bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioreaktionstechnik in mikrofluidischen Reaktoren
Authors: Peterat Gena , Lladó Maldonado Susanna , Edlich Astrid , Rasch Detlev , Dietzel Andreas , Krull Rainer
Published: March 2015

Im letzten Jahrzehnt hat die Mikrobioreaktor (MBR)‐Technologie rasche Fortschritte in der biotechnologischen Prozessentwicklung und der Untersuchung biologischer Systeme von der industriellen Biotechnologie bis hin zur Pharmabioverfahrenstechnik erzielt. Zahlreiche MBR‐Systeme werden in der Literatur vorgestellt, die als automatisierte, parallele Bioreaktoren für den Laboreinsatz entwickelt wurden, um einen sinnvollen Scale‐up/‐down konventioneller biotechnologischer Pilotanwendungen und industrieller Prozesse zu ermöglichen. Die MBR‐Technologie bietet die Möglichkeit, die Kultivierung mit einer hohen Datendichte von Prozessvariablen in‐situ durchzuführen und quantitative Daten aus dem Mikro‐Volumen in Echtzeit zu erhalten. Der Beitrag gibt einen Überblick von mikrotechnisch hergestellten MBR, über ihre Gestaltung, Vorteile bei biotechnologischen Applikationen sowie Grenzen und zukünftige potentielle Herausforderungen.
A modelling study of a new malignant hyperthermia diagnosis device
Authors: Ganesan Adarsh V. , Ricardez‐Sandoval Luis A.
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a mathematical model for better understanding of the functionality of a newly‐proposed Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) diagnosis device. MH is a rare life‐threatening condition that is usually triggered by exposure to certain drugs such as a volatile anesthetic agent, neuromuscular blocking agent, or succinylcholine. It is highly recommended to have this condition diagnosed immediately after its common symptoms appear. However, it is often only when the patient has had a severe or fatal reaction to anesthetic that a diagnosis is finally made. Due to this, many deaths have been reported before a patient has been diagnosed with this condition. Further for the diagnosis, the patients are subject to an expensive clinical diagnostic procedure and it is also necessary to continuously monitor the condition. In this study, a micro‐total analysis system for MH diagnosis through the assessment of the end‐tidal CO2 concentration level that can also aid point‐of‐care testing is presented. Various model parameters of the system are considered and their effects on the behaviour of the system are assessed. The results presented in this study are based on the proposed mathematical model for the new MH diagnosis device and can be used to evaluate the device's functionality and performance prior to its manufacture.
P2‐Quinazolinones and Bis‐Macrocycles as New Templates for Next‐Generation Hepatitis C Virus NS3/4a Protease Inhibitors: Discovery of MK‐2748 and MK‐6325
Authors: Rudd Michael T. , Butcher John W. , Nguyen Kevin T. , McIntyre Charles J. , Romano Joseph J. , Gilbert Kevin F. , Bush Kimberly J. , Liverton Nigel J. , Holloway M. Katharine , Harper Steven , Ferrara Marco , DiFilippo Marcello , Summa Vincenzo , Swestock John , Fritzen Jeff , Carroll Steven S. , Burlein Christine , DiMuzio Jillian M. , Gates Adam , Graham Donald J. , Huang Qian , McClain Stephanie , McHale Carolyn , Stahlhut Mark W. , Black Stuart , Chase Robert , Soriano Aileen , Fandozzi Christine M. , Taylor Anne , Trainor Nicole , Olsen David B. , Coleman Paul J. , Ludmerer Steven W. , McCauley John A.
Published: March 2015

With the goal of identifying inhibitors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4a protease that are potent against a wide range of genotypes and clinically relevant mutant viruses, several subseries of macrocycles were investigated based on observations made during the discovery of MK‐5172. Quinazolinone‐containing macrocycles were identified as promising leads, and optimization for superior cross‐genotype and mutant enzyme potency as well as rat liver and plasma concentrations following oral dosing, led to the development of MK‐2748. Additional investigation of a series of bis‐macrocycles containing a fused 18‐ and 15‐membered ring system were also optimized for the same properties, leading to the discovery of MK‐6325. Both compounds display the broad genotype and mutant potency necessary for clinical development as next‐generation HCV NS3/4a protease inhibitors.
Aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen, and endometrial cancer in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Chlebowski Rowan T. , Schottinger Joanne E. , Shi Jiaxiao , Chung Joanie , Haque Reina
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

The risks of both endometrial cancer and postmenopausal breast cancer are increased by obesity and higher endogenous estrogen levels. Although aromatase inhibitors reduce breast cancer incidence, their influence on endometrial cancer is uncertain.

METHODS

The authors investigated this issue in a cohort of 17,064 women who were diagnosed with hormone receptor‐positive breast cancer in an integrated group practice health plan. Information on demographics, comorbidities, and the receipt of adjuvant endocrine therapy was available from electronic medical records and pharmacy records, respectively. Endometrial cancer information was obtained from the health plan's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐affiliated tumor registry, and rates were compared across endocrine therapy groups (aromatase inhibitor, n = 5303; tamoxifen, n = 5155; switchers: both [n = 3787] or none [n = 2819]) using multivariable adjusted Cox proportional‐hazards models.

