bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydropedology of a mildly‐arid loess covered area, southern Israel
Authors: Yair Aaron , Goldshleger Naftali , Shachar Yossi 
Published: August 2016

AbstractExtensive loess covered areas characterize the mildly arid areas of western Israel, where average annual rainfall is 280 mm. Hydrological data point to a peculiar hydrological behavior of the ephemeral streams. The frequency of sporadic flash floods is very high. However, even in extreme rain events peak discharges are extremely low. Hydrographs are usually characterized by very steep rising and falling limbs, representative of saturated areas, extending over a limited part of the watershed. Following this observation we advanced the hypothesis that storm channel runoff originated in the channel itself, with negligible contribution from the adjoining hillslopes. The study was based on two complementary approaches. The hydrological approach was based on the detailed analysis of rainfall–runoff relationships in a small watershed (11 km2) and on the analysis of the hydrological characteristics of the drainage network. The second approach was based on the toposequence concept. Several boreholes were dug along a hillslope 400 m long. Chemical data obtained show no significant difference in the downslope direction. Similar results were also obtained for the particle size distribution and soil moisture content. Data obtained perfectly fit the concept of ‘Partial Area Contribution’ as it presents an extreme case of hydrological discontinuity at the hillslope–channel interface. The lack of pedological trends in the downslope direction is an additional indication of the limited connectivity between the hillslopes and the adjoining channel. The limited connectivity is attributed to the prevalence of low rain intensities in the study area. The present study is also relevant to our understanding of pedological processes in dryland areas. The high frequency of intermittent low intensity rainstorms limits runoff generation and flow distances, and casts doubt on the general application of the toposequence approach. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A software‐defined 5G cellular network with links virtually pooled for public safety operators
Authors: Casoni Maurizio , Grazia Carlo Augusto , Klapez Martin 
Published: August 2016

AbstractDuring disaster relief operations, public safety personnel performs data communication almost exclusively through terrestrial commercial networks. However, common cellular infrastructures are often unable to provide acceptable throughput and even basic availability owing to congestion or infrastructural disruption. In order to overcome these issues, this paper proposes the implementation of a network abstraction that we define as virtual resource pooling. This allows to virtually pool the resources provided by the cellular channels on which field operators are connected. The proposal aims to harmoniously blend together the multihoming capabilities of modern devices and their collaborative potential by leveraging the software‐defined networking facilities that are expected to be present in the core infrastructures of fifth‐generation networks. Coupled with the envisioned performance and packet core plasticity of the latter, such a system may have the potential to provide future public safety operators with broadband capabilities and high quality of experience in day‐to‐day tasks and major planned events while providing improved communication guarantees in unplanned disasters. To experimentally assess our proposal, we present a test bed that has been built and used to perform network emulation runs and to extract their results. These indicate that a system with virtual resource pooling may greatly enhance not only throughput and quality of service properties but also the resilience guarantees that network tenants may offer to field operators. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Balkenbiegeversuche an zwei Tonen und Verformbarkeitsnachweis für eine multifunktionale Deponieabdichtung
Authors: Vrettos Christos , Becker Andreas 
Published: August 2016

AbstractFür den Nachweis der Verformbarkeit mineralischer Deponieabdichtungen werden Angaben zu den Grenzzugdehnungen benötigt. Biegeversuche stellen eine praxisnahe Alternative zur indirekten Ermittlung dieser Werte dar. Zwei Tone wurden diesbezüglich untersucht. Zum Einsatz kamen Drei‐ und Vier‐Punkt‐Versuche sowie Versuche mit einer flächigen Belastung. Die Rückrechnung der Dehnungen aus den Durchbiegungen erfolgt anhand eines FEM‐Modells des Balkens als Kontinuum und ein Vergleich mit gängigen Methoden der Balkentheorie wird vorgenommen. Die Ergebnisse werden dann für den Nachweis der Verformbarkeit einer multifunktionalen Abdichtung eines Deponie‐auf‐Deponie‐Systems verwendet. Die Beanspruchungen im Deponiekörper werden ebenfalls mittels der FEM bestimmt. Die bodenmechanischen Eingangsparameter werden aus der Auswertung von In‐situ Messungen hergeleitet. Der Beitrag beschreibt die Versuchstechnik, die experimentellen Ergebnisse, die Auswertungsprozedur sowie die einzelnen Schritte der Nachweisführung.
