bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling 2 m air temperatures over mountain glaciers: Exploring the influence of katabatic cooling and external warming
Authors: Ayala A. , Pellicciotti F. , Shea J. M.
Published: March 2015

Air temperature is one of the most relevant input variables for snow and ice melt calculations. However, local meteorological conditions, complex topography, and logistical concerns in glacierized regions make the measuring and modeling of air temperature a difficult task. In this study, we investigate the spatial distribution of 2 m air temperature over mountain glaciers and propose a modification to an existing model to improve its representation. Spatially distributed meteorological data from Haut Glacier d'Arolla (Switzerland), Place (Canada), and Juncal Norte (Chile) Glaciers are used to examine approximate flow line temperatures during their respective ablation seasons. During warm conditions (off‐glacier temperatures well above 0°C), observed air temperatures in the upper reaches of Place Glacier and Haut Glacier d'Arolla decrease down glacier along the approximate flow line. At Juncal Norte and Haut Glacier d'Arolla, an increase in air temperature is observed over the glacier tongue. While the temperature behavior over the upper part can be explained by the cooling effect of the glacier surface, the temperature increase over the glacier tongue may be caused by several processes induced by the surrounding warm atmosphere. In order to capture the latter effect, we add an additional term to the Greuell and Böhm (GB) thermodynamic glacier wind model. For high off‐glacier temperatures, the modified GB model reduces root‐mean‐square error up to 32% and provides a new approach for distributing air temperature over mountain glaciers as a function of off‐glacier temperatures and approximate glacier flow lines.
Lar gibbon (Hylobates lar) great call reveals individual caller identity
Authors: Terleph Thomas A. , Malaivijitnond S. , Reichard U.H.
Published: March 2015

Gibbons (family Hylobatidae) produce loud, elaborate vocalizations (songs), often in well‐coordinated male/female duets. The female's great call, the most conspicuous phrase of the gibbon vocal repertoire, functions primarily to mediate territorial defense. Despite the fact that lar gibbons (Hylobates lar) are the most widely distributed and well researched hylobatid species and produce a rich vocal repertoire, the individual‐specificity of their great calls has not previously been quantified. In addition, spectral and temporal features of notes occurring at specific locations within the lar great call have not been described. Here we provide such a description, and test the hypothesis that great calls are statistically discriminable between a large sample of individual callers. We compared recordings of great calls from 14 wild lar females in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand. Our analyses of principal components derived from spectral and temporal measures, as well as spectrograms from the entire great call, indicate that acoustic variation is sufficient to allow identification of individual callers (83.5% discriminability based on principal components, and inter‐individual call variation exceeding intra‐individual variation in overall spectrogram). These vocalizations potentially allow individual recognition of animals. Am. J. Primatol. 77:811–821, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Z‐Selektive Kreuzmetathese mit Ruthenium‐Katalysatoren: Anwendung in der Synthese und mechanistische Aspekte
Authors: Herbert Myles B. , Grubbs Robert H.
Published: March 2015

Die Olefin‐Kreuzmetathese ist eine besonders nützliche Reaktion, die intensiv in der Synthese von komplexen Verbindungen genutzt wurde. Bis vor kurzem war es jedoch nicht möglich, Z‐Olefine mit dieser Methode herzustellen. Mit der Entdeckung und Entwicklung dreier Klassen von Ruthenium‐Katalysatoren wurde die Synthese von Z‐Olefinen mittels Kreuzmetathese nun ermöglicht und wird zunehmend populärer. Insbesondere Ruthenium‐Komplexe mit cyclometallierten NHC‐Liganden, die in unserem Labor entwickelt wurden, konnten erfolgreich in verschiedenen Kreuzmetathesen eingesetzt werden. Sie zeichnen sich durch eine hohe Aktivität und nahezu vollständige Z‐Selektivität aus. Dieser Kurzaufsatz gibt einen Überblick über die bisher untersuchten Kreuzmetathesereaktionen.
Sensitivity of PBL parameterization schemes of Weather Research Forecasting Model and coupling with AERMOD in the dispersion of NOX over Visakhapatnam (India)
Authors: Boadh Rahul , Satyanarayana A. N. V. , Rama Krishna T. V. B. P. S. , Madala Srikanth
Published: March 2015

An attempt has been made to develop a pre‐processor coupler for offline coupling of atmospheric mesoscale model (WRF) with a dispersion model (AERMOD) to estimate the ground level concentrations due to industrial sources over a coastal city, Visakhapatnam, India. To integrate AERMOD in standalone mode, surface and upper meteorological observations and various planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameters with good temporal resolution are required, that are absent for most locations in India. We have developed an integrated WRF‐AERMOD modeling system that gets required PBL parameters the pre‐processor coupler. Using this model, evaluation of the dispersion of nitrogen oxides (NOX) over Visakhapatnam during summer month with emission inventory of elevated point sources of various industries is conducted. Sensitivity studies of PBL schemes of WRF after validation reveal that the non‐local schemes, Yonsei University (YSU) followed by Asymmetric Convective Model version 2 (ACM2), captured well the characteristic variations of surface meteorological variables, vertical atmospheric structure. After validating with monitored air quality data, it is found that the integrated model with YSU followed by ACM2 is good in simulating ground level concentrations of NOX. The present work advocates that the developed modeling system is useful for better assessment of pollution dispersion over coastal regions. © 2015 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Partially‐observable stochastic hybrid systems (poshss) state estimation and optimal control
Authors: Liu Weiyi , Hwang Inseok
Published: March 2015

