bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NONITERATIVE LEAST SQUARES ESTIMATES, STANDARD ERRORS, AND F‐TESTS FOR ANY ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE WITH MISSING DATA
Authors: Rubin Donald B.
Published: August 2014

This article generalizes Rubin's method of least squares estimation of missing values in any analysis of variance. The general method produces not only least squares estimates of all parameters and the residual mean square, but also the correct least squares standard error and t‐test of any contrast as well as the least squares sum of squares and F‐test due to any collection of contrasts. The method is noniterative and requires only those subroutines designed to handle complete data plus a subroutine to find the inverse of an m x m symmetric matrix, where m is the number of missing values.
HOW UNIDIMENSIONAL ARE TESTS COMPRISING BOTH MULTIPLE‐CHOICE AND FREE‐RESPONSE ITEMS? AN ANALYSIS OF TWO TESTS1
Authors: Thissen David , Wainer Howard , Wang Xiang‐Bo
Published: August 2014

We consider the relationship between the multiple‐choice and free‐response sections on the Computer Science and Chemistry tests of the College Board's Advanced Placement program. Confirmatory factor analysis shows that the free‐response sections measure the same underlying proficiency as the multiple‐choice sections for the most part. However, there is also a significant, if relatively small, amount of local dependence among the free‐response items that produces a small degree of multidimensionality for each test.
­­Role of Runx2 in Crosstalk Between Mek/Erk and PI3K/Akt Signaling in MCF‐10A Cells
Authors: Tandon Manish , Chen Zujian , Pratap Jitesh
Published: August 2014

Crosstalk among mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidyl inositol 3′ kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways integrates extracellular cues to regulate mammary epithelial cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. The runt‐related transcription factor, Runx2, is expressed in normal mammary epithelium and promotes differentiation, however, its function in regulation of the MAPK and PI3K signaling crosstalk is not known. We determined the function of Runx2 expression in growth factor‐mediated phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and Akt, key downstream kinases in MAPK and PI3K pathway crosstalk in MCF‐10A mammary epithelial cells. The Runx2‐mediated alterations in cell signaling and associated changes in phenotype were determined by real‐time quantitative PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry approaches. The results revealed that ectopic Runx2 expression differentially downregulates the growth factor (EGF vs. IGF or insulin)‐induced pErk1/2 and pAkt levels. Additionally, the ectopic Runx2 expression increases FOXO1 levels, cell cycle G1 stage and promotes survival of MCF‐10A cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Runx2 expression increases EGF‐induced phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (pEGFR) and relieves Mek/Erk‐mediated negative regulation of pEGFR and pAkt levels. Altogether, our results identify functions of Runx2 in MAPK and PI3K signaling crosstalk in MCF‐10A cells that could be critical in understanding the mammary epithelial cell growth and survival. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 2208–2217, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
VEGF and Angiopoietins Promote Inflammatory Cell Recruitment and Mature Blood Vessel Formation in Murine Sponge/Matrigel Model
Authors: Sinnathamby Tharsika , Jin Tae Yun , Clavet‐Lanthier Marie‐Élaine , Cheong Cheolho , Sirois Martin G.
Published: August 2014

A key feature in the induction of pathological angiogenesis is that inflammation precedes and accompanies the formation of neovessels as evidenced by increased vascular permeability and the recruitment of inflammatory cells. Previously, we and other groups have shown that selected growth factors, namely vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietins (Ang1 and Ang2) do not only promote angiogenesis, but can also induce inflammatory response. Herein, given a pro‐inflammatory environment, we addressed the individual capacity of VEGF and angiopoietins to promote the formation of mature neovessels and to identify the different types of inflammatory cells accompanying the angiogenic process over time. Sterilized polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponges soaked in growth factor‐depleted Matrigel mixed with PBS, VEGF, Ang1, or Ang2 (200 ng/200 µl) were subcutaneously inserted into anesthetized mice. Sponges were removed at day 4, 7, 14, or 21 post‐procedure for histological, immunohistological (IHC), and flow cytometry analyses. As compared to PBS‐treated sponges, the three growth factors promoted the recruitment of inflammatory cells, mainly neutrophils and macrophages, and to a lesser extent, T‐ and B‐cells. In addition, they were more potent and more rapid in the recruitment of endothelial cells (ECs) and in the formation and maturation (ensheating of smooth muscle cells around ECs) of neovessels. Thus, the autocrine/paracrine interaction among the different inflammatory cells in combination with VEGF, Ang1, or Ang2 provides a suitable microenvironment for the formation and maturation of blood vessels. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 45–57, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ability of Circulating Human Hematopoietic Lineage Negative Cells to Support Hematopoiesis
Authors: Peris Pilar , Roforth Matthew M. , Nicks Kristy M. , Fraser Daniel , Fujita Koji , Jilka Robert L. , Khosla Sundeep , McGregor Ulrike
Published: August 2014

