bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Analysis of Text in Graduate School Recommendations
Authors: Heilman Michael , Breyer F. Jay , Williams Frank , Klieger David , Flor Michael
Published: July 2015

Graduate school recommendations are an important part of admissions in higher education, and natural language processing may be able to provide objective and consistent analyses of recommendation texts to complement readings by faculty and admissions staff. However, these sorts of high‐stakes, personal recommendations are different from the product and service reviews studied in much of the research on sentiment analysis. In this report, we develop an approach for analyzing recommendations and evaluate the approach on four tasks: (a) identifying which sentences are actually about the student, (b) measuring specificity, (c) measuring sentiment, and (d) predicting recommender ratings. We find substantial agreement with human annotations and analyze the effects of different types of features.
Front‐tracking by the level‐set and the volume penalization methods in a two‐phase microfluidic network
Authors: Pinilla Johana , Bruneau Charles‐Henri , Tancogne Sandra
Published: July 2015

Two‐phase immiscible fluids in a two‐dimensional micro‐channels network are considered. The incompressible Stokes equations are used to describe the Newtonian fluid flow, while the Oldroyd‐B rheological model is used to capture the viscoelastic behavior. In order to perform numerical simulations in a complex geometry like a micro‐channels network, the volume penalization method is implemented. To follow the interface between the two fluids, the level‐set method is used, and the dynamics of the contact line is modeled by Cox law. Numerical results show the ability of the method to simulate two‐phase flows and to follow properly the contact line between the two immiscible fluids. Finally, simulations with realistic parameters are performed to show the difference when a Newtonian fluid is pushed by a viscoelastic fluid instead of a Newtonian one. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enablers for high‐order level set methods in fluid mechanics
Authors: Luddens Francky , Bergmann Michel , Weynans Lisl
Published: July 2015

In the context of numerical simulations of multiphysics flows, accurate tracking of an interface and consistent computation of its geometric properties are crucial. In this paper, we investigate a level set technique that satisfies these requirements and ensures local third‐order accuracy on the level set function (near the interface) and first‐order accuracy on the curvature, even for long‐time computations. The method is developed in a finite differences framework on Cartesian grids. As in usual level set strategies, reinitialization steps are involved. Several reinitialization algorithms are reviewed and mixed to design an accurate and fast reinitialization procedure. When coupled with a time evolution of the interface, the reinitialization procedure is performed only when there are too large deformations of the isocontours. This strategy limits the number of reinitialization steps and shows a good balance between accuracy and computational cost. Numerical results compare well with usual level set strategies and confirm the necessity of the reinitialization procedure, together with a limited number of reinitialization steps. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of water yam (Dioscoreaalata) flour fortified with distiller's spent grain on nutritional, chemical, and functional properties
Authors: Awoyale Wasiu , Maziya‐Dixon Busie , Sanni Lateef Oladimeji , Shittu Taofik Akinyemi
Published: July 2015

It was envisaged that the inclusion of treated distiller's spent grain (DSG) to yam flour might increase its nutritional value, with the aim of reducing nutritional diseases in communities consuming yam as a staple. Hence, yam flour was fortified with DSG at 5–35%. The effects of this fortification on the nutritional, chemical, and functional properties of yam flour were investigated. The result showed a significant increase (P ≤ 0.001) in fat, ash, protein, total amino acids, total dietary fiber, and insoluble dietary fiber contents of the blends as DSG increased except for starch and soluble dietary fiber contents, which decreased. The functional properties showed a significant (P ≤ 0.001) reduction with DSG inclusion. The inclusion of DSG increased both the tryptophan and methionine contents of the blends. Therefore, the DSG fortified yam flour could contribute to quality protein intake in populations consuming yam as a staple, due to its indispensible amino acid content.
Influence of soil textural properties on hydrologic fluxes in the Mississippi river basin
Authors: Livneh Ben , Kumar Rohini , Samaniego Luis
Published: July 2015

Hydrological simulation of states and fluxes represents a viable approach for predicting the occurrence of extreme events and diagnosing their underlying causes. In recent decades, databases of soil textural properties have been published that provide a basis for estimating hydrologic model parameters. The aim of this study is to quantify the impact of soil textural assumptions on hydrologic states and fluxes: an often overlooked source of hydrologic modelling uncertainty. Mesoscale hydrologic model simulations driven by the digital general soil map of the USA (STATSGO2) soil database (1 : 250 000) were compared with those using the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)‐based harmonized world soil database (1 : 5 000 000) over the Mississippi river basin. Annual and seasonal differences in modelled water fluxes and states were explored, in addition to major historical flood and drought events during 1988, 1993 and 2012. Model simulations using STATSGO2 consistently led to greater separation between fast and slow runoff responses (by approximately 24–39%) and, generally, more extreme responses to historic flood and drought events. Simulated soil moisture and runoff from the coarser harmonized world soil database produced greater persistence by roughly 0.10 autocorrelation points at 1‐, 3‐ and 6‐month lags, due to larger active water storage capacity. Overall, the choice of soil database altered the partitioning of precipitation between evapotranspiration and runoff, and affected the correlation structure between forcing and modelled fluxes by up to 0.2 points. As compared with other decisions needed to make hydrologic predictions, this analysis demonstrates that choice of soil textural properties for a single model can be an appreciable source of uncertainty and therefore warrants careful consideration. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Associations of erythrocyte ω‐3 fatty acids with biomarkers of ω‐3 fatty acids and inflammation in breast tissue
Authors: Roy Shuvro , Brasky Theodore M. , Belury Martha A. , Krishnan Shiva , Cole Rachel M. , Marian Catalin , Yee Lisa D. , Llanos Adana A. , Freudenheim Jo L. , Shields Peter G.
Published: July 2015