RESULTS

Endometrial cancer incidence was a statistically significant 48% lower in the aromatase inhibitor group versus the tamoxifen group (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.31‐0.87; P = .01). Endometrial cancer incidence was 29% lower in the aromatase inhibitor group versus the no endocrine therapy group (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.37‐1.35; P = .30) and 33% lower in the aromatase inhibitor group versus the tamoxifen group (hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.42‐1.06; P = .08), but neither difference was statistically significant. Associations were stronger among those with good drug adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

In a community‐based, integrated health plan setting, endometrial cancer incidence was lower in women who were receiving an aromatase inhibitor compared with those who were receiving tamoxifen. In addition, aromatase inhibitors may mitigate the incidence of tamoxifen‐associated endometrial cancer. Although there were somewhat fewer endometrial cancers in the aromatase inhibitor group versus the no endocrine therapy group, further studies are needed for the definitive assessment of this potential association. Cancer 2015;121:2147–2155. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Factors Affecting the Branching Ratio of Photodissociation: Thiophenol Studied through Quantum Wavepacket Dynamics
Authors: An Heesun , Choi Heechol , Lee Yoon Sup , Baeck Kyoung Koo
Published: March 2015

The photodissociation dynamics of thiophenol (PhSH) excited to the 11ππ* state was investigated by time‐dependent quantum wavepacket propagation within two‐dimensional (2D) space consisting of the SH bond and SH torsion. We systematically studied the dependence of the branching ratio ${\left( {{{{\rm{\tilde A}}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{{\rm{\tilde A}}} {{\rm{\tilde X}}}}} \right. \kern-\nulldelimiterspace} {{\rm{\tilde X}}}}} \right)}$ between the two electronic states of the phenylthiyl radical (PhS.) on several factors of the 2D potential energy surfaces (PESs). The effect of a reduced initial barrier to the first ππ*/πσ* conical intersection (CI) was found to be marginal, whereas the effects of a reduced torsional barrier of SH on the excited ππ* state and the mitigated slope of the πσ* PES between the first (ππ*/πσ*) and the second (πσ*/S0) CIs were noticeable. The effect of the slope on the branching ratio has never been previously noticed. It was shown that the branching ratio can be sufficiently above unity without pre‐excitation of the torsion mode of SH, which has been assumed so far.
A waveform generator circuit for extra low‐frequency CMOS micro‐power applications
Authors: Abbas Al‐Darkazly Ibtisam A. , Hasan S. M. Rezaul
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a novel low‐power CMOS extra low‐frequency (ELF) waveform generator based on an operational trans‐conductance amplifier (OTA). The generator has been designed and fabricated using 2.5‐V devices available in 130‐nm IBM CMOS technology with a ±1.2‐V voltage supply. Using the same topology, two sets of device dimensions and circuit components are designed and fabricated for comparing relative performance, silicon area and power dissipation. The first design consumes 691 μW, while the second design consumes 943 μW using the same voltage supply. This low‐power performance enables the circuit to be used in many micro‐power applications. ELF oscillation is achieved for the two designs being around 3.95 Hz and 3.90 Hz, respectively, with negligible waveform distortion. The measured frequencies agree well with the simulation results. The first design is found to provide overall optimal performance compared to the second design at the expense of higher silicon area. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fault‐block rotation controlling the distribution of fluvial sediments; a quantitative test on a Lower Pennsylvanian (Carboniferous) cyclothem succession
Authors: van den Belt Frank J. G. , de Boer Poppe L. , van Bergen Frank
Published: March 2015

Depositional models of axial fluvial systems in half‐grabens predict that the fluvial‐sandstone percentage increases towards the downthrown side of a fault, because channel systems tend to migrate to the area of maximum subsidence. This migration is at the expense of mudstone, but floodplain deposition occurs near faults occasionally. The models assume gradual, transverse tilting and no external base‐level change, and their applicability to cases involving tectonics and/or sea‐level change may therefore be restricted. Here, a quantitative analysis is presented on a subsurface data set from a Lower Pennsylvanian cyclothem succession, which formed under conditions of differential subsidence and fluctuating sea‐level. The studied interval is wedge‐shaped and shows a systematic thickness increase from 165 to 245 m, controlled by syndepositional fault‐block tilting. It comprises three depositional units, bounded by coal groups. These units display an upward change from wedge‐shaped (75 to 120 m) to tabular (42 to 55 m). Despite their variable thickness, the units contain almost equal amounts of ca 45 m of floodplain deposits, plus ca 5 m of encased channel sandstones, in all boreholes. Where units are thicker, the remaining thickness comprises fluvial‐braidplain sandstone. This arrangement indicates that the units represent equal time periods, during which background subsidence allowed the deposition of thin channel sands and overbank mud on a level floodplain. Occasional tilting produced additional accommodation space, which was completely filled by sand‐dominated braided systems. The temporary cessation of floodplain‐mud deposition suggests that aggradation of the river system could not keep up with floodplain tilting. In addition, bypass of floodplain fines may have been promoted by a basin parallel tilting component. It is shown that (i) cases in which the standard models fully apply, and (ii) cases in which differential subsidence is too strong or too abrupt, can be distinguished by analysing cross‐plots of cumulative‐sandstone and cumulative‐mudstone thickness.
International REgistry to assess medical Practice with lOngitudinal obseRvation for Treatment of Heart Failure (REPORT‐HF): rationale for and design of a global registry
Authors: Filippatos Gerasimos , Khan Sadiya Sana , Ambrosy Andrew P. , Cleland John G.F. , Collins Sean P. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Angermann Christiane E. , Ertl Georg , Dahlström Ulf , Hu Dayi , Dickstein Kenneth , Perrone Sergio V. , Ghadanfar Mathieu , Bermann Georgina , Noe Adele , Schweizer Anja , Maier Thomas , Gheorghiade Mihai
Published: March 2015