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self‐renewal is regulated by osteoblast and/or endothelial cells within the hematopoietic niche. However, the true identity of the supporting cells and the nature of the secreted factors remain uncertain. We developed a novel mouse model and analyzed whether circulating human peripheral hematopoietic lineage negative/AP+ (lin−/AP+) cells support hematopoiesis in vivo. Thus, immunocompromised (Rag) mice expressing thymidine kinase (Tk) under the control of the 3.6Col1α1 promoter (Tk‐Rag) were treated with ganciclovir, resulting in osteoblast progenitor cell ablation and subsequent loss of hematopoiesis (evaluated by measuring mouse Ter119+ erythroid cells). Following hematopoietic cell depletion, human bone marrow‐derived marrow stromal cells (MSCs) or lin−/AP+ cells were infused into Tk‐Rag mice and compared with saline infusions. Ganciclovir significantly reduced (7.4‐fold) Ter119+ cells in the bone marrow of Tk‐Rag mice compared to saline injections. Infusion of either MSCs or lin−/AP+ cells into ganciclovir‐treated mice resulted in a 3.3‐fold and 2.7‐fold increase (P < 0.01), respectively, in Ter119+ cells compared to mice receiving saline. Relative to lin−/AP− cells, lin−/AP+ cells expressed high levels of mesenchymal, endothelial, and hematopoiesis supporting genes. Thus, human peripheral blood lin−/AP+ cells represent a novel cell type capable of supporting hematopoiesis in a manner comparable to MSCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 58–66, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glucose Availability and Glycolytic Metabolism Dictate Glycosphingolipid Levels
Authors: Stathem Morgan , Marimuthu Subathra , O'Neal Julie , Rathmell Jeffrey C. , Chesney Jason A. , Beverly Levi J. , Siskind Leah J.
Published: August 2014

Cancer therapeutics has seen an emergence and re‐emergence of two metabolic fields in recent years, those of bioactive sphingolipids and glycolytic metabolism. Anaerobic glycolysis and its implications in cancer have been at the forefront of cancer research for over 90 years. More recently, the role of sphingolipids in cancer cell metabolism has gained recognition, notably ceramide's essential role in programmed cell death and the role of the glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) in chemotherapeutic resistance. Despite this knowledge, a direct link between these two fields has yet to be definitively drawn. Herein, we show that in a model of highly glycolytic cells, generation of the glycosphingolipid (GSL) glucosylceramide (GlcCer) by GCS was elevated in response to increased glucose availability, while glucose deprivation diminished GSL levels. This effect was likely substrate dependent, independent of both GCS levels and activity. Conversely, leukemia cells with elevated GSLs showed a significant change in GCS activity, but no change in glucose uptake or GCS expression. In a leukemia cell line with elevated GlcCer, treatment with inhibitors of glycolysis or the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) significantly decreased GlcCer levels. When combined with pre‐clinical inhibitor ABT‐263, this effect was augmented and production of pro‐apoptotic sphingolipid ceramide increased. Taken together, we have shown that there exists a definitive link between glucose metabolism and GSL production, laying the groundwork for connecting two distinct yet essential metabolic fields in cancer research. Furthermore, we have proposed a novel combination therapeutic option targeting two metabolic vulnerabilities for the treatment of leukemia. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 67–80, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetics of radical‐molecule reactions in aqueous solution: A benchmark study of the performance of density functional methods
Authors: Galano Annia , Alvarez‐Idaboy Juan Raúl
Published: August 2014

The performance of 18 density functional approximations has been tested for a very challenging task, the calculations of rate constants for radical‐molecule reactions in aqueous solution. Despite of the many difficulties involved in such an enterprise, six of them provide high quality results, and are recommended to that purpose. They are LC‐ωPBE, M06‐2X, BMK, B2PLYP, M05‐2X, and MN12SX, in that order. This trend was obtained using experimental data as reference. The other relevant aspects used in this benchmark are: (i) the SMD model for mimicking the solvent; (ii) the conventional transition state, the zero‐curvature tunneling correction, and the limit imposed by diffusion for the calculation of the rate constants. Even though changing any of these aspects might alter the trend in performance, at least, when using them, the aforementioned functionals can be successfully used to obtain high quality kinetic data for the kind of reactions investigated in this work. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Decreasing hepatitis B viral load is associated with a risk of significant liver fibrosis in hepatitis B e antigen positive chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Xie Qinxiu , Hu Xiangyang , Zhang Yafei , Jiang Xiaoping , Li Xu , Li Jiabin
Published: August 2014

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels and age are used commonly to assess liver histology in chronic hepatitis B. Increasing levels of HBV DNA are associated with the increasing prevalence of significant fibrosis in HBeAg‐negative patients. It is unclear whether these data can be applied to HBeAg‐positive patients. In present study, liver biopsies were performed and clinical parameters were measured in 234 treatment‐naive chronic HBeAg‐positive patients. The proportion of significant fibrosis in patients with ALT 1–2 × ULN was similar to in patients with ALT more than 2 × ULN (48.4% vs. 51.8%). Patients over 30 years of age (>30 years) had a higher prevalence of significant fibrosis than patients 30 years of age and younger (61.0% vs. 33.6%). Negative correlation between HBV DNA levels and significant fibrosis was observed in patients >30 years. The optimal level of serum HBV DNA to evaluate low risk of significant fibrosis was ≥6.7 log10 IU/ml. Patients with serum HBV DNA levels ≥8.5 log10 IU/ml all had no significant fibrosis, however, patients with HBV DNA levels <4.7 log10 IU/ml all had significant fibrosis. Logistic regressions showed that age, aspartate aminotransferase, platelet count, and HBV DNA levels were independent predictors of significant fibrosis. In summary, older age, elevated ALT, and lower HBV DNA levels are associated with significant fibrosis. Decreasing levels of HBV DNA are associated with increasing prevalence of significant fibrosis in patients >30 years. The threshold of HBV DNA levels for treatment of HBeAg‐positive patients needs to be combined with age. J. Med. Virol. 86:1828–1837, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
6,6′‐Bieckol inhibits adipocyte differentiation through downregulation of adipogenesis and lipogenesis in 3T3‐L1 cells
Authors: Kwon Tae‐Hyung , Wu Yong‐Xiang , Kim Jong‐Shik , Woo Jung‐Hee , Park Kyu Tae , Kwon O Jun , Seo Hyun‐Ju , Kim Taewan , Park Nyun‐Ho
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Brown algae have been used for their nutritional value as well as a source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti‐obesity effects. Obesity is an important condition implicated in various diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and coronary heart disease. However, anti‐obesity effects of Eisenia bicyclis remain unknown.

