bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vaccine molecules targeting Xcr1 on cross‐presenting DCs induce protective CD8+ T‐cell responses against influenza virus
Authors: Fossum Even , Grødeland Gunnveig , Terhorst Dorothea , Tveita Anders A. , Vikse Elisabeth , Mjaaland Siri , Henri Sandrine , Malissen Bernard , Bogen Bjarne
Published: November 2014

Targeting antigens to cross‐presenting dendritic cells (DCs) is a promising method for enhancing CD8+ T‐cell responses. However, expression patterns of surface receptors often vary between species, making it difficult to relate observations in mice to other animals. Recent studies have indicated that the chemokine receptor Xcr1 is selectively expressed on cross‐presenting murine CD8α+ DCs, and that the expression is conserved on homologous DC subsets in humans (CD141+ DCs), sheep (CD26+ DCs), and macaques (CADM1+ DCs). We therefore tested if targeting antigens to Xcr1 on cross‐presenting DCs using antigen fused to Xcl1, the only known ligand for Xcr1, could enhance immune responses. Bivalent Xcl1 fused to model antigens specifically bound CD8α+ DCs and increased proliferation of antigen‐specific T cells. DNA vaccines encoding dimeric Xcl1‐hemagglutinin (HA) fusion proteins induced cytotoxic CD8+ T‐cell responses, and mediated full protection against a lethal challenge with influenza A virus. In addition to enhanced CD8+ T‐cell responses, targeting of antigen to Xcr1 induced CD4+ Th1 responses and highly selective production of IgG2a antibodies. In conclusion, targeting of dimeric fusion vaccine molecules to CD8α+ DCs using Xcl1 represents a novel and promising method for induction of protective CD8+ T‐cell responses.
Intravenous dextromethorphan/quinidine inhibits activity of dura‐sensitive spinal trigeminal neurons in rats
Authors: Sokolov A.Y. , Lyubashina O.A. , Berkovich R.R. , Panteleev S.S.
Published: November 2014

Background

Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by episodes of throbbing headaches. Practically all medications currently used in migraine prophylaxis have a number of substantial disadvantages and use limitations. Therefore, the further search for principally new prophylactic antimigraine agents remains an important task. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of a fixed combination of dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulphate (DM/Q) on activity of the spinal trigeminal neurons in an electrophysiological model of trigemino‐durovascular nociception.

Methods

The study was performed in 15 male Wistar rats, which were anaesthetized with urethane/α‐chloralose and paralysed using pipecuronium bromide. The effects of cumulative intravenous infusions of DM/Q (three steps performed 30 min apart, 15/7.5 mg/kg of DM/Q in 0.5 mL of isotonic saline per step) on ongoing and dural electrical stimulation‐induced neuronal activities were tested in a group of eight rats over 90 min. Other seven animals received cumulative infusion of equal volumes of saline and served as control.

Results

Cumulative administration of DM/Q produced steady suppression of both the ongoing activity of the spinal trigeminal neurons and their responses to electrical stimulation of the dura mater.

Conclusions

It is evident that the observed DM/Q‐induced suppression of trigeminal neuron excitability can lead to a reduction in nociceptive transmission from meninges to higher centres of the brain. Since the same mechanism is believed to underlie the pharmacodynamics of many well‐known antimigraine drugs, results of the present study enable us to anticipate the potential efficacy of DM/Q in migraine.
Screen‐Printed Electrodes for Amperometric Determination of Iodide
Authors: Khodari M. , Bilitewski U. , Basry A. A. H.
Published: November 2014

An amperometric method for the determination of iodide ions has been developed using disposable, screen‐printed electrodes. The used sensors have a gold, graphite and platinum working electrodes with an area of about 7 mm2. Calibration curves exhibit a linear relationship between the electrode response and the iodide concentration up to 3.00 mM. The correlation coefficients for all calibration curves varied from 0.988 to 0.998. The relative standard deviations were equal to or less than 5.26 % (n=5). The lowest iodide concentration measured was 100 µM.
Signal and interference alignment via message passing for MIMO interference channels
Authors: Fouladgar Ali Mohammad , Simeone Osvaldo , Park Seok‐Hwan , Sahin Onur , Shamai Shlomo
Published: November 2014

A novel algorithm for the design of linear precoding and equalisation in multiple‐input multiple‐output interference channels is proposed that is based on the minimisation of the interference‐plus‐signal leakage. The interference‐plus‐leakage criterion, unlike the more conventional interference leakage metric for interference alignment, considers not only the power of the interference caused to unintended receivers but also the power of the useful signal that is ‘spilled’ outside the receiving subspace of the intended receiver. The proposed algorithm tackles the problem via the application of the min‐sum message passing algorithm to a factor graph constructed on the interference graph of the network. The scheme can be seen as a generalisation of a number of previously proposed algorithms, including the alternating optimisation schemes for interference leakage minimisation and interference‐plus‐signal leakage minimisation. The approach inherits the advantages of these schemes of returning unitary precoding and equalisation matrices, hence simplifying the task of low‐rate feedback to the transmitters and receivers, and of allowing a distributed implementation. Numerical results show that the scheme provides advantages in terms of achievable sum‐rate and convergence with respect to the mentioned existing related strategies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward systems neuroscience in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: A meta‐analysis of 75 fMRI studies
Authors: Li Hui‐Jie , Hou Xiao‐Hui , Liu Han‐Hui , Yue Chun‐Lin , He Yong , Zuo Xi‐Nian
Published: November 2014

