bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic anticancer efficacy of MEK inhibition and dual PI3K/mTOR inhibition in castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Park Hongzoo , Kim Yunlim , Sul Jee‐Won , Jeong In Gab , Yi Hye‐Jin , Ahn Jae Beom , Kang Jong Soon , Yun Jieun , Hwang Jung Jin , Kim Choung‐Soo
Published: August 2015

Background

PTEN deletion, mutation or reduced expression occurs in 63% of metastatic prostate tumors, resulting in the activation of PI3K and its downstream targets, AKT and mTOR. Inhibition of the PI3K pathway results in upregulation of the MAPK pathway. Therefore, co‐administration of inhibitors of both pathways, GSK2126458 as a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, and AZD6244 as a MEK inhibitor, is able to overcome resistance and increase anti‐tumor efficacy.

Methods

PC3, DU145, LNCaP, and CRPC patient‐derived cells were used to assess apoptosis upon exposure to the drug combination. The human DU145 and PC3 tumor xenograft mouse model was employed to evaluate in vivo efficacy. CellTiter Glo® luminescent assay, annexin V‐FITC apoptosis detection, cell cycle analysis, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were conducted. Statistical evaluation of the results was performed by one‐way ANOVA.

Results

The combination of GSK2126458 and AZD6244 inhibited the growth of DU145 and PC3 prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. GSK2126458 decreased phospho‐AKT while increasing phospho‐ERK and AZD6244 decreased phospho‐ERK efficiently while increasing phospho‐AKT. The combination of GSK2126458 and AZD6244 decreased both phospho‐AKT and phospho‐ERK effectively in vitro and in vivo. The combination treatment synergistically induced annexin V‐positive cells, sub‐G1 cells, and cleavage of caspase‐9, caspase‐3 and poly‐ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) in DU145 cells in vitro. Moreover, the combination decreased the level of Ki‐67, and increased TUNEL‐positive cells and cleaved caspase‐3 in DU145 xenograft tumors implanted in mice. In addition, this combination treatment inhibited both the PI3K and MEK pathway primary in cultures from CRPC patients harboring PTEN loss, leading to synergistic anti‐tumor effect.

Conclusions

The combination of GSK2126458 and AZD6244 blocks both the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways simultaneously and is an effective strategy for the treatment of CRPCs. Prostate 75:1747–1759, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of electronic transmission on the electrical transport properties in metal–semiconductor contacts
Authors: Dai Loucheng , Liu Jun , Han Chao , Wang Zhichong , Zhang Yan , Hu Zhiyu
Published: August 2015

A Pt/Si Schottky diode was prepared by depositing thin‐film Pt on Si (100) via RF magnetron sputtering. The I–V characteristics of the nano‐Schottky structure were measured by conductive‐AFM (CAFM) and probe‐based measurement, where nano‐ and micro‐size tip was used, respectively. Result from both measurements showed the rectifying behaviors, whereas the leakage current detected by CAFM is about six orders of magnitude larger than that detected by the micromeasurement. It was proposed that this electronic transport discrepancy is mainly ascribed to the different electronic transmission. In order to reveal the characteristics of the Schottky junction, a thermionic emission (TE) model and thermionic‐field emission (TFE) model were applied for the I–V data fitting. It was proved that the result can be well fitted by the TE model, with an ideality factor (IF) n = 1–2 and barrier height (BH) 0.75–0.85 eV, indicating this Schottky diode approximates to an ideal Schottky diode (n = 1).
Geometry and supersymmetry of heterotic warped flux AdS backgrounds
Authors: Beck S. , Gutowski J. , Papadopoulos G.
Published: August 2015

Abstract

We classify the geometries of the most general warped, flux AdS backgrounds of heterotic supergravity up to two loop order in sigma model perturbation theory. We show under some mild assumptions that there are no AdS

n
backgrounds with n ≠ 3. Moreover the warp factor of AdS3 backgrounds is constant, the geometry is a product AdS
3 × M
7 and such solutions preserve, 2, 4, 6 and 8 supersymmetries. The geometry of M
7 has been specified in all cases. For 2 supersymmetries, it has been found that M
7 admits a suitably restricted G
2 structure. For 4 supersymmetries, M
7 has an SU(3) structure and can be described locally as a circle fibration over a 6-dimensional KT manifold. For 6 and 8 supersymmetries, M
7 has an SU(2) structure and can be described locally as a S
3 fibration over a 4-dimensional manifold which either has an anti-self dual Weyl tensor or a hyper-Kähler structure, respectively. We also demonstrate a new Lichnerowicz type theorem in the presence of α′ corrections.
Synthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) by the autotrophic CO-oxidizing bacterium Seliberia carboxydohydrogena Z-1062
Authors: Volova Tatiana , Zhila Natalia , Shishatskaya Ekaterina
Published: August 2015

The present study addresses growth parameters and physiological and biochemical characteristics of the aerobic CO-oxidizing carboxydobacterium Seliberia carboxydohydrogena Z-1062. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) yields were investigated in experiments with limiting concentrations of mineral nutrients (nitrogen or sulfur or nitrogen and sulfur) in batch culture of S. carboxydohydrogena Z-1062 grown on gas mixtures consisting of CO2, O2, H2, and CO. CO concentrations of 10, 20, and 30 % v/v did not affect polymer synthesis, whose content after 56-h cultivation under limiting concentrations of nitrogen and sulfur was 52.6–62.8 % of biomass weight at a productivity of 0.13–0.22 g/L h. The inhibitory effect of CO on cell concentration was revealed at CO concentration of 30 % v/v. That also caused a decrease in substrate (H2 and O2) use efficiency. Thus, this carboxydobacterium can be regarded as a potential producer of polyhydroxyalkanoates from industrial hydrogenous sources.
Clever Connections: A Pilot Whole-Family Programme Exploring Opportunities to Enhance Carer-Child Attunement
Authors: Batha Katy
Published: August 2015

