bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bringing real processors to labs
Authors: Gómez C. , Gómez M. E. , Sahuquillo J.
Published: April 2015

The architecture of current processors has experienced great changes in the last years, leading to sophisticated multithreaded multicore processors. The inherent complexity of such processors makes difficult to update processor teaching to include current commercial products, especially at lab sessions where simplistic simulators are usually used. However, instructors are forced to reduce this gap if they want to properly prepare students in this topic. Dealing with these complex concepts at labs does not only help reinforce theoretical concepts but also has a positive effect in the students' motivation. This article presents a methodology designed for the study of current microprocessor mechanisms in a gradual way without overwhelming students. The methodology is based on the use of a detailed simulation framework, used both in the academia and in the industry, which accurately models features from current processors. Due to the huge simulator complexity, it is introduced through several learning phases. Qualitative and quantitative results demonstrate that students are able to develop skills in a detailed simulator in a reasonable time period and, at the same time they learn the details of complex architectural mechanisms of commercial microprocessors. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput. Appl. Eng. Educ. Comput Appl Eng Educ 23:724–732, 2015; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21645
meso‐Pyrrole‐Substituted 22‐Oxacorroles: Building Blocks for the Synthesis of BODIPY‐Bridged 22‐Oxacorrole Dyads
Authors: Kalita Hemanta , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: April 2015

Novel boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY)‐bridged 22‐oxacorrole dyads, using meso‐pyrrolyl 22‐oxacorrole as a key synthon, have been synthesized. The reactivity of the meso‐pyrrolyl group of 22‐oxacorrole was exploited to synthesize the first examples of BODIPY‐bridged 22‐oxacorrole dyads in ≈40 % yield. The dyads are stable and exhibited interesting spectral and electrochemical properties.
Sulfoxide‐Directed Metal‐Free ortho‐Propargylation of Aromatics and Heteroaromatics
Authors: Eberhart Andrew J. , Shrives Harry J. , Álvarez Estela , Carrër Amandine , Zhang Yuntong , Procter David J.
Published: April 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of David J. Procter at the University of Manchester (UK). The image illustrates a new, metal‐free direction for cross‐coupling technology by taking signage from the University of Manchester campus. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201406424.
Online Application‐Oriented Optimal Scheduling for 2‐keto‐l‐gulonic Acid Production
Authors: Cui Lei , Xu Yuanyuan , Hu Zhihua , Wang Zhifeng , Yuan Jingqi
Published: April 2015

An optimal scheduling approach for the 2‐keto‐L‐gulonic acid (2‐KGA) fermentation process is proposed to improve allocation of L‐sorbose resources with the aim of profit maximization in a multi‐bioreactor workshop. The empirical operation in 2‐KGA cultivation under study is to assign the same quantity of L‐sorbose to each batch without taking batch‐to‐batch variations into account, while the optimal scheduling approach presented in this paper will determine L‐sorbose feeding according to the evaluation of the profit‐making ability of the individual batch. Each 2‐KGA batch is classified online according to the prediction of the profit function, so that each batch is assigned into different profit‐making categories. Pseudo‐online scheduling is implemented with the data of industrial 2‐KGA cultivations. A total profit increase of 6–7 % is found to be achievable for the workshop in comparison with the empirical operation.
A unified method for estimating pressure losses at vascular junctions
Authors: Mynard Jonathan P. , Valen‐Sendstad Kristian
Published: April 2015

In reduced‐order (0D/1D) blood or respiratory flow models, pressure losses at junctions are usually neglected. However, these may become important where velocities are high and significant flow redirection occurs. Current methods for estimating losses rely on relatively complex empirical equations that are only valid for specific junction geometries and flow regimes. In pulsatile multi‐directional flows, switching between empirical equations upon reversing flow may introduce unrealistic discontinuities in simulated haemodynamic waveforms. Drawing from work by Bassettet al. (SAE Trans 112:565‐583, 2003), we therefore developed a unified method (Unified0D) for estimating loss coefficients that can be applied to any junction (i.e. any number of branches at any angle) and any flow regime. Discontinuities in simulated waveforms were avoided by extending Bassettet al.'s control volume‐based method to incorporate a ‘pseudodatum’ supplier branch, an imaginary effective vessel containing all inflow to the junction. Energy exchange between diverging flow streams was also accounted for empirically. The formulation was validated using high resolution computational fluid dynamics in a wide range flow conditions and junction configurations. In a pulsatile 1D simulation exhibiting transitions between four different flow regimes, the new formulation produced smooth transitions in calculated pressure losses. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ExPregel: a new computational model for large‐scale graph processing
Authors: Sagharichian M. , Naderi H. , Haghjoo M.
Published: April 2015

