bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinotopic maps in the pulvinar of bush baby (otolemur garnettii)
Authors: Li K. , Patel J. , Purushothaman G. , Marion R.T. , Casagrande V.A.
Published: May 2013

Despite its anatomical prominence, the function of the primate pulvinar is poorly understood. A few electrophysiological studies in simian primates have investigated the functional organization of pulvinar by examining visuotopic maps. Multiple visuotopic maps have been found for all studied simians, with differences in organization reported between New and Old World simians. Given that prosimians are considered closer to the common ancestors of New and Old World primates, we investigated the visuotopic organization of pulvinar in the prosimian bush baby (Otolemur garnettii). Single‐electrode extracellular recording was used to find the retinotopic maps in the lateral (PL) and inferior (PI) pulvinar. Based on recordings across cases, a 3D model of the map was constructed. From sections stained for Nissl bodies, myelin, acetylcholinesterase, calbindin, or cytochrome oxidase, we identified three PI chemoarchitectonic subdivisions, lateral central (PIcl), medial central (PIcm), and medial (PIm) inferior pulvinar. Two major retinotopic maps were identified that cover PL and PIcl, the dorsal one in dorsal PL and the ventral one in PIcl and ventral PL. Both maps represent central vision at the posterior end of the border between the maps, the upper visual field in the lateral half and the lower visual field in the medial half. They share many features with the maps reported for the pulvinar of simians, including the location in pulvinar and the representation of the upper–lower and central–peripheral visual field axes. The second‐order representation in the lateral map and a laminar organization are likely features specific to Old World simians. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:3432‐3450, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reconstruction of retrospective cardiac activity—numerical study in a single cell and in a linear strand
Authors: Zafrir Zohar , Zlochiver Sharon
Published: May 2013

Although computational modeling of the prospective electrical activity in the cardiac tissue is well established and robust, the retrospective extrapolation of this activity has not been explored to date. Here, we establish an algorithm for the backward‐in‐time extrapolation of electrical activity from measurements taken in the present. Using minimal human cardiac kinetic models and a modified Newton–Raphson algorithm, we demonstrate the feasibility of past activity reconstruction in a single cell and in a linear strand. In a single cell, reconstruction of state variables' shape, the action potential morphology, and the time of stimulation was successful for up to 1300 ms poststimulation and for data with signal‐to‐noise ratio levels higher than 40 dB. For linear strands, the action potential morphology was reconstructed for 500 ms poststimulation, and the reconstructed conduction velocity remained unaffected for signal‐to‐noise ratio levels higher than 50 dB. Moreover, tissue restitution properties due to various pacing rates were successfully reconstructed by the backward‐in‐time algorithm. These preliminary results demonstrate that past cardiac activity may be reconstructed from measurements in the present. We envision that this methodology could be implemented in future clinical applications, for example to trace the location and timing of ectopic foci during ablation procedures. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deposition and Characterization of Luminescent Eu(tta)3phen‐Doped Parylene‐Based Thin‐Film Materials
Authors: Maggioni Gianluigi , Campagnaro Antonio , Tonezzer Michele , Carturan Sara , Quaranta Alberto
Published: May 2013

Herein, novel host–guest films produced by coarse vacuum cosublimation of the parylene C dimer and Eu(tta)3phen are prepared and studied. Eu(tta)3phen sublimation at different temperatures allows films with different concentrations of the Eu complex to be obtained. The films are characterized by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), FTIR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and UV/Vis absorption and emission spectroscopy. RBS, FTIR, and XRD reveal the incorporation of Eu(tta)3phen into the parylene matrix. AFM evidences the very flat film surface, which is particularly advantageous for optical applications. UV/Vis absorption and emission analyses confirm that the optical properties of Eu(tta)3phen are preserved in the deposited films. Fluorescence measurements evidence the occurrence of an energy‐transfer process between parylene and Eu(tta)3phen, and this results in an increase in the light emitted by the Eu complex that is as much as five times higher than that emitted by Eu(tta)3phen alone.
Liquid Phase Isobutane/2‐Butene Alkylation Promoted by Hydrogen Chloride Using Lewis Acidic Ionic Liquids
Authors: Pöhlmann Ferdinand , Schilder Lisa , Korth Wolfgang , Jess Andreas
Published: May 2013

In isobutane/2‐butene alkylation, chloroaluminate ionic liquid catalysts (CAIL) deactivate fast with time on stream with respect to activity and selectivity. Hence, the effect of anhydrous hydrogen chloride (HCl), which shows co‐catalytic behavior, was studied in a batch reactor and its effect on both parameters was investigated. The co‐catalyst leads to an increased reaction rate and improves the yield of trimethylpentanes, the primarily desired high‐octane compounds of alkylation. Moreover, already deactivated CAIL catalysts are reactivated by gaseous HCl. In addition saturation of the ionic liquid with HCl prior to the reaction effectively suppresses the deactivation of the CAIL catalyst. Thus, the solubility of hydrochloric acid is reported for both the CAIL (IL: [BMIM]Cl/AlCl3, x=0.64) and organic phase to gain a deeper understanding of the reaction system. Finally conjunct polymers dissolved in the ionic liquid were extracted to study their influence on deactivation.
Recognition of a Bromide Ion by the Protonated Form of 2‐(1H‐Imidazol‐2‐ylthio)‐3‐methylnaphthalene‐1,4‐dione
Authors: Jali Bigyan R. , Baruah Jubaraj B.
Published: May 2013

