bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing anti‐Aβ‐induced neurotoxicity ability of Antrodia camphorata‐fermented product with deep ocean water supplementary
Authors: Shi Yeuching , Yang Shuyuan , Lee David Yuewei , Lee Chunlin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDAntrodia camphorata is proven to probably inhibit the neurotoxicity of amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ), known as a risk factor toward the development of Alzheimer's disease. Deep ocean water (DOW), drawn from an ocean depth of more than 200 m, has proven to stimulate the growth and metabolite biosynthesis of fungi owing to its rich minerals and trace elements. Based on these advantages of DOW, this study used statistical response surface methodology (RSM) to investigate the effects of DOW on the growth and anti‐Aβ‐induced neurocytotoxicity ability of A. camphorata.RESULTSThe results showed that DOW was useful for increasing the biomass of A. camphorata and enhancing its neuroprotective capability. The anti‐Aβ40‐induced neurocytotoxicity ability of filtrate was increased via raising the mycelium‐secreted components. Furthermore, the anti‐Aβ40‐induced neurocytotoxicity ability of mycelium was also increased by the DOW‐stimulated intracellular antioxidants. Using 80% DOW concentration, initial pH 3.3 and 20% inoculum size as the optimal culture conditions of A. camphorata significantly stimulated the biomass and mycelium‐mediated Aβ40‐induced cell viability from 302 ± 14 mg per 100 mL and 49.2 ± 2.2% to 452 ± 33 mg per 100 mL and 65.0 ± 7.4% respectively.CONCLUSIONThis study indicated that DOW could be used as a promising supplementary for the production of A. camphorata secondary metabolites with strong antioxidant activity to protect neuron cells from damage based on Aβ stimulation cytotoxicity. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Fabrication and Characterization of Electrospun Dopants/PS Composite Fibers with Porous and Hollow‐Porous Structures
Authors: Tian Lidong , Gu Junwei , Lei Xingfeng , Lv Zhaoyuan , Qiao Mingtao , Yin Changjie , Zhang Qiuyu 
Published: February 2016

Three different dopants are used to fabricate electrospun dopants/polystyrene (dopants/PS) composite fibers from PS solution and PS sol. The relative humidity and the influence of the dopants on the morphologies, diameter, porous structures, and dopant distribution of electrospun PS fibers are investigated. Compared to those obtained from PS solution, electrospun dopants/PS composite fibers from PS sol with hollow‐porous and multichannel hollow‐porous structures present significant advantages due to the multi‐stage degree of interfacial structure and diversity of the internal environment. In comparison to coaxial electrospun PS fibers, the electrospun dopants/PS composite fibers from PS sol obtained in one step have an improved yield and a simplified technological process simultaneously, leading to significant competitiveness in fields such as catalysis, fluidics gas storage, and sensing.
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The Caenorhabditis elegans p38 MAPK Gene plays a key role in protection from mycobacteria
Authors: Galbadage Thushara , Shepherd Tonya F. , Cirillo Suat L. G. , Gumienny Tina L. , Cirillo Jeffrey D. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) are critical mediators of cellular responses to pathogens and are activated in response to infection, but investigation is difficult in multi‐cell hosts due to developmental lethality of mutations. Mycobacterium marinum (Mm) is an established model for tuberculosis, a disease afflicting nearly one‐third of the world's population. We found that Mm‐infected Caenorhabditis elegans display >80% mortality, but nonpathogenic M. smegmatis cause <15% mortality. C. elegans display pathological changes when infected with Mm, whereas Mm mutants produce lower mortality, suggesting that C. elegans is a promising virulence model for detailed genetic analysis. C. elegans MAPK mutants are hypersusceptible to mycobacterial infection; however, the C. elegans TOL‐like, TGF‐β and insulin‐like pathway genes do not play important roles in susceptibility. We show that pathogenic mycobacteria inhibit MAPK‐mediated protection through the MAPK phosphatase gene and demonstrate that C. elegans provide a genetically tractable pathogenicity model of both the host and pathogen.
