bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asymptotic stability for a symmetric parabolic problem modeling Ohmic heating
Authors: Fan Mingshu , Xia Anyin , Zhang Lei 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
We consider the asymptotic behavior of the solution of the non-local parabolic equation

u
t

=

(
κ
(
u
)
)

r
r

+

(
κ
(
u
)
)

r

r

+

f
(
u
)

(
a
+
2
π
b

∫
0
1

f
(
u
)
r

d
r
)

2

, for

0
<
r
<
1

,

t
>
0

, with a homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition. The equation is the so-called Ohmic-heating model, which comes from thermal electricity in this paper, u and

f
(
u
)

represent the temperature of the conductor and the electrical conductivity. The model prescribes the dimensionless temperature when the electric current flows through two axis-symmetric conductors, subject to a fixed electric potential difference. The global existence and uniform boundedness of the solution to the problem indicate that the temperature of the conductor remains uniformly bounded. Furthermore, the asymptotic stability of the global solution is obtained.

MSC:35K20, 35K55, 35K65, 80M35.
An optical interferometric technique for assessing ozone induced damage and recovery under cumulative exposures for a Japanese rice cultivar
Authors: Thilakarathne Bodhipaksha Lalith Sanjaya , Rajagopalan Uma Maheswari , Kadono Hirofumi , Yonekura Tetsushi 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Exposure to ozone (O3) causes reduction both in the growth and yield of rice (Oriza sativa L.). Commonly used Chlorophyll fluorescent measurements are not sensitive enough for short term exposure of O3 aiming an immediate assessments. Such a conventional method typically needs exposure over a few days to detect the influence. As an alternative method, we proposed a novel non-invasive, robust, real-time, optical Statistical Interferometric Technique (SIT) to measure growth at an accuracy of 0.1 nm with a commonly consumed Japanese rice cultivar, Koshihikari. In the present study, we have conducted a repetitive O3 exposure experiment for three days under three different concentrations of 0 nl l-1 (control), 120 nl l-1, and 240 nl l-1, to investigate the damage and recovery strengths. As a measure to assess the effect and recovery from three consecutive day exposures of O3, we measured the elongation rate (nm mm-1 sec-1) every 5.5 sec for 7 hours, and it revealed nanometric elongation rate fluctuations or Nanometric Intrinsic Fluctuations (NIF). Comparing the standard deviation (SD) of normalized nanometric intrinsic fluctuations (NNIF), which was normalized by that before the exposure, we found that drastic reductions under both 120 nl l-1 and 240 nl l-1 O3 concentrations. Reduction percentages were large under high O3 concentration of 240 nl l-1 indicating the possibility of irreversible effect. However exposure to 120 nl l-1 of O3 showed recovery on the 2nd and 3rd days. While SIT did reveal immediate effect based on an observation for a few hours, the visible foliar effect could be observed only after a week. Hence, the technique could provide a way for fast assessment of effect and recovery due to cumulative exposure of O3 and hence the tolerance as well as the vitality of plant.
Dickkopf-1 is regulated by the mevalonate pathway in breast cancer
Authors: Rachner Tilman D , Göbel Andy , Thiele Stefanie , Rauner Martina , Benad-Mehner Peggy , Hadji Peyman , Bauer Thomas , Muders Michael H , Baretton Gustavo B , Jakob Franz , Ebert Regina , Bornhäuser Martin , Schem Christian , Hofbauer Lorenz C 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Amino-bisphosphonates and statins inhibit the mevalonate pathway, and may exert anti-tumor effects. The Wnt inhibitor dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) promotes osteolytic bone lesions by inhibiting osteoblast functions and has been implicated as an adverse marker in multiple cancers. We assessed the effects of mevalonate pathway inhibition on DKK-1 expression in osteotropic breast cancer.

Methods
Regulation of DKK-1 by bisphosphonates and statins was assessed in human breast cancer cell lines, and the role of the mevalonate pathway and downstream targets was analyzed. Moreover, the potential of breast cancer cells to modulate osteoblastogenesis via DKK-1 was studied in mC2C12 cells. Clinical relevance was validated by analyzing DKK-1 expression in the tissue and serum of women with breast cancer exposed to bisphosphonates.

