bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor‐associated APE1 variant exhibits reduced complementation efficiency but does not promote cancer cell phenotypes
Authors: Illuzzi Jennifer L. , McNeill Daniel R. , Bastian Paul , Brenerman Boris , Wersto Robert , Russell Helen R. , Bunz Fred , McKinnon Peter J. , Becker Kevin G. , Wilson David M.
Published: February 2017

Base excision repair (BER) is the major pathway for coping with most forms of endogenous DNA damage, and defects in the process have been associated with carcinogenesis. Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) is a central participant in BER, functioning as a critical endonuclease in the processing of noncoding abasic sites in DNA. Evidence has suggested that APE1 missense mutants, as well as altered expression or localization of the protein, can contribute to disease manifestation. We report herein that the tumor‐associated APE1 variant, R237C, shows reduced complementation efficiency of the methyl methanesulfonate hypersensitivity and impaired cell growth exhibited by APE1‐deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Overexpression of wild‐type APE1 or the R237C variant in the nontransformed C127I mouse cell line had no effect on proliferation, cell cycle status, steady‐state DNA damage levels, mitochondrial function, or cellular transformation. A human cell line heterozygous for an APE1 knockout allele had lower levels of endogenous APE1, increased cellular sensitivity to DNA‐damaging agents, impaired proliferation with time, and a distinct global gene expression pattern consistent with a stress phenotype. Our results indicate that: (i) the tumor‐associated R237C variant is a possible susceptibility factor, but not likely a driver of cancer cell phenotypes, (ii) overexpression of APE1 does not readily promote cellular transformation, and (iii) haploinsufficiency at the APE1 locus can have profound cellular consequences, consistent with BER playing a critical role in proliferating cells. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:84–98, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mass loss and flammability of insulation materials used in sandwich panels during the pre‐flashover phase of fire
Authors: Giunta d'Albani A.W. , de Kluiver L.L. , de Korte A.C.J. , van Herpen R.A.P. , Weewer R. , Brouwers H.J.H.
Published: February 2017

Nowadays, buildings contain more and more synthetic insulation materials in order to meet the increasing energy‐performance demands. These synthetic insulation materials have a different response to fire. In this study, the mass loss and flammability limits of different sandwich panels and their cores (polyurethane (PUR), polyisocyanurate (PIR) and stone wool) are studied separately by using a specially designed furnace. Expanded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene are tested on their cores only. The research has shown that the actual mass loss of synthetic and stone wool‐based cores is comparable up to 300 °C. From 300 °C onwards, the mass loss of PUR panels is significant higher. The mass losses up to 350 °C are 7%, 29% and 83% for stone wool, PIR and PUR respectively, for the influenced area. Furthermore, delamination can be observed at exposure to temperatures above 250 °C for the synthetic and 350 °C for the mineral wool panels. Delamination occurs due to the degradation of the resin between core and metal panels and the gasification of the (PUR) core. The lower flammability limits have been established experimentally at 9.2% m/m (PUR) and 3.1% m/m (PS). For PUR, an upper limit of 74% was found. For PIR and mineral wool, no flammability limits could be established. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fresh preservation of alfalfa sprouts and mushroom slices by soaking with thymol and resveratrol solutions
Authors: Lai Li‐Jung , Chiu Ju‐Min , Chiou Robin Y.‐Y.
Published: February 2017

The preservation of fresh produce served as salads through soaking with solutions containing naturally occurring phenolic ingredients is of merit. For a primary assay, thymol and resveratrol at 0–500 ppm were prepared and used to inhibit growth and survival of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Thymol and resveratrol exhibited potent inhibitory activities against the growth of both bacteria. For S. aureus, cells treated with thymol at 250 ppm or resveratrol at 500 ppm, the durations to achieve 3 log reduction (3LR) were 40 and 20 min, respectively. When the cells were treated with thymol combined with resveratrol, both at 250 ppm, the 3LR value was achieved in under 5 min. Synergistic antibacterial activity between thymol and resveratrol was apparent. The antibacterial and known health‐enhancing activities of resveratrol are of interest.
Rockfall hazard zones in Austria. Experience, problems and solutions in the development of a standardised procedure
Authors: Mölk Michael , Rieder Benedikt
Published: February 2017

The Österreichische Raumordnungskonferenz (ÖROK) set up a partnership in 2011 to deal with ”Risk management for gravitational natural hazards in landuse planning“. As gravitational natural hazards have a decisive influence on development in the Alpine Region, standard procedures were developed for the assessment of the relevance of these processes for landuse planning. This paper describes the recommended procedure for the assessment of hazards affecting permanent settlements from rockfall in a top‐down approach. The first step to define potential conflicts between the maximum run‐out of rockfall processes and the presence of settlements is a conservative empirical assessment based on rock outcrops serving as potential detachment zones and the maximum reach of such rockfalls, leading to a hazard indication map. This approach is only based on existing cartographic information, field investigations are not necessarily involved at this stage. To ensure conservative results, the use of a high‐resolution 1 m ground model to identify rock outcrops is re commended. The next step includes a thorough examination of those areas in the hazard indication map with conflicts between the maximum reach/run‐out of falling blocks and settlements. This stage includes field investigations with mapping of maximum reach blocks, block size distributions, underground conditions of the transit zone and the condition of rock outcrops that act as potential detachment zones. All this information is subsequently integrated into a 3D rockfall simulation. As a result the modelling enables a delineation of areas out of reach (no rockfall hazard), areas with potential impact energies ≤ 100 kJ (low intensity) and areas with potential impact energies > 100 kJ (high intensity).
Comparison of two 3D rockfall codes on behalf of a case study in the Bavarian Alps
Authors: Sellmeier Bettina , Thuro Kurosch
Published: February 2017

