bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracortical Remodeling Parameters Are Associated With Measures of Bone Robustness
Authors: Goldman Haviva M. , Hampson Naomi A. , Guth J. Jared , Lin David , Jepsen Karl J.
Published: June 2014

Prior work identified a novel association between bone robustness and porosity, which may be part of a broader interaction whereby the skeletal system compensates for the natural variation in robustness (bone width relative to length) by modulating tissue‐level mechanical properties to increase stiffness of slender bones and to reduce mass of robust bones. To further understand this association, we tested the hypothesis that the relationship between robustness and porosity is mediated through intracortical, BMU‐based (basic multicellular unit) remodeling. We quantified cortical porosity, mineralization, and histomorphometry at two sites (38% and 66% of the length) in human cadaveric tibiae. We found significant correlations between robustness and several histomorphometric variables (e.g., % secondary tissue [R2 = 0.68, P < 0.004], total osteon area [R2 = 0.42, P < 0.04]) at the 66% site. Although these associations were weaker at the 38% site, significant correlations between histological variables were identified between the two sites indicating that both respond to the same global effects and demonstrate a similar character at the whole bone level. Thus, robust bones tended to have larger and more numerous osteons with less infilling, resulting in bigger pores and more secondary bone area. These results suggest that local regulation of BMU‐based remodeling may be further modulated by a global signal associated with robustness, such that remodeling is suppressed in slender bones but not in robust bones. Elucidating this mechanism further is crucial for better understanding the complex adaptive nature of the skeleton, and how interindividual variation in remodeling differentially impacts skeletal aging and an individuals' potential response to prophylactic treatments. Anat Rec, 297:1817–1828, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Barcode‐Enabled Sequencing of Plasmablast Antibody Repertoires in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Tan Yann‐Chong , Kongpachith Sarah , Blum Lisa K. , Ju Chia‐Hsin , Lahey Lauren J. , Lu Daniel R. , Cai Xiaoyong , Wagner Catriona A. , Lindstrom Tamsin M. , Sokolove Jeremy , Robinson William H.
Published: June 2014

Objective

A hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the production of autoantibodies, including anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). Nevertheless, the specific targets of these autoantibodies remain incompletely defined. During an immune response, B cells specific for the inciting antigen(s) are activated and differentiate into plasmablasts, which are released into the blood. We undertook this study to sequence the plasmablast antibody repertoire to define the targets of the active immune response in RA.

Methods

We developed a novel DNA barcoding method to sequence the cognate heavy‐ and light‐chain pairs of antibodies expressed by individual blood plasmablasts in RA. The method uses a universal 5′ adapter that enables full‐length sequencing of the antibodies' variable regions and recombinant expression of the paired antibody chains. The sequence data sets were bioinformatically analyzed to generate phylogenetic trees that identify clonal families of antibodies sharing heavy‐ and light‐chain VJ sequences. Representative antibodies were expressed, and their binding properties were characterized using anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 (anti–CCP‐2) enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and antigen microarrays.

Results

We used our sequencing method to generate phylogenetic trees representing the antibody repertoires of peripheral blood plasmablasts from 4 individuals with anti‐CCP+ RA, and recombinantly expressed 14 antibodies that were either “singleton” antibodies or representative of clonal antibody families. Anti–CCP‐2 ELISA identified 4 ACPAs, and antigen microarray analysis identified ACPAs that differentially targeted epitopes on α‐enolase, citrullinated fibrinogen, and citrullinated histone H2B.

Conclusion

Our data provide evidence that autoantibodies targeting α‐enolase, citrullinated fibrinogen, and citrullinated histone H2B are produced by the ongoing activated B cell response in, and thus may contribute to the pathogenesis of, RA.
Disturbed Cartilage and Joint Homeostasis Resulting From a Loss of Mitogen‐Inducible Gene 6 in a Mouse Model of Joint Dysfunction
Authors: Pest Michael A. , Russell Bailey A. , Zhang Yu‐Wen , Jeong Jae‐Wook , Beier Frank
Published: June 2014

Objective

Mitogen‐inducible gene 6 (MIG‐6) regulates epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling in synovial joint tissues. Whole‐body knockout of the Mig6 gene in mice has been shown to induce osteoarthritis and joint degeneration. To evaluate the role of chondrocytes in this process, Mig6 was conditionally deleted from Col2a1‐expressing cell types in the cartilage of mice.

Methods

Bone and cartilage in the synovial joints of cartilage‐specific Mig6‐deleted (knockout [KO]) mice and control littermates were compared. Histologic staining and immunohistochemical analyses were used to evaluate joint pathology as well as the expression of key extracellular matrix and regulatory proteins. Calcified tissue in synovial joints was assessed by micro–computed tomography (micro‐CT) and whole‐skeleton staining.

Results

Formation of long bones was found to be normal in KO animals. Cartilage thickness and proteoglycan staining of articular cartilage in the knee joints of 12‐week‐old KO mice were increased as compared to controls, with higher cellularity throughout the tissue. Radiopaque chondro‐osseous nodules appeared in the knees of KO animals by 12 weeks of age and progressed to calcified bone–like tissue by 36 weeks of age. Nodules were also observed in the spine of 36‐week‐old animals. Erosion of bone at ligament entheses was evident by 12 weeks of age, by both histologic and micro‐CT assessment.

