bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of triclocarban, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, and a mixture of pharmaceuticals and personal care products on fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas)
Authors: Zenobio Jenny E. , Sanchez Brian C. , Archuleta Laura C. , Sepulveda Maria S.
Published: December 2013

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have been detected widely in aquatic ecosystems, but little is known about their mechanisms of toxicity. We exposed adult fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) for 48 h to triclocarban (1.4 µg/L), N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET; 0.6 µg/L), or a mixture of PPCPs consisting of atenolol (1.5 µg/L), caffeine (0.25 µg/L), diphenhydramine (0.1 µg/L), gemfibrozil (1.5 µg/L), ibuprofen (0.4 µg/L), naproxen (1.6 µg/L), triclosan (2.3 µg/L), progesterone (0.2 µg/L), triclocarban (1.4 µg/L), and DEET (0.6 µg/L). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed an upregulation in vitellogenin (vtg) in livers of females and males exposed to triclocarban. Also, an upregulation of hepatic lipoprotein lipase (lpl) and a downregulation of androgen receptor (ar) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (star) were observed in testes. The group treated with DEET only showed a significant decrease in ar in females. In contrast, the PPCP mixture downregulated vtg in females and males and expression of estrogen receptor alpha (erα), star, and thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1 (thra1) in testes. The authors' results show that the molecular estrogenic effects of triclocarban are eliminated (males) or reversed (females) when dosed in conjunction with several other PPCP, once again demonstrating that results from single exposures could be vastly different from those observed with mixtures. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:910–919. © 2013 SETAC
Chemical characterization of Brickellia cavanillesii (Asteraceae) using gas chromatographic methods
Authors: Eshiet Etetor R. , Zhu Jinqiu , Anderson Todd A. , Smith Ernest E.
Published: December 2013

A methanol extract of lyophilized Brickellia cavanillesii was quantitatively analyzed using gas chromatographic (GC) techniques. The chromatographic methods employed were (i) GC‐flame ionization detector (GC‐FID), (ii) GC‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), and (iii) purge and trap GC‐MS (P&T GC‐MS). Thirteen compounds were identified with a quality match of 90% and above using GC‐MS. The compounds were (1) Cyclohexene, 6‐ethenyl‐6‐methyl‐1‐(1‐methylethyl)‐3‐(1‐methylethylidene)‐, (S)‐; (2) Bicylo (2.2.1) heptan‐2‐one, 1, 7, 7‐trimethyl‐(1S, 4S)‐; (3) Phenol, 2‐methoxy‐4‐(1‐propenyl)‐; (4) Benzene, 1‐(1, 5‐dimethyl‐4‐hexenyl)‐4‐methyl‐; (5) Naphthalene, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8a‐hexahydro4, 7‐dimethyl‐1‐1‐(1‐methylethyl)‐, (1S‐cis)‐; (6) Phenol, 2‐methoxy‐; (7) Benzaldehyde, 3‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxy‐; (8) 11, 13‐Eicosadienoic acid, methyl ester; (9) 2‐Furancarboxaldehyde, 5‐methyl‐; (10) Maltol; (11) Phenol; (12) Hydroquinone; (13) 1H‐Indene, 1‐ethylideneoctahydro‐7a‐methyl‐, (1E, 3a.alpha, 7a.beta.). Other compounds (14) 3‐methyl butanal; (15) (D)‐Limonene; (16) 1‐methyl‐4‐(1‐methyl ethyl) benzene; (17) Butanoic acid methyl ester; (18) 2‐methyl propanal; (19) 2‐butanone; (20) 2‐pentanone; and (21) 2‐methyl butane were also identified when P&T GC‐MS was performed. Of the 21 compounds identified, 12 were validated using chemical standards. The identified compounds were found to be terpenes, derivatives of terpenes, esters, ketones, aldehydes, and phenol‐derived aromatic compounds; these are the primary constituents of the essential oils of many plants and flowers.
Index Futures Trading and Stock Market Volatility in China: A Difference‐in‐Difference Approach
Authors: Xie Shiqing , Mo Taiping
Published: December 2013

Using panel data, which consist of stocks listed on the Chinese stock market during the period May 2005 to December 2012, this study examines the impact of the introduction of CSI 300 index futures on stock market volatility. A multi‐period difference‐in‐difference (DID) approach is used to check whether the volatility of the underlying CSI 300 stocks increases relative to a matching set of non‐CSI 300 stocks after the introduction of index futures. This study finds that the spot price experiences a long‐term trend of diminishing volatility commencing in 2009. Although volatility initially increases several months after the introduction of CSI stock index futures, the difference does not seem to persist as there seems to be little long‐run impact on spot price volatility from the introduction of index futures trading. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 34:282–297, 2014
Regulation of activity of P2X7 receptor by its splice variants in cultured mouse astrocytes
Authors: Kido Yuuka , Kawahara Chiyo , Terai Yasuko , Ohishi Akihiro , Kobayashi Satoshi , Hayakawa Miki , Kamatsuka Yosuke , Nishida Kentaro , Nagasawa Kazuki
Published: December 2013