Results
DKK-1 was highly expressed in receptor-negative breast cancer cell lines. Patients with receptor-negative tumors displayed elevated levels of DKK-1 at the tissue and serum level compared to healthy controls. Zoledronic acid and atorvastatin potently suppressed DKK-1 in vitro by inhibiting geranylgeranylation of CDC42 and Rho. Regulation of DKK-1 was strongest in osteolytic breast cancer cell lines with abundant DKK-1 expression. Suppression of DKK-1 inhibited the ability of breast cancer cells to block WNT3A-induced production of alkaline phosphates and bone-protective osteoprotegerin in preosteoblastic C2C12 cells. In line with the in vitro data, treatment of breast cancer patients with zoledronic acid decreased DKK-1 levels by a mean of 60% after 12 months of treatment.

Conclusion
DKK-1 is a novel target of the mevalonate pathway that is suppressed by zoledronic acid and atorvastatin in breast cancer.
Comparative efficacy of two interventions to discontinue long-term benzodiazepine use: cluster randomised controlled trial in primary care
Authors: Vicens Caterina , Bejarano Ferran , Sempere Ermengol , Mateu Catalina , Fiol Francisca , Socias Isabel , Aragonès Enric , Palop Vicente , Beltran Jose Luis , Piñol Josep Lluís , Lera Guillem , Folch Silvia , Mengual Marta , Basora Josep , Esteva Magdalena , Llobera Joan , Roca Miguel , Gili Margalida , Leiva Alfonso 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundBenzodiazepines are extensively used in primary care, but their long-term use is associated with adverse health outcomes and dependence.AimsTo analyse the efficacy of two structured interventions in primary care to enable patients to discontinue long-term benzodiazepine use.MethodA multicentre three-arm cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted, with randomisation at general practitioner level (trial registration ISRCTN13024375). A total of 532 patients taking benzodiazepines for at least 6 months participated. After all patients were included, general practitioners were randomly allocated (1:1:1) to usual care, a structured intervention with follow-up visits (SIF) or a structured intervention with written instructions (SIW). The primary end-point was the last month self-declared benzodiazepine discontinuation confirmed by prescription claims at 12 months.ResultsAt 12 months, 76 of 168 (45%) patients in the SIW group and 86 of 191 (45%) in the SIF group had discontinued benzodiazepine use compared with 26 of 173 (15%) in the control group. After adjusting by cluster, the relative risks for benzodiazepine discontinuation were 3.01 (95% CI 2.03–4.46, P<0.0001) in the SIW and 3.00 (95% CI 2.04–4.40, P<0.0001) in the SIF group. The most frequently reported withdrawal symptoms were insomnia, anxiety and irritability.ConclusionsBoth interventions led to significant reductions in long-term benzodiazepine use in patients without severe comorbidity. A structured intervention with a written individualised stepped-dose reduction is less time-consuming and as effective in primary care as a more complex intervention involving follow-up visits.
Mutations of Cx43 that affect B cell spreading in response to BCR signaling
Authors: Falk Letitia , Dang-Lawson May , Vega José Luis , Pournia Farnaz , Choi Kate , Jang Caren , Naus Christian C. , Matsuuchi Linda 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThe gap junction (GJ) protein connexin 43 (Cx43) is both necessary and sufficient for B cell receptor (BCR)-mediated cell spreading. To address how Cx43 mediates this effect, we blocked its function genetically, by expressing mutants of Cx43, and pharmacologically, by using chemical inhibitors. While various point mutations of Cx43 inhibited B cell spreading, treatment with channel blocking drugs did not, suggesting that this response was independent of channel function. The critical region of Cx43 appears to be the cytoplasmic carboxyl-terminal (CT) domain, which has previously been shown to be important for B cell spreading. Consistent with this, mutations of either tyrosine 247 or 265 found in the CT were sufficient to inhibit spreading. Thus Cx43 may influence B cell spreading by mechanisms requiring protein binding to, or modification of, these sites in the CT tail.
Chronic murine toxoplasmosis is defined by subtle changes in the neuronal connectivity
Authors: Parlog Alexandru , Harsan Laura A. , Zagrebelsky Marta , Weller Marianna , von Elverfeldt Dominik , Mawrin Christian , Korte Martin , Dunay Ildiko R. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Recent studies correlate chronic Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection with behavioral changes in rodents, besides the seropositivity in humans is reported to be associated with behavioral and neuropsychiatric diseases. In this study we investigated if the described behavioral changes in a murine model of chronic toxoplasmosis are associated with changes in synaptic plasticity and brain neuronal circuitry. In mice chronically infected with T. gondii, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data analysis displayed the presence of heterogeneous lesions scattered throughout all brain areas. However, a higher density of lesions could be observed within specific regions such as the somatosensory cortex (SSC). Further histopathological examination of these brain areas indicated the presence of activated resident glia and recruited immune cells accompanied by limited alterations of neuronal viability. In vivo Diffusion Tensor MRI analysis of neuronal fiber density within the infected regions revealed connectivity abnormalities in the SSC. Altered fiber density was confirmed by morphological analysis of individual, pyramidal and granule neurons showing a reduction in dendritic arbor and spine density within the SSC, as well as in the hippocampus. Evaluation of synapse efficacy revealed diminished levels of two key synaptic proteins, PSD95 and Synaptophysin, within the same brain areas indicating deficits in functionality of the synaptic neurotransmission in infected mice. Our results demonstrate that persistent T. gondii infection in a murine model results in synaptic deficits within brain structures leading to disturbances in the morphology of noninfected neurons and modified brain connectivity, suggesting a potential explanation for the behavioral and neuropsychiatric alterations.