Rockfall events along main traffic routes in alpine regions emphasize the necessity of enhancing hazard assessment, especially in terms of rockfalls. In the field of regional rockfall modelling it becomes more and more important to work with 3D rockfall codes to account for morphological structures. Due to the general scale of regional rockfall modelling it is in most cases not possible to collect quantitative field data. Thus the input parameters are determined according to disposition models like in the Bavarian hazard map. The current paper deals with a detailed rockfall study which was accomplished during rockslope scaling works in the Bavarian Alps. The rock slope consisting of the Hauptdolomite‐Formation extends along the federal road B 305 north of the village of Schneitzlreuth in Bavaria. Due to attending rockslope scaling works in cooperation with the State Agency for Construction in Traunstein, a quantification of block dimensions according to real rockfall field tests was possible. After having determined the three main block axes for over 300 rocks, rockfall modelling were accomplished applying the 3D rockfall codes Rockyfor3D and Ramms::Rockfall. One part of the parameter studies covers the main proportion of the detected block sizes using Rockyfor3D. The second part of the study presents a comparison of the Rockyfor3D and Ramms::Rockfall outcomes, taking the same block class for both codes into account. This paper demonstrates the limits and possibilities of using different 3D rockfall codes taking detailed field data into account.
Application of three‐dimensional rockfall modelling to rock face engineering
Authors: Wendeler Corinna , Bühler Yves , Bartelt Perry , Glover James
Published: February 2017

Many problems in engineered rock faces involve evaluation of the efficiency of rockfall mitigation measures, specifically rockfall dams, embankments and catch nets. Existing rockfall trajectory models are not suited for this purpose because they do not consider the non‐linear dynamics of rock motion, which is highly dependent on rock size, shape and impact configuration. In this paper, we discuss the application of the new 3D rockfall modelling tool Ramms::Rockfall, which computes rock‐ground interactions using hard‐contact impact mechanics. The model is applied to evaluate the effectiveness of a rockfall bank at the Geobrugg/WSL test site in Walenstadt, Switzerland.
A Genomewide Association Study Identifies Two Sex‐Specific Loci, at SPTB and IZUMO3, Influencing Pediatric Bone Mineral Density at Multiple Skeletal Sites
Authors: Chesi Alessandra , Mitchell Jonathan A , Kalkwarf Heidi J , Bradfield Jonathan P , Lappe Joan M , Cousminer Diana L , Roy Sani M , McCormack Shana E , Gilsanz Vicente , Oberfield Sharon E , Hakonarson Hakon , Shepherd John A , Kelly Andrea , Zemel Babette S , Grant Struan FA
Published: February 2017

Failure to achieve optimal bone mineral accretion during childhood and adolescence results in subsequent suboptimal peak bone mass, contributing to osteoporosis risk later in life. To identify novel genetic factors that influence pediatric bone mass at discrete skeletal sites, we performed a sex‐stratified genomewide association study of areal bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry at the 1/3 distal radius, spine, total hip, and femoral neck in a cohort of 933 healthy European American children. We took forward signals with p < 5 × 10−5 and minor allele frequency (MAF) >5% into an independent cohort of 486 European American children in search of replication. In doing so, we identified five loci that achieved genome wide significance in the combined cohorts (nearest genes: CPED1, IZUMO3, RBFOX1, SPBT, and TBPL2), of which the last four were novel and two were sex‐specific (SPTB in females and IZUMO3 in males), with all of them yielding associations that were particularly strong at a specific skeletal site. Annotation of potential regulatory function, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) effects and pathway analyses identified several potential target genes at these associated loci. This study highlights the importance of sex‐stratified analyses at discrete skeletal sites during the critical period of bone accrual, and identifies novel loci for further functional follow‐up to pinpoint key genes and better understand the regulation of bone development in children. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Later Age at Onset of Independent Walking Is Associated With Lower Bone Strength at Fracture‐Prone Sites in Older Men
Authors: Ireland Alex , Muthuri Stella , Rittweger Joern , Adams Judith E , Ward Kate A , Kuh Diana , Cooper Rachel
Published: February 2017