There is increasing evidence that chronic inflammation is associated with increased breast cancer risk. Long‐chain omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCω‐3PUFA) may reduce circulating biomarkers of inflammation; however associations of blood LCω‐3PUFA with breast tissue LCω‐3PUFA and breast tissue biomarkers of inflammation are not well understood. We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of breast tissue and blood samples from n = 85 women with no history of breast cancer, who underwent breast reduction surgery. Fatty acids of erythrocytes and undissected breast tissues were analyzed by gas chromatography; C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)–6 and IL‐8 in plasma and tissue were measured by ELISA. Multivariable‐adjusted regression models were used to estimate associations between erythrocyte LCω‐3PUFA and breast tissue biomarkers. Women in the highest erythrocyte LCω‐3PUFA tertile had LCω‐3PUFA concentrations in the breast 73% (95% CI: 31–128%; p trend < 0.0001) higher than women in the lowest tertile. Associations for each individual LCω‐3PUFA were similar in magnitude. No significant association was found for the shorter ω‐3 PUFA, α‐linolenic acid. Although compatible with no association, women in the highest tertile of erythrocyte eicosapentaenoic acid had a nonsignificant 32% (95% CI: −23 to 62%) reduced breast tissue CRP. No correlation was observed between erythrocyte ω‐3 PUFA and tissue IL‐6 or IL‐8 concentrations. Our findings provide evidence that erythrocyte ω‐3 fatty acids are valid measures of breast tissue concentrations, and limited evidence that inverse associations from prospective epidemiologic studies of blood LCω‐3PUFA and breast cancer risk may be partly explained by reductions in breast tissue inflammation; however, these findings require replication.
Ultra‐structural hair alterations in Friedreich's ataxia: A scanning electron microscopic investigation
Authors: Turkmenoglu F. Pinar , Kasirga U. Baran , Celik H. Hamdi
Published: July 2015

Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder involving progressive damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems and cardiomyopathy. FRDA is caused by the silencing of the FXN gene and reduced levels of the encoded protein, frataxin. Frataxin is a mitochondrial protein that functions primarily in iron‐sulfur cluster synthesis. Skin disorders including hair abnormalities have previously been reported in patients with mitochondrial disorders. However, to our knowledge, ultra‐structural hair alterations in FRDA were not demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to determine ultra‐structural alterations in the hairs of FRDA patients as well as carriers. Hair specimen from four patients, who are in different stages of the disease, and two carriers were examined by scanning electron microscope. Thin and weak hair follicles with absence of homogeneities on the cuticular surface, local damages of the cuticular layer, cuticular fractures were detected in both carriers and patients, but these alterations were much more prominent in the hair follicles of patients. In addition, erosions on the surface of the cuticle and local deep cavities just under the cuticular level were observed only in patients. Indistinct cuticular pattern, pores on the cuticular surface, and presence of concavities on the hair follicle were also detected in patients in later stages of the disease. According to our results, progression of the disease increased the alterations on hair structure. We suggest that ultra‐structural alterations observed in hair samples might be due to oxidative stress caused by deficient frataxin expression in mitochondria. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:731–736, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A descriptive study to provide evidence of the teratogenic and cellular effects of sibutramine and ephedrine on cardiac‐ and liver‐tissue of chick embryos
Authors: Oberholzer Hester Magdalena , Van Der Schoor Ciska , Taute Helena , Bester Megan Jean
Published: July 2015

Exposure to drugs during pregnancy is a major concern, as some teratogenic compounds can influence normal foetal development. Although the use of drugs during pregnancy should generally be avoided, exposure of the developing foetus to teratogens may occur unknowingly since these compounds may be hidden in products that are being marketed as “all natural.” The aim of the current study was to investigate the possible teratogenic and cellular effects of sibutramine—a serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used in the treatment of obesity—on the heart and liver tissue of chick embryos. Ephedrine was used as a positive control. The chick embryo model was chosen because it has been used in studying developmental and experimental biology and teratology with great success. The embryos were exposed to three different concentrations of sibutramine and ephedrine respectively. The results obtained revealed that both compounds exhibited embryotoxicity when compared to the control groups. Liver and heart tissue of the exposed embryos was severely affected by these compounds in a dose‐related manner. Morphology similar to that of muscle dystrophy was observed in the heart, where the muscle tissue was infiltrated by adipose and connective tissue. Severe liver steatosis was also noted. A more in‐depth investigation into the molecular pathways involved might provide more information on the exact mechanism of toxicity of these products influencing embryonic development. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:737–746, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Semi‐automated hippocampal segmentation in people with cognitive impairment using an age appropriate template for registration
Authors: Merkel Bernd , Steward Christopher , Vivash Lucy , Malpas Charles B. , Phal Pramit , Moffat Bradford A. , Cox Kay L. , Ellis Kathryn A. , Ames David J. , Cyarto Elizabeth V. , Lai Michelle M.Y. , Sharman Matthew J. , Szoeke Cassandra , Masters Colin L. , Lautenschlager Nicola T. , Desmond Patricia
Published: July 2015