This paper discusses the state estimation and optimal control problem of a class of partially‐observable stochastic hybrid systems (POSHS). The POSHS has interacting continuous and discrete dynamics with uncertainties. The continuous dynamics are given by a Markov‐jump linear system and the discrete dynamics are defined by a Markov chain whose transition probabilities are dependent on the continuous state via guard conditions. The only information available to the controller are noisy measurements of the continuous state. To solve the optimal control problem, a separable control scheme is applied: the controller estimates the continuous and discrete states of the POSHS using noisy measurements and computes the optimal control input from the state estimates. Since computing both optimal state estimates and optimal control inputs are intractable, this paper proposes computationally efficient algorithms to solve this problem numerically. The proposed hybrid estimation algorithm is able to handle state‐dependent Markov transitions and compute Gaussian‐ mixture distributions as the state estimates. With the computed state estimates, a reinforcement learning algorithm defined on a function space is proposed. This approach is based on Monte Carlo sampling and integration on a function space containing all the probability distributions of the hybrid state estimates. Finally, the proposed algorithm is tested via numerical simulations.
Automatic Control of Aircraft in Lateral‐Directional Plane During Landing
Authors: Lungu Romulus , Lungu Mihai
Published: March 2015

The paper focuses on the automatic control of aircraft in the lateral‐directional plane during the landing approach phase, taking into account crosswind and sensor errors. Two new automatic landing systems are designed using the H‐inf control, dynamic inversion, optimal observers, and reference models. To validate them, we use the dynamics associated with the landing of a light airplane, we software implement the theoretical results, and analyze the accuracy of the results and the precision standards’ achievement with respect to the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration for lateral error during the lateral‐directional motion of the aircraft during the landing approach phase.
Kinetic Study of Catalytic Steam Gasification of Biomass by Using Reactive Flash Volatilisation
Authors: Chan Fan Liang , Umeki Kentaro , Tanksale Akshat
Published: March 2015

Reactive flash volatilisation is an autothermal process to convert biomass into tar‐free synthesis gas under steam‐rich conditions. This article studies the kinetics of reactive flash volatilisation by using Ni, PtNi, RuNi, ReNi, and RhNi catalysts supported on alumina. The rates of mass loss of cellulose, xylan, and lignin were measured and compared with those of the synthetic biomass mixture and pinewood sawdust. The kinetic parameters were calculated with and without catalysts by using a wire‐mesh isothermal thermogravimetric analyser in an equimolar steam/N2 atmosphere and high heating rates of 8.6×102, 1.1×103, and 1.3×104 °C min−1 at 700, 750, and 800 °C, respectively. The results revealed three distinct regimes of the rate of mass loss: pyrolytic decomposition, reforming, and char gasification. The catalysts increased the rate of mass loss in the reforming regime. RhNi and RuNi supported catalysts showed higher reforming rates than other catalysts. This study provides direct evidence of the in situ catalytic removal of tar during gasification of biomass.
Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Development of Contrast‐Induced Nephropathy After Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Among Nondiabetic Patients
Authors: Ozcan Ozgur Ulas , Adanir Er Hacer , Gulec Sadi , Ustun Elif Ezgi , Gerede Demet Menekse , Goksuluk Huseyin , Tulunay Kaya Cansin , Erol Cetin
Published: March 2015

Background

Identifying patients who are vulnerable to development of contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) is essential because of its association with prolonged hospitalization, increased cost, and increased in‐hospital and long‐term mortality rates.

Hypothesis

Individual components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) are well‐established risk factors for kidney injury. Nondiabetic patients diagnosed with MetS might be at an increased risk of developing CIN after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

A total of 599 nondiabetic patients were enrolled, of whom 313 met the MetS criteria and 286 were included in the control group. Patients were evaluated for development of CIN after elective PCI.

Results

Contrast‐induced nephropathy occurred in 9.3% (29 of 313) of the MetS group and 4.9% (14 of 286) of the control group (P = 0.04). The multivariable regression model revealed that baseline glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min, multivessel intervention, and MetS increased and use of statin decreased the probability of CIN independent from confounding factors (odds ratio [OR]: 7.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.46‐24.36, P < 0.01 for baseline glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min; OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.42‐0.96, P = 0.02 for statin use; OR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.46‐6.56, P < 0.01 for multivessel intervention; and OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.12‐2.61, P = 0.03 for MetS).

