting. Therefore, increasing efforts are directed toward using EFN in biocontrol. However, documentation of the importance of EFN for the communities of plants and arthropods in natural, invasive, and agricultural ecosystems is still limited.
Insecticide Resistance in Mosquitoes: Impact, Mechanisms, and Research Directions
Authors: Liu Nannan
Published: January 2015

Mosquito-borne diseases, the most well known of which is malaria, are among the leading causes of human deaths worldwide. Vector control is a very important part of the global strategy for management of mosquito-associated diseases, and insecticide application is the most important component in this effort. However, mosquito-borne diseases are now resurgent, largely because of the insecticide resistance that has developed in mosquito vectors and the drug resistance of pathogens. A large number of studies have shown that multiple, complex resistance mechanisms—in particular, increased metabolic detoxification of insecticides and decreased sensitivity of the target proteins—or genes are likely responsible for insecticide resistance. Gene overexpression and amplification, and mutations in protein-coding-gene regions, have frequently been implicated as well. However, no comprehensive understanding of the resistance mechanisms or regulation involved has yet been developed. This article reviews current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms, genes, gene interactions, and gene regulation governing the development of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes and discusses the potential impact of the latest research findings on the basic and practical aspects of mosquito resistance research.
A Conversation with Susan Band Horwitz
Authors: Horwitz Susan Band , Goldman I. David
Published: January 2015

Susan Band Horwitz is a Distinguished Professor and holds the Falkenstein Chair in Cancer Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. She is co-chair of the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and associate director for therapeutics at the Albert Einstein Cancer Center. After graduating from Bryn Mawr College, Dr. Horwitz received her PhD in biochemistry from Brandeis University. She has had a continuing interest in natural products as a source of new drugs for the treatment of cancer. Her most seminal research contribution has been in the development of Taxol®. Dr. Horwitz and her colleagues made the discovery that Taxol had a unique mechanism of action and suggested that it was a prototype for a new class of antitumor drugs. Although Taxol was an antimitotic agent blocking cells in the metaphase stage of the cell cycle, Dr. Horwitz recognized that Taxol was blocking mitosis in a way different from that of other known agents. Her group demonstrated that the binding site for Taxol was on the β-tubulin subunit. The interaction of Taxol with the β-tubulin subunit resulted in stabilized microtubules, essentially paralyzing the cytoskeleton, thereby preventing cell division. Dr. Horwitz served as president (2002–2003) of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society. She has received numerous honors and awards, including the C. Chester Stock Award from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Warren Alpert Foundation Prize from Harvard Medical School, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Award for Distinguished Achievement in Cancer Research, the American Cancer Society's Medal of Honor, and the AACR Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research.

The following interview was conducted on January 23, 2014.
Cyclin C stimulates β-cell proliferation in rat and human pancreatic β-cells
Authors: Jiménez-Palomares Margarita , López-Acosta José Francisco , Villa-Pérez Pablo , Moreno-Amador José Luis , Muñoz-Barrera Jennifer , Fernández-Luis Sara , Heras-Pozas Blanca , Perdomo Germán , Bernal-Mizrachi Ernesto , Cózar-Castellano Irene
Published: January 2015

Activation of pancreatic β-cell proliferation has been proposed as an approach to replace reduced functional β-cell mass in diabetes. Quiescent fibroblasts exit from G0 (quiescence) to G1 through pRb phosphorylation mediated by cyclin C/cdk3 complexes. Overexpression of cyclin D1, D2, D3, or cyclin E induces pancreatic β-cell proliferation. We hypothesized that cyclin C overexpression would induce β-cell proliferation through G0 exit, thus being a potential therapeutic target to recover functional β-cell mass. We used isolated rat and human islets transduced with adenovirus expressing cyclin C. We measured multiple markers of proliferation: [3H]thymidine incorporation, BrdU incorporation and staining, and Ki67 staining. Furthermore, we detected β-cell death by TUNEL, β-cell differentiation by RT-PCR, and β-cell function by glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Interestingly, we have found that cyclin C increases rat and human β-cell proliferation. This augmented proliferation did not induce β-cell death, dedifferentiation, or dysfunction in rat or human islets. Our results indicate that cyclin C is a potential target for inducing β-cell regeneration.
Modulation of glucose metabolism by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
Authors: Favre Guillaume A. , Esnault Vincent L. M. , Van Obberghen Emmanuel
Published: January 2015

