bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tolcapone induces oxidative stress leading to apoptosis and inhibition of tumor growth in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Maser Tyler , Rich Maria , Hayes David , Zhao Ping , Nagulapally Abhinav B. , Bond Jeffrey , Saulnier Sholler Giselle 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCatechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) is an enzyme that inactivates dopamine and other catecholamines by O‐methylation. Tolcapone, a drug commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, is a potent inhibitor of COMT and previous studies indicate that Tolcapone increases the bioavailability of dopamine in cells. In this study, we demonstrate that Tolcapone kills neuroblastoma (NB) cells in preclinical models by inhibition of COMT. Treating four established NB cells lines (SMS‐KCNR, SH‐SY5Y, BE(2)‐C, CHLA‐90) and two primary NB cell lines with Tolcapone for 48 h decreased cell viability in a dose‐dependent manner, with IncuCyte imaging and Western blotting indicating that cell death was due to caspase‐3‐mediated apoptosis. Tolcapone also increased ROS while simultaneously decreasing ATP‐per‐cell in NB cells. Additionally, COMT was inhibited by siRNA in NB cells and showed similar increases in apoptotic markers compared to Tolcapone. In vivo xenograft models displayed inhibition of tumor growth and a significant decrease in time‐to‐event in mice treated with Tolcapone compared to untreated mice. These results indicate that Tolcapone is cytotoxic to neuroblastoma cells and invite further studies into Tolcapone as a promising novel therapy for the treatment of neuroblastoma.
Quantum circuit‐based modeling of continuous‐variable quantum key distribution system
Authors: Mráz Albert , Kis Zsolt , Imre Sándor , Gyongyosi Laszlo , Bacsardi Laszlo 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThe second generation Continuous‐Variable Quantum Key Distribution is one of the most promising application of quantum mechanics in communications. This paper investigates a state‐of‐the‐art Continuous‐Variable Quantum Key Distribution solution from circuit modeling point of view in order to build an appropriate simulation framework. This framework allows detailed evaluation of the system's performance and adjusting the system parameters. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coastal protection and conservation on sandy beaches and dunes: context‐dependent tradeoffs in ecosystem service supply
Authors: Biel Reuben G. , Hacker Sally D. , Ruggiero Peter , Cohn Nicholas , Seabloom Eric W. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractManaging multiple ecosystem services (ESs) across landscapes presents a central challenge for ecosystem‐based management, because services often exhibit spatiotemporal variation and weak associations with co‐occurring ESs. Further focus on the mechanistic relationships among ESs and their underlying biophysical processes provides greater insight into the causes of variation and covariation among ESs, thus serving as a guide to enhance their supply while preventing adverse outcomes. Here, we used the U.S. Pacific Northwest coastal dune ecosystem to examine how invasive beachgrass management affects three ESs: coastal protection, western snowy plover conservation, and endemic foredune plant conservation. At seven coastal dune habitat restoration areas, we observed spatial variation in the supply of each ES and further identified a tradeoff between western snowy plover conservation and coastal protection. While the ESs were collectively influenced by the invasive beachgrasses and the foredunes they create, the magnitude of the synergies and tradeoffs were influenced by numerous non‐shared drivers, including nearshore geomorphology, changes in foredune shape as a result of restoration, and other management actions irrespective of restoration. Incorporation of these shared and non‐shared drivers into future coastal management planning may reduce tradeoffs among Pacific Northwest dune ESs. With better understanding of ES relationships, it becomes possible to identify management actions that may enhance synergies and mitigate tradeoffs, leading to better decisions for nature and people.
Comparative accuracy of NT‐proBNP and MR‐proANP for the diagnosis of acute heart failure in dyspnoeic patients
Authors: Darche Fabrice F. , Baumgärtner Christian , Biener Moritz , Müller‐Hennessen Matthias , Vafaie Mehrshad , Koch Vitali , Stoyanov Kiril , Rivinius Rasmus , Katus Hugo A. , Giannitsis Evangelos 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimsTo compare the performance of the natriuretic peptides (NPs) NT‐proBNP and MR‐proANP for the diagnosis of acute heart failure (AHF) in subsets of conditions potentially confounding the interpretation of NPs.Methods and resultsWe studied 312 patients, presenting to the emergency department with new onset of dyspnoea or worsening of chronic dyspnoea within the last 2 weeks. Performance of NPs for the diagnosis of AHF was tested and compared using C‐statistics in the entire cohort and in conditions previously described to confound interpretation of NPs such as older age, renal failure, obesity, atrial fibrillation or paced rhythm, and in the NT‐proBNP grey zone. AHF was diagnosed in 139 patients. In the entire cohort, the diagnostic performance of NT‐proBNP was comparable with that of MR‐proANP. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that optimal diagnostic cut‐offs were higher in the presence of older age, kidney failure or rhythm disorder. However, there were no statistically relevant differences between the receiver operating characteristic curves analysed in the total population and those studied in the pre‐specified subsets severe kidney failure, advanced age, obesity, atrial fibrillation and paced rhythm, and grey zone NT‐proBNP values. Moreover, the diagnostic performance of NT‐proBNP was comparable with that of MR‐proANP in the subsets.ConclusionsThe performance of NT‐proBNP and MR‐proANP for AHF is comparable in the total population as well as in the subsets with potentially confounding characteristics such as older age, renal dysfunction, obesity, atrial fibrillation and paced rhythm, or those with NT‐proBNP values in the grey zone.