Most of the previous task functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies found abnormalities in distributed brain regions in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), and few studies investigated the brain network dysfunction from the system level. In this meta‐analysis, we aimed to examine brain network dysfunction in MCI and AD. We systematically searched task‐based fMRI studies in MCI and AD published between January 1990 and January 2014. Activation likelihood estimation meta‐analyses were conducted to compare the significant group differences in brain activation, the significant voxels were overlaid onto seven referenced neuronal cortical networks derived from the resting‐state fMRI data of 1,000 healthy participants. Thirty‐nine task‐based fMRI studies (697 MCI patients and 628 healthy controls) were included in MCI‐related meta‐analysis while 36 task‐based fMRI studies (421 AD patients and 512 healthy controls) were included in AD‐related meta‐analysis. The meta‐analytic results revealed that MCI and AD showed abnormal regional brain activation as well as large‐scale brain networks. MCI patients showed hypoactivation in default, frontoparietal, and visual networks relative to healthy controls, whereas AD‐related hypoactivation mainly located in visual, default, and ventral attention networks relative to healthy controls. Both MCI‐related and AD‐related hyperactivation fell in frontoparietal, ventral attention, default, and somatomotor networks relative to healthy controls. MCI and AD presented different pathological while shared similar compensatory large‐scale networks in fulfilling the cognitive tasks. These system‐level findings are helpful to link the fundamental declines of cognitive tasks to brain networks in MCI and AD. Hum Brain Mapp 36:1217–1232, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The increasing roles of epigenetics in breast cancer: Implications for pathogenicity, biomarkers, prevention and treatment
Authors: Basse Clémence , Arock Michel
Published: November 2014

Nowadays, the mechanisms governing the occurrence of cancer are thought to be the consequence not only of genetic defects but also of epigenetic modifications. Therefore, epigenetic has become a very attractive and increasingly investigated field of research in order to find new ways of prevention and treatment of neoplasia, and this is particularly the case for breast cancer (BC). Thus, this review will first develop the main known epigenetic modifications that can occur in cancer and then expose the future role that control of epigenetic modifications might play in prevention, prognostication, follow‐up and treatment of BC. Indeed, epigenetic biomarkers found in peripheral blood might become new tools to detect BC, to define its prognostic and to predict its outcome, whereas epi‐drugs might have an increasing potential of development in the next future. However, if DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and histone desacetylase inhibitors have shown encouraging results in BC, their action remains nonspecific. Thus, additional clinical studies are needed to evaluate more precisely the effects of these molecules, even if they have provided encouraging results in cotreatment and combined therapies. This review will also deal with the potential of RNA interference (RNAi) as epi‐drugs. Finally, we will focus on the potential prevention of BC through epigenetic based on diet and we will particularly develop the possible place of isothiocyanates from cruciferous vegetables or of Genistein from soybean in a dietary program that might potentially reduce the risk of BC in large populations.
Generation of New Artificial Metalloproteins by Cofactor Modification of Native Hemoproteins
Authors: Hayashi Takashi , Sano Yohei , Onoda Akira
Published: November 2014

Heme can be removed from a number of native hemoproteins, thus forming corresponding apoproteins, each of which provides a site for binding of a metal complex. In one example, myoglobin, an O2 storage protein, can be reconstituted with iron porphycene to dramatically enhance the O2 affinity. Although it is known that myoglobin has poor enzymatic activity, the insertion of iron corrole or iron porphycene into apomyoglobin increases its H2O2‐dependent peroxidase/peroxygenase activities. Furthermore, reconstitution with manganese porphycene promotes hydroxylation of an inert CH bond. It is also of interest to insert a non‐porphyrinoid complex into an apoprotein. A cavity of apocytochrome c has been found to bind a diiron carbonyl complex, serving as a functional model of diiron hydrogenase. Aponitrobindin has a rigid β‐barrel structure that provides an excellent cavity for covalently anchoring a metal complex. A rhodium complex embedded in the cavity of genetically modified nitrobindin has been found to promote stereoselective polymerization of phenylacetylene.
Creative Cognitive Processes in Higher Education
Authors: Miller Angie L. , Dumford Amber D.
Published: November 2014

This paper explores whether or not students in higher education settings are using creative cognitive processes, how these processes are related to deep approaches to learning, and in what types of settings and students these processes are most prevalent. Data collected from 8,724 students at 17 institutions participating in the 2010 National Survey of Student Engagement suggests that first‐year and senior students employ several different creative cognitive processes in their everyday activities. Results from exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggest two distinct types of processes: deliberate creative processes and intuitive cognitive processes. Additional analyses indicate significant positive relationships between both types of creative processes and deep approaches to learning, as well as statistically significant differences in the use of creative processes based on gender, enrollment type, and type of institution. Potential reasons for and implications of these findings are discussed.
Muscle progenitor cell regenerative capacity in the torn rotator cuff
Authors: Meyer Gretchen A. , Farris Ashley L. , Sato Eugene , Gibbons Michael , Lane John G. , Ward Samuel R. , Engler Adam J.
Published: November 2014