Conclusions

Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for CIN in patients with stable coronary artery disease who undergo elective PCI. We suggest that clinicians recognize the patients with MetS before elective coronary interventions.
The effective phase of soft RF pulses
Authors: Hennel Franciszek
Published: March 2015

In this article, the seemingly trivial relation between the spin nutation phase and the phase of radiofrequency (RF) pulses used in NMR is discussed, which in the case of soft (selective) pulses appears more subtle. Unlike hard pulses applied at a common carrier frequency, soft pulses usually have different frequency offsets in the same sequence and their nutation phase cannot be directly linked with the RF phase shift, as the phase shift has no absolute meaning for waves of different frequency. The problem is further complicated in MRI, where RF pulses are accompanied by a time‐dependent slice selection field gradient leading to surprising effects, for example, when two consecutive pulses of identical frequency and phase rotate the spins around different axes depending on slice position. A rule is described that lets the effective nutation phase be derived from the time course the RF phase. Ways to control this time course using various options of digital synthesis are presented. The discussion is illustrated by two popular MRI sequences—fast spin echo (RARE) and balanced steady‐state free precession (true FISP)—whose phase sensitivity easily leads to a pitfall when the frequency synthesis is not programmed with sufficient care. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 43A: 127–137, 2015.
A single phantom to mimic 1H MR spectra of different tissues
Authors: Boizán Alejandro Bordelois , Gambarota Giulio , Noury Fanny , Saint‐Jalmes Hervé
Published: March 2015

Object

To design and build a single phantom, encompassing various elementary tubes, that mimics the 1H magnetic resonance (MR) spectra of liver, prostate, muscle and brain.

Materials and Methods

High‐resolution NMR tubes were filled with water and the metabolite of interest, at a concentration of 50 mM, or with dairy cream or oil. The tubes (5 mm outer diameter) were placed into a plastic support, the ensemble was positioned in the center of a cuboid container filled with water. Simulations of the magnetic field inhomogeneity arising from the susceptibility variations in the current phantom were also performed. MR localized spectroscopy was performed on a 1.5 T clinical scanner.

Results

MR spectra of voxels positioned in four different locations of the phantom closely mimicked the resonance peaks of liver, prostate, muscle and brain in vivo MR spectra. In particular, for the muscle spectrum, the intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and extramyocellular lipid (EMCL) resonances were obtained using dairy cream and oil, respectively. Simulations of the magnetic field inhomogeneity in the phantom showed that in the case of an NMR tube length five times greater than the thickness of the volume of interest, it is not necessary to fill the container with water. However, to ensure a good reception level and shim settings, the NMR tubes were immersed in water.

Conclusions

A single phantom of new design, that is easily built and highly reconfigurable, is here presented, to mimic the in vivo MR spectra of liver, prostate, muscle, brain and other models as needed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 43A: 138–145, 2015.
A comprehensive discussion of HMBC pulse sequences. III. Solving the problem of missing and weakly observed long‐range correlations
Authors: Furrer Julien
Published: March 2015

The intensity of long‐range correlations observed with the classical HMBC pulse sequence using static optimization of the long‐range coupling delay is directly related to the size of the coupling constant and is often set as a compromise. As such, some long‐range correlations might appear with a reduced intensity or might even be completely absent from the spectra. After a short introduction, this third manuscript will give a detailed review of some selected HMBC variants dedicated to improve the detection of long‐range correlations, such as the ACCORD‐HMBC, CIGAR‐HMBC, and Broadband HMBC experiments. Practical details about the accordion optimization, which affords a substantial improvement in both the number and intensity of the long‐range correlations observed, but introduces a modulation in F1, will be discussed. The incorporation of the so‐called constant time variable delay in the CIGAR‐HMBC experiment, which can trigger or even completely suppress 1H–1H coupling modulation inherent to the utilization of the accordion principle, will be also discussed. The broadband HMBC scheme, which consists of recording a series of HMBC spectra with different delays set as a function of the long‐range heteronuclear coupling constant ranges and transverse relaxation times T2, is also examined. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 43A: 177–206, 2015.
Twenty‐four‐hour heart rate lowering with ivabradine in chronic heart failure: insights from the SHIFT Holter substudy
Authors: Böhm Michael , Borer Jeffrey S. , Camm John , Ford Ian , Lloyd Suzanne M. , Komajda Michel , Tavazzi Luigi , Talajic Mario , Lainscak Mitja , Reil Jan‐Christian , Ukena Christian , Swedberg Karl
Published: March 2015

Aims

Analysis of 24‐h Holter recordings was a pre‐specified substudy of SHIFT (Systolic Heart Failure Treatment with the If Inhibitor Ivabradine Trial) for exploring the heart rhythm safety of ivabradine and to determine effects of ivabradine on 24‐h, daytime, and night‐time heart rate (HR) compared with resting office HR.

Methods and results

The 24‐h Holter monitoring was performed at baseline and 8 months after randomization to ivabradine (n = 298) or matching placebo (n = 304) titrated maximally to 7.5 mg b.i.d. in patients with baseline HR ≥70 b.p.m. Patients received guideline‐based optimized heart failure therapy including ACE inhibitors and/or ARBs in 93% and beta‐blockers at maximally tolerated doses in 93%. After 8 months, HR over 24 h decreased by 9.5 ± 10.0 b.p.m. with ivabradine, from 75.4 ± 10.3 b.p.m. (P < 0.0001), and by 1.2 ± 8.9 b.p.m. with placebo, from 74.8 ± 9.7 b.p.m. (P < 0.0001 for difference vs. ivabradine). HR reduction with ivabradine was similar in resting office and in 24‐h, awake, and asleep recordings, with beneficial effects on HR variability and no meaningful increases in supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias. At 8 months, 21.3% on ivabradine vs. 8.5% on placebo had ≥1 episode of HR <40 b.p.m. (P < 0.0001). No episode of HR <30 b.p.m. was recorded; 3 (1.2%) patients had RR intervals >2.5 s on ivabradine vs. 4 (1.6%) patients on placebo. No RR intervals >3 s were identified in patients taking ivabradine.