Quality of carer-child attunement is recognised as a significant factor in child development, yet few parenting programmes appear to provide opportunities for whole families to engage in activities exploring sound attunement. Clever Connections was developed by a psychologist–clinician in private practice as an attunement-focused pilot programme to explore a collaborative approach for families with primary-school-aged children. Concepts from critical theories, applied linguistics, sensorimotor therapies, mindfulness, narrative practice and communal practice informed the theoretical positioning which guided the programme's development. The programme, run over four sessions, was trialled with a group of four families. The first session was a three-hour block for the adults only, during which the participants’ positionings and preferences were used to structure the programme. The following whole-family sessions involved a series of cooperative games, creative activities and linguistic tasks focusing on enhancing attunement. Feedback was gathered immediately following the programme regarding content and structure of the programme. Follow-up at six months indicated that sensorimotor and self-regulatory strategies explored in the programme continued to be of benefit to some of the families who participated. The outcomes suggest that further experimentation with this style of family programme is worthy of consideration.
THE SKULL OF BEDE
Authors: Story Joanna , Bailey Richard N
Published: August 2015

In 1831 Dr James Raine excavated Bede’s tomb in Durham Cathedral, revealing a partial skeleton accompanied by a medieval ring. Three casts were made of the skull; the recent re-discovery of one of these casts provokes an examination of the authenticity of the remains and of antiquarian interests in craniology in the mid-nineteenth century.
Identifying and protecting historic landscapes
Authors: Darvill Timothy , Gerrard Christopher , Startin Bill
Published: August 2015

Six years ago, Darvill and colleagues reported (ANTIQUITY 61: 393–408) on the Monuments Protection Programme, a new English initiative to build, from a century of haphazard acts of site protection, a set of balanced judgements and priorities by which to recognize ancient places that are more precious, genuinely of a national importance. The Programme, they tell ANTIQUITY, has now completed the first-stage review of information in local sites and monuments records and is proceeding with the identification of nationally important monuments in every English county. This further paper reports on how the Monuments Protection Programme is addressing landscapes, as distinct from ‘spot sites’ with clear limits, where the matters of defining a ‘relict cultural landscape’ and judging relative value are harder.
How Does the State Structure Secularization?
Authors: Mayrl Damon
Published: August 2015

Why do similar modern nations accord religion different roles in their public institutions? This paper engages this question by examining trends in religious instruction in the public schools of the United States and Australia from 1850 to 1950. I find that American education secularized farther and faster than Australian education because of its decentralized system of educational administration. In the United States, decentralized educational administration facilitated challenges to religious exercises by religious minorities, fostered professional development among educators, and allowed novel educational practices oriented in new educational theories rather than religion to spread. In Australia, by contrast, centralized state control over education insulated majoritarian religious exercises from minority criticism, suppressed professional development, and helped maintain traditional educational practices that sustained religious instruction. The state thus has both mediating and constitutive effects on secularization, a finding which opens new directions for research into the dynamics of secularization.
Isomorphism of intersection and union types
Authors: COPPO MARIO , DEZANI-CIANCAGLINI MARIANGIOLA , MARGARIA INES , ZACCHI MADDALENA
Published: August 2015

This paper gives a complete characterisation of type isomorphism definable by terms of a λ-calculus with intersection and union types. Unfortunately, when union is considered the Subject Reduction property does not hold in general. However, it is well known that in the λ-calculus, independently of the considered type system, the isomorphism between two types can be realised only by invertible terms. Notably, all invertible terms are linear terms. In this paper, the isomorphism of intersection and union types is investigated using a relevant type system for linear terms enjoying the Subject Reduction property. To characterise type isomorphism, a similarity between types and a type reduction are introduced. Types have a unique normal form with respect to the reduction rules and two types are isomorphic if and only if their normal forms are similar.
Regional distribution of serotonergic receptors: a systems neuroscience perspective on the downstream effects of the multimodal-acting antidepressant vortioxetine on excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission
Authors: Pehrson Alan L. , Jeyarajah Theepica , Sanchez Connie
Published: August 2015

Previous work from this laboratory hypothesized that the multimodal antidepressant vortioxetine enhances cognitive function through a complex mechanism, using serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) receptor actions to modulate gamma-butyric acid (GABA) and glutamate neurotransmission in key brain regions like the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus. However, serotonergic receptors have circumscribed expression patterns, and therefore vortioxetine’s effects on GABA and glutamate neurotransmission will probably be regionally selective. In this article, we attempt to develop a conceptual framework in which the effects of 5-HT, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and vortioxetine on GABA and glutamate neurotransmission can be understood in the PFC and striatum—2 regions with roles in cognition and substantially different 5-HT receptor expression patterns. Thus, we review the anatomy of the neuronal microcircuitry in the PFC and striatum, anatomical data on 5-HT receptor expression within these microcircuits, and electrophysiological evidence on the effects of 5-HT on the behavior of each cell type. This analysis suggests that 5-HT and SSRIs will have markedly different effects within the PFC, where they will induce mixed effects on GABA and glutamate neurotransmission, compared to the striatum, where they will enhance GABAergic interneuron activity and drive down the activity of medium spiny neurons. Vortioxetine is expected to reduce GABAergic interneuron activity in the PFC and concomitantly increase cortical pyramidal neuron firing. However in the striatum, vortioxetine is expected to increase activity at GABAergic interneurons and have mixed excitatory and inhibitory effects in medium spiny neurons. Thus the conceptual framework developed here suggests that vortioxetine will have regionally selective effects on GABA and glutamate neurotransmission.
INFORMAL PROOF, FORMAL PROOF, FORMALISM
Authors: WEIR ALAN
Published: August 2015

