bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single‐step enrichment of basophils from human peripheral blood by a novel method using a Percoll density gradient
Authors: Shiono Hiroyuki , Matsui Takuya , Okada Tadashi , Ito Yoichiro
Published: June 2016

We have developed a novel continuous flow‐through cell separation method using a Percoll density gradient. This method can continuously separate a large number of cells into five fractions according to their densities. To apply this method to the separation of basophils, Percoll density gradients were modified to improve basophil enrichment. When a set of Percoll density gradients was prepared (1.071, 1.075, 1.080, 1.084, and 1.090 g/mL) the basophils in a healthy volunteer were enriched by an average of 23.1 and 63.5% at Percoll densities of 1.075 (fraction 3) and 1.080 g/mL (fraction 4), respectively. On average, the yield of basophils was 1.66 × 105 cells in fraction 3 and 1.61 × 105 cells in fraction 4 from 9 mL of peripheral blood. The expression of CD203c (cluster of differentiation 203c) on separated basophils was upregulated by anti‐immunoglobulin E stimulation similar to basophils in whole blood. Histamine release induced by calcium ionophore was also observed in the separated basophils. The present method will be useful for basophil enrichment since it preserves their function without using counterflow elutriation and immunological reagents, and this method will be effective as a preparative separation for cell purification by flow cytometry.
Multiple‐injection high‐throughput gas chromatography analysis
Authors: Schafer Wes , Wang Heather , Welch Christopher J.
Published: June 2016

Multiple‐injection techniques have been shown to be a simple way to perform high‐throughput analysis where the entire experiment resides in a single chromatogram, simplifying the data analysis and interpretation. In this study, multiple‐injection techniques are applied to gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and mass detection to significantly increase sample throughput. The unique issues of implementing a traditional “Fast” injection mode of multiple‐injection techniques with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry are discussed. Stacked injections are also discussed as means to increase the throughput of longer methods where mass detection is unable to distinguish between analytes of the same mass and longer retentions are required to resolve components of interest. Multiple‐injection techniques are shown to increase instrument throughput by up to 70% and to simplify data analysis, allowing hits in multiple parallel experiments to be identified easily.
Comparing surgeon outcomes in endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Smith Timothy L. , Mace Jess C. , Rudmik Luke , Schlosser Rodney J. , Hwang Peter H. , Alt Jeremiah A. , Soler Zachary M.
Published: June 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) outcomes for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) between medical centers to determine if differences in quality‐of‐life outcomes were detectable. In addition, we sought to identify significant, independent cofactors toward the development of an ESS‐specific risk‐adjustment model so that ESS outcomes may be appropriately compared between institutions and healthcare providers.

Study Design

Prospective, multicenter, observational cohort.

Methods

Study participants electing ESS for CRS were enrolled and randomly selected in equal numbers from three academic clinical practices in North America between April 2011 and May 2015. The magnitude of average 6‐month postoperative improvement in patient‐related outcome measures (PROMs) was compared between enrollment sites using multivariate linear regression modeling.

Results

A total of 228 participants met inclusion criteria and were included for final analyses (n = 76 per site). The prevalence of septal deviation/septoplasty and oral corticosteroid‐dependent conditions was significantly different between enrollment sites (P ≤ 0.004). Each enrollment site generated significant within‐subject improvement across all PROMs after ESS (P < 0.001); however, average unadjusted magnitudes of improvement were significantly different between sites for the primary outcome measure. After controlling for baseline PROMs, septal deviation, steroid‐dependent conditions, and medication use variables, enrollment site was no longer associated with significant outcome differences (P = 0.535).

Conclusion

Comparison of surgeon outcomes of ESS is feasible and must take into account a number of baseline patient characteristics. Further studies will be critical toward developing an ESS‐specific risk‐adjustment model and enabling a robust comparison of surgeon outcomes.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 127:14–21, 2017
Near Infrared Dye Conjugated Nanogels for Combined Photodynamic and Photothermal Therapies
Authors: Asadian‐Birjand Mazdak , Bergueiro Julian , Wedepohl Stefanie , Calderón Marcelo
Published: June 2016

There is a need for new and smart formulations that will help overcome the limitations of organic dyes used in photodynamic (PDT) and photothermal (PTT) therapy and significantly accelerate their clinical translation. Therefore the aim of this work was to create a responsive nanogel scaffold as a smart vehicle for dye administration. We developed a methodology that enables the conjugation of organic dyes to thermoresponsive nanogels and yields biocompatible, nanometer‐sized products with low polydispersity. The potential of the dye‐nanogel conjugate as a photothermal and photodynamic agent has been demonstrated by an in vitro evaluation with a model human carcinoma cell line. Additionally, confocal cell images showed their cellular uptake profile and their potential for bioimaging and intracellular drug delivery. These conjugates are a promising scaffold as a theranostic agents and will enable further applications in combination with controlled drug release.

image
The Enhancement Effect of Mesoporous Graphene on Actuation of Nafion‐Based IPMC
Authors: Zu Lei , Li Yueting , Lian Huiqin , Hu Yanou , Chang Wei , Liu Bingxin , Liu Yang , Ao Xiang , Li Qiang , Cui Xiuguo
Published: June 2016