Conclusion

Ivabradine safely and significantly lowers HR and improves HR variability in patients with systolic heart failure, without inducing significant bradycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, or supraventricular arrhythmias.
Synthesis and Characterization of 4‐, 5‐, and 6‐Coordinate Tris(1‐ethyl‐4‐isopropylimidazolyl‐κN)phosphine Cobalt(II) Complexes
Authors: Easley Chanel R. , Li Jia , Banerjee Atanu , Panda Manashi , Brennessel William W. , Loloee Reza , Colacio Enrique , Chavez Ferman A.
Published: March 2015

The synthesis and characterization of [Co(T1Et4iPrIP)X2] {T1Et4iPrIP = tris(1‐ethyl‐4‐isopropylimidazolyl)phosphine; X = OTf– (1), Cl– (2), Br– (3)} and [Co(T1Et4iPrIP)(CH3CN)3](OTf)2 (4) were investigated. In compounds 1 and 4, T1Et4iPrIP binds in a tridentate fashion, whereas 2 and 3 feature bidentate ligation. Compound 1 additionally coordinates two triflate ligands to complete a distorted square pyramidal geometry. Compound 4 also binds three acetonitrile ligands to afford a distorted octahedral geometry. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibit a distorted tetrahedral geometry for which the ligands comprise two imidazole nitrogen atoms and two halides. Bidentate coordination by using a tris(imidazolyl)phosphine ligand is unprecedented. Compounds 2 and 3 can be derived from 1 by the addition of either Cl– or Br– salts, respectively, whereas 4 can be generated by dissolving 1 in acetonitrile. DFT studies indicate that the HOMO–LUMO gaps of all compounds are comparable; however, steric factors stabilize the formation of 2 and 3 over 1 in the presence of halide ligands.
Dithiooxamide as an Effective Sulfur Surrogate for Odorless High‐Yielding Carbon–Sulfur Bond Formation in Wet PEG200 as an Eco‐Friendly, Safe, and Recoverable Solvent
Authors: Firouzabadi Habib , Iranpoor Nasser , Gorginpour Forough , Samadi Arash
Published: March 2015

In this study, we have employed dithiooxamide, a solid, odorless, and commercially available compound, as a sulfur surrogate for the preparation of dialkyl sulfides from available alkyl halides in high yields. This sulfur transfer agent was also used for a copper‐catalyzed high‐yielding preparation of diaryl sulfides from their available aryl halides and for the preparation of thia‐Michael adducts in high yields. All the reactions were performed under odorless conditions in wet PEG200 (PEG = polyethylene glycol), which is an eco‐friendly, safe, and recoverable solvent. The protocols were easily applicable to large‐scale operation.
Iodine‐Doped Cobalt Phthalocyanine Supported on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Electrocatalysis of Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Nyoni Stephen , Mashazi Philani , Nyokong Tebello
Published: March 2015

4‐(4,6‐Diaminopyrimidin‐2‐ylthio) phthalocyaninatocobalt(II) (CoPyPc) was iodine doped, and its electrocatalytic properties explored. Physical characterization techniques such as UV‐vis, X‐ray photoelectron, electron paramagnetic resonance and infra‐red spectroscopy were used. Cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and rotating disk electrode were used for electrochemical characterization of electrodes modified with the prepared phthalocyanine and its nanocomposites. The electrocatalytic effect of a new iodine‐doped cobalt phthalocyanine derivative supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes was then investigated towards oxygen reduction reaction. The electrocatalytic activity of the iodine‐doped cobalt phthalocyanine was found to be superior in terms of current over the undoped phthalocyanine nanocomposite.
A Novel Strategy of Electrochemically Treated ZrOCl2 Doped Carbon Paste Electrode for Sensitive Determination of Daidzein
Authors: Li Ying , Li Yinfeng , Gao Jian , Wang Lu , Zou Lina , Ye Baoxian
Published: March 2015

A novel electrochemically treated ZrOCl2 doped carbon paste composite electrode was easily prepared by directly incorporating ZrOCl2 into graphite powder after with an electrochemical treatment for the first time. This sensor showed sensitive voltammetric sensing for daidzein. The surface morphology and electrochemical properties of the electrode were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical behavior of daidzein was investigated in detail. Under the optimized conditions, the response currents were linearly related to daidzein concentrations in the range of 3×10−8 to 2×10−6 mol L−1 with a detection limit of 1×10−8 mol L−1 in phosphate buffer solution with pH 2.5. The proposed sensor was also applied to the determination of daidzein in pueraria, pharmaceutical preparations and human uric sample with satisfactory results.
Modified Glassy Carbon Rotating Disk Electrode for Determination of Heterogeneous Reaction Rate Constant of H2O2 Decomposition
Authors: Amirfakhri Seyed Javad , Meunier Jean‐Luc , Berk Dimitrios
Published: March 2015