Of purinergic receptors, P2X7 receptor (P2X7R, defined as a full‐length receptor) has unique characteristics, and its activation leads to ion channel activity and pore formation, causing cell death. Previously, we demonstrated that P2X7R expressed by nonstimulated astrocyte cultures obtained from SJL‐strain mice exhibits constitutive activation, implying its role in maintenance of cellular homeostasis. To obtain novel insights into its physiological roles, we examined whether constitutive activation of P2X7R is regulated by expression of its splice variants in such resting astrocytes, and whether their distinct expression profiles in different mouse strains affect activation levels of astrocytic P2X7Rs. In SJL‐ and ddY‐mouse astrocytes, spontaneous YO‐PRO‐1 uptake, an indicator of pore activity of P2X7R, was detected, but the uptake by the formers was significantly greater than that by the latter. Between the two mouse strains, there was a difference in their sensitivity of YO‐PRO‐1 uptake to antagonists, but not in the expression levels and sequences of P2X7R and pannexin‐1. Regarding expression of splice variants of P2X7R, expression of P2X7R variant‐3 (P2X7R‐v3) and ‐4 (P2X7R‐v4), but not variant‐2 and ‐k, was lower in SJL‐mouse astrocytes than in ddY‐mouse ones. On transfection of P2X7R‐v3 and ‐v4 into SJL‐mouse astrocytes, the pore activity was attenuated as in the case of the HEK293T cell‐expression system. These findings demonstrate that basal activity of P2X7R expressed by resting astrocytes is negatively regulated by P2X7R‐v3 and ‐v4, and that their distinct expression profiles result in the different activation levels of astrocytic P2X7Rs in different mouse strains. GLIA 2014;62:440–451
In Vivo Analysis of Arg-Gly-Asp Sequence/Integrin α5β1-Mediated Signal Involvement in Embryonic Enchondral Ossification by Exo Utero Development System
Authors: Inoue Takayuki , Hashimoto Ryuju , Matsumoto Akihiro , Jahan Esrat , Rafiq Ashiq Mahmood , Udagawa Jun , Hatta Toshihisa , Otani Hiroki
Published: December 2013

Enchondral ossification is a fundamental mechanism for longitudinal bone growth during vertebrate development. In vitro studies suggested that functional blockade with RGD peptides or with an antibody that interferes with integrin α5β1–ligand interactions inhibited pre-hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation. The purpose of this study is to elucidate in vivo the roles of the integrin α5β1-mediated signal through the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence in the cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction in embryonic enchondral ossification by an exo utero development system. We injected Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) peptides and anti-integrin α5β1 antibody (α5β1 ab) in the upper limbs of mouse embryos at embryonic day (E) 15.5 (RGDS-injected limbs, α5β1 ab-injected limbs), and compared the effects on enchondral ossification with those found in the control limbs (Arg-Gly-Glu-Ser peptide-, mouse IgG-, or vehicle-injected, and no surgery) at E16.5. In the RGDS-injected limbs, the humeri were shorter and there were fewer BrdU-positive cells than in the control limbs. The ratios of cartilage length and area to those of the humerus were higher in the RGDS-injected limbs. The ratios of type X collagen to type 2 collagen mRNA and protein (Coll X/Coll 2) were significantly lower in the RGDS-injected limbs. In those limbs, TUNEL-positive cells were hardly observed, and the ratios of fractin to the Coll X/Coll 2 ratio were lower than in the control limbs. Furthermore, the α5β1 ab-injected limbs showed results similar to those of RGDS-injected limbs. The present in vivo study by exo utero development system showed that RGDS and α5β1 ab injection decreased chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in enchondral ossification, and suggested that the integrin α5β1-mediated ECM signal through the RGD sequence is involved in embryonic enchondral ossification. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Single‐dose pharmacokinetic studies of abiraterone acetate in men with hepatic or renal impairment
Authors: Marbury Thomas , Lawitz Eric , Stonerock Robert , Gonzalez Martha , Jiao James , Breeding Jim , Haqq Christopher , Verboven Peter , Stieltjes Hans , Yu Margaret , Molina Arturo , Acharya Milin , Chien Caly , Tran NamPhuong
Published: December 2013

Three open‐label, single‐dose studies investigated the impact of hepatic or renal impairment on abiraterone acetate pharmacokinetics and safety/tolerability in non‐cancer patients. Patients (n = 8 each group) with mild/moderate hepatic impairment or end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), and age‐, BMI‐matched healthy controls received a single oral 1,000 mg abiraterone acetate (tablet dose); while patients (n = 8 each) with severe hepatic impairment and matched healthy controls received 125‐ and 2,000‐mg abiraterone acetate (suspension doses), respectively (systemic exposure of abiraterone acetate suspension is approximately half to that of tablet formulation). Blood was sampled at specified timepoints up to 72 or 96 hours postdose to measure plasma abiraterone concentrations. Abiraterone exposure was comparable between healthy controls and patients with mild hepatic impairment or ESRD, but increased by 4‐fold in patients with moderate hepatic impairment. Despite a 16‐fold reduction in dose, abiraterone exposure in patients with severe hepatic impairment was about 22% and 44% of the Cmax and AUC∞ of healthy controls, respectively. These results suggest that abiraterone pharmacokinetics were not changed markedly in patients with ESRD or mild hepatic impairment. However, the capacity to eliminate abiraterone was substantially compromised in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment. A single‐dose administration of abiraterone acetate was well‐tolerated.
Numerical evaluation of the correlation between the normal variation in the sagittal alignment of the lumbar spine and the spinal loads
Authors: Galbusera Fabio , Brayda‐Bruno Marco , Costa Francesco , Wilke Hans‐Joachim
Published: December 2013