A facile method to fabricate ionic polymer‐metal composite (IPMC) actuators is proposed. A blend of mesoporous graphene (MG) and Nafion is used as the ionic matrix, which is sandwiched by two layers of blend of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and Nafion as the electrodes. When subjected to an electrical field of 3 V, the IPMC actuator exhibits a blocking force of 10 gf g−1 for 20 s, and the same behavior can be repeatedly played for hundreds of cycles. MG improves the mechanical properties of Nafion‐based IPMC, more importantly, the mesopores in graphene provide additional pathway for the diffusion of cationic clusters and thus enhance the actuation speed. In addition, the surface electrodes of rGO protect the interlamellar liquid from evaporation thus ensure the durability.

image
Ser(P)‐1292 LRRK2 in urinary exosomes is elevated in idiopathic Parkinson's disease
Authors: Fraser Kyle B. , Rawlins Ashlee B. , Clark Rachel G. , Alcalay Roy N. , Standaert David G. , Liu Nianjun ,   Parkinson's Disease Biomarker Program Consortium, West Andrew B.
Published: June 2016

Background

Mutations in Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) enhance levels of the autophosphorylated LRRK2 protein and are the most common known cause of inherited Parkinson's disease (PD). LRRK2 has been further implicated in susceptibility to idiopathic PD in genetic association studies.

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare autophosphorylated Ser(P)‐1292 LRRK2 levels from biobanked urine samples with clinical data in PD patients and controls.

Methods

Ser(P)‐1292 LRRK2 levels were measured from urine exosome fractions from 79 PD patients and 79 neurologically healthy controls enrolled in the Parkinson Disease Biomarker Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Results

Ser(P)‐1292 LRRK2 levels were higher in men than women (P < .0001) and elevated in PD patients when compared with controls (P = .0014). Ser(P)‐1292 LRRK2 levels were higher in PD cases with worse cognition and correlated with poor performance in MoCA (r = −0.2679 [−0.4628 to −0.0482]), MDS‐UPDRS subscales 1 and 2 (r = 0.2239 [0.0014‐0.4252], 0.3404 [0.1276‐0.5233], respectively), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (r = 0.3215 [0.1066‐0.5077]), and Modified Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living Scales (r = −0.4455 [−0.6078 to −0.2475]). Ser(P)‐1292 LRRK2 levels predicted those with worse cognitive impairment in PD patients with some success (c = 0.73).

Conclusions

Urinary exosome Ser(P)‐1292 LRRK2 levels are elevated in idiopathic PD and correlated with the severity of cognitive impairment and difficultly in accomplishing activities of daily living. These results implicate biochemical changes in LRRK2 in idiopathic PD. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
“The persistence of memory”—Hermaphroditism in nematodes
Authors: Ellis Ronald E
Published: June 2016

Self‐fertility has evolved many times in nematodes. This transition often produces an androdioecious species, with XX hermaphrodites and XO males. Although these hermaphrodites resemble females in most respects, early germ cells differentiate as sperm, and late ones as oocytes. The sperm then receive an activation signal, populate the spermathecae, and are stored for later use in self‐fertilization. These traits are controlled by complex modifications to the sex‐determination and sperm activation pathways, which have arisen independently during the evolution of each hermaphroditic species. This transformation in reproductive strategy then promotes other major changes in the development, evolution, and population structure of these animals. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 84: 144–157, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring the sexual diversity of flatworms: Ecology, evolution, and the molecular biology of reproduction
Authors: Ramm Steven A.
Published: June 2016

Flatworms exhibit huge diversity in their reproductive biology, making this group an excellent model system for exploring how differences among species in reproductive ecology are reflected in the physiological and molecular details of how reproduction is achieved. In this review, I consider five key “lifestyle choices” (i.e., alternative evolutionary/developmental outcomes) that collectively encompass much of flatworm sexual diversity, beginning with the decisions: (i) whether to be free‐living or parasitic; (ii) whether to reproduce asexually or sexually; and (iii) whether to be gonochoristic (separate‐sexed) or hermaphroditic. I then examine two further decisions involving hermaphroditism: (iv) outcrossing versus selfing and (v) the balance of investment into the male versus the female sex function (sex allocation). Collectively, these lifestyle choices set the basic rules for how reproduction occurs, but as I emphasize in the second part of the review, the reproductive biology of flatworms is also greatly impacted by the near‐pervasive and powerful pressure of sexual selection, together with the related phenomena of sperm competition and sexual conflict. Exactly how this plays out, however, is strongly affected by the particular combination of reproductive strategies adopted by each species. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 84: 120–131, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A solution around a backfilled cavity in a low‐permeability poroelastic medium with application in in situ heating tests
Authors: Yu L. , Chen G.J. , Weetjens E.
Published: June 2016