Age‐related differences in autism: The case of white matter microstructure
Authors: Koolschijn P Cédric M.P. , Caan Matthan W.A. , Teeuw Jalmar , Olabarriaga Sílvia D. , Geurts Hilde M. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is typified as a brain connectivity disorder in which white matter abnormalities are already present early on in life. However, it is unknown if and to which extent these abnormalities are hard‐wired in (older) adults with ASD and how this interacts with age‐related white matter changes as observed in typical aging. The aim of this first cross‐sectional study in mid‐ and late‐aged adults with ASD was to characterize white matter microstructure and its relationship with age. We utilized diffusion tensor imaging with head motion control in 48 adults with ASD and 48 age‐matched controls (30–74 years), who also completed a Flanker task. Intra‐individual variability of reaction times (IIVRT) measures based on performance on the Flanker interference task were used to assess IIVRT‐white matter microstructure associations. We observed primarily higher mean and radial diffusivity in white matter microstructure in ASD, particularly in long‐range fibers, which persisted after taking head motion into account. Importantly, group‐by‐age interactions revealed higher age‐related mean and radial diffusivity in ASD, in projection and association fiber tracts. Subtle dissociations were observed in IIVRT‐white matter microstructure relations between groups, with the IIVRT‐white matter association pattern in ASD resembling observations in cognitive aging. The observed white matter microstructure differences are lending support to the structural underconnectivity hypothesis in ASD. These reductions seem to have behavioral percussions given the atypical relationship with IIVRT. Taken together, the current results may indicate different age‐related patterns of white matter microstructure in adults with ASD. Hum Brain Mapp 38:82–96, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antiamyloidogenic Effects of Ellagic Acid on Human Serum Albumin Fibril Formation Induced by Potassium Sorbate and Glucose
Authors: Taghavi F. , Habibi‐Rezaei M. , Bohlooli M. , Farhadi M. , Goodarzi M. , Movaghati S. , Maghami P. , Taghibiglou C. , Amanlou M. , Haertlé T. , Moosavi‐Movahedi A.A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractOxidative stress has the main role in protein conformational changes and consequent direct involvement in different kind of diseases. Potassium sorbate as a widespread industrial preservative and glucose are two important oxidants that can be involved in oxidative stress. In this study the effect of ellagic acid as a phenolic antioxidant on amyloid fibril formation of human serum albumin upon incubation of potassium sorbate and glucose was studied using thioflavin T assay, surface tension, atomic force microscopy, Amadori product, and carbonyl content assays. The thioflavin T assay and atomic force microscopy micrographs demonstrated the antiamyloidogenic effect of ellagic acid on the human serum albumin fibril formation. This antioxidant also had the repair effect on surface tension of the modified human serum albumin (amyloid intermediates), which was destructed, caused by potassium sorbate and glucose. This mechanism takes place because of potent carbonyl stress suppression effect of ellagic acid, which was strengthening by potassium sorbate in the presence and absence of glucose.