Later age at onset of independent walking is associated with lower leg bone strength in childhood and adolescence. However, it is unknown whether these associations persist into older age or whether they are evident at axial (central) or upper limb sites. Therefore, we examined walking age obtained at age 2 years and bone outcomes obtained by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) scans at ages 60 to 64 years in a nationally representative cohort study of British people, the MRC National Survey of Health and Development. It was hypothesized that later walking age would be associated with lower bone strength at all sites. Later independent walking age was associated with lower height‐adjusted hip (standardized regression coefficients with 95% confidence interval [CI] –0.179 [–0.251 to –0.107]), spine (–0.157 [–0.232 to –0.082]), and distal radius (–0.159 [–0.245 to –0.073]) bone mineral content (BMC, indicating bone compressive strength) in men (all p < 0.001). Adjustment for covariates partially attenuated these associations, primarily because of lower lean mass and adolescent sporting ability in later walkers. These associations were also evident for a number of hip geometric parameters (including cross‐sectional moment of inertia [CSMI], indicating bone bending/torsional strength) assessed by hip structural analysis (HSA) from DXA scans. Similar height‐adjusted associations were also observed in women for several hip, spine, and upper limb outcomes, although adjustment for fat or lean mass led to complete attenuation for most outcomes, with the exception of femoral shaft CSMI and spine bone area (BA). In conclusion, later independent walking age appears to have a lifelong association with bone strength across multiple skeletal sites in men. These effects may result from direct effects of early life loading on bone growth and mediation by adult body composition. Results suggest that late walking age may represent a novel risk factor for subsequent low bone strength. Existing interventions effective in hastening walking age may have positive effects on bone across life. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Association of Body Size at Birth and Childhood Growth With Hip Fractures in Older Age: An Exploratory Follow‐Up of the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Mikkola Tuija M , von Bonsdorff Mikaela B , Osmond Clive , Salonen Minna K , Kajantie Eero , Eriksson Johan G
Published: February 2017

Childhood growth has been linked with bone properties in adulthood, whereas less is known about the contribution of early growth to bone fracture risk. We investigated the association of body size at birth and childhood growth with hip fractures and pharmacotherapy for osteoporosis in older age. Men and women, born full term, from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study (n = 8345) were followed until the age of 68 to 80 years. Height and weight from birth to 11 years were obtained from health care records and diagnoses of hip fractures and osteoporosis drug purchases from national registers. Independent associations of each age period were analyzed using Cox models adjusted for age, childhood and adulthood socioeconomic status, and drugs affecting bone metabolism. In men, the risk of hip fractures was nonlinearly associated with childhood growth. Compared to intermediate increase, low and high increase in height between 2 and 7 years (p < 0.001) were associated with all hip fractures and hip fractures sustained after the age of 50 years. Further, compared to intermediate gain, low and high gain in BMI between 7 and 11 years (p = 0.001) were associated with greater risk of hip fractures in men. In women, growth was not associated with the risk of hip fractures but greater weight (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.77 to 0.94; p = 0.001) and BMI (HR 0.86; 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.95; p = 0.003) gain between ages 2 and 7 years were associated with a decreased risk of pharmacotherapy for osteoporosis. In men, growth was not associated with the risk of pharmacotherapy for osteoporosis. In conclusion, growth during childhood may contribute to the risk of hip fractures in later life among men. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia after prostatic arterial embolization in a canine model: A 3T multiparametric MRI and whole‐mount step‐section pathology correlated longitudinal study
Authors: Li Basen , Xu Anhui , Wang Nan , Min Xiangde , Feng Zhaoyan , Deng Ming , Li Liang , Cai Jie , Kang Zhen , Jiang Kehua , Kuang Dong , Wang Liang
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To explore the morphological and functional characteristics of prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) in a canine model of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with 3T multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp‐MRI) and whole‐mount step‐section pathology correlation.

Materials and Methods

Eight adult male beagle dogs with hormone‐induced BPH underwent 3T mp‐MRI before and 1, 3, and 6 months after PAE, with subsequent whole‐mount step‐section pathologic assessment. Images were acquired using T1‐weighted images (T1WI), T2WI, 3D‐SPACE, diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI), T2‐mapping, and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) sequences. Variance analysis was performed to assess statistical differences in prostatic volume (PV), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and T2 values. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to correlate ADC, T2, and PV.

Results

The PV decreased from baseline to 1, 3, and 6 months after PAE from (25.88 ± 7.09) cm3 to (6.48 ± 2.08) cm3, (6.48 ± 3.39) cm3, (6.20 ± 2.88) cm3. The ADC values sequentially decreased from baseline to 1, 3, and 6 months after PAE from (1497.06 ± 222.72) × 10−6 mm2/s to (1056.00 ± 189.46) × 10−6 mm2/s, (950.48 ± 77.85) × 10−6 mm2/s, (980.98 ± 107.78) × 10−6 mm2/s. The T2 values decreased from baseline to 1, 3, and 6 months after PAE were (83.74 ± 5.29) msec, (68.72 ± 5.66) msec, (53.96 ± 15.04) msec, (49.81 ± 13.34) msec, respectively. ADC and T2 values were positively correlated with PV (r = 0.823 and 0.744, respectively). Microhemorrhages and hemosiderin were found on SWI after PAE.

Conclusion

3T mp‐MRI may facilitate noninvasive assessment of morphological and functional changes of BPH after PAE.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1220–1229.
Apparent diffusion coefficient values may help predict which MRI‐detected high‐risk breast lesions will upgrade at surgical excision
Authors: Cheeney Safia , Rahbar Habib , Dontchos Brian N. , Javid Sara H. , Rendi Mara H. , Partridge Savannah C.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To investigate whether diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) features could assist in determining which high‐risk lesions identified on dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diagnosed on core needle biopsy (CNB) will upgrade to malignancy on surgical excision.