Thermo‐hydro‐mechanical responses around a cylindrical cavity drilled or excavated in a low‐permeability formation are studied when the cavity is subjected to a time‐dependent thermal loading. The cavity is considered backfilled after it is supported by casing or lining. Solutions of temperature, pore water pressure, stress, and displacement responses are analytically formulated based on Biot's consolidation theory with the assumption that the backfilling material, supporting material, and surrounding low‐permeability formation are poroelastic media. The solution is expressed in Laplace space, and numerical inversion techniques are used to find field variables in the real‐time domain. After the solution is verified with the numerical results, it is applied in a large‐scale in situ heating test – PRACLAY heating test – for a predictive reference calculation and an extensive parametric study. Another medium‐scale in situ heating test – ATLAS III heating test – is also analyzed using the solution, which provides reasonable agreement with measurements. The new analytical solution proves to be a convenient tool for a good understanding of the resulting coupled thermo‐hydro‐mechanical behavior and is therefore valuable for the interpretation of measured data in engineering practices and for a rational design of potential radioactive waste repositories. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An unsymmetric 8‐node hexahedral element with high distortion tolerance
Authors: Zhou Pei‐Lei , Cen Song , Huang Jun‐Bin , Li Chen‐Feng , Zhang Qun
Published: June 2016

Among all 3D 8‐node hexahedral solid elements in current finite element library, the ‘best’ one can produce good results for bending problems using coarse regular meshes. However, once the mesh is distorted, the accuracy will drop dramatically. And how to solve this problem is still a challenge that remains outstanding. This paper develops an 8‐node, 24‐DOF (three conventional DOFs per node) hexahedral element based on the virtual work principle, in which two different sets of displacement fields are employed simultaneously to formulate an unsymmetric element stiffness matrix. The first set simply utilizes the formulations of the traditional 8‐node trilinear isoparametric element, while the second set mainly employs the analytical trial functions in terms of 3D oblique coordinates (R, S, T). The resulting element, denoted by US‐ATFH8, contains no adjustable factor and can be used for both isotropic and anisotropic cases. Numerical examples show it can strictly pass both the first‐order (constant stress/strain) patch test and the second‐order patch test for pure bending, remove the volume locking, and provide the invariance for coordinate rotation. Especially, it is insensitive to various severe mesh distortions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal properties and dielectric relaxation of a multi‐component poly(ether‐co‐amide) based on polyamide‐12
Authors: Yoshiba Kazuto , Satomi Tsuyoshi , Ishii Tomohiro , Dobashi Toshiaki
Published: June 2016

DSC, dielectric relaxation and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) were carried out on two multi‐component poly(ether‐co‐amide) samples having different weight ratios of polyamide prepared by condensation polymerization with 12‐aminododecanoic acid, adipic acid and polyetherdiamine consisting of poly(tetramethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide). The melting temperature was lowered by an increase in the weight ratio of the polyamide segment. Three relaxation modes, α′, αs and β, were found from dielectric relaxation measurements in different temperature ranges. The high temperature relaxation mode, α′, has a large dielectric constant, which disappears at the melting temperature of the polyamide crystal in the sample. The relaxation times for the segmental motion, αs, were different for the samples, which is attributed to the difference in the composition of the uncrystallized polyamide segments in the amorphous domain. The glass transition temperature estimated from DMTA is located between those of constituting polymers. On the other hand, the activation energy of β‐mode observed at low temperatures is the same for samples with different polyamide ratios, which is attributed to the local motion of the polyether segments. The uncrystallized polyamide segments are miscible with the polyether segments, which results in a lowering of the glass transition temperature of the amorphous domain and enlarges the temperature range of the rubber state of the copolymer due to the high melting temperature of the polyamide segments. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Increasing the quantum efficiency of InAs/GaAs QD arrays for solar cells grown by MOVPE without using strain‐balance technology
Authors: Kalyuzhnyy Nikolay A. , Mintairov Sergey A. , Salii Roman A. , Nadtochiy Alexey M. , Payusov Alexey S. , Brunkov Pavel N. , Nevedomsky Vladimir N. , Shvarts Maxim Z. , Martí Antonio , Andreev Viacheslav M. , Luque Antonio
Published: June 2016

Research into the formation of InAs quantum dots (QDs) in GaAs using the metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy technique is presented. This technique is deemed to be cheaper than the more often used and studied molecular beam epitaxy. The best conditions for obtaining a high photoluminescence response, indicating a good material quality, have been found among a wide range of possibilities. Solar cells with an excellent quantum efficiency have been obtained, with a sub‐bandgap photo‐response of 0.07 mA/cm2 per QD layer, the highest achieved so far with the InAs/GaAs system, proving the potential of this technology to be able to increase the efficiency of lattice‐matched multi‐junction solar cells and contributing to a better understanding of QD technology toward the achievement of practical intermediate‐band solar cells. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalyst‐Free One‐Pot Plasma Chemical Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Performic Acid by Water‐Sealed Dielectric Barrier Discharge
Authors: Kawasaki Mitsuo , Nakamura Toshihiro , Morita Tatsuo , Tachibana Kunihide
Published: June 2016

Artificial carbon fixation to organic materials is an important challenge to address the global warming issue. However, the currently prevalent strategies rely upon catalysts to overcome the high kinetic barrier in CO2 chemistry. We show that water‐sealed dielectric barrier discharge in atmospheric CO2 affords a facile and selective carbon fixation pathway to performic acid. To verify the unique mechanism of catalyst‐free one‐pot ideal sequence for carbon fixation, we present in‐depth analysis of how the process is controlled by various discharge parameters. We validate the vibrational excitation of CO2 as the major driving force for the reaction and illuminate the central role of the plasma/liquid‐water interface.
Mullite‐hexagonal di‐phase multiferroic behavior with enhanced ferromagnetism of (1−x)Bi2Fe4O9−xBaFe12O19 composites
Authors: Gao Zi‐Yan , Pu Yong‐Ping , Wei Jing , Yao Mou‐Teng , Jin Qian , Zheng Han‐Yu , Wang Ya‐Ru
Published: June 2016