Two parallel pathways for ferric and ferrous iron acquisition support growth and virulence of the intracellular pathogen Francisella tularensis Schu S4
Authors: Pérez Natalie , Johnson Richard , Sen Bhaswati , Ramakrishnan Girija 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIron acquisition mechanisms in Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, include the Francisella siderophore locus (fsl) siderophore operon and a ferrous iron–transport system comprising outer‐membrane protein FupA and inner‐membrane transporter FeoB. To characterize these mechanisms and to identify any additional iron uptake systems in the virulent subspecies tularensis, single and double deletions were generated in the fsl and feo iron acquisition systems of the strain Schu S4. Deletion of the entire fsl operon caused loss of siderophore production that could be restored by complementation with the biosynthetic genes fslA and fslC and Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) transporter gene fslB. 55Fe‐transport assays demonstrated that siderophore‐iron uptake required the receptor FslE and MFS transporter FslD. A ΔfeoB′ mutation resulted in loss of ability to transport ferrous iron (55Fe2+). A ΔfeoB′ ΔfslA mutant that required added exogenous siderophore for growth in vitro was unable to grow within tissue culture cells and was avirulent in mice, indicating that no compensatory cryptic iron uptake systems were induced in vivo. These studies demonstrate that the fsl and feo pathways function independently and operate in parallel to effectively support virulence of F. tularensis.
Variable expressivity and co‐occurrence of LDLR and LDLRAP1 mutations in familial hypercholesterolemia: failure of the dominant and recessive dichotomy
Authors: Fahed Akl C. , Khalaf Ruby , Salloum Rony , Andary Rabih R. , Safa Raya , El‐Rassy Inaam , Moubarak Elie , Azar Sami T. , Bitar Fadi F. , Nemer Georges 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe familial inherited genetic disorder of lipoprotein metabolism affects more than 10 million individuals around the world. Lebanon is one of the several endemic areas for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) with a founder mutation in the low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol receptor (LDLR) gene, responsible for most of the cases. We have previously shown that 16% of all familial cases with hypercholesterolemia do not show genotype segregation of LDLR with the underlying phenotype.MethodsWe used Sanger sequencing to genotype 25 Lebanese families with severe FH for the gene encoding the LDLR‐associated protein (LDLRAP1), responsible for the recessive form of the disease starting with the four families that did not show any genotype‐phenotype correlation in our previous screening.ResultsWe showed that the previously reported p.Q136* variant is linked to the hypercholesterolemia phenotype in the four families. In addition, we showed a variable phenotype between families and between members of the same family. One family exhibits mutations in both LDLR and LDLRAP1 with family members showing differential phenotypes unexplained by the underlying genotypes of the two genes.ConclusionThe p.Q136* variant in LDLRAP1 is yet another founder mutation in Lebanon and coupled with the LDLR p.C681* variant explains all the genetic causes of FH in Lebanon.
Rothmund–Thomson Syndrome: novel pathogenic mutations and frequencies of variants in the RECQL4 and USB1 (C16orf57) gene
Authors: Suter Aude‐Annick , Itin Peter , Heinimann Karl , Ahmed Munaza , Ashraf Tazeen , Fryssira Helen , Kini Usha , Lapunzina Pablo , Miny Peter , Sommerlund Mette , Suri Mohnish , Vaeth Signe , Vasudevan Pradeep , Gallati Sabina 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundPoikiloderma is defined as a chronic skin condition presenting with a combination of punctate atrophy, areas of depigmentation, hyperpigmentation and telangiectasia. In a variety of hereditary syndromes such as Rothmund–Thomson syndrome (RTS), Clericuzio‐type poikiloderma with neutropenia (PN) and Dyskeratosis Congenita (DC), poikiloderma occurs as one of the main symptoms. Here, we report on genotype and phenotype data of a cohort of 44 index patients with RTS or related genodermatoses.MethodsDNA samples from 43 patients were screened for variants in the 21 exons of the RECQL4 gene using PCR, SSCP‐PAGE analysis and/or Sanger sequencing. Patients with only one or no detectable mutation in the RECQL4 gene were additionally tested for variants in the 8 exons of the USB1 (C16orf57) gene by Sanger sequencing. The effect of novel variants was evaluated by phylogenic studies, single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) databases and in silico analyses.ResultsWe identified 23 different RECQL4 mutations including 10 novel and one homozygous novel USB1 (C16orf57) mutation in a patient with PN. Moreover, we describe 31 RECQL4 and 8 USB1 sequence variants, four of them being novel intronic RECQL4 sequence changes that may have some deleterious effects on splicing mechanisms and need further evaluation by transcript analyses.ConclusionThe current study contributes to the improvement of genetic diagnostic strategies and interpretation in RTS and PN that is relevant in order to assess the patients' cancer risk, to avoid continuous and inconclusive clinical evaluations and to clarify the recurrence risk in the families. Additionally, it shows that the phenotype of more than 50% of the patients with suspected Rothmund–Thomson disease may be due to mutations in other genes raising the need for further extended genetic analyses.