Background

To evaluate a new semi‐automated segmentation method for calculating hippocampal volumes and to compare results with standard software tools in a cohort of people with subjective memory complaints (SMC) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

Data from 58 participants, 39 with SMC (17 male, 22 female, mean age 72.6) and 19 with MCI (6 male, 13 female, mean age 74.3), were analyzed. For each participant, T1‐weighted images were acquired using an MPRAGE sequence on a 3 Tesla MRI system. Hippocampal volumes (left, right, and total) were calculated with a new, age appropriate registration template, based on older people and using the advanced software tool ANTs (Advanced Normalization Tools). The results were compared with manual tracing (seen as the reference standard) and two widely accepted automated software tools (FSL, FreeSurfer).

Results

The hippocampal volumes, calculated by using the age appropriate registration template were significantly (P < 0.05) more accurate (mean volume accuracy more than 90%) than those obtained with FreeSurfer and FSL (both less than 70%). Dice coefficients for the hippocampal segmentations with the new template method (75.3%) were slightly, but significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those from FreeSurfer (72.4%).

Conclusion

These results suggest that an age appropriate registration template might be a more accurate alternative to calculate hippocampal volumes when manual segmentation is not feasible. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2015;42:1631–1638.
Physiologically normal 5% O2 supports neuronal differentiation and resistance to inflammatory injury in neural stem cell cultures
Authors: Sun Xiaoyun , Voloboueva Ludmila A. , Stary Creed M. , Giffard Rona G.
Published: July 2015

Recent studies have demonstrated that neural stem cell (NSC) culture at physiologically normoxic conditions (2–5% O2) is advantageous in terms of neuronal differentiation and survival. Neuronal differentiation is accompanied by a remarkable shift to mitochondrial oxidative metabolism compared with preferentially glycolytic metabolism of proliferating cells. However, metabolic changes induced by growth in a normoxic (5%) O2 culture environment in NSCs have been minimally explored. This study demonstrates that culturing under 5% O2 conditions results in higher levels of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, decreased glycolysis, and reduced levels of reactive oxygen species in NSC cultures. Inflammation is one of the major environmental factors limiting postinjury NSC neuronal differentiation and survival. Our results show that NSCs differentiated under 5% O2 conditions possess better resistance to in vitro inflammatory injury compared with those exposed to 20% O2. The present work demonstrates that lower, more physiologically normal O2 levels support metabolic changes induced during NSC neuronal differentiation and provide increased resistance to inflammatory injury, thus highlighting O2 tension as an important determinant of cell fate and survival in various stem cell therapies. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of poplar buds as an alternative to propolis on postharvest diseases control of strawberry fruits
Authors: Yang Shuzhen , Zhou Yefeng , Ye Junli , Fan Gang , Peng Litao , Pan Siyi
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Botrytis cinerea and Rhizopus stolonifer, two main postharvest pathogens, cause great loss of strawberry fruits. Here, the effects of poplar buds extracts, a main plant source for Chinese propolis, on disease control were investigated in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

The HPLC profile of poplar buds ethanol extract (PBEE) was almost identical to that of propolis ethanol extract (PEE), with the active flavonoids identified as pinocembrin, chrysin and galangin. PBEE exhibited similar inhibitory activities on spore germination of both pathogens compared with PEE, and PBEE also strongly inhibited the mycelial growth of the pathogens. In vivo, PBEE could effectively reduce decay of strawberry fruits stored at 13 °C. Although the weight loss was slightly increased, the contents of total soluble solid, titritable acid, vitamin C and total anthocyanins were significantly higher in PBEE treated fruits than those of the control.

CONCLUSION

PBEE had the similar antifungal activity with propolis and had great potential as an alternative to propolis to control strawberry fruits diseases. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
RGB converter based on liquid prism
Authors: Yao Li‐Xiao , Liu Chao , Wang Ming‐Huan , Li Da‐Hai , Wang Qiong‐Hua
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we propose a Red Green Blue (RGB) converter, which is an expanded application of electrowetting liquid prism in the micro‐systems. Four rectangular indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrates having the same size are stacked to form the sidewalls. Another ITO electrode is fabricated and stuck on the bottom polymethyl methacrylate substrate as the opposite electrode. With two immiscible fluids in the transparent cell, the shape of the liquid–liquid interface can be deformed by electrostatic force. Three different color filters are placed under the prism. When we apply different voltages, the light beam will propagate through different filters by deforming the liquid–liquid interface. Our results show that we can obtain the light having three different colors from a non‐transparent cap's light hole. The device is capable of reasonable switch time (~75 and ~140 ms). It has a wide potential application in tunable lasers, adaptive indicators, and display systems.
Preconcentration of indapamide from human urine using molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction
Authors: Yılmaz Hüma , Basan Hasan
Published: July 2015

