bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in normal prostate tissue, postatrophic hyperplasia, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and tumor histological lesions in men with and without prostate cancer
Authors: Davidsson Sabina , Andren Ove , Ohlson Anna‐Lena , Carlsson Jessica , Andersson Swen‐Olof , Giunchi Francesca , Rider Jennifer R. , Fiorentino Michelangelo
Published: November 2017

Background

The tumor promoting or counteracting effects of the immune response to cancer development are thought to be mediated to some extent by the infiltration of regulatory T cells (Tregs). In the present study we evaluated the prevalence of Treg populations in stromal and epithelial compartments of normal, post atrophic hyperplasia (PAH), prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), and tumor lesions in men with and without prostate cancer.

Methods

Study subjects were 102 men consecutively diagnosed with localized prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy and 38 men diagnosed with bladder cancer undergoing cystoprostatectomy without prostate cancer at the pathological examination. Whole mount sections from all patients were evaluated for the epithelial and stromal expression of CD4+ Tregs and CD8+ Tregs in normal, PAH, PIN, and tumor lesions. A Friedmańs test was used to investigate differences in the mean number of Tregs across histological lesions. Logistic regression was used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) for prostate cancer for each histological area.

Results

In men with prostate cancer, similarly high numbers of stromal CD4+ Tregs were identified in PAH and tumor, but CD4+ Tregs were less common in PIN. Greater numbers of epithelial CD4+ Tregs in normal prostatic tissue were positively associated with both Gleason score and pT‐stage. We observed a fourfold increased risk of prostate cancer in men with epithelial CD4+ Tregs in the normal prostatic tissue counterpart.

Conclusions

Our results may suggest a possible pathway through which PAH develops directly into prostate cancer in the presence of CD4+ Tregs and indicate that transformation of the anti‐tumor immune response may be initiated even before the primary tumor is established.
Penetration and pharmacokinetics of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in rat prostate tissue
Authors: Yellepeddi Venkata K. , Radhakrishnan Jayashree , Radhakrishnan Rajan
Published: November 2017

Background

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) involves inflammation of the prostate and affects the quality of life of men of all ages. It is well reported in clinical studies that the treatment for CP/CPPS using nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) produced favorable outcomes. However, currently, there are no guidelines on choice of the NSAIDs for the treatment of CP/CPPS. Therefore, in the current research study, we evaluated the prostate tissue penetration of four NSAIDs in rats to provide guidance on choice of NSAIDs for the treatment of CP/CPPS.

Methods

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were administered orally with four NSAIDs viz. celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and naproxen at 500 mg/kg dose. The animals were then sacrificed at various time points, and their prostate tissues were harvested. The NSAIDs were then extracted from the prostate tissues using liquid extraction technique, and their concentration in prostate tissue was quantified using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The prostate tissue penetration and related pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated by non‐compartmental analysis.

Results

The HPLC method for quantifying NSAIDs in prostate tissue resulted in single, sharp peaks without any interference and all validation parameters were within limits. Celecoxib showed the highest area under the curve (AUC) [146.50 ± 2.75 μg/mL*h] of all NSAID's. A two‐factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) with replication indicated an overall statistically significant difference in the pharmacokinetic parameters for celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Conclusions

This study for the first time reported the relative prostate tissue penetration of four NSAIDs. The pharmacokinetic data indicated that celecoxib has the highest penetration and retention in rat prostate tissues. Therefore, celecoxib may be considered as a better choice for the treatment CP/CPPS involving NSAIDs.
GLUT1 regulates cell glycolysis and proliferation in prostate cancer
Authors: Xiao Hengjun , Wang Jun , Yan Weixin , Cui Yubin , Chen Zheng , Gao Xin , Wen Xingqiao , Chen Jun
Published: November 2017

Background

Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) plays a critical role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression in multiple cancer types. However, the specific function and clinical significance of GLUT1 in prostate cancer (PCa) are still unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the role of GLUT1 in PCa.

Methods

GLUT1 protein levels in prostate cancer tissue and tumor‐adjacent normal tissues were measured and compared. Furthermore, real‐time PCR and Western blot analysis were both used to detect GLUT1 expression levels in different PCa cell lines. Flow cytometry and cell‐based assays, such as a glucose uptake and lactate secretion assay, CCK‐8 assay, and transwell migration and wound healing assay, were used to monitor cancer cell cycle distribution, glycolysis, proliferation, and motility, respectively. Moreover, a mouse tumor xenograft model was used to investigate the role of GLUT1 in tumor progression in vivo.

Results

GLUT1 expression levels are higher in PCa tissues than in tumor‐adjacent normal tissues. The results from real‐time PCR and Western blot analysis revealed a similar increase in the GLUT1 expression levels in PCa cell lines. Moreover, knockdown of GLUT1 inhibits cell glycolysis and proliferation and leads to cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in the 22RV1 cell line but not in the PC3 cell line. In vivo experiments further confirmed that GLUT1 knockdown inhibits the growth of tumors derived from the 22RV1 cell line. In addition, we also showed that GLUT1 knockdown has no effect on cell migration in vitro.

