bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Small‐molecule inhibitors of multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 and related processes: A historic approach and recent advances
Authors: Stefan Sven Marcel , Wiese Michael 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMultidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 (MRP1, ABCC1) is an ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transport protein. This efflux pump uses the energy of ATP hydrolysis to export structurally diverse antineoplastic agents in human cancers. The upregulation of MRP1 (either inherent or acquired) is one major reason for the occurrence of the phenomenon called multidrug resistance (MDR). MDR is characterized by a reduced outcome of chemotherapy due to the active intracellular clearance of cytostatic drugs below the necessary effect concentration. Much effort has been made to overcome MDR, which implied high‐throughput screenings of already known pharmacological and natural compounds, modification of intrinsic substrates, as well as design and synthesis of new inhibitors. This review is meant not only to summarize the most recent results over the past 10 years, but also to highlight major achievements regarding reversal of MRP1‐mediated MDR, from the time of its discovery until today. The focus lies on small‐molecule compounds that feature either direct MRP1 inhibition/transport blockage, toxicity against MRP1‐overexpressing cells, inhibition/modification of intracellular processes necessary for MRP1 function, or modification of MRP1‐related metabolic and genomic mechanisms. Considering all aspects, this review might be useful to (re)consider possible strategies to overcome MRP1‐mediated MDR. Furthermore, it may be the basis for developing new, even better, highly potent, less toxic, and selective (as well as broad‐spectrum) MRP1 inhibitors that will enter clinical evaluations in different malignancies and finally conduce to overcome MDR in general.
Characterizing gold nanoparticles by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Guo Chengchen , Yarger Jeffery L. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGold nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention in recent research because of their wide applications in various fields such as material science, electrical engineering, physical science, and biomedical engineering. Researchers have developed many methods for synthesizing different kinds of gold nanoparticles, where the sizes and surface chemistry of the nanoparticles are considered to be the two key factors. Traditionally, the sizes of nanoparticles are determined by electron microscopy whereas the surface chemistry is characterized by optical spectroscopies such as infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Compared with that, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provides a more advanced and convenient way for size determination and surface chemistry investigations by combining one‐ and multiple‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy and diffusion‐order NMR spectroscopy. Here, we show a thorough study that NMR spectroscopy can be applied to characterize small thiol‐protected gold nanoparticles, including size determination, surface chemistry investigation, and structural study. The results show that the nanoparticles' sizes determined by NMR agree well with transmission electron microscopy results. Furthermore, the ligand densities of nanoparticles were determined by quantitative NMR spectroscopy, and the structures of ligands capped on the surfaces were studied thoroughly by one‐ and multiple‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy. In this work, we establish a general method for researchers to characterize nanostructures by using NMR spectroscopy.
Effects of postural taping on pain, function and quality of life following osteoporotic vertebral fractures—A feasibility trial
Authors: Palmer Shea , Barnett Sue , Cramp Mary , Berry Alice , Thomas Amanda , Clark Emma M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveOsteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) are common and present a significant burden to patients and healthcare services. Poor posture can increase vertebral pressure, pain and the risk of further fractures. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of postural taping on pain, function and quality of life when used in addition to usual care.MethodsA feasibility randomized, controlled trial was carried out in men and women with at least one clinically diagnosed painful OVF. Participants were randomly allocated to use an adhesive postural taping device at home for 4 weeks or to continue with usual care. Outcomes assessed at baseline and 4 weeks included pain at rest and on movement (visual analogue scales [VASs]), and function and quality of life (Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis [QUALEFFO]). Health resource use and acceptability were explored using a specifically designed questionnaire.ResultsTwenty‐four participants completed the trial (taping, n = 13; control, n = 11). Groups were comparable in age, although the control group contained more men (n = 3 versus n = 0) and scored slightly lower on most outcome measures at baseline. Descriptive analysis favoured the taping group for most outcome measures. Effect sizes were small to medium (0.37, 0.45 and 0.66 for VAS rest, VAS movement and QUALEFFO, respectively).ConclusionsThe taping device demonstrated potential to improve pain and function. However, the findings need to be replicated in an appropriately powered study. The study procedures were largely acceptable. A more extensive pilot trial is recommended prior to a definitive trial.