Multiferroic (1−x)Bi2Fe4O9−xBaFe12O19 (x = 0.07, 0.08, 0.10, 0.12, 0.15, 0.20) composites were prepared using microwave hydrothermal and microwave sintering methods. X‐ray diffraction analysis of the composites revealed the formation of di‐phase compounds with barium hexaferrite and mullite bismuth ferrite, respectively. SEM (scanning electron microscope) measurements on the sintered surfaces of the composites displayed the micro‐sized of Bi2Fe4O9 matrix and nano‐sized BaFe12O19. The study of Dielectric and complex impedance exhibited the presence of grain and grain boundary effects, and a negative temperature coefficient of resistance in the materials. The ferroelectric hysteresis loops showed an obvious ferroelectric behavior. The Mr was up to 19.09 emu g−1 (much larger than pure Bi2Fe4O9 matrix), indicating that increasing BaFe12O19 content could enhance the ferromagnetic properties. The value of Mr/Ms for all the samples was higher than 0.5 (especially, the maximum was up to 0.89) and it is preferred in many applications such as magnetic recording media of high density and permanent magnets.
Energy‐surfaces from the upper bound of the Pauli kinetic energy
Authors: Finzel Kati , Davidsson Joel , Abrikosov Igor A.
Published: June 2016

Based on the Kohn–Sham Pauli potential and the Kohn–Sham electron density, the upper bound of the Pauli kinetic energy is tested as a suitable replacement for the exact Pauli kinetic energy for application in orbital‐free density functional calculations. It is found that bond lengths for strong and moderately bound systems can be qualitatively predicted, but with a systematic shift toward larger bond distances with a relative error of 6% up to 30%. Angular dependence of the energy‐surface cannot be modeled with the proposed functional. Therefore, the upper bound model is the first parameter‐free functional expression for the kinetic energy that is able to qualitatively reproduce binding curves with respect to bond distortions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An ITC Study on the Interaction Energy Between Galactomannan Biopolymers and Selected MO2 Nanoparticles in Hydrogels
Authors: Hurnaus Thomas , Plank Johann
Published: June 2016

The interaction of guar gum, a galactomannan polysaccharide, and its derivative hydroxypropyl guar (HPG) with MO2 nanoparticles whereby M exhibits a decreasing metallic character (Ti → Sn → Si) and MO2 different sizes (6 – 15 nm) was studied by applying isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and rotational viscosimetry. It was found that the crosslinking ability of the oxide nanoparticles towards galactomannans is controlled by the electropositive character of M and the size of the nanoparticles which should be as small as possible (< 10 nm) to produce extremely viscous gels. The thermodynamic parameters ΔH, ΔS and ΔG for the association reaction obtained from ITC revealed that the interaction generally is entropy driven, slightly stronger for guar gum than for HPG and is decreasing from TiO2 to SnO2 to SiO2. The results explain the observations made in the viscosimetric measurements.
Synthesis of Cr(III) Salen Complexes as Supramolecular Catalytic Systems for Ring‐Opening Reactions of Epoxides
Authors: Lindbäck Emil , Norouzi‐Arasi Hassan , Sheibani Esmaeil , Ma Dayou , Dawaigher Sami , Wärnmark Kenneth
Published: June 2016

The synthesis of two conformationally restricted Cr(III) salen complexes, 2 and 3, is described. Together, they constitute a supramolecular hydrogen‐bonding catalytic system for the recently reported asymmetric ring‐opening reactions of epoxides by a dynamic supramolecular catalyst. The synthesis involves state‐of‐the art transformations in frontline synthetic chemistry applied to heterocyclic chemistry. Hence, palladium‐catalyzed reactions were employed, including carbonylative annelation and Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions, for the formation of one of the heterocyclic rings (quinolone) and the functionalization of the formed rings. For the construction of the second heterocyclic ring (isoquinolone), a Curtius rearrangement was employed. The corresponding salen ligands were then prepared by Schiff‐base reactions, yielding the final complexes after metal insertion. For reference purposes the less conformationally restricted Cr(III) complexes 4 and 5 were also synthesized.
STEM Education: Inferring Promising Systems Changes from Experiences with MIT BLOSSOMS
Authors: Larson Richard C. , Murray M. Elizabeth
Published: June 2016

In response to numerous stimuli, educational systems are changing worldwide. The stimuli include the globalization of learning made possible by the Internet and new computer technologies, and they include demands for new types of learning necessitated by the growth of knowledge‐intensive jobs in today's economies. The authors, building on 8 years of STEM education practical experience with 10 countries, reflect on their practice with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology BLOSSOMS programme. The intent is twofold: (i) to describe the BLOSSOMS programme, which provides freely available interactive STEM video lessons for high school classes worldwide and (ii) to extrapolate from these experiences certain systems problems within traditional STEM education at the secondary school level and to offer recommendations for change. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐impact wet‐milling: Effects of steeping conditions on rice starch attributes
Authors: Loubes Maria Ana , Barrera Gabriela Noel , Tolaba Marcela Patricia
Published: June 2016