Aims

The clinical characteristics, initial presentation, management, and outcomes of patients hospitalized with new‐onset (first diagnosis) heart failure (HF) or decompensation of chronic HF are poorly understood worldwide. REPORT‐HF (International REgistry to assess medical Practice with lOngitudinal obseRvation for Treatment of Heart Failure) is a global, prospective, and observational study designed to characterize patient trajectories longitudinally during and following an index hospitalization for HF.

Methods

Data collection for the registry will be conducted at ∼300 sites located in ∼40 countries. Comprehensive data including demographics, clinical presentation, co‐morbidities, treatment patterns, quality of life, in‐hospital and post‐discharge outcomes, and health utilization and costs will be collected. Enrolment of ∼20 000 adult patients hospitalized with new‐onset (first diagnosis) HF or decompensation of chronic HF over a 3‐year period is planned with subsequent 3 years follow‐up.

Perspective

The REPORT‐HF registry will explore the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of HF worldwide. This global research programme may have implications for the formulation of public health policy and the design and conduct of international clinical trials.
Substrate stiffness regulates B‐cell activation, proliferation, class switch, and T‐cell‐independent antibody responses in vivo
Authors: Zeng Yingyue , Yi Junyang , Wan Zhengpeng , Liu Kai , Song Ping , Chau Alicia , Wang Fei , Chang Zai , Han Weidong , Zheng Wenjie , Chen Ying‐Hua , Xiong Chunyang , Liu Wanli
Published: March 2015

B cells use B‐cell receptors (BCRs) to sense antigens that are usually presented on substrates with different stiffness. However, it is not known how substrate stiffness affects B‐cell proliferation, class switch, and in vivo antibody responses. We addressed these questions using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates with different stiffness (20 or 1100 kPa). Live cell imaging experiments suggested that antigens on stiffer substrates more efficiently trigger the synaptic accumulation of BCR and phospho‐Syk molecules compared with antigens on softer substrates. In vitro expansion of mouse primary B cells shows different preferences for substrate stiffness when stimulated by different expansion stimuli. LPS equally drives B‐cell proliferation on stiffer or softer substrates. Anti‐CD40 antibodies enhance B‐cell proliferation on stiffer substrates, while antigens enhance B‐cell proliferation on softer substrates through a mechanism involving the enhanced phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and FoxO1. In vitro class switch differentiation of B cells prefers softer substrates. Lastly, NP67‐Ficoll on softer substrates accounted for an enhanced antibody response in vivo. Thus, substrate stiffness regulates B‐cell activation, proliferation, class switch, and T cell independent antibody responses in vivo, suggesting its broad application in manipulating the fate of B cells in vitro and in vivo.
Self‐regulation of time management: Mental contrasting with implementation intentions
Authors: Oettingen Gabriele , Kappes Heather Barry , Guttenberg Katie B. , Gollwitzer Peter M.
Published: March 2015

Mental contrasting with implementation intentions (MCII) has been found to improve self‐regulation across many life domains. The present research investigates whether MCII can benefit time management. In Study 1, we asked students to apply MCII to a pressing academic problem and assessed how they scheduled their time for the upcoming week. MCII participants scheduled more time than control participants who in their thoughts either reflected on similar contents using different cognitive procedures (content‐control group) or applied the same cognitive procedures on different contents (format‐control group). In Study 2, students were taught MCII as a metacognitive strategy to be used on any upcoming concerns of the subsequent week. As compared with the week prior to the training, students in the MCII (vs. format control) condition improved in self‐reported time management. In Study 3, MCII (vs. format control) helped working mothers who enrolled in a vocational business program to attend classes more regularly. The findings suggest that performing MCII on one's everyday concerns improves time management. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative analyses of aromas of fresh, naringinase‐treated and resin‐absorbed juices of pummelo by GC‐MS and sensory evaluation
Authors: Ni Hui , Hong Peng , Ji Hai Feng , Sun Hao , Chen Yan Hong , Xiao An Feng , Chen Feng
Published: March 2015

