bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
OPTIMAL WATER SCHEDULING IN IRRIGATION CANAL NETWORK USING PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION
Authors: Pawde Anil W. , Mathur Yogesh P. , Kumar Rajesh 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTRotational water scheduling in the irrigation canal network is a problem of preparing the operation schedule of lateral canals to deliver the required quantity of water to the irrigation fields under it within the rotational period as per the crop water requirement. The important objectives of a rotational canal schedule are to minimize capacity of canal and operational stages of the head gate of supply canal; subject to canal capacity constraint. In the present paper, to achieve these objectives, the decision variables considered are rate of water delivery and start time of delivery points, which are determined by the model within the specified range. Particle swarm optimization has been used to solve the problem and applied on the two water scheduling problems for generating the optimal water schedule. The schedules generated by the model shows that the inflow hydrographs of supply canals are approximately constant throughout the rotation period with least operation of canal head gate which could results in minimum conveyance losses. This model could be used for the preparation of a rotational schedule for the existing irrigation canal system and a more economic design of the supply canals for a new irrigation canal system. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
COMBINATION OF TRADITION AND THE MODERN AGE: NEW METHODS FOR EFFICIENT WATER MANAGEMENT
Authors: Röttcher Klaus 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTThe focus of this paper is on whether and which traditional structures and methods, perhaps in combination with modern approaches and elements, could lead to a better and more sustainable management of water resources. Arid and semi‐arid regions are at the centre of this paper. Some subject areas and methods in which the consideration of traditional methods and structures appears particularly promising are described. The examples listed show that in the various areas there are technically interesting aspects of historical water structures that still have relevance today. In addition to this, however, there is another overriding benefit of water historic research, which is independent of any single structure. In some cases these benefits exist even when the system itself has no further use today or its traces have largely disappeared. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structures and reaction mechanisms of GTP cyclohydrolases
Authors: Gräwert Tobias , Fischer Markus , Bacher Adelbert 
Published: March 2013

AbstractGTP cyclohydrolases generate the first committed intermediates for the biosynthesis of certain vitamins/cofactors (folic acid, riboflavin, deazaflavin, and tetrahydrobiopterin), deazapurine antibiotics, some t‐RNA bases (queuosine, archaeosine), and the phytotoxin, toxoflavin. They depend on divalent cations for hydrolytic opening of the imidazole ring of the substrate, guanosine triphosphate (GTP). Surprisingly, the ring opening reaction is not the rate‐limiting step for GTP cyclohydrolases I and II whose mechanism have been studied in some detail. GTP cyclohydrolase I, Ib, and II are potential targets for novel anti‐infectives. Genetic factors modulating the activity of human GTP cyclohydrolase are highly pleiotropic, since the signal transponders whose biosyntheses require their participation (nitric oxide, catecholamines) impact a very wide range of physiological phenomena. Recent studies suggest that human GTP cyclohydrolase may become an oncology target. © 2013 IUBMB Life 65(4):310–322, 2013.