We present a numerical approach to reproduce various patterns of spino‐pelvic organization. We wanted to predict the spinal loads in two static conditions (standing and holding a weight in the hands) based on parameters describing the shape of the lumbar spine: type following Roussouly classification, sacral slope, apex, inflection point and lumbar lordosis. Four hundred eighty finite element models including trunk muscles and representing the entire range of normal variability were created. The models predicted that, in the case of a moderate external load of 50 N, a lordotic and well balanced spine (e.g., type 3) could reduce the muscle activation in comparison with a more lordotic (type 4) spine, with negligible differences compared to a more straight spine (type 2). However, such a sagittal configuration was not correlated with a minimization of the loading state in the intervertebral discs, especially regarding anteroposterior shear loads. In the standing posture without any additional load, a less lordotic and more vertical spine (e.g., types 1 and 2) was sufficient to ensure a condition of minimal spinal loads. Despite a number of limitations, inverse statics numerical models of spine biomechanics including trunk muscles appear to be a promising tool to fill the knowledge gap between the clinical observations of the correlations between the spino‐pelvic organization and the consequent spinal disorders. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:537–544, 2014.
A SERS‐active enzymatic product used for the quantification of disease‐related molecules
Authors: Yu Zhi , Chen Lei , Wang Yue , Wang Xu , Song Wei , Ruan Weidong , Zhao Bing , Cong Qian
Published: December 2013

In this paper, a method for enhancing the analysis of biologic materials was designed. This method incorporated the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique and an enzyme catalysis‐based bioassay to develop a more efficient analysis procedure. Using this combination, the quick and simple detection of disease‐related molecules (the human cardiac isoform of troponin T, cTnT) in human serum was achieved. This method utilizes enzyme catalysis to develop a H2O2‐horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) chromogenic system, and the final enzymatic product TMB2+ revealed perfect SERS activities. By analyzing a concentration‐dependent SERS spectrum, the quantitative analysis was accomplished. Our findings reveal that the proposed method has a wider linear range and a more sensitive detection limit compared with traditional chromogenic tests. In summary, two existing methods have been combined to create a new model, which has the potential to be used for the bioanalysis and early diagnosis of diseases. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between histologic response and the degree of tumor shrinkage after chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Suzuki Toshiyuki , Sadahiro Sotaro , Tanaka Akira , Okada Kazutake , Saito Gota , Kamijo Akemi , Akiba Takeshi , Kawada Shuichi
Published: December 2013

Background

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) significantly decreases local recurrence in advanced rectal cancer. We studied whether the degree of tumor shrinkage can be used as a predictor of histologic response.

Methods

The subjects were 114 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent total mesorectal excision after receiving radiotherapy combined with uracil/tegafur (UFT) or S‐1. The degree of tumor shrinkage based on barium enema examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were assessed before CRT and immediately before surgery.

Results

A histologic complete response (ypCR), histologic marked regression, T and N downstaging were associated with significantly higher tumor‐shrinkage rates on barium enema (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, and P < 0.01, respectively) as well as on MRI (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, and P = 0.01, respectively). On multivariate analysis, ypCR and histologic marked regression were significantly related only to tumor‐shrinkage rates on barium enema (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively), and were not related to tumor‐shrinkage rates on MRI.

Conclusions

The degree of tumor shrinkage is closely related to the final histologic response. Two‐dimensionally evaluated tumor‐shrinkage rates based on barium enema are adequate for the prediction of histologic response. J. Surg. Oncol 2014; 109:659–664. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population dynamics of double‐crested cormorants in two interior breeding areas
Authors: Chastant Jennifer E. , King D. Tommy , Weseloh D.V. Chip , Moore David J.
Published: December 2013

Because of rapid population expansion, conflicts between double‐crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) and humans have increased, particularly at aquaculture facilities in the Lower Mississippi River Valley (LMRV), United States. Although key demographic information on the Interior population is sparse, management decisions for population reduction are already in place across their breeding range. New evidence suggests the Appalachian Mountains may act as a migration divide for Interior cormorants, causing some birds to migrate between LMRV and the western Great Lakes, whereas others migrate between Florida and the eastern Great Lakes. Most of the banded cormorants recovered near LMRV aquaculture facilities were banded as nestlings at colonies from the central Great Lakes west to the northern Great Plains. We selected 2 geographically distinct Interior cormorant breeding areas: west of the Great Lakes in Lake of the Woods (LOW) and eastern Lake Ontario (ELO), located on either side of the migration divide in the province of Ontario, Canada, to study population dynamics. We used age‐specific classes for our mark‐recapture analysis (Program MARK) on data collected from 9,498 color‐banded cormorants during the breeding seasons of 2000–2008. Adult survival was the same for both areas (LOW = 0.84 ± 0.09 SE, ELO = 0.83 ± 0.05 SE). Finite rates of population growth (λ) were also similar (LOW = 1.01, ELO = 0.97) and sensitivity analyses indicated that adult survival was the most influential vital rate contributing to λ for both breeding areas. However, young‐of‐the‐year survival estimates were distinctly less in ELO (0.19 ± 0.02 SE) than in LOW (0.45 ± 0.10 SE) and sensitivity analysis revealed that young‐of‐the‐year survival played a key role in ELO population growth. Moreover, ELO breeding area fidelity (F) was much greater (0.94 ± 0.05 SE) than the F estimates for all age classes in LOW (between 0.68 ± 0.19 SE and 0.80 ± 0.13 SE). Considering these regional demographic differences, we recommend that future management efforts be based on migratory flyways within the Interior population. © 2013 The Wildlife Society
Sustainability of elephant hunting across international borders in southern Africa: A case study of the greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area
Authors: Selier Sarah‐Anne Jeanetta , Page Bruce R. , Vanak Abi Tamim , Slotow Rob
Published: December 2013