Resin adsorption and naringinase treatment represent two major methods for debittering naringin in citrus juices, but their effects on the aroma profiles of citrus juices have not been intensively investigated yet. In this study, the volatiles of the fresh, naringinase‐treated and resin‐absorbed juices of pummelo were investigated by gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC‐MS) and sensory evaluation. The fresh juice was analyzed to have 24 volatiles, among which (E)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol and 1‐hexanol had the highest concentrations. After the naringinase treatment, the juice showed 32 volatiles, among which (Z)‐ and (E)‐linalool oxides were the most dominant in concentration; while the resin adsorption captured most of the volatiles. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that naringinase treatment led to an increase in some compounds, particularly aldehydes, whereas resin adsorption decreased the amounts of a lot of volatile compounds. The sensory evaluation demonstrated the fresh and naringinase‐treated juices had similar aroma profiles, whereas the resin‐adsorbed juice had a much weaker aroma intensity than its counterparts. These results indicated that the naringinase treatment is more desirable than the resin adsorption for debittering citrus juice because the naringinase treatment could maintain the aroma profile close to the original, fresh juice. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resistance and resilience to droughts: hydropedological controls on catchment storage and run‐off response
Authors: Geris Josie , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Soulsby Chris
Published: March 2015

Hydropedological units are of critical importance in modulating catchment response in terms of storage and flux dynamics under changing hydrological conditions. We examined the short‐term impacts of an extreme drought on the storage dynamics and run‐off response in hydropedological units in a headwater catchment in the Scottish Highlands. These included poorly drained histosols in riparian zones and freely draining podzols on steeper hillslopes. To characterize the storage and run‐off dynamics prior to, during and after the drought period, precipitation, soil moisture, shallow ground water levels and consequent run‐off were monitored and stable water isotopes samples collected. Storage changes in the histosols were remarkably small (<40 mm), compared with those in moorland (~100 mm) and forest (~200 mm) covered podzols. Although storage in all soils recovered soon after the drought, this took longest (3–4 months) for the forested podzols. During events, there was consistent threshold behaviour in most hydropedological units and the integrated response at the catchment scale, which was not affected by drying or wetting. The results suggest that during dry periods, large parts of the catchment were disconnected from the river network and run‐off was generated mainly from the wet histosols. However, during events, there was an intermittent connection of the hillslopes that recharged the wetland and stream. This contributed to strong recovery and resilience of the catchment in its run‐off response. Nevertheless, as future climate projections for northern environments suggest that prolonged dry periods are likely to become more frequent, further work is needed on the potential cumulative or carry over effects of consecutive drier periods. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance Assessment for Irrigation Water Management: Case Study of the Great Chao Phraya Irrigation Scheme
Authors: Bumbudsanpharoke Wimolpat , Prajamwong Somkiat
Published: March 2015

The objective of this study is to assess the performance of irrigation water management of the Great Chao Phraya Irrigation Scheme consisting of 25 operation and maintenance irrigation projects (OMPs) in the Chao Phraya River Basin, central Thailand. Benchmarking is used to evaluate irrigation performance amongst the schemes. The eight performance indicators are crop yield ratio, output per unit area, operation and maintenance (O&M) cost, total financial viability, efficiency of infrastructure, sufficiency of irrigation staff, irrigation ratio and cropped area ratio. The results provide a feasible mechanism for performance improvement in the irrigation and drainage sector, but need strong support from key stakeholders. Though there are some uncertainties concerning the quality of secondary data, experience and insight gained from this study could provide valuable information for other schemes and will be a good starting point for benchmarking the performance of irrigation in Thailand. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water Distribution of Traditional Karez Irrigation Systems in Afghanistan
Authors: Khan M. J. , Pacha G. , Shahzad Khattak M. , Oad R.
Published: March 2015

Realizing the importance of Karez irrigation systems, field research was conducted in the district of Khwaja Omari of Ghazni (Afghanistan) to assess traditional water management practices in three selected Karez irrigation systems. In the Karez irrigation system, an informal water users’ association performs the function of water allocation, distribution, operation and maintenance of the physical infrastructure. Water is distributed on a rotational basis and each plot receives their due share of water once in the water distribution cycle that ranges from 6 to 12 days. The available flow discharges of three sampled Karez irrigation systems were measured that ranged from 6.30 to 9.28 l s−1 during the months of June to October and served cropped areas that varied from 12.53 to 24.15 ha. Conveyance losses measured in unlined irrigation canals varied from 21.9 to 32.7% km−1 with an overall average of 26.0% km−1. In general, crop water demands exceed available irrigation supplies particularly during the months of July and August. It may be concluded that water distribution is reasonable but can be improved further by considering the conveyance losses in these systems which will improve the overall productivity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management of Knowledge Sources Supported by Domain Ontologies: Building and Construction Case Studys
Authors: Costa Ruben , Lima Celson
Published: March 2015