The interactions of various acids, such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, nitric, perchloric, and tetrafluoroboric acids with 2‐(1H‐imidazole‐2‐ylthio)‐3‐methylnaphthalene‐1,4‐dione (L) enhance the intensity of the fluorescence emission of L. Exceptionally, the interaction of hydrogen bromide with L not only enhances the emission intensity, but also leads to a sharp characteristic emission at λ=480 nm (λex=350 nm), which is different from the other acids. Bromide‐ion recognition by protonated L is explained on the basis of a tautomeric equilibrium. The Stokes shifts were calculated for each case and they were dependent on the anions and, in general, were found at λ>100 nm. Fluorescence lifetimes were measured and it was shown that two independent paths operated for the emission processes in solutions of the salts of L. Various salts of L with the general composition [HL][X] (in which X=Cl− (1), Br− (2), NO3− (3), ClO4− (4), and BF4− (5)) are structurally characterized. The coordination environment of the corresponding anion in these salts in the solid state is guided by electrostatic N+H⋅⋅⋅O interactions.
Superhydrophobic Activated Carbon‐Coated Sponges for Separation and Absorption
Authors: Sun Hanxue , Li An , Zhu Zhaoqi , Liang Weidong , Zhao Xinhong , La Peiqing , Deng Weiqiao
Published: May 2013

Highly porous activated carbon with a large surface area and pore volume was synthesized by KOH activation using commercially available activated carbon as a precursor. By modification with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), highly porous activated carbon showed superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 163.6°. The changes in wettability of PDMS‐ treated highly porous activated carbon were attributed to the deposition of a low‐surface‐energy silicon coating onto activated carbon (confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy), which had microporous characteristics (confirmed by XRD, SEM, and TEM analyses). Using an easy dip‐coating method, superhydrophobic activated carbon‐coated sponges were also fabricated; those exhibited excellent absorption selectivity for the removal of a wide range of organics and oils from water, and also recyclability, thus showing great potential as efficient absorbents for the large‐scale removal of organic contaminants or oil spills from water.
The interaction between CD300a and phosphatidylserine inhibits tumor cell killing by NK cells
Authors: Lankry Dikla , Rovis Tihana Lenac , Jonjic Stipan , Mandelboim Ofer
Published: May 2013

The activity of NK cells is controlled by inhibitory and activating receptors. The inhibitory receptors interact mostly with MHC class I proteins, however, inhibitory receptors such as CD300a, which bind to non‐MHC class I ligands, also exist. Recently, it was discovered that phosphatidylserine (PS) is a ligand for CD300a and that the interaction between PS expressed on apoptotic cells and CD300a inhibits the uptake of apoptotic cells by phagocytic cells. Whether PS can inhibit NK‐cell activity through CD300a is unknown. Here, we have generated specific antibodies directed against CD300a and we used these mAbs to demonstrate that various NK‐cell clones express different levels of CD300a. We further demonstrated that both CD300a and its highly homologous molecule CD300c bind to the tumor cells equally well and that they recognize PS and additional unknown ligand(s) expressed by tumor cells. Finally, we showed that blocking the PS–CD300a interaction resulted in increased NK‐cell killing of tumor cells. Collectively, we demonstrate a new tumor immune evasion mechanism that is mediated through the interaction between PS and CD300a and we suggest that CD300c, similarly to CD300a, also interacts with PS.
Shear strength of sediments approaching subduction in the Nankai Trough, Japan as constraints on forearc mechanics
Authors: Ikari Matt J. , Hüpers Andre , Kopf Achim J.
Published: May 2013

The mechanical behavior of the plate boundary fault zone is of paramount importance in subduction zones, because it controls megathrust earthquake nucleation and propagation as well as the structural style of the forearc. In the Nankai area along the NanTroSEIZE (Kumano) drilling transect offshore SW Japan, a heterogeneous sedimentary sequence overlying the oceanic crust enters the subduction zone. In order to predict how variations in lithology, and thus mechanical properties, affect the formation and evolution of the plate boundary fault, we conducted laboratory tests measuring the shear strengths of sediments approaching the trench covering each major lithological sedimentary unit. We observe that shear strength increases nonlinearly with depth, such that the (apparent) coefficient of friction decreases. In combination with a critical taper analysis, the results imply that the plate boundary position is located on the main frontal thrust. Further landward, the plate boundary is expected to step down into progressively lower stratigraphic units, assisted by moderately elevated pore pressures. As seismogenic depths are approached, the décollement may further step down to lower volcaniclastic or pelagic strata but this requires specific overpressure conditions. High‐taper angle and elevated strengths in the toe region may be local features restricted to the Kumano transect.
Ataxia‐telangiectasia‐mutated protein expression with microsatellite instability in gastric cancer as prognostic marker
Authors: Kim Jin Won , Im Seock‐Ah , Kim Min A , Cho Hyun Jin , Lee Dae Won , Lee Kyung‐Hun , Kim Tae‐Yong , Han Sae‐Won , Oh Do‐Youn , Lee Hyuk‐Joon , Kim Tae‐You , Yang Han‐Kwang , Kim Woo Ho , Bang Yung‐Jue
Published: May 2013