Acid‐Labile Copolymer Micelles Cross‐Linked by a Twin Ortho Ester Cross‐Linking Agent: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhou Xiaojing , Wang Jun , Cao Zhipeng , Zhang Lei , Tang Rupei 
Published: August 2016

In this work, a series of poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(N‐succinimidyl methacrylate) (PEG‐b‐PNSM) micelles with different length of PNSM are prepared by self‐assembly in phosphate buffer. In situ cross‐linked micelles (CLM) with high stability at neutral pH are obtained by adding a pH‐sensitive cross‐linker bearing two five‐membered ortho ester rings, 2‐{4‐[2‐(2‐amino‐ethoxy)‐[1,3]dioxolan‐4‐ylmethoxymethyl]‐[1,3]dioxolan‐2‐yloxy}‐thylamine. Nile Red as a model drug is easily loaded into CLM, and the release rate accelerate at acidic environments (pH 5). Cytotoxicity of PEG‐b‐PNSM and CLM against NIH3T3 cells is determined and favorable biocompatibility is possessed. Confocal laser scanning microscopy study shows that Nile Red‐loaded CLM has excellent cellular uptake by MCF‐7 cells. Paclitaxel (PTX) is successfully encapsulated into the cross‐linked micelles. In vitro cytotoxicity of free PTX, and PTX‐loaded CLM causes almost the same potency in killing MCF‐7 cells. These results suggest that cross‐linked micelles can be a potential vehicle for delivering hydrophobic anticancer drugs to tumors.image
Influence of food groups on plasma total homocysteine for specific MTHFR C677T genotypes in Chinese population
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Li Fan , Xiang Tianyuan , Wang Weimin , Ma Cong , Yang Chao , Chen Haixu , Xiang Hang 
Published: August 2016

ScopeIt has been demonstrated that a mutation of MTHFR C677T increases plasma total homocysteine (Hcy) concentration and decreases folate. Natural foods can improve Hcy levels, but the effect of certain foods remains undetermined. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between food groups and Hcy, and to explore the correlations between Hcy and dietary folate/vitamin (Vit) B12 for genotype‐specific population.Methods and resultsA total of 4507 adults were enrolled in this study, all of whom underwent physical examinations and genotyping. A dietary recall questionnaire, which assessed the frequency (F) and quantity (Q) of food consumption, was completed by all. For the male CC group, after adjustment for age and BMI, fish (F) was negatively correlated with Hcy; for the male CT group, fish (F) and eggs (F) were negatively associated with Hcy, whereas cereal/wheat (Q) were positively correlated with Hcy; for the male TT group, fish (F), meat (Q), milk (F), and fruits/vegetables (Q) were negatively associated with Hcy, whereas sugar (Q) and salt (Q) were positively associated with Hcy. For the female CC group, fruits/vegetables (Q), eggs (F) and meat (F) were negatively correlated with Hcy, but soy (F) was positively correlated with Hcy; for the female CT group, eggs (F) and meat (Q) were negatively correlated with Hcy, whereas soy (F), fried foods (F) and salt (Q) were positively correlated with Hcy; for the female TT group, fish(F), eggs (F), and fruits/vegetables (F) were negatively associated with Hcy. Furthermore, we found that Hcy was more closely correlated with folate than with Vit B12 for males (CC, CT and TT) and female TT genotype. However, the correlation between Hcy and Vit B12 was stronger for the female CT/CC groups.ConclusionHcy levels were influenced by food groups to varying degrees, which were based on gender and MTHFR C677T genotypes. Hcy levels were more closely correlated with folate for males (CC, CT and TT) and the female TT group, but it was more closely correlated with Vit B12 for the female CT/CC groups.
Utilizing on‐ and off‐line monitoring tools to follow a kinetic resolution step during flow synthesis
Authors: Farley Kathleen A. , Reilly Usa , Anderson Dennis P. , Boscoe Brian P. , Bundesmann Mark W. , Foley David A. , Lall Manjinder S. , Li Chao , Reese Matthew R. , Yan Jiangli 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn situ reaction monitoring tools offer the ability to track the progress of a synthetic reaction in real time to facilitate reaction optimization and provide kinetic/mechanistic insight. Herein, we report the utilization of flow NMR, flow IR, and other off‐line spectroscopy tools to monitor the progress of a flow chemistry reaction. The on‐line and off‐line tools were selected to facilitate the stereoselective kinetic resolution of a key racemic monomer, which lacked a chromophore, making conventional reaction monitoring difficult. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fully smoothed XFEM for analysis of axisymmetric problems with weak discontinuities