Trophy hunting of African elephant is often implemented as an income generator for communities surrounding protected areas. However, the sustainability of hunting on elephant populations, especially with regards to international cross‐border populations has not previously been evaluated. We assessed the effects of trophy hunting on the population dynamics and movements of elephant in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, which is spread across the junction of Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Currently, no common policy exits in quota setting for cross‐border species, and each country determines their own quota based on limited data. Using VORTEX, we determined the sustainability of current quotas of elephant off‐take under different ecological and hunting scenarios. We used distribution data from 6 aerial surveys and hunting data per region to determine the disturbance effect of hunting on bulls and breeding herds separately. Hunting of bulls had a direct effect in reducing bull numbers but also an indirect effect due to disturbance that resulted in movement of elephants out of the areas in which hunting occurred. The return interval was short for bulls but longer for females. Only a small number of bulls (<10/year) could be hunted sustainably. At current rates of hunting, under average ecological conditions, trophy bulls will disappear from the population in less than 10 years. We recommend a revision of the current quotas within each country for the Greater Mapungubwe elephant population, and the establishment of a single multi‐jurisdictional (cross‐border) management authority regulating the hunting of elephant and other cross‐border species. © 2013 The Wildlife Society
Tribology, surface chemistry and morphology of WS2 tribofilms generated by the ANS triboconditioning process
Authors: Zhmud Boris , Tomanik Eduardo , Xavier Fabio‐Antonio
Published: December 2013

Triboconditioning is a mechanochemical surface finishing process developed for improving the tribological properties of mechanical components made of steel or cast iron. The process combines elements of extreme pressure mechanical burnishing of the component surface with a tribochemical deposition of a low‐friction anti‐wear film of tungsten disulphide (WS2). This allows one to produce, in a single finishing operation, a smoother surface with a significantly reduced coefficient of boundary friction and improved wear‐resistance and load‐carrying capacity.

This study presents results of tribological rig tests carried out with valve train components and cylinder bores that underwent the triboconditioning treatment. The results show significant improvement in the tribological properties of triboconditioned components. The improvement is attributed to the formation of WS2 tribofilms at the component surface and a modified surface roughness profile with reduced core roughness (Rk) and peak height (Rpk). Elemental composition of the tribofilms generated by the triboconditioning process has been studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy the surface profile of the treated components has been studied using vertical scanning interferometry and the internal structure of the tribofilms has been studied with focused ion beam–transmission electron microscope technique. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Polymer Concentration on Structure and Properties of Zwitterionic Nanocomposite Gels
Authors: Ning Jinyan , Li Guang , Haraguchi Kazutoshi
Published: December 2013

Zwitterionic nanocomposite gels (Zw‐NC gels) composed of a zwitterionic sulfobetaine copolymer and inorganic clay (hectorite) are synthesized through the in situ free‐radical copolymerization of N,N‐dimethyl(acrylamidopropyl)ammonium propanesulfonate (90 mol%) and N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (10 mol%) with exfoliated clay platelets in an aqueous medium. The effects of polymer concentration (Cp) on the dynamic viscoelasticity, tensile mechanical properties, transparency, and the thermosensitivity with the upper critical solution temperature (UCST) of the Zw‐NC gels are investigated in the range Cp = 26–260 g L−1 and are compared with those of chemically cross‐linked zwitterionic gels. All the mechanical and thermosensitive properties strongly change depending on the type of network and Cp. The Cp‐induced changes in the polymer‐clay structure of the Zw‐NC gel are discussed based on the mechanical, optical, and thermosensitive properties, and on transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction measurements.

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Broadband Absorbing Polyporphyrin Membrane as Singlet Oxygen Photosensitizer for Photo‐oxidation
Authors: Wu Wen‐Ting , Zhan Li‐Ying , Fan Wei‐Yu , Wu Xue‐Yan , Pan Qian‐Wei , Huang Ling , Li Zhong‐Tao , Zheng Jing‐Tang , Wang Ye‐Fei , Wu Ming‐Bo
Published: December 2013

A novel polymer membrane (TPP‐M) with strong light harvesting ability within the entire visible‐ light spectrum has been prepared, in which the meso‐tetrakis(4‐cyanophenyl) porphyrin (TPP‐1) as a functional unit is highly crosslinked through an aromatic nitrile trimerization reaction. The designed triazine framework controls the size of the π‐conjugation and retains the excellent photophysical properties of monomeric porphyrin, such as strong absorption and high singlet oxygen quantum yield. Due to these excellent photophysical properties and low solubility in common organic solvents, polyporphyrin membranes, as efficient singlet oxygen (1O2) sensitizers, could be easily recycled and reused for the photo‐oxidation of 1,5‐dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN).