Materials and Methods

This Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved prospective study included participants with MRI‐detected Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS) 4 or 5 lesions with high‐risk pathology on CNB who underwent surgical excision. Twenty‐three high‐risk lesions detected on 3T breast MRI in 20 women (average age = 54 ± 9 years) were evaluated, of which six lesions (26%) upgraded to malignancy at surgery. DCE, DWI characteristics, and clinical factors were compared between high‐risk lesions that upgraded to malignancy on surgical excision and those that did not. Logistic regression modeling was performed to identify features that optimally predicted upgrade to malignancy, with performance described using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

High‐risk lesions that upgraded on excision demonstrated lower apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) than those that did not (median, 1.08 × 10−3 mm2/s vs.1.39 × 10−3 mm2/s, P = 0.046), and a trend of greater maximum lesion size (median, 24 mm vs. 8 mm, P = 0.053). There were no significant differences in lesion type (mass vs. nonmass enhancement, P = 1.0) or kinetic features (P = 0.78 for peak initial enhancement; P = 1.0 for worst curve type) among the high‐risk cohorts. A model incorporating maximum lesion size and ADC provided optimal performance to predict upgrade to malignancy (AUC = 0.89).

Conclusion

ADC and maximum lesion size on MRI show promise for predicting which MRI‐detected high‐risk lesions will upgrade to malignancy at surgical excision.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1028–1036.
Optimal parameters to avoid thermal necrosis during bone drilling: A finite element analysis
Authors: Mediouni Mohamed , Schlatterer Daniel R. , Khoury Amal , Von Bergen Tobias , Shetty Sunil H. , Arora Manit , Dhond Amit , Vaughan Neil , Volosnikov Alexander
Published: February 2017

The drilling bone may potentially cause excessive frictional heat, which can lead to local bone necrosis. This heat generation and local necrosis has been suggested to contribute to the resorption of bone around the placed screws, ending in loss of screw purchase in the bone and inadvertent loosening and/or the bone‐implant construct. In vivo studies on this subject have inherent obstacles not the least of which is controlling the variables and real time bone temperature data acquisition. Theoretical models can be generated using computer software and the inclusion of known constants for the mechanical properties of metal and bone. These known Data points for the variables (drill bit and bone) enables finite element analysis of various bone drilling scenarios. An elastic–plastic three‐dimensional (3D) acetabular bone mode was developed and finite element model analysis (FEA) was applied to various simulated drilling procedures. The FEA results clearly indicate that the depth of drilling and the drill speed both have a significant effect on the temperature during drilling procedures. The reduction of the feeding speed leads to a reduction in bone temperature. Our data suggests that reducing the feeding speed regardless of RPMs and pressure applied could be a simple useful and effective way to reduce drilling temperatures. This study is the first step in helping any surgeon who drills bone and places screws to better understand the ideal pressure to apply and drill speed to employ and advance rate to avoid osteonecrosis. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2386–2391, 2017.
Phenotypic diversity and evaluation of fresh pods of cowpea landraces from Southern Europe
Authors: Lazaridi Efstathia , Ntatsi Georgia , Fernández Juan A , Karapanos Ioannis , Carnide Valdemar , Savvas Dimitrios , Bebeli Penelope J
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Cowpea fresh pods are consumed as green vegetables in many countries in Southern Europe. Among cowpea cultivated material, a relatively large number of landraces can be found, maintaining species genetic diversity. To assess the value of these landraces in breeding programs, the characterization and estimation of diversity levels is therefore required. In the present study, an estimation of the diversity and evaluation of cowpea landraces originating from Portugal, Spain and Greece, in terms of their fresh pod traits, was performed, aiming to assist with the problem of low cowpea production in Southern Europe.

RESULTS

A notable mean total phenotypic diversity (HT= 0.57) was observed in the whole collection. The Spanish cv. ‐ gr.unguiculatacollection exhibited the highest value of total phenotypic diversity (0.56). Landraces did not differ significantly from each other regarding the three countries of origin. Landraces such as Cp4906, Vg60 and BGE038478 presenting higher values of some traits studied could contribute to the breeding of new cowpea varieties for fresh pod production. Positive correlations were observed, indicating the feasibility of breeding for preferable traits regarding fresh pod consumption.