Authors: Wan Detao , Hu Dean , Natarajan Sundararajan , Bordas Stéphane P.A. , Yang Gang 
Published: August 2016

SummaryIn this paper, we propose a fully smoothed extended finite element method for axisymmetric problems with weak discontinuities. The salient feature of the proposed approach is that all the terms in the stiffness and mass matrices can be computed by smoothing technique. This is accomplished by combining the Gaussian divergence theorem with the evaluation of indefinite integral based on smoothing technique, which is used to transform the domain integral into boundary integral. The proposed technique completely eliminates the need for isoparametric mapping and the computing of Jacobian matrix even for the mass matrix. When employed over the enriched elements, the proposed technique does not require sub‐triangulation for the purpose of numerical integration. The accuracy and convergence properties of the proposed technique are demonstrated with a few problems in elastostatics and elastodynamics with weak discontinuities. It can be seen that the proposed technique yields stable and accurate solutions and is less sensitive to mesh distortion. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) may contribute to partition of energy storage into visceral and subcutaneous fat depots
Authors: Guiu‐Jurado Esther , Unthan Mark , Böhler Nina , Kern Matthias , Landgraf Kathrin , Dietrich Arne , Schleinitz Dorit , Ruschke Karen , Klöting Nora , Faßhauer Mathias , Tönjes Anke , Stumvoll Michael , Körner Antje , Kovacs Peter , Blüher Matthias 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveBone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are important regulators of adipogenesis and may play a role in obesity. In this study, the hypothesis that BMP2 is related to adipose tissue (AT) distribution in obesity was tested.MethodsBMP2 serum concentration (n = 439) and BMP2 and Schnurri‐1 and −2 mRNA expression were measured in paired samples of visceral and subcutaneous AT from 547 individuals with a wide range of body mass index. In addition, a single nucleotide polymorphism rs979012 in the BMP2 gene was genotyped for subsequent association studies on quantitative traits related to obesity in 631 individuals.ResultsBMP2 and Schnurri‐1 mRNA were significantly higher in visceral compared with subcutaneous AT. Compared with individuals who were healthy and lean, BMP2 expression in both depots was significantly higher in people with obesity. Significantly higher BMP2 serum concentrations were found in patients with type 2 diabetes with moderate but not morbid obesity. Schnurri‐1 and −2 mRNA expression was not related to either BMP2 expression or circulating BMP2. Finally, rs979012 showed nominal association with body mass index and total cholesterol levels.ConclusionsData suggest that with increasing demand to store excessive energy, AT BMP2 expression increases and may contribute to partitioning of energy storage into visceral and subcutaneous AT depots.
Regulation of alternative splicing in human obesity loci
Authors: Kaminska Dorota , Käkelä Pirjo , Nikkola Elina , Venesmaa Sari , Ilves Imre , Herzig Karl‐Heinz , Kolehmainen Marjukka , Karhunen Leila , Kuusisto Johanna , Gylling Helena , Pajukanta Päivi , Laakso Markku , Pihlajamäki Jussi 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveMultiple obesity susceptibility loci have been identified by genome‐wide association studies, yet the mechanisms by which these loci influence obesity remain unclear. Alternative splicing could contribute to obesity by regulating the transcriptomic and proteomic diversity of genes in these loci.MethodsBased on a database search, 72 of the 136 genes at the 13 obesity loci encoded multiple protein isoforms. Thus, alternative splicing of these genes in adipose tissue samples was analyzed from the Metabolic Syndrome in Men population‐based study and from two weight loss intervention studies (surgical and very low calorie diet).ResultsAlternative splicing was confirmed in 11 genes with PCR capillary electrophoresis in human subcutaneous adipose tissue. Interestingly, differential splicing of TRA2B, BAG6, and MSH5 was observed between lean individuals with normoglycemia and overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes. Of these genes, we detected fat depot‐dependent splicing of TRA2B and BAG6 and weight loss‐induced regulation of MSH5 splicing in the intervention studies. Finally, body mass index was a major determinant of TRA2B, BAG6, and MSH5 splicing in the combined data.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence for alternative splicing in obesity loci, suggesting that alternative splicing at least in part mediates the obesity‐associated risk in these loci.