An acquired distaste: Sugar discrimination by the larval parasitoidMicroplitis croceipes(Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is affected by prior sugar exposure
Authors: Makatiani Jacqueline K. , Le Hoang K. , Olson Dawn M. , Wäckers Felix L. , Takasu Keiji 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe examined gustatory responses of the larval parasitoid Microplitis croceipes to determine if the adults discriminate among common sugars found in plants, including fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose. When given single sugar solutions of sucrose, glucose, fructose and maltose at concentrations of 0.008-2 mol/L, the estimated concentrations at which 50 % of wasps initiated feeding ranged between 0.054 and 0.085 mol/L for sucrose, glucose and fructose, which was significantly lower than for maltose. Wasps showed a strong decrease in feeding time for maltose or fructose following a brief exposure to other sugars, suggesting that wasps can distinguish maltose and fructose from the other sugars tested. The higher acceptance threshold and short feeding time in the case of maltose appears adaptive in light of the relatively poor nutritional quality of the sugar in the longevity trial. The pronounced feeding inhibition seen for fructose following exposure to other sugars is not linked with lower nutritional performance. This feeding inhibition was even seen in wasps that had fed on glucose at the lowest acceptance threshold (0.031mol/L) and persisted for 24 h. This study is the first to show feeding inhibition of otherwise phagostimulant sugars such as maltose and fructose after gustatory stimulation on other sugars.
Similar specificities of symbiont uptake by adults and larvae in an anemone model system for coral biology
Authors: Hambleton Elizabeth A. , Guse Annika , Pringle John R. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Reef-building corals depend for much of their energy on photosynthesis by symbiotic dinoflagellate algae (genus Symbiodinium) that live within their gastrodermal cells. However, the cellular mechanisms underpinning this ecologically critical symbiosis, including those governing the specificity of symbiont uptake by the host, remain poorly understood, in part because of the difficulties of working with corals in the laboratory. Here we use the small symbiotic sea anemone Aiptasia as an experimentally tractable model system to analyze the specificity and timing of symbiosis onset in larval and adult animals under controlled laboratory conditions. Using four clonal, axenic Symbiodinium strains, we found no difference in uptake specificity between larvae (even when very young) and adults. Although both compatible and incompatible algal strains were found within the larval guts, only the former appeared to be internalized by gastrodermal cells, and they (but not incompatible algae) proliferated rapidly within the larvae in the absence of detectable exchange with other larvae. Older larvae showed reduced ingestion of both compatible and incompatible algae, and the addition of food failed to promote the uptake of an incompatible algal strain. Thus, Aiptasia adults and larvae appear to have similar mechanisms for discriminating between compatible and incompatible dinoflagellate types prior to phagocytosis by host gastrodermal cells. Whether a particular algal strain is compatible or incompatible appears to be stable during years of axenic culture in the absence of a host. These studies provide a foundation for future analyses of the mechanisms of symbiont-uptake specificity in this emerging model system.
Mode of Action of aDrosophilaFMRFamide in Inducing Muscle Contraction
Authors: Milakovic Maja , Ormerod Kiel G. , Klose Markus K. , Mercier Joffre 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDrosophila melanogaster is a model system for examining mechanisms of action of neuropeptides. DPKQDFMRFamide was previously shown to induce contractions in Drosophila body wall muscle fibers in a Ca2+ -dependent manner. The present study examined the possible involvement of a G-protein coupled receptor and second messengers in mediating this myotropic effect after removing the central nervous system. DPKQDFMRFamide-induced contractions were reduced by 70% and 90%, respectively, in larvae with reduced expression of the Drosophila Fmrf Receptor (FR) either ubiquitously or specifically in muscle tissue, compared to response in control larvae in which expression was not manipulated. No such effect occurred in larvae with reduced expression of this gene only in neurons. The myogenic effects of DPKQDFMRFamide do not appear to be mediated through either of the two Drosphila myosuppressin receptors (DmsR-1 and DmsR-2). DPKQDFMRFamide-induced contractions were not reduced in Ala1 transgenic flies lacking activity of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CamKII), and were not affected by the CaMKII inhibitor, KN-93. Peptide-induced contractions in the mutants of the phosholipase C-β (PLCβ) gene (norpA larvae) and in IP3 receptor mutants were similar to contractions elicited in control larvae. The peptide failed to increase cAMP and cGMP levels in Drosophila body wall muscles. Peptide-induced contractions were not potentiated by 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and were not antagonized by inhibitors of cAMP-dependent or cGMP-dependent protein kinases. Additionally, exogenous application of arachidonic acid failed to induce myogenic contractions. Thus, DPKQDFMRFamide induces contractions via a G-protein coupled FMRFamide receptor in muscle cells but does not appear to act via cAMP, cGMP, IP3, PLC, CaMKII, or arachidonic acid.
A new potassium ion current induced by stimulation of M2-cholinoreceptors in fish atrial myocytes
Authors: Abramochkin Denis , Tapilina Svetana , Vornanen Matti 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