CONCLUSION

The present study has revealed a wide diversity among and within cowpea landraces that could enhance fresh pod production in South European countries. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
An in situ incubation method for measuring the productivity and responses of under‐ice algae to ocean acidification and warming in polar marine habitats
Authors: Barr Neill G. , Lohrer Andrew M. , Cummings Vonda J.
Published: February 2017

During the Antarctic spring, algae grows under extensive areas of sea‐ice and is a fundamental source of primary production. Understanding how under‐ice (bottom‐ice) algae will be affected by ocean warming and acidification is critically important in determining the probable future flow‐on effects to the ecological communities this algae supports. To investigate this we designed and built a customised experimental system to assess the in situ responses of under‐ice algae to changes in both seawater pH and temperature. We conducted two trials in 2013 followed by a successful 14‐day incubation experiment in 2014 in the Ross Sea, Antarctica, using the system described here. Assessment of our main control parameters indicated we could reliably control and monitor both pH and temperature in transparent under‐ice chambers. The “plug‐and‐play” nature of our novel system meant it was easy for divers to deploy and maintain in the very cold temperatures experienced under the sea‐ice. Moreover, the system could be remotely sampled from a surface laboratory. This enabled robust monitoring and analyses of manipulated seawater conditions (e.g., pH and temperature), and of responses of the associated biological communities (e.g., fluxes in dissolved oxygen and nutrient levels).
Laser‐induced thermal coagulation enhances skin uptake of topically applied compounds
Authors: Haak C.S. , Hannibal J. , Paasch U. , Anderson R.R. , Haedersdal M.
Published: February 2017

Background

Ablative fractional laser (AFL) generates microchannels in skin surrounded by a zone of thermally altered tissue, termed the coagulation zone (CZ). The thickness of CZ varies according to applied wavelength and laser settings. It is well‐known that AFL channels facilitate uptake of topically applied compounds, but the importance of CZ is unknown.

Methods

Franz Cells were used to investigate skin uptake and permeation of fluorescent labeled polyethylene glycols (PEGs) with mean molecular weights (MW) of 350, 1,000, and 5,000 Da. Microchannels with CZ thicknesses ranging from 0 to 80 μm were generated from micro‐needles (0 μm, CZ‐0), and AFL (10,600 nm) applied to −80°C deep frozen skin (20 μm, CZ‐20) and skin equilibrated to room temperature (80 μm, CZ‐80). Channels penetrated into similar mid‐dermal skin depths of 600–700 μm, and number of channels per skin area was similar. At 4 hours incubation, skin uptake of PEGs into CZ and dermis was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy at specific skin depths of 150, 400, and 1,000 μm and the transcutaneous permeation was quantified by fluorescence of receptor fluids.

Results

Overall, the highest uptake of PEGs was reached through microchannels surrounded by CZ compared to channels with no CZ (CZ‐20 and CZ‐80>CZ‐0).The thickness of CZ affected PEG distribution in skin. A thin CZ‐20 favored significantly higher mean fluorescence intensities inside CZ areas compared to CZ‐80 (PEG 350, 1,000, and 5,000; P < 0.001). In dermis, the uptake through CZ‐20 channels was significantly higher than through CZ‐80 and CZ‐0 at all skin depths (PEG 350, 1,000 and 5,000, 150–1,000 μm; P < 0.001). Correspondingly, transcutaneous permeation of PEG 350 was highest in CZ‐20 compared to CZ‐80 and CZ‐0 samples (P < 0.001). Permeation of larger molecules (PEG 1,000 and PEG 5,000) was generally low.

Conclusion

Uptake of topical compounds is higher through microchannels surrounded by a CZ than without a CZ. Moreover, CZ thickness influences PEG distribution, with highest PEG uptake achieved from microchannels surrounded by a thin CZ. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:582–591, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Large‐Scale Highly Aligned Nanowire Printing
Authors: Lee Yeongjun , Min Sung‐Yong , Lee Tae‐Woo
Published: February 2017

Nanowires (NWs) are 1D confined nanostructures; this geometry gives them unique properties that have been exploited in fabrication of high‐density and high‐tech electronic devices. Current method to produce NWs cannot fabricate large‐scale‐aligned NW arrays with precise control of length, orientation, location, and number of NWs individually; these inabilities hinder application of NWs in practical electronics. This paper describes e‐nanowire printing, a method to print highly aligned NWs on a large scale, and then reviews recent progress in various electronic applications with highly aligned NWs. Finally, future research is suggested to advance nanoelectronics.

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Improvement in muscle strength with low‐load isotonic training depends on fascicle length but not joint angle
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Ikezoe Tome , Nakamura Masatoshi , Yanase Ko , Fujita Kosuke , Motomura Yoshiki , Kusano Ken , Araki Kojiro , Umehara Jun , Saeki Junya , Morishita Katsuyuki , Ichihashi Noriaki
Published: February 2017

Introduction

In this study we investigate whether low‐load isotonic training will elicit greater improvement in muscle strength at the same fascicle length, rather than at the same joint angle.

Methods

Sixteen healthy men (24.1 ± 2.5 years of age) were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Pre‐ and posttraining maximum isometric and isokinetic strengths and fascicle lengths of the medial gastrocnemius muscle were measured. Isotonic resistance training at 15 ° to 30 ° ankle plantarflexion at low intensity was conducted for 4 weeks.

Results

The maximum isometric and isokinetic strength of the intervention group increased significantly only at 15 ° dorsiflexion and 8 ° to 12 ° dorsiflexion. Fascicle length during maximum voluntary contraction at 15 ° dorsiflexion to 0 ° was similar to fascicle length under training conditions.