Roles of I(f) and intracellular Ca2+ release in spontaneous activity of ventricular cardiomyocytes during murine embryonic development
Authors: Wang Peng , Tang Ming , Gao Linlin , Luo Hongyan , Wang Guoping , Ma Xue , Duan Yaqi 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn recent years, the contribution of I(f), an important pacemaker current, and intracellular Ca2+ release (ICR) from sarcoplasmic reticulum to pacemaking and arrhythmia has been intensively studied. However, their functional roles in embryonic heart remain uncertain. Using patch clamp, Ca2+ imaging, and RT‐PCR, we found that I(f) regulated the firing rate in early and late stage embryonic ventricular cells, as ivabradine (30 µM), a specific blocker of I(f), slowed down action potential (AP) frequency. This inhibitory effect was even stronger in late stage cells, though I(f) was down‐regulated. In contrast to I(f), ICR was found to be indispensable for the occurrence of APs in ventricular cells of different stages, because abolishment of ICR with ryanodine and 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2‐APB), specific blockers of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and inositol trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs), completely abolished APs. In addition, we noticed that RyR‐ and IP3R‐mediated ICR coexisted in early‐stage ventricular cells and RyRs functionally dominated. While at late stage RyRs, but not IP3Rs, mediated ICR. In both early and late stage ventricular cells, Na‐Ca exchanger current (INa/Ca) mediated ICR‐triggered depolarization of membrane potential and resulted in the initiation of APs. We also observed that different from I(f), which presented as the substantial component of the earlier diastolic depolarization current, application of ryanodine, and/or 2‐APB slowed the late phase of diastolic depolarization. Thus, we conclude that in murine embryonic ventricular cells I(f) regulates firing rate, while RyRs and IP3Rs (early stage) or RyRs (late stage)‐mediated ICR determines the occurrence of APs. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1852–1862, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cadmium affects focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in mesangial cells: Involvement of CaMK‐II and the actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Choong Grace , Liu Ying , Templeton Douglas M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe toxic metal ion cadmium (Cd2+) induces pleiotropic effects on cell death and survival, in part through effects on cell signaling mechanisms and cytoskeletal dynamics. Linking these phenomena appears to be calmodulin‐dependent activation of the Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMK‐II). Here we show that interference with the dynamics of the filamentous actin cytoskeleton, either by stabilization or destabilization, results in disruption of focal adhesions at the ends of organized actin structures, and in particular the loss of vinculin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) from the contacts is a result. Low‐level exposure of renal mesangial cells to CdCl2 disrupts the actin cytoskeleton and recapitulates the effects of manipulation of cytoskeletal dynamics with biological agents. Specifically, Cd2+ treatment causes loss of vinculin and FAK from focal contacts, concomitant with cytoskeletal disruption, and preservation of cytoskeletal integrity with either a calmodulin antagonist or a CaMK‐II inhibitor abrogates these effects of Cd2+. Notably, inhibition of CaMK‐II decreases the migration of FAK‐phosphoTyr925 to a membrane‐associated compartment where it is otherwise sequestered from focal adhesions in a Cd2+‐dependent manner. These results add further insight into the mechanism of the CaMK‐II‐dependent effects of Cd2+ on cellular function. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1832–1842, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Snail mediates PDGF‐BB‐induced invasion of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in 3D collagen and chick chorioallantoic membrane