Increases in the use of automated theorem-provers have renewed focus on the relationship between the informal proofs normally found in mathematical research and fully formalised derivations. Whereas some claim that any correct proof will be underwritten by a fully formal proof, sceptics demur. In this paper I look at the relevance of these issues for formalism, construed as an anti-platonistic metaphysical doctrine. I argue that there are strong reasons to doubt that all proofs are fully formalisable, if formal proofs are required to be finitary, but that, on a proper view of the way in which formal proofs idealise actual practice, this restriction is unjustified and formalism is not threatened.
Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone Largest Since 2002
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: August 2015

Downpours in June drove nutrients into the Mississippi River that ultimately deprived a much larger portion of the Gulf of oxygen than had been expected.
Neurochemical characterization of pERK-expressing spinal neurons in histamine-induced itch
Authors: Jiang Guan-Yu , Dai Meng-Han , Huang Kun , Chai Guo-Dong , Chen Jia-Yin , Chen Ling , Lang Bing , Wang Qing-Xiu , St Clair David , McCaig Colin , Ding Yu-Qiang , Zhang Ling
Published: August 2015

Acute itch is divided into histamine- and non-histamine-dependent subtypes and our previous study has shown that activation of ERK signaling in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) is required selectively for histamine-induced itch sensation. Morphological characteristics of pERK-expressing neurons are required for exploring the mechanism underlying spinal itch sensation. To investigate whether pERK-expressing neurons are supraspinally-projecting neurons, we injected Fluorogold (FG) into the ventrobasal thalamic complex (VB) and parabrachial region, the two major spinal ascending sites in rodents. A small number (1%) of pERK-positive neurons were labeled by FG, suggesting that histamine-induced activation of ERK is primarily located in local SDH neurons. We then examined the co-localization of pERK with Calbindin and Lmx1b, which are expressed by excitatory neurons and found that more than half (58%) of pERK-positive neurons expressed Lmx1b, but no co-expression with Calbindin was observed. On the other hand, approximately 7% of pERK-positive neurons expressed GAD67 and 27% of them contained Pax2. These results support the idea that pERK-expressing neurons serve as a component of local neuronal circuits for processing itch sensation in the spinal cord.
Detection of attempted movement from the EEG during neuromuscular block: proof of principle study in awake volunteers
Authors: Blokland Yvonne , Spyrou Loukianos , Lerou Jos , Mourisse Jo , Jan Scheffer Gert , Geffen Geert-Jan van , Farquhar Jason , Bruhn Jörgen
Published: August 2015

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) have the potential to detect intraoperative awareness during general anaesthesia. Traditionally, BCI research is aimed at establishing or improving communication and control for patients with permanent paralysis. Patients experiencing intraoperative awareness also lack the means to communicate after administration of a neuromuscular blocker, but may attempt to move. This study evaluates the principle of detecting attempted movements from the electroencephalogram (EEG) during local temporary neuromuscular blockade. EEG was obtained from four healthy volunteers making 3-second hand movements, both before and after local administration of rocuronium in one isolated forearm. Using offline classification analysis we investigated whether the attempted movements the participants made during paralysis could be distinguished from the periods when they did not move or attempt to move. Attempted movement trials were correctly identified in 81 (68–94)% (mean (95% CI)) and 84 (74–93)% of the cases using 30 and 9 EEG channels, respectively. Similar accuracies were obtained when training the classifier on the participants’ actual movements. These results provide proof of the principle that a BCI can detect movement attempts during neuromuscular blockade. Based on this, in the future a BCI may serve as a communication channel between a patient under general anaesthesia and the anaesthesiologist.
Effects of Exendin-4 on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis in vitro
Authors: Zhou Hao , Li Dandan , Shi Chen , Xin Ting , Yang Junjie , Zhou Ying , Hu Shunyin , Tian Feng , Wang Jing , Chen Yundai
Published: August 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are regarded as an attractive source of therapeutic stem cells for myocardial infarction. However, their limited self-renewal capacity, low migration capacity and poor viability after transplantation hamper the clinical use of MSC; thus, a strategy to enhance the biological functions of MSC is required. Exendin-4 (Ex-4), a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, exerts cell-protective effects on many types of cells. However, little information is available regarding the influence of Ex-4 on MSC. In our study, MSC were isolated from bone marrow and cultured in vitro. After treatment with Ex-4, MSC displayed a higher proliferative capacity, increased C-X-C motif receptor 4 (CXCR4) expression and an enhanced migration response. Moreover, in H2O2-induced apoptosis, Ex-4 preserved mitochondrial function through scavenging ROS and balancing the expression of anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins, leading to the inhibition of the mitochondria-dependent cell death pathways and increased cell survival. Moreover, higher phospho-Akt (p-Akt) expression was observed after Ex-4 intervention. However, blockade of the PI3K/Akt pathway with inhibitors suppressed the above cytoprotective effects of Ex-4, suggesting that the PI3K/Akt pathway is partly responsible for Ex-4-mediated MSC growth, mobilization and survival. These findings provide an attractive method of maximizing the effectiveness of MSC-based therapies in clinical applications.
Metabolomics analysis reveals the association between lipid abnormalities and oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis and Nrf2 dysfunction in aristolochic acid-induced nephropathy
Authors: Zhao Ying-Yong , Wang Hui-Ling , Cheng Xian-Long , Wei Feng , Bai Xu , Lin Rui-Chao , Vaziri Nosratola D.
Published: August 2015

