bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and utilization of preassembled frozen commercial fast real‐time qPCR master mixes for detection of cytomegalovirus and BK virus
Authors: Glover William A. , Atienza Ederlyn E. , Nesbitt Shannon , Kim Woo J. , Castor Jared , Cook Linda , Jerome Keith R.
Published: June 2015

Quantitative DNA detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and BK virus (BKV) is critical in the management of transplant patients. Quantitative laboratory‐developed procedures for CMV and BKV have been described in which much of the processing is automated, resulting in rapid, reproducible, and high‐throughput testing of transplant patients. To increase the efficiency of such assays, the performance and stability of four commercial preassembled frozen fast qPCR master mixes (Roche FastStart Universal Probe Master Mix with Rox, Bio‐Rad SsoFast Probes Supermix with Rox, Life Technologies TaqMan FastAdvanced Master Mix, and Life Technologies Fast Universal PCR Master Mix), in combination with in‐house designed primers and probes, was evaluated using controls and standards from standard CMV and BK assays. A subsequent parallel evaluation using patient samples was performed comparing the performance of freshly prepared assay mixes versus aliquoted frozen master mixes made with two of the fast qPCR mixes (Life Technologies TaqMan FastAdvanced Master Mix, and Bio‐Rad SsoFast Probes Supermix with Rox), chosen based on their performance and compatibility with existing PCR cycling conditions. The data demonstrate that the frozen master mixes retain excellent performance over a period of at least 10 weeks. During the parallel testing using clinical specimens, no difference in quantitative results was observed between the preassembled frozen master mixes and freshly prepared master mixes. Preassembled fast real‐time qPCR frozen master mixes perform well and represent an additional strategy laboratories can implement to reduce assay preparation times, and to minimize technical errors and effort necessary to perform clinical PCR. J. Med. Virol. 88:115–119, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rapidly differentiating grape seeds from different sources based on characteristic fingerprints using direct analysis in real time coupled with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry combined with chemometrics
Authors: Song Yuqiao , Liao Jie , Dong Junxing , Chen Li
Published: June 2015

The seeds of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) are a byproduct of wine production. To examine the potential value of grape seeds, grape seeds from seven sources were subjected to fingerprinting using direct analysis in real time coupled with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry combined with chemometrics. Firstly, we listed all reported components (56 components) from grape seeds and calculated the precise m/z values of the deprotonated ions [M–H]–. Secondly, the experimental conditions were systematically optimized based on the peak areas of total ion chromatograms of the samples. Thirdly, the seven grape seed samples were examined using the optimized method. Information about 20 grape seed components was utilized to represent characteristic fingerprints. Finally, hierarchical clustering analysis and principal component analysis were performed to analyze the data. Grape seeds from seven different sources were classified into two clusters; hierarchical clustering analysis and principal component analysis yielded similar results. The results of this study lay the foundation for appropriate utilization and exploitation of grape seed samples. Due to the absence of complicated sample preparation methods and chromatographic separation, the method developed in this study represents one of the simplest and least time‐consuming methods for grape seed fingerprinting.
Development of a method using high‐performance liquid chromatographic fingerprint and multi‐ingredients quantitative analysis for the quality control of Yangxinshi Pian
Authors: Li Yerui , Yang Kai , Shi Qiyuan , Liu Bowen , Jin Ye , Liu Xuesong , Jiang Zuolin , Luan Lianjun , Wu Yongjiang
Published: June 2015

A simple and reliable method of high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection method was developed for fingerprint analysis and simultaneous determination of six compounds including puerarin, salvianolic acid B, berberine hydrochloride, palmatine chloride, dehydrocorydaline, and icariin in the Chinese medicine preparation Yangxinshi Pian. The separation was performed on an Agilent Eclipse XDB‐C18 reserved‐phase column (250 mm × 4.6mm I.D., 5 μm) using gradient elution with 50 mmol/L monopotassium phosphate aqueous solution and methanol as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The column operating temperature was set at 30°C, and the detection wavelength was 280 nm. The method was validated by linearity, precision, accuracy, stability, and recovery. For fingerprint analysis, 25 peaks were selected as the common peaks, and four kinds of similarities including cosine similarity (S), ratio of similarity (S′), projection content similarity (C), and content similarity (P) were applied to evaluate the quality consistency of different batches of Yangxinshi Pian. The results showed that the developed method was an efficient tool for quality evaluation of Yangxinshi Pian.
Chemo‐port insertion: A cause of vocal cord palsy
Authors: Alazzawi Sarmad , Hindi Khalid , Malik Ausama , Wee Chong Aun , Prepageran Narayanan
Published: June 2015

We describe extremely rare cases of vocal cord palsy following surgical insertion of a chemo port. Our cohort consisted of patients with cancer who developed hoarseness immediately after central venous line placement for the administration of chemotherapy, with vocal cord palsy confirmed with flexible laryngoscopy. Given the timing, central venous line placement appears to be the most likely cause. Laryngoscope, 125:2551–2552, 2015
Large‐scale Modeling of Soil Erosion with RUSLE for Conservationist Planning of Degraded Cultivated Brazilian Pastures
Authors: Galdino Sergio , Sano Edson E. , Andrade Ricardo G. , Grego Celia R. , Nogueira Sandra F. , Bragantini Claudio , Flosi Ana H. G.
Published: June 2015