Conclusion

MIG‐6 expression in chondrocytes is important for the maintenance of cartilage and joint homeostasis. Dysregulation of EGFR signaling in chondrocytes results in anabolic activity in cartilage, but erosion of ligament entheses and the formation of ectopic chondro‐osseous nodules severely disturb joint physiology.
Construction of pH‐sensitive Her2‐binding IgG1‐Fc by directed evolution
Authors: Traxlmayr Michael W. , Lobner Elisabeth , Hasenhindl Christoph , Stadlmayr Gerhard , Oostenbrink Chris , Rüker Florian , Obinger Christian
Published: June 2014

For most therapeutic proteins, a long serum half‐life is desired. Studies have shown that decreased antigen binding at acidic pH can increase serum half‐life. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether pH‐dependent binding sites can be introduced into antigen binding crystallizable fragments of immunoglobulin G1 (Fcab). The C‐terminal structural loops of an Fcab were engineered for reduced binding to the extracellular domain of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2‐ECD) at pH 6 compared to pH 7.4. A yeast‐displayed Fcab‐library was alternately selected for binding at pH 7.4 and non‐binding at pH 6.0. Selected Fcab variants showed clear pH‐dependent binding to soluble Her2‐ECD (decrease in affinity at pH 6.0 compared to pH 7.4) when displayed on yeast. Additionally, some solubly expressed variants exhibited pH‐dependent interactions with Her2‐positive cells whereas their conformational and thermal stability was pH‐independent. Interestingly, two of the three Fcabs did not contain a single histidine mutation but all of them contained variations next to histidines that already occurred in loops of the lead Fcab. The study demonstrates that yeast surface display is a valuable tool for directed evolution of pH‐dependent binding sites in proteins.
Systematic review, network meta-analysis and exploratory cost-effectiveness model of randomized trials of minimally invasive techniquesversussurgery for varicose veins
Authors: Carroll C , Hummel S , Leaviss J , Ren S , Stevens J W , Cantrell A , Michaels J
Published: June 2014

Background

A Health Technology Assessment was conducted to evaluate the relative clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of minimally invasive techniques (foam sclerotherapy (FS), endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA)) for managing varicose veins, in comparison with traditional surgery.

Methods

A systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of minimally invasive techniques compared with other treatments, principally surgical stripping, in terms of recurrence of varicose veins, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), pain and quality of life. Network meta-analysis and exploratory cost-effectiveness modelling were performed.

Results

The literature search conducted in July 2011 identified 1453 unique citations: 31 RCTs (51 papers) satisfied the criteria for effectiveness review. Differences between treatments were negligible in terms of clinical outcomes, so the treatment with the lowest cost appears to be most cost-effective. Total FS costs were estimated to be lowest, and FS was marginally more effective than surgery. However, relative effectiveness was sensitive to the model time horizon. Threshold analysis indicated that EVLA and RFA might be considered cost-effective if their costs were similar to those for surgery. These findings are subject to various uncertainties, including the risk of bias present in the evidence base and variation in reported costs.

Conclusion

This assessment of currently available evidence suggests there is little to choose between surgery and the minimally invasive techniques in terms of efficacy or safety, so the relative cost of the treatments becomes one of the deciding factors. High-quality RCT evidence is needed to verify and further inform these findings.
Outcome and complications after intra-arterial thrombolysis for lower limb ischaemia with or without continuous heparin infusion
Authors: Grip O , Kuoppala M , Acosta S , Wanhainen A , Åkeson J , Björck M
Published: June 2014

Background

Thrombolysis is a common treatment for acute leg ischaemia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate different thrombolytic treatment strategies, and risk factors for complications.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of prospective databases from two vascular centres. One centre used a higher dose of heparin and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA).

Results

Some 749 procedures in 644 patients of median age 73 years were studied; 353 (47·1 per cent) of the procedures were done in women. The aetiology of ischaemia was graft occlusion in 38·8 per cent, acute arterial thrombosis in 32·2 per cent, embolus in 22·3 per cent and popliteal aneurysm in 6·7 per cent. Concomitant heparin infusion was used in 63·2 per cent. The mean dose of rtPA administered was 21·0 mg, with a mean duration of 25·2 h. Technical success was achieved in 80·2 per cent. Major amputation and death within 30 days occurred in 13·1 and 4·4 per cent respectively. Bleeding complications occurred in 227 treatments (30·3 per cent). Blood transfusion was needed in 104 (13·9 per cent). Three patients (0·4 per cent of procedures) had intracranial bleeding; all were fatal. Amputation-free survival was 83·6 per cent at 30 days at both centres. In multivariable analysis, preoperative severe ischaemia with motor deficit was the only independent risk factor for major bleeding (odds ratio (OR) 2·98; P <0·001). Independent risk factors for fasciotomy were severe ischaemia (OR 2·94) and centre (OR 6·50). Embolic occlusion was protective for major amputation at less than 30 days (OR 0·30; P = 0·003). Independent risk factors for death within 30 days were cerebrovascular disease (OR 3·82) and renal insufficiency (OR 3·86).