Authors: Lu Changlian , Sun Xiaojiao , Sun Lijun , Sun Jianping , Lu Yan , Yu Xin , Zhou Lingyun , Gao Xu 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe previously reported that membrane type‐1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1‐MMP) enables mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to move through both three‐dimensional (3D) type I collagen and basement membrane barriers; however, its upstream regulating factors were unidentified. Here, we report that PDGF‐BB upregulates both mRNA and protein expression of snail in rat bone marrow MSCs (rBMMSCs). PDGF‐BB enhances rBMMSC invasion in 3D collagen, which is blocked by snail specific siRNA transfection. Snail overexpression induced by plasmid transfection results in increased rBMMSC invasion in 3D collagen. Snail expression induced by PDGF‐BB in MSCs is inhibited by LY294002 and PD98059, which are inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT and MAPK1/2/ERK1/2 signaling pathways, respectively. MT1‐MMP expression in rBMMSCs, both as mRNA and protein, is decreased by snail siRNA transfection, but increased by snail overexpression, indicating that they are controlled by snail. Finally, snail controls MSC transmigration through chorioallantoic membrane of 11‐day‐old chick embryos. Taken together, these in vitro and in vivo data identify snail as a critical mediator for rBMMSC invasion induced by PDGF‐BB. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1827–1833, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxygen‐induced transcriptional dynamics in human osteoblasts are most prominent at the onset of mineralization
Authors: Nicolaije Claudia , van de Peppel Jeroen , van Leeuwen Johannes P.T.M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractOxygen tension plays an important role in the regulation of cellular processes. During hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) differentiation, HSCs migrate from one stem cell niche to the next, each with a different oxygen tension that determines which signaling pathways are on and off, determining the differentiation stage of the cell. Oxygen tension influences osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Low oxygen levels inhibit matrix formation and mineralization. We were interested in the regulatory mechanisms that underlie this inhibition and wondered whether a switch in oxygen tension could have varying effects depending on the differentiation phase of the osteoblasts. We performed an oxygen tension switch phase study in which we switched osteoblasts from high to low oxygen tension during their 3 week differentiation and mineralization process. We performed microarray expression profiling on samples collected during this 3 week period and analyzed biochemical and histo‐chemical endpoint parameters to determine the effect of a switch in oxygen levels on mineralization. We found that low oxygen tension has the most profound impact on mineralization when administered during the period of matrix maturation. Additionally, a large set of genes was regulated by oxygen, independent of the differentiation phase. These genes were involved in cell metabolisms and matrix formation. Our study demonstrates that variation in oxygen tension strongly affects gene expression in differentiating osteoblasts. The magnitude of this change for either expression levels or the number of regulated probes, depends on the osteoblast differentiation stage, with the phase prior to the onset of mineralization being most sensitive. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1863–1872, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CCL20 induces migration and proliferation on breast epithelial cells
Authors: Marsigliante Santo , Vetrugno Carla , Muscella Antonella 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe communication between the tumor cells and the surrounding cells helps drive the process of tumor progression. Since the microenvironment of breast cancer includes CCL20 chemokine, the purpose of this study was to determine whether CCL20 modulates the physiology of healthy breast epithelial cells in areas adjacent to the tumor. Therefore, primary cultures of mammary cells taken from normal peritumoral areas were used. We assessed that breast cells expressed CCR6 CCL20 receptor. Using molecular (siRNA) and pharmacological (inhibitors) techniques, we found multiple signaling kinases to be activated by CCR6 and involved in CCL20‐induced breast cell proliferation and migration. The binding of 10 ng/ml CCL20 to CCR6 induced cell migration whilst higher concentrations (from 15 to 25 ng/ml) led to cell proliferation. CCL20 controlled cell migration and MMP‐9 expression by PKC‐alpha that activated Src, which caused the activation of downstream Akt, JNK, and NF‐kB pathways. Furthermore, higher CCL20 concentrations increased cycE and decreased p27Kip expression ending in enhanced cell proliferation. Cell proliferation occurred through PKC‐epsilon activation that transactivated EGFR and ERK1/2/MAPK pathway. Although activated by different CCL20 concentrations, these pathways function in parallel and crosstalk to some extent, inasmuch as Akt activation was responsible for ERK1/2 nuclear translocation and enhanced the transcription of of c‐fos and c‐myc, involved in cell proliferation. In summary, tumor cells exchange signals with the surrounding healthy cells modifying the extracellular matrix through enzyme secretion; thus, CCL20 might be a factor involved in the ontogeny of breast carcinoma. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1873–1883, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Localization of function‐specific segments of the primary motor pathway in children with Sturge‐Weber syndrome: A multimodal imaging analysis