This paper introduces a novel conceptual framework to support the creation of knowledge representations based on enriched semantic vectors, using the classical vector space model approach extended with ontological support. This work is focused on collaborative engineering projects where knowledge plays a key role in the process. Collaboration is the arena, engineering projects are the target and knowledge is the currency used to provide harmony into the arena since it can potentially support innovation and, hence, a successful collaboration. The test bed for the assessment of the approach comes from the Building and Construction sector, which is challenged with significant problems for exchanging, sharing and integrating information among actors. Semantic gaps or lack of meaning definition at the conceptual and technical levels, for example, are problems fundamentally originated through the employment of representations to map the ‘world’ into models in an endeavour to anticipate other actors’ views, vocabulary and even motivations. One of the primary research challenges addressed in this work relates to the process of formalization and representation of document contents, where most existing approaches are limited and only take into account the explicit, word‐based information in the document. The research described in this paper explores how traditional knowledge representations can be enriched through incorporation of implicit information derived from the complex relationships (semantic associations) modelled by domain ontologies with the addition of information presented in documents, by providing a baseline for facilitating knowledge interpretation and sharing between humans and machines. Preliminary results were collected using a clustering algorithm for document classification, which indicates that the proposed approach does improve the precision and recall of classifications. Future work and open issues are also discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential Susceptibility of Human Pleural and Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells to Asbestos Exposure
Authors: Dragon Julie , Thompson Joyce , MacPherson Maximilian , Shukla Arti
Published: March 2015

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive cancer of mesothelial cells of pleural and peritoneal cavities. In 85% of cases both pleural and peritoneal MM is caused by asbestos exposure. Although both are asbestos‐induced cancers, the incidence of pleural MM is significantly higher (85%) than peritoneal MM (15%). It has been proposed that carcinogenesis is a result of asbestos‐induced inflammation but it is not clear what contributes to the differences observed between incidences of these two cancers. We hypothesize that the observed differences in incidences of pleural and peritoneal MM are the result of differences in the direct response of these cell types to asbestos rather than to differences mediated by the in vivo microenvironment. To test this hypothesis we characterized cellular responses to asbestos in a controlled environment. We found significantly greater changes in genome‐wide expression in response to asbestos exposure in pleural mesothelial cells as compared to peritoneal mesothelial cells. In particular, a greater response in many common genes (IL‐8, ATF3, CXCL2, CXCL3, IL‐6, GOS2) was seen in pleural mesothelial cells as compared to peritoneal mesothelial cells. Unique genes expressed in pleural mesothelial cells were mainly pro‐inflammatory (G‐CSF, IL‐1β, IL‐1α, GREM1) and have previously been shown to be involved in development of MM. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that differences in incidences of pleural and peritoneal MM upon exposure to asbestos are the result of differences in mesothelial cell physiology that lead to differences in the inflammatory response, which leads to cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1540–1552, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Artemisinin Represses Telomerase Subunits and Induces Apoptosis in HPV‐39 Infected Human Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Mondal Anushree , Chatterji Urmi
Published: March 2015

Artemisinin, a plant‐derived antimalarial drug with relatively low toxicity on normal cells in humans, has selective anticancer activities in various types of cancers, both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we have investigated the anticancer effects of artemisinin in human cervical cancer cells, with special emphasis on its role in inducing apoptosis and repressing cell proliferation by inhibiting the telomerase subunits, ERα which is essential for maintenance of the cervix, and downstream components like VEGF, which is known to activate angiogenesis. Effects of artemisinin on apoptosis of ME‐180 cells were measured by flow cytometry, DAPI, and annexin V staining. Expression of genes and proteins related to cell proliferation and apoptosis was quantified both at the transcriptional and translational levels by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Our findings demonstrated that artemisinin significantly downregulated the expression of ERα and its downstream component, VEGF. Antiproliferative activity was also supported by decreased telomerase activity and reduced expression of hTR and hTERT subunits. Additionally, artemisinin reduced the expression of the HPV‐39 viral E6 and E7 components. Artemisinin‐induced apoptosis was confirmed by FACS, nuclear chromatin condensation, annexin V staining. Increased expression of p53 with concomitant decrease in expression of the p53 inhibitor Mdm2 further supported that artemisinin‐induced apoptosis was p53‐dependent. The results clearly indicate that artemisinin induces antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in HPV‐39‐infected ME‐180 cells, and warrants further trial as an effective anticancer drug. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1968–1981, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Leptin Modulates Mitochondrial Function, Dynamics and Biogenesis in MCF‐7 Cells
Authors: Blanquer‐Rosselló M Mar , Santandreu Francisca M. , Oliver Jordi , Roca Pilar , Valle Adamo
Published: March 2015