A simple, sensitive, and selective molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction and spectrophotometric method has been developed for the clean‐up and preconcentration of indapamide from human urine. Molecularly imprinted polymers were prepared by a non‐covalent imprinting approach using indapamide as a template molecule, 2‐(trifluoromethyl) acrylic acid as a functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a crosslinker, N,N‐azobisisobutyronitrile as a thermal initiator and acetonitrile as a porogenic solvent. A non‐imprinted polymer was also prepared in the same way, but in the absence of template. Molecularly imprinted polymer and non‐imprinted polymer sorbents were dry‐packed into solid‐phase extraction cartridges. Eluates from cartridges were analyzed using a spectrophotometer for the determination of indapamide by referring to the calibration curve in the range 0.14–1.50 μg/mL. Preconcentration factor, limit of detection, and limit of quantification were 16.30, 0.025 μg/mL, and 0.075 μg/mL, respectively. A relatively high imprinting factor (9.3) was also achieved and recovery values for the indapamide spiked into human urine were in the range of 80.1–81.2%. In addition, relatively low within‐day (0.17–0.42%) and between‐day (1.1–1.4%) precision values were obtained as well. The proposed molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction and spectrophotometric method was successfully applied to selective extraction, preconcentration, and determination of indapamide from human urine samples.
Volumetric MRI of the lungs during forced expiration
Authors: Berman Benjamin P. , Pandey Abhishek , Li Zhitao , Jeffries Lindsie , Trouard Theodore P. , Oliva Isabel , Cortopassi Felipe , Martin Diego R. , Altbach Maria I. , Bilgin Ali
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Lung function is typically characterized by spirometer measurements, which do not offer spatially specific information. Imaging during exhalation provides spatial information but is challenging due to large movement over a short time. The purpose of this work is to provide a solution to lung imaging during forced expiration using accelerated magnetic resonance imaging. The method uses radial golden angle stack‐of‐stars gradient echo acquisition and compressed sensing reconstruction.

Methods

A technique for dynamic three‐dimensional imaging of the lungs from highly undersampled data is developed and tested on six subjects. This method takes advantage of image sparsity, both spatially and temporally, including the use of reference frames called bookends. Sparsity, with respect to total variation, and residual from the bookends, enables reconstruction from an extremely limited amount of data.

Results

Dynamic three‐dimensional images can be captured at sub‐150 ms temporal resolution, using only three (or less) acquired radial lines per slice per timepoint. The images have a spatial resolution of
mm. Lung volume calculations based on image segmentation are compared to those from simultaneously acquired spirometer measurements.

Conclusion

Dynamic lung imaging during forced expiration is made possible by compressed sensing accelerated dynamic three‐dimensional radial magnetic resonance imaging. Magn Reson Med 75:2295–2302, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Parkinson's Disease Treated with a Monoamine Oxidase Type‐B inhibitor: A Cross‐Sectional, Cohort Study
Authors: Dashtipour Khashayar , Chen Jack J. , Kani Camellia , Bahjri Khaled , Ghamsary Mark
Published: July 2015

Study Objective

To evaluate the long‐term risk of developing cognitive symptoms (e.g., dementia, hallucinations), dyskinesia, falls, and freezing of gait (FoG) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who received monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors (MAOB‐Is) compared with patients who had never received MAOB‐Is.

Design

Retrospective, cross‐sectional, cohort study.

Setting

Academic movement disorders clinic.

Patients

One hundred eighty‐one patients with idiopathic PD who were receiving MAOB‐I therapy on a long‐term basis for a minimum of 1 year (MAOB‐I current‐user cohort) and 121 patients with idiopathic PD who had never received MAOB‐I therapy (MAOB‐I never‐user cohort [control group]) between January 1, 1996, and November 30, 2011.

Measurements and Main Results

The five study outcome variables were dementia, dyskinesia, falls, FoG, and hallucinations. Baseline and outcome data were collected from medical records. Patients in the MAOB‐I current‐user group were included only if absence of the specified outcomes was documented at baseline. Adjusted multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) for MAOB‐I use versus never use on clinical outcomes. MAOB‐I treatment was associated with a 44.7% reduced risk of dyskinesia (adjusted OR 0.553, 95% confidence interval 0.314–0.976, p=0.041), with the greatest risk reduction observed after 2 years of treatment. No significant association was noted with MAOB‐I use and development of dementia, falls, FoG, or hallucinations.

Conclusion

Long‐term use of MAOB‐I therapy was associated with reduced risk of dyskinesia in patients with PD.
A Rock Glacier Activity Index Based on Rock Glacier Thickness Changes and Displacement Rates Derived From Airborne Laser Scanning
Authors: Bollmann Erik , Girstmair Anna , Mitterer Susanna , Krainer Karl , Sailer Rudolf , Stötter Johann
Published: July 2015