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Flow‐Through‐Mediated Surface Immobilization of Sub‐Micrometre Particles in Monolithic Cryogels
Authors: Hajizadeh Solmaz , Mattiasson Bo , Kirsebom Harald
Published: December 2013

Particles with functional groups on their surface were immobilized on premade cryogels through covalent bonding to maximize the accessibility of the target molecules to the surface of the particles. The physical properties of the composite cryogel were characterized by SEM, texture analysis and nitrogen adsorption. Different key factors affecting immobilization were also investigated, e.g., recirculation time and the number of functional groups on the premade cryogels. It was found that the physical characteristics of the composite cryogels prepared in this way were very similar to those of the primary matrices, while their binding capacity increased in comparison with conventionally prepared composite cryogels. The binding capacities of two different types of composite cryogel were evaluated by studying the adsorption of small molecules (copper ions and Orange G) and a large molecule (thermostable His‐tagged exoglucanase).
Locally convex quotient lattice cones
Authors: Ayaseh Davood , Ranjbari Asghar
Published: December 2013

Walter Roth has investigated certain equivalence relations on locally convex cones in [W. Roth, Locally convex quotient cones, J. Convex Anal. 18, No. 4, 903–913 (2011)] which give rise to the definition of a locally convex quotient cone. In this paper, we investigate some special equivalence relations on a locally convex lattice cone by which the locally convex quotient cone becomes a lattice. In the case of a locally convex solid Riesz space, this reduces to the known concept of locally convex solid quotient Riesz space. We prove that the strict inductive limit of locally convex lattice cones is a locally convex lattice cone. We also study the concept of locally convex complete quotient lattice cones.
Nonlinear perturbations of a ‐Laplacian equation with critical growth in
Authors: Alves Claudianor O. , Ferreira Marcelo C.
Published: December 2013

We prove the existence of solution for a class of ‐Laplacian equations where the nonlinearity has a critical growth. Here, we consider two cases: the first case involves the situation where the variable exponents are periodic functions. The second one involves the case where the variable exponents are nonperiodic perturbations.
How to compute the multigraded Hilbert depth of a module
Authors: Ichim Bogdan , Moyano‐Fernández Julio‐José
Published: December 2013

In the first part of this paper we introduce a method for computing Hilbert decompositions (and consequently the Hilbert depth) of a finitely generated multigraded module M over the polynomial ring by reducing the problem to the computation of the finite set of the new defined Hilbert partitions. In the second part we show how Hilbert partitions may be used for computing the Stanley depth of the module M. In particular, we answer two open questions posed by Herzog in .
Stimuli‐Responsive Nanocomposite: Potential Injectable Embolization Agent
Authors: Chen Xiuli , Huang Lin , Sun Hao‐Jan , Cheng Stephen Z. D. , Zhu Mingqiang , Yang Guang
Published: December 2013

Liver cancer remains a significant medical problem and one promising therapeutic approach is to embolize the tumor. One emerging embolization strategy is to use thermoresponsive materials that can be injected but gel at the tumor site. It is now reported on thermoresponsive nanocomposites generated by grafting poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) chains on bacterial cellulose nanowhiskers. Chemical and physical evidences are provided for grafting and demonstrated a sol–gel transition when the temperature is increased above 34.3 °C. Cytotoxicity test in human umbilical vein endothelial cells indicates the excellent biocompatibility of these nanocomposites for use as embolic materials. These results suggest that the nanocomposites offer appropriate properties for embolization of hepatocellular carcinoma.

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Visualization of VirE2 protein translocation by the Agrobacterium type IV secretion system into host cells
Authors: Sakalis Philippe A. , van Heusden G. Paul H. , Hooykaas Paul J. J.
Published: December 2013

Type IV secretion systems (T4SS) can mediate the translocation of bacterial virulence proteins into host cells. The plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens uses a T4SS to deliver a VirD2‐single stranded DNA complex as well as the virulence proteins VirD5, VirE2, VirE3, and VirF into host cells so that these become genetically transformed. Besides plant cells, yeast and fungi can efficiently be transformed by Agrobacterium. Translocation of virulence proteins by the T4SS has so far only been shown indirectly by genetic approaches. Here we report the direct visualization of VirE2 protein translocation by using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and Split GFP visualization strategies. To this end, we cocultivated Agrobacterium strains expressing VirE2 tagged with one part of a fluorescent protein with host cells expressing the complementary part, either fused to VirE2 (for BiFC) or not (Split GFP). Fluorescent filaments became visible in recipient cells 20–25 h after the start of the cocultivation indicative of VirE2 protein translocation. Evidence was obtained that filament formation was due to the association of VirE2 with the microtubuli.
Supratentorial and infratentorial damage in spinocerebellar ataxia 2: A diffusion‐weighted MRI study
Authors: Salvatore Elena , Tedeschi Enrico , Mollica Carmine , Vicidomini Caterina , Varrone Andrea , Coda Anna Rita Daniela , Brunetti Arturo , Salvatore Marco , De Michele Giuseppe , Filla Alessandro , Pappatà Sabina
Published: December 2013