Alternative medicines are commonly used for the disease prevention and treatment worldwide. Aristolochic acid (AAI) nephropathy (AAN) is a common and rapidly progressive interstitial nephropathy caused by ingestion of Aristolochia herbal medications. Available data on pathophysiology and molecular mechanisms of AAN are limited and were explored here. SD rats were randomized to AAN and control groups. AAN group was treated with AAI by oral gavage for 12 weeks and observed for additional 12 weeks. Kidneys were processed for histological evaluation, Western blotting and metabolomics analyses using UPLC-QTOF/HDMS. The concentrations of two phosphatidylcholines, two diglycerides and two acyl-carnitines were significantly altered in AAI treated rats at week 4 when renal function and histology were unchanged. Data obtained on weeks 8 to 24 revealed progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis, inflammation, renal dysfunction, activation of NF-κB, TGF-β and oxidative pathways, impaired Nrf2 system and profound changes in lipid metabolites including numerous PC, lysoPC, PE, lysoPE, ceramides and triglycerides. In conclusion, exposure to AAI results in dynamic changes in kidney tissue fatty acid, phospholipid and glycerolipid metabolisms prior to and after the onset of detectable changes in renal function or histology. These findings point to participation of altered tissue lipid metabolism in the pathogenesis of AAN.
A halofuginone electrochemical sensor based on a molecularly imprinted polypyrrole coated glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Radi Abd-Elgawad , Abd-Elaziz Ismael
Published: August 2015

In this work, a novel and selective polypyrrole (PPy) electropolymerized molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor (PPy-MIP) for halofuginone (HFG) determination was developed.
P(NMe2)3-mediated reductive [1+4] annulation of isatins with enones: a facile synthesis of spirooxindole-dihydrofurans
Authors: Zhou Rong , Zhang Kai , Chen Yusong , Meng Qiang , Liu Yiyi , Li Ruifeng , He Zhengjie
Published: August 2015

A novel reductive [1+4] annulation reaction of isatins and enones via Kukhtin–Ramirez adducts is reported.
An injectable drug-loaded hydrogel based on a supramolecular polymeric prodrug
Authors: Xiong Lu , Luo Qiaojie , Wang Ying , Li Xiaodong , Shen Zhiquan , Zhu Weipu
Published: August 2015

We reported a facile strategy to prepare an injectable doxorubicin-loaded hydrogel based on a supramolecular polymeric prodrug, which can quickly release doxorubicin in response to an acidic environment.
The spectral relaxation dynamics and the molecular crowding effect of silver nanoclusters synthesized in the polymer scaffold
Authors: Wang Kai-Hung , Chang Chih-Wei
Published: August 2015

The PMAA–AgNCs revealed versatile fluorescence properties in different polymer conformations and molecular crowed condition.
Inhibition effect of a non-permeating component on gas permeability of nanoporous graphene membranes
Authors: Wen Boyao , Sun Chengzhen , Bai Bofeng
Published: August 2015

The inhibition effect of a non-permeating component on gas permeability of nanoporous graphene membranes is identified using molecular dynamics simulations.
X-ray absorption resonances near L2,3-edges from real-time propagation of the Dirac–Kohn–Sham density matrix
Authors: Kadek Marius , Konecny Lukas , Gao Bin , Repisky Michal , Ruud Kenneth
Published: August 2015

We present the first four-component X-ray absorption spectrum obtained from the real-time solution of the TDDFT equation.
Activity and stability trends of perovskite oxides for oxygen evolution catalysis at neutral pH
Authors: Han Binghong , Risch Marcel , Lee Yueh-Lin , Ling Chen , Jia Hongfei , Shao-Horn Yang
Published: August 2015

Perovskite oxides (ABO3) have been studied extensively to promote the kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at neutral pH. The same activity descriptors apply in alkaline and neutral media. Yet, stability is a greater challenge in neutral media.
Reactive interlayer based ultra-low moisture permeable membranes for organic photovoltaic encapsulation
Authors: Seethamraju Sindhu , Ramamurthy Praveen C. , Madras Giridhar
Published: August 2015

Reactive water vapor barrier materials with zero valent iron and copper nanoparticles for organic device encapsulation.
The blood pressure effect and related plasma levels of flavan-3-ols in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Quiñones Mar , Margalef Maria , Arola-Arnal Anna , Muguerza Begoña , Miguel Marta , Aleixandre Amaya
Published: August 2015

We studied the short-term antihypertensive effect of flavan-3-ols (−)-epicatechin, (+)-catechin and (−)-catechin, in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).
The effects of black soybean (Glycine max var.) on chronic cervical pain of sedentary office workers in a northern Chinese population
Authors: Li Xiaochuan , Tian Feng , Wang Fei
Published: August 2015