Conclusions

GLUT1 may play an important role in PCa progression via mediating glycolysis and proliferation. Our study also indicated a potential crosstalk between GLUT1‐mediated glycolysis and androgen sensitivity in PCa.
Sarcosine influences apoptosis and growth of prostate cells via cell‐type specific regulation of distinct sets of genes
Authors: Rodrigo Miguel A. Merlos , Strmiska Vladislav , Horackova Eva , Buchtelova Hana , Michalek Petr , Stiborova Marie , Eckschlager Tomas , Adam Vojtech , Heger Zbynek
Published: November 2017

Background

Sarcosine is a widely discussed oncometabolite of prostate cells. Although several reports described connections between sarcosine and various phenotypic changes of prostate cancer (PCa) cells, there is still a lack of insights on the complex phenomena of its effects on gene expression patterns, particularly in non‐malignant and non‐metastatic cells.

Methods

To shed more light on this phenomenon, we performed parallel microarray profiling of RNA isolated from non‐malignant (PNT1A), malignant (22Rv1), and metastatic (PC‐3) prostate cell lines treated with sarcosine. Microarray results were experimentally verified using semi‐quantitative‐RT‐PCR, clonogenic assay, through testing of the susceptibility of cells pre‐incubated with sarcosine to anticancer agents with different modes of actions (inhibitors of topoisomerase II, DNA cross‐linking agent, antimicrotubule agent and inhibitor of histone deacetylases) and by evaluation of activation of executioner caspases 3/7.

Results

We identified that irrespective of the cell type, sarcosine stimulates up‐regulation of distinct sets of genes involved in cell cycle and mitosis, while down‐regulates expression of genes driving apoptosis. Moreover, it was found that in all cell types, sarcosine had pronounced stimulatory effects on clonogenicity. Except of an inhibitor of histone deacetylase valproic acid, efficiency of all agents was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in sarcosine pre‐incubated cells.

Conclusions

Our comparative study brings evidence that sarcosine affects not only metastatic PCa cells, but also their malignant and non‐malignant counterparts and induces very similar changes in cells behavior, but via distinct cell‐type specific targets.
P‐Nitrophenol Degradation Using N‐Doped Reduced Graphene‐CdS Nanocomposites
Authors: Gharedaghi Sepideh , Kimiagar Salimeh , Safa Saeed
Published: November 2017

A series of nitrogen doped reduce graphene‐CdS (NRGC) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by using hydrothermal method. The structure and morphology of the samples were characterized by using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and PL. Photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites for removing P‐nitrophenol (PNP) pollutant was studied under both ultra‐violet (UV) and visible light irradiation. The results show that NRGC nanocomposites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than pure CdS. The degradation rate significantly increased to 50 and 70% by the addition of nitrogen doped reduced grapheme oxide (NRGO) to CdS under UV and visible irradiation, respectively. Higher photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites was due to the role of NRGO as an excellent electron acceptor and transporter.
An Accurate Design Equation for the Maximum Deflection in a Class of Auxetic Sectorial Plates
Authors: Lim Teik‐Cheng
Published: November 2017

Auxetic materials are solids that exhibit negative Poisson's ratio. The effect of material auxeticity (i.e., negativity of Poisson's ratio) is investigated herein on the maximum deflection of sectorial plates with Simply‐Supported straight edges and Free curve edge (SSF). To aid the designer, an accurate and conveniently executable semi‐empirical model has been developed herein, which is valid for the entire range of Poisson's ratio of isotropic solids and for the plate's sectorial angle from 30 to 90 degrees. Results from exact solution reveal that the maximum deflection reduces sharply with the reduction of Poisson's ratio from positive to mildly negative, but deflection reduction is marginal when the sectorial plate's Poisson's ratio changes from moderately negative to highly negative value. It is therefore suggested that (a) the use of auxetic materials is useful to limit the extent of SSF sectorial plate deflection, and that (b) the use of the developed semi‐empirical model herein as a design equation gives greatly simplified but highly accurate maximum deflection prediction for SSF plates made from both conventional (positive Poisson's ratio) and auxetic (negative Poisson's ratio) materials.
Negative In‐Plane Poisson's Ratio for Single Layer Black Phosphorus: An Atomistic Simulation Study
Authors: Ho Duc Tam , Ho Viet Hung , Park Harold S. , Kim Sung Youb
Published: November 2017

We utilized molecular statics (MS) simulations to investigate the auxeticity of single layer black phosphorus (SLBP). Our simulation results show that the SLBP has a negative in‐plane Poisson's ratio in the zigzag direction when the applied strain along the armchair direction exceeds 0.018. We show that the interplay between bond stretching and bond rotating modes determines the in‐plane Poisson's ratio behavior. While the bond stretching mode always tends to increase the in‐plane auxeticity, the bond rotating mode might increase or decrease the in‐plane auxeticity. Furthermore, we show that graphite also exhibits an in‐plane negative Poisson's ratio at finite strains due to a similar mechanism.
Maximum likelihood estimation of change point from stationary to nonstationary in autoregressive models using dynamic linear model
Authors: Sheikhrabori Reza , Aminnayeri Majid , Ayoubi Mona
Published: November 2017

Change point estimation is a useful concept in time series models that could be applied in several fields such as financing, quality control. It helps to decrease costs of decision making and production by monitoring stock market and production lines, respectively. In this paper, the maximum likelihood technique is developed to estimate change point at which the stationary AR(1) model changes to a nonstationary process. Filtering and smoothing of dynamic linear model are used to estimate unknown parameters after change point. We also assume that correlation exists between samples' statistics. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed estimators to estimate the change point of stationary. In addition based on Shewhart control chart, filtering has a better accuracy in comparison to smoothing. A real example is provided to illustrate the application.
Why do some teachers change and others don't? A review of studies about factors influencing in‐service and pre‐service teachers’ change in classroom management
Authors: Girardet Céline
Published: November 2017