Authors: Jeong Jeong‐Won , Chugani Harry T. , Juhász Csaba 
Published: March 2013

PurposeTo explore whether diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) can localize specific segments of primary motor areas in children with Sturge‐Weber syndrome (SWS), this study investigated the corticospinal tract (CST) between precentral gyrus (PCG) and posterior limb of internal capsule (PIC).Materials and MethodsDWI was performed on 32 healthy children and seven children with unilateral SWS affecting the sensorimotor area variably. A hierarchical dendrogram was applied to find PCG‐segments uniquely connected to PIC‐segments. The resulting PCG‐clusters were used to image primary motor pathways in DWI and find metabolic abnormalities of primary motor areas in positron emission tomography (PET) scans.ResultsIn healthy children, five PCG‐clusters were found to have unique CST courses, corresponding to CST segments of mouth/lip, fingers, and leg/ankle primary motor areas determined by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In children with SWS, reduced streamlines in these PCG clusters were highly correlated with glucose‐hypometabolism on PET (R2 = 0.2312, P = 0.0032). Impaired CST segment corresponding to finger movements correlated with severity of hand motor deficit.ConclusionThe presented method can detect impaired CST segments corresponding to specific motor functions in young children who cannot cooperate for fMRI. This approach can be clinically useful for a noninvasive presurgical evaluation of cortical motor areas in such children. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1152–1161. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Screening for lectins from basidiomycetes and isolation of Punctularia atropurpurascens lectin
Authors: Alborés Silvana , Mora Paola , Cerdeiras María Pía , Franco Fraguas Laura 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAqueous extracts of basidiomycete fungi were screened for the presence of lectins by hemagglutination (HA) assays with mouse, rabbit, and sheep red blood cells. From mycelia and/or fruiting bodies, 23 extracts were prepared; 15 extracts exhibited HA activity towards mouse erythrocytes, with specific activities ranging from 12 to 440 lectin units (LU) mg−1 protein. In HA inhibition assays, 43 carbohydrates including mono‐, di‐, tri‐, tetrasaccharides, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides were tested as haptens, to determine the saccharide‐binding specificities of the lectins. A novel lectin with specificity towards N‐acetyl‐glucosamine was purified from mycelia of Punctularia atropurpurascens using affinity chromatography on chitosan–Sepharose. The lectin has a subunit molecular mass of 67 kDa determined by SDS–PAGE and a pI of 5.0.
Transcanal approach for implantation of a cochlear nerve electrode array
Authors: Kiumehr Saman , Mahboubi Hossein , Middlebrooks John C. , Djalilian Hamid R. 
Published: March 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate a transcanal approach for placement of a stimulating electrode array in the cochlear nerve.Study DesignProspective cadaveric temporal bone study.MethodsTen human cadaveric temporal bones were dissected. Both a facial recess approach with mastoidectomy and a transcanal approach using the novel technique were performed in each bone. A middle fossa dissection of the internal auditory canal was performed to confirm the position of the electrode in the cochlear nerve.ResultsThe transcanal approach offered a direct approach to the cochlear nerve in all 10 bones. The procedure was quicker than the facial recess approach and did not endanger the facial or chorda tympani nerves. Inspection of the medial end of the internal auditory canal confirmed correct placement of the electrode in the cochlear nerve. In contrast, anatomical constraints, specifically the position of the facial nerve, blocked access to the cochlear nerve by the facial recess approach in three of the specimens to achieve the exposure to place the electrode at a perpendicular angle to the cochlear nerve. Sacrifice of the chorda tympani was necessary in five of the seven bones in which the cochlear nerve could be accessed.ConclusionsThe transcanal approach offers a simpler, safer approach for cochlear nerve implantation compared to the facial recess approach. This approach can be accomplished in less time and avoids the hazards of dissection around the facial nerve. Use of the proposed approach will facilitate development of intraneural stimulation for an improved auditory prosthesis.