Black soybean ameliorates chronic cervical pain of sedentary office workers by down-regulating the levels ofN-methyl-d-aspartate receptors.
Apigenin induces autophagic cell death in human papillary thyroid carcinoma BCPAP cells
Authors: Zhang Li , Cheng Xian , Gao Yanyan , Zheng Jie , Xu Qiang , Sun Yang , Guan Haixia , Yu Huixin , Sun Zhen
Published: August 2015

Apigenin-induced autophagic cell death in human papillary thyroid carcinoma BCPAP cells is associated with ROS generation, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest.
Facile synthesis of silver@carbon nanocable-supported platinum nanoparticles as high-performing electrocatalysts for glycerol oxidation in direct glycerol fuel cells
Authors: Bai Zhengyu , Shi Min , Zhang Yanxing , Zhang Qing , Yang Lin , Yang Zongxian , Zhang Jiujun
Published: August 2015

Ag@C nanocables are employed as the support of Pt/Ag@C electrocatalyst for glycerol oxidation with superior electrocatalytic activity and stability, confirming that Ag@C nanocables should be a great material for supporting the catalyst.
Improvements in Cd stable isotope analysis achieved through use of liquid–liquid extraction to remove organic residues from Cd separates obtained by extraction chromatography
Authors: Murphy Katy , Rehkämper Mark , Kreissig Katharina , Coles Barry , van de Flierdt Tina
Published: August 2015

During isotopic analysis of Cd by MC-ICP-MS, organic resin residue can perturb instrumental mass fractionation. These organic compounds can be removed by a liquid–liquid extraction procedure using heptane.
Steering liquid metal flow in microchannels using low voltages
Authors: Tang Shi-Yang , Lin Yiliang , Joshipura Ishan D. , Khoshmanesh Khashayar , Dickey Michael D.
Published: August 2015

Low voltages can control the directional flow of EGaIn liquid metal in complex microfluidic networks via two complementary mechanisms.
A versatile and efficient synthesis of bithiophene-based dicarboxaldehydes from a common synthon
Authors: Bhuwalka Achala , Mike Jared F. , Intemann Jeremy J. , Ellern Arkady , Jeffries-EL Malika
Published: August 2015

The efficient synthesis of several bithiophene dialdehydes from a common intermediate is reported.
Superhydrophobic cotton textile with robust composite film and flame retardancy
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zang Deli , Shi Junyou , Gao Zhengxin , Wang Chengyu , Li Jian
Published: August 2015

A cotton textile with robust composite film showed extraordinary superhydrophobicity, flame retardancy, durability and efficiency for water/organic solvent separation.
Highly effective oxygen reduction activity and durability of antimony-doped tin oxide modified PtPd/C electrocatalysts
Authors: Gao Yuan , Hou Ming , Shao Zhigang , Zhang Changkun , Qin Xiaoping , Yi Baolian
Published: August 2015

The oxygen reduction reaction activity and stability of PtPd/C are promoted by introduction of antimony-doped tin oxide in the support.
Structural, mechanical, thermodynamic and electronic properties of AgIn2 and Ag3In intermetallic compounds: ab initio investigation
Authors: Yu Ching-Feng , Cheng Hsien-Chie , Chen Wen-Hwa
Published: August 2015

The structural, mechanical, thermodynamic and electronic properties of two Ag–In phase crystals, i.e., AgIn2 and Ag3In intermetallic compounds (IMCs), are explored using ab initio calculations within the generalized gradient approximation.
Solute-induced perturbation of methanol–water association
Authors: Hemmateenejad B. , Shojaeifard Z. , Shamsipur M. , Neymeyr K. , Sawall M. , Mohajeri A.
Published: August 2015

Chemometric analysis of the IR and UV-Vis absorbance data revealed the pronounced effect of the stability of the associated methanol–water cluster in mixtures of solvents.
Localized drug delivery of selenium (Se) using nanoporous anodic aluminium oxide for bone implants
Authors: Saji Viswanathan S. , Kumeria Tushar , Gulati Karan , Prideaux Matthew , Rahman Shafiur , Alsawat Mohammed , Santos Abel , Atkins Gerald J. , Losic Dusan
Published: August 2015

Release behavior and cancer toxicity of different forms of Se loaded into nanoporous AAO were studied.
Double hydrophilic polyphosphoester containing copolymers as efficient templating agents for calcium carbonate microparticles
Authors: Zeynep Ergul Yilmaz , Antoine Debuigne , Brice Calvignac , Frank Boury , Christine Jerome
Published: August 2015

The use of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) microparticles is becoming more and more attractive in many fields especially in biomedical applications in which the fine tuning of the size, morphology and crystalline form of the CaCO3 particles is crucial.
Synthesis of silver nanoparticles for the dual delivery of doxorubicin and alendronate to cancer cells
Authors: Benyettou F. , Rezgui R. , Ravaux F. , Jaber T. , Blumer K. , Jouiad M. , Motte L. , Olsen J.-C. , Platas-Iglesias C. , Magzoub M. , Trabolsi A.
Published: August 2015

We present the synthesis of a silver nanoparticle (AgNP) based drug-delivery system that achieves the simultaneous intracellular delivery of doxorubicin (Dox) and alendronate (Ald) and improves the anticancer therapeutic indices of both drugs.
Studies with Angiotensins I and II; The Use of Phenylthiocarbamyl-Derivatives
Authors: Osborn E. C. , Pickens P. T. , Willicombe P. R. , Pirie A. T. , Mahler R. F.
Published: August 2015

1. Intravenous injections of pure angiotensin I and angiotensin II give similar blood pressure responses in the rat, rabbit and guinea-pig although angiotensin I is generally regarded to be the inactive precursor of angiotensin II.