Chronic rotator cuff (RC) tears affect a large portion of the population and result in substantial upper extremity impairment, shoulder weakness, pain, and limited range of motion. Regardless of surgical or conservative treatment, persistent atrophic muscle changes limit functional restoration and may contribute to surgical failure. We hypothesized that deficits in the skeletal muscle progenitor (SMP) cell pool could contribute to poor muscle recovery following tendon repair. Biopsies were obtained from patients undergoing arthroscopic RC surgery. The SMP population was quantified, isolated, and assayed in culture for its ability to proliferate and fuse in vitro and in vivo. The SMP population was larger in muscles from cuffs with partial tears compared with no tears or full thickness tears. However, SMPs from muscles in the partial tear group also exhibited reduced proliferative ability. Cells from all cuff states were able to fuse robustly in culture and engraft when injected into injured mouse muscle, suggesting that when given the correct signals, SMPs are capable of contributing to muscle hypertrophy and regeneration regardless of tear severity. The fact that this does not appear to happen in vivo helps focus future therapeutic targets for promoting muscle recovery following rotator cuff repairs and may help improve clinical outcomes. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:???–???, 2015.
Defining the phenotype of young healthy nucleus pulposus cells: Recommendations of the Spine Research Interest Group at the 2014 annual ORS meeting
Authors: Risbud Makarand V. , Schoepflin Zachary R. , Mwale Fackson , Kandel Rita A. , Grad Sibylle , Iatridis James C. , Sakai Daisuke , Hoyland Judith A.
Published: November 2014

Low back pain is a major physical and socioeconomic problem. Degeneration of the intervertebral disc and especially that of nucleus pulposus (NP) has been linked to low back pain. In spite of much research focusing on the NP, consensus among the research community is lacking in defining the NP cell phenotype. A consensus agreement will allow easier distinguishing of NP cells from annulus fibrosus (AF) cells and endplate chondrocytes, a better gauge of therapeutic success, and a better guidance of tissue‐engineering‐based regenerative strategies that attempt to replace lost NP tissue. Most importantly, a clear definition will further the understanding of physiology and function of NP cells, ultimately driving development of novel cell‐based therapeutic modalities. The Spine Research Interest Group at the 2014 Annual ORS Meeting in New Orleans convened with the task of compiling a working definition of the NP cell phenotype with hope that a consensus statement will propel disc research forward into the future. Based on evaluation of recent studies describing characteristic NP markers and their physiologic relevance, we make the recommendation of the following healthy NP phenotypic markers: stabilized expression of HIF‐1α, GLUT‐1, aggrecan/collagen II ratio >20, Shh, Brachyury, KRT18/19, CA12, and CD24. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:???–???, 2015.
A glacial cryptic refuge in south‐east Australia: human occupation and mobility from 36 000 years ago in the Sydney Basin, New South Wales
Authors: WILLIAMS ALAN N. , ATKINSON FENELLA , LAU MICHELLE , TOMS PHILLIP S.
Published: November 2014

Excavations across a source‐bordering dune overlooking the Hawkesbury River in north‐west Sydney, Australia, suggest initial occupation of the region by at least 36 ka, with variable but uninterrupted use until the early Holocene; following abandonment, the site was then re‐occupied by ∼3 ka. Along with a handful of other sites, the results provide the earliest reliable evidence of permanent regional populations within south‐eastern Australia, and support a model in which early colonizers followed the coastal fringe with forays along the main river systems. The evidence is consistent with the demographic model of Williams, 2013 (Proceedings of the Royal Society Series B 280: 20130486), which suggested low, but established regional populations before the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), a population nadir following the LGM and increasing use of the region from ∼12 to 8 ka. The site exhibits increased use at the onset and peak of the LGM, and provides an example of a cryptic refuge as defined by Smith, 2013 (The Archaeology of Australia's Deserts. Cambridge University Press: New York). Specifically, changing artefact densities and attributes show the site was used repeatedly, but for shorter periods through this time, and suggest it formed one of a series of key localities in a point‐to‐point (rather than home‐base) subsistence strategy. This strategy was maintained until the site's abandonment in the early Holocene, despite changing population and climatic conditions through the Terminal Pleistocene.
Determination of bioavailability and identification of collagen peptide in blood after oral ingestion of gelatin
Authors: Wang Lin , Wang Qing , Liang Qiufang , He Yuanqing , Wang Zhenbin , He Song , Xu Junmin , Ma Haile
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

Gelatin has long been widely used in foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other products. However, there are few reports on its bioavailability and bioavailable forms. In this study, the bioavailability of gelatin was indirectly evaluated by the determining the bioavailability of total hydroxyproline in gelatin using a pharmacokinetic method after oral administration to rats.

RESULTS

The relative and absolute bioavailability of gelatin were 74.12% and 85.97%, respectively. The amino acid profile of plasma indicated that 41.91% of the digested gelatin was absorbed from the intestine in the form of peptide, and there was a good linear correlation between the absorbed amount of an amino acid and its content in gelatin (R2 = 0.9566). Moreover, 17 types of collagen peptide were purified by multi‐step chromatography and identified with ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionisation–mass spectrometry.