The prognostic significance of ataxia‐telangiectasia‐mutated (ATM) expression in gastric cancer remains unclear. The functional loss of ATM gene exhibits a biologic correlation with microsatellite instability (MSI). In this study, we investigated the significance of ATM expression with MSI by evaluating gastric cancer patients who had underwent curative resection. ATM expression was classified into low ATM expression (−, ±, +) and high ATM expression (++, +++) using immunohistochemistry analysis. MSI status was classified as MSI‐negative (MSS, MSI‐low) and MSI‐positive (MSI‐high). Of 321 patients, 205 (63.9%) exhibited low ATM expression and 116 (36.1%) exhibited high ATM expression. Low ATM expression was more frequently identified in patients of older age, more advanced stage and with MSI‐positive tumor (p = 0.025, p = 0.001 and p = 0.014, respectively). The probability of 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was lower in low ATM expression group compared with the high ATM expression group (DFS: 62.5%, 76.4%, p = 0.017, OS: 65.9%, 78.5%, p = 0.027, respectively). According to MSI status, a subgroup of MSI‐negative and low ATM expression cases exhibited the worst prognosis for DFS and OS; this subgroup also exhibited poorer DFS according to multivariable analysis (hazard radio = 1.8, 95% confidence interval, 1.2–2.8, p = 0.010), although prognostic value of ATM expression alone did not remain in the multivariable analysis. Taken together, these findings indicate that ATM expression with MSI status is an independent factor for gastric cancer prognosis in gastric cancer patients who received curative surgery.
MicroRNA profiling in locally advanced esophageal cancer indicates a high potential of miR‐192 in prediction of multimodality therapy response
Authors: Odenthal M. , Bollschweiler E. , Grimminger P.P. , Schröder W. , Brabender J. , Drebber U. , Hölscher A.H. , Metzger R. , Vallböhmer D.
Published: May 2013

To identify possible predictive markers, our study aimed to characterize microRNA (miRNA) profiles of responder and nonresponder in the multimodality therapy of locally advanced esophageal cancer. Initially, a microarray‐based approach was performed including eight patients with esophageal cancer. Patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgical resection. Major histopathological response was defined if resected specimens contained less than 10% vital tumor cells (major/minor response: 4/4 patients). Intratumoral RNA was isolated from both, pretherapeutic tissue biopsies in addition to corresponding surgical specimens. The profile of 768 miRNAs was analyzed in 16 specimens (preneoadjuvant and postneoadjuvant therapy). Selected miRNAs were than analyzed on pretherapeutic and post‐therapeutic biopsies of 80 patients with esophageal cancer, who underwent multimodality therapy (major/minor response: 30/50 patients). Comprehensive miRNA profiling identified miRNAs in pretherapeutic biopsies that were significantly different between major/minor responders. Based on the microarray results, miR‐192, miR‐194 and miR‐622 were selected and the dysregulated miRNAs were studied on an extended series of esophageal cancer patients. The expression of miR‐192, miR‐194 and miR‐622 was significantly reduced after neoadjuvant therapy confirming the array profiling data. Importantly, the pretherapeutic intratumoral expression of miR‐192 and miR‐194 was significantly associated with the histopathologic response of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma to multimodal therapeutic treatment. Therefore, in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by esophagectomy, miR‐192 and miR‐194 in pretherapeutic biopsies are considered as indicators of major histopathologic regression.
Biodegradable radiopaque iodinated poly(ester urethane)s containing poly(ε‐caprolactone) blocks: Synthesis, characterization, and biocompatibility
Authors: Sang Lin , Wei Zhiyong , Liu Keliang , Wang Xinhui , Song Kedong , Wang Hong , Qi Min
Published: May 2013

Biodegradable radiopaque iodinated poly(ester‐urethane) (I‐PU), consisting of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) diol and iodinated bisphenol A (IBPA), has been successfully synthesized via a coupling reaction of PCL‐diisocyanate and IBPA with varying compositions. The IBPA with four iodine atoms per molecule was applied as a chain extender to endow the I‐PUs with intrinsic X‐ray visibility. The chemical structure and molecular weights of I‐PUs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), proton‐nuclear magnetic resonance, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The effects of IBPA on the physical properties of I‐PUs were systematically studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). The DSC results showed that the crystallization of PCL segments in I‐PUs was restrained with increasing amount of IBPA, which was also confirmed by WAXD. In the X‐radiography analysis, all the synthesized I‐PUs exhibited high radiopacity compared with an aluminum wedge of equivalent thickness. Enzymatic degradation tests showed that the incorporation of IBPA prolonged the degradation of I‐PUs and distinct mass loss and degradation happened in the third month. Basic cytocompatibility conducted using rat adipose‐derived cells proved that all the I‐PUs and their biodegradation products were nontoxic. The radiopaque I‐PUs is expected to possess a significant advantage over the traditional polymer counterparts in some related biomedical fields. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1121–1130, 2014.
Antioxidant Properties and UV Absorbance Pattern of Mycosporine‐Like Amino Acids Analogs Synthesized in an Environmentally Friendly Manner
Authors: Andreguetti Daniel , Stein Erika M. , Pereira Claudio M. P. , Pinto Ernani , Colepicolo Pio
Published: May 2013