The adipokine leptin, known for its key role in the control of energy metabolism, has been shown to be involved in both normal and tumoral mammary growth. One of the hallmarks of cancer is an alteration of tumor metabolism since cancerous cells must rewire metabolism to satisfy the demands of growth and proliferation. Considering the sensibility of breast cancer cells to leptin, the objective of this study was to explore the effects of this adipokine on their metabolism. To this aim, we treated the MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line with 50 ng/mL leptin and analyzed several features related to cellular and mitochondrial metabolism. As a result, leptin increased cell proliferation, shifted ATP production from glycolysis to mitochondria and decreased the levels of the glycolytic end‐product lactate. We observed an improvement in ADP‐dependent oxygen consumption and an amelioration of oxidative stress without changes in total mitochondrial mass or specific oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes. Furthermore, RT‐PCR and western blot showed an up‐regulation for genes and proteins related to biogenesis and mitochondrial dynamics. This expression signature, together with an increased mitophagy observed by confocal microscopy suggests that leptin may improve mitochondrial quality and function. Taken together, our results propose that leptin may improve bioenergetic efficiency by avoiding the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and conferring benefits for growth and survival of MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2039–2048, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of trickling liquid velocity and flow pattern in the improvement of oxygen transport in aerobic biotrickling filters for biogas desulfurization
Authors: López Luis R , Bezerra Tercia , Mora Mabel , Lafuente Javier , Gabriel David
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Biological oxidation in biotrickling filters of high H2S loads contained in biogas streams still requires further study to reduce elemental sulfur accumulation due to limited gas–liquid oxygen mass transfer inside biotrickling filter beds. Reduction of elemental sulfur accumulation may be improved by regulating the main manipulated variables related to oxygen mass transfer efficiency during biological hydrogen sulfide removal in biotrickling filters.

RESULTS

Trickling liquid velocity and co‐current flow were selected as the most appropriate manipulated variable and flow pattern configuration compared with manipulating the air supply flow rate and a counter‐current flow pattern in order to improve gas–liquid oxygen mass transfer in abiotic conditions. The influence of trickling liquid velocity on the performance of a lab‐scale biotrickling filter treating high loads of H2S in a biogas mimic and operating in co‐current flow at neutral pH and packed with plastic pall rings was investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of trickling liquid velocity modulation between 4.4 and 18.9 m h−1 in biotrickling filter performance was compared with operation without trickling liquid velocity regulation. Velocity regulation resulted in an improvement of 10% in the elimination capacity and, most importantly, a 9% increase in product selectivity to sulfate at a loading rate of 283.8 g S‐H2S m−3 h−1. Concentration profiles along the biotrickling filter height evidenced that trickling liquid velocity regulation progressively led to better dissolved oxygen distribution and, thus, enhanced overall biotrickling filter performance. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Breeding on the extreme edge: Modulation of the adrenocortical response to acute stress in two High Arctic passerines
Authors: Walker Brian G. , Meddle Simone L. , Romero L. Michael , Landys Meta M. , Reneerkens Jeroen , Wingfield John C.
Published: March 2015

Arctic weather in spring is unpredictable and can also be extreme, so Arctic‐breeding birds must be flexible in their breeding to deal with such variability. Unpredictability in weather conditions will only intensify with climate change and this in turn could affect reproductive capability of migratory birds. Adjustments to coping strategies are therefore crucial, so here we examined the plasticity of the adrenocorticotropic stress response in two Arctic songbird species—the snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) and Lapland longspur (Calcarius lapponicus)—breeding in northwest Greenland. Across the breeding season, the stress response was strongest at arrival and least robust during molt in male snow buntings. Snow bunting females had higher baseline but similar stress‐induced corticosterone levels compared to males. Modification of the stress response was not due to adrenal insensitivity, but likely regulated at the anterior pituitary gland. Compared to independent nestlings and adult snow buntings, parental‐dependent chicks had a more robust stress response. For Lapland longspurs, baseline corticosterone was highest at arrival in both male and females, and arriving males displayed a higher stress response compared to arriving females. Comparison of male corticosterone profiles collected at arrival in Greenland (76°N) and Alaska (67–71°N;) reveal that both species have higher stress responses at the more northern location. Flexibility in the stress response may be typical for birds nesting at the leading edges of their range and this ability will become more relevant as global climate change results in major shifts of breeding habitat and phenology for migratory birds. J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 266–275, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. J. Exp. Zool. published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of ion‐imprinted resin for selective removal of UO2(II) ions from aqueous medium
Authors: Monier M. , Alatawi Raedah A. S. , Abdel‐Latif D. A.
Published: March 2015

In this work, uranyl ion‐imprinted resin based on 2‐(((4‐hydroxyphenyl)amino)methyl)phenol was synthesized by condensation polymerization of its uranyl complex in presence of resorcinol and formaldehyde cross‐linkers. Numerous instrumental techniques including elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet, 1H along with 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy have been employed for complete characterization of the synthesized ligand and its uranyl complex. Additionally, the obtained ion‐imprinted and non‐imprinted resins were investigated using scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of various essential parameters such as pH, temperature and contact time on removal of uranyl ions have been examined, and the results indicated that the obtained resin exhibited the optimum activity at pH 5. Furthermore, the adsorption process was spontaneous at all studied temperatures and followed the second‐order kinetics model. Also, Langmuir adsorption isotherm exhibited the best fit with the experimental results with maximum adsorption capacity 139.3 mg/g. Moreover, the selectivity studies revealed that the ion‐imprinted resin exhibited an obvious affinity toward the uranyl ions in presence of other metal ions compared with the non‐imprinted resin. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unexpected spreading of G12P[8] rotavirus strains among young children in a small area of central Italy
Authors: Delogu Roberto , Ianiro Giovanni , Camilloni Barbara , Fiore Lucia , Ruggeri Franco Maria
Published: March 2015