CONCLUSION

Gelatin had high oral bioavailability. Nearly half of digested gelatin was absorbed from the intestine in the form of various collagen peptides. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimisation of the high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) parameters to produce effective corrosion control coatings on AZ91 magnesium alloy
Authors: Taltavull C. , Lopez A. J. , Torres B. , Atrens A. , Rams J.
Published: November 2014

High velocity oxygen‐fuel (HVOF) thermal spraying was used to fabricate Al and metal matrix composite (Al/SiCp) coatings on the Mg alloy AZ91 surface in order to investigate their efficacy as corrosion‐control coatings. The corrosion behaviour of the coated specimens was evaluated by electrochemical methods and Taguchi design of experiments (DOE) methodology was used to analyse the relationship between the spraying conditions and the corrosion behaviour. Based on the above, optimum HVOF conditions were proposed where the number of layers and the spraying distance seemed to be the key parameters to obtain thick and compact coatings leading to effective corrosion control coatings.
Inactivation of norovirus and surrogates by natural phytochemicals and bioactive substances
Authors: Ryu Seungbo , You Hyun Ju , Kim Ye Won , Lee Ariel , Ko Gwang Pyo , Lee Sung‐Joon , Song Moon Jung
Published: November 2014

Human norovirus is the leading cause of sporadic gastroenteritis, which is responsible for more than 90% of all nonbacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks. While norovirus infections typically cause mild and self‐limiting symptoms lasting 24–48 h, chronic persistent infections can cause severe symptoms. Although recent advances have been made in understanding the molecular characteristics of norovirus infection, no norovirus‐specific antiviral drugs, or vaccines are available. Conventional intervention methods used to inactivate norovirus, such as treatment with disinfecting agents (e.g. ethanol, hypochlorite, and quaternary ammonium formulations), have shown a lack of efficacy against human norovirus when they are applied to foods and in food preparation processes. Therefore, alternative antiviral or inactivating agents such as phytochemicals have received attention as potential norovirus inhibitors due to their relatively low toxicity and lack of side effects, which allows them to be prepared as food‐safe formulations. Evidence from studies using viral surrogates suggests that numerous phytochemicals and foods containing flavonoids and polyphenols have anti‐norovirus activity, and future studies will be necessary to confirm the effectiveness of such compounds against human norovirus and the molecular mechanisms through which they produce antiviral effects.
Design of parallel transmission radiofrequency pulses robust against respiration in cardiac MRI at 7 Tesla
Authors: Schmitter Sebastian , Wu Xiaoping , Uğurbil Kâmil , Van de Moortele Pierre‐François
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Two‐spoke parallel transmission (pTX) radiofrequency (RF) pulses have been demonstrated in cardiac MRI at 7T. However, current pulse designs rely on a single set of B1+/B0 maps that may not be valid for subsequent scans acquired at another phase of the respiration cycle because of organ displacement. Such mismatches may yield severe excitation profile degradation.

Methods

B1+/B0 maps were obtained, using 16 transmit channels at 7T, at three breath‐hold positions: exhale, half‐inhale, and inhale. Standard and robust RF pulses were designed using maps obtained at exhale only, and at multiple respiratory positions, respectively. Excitation patterns were analyzed for all positions using Bloch simulations. Flip‐angle homogeneity was compared in vivo in cardiac CINE acquisitions.

Results

Standard one‐ and two‐spoke pTX RF pulses are sensitive to breath‐hold position, primarily due to B1+ alterations, with high dependency on excitation trajectory for two spokes. In vivo excitation inhomogeneity varied from nRMSE = 8.2% (exhale) up to 32.5% (inhale) with the standard design; much more stable results were obtained with the robust design with nRMSE = 9.1% (exhale) and 10.6% (inhale).

Conclusion

A new pTX RF pulse design robust against respiration induced variations of B1+/B0 maps is demonstrated and is expected to have a positive impact on cardiac MRI in breath‐hold, free‐breathing, and real‐time acquisitions. Magn Reson Med 74:1291–1305, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modified ZSM‐5/polydimethylsiloxane mixed matrix membranes for ethanol/water separation via pervaporation
Authors: Han Xiaolong , Zhang Xingmei , Ma Xiaoxun , Li Jiding
Published: November 2014

In this article, chlorosilane‐modified ZSM‐5 particles were incorporated into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to form mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for ethanol/water mixture separation via pervaporation (PV). The membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical performance testing. The maximum loading and dispersion of ZSM‐5 into PDMS were improved by chlorosilane modification. To evaluate the PV performance, the MMMs were used to separate an aqueous ethanol solution. The effect of zeolite loading and operational conditions on PV performance was investigated in detail. The separation factor of the composite membranes filled with modified ZSM‐5 increased considerably versus unmodified membrane, while the total flux decreased to some degree. Of all the chlorosilane‐modified membranes, dodecyltrichlorosilane modified ZSM‐5 filled PDMS showed the best separation factor of 15.8 for ethanol. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1282–1291, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Size‐dependent vibration of double‐bonded carbon nanotube‐reinforced composite microtubes conveying fluid under longitudinal magnetic field
Authors: Ghorbanpour Arani A. , Haghparast E. , Ghorbanpour Arani A.H.
Published: November 2014