In current study, we report efficient and clean procedure for preparing mycosporine‐like amino acids (MMAs) analogs and evaluate their ultraviolet absorbance properties and antioxidant activities. The ultraviolet radiation absorbance patterns of the compounds were recorded and then used to define their molar absorptivities. The antioxidant activities were assessed using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and superoxide radical scavenging assays. Eight of nine compounds showed good activity against superoxide radicals, as only one of the analogs exhibited a measurable IC50 in the DPPH assay. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:305‐312, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21489
Novel basic ionic liquids from cyclic guanidines and amidines – new catalysts for transesterification of oleochemicals
Authors: Nowicki Janusz , Muszyński Marcin , Gryglewicz Stanisław
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

Alkylguanidinium and alkylamidinium hydroxides have been developed as new basic ionic liquids for the first time from cyclic guanidine (TBD) and amidines (DBN, DBU). The method of preparation of [bmim]OH decribed in the literature was adopted for the synthesis of new ionic liquids. Synthesis was carried out using cyclohexane as the solvent for the synthesis of alkylguanidine and alkylamidine bromides. Anion metathesis was carried out over anionic resins in water as solvent. The structures of the new ionic liquids were confirmed by spectral analysis. The catalytic activity of the new ionic liquids was tested in transesterification of fatty acid methyl esters with trimethylolpropane, neopentyl glycol and 2‐ethylhexyl alcohol.

RESULTS

The new ionic liquids have good thermal stability and can be applied for transesterification processes. The highest conversion of FAME (83%) was obtained for TMP ester of oleic acid and ionic liquid [TBD‐Bu]OH.

CONCLUSION

Among the ionic liquids derived from cyclic guanidine and amidine only ionic liquids obtained from TBD are good catalysts for transesterification of FAME and polyols. In comparision with [bmim]OH, catalytic activity of TBD ionic liquids was comparable in the synthesis of TMP ester but better in the synthesis of 2EH esters. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Skin wound healing in different aged Xenopus laevis
Authors: Bertolotti Evelina , Malagoli Davide , Franchini Antonella
Published: May 2013

Xenopus froglets can perfectly heal skin wounds without scarring. To explore whether this capacity is maintained as development proceeds, we examined the cellular responses during the repair of skin injury in 8‐ and 15‐month‐old Xenopus laevis. The morphology and sequence of healing phases (i.e., inflammation, new tissue formation, and remodeling) were independent of age, while the timing was delayed in older frogs. At the beginning of postinjury, wound re‐epithelialization occurred in form of a thin epithelium followed by a multilayered epidermis containing cells with apoptotic patterns and keratinocytes stained by anti‐inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) antibody. The inflammatory response, early activated by recruitment of blood cells immunoreactive to anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, iNOS, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9, persisted over time. The dermis repaired by a granulation tissue with extensive angiogenesis, inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, and anti‐α‐SMA positive myofibroblasts. As the healing progressed, wounded areas displayed vascular regression, decrease in cellularity, and rearrangement of provisional matrix. The epidermis restored to a prewound morphology while granulation tissue was replaced by a fibrous tissue in a scar‐like pattern. The quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated an up‐regulated expression of Xenopus suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (XSOCS-3) and Xenopus transforming growth factor-β2 (XTGF-β2) soon after wounding and peak levels were detected when granulation tissue was well developed with a large number of inflammatory cells. The findings indicate that X. laevis skin wound healing occurred by a combination of regeneration (in epidermis) and repair (in dermis) and, in contrast to froglet scarless wound healing, the growth to a more mature adult stage is associated with a decrease in regenerative capacity with scar‐like tissue formation. J. Morphol. 274:956–964, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioactive‐rich Sideritis scardica tea (mountain tea) is as potent as Camellia sinensis tea at inducing cellular antioxidant defences and preventing oxidative stress
Authors: Danesi Francesca , Saha Shikha , Kroon Paul A , Glibetić Marija , Konić‐Ristić Aleksandra , D'Antuono Luigi F , Bordoni Alessandra
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

In several countries, tea (hot‐water infusions of dried Camellia sinensis (CS) leaves) is a major source of antioxidant flavonoids, and its consumption has been associated with several favourable outcomes. Other plants used for the preparation of herbal teas are sources of phenolic antioxidant compounds; among them Sideritis scardica (SS) is used for the preparation of a popular drink throughout Eastern and Central Europe. We have compared the effects of an SS extract to a CS extract in HepG2 cells to set the scientific basis for the exploitation of other herbal teas in counteraction of oxidative stress.

RESULTS

Although SS extract had a lower phenolic concentration and total antioxidant capacity than CS extract, their cellular antioxidant effects were similar. The different phenolic pattern of the extracts suggests that the protective activity is not limited to catechins.

CONCLUSION

Although further research is needed, our data represent a first contribution for the evaluation of the potential effect of SS in increasing antioxidant defences. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Novel Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Method to Yield Copper‐Free Block Copolymeric Biomaterials
Authors: Adams Justin R. , Mallapragada Surya K.
Published: May 2013

A new catalyst is reported for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) for the synthesis of copper‐free poly(2‐diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (PDEAEM)‐based pentablock copolymeric biomaterials that have been shown to be effective gene delivery vectors. Biocompatibility is an increasing concern with growing applications for functional polymers with potential applications in drug and gene delivery, because of the residual soluble copper salts used as catalysts. The reported ATRP synthesis method utilizes novel copper(I) oxide nanoparticles as catalysts that can be easily removed after polymerization, with X‐ray spectroscopy (XPS) showing no residual copper in the final product.