Considering the crucial goals dependent on classroom management, such as creating a classroom environment conducive to student learning and facilitating student engagement and motivation, it is an important skill for teachers to learn. Accordingly, this literature review aims at untangling the factors influencing the evolution of teachers’ classroom management beliefs and practices, offering a review and synthesis of the studies on this topic. A systematic review of 24 qualitative, quantitative and mixed‐method longitudinal empirical studies focused on teacher change in classroom management resulted in the following findings: prior beliefs, the teaching context and teachers’ own limited willingness to change were identified as the main obstacles to teacher change. Programmes that include activities focused on (i) reflecting on prior beliefs, (ii) studying alternative practices, (iii) enacting those practices, and (iv) reflecting on action (v) in a collaborative learning environment seem to be successful in eliciting change in classroom management. Finally, this review suggests that it useful to design programmes that build bridges between the different settings in which the teacher learns.
Charge Transport in 2D DNA Tunnel Junction Diodes
Authors: Yoon Minho , Min Sung‐Wook , Dugasani Sreekantha Reddy , Lee Yong Uk , Oh Min Suk , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , Park Sung Ha , Im Seongil
Published: November 2017

Recently, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is studied for electronics due to its intrinsic benefits such as its natural plenitude, biodegradability, biofunctionality, and low‐cost. However, its applications are limited to passive components because of inherent insulating properties. In this report, a metal–insulator–metal tunnel diode with Au/DNA/NiOx junctions is presented. Through the self‐aligning process of DNA molecules, a 2D DNA nanosheet is synthesized and used as a tunneling barrier, and semitransparent conducting oxide (NiOx) is applied as a top electrode for resolving metal penetration issues. This molecular device successfully operates as a nonresonant tunneling diode, and temperature‐variable current–voltage analysis proves that Fowler–Nordheim tunneling is a dominant conduction mechanism at the junctions. DNA‐based tunneling devices appear to be promising prototypes for nanoelectronics using biomolecules.
The oldest erect cheilostome bryozoan:Jablonskiporagen. nov. from the upper Albian of south‐west England
Authors: Martha Silviu O. , Taylor Paul D.
Published: November 2017

Although dominant at the present day, the bryozoan order Cheilostomata did not appear until the Late Jurassic. For over 55 million years after their first appearance, cheilostomes remained low in diversity and disparity, exclusively encrusting and scant in the fossil record. During the late Albian, however, cheilostomes began an explosive diversification coinciding with the appearance of several key novelties. In this paper, we describe a new monospecific cheilostome genus,Jablonskiporagen. nov. (type speciesJablonskipora kidwellaegen. et sp. nov.), of importance as the oldest known cheilostome with erect growth.Jablonskipora kidwellaeis a malacostegine cheilostome characterized by rigidly erect colonies with cylindrical, bifurcating branches and is moderately common in sedimentary rocks of late Albian age in south‐west England. Autozooids are dimorphic, with long tubular autozooids in the axial endozone covered by multiple layers of short, stacked, box‐shaped autozooids in the surrounding exozone. It is assigned to Chiplonkarinidae, a family now containing five genera, a tabular key for the discrimination of which is provided. The morphology ofJablonskiporaand the early evolution of erect growth in cheilostomes are discussed.
Ersatzneubau der Lennetalbrücke
Authors: Kraus Matthias , Niebuhr Hans Joachim , Neumann Michael
Published: November 2017

Herrn Univ.‐Prof. Dr.‐Ing. Rolf Kindmann zur Vollendung seines 70. Lebensjahres gewidmet

Aufgrund des erhöhten Verkehrsaufkommens werden Brücken hinsichtlich ihrer Tragfähigkeit, Gebrauchstauglichkeit und Dauerhaftigkeit überprüft. Entsprechende Untersuchungen haben ergeben, dass die Lennetalbrücke im Zuge der A45 bei Hagen aufgrund des Tragwerkzustandes durch einen Neubau zu ersetzen ist, der zukünftig auch einen sechsstreifigen Ausbau der Autobahn gewährleistet. Seit September 2013 finden die Baustellenarbeiten an der neuen Brücke statt. In Fahrtrichtung Frankfurt a. M. ist neben der eigentlichen Trassenführung einer von zwei Überbauten auf Behelfspfeilern errichtet worden, der zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt quer eingeschoben werden soll. Mit einer Überbaulänge von ca. 1 000 m kann der geplante Querverschub als der „größte” betrachtet werden, den es bis zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt in Deutschland gegeben hat.
Traglastuntersuchungen an Koppelpfetten bei Biegung um die schwache Achse und Torsion
Authors: Laumann Jörg , Mainz Stefan , Krahwinkel Manuel
Published: November 2017

Herrn Univ.‐Prof. Dr.‐Ing. Rolf Kindmann zur Vollendung seines 70. Lebensjahres gewidmet