Sulforaphene suppresses growth of colon cancer‐derived tumors via induction of glutathione depletion and microtubule depolymerization
Authors: Byun Sanguine , Shin Seung Ho , Park Jiman , Lim Semi , Lee Eunjung , Lee Chaeyoon , Sung Dongeun , Farrand Lee , Lee Seoung Rak , Kim Ki Hyun , Dong Zigang , Lee Sam W. , Lee Ki Won 
Published: February 2016

ScopeCruciferous vegetables harbor a number of isothiocyanates that have been recognized for their cancer‐related properties. Out of these, sulforaphene (a naturally occurring derivative of sulforaphane) has received little attention in studies of colon cancer and its mechanism of action remains to be elucidated.Methods and resultsWe observed that sulforaphene inhibited growth of human colon cancer cell lines HCT116, HT‐29, KM12, SNU‐1040, and DLD‐1, while exhibiting negligible toxicity toward nonmalignant cells. Sulforaphene induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of colon cancer cells analyzed by flow cytometry, concomitant with phosphorylation of CDK1 and CDC25B at inhibitory sites, and upregulation of the p38 and JNK pathways. It was further determined that sulforaphene is a potent inhibitor of microtubule polymerization while generating reactive oxygen species via the depletion of glutathione. These observations further extended into inhibitory effects against colon tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that sulforaphene may contribute to the anti‐tumor effects of cruciferous vegetables that contain sulforaphene and other isothiocyanates.
Blood oxygen‐level dependent functional assessment of cerebrovascular reactivity: Feasibility for intraoperative 3 Tesla MRI
Authors: Fierstra Jorn , Burkhardt Jan‐Karl , van Niftrik Christiaan Hendrik Bas , Piccirelli Marco , Pangalu Athina , Kocian Roman , Neidert Marian Christoph , Valavanis Antonios , Regli Luca , Bozinov Oliver 
Published: February 2016

PurposeTo assess the feasibility of functional blood oxygen‐level dependent (BOLD) MRI to evaluate intraoperative cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) at 3 Tesla field strength.MethodsTen consecutive neurosurgical subjects scheduled for a clinical intraoperative MRI examination were enrolled in this study. In addition to the clinical protocol a BOLD sequence was implemented with three cycles of 44 s apnea to calculate CVR values on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis throughout the brain. The CVR range was then color‐coded and superimposed on an anatomical volume to create high spatial resolution CVR maps.ResultsTen subjects (mean age 34.8 ± 13.4; 2 females) uneventfully underwent the intraoperative BOLD protocol, with no complications occurring. Whole‐brain CVR for all subjects was (mean ± SD) 0.69 ± 0.42, whereas CVR was markedly higher for tumor subjects as compared to vascular subjects, 0.81 ± 0.44 versus 0.33 ± 0.10, respectively. Furthermore, color‐coded functional maps could be robustly interpreted for a whole‐brain assessment of CVR.ConclusionWe demonstrate that intraoperative BOLD MRI is feasible in creating functional maps to assess cerebrovascular reactivity throughout the brain in subjects undergoing a neurosurgical procedure. Magn Reson Med 77:806–813, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Vademecum‐based GFEM (V‐GFEM): optimal enrichment for transient problems
Authors: Canales Diego , Leygue Adrien , Chinesta Francisco , González David , Cueto Elías , Feulvarch Eric , Bergheau Jean‐Michel , Huerta Antonio 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThis paper proposes a generalized finite element method based on the use of parametric solutions as enrichment functions. These parametric solutions are precomputed off‐line and stored in memory in the form of a computational vademecum so that they can be used on‐line with negligible cost. This renders a more efficient computational method than traditional finite element methods at performing simulations of processes. One key issue of the proposed method is the efficient computation of the parametric enrichments. These are computed and efficiently stored in memory by employing proper generalized decompositions. Although the presented method can be broadly applied, it is particularly well suited in manufacturing processes involving localized physics that depend on many parameters, such as welding. After introducing the vademecum‐generalized finite element method formulation, we present some numerical examples related to the simulation of thermal models encountered in welding processes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using cognitive behaviour therapy to explore resilience in the life‐stories of 16 UK centenarians