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LC/MS characterization of rotenone induced cardiolipin oxidation in human lymphocytes: Implications for mitochondrial dysfunction associated with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Tyurina Yulia Y. , Winnica Daniel E. , Kapralova Valentina I. , Kapralov Alexandr A. , Tyurin Vladimir A. , Kagan Valerian E.
Published: May 2013

Scope

Rotenone is a toxicant believed to contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease.

Methods and results

Using human peripheral blood lymphocytes we demonstrated that exposure to rotenone resulted in disruption of electron transport accompanied by the production of reactive oxygen species, development of apoptosis and elevation of peroxidase activity of mitochondria. Employing LC/MS‐based lipidomics/oxidative lipidomics we characterized molecular species of cardiolipin (CL) and its oxidation/hydrolysis products formed early in apoptosis and associated with the rotenone‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction.

Conclusion

The major oxidized CL species – tetra‐linoleoyl‐CL – underwent oxidation to yield epoxy‐C18:2 and dihydroxy‐C18:2 derivatives predominantly localized in sn‐1 and sn‐2 positions, respectively. In addition, accumulation of mono‐lyso‐CL species and oxygenated free C18:2 were detected in rotenone‐treated lymphocytes. These oxidation/hydrolysis products may be useful for the development of new biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction.
Local field of view imaging for alias‐free undersampling with nonlinear spatial encoding magnetic fields
Authors: Weber Hans , Schultz Gerrit , Gallichan Daniel , Hennig Jürgen , Zaitsev Maxim
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Nonlinear spatial encoding magnetic fields result in an inhomogeneous image resolution. Within this study, this characteristic property of nonlinear encoding is investigated with regard to its potential to accelerate MRI acquisitions.

Theory

A dependency between k‐space coverage and local resolvability of the image causes k‐space samples to have a spatially localized contribution to the reconstruction of the spin density. On the basis of this observation, a concept for alias‐free data undersampling is developed, which is referred to as the local field of view concept.

Methods

On the basis of this concept, a fast sampling trajectory is developed. It is evaluated with simulations and experiments (both using a phantom and in vivo) for MRI with, as an example, pure quadrupolar encoding fields. To demonstrate that the concept is only applicable to (spatially) nonlinear encoding, a comparison with linear encoding is provided.

Results

Application of the local field of view concept results in a localized adaptation of the image resolution by undersampling higher frequency k‐space samples without introducing aliasing.

Conclusions

A new effect of nonlinear spatial encoding magnetic fields was found, which allows more efficient data sampling and at the same time counterbalancing the natural variation in image resolution. Magn Reson Med 71:1002–1014, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Professional Associations and Members' Benefits: What's in It for Me?
Authors: Markova Gergana , Ford Robert C. , Dickson Duncan R. , Bohn Thomas M.
Published: May 2013

In this study we examine reasons that professionals become and remain members of professional associations. We looked at tangible and symbolic benefits that an association can provide to attract members. Satisfaction with these benefits was linked to overall membership satisfaction and intent to renew the membership. We also considered the role of customer service in shaping members' attitudes. Based on the responses of 1,980 members of a large international accounting association, we found that members who were satisfied with their benefits and with the quality of customer service reported higher membership satisfaction and intent to renew. We also found that professionals who were more involved in the association were more satisfied with it. Contrary to predictions, younger professionals were less concerned with the value of the benefits of membership. As expected, longer‐tenured members were more likely to consider maintaining their memberships. We conclude with a discussion of practical and research implications for the management of professional associations.
Lipocalin‐2 increases fat oxidation in vitro and is correlated with energy expenditure in normal weight but not obese women
Authors: Paton Chad M. , Rogowski Michael P. , Kozimor Amanda L. , Stevenson Jada L. , Chang Hui , Cooper Jamie A.
Published: May 2013

Objective

The role of lipocalin‐2 (Lcn2) was determined in regulating metabolism in cell, animal, and human models.

Design and Methods

Adipocytes were treated with recombinant lipocalin‐2 (rLcn2) to determine the effect on lipid metabolism. rLcn2 was injected into mice to determine the effect on metabolism in vivo. To assess the relationship between Lcn2 and fat oxidation (FatOx) in humans, normal weight (NW) and obese (OB) women were given three separate high fat (HF) meals followed by indirect calorimetry. The relationship between postprandial Lcn2 with macronutrient metabolism and total energy expenditure (TEE) using Pearson correlations was determined.

Results

Lcn2 increased expression of genes involved in β‐oxidation including peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐δ in adipocytes, as well as 3H labeled oleate β‐oxidation. Lcn2 injected into chow‐fed mice directly increased TEE by 18% after the first dark cycle (232 ± 1.4 cal vs. 341 ± 1.4 cal; PBS vs. Lcn2) and remained significantly elevated by 10% after the second dark cycle (296 ± 1.4 cal vs. 326 ± 1.4 cal; PBS vs. Lcn2). Lcn2 was correlated with TEE in all three HF meal challenges in NW but not OB females.