Empirical seismic fragility for the precast RC industrial buildings damaged by the 2012 Emilia (Italy) earthquakes
Authors: Buratti Nicola , Minghini Fabio , Ongaretto Elena , Savoia Marco , Tullini Nerio 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThe paper analyses the seismic fragility of precast reinforced concrete buildings using observational damage data gathered after the 2012 Emilia earthquakes that struck Northern Italy. The damage level in 1890 buildings was collected, classified and examined. Damage matrices were then evaluated, and finally, empirical fragility curves were fitted using Bayesian regression. Building damage was classified using a six‐level scale derived from EMS‐98. The completeness of the database and the spatial distribution of the buildings investigated were analysed using cadastral data as a reference. The intensity of the ground motion was quantified by the maximum horizontal peak ground acceleration, which was obtained from ShakeMaps. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Field evidence for the influence of weathering on rock erodibility and channel form in bedrock rivers
Authors: Shobe Charles M. , Hancock Gregory S. , Eppes Martha C. , Small Eric E. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractErosion processes in bedrock‐floored rivers shape channel cross‐sectional geometry and the broader landscape. However, the influence of weathering on channel slope and geometry is not well understood. Weathering can produce variation in rock erodibility within channel cross‐sections. Recent numerical modeling results suggest that weathering may preferentially weaken rock on channel banks relative to the thalweg, strongly influencing channel form. Here, we present the first quantitative field study of differential weathering across channel cross‐sections. We hypothesize that average cross‐section erosion rate controls the magnitude of this contrast in weathering between the banks and the thalweg. Erosion rate, in turn, is moderated by the extent to which weathering processes increase bedrock erodibility. We test these hypotheses on tributaries to the Potomac River, Virginia, with inferred erosion rates from ~0.1 m/kyr to >0.8 m/kyr, with higher rates in knickpoints spawned by the migratory Great Falls knickzone. We selected nine channel cross‐sections on three tributaries spanning the full range of erosion rates, and at multiple flow heights we measured (1) rock compressive strength using a Schmidt hammer, (2) rock surface roughness using a contour gage combined with automated photograph analysis, and (3) crack density (crack length/area) at three cross‐sections on one channel. All cross‐sections showed significant (p < 0.01 for strength, p < 0.05 for roughness) increases in weathering by at least one metric with height above the thalweg. These results, assuming that the weathered state of rock is a proxy for erodibility, indicate that rock erodibility varies inversely with bedrock inundation frequency. Differences in weathering between the thalweg and the channel margins tend to decrease as inferred erosion rates increase, leading to variations in channel form related to the interplay of weathering and erosion rate. This observation is consistent with numerical modeling that predicts a strong influence of weathering‐related erodibility on channel morphology. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chronic toxicity of binary-metal mixtures of cadmium and zinc to Daphnia magna
Authors: Pérez Edgar , Hoang Tham C. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

The present study characterized the chronic effect of binary-metal mixtures of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) on Daphnia magna. The titration design was chosen to characterize the 21-d chronic effects of the binary-metal mixtures on survival, growth, reproduction, and metal accumulation in D. magna. Using this design, increasing concentrations of Zn (10, 20, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 μg/L) were titrated against a constant concentration of 1.5 μg/L Cd. The results demonstrated that Cd was highly toxic to D. magna. In a mixture with Cd and Zn, sublethal concentrations of 10 and 20 μg/L Zn were insufficient to protect D. magna from chronic Cd toxicity, whereas mixtures containing 40, 80, and 120 μg/L Zn provided strong protective effects to D. magna at all endpoints and resulted in less-than-additive effects. At higher Zn concentrations, such as 160 and 200 μg/L, Zn appeared to contribute to the toxicity. The less-than-additive effects observed in the Cd–Zn mixture can be explained by the decrease in body Cd concentration when the Zn concentration was increased in the exposure media. Embryos analyzed for morphological alterations in the Cd–Zn mixtures demonstrated severe developmental defects. The effect of Cd on undeveloped embryos while both Zn and Cd are present in the organisms raises a question of whether the competitive binding mechanism of Zn and Cd is still happening at the cellular level in the organisms. The results of the present study are useful for development of the biotic ligand model and environmental quality guidelines for metal mixtures. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2739–2749. © 2017 SETAC
The evolutionary radiation of plesiadapiforms
Authors: Silcox Mary T. , Bloch Jonathan I. , Boyer Doug M. , Chester Stephen G. B. , López‐Torres Sergi 
Published: April 2017

AbstractVery shortly after the disappearance of the non‐avian dinosaurs, the first mammals that had features similar to those of primates started appearing. These first primitive forms went on to spawn a rich diversity of plesiadapiforms, often referred to as archaic primates. Like many living primates, plesiadapiforms were small arboreal animals that generally ate fruit, insects, and, occasionally, leaves. However, this group lacked several diagnostic features of euprimates. They also had extraordinarily diverse specializations, represented in eleven families and more than 140 species, which, in some cases, were like nothing seen since in the primate order. Plesiadapiforms are known from all three Northern continents, with representatives that persisted until at least 37 million years ago. In this article we provide a summary of the incredible diversity of plesiadapiform morphology and adaptations, reviewing our knowledge of all eleven families. We also discuss the challenges that remain in our understanding of their ecology and evolution.