Planetary ball wet‐milling of rice was evaluated in comparison with traditional wet‐milling. The effect of alkali and surfactant concentrations on starch recovery and purity, crystallinity loss, pasting profile, and gel stability were investigated based on the Doehlert design. Particle size, crystallinity degree, and water absorption capacity were not affected by steeping conditions although they differ from those of native starch due to the thermo‐mechanical damage associated to high‐impact milling. Ball wet‐milling allows significant reductions of alkali level and steeping time (from 24 to 1 h) and a high‐quality starch is produced due to “in situ” steeping during ball milling. From the response surface method was found that combinations of alkali–surfactant affected the pasting properties and syneresis of starch. Isolated starches presented an advance in peak time and higher values of peak viscosity, breakdown, and initial pasting temperature in comparison with control. A wide range of peak viscosity (4360–7030 cP) could be obtained by selecting a convenient steeping condition. The freeze–thaw stability of starch gels was dependent of surfactant level. These results can be used to improve the manufacture and the selection criteria of rice starch with desirable properties.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells are Recruited and Activated into Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblasts by Prostate Cancer Microenvironment-Derived TGF-β1
Authors: Barcellos-de-Souza Pedro , Comito Giuseppina , Pons-Segura Coral , Taddei Maria Letizia , Gori Valentina , Becherucci Valentina , Bambi Franco , Margheri Francesca , Laurenzana Anna , Del Rosso Mario , Chiarugi Paola
Published: June 2016

Tumor stromal cells can supply appropriate signals that may develop aggressive phenotypes of carcinoma cells and establish a complex scenario which culminates in metastasis. Recent works proposed that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are recruited to primary tumors. However, the exact functions of these cells in the tumor microenvironment are not well characterized, as it is reported that MSC can either promote or inhibit tumor progression. In the present study, we aim at investigating the signaling molecules which regulate the interplay between MSC, prostate carcinoma (PCa) cells and two important cellular types constituting the tumor-associated stroma, macrophages and fibroblasts, during their progression toward malignancy. We identified TGF-β1 as a crucial molecule able to attract MSC recruitment both to PCa cells as well as to tumor stroma components. Moreover, PCa- and tumor stroma-secreted TGF-β1 is important to induce MSC transdifferentiation into carcinoma-associated fibroblast (CAF)-like cells. Consequently, the CAF-like phenotype acquired by MSC is central to promote tumor progression related effects. Thus, tumor-educated MSC enhance PCa invasiveness compared to nonactivated MSC. Additionally, differing from normal MSC, CAF-like MSC perform vascular mimicry and recruit monocytes, which can be further polarized to M2 macrophages within the PCa environment. Our findings indicate a prominent role for TGF-β1 in MSC mobilization and activation strengthened by the fact that the blockade of TGF-β1 signaling impairs MSC promotion of PCa progression.
Suppression of Neutrophil-Mediated Tissue Damage—A Novel Skill of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Jiang Dongsheng , Muschhammer Jana , Qi Yu , Kügler Andrea , de Vries Juliane C. , Saffarzadeh Mona , Sindrilaru Anca , Beken Seppe Vander , Wlaschek Meinhard , Kluth Mark A. , Ganss Christoph , Frank Natasha Y. , Frank Markus H. , Preissner Klaus T. , Scharffetter-Kochanek Karin
Published: June 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are crucial for tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Though of prime interest, their potentially protective role on neutrophil-induced tissue damage, associated with high morbidity and mortality, has not been explored in sufficient detail. Here we report the therapeutic skill of MSCs to suppress unrestrained neutrophil activation and to attenuate severe tissue damage in a murine immune-complex mediated vasculitis model of unbalanced neutrophil activation. MSC-mediated neutrophil suppression was due to intercellular adhesion molecule 1-dependent engulfment of neutrophils by MSCs, decreasing overall neutrophil numbers. Similar to MSCs in their endogenous niche of murine and human vasculitis, therapeutically injected MSCs via upregulation of the extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3), reduced superoxide anion concentrations and consequently prevented neutrophil death, neutrophil extracellular trap formation and spillage of matrix degrading neutrophil elastase, gelatinase and myeloperoxidase. SOD3-silenced MSCs did not exert tissue protective effects. Thus, MSCs hold substantial therapeutic promise to counteract tissue damage in conditions with unrestrained neutrophil activation.
sPLA2-IIA Overexpression in Mice Epidermis Depletes Hair Follicle Stem Cells and Induces Differentiation Mediated Through Enhanced JNK/c-Jun Activation
Authors: Sarate Rahul M. , Chovatiya Gopal L. , Ravi Vagisha , Khade Bharat , Gupta Sanjay , Waghmare Sanjeev K.
Published: June 2016