These days, large‐scale graph processing becomes more and more important. Pregel, inspired by Bulk Synchronous Parallel, is one of the highly used systems to process large‐scale graph problems. In Pregel, each vertex executes a function and waits for a superstep to communicate its data to other vertices. Superstep is a very time‐consuming operation, used by Pregel, to synchronize distributed computations in a cluster of computers. However, it may become a bottleneck when the number of communications increases in a graph with million vertices. Superstep works like a barrier in Pregel that increases the side effect of skew problem in distributed computing environment. ExPregel is a Pregel‐like model that is designed to reduce the number of communication messages between two vertices resided on two different computational nodes. We have proven that ExPregel reduces the number of exchanged messages as well as the number of supersteps for all graph topologies. Enhancing parallelism in our new computational model is another important feature that manifolds the speed of graph analysis programs. More interestingly, ExPregel uses the same model of programming as Pregel. Our experiments on large‐scale real‐world graphs show that ExPregel can reduce network traffic as well as number of supersteps from 45% to 96%. Runtime speed up in the proposed model varies from 1.2× to 30×. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrosynthesis of Highly Transparent Cobalt Oxide Water Oxidation Catalyst Films from Cobalt Aminopolycarboxylate Complexes
Authors: Bonke Shannon A. , Wiechen Mathias , Hocking Rosalie K. , Fang Xi‐Ya , Lupton David W. , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Spiccia Leone
Published: April 2015

Efficient catalysis of water oxidation represents one of the major challenges en route to efficient sunlight‐driven water splitting. Cobalt oxides (CoOx) have been widely investigated as water oxidation catalysts, although the incorporation of these materials into photoelectrochemical devices has been hindered by a lack of transparency. Herein, the electrosynthesis of transparent CoOx catalyst films is described by utilizing cobalt(II) aminopolycarboxylate complexes as precursors to the oxide. These complexes allow control over the deposition rate and morphology to enable the production of thin, catalytic CoOx films on a conductive substrate, which can be exploited in integrated photoelectrochemical devices. Notably, under a bias of 1.0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), the film deposited from [Co(NTA)(OH2)2]− (NTA=nitrilotriacetate) decreased the transmission by only 10 % at λ=500 nm, but still generated >80 % of the water oxidation current produced by a [Co(OH2)6]2+‐derived oxide film whose transmission was only 40 % at λ=500 nm.
Epoxidation of Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Organocatalytic Oxidation
Authors: Annese Cosimo , D'Accolti Lucia , Armuzza Valentina , Da Ros Tatiana , Fusco Caterina
Published: April 2015

Even though many functionalization methodologies for covalent modification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been proposed, mild but effective approaches are still needed. Here we describe the epoxidation of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with dioxirane for an environmentally friendly oxidation process with an organocatalyst. Thank to the choice of dioxiranes (accessible and easy to handle and to store), multiple oxidation cycles could be performed on the same sample, thus allowing for a final improvement in the degree of oxidation at the CNT sidewall. The obtained derivatives were then used as electrophilic platforms for successive modification with an amine, with a high degree of functionalization (about 750 μmol g–1 from TGA analysis) being obtained.
Omics for aquatic ecotoxicology: Control of extraneous variability to enhance the analysis of environmental effects
Authors: Simmons Denina B.D. , Benskin Jonathan P. , Cosgrove John R. , Duncker Bernard P. , Ekman Drew R. , Martyniuk Christopher J. , Sherry James P.
Published: April 2015

There are multiple sources of biological and technical variation in a typical ecotoxicology study that may not be revealed by traditional endpoints but that become apparent in an omics dataset. As researchers increasingly apply omics technologies to environmental studies, it will be necessary to understand and control the main source(s) of variability to facilitate meaningful interpretation of such data. For instance, can variability in omics studies be addressed by changing the approach to study design and data analysis? Are there statistical methods that can be employed to correctly interpret omics data and make use of unattributed, inherent variability? The present study presents a review of experimental design and statistical considerations applicable to the use of omics methods in systems toxicology studies. In addition to highlighting potential sources that contribute to experimental variability, this review suggests strategies with which to reduce and/or control such variability so as to improve reliability, reproducibility, and ultimately the application of omics data for systems toxicology. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1693–1704. © 2015 SETAC
Comparison of Integer Programming (IP) Solvers for Automated Test Assembly (ATA)
Authors: Donoghue John R.
Published: April 2015

At the heart of van der Linden's approach to automated test assembly (ATA) is a linear programming/integer programming (LP/IP) problem. A variety of IP solvers are available, ranging in cost from free to hundreds of thousands of dollars. In this paper, I compare several approaches to solving the underlying IP problem. These approaches range from traditional computer programming, through LP/IP‐specific modeling languages, to plug‐ins for common software such as Excel. The features of several of the major IP solvers are briefly reviewed, describing which of the features are more or less useful in the context of ATA. The appendices include a list of resources that I have found particularly useful.
MAP2K1 and MAP3K1 mutations in langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Nelson David S. , van Halteren Astrid , Quispel Willemijn T. , van den Bos Cor , Bovée Judith V.M.G. , Patel Bhumi , Badalian‐Very Gayane , van Hummelen Paul , Ducar Matthew , Lin Ling , MacConaill Laura E. , Egeler R. Maarten , Rollins Barrett J.
Published: April 2015