2. The conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II and of phenylthiocarbamyl (PTC)-angiotensin I to PTC-angiotensin II in human blood and plasma was studied using the rat colon as the assay tissue.

3. The results suggest that the rate of conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II in blood and plasma is insufficient to explain the comparable activities of angiotensin I and angiotensin II in raising the blood pressure.
Angiotensin Blood Levels during the Evolution of Acute Renal Failure
Authors: Ochoa E. , Finkielman S. , Agrest A.
Published: August 2015

1. Angiotensin blood levels (ABL) have been measured in thirteen white patients with diagnoses of acute renal failure of different aetiologies during several stages of the disease and with no evidence of other conditions that could stimulate renin release by the kidney.

2. Mean ABL on admission was 770 SEM 62 ng/l. When daily urinary volume was higher than 1500 ml, these values were significantly lower: 114 SEM 49·6 ng/l.

3. A negative correlation between ABL and systolic blood pressure was obtained (r = −0·35, P = 0·01). The partial correlation coefficients between ABL and systolic blood pressure showed the same results.

4. A negative correlation between the logarithm of ABL and daily urinary volume was obtained. The partial linear correlation coefficients between ABL and urine volume confirmed this relationship.

5. There was no correlation between the ABL and the aetiology of the anuria, its final course, the duration of the disease, the arterial blood pressure and the plasma urea, sodium or potassium levels.

6. It is suggested that the decrease in the ABL has some connection with the re-establishment of the diuresis, possibly through an increase of glomerular filtration rate and in sodium excretion affecting the macula densa cells.
Propranolol Block of Adrenaline-Induced Hypophosphataemia in Man
Authors: Massara F. , Camanni F.
Published: August 2015

1. The effect of propranolol on adrenaline- and insulin-induced hypophosphataemia was studied in man.

2. β-Adrenergic blockade with propranolol almost completely abolished and significantly inhibited adrenaline- and insulin-induced hypophosphataemia respectively; in addition, the drug clearly prevented the normally observed rise in plasma lactate, while causing only a slight change in blood glucose levels.

3. It is suggested that the fall in blood phosphate values induced by adrenaline and, in part, that caused by insulin, is mediated by β-adrenergic receptors.
The Mechanism of Diuresis Caused by Renal Lymphatic Obstruction
Authors: Wada T. , Ogawa M. , Ishikawa J. , Yamauchi M. , Kato E. , Asano S.
Published: August 2015

1. The effect of renal lymphatic obstruction was studied by clearance methods with special reference to the renal response to the change in extra-cellular fluid (ECF) volume.

2. When the left renal lymphatics of anaesthetized dogs were obstructed, E/C (experimental over control kidney) ratios of urine volume (V) and sodium excretion (UNaV) increased significantly in spite of constancy of GFR E/C. This effect occurred during nondiuresis, water diuresis and during distal blockade (i.e. tubular inhibition by thiazide and ethacrynic acid).

3. As ECF was reduced by distal blockade, V and UNaV decreased rapidly in the control kidney, but only slightly in the experimental one, resulting in a sharp increase of V E/C and UNaV E/C.

4. The results indicate that intrarenal interstitial volume and/or pressure play an important role in sodium and water excretion and that it alters the renal response to a change in ECF volume.
The Urinary Excretion of Lysozyme in Dogs
Authors: Harrison J. F. , Barnes A. D.
Published: August 2015

1. Twelve dogs under light anaesthesia were infused with creatinine, lysozyme and other proteins, and the femoral arterial and urinary concentrations of the infused substances were measured. In some experiments renal venous blood was withdrawn through a catheter inserted by laparotomy.

2. The glomerular permeability to lysozyme was estimated to be 38% of the permeability to creatinine, but there was wide variation and the standard deviation was 11%.

3. The maximum tubular reabsorptive capacity for lysozyme was estimated to be 1·0 mg/100 ml glomerular filtrate, SD 0·44 mg/100 ml.

4. The renal threshold for lysozyme was about 1·0 mg/100 ml.

5. There was evidence supporting the hypothesis that reabsorbed lysozyme is catabolized and no evidence of reabsorption of intact lysozyme into the blood stream.

6. Infusion of myglobin, Bence Jones protein and ovalbumin had no effect on the excretion of endogenous or exogenous (infused) lysozyme.

7. Lysozyme infusions had no conclusive effect on the excretion of (infused) Bence Jones protein or ovalbumin.

8. Corrections, based on the recovery in vitro of lysozyme activity from dog serum and urine, do not significantly alter the results.
Blood Pressure Lability in Ischaemic Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Gross M. , Marshall J.
Published: August 2015

1. In a survey of blood pressures taken over 24-hr periods by automatic monitoring in a series of men with ischaemic cerebrovascular disease, the variances of the readings were used to compare the lability of blood pressure in subjects subdivided according to the territory of the vascular disorder.

2. The findings that diastolic variance during the daytime in vertebrobasilar ischaemia was significantly higher than in controls and that in both carotid and vertebrobasilar ischaemia, but not controls, daytime variance was higher than night variance, were explicable on the basis that variance is directly related to the height of the blood pressure.

3. There was no evidence that cerebral ischaemia itself, whether in the carotid or vertebrobasilar territories, was associated with abnormal blood pressure lability.