A novel potassium ion current induced by muscarinic stimulation (IKACh2) is characterized in atrial cardiomyocytes of teleost fishes (crucian carp, Carassius carassius L.; rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss W.) by means of the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The current is elicited in atrial, but not ventricular, cells by application of carbamylcholine (CCh) in moderate and high concentrations (10-7 - 10-4 M). It can be distinguished from the classic IKACh, activated by βγ-subunit of the Gi-protein, due to its low sensitivity to Ba2+ ions and distinct current-voltage relationship with a very small inward current component. Ni2+ ions (5 mM) and KB-R7943 (10-5 M), non-selective blockers of the sodium-calcium exchange current (INCX), strongly reduced and completely abolished, respectively, the IKACh2. Therefore, IKACh2 was initially regarded as a CCh-induced outward component of the INCX. However, the current is not affected by either exclusion of intracellular Na+ or extracellular Ca2+, but is completely abolished by intracellular perfusion with K-+ free solution. Atropine (10-6 M), a non-selective muscarinic blocker, completely eliminated the IKACh2. A selective antagonist of M2 cholinoreceptors, AF-DX 116 (2×10-7M) and a M3 antagonist, 4-DAMP (10-9M), decreased IKACh2 by 84.4% and 16.6% respectively. Pertussis toxin, which irreversibly inhibits Gi-protein coupled to M2 receptors, reduced the current by 95%, when applied into the pipette solution. It is concluded that IKACh2, induced by stimulation of M2 cholinoceptors and subsequent Gi-protein activation represents a new molecular target for the cardiac parasympathetic innervation.
Artemin, a Diapause-Specific Chaperone, Contributes to the Stress Tolerance of Artemia Cysts and Influences Their Release from Females
Authors: King Allison M. , Toxopeus Jantina , MacRae Thomas H. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Females of the crustacean, Artemia franciscana produce either motile nauplii or gastrula stage embryos enclosed in a shell impermeable to nonvolatile compounds and known as cysts. The encysted embryos enter diapause, a state of greatly reduced metabolism and profound stress tolerance. Artemin, a diapause-specific ferritin homologue in cysts has molecular chaperone activity in vitro. Artemin represents 7.2% of soluble protein in cysts, about equal to the amount of p26, a small heat shock protein (sHsp). However, there is almost twice as much artemin mRNA in cysts as compared to p26 mRNA suggesting that artemin mRNA is translated less efficiently. RNA interference (RNAi) employing the injection of artemin double stranded RNA (dsRNA) into the egg sacs of Artemia females substantially reduced artemin mRNA and protein in cysts. Decreasing artemin diminished desiccation and freezing tolerance of cysts, demonstrating a role for this protein in stress resistance. Knock down of artemin increased the time required for complete discharge of a brood of cysts carried within a female from a few hours up to 4 days, an effect weakened in successive broods. Artemin, an abundant molecular chaperone, contributes to stress tolerance of Artemia cysts while influencing their development and/or exit from females.
Highly-Effective Structural Modulation of Trisaloph Heterotetranuclear Zn3La Complex by Anion Coordination
Authors: Yamamura Masaki , Iida Masaya , Kanazawa Kotaro , Sasaki Masao , Nabeshima Tatsuya 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
A trisaloph ligand L1, in which the three saloph units are macrocyclically incorporated, is a versatile multidentate ligand that maintains the multimetal complex. Structural modulation of the trisaloph complexes by anion coordination would offer more functions than the usual saloph metal complexes. In this study, the anion exchange of the heterotetranuclear complex 1(TfO)3 was applied to prepare various complexes. The two isomers, uuu- and uud-isomers, in which the coordination sites of the anions are different, were formed. The uuu-isomer was very selectively formed by using anions having a phosphate or C3-symmetric tricarboxylate.
Cu2+ and Zn2+ Ion Adsorption onto a Fluorohectorite Clay–Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Nanocomposite Hydrogel
Authors: Koizumi Nagisa , Sato Kana , Ishimaru Shin’ichi 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Adsorption of Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions onto clay–poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) nanocomposite with a high clay content was investigated by visible adsorption spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Equilibration time was several hours or more for centimeter-sized specimens but was much shorter for samples with a smaller grain size. Adsorption isotherms of Cu2+ could be reproduced well using the Langmuir equation, and the estimated maximum adsorption amount coincided with the cation-exchange capacity of fluorohectorite-type clay contained in the nanocomposite. Results indicated that the effectiveness of using clay as an adsorbent can be improved by nanohybridization with a hydrophilic polymer.
Structure Directing Agent-free Synthesis of ZSM-5 Zeolite Membranes Using Coal Fly Ash as Alumina Source
Authors: Zhu Mei-Hua , Kumakiri Izumi , Feng Zi-Jun , Hua Xue-Mei , Xia Shui-Liang , Hu Na , Chen Xiang-Shu , Kita Hidetoshi 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Hydrophilic ZSM-5 zeolite membranes were successfully prepared using coal fly ash as aluminum source by conventional and microwave-assisted hydrothermal syntheses. As-synthesized membranes had good H2O selectivity for dehydration of 10 wt % H2O/organic solution by pervaporation. Microwave-assisted synthesis drastically reduced the membrane synthesis time from 6 to 1 h. Moreover, the flux of the membrane prepared by the microwave-assisted synthesis was about twice the flux of a membrane prepared by a conventional method.
Dosing of ceftriaxone and outcomes after spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Mazer Laura , Tapper Elliot B. , Piatkowski Gail , Lai Michelle 
Published: February 2014