Modified glassy carbon RDE method is introduced in this work for the determination of heterogeneous reaction rate constant of H2O2 decomposition. This method is based on the analysis of RDE voltammograms of H2O2 reduction on a glassy carbon electrode covered with a catalyst layer. As a case study, the rate constant of H2O2 decomposition on nitrogen doped graphene is determined by using both glassy carbon and gold RDE methods. A good agreement is observed between the results of these two methods indicating the reliability of the glassy carbon method. Moreover, advantages and limitations of the glassy carbon method are discussed.
Omne Vivum Ex Vivo … Omne? How to Feed an Inanimate Evolvable Chemical System so as to Let it Self‐evolve into Increased Complexity and Life‐like Behaviour
Authors: Strazewski Peter
Published: March 2015

“What I cannot create, I do not understand.” Richard Feynman’s bon mot seems almost tailored for experimental systems chemists to realise an important step in the chemical sciences: the creation of living synthetic cells from the entirely inanimate. The underlying idea needs to be simple so the system can develop naturally. This proposal aims at the realisation, viz. finding sets of experimentally feasible initial conditions, exploring varied compositions and analysing their outcomes, of a fully synthetic chemical micro‐compartmented and evolvable macromolecular system being fed with monomers and small molecular weight, high energy compounds, to keep the system permanently out of thermodynamic equilibrium and let it self‐evolve, thus gaining: 1) import‐export control of macromolecules across the compartment membranes; 2) food‐dependent increase in macromolecular size, i.e., polymer length inside the compartments; 3) sustained production of new macromolecules through the establishment of a (or several) de novo genetic code(s); leading to 4) the emergence of replicating macromolecular populations; and 5) the emergence of self‐evolved synthetic living cells.
MicroRNA Profile in Response to Doxorubicin Treatment in Breast Cancer
Authors: Tormo Eduardo , Pineda Begoña , Serna Eva , Guijarro Alba , Ribas Gloria , Fores Jaume , Chirivella Enrique , Climent Joan , Lluch Ana , Eroles Pilar
Published: March 2015

Chemotherapy treatment is the standard in triple negative breast cancers, a cancer subgroup which lacks a specific target. The mechanisms leading to the response, as well as any markers that allow the differentiation between responder and non‐responder groups prior to treatment are unknown. In parallel, miRNAs can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors and there is evidence of their involvement in promoting resistance to anticancer drugs. Therefore we hypothesized that changes in miRNA expression after doxorubicin treatment may also be relevant in treatment response. Objective: To study miRNAs that are differentially expressed in response to doxorubicin treatment. Methods: One luminal‐A and two triple negative, breast cancer cell lines were exposed to doxorubicin. Microarray analysis was performed to identify the common and differentially modified miRNAs. Genes and pathways that are theoretically regulated by these miRNAs were analyzed. Results: Thirteen miRNAs common to all three lines were modified, in addition to 25 that were specific to triple negative cell lines, and 69 that changed only in the luminal‐A cell line. This altered expression pattern seemed to be more strongly related to the breast cancer subgroup than to the treatment. The analysis of target genes revealed that cancer related pathways were the most affected by these miRNAs, moreover many of them had been previously related to chemotherapy resistance; thus suggesting follow‐up studies. Additionally, through functional assays, we showed that miR‐548c‐3p is implicated in doxorubicin‐treated MCF‐7 cell viability, suggesting a role for this miRNA in resistance. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2061–2073, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Runx1 is associated with breast cancer progression in MMTV‐PyMT transgenic mice and its depletion in vitro inhibits migration and invasion
Authors: Browne Gillian , Taipaleenmäki Hanna , Bishop Nicole M. , Madasu Sharath C. , Shaw Leslie M. , van Wijnen Andre J. , Stein Janet L. , Stein Gary S. , Lian Jane B.
Published: March 2015

Runx1 is a transcription factor essential for definitive hematopoiesis, and genetic abnormalities in Runx1 cause leukemia. Runx1 is functionally promiscuous and acts as either an oncogene or tumor suppressor gene in certain epithelial cancers. Recent evidence suggests that Runx1 is an important factor in breast cancer, however, its role remains ambiguous. Here, we addressed whether Runx1 has a specific pathological role during breast cancer progression and show that Runx1 has an oncogenic function. We observed elevated Runx1 expression in a subset of human breast cancers. Furthermore, throughout the course of disease progression in a classical mouse model of breast cancer (i.e., the MMTV‐PyMT transgenic model), Runx1 expression increases in the primary site (mammary gland) and is further upregulated in tumors and distal lung metastatic lesions. Ex vivo studies using tumor epithelial cells derived from these mice express significantly higher levels of Runx1 than normal mammary epithelial cells. The tumor cells exhibit increased rates of migration and invasion, indicative of an aggressive cancer phenotype. Inhibition of Runx1 expression using RNA interference significantly abrogates these cancer‐relevant phenotypic characteristics. Importantly, our data establish that Runx1 contributes to murine mammary tumor development and malignancy and potentially represents a key disease‐promoting and prognostic factor in human breast cancer progression and metastasis. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 2522–2532, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of left ventricular function by three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography in well‐treated type 2 diabetes patients with or without hypertension
Authors: Wang Qingqing , Gao Yunhua , Tan Kaibin , Xia Hongmei , Li Peijing
Published: March 2015

Purpose

The aims of this study were to investigate the myocardial deformation in well‐treated type 2 diabetes patients with or without hypertension using three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography and to explore variables that could affect myocardial deformation.