4. It did not appear likely that there was any significant difference between blood pressure lability in subjects who had had cerebral infarction and those who had had transient ischaemic attacks.
Studies by Quantitative Immunoelectrophoresis on Iron Binding Proteins in Haemochromatosis
Authors: Amin A. H. , Clarke H. G. , Freeman T. , Lyon I. M. Murray , Smith P. M. , Williams R.
Published: August 2015

1. The concentrations of a number of plasma proteins in patients with haemochromatosis were determined by quantitative immunoelectrophoresis, particular attention being paid to the three iron transporting proteins.

2. Transferrin and haptoglobin were within normal limits; haemopexin was significantly greater than normal (P < 0·001).

3. Other changes observed were a significant (P < 0·001) increase of α1 antitrypsin, of α2 macroglobulin and β1A-C; these changes are discussed.
The Early Effects of Dihydrotachysterol on Calcium and Phosphorus Metabolism in Patients with Hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Hunt G. , Morgan D. B.
Published: August 2015

1. Five patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism were given dihydrotachysterol.

2. Calcium and phosphorus absorption and excretion were measured in three of the patients. An increased absorption of calcium from the intestine was the major source of the increased excretion of calcium after dihydrotachysterol.

3. A change in the renal tubular handling of phosphorus was a major factor in the changes in the serum phosphorus after treatment with dihydrotachysterol.

4. The results suggest that there is a difference between organ responses in any one individual, and that differences in a given organ response between individuals cannot be entirely attributed to the dose of dihydrotachysterol.

5. The implications of these observations for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism are discussed.
The Relation between the Rate of Production of Gastric Juice and its Electrolyte Concentrations
Authors: Hobsley M. , Silen W.
Published: August 2015

1. Repeated 15-min collections of gastric juice were made during the plateau of response to an intravenous infusion of histamine diphosphate 0·01 mg h−1 kg−1 and the samples measured and their electrolyte concentrations estimated. A linear relationship was found between chloride output and the volume-rate of overall secretion and between hydrogen ion output and the same rate of secretion, while a multivariate linear relationship was also found between all three variables.

2. A mathematical analysis of these results suggests that if gastric secretion consists of an acid and a non-acid component, each of fixed composition, then the acid component has the composition H = 143 mEq/l, K = 16 mEq/l, Cl = 169 mEq/l, and the non-acid component is secreted at the same rate in different subjects under these circumstances.

3. The data enable gross sampling and analytical errors to be detected; in particular, the volume-rate of secretion can be predicted from hydrogen ion concentration, better from chloride ion concentration, and best from the concentrations of both ions.

4. For single samples such predictions appear to be superior to the direct measurement of volume.
The Incorporation of [4-14C] δ-Aminolaevulic Acid into Urinary Porphyrins in Symptomatic Porphyria
Authors: Goldswain P. , Dowdle E. , Spong Norma , Eales L.
Published: August 2015

1. The specific activities of urinary uroporphyrin and coproporphyrin were measured as functions of time following the administration of a single oral dose of [4-14C] δ-aminolaevulic acid (ALA) to six patients with symptomatic porphyria and one control subject.

2. The peak specific activity of coproporphyrin preceded that of uroporphyrin in all subjects studied and exceeded that of uroporphyrin in the patients with symptomatic porphyria.

3. These results are interpreted as indicating the existence of two distinct metabolic pathways in the liver for the disposal of ALA, rather than as contradicting the generally accepted role of uroporphyrinogen as a precursor of coproporphyrinogen.
Contribution of Hypercapnia and Hypoxia to the Vascular Response to Ischaemia
Authors: Kontos H. A. , Richardson D. W. , Raper A. J. , Patterson J. L.
Published: August 2015

1. Hypoxia, induced by 7–12% oxygen breathing, produced vasodilatation in the intact or in the phenoxybenzamine and propranolol treated forearm of human volunteers when arterial blood PO2 decreased below 45 mmHg, or when deep forearm venous blood PO2 decreased below 35–40 mmHg.

2. Circulatory arrest of the forearm following alpha and beta adrenergic receptor blockade was followed by greater increases in blood flow and greater decreases in forearm vascular resistance during CO2 breathing than during room air breathing. The increased flow following ischaemia was maintained at a high level until CO2 administration was stopped.

3. The vasodilator response following ischaemia of the human forearm, produced by digital occlusion of the brachial artery, was compared to that produced by hypercapnia or hypoxia or a combination of the two, produced by breathing the appropriate gas mixtures. The forearm was pre-treated with phenoxybenzamine and propranolol to produce alpha and beta adrenergic receptor blockade. For equal increases in deep forearm venous blood PCO2 the vasodilator response to hypercapnia averaged 60% of that following ischaemia. For equal decreases in deep forearm venous blood PO2 the vasodilator response to hypoxia averaged 26% of that produced by ischaemia. The vasodilator response to ischaemia was not modified by breathing 100% oxygen to maintain the deep forearm venous blood PO2 at a level above that seen with the circulation free during room air breathing. Combined hypoxia and hypercapnia of equal severity as those produced by ischaemia resulted in a vasodilator response which averaged 64% of that produced by ischaemia.
The Site of Cardiovascular Action of Angiotensin II in the Brain
Authors: Joy M. D. , Lowe R. D.
Published: August 2015

1. The site of action of vertebral artery infusions of angiotensin was studied in the chloralose-anaesthetized greyhound.