Conclusion

Both treatment strategies were successful in achieving revascularization with acceptable complication rates. Continuous heparin infusion during intra-arterial thrombolysis appeared to offer no advantage.
Experimental Study and Modeling of Essential Oil Extraction from Plants by Hydrodistillation
Authors: Ammar Ahlem Haj , Meniai Abdeslam‐Hassen , Zagrouba Fethi
Published: June 2014

Hydrodistillation of essential oils from leaves of myrtle, rosemary, and sour orange was experimentally studied and the extraction process was modeled. A mass balance was carried out over an assumed flat leave particle and the use of Fick's second law of diffusion led to the mass transfer equation. Its resolution required adequate boundary and initial conditions. The model considered the effect of the main processing parameters on the overall essential oil extraction efficiency as well as the determination of the optimum conditions. To assess the reliability of the model, yield curves for all studied conditions and variation of the oil composition with time were compared with the experimentally obtained results for each plant leave. The agreement seems to be reasonable, although some refining of the model is necessary by taking into account both the diffusion and reaction contributions.
Corrosion‐Resistant Parallel Fixed‐Bed Reactors for High‐Throughput Screening of New Deacon Reaction Catalysts
Authors: Valtchev Martin , Hammes Markus , Richter Rudolf , Höltzen Heike , Stöwe Klaus , Maier Wilhelm F.
Published: June 2014

Two ten‐channel fixed‐bed reactor systems were developed for high‐throughput screening of new Deacon catalysts. The sequential ten‐channel reactor allows the determination of the activity of up to ten catalysts per day. With a ten‐channel ageing reactor the long‐time stability of catalytic activity can be tested in parallel. Both systems are robust, quite resistant against corrosion, and use the identical reaction tubes which enable the direct transfer of a catalyst from one to the other system. A mass‐spectrometric pulse method has been developed and applied successfully for the analysis of the corrosive product gas mixture of the Deacon reaction.
Synthesis and Photophysics of a Red‐Light Absorbing Supramolecular Chromophore System
Authors: Rombouts Jeroen A. , Ravensbergen Janneke , Frese Raoul N. , Kennis John T. M. , Ehlers Andreas W. , Slootweg J. Chris , Ruijter Eelco , Lammertsma Koop , Orru Romano V. A.
Published: June 2014

In search of supramolecular antenna systems for light‐harvesting applications, we report on a short and effective synthesis of a fused NDI–zinc–salphen‐based chromophore (salphen = bis‐salicylimide phenylene) and its photophysical properties. A supramolecular recognition motif is embedded into the chromophoric π‐system of this compound. The fused π‐chromophore behaves as one pigment, absorbs light between 600 and 750 nm and displays a modest Stokes shift. Upon binding pyridines, the compound (DATZnS) does not change its redox potentials, does not undergo any internal excited state quenching and does not appreciably alter its excited state lifetime. These notable properties define DATZnS as an alternative to porphyrin‐based components used in supramolecular light‐harvesting architectures.
Coverage‐ and Temperature‐Dependent Metalation and Dehydrogenation of Tetraphenylporphyrin on Cu(111)
Authors: Röckert Michael , Franke Matthias , Tariq Quratulain , Ditze Stefanie , Stark Michael , Uffinger Patrick , Wechsler Daniel , Singh Upendra , Xiao Jie , Marbach Hubertus , Steinrück Hans‐Peter , Lytken Ole
Published: June 2014

Using temperature‐programmed desorption, supported by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy, a comprehensive overview of the main reactions of 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenyl‐21H,23H‐porphyrin (2HTPP) on Cu(111) as a function of coverage and temperature is obtained. Three reactions were identified: metalation with Cu substrate atoms, stepwise partial dehydrogenation, and finally complete dehydrogenation. At low coverage the reactions are independent of coverage, but at higher coverage metalation becomes faster and partial dehydrogenation slower. This behavior is explained by a weaker interaction between the iminic nitrogen atoms and the Cu(111) surface in the high‐coverage checkerboard structure, leading to faster metalation, and the stabilizing effect of T‐type interactions in the CuTPP islands formed at high coverage after metalation, leading to slower dehydrogenation. Based on the amount of hydrogen released and the appearance in STM, a structure of the partially dehydrogenated molecule is suggested.
Forming MOFs into Spheres by Use of Molecular Gastronomy Methods
Authors: Spjelkavik Aud I. , Aarti  , Divekar Swapnil , Didriksen Terje , Blom Richard
Published: June 2014

A novel method utilizing hydrocolloids to prepare nicely shaped spheres of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has been developed. Microcrystalline CPO‐27‐Ni particles are dispersed in either alginate or chitosan solutions, which are added dropwise to solutions containing, respectively, either divalent group 2 cations or base that act as gelling agents. Well‐shaped spheres are immediately formed, which can be dried into spheres containing mainly MOF (>95 wt %). The spheronizing procedures have been optimized with respect to maximum specific surface area, shape, and particle density of the final sphere. At optimal conditions, well‐shaped 2.5–3.5 mm diameter CPO‐27‐Ni spheres with weight‐specific surface areas <10 % lower than the nonformulated CPO‐27‐Ni precursor, and having sphere densities in the range 0.8 to 0.9 g cm−3 and particle crushing strengths above 20 N, can be obtained. The spheres are well suited for use in fixed‐bed catalytic or adsorption processes.
Unsymmetrical Pincer‐Type Ruthenium Complex Containing β‐Protic Pyrazole and N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Arms: Comparison of Brønsted Acidity of NH Groups in Second Coordination Sphere
Authors: Toda Tatsuro , Kuwata Shigeki , Ikariya Takao
Published: June 2014