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is now understood to be a neoplastic disease in which over 50% of cases have somatic activating mutations of BRAF. However, the extracellular signal‐related (ERK) pathway is activated in all cases including those with wild type BRAF alleles. Here, we applied a targeted massively parallel sequencing panel to 30 LCH samples to test for the presence of additional genetic alterations that might cause ERK pathway activation. In 20 BRAF wild type samples, we found 3 somatic mutations in MAP2K1 (MEK1) including C121S and C121S/G128D in the kinase domain, and 56_61QKQKVG>R, an in‐frame deletion in the N‐terminal regulatory domain. All three variant proteins constitutively phosphorylated ERK in in vitro kinase assays. The C121S/G128D and 56_61QKQKVG>R variants were resistant to the mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor trametinib in vitro. Within the entire sample set, we found 3 specimens with mutations in MAP3K1 (MEKK1), including two truncation mutants, T779fs and T1481fs; T1481fs encoded an unstable and nonfunctional protein when expressed in vitro. T779fs was present in a specimen carrying BRAF V600E. The third variant was a single nucleotide substitution, E1286V, which was fully functional and is likely a germline polymorphism. These results indicate that LCH cells can harbor additional genetic alterations in the RAS‐RAF‐MEK pathway which, in the case of MAP2K1, may be responsible for ERK activation in a wild type BRAF setting. The resistance of some of these variants to trametinib may also have clinical implications for the combined use of RAF and MEK inhibitors in LCH. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatic stellate cell and monocyte interaction contributes to poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ji Juling , Eggert Tobias , Budhu Anuradha , Forgues Marshonna , Takai Atsushi , Dang Hien , Ye Qinghai , Lee Ju‐Seog , Kim Ji Hoon , Greten Tim F. , Wang Xin Wei
Published: April 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients suffer from a poor survival rate and a high incidence of postoperative recurrence. The hepatic microenvironment plays a significant role in the initiation, progression, and recurrence of HCC; however, the causal mechanisms of these phenomena are unclear. Given the predominant underlying fibrotic and cirrhotic conditions of the liver prone to HCC and its recurrence, alterations of components of the inflammatory milieu have been suggested as factors that promote HCC development. In particular, activated hepatic stellate cells (A‐HSCs), which play a key role in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, have been suggested as contributors to the HCC‐prone microenvironment. Here, we have identified and validated an A‐HSC‐specific gene expression signature among nontumor tissues of 319 HCC patients that is significantly and independently associated with HCC recurrence and survival. Peritumoral, rather than tumor tissue‐related, A‐HSC‐specific gene expression is associated with recurrence and poor survival. Analyses of A‐HSC‐specific gene signatures and further immunohistochemical validation in an additional 143 HCC patients have revealed that A‐HSCs preferentially affect monocyte populations, shifting their gene expression from an inflammatory to an immunosuppressive signature. In addition, the interaction between A‐HSCs and monocytes induces protumorigenic and progressive features of HCC cells by enhancing cell migration and tumor sphere formation. Conclusion: A‐HSCs play a significant role in promoting HCC progression through interaction with and alteration of monocyte activities within the liver microenvironment; thus, disrupting the interactions and signaling events between the inflammatory milieu and components of the microenvironment may be useful therapeutic strategies for preventing HCC tumor relapse. (Hepatology 2015;62:481–495
A Newcomer′s Guide to Peptide Crystallography
Authors: Spencer Ryan K. , Nowick James S.
Published: April 2015

Herein we provide a guide for adapting the tools developed for protein X‐ray crystallography to study the structures and supramolecular assembly of peptides. Peptide crystallography involves selecting a suitable peptide, crystallizing the peptide, collecting X‐ray diffraction data, processing the diffraction data, determining the crystallographic phases and generating an electron density map, building and refining models, and depositing the crystallographic structure in the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Advances in technology make this process easy for a newcomer to adopt. This paper describes techniques for determining the X‐ray crystallographic structures of peptides: incorporation of amino acids containing heavy atoms for crystallographic phase determination, commercially available kits to crystallize peptides, modern techniques for X‐ray crystallographic data collection, and free user‐friendly software for data processing and producing a crystallographic structure.
Quantitative and Qualitative Changes of Bone in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Patients
Authors: Kocijan Roland , Englbrecht Matthias , Haschka Judith , Simon David , Kleyer Arnd , Finzel Stephanie , Kraus Sebastian , Resch Heinrich , Muschitz Christian , Engelke Klaus , Sticherling Michael , Rech Jürgen , Schett Georg
Published: April 2015