Authors: Hutnik Nimmi , Smith Pam , Koch Tina 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimIn 2010, we interviewed 16 UK centenarians about their lives and later published a paper on the socio‐emotional aspects of positive ageing. We were struck by their ability to ‘move on’ from difficult situations which we recognized conceptually as ‘resilience’. In the effort to understand aspects of resilience as portrayed in their stories, we re‐examined their data.MethodologyIn the original study, we used participatory action research (PAR) for its storytelling and group process components. Here, we re‐examine data from the centenarians’ life stories using a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) lens.DesignWe focused on the notion of resilience in the centenarians’ stories guided by CBT insights to analyse and develop psychosocial interpretations.ResultsResilience comprised the ability to frame difficult life events in positive terms, accept what cannot be changed, manage worry and anxiety effectively, develop psychological flexibility in the face of change and continually seek opportunities for growth and development. We suggest that these resilient behaviours may have contributed to positive ageing.
Extending the Study of the 6,8 Rearrangement in Flavylium Compounds to Higher pH Values: Interconversion between 6‐Bromo and 8‐Bromo‐apigeninidin
Authors: Cruz Luís M. , Basílio Nuno M. , de Freitas Victor A. , Lima João C. , Pina Fernando J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe rearrangement between isomers 6‐ and 8‐bromo‐apigeninidin (6 and 8) was studied by pH jumps using stopped flow, UV/Vis, NMR, and HPLC analysis. The system constitutes a pH‐dependent network of chemical reactions involving up to 18 different species. The dynamic network is equivalent to a single diprotic acid exhibiting two pKas, 2.55 and 5.4. Similar to other flavylium derivatives, the mole fraction of the species hemiketal and cis‐chalcone in both multistate isomers are negligible at the equilibrium. At pH 1, the pure isomers are slowly converted in a mixture containing about 50 % of isomers 6 and 8, while at pH 4, the system evolves to mixture of 10 % trans‐chalcone and 90 % of quinoidal bases. A series of pH jumps from pure isomer 6 at pH 1 to pH 6 and back to pH 1 leads to the same initial absorption spectra of the pure isomer 6. The same occurs for pure isomer 8, showing the lack of communication between the cis‐chalcones, at least in the time scale of few minutes. A pH jump from the equilibrated mixture of the isomers at pH 1.0 to 5.8 permits to follow a very slow isomerization.
Understanding the physical basis for the side‐chain conformational preferences of methionine
Authors: Virrueta Alejandro , O'Hern Corey S. , Regan Lynne 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTMethionine (Met) is a structurally versatile amino acid most commonly found in protein cores and at protein–protein interfaces. Thus, a complete description of the structure of Met is important for a fundamental understanding of protein structure and design. In previous work, we showed that the hard‐sphere dipeptide model is able to recapitulate the side‐chain dihedral angle distributions observed in high‐resolution protein crystal structures for the nine amino acids we have studied to date: Val, Thr, Ser, Leu, Ile, Cys, Tyr, Trp, and Phe. Using the same approach, we are also able to predict the observed χ1 and χ2 side‐chain dihedral angle distributions for Met. However, the form of the side‐chain dihedral angle distribution P(χ3) predicted by the hard‐sphere model does not match the observed distribution. We investigate the possible origins of the discrepancy and find that specific bond lengths and angles in Met side chains strongly influence P(χ3). We then identify minimal additions to the hard‐sphere dipeptide model necessary to quantitatively predict P(χ3) of Met, and its near isosteres norleucine (Nle) and selenomethionine (Mse). We find that adding weak attractive interactions between hydrogen atoms to the model is sufficient to achieve predictions for P(χ3) that closely match the observed P(χ3) distributions for Met, Nle, and Mse. We explicitly show that weak attractive interactions between hydrogens do not negatively affect the agreement between the predicted and observed side‐chain dihedral angle distribution for Val, Leu, Ile, and Phe, as we expect for other amino acids. Proteins 2016; 84:900–911. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regional Statistical and Precipitation–Runoff Modelling for Ecological Applications: Prediction of Hourly Streamflow in Regulated Rivers and Ungauged Basins