Secretory phospholipase A2 Group-IIA (sPLA2-IIA) catalyzes the hydrolysis of the sn-2 position of glycerophospholipids to yield fatty acids and lysophospholipids. sPLA2-IIA is deregulated in various cancers; however, its role in hair follicle stem cell (HFSC) regulation is obscure. Here we report a transgenic mice overexpressing sPLA2-IIA (K14-sPLA2-IIA) showed depletion of HFSC pool. This was accompanied with increased differentiation, loss of ortho-parakeratotic organization and enlargement of sebaceous gland, infundibulum and junctional zone. The colony forming efficiency of keratinocytes was significantly reduced. Microarray profiling of HFSCs revealed enhanced level of epithelial mitogens and transcription factors, c-Jun and FosB that may be involved in proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, K14-sPLA2-IIA keratinocytes showed enhanced activation of EGFR and JNK1/2 that led to c-Jun activation, which co-related with enhanced differentiation. Further, depletion of stem cells in bulge is associated with high levels of chromatin silencing mark, H3K27me3 and low levels of an activator mark, H3K9ac suggestive of alteration in gene expression contributing toward stem cells differentiation. Our results, first time uncovered that overexpression of sPLA2-IIA lead to depletion of HFSCs and differentiation associated with altered histone modification. Thus involvement of sPLA2-IIA in stem cells regulation and disease pathogenesis suggest its prospective clinical implications.
Ulk4 Regulates Neural Stem Cell Pool
Authors: Liu Min , Guan Zhenlong , Shen Qin , Flinter Frances , Domínguez Laura , Ahn Joo Wook , Collier David A. , O'Brien Timothy , Shen Sanbing
Published: June 2016

The size of neural stem cell (NSC) pool at birth determines the starting point of adult neurogenesis. Aberrant neurogenesis is associated with major mental illness, in which ULK4 is proposed as a rare risk factor. Little is known about factors regulating the NSC pool, or function of the ULK4. Here, we showed that Ulk4tm1a/tm1a mice displayed a dramatically reduced NSC pool at birth. Ulk4 was expressed in a cell cycle-dependent manner and peaked in G2/M phases. Targeted disruption of the Ulk4 perturbed mid-neurogenesis and significantly reduced cerebral cortex in postnatal mice. Pathway analyses of dysregulated genes in Ulk4tm1a/tm1a mice revealed Ulk4 as a key regulator of cell cycle and NSC proliferation, partially through regulation of the Wnt signaling. In addition, we identified hemizygous deletion of ULK4 gene in 1.2/1,000 patients with pleiotropic symptoms including severe language delay and learning difficulties. ULK4, therefore, may significantly contribute to neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Brief Report: Consecutive Alendronate Administration-Mediated Inhibition of Osteoclasts Improves Long-Term Engraftment Potential and Stress Resistance of HSCs
Authors: Sim Hyun-Jaung , Kook Sung-Ho , Yun Chi-Young , Bhattarai Govinda , Cho Eui-Sic , Lee Jeong-Chae
Published: June 2016

Osteoclasts form a bone marrow (BM) cavity serving as a hematopoietic niche for the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). However, the role of osteoclasts in the BM has been controversially reported and remains to be further understood. In the present study, we investigated how osteoclasts affect the modulation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in the BM by administering bisphosphate alendronate (ALN) to B6 mice for 21 consecutive days to inhibit osteoclast activity. ALN treatment caused a reduction in the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphate (TRAP)-positive osteoclast cells and an increase in bone mineral density, particularly in the trabecular zone, but not in the cortical zone of the BM. Osteoclast inhibition caused by ALN treatment decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and SA-β-gal activity of CD150+CD48−Lineage-Sca-1+c-Kit+ (LSK) cells, eventually leading to an improvement in the engraftment potential and self-renewal activity of HSCs. Moreover, ALN-treated mice exhibited an enhanced resistance of HSCs in response to the genotoxic stress of 5-fluorouracil, as determined by mitochondrial ROS generation, SA-β-gal activity, and p16INK4a expression in subsets of LSK and CD150+CD48−LSK cells as well as competitive assay. Collectively, our findings indicate that inhibition of osteoclast activity improves the long–term engraftment potential and stress resistance of HSCs.
The BER analysis of OFDMA and SC‐FDMA under pilot‐assisted channel estimation and pilot jamming in rayleigh slow‐fading channel
Authors: Mahal Jasmin A. , Clancy T. Charles
Published: June 2016

In this paper, the authors derived the analytical bit error rate expressions for orthogonal frequency division multiple access and single‐carrier frequency‐division multiple access (SC‐FDMA) in Rayleigh slow‐fading channel for binary phase‐shift keying/quadrature phase‐shift keying/16‐quadrature amplitude modulations under pilot jamming and pilot symbol‐assisted channel estimation. Beginning with the bit error rate analysis from the general case of pilot symbol‐assisted channel estimation technique in Rayleigh slow‐fading channel, the expressions are first modified for different modulations and then further customized to account for the Zero‐Forcing equalization in frequency or time direction with application respectively to orthogonal frequency division multiple access or SC‐FDMA without and with pilot jamming. Piecewise‐linear interpolation is used for its simplicity. The simulation results match perfectly with the theoretical predictions except for some discrepancies with SC‐FDMA, which imply that the generalized equations developed here have to be further modified to account for system‐specific features like discrete Fourier transform precoding for SC‐FDMA. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduced ant defenses in Macaranga myrmecophytes (Euphorbiaceae) infested with a winged phasmid Orthomeria cuprinus
Authors: Shimizu‐kaya Usun , Itioka Takao
Published: June 2016