A reaction of a 2‐(imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl‐6‐(pyrazol‐3‐yl)pyridine with [RuCl2(PPh3)3] resulted in tautomerization of the imidazole unit to afford the unsymmetrical pincer‐type ruthenium complex 2 containing a protic pyrazole and N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) arms. Deprotonation of 2 with one equivalent of a base led to the formation of the NHC–pyrazolato complex 3, indicating that the protic NHC arm is less acidic. When 2 was treated with two equivalents of a base under H2 or in 2‐propanol, the hydrido complex 4 containing protic NHC and pyrazolato groups was obtained through metal–ligand cooperation.
Set‐based adaptive estimation for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with output dependent nonlinearities
Authors: Dhaliwal Samandeep , Guay Martin
Published: June 2014

In this article, we consider the problem of parameter identification and state estimation of an uncertain continuous‐time linearly parameterized nonlinear system with output dependent nonlinearities subject to exogenous disturbances. A set‐based adaptive estimation is proposed in which the parameters and the states of the system are estimated along with an uncertainty set guaranteed to contain the true unknown values. The set‐update approach is such that the sets are updated only when an improvement in the precision of the parameter estimates and the state estimates can be guaranteed. The formulation provides robustness to parameter estimation error and bounded disturbances. The adaptive estimation technique can be viewed as an adaptive interval observer. Simulation examples are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the developed procedure and ascertain the theoretical results.
Analysis of Seismic Anisotropy of the Typical Slate from the Gaoligong Mountains, Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Bin‐Bin GUO , Hong‐Cai WANG , Wei‐Hua ZHAO , Shao‐Cheng JI , Dong‐Sheng SUN , A‐Wei LI , Chang‐Xing LONG
Published: June 2014

Slate, as one of the low‐degree metamorphic rocks, is widely distributed in China. Research on the seismic velocity of slate can help distinguish this kind of transitional rocks as well as understand anisotropy of the upper crust. This paper presents laboratory research on the seismic velocity of slate samples collected from the Bingzhongluo district of Yunnan Province, and part of the experiment was conducted at the Dalhousie High Pressure Laboratory, Canada. The laboratory testing yielded the seismic velocities in different structural directions as a function of pressures. The seismic velocities in the three directions (X,Y and Z) are 6.58, 6.46 and 5.91 km/s at the confining pressure of 600 MPa, respectively, with an average velocity of 6.30 km/s. S wave has an average velocity of 3.62 mm/s and a Vp/Vs ratio of 1.74. The preliminary analysis shows the changing law of seismic velocities and shear wave splitting of slate, revealing that the seismic anisotropy of slate decreases significantly with pressurization at low confining pressures (<150 MPa). This is primarily attributed to the orientation alignment of microcracks within slate. With progressive increase of confining pressure (>150 MPa), all the microcracks are largely closed. Thus, the orientation alignment of flaky minerals such as biotite and actinolite is a leading factor for seismic anisotropy. With the pressure up to 600 MPa, the anisotropy of Vp and Vs stabilizes at 13% and 16%. Therefore, laboratory data and seismic property of the slate documented in this paper will provide basis for determination of preferential orientations of microcracks in the upper crust, anisotropy analysis in the shallow crust, and geophysical model constraints.
Crustal Thickness and Vp/Vs in the Northeast China‐North China Region and Its Geological Implication
Authors: Yan‐Guang GAO , Yong‐Hua LI
Published: June 2014

We present a crustal thickness and Vp/Vs map of Northeast and North China based on a compilation of receiver function H‐k analysis published in the literature. Our compilation shows that the crust in the area has an average thickness of 35.9±5 km. The thinnest crust is found in the eastern and southern flank of the Songliao Basin (28∼35 km), North China plain and Songliao Basin (30∼35 km), while the thickest crust is found in the Yanshan‐Taihang orogon and Ordos basin (40∼55 km). The average crustal Vp/Vs ratio is about 1.76±0.05 for the North China and Northeast China region, which maybe related with the lithospheric thinning in the eastern China. The highest Vp/Vs (> 1.83) are found in the Shanxi garben, Changbai Volocno and Zhangjiakou‐Datong, indicating high ambient crustal temperatures or wide‐spread intra‐crustal melting. The existence of anticorrelation between Vp/Vs and the crustal thickness for Da Hinggan Ling area maybe related with tectonic thicken of felsic crust. No clear correlation is observed between the crustal thickness and Vp/Vs for Songliao basin and adjacent area, implying that complex tectonic evolution process took place in Songliao basin.
Fault Slip Rates and Seismic Moment Deficits on Major Active Faults in Middle and South Parts of the Eastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yu‐Hang LI , Ming HAO , Ling‐Yun JI , Shan‐Lan QIN
Published: June 2014