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is an autosomal‐dominant degenerative disorder that is neuropathologically characterized primarily by infratentorial damage, although less severe supratentorial involvement may contribute to the clinical manifestation. Diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI)–Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies of SCA2 have enabled in vivo quantification of neurodegeneration in infratentorial regions, whereas supratentorial regions have been explored less thoroughly. We measured microstructural changes in both infratentorial and supratentorial regions in 13 SCA2 patients (9 men, 4 women; mean age, 50 ± 12 years) and 15 controls (10 men, 5 women; mean age, 49 ± 14 years) using DWI‐MRI and correlated the DWI changes with disease severity and duration. Disease severity was evaluated using the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale and the Inherited Ataxia Clinical Rating Scale. Cerebral diffusion trace (
) values were generated, and regions of interest (ROIs) and voxel‐based analysis with Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) were used for data analysis. In SCA2 patients, ROI analysis and SPM confirmed significant increases in
values in the pons, cerebellar white matter (CWM) and middle cerebellar peduncles. Moreover, SPM analysis revealed increased
values in the right thalamus, bilateral temporal cortex/white matter, and motor cortex/pyramidal tract regions. Increased diffusivity in the frontal white matter (FWM) and the CWM was significantly correlated with ataxia severity. DWI‐MRI revealed that both infratentorial and supratentorial microstructural changes may characterize SCA2 patients in the course of the disease and might contribute to the severity of the symptoms. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Executive functions in premanifest Huntington's disease
Authors: You S. Christine , Geschwind Michael D. , Sha Sharon J. , Apple Alexandra , Satris Gabriella , Wood Kristie A. , Johnson Erica T. , Gooblar Jonathan , Feuerstein Jeanne S. , Finkbeiner Steven , Kang Gail A. , Miller Bruce L. , Hess Christopher P. , Kramer Joel H. , Possin Katherine L.
Published: December 2013

Background

We investigated the viability of psychometrically robust executive function measures as markers for premanifest Huntington's disease (HD).

Methods

Fifteen premanifest HD subjects and 42 controls were compared on the NIH EXAMINER executive function battery. This battery yields an overall executive composite score, plus working memory, cognitive control, and fluency scores that are measured on psychometrically matched scales. The scores were correlated with two disease markers, disease burden and striatal volumes, in the premanifest HD subjects.

Results

The premanifest HD subjects scored significantly lower on the working memory score. The executive composite positively correlated with striatal volumes, and the working memory score negatively correlated with disease burden. The cognitive control and fluency scores did not differ between the groups or correlate significantly with the disease markers.

Conclusions

The NIH EXAMINER executive composite and working memory scores are sensitive markers of cognitive dysfunction, striatal volume, and disease burden in premanifest HD. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Relative exchangeable copper: A promising tool for family screening in Wilson disease
Authors: Trocello Jean‐Marc , El Balkhi Souleiman , Woimant France , Girardot‐Tinant Nadège , Chappuis Philippe , Lloyd Carla , Poupon Joël
Published: December 2013

Background

Family screening is a main step for the diagnosis in Wilson disease. This study was undertaken to evaluate the value of relative exchangeable copper for family screening.

Methods

Data from family screening were collected from the French National Center of Reference for Wilson disease. Subjects who were first‐ or second‐degree relatives of the index case underwent clinical examination and biological parameters.

Results

Of 127 subjects examined, copper abnormalities or low ceruloplasminemia were detected in 21 subjects, corresponding to 5 patients with Wilson disease, 14 heterozygous ATP7B carriers and 2 subjects with no ATP7B mutations. Relative exchangeable copper determination significantly discriminates heterozygous ATP7B carriers and subjects with no ATP7B mutations from WD patients with a cutoff of 15%.

Conclusions

Exchangeable copper appears to be a promising tool for family screening in Wilson disease. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Idiopathic head tremor in english bulldogs
Authors: Guevar Julien , De Decker Steven , Van Ham Luc M.L. , Fischer Andrea , Volk Holger A.
Published: December 2013

Idiopathic head tremor (IHT) syndrome is a recognized but poorly characterized movement disorder in English bulldogs (EBs). The data analyzed were collected via a detailed online questionnaire and video recordings. Thirty‐eight percent of the population demonstrated IHT. The first presentation was early in life. There was no sex or neutered status predisposition. The condition disappeared with time in 50% of the cases. The direction of the head movement was vertical or horizontal. The number of episodes per day and the duration of the episodes were greatly variable. The majority of episodes occurred at rest. Most of the episodes were unpredictable. And there was no alteration of the mental status for most dogs during the episodes. Stress has been reported as a suspected trigger factor. IHT in EBs can be considered an idiopathic paroxysmal movement disorder. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Nizatidine ameliorates gastroparesis in Parkinson's disease: A pilot study
Authors: Doi Hirokazu , Sakakibara Ryuji , Sato Mitsutoshi , Hirai Shigekazu , Masaka Tohru , Kishi Masahiko , Tsuyusaki Yohei , Tateno Akihiko , Tateno Fuyuki , Takahashi Osamu , Ogata Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2013

Background

The objective of this work was to perform an open trial of the effects of nizatidine (NZT), a selective histamine H2‐receptor antagonist and a cholinomimetic, on gastroparesis in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, using objective parameters given by a gastric emptying study using a 13C‐sodium acetate expiration breath test.