Macaranga is a tree genus that includes many species of myrmecophytes, which are plants that harbor ant colonies within hollow structures known as domatia. The symbiotic ants (plant–ants) protect their host plants against herbivores; this defense mechanism is called ‘ant defense’. A Bornean phasmid species Orthomeriacuprinus feeds on two myrmecophytic Macaranga species, Macaranga beccariana and Macaranga hypoleuca, which are obligately associated with Crematogaster ant species. The phasmids elude the ant defense using specialized behavior. However, the mechanisms used by the phasmid to overcome ant defenses have been insufficiently elucidated. We hypothesized that O.cuprinus only feeds on individual plants with weakened ant defenses. To test the hypothesis, we compared the ant defense intensity in phasmid‐infested and non‐infested M. beccariana trees. The number of plant–ants on the plant surface, the ratio of plant–ant biomass to tree biomass, and the aggressiveness of plant–ants towards experimentally introduced herbivores were significantly lower on the phasmid‐infested trees than on the non‐infested trees. The phasmid nymphs experimentally introduced into non‐infested trees, compared with those experimentally introduced into phasmid‐infested trees, were more active on the plant surface, avoiding the plant–ants. These results support the hypothesis and suggest that ant defenses on non‐infested trees effectively prevent the phasmids from remaining on the plants. Thus, we suggest that O.cuprinus feeds only on the individual M. beccariana trees having decreased ant defenses, although the factors that reduce the intensity of the ant defenses remain unclear.
Seed Oils of Five Black Tartary Buckwheat Cultivars with Biochemical Characterization and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Zhang Zhen , He Caian , Zhu Ruixue , Shen Jing , Yu Yueli , Peng Qiang , Gao Jinfeng , Li Yunlong , Wang Min
Published: June 2016

Black tartary buckwheat oils (BTBOs) were extracted from five major industrial tartary buckwheat cultivars grown under similar agronomical activities and environmental conditions. These oils were characterized for the bioactive compounds containing fatty acids, β‐carotene, lutein, α‐, β‐, δ‐ and γ‐tocopherol, and for their antioxidant properties. The total tocopherol contents that were obtained ranged from 704.66 to 1156.19 mg/kg, with γ‐tocopherol (588.98–977.91 mg/kg) as the main component. The concentration of lutein ranged from 253.14 to 429.63 mg/kg, which was almost ten times higher than that of β‐carotenoid (46.71–69.2 mg/kg), indicating that black tartary buckwheat seed oils were a good source of lutein. The predominant fatty acids were unsaturated oleic acid (C18:1) (35.27–40.61 %) and linoleic acid (C18:2) (38.25–42.90 %). Excellent values of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activities were obtained and the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value of 13.89 mmol Trolox equiv/g oil was detected in the variety of Chuanqiao No. 1, which was clearly separated by principal component analysis (PCA) on the basis of the highest content of tocopherols and carotenoids. Moreover, the correlation analysis showed that tocopherols and carotenoids were the major contributors to the antioxidant activities of the BTBOs. This study demonstrates that lipophilic extraction in the tartary buckwheat seed contains many interesting bioactive compounds, which are beneficial for human health.
Mechanical model of nanoparticles for material removal in chemical mechanical polishing process
Authors: Chen Hao , Guo Dan , Xie Guoxin , Pan Guoshun
Published: June 2016

Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is the most effective method for surface planarization in the semiconductor industry. Nanoparticles are significant for material removal and ultra-smooth surface formation. This research investigates the mechanical effects of the material removal in the CMP process. The various contact states of pad, individual particle, and wafer caused by the variations of working conditions and material properties are analyzed. Three different mechanical models for the material removal in the CMP process, i.e., abrasive wear, adhesive wear, and erosive wear are investigated, with a focus on the comparison of the results for different models. The conclusions and methods obtained could potentially contribute to the understanding and evaluation of the CMP process in further work.
Economic and financial determinants of firm bankruptcy: evidence from the French food industry
Authors: Aleksanyan Lilia , Huiban Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2016

Despite the strong resilience of the French food industry during the recent economic crisis, the bankruptcy rate for this sector has dramatically increased since 2010. This paper focuses on the economic and financial determinants of firm exit due to bankruptcy in the French food industry and compares them with those for other manufacturing industries. Based on a large sample of firm-level data for the period 2001–2012, we show that the bankruptcy risk pattern differs between food industry firms and other manufacturing firms. Firm productivity is an important determinant of a firm’s probability of going bankrupt; productivity begins deteriorating 3 years before a failure. Controlling for firm productivity, we also show that credit cost has a positive and significant impact on the probability of bankruptcy. However, we observe smaller effect of credit cost on firms’ bankruptcy risk. In contrast, productivity appears to have an important beneficial effect on bankruptcy risk reduction.
Design and optimisation of an aerofoil with active continuous trailing-edge flap
Authors: Shen Jinwei , Liu Yi , Thornburgh Robert P. , Kreshock Andrew R. , Wilbur Matthew L.
Published: June 2016