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by periarticular bone loss and new bone formation. Current data regarding systemic bone loss and bone mineral density (BMD) in PsA are conflicting. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone microstructure and volumetric BMD (vBMD) in patients with PsA and psoriasis. We performed HR-pQCT scans at the ultradistal and periarticular radius in 50 PsA patients, 30 psoriasis patients, and 70 healthy, age- and sex-related controls assessing trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), inhomogeneity of the trabecular network, cortical thickness (Ct.Th), and cortical porosity (Ct.Po), as well as vBMD. Trabecular BMD (Tb.BMD, p = 0.021, 12.0%), BV/TV (p = 0.020, –11.9%), and Tb.N (p = 0.035, 7.1%) were significantly decreased at the ultradistal radius and the periarticular radius in PsA patients compared to controls. In contrast, bone architecture of the ultradistal radius and periarticular radius was similar in patients with psoriasis and healthy controls. Duration of skin disease was associated with low BV/TV and Tb.N in patients with PsA. These data suggest that trabecular BMD and bone microstructure are decreased in PsA patients. The observation that duration of skin disease determines bone loss in PsA supports the concept of subclinical musculoskeletal disease in psoriasis patients. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Decreased Mechanical Strength and Collagen Content in SPARC-Null Periodontal Ligament Is Reversed by Inhibition of Transglutaminase Activity
Authors: Trombetta-eSilva Jessica , Rosset Emilie A , Hepfer R Glenn , Wright Gregory J , Baicu Catalin , Yao Hai , Bradshaw Amy D
Published: April 2015

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a critical tissue that provides a physical link between the mineralized outer layer of the tooth and the alveolar bone. The PDL is composed primarily of nonmineralized fibrillar collagens. Expression of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC/osteonectin), a collagen-binding matricellular protein, has been shown to be essential for collagen homeostasis in PDL. In the absence of SPARC, PDL collagen fibers are smaller and less dense than fibers that constitute WT PDL. The aim of this study was to identify cellular mechanisms by which SPARC affected collagen fiber assembly and morphology in PDL. Cross-linking of fibrillar collagens is one parameter that is known to affect insoluble collagen incorporation and fiber morphology. Herein, the reduction in collagen fiber size and quantity in the absence of SPARC expression was shown to result in a PDL with reduced molar extraction force in comparison to that of WT mice (C57Bl/6J). Furthermore, an increase in transglutaminase activity was found in SPARC-null PDL by biochemical analyses that was supported by immunohistochemical results. Specifically, collagen I was identified as a substrate for transglutaminase in PDL and transglutaminase activity on collagen I was found to be greater in SPARC-null tissues in comparison to WT. Strikingly, inhibition of transglutaminase activity in SPARC-null PDL resulted in increases in both collagen fiber thickness and in collagen content, whereas transglutaminase inhibitors injected into WT mice resulted in increases in collagen fiber thickness only. Furthermore, PDL treated with transglutaminase inhibitors exhibited increases in molar extraction force in WT and in SPARC-null mice. Thus, SPARC is proposed to act as a critical regulator of transglutaminase activity on collagen I with implications for mechanical strength of tissues. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Glutathione Depletion Induces Spermatogonial Cell Autophagy
Authors: Mancilla Héctor , Maldonado Rodrigo , Cereceda Karina , Villarroel‐Espíndola Franz , Montes de Oca Marco , Angulo Constanza , Castro Maite A. , Slebe Juan C. , Vera Juan C. , Lavandero Sergio , Concha Ilona I.
Published: April 2015

The development and survival of male germ cells depend on the antioxidant capacity of the seminiferous tubule. Glutathione (GSH) plays an important role in the antioxidant defenses of the spermatogenic epithelium. Autophagy can act as a pro‐survival response during oxidative stress or nutrient deficiency. In this work, we evaluated whether autophagy is involved in spermatogonia‐type germ cell survival during severe GSH deficiency. We showed that the disruption of GSH metabolism with l‐buthionine‐(S,R)‐sulfoximine (BSO) decreased reduced (GSH), oxidized (GSSG) glutathione content, and GSH/GSSG ratio in germ cells, without altering reactive oxygen species production and cell viability, evaluated by 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence and exclusion of propidium iodide assays, respectively. Autophagy was assessed by processing the endogenous protein LC3I and observing its sub‐cellular distribution. Immunoblot and immunofluorescence analysis showed a consistent increase in LC3II and accumulation of autophagic vesicles under GSH‐depletion conditions. This condition did not show changes in the level of phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) or the ATP content. A loss in S‐glutathionylated protein pattern was also observed. However, inhibition of autophagy resulted in decreased ATP content and increased caspase‐3/7 activity in GSH‐depleted germ cells. These findings suggest that GSH deficiency triggers an AMPK‐independent induction of autophagy in germ cells as an adaptive stress response. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2283–2292, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic Approaches To Identifying Novel Osteoporosis Drug Targets
Authors: Brommage Robert
Published: April 2015