Methods

We studied 82 patients with type 2 diabetes and controlled blood glucose, including 46 subjects with diabetes alone and 36 subjects with diabetes and well‐controlled hypertension, and 40 age‐ and gender‐matched controls. Left ventricular real‐time three‐dimensional (3D) full‐volume images were recorded and analyzed using online software. The left ventricular ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain, global area strain, and global radial strain were measured and compared.

Results

Despite a similar three‐dimensional left ventricular ejection fraction, GLS was significantly lower in patients with diabetes only than in controls (p < 0.001). Patients with diabetes and hypertension showed significantly lower systolic strains in all directions than controls and patients with diabetes only (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Multiple regression analysis revealed that fasting plasma glucose and left ventricular end‐diastolic volume were significant factors influencing GLS in both diabetic groups.

Conclusions

Early‐stage diabetic patients showed an impaired left ventricular strain that was worsened by coexistent hypertension, although blood glucose and blood pressure were well controlled. Three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography was able to detect these subclinical changes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43:502–511 2015
Wounding alters blood chemistry parameters and skin mineralocorticoid receptors in house sparrows (Passer domesticus)
Authors: Lattin Christine R. , DuRant Sarah E. , Romero L. Michael
Published: March 2015

Because skin is an important physical barrier against pathogens, the ability to quickly and effectively heal wounds directly impacts an animal's health. The hormone corticosterone (CORT) has many complex effects on immune function and can slow wound healing. It has been suggested that CORT's role during wound healing may be to act as a “brake” on inflammation and cell proliferation. This project aimed to clarify the role of CORT in the healing process by quantifying concentrations of its two intracellular receptors, glucocorticoid receptors (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptors (MR), in the skin of wounded (n = 9) or unwounded (n = 8) house sparrows (Passer domesticus) using radioligand binding assays. We also quantified GR and MR in liver, spleen and pectoralis muscle, as well as several blood chemistry parameters, hypothesizing that wounding would alter whole‐body energy use. One day post‐wounding, wounded birds had higher blood glucose and lower aspartate aminotransferase (a marker indicating muscle damage or catabolism) compared to controls, which may be related to animals’ changing metabolic needs in response to lymphocyte and macrophage recruitment at the wound site. Birds had significantly decreased MR, but not GR, in the skin of wounded legs compared to the skin of unwounded legs. There was also a trend towards lower MR in wounded skin compared to unwounded birds. Receptors in the three other tissues did not differ between groups. This study suggests that decreasing the skin's sensitivity to CORT immediately after wounding may be a necessary part of the normal healing process in wild birds. J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 322–330, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chitosan Grafted with Phosphorylcholine and Macrocyclic Polyamine as an Effective Gene Delivery Vector: Preparation, Characterization and In Vitro Transfection
Authors: Li Ling , Zhao Fangfang , Zhao Baojing , Zhang Jin , Li Chao , Qiao Renzhong
Published: March 2015

Herein, an effective gene delivery vector phosphorylcholine and macrocyclic polyamine grafted chitosan (PC‐g(6)‐Cs‐g(2)‐Cyclen) was developed. Chemical characterization of product PC‐g(6)‐Cs‐g(2)‐Cyclen was performed by NMR, FT‐IR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. PC‐g(6)‐Cs‐g(2)‐Cyclen could more efficiently bind and protect plasmid DNA than macrocyclic polyamine grafted chitosan (Cs‐g‐Cyclen) and phosphorylcholine grafted chitosan (Cs‐g‐PC), as evaluated by agarose gel electrophoresis, circular dichroism spectra, and fluorescence quenching assays. PC‐g(6)‐Cs‐g(2)‐Cyclen could wrap DNA into uniform nanoparticles in the size of 112.6 ± 8.5 nm and possessed net cationic charge. UV spectroscopy and MTT assays showed excellent water‐solubility and cell viability for PC‐g(6)‐Cs‐g(2)‐Cyclen. In addition, three polymer/DNA complexes showed 5.1−15.1‐fold greater uptake activity and 10−14‐fold higher transfection efficiency in 293 T cells as compared to chitosan/DNA complex, in which PC‐g(6)‐Cs‐g(2)‐Cyclen demonstrated the highest transfection activity. These date demonstrated that PC‐g(6)‐Cs‐g(2)‐Cyclen is a promising vector candidate for gene delivery.
An Ab Initio Method for Designing Multi‐Target Specific Pharmacophores using Complementary Interaction Field of Aspartic Proteases
Authors: Kaalia Rama , Kumar Amit , Srinivasan Ashwin , Ghosh Indira
Published: March 2015

For past few decades, key objectives of rational drug discovery have been the designing of specific and selective ligands for target proteins. Infectious diseases like malaria are continuously becoming resistant to traditional medicines, which inculcates need for new approaches to design inhibitors for antimalarial targets. A novel method for ab initio designing of multi target specific pharmacophores using the interaction field maps of active sites of multiple proteins has been developed to design ‘specificity’ pharmacophores for aspartic proteases. The molecular interaction field grid maps of active sites of aspartic proteases (plasmepsin II & IV from Plasmodium falciparum, plasmepsin from Plasmodium vivax, pepsin & cathepsin D from human) are calculated and common pharmacophoric features for favourable binding spots in active sites are extracted in the form of cliques of graphs using inductive logic programming (ILP). The two pharmacophore ensembles are constructed from largest common cliques by imposing size of receptor active site (L) and domain‐specific receptor‐ligand information (S). The overlap of chemical space between two ensembles and the results of virtual screening of inhibitor database with known activities show that this method can design efficient pharmacophores with no prior ligand information.
Flavonoid metabolites reduce tumor necrosis factor‐α secretion to a greater extent than their precursor compounds in human THP‐1 monocytes
Authors: di Gesso Jessica L. , Kerr Jason S. , Zhang Qingzhi , Raheem Saki , Yalamanchili Sai Krishna , O'Hagan David , Kay Colin D. , O'Connell Maria A.
Published: March 2015