RESULTS

We investigated the anti‐obesity effects of 6,6′‐bieckol, 6,8′‐bieckol, 8,8′‐bieckol, dieckol and phlorofucofuroeckol A isolated from E. bicyclis. Anti‐obesity activity was evaluated by examining the inhibition of differentiation of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and the expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCATT/enhancer‐binding protein α (C/EBPα) and sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c) at the mRNA and protein level. Differentiated 3T3‐L1 cells were treated with the purified phlorotannins at concentrations of 10, 25 and 50 µg mL−1 for 8 days. The results indicated that the purified phlorotannins suppressed the differentiation of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes in a dose–dependent manner, without toxic effects. Among the five compounds, 6,6′‐bieckol markedly decreased lipid accumulation and expression levels of PPARγ, C/EBPα, SREBP‐1c (mRNA and protein), and fatty acid synthase and acyl‐coA carboxylase (mRNA).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that E. bicyclis suppressed differentiation of 3T3‐L1 adipocyte through downregulation of adipogenesis and lipogenesis. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Outcomes in the management of esophageal cancer
Authors: Paul Subroto , Altorki Nasser
Published: August 2014

Esophageal cancer rates have continued to rise in the Western World. Esophageal cancer will be responsible for an estimated 15,450 deaths in the United States in 2014 alone. Esophageal resection with or without preoperative therapy remains the mainstay of treatment. Advances in surgical technique and perioperative care have improved short‐term outcomes considerably by decreasing operative mortality. Despite these advances though, esophagectomy remains a procedure associated with considerable morbidity from a wide range of complications. Prompt recognition and treatment of complications can lower overall morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, long‐term outcomes remain poor as the vast majority of patients present with loco‐regionally advanced or metastatic disease. Surgery by itself provides poor loco‐regional control and fails to address micrometastatic disease. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiation provides a modest survival advantage compared to surgical resection alone. Future gains in understanding the molecular biology of esophageal cancer will hopefully lead to improved therapeutics and resultant outcomes. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:599–610. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel two‐dimensional preparative chromatography method designed for the separation of traditional animal Tibetan medicine Osteon Myospalacem Baileyi
Authors: Jiang Lei , Tao Yanduo , Wang Dan , Tang Chuchen , Shao Yun , Wang Qilan , Zhao Xiaohui , Zhang Yaozhou , Mei Lijuan
Published: August 2014

Animal medicine is an important part in traditional Tibetan medicine. However, information about the chemical composition of animal medicine is very limited, and there is a lack of comprehensive chromatographic purification methods. In the present work, animal medicine Osteon Myospalacem Baileyi was taken as an example and a novel two‐dimensional preparative chromatographic method was established for the preparation of single compounds with high purity from the extract of Osteon Myospalacem Baileyi. The first‐dimension preparation was carried on a DAISO Silica prep column, and ten fractions were obtained from the 112.3 g crude sample within 12 injections. A diol prep column used in nonaqueous mobile phase was selected for the second‐dimension preparation. The purity of the compounds isolated from the crude extract was >98%, which indicated that the method built in this work was efficient to manufacture single compounds of high purity from the extract of Osteon Myospalacem Baileyi. Additionally, this method showed great potential in the purification of weakly polar chemicals and it could act as a good example in the purification of other traditional animal medicines.
Vortex‐assisted surfactant‐enhanced‐emulsification liquid–liquid microextraction of biogenic amines in fermented foods before their simultaneous analysis by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Donthuan Jaruwan , Yunchalard Sirinda , Srijaranai Supalax
Published: August 2014

A simple, rapid, sensitive, and environmentally friendly method, based on modified dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography was developed for the simultaneous determination of five biogenic amines in fermented food samples. Biogenic amines were derivatized with 9‐fluorenylmethyl chloroformate, extracted by vortex‐assisted surfactant‐enhanced emulsification liquid–liquid microextraction, and then analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Five biogenic amine compounds were separated within 30 min using a C18 column and gradient elution with acetonitrile and 1% acetic acid. Factors influencing the derivatization and extraction efficiency such as type and volume of extraction solvent, type, and concentration of surfactant, pH, salt addition, and vortex time were optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the method provided the enrichment factors in the range of 161–553. Good linearity was obtained from 0.002–0.5 mg/L for cadaverine and tyramine, 0.003–1 mg/L for tryptamine and histamine, and 0.005–1 mg/L for spermidine with coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.992. The limits of detection ranged from 0.0010 to 0.0026 mg/L. The proposed method was successfully applied to analysis of biogenic amines in fermented foods such as fermented fish (plaa‐som), wine and beer where good recoveries were obtained in the range of 83.2–112.5%
A method for monitoring enamel erosion using laser irradiated surfaces and optical coherence tomography
Authors: Chan Kenneth H. , Tom Henry , Darling Cynthia L. , Fried Daniel
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Since optical coherence tomography (OCT) is well suited for measuring small dimensional changes on tooth surfaces, OCT has great potential for monitoring tooth erosion. Previous studies have shown that enamel areas ablated by a carbon dioxide laser manifested lower rates of erosion compared to the non‐ablated areas. The purpose of this study was to develop a model to monitor erosion in vitro that could potentially be used in vivo.