Regional assessments of whether a rock glacier is active are mainly based on expert interpretation of surface characteristics. This study presents a quantitative approach to assess rock glacier activity based on magnitudes (average and standard deviation) of rock glacier thickness changes and displacement rates calculated from repeated airborne laser scanning data. In contrast to the established three‐part activity classification, the activity index ρR indicates the degree of rock glacier activity, with values ranging between 0 (not active, because no surface changes are observed) and 1 (very active, because the highest magnitudes of surface changes are observed). The activity index values determined correspond well with the activity type determined in the Tyrolean rock glacier inventory: rock glaciers with ρR values > 0.65 are mainly classified as active (77% active, 22% inactive, 1% relict), whereas 88 per cent of all relict rock glaciers correspond to ρR values < 0.4. For some rock glaciers, the ρR does not support the classification given in the Tyrolean rock glacier inventory and the activity index provides valuable information to improve and complement existing inventories. The workflow developed can be adapted to other rock glacier data‐sets, allowing quantitatively comparable results to be obtained between different regions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical Imaging of Explosions – Mapping BO2 Light Emission
Authors: McNesby Kevin L. , Biss Matthew M. , Benjamin Richard A. , Thompson Ronnie A. , Rozanski Anthony
Published: July 2015

This work describes chemical imaging of BO2 formed during ballistic initiation of 1 : 1 by weight powder‐mixtures of boron (B) and potassium nitrate (KNO3) contained within a polyethylene spherical projectile (25 mm diameter). Initiation was achieved by impact of the gas‐gun‐launched B/KNO3‐filled projectile with an anvil in a windowed, air‐filled chamber. To monitor the subsequent chemical reaction, a two‐camera, optically‐filtered method to map discrete chemical emission from the BO2 molecule was used. This technique distinguishes incandescence of hot particles produced during the event from discrete chemical emission by BO2 near a wavelength of 546 nanometers (nm). The dependence of delay in BO2 chemical emission (that exceeded particle incandescence) with impact velocity was investigated and chemical emission movies which ratio the intensity of discrete to thermal emission are discussed. Emission spectra (300–1000 nm wavelength) were recorded during the impact event, and used to determine a grey‐body temperature of the hot particles during the time when BO2 emission was most intense.
Allosteric transitions of ATP‐binding cassette transporter MsbA studied by the adaptive anisotropic network model
Authors: Xie Xiao Lu , Li Chun Hua , Yang Yong Xiao , Jin Lu , Tan Jian Jun , Zhang Xiao Yi , Su Ji Guo , Wang Cun Xin
Published: July 2015

The transporter MsbA is a kind of multidrug resistance ATP‐binding cassette transporter that can transport lipid A, lipopolysaccharides, and some amphipathic drugs from the cytoplasmic to the periplasmic side of the inner membrane. In this work, we explored the allosteric pathway of MsbA from the inward‐ to outward‐facing states during the substrate transport process with the adaptive anisotropic network model. The results suggest that the allosteric transitions proceed in a coupled way. The large‐scale closing motions of the nucleotide‐binding domains occur first, accompanied with a twisting motion at the same time, which becomes more obvious in middle and later stages, especially for the later. This twisting motion plays an important role for the rearrangement of transmembrane helices and the opening of transmembrane domains on the periplasmic side that mainly take place in middle and later stages respectively. The topological structure plays an important role in the motion correlations above. The conformational changes of nucleotide‐binding domains are propagated to the transmembrane domains via the intracellular helices IH1 and IH2. Additionally, the movement of the transmembrane domains proceeds in a nonrigid body, and the two monomers move in a symmetrical way, which is consistent with the symmetrical structure of MsbA. These results are helpful for understanding the transport mechanism of the ATP‐binding cassette exporters. Proteins 2015; 83:1643–1653. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Eigensolutions of the spherical Laplacian for the cubed‐sphere and icosahedral‐hexagonal grids
Authors: Cheong Hyeong‐Bin , Kang Hyun‐Gyu
Published: July 2015

Eigensolutions of the spherical Laplacian operator on the cubed‐sphere and the icosahedral (‐hexagonal) grid were investigated. For the cubed‐sphere grid, the Laplacian operator was discretized with the Spectral Element Method (SEM) using the Lagrange–Legendre Polynomials (LLP), while, for the icosahedral grid, the Finite Difference Method (FDM) was employed. The discrete Laplacian operator was formulated into matrix equations with respect to the unknowns of the global‐domain grid‐point values. The eigenvalues of the matrix exhibited a step‐function‐like behaviour: there are 2n + 1 identical (degenerate) eigenvalues for the degree n, the total wave‐number‐like index. Unlike the spherical harmonic functions, the eigenvectors were found to be not separable into zonal and meridional structure: a part of them reflected the basic geometry of grids, i.e. the cube (icosahedron) for the cubed‐sphere (icosahedral) grid. These eigenvectors were shown to consist of only a couple of spherical harmonics. The eigensolutions indicated that the Rossby–Haurwitz waves, the normal modes of absolute‐vorticity conserving motion, are affected significantly by the underlying grid system in both horizontal structure (resulting in geodesic Rossby–Haurwitz waves) and phase speed (being larger than theory for the cubed‐sphere SEM, but smaller for the icosahedral FDM). It was implied by the eigensolutions that when a prognostic equation incorporates Laplacian‐type hyperviscosity, the maximum viscosity coefficient for the cubed‐sphere SEM should be given significantly smaller than for the icosahedral FDM, particularly in the case of high resolution with the high‐order LLP. Selective filtering or diffusing small‐scales was revealed to be practiced more effectively for the cubed‐sphere SEM than the icosahedral FDM. The eigenvectors are also discussed in relation to the grid imprinting of the numerical models built on those geodesic grids.
Application of liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for the elucidation of hydroxyl radical oxidation of metsulfuron methyl and related sulfonylurea pesticide products: evidence for the triazine skeleton scission
Authors: Chahboune Rajae , Mountacer Hafida , Sarakha Mohamed
Published: July 2015

Rationale

Sulfonylureas are among the most important class of antidiabetic and herbicides. Solar light excitation and Advanced Oxidation Processes may result in the formation of a wide array of products owing to the relative complex structure. These products, that should be identified, may present a more toxic effect than the parent compound.