Authors: Hailegeorgis Teklu T. , Alfredsen K. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPrediction of natural streamflow in regulated rivers for derivation of ecologically relevant streamflow metrics (ERSFMs) and prediction in ungauged basins (PUB) are important in management of water resources. However, specific studies on comparison of methods for predicting hourly flow regime relevant to ecological study in regulated (hydropeaking) rivers are rare in literature. Therefore, using catchments in mid Norway, we performed comparative evaluation of prediction of hourly streamflow series and flow duration curves (FDCs) in ungauged basins. We developed a regional regression model based on relationships among streamflow percentiles and drainage areas and performed a regional calibration of a streamflow recession based precipitation–runoff (P–R) model.A leave one out cross‐validation procedure was used to evaluate the regional models. The results indicate that the regional regression model with transferring of streamflow information based on the nearest neighbour performed better than both transferring optimal parameters from local calibration and regional parameter sets corresponding to maximum regional weighted average Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of the P–R model (NSEMRWA). We also evaluated the models based on prediction of some environmental indices: the daily range, daily standard deviation, flashiness, maximum ramping rate, number of rise and falls and daily flow changes. However, both modelling strategies predicted hourly streamflow indices well and appeared stable over most indices while the largest differences occurred in the rise and fall counts.The models were further applied for prediction of the natural streamflow time series at Sokna hydropeaking plant. The observed hydrograph exhibits continuous sudden fluctuations while the predicted natural flow hydrograph exhibits smooth pattern. The within a year FDCs for observed flow exhibits sharp transitions from high to low flows. There is clear differences between the environmental indices obtained for the observed and the modelled data series, with the general observation that the NSEMRWA computing a smaller variability than the regression model. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of Direct and Indirect Boundary Shear Stress Measurements along Vegetated Streambanks
Authors: Hopkinson L. C. , Wynn‐Thompson T. M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractEstimates of boundary shear stress along vegetated streambanks are needed to predict streambank fluvial erosion. Because fluvial shear stress cannot be directly measured in the field, reliable estimation techniques using field instrumentation are needed. This study evaluated local bank shear stress estimation methods applicable to sloping, vegetated streambanks. Two reaches of a second order stream were modelled in a flume using a fixed‐bed Froude‐scale modelling technique. One reach was dominated by dense shrubs while the other reach was located in a mature forest. Direct measurements of local bank shear stress using a hot‐film anemometer were compared to estimates based on velocity measurements (logarithmic method, Reynolds stresses, and turbulent kinetic energy). For channels with no or widely spaced vegetation, the velocity‐based estimates underestimated the bank shear stress due to secondary flow contributions. For banks with dense vegetation, Reynolds stresses and turbulent kinetic energy estimates were statistically similar to direct measurements on average, but substantial error occurred when making point comparisons. Velocity‐based estimates generally over predicted bank stress in areas of high shear at the vegetation edge and underpredicted stress within dense vegetation. Ultimately, results suggest that none of tested techniques can be broadly applied to streambanks, and flow structure is critical in selecting the appropriate estimation technique. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The business of distributed solar power: a comparative case study of centralized charging stations and solar microgrids
Authors: D'Agostino Anthony L. , Lund Peter D. , Urpelainen Johannes 
Published: February 2016

How can distributed solar power best meet the energy needs of nonelectrified rural communities? In collaboration with a local technology provider, we conduct a techno‐economic comparison of three different models of distributed solar power in rural India. We compare a centralized charging station with two solar microgrids, one based on prepaid electricity purchases and the other on a fixed monthly fee. Customers report higher levels of satisfaction and fewer technical problems with the microgrids, but the capital cost of the microgrids is much higher than that of the centralized charging station. The prepaid system exhibits poor economic performance because the customers spend very little money on electricity. These results suggest that new business models and technological innovations are needed to strike the right balance between customer needs and commercial viability. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:640–648. doi: 10.1002/wene.209This article is categorized under:

Photovoltaics > Economics and Policy
Solar Heating and Cooling > Economics and Policy
Energy Research & Innovation > Systems and Infrastructure