Methods

Thirteen bovine enamel blocks were used in this in vitro study. Each 10 mm × 2 mm block was partitioned into five regions, the central region was unprotected, the adjacent windows were irradiated by a CO2 laser operating at 9.3 µm with a fluence of 2.4 J/cm2, and the outermost windows were coated with acid resistant varnish. The samples were exposed to a pH cycling regimen that caused both erosion and subsurface demineralization for 2, 4 and 6 days. The surfaces were scanned using a time‐domain polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS‐OCT) system and the degree of surface loss (erosion) and the integrated reflectivity with lesion depth was calculated for each window.

Results

There was a large and significant reduction in the depth of surface loss (erosion) and the severity of demineralization in the areas irradiated by the laser.

Conclusion

Irradiation of the enamel surface with a pulsed carbon dioxide laser at sub‐ablative intensities results in significant inhibition of erosion and demineralization under the acid challenge employed in this study. In addition, these results suggest that it may be feasible to modify regions of the enamel surface using the laser to serve as reference marks to monitor the rate of erosion in vivo. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:672–678, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vertebral Compression Fractures: Towards a Standard Scoring Methodology in Paleopathology
Authors: Curate F. , Silva T. F. , Cunha E.
Published: August 2014

Vertebral compression fractures are the most common osteoporotic fractures in postmenopausal women. Notwithstanding, its clinical diagnosis remains ambiguous. In paleopathological studies, vertebral fractures and/or deformations are frequently disregarded. When observed, vertebral compression fractures are usually recorded without the support of quantifiable and comparable protocols. As such, Genant's semi‐quantitative method for vertebral compression fracture assessment was applied to a large sample (N = 196) from the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection, Portugal, and the reliability of the method was tested. Vertebral fracture scoring agreement was evaluated with the kappa statistic and the per cent of agreement. Intra‐observer agreement was almost perfect, whereas inter‐observer agreement was substantial to almost perfect. The Genant's semi‐quantitative scoring methodology is easy to apply and highly reproducible; as such, it should be adopted as the standard method to score vertebral fractures in any paleopathological investigation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ATF4 and N‐Myc coordinate glutamine metabolism in MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma cells through ASCT2 activation
Authors: Ren Ping , Yue Ming , Xiao Daibiao , Xiu Ruijuan , Gan Lei , Liu Hudan , Qing Guoliang
Published: August 2014

Amplification of the MYCN gene in human neuroblastoma predicts poor prognosis and resistance to therapy. We previously showed that MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma cells constantly require large amounts of glutamine to support their unabated growth. However, the identity and regulation of the transporter(s) that capture glutamine in MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma cells and the clinical significance of the transporter(s) in neuroblastoma diagnosis remain largely unknown. Here, we performed a systemic glutamine influx analysis and identified that MYCN‐amplified neuroblastoma cells predominantly rely on activation of ASCT2 (solute carrier family 1 member 5, SLC1A5) to maintain sufficient levels of glutamine essential for the TCA cycle anaplerosis. Consequently, ASCT2 depletion profoundly inhibited glutaminolysis, concomitant with a substantial decrease in cell proliferation and viability in vitro and inhibition of tumourigenesis in vivo. Mechanistically, we identified ATF4 as a novel regulator which coordinates with N‐Myc to directly activate ASCT2 expression. Of note, ASCT2 expression, which correlates with that of N‐Myc and ATF4, is markedly elevated in high‐stage neuroblastoma tumour samples compared with low‐stage ones. More importantly, high ASCT2 expression is significantly associated with poor prognosis and survival of neuroblastoma patients. In aggregate, these findings elucidate a novel mechanism depicting how cell autonomous insults (MYCN amplification) and microenvironmental stresses (ATF4 induction) in concert coordinate ASCT2 activation to promote aggressive neuroblastoma progression, and establish ASCT2 as a novel biomarker in patient prognosis and stratification. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Dielectric properties of epoxy/montmorillonite nanocomposites and nanostructured epoxy/SiO2/Montmorillonite Microcomposites
Authors: Couderc Hugues , Fréchette Michel , David Éric , Savoie Sylvio , Guastavino Francesco , Thelakkaday Abdul Salam , Coletti Gianfranco , Fina Alberto
Published: August 2014

Composites reinforced with microparticles using a polymer matrix reinforced by nanoparticles represent a new emerging class of materials. Epoxy composites have been prepared using quartz as microfillers and organically modified Montmorillonite as nanofillers in order to study the dielectric properties of such new materials. The structure of the composites as determined by transmission electron microscopy, is neither exfoliated nor intercalated, although the thickness of C30B stacks is in the nanometric range. The influence of nano‐ and microparticles on epoxy matrix amorphous structure has been highlighted through Differential Scanning Calorimetry experiments. C30B has not effect on glass transition temperature but a drastic from 357 K to 325 K decrease is observed with the addition of microparticles. Heat capacity step remains unchanged, except for the microcomposite. And finally, Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy has been used to characterize the dielectric properties at different temperatures. The spectra have been fitted with Havriliak–Negami equation to extract the relaxation times and the dielectric strengths associated with local β and γ relaxations and the main α relaxation. POLYM. COMPOS., 115–124, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Simultaneous dissection and comparison of IL‐2 and IL‐15 signaling pathways by global quantitative phosphoproteomics
Authors: Osinalde Nerea , Sanchez‐Quiles Virginia , Akimov Vyacheslav , Guerra Barbara , Blagoev Blagoy , Kratchmarova Irina
Published: August 2014