This paper presents the design and optimisation of an aerofoil with active continuous trailing-edge flap (CTEF) investigated as a potential rotorcraft active control device. Several structural cross-section models are developed: high-fidelity NASA STRucture ANalysis (NASTRAN) and University of Michigan/Variational Asymptotic Beam Section Code (UM/VABS) models and a reduced-order analysis model. The validation of the reduced-order model is established by comparing its predictions of CTEF deformations with those of NASTRAN and UM/VABS analyses, which both show good agreement. The 2D aerodynamic characteristics of the CTEF aerofoil are evaluated using XFOIL and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses: FUN3D and Overset Transonic Unsteady Rotor Navier-Stokes (OVERTURNS). XFOIL, coupled with the reduced-order structure model, is adopted for optimisation study. The accuracy of XFOIL in predicting the aerodynamic pressure of the CTEF aerofoil is verified using CFD simulations, which shows sufficient fidelity. The predicted variations of aerodynamic coefficients with a CTEF angle are compared among the aerodynamic analyses. The optimisation process is developed and applied to two bimorph bender configurations: a Macro-Fibre Composite (MFC) solid bender and an MFC stack bender. The solid bender is used to confirm the functioning of the optimisation procedure and to use its optimal layout as a reference to the stack design, the primary design object. A linear tapered shape is found to be the optimum for a MFC solid bender, which generates an average of 63% more CTEF angles than those of an optimal rectangular bender. An optimised MFC stack bender is shown to resemble the shape of the solid bender. A four-ply bimorph is considered the best choice among the stack layouts because of its large output of CTEF angles and relatively less plies required. The CTEF angle produced by the four-ply optimal layout ranges from 7.6° to 5.3° with speeds from 0 to 200m/s at an angle of attack (AoA) of 6°. The reduction in the CTEF angle with AoA is less steep than that with speed, ranging from 6.5° to 5.8° with AoA from 0 to 8° at speed of 166m/s. An average of 14% increase in CTEF angles is achieved through optimisation for the four-ply bimorph.
Linear stability analysis and direct numerical simulation of two-layer channel flow
Authors: Sahu Kirti Chandra , Govindarajan Rama
Published: June 2016

We study the stability of two-fluid flow through a plane channel at Reynolds numbers of 100–1000 in the linear and nonlinear regimes. The two fluids have the same density but different viscosities. The fluids, when miscible, are separated from each other by a mixed layer of small but finite thickness, across which the viscosity changes from that of one fluid to that of the other. When immiscible, the interface is sharp. Our study spans a range of Schmidt numbers, viscosity ratios and locations and thicknesses of the mixed layer. A region of instability distinct from that of the Tollmien–Schlichting mode is obtained at moderate Reynolds numbers. We show that the overlap of the layer of viscosity-stratification with the critical layer of the dominant disturbance provides a mechanism for this instability. At very low values of diffusivity, the miscible flow behaves exactly like the immiscible one in terms of stability characteristics. High levels of miscibility make the flow more stable. At intermediate levels of diffusivity however, in both linear and nonlinear regimes, miscible flow can be more unstable than the corresponding immiscible flow without surface tension. This difference is greater when the thickness of the mixed layer is decreased, since the thinner the layer of viscosity stratification, the more unstable the miscible flow. In direct numerical simulations, disturbance growth occurs at much earlier times in the miscible flow, and also the miscible flow breaks spanwise symmetry more readily to go into three-dimensionality. The following observations hold for both miscible and immiscible flows without surface tension. The stability of the flow is moderately sensitive to the location of the interface between the two fluids. The response is non-monotonic, with the least stable location of the layer being mid-way between the wall and the centreline. As expected, flow at higher Reynolds numbers is more unstable.
Two new Ediacaran small fronds from Mistaken Point, Newfoundland
Authors: Mason Sara J. , Narbonne Guy M.
Published: June 2016

Small, stemmed frond fossils are common in Ediacaran-aged strata (ca. 565Ma) at Mistaken Point, Newfoundland, and many of them have previously been informally referred to as ‘dusters,’ but due to their small size and consequent relatively poor preservation, they have not yet been described taxonomically. Two new genera are herein defined on the basis of their unique constructions: the mop-like rangeomorphPlumeropriscum hofmanninew genus new species, and a flabellate, lobate frondBroccoliforma altanew genus new species.Plumeropriscum hofmannin. gen., n. sp. has a three-dimensional petalodium structure with numerous primary branches attached at the base of the petalodium rather than at a central axis.Broccoliforma altan. gen., n. sp. lacks visible branching, and instead has a lobate morphology with a petalodium that is at least superficially similar to the ivesheadiomorphBlackbrookia. Several other previously described taxa had also been included under the umbrella of ‘dusters.’ Collectively, these taxa show that the low epibenthic tier that small fronds occupied was more diverse than previously realized, with multiple taxa converging on the stemmed, small-frond body plan.
The Effect of Weather on Wine Quality and Prices: An Australian Spatial Analysis
Authors: Oczkowski Edward
Published: June 2016

In the context of the important implications of climate change, this paper analyzes the impact of weather on wine quality and prices for Australian premium wines. Motivated by a recognition of consumers’ accessed information sets, the impact of temperature and rainfall on retail wine prices is assessed through their relation with quality ratings from a high-profile wine guide and then on prices. For a broad spectrum of different quality wines from a cross section of wines available in 2014 and a separate analysis of eight wine varieties, the indirect approach to modeling weather effects through wine quality is found to be superior than assuming weather impacts directly on retail prices. The results also demonstrate the importance of regional variations in weather conditions in influencing prices and identify the optimal season growing temperatures for different grape varieties. (JEL Classifications: Q13, Q54)