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is an enzymatic cascade functioning in a paracrine and autocrine fashion. In animals and humans, RAAS intrinsic to tissues modulates food intake, metabolic rate, adiposity, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion. A large array of observations shows that dysregulation of RAAS in the metabolic syndrome favors type 2 diabetes. Remarkably, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, suppressing the synthesis of angiotensin II (ANG II), and angiotensin receptor blockers, targeting the ANG II type 1 receptor, prevent diabetes in patients with hypertensive or ischemic cardiopathy. These drugs interrupt the negative feedback loop of ANG II on the RAAS cascade, which results in increased production of angiotensins. In addition, they change the tissue expression of RAAS components. Therefore, the concept of a dual axis of RAAS regarding glucose homeostasis has emerged. The RAAS deleterious axis increases the production of inflammatory cytokines and raises oxidative stress, exacerbating the insulin resistance and decreasing insulin secretion. The beneficial axis promotes adipogenesis, blocks the production of inflammatory cytokines, and lowers oxidative stress, thereby improving insulin sensitivity and secretion. Currently, drugs targeting RAAS are not given for the purpose of preventing diabetes in humans. However, we anticipate that in the near future the discovery of novel means to modulate the RAAS beneficial axis will result in a decisive therapeutic breakthrough.
Direct effect of incretin hormones on glucose and glycerol metabolism and hemodynamics
Authors: Karstoft Kristian , Mortensen Stefan P. , Knudsen Sine H. , Solomon Thomas P. J.
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study was to assess the insulin-independent effects of incretin hormones on glucose and glycerol metabolism and hemodynamics under euglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions. Young, healthy men ( n = 10) underwent three trials in a randomized, controlled, crossover study. Each trial consisted of a two-stage (euglycemia and hyperglycemia) pancreatic clamp (using somatostatin to prevent endogenous insulin secretion). Glucose and lipid metabolism was measured via infusion of stable glucose and glycerol isotopic tracers. Hemodynamic variables (femoral, brachial, and common carotid artery blood flow and flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery) were also measured. The three trials differed as follows: 1) saline [control (CON)], 2) glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1, 0.5 pmol·kg−1·min−1), and 3) glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP, 1.5 pmol·kg−1·min−1). No between-trial differences in glucose infusion rates (GIR) or glucose or glycerol kinetics were seen during euglycemia, whereas hyperglycemia resulted in increased GIR and glucose rate of disappearance during GLP-1 compared with CON and GIP ( P < 0.01 for all). However, when normalized to insulin levels, no differences between trials were seen for GIR or glucose rate of disappearance. Besides a higher femoral blood flow during hyperglycemia with GIP (vs. CON and GLP-1, P < 0.001), no between-trial differences were seen for the hemodynamic variables. In conclusion, GLP-1 and GIP have no direct effect on whole body glucose metabolism or hemodynamics during euglycemia. On the contrary, during hyperglycemia, GIP increases femoral artery blood flow with no effect on glucose metabolism, whereas GLP-1 increases glucose disposal, potentially due to increased insulin levels.
Ceritinib for the Treatment of Late-Stage (Metastatic) Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Massarelli Erminia , Papadimitrakopoulou Vassiliki
Published: January 2015