Bei der Verwendung eines gekoppelten Mehrfeldträgers mit Z‐förmigen Querschnitt stellt sich oftmals die Frage, mit welchem statischen System das Tragverhalten realitätsgetreu abgebildet werden kann. Für Biegung um die starke Achse stehen Federmodelle zur Verfügung. Für Biegung um die schwache Achse und Torsion existieren diese leider nicht. Der vorliegende Aufsatz greift diese Problemstellung auf und zeigt das Tragverhalten anhand experimenteller Untersuchungen für Biegung um die schwache Achse und Torsion auf.
Geometrische Ersatzimperfektionen für Biegeknicken um die starke Querschnittsachse unter Berücksichtigung des Teilschnittgrößenverfahrens
Authors: Winkler Rebekka , Niebuhr Martin , Knobloch Markus
Published: November 2017

Herrn Univ.‐Prof. Dr.‐Ing. Rolf Kindmann zur Vollendung seines 70. Lebensjahrs gewidmet

Einen wesentlichen Bestandteil der Veröffentlichung stellt die Entwicklung erforderlicher Ersatzimperfektionen unter Verwendung des Teilschnittgrößenverfahrens für gewalzte doppeltsymmetrische I‐/H‐Querschnitte für den Stabilitätsfall Biegeknicken starke Achse dar. Als Grundlage dienen Ergebnisse numerischer Simulationen, aus denen erforderliche Ersatzimperfektionen zurück gerechnet und mit bestehenden Ansätzen verglichen werden. Hierbei werden sowohl Ansätze zu Ersatzimperfektionen als auch Ergänzungen zu höherfesten Stählen (bis S700) mit einbezogen, welche im Zuge der Überarbeitung der aktuell gültigen Stahlbaunorm (prEN 1993‐1‐1:2017) diskutiert werden. Ergänzend wird ein Vorschlag für das Ersatzimperfektionsverfahren unter Verwendung des Teilschnittgrößenverfahrens für den Fall Biegeknicken starke Achse unterbreitet.
Schauspielhaus Dresden – Revitalisierung und Ausbau der Tragkonstruktionen des Bühnendaches
Authors: Stroetmann Richard , Fuchs Alexander , Oertel Roland
Published: November 2017

Herrn Univ.‐Prof. Dr.‐Ing. Rolf Kindmann zur Vollendung seines 70. Lebensjahres gewidmet

Das als Königliches Schauspielhaus im Zeitraum von Dezember 1911 bis zum September 1913 errichtete Theatergebäude hat eine wechselvolle Geschichte erfahren. Hierzu gehörten die Zerstörungen am 13. und 14. Februar 1945 durch die alliierten Luftangriffe auf Dresden und der unmittelbare Wiederaufbau mit den bescheidenen Mitteln der Nachkriegsjahre. Zu DDR‐Zeiten wurde das Gebäude als multifunktionale Veranstaltungsstätte für Oper, Ballett, Schauspiel und Staatskapelle genutzt, da die naheliegende Semperoper noch durch Kriegsschäden zerstört war und erst im Februar 1985 erneut in Betrieb gehen konnte. Nach der „Wende” wurde ein Architekturwettbewerb ausgelobt, der als einen der wesentlichen Eingriffe die Abtragung und den Neuaufbau des Zuschauerraumes vorsah. Gegen zeitgemäße Entwürfe konnte sich der Vorschlag des Dresdener Architekturbüros Hänsch zu einer Rekonstruktion in enger Anlehnung an den Zustand von 1913 durchsetzen, der bis zum September 1995 umgesetzt wurde. Beim Hochwasser im August 2002 wurden durch das eindringende Wasser von Elbe und Weißeritz die Unterbühne überflutet und zahlreiche technische Anlagen zerstört. Nach der Beseitigung der Flutschäden erfolgte im Jahr 2007 eine Außensanierung mit der Wiederherstellung des ehemals weißen Anstrichs des Gebäudekomplexes. Zur „Erhaltung der Spielfähigkeit” wurde das Dresdener Schauspielhaus innerhalb einer verlängerten Spielpause im Jahr 2016 umfangreich saniert und modernisiert. Zu den Maßnahmen gehörten die Modernisierung des technischen Ausbaus, insbesondere die Erneuerung der Bühnentechnik, Nachbesserungen zum Brandschutz, die Ertüchtigung des Dachtragwerks vom Bühnenturm, die Sanierung des Parketts, des Gestühls und der Dekorationsmalereien im Zuschauersaal. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden nach einem geschichtlichen Rückblick die Untersuchungen zur Standsicherheit des Dachtragwerkes vom Bühnenturm, die Modernisierung der Bühnentechnik, die Planungen zur Ertüchtigung und Ergänzungen des Stahltragwerks sowie die bauliche Umsetzung beschrieben.
Properties of Cassava Stem Starch Being a New Starch Resource
Authors: Wei Maogui , Andersson Roger , Xie Guanghui , Salehi Shahrbanoo , Boström Dan , Xiong Shaojun
Published: November 2017

This study aims to understand the starch properties of cassava stems, currently a discarded crop residue, which contain up to 40% starch by dry mass. Granule sizes and size distribution of cassava stem starch, and their variations with genotype, growing location, and position along the stem are investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Amylose contents, crystallinity, and pasting characteristics of stem and root starch are also compared. The mean of granule sizes range from 5.65 to 7.64 µm, depending on the environment and position along stems, but not on genotype. Stem starch has a similar granule shape, X‐ray diffraction pattern, and amylose content (20.8% of starch basis) to root starch, but a significantly smaller granule size with narrower distribution range and higher pasting temperature (72.1 °C). Cassava stem has a woody nature; a development of an efficient starch isolation method shall be included in future studies.
Enhancement of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Dioscorea Dumetorum Starch Films With Dialdehyde Starch Solution
Authors: Oluwasina Olugbenga O. , Falola Temitayo , Wahab Oluwasegun J. , Idahagbon Nosa B.
Published: November 2017