Common γ‐chain family of cytokines (IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐7, IL‐9, IL‐15, and IL‐21, where IL stands for interleukin) are key regulators of the immune homeostasis that exhibit pleiotropic biological activities and even sometimes redundant roles as a result of the utilization of the same receptor subunit. However, they also exert distinct functions that make each of them to be indispensable. For instance, all family members can act as T‐cell growth factors; however, we found that IL‐15 but not IL‐7 can replace IL‐2 to promote and sustain the proliferation of Kit225T cells. In addition to the γ‐chain, IL‐2 and IL‐15 share the β‐chain, which creates the paradox of how they can trigger diverse phenotypes despite signaling through the same receptors. To investigate this paradigm, we combined SILAC with enrichment of tyrosine‐phosphorylated proteins and peptides followed by mass spectrometric analysis to quantitatively assess the signaling networks triggered downstream IL‐2/IL‐2R and IL‐15/IL‐15R. This study confirmed that the transduction pathways initiated by both cytokines are highly similar and revealed that the main signaling branches, JAK/STAT, RAS/MAPK and PI3K/AKT, were nearly equivalently activated in response to both ILs. Despite that, our study revealed that receptor internalization rates differ in IL‐2‐ and IL‐15‐treated cells indicating a discrete modulation of cytokine signaling. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001129 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD001129).
Verification of global numerical weather forecasting systems in polar regions using TIGGE data
Authors: Jung Thomas , Matsueda Mio
Published: August 2014

High‐latitude climate change is expected to increase the demand for reliable weather and environmental forecasts in polar regions. In this study, a quantitative assessment of the skill of state‐of‐the‐art global weather prediction systems in polar regions is given using data from the THORPEX Interactive Grand Global Ensemble (TIGGE) for the period 2006/2007–2012/2013. Forecast skill in the Arctic is comparable to that found in the Northern Hemisphere midlatitudes. However, relative differences in the quality between different forecasting systems appear to be amplified in the Arctic. Furthermore, analysis uncertainty in the Arctic is more of an issue than it is in the midlatitudes, especially when it comes to near‐surface parameters over snow‐ and ice‐covered surfaces. Using NOAA's reforecast dataset, it is shown that the changes in forecast skill during the 7‐year period considered here can largely be explained by flow‐dependent error growth, especially for the more skilful forecasting systems. Finally, a direct comparison between the Arctic and Antarctic suggests that predictions of mid‐topospheric flow in the former region are more skilful.
Sexual Function before and after Total Hip Replacement: Narrative Review
Authors: Meiri Rotem , Rosenbaum Talli Y. , Kalichman Leonid
Published: August 2014

Background

More than 1 million total hip replacements (THRs) are performed every year worldwide. Achieving decreased pain, increased mobility, and improved quality of life (QoL) are key factors in the decision to undergo THR. Sexual activity is a valued component of QoL; however, little is known about how THR affects sexual functioning or the extent to which health care providers address sexuality in THR patients.

Aim

The aim of the study was to assess the literature regarding sexuality and sexual function in patients before and after THR.

Methods

PubMed, Google Scholar, and PEDro databases were searched without search limitations from inception until December 2013 for terms relating to sexual function and THR.

Results

Sexual activity before and after a THR is an important QoL issue. In patients with end-stage hip osteoarthritis, THR has been reported to have beneficial effects in restoring sexual satisfaction and performance. While research has recently been conducted to determine the range of motion of the hip joints necessary to execute certain sexual positions, there remains a lack of validated guidelines and the risks related to sexual activity after THR is rarely discussed between patients and medical staff.

Conclusions

The ability to move comfortably is included among the many physical and psychosocial factors influencing sexual functioning. Practitioners should be encouraged to question their THR patients about sexual concerns and to provide counseling related to physical and functional aspects of sexual activity. Rehabilitation that focuses specifically on activities of daily living of sex should include sexual counseling, therapeutic exercise, and advice regarding sexual positions. Rehabilitation provided by physical therapists may help decrease pain, and facilitate greater self-awareness, self-confidence, and improved body image, all of which encourage and affirm optimal sexual health.
Peritoneal Milky Spots Serve as a Hypoxic Niche and Favor Gastric Cancer Stem/Progenitor Cell Peritoneal Dissemination Through Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α
Authors: Miao Zhi-Feng , Wang Zhen-Ning , Zhao Ting-Ting , Xu Ying-Ying , Gao Jian , Miao Feng , Xu Hui-Mian
Published: August 2014