As the pathway for southeastward extrusion of the Tibetan Plateau, the middle and south parts of the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau are characterized by widespread active faults, and intensive and frequent seismic activity. In this paper, we use the spherical linear block theory constrained by geodetic observations from Global Positioning System (GPS) stations to estimate fault slip rates of active faults in this area. A 3D geometric block model is established based on previous relevant studies of active blocks. Using these received slip rates and optimal locking depths of faults, the rates of moment accumulation on the major faults are estimated. And then we compare them with the seismic moment released on each fault using the historical earthquake catalog. The results show that there are six faults or fault segments with large moment deficits in the research area, which would be helpful for research of middle‐long term earthquake hazard.
Impaired interferon signaling in chronic hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis via the transforming growth factor beta signaling pathway
Authors: Shirasaki Takayoshi , Honda Masao , Shimakami Tetsuro , Murai Kazuhisa , Shiomoto Takayuki , Okada Hikari , Takabatake Riuta , Tokumaru Akihiro , Sakai Yoshio , Yamashita Taro , Lemon Stanley M. , Murakami Seishi , Kaneko Shuichi
Published: June 2014

Malnutrition in the advanced fibrosis stage of chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) impairs interferon (IFN) signaling by inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. However, the effect of profibrotic signaling on IFN signaling is not known. Here, the effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling on IFN signaling and hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication was examined in Huh-7.5 cells by evaluating the expression of forkhead box O3A (Foxo3a), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (Socs3), c-Jun, activating transcription factor 2, ras homolog enriched in brain, and mTORC1. The findings were confirmed in liver tissue samples obtained from 91 patients who received pegylated-IFN and ribavirin combination therapy. TGF-β signaling was significantly up-regulated in the advanced fibrosis stage of CH-C. A significant positive correlation was observed between the expression of TGF-β2 and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (Smad2), Smad2 and Foxo3a, and Foxo3a and Socs3 in the liver of CH-C patients. In Huh-7.5 cells, TGF-β1 activated the Foxo3a promoter through an AP1 binding site; the transcription factor c-Jun was involved in this activation. Foxo3a activated the Socs3 promoter and increased HCV replication. TGF-β1 also inhibited mTORC1 and IFN signaling. Interestingly, c-Jun and TGF-β signaling was up-regulated in treatment-resistant IL28B minor genotype patients (TG/GG at rs8099917), especially in the early fibrosis stage. Branched chain amino acids or a TGF-β receptor inhibitor canceled these effects and showed an additive effect on the anti-HCV activity of direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs).

Conclusion

: Blocking TGF-β signaling could potentiate the antiviral efficacy of IFN- and/ or DAA-based treatment regimens and would be useful for the treatment of difficult-to-cure CH-C patients. (Hepatology 2014;60:1519–1530)
Authors' reply
Authors: O'Reilly Kirk T. , Pietari Jaana , Boehm Paul D.
Published: June 2014

Key Points

Dr. Crane raises a number of interesting points, but these serve to support not distract from, the conclusions of our paper. Without independent verification that the source inputs used are appropriate and sufficient, the results of EPA's Chemical Mass Balance Model (CMB) cannot be used to verify the contribution of a given source. Neither Van Metre and Mahler's (2010) nor Crane's (2014) use of CMB demonstrates whether refined tar sealers are actually a source in any urban sediment. When using the results of receptor models to promote source control policy, care must be taken to clarify the underlying assumptions and uncertainty.
EVALUATION OF AQUACROP MODEL IN PREDICTING WHEAT YIELD AND WATER PRODUCTIVITY UNDER IRRIGATED SALINE REGIMES
Authors: Kumar P. , Sarangi A. , Singh D.K. , Parihar S.S.
Published: June 2014

Crop models assist in generating crop productivity trends under future climate and different irrigation water supply scenarios. In this study, the AquaCrop model with a salinity module to simulate the grain yield and water productivity of four wheat varieties, including three salt‐ tolerant (i.e. KRL‐19, KRL‐1‐4, KRL‐210) and one salt non‐tolerant variety (i.e. HD‐2894) grown under different salinity levels was evaluated. The experiment was conducted at the research farm of the Water Technology Centre (WTC), Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, during rabi 2009–10 and 2010–11. The model was calibrated using experiment data of rabi 2009–10 and validated with data of rabi 2010–11. Saline water of 4, 8 and 12 dS m−1 and groundwater (i.e. 1.5 dS m−1 during rabi 2009–10 and 1.7 dS m−1 during rabi 2010–11) were used for irrigation. The validated model prediction error statistics, i.e. model efficiency (ME), index of agreement (d) and coefficient of determination (R2) for grain yield, were 0.85, 0.96, 0.94 and for biomass 0.7, 0.95, 0.95, respectively, for all varieties and salinity levels. It was observed that the AquaCrop model was better at predicting the grain yield compared to biomass and water productivity for all varieties and salinity levels. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CHANGE DETECTION OF ORDERS IN STOCK MARKETS USING A GAUSSIAN MIXTURE MODEL
Authors: Miyazaki Bungo , Izumi Kiyoshi , Toriumi Fujio , Takahashi Ryo
Published: June 2014

We propose a method for detecting changes in the order balance in stock markets by applying a stochastic model to the feature vectors extracted from the order‐book data of stocks. First, the data are divided into training and test periods. Next, a Gaussian mixture model is estimated from the feature vectors extracted from the order‐book data in the training period. Finally, the goodness of fit of the feature vectors in the test period over this model is calculated. Using the proposed method, we found that the order balances of stocks for which insider trading was reported were unusual. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Method for the Colorimetric Measurement of Opaque Fluorescent Samples
Authors: Alman David H. , Billmeyer Fred W.
Published: June 2014