Background: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common, often fatal affliction for cirrhotic patients. Despite all clinical trials of ceftriaxone for SBP using 2g daily, it is often given at 1g daily.Aim: We evaluated outcomes of SBP as a function of ceftriaxone dosage.Methods: A retrospective cohort of all patients who received ceftriaxone for SBP (greater than 250 neutrophils in the ascites).Results: As opposed to 1 gram, median survival is longer for patients receiving 2 grams (228 days vs. 102 days (p = 0.26) and one year survival is significantly higher (p = 0.0034). After adjusting for baseline Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, however, this difference was no longer significant. Similarly, there was a significantly shorter length of intensive care for patients receiving 2 g (0.59 ± 1.78 days vs. 3.26 ± 6.9, p = 0.034), odds ratio 0.11 (95% CI 0.02 - 0.65). This difference, too, was no longer significant after controlling for the MELD score - odds ratio 0.21 (95% CI 0.04 - 1.07). Additionally, 70% of patients received at least one additional antibiotic; over 25 different medications were used in various combinations.Conclusions: We recommend fastidious antibiotic stewardship for patients with cirrhosis and that efforts should be made to standardize the treatment of SBP. The complexity of antibiotic regimens to which cirrhotic patients are exposed must be studied further and rationalized. Patients receiving 2 g of ceftriaxone may require fewer intensive care days and enjoy an improved 1 year survival compared to those receiving 1 g daily.