Pasture degradation is one of the major environmental and economic problems of Brazilian livestock production. Based on the estimates of soil loss in 140,297 km2 pasturelands of Goiás State and the Federal District, the effects of land use and management and conservation practices on soil erosion by water were evaluated. Soil loss was estimated with the empirical revised universal soil loss equation model under four scenarios of land use and management of pastures and the implementation of terraces. The effects of converting hilly areas into permanently preserved areas were also evaluated. Well‐managed pastures planted in terraces and highly sloped areas with native vegetation featured a reduction of 709% in the rate of soil erosion by water in comparison with poorly managed pastures without soil conservation practices. The environmental consequences of pasture degradation become particularly important when they are associated with land use in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes because farmers in these regions are forced to open new natural areas. In addition, the high indices of bare soil in degraded pastures contribute significantly to sediment deposition in rivers and dams. The modeling of soil loss is demonstrated to be an important tool for land use planning and supporting public policies focused on the sustainable use of natural resources. The results of these simulations demonstrate the importance of actions to recover degraded pastures, such as the Federal Government's program known as ABC (Low Carbon Agriculture). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coverage of supraumbilical abdominal wall defects: The tunnelled‐pedicled ALT technique
Authors: Fernandez‐Alvarez Jose‐Alberto , Barrera‐Pulido Fernando , Lagares‐Borrego Araceli , Narros‐Gimenez Rocio , Gacto‐Sanchez Purificación , Gomez‐Cia Tomas
Published: June 2015

Abdominal wall defects are a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Although the utility of anterolateral thigh perforator (ALT) flap has been well established for lower abdominal wall reconstruction, pedicled ALT flap is usually not considered for supraumbilical defects in the most recent algorithms. The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a tunneled pedicled ALT flap for reconstruction of supraumbilical defect from a series of patients. From July 2009 to September2014, six patients underwent delayed abdominal wall coverage using pedicled ALT flaps and reinforcement with polypropylene meshes. Defects occurred after surgical complications and abdominal trauma. Flaps were tunneled beneath the rectus femoris and sartorius muscles to increase the pedicle length. The size of the skin islands ranged from 22–29 × 10–14 cm. All flaps survived and the healing of the wounds was successful. Partial dehiscence of donor site occurred in one patient, and small wound dehiscence due to minimal distal necrosis was observed in another patient. No functional problems were reported in donor site, and no complications occurred in 6–68 months of follow‐up. The tunneled pedicled ALT flap may provide a reliable alternative method for abdominal wall reconstruction, including supraumbilical defects. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:119–127, 2017.
Reconstruction of maxillary defect with musculo‐adipose rectus free flap
Authors: Low Tsu‐Hui (Hubert) , Lindsay Andrew , Clark Jonathan , Chai Francis , Lewis Richard
Published: June 2015

Background

The rectus myocutaneous free flap (RMFF) is used for medium to large maxillectomy defects. However, in patients with central obesity the inset could be difficult due to the bulk from excessive layer of adipose tissue. We describe a modification of the RMFF for patients with excessive central obesity with a flap consisting of adipose tissue with minimal rectus muscle; the musculo‐adipose rectus free flap (MARF).

Methods

Five cases of MARF reconstruction were performed between 2003 and 2013, with patients’ body mass indexes ranging from 29.0 to 41.2 kg/m2. All patients had sinonasal tumor, of which three were adenoid cystic carcinoma, one squamous cell carcinoma, and one melanoma. Four patients had Codeiro IIIb defects and one had Codeiro II defect. Using the MARF technique, the maxillectomy defect was obliterated with vascularized adipose tissue overlying the rectus muscle and was trimmed to fit the maxillectomy defect. The adipose tissue was allowed to granulate and mucosalize.

Results

The volume of adipose tissue harvested was between 120 and 160 mL. All flaps survived with no requirement for re‐exploration. Complete oro‐nasal separation was achieved in all patients. The time to commencement of oral intake ranges from 5 to 15 days. One patient developed seroma and one developed wound breakdown on the donor site. The length of stay at the hospital ranges from 9 to 22 days. On follow‐up ranging 7.5–32.8 months, two patients died from their malignancies. The other three patients were able to tolerate oral soft diet.

Conclusion

The MARF may be considered as an alternative to myocutaneous rectus free flap particularly for the reconstruction of maxillary defects in patients with central obesity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:137–141, 2017.
Calebin‐A inhibits adipogenesis and hepatic steatosis in high‐fat diet‐induced obesity via activation of AMPK signaling
Authors: Lai Ching‐Shu , Liao Sih‐Ning , Tsai Mei‐Ling , Kalyanam Nagabhushanam , Majeed Muhammed , Majeed Anju , Ho Chi‐Tang , Pan Min‐Hsiung
Published: June 2015

Scope

Diet‐induced obesity and associated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease have increased and become a major health problem worldwide. This study was conducted to investigate the chemopreventive effects of dietary Calebin‐A, a curcuminoid, on differentiation of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and high‐fat diet (HFD) induced obesity and hepatic steatosis. Potential mechanisms contributing to these effects were also elucidated.