Methods

Liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐QTOFMS) with accurate mass determination emerges as a valuable technique for the precise elucidation of all possible byproducts. The hydroxyl radical was generated by excitation of the iron(III) aquacomplex [Fe(H2O)OH]2+ and hydrogen peroxide at pH 3.5. Three different sulfonylureas were studied: metsulfuron methyl, cinosulfuron and thifensulfuron methyl.

Results

Several products owing to the reactivity of hydroxyl radicals with sulfonylurea were obtained. They arise from scission of the sulfonylurea bridge, hydroxylation of the aromatic ring, demethylation of the methoxy group and more importantly and unequivocally from the rupture of the triazine skeleton. To reach such scission, a primary demethylation of the methoxy group on the triazine moiety seems to act as a precursor process. Such a process was observed with the three studied sulfonylurea compounds.

Conclusions

The reported results demonstrated the usefulness of accurate mass measurements undertaken by LC/ESI‐QTOFMS for structural elucidation of the unknown byproducts that were generated during hydroxyl radical reactions with some sulfonylureas. It has been possible herein to identify the structures of products arising from the opening of the recalcitrant triazine structure via hydrolysis processes in acidic solutions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variability in the routing of dietary proteins and lipids to consumer tissues influences tissue‐specific isotopic discrimination
Authors: Wolf Nathan , Newsome Seth D. , Peters Jacob , Fogel Marilyn L.
Published: July 2015

Rationale

The eco‐physiological mechanisms that govern the incorporation and routing of macronutrients from dietary sources into consumer tissues determine the efficacy of stable isotope analysis (SIA) for studying animal foraging ecology. We document how changes in the relative amounts of dietary proteins and lipids affect the metabolic routing of these macronutrients and the consequent effects on tissue‐specific discrimination factors in domestic mice using SIA. We also examine the effects of dietary macromolecular content on a commonly used methodological approach: lipid extraction of potential food sources.

Methods

We used carbon (13C) and nitrogen (15N) isotopes to examine the routing of carbon from dietary proteins and lipids that were used by mice to biosynthesize hair, blood, muscle, and liver. Growing mice were fed one of four diet treatments in which the total dietary content of C4‐based lipids (δ13C = −14.5‰) and C3‐based proteins (δ13C = −27‰) varied inversely between 5% and 40%.

Results

The δ13C values of mouse tissues increased by approximately 2–6‰ with increasing dietary lipid content. The difference in δ13C values between mouse tissues and bulk diet ranged from 0.1 ± 1.5‰ to 2.3 ± 0.6‰ for all diet treatments. The mean (±SD) difference between the δ13C values of mouse tissues and dietary protein varied systematically among tissues and ranged from 3.1 ± 0.1‰ to 4.5 ± 0.6‰ for low fat diets and from 5.4 ± 0.4‰ to 10.5 ± 7.3‰ for high fat diets.

Conclusions

Mice used some fraction of their dietary lipid carbon to synthesize tissue proteins, suggesting flexibility in the routing of dietary macromolecules to consumer tissues based on dietary macromolecular availability. Consequently, all constituent dietary macromolecules, not just protein, should be considered when determining the relationship between diets and consumer tissues using SIA. In addition, in cases where animals consume diets with high lipid contents, non lipid‐extracted prey samples should be analyzed to estimate diets using SIA. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospray droplet impact secondary ion mass spectrometry using a vacuum electrospray source
Authors: Takaishi R. , Sakai Y. , Hiraoka K. , Wada H. , Morita S. , Nakashima T. , Nonami H.
Published: July 2015

Rationale

In electrospray droplet impact (EDI) developed in our laboratory, an atmospheric pressure electrospray source has been used. To increase the ion beam intensity and reduce the evacuation load, a vacuum electrospray cluster ion source using a silica capillary was developed.

Methods

A silica capillary with a tip inner diameter of 8 µm was used for vacuum electrospray using aqueous 10% methanol. To stabilize the flow rate of the liquid for nano‐electrospray, a home‐made constant pressure liquid pump was also developed.

Results

By using the silica tip nano‐electrospray emitter and a constant pressure pump, stable electrospray with flow rate of 22 nL/min was realized without using any heating system such as laser irradiation. Comparative study of mass spectra obtained by atmospheric pressure EDI (A‐EDI) and vacuum EDI (V‐EDI) was made for various samples such as thermometer molecule, peptide, polystyrene, Alq3, NPD, C60, indium, and SiO2. V‐EDI showed slightly milder ionization than A‐EDI.