During the past two decades effective drugs for treating osteoporosis have been developed, including anti‐resorptives inhibiting bone resorption (estrogens, the SERM raloxifene, four bisphosphonates, RANKL inhibitor denosumab) and the anabolic bone forming daily injectable peptide teriparatide. Two potential drugs (odanacatib and romosozumab) are in late stage clinical development. The most pressing unmet need is for orally active anabolic drugs. This review describes the basic biological studies involved in developing these drugs, including the animal models employed for osteoporosis drug development. The genomics revolution continues to identify potential novel osteoporosis drug targets. Studies include human GWAS studies and identification of mutant genes in subjects having abnormal bone mass, mouse QTL and gene knockouts, and gene expression studies. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that Wnt signaling plays a major role in regulating bone formation and continued study of this complex pathway is likely to lead to key discoveries. In addition to the classic Wnt signaling targets DKK1 and sclerostin, LRP4, LRP5/LRP6, SFRP4, WNT16, and NOTUM can potentially be targeted to modulate Wnt signaling. Next‐generation whole genome and exome sequencing, RNA‐sequencing and CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing are new experimental techniques contributing to understanding the genome. The International Knockout Mouse Consortium efforts to knockout and phenotype all mouse genes are poised to accelerate. Accumulating knowledge will focus attention on readily accessible databases (Big Data). Efforts are underway by the International Bone and Mineral Society to develop an annotated Skeletome database providing information on all genes directly influencing bone mass, architecture, mineralization or strength. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2139–2145, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased linear bone growth by GH in the absence of SOCS2 is independent of IGF‐1
Authors: Dobie Ross , Ahmed Syed F. , Staines Katherine A. , Pass Chloe , Jasim Seema , MacRae Vicky E. , Farquharson Colin
Published: April 2015

Growth hormone (GH) signaling is essential for postnatal linear bone growth, but the relative importance of GHs actions on the liver and/or growth plate cartilage remains unclear. The importance of liver derived insulin like‐growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) for endochondral growth has recently been challenged. Here, we investigate linear growth in Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling‐2 (SOCS2) knockout mice, which have enhanced growth despite normal systemic GH/IGF‐1 levels. Wild‐type embryonic ex vivo metatarsals failed to exhibit increased linear growth in response to GH, but displayed increased Socs2 transcript levels (P < 0.01). In the absence of SOCS2, GH treatment enhanced metatarsal linear growth over a 12 day period. Despite this increase, IGF‐1 transcript and protein levels were not increased in response to GH. In accordance with these data, IGF‐1 levels were unchanged in GH‐challenged postnatal Socs2‐/‐ conditioned medium despite metatarsals showing enhanced linear growth. Growth‐plate Igf1 mRNA levels were not elevated in juvenile Socs2‐/‐ mice. GH did however elevate IGF‐binding protein 3 levels in conditioned medium from GH challenged metatarsals and this was more apparent in Socs2‐/‐ metatarsals. GH did not enhance the growth of Socs2‐/‐ metatarsals when the IGF receptor was inhibited, suggesting that IGF receptor mediated mechanisms are required. IGF‐2 may be responsible as IGF‐2 promoted metatarsal growth and Igf2 expression was elevated in Socs2‐/‐ (but not WT) metatarsals in response to GH. These studies emphasise the critical importance of SOCS2 in regulating GHs ability to promote bone growth. Also, GH appears to act directly on the metatarsals of Socs2‐/‐ mice, promoting growth via a mechanism that is independent of IGF‐1. J. Cell. Physiol. 9999: 2796–2806, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding and managing cancer‐related weight loss and anorexia: insights from a systematic review of qualitative research
Authors: Cooper Christine , Burden Sorrel T. , Cheng Huilin , Molassiotis Alex
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to summarize the existing qualitative literature in order to develop the evidence base for understanding and managing weight loss and anorexia, in order to make recommendations for clinical practice. A systematic search was performed to retrieve English language studies using electronic search and manual checks of selected reference lists. Keywords included qualitative, cancer cachexia, weight loss, anorexia, appetite, malnutrition, food, eating, and drinking. The selection and appraisal of papers were undertaken by two reviewers. Twenty‐one qualitative articles were included in the review. There were three major findings emerging from the previous qualitative studies including ‘the multidimensionality of weight loss and anorexia experience’, ‘patients and caregivers' responses to coping with weight loss and anorexia’, and ‘clinical assessment and management of weight loss and anorexia’. The literature review revealed the multidimensional nature of cachexia and weight loss experience by patients and caregivers, which was not recognized and adequately managed by healthcare professionals. Future research in this area would be helpful in enabling a deeper understanding of the complexity of cachexia and weight loss experience in order to move forward to develop an optimal model of supportive care for patients and caregivers.
Development of a gluten‐free rice noodle by utilizing protein–polyphenol interaction between soy protein isolate and extract of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus
Authors: Lee Da‐Som , Kim Yang , Song Youngwoon , Lee Ji‐Hye , Lee Suyong , Yoo Sang‐Ho
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

The potential of the protein–polyphenol interaction was applied to crosslinking reinforced protein networks in gluten‐free rice noodles. Specifically, inter‐component interaction between soy protein isolate and extract of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus fruit (ogaja) was examined with a view to improving its quality.

RESULTS

In a components‐interacting model system, a mixture of soy protein isolate (SPI) and ogaja extract (OE) induced a drastic increase in absorbance at 660 nm by haze formation, while the major anthocyanin of ogaja, cyanidin‐3‐O‐sambubioside, sparsely interacted with SPI or gelatin. Individual or combined treatment of SPI and OE on rice dough decreased all the viscosity parameters in rapid visco analysis. However, SPI‐OE treatment significantly increased all the texture parameters of rice dough derived from Mixolab® analysis (P < 0.05). Incorporation of SPI in rice dough significantly reduced endothermic ΔH, and SPI–OE treatment further decreased this value. SPI–OE interaction significantly increased the tensile properties of cooked noodle and decreased 53.7% of cooking loss compared to the untreated rice noodle.