Methods and results

Calebin‐A effectively and dose dependently suppressed accumulation of lipid droplets in adipocytes through the suppression of adipogenic specific factor peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) γ and fatty acid synthase and activated acetyl‐CoA carboxylase. Dietary Calebin‐A effectively decreased weight gain and relative perigonadal, retroperitoneal, and mesenteric fat weight in HFD‐fed mice. Furthermore, Calebin‐A markedly reduced hepatic steatosis and the serum levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, total cholesterol, and triacylglycerol. These effects were associated with the downregulation of PPARγ, sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1, and particularly the activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase α signaling found in both adipocytes and liver tissues.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results demonstrated for the first time that Calebin‐A suppressed adipocyte differentiation, prevented HFD‐induced obesity, and improved hepatic steatosis, suggesting a novel application for the prevention and treatment of obesity and associated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Analysis of autophagic flux in response to sulforaphane in metastatic prostate cancer cells
Authors: Watson Gregory W. , Wickramasekara Samanthi , Fang Yufeng , Palomera‐Sanchez Zoraya , Maier Claudia S. , Williams David E. , Dashwood Roderick H. , Perez Viviana I. , Ho Emily
Published: June 2015

Scope

The phytochemical sulforaphane (SF) has been shown to decrease prostate cancer metastases in a genetic mouse model of prostate carcinogenesis, though the mechanism of action is not fully known. SF has been reported to stimulate autophagy, and modulation of autophagy has been proposed to influence SF cytotoxicity; however, no conclusions about autophagy can be drawn without assessing autophagic flux, which has not been characterized in prostate cancer cells following SF treatment.

Methods and results

We conducted an investigation to assess the impact of SF on autophagic flux in two metastatic prostate cancer cell lines at a concentration shown to decrease metastasis in vivo. Autophagic flux was assessed by multiple autophagy related proteins and substrates. We found that SF can stimulate autophagic flux and cell death only at high concentrations, above what has been observed in vivo.

Conclusion

These results suggest that SF does not directly stimulate autophagy or cell death in metastatic prostate cancer cells under physiologically relevant conditions, but instead supports the involvement of in vivo factors as important effectors of SF‐mediated prostate cancer suppression.
Sodium NMR/MRI for anisotropic systems
Authors: Eliav U. , Navon G.
Published: June 2015

Sodium (23Na) plays a central role in many physiological processes, and its high NMR sensitivity makes it an attractive nucleus for biomedical NMR and MRI research. Many biological tissues contain structures such as fibers and membranes that impose anisotropic translational and rotational motions on the sodium ions. Translational motion can be studied by diffusion measurements. Anisotropic rotational motion results in non‐vanishing quadrupolar interaction that it is best studied by exploiting multiple quantum coherences for 23Na NMR spectroscopy and MRI. The current review covers the application of the various NMR techniques to the study of 23Na in anisotropic compartments in cartilage, tendon, intervertebral discs, red blood cells, nervous system and muscles. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quasi‐local multitrace boundary integral formulations
Authors: Claeys X.
Published: June 2015

In the context of time harmonic wave scattering by piecewise homogeneous penetrable objects, we present a new variant of the multitrace boundary integral formulation, that differs from the local multitrace approach of (Jerez‐Hanckes and Hiptmair, 2012) [13] by the presence of regularization terms involving boundary integral operators and localized at junctions i.e. points where at least three subdomains abut. We prove well‐posedness and quasioptimal convergence of conforming Galerkin discretizations for this new formulation, and present numerical results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 2043–2062, 2015
A unified derivation of finite‐difference schemes from solution matching
Authors: Chin Siu A.
Published: June 2015

Conventional finite‐difference schemes for solving partial differential equations are based on approximating derivatives by finite‐differences. In this work, an alternative method is proposed which views finite‐difference schemes as systematic ways of matching up to the operator solution of the partial differential equation. By completely abandoning the idea of approximating derivatives directly, the method provides a unified description of explicit finite‐difference schemes for solving a general linear partial differential equation with constant coefficients to any time‐marching order. As a result, the stability of the first‐order algorithm for an entire class of linear equations can be determined all at once. Because the method is based on solution‐matching, it can also be used to derive any order schemes for solving the general nonlinear advection equation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 32: 243–265, 2016
Enzymatic ring‐opening polymerization and polycondensation for the green synthesis of polyesters
Authors: Kobayashi Shiro
Published: June 2015