The influence of varying amount of dialdehyde starch solution on the physical and mechanical properties of bitter yam starch‐based biofilms were investigated. Proportional increase in film thickness (0.20–0.26 mm), density (1.15 to 1.43 g cm−3) and opacity (0.92 to 1.04%) were observed from neat film (Film0) to film with highest dialdehyde starch content (Film3) respectively. The moisture content and film solubility after 24 h depicted an inverse relationship with the amount of the added dialdehyde starch solution. From Film0 to Film3, moisture content reduced from 11.40 to 9.32%, while solubility reduced from 13.61 to 6.46% correspondingly. It was further found that addition of higher amount of dialdehyde starch led to longer biodegradable duration and lesser water absorption capacity of the bioplastics. There was great improvement in mechanical properties of the bioplastics as twofold increase in tensile strength and threefold increase in rigidity from Film0 to Film3 were recorded. The result of elongation at break shows a reverse order of 0.50 at Film0 bioplastic to 0.31 at Film3 bioplastic. Therefore, the results of the study suggest that the properties of starch‐based bioplastic film could be enhanced by adding dialdehyde starch solution.
Doxorubicin induces ZAKα overexpression with a subsequent enhancement of apoptosis and attenuation of survivability in human osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Fu Chien‐Yao , Tseng Yan‐Shen , Chen Ming‐Cheng , Hsu Hsi‐Hsien , Yang Jaw‐Ji , Tu Chuan‐Chou , Lin Yueh‐Min , Viswanadha Vijaya Padma , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: November 2017

Human osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant cancer of the bone. It exhibits a characteristic malignant osteoblastic transformation and produces a diseased osteoid. A previous study demonstrated that doxorubicin (DOX) chemotherapy decreases human OS cell proliferation and might enhance the relative RNA expression of ZAK. However, the impact of ZAKα overexpression on the OS cell proliferation that is inhibited by DOX and the molecular mechanism underlying this effect are not yet known. ZAK is a protein kinase of the MAPKKK family and functions to promote apoptosis. In our study, we found that ZAKα overexpression induced an apoptotic effect in human OS cells. Treatment of human OS cells with DOX enhanced ZAKα expression and decreased cancer cell viability while increasing apoptosis of human OS cells. In the meantime, suppression of ZAKα expression using shRNA and inhibitor D1771 both suppressed the DOX therapeutic effect. These findings reveal a novel molecular mechanism underlying the DOX effect on human OS cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that ZAKα enhances the apoptotic effect and decreases cell viability in DOX‐treated human OS cells.
Measurement of spectra over the Bolund hill in wind tunnel
Authors: Cuerva‐Tejero Alvaro , Avila‐Sánchez Sergio , Gallego‐Castillo Cristóbal , López‐García Óscar , Pérez‐Alvarez Javier , Yeow Tee Seong
Published: November 2017

We have determined the normal Reynolds stresses and spectra of the wind velocity over a 1:115 scale mock‐up of the Bolund hill. The experiment was run in a neutral boundary layer wind tunnel using 3‐component hot‐wire velocimetry, 2‐component particle image velocimetry, and a high‐precision traversing system. Spectra have been determined at different points along transects at 2 and 5 m height above ground level. The experiment was run for 270° wind direction and for two Reynolds numbers,
and
, based on the maximum height of the hill and the free wind speed at this height. Our results show how the normalized power spectral density
changes over the hill. The analysis of the normalized streamwise spectrum at 2 m height, just after the escarpment, reveals that part of the energy is concentrated in the interval of normalized frequencies nh≈0.01−0.02, which could be a signature of a weakened “flapping” phenomenon described in the literature for flows over forward facing steps. The departure of the spectra slope in the inertial subrange, from the value −5/3, was found to be correlated with the hill geometry.
Synthesis and Structure of Unprecedented Samarium Complex with Bulky Bis‐iminopyrrolyl Ligand via Intramolecular C=N Bond Activation
Authors: Das Suman , Anga Srinivas , Harinath Adimulam , Pada Nayek Hari , Panda Tarun K.
Published: November 2017

An unprecedentate samarium complex of the molecular composition [{κ3‐{(Ph2CH)N=CH}2C4H2N)}{κ3‐{(Ph2CHN=CH)(Ph2CHNCH)C4H2N}Sm}2] (2), which was isolated by the reaction of a potassium salt of 2,5‐bis{N‐(diphenylmethyl)‐iminomethyl}pyrrolyl ligand [K(THF)2{(Ph2CH)N=CH}2C4H2N)] (1) with anhydrous samarium diiodide in THF at 60 °C through the in situ reduction of imine bond is presented. The homoleptic samarium complex [[κ3‐{(Ph2CH)–N=CH}2C4H2N)]3Sm] (3) can also be obtained from the reaction of compound 1 with anhydrous samarium triiodide (SmI3) in THF at 60 °C. The molecular structures of complexes 2 and 3 were established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The molecular structure of complex 2 reveals the formation of a C–C bond in the 2,5‐bis{N‐(diphenylmethyl)iminomethyl}pyrrole ligand moiety (Ph2Py–). However, complex 3 is a homoleptic samarium complex of three bis‐iminopyrrolyl ligands. In complex 2, the samarium ion adopts an octahedral arrangement, whereas in complex 3, a distorted three face‐centered trigonal prismatic mode of nine coordination is observed around the metal ion.
Role of protein carbonylation in diabetes
Authors: Hecker Markus , Wagner Andreas H.
Published: November 2017