2. The cardiovascular response to vertebral artery infusion of angiotensin (0·25–2·0 ng kg−1 min−1) was not reduced by clamping the basilar artery between the pons and the pyramidal decussation. There was no response to infusion of angiotensin through a catheter inserted in a rostral direction into the basilar artery above the clamp. The site of action must therefore lie caudal to the pons.

3. Transection of the spinal cord at the first cervical segment did not abolish the response to vertebral artery infusions, which was still mediated by the vagus nerve and abolished by subsequent vagotomy. The site of action must therefore lie rostral to the cervical cord.

4. Local infusions of angiotensin into the small arteries supplying the medulla produced a response similar to that obtained with vertebral artery infusion of angiotensin.

5. These results indicate that the site responsible for these central effects of angiotensin lies in the medulla.
The Effect of Dichlorphenamide on Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid Acid-Base State in Chronic Ventilatory Failure
Authors: Lane D. J. , Howell J. B. L. , Stretton T. B.
Published: August 2015

1. Pco2, [HCO−3] and [H+] have been measured in arterial blood and CSF in twenty-three patients with chronic airways obstruction and five patients without chest disease.

2. Through a range of Pco2 in the CSF from normal to 79 mmHg there was a direct linear relation between Pco2 and [H+]. The slope of this relation (0·41 nmol l−1 mmHg−1) was similar to that reported in experimental studies in animals and would appear to represent the extent to which regulatory mechanisms can protect CSF [H+] against the acidosis of chronic hypercapnia.

3. There was also a direct linear relation between CSF [HCO−3] and arterial plasma [HCO−3], the rise in [HCO−3] in the CSF being less than that in the blood.

4. Thirteen patients were re-studied after receiving the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor dichlorphenamide for 1 week. A metabolic acidosis developed in the arterial blood. In the CSF Pco2 and [HCO−3] fell but [H+] did not change. CSF [H+] is maintained constant and normal in other forms of chronic metabolic acidosis but it seems likely that the constancy observed in the present study was fortuitous. Possible reasons for this are discussed, and it is concluded that variability in responsiveness to ventilatory stimuli between patients is the most likely explanation.
Protein Turnover in Skeletal Muscle. II. The Effect of Starvation and a Protein-Free Diet on the Synthesis and Catabolism of Skeletal Muscle Proteins in Comparison to Liver
Authors: Millward D. J.
Published: August 2015

1. Rates of synthesis and catabolism of liver and muscle sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein have been measured in young control, starved and protein (deprived) rats using [14C]Na2CO3 to label protein.

2. Half-lives for synthesis of 1·35, 2·8 and 7·2 days for liver, sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins respectively were obtained, whilst half-lives for catabolism were 1·55, 3·6 and 15·6 days in each case in the control animals.

3. The protein free diet for 3 days caused a small decrease in the rate of synthesis of liver and muscle proteins. The catabolic rate of liver protein was increased by 20% whilst there was a smaller increase in the catabolic rate of myofibrillar proteins.

4. Starvation for 3 days caused a 20% reduction in the rate of liver protein synthesis whilst there were greater reductions in muscle protein synthesis. The catabolic rate of liver protein was only slightly increased whereas there was a 75% increase in the rate of myofibrillar protein breakdown.

5. The total amount of protein synthesis and catabolism in liver and the two muscle protein fractions over the first 3 days of the three regimes were calculated. Muscle protein turnover, in particular myofibrillar, was shown to be very sensitive to dietary protein and/or calorie deficiency.

6. These results are discussed in terms of the mobility and therefore importance of muscle protein metabolism in the economy of the whole animal.
Vascular Hyper-Reactivity with Sodium Loading and with Desoxycorticosterone Induced Hypertension in the Rat
Authors: Beilin L. J. , Wade D. N. , Honour A. J. , Cole T. J.
Published: August 2015

1. Reactivity to noradrenaline was measured in resistance vessels of isolated perfused rat tails in two experiments. In the first experiment the three treatment groups were ‘desoxycorticosterone (DOCA)/saline/nephrectomy’, ‘saline/nephrectomy’ and ‘intact/water’. In the second experiment an additional‘nephrectomy/water’ group was included and reactivity to vasopressin was also measured.

2. DOCA/saline/nephrectomy animals were hypertensive for at least 4 weeks before they were killed.

3. Vascular reactivity to noradrenaline was increased in preparations from DOCA/saline/nephrectomy and saline/nephrectomy groups compared with the intact/H2O group in both experiments. This increased reactivity was not associated with an elevated baseline vascular resistance.

4. In contrast to noradrenaline, responses to vasopressin did not differ significantly between the groups.

5. These results support the theory that the effects of sodium balance on arterial pressure are mediated at least in part by changes in resistance vessel reactivity to noradrenaline.
Natriuretic Response to Preferential Plasma Volume Expansion in Normal Unanaesthetized Dogs
Authors: Reyburn J. A. , Gilmore J. P.
Published: August 2015

1. The natriuretic response of normally hydrated unanaesthetized dogs to preferential plasma volume expansion was studied, comparing the response to infusion of hyperoncotic dextran in isotonic saline with that to infusion of an identical volume of isotonic saline.

2. Significant increases in urine flow, sodium excretion, sodium filtration and potassium excretion were observed with each type of infusion.

3. The changes with each type of infusion were not significantly different however, even though plasma volume increased significantly following dextran saline infusion.

4. The natriuretic response of normal dogs to preferential plasma volume expansion appears to be commensurate with the saline load infused rather than the induced plasma volume increase.