Conclusions

Because V‐EDI gave higher target current (5–10 nA) than A‐EDI (a few nA at most), V‐EDI secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) would be a useful technique for the surface and interface analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Choosing the right target: Relative preferences for resource similarity and complementarity in acquisition choice
Authors: Yu Yu , Umashankar Nita , Rao Vithala R.
Published: July 2015

Research summary: Corporate acquisition is a popular strategic option for firms seeking new resources. However, little research exists on the question of why one firm is chosen over another. We develop a model relating characteristics of similarity and complementarity between acquirers' and target firms' key resources, including their products and R&D pipelines, to the likelihood of the acquirers choosing a particular firm. We construct measures of similarity and complementarity between and across products and R&D pipelines, and test their effects using a novel application of the choice model. Findings reveal that acquirers view similarity and complementarity differently, based on the resource they are comparing. When making comparisons to their own R&D pipelines, acquirers prefer similarity over complementarity whereas when making comparisons to their product portfolios, they prefer complementarity over similarity.

Managerial summary: Corporate acquisition is a popular way for firms to grow and obtain innovative resources. However, we know little about why acquirers choose one firm over another. We capture the influence of similarity and complementarity between acquirers' and target firms' products (current innovative value) and R&D pipelines (future innovative value) on whether a particular target firm is acquired. Insights from the pharmaceutical industry reveal that acquirers value similarity and complementarity in target firms differently, based on whether the comparison being made is with respect to their products or their R&D pipelines. Regarding their R&D pipelines, acquirers prefer that the target firm has similar, rather than complementary, resources. However, the opposite is true concerning their own products: acquirers prefer that the target firm has complementary, versus similar, resources. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geminin is Essential to Prevent DNA Re-Replication-Dependent Apoptosis in Pluripotent Cells, but not in Differentiated Cells
Authors: Huang Yi-Yuan , Kaneko Kotaro J. , Pan Haiyan , DePamphilis Melvin L.
Published: July 2015

Geminin is a dual-function protein unique to multicellular animals with roles in modulating gene expression and preventing DNA re-replication. Here, we show that geminin is essential at the beginning of mammalian development to prevent DNA re-replication in pluripotent cells, exemplified by embryonic stem cells, as they undergo self-renewal and differentiation. Embryonic stem cells, embryonic fibroblasts, and immortalized fibroblasts were characterized before and after geminin was depleted either by gene ablation or siRNA. Depletion of geminin under conditions that promote either self-renewal or differentiation rapidly induced DNA re-replication, followed by DNA damage, then a DNA damage response, and finally apoptosis. Once differentiation had occurred, geminin was no longer essential for viability, although it continued to contribute to preventing DNA re-replication induced DNA damage. No relationship was detected between expression of geminin and genes associated with either pluripotency or differentiation. Thus, the primary role of geminin at the beginning of mammalian development is to prevent DNA re-replication-dependent apoptosis, a role previously believed essential only in cancer cells. These results suggest that regulation of gene expression by geminin occurs only after pluripotent cells differentiate into cells in which geminin is not essential for viability. Stem Cells  2015;33:3239–3253
On the path to genetic novelties: insights from programmed DNA elimination and RNA splicing
Authors: Catania Francesco , Schmitz Jürgen
Published: July 2015

Understanding how genetic novelties arise is a central goal of evolutionary biology. To this end, programmed DNA elimination and RNA splicing deserve special consideration. While programmed DNA elimination reshapes genomes by eliminating chromatin during organismal development, RNA splicing rearranges genetic messages by removing intronic regions during transcription. Small RNAs help to mediate this class of sequence reorganization, which is not error‐free. It is this imperfection that makes programmed DNA elimination and RNA splicing excellent candidates for generating evolutionary novelties. Leveraging a number of these two processes' mechanistic and evolutionary properties, which have been uncovered over the past years, we present recently proposed models and empirical evidence for how splicing can shape the structure of protein‐coding genes in eukaryotes. We also chronicle a number of intriguing similarities between the processes of programmed DNA elimination and RNA splicing, and highlight the role that the variation in the population‐genetic environment may play in shaping their target sequences. WIREs RNA 2015, 6:547–561. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1293

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing
Safety and feasibility of the new 5 Fr Glidesheath Slender
Authors: Yoshimachi Fuminobu , Kiemeneij Ferdinand , Masutani Motomaru , Matsukage Takashi , Takahashi Akihiko , Ikari Yuji
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the new 5 Fr Glidesheath Slender (GSS). The transradial (TR) approach has become popular because of several advantages, such as a reduced rate of vascular access site complications. However, because the radial artery is narrow, a limitation of TR access is the potential for artery spasm or occlusion. Studies of radial artery size demonstrate that 5 Fr sheaths are too wide for more than 10 % of patients. The GSS (Terumo, Tokyo, Japan) is a new radial sheath with a thinner wall and a hydrophilic coating. It has an inner diameter that is compatible with a 5 Fr guiding catheter, while the outer diameter is similar to that of a 4 Fr sheath. A total of 21 consecutive patients undergoing transradial angiography and/or transradial percutaneous coronary intervention with the 5 Fr GSS were included, and safety and feasibility of the device were assessed. Transradial angiography was performed in 10 patients, and transradial intervention in 11 patients. All procedures were successful, without the need for conversion to the transfemoral approach. The radial artery occlusion rate was 0 %, including a patient who had experienced six previous radial artery punctures. There were no cases of artery spasm, hematoma, major bleeding or functional disorders. One coronary artery perforation caused by a guidewire was reported, but it was unrelated to the sheath introducer. The new 5 Fr GSS was safe and feasible for transradial angiography and transradial intervention.
Electrophysiological and behavioural responses of Ips typographus (L.) to trans-4-thujanol—a host tree volatile compound
Authors: Blažytė-Čereškienė Laima , Apšegaitė Violeta , Radžiutė Sandra , Mozūraitis Raimondas , Būda Vincas , Pečiulytė Dalė
Published: July 2015