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by, among others, elevated blood glucose levels. Hyperglycaemia as well as enhanced levels of glucose‐derived reactive metabolites contribute to the development of diabetic complications partly via increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are not only part of signaling pathways themselves but also lead to carbonylation of particular amino acid side chains by direct metal‐catalyzed oxidation. In addition, carbonyl groups can be introduced into proteins indirectly by non‐oxidative covalent adduction of reactive carbonyl species generated by the oxidation of lipids or carbohydrates. Both direct and indirect carbonylation mechanisms may affect protein conformation, activity, and function. Herein we introduce the different mechanisms of the carbonylation reaction, discuss degradation mechanisms, and the fate of proteins modified this way and how the overall degree of carbonylation affects protein homeostasis and function differently. The role of protein carbonylation in metabolic control systems and cell signaling are also summarized. Finally, current diagnostic and antioxidant therapeutic options in diabetes are discussed.
Priapism in a Fabry disease mouse model is associated with upregulated penile nNOS and eNOS expression
Authors: Meng Xing‐Li , Arning Erland , Wight‐Carter Mary , Day Taniqua S. , Jabbarzadeh‐Tabrizi Siamak , Chen Shuyuan , Ziegler Robin J. , Bottiglieri Teodoro , Schneider Jay W. , Cheng Seng H. , Schiffmann Raphael , Shen Jin‐Song
Published: November 2017

Fabry disease is a glycosphingolipidosis caused by deficient activity of α‐galactosidase A; it is one of a few diseases that are associated with priapism, an abnormal prolonged erection of the penis. The goal of this study was to investigate the pathogenesis of Fabry disease‐associated priapism in a mouse model of the disease. We found that Fabry mice develop late‐onset priapism. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), which was predominantly present as the 120‐kDa N‐terminus‐truncated form, was significantly upregulated in the penis of 18‐month‐old Fabry mice compared to wild type controls (~fivefold). Endothelial NOS (eNOS) was also upregulated (~twofold). NO level in penile tissues of Fabry mice was significantly higher than wild type controls at 18 months. Gene transfer‐mediated enzyme replacement therapy reversed abnormal nNOS expression in the Fabry mouse penis. The penile nNOS level was restored by antiandrogen treatment, suggesting that hyperactive androgen receptor signaling in Fabry mice may contribute to nNOS upregulation. However, the phosphodiesterase‐5A expression level and the adenosine content in the penis, which are known to play roles in the development of priapism in other etiologies, were unchanged in Fabry mice. In conclusion, these data suggested that increased nNOS (and probably eNOS) content and the consequential elevated NO production and high arterial blood flow in the penis may be the underlying mechanism of priapism in Fabry mice. Furthermore, in combination with previous findings, this study suggested that regulation of NOS expression is susceptible to α‐galactosidase A deficiency, and this may represent a general pathogenic mechanism of Fabry vasculopathy.
Positive Effects of Disruptive Advertising on Consumer Preferences
Authors: Bell Raoul , Buchner Axel
Published: November 2017

Advertisers want to get consumers to love the advertised products, but they often try to do this by annoying them with unwelcome and disruptive advertising. This creates a possible contradiction between the negative feelings elicited by the advertising and the positive feelings the consumers are supposed to develop towards the advertised products. One may assume that the negative feelings towards annoying advertising are transferred to the advertised brands. This assumption was tested in a series of five experiments. Participants were disrupted by annoying pop-up ads while playing a popular computer game. In a two-alternative forced choice (2AFC) test, participants were required to choose between advertised and new brands. The advertised brands were preferred over the new brands, even though the ads were perceived as annoying. The positive effects of disruptive advertising can be attributed to the enhanced fluency of advertised brands. These findings demonstrate that disruptive advertising can be effective in increasing brand preferences, which may help to explain the widespread use of this type of advertising in practice. However, before recommending the use of disruptive advertising, it should be taken into consideration that it may also have undesirable side effects such as increasing advertising avoidance.
THE MYTHS AND REALITIES OF BAYESIAN CHRONOLOGICAL MODELING REVEALED
Authors: Hamilton W. Derek , Krus Anthony M.
Published: November 2017

We review the history of Bayesian chronological modeling in archaeology and demonstrate that there has been a surge over the past several years in American archaeological applications. Most of these applications have been performed by archaeologists who are self-taught in this method because formal training opportunities in Bayesian chronological modeling are infrequently provided. We define and address misconceptions about Bayesian chronological modeling that we have encountered in conversations with colleagues and in anonymous reviews, some of which have been expressed in the published literature. Objectivity and scientific rigor is inherent in the Bayesian chronological modeling process. Each stage of this process is described in detail, and we present examples of this process in practice. Our concluding discussion focuses on the potential that Bayesian chronological modeling has for enhancing understandings of important topics.
When is a dynamical system mean sensitive?
Authors: GARCÍA-RAMOS FELIPE , LI JIE , ZHANG RUIFENG
Published: November 2017