Discussion

It is possible that the improvement in muscle strength with low‐load training depends on fascicle length rather than joint angle. Muscle Nerve 57: 83–89, 2018
Alterations of intrinsic tongue muscle properties with aging
Authors: Cullins Miranda J. , Connor Nadine P.
Published: February 2017

Introduction: Age‐related decline in the intrinsic lingual musculature could contribute to swallowing disorders, yet the effects of age on these muscles is unknown. We hypothesized there is reduced muscle fiber size and shifts to slower myosin heavy chain (MyHC) fiber types with age. Methods: Intrinsic lingual muscles were sampled from 8 young adult (9 months) and 8 old (32 months) Fischer 344/Brown Norway rats. Fiber size and MyHC were determined by fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Results: Age was associated with a reduced number of rapidly contracting muscle fibers, and more slowly contracting fibers. Decreased fiber size was found only in the transverse and verticalis muscles. Discussion: Shifts in muscle composition from faster to slower MyHC fiber types may contribute to age‐related changes in swallowing duration. Decreasing muscle fiber size in the protrusive transverse and verticalis muscles may contribute to reductions in maximum isometric tongue pressure found with age. Differences among regions and muscles may be associated with different functional demands. Muscle Nerve 56: E119–E125, 2017
Dietary Diversity on the Swahili Coast: The Fauna from Two Zanzibar Trading Locales
Authors: Prendergast M. E. , Quintana Morales E. M. , Crowther A. , Horton M. C. , Boivin N. L.
Published: February 2017

Occupants of coastal and island eastern Africa—now known as the ‘Swahili coast’—were involved in long‐distance trade with the Indian Ocean world during the later first millennium CE. Such exchanges may be traced via the appearance of non‐native animals in the archaeofaunal record; additionally, this record reveals daily culinary practises of the members of trading communities and can thus shed light on subsistence technologies and social organisation. Yet despite the potential contributions of faunal data to Swahili coast archaeology, few detailed zooarchaeological studies have been conducted. Here, we present an analysis of faunal remains from new excavations at two coastal Zanzibar trading locales: the small settlement of Fukuchani in the north‐west and the larger town of Unguja Ukuu in the south‐west. The occurrences of non‐native fauna at these sites—Asian black rat (Rattus rattus) and domestic chicken (Gallus gallus), as well as domestic cat (Felis catus)—are among the earliest in eastern Africa. The sites contrast with one another in their emphases on wild and domestic fauna: Fukuchani's inhabitants were economically and socially engaged with the wild terrestrial realm, evidenced not only through diet but also through the burial of a cache of wild bovid metatarsals. In contrast, the town of Unguja Ukuu had a domestic economy reliant on caprine herding, alongside more limited chicken keeping, although hunting or trapping of wild fauna also played an important role. Occupants of both sites were focused on a diversity of near‐shore marine resources, with little or no evidence for the kind of venturing into deeper waters that would have required investment in new technologies. Comparisons with contemporaneous sites suggest that some of the patterns at Fukuchani and Unguja Ukuu are not replicated elsewhere. This diversity in early Swahili coast foodways is essential to discussions of the agents engaged in long‐distance maritime trade. © 2017 The Authors International Journal of Osteoarchaeology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Synthesis and catalytic properties for olefin polymerization of new vanadium complexes containing silsesquioxane ligands with different denticity
Authors: Białek Marzena , Pochwała Monika , Franczyk Adrian , Czaja Krystyna , Marciniec Bogdan
Published: February 2017

A series of new vanadium‐silsesquioxanes (2a − 2d) was prepared by reacting VCl4 with not fully condensed silsesquioxanes (having from one to four silanol groups) and evaluated as pre‐catalysts in olefin polymerization. The activation of 2a − 2d with EtAlCl2 generated highly active catalysts for ethylene polymerization, yielding high molar mass polymers with narrow dispersity. Ultra‐high molar mass polyethylenes, Mw up to 4 × 106 g mol−1, were obtained with methylaluminoxane and Al(iBu)3/[Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] as activators. Upon treatment with methylaluminoxane and boron compounds, all vanadium pre‐catalysts were active in 1‐octene polymerization as well, and produced isotactic‐rich poly(1‐octene)s with moderate monomer conversion (up to 23%). The polymerization parameters were optimized and the effect of the silsesquioxane structure on the catalytic activity and polymer properties was studied. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Predictability of downward propagation of major sudden stratospheric warmings
Authors: Karpechko Alexey Yu. , Hitchcock Peter , Peters Dieter H. W. , Schneidereit Andrea
Published: February 2017