Peritoneal dissemination is the most common cause of death in gastric cancer patients. The hypoxic microenvironment plays a major role in controlling the tumor stem cell phenotype and is associated with patients’ prognosis through hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a key transcriptional factor that responds to hypoxic stimuli. During the peritoneal dissemination process, gastric cancer stem/progenitor cells (GCSPCs) are thought to enter into and maintained in peritoneal milky spots (PMSs), which have hypoxic microenvironments. However, the mechanism through which the hypoxic environment of PMSs regulated GCSPC maintenance is still poorly understood. Here, we investigated whether hypoxic PMSs were an ideal cancer stem cell niche suitable for GCSPC engraftment. We also evaluated the mechanisms through which the HIF-1α-mediated hypoxic microenvironment regulated GCSPC fate. We observed a positive correlation between HIF-1α expression and gastric cancer peritoneal dissemination (GCPD) in gastric cancer patients. Furthermore, the GCSPC population expanded in primary gastric cancer cells under hypoxic condition in vitro, and hypoxic GCSPCs showed enhanced self-renewal ability, but reduced differentiation capacity, mediated by HIF-1α. In an animal model, GCSPCs preferentially resided in the hypoxic zone of PMSs; moreover, when the hypoxic microenvironment in PMSs was destroyed, GCPD was significantly alleviated. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that PMSs served as a hypoxic niche and favored GCSPCs peritoneal dissemination through HIF-1α both in vitro and in vivo. These results provided new insights into the GCPD process and may lead to advancements in the clinical treatment of gastric cancer. Stem Cells  2014;32:3062–3074
Climate change impacts and adaptation in South Africa
Authors: Ziervogel Gina , New Mark , Archer van Garderen Emma , Midgley Guy , Taylor Anna , Hamann Ralph , Stuart‐Hill Sabine , Myers Jonny , Warburton Michele
Published: August 2014

In this paper we review current approaches and recent advances in research on climate impacts and adaptation in South Africa. South Africa has a well‐developed earth system science research program that underpins the climate change scenarios developed for the southern African region. Established research on the biophysical impacts of climate change on key sectors (water, agriculture, and biodiversity) integrates the climate change scenarios but further research is needed in a number of areas, such as the climate impacts on cities and the built environment. National government has developed a National Climate Change Response White Paper, but this has yet to translate into policy that mainstreams adaptation in everyday practice and longer‐term planning in all spheres and levels of government. A national process to scope long‐term adaptation scenarios is underway, focusing on cross‐sectoral linkages in adaptation responses at a national level. Adaptation responses are emerging in certain sectors. Some notable city‐scale and project‐based adaptation responses have been implemented, but institutional challenges persist. In addition, a number of knowledge gaps remain in relation to the biophysical and socio‐economic impacts of climate change. A particular need is to develop South Africa's capacity to undertake integrated assessments of climate change that can support climate‐resilient development planning. WIREs Clim Change 2014, 5:605–620. doi: 10.1002/wcc.295

This article is categorized under:

Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Evaluating Future Impacts of Climate Change

Trans‐Disciplinary Perspectives > National Reviews
Primary Fascial Closure With Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair: Systematic Review
Authors: Nguyen Duyen H. , Nguyen Mylan T. , Askenasy Erik P. , Kao Lillian S. , Liang Mike K.
Published: August 2014

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) has grown in popularity. Typically, this procedure is performed with a mesh bridge technique that results in high rates of seroma, eventration (bulging), and patient dissatisfaction. In an effort to avoid these complications, there is growing interest in the role of laparoscopic primary fascial closure with intraperitoneal mesh placement. This systematic review evaluated the outcomes of closure of the central defect during LVHR. A literature search of PubMed, Cochrane databases, and Embase was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. MINORS was used to assess the methodologic quality. Primary outcome was hernia recurrence. Secondary outcomes were surgical‐site infection, seroma formation, bulging, and patient‐centered items (satisfaction, chronic pain, functional status). Eleven studies were identified, eight of which were case series (level 4 data). Three comparative studies examined the difference between closure and nonclosure of the fascial defect during laparoscopic ventral incisional hernia repairs (level 3 and 4 data). These studies suggested that primary fascial closure (n = 138) compared to nonclosure (n = 255) resulted in lower recurrence rates (0–5.7 vs. 4.8–16.7 %) and seroma formation rates (5.6–11.4 vs. 4.3–27.8 %). Follow‐up periods for both groups were similar (1–108 months). Only one study evaluated patient function and clinical bulging. It showed better outcomes with primary fascial closure. Closure of the central defect during LVHR resulted in less recurrence, bulging, and seroma than nonclosure. Patients with closure were more satisfied with the results and had better functional status. The quality of the data was poor, however. A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the role of closure of the central defect during LVHR is warranted.
The Long Arm of Mentoring: A Counterfactual Analysis of Natural Youth Mentoring and Employment Outcomes in Early Careers
Authors: McDonald Steve , Lambert Joshua
Published: August 2014

Young people often develop natural mentoring relationships with nonparental adults during adolescence and young adulthood. While much has been learned about the benefits of natural mentoring for more proximate outcomes such as mental health and education, relatively little is known about the causal impact of youth mentoring relationships on career opportunities. This study uses data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) survey to explore the effects of different kinds of natural mentoring relationships on employment outcomes during the early career years (when workers are in their late twenties and early thirties). Whereas traditional methods of causal conditioning show a broad range of employment benefits from being mentored, results from counterfactual analysis using propensity score matching reveal that the benefits of mentoring are confined to intrinsic job rewards. The findings imply that mentors help steer youth toward intrinsically rewarding careers.
Spatial Citizenship Education: Civic Teachers’ Instructional Priorities and Approaches
Authors: Hilburn Jeremy , Maguth Brad M.
Published: August 2014