This article is devoted to studying which conditions imply that a topological dynamical system is mean sensitive and which do not. Among other things, we show that every uniquely ergodic, mixing system with positive entropy is mean sensitive. On the other hand, we provide an example of a transitive system which is cofinitely sensitive or Devaney chaotic with positive entropy but fails to be mean sensitive. As applications of our theory and examples, we negatively answer an open question regarding equicontinuity/sensitivity dichotomies raised by Tu, we introduce and present results of locally mean equicontinuous systems and we show that mean sensitivity of the induced hyperspace does not imply that of the phase space.
Passing Time, Changing Minds? The Determinants of Faction Membership After Party Fusion
Authors: Martocchia Diodati Nicola
Published: November 2017

Even if the non-unitary nature of parties has come back into the party politics agenda, many of its features are still largely understudied. Specifically, an encompassing explanation of individual faction membership and of the role of party fusions in fostering faction membership is still missing. By performing a diachronic analysis, this article proposes a new approach to study the determinants of faction membership, highlighting the fundamental role of ideological, policy- and career-related factors. Moreover, the article uses as an explanatory factor a key element that has hitherto never been taken into account in intra-party analyses: psychological social identity, a variable that strongly conditions party members’ behaviour in situations where parties are merging. The analysis also shows the crucial role of party fusion in shaping individual faction membership determinants, highlighting that the effect of these determinants varies considerably the more time has elapsed since the party’s merger.
Who Affects Government Declarations and Why? Contrasting the Left–Right Scale with the Welfare Dimension
Authors: Negri Fedra
Published: November 2017

A lively debate among students of parliamentary democracy concerns how coalition governments build their policy proposals. Some scholars maintain that government declarations mirror the position of the median party in parliament; others argue that these proposals better agree with the weighted mean of the coalition parties’ electoral promises. This article sheds light on this puzzle by investigating the role played by several political actors in shaping government declarations on two dimensions: the ideological left–right scale and a genuinely policy-based welfare scale. The results reveal that the agenda setters on the two dimensions do not coincide. On the left–right scale, the prime minister’s party plays a leading role. On the welfare scale, government declarations are affected by the party of the median legislator in parliament and by the parties of the labour and social affairs ministers. Furthermore, government declarations on the welfare dimension tend to drift rightwards with adverse economic conditions.
A new design principle of robust onion-like networks self-organized in growth
Authors: HAYASHI YUKIO
Published: November 2017

Today's economy, production activity, and our life are sustained by social and technological network infrastructures, while new threats of network attacks by destructing loops have been found recently in network science. We inversely take into account the weakness, and propose a new design principle for incrementally growing robust networks. The networks are self-organized by enhancing interwoven long loops. In particular, we consider the range-limited approximation of linking by intermediations in a few hops, and show the strong robustness in the growth without degrading efficiency of paths. Moreover, we demonstrate that the tolerance of connectivity is reformable even from extremely vulnerable real networks according to our proposed growing process with some investment. These results may indicate a prospective direction to the future growth of our network infrastructures.
Relations Between FUV Excess and Coronal Soft X-Ray Emission Among Dwarf Stars
Authors: Smith Graeme H. , Hargrave Mason , Eckholm Elliot
Published: November 2017

The far-ultraviolet magnitudes of late-F, G and early-K dwarfs with (B − V) ⩾ 0.50 as measured by the GALEX satellite are shown to correlate with soft X-ray luminosity. This result indicates that line and continuum emission from stellar active regions make significant contributions to the flux in the GALEX FUV band for late-F, G and K dwarfs. By contrast, detection of a correlation between FUV brightness and soft X-ray luminosity among early-F dwarfs requires subtraction of the photospheric component from the FUV flux. The range in (B − V) among F and G dwarfs over which a correlation between uncorrected FUV magnitude and X-ray luminosity is detected coincides with the range in colour over which coronal and chromospheric emission correlates with stellar rotation.
SLATE DISCS AT TINTAGEL CASTLE: EVIDENCE FOR POST-ROMAN MEAD PRODUCTION?
Authors: Moffett Cameron
Published: November 2017

The excavated evidence of the building on the middle terrace of Site C at Tintagel Castle, in Cornwall, indicates that in the post-Roman period it had been the focus of activity involving the reuse of imported amphorae in conjunction with secondary stone stoppers made at Tintagel. This paper considers the nature of that activity and suggests that mead (fermented honey water) was being made in the building in the fifth and sixth centuriesadand stored in reused amphorae. The role of alcohol and feasting in power structures of the period and in the development of the site’s defences is also discussed.
SELF-DEFENCE AGAINST NON-STATE ACTORS: ARE POWERFUL STATES WILLING BUT UNABLE TO CHANGE INTERNATIONAL LAW?
Authors: Brunnée Jutta , Toope Stephen J
Published: November 2017

Can a few primarily Western States expand the right to self-defence against non-State actors, incorporating the unwilling or unable standard? Even on a traditional reading of customary law formation, the answer is no because proponents have failed to attract consistent and widespread support. What is more, using our interactional international law approach, we show that efforts to date have not been successful because they have failed to address fundamental rule of law concerns. The current state of world politics has perhaps caught proponents of the unwilling or unable standard in a difficult bind. We suggest how proponents might carefully develop the law on self-defence against non-State actors.
Combining ability and performance of extra-early maturing yellow maize inbreds in hybrid combinations under drought and rain-fed conditions
Authors: AKAOGU I. C. , BADU-APRAKU B. , ADETIMIRIN V. O.
Published: November 2017