Enzyme‐catalyzed polyester synthesis has been briefly reviewed with focusing on the studies achieved mainly by our group. This article describes the polyester synthesis based on the reaction mode catalyzed by enzyme with using lipase in major and protease in minor. First, ring‐opening polymerization of cyclic esters (lactones), where the macrolide monomers showed a higher polymerizability by lipase catalyst than smaller ring‐sized lactones. This tendency is the reverse with the anionic and metal (Zn) catalyzed polymerizations, which was explained from the specific mechanism of the enzymatic reaction. Chemoselective and enantioselective as well as end‐functionalizing polymerizations were mentioned. Second, condensation polymerization (polycondensation), where two modes of reactions using oxyacid or its ester as monomer and carboxylic acid or its ester and diol as monomers were shown. Third, ring‐opening addition–condensation polymerization, where carboxylic anhydride and diol monomers were reacted involving dehydration. Finally, advantageous aspects of enzymatic polyester synthesis are described in terms of conducting green polymer chemistry. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Borderline personality features and associated difficulty in emotion perception: An examination of accuracy and bias
Authors: Meyer Justin K. , Morey Leslie C.
Published: June 2015

Research on borderline personality disorder (BPD) has consistently found that those with the disorder often experience volatile interpersonal interactions, and several areas of research have been dedicated to the understanding of the mechanisms behind these interpersonal struggles. One of the most common theories is that the emotional dysregulation that is characteristic of BPD may adversely impact these interpersonal interactions, perhaps through a resulting misperception of emotional states in others. The purpose of the current study was to examine perception of negative affect in those with borderline personality features using a signal detection paradigm, a modified version of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task. Results support the hypothesis of atypical perception of negative emotions in BPD, but with disinhibitory aspects of the disorder demonstrating the largest potential influence. This finding was obtained even after controlling for gender differences that were also observed on this task. These results suggest that an examination of trait components of BPD may be necessary for a complete understanding of the emotion perception abilities of those with the disorder. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ag:TiN‐Coated Polyurethane for Dry Biopotential Electrodes: From Polymer Plasma Interface Activation to the First EEG Measurements
Authors: Pedrosa Paulo , Fiedler Patrique , Lopes Cláudia , Alves Eduardo , Barradas Nuno P. , Haueisen Jens , Machado Ana V. , Fonseca Carlos , Vaz Filipe
Published: June 2015

Several plasma treatments using argon, oxygen, and nitrogen are studied in order to increase the interfacial adhesion of the polyurethane/Ag:TiN system to be used as biopotential electrodes. The optimized plasma treatments conditions (100 W, 15 min, regardless of the gas) promote a steep decrease of the water contact angle values. The observed chemical and topographic alterations translate into excellent polyurethane/Ag:TiN interfacial adhesion of the plasma treated samples. The in‐service validation of the proposed Ag:TiN‐coated PU multipin electrodes is performed by acquiring EEG signals in parallel with the standard wet Ag/AgCl electrodes. No considerable differences are found in terms of shape, amplitude, and spectral characteristics of the signals when comparing reference wet and dry electrodes.
Effect of single point mutations in a form of systemic amyloidosis
Authors: Bhavaraju Manikanthan , Hansmann Ulrich H.E.
Published: June 2015

Amyloid deposits of light‐chain proteins are associated with the most common form of systemic amyloidosis. We have studied the effects of single point mutations on amyloid formation of these proteins using explicit solvent model molecular dynamics simulations. For this purpose, we compare the stability of the wild‐type immunoglobulin light‐chain protein REI in its native and amyloid forms with that of four mutants: R61N, G68D, D82I, and A84T. We argue that the experimentally observed differences in the propensity for amyloid formation result from two effects. First, the mutant dimers have a lower stability than the wild‐type dimer due to increase exposure of certain hydrophobic residues. The second effect is a shift in equilibrium between monomers with amyloid‐like structure and such with native structures. Hence, when developing drugs against light‐chain associated systemic amyloidosis, one should look for components that either stabilize the dimer by binding to the dimer interface or reduce for the monomers the probability of the amyloid form.
Computational study of the W260A activating mutant of Src tyrosine kinase
Authors: Meng Yilin , Roux Benoît
Published: June 2015

Tyrosine kinases are enzymes playing a critical role in cellular signaling. Mutations causing increased in kinase activity are often associated with cancer and various pathologies. One example in Src tyrosine kinases is offered by the substitution of the highly conserved tryptophan 260 by an alanine (W260A), which has been shown to cause an increase in activity. Here, molecular dynamics simulations based on atomic models are carried out to characterize the conformational changes in the linker region and the catalytic (kinase) domain of Src kinase to elucidate the impact of the W260A mutation. Umbrella sampling calculations show that the conformation of the linker observed in the assembled down‐regulated state of the kinase is most favored when the kinase domain is in the inactive state, whereas the conformation of the linker observed in the re‐assembled up‐regulated state of the kinase is favored when the kinase domain is in the unphosphorylated active‐like state. The calculations further indicate that there are only small differences between the WT and W260A mutant. In both cases, the intermediates states are very similar and the down‐regulated inactive conformation is the most stable state. However, the calculations also show that the free energy cost to reach the unphosphorylated active‐like conformation is slightly smaller for the W260A mutant compared with WT. A simple kinetic model is developed and submitted to a Bayesian Monte Carlo analysis to illustrate how such small differences can contribute to accelerate the trans‐autophosphorylation reaction and yield a large increase in the activity of the mutant as observed experimentally.
Engineering trypsin for inhibitor resistance
Authors: Batt Anna R. , St. Germain Commodore P. , Gokey Trevor , Guliaev Anton B. , Baird Teaster
Published: June 2015