CONCLUSION

SPI–OE treatment caused a considerable reinforcement of the network as shown by reducing cooking loss and suggested the potential for utilizing protein–polyphenol interaction for gluten‐free rice noodle production. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
The Role of Legumes in Plant Community Succession of Degraded Grasslands in Northern China
Authors: Hu Guozheng , Liu Hongyan , Yin Yi. , Song Zhaoliang
Published: April 2015

Legume species were more and more commonly introduced to degraded grassland for human‐aided restoration. This study aimed to test whether the natural spread of legume contributes to reversal of grassland degradation through making an extensive grassland vegetation and soil survey in Inner Mongolia of China. The results showed that legume biomass increased along a gradient of soil coarsening that was also a gradient of grassland degradation. The total biomass rather than legume biomass was limited by mean annual precipitation at plot level. The presence of legumes increased species richness in degraded steppe vegetation. Constancy of intermediate and climax species of vegetation succession at sites with legumes was higher than that at sites without legumes, implying that legumes might contribute positively to the reversal of grassland degradation. Our study suggests that naturally distributed legumes could benefit the reversal of grassland degradation through promoting plant community succession rather than total plant biomass. Planting legumes would be an effective measure to accelerate the recovery process of degraded grassland with coarsened soil in regions similar to our study region. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microbial and Enzyme Activities of Saline and Sodic Soils
Authors: Singh Kripal
Published: April 2015

Salinization and sodication are abiotic soil factors, important hazards to soil fertility and consequently affect the crop production. Soil salinization is of great concern for irrigated agriculture in arid and semi‐arid regions of the world; sodicity is characterized by an excessively high concentration of sodium (Na) in their cation exchange system. In recent times, attention has been turned to study the impacts of these factors (salinity and sodicity) on soil microbial activities. Microbial activities play central role in degradation and decomposition of soil organic matter, mineralization of nutrients and stabilization of soil aggregates. To understand the ecology of soil system, therefore, it is important to be conversant with the soil microbial activities, which show quick response to little change in the soil environment. Microbial activities (generally measured as C–N dynamics, soil respiration–basal respiration, or CO2 emission), microbial abundance, microbial biomass, quotients (microbial and metabolic) and microbial community structure, and soil enzymes have been considered as potential indicators to assess the severity of the land degradation and the effectiveness of land use management. Therefore, it is important to synthesize the available information regarding microbial activities in use and management of salt‐affected soils. The reclamation and management of such soils and their physico‐chemical properties have been reviewed well in the literature. In this review, an attempt has been made to compile the current knowledge about the effects of soil salinization and sodication on microbial and enzyme activities and identify research gaps for future research. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface Modification of Polycarbonate Urethane with Zwitterionic Polynorbornene via Thiol‐ene Click‐Reaction to Facilitate Cell Growth and Proliferation
Authors: Khan Musammir , Yang Jing , Shi Changcan , Feng Yakai , Zhang Wencheng , Gibney Katie , Tew Gregory N.
Published: April 2015

Herein, we grafted the zwitterionic polynorbornene onto polycarbonate urethane (PCU) film surface by a convenient route of thiol‐ene click‐chemistry. The PCU film surface was first treated with hexamethylene‐1,6‐diisocynate and subsequently with two different thiol agents (l‐cysteine and β‐marcaptoethanol) in the presence of di‐n‐butyltin dilaurate (DBTDL) to immobilize sulfhydryl groups onto the surface. Here, DBTDL acted as selective catalyst for the reaction between surface‐tethered isocyanates and amine/hydroxyl groups in thiol agents over that of free thiol groups. In the next step, zwitterionic polynorbornene (poly(NSulfoZI)) having functionalizable double bonds was grafted onto these surfaces by photo‐initiated thiol‐ene click‐reaction. The modified surfaces were characterized by water contact angle and XPS analysis. Moreover, the cytocompatibility of these surfaces was investigated by model endothelial cells, EA.hy926, for 1, 3, and 7 d culture times, which showed enhanced cell adhesion and growth. Therefore, the poly(NSulfoZI) functionalized PCU surface using l‐cysteine as thiol agent could be a good candidate for tissue engineering material application.
Failure criteria for cohesive‐frictional materials based on Mohr–Coulomb failure function
Authors: Jiang Hua
Published: April 2015