Effect of statins in preventing hospitalizations for infections: A population study
Authors: Policardo Laura , Seghieri Giuseppe , Gualdani Elisa , Franconi Flavia 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPurposeTo investigate whether the hospitalization rate for bacterial infections was modified by statin therapy in a population retrospectively followed up, over years 2011 to 2015.MethodsBy using administrative databases, the 5‐year hospitalization rate due to bacterial infections in population living in Tuscany, Italy exposed to statin therapy (n = 52,049) was stratified by 5 prescribed daily doses classes (0%‐20%, 20%‐50%, 50%‐80%, 80%‐100%, ≥100% of DDD) and subsequently compared with that of a population of untreated individuals (n = 3 300 ,675), matched through a propensity score accounting for all available covariates potentially able to modulate risk of infections such as age, gender, previous hospitalizations for infections, cardiovascular events, previous co‐morbidities, diabetes, as well as general practitioners' proactive behaviour of care delivery according to current guidelines.ResultsUnmatched individuals of each treatment‐class had significantly more hospitalizations than controls, while matched treated people, apart from those in class 0% to 20%, had a decrease of hospitalizations, as large as the increase in prescribed drug. Statin effect in reducing hospitalizations translated into a number needed to treat (NNT) ranging across treatment strata from 102 to 54.ConclusionsCompliance to statin prescribed daily doses above the threshold 20% of DDD, along a 5‐year follow‐up, prevented hospitalizations due to infectious diseases in a large unselected population, after adjusting for covariates able to modulate baseline risk of infections. The NNTs to avoid 1 hospitalization for infections resulted on average not too dissimilar from a value lying between the 95% CI of NNTs previously found for primary prevention of 1 incident coronary ischemic event (72 to 119).
Educational psychologists’ support roles regarding the implementation of inclusive education in Zimbabwe
Authors: Nkoma Elliott , Hay Johnnie 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis article focuses on a phenomenological study of trainee/educational psychologists’ lived experiences regarding the support roles in the implementation of inclusive education practices in Zimbabwe. In‐depth phenomenological interviews were done with 16 purposely selected participants (13 trainee/educational psychologists located at three administrative offices and three experts on inclusion from three universities) and data was transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed. Monthly/annual reports from trainee/educational psychologists were used as reference material. Three major themes emerged from the support roles: (1) diverse views on inclusion; (2) critical roles, successful and unsuccessful experiences in implementing inclusive education; and (3) impact of experiences on rendering support services. Key findings indicate that advocacy and consultation, assessment and placement, and in‐service training were viewed as critical and successful experiences, whereas negative teacher attitudes and limited resources were viewed as barriers toward the implementation of inclusive education practices. The impact of experiences indicates inadequacy in the provision of support services. Annual reports of trainee/educational psychologists indicated inadequate ongoing training on inclusive education practices. These findings are discussed in relation to the inclusive education literature.
Proteomic Characterization of a New asymmetric Cellulose Triacetate Membrane for Hemodialysis
Authors: Ronci Maurizio , Leporini Lidia , Felaco Paolo , Sirolli Vittorio , Pieroni Luisa , Greco Viviana , Aceto Antonio , Urbani Andrea , Bonomini Mario 
Published: May 2018

PurposeThe artificial membrane inside the haemodialyzer is the main determinant of the quality and success of haemodialysis therapy. The performances of haemodialysis membranes are highly influenced by the interactions with plasma proteins, which in turn are related to the physical and chemical characteristics of the membrane material. The present cross‐over study is aimed to analyse the haemodialysis performance of a newly developed asymmetric cellulose triacetate membrane (ATA) in comparison to the conventional parent symmetric polymer (CTA).
Experimental designIn four chronic non diabetic haemodialysis patients, the protein constituents of the adsorbed material from the filters after the haemodialysis session, and the proteins recovered in the ultrafiltrate during the session, are identified using a bottom‐up shotgun proteomics approach.ResultsThe ATA membrane shows a lower protein adsorption rate and a lower mass distribution pattern of the proteinaceous material.Conclusions and clinical relevanceBy highlighting the differences between the two haemodialysis filters in terms of adsorbed proteins and flow through, it is demonstrated the higher biocompatibility of the novel ATA membrane, that fulfils the indications for the development of more performant membranes and may represent a step forward for the treatment of patients on chronic haemodialysis.