In the present research, vibration and instability of visco‐elastically coupled carbon nanotube reinforced composite (CNTRC) microtubes conveying fluid is investigated. Single‐walled carbon nanotubes are arranged in a longitudinal direction inside poly methyl methacrylate matrix. The longitudinal magnetic field is applied on coupled system. The surrounding medium is simulated by visco‐Pasternak model due to considerable damping and shearing effects. Based on Mori–Tanaka theory, the properties of composite microtubes are obtained. In order to achieve more accurate results, strain gradient theory is developed in Timoshenko beam model. The motion equations are derived utilizing Hamilton's principle and solved by means of differential quadrature method. Considering slip flow regime, the influences of various parameters such as magnetic intensity, elastic medium, Knudsen number, and volume fraction of CNTs on the vibration characteristics of coupled system are studied in details. Results demonstrated that the stability of coupled system can be significantly improved by applying magnetic field. The result of this study can be useful to control and improve the performance of micro‐mechanical systems conveying fluid. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1375–1383, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Temperature Regimes of the Active Layer and Seasonally Frozen Ground under a Forest‐Steppe Mosaic, Mongolia
Authors: Dashtseren Avirmed , Ishikawa Mamoru , Iijima Yoshihiro , Jambaljav Yamkin
Published: November 2014

Permafrost underlying forested north‐facing slopes and seasonally frozen ground underlying mountain steppes on south‐facing slopes co‐exist within a small mountain basin that represents the most general landscape type in northern central Mongolia. A 5‐year time series of hydro‐meteorological parameters on these slopes is presented in order to identify the factors controlling ground temperature regimes. A thick organic layer (0.2–0.4 m) beneath the forest on a north‐facing slope impedes the effects of summer air temperature on the ground, and the forest canopy strongly blocks downward shortwave radiation during summer. Active layer thickness was determined by summer warmth. The mountain steppe on a dry south‐facing slope receives a large amount of downward shortwave radiation compared to an adjacent forested slope, and therefore the surface temperature exceeds air temperature during summer, leading to a warm soil profile. In winter, snow cover was the main factor controlling interannual variations in the thickness of seasonally frozen ground. The onset of soil thawing in the forested area was later than in the mountain steppe, even though soil freezing began simultaneously in both areas. Overall, the forest cover keeps the ground cool and allows permafrost to persist in this region. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bhopal Revisited
Authors: Murphy John F. , Hendershot Dennis , Berger Scott , Summers Angela E. , Willey Ronald J.
Published: November 2014

On December 3, 1984, a pesticide plant in Bhopal, India released approximately 40 metric tons of methyl isocyanate into the atmosphere. The impact of this incident was an estimated 2,000 fatalities, 100,000 injuries, and significant damage to livestock and crops [1]. Thirty years have passed since this event occurred but the impact of this event on the chemical processing industries and the people who work in it has not been forgotten. In remembrance of this event, I asked several well‐known process safety experts that had the opportunity to visit the Bhopal site in 2004 each to write a short article that speaks to the personal impact of Bhopal on their careers in the chemical processing industries. Below are their personal and thoughtful responses to my request. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 33: 310–313, 2014
Band alignment and effective work function of atomic‐layer deposited VO2 and V2O5 films on SiO2 and Al2O3
Authors: Cerbu F. , Chou H.‐S. , Radu I. P. , Martens K. , Peter A. P. , Afanas'ev V. V. , Stesmans A.
Published: November 2014

The effective work function (EWF) and the energy position of the valence band in 20‐40‐nm thick VO2and V2O5layers grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on top of insulating SiO2 and γ‐Al2O3 films were evaluated using the comparison between capacitance‐voltage and internal photoemission measurements. From the capacitance measured at different temperatures on the metal‐VO2(V2O5)‐insulator‐silicon and metal‐insulator‐silicon diodes we found that the both studied vanadium oxides have the same EWF as gold electrodes evaporated on the same oxides. This result is further collaborated by the internal photoemission experiments at the VO2/SiO2 and V2O5/SiO2 interfaces which indicate the energy barrier between the top of the vanadium oxide valence band (in the insulating phase) and the insulator conduction band to be 4.1 ± 0.1 eV. Since the transition from the narrow‐gap VO2 to the wide‐gap V2O5 oxide causes no change in the WF or in the photoemission threshold, we conclude that the ALD‐grown VO2 in its insulating phase represents a a heavily‐doped semiconductor which becomes metallic upon metal‐insulator transition without significant EWF change. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Detection of nano‐structured particles with organic electrochemical transistors
Authors: Romeo Agostino , Tarabella Giuseppe , D'Angelo Pasquale , Coppedè Nicola , Rossi Francesca , Mosca Roberto , Iannotta Salvatore
Published: November 2014

Recently big efforts have been addressed to the development of techniques for sensing and characterization of nanoparticles (NPs), especially in aqueous environment, due to their possible harmfulness related to their nanometric size. In this work we describe a real time detection of NPs based on organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). OECTs were employed to detect core‐shell super‐paramagnetic NPs (Fe3O4) functionalized with different polymeric coatings. The OECT response resulted to be a function of the density of NPs suspended in the solution, with sensitivity down to tens of µg/ml. The data, interpreted in terms of the effective gate voltage shift induced by the NPs, indicate that the sensing mechanism is correlated to the electrostatic interaction of NPs with the PEDOT:PSS transistor channel. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Precipitation sensitivity to autoconversion rate in a numerical weather‐prediction model
Authors: Planche Céline , Marsham John H. , Field Paul R. , Carslaw Kenneth S. , Hill Adrian A. , Mann Graham W. , Shipway Ben J.
Published: November 2014

Aerosols are known to significantly affect cloud and precipitation patterns and intensity, but these interactions are ignored or very simplistically handled in climate and numerical weather‐prediction (NWP) models.