Key message

Spruce trees emit significant amounts of trans-4-thujanol, but the amount of this compound in bark decreases with tree age. Trans-4-thujanol acts as an efficient repellent for the bark beetle Ips typographus.

Context

The spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus, is an economically significant pest of Norway spruce (Picea abies) that preferentially infests and kills old trees.

Aims

We looked for spruce volatiles that were perceivable by I. typographus and that differed as the host tree aged.

Methods

Bark beetles were collected in the wild. Bark samples from spruce trees of different age were hydrodistilled. Gas chromatography–electroantennogram detection (GC-EAD) was used to identify which compounds induced beetle olfactory responses. These were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Behavioural responses of bark beetles were tested using a Y-tube olfactometer.

Results

Several EAD peaks were recorded, of which trans-4-thujanol was consistently active and could be identified chemically unequivocally. The antennae of I. typographus females responded to a lower dosage of the compound than males, but both sexes were repelled by it. The bark of 10-year-old spruce trees contained 3 times more trans-4-thujanol than that of 35- 40-year-old trees, 27 times more than that of 70- to 80-year-old trees, and 200 times more than that of 120-year-old trees.

Conclusions

Trans-4-thujanol is a bioactive compound in Norway spruce bark that varies in amount with tree age and affects spruce bark beetle behaviour under laboratory conditions. It is suggested that trans-4-thujanol might play a role in both spruce tree defence and tree choice by beetles.
[18F]flutemetamol amyloid positron emission tomography in preclinical and symptomatic Alzheimer's disease: Specific detection of advanced phases of amyloid‐β pathology
Authors: Thal Dietmar Rudolf , Beach Thomas G. , Zanette Michelle , Heurling Kerstin , Chakrabarty Aruna , Ismail Azzam , Smith Adrian P.L. , Buckley Christopher
Published: July 2015

Background

Amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) has become an important tool to identify amyloid‐β (Aβ) pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Here, we determined the diagnostic value of the amyloid PET tracer [18F]flutemetamol in relation to Aβ pathology at autopsy.

Methods

[18F]flutemetamol PET was carried out in a cohort of 68 patients included in a [18F]flutemetamol amyloid PET imaging end‐of‐life study (GE067‐007). At autopsy, AD pathology was determined and Aβ plaque pathology was classified into phases of its regional distribution (0–5).

Results

[18F]flutemetamol PET was universally positive in cases with advanced stage postmortem Aβ pathology (Aβ phases 4 and 5). Negative amyloid PET was universally observed in nondemented or non‐AD dementia cases with initial Aβ phases 1 and 2, whereas 33.3% of the phase 3 cases were positive.

Conclusions

[18F]flutemetamol amyloid PET detects primarily advanced stages of Aβ pathology in preclinical and symptomatic AD cases.
Testosterone at your fingertips: Digit ratios (2D:4D and rel2) as predictors of courtship‐related consumption intended to acquire and retain mates
Authors: Nepomuceno Marcelo Vinhal , Saad Gad , Stenstrom Eric , Mendenhall Zack , Iglesias Fabio
Published: July 2015

While hormones have been shown to impact a wide range of behaviors, little is known regarding their influence on consumer behavior. The current research examines the association between digit ratios and courtship‐related consumption. Digit ratios (2D:4D and rel2) are indicators of prenatal testosterone exposure and are assessed by measuring finger length. In Study 1, masculinized digit ratios (low digit ratios, high prenatal testosterone) in men were associated with greater courtship‐related consumption to acquire mates, and this association was stronger for men with high mating confidence. In women, feminized digit ratios (high digit ratios, low prenatal testosterone) were associated with greater courtship‐related consumption to acquire mates. In Study 2, men with masculinized digit ratios engaged in greater courtship‐related consumption by offering romantic gifts as a means of retaining mates. In women, feminized digit ratios were associated with greater romantic gift giving. Our findings suggest that high prenatal testosterone in men leads to greater courtship‐related consumption, whereas low prenatal testosterone leads to greater courtship‐related consumption in women.
Potential growth areas for implicit theories research
Authors: Wheeler S. Christian , Omair Akhtar
Published: July 2015

Implicit theories have great potential relevance to shape theory and research in consumer psychology. Beliefs about the stability or malleability of human characteristics can affect the behaviors of companies and customers alike, including the ways in which the two interact with one another. In this paper, we speculate about potential extensions and boundary conditions for the effects of implicit theories on consumer behavior. We also propose a number of new directions for future research, especially regarding the role that implicit theories can play in persuasion and social influence.