Spinal cord injury induces widespread chronic changes in cerebral white matter
Authors: Ilvesmäki Tero , Koskinen Eerika , Brander Antti , Luoto Teemu , Öhman Juha , Eskola Hannu 
Published: April 2017

AbstractTraumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) lead to axonal damage at the trauma site, as well as disconnections within the central nervous system. While the exact mechanisms of the long‐term pathophysiological consequences of SCIs are not fully understood, it is known that neuronal damage and degeneration are not limited to the direct proximity of the trauma. Instead, the effects can be detected even in the cerebrum. We examined SCI‐induced chronic brain changes with a case‐control design using 32 patients and 70 control subjects. Whole‐brain white matter (WM) tracts were assessed with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). In addition, we analysed associations between DTI metrics and several clinical SCI variables. Whole‐brain analyses were executed by tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS), with an additional complementary atlas‐based analysis (ABA). We observed widespread, statistically significant (P ≤ 0.01) changes similar to neural degeneration in SCI patients, both in the corticospinal tract (CST) and beyond. In addition, associations between DTI metrics and time since injury were found with TBSS and ABA, implying possible long‐term post‐injury neural regeneration. Using the ABA approach, we observed a correlation between SCI severity and DTI metrics, indicating a decrease in WM integrity along with patient sensory or motor scores. Our results suggest a widespread neurodegenerative effect of SCI within the cerebrum that is not limited to the motor pathways. Furthermore, DTI‐measured WM integrity of chronic SCI patients seemed to improve as time elapsed since injury. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3637–3647, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Managing IT Change—Return on Investment (ROI) as a Motivational Tool
Authors: Worster Art , Weirich Thomas R. , Andera Frank 
Published: April 2017

Previous articles in this series have provided examples for management accountants to understand integrated business processes and the role that they play. In a world where enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications define the operation of integrated business functions, understanding and interpreting the financial results becomes a more operational role. In this article, the authors extend this view to the implementation program itself, whether initial implementation or continuing additions. While ROI calculations are widely understood for evaluating and managing capital investments, the role they play in change management is often undervalued. While identifying and accurately measuring these can be challenging, not developing them handicaps program teams' ability to engage employees to provide critical support. This article discusses revenue and cost functions that are normally affected by the conversion to integrated business processes. Along with this analysis, how these areas are defined, estimated, and tracked becomes more important to project success. Most of the changes discussed in previous articles are implemented to improve efficiency and effectiveness of business processes. Taking the time to establish not only the metric itself, but also the measurement approach can be a key role that management accountants play both for executive leadership and for change management within the implementation program.	© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proteomic Data in Morphine Addiction Versus Real Protein Activity: Metabolic Enzymes
Authors: Antolak Anna , Bodzoń‐Kułakowska Anna , Cetnarska Ewa , Pietruszka Monika , Marszałek‐Grabska Marta , Kotlińska Jolanta , Suder Piotr 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTDrug dependence is an escalating problem worldwide and many efforts are being made to understand the molecular basis of addiction. The morphine model is widely used in these investigations. To date, at least 29 studies exploring the influence of morphine on mammals’ proteomes have been published. Among various proteins indicated as up‐ or down‐regulated, the expression changes of enzymes engaged in energy metabolism pathways have often been confirmed. To verify whether proteomics‐indicated alterations in enzyme levels reflect changes in their activity, four enzymes: PK, MDH, Complex I, and Complex V were investigated in morphine addiction and abstinence models. After analyses of the rat brain mitochondria fraction in the model of morphine dependence, we found that one of the investigated enzymes (pyruvate kinase) showed statistically significant differences observed between morphine, control, and abstinence groups. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4323–4330, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combination of Carmustine and Selenite Inhibits EGFR Mediated Growth Signaling in Androgen‐Independent Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Thamilselvan Vijayalakshmi , Menon Mani , Stein Gary S. , Valeriote Fred , Thamilselvan Sivagnanam 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTAlthough aberrant androgen receptor (AR) signaling is a central mechanism for castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progression, AR‐independent growth signaling is also present in CRPC. The current therapeutic options for patients with CRPC are limited and new drugs are desperately needed to eliminate these crucial growth signaling pathways. We have previously shown that combination of carmustine and selenite effectively induces apoptosis and growth inhibition by targeting AR and AR‐variants in CRPC cells. High levels of EGFR expression present in the CRPC cells mediates the cell proliferation via AR‐independent growth signaling mechanisms. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether the combination of carmustine and selenite could inhibit EGFR mediated growth signaling and induce apoptosis in androgen independent‐AR negative prostate cancer cells. EGF exposure dose and time dependently increased phospho‐EGFR (Tyr845, Tyr1068, and Tyr1045), pAkt (Ser473), and pERK1/2 (Thr204/Tyr202) protein expression levels in AIPC cells. Combination of carmustine and selenite treatment markedly suppressed EGF‐stimulated proliferation and survival of AIPC cells and effectively induced apoptosis. The ROS generated by the combination of carmustine and selenite exhibited a strong inhibition on EGF stimulated EGFR and its downstream signaling molecules such as Akt, NF‐kB, ERK1/2, and Cyclin D1. Individual agent treatment showed only partial effect. Overall, our findings demonstrated that the combination of carmustine and selenite treatment dramatically inhibits EGFR signaling, proliferation, and induces apoptosis in AIPC cells, suggesting a potential candidate for the treatment of CRPC. The results of the study further suggest that the combination of carmustine and selenite treatment can overcome EGFR mediated AR‐independent growth response in CRPC during anti‐androgen therapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4331–4340, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Peptidome Analysis of Human Serum From Normal and Preeclamptic Pregnancies
Authors: Dai Xiaonan , Song Xuejing , Rui Can , Meng Li , Xue Xuan , Ding Hongjuan , Shen Rong , Li Jun , Li Jingyun , Lu Yuanqing , Long Wei 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTPreeclampsia is a kind of disease that severely harms the health of pregnant women and infants. To better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in preeclampsia, we used liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) to construct a comparative peptidomic profiling of human serum between normal and preeclamptic pregnancies. A total of 201 peptides were confidently identified, with 21 up‐regulated and three down‐regulated. Further analysis indicated that these differentially expressed peptides correlate with enzyme regulator activity, biological regulation, and coagulation cascades occurring during pathological changes of preeclampsia. The identification of key peptides in serum may serve not only as a basis for better understanding and further exploring the etiology and pathogenesis of PE, but also as potential biomarkers and in providing targets for future therapy in PE, especially in early onset severe PE (sPE). J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4341–4348, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age‐related reduction in the expression of FOXO transcription factors and correlations with intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Alvarez‐Garcia Oscar , Matsuzaki Tokio , Olmer Merissa , Masuda Koichi , Lotz Martin K. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTAging is a main risk factor for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, the main cause of low back pain. FOXO transcription factors are important regulators of tissue homeostasis and longevity. Here, we determined the expression pattern of FOXO in healthy and degenerated human IVD and the associations with IVD degeneration during mouse aging. FOXO expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in normal and degenerated human IVD samples and in cervical and lumbar IVD from 6‐, 12‐, 24‐, and 36‐month‐old C57BL/6J mice. Mouse spines were graded for key histological features of disc degeneration in all the time points and expression of two key FOXO downstream targets, sestrin 3 (SESN3) and superoxide dismutase (SOD2), was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Histological analysis revealed that FOXO proteins are expressed in all compartments of human and mouse IVD. Expression of FOXO1 and FOXO3, but not FOXO4, was significantly deceased in human degenerated discs. In mice, degenerative changes in the lumbar spine were seen at 24 and 36 months of age whereas cervical IVD showed increased histopathological scores at 36 months. FOXO expression was significantly reduced in lumbar IVD at 12‐, 24‐, and 36‐month‐old mice and in cervical IVD at 36‐month‐old mice when compared with the 6‐month‐old group. The reduction of FOXO expression in lumbar IVD was concomitant with a decrease in the expression of SESN3 and SOD2. These findings suggest that reduced FOXO expression occurs in lumbar IVD during aging and precedes the major histopathological changes associated with lumbar IVD degeneration. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2682–2691, 2017.