A Hydrogel‐Film Casting to Fabricate Platelet‐Reinforced Polymer Composite Films Exhibiting Superior Mechanical Properties
Authors: Ji Donghwan , Choi Suji , Kim Jaeyun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe fabrication of mechanically superior polymer composite films with controllable shapes on various scales is difficult. Despite recent research on polymer composites consisting of organic matrices and inorganic materials with layered structures, these films suffer from complex preparations and limited mechanical properties that do not have even integration of high strength, stiffness, and toughness. Herein, a hydrogel‐film casting approach to achieve fabrication of simultaneously strong, stiff, and tough polymer composite films with well‐defined microstructure, inspired from a layer‐by‐layer structure of nacre is reported. Ca2+‐crosslinked alginate hydrogels incorporated with platelet‐like alumina particles are dried to form composite films composed of horizontally aligned alumina platelets and alginate matrix with uniformly layered microstructure. Alumina platelets are evenly distributed parallel without precipitations and contribute to synergistic enhancements of strength, stiffness and toughness in the resultant film. Consequentially, Ca2+‐crosslinked alginate/alumina (Ca2+‐Alg/Alu) films show exceptional tensile strength (267 MPa), modulus (17.9 GPa), and toughness (3.60 MJ m−3). Furthermore, the hydrogel‐film casting allows facile preparation of polymer composite films with controllable shapes and various scales. The results suggest an alternative approach to design and prepare polymer composites with the layer‐by‐layer structure for superior mechanical properties.
Surface reconstruction from FE mesh model
Authors: Park Jung Min , Lee Byung Chai , Chae Soo Won , Kwon Ki Youn 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In the computer aided engineering process with finite element analysis, a CAD surface model is sometimes needed for various tasks such as remeshing, shape optimization or design modification. Occasionally, engineers who perform an analysis at the product design stage are given only finite element mesh models; corresponding CAD models can be unavailable. This paper presents a method to extract free-form B-spline surfaces and certain feature curves from a surface mesh model. First, using the k-means clustering method, our process segments given meshes into a number of regions according to principal curvature information; then, region operations are performed. Next, each region is converted to an approximately free-form B-spline surface. In the last step, feature curves to create loft or sweep surfaces are calculated by minimizing the distance error. Some practical examples are also presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of our method.
Highlights We propose a new method of creating CAD surfaces from given finite element mesh model. Feature curves are extracted for creating sweep or loft surfaces. By using the generated surfaces based on the feature curves, the shape modification can be easily performed in the designing process.
Limited parasite acquisition by non-native Lepomis gibbosus (Actinopterygii: Centrarchidae) at two ponds in the Upper Rhine basin, Germany
Authors: Ondračková M. , Kvach Y. , Martens A. , Jurajda P. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMetazoan parasite communities ofLepomis gibbosus(Centrarchidae), one of the most successfully introduced fish species in Europe, were studied at two isolated ponds (Knielingen, Tropfen) along the Upper Rhine in Germany. Nine parasite taxa were observed, including North American species co-introduced to Europe (ancyrocephalid monogeneans, diplostomid trematodes), circumpolar species infectingL. gibbosusin both their native and non-native ranges (bothriocephalid cestodes) and locally acquired parasitic nematodes. Both parasite communities consisted predominantly of North American species. Acquisition of local parasites was not observed at Tropfen, where the fish community comprised just two species, withL. gibbosusdominant. Low prevalence and abundance of acquired parasites was found at Knielingen, which supported a diverse fish community. At Tropfen, a high abundance of the North American parasitePosthodiplostomum centrarchiprobably contributed to the lower condition index, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly observed. Due to low local parasite competency,L. gibbosusappears to have no significant impact on parasite dynamics in affected habitats.
Along‐Axis Variations of Rift Width in a Coupled Lithosphere‐Mantle System, Application to East Africa
Authors: Koptev Alexander , Calais Eric , Burov Evgueni , Leroy Sylvie , Gerya Taras 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNarrow and wide rifts are end‐member expressions of continental extension. Within the framework of passive rifting, the transition from wide to narrow rifts requires lowering the geothermal gradient. Reconciling this view with observational evidence for narrow rift zones in regions underlain by sublithospheric hot plume material, such as the eastern branch of the East African Rift, requires invoking preexisting weak zones for strain to localize in a warm crust. Based on thermomechanical numerical models, we show that along‐rift width variations can develop spontaneously as a consequence of spatial variations of the geotherm over an evolving mantle plume impinging a lithosphere subjected to ultraslow extension. The eastern branch of the East African Rift, with a narrow Kenya segment underlain by a mantle plume head and widening to the north and south in the colder regions of the Turkana depression and North Tanzania divergence, is in agreement with this numerical prediction.