This qualitative case study draws on interview and focus group data from six Civics teachers. As global education scholars assert, local, national, and global “levels of citizenship” do not occur in a vacuum, instead, each level is invariably connected to one another. Teachers in this study, however, placed different priorities on the levels – prioritizing the national, minimizing the local, and marginalizing the global. Participants also used different teaching strategies in order to teach the different levels: emphasizing knowledge acquisition and values transmission at the national level and more active civic behaviors at the local level.
Der Blick für das Wesentliche
Authors: Eberhardt Doris
Published: August 2014

Bezüglich der strukturierten Implementierung einer Evidence-basierten Pflegepraxis (EBP) bzw. der systematischen Umsetzung von Evidence-Based Nursing (EBN) klaffen Anspruch und Realität derzeit noch weit auseinander. Zweifellos spielt die Gestaltung beruflicher Bildungsprozesse eine wichtige Rolle bei der Realisierung einer EBP. Soll in der Ausbildung flächendeckend der Grundstein für die künftige Beteiligung an EPB-Aktivitäten gelegt werden, erfordert dies eine konsequent handlungsorientierte Didaktik des Pflegeforschungsunterrichts.
Leichter lernen durch besonderen Praxisbezug
Authors: Weser Frank
Published: August 2014

Durch den rasanten Anstieg übergewichtiger und adipöser Menschen kommt es auch zu einem enormen Anstieg von Erkrankungen des Herz-Kreislaufs und des Diabetes mellitus Typ 2. Ein wichtiger Grund, das Thema Adipositas zum Gegenstand im Unterricht zu machen. Ein Gemeinschaftsprojekt zwischen der FH Bielefeld und einer allgemeinmedizinischen Praxis ermöglichte den Studierenden, aktiv Einfluss auf die Patientenbegleitung zu nehmen.
Sterben im Krankenhaus
Authors: George Wolfgang M.
Published: August 2014

Krankenhäuser und stationäre Pflegeeinrichtungen werden auch zukünftig die mit Abstand wichtigsten Sterbeorte sein. In einer Befragung wurde die erreichte Versorgungsqualität ermittelt. Der verwendete Fragebogen gibt auch Auskunft über die Ausbildungserfahrungen der Befragten. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden Methode des gewählten Vorgehens, die dabei erzielte Ergebnisse und ableitbare Konsequenzen vorgestellt – mit dem Schwerpunkt auf mögliche Konsequenzen für die Ausbildung der beruflichen Helfer.
Naming Game on Networks: Let Everyone be Both Speaker and Hearer
Authors: Gao Yuan , Chen Guanrong , Chan Rosa H. M.
Published: August 2014

To investigate how consensus is reached on a large self-organized peer-to-peer network, we extended the naming game model commonly used in language and communication to Naming Game in Groups (NGG). Differing from other existing naming game models, in NGG everyone in the population (network) can be both speaker and hearer simultaneously, which resembles in a closer manner to real-life scenarios. Moreover, NGG allows the transmission (communication) of multiple words (opinions) for multiple intra-group consensuses. The communications among indirectly-connected nodes are also enabled in NGG. We simulated and analyzed the consensus process in some typical network topologies, including random-graph networks, small-world networks and scale-free networks, to better understand how global convergence (consensus) could be reached on one common word. The results are interpreted on group negotiation of a peer-to-peer network, which shows that global consensus in the population can be reached more rapidly when more opinions are permitted within each group or when the negotiating groups in the population are larger in size. The novel features and properties introduced by our model have demonstrated its applicability in better investigating general consensus problems on peer-to-peer networks.
A vortex-assisted MSPD method for triclosan extraction from fish tissues with determination by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Escarrone Ana Laura Venquiaruti , Caldas Sergiane Souza , Soares Bruno Meira , Martins Samantha Eslava , Primel Ednei Gilberto , Maia Nery Luiz Eduardo
Published: August 2014

In this study, a simple, rapid and sensitive analytical method for the detection of TCS fromPoecilia viviparatissues (muscle, gills, brain, liver, gonads and whole fish) was developed.
A highly sensitive and selective electrochemical determination of Hg(ii) based on an electrochemically activated graphite modified screen-printed carbon electrode
Authors: Palanisamy Selvakumar , Madhu Rajesh , Chen Shen-Ming , Ramaraj Sayee Kannan
Published: August 2014

A highly sensitive and selective Hg(ii) sensor based on an electrochemically activated graphite (EAG) modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was developed.
Size-controlled synthesis of mesoporous palladium nanoparticles as highly active and stable electrocatalysts
Authors: Li Cuiling , Sato Takaaki , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: August 2014

We report a solution phase synthesis of monodispersed mesoporous Pd nanoparticles (MPNs) with narrow particle size distributions.
An innovative glycine complexing approach to silver phosphate myriapods with improved photocatalytic activity
Authors: Wang Lili , Li Na , Zhang Qiuying , Lou Sunqi , Zhao Yunxuan , Chen Mindong , Teng Fei
Published: August 2014

An innovative glycine complexing approach to silver phosphate myriapods with improved photocatalytic activity.
Microsecond molecular dynamics simulation of guanidinium chloride induced unfolding of ubiquitin
Authors: Mandal Manoj , Mukhopadhyay Chaitali
Published: August 2014

All atom molecular dynamics simulations have been used to explore the atomic detail mechanism of guanidinium induced unfolding of the protein ubiquitin.
Temperature-dependent dynamics of water in aqueous NaPF6 solution
Authors: Nam Dayoung , Lee Chiho , Park Sungnam
Published: August 2014