Scope

Flavonoids are generally studied in vitro, in isolation, and as unmetabolized precursor structures. However, in the habitual diet, multiple flavonoids are consumed together and found present in the circulation as complex mixtures of metabolites. Using a unique study design, we investigated the potential for singular or additive anti‐inflammatory effects of flavonoid metabolites relative to their precursor structures.

Methods and results

Six flavonoids, 14 flavonoid metabolites, and 29 combinations of flavonoids and their metabolites (0.1–10 μM) were screened for their ability to reduce LPS‐induced tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) secretion in THP‐1 monocytes. One micromolar peonidin‐3‐glucoside, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside, and the metabolites isovanillic acid (IVA), IVA‐glucuronide, vanillic acid‐glucuronide, protocatechuic acid‐3‐sulfate, and benzoic acid‐sulfate significantly reduced TNF‐α secretion when in isolation, while there was no effect on TNF‐α mRNA expression. Four combinations of metabolites that included 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid (4HBA) and/or protocatechuic acid also significantly reduced TNF‐α secretion to a greater extent than the precursors or metabolites alone. The effects on LPS‐induced IL‐1β and IL‐10 secretion and mRNA expression were also examined. 4HBA significantly reduced IL‐1β secretion but none of the flavonoids or metabolites significantly modified IL‐10 secretion.

Conclusion

This study provides novel evidence suggesting flavonoid bioactivity results from cumulative or additive effects of circulating metabolites.
Computing network tolls with support constraints
Authors: Harks Tobias , Kleinert Ingo , Klimm Max , Möhring Rolf H.
Published: March 2015

Reducing traffic congestion via toll pricing has been a central topic in the operations research and transportation literature and, recently, it has been implemented in several cities all over the world. Since, in practice, it is not feasible to impose tolls on every edge of a given traffic network, we study the resulting mathematical problem of computing tolls on a predefined subset of edges of the network so as to minimize the total travel time of the induced equilibrium flow. We first present an analytical study for the special case of parallel edge networks highlighting the intrinsic complexity and nonconvexity of the resulting optimization problem. We then present algorithms for general networks for which we systematically test the solution quality for large‐scale network instances. Finally, we discuss the related optimization problem of computing tolls subject to a cardinality constraint on the number of edges that have tolls. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 65(3), 262–285 2015
Stochastic maximum weight forest problem
Authors: Adasme Pablo , Andrade Rafael , Letournel Marc , Lisser Abdel
Published: March 2015

In this article, we investigate the stochastic maximum weight forest problem. We present two mathematical formulations for the problem: a polynomial sized one based on the characterization of forests in graphs and a formulation with an exponential number of constraints. We give a proof of the correctness of the new formulation and present a polynomial reduction from the set cover problem to give some insight about the complexity of this problem. We introduce an L‐shaped decomposition approach for the polynomial formulation, thus allowing the optimal solution of large scale instances with up to 90 nodes. Finally, we propose a Kruskal based variable neighborhood search (VNS) metaheuristic to compute near optimal solutions with significantly less computational effort. Our numerical results show that the VNS approach provides tight near optimal solutions with a gap less than 1% for most of the instances. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 65(4), 289–305 2015
Antioxidant, Anti‐inflammatory, and Chemoprotective Properties of Acacia catechu Heartwood Extracts
Authors: Stohs Sidney J. , Bagchi Debasis
Published: March 2015

Aqueous extracts of Acacia catechu heartwood are rich source of catechin and epicatechin (gallic acid derivatives), with smaller amounts of flavonoids. Extracts have also been prepared with ethyl acetate, ethanol, and methanol, and the properties of these extracts have been studied and are reviewed. Potent antioxidant activity has been well established in both in vitro and in vivo studies. This antioxidant activity is believed to be responsible for the anti‐inflammatory, tissue protectant, antineoplastic, and analgesic activities that have been demonstrated and clearly established in animal and cell culture systems. Furthermore, antihyperglycemic, antidiarrheal, antinociceptive, and antipyretic activities have been demonstrated in animal studies. No adverse effects have been observed in animal or human studies or in cell culture systems. In spite of the fact that Acacia products have been used for many years and the general safety of catechins and epicatechins is well documented, few human studies have ever been conducted on the efficacy or safety of A. catechu heartwood extracts. Several studies have shown that a two‐ingredient combination product containing A. catechu extract exhibited no adverse effects when administered daily for up to 12 weeks while exhibiting significant anti‐inflammatory activity in subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee. There is a need for additional human clinical studies with regard to efficacy and safety. © 2015 The Authors. Phytotherapy Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Blast resistance characteristics of concrete with different types of fibre reinforcement
Authors: Drdlová Martina , Buchar Jaroslav , Krátký Josef , R̆ídký Radek
Published: March 2015