The development of effective protease therapeutics requires that the proteases be more resistant to naturally occurring inhibitors while maintaining catalytic activity. A key step in developing inhibitor resistance is the identification of key residues in protease‐inhibitor interaction. Given that majority of the protease therapeutics currently in use are trypsin‐fold, trypsin itself serves as an ideal model for studying protease‐inhibitor interaction. To test the importance of several trypsin‐inhibitor interactions on the prime‐side binding interface, we created four trypsin single variants Y39A, Y39F, K60A, and K60V and report biochemical sensitivity against bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) and M84R ecotin. All variants retained catalytic activity against small, commercially available peptide substrates [kcat/KM = (1.2 ± 0.3) × 107 M−1 s−1. Compared with wild‐type, the K60A and K60V variants showed increased sensitivity to BPTI but less sensitivity to ecotin. The Y39A variant was less sensitive to BPTI and ecotin while the Y39F variant was more sensitive to both. The relative binding free energies between BPTI complexes with WT, Y39F, and Y39A were calculated based on 3.5 µs combined explicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations. The BPTI:Y39F complex resulted in the lowest binding energy, while BPTI:Y39A resulted in the highest. Simulations of Y39F revealed increased conformational rearrangement of F39, which allowed formation of a new hydrogen bond between BPTI R17 and H40 of the variant. All together, these data suggest that positions 39 and 60 are key for inhibitor binding to trypsin, and likely more trypsin‐fold proteases.
Covalent docking using autodock: Two‐point attractor and flexible side chain methods
Authors: Bianco Giulia , Forli Stefano , Goodsell David S. , Olson Arthur J.
Published: June 2015

We describe two methods of automated covalent docking using Autodock4: the two‐point attractor method and the flexible side chain method. Both methods were applied to a training set of 20 diverse protein–ligand covalent complexes, evaluating their reliability in predicting the crystallographic pose of the ligands. The flexible side chain method performed best, recovering the pose in 75% of cases, with failures for the largest inhibitors tested. Both methods are freely available at the AutoDock website (http://autodock.scripps.edu).
Thermal and structural dependence of auxetic properties of composite materials
Authors: Jopek Hubert , Strek Tomasz
Published: June 2015

Negative Poisson's ratio has already been discovered for many geometrical structures. In most cases, however, the metamaterials built upon such geometries are foams or cellular solids. In this paper, a unidirectional fibrous composite built of two constituent materials of different thermomechanical properties has been studied. The resultant composite is a solid material in its volume. In order to obtain a material of the required properties, both the geometry of fibers and the influence of temperature on both materials have been investigated.
Dispersion from an area source in the unstable surface layer: an approximate analytical solution
Authors: Wilson John D.
Published: June 2015

An approximate solution to the advection‐diffusion equation is given, applying to a plume in the unstably stratified surface layer emanating from a finite ground‐level area source of trace gas. The approximation consists firstly of representing the mean wind profile by a power law, and secondly, in ‘splitting’ the governing equation so as to determine two components of the mean concentration that, in sum, satisfy the boundary conditions. The solution, which is easy to evaluate, is compared with numerical simulations using a standard Lagrangian stochastic trajectory model (LSM) and, provided the ratio of the upwind fetch of source to the Obukhov length is not too large (), agreement is very good. The Lagrangian model, in turn, is shown to be consistent with the Project Prairie Grass (PPG) dispersion data, subject only to the tuning of a flexible constant whose optimal value carries the implication that the ratio (Sc) of the eddy viscosity to the (far field) eddy diffusivity is not unity in the neutral limit, but rather Sc≈0.64. It seems unlikely this calibration results from having neglected deposition of the PPG ‘tracer’ (sulphur dioxide) to the surface.
Mesoscale air transport at a midlatitude squall line in Europe – a numerical analysis
Authors: Uebel M. , Bott A.
Published: June 2015

This study examines a fast‐propagating squall line over Western and Central Europe. A high‐resolution regional weather prediction model is used to analyze the three‐dimensional wind field and the corresponding air mass transport induced by the mesoscale convective system. The squall line can be divided into a bow‐shaped strong part with a continuous line of heavy convective precipitation, and a weaker part exhibiting several isolated multi‐cell storms. In the strong part, a deep and intense rear inflow jet occurs with relative wind speeds of 12–18 m s−1. This part is also characterized by moderate to strong wind shear, in contrast to the weaker part of the squall line where a shallow cold pool surges under the potentially unstable presquall air.