Rotavirus gastroenteritis is associated mainly with the five genotypes G1,3,4,9P[8] and G2P[4] that are common worldwide, but emerging strains including G6, G8, and G12 are also reported sporadically. G12P[8] rotavirus was observed unexpectedly to spread in a limited area of Italy during the rotavirus surveillance season 2012–2013. All strains were genotyped for VP7 and VP4 and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Amino acid sequences of antigenic regions were compared with vaccine and field strains. G12P[8] strains were detected in the stools of 52 of 69 (75%) children infected with rotavirus in the central Italian region of Umbria. All G12 strains belonged to lineage III, and presented the P[8] genotype. Sequence analysis showed close nucleotide identity of both VP4 and VP7 genes among Umbria G12P[8] strains. The VP7 gene was also similar to other G12 strains circulating in different years and countries, and the VP4 gene was closely related to other local and global P[8] strains possessing different G‐types. Overall findings suggest either the introduction and evolution of a G12 VP7 gene into the local Wa‐like rotavirus population or the spreading of a strain novel for the area. Comparison of the VP8* and VP7 antigenic regions showed high conservation between the amino acid sequences of Umbria G12P[8] strains, and revealed various substitutions in the VP8* antigenic regions between the Italian G12P[8] strains and RotaTeq™ and Rotarix™ vaccine strains. The sudden and unexpected emergence of G12P[8] rotavirus confirms that these strains have the potential to become a sixth common genotype across the world. J. Med. Virol. 87:1292–1302, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MOTEDAS: a new monthly temperature database for mainland Spain and the trend in temperature (1951–2010)
Authors: Gonzalez‐Hidalgo José Carlos , Peña‐Angulo Dhais , Brunetti Michele , Cortesi Nicola
Published: March 2015

We have developed a new monthly temperature database for mainland Spain by using the complete holding of maximum and minimum monthly mean values stored at the Spanish National Meteorological Agency (AEMet). After an exhaustive quality control exercise, the data set includes 1358 complete series, and a high‐resolution grid (0.1° × 0.1°) was calculated to analyse monthly trends. There has been an uneven increase in the mean values of maximum and minimum temperatures in the Spanish mainland from 1951 to 2010. The maximum monthly mean temperature values have risen mostly in late winter/early spring and the summer, while the minimum monthly mean temperature values have increased in summer, spring and autumn in southern areas. The spatial pattern of the diurnal temperature range shows a clear north–south gradient in summer, with positive trends in the north and negative trends in the south; furthermore, a negative pattern has been detected in the south in spring and autumn. These areas, particularly the Mediterranean coastland, have been subject to dramatic urbanization and land use changes during the past 30 years that may have affected nocturnal temperatures, in particular. Thus, warming processes in the Iberian Peninsula appear to be influenced both by global factors and more local ones, and their effects should be differentiated spatially.
A combined weather generator and K‐nearest‐neighbour approach for assessing climate change impact on regional rainfall extremes
Authors: Lu Y. , Qin X. S. , Mandapaka P. V.
Published: March 2015

A novel combined statistical downscaling and disaggregation framework (CSDD) based on Long Ashton Research Station‐Weather Generator (LARS‐WG) and K‐nearest neighbour (KNN) was proposed to examine the climate change impact on regional extreme rainfall in Singapore. The approach could generate high‐resolution rainfall sequences both spatially (e.g. station level) and temporally (e.g. 5‐min) based on 12 emission scenarios under 4 general circulation models. Three different routes were proposed to generate high‐resolution synthetic rainfall time series: (1) the rainfall records at all stations were combined and treated as one station (Route 1); (2) the rainfall record at each station was treated individually (Route 2); and (3) the total areal rainfall at daily and hourly timescales was used to keep inter‐site correlations (Route 3). The results indicated that all routes under CSDD framework could effectively reproduce the regional rainfall at various timescales. This study further examined the impacts of climate change on regional extremes. The results show that the maximum increase rates of 100‐year extremes at the end of this century at durations of 24‐h, 1‐h and 5‐min would be 14.8, 16.3 and 16.8%, respectively. The proposed framework takes the full advantage of both LARS‐WG and KNN and could effectively help provide continuous high‐resolution synthetic rainfall data (with consideration of spatial dependence and uncertainty) under climate‐change conditions for hydrological impact study.
Prescription and over‐the‐counter pain medication in arthritis: awareness of active ingredients and attitudes to medication borrowing and sharing
Authors: Ellis Janette , Mullan Judy R. , Weston Kathryn M. , Rich Warren , Lethbridge Alistair , Worsley Anthony , Pai Nagesh B.
Published: March 2015

Background

Many Australians with arthritis self‐manage their pain with prescription and/or over‐the‐counter pain medications, containing paracetamol. If taken appropriately, these medications are relatively safe; however, if mismanaged through patients’ inability to understand medication labels and instructions, these medications may cause adverse drug events and/or toxicities.