Conclusions

Lipocalin‐2 is a novel adipokine that promotes FatOx and TEE and its function may be impaired in obesity.
Independent and combined effects of dietary weight loss and exercise on leukocyte telomere length in postmenopausal women
Authors: Mason Caitlin , Risques Rosa‐Ana , Xiao Liren , Duggan Catherine R. , Imayama Ikuyo , Campbell Kristin L. , Kong Angela , Foster‐Schubert Karen E. , Wang C.Y. , Alfano Catherine M. , Blackburn George L. , Rabinovitch Peter S. , McTiernan Anne
Published: May 2013

Objective

Investigate the effects of 12 months of dietary weight loss and/or aerobic exercise on leukocyte telomere length in postmenopausal women.

Design and Methods

Four hundred and thirty nine overweight or obese women (50‐75 years) were randomized to: (i) dietary weight loss (N = 118); (ii) aerobic exercise (N = 117), (iii) diet + exercise (N = 117), or (iv) control (N = 87). The diet intervention was a group‐based program with a 10% weight loss goal. The exercise intervention was 45 min day−1, 5 days week−1 of moderate‐to‐vigorous aerobic activity. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and 12 months. DNA was extracted from isolated leukocytes and telomere length was measured by quantitative‐polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Mean changes were compared between groups (intent‐to‐treat) using generalized estimating equations.

Results

Baseline telomere length was inversely associated with age (r = −0.12 P < 0.01) and positively associated with maximal oxygen uptake (r = 0.11, P = 0.03), but not with BMI or %body fat. Change in telomere length was inversely correlated with baseline telomere length (r = −0.47, P < 0.0001). No significant difference in leukocyte telomere length was detected in any intervention group compared to controls, nor was the magnitude of weight loss associated with telomere length at 12 months.

Conclusions

Twelve months of dietary weight loss and exercise did not change telomere length in postmenopausal women.
Enrichment strategies in glycomics‐based lung cancer biomarker development
Authors: Ruhaak L. Renee , Nguyen Uyen Thao , Stroble Carol , Taylor Sandra L. , Taguchi Ayumu , Hanash Samir M. , Lebrilla Carlito B. , Kim Kyoungmi , Miyamoto Suzanne
Published: May 2013

Purpose

There is a need to identify better glycan biomarkers for diagnosis, early detection, and treatment monitoring in lung cancer using biofluids such as blood. Biofluids are complex mixtures of proteins dominated by a few high abundance proteins that may not have specificity for lung cancer. Therefore, two methods for protein enrichment were evaluated; affinity capturing of IgG and enrichment of medium abundance proteins, thus allowing us to determine which method yields the best candidate glycan biomarkers for lung cancer.

Experimental design

N‐glycans isolated from plasma samples from 20 cases of lung adenocarcinoma and 20 matched controls were analyzed using nLC‐PGC‐chip‐TOF‐MS (where PGC is porous‐graphitized carbon). N‐glycan profiles were obtained for five different fractions: total plasma, isolated IgG, IgG‐depleted plasma, and the bound and flow‐through fractions of protein enrichment.

Results

Four glycans differed significantly (false discovery rate, FDR < 0.05) between cases and controls in whole unfractionated plasma, while four other glycans differed significantly by cancer status in the IgG fraction. No significant glycan differences were observed in the other fractions.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

These results confirm that the N‐glycan profile in plasma of lung cancer patients is different from healthy controls and appears to be dominated by alterations in relatively abundant proteins.
Reactive Oxygen Species‐Mediated Activation of AMP‐Activated Protein Kinase and c‐Jun N‐terminal Kinase Plays a Critical Role in Beta‐Sitosterol‐Induced Apoptosis in Multiple Myeloma U266 cells
Authors: Sook Song Hyo , Lee Hyo‐Jung , Kim Ji‐Hyun , Sohn Eun Jung , Jung Ji Hoon , Kim Bonglee , Kim Jin‐Hyoung , Jeong Soo‐Jin , Kim Sung‐Hoon
Published: May 2013

Although beta‐sitosterol has been well known to have anti‐tumor activity in liver, lung, colon, stomach, breast and prostate cancers via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction, the underlying mechanism of anti‐cancer effect of beta‐sitosterol in multiple myeloma cells was never elucidated until now. Thus, in the present study, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in association with AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathways was demonstrated in beta‐sitosterol‐treated multiple myeloma U266 cells. Beta‐sitosterol exerted cytotoxicity, increased sub‐G1apoptotic population and activated caspase‐9 and ‐3, cleaved poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) followed by decrease in mitochondrial potential in U266 cells. Beta‐sitosterol promoted ROS production, activated AMPK, acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) and JNK in U266 cells. Also, beta‐sitosterol attenuated the phosphorylation of AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin and S6K, and the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 and VEGF in U266 cells. Conversely, AMPK inhibitor compound C and JNK inhibitor SP600125 suppressed apoptosis induced by beta‐sitosterol in U266 cells. Furthermore, ROS scavenger N‐acetyl L‐cysteine attenuated beta‐sitosterol‐mediated sub‐G1accumulation, PARP cleavage, JNK and AMPK activation in U266 cells. Overall, these findings for the first time suggest that ROS‐mediated activation of cancer metabolism‐related genes such as AMPK and JNK plays an important role in beta‐sitosterol‐induced apoptosis in U266 multiple myeloma cells. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MASS OCCURRENCE OF BLOODSUCKING BLACKFLIES IN A REGULATED RIVER REACH: LOCALIZATION OF OVIPOSITION HABITAT OF SIMULIUM TRUNCATUM USING DNA BARCODING
Authors: Brabrand Å. , Bremnes T. , Koestler A. G. , Marthinsen G. , Pavels H. , Rindal E. , Raastad J. E. , Saltveit S. J. , Johnsen A.
Published: May 2013