Methods

Twenty patients with PD were enrolled in the study. There were 13 men and 7 women; aged 68.0 ± 7.72 years; disease duration 5.50 ± 3.62 years. All patients underwent the breath test and a gastrointestinal questionnaire before and after 3 months of administration of NZT at 300 mg/day. Statistical analysis was performed by Student t test.

Results

NZT was well tolerated by all patients and none had abdominal pain or other adverse effects. NZT significantly shortened Tmax (13C) (the peak time of the 13C‐dose‐excess curve) (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Although this is a pilot study, we found a significant shortening of gastric emptying time after administration of NZT in PD patients. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Parkinson's disease with Lewy bodies associated with a heterozygous PARKIN dosage mutation
Authors: Sharp Madeleine E. , Marder Karen S. , Côté Lucien , Clark Lorraine N. , Nichols William C. , Vonsattel Jean‐Paul , Alcalay Roy N.
Published: December 2013

Background

PARKIN‐related disease remains incompletely understood. First, the pathogenicity of heterozygous PARKIN mutations is unclear, although some evidence supports causality. Second, unlike sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD), Lewy bodies are present only in a minority of cases. Only one other heterozygote PARKIN carrier with autopsy findings has been described. Our case adds to the broadening pathological and clinical phenotype of PARKIN‐related disease.

Methods

Clinical chart, genetic analysis, and pathological findings of a patient with familial PD are reviewed.

Results

A 44‐year‐old man developed slowly progressive tremor‐predominant PD with excellent response to levodopa. Genetic analysis revealed a heterozygous PARKIN exon 3–4 deletion, also present in 2 family members with early‐onset PD. Postmortem examination showed severe neuronal loss in the substantia nigra and nucleus coeruleus with the presence of diffuse Lewy bodies.

Conclusions

The deletion is unlikely an incidental finding considering family history, age at onset, and the presence of clinical and pathological features not typical of sporadic PD. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A noninvasive handheld assistive device to accommodate essential tremor: A pilot study
Authors: Pathak Anupam , Redmond John A. , Allen Michael , Chou Kelvin L.
Published: December 2013

Background

We explored whether a noninvasive handheld device using Active Cancellation of Tremor (ACT) technology could stabilize tremor‐induced motion of a spoon in individuals with essential tremor (ET).

Methods

Fifteen ET subjects (9 men, 6 women) performed 3 tasks with the ACT device turned on and off. Tremor severity was rated with the Fahn‐Tolosa‐Marin Tremor Rating Scale (TRS). Subjective improvement was rated by subjects with the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI‐S). Tremor amplitude was measured using device‐embedded accelerometers in 11 subjects.

Results

TRS scores improved with ACT on (versus off) in all 3 tasks: holding (1.00 ± 0.76 vs. 0.27 ± 0.70; P = 0.016), eating (1.47 ± 1.06 vs. 0.13 ± 0.64; P = 0.001), and transferring (1.33 ± 0.82 vs. 0.27 ± 0.59; P = 0.001). CGI‐S improved with eating and transferring, but not the holding task. Accelerometer measurements demonstrated 71% to 76% reduction in tremor with the ACT device on.

Conclusions

This noninvasive handheld ACT device can reduce tremor amplitude and severity for eating and transferring tasks in individuals with ET. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
On the linearization of operators related to the full waveform inversion in seismology
Authors: Kirsch Andreas , Rieder Andreas
Published: December 2013

In this work, we analyze the parameter‐to‐solution map of the acoustic wave equation with respect to its parameters wave speed and mass density. This map is a mathematical model for the seismic inverse problem where one wants to recover the parameters from measurements of the acoustic potential. We show its complete continuity and Fréchet differentiability. To this end, we provide necessary existence, stability, and regularity results. Moreover, we discuss various implications of our findings on the inverse problem and comment on the Born series. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Susceptible‐infected‐recovered models with natural birth and death on complex networks
Authors: Huang Qian , Min Lequan , Chen Xiao
Published: December 2013

This paper proposes two modified susceptible‐infected‐recovered (SIRS) models on homogenous and heterogeneous networks, respectively. In the study of the homogenous network model, Lyapunov functions are used to study the globally asymptotically stable of the equilibria of the model. It is proved that if the basic reproduction number of the model is less than one, then the disease‐free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable, otherwise, the endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. In the study of the heterogeneous network model, the existences of the disease‐free equilibrium and epidemic equilibrium of the model are discussed. A threshold value is given. It is proved that if the threshold value of the model is less than one, then the disease‐free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. The simulation examples on the two SIRS models are given. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deformation of striped patterns by inhomogeneities
Authors: Jaramillo Gabriela , Scheel Arnd
Published: December 2013