A brief critical review is given of methods for determining the colorimetric description of reflecting fluorescent materials. A new method is described and its advantages are discussed. The method requires spectroradiometric calibrations of the spectrophotometer's source and detector systems and spectrophotometric measurement of total radiance factor, reflection radiance factor and conventional reflectance. A simple calculation then gives the total radiance factor of the fluorescent material for any specified illuminant. Experimental results with four strongly fluorescent samples indicate that the method has a colorimetric accuracy of about one unit in the CIE 1976 L*U*V* color space.
Static and extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure: Reported effects on the circadian production of melatonin
Authors: Reiter Russel J.
Published: June 2014

The circadian rhythm of melatonin production (high melatonin levels at night and low during the day) in the mammalian pineal gland is modified by visible portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, i.e., light, and reportedly by extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields as well as by static magnetic field exposure. Both light and non‐visible electromagnetic field exposure at night depress the conversion of serotonin (5HT) to melatonin within the pineal gland. Several reports over the last decade showed that the chronic exposure of rats to a 60 Hz electric field, over a range of field strengths, severely attenuated the nighttime rise in pineal melatonin production; however, more recent studies have not confirmed this initial observation. Sinusoidal magnetic field exposure also has been shown to interfere with the nocturnal melatonin forming ability of the pineal gland although the number of studies using these field exposures is small. On the other hand, static magnetic fields have been repeatedly shown to perturb the circadian melatonin rhythm. The field strengths in these studies were almost always in the geomagnetic range (0.2 to 0.7 Gauss or 20 to 70 μtesla) and most often the experimental animals were subjected either to a partial rotation or to a total inversion of the horizontal component of the geomagnetic field. These experiments showed that several parameters in the indole cascade in the pineal gland are modified by these field exposures; thus, pineal cyclic AMP levels, N‐acetyltransferase (NAT) activity (the rate limiting enzyme in pineal melatonin production), hydroxyindole‐O‐methyltransferase (HIOMT) activity (the melatonin forming enzyme), and pineal and blood melatonin concentrations were depressed in various studies. Likewise, increases in pineal levels of 5HT and 5‐hydroxyindole acetic acid (5HIAA) were also seen in these glands; these increases are consistent with a depressed melatonin synthesis. The mechanisms whereby non‐visible electromagnetic fields influence the melatonin forming ability of the pineal gland remain unknown; however, the retinas in particular have been theorized to serve as magnetoreceptors with the altered melatonin cycle being a consequence of a disturbance in the neural biological clock, i.e., the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus, which generates the circadian melatonin rhythm. The disturbances in pineal melatonin production induced by either light exposure or non‐visible electromagnetic field exposure at night appear to be the same but whether the underlying mechanisms are similar remains unknown.
Electromagnetic fields and cells
Authors: Goodman Reba , Chizmadzhev Yuri , Shirley‐Henderson Ann
Published: June 2014

There is strong public interest in the possibility of health effects associated with exposure to extremely low frequency (elf) electromagnetic (EM) fields. Epidemiological studies suggest a probable, but controversial, link between exposure to elf EM fields and increased incidence of some cancers in both children and adults. There are hundreds of scientific studies that have tested the effects of elf EM fields on cells and whole animals. A growing number of reports show that exposure to elf EM fields can produce a large array of effects on cells. Of interest is an increase in specific transcripts in cultured cells exposed to EM fields. The interaction mechanism with cells, however, remains elusive. Evidence is presented for a model based on cell surface interactions with EM fields.
Homotypic leukocyte aggregation triggered by a monoclonal antibody specific for a novel epitope expressed by the integrin β1 subunit: Conversion of nonresponsive cells by transfecting human integrin α4 subunit cDNA
Authors: Bednarczyk John L. , Wygant James N. , Szabo Margit C. , Molinari‐Storey Laura , Renz Mark , Fong Sherman , McIntyre Bradley W.
Published: June 2014

The monoclonal antibody 33B6 was found to be specific for the β1 integrin subunit. Treatment of leukocytes with this antibody induced a vigorous homotypic aggregation that had similar physiologic conditions as aggregation induced by a monoclonal antibody specific for the α4 subunit. Expression of a β1 subunit on the cell surface was not sufficient for mAb 33B6‐mediated aggregation to occur, since cells of the K562 erythroleukemia line failed to respond even though they expressed the β1 subunit and the 33B6 epitope. However, after transfection with cDNA encoding the α4 subunit, K562 cells acquired the ability to aggregate in response to mAb 33B6 binding. By contrast, mAb 33B6 blocked cell binding to the endothelial surface protein vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 and the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin. These results suggest that the β1 epitope defined by mAb 33B6 may play a novel role in regulating leukocyte adhesive interactions.
Isolation and characterization of deteriosomes from rat liver
Authors: Yao Kening , Wu Xiumei , Thompson John E. , Carlson John C.
Published: June 2014