To investigate the air mass transport along the squall line, in the model simulations passive fluid tracers are initialized in several vertical layers with different thermodynamic conditions. At the strong part of the squall line a very efficient vertical tracer transport occurs. Potentially warm low‐level air is lifted from the lowermost 2 km to the upper troposphere where an organized horizontal outflow is observed. The potentially coldest presquall air descends just in front of the updraught region and partly penetrates the convective precipitation area. In the weaker part of the squall line, the potential instability is not significantly reduced because the vertical air mass transport is less effective there. Additionally, passive tracers are used to analyze the composition of the cold pool which turns out to be a very heterogeneous mixture of descending post‐frontal cold air and presquall air originating at different heights.
Develop cross‐functional work groups to reduce expenses, create efficiencies
Authors: Tull Ashley , White Lori S. , Vogel Joanne , Norris Dawn
Published: June 2015

Student affairs professionals at institutions throughout the country continue the struggle to do more with less.
Provide comprehensive support, boost student success
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: June 2015

THOMAS FRIEBEL, ASSISTANT VP FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT, CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK‐KINGSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Considering Critical Factors of Li‐rich Cathode and Si Anode Materials for Practical Li‐ion Cell Applications
Authors: Ko Minseong , Oh Pilgun , Chae Sujong , Cho Woongrae , Cho Jaephil
Published: June 2015

In order to keep pace with increasing energy demands for advanced electronic devices and to achieve commercialization of electric vehicles and energy‐storage systems, improvements in high‐energy battery technologies are required. Among the various types of batteries, lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are among the most well‐developed and commercialized of energy‐storage systems. LIBs with Si anodes and Li‐rich cathodes are one of the most promising alternative electrode materials for next‐generation, high‐energy batteries. Si and Li‐rich materials exhibit high reversible capacities of <2000 mAh g−1 and >240 mAh g‐1, respectively. However, both materials have intrinsic drawbacks and practical limitations that prevent them from being utilized directly as active materials in high‐energy LIBs. Examples for Li‐rich materials include phase distortion during cycling and side reactions caused by the electrolyte at the surface, and for Si, large volume changes during cycling and low conductivity are observed. Recent progress and important approaches adopted for overcoming and alleviating these drawbacks are described in this article. A perspective on these matters is suggested and the requirements for each material are delineated, in addition to introducing a full‐cell prototype utilizing a Li‐rich cathode and Si anode.
Effects of Ti–Al Complex Deoxidization Inclusions on Nucleation of Intragranular Acicular Ferrite in C–Mn Steel
Authors: Huang Qi , Wang Xinhua , Jiang Min , Hu Zhiyong , Yang Chengwei
Published: June 2015

The influences of Ti–Al complex deoxidation inclusions on nucleation of intragranular acicular ferrite (IAF) in C–Mn steel have been investigated based on four specimens with different Ti and Al contents. The inclusions of Steel 1 and Steel 2 both containing high Al are detected as Al2O3 and Ti3O5 · Al2O3, respectively. Owing to the low concentration of Mn in these inclusions, the manganese depletion zones (MDZs) which act as predominant driving force of IAF nucleation could not form easily. In Steel 3, Ti3O5–MnS is found as the main inclusion, which could be considered as potent nucleus. However, the excessive Ti leads to the aggregation of numerous inclusions less than 1 µm at grain boundaries, consequently restraining the nucleation of IAF. The main inclusions of Steel 4 containing low Al and medium Ti are found as Ti3O5 · Al2O3 · MnO, which effectively facilitate IAF nucleation. The size of inclusions mainly distributes in optimum zone corresponding to the maximum possibility of IAF nucleation. Therefore, the Al should be controlled as low as possible to ensure the nucleating effectivity of inclusion. While Ti should be appropriately controlled at medium level to distribute the inclusion size in the optimum zone to obtain well‐developed microstructures of IAF in C–Mn steel.
How humans evolved according to grade 12 students in Singapore
Authors: Seoh Kah Huat Robin , Subramaniam R. , Hoh Yin Kiong
Published: June 2015

Tree thinking, the understanding of the evolutionary relationships between organisms depicted in different types of tree diagrams, is an integral part of understanding evolution. Novice learners often read tree diagrams differently from specialists, resulting in diverse interpretations of the relationships depicted. The aim of this study is to understand how learners construct the picture of human phylogeny, focusing particularly on their views of the last common ancestor of two sister species, humans, and chimpanzees. A theoretical framework based primarily on the schema theory is used to interpret these views. The primary study gathered responses to an open‐ended question about human ancestry at various time points in our evolutionary history. The data were coded into categories consisting of lineage, trait description, trait gain, trait loss, and others. The lineage responses were further categorized and examined in the secondary study, with the provision of a simplified phylogenetic tree and the main lineage responses obtained in the primary study. Thirteen students were also selected for interviews. Diverse interpretations, including those that consider humans as direct descendants of extant apes (transmutation) or products of hybridization between extant apes, were found to be affected by respondents' alternative schemata related to the last common ancestor and deep time. We also discuss the potential influence of religious and cultural worldviews on some of these interpretations and present nine alternative models of how learners visualize the last common ancestor that humans shared with the chimpanzee. Findings suggest that complex interactions between different sets of schemata (consilience) may result in diverse interpretations of simple phylogenetic trees. Implications for the teaching of tree thinking are provided. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 53: 291–323, 2016.
Efficient production of indigoidine in Escherichia coli
Authors: Xu Fuchao , Gage David , Zhan Jixun
Published: June 2015