We study the effects of adding a local perturbation in a pattern‐forming system, taking as an example the Ginzburg–Landau equation with a small localized inhomogeneity in two dimensions. Measuring the response through the linearization at a periodic pattern, one finds an unbounded linear operator that is not Fredholm due to continuous spectrum in typical translation invariant or weighted spaces. We show that Kondratiev spaces, which encode algebraic localization that increases with each derivative, provide an effective means to circumvent this difficulty. We establish Fredholm properties in such spaces and use the result to construct deformed periodic patterns using the Implicit Function Theorem. We find a logarithmic phase correction, which vanishes for a particular spatial shift only, which we interpret as a phase‐selection mechanism through the inhomogeneity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An alternative to the Kelvin decomposition for plane anisotropic elasticity
Authors: Desmorat Boris , Vannucci Paolo
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we propose an alternative tensorial decomposition to the Kelvin's one (introduced by Kelvin in 1856) for plane anisotropic elasticity using the polar formalism (introduced by Verchery in 1979). In the first part of the paper, a parallel between the two approaches is proposed. Thanks to it, some new results are found; namely, the projectors introduced have a direct interpretation in terms of material symmetry and are intrinsic for any type of symmetry considered, that is, they do not depend on any elastic modulus for any type of symmetry, unlike in the Kelvin decomposition. The introduction of what we call, in the paper, the polar projectors, stresses and strains gives a new insight into the polar formalism. The results proposed in this paper will hopefully be useful in some cases, for example, in the modeling of anisotropic damage evolution in solids. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uniqueness and stable determination in the inverse Robin transmission problem with one electrostatic measurement
Authors: Belhachmi Z. , Meftahi H.
Published: December 2013

In this paper, we consider the inverse Robin transmission problem with one electrostatic measurement. We prove a uniqueness result for the simultaneous determination of the Robin parameter p, the conductivity k, and the subdomain D, when D is a ball. When D and k are fixed, we prove a uniqueness result and a directional Lipschitz stability estimate for the Robin parameter p. When p and k are fixed, we give an upper bound to the subdomain D. For the reconstruction purposes of the Robin parameter p, we set the inverse problem under an optimization form for a Kohn–Vogelius cost functional. We prove the existence and the stability of the optimization problem. Finally, we show some numerical experiments that agree with the theoretical considerations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new numerical approach for the solution of nonlinear Fredholm integral equations system of second kind by using Bernstein collocation method
Authors: Sahu P. K. , Saha Ray S.
Published: December 2013

This paper presents an efficient numerical method for finding solutions of the nonlinear Fredholm integral equations system of second kind based on Bernstein polynomials basis. The numerical results obtained by the present method have been compared with those obtained by B‐spline wavelet method. This proposed method reduces the system of integral equations to a system of algebraic equations that can be solved easily any of the usual numerical methods. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the accuracy of the method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coffee and cancer risk, epidemiological evidence, and molecular mechanisms
Authors: Bøhn Siv Kjølsrud , Blomhoff Rune , Paur Ingvild
Published: December 2013

Although early studies suggested that coffee consumption might increase risk of some cancers, more comprehensive epidemiological and experimental data now generally indicate either neutral or beneficial effects. In this review, we summarize the current evidence for associations between breast, prostate, colorectal, and liver cancers and the consumption of coffee, and discuss the experimental evidence for potential chemopreventive mechanisms of coffee and coffee constituents. The epidemiological evidence consistently indicates that coffee protects against liver cancer, and also point toward protective effects for risk of colorectal cancers (with relative risks of 0.50 (95% CI: 0.42–0.59) and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.75–0.92), respectively, in the most recent meta‐analyses). There seems to be no association between the overall risk of breast and prostate cancer and coffee intake. However, for subgroups such as postmenopausal breast cancers, advanced prostate cancers, and breast and prostate cancer survivors, an inverse association with coffee intake is indicated. Potential mechanisms for chemopreventive effects of coffee phytochemicals includes inhibition of oxidative stress and oxidative damage, regulation of DNA repair, phase II enzymatic activity, apoptosis, inflammation, as well as having antiproliferative, antiangiogenetic effects and antimetastatic effects. The experimental evidence for effects of coffee and coffee constituents on each of these processes is discussed.
Daily life functioning of community‐dwelling elderly couples: an investigation of the feasibility and validity of Ecological Momentary Assessment
Authors: Rullier Laetitia , Atzeni Thierry , Husky Mathilde , Bouisson Jean , Dartigues Jean‐François , Swendsen Joel , Bergua Valerie
Published: December 2013

Although ambulatory data collection techniques have been used in elderly populations, their feasibility and validity amongst elderly individuals with cognitive impairment and amongst couples remains unexplored. The main objective of this study is to examine the validity of Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) in elderly persons with or without cognitive impairment and their spouses. The sample included 58 retired farmers (mean 77.3 years, standard deviation [SD] 5.5) with or without cognitive impairment, recruited within a French cohort and 60 spouses (mean 73.4 years, SD 6.9). The presence of cognitive impairment determining by a panel of specialized neurologists permitted to define two groups: “The Cognitive Impairment Group” and “The Control Group”. EMA procedures consisted of repeated telephone interviews five times per day during four days for each spouse. Our results demonstrate the validity of EMA procedures through a 92.1% level of compliance, the absence of fatigue effects, and the lack of evidence for major reactivity to the methods. However, the specificity of our sample may explain the acceptance (42%) and response (75%) rates and may reduce the generalizability of the results to the general population of elderly individuals. Finally, the validation of such techniques may contribute to future research examining community‐dwelling elderly individuals and their spouses. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.