A suite of one‐way nested Met Office Unified Model (UM) runs, with a single‐moment bulk microphysics scheme was used to study two convective cases with contrasting characteristics observed in southern England. The autoconversion process that converts cloud water to rain is directly controlled by the assumed droplet number. The impact of changing cloud droplet number concentration (CDNC) on cloud and precipitation evolution can be inferred through changes to the autoconversion rate. This was done for a range of resolutions ranging from regional NWP (1 km) to high resolution (up to 100 m grid spacing) to evaluate the uncertainties due to changing CDNC as a function of horizontal grid resolution.

The first case is characterised by moderately intense convective showers forming below an upper‐level potential vorticity anomaly, with a low freezing level. The second case, characterised by one persistent stronger storm, is warmer with a deeper boundary layer. The colder case is almost insensitive to even large changes in CDNC, while in the warmer case a change of a factor of 3 in assumed CDNC affects total surface rain rate by ∼17%. In both cases the sensitivity to CDNC is similar at all grid spacings <1 km. The contrasting sensitivities of these cases are induced by their contrasting ice‐phase proportion. The ice processes in this model damp the precipitation sensitivity to CDNC. For this model the convection is sensitive to CDNC when the accretion process is more significant than the melting process and vice versa.
Assessing correlation of clustered mixed outcomes from a multivariate generalized linear mixed model
Authors: Chen Hsiang‐Chun , Wehrly Thomas E.
Published: November 2014

The classic concordance correlation coefficient measures the agreement between two variables. In recent studies, concordance correlation coefficients have been generalized to deal with responses from a distribution from the exponential family using the univariate generalized linear mixed model. Multivariate data arise when responses on the same unit are measured repeatedly by several methods. The relationship among these responses is often of interest. In clustered mixed data, the correlation could be present between repeated measurements either within the same observer or between different methods on the same subjects. Indices for measuring such association are needed. This study proposes a series of indices, namely, intra‐correlation, inter‐correlation, and total correlation coefficients to measure the correlation under various circumstances in a multivariate generalized linear model, especially for joint modeling of clustered count and continuous outcomes. The proposed indices are natural extensions of the concordance correlation coefficient. We demonstrate the methodology with simulation studies. A case example of osteoarthritis study is provided to illustrate the use of these proposed indices. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximizing slowly digested starch in an expanded sorghum‐maize extruded food using response surface methodology
Authors: Licata Rebecca , Coorey Ranil , Zhao Yun , Chu Jiayue , Johnson Stuart
Published: November 2014

Sorghum is a grain with potential for developing foods with slowly digested starch, of benefit to healthy glucose metabolism. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the effects of total moisture in barrel (22–25%), final barrel zone temperature (115–140°C), and sorghum flour in dry mix (30–80%) during extrusion of sorghum‐maize flour, on extrudate slowly digested starch (SDS) and expansion ratio. SDS level had a negative linear association (p = 0.007) with final barrel zone temperature and a positive linear association (p < 0.001) with sorghum level. Expansion ratio had a quadratic association with final barrel zone temperature (p = 0.002) and moisture in barrel (p < 0.001). A linear model described the combined effects of extrusion parameters on SDS levels (R2 = 68.23%), while a quadratic model described their effects on expansion ratio (R2 = 75.24%). SDS level was positively associated with both polyphenolic level (r = 0.622, p = 0.001) and antioxidant capacity (r = 0.668, p = 0.001). The validated RSM model indicated that 22% total moisture in barrel, 115 °C final barrel temperature zone, and 74.67% sorghum in dry mix were optimum settings to deliver maximum levels of SDS with adequate expansion ratio. This is the first report of the optimisation of SDS level in a sorghum based extrudate. These findings demonstrate the potential of sorghum for the development of extruded snack foods with elevated levels of both SDS and antioxidant capacity.
p,p'‐DDE damages spermatogenesis via phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase depletion and mitochondria apoptosis pathway
Authors: Quan Chao , Shi Yuqin , Wang Can , Wang Chengmin , Yang Kedi
Published: November 2014

One, 1‐dichloro‐2,2‐bis(p‐chlorophenyl) ethylene (p,p'‐DDE), the major metabolite of 2,2‐bis(4‐chlorophenyl)−1,1,1‐trichloroethane (DDT), is a known persistent organic pollutant (POPs) and male reproductive toxicant. However, the mechanism by which p,p'‐DDE exposure causes male reproductive toxicity remains unknown. The objective of this study was to elucidate some mechanisms involved in this process, including the mitochondria apoptosis pathway and the role of phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx). Puberty male SD rats were given different doses of p,p'‐DDE (0, 20, 60, 100 mg/kg body weight), after the treatment, the semen quality was evaluated. Western blotting was used to detect the PHGPx protein expression. Furthermore, real‐time PCR was used to analyze the genetic expression of PHGPx, Bax, Cytochrom C (Cyt C), Apaf‐1, and caspase‐3 in the testis. Results indicated that after the exposure, sperm malformation rate showed a significant rise compared with the control group, and meanwhile, the sperm density and sperm motility parameters were reduced to some extent in different treated groups. The mitochondria apoptosis pathway was activated. And remarkably, the expression of PHGPx protein was greatly reduced by the exposure. We conclude that p,p'‐DDE can damage spermatogenesis via PHGPx depletion and mitochondria apoptosis pathway. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 593–600, 2016.
The cytotoxic effect of the NOS‐mediated oxidative stress in MCF‐7 cells after PbCl2 exposure
Authors: Zhong Lingying , Wang Lumei , Xu Lurong , Liu Qunlu , Jiang Linlei , Zhi Yuee , Lu Wei , Zhou Pei
Published: November 2014