Aim

This study explored the prescription and over‐the‐counter pain medications most commonly used by people with arthritis and the ability of these patients to correctly identify paracetamol as an active ingredient in commonly available preparations. The study also investigated the functional health literacy of these patients and their inclination to borrow and/or share pain medications.

Method

Adult participants diagnosed with arthritis were invited to complete an anonymous survey which included questions about their prescription and over‐the‐counter pain medications; their medication borrowing and sharing behaviours; their functional health literacy; and their knowledge about preparations containing paracetamol as an active ingredient.

Results

Most of the 254 participants used analgesic agents containing paracetamol, as combination tablets (paracetamol 500 mg and codeine 30 mg) or paracetamol‐only tablets (paracetamol 665 mg) to self‐manage their pain. Respondents with low functional health literacy scores were significantly less likely to identify paracetamol as an active ingredient in both combination and paracetamol‐only pharmaceutical products, and were more likely to guess or did not know how to identify that paracetamol was an active ingredient in these products. Almost 30% of the respondents indicated that they had and/or intended to borrow/share their over‐the‐counter pain medications whereas less than 10% suggested that they had and/or intended to borrow/share their prescription pain medication.

Conclusion

Australians with arthritis, especially those with low functional health literacy scores, self‐managing their pain with paracetamol‐containing products, do not always recognise paracetamol as an active ingredient in combination products, and may risk potential paracetamol‐related adverse effects and/or toxicities.
Development of a comprehensive method for analyzing clerodane‐type diterpenes and phenolic compounds from Casearia sylvestris Swartz (Salicaceae) based on ultra high performance liquid chromatography combined with chemometric tools
Authors: Bueno Paula Carolina Pires , Pereira Fabiola Manhas Verbi , Torres Roseli Buzanelli , Cavalheiro Alberto José
Published: March 2015

This work describes the development and optimization of an analytical method utilizing liquid chromatography and chemometrics to evaluate and differentiate two varieties of Casearia sylvestris Swartz (Salicaceae) from São Paulo State (Brazil) based on their secondary metabolite profiles. Previously, analytical studies only concerned the analysis of clerodane‐type diterpenes. Therefore, considering the importance of including phenolic compounds in such analysis, we used design of experiments to simultaneously extract and detect the largest number of compounds from both chemical classes. This new strategy allowed a comprehensive chromatographic analysis of C. sylvestris, and the results for the two varieties exhibited an interesting distribution according to their original ecosystems, suggesting a strong correlation to the main metabolites found in each species group. Besides their inherent morphological differences, C. sylvestris variety lingua, mainly found in Cerrado areas, predominantly contains phenolic compounds, while C. sylvestris variety sylvestris, mainly found in Atlantic Forest areas, contains mostly clerodane‐type diterpenes. Finally, it was also possible to observe differences in the secondary metabolite composition within each group depending on the place where samples were collected.
Destination Attractiveness Drivers among Urban Hostel Tourists: An Analysis of Frustrators and Delighters
Authors: Mikulić Josip , Krešić Damir , Miličević Katarina , Šerić Maja , Ćurković Božena
Published: March 2015

This study is based on data from 679 tourists staying at hostel accommodation facilities in Zagreb, a propulsive city‐break destination in Central Europe. Besides providing insight into the socio‐demographic and behavioural characteristics of hostel tourists, this study uncovers determinant destination attributes influencing their perceptions of destination attractiveness. In particular, impact asymmetry analysis identified potential sources of delight and frustration among hostel tourists. Since the hostel tourist segment, as such, is almost completely unconsidered in contemporary tourism research, partly covered only by a few studies on youth travellers and backpackers, the results of this case study are valuable to both practitioners and researchers related to the hostelling industry and city destination marketing organizations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stille Catalyst‐Transfer Polycondensation Using Pd‐PEPPSI‐IPr for High‐Molecular‐Weight Regioregular Poly(3‐hexylthiophene)
Authors: Qiu Yunyan , Mohin Jacob , Tsai Chia‐Hua , Tristram‐Nagle Stephanie , Gil Roberto R. , Kowalewski Tomasz , Noonan Kevin J. T.
Published: March 2015

A commercially available palladium N‐heterocyclic carbene (Pd‐NHC) precatalyst is used to initiate chain‐growth polymerization of 2‐bromo‐3‐hexyl‐5‐trimethylstannylthiophene. The molecular weight of the resultant poly(3‐hexylthiophene) can be modulated (7 to 73 kDa, Đ = 1.14 to 1.53) by varying the catalyst concentration. Mass spectrometry data confirm control over the polymer end groups and 1H NMR spectroscopy reveals that the palladium catalyst is capable of “ring‐walking”. A linear relationship between Mn and monomer conversion is observed. Atomic force microscopy and X‐ray scattering verify the regioregular nature of the resultant polythiophene.

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