Over the past decade, the non–small cell lung cancer therapeutics landscape has been dominated by the increasing focus on identification and validation of molecular targets, as well as the identification of the best candidate agents to address these targets. Among the notable successes have been the approval of erlotinib, gefitinib, and afatinib for the EGFR mutation, and more recently crizotinib for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangement. Despite the excellent efficacy of crizotinib, several mechanisms of resistance, including secondary mutation in the ALK gene, eventually result in disease progression, and several second-generation ALK inhibitors, notably ceritinib, have demonstrated evidence of clinical activity in this setting. This review discusses the data associated with the recent accelerated approval of ceritinib for treatment of patients with ALK-positive, metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with disease progression on or who are intolerant to crizotinib. Clin Cancer Res; 21(4); 670–4. ©2015 AACR.
Validation of the Hsp70–Bag3 Protein–Protein Interaction as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Cancer
Authors: Li Xiaokai , Colvin Teresa , Rauch Jennifer N. , Acosta-Alvear Diego , Kampmann Martin , Dunyak Bryan , Hann Byron , Aftab Blake T. , Murnane Megan , Cho Min , Walter Peter , Weissman Jonathan S. , Sherman Michael Y. , Gestwicki Jason E.
Published: January 2015

Hsp70 is a stress-inducible molecular chaperone that is required for cancer development at several steps. Targeting the active site of Hsp70 has proven relatively challenging, driving interest in alternative approaches. Hsp70 collaborates with the Bcl2-associated athanogene 3 (Bag3) to promote cell survival through multiple pathways, including FoxM1. Therefore, inhibitors of the Hsp70–Bag3 protein–protein interaction (PPI) may provide a noncanonical way to target this chaperone. We report that JG-98, an allosteric inhibitor of this PPI, indeed has antiproliferative activity (EC50 values between 0.3 and 4 μmol/L) across cancer cell lines from multiple origins. JG-98 destabilized FoxM1 and relieved suppression of downstream effectors, including p21 and p27. On the basis of these findings, JG-98 was evaluated in mice for pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and activity in two xenograft models. The results suggested that the Hsp70–Bag3 interaction may be a promising, new target for anticancer therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(3); 642–8. ©2015 AACR.
Alternative NHEJ Pathway Components Are Therapeutic Targets in High-Risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Newman Erika A. , Lu Fujia , Bashllari Daniela , Wang Li , Opipari Anthony W. , Castle Valerie P.
Published: January 2015

In neuroblastoma, MYCN genomic amplification and segmental chromosomal alterations including 1p or 11q loss of heterozygocity and/or 17q gain are associated with progression and poor clinical outcome. Segmental alterations are the strongest predictor of relapse and result from unbalanced translocations attributable to erroneous repair of chromosomal breaks. Although sequence analysis of affected genomic regions suggests that these errors arise by nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB), abnormalities in NHEJ have not been implicated in neuroblastoma pathogenesis. On this basis, the hypothesis that an error-prone mechanism of NHEJ is critical for neuroblastoma cell survival was tested. Plasmid-based DSB repair assays demonstrated efficient NHEJ activity in human neuroblastoma cells with repair products that were error-prone relative to nontransformed cells. Neuroblastoma cells derived from tumorigenic neuroblastic phenotypes had differential DNA repair protein expression patterns compared with nontumorigenic cells. Tumorigenic neuroblastoma cells were deficient in DNA ligase IV (Lig4) and Artemis (DCLRE1C), mediators of canonical NHEJ. Conversely, enzymes required for an error-prone alternative NHEJ pathway (alt-NHEJ), DNA Ligase IIIα (Lig3), DNA Ligase I (Lig1), and PARP1 protein were upregulated. Inhibition of Lig3 and Lig1 led to DSB accumulation and cell death, linking alt-NHEJ to cell survival in neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma cells demonstrated sensitivity to PARP1 inhibition (PARPi) that paralleled PARP1 expression. In a dataset of human neuroblastoma patient tumors, overexpression of genes encoding alt-NHEJ proteins associated with poor survival.

Implications: These findings provide an insight into DNA repair fidelity in neuroblastoma and identify components of the alt-NHEJ pathway as promising therapeutic targets. Mol Cancer Res; 13(3); 470–82. ©2015 AACR.