In order to understand the factors giving rise to a stable and annual outbreak of the pest blackfly species Simulium truncatum (Lundström, 1911) (Simuliidae), the oviposition habitat has been localized and the egg density quantified at different contour levels in the studied regulated river channel bank. Larvae and adults of 12 blackfly species were identified to species based on morphology. As reference library for subsequent species identification of eggs and small larvae, these specimens were subsequently DNA sequenced for the barcode gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I. Interspecific distance was large between species or species complexes (average nearest neighbour distance: 0.14; range: 0.09–0.20), while intraspecific distance was comparatively low except for the Simulium ornatum and Simulium tuberosum species complexes. S. truncatum was the only species located high up in the channel bank. The core oviposition habitat was a steep moist erosion edge with moss and dead roots and with a continuous supply of groundwater. Egg densities were estimated to 42 773–50 274 eggs cm–2. Humid oviposition areas high up on the riverbank, but within the annual spring flood levels, seem to be the basis for annual outbreaks of S. truncatum. The mass occurrence of S. truncatum is a phenomenon probably created by man, directly related to the river regulation regime and the construction of a dam in 1936, which gave rise to the formation of the channel and the erosion edge. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uncommon suffix tries
Authors: Cénac Peggy , Chauvin Brigitte , Paccaut Frédéric , Pouyanne Nicolas
Published: May 2013

Common assumptions on the source producing the words inserted in a suffix trie with n leaves lead to a height and saturation level. We provide an example of a suffix trie whose height increases faster than a power of n and another one whose saturation level is negligible with respect to . Both are built from VLMC (Variable Length Markov Chain) probabilistic sources and are easily extended to families of tries having the same properties. The first example corresponds to a “logarithmic infinite comb” and enjoys a non uniform polynomial mixing. The second one corresponds to a “factorial infinite comb” for which mixing is uniform and exponential. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 46, 117–141, 2015
Simulation der Lebensdauer von Stahltragwerken unter Einbeziehung bruchmechanischer Konzepte
Authors: Lener Gerhard , Reiterer Daniel
Published: May 2013

Die Beurteilung der Nutzungsdauer bestehender Stahltragwerke rückt durch die zunehmende Bedeutung der Bauwerkserhaltung und Bauwerksmodernisierung immer mehr in den Vordergrund. Die Hauptursache der Schäden an bestehenden Stahlkonstruktionen unter zyklischer Beanspruchung ist die Materialermüdung. Da Stahlkonstruktionen im Allgemeinen fehlertolerant sind, erstreckt sich deren mögliche Nutzungsdauer nicht nur auf die Lebensdauer bis zum technischen Anriss. Aus wirtschaftlichen Gründen kann auch die anschließende Rissfortschrittsphase genutzt werden. In diesem Beitrag wird entwickelte Software zur Simulation der Rissfortschrittsphase und deren Anwendung an realen Bauteilen vorgestellt.

Simulation of the service life of steel constructions including fracture‐mechanics concepts. The assessment of the total service life cycle of steel constructions will become much more important by the increasing meaning of building preservation and building modernization. The main cause for failure of existing structural steel constructions under cyclic loading is material fatigue. Most steel constructions are failure tolerant. This behaviour can be considered for economic reasons by including the crack propagation phase into the assessment. This paper will present developed software tools and results of executed simulations of the crack propagation phase on real steel structures.
Die neue ÖBB‐Rheinbrücke bei Lustenau, Österreich – Ein außergewöhnliches Bogenbrückentragwerk
Authors: Außerlechner Albert , La Poutré Dagowin , Fischer Manfred
Published: May 2013

Die neue grenzüberschreitende Eisenbahnbrücke der Österreichischen Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) verbindet den Schweizer Kanton St. Gallen mit dem österreichischen Bundesland Vorarlberg. Sie liegt auf dem eingleisigen Streckenabschnitt St. Margrethen (CH) – Lauterach (A) und führt bei Lustenau über den Rhein. Dieser Streckenabschnitt steht im Eigentum der ÖBB und ist Teil der internationalen Eisenbahnstrecke Zürich – Bregenz – München. Mit dem Neubau der Rheinbrücke wurden die Projektziele Hochwasserschutz sowie eine Fahrzeitverkürzung auf dem österreichischen Streckenabschnitt umgesetzt. Ausgelöst durch die Vorgaben der internationalen Rheinregulierung (IRR) zum Hochwasserschutz am Rhein (Abflusskapazität neu von 4300 m³/s) musste die Brückenunterkante um 2 m gegenüber dem Bestand angehoben und die Trassenführung um rund 12 m nach Süden verschoben werden. Diese neue Linienführung ermöglichte die Anhebung der Streckengeschwindigkeit von bisher 60 km/h auf 90 km/h.