Sea Surface Height Measurement Using a GNSS Wave Glider
Authors: Penna Nigel T. , Morales Maqueda Miguel A. , Martin Ian , Guo Jing , Foden Peter R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTo overcome spatial and temporal limitations of sea surface height instruments such as tide gauges, satellite altimetry, and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) buoys, we investigate the use of an unmanned, self‐propelled Wave Glider surface vehicle equipped with a geodetic GNSS receiver. Centimetric precision instantaneous sea surface height measurement is demonstrated from a 13‐day deployment in the North Sea, during which the glider traversed a track of about 600 km. Ellipsoidal heights were estimated at 5 Hz using kinematic GNSS precise point positioning and, after correcting for tides using the Finite Element Solution 2014b model and for the geoid using the Earth Gravitational Model 2008, hourly dynamic ocean topography measurements agreed with those from the UK Met Office Forecasting Ocean Assimilation Model‐Atlantic Margin Model 7 to 6.1‐cm standard deviation. Conversely, on correcting for the tides and dynamic ocean topography, 5.1‐cm standard deviation agreement with Earth Gravitational Model 2008 at its North Sea spatial resolution was obtained. Hourly measurements of significant wave height agreed with the WAVEWATCH III model and WaveNet buoy observations to 17 and 24 cm (standard deviation), respectively, and dominant wave periods to 1.4 s. These precisions were obtained in winds gusting up to 20 m/s.
Changes to the Air‐Sea Flux and Distribution of Radiocarbon in the Ocean Over the 21st Century
Authors: Khatiwala Samar , Graven Heather , Payne Sarah , Heimbach Patrick 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe investigate the spatiotemporal evolution of radiocarbon (Δ14C) in the ocean over the 21st century under different scenarios for anthropogenic CO2 emissions and atmospheric CO2 and radiocarbon changes using a 3‐D ocean carbon cycle model. Strong decreases in atmospheric Δ14C in the high‐emission scenario result in strong outgassing of 14C over 2050–2100, causing Δ14C spatial gradients in the surface ocean and vertical gradients between the surface and intermediate waters to reverse sign. Surface Δ14C in the subtropical gyres is lower than Δ14C in Pacific Deep Water and Southern Ocean surface water in 2100. In the low‐emission scenario, ocean Δ14C remains slightly higher than in 1950 and relatively constant over 2050–2100. Over the next 20 years we find decadal changes in Δ14C of −30‰ to +5‰ in the upper 2 km of the ocean, which should be detectable with continued hydrographic surveys. Our simulations can help in planning future observations, and they provide a baseline for investigating natural or anthropogenic changes in ocean circulation using ocean Δ14C observations and models.
Suspected Deep Interaction and Triggering Between Giant Earthquakes in the Chilean Subduction Zone
Authors: Bouchon Michel , Marsan David , Jara Jorge , Socquet Anne , Campillo Michel , Perfettini Hugo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBetween 2010 and 2015 three giant earthquakes occurred in the Chilean subduction where the oceanic Nazca plate plunges under South America. These were the largest events there since the gigantic M9.5 1960 earthquake so their close occurrences raise the question of a possible link between them. We show here that two‐and‐a‐half days after the M8.2 Iquique earthquake, seismic activity started to increase downdip below (depth~100 km) the future Illapel epicenter. This increase, which began with the largest intermediate‐depth earthquake in the Chilean subduction after Iquique, lasted until the M8.3 Illapel earthquake, 18 months later. The mechanisms involved suggest that the Iquique earthquake started a tear in the slab directly downdip from the future epicenter. This study relies on seismicity which occurs in the cold core of the slab and which is the only direct information we have on processes occurring at these depths. The results support that giant earthquakes interact at the scale of a subducting plate and suggest that this interaction occurs through the deep slab.
Energetic Constraints on the ITCZ Position in Idealized Simulations With a Seasonal Cycle
Authors: Wei Ho‐Hsuan , Bordoni Simona 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe atmospheric energy budget has recently been shown to provide powerful constraints on the position and shifts of the zonal and annual mean intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), which lies close to the latitude of zero vertically integrated energy transport (energy flux equator, EFE). Relatively little work has, however, explored the applicability of the energetic framework to ITCZ shifts on shorter time scales. This study investigates to what extent the EFE tracks the ITCZ on subseasonal time scales in idealized aquaplanet simulations with different mixed layer depths. It is shown that the ITCZ always lags the EFE, even in the simulation with the shallowest mixed layer depth, making it possible for the EFE and the ITCZ to reside on opposite sides of the equator. At these times, which occur as the winter cross‐equatorial Hadley circulation retreats from the summer hemisphere, the required energy balance is achieved not through shifts of the Hadley cell's ascending branch and ITCZ to track the EFE but through changes in the cell's vertical structure into one of negative gross moist stability. For any given position of the ascending branch, the winter cell is much weaker as it retreats from than as it expands into the summer hemisphere and develops a shallow return flow at middle‐to‐lower tropospheric levels where the moist static energy reaches its minimum, hence favoring a negative gross moist stability. It is argued that the asymmetry between the expanding and retreating phases of the winter Hadley cell is linked to the nonlinear seasonal evolution of near‐surface temperatures.