This paper summarizes the results of the development of advanced fibre‐reinforced concrete intended for explosion‐resistant applications. Experimental research was carried out with the aim of contributing to understanding the effect of different types of reinforcement on the behaviour of high‐performance fibre‐reinforced concrete subjected to a blast load. The fine‐grained concrete matrix was reinforced by various types of dispersed fibre – metallic, carbon, mineral and polymer – in different lengths (6–55 mm) and combinations, while the volume content (3 %) of fibres was kept constant. Physico‐mechanical and explosion tests were performed on prismatic and slab‐shaped specimens and the effect of different kinds of reinforcement on the blast resistance and mechanical performance of the concrete samples was evaluated. The accelerations of the specimens within the blast load were ascertained. The material characteristics and explosion test data obtained were used to create a finite element model in LS‐DYNA. The numerical and experimental investigations resulted in the design of concrete elements for population protection which are able to resist an explosion defined by the weight and placement of the charge. The resistance of the newly designed concrete element was confirmed by a field blast test.
Survival and susceptibility of Burkholderia cepacia complex in chlorhexidine gluconate and benzalkonium chloride
Authors: Kim Jeong Myeong , Ahn Youngbeom , LiPuma John J , Hussong David , Cerniglia Carl E
Published: March 2015

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) includes opportunistic pathogenic bacteria that have occasionally been recovered from various pharmaceutical products, including antiseptics and disinfectants. Plausible reasons for the contamination include intrinsic sources, such as inadequate process controls, especially for water or equipment used during product manufacture, or extrinsic sources, such as improper handling and dilution or distribution in contaminated containers. Because the survival of BCC in antiseptics is a concern to the public health and pharmaceutical industry, we determined minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 36 BCC strains against the antiseptics, following exposure to chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and benzalkonium chloride (BZK) solutions (1–500 µg/ml for each chemical). Susceptibility to CHX and BZK varied across the BCC strains and was recorded as mean 90.3 and 111.1 µg/ml, respectively, at initial inoculation, which was significantly higher than the 46.4 and 61.1 µg/ml levels measured for BCC incubated in water for 40 days. After determining antiseptic MICs of individual BCC strains, BCC recovery was measured on Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA), Reasoner’s Second Agar (R2A) and diluted preparations of these media under their sub-MICs. The survival of BCC was monitored for 14 days (336 h) in sub-MICs diluted to less than their antiseptic susceptible concentration value. Diluted TSA and R2A media exhibited greater efficiency of recovery for most BCC strains from the CHX and BZK solutions than full strength TSA or R2A. For BCC survival in antiseptic solutions, the cell number of BCC decreased rapidly within the first 20 min in both antiseptics, but after this, recovery remained constant in CHX and increased in BZK over the 14 day incubation period. The results indicate that BCC in water can remain viable with low susceptibility to antiseptics for 14 days, which suggests the necessity for improved detection methods and control measures to monitor BCC contamination in pharmaceutical products.
“Provincial Cosmopolitanism” in Late Ottoman Anatolia: An Armenian Shoemaker's Memoir
Authors: Lessersohn Nora
Published: March 2015

This paper examines the nature of late Ottoman provincial intercommunal interactions and affiliations as they appear in the memoir of Hovhannes Cherishian (1886–1967), a shoemaker from late Ottoman Marash (present-day Kahramanmaraş, in southeastern Turkey). The paper is situated within the larger discourse of “untold histories” that historians have begun to address in revising the deeply ingrained post-Ottoman nationalist historiographies that dominate both academic and popular discourses. Conventional historiographies have represented former late Ottoman subject communities (e.g., Greek, Jewish, Armenian) as insulated and homogenous proto-nation-states. In the revisionist historiography, the late Ottoman Armenian voice, especially the provincial one, has been noticeably absent. Here I utilize Cherishian's memoir to examine the life and thoughts of one late Ottoman Armenian provincial subject. I focus especially on his treatment of intercommunal interactions in Anatolia and present-day Syria between 1897 and 1922. His accounts of these often extended intercommunal interactions, affiliations, and networks are characterized by intercommunal and interpersonal openness, sympathy, intimacy, and pleasure, even as he presents them side-by-side with descriptions of deportation and death at the hands of the late Ottoman state. I develop the idea of what I call “provincial cosmopolitanism” to conceptualize and represent the disposition, affinity, and process of identity formation that enabled Cherishian to create and operate these interpersonal relationships and networks that propelled his life, a historical condition to which we are not currently privy in most historiographical accounts of the late Ottoman period.
Reconstruction of electron beam energy spectra for vacuum and gas diodes
Authors: Kozyrev A.V. , Kozhevnikov V.Yu. , Vorobyov M.S. , Baksht E.Kh. , Burachenko A.G. , Koval N.N. , Tarasenko V.F.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, the spectra of electron beams produced in vacuum and gas diodes were analyzed to study the capabilities and limitations of their reconstruction from beam attenuation in foils of different thickness. The electron energy distributions were calculated using the Tikhonov regularization for Fredholm integral equations on minimum a priori assumptions. The spectra reconstructed in the study were those of electron beams, including a supershort avalanche electron beam, produced in experiments on a DUET plasma-cathode electron accelerator and SLEP-150M accelerator.