Im Projektabschnitt waren sieben weitere Brückenbauwerke betroffen und mussten neu errichtet werden. Bereits in der Planungsphase wurde die intensive Zusammenarbeit mit der Internationalen Rheinregulierung (IRR), dem Land Vorarlberg und den Schweizer Behörden gesucht. Für die Erstellung der statischen Berechnung der grenzüberschreitenden Brücke wurde bilateral vereinbart, dass die Eurocodes in Verbindung mit den österreichischen nationalen Festlegungen und nationalen Ergänzungen heranzuziehen sind.

The new ÖBB Rhine Bridge near Lustenau, Austria – an exceptional arch bridge. The new international railway bridge of the Austrian federal railways (ÖBB) connects the Swiss canton of St. Gallen with the Austrian federal state of Vorarlberg. This bridge is part of the single track route from St. Margrethen (CH) to Lauterach (A) and crosses the river Rhine at Lustenau. The tracks of this section are owned by the ÖBB and they form part of the international route from Zurich via Bregenz to Munich. The new bridge fulfills the requirements of flood control and reduction of travel time. Due to the requirements of the International Rhine Regulation (IRR) to allow a flow capacity of 4300 m³/s, the soffit of the new bridge had to be raised by 2 m compared with the old bridge and the new rail axis was offset 12m to the south. The new aligning allowed for an increase of speed from 60 km/h to 90 km/h.

The project includes seven other bridges that had to be newly erected. During planning, close contact was held with the IRR, the federal state of Vorarlberg and Swiss authorities. In a bilateral agreement, it was defined that the Eurocode with Austrian national application documents would be used for the design.
Molecular interaction fields in drug discovery: recent advances and future perspectives
Authors: Artese Anna , Cross Simon , Costa Giosuè , Distinto Simona , Parrotta Lucia , Alcaro Stefano , Ortuso Francesco , Cruciani Gabriele
Published: May 2013

Drug discovery is a highly complex and costly process, and in recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has shifted from traditional to genomics‐ and proteomics‐based drug research strategies. The identification of druggable target sites, promising hits, and high quality leads are crucial steps in the early stages of drug discovery projects. Pharmacokinetic (PK) and drug metabolism profiling to optimize bioavailability, clearance, and toxicity are increasingly important areas to prevent costly failures in preclinical and clinical studies. The integration of a wide variety of technologies and expertise in multidisciplinary research teams combining synergistic effects between experimental and computational approaches on the selection and optimization of bioactive compounds to pass these hurdles is now commonplace, although there remain challenging areas. Molecular interaction fields (MIFs) are widely used in a range of applications to support the discovery teams, characterizing molecules according to their favorable interaction sites and therefore enabling predictions to be made about how molecules might interact. The utility of MIF‐based in silico approaches in drug design is extremely broad, including approaches to support experimental design in hit‐finding, lead‐optimization, physicochemical property prediction and PK modeling, drug metabolism prediction, and toxicity. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2013, 3:594–613. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1150

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Computer and Information Science > Chemoinformatics
Multiple Higgs and vector boson production beyond the Standard Model
Authors: Belyaev A. , Oliveira A. C. A. , Rosenfeld R. , Thomas M. C.
Published: May 2013

Abstract

If the electroweak symmetry breaking is originated from a strongly coupled sector, as for instance in composite Higgs models, the Higgs boson couplings can deviate from their Standard Model values. In such cases, at sufficiently high energies there could occur an onset of multiple Higgs boson and longitudinally polarised electroweak gauge boson (V

L
) production. We study the sensitivity to anomalous Higgs couplings in inelastic processes with 3 and 4 particles (either Higgs bosons or V

L
’s) in the final state. We show that, due to the more severe cancellations in the corresponding amplitudes as compared to the usual 2 → 2 processes, large enhancements with respect to the Standard Model can arise even for small modifications of the Higgs couplings. In particular, we find that triple Higgs production provides the best multiparticle channel to look for these deviations. We briefly explore the consequences of multiparticle production at the LHC.
“L = R” - U(1)
R
lepton number at the LHC
Authors: Frugiuele Claudia , Grégoire Thomas , Kumar Piyush , Pontón Eduardo
Published: May 2013

Abstract

We perform a detailed study of a variety of LHC signals in supersymmetric models where lepton number is promoted to an (approximate) U(1)
R
symmetry. Such a symmetry has interesting implications for naturalness, as well as flavor- and CP-violation, among others. Interestingly, it makes large sneutrino vacuum expectation values phenomenologically viable, so that a slepton doublet can play the role of the down-type Higgs. As a result, (some of) the leptons and neutrinos are incorporated into the chargino and neutralino sectors. This leads to characteristic decay patterns that can be experimentally tested at the LHC. The corresponding collider phenomenology is largely determined by the new approximately conserved quantum number, which is itself closely tied to the presence of “leptonic R-parity violation”. We find rather loose bounds on the first and second generation squarks, arising from a combination of suppressed production rates together with relatively small signal efficiencies of the current searches. Naturalness would indicate that such a framework should be discovered in the near future, perhaps through spectacular signals exhibiting the lepto-quark nature of the third generation squarks. The presence of fully visible decays, in addition to decay chains involving large missing energy (in the form of neutrinos) could give handles to access the details of the spectrum of new particles, if excesses over SM background were to be observed. The scale of neutrino masses is intimately tied to the source of U(1)
R
breaking, thus opening a window into the R-breaking sector through neutrino physics. Further theoretical aspects of the model have been presented in the companion paper [1].