This study presents two three‐parameter failure criteria for cohesive‐frictional materials based on the Mohr–Coulomb failure function. One proposed failure criterion can be linked to Mogi's empirical formula and incorporates the well‐known Von‐Mises, Drucker–Prager, and Linear Mogi criteria as special cases. Another one with smooth and convex cross sections contains a general Lode dependence in the deviatoric plane and includes the Matsuoka–Nakai and Lade–Duncan Lode dependences as special cases. The effect of the intermediate principal stress on the strength of the material can be taken into account in both criteria. The proposed criteria are numerically calibrated against polyaxial data sets of many different types of rocks and concrete. The comparison results show that the performance of the proposed criteria is excellent, and the failure criterion with a general Lode dependence performs better than the other one for concrete. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A conservative embedded boundary method for an inviscid compressible flow coupled with a fragmenting structure
Authors: Puscas Maria Adela , Monasse Laurent , Ern Alexandre , Tenaud Christian , Mariotti Christian
Published: April 2015

We present an embedded boundary method for the interaction between an inviscid compressible flow and a fragmenting structure. The fluid is discretized using a finite volume method combining Lax–Friedrichs fluxes near the opening fractures, where the density and pressure can be very low, with high‐order monotonicity‐preserving fluxes elsewhere. The fragmenting structure is discretized using a discrete element method based on particles, and fragmentation results from breaking the links between particles. The fluid‐solid coupling is achieved by an embedded boundary method using a cut‐cell finite volume method that ensures exact conservation of mass, momentum, and energy in the fluid. A time explicit approach is used for the computation of the energy and momentum transfer between the solid and the fluid. The embedded boundary method ensures that the exchange of fluid and solid momentum and energy is balanced. Numerical results are presented for two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional fragmenting structures interacting with shocked flows. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptive spectral Galerkin stochastic finite element method using variability response functions
Authors: Giovanis Dimitris G. , Papadopoulos Vissarion , Stavroulakis George
Published: April 2015

A methodology is proposed in this paper to construct an adaptive sparse polynomial chaos (PC) expansion of the response of stochastic systems whose input parameters are independent random variables modeled as random fields. The proposed methodology utilizes the concept of variability response function in order to compute an a priori low‐cost estimate of the spatial distribution of the second‐order error of the response, as a function of the number of terms used in the truncated Karhunen–Loève (KL) expansion. This way the influence of the response variance to the spectral content (correlation structure) of the random input is taken into account through a spatial variation of the truncated KL terms. The criterion for selecting the number of KL terms at different parts of the structure is the uniformity of the spatial distribution of the second‐order error. This way a significantly reduced number of PC coefficients, with respect to classical PC expansion, is required in order to reach a uniformly distributed target second‐order error. This results in an increase of sparsity of the coefficient matrix of the corresponding linear system of equations leading to an enhancement of the computational efficiency of the spectral stochastic finite element method. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of reactor pressure on optical and electrical properties of InN films grown by high‐pressure chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Alevli Mustafa , Gungor Nese , Alkis Sabri , Ozgit‐Akgun Cagla , Donmez Inci , Okyay Ali Kemal , Gamage Sampath , Senevirathna Indika , Dietz Nikolaus , Biyikli Necmi
Published: April 2015

The influences of reactor pressure on the stoichiometry, free carrier concentration, IR and Hall determined mobility, effective optical band edge, and optical phonon modes of HPCVD grown InN films have been analysed and are reported. The In 3d, and N 1s XPS spectra results revealed In‐N and N‐In bonding states as well as small concentrations of In‐O and N‐O bonds, respectively in all samples. InN layers grown at 1 bar were found to contain metallic indium, suggesting that the incorporation of nitrogen into the InN crystal structure was not efficient. The free carrier concentrations, as determined by Hall measurements, were found to decrease with increasing reactor pressure from 1.61×1021 to 8.87×1019 cm‐3 and the room‐temperature Hall mobility increased with reactor pressure from 21.01 to 155.18 cm2/Vs at 1 and 15 bar reactor pressures, respectively. IR reflectance spectra of all three (1, 8, and 15 bar) InN samples were modelled assuming two distinct layers of InN, having different free carrier concentration, IR mobility, and effective dielectric function values, related to a nucleation/interfacial region at the InN/sapphire, followed by a bulk InN layer. The effective optical band gap has been found to decrease from 1.19 to 0.95 eV with increasing reactor pressure. Improvement of the local structural quality with increasing reactor pressure has been further confirmed by Raman spectroscopy measurements. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
IGF-1 Signaling Plays an Important Role in the Formation of Three-Dimensional Laminated Neural Retina and Other Ocular Structures From Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Mellough Carla B. , Collin Joseph , Khazim Mahmoud , White Kathryn , Sernagor Evelyne , Steel David H. W. , Lako Majlinda
Published: April 2015

We and others have previously demonstrated that retinal cells can be derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells under defined culture conditions. While both cell types can give rise to retinal derivatives in the absence of inductive cues, this requires extended culture periods and gives lower overall yield. Further understanding of this innate differentiation ability, the identification of key factors that drive the differentiation process, and the development of clinically compatible culture conditions to reproducibly generate functional neural retina is an important goal for clinical cell based therapies. We now report that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) can orchestrate the formation of three-dimensional ocular-like structures from hESCs which, in addition to retinal pigmented epithelium and neural retina, also contain primitive lens and corneal-like structures. Inhibition of IGF-1 receptor signaling significantly reduces the formation of optic vesicle and optic cups, while exogenous IGF-1 treatment enhances the formation of correctly laminated retinal tissue composed of multiple retinal phenotypes that is reminiscent of the developing vertebrate retina. Most importantly, hESC-derived photoreceptors exhibit advanced maturation features such as the presence of primitive rod- and cone-like photoreceptor inner and outer segments and phototransduction-related functional responses as early as 6.5 weeks of differentiation, making these derivatives promising candidates for cell replacement studies and in vitro disease modeling. Stem Cells  2015;33:2416–2430