Indigoidine is a bacterial natural product with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Its bright blue color resembles the industrial dye indigo, thus representing a new natural blue dye that may find uses in industry. In our previous study, an indigoidine synthetase Sc-IndC and an associated helper protein Sc-IndB were identified from Streptomyces chromofuscus ATCC 49982 and successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BAP1 to produce the blue pigment at 3.93 g/l. To further improve the production of indigoidine, in this work, the direct biosynthetic precursor l-glutamine was fed into the fermentation broth of the engineered E. coli strain harboring Sc-IndC and Sc-IndB. The highest titer of indigoidine reached 8.81 ± 0.21 g/l at 1.46 g/l l-glutamine. Given the relatively high price of l-glutamine, a metabolic engineering technique was used to directly enhance the in situ supply of this precursor. A glutamine synthetase gene (glnA) was amplified from E. coli and co-expressed with Sc-indC and Sc-indB in E. coli BAP1, leading to the production of indigoidine at 5.75 ± 0.09 g/l. Because a nitrogen source is required for amino acid biosynthesis, we then tested the effect of different nitrogen-containing salts on the supply of l-glutamine and subsequent indigoidine production. Among the four tested salts including (NH4)2SO4, NH4Cl, (NH4)2HPO4 and KNO3, (NH4)2HPO4 showed the best effect on improving the titer of indigoidine. Different concentrations of (NH4)2HPO4 were added to the fermentation broths of E. coli BAP1/Sc-IndC+Sc-IndB+GlnA, and the titer reached the highest (7.08 ± 0.11 g/l) at 2.5 mM (NH4)2HPO4. This work provides two efficient methods for the production of this promising blue pigment in E. coli.
Alternative nighttime nutrition regimens in glycogen storage disease type I: a controlled crossover study
Authors: Hochuli Michel , Christ Emanuel , Meienberg Fabian , Lehmann Roger , Krützfeldt Jan , Baumgartner Matthias R.
Published: June 2015

Background

Traditional approaches for nighttime glycemic control in glycogen storage disease type I (GSDI) include continuous tube feeding, or ingestion of uncooked corn starch (CS) at bedtime. A modified corn starch (MCS) has been shown to prolong euglycemia in some patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether stable nighttime glucose control can be achieved with other types of slowly digested carbohydrates in adult GSDI patients.

Methods

In this cross‐over study, nocturnal glucose control and fasting times were assessed with three different nocturnal nutrition regimens in five patients, using continuous glucose monitoring (CGMS) in an outpatient everyday life setting. For each patient, continuous glucose profiles were measured after ingestion of (1) CS, (2) MCS or (3) a pasta meal at bedtime, during 5 to 6 consecutive nights for each regimen.

Results

Stable nocturnal glucose control was achieved for all patients with a pasta meal, with a mean duration of glycemia >3.5 mmol/l of 7.6 h (range 5.7‐10.8), and >4 mmol/l of 7 h (5.2‐9.2), similar to CS and MCS. Fasting glucose before breakfast on workdays (after 7.1 ± 0.8 h) was not significantly different between the three interventions (CS 4.1 ± 0.5 mmol/l, MCS 4.6 ± 0.7 mmol/l, pasta 4.3 ± 0.9 mmol/l). During prolonged fasting on weekends, longer duration of normoglycemia was achieved with CS or MCS than with pasta.

Conclusion

Consumption of cooked pasta is a suitable and more palatable alternative to uncooked corn starch to achieve nighttime glucose control in adult patients with GSDI.
Effects of ankle–foot braces on medial gastrocnemius morphometrics and gait in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Hösl Matthias , Böhm Harald , Arampatzis Adamantios , Döderlein Leonhard
Published: June 2015

Purpose

In children with cerebral palsy (CP), braces are used to counteract progressive joint and muscle contracture and improve function. We examined the effects of positional ankle–foot braces on contracture of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and gait in children with CP while referencing to typically developing children.

Methods

Seventeen independently ambulant children with CP and calf muscle contracture (age 10.4 ± 3.0y) and 17 untreated typically developing peers (age 9.5 ± 2.6y) participated. Children with CP were analysed before and 16 ± 4 weeks after ankle–foot bracing. MG muscle belly length and thickness, tendon and fascicle length, as well as their extensibility were captured by 2D ultrasound and 3D motion capturing during passive, manually applied stretches. In addition, 3D gait analysis was conducted.

Results

Prior to bracing, the MG muscle–tendon unit in children with CP was 22 % less extensible. At matched amounts of muscle–tendon unit stretch, the muscle belly and fascicles in CP were 7 % and 14 % shorter while the tendon was 11 % longer. Spastic fascicles displayed 32 % less extensibility than controls. Brace wear increased passive dorsiflexion primarily with the knees flexed. During gait, children walked faster and foot lift in swing improved. MG muscle belly and tendon length showed little change, but fascicles further shortened (−11 %) and muscle thickness (−8 %) decreased.