Deteriosomes, a new class of microvesicles, have been isolated from rat liver tissue. These microvesicles are similar to those isolated previously from plant tissue [Yao et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 88:2269–2273, 1991] in that they are nonsedimentable and enriched in membrane catabolites, particularly products of phospholipid degradation. Liver deteriosomes range in size from 0.05 μm to 0.11 μm in radius. They are also much more permeable than microsomal membrane vesicles indicating that the deteriosome bilayer is perturbed. The data are consistent with the proposal that deteriosomes are formed from membranes by microvesiculation and that they represent an intermediate stage of membrane deterioration. Furthermore, liver deteriosomes were found to contain phospholipase A2 activity. This suggests that they not only serve as a means of moving destabilizing macromolecular catabolites out of membranes into the cytosol but also possess enzymatic activity. The fact that the specific activity of phospholipase A2 is higher in deteriosomes than in deteriosome‐free cytosol suggests that some of the enzymatic activity traditionally assumed to be cytosolic may in fact be associated with deteriosomes.
Sonographic diagnosis of intestinal anisakiasis presenting as small bowel obstruction
Authors: Ogata Masaaki , Tamura Shuji , Matsunoya Michiko
Published: June 2014

Background

To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis of intestinal anisakiasis presenting as small bowel obstruction.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical features, US examinations, and CT scans of seven patients with intestinal anisakiasis presenting as small bowel obstruction. We compared the performances of US and CT in demonstrating peritoneal fluid, small bowel dilatation, and segmental edema of Kerckring's folds.

Results

All patients presented with a history of ingesting raw saltwater fish or squid less than 2 days prior to presentation at the emergency department and had significant levels of Anisakis‐specific IgE. Both US and CT revealed small bowel obstruction, with dilated small bowel in all patients and accumulations of free peritoneal fluid in six patients. CT showed segmental wall thickening and luminal narrowing with submucosal edema distal to the distended small bowel; US did so in four patients.

Conclusions

Although US was inferior to CT in demonstrating the segmental intestinal edema causing small bowel obstruction, it can be applied in suspected cases of intestinal anisakiasis presenting as small bowel obstruction, particularly where CT is unavailable or there are concerns about radiation exposure. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43:283–287, 2015
The Raman spectrum of grossular garnet: a quantum mechanical simulation of wavenumbers and intensities
Authors: Maschio Lorenzo , Demichelis Raffaella , Orlando Roberto , Pierre Marco De La , Mahmoud Agnes , Dovesi Roberto
Published: June 2014

Raman spectroscopy is a standard and powerful investigation technique for minerals, and garnet is one of the most observed and visible minerals, undoubtfully important both as a witness of our planet's evolution and as a main component in many high‐tech applications. This paper presents the Raman spectrum of grossular, the calcium–aluminium end‐member of garnets (Ca 3Al 2Si 3O12), as computed by using an ab initio quantum‐mechanical approach, an all‐electron Gaussian‐type basis set and the hybrid B3LYP functional. The wavenumbers of the 25 Raman active modes are in excellent agreement with the available experimental measurements, with the mean absolute difference being between 5 and 8 cm  − 1. The apparent disagreement between a few experimental vs calculated data can be easily justified through the analysis of the corresponding calculated peak intensities, which is very low in all of these cases. The intensities of the Raman active modes of grossular were calculated here for the first time, thanks to a recent implementation by some of the present authors that allow for accurate predictions of the Raman spectra of minerals. To the authors’ knowledge, there are no tabulated data sets for Raman intensities of grossular, although qualitative information can be extracted from the published spectra. This study can then be considered as an accurate reference data set for grossular, other than a clear evidence that quantum‐mechanical simulation is an actual tool to predict spectroscopic properties of minerals. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elevated C‐reactive protein as a predictor of patient outcomes following palliative surgery
Authors: Blakely Andrew M. , Heffernan Daithi S. , McPhillips Jane , Cioffi William G. , Miner Thomas J.
Published: June 2014

Background and Objectives

Optimal surgical decision‐making and informed consent for palliative procedures is limited by a lack of appropriate outcomes data. Elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP) may help guide patient selection for palliative surgery.

Methods

Procedures to palliate symptoms of advanced cancer were identified from a prospective palliative surgery database. Patients with a recorded preoperative serum CRP were identified and observed for at least 180 days or until death.

Results

Fifty patients were identified who underwent an elective palliative procedure from July 2006 to June 2012. Presenting symptoms included gastrointestinal obstruction (40%), tumor‐related pain (38%) or bleeding (12%), and other (10%). Symptom improvement was documented for 37 patients (74%). Palliative procedures were associated with 30‐day postoperative morbidity (42%) and mortality (10%). CRP (range 1–144 mg/L, median 9.7 mg/L) was elevated in 27 patients (54%) and was independently associated with developing a major complication (P = 0.005) and decreased overall survival (166 vs. 659 days, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Patients with advanced cancer can be afforded symptom improvement and the opportunity for improved quality of life following palliative procedures. Elevated preoperative CRP may help identify patients who are less likely to realize the benefits of palliative operations. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:651–655. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Primary non‐metastatic Ewing sarcoma of the jaw in children: Results of surgical resection and primary reconstruction
Authors: Qureshi Sajid S. , Kembhavi Seema , Bhagat Monica , Laskar Siddharth , Chinnaswamy Girish , Vora Tushar , Prasad Maya , Ramadwar Mukta , Desai Saral , Khanna Nehal , Kurkure Purna , Shah Sneha , Shankdhar Vinay , Yadav Prabha
Published: June 2014

Background and Objective

The rarity of Ewing sarcoma (ES) of the jaw coupled with the technical challenge of resection and associated functional and cosmetic impairment has resulted in deficient data on surgical management of these tumors. The purpose of this study is to describe the results of surgical excision and reconstruction of primary non‐metastatic ES of the mandible and maxilla in children.