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major staple food and cash crop in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, its production and productivity are severely constrained by drought. A total of 120 single-cross hybrids and an open-pollinated control variety were evaluated for 2 years at two locations under managed drought and rain-fed conditions in Nigeria. The objective of the present study was to assess their performance, classify them into distinct heterotic groups and identify promising hybrids for commercialization in the West and Central Africa sub-region. General combining ability and specific combining ability mean squares were highly significant for grain yield and other traits under the research environments. However, there was a preponderance of additive gene action over non-additive. Only six out of 39 inbreds were classified into distinct heterotic groups by the testers. The highest-yielding drought-tolerant hybrid, TZEEI 102 × TZEEI 95, out-yielded the open-pollinated control variety by 43·70%. The average yield reduction under drought was 54·90% of the yield under rain-fed conditions. The hybrids TZEEI 81 × TZEE1 79, TZEEI 100 × TZEEI 63 and TZEEI 64 × TZEEI 79 were the highest-yielding and most stable across environments. These outstanding drought-tolerant hybrids, which are also resistant to Striga, have the potential to contribute to food security and increased incomes in SSA and should be tested extensively on-farm and commercialized.
Electrode design and insertional depth-dependent intra-cochlear pressure changes: a model experiment
Authors: Mittmann P , Ernst A , Todt I
Published: November 2017

Background:

Preservation of residual hearing is one of the major goals in modern cochlear implant surgery. Intra-cochlear fluid pressure changes influence residual hearing, and should be kept low before, during and after cochlear implant insertion.

Methods:

Experiments were performed in an artificial cochlear model. A pressure sensor was inserted in the apical part. Five insertions were performed on two electrode arrays. Each insertion was divided into three parts, and statistically evaluated in terms of pressure peak frequency and pressure peak amplitude.

Results:

The peak frequency over each third part of the electrode increased in both electrode arrays. A slight increase was seen in peak amplitude in the lateral wall electrode array, but not in the midscalar electrode array. Significant differences were found in the first third of both electrode arrays.

Conclusion:

The midscalar and lateral wall electrode arrays have different intra-cochlear fluid pressure changes associated with intra-cochlear placement, electrode characteristics and insertion.
Photosynthetic water splitting by the Mn4Ca2+OX catalyst of photosystem II: its structure, robustness and mechanism
Authors: Barber James
Published: November 2017

The biological energy cycle of our planet is driven by photosynthesis whereby sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll and other accessory pigments. The excitation energy is then efficiently transferred to a reaction centre where charge separation occurs in a few picoseconds. In the case of photosystem II (PSII), the energy of the charge transfer state is used to split water into oxygen and reducing equivalents. This is accomplished by the relatively low energy content of four photons of visible light. PSII is a large multi-subunit membrane protein complex embedded in the lipid environment of the thylakoid membranes of plants, algae and cyanobacteria. Four high energy electrons, together with four protons (4H+), are used to reduce plastoquinone (PQ), the terminal electron acceptor of PSII, to plastoquinol (PQH2). PQH2 passes its reducing equivalents to an electron transfer chain which feeds into photosystem I (PSI) where they gain additional reducing potential from a second light reaction which is necessary to drive CO2 reduction. The catalytic centre of PSII consists of a cluster of four Mn ions and a Ca2+ linked by oxo bonds. In addition, there are seven amino acid ligands. In this Article, I discuss the structure of this metal cluster, its stability and the probability that an acid-base (nucleophilic-electrophilic) mechanism catalyses the water splitting reaction on the surface of the metal-cluster. Evidence for this mechanism is presented from studies on water splitting catalysts consisting of organo-complexes of ruthenium and manganese and also by comparison with the enzymology of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH). Finally the relevance of our understanding of PSII is discussed in terms of artificial photosynthesis with emphasis on inorganic water splitting catalysts as oxygen generating photoelectrodes.
Article choice, theory of mind, and memory in children with high-functioning autism and children with specific language impairment
Authors: SCHAEFFER JEANNETTE , VAN WITTELOOSTUIJN MEREL , CREEMERS AVA
Published: November 2017

Previous studies show that young, typically developing (TD) children (age 5) make errors in the choice between a definite and an indefinite article. Suggested explanations for overgeneration of the definite article include failure to distinguish speaker from hearer assumptions, and for overgeneration of the indefinite article failure to draw scalar implicatures, and weak working memory. However, no direct empirical evidence for these accounts is available. In this study, 27 Dutch-speaking children with high-functioning autism, 27 children with SLI, and 27 TD children aged 5–14 were administered a pragmatic article choice test, a nonverbal theory of mind test, and three types of memory tests (phonological memory, verbal, and nonverbal working memory). The results show that the children with high-functioning autism and SLI (a) make similar errors, that is, they overgenerate the indefinite article; (b) are TD-like at theory of mind, but (c) perform significantly more poorly than the TD children on phonological memory and verbal working memory. We propose that weak memory skills prevent the integration of the definiteness scale with the preceding discourse, resulting in the failure to consistently draw the relevant scalar implicature. This in turn yields the occasional erroneous choice of the indefinite articleain definite contexts.