H-bond structure and dynamics of water in aqueous NaPF6 solution.
Selective sulfoxidation with hydrogen peroxide catalysed by a titanium catalyst
Authors: Postigo Lorena , Ventura Maria , Cuenca Tomás , Jiménez Gerardo , Royo Beatriz
Published: August 2014

A cyclopentadienyl–silsesquioxane titanium complex efficiently catalyses the selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides (85–98% yield in 5 min at ambient temperature) and sulfones with near-stochiometric amount of aqueous H2O2in methanol.
Significantly enhanced dehydrogenation properties of calcium borohydride combined with urea
Authors: Chu Hailiang , Qiu Shujun , Liu Lin , Zou Yongjin , Xiang Cuili , Zhang Huanzhi , Xu Fen , Sun Lixian , Zhou Huaiying , Wu Guotao
Published: August 2014

The Ca(BH4)2–4CO(NH2)2 system can release 8 equiv. or 5.2 wt% H2 at 250 °C through a reaction between [BH4] and [NH2].
p-tert-Butylcalix[6]arene hexacarboxylic acid as host for Pb(ii), Sr(ii) and Ba(ii)
Authors: Adhikari Birendra Babu , Zhao Xiang , Derakhshan Shahab , Schramm Michael P.
Published: August 2014

p-tert-Butylcalixarene hexacarboxylic acid initially binds with low symmetry, to later adopt a highly symmetric up-down alternating conformation in the presence of Pb, Sr or Ba.
A novel approach for the quantitative analysis of multiple elements in steel based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and random forest regression (RFR)
Authors: Zhang Tianlong , Liang Long , Wang Kang , Tang Hongsheng , Yang Xiaofeng , Duan Yixiang , Li Hua
Published: August 2014

LIBS combined with random forest regression (RFR) was proposed for the quantitative analysis of multiple elements in fourteen steel samples.
A soft microchannel decreases polydispersity of droplet generation
Authors: Pang Yan , Kim Hyoungsoo , Liu Zhaomiao , Stone Howard A.
Published: August 2014

We study the effect of softness of the microchannel on the process of droplet generation in two-phase flows in a T-junction microchannel.
Self-assembly of size-tunable supramolecular nanoparticle clusters in a microfluidic channel
Authors: Stoffelen Carmen , Munirathinam Rajesh , Verboom Willem , Huskens Jurriaan
Published: August 2014

The formation of supramolecular nanoparticle clusters is kinetically controlled within a microfluidic reactor by the stoichiometry and different diffusion rates of the components and by multivalent–monovalent competition.
Ultra-broadband unidirectional launching of surface plasmon polaritons by a double-slit structure beyond the diffraction limit
Authors: Chen Jianjun , Sun Chengwei , Li Hongyun , Gong Qihuang
Published: August 2014

Based on the near-field interference of two slit apertures in a subwavelength plasmonic waveguide, an ultra-broadband unidirectional SPP launcher beyond the diffraction limit was experimentally realized. This ultra-small SPP launcher has important applications in high-integration plasmonic circuits.
Exploring the benefits of electron tomography to characterize the precise morphology of core–shell Au@Ag nanoparticles and its implications on their plasmonic properties
Authors: Hernández-Garrido J. C. , Moreno M. S. , Ducati C. , Pérez L. A. , Midgley P. A. , Coronado E. A.
Published: August 2014

Here we demonstrate the importance of having a precise morphological 3D reconstruction of the core in comparison with an ideal nanoparticle for a better understanding of their optical properties.
Facile synthesis of one-dimensional Mn3O4/Zn2SnO4 hybrid composites and their high performance as anodes for LIBs
Authors: Zhang Ranran , He Yanyan , Li Aihua , Xu Liqiang
Published: August 2014

One-dimensional Mn3O4 nanorod/Zn2SnO4 nanoneedle hybrid composites of high performances have been conveniently synthesized via a simple hydrothermal process at 180 °C.
Pumping of water by rotating chiral carbon nanotube
Authors: Feng Jia-wei , Ding Hong-ming , Ren Chun-lai , Ma Yu-qiang
Published: August 2014

By using molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the continuous pumping of water can be achieved by rotating a chiral CNT, and the simulation results are well explained by a dragging theory.
Synthesis and characterization of Pt nanoparticles with different morphologies in mesoporous silica SBA-15 for methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Chen C. S. , Lai Y. T. , Chen T. C. , Chen C. H. , Lee J. F. , Hsu C. W. , Kao H. M.
Published: August 2014

Mesoporous SBA-15 silica materials functionalized with and without carboxylic acid groups were used to effectively control the morphology of Pt crystals, and the materials thus obtained were applied to methanol oxidation reactions.
Formation of carbyne and graphyne on transition metal surfaces
Authors: Yuan Qinghong , Ding Feng
Published: August 2014

Formation of carbyne and graphyne on less active catalyst surfaces, such as Cu, Ni, Au, and Ag, is predicted by ab initio calculations.
Sub-bandgap transverse frequency conversion in semiconductor nano-waveguides
Authors: Gu Fuxing , Zhang Li , Wu Guoqing , Zhu Yingbin , Zeng Heping
Published: August 2014

Sub-bandgap transverse frequency conversion is investigated in semiconductor nanoscale-waveguides with the advantages of high polarization and tunable spatial distribution.