The potential Pb‐induced cytotoxicity in various tissues and biological systems has been reported. Some evidences also indicate that the Pb‐caused cytotoxicity may be associated with the nitric oxide synthase (NOS). However, there remains uncertainty about the role of the NOS signaling pathway during the Pb‐induced cytotoxicity. In this report, we provide data showing that PbCl2 treatment depresses the expressions of the three distinct NOS isoforms: neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), endothelial NOS (eNOS), and inducible NOS (iNOS) on both transcriptional and translational levels in MCF‐7 cells. The down‐regulation of NOSs expressions by PbCl2 exposure leads to reduced NOS activity and nitric oxide (NO) production. Meanwhile, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level is elevated after PbCl2 exposure, which leads to the alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (elF2α) phosphorylation. The reduction effects of the free radical scavenger N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine or the NOS substrate l‐arginine on the Pb‐induced ROS generation suggest that the NOS signaling pathway plays a key role in the Pb‐induced oxidative stress, which further results in the elF2α phosphorylation and cytotoxicity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 601–608, 2016.
Variations in the neonatal environment modulate adult behavioral and brain responses to palatable food withdrawal in adult female rats
Authors: Colman Juliana Barcellos , Laureano Daniela Pereira , Reis Tatiane Madeira , Krolow Rachel , Dalmaz Carla , Benetti Carla da Silva , Silveira Patrícia Pelufo
Published: November 2014

Background/objectives

Early handling alters adult behavioral responses to palatable food and to its withdrawal following a period of chronic exposure. However, the central mechanisms involved in this phenomenon are not known. Since neonatal handling has persistent effects on stress and anxiety responses, we hypothesized that its involvement in the aforementioned association may be associated with differential neuroadaptations in the amygdala during withdrawal periods.

Methods

Litters were randomized into two groups: handled (H, removed from their dam for 10 min per day from the first to the tenth postnatal day and placed in an incubator at 32 °C) and non‐handled (NH). Experiment 1: on PNDs 80–100, females were assigned to receive palatable food + rat chow for 15 or 30 days, and these two groups were compared in terms of palatable food preference, body weight and abdominal fat deposition. In Experiment 2, H and NH rats were exposed to a chronic diet of palatable food + rat chow for 15 days, followed by (a) no withdrawal, (b) 24 h withdrawal from palatable food (receiving only rat chow) or (c) 7‐day withdrawal from palatable food (receiving only rat chow). Body weight, 10‐min rebound palatable food intake, abdominal fat deposition, serum corticosterone as well as TH and pCREB levels in the amygdala were then compared between groups.

Results

Experiment 1—chronic exposure to palatable food induces comparable metabolic effects after 15 and 30 days. Experiment 2—neonatal handling is associated with a peculiar response to palatable food withdrawal following chronic exposure for 15 days. Rats exposed to early handling ingested less of this food after a 24 h withdrawal period, and displayed increased amygdala TH and pCREB levels.

Conclusions

Variations in the neonatal environment affect both behavioral responses and amygdala neuroadaptation to acute withdrawal from a palatable diet. These findings contribute to the comprehension of the mechanisms that link early life events and altered feeding behavior and related morbidities such as obesity in adulthood.
The histone chaperone HJURP is a new independent prognostic marker for luminal A breast carcinoma
Authors: Montes de Oca Rocío , Gurard-Levin Zachary A. , Berger Frédérique , Rehman Haniya , Martel Elise , Corpet Armelle , de Koning Leanne , Vassias Isabelle , Wilson Laurence O.W. , Meseure Didier , Reyal Fabien , Savignoni Alexia , Asselain Bernard , Sastre-Garau Xavier , Almouzni Geneviève
Published: November 2014

Background

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with different molecular subtypes that have varying responses to therapy. An ongoing challenge in breast cancer research is to distinguish high‐risk patients from good prognosis patients. This is particularly difficult in the low‐grade, ER‐positive luminal A tumors, where robust diagnostic tools to aid clinical treatment decisions are lacking. Recent data implicating chromatin regulators in cancer initiation and progression offers a promising avenue to develop new tools to help guide clinical decisions.

Methods

Here we exploit a published transcriptome dataset and an independent validation cohort to correlate the mRNA expression of selected chromatin regulators with respect to the four intrinsic breast cancer molecular subtypes. We then perform univariate and multivariate analyses to compare the prognostic value of a panel of chromatin regulators to Ki67, a currently utilized proliferation marker.