Conclusions

Use of ankle–foot braces improves function but may lead to a loss of sarcomeres in series, which could explain the shortened fascicles. To potentially induce gastrocnemius muscle growth, braces may also need to extend the knee or complementary training may be necessary to offset the immobilizing effects of braces.
Two Sources of Error in Data on Migration From Mexico to the United States in Mexican Household-Based Surveys
Authors: Hamilton Erin R. , Savinar Robin
Published: June 2015

We examine the nature and degree of two sources of error in data on migration from Mexico to the United States in Mexican household-based surveys: (1) sampling error that results when whole households migrate and no one is left behind to report their migration; and (2) reporting errors that result when migrants are not identified by survey respondents. Using data from the first two waves of the Mexican Family Life Survey, which tracked Mexican migrants to the United States from 2002 to 2005, we find that one-half of migrants from Mexico to the United States are not counted as a result of these two sources of error. Misreporting is the larger source of error, accounting for more than one-third of all migrants. Those who are not counted, especially whole-household migrants, are a unique group. Their omission results in an underestimate of female migrants, child migrants, and migrants from the Mexican border region, and an overestimate of migrants from the periphery region.
Decrease with aging of the microcirculatory function of the lumbar vertebral marrow preceding the loss of bone material density and the onset of intervertebral discal degeneration: A study about the potential cause
Authors: Ou‐yang Lin , Lu Guang‐ming
Published: June 2015

Objective

Using a dynamic computed tomographic perfusion (CTP) imaging method to explore the age‐related distribution of the microcirculation perfusion function in the vertebral marrow, the bone material density (BMD), and the intervertebral discal degeneration (IDD). Further, to discuss a possible causation relationship between them.

Methods

One hundred and eighty‐six people were randomly enrolled by stratified sampling and grouped by age: ≤15, 16–25, 26–35, 36–45, 46–55, 56–65, 66–75, and ≥76 years old. The average CTP and BMD of the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae marrow were measured and the IDD incidence of the third‐fourth vertebrae was assessed. The temporal–spatial distribution patterns of the age‐related changes of the CTP, BMD, and IDD were described, and the correlations between them were calculated.

Results

The microcirculatory perfusion function of the vertebral marrow develops to maturity by 25 years and is maintained until age 35, then declines with aging. The BMD grew to a peak from 26 to 45 years old, then decreased yearly. The IDD showed a sudden increase after 45 years of age. The CTP [BF (r = 0.806, P = 0.000), BV (r = 0.685, P = 0.005) and PMB (r = 0.619, P = 0.001)] showed strong positive correlations and CTP [TTP (r = −0.211, P = 0.322) and MTT (r = −0.598, P = 0.002)] showed negative correlations with BMD. The CTP [BF (r = −0.815, P = 0.000), BV (r = −0.753, P = 0.000) and PMB (r = −0.690, P = 0.000)] had strong negative correlations, and CTP [TTP (r = 0.323, P = 0.126) and MTT (r = 0.628, P = 0.001)] had positive correlations with the incidence of IDD.

Conclusion

The decrease with aging of the microcirculatory perfusion in the lumbar vertebral marrow preceded, and is a potential causative factor for the loss of BMD and the onset of IDD.
DHA protects against experimental colitis in IL-10-deficient mice associated with the modulation of intestinal epithelial barrier function
Authors: Zhao Jie , Shi Peiliang , Sun Ye , Sun Jing , Dong Jian-Ning , Wang Hong-Gang , Zuo Lu-Gen , Gong Jian-Feng , Li Yi , Gu Li-Li , Li Ning , Li Jie-Shou , Zhu Wei-Ming
Published: June 2015

A defect in the intestinal barrier is one of the characteristics of Crohn's disease (CD). The tight junction (TJ) changes and death of epithelial cells caused by intestinal inflammation play an important role in the development of CD. DHA, a long-chain PUFA, has been shown to be helpful in treating inflammatory bowel disease in experimental models by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. The present study aimed at investigating the specific effect of DHA on the intestinal barrier function in IL-10-deficient mice. IL-10-deficient mice (IL-10− / −) at 16 weeks of age with established colitis were treated with DHA (i.g. 35·5 mg/kg per d) for 2 weeks. The severity of their colitis, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, epithelial gene expression, the distributions of TJ proteins (occludin and zona occludens (ZO)-1), and epithelial apoptosis in the proximal colon were measured at the end of the experiment. DHA treatment attenuated the established colitis and was associated with reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in the colonic mucosa, lower mean histological scores and decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-17, TNF-α and interferon-γ). Moreover, enhanced barrier function was observed in the DHA-treated mice that resulted from attenuated colonic permeability, rescued expression and corrected distributions of occludin and ZO-1. The results of the present study indicate that DHA therapy may ameliorate experimental colitis in IL-10− / − mice by improving the intestinal epithelial barrier function.