Methods

Consecutive patients (mandible = 6, maxilla = 5) treated with surgery from August 2005 to January 2013 were selected. All patients received induction chemotherapy and were selected for surgical resection based on the presence of specific criteria for operability.

Results

The median age was 11.5 years (range 5–16 years). Free fibular osteocutaneous flap was commonly used for reconstruction. There were no complications related to microvascular anastomosis or flap loss. Five patients had 100% tumor necrosis and did not receive radiotherapy. Teeth alignment, chewing, swallowing, and speech were normal in all and donor site morbidity occurred in one. The 5‐year overall, event‐free survival, and local control are 87.5%, 72.9%, and 90%, respectively.

Conclusion

In eligible patients, surgery with contemporary reconstruction results in optimal oncological and functional outcome. Surgery also has the added advantage of identifying patients who may not need radiotherapy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:689–695. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Percutaneous microwave ablation of stage I medically inoperable non‐small cell lung cancer: Clinical evaluation of 47 cases
Authors: Yang Xia , Ye Xin , Zheng Aimin , Huang Guanghui , Ni Xiang , Wang Jiao , Han Xiaoying , Li Wenhong , Wei Zhigang
Published: June 2014

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate safety and effectiveness of CT‐guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) in 47 patients with medically inoperable stage I peripheral non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

From February 2008 to October 2012, 47 patients with stage I medically inoperable NSCLC were treated in 47 MWA sessions. The clinical outcomes were evaluated. Complications after MWA were also summarized.

Results

At a median follow‐up period of 30 months, the median time to the first recurrence was 45.5 months. The local control rates at 1, 3, 5 years after MWA were 96%, 64%, and 48%, respectively. The median cancer‐specific and median overall survivals were 47.4 and 33.8 months. The overall survival rates at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years after MWA were 89%, 63%, 43%, and 16%, respectively. Tumors ≤3.5 cm were associated with better survival than were tumors >3.5 cm. The complications after MWA included pneumothorax (63.8%), hemoptysis (31.9%), pleural effusion (34%), pulmonary infection (14.9%), and bronchopleural fistula (2.1%).

Conclusions

MWA is safe and effective for the treatment of medically inoperable stage I peripheral NSCLC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:758–763. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Liquid‐phase microextraction based on two immiscible organic solvents followed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry as an efficient method for the preconcentration and determination of cocaine, ketamine, and lidocaine in human urine samples
Authors: Yamini Yadollah , Seidi Shahram , Feizbakhsh Rouhollah , Baheri Tahmineh , Rezazadeh Maryam
Published: June 2014

A new type of liquid‐phase microextraction based on two immiscible organic solvents was optimized and validated for the quantification of lidocaine, ketamine, and cocaine in human urine samples. A hollow‐fiber based microextraction technique followed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detection was used to reduce matrix interferences and improve limits of detection. The analytes were extracted from aqueous sample with pH 11.0, into a thin layer of organic solvent (n‐dodecane) sustained in the pores of a hollow fiber, and then into a second organic acceptor (acetonitrile) located inside the lumen of the hollow fiber. With the application of optimized values, good linearity was obtained in the range of 1–500 μg/L for lidocaine and ketamine and 2–500 μg/L for cocaine with the determination coefficient values (r2) >0.9943. The preconcentration factors and limits of detection (S/N > 3) were 250–350 and 0.01–0.05 μg/L, respectively. Intra and interassay precision values were <7.3 and 9.3%, respectively. The method was successfully applied for the determination and quantification of target analytes in human urine samples.
Rapid quantitative analysis of individual anthocyanin content based on high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection with the pH differential method
Authors: Wang Huayin
Published: June 2014

A new quantitative technique for the simultaneous quantification of the individual anthocyanins based on the pH differential method and high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection is proposed in this paper. The six individual anthocyanins (cyanidin 3‐glucoside, cyanidin 3‐rutinoside, petunidin 3‐glucoside, petunidin 3‐rutinoside, and malvidin 3‐rutinoside) from mulberry (Morus rubra) and Liriope platyphylla were used for demonstration and validation. The elution of anthocyanins was performed using a C18 column with stepwise gradient elution and individual anthocyanins were identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Based on the pH differential method, the high‐performance liquid chromatography peak areas of maximum and reference absorption wavelengths of anthocyanin extracts were conducted to quantify individual anthocyanins. The calibration curves for these anthocyanins were linear within the range of 10–5500 mg/L. The correlation coefficients (r2) all exceeded 0.9972, and the limits of detection were in the range of 1–4 mg/L at a signal‐to‐noise ratio ≥5 for these anthocyanins. The proposed quantitative analysis was reproducible with good accuracy of all individual anthocyanins ranging from 96.3 to 104.2% and relative recoveries were in the range 98.4–103.2%. The proposed technique is performed without anthocyanin standards and is a simple, rapid, accurate, and economical method to determine individual anthocyanin contents.