Three‐dimensional modelling identifies novel genetic dependencies associated with breast cancer progression in the isogenic MCF10 model
Authors: Maguire Sarah L , Peck Barrie , Wai Patty T , Campbell James , Barker Holly , Gulati Aditi , Daley Frances , Vyse Simon , Huang Paul , Lord Christopher J , Farnie Gillian , Brennan Keith , Natrajan Rachael 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe initiation and progression of breast cancer from the transformation of the normal epithelium to ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive disease is a complex process involving the acquisition of genetic alterations and changes in gene expression, alongside microenvironmental and recognized histological alterations. Here, we sought to comprehensively characterise the genomic and transcriptomic features of the MCF10 isogenic model of breast cancer progression, and to functionally validate potential driver alterations in three‐dimensional (3D) spheroids that may provide insights into breast cancer progression, and identify targetable alterations in conditions more similar to those encountered in vivo. We performed whole genome, exome and RNA sequencing of the MCF10 progression series to catalogue the copy number and mutational and transcriptomic landscapes associated with progression. We identified a number of predicted driver mutations (including PIK3CA and TP53) that were acquired during transformation of non‐malignant MCF10A cells to their malignant counterparts that are also present in analysed primary breast cancers from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Acquisition of genomic alterations identified MYC amplification and previously undescribed RAB3GAP1–HRAS and UBA2–PDCD2L expressed in‐frame fusion genes in malignant cells. Comparison of pathway aberrations associated with progression showed that, when cells are grown as 3D spheroids, they show perturbations of cancer‐relevant pathways. Functional interrogation of the dependency on predicted driver events identified alterations in HRAS, PIK3CA and TP53 that selectively decreased cell growth and were associated with progression from preinvasive to invasive disease only when cells were grown as spheroids. Our results have identified changes in the genomic repertoire in cell lines representative of the stages of breast cancer progression, and demonstrate that genetic dependencies can be uncovered when cells are grown in conditions more like those in vivo. The MCF10 progression series therefore represents a good model with which to dissect potential biomarkers and to evaluate therapeutic targets involved in the progression of breast cancer. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Synthesis, characterization and investigation of proton exchange properties of sulfonated polytriazoles from a new semifluorinated diazide monomer
Authors: Saha Sayantani , Mukherjee Rajdeep , Singh Asheesh , Banerjee Susanta 
Published: August 2016

This work describes the synthesis and characterization of a new series of semifluorinated sulfonated polytriazole copolymers (PTATSH‐XX) with varying degree of sulfonation and higher IEC. The copolymers have been prepared by click reaction using a combination of diazide monomers; a newly synthesized diazide monomer namely 4,4‐bis[3‐trifluoromethyl‐4(4‐azidophenoxy)phenyl]benzene (TAZ) and a commercially available diazide monomer namely 4,4′‐diazido‐2,2′‐stilbenedisulfonic acid disodium salt (DADSDB) with a bis‐alkyne monomer namely 4,4′‐(propane‐2,2‐diyl)bis((prop‐2‐ynyloxy)benzene) (BPEBPA). The copolymers are well characterized by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy and have exhibited good solubility and film forming abilities along with good thermal and chemical stability, low water uptake, good dimensional stability and high mechanical properties. The TEM micrographs of the copolymer membranes show good phase separated morphology with cluster size in the range 10–60 nm. The proton conductivity values of the copolymer membranes are found in the range of 15–90 mS cm−1 at 80°C and 16–97 mS cm−1 at 90°C. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:312–323, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Interaction between intrinsically disordered regions in transcription factors Sp1 and TAF4
Authors: Hibino Emi , Inoue Rintaro , Sugiyama Masaaki , Kuwahara Jun , Matsuzaki Katsumi , Hoshino Masaru 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe expression of eukaryotic genes is precisely controlled by specific interactions between general transcription initiation factors and gene‐specific transcriptional activators. The general transcription factor TFIID, which plays an essential role in mediating transcriptional activation, is a multisubunit complex comprising the TATA box‐binding protein (TBP) and multiple TBP‐associated factors (TAFs). On the other hand, biochemical and genetic approaches have shown that the promoter‐specific transcriptional activator Sp1 has the ability to interact with one of the components of TFIID, the TBP‐associated factor TAF4. We herein report the structural details of the glutamine‐rich domains (Q‐domains) of Sp1 and TAF4 using circular dichroism (CD) and heteronuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We found that the two Q‐domains of Sp1 and four Q‐domains of TAF4 were disordered under physiological conditions. We also quantitatively analyzed the interaction between the Q‐domains of Sp1 and TAF4 by NMR and surface plasmon resonance, and detected a weak but specific association between them. Nevertheless, a detailed analysis of CD spectra suggested that any significant conformational change did not occur concomitantly with this association, at least at the level of the overall secondary structure. These results may represent a prominent and exceptional binding mode for the IDPs, which are not categorized in a well‐accepted concept of “coupled folding and binding.”