Clickable Poly(ethylene glycol)‐Microsphere‐Based Cell Scaffolds
Authors: Nguyen Peter K. , Snyder Christopher G. , Shields Jason D. , Smith Amanda W. , Elbert Donald L. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractClickable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derivatives are used with two sequential aqueous two‐phase systems to produce microsphere‐based scaffolds for cell encapsulation. In the first step, sodium sulfate causes phase separation of the clickable PEG precursors and is followed by rapid geleation to form microspheres in the absence of organic solvent or surfactant. The microspheres are washed and then deswollen in dextran solutions in the presence of cells, producing tightly packed scaffolds that can be easily handled while also maintaining porosity. Endothelial cells included during microsphere scaffold formation show high viability. The clickable PEG‐microsphere‐based cell scaffolds open up new avenues for manipulating scaffold architecture as compared with simple bulk hydrogels.magnified image
Cross‐Linking Nitroxide‐Mediated Radical Copolymerization from a Bayesian Experimental Design Angle
Authors: Nabifar Afsaneh , Hernandez‐Ortiz Julio , Vivaldo‐Lima Eduardo , Penlidis Alexander 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSummary: In an attempt to collect “meaningful” experimental data in cross‐linking nitroxide‐mediated radical copolymerization of stryene and divinyl benzene, a Bayesian design approach was used to derive optimal experimental sequences to be carried out in the laboratory. Since a considerable amount of prior knowledge about this polymerization system was already available from previous experimental and modeling efforts, application of the Bayesian design of experiments seemed like a perfect approach. In addition, the implementation of the Bayesian approach would, in principle, result in running fewer experiments, hence saving considerable time and resources.
Extension of the Application of Piers‐Rubinsztajn Conditions to Produce Triarylamine Pendant Dimethylsiloxane Copolymers
Authors: Gretton Michael J. , Kamino Brett A. , Bender Timothy P. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSummary: In this paper we show how the strong organic Lewis acid catalyst, tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (B(C6F5) or BCF), can be used to facilitate the functionalization of simple polymeric silicones with a triarylamine yielding a novel class of charge transporting materials. The reaction conditions we refer to as Piers‐Rubinsztajn Conditions and we have previously shown such conditions to be suitable when using phenylated silicones as precursors. In this work we found they also work successfully for a silicone oligomer as well as cocopolymers of polymethylhydridosiloxane (PMHS) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a PMHS homopolymer, all of which are highly abundent and available in industrial quanitities. The resulting material was either a waxy solid, viscous oil or a glass. An additional “finishing” step with anisole using the same chemistry was found necessary to prevent gelation of the copolymer and homopolymer of PMHS. Even after finishing a small fraction (<5%) of Si‐H groups remained in the silicones. This nonetheless provides a rapid and mild method to synthesize functional silicones and tune their physical properties, using commonly available starting materials.
Emulsion Copolymerization of Vegetable Oil Macromonomers Possessing both Acrylic and Allylic Functionalities
Authors: Kaya Ethem , Mendon Sharathkumar K. , Delatte David , Rawlins James W. , Thames Shelby F. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSummary: A soybean oil‐based vegetable oil macromonomer (VOMM) was incorporated as a comonomer into an all‐acrylic copolymer via semi‐continuous emulsion polymerization. Structurally, VOMMs are comprised of long hydrocarbon fatty acid moieties with allylic double bonds which enable auto‐oxidative crosslinking at ambient temperature. VOMMs facilitate low temperature film formation and the fatty acid chains tethered to the polymer backbone auto‐oxidize upon film formation to yield crosslinked films. Latexes with varying VOMM levels were synthesized to elucidate the effect of VOMMs on the pre‐cure and post‐cure glass transition temperature (Tg) and minimum film formation temperature (MFT). Thermoplastic control latexes (without VOMM) were also synthesized via copolymerization of butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate. This paper details the characterization performed to validate and quantify the VOMM allylic unsaturation retention before, during, and after polymerization, and to quantify and confirm the increase in Tg resulting from auto‐oxidative crosslinking via solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry.
An Early History of Multiple Criteria Decision Making
Authors: Köksalan Murat , Wallenius Jyrki , Zionts Stanley 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTThis historical note is based on a plenary talk ‘A History of Early Developments in Multiple Criteria Decision Making’, presented by Stanley Zionts at the 21st International Conference on Multiple Criteria Decision Making held in Jyväskylä, Finland, June 2011. It draws heavily on our book, Multiple Criteria Decision Making: From Early History to the 21st Century, published by World Scientific, Singapore, 2011. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.