Results

Unsupervised hierarchical clustering revealed a gene cluster containing several histone chaperones and histone variants highly‐expressed in the proliferative subtypes (basal‐like, HER2‐positive, luminal B) but not in the luminal A subtype. Several chromatin regulators, including the histone chaperones CAF‐1 (subunits p150 and p60), ASF1b, and HJURP, and the centromeric histone variant CENP‐A, associated with local and metastatic relapse and poor patient outcome. Importantly, we find that HJURP can discriminate favorable and unfavorable outcome within the luminal A subtype, outperforming the currently utilized proliferation marker Ki67, as an independent prognostic marker for luminal A patients.

Conclusions

The integration of chromatin regulators as clinical biomarkers, in particular the histone chaperone HJURP, will help guide patient substratification and treatment options for low‐risk luminal A breast carcinoma patients.
Acute Stroke Patients Treated with Stent Retrievers in Carotid “T” Occlusions Have Improved Recanalization and Outcome
Authors: Orton Trent H. , Lum Cheemun , Alhazzaa Mohammed , Lesiuk Howard , Dowlatshahi Dar , dos Santos Marlise P. , Iancu Daniela
Published: November 2014

Background: Recanalization rates and patient outcomes in acute occlusion of the carotid terminus have previously been poor. The use of stent-retrievers has resulted in better recanalization and patient outcomes. We sought to compare outcomes in patients treated with stent-retrievers to outcomes in older techniques. Methods: We retrospectively compared a stent-retriever cohort to a historical cohort. We evaluated recanalization rates and good outcomes (defined as mRS < 2 at 30 days or 10 point drop in NIHSS). Results: There were twenty patients treated with stent-retrievers versus nine without. The recanalization rate in patients treated with stent retrievers was significantly higher than that of other modalities (90% vs 33%, p=0.004). Good outcomes were significantly higher in the stent retriever cohort (70% vs 22%, p=0.041). Conclusion: The use of stent-retrievers in patients with carotid “T” occlusions shows promise in comparison to older techniques. A randomized trial comparing stent-retriever therapy to IV thrombolysis is warranted to determine the efficacy of this new generation of devices.
Experience from the Great East Japan Earthquake Response as the Basis for Revising the Japanese Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) Training Program
Authors: Anan Hideaki , Akasaka Osamu , Kondo Hisayoshi , Nakayama Shinichi , Morino Kazuma , Homma Masato , Koido Yuichi , Otomo Yasuhiro
Published: November 2014

Objective

The objective of this study was to draft a new Japanese Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) training program based on the responses to the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Methods

Working group members of the Japan DMAT Investigative Commission, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, reviewed reports and academic papers on DMAT activities after the disaster and identified items in the current Japanese DMAT training program that should be changed. A new program was proposed that incorporates these changes.

Results

New topics that were identified to be added to the DMAT training program were hospital evacuation, preparations to receive DMATs at damaged hospitals, coordination when DMAT activities are prolonged, and safety management and communication when on board small helicopters. The use of wide-area transport was reviewed and changes were made to cover selection of various transport means including helicopter ambulances. Content related to confined space medicine was removed. The time spent on emergency medical information system (EMIS) practical training was increased. Redundant or similar content was combined and reorganized, and a revised DMAT training program that did not increase the overall training time was designed.

Conclusion

The revised DMAT training program will provide practical training better suited to the present circumstances in Japan. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;8:477-484)
VIPERS AND LOST YOUTH: A NOTE ON OLD AGE IN EARLY GREEK EPIC
Authors: Brown Christopher G.
Published: November 2014

It is well known that in early Greek epic old age was something that could be scraped off a man, and it is the purpose of this note to explore the image and to suggest a possible origin. The idea is first attested in a counterfactual conditional sentence in Phoenix's speech atIl.9.445–6: ‘nor even if [a god] himself were to undertake to render me young and flourishing after scraping off old age …’ (οὐδ' εἴ κέν μοι ὑποσταίη αὐτός | γῆρας ἀποξύσας θήσειν νέον ἡβώοντα …); in a description of Medea's magical rejuvenation of Aeson in theNostoi(fr. 7.2 Bernabé = 6.2 Davies, γῆρας ἀποξύσας); and in the account of Eos' botched attempt to make Tithonus immortal in theHomeric Hymn to Aphrodite(223–4):οὐδ' ἐνόησε μετὰ ϕρεσὶ πότνια Ἠώςἥβην αἰτῆσαι, ξῦσαί τ' ἄπο γῆρας ὀλοιόν.

Nor did lady Dawn think in her mind to ask for youth and to scrape off ruinous old age.

This language also occurs in Late Antiquity, and Andrew Faulkner in his commentary on theHymn(ad loc.) cites Greg. Nanz.Carm.1.2.2.483 (PG37.616) in the fourth centurya.d.and the much later Cometas,Anth. Pal.15.37.2. So far as the imagery implicit in these passages is concerned, S. D. Olson writes, ‘old age is imagined as a scurf or patina that can be scoured off a person’. Faulkner, however, prefers a more precise reference: ‘Griffin … relates it to the idea of old age as a skin that can be shed, as that of a snake’, and he helpfully cites Theodoros Prodromos,Carmina historica24.18, ἀπόξυσαι τὸ γῆρας ὥσπερ ὄϕις (‘to scrape off old age like a snake’).