Major sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) are striking phenomena of wintertime stratospheric circulation usually defined as a reversal of zonal mean circulation from westerlies to easterlies. SSWs often have significant impact on tropospheric circulation and cause anomalies in surface climate lasting for up to 2 months. For this reason, dynamics and predictability of SSW receive considerable attention. It is however well‐known that not all SSWs cause significant, long‐lasting impact on the troposphere. In order to explain differences in tropospheric impacts following SSWs, several reasons have been previously proposed, including differences in type of SSW (split or displacement), persistence of stratospheric anomalies, preconditioning of the tropospheric circulation, and whether or not SSW was accompanied by a planetary wave reflection in the stratosphere. Here we address the predictability of tropospheric impacts by SSWs by seeking early precursors of the impacts. We separate midwinter SSWs into two groups: those which are followed by significant, long‐lasting impacts on the tropospheric circulation (defined in terms of anomalous Northern Annular Mode) and those not followed by significant anomalies in the annular mode. We show that SSWs characterised by a more negative Northern Annular Mode index in the lower stratosphere around 150 hPa and enhanced wave activity propagation to the stratosphere during the first few days following the central date have a larger probability of being followed by tropospheric impact, both in reanalyses and in climate model runs. These anomalies play a more important role in the subsequent downward propagation of the signal to the troposphere than the type of SSW: whether it is a split or a displacement, or absorptive or reflective SSW. We propose that using these anomalies as precursors of tropospheric impacts of SSW can enhance climate predictability.
Efficient protocol for quantum Monte Carlo calculations of hydrogen abstraction barriers: Application to methanol
Authors: Swann Ellen T. , Coote Michelle L. , Barnard Amanda S. , Per Manolo C.
Published: February 2017

Accurate calculation of hydrogen abstraction reaction barriers is a challenging problem, often requiring high level quantum chemistry methods that scale poorly with system size. Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) methods provide an alternative approach that exhibit much better scaling, but these methods are still computationally expensive. We describe approaches that can significantly reduce the cost of QMC calculations of barrier heights, using the hydrogen abstraction of methanol by a hydrogen atom as an illustrative example. By analysing the combined influence of trial wavefunctions and pseudopotential quadrature settings on the barrier heights, variance, and time‐step errors, we devise a simple protocol that minimizes the cost of the QMC calculations while retaining accuracy comparable to large‐basis coupled cluster theory. We demonstrate that this protocol is transferable to other hydrogen abstraction reactions.
Text steganography: a novel character‐level embedding algorithm using font attribute
Authors: Ramakrishnan Bala Krishnan , Thandra Prasanth Kumar , Srinivasula A. V. Satya Murty
Published: February 2017

Text Steganography uses text documents as cover medium to communicate the secret messages, covertly, by making unnoticeable distortions in the cover medium. Character‐Level Embedding Technique (CLET), a variant of text steganography, embeds a secret character by serially marking/distorting an identical character in the cover medium. Hence, these techniques suffer from low embedding capacity as the occurrence of certain alphabets in a text document is not uniform/guaranteed. In addition, identification of the marked cover character itself can reveal the hidden secret. This makes the CLET a less preferable choice. To overcome the aforementioned shortcomings, this paper proposes a novel CLET by introducing the Frequency Normalization Set in combination with the Character and String Mapping. The combination allows a low occurring character to get embedded in several cover characters, and thereby boosts its embedding probability. In addition, the combination also ensures the uniform embedding probability of secret characters. A font attribute called the character spacing is used to embed the secret. Experiments were conducted to investigate the embedding capacity, uniformity in embedding probability and frequency profile of stego characters of the proposed method. A comparison of the proposed method with the existing CLET algorithms is also provided. Various applications and the security aspects of the proposed method have also been discussed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2D Squaraine‐Linked Polymers with High Lithium Storage Capacity Using the First Principle Methods
Authors: Huang Ling , Cao Gengyu
Published: February 2017

Lithium storage in two‐dimensional squaraine‐linked covalent organic frameworks (2D SQ‐COPs: SQ‐COP‐1, SQ‐COP‐2 and SQ‐COP‐3, respectively constructed by squaraine linker and small heterocyclic molecule nodes B3O3, H3B3N3 and C3N3), have been studied by using the first principle methods. For the adsorption of multiple Li atoms, there is no Li2 dimer or cluster formation in SQ‐COPs, but Li−O bonds formation in SQ‐COP‐1 and SQ‐COP‐3. Accumulated Li atoms in Lin@SQ‐COPs will be arranged to produce regular 2D hexagonal packed configurations due to the effects of confined space. Bader analysis reveals charge transfer from Li atoms to SQ‐COPs, indicating high lithiation. Among 2D SQ‐COPs, SQ‐COP‐1 shows better conductivity than SQ‐COP‐2, and maintains stable adsorption configuration compared with SQ‐COP‐3. Furthermore, dynamical calculations indicate that Li atom prefers to move across the 1D pores of SQ‐COP‐1, overcoming a very low energy barrier, which further enhances Li storage capacity. Such good Li storage capacity in 2D metal‐free SQ‐COPs might lead to a promising and environmental‐friendly application in Li ion batteries.
Base‐Free Palladium‐Catalyzed Hydrodechlorination of Aryl Chlorides with Pinacol Borane
Authors: Yamamoto Yutaro , Nogi Keisuke , Yorimitsu Hideki , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: February 2017

Base‐free palladium‐catalyzed reactions of aryl chlorides with pinacol borane have been found to give the hydrodechlorinated products while similar reactions of aryl halides with pinacol borane in the presence of a base were reported to result in borylation. The base‐free conditions offer reasonable functional group compatibility. Experimental studies suggest that smooth and selective hydride transfer from pinacol borane to arylpalladium chloride under base‐free conditions is promoted by a strong interaction between the Lewis acidic boron and the chlorine on the palladium.
Market‐based control for linear structures using symplectic theory
Authors: Li Hong‐Nan , Song Jian‐Zhu , Li Gang
Published: February 2017