Video Highlight: https://youtu.be/krihQeGS_zs
Resistin Promotes Angiogenesis in Endothelial Progenitor Cells Through Inhibition of MicroRNA206: Potential Implications for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Su Chen-Ming , Hsu Chin-Jung , Tsai Chun-Hao , Huang Chun-Yin , Wang Shih-Wei , Tang Chih-Hsin
Published: April 2015

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) promote angiogenesis and are therefore key contributors to a wide variety of angiogenesis-related autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the signaling mechanisms through which these progenitor cells influence RA pathogenesis remain unknown. The aim of this study was to examine whether resistin plays a role in the pathogenesis of and angiogenesis associated with RA by circulating EPCs. We found that levels of resistin in synovial fluid and tissue from patients with RA and from mice with collagen-induced arthritis were overexpressed and promoted the homing of EPCs into the synovium, thereby inducing angiogenesis. EPCs isolated from healthy donors were used to investigate the signal transduction pathway underlying EPC migration and tube formation after treatment with resistin. We found that resistin directly induced a significant increase in expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in EPCs. We also found that the expression of microRNA-206 (miR-206) was negatively correlated with the expression of resistin during EPC-mediated angiogenesis. Notably, the increased expression of VEGF was associated with decreased binding of miR-206 to the VEGF-A 3′ untranslated region through protein kinase C delta-dependent AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Moreover, blockade of resistin reduced EPC homing into synovial fluid and angiogenesis in vivo. Taken together, our study is the first to demonstrate that resistin promotes EPCs homing into the synovium during RA angiogenesis via a signal transduction pathway that involves VEGF expression in primary EPCs. These findings provide support for resistin as a therapeutic target for the patients with RA. Stem Cells 2015;33:2243–2255
Predictive control and sizing of energy storage to mitigate wind power intermittency
Authors: Li Chiao‐Ting , Peng Huei , Sun Jing
Published: April 2015

This paper studies how the control algorithm impacts the required capacity of battery energy storage system (BESS) to mitigate wind intermittency. We study a futuristic scenario in which wind generation is traded in the energy market on an hourly basis, and the wind power producer has to procure reserves to handle wind fluctuations. The wind power producer can avoid paying for conventional reserves by charging/discharging BESS to compensate for wind surplus and deficit. We develop control algorithms using the model predictive control (MPC) methodology, which incorporates wind forecasts for the next few hours when determining wind scheduling. The MPC algorithm is developed by solving a non‐linear optimization problem to minimize operation costs to the wind power producer. In addition to operation costs, the MPC algorithm considers two practical aspects: the efficiency loss of BESS and the smoothness in wind power scheduling. BESS sizing is studied by parametric analyses. Simulations show that BESS is more effective in reducing operation costs and reducing wind curtailment than conventional reserves. In addition, MPC is a horizon‐based control algorithm and can preview future information in its control action. Simulations also show that MPC consistently outperforms an instantaneous heuristic algorithm that does not use future information. Therefore, we confirm that MPC can reduce the BESS capacity required to cover wind uncertainties. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How Academics in Undergraduate Business Programs at an Australian University View Sustainability
Authors: von der Heidt Tania , Lamberton Geoffrey
Published: April 2015

This article explores conceptualisations of sustainability and perceptions of its importance in curriculum held by business subject and program leaders. Results are reported from an empirical study of the first-year Bachelor of Business program at an Australian university. Research data was collected in 16 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with subject and program leaders over two teaching periods in 2011. Interview transcripts were analysed through the identification of key themes. The results reveal that teaching academics believe sustainability is something more dynamic and complex than they are able to feature in their subjects, reflecting the difficulty in appropriately conceptualising sustainability, as well as differences between the academics’ beliefs, intentions and actions. Few studies explore the conceptualisations of sustainability held by subject and program leaders. If business schools are to produce sustainability-savvy graduates, the teaching academics need to have a clear and, ideally, shared view of sustainability.
Infrequent Air Contamination WithAcinetobacter baumanniiof Air Surrounding Known Colonized or Infected Patients
Authors: Rock Clare , Harris Anthony D. , Johnson J. Kristie , Bischoff Werner E. , Thom Kerri A.
Published: April 2015

Using a validated air sampling method we foundAcinetobacter baumanniiin the air surrounding only 1 of 12 patients known to be colonized or infected withA. baumannii. Patients’ closed-circuit ventilator status, frequent air exchanges in patient rooms, and short sampling time may have contributed to this low burden.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2015;36(7):830–832