Market‐based control (MBC) theory is a type of analogy approach between the behaviors of the free economy market and system control area. The accuracy of the algorithm is mainly determined by the supply and demand models, which are determined by the internal model parameters. In the present study, a deterministic method is proposed to improve the parameters in the models based on symplectic theory by giving the index function and introducing the dual vector so that the dynamic equation is transformed from the Lagrange to Hamilton system. In contrast to the traditional method, symplectic theory describes parameters from a new perspective without trial values, and the model parameters are only related to their own characteristics of the structural vibration system to facilitate practical application. The MBC stability is also deduced based on symplectic theory, which can be applied not only to the time‐invariant MBC system but also to the time‐varying system. To verify the effectiveness of the designed MBC controller, the control strategy is used for a 3‐story structure and a 20‐story structure. The numerical example shows that the deduction of the MBC strategy is effective.
Fisetin‐induced apoptosis of human oral cancer SCC‐4 cells through reactive oxygen species production, endoplasmic reticulum stress, caspase‐, and mitochondria‐dependent signaling pathways
Authors: Su Chen‐Hsuan , Kuo Chao‐Lin , Lu Kung‐Wen , Yu Fu‐Shun , Ma Yi‐Shih , Yang Jiun‐Long , Chu Yung‐Lin , Chueh Fu‐Shin , Liu Kuo‐Ching , Chung Jing‐Gung
Published: February 2017

Oral cancer is one of the cancer‐related diseases in human populations and its incidence rates are rising worldwide. Fisetin, a flavonoid from natural products, has been shown to exhibit anticancer activities in many human cancer cell lines but the molecular mechanism of fisetin‐induced apoptosis in human oral cancer cells is still unclear; thus, in this study, we investigated fisetin‐induced cell death and associated signal pathways on human oral cancer SCC‐4 cells in vitro. We examined cell morphological changes, total viable cells, and cell cycle distribution by phase contrast microscopy and flow cytometry assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), Ca2+, mitochondria membrane potential (ΔΨm), and caspase‐8, ‐9, and ‐3 activities were also measured by flow cytometer. Results indicate that fisetin induced cell death through the cell morphological changes, caused G2/M phase arrest, induction of apoptosis, promoted ROS and Ca2+ production, and decreased the level of ΔΨm and increased caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9 activities in SCC‐4 cells. DAPI staining and DNA gel electrophoresis were also used to confirm fisetin‐induced cell apoptosis in SCC‐4 cells. Western blotting also found out that Fisetin increased the proapoptotic proteins such as Bax and Bid and decreased the antiapoptotic proteins such as Bcl‐2. Furthermore, results also showed that Fisetin increased the cytochrome c, AIF, and Endo G release from mitochondria in SCC‐4 cells. We also used ATF‐6α, ATF‐6β, GADD153, and GRP78 which indicated that fisetin induced cell death through ER stress. Based on those observations, we suggest that fisetin induced cell apoptosis through ER stress, mitochondria‐, and caspase‐dependent pathways.
Inhibitory effects of Leucaena leucocephala on the metastasis and invasion of human oral cancer cells
Authors: Chung Hsiao‐Hang , Chen Mu‐Kuan , Chang Yu‐Chao , Yang Shun‐Fa , Lin Chia‐Chieh , Lin Chiao‐Wen
Published: February 2017

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and metastasis is recognized as a major factor causing its low survival rate. The inhibition of metastasis progress and the improvement of the survival rate for oral cancer are critical research objectives. Leucaena leucocephala from the mimosa branch Leucaena genus is native to Central and South America and has been used as a traditional remedy for treating various disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory as well as anticancer properties of L. leucocephala plant materials. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer effect induced by L. leucocephala remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of L. leucocephala extract (LLE) on SCC‐9 and SAS oral cancer cells and examined the potential inhibitory mechanisms involved. The results indicated that LLE attenuated the migration and invasion abilities of both SCC‐9 and SAS cells by reducing the activity and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinases‐2 (MMP‐2). Regarding mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 exhibited a significant inhibitory effect in the presence of LLE. The application of ERK inhibitor and p38 inhibitor confirmed that both signalling transduction pathways were involved in the inhibition of cell metastasis. These data indicate that L. leucocephala could be a potent therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of oral cancer and a prominent plant source for anticancer research in the future.
Estimating biomass of berries consumed by gray wolves
Authors: Gable Thomas D. , Windels Steve K. , Bruggink John G.
Published: February 2017

Gray wolves (Canis lupus) consume berries and other wild fruits seasonally when available or abundant. However, a method to convert percent frequency of occurrence or percent volume of berries in wolf scats to percent biomass has not yet been developed. We used estimates of the average number of blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) seeds in 10 individual wolf scats collected in and adjacent to Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, USA, along with published values of the number of seeds per blueberry and blueberry masses to estimate that a wolf scat containing only berries equated to an average of 0.468 kg of berries consumed. We recommend using this berry conversion factor (0.468 kg/scat) to convert the percent frequency of occurrence or percent volume of berries and other wild fruits to